


	LOG ON

Humble's Ford Archives

Return To Index

The End is Nigh

Omens and Portents

ADM Kim - New Humble's Sword Acres site map
Tuesday October 31st, 2017 8:44:02 PM

Yesterday
Though for many the day was relaxing, Murphy decides to survey the scene - underground. He lets people know what he is doing. He relies heavily upon the use of the find north cantrip as he travels, 20' per round (though he could move 25 - he is going in a slightly leisurely, take it in mode). Starting 20' outside the edge of the property, he takes 50' square areas at a time, and explores first at a depth of 10', then at 20', 30', and finally 40' below the ground. He looks to discern changes in terrain, presence of large rocks, metal if any, pockets of water, gems or minerals, and so forth. He pops to the surface at the end of each level circuit to report in, in brief, what he finds. He figures it would be good for George to be aware of what is beneath.

If he finds something of particular concern or interest, he lets others know. He may summon some earth elementals to help him understand better what he is coming across.

It will take about 4 hours to get the information together for a general map to a depth of 40' around the property and near periphery. He spends a few hours sketching out level maps. This sort of thing probably sounds very boring to some of his friends. He is fine with being boring for now. He then sketches some possible layouts for the surface - placement of buildings. He shows his friends, and gets their desires and opinions included.

Today
[Coming after Halloween festivities]

DM Ken
Tuesday October 31st, 2017 11:23:05 PM

Pressi and Bliss wake, and shake off the heavy dreams with typical halfling fortitude. It seems as if the small race could go through life with never a care, if such things were not forced upon them.

Murphy does some scouting, Bliss does some shopping and ritual work, and Pressi works on recruiting to her coven, while Hobie opens up a little more to his allies.

-------------------

It doesn't take long at all for Murphy to happen across a thing, small but strange. Humbles Ford has long been known for being part of the larger Crescent Valley, which had a reputation for it's extremely fertile soil. In his explorations, he finds a large number of dry rocks, many which seem to be out of place in the valley. Why they are there, he isn't sure, but they are all the same. It's a rare find, and by and large the majority of the soil seems soft and rich.

------------------

Sometime between second breakfast and first lunch, Roscoe comes running, barging in on Pressi and Hobie - with a few tagalong deputies trailing behind him. He stops and holds up a hand, while panting, then quickly takes a large bite of honeyed bread - to help him catch his breath.

"Monsters! Well, yea, monsters in the town! They're all over the place! They're everywhere! I can't even.. I mean! They aren't even.. *chomp* mmrrfmrm!"

Washing the bite down with a bit of water in a canteen on his hip, he starts over.

"We need you lot quick! There's monsters all over the town! They just showed up today, out of nowhere! People are sitting around just watching them like they are some kinda carnival or something, but I think it could be dangerous! Most of them are near Pirnooks General Store, and THAT's a fight because that old codger is trying to charge people to stand around and gawk! Please hurry! "

Pirnooks is no more than a 10 minute trip on foot from the Dancing Pig, where Roscoe found both Hobie and Pressi. Looking up the road, they can see a crowd has gathered already, but more concerning might be the large front of pitch black clouds moving in...bringing darkness in the middle of the day.

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Tuesday October 31st, 2017 11:59:00 PM
"Monsters? Really? In the middle of town?" Lance makes the 'alcoholic' gesture with his hands. "Alright, let's go take a look."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/81 AC 24 CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Wednesday November 1st, 2017 12:55:46 AM
Hobie will respond immediately to any request from Roscoe, particularly one with such possibility for danger.
"We must go at once! Pressi can you alert the others!?"

Without even waiting for a response Hobie takes off headed for Pirnook's General Store

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 83, CMD 20; Harper - AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday November 1st, 2017 11:41:48 AM
Pressi stared as Roscoe began eating the honeyed bread. "No, please, I insist you help yourself. It's mainly for the new recruits but they can snack later."

The last recruit meeting had not gone as well as she hoped....

---------------

(OOC: If Bliss wants, she can have both Chicory and Joy, and I will fill up all four of my spots on my own.)

"I have to say, I don't get Chicory's concerns," Pressi said while looking up from her file for Filiu Wyarr LaRue. "Top of your class. Worked at your mother's store for three years. Casting cantrips when you were four. Honestly, if there's an area of concern, I simply don't see..."

Pressi finally looked up at the table. A ventriloquist's dummy stared back. A clown doll that spoke in an accent, it would insist on doing most of the talking for the rest of the conversation.

"... moving on. Tell me more about what kind of work you did."

------------------

In response to Roscoe's story about monsters, Pressi expresses skepticism. "Are they small? Fast? Carrying these huge snacks and begging for candy in high pitch voices?"

Nevertheless, Hobie left it to her to contact the others, and she supposed she had to do so. Casting her Flying Broom spell, she took off to look upon the area and try to find Bliss.

Along the way, she attempts to activate her permanent message with Murphy (added to my list of the catacombs - he should add his request too) and tells him to stop playing with rocks. (Also, because I know he will ask if I don't spell it out, she tells him what Roscoe said including where to go.)

Meanwhile, Harper began to run through the town at a fantastic pace, finally finding her way to Kezzem. She began to tug on his sleeves, whining and growling until he follows.

ADM Kim - New Humble's Sword Acres site map d20+25=40 ;
Wednesday November 1st, 2017 10:51:15 PM

Good Domesticity
Murphy had stayed overnight at his family's burrow, spending time catching his folks, and siblings, and Uncle Orby, on what has been going on lately, and learning how things are going with his family.

His father has a developed a new game involving something like a large funnel. One person drops a coin - a copper, electrum, silver, or gold - on one side, as another drops a similar coin from the other. They roll opposite directions, usually passing very close to each other, and sometimes one strikes the other, sending it off in a different orbit, more elliptical, perhaps, or causing it to drop straight to the bottom hole. Watching the coins can be mesmerizing - the motion, and the sound of metal on smooth wood, frequencies changing with the speed and level of the circling coins. There's no real 'winner' in this game - unless someone wants to add their own rules. He plays with his younger siblings, providing them the coins, and letting them collect from the plate underneath. The colors of the wood are beautiful, the funnel having been carved from a large burl from an ancient apple tree which was cut down as its productive fruit-producing years had finally come to an end.

"I wonder whether I could fashion a tree to create a good burl?" he remarks to his folks. His mother adventured as a druid for a few years in her youth. His father was a bard and a rogue in the same group as she. Now he heads up the family business, making musical instruments and toys, mainly, his workshop next to the burrow, and their main outlet in Angel Springs, though some are sold here in Humble's Ford, and Hovel.

"I'm trying to work out a few spells for growing things. Not so general as plant growth - more specific. Perhaps for a single tree, or a small crop. Trying to get, in the case of a tree, years of growth with a single casting. As well as trying to shape the growth, reflecting the hardiness of a tree grown in an area of low moisture and steady winds, perhaps, or - say, did you know that trees thrive on stress? Not so much as to uproot it, but, winds, and storms, and periods of dryness, can strengthen roots, even deepen them."

Uncle Orby, noted for his agricultural prowess, laughs. "I told you that years ago, boy." He shakes his head. "Still, you've made it your own. I needn't claim ownership. I learned it from another, myself."

"Ah, son, if you perfect that, I may have a commission or two for you," his father says. His mother brings more tea. "I worry about you, sometimes, Murphy. I hear you are not always... careful." As she wipes the table, she says, "I heard there was a falling out with you and Shel. And the girl who came with little Bliss, Alleah."

"Uh, Ma, did you mean to word it that way?"

"Bring your friends around more, Murphy," she says, cupping his chin in the palm of her hand for a moment.

Message Received
Just then, he gets the message from Pressi. He takes a last sip of tea, almost scalding his lips in his haste. "Hot, hot - but good, ma. Something's up at Pirnook's store. Monsters, Roscoe says. Gotta run!" He dashes from the table, jumps over the floor rocker cradle holding Spotsy, his currently slumbering youngest niece, grabs and slings over his shoulder the haversack off the coat rack, pushes open the door, messages to Pressi, "Coming!" - casts [link href="http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/coreRulebook/spells/longstrider.html#longstrider"]longstrider[/link,]and runs (speed 175) to the store, taking the back way over the grass and skirting the gardens of his neighbors.

As he approaches, he is listening and looking around.
============
Perception: 40

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80
Wednesday November 1st, 2017 10:51:38 PM

Good Domesticity
Murphy had stayed overnight at his family's burrow, spending time catching his folks, and siblings, and Uncle Orby, on what has been going on lately, and learning how things are going with his family.

His father has a developed a new game involving something like a large funnel. One person drops a coin - a copper, electrum, silver, or gold - on one side, as another drops a similar coin from the other. They roll opposite directions, usually passing very close to each other, and sometimes one strikes the other, sending it off in a different orbit, more elliptical, perhaps, or causing it to drop straight to the bottom hole. Watching the coins can be mesmerizing - the motion, and the sound of metal on smooth wood, frequencies changing with the speed and level of the circling coins. There's no real 'winner' in this game - unless someone wants to add their own rules. He plays with his younger siblings, providing them the coins, and letting them collect from the plate underneath. The colors of the wood are beautiful, the funnel having been carved from a large burl from an ancient apple tree which was cut down as its productive fruit-producing years had finally come to an end.

"I wonder whether I could fashion a tree to create a good burl?" he remarks to his folks. His mother adventured as a druid for a few years in her youth. His father was a bard and a rogue in the same group as she. Now he heads up the family business, making musical instruments and toys, mainly, his workshop next to the burrow, and their main outlet in Angel Springs, though some are sold here in Humble's Ford, and Hovel.

"I'm trying to work out a few spells for growing things. Not so general as plant growth - more specific. Perhaps for a single tree, or a small crop. Trying to get, in the case of a tree, years of growth with a single casting. As well as trying to shape the growth, reflecting the hardiness of a tree grown in an area of low moisture and steady winds, perhaps, or - say, did you know that trees thrive on stress? Not so much as to uproot it, but, winds, and storms, and periods of dryness, can strengthen roots, even deepen them."

Uncle Orby, noted for his agricultural prowess, laughs. "I told you that years ago, boy." He shakes his head. "Still, you've made it your own. I needn't claim ownership. I learned it from another, myself."

"Ah, son, if you perfect that, I may have a commission or two for you," his father says. His mother brings more tea. "I worry about you, sometimes, Murphy. I hear you are not always... careful." As she wipes the table, she says, "I heard there was a falling out with you and Shel. And the girl who came with little Bliss, Alleah."

"Uh, Ma, did you mean to word it that way?"

"Bring your friends around more, Murphy," she says, cupping his chin in the palm of her hand for a moment.

Message Received
Just then, he gets the message from Pressi. He takes a last sip of tea, almost scalding his lips in his haste. "Hot, hot - but good, ma. Something's up at Pirnook's store. Monsters, Roscoe says. Gotta run!" He dashes from the table, jumps over the floor rocker cradle holding Spotsy, his currently slumbering youngest niece, grabs and slings over his shoulder the haversack off the coat rack, pushes open the door, messages to Pressi, "Coming!" - casts [link href="http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/coreRulebook/spells/longstrider.html#longstrider"]longstrider[/link,]and runs (speed 175) to the store, taking the back way over the grass and skirting the gardens of his neighbors.

As he approaches, he is listening and looking around.
============
Perception: 40

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP80) (Cayzle) d20+15=32 ;
Wednesday November 1st, 2017 10:53:04 PM

Bliss quickly casts a Barkskin spell on himself. Then, since he is faster as a cat, Bliss changes and then dashes off, catching up to his friends and then leading them on to town. He keeps his eyes, ears, and nose open as he runs.

Perception, with scent: 32

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Wednesday November 1st, 2017 11:29:09 PM
ooc: check

DM Ken
Wednesday November 1st, 2017 11:41:09 PM

Arriving in various groups and at different times, the Sword group together quickly, then start trying to pick their way through the crowd. For a group of people supposedly observing monsters, the situation is awfully lively.

Large groups of Halflings gather in large circles, as if watching a fight happening in public. There are "ooooh" and "aaaah!" and screams and shouts, but nothing of the typical panic and fleet footed retreat that the Halfling commoner populace is known for.

Pirnook stands shouting at the crowd, literally from on top of his store's roof.

"Ya darned free-loaders! I'm tellin ya if you wanna loiter about outside of my store, ya gotta pay me for it! You're keeping all my customers out!"

No one pays him any mind, as almost everyone is transfixed on the fighters encircled by the townsfolk. One circle contains a five headed monster, gnashing it's teeth at a pair of human sized creatures with tight, leather skin and a single horn on each of their heads. Another circle contains a pack of at least 12 small fire elementals locked in combat with a single large animal with an eagles claws, a wolfs head, razor sharp antlers, and a body resembling a winged stag.

All the creatures are translucent, meaning you can see through them in a general sense, but they diffuse enough light that they aren't exactly as see through as a window. They seem to have form and substance one moment, then all their color leaves them be, and blue shimmering outlines anchor them to the material plane for a flicker of time before they solidify again.

The creatures do not seem to be cognizant of their surroundings at all, focused only on their battles with one another.

Overhead, a number of tiny demons flock through the sky, phasing through Pirnook himself, who cries out, loses his balance, and begins to tumble off the roof...

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/81 AC 24 CMD 24 Hero Points 2 d20+13=16 ; d20+15=21 ;
Thursday November 2nd, 2017 1:42:54 AM
Seeing Pirnook falling, Hobie will shove his way through the crowd and stretch his arms out in an attempt to catch the grumpy shopkeeper as he tumbles off the roof. If necessary Hobie will dive forward to break his fall.

Melee Touch Attack: 16
Acrobatics: 21

(Using the rules for catching a character in the Climb rules section I'm assuming it's a Melee touch attack, for which Pirnook can choose to negate his dexterity bonus. Let me know if I'm not correct here. I also included an acrobatics check incase you want one for any part of the action.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 83, CMD 20; flying; Harper - AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+19=20 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+11=19 ;
Thursday November 2nd, 2017 10:53:56 AM
Pressi swoops in to assist Hobie by trying to stabilize Pirnook before he falls. (Not sure if this would be an aid another, a separate easier/equal check, a grapple or a fly check. Also not sure if this risks my broom flying too. Leaving it up to the DM to roll.) "No problem, just grant us whatever discount you think your life is worth." To Hobie, "I feel five percent coming my way."

Pressi focuses upon the figures moving in and out as she flies by, but the focus alludes her (Perception 20, nat 1). Struggling, she tries to determine what magic and creatures she is looking at (Know Arcana 25), but already suspects an answer. It wasn't so long ago that she was translucent herself, blinking in and out of the ethereal plane.

She continues to fly towards the demons herself, trying to determine if they are aware of her. If possible, she attempts to grab one (Touch attack 19, Lore Keeper 27).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+16=31 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+10=28 ; d20+10=12 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+1=4 ; d3+1=4 ;
Thursday November 2nd, 2017 11:28:21 AM
Kezzem throws his dagger at the "demons", each throw targeting a different one.

OOC: Two-Weapon Fighting

Attack #1 (+1 returning dagger): 31.
Damage: 4.

Attack #2 (+1 returning dagger): 20.
Damage: 3.

Attack #3 (dagger): 28.
Damage: 4.

Attack #4 (dagger): 12.
Damage: 4.

----

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells Prepared:
1st: cure light wounds (x2), lesser restoration
2nd: sheild other (x)
3rd: cure moderate wounds

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday November 2nd, 2017 11:28:53 AM
"Hey boss, what do we do here? This magic stuff is above my pay grade."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80 d20+25=45 ;
Thursday November 2nd, 2017 4:22:41 PM

Murphy casts soften earth and stone on the area of the ground where it looks to be the landing spot for Pirnook, should Pressi's help not work.

"Let's figure it out together, Kez - you're a paladin, and have powerful abilities against evil. I'd gauge those fellas up there are evil."

Murphy looks around to see the direction things are going, and works to determine where the threats to people are - and whether the fighting critters might become more substantial. He especially checks to see if it appears anyone is controlling the action.
=========
Perception: 45 (nat. 20)

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP80) (Cayzle) d20+22=34 ;
Thursday November 2nd, 2017 10:20:03 PM

Bliss sits and watches, swishing his tail. Is this an illusion? A show?

Spellcraft 34

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Thursday November 2nd, 2017 11:03:41 PM
"Yeah, Kez. What does your evil-dar say?" Lance gives the spectral creatures a wary eye.

DM Ken d100=88 ;
Thursday November 2nd, 2017 11:19:36 PM

Hobie moves with great reflex, and catches Pirnook with the help of Pressi, and together all three tumble into the softened earth created by Murphy. Pressi manages to keep her hand on the broom, so it's effect is not dispelled.

Kezzem, a halfling of action, responds to the threat without delay, sending daggers flying into the creatures - which promptly sail right through them. The non returning daggers bury themselves into the ground at the feet of halflings on the other side of the circle, which elicits cries of shock and anger!

The creatures, for their part, don't even seem to notice, and continue their own personal combats. None of them seem to stay anchored for long, only brief flashes of fighting, before being replaced with another phantasm altogether.

Bliss considers whether or not what he is seeing is an illusion, but he isn't exactly certain that what he's seeing is a spell effect already in place.

Pressi touches one of the creatures, one of the humanoids with the tight skin. Her domain powers activate, and she becomes aware of the strengths and weaknesses of a Babau, a demon typically known for it's role as an assassin among it's kind, preying on rising heroes or enemies of the demon realms. The babau doesn't seem to notice her as it continues it's fight against the multi headed creature.

Pirnook dusts himself off, and shakes a fist at the flock of flying creatures, which are no longer even visible.

"What are you lot made of? Rocks? I had things perfectly under control!" The old halfling rubs his hips for a moment, then wades into the crowds, swinging his walking stick every which way. "If you ain't payin' a spectator fee, scoot!"

As before, no one seems to bother listening, and halflings run this way and that way, cheering for their favorite battles. Throughout Humbles Ford, screams and shouts, or cheers and jeers, begin to pick up throughout the entire community.

Pressi, able to easily scout the situation from the air, estimates dozens, if not hundreds, of these creatures. Not all are fighting, some are simply wandering through houses, grazing on phantasmal grasses, or resting in the sun. Only when the creatures come within eyesight of each other, do they forget what they are doing, and throw themselves into combat.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 83, CMD 20; flying; Harper - AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday November 3rd, 2017 2:33:24 PM
Unsure of what to do next, Pressi tries to attract the attention of a demon by yelling, and then via Ghost Sound: Mariachi Band.

She figures that she could try to get contact by blinking, but isn't fully sure they are on the ethereal plane, or that getting a demon's attention would be a good thing.

"We need to get the rest of the town out of here. We can't be sure that their inattention to us won't suddenly stop. Maybe get them to the temple."

Harper grabs Pirnook and rides him through the crowd.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+1=9 ; d20+14=34 ;
Friday November 3rd, 2017 2:46:09 PM
Kezzem activates detect evil and looks around the crowd, seeing if anyone pings his Gargul-sense or otherwise looks out-of-place or suspicious. He makes retrieves his daggers as well.

Perception: 9.
Sense Motive: 34.

----

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells:
1st Level: Cure Light Wounds x2, Lesser Restoration
2nd Level: Shield Other x2
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80 d20+25=34 ;
Friday November 3rd, 2017 8:28:35 PM

Murphy approaches the proprietor of the General Store.

"Sir. Mister DeepPockets, sir. You are asking people to pay rent to stand outside your store. Rather than yelling and screaming at them for rent - which you have no real right to demand, why not instead really make money? Mark items from your store with the words, 'Monster Day Special'. Sell them at a mark up over your usual price - maybe 10% more, say. Offer them as commemorative items, so people will not forget the day the funny monsters showed up." He hands him a pouch. "Here are 50 gold pieces to pay the so-called 'rent' you are demanding of these people. That is pure profit for you.

"One more thing," he adds, making sure he has direct eye contact with the owner. In a close, intense whisper, ensuring that Pirnook hears, but trying not to make it easy for others to pick up on what he says, Murphy tells him, "You'd best thank Hobie and Pressi - and me - for saving your life right now. You may not have noticed in your scramble for every last copper - but you likely would have broken your neck or back, or cracked your skull, Pirnook," using his first name, "if the three of us had not just saved your skinflint self-absorbed hide."

He turns his back on the fellow and looks to see what else is going on.
=========
Perception: 34

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/81 AC 24 CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Friday November 3rd, 2017 10:29:44 PM
"Guys I don't have a clue what is happening right now. Maybe I'll go ask one of the ones who isn't fighting."

Hobie will walk over to one of the creatures resting in the sun and crouch down to chat.

"Excuse me. Can you see or hear me? I'm a bit confused about what's happening right now. You guys seem to be here, but not quite here, and a lot of these guys are fighting, and it's causing quite the ruckus for our people. Do you have any idea what's happening?"

DM Ken
Saturday November 4th, 2017 1:13:59 AM

Several of the Sword break into smaller plans of action.

Murphy firmly chastises Pirnook, who stares back wild-eyed but doesn't actually say anything. If anything, he seems too frightened to speak. Bully's are usually quiet when someone stronger comes around.

Hobie tries to talk with a creature, but the attempt is fruitless. If anything, it confirms that the creatures seem completely unaware of those in the village.

Pressi tries a few different ways, including Ghostly Mariachi, to get the demons attention. Not only do they not respond, but they eventually phase out, and are replaced with an altogether different set of creatures.

Pressi: Intelligence check, DC 15. Add +2 for having the knowledge domain.

Kezzem detects evil, and scans the crowd. Here or there, in the crowd of a hundred halflings or so, he thinks there might be the presence of "evil", but concentrating on that area produces no auras of even faint power.

At most, he thinks he might be detecting various persons with some criminal intent, pick-pocketing perhaps, or scam artists making a coin or two in a crowd of onlookers.

Notably though, even the demons that fall into his scope of vision, show no evil aura. But Pressi's touching them also proves they are not illusions.

Pressi's earlier Knowledge Arcana check, which her DM missed, tells her for certain that this is not the effect of a spell in place.

ADM Kim - New Humble's Sword Acres site map
Saturday November 4th, 2017 6:14:52 AM

Friends: Click on the link shown below to catch up on proposed design features of the new property just given to our adventuring troupe. Feel free to make changes - or, click on the little down arrow to the right of 'Everyone Play Map' then select 'Duplicate' - then rename the 'Copy of...' map to your name, and go to town on it! I have a protected version with my own name - 'Kim Play Map' - which you can see, but not modify.

Humble's Sword Acres

Maybe over the weekend you can play around with it, make comments, add, erase, suggest, whatever. I've tried to include things people asked for, and came up with some of my own.

This is a work in progress. Help it progress! -ADM Kim

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday November 4th, 2017 6:14:22 PM
Kezzem attempts to narrow in on the evil aura(s) detected. He thinks he finally understands what is going on, the old Kezzem would have caught on a lot quicker. Filled with self-doubt in his new role, and new nothing about demons beyond that you should stab them, he had been so focused on seeing that as the problem, when in reality, it was something he knew a lot better. This wasn't a demon attack, this was a distraction for a con job.

"It's a trick," he tells the other. "A distraction, to focus our attention away from where we should be focusing. Look to where the monsters aren't, and there we shall find the miscreants behind this."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/81 AC 24 CMD 24 Hero Points 2 d20+15=22 ;
Saturday November 4th, 2017 9:57:28 PM
"Kezzem that's brilliant! In my burglar days, when we were pulling a big job, we always had guys whose jobs were to cause a distraction. I think you're right. It's all misdirection."

Hobie scans the crowd for important figures, anyone who might have left something important unguarded when they came to look at the monsters. Perception- 22

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 83, CMD 20; flying; Harper - AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+6=17 ; d20+19=23 ;
Saturday November 4th, 2017 11:13:55 PM
(Pressi makes her intelligence check.)

If Pressi can somehow hear Kezzem or Hobie, she remarks "I don't know of any thieves pulling this kind of magic - and they aren't illusions whatever they are - as a mere distraction. Maybe next time I go thieving, I'll use mass murder to cover my parking tickets. Although, they aren't effects of a spell in place, either. Precursor to a mass invasion, maybe?"

In either case, Pressi begins to fly around the perimeter, seeing if anyone is coming into the city, seeing if anyone is doing major casting, etc. (Perception 23). She hopes that Bliss has the detect magic covered as she fires her domain spell: detect thoughts.

-------------------------

L2: 1
L4: 1

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Sunday November 5th, 2017 11:48:08 PM
"Hmm... We cannot touch them, and they cannot touch us. We cannot hurt them, and they cannot hurt us. We can see them, but they do not seem to even notice we are here. As long as they aren't hurting anyone... let's go back to sleep?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80 d20+15=17 ; d20+3=10 ; d20+5=21 ; d20+25=37 ;
Monday November 6th, 2017 1:20:31 AM

Murphy approaches a few of the fighting creatures, and passes his hands through them, to test Lance's notion, and what Pressi had to say. He is fine with others looking to see if there is someone who seems to be in control - or taking advantage of the situation. He focuses for now on learning what he can about the creatures.
=========
Knowledge: Nature: 17
Knowledge: The Planes: 10
Knowledge: Arcana: 21
Perception: 37

DM Ken
Monday November 6th, 2017 11:19:32 AM

Kezzem posits that they may be being actively deceived. Focusing in on his detect evil, he realizes that while evil is present, there's no aura around the individuals he finds, suggesting they are not powerful threats in the least.

First he notices ol' Bill Gundy, a miserable cheat at cards and rumored to occasionally steal from those who leave their belongings unchecked. Next he notices Maddie Garble, a reclusive halfling who has gone through several husbands, and has been investigated twice for crimes of passion. The few leads he finds go cold quickly, as he can account for the local rumors of each.

Every town everywhere has it's share of bad people, and those these folks might have technically pinged evil, it's highly unlikely any of them have anything to do with whats happening.

Hobie helps Kezzem scan the area, and looks for discarded bits of information. He finds nothing suspicious, but it does seem someone dropped their allowance, containing a veritable fortune of 2 silver and 8 coppers.

Pressi notes an interesting factoid, a bit of inspiration from her knowledge domain at work. All of the creatures that have been seen so far are either chaotic in nature, or some entropic variant of a creature with the fire subtype. (Entropic variants per the monster manual are creatures that come from a place where chaotic natures override their regular temperments.)

Pressi finds no spell casters or obvious culprits. Detect thoughts reveals a myriad of surface thoughts, from fear to apprehension to amusement or joy at the goings on in the crowd. Nothing sinister or suspicious, as far as she can tell right now.

Lance suggests that the creatures aren't really harmful as they are, and it would seem the halflings of the Ford agree. Murphy sticks his hand through one of the creatures, and pulls it back. It gives no more resistance than the surface tension of a bowl of water. It also seems completely unaware of him, and it snuffles along the ground, in this case, eating phantasmal rocks.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An hour passes while Kezzem investigates his evil pings, and Pressi detects multiple thoughts from multiple angles. Please list any actions you'd like to take or things you'd like to investigate. In this timeframe, many monsters come and go, some humanoid, some demonic, and some chaotic or fiery natured. In any case, each creature shares one of two traits, they are chaotic or contain the fire subtype, and in many cases, have warped to reflect both.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80 d20+8=26 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+8=16 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+8=18 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+8=18 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+25=42 ;
Monday November 6th, 2017 11:33:34 AM

During this time, Murphy pulls out paper and ink, and begins making quick sketches of the creatures he sees. Figure about 3 minutes per critter, he sketches - some well to very well, some not as nicely (see Profession: Artist rolls above 1d20+8), about 20 of them.
========
General Perception: 42

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP80) (Cayzle) d20+22=32 ;
Monday November 6th, 2017 12:28:18 PM

Bliss thinks that this is just too weird. Add in his odd witchy gut feeling ... and he is not sure what to make of it. He thinks that maybe a divination spell would be a good idea, but he has already cast his 4th level spell for the day. In halfling shape, he mentions it to Miss Pressi in case she has a 4th level slot open.

And as she suggests, Bliss casts Detect Magic and Detect Poison. Spellcraft check if needed: 32

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 83, CMD 20; flying; Harper - AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday November 6th, 2017 2:08:09 PM
Pressi continues to detect thoughts for some time. Having decided that she won't detect anyone causing this or coming towards them, she turns her attention to the creatures themselves, figuring that she might get some creature doing it from their "plane" or at least a better idea of what they are and what they want. (If they even exist, though they aren't illusions.)

She is a little loathe to admit it, but she is slowly beginning to agree with Lance. Though she can't discount the possibility of something changing - of the chaotic beings suddenly able to see them and attack - she also can't say for sure what they would do in such an event. And they clearly aren't picking up better information.

Dropping down, she continues to discuss with Bliss and Murphy about what is going on, mentioning the detection of a Babau and other chaotic/entropic creatures. "It really is like we have a bunch of windows into the "bad place" plane, but I don't know what's causing it."

On Bliss' suggestion, she makes her way towards the city temple to cast her divinations (using domain slot) to the Crones of the South (CL 8), and to ask if they know what is going on or have any relevant books. (Knowing that she has to be specific, she focuses less on what the creatures are than on what's allowing the group to see them and if they will be a threat.)

-------------

L2: 0+1/4+1
L4: 1+1/3+1

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80
Monday November 6th, 2017 9:41:17 PM

Of the 20 sketches, let's say that 3 (DC 10-14) are very rough sketches; 5 (15-19) are passable and recognizable; 6 (20-24) are fairly decent; and 6 (25-28) are good, even artistic. Going through the process, though the paper representation only approximates, helps Murphy cement in his mind the critters he is observing, so that he may research them further, ask others who have greater knowledge of them than he for additional information, and to find out what they are called. The druid also observes how they move. A sketch is static - these are fluid.

He also soaks up what some of his fellow citizens look like as they observe the ephemeral creatures, planning to sketch them from memory at a later time.

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Monday November 6th, 2017 10:51:37 PM
"Koshy Maru? I guess these things could be from there. But unless we have some way of affecting them, there isn't much to do right now."

Lance stands and watches the efforts of the others. There is no spell he can cast that has not already been cast.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/81 AC 24 CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Tuesday November 7th, 2017 8:43:48 AM
Hobie is completely at a loss for what is going on. He will defer to the magic users to figure out what this could be, and for the time being he will merely stand and watch the proceedings.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday November 7th, 2017 10:59:32 AM
"Man, I really thought I was on to something there," says Kezzem after his idea didn't pan out. "Windows into other realms, huh? So what do we with that?"

DM Ken
Tuesday November 7th, 2017 12:54:04 PM
What indeed?

With a pant and a groan, Roscoe finally catches back up to you all.

"See what I mean? They are everywhere! They aren't hurting anyone right now, but what do we do if they start?"

He turns and looks back at the crowd, worry on his chubby face. They are enjoying the moment still, but the spectacle seems to be dying down. Crowds are thinning, and others are just starting to accept that something weird is happening, but there's nothing they can do about it.

Roscoe looks over at Pressi and Bliss, gripping his cap in his hands.

"Uh, no disrespect Miss Pressi and Mr. Bliss, but this wouldn't have anything to do with any witchy stuff, would it?"

Replacing his cap, he looks at Hobie and Kezzem.

"I'm worried that no one seems scared. If something happens and these things start hurting people, there will be a lot of casualties. Maybe you two could create some kind of plan while the magically inclined investigate?"

Roscoe ducks as a peal of thunder and a flash of lightning split the sky. Halflings cry in alarm and start scattering for their homes as flashes of lightning hammer into Humbles Ford.

Some run straight for home, and others begin lighting torches on sconces to get light in their small town once more. Over the last hour, the dark clouds in the sky have moved in full force, but something doesn't seem quite right...and unfortunately for the regular sighted halflings, it might as well be night time, for the purposes of their vision.

The phantasms, despite their prior ignorance of their surroundings, all pause and stand deathly still. As one, they crane their necks and look up at the sky.

Knowledge Nature: DC 20 or Perception: DC 25
or Survival: DC 20

Highlight to display spoiler: {The stormclouds above don't quite seem right. There's no rain accompanying the lightning and thunder, and the clouds seem to be made of violently swirling ash, as opposed to water and dust.}

Pressi's detect magic spells fail to even register the creatures, as well as detect poison. For all intents and purposes, other than seeing them, is certain they aren't even really there. There's an important distinction in the fact that they are -not- illusions. What she is seeing is a phenomenon outside of regular magic and nature, to be certain.

Making her way to her temple about the time to lightning begins to strike, Pressi finds she is not the only religiously inclined person on this day. Many frightened halflings are praying, and several children are quietly sitting amongst the pews while their parents speak with their priests. Several of those priests silence the conversations, and watch Pressi in earnest.

Pressi lights her candles and starts her divinations. Immediately, she feels her soul being tugged in a million directions. Just when it feels as if she cannot take it anymore, a new strength grips her, and rips her essence from the others.

Conscious of a dark room with a single burning candle, Pressi kneels alone on the floor. In front of her, an old woman with a metal hand grips a sword of long, shining steel, covered in a dripping red fluid. She has no left ear, and her mouth stays closed even as her words ring in Pressi's mind.

"The Wold creaks and groans, blood witch. You may seek my answers, but a price will be paid."

Pressi is aware of a anvil materializing in front of her. She is instinctively aware of a process, as visions of knowledge in exchange for pain flow through her mind. She has the opportunity to ask whatever she wishes, limited only by her own stamina and tolerance for pain.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/81 AC 24 CMD 24 Hero Points 2 d20+15=35 ;
Tuesday November 7th, 2017 2:59:53 PM
Hobie will turn the crowds and try to push them back. If he can find a nearby pony he will mount it and ride so that he is higher than the crowds and visible to all. He will light a torch from his pack and wave it excitedly in the air.

"GO HOME!" Hobie shouts. "Go Home!! These are no ordinary clouds, this is no ordinary storm! You need to leave this place and you need to go home! We will take care of the danger, but we need you to return home IMMEDIATELY!!"

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Tuesday November 7th, 2017 11:54:02 PM
"I could--" Lance looks over at Roscoe. "I could motivate them to go home. It would probably hurt some feelings, but it would work." Lightning dances around his hands.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80 d20+15=33 ; d20+25=30 ; d20+12=14 ;
Wednesday November 8th, 2017 1:48:48 AM

"The clouds above are not of water, but are ashen," Notes Murphy. "This is an elemental storm."

To Roscoe, he says, "I think this is something beyond 'witchy,' sir. Wish we could fathom more. We're working on it. Pressi's gone off to make some inquiries.

Murphy looks about at how many have fled, and others are lighting street lamps. "I think for the most part, they feel motivated already, Lance. But if there are a few who need convincing, well, be gentle." He smiles at the handsome sorcerer.
============
Knowledge, nature: 33
Perception: 30
Survival: 14

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 83, CMD 20; flying; Harper - AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+19=25 ;
Wednesday November 8th, 2017 9:49:33 AM
"It occurs to me, Bliss," Pressi began. "It occurs to me that these strange things might be tied to our earlier transformations, where I not only became magic but somehow your twisted mistress of the dark. Which can mean only that I can leave questions I don't wish to answer to others in my coven."

WIth that, Pressi moved Bliss towards Roscoe to answer his question about witchy stuff and began to move away. "Go get him, tiger. We believe in you!"

Pressi made her way through the town (Perception 25), the ash clouds swirling above her. While others on her team moved to get halflings to their homes, she marched forwards towards the temple, steadily and with purpose.

Divinations this time did not go as planned, and she expressed her confusion as to the anvil and the new room. "How, what is... I don't understand. How do I even ask or pay the price?"

She can still hear the storm in her mind, however. "The price will be paid. I do not feel fear." She makes sure Kezzem's shield other ring is off. She assumes that healing in between would be a bit of an insult so does not do so.

(OOC: I'm not sure if I can ask more than one question per post. I also am not sure if I am supposed to do something with the anvil or if you'll post what she does with it.)

She asks the following questions, in order, until the list is completed or she is unconscious or dying:

1. Is the town in danger from an imminent threat, and from what?
2. Where are these creatures and how can we see them?
3. Why can't they see or reach us and will that change?
4. What is the storm above us?
5. What should we be doing in the next couple of days?
6. (After a pause) If you were in my shoes, what one thing would you like to know?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+16=34 ;
Wednesday November 8th, 2017 10:55:12 AM
Diplomacy: 34.

"Everyone please return to your homes, or otherwise remain in doors. Nothing to see here, no demon invasions, but it's best to make sure everyone remains safe while we investigate."

DM Ken d20=7 ; d20=13 ; d20=18 ; d20=1 ; d20=2 ; d20=3 ; d20=13 ; d10=10 ; d10=8 ;
Wednesday November 8th, 2017 2:47:44 PM

Hobie takes a quick look and finds a pony. He leaps upon it and makes his own ride through the town, warning the halflings about the unusual storm above.

"Okay!", shout some. "Alright!", shout others. "Not yet, there's no rain!", shout a few. "Give me back my pony!", shouts one in particular.

------

Kezzem takes a far more diplomatic approach. It takes some time, (about 10 minutes), explaining to people why they should be leaving, but few are able to argue. Most of the stragglers begin to disband.

Lance has his own brand of motivation, and ponders the idea of shocking people with electricity to teach them to be afraid of a lightning storm. The only feedback he receives is someone telling him to make sure he electrocutes people as gently as possible.

-----------

Pressi considers the sacrifice required. She doesn't know how the anvil is going to be used, but without fear, she plunges forward into her questions. The first question leaves her lips, and she is aware of her hands bound, chained to the anvil, with the tip of Justice's sword digging uncomfortably into to top of her hand.

"Is the town in danger from an imminent threat, and from what?", Pressi asks. No sooner is the question finished then a burning pain sears her hand, and spreads up through her wrist. Justice has lowered her sword, perhaps an inch. The tip of the blade draws blood in a steady flow.

"Yes, the Doom of the Wold hangs over all, but Humble's Ford faces a trial all it's own. With the Mountain comes chaos and fire to claim the souls of the small. With the Sleeper comes the doom of all."

After a moment, Justices voice picks up again. "That was two questions, blood witch."

Pressi starts again, with her next question.

"Where are these creatures and how can we see them?"

The sword drops further, and with a metallic grind it's blade passes completely through Pressi's hands and into the base of the anvil. Flames from the sword heat the block of iron, and it begins to get uncomfortably warm.

"They are the followers of chaos and fire, they are the stalkers of the Mountains crags. The Doom of the Wold has scared the Mountain, and he casts the shadows of his kingdom into yours.

The scrape of metal dies down, the sound slowly escaping the black room. Once more, Justices voice carries. "Two questions, again."

Gritting her teeth, but still unafraid, Pressi continues. "Why can't they see or reach us and will that change?"

The sword flares again, and Pressi cries out as the flames wash over her. At the same time, the sword is buried to it's hilt in the anvil, which begins to hum quietly.

"The Mountain has yet to manifest. The answer to your second question is uncertain."

The fire roars around her still, but the sudden flash of pain becomes more bearable. Bracing herself, Pressi asks, "What is this storm above us?"

The heat from the flames waxes again, completely engulfing Pressi and burning her skin, hair, and clothes. Breath is hard to find.

"The air of the Mountain is ash. The breath from his lips is soot. The skin of his body is the crust of the earth. These things manifest, so that the Mountain may manifest."

Pressi considers her remaining questions. She was determined to ask what she needed to know until she passed out or could no longer continue. She wasn't sure when that would come. "What should we be doing in the next couple of days?"

Pressi braces herself, but rather than more of the same searing pain, she wilts under the clear disapproval of the Crone. The scrutiny splits her mind with headaches and pressure, until it finally relents.

"The mountain hides his plans from the other Powers. His success or failure will have unknown repercussions when the Doom of the Wold is made real. Act upon your own initiative. The Crones trade in knowledge, not advice."

Pressi pauses, then finally asks her final question. "If you were in my shoes, what one thing would you like to know?"

There is more of the same head-crushing pressure. This line of questioning has clearly displeased the Crone.

"Why I bothered wasting the time of a power with such a foolish question. Pressi is Pressi and Justice is Justice. I cannot know your mind, and you cannot fathom mine."

The anvil suddenly cracks, then crumbles, and those crumbles fall haphazardly into the inky blackness surrounding her. Dismissed from Justices presence, Pressi feels herself falling, until she lands with a very hard thump, thrown clear across the church, into the far wall of the temple. Other priests quickly run to her side.

"You're covered in bruises!", shouts one small chubby woman.

Pressi indeed is wounded, badly. Pressi has taken 75 damage. Her hands are burnt, bruised and gouged, and her head is pounding.

-------

Outside, a priest comes running to gather up Murphy and the others.

"Pressi's been hurt!", he yells loudly. "She's in the temple!"

Of course, Murphy might already know this, should Pressi choose to communicate it through their newly formed telepathic bond.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP80) (Cayzle) d20+26=32 ;
Wednesday November 8th, 2017 5:26:15 PM

Bliss drops his cauldron as he changes into a cat, and then dashes under the pot to hide.

Stealth 32

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 2d8+10=18 ;
Wednesday November 8th, 2017 6:32:46 PM
Kezzem rushes to Pressi's side and casts cure moderate wounds.

Healing: 18.

----

OOC: Are we in "rounds", or can Kezzem do more healing now?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/81 AC 24 CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Wednesday November 8th, 2017 7:07:14 PM
After hearing the priest, Hobie will shout "YA!" and kick his heels into the horse, riding it as fast as possible to the temple.

To the townsperson who asked for his pony back, Hobie will shout, "You'll find it at the temple!!"

When he gets to the temple he will quickly tie up the pony and run in to Pressi's side.

He's no healer, but he'll shout to the others helping her, "How can I help!?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 20, HP 83, CMD 20; flying; Harper - AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday November 8th, 2017 9:56:52 PM
"Never did I think I would miss the wisdom and mercy of Maab," she muttered. "Honestly, Lady Justice seemed so loose at orientation. 'Ooh, I cannot fathom your mind.' If I guess how many cats live with you, will you answer my question then? Is it more than 30?"

She waved off the concerned priest. "You should see the other one. After meeting me, she doesn't even have an ear."

Murphy Highlight to display spoiler: { can feel through the link the pain and fear she refuses to admit out loud, how close she is to tears.}

After a quick CSW blast of her own, she takes some time to gather her thoughts. While no answer proved particularly informative to the situation at hand (except as a reminder that she won't be getting any referrals any time soon), she explained to the others that a couple of things stand out.

"First, I don't think the creatures and the storm pose a threat, save as symptoms to a larger problem yet to manifest. Second, I don't think 'Doom of the Wold' is a metaphor. We're looking for him and someone or something called 'The Sleeper' or some sort of manifesting mountain I supposedly know about... wait, isn't there a fire and chaos mountain as an immortal power? But he isn't really known for creating shadows and he's pretty well manifested." She takes some time to jot down the precise wordings as best as she can remember.

She asks the priest if there's a library about immortal powers or demon mountains in the area. (Pressi makes a Know Religion check via 1d4 hours of research. She'll take the fatigue penalty come next morning.) She tells Hobie that he can carry her divinations back to Roscoe and to the Dinner Club.

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Wednesday November 8th, 2017 11:51:07 PM
Lance casts fly and rises 60 feet in the air. He cackles madly. "THE STORM! THE STORM HAS AWOKEN ME! FLEE BEFORE ME, MORTALS!" He casts his elemental ray (10/day) and aims at the ground near lingering townsfolk. He continues to cackle as he zooms around the area, blasting dirt and grass.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80 d8+5=9 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+15=20 ;
Thursday November 9th, 2017 4:44:07 AM

In the midst of Pressi's investigation, Murphy's face looks pained. "Guys, Pressi is hurting. I'm going there - over to the temple." As he is about to take off, he notes that Bliss has decided to hide under his cauldron. He lifts up the corner of the cauldron. "Bliss kitty. Pressi needs us. C'mon - we're safer together." He props a rock under the corner of the cauldron, then hastens toward the temple, wincing once or twice along the way. By the time he arrives, the ordeal is over, and she has been healed in part.

He takes her hand, and casts cure light wounds (9hp).

Murphy listens to her describe, and writes down notes, and quotes. He thinks to himself he needs to get some more paper, what with all the writing and sketching he has been doing. And ink.

He will join her, if allowed, in perusing the library, but he focuses more on the geographical and nature aspects in his searching, skimming and reading (Knowledge, geography: 31; Knowledge, nature: 20), to see if he might find the locus of the Mountain, the Mountain's crags, the Doom of the Wold, etc.

"My Lord Eberyon was a 'sleeper' for eons, due to Lady Maab's actions, and was awakened some, what was it, maybe a dozen years past? And now another 'sleeper' is coming awake."
=======
Ignore 2nd d20+16 - was an accidental click

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; flying; Harper - AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday November 9th, 2017 9:50:33 AM
(OOC: Header Update)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday November 9th, 2017 11:24:01 AM
"If you're going to library, I'm gonna tag along," says Kezzem. "I need to learn more about paladin-ing."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/81 AC 24 CMD 24 Hero Points 2 d20+4=20 ; d20+4=12 ;
Thursday November 9th, 2017 3:12:22 PM
"You've got it Pressi! I'll take it at once!" Hobie shouts, with the voice of a man confused by his circumstances and just trying to do any small thing that he can in the chaos. He stuffs Pressi's writing in his breast pocket and sprints out the door.

(Ride Check = 20, Fast Mount DC = 20)
Hobie runs outside, unties the pony from it's post and hops on as quickly as he can. He snaps the reins and yell's "YAH, YAH!" and rides swiftly toward Roscoe.

If he passes the pony's owner again on his way back he will shout as he rides by "I'm terribly sorry! Look in the saddle bag when you find him!" and as he rides Hobie will slip 5 gold pieces into one of the saddle bags.

(Ride Check = 12. Fast Dismount DC = 20)
Upon reaching Roscoe, Hobie attempts to leap quickly from the saddle but gets his foot caught in the stirrup and dismounts rather awkwardly.

"Cousin! Cousin!" He shouts as he waves Pressi's paper in Roscoe's face, "Read this! This is what Pressi saw! I'm not sure what it all means, but it's very important! Make sure you show this to the Dinner Club and see if you can figure out what it all might mean!"

At this point he will rest his hands on his knees and catch his breath. As he does so he looks at the "borrowed" pony and thinks that he might like to buy a pony for himself after things calm down a bit.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday November 9th, 2017 7:59:22 PM
With Pressi hearing voices, Lance cackling like a suprrvillain, and Hobbie being way to excited to deli er a message, Kezzem turns to Murphey.

"When did we become the normal ones in this group?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80
Thursday November 9th, 2017 8:41:37 PM

At Kezzem's question, Murphy laughs uproariously!

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/81 AC 24 CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Thursday November 9th, 2017 11:27:57 PM
ooc: haha! After submitting my last post, I read back over other people's posts and thought "I think maybe this was WAAAAAAAY less urgent than I felt it was when writing that post." Oh well. Hobie is just very eager to help I guess.

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Thursday November 9th, 2017 11:45:09 PM
ooc: check

DM Ken
Friday November 10th, 2017 12:05:07 AM
A few stragglers break and run, dodging his blasts and heading for safety. Words of his actions spread like wildfire, and while some people attest them to the strange weather and phantoms, others are more critical of Lance, the Lightning Lunatic and Humbles Sword.

For the duration of this module, Lance's actions have resulted in a -2 penalty for all skill checks that interact with the people of humbles ford while Lance is present.

Magical healing is poured into Pressi. Her headache lessens, then goes away, but the physical wounds remain. (Heal 18 of the 75 damage) It seems that the Crones warning that pain would be the price of the knowledge was sincere.

(This particular wound pool will only heal via natural healing.)

Pressi and Murphy spend some time in research, while Kezzem finds a book, "Detect Evil and You: The Strengths and Limitations of a Useful Power."

Putting their heads together, Pressi and Murphy discover a few parallels to Pressi's information.

- In the mysterious southern continent, there is a power named V�-Eldfj�ll. The power is a fiery mountain, and his strengths are bound in fire and chaos. It seems likely this is the "Mountain" being referenced.

- The creatures that inhabit V�-Eldfj�ll's domain are typically of the fire subtype, or chaotic in nature.

- Pressi recalls that she was warned that V�-Eldfj�ll is attempting to flee from the Doom of the Wold, and that it needs to make the land to which it is fleeing suitable for it's habitation.

- She and Bliss both know that Powers gain strength through worship, like any other deity. Justice warned her that the Mountain sought the souls of the halflings, whatever that meant.

-Pressi is fairly certain that the Doom and the Sleeper were a title used interchangeably.

So DOES any of that prove fruitful to them at current? It tells them some things, and might help connect a few dots. Or perhaps it won't, and the Sword needs to choose whether to accept the current state of affairs, use the information they have to prepare as things inevitably shift in V�-Eldfj�ll's favor, or take some otherwise unconsidered actions, or research some as of yet unanswered question.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80
Friday November 10th, 2017 4:08:56 AM

Murphy takes careful notes, and prepares a summary, as well as recording at greater length thoughts, speculations and ponderings on what they have been able to gather so far. He is glad that Kezzem has found a helpful volume touching on his goals, too.

As they work together, Murphy takes time gently to comfort Pressi - and consider her wounds which will not immediately heal. "You gave up quite a lot, Press, to gain this precious knowledge. If I could, I would share it with you, take it from you." He stares off for a moment, breathes in and out, then brings this up: "My grandmother Eglantine once said, 'Through great suffering can come great gains, if the one who suffers meets the occasion with gumption and grit. Now, try a small slice of my rumberry pie.'" He gently tweaks Pressi's nose. "I'll ask if she can bake you a rumberry pie, my dear one. Not certain exactly how it ties in with suffering, but, there you have it, that's what my grandmother did. Right after I skinned my knee raw."

The towhead druid communicates along with Pressi to the Sword what they learned. He asks if any others have picked up anything. He mentions, "In Angel Springs there is a fellow named Mungo, he has an extensive library covering vast numbers of topics. I'd be surprised if he didn't have something more about what we learned. There may be other resources there in the city to help us better to understand. The elves just outside of town may also have long memories, and be able to help. There is also a considerable library up in Lawni's Lens."

"I wonder if there is anyone, or anything, that presently opposes this 'V�-Eldfj�ll' power? If so, maybe we can ally with him, or her, or it. Also, I'm most concerned that our own kin and friends here in the Valley may be targets of this, this volcano creature? What might we do to fortify them against any enticements to serve or worship it?"

Pony borrowing, or giving
"Say, Hobie - if you'd like a pony - I have several," Murphy offers. "Pippa is a very good pony - I've ridden her a fair bit. I had to chase her down after a goblin sorcerer threw a fireball our direction. She has combat training, too, so is unlikely to let you down. Say the word, and she's yours - with saddle, saddlebags, bit, bridle, blanket, and a bit of feed. I have a pack saddle she's fine with, too - but, if you want to ride, then I'd recommend the normal saddle."

"Also, likely you already have done so - but you may want to apologize to the fellow whose mount you borrowed. And maybe invite him for a cup at the Dancing Pig, with a toast for him and his pony."

Lance-aroonie
Once word gets back about what Lance did - Murphy was unaware that he actually mock attacked straggling citizens - he is floored. "You - you actually cast in their direction? When I said, 'be gentle' - I thought you were joking! Lance!" He shakes his head. "We are here to protect, to guard the people. Not to make them think we are wild ... - ah, I won't use that word of you," he says, clearly stopping himself short of a more robust rebuke. "You actually said, 'Flee before me, mortals?'"

"Look. Listen, everyone. Since this group first got together, I have been keeping a journal - everyone who was part of Humble's Sword. All the adventures we enjoyed. How we went about doing things. Never have we deliberately set out to frighten our fellow citizens - though we have had to tell them some things that were frightening, if not dealt with. I've made multiple copies of the journal - one is with the WLA - I just gave them an update to what they have when I went for training there a few days ago. One is with me. One is with my family. And they made another copy for my brother in another city. Any of you who would like to read the history of the group, just ask, and it's here for you to go through.** You'll see we don't set out to frighten our own people. You want them to trust us? Lance, there is so much about you to like. I am very glad you have joined up with us, starting back with the giants. But please. Avoid ... ill considered things. We are to be heroes. And - show humility."

Murphy then takes a step back, figuratively. "Maybe I've misjudged, or misunderstood. Lance, is there anything you'd like to say, to do, or to propose to deal with the repercussions?" He waits to learn more about the sorcerer's mettle in how he chooses to respond.
=========
** If you want to read Murphy's 'Journal of Humble's Sword' - well, just read back through this board, from the beginning - or dip in wherever you'd like. I would recommend at least going through the Games as the group came together.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/81 AC 24 CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Friday November 10th, 2017 11:57:30 AM
Once the message is delivered Hobie will leave the borrowed pony with Roscoe, asking him to return it to it's rightful owner.

Catching up with the group at the library, Hobie listens to Murphy's offer: "Are you sure? Pippa would be mine? A pony of my own? Thank You! I've long wanted one, but spending most of my time in cities, it hasn't been much of a pressing need, and what with stabling fees and such I just never got one of my own. But now that I'm joining you all and your adventures, it might be helpful to have my own pony. Thank You!!! I promise to take care of her and keep her safe!"

When Murphy is chiding Lance for his lightning attacks on civilians, Hobie will nod in agreement with his words, and simply add, "Yeah, that really wasn't cool Lance."

While still at the library Hobie will spend some time reading about husbandry, and caring for ponies.

Over the next days, (unless the group decides we need to leave town immediately) Hobie will spend time riding and becoming acquainted with Pippa, especially taking time to practice firing his bow while riding. He also will find the owner of the borrowed pony and invite them out riding with Hobie and Pippa, apologizing for his previous actions.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday November 10th, 2017 12:21:56 PM
Kezzem looks up from his reading. "I read a book once that had a guy called a Mountain. He wasn't an actual mountain though, just a tall guy...until he got turned into a taxizombie or something. He was mean to his brother too."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 35/83, CMD 20; flying; Harper - AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+8=10 ; d20+8=15 ;
Friday November 10th, 2017 2:46:11 PM
"Yeah, Lance, going around shouting "Flee before me, mortals" was a really bad idea," Pressi grumped. "How dare you blatantly steal from my family crest like that."

Pressi listened as everyone kept piling on. "Ok, in our friend's defense, we needed him to get everyone inside ASAP so it's really about how he doesn't understand there's a line on how much disdain we can show. Honestly, how much worse was that than what we typically show to the T-Shirt Brigade or to certain falling shopkeepers. Maybe we all could stand to be a little better to our fellow halflings, even though they clearly deserve to get zapped once in a while.

"Though Murphy is right that we do not set out to frighten our own people. That's just a happy accident. Speaking of...." Pressi flipped to the part of the journal where Alleah took off her skin. "There's your answer, Kezzem, right there."

-------------------

Pressi sighed at the realization that her scars and wounds will remain. "I just got it, and someone goes out and dents it. I'm not even sure its paid off, yet."

Realizing that Kezzem's healing only helps a little (it's 18+9 from Murphy), she forgoes casting healing magic instead of use from a healer's kit. (Not great, she rolls a 10 on heal skill.)

She's quiet for a moment before responding to Murphy. "I could never ask you to share the pain from my own god. This is the path that I have to walk, apparently. I do appreciate pie as much as the next halfling, however...."

----------------

Pressi shakes her head at the avalanche of facts that fell before them. They have a better idea of what befell the town but not how to stop it or even what possible options they might have. They can't go to Ve-El; Lady Justice said he hasn't even manifested yet. And while there are protections against fire and chaos, they could never protect the town from such an onslaught as was promised.

Pressi vaguely tried to recall what she knew about opponents of Ve-El (15 - that should be enough to remember Burfell) and more importantly about who followed Ve-El. Maybe they do need to go to the followers of Ve-El or Burfell. And by getting followers, did the decision have to be voluntary? Did they have to be alive?

Pressi shook her head. "We can go to another library, but I don't even know what to ask, or what to do.... The elves, however, might have not only knowledge but followers and casters to aid us. The second dinner club and town leadership must be informed, even if they can provide no assistance or leads. I don't know who else we could even reach out to, but we clearly can't make our stand here."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80 d20+11=17 ;
Friday November 10th, 2017 3:54:46 PM

"Ah, even I was not able to keep her completely safe, but, yes, Hobie, she is fully yours," Murphy says of Pippa. "A good mount. She likes to lick honey off the hand, by the way."

Murphy shakes his head at his love's sense of humor - and in appreciation for her ability to diffuse a situation.

He lends his hand to see if use of his own healer's kit may help Pressi a tiny bit more. (Healing: 17)

Murphy swings by his family home, and asks his mother if she can have someone get word to Grandma Eglantine. A half dozen Rumberry pies would be welcome. He gives his mother 25 gold pieces. "Get her something nice, Mama. It's been too long since I talked with her."

======

When he gets back with the group, he says, "I have a proposal. We don't need to act on it immediately. But it is this - a pledge, given by members of our group. Something like this:

We are Humble's Sword. We serve our community, our people, our land, and, where we can, the good people of the Wold. We strive to excel - yet not with self-important pride, rather with humility of heart.

We oppose oppressors, deceivers, perverters, enslavers. We offer our strength to shield those in need, and if need be, will sacrifice our own selves, that others may be free.

"Also, a motto, such as 'Humble's Sword - Halflings in Humble Service' - or maybe '... Heros in Humble Service.'

"Think about it. Improve it. Simplify. Whatever."

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP80) (Cayzle) d20+20=40 ;
Friday November 10th, 2017 11:03:37 PM
After things calm down a bit, Cat-Bliss pokes his head out and looks around. He too suffers a -2 when he thinks about Lance.

He does not know what to make of this talk of Powers.

The young tomcat walks around in cat-shape, looking for interesting things. Mice, demigods, stuff like that.

Perception 40

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80
Saturday November 11th, 2017 4:19:41 PM

After mentioning a pledge, Murphy senses something from Pressi (along with a 'not now' look), and says, "Like I said, it's not something we need to do now. Later, when we are not trying to overcome the next looming crisis."

"So, for now: Shall we notify the local authorities, then set off in haste to Angel Springs for more research? What can we do to fortify the local population to help them resist the Volcano Power?"

ADM Kim
Sunday November 12th, 2017 3:58:34 AM
DM Ken emailed us:

You've got till Monday to reply, brainstorm, etc. Feel free to take up to one weeks worth of actions, but note that you cannot go more than 100 miles away from Humbles Ford. I'll explain that part on Monday in the post.

So, friends, go for it - between now and sometime Monday (morning?) you can let all know what your character will be up to for the next 7 days. This is not necessarily the best occasion for a one line post.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP80) (Cayzle)
Sunday November 12th, 2017 7:25:12 PM
Bliss is content to spend a week hunting birds and mice. He is careful to only use his bite, with the tear of mercy, so that he can catch and release without killing anything.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/81 AC 24 CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Sunday November 12th, 2017 8:41:44 PM
Over the next days, Hobie will spend time riding and becoming acquainted with Pippa, especially taking time to practice firing his bow while riding. He also will find the owner of the borrowed pony and invite them out riding with Hobie and Pippa, apologizing for his previous actions.

He will continue to spend his evenings staying with his cousin Roscoe, catching up on what the Humble's Sword has done, as well as sharing stories from childhood, all while drinking ale and playing cards.

Hobie will do a little bit of shopping during the week for some mundane items. While he is there shopping, he notices a lute on the shelf, and his eyes light up. He has never played an instrument before, but he is excited to learn!

During the days when Hobie is out riding with Pippa, he will take some time each day to sit under the shade of a tree and play his new lute while Pippa grazes.

(ooc: for nonmagical items like the ones here, is it okay to post them here or do I need to post in the catacombs?)
He will buy:
MW Manacles: 50 gold
Superior Lock: 150 gold
Chain: 30 gold
Crowbar: 2gp
2 Sunrods: 4gp
50 ft of silk rope:10 gp
2 bottles of wine:20 gp
Military Saddle: 20 gp
Lute: 5gp

Total: 291 gold

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Sunday November 12th, 2017 10:53:19 PM
After the remaining townsfolk have been herded to their homes, Lance descends to the ground to join the rest of the party. He gets an earful! He crosses his arms and raises an eyebrow. "I was gentle. It was all sound and fury. No one has so much as a scrape on their skin, and they are all safely home. They may have some hurt feelings -- you know, like I said might happen? -- but they are out of harm's way. Maybe next time they will move a little faster when their guardians tell them to get to safety. I would rather have them alive and offended than dead." He lifts back into the sky. "I can make amends and send a few summer sausage gift baskets when things die down. In the meantime, I'm going camping."

He lifts into the sky, gives a lazy salute to the party, and flies north. He will try to find a nice tree to sleep for the night, and spend the next week practicing his aim by blowing up trees with lightning bolts.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80
Monday November 13th, 2017 3:50:07 AM
DAY 1"If you plan to leave for a while, then, Lance," Murphy says with care, "if people ask, I will let them know that you have gone off to consider your actions, and to make amends when you return. And that your intention was to harm no one, but to strongly motivate them to get out of the streets. No one was harmed, though many were upset. I will offer my personal apology, and ask for forebearance on their part. The summer sausages would be a nice touch when you can get to it. Enjoy the camping. Wish you could stay and help this week - we've a lot to do, but, see you when you return." As opportunities present themselves, Murphy does as he says.

Take information learned from people's research, distill, disseminate to local authorities (religious, civil, magic, militia). Ask them to have someone get info to Hovel. We will get it to Angel Springs - but it would be nice to have a note from each of the local authorities (at least those willing) to request assistance from those in Angel Springs to help us gather further info. Can't hurt to have official support. Also touches base with friends/former adventurers in Humble's Sword Burrow near river.
To HS: "Team, in the morning I plan to fly to Angel Springs to do further investigations there. Anyone who cares to come along may join me. I will wild shape into a dire bat, and can carry up to three of you - maybe more if some of you are reduced in size."

Murphy has written up what Pressi learned, as well as additional information gathered from various party members' areas of knowledge, and library perusal. Based upon info, compose a brief flyer warning people of Crescent Valley of possible coming dangers. Have copies made for distribution around the valley. Notify in Humble's Ford about some things we have learned. Frame in a way to warn of the looming power's desire to force or seduce people to worship it - and its specific designs on Crescent Valley and its desire to 'claim the souls of the small' for such a purpose. "Do not succumb to the temptation to worship the mountain that makes ash. It will enslave you with false promises and fear, and harm the people of the valley."

Local: Mayor BumbleLuck; Constable Roscoe; Second Dinner Club; Local Priests; then townspeople in general. And bards.
Regional: Get some people quickly trained up to communicate this message throughout the valley - some to Hovel, some to Angel Springs, and some to the rural areas.

Humble's Sword Acres
Let's have Foreman George move ahead with the building as shown in the shared map of the 3 acre square. Master 10ft View, and Detailed 2.5ft View. If you want a personalized spot, use the Everyone Play Map sheet - then find a space and put it in (such as Lance's tree, Hobie's target range, Pressi's rock tower, Bliss's fountain). Note at the bottom of the maps is a suggested order of construction. The first few buildings would be the Workshop (to give workers a place to get things started and make stuff); Worker's Housing; Wells; Guest House (will initially house Humble's Sword until more ambitious part of the central stone edifice can be built); equipment sheds; Rituals building. See sheet for more detail. Would someone like to have their character take charge of the project?

Bliss - "Would you like me to try to bring Mookie back in some form or another? I am willing to cast reincarnation, if you want me to do so. I can go to a place where ravens gather, with Mookie's remains - I have a feather from when he perished. If you wish, I shall do so. But, if he wants to return, it may be as a crow, or as something else. I cannot guarantee in what form he will come back. I miss him. Many of us do. Tell me what you decide. It must be done not later than three days from this day - preferably tomorrow in the morning." If Bliss says yes, Murphy will do that in an area where crows gather. [If cast, will ask the DM to determine (rolls, or whatever) the results of the spell.] If Bliss brings up Gargul's dislike for reincarnation, he replies, "My Lord Eberyon was reincarnated, and several members of my family were there to witness it. So there."
DAY 2Reincarnate Mookie if Bliss requested.
Then fly with whichever party members wish to travel to Angel Springs. Figure about 6 to 8 hours flying (DM may correct this estimate). Can fly at 90+5 (+5 from Fleet feat), at least according to Druid wild shape level, and can 'run' (move x 5). Dire bat can carry 3 medium / small with special saddle. If someone else wants to/can fly along - Murphy will go at speed of slowest, and stop for potty breaks.
Once in Angel Springs, begin queries on current rising situation: Elves; druids; Mungo and his library (he has staff to handle things when he is gone); officials; sage(s)?; WLA; ask siblings at WinWood Music & Toys (Nalfein & Leska) to check with local folks; gov't officials (Mayor, Baron/Burgomeister), et al.DAY 3Continue research in Angel SpringsDAY 4Pick up any more info in morning, then fly back to Humble's Ford. Share info with leaders as before. Arrange for info transfer to Hovel (Mayor, & Marigold, et al).DAY 5Check on Foreman George and his initial work on Humble's Sword Acres. Help oak tree grow taller. Share Grandma Eglantine's six Rumberry Pies with party members (including a pie or two for George and his crew - save a couple of pieces for Lance for when he returns). DAY 6Help out George at Humble's Sword Acres. Summon many earth elementals to get going on the central stone / earth building. Do a lot of the work himself as a large earth elemental. DAY 7Attend worship services. Touch base with family. Spend time with Humble's Sword - and maybe a few hours at the Dancing Pig. DAY 8 - Today... What now?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; flying; Harper - AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday November 13th, 2017 10:38:13 AM
(OOC: This is a heavy work day and take care of kids day, so I may be posting in pieces.)

With Bliss

Harper chooses to spend the week hunting and playing with Bliss, though hardly as mercifully with her prey. She continues to Mama Cat Bliss.

Pressi does get involved somewhat in reincarnation but already knows that Bliss moved on to some degree (OOC: True story, I was originally going to reincarnate Mookie on my sheet as a giant hawk familiar, but Cayzle seemed disinterested and I felt Harper fit better.)

Traveling to Angel Springs

Pressi does her best to keep up with the druid's speed. (Flying broom easily lasts 8 hrs but she can only go 60. Beast shape 3 or 4 allows for 90, but it only lasts 8 minutes.) She's also a little poky as she attempts to continue to natural heal (I assume all HP damage, if not physical damage, is gone by this point.)

At Angel Springs, she does check in at the WLA and at Leska and Naftali's (who did raise her for a while) but generally leaves dealing with officials to Murphy. Instead, she remains focused on attempting to determine an opening move by continuing to research for the following:

1) Any indication of Ve'el's current location or where it might manifest.
2) Any lists of followers or researchers of Ve'el or Burfell, looking specifically for guides.

Helping the Town

Pressi doesn't really have any suggestions for facing storms and mountains - any protection against raining fire that she can think of would end after a few minutes or so and wouldn't protect an entire town - but she figures that she can at least help the town against demons.

Holy water and holy, good and cold iron weapons are a must, while elemental attacks (and poisons are to be avoided). The pit traps and avoidance tactics prepared against the giants should work for any invading outsiders. Range and reach attacks are a good idea. Remembering that they seem scary but (most of them) don't wear armor or have strong weapons (though each type might have a particular attack or ability).

Unfortunately, there isn't a good way to defend against such an invading force except to retreat into fortifications or out of town. So it will be up to them to try to stop such an invasion at the source. She makes sure to tell the rest of her teammates this so that they may take the time to prepare their gear and tactics accordingly. (If you need to buy something, swap spells, or consider what to do if your primary attack is shut down, now's the time. Remember that Pressi can read all an attacker's strengths and weaknesses with a touch attack.)

DM Ken
Monday November 13th, 2017 11:33:26 AM
Murphy's extra research in Angel Springs really doesn't turn up much new information. He learns that V�-Eldfj�ll has a rival, Burfell, but that other sentient mountian, whose influence is both law and earth, has never been referred to as the Doom of the Wold.

While the two mountains seem opposed on every axis, they are also just becoming aware of one another, as each lies just barely outside of their 100 mile range of influence. It seems unlikely that the other mountain is what sparked V�-Eldfj�ll's flight.

Murphy's research also leads him to V�-Eldfj�ll's location, the Southern Continent. The mysterious southern continent is known for it's migrations of landmass. So it isn't inconvievable that the Power might have figured out a way to relocate itself wholesale over a large distance.
---------------------------

Lance spends time camping. He blows up a lot of trees in the span of a week, and finds that for some reason, all the lady squirrels are watching him in earnest.

----------------------------

Hobie goes shopping for wine, saddles, silk ropes and handcuffs. Pirnook isn't sure if Hobie is training a horse or preparing for a weekend with an open minded lady friend.

----------------------------

Pressi passes on some good advice, concerning dealing with demons at least. She also passes on some other info she finds useful, which she got at the WLA. She realizes that every creature they've seen as a phantasm has either been an outsider from a chaotic or fiery plane, or a regular creature affected by Ve-Eid to the point it possesses either the Fire or Entropic templates.

----------------------------

Humbles Ford more or less fends for itself in your absence. While they are isolated stories of lightning strikes, they become more frequent as the week passes. Haflings understand the need to stay indoors, but life can't just come to a stop despite the environmental changes.

Despite the warnings, most of the Halflings seem to either ignore or enjoy the phantasms, which still show no sign of leaving. Some folks from time to time swear that the phantasms have noticed them, while others call it hogwash.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rumors in general seem to be limited to three leads.

One Halfling in particular swears up and down that he can make the creatures notice him.

Farmers are complaining that the soil is drying up, and becoming more and more rocky and dry.

A human merchant, who had come to sell wares, is complaining that the halflings have conspired to trap him here with some strange magic, and demands to be set free.

------------------------------------------------------

Adventurers: Pressi has imparted some knowledge to you all. Consider yourself familiar with the following templates despite your knowledge skills. The same goes for demons, you are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of any demon CR 13 or less.

Fire Creatures

Entropic (chaos) Creatures

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP80) (Cayzle)
Monday November 13th, 2017 2:11:23 PM

When Murphy asks Bliss about bringing back Mookie, Bliss answers, "Meow," pushes his head against his friend's knee, and bats at his shoelace.

As Bliss prowls around the village and environs -- playing with Harper as often as not -- he looks for people who like cats and are kindly folk. He focuses first on anybody who has been a fan of the party, especially those white-shirt folks ... they need to be taken under wing, he thinks. Then he looks for people who pet him or give him treats or milk. If he meets any, he changes into his halfling form and invites them to join his coven.

Before a morning ritual, Bliss asks Pressi if she thinks that it would be better to swap out Shield of Faith for Resist Fire -- especially since Bliss is CL7, so that's 20 hp of resistance per spell.

In fact, either way, Bliss decides he can help all his friends against fire. He spends the time in halfling form with his magic cauldron to make Resist Energy (Fire) potions. The cost, as a cauldron-witch, is 25*2*7 = 350 per potion. Each potion is CL7 so it grants fire resistance 20 for 70 minutes. Bliss makes one per day ... so how many does he have time to make?

[OOC to DM and Pressi: I'm hoping to bring Bliss's witchy followers to max (four IIRC). Also, how free are we to pick skill ranks and feats? It might be nice to have one or two with a rank in Heal, and that could help in natural healing.]

DM Ken: Unless you give me a reason to rule otherwise, you have control of the skills, feats, ability scores, and spells known of your adepts and cohort.

Bliss has time to make 7 potions.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/81 AC 24 CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Monday November 13th, 2017 9:13:08 PM
"Great, I wish you had known all of this a week ago. I just bought a flame enchantment for Prowler. It's gonna be worthless in this next fight."

Hobie would love a few of those potions Bliss is making and would happily pay the cost for them.

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Tuesday November 14th, 2017 12:11:44 AM
Lance takes a tour of the forest one last time before returning to town, keeping an eye out for any dead limbs in need of pruning. He contemplates writing an autobiography.

Tree Husbandry with Lightning: A Memoir

He arrives in time for Pressi to teach them all about demons, fiery demons, and fiery chaotic demons. it is fascinating. Lance makes certain to ask which types of demon are resistant to immune to electricity. Those are pesky little things.

Lance visits the local butcher, and inquires into the price of gift baskets. Perhaps a tasteful charcuterie selection..

ooc: The closest thing I could find on d20pfsrd was Halfling Trail Rations. It includes, sweetened dried fruit, aged sausage, hard sharp cheese, honey cakes, and a mixture of roasted grains, nuts, and molasses.

DM Ken: Dude, that sounds amazing. I want some!

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80
Tuesday November 14th, 2017 9:54:46 AM

"So, I take it that you're grateful for the offer, but that we should let Mookie rest in peace." Murphy scratches CatBliss's ears, and lays to rest the notion of bringing Mookie back. The druid soon after finds a private place, and sheds a few more tears for the wisecracking raven - and closes his moment of mourning with laughter as he recalls some of the clever bon mots delivered by the bird, and sighs as he recalls how the bird mentored the naive, sweet halfling, his friend, Bliss.

Murphy passes on to the Sword, officials, et al, what additional information he was able to gather, and arranges for it to be sent as well to Hovel.

Murphy goes to the Crescent River which flows along the edge of town. He summons a few water elementals, and tells them in their own tongue: "V�-Eldfj�ll is a mountain, a volcano, from the south, and is a living power which is trying to move here. He is drying the land. He will bring ash, and fire, and lightning. Tell the other elementals of V�-Eldfj�ll's evil plans. Consult those among you who are wise. Our land needs water, for crops, for life. Tell me if there is something we can do for you. I will summon you again tomorrow, and we will talk. Tell me then if there is something you can do for us - to oppose V�-Eldfj�ll, to not let the land go dry. Water is life. We are grateful to you. Let us work together." The next day, he summons the elementals again, to learn what, if anything, their kind has discussed.

He does likewise with earth elementals. He emphasizes the power and strength of the earth, and how precious it is to the halflings of the valley. He tells of V�-Eldfj�ll's encroachment. "What things can we do for you? And, please, return to your people, and discuss with those who are wise among you. Are there things you can do to oppose V�-Eldfj�ll? If you know of Burfell, another thinking mountain, you know that he loves earth, and elementals of earth. Burfell opposes V�-Eldfj�ll. Will you join us in opposing this wicked power? I shall ask you to return this time tomorrow. I will again call for you. Please, at that time, let me know if we can work together, and in what ways.

"And before you go: One thing I know - my people need shelter from attacks from above from allies of V�-Eldfj�ll. Can we work together to make tunnels and areas beneath the earth to which my people, the halflings, can flee for safety?" Murphy tells of some areas beneath the nearby woods behind the Mayor's burrow which could be a good area of safety for deep tunnels, trying to avoid the roots of trees, and with sloping descents that his people may get in and out.

He summons air elementals, and communicates in like manner. He ponders whether or not to summon fire elementals. He decides to do so, wild shaping into one before the summons. He asks that those nearby will help, rather than harm the halflings. Again, concluding with, "How may we help you? How might you help us?" And asking to meet the following day.

As he meets with the elementals, Murphy alerts Pressi, and lets her listen in to his communications with them, so she may know, too. Later, he tells the whole party - or as many members of the Sword as he is able to find.

Murphy spends hours going through town, asking people to bring all the vessels the might, and he fills them with water. He waters gardens. He also asks his Uncle Orby, who has a decanter of endless water (he has had it for years), to use it to help the crops - which his uncle is likely already doing.

In discussing things with his friends, he considers what additional items might be useful in the coming conflict, puts together a few lists. [Do not have time to show right now, will try to get to later today, if possible.]

He offers to help dig additional tunnels, escape tunnels, as it were, beneath people's burrows, letting them know he might do so by wild shaping into a large earth elemental. He will help up to five people today with that.

First seeking permission from the Mayor, he prepares many long ditches and periodic pools for water in different places in the woods. Should there be fires there, perhaps water elementals can be summoned to help extinguish flames, that the woods be preserved. He spends hours filling them with life-giving liquid. He talks to the trees, warning them of V�-Eldfj�ll's plans, and that they may come under attack, and that their roots should take on as much water as the can bear to help defend through moisture in their bodies.
========
OOC: Batman Lance. I like it. And, I am so going to stock up on Halfling Trail Rations - should be able to buy from Pirnook at the General Store
[gotta run]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday November 14th, 2017 10:27:36 AM
Kezzem spends his time learning what he can about demons, and how to smite them.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP80) (Cayzle)
Tuesday November 14th, 2017 11:27:23 AM

Bliss hands out a potion of fire resistance (70 minutes, FR20) to Murphy, Lance, Kezzem, and Hobie. He gives two to Pressi ("For Harper") and keeps one for himself. He thanks anyone who wants to help defer the cost, but Bliss insists. "It's a present!" he says.

[OOC: Wold House Crafting Rules require the crafter to incur and track all costs. Sheet updated.]

OOC to DM: Unless Pressi objects, Bliss will be sharing an extended Fire Resistance spell instead of his usual Shield of Faith for his Intermediate Ritual. Let me know when I should make the rolls for Bliss's witch spell prep and ritual enaction?]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; flying; Harper - AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday November 14th, 2017 1:00:11 PM
(OOC: To answer Lance's question and others, here are some of the things to watch out for.)

Outsider Domain: good HP and BAB, usually low fort, good other saves, good bluff, sense motive and stealth, darkvision, usually wears some armor and fights with melee or natural weapons

demon subdomain (since this is what Pressi tagged, it's what she focuses on): immune to electricity and poison, resist 10 other elements, expect summons, natural weapons and creature specific defenses (like acid skin). I noticed that some have particular immunities, i.e. to cold iron.

fire type: generally immune fire and weak cold, in addition to other protections. May face elementals (immune to sneak/crits, certain effects) or incorporeal beings (limits to melee attacks, can bypass some AC with theirs).

entropic subtype: big thing is that they do chaotic damage and might have DR/lawful

---------------

The bottom line is that this module is going to throw a lot of different types at us. Scouting, discretion and versatility are going to be key. If your spell list is mostly electric and fire attacks, or SoS on humanoids, it's time to stock up on weapons and scrolls. Above all, make sure that you have a couple of moves no matter what DR, immunity or creature type they throw at us. (Really, we should have learned that after the constructs.) Even if it's just a halfling sling or an entangle spell.

Bliss - the resist fire is a great idea (particularly since it sounds like some lava environments coming our way) but don't discount shield. Pressi will probably return the favor with greater magic weapon - are Catbliss' attacks considered natural?

DM Ken
Tuesday November 14th, 2017 1:29:53 PM

Bliss uses Pressi's information and makes a batch of potions to help out his teamsters in the face of the looming conflict with V�-Eldfj�ll's minions. He changes his shared Shield of Faith spell to a Fire Resistance spell instead.

(Bliss, roll the ritual for today please)

-----------------------
For a short while, Hobie laments the fact that he JUST purchased a flaming enchantment for his bow, until he shares the story with Roscoe.

"Ya know, there's a Venturer in the town right now. Not an adventurer, mind you, but one of the traveling merchant priests of F'floy who call themselves, well, Venturers. I was going to ask one of you to go kindly ask him to stop his hollering about us holding him captive here, but maybe he can help you switch out that enchantment?"

Roscoe stands and peeks out of his small home, and cringes when another lightning flash lights up the otherwise dark afternoon. Just as soon as his nerves seem to settle, a phantasm of a 4 legged creature with a long probiscus nose walks through his hovel, and the poor deputy shouts with fright.

"Strange times, kiddo. Strange times."

------------------------

Kezzem learns a number of things about demons. He learns that almost all of them are immune to electricity and poison, and all of them are both evil and chaotic, which is a important distinction from their lawful enemies, the devils. He learns most of them can summon other demons, and that they tend to have spell like and special abilities.

He researches one demon he has seen in particular, several times, the Babau Demon, which is noted for it's protective slime that can destroy weapons. It might not hurt to have a backup or two just in case this guy ever shows up.

As he muses through his studies, he is approached by a younger hobbit, who looks like a child about to confess a crime to a parent.

"Mr. Paladin sir, can I talk to you? I think I did something bad."

-------------------------------------------------

Lance considers memoirs and books on husbandry, and is very much aware thanks to Pressi that every known demon is immune to electricity. While this might limit his option vs the demons, he has seen many other types of phantasms, and is positive that his attacks can make them go negative, and that thought makes him pretty charged.

He also packs some incredibly tasty sounding gift baskets.

----------------------------------------------------

Murphy decides to try and list the aid of the elementals living in and around Humbles Ford.

First he visits the water elementals, who seem somewhat apathetic about the whole thing. When he returns to speak to their elder, it says.

"Nothing lasts forever Druid. You need water for crops, we need no such thing. This river will flow here until it cannot, then it will branch to another place. Water flows along the channels given, it fills the lakes where the recesses lie. Be fluid, and adapt. If we fight and die, then we are no more."

It thinks for a moment.

"However. You once treated a small elemental with much care. You concern for our summoned kin fills us with compassion. Dig us a new lake, stock it with water-born life, and promise not to allow your kind to fish or hunt there. Do this, and I can promise that your settlement will have a pool of water from which to draw clean vitae from throughout your trial."

--

The earth elementals are much more gruff.

"We know of Burfell. We know of V�-Eldfj�ll. They hold sway in their lands, but not with us. If a mountain comes, then come it will. The change of earth is inconsequential. The removal of mortals is a benefit. His approach does not concern us."

It is silent for a long time, then adds.

"You are a respectable druid, and while many summon us to do their bidding as if we were servants, you treat us as allies, which is a solid foundation for friendship. If you can promise to dig us a cave, and stock it with minerals and gemstone, of all kinds, we can in exchange help create tunnels to hide your kin."

-------------

The air elementals seem amused by Murphy's earnest request, and tease him with gusts of wind while he speaks. Smaller elementals whoosh around him as he talks. Their elder waves them away, and replies.

"The concerns of those on the ground are not shared with us. We can move on, as does the wind, wherever we please. However, Humbles Ford and Crescent Valley carry clean, sweeping currents, and the halflings are amusing to watch. We could be persuaded to help you. Vow to build me a tower, tall and strong and gleaming white. Vow that none but the air may live there. It need not be fancy, but it must be tall. Do this, and we will gladly bring pain and misery to the lumbering earth-bound minions of V�-Eldfj�ll."

-----------

Murphy then summons the fire elementals, who hiss and crackle at him. Their fires pop and change hues. He makes his plea, and the elder elemental roars with vigor.

"Mortal druid, you have lived in harmony with the earth for much of your life. In this, you are wise. You assume the intentions of V�-Eldfj�ll are evil. In this, you are foolish. Is the frightened stampede that tramples the rodent evil, as it flees from the lion? Remember that your tiny spark of life is no more than that to the ageless, and even less to a Power. "

The fire dies down and the elders voice carries again.

"My offer to you is this. Convert at least fifty of your people to the worship of V�-Eldfj�ll. Build him a shrine, and light it with fires that burn forever. Do this, and the Fires native to Crescent Valley will step aside, and observe the battle rather than partake.

V�-Eldfj�ll is a power, and powers seek souls to worship them. His emissaries come for you soon, I am certain. The landscape will change, but those who follow the flame will have their weakness seared away. Those who do not survive will be fuel for the flame that burns on strong for many of your generations."

It pauses, then adds.

"If you do not, then do not expect peace between the lion and the herd, when the volcano arrives. In reward for your reverence of nature, I will also give you this knowledge. I would not rely on summoning the flame, when the battles begin."

------------------------------------------------------

Each of the Elemental Elders dismissed Murphy, and bid him to return the next day with the answer to their requests. Each Elder gives the druid the same meeting place, a small cliff that overlooks many of the farms in Humbles Ford.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/81 AC 24 CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Tuesday November 14th, 2017 2:09:07 PM
"Really Roscoe? Do you think he could? I'll go talk to him at once!"

Hobie will ride Pippa over to where this traveling merchant is being held "hostage."

"Good sir, I hear you are quite unhappy these days, that you feel as though you are being held hostage. I'm terribly sorry about the present circumstances. We at Humble's Ford did not conjure up these phantasms as they are being called, but the Sword is trying their best to figure out what's going on with them, and to get rid of them as quickly as possible. We have a few leads, as they all seem to be fire creatures, and we are soon to embark on a journey to defeat what we think is causing it.

In the meantime, we'd be glad to help you feel as comfortable as possible, is there anything specific that you are needing that I could possibly obtain for you?

Also, I'll be honest with you, as a merchant, there is a lot of money to be made here right now. The people are going crazy over the phantasms, and you could sell your wares as souvenirs. The local shopkeep, Mr. Pirnook, isn't used to competition and has been hiking his prices up, you could probably make some nice coin by undercutting his prices, making your time spent in Humble's Ford worth your while. "

After talking for a bit, and letting the merchant know that Hobie has heard his complaints, Hobie will ask him "Sir, speaking of our quest to eliminate the cause of these fire creature phantasms, I have a small request. At the end of our last adventure, I spent my share having my trusty bow enchanted with Flame. It hasn't even seen one battle yet, and it appears I was hasty with that decision, as we're about to run headlong to fight a volcano. Would it be within your abilities to switch that flame enchantment out for a Frost enchantment? "

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; flying; Harper - AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+9=19 ; d20+8=12 ;
Tuesday November 14th, 2017 3:04:12 PM
(OOC: Wow, I am so behind on everything. Let me finish up.)

cohorts

"I completely understand the concern of the Justicars," Pressi spoke to the aide that visited them, a dwarf villager from Plateau City named Dolgrin Agite. A rather frail figure for a dwarf, she had fought with him for some time in regards to her attitude and... pathway towards the Justicar calling.

Granted, she knew that she wasn't going to be an average Justicar. An arcane based roguelike who already had to change religions under their objections, she wasn't going to get far under the less jokey Pantheon divines that populated Justicar leadership. But for her time as a Monk, they might never have given her the time of day at all.

"Instead of giving you more worries, let me give you an opportunity as my fourth member. That way, you can pipe up if I stray from Justicar norms, and I can ignore you."

(I will take and stat Chicory, giving Joy to Bliss. I will have my followers stats later - just thought I was giving personalities and traits.)

Rest of the Prior Week

Outside of research, Pressi did not find herself with much to do. Dinners with Murphy and his family on occasion, but he was busy with the building. Natural resting took a lot of her time, but there wasn't much to do and the team had mostly gone their separate ways.

She made one more last minute trip to the catacombs, in an attempt to get a cold iron weapon under the wire. (She couldn't use a cold iron weapon under the fey domain.) But if she couldn't, she couldn't.

Lance

"I just wanted to clarify that I completely understood why you did what you did," she tells him when he comes back. "Heck, I am hardly above using fear myself, as long as you are smart about it.

"But here's the thing. If you think you are going to take the label of Batman from this acrobat detective creature of the night, you'd better be ready to take it."

Three Leads

Knowing that Murphy is following the second lead (by asking the elementals to the rocky soil), she proceeds to track down the others, starting with the merchant that claims to be trapped.

She starts with basic diplomatic overtures, trying to get an idea of who he is and why he would make such a claim (Diplo 19+2 from WLA). She also chooses to humor him, looking for any holding magic (Detect Magic, Know Arcana 12). She also looks at her symbol to see if he lies about anything (Sense Motive d20+19).

While there, Hobie joins her to listen in and ask if he has any supplies, and she chooses to ask about how much holy water he has.

She also makes her way towards the young halfling, now talking to Kezzem. (If he leaves beforehand, she just asks Kezzem to fill her in.)

Finally, she makes her way to Murphy, to ask him what he has learned.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP80) (Cayzle) d20+10=28 ;
Tuesday November 14th, 2017 8:49:39 PM
Bloodwitch rolls for the day:

To prepare spells ...
Concentrate Check (1d20+7CL+3int) vs DC14 ... rolled a 28, no problem.

Ritual of the Grimalkin DC20 Handle Animal check ... Bliss has a +17 base, +1 cauldron +4 followers +2 Harper and Pressi +4 Pressi's followers = no chance of failure.

Ritual of Sharing DC30 Spellcraft check ... Bliss has a +22 base, +1 cauldron +4 followers +2 Harper and Pressi +4 Pressi's followers = no chance of failure.

Shared Extended Resist Fire at CL7 gives Fire Resist 20 for 46 noncontinuous minutes each for Pressi, Harper, and Bliss.

"Easy Peasy," says Bliss.

If Pressi wants to do her own Basic Ritual -- ritual of warding is especially nice -- Bliss and his cauldron and followers will help, of course, even though Bliss cannot benefit from more than one Basic Ritual per day.

Bliss casts his Threefold Aspect spell as usual and sets it to the youngest form.

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Tuesday November 14th, 2017 11:33:54 PM
Lance looks quizzically at Pressi. "What's a Batman?"

Later, at the butcher, Lance orders 100 charcuterie gift baskets for the community (per Halfling Rations). He plops down 25 gold pieces, and an extra 10 gold pieces for gift cards attached to each one. [b]"Please have them read; "Our apologies if you were singed. Lance was not really unhinged. Next time we say 'flee', pack up and get thee! Or your safety may be infringed."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80
Wednesday November 15th, 2017 2:39:04 AM

As mentioned, while talking with the various elementals, Murphy was also engaged in a full-on telepathic bond with Pressi, letting her know all he was experiencing and hearing during the meetings.

He considers the offers and boundaries of each elemental type, he finds three of them acceptible, and can conceive of how he might keep the requested pledges. He discusses this with Pressi, and with any other party members who wish to participate, and asks for a meeting with the local authorities (he's keeping them busy). The gist of it is this: He will agree to the request of Water. He wants to ensure that none will fish or hunt there, and asks for a law to be established to that effect. Halflings may swim, there, perhaps, but not to fish.

He asks if he may build a lake either on Humble Field (the Grange Battlefield), or to the west of that (just off the map on the lower half). He would have a canal between the Crescent River and the lake. Or, do the local authorities have a better site to propose? Additional alternatives include a spot to the south side of the river, or off the far right of the map, north of the river a little ways. Once it is determined where the lake will go, then he will tell Water that he agrees. "Due to lack of time, the lake will at the start be somewhat shallow, and not large. Later, I can work to deepen it and broaden it somewhat for your pleasure, and in accordance with your wishes."

For Earth, he agrees to build a cave, and to fill it as they request. He thinks it better that none, save himself and Pressi (for he can hide nothing from her) will know the location of the cave - but he intends to have it not too far off from Humble's Sword Acres. It will take him time to stock it. He mentions a general site, and asks the elementals if that will be suitable for what they have in mind.

For Air, he agrees to raise a tall white spire. "I cannot promise, though, that no birds will land there, or attempt to build their nests. You air elementals will have to enforce your desire where avians are concerned. I was thinking toward the top there could be some channels for you to dance through, some that might evoke beautiful sounds depending upon the direction and strength of the winds."

Fire, though, is another matter. Discussing with those in authority - including the religious authorities - Murphy expresses his concerns to them. "It sounds like they offer some powers to those who choose to serve V�-Eldfj�ll, yet threaten - even promise - to harm many others. And, I cannot compel others to worship - especially one such as this. The mountain wishes to alter our lands, our way of life. I must tell Fire that I cannot compel others to serve V�-Eldfj�ll. A shrine? Fires that burn forever? I must know more about V�-Eldfj�ll before I can agree to raise a shrine. Should enough halflings decide to bow the knee to him, they could be placed in charge of providing fuel for an everlasting flame.

He tells his friends, "I think to say something like this:"

I have no desire to oppose fire - for I have benefitted from its warmth my whole life. Yet, should flames come to harm my people, and our lands, that I cannot ignore. Should your kind not attack, we will remain at peace with you. Should your kind attempt to consume or harm mine, then shall I oppose your efforts.

Fire is a great power. It energizes. It helps us in so many ways. Without it, how should we live so well as we do? However, unchecked - when it threatens to consume our children, then it must be bounded. So far as we can, let us be at worst neutral toward each other. If we can cooperate, and it not harm my people, then let us do so.

"Would that properly answer them? Those words may simply, uh, inflame them against me, against us. But I will not promise to promote V�-Eldfj�ll. Unless I find out he is a jolly old fellow, quite worthy of adoration."

He listens for counsel in answering Fire - and will accept comments and wisdom regarding the other elements.

Murphy warmly thanks Bliss for the vial.

In the midst of all this activity, Murphy casts goodberry. His mother has berries of a few types in her garden.

Before going to meet with the elementals, he casts resist energy (fire), protection from energy (fire), and has quench memorized.
=============
[Thank you, DM Ken, for such a good and challenging response to Murphy's elemental diplomatic efforts. Really made me think how to respond, in many ways.]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80
Wednesday November 15th, 2017 2:42:20 AM

"Oh, one more thing. V�-Eldfj�ll seeks to move, it seems, out of fear of the Doom of the Wold. What, or who, is the Doom of the Wold?" Murphy queries.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; flying; Harper - AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+12=22 ; d20+15=21 ;
Wednesday November 15th, 2017 10:18:10 AM
Bliss

(Sorry, forgot to make my rolls)

Wold Blood Roll = 1d20+8 CL +4 vs DC 14 = 22, easy pass.

Pressi, reminded by Bliss, returns the favor.

Bliss asks for the Ritual of Warding, which is 20 vs Base 4 + 11 followers (d20+15). She just barely passes (Bliss, Harper and Pressi get +1 to AC, saving throws.)

She's a tad iffy on trying Spiritual Healing (need 13 to pass), so she performs the shield of faith sharing spell. (Base 21+11=no chance of fail.) After considering a number of buffs, she simply casts shield of faith.

... And then she remembers that the coven (Pressi, Bliss and Harper) can only benefit from one of each type at a time. So she asks Bliss which to use. (She suggests to Bliss that he forego the cat thing since they might need to be doing things besides fighting. For the intermediate, she might also cast Rose temp control.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (22?), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper - AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Wednesday November 15th, 2017 10:20:34 AM
Adding header

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21(22?), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Wednesday November 15th, 2017 10:22:11 AM
Lets Try this

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Wednesday November 15th, 2017 10:24:00 AM
Oh right, the beginning

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP80) (Cayzle)
Wednesday November 15th, 2017 10:45:44 AM
Bliss suggests the Cat ritual for Bliss and the Warding for Pressi and Harper. The rolls are OK with that.

Bliss suggests Sharing Ritual of Fire Resist for Bliss, Pressi, and Harper, but if Pressi prefers, it can be Shield of Faith for all three instead, and they can rely on potions and spells for Fire Resistance. Bliss lets Pressi decide.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Wednesday November 15th, 2017 11:40:32 AM
Pressi picks the Fire Resist, holding back on Shield of Faith.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday November 15th, 2017 2:07:38 PM
Kezzem turns detect evil on the kid. Assuming he's not evil, "Well, the important thing is that you feel bad about it and aren't likely to do it again. I can see that your aura is still clean. Do you want to talk about it?"

He sees Pressi approaching out the corner of his eye, and motions for her to hang back for now. Maybe the kid wants some privacy, particularly if this "bad thing" involves girl.

----
Later, Kezzem meets back up with the others. "Hey guys, I was reading about this bamboo demon guy, and he has like acid skin that can damage your weapons, so you may want to pickup some backup weapons to use on this guy. Also, cold iron weapons work best against demons, so I'm going to try and find some cold iron daggers for myself."

OOC: Can Kezzem find any cold iron daggers in town, or does he need to take a trip to the catacombs.

DM Ken: You can purchase them from the Venturer who happens to be here during a sandbox module while you might happen to need some special supplies!

DM Ken
Wednesday November 15th, 2017 4:38:17 PM

Pressi and Hobie engage the merchant, Rando M'name, who is furiously pacing about outside of Pirnooks, a scroll clutched in his hands. He looks up at them, and once Hobie informs the human that they are folks that can actually do things, he starts paying attention.

"Hostage is a strong word perhaps, but I'm stuck here! Have you lot tried traveling out of Crescent Valley? The ash storms get so bad you can't see, the winds and the crags - which I certainly didn't notice when I traveled here - serve to keep you stuck in the same 100 mile ring!"

The man seems to want to be irate, but Hobie's words found the perfect hook, and the man relaxes a little.

"I suppose there is money here, as long as there's adventurers." He looks directly at Pressi. "How much holy water did you want? I've got a whole crate of the stuff. It's not actually holy water, but more like god sweat. I picked it up from a tribe of Vegepygmies near the Tree of Parting. They swear the tree is the manifestation of the Culverwood, and I traded them ten boxes of socks knitted from Ogre back hair, which is -also- considered sacred by the barbarians I got it from."

He takes a deep breath.

"But the god sweat works! I swear by it! I tested some on a dhampir that's always at the catacombs, and he swears as to it's effectiveness!"

He pushes aside a few gift baskets from his absurdly messy pull cart, and chuckles as he does. "Or your safety may be infringed. Ha!"

He points to a box.

"Lots of holy water there. How much do you want? Totally unrelated, but I typically make about 200 gold a day. I've made 50 so far, and have invested about 50 into these holy waters. So like, I'm just saying, if you buy at least 150 golds worth, I might be convinced to take the rest of the day off, which would leave me time to move your friends enchantment over from Fire to Frost, in exchange for his promise to owe me a favor and to end these annoying ash storms!"

--------------------------

Kezzem detects no evil in the boy, but senses a reluctance to come clean. After a moment or two of hesitation, the kid says to Kezzem, "Follow me please. It's easier to show you!"

The kid leads Kezzem a fair bit away, towards the largest cemetery in Humbles Ford. He points to an old stone mausoleum, with the shattered remains of a heavy stone slab where the sealed entrance should be. A peal of thunder and the crack of lightning flashes in the sky.

"I was playing "Bravery' with with some other kids. We took turns throwing our rocks through the blue ghosts here in the graveyard. When it was my turn, I threw it super hard. It went right through the ghosts head, like it always does."

The child shivers. "But then it turned and looked at us."

"That was scary. It didn't say nothin, just watched. We all started to run away, and we suddenly heard it scream, and it charged right at me! It hit the stone there when I ducked,and we all kept running. It might still be in there."

Almost in tears, the boy looks at Kezzem.

"I'm sorry my rock made the monster real! What if it comes back and hurts someone else? Please kill it!"

------------

Pressi and Bliss work on their rituals for a bit, before going their seperate ways. Pressi accompanies Hobie, while Bliss does what cats do, after handing out the fire resistance potions.

----------

Murphy considers the requests of the elementals, and goes back to meet them on the precipice. When he arrives, all four elders are present.

He gives his answers, and the elementals reply with silence. Finally, Air speaks.

"Druid, you approached us one after the other. If not for the tradition of our kind to treat with humans in this spot, where a druid from the past once honored a deal with us, we would not have known you sought to treat with us all."

The air around him whistles as he moves closer.

"We have long had a pact here, that no mortal can hold the allegiance of more than one elder. Please choose one alliance to forge, and it will be honored. We have each given you our terms, and promised the the type of aid to be given in return."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+16=18 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+1=20 ;
Wednesday November 15th, 2017 5:55:58 PM
Kezzem waves Pressi over. "He Press, go round up the others while I check this out."

"Now, kid, you did a stupid thing, not a bad thing. A bad thing would be if you were trying to hurt someone or some animal, like throwing rocks at a pony. That would be a bad thing because you were trying to hurt it. Since you didn't think the rocks would hit anything, it wasn't really a bad thing, see?

I am not sure the monster is real. It only looked at you and howled, it doesn't sound like it could touch anything and didn't hurt anyone, just gave you kiddos a fright. It may not even have been reacting to you, but something else that you couldn't see. In any case, I don't think the rock would have done it. I mean, it's just a piece of stone, right?"

As Kezzem turns to leave, he looks back. "Btw, kid, what's your name?"

Kezzem while investigate the monster, attempting to remain hidden (forgetting it's not as good at this as he used to be). He activates his detect evil radar to see if he can ping any monsters in the cemetery.

OOC:

Diplomacy (to calm the kid, give advise, etc).: 18.
Stealth: 18.
Perception: 20.

DM Ken: To confirm the post, the monster did destroy a giant stone slab, which means it interacted with the world around it.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP80) (Cayzle)
Wednesday November 15th, 2017 9:32:56 PM

Bliss changes into a halfling in order to declare, "If these monsters are getting more real, we have to tell people to hide and get under cover!"

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Thursday November 16th, 2017 12:21:54 AM
ooc: Wednesday post! I let time get away.

Lance holds his hands up defensively. "Someone else may want to tell people to run and get cover. Someone trained in fuzzy-wuzzies and hugs and lollipops. Not this guy."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80
Thursday November 16th, 2017 2:01:38 AM

Murphy feels humbled by the assembled power, and wonders at who was the druid who earlier made a pact with the elementals. "As this is your tradition, then I shall honor it. Each of you has my gratitude for having made a generous offer." He looks around at them all, then down at the ground for a moment. He raises his eyes to Air. "Would this cliff be a suitable spot for building a white tower? It may take some time to find materials, and to build it strong and tall, but I give you my word to do so, as you keep your word to aid us in our coming trials."

As before, he telepathically includes Pressi in this convocation, that she may mentally see, hear and understand the import of what goes on.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday November 16th, 2017 8:48:10 AM
OOC: Sorry, misread your post as saying "I hit the stone" (thinking the boy slipped and fell as he ran) not "It his the stone"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/81 AC 24 CMD 24 Hero Points 2 d20+2=19 ;
Thursday November 16th, 2017 4:14:09 PM
"Good Master M'name, we will certainly be willing to spend 150 gold on Holy Water, and perhaps other equipment. I'll take three vials of Holy Water myself. I heard some of our group talk of needing Cold Iron Weapons, would you happen to have two quiversful of Cold Iron arrows, and maybe 5 or so Cold Iron daggers? Oh, and um, let's throw in that jar of honey to make it an even hundred. And if you are so kind as to exchange my enchantment, I can promise we will do our very best to end the ash storms, and help you with anything else you might need. I'll even play a song for you on my new lute as a thank you!"

Perform (Lute) check=19

Hobie smiles wide as he plays his lute, feeling confident in his practice. After the song and the exchange with the merchant, he leaves, promising to come back first thing in the morning to retrieve his bow.

Hobie heads back to where the group was gathered previously, and offers up some of the Cold Iron weapons he just bought. He keeps the holy water, honey, one dagger and 20 arrows for himself, and suggests that the rest of the group take the rest if they don't currently have Cold Iron weapons. Anything the group doesn't need he'll just put in his handy haversack for later.
4 CI Daggers
20 CI Arrows

3 vials of Holy Water= 75gp
5 CI Daggers= 20 gp
40 CI arrows = 4gp
1/2 pound of honey =1gp
Total=100gp (ooc: I'm assuming Pressi is also buying some things, but if not, I'll add two vials of Holy Water to get us to the 150.)

ooc: I'm assuming the Kezzem cemetery thing is happening at the same time as Hobie's visit to the merchant so he would have no way of knowing about it, but if Kezzem or anyone else lets Hobie know about whats going on, he will eagerly go help.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday November 16th, 2017 4:28:30 PM
Since Pressi is not there as per thr emails, Kezzem will instead ask the kid to find Pressi or Murph and have them gather the others for backup.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP80) (Cayzle)
Thursday November 16th, 2017 4:33:41 PM

Now that he realizes that these monsters may come real and actually hurt people, Bliss gets more serious. He goes through the town with his friends, trying to convince people to be ready to hide at a moment's notice. Somewhere small and underground, maybe.

Um, until recently, there were a bunch of dwarves training the local militia to repel goblins and giants. It seems to Bliss like it would be good to get the militia on alert. For example, get militia members to stand around town with bells or horns, and sound the alarm the moment the "ghost" monsters stop being so insubstantial.

Do the "ghost" monsters always stay in the same place, or do they wander around? Bliss wants to get a census going of how many there are, and to track them all. He will use his followers and dwarf pals from the militia to help if he can. [The dwarves like Bliss ever since he tried to win a drinking contest with them. Tried!]

If the monsters do stay still, maybe we can build a scaffolding around a few of them, with nets and holy water above, so that if they get substantial, the nets and holy water will drop on them. Does anybody have any ranks in trap-making?

Every day, Bliss casts his Plant Growth spell, either the Enrichment version to help counter the drying out that has hurt plants in the area, or, if there are any ghost monsters that tend to stay away from buildings and roads, then the Overgrowth version so that if/when they become material, they may be stuck in the overgrowth, giving time to sound alarms and take cover.

DM Ken: I missed, not ignored, the militia part. My apologies. The dwarves will be on notice, and don't mind setting up a phantasm alarm, so to speak.

Mark off a casting of plant growth for today, but since we have slowed down the pace a tad, were going to go with just one casting active at the moment.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Thursday November 16th, 2017 4:45:17 PM
Pressi nods at Hobie's purchases, and puts in a purchase for whatever is left of the holy water. (Let's say another three vials.)

She also asks if he has a cold iron spiked chain. Otherwise, she will take a cold iron rapier. She does not dare to hope for masterwork.

-----------------

As this is going on, Pressi is being clued in to the dealings between Murphy and the Elementals. While she is somewhat drawn towards the fire's proposition, she agrees with him to reject it. "A lion is not evil because it is incapable of controlling its hunger or understanding its actions. If Ve-el is similarly unequipped, then he is unworthy of our time, evil or not."

She does press against his choice for the air, preferring the tunnel options. Of course, she had been telling leadership to build such tunnels since she arrived three levels ago, when the threat was giants, so she didn't expect them to start picking up shovels with her. Eventually, however, she respects his decision.

(Baby is now up, so I will have to post the rest of this tonight.)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80
Thursday November 16th, 2017 5:42:16 PM

Following any response from / interaction with the gathered elementals (to which he'll respond as appropriate), Murphy returns to town, lets the powers that be know about the upcoming aid from the realm of air, then says he must get to work on digging a place of safety, deeper within the earth than the burrows typically afford. He asks for help in carrying out earth as he excavates, and will need many hands.

He asks the proprietor of the Dancing Pig if he can, while shaped as a large earth elemental, dig down from underneath that establishment to provide safe shelter for the populace should hot stones start raining from the skies. If they say no, he goes to the Belly Buster, and asks the same question.

He likewise asks the Primulas if he can dig a tunnel at or near their place. He begins at the first inn that allows it, or at Sling and Arrow if neither says yes, and digs down in a diagonal pathway, with enough room for a dwarf to pass through. When he gets to 40' beneath the surface, he levels it out, and begins to focus on setting up many interconnected chambers 10' to 15' wide, and 15' to 20' long, for people to rest in. He then digs a tunnel onward toward the next building, so that the entry places are linked underground. These passages he makes about seven feet wide, with occasional alcoves. He does as much over an eight to ten hour period as he is able. He charges those who are able to place timbers and supports along the way to help prevent cave ins. The tops of the chambers he curves to help in that wise, as well. Every so often, he digs a pit, about 5'x5'x5', to hold water, and also, away from these spots, with some narrow holes with soft earth nearby, for people to take care of their necessities.

His father, good at working with wood, he engages in helping to ensure the passages are well supported - and any dwarves who may be about, asks for their help, too.

Also, as his form as an earth elemental may seem frightful to some, he does what he can to allay their concerns. "It's just me, Murphy - using earth magic to change my form, to help us all out. Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you."

=========
If someone gets word to him about Kezzem's request, Murphy explains that he has no great abilities versus ghosts, and must focus on places of safety for the community. "After my dig, today, if still needed, then may I help."

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+8=25 ;
Friday November 17th, 2017 10:01:12 AM
(My apologies if you were waiting for me to finish.)

In response to Murphy's affirmation, Pressi responds that they need to build the tower, get what tunnels they can, and find sources of clean water.

Pressi asks Hobie and Murphy to find Bliss and maybe Lance. The spellcasters have cantrips like "Create Water" and "Purify Water" that won't last forever but it can be bottled or placed in reservoirs for a time, particularly once things start getting harder. (Bliss and Pressi also have Rose Temp Control, which they can use to create cool zones when things get tougher.)

For the tower, there is a discussion as to whether to start from scratch or to use the broken tower. Plans also have to be made about whether and how to keep birds away. Pressi begins to think of things like scarecrows - or perhaps advanced versions like permanent ghost sound - but settles on an array of spikes at the top of the tower, making it difficult for anything to nest.

For the tunnels, Pressi sends a message to the Dancing Pig, calling on her contacts for help in agreeing with the situation (Diplomacy 25) but isn't really the type for helping to dig. (Harper does her best, but she's just one animal.) She also opens what was completed of the old and new guild halls for refugees.

Before stopping off at Murphy, she does make her way towards Lance and Bliss. This should open her up to being found by the boy.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80
Friday November 17th, 2017 1:50:07 PM

Murphy telepathically communicates to Pressi that they cannot use the giant tower for the air elementals. That tower, despite the recent sabotage, needs to be repaired and returned to its purpose.

If needed to help Kezzem, he will take a break from tunneling - the work he has started should keep folks busy for a while, and he figures - so long as he survives - he can return, perhaps, within the half hour. At least, that's the theory.

DM Ken
Friday November 17th, 2017 2:12:05 PM

Kezzem detects for evil, and finds none. He is hidden for now, and though the mausoleum is small, he sees or hears nothing coming from within. It seems awfully dark inside though, even accounting for the black clouds hanging over all of Humbles Ford.

-----------------------------

Pressi and Hobie win over the Venturer, around the same time he finishes up Hobies enchantment swap and packaging your purchases, including the cold iron weapons, (including the mw quality cold iron spiked chain), a kid comes round to alert both Pressi and Hobie that Kezzem, who is about 5 minutes away, might be in some trouble.

-----------------------------

Murphy finishes his elementals bargain, choosing to side with air in this endeavor. Earth rumbles away with no comment, and water seems willing to go with the flow. Fire roars to life, then smolders a bit before parting with a warning.

"Your choice endangers you all, but fits a mortals logic. Only those who know they will die one day anyways are so willing to bring it's timetable closer."

With a flare of heat, he is gone. Murphy (in theory) recieves a mental alert from Pressi regarding Kezzem, and his DM assumes he will go to his aid.

DM Ken: This leaves Murphy no time to progress on the tunnels however. Of course, if he wishes to ignore the situation, as hinted that he might in your post, feel free to go ahead and make a start that would be equal to no more than an hours work.

The full week leading up to now was the time to make big sweeping changes to the environment =D

------------------------------------------------

Bliss, actively asking some questions, with a bored Lance in tow, finds that the descriptions of different phantasms are in the hundreds. They don't seem to have any particular pattern, and it's all rather chaotic.

A young kid comes running by, and lets them both know that Kezzem might need their help, and he dashes off towards Pirooks right after.

----------------------------

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Friday November 17th, 2017 3:32:04 PM
Pressi frowns. "Looks like building is going to have to wait."

She signals Hobie to follow, and updates Murphy on the situation as she goes.

-----------------------

As she listens to Kezzem, she looks through the area around. "What about the rock itself? Was there anything unusual about it?" (She takes some time to look through about the area for it.)

She takes some time to detect magic on it.

-------------------

ritual of +1 to AC, saves
shared spell: fire resist

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 24 CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Friday November 17th, 2017 3:51:29 PM
Hobie will quickly follow Pressi to Kezzem, echoing her questions. He defers to the magic users to look around for the source of what happened, and steels himself for battle if something should come.

ooc (just to clarify, you said that the merchant finished the enchantment swap before we left? I was thinking Hobie would need to get through til the morning sans bow, but I'm more than happy to have it with me)

DM Ken: Feel free to take it with. Apparently I failed to impress upon the group anything at all about there being a sense of danger or a particular theme among your upcoming enemies. We can just hand waive how fast he got it done.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP80) (Cayzle)
Friday November 17th, 2017 5:28:45 PM

Bliss has a gut sense that this is the calm before the storm. He thinks that it would be better if the monsters materialized at night, when people were home and away from danger. He spends his time warning people to get under cover and hide.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Sunday November 19th, 2017 2:40:14 PM
"Looks clear for now," says Kezzem. "Whatever happened seems to have been temporary. I don't think there was anything special about the rock, but feel free to take a look. My magic daggers didn't have that kind of effect earlier, and they are magic!"

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Sunday November 19th, 2017 8:35:59 PM
FRIDAY POST

Lance follows with the party to go and investigate what is vexing Kezzem.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80
Monday November 20th, 2017 12:35:54 AM

Yesterday, after first speaking with the elemental, Murphy spend the balance of the day in the woods behind the Mayor's burrow, digging ditches to fill with water against the possibility of coming fires - and to provide some measure of shelter and safety for people of the village. Today, he met with the elemental elders, learned that he could enter into a covenant only with one of the four, and chose air - though he would have liked to also have joined with water and earth.

Now, after leaving the elemental convocation, Murphy has hastened to the center of town, quickly briefed a few officials on the nature of the offerings and warnings from the elements, and was about to start digging. He heard that Kezzem is in need of help. So, while adjacent the Dancing Pig, he goes to the back, warns people to stay some distance from him, and summons a small earth elemental.

In the Terran tongue, in a deeper voice than he speaks in common or halfling, Murphy says to the elemental this: "My people are in danger. Please, tell me if there is any cavern, cave, or tunnel beneath this place of dwellings of halflings. If there is something twenty feet deep or deeper down, where there is open space beneath the cover of earth, tell me where, and how deep, and how far from this point. We need a place to hide my people from coming fire in the sky."

He listens carefully to what the elemental reports, asks for clarification where needed, that, should there be an open space under the town, he might know of it. If there is such not too far from where they now stand, Murphy then asks the elemental to dig a narrow hole (~2 feet diameter) toward the cavern, tunnel, or whatever it may be, that he, Murphy, might later use the beginning of the tunnel to dig further when he is able. If the underground opening is too far from here, he asks the elemental to hustle with him to a place perhaps 60 feet away, to help triangulate the direction, and to clarify the approximate depth, and rough size of the open area.

If it is nearby... For the communication, perhaps 2-5 rounds may be needed. For the digging, the elemental then has 5-8 rounds to begin to dig a passageway. After that is done, and the earth elemental has fulfilled his summons, Murphy then ensures there is a covering for the opening to the narrow tunnel - if such was started, so that no one fall in. He asks that the area be covered, roped off, and all be forbidden to try to use, or mess with, the covered opening. "This may be a passage to survival, but will need more work. If someone careless of their child, or dog, allows it to be uncovered, it could be a passage to harm. Please protect it until I can return."

He then hastens to help Kezzem and his friends, communicating telepathically with Pressi as he approaches, that she know what he's been up to, and to gather what she knows about the situation he is approaching.

DM Ken BATTLE MAP d4=3 ; d4=1 ; d4=4 ;
Monday November 20th, 2017 2:44:15 PM

Pressi is the first to arrive to Kezzems aid. She is curious if there was something special about the rock, but determines that probably not. There are lots of rocks in the area anyways, and it would be impossible to determine, since nothing is showing up on her detect magic, except her gear and Kezzems.

--

Hobie arrives next, and since Pressi's questions were his own, he finds the same answers she did. He is more ready for battle, and finds his eyes drawn to the darkness within the mausoleum.

---

Bliss, rather than follow the party to Kezzem, runs from place to place, warning people to stay indoors as much as possible. The dwarves he warned continue to draw up plans for patrols, which could be a big help, since their darkvision will be an asset most of the residents in Humbles Ford lack.

He looks up as Murphy comes by, and the more practical halfling whisks Bliss away towards Kezzem.

---

Kezzem doesn't rock the boat, indicating he thinks all the danger here has passed. He points out his magic daggers didn't trigger a response, so even if there were a magic rock, it wouldn't do anything either.

----

Murphy heads back to town first, and spends some time with a small earth elemental. It heads down, searches, and reports back that there's nothing really in this place. The Ford was such good farming land because of the stable, soft soil. It would take far more work than 1 summoning of a small elemental to get an acceptable hidey hole started.

Murphy heads back towards where Kezzem was reported to be, and arrives with the others. He starts to fill them in on what he's been up to and to ask questions, when the darkness explodes out of the mausoleum, showering the Halflings with ash, darkness, and heat.

---

????
Knowledge Check: Planes DC 19

Move Action: Emerge from Mausoleum
Standard Action: Blinding Flurry

Blinding Flurry: All creatures within 50 ft must make a Reflex vs DC 19 or be blinded for 3 rounds. They must also make another Reflex save (same DC) or choke on some of the ashes, suffering a -2 morale penalty to attack and damage rolls for 5 rounds as they choke out the noxious ashes.

Players Affected: Pressi, Murphy, Kezzem, Hobie, Lance, Bliss

Map effects: Being behind a tombstone gives partial cover. Humbles Ford has, at best, dim light.

Dm concessions: It makes sense that at least one or all of you would either have a light spell up, or a torch lit at the moment.

---------------------------------------------------------

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 24 CMD 24 Hero Points 2 d20+11=14 ; d20+11=18 ;
Monday November 20th, 2017 3:33:58 PM
Hobie was focusing so intently that when the creature acted, he was hit immediately with both the darkness and the ash.

Coughing and choking, Hobie does his best to cough out the word "Romita," and becomes invisible. He moves south to Square O13, choking and coughing along the way.

Remaining rounds Blinded: 2
Remaining rounds choking 4

Bliss / CatBliss (AC19, HP96) (Cayzle) d20+8=18 ; d20+8=24 ;
Monday November 20th, 2017 4:11:49 PM

Bliss, confused, of course wants to help his friends, and thanks Mister Murphy for his guidance.

He rolls a reflex save of 18. He is blind.

He manages not to choke on the ash.

Blinded, Bliss backs up 10 ft (move action) to 1N. He casts a Barkskin spell on himself. He rubs at his eyes.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+4=6 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+14=33 ;
Monday November 20th, 2017 9:20:46 PM
Pressi fails hard at creature id.

Pressi manages to withstand the blindness but not the noxious fumes.

--------

-2 to attack, damage for five rounds.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+10=28 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+9=21 ;
Monday November 20th, 2017 10:27:19 PM
Harper manages both saves. She begins to move toward the creature, stalking (stealth 21), sniffing, keeping her distance.

Pressi decides she ought to help Bliss out, casting remove blindness. She moves closer to the creature, within 50 feet, keeping an eye locked.

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16 d20+9=25 ; d20+9=25 ; d20+15=31 ;
Monday November 20th, 2017 11:52:28 PM
ooc: Reflex save 25, Reflex save 25, Knowledge (arcana) check 31

Lance manages to avoid the burst of light and the cloud of ash and smoke. He quickly steps behind a headstone and begins casting a spell.

ooc: 5-foot-step to G3, cast fly. Knowledge (arcana) check 31 to identify the creature.

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Monday November 20th, 2017 11:53:29 PM
ooc2: Also, rise 30 feet up in the air as a move action.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80 d20+6=15 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+25=38 ;
Tuesday November 21st, 2017 3:20:25 AM

Murphy is taken by surprise, and suffers both effects. Though blinded, he had a good feel for his surroundings before the flurry began (perception 38), so he wild shapes into an earth elemental, and sinks into the earth. That stops the choking, as earth elementals do not breathe. His eyes now are gems
- will ask for a DM ruling as to whether his eyes are still affected by blindness. Under ground, he casts know direction, and moves toward the creature which burst on the scene, about 15'.

When he knows he is going to a possible encounter, Murphy usually casts longstrider in anticipation. If the DM would be so kind as to allow this - it will not affect his burrow speed (which otherwise is 25 (fleet feat)), but will affect movement above ground.

DM Ken: Longstrided. Still blinded, still taking the penalty for 5 rounds, even if you aren't breathing it anymore. It's listed specifically as a morale penalty. (Even if you cant breath, it's in your.. body? Was in your body? And I don't wanna try to dissect the physiology of an elemental.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+13=24 ; d20+13=33 ;
Tuesday November 21st, 2017 12:26:45 PM
Monday Post:

SV Ref #1: 24. Made.
SV Ref #2: 33. Made.

"Not clear!" says Kezzem. "It's not clear!"

Kezzem moves 20 ft. towards the creature and attempts to detect evil on the creature.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80
Tuesday November 21st, 2017 12:55:00 PM

How much time passed from meeting with elementals to now? Murphy immediately left the meeting to hasten to town to look into digging tunnels, but then was summoned to help Kezzem et al, so was perhaps 5 minutes or so by the Dancing Pig, and then hurried over to where we are now. I ask because, as stated several posts above (Nov 15), immediately before the meeting with the elementals, the druid had cast resist energy (fire) (lasts 100 minutes) and protection from energy (fire) (likewise lasts 100 minutes). How many minutes to go?

DM Ken: Shoot the moon and say 45 minutes, to meet with the elementals. Reach an accord, come back home, head to the pig, do things there, and then come here.

DM Ken BATTLE MAP d20+16=24 ; d4=4 ; d20+10=17 ; 2d8=9 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d4=1 ;
Tuesday November 21st, 2017 1:38:53 PM

Kezzem casts detect evil, and finds it does not ping on his radar. Like most elementals, this one is probably neutral. He feels the air around him heating up as he closes in on the creature. He has the feeling getting right next to it will only make things hotter..

-----------------

Murphy changes into an earth elemental, and goes underground with his earthglide ability. He casts know direction, and has a pretty clear idea on where the creature is at.

-----------------

Lance wants to fly straight up, but it requires a skill check to do so. His DM makes the roll for him, and he passes the DC 20. Lance is 30ft in the air. He tries to catalog the creature with his vast arcane lore, but as his DM pointed out earlier, this is a Knowledge Planes skill check.

---------------

Pressi removes Bliss's blindness, and she and Harper move forward. Pressi also feels intense heat coming from the creature. She recalls what she knows about the types of creatures that usually are in V�-Eldfj�ll's domain, and thinks this one might be one of the more fiery ones.

--------------

Bliss and Hobie each make some minor movements, and aid themselves with spells.

--------------

-------------

????
Knowledge Check: Planes DC 19

The creature roars, and ashes swirl around it as it does so. It seems to be making a decision on which enemy to engage. (evens/odds, creature picks Kezzem/Pressi. d4=4) It stomps between Pressi and Kezzem, and swings swirling tendril of hot ash at Kezzem.

Hits Touch AC 17 for 12 fire damage.

Kezzem and Pressi, both being within 10ft of the creature, must take 1d6 Fire damage. 2 for Pressi, 3 for Kezzem.

Kezzem must pass a reflex save, DC 16, or catch fire, and take d6 fire damage each turn for the next (d4=1) rounds.

Move Action: Move between Pressi and Kezzem.
Standard Action: Attack Kezzem.

Players Affected by blindess, 2 turns remain. Players affected by morale penalty, 4 turns remain.

Map effects: Being behind a tombstone gives partial cover. Humbles Ford has, at best, dim light.

-----------------------

Coming up the rounded path to the cliffside cemetary, another fiery roar echoes that of the first. Large footfalls stomp up the path, and a second elemental, easily double the size of the first, can be seen coming up the path.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 81/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d12=7 ; d8=2 ; d20+10=23 ; d6+2=3 ; d6=5 ; d20+11=18 ;
Tuesday November 21st, 2017 2:53:36 PM
Pressi swings her weapon at the creature. (Attack 23, damage 3, ice 5)(sneak 2d6 if Kezzem moves in flanking)

"Watch that step," she tells the creature as she activates the fire resist and retreats between two masuleoms (g9)(acro 18).

Harper maintains position.

DM Ken: Elementals are immune to critical hits.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC22, HP96) (Cayzle) d20+26=29 ; d6+5=8 ;
Tuesday November 21st, 2017 4:17:59 PM
Bliss casts his Barkskin, then tumbles 30 ft (at -5 on his acrobatics roll) toward the biggest giantest elemental foe.

"I'LL SMUSH YOU, MONSTER!" the halfling shouts. He sprouts thick strong long thorns and starts to glow as he bounces evasively forward to Q7. [activates his Arcane Strike as a swift action and his bramble armor as a free action]

Acrobatics check to avoid provoking AoOs: 29.

If the monster strikes him, Bliss's thorns inflict 1d6+3+2 arcane strike = 8 damage to the thing.

No wait! Please let's NOT arcane strike this round! That's only 6 damage with thorns! Bliss uses his swift action this round to turn on his Fire Resistance 20!

DM Sanity Info:
Active Spells:
Fire Resistance 20, Shield of Faith, Barkskin, Threefold Aspect.
Grimalkin (not currently turned on)
Bramble Armor round 1 of 6.

DM Ken: Arcane strike adds to weapon damage, and the thorns are treated as magical damage, not attacks.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) (Invisible) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2 d20+6=19 ;
Tuesday November 21st, 2017 4:43:31 PM
Knowing the foolishness of shooting arrows toward his allies while blind, Hobie continues moving south, feeling in front of him with his hands so as not to trip on a gravestone, making his way to the large stone in P13-Q14.
(ooc: how large is that? I think I want Hobie to climb it)
If it's climbable Hobie is going to try to climb it, toward Q13, Climb check =19
If not really climbable, Hobie will take cover in P15 and rub his eyes

Remaining rounds Blinded: 1
Remaining rounds choking: 3

DM Ken: Hobie has more than enough movement left to climb up the stone.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) (Invisible) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Tuesday November 21st, 2017 10:39:41 PM
ooc: sweet, can you tell me how high up he is?

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16 d20+10=16 ; d6+5=9 ;
Tuesday November 21st, 2017 11:47:35 PM
"It's an elemental, so let's start with something mild to see if lightning even works."

Lance floats forward a bit (G6) and aims an elemental ray.

ooc: Attack 16 vs touch AC, 9 electricity damage.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 94/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+13=18 ;
Wednesday November 22nd, 2017 12:56:20 AM
SV Ref: 18.

"Yowzah, that's hot! Hot! Hot!"

He takes a step back and casts resist energy (fire)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80 3d6=3 ; 2d6=10 ;
Wednesday November 22nd, 2017 10:22:44 AM

Murphy, underground, and blinded still, tries to 'see' what is going on via his link with Pressi. He discerns the elemental she battles, and catches that another one is coming up the path behind. He moves to n7, where he pops up his head, and casts ice storm, with great magical hailstones raining down upon the coming monster. The bludgeoning was exceedingly light this time (3 natural 1s on d6 for 3 hp), but the cold bit a little harder (10 hp cold damage, plus 50% bonus vs fire creature for 15 total cold damage). The spell is centered at the intersection of columns r&s, rows of 5&6, 20' radius. Inside the affected area, perception is at -4, and terrain is difficult.

Murphy blinks, trying to see again, but still maintaining the mental link to gain Pressi's perspective.

DM Ken BATTLE MAP d20+7=27 ; d20+7=12 ; d20+7=15 ; 2d8=13 ; 2d8=5 ; d6=1 ; d3=1 ; d20+17=24 ; d10=2 ; d10=9 ; d10=8 ; d6=3 ; d100=12 ;
Wednesday November 22nd, 2017 3:14:44 PM

Pressi hits the creature with her spiked chain, and finds that where the magical cold makes contact, it quickly blisters and saps the heat from the elemental. (Cold damage is resolved at x1.5) She successfully tumbles away.

----------------

Bliss successfully tumbles forward, his magical thorns activated.

----------------

Hobie climbs up on top of the 10ft tall grave marker.

----------------

Lance experiments, and zaps the strange elemental for 9 damage.

----------------

Kezzem backs out of reach and casts resist energy, fire. (whats his total energy resist? Please anotate it in your header.)

---------------

Murphy pokes his head and casts Ice Storm. (Please see the Rules Board. Note that Telepathic Bond ONLY provides communication, it does not allow sensory sharing, empathy, or any other benefit. I am allowing the tactic in this combat, but we will need to come to a consensus on what the spell can or cannot do later.)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

While Murphy and Pressi's attacks are inflicting hard, the giant ashen elementals seem to be able to withstand many more attacks of that caliber. Their wounds swirl and smolder, but their forms hold together.

The large sized elemental looms over Pressi, swingy it's ashy tendrils into her. The ashes swirl around her, and she feels part of it's body solidify and hold her in place. The ash swirls around her madly, and she feels it trying to force it's way into her lungs through her mouth and nose.

(Hit Touch AC 27 (nat 20), fail to confirm vs AC 12. Auto grapples on successful hit. Pressi resists all the fire damage, but is grappled and must pass a fortitude save vs DC 19 or take d6=1 physical and d3=1 point of constitution damage as the ashes fill up her lungs.)

----------------------------------------------------------------

The Huge elemental stomps up the slope, attacking Bliss with a giant tentril of ash. (Hits touch AC 24, but does not penetrate the fire resistance.) Bliss is also scooped up by the creature, and must pass a fortitude save DC 25 or take 8 physical damage, and 3 constitution damage as his lungs fill with ash.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Suddenly, over the roars of the elementals and the cracks of thunder and lightning, there is the sound of something screeching in a high, shrill pitch. The sound has almost a musical note to it, before it suddenly is replaced by the sound of shattering glass. The loud clamor is punctuated by column of furious light.

Standing in a small, smoking crater, are two mysterious figures. They are small, clearly of halfling heritage. The first, a male, quickly assumes a fighting stance. His manner seems powerful, almost as deadly as his pungent smell. The second, an unassuming female - not physically imposing, seems to quickly take in the situation, her eyes keen and aware.

Perception, DC 12: Highlight to display spoiler: {Both halflings are wearing rings with effigies of dragons.}
Know Local, DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {It is Garret Goodbarrel and Katinka Hushfoot, heroes of the Dragon Consortium, and two members of the Iron Dragons!}

Garret and Tink: Knowledge Planes, DC 19. (pass and I'll email you the details of creatures they are fighting)

----------------------------------------------------------------
Large Elemental: 20 Damage.
Huge Elemental: 18 Damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) (Invisible) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2 d20+4=6 ;
Wednesday November 22nd, 2017 3:26:59 PM
ooc: I rolled Hobie's knowledge local = 6, but I forgot that he can't see these people at all right now since he's blind. I'll make Hobie's post tonight when I get off work at the restaurant, but if I don't for some reason, then he just takes total defense.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 94/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=26 ; d3+2=5 ;
Wednesday November 22nd, 2017 4:32:43 PM
Kezzem moves to flank with Pressi and attacks once with his dagger.

Attack (including flanking bonus): 26.
Damage: 5.

"Yeah, there's more where that came from, Smokey!"

----

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells:
1st Level: Cure Light Wounds x2, Lesser Restoration
2nd Level: Resist Energy (cast), Shield Other
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds

Garret Goodbarrel (AC 39/35/32; +4 vs AOO HP: 167/167 Ki:18/18 CMD: 45 SR: 27)
Wednesday November 22nd, 2017 5:22:07 PM
The male Halfling, shirtless, wearing nothing but a worn and stained pair of pants with a belt made of rope, but with a cloak that looks shiny and new takes a bite out of a biscuit that he happened to have in his hand when he appeared. He quickly looks around while he shoves the biscuit in his mouth and says to his friend, "Mffgh meh." He tries to chew and swallow and says, "Tink, can you help me with some firey protection? Those folks look like they might need a bit o help here." He then touches a long, intricate tattoo that leads from below his ear and down over his shoulder and is glows blue briefly.

OOC:
Activating barkskin on the tattoo.

RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 29/23/21 (shieldless) -- CMD 26 -- HP 185 -- Spells -- Active Effects d20+17=29 ;
Wednesday November 22nd, 2017 7:04:21 PM
The female halfling slowly surveys the area with eyes that glow a pale blue. She has long ebony hair tied back in a pony tail, and though unarmored she does wear a black leather outfit. By her right shoulder-blade she has a small tattoo of a set of scales (representing 'justice'), and a holy symbol of Pantheon hangs around her neck. On her right arm she wears a small mithral buckler.

"I think we've arrived in Humble's Ford" she says with a nod to the other. "They do look like they need some help though. How about putting these fiery enemies where they can't fight back?"

"Hmmm... best put this away for now. Don't want to accidentally hurt any of these halflings" She unfastens the shield from her arm and lets it fall to the ground

A magical rod appears in her hand as she gives her companion a pat on the back "Go get 'em" before she turns her attention to the big one, looking to lift it into the air.

--------------------
Knowl Planes check to ID these things: 29
Free action: Retrieve Lesser Quicken Rod from Glove of Storing
Swift action: Cast Resist Fire on Garret granting Resist30
Move action: Remove shield from arm
Free action: Drop shield
Standard action: Cast Reverse Gravity to send the big one 40ft up in the air. No Save

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 81/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+9=29 ;
Wednesday November 22nd, 2017 10:24:43 PM
Harper sprints at the fiery creature grappling Pressi with a roar, making a charge attack (bull rush).

Pressi activates her Lore Keeper ability, trying to determine what the creature is (attack roll nat 20).

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 81/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+11=24 ;
Wednesday November 22nd, 2017 10:26:54 PM
Perception d20 plus 19, know local 24.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC22, HP96) (Cayzle) d20+15=33 ; d20+14=32 ; d4=4 ; d6=5 ; d20+10=27 ; d4=1 ; d6=1 ; d6+3=9
Wednesday November 22nd, 2017 11:44:24 PM

As the huge monster grabs him, Bliss focuses and concentrates on being a hero! [OOC: entering rage].

Do Bliss's thorns damage the creature at all? Do they inflict the full 6 hp? If so, Bliss keeps them active. If not, Bliss ends the effect. Xtra thorn damage this round if it works: 9 damage!

Bliss struggles not to breathe in the ash ... Fort Save 33 no problem! Bliss has taken no damage from the monster!

Bliss can take a full attack while grappled ... so he activates his wooden fist domain ability (free action) ... then he punches the monster twice in quick succession!

First attack (at +14 = base +7 +7 str +1 amulet +1 size -2 power att) hits AC32 for 1d2+1d6 mercy tear +7 str +4 power att +3 wood fist +1 amulet) = 2+5+15 = 22 nonlethal damage.

The second attack is the same but at -5 ... hits AC27 for 17 nonlethal damage.

[OOC: die roller does not have a d2; rolling d4, even = 2]

Bliss looks around ... is he falling up? What's happening? "Hey!" he shouts at the monster, "Turn me right side up!"

DM Sanity Info:
Active Spells:
Fire Resistance 20, Shield of Faith, Barkskin, Threefold Aspect.
Grimalkin (not currently turned on)
Bramble Armor round 2 of 6.
Wood Fist round 1 of 6.
Rage round 1 of 14.

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16 d20+10=22 ; d20+10=17 ; 6d6=18 ; 6d6=26 ;
Wednesday November 22nd, 2017 11:54:50 PM
Lance raises an eyebrow at the newcomers, but shrugs after a moment. "Meh. They're halflings. So probably 50/50 chance they are here to help." He makes a series of quick gestures and whispered arcane phrases. He makes two finger-guns at the elemental, "PEW PEW!", and twin bolts of lightning arc toward the creature.

ooc: Cast scorching ray. Attack 22 vs touch AC, 18 electrical damage. Attack 17 vs touch AC, 26 electrical damage. No saving throw.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) (Invisible) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Wednesday November 22nd, 2017 11:56:18 PM
Still coughing and choking, Hobie takes total defense as his eyesight begins to return to him. AC 25

Remaining rounds Blinded: 0
Remaining rounds choking: 2

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 81/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+11=27 ;
Thursday November 23rd, 2017 7:11:30 AM
Almost forgot, made fort save.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80 d20+10=28 ; d20+25=29 ;
Thursday November 23rd, 2017 1:16:38 PM
Still blinded, yet recognizing their opponents seem mighty, Murphy casts owl's wisdom, that his upcoming spells might have a better chance to penetrate their defenses. He does use his hearing to gauge relative positions. Two new arrivals - halflings? The fellow calls the gal 'Tink.' He came across a Katinka - in a dreamstate at the Giggling Ghost. Iron Dragons? What is that smell?

Oh - Pressi is being squeezed.

He calls out in Ignan, the language of flame, "Na wai i ho'ouna ia'oe? No ke aha la'oe e ho'a'o nei e pepehi ia makou?" ['Who sent you? Why are you trying to kill us?']

He rises up to stand full upon the ground, sensing that his eyes will be clear again in a moment.
=======
Knowledge, local: 28
Perception: 29-4=25

DM Ken BATTLE MAP d20=16 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d4=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+7=25 ; 2d8=8 ; 2d8=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d100=71 ; d100=77 ;
Thursday November 23rd, 2017 3:29:47 PM

Hobie maintains a defensive posture, but at least his eyesight is back, for now.

------------------------------

Kezzem's dagger, magical, seems to cut easily though the ashy creature. He doesn't flank it, because Pressi is grappled, but his own skill is more than enough.

------------------------------

Garret eats a biscuit, and doesn't look very concerned. Garret takes 1 point of carbohydrate damage.

------------------------------

Katinka touches down, and quickly not only assesses the situation, but imparts magical protection on her companion in a span with incredible ease. She targets the largest elemental, and casts a spell that reverses both it's gravity, and that of Bliss!

------------------------------

Harper charges with a snarl and slams into, and right through, the body of the ashy elemental! Harper takes 7 fire damage.

------------------------------

Pressi herself uses her Knowledge Domain powers to get an exact idea of what it is they are fighting. (See email to you and Katinka!)

----------------------------

Murphy casts Owl's Wisdom, and becomes somewhat aware of the sudden help. He asks the creature why it's attacking.

----------------------------

A number of smaller attacks come before Tink's reverse gravity spell slowly starts to lift the huge elemental into the sky. It drops Bliss, and becomes a giant swirl of ash, and flies through the field towards Katinka, its challenging roar shaking the dust from the surrounding tombs.

When Murphy calls out in Ignan, the elementals both pause, craning their large heads and necks to observe Murphy. The reply in Ignan, in unison.

"Ua'tiki bakang! Oo'e'ooahah! Ting'tang'uala uala bing'bang!" (You were warned! Worship the Mountain or become ash at it's feet!)

With a shriek, the huge elemental bursts into a huge flurry of ash, much like the smaller one had done before it! The heat is far more intense, and the ashes twice as thick!

Harper - Katinka - Garret - Lance - Murphy: Reflex Save DC 25 or be blinded for 2 rounds and take a -2 morale penalty to attacks and saves for the next 5 rounds.

Murphy: Save vs Blindness only.

Katinka, Lance, Garret, Murphy, Harper: Take 8 fire damage from the creatures burning aura.

Bliss: No AoO, as you are dancing in the sky.
----------------------------------------------------

The large elemental recoils from Lances strikes, and focuses on the sorcerer. It summons heat from within itself, and sends two blasts of fire streaking through the sky at the sorcerer. Hits touch AC 13 and 25 for 8 and 3 damage, respectively.

Pressi is dropped.

Lance must make a reflex save vs DC 19 or take 2 fire damage. Fire aura damage is inconsequential with all the resist fires around.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Large Elemental: 55 Damage.
Huge Elemental: 35 Damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------

Garret Goodbarrel (AC 39/35/32; +4 vs AOO HP: 167/167 Ki:18/18 CMD: 45 SR: 27) d20+22=36 ; d20+29=33 ; 6d8+8=33 ;
Thursday November 23rd, 2017 9:03:58 PM
Garret watches the massive firey thing fly towards them. When it explodes, he quickly bobs and weaves around the flames and smoke. When the flames hit him, he smiles, then runs full speed at the creature, jumps in the air, and sends a high-flying kick towards the more solid parts of the flame.

OOC:
AC 41 against AOO. Charge attack hits AC 33, 33 Damage.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC22, HP96) (Cayzle)
Thursday November 23rd, 2017 10:43:25 PM

Bliss yells, "HEY! LET ME DOWN! COME BACK HERE YOU COWARD!"

[OOC: Delaying action on the off chance someone turns off the antigrav. BTW, how high up is Bliss?]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2 d20+13=14 ; d20+8=10 ;
Thursday November 23rd, 2017 10:53:37 PM
Now that he can finally see again, Hobie will quickdraw Prowler and take aim at the Huge elemental.
He notches two arrows at once, but coughs as he lets them fly. He tries to fire another arrow, but gags on the smoke still in his lungs, and fires wide once more. He appears suddenly visible to all, choking and coughing on top of the stone, bow in hand.

ooc: Natty 1 on first attack, Natty 2 on the second for total of 10.

Remaining rounds choking: 1

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 81/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 46/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+10=22 ; d20+10=18 ;
Thursday November 23rd, 2017 11:08:28 PM
Harper, on fire, blinded and low morale, mews in pain and starts activating her own fire resist (Pressi ran last round and this). The great cat chooses to pose in total defense.

Pressi feeds the information to Murphy while trying to convey to her team that it's a cold elemental (ash) with fire template. "Will save spells, cold and magic attacks, people with low fort get back. And will someone please get these guys into the tombstones where they can't maneuver. You with the..."

She stared hard at the Pantheon symbol. "You, ghost of apocalypse future, get our friend down or get him a bag of peanuts."

Knowing that she probably has the elementals attention, she casts I'll omen and moves 5 ft away.

RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 29/23/21 (shieldless) -- CMD 26 -- HP 185 -- Spells -- Active Effects d20+24=28 ; d20+33=39 ; d4+1=3 ; 13d6=41 ;
Friday November 24th, 2017 5:41:49 AM
Tink grins and speaks with Garret over the telepathic link "Ghost of apocalypse future. If only they knew what we'd seen in the past 24hours"

The grin is quickly wiped from her face when the elemental-thing ignores her reverse gravity spell and sprays ash all over her. The introductions would have to wait.

Tink looks to the side and spits a mouthful of ash onto the ground. She turns back to face the elemental, using her sleeve to wipe the spittle from the side of her mouth "It's going to be like that, is it? Fine. We'll do things the hard way"

The Justicar starts moving her hands around a seemingly invisible ball of power until ... *whoomp* .. things on the battle field are very different.
Spellcraft DC24 Highlight to display spoiler: {Time Stop}

Tink is standing on the other side of the medium elemental, the reverse gravity spell has gone, and there are two tall women in golden armor standing nearby. Each radiates a divine light and carries a greatsword that crackles with magical energy.

"Let's show these elementals how we do things in Hook City" Tink nods to the women who each target the huge elemental with a spell.

The first puts her hands together in prayer
Spellcraft DC19 Highlight to display spoiler: {Holy Smite}

The second holds her hands up, sending a lightning bolt directly at the ashen creature
Spellcraft DC21 Highlight to display spoiler: {Chain Lightning}

When done they each move about the cemetery. One moves to the west and one to the east. The party feel stronger simply being close to the women.

Lance, Harper, Pressi, Bliss, Hobie and Murphy(if above ground) all gain the benefit of a Holy Aura while within 20ft of one of the women.

-------------------
Highlight to display spoiler: {Ref Save vs DC25: 28 = Pass
Fire damage prevented with Resist Fire/30
Standard Action: Cast Time Stop defensively. Concentration check: 39 = Pass. Tink gets 1d4+1 = 3 rounds of rounds.
Extra Round 1: Cast Summon Monster IX: Summon Astral Deva
Extra Round 2: Cast Summon Monster IX: Summon Astral Deva
Extra Round 3: Standard Action: Dismiss Reverse Gravity spell
Extra Round 3: Move Action: Move south of Medium Elemental to I11
Free action: Direct the Azatas to Attack
Azata 1: Standard Action: Cast Banishment. Big Elemental to make a DC20 Will save or be dismissed
Azata 1: Move Action: Move to G6
Azata 2: Standard Action: Cast Chain Lightning. Big Elemental to make a DC19 Ref Save. Fail = 41pts electric damage. Save = 20pts.
Azata 2: Move Action: Move to N8}

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80 d20+6=22 ;
Friday November 24th, 2017 11:39:20 AM

Murphy casts call lightning storm.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 94/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+16=29 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+11=28 ; d20+11=12 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+1=3 ; d3+1=3 ;
Friday November 24th, 2017 1:22:19 PM
With Pressi dropped, Kezzem focuses his daggers on the large elemental in hopes of dropping it.

OOC: Improved Two-Weapon Fighting.

Attack #1: 29.
Damage: 5

Attack #2: 32.
Damage: 3.

Attack #3: 28.
Damage: 4

Attack #4 12. Natural 1. Auto-miss.
Ignore last damage roll.

M Ken: Are all of these attacks with a magical weapon?

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle) 2d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d20+26=29 ; d20+14=16 ; d4=2 ; d6=6 ; d6+3=5
Friday November 24th, 2017 2:52:01 PM

Bliss starts the round 40 ft up and unhappy about it. He calls for help. And help arrives, if a drop from a 40 ft height can be called help!

Bliss uses his acrobatics to try to soften the fall ... he cannot fail a DC15 check, so he takes 2d6 lethal damage and 1d6 nonlethal. Rolling that out ... 4 lethal and 3 nonlethal.

Then he uses his acrobatics to charge the monster that ran away from him. "COME BACK HERE YOU BIG SCAREDY THING!"

Acrobatics to tumble at -5 to 2L: 29.

Bliss attacks with his wooden fist: hits AC16 for 23 nonlethal. Make that AC18 with the charge bonus.

If he is attacked, thorn damage is 5.

Rage R2 of 14
Fist R2 of 6
Thorns R3 of 6

DM Ken BATTLE MAP d20+10=28 ; d100=62 ; d6=3 d3=1 d20+16=22 d20+12=16 d20+8=11
Friday November 24th, 2017 4:17:24 PM
(DM post fell off the world. Much truncated version, sorry!)

Garret jump kicks the huge elemental.

-------------------------------------

Hobie shoots twice, but misses both shots.

-------------------------------------

Pressi starts to casts her spell, but is still in range of the Ash Golems attacks of opportunity. It's ashy limbs do no damage, but she is scooped up and grappled by it's improved grab ability. Pressi needs a concentration check DC 25 to cast her ill omen spell.

-------------------------------------

Tink drops magic stronger than anything that Humbles Sword has seen so far. Two astral devas appear (where?). The huge ash elemental resists being removed from the material plane (d20=19+5) and takes some electricity damage from the others spell.

------------------------------------

Murphy knocks on the skies, and is answered with a deep and powerful rumble as his spell takes hold. (You will be doing d10's of damage, not d6's.) Murphy needed to make a reflex save to resist the blindness. His DM makes the roll for him, and it fails, because the ash effect save was required before Tink summoned her pals.

------------------------------------

Kezzem hacks away at the large elemental, knocking bits of ash and ember into the air.

--------------------------------------

Bliss calls out to be released, and he is, falling in a lump. He reduces some of the damage, but has to get up from prone after he falls. (Any creature that takes lethal damage from a fall lands prone.)

He gets up, and attacks the largest ash elemental, but fails to harm it. (AC 25, since Pressi passed along the information from her knowledge checks)

DM Ken: Just notice that Wooden Fists aren't actually magic weapons. I won't undo the previous damage, but they can't affect the incorporeal elementals unless bliss is putting a ghost touch tear on them. Unless an Eb's Tear makes your attacks magical? Or do they just add magical damage?

--Holding off Monster portion until Lance posts.----

---------------------------------------------
DM Ken: Got tired of waiting =D

The Large elemental uses a standard action to choke Pressi. She takes 3 damage and 1 con damage.

The Huge elemental tries to burn Garret to cinders, but the wily monks defenses confound the lumbering elemental.

-------------------
Large Elemental: 63 Damage.
Huge Elemental: 88 Damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 81/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 46/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+12=14 ;
Friday November 24th, 2017 5:41:28 PM
Con check

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2 d20+8=20 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+3=13 ; d6+11=16 ; d6+11=16 ; d6+11=15 ; d6+11=17 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ;
Friday November 24th, 2017 6:38:31 PM
Hobie, still coughing and choking, does his best to keep attacking at the Huge elemental. He uses Deadly Aim to do as much damage as he can should at least one arrow hit.

1st attack: Manyshot AC 20
Piercing Damage 16
Cold Damage 4

Piercing Damage 16
Cold Damage 4

2nd attack: AC 21
Piercing Damage 15
Cold Damage 6

3rd Attack: AC 13
Piercing Damage 17
Cold Damage 6

Garret Goodbarrel (AC 39/35/32; +4 vs AOO HP: 167/167 Ki:18/18 CMD: 45 SR: 27) d6+1=7 ; d20+27=31 ; d20+27=37 ; d20+22=42 ; d20+22=31 ; d20+17=25 ; d20+17=29 ; d20+12=31 ; d20+27=41 ; 6d8+8=39 ; 2d8+8=17 ; 2d8+8=19 ; 2d8+8=21 ; 2d8+8=18 ; 2d8+8=16 ; 2d8+8=17 ; 2d8+8=14 ;
Friday November 24th, 2017 8:10:15 PM
Garret laughs as the huge elemental tries to hit him. He easily dodges the creature and then calls out to Tink, "Watch this!" He turns into a spinning ball of fists and feet as he attacks the creature again and again.

OOC:
Flurry, attempt to stagger: Fort Save DC 25 or staggered 1d6+1 rounds (rolled a 7)
Hits AC/Damage (use ki for additional attack): 31/39 37/17 42/19 31/21 25/18 29/16 31/17 41/14
Attacks are magical, lawful, cold iron, silver, adamantine

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Friday November 24th, 2017 10:38:01 PM
ooc: those cold damage numbers are calculated with the 150%

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 94/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+16=20 ; d20+16=21 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+11=23 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+1=4 ; d3+1=4 ;
Saturday November 25th, 2017 7:26:06 PM
"Hey, stop paying attention to Pressi, I'm stabbing you here!"

OOC: Full attack on the Large Elemental again.

Attack #1: 20.
Damage: 5

Attack #2: 21.
Damage: 4.

Attack #3: 21.
Damage: 3.

Attack #4: 23.
Damage 4.

RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 29/23/21 (shieldless) -- CMD 26 -- HP 185 -- Spells -- Active Effects 2d10=16 ; 2d10=11 ;
Sunday November 26th, 2017 12:07:08 AM
Tink stays on her toes, wary for the next threat. It looks like one of the halflings may have ventured too close though.

She throws an invisible ball of energy towards Pressi which explodes in a covering of grease.

The others look like they could use a boost too. Tink uses her Lesser Quicken Rod to cast haste Pressi, Kezzem and Harper gain the benefit of a Haste spell

The rest of these halflings look relatively unscathed.

The azatas each turn their gaze to one of the elementals. Their eyes pierce the cloud of smoke and ash, staring the elementals down.

--------------
Standard: Defensively cast Grease on Pressi. Pressi gets a +10 bonus to escape a grapple. Auto Pass conentration check.
Quicken: Defensively cast Haste on Press, Kezzem and Harper. Auto Pass conentration check.

Azata 1: Actively Gaze at Elemental 1. DC18 Will Save or be Shaken for 2d10=16 rounds
Azata 2: Actively Gaze at Elemental 2. DC18 Will Save or be Shaken for 2d10=11 rounds

Lance, Harper, Pressi, Bliss, Hobie and Murphy(if above ground) all gain the benefit of a Holy Aura while within 20ft of one of the women.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80 5d10=35 ; d20+25=35 ;
Sunday November 26th, 2017 2:38:52 AM

Though he knows Pressi is in trouble, a few facts preclude him from taking action against the ash elemental harming her. He cannot see - though his hearing is still acute. It tells him there are others crowded near that one. There is only one he can discern near the huge elemental however, and he seems most puissant.

Murphy aims a lightning strike (call lightning storm) against the elemental with a vertical column of lightning at 2j, for (5d10) 35 hp electrical damage, Reflex save for half vs DC 21.
============
Owl's Wisdom 9.8 minutes +4 wisdom
Call lightning 9.9 minutes, 9 5d10 strikes remaining
Perception: 37
Longstrider
Protection from energy (fire) 44 minutes
Holy Aura
Resist energy (fire) 44 minutes

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle) d100=18 ; d100=65 ; d20+9=19 ; d6=5 ;
Monday November 27th, 2017 10:43:39 AM

[OOC Map Note: I believe Bliss is at 2L already?]

Bliss punches twice, with a 50% miss chance. Miss on a 1-50 ... 18 and 65. Second swing has a chance.

Bliss attacks and hits AC19, a miss.

If Bliss is attacked, that's 8 damage with thorns maybe.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 81/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 46/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+19=26 ; d20+11=31 ;
Monday November 27th, 2017 11:11:00 AM
"You know what, that's absolutely fair," Pressi chokes as the large ash elemental continues its hold on her.

Pressi takes the hint and tries an escape artist maneuver (std action 26 vs CMD). If she succeeds, she pulls back (acro roll nat 20) to e7 and pulls Harper with her. Otherwise, Harper continues total defense and they both continue their fire spells.

(If the creature dies before her turn, she instead runs to the Huge Elemental and strikes it once with her ice weapon at +12. (12-2 from effect + 2 from flanking, haste doesn't stack.))

(Will clean up and update header footer by tomorrow.)

DM Ken BATTLE MAP d100=5 ; d100=16 ; d100=84 ; d100=59 ; d100=20 ; d100=18 ; d100=96 ; d100=16 ; d100=5 ; d20+2=11 ; d20+5=9 ; d100=74 ; d100=58 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+14=30 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+6=20 ;
Monday November 27th, 2017 11:52:11 AM
Hobies hail of arrows all miss, there must have been some ash left in his eyes!

Garret calls out to Tink, and explodes in a ball of fists, knees, and elbows. Some of the blows pass right through the ash-cloud body, but several of them solidly connect - and send chunks of ash swirling into the sky.

Kezzems dagger has a hard time, and the one time is does find an opening in the swirls of ash, the blade passes harmlessly through.

Katinka shows Pressi some unexpected help in the form of a big nasty grease spell. Pressi can choose to save against the effect, if she wishes. (Reflex DC 18 I think?)

The ..*ahem*... Azatas each stare down an elemental, sending some seriously negative vibes their way. The elementals are both shaken.

Murphy, though blinded, is pretty sure he knows where his enemies are. The last foe, having not moved since Murphy was blinded, is indeed where he thought it was.

Attacking blinded has a 50% miss chance, which Murphy passes on a 74. The strike also manages to hit the creature despite it's being incorporeal. Otherwise occupied, the elemental is unable to dodge the lightning blast in time, and takes full damage.

Bliss, being the Hero that he is, continues to attack the biggest bully of the bunch. His attacks find no ground, unfortunately.

Lance seems to still be stupefied from his last blinding. He does nothing at all.

Pressi wiggles free, and retreats with Harper - dodging and diving as she does so. Harper is assumed to make a full withdrawl, and does not provoke either.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The large elemental, with no one left to grab, shoves it's mass towards Kezzem, specifically focusing it's heat on the halflings armor. It hits Kezzems touch ac of 17, even accounting for being shaken. Kezzem must make a Relfex Save DC 19 (because the item is attended, it can use his save), or the armor takes 24 damage and gains the broken condition. Broken armor halves it's armor bonus, and doubles it's armor penalties)

The huge elemental, in a panic, tries again to smash Garret, but cannot seem to get it's ashes on the wily halfling.

------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------
Large Elemental: 72 Damage. - Shaken
Huge Elemental: 160 Damage. - Shaken
----------------------------------------------------------------

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 68/83(73), CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 46/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+15=27 ;
Monday November 27th, 2017 2:39:37 PM
(Updating headers and footers)

(Keeping the grease - needed it for escape artist boost. Made reflex save to move.)

--------------------

Boosts to Both Pressi and Harper:
Fire Resist 20 (from Bliss) - 40 non-consec mins
Ritual of Warding (+1 to AC, saves) - all day
Haste - 1/17 rounds

effects on Pressi
1 con damage (drops HP by 10, fort save by 1) - repairable by L restore
grease (+10 to escape, reflex DC 18 to move)
morale damage ended

spells used:
L1: 1/6+1
L2: 0/4+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 0/3+1
sprint attack

* Accidentally cast remove blindness, not on BW list. Used L3 spell slot.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2 d20+12=17 ; d20+7=19 ;
Monday November 27th, 2017 7:36:45 PM
Hobie again fires a volley of arrows and again misses with each. He is visibly irritated with himself.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80 5d10=30 ; d20+27=45 ;
Tuesday November 28th, 2017 3:37:32 AM

Murphy's eyes clear. He sees the ash elementals, two striking tall winged women with swords, and a couple of halflings - he is sure he has seen one before - at least in his dreams. Katinka. The fellow who just joined them reminds him of their cousin, Podo, but far more advanced in his fighting art than his family's monkish relative. Pressi has broken free of the elemental. He would like to converse. First things first. He speaks loudly to the elementals in the Ignan tongue (aka Hawaaian):

E ha'i aku i kou haku ua kono maika'i'ia'o ia i kekahi wahi e pili ana he kanalima mile akau ma i loko o ka 'Red Hills'

Mai ho'a'o e pepehi i ko makou po'e kanaka. 'A'ole hiki ia'oe ke lanakila i ko makou mau na'au, i ka 'Crescent Valley.'

'A'ole makou e ha'awi ia'oe i kau makemake.

which translates as:

Tell your master that he is cordially invited to a place about fifty miles north in the Red Hills.

Stop trying to kill our people. You will not win our hearts here in Crescent Valley that way.

We will not give you what you want.

Murphy lets Pressi 'listen' in to his thoughts, so that she can catch the meaning of what he is saying.

He punctuates his final sentence with another lightning strike at the huge elemental, for 30 hp damage - Reflex save for half vs DC 21.
============
Perception: 45
Owl's Wisdom 9.7 minutes +4 wisdom
Call lightning storm 9.8 minutes, 9 5d10 strikes remaining
Longstrider
Protection from energy (fire) 43.5 minutes
Resist energy (fire) 43.4 minutes
Holy Aura

RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 29/23/21 (shieldless) -- CMD 26 -- HP 185 -- Spells -- Active Effects d6+5=9 ; d20+21=24 ;
Tuesday November 28th, 2017 6:29:40 AM
Tink's a little confused by the words of one of these warriors. Not by the ignan - but by what he's saying. "Sounds like this might be some sort of turf war" she relays over the telepathic link to Garret.

She doesn't want to detract from their victory though. It's important for groups to work together, learn from each other, support each other. They win together and they lose together.

"Keep it up! You have the upper hand. Work together and finish this off"

Tink sends a ray at the huge elemental to weaken it rather than destroy it. It's borderline as to whether she actually hits it or not. The Azatas simply hold their positions to keep the party buffed.

Cast Ray of Enfeeblement. Hits Touch AC24. Huge Elemental to take a -9 penalty to Str. Fort Save vs DC20 for half)

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 68/83(73), CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 46/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+8=19 ; d6+4=8 ;
Tuesday November 28th, 2017 9:56:25 AM
Pressi taps her cat's fur and sends it on its way. One could swear that her hand glowed as she did so. Highlight to display spoiler: {Share spell ability for touch spell delivery.}

As the cat began to gallop at the huge elemental (h5), Pressi stepped forward to the large one, her ice chain glowing. "You heard the nice man. Turn back now, before it's too late."

Harper strikes the huge elemental. Highlight to display spoiler: {Touch spell attack, AC 19 vs Huge Elemental's Touch AC of 14. No AoO (Harper didn't cast), no incorporeal (spell attack). Spell is Touch of Gracelessness, Dex damage 8, Fort DC 15 for half.}

Pressi smiled as her cat struck. "It's too late."

-------------

Boosts to Both Pressi and Harper:
Fire Resist 20 (from Bliss) - 40 non-consec mins
Ritual of Warding (+1 to AC, saves) - all day
Haste - 2/17 rounds
Holy Aura

effects on Pressi
1 con damage (drops HP by 10, fort save by 1) - repairable by L restore

spells used:
L1: 2/6+1
L2: 0/4+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 0/3+1

DM Ken: Incorporeal says: An incorporeal creature has no physical body. It can be harmed only by other incorporeal creatures, magic weapons or creatures that strike as magic weapons, and spells, spell-like abilities, or supernatural abilities. It is immune to all nonmagical attack forms. Even when hit by spells or magic weapons, it takes only half damage from a corporeal source (except for channel energy). Although it is not a magical attack, holy water can affect incorporeal undead. Corporeal spells and effects that do not cause damage only have a 50% chance of affecting an incorporeal creature. Force spells and effects, such as from a magic missile, affect an incorporeal creature normally.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 68/83(73), CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 46/61, CMD 23; Followers
Tuesday November 28th, 2017 9:57:18 AM
(Pressi moves to F7)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (21 currently), HP 94/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+8=14 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+11=23 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+1=3 ; d3+1=4 ;
Tuesday November 28th, 2017 10:43:55 AM
SV Reflex: 14.

"Hey, that's stuff expensive!"

Kezzem, lacking any beter options, continues to attack with his daggers.

Attack #1: 20.
Damage: 4

Attack #2: 33.
Damage: 3.

Attack #3: 25.
Damage: 4

Attack #4: 23.
Damage: 4.

Garret Goodbarrel (AC 39/35/32; +4 vs AOO HP: 167/167 Ki:18/18 CMD: 45 SR: 27) d20+27=33 ; d20+27=35 ; d20+22=23 ; d20+22=39 ; d20+17=31 ; d20+17=26 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+27=45 ; 6d8+8=31 ; 2d8+8=17 ; 2d8+8=18 ; 2d8+8=13 ; 2d8+8=19 ; 2d8+8=17 ; 2d8+8=11 ; 2d8+8=21 ;
Tuesday November 28th, 2017 11:27:37 AM
Garret quickly ducks under the waving firey arms of the creature and continues spinning and kicking, turning into a blur as he attempts to strike the flames again and again.

OOC:
Continue the flurry, whee!
Hit AC/Dam: 33/31 35/17 23/18 39/13 31/19 26/17 23/11 45/21

ADM Kim
Tuesday November 28th, 2017 1:16:22 PM

Can whoever is playing Garret Goodbarrel put your (own name) in the header and, if possible, a link to the character next time? Thanks - and thanks big time for the big help!

DM Ken BATTLE MAP
Tuesday November 28th, 2017 1:20:39 PM
DM Ken: As it's a guest spot, it's not really necessary. It's Jeff O, however.

DM Ken BATTLE MAP
Tuesday November 28th, 2017 2:05:41 PM

(Waited for Tanner, but no luck)

DM post incoming.

Cayzle comments to DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {Oh snap!}

DM Ken BATTLE MAP d20+15=26 ; d20+12=21 ; d20+12=29 ;
Tuesday November 28th, 2017 2:27:55 PM

Hobie continues to fill the ground around the Ash elemental with arrows. It takes a step back while fighting Garret and cuts its foot on one, and takes 1 damage. Hobie has contributed!

--------------------------------

Murphy sends another lightning bolt slamming down into the largest elemental, though it manages to swirl out of the way this time. Some of the damage still takes hold.

---------------------------------
Tinks ray crashes into the elemental, but as an incorporeal creature, it has no strength score to begin with!
---------------------------------
Harper and Pressi work together, and the elemental is affected by her agility sapping attacking! (It loses 2 dex. Fort save reduces 8 to 4, and incorporeal cuts spell damage in half, down to 2.) The Huge Elementals ranged attacks, AC, and Reflex saves are reduced by 1!
---------------------------------

Kezzem continues his dagger work, relentlessly jabbing the ash elemental. His first thrust feels like it may have hit something solid, so he focuses there, and his fourth attack rewards him with a shattering crash, and the ash elemental falls to soot all around him, with a cracked smoldering stone in the center of the pile.

---------------------------------

Garret too, finds the heart of the creature. After several precise strikes to the core, the stone shatters, and the ash elemental lets free a mournfowl howl as it crumbles to dust.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gain: 1,375 Xp!
Gain: Ashen cores, 1 large and 1 huge.
Gain: 1 Hero Point for Kezzem!
Gain: 1 Hero Point for Pressi!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As quickly as the emerged, the ash elementals are destroyed. It's uncertain whether or not the halfings of Humbles Sword could have solved the issue on their own, but regardless, there are two strangers in town gave much aid.

Perhaps now, they'll have the chance to introduce themselves formally?

---------------------------------------------------------------
Large Elemental: 78 Damage. - Dead
Huge Elemental: 168 Damage. - Dead
----------------------------------------------------------------

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2 d100=44 ; d100=51 ; d100=41 ; d100=49 ; d100=13 ; d100=70 ; d100=11 ; d100=21 ; d100=35 ; d100=26 ;
Tuesday November 28th, 2017 3:07:39 PM
Hobie's head hung low in embarrassment, he returns Prowler to his Efficient Quiver. He saunters over and picks up the two arrows he can find and sticks them also in the quiver. Next he makes his way to Pippa, grabs an apple from her saddle bag and feeds it to her, avoiding eye contact with any of his fellow party members. He pats her neck, and then climbs into the saddle. Casting a woeful look at the dead elementals that he couldn't manage to hit with a single arrow, he says softly under his breath, "Romita," and disappears.

Anyone who can see invisibility:
Highlight to display spoiler: {{Hobie sits on top of Pippa with his shoulders hung low and his eyes staring off into the distance. His face alternate between sadness and anger, Hobie himself doesn't seem to know exactly what emotion he's experiencing. He pulls Prowler back out and examines it, incredulous, searching for any answer as to why his shots were so off course. }}

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle)
Tuesday November 28th, 2017 9:37:25 PM

Bliss shouts as the elementals are destroyed, "YEAH! THAT'S WHAT YOU GOT FOR MESSING WITH HUMBLES FORD! TAKE THAT YOU BIG BULLIES!"

He looks around and realizes that with all his yelling, he did not even get in his last licks. Oh well.

He retracts his thorns, allows his fists to change back from wood to flesh, and calms down a bit.

Looking around the battlefield, he sees the two halfling heroes, Garret and Katinka, who stepped up to fight. "Well, you guys sure were helpful! Hi! I'm Bliss, and it is purely nice to meet you!" He holds out his hand to welcome them.

Bliss is a very young looking halfling boy who has no armor or shield and did not use any weapon in the fight but his fists. He has a tiny pot on his belt.

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Tuesday November 28th, 2017 11:31:36 PM
Lance allows the electricity to wink out around his hands. "Excellent." He alights to the ground and looks over to where the elemental appeared. "See anything? There may be more."

RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 29/23/21 (shieldless) -- CMD 26 -- HP 185 -- Spells -- Active Effects
Wednesday November 29th, 2017 6:00:02 AM
Tink sees Hobie wander off on his own. She doesn't miss much and can tell he's upset by something. She directs her Azatas to heal the party while she spends some time with him. The Azatas can cast CLW at will, some CSW spells, lesser restoration, restoration, and heal spells and each have around 10rounds left to cast all this.

She makes her way over to Hobie - picking up her sheild on the way - and looks off into the distance rather than at his face. She speaks softly such that noone but Hobie can hear. "Would you think less of your friends if they messed up a spell or failed to connect with a sword? Don't be so hard on yourself. You have heart and your friends. Those are what truly matters. Trust me on that. Take a moment and then join them in the victory that you all achieved."

She's not sure if her words will have any impact or not but she speaks from experience. How many battles did it take fighting alongside the Iron Dragons for Tink to feel equal - to feel worthy of standing along side them? Self doubt can be hard to overcome.

Tink returns to the group and looks over herself and Garret. Ugh! Ash. She casts a Prestidigitation spell to clean both herself and Garret up. Tidying up the party though may be a bit presumptuous.

"Ah, much better. I suppose introductions are now in order. Katinka Hushfoot, Justicar of Pantheon, member of the Iron Dragons and Dragon Consortium. A pleasure" she gives a formal bow to the party "But please, call me Tink. Only my father calls me Katinka these days"

She looks at the halfling boy 'Bliss' "And it's nice to meet you too" She's a little concerned that someone has let this little boy wander around and get into fights. If it comes up she will be sure to have a word with his parents about this.

"I think I can see why we're here. The Dragon Consortium specifically requested Garret and myself come to Humble's Ford. It would seem these unusual events are spreading across the Wold. The Consortium currently doesn't have any knowledge as to the cause, and that's a little concerning."

"But end of the Wold events aside, how's everyone doing?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (21 currently), HP 94/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday November 29th, 2017 9:17:54 AM
Kezzem checks out thw new arrivals.

Ooc: detect evil

"So who arr you people?"

After they reply, Kezzem says to Tink, "Have we met before? You seem familiar."

"So...does anyone know how to fix my armor?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80 d20+27=47 ;
Wednesday November 29th, 2017 10:59:47 AM

Murphy walks over to what appears to be the stony center of the huge elemental that the party - and the two newcomers - just took down. He touches it, gingerly at first, and if no harm comes, he hefts it, carrying it over to the other ashen heart.

"Your arrival - though I only at first heard you come here, as the creatures had blinded me - was most welcome, Katinka Hushfoot - Tink, and Garret, of the Iron Dragons," says the large earth elemental. "I am Murphy Leafwin Pipewood - though not in my usual body. We are Humble's Sword. And these opponents had some powers we were not accustomed to, compared to some of what we have faced in the past. Pardon me a moment."

Murphy transforms from earth elemental back into his own body, and walks over to Pressi, and gives her a hug. "I'd rather be the one to embrace you, than some ash monster. Good work, sweetie." He turns a bit, and says to the newcomers, "Pressi here can tell you all a bit about what she knows concerning the volcano who wants to move here. We would love to learn what you may know about the coming 'Doom.'"

He takes a step forward says, "Garret - I've never seen any who had quite the moves you just displayed. One of my cousins, Podo Danderfluff, is a monk, but I think you may have been at it a bit longer than he."

Looking over Kezzem's armor, Murphy says, "It might take me two hours to mend that for you, Kez."

"And, well done, all of you. I felt somewhat out of it, being blinded for a good part of the battle, but it's good to have so many friends who work to pitch in. Bliss, you are heroic, indeed. Lance, good to see you - I knew you were up there somewhere."

Addressing the two Azatas, Murphy says, "Thank you for coming to our aid. Your presence is a real comfort. How are you known, if I may ask?"

[With perception 47 - nat 20 - I think Murphy understands where Hobie is.] Shortly after Tink leaves his side, Murphy comes up to him. Not being able to see for most of the combat, he was not aware of the apparent lack of effect of his companion's arrows. "Hobie - you all right?" he asks.

Garret Goodbarrel (AC 39/35/32; +4 vs AOO HP: 167/167 Ki:18/18 CMD: 45 SR: 27)
Wednesday November 29th, 2017 11:34:52 AM
Garret stands in the remains of the ash elemental and looks around. When Tink prepares to clean him up, he shrugs, apparently oblivious to the mess he has made of himself. He walks over as the introductions are made. He says, "Indeed, I am Garret Goodbarrel of the Windbourne Hills. Tink and I are of the Iron Dragons, possibly named such because I have even ridden two different dragons myself!" He pauses for applause.

He looks around at the group and wonders why no one has any food out yet. He reaches into his belt pouch and pulls out a piece of soggy meat and takes a bite. He thanks Murphy and says, "Indeed, I was raised in a small monastery and I've been at this ever since, traveling all around the Wold. What are you folks doing here battling with elementals? Is that part of this whole 'The Wold is Broken' we're seeing?"

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 78/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Wednesday November 29th, 2017 2:25:51 PM
"Yes, yes, welcome and good graces, ashante and all that, but you kind of walked right into our shot, so..."

Pressi eyes the azata warily but accepts the lesser restore spell for her con damage and the healing for her pet leapord, Harper. "I do suppose we owe some thanks for the assist, having been caught a tad underprepared."

Pressi returns Tink's bow and smiles wanly at Garret. "Pressi Silverglove, Crones of the South Justicar and herself a member of the Iron... actually, Southern Crone works there too. Rather unexpected of you to show up, especially since we've been cut off from the rest of the world. As for what we are doing battling elementals, well, you know how soccer games get out of hand...."

At Murphy's prodding, she explains to Garret and Tink about V�-Eldfj�ll, that immortal power of fighter opposed by crossword puzzle enthusiasts everywhere, and about her divinations regarding something called the Sleeper or also the Doom of the Wold. "Anyway, he's manifesting currently and would like a few followers, so here we are."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Wednesday November 29th, 2017 2:47:06 PM
Hobie sits silently and invisibly nodding as Tink gives him her encouraging words. He thinks on them and takes them to heart.

When Murphy approaches and asks how he's doing, he responds, "Its just that.... that you were all so welcoming to me, asking me to be a real part of Humble's Sword, and I let you down."

"This was my first fight as a part of your team, and I didn't do my job. I wanted to play my role and help the team, but I might as well have not been there. I stood blind on a rock, and then even once I could see, I didn't land a single arrow. I just wanted to prove myself valuable. And I couldn't"

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle)
Wednesday November 29th, 2017 11:15:14 PM
Bliss says to his friends, "Dragon Consortium! Wowsy! These guys are real heroes! Wow! It is super super neat to meet you!"

"Some day I want to be a hero like you guys are!"

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Wednesday November 29th, 2017 11:30:51 PM
Lance floats over the conversation. "The Wold is broken? The entire Wold? Well, I don't know about the entire Wold, but I can tell you that our neck of the woods has been rather erratic lately. Unpleasantly erratic."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80
Thursday November 30th, 2017 3:00:45 AM

Be of good cheer
"Oh, Hobie. Others of us were blinded. I did not do as well as I could have hoped," Murphy answers. "Look, sometimes I am able to contribute a lot to an attack. Sometimes hardly anything at all, it seems. But I try, and don't give up. You kept trying, didn't you? Also, I've never fought an ash elemental before. How much damage will an arrow do against something as ephemeral as pieces of ash? Maybe you'd need something that can affect incorporeal things.

"The great thing about being part of a team, Hobe, is that each of us brings different skills and abilities. Maybe the next thing you loose arrows against will be very sorely damaged by them. And, we learned something. With this volcano thing coming, maybe we need to tool up, refine our equipment - which, I know you just did - and I think the cold thing will be very helpful against fire critters.

"But, most important, don't be discouraged. Let's see what we can learn, and be better prepared next time. For me, I'm wondering if there's something we can do to help to keep us from getting blinded so easily - or to get unblinded in a snap, at least.

"Anyway, Hobie Browncloak, buck up. Do you see anyone here who thinks you're a slackard? Because, I don't. I'll bet the time will come when, without your help, we would lose. So, don't even think about leaving us."

--------
Snacks and Chocolate
Noting Garret's hunger, Murphy reaches into his haversack. "I've got, let's see. A loaf of bread. A half round of good cheese. Some halfling trail rations - 4 sets. And a pound of chocolate. You look hungry after all that work." He spreads a small blanket, and places the food on it.

Murphy then takes out a bar of chocolate weighing a pound. He takes a dagger, and carefully cuts the rectangular sweet into... ten pieces. He offers one to each person here - including the Azatas, Tink, and Garret. "Try it."

----------
What news from the Dragon Consortium?
As people gather to eat - and perhaps offer some of their own food and drink, Murphy, with a small piece of bread, a thin slice of cheese, and his chocolate reserved for dessert, and asks, "So, the Dragon Consortium. You might know that people cannot leave Crescent Valley, and the volcano wants to move upon us. What is going on elsewhere in the Wold? What things are known? What sorts of rumors are floating about - and what weight do you give them?" After his first bite of bread and cheese, he nibbles on the rest, and listens.

Garret Goodbarrel (AC 39/35/32; +4 vs AOO HP: 167/167 Ki:18/18 CMD: 45 SR: 27)
Thursday November 30th, 2017 11:53:55 AM
Garret listens to Pressi but is quickly distracted by the spread of food laid out. He quickly runs up and takes a seat. Somehow, even after Tink's cleaning, a slight...odor comes from him as he sits down shoves some food in his mouth. As soon as his mouth is full, he pauses and says, "Mffgh. You guys have plenty, right? We could bring you some more if you're low on food."

After he swallows he continues, "Indeed, there are strange happenings all over the Wold, and most of the rumors are probably true. Who would thought a volcano would be moving here? The Dragon Consortium sent us here to check things out and we're clearly going to have to report back that things aren't right here, either."

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+19=35 ;
Thursday November 30th, 2017 5:56:22 PM
Pressi takes out her own almost expired Mr Goodbarry and finishes her healing, offering it to others. "Yeah, I think food is the one area we should be all right in, thus far. And again, I'd avoid promising anything until you've actually tried getting out."

She sits and pokes at the ashen cores, looking for any more clues that might tell them what they are looking at (Perception 35), but not expecting anything to be found. They all seemed a bit drained, and she didn't think anyone in Humble's Sword felt all that happy about their performance.

To Hobie, she started with her usual speech about the need to shake it off, but he seemed unresponsive. "For my first outing with the team, back when I was just a monk, I spent half of it under a charm drink and the other half staring forlornly at flying pixies. Nobody's judging you for screwing up. It happens five percent of the time, at best."

DM Ken BATTLE MAP
Thursday November 30th, 2017 7:11:54 PM

Garret and Katinka explain a little bit about what's happening in the Wold. In turn, Pressi explains their own situation as per her wicked divinations. V�-Eldfj�ll, a power associated with Chaos and Fire, was on the run, from well, something. It had chosen Humbles Ford and the Crescent Valley as the spot for it's relocation.

In turn, phantasms and creatures native to his realm showed up here, being phased into existence here as their natural habitat, V�-Eldfj�ll's area of influence, did the same.

No one, as Pressi explained, has been allowed to leave the 100 mile radius. Who knew why the Iron Dragons were able to break in?

------------------

Pressi examines the Ashen Cores. They appear to be some form of condensed, bonded minerals or metals. The strange mixture and the magic binding them all could possibly be valuable. Appraise: DC 15

------------------

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16 d20+2=10 ;
Thursday November 30th, 2017 11:01:27 PM
ooc: Appraise 10

Lance examines the bonded minerals and rubs his chin in thought. "Hmm... I have no idea." He straightens and looks around. "Do we have any merchants, pray tell?"

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle)
Thursday November 30th, 2017 11:40:56 PM
Bliss listens to everything with wide eyes.

"Well, now I get it," he declares. "This Vay-Elf-Jill is not just an invader. She's a ... a ... well, a refugee. Who wants a new home. Huh."

The little guy sits and thinks about that for a minute. "Well, I don't think it's nice to send lots of monsters around that might end up hurting people. But I kind of feel bad for her. Can we help her some how? A hero helps people in need. Is Vay-Elf-Jill a people? Can we find her a new home? Can we ask her not to put her monsters where they might hurt other people?"

RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 29/23/21 (shieldless) -- CMD 26 -- HP 185 -- Spells -- Active Effects
Friday December 1st, 2017 2:56:03 AM
Tink looks at the crumbs piling on Garret's tunic once more. Is... is that smell coming from him? She doesn't join in on the food and drink, however she doesn't want to appear rude either. She takes the piece of chocolate offered to her by Murphy. "Thankyou. That's very kind of you"

She glances at the ashen cores. She's fairly sure she knows what they are but doesn't want to interfere with the group (Appraise check: 30). If the group struggle she'll put her 2 coppers in.

Tink grins at the question as to how she and Garret were able to arrive "You'd be surprised at the places the Dragon Consortium can go. Just a few days ago we were teleporting to places not even on the Wold" She's happy to brag a little, but of course won't go into the specifics of the adventure. Not until Gargul gave the go-ahead anyway.

"A volcano making a move is certainly unusual, however in a strange way it is not too strange given what else is happening across the Wold. People in Hook visiting alternate realities, the Tree of Parting animating, extremely wild weather surrounding Bonetown. These are certainly unusual times"

Tink pauses for a moment as if lost in thought and then nods to Garret.

"I'm sorry to have to cut this short. We've been called back to Hook" The Rings of the Dragon Consortium allow for telepathic communicataion any distance on the same plane.

Tink takes a small-sized silver dagger from her pack. The handle is covered in some kind of black leather and the blade is almost reflective, save for a small glowing rune (an arcane mark). The rune is the mark of the Iron Dragons. She admires it for a moment, and then holding the dagger by the tip hands it to Hobie

"I want you to have this. When I first travelled to Hook City I had this dagger by my side. It's been with me every day since. Through cursed artifacts, crazed monstrologers, teucri madness, fighting monsters in Jericho Space, and even by my side during the times we met with Gargul and Gimp.

I've taken comfort knowing it is with me and that I can always depend on it should the situation arise. Much like a friend"
(Silver Dagger removed from Tink's equipment list)

Tink stands and gives her neck a 'crack'. "I'm sorry we can't stay longer. I had kind of told Garret about the taverns in Humble's Ford. We may have to pop in again soon."

"As for your volcano problem, if the situation becomes dire or you ever need our help, please send word to Hook City. The people there know how to get in contact with us - day or night"

She waits to see if there are any final questions or thoughts from the group.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+4=16 ;
Friday December 1st, 2017 10:44:29 AM
(Appraise Untrained Roll 16 - pass) Pressi studies the ashen cores intently and begins to understand some of the items throughout. She does remind everyone of the traveling merchant trapped with them, and wonders if maybe they can take him with them.

In response to Bliss, she almost scoffs. "Mister Vee Jay is not some misunderstood innocent blundering through the fields. He is a piece of nature itself, incapable of balance or mercy. The tiger may be blameless but you don't invite it to tea."

In response to Harper's growl, "With certain exceptions, of course. My deepest apologies."

She doesn't really have final questions or thoughts besides the bristling of them just popping in and out without nary a thought, except....

"This may be one more piece of the puzzle. Bliss and I... we two now witches are the only ones who had strange nightmares. And, as I mentioned earlier, we both kind of changed form right before these events occurred. I first, through a soul gem, and then Bliss with visions of me making the changes. Animating spells, elemental attacks, opened portals, it's as if the Woldsblood itself is in flux and the immortal powers are at war."

She paused for a second. "We might need to visit Alleah, after all."

Garret Goodbarrel (AC 39/35/32; +4 vs AOO HP: 167/167 Ki:18/18 CMD: 45 SR: 27)
Friday December 1st, 2017 11:03:21 AM
Garret continues to shove food in his mouth as the conversation continues. He stops when he realizes he is stuffing himself with food from an adventuring group and he pauses to ponder taverns in this area. A quick glance around and he remembers they're nowhere near taverns. As Tink mentioned, perhaps another time...

When Pressi mentions dreams, Garret's eyes roll back as he says, "Dream, oh man. Our entire city was plagued with bad dreams just the other day. Indeed, something is wrong with the entire Wold right now, and we're trying to figure out what it is. If we figure it out, we'll pop on in and tell you, but I'm betting when we figure it out, the entire Wold will know!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (21 currently), HP 94/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday December 1st, 2017 12:22:06 PM
"Thanks Murph, I appreciate it."

----

Kezzem snickers when Tink mentions Bonetown. "Sorry," he mutters afterwards.

"Alleah? Do we have to, Press? I still owe her money from the last time we played cards."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2 d20+3=23 ;
Friday December 1st, 2017 1:18:53 PM
Hobie returns to visibility, and looks at Katinka with a look of deep admiration and appreciation. He takes the dagger and stares wide eyed at the mark of the Iron Dragons.

"Thank you so very much. Not merely for the dagger but especially for your words. I will cherish this dagger, and let it always remind me to stand strong and fight for my friends, no matter my luck. I wish that I had something that I could give you in return for your great gift, but I.... Oh!"

Hobie takes his common Cold Iron dagger from it's sheath and replaces it with Tink's silver dagger, puts the cold iron dagger in his handy haversack, and retrieves from his handy haversack the Lute that he purchased recently.

"I will give you this song, as my way of saying thank you."

Hobie plays this song for Katinka. Inspired by her words and her presence, he hits every note about as perfectly as he can, and is quite proud of himself.

(Perform check 23, with a Nat 20)

"I wish you could stay and tell us more of your adventures, but it seems we all have some work to do in the meantime. You Iron Dragons most of all."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80 d20+3=5 ; d20+7=24 ;
Friday December 1st, 2017 5:51:21 PM

Seeing that Tink and Garret are about to leave, Murphy asks, "Please, can't you tell us, briefly, what is happening elsewhere. It sounds like much, but you have not given us much that is solid. Also... Tink - did you know something more about the heart of these elementals?"

"Yes, Garret, the valley, I think, is fine for food - except that the soil seems to be drying out all over the place. We have rich soil, but also need moisture, and Mister Mountain is doing something to affect that."

RobC - Katinka Hushfoot -- AC 29/23/21 (shieldless) -- CMD 26 -- HP 185 -- Spells -- Active Effects
Saturday December 2nd, 2017 5:53:20 AM
Tink passes on what she learnt from the appraise check.

She smiles warmly and then nods along, closing her eyes to truly enjoy Hobie's performance. The guy has talent.

Pressi said something interesting though "Nightmares you say? Interesting. Every single person in Hook City had a nightmare just last night. Every single person. It was when we woke up we found things were quite unusual"

She follows on with her explanation to answer Murphy's questions as well "Yes, when we woke up things were very unusual. There was a thick fog covering the city. We could see tall, slender, faceless beings walking amongst the fog. There were these weird glowing orbs too. Each one we touched transported us to an alternate timeline. In one case a land where Marteus had conquered the Gods of the Wold. Yes, not a nice place that one. Oh, and another where the alter-Garret wouldn't eat"

"Anyway, there are other things happening in the Wold that we are aware of. All of the Iron Dragons have been dispatched to different parts of the Wold. Restlin and Sesha were sent to the Tree of Parting. The Tree animated to protect the people there from treants and I think I heard tell of negative energy elementals. Restlin just checked in over the link to tell us that the Tree appears to be in a kind of slumber or hibernation now. He's gone to see an old friend of ours for aid.

Bosk and Zane just returned from an island off Bonetown. Some huge undead thing attacked two ships that had been tossed around by some unnnatural storm. There were a group of heroes there as well.

Sesha has been mulling over a theory. Were the Iron Dragons sent to make sure that important landmarks or artifacts are safe, or perhaps the Consortium are using us to make sure these sites are adequately guarded by heroes such as yourselves?"

Tink leaves the group with that puzzle.

"Oh and hey, what do you guys call yourselves? We have to report back to the Consortium on what we found here"

When answered Tink will give the party a nod and a wave.

"Best of luck to you all. Stay together and stay strong."

Tink will drag Garret away from the food if possible. If not, she simply grabs the collar of his vest. That's all it takes before the pair disappear from Humble's Ford (Teleport)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80
Saturday December 2nd, 2017 1:15:48 PM

"Thank you, Tink," Murphy says following her detailed report. "It sounds as though whoever, whatever this coming Doom may be, V�-Eldfj�ll and his attendent demons and elementals make up Crescent Valley's local ramification. Here, take this extra bag of rations, Garret. We are called Humble's Sword."

DM Ken BATTLE MAP
Saturday December 2nd, 2017 6:53:14 PM

Tink is a busy bee. She explains to Murphy that the Ashen Hearts are made up of many normally incompatible elements, bound by magic, and very very valuable. Her most educated guess puts the large one somewhere around 30,000 in value. The smaller one is worth less, nearly 5,000 in value.

She explains that the consortium rings are pretty powerful, and that is likely why she was able to break through V�-Eldfj�ll's barrier.

-------
Hobie and Murphy give parting gifts, and soon, Tink and Garret are both gone, leaving the Sword holding some valuable stones, a few cuts and bruises, and the disturbing realization that V�-Eldfj�ll's minions are finally starting to take shape.

Perhaps worse, what they are dealing with is just the local ramifications of some much larger problems. And if even the mighty Iron Dragons have yet to identify this coming Doom, it means that they might be forced to just accept the answer to that question isn't coming any time soon, and that the most they can do is put out the local fires and do their part as best as they can.

Things might be about to turn dangerous in Humbles Ford, but that's not necessarily new news for the heroes of Crescent Valley.

The immediate threat is vanquished, but hundreds of these phantasms have been seen over the last few weeks. Granted, this is a single sighting of such creatures taking a solid form. Surely, this is an isolated incident and the town itself isn't about to be under siege from dozens of apparitions. Right?

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Sunday December 3rd, 2017 11:33:34 PM
"Surely, this is an isolated incident and the town itself isn't about to be under siege from dozens of apparitions. Right?" Lance laughs sarcastically. "Just kidding. They're probably boned. Let's head back and try to keep them from all dying horribly."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80 d4=3 ;
Monday December 4th, 2017 2:23:11 AM

"Nice playing, Hobie. Didn't know we had a lutist among us. My father is a luthier, among other things. Maybe some day when things settle back down, you can join in with my family, and some of our friends, and make some music with us."

[Did the Azatas respond when Murphy earlier asked what they are called / named? Did they take the chocolate offered, and, if so, did they eat it?]

He casts detect magic and spends a few rounds acquainting himself with the magical auras of the two stones, about which Katinka kindly filled them in further. After that, he says, "Let's return the stones to town. Perhaps the Second Dinner Club, or the town armorers, or, failing that, the Catacombs may be candidates to purchase the two items from us. Certainly we can use the funds to help us better prepare for whatever is coming next. Who will handle the chore of selling them? I will be busy with other things," Murphy says.

He does take a five minute break before they group heads back to town, in order to devote that time to a prayer to Eberyon.

Lord Eberyon, thank you for this Wold you help to keep verdant and rich. I know that ash can be useful for growing things. But as with some good things, too much of it may bring more harm than good. Help to fit me, I pray you, for the tasks that lie ahead. I am grateful for the elementals who have brought us much assistance as we face foes of the valley, and foes of our group. I want to use the powers you have granted to protect and heal the land, and the people, and also to make a strong showing against those who would harm us. Grant me, I pray you, insight in to how to respond to the incursion of V�-Eldfj�ll and those under his sway. He will bring much fire, and ash, and woe. I pray he not settle over any of our cities here in the valley. Guide me, and us, as we seek to protect the good halflings of this village. Bring to mind the ways I might best serve you, and my friends, my community, and land. I humbly ask for power to face what is ahead of us. And wisdom. If I have your ear, I thank you for hearing my prayer. Selah.

"Yes, Lance, I think you're correct. We need to head back to town and fill folks in on what happened - and these two manifestations are likely forerunners. Also, I want to see if I can't build a good place of safety a ways underground for the people of the town."

"Kezzem, I do wish to help you in the mending of your armor. I will spend ten minutes to get the process started," (during which it will regain 3 hp). "For more than that, I can think of three options. One, Alouryn, Hazel's wife - both are members of Humble's Sword, but are on inactive status, and they care for our burrow next to the river - she may be able to cast the mending spell. Two, Primula PipeLeaf, our town's ginger blacksmith, may be able to use her skills to repair your armor. Three, once I have gotten sufficient underground escape routes set up for the populace, and barring anything else popping up to divert us, I will take the time needed to get it back into proper shape for you. Four, you can ask Pressi and Bliss whether they or one of their new found witchly followers might have access to the mending spell, and spend the requisite time attending to the task. If my brother Kendry were in town, he could help - but last I heard his wife Airin is great with child, and they are expecting any day now. They are likely to travel to the Birthing Tree in the Culverwood before too many days pass, if they are able. It's a family tradition."

Murphy pauses, and adds, "I know, Kez, I probably just used too many words for your liking."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (21 currently), HP 94/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday December 4th, 2017 1:50:16 PM
Kezzem nods his head as Murphey is talking. "Yes, uh-huh, yep, etc."

"Wait, can't you cast mending Murph? I thought that was something druids could do. Or is it just something you cant do today."

"So any thoughts and what to do abiut these ohantom things? My skill set is limited to waiting for them to materialoze and then stab them."

DM Ken BATTLE MAP
Monday December 4th, 2017 1:50:23 PM

With the consortium gone and the halflings left alone, Lance pushes the idea that maybe it's time for them all to head back to the town proper, because the odds of the town NOT being besieged by a horde of apparitions is pretty low, by his accounting.

Murphy figures it's time to sell the stones, but he's pretty certain the catacombs wont be buying them. The catacombs deals strictly in magical items and artifacts, and though these are magical in nature their value lies in the assortment of metals and minerals making up their core.

He takes a moment to pray, telling his thoughts to to his lord Eberyon, and then gets to his feet. He still has his chocolate, as the azatas were whisked away before they could eat any.
------------

Bliss wonders if a prayer or request straight to V�-Eldfj�ll might be enough to convince him to choose a new location, but the plan is shot down by Pressi. She's of the mind that V�-Eldfj�ll might not be considerate of the wants and rights of the populace he is meaning to absorb into his worship.

----------------

The trip back to town is uneventful. When Humbles Sword arrives, things are more or less how they left them. People are going about life, either ignoring or enjoying the spectacle of the apparitions.

There are the claimed items to sell, but who to sell them to?
Is it worth alarming the local populace of lemmingly halflings that the apparitions could turn violent at any moment?
How much fortification of Humbles Ford is possible with an unknown amount of time before the other apparitions manifest?
Should perhaps some sort of system be set in place to help with attacks? Perhaps the dwarves Bliss visited are ready to help?

There's a million different questions for Humbles Sword, and no wrong way to proceed.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Monday December 4th, 2017 3:00:32 PM
"I did have a thought," Pressi began. "We discuss the possibility of wondering where these apparitions might appear, but why continue to let the bad guys set the terms? Perhaps we should start trapping buildings Vee Jay can be convinced to attacking, like our quite oppositional temple. We could fill the area with create water spell after create water spell, get these guys to come, and Rose Control the building into one big icebox. We could even use the ashen cores, they're made of metal, arent they?

"Or if we can find a way to reach Vee Jay, we can challenge him to some form of contest. Him versus us, for all the marbles."

As for the claimed items, "We do have that merchant locked in with us, if Hobie would care to deal with him again."

Pressi is generally in favor of letting the populace know, but recognizes that they'd need somewhere to evacuate people to. They might be able to build some tunnels with help of the entire town, but its not long before she starts thinking of ways to trap monsters in them.

Pressi also begins to think in terms of mobility. She can fly for a number of hours and send signals or spell cast as needed, and she knew Bliss could do the same. But Lance and Murphy would be limited to a few minutes, and everyone else (including Harper) would be stuck on the ground.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80
Monday December 4th, 2017 3:02:33 PM

Quick post (more later):

"Yes, Kezzem, I know the spell. I cast it and was able to take care of a small portion of the repairs (3 hp) during the ten minutes it takes to cast it one time. That ash critter really did a job on the metal, though, and many joints were damaged, and metal creased... it will take maybe 7 to 10 more castings - each lasting ten minutes - to get your armor fully repaired. See, remember the crease on the breastplate, along the right side? That's the only part I've fixed next door. Mending, even magically augmented, takes time."

He lets the group know, unless someone has a better plan, that he is going to work right away on an underground escape tunnel network for the populace. Among the dreams that people have had, at least one included rocks and fire falling from the sky. He figures a good tunnel system, with some larger caverns under ground, is among the best defenses he can think of.

For the stones - he's already given his suggestions.

[Murphy talked to the Azata several posts back - the morning of Nov 29 - not just in his last one - immediately after the combat ceased... did they answer him at all as he spoke with them, several posts back, when they were still described as being around? The chocolate offering was a few posts later, so that part makes sense.]

DM Ken: They were under Robs control. For the sake of ease, we will say they were particularly snooty, and only like Katinka Hushfoot. Speaking to a hairy-footed Pipewood is probably beneath their station as servants to an Iron Dragon.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle) d20+10=16 ;
Monday December 4th, 2017 6:25:58 PM

Back in town, Bliss looks around the area at any "ghostish" monsters that are hanging around. He thinks about what if these monsters come alive, like the ones they just fought. He hates to feel pessimistic, but if these monsters are not appearing in Angel Springs or Hovel, maybe it would be better to evacuate people to one place or another.

He tries it ask around to find out if these apparitions ARE turning up all over the valley, or just here in Humbles Ford ... Diplomacy to Gather Info ... 16.

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Monday December 4th, 2017 11:37:41 PM
"So... here's the thing." Lance knuckles his back and sighs. "We could talk all day about how to attract and trap the spooks, but at the end of the day we are probably not going to be able to catch all of them -- and then they will go crazy and start eating people like a fat kid at a half-price bakery. So rather than trying to corral a bunch of spooks we can't even touch, I suggest we corral all of our flesh and blood neighbors instead. Move them all to a holy place, set up a ward, and protect them all with a handful of spells.We have them hunker down until the danger passes. The biggest problem would be convincing them..."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (21 currently), HP 94/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday December 5th, 2017 9:59:48 AM
"Two words, Lance," says Kezzem. "Free. Food. If we serve it, they will come."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10 (Kim) HP 80/80 d3=1 ;
Tuesday December 5th, 2017 10:00:07 AM

"Great idea, Lance," Murphy affirms. "Against the 'spooks' - giving people shelter in a holy place would seem to be a sound approach. Already the temple of Flower and of Ffloy could meet that qualification, I think. Against things falling from the sky, though, I will go ahead with my plan to dig something which could provide shelter. Once I have done so, we also could consecrate that. I can dig today, and consecrate tomorrow. Or possibly get Lady Sarabella, high priestess of Flower, to do so."

As the group talks, Murphy goes ahead and spends a few more minutes on Kezzem's armor, but is only able this time to mend 1 hp of damage to the metal.

Then, unless any object, Murphy heads back to the Dancing Pig, to visit the spot started by the small earth elemental he summoned earlier. While there, he kneels and prays again, first to Eberyon, then also to Maab, Flower, Ffloy, Alemi, Domi, and other major deities. As he does so, any who may be watching him see the vestments he wears glow with red, brown, yellow, green and blue for a few moments. In the midst of his prayers, Murphy starts, then falls face down, where he remains for six or seven minutes. He then rouses, pushes himself back to a kneeling position. He wipes dirt from his cheek. He looks heavenward. "Thank you. Bless you. I will."

He stands to his feet. If any were watching him, he says with a grim smile, "We have work to do." He asks people to stand back. "I must wildshape to a good sized earth elemental, and call forth another elemental to help me." He transforms into a huge earth elemental. Then he summons a medium earth elemental. When it arrives, he requests in the terran tongue, "Teach me to dig a tunnel, to excavate the earth. I must do so to protect the people of this village from the stones and fire soon to fall from the sky."

He learns from the elemental, and goes to work to excavate an escape route near the inn. The earth and stone excavated can serve as a mound to create what looks like an adjacent burrow. He plans to work on this for several hours, unless called to do something else. He communicates to Pressi what is going on. To her, he says, "I believe Lord Eberyon has blessed me."

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Tuesday December 5th, 2017 11:07:42 AM
Pressi isn't the best at handling her idea being shot down, but does accept it, preparing ideas to help fortify the temple and helping Kezzem with his armor.

Followers that can cast protect from evil: Chicory

Followers that can cast mending: Jamir

Feel free to peruse the follower list for other spells and skills so we can have some ideas.

(I will add equipment for my followers later.)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Tuesday December 5th, 2017 1:58:17 PM
"Yeah, I'll be happy to go talk to the guy, see if he'll buy these things. Anybody have an specific gear requests for me to pick up while I'm there?"

Hobie will take the cores and head back to the traveling merchant atop Pippa.

"Good sir! Good news and bad news! Good news: we killed a couple of those ghost things. Bad news: we killed them because they started attacking people. We thought maybe you would be interested in purchasing these metal things that came from the beasts. An Iron Dragon (that's a long story) told me that 35,000 would be a fair price for the pair if you are interested."

"We are still working to clear this problem and get you out of here and back home, but I'm afraid it's gonna get worse before it get's better. We're gonna have to fight a handful more of them, and they are tough buggers. I was wondering if you might have anything that could help us in this fight? I know it's a longshot, but maybe do you have a ghost touch weapon or two lying around that you'd loan out? Or anything else that could be useful against a fireghost?"

DM Ken BATTLE MAP
Tuesday December 5th, 2017 3:56:26 PM

Pressi has an idea, that perhaps trapping the monsters is one avenue. Or maybe trying to gain V�-Eldfj�ll attention, and calling it out in battle or contest.

-------

Bliss does some digging, and finds the phantasms exist within their 100 mile entrapment, pretty much anywhere.

-------

Lance suggests that trapping the creatures is much harder than herding the halflings. Kezzem has ideas on how to make that happen.

-------

Murphy isn't entirely sure that hallowed ground is going to matter much. The phantasms are more like echoes, not ghosts, and Kezzem detected no evil. Precautions against undead will likely be meaningless.

Murphy works for several hours. There's more to it, than just digging of course. There's support, ladders, braces, and a manner of things to consider. The elemental is more than willing to help him dig and remove dirt however. Over a two hour span, he removes enough dirt, and supports with enough framework, short of magics like mud to stone, to sit 5 or so people comfortably on the bare earth 10 feet down. It's not much, but it's a start.

-----------------

Pressi's suggestion seems to be over-ruled, which is aggrivating. Still, a team player, she does what she can. (Feel free to cast mending spells for Kezzems armor.)

-----------------

Hobie takes Pressi's advice. The Venturer considers Hobie for a minute, and he eyes the stones for a long while. Finally, he makes an offer.

"I can sell this stuff, certainly. On the elemental plane of earth, there's an elder there that eats this stuff like candy."

He thinks for a minute.

"I can enchant your items as needed, as it's a skill of mine. I even have a Ishgara stylus to speed things up. You give me the stones, and I'll give each of you one thousand gold pieces worth of equipment. I've got quite the inventory, and access to the catacombs for anything else I need. Note, a cash offer isn't on the table."

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle)
Tuesday December 5th, 2017 10:38:46 PM

Bliss is just not sure what to do, but since Murphy is at least trying something, he lends a hand with making a refuge.

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Tuesday December 5th, 2017 11:29:13 PM
"Yes. Yes, you are right, Kezzem! If there is one thing that no halfling can resist... it's a potluck! We can hire some boys to play herald for the day and announce it throughout town. Can anyone cast heroes feast or something? That would go a long way. Otherwise, we are going to have to commission every baker and cook in the village.... and then bill it to the town as a business expense, of course."

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Wednesday December 6th, 2017 2:35:39 PM
Item Purchases

Feeling some need to prepare items for the group, Pressi asks the group if they have suggestions for wands or scrolls to buy. She also asks if she can chip in some of her own money to buy, say, 2,000 of stuff.

Lance

Pressi shook her head at Lance's throught. (Heroes feast is a 6 level spell - Iron Dragon territory.) While she can create water and purify/presti food, her magical abilities to create food are limited, and she suspects that it is the same for others.

And as she notes, that should be fine. Pressi gives her fellow halflings far more credit, knowing they aren't completely suicidal. If they explain the situation and give unambiguous directions, the members of the village should react fine.

Kezzem

Jamir begins to spam mending on Kezzem's armor.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Wednesday December 6th, 2017 2:44:32 PM
"A thousand gold pieces each?! That's less than a quarter of their value! You are trapped here and you may well die with the rest of the town if we can't keep you alive. Now's no time for you to try and cheat us. We'll gladly take our payment in equipment rather than gold, but a thousand each is insulting."

Hobie gives the merchant an angered look and waits for his second offer.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Wednesday December 6th, 2017 5:17:39 PM
As Murphy takes some time to continue digging, Pressi and her followers (besides Jamie, who is fixing Kezzem's armor, and Chicory, who is dealing with the Dancing Pig for room and food) head to the temple.

To use such a high target as a refuge, Pressi understood that the primary goal would be fortifications. Doors would get extra wood and iron plating, spikes would be strategically set to slow intruders, and the interior would be modified to allow for safe zones if the demons breached the doors.

If time permits, she will lay metal through the floor, hoping to create a heat sink.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle)
Wednesday December 6th, 2017 6:15:53 PM

This talk of food makes Bliss hungry. He takes out his magic elven lunch box and enjoys some waybread.

DM Ken BATTLE MAP d20+10=20 ;
Wednesday December 6th, 2017 7:29:22 PM

The merchant scowls at Hobie.

"I have a family that might well starve at any more than 2000 each! All the time lost here is lost profits! I need to recoup somehow, and short of Pirnook, no one else in this hobbit hole has a dime to their name! Do you wish to ruin me, fair hero!? My wife shall have to sell her wedding ring just to feed us!"

Perform (Dat Market Hustle): 20!

Hobie or anyone with him: Perception or Sense Motive, DC 20

Highlight to display spoiler: { Rando M'name is not even wearing a wedding ring. Between his clothes, his jewelry and his fine mounts, you are fairly certain he is far from starving.}
------------

Pressi finds a use for her minions. Menial Labor! Kezzems armor is fully healed, after a whole day of the mending from Kamir.

Pressi looks around the church and tries to find ways she might be of use. In addition to neutral elementals, they HAVE seen demons, so the odds of evil being a thing are real.

It's hard to consider traps and partitions for creatures that walk through such things, but she starts to have some inklings of ideas. There aren't any large surpluses of metal laying around to sheet the floor, but maybe there's other options?

Pressi, Knowledge Engineering DC 12 or Knowledge Suvival DC 22.

-------------

Bliss eats lunch. He isn't really sure what to do anymore. Perhaps he might check in with his coven? Or he might perhaps check once more with his dwarven friends? Or maybe he could help Lance organize the citizen trap, complete with food and drink. Pirnooks might be a start.

---------------

Lance and Kezzems ideas are good ones. Eventually though, they'll need to spread the word.

----------------

Murphy is still busy with expanding his hole.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2 d20+15=31 ; d20+17=30 ;
Wednesday December 6th, 2017 10:40:48 PM
Perception=31
"I guess she'll have to sell hers like you've already sold yours? Perhaps if you loved your (Hobie does air quotes with his fingers) 'wife' you might have sold some of this other jewelry before getting rid of your own?"

Hobie stares the man down.

"Look, 'Monsieur Th�nardier', you are an opportunist, I get it. I was more or less in your shoes at one point. But we are literally the ones trying to save your hindquarters, so you should not be trying to take advantage of us."

Hobie displays some sort of trinket that he pulled from the merchant's pockets during the conversation.
Perception DC30 to notice Hobie taking it. (opposing my Sleight of Hand check)

"Besides. If you aren't gonna play fair, neither are we."
Hobie hands the trinket back to him.

"Our price is 35,000 for the both. We will be more than happy to turn most of that gold right back into your hands for your wares, should you be fair to us."

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Wednesday December 6th, 2017 11:52:32 PM
Lance leans in and whispers, not very quietly, to Hobie. "Ask for the we-will-let-you-into-the-temple-and-not-die-horribly coupon. It should be good for, oh, about 5,000 gold pieces."

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+4=7 ; d20+4=24 ;
Thursday December 7th, 2017 2:02:22 PM
Pressi wonders how Hobie and Lance are faring, and telepathically checks in on Murphy to see how the tunnels are coming along. Her untrained knowledge of engineering falls flat, but she goes almost zen at the possibilites for reinforcement as she looks throughout the area. (Survival Natural 20 for 24). With a flurry of activity, she finishes turning the temple into a shelter.

When she finishes, she moves on to stop by the local government to advise them on the situation, and to raise, among other things, the need for an air elementals tower.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80
Thursday December 7th, 2017 4:33:55 PM

Murphy takes a minute to talk with a few of his fellow citizens - he grew up here, he has some feel for who is trustworthy and not. "Please, a few of you - don't travel alone - go to the place that was just given to our group where the old communal house stood. Talk to George, the foreman of the work there. Ask him to bring his men and his tools, and help us with this tunnel. The town's safety is far more important than getting started on the work over there." To another, he says, "Go to my home. Ask one of my siblings to take the cart and two ponies over to the old communal house, to help carry the workers' tools and lumber back to here to work on the tunnel." He ensures that both groups clearly understand where to go, and what to say.

[Apologies, all - super busy this week. And particular apologies to Melvin, re Pressi. Totally missed her earlier post about setting a trap - we posted nearly simultaneously. -Kim]

Telepathically, Murphy brings Pressi up to date on his progress, asks her about what she is seeing and doing. "If you can figure out how to handle your entrapment plan, let me know. If it sounds doable, you've got my support. I'm kind of busy with this work at the moment - need to make a second entrance, so people don't get stuck in a place with only one escape path." He also, when a tower for the air elementals tower project is brought up, lets Pressi know that the cliff where he met with the elementals might be a good spot for it.

He gives words of encouragement and praise to those who are helping him. Asks someone to put together a list of those who are helping, as those who pitch in should be honored.

[One change, if allowed - Murphy sets up the first chamber so that the top of it is about 15' below the surface, rather than 10' - hope that's okay.]

He works on extending the tunnel beyond the small open area. His plan is to go from near the Dancing Pig to near the Sling and Arrow, and chart an upward path to the surface there. He takes care to pop up from time to time to verify direction, and also has a string stretched taut to ensure a straight trajectory. Here is a Map Humbles Ford Murphy's Tunnels with key Chamber A is in lower right corner, with the solid four-point star. He will tunnel to the 'B' chamber, and first plot an exit from there to the surface, negotiating with Hugo and Primula PipeLeaf as to the exact local of the tunnel exit. After the exit is established, he will work on expanding the chamber, about 30' below the surface.

He makes the tunnels ~7.5 feet wide. In the tunnels, about every 30 feet will be a 10 foot section that is 10' wide, to make it easier for people to pass, or to store things. The initial tunnel, though, as he makes the first pass, is 5' in diameter...

P.S.: Way to go, Hobie and Lance, on negotiations.
P.P.S.: Note: link to updated 'character surgery' sheet listed in header. Includes Legacy Item (druid vestments) and other mods

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80
Thursday December 7th, 2017 4:43:20 PM

Oh, and Murphy thanks Bliss specifically for his help. He asks if he wants to with the group to talk with George the Foreman, to get him and his crew over to work on the tunnel.

AND, the druid plans to use expeditious excavation in a spot adjacent to chamber B (near Slings and Arrows) to allow for a water reservoir 5'x5'x5' along the floor. He asks if some bricks or well-fitted stones can be laid therein, so that the water will be kept reasonably clean. Whenever that is finished, he will fill it with water (via create water spells).

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle) d20+10=25 ; d20+20=24 ;
Thursday December 7th, 2017 5:10:59 PM

Bliss continues to help Murphy, and also volunteers to help Lance's organization efforts. He tries to get his friends in the dwarf-trained militia to help. He also tries to keep alert.

Diplomacy: 25
Perception: 24

[OOC to our kindly DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {could we get a time check? I've kind of lost track of days and time of day.}]

DM Ken BATTLE MAP
Thursday December 7th, 2017 7:07:02 PM

Hobie seems to have the Venturer on the ropes. Finally, he relents.

"Look, I'll give you 5,000 each in line of credit for gear. I really can't go lower than that, or else I make no margin on this thing. I have to buy some scrolls to shift planes, travel to the fat elemental that would eat this stuff, burn the potion to talk to him, then get back. There's always a chance he's going to eat me too, so there's gotta be something in it for me. F'floy would disown me if I paid you more than that."

He points at the halfling.

"Besides, -I- am the only one who can offload this stuff for you, right now, because the catacombs won't buy it and I don't think other than you lot there's 30,000 pieces in all of Humbles Ford. And I think you might need the help sooner rather than later."

He pulls a stick from his cart, and literally draws a line in the sand. Standing on his side, he offers his hand over it, waiting for the handshake to seal the bargain. 5,000 each seems to be about the limits of the deal, and Hobie is certain he's pushed it as far as he can. He might be able to get the full 35,000 in value elsewhere, but it would require some time to track down someone who had need of this particular oddity.
-----------------

Bliss volunteers to help Lance, who suddenly finds himself in charge of notifying and convincing a community of halflings that they might need to prepare to hide for awhile. Bliss and his dwarves are at his disposal.

----------------

Pressi realizes that with help, she could probably layer the church floor with the soil that is removed from Murphy's excavations. Further, adding the natural soil and stone gives Murphy several options with the Stone to Mud, Mud to Stone, and Stone Shape spells, for adding extra walls, murder holes, natural caltrops, ceiling traps, and all manner of bits, to be decided upon in detail by Murphy and Pressi, or whomever wishes to help them. She was certain that maybe some of the architectural elements could have been exploited too, if only she knew more about that kind of thing.

---------------------

After a few hours pass..

It is about 5 pm.

Murphy may complete either 1 star or 1 tunnel of work, every 2 days. He may attempt a knowledge engineering check, or a profession miner/engineer check DC 20 to reduce the time needed for each section to 1 day. Failure means that section takes 3 days.

Pressi, if we don't already have a map of the temple, please. This is the link to your Flower Temple, found by ADM Kim!

Temple of Flower (and now of Ffloy, too)

Once someone secures Pressi access to the pushed dirt, probably via Lance or Bliss community organizing, but any route will do, for each cast of mud to stone you may "place" 20 ten foot cubes of rock in the temple. For each cast of stone shape, you may fashion traps etc, the nature of which are up to you, and the DC's against which will be set by DM decision.

Lance, places to start when organizing a halfling community might be Inns, restaurants, wives clubs, or stores? Or some other method to spread the word.

Good luck!

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Thursday December 7th, 2017 11:11:54 PM
"Deal!" Hobie says as he reaches to shake the hand of the salesman.
He grips his hand hard, and pulls him close, showing the salesman that while he is small, he is still quite strong.
"Do not try to pull one over on us again. Our interests are aligned, there's no need for us to be enemies. I'll go find my friends and gather a shopping list, I'll be back shortly."

Hobie rides off to find to find each member of the group. He tells each that Rando has offered 5,000 worth of equipment each, and waits to get their shopping list.

He'll ask each for recommendations on what might be useful for him to spend his share on, especially to Pressi and Murphy who seem to know a lot more about these elementals than he does.

"I can't afford another enhancement for my bow, but I could afford to to enhance my longsword. Do you think we're going to be going up against a lot more incorporeal creatures? Should I get a Ghost Touch enhancement for my sword? Are there any other items or things that would help me contribute better to the team?"

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Thursday December 7th, 2017 11:57:53 PM
Okay, Bliss." Lance counts one finger. "Let's have those dwarves be our criers. We can give them a script to read and have them wander around town all day. "A special potluck will be held tomorrow at the Temple of Flower. All are invited to attend. Admission is one side dish per family." Or something like that. I don't have the gift of prose."

Two fingers. "I need you to visit the Dancing Pig, the Belly Buster, the Flower Temple, and the General Store. Talk with everyone you meet. Let them know that about the potluck, and that their local heroes will be shelling out money for the main course for the entire town."

Three fingers. "Murphy! I need you to turn into a bird. Fly around to local ranchers. We need to purchase one two-year steer, three yearling sheep, and about fifty chickens."

(ooc: Assuming halflings have large families (perhaps 4.5 children per family) that leaves us with 1 pound of beef, 0.5 pounds of mutton, and 0.25 pounds of chicken for every citizen. Also, our citizens are the size of children.)

Four fingers. "I'm going to visit our local lumberers. Do we have lumberers? I hope so, because we are going to need enough wood for the biggest cook-out this town has ever seen."

ooc: How's that?

DM Ken: Excellent!

ADM Kim
Friday December 8th, 2017 2:29:24 AM
Earlier in the Humble's Ford game we had a map of the Temple of Flower. Of course, it was converted into the Temple of Ffloy (much to the consternation of several members of Humble's Sword, including Hazel, Alouryn (they're still in the game, as NPCs, who live in the Humble's Sword Burrow (next to the river, not yet on the map), one or two others, and Murphy himself. Now, we know that there was some remodeling and some add-ons. DM Ken gave us a map to use, if there was not one. I let him know of the existing map.

A proposal - subject fully to DM Ken's 'Yea' or 'Nay' - is to combine his proposal with the existing map. So, I took a few minutes, and stitched the top half of his map with the bottom half of the old Temple of Flower map. The result is this: Remodeled Temple of Flower and Ffloy

It does reflect some of the words (never translated into an updated map) of prior DMs, and gives the team a little more room to work with. Again, Ken has final say.
-ADM Kim
=======
Ken - I made this 'Post Private to DMs' - if THIS update is okay with you, you can either change the link I gave you earlier, or wipe out this below-the-double-line postscript, and uncheck the 'Post Private to DMs' thingee. Thanks again - Kim

-------

DM Ken approves!

ADM Kim d20+10=29 ; d4+1=3 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+15=34 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+14=26 ;
Friday December 8th, 2017 5:30:25 AM
Too long a post
"Hobie, we may - hard to say for certain. It would be good for at least one in our group to have a ghost touch weapon," Murphy counsels. "Ask the others, though, too. I'd offer more advice, but am, uh, kind of busy," he says with a rocky grin. He asks only for 800 gp, and let the rest go to the others.

Murphy, who owns a few carts, offers one of them, and a couple of ponies, to haul dirt as desired over to the Temple. Some of his gear, including at least one shovel and a couple of picks, are in one of his carts. Surely Pirnook will be happy to sell shovels and wheelbarrows and buckets to his heart's content. If his heart can ever be content.

"My father cuts down a tree now and then, Lance, but does not harvest lots of lumber. Likely he knows who does. I'll ask him tonight (which he does). Or, you can ask our Mayor BumbleLuck. He knows lots about lots of people here and in our vicinity. Likely to include 'lumberers.'"

He is willing to do as Lance suggests in the morning, but not after spending the whole day digging. It's tiring work. "Let's set THE POTLUCK for day after tomorrow, all right? I know the folks at the Belly Buster pretty well. What if I stop by there and talk with the chef tonight after I wash up? They know where all the local cattle ranchers and chicken farmers and shepherds are. Let me check there. If that looks like it will pan out, great. They are really good at cooking, too. How about, 'Lamb, beefsteak, chicken and trout prepared courtesy of the Belly Buster,' [Diplomacy 16 with them - perhaps they don't like that he is starting the tunnel project over by the Pig] and 'Drinks, spuds, salted pork, roast piglet, and great snacks prepared courtesy of the Dancing Pig' [Diplomacy 34 with them, with Pressi's +2 help] both sponsored by Humble's Sword?" he suggests. Should that sound good, Murphy proposes the notion to both Inns. With the earlier perhaps so-so response from the Belly Buster, he returns with the enthusiastic agreement of their competition, and gives it one more try [Diplomacy 27]. He pays both Inns 75% in advance, with a promise of the balance upon satisfactory delivery.

If neither of those pans out, he agrees to transform into a medium-sized fast bird, carry a few pouches with funds, and get orders out to the surrounding farms early the next day for about an hour or so. After that, back to the tunnels. He rather hopes the two inns will instead step up to the plates, as it were, so he doesn't have to get a late start on the dig project.

Before doing those things, however, towards the end of his first day of digging, he summons three small earth elementals to initiate a narrow slanted tunnel to descend from the entrance spot chosen by Hugo and Primula PipeLeaf for the tunnel access near their establishment. That can be improved upon in the next day or two. The last thing he does, after changing into his own form, is to go an open space, make certain that no one is too close, and summon a large air elemental. He speaks of the two ash elementals who attacked earlier, and asks if the air elementals are aware of any changes in the area. He asks if the white spire might be built a little ways back from the top of the cliff where they gathered. He passes on his regard and respect to the elder elemental who offered aid to Humble's Ford.

Eventually, for all the downward tunnels, he plans to have 8' wide descents, with stairs 5' wide in the center, and 1-1/2' slopes on either side, to allow special wheeled carts to descend. There will be ropes along each side to hang on to. But, first things first. He'll run that idea by the PipeLeafs, and see if they have a better idea. They're both good at fashioning things. He also asks George. [Someone did go fetch George the Foreman & his crew, right? Bliss - did you help them?]

On his second day of labor, the focus is the tunnel towards where star B will be. If there is someone in town with decent engineering skills, and/or a dwarf with profession miner, and he can enlist his or her aid, he consults with them on his plans. He discusses the notion of tunneling to 8' diameter. "See, if I cast quench along the length of a tunnel, dampening the surrounding earth on all sides, then in the next round cast transmute mud to rock, then we will have a tunnel of stone. Granted, it will be a soft stone, like sandstone, but, a bit sturdier than packed earth in some regards. He asks his expert to poke holes in his idea, or to come up with potential improvements - or, ways to further treat the area after the two spells are cast for safety and strength. Maybe George might be the right person for this. "I figure I can fortify a tunnel about 200 feet in length through such a process." Another option would be to have some water elementals go down a tunnel and drench the surfaces of the tunnel. Or, he could cast create water down the tunnel - but that would take a long time. A quick dampening, a quick mud to rock seems safest.

Summary: Provide carts and ponies for earth moving. Speak with father about who has wood to burn - and Lance can speak with Mayor. Ask Belly Buster and Dancing Pig for help with potluck/feast. Hope to avoid changing into bird in the morning unless no help from inns. Mainly, work on tunnels.

He does let Pressi and through her everyone else know how things are going, what his plans are. He could divert a transmute mud to stone spell, perhaps a stone shape spell, to doing a bit of work on the temple should she desire. He asks others come up with a decent plan for the temple, and Murph will do his bit when called upon.

=======
Knowledge, Local: 29
Summon d4+1=3 small earth elementals for start of downward tunnel near PipeLeafs' place
Diplomacy: 16 (1st approach to Belly Buster about providing food - for pay)
Diplomacy: 34 (with Pressi's help to approach Dancing Pig about providing food - for pay)
Diplomacy: 27 (2nd approach to Belly Buster about providing food - with knowledge that their competition plans to show up, too)
Knowledge, engineering: 26 (or 28 with help from someone with engineering or mining skills) - for tunnel from Star A to (not yet built) Star B - done in a day!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (21 currently), HP 94/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+16=27 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+16=32 ;
Friday December 8th, 2017 12:21:18 PM
OOC: My apologies for the slow posting this week. I've been busy with grading finals this week. In hindsight, I should have asked for someone to cover Kezzem the past few days.

"Let me come too, Murph, I'm good with people."

Kezzem assists Murph with his diplomacy checks.

Diplomacy (1st Belly Buster): 27.
Diplomacy (Dancing Pig): 22.
Diplomacy (2nd Belly Buster): 32.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Friday December 8th, 2017 2:59:03 PM
Hobie

"Look, you've seen my notes on the various types and subtypes. You know your build and strategies better than I do. And if you're not sure how to handle various creatures, you can always ask Google. You know, the strange librarian with more confidence than knowledge? A few things, though....

"First, the only reason the elementals had incorporeal natures was that fire template laid upon him. And even then, magic weapons worked 50% of the time. If you want to get a ghost touch weapon without bothering me or Bliss, that's up to you. But weapons that can affect almost anything might be a better way to go.

"Second, remember that the goal isn't going to be to defeat the creatures. It's going to be to save the citizens. Trapping and slowing these creatures works better, and if you have UMD it might be time to start buying scrolls. DR's going to be a tough one, too."

Temple

(I won't really have the time to fool with maps or planning this weekend, so if someone else would like to volunteer to do so, or if the DM can wait until tuesday or wednesday....)

Pressi considers a number of other factors in addition to those above, like the fact that they have to get an entire town in there without permanently trapping the town inside. She has a few ideas, assuming she can fit most people on the platform and in the back rooms.

1) Fill up the back row to create a barrier with narrow entry points where the aisles are. (Force large creatures to squeeze in.) Use gaps to allow arrows and slingstones.

2) Cover the aisles with sandstone or mud, mixed with water from create water spells. Cover that with cheap wood that can hold maybe 40 lb creatures.

3) The doors and windows clearly need caltrops and other defenses, but then how to get out? She wonders if they can turn the leftmost and rightmost aisles into thin and unassuming tunnels sealed off between the platform and the edge windows.

DM Ken BATTLE MAP
Friday December 8th, 2017 8:45:29 PM

Hobie strikes his deal, and leans forward to let the Venturer his exact thoughts on the matter. A surprisingly strong grip holds him in return. Rando leans in and replies in whisper. "Do not assume to threaten me Master Browncloak. I adventured as a wizard long before I retired and settled in as a trader."

With a smile and a wave, he goes back to his cart and starts pulling out the things he thinks Humbles Sword will need.

---------------------

Lance establishes a plan, and sets it into motion! He calculates how much the families will be eating, and asks Bliss to go relay the message to the dwarves to serve as town criers. Then he asks Bliss to go meet with the Inn Owners.

--------------------

Murphy, as always, in extremely busy. He finished up work on his current section, and makes plans for tomorrow's work as well. He gets carts and such ready, and promises to try and help where he can.

His overtures with the Belly Buster are not well received. Perhaps Bliss will have better luck? (Retry rules for diplomacy are pretty specific.) They sure do find it more than a little insulting that they have to cook more actual food when they weren't chosen as the site of the hideouts!

His father has no issues pointing to a group of lumberjacks that sell wood to the smaller towns in the valley. He puts in a reminder to summon them tomorrow.

Regarding his inquiries on the tunnels, the consensus from all know it alls, looky loos, and elementals seems to be that a transmuted stone is indeed, stronger than dirt held up in frames.
------------------------------

Pressi reminds Hobie about what she divined, which is that enemies would mostly have the Fire or Chaos creature types, with liberal applications of the entropic and fire creature templates.

So gear that protects vs chaos and fire, or does extra damage to chaos or fire, might be what Hobie should consider.

Pressi makes a list of ideas, which her DM approves of, and sets them aside for later.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle)
Sunday December 10th, 2017 9:37:28 AM

"That sounds great, Mister Lance," says Bliss.

Bliss gets his friends in the dwarf-trained militia to help spread the word. He gets his new followers to do the same. Bliss himself visits the establishments mentioned by Lance, making sure the news gets spread far and wide.

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Sunday December 10th, 2017 11:49:34 PM
Lance heeds Murphy's advice and goes to find the Mayor about some wood to burn...

ADM Kim d4+1=2 ; d3=3 ;
Monday December 11th, 2017 1:33:02 AM

Murphy digs the tunnel between A and B. Once he is confident it has the shape it needs, he makes sure the tunnel is clear of workers. Then, he casts quench to extend to either side of him, to the interior of chamber A on one side, and to where the tunnel extends where chamber B will later be dug out. Immediately after doing so, he earthglides a few feet in to the adjacent dirt to discover whether the quench spell has caused a degree of dampness within the ceiling, walls, floor of the tunnel. If so, he immediately casts transmit mud to rock along the same passageway.

If quench did not cause dampness within the passageway, he next summons two (2) water elementals (Summon nature's ally iv) along the shorter section, and three (3) more small water elementals (SNA iii) along the longer section to travel the length of the tunnels, drenching the surrounding earth to a depth of 1-1/2 feet or more. Once that is accomplished, again he quickly tests and, if enough moisture has been transmitted into the earth, he releases them from their summons, then casts transmit mud to rock along said A to B tunnel.

If the water elementals' drench ability fails adequately to prepare the surrounding earth for mude to rock, he asks them what else they might be able to do to prepare the earth for what he has in mind. If they have a good idea, he'll ask them to implement it. And, then... mud to rock. If nothing else works, he can do the create water thing - but is concerned about the time it will take, and that parts of the ceiling may start falling in if he does it that way. The earlier described methods have the advantage of quickly moistening, then quickly transforming the damp earth into rock, with little to no risk of collapsing walls or ceilings.

Afterwards, huge earth elemental Murphy earthglides under, and along the sides to inspect the work.

Meanwhile last night, or early in the morning (before today's tunneling project), he let Lance, et al, know about the lumberjacks his father is notifying to provide fuel for the barbecue - and also takes advantage of the information to get additional lumber for the tunnel / safety chambers project. He is happy to pay ~30% above the going rate for what wood they can provide, digging into the 1,000 he requested from Hobie, from the proceeds of the ash elemental sale.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (21 currently), HP 94/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday December 11th, 2017 1:11:32 PM
Kezzem "assists" Murphey in dampening the tunnel by sprinkling water from his waterskin, bugging the elementals to fill it up when he runs out.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Monday December 11th, 2017 2:22:20 PM
ooc: Murphy requested 1000gp from the sale of the elemental, but I think that the offer was for 5,000 each, but payment was in equipment, not in actual gold.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Monday December 11th, 2017 3:04:00 PM
Hobie tries consult with the group, especially those much more familiar with the looming elemental threat about what equipment, scrolls, etc. might be useful in protecting the town from the looming threat. More of a sneak and fighter than a bunker builder, his thoughts go to battle, especially his inability to hit anything in the last fight. He is leaning toward spending his 5,000 on some bracers of archery, unless he's presented with better options for the protection of the people.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (21 currently), HP 94/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday December 11th, 2017 3:17:23 PM
When he is done "helping" Murphey, Kezzem takes his adamantine short sword and carves 3-ft diamater circular trenches at the entrances to our keep and fills them with powdered silver in preparation for magic circle against chaos spells.

----

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells:
1st Level: Protection from Chaos (3)
2nd Level: Resist Energy, Shield Other
3rd Level: Magic Circle Against Chaos

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle)
Monday December 11th, 2017 9:10:46 PM

Bliss chats with Hobie about things a sneaky archer might want. "I used to sneak around and fire my bah, which was pretty much fun," he says. "The trick is to shoot when they cannot see you. Invisibility is pretty good for that, or hiding behind things, You can get a wizard to make a permanent shrink item thing, like a wooden box, that you can shrink and expand with a command. You can even expand it just by dropping it. So you can drop your box, hide behind it with cover, and shoot from hiding."

[OOC: A permanent shrink item spell costs about 8,000 gp.]

"Course, nowadays I like to get right up in melee range, so you can always feel free to flank for those sneak attacks if I am a halfling. But in kitty shape I got no reach so I can't flank then."

As an Eldritch Knight, Bliss is in his element talking about battlefield magic.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Monday December 11th, 2017 9:45:17 PM
Pressi takes a break to brief the mayor and Roscoe about everything.

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour
Monday December 11th, 2017 10:37:24 PM
It's all good an well to go fight evil, but the heroes of Humble's Ford know their primary duty is the protection of the innocent. Kudos to them.

---

Murphy and Kezzem set about the task of turning a dangerous dirt tunnel into one that won't collapse and suffocate an entire village of halflings. Experiments with the quench spell show a distinct lack of moisture. Perhaps the spell works by denying a fire oxygen? It would be a simple matter to figure that out, but the volunteer may not enjoy it.

Working in tandem with water elementals is more productive, assuming Murphy can speak aquan.

OOC: Kim, link your sheet in your header, please.

It's not as smooth going as they would like. The water elementals are easily able to generate enough water to sufficiently moisten the dirt, but it is a careful balancing act making sure the dirt is muddy enough to be transmuted, but not so moist that it sloughs off the roof and walls. It takes time and patience, but the tunnels slowly start turning to stone. It will provide solid protection against aerial bombardment.

...unless an entire mountain comes crashing down on Humble's, of course.

---

That done, Kezzem gets to work preparing wards against chaos. Probably a good call.

---

Hobie and Bliss discuss the best use of their newfound funds. The subject of portable cover comes up, but no decision is made.

---

The mayor and head of the guard make time to listen to Lance and Pressi deliver news of the plan to lure Humble's to safety with free food. Roscoe nods along in approval as Lance outlines the plan. "I'll station men near the tunnel entrances to make sure they stay accessible." He looks towards the entrance. "Hopefully won't have to use them, though. Folks are gonna get trampled if they start to run away from ghosts down there."

The mayor seems more excited about the news. "Yes yes, Roscoe will take care of all that, but with all the goings on we could really use a good party. If we get to protect everyone too, all the better. There will be food though, right? You guys sure you've got that covered?" He waits expectantly for an answer.

For his part, the mayor is able to give Pressi a requisition ordering sufficient wood from a nearby lumberjack. Should just be a simple matter of delivering it and naming a date.

---

So far, the party has a venue, escape plan, and buy in from town leadership. They may want to pay attention to food if they expect anyone to show up...

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Monday December 11th, 2017 11:59:14 PM
Lance ensures the animals are bought, the lumber is stationed, and then sees to hiring some cooks.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80 d20+14=24 ;
Tuesday December 12th, 2017 3:09:53 AM

[Murphy speaks the languages of each of the four main elemental types. I use Google translate: Auran=Finnish; Aquan=Norwegian; Terran=Danish; Ignan=Hawaiian. And halfling? Welsh.]

"I've got pork products lined up from the Dancing Pig," Murphy says. "Maybe someone else can try to sweet talk the Belly Buster into helping on the Beef and Lamb side of the equation. They are upset I did not start the tunnel at their place - though I do plan to get the tunnel over there, too. Maybe I can focus on a bigger initial chamber - I'm starting to get the hang of this tunnel making... Anyone, someone besides me should approach them, figure out how to mollify them. I did offer 75% payment up front, and 25% on delivery of the good stuff. Plus a 10-20% bonus if they do a really good job - to be decided after people try it out. Someone want to ask around town as to who is good at cooking chicken? Get folks to participate, y'know?

"Maybe my mother can do up some fish - my Pa built a smoker years ago, and she breaks it out sometimes at big family gatherings. And, we have BIG family gatherings at least once a year. So, we need someone to catch the fish. Say... I might be able to help on that one - I did a good job fishing once in octopus form on the Peaseblossom river last year. Except, I'm pretty busy with the tunnels and chambers, so only if we're having trouble getting enough.

"I know the river has trout, and maybe some perch and catfish. Salmon once in a while. Maybe getting a bunch of boys to fish would be a good idea. There's often one or two any sunny day with a pole and line at some of the fishing holes along the way."

"There are plenty of farmers and gardeners around here - should not be any lack of vegetables, wheat, rye - ask the ladies of the town to bake some bread surprises. Y'know, bread outside, something fun, sweet or savory inside. My uncle Orbi has lots of nut trees, and good stores of nuts."

=========
Tunnel project, Day 3:

After working with the water elementals to properly prepare the soil for mud to rock (and a good tip of the hat to Kezzem and to the many consultants and lookie loos for their help), Murphy next works on Chamber B near Slings and Arrows. He wants to make this one more spacious, with room for about 20-25 people in the chamber itself. "A huge earth elemental is 32 feet long and weighs 48,000 pounds." As such, he ought to be able to move a good amount of earth up and out. Knowledge-engineering 24 (plus 2 for 26, as he consults with any dwarves who might care to help, and Foreman George, whom he has brought back to town with his workers to help with the fortifications - especially focusing on making good entrances to the tunnels).

If there is time, he also widens to 8' in diameter the slanting tunnel earlier started by the earth elementals up to the surface at the place Hugo and Primula want the entrance to be for this one. Once tunnel and chamber are ready, he summons a few water elementals, explains what he would like them to do to dampen the surroundings, and casts transmute mud to rock for the chamber and the upward tunnel. Assuming they do a good job, Murphy thanks them profusely in aquan, asks their names if they will give them, and promises to dedicate a large underground water pool to their honor. He digs a 5'x10' side chamber, uses two expeditious excavation spells for this purpose, and casts another mud to rock spell to give the pool a clean container, having the lip about 18 inches above the ground, so it is easy for halflings to use buckets to withdraw water from it.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80
Tuesday December 12th, 2017 3:20:03 AM

Map Humbles Ford Tunnels and Chambers - At this point, chambers A, B, tunnel between. Stone ceiling, walls and floor in tunnel, Chamber B, and entrance above to chamber B. Chamber A still needs to have mud to stone - but he wants to expand that chamber somewhat before casting the spell - and Chamber A has a fair bit of shoring up at the moment by timber, as does the first tunnel down.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (21 currently), HP 94/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+16=29 ;
Tuesday December 12th, 2017 12:57:15 PM
Kezzem will make another attempt at the Belly Buster.

"Sorry, I know your a bit peeved at Murphy, but he has that affect on people...just ask Shel and Alleah! But it just won't be the same without you there, you know? The Belly Buster is a staple of Humble's Ford! And besides, you don't want the Dancing Pig to be there but not you. I wouldn't think that would be very good for business."

Diplomacy: 29.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle)
Tuesday December 12th, 2017 2:15:15 PM

Before the feast, Bliss makes one last round of his dwarfish / militia contacts to make sure that the word is getting out -- free food! and frank talk about the dangers posed by the volcano demigod and the ghost monsters people can see all around them.

Funny how challenging some dwarves to a drinking contest has gotten him some good friends! Bliss thinks he was the contest winner after all!

He also checks in on his new friends (aka followers), and makes sure that not only have they prepped for any coming disaster, but that they are coming to the feast -- and have spread the news.

Bliss also has a sit-down with that Venturer Fellow. "Thanks, Mister, for this deal. You are very kind. Could you please upgrade my bracers, please. That would sure be useful." [OOC: Bliss's Bracers of Armor +2 are worth 4,000 gp. Upgraded to +3, that's 9,000 gp, a 5K upgrade, which should get us there easy peasy, right?]

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour
Tuesday December 12th, 2017 10:02:45 PM
Murphy seems to have a wealth of great ideas. Pity he's spending all his time digging tunnels. Between two days of digging and the help of appropriate elementals, he's able to complete a sizable section of tunnel. Still, even with magic it's unpleasant work. Anyone other than a druid may well find it unbearable.

---

Lance checks off his list, then sets his sight on cooks. The obvious solution to that is paying The Belly Buster and letting them do what they do best, but there's no shortage of skilled chefs in any large settlement of halflings. Humble's is no exception. Of course, expecting any of them to give up a town-wide party to slaughter a bunch of animals & pluck fifty chickens for nothing isn't going to fly.

(CRB has the cost/day for skilled labor at 3 silver/day, but with the amount of work needed you can probably expect to pay a premium...say 5 silver/day. Assume the price you're paying the taverns covers preparing the food/drink as well. You'll only need to hire extra chefs to prepare anything extra you feel like bringing i.e., fish or vegetables.)

---

Kezzem decides to have another go at getting The Belly Buster to provide food. "Well obviously it wouldn't be the same without us there. Kinda the point in saying no, eh? Besides, no Buster's gonna be caught dead at a gathering hosted by a bunch a stinking pits."

(ooc: I don't see anything in the wiki about who actually owns these taverns.)

Still, Kezzem's approach does seem more reasonable than Murphy's. "Alright look. You and yours do good work around here. You pay 90% up front and make that Murphy promise that tunnel's reaching The Buster as quickly as his little hands can dig, and we have a deal." He's not exactly friendly about it, but it's something.

---

Bliss checks in with his various cohorts. Turns out getting halfings excited about a bunch of free food and drinks (there will be drinks, right?) isn't difficult. Joy especially seems exuberant about making sure people show up. "You'll let me cook, right boss? I may not work down at the Buster, but I know my way around a kitchen."

Venture, meanwhile, accepts the bracers and looks them over. "Normally upgrading these wouldn't be much of an issue, but with the state of things I'd have trouble finding time to do it all in one setting." He hems & haws a bit. "I can do it, but it'll take at least a week and then some...six days ought to do it. I'll need to hold onto them, so you may find yourself without them in a fight if these apparitions decide to start doing some real damage."

(ooc: For those of you checking my math, The Woldian week is 5 days.)

---

These actions take up the remainder of day 3, but feel free to throw in anything you wanted to do in the evening (within reason). My next post will cover day 4. Is anyone keeping track of how much actual coin is being spent on this?

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Tuesday December 12th, 2017 11:04:38 PM
Lance is pleased to offer 50 gold pieces to the Belly Buster for all-inclusive catering services.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Wednesday December 13th, 2017 12:42:34 AM
Hobie, feeling even more like an outsider than normal as his friends are all running around talking to local shopkeeps and restauranteurs that they seem to have known for years, feels like he's not quite sure how he can be helpful. He doesn't really know Humble's Ford, it's his cousin Roscoe's town, but it seems as though fate has made it Hobie's town as well, at least for now.

He enjoys his conversation with Bliss about battle and tactics, and decides that he will probably be of most use tagging along with Bliss and the dwarven militia.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80 d20+16=18 ; d20+16=26 ;
Wednesday December 13th, 2017 2:43:38 AM

On the fourth day of building the safety tunnels, Murphy concentrates on the link from Slings and Arrows over to the Belly Buster. However, along the way, he encounters some difficult underground terrain (Knowledge, engineering 18/20). He realizes the earth to be less stable in this section, and that he will have to take care lest he cause a sink hole in the ground above. He consults with George and a dwarf or two on the matter.

Finally, he decides he will need to reroute the tunnel. He manages only a short tunnel, and small opening J - a 10'x15' oval, rather than the originally planned link from B to C.

He begins to think of names for the chambers. The one below the Dancing Pig, A, he names Bacon. Chamber B is Quarterstaff. Chamber J is Bend. He plans to name Chamber C, by the Belly Buster, Truffles. When he does H, it will be Deep Burrow - as he intends to use the excavated earth to help serve for a burrow for whoever will be assigned to oversee the tunnel complex. Map Humbles Ford Murphy's Tunnels, Rev1, with Key

The truncated path and small chamber J fare well (Knowledge engineering 26), though Murphy had hoped to accomplish more this day. It's not a bad thing, though, that he learned his initial chosen path would not be wise to pursue. With elemental assistance, he casts transmute mud to rock for this section (B to J).

In the afternoon, Murphy takes a short break, and asks his friends if they would meet him at the Belly Buster this evening. After the day's excavation is done, he cleans up, puts on some nice clothes he left at his folks' place he has not worn in a while, and meets with Humble's Sword at the Buster. It's the inn that he grew up eating at most of the time - it's really only since the Sword formed, and most of his friends preferred the Dancing Pig, that he has become what locals refer to as a 'Pleaser' - a most unpleasing moniker.

Before the appointed dinner time, Murphy meets with the proprietor of the BB, and explains the tunnel reroute, meaning it will take possibly a few more days to safely build the connection. "I want to do it up right for you." He plans to have room for 20-25 halflings in the chamber below, plus another chamber not too far off, and the tunnel branching two directions from the Truffles chamber.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle)
Wednesday December 13th, 2017 6:21:31 AM

Bliss says to the magic merchant guy, "Well, what about that stylus you got? That speeds things up a heap, and if any fey pop in, just tell them it's for a Bloodwitch of Maab, and I'm sure they'll be cool with it. Worse comes to worst, I ... um ... absolve ya of any problems that come up."

[OOC: Did we get visited by the retcon fairy? I coulda SWORE he said he had an Ishgarran stylus (implying he has the Woldian Fast Forge Time feat for crafting swiftly). Now I cannot find it. Also, Bliss is in essence sayign that he'll take the gamble on adding a curse to his bracers, because hopefully the curse would not be too bad, and it would make the bracers more interesting!]

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour
Wednesday December 13th, 2017 11:34:17 AM
The two DMs passed like ships in the night, hoping, unrealistically perhaps, that their passage would be without continuity issues. Alas, it was not to be...

---

"This thing?" Venture asks while producing an Ishgaran stylus. "Yes, I own one, but with all that's going on the fey are going to be reeaaaalll interested in me. It's all good and well to say the fey will be on board, but they're fey. I'll enter their cradle to speed this up for you, but it will still take me two or three days in there depending on how much I'm needed out here."

If Bliss wants Venture to go ahead, that's fine, but know I'm significantly increasing the chance of a fey taking notice.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle)
Wednesday December 13th, 2017 11:51:24 AM

"Thanks!" says Bliss enthusiastically and optimistically. "I bet some friend of the Queen will stop by for a blessing!"

The little guy pauses for a moment in thought. "Here," he says, digging in his satchel. "This is my Elfin Lunchbox! It's special. If you get visited by a fey, please give it to them and say thanks from me!" He hands the fate item over to the merchant/crafter.

[OOC: -- Box of Elven Sustenance (Fate Item, does not count against limit of five items) - Once per day, box creates Elven waybread to sustain one small to medium person for one day. This food will not last for more than a day once removed from the box. Value 1,500gp but does not count vs WBL. The box has an inscription of an elven family crest. " You will always be seen as a friend of my family with that box in your possession." (granted by DM Shawn, 29Apr17) ]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80
Wednesday December 13th, 2017 12:29:05 PM

Somehow or other Murphy divines that Hobie is open to providing him with 1,000 gp, while Hobie takes the 5k in credit to work with the Venturer. He accepts.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (21 currently), HP 94/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday December 13th, 2017 12:56:11 PM
"You are a shrewd negotiator, my good man, and we will accept your terms," says Kezzem.

"Hey Murph, I got the Belly Buster down to 90% up front, and you need to finish your tunnel to them asap, but they are coming to the pot luck!"

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Wednesday December 13th, 2017 5:48:12 PM
Pressi tries to decide what is left, and remembers the issue with the tower.

(To DM: We haven't really been tracking materials, labor issues, etc. It's just been assumed we've been working, that certain materials are plentiful, etc. It's my end of the year at work and I have the kid and family is visiting, so I've been a little fast and loose, and assuming the DM would just give me some ballpark lump sum rather than calculate every per hour.)

According to Murphy, air elemental help would arrive if the team built a tower for them. It had to be tall and house nothing except the air elementals, but there weren't any other requirements. So Pressi hired some villagers to move the remaining clay (from Murphy's excavations, also used to build fortifications in the temple), wood and water (from create water spells). With this, she directs and builds a simple tower: a thin obelisk with spikes extending from the top, not unlike a palm tree.

Pressi will leave to decide her items on the next day.

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour
Wednesday December 13th, 2017 10:27:48 PM
The tunnel extends onward to The Belly Buster under Murphy's watchful eye. He's going to have to grow himself a beard and change his name to Urist at this rate. He does notice, however, that the water elementals are having to pump more and more water into the tunnel walls to make them muddy enough from his transmutation spell to work. The typically rich, fertile soil of the Ford seems dryer than it should be.

Finally having enough of the digging, he fancies himself up and gets word out to his companions to meet at the Buster tonight. He announces to management that he is indeed branching the tunnels towards them.

(Note: unless anyone says otherwise, I'm assuming you all gather at The Buster on the evening of the 4th day.)

---

Bliss and Mr. Venturer reach an agreement. "Truth be told, I was hoping to keep this to an exchange of goods, rather than labor. Still, not safe to travel just yet. At least I'll have something to do." He looks curiously at the box of wayfarer bread, but accepts it as a potential brib...gift. A potential gift.

---

Kezzem and Lance are in agreement regarding the arrangement with The Belly Buster. The spread for this shindig just got a whole lot better.

---

Hobie continues feeling like an outsider, unsure what to do other than tag along with Bliss and the dwarves. Humble's Ford may be Roscoe's town, but Roscoe's kind of a big deal. Surely the newcomer can find some common ground with the townsfolk.

---

Pressi decides to start building a tower to attract some air elementals. Thanks to Murphy there is an abundance of raw materials, but does Pressi know what he's doing?

OOC: Give me a knowledge, engineering roll, please, even if it's untrained. Also, how high/wide are you making this thing, and where on the map is it going?

---

It is evening on Day 4. Unless you've all decided to ignore Murphy's request to meet up, assume you've all arrived at The Buster. The scene inside the tavern is pretty unremarkable, with the exception of two goblin apparitions sleeping in the corner. They soundlessly snore away, unaware an entire tavern can see them.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80 d20+16=26 ;
Wednesday December 13th, 2017 10:42:08 PM

Day 5 Tunnel Project
Murphy focuses on the tunnel section (with a 90 degree left turn about halfway along) from J to C (passing through where chamber G will eventually be dug out). Knowledge, Engineering 26/20. Water elementals to help, and transmute mud to rock for the tunnels (Murphy casts from the corner where G will later be, sending the spell both left and rightward). He tells the water elementals that within the next six months, he plans to make a lake for them to enjoy - and much earlier than that, if he is able.

On day 6, the chamber below the Belly Buster... Will roll for that on the morrow.

Regarding the white spire - Murphy thanks Pressi for taking the lead on this. Depending upon the size of the spire she is able to fashion - if fairly good sized, he joins with her in offering it up. If somewhat diminutive, he asks her if they can offer it up as a prototype, and ask for their thoughts as to whether it has a form pleasing to the air elementals, and how much larger they might want it, or if the shape needs alteration. He tells her that, once formed, he can try the mud to stone transmutation.

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Wednesday December 13th, 2017 11:58:31 PM
Lance ensures that the money is distributed to the cooks, the food is assembled, the fires lit, and all necessary preparations are made.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80
Thursday December 14th, 2017 11:00:47 AM
At dinner, the fourth night, Murphy talks with his friends. He drew up a map of the tunnel complex - with the completed and proposed tunnels and chambers. "The earth continues to dry. For those who can do so, might I recommend a generous helping of create water spells to help out the folks around here with their gardens and fields? Last week I asked people to put out containers for water, and filled those they provided me. My uncle Orby has a flask of endless water, and I think he is helping out on some of the larger farms, and with local fruit and nut trees. We don't want to end up with a food shortage due to this moving-mountain created drought. I will do a little bit of that each day, but feel the need to focus on the tunnels for now.

"The reason I asked you to meet, though, is to ask: How go things for everyone? Work? Plans? Preparations? Negotiations with the fortuitously-located Venturer? Are there things all of us should know about? Sounds like the feast-idea is progressing well. Shall we hold that tomorrow? Day after tomorrow?"

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+4=16 ;
Thursday December 14th, 2017 2:29:03 PM
Know Engineering 16

While somewhat aware of what she is doing and able to give some direction to followers, she is aware that she won't be building a massive tower in a single day with a few followers and whomever she can bribe or entice. But she can at least build something, and the simple design and engineering means she can build it along the ground and then slowly lift it towards the sky, so she can get it fairly tall.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Thursday December 14th, 2017 3:12:09 PM
At dinner on the 4th night, Hobie will let the group know he's feeling a bit purposeless at the moment.

"I am more than happy to keep doing the shopping with Rando, but I'd really like to get a list of what things the group wants me to get. I've heard people tell me to 'get some scrolls,' but I'm no bloodwitch, I don't know what I should get. Give me some suggestions, and I'll be more than happy to go and do the shopping."

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle)
Thursday December 14th, 2017 4:29:25 PM

Bliss invites his new friends (he does not think of his followers as "followers") to the feast preparations. He introduces Missy Joy to the gathered cooks since she is such a good one.

He even lets the cooks borrow his magic pot. At its largest size, it should be quite useful for feeding a lot of people!

He helps out wherever he can, helping to get things ready. When Hobie asks him what he should get scroll-wise, Bliss suggests a couple scrolls of Cure Serious Wounds, say, because they always come in handy. Cure Critical Wounds, even.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Thursday December 14th, 2017 5:13:36 PM
"Well, let me help you out," Pressi tells Hobie. "Here's my list of what I'm getting."

Wand of Bless Weapon (1)
Wand of Grease (1)
Scroll of Slow (4)
Scroll of Align Weapon (3)
scroll of remove blindness (3)
scroll of remove paralysis (3)

Total: 5025 (throwing in 25 of my own money to complete transaction)

"As for what to get, I think you need to calm down and stop thinking in terms of optimizing or showing up in every battle. Instead, think about your role and strategy and what you might do if you, say, can't do direct damage or if something comes after you. Think in terms of emergencies and of the fact that it can take a full turn to pull out and use a scroll. Buffs, heals, battle control, it's all good at range. Also, don't be afraid to have some style out there."

----------------

Pressi fills everyone in on what she has been up to, and introduces everyone to her own followers.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80
Thursday December 14th, 2017 10:35:10 PM

Enjoying not being a hulking elemental for the moment, Murphy takes delight in getting to know some of the new friends of Bliss and Pressi. Some he had light acquaintance with before now (e.g., Jamir Baddapple of that semi-notorious family, and Filiu Wyarr LaRue, whose house is right next to Murphy's family's burrow, and about whom Madame LaRue sometimes speaks). Besides the two mentioned, he also is pleased to have Mourning, Hesitation, Comfort and Joy, as well as Chicory and Dolgrin dining with them.

"Tanglefoot bags. Caltrops. Thunderstones. Acid." As Murphy names each item, he pulls it out of his haversack, and lays it on the table. "Rope. Alchemist's fire. Everburning torch. Antitoxin. Holy water. Smokesticks. Oil. There are many inexpensive things that can help out an adventurer. I heard that once Valdor Dragonstone - well, before he was called Dragonstone, had a tanglefoot bag used against him. It managed to slow him down.

"As Pressi indicated, having more than one option at your fingertips, Hobie, can help you get through any number of difficult situations. I once helped tame a two-headed giant with a couple of pieces of jerky. Never think, if one strategy is not working, that you're stuck with that strategy. Roll with the situation. Do something your opponent does not anticipate. My brother Kendry escaped from a necromancer who was bent on his destruction by emptying a small bag of caltrops."

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour
Thursday December 14th, 2017 11:16:21 PM
Friends, it turns out The Last Jedi is a really long movie, and I have a certification test in the morning & need sleep. I'll post first thing in the morning. Hopefully we can get our posts in tomorrow & pick back up tomorrow evening to get a full week.

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour d100=89 ;
Friday December 15th, 2017 10:12:35 AM
Pressi is able to construct a passable prototype. An actual clay and dirt tower that stands high enough to entice air elementals and can withstand their play will take some thought. It's not a waste; a lot is learned about tolerances and techniques that can be applied to the construction of the tower proper.

OOC: +5 bonus to the engineering check to build the final tower, by whoever makes the roll.

---

The evening at the Buster is pleasant enough. The Ford's on edge with all the goings on, but they take some solace in the fact that a group of local adventurers are preparing for whatever's coming. It's enough to keep the mood upbeat as they dine.

Murphy discusses his progress with digging tunnels, and if your humble narrator can offer some praise, it's quite impressive. The subject of the drying earth is brought up with the beginning of some plans to address it. He mentions an uncle with a decanter of endless water. That could come in real handy in the event the town had to spend an extended time underground.

Lance, who has spent the day finalizing plans, is able to confirm that both The Buster and The Pig are on board with supplying food and drink, respectively. Both are adamant that they're both working with the party separately, not together. It's an uneasy situation. Lumber for warmth and cooking fires is being provided courtesy of Mayor Bingo. There's been talk of bringing in extra fish or vegetables, but nothing's finalized on either front. The priests and priestesses at the temple of Flower and Ffloy are of course ready to welcome the town at any moment.

Hobie admits to a lack of purpose. The rest of the is quick to act and strong in their convictions; it's understandable. He sets himself up as errand boy for obtaining what they need while everyone else is busy with preparations. It's a good use of his time, for sure. Murphy gives a short, but appropriate lecture about being prepared for several eventualities.

Bliss and Pressi's "friends" are introduced to the group at large, and Joy in particular is introduced to the kitchen staff at The Buster. There's some hemming and hawing from the staff before the head chef speaks up and addresses Joy. "Apologies, miss, but have you ever worked in a kitchen before? I'll take your word about being a decent cook, but a good chef also knows his way around a busy kitchen with a bunch of other decent cooks in your way." It's not an outright no; perhaps she can be useful on the prep line during the day. There's always a bunch of potatoes that need dicing.

Conversation ceases suddenly as the sleeping goblin apparitions in the corner are silently set upon by two 8' tall vulture-like creatures. The goblins don't stand a chance as they're mercilessly torn apart and consumed by the creatures.

Knowledge, planes DC 19, Highlight to display spoiler: {These creatures are vrocks.}

It's enough to put the Busters off their dinners, no small feat. One demon tears into the jugular of his goblin victim, sending a spray of blood arcing outwards. There is an audible gasp as the blood lands on a nearby diner. He runs a hand across his face where the goblin blood splattered, and it smears. The terrified halfling runs from The Buster as everyone else turns to face the apparitions, wondering if they'll be coming through next.

They don't. The scene soon disappears, though the blood does not. Things, it seems, are progressing. The remainder of the night is quiet, but new spreads like wildfire. The crowds that once watched the apparitions battle now run whenever they appear.

Morning on day 5 arrives without news of additional materializations. Murphy has plenty to do. The rest of our heroes have a whole day ahead of them.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (21 currently), HP 94/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday December 15th, 2017 12:30:13 PM
Kezzem gathers up the Sword save Murphey:

"Hey guys, Murphey's been working really hard on those tunnels. I think we should do something nice for him. Any ideas?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80 d20+16=35 ; d20+3=21 ; d20+16=26 ;
Friday December 15th, 2017 2:16:56 PM
Day Four Dinner
"Those are man-vultures - demonic vrocks!" Murphy exclaims as they rip into the slumbering goblins. "My cousin, Gregory, told me about them. They screech, and dance, and send out electrical damage covering a fair distance. Demonic, they are." (Knowledge planes 21)

Day Five
As mentioned before (post of Wednesday December 13th, 2017 10:42:08 PM), Murphy builds 'Truffles' chamber C: an oval, 30'x22' and almost 20' tall in the center of the chamber, the top of which which is 25' below the surface. The ground and surroundings are particularly well suited to that size chamber (Knowledge engineering 35). He also builds the tunnel to the surface in the place that the Belly Buster management wants it to be placed - whether at some place inside the establishment, or just outside the building. Once dug, he summons water elementals, casts two mud to rock spells (one for chamber, one for ascending tunnel).

Later, while next to the spire prototype made by Pressi and her helpers, he summons a small air elemental, showing the spire, and asks the air spirit to inquire of the elder elemental if that form would be suitable, in a larger size. As he inquired earlier, yet without reply, Murphy asks again if placing the spire near the top of the cliff where he met with the elementals might be a suitable locale. Finally - is there any news from the air dwellers as to what V�-Eldfj�ll and his minions are doing?

Day Six
Short tunnel section to I, and underground chamber, 15'x20 oval, 15' height at center, with initial stub of tunnel toward H (Knowledge engineeering 26), then make it stone with elemental assistance.

Will day six be the day of the feast?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Friday December 15th, 2017 7:24:12 PM
Talking with the group at dinner on Night 4: "I think that perhaps I'll ask for 5 scrolls of Greater Invisibility, a wand of shield, and a wand of True Strike" Total 5,000
I also think I may have something to add to the festivities. No party is complete without music, and I've recently taken up the lute. Maybe I can put together a band to play. I'll hang some flyers tomorrow and see what I can do.

Day 5: Hobie will make a trip to Rando in the morning to get the wands and scrolls he's requested, and will go ahead and pick up anything the others ask him to grab while he's there.

After this he will hang flyers around Humble's Ford. The flyers say "Musicians needed. One night gig. 1 gold each. Experienced musicians only need apply. Meet Hobie Browncloak at the Belly Buster on the morning of (Day 6)"

Day 6: Hobie will show up early at the Belly Buster, hopeful to meet some talented musicians.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle) d20+20=25 ;
Friday December 15th, 2017 8:15:25 PM

Bliss spends the next day as a cat, scouting around in disguise. He wants to make sure there are no intruders or funny business going on.

Perception 25

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Friday December 15th, 2017 11:38:38 PM
"Now that we have the trap.... err, the potluck set, how should we best protect these people? It's not my department. I blow things up."

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Saturday December 16th, 2017 4:06:42 PM
"Well, I've made some fortifications to the temple, but it could probably use some outside fencing to further slow creatures down, and I am hoping to station some air elementals inside.

"I'm not really sure what else to do, really."

(Or about what to do for Murphy either.)

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour d100=89 ; d100=44 ; d100=42 ; d8=4 ;
Monday December 18th, 2017 10:54:08 AM
Murphy is able to ID the creatures as vrocks. The day following the incident is tense. The entire Ford is on edge. No longer do the townsfolk stare and watch any apparitions that materialize (and they do indeed still come. They might even be doing so more frequently), but rather flee at the sight of them.

Despite the tension, day 5 is productive and basically free from distraction. Murphy continues work on the tunnels before tending to his deal with the elder air elemental. The young elemental he summons flits around the tower, rapidly twirling around and through the breezeways. The strong wind throws loose dirt from the tower, and the elemental stops before too much damage is done.

"Bigger. Harder." It points towards the top of the tower the elementals are to use as playgrounds. "Chimes. Acoustics...music. Ask elders. Will return."

The elemental flies away, quickly disappearing from view. It returns within 10 minutes with a response. "Cliff acceptable. V�-Eldfj�ll quiet, but fire brethren active. Mountain too unpredictable." The elemental stops swirling for a moment and hovers near Murphy's face. "You are in great danger."

The elemental has nothing more to add. "Release, please," is all it says, wishing to be released from its summons.

---

Kezzem suggests a gift for Murphy, seeing how he's worked so tirelessly lately. The idea isn't shot down, but it isn't really expanded on either.

---

Bliss cats around Humble's Ford for the day. His incognito form he's able to overhear the townsfolk talking. There's much worry about town, but there's also talk of the preparations our intrepid heroes are making.

Bliss only, Sense Motive DC 20 - Highlight to display spoiler: {You're probably preventing a full scale panic.}

---

Hobie takes Rando shopping for all the supplies the group's requested. He then hangs flyers looking for musicians. A handful do meet him in the evening. They look at each other for a bit, then tall, slender halfling woman speaks up. Her voice, even when speaking, is hypnotizing and melodic. Flower's symbol is featured predominantly on her cloak clasp. "I won't accept payment. Flower has provided for me, and gifted me with melody. It will be my honor to perform for the town in her temple." She smiles at Hobie before motioning with her eyes towards the rest of the musicians gathered. "The rest of these oafs need the money."

"Darn straight we do!" shouts a response from the gathered musicians, followed by laughter and agreement. She takes her leave, wrapping her arms around the shoulder of another of the musicians as they leave together. They don't seem to have taken any offense to being called oafs.

--- Consider entertainment covered ---

Pressi and Lance consider how to proceed. Things have basically fallen into place party-wise, but till now they've relied on the guard and Murphy's tunnels (and hopefully air elementals) to provide protection. Lance is content to handle any attackers personally upon their arrival. Pressi suggest something to slow down any attackers, but isn't sure how to proceed. Without knowing where an attack would come from, it will be tough. The river to the south provides some protection, but there's a lot of directions invaders could attack from.

---

Work around town slows as the sun sinks below the horizon. Citizens go to their homes, or their respective taverns. Then, the peaceful night is cut short with a shout.

"FIRE!" comes the call, followed by doors opening, loud murmurs and gasps. Indeed, there is a large fire rising from the east. It takes a few moments for it to become clear what's actually happening: the moon Wardd burns. It's nightly ascent casts flickering firelight across the entire Crimson Valley.

The light grows in intensity until it's punctuated with a large *foomp!*. The ground rumbles and a wave of hot air washes over the town. As eyes recover from the sudden dry blast, a towering wall of flame can be seen in every direction, completely circling Humble's Ford. The flames grow and grow, punctuated periodically with giant crags of glowing rock shoot up from the earth, causing many of the townsfolk to loose their footing.

OOC: Acrobatics DC 10 or fall prone

Eventually, the shaking stops. The firelight from Wardd shows the town encircled by rough, glowing stone. Huge plumes of steam erupt from the river where the wall cut through its path.

The flames on Wardd die down, but do not dissipate. In the dimmer light, only glowing edges of the wall can be seen. It's hard to tell, but they're about half a mile from the edge of town.

Recovering from the shock of what's happened, the towns folk start talking, then screaming. Some full on panic and run. They run home, they run to the temple...some just run.

---

It's evening on Day 5. Tomorrow (real life tomorrow, that is) is the last official post of the year.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (21 currently), HP 94/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday December 18th, 2017 12:51:53 PM
Kezzem greats Murphey after a hard days work in the tunnels,

"Have you heard of Murphey the druid,
He called many friends that were fluid,
Together the worked,
In mud and in dirt,
After which Murphey smelt quite putrid.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 81/81 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 24 Hero Points 2
Monday December 18th, 2017 3:24:17 PM
Ooc: I�m gonna make my post late tonight, we are having family Christmas stuff today, but I was looking through my CRB while waiting on my wife, and came accross the Rod of Flame Extinguishing. Maybe it would be a good decision for us to use whatever portion of our store credit from the venturer to buy one of those for the party?

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Monday December 18th, 2017 4:45:57 PM
Pressi fills everyone in on a vrock, based on research.

(Not really sure what to tell you. High SR, DR and saves. High HP. Across the board decent resists (but the will is a little weak). Flight with range or reach attacks.... Bless Weapon plus Slow seems like the best bet.)

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Monday December 18th, 2017 4:58:55 PM
(OOC: Not going to have the time to post otherwise tonight. Can anyone post for me? Thanks.)

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16
Monday December 18th, 2017 11:42:38 PM
"Welp, we're boned." Lance looks around at the towering wall of glowing stone. "Hey, Murphy. Any chance you could fly up and see how high it goes?.... and if there is still a world beyond it."

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle)
Monday December 18th, 2017 11:51:41 PM

Untrained and with a wisdom of 8, Bliss has no ability to sense motives! He was hunting a mouse at that crucial point.

Good news is he caught the mouse, and with his merciful tear, did no long-lasting harm. After snuggles, he lets it go.

When reunited, Bliss laughs and laughs at Kezzem's poem. "Who says Paladins are no fun, Sir Kezzem!"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d10=1 ; d10=8 ; d10=4 ; d10=6 ; d10=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d10=6 ; d10=8 ; d10=8 ;
Tuesday December 19th, 2017 12:36:49 AM
OOC: Guys, I talked to the DMs, and they are allowing me to change Hobie a little bit. His personality is pretty much the same, but rather than a Rogue Archer, he's an Arcane Archer now. When I joined up, y'all already had a Ranger Archer, so I didn't want to step on his toes by building an archer, so I made Hobie a Rogue switch hitter, but then when he stopped playing, I shifted Hobie more into a full time Archer, but he wasn't really built that way, so I messaged the GMs, and they let me shift Hobie into the character that I more want him to be. They were very gracious and since Hobie was still pretty new, they said it was cool.

So Hobie's new character sheet is in the link, hopefully it works, it's pretty much done, except for the spellbook needs to be tweaked a bit, and perhaps there are some errors I missed that will need to be fixed. You'll see he is now a Fighter 5 / Wizard 2 / Arcane Archer 3.

The DMs told me to roll for his new HP here so
lvl1= 10
lvl2= 8
lvl3=4
lvl4=6
lvl5=2
lvl 6=2
lvl7=3
lvl8=6
lvl9=8
lvl10=8

Funny enough, after Toughness, Con, Favored Class bonuses he ends up at 82HP, when he previously had 81.

This is actually the first magic using character I've ever played, so I will have lots of questions, and any tips y'all can provide would be great.

His identity is still (maybe even more so) wrapped up in being an Archer, but I hope the magic can allow him to be a bit more versatile.

Monday, December 18, 2017

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+7=23 ;
Tuesday December 19th, 2017 12:50:34 AM
The ground shakes underneath Hobie but he manages to keep his footing (Acrobatics 23). He looks to the townsfolk running in all directions, and shouts at them "Move to cover! Get inside as quickly as you can!"

He looks around for his friends, pulls Prowler from his efficient quiver, and prepares to move toward the wall of fire.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Tuesday December 19th, 2017 1:03:10 AM
ooc: I forgot to mention in my last ooc post that since Hobie is no longer a Rogue, he is going to use his money from the venturer to buy some different scrolls instead of 5 Greater Invis scrolls.

2x Scroll: Haste 700
2x Scroll: Fly 700
2x scroll: Web 300
2x scroll: See Invisibility 300
2x scroll: Mirror Image 300
2x scroll: Knock 300
2x scroll: Spider Climb 300
2x scroll: Darkvision 300
2x scroll: Make Whole 300

Total 3500

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Tuesday December 19th, 2017 1:05:14 AM
ooc once more. I did that math wrong, should be 3600. The extra 100 will come from Hobie's cash

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80 d20+5=7 ; d20+25=38 ; d20+17=36 ;
Tuesday December 19th, 2017 3:56:36 AM

The wild shaped druid is pleased with the day's work, especially the chamber and tunnel to the surface adjacent to the Belly Buster.

He changed to his own halfling form before he summoned the small air elemental, and, if she was able, he asked Pressi to be there as well. He telepathically translates what he and the air elemental have to say to each other for her benefit. He takes in the requested augmentations and characteristics.

When the summoned emissary stops to warn him of the danger they are in, Murphy answers, when it appears the creature does not plan to elucidate - "Yes. Thank you for the warning. WIth greetings to your Elder, and blessings to you and your fellows, you are released."

As he has been going about his work, after the first couple of days, it has become somewhat routine. Murphy has been using the time to review several things in his mind. Some plant-helping spells. Some water- and cold-using spell formation, ideas for altering or tailoring other druidic effects use some of this thinking time.

Kezzem comes with a clever and funny limerick about his recent activities, and laughs after hearing it. He asks him to say it one more time, and quickly jots it down in his journal. "You know, I do give myself a shower with soap at the end of my excavations. Yet there may be some ripeness before then."

Trying to do so slightly before nightfall, Murph seeks out Constable Roscoe and/or Mayor Bumbleluck with the elemental's warning. Also he asks Roscoe to work with his men to help organize procedures to get people to the safety of the tunnels, or the sanctuary of the temple, when the time comes.

Staying, likely with most members of the Sword, at the group's Burrow adjacent the river, the call of 'Fire!' draws him to step outside. Wardd - maps of which he has studied - sends down fire to Crescent Valley? [Perception: 38 to discern what he might about the approaching light, and the results thereof]

For all his concentration, the local land rises just right to result in his landing on his keister. [Acrobatics: 7]

Responding to Lance, Murphy says, "I could. If anyone wants to join me, I'm good with that." He takes a moment to see if any want to join him in flight. "Think I'll go as an air elemental. Though a phoenix might be a good form, under the circumstances. Or, as a large bat, if a couple of you want to fly up with me - though we might be more conspicuous that way, in case someone is watching. I'll stay in touch with Pressi, so she can pass on to you what I am seeing."

He changes to a medium air elemental, in the shape of an eagle, and shoots off at a speed of 95x5=475 feet per round, with perfect flight [Fly 36, or 31]. If he discerns he needs it as he approaches the rocky perimeter, he will cast resist (fire) energy, and perhaps also protection from (fire) energy. If he can deal with the heat without resorting to either spell, then he does so. He goes for a fair amount of altitude, so as to get a broad overview. He telepathically keeps up a running commentary with Pressi.

Unless facing clear opposition, he flies in a full circle, deasil, above the perimeter of the surrounding raised stones, grateful to Wardd for the moonlit landscape, if not for the fiery attack apparently sourced therefrom. He takes in all that he can absorb.

After the broad circuit, he returns to his companions.

{Estimating the core of town is about 1,200 feet across, and adding 2600 feet out from there, the diameter of the fiery, rocky encirclement is perhaps 6,400 feet? If so, the circumference would be a touch over 20,000 feet, or about 3.8 miles. If he is able, along with a half-mile flight to the circling rocks, Murphy flies about five miles. At his speed, it would take ~5.5 minutes or so to complete the circuit, including the flight out to it.}

Upon returning, while still in elemental form, Murphy says, "Despite that the encircling flames indicate that our town is his anticipated landing site, I vow to do all I can to dissuade this power away from Humble's Ford. This is too precious a place to succumb to the will of an evil volcano. He can go somewhere else and land on the giants, or in the middle of an ocean."

========
OOC: Nick - great ideas for Hobie. And the notion of acquiring a rod of flame extinguishing is absolutely excellent, under the looming circumstances. You've got Murphy's approval.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle)
Tuesday December 19th, 2017 7:37:35 AM

[OOC to Hobie: It's old, but you may enjoy my three-part essay on arcane archers.]

When the ground shakes, Bliss has no trouble keeping his footing. [no reason to roll with my Acrobatics mod]

However, he worries about houses falling down and about the new tunnels collapsing. He hopes they are sturdy enough! Bliss goes around looking to see if anyone needs help.

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour
Tuesday December 19th, 2017 10:19:42 AM
OOC: Of course Cayzle has a 3-part essay...

Nick, we still need Jerry's approval for your character surgery. We'll secure it during the slowdown, but for the moment you're still a rogue. Site rules, buddy.
---

Murphy takes to the skies. His new form allows him to traverse the perimeter of the town rapidly, where he learns the following:

The stone wall is jagged, but averages about 10' high.
The resist energy spell allows you to approach closer, but anyone climbing the wall unprotected will almost certainly succumb to the flames.
The air above the wall is also dangerously hot. He has to fly an additional 20' above the wall before it becomes safe. Hot, unpleasant, but safe.
The rest of the Wold does exist beyond it still.

The actions of the past few days has helped the town prepare for this eventuality. Folks stream quickly to the temple looking for safety. A few stubborn hold outs stay hunkered in their homes, and Roscoe's men end up having to subdue half a dozen or so panicked halflings. Anyone looking to help the townfolk have no problem finding opportunities (feel free to roleplay this yourselves).

The wall surrounding the town blocks any breeze. The stale air heats to a dry, distressing temperature. It's not enough to ignite thatched roofs, but it's hot enough to wear most down.

---

OOC: Above ground is considered severe heat. Per the CRB:

In severe heat (above 110� F), a character must make a Fortitude save once every 10 minutes (DC 15, +1 for each previous check) or take 1d4 points of nonlethal damage. Characters wearing heavy clothing or armor of any sort take a �4 penalty on their saves. A character with the Survival skill may receive a bonus on this saving throw and might be able to apply this bonus to other characters as well (see the Survival skill in Using Skills). Characters reduced to unconsciousness begin taking lethal damage (1d4 points per each 10-minute period).

A character who takes any nonlethal damage from heat exposure now suffers from heatstroke and is fatigued. These penalties end when the character recovers from the nonlethal damage she took from the heat.

---

A cursory investigation shows they're intact; reinforcing them with stone was a good idea. It's also significantly cooler underground (persons underground are safe from the heat).

Roscoe's men report to their posts. Mayor Bumbleluck and high-priestess Sarabella usher everyone into the temple as quickly as their able. The priests and priestesses of Flower & Ffloy tend to the heat-stricken. The town waits for the inevitable attack, but nothing comes.

There's just heat, stillness, and silence...

---

That's 2017, folks. I'll be popping in every few days to address any posts you guys make, but after today's post you're off the hook until January. Happy Holidays to you all.

Lance Foxwell (Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16 d20+16=19 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+16=34 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+16=32 ; d3=3 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+16=26 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+16=18 ; d3=1 ; d20+16=25 ; d3=1 ; d20+16=21 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+16=26 ; d20+16=28 ; d3=2 ; d20+16=26 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+16=30 ;
Tuesday December 19th, 2017 11:55:44 PM
Lance casts fly, and joins Murphy in flying as high as he can (2.5 minutes).

ooc: Bunch of Fly checks. Also some d3 rolls, because the dice roller jumps around when the dice-roller text field gets too full.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Wednesday December 20th, 2017 12:57:42 AM
Ooc: okay, as I�m clearing up confusion about how wizardiness works, I�d like to retcon my venturer purchases to the two wands, and some scrolls to be named later, if that�s okay. Then once Jerry approves the character surgery and I figure out what Hobie�s spellbook looks like, I�ll decide the scrolls. Is that cool?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80 d20+14=15 ; d20+16=34 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+16=26 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+16=21 ; d4=1 ;
Thursday December 21st, 2017 1:32:31 AM

Murph thanks Lance for joining in on some of the recon. Now, seeing that the whole town is walled off by the surrounding stone, Murphy quickly consults with the group. "I will see if I can open up two ways out of this wall. First, immediately, the road to Angel Springs. Second, perhaps tomorrow, the road to Hovel - it goes right by our new place where the communal house was. I'm flying back to the east side, and will try to break a hole at least 10' wide and open at the top, so that wagons can go in and out. Can someone come with me in case I need help? I have resistence to fire up, and, once I'm about to start the work in a couple of minutes, I'll also cast protection from fire, and go after the rock as a huge earth elemental" [note: 32 feet tall (or long as he burrows), 32,000 pounds].

"Can the rest of you, besides one or two who choose to come with me, see what you can do around town? Creating water for rooftops and the like would be good. I'm sure you'll find other ways to help, too."

That is what he attempts to do - open a way through the wall in one section, where the main road to Angel Springs passes. With his knowledge engineering of 15, he is able to identify dangerous construction (it's hot for the moment!) and the structure's style or age (it's brand new, in the Vulcan style), but doesn't have quite enough background as yet to determine the wall's weakness (need know eng 20 to do that).

Nonetheless, he begins to rip into the rock, trying to open a passage from one side to another, in as efficient a manner as he is able. He earthglides below, to ascertain how deep the fresh stone is buried, and across, to see how thick it is (though he would also know that from having flown above it).

Taking advantage of his other skills, he drops load after load of water, 20 gallons at a time (once every six seconds) along the sides once he has opened a passage way. If that causes fissures in the stone, he takes advantage of it to further widen the gap.

When he feels he has a good enough passageway (minimum 10' wide, and up to 20' wide if he can effect that), he lays off the work. Alternatively, if the work takes so long that his protection from (and resistance to) fire are about to end, he distances himself from the job, prepared to report back with the current status.

After that, he spends time watering trees, soaking roofs of houses and businesses, trees in his uncle's orchards, and for other people, refilling containers with water. It will be Gunga Murphy - watering, cooling. He includes himself in the showers frequently enough to keep himself cool (evaporative water on clothing and skin has a cooling effect which ought to help mitigate potential heat exhaustion). I think a +4 to fortitude saving throws reasonable if one is being doused with water every couple of minutes - subject to DM modification up or down.

He is able to get through 80 minutes (say averaging ~6x20=120 gallons per minute of water treatment, for almost 10,000 gallons (80,000 pounds) before taking 1 hp of temporary damage, and suffering heatstroke, and becoming fatigued. (It's about time that Murphy becomes fatigued!)

He retreats to the coolness of the tunnels, finds a nook, drinks water, and takes a 20-minute nap. When he awakens, he eats a goodberry (cure 1 hp). He comforts the people in the tunnel, takes off his leather armor, and returns to the surface to resume watering the roofs and plants, and helping people where he may.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80
Friday December 22nd, 2017 1:19:04 AM

Of a sudden, Murphy says, "The river! Come, friends." Any members of the Sword who are up and about he encourages to come with him to look at the river, and how the fresh wall of stone intersects it. Does it look like the flow is stopped, or does it continue? Is the river steaming at all, especially near the rocks?

If the flow is stopped, Murphy says, "In the morning, we must re-open the flow of the water. For tonight, for sure, I would need protection from the heat, which I now lack. On the morrow, I can cast the requisite spells. The water must flow, the fish must be able to pass. Both upstream and downstream need to be unblocked. It might be good, too, if at least small rowboats or canoes or rafts might be able to pass through. If we do not open a passage, the water will begin to overflow the banks on the upriver side."

He speaks skyward, "Lord Eberyon, thank you for what you have just allowed me to do. Watch over us, and I pray your protection from the volcanic power that wishes to usurp our fertile land."

Bliss / CatBliss (AC20, HP112of116, +3nonlethal) (Cayzle)
Tuesday January 2nd, 2018 3:43:52 PM

Bliss finds that the oppressive heat makes him sleepy, and he dozes in the dimness of the underground refuge Murphy has so cleverly crafted.

[OOC: Happy New Year, friends!]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 (shield off) CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Tuesday January 2nd, 2018 4:03:30 PM
ooc: You guys said that you would get Jerry's approval for Hobie's character surgery during the slowdown, was that able to happen?

If so, then Hobie's wands and scrolls purchased from the venturer will officially be:
1 wand of True Strike 750
1 wand of Identify 750
1 wand of Shield 750
1 wand of Endure Elements 750
2 scrolls of Fly 750
2 scrolls of Heroism 750
1 scroll of Spider Climb 150
2 scroll of Mirror Image 300
2 scrolls of comprehend Languages 50

Total=5,000

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour
Wednesday January 3rd, 2018 10:16:40 AM
Welcome back, everybody. I honestly did want to post over the break, but family just plain ol' made that impossible. It was a very hectic two weeks.

To recap, V�-Eldfj�ll and the fire elementals that serve it has begun to stir, and they're none too pleased with Humble's Ford for refusing to worship the power. The party spent days preparing underground shelter for the townsfolk, as well as securing food, drink, and entertainment to get them to show up willingly. Last night, the moon Wardd rose in the sky appearing to be on fire. A wall of hot, jagged rock erupted from the ground, enclosing the entire town & cutting off the flow of water from the river. The entire town was plunged into oppressive heat.

Murphy, being Murphy, sprung into action. He has discovered the walls are three to five feet thick (the wall is jagged and not uniform) and extend down as far as Murphy's able to earthglide. He has begun to make plans to investigate the river and try to break through the wall. Unfortunately, V�-Eldfj�ll and its minions have other plans...

OOC: I'm fine with Murphy planning out and posting several hours worth of actions, so long as you understand stuff may happen before you finish.

***

Murphy and Lance, flying around as they are, are the first to see the fire elementals breach the walls. Rather, phase through the walls. They are many, perhaps two dozen, and they come from many sides. They initially charge through, only to stop short in unison.

Anyone who speaks ignan or has knowledge, nature greater than 10 (ranks + int) can make a DC 15 sense motive roll.

Highlight to display spoiler: {The elementals appear confused. Perhaps they weren't expecting the town to be so...empty?}

Unfortunately, it's short lived and they begin their attack on any nearby halflings or buildings.

***

Here's your janky map. Red squares are fire elementals, gray are NPCs (Roscoe and the guards who were out gathering folks), blue squares are you fine heroes. Move yourselves where you want your initial starting places to be. Scale is obvjously way off, but it'll serve. Fire elementals are large.

Everyone earns 8000 XP for the previous scene, as well as a hero point for putting the townsfolk's safety as the top priority. The children & elderly in town would likely succumb quickly to the heat.

...speaking of which, don't forget the entire town is considered intense heat.

In severe heat (above 110� F), a character must make a Fortitude save once every 10 minutes (DC 15, +1 for each previous check) or take 1d4 points of nonlethal damage. Characters wearing heavy clothing or armor of any sort take a �4 penalty on their saves. A character with the Survival skill may receive a bonus on this saving throw and might be able to apply this bonus to other characters as well (see the Survival skill in Using Skills). Characters reduced to unconsciousness begin taking lethal damage (1d4 points per each 10-minute period).

A character who takes any nonlethal damage from heat exposure now suffers from heatstroke and is fatigued. These penalties end when the character recovers from the nonlethal damage she took from the heat. If you haven't done so, make your initial fort save now, please.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP96) (Cayzle) d20+10=26 ;
Wednesday January 3rd, 2018 12:11:10 PM

Witchy Rolls for Bliss to Start the Day!

After waking up, Bliss concentrates on drawing drops of Woldsblood into the Wold. Most of that awesome power he sends onward to Mother Maab, per his pact with her. The rest he uses to power his own arcane spells. His DC14 Concentration check roll is a d20+10, and he rolls a 26 -- perfect!

After his spells for the day are set, he sees how hot it is and casts Rose's Temperature Control spell to relieve the heat. [OOC: I'm assuming that saves Bliss from all heat-related effects?] Bliss recalls stories Mookie told him about Rose when she travelled with his mom, and he blesses the clever arcanist, wherever she is these days.

Then he casts his only arcane 4th level spell, the Three-Fold Aspect magic that lets him be young, middle-aged, or elderly. That spell lasts all day. He changes into an old old version of Bliss (+4 enhancement bonus to Wisdom and Intelligence, but -2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity).

Then, when Miss Pressi is ready, he gathers his followers and hers, plus spirit companions, for the morning rituals. Bliss uses the Basic Ritual of the Grimalkin, the one that gives him the power to be a kitty -- no roll needed with all of Bliss's bonuses vs the DC20 check.

[Correct me if I am missing anybody, but I think we have three followers so far, with more to come? Joy, Chicory, and Jamir? With Pressi, Harper, and Bliss's Pot, that's +6 on ritual checks.]

Leading the whole coven, Bliss uses the Intermediate Ritual of Sharing to share an Extended Resist Fire spell with Pressi and Harper. His Spellcraft roll to accomplish the ritual is 1d20+23 +6 to reach a DC30 ... and it turns out that with help this ritual too cannot fail. At CL7, the Extended Resist Fire lasts 140 minutes, divided equally, gives 46 minutes each to Bliss, Pressi, and Harper. It can be turned on and off with a swift action.

=====

That's the first two hours of the day. Oh kindly DM Carl, what is the difference, heat-wise, for those who are taking shelter in the underground tunnels, and those who are out in the noonday sun?

=====

Just before leaving the sanctuary of the tunnels, Bliss casts an Extended Barkskin (duration 140 minutes). Then Bliss uses his Threefold Aspect to become very young, and he uses his Grimalkin Ritual to become a tiny housecat. Now ready for the day, Bliss heads out with his friends!

=====

Outside, Bliss sees these fire elementals and decides it is time to fight. He activates his Resist Fire (swift action), casts Shield of Faith (standard action), and moves up to fight (move action). If it has reach, it gets an AoO on Bliss as the kitty approaches. Bliss ends turn adjacent to the fire elemental, hissing at it.

[I've moved Bliss on the map.]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3 (Fire Resistance 10) d20+10=12 ; d20+17=20 ; d20+17=35 ; d20+12=14 ; d6+7=9 ; d6+7=9 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6+7=12 ; d6=4 ; d6+7=11 ; d6=1 ;
Wednesday January 3rd, 2018 2:00:07 PM
"The town waits for the inevitable attack, but nothing comes. There's just heat, stillness, and silence..."

During this time, Hobie pulls out his wand of Endure Elements and uses it on himself and his mount, Pippa. He also offers a use of it for anyone else (of the party, not all the townsfolk) who needs it. (Just post if you need it so I can count the charge as used. Duration is 24 hours.)

He also casts Resist Energy Fire on himself, with a duration of 40 minutes. (How long was the wait?)

He pulls out his bow and waits atop Pippa for danger to come.

=====

When the elementals arrive, Hobie shouts "YA PIP!" and kicks his heels into her side. He draws his first two arrows as he guides her with his knees. (DC 5, Ride Check 12)

He unleashes a full volley of arrows at the Elemental "L," moving to "J" if "L" falls.

First shot (Manyshot)
Atk: 20
Dmg: 9 Piercing, 9 Piercing, 7 Cold, 3 Cold

2nd Shot (Rapid Shot)
Atk: 35
Dmg: 12 Piercing, 6 Cold

3rd Shot (Iterative)
Atk 12
Dmg: 11 Piercing, 1 Cold

Spells Prepared:
Level 0 (4): Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand

Level 1 (4+1): Grease, Grease, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

Level 2 (3+1): Mirror Image, ~~Resist Energy (Fire)~~, Resist Energy (Fire), Spider Climb

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3 (Fire Resistance 10)
Wednesday January 3rd, 2018 2:39:11 PM
ooc: what are the unmarked orange squares? Are those like houses and various buildings? Also, beware guys, #5 is missing. Probably invisible.

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour
Wednesday January 3rd, 2018 4:56:16 PM
OOC: Those underground are safe from the heat. The orange squares are small buildings.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday January 4th, 2018 12:32:56 AM
"Anybody bring marshmallows?" asks Kezzem as he casts resist energy on himself and moves towards the fire elementals.

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells:
1st Level: Cure Light Wounds x2, Lesser Restoration
2nd Level: Resist Energy (cast), Shield Other
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80 d20+9=22 ; 10d6=40 ; d20+25=38 ; 3d6=7 ; 4d6=18 ;
Thursday January 4th, 2018 4:21:27 AM

Established over recent weeks:
Murphy has on more than one occasion set up pools of water around the town, and filled townspeople's containers, large and small, with large quantities of water. He has watered buildings, some fields in days before. Pressi has the create water spell, and has spoken of using it here and there. Some work was done in the wood adjacent the Mayor's burrow, with some pools of water.

Let's assume that Murphy was able to saturate the buildings in the area where he made the tunnels - ensuring the buildings at the entry and exit points of the tunnel, and those along the way, were well watered.

[The following is up to our DM to ratify or not] Uncle Orby had been moving throughout the past few days about the town with his jug of endless water (see decanter of endless water), mainly soaking burrows, Madame LaRue's place, the trees near the Mayor's burrow, and the the Mayor's burrow itself. He also soaked many gardens and orchards, and other crops as he was able. He doesn't want his tobacco fields to go up in the wrong kind of smoke.

Murphy left it to Pressi to saturate the Temple and the Center for Enlightenment with her create water spells. Perhaps one or more of the clerics would have been able to help on that, too. The Second Dinner Club is a stone tower - fairly resistant to fire.

It sounds as if the fire elementals showed up about the same time as the Lance / Murphy reconnaissance. So, he didn't head to the wall to dig a way through along the road to Angel Springs, and is still in medium air elemental form. His resistance to fire is still in effect. He has not yet cast protection from fire.

What to do?
Murphy calls out to the others where he sees the walking flames. He speaks ignan, and senses the initial confusion of the invaders. "Friends, the fire elementals are surprised not to see more people out and about. I think we need to spread out on this one. Do well! For Humble's Ford!" As he flies forward, in Auran he calls for air elemental support, as they promised. "Liekit hy�kk��v�t. Me taistelemme heit� vastaan. Tee, mit� voit tehd�! ('The flames are attacking. We fight against them. Do what you can to make them go!')

From AT7 Murphy casts ice storm in such as way as to include as many fire elementals as possible including C, B and F (not certain of map scale). They each suffer 3d6=7hp bludgeoning damage, and 4d6 cold damage=18hp (25 total) as their firey core feels the effects of the spell. With the moisture from the storm, the crops below may be damaged by the ice storm, but also will likely be highly fire resistant, especially as snow and hail will continue in the 40 foot diameter area of effect. Normally damage would not further accrue to those in the area of effect, but will leave it up to DM Carl as to whether the cold of snow and hail do cause further damage to any fire elementals remaining after this round (duration: 10 rounds / 1 minute).

===========
Sense Motive (the elementals are initially confused): 22vs DC15 - succeeds
[Ignore 10d6 - thought Murphy had quench memorized - he doesn't, sadly]
Perception: 38

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+12=22 ; d20+14=21 ;
Thursday January 4th, 2018 7:25:13 AM
(OOC Posting on tablet, limited moves)

Morning ritual completed. Ritual of warding succeeds.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Thursday January 4th, 2018 9:29:20 AM
Unless she gets request for any other spells, she casts broom of fly to monitor the area.

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour d20+12=29 ; d8+2=10 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+12=20 ; d8+2=4 ; d8+2=10 ; d20+3=17 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=26 ; d8+2=10 ; d8+2=5 ; d8+2=4 ; d20+3=8 ; d20+12=25 ; d20+12=20 ; d8+2=5 ; d8+2=9 ; d20+12=28 ; d20+12=20 ; d8+2=8 ; d20+12=26 ; d8+2=8 ; d8=6 ;
Thursday January 4th, 2018 12:45:44 PM
Bliss spends his morning on his typical rituals. He does find that his temperature control spell provides him protection enough from the heat when he's above ground. At least it's a dry heat.

When the elementals hit, Bliss goes on the offensive as a heavily warded, but still very small, cat. Someone who didn't know any better would be really curious about where he was going with this. The elemental does have reach, and slams a serpentine tendril at the poor thing. Hit AC 29 for 10 damage. Resist energy negates any possible burn damage, but the slams are bludgeoning.

If your followers are planning on joining the battle, feel free to control them.

Hobie uses a wand to cast Endure Elements on himself & his mount, then offers the same to any who need it.

The wait was a few hours, long enough for a Resist Energy spell to expire if you cast it immediately. In your head, when did you cast it?

Guiding Pippa with his knees (successfully), he unloads multiple arrows into the first handy elemental; the cold-infused arrows nearly slaying it. The elemental is barely a flicker.

Kezzem wisely takes a moment to protect himself from fire before moving into battle.

Murphy reviews in his head the preparations taken over the recent weeks regarding pre-soaking the Ford. While it's true a good deal of water has been spread throughout town, there's also the matter of hours of intense heat to contend with. The stone wall may block a breeze and trap in heat, but there's plenty of open sky for water to evaporate to. As such, the following are considered to be sufficiently pre-soaked as to make a difference:

Tunnel entrances
Madam LaRue's
Orby's tobacco fields
The Temple
Center for Enlightenment

It's unlikely the humble burrows would be able to hold on to any moisture long enough unless they were being constantly watered down.

On the bright side, he does correctly realize the elementals were expecting more confusion and easy targets. He recommends the party spread out, then calls down a storm of hail and ice on three of the elementals.

The ice storm extends off the map. That's why it looks squished. Spell description states the bludgeoning hail only falls the first round. We'll see how the elementals handle the cold...

He also calls for aide from the air elementals as was promised. Time will tell if the cry is heard.

Pressi takes to the skies to get a better view of the Ford.

Lance is too shocked for words and needs a moment to compose himself.

Roscoe whispers in the ear of the nearest guard, who then runs off in the direction of the nearest tunnel entrance and disappears. The remaining guards rush the nearest elementals, choosing to stick together when possible.

The elementals charge towards living targets when they're near, but the majority seem to be targeting structures. Elemental 4 injures one guard. 6 and 5 join forces and immolate an unfortunate guard. Poor guy never had a chance.

Several others attempt to alight buildings in the Ford. A small number of burrows are set ablaze, including the mayor's. The pre-soaking is protecting the Center for Enlightenment, but it's only a matter of time before they're successful.

Buildings on fire are marked as crimson

Roscoe, seeing his man cut down so soon, moves to assist.

Elemental K continues attacking this brazen cat. Bliss is hit once for 8 damage.

Elemental J rushes towards Hobie after seeing it's mate almost felled. Hobie is hit once for 8 damage. Reflex save vs 16 or start to burn for 6 damage. Disregard if resist energy is in effect.

The rest of the elementals are busy trashing the town.

***

The damage dice did not like you folks today. Next post tomorrow late morning.

Here's the map.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 74/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3 (Fire Resistance 10) d20+8=24 ; d20+8=11 ;
Thursday January 4th, 2018 2:31:07 PM
ooc: So from what I understood, when the heat began and the wall came up, the characters seemed to think that the battle would come soon, and were surprised by the long wait, so Hobie would have cast Resist Energy right away and it would have worn off by now.

Hobie takes the 8 damage, but is able to avoid the burn damage (Ref 24). Needing to get away from the elemental to fire arrows, Hobie kicks Pippa and pulls her reigns to ride away(He'll provoke an AOO). After turning her away he'll guide her with his knees (Thats an auto success since my Ride is +10) and attempt to cast Resist Energy while riding away but he screws up the hand motions and loses the spell. (Concentration Check of 11 fails the DC of 12)

He rides Pippa for a double move which is 80 ft. (Are the squares roughly 10ft? I moved Hobie 8 squares. I'd like to get him as far away from the elementals as possible while remaining within the 100ft range of his bow.)

Spells Prepared:
Level 0 (4): Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand

Level 1 (4+1): Grease, Grease, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

Level 2 (3+1): Mirror Image, ~~Resist Energy (Fire), Resist Energy (Fire)~~, Spider Climb

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 74/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3
Thursday January 4th, 2018 2:36:44 PM
ooc: Forgot to update my header to remove the Fire Resistance 10

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+11=15 ;
Thursday January 4th, 2018 3:35:24 PM
(Sorry about before. Work and child care have been chopping up my posting time and keeping me off anything more powerful than a cheap tablet.)

(This post is for some backup stuff, with a true post to be made later, hopefully.)

Fort Save against the heat (forgot to make it earlier) - just made it.

Harper - is in the temple for now. She will help lead halflings through the escape hatches if they need to evacuate.

Followers of Pressi - two are at the temple, two at the tunnels. They are instructed to fire at enemies that begin to converge on their location, then to escape with run and gun tactics to lead enemies away from the buildings and towards obvious damage points. In this case, since it's all fire elementals, that means towards the river.

Tower of Air - I never really explained where it should go (sorry, it was the end of the quarter and winter break) but the obvious answer is that field now being pelted by fire elementals and ice storms. I'll assume there was some work done but it was never fully completed.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+16=31 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+10=19 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+1=4 ; d3+1=4 ;
Thursday January 4th, 2018 7:27:40 PM
Kezzem, seeing Elemental J attacking Hobbie, steps towards it and throws his daggers at the fiery creature.

"Hey elemental guy!" says Kezzem, trying to get its attention. "Remember, only YOU can prevent Humble's Ford fires."

OCC: Improved Two-Weapon Fighting, Quick Draw

Attack #1: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 31.
Damage: 4.

Attack #2: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 29.
Damage: 5.

Attack #3: Dagger
Attack: 19.
Damage: 4.

Attack #4: Dagger
Attack: 19.
Damage: 4.

----------

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells:
1st Level: Cure Light Wounds x2, Lesser Restoration
2nd Level: Resist Energy, Shield Other
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Friday January 5th, 2018 7:55:22 AM
Pressi was also supposed to cast message before. If it's too late for that, she casts it now.

"There's too many of them. We need to isolate them and corral them, probably near the river."

Pressi casts obscure mist at her location via tatoo (and hero point if needed). She then flies to AY 16, staying out of Js reach.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC24, HP98of116) (Cayzle) d6+3=6 ; d20+14=20 ; d3+11=12 ; d6=1 ; d20+14=28 ; d2+11=12 ; d20+14=20 ; d2+11=12 ;
Friday January 5th, 2018 8:40:05 AM

Cat-Bliss yowls as he takes 18 damage from a slamming fire elemental. That makes him mad, and he focuses fiercely on the enemy elemental [enters rage as a free action].

The cat bristles, literally! An array of spikey thorns erupt from the cat's fur -- if the elemental hits him again, he'll regret it! [activates plant domain bramble armor as a free action. enemy takes 1d6+3 each time it hits Bliss. Rolling this round: 6 damage per hit]

Then Cat-Bliss leaps at the elemental [five-ft step into its square because Bliss has no reach as a tiny cat.] He mauls it, red in tooth and claw!

Bliss's power-attacking, rage-enhanced BITE hits AC20 for 13 nonlethal damage.
Bliss's similarly boosted RIGHT CLAW hits AC28 for 12 damage.
Bliss's similarly boosted LEFT CLAW hits AC20 for 12 damage.

The cat's AC drops as his furious focus on attack causes him to neglect his defense.

Current buffs: Threefold Aspect, Cat form, Barkskin, Shield of Faith, Resist Fire 20, Bramble Armor (r1), Rage (r1)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80
Friday January 5th, 2018 3:22:16 PM
Will post in 2.5 hours - slammed yesterday (2.25 shifts worked)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80
Friday January 5th, 2018 7:18:41 PM
"To the west, Lance, to the west!" Murphy encourages the sorcerer to fly to aid those in that direction.

Murphy, which I forgot to mention in my last post, is at an altitude of 80 feet in the air. He begins to cast summon nature's ally IV.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80
Saturday January 6th, 2018 12:32:05 PM

I meant 60 feet in the air.

What size are the fire elementals scattered about that Murphy has been able to perceive?

Lance (ADM Kim posting for Tanner) d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; 5d6=14 ;
Sunday January 7th, 2018 11:16:15 PM
Tanner casts resist energy (fire) during his round of astonishment, then flies toward the spell that Murphy laid down with his ice storm. He descends about ten feet below the top of the falling snow, and shouts such that a 30' cone of sound envelopes those beneath him, deafening them for 7 rounds, and causing 26 hp of sonic damage (Fort save required vs DC21 to negate deafness and cut damage to 13).

[If Tanner posts before DM Carl, his post replaces this one - or modifies it, as he may wish.]

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour d20+8=22 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+8=24 ; d6=5 ; d12=2 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+12=23 ; d8+2=9 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+12=27 ; d20+12=26 ; d8+2=6 ; d8+2=9 ; d20+3=16 ; d20+3=22 ;
Monday January 8th, 2018 11:07:48 AM
Hobie needs range, so he and Pippa ride away. The elemental giving chase lashes out as he retreats, striking him square in the shoulder. Hobie takes 7 damage. Reflex DC 16 or start burning & take 1 additional fire damage. Between the jostling and the blow, he loses his resist energy spell. Pity, that...

Kezzem tries to pull the elemental off Hobie so he can get the distance he needs. He unleashes a flurry of daggers, all of them hitting.

Pressi suggests corraling them towards the river. A good idea, if the group can figure out how to corral an enemy that outnumbers them 3-1. He lays down a smokescreen before dashing off.

Melvin, not sure where you were before you moved. Go ahead & mark on the map where you mist is.

Bliss is one unhappy cat. His fur bristles before he leaps at another elemental. All attacks connect and he starts tearing the thing apart.

Murphy urgest Lance to get a move on. From his position in the air, he begins to summon additional aid. From his vantage point, he's able to see a number of air elementals incoming. They should arrive within the next few seconds.

Elementals are large.

Lance gets his wits about him, flies towards the ice storm and shouts down at the very unhappy elementals caught in the sleet. They're made of stern stuff, and all manage to cover their "ears" in time. (All fort saves made. Die roller is not in ya'lls favor this combat.)

The elementals remaining in the ice storm do appear to be having a rough time with the cold. Their flames weaken slightly. They retreat from the cold, looking up at all these stupid flying halflings they can't reach.

Elemental J turns towards Kezzem, skirting around the paladin and staying out of his shorter range. It lashes out, but can't connect. (Hit AC 22 - miss)

If an elemental can looked shocked, K manages to pull it off. It desperately flails at the oddly strong cat currently trying to claw it to pieces, soundly smacking the small thing once. It howls with rage and pain as Bliss' thorns hit back. (Hit AC 26 for 9 damage. 2nd attack misses).

Roscoe and the remaining guards press their attack on the western front, but they're not really cut out to fight these things. One guard steps forward to attack, but the elemental shifts at the last moment, causing his attack to miss. The rest of the guards cautiously move forward, not wanting to give the elementals an opening. Roscoe squeezes shoulder to shoulder with his guards, forming a wall the elementals will have to fight their way through if they want to reach the temple. Other guards press forward towards the party, but one in the middle seems to cower behind the buster.

Unfortunately, the elementals are more than willing to do just that. Two of them land hits on the guards in front of them. The guards stay upright and manage to avoid being caught on fire.

The rest of the elementals continue their task to tear the town to pieces. They find the barrows difficult to burn from the outside, so they begin the task of breaking down the doors. They're sturdy, well made doors, but they'll give eventually.

The Center For Enlightenment's pre-soaking continues holding up, but there's a lot of steam coming off the place. It'll go up soon as well.

Murphy, Pressi, and Bliss *only*, Highlight to display spoiler: {You're overcome with a terrible sense of dread. Your connection to the Wold and the natural world screams out suddenly. There's no indication of what's going on, but you're certain something is happening somewhere.}

All characters, perception check DC 15. Highlight to display spoiler: {A quarrel flying overhead suddenly break their choreography. Individual members of the flock start squawking and flying in all directions, including into each other.}
***

Apologies for not posting over the weekend. This week should go off without a hitch.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 67/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3 d20+8=18 ; d20+14=33 ; d20+14=24 ; d20+9=28 ; d6+15=17 ; d6=6 ; d6+15=20 ; d6=4 ; d6+15=16 ; d6=6 ; d6+15=20 ; d6=1 ;
Monday January 8th, 2018 1:14:16 PM
Hobie takes the seven damage, but shakes off the burn.

While guiding Pippa with his knees, Hobie takes Deadly Aim and unleashes a volley of arrows on Elemental J (moving in order to elementals K and then L if any of them should fall)

1st attack (Many Shot)
Attack 33
Damage 17 Piercing, 9 Cold,
Damage 20 Piercing, 6 Cold

2nd Attack (Rapid Shot)
Attack 24
Damage 16 Piercing, 9 cold

3rd Attack (iterative)
Attack 28
Damage 20 piercing, 1 Cold

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 67/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3 d20+9=21 ;
Monday January 8th, 2018 1:20:02 PM
With a +15 Perception Mod, Hobie notices the birds are a bit crazy and unusual.
Knowledge Nature Roll of 21, does Hobie think anything of it? Or does he just assume this is a result of the onslaught of Fire Elementals?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 67/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3 d20+9=13 ;
Monday January 8th, 2018 1:23:33 PM
Also, I keep forgetting about knowledge rolls now that I'm a smart character. Does a 13 Knowledge Planes roll tell me anything useful about these elementals?

Bliss / CatBliss (AC24, HP89of116) (Cayzle) d20+14=22 ; d3+11=12 ; d6=3 ; d20+14=20 ; d2+11=13 ; d20+14=17 ; d2+11=12 ; d6+3=8 ;
Monday January 8th, 2018 1:40:33 PM
Cat-Bliss keeps on scratching and biting the flaming monster relentlessly!

Bliss's power-attacking, rage-enhanced BITE (at +14) hits AC22 for 16 nonlethal damage.
Bliss's similarly boosted RIGHT CLAW hits AC20 for 13 damage.
Bliss's similarly boosted LEFT CLAW hits AC17 for 12 damage.

If the monster lands a blow, bramble armor inflicts 8 damage per hit this round.

Perception Mod +20 means no roll needed. Bliss glances into the sky and takes in the events unfolding.

Current buffs: Threefold Aspect, Cat form, Barkskin, Shield of Faith, Resist Fire 20, Bramble Armor (r2), Rage (r2)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+1=15 ; d20+16=34 ; d20+16=36 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=14 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=5 ;
Monday January 8th, 2018 4:01:06 PM
Perception: 15

Kezzem moves up into Elemental J's face.

OCC: Improved Two-Weapon Fighting

Attack #1: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 34.
Damage: 3.

Attack #2: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 36. Natural 20 (Unfortunately, elementals are immune to crits).
Damage: 3.

Attack #3: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 31. Another natural 20 (groan).
Damage: 3.

Attack #4: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 14. Assuming that misses, but I'll give damage just in case.
Damage: 5.

Lance (ADM Kim posting for Tanner) d3=2 ; 10d6=37 ; 10d6=34 ;
Tuesday January 9th, 2018 2:19:51 AM
Lance descends to a spot about 10 feet off the ground, and casts cone of cold. Fire elementals B, F, H, G, I, and L are enveloped, or, as in the case of L, largely inside the boundaries of a blast of cold air emanating from the sorcerer's right hand. Each takes 37+34 (that is, the cold damage is doubled) for 71 hp cold damage. Elemental C is barely missed.

He says to Elemental C, "Boo! Wanna help me make a snowman? Tell your boss to land his rocky hot carcass elsewhere. He'll get a cold shoulder here."

[Ignore d3]

Lance (ADM Kim posting for Tanner)
Tuesday January 9th, 2018 2:21:30 AM

Oh, and that was Reflex save for half vs DC22 for the fire elementals.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80 2d4=3 ; d20+25=44 ;
Tuesday January 9th, 2018 2:55:00 AM

In the Auran tongue, Murphy commands the two small water elementals (that was the d3=2 roll in Lance's post) who just arrived (light blue #1 at AS9 and light blue #2 at AO9). "Drench the fires, and any flames they may cause, but stay alive."

Murphy flies with great haste toward the Center for Enlightenment, dropping off 20 gallons of cool, fresh water down upon fire elemental E (for maybe 2d4=3 hp damage?) near the Second Dinner club (fly by attack), and ending up in the air above the center, looking down upon the three large creatures of flame near the edge of the educational structure. He communicates telepathically with Pressi. "Air elementals are nearing to help us."

In the Ignan tongue, in his air elemental form, Murphy says, "I love fire - in moderation. You are no moderates. You shall flee back where you came from, or be destroyed here. Your choice."
==========
Perception: 44 - Murphy notices a LOT - including the disoriented starlings in the skies above, but simply tucks away that knowledge for later consideration

Lance (ADM Kim posting for Tanner)
Tuesday January 9th, 2018 8:57:13 AM
Oops. Cone of cold damage would be 37+18=55. 1.5x damage due to cold vulnerability, rather than 2x.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Tuesday January 9th, 2018 9:12:09 AM
(OOC: Running a tad late, but my post will be up by 11 AM, thanks.)

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Tuesday January 9th, 2018 10:50:05 AM
(OOC: Can't remember precisely where I dropped the mist - this is why its good to have round by round maps and why I hoped someone else would do it for me - but I can use the current positions and movemet of Hobie, Kezzem, Lance and the river to make a fairly close guess. All the lowercase "m" are obscuring mist.)

With many of the building/Roscoe attackers out of range and Kezzem and Bliss seeming to do fine, Pressi fires one of her only muti-target spells, confusion, at elementals G, I and L (H maybe fits into the 15 foot blast, but I can't tell for sure). (8 rounds, DC 19).

With a swift action, she one rounds her fire resist in anticipation of retribution.

As she taps into the woldsblood, she can hear the screams throughout the earth. Something remains very wrong - well, wronger than the invasion force they now face. She considers moving or telling someone... that she has a bad feeling about something somewhere?

Murphy's summoned water elementals d20+4=19 ; d20+4=14 ;
Tuesday January 9th, 2018 10:58:25 AM
Each water elemental drenches its adjacent fire elemental [19 vs C, 14 vs D].

Murphy's summoned water elementals
Tuesday January 9th, 2018 11:45:41 AM

Sheesh. Murphy earlier spoke to the water elementals in Aquan, not in Auran.

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour d20+11=22 ; d20+11=29 ; d20+11=15 ; d20+11=24 ; d20+4=11 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+4=10 ; d100=25 ; d100=74 ; d8+1=9 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+12=24 ; d8+2=6 ; d8+2=3 ; d20+2=20 ; d20+2=4 ; d6=4 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=16 ; d20+6=23 ; d6+1=3 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+10=26 ; d6+3=9 ; d6+3=7 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+12=30 ; d8+2=9 ; d8+2=6 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+12=20 ; d8+2=5 ; d20+2=20 ; d6=2 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+12=28 ; d8+2=7 ; d8+2=6 ; d20+2=22 ; d20+2=8 ; d20+12=25 ; d20+12=28 ; d8+2=9 ; d8+2=9 ;
Tuesday January 9th, 2018 11:53:30 AM
Hobie, able to attack at range again, lets loose 4 arrows. One after one the arrows sink into the enflamed husks of the elementals, flames flaring briefly in pain before the cold snuffs them out. All three elementals he targeted fall.

Glad to see that surgery is working out for you.

He sees the birds break formation. He knows sparrows will scatter to evade predators, but they reform quickly and certainly don't slam into each other doing it. Whatever's happening, what he's seen isn't natural. His knowledge of the planes doesn't reveal anything special about the elementals, though.

Bliss and Kezzem prepare to continue tearing the elementals they targeted apart, but arrows from Hobie take them down & there's no one else in range to attack!

Feel free to make a double move & standard action this round.

Lance unleashes a cone of frost at the elementals. They're nimble creatures & almost all manage to avoid a majority of the blast, but it hardly matters. B and F are snuffed out. G takes the full brunt and is barely a flicker at this point.

Pressi attemps to throw the breaking ranks of fire elementals into confusion. She feels elemental I resist, but the suddenly wavering flames of G an I indicate success. She then provides herself some needed fire protection

Murphy finishes summoning water elementals, instructing each to help put out flames. That's something they can do...

He flies westward towards the Center for Enlightenment, drenching one of the elementals attempting to burn it down. It quenches the flames temporarily, but they return within seconds. The drenched elemental replies in Ignan, "This valley will serve V�-Eldfj�ll. We. Are. Legion."

The ground shakes as it punctuates each word before clouds of dirt and grass are thrown into the air. Two hulking shapes erupt from the earth gracefully, fists pounding the ground as they land. They are cracked, rocky monstrosities, with magma oozing from every crack. Just as suddenly, a third erupts from under one of the local burrows, blowing the roof off the entire dwelling. Magma slowly starts filling the crater left behind.

The elemental looks back at Murphy with a smug look upon its "face".

Elemental G, in its confused state, accidentally punches itself in the face. A fiery tendril shoots straight through the elemental's head & it falls over dead. H and I, finding themselves outnumbered, flee towards their brethren towards the western walls.

In response, a quartet of large air elementals swoop down. One of them happily waves at Murphy as it passes overhead. They take up a fighting stance in the southwestern corner of town, engaging the unmet forces there.

Elemental C and A almost make a dash towards the west. (Lance is flying, but take an AoO against C if you're still within reach.)

3, 2, and 1 finally manage to alight the Center of Enlightenment. It begins to smolder.

Elemental D lashes out at the nearby guard, striking twice and setting the unfortunate halfling on fire.

The guards protecting the Temple continue their attack. One of them manages to connect with elemental 5, but it's barely a scratch. They're pretty outclassed. Roscoe has better luck, striking elemental 4, but it's still not enough. The elemental strikes Roscoe back. He avoids the flames, but is still struck twice. Elementals 5 and 6 also both attack the guards opposite them. Both guards are struck fiercely; one drops to the ground, the other barely holding himself together. (Dark gray guard is downed.)

Two guards close to engage elemental D, but are struck as they approach and lit on fire. Both guards fighting elemental D drop to the ground to try and extinguish themselves. One of them is successful. (Orange guard is on fire.)

The barrows to the east are smoking, but don't appear like they'll go up. Their construction and the death of the elementals mean the flames will likely just putter out. Of course, there's a huge magma elemental right there now. Dirt may not burn well, but magma certainly can do some damage.

Map!

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 67/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3 d20+14=15 ; d20+14=32 ; d20+9=22 ; d6+15=16 ; d6=6 ; d6+15=16 ; d6=4 ; d6+15=20 ; d6=6 ; d6+15=17 ; d6=4 ;
Tuesday January 9th, 2018 12:44:14 PM
Hobie can hear his cousin struggling on other side of the map, and wants to go to his aid, but he's kind of in the middle of three Huge magma elementals. Roscoe will have to hold his ground a little longer.

He guides Pippa out of the obscuring mist, and takes aim at Huge Elemental 1. It's a pretty big target, so Hobie sacrifices aim for extra damage.

Attack 1 (Manyshot)
Attack 15
Damage 16 Piercing 9 cold
Damage 16 Piercing 6 Cold

Attack 2 (Rapid Shot)
Attack 32
Damage 20 Piercing 9 cold

Attack 3 (Iterative)
Attack 22
Damage 17 Piercing 6 Cold

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 67/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3
Tuesday January 9th, 2018 12:45:50 PM
I wasn't paying attention, the Manyshot was a Natural 1, so it misses no matter what the AC is.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC24, HP89of116) (Cayzle) d20+33=40 ; d20+14=15 ; d20+14=32 ; d2+11=12 ; d20+14=28 ; d2+11=13 ; d6+3=7 ;
Tuesday January 9th, 2018 4:20:06 PM

Last Round: Cat-Bliss uses his acrobatics to move into Elemental 3's space without provoking attacks of opportunity, hopefully.

Acrobatics 40

The housecat spits and hisses at the flaming fiend. This Round: Bliss makes a full attack on Elemental 3.

Bliss's power-attacking, rage-enhanced BITE (at +14) hits AC15 with a natural 1, miss.
Bliss's similarly boosted RIGHT CLAW hits AC32 for 12 damage.
Bliss's similarly boosted LEFT CLAW hits AC28 for 13 damage.

If the monster lands a blow, Bliss's thorns inflict 7 damage per hit.

Current buffs: Threefold Aspect, Cat form, Barkskin, Shield of Faith, Resist Fire 20, Bramble Armor (r3), Rage (r3)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday January 9th, 2018 11:27:19 PM
"Hobbie, stop being so effective at killing this things," says Kezzem as he double moves towards Elemental I. "Er, wait, forget I said that."

OOC: double move

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Air Elemental HP 80/80 Resist fire d20+25=32 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+4=16 ;
Wednesday January 10th, 2018 1:58:49 AM

Murphy waved a welcome at the incoming air elementals. Now he casts create water to dash 20 gallons of cooling liquid against the smouldering building. Though he wants to stay here, he also fears for Constable Roscoe and his stalwarts. So after the splash, he flies quickly over to join against the elementals which try to approach the temple. Once there, in the air, using a hero point to gain an extra standard action, Murphy scales up (wild shape) from a medium air elemental into a huge air elemental, at 30 (top at 62) feet in the air, looming above fire elemental #4 at the moment, and making whooshing noises.

Though concerned about what he sensed a moment ago, he does not know what he can do about it, other than to deal with the enemies at hand. Are the sparrows still disoriented?
=========
Perception: 32
=========

The small water elementals work on further drenching C (12) and D (16).

Lance Foxwell (Kim for Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16 10d6=36 ;
Wednesday January 10th, 2018 2:07:24 AM

Lance passes over where A and E are at the moment. He figures that the Second Dinner Club should be helping out in this battle, and they're in a stone castle. He whistles, and yells, "Wake up, wizards!" in the halfling tongue as he flies by their windows.

He then casts another cone of cold, catching fire elementals 1, 2, and 3, and the surface of the facing edge of the Center for Enlightenment. The elementals take 36+18=54 hp cold damage, unless they save for half that. The smouldering building should cool off a bit - with an icy sheen where the water from Murphy's spell dampened the wall.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+18=22 ;
Wednesday January 10th, 2018 10:41:05 AM
Pressi watched as creature upon creature appeared on both sides, and felt dizzy trying to keep track of them all. She had a sinking feeling, however, that they might not have the option of focusing on one side of the field any longer.

She had to hope that half the team could continue to handle things on their own. Sighing, she flies forward to AQ16 and asks the guard if he's all right. (She isn't sure of I's confusion state, but decides to risk it.)

(If needed, her acro skill is +11 and she gets an extra +4 to avoiding AoOs during movement (mobility feat). Her fly skill is +9.)

"Hey, can't you read?" she shouts at Magma Elemental 2. "If you want to get in the bar, you have to stop smoking first."

Pressi hits the magma elementals 1 and 2 with a scroll of slow (Rolled 22 vs DC 23, adding +4 from hero point. Will DC 17, 3 rounds.)

Pressi puts up her fire resist quickly. (Swift action)

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour d20+11=20 ; d20+11=22 ; d20+11=28 ; d20+18=26 ; d20+18=28 ; d20+18=31 ; 2d8+7=18 ; 2d8+7=17 ; d20+22=42 ; d20+18=32 ; 2d8+7=17 ; 2d8+7=16 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+12=18 ; d6+2=3 ; d20+3=10 ; d6=5 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+12=27 ; d8+2=4 ; d8+2=9 ; d20+3=14 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=29 ; d8+2=6 ; d8+2=4 ; d6=6 ; d20+3=21 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+6=21 ; d6=5 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+12=28 ; d8+2=4 ; d100=47 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+4=21 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday January 10th, 2018 11:21:53 AM
Hobie hopes his cousin can hold out a little longer, as he's surrounded my magma elementals. Half his shots somehow miss the huge creature entirely, but two sink deep & spread a layer of frost across the thing's form.

Bliss, still a furious little ball of rage, scampers around elemental 3's attempts to slam him & leaps clawing and biting. His teeth sink in, but can't quite sink in far enough. He's able to use the hold to rake both claws through the thing.

Kezzem gets himself in a better position to continue his attack.

Murphy welcomes the assistance from the air elementals' court & soaks the Center for Enlightenment (I assume). He rushes to aid Roscoe, frantically forcing his form to be even larger.

Info on the birds is coming up...

Lance catches three of the elementals in his spell, badly injuring two of them. The fresh water Murphy dropped on the Center for Enlightenment freezes, providing extra protection against the elemental's flame.

He also wonders where the heck the Second Dinner Club's wizards are. It's likely they were at the gathering underground when the elementals attacked, and haven't made their way to the surface yet.

Pressi checks on the guard. He's upright, but clearly outmatched. She turns, lectures the elementals on the subject of smoking, and trys to slow two of them down. Magma elemental 2's actions immediately slow, but #1 shrugs it off w/o issue.

Magma elemental 3 backhands Bliss away, then slams it's giant fists down on him where he lands. Bliss' thorns break off small chunks of the elemental's outer shell, but it's not much compared to what he dished out. Bliss is hit twice - Hit AC 26 & 28 for 18 & 17 damage, respectively.

Magma elemental 1 is clearly unhappy with Hobie. The creature roars and charges towards him, lowering its arm to protect against any attacks of opportunity (Greater overrun). The beast's arm comes up and strikes Hobie and Pippa, knocking them both prone to the ground. It quickly turns and absolutely crushes the prone halfling.

Greater overrun cmb check: 31 vs 24 CMD - Hobie and Pippa are knocked prone (I factored in Pippa's 4 legs in the CMB check). Greater overrun gives the elemental an AoO - nat 20 (confirmed 32). Hobie takes 33 damage from the blow and is prone. Reflex save DC 18 or catch on fire & take 4 damage.

Magma elemental 2 turns and vomits a puddle of lava against the wall of the Pig, immediately beginning to melt/burn through the exterior. It begins to puddle at the base of the structure, but it's pretty viscous stuff & flows slowly.

Several elementals to the north are displeased with Lance, but with the sorcerer 30' in the air, there's not much they can do about it. 3, 2, and 1 decide to make a bee-line for the temple. A and E turn towards the Second Dinner Club & begin battering down the front entrance, where they are joined by 7.

The air and fire elementals in the SW corner of town continue holding their own against each other.

Elemental 4 continues its attacks on one of the town's guards. The guard dodges once, but is clipped on the elemental's follow-thru. Unfortunately, it's enough to catch his hair on fire; the guard is badly burned and in desperate shape. The guard tries to smother the flames, but is unsuccessful.

Elemental 6 lays out the guard opposite it entirely. The guard hits the ground hard, but somehow manages to not catch on fire.

Elemental 5 moves up to surround Roscoe, but keeps out of reach of him. It strikes once, but Roscoe's able to avoid the blow.

Elemental D attacks the inflamed guard, missing once, but viciously backhanding him immediately after. The guard takes the solid hit, as well as the continued fire damage. Luckily, he is able to extinguish the fire. Still, he's barely upright. His companion takes a 5' step, putting himself between D and his nearly dead friend. He presses the attack, but can't connect with the thing.

I and H, seeing their larger brethren have joined the fight, turn back to flank Kezzem. A nearby guard takes a swing at the approaching elemental and manages to connect! A chunk of the elemental's internal husk flies away. Elemental H ignores the weaker opponent, and both focus on strike Kezzem. H manages to connect, but just barely.

Kezzem takes 4 points of damage. His fire protection prevents any burning.

As the combat rages on, several small thumps can be heard hitting the ground. Anyone paying attention will see a number of sparrows hitting the ground, and several more are still in chaos overhead. Perception 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {They don't appear to be just falling out of the sky, they're just running into each other and falling.}

Pressi, Bliss, and Murphy, Highlight to display spoiler: {Your feelings of dread intensify. It's a very inconvenient time, and you obviously have more pressing matters at hand, but you know something big is coming.}

Bliss / CatBliss (AC27, HP54of116) (Cayzle) d20+10=12 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+10=27 ; d2+11=13 ; d6+3=5 ;
Wednesday January 10th, 2018 12:25:36 PM

Considering these things are not that hard to hit, CatBliss grows a little more cautious as he fights the elemental. [OOC: Fighting Defensively with enough acrobatics ranks to give -4 to hit and +3 AC, dropping his attack to +10 and raising his AC to 27]

Bliss's power-attacking, rage-enhanced, defensive BITE (at +10) hits AC12, miss.
Bliss's similarly boosted RIGHT CLAW hits AC14, another miss.
Bliss's similarly boosted LEFT CLAW hits AC27 for 13 damage.

If the monster lands a blow, Bliss's thorns inflict 5 damage per hit.

Current buffs: Threefold Aspect, Cat form, Barkskin, Shield of Faith, Resist Fire 20, Bramble Armor (r4), Rage (r4)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 105/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+16=22 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+11=18 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=3 ;
Wednesday January 10th, 2018 12:34:02 PM
"Your mama hits harder that that!" Kezzem taunts the elementals as he closes on Elemental I and unloads with his daggers.

OOC: Improved Two Weapon Fighting

Attack #1: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 22.
Damage: 4.

Attack #2: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 35.
Damage: 3.

Attack #3: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 18 - 5 = 13 (forgot to decrease Attack Bonus).
Damage: 4 (likely a miss but included just in case).

Attack #3: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 18.
Damage: 3.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 30/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3-- Currently Invisible, Currently On Fire d20+15=19 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=17 ;
Wednesday January 10th, 2018 1:58:15 PM
Perception 19, Hobie doesn't notice whatever the thing was.

Reflex Save 10, Hobie catches fire.

He and Pippa are tossed by the Magma elemental, and lie prone. Hobie is on fire, and in rough shape. He senses he has a quick moment while the elemental is distracted (He used his AoO in the overrun and I'm assuming he doesn't have Combat Reflexes. If I'm wrong here's a concentration check=17) and casts Invisibility on himself, using Prowler, his bonded object.

If successfully invisible, he shouts at his pony, "Run Away Pip!! Get to safety!!"

Hobie stands up from prone, dusts himself off, and thinks about his next move.

Spells Prepared: ~~Free Spell from Bonded Object~~
Level 0 (4): Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand

Level 1 (4+1): Grease, Grease, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

Level 2 (3+1): Mirror Image, ~~Resist Energy (Fire), Resist Energy (Fire)~~, Spider Climb

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 30/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3-- Currently Invisible, Currently On Fire
Wednesday January 10th, 2018 2:07:54 PM
ooc: As I plot my next moves, could tell me, how tall is the Herbarium, and What is the tallest building in town?

ADM Kim
Thursday January 11th, 2018 2:09:14 AM
Nick T (Hobie): It's up to DM Carl to tell you precisely how tall the Herbarium is - but likely 1 to 1-1/2 stories high, maybe two at the outside. The mages' Second Dinner Club tower is 4 to 5 stories high, made of stone, and some of it is underground. Three of the floors are reserved for the three (well, for now, two) members of the Second Dinner Club. -ADM Kim

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Air Elemental HP 80/80 Resist fire 2d8+7=16 ; 2d8+7=17 ; 2d8+7=15 ; 2d8+7=20 ; 2d8+7=11 ; 2d8+7=18 ; 2d8+7=17 ;
Thursday January 11th, 2018 3:13:48 AM
Murphy post 20180110

Murphy casts protection from energy (fire) +20. If needed, he again expends a hero point so as to be able to cast the spell, as well as do the following. As he forms into a whirlwind, 50 feet tall and 25 feet in diameter at the top, 5 feet in diameter at the bottom, he comes about 4 feet from the ground at the foot of elemental #4. The elemental will need a Reflex save DC 22 or take damage equal to a slam attack (2d8+7): 16 hp. It also must make a second save or be picked up bodily and held suspended in the powerful winds, automatically taking damage each round.

Murphy moves through the areas occupied by 6 (17hp) and 5 (15hp), potentially catching each of them up. He then continues in a roughly northeasterly path, skirting the temple, and covers (Refl vs DC22, twice each) fire elementals 3 (20hp), 2 (11hp), and 1 (18hp), and ends about halfway between the temple and the Center for Enlightment, ~25 feet in the air, with anywhere from zero to six swirling fire elementals flailing about within the windy vortex.

His large elemental lungs are not silent. In the halfling tongue, he roars, [b]"Send clerics outside to heal the guards, some to create water. Pray to Eberyon, Flower and Ffloy for their aid, for something comes against which mere mortals may not contend." He adds in a quieter voice. [i]"Eberyon, I offer myself more deeply in your service, if you will keep this little town safe against V�-Eldfj�ll."

Note: As he remains about 4-5 feet above the ground, until picking up his last passenger, he is unlikely to strike a halfling, and uses his perfect (precision?) flight to thread the path so as not to pick up any halflings. Only fire elementals in as much abundance as he might.

Lance Foxwell (Kim for Tanner) HP 97 -- AC 18/18/15 -- F+8 R+9 W+11 -- CMD 16 -- Fly +16 10d6=39 ;
Thursday January 11th, 2018 3:34:20 AM

Lance flies south for the winter, gaining slightly in elevation, then lays down once more a cone of cold, this time hitting E, A, and 7, as well as the top of the nearby burrow which suffered a bit from recent flames (AE11). Cold damage is 39+19=58 (or save for half damage). "Give it up, matchsticks!" he calls down to those who batter against the doors. "It's the Center for Enlightenment, not the Center for Lighting Up."

Murphy's two small water elementals d20+4=8 ; d20+4=15 ;
Thursday January 11th, 2018 7:31:53 AM
Water elementals #1 and #2 politely carry out their summoner's wishes, continuously doing what they can to drench the flames of the adjacent fire elementals [8, 15].

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+11=21 ; d6+4=5 ;
Thursday January 11th, 2018 11:24:09 AM
(Perception cannot fail.)

Pressi tries to clear her head the best she can. Birds flying into each other. Mobile feelings of dread. Cats and dogs living in harmony.

She wondered if she had time to break off from the attack and see if she could divine what was coming. A mouthful of lava vomit and earful of screaming guards told her that maybe not.

"Hey, pay attention to me when I am taunting you," she shouts as she flies behind him. (move action)

Immediate Action: Focused Curse

Standard Action: Touch of Gracelessness (attack roll 21 v touch AC, Dex Damage 5, Fort DC 16 partial, 8 rounds).

Swift Action: Fire Resist

----------------

acive effects

Extended Resist Fire (46 mins each for Pressi, Harper) - Ritual of Sharing
Ritual of Warding - +1 to AC for the day
Flying Broom - number of hours, limited to one hand
message

Spells Used

L1: 1/6+1
L2: 4+1
L3: 4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L1 Tattoo: 1/3
Focused Curse: 1/1

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour
Thursday January 11th, 2018 11:54:59 AM
Real talk, gentle readers:

Tomorrow starts a new module dictated by the PTB. As such, I'll be wrapping up this combat without rolling a bunch of dice. Know that I severely underestimated what you folks are capable of in combat, and know that it won't happen again.

***

Our heroes continue their defense of Humble's Ford. Bliss scratches and claws his way all over the slower, but tougher, magma elemental. Kezzem squares off in a two-on-one battle. Hobie recovers and sends his beloved Pippa away from the combat, and vanishes. Pity he's still on fire.

Murphy sucks a bunch of fire elementals off the Temple's guard, giving them a much needed respite. He calls for aid from the temple clerics, as well as Lord Eberyon, but knows in his heart that whatever's coming is coming too soon. Pressi continues rendering one of the magma elementals until a slow moving, clumsy oaf.

Lance continues being ridiculously effective against these elementals with his attack spells.

Murphy, Pressi, and Bliss all increasingly have a hard time ignoring the sense of dread that's overcome them. It rises to a fever pitch within their minds. Bliss and Pressi especially find it near impossible to ignore the feeling (Will save DC 15 or be shaken). The elementals also seem to be effected. A few of them break combat to look upward and around. In the resulting quiet, the frantic squawking of the sparrow quarrel gone crazy is audible. Several of them fly full speed into nearby buildings. A few fly straight down and crash into the earth. A creshendo of wolf howls echos from the surrounding wilderness.

Something is coming...

***

Everyone gets 4k XP from this combat.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 30/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3-- Currently Invisible d20+12=20 ;
Thursday January 11th, 2018 3:12:23 PM
ooc: So is this combat over?

Hobie's first action is gonna be to stop drop and roll, trying to put his fire out. Ref Save 20, success.

Invisibility Rounds remaining, 38/40

Bliss / CatBliss (AC27, HP54of116) (Cayzle) d20=5 ;
Thursday January 11th, 2018 10:49:30 PM

Bliss changes back into a halfling and runs away! "Something is bad!" he shouts. "HELP!"

He runs into the underground warren Mister Murphy made and continues to yell. "HELP! HELP! WATCH OUT! IT'S COMING!"

He changes back into a cat and hides under a chair.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+11=26 ; d8=2 ; d8=6 ; d8=4 ;
Friday January 12th, 2018 9:37:32 AM
(Not sure if we are out of combat rounds.)

Pressi has enough presence of mind to fly to Bliss and slap him around a bit. "Calm down! Why isn't a flying witch slapping you calming you down?"

Pressi takes some time to heal Bliss too, hitting him with a cure serious spell. (If there's a way to remove shaken conditions, I don't know it.) (heal for 20 pts.)

Assuming we get more than one round. If Hobie drops his invisibiliy, she hits him with a cure critical wounds. Regardless, she fires detect thoughts followed by detect magic in an attempt to track what is coming.

She also messages Murphy to make sure he is okay and to get an idea of what is happening on the other end of the field.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Air Elemental HP 80/80 Resist fire
Friday January 12th, 2018 12:13:24 PM
Murphy flies with a load of fire elementals being battered about within the whirlwind's vortex. Each takes additional damage (unless reflex save vs DC22) of 2d8+7 - average of 16 due to the environmental conditions. He drops them off in the west side of the river, past the last dock, then, off to one side, sucks up a sizable quantity of water, and begins to head towards the Mayor's barrow. Mentally, he communicates with Pressi what is happening on the west side of town. He keeps open the telepathic link so that she can somewhat experience what he is doing on an ongoing basis.

[If more than one round of action is allowed:] Murphy drops all the water he carries in a manner so as to fully drench the roof of the manor - with likely some splashing down on the fire elemental adjacent to the building. He then makes the rounds to scoop up the five nearby fire elementals - 9, 8, N, M, O - and deposits them in the river waters. As he does so, he is speaking to his fellow air elementals in Auran."Kiitos, ihmiset, jotka elavat ilmassa, etta tulit auttamaan meita. Nimeni on Murphy. Tarvitsemme apuasi viela. Lupaan sinulle upea valkoinen torni. Pida vahtia." - which translates to 'Thank you, people of the air, that you came to help us. I am Murphy. We may need your help, still. I promise you a splendid white tower. Keep watch.'

He then encourages all the citizens to go within the temple, or back underground.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 105/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday January 12th, 2018 1:43:28 PM
Kezzem stands there confused as the elementals retreat.

"Hey, you forgot your daggers!" he calls after them.

He then looks around to recover his mundane daggers.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 30/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3-- Currently Invisible d20+13=18 ; d20+13=28 ; d8+1=6 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+13=23 ; d8=6 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=19 ; d20+13=21 ; d8=6 ; d20+13=23 ; d8=7 ; d20+13=15 ; d20+13=32 ; d8=7 ; d20+13=28 ; d8=4 ; d20+13=14 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=3 ;
Friday January 12th, 2018 2:04:15 PM
Assuming there is multiple rounds worth of time, Hobie will take out his wand of CLW and heal himself up. He'll remain invisible for the duration of the spell
30+6+7+7+8+8+5=71

He manages to get himself up to 71 health before rolling a 1 and being unable to use the wand for the rest of the day

If enough time goes by that his invisibility lapses, he'll have a friend give him a few more taps from the wand
3+5+3

(leaving my HP in the header until GM confirms how much time there was)

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP74of96) (Cayzle)
Friday January 12th, 2018 2:40:32 PM

"OW! Miss Pressi! OW! Please stop hitting me! OW"

Bliss calms down some but he is still quaking with fear.

The Wold Shakes

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour
Friday January 12th, 2018 9:42:04 PM
In the wake of all the animal activity suddenly things get eerily quiet, so quiet in fact that you could hear a pin drop if you were so inclined. It doesn�t last long. All of a sudden there comes a horrendous crash and things sound as if the Wold is tearing itself apart. The sound is so loud that you can�t quite pinpoint where it is coming from and if you were hard pressed to guess you would have to say everywhere but you aren�t quite sure how that is possible but suffice it to say it is that LOUD.

Eventually the racket subsides and you hope for a second that maybe whatever that was signified the end of all the troubles happening of late. If only things were so fortunate because not even a full moment after the thundering noise ceases does the ground start trembling again...could it be an earthquake?
This activity feels different as if it is in reaction to something major and not the main event itself. Is the Wold really being split apart? Have the Woldians done something to anger the Gods? Who knows?

The ground you are standing on rocks back and forth like a ship tossed about in a tempestuous sea. Bits of rock, dust and other debris start to fall from the nearby structures and fissures open up in the ground along the roads and thoroughfares. An unattended cart in your proximity tumbles down one of the chasms that have opened up and after a short amount of time you hear the impact of wood on rock and you think luckily there wasn�t a horse attached to it. Then just as quickly as the concussive sound appeared and the tremors started, the Wold shaking terminates.

All players must make a DC20 Fort save or be deafened. The deafness will last ~3 rounds.

Scintillating meteors can be seen streaking through the sky, trailed by fiery tails. Perception, DC 18, Highlight to display spoiler: {They appear to be crystalline}. Predictably, they begin to fall. Most vanish over the horizon, but loud crashes can be heard echoing from miles around. One particularly loud crash can be heard from what is likely hundereds of miles away, and there's an immediate effect on the elementals. The magma elementals burrow into the earth and vanish from sight. The fire elementals' flames weaken, then flare red before they stabilize and return to their normal state. They too flee, melding through the rock barrier that still surrounds the town. The remaining sparrows scatter, and aside from the echoing of the crashing meteors, all is quiet.

Especially for the newly deaf...

This quiet is broken when a meteor flies over Humble's Ford and crashes into the nearby Red Hills. This crash is much louder, and debris thrown into the air is visible from the town over the stone barrier.

The intense dread suffered by Bliss and Pressi lessens, but not much. Obviously these events are related to whatever is causing them.

...of course, there's also Humble's Ford to worry about. Several burrows are smoldering, though it's unlikely they'll start to burn in earnest. One burrow was destroyed completely by the magma elementals, and the Dancing Pig has a large hole in it, as well as a good 2' high puddle of lava continuing to eat a hole in it. The mayor's burrow was breached in the combat before the air elementals could lend their aid. It can be assumed the insides will need work.

Several guards are dead or dying and have extensive burns. Healing magics are provided by the party and temple clergy, but 2 of the guards have found to be beyond their abilities. Roscoe has seen better days, but he's still upright. Several civilians start peeking out from the tunnels, wondering if it's safe. Their cheers at the defeat of the elementals are quickly quashed when they notice the meteors. Obviously not all is right just yet...

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 105/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+14=33 ; d20+1=14 ;
Friday January 12th, 2018 9:57:56 PM
Fort SV: 33. Made.
Perception: 14.

Kezzem assists with healing the fallen.

"So um, anybody know how to stab rocks falling from the sky?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3-- Currently Invisible d20+8=28 ; d20+15=27 ;
Friday January 12th, 2018 10:18:33 PM
Hobie passes his Fort save and is not deaf. He will heal himself up with the charges from my previous post.

His first task is to find Pippa, and calm her down. He takes an apple from her pack and feeds it to her. Once she's calm, Hobie will hop up on Pippa and ride around checking for the people most injured, and using Pippa to bring them to the clergy for healing.

He makes sure to stop and talk to Roscoe when he sees him and make sure he's doing okay.
"Cousin, How are you holding up? Do you need healing? How can I help?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Air Elemental HP 80/80 Resist fire, Prot fr Fire d20+9=27 ; d20+25=45 ; d20+12=26 ;
Saturday January 13th, 2018 6:35:58 PM

Murphy does not stop working as crystalline meteors streak across the sky, and impact upon the Wold. He is not deafened (Fort save 27/20) by the explosive concussion of the meteorite strike. He had dumped as many as possible of the fire elementals to the west into the river (as detailed in last post).

He sucks up an additional quantity of river water, and showers the smouldering burrows on the east side of town, then returns to the Dancing Pig. Dropping his whirlwind form to return to a huge air elemental, he casts create water enough times until it appears the lava cools enough to stop burning through the tavern.

As he works, he comments aloud in halfling that the falling spheres look to be made of crystal. Also, as he flits about, he tries to calm any townspeople who see this air elemental, telling them, "It's okay - I'm just Murphy. I won't hurt you. But all of you, keep praying, and help each other as you are able."

"I should think a very, very long lance might be needed for that task, Kezzem. Oh, speaking of lances..."

"Say, Lance," Murphy asks, drawing near him to whisper, "Just in case a volcano is about to land on us, what do you think about the idea of flying yourself well outside the radius of the surrounding stone wall, and watching to see what happens? If you do that, there will be at least one survivor and witness to what has just happened if the worst comes to pass here. And, if not, you can come back in a bit and tell us what's going on outside the walls. It's up to you, though." [Giving Lance a chance to break off until Tanner can return.]

The druid thanks the water elementals and dismisses them.

Murphy takes a moment to see if he might attempt a weather forecast for the next 72 hours [Survival 26 vs DC 15 for one day prediction, plus 24 hours additional for each 5 points over 15].

He offers to Hobie that he can use his - Hobie's - wand to help effect additional healing.

"Bliss. Be not afraid. Though the Wold shake, I must believe there is hope. And you are part of that hope."

He follows that thought with, "I so do hope we can persuade the mountain to land in the Red Hills, though."

=========
Fort save: 27 vs 20 (no deafness)
Perception: 45 (nat 20)
Survival: 26 vs DC 15

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Air Elemental HP 80/80 Resist fire, Prot fr Fire
Sunday January 14th, 2018 1:45:24 AM

"Y'know, Pressi - we're going to want to go to retrieve some of the broken-up crystal from those big balls that just fell. It's going to be key to helping us and our people out in the future," Murphy projects to his beloved.

"And, once the doom of the Wold is resolved, you and I need to spend some quality time together - assuming we survive..."

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Monday January 15th, 2018 8:32:57 AM
I'm addition to the detect spells from earlier, Pressi 2.0 unleashes her powers of observation.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP74of96) (Cayzle) d20+14=29 ; d20+20=26 ;
Monday January 15th, 2018 10:53:55 AM

Bliss is trying to master his fears when IT HITS!!!!!

Bliss changes into a cat and hides under a rock!

Fort save 29 not deafened.

Perception check 26

Bliss hears Murphy saying that we should have hope. Cat-Bliss yowls in cat-terror.

Translation if you can understand animals or just want a chuckle: Highlight to display spoiler: {THE SKY IS FALLING! THE SKY IS FALLING!}

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour
Monday January 15th, 2018 2:41:50 PM
Kezzem takes a moment to help up the survivors, briefly wondering how his stabbing abilities can be used against the meteors. If anyone can figure that out, it's Kezzem.

Hobie checks on his beloved mount, using her to bring the most greviously wounded to healing. He checks on Roscoe. He finds his cousin with several deep purple bruises across his face. His left eyebrow is all but missing, and he has a "sooty" smell about him. He looks rough, but he's on two feet barking orders when Hobie finds him. A look of worry disappears when he sees Hobie's in one piece. "Hobie! You're alive!" He looks his cousin over before continuing, "and in better shape than I am, for sure. I'll need healing, but not before these men are stable and comfortable." He loads an unconcious guard onto Pippa. "Find me later, get Hobart here to the clergy first."

Murphy tends to the fires still burning. He tends to the Dancing Pig, dropping enough water to harden the lava into glass. The steam cloud that erupts is...impressive to say the least. When the lava's finally cooled enough to stop burning down the Pig and the steam cloud floats off into the atmosphere, it's easy to see the place has suffered severe damage, but at least it's localized to a small area of the Pig.

He tends to the townsfolk as best he's able. Most of them were safe below ground, and the wounded guards are already tended to. He's able to confirm that who guards perished during the combat.

The weather is clear for now, and under most circumstances would stay that way for the next few days. However, whatever caused that explosion probably shot a lot of ash and debris into the atmosphere. Without knowing where it originated from, it's hard to say what local effect that will have.

He takes a moment to share a few words with his beloved. It would be nice to take it easy, but it's pretty safe to assume things will be hectic for the forseeable future.

Pressi looks around.

Bliss is having none of this nonsense and finds a rock to hide under. When the sky crashes down on the rest of Humble's Ford, they'll wish they'd hid too.

Meteors continue streaking across the sky, bound for some other land far from Humble's Ford. The rest of the citizenry is now pouring from the tunnel, most stopping to watch the light-show overhead before those still underground manage to push them out of the way. Halflings return home, eager to check on their dwellings. Most barrows were untouched, and those that were are mostly intact. Eldon and Cora TossCobble can be seen holding each other over the wreckage of their barrow. It appears the magma elemental chose their home to erupt through. She cries softly into his shoulder as he strokes her hair. Words are shared, but none are close enough to hear.

Smoke is rising from the Red Hills where the closest meteor struck. Pressi feels simultaneously drawn to and repeled from the site. Bliss would feel it too if he wasn't freaking out.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80 Resist fire, Prot fr Fire
Monday January 15th, 2018 5:06:01 PM

Murphy drops out of air elemental mode, and becomes again simply the halfling. "Pressi, can you join me for a few minutes? The TossCobbles need us." If she will, he goes with her and they approach Eldon and Cora TossCobble. He communicates telepathically with Pressi what he is going to do before he does it. He adjusts according to what she does or suggests, as well.

But in general, it goes roughly like this: He just stands quietly near them for a time. When it seems a time to speak, he says, softly, "I am so sorry. So very sorry, Cora, and Eldon." If they accept it, he takes them both with Pressi in a big embrace. After a bit, he takes a half step back. "I will see what I can recover. And you have a place in the burrow that you gave to us. Tell us what you would have us do, and we will respond. Any of your things I can dig out, I will. I can re-form your burrow, either as it was, or I can make it even larger, or - or anything you want me to do. And George, our foreman, I will enlist his help, and that of his skilled workers. You are not without a home. Your home is with us, until we can fix this one. Or, if you simply want to move back permanently into your old burrow by the river, we can move out, if you wish. I added a little to it, and hope that will be to your liking, if you choose that. Hazel and his wife Alouryn live there, as does another hobbit, Quotiln, who helps care for the place you gave us." He adds that another option would be to simply add some more rooms on the river burrow for them to use. He reminds them that just about a week ago they were given some land outside of town to build on for Humble's Sword.

"Pressi - can you round up a few neighbors to join us in maybe 20 minutes or so, to help Eldon and Cora with the sorting of this, as I bring things out?"

He awaits their response. Then, unless they insist he not do so (I hope they do not) while he still has his protection from fire up - in case there is resident heat from the magma elemental which passed up and through the destroyed burrow, he changes to a huge earth elemental, and begins to carefully earthglide, and bit by bit, picks up dishes - some broken, some perhaps intact, clothing, tools... whatever he can find. He places things in a few different piles along the ground according to what they are. The druid ensures he brings out everything that was within the confines of their dwelling.

Eldon, a skilled carpenter, likely has suggestions, which he will try to follow. He could do a rough dig out and formation of a rebuilt burrow here, or maybe in another spot around town, as desired. If he does the digging, he lets George and Eldon know that his skills are somewhat limited to the general digging for a rebuilt or replacement burrow, but that they will need to handle the detailing and finishing work. "If you'd like, once the general outline is done, I can add a roof and bottom of stone, as I did in the tunnels."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 105/109, CMD 24, Resist fire 20; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday January 15th, 2018 11:19:32 PM
"Hey, thst's smoke ot too far from here," says Kezzem. "Maybe we should check it out."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3-- Currently Invisible
Tuesday January 16th, 2018 12:33:43 PM
Hobie drops Hobart off at the clergy, leaving him in their capable hands for healing, and then returns to his party members.

"Kezzem is right, it looks like one of the meteors crashed close by, I think we should go give it a looksy. Make sure theres not any other crazy elementals bursting out of it and coming to attack us."

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Tuesday January 16th, 2018 12:52:17 PM
Pressi goes ahead and rounds up the neighbors.

If time she also tries a divination to ask what happened at the red mountains.

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour d100=20 ;
Tuesday January 16th, 2018 6:57:06 PM
Murphy gives comfort to the TossCobbles. Eldon holds a hand up at Murphy's mention of them retaking their old burrow. "I'll not have it, Murphy, though we surely appreciate the offer. He turns to look at the remains. "It was a building. It and the stuff in it aren't what's most important." He squeezes Cora's shoulder and smiles. "I've got faith in the folks of Humble's Ford to make sure we're not sleeping under the stars until we can rebuild."

He's right, of course. The TossCobbles will have no shortage of offers for temporary shelter, or aid in rebuilding.

Murphy does use his heat protection to sort around the rubble. There's not much need for it, but his earthglide comes in handy. While gliding, Murphy bumps into something solid buried in the mud. Hauling it out, he finds a sturdy chest, still tightly sealed, containing what look to be old quilts. Cora's eyes light up at the sight before she elbows her husband playfully. "I told you gee-ma's quilts needed a sturdier chest." She looks through them, delighted to find that they're all in perfect condition. "They'll need a new chest to go in, of course," she adds, grinning at Eldon.

Hobie and Kezzem decide a trip to the red hills is in order to see just what it was that crashed into them.

Pressi attempts to divine what they'll face in the hills. No words follow, only the image of a single blood-shot eye. Then another. Then another, and another until she is surrounded. The eyes dart quickly about, unable to keep their gaze on anything for more then a moment. Then, they're gone...

Efforts to clean up Humble's Ford have already begun. There's a great deal of work, but nothing the citizens of Humble's Ford can't handle...

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP74of96) (Cayzle)
Tuesday January 16th, 2018 9:59:22 PM

As the fear effect lessens, Bliss emerges, a little more than somewhat abashed.

He reports that he saw falling stars in the shape of crystals.

He is in favor of checking out the nearest fallen one.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3-- Currently Invisible
Wednesday January 17th, 2018 3:29:21 PM
"Pressi, what did you see in the hills? Should we go right this minute to see whats up?"

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP74of96) (Cayzle)
Wednesday January 17th, 2018 4:56:16 PM
"We should go! Right now!" says Bliss in halfling form.

He casts a Still Silent Ghost Sound spell (using a 2nd level slot) to create this sound coming from anyone who has not yet spoken up:

"Buck-buck-buck-buckAW!"

Bliss looks around. "Sounds like we got ourselves some CHICKENS!"

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (22), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (22), HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Wednesday January 17th, 2018 4:58:52 PM
Pressi shakes her head, clearing it from the valley of eyeballs, and responds to Hobie about what she has observed.

"I don't really have a good idea of what to do next, but I suppose the red hills meteor remains one of the better ideas out there." She calls over Harper, who comes galloping over. "Assuming everything is back in order here and further protection or construction isn't needed...."

She stops, finding herself staring at Murphy before moving on, and as bliss starts clucking at her. "You know what, I don't think I gave Bliss enough healing slaps yet. Sorry, some of us are checking for pinkeye first."

----------------

acive effects

Extended Resist Fire (46 mins each for Pressi, Harper) - Ritual of Sharing
Ritual of Warding - +1 to AC for the day
Flying Broom - number of hours, limited to one hand
message

Spells Used

L1: 2/6+1
L2: 4+1
L3: 4+1
L4: 2+1/3+1
L1 Tattoo: 1/3
Focused Curse: 1/1

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP74of96) (Cayzle)
Wednesday January 17th, 2018 5:19:17 PM
BLISS IS NOT CLUCKING AROUND! EVERYONE ELSE IS!!!!

:-)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80 Resist fire, Prot fr Fire
Wednesday January 17th, 2018 6:24:57 PM

What terrific people they are. He heads away from the TossCobbles after the old quilts are found. As he regroups with the team, he says, "They sponsored us when we first formed Humble's Sword. We rescued Eldon from some goblins. Good folk, always."

As he picks up the thread of the conversation, huge earth elemental Murphy comments, "Well, a feisty feline informed us that the sky is falling. I concur that portions have been doing so, but am confident the whole thing is not about to collapse in on us.

"Bliss, it's nighttime. I've been working all day. There are two more things I need to do before we leave. First, knock a hole in the downstream wall, and then in the upstream wall of the river. Second, take about fifteen minutes, after changing back into halfling form, get a few things together. So, maybe an hour all together. Some of us have cast numerous spells, and used up numerous abilities for the day. I need a good rest before facing the next big thing.

"Nonetheless, if everyone else feels raring to go as we go deeper into night, I'm game. So long as we can take a couple of ponies and a cart, and I can sleep on the way there."

DM Carl - Humble's Finest Hour
Wednesday January 17th, 2018 10:19:40 PM
The Swords reach the general consensus that it's best to check out that meteor sooner rather than later. Still, it's rather late in the day & the townsfolk are still on edge. Maybe one night's rest couldn't hurt?

OOC: Trust your DM on this one.

The morning comes bright and early to Humble's Sword. Red smoke can still be seen from the meteor strike in the Red Hills. Is the red from the hills, or the meteor? One way to find out...

The initial hours of the journey towards the Hills pass without incident. It's tiring walking up all these hills; somehow they all seem to be uphill. The party reaches a low point in the hills when a panicked shriek breaks the silence. It seems to be coming from just over the next hill...

Perception DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {You think you hear growling as well...yea, that's definitely growling.}

***

If there's anything you wanted to do in town before you left, go ahead & post it. It's your last chance.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, shield other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday January 17th, 2018 11:30:53 PM
Perception: auto-fail.

"Someone's in trouble!" says Kezzem. "Onwards Rumpus!"

Kezzem casts shield other on Pressi as Rumpus charges towards the scream.

----

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells:
1st Level: Cure Light Wounds x2, Lesser Restoration
2nd Level: Resist Energy, Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP74of96) (Cayzle) d20+10=26 ; d20=3 ;
Thursday January 18th, 2018 9:45:24 AM
That day, Bliss uses his spontaneous cures on himself and on any other wounded friends. [OOC: Assuming that everybody is cured up after a night of rest.]

The next morning, Bliss draws his Woldsblood and asks his full coven participate in his Rituals.

Drawing Woldsblood ... DC14 Concentration check ... 26, no problem.

Basic Ritual: Grimalkin: DC20, total handle animal mod is +17 base +3 pals = cannot fail. No roll needed.

Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Fire Resistance, total spellcraft mod is base +22 +2 pot + 2 followers + 2 Pressi and Harper = +28, so fails the DC30 check on a nat 1. Rolls a 3 = success!

Bliss then casts Threefold Aspect, per AM SOP. And Barkskin when we are leaving. Bliss travels with the group in cat form.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3-- Currently Invisible d20+15=33 ;
Thursday January 18th, 2018 12:22:11 PM
Hobie wakes up early and spends some time studying his spellbook. When he's good and ready, he grabs his bag, saddles up Pippa, and prepares to head out into the hills with his party.
======

Perception 33
Hobie hears the shriek and the growling, and springs immediately into action, kicking Pippa and riding toward the voice while pulling out his bow.

Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message

1st Level
Shield, True Strike, Obscuring Mist, Grease, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Resist Energy Fire, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+12=13 ; d20+14=32 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+19=23 ;
Thursday January 18th, 2018 10:03:24 PM

-------------

Another day, another moment of ritual where she has to slowly move around the drop of... uh oh.

As a drop of woldian blood begins to escape Pressi's distracted and mechanical performance (Nat 1), Pressi's rogue reflexes begin to kick in, snatching the drop of blood easily. "That would have been an unfortunate way to start the day."

A little shaken, she finishes the intermediate ritual with Bliss and then performs her own ritual of warding (DC 20 vs d20+4 base+1 familiar + 4 followers = d20+9). But it isn't her night, so she fails on the particular ritual.

(Honestly, she doesn't even make the perception check.)

She is self aware enough, however, to be long gone from the rush in to check it out phase. Reaching out, she fires a round of clairvoyance (remote viewing - domain ability) right over the next hill where the screaming is coming from. She also takes the time to cast message.

DM Carl - Miss Marne's Menagerie
Thursday January 18th, 2018 10:18:04 PM
The party rushes to the top of the hill, only to find utter chaos...and blood, lots of blood.

Before you is a row of wagons and cages. Even knocked over and damaged as they are, their colorful exteriors seem to indicate you've found a circus of sorts. Indeed, the last wagon to remain upright has the words "Miss Marne's Magnificent Menagerie" in big, colorful letters.

It takes you second to realize this, as the first thing that grabs your attention is the remains of Miss Marne's Magnificent Menagerie. The cages that likely once held the beasts have been knocked over and mangled. Some of the larger cages have seemingly been torn in half. The horses and oxen that pulled the caravan are all mangled or flattened.

Then, there's the matter of the menagerie itself. Several beasts run rampant in the depression before you. A lion and tiger share a horse carcass, greedily tearing into what's left of the beast. They're the only normal sized animals of the bunch. In the valley are the biggest boar, elephant, and crocodile you've ever seen.

Knowledge, Nature DC 18 Highlight to display spoiler: {A titanboar, an oliphant, and a kasprosuchus}

Two dire wolves leap at the last remaining wagon, where two terrified halflings sit gripping whatever they can get their hands around. It's only a matter of time before the wolves topple the wagon.

As the players crest the hill hurriedly with their mounts, all the animals save the wolves turn to look and immediately charge forward. There is zero hesitation.

Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {It's hard to tell from here, but their eyes appear to be red.}

***

We're officially in combat rounds. Here is your map. Red squares are mad animals. Yellow are wagons and cages. The brown on the border represent the crests of the hills surrounding the area. Everyone plunk yourselves down where you'd like, but keep yourselves far to the right-most edge of the map.

Edit: Pressi posted while I was posting. Your remote viewing reveals the above, and you're likely off the map if you didn't join the rest of the party in their ascent.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80 Resist fire, Prot fr Fire d20+25=41 ;
Thursday January 18th, 2018 11:56:24 PM

The evening before they left, still a huge earth elemental, Murphy spent time unblocking the downstream flow of the river, then the upstream side in the Ford. Afterwards, he heads to the river burrow, organizes a few things, prays, and sleeps, hard.

He prays in the morning, changes up several spells, and travels along.

He hears a shriek, and growling. "Something or other is growling." He casts longstrider, asks Pressi what she sees, then likely heads off in a slant so that the whole team does not appear over the hill in the same spot.
========
Perception: 41
(Sorry, regular job, plus two others at the moment - hardly a moment to think - or post)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80 Resist fire, Prot fr Fire
Friday January 19th, 2018 12:06:30 AM
[I posted the above without seeing Carl's post)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3-- Currently Invisible d20+9=23 ; d20+14=31 ; d6+15=21 ; d6=1 ; d6+15=18 ; d6=4 ; d20+14=28 ; d6+15=16 ; d6=5 ; d20+9=18 ; d6+15=21 ; d6=2 ; d20+21=40 ;
Friday January 19th, 2018 12:47:19 PM
Knowledge Nature 23, Hobie recognizes these creatures. Except for one, he knows them more from his studies than from any real world experience.

"CROCODILE!!!!!!" Hobie shouts as he reaches for his first arrows. Anyone can see in his face that he is NOT fond of these creatures, and he wants it dead as quickly as possible.

Hobie sets his deadly aim on the Huge crocodile, and lets loose four arrows at the beast, hopeful to bring it down before it can reach him or his allies.

1st Attack (Many shot)
Attack: 31
Damage: 21 Piercing, 1 Cold, 18 Piercing, 4 Cold

2nd Attack (Rapid Shot)
Attack: 28
Damage: 16 Piercing, 5 Cold

3rd Attack (Iterative)
Attack: 18
Damage: 21 Piercing, 2 Cold

ooc: I'm new to magic user characters, can I do a spellcraft check to see if they are under some sort of spell? Is that how it works? If it's a free action, then my spellcraft check is 40
======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message

1st Level
Shield, True Strike, Obscuring Mist, Grease, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Resist Energy Fire, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

DM Edit: I'd allow a knowledge, arcana roll to see if you can think of a spell that would cause this. A spellcraft check would require a detect magic spell to be in effect.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3-- Currently Invisible d20+12=29 ;
Friday January 19th, 2018 4:25:51 PM
That makes sense. Knowledge Arcana 29

DM Edit: You can't think of any one spell that would have these effects.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80 Resist fire, Prot fr Fire
Friday January 19th, 2018 11:41:03 PM
Really sorry - still at work for a few more hours. Will post after midnight. Crazy busy

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80 Resist fire, Prot fr Fire d20+15=24 ; d20+25=31 ;
Saturday January 20th, 2018 3:56:50 AM
Murphy crested the hill (BJ47), and spotted the various creatures, identifying a few of them as a titanboar, an oliphant, and a kasprosuchus [kn. nat. 24]. Huh, red eyes [perception 31].

Having been dealing with rock and mud lately, he casts transmute rock to mud to slow the oliphant and titanboar (a rectangle bounded by AQ29 in the upper left corner and AZ36 in the lower right). The mud is 10' deep. If the animals have legs that will extend 10' below the surface, they can move 5' per round.

With that scream that first alerted them to the situation, there must be some people nearby - over by the dire wolves, as he figures it. Murphy wild shapes into an air elemental.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80 Resist fire, Prot fr Fire
Saturday January 20th, 2018 3:57:28 AM
huge air elemental, to be clear

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3-- Currently Invisible
Saturday January 20th, 2018 10:27:49 AM
ooc: That is a super cool spell.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (or AC 28), HP 109/109, CMD 24, shield other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+1=15 ;
Saturday January 20th, 2018 1:38:23 PM
Perception: 15

"Lions and tigers, oh my," says Kezzem as he dismounts Rumpus and moves to intercept the animals. "Go help Hobbie, boy!"

Kezzem sends Rumpus to GUARD Hobbie.

"I have to ask, kitty-cats, where are the bears?"

OOC: Not sure how to add Kezzem to the map, DM. Please have him up close by the large cats with Rumpus adjacent to Hobbie (if Rumpus can be between Hobbie and the nearest threat, that would be great).

If Kezzem has any actions left after dismounting, commanding rumpus, and readying his daggers (Quick Draw), he takes a defensive stance (total defense, +4 AC).

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+8=10 ; d20+4=17 ;
Saturday January 20th, 2018 3:26:59 PM

Pressi makes her way up the mountain, seeing a number of creatures she can't identify, though she can see the red eyes clear as day (no fail).

As her teammates focus on the closer creatures, Pressi scrambles to find a way to reach the wolves, ultimately choosing the spell scare on what she presumes to be a normal weaker animal. (Will DC 16, 8 rounds for creatures of less than 6 HD.)

Pressi's leapord Harper moves forward to engage the lion and tiger, her tail waving wildly. (Intimidate 17)

------------

resist fire (shared spell)
protected by other (Kezzem)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

resources used

clairvoyance (1/8)
L2: 1

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP96of96) (Cayzle) d20+20=21 ; d20+9=11 ; d6+3=9 ;
Sunday January 21st, 2018 10:32:08 AM
Perception 21, Know Nature 11.

Bliss casts a silent still Shield of Faith, using a third level slot to cast the first level spell. He turns on his Fire Resistance. Then he sprints 40 ft towards the Kaprosuchus, hissing and yowling at it. He activated his bramble armor, so that if Bliss is attacked, an attacker takes ... 9 damage!

Active effects: threefold aspect (youth), barkskin, grimalkin ritual, fire resistance, shield of faith,

DM Carl - Miss Marne's Menagerie d20+11=19 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+7=25 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+7=26 ; d8+5=12 ; d4+5=7 ; d20+13=30 ; d20+10=16 ; d3=3 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+9=20 ; 2d6+6=16 ; d20+17=30 ;
Sunday January 21st, 2018 1:45:28 PM
As it turns out, Hobie is afraid of any apex predator that lived through the K-T extinction. He wastes no time unloading as many arrows at the thing as he can manage. His last attacks bounce off the creature's armor, but his first salvo makes penetrates it.

Murphy attempts to create a mud field to trap two of the creatures. Unfortunately, the ground in the Red Hills is mostly soil, not rock. A few rocks in the area do turn to mud, but it hardly matters to the charging oliphant & titanboar. He ponders taking the shape of a huge air elemental as well.

OOC: Probably a good time to mention that I take spell descriptions very literally. Also, do you have something that lets you wild shape as a free or swift action? If not, that would be two standard actions in a round.

Kezzem sends Rumpus to make sure Hobie can continue plinking arrows at these things unhindered. He draws his daggers & prepares for the creatures' attacks.

Pressi crests the hills and does her best to frighten away the animals, using her magic and her leopard's naturally menacing behavior. The animals do not care. They don't even seem to notice either attempt.

Bliss decide's he's not waiting for the creatures to come to him. He sprints towards the giant crocodile and increases his defenses, daring the thing to attack.

The kaprosuchus slither-runs at Bliss, thinking he's found himself a nice snack. Unfortunately for him, Bliss is very quick on his feet. Hit AC 19 & 11 - both attacks miss.

The titanboar charges towards Kezzem, attempting to gore the paladin. Being prepared, Kezzem avoids the attempt. Hit AC 22 - miss.

The olpiphant charges towards Hobie & Rumpus.

The lion continues to ignore Harper's threats and attacks. Its claws sink into Harper's side and drags the leopard down & bites down on its flank. Harper takes 19 damage and is grappled by the lion. Harper must make a fort save vs DC 20.

The tiger moves in to join in the attack. The grappled leopard is able to twist around, avoiding the tiger's claws, but the tiger does manage to sink it's teeth into the leopard as well. The tiger's bite holds on to Harper. Harper takes an additional 16 damage and is grappled by the tiger as well.

Both dire wolves continue to terorrize the halflings on the last remaining wagon. The wagon itself has begun rocking dangerously back and forth. The halflings on top scream in terror as they grip tight to the roof of the wagon.

From the southern hills, a large reptilian head appears over the crest, alerted by the noise. The arm of what was either a halfling or small human child hangs from its mouth. With a smooth motion it swallows the arm & unfurls a pair of leathery wings. The pteranodon takes flight, joined quickly by another.

***

The critters generated a bunch of AoOs. Go ahead & make them if applicable. Here's the map.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC24, HP116of116) (Cayzle) d20+14=17 ; d20+14=30 ; d20+14=22 ; d2+11=13 ; d2+11=13 ; d3+11=12 ; d6=6 ;
Sunday January 21st, 2018 3:38:09 PM

CatBliss has no reach, so he takes a five foot step into the big lizard's space before ripping into his with his magically reinforced teeth and claws! He focuses his fighting into a single point of high emotion (enters rage as a free action).

Right Claw hits AC17 for 13
Left Claw hits AC30 for 13
Bite hits AC22 for 18 nonlethal

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (or AC 28), HP 109/109, CMD 24, shield other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 30 (26+4), HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+16=23 ; d20+16=26 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+11=28 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+1=4 ; d3+1=2 ;
Sunday January 21st, 2018 4:03:51 PM
"I said bears, not boars!" shouts Kezzem in protest as the boar charges him. He stabs at the piggy with his daggers.

OOC: Imp. Two-Weapon Fighting

Attack #1: 23.
Damage: 3

Attack #2 (off-hand): 26.
Damage: 4.

Attack #3: 20.
Damage: 5.

Attack #4 (off-hand): 28.
Damage: 2.

---

Rumpus braces himself for an attack from the Oiliphant.

OOC: Total defense (+4 AC); total AC 30.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3-- Currently Invisible d20+12=18 ; d20+17=32 ; d6+9=12 ; d6=6 ;
Sunday January 21st, 2018 5:04:19 PM
Hobie attempts a quick dismount from Pippa, but his foot gets caught in the stirrup and it takes him a little longer than intended. (Failed DC 20 Ride Check so dismounting is a move action)

Staying with the two ponies between him and the Oliphant, Hobie notices the plight of the two halflings on the wagon. He grips Prowler tightly and starts speaking an incantation. He fires an arrow at Dire Wolf #2

Attack 32 (This includes the -2 for range)
Damage 12 Piercing, 6 Cold

If the arrow hits the dire wolf, then Obscuring Mist is cast, centering on where the arrow hits, as represented by the pink circle. If it's a miss then the spell is lost.

======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message

1st Level
Shield, True Strike, [s]Obscuring Mist[/s], Grease, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Resist Energy Fire, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 26/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+7=9 ; d20+8=10 ; d6+4=9 ; d20+8=23 ;
Sunday January 21st, 2018 10:40:17 PM
Harper fails the fort save, takes 35 damage, and is grappled twice. (It would be nice if you told us what generated AoOs so we didn't have to guess the builds, but I don't think the animals did - grab ability). She begins to mew wildly.

Pressi rushes to Harper's side and casts stoneskin, which should keep Harper from too much further damage. As a second action (hero point spent), she also vomits a swarm of wasps on the lion side of her (pointed west through the lion towards the dire wolves).

Harper continues with his own attack on the tiger (attack 10, damage 9, trip attempt 23).

------------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)

Harper
stoneskin (DR 10)

resources used

clairvoyance (1/8)
L2: 2
L4: 1

DM Edit: None of the animals have anything that protects them from AoO when they enter a threatened space. All of their movements incur an AoO.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) HP 80/80 Resist fire, Prot fr Fire
Monday January 22nd, 2018 9:30:30 AM
Murphy transforms into a huge air elemental, and flies toward the dire wolves, about 30' in the air, to AO28.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 26/61, CMD 23; Followers d6+4=9 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=26 ; d3+4=6 ;
Monday January 22nd, 2018 11:07:53 AM
AoOs of Harper

Against Lion - bite attack (attack 20, damage 9, trip 26)

Against Tiger - claw attack (Nat 20, Crit Confirm 26, Damage 6x2)

Bliss / CatBliss (AC25, HP116of116) (Cayzle) d20+20=28 ;
Monday January 22nd, 2018 1:23:30 PM

CatBliss looks around while he is fighting. Perception 28. The little tomcat wants to know what is going on all around him!

Edit: +1 AC!

DM Carl - Miss Marne's Menagerie 2d6=8 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=20 ; d4+5=6 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+10=28 ; 2d6+6=14 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+15=20 ; 2d6+13=19 ;
Monday January 22nd, 2018 7:35:47 PM
I'll make it a point to call out AoO opportunities from now on. Also looks like I forgot the specifics of charges & AoO. My screw up, so I'll allow the rolls & damages made. Going forward, by the rules. Thanks to Melvin for correcting me.

***

Bliss mounts the kaprosuchus, clawing and biting as he moves. One claw rips through the creature, and his bite opens up a tear that bleeds profusely. The creature swoons a bit & falls over. He looks around from his perch and sees a number of dead beasts of burden and a few mangled halflings, but nothing that helps with the current battle.

Kezzem seems disappointed at the boar, though a bear would likely be much scarier. His daggers blur and each stab hits home. Meanwhile, Rumpus prepares to avoid the Oliphant's charge.

Hobie tries to gracefully dismount from Pippa, but has to hop a few times to get his foot free. He fires at one of the wolves and lands an arrow solidly in it's hind quarters. A mist instantly *poofs* from the arrow, distorting any further view of the wagon, wolves, and poor trapped halflings.

Harper takes the brunt of two attacking cousins of hers. She manages to give a bit to the approaching cats. Pressi rushes forward to protect her companion and casts a stoneskin spell before vomiting a cloud of wasps towards the lion. Blood witches, man...sheesh.

Murphy transforms into a huge air elemental and takes off towards the wagon.

Suddenly, the lion and tiger briefly sniff at Harper & disengage. They both leap at Pressi. The lion ignores the wasp swarm, which immediately starts to sting the large cat. Lion takes 8 damage from the wasp swarm.

The lion and tiger attack Pressi in a whirlwind of tooth and claw.

Lion hits AC 17, 15, and 27 (nat 20, crit confirm 20 - fail). Last attack hits for 6 damage.
Tiger hits AC 18, 18, and 28. Last attack hits for 14 damage. Grab CMB check nat 1. Pressi is not grappled.

Pressi, make a fort save vs. DC 21.

The titanboar is really angry about being stabbed. Its eyes get redder and it begins attacking with increased ferocity. Fortunately for Kezzem, it's not enough to connect.

Titanboar hits AC 20 - miss.

The oliphant continues its charge at Rumpus, only to find Pippa right behind him. Oliphant does not care & attempts to trample both.

The oliphant tramples Rumpus & Pippa. Both take 19 damage, BUT, they can either make an AoO at -4 to hit, OR make a reflex save vs. DC 23 to take half damage. Pippa gets a +2 bonus to that save due to being behind Rumpus.

The Kaprosuchus is down.

Both pteranodons fly closer to the party as fast as they're able.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3-- Currently Invisible d20+6=7 ; d20+2=7 ; d20+14=20 ; d6+15=18 ; d6=3 ; d6+15=18 ; d6=1 ; d20+14=32 ; d6+15=20 ; d6=4 ; d20+14=28 ; d6+15=21 ; d6=2 ; d20+9=19 ; d6+15=19 ; d6=4 ;
Monday January 22nd, 2018 10:38:21 PM
(What did the wolves do after the obscuring mist?)

Pippa rolls a Natural 1 on her reflex save and takes the full 19 damage. She is at -6 HP, and rolls a Stabilize check. She fails and takes 1 additional damage to be at -7 HP and bleeding out.

Seeing his beloved pony taken down by the Oliphant fills Hobie with anger. He shouts some choice expletives at the animal while clicking his heels and activating his Boots of Speed.

Hobie takes a 5 foot step back and fires 5 arrows at the Oliphant with Deadly Aim.

1st attack (Manyshot)
Attack 20
Damage 18 Piercing, 3 Cold, 18 Piercing, 1 Cold

2nd attack (Haste)
Attack 32
Damage 20 Piercing, 4 Cold

3rd attack (Rapid Shot)
Attack 28
Damage 21 Piercing, 2 Cold

4th attack (Iterative)
Attack 19
Damage 19 Piercing, 4 Cold

Rounds of Haste Left 9/10

======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message

1st Level
Shield, True Strike, ~~Obscuring Mist~~, Grease, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Resist Energy Fire, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3-- Currently Invisible
Monday January 22nd, 2018 10:39:24 PM
ooc: Oh, I just realized that you were saying we couldn't see the wolves because of the mist, and thus, couldn't see their actions. Got it.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3-- Currently Invisible
Tuesday January 23rd, 2018 12:39:01 AM
Ooc: Hobie is not invisible, I just forgot to delete that from my header after the last fight, and can�t currently delete it cuz I�m on an iPad

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 80/80 Huge Air Elemental d20+25=30 ; 2d6+6=11 ; 2d6+6=10 ; 2d8+7=16 ; 2d8+7=16 ;
Tuesday January 23rd, 2018 4:07:00 AM
Murphy post 20180123

Air elemental Murphy whirlwinds, to a height of 50', and passes over the area where he saw, about six seconds ago, the two dire wolves (down the middle of the AE/AF line, as bounded by lines 23, 22, 21 and 20), possibly sucking them up, and meanwhile disturbing the air sufficiently to clear the fog along the front of, the cart, but not the cart itself. He listens, as well, so that if one or both of the wolves has shifted position, and he can hear the padding of their feet, the scratching of their claws, the heavy breathing or growling, he will slightly alter his course to accommodate such a shift. [Perception 30]

The dire wolves will need to make two Reflex saves, DC22. If the first save is failed, the first wolf takes 2d8+7=16 hp damage; the second also 16 hp. If the second save is failed for either wolf, the creature is sucked up into the vortex. Unfortunately, if a halfling happens now to be in the area the whirlwind goes through, he or she will need to make the same saves, with damage at 2d8+7.

If he captures either wolf, Murphy lifts up into the air with the canine burden, going up and a bit away from the lift-off point (ending at AI18, about 30' up)

[Ignore 2d6+6 rolls]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 80/80 Huge Air Elemental
Tuesday January 23rd, 2018 9:41:13 AM
Clarification: If either either wolf, or both wolves, are captured, he ascends. If not, he passes again over their spaces for one more try.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21, HP 73/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 26/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+14=21 ; d6+2=6 ; d6=3 ; 2d6=9 ; d20+10=22 ; d6+4=8 ; d20=4 ; d3+4=5 ; d20+10=17 ; d3+4=6 ; d20+11=29 ;
Tuesday January 23rd, 2018 10:17:39 AM
After a silent nod to each other, Pressi and Harper both make five foot steps, concentrating on the tiger. (Press Acro +11 if needed but there's no AoO for a five foot step, even when leaving a threatened square. Harper remains in the threatened square.)

(Note: if I made a mistake in flanking, move Pressi until she is in flanking position. Don't forget: 10 foot reach.)

Pressi's ice chain flickers as she unleashes it (move action) and fires a quick strike along the tiger. "Anybody got a chair I can borrow?"

Harper growls and unleashes a full attack on the tiger, with any remaining attacks by the lion.

----------------

Pressi: Attack 21, Damage 6, Ice Damage 3, Sneak Damage 9 (18 total)

Harper:
Bite Attack: 22, Damage 8+trip
Claw 1: Attack 14, Damage 5
Claw 2: Attack 17, Damage 6

Pressi Fort Save: 29 (easy pass)

Pressi passes 10 of the 20 incoming damage to Kezzem

--------------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)

Harper
stoneskin (DR 10)
??? (from Lion)

resources used

clairvoyance (1/8)
L2: 2
L4: 1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3 d20+9=15 ;
Tuesday January 23rd, 2018 1:01:47 PM
Can I do a knowledge Nature on the pteranodon's who are flying in, to see if I know anything useful about them? Knowledge Nature 15

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (or AC 28), HP 99/109, CMD 24, shield other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 30 (26+4), HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20=13 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+11=15 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+1=2 ; d3+1=2 ;
Tuesday January 23rd, 2018 2:07:49 PM
OCC: Accidentally clicked the roll button randomly. I'll use it for my first attack.

Kezzem jests through the pain inflicted on him through Shield Other with an inspired lymeric.

"You might note that I be achin' ,
Of the cause don't be mistaken,
For though I am sore,
It's not from the boar,
And tonight we shall have bacon."

Attack #1: +1 returning dagger: 29 (13 roll + 16 modifier)
Damage: 4.

Attack #2: +1 returning dagger (off-hand): 25.
Damage: 2.

Attack #3: +1 returning dagger: 20
Damage: 5.

Attack #4: +1 returning dagger (off-hand): 15.
Damage: 2.

DM Carl - Miss Marne's Menagerie d20+11=28 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+6=19 ; 2d6=7 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+7=18 ; d8+5=13 ; d4+5=7 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+10=19 ; d8+6=10 ; d8+6=13 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+13=27 ; 2d8+13=26 ; 2d6+9=15 ; 2d6+9=18 ; d20+14=25 ; 2d6+10=13 ; d20+5=12 ; d20+5=12 ;
Tuesday January 23rd, 2018 10:48:31 PM
Pippa falls, and Hobie is having none of that. He activates his boots and unloads on the oliphant. All of the angry halfling's shots connect. The oliphant looks bad, but it's on it's feet.

Murphy barrels into where the wolves were a moment ago & finds neither of them have moved. Both wolves are knocked around by his winds, and the one without an arrow sticking out of it is caught up in the whirlwind. With the wolf caught, Murphy heads upwards.

Pressi and Harper move to flank the tiger. It's easy enough with her reach. Harper attacks the tiger & get its attention long enough for Pressi's ice chain to wrap around the tiger's neck & put a jagged gash in it. Tiger's still upright and fighting, but it's obviously hurt. Still, the pain doesn't seem to be slowing it down.

Kezzem feels the damage from Pressi wash over him. The life of a paladin isn't always fun. He takes his frustration out on the titanboar, looking forward to relaxing over it's carcass.

The lion and tiger move on Pressi. Pressi and Harper both get an AoO against the lion. The lion continues getting swarmed by the wasps and takes an additional 8 damage.

The lion tears and bites at Pressi, latching onto her with its bite. Pressi takes 20 damage and is grappled by the lion
The tiger also lands multiple blows on Pressi, hitting her for an additional 23 damage.

The oliphant is looking rough, but it's still got enough fight in it to hore and stomp poor Hobie mercilessly. Oliphant hits AC 25/27/26 - All hit for a total of 49 damage.

The titanboar has no intention of being anyone's dinner, but Kezzem looks pretty tasty. The thing gores the paladin, hitting AC 25 for 13 damage. Kezzem must roll a Fort save vs DC 23.

Both pteranadons swoop down on Bliss, but neither is able to land a hit on him.

***

Here's your map.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 33/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3 d20+2=19 ; d20+14=21 ; d6+15=16 ; d6=6 ; d6+15=16 ; d6=2 ; d20+14=30 ; d6+15=18 ; d6=1 ; d20+14=21 ; d6+15=21 ; d6=6 ; d20+9=18 ; d6+15=18 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday January 24th, 2018 10:41:29 AM
Pippa is at -7 HP and with a 19 on her Stabilize check, her bleeding stops.

Hobie takes a 5 foot step back away from the Oliphant to get enough room to fire his bow.

He once again fires a full round of arrows at the Oliphant until it drops, directing his arrows at Pteranodon 2 after the Oliphant falls.

1st Attack (Many Shot)
Attack 21
Damage 16 Piercing, 6 Cold, 16 Piercing, 2 Cold

2nd Attack (Haste)
Attack 30
Damage 18 Piercing, 1 Cold

3rd Attack (Rapid Shot)
Attack 21
Damage 21 Piercing, 6 Cold (MAX DAMAGE!!)

4th Attack (Iterative)
Attack 18
Damage 18 Piercing, 2 Cold

Rounds of Haste Left 8/10

======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message

1st Level
Shield, True Strike, ~~Obscuring Mist~~, Grease, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Resist Energy Fire, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 33/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3
Wednesday January 24th, 2018 10:44:10 AM
I forgot to add the +1 Bonus from Haste so Hobie's AC is actually 22 and those attack rolls should be: 22, 31, 22, 19

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (19), HP 50/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 26/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+12=13 ; d20+8=15 ; d6+4=10 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+8=11 ; d6+4=6 ; d20+8=15 ; d3+4=5 ; d20+8=14 ; d3+4=5 ;
Wednesday January 24th, 2018 2:22:11 PM
(Pressi's AoO Attack Natural 1)

(Harper's AoO Attack 15, Damage 10+trip)

(10+13 damage taken, 10+13 damage passed to Kezzem)

Pressi reared back while being grappled. "So I guess that you heard about me and Andrew Lloyd Webber then. Hey, it's just broadway. But I would like to know a little more about you..."

(Lore Keeper, Attack 17 vs Touch AC, trying to determine what's up with red eyes, unusual behavior)

Harper continues to attack the tiger.

(Bite Attack Roll 11, Damage 6+trip)
(Claw Attack 1: Attack Roll 15, Damage 5)
(Claw Attack 2: Attack Roll 14, Damage 5)

------------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)
grappled (-4 Dex, -4 attack rolls finesse, need somatic spell/con check)

Harper
stoneskin (DR 10)
??? (from Lion)

resources used

clairvoyance (1/8)
L2: 2
L4: 1

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (19), HP 50/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 26/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+12=21 ;
Wednesday January 24th, 2018 2:32:42 PM
(+2 to Harper's attack rolls - she's still flanking Pressi)

(Con check Roll for Pressi 21)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (or AC 28), HP 82/109, CMD 24, shield other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 30 (26+4), HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+14=34 ; 5d6=19 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=18 ; d20+11=20 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+1=3 ; d3+1=2 ; d20+11=22 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=15 ; d3+4=7 ; d3+4=5 ; d3+4=6 ;
Wednesday January 24th, 2018 7:26:16 PM
SV Fort: 34 (natural 20).

"Ow! Ow! Ow! Lay on Hands! Lay on Hands! Lay on FISHING Hands!"

Lay on Hands (swift action): 19.

Kezzem strikes back at the boar (Imp Two-Weapon Fighting)

Attack #1 (+1 returning dagger): 29
Damage: 5.

Attack #2 (+1 returning dagger, off-hand): 28
Damage: 3.

Attack #3 (+1 returning dagger): 31 (natural 20)
Crit Threat: 18.
Damage: 4 (regular) + 5 (crit) = 9

Attack #4 (+1 returning dagger, off-hand): 20.
Damage: 2.

"Hey Pressi, if it's not too much trouble, would you mind not getting hit again?"

Meanwhile, Rumpus rears up and tries to stomp the Oiliphant.

Attack (Hoof #1): 22.
Damage: 7.

Attack (Hoof #2): 31 (natural 20).
Crit Threat: 15.
Damage: 5 (regular) + 6 (crit) = 11.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (or AC 28), HP 82/109, CMD 24, shield other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 30 (26+4), HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday January 24th, 2018 7:27:35 PM
----

Lay on Hands 7/day (1 used)
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells:
1st Level: Cure Light Wounds x2, Lesser Restoration
2nd Level: Resist Energy, Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 80/80 Huge Air Elemental 2d8+7=15 ; 2d8+7=9 ; d20+25=32 ;
Wednesday January 24th, 2018 8:31:19 PM

With one wolf in the digestive tract of the cyclone, Murphy decides to repeat, and see if he can find company for the one inside. He runs over dire wolf #2 up to twice, if needed. So, the grounded wolf needs a Reflex Save DC 22 vs damage 15, then Ref Sav DC22 again versus being drawn within. If that does not bring the red-eyed one on board, he sweeps over it again - save 22 vs damage 9, then save 22 vs being pulled up and within.

If only one pass is needed to pull #2 within, he rises to a height of about 70 feet above the land he was above at the end of last round. If a second pass is needed, then that height reduces to 50' altitude above the ground.

If neither pass-over pulls the wolf within, he simply tries to drive it away from the wagon, back in the direction of where the other red-eyed creatures are. In the latter case, Murphy will end his turn near the wolf, and capable of being attacked, if the creature wants to try to attack a whirlwind.
=============
Perception: 32

Bliss / CatBliss (AC22, fatigued, HP96of96) (Cayzle)
Wednesday January 24th, 2018 10:53:47 PM
Bliss changes back into a halfling (stand action) and ends his rage (free action). He is fatigued. He draws his staff sling so that he can shoot at the pesky flying monsters above him (move action).

DM Carl - Miss Marne's Menagerie d20+6=7 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=23 ; 2d6=6 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+7=19 ; d8+5=7 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+10=24 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=13 ; d8+6=9 ; 2d6+6=13 ; 2d6+6=17 ; d8+6=7 ; d20+14=30 ; 2d6+10=17 ; d20+5=21 ;
Wednesday January 24th, 2018 11:02:27 PM
Pippa stabalizes, thank goodness for that. Hobie steps back and fires an arrow straight through the eye socket, right into the brain of the oliphant. It collapses, extremely dead. He turns his remaining attacks on one of the pteranadons attacking Bliss & puts it in the ground as well. Let that be a lesson to those who would harm a paladin's mount...

Pressi and Harper can't land hits on the attacking tiger, so Pressi decides to find out what they're dealing with. The tiger has no idea where Broadway is, but it's a safe bet that it wouldn't care anyway. She calls upon her divine font of knowledge to provide insight to this strange behavior before reaching out and grabbing a tuft of the lion's fur. She's immediately struck by how alien the lion feels. This was once a great, noble cat. No more...

ooc: Whatever's affected this lion has changed it to the point that it's no longer an animal. It's officially an abberation. Mind altering effects are likely useless.

Harper rears up with both claws and rakes them across the tiger's back, digging deep. Good thing Pressi was distracting it.

Kezzem is not enjoying his voodoo doll routine. At least he's able to heal himself. He continues making lightning fast stabs at the titanboar, connecting each time. Still, the titanboar is tough & really angry,; he's still got a lot of fight left in him. Rumpus knows better than to attack a dead oliphant, kicking instead at the boar as well.

ooc: I figured you'd rather me move Rumpus and attack the boar rather than beat a dead oliphant, but I'll retcon this if I was wrong.

Murphy repeats his attempt to scoop up both dire wolves. On his first return trip, he knocks the 2nd wolf off its legs and sucks it straight up, bonking it's head on the side of the wagon on the way up (both saves fail). Unfortunately, the initial wolf is able to use the newcomer for leverage and leaps out of whirlwind, directly onto the roof of the wagon (reflex save 23 to escape - I applied the 15 damage to the first wolf as well).

Good thing those halflings aren't there anymore. Murphy only, Highlight to display spoiler: {you're able to see both halflings run inside the wagon and slam the door behind them.}

The lion maintains it's hold on Pressi, biting deeper into her thigh. It tries raking both sets of claws down her leg, but can't find purchase. Bite attack hits AC 24 - Pressi takes 7 damage from the lion's bite.

The wasp swarm continues stinging the lion for an additional 7 points of damage.

The tiger, still intent on ignoring Harper, reaches up & sinks its teeth into Pressi's shoulder & slices downward with both claws. Bite attack and 2 claws his AC 22/24/30 (crit confirm 13 - no crit) for 9/13/17 damage.

The dire wolf on the roof of the wagon sniffs the air briefly, then immediately leaps down and starts tearing at the door of the wagon.

The titanboar continues its enraged assault on Kezzem, goring the paladin for 17 damage (hit AC 30).

Bliss decides he's had enough rage for one day & turns himself back into a halfling just in time for the remaining pteranadon to swoop down on him. Even as a bigger target, Bliss proves too elusive for it (hit AC 21 - miss).

Here's the map. Thank you to whichever one of you is making a new tab daily.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 80/80 Huge Air Elemental d20+25=45 ; 2d8+7=18 ; 2d8+7=21 ;
Thursday January 25th, 2018 12:46:30 AM
Murphy post 20180124

Murphy knows that there's some sort of requirement to bop them on the head after he has scooped them up, but, with the first scoopie now having gotten away, the windy druid is trying to figure out how to get BOTH inside, so he can really bop them on their heads.

From the swirling mass of air, and in the halfling tongue, the two inside the cage hear a blustery, "Stay at the far corner of the cage, I'll try to get these monsters away from you! I'm really a halfling in disguise..."

Again the druid makes attempts to grab up the other dire wolf. If the one inside exits, he repeats the attempt to suck it up again, too!

If and when he succeeds in having both, he ascends as high as his movement allows, and likely will rise still higher next round, with a generally easterly movement as well (in the next round or two, up above AO24 is his current intention).

Damage, if applicable: 18, 21
========
Perception: 45 (nat 20) - along with his current focus, Murph tries to gestalt the general surroundings and situation

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 33/82 AC 22 CMD 27 Hero Points 3 d20+15=28 ; d6+15=18 ; d6=4 ; d6+15=19 ; d6=2 ; d20+15=24 ; d6+15=17 ; d6=2 ; d20+15=33 ; d6+15=17 ; d6=6 ; d20+10=11 ;
Thursday January 25th, 2018 1:50:22 PM
Seeing his friends in melee with these creatures, Hobie doesn't stop firing his arrows. He aims first for the Titanboar fighting with Kezzem, moving to Pteranodon 1 if the Titanboar falls.

Attack 1 Manyshot
Attack 28
Damage 18 Piercing, 4 Cold, 19 Piercing, 2 Cold = 43 total

Attack 2 Haste
Attack 24
Damage 17 Piercing, 2 Cold = 19 Total

Attack 3 Rapid Shot
Attack 33
Damage 17 Piercing, 6 Cold = 23 Total

Attack 4 Iterative
Attack Natural 1- Auto Fail

Rounds of Haste Left 7/10

======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message

1st Level
Shield, True Strike, ~~Obscuring Mist~~, Grease, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Resist Energy Fire, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (19), HP 27/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 26/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+10=29 ; d6+2=3 ; d6=6 ; 2d6=10 ; d20+10=12 ; d6+4=5 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+10=21 ; d3+4=7 ; d3+4=7 ;
Thursday January 25th, 2018 2:40:15 PM
Pressi turned to Kezzem. "Tell HIM that! If it were up to me, I'd be down the block by now."

(Damage=(7+9+13+17)/2=23 to each)

Pressi struggled to think. Only a few spells can be cast while grappled and they are mostly mind altering - and she'd probably need a translation to "cat" besides. "Ok, seriously, who has the ball of yarn spell? Harper, switch!"

Harper took a five foot step away from the tiger, flanking the lion with Pressi.

Pressi and Harper swung.

-----------------

Pressi Attack: AC 29, Damage 3, Ice 6, Sneak 10

Harper Attack;
Bite Attack 12, Damage 5+trip
Claw 1: Attack 16, Damage 7
Claw 2: Attack 21, Damage 7

-----------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)
grappled (-4 Dex, -4 attack rolls finesse, need somatic spell/con check)

Harper
stoneskin (DR 10)
??? (from Lion)

resources used

clairvoyance (1/8)
L2: 2
L4: 1

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, HP96of96) (Cayzle)
Thursday January 25th, 2018 6:24:08 PM

Bliss looks at a pterodon and casts a spell at it -- Blindness! The Fort save is vs DC15.

DM Carl - Miss Marne's Menagerie d20+6=11 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=15 ; 2d6=6 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+10=29 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+15=23 ; d8+6=12 ;
Thursday January 25th, 2018 10:13:44 PM
Murphy makes a return trip around the wagon and manages to get both wolves sucked into his whirlwind. The wolf he picks up this round gets his head smashed against the wagon, yelps loudly, then goes limp. The second wolf is still stuck and thrashing around wildly. His prey captured, he takes to the skies. He tells the halflings he saw to remain safe as best he can as an air elemental. If they heard him, they don't give any indication.

He uses the height to look around. Red smoke still billows in the distance, but other than the carnage below, nothing seems out of place.

Hobie continues trying to pull these mad creatures off his friends. Four arrows find their mark in the titanboar, the fifth careening wildly off into the distance. Hopefully no one saw it. The titanboar fights till its last breath, which the fourth arrow conveniently robs it of. Titanboar is down.

Pressi and Harper continue their assault on the lion. Her wasp swarm does another 6 damage to it as Pressi's chain wraps around its neck and bonks in squarely on the skull. The lion swoons a bit before collapsing to the ground. Its grip on Pressi's thigh is released.

The lion down, Harper turns her attacks on the tiger, swiping solidly with both claw attacks. The tiger is starting to falter on its feet, but still has fight left in it.

Bliss decides the pteranadon would be easier to handle without its eyesight. The dino's eyes cloud over as is squaks loudly. (Fort save 12 - fail - dino is blind).

The blind pteranadon flails ineffectually around Bliss. It still seems to know roughly where he is, but not well enough to land a blow.

The last dire wolf is spinning in Murphy's whirlwind.

The tiger uses what strength it has left to latch itself onto Pressi's arm. It's too weak to claw her, fortunately. Tiger bite hits AC 29 for 12 damage. Bite CMB check is 23 - Pressi is grappled again.

***

Here's the map, but it's basically unchanged from last round.

Post is about an hour early. If Kezzem gets a post in, I'll retcon appropriately.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 33/82 AC 22 CMD 27 Hero Points 3 d20+15=27 ; d6+15=19 ; d6+15=21 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d20+15=22 ; d6+15=17 ; d6=5 ; d20+15=20 ; d6+15=19 ; d6=2 ; d20+10=21 ; d6+15=19 ; d6=3 ;
Thursday January 25th, 2018 11:39:17 PM
ooc: Count this as my Friday post

Hobie continues pulling arrow after arrow from his quiver and firing at the beasts. Sweat drops from his brow as he rhythmically releases arrows like a machine gun turret spraying the battlefield. He fires four arrows at the Pteranodon before letting his last arrow fly at the Tiger (whether the Pteranodon dies or not)

1st Attack (manyshot)
Attack 27
Damage 19 Piercing, 3 Cold, 21 Piercing, 6 Cold = 49 Total

2nd Attack (Haste)
Attack 22
Damage 17 Piercing, 5 Cold =22 Total

3rd Attack (Rapid Shot)
Attack 20
Damage 19 Piercing, 2 Cold =21 Total

4th Attack (Iterative) --- Against the Tiger
Attack 21
Damage 19 Piercing, 3 Cold = 22 Total

Rounds of Haste Left 6/10

======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message

1st Level
Shield, True Strike, ~~Obscuring Mist~~, Grease, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Resist Energy Fire, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 80/80 Huge Air Elemental 2d8+7=20 ; 10d6=30 ; d20+25=44 ;
Friday January 26th, 2018 12:50:04 AM
Traveling yet higher, the two wolves are further battered by the wind (the conscious one takes 20, I didn't roll for the other, average would be 16). At a height 100 above the ground, Murphy widens the bottom of the funnel, and the two wolves drop to the earth below. 30 hp falling damage each. Likely, they are done, heads well bonked. With the remaining movement, he descends to 50 feet height above the ground [Note: fly by attack feat] as he observes what is happening with his friends.
=======
Perception: 44

DM Carl - Miss Marne's Menagerie
Friday January 26th, 2018 10:04:57 AM
Four more arrows from Hobie and one final pummeling from Murphy and the last of the attacking creatures fall.

From his vantage, Murphy can see that many of his companions have taken a serious beating. Only Bliss remains untouched. Hobie's mount is unconscious, and everyone else besides Kezzem has severe injuries (and he's not exactly untouched). Pressi especially seems to be in rough shape.

As the adrenaline of battle fades, Harper seems unstable on her paws. A cursory exam shows deep red lines branching out from the wounds she sustained from the tiger & lion attacks.

There's no sign of activity from the wagon the halflings were seen going into.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 80/80 Huge Air Elemental d8+5=12 ; d8+5=12 ;
Friday January 26th, 2018 10:32:50 AM

Murphy flies down, losing the whirlwind, as an air elemental. He gently touches Pressi, CLW 12 hp, then Harper, CLW 12 hp (Pearl of Power for second CLW). "Be back shortly," he says airily, and flies back to the caged wagon, to look for the two halflings he saw less than 30 seconds ago. "Halflings, I am the whirlwind who rescued you from the wolves. All of the red-eyed animals are down, now. Please come out. I believe it is safe."

(Murphy is able to speak intelligibly in air elemental form - actually, almost any form)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 76/109, CMD 24, shield other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 2d8+7=17 ; d8+5=11 ; d8+5=10 ;
Friday January 26th, 2018 12:10:21 PM
"Way to go Hobbie!" says Kezzem as the arrows fly and beast fall. Seeing that Murphey is attending to Pressi, he makes his way over to the archer.

"Let's patch you up."

Cure Moderate Wounds: 17.
Cure Light Wounds: 11.
Cure Light Wounds: 10.
Total: 38.

----

Lay on Hands 7/day (1 used)
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells:
1st Level: Cure Light Wounds x2 (both cast), Lesser Restoration
2nd Level: Resist Energy, Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds (cast)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 33/82 AC 22 CMD 27 Hero Points 3 d20+13=26 ; d8=2 ; d20+13=25 ; d8=7 ; d20+13=23 ; d8=2 ; d20+13=14 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=8 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=7 ;
Friday January 26th, 2018 1:58:49 PM
Hobie pulls out his own wand of CLW and uses it to heal Pippa
He heals her for 3+8+3= 14 before his wand seems to stop working. He hops up into saddle and rides her over to the rest of the group, where he's hoping someone can use the wand to heal them the rest of the way.

(If someone can use it then here are the charges)
5 should bring Pippa back to full health

5+7+6+7+4+4+8+4+7=52, which should bring Hobie up to full as well.

13 Charges used from wand

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 33/82 AC 22 CMD 27 Hero Points 3
Friday January 26th, 2018 2:02:00 PM
After healing up, Hobie grabs 25 arrows from his handy haversack and sticks them in his Efficient Quiver to replace the ones he shot.

Hobie sits high on his horse, and pulls out the silver Iron Dragon dagger that was a gift from Katinka and looks it over. He thinks about how useless he was in that Ash elemental fight and how she told him that soon enough he would prove himself well in battle. He smiles knowing that his arrows found their mark in this fight, and she was right.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21, HP 38/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 26/61, CMD 23; Followers
Friday January 26th, 2018 4:42:42 PM
Pressi's triumphant shout as she freed herself from the lion ended as the tiger latched on to her. She squirmed as yet more damage came upon her (sorry Kezzem, another 6) before Hobie's headshot came upon her once more.

As Pressi raised herself from the blood, Harper began to rub against her. For a while, neither was in a speaking mood.

(Sorry, Child Interrupt - I'll post my healing/moves in a second)

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, HP96of96) (Cayzle) d8=7 ; d8=4 ; d8=8 ; d8=1 ; d8=3 ; d8=3 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d8=8 ; d8=8 ;
Friday January 26th, 2018 10:03:52 PM

Bliss sees that Hobie and Pressi are wounded. He uses his breath of life ability on Pressi, curing 32 hp to Pressi.

He casts a Cure Moderate Wounds on Hobie, curing 23 on Hobie.

He goes over to the crocodile, which he had taken down with a nonlethal bite. That means it should still be alive. He changes into a cat and scratches at it until it is in the negatives. Then he uses his Death Knell ability on it. If the subject fails its saving throw, it dies, and you gain 1d8 temporary hit points and a +2 enhancement bonus to Strength. Additionally, your effective caster level goes up by +1, improving spell effects dependent on caster level. This increase in effective caster level does not grant you access to more spells. These effects last for 10 minutes per HD of the subject creature.

Does it work? And for how long?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, shield other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d8+1=3 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=8 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=9 ;
Saturday January 27th, 2018 12:07:11 PM
Kezzem draws his own wand and begins healing himself up.

Healing: 3 + 9 + 8 + 2 + 5 + 9 = 36.

DM Carl - Miss Marne's Menagerie d20+9=27 ;
Saturday January 27th, 2018 1:53:56 PM
Bliss is correct in his assessment of the kaprosuchus; it's indeed unconscious. He's able to bring it to negative HP and attempts to use death knell on it.

Duration will be 90 minutes. Fort save is 27 - you didn't post the DC, so you tell me if it works. :D

There is much healing passed back and forth, and goodness knows a lot of Humble's Sword needs it. With combat over, the party is better able to take in just how much carnage is in this valley. Bodies of other halflings have been torn apart, making an accurate count difficult. A cursory glance suggests 4-5. A number of beasts of burden were also slain by the rampaging creatures.

Slowly, the head of one of the halflings from the wagon pokes around the corner. She looks to be middle-aged with soft features and a mass of freckles. She's clearly still nervous about the blood-soaked newcomers, even if they did kill all the creatures. She doesn't know what to make of Murphy in his current form.

A second voice comes from behind the wagon. "Oye, you sure they're gone, then? I don't want no more wolves trying to get a piece of me." The woman turns to shush whoever said that, but looks curious about getting an answer to that question herself.

"Don't you be shushin' me, Duenna. What's that wooshing noise anyway? Sounds like the wind's tryna talk or something." A second, much younger halfling comes from behind the wagon, letting out a low whistle when he sees the bodies. "Hoooooo-wee, look at this mess." He starts poking around the bodies of the other halflings, stopping when he finds what he's looking for. "Well, found Marne. Guess she won't be paying my back wages after all." He stands up & wipes some blood off on his pants. "Not that I got paid enough for this nonsense anyway..." he adds, much quieter. "Right then, who're all you folks? Gracious for the help and all, but you folks ain't thinkina robbin what we got left, are ya?"

Guess he doesn't know a paladin when he sees one...

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 80/80
Saturday January 27th, 2018 5:12:03 PM
"Hold on a moment, let me change," air elemental Murphy says, then returns to his normal halfling self.

"Hi. I'm Murphy. Of Humble's Ford, a druid of Eberyon. These, my friends, are Pressi, justicar of Lady Justice," and he dwells on her for a moment with a brief pause, then continues, "her brave leopard Harper; the amazing CatBliss, toughest little cat you'll ever meet - and with many hidden talents; Kezzem, the charming and poetical paladin; his steed, Rumpus; Hobie, a most excellent archer and a good fellow. That's his pony, Pippa. We are Humble's Sword.

"Now, though we can guess at some of it, would the two of you, Duenna, is it? and you are? - could you tell us what all, what all happened here?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 33/82 AC 22 CMD 27 Hero Points 3
Sunday January 28th, 2018 5:23:59 PM
Once all healed up, Hobie will ride over and doff his cap at the halflings.

"Mighty shame what happened to your friends. Where did these animals come from? What happened exactly?"

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21, HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers 3d8+8=22 ; d8-1=3 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+18=38 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+18=28 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=4 ; d20+19=30 ; d20+19=22 ; d20+19=32 ;
Monday January 29th, 2018 10:51:59 AM
Pressi takes some time to make sure that everyone else is okay, and takes the breath of life from Bliss. (SHe is now high enough that she can spend some time looking at the others.)

She thanks Kezzem for hanging in there, and considers making sure she is ungrappable in the future. (That "no somatic component" thing is kind of a killer.) She hits Hobie with a CSW spell for 25 hp and gives Harper some charges with her own wand. (Five charges succeed - Harper healed for 30 hp.)

She also does her best to determine what happened to Harper, casting detect magic, detect poison, and Lore Keeper. She also keeps a close eye on him, trying to determine if he has any symptoms (Perception 30)

All that done, she becomes somewhat aware of the conversations around her as she looks over the bodies of the various animals and various circus tents (Perception 22). She also uses another clairaudience round to make sure nothing is coming after them.

"Does someone want to explain to me how you came across a lion abberation and a couple of dinosaurs?" (Sense motive +19, ignore my roll.) She doesn't feel much like pleasantries.

-----------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)
grappled (-4 Dex, -4 attack rolls finesse, need somatic spell/con check)

Harper
stoneskin (DR 10)
??? (from Lion)

resources used

clairvoyance (2/8)
L2: 2
L3: 1
L4: 1

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, HP96of96) (Cayzle)
Monday January 29th, 2018 9:28:59 PM

Bliss wants to know (A) if these strange animals that the group fought belonged to the circus, and (B) if the travelling menagerie will still be preforming. "I love love LOVE the circus," Bliss declares.

DM Carl - Miss Marne's Menagerie
Monday January 29th, 2018 10:47:56 PM
The young halfling looks at each of you as Murphy makes introductions. "Bunch a heroes, aye? Well good. We needed some today. Don't mind tellin' ya I was pretty scared up there." He stands up and walks up to Murphy. "So thank you very much, Humble's Sword. I'm Cosimo. That's Duenna. Both of us had been with the menagerie for a few weeks. Marne over there picked us up just after she a stop at the Tree of Parting. That's why we were stuck on night shift & were asleep when we got attacked. Lucky thing too. Everyone not inside got slaughtered pretty quick."

The woman steps forward. "Not all of us were asleep, Cosimo." It's the first time she's spoken. Her voice is timid, but she's been through an ordeal. "Most of these animals were ours." She walks over to the dead lion & strokes his mane. "You've got to be careful with apex predators. Their hunger will override their fondness for you quickly. When he was fed, though, Jato here could be a real sweetheart." She wipes a tear from her eyes, then recomposes herself.

"The pterodactyls..." starts Cosmio.

"Pteranodons," corrects Duenna.

"Stuff it, Duenna," comes the reply before continuing. "The dinosaurs were ours too. So was that tiger, and that scary giant alligator over there."

"Crocodile," mutters Duenna under her breath.

Cosimo ignores here this time. "Those wolves there? Those weren't ours."

Duenna chimes in. "They came running over that hilltop over there straight for us. They didn't try and sneak up on us, didn't trail us, didn't try to pick off our weakest. They just charged the closest thing and killed it. Our oliphant over there got spooked and burst out of his cage, got bit a few times, then went just as crazy. Rest of the cages were no match for it. He just tore the whole circus apart."

Cosimo turns to Bliss adding, "So it looks like you'll have to find yourself another circus. We're closed."

He looks around at all the animals Humble's Sword has. When he sees Harper & her wounds, he backs up quick. "Holy...lady, that cat of yours get bit?" He pulls out a dagger & starts to approach Harper. "We should put it down quickly before it goes crazy. Here, I'll help..."

***

Pressi, you don't intuit any falsehoods from either of them, but Cosimo's obviously a lot more traumatized than he's letting on.

Regarding Harper, you detect no magic or poison, and your array of Lore is of no assistance here.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 33/82 AC 22 CMD 27 Hero Points 3
Tuesday January 30th, 2018 8:51:39 AM
(After Pressi deals with the Harper situation)

"You said the wolves came from over that hill?" Hobie points at the hill Duenna referred to. "We should probably go check it out right guys? Whatever sent these animals into that frenzy should probably be dealt with swiftly before more halflings die."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 33/82 AC 22 CMD 27 Hero Points 3
Tuesday January 30th, 2018 9:00:27 AM
Hobie will also go to Duenna, taking his hat off and placing it over his chest. "You can probably see that most of your animals have my arrows in them. I'm terribly sorry for what we had to do. I know that you know we had no choice, but I also know that doesn't make it any easier to lose an animal you love. My own pony Pippa was brought to an inch of her life in that battle and I don't know what I'd have done if I'd lost her. I offer you my sincerest condolences. Once we go and make sure there's not an immediate threat over that hill, I'd love to help you properly bury all your friends and animals. Murph here is pretty good at moving dirt and earth, and I think we could dig proper graves in no time."

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21, HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+6=14 ; d20+8=16 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=24 ;
Tuesday January 30th, 2018 11:40:48 AM
Harper backs away from the guy carefully, not fully understanding what is going on. Her hisses and mewes fill the area.

Pressi steps forward in front of the guy, her eyes glaring. Prestidigitation spells and ghost sound spells added quite some flair to the already formidable figure, as did the glowing ice chain along her belt. For a time, she stood silent.

"Your guesture, whatever rationales lie within, is imprudent. It is also futile until the stoneskin wears off so put that toothpick away before you embarrass yourself. But it is imprudent. Harper is my friend and companion and I will decide what is the best course of action."

With that, she twirled to walk away from the circus guy, beckoning Harper to follow.

To the side, she did what she could to try to further patch up Harper (Heal 14 to identify or treat disease) (know arcana 16, know nature 17) (remove disease spell 24).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, shield other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday January 30th, 2018 4:14:25 PM
"Don't worry bout it, Press. Its easier healing me than healing you, so if I can transfer the damage to me and beal it, it just like I'm heaking you but faster...albeit more painful."

"He friends," says Kezzem. "You wih tthe circus? Thats cool. We're Humnle's Sword, and we're a bit of a circus too."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 80/80
Tuesday January 30th, 2018 8:54:16 PM

"We saw a crystalline meteor fly towards this area, then heard it hit, I think not too far from here. How soon after than happened did your animals start changing? Did they grow in size? Do you know where the meteorite landed?"

He steps between the advancing Cosimo and Harper. "Let Pressi attend to Harper. She has certain skills."

If the pair says that the change in the animals took just a few minutes, he casts speak with animals, and begins to talk with Harper, making sounds quite like those of the great cat. "Harper, how are you feeling? These other animals were affected by something, and Pressi is trying to help you, so that your eyes do not go red as theirs did. Please, tell me if you being to feel anything strange inside you."

If it took longer than minutes, he does not yet cast that spell.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, HP96of96) (Cayzle)
Tuesday January 30th, 2018 10:10:49 PM

Bliss says he is sorry the circus is closed, and if they want to start a new one, come see him in Humbles Ford after the emergency is over.

Bliss asks the menagerie folks if they have seen any devils or fire elementals around.

The little halfling laughs at Kezzem's comment. "We would make a great circus!" he declares.

DM Carl - Miss Marne's Menagerie
Tuesday January 30th, 2018 10:18:41 PM
Hobie confirms with Duenna that the wolves came over *that* hill & apologizes for killing all her animals. "Don't be silly, dear. It had to be done. There was nothing left of Jato in there."

Kezzem comments on the jovial, unstructured nature of Humble's Sword. "We weren't a circus, really. More of a menagarie. We brought rare animals for display, but we didn't make them jump through hoops or pretend to fight them with chairs," is Duenna's response.

Murphy asks about the meteor that flew by. "You mean that huge meteor with the red tail and that deafening impact that knocked me to my feet? Yea, I may have noticed something like that," answers Cosimo dryly. "Landed over there." He points in the same direction you were already travelling. The same direction Duenna mentions the wolves came from, and the same direction some red smoke can still be seen.

"The change took some time," offers Duenna. "Before we were discovered by the creatures, I observed that once an animal had been bitten or scratched and survived, the other animals all stopped attacking them. It's why we had so many left alive for you to deal with. The horses and our co-workers were all struck down by the oliphant, though. They couldn't survive a hit from her."

Bliss has a good laugh at Kezzem's joke, and advises them to talk to him later about starting a new one. "Maybe," answers Duenna. "Once whatever caused this is dealt with, anyway. I'm in no hurry to go through it again." Neither of the two of them have seen devils or fire creatures of any kind.

Pressi bristles at Cosimo's impudence & tells him off flatly, but firmly. "I get it, lady," he adds as Pressi cuts off access to Harper. "We all love our pets, but you've seen what happens to...them..." He trails off after Pressi casts cure disease on Harper. She still can't make heads or tails about what infected her; it's nothing she's seen or heard of before, but it's safe to say it was a disease. The angry red veins spreading from Harper's wounds clear up. With a shake of her head, she seems back to her old self.

"Well, look at that." Cosimo puts his dagger away and drops the subject. "So...Humble's Sword. Humble's Ford was our next stop, and probably still the closest thing to civilization right now." He points off in the direction of town. "That way, right? Great. Lead the way and we'll be right behind you." Cosimo crosses his arms and looks expectantly at the lot of you.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, shield other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday January 30th, 2018 11:28:28 PM
"Yeah, probably best not to have your pets pretend to fight chairs," says Kezzem. "Chairs are mean."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 80/80
Wednesday January 31st, 2018 1:05:10 AM

Relieved that Pressi's cure disease spell took care of the internal blood attack on Harper, he says to her, "That did it, love. She's fine, now."

Speaking to Cosimo, Murphy says, "We shall return to Humble's Ford, but first we need to take a closer look at whatever is left of that meteorite. And perhaps deal with other aberrations. Once we think we have learned what we need to learn, and if circumstances do not draw us farther in to the Red Hills, we would be fine with accompanying you back to our home. I might even be able to pull one or more of the wagons along with us, if it makes sense to do so."

He looks over the wagons, to see which ones still appear to be serviceable.

Murphy does ask, also, "Are either of you injured in any way? If so, we would be happy to provide healing. And then, do you want to come with us as we take a look ahead, or remain here with the wagons, or travel on your own toward Humble's Ford?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 33/82 AC 22 CMD 27 Hero Points 3
Wednesday January 31st, 2018 1:17:41 PM
Hobie shores up his gear, makes sure he's got everything at the ready, and looks to the rest of his group.
"I don't think we should wait much longer. Whatever is out there could be affecting all of the animals in the countryside, I think we need quick action.

Rounds of Haste Left 6/10

======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message

1st Level
Shield, True Strike, ~~Obscuring Mist,~~ Grease, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Resist Energy Fire, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21, HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Wednesday January 31st, 2018 2:25:18 PM
Harper purrs at Murphy's kind words, and Pressi gives him a squeeze of the hand before continuing.

"Agreed as to needing to check out the meteor. So if anyone has some suggestions or requests for last buffs, speak up now."

Pressi casts her broom of flying, hoping to get some good scouting and aerial views of the meteor.

-----------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)

Harper
stoneskin (DR 10)

resources used

clairvoyance (2/8)
L2: 3/4+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 2/3+1

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, HP96of96) (Cayzle)
Wednesday January 31st, 2018 10:31:24 PM

"We should track back those wild wolves!" Bliss declares. "They carried the disease, and if there are more of them, they should be taken care of. You know, either with cures or killing."

Who can track them back?

DM Carl - Miss Marne's Menagerie
Wednesday January 31st, 2018 10:51:41 PM
Humble's Sword seems to be in agreement that they should move towards the crash site with some haste. Murphy checks around to see that indeed, just one wagon remains serviceable: the one the two halflings were hiding on/in. Pippa and Rumpus could probably manage pulling it, but who knows how used to being beasts of burden they are. Murphy could probably turn into something that could haul it, but who knows how used to being a beast of burden he is.

Regardless, it's not the answer Cosimo was looking for. "Wait, you're going towards the danger?" He throws his hands up and walks backwards. "No thanks, mister. I've gotta make it through this life." He starts picking through the wreckage. "Gotta be something here worth something. I'm not walking into a new town hoping for charity. Place can't be that humble..." He finds some trinkets, odds and ends...a coin purse off one of the corpses. "Think I found our back pay, Duenna. Largo here won't be needing it anymore..."

Duenna looks conflicted, but takes Cosimo's hand and starts walking towards Humble's Ford. "We won't be joining you, though I sincerely hope to see all of you alive and well in Humble's Ford soon. Looks like we'll probably be staying a while." She looks back at the wreckage one last time and sighs before moving off.

Cosimo puts up some fight. "We ain't finished looting yet," he starts, but is met by a glare even he can't brush off. "Right...probably best to get moving before more of those critters come. Thanks again, Humble's Sword. I'll be askin' Wardd to keep an eye on you, though who knows if that'd be a boon or not. Luck, eh?" He chuckles lightly and heads off.

Pressi gets some altitude and confirms that the meteor is close, but not just over the hill. Fair guess is another 60-90 minutes away.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 80/80 d20+12=28 ; d20+25=40 ; d20+25=43 ;
Thursday February 1st, 2018 12:22:27 AM

"One moment, before you dash off," Murphy says to the couple. "First, I pray to heaven that you two will be warded from harm on your journey to Humble's Sword. Second - give me one minute to write something."

He takes out a piece of parchment, pen and ink, and, away from the eyes of the couple, he writes briefly. Once done, he folds the parchment in on itself, writes a note on the outside, takes a bit of twine, wraps and ties it, and some of his sealing wax, that he heats with a candle, drips on the paper and twine, blows on it to partially cool it, then presses the side of a whistle into the wax, and bites lightly into the wax with his top teeth. "Mama could always tell who bit into an apple by how gap-toothed the bite was."

On the outside is written:
Deliver, unopened, to
Bekka Lilly Burrows Leafwin Pipewood,
wife of Samell,
the musical instrument maker

Mama,

Duenna is a good sort. Help her as you might. Cosimo appears to be an opportunist. Do show them what hospitality you feel you can, maybe point them toward a place they can stay. I trust your discernment, wisdom and discretion.

By the way, the red crystalline meteor has a substance that drives animals mad, so that they attack any who are not infected with the substance. We're off to investigate further. The couple who deliver this letter can tell you more, perhaps.

If the wax seal on this letter is broken before you receive it, blame Cosimo.

Hi, Cosimo. Don't read other people's mail. And if my mother does not receive this note, perhaps you and I will never be friends. If she does receive it, then I'm open to the possibility. What possibility? Get it to her, and you'll find out. It's better than the alternative.

I love you, Mama. Hi to Papa and all.

Murphy, the whirlwind

He hands the letter to Cosimo. "A small test of character. Don't open this. Deliver it to my mother in Humble's Ford. Now that you've held it, Cosimo, give it to Duenna, for her to bear." He takes ten gold pieces out of a pouch, and gives five to each of them. "That should be good to get you lodging and food when you get there for a week or so. Again, our prayers go with you. After we find out more ahead, if circumstances allow, we will bury your friends and associates before returning to town. Fare you well."
=============
Once the two are over the hill, Murphy asks, "Shall we quickly finish what Cosimo started, or look to that once we've addressed that which is ahead of us?" If the group decides to take a quick look, Murphy casts detect magic, and takes a few minutes to quickly scan the remains of people and vehicles and gear. If there is something that was used to help control the animals - he especially notes Marne's goods - he mentions that may aid the group with what lies ahead.

When the group is ready to go, Murphy goes, tracking the wolves, and keeping an eye about and around as well.

========
Survival (tracking): 28 vs DC 15(ish?) - to follow dire wolf tracks back to their source
Perception: 40
Ignore second d20+25 - double tap on Roll key

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21, HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+19=33 ; d20+6=8 ;
Thursday February 1st, 2018 10:27:33 AM
Pressi assists Murphy in his final search, looking carefully again at the creatures as well as the various remains (Perception 33). She also takes a moment to set up message so that she can track from above.

Pressi flies just a little ahead of the group below, using clairaudiance and detect magic as she gets closer to the rock. She also casts spectral hand when she gets close enough.

Harper follows on foot, occasionally sniffing at the tracks (Perception 8).

-----------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)
message
spectral hand

Harper
stoneskin (DR 10) (expires in journey)

resources used

clairvoyance (3/8)
L1: 1/6+1
L2: 3/4+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 2/3+1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 33/82 AC 22 CMD 27 Hero Points 3 d20+15=22 ;
Thursday February 1st, 2018 11:09:24 AM
After Murphy addresses the pair, Hobie will add "Find the town constable and mention that you met Hobie on the road, and tell him the circumstances. He will see to it that you are able to find what you need."

===

"Yes, I think you are right, it's possible that the menagerie might have some items useful for controlling animals, and we are almost certain to meet more deranged animals I fear. Let's look for a bit before we take off."
Hobie will use detect magic as well, looking first for any magical items, and then he will focus on finding any mundane items that might be useful with animals, maybe a net or some trap for capturing them, things like that.

Perception 22

Rounds of Haste Left 6/10

======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message

1st Level
Shield, True Strike, ~~Obscuring Mist~~, Grease, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Resist Energy Fire, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, shield other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday February 1st, 2018 5:57:20 PM
"Be sure to stop by the Belly Buster and tell them Kezzem sent you," offers Kezzem, hoping that the recommendation might smooth over any lingering ill feelings towards Murphey about hooking the Dancing Pig into the tunnel network first.

DM Carl - Miss Marne's Menagerie d100=40 ;
Thursday February 1st, 2018 11:28:31 PM
Cosimo looks at the sealed missive before handing it to Duenna. "You wound me, sir. Gentlemen don't read each others' mail. Even I know that." Seems he has no more to say on the matter. The two are given a list of folks to contact. Surely one of them will set them up with lodging and meals. Goodness knows there's plenty of work to be doing in Humble's Ford right now.

Who knows how they're getting over those stones surrounding the place.

No matter though, they've moved on, leaving Humble's Sword to search the place a bit more. There are keen eyes about, aided by detection spells. There is a faint aura around the largest of the cages. It could only have belonged to the oliphant. Whatever enchantment was on it was broken when it was torn asunder. The patient can see the aura slowly dissapating.

Hobie's detect magic spell catches a faint aura in the rubble of what was once probably the nicest of the wagons. Throwing off the debris reveals a simple wooden staff. Knowledge, Arcana DC 17, Highlight to display spoiler: {the staff has faint transmutation and enchantment auras.}

Further search reveals little of value. It appears Cosimo's comments about being owed back pay weren't exaggerations. There are very minor valuables to be found, but they're almost certainly heirlooms of their owners.

When it's time to move on, Pressi takes lookout with Harper watching the ground right behind her. Careful not to stray too far ahead of everyone else, she still easily has the best vantage point. Murphy is able to track the wolves, but honestly it's nothing to brag about. The prints left are deep. It's not uncommon to see places where tufts of grass have been dug out by the force of their movement. They must have run full speed or close to it towards the circus. They become less frantic several hundered yards away from its final resting place.

Pressi is the first to see the impact site. The meteor appears to have crashed into the side of one of the many hills dotting the landscape. Anyone on foot will need to crest the top of the hill to see it, which would put them roughly 30-40' from it.

The meteor sparkles in the late day sun. It's either a giant crystal, or a large stone containing many crystals. Hard to say, but it's very pretty. Spread out from the impact site is a blanket of tall red grass.

Perception DC 25, Highlight to display spoiler: {the grass seems to sway slowly back and forth, but there's no wind to speak of in the valley where it landed.} If you rolled perception on your last post, feel free to use that result.

As Harper climbs the hill, she stops short & shakes her head. She sneezes a bit, almost as if she smells something she doesn't like...

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, HP96of96) (Cayzle)
Thursday February 1st, 2018 11:37:52 PM

Bliss bows and thanks the menagerie folk for their kind words.

He suggests that the group continue onwards.

"Come, oh heroes! Let us not falter now!"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 33/82 AC 22 CMD 27 Hero Points 3 d20+12=22 ; d20+15=21 ; d20+31=34 ;
Friday February 2nd, 2018 10:23:22 AM
Knowledge Arcana 22; Perception 21

As a wizard of the Transmutation school, Hobie is very interested in the staff he found. He will take out and use one charge from his wand of identify, and attempt to use spellcraft to identify what this staff is able to do. Spellcraft 34

==

Hobie rides a ways behind Harper, and when she stops short he pull on Pippa's reigns to stop her, and readies his bow for action.

Rounds of Haste Left 6/10

======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message

1st Level
Shield, True Strike, ~~Obscuring Mist~~, Grease, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Resist Energy Fire, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21, HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+19=27 ; d20+8=27 ;
Friday February 2nd, 2018 4:19:40 PM
Pressi notices out of the corner of her eye that the grass is moving, even though there's no wind pushing against her. But she isn't sure of what that could mean (Know Nature 27).

Keeping an eye on the meteor, and while waiting for her friends, she casts both detect magic and detect thoughts on the meteor and the nearby grass. She considers casting "see invisible" but she's already almost out of L2 spells (so she asks via message if anyone else (like Bliss) can do the honors).

Harper rears back some, unsure of what she's scared of. She starts to back away towards Hobie.

-----------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)
message
spectral hand

Harper

resources used

clairvoyance (3/8)
L1: 1/6+1
L2: 3+1/4+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 2/3+1

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, HP96of96) (Cayzle) d20+20=38 ;
Friday February 2nd, 2018 5:57:52 PM

Bliss watches Murph following the wolf tracks. "Good Job, Mister Murphy," he says.

Bliss perception: 38. He calls out, "That tall red grass is moving! Like an entangle spell maybe? Watch out!"

But then he sees that the fallen star is a gemstone or something. "Oooh, pretty!" he says. He casts Detect Magic and Detect Poison on it. He casts Create Water ... if the water steams, then the fallen star is still hot.

If it is the same size as a human (size M) or smaller, then he casts a Break spell on it too.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3
Friday February 2nd, 2018 10:52:02 PM
ooc: Updating Header

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 80/80
Saturday February 3rd, 2018 1:30:02 AM

"When you first spoke with us, you combined some words of gratitude with a measure of distrust. We had just saved your lives, Cosimo, and then you asked if we meant, more or less, to rob you. Based upon your current reaction, however, I do take it you've a sense of honor, and a measure of discernment. Pardon, please, my inkling of wariness concerning you. Be kind to Duenna. Good woman, it has been a pleasure to meet you, though the circumstances were difficult." He pauses. "I expect we'll meet again in due course. Perhaps we can strive not to be offended at each other," Murphy concludes with a wink, and a farewell salute.

He nods his head at Bliss's comment on the grass. "And, notice, there is no wind about, to speak of? Hello, Grass. Have you something to tell us, I wonder?"

Murphy considers briefly what to do - and feels that owl's wisdom may help him chart the course through the next few minutes. [+4 to wisdom]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, shield other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Sunday February 4th, 2018 12:59:56 PM
"Hi meteor, nice meteor, please don't hatch a nasty monster or monsters that kill everyone."

Kezzem inspects the meteor with his detecto-evil vision.

DM Carl - Miss Marne's Menagerie
Sunday February 4th, 2018 3:59:21 PM
Hobie checks out that staff. Looks like it's a custom job, and that the hunch about its purpose was correct. The staff can hold the spells Calm Animals and Reduce Animal. Each spell uses one charge, and there are 6 charges on it at the moment.

Pressi is the first to notice the grass moving. Her detection spells show magic, kinda. It's not something she's seen before, but her blood witch instincts are tickled much more than her cleric or Justicar instincts. It'll take more inspection than studying from afar with detect magic to make heads or tails of it. Harper moves near Hobie. Whatever's going on, she doesn't like it.

Bliss also notices, and his detection spells show the same result: weird magic that tickles his blood witch senses. He creates enough water to test the heat of the meteor, but there's no steam. It may be warm still, but it's not hot enough to burn someone. At least, that's the best guess one can get from dumping water on it.

Murphy gets the last word in before moving on. His query of the grass yields no answer. How rude. He decides he needs a bit more wisdom in the next few minutes.

Kezzem gets a similar silence from the meteor in response to his declaration. His paladin senses find no evil.

The meteor continues sitting there.

Perception DC 25, only if you're not flying, Highlight to display spoiler: {something is moving underground.}

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, shield other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday February 5th, 2018 10:27:07 AM
"Um, it just looks like a rock to me guys," says Kezzem. "Any ideas?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 100/100 d20+25=44 ;
Monday February 5th, 2018 10:49:02 AM

"There is something coming up from underground." Murphy says. "Scatter apart, in case it's something big that wants to swallow us all up.". He casts bear's endurance upon himself, then prepares to wild shape. He also tries to sense where the underground movement is located.
========
Perception: 44

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 21 CMD 27 Hero Points 3 d20+15=17 ; d20+15=22 ;
Monday February 5th, 2018 3:09:46 PM
Perception 17. Hobie doesn't notice whatever it is.

Hobie will explain what the staff does and offer it over to one of the druids to use. They are much more animal-y than he is. He remarks that maybe we could use it to shrink Bliss down even smaller when some sneaking is needed.

At Murphy's word Hobie will obey quickly. He trusts Murphy on most matters regarding the underground.
He dismounts from Pippa, not wanting whatever it is to knock him from the saddle. He pats her on the behind and tells her to get off away a bit, where she would hopefully be outside the area of battle.

Hobie will look (Perception 22) for a rock or other elevated place to use for a vantage point from which to rain arrows.

He will cast Shield (from his wand) and Invisibility on himself.
Rounds of Haste Left 6/10

======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message

1st Level
Shield, True Strike, ~~Obscuring Mist~~, Grease, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Resist Energy Fire, ~~Invisibility,~~ Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 3
Monday February 5th, 2018 3:17:00 PM
Updating AC on Header

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21, HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+6=17 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+21=32 ;
Monday February 5th, 2018 9:07:10 PM
Harper remains completely unaware of any new developments but still isn't happy. She readies a charge if anything happens.

Pressi tries to make some sense of it from a distance (Know Arcane 19, Spellcraft 32) but isn't sure what else she can do at a distance, and she doesn't have many other investigative tools left.

Before flying by in an attempt to use Knowledge Lore on the meteor (in case it is alive), Pressi casts barkskin on herself (+2 to AC)

If Murphy and Bliss are uninterested, Pressi will take Hobie's staff.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (23), HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Monday February 5th, 2018 9:07:48 PM
updating AC

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, HP96of96) (Cayzle) d20+20=33 ;
Monday February 5th, 2018 9:15:59 PM
Percep 33

Bliss agrees with Mister Murphy. "Something coming! Watch out!"

Bliss casts a Shield of Faith. Is his barkskin still going from the prior fight? It's the same day, right? He moves away from the rest of his friends by 30 ft.

What in the Wold is Going On?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 100/100
Monday February 5th, 2018 10:57:50 PM

"The staff is yours, Pressi."

Move - if he senses the underground critter is coming his direction, he moves away, diagonally.

DM Carl - Purple Worm Meteor Showdown d100=9 ; d20+25=36 ; 4d8+12=34 ; d20+36=40 ;
Monday February 5th, 2018 11:09:00 PM
Kezzem is out of ideas. Maybe he can stab the rock.

Murphy announces that something is underground. He ups his endurance and tries to get a bead on where the movement is coming from. Using his incredibly keen senses, he notices the patterns the vibrations make in the dirt, the slight movements of ground vegitation, and the transfer of kinetic energy from underground through his entire person. The answer he comes up with is: everywhere.

Hobie offers the staff to his more naturally inclined companions. On Murphy's suggestion, he gets some distance between himself and everyone else. He sends Pippa off some place safe and looks for a nice rock to stand on. Unfortunately for him, it's nothing but rich dirt all around. Well, except for that big ol' meteor over there. Hobie, Highlight to display spoiler: {I rolled a D100 & gave you 50% odds there would be a nice big rock to stand on. Rolled a 9...}

Pressi she prepares a barkskin spell & gets ready to move closer to the meteor. She pulls from her knowledge of magic to see if he can figure out what this thing is. Her knowledge falls short; she's never heard of anything like this. Still, she has a flash of insight about the nature of the red hue: woldsblood. Only a bloodwitch would recognize it, but the signature is unmistakable. The meteor has been touched by woldsblood.

Harper gets ready to pounce on something.

Bliss feels the movement too and shields himself. A quick knock to his own chest confirms he's still protected by barkskin.

The vibrations increase slowly at first, then suddenly. The party is suddenly covered by an enormous spray of dirt as a gargantuan, armor plated worm errupts directly underneath Hobie. Its purple hue is marred by deep red veins that stretch along its length. Hobie seems none of that, unfortunately. It's just a mass of teeth that close around him tearing and crushing. Worm hits AC 36 for 34 damage. The worm holds Hobie in his mouth - CMB check 40 vs CMD 24 - Hobie is grappled. Also, make a fort save VS DC 30.

***

I know we're a map loving bunch, but this is literally one gargantuan creature you're fighting. Unless it proves more problematic than I think it will, I'm going to forgo one this time.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC27, HP96of96) (Cayzle) d20+28=41 ;
Tuesday February 6th, 2018 10:32:10 AM
Bliss changes into a housecat and tumbles toward the monster, getting as close as 35 ft movement will get him. Hopefully that's in the same space as the monster, or right adjacent.

Tumbling to avoid AoOs, but at -5 because he is hurrying ... 41!

Bliss is AC27, if the worm wants to bother taking a nip at a little kitty. It'll go down to 25 when he starts raging, but that will be next round.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (23), HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+10=12 ; d20+10=11 ; d20+11=25 ;
Tuesday February 6th, 2018 11:01:12 AM
(To DM: Need to know if Harper still has stoneskin. Since it lasts 80 minutes and the trip was 60-90 minutes, I thought I should make sure it didn't expire already, though if Bliss' barkskin is still on....)

DM Edit: Sure, it can still be active.

Harper charges at the worm, taking a swipe with her claws as if going after a scratching post and ultimately doing little damage. (Attack Rolls 12, Nat 1)

Pressi flies by the creature, trying to activate her knowledge lore (Touch Attack 25 to learn about creature) (If she can use spectral hand to make the touch attack, she uses that instead.)

-----------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)
message
spectral hand

Harper
stoneskin (10/DR)

resources used

clairvoyance (3/8)
L1: 1/6+1
L2: 3+1/4+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 2/3+1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 48/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 3 d20+8=27 ; d20+12=26 ;
Tuesday February 6th, 2018 12:05:22 PM
Hobie fails his Fortitude Save (I needed a Nat 20 and I got a 19!!!!!)

Hobie uses all of his strength pushing back at the teeth of the worm as he tries to escape from the gargantuan beast. 26 CMB vs worm CMD.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 100/100
Tuesday February 6th, 2018 12:28:43 PM

[Note for Hobie: A hero point would put you over]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, shield other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+10=12 ;
Tuesday February 6th, 2018 11:35:15 PM
"Hold on Hobbie!"

Kezzem eyes the worm with his evildar as he grabs Hobbie and attempts to aid him in escaping from the worm.

OOC: detect evil worm (move action), aid another Hobbie (action)

CMB: 12.

Since that beats a 10, that should give him an extra +2 on his CMB check for a 28 total.

DM Carl - Purple Worm Meteor Showdown d20+36=55 ; 4d8+4=26 ;
Tuesday February 6th, 2018 11:55:54 PM
Bliss shrinks down into attack cat mode & weaves his way past any counterattack by the worm.

Pressi swoops down and attempts to glean the creature's weaknesses. She learns quite a bit...

OOC: You know everything on the SRD regarding the worm, as well as the fact that it's immune to mind control/enchantment/etc and any sort of nausea-based attack. It's obvious the worm is suffering from the same disease that affected the other ones you just fought.

Harper's claws are no match for this thing's armor.

Hobie tries to break free, but the worm is just too strong, even with Kezzem's assistance. He begins to feel light headed. As the teeth from the worm dig into his outstretched hands, red veins begin to form from the wounds. It's the last thing he sees before he vanishes down the throat of the worm.

Grapple check to swallow whole: 55. Hobie is swallowed and takes 26 damage. Per the swallow whole rules, you can attempt to cut yourself out with a one-handed slashing or piercing weapon.

Kezzem detects no evil, but it's unlikely that improves his disposition towards the worm.

The worm finishes swallowing Hobie, then turns towards Bliss...

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Earth Elemental AC 26 HP 120/120 DR 5/-- Darkvision 60 Tremorsense d20+17=20 ; d20+17=33 ; 2d8+9=18 ;
Wednesday February 7th, 2018 2:55:19 AM
[Sorry, all. Started work shortly after 5am, and continued with work until a few minutes ago (after 11pm PST). Boss is in hospital, so am picking up the slack. No time for a Murphy post until now. If DM Carl will so allow, I'll compress two rounds of action into one post...]

On seeing the purple worm burst forth, Murphy transformed into a huge earth elemental. In the back of his mind was a sense of guilt, insofar as he encouraged people to scatter, and Hobie did - right into the emerging maw of the worm. Not allowing himself to dwell overlong on that, he earthglides to the side of the worm [last round].

[This round] He then begins to beat upon the chitinous barricade of the creature's thick skin. His first blow, though sound enough for other situations, does not harm the animal (AC 20). His second slam attack, however, makes a local bruise (AC 33, 18 hp damage).

Bliss / CatBliss (AC27, HP96of96) (Cayzle)
Wednesday February 7th, 2018 9:45:11 AM

Hobie, here's a news article posted at 7 am today at The Atlantic just for you!
How to Survive Being Swallowed by Another Animal

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (23), HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+8=25 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=28 ; d3+4=7 ; d3+4=6 ;
Wednesday February 7th, 2018 11:39:53 AM
"Oh this is bad," Pressi grumbled as she tried to think of something, anything, that would make a difference to this thing. (She could try curing its disease, but wasn't sure what it would do even if she were successful.)

But she had one credo that she followed throughout her life: If you can't do something simple, do something crazy.

"Here goes everything," she muttered as she cast Blink upon Harper (share spell ability) and then began to fly upward - near Bliss but out of range of the worm should it change its mind. She tried to keep her spectral hand close to her as she did so.

WIth a whimper, Harper reared back and then proceeded to jump into the worm next to Hobie. (50% chance she takes damage but this should work otherwise.) Trying to free him, Harper proceeds to scratch away from the inside. (Attack 25 and Nat 20 Crit confirmed. Damage 7+12.)

-----------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)
message
spectral hand
flying broom

Harper
stoneskin (10/DR)
blink

resources used

clairvoyance (3/8)
L1: 1/6+1
L2: 3+1/4+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 22/82 AC 26 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 d20+15=26 ; d20+15=25 ; d20+10=25 ; d3+4=6 ; d3+4=5 ; d3+4=5 ;
Wednesday February 7th, 2018 11:46:09 AM
Hobie is hurting bad, and feels like he doesn't have much time. He reads Bliss' article (Free action), and then clicks his heels to haste himself.

(Can I full attack while I'm in the belly of this thing? If not, just use the first attack)

Using Katinka's silver dagger, Hobie slashes three times with consistent accuracy and force.

Attack 25: Damage 6
Attack 26: Damage 5
Attack 25: Damage 5

Rounds of Haste Left 5/10

======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message

1st Level
Shield, True Strike, ~~Obscuring Mist,~~ Grease, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Resist Energy Fire, ~~Invisibility,~~ Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 22/82 AC 26 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Wednesday February 7th, 2018 11:54:12 AM
ooc: Scratch those last two attacks, Old Hobie had Quick Draw, I forgot New Hobie doesn't, so Move Action draw dagger, standard action is that first attack . But if I'm not bleeding out next turn, I'd like to know if I can full attack or not.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, shield other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+16=34 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+11=16 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+1=2 ; d3+1=2 ;
Wednesday February 7th, 2018 1:30:53 PM
"Hobbie!" cries Kezzem. He goes to work with his daggers, hoping he doesn't stab Hobbie inside the worm.

OOC: Improved Two-Weapon Fighting

#1: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 34.
Damage: 3.

#2: +1 Returning Dagger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 33.
Damage: 2.

#3: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 23.
Damage: 5.

#4: +1 Returning Dagger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 16.
Damage: 2.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC25, HP96of96) (Cayzle) d20+12=23 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+12=19 ; d2+9=11 ; d2+9=11 ; d3+9=12 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday February 7th, 2018 7:23:13 PM

Bliss-Cat focuses on the task at hand, pinpointing his concentration on digging INTO this horrible thing and saving Hobie. He attacks the monster, claw, claw, and bite, hitting AC 25 for 13, AC 17 for 13, and AC 21, the bite, for 16 nonlethal damage. [OOC: Adjusted numbers to add in rage after rolling]

He just hopes it makes a difference.

SANITY INFO

Spells used today:
Lvl 1: 5+1, used 1 (shld o fth)
Lvl 2: 4+1, used 3 (resist energy, blindness, cmw) +1 (barkskin)
Lvl 3: 3+1, used 2 (silent still shld o fth)
Lvl 4: 1+1, used 1 (threefold aspect)

Other stuff used:
Grimalkin ritual - housecat
Bramble Armor used 1
Wood Fists used 0
Breath of Life used
Death Knell used

Rage: used 2 rounds

DM Carl - Purple Worm Meteor Showdown d100=37 ; d100=62 ; d20+25=29 ; 4d8+12=29 ; d20+36=37 ; d20+25=28 ; 2d8+12=21 ; d4=2 ;
Wednesday February 7th, 2018 10:00:01 PM
Ooooooo-weee. Humble's Sword is fighting a purple worm.

Murphy decides to fight the worm on its own turf and turns into a huge earth elemental before pounding his stone fists against the worm.

Pressi knows a bad situation when she sees one. She casts blink on her trusty companion and, in a stunning display of loyalty, Harper tries to leap into the worm.

Harper starts blinking and tries jumping through the worm's armor and into its guts. She manages to phase out in time and comes to inside the worm (d100 = 35). Her own attacks prove solid enough (20% miss chance = 62 - success) and tear through the worm's digestive tract.

DM Note: Totally metal, Melvin.

Hobie is in rough shape. He struggles to pull the silver dagger Tink gave him and finds it becomes much easier when, surprise surprise, Harper appears below (above? next to? whatever...) him and tears open the worm's digestive tract. With the dagger, Hobie's able to finish cutting through and finds himself and Harper tumbling out of the structurally superfluous hole he and Harper made.

When the two of them have a moment to notice, they'll find themselves covered in dirt and slime. Hobie also feels just awful.

Hobie is sickened.

Kezzem is having none of this beast eating his friend. His daggers fly, punching through the worm's armored hide three times before finally bouncing off the scales.

Bliss can't tear open the inside of the beast from the outside. Good thing he doesn't need to anymore! One claw and his bite tear through the worm. How his claws are long enough in cat form to do that is anyone's guess!

The worm follows through with its attack on Bliss, forgoing careful aim and just slamming its mouth down on the tiny cat hurting it. Worm hits AC 29 for 29 damage (heh). Bliss must make a Fort save VS DC 30. Somehow, Bliss avoids getting caught up in the worm's teeth! (Nat 1 on grapple check for worm.)

From behind Kezzem, the tail of the worm errupts from the ground. The stinger on the end impales itself in Kezzem's thigh. Hit AC 28 for 21 damage. The stinger lingers a moment before withdrawing; Kezzem can feel poison flowing into him through the wound. Fort save DC 25 or take 2 STR damage

Worm: 41 damage, plus 16 non-lethal

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 22/82 AC 26 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Wednesday February 7th, 2018 10:40:02 PM
Hobie, feeling sick and beat up, is very thankful for his friends' help.

He takes a full withdraw action to move as far away as he can from the worm (40 ft)

DM Note: Withdraw only affects the first 5' of movement. This thing has way more than 5' reach.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 22/82 AC 26 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 d20+8=12 ;
Wednesday February 7th, 2018 11:10:17 PM
In that case, if you'll let me change my action, Hobie will attempt to cast Mirror Image defensively, using his arcane bond to cast it unprepared.

He fails, and loses the spell. He takes a five foot step away from the worm.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Earth Elemental AC 26 HP 120/120 DR 5/-- Darkvision 60 Tremorsense d20+17=27 ; d20+17=21 ; 2d8+9=14 ;
Thursday February 8th, 2018 11:54:55 AM

Murphy continues his underground assault, adjusting positioning as needed as the worm moves about. He strikes for 14 hp damage, but his second slam is not enough to penetrate the thick armor.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (23), HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d8=3 ; d8=6 ; d8=4 ; d8=4 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+10=14 ;
Thursday February 8th, 2018 4:34:30 PM
After some time trying to ascertain whether she needs to help out Kezzem, Pressi uses her last 4th level spell to cure Hobie, moving her spectral hand to cast CCW.

(Why not Breathe of Life? She's holding onto it in case she needs to resurrect someone.)

(CCW = 25 HP)

Harper claws away at the worm (hopefully flanking Bliss or Kezzem)

(Bite Attack 22, Claw Attacks 19 and 14 - all miss)

-----------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)
message
spectral hand
flying broom

Harper
stoneskin (10/DR)
blink

resources used

clairvoyance (3/8)
L1: 1/6+1
L2: 3+1/4+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 3/3+1

Bliss / CatBliss (AC25, HP87of116) (Cayzle) d20+14=29 ; d20+14=17 ; d20+14=22 ; d20+24=41 ; d2+11=13 ; d2+11=13 ; d3+11=14 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday February 8th, 2018 11:48:16 PM

Raging Fort save vs DC30, using a hero point for a preemptive +8 ... Bliss rolls a 41 and is unaffected.

Bliss keeps on fighting! He attacks, claw, claw, and bite, hitting AC29 for 13, AC17 for 13, and AC22 for 18 nonlethal.

DM Carl - Purple Worm Meteor Showdown d20+25=33 ; 4d8+12=32 ; d20+36=46 ; d20+25=30 ; 2d8+12=21 ;
Friday February 9th, 2018 10:34:43 AM
Hobie starts getting away from this thing, careful not to draw its attack. He tries casting a spell, but can't pull if off defensively and loses it.

Murphy keeps on pounding on the worm.

Pressi gives some much needed healing to Hobie, while Murphy scratches ineffectively against the worm's armor.

Bliss heroically resists the disease he feels trying to take him, then claws a chunk of the worm's scales off.

The worm single-mindedly continues biting at Bliss, this time snatching the cat up in the mass of teeth. Bite hits AC 33 - Bliss takes 32 damage and is grappled.

The worm's tail swooshes over to the earth elemental that keeps smashing it. Hit AC 30 - Murphy takes 21 damage, but is immune to poison in his state.

Worm - 68 damage + 16 non-lethal

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, 2 str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+14=21 ; 5d6=21 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+11=17 ; d3+1=4 ; d3+1=4 ; d3+1=3 ; d3+1=4 ;
Friday February 9th, 2018 12:11:54 PM
SV Fort: 21. Fail.

Kezzem lays hands on himself to heal from the sting.

Healing: 21.

He then continues to stab with his daggers. With Str damage, there is no difference between hands.

#1: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 23.
Damage: 4.

#2: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 17.
Damage: 4.

#3: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 21.
Damage: 3.

#4: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 17.
Damage: 4.

----

Lay on Hands 7/day (2 used)
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells:
1st Level: Cure Light Wounds x2 (both cast), Lesser Restoration
2nd Level: Resist Energy, Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds (cast)

Bliss / CatBliss (AC25, HP55of116) (Cayzle) d20+18=36 ; d6+3=5 ;
Friday February 9th, 2018 2:08:45 PM

Bliss wriggle-wriggle-wriggles out of the monster's mouth, or so he hopes!

If I knew the monster's CMD, I might precommit to adding 8 to my escape artist check to escape ... well, let that go. If Bliss misses the check by 4 or less, he'll use the retroactive point. If he misses by more than 4 and rolls low, he may use the point to reroll. well, let's get to it ...

Bliss makes his escape artist check to escape ... and rolls a 36! With the retroactive point, that beats a CMD40 ... ???

As a free action, Bliss sprouts his Bramble Armor. That inflicts 5 damage? And maybe makes Bliss a less palatable morsel?

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (23), HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Friday February 9th, 2018 3:40:30 PM
(Bliss - the worm's CMD is 40. You should be fine with the retroactive point.)

"Murphy, if you have any good damage spells," she begins, "it's time to break it out. Reflex preferred."

Pressi, circling the worm, activates her focused curse (immediate action). Spinning her spectral hand towards the worm, she fires off a bestow curse (-4 penalty). (necro spell, Will DC 18)

Harper circles the worm, trying to get a good flanking position vs Bliss.

-----------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)
message
spectral hand
flying broom

Harper
stoneskin (10/DR)
blink

resources used

clairvoyance (3/8)
focused curse: 1/1
L1: 1/6+1
L2: 3+1/4+1
L3: 3/4+1
L4: 3/3+1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 47/82 AC 26 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Friday February 9th, 2018 4:07:43 PM
Feeling a bit healthier thanks to Pressi, Hobie decides to risk an attack of opportunity to get himself away from the horrible purple worm.

Hobie clicks his boots of Haste to double his speed and makes a double move away from the worm, possibly taking an AoO. He moves 80 ft to be 85ft away, drawing his bow as he moves.

Rounds of Haste Left 5/10

======
Spells Prepared
~~Bonded Object Free Spell~~

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message

1st Level
Shield, True Strike, ~~Obscuring Mist~~, Grease, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Resist Energy Fire, ~~Invisibility,~~ Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Earth Elemental AC 26 HP 120/120 DR 5/-- Darkvision 60 Tremorsense d20+17=35 ; d20+17=37 ; d20+17=33 ; 2d8+9=19 ; 2d8+9=19 ; 2d8+9=18 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+25=33 ;
Friday February 9th, 2018 8:11:34 PM

Since it is right up close, Murphy decides to try to break the stinger, and whatever it is attached to. He slams hitting AC 35 for 19 hp damage, then rolls a critical threat 37 and converts to a critical hit AC 33, for 19+18=37 hp damage, total 56 for the round.

"Hi, love. I'm hitting the worm from below, and kicking its... stinger. Give me a moment, I'll see what I can do.

"How is everyone doing, Pressi? Say, did you know that some of these worms have gems inside? Tough skin, though."
======
Knowledge, Nature: 27
Perception: 33
Tremorsense is active

P.S.: It is that Murphy only 'scratches ineffectively' when he fails to hit the AC, but is more effective when he penetrates it? Or that none of his blows are effective?

DM Carl - Purple Worm Meteor Showdown d20+2=6 ; d20+21=32 ; 2d8+12=18 ; d4=3 ; d4=2 ; d20+21=39 ; 4d8+12=40 ; d20+32=37 ; d20+21=28 ; 2d8+12=16 ;
Saturday February 10th, 2018 1:28:42 PM
Kezzem feels his strength wane a bit from the poison. He's able to heal the damage from the sting, but not the poison, unfortunately. He's unable to penetrate the worm's scales with any of his strikes.

Bliss pulls from some deep barbarian/witch reserve and leaps from the worm's mouth! His fur bristles with brambles, hopeful disuading the worm from chomping on him again.

Pressi bestows a curse on the worm. She feels it batter aside the worm's meager mental defenses and take hold successfully. The worm suddenly looks much less coordinated. Harper's in position to flank.

Hobie risks a rushed retreat. The worm's stinger rises to meet him, leaving a deep scratch that oozes...something. AoO hits AC 32 for 18 damage. Fort save DC 25 or take 3 STR damage.

Murphy wants to break the worm's stinger, but it's flown off to intercept Hobie. He instead continues beating against the worm, knocking entire scales off the worm (along with the flesh they were attached to).

The poison coursing through Kezzem continues to do its damage. Fort save vs 25 or lose 2 more STR.

The worm is pretty sick of whatever is hurting it so badly from below. It dives back down underground, catching Murphy in his elemental form.

OOC: I'm unclear on whether Murphy is underground or not. I *think* he's underground, hence the worm burrowing to you. If you're not, it just turns to bite you. If the worm has to burrow, Kezzem, Bliss, and Harper get an AoO.

The worm's mouth finds Murphy, chomping down hard and gripping. Bite hits AC 39 for 40 damage (not counting DR). Grapple check is 37 - Murphy is grappled.

With Hobie out of reach from further attacks, the tail whips back to Kezzem, sinking its stinger into the opposite thigh for 16 damage. Fort save DC 27 to avoid another dose of the poison.

Worm - 124 damage + 16 non-lethal

Kim: Just flavor text. No DR or anything special going on.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Earth Elemental AC 26 HP 120/120 DR 5/-- Darkvision 60 Tremorsense
Saturday February 10th, 2018 2:39:16 PM

Murphy is ~20 feet underground. Can't post more - no time - will do later.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 29/82 AC 26 CMD 28 Hero Points 2 d20+8=23 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+11=23 ; d6+14=15 ; d6+14=19 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6+8=11 ; d6=4 ; d6+8=13 ; d6=1 ; d6+8=14 ; d6=2 ;
Saturday February 10th, 2018 3:04:57 PM
(I typed up my whole thing with my rolls and everything, and then realized I could use a Hero Point to boost my Fort Save by 2 and pass it, so all of the plusses in my rolls above were assuming that I failed the save, but I've adjusted them in the posted numbers. Sorry for the confusion)

Hobie takes the hit from the stinger and winces in pain, but he remembers heroic deeds from the past, and the poison doesn't seem to bother him.

He takes aim at the purple worm who swallowed him whole, ready to bring the beast down.

With haste still in effect, Hobie lets loose a full round of arrows.

1st attack (Manyshot)
Attack 29
Damage: 10 Piercing, 5 cold, 14 piercing, 3 cold
(this is the two d6+14s, I didn't realize that I forgot to subtract three from my attacks for Deadly Aim, so we'll just count it as regular damage, d6+9)

2nd attack (Haste)
Attack 32
Damage 12 piercing, 4 cold

3rd attack (Rapid shot)
Attack 31
Damage 14 piercing, 1 cold

4th attack (Iterative)
Attack 25
Damage 15 Piercing, 2 cold

========

Rounds of Haste Left 4/10

======
Spells Prepared
~~Bonded Object Free Spell~~

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message

1st Level
Shield, True Strike, ~~Obscuring Mist,~~ Grease, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Resist Energy Fire, ~~Invisibility,~~ Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 29/82 AC 26 CMD 28 Hero Points 2
Saturday February 10th, 2018 3:07:49 PM
ooc: Kim posted while I was writing my post. If Murphy is 20ft underground, and the worm is burrowing to get to Murphy, is enough of the worm still above ground enough to shoot at? Or do I need to rewrite my post?

DM Edit: Worm's at least 32' long and has to burrow, not earthglide. There's still a bunch of worm above ground.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 93/109, CMD 24, 2 str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+14=28 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+16=25 ; d3+1=2 ; d20+16=34 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+11=21 ; d3+1=2 ; d3+1=3 ; d3+1=4 ; d3+1=4 ;
Sunday February 11th, 2018 12:57:52 AM
Fort SV DC 25: 28.
Fort SV DC 27: 29.

AoO: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 25.
Damage: 2.

----

Kezzem continues to stab at the worm.

"If it's head burrowed into the ground...maybe I should just try to not think about what I'm stabbing."

#1: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 34.
Damage: 2.

#2: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 22.
Damage: 3.

#3: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 17.
Damage: 4.

#4: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 21.
Damage: 4.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (23), HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+10=13 ; d20+10=24 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+10=16 ; d3+4=7 ;
Sunday February 11th, 2018 2:41:31 PM
"I don't know what you're complaining about," Pressi scolded Kezzem. "I have to choose between touch spells or my whip."

And not really even that, she thought to herself as spell slot after spell slot fell away. With a sigh, she spun the spectral hand again, hitting Kezzem with delay poison (8 hrs). A 3rd level spell and a couple of first level spells remained before she'd have to fight the worm with ghost sounds.

Harper follows her AoO with a full round barrage.

(Attack Rolls: 13, 24, 17, 16 - only one of her claws catches, for 7 damage.)

-----------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)
message (15 mins left)
spectral hand (7 mins left)
flying broom (6 hrs left)

Harper
stoneskin (10/DR) (10 mins left)
blink (6 rnds)

resources used

clairvoyance (3/8)
focused curse: 1/1
L1: 1/6+1
L2: 4+1/4+1
L3: 3/4+1
L4: 3/3+1

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Earth Elemental AC 26 HP 69/120 DR 5/-- Darkvision 60 Tremorsense d20+17=18 ; d20+17=35 ; 2d8+9=22 ; d20+25=32 ;
Monday February 12th, 2018 12:22:37 AM

The 32' tall earth elemental is bitten by the 32' long wine-colored woldworm. "Ouch!" says Murphy. Jarred by the attack, his first attempt to counter falls well short (nat 1). However, his backswing comes through, for 22 hp damage (AC 35).

"Pressi, it might take me a bit to come to the surface. This thing likes the taste of earth and stone, and that's the flavor I'm conveying at the moment."
==========
Perception: 32
Note: If the worm is only 32' long, then Murphy likely would have been more like 10' or so below the surface. I thought it was maybe 80 to 100 feet in length.
Also note - subtracting 5 from each attack (21-5, 40-5) for 51 hp total damage, due to DR 5

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, HP55of116) (Cayzle) d20+14=16 ; d20+16=27 ; d3+11=12 ; d6=2 ;
Monday February 12th, 2018 11:20:29 AM

Bliss AoO ... a very rare thing for Bliss, because he has 0 reach! It only comes into play when a creature in the same square as Bliss moves out of that square, provoking an AoO for "leaving a threatened space."

But that works fine in this case! As the worm drives underground, it provokes, and Bliss BITES!

Bite attack hits AC16 with a nat 2 ... a miss, darn it!

But evidently a part of the tail is still above ground! Bliss charges that, again with the bite ... hits AC27 for 14 nonlethal damage to the crazed worm.

DM Carl - Purple Worm Meteor Showdown
Monday February 12th, 2018 11:35:51 AM
Hobie is finally, finally, no longer being eaten or stabbed and is far enough away to use his trusty bow in relative safety. He uses the opportunity to put several holes in the worm.

Kezzem tries to do the same, but the swiftly burrowing worm's scales make it difficult for this dagger to penetrate. He does score one glancing hit.

Pressi and Kezzem both have concerns about touching the rear end of the worm. She delays further damage from the poison affecting Kezzem while Harper scratches at the worm's armor. (Worm's AC is 26, so none of those hit.)

Murphy starts beating on the worm that's trying to eat him. Nice. He manages to clobber the thing good.

Bliss bites into the worm's rear end, evidently not sharing any of the same concerns Kezzem and Pressi have. He hits an artery, or whatever passes for an artery in a worm. Anyway, it's bloody. Ichor flows quickly from the wound, and pretty soon it just goes limp.

With the worm limp, Murphy is easily able to escape its jaws, but feels something coursing through his...veins? He's not sure. Something feels wrong, though. Murphy, make a Fort save VS DC 30.

Things are quiet for the moment. In the post-combat silence, the only sounds that can be heard is a slight hum from the meteor.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Earth Elemental AC 26 HP 69/120 DR 5/-- Darkvision 60 Tremorsense d20+13=20 ; d20+25=34 ;
Monday February 12th, 2018 1:40:03 PM

Murphy's Fort save is 20 - a fair bit less than the needed DC 30. However for the past two levels, he has been immune to poison. However, if this is some sort of meteorite infusion - then we shall see, eh?

If he is still in control of his faculties, Murphy rises to the surface, fully, and says, "There's a big open mouth down there. Is everyone all right? I feel... odd. Well, more than the usual odd."
=========
Perception: 34

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 29/82 AC 26 CMD 28 Hero Points 2
Monday February 12th, 2018 1:49:14 PM
When the worm goes limp, Hobie slowly and steadily approaches the group, bow still readied in case the worm should come back to action.

"I could really use some healing guys, does anyone have any spells prepared? Or could anyone use my wand on me if not?"

(ooc: Guys I wanted to share with you since you are kind of like friends who I talk to everyday in one way or another, I got exciting news today. My visa has been approved, and I will be moving to Prague, Czech Republic to teach English as a Second Language. I will probably move in about 3 weeks or so. Other than maybe the day or two of the actual move it shouldn't affect my posting here.)

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, HP55of116) (Cayzle)
Monday February 12th, 2018 3:26:09 PM
OOC: Grats, Nick!

Bliss winds down after the fight. He's tired. Wowsy. He sits down (still in cat form) and closes his eyes as he rests.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d4=1 ; 5d6=18 ; 5d6=19 ; 5d6=15 ; 5d6=12 ; 5d6=18 ;
Monday February 12th, 2018 6:23:49 PM

OOC: Congrats Nick!
Kezzem will cast lesser restoration on himself to restore his strength from the poison.

Lesser Restoration: 1 (Kezzem is still down 1 strength).

"I think we're all down quite a bit on the heath front. I'm about tapped on spells, though I'm not eager to burn our through wands just yet. Let me do some hand laying first."

Kezzem will lay on hands on Hobbie, Bliss, Murphey.

Hobbie: 18
Bliss: 19
Murphy: 15.

Kezzem will lay hands of Bliss and Hobbie once more each.

Hobbie: 12 (30 total)
Bliss: 18 (37 total)

---

Lay on Hands 7/day (7 used)
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells:
1st Level: Cure Light Wounds x2 (both cast), Lesser Restoration (cast)
2nd Level: Resist Energy, Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds (cast)

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (23), HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+19=21 ;
Monday February 12th, 2018 9:33:31 PM
(OOC: Congrats Nick)

Pressi began to float her way down by the side of the giant worm, stroking Harper in the rare times that she didn't blink out of existence. "That'll do, cat. That'll do."

As Kezzem began to take the healing duties, Pressi reminded him that she could only stop the damage temporarily so they would have to book it back home. (Probably should grab some neutralize poison scrolls too. Or better yet a real cleric.) She does cast Detect Poison on Kezzem to have a better idea of what she is dealing with.

She checks the worm once again before moving on to the meteor (Perception 21).

-----------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)
message (15 mins left)
spectral hand (7 mins left)
flying broom (6 hrs left)

Harper
stoneskin (10/DR) (10 mins left)
blink (6 rnds)

resources used

clairvoyance (3/8)
focused curse: 1/1
L1: 1/6+1
L2: 4+1/4+1
L3: 3/4+1
L4: 3/3+1

DM Carl - Purple Worm Meteor Showdown
Monday February 12th, 2018 10:00:39 PM
That is awesome news, Nick. Congratulations!

***

Humble's Sword enjoys a brief respite. A welcome one, considering how much that worm hurt a few of them. Heals get tossed around and Kezzem's poison is still delayed.

Murphy and Hobie do not feel well. Both feel sick to their stomaches and are warm to the touch. The beginnings of a purple rash can be seen spreading from the bite wounds inflicted by the worm, even if the wounds themselves have been healed. They're starting to itch pretty badly. They're tough enough to shrug it off and go about their business, but it's worrying.

Also worrying is the fact that the worm is still...moving? Pressi sees movement from the worm's limp body, but it doesn't look like the worm is any more alive than it was a few moments ago.

The mystery is solved quickly as huge masses of small, pink grubs begin pouring from under the worm's scales. There are easily thousands of them. They gather in two big swarms and begin worming their way towards the resting adventurers.

Knowledge, Nature DC 17, Highlight to display spoiler: {These are rot grubs. They infest live victims at devour them from the inside. They're usually white, but these ones are pink.}

It is super gross. It's probably a real good thing Hobie and Harper made it out of the worm so quickly...

***

Back in combat! Here's a map. I ploped you guys down in the middle of it, but feel free to move yourselves where you think you would have been.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday February 12th, 2018 11:16:48 PM
OOC: Kezzem's lay on hands would have relieved Sickened and Nausea conditions, although that would just be treating the symptoms.

Kezzem moves closer to the nearest swarm so that he's between it and Blisss. He takes a defensive stance.

OOC: total defense

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Fire Elemental AC 27 HP 84/120 DR 5/-- d20+15=35 ; d20+25=31 ;
Tuesday February 13th, 2018 12:15:43 AM

"Thank you for the healing, Kezzem." During the moments of down time, Murphy asks each person about what they observed, and did, and what happened to them during the battle. He also pets the popping-in, popping-out Harper, scratching behind his ears when he can.

"We need to report what we can to the WLA, as well as our governing authorities, and fellow adventurers. Now, about the Meteor - and that red grass." Murphy takes a closer look at the grass to see if it looks at all familiar to him.

Then, the worm appears to move... After a moment of observation, Murphy says, "Those are rot grubs. Huh, pink, these ones. They'll burrow under your skin, and eat you from the inside out. Energy - fire, cold, negative - that'll knock 'em down. If you're infested, remove disease does it, too." As he speaks, Murphy wild shapes from rocks and earth to hot flames - a huge fire elemental. He then moves to cover one of the rot grub swarms (AI14, and upwards, and leftwards). Any that touch him, are subject to burning.

Either that, or he'll be infested with a lot of hot little rot grubs.

Some of the red wavy grass may also be affected by the flames as he passes by.

[Knowledge, Nature: 35 (nat 20) vs DC 17.
Perception: 31

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 29/82 AC 26 CMD 28 Hero Points 2 d20+9=24 ;
Tuesday February 13th, 2018 12:26:22 AM
Hobie shouts out to the group �Stay away from those things! Those are rot grubs!! Kezzem, dont mess around with them!�

He promptly double moves, 40 feet, to S4 (I�m on a tablet and can�t move him myself right now)

Does my 24 knowledge nature glean any additional info? Particularly special attacks and movement types(flying or ground only, how fast, etc.)?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 29/82 AC 26 CMD 28 Hero Points 2
Tuesday February 13th, 2018 12:28:14 AM
Also Hobie�s HP is 59, I will update header tomorrow when I�m on my PC

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (23), HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+8=17 ; d20+6=12 ; 2d6+2=10 ;
Tuesday February 13th, 2018 10:11:06 AM
(Nature Roll just makes it.)

Pressi turned from irritation to godsmacked horror as Murphy actually chose to wade into the creatures and Kezzem moved to block. "For planar sake, they're worms. We can just, you know, walk away from them."

Understaffed and underpowered, Pressi wasn't in the mood for yet more fights, but she took the opportunity to fly in, calling a hornet's nest to keep the other swarm busy. (10 damage NL)

Harper made her way towards the meteor, sniffing at it and the ground, watching it closely (Perception 12).

----------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)
message (15 mins left)
spectral hand (7 mins left)
flying broom (6 hrs left)

Harper
stoneskin (10/DR) (10 mins left)
blink (4 rnds)

resources used

clairvoyance (3/8)
focused curse: 1/1
L1: 2/6+1
L2: 4+1/4+1
L3: 3/4+1
L4: 3/3+1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 59/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Tuesday February 13th, 2018 1:17:44 PM
Updating Header

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, HP55of116) (Cayzle)
Tuesday February 13th, 2018 9:50:19 PM

Bliss turns into a halfling and backs away from the worms. "UGH!"

"Fireball, anyone?"

He backs away around the meteor, staying at least 10 ft from it too.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Fire Elemental AC 27 HP 84/120 DR 5/--
Wednesday February 14th, 2018 10:13:14 AM

Murphy wonders how the rot grubs outside of him are faring. And, if that queasiness - from rot grubs? - he was feeling a moment ago before he re-wild shaped is dissipating, now that he is a furnace.

DM Carl - Purple Worm Meteor Showdown 2d6=5 ; 2d6=2 ; 2d6=6 ;
Wednesday February 14th, 2018 12:04:43 PM
Kezzem's super paladin powers have his nausea issues under control, not counting whatever stomach turning the grubs are causing.

Note: The illness causes nausea, but not enough to actually give the nauseated condition. Just a tummy ache at this point.

He puts himself between Bliss and the grubs and takes a defensive stance, but realizes his fancy footwork and armor mean nothing to rot grubs (swarms have zero reach and do damage automatically by occupying the same space as the thing they're attacking).

Murphy discusses the need to inform the WLA and anyone else who needs to be aware of whatever's going on. He starts quizzing his companions and making notes for said report. When the grubs pop up, the knowledgeable druid knows exactly what they're dealing with. These things may be naturally occurring creatures that play an important role in the food chain, but that doesn't mean he needs to volunteer to be eaten.

Of course, that's exactly what he does. Transforming into a fire elemental, he passes over the red grass (which does not burn and seems wholly unimpressed by the flames), and wades into the grubs. Hundreds of grubs die very quickly. Unfortunately for Murphy, there are thousands. The grub corpses char into inert carbon inside him, somewhat dampening his flames. Inside the balls of char? Hundreds of hungry rot grubs insulated by their dead brothers and sisters.

Murphy takes 5 damage from the grubs. Make a DC 19 reflex save to avoid infestation. Also, fort save DC 18 or be nauseated for one round because gross. Roll your damage vs the swarm. Don't bother to hit, just roll damage and add 50% since it's basically an AoE attack.

(Elementals aren't immune to disease, unfortunately for them.)

Hobie also knows what those things are. (OOC: You know everything on the SRD about rot grub swarms) He moves into a better position.

Pressi notes, not incorrectly, that they can just avoid the worms. She's right, of course. The party could spend the entire day walking circles around the swarm. Might make it tough to sit and inspect that meteor, though. She summons a swarm of her own to deal with the grubs.

Bliss wonders if anyone has a fireball handy, then backs up towards the meteor.

The swarms stay put, dealing with Murphy and the wasps respectively.

Swarm1: Waiting on Murphy's damage roll
Swarm2: 9 damage
Wasp swarm: 3 damage

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 59/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+17=28 ; d20+17=27 ; d20+12=31 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday February 14th, 2018 2:25:30 PM
ooc: I'm seeing some debate online on whether the 1d6 of cold damage from a Frost Longbow would count as weapon damage, making them immune, or if it is energy damage that would still affect them even though the arrow's 1d6+9 wouldn't go through. I'm gonna ask for a DM ruling on it, and I'll just post two courses of action depending on what you think.

Option 1:
Hobie fires a full round of arrows at the swarm, expecting the magical cold to do some damage.

Manyshot AC 28, Damage 3 Cold, 6 Cold
Rapid Shot AC 27 Damage 6 Cold
Iterative AC 31 Damage 3 Cold

Option 2:
Hobie knows his arrows are useless against a swarm, so he takes a vial of acid from his handy haversack and moves 20 feet closer to the swarm.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 59/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Wednesday February 14th, 2018 2:28:20 PM
ooc: I just remembered that Hobie has this ability from his Wizard levels. Would this work against swarms?

Telekinetic Fist (Sp)
As a standard action you can strike with a telekinetic fist, targeting any foe within 30 feet as a ranged touch attack. The telekinetic fist deals 1d4 points of bludgeoning damage + 1 for every two wizard levels you possess. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Intelligence modifier.

DM Carl - Purple Worm Meteor Showdown
Wednesday February 14th, 2018 6:02:36 PM
I read it as a cold arrowhead, not a little explosion of cold. You'll likely kill a dozen or so grubs that are touching the arrowhead out of thousands. Your telekinetic fist I'd allow to do its full damage.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (23), HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Wednesday February 14th, 2018 6:10:59 PM
"Yeah, I think Lance was in charge of the fireballs."

As the hornet's nest fades from view (I think it's a single round damage spell), Pressi tries to think if there is anything left in her spell book.

Finally, she fires a Rose Control spell upon Murphy, trying to reignite his flames.

(If this is against the rules, she fires a last Bestow Curse upon the swarm attacking Murphy, the 50% take no action form.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+18=28 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday February 14th, 2018 11:06:07 PM
"Here, catch!"

Kezzem draws and throws a flask pf alchemist fire at the grubs.

Attack: 28.
Damage: 6
Splash: 1

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, HP55of116) (Cayzle) d6=1 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday February 14th, 2018 11:33:27 PM

Bliss thinks about a magic solution, seeing as he has no desire to touch those nasty worms. He moves around so that he has line of sight to the worms, then casts his Vomit Swarm spell.

Bliss chokes, then vomits out a swarm of wasps to fly out at the worms (Bliss makes sure no friends are in the path of the wasps.)

As with all swarms, the wasps do not roll a to hit. They inflict 2d6 damage ... rolled 3 damage ... plus poison
Poison (Ex) Swarm�injury; save Fort DC 13; frequency 1/round for 4 rounds; effect 1 Dexterity damage; cure 1 save. The save DC is Constitution-based.

SANITY INFO

Spells used today:
Lvl 1: 5+1, used 1 (shld o fth)
Lvl 2: 4+1, used 4 (resist energy, blindness, cmw, vomit swarm) +1 (barkskin)
Lvl 3: 3+1, used 2 (silent still shld o fth)
Lvl 4: 1+1, used 1 (threefold aspect)

Other stuff used:
Grimalkin ritual - housecat
Bramble Armor used 2
Wood Fists used 0
Breath of Life used
Death Knell used
Hero Point used 1
Fire Resist used 0

Rage: used 3 rounds

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 59/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Wednesday February 14th, 2018 11:35:23 PM
Thanks Carl, Hobie is gonna do Option 2 from my post

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 59/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Wednesday February 14th, 2018 11:40:46 PM
Hobie will also shout out to his friend "Murphy! What if you dug a big hole as an earth elemental and we just buried these suckers? Could we starve them to death underground? Or at least buy us a day to come back tomorrow with some Burning Hands, etc. spells prepared?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Fire Elemental AC 27 HP 84/120 DR 5/-- 2d6=6 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+9=20 ; 3d6=9 ; d20+25=37 ;
Thursday February 15th, 2018 2:16:04 PM
Last round - 2d6=6 fire damage to grubs (over a wide area- maybe the whole top layer or so?)

This round - Murphy stands up (move action - and showing as smaller on map, as his 32' is more of height at the moment), with some new interior features. [I did not think elementals, in general, were free from rot grub infestations, however, as energy destroys them, including fire, I was thinking they would have a real tough time surviving a fire elemental, and the heat of the body. Let's say some could make it past the initial flames, but the flaming heat of the interior ashes and embers would kill them by, say, the next round.]

He casts flaming sphere, starting on the near front corner of the swarm (roughly AH13), causing 9 hp damage to the swarm underneath.
======
Reflex vs rot grub infestation - 15/19 (fail)
Fort vs feeling ill (20+4 I forgot to add)/18 (success)
Perception monkey roll: 37

DM Carl - Purple Worm Meteor Showdown d4=1 ; d6=3 ;
Thursday February 15th, 2018 3:09:42 PM
Hobie grabs a bottle of acid from his pack and gets in closer to the swarm. He suggests Murphy try to bury the grubs. Might work...these things burrow into flesh, not soil like most grubs.

Pressi notes how useful their wizard would be right now. Thinking outside the box, she tries to raise Murphy's temperature somewhat. It's successful in dampening his infestation.

Kezzem hurls a vial of alchemist's fire onto the swarm. It's a pretty potent weapon against the swarm.

OOC: AoE attacks do +50% damage, and I'm including several splash bonuses as well. 15 damage total.

Bliss sends a swarm of his own to attack. The battle between the swarms is pretty unsettling. The carnivorous wasps are able to sting and kill many grubs, but several get caught by the grubs and are dragged down into the swarm. Yuck.

Murphy leaves the swarm. He killed many grubs, but even in his current state they're still a threat to him. He instead rolls a flaming sphere onto their masses.

OOC: Here's my decision on fire elemental vs rot grub swarm: you can be infected, but so long as you're outside the swarm your natural heat will prevent the infection from lasting long. Murphy takes one CON damage from the initial infestation. Outside the swarm the damage should continue for 3 more rounds. I'm halving that (because you're a fire elemental) and rounding down (because of Pressi). You'll lose 1d4 CON next round, then be free of the grubs, assuming they don't reinfect you.

Swarm 1 shows no interest in Murphy, heading instead for the closest fleshy target, Kezzem in this case. Swarm 2 does the same with Pressi.

Swarm 1: 45 damage
Swarm 2: 9 damage

Here's the map.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Fire Elemental AC 27 HP 54/90 DR 5/-- 3d6=11 ; d4=4 ;
Thursday February 15th, 2018 6:01:56 PM
The flaming sphere Murphy directs to roll into the swarm (AE14) for another 11 hp damage. "Press, I'm calling lightning in a moment, so don't fly right over the swarm after about six or eight seconds. And I am grateful for the warmth I feel from you." He casts call lightning. It won't show up until later next round.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+18=33 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday February 15th, 2018 6:41:30 PM
Kezzem backs up from the swarm and throws a second flask at the swarm coming towards him.

Attack: 33.
Damage: 4.
Slash Damage: 1.

"Don't swarm me grub-bro!"

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, HP55of116) (Cayzle) d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d8=2 ;
Thursday February 15th, 2018 10:47:25 PM

Bliss's wasps inflict 7 damage this round (plus poison).

Bliss activates his fire resistance (swift action), moves over to Murphy, and casts Cure Light Wounds, curing 7 hp to Murphy.

SANITY INFO

Spells used today:
Lvl 1: 5+1, used 1 (shld o fth)
Lvl 2: 4+1, used 4 (resist energy, blindness, cmw, vomit swarm) +1 (barkskin)
Lvl 3: 3+1, used 2 (silent still shld o fth)
Lvl 4: 1+1, used 1 (threefold aspect)

Other stuff used:
Grimalkin ritual - housecat (now off)
Bramble Armor used 2
Wood Fists used 0
Breath of Life used
Death Knell used
Hero Point used 1
Fire Resist used 1

Rage: used 3 rounds

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 59/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+14=19 ; d4+1=4 ;
Friday February 16th, 2018 1:43:43 AM
Hobie moves straight over to column AA, and attempts to attack the swarm with a telekinetic punch.
19 vs Touch AC
4 Damage

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 59/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Friday February 16th, 2018 1:44:19 AM
Saorry, I forgot to specify Swarm 1

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (23), HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Friday February 16th, 2018 3:37:22 PM
"Oh no how can I possibly avoid this swarm? You know, once they become rot butterflies."

Flying above them well out of reach, she drops a create water spell on top of them.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, HP55of116) (Cayzle) d20+20=22 ;
Friday February 16th, 2018 10:34:33 PM

Bliss watches carefully to see how his swarm is doing against the other swarm

Perception 22

DM Carl - Purple Worm Meteor Showdown d4=4 ;
Saturday February 17th, 2018 11:06:50 PM
Murphy moves his flaming sphere along with the swarm, burning hundreds of the things as it rolls over them. He calls lightning down from the sky, watching to see what happens when it shows up.

Kezzem makes a tactical retreat, throwing more alchemist's fire on it.

Bliss's wasps continue their assault on the grubs as he heals Murphy of some of the effects of their intrusions.

Hobie punches the grubs with magic. Several of them splat open, while the rest feast on their dead.

Pressi gets one of the swarms wet.

The grubs infesting Murphy are burnt away at last, but take a piece of him down with them. Murphy suffers 4 CON damage. The infestation is now officially done.

Swarm one crawls as fast as it can towards Bliss and Kezzem, but the combined assault finally breaks them apart into easily dealt with numbers. Swarm two collects under Pressi, grubs climbing on top of one another trying to get to her.

Swarm 1 - Dead
Swarm 2 - 9 damage

Map

Sorry for the concise post. Busy day.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 59/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+14=30 ; d4+1=4 ;
Sunday February 18th, 2018 9:46:24 AM
Hobie takes a 5 foot step back further from the worms, and launches another telekinetic fist at them.

Attack 30; Damage 4

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Fire Elemental AC 27 HP 61/90 DR 5/--
Monday February 19th, 2018 3:30:26 AM
Murphy finishes his spell - and now has up to ten fingers worth of lightning columns to call forth. However, as the swarm has moved directly under Pressi - he's not releasing any at the moment. Rather, he shoos the firey sphere over to the swarm beneath her.

"Thanks, Bliss!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Fire Elemental AC 27 HP 61/90 DR 5/--
Monday February 19th, 2018 9:17:26 AM
[I rolled 4 CON damage and applied it last round (reflected in hp current/max) - was your post, DM Carl, simply a ratification of that, or an addition to it? Am thinking ratification, based upon what you earlier wrote, but want to be certain. -Kim]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+17=37 ; d20+17=32 ; 2d20=15 ; 2d6=4 ;
Monday February 19th, 2018 6:42:18 PM
"Hey Press, move out of there. I've got an alchemist's cocktail with that swarms name on it."

Kezzem will ready to throw his last flask at the swarm should Pressi move out of the way.

Attack: 37 (natural 20)
Crit Threat: 32.
Damage: 2d6 = 4. (Crappy crit damage)
Splash: 1 or 2?

OOC: Ignore the 2d20. Accidentally hit that before I finished change the d20s to d6s.

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (23), HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Monday February 19th, 2018 8:47:26 PM
"Ok, just one last thing," she replies as she temp controls the swarm column, freezing the water they are soaked in. "One of you is throwing the lemon, right."

Pressi rockets 10 feet to the left. "Oh, be sure to mind the turn."

Harper sprints through the column.

DM Carl - Ok, let's see what's going on with this meteor...
Monday February 19th, 2018 9:40:10 PM
Lightning, fire, water, but no lemons come crashing down on the last swarm, killing every last grub in it.

DM Note: This idea worked well on paper, but gameplay is not bearing it out as fun. So, let's move on! Kim, I'm not 100% what you're asking, but you should be down 5 CON total.

Silence falls as battle stops again, but nothing else seems determined to pop up. Things are quiet, except for a slight hum from the meteor. The red growth from the meteor's impact site continues to spread quickly at roughly 1' a minute. Not blazing fast, but pretty quick by plant standards. Previous attempts to burn the stuff away have been absolutely useless. It does not give a lick about fire.

Also, Hobie and Murphy are still feeling quite ill. A quick self-check by Murphy confirms no lingering rot grub infection, at least.

---

XP Time! Everyone gets 5K XP for the worm, grubs, and other diseased animal fights. Hero point to Pressi for blinking Harper into the worm to save Hobie. I'll consider any player nominations for hero points in case I've forgotten something heroic.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 59/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20=17 ;
Monday February 19th, 2018 10:23:16 PM
ooc: So Kezzem's lay on hands took away the sickened condition, is it back, or am I just feeling generically not well with the purple rash developing?

"Guys, I'm feeling really terrible and this rash is kinda frightening. Can any of you figure out whats going on with this?"

Hobie tries to think hard and remember anything he might know about this thing. Knowledge 29 if Arcana, 26 if Nature or Planes, and 25 if anything else.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 59/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+21=38 ;
Monday February 19th, 2018 10:24:50 PM
He will also to detect magic on his rash and spellcraft if necessary is 38

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, HP55of116) (Cayzle)
Monday February 19th, 2018 11:22:20 PM

Happy his wasp swarm helped to kill those grubs, Bliss is sorta glad after all that he hocked them up OUT OF HIS STOMACH.

"Okay, I knew there would be hairballs in my future when I set off down this bloodwitch path," Bliss muses, "but bugs?!"

While his wasp swarm lasts, he sends it at the fallen star, wondering if the wasps will damage it, or it, them!

He takes out his staff-sling and loads it, thinking that maybe he should huck a bullet at that thing.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Fire Elemental AC 27 HP 61/90 DR 5/-- d6+5=10 ;
Tuesday February 20th, 2018 2:08:03 PM

Murphy, finding that fire does the grass no harm, flicks a lightning arc for 10 hp damage (DC 18 with help of Owl's Wisdom) at a small portion of the red grass to see if that has any effect - positive or negative - on the nearby patch of grass.

"How are you all doing?" asks the flaming druid. "I'm feeling a bit ill, myself. Thought I could stomach those rot grubs - guess I was mistaken. It's like my body - such as it is - has been structurally weakened. Like a building with termite-nibbled timbers."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday February 20th, 2018 6:09:43 PM
"Remind me to get more of those things," says Kezzem. "They worked a lot better against those worms than my daggers would have."

"Hey Murph, you're looking a little green there. You okay?"

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (23), HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Tuesday February 20th, 2018 8:18:03 PM
"Hey Bliss. You still have remove disease and lesser restores right?" If not, Pressi uses her new hero point for one more 2nd level slot.

With few spells left she relies on her spellcraft and knowledge skills and her perception. She considers a divination but wants to narrow her question first.

DM Carl - Ok, let's see what's going on with this meteor...
Tuesday February 20th, 2018 8:56:51 PM
Hobie ponders, but to his knowledge this isn't like anything he's ever heard of before. His detect magic shows a deep red aura in his veins, branching out from the initial wound and spreading quickly.

ooc: No one has an official condition at this moment, mercies or no. You just don't feel well.

Bliss is glad he didn't vomit wasps for nothing. He loads a bullet in his staff, pondering whether to throw it or not.

Murphy tries electrocuting the grass, but it's just as unimpressed by lightning as it is by fire. He addresses concerns about his well being.

Kezzem checks on his friend, giving himself a mental note to buy more alchemists' fire.

Pressi discusses healing duties with her fellow bloodwitch. She'd have to reach down deep to pull off any more today.

The meteor continues to sit there, letting out a low hum.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, HP55of116) (Cayzle) d20-1=9 ;
Tuesday February 20th, 2018 9:02:11 PM
Bliss says, "I think I still have Cure Disease, unless they have retconned it off the list yet."

He ponders ... "Nope, I can cure someone. Who is sick?"

Bliss walks around, reaching up to feel foreheads.

Untrained Heal 9.

[OOC: What happened when the wasp swarm hit the meteor thing?]

Bliss asks his friends, "Should I huck a bullet at it? And who needs to be cured?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Fire Elemental AC 27 HP 61/90 DR 5/--
Tuesday February 20th, 2018 11:17:57 PM

Murph readies to launch a lightning bolt at the wasp swarm if it looks to start moving angrily in their direction. "Take care of Hobie, Bliss."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 59/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Wednesday February 21st, 2018 9:44:34 AM
"I could use some healing, you can use my wand if you don't have any healing spells left"

After any healing

Hobie stands about 30 feet from the meteor, holding his bow. "Should I try shooting at it?"

DM Carl - Ok, let's see what's going on with this meteor...
Wednesday February 21st, 2018 10:16:19 AM
OOC: Missed the wasp thing. My apologies.

***

The wasps buzz around the meteor to little effect. Obviously they can't injure a big rock, but the meteor doesn't seem to care about them either. Maybe the hum gets a little louder? Without any way to check the dB level, it can't be certain either way.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, HP55of116) (Cayzle) d20+7=20 ;
Wednesday February 21st, 2018 10:56:21 AM

Bliss runs over to Hobie and casts Cure Disease using a third level slot because he has used up all his second level slots.

Bliss makes a caster level check to cure the illness. He rolls a 20! Is that good enough?

"How are you sick, exactly, dear Hobie?" he asks. Bliss is a little out of it, but struggling gamely to catch up. Sometimes when he is a cat his thoughts get scattered, and after he returns to two-legger form he has to chase and pounce on them to get back up to speed.

Of course, sometimes Bliss's thoughts get scattered when he is in halfling form, too, so there's that. :-)

He lets his wasps continue to swarm on the meteor until the spell expires (7 rounds total).

SANITY INFO

Spells used today:
Lvl 1: 5+1, used 2 (shld o fth, CLW)
Lvl 2: 4+1, used 4 (resist energy, blindness, cmw, vomit swarm) +1 (barkskin)
Lvl 3: 3+1, used 3 (silent still shld o fth, one more I forgot what, cure disease)
Lvl 4: 1+1, used 1 (threefold aspect)

Other stuff used:
Grimalkin ritual - housecat (now off)
Bramble Armor used 2
Wood Fists used 0
Breath of Life used
Death Knell used
Hero Point used 1
Fire Resist used 1 rnd

Rage: used 3 rounds

Pressi (Melvin)-AC 21 (23), HP 70/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+8=17 ; d8+5=10 ; d8+5=11 ; d8+5=10 ; d8+5=13 ; d8+5=13 ;
Wednesday February 21st, 2018 5:18:15 PM
Pressi uses the same trick on Murphy, curing his disease. (17 check) She also uses her wand for 5 CLW charges (57 HP for anyone who wants some.)

Harper runs around the meteor, pawing it playfully.

----------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)
message (15 mins left)
spectral hand (7 mins left)
flying broom (6 hrs left)

Harper
stoneskin (10/DR) (8 mins left)
blink (1 rnds)

resources used

clairvoyance (3/8)
focused curse: 1/1
L1: 4/6+1
L2: 4+1/4+1
L3: 4/4+1
L4: 3/3+1

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle)
Wednesday February 21st, 2018 5:37:34 PM

Bliss, no longer focused on combat (ooc: rage over), is down to just 35 hp, and is totes grateful for 57 hp from Pressi!

"Thank you miss! That is just what I needed!"

(ooc: Header updated, AC assumes Barkskin still up but not Shield of Faith)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Huge Fire Elemental AC 21 HP 21/50 DR 5/-- d8+1=5 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=8 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=8 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=5 ; d3=1 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=6 ; 3d6=11 ; 2d6=3 ; d20+21=24 ;
Wednesday February 21st, 2018 7:01:57 PM

Just before Pressi goes to help him, Murphy changes back into his halfling form, thinking that the usefulness of flames has waned for the time being. He knows that she can resist fire, but he wants to be irresistible to her.

He extracts his wand of cure light wounds, and uses it liberally where needed. He starts with Bliss, bringing him up to full hit points (+5). Then Pressi, bringing her to 1 hp short of full (3+9=12). Then Hobie (8+9+7=24), who needed 23 hp healing. Then Kezzem (7+8=15), 1 hp shy of full. Then himself (6+6+5+9+7=35, 6 more than needed). Ignore the fat-fingered d3=1. Harper for 6 (one more than needed). So, aside from Pressi and Kezzem, all have full hit points - except that Murphy's loss of 5 CON points brings him down to 50, rather than 80 hp - unless Pressi's Remove Disease also repaired that damage.

"The meteor spreads its influence through the burgeoning grass. What can we do to check it? If people - and Harper - will stand back at least 21 feet from the center of the landed rocky sphere, I can cast ice storm, and see if that harms or slows it." He waits for a moment to ensure all are outside the area, then casts the spell, causing 11 hp bludgeoning damage plus a paltry 3 hp of cold damage as cold balls of hail fall in the first round, followed by several rounds of heavy snow and sleet for 9 more rounds after the first, limiting visibility (-4 Perception within the area), and making the ground difficult terrain during that time.

He observes (Perception 24) to the best of his ability the results to the grass and meteorite during that time (though he may perform other actions, too).

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50/50
Wednesday February 21st, 2018 7:03:04 PM
Header fixed (I think)

DM Carl - Ok, let's see what's going on with this meteor...
Wednesday February 21st, 2018 9:59:47 PM
Hobie feels Bliss' spell take effect, and immediately begins to feel better. It's just a moment before the rash and nausea are gone. Pressi also manages to cure Murphy of the same affliction, though he still feels the effects of the rot grubs (no longer diseased, but the CON damage remains).

Using wands, Murphy and Pressi both heal the party up from the wounds inflicted by the purple worm. Murphy begins making plans on how to best deal with the meteor.

Then Harper gets curious.

As she bats playfully at the meteor, the hum gets loud, then louder, then painfully loud!

Harper must make a DC 30 fort save or be deafened and stunned. Everyone else needs to make a DC25 fort save or be deafened.

Saves or not, the sound is seriously painful and shows no sign of diminishing.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+7=16 ; d20+11=13 ; d20+5=8 ;
Thursday February 22nd, 2018 9:43:38 AM
Harper rears back, deafened and stunned. (Never really had a chance.) Mewling loudly, she stands back.

"Son of a...." Pressi grabbed her ears, deafened herself. "Mom was right. I should have just gone evil and gotten it over with. Bet she's not dealing with stuff like this."

She has the presence of mind to try and push Harper away. (CMB Roll 8+4=12).

----------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)
message (15 mins left)
spectral hand (7 mins left)
flying broom (6 hrs left)
deafened

Harper
stoneskin (10/DR) (8 mins left)
stunned
deafened

resources used

clairvoyance (3/8)
focused curse: 1/1
L1: 4/6+1
L2: 4+1/4+1
L3: 4/4+1
L4: 3/3+1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 59/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+8=21 ;
Thursday February 22nd, 2018 1:56:28 PM
Hobie is thankful for the healing from his friends.

When Harper causes the Meteor to burst, Hobie is overwhelmed by the sound and is currently deafened.

He clasps his hands over his ears and doesn't know what else to do.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+14=16 ;
Thursday February 22nd, 2018 7:00:17 PM
Fort Save: 16.

"What was that? What? I said whst was that? What? What was what?"

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle) d20+13=17 ;
Thursday February 22nd, 2018 11:57:38 PM

Fort Save 17 = Deaf!

Bliss, hearing nothing, stands still and tries to figure out what is going on.

So far as he can tell, everyone is deaf. So at least they are all in this together!

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50/50 d20+8=21 ; d20+25=35 ;
Friday February 23rd, 2018 4:27:44 AM
Murphy's ears are overcome by the sound of the meteorite.

He moves away a bit, covering his ears to mitigate further damage.

[I take it he never yet had time to cast ice storm over the meteor.]

He looks around to see if there is anything coming their way.
====
Perception: 35

DM Carl - Ok, let's see what's going on with this meteor...
Friday February 23rd, 2018 6:24:28 AM
Kim: No, Harper batted the meteor before your spell went off. You're free to try casting it now, of course.

***

The sound coming from that meteor is just too much for Humble's Sword. The entire party is deafened, unable to hear anything other than the stone's cacophony. Those with the presence of mind to pay attention see the red grass growing from it surge and begin enveloping it as tendrils shoot out much faster, spreading like snakes in every direction.

The shiny meteor begins to dim under the grass' assault. Turning a deep red, then black. In an instant, the meteor flares bright red and explodes. Shards of it fly in every direction along with waves of red energy.

Then...silence and stillness. The noise has stopped, aside from a ringing in everyone's ear. Shards of the meteor hang in the air, and the grass' forward movement has momentarily halted. Nothing moves except for the party. Nothing, that is, except for the shimmering orb of energy that appears above ground zero. It spins like a vortex, but otherwise just hangs there.

A few moments pass before a small, dark-skinned head pokes through. He's shouting something, but what is anyone's guess. He waves you forward towards him with some urgency.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50/50
Friday February 23rd, 2018 2:33:51 PM
Murphy decides to heed the beckoning of the person whose head pokes out of the shimmering orb.

He moves forward, points to his ears, and says in the common tongue, "I cannot hear you. A loud noise just rendered me - and," he senses that Pressi, at least, is similarly affected, "at least some of my friends deaf. I will pull out some paper and pen, though, and, if you understand my language, you can write, so I know what you are saying." He does as he says, writes, "I am Murphy. Who are you?" Then reads out loud what he just wrote, and hands the paper and pen to the dark-complected fellow.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday February 23rd, 2018 2:56:26 PM
"Murphey, you need to speak up," says Kezzem. "I can't understand the words coming out of your mouth."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d100=46 ;
Friday February 23rd, 2018 4:32:56 PM
Harper stares at the figure guesturing towards them and then produces a guesture of her own. Who knew a leapord could make such a guesture, but she does it.

Her second guesture translates to "I'm keeping an eye on you."

Pressi can sort of make out what Murphy is doing (thanks to the perma-link) but has to shout to Kezzem to speak up.

Taking a chance, she uses her domain slot to try to cast Comprehend Languages (20 or under fails - she casts solidly) and messages Murphy to add that she's doing this as a way to communicate (if he writes something down himself), and will cast detect thoughts next.

----------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)
message (15 mins left)
spectral hand (7 mins left)
flying broom (6 hrs left)
deafened

Harper
stoneskin (10/DR) (8 mins left)
stunned
deafened

resources used

clairvoyance (3/8)
focused curse: 1/1
L1: 4+1/6+1
L2: 4+1/4+1
L3: 4/4+1
L4: 3/3+1

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50/50
Friday February 23rd, 2018 7:27:41 PM

"Thank you, Pressi." Murphy maintains back-and-forth contact with her during this process.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle)
Friday February 23rd, 2018 9:38:38 PM

Bliss shouts, "WHAT ARE YOU SAYING? WHO ARE YOU!"

Of course, he cannot hear the answer.

"HELLO! MY NAME IS BLISS!"

Bliss tries to read lips, but is sad to realize that there are no rules for doing so in this version of reality.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 59/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Sunday February 25th, 2018 3:51:42 PM
Hobie holds his bow at the ready, arrow not drawn, but his hand at the quiver. He says nothing. Just watches

DM Carl - Ok, let's see what's going on with this meteor...
Sunday February 25th, 2018 4:45:29 PM
The stranger whose head sticks out of the portal looks at the note passed to him, then looks back up at the portal he's still sticking out of. It begins to waver just a bit. With a worried look, he scrawls quickly on the paper:

This portal collapses in 10 seconds. If you're still here, that exploding meteor will kill you all.

He looks imploringly at the party, waves them on, and disappears back in it.

***

DM Note: I'm very much against railroading you guys, but this is part of the larger, Woldwide event. Forgive me. Regarding read lips, I'd allow a linguistics roll for that, but Bliss would fail the DC I'd set it at.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50/50
Sunday February 25th, 2018 5:41:08 PM
If the stranger is inviting them to jump through his portal, Murphy holds out the paper, urges with gesticulations for all to run forward, mounts and cats and all, and get onboard, NOW! He communicates likewise via his mental link with Pressi.

Then he jumps in and, if possible, waves an arm to indicate he is still alive, and COME!!

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 59/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Sunday February 25th, 2018 9:57:42 PM
Hobie watches Murphy jump in and without hesitation, he leaps in after him.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle) d20+33=39 ;
Monday February 26th, 2018 5:11:36 AM

Bliss changes into a housecat. He may be deaf, but maybe a cat's eyes and nose can compensate. Cat-Bliss dashes and leaps through the portal. Acrobatics 39; that's a 39 ft long jump!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Monday February 26th, 2018 10:56:45 AM
"Oh, you have got to be kidding me," Pressi grumbled as teammate after teammate fled into the portal. "Honestly, does anyone here have any sense of self preservation?"

Harper began to whine at the shrieking, glowing meteor.

"If that beckoning creature kills us, I am going to be so mad," Pressi grumbles as she and Harper lept forward into the portal.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50/50
Monday February 26th, 2018 11:33:05 AM

Since Murphy knows Pippa well, and has ridden her on many an occasion, and he trained her a little, he gives her the 'Come here now!' whistle, and likewise for Rumpus - unless Kezzem handles the pony first.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday February 26th, 2018 6:19:03 PM
"Hey everybody, we're all gonna get dead!" says Kezzem as he and Rumpus dive into the portal. "Everbody into the portal!"

DM Carl - Spirited Away
Tuesday February 27th, 2018 9:58:15 AM
The party, including those with four legs, enter the portal. Some more happily than others. The Wold shifts as one by one they enter. A final swirl of distorted colors flashes by: red, then blue, then purple, yellows, and greens. Then, everything goes black.

Slowly, sight returns to everyone. The party finds themselves floating peacefully above misty green hills. Deep valleys exist between the hills, each a small world all their own. In one, a beautiful elven city with impossibly tall towers sits under a shimmering dome. In another, giant lizards the size of houses thunder around the landscape. Singing flowers fill another valley; they are unlike anything seen in the Wold. Your hearing returns, though there is little to hear other than the air moving past and your own voices. The four-legged members of Humble's Sword are surprisingly at peace with flying over the landscape.

Knowledge, planes DC 20 (Murphy autopasses), Highlight to display spoiler: {the party has entered the Vales of Twilight, an outer plane ruled by Maab.}

The flight slows and the party descends into a valley covered by tall grasses. Near the center is a lodge made of woven grasses over the massive rib-bones of some long dead creature. You are delicately deposited near its front entrance.

Inside is the person who beckoned you inside. He is surprisingly short; shorter than even the smallest of halflings. His skin is dark, but his eyes and hair are a sharp gray. He is dressed in a combination of woven grasses and animal hides, and is adorned with beads and feathers. An oversided headdress of feathers and woven grasses sits atop him.

He is obviously quite old.

He sits cross-legged in front of a large fire. Without taking his eyes off the fire, he motions for the party to enter.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+4=17 ;
Tuesday February 27th, 2018 2:22:36 PM
Pressi watches below as things float in and out of consciousness. "So, which of these worlds has the Europop cover again?"

She attempts to remember her basic knowledge of plains but falls short.

Eyeing the short grey being, she struggled to think of a coherent response to any of this.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 59/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+9=22 ;
Tuesday February 27th, 2018 3:02:26 PM
Hobie turns to Pressi, "This is the Vales of Twilight. I've only read about it, but theres no mistaking."

Hobie walks forward, confused, a bit afraid, but he knows he's on someone else's plane right now, and cautious compliance is probably the safest course.

Keeping Prowler in hand, Hobie follows the beckoning, and sits cross legged at the fire.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday February 27th, 2018 4:06:21 PM
OOC: Can we hear again?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50/50 d20+8=18 ; d20+25=41 ;
Tuesday February 27th, 2018 10:15:25 PM

"Oh! oh! - Silhanor told us about this place. He's an elf, a druid of Maab. This is - yes, you're right, Hobie - this must be the Vales of Twilight!" He claps his hands together in glee. Then he asks Pressi, "What is the 'yore apop cover'?"

As they pass over various areas, Murphy remarks on what lies below. He flips his piece of paper over, and quickly begins to sketch the elven city below [Profession: Artistry: 18 for the quality of his initial sketch]. The thundering lizards he considers, pondering the possibility of wild shaping into some of the forms some day.

The vale of the singing flowers somehow brings to mind the story that Airin, Selithe and Kendry told of the day they entered Hovel with 'Lomar, the Friendly Ogre,' singing a song of that name about the huge ogre, beating a complex rhythmic tatoo on a drum in time to the song, bearing halfling children on broad shoulders, and surrounded by young halfling adventurers - predecessors to Humble's Sword, really - to the wonderment and pleasure of the townsfolk who, under other circumstances, would like as not have run screaming at the sight of an approaching ogre.

So overwhelmed was Lomar by the joyful welcome he received into the halfling town, that he stopped, sat down (carefully, so as not to squish any nearby halflings), and wept giant tears. Where his tears fell, a flower sprung forth.

Murphy tells this story as the pass overhead, and concludes with this thought. "Out of music came a flower on that day. And now, beneath us, out of flowers come music."

The druid takes out another sheet of paper, and sketches a map of the valleys they have transversed, giving each one a name.

And they land amidst tall grasses. He strives to identify those he can, and to catalogue in his mind discernible characteristics of those he cannot immediately identify. Are there any grasses similar to the few items he has seen made of Sargrass?

He joins his companions in entering at the fellow's invitation.

"Venerable One, thank you for saving our lives. Pardon my question, but, um, how did you happen to open a portal to where we were, that we might be saved?" Murphy asks politely, with respect in his voice tempering his curiosity.

======
[OOC: Is our host really smaller than small Bliss? - the smallest halfling Murphy knows of.]

Perception: 41

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle)
Tuesday February 27th, 2018 11:41:51 PM

On the way, Bliss listens excitedly as his friends say that they are in the Valleys of Twilight. He changes into a halfling as the party flies on, so that he can say, "Oh! Oh! This is where the Fey Queen, Queen Maab herself lives! Can we visit her? Can we? Can we? She's a friend of mine!"

"I think."

===== =====

At the lodge, Bliss enters and bows low and say, "Hello grandfather! Wowsy, this is a swell place. Are you a guest of the Queen? Have you met her? My name is Bliss. It's nice to meetcha! Are you worried that a spark from your hearth could catch the grass on fire? Did you bring us here? Did the Queen mention me when you saw her? I'm a new friend of hers, you know. Not really pals of course, but you know. I met a liontaur in a dream once who had feathers and beads. Are yours magical? What do they do? Are you hungry? I have some special elf food you can try."

Bliss digs out his special always-full magic elf lunchbox. It has Arwen and Legolas on the sides.

Bliss holds out his hand for a shake.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday February 28th, 2018 10:36:15 AM
"Sometimes Press says the strangest things, Murph."

"Um, am I the only one weary of someone who calls herself Queen Mad?"

DM Carl - Spirited Away
Wednesday February 28th, 2018 10:45:33 AM
OOC: Yes, in this new place your hearing is functioning normally. As for the dude's size, he's comparable to Bliss' 2'8" frame, but lean as opposed to a halfling's typical fluffiness.

Reactions to the newcomer range from caution to downright exuberance. Hobie enters and sits. The small man nods hello without speaking. His demeanor is stoic, but not unfriendly.

Murphy pockets several drawings and greats him, but is promptly bowled over by a very excited Bliss. The stranger listens to the halfling's outburst patiently, motioning to the rest of Humble's Sword to join him inside and sit. Grass mats are the only seating in the lodge. Good things everyone's so close to the ground anyway.

He turns to Murphy in a clear voice that carries obvious wisdom. "Sit, and your questions will be answered." He looks curiously at Bliss' hand, eventually gripping it in a very firm handshake. He shakes once, and once only, then motions for Bliss to sit, "The Fey Queen is quite occupied, young one, and time is short. I have much to tell all of you."

Only when you're inside does the meaning of that statement carry its true weight. The grass exterior of the lodge is not visible inside. Where walls should be, there is only fog. Through it, other groups, talking to other versions of this strange man can be seen. They shift constantly. One moment he is addressing a handsome human decked out in full plate armor bearing the symbol of Domi. The next, a small gnome lovingly stroking a small cat. None of the images persist long, and no sound can be heard other than what happens in this room. Briefly, a group of obviously seasoned adventurers can be seen, including Garret and Katinka. She locks eyes briefly with Hobie and smiles before vanishing in the fog.

The only constant in the fog is this stranger addressing many other souls. He raises his hand in unison with all the other versions of himself. Holding is palm forward in a "stop" motion he speaks, "I am Mahyawu." He picks up a large bundle of sage and unceremoniously drops it in the firepit in front of him. A huge plum of sweet-smelling smoke rises. "I speak for the Manfri, for our Sarr. The Wold is in great danger."

The smoke coalesces, showing a vision of the Crystal Mountains. Under the mountains, the red grass from the meteor's crash site grows in great abundance, cracking stone and crystal until the mountain can take no more and explodes, sending huge chunks flying far. "This has already taken place. I plucked you from where this piece of the Crystal Mountains landed." The vision zooms into what is obviously the meteor Humble's Sword was investigating, following the trajectory until it lands in the Red Hills. The red grass immediately begins spreading from the impact site. "We call this bloodweed. It is what our Sargrass has become since it departed from your world." In the vision, the grass spreads rapidly, consuming everything before it. Humble's Ford, the Tree of Parting, Plateau City, even The Float and Hook City are covered and choked by the grass. "The bloodweed is set to end all life as you know it. All will succumb to the disease the bloodweed spreads, or perish at the hands of its victims. I believe you've seen first hand its effects."

The scene in the smoke vanishes, replaced by nine symbols. Lines connect each symbol to a point in the center. "Our Sarr has told me to gather help. We require...artifacts from the untainted Sargrass to restore our home. He reaches into the smoke, touching a symbol bearing the outline of a small humanoid. "I believe this to be you: our bigger cousins."
The symbol is replaced by a crystal shard. "A shard of the crystal that grew the Crystal Mountains. With this, you can cleanse the spread that has already begun near your home." The vision shifts to the six of you merging the shard with the meteor, killing off the bloodweed emanating from it. "Seek out the Monks of the Sargrass. They can remove shards of the Crystal Mountains without splintering them. Even we Manfri have been unable to learn their secrets."

He motions to a book and a small horn made from steelgrass sitting next to Kezzem. Who knows how long they've been there, but no one noticed them before. "Take these. Use the horn when you are successful and ready to return. The book details the cleansing ritual." He stands. His other versions in the fog stand in unison. "I will send you to the untouched Sargrass when you are ready."

He looks on expectantly.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 59/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Wednesday February 28th, 2018 12:23:42 PM
Upon seeing Katinka's smile, Hobie remembers her encouragement and is filled with strength and courage.

He listens to the old man's words and stands up immediately after he finishes.

"OK! Let's go! What are we waiting for?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Wednesday February 28th, 2018 4:52:17 PM
"I try to think of what I did to deserve this," Pressi muttered to herself. "Plateau City wasn't supposed to count."

Turning to Murphy, "Europop means I had a severe case of writers block. I'll think of better comments later, but it'll have to do for now."

To the elf, "I'm sorry, sir, but even if I were inclined to believe a word you said, you're throwing a lot of concepts at us. Danger from what? We were chasing Ve'el, what's this Crystal Mountain, you know what with meteors being not crystals. Bloodweed? Manfri? Shards?

"And what we are waiting for, besides the fact that the lot of us still have poison, disease or just zero spell slots left, and we're still missing our biggest offensive gun, is any idea of what a shard is even supposed to look like or what it does. Hey, I'm all for the rush in and show courage, but I'd like to know what I'm rushing."

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle)
Wednesday February 28th, 2018 7:49:13 PM

Bliss watches with wide eyes as the visions of other adventurers appear in the fog. He waves to the gnome with the cat!

"Wowsy! Wowsy!"

Bliss shakes his head and tries to understand. "So we have to find a special monk, then find this shard thing, then ask the monk how to move it to our meteor, and then merge the shard into the meteor?"

"We can do that!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday February 28th, 2018 8:25:03 PM
Kezzem looks at the horn and book, then back to the party. As he often does, he uses humor to mask his discomfort when feeling out of his element.

"I swear they were like that when I got here."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50/50
Thursday March 1st, 2018 2:29:34 AM
The druid listens with care, filing away many unfamiliar words and ideas.

"I have many questions. I hope none are deemed impertinent. Answer only those you believe are germaine.

"Is 'Mahyawu' your name, or a title? What is its meaning?

"Who are the Manfri? Are you cousins to us halflings?

"What does 'Sarr' mean?

"As Pressi has pointed out, we are injured, and well below our normal capacity and, until Lance returns to us, we are only five - plus our animals. I myself was greatly sickened by rot grubs, others of us also were affected, and my health is poor as of... just before you called us here.

"Though no doubt time is of the essence, some healing, some counter to the blows we already have taken might put us in a better position to deal with whatever we may encounter.

"All that said, as Bliss said, I think we are willing to do as you ask, as it sounds we may have a role to play in helping to heal the Wold, and to block the invasive plantlife before it wipes out most of our lives."

DM Carl - Spirited Away
Thursday March 1st, 2018 10:19:12 AM
Mahyawu patiently sits and listens to everyone's questions. He smiles warmly before continuing.

"We sometimes forget how unknown the Southern Continent is to so many." He waves his hand once through the still voluminous smoke, and an image of a huge, grass-covered plain coalesces. It is no ordinary grassy plain; the grasses are varied in size and color, but all are at least 10 feet tall. Some higher than 30. An enormous range of crystal cuts through the center of the plain.

"The Sargrass," he begins. "This was once the deadliest land on the Southern Continent. The grasses of the Sargrass could poison, flay, or suffocate those foolish enough to wander in. Those who survived the grasses usually fell victim to the hardy beasts that call the Sargrass home. During the last great migration(*), the Sargrass vanished from the Southern Continent and now exists as a plane all its own. But, it is starting to return...

He makes a motion in the smoke, and the view sharpens in on the crystal mountains cutting the plains in half. "The Crystal Mountains, where the meteor that threatens your home came from. The crystals here are very sensitive to sound and vibration, exploding in their presence. Many peoples have been flayed alive by these explosions."

He motions again, and a large beehive-like structure made from grass can be seen. "Rattledam. The only city in Sargrass. The monks that live here know a chant that calms the crystal range. They are the only ones we know who can retrieve a shard without shattering it. Do not speak of the outside world in Rattledam. They do not take kindly to it."

He inhales deeply, and breathes outwards sharply. The smoke disperses quickly. He holds up his hand again and repeats, "I am Mahyawu. It is the only answer I know to give. Our Sarr is our tribal leader, as you may have guessed. The Manfri have lived in the grass for as long as we know. We believe ourselves to be your cousins, but have no memory of life before we were the Manfri."

"I regret that I cannot allow you to rest before I send you to the Sargrass." He motions to the fog that surrounds the room. "Preparing to send so many adventurers is taxing, and we will not be able to do so again. I will send you to Rattledam. So long as you respect their wishes to remain insulated from the outside world, you will find its citizens to be kind and generous."

He continues looking expectantly at the lot of you.

***

(*) The Southern Continent goes through the Great Migration every several years. The geography of the entire continent shifts, sending its various cities and landmarks to new locations within its landmass. Last time it happened, the Sargrass vanished.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Thursday March 1st, 2018 1:56:20 PM
"Very well, I shall be glad to play along, for now."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50/50
Thursday March 1st, 2018 4:10:16 PM

Murphy responds, "Thank you. Let us be sent, then, and we will figure it out as we go along. May I carry the book? Is there any harm in looking it over before we carry it out?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50/50
Thursday March 1st, 2018 4:10:54 PM
"Carry out the ritual, I mean."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday March 1st, 2018 5:20:08 PM
"This Sargrass place sounds nasty. Any chance we could go after an evil macguffin on a nice beach instead?"

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle)
Friday March 2nd, 2018 2:40:07 AM

Thank you, Master Mahyawu," says Bliss. "Can I ask one last question? This bloodweed, how do we cure it? Some of us were infected with it. Are we going to be ok?"

DM Carl - Spirited Away
Friday March 2nd, 2018 10:12:36 AM
Mahyawu looks the party over. "I sense none of the bloodweed disease in any of you. It can be cured by divine healing like most other disease, thankfully."

OOC: Murphy and Pressi (I think) cured the disease earlier.

He throws a small bundle of twigs, feathers, and herbs onto the fire. A swirling portal quickly opens above the flames. "The Sargrass is deadly, Kezzem, but beautiful. It is our ancestral home. Be careful, but know I wouldn't send you anywhere you couldn't handle."

The portal waits.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 59/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Friday March 2nd, 2018 10:27:23 AM
Hobie gives himself a quick tap with his wand of shield and offers to the group "anybody want a quick 1 minute shield boost? Just in case." He will tap anyone who requests it.

Then, still brimming with confidence, Hobie grips Prowler in his left hand, smiles at his group and says "Let's go!"

He runs forward and leaps headlong into the portal.

========
Shield = 1 minute
Rounds of Haste Left 4/10

======
Spells Prepared
~~Bonded Object Free Spell~~

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message

1st Level
Shield, True Strike, ~~Obscuring Mist~~, Grease, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Resist Energy Fire, ~~Invisibility,~~ Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Friday March 2nd, 2018 10:30:38 AM
Updating HP on Header, I realized I never updated after Murphy healed me a couple days ago.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday March 2nd, 2018 2:05:49 PM
"I suppose beautiful, but deadly is better than silent, but deadly," says Kezzem. "Well, let's head out, I guess. Hopefully we can stop in that town to rest for a bit. I'm quite out of spells and stuff."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Friday March 2nd, 2018 2:54:56 PM
Pressi looked over her resources left. A couple of L1 or divination spells. Both Breath of Life and Death Knell. And a couple of minor tricks like guide/mislead, clairvoyance, and tracking. Oh, and a couple of low level wands and scrolls.

It's going to be a bit of a day. And on top of it all, she's not supposed to bring up things about the outside world. How is she supposed to keep bringing up her past, thus keeping herself from exploding.

To Hobie, "I appreciate the offer, but I think you can only cast shield on yourself. And I might hold off on buffs until we see where we are."

She readies an obscure mist to fire unless they are beamed down into a town area.

"Ok, here goes nothing," she moves towards the portal.

----------

both:
resist fire (shared spell)
failed AC ritual (-1 to saves against spells)

Pressi
protected by other (Kezzem)
flying broom (6 hrs left)

Harper

resources used

clairvoyance (3/8)
focused curse: 1/1
sprint (Harper) 1/1
L1: 4+1/6+1
L2: 4+1/4+1
L3: 4/4+1
L4: 3/3+1
om tattoo: 1

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle)
Friday March 2nd, 2018 3:06:50 PM

Bliss erupts in laughter at Kezzem's silent but deadly joke!

"We already had loud and powerful back home!" he shouts.

But the little guy does not forget his manners. "Thank-you Mister Mahyawu! You're the best!"

Then Bliss changes into a cat and pounces through!

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50 (due to temp Con drop)/80
Saturday March 3rd, 2018 3:15:03 PM

As Mahyawu speaks, Murphy subvocalizes salient points, fixing them in his mind. "Sargrass. Great migration. Crystal Mountains. Rattledam. Monks. Calming chant for crystals. Sarr. Manfri. Kind and generous. Deadly, but beautiful. Be careful."

He gently opens the book with the ritual to get a feel for what is inside.

Then it is time to go. "Yes, thank you, Mahyawu. We will endeavor to do as you request. May the others gathered nearby do their parts well."

Book tucked under his arm, Murphy joins the others and passes through the portal, glancing over his shoulder with a nod of respect to Mahyawu before finding himself on the other side.

"Might anyone be able to offer minor restoration at some point, perhaps after a rest? The disease may be cured, but the effects linger within me." [down 5 Con] After a pause, he considers. "Perhaps one of the monks may be able to help me with that."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50 (due to temp Con drop)/80
Saturday March 3rd, 2018 3:15:43 PM

And then, Murphy looks around to see where they are.

Go Forth and Find

DM Carl - Welcome to Rattledam
Saturday March 3rd, 2018 4:00:15 PM
A shield spell is cast, jokes are made, and Murphy makes sure to remember everything important.

The ritual will involve the piece of crystal the party has agreed to obtain, plus several other important pieces of Sargrass history. Mahyawu will perform the ritual when all the pieces have come together.

Mahyawu sit impassively as the party enters, nodding solemly to each as they pass.

...

The world you exit into is cloaked in twilight as well, but it's impossible to know if the land is in eternal twilight, or if it's just almost bedtime. The ground under your feet is unsteady; adjusting to the new environment, it appears the party has landed on a dock of some sort. Small ships are moored nearby, but there's no water to be seen anywhere. It takes a moment to realize the wooden dock and the ships are both floating on top of an endless sea of grass. The only thing that breaks the horizon is what is obviously the Crystal Mountains to the north.

The dock stretches to the west, where Rattledam lies. It is a monsterous beehive-shaped structure made from woven grass and glass. A handful of people climb around the surface, repairing frayed grasses or opening glass widows to let in air. A group of human women and men walk past, eat with a large slug slung over their shoulders. They eye the party suspiciously as they past, but are not unfriendly.

At the entrance to the east are two lightly armed guards. They nod as the slug-hunters pass into the beehive.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50 (due to temp Con drop)/80
Saturday March 3rd, 2018 8:12:46 PM

"We made it," Murphy says in Halfling. He says the same thing to Bliss in the Sylvan tongue, then adds to him, "You still need to learn to speak Halfling, kitty cat." He looks out over the grassy sea. He had heard of the Sargrass, certainly. Never thought he'd actually be in the area. At the moment, though weakened, he feels gratitude that he is able to enjoy the life of an adventurer. So many of the folk from his town never venture more than a few miles from home.

"Everyone ready?" he asks. If none object, or suggest waiting, he walks off the dock to the more solid local ground, and gives a friendly nod to the guards, and moves to enter the beehive.

If challenged, he says, "Good evening. We need wise counsel of the monks. May we enter?"

If asked where they came from, Murphy says, "The docks, just now." If pressed further, he says, "Do we really need to talk of the outside? Let us speak of the here and now. We are here, and would speak with the monks. May we?"

He will offer his name if asked.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Sunday March 4th, 2018 5:38:18 PM
Hobie offers his name after Murphy.

�We need to find some Monks. It�s kind of a life or death matter for everyone we�ve ever known or loved. Please let us through�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+9=14 ;
Monday March 5th, 2018 3:29:16 PM
Pressi and Harper walk along the docks, not really sure of what to think.

"Excuse me," Pressi stops one of the humans walking past. "I'm going to ask a couple of questions that are going to be strange to you, but we're kind of new around here, so...." (Diplomacy 14).

"Ok, first of all can anyone tell us the date? Maybe including the year?

"Second, is there anywhere we can stop off and rest, a hotel maybe?" Pointing to Harper, "Preferably one that's pet friendly? Oh, and alcohol, in case that's not a given.

"And third... have any of you seen anything strange around here? I know that's vague but I think if you have seen it, you'll know what I'm asking about."

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle) d20+20=31 ; d20+26=37 ; d20+9=20 ;
Monday March 5th, 2018 6:17:48 PM
Bliss meows to Murphy.

He follows with the group, listening to conversations and sneakily looking for clues.

Perception 31
Stealth 37

Bliss tries to figure out what the deal is with this magic grass that lets ships float on it.

Know Nature 20

DM Carl - Welcome to Rattledam
Monday March 5th, 2018 9:33:14 PM
OOC: I'm in the ER, so minimal post tonight.

The guards look at each other for a moment, sigh, and turn back towards the party. "Everyone's welcome here, folks. It's Rattledam. Just don't cause a ruckus and you'll be fine. We're here more for beasties than customs, if you catch my drift." They look at the animals the party brought with them. "Not much in the way of stables around here, though. That may be an issue. Plenty of grass to eat, at least... I'm sure you'll figure something out."

Bliss observes the floating structures. Both the dock and boats are made of the same wood. That's probably not a coincidence. Other than that, ow it works is not clear.

They turn you answer Pressi's questions. "Date? Time? You'll want to ask the monks. Since we got shifted out of the real world, it's always twilight. They've been keeping track, but i couldn't tell ya. Really, things have been quiet since we got sucked into the Vale of Twilight. Fewer outsiders, but that's ok with most."

They make no effort to block your entrance.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50 (due to temp Con drop)/80
Monday March 5th, 2018 11:44:23 PM
[ER? You okay? - or is it a family member?]

Murphy relaxes when the guards welcome them. He looks at his friends, leans down to give CatBliss a little scratch behind the ears, then steps forward into the hive building. He looks about, sees what is inside, and who. Unless called to stop, he moves forward, rather than going to the right or left.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday March 5th, 2018 11:53:54 PM
[Oh no...hope everyone worked out okay]

Kezzem yawns. "Can one of you fine gents direct me towards the inn?" he asks the guard.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle)
Tuesday March 6th, 2018 1:01:42 PM

Bliss follows Kezzem toward the inn. He yawns too. It has been a long day, and the group needs to rest.

All this planar travel is giving Bliss the "jet lag," as Mookie used to call it.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Tuesday March 6th, 2018 2:46:00 PM
Hobie will happily follow the rest of the group to the inn. He's tired and would love to have time to prepare more spells.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Tuesday March 6th, 2018 3:33:42 PM
"Don't cause a ruckus and you'll be fine," Pressi grumped. "I cannot work under such conditions..."

To Harper's whine, "Sorry, girl. But I've still got some rations and it doesn't sound like they'd mind us hunting at least."

Pressi follows everyone in. Most of the group wants to head towards the inn, but Pressi figured that time was of the essence... wasn't it? The whole forever twilight thing threw her a little bit, but she assumed time still flowed here.

DM Carl - Welcome to ~~Rattledam~~ The Ruins of Rattledam
Tuesday March 6th, 2018 8:48:32 PM
"Excuse me," says a voice behind the party. Looking behind, another slug party is trying to get through. The guards wave them in.

...but no. That wasn't another slug party. That was the same slug party. Looking back, the party sees no new ships on the dock. Turning back around to the gate, they are greeted by a very different view of Rattledam.

Gone are the guards, and the climbers. Gone are the hunters. The grass weave of Rattledam's exterior is in serious disarray, and only a single glass pane remains unbroken. With no guards to bar their entrance, the party is able to move inside.

Rattledam is a city in ruins. It was once a beautiful sight, no doubt. Walkways and buildings expand vertically all the way to the top dome of the city. Homes built on top of homes in a chaotic, but efficient manner. Ragged remains of what were once likely tapestries can still be found slung under the intact walkways, and chips of paint are still visible on the building walls.

Wind blows through open holes in the exterior, howling softly as they stir through the city.

There are a few buildings that stand out:

A large building immediately opposite the city's entrance still shows a swinging wooden sign with two glasses - the nearly universal sign of a tavern or inn.

A long rowhouse contains a large number of tapestries in disarray. Its purpose is not obvious, but it stands out.

The topmost building dead in the center of town shows the only artwork that has withstood the test of time. The artwork is unique, but is undoubtedly an aspect of the symbol of Pantheon.

***

I'm back home. The wife was showing signs of another stroke, but it turned out to be a false alarm.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle) d20+15=22 ;
Tuesday March 6th, 2018 11:08:55 PM

As Bliss changes back, he blinks, and the vision of the city that was is gone.

"Ha!" he laughs, "The Fey Queen likes to play jokes on those who visit her valleys."

He yawns again hugely. "Let's go to that tavern and sleep. I'm tired!"

Perception 22 with a self-imposed -5 because Bliss is sleepy.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50 (due to temp Con drop)/80
Tuesday March 6th, 2018 11:54:14 PM

"Did we just have a time jump?" Murphy asks his friends. "A moment ago the city looked well kept. Two guards were there. Now they are gone. Where things were intact, now they stand in disarray." He thinks a moment. "Or perhaps it was just a momentary vision, so that we might see where it was, compared with its current state. Or, recent events are making me batty."

"I'm inclined to head straight to the temple with Pantheon's symbol. Yes, I'm tired, along with many of you. Yes, we would benefit from rest. Convince me we should do otherwise, and I will listen. Otherwise, let's stop there first."

He takes counsel. If things are evenly split between temple and inn, he says, "I'm off to the temple." If most want the inn, he goes along with them.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+14=22 ; d20+11=23 ;
Wednesday March 7th, 2018 1:02:58 PM
"Yes, well I for one vote for the inn," Pressi replied. "If you think I'm dealing with this sober, you're nuts."

Pressi pays some attention to the tapestries, trying to make out any designs (Perception 22, Know Local 23) but isn't sure what else to make of the place or of what happened. "I'm beginning to understand what 'don't bring up the outside world' is supposed to mean."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday March 7th, 2018 1:16:40 PM
"Wow, I must be more tired than I thought...," says Kezzem.

"Oh, you guys saw that too? So that...really just happened? I'm confused."

"I'm with Press, maybe if we get drunk things will make more sense. Or, more likely, we at least won't care that things don't make sense."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Wednesday March 7th, 2018 3:20:34 PM
"Yeah, that was trippy. Maybe a few drinks and some sleep would really help this make more sense. My vote is for the inn"

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle)
Wednesday March 7th, 2018 6:05:09 PM
"HEY!" Bliss has an idea. He looks behind at the magical wood dock. Is it still there? How about the ships? Any of them still there? He starts thinking about asking Mister Murphy to use Mending and Wood Shape magic ...

"Anyone know how to drive a ship?"

DM Carl - Welcome to ~~Rattledam~~ The Ruins of Rattledam
Wednesday March 7th, 2018 9:36:24 PM
Murphy is keen to get to work. He is alone in his enthusiasm.

So, to the inn they go. Once upon a time, this must have been an exceptionally cozy place. Two large stone hearths sit in opposite walls to keep the place warm on cold Sargrass evenings. The entire far wall is one giant bar with a single door leading back to what was obviously the kitchen & larder. A simple stairwell leads up to a loft that surrounds the entire common area. Doors lead to what are certainly private rooms.

The centerpiece of the space is a large, masterfully carven wooden dias. With the exception of the stools at the bar, every bit of seating and table is set up to give view of it. It's also a safe bet that a number of guests would stand outside their rooms, leaning on the railing and watching. Evidently live performances were an important part of this place.

Pressi inspects what's left of some tapestries. The ones in here were protected from the elements and have survived much better. Each one is a little masterpiece, weaving animal wool and grass together in complex patterns. They are mostly abstract, but the symbol of Pantheon can be seen in many of them. Appraisal check DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {These would sell for a nice sum back in the real world. Maybe not in Humble's Ford specifically, but someone somewhere would pay a few hundered gold for them.}

The larder is...unpleasant. When this place was abandoned, it's obvious they didn't have time to pack everything up. As a result, there's quite a bit of rotten food. If you can stomach the smell, there may be something nutritious left. The alcohol is all kept in the back. Several kegs are here, and a bottle rack is still decently stocked.

**Searching the larder requires a DC 15 fort save and a perception check. Save failure grants the sickened condition until the character gets some fresh air.

Bliss gets an idea! He pokes his head out to inspect the dock and finds that yes, there IS a boat still moored there. A better look shows it to be in decent condition & large enough for everyone, Harper included. The larger mounts? Not so much. Speaking of the horses, there's PLENTY of grass to eat, but who knows what's safe.

**A knowledge nature DC 25 is needed to identify safe grass for the horses to eat. Harper better hope there's something decent left in the larder.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50 (due to temp Con drop)/80
Wednesday March 7th, 2018 9:59:15 PM

"I'm outvoted, then," Murphy allows. "To the inn." Then the cat speaks up. "I know how to shape wood, yes, though I've not appropriated any wood working spells on this day. Is it the same day?" The halfling consults his inner druid, and probes to see if he is somehow ready to memorize new spells at the moment. If so, he tells others. If not, he simply adds, "You're thinking of sailing over the grassy sea, Bliss? I know how to drive a cart, and some of us here have navigated with a raft."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday March 7th, 2018 10:56:06 PM
"Okay, this isn't creepy at all...." says Kezzem.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50 (due to temp Con drop)/80 d20+3=8 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+25=37 ;
Thursday March 8th, 2018 1:12:26 AM
Note: My prior post was written before the DM post appeared, but I was interrupted, and did not send to post until a bit later - yet still before I was aware of DM Carl's post. So there.]

Murphy admires the tapestries. He is trying to develop his artistic capabilities. He does not prove to be a very good assessor of market value [appraisal 8, profession artist 11], but even so, as the place is evidently largely deserted long since, he finds a couple of the more representational pieces and a couple of the more abundant abstract pieces, and carefully rolls them together. Murphy also resolves to pay or return them if he finds someone still currently owns this place - and lets his comrades know his resolve.

He does investigate the larder, and is able, despite the current hit to his constitution, to withstand the odorous onslaught [Fort 19], and perhaps find a few foods that have managed to survive and still be edible [Perception: 37]. He takes a few wine bottles, and mead, if any. Also, a keg of ale.

For the ponies, he looks about, and spends perhaps half an hour looking over different types - touching, smelling, and, if initial impressions adequately quiet his apprehensions, nibbles on some. If he finds some that seem edible [knowledge, nature 31], he first consults with Kezzem and Hobie, then gives a small amount of one type to Rumpus, and a small amount of another to Pippa, then observes them closely for a while, checking back frequently. If all seems well, then he adds two more grass types, one for one, and the other for the other. Again, observation. He repeats this gradual testing of potential fodder until available and apparently safe local options are either at an end - or after he has ten total comestible types, whichever comes first. He makes sure not to overfeed the horses - and also marks which types the two ponies seem to prefer, or distain. Oh, and he marks sourcing spots.

"Though the Rattledam folk don't care too much for discussions of the outside world - and I seem to recall that Southern Continent real estate can be fairly shifty - maybe we should keep eyes open for any sort of maps."

As his friends also look around, Murphy asks, "So, then, do we assign ourselves rooms, and fall asleep here? Or do we take the time to see what else might be here in town? If you'd like, I can wild shape to some sort of innocuous bird, flit about, and pick up what else I might about who, if anyone, might still be around, and keep you, Pressi, apprised of what I observe as I come across it, that you can let others know. That way we might learn of monsters before they come to learn of us. Likewise, of potentially good folk."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+4=12 ; d20+11=18 ; d20+14=23 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+8=26 ;
Thursday March 8th, 2018 10:45:32 AM
Pressi can't make heads or tails of the tapestry's worth (appraise 12) but she does take one of the Pantheon tapestries in hopes that someone can tell her what it's referencing.

With Murphy's help (Fort 18, Perception 23), she begins to prepare dinner for the group and to help clear away the smell. (Profession Courtesan roll 6 to clean out the smell, Prestidigitation, mage hand and create water casts, along with her daily use of the box of Elven Sustenance and her last rose temperature control, help her hopefully produce a small meal for everyone including Harper. If needed, she fleshes the meal with up to three rations and of what's left of her Goodbar.) With some inspiration (Knowledge Check 26, she can find some grass for the horses.)

"If you ask me, I'm still a little uncomfortable going back to sleeping in private rooms in spooky places. Even if doing so enough times will apparently make me a twisted god of some sort." She shivered at the last time they slept in private rooms in an unsecured area, how their supposedly benevolent host tried to soul jar them one by one while elementals broke into the rooms. Every curse she fired was a testament to the host's successes and failures.

It might not be a bad idea to set up camp here, where we can set some alarms and watches and presumably see what's coming. A quick scout of the area isn't a bad idea, either. Might be good to search the rest of the building, too.

"Speaking of which, we need to face the fact that we have no idea what we will meet when we enter that temple, but the idea that any monks can help us seems pretty far fetched as of now. Who knew that just following a grey imp without any explanation could turn out so poorly?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d4=1 ;
Thursday March 8th, 2018 12:18:11 PM
(I checked my notes, and apparently I still have a lesser res left for the day)

Kezzem places a hand on Murph. "You're still looking a little green there, Murph"
Murphey: 1 Con restored

Kezzem will cast detect evil and check the place out for any pings. "I doubt I'll find anything, this place seems pretty deserted," he says to the party.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday March 8th, 2018 12:20:26 PM
(Nope, double checked the archives, I did cast lesser restoration, I just forgot to record in my notes. Please disregard).

Bookkeeping:
Lay on Hands 7/day (7 used)
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells:
1st Level: Cure Light Wounds x2 (both cast), Lesser Restoration (cast)
2nd Level: Resist Energy, Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds (cast)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+8=15 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+5=24 ;
Thursday March 8th, 2018 12:23:36 PM
Hobie heads into the larder, he can barely stomach the smell, but he is able to handle it. (Fort15)
He looks around (Perception 18) and grabs any good food he can find, and a few bottles of whiskey if he can find them.

He thanks Murphy for finding some good grass for Pippa, and after making sure she is okay and fed, he heads into the common room of the inn to relax. He encourages the rest of his group to join him.

"Guys, we've just defended our town from fire elementals, fought off a crazy zoo, almost got eaten by a giant worm, and then teleported to this crazy place, all within 24 hours or so. Can we PLEASE take a break and rest for a bit? Come inside, lets drink some, lets eat some, and maaaaaaaaybe, if it's not too much to ask, even laugh some?"

Hobie sits down in a chair that looks fairly comfy, pours a glass of whiskey for himself and any who join him, and pulls his lute from his handy haversack. He takes a drink, and begins to play for his friends, or just for himself if he's alone. (Perform Lute 24)

This is the song Hobie plays.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Thursday March 8th, 2018 12:30:07 PM
========

Rounds of Haste Left 4/10

======
Spells Prepared
~~Bonded Object Free Spell~~

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message

1st Level
Shield, True Strike, ~~Obscuring Mist~~, Grease, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Resist Energy Fire, ~~Invisibility~~, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

DM Carl - Welcome to ~~Rattledam~~ The Ruins of Rattledam
Thursday March 8th, 2018 9:38:08 PM
Humble's Sword must be itching for a stiff drink if they're willing to put up with this stink. Pressi, bless her heart, cleans up. It certainly helps. While cleaning, she stumbles on a cache of salted meat and pickled carrots, cucumbers, and those little ears of corn. The preserved foods should be (read: are) safe to eat.

The party does strike upon a cache of alcohol as well. In total they find a keg of ale, another keg of mead, 9 bottles of wine, and a single bottle of a yellowish green distilled liquor. Knowledge local DC 15, Highlight to display spoiler: {distilled glass grass. One of the finest liquors in the Wold. Very pricey since it's been unavailable for years.}

Pressi and Murphy continue talking business. The druid identifies a small number of grasses that are safe for Rumpus and Pippa to eat. Pressi ponders the wisdom of sleeping in private rooms and recommends a scouting party.

Hobie, however, has had enough. He wants rest, drink, and maybe some good times. He plays a song to set the mood.

The party has food, drink, and a warmish place to stay. The stone hearths can be easily lit should they desire a fire.

***

I have nothing on tap for the rest of the evening. Ya'll can RP a relaxing evening if you'd like, otherwise I'll move things along tomorrow.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50 (due to temp Con drop)/80 d20+10=20 ;
Friday March 9th, 2018 2:43:04 AM

r"Right, Press. Sure'n we can have a slumber party, right?"

"Thanks, Kezzem. Perhaps after a good rest."

As Hobie begins to play, Murphy's attention is drawn. He grew up in a family full of music. His father and one of his brothers are bards, and several siblings play multiple instruments, and sing. The family business includes crafting musical instruments.

So, Murphy pulls over a woven chair, and finds a way to add a scraping percussive sound to the piece by drawing fingernails over the rough grassy sinews. He contemplates what lyrics may go with such a tune, but does not manage to formulate anything that scans well. But, he does keep a nice rhythm.

"Oh, for more times to just sit and enjoy. Well played, Hobie."

"Dibs on the mead. Want to save it for a special occasion."

He opens a bottle of wine, and finds drinking vessels to share it around. Regarding one of the other bottles, he comments, "This looks like distilled glass grass. In the Giggling Ghost a few years ago someone won a bottle of something like it. A rare treat, they say, a highly sought after liqueur."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+5=10 ; d20+11=22 ; d20+12=14 ;
Friday March 9th, 2018 10:16:25 AM
Pressi knelt down to light the stone hearths. (Her magic was gone, but she still had her flint and steel.) Light and shadows flickered before her eyes.

"I suppose it has been a while," she responded to Hobie. As alcohol moved through her body, she couldn't help but move to Hobie's and Murphy's melody for better or worse (Dance 10). "Can't believe there was a time when I actually thought things too frivolous. Frivolity is truly undervalued, I suppose."

She finally sits down, snuggling towards Murphy but addressing Hobie. "So how does a common burglar learn how to play, one wonders? You must have a few stories to tell." She takes some time to fill in Hobie and Lance with some of her own stories - the time the group got stuck in a time loop, the Janascis follower that loved scorpions, the time (before they joined Humble's Sword) that she and Kezzem had to talk their way into a nightclub.

Murphy does not need to tell her that the liquor is highly sought after, having sought after it herself (Know 22) but she holds her tongue. Doesn't want to be seen as the girl who drinks away the treasure, at least not yet.

-------------

If there were watches and traps set, Pressi doesn't remember in the morning. She does remember the hardwood floor she pushed everyone to sleep on, its hardness seared into her body.

As she begins her rituals (barely capturing the Woldsblood), she realizes that she doesn't know how much she can rely on their coven. As a test, she activates her cauldron, trying to see if she can reach any of her followers. (If she can reach them, she tells them everything that happened.)

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle) d20+24=28 ;
Friday March 9th, 2018 6:41:37 PM
Bliss tries to use his Coven ability to contact his helpers. He does not think it will work, but he tries.

Members of a coven can commune with other coven members on the same plane once per day for up to one hour through a cauldron.

Assuming it does not work, he says to Pressi, "Well, when it does work, we'll know we're back home."

Bliss uses his evening to brew a potion of Cure Serious Wounds. That will always come in handy.
Spellcraft check 28, costs 375 gp. Sheet updated.

Before anyone eats anything here, he uses his cauldron to Purify Food and Drink.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (28 total defense), HP 93/109, CMD 24, 1 Str damage; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday March 10th, 2018 1:21:29 PM
OOC: Did Kezzem's detect evil reveal anything?

Kezzem pipes in with Pressi's story.

"That was back in my more roguish days, but then I took an arrow-to-the-knee, so to speak."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Saturday March 10th, 2018 3:29:32 PM
Hobie loves the story sharing part of the night. "Well I actually only took up the hobby pretty recently. Right after I joined you guys and we beat that Uthvas guy. I took some of my share of the treasure and bought this lute. I've been practicing whenever I get a free moment."

He strums a few chords and smiles wide as he adds, "But man, there were some great musicians in the circles I used to run in. This guy, Slick Pete, he could really play."

Hobie's smile turns to a solemn, sad face, "I wonder if he gets to play much in prison..."

He returns to playing the lute while his friends share stories.

========

The next day Hobie wakes up, and takes some time to study his spell book, preparing the day's spells.

======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Grease, Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Mirror Image, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

DM Carl - Welcome to ~~Rattledam~~ The Ruins of Rattledam
Saturday March 10th, 2018 8:24:35 PM
**Detect evil detects no evil anywhere.

There is decent enough food, and enough high-quality booze and music to have an enjoyable evening. Bliss finds time to brew a potion, but otherwise the night passes uneventfully.

The next morning, Pressi and Bliss try to contact their coven, but can't reach them. Looks like Bliss' hunch was right. Distracted, Pressi captures her daily Woldsblood more easily than she expected. (While in this plane, capturing the Woldsblood is much easier. You get a +5 bonus each day.)

In fact, a bunch of things work better:

All divine casters get one additional spell/spell slot at the highest level they can cast.
Any supernatural or spell-like abilities get a +2 to the DC to save against them.

His spell power returned, Murphy notices...something off. He's not sure what to think, but he has a hunch his spellcasting is somehow affected here.

It is now...morning? Yea, it's morning. The sun is up, despite what the guard said. The temperature is rising quickly and the air is already drying out. If anyone is taking any precautions against the heat, please say so. Other than that, you have a town to explore.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50 (due to temp Con drop)/80 d20+5=19 ; d20+25=41 ;
Sunday March 11th, 2018 3:29:11 AM

When Hobie mentions Slick Pete and the circle of musicians he used to run with, Murphy says, "We used to have a bard with us. Flimsipold was his name. Flimsipold 'Hin Billy' Williewhim. He was quite taken with one of the town beauties, Mulberry. Sang songs about her all the time. Tried to name our group after her. She seemed to barely know he existed. But he could play a rousing tune." He pauses, then laughs. "He would often let us know, when it was time for chores, that such were not a task for bards. One time he asked who was going to set up a tent for him. I gave him a tent, and told him to set it up if he wanted to sleep in it. So, he grumbled a bit, but went ahead and put it up. And he wrote a song, that went like this." Murphy tells Hobie the five chords used in the song, hums a bit, then sings the whole thing.
Settin' Up The Tent
by Hin Billy

First you find a level place
Without too many rocks or bumps
Settin' up the tent
Settin' up the tent
Then you lay the ground tarp
Smoothin' out the many lumps
Settin' up the tent
Settin' up the tent
Unfold the blasted canvas mess
Spread it even all ways 'bout
Settin' up the tent
Settin' up the tent
At this point in the song Murphy takes Pressi's hand and dances with her as he sings. [Perform, Dance: 19]

Then you stake the corners down
Grab two poles and crawl inside
Settin' up the tent
Settin' up the tent
One end up - there!
T'other one too - there!
Crawl on out and grab the lines
Pull them taut and stake THEM down!
Settin' up the tent
Settin' up the tent
Before your eyes the tent does grow
Two thin poles hold up the canopy
Make all tight and neat and snug
Now your tent is fine for all to see
Settin' up the tent
Settin' up the tent
Doing this is lots of work
Murphy made me he is such a jerk
Settin' up the tent
Settin' up the tent
Now I'm sleepy - go inside
Fall asleep and in sweet dreams abide
The tent's set up
The tent's set up
[snoring sounds]

"I remember Hazel was humming that song a good part of the next day. Ah, I miss Hazel traveling with us. At least he and Alouryn are taking care of our home in Humble's." As he helps Pressi sit back down with him, he snuggles up to her.

He listens to the stories she tells, adds in a few details here and there. Though some of the current party have heard this offer before, Murphy lets all present know that he has kept a journal of Humble's Sword, carries the original copy with him at all times, and is happy to let any party member read it when they want to. [The players can read back through any of this game's archives to see what their PCs would be reading about.]

=========
In the morning...

Murphy asks his fellow spell casters whether they notice anything different. "I've noticed I seem to be able to remember an extra spell for the day, at least. And, something else seems odd, but I can't yet put my finger on it." As the day is warming up, he casts create water to see if there is any change in that particular cantrip.

If Kezzem is willing to offer again a lesser restoration, he will gratefully accept it.

For the heat? Murphy will offer to create water up in the air to give people an occasional shower, and help keep people cooler. Perhaps once every 10 to 20 minutes should do the trick, as evaporating water does help combat heat.

After spell preparation [*Note: will have to get to that Sunday night, or thereabouts] and breakfast, Murphy says, "I want to go to the center of this place, where the symbol of Pantheon shows boldly. Who wants to come along?"

When all are ready, he sets out with his friends.
=======
Perception: 41

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Monday March 12th, 2018 2:22:25 PM
In response to Murphy's question, Pressi doesn't have much to say in regards to anything unusual, other than that she doesn't seem to be able to fail to contain the Woldsblood when there'd otherwise be risk. (Witches are arcane and they don't have much in the way of SLAs with saves. If she ever tries Death Knell, though...)(DM - do she and Bliss get an extra domain spell?)

Without the coven to commune with, Pressi and Bliss begin strategies for what they might be able to do for daily rituals and leaves it up to Bliss. She will join in the Grimalkin ritual (the cat one) if that's what he wants, but she'd rather try for the warding ritual (especially if Bliss can beat her on Survival.)

As for the intermediate ritual, Pressi has an idea. Instead of a shared spell, they could use the third eye ritual and use the docks and the hotel as the locations. Such a stopgap could be used to make sure nothing invades their safe zones and that the planes don't change on them.

------------

Regarding preparation, she casts Rose Temperature control upon herself and Lesser Restore on Murphy, and expects Bliss to cast Rose on himself. As for Kezzem and Hobie, she doesn't have a better idea beyond hitting a soaked halfling with a freeze.

She is a tad surprised that Murphy wants to hit the center. "What about the monks? Shouldn't we check them out first?"

--------------

L1 - 1
L2 - 1

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle)
Monday March 12th, 2018 5:30:03 PM
Bliss preps for the day, choosing Shield of Faith rather than Resist Fire to share. Hope that's OK with Pressi?

OOC: Rolls and such to come in another post.]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 50 (due to temp Con drop)/80
Monday March 12th, 2018 6:26:01 PM
"Don't you think they might be in that building?" Murphy responds.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Monday March 12th, 2018 8:17:04 PM
"It sure is getting hot!" Hobie takes out a wand and taps himself with it "Anybody else want a dose of Endure Elements? It'll keep you comfortable for a good 24 hours. Also, please don't spray me with create water." (If anyone wants a use of it, just put it in your post so I can mark it on my wand)

"I don't know about anything different. When I prepared my spells this morning, it all felt the same. Must be a divine thing."

======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Grease, Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Mirror Image, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

DM Carl - Welcome to ~~Rattledam~~ The Ruins of Rattledam
Monday March 12th, 2018 10:06:52 PM
**Blood witches do not get an additional spell, even a domain one.

Precautions are taken against the heat. Almost certainly a good idea. Murphy suggests checking out the large building in the top/center of town, thinking that's where the monks may have been headquartered out of.

It's a good hunch. The building is obviously a place of worship and the center of faith in Rattledam. Or, it was anyway. The interior is mostly one large, open space, but several woven movable partitions are placed around the room surrounding small numbers of seats. Seems they worshiped communally, but still had break-out sessions of sorts. If the monks of Rattledam worshiped any other than Pantheon, it's not obvious. The artwork in the temple is exclusively in celebration of the god of justice.

Though the space is empty and neglected, it seems as if some care were taken to put things in order before they fled. No chairs are overturned, no potted plants spilling their soil on the ground (though all are long past dead without regular watering). A large altar sits at the far end of the room. Behind it, the only other door in the room aside from the entrance.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 80/80 d4=3 ; d4=3 ;
Tuesday March 13th, 2018 2:22:17 AM

With Pressi's lesser restore, and, if Kezzem's offer of the same stands in the morning, Murphy's constitution is back to normal. He gives Pressi a kiss of gratitude, and thanks Kezzem with a handshake. "I feel better able to face whatever it is we may soon deal with."

Based upon the degree of putrefaction of the food in the pantry of the inn the group stayed in, and the condition of the potted plants, Murphy attempts to estimate the time since Rattledam was deserted (applying the Perception: 41 from prior post). "I would guess something occurred to encourage a hasty exodus. What was it, I wonder?"

Within the sanctuary, Murphy explores with his companions. He stops, and says to them, "Perhaps we ought to acknowledge him who has been worshipped here. He raises his arms and countenance, and prays thusly:

"Pantheon, we stand within your sanctuary. We seek to help preserve and save the Wold. We come to this place, not to trample, but to divine ways to do well. We petition thee to give us what aid you might, and to help us walk uprightly, justly. Do forebear with us as we explore this place. Help us to do so with care, respect, and due diligence. Selah."

He then bows his head in reflection, and to listen if there be any response.

If none, then he asks, "Shall we see what lies behind yonder doorway?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d4=2 ;
Tuesday March 13th, 2018 8:24:29 AM
Kezzem prepares his spells in the morning, casting endure elements on himself and lesser restoration on Murphy.

Ability Healing: 2 (unless you already rolled it....)

"How come I don't get a kiss?" he asks.

Bookkeeping:

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells:
1st Level: Endure Elements (cast), Lesser Restoration x2 (1 cast)
2nd Level: Resist Energy, Shield Other
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Tuesday March 13th, 2018 12:49:25 PM
Hobie will walk around the building, casting Detect Magic to see if anything is magical.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Tuesday March 13th, 2018 12:50:20 PM
(Around and about the inside of the building, not physically AROUND the building)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+24=41 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+19=26 ;
Tuesday March 13th, 2018 2:12:25 PM
Pressi and Bliss prepare their rituals for the day (I will roll)

Ritual of Grimalkin - still no fail (+17 from Bliss, +3 from coven)

Ritual of Sharing - Pressi and Bliss are a point apart so Pressi will do it. (+21 +3) - She easily produces the shield, to be split among Harper, Bliss and herself.

Pressi gives Murphy a kiss back and Kezzem a nose wrinkle.

------------

Walking through the abandoned room, she couldn't help but think that maybe she should be better at this stuff - or at least the one praying, as a justicar and all. (Religion 22)

Firing up her read magic tatoo, she begins to peruse the altar and any of the tapestries nearby (Perception 26). "Pretty quiet, even for church." She pushes one of the partitions open.

-----------

ritual grimalkin

shield of faith

L1 - 2
L2 - 1
read tattoo - 1/4

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle)
Tuesday March 13th, 2018 9:39:51 PM

The heat is getting to Bliss. Maybe he is not drinking enough. He hardly has energy for the ritual.

"Miss Pressi, thank you very very much for leading the rituals," he says. "I just can't."

He follows along with the group.

DM Ken, Welcome to Rattledam d8=7 ; d8=2 ; d8=4 ;
Wednesday March 14th, 2018 12:50:18 AM

Murphys prayer to Pantheon disrupts the silence in the room. He says a few words of prayer to the deity, while the others poke around the building.

Kezzem asks Pressi why he never gets any smooches, and in return gets a nose wrinkle from Pressi, who is fresh from her ritual circle. Hobie detects magic, and finds nothing other than their own residual auras.

"Miss Pressi, thank you very very much for leading the rituals," he says. "I just can't."

If poor Bliss had anything else to say, he doesn't get the chance. As Murphy finishes his short prayer, the partition in Pressi's hand rips itself from her grasp and slams against the wall of the church. One by one, every partion, planter, and chair is hurtled across the church floor, hammering against the wall as if they were cannon balls.

Amidst the clamor, the altar at the end of the room screams in protest. The cry is shrill and piercing, staggering Murphy, forcing to him his knees under it's oppressive weight. A dark presence, heavy and thick with spite and menace, stirs in the chaos of the room. The aura is hateful and malevolent, and all of Humble's Shield can feel its desire to consume and destroy.

One by one, each shutter and door snaps closed, and the sound of windows shattering from the impact is heard above the din of violent noise. The chairs suddenly stop, and fall to the ground with the partitions and planters.

Above the doorway behind the shrine, the symbol of Pantheon hangs upside down. The menacing aura remains, permeating every part of the room. There are no other creatures or identifiable physical presences other than yourselves.

Murphy is staggered indefinitely.

All players, 3 reflex saves, DC 20 or take 7, 2, and 4 damage respectively.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+13=30 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+13=20 ;
Wednesday March 14th, 2018 9:11:45 AM
SV Ref: 30, 31, 20

Kezzem deftly dodges the falling debris.

"Murphey, what did you do?"

He activates his detect evil to see if he can use it to pinpoint the siurce of the menacing aura.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+14=28 ; d20+14=22 ; d20+14=21 ;
Wednesday March 14th, 2018 9:10:53 PM
Pressi easily dodges the debris enough, though that last piece didn't miss by much. "Maybe he needs his Murphy kiss too."

She casts detect thoughts in an attempt to track the presence.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle)
Wednesday March 14th, 2018 10:29:15 PM

Bliss rouses from his heat-exhausted state to say, "Misterr Murrphy! What did you do?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 73/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+8=16 ; d20+8=16 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+8=25 ;
Wednesday March 14th, 2018 11:30:11 PM
Hobie gets hit with debris twice before he gathers himself enough to dodge the third object. (Takes 9 damage)

"Murph, I think you prayed to the wrong God."

Hobie thinks to himself, trying to remember anything he might have read about Pantheon or rival gods, anything that might explain what just happened here (Knowledge Religion 25)

DM Ken, Welcome to Rattledam
Thursday March 15th, 2018 1:00:31 AM

Kezzem and Bliss both drill Murphy, "What did you do?" For his part, Murphy is silent. Kezzems detect evil pinpoints nothing, and Pressi's detect thoughts reveals nothing more than the surface thoughts of her allies.

Hobie tries to think of Pantheons rivals, and notes that Jancassis stands for nearly everything that Pantheon despises. Nothing happened here though, seems to bear her hallmark, nor has she ever been known to be involved in the religious dogma of those who worshiped the Sargrass.

The heavy atmosphere continues to press down on Humble's Shield.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 80/80 d20+6=24 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+6=19 ;
Thursday March 15th, 2018 3:23:42 AM
Murphy casts freedom of movement.

He takes 2+4=6 go damage.

"An enemy spirit is here. It hit me hard. Let's move on. Through the door." He heads that direction, bracing himself against the next onslaught.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 80/80
Thursday March 15th, 2018 3:25:06 AM
[Tried multiple times to get on earlier - internet problems. Will try again in morning to get more in. Phone posting only allowing me a few lines of text.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+19=21 ;
Thursday March 15th, 2018 10:32:28 AM
As Murphy urges them to try the door, Pressi activates her clair-audio ability, listening at range at any sounds the other side of the door might make. (Perception 21)

She also checks the door for traps (same roll, +1 for traps).

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 73/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Thursday March 15th, 2018 10:42:38 AM
Hobie uses his wand of shield for an AC Bonus and gets ready to head through the door, Prowler in hand. If any from his group through the doorway, he will follow on, preferring to stay about 10 to 15 feet behind whoever takes the lead.

If he finds himself in darkness, he will cast light on his bow.

======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Grease, Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Mirror Image, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 21 HP 74/80. Shaken. Freedom of Movement. Endure Elements
Thursday March 15th, 2018 12:23:53 PM
Earlier was going to ask Hobie to get an Endure Elements bop from his wand, and to make sure that Bliss and whoever else needed one received it, too. Thought I already had posted that, see that I did not. [Sorry, distracted this week, plus a few weird access issues.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday March 15th, 2018 3:30:56 PM
"Well, that was creepy as fudge. I mean, is it a solid or is it a liquid? That stuff just creeps me out."

Ooc: Onwards!

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle)
Thursday March 15th, 2018 6:16:49 PM

"This place gives me the heebie jeebies," says Bliss. "Can we please go away?"

Bliss heads for the door. Better to camp outside than endure the ghosts or whatever it is in here!

"Come on, everybody!"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 73/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Thursday March 15th, 2018 11:16:47 PM
(Arcane Archers have to choose which element for their elemental damage when they prepare spells each morning, so this post is to confirm that for the day Hobie will have Flame arrows)

======
Elemental Arrows: Flame

Rounds of Haste 10/10

======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Grease, Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Mirror Image, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+17=36 ;
Friday March 16th, 2018 10:48:21 AM
(Disable Device 36)

If Pressi finds any traps or locked doors, she uses the above roll to open it but doesn't go through the door quite yet.

If Pressi hears anything on the other side of the door before reaching it or working on the traps, she will stop if she hears a threat or something that might react to the door opening.

DM Ken, Welcome to Rattledam
Friday March 16th, 2018 1:02:21 PM

Humbles Shield is justifiably concerned about being stuck in this room. With the only accessible door being the room beyond the altar, several halflings make towards it.

Each step in a lunge, each inch a mile. The oppressive air seems reluctant to give ground. Pressi listens beyond the door before it is opened. She hears a whispered voice, agitated and scratchy.

"It will be mine. It will be mine. It will be mine. It will be mine."

She checks the door, and finds it to be free and clear of traps. She listens again.

"..it will be mine..it will be mine..it will be mine..it will be mine.."

The voice sounds closer than it was the first time she heard it.

"..minemineminemineitsmineminemineitsmineITSMINEMINEMINE!"

All of Humbles can hear the angry proclamation, just beyond them and past the door. Pantheons holy symbol still hangs, upside down, and the chairs are no longer moving at all.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle)
Friday March 16th, 2018 4:11:33 PM

Bliss shouts loudly, "SORRY YOU HAVE TO SHARE!"

He keeps pushing to get out the door.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+16=28 ;
Friday March 16th, 2018 11:53:03 PM
Diplomacy: 28.

"It's okay, friend, I promise you can keep whatever it is that is yours," says Kezzem. "We would just like to talk for a bit. You know, get together, have a few laughs, that kind of things. You could put your precious somewhere hidden and safe, or keep it with you if that is what you prefer. So can you come out and a have a chat with your new friend Kezzem?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 94/100. Shaken. Freedom of Movement. Endure Elements. Huge Earth Elemental
Saturday March 17th, 2018 7:30:35 AM

Murphy looks at the inverted symbol, and thinks it would be better were Pantheon's emblem be returned to its right position. Assuming the symbol on the altar is no higher than 30 feet above the ground, Murphy wild shapes into an earth elemental, and steps to within arm's reach of the altar (if freedom of movement will allow him a move after a standard action, despite being staggered).

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+13=27 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=6 ;
Saturday March 17th, 2018 10:13:13 AM
With everything getting creepy, Hobie feels like it might be best to have as much health as he can. He takes out his wand of cure light wounds and heals himself for 6 HP.

He puts the wand away and prepares to venture forth.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 94/100. Shaken. Freedom of Movement. Endure Elements. Huge Earth Elemental
Saturday March 17th, 2018 9:03:20 PM

If we're not quite in round-by-round action yet - Murphy says, in halfling, "I'm going to right the symbol." Then he takes Pantheon's symbol, and turns it right side up.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Monday March 19th, 2018 7:26:34 PM
"Murphy, no!" Pressi shouted as he chose to just grasp the corrupted religious symbol.

DM Ken, Welcome to Rattledam d8=7 ;
Monday March 19th, 2018 9:01:32 PM

Murphy reaches out for the holy symbol. His arms stretch for what seems like an eternity, until he grips it firmly. His hands burn, and badly so. With a wrenching effort, he rights the holy symbol, and with a loud snap, the menacing aura disperses.

Murphy suffers 2 strength damage. He is no longer staggered. He takes 7 hp damage.

---------------

The last remnants of the angry spirit seem to melt away with a moment or two of silence. The doors swing lazily inwards with a quiet creak, and a gentle breeze filters through a now shattered window. All the previous entrances and exits are now open, including the door beyond the altar.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 87/100. -2 to Str. Freedom of Movement. Endure Elements. Huge Earth Elemental
Monday March 19th, 2018 9:17:23 PM

"Ouch," Murphy says. "Sorry, Pressi." He casts create water to occur in the air above him, and cups his hands to receive the cooling liquid.

"Thank you, Lord Pantheon," the earth elemental says quietly. "Also Lord Eberyon, and Lady Maab. Let this place return to peace. Guide us in our next steps."

He steps over to kneel before Pressi. Despite his posture, his mass looms above her. "Just want you to know I love you." He holds out a finger to touch her lightly on the cheek, leaving a muddy splotch there.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle) d20+20=30 ;
Monday March 19th, 2018 9:24:46 PM

Bliss hides! Stealth 30

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Monday March 19th, 2018 10:45:55 PM
Hobie shudders as Murphy rights the symbol.

"Well that was crazy. Should we push forward through the door?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+16=17 ;
Tuesday March 20th, 2018 8:27:48 AM
"Are you there, friend?" asks Kezzem. "It's me, Kezzem. There door is open now. Was that you? I'm going to assume that's an invitation to come in and talk unless you say otherwise."

Diplomacy: 17 (natural 1).

OOC: Ruh-roh!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Tuesday March 20th, 2018 2:14:18 PM
"You are so lucky you have looks to get by on," Pressi grumbles in response as she casts a lesser restore on Murphy.

From under a chair, Harper peeks her way out.

Pressi tries to figure out what had happened (not even sure what to roll) but nothing seems to come to mind and everyone else seems ready to move on. As they go through the back door, she checks to see if she can still detect thoughts.

She also makes a change into her own housecat form, looking to scout ahead as a relatively normal figure.

-----------

ritual grimalkin

shield of faith

L1 - 2
L2 - 2+1
read tattoo - 1/4
clair - 1/8

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 87/100. Freedom of Movement. Endure Elements. Huge Earth Elemental
Tuesday March 20th, 2018 4:51:24 PM

"Make that, 'rugged good looks,'" Murphy says with a rocky smile. He stands up, and says, "Sure, Hobie. Let's go."

He looks to see if he can fit through the doorway in his present form.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle) d20+20=26 ;
Tuesday March 20th, 2018 9:10:56 PM

Bliss blushes, turns into a kitty, and hops on Harper's tail, following him and MIss Pressi. He tries to smell enemies (scent).

Perception 26

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 87/100. Freedom of Movement. Endure Elements. Huge Earth Elemental
Tuesday March 20th, 2018 9:19:02 PM
If able, Murph will squeeze through the doorway, allowing any who wish to go before him, and going through ahead of any who choose to wait.

DM Ken, Welcome to Rattledam
Tuesday March 20th, 2018 9:36:13 PM

Humble's shield opens the door behind the altar. It gives no resistance, and opens easily. Murphy is able to squeeze through with some moderate effort, and leaves jagged scratches on the door frame as he passes.

The room has some moderate creature comforts, such as a comfortable bed, a locked chest, a writing desk with papers scattered all about, and an overturned ink quill, which has stained the wood on the desk.

There are a couple paintings of a human man with long grey hair in a ponytail, one of which includes him kneeling, surrounded by small dark skinned creatures with bright white hair. Smaller than halflings, they have neutral expressions, and make a stark contrast to the smiling man in their picture.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+9=16 ; d20+8=24 ; d20+21=37 ;
Tuesday March 20th, 2018 10:27:15 PM
Hobie moves into the room and Detects Magic around the room. If anything is magical he will pay examine it with Spellcraft (37).

After detecting magic, he starts looking all around at the papers scattered about. He uses his linguistic knowledge (16) if the writings are in another language, and tries to recall his knowledge of religion (24) as he reads the papers.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday March 20th, 2018 11:24:51 PM
"I guess that creepy weird guy left," says Kezzem.

He inspects the room with his dececto-evil vision.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+20=24 ; d20+17=30 ;
Wednesday March 21st, 2018 9:45:39 AM
Moving back to her human form, Pressi looks over the documents, casting "comprehend languages" (domain spell) for better odds. She still has her read magic tatoo active from before.

Figuring that everyone else would look at the tapestries, Pressi makes her way to the locked chest. After checking for traps (Perception 24), she takes a stab at unlocking it (Disable 30).

(OOC: Sorry about the loose notes before, but I went through the archives and everything should be up to date by now.)

-----------

ritual grimalkin, shield of faith

rose control 16 hours
comprehend languages 80 minutes
read magic 75 minutes

L1 - 2+1
L2 - 2+1
read tattoo - 1/4
clair - 1/8

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 87/100. Freedom of Movement. Endure Elements. Huge Earth Elemental d20+10=23 ; d20+25=45 ;
Wednesday March 21st, 2018 9:58:49 AM

Murphy decides he does not wish to damage any more doorways, and shapes back to his own halfling body. He assists Hobie and Pressi in looking over the documentation [Linguistics: 23].

If the dark-complected hoary headed diminutive people in the paintings bear any resemblance to Mahyawu, he says, "Manfri. Wonder who the man is? Cleric of Pantheon, perhaps? Anyone find any names among the papers? And, with the voice from this room earlier, I wonder, as well, what it was the scratchy voiced fellow sought here. He seemed to have found it. Where has he gone?"

With the last question lingering in his mind, he takes a break from reading, and looks for other exits from this room, other than the door they used. If there is a hidden door, or trap door, or other hidden compartment, there's a fair chance Murphy will discern it. [Perception: 45 (nat 20)]

DM Ken, Welcome to Rattledam
Thursday March 22nd, 2018 10:01:00 AM

Hobie and Kezzem both inspect the room, looking for evil and magic. They find none of either. Kezzem continues to try to talk to the presence they all felt earlier, but no traces of it remain.

Pressi checks the locked chest, finds no traps, and with a bit of effort, is rewarded with a *click* as the old locks give and her picks find purchase. As the lid is opened, Hobies detect magic flares to life, and several items inside glow with the aura of magic.

1. A cracked monocle.
2. A bag of dust.
3. A pair of shoes.

There are other items here, a battered metal shield and sword, clothes, and a bottle of wine packed away carefully in thick padded cloth.

-------------------------------

The notes on the desk appear to be a letter...

"To the High Justicar,

You would be pleased with progress with the Manfri and the other subcultures of the Sargrass Plains. Our church membership has grown by four, after Oahawi and his family began attendance. While the Manfri eagerly learn the lessons of Pantheon, absorbing every story and token of wisdom in his teachings, they seem to care little for our religious dogma and observances of tradition. Passing the faith here requires a different set of lessons and methods, so I again ask for patience for the church and once more request extra funding.

On a slightly more disturbing matter, todays divinations of the routine sort were both dangerous and unsettling. Even the religious heads among the Manfri have sought my counsel, because they see the same things in their visions that I do. Fires. Meteorites. Smoke. Death.

Even so, the faithful will remain strong. I am meeting with the leaders of one of the monastic orders that have gained so much traction here in the Sargrass. The southern orders are a bit less xenophobic. Theo will be in charge while I travel. With the shoes, I can be there within the span of days instead of weeks. I will not give up this church or this quest, it is mine.

Still, the divinations were troublesome. Even now, I swear I can hear the screaming of the meteorites, the yells of people, and the roar of fires. It seems so real and... "

The last words are scratched out with obvious haste.

"Pantheon protect us!"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+31=43 ; d20+31=40 ; d20+31=32 ;
Thursday March 22nd, 2018 10:44:01 AM
Hobie will pull out his wand of identify and use spellcraft to recognize the magical properties of these items.
(It says identify lasts three rounds, so will one charge get me all three items? If not i�ll use three charges)

Monocle: Spellcraft 43
Bag of Dust: Spellcraft 40
Shoes: Spellcraft 32

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 87/100. Freedom of Movement. Endure Elements. Huge Earth Elemental d20+9=19 ;
Thursday March 22nd, 2018 1:27:30 PM

Apparently Murphy finds no hidden secret doors or compartments, having searched.

He considers what the letter has to say. As Hobie looks over the magic items, Murphy casts detect magic, and focuses upon the monocle for a few rounds. [Spellcraft 19]. If Hobie or someone else is able to identify the monocle, Murphy spends a little time trying to mend it, so that it may function again.

If he is successful at the mending, and no one is able to identify it, he will place it over his left eye, and spend a minute or so looking about the room.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle) d20+20=32 ;
Thursday March 22nd, 2018 3:43:16 PM

CatBliss walks under the bed and checks for things under there. He sniffs where the ink spilled. He hops up on the desk and reads the note.

Perception 32

He fishes around under the cloth under the bottle of wine.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Thursday March 22nd, 2018 11:31:29 PM
As Pressi read the letter, a thought entered her mind. "Perhaps he was dictating."

More seriously, she considered her own attempts at divination.

She thinks about what the note might mean.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday March 23rd, 2018 12:57:56 PM
"I don't think those divinations did him any good," says Kezzem. "He should stick to more practical spells. He couls have gotten the same results of his divinations just by looking out his window.:

DM Ken, Welcome to Rattledam
Friday March 23rd, 2018 5:18:06 PM

Murphy and Hobie work together to identify the items. It takes a bit of time, but they eventually have it all sorted out. The items are themselves seem to be created specifically for use in the Sargrass. Hobie uses 3 charges from his wand.

The shoes glow with an aura of transmutation. When worn, they seem to allow travel on top of the Sargrass blades, as if they were skating on ice.

The dust glows with an aura of divination. When a handful of it is thrown into the air, it leads you in direction of the nearest Manfri within one mile. There seems to be enough dust for three uses.

The cracked monocle is more difficult. It seems to be beyond full repair, but your efforts have made it at least usable. It seems to make you aware to a particular kind of threat, but one unknown outside of the Sargrass. What exactly that threat might be is unknown, but you get the feeling the monocle will make it fairly clear.

It puts heavy strain on the eye however, and for each round of use, the wearer takes 2 subdual damage.

-----------

Kezzem watches Bliss rummage through the chest, and the small cat comes up with nothing new other than a few dust mites on his whiskers.

-----------

Pressi reflects on what the scattered notes might mean. It seemed to be little more than a report on church activities abroad, and of course, a warning given too late about his divination. One line does seem to stick out to her however.

"I am meeting with the leaders of one of the monastic orders that have gained so much traction here in the Sargrass. The southern orders are a bit less xenophobic."

This bit is helpful as far as Pressi can tell, because they are supposed to be looking for the monks of Rattledam, so they could get their aid in extracting a crystal shard from the mountains native to the plains. She now at least has a direction and a terrain feature.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Friday March 23rd, 2018 8:38:13 PM
Hobie will follow the group where they go, trusting that Pressi can lead the way.

(For the next two days I'm going to be traveling. It's finally the day we move to Prague!! I envision myself having a lot of airport layover time, and should be able to post, but if I can't, just assume that Hobie is following the group, and if there are bad guys, Hobie will shoot them with his arrows.)

DM Query: Prague, Oklahoma?

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle)
Friday March 23rd, 2018 9:00:25 PM

Bliss changes to a halfling, yawns, and asks, "Is it time to go to bed yet?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 87/100. Freedom of Movement. Endure Elements. Huge Earth Elemental d20+25=29 ; d20+25=33 ; d20+25=42 ; d20+25=45 ; d20+25=30 ;
Friday March 23rd, 2018 10:35:17 PM

Murphy removes the monocle after a couple of rounds, and rubs his left eye. "It seems to be designed to warn about, about some sort of, some sort of Sargrassian threat." He presses his temples with the palms of his hand. "But it gives me a headache!"

If Hobie does not tell the others what they learned about the magic items, then Murphy does so.

"So, Pressi, what do you think? Do we want to plan to head toward the southern orders? Oh, and, if we do, I'd like us to take maybe an hour or so just to walk briskly through Rattledam before we leave. We're here now, who knows if we'll ever be back here, and I think we should absorb what we can about the place - might pick up more clues, or even supplies that could help us in this grassy place.

"Bliss, if you want to cat-nap, you can ride on my shoulders - as a cat. We've only been up for maybe an hour and a half, or two. Breakfast, spells, getting ready, and coming to this building did not take a full day." If Bliss seems inclined, and makes the change, Murph will let him get settled on his shoulders, wrapped around his neck if necessary. If not, then... whatever.

------
Perception: 29, 33, 42, 45, 30 - for a rapid exploration of the remainder of Rattledam

[May your move to Prague go well, and you and yours all roll with whatever comes your way. Congrats, Nick!]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Friday March 23rd, 2018 10:53:54 PM
ooc: Prague, Czech Republic

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday March 24th, 2018 12:06:25 AM
"We're here now, who knows if we'll ever be back here, and I think we should absorb what we can about the place - might pick up more clues, or even supplies that could help us in this grassy place," says Murphy

Kezzem bursts in laughter. "Oh wait," he says as he calms down. "You said grassy."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 87/100. Freedom of Movement. Endure Elements. Huge Earth Elemental
Sunday March 25th, 2018 3:05:15 PM
Murphy smiles at Kezzem's outburst of laughter. "Yes, um, grassy. Unless we find some beans."

Addressing all, he says, "So, if we've gathered what we may from this small room, let's tour the remainder of Rattledam quickly." Still puzzled as to why this room apparently has no more doors or passageways, when earlier it seemed the person who was speaking within seems to come from a distance - and disappeared without a trace - he nonetheless exits the door through which he earlier squeezed, this time causing no further damage to the frame, and proceeds to explore apace.

He heads first back towards the city entrance, then clockwise around the lower left block of buildings as shown on the Rattledam map, then similarly circles the upper left block, the upper right block, the lower right block, for the quick tour. He will be watching, listening, and observing. He will mark anything helpful or useful. Once the circuit is complete, Murphy asks if all are read to go exploring, taking the moored boat from the docks.

[Pull me back if that is too much exposition.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Sunday March 25th, 2018 9:09:08 PM
"Sorry, still kind of out of it," Pressi replied sheepishly. "Remind me, was there a temple that the monks were supposed to be in, another location besides this one? Beyond that, I guess we can go forward as the letter implied."

Pressi shook her head, trying to think if anything would give an advantage over what befell this place. "It might not be a bad idea to try some careful scouting, maybe something like the arcane eye."

DM Carl - Welcome to ~~Rattledam~~ The Ruins of Rattledam
Monday March 26th, 2018 10:11:41 AM
Good to be back, folks. Sincere, heartfelt thanks to Ken for stepping in during tax season. I've had a rough couple of weeks...

***

Humble's Sword is able to peruse the rest of Rattledam in peace. No spirits make themselves known, no dangerous critters have made their lairs in town, the only life here seems to be insects and the birds that prey on them.

Unless the party wants to start ransacking homes looking for silverware and jewelry, nothing of material value is found. They are able to get an idea of what life in Rattledam was like. An abundance of art can be found throughout the city. Several statues remain in good repair, though canvas and tapestries have not faired well in the environment of the Sargrass. There are also several small venues throughout town that were likely meant for live musical or theatrical performances.

Rattledam was obviously once an artist's paradise. There's enough culture left over here to keep an archeologist busy for a lifetime.

It's also of some note that there are few inns or other places for temporary lodging. That's not to say they were hostile to outsiders, but the town seems designed to be insular.

Pressi considers whether or not the monks they're seeking could have a temple elsewhere. From what they've found, it seems the temple they explored was run by the monks, and that they were followers of Pantheon. There's not enough information to know if all the monks of the Sargrass worshiped Pantheon.

***

That's about all to see in Rattledam, unless there's a thread Ken started that I've missed.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle)
Monday March 26th, 2018 1:04:29 PM

Bliss enjoys seeing the sights as much as anybody, sure. And there are interesting nooks and crannies for a cat to explore. And stuff to climb, like tapestries and things.

But eventually the novelty wears off, and the sooner because Bliss has a nagging guilty feeling that we need to be searching for something.

"Didn't the Manfri Man say that we had to find something?" asks Bliss. "Wowsy, oughtn't we better get to it?"

Bliss is thinking that the party has to find these monks. Isn't that what the clue said? And what are we looking for exactly?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Monday March 26th, 2018 10:04:02 PM
"No, you're right," Pressi replied. "There's only so much time we can spend wandering here and fantasizing about burning the place down. And I guess we're still supposed to be the good guys so no ransacking the silverware.

"I don't know what we are looking for, exactly. I'm hoping it will be clearly labeled. Not really sure what else we can do to be prepared but I can hop on my broom if people would like me to scout ahead."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday March 27th, 2018 12:25:15 AM
Kezzem keeps his detect-evil-radar up and running as they search the town, looking to see if anything pings. He's being extra weary after that weird encounter at the Pantheon temple.

"But...what if the thing we are looking for is with the silverware," he says in reply to Pressi. "We would have to ransack the silverware then, for the greater good, but that would still be wrong, no?"

"Man, old Kezzem didn't have these problems."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Tuesday March 27th, 2018 3:02:31 AM
"I think that's a good idea Pressi. If you could fly ahead and look for signs of the next town, that could help us a lot."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 87/100. Freedom of Movement. Endure Elements.
Tuesday March 27th, 2018 6:46:08 AM

Murphy takes in the town along with his friends. "All right. We will look at their tableware. Maybe it's silver, or other metal. Maybe it's woven of grass. Let's see which." He looks in two dwellings, checks for tableware. If he finds some made of grass, he takes one set (knife, fork, spoon, or whatever makes up a one-person set), and leaves a gold piece in its place.

"Here, Kezzem. I paid for it. It's yours now."

Then, he agrees with Bliss. "Yes, we need to find the monks. They are not here, far as I can tell. Let's get on that grass boat, and head southward. If you, Pressi, want to fly up in the air a ways to look off into the distance, that's fine with me."

He considers, then says, "Likely we'll need to leave the ponies behind. I know what grass is good for them. Let's gather that, and leave them in a pen of sorts, with plenty of water, and hope we can get back here soon enough that they have not starved." He finds as many containers for water as he might, creates water to fill them full, and gets his friends to help him gather good grass and feed, and leave that for them as well.

When all are set and ready, Murphy is willing to help push off from the dock. "Let's see if we can sail this thing, eh?"

DM Carl - Welcome to ~~Rattledam~~ The Ruins of Rattledam
Tuesday March 27th, 2018 12:15:10 PM
It's a good thing Murphy can create water. Dehydration is a very real threat out here on the Sargrass. He doesn't find any woven silverware. Bowls and plates, sure, but not utensils. Those are mostly wood. In fact, there's not a lot of silverware to be found. Metal is very uncommon in Rattledam.

...but enough of that place. The party shoves the boat off into the grass sea. It "floats" on top of the grass, sinking in only a few inches. It doesn't bob like a typical boat since there are no waves in the grass, but a good stiff breeze will shift the boat a few feet in that direction. Anyone skilled in sailing will be able to manage it. There are a pair of oars made from the same wood as the boat, but they don't seem to work like typical oars. Rowing in the grass doesn't accomplish much, but pushing against the grass from behind does seem to work.

***

Next steps are your call. If anyone's flying or using the shoes and not in the boat, I need to know. Otherwise I'm going to assume you're boating. If anyone has profession, sailor, make appropriate checks at a -2. There is enough room for everyone since you're just 4 halflings and a cat.

The only visible landmark is the Crystal Mountains to the north.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+19=33 ;
Tuesday March 27th, 2018 12:33:44 PM
If her own instincts or the team's urgings weren't enough to convince her to fly, a single look at that contraption certainly would have sealed the deal. Although, it's not like they would sink, right?

Casting flying broom (8 hour time), she hovers shortly ahead of the boat, peering outward into the grass below. (Perception 33, messaging to Murphy at all times) Every once in a while, she also casts detect magic to see if anything comes up, or uses prestidigitation to drop a small "stone" into the "water."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 87/100. Freedom of Movement. Endure Elements. d20+15=20 ;
Tuesday March 27th, 2018 6:33:04 PM

[In boat: 4 halflings as halflings, 1 leopard (Pressi's Harper - medium size, 120 lbs.). Harper is with us, right, Melvin? Flying: 1, on broom]

Murphy does bring along a few vessels which can hold water. Along with the wooden utensils, and woven plate and bowl for Kezzem, he scores an extra set for himself.

Before setting sail, he invites his friends to pray for wisdom and guidance on this journey. He himself does so, along with anyone else who so chooses.

The druid does know a fair amount about the winds. Not trained as a sailor, his main experience has been on a raft along the Peaseblossom for some distance, and tootling around in punts with oars on the river through town. However, he has heard of sailboats. He thinks it best to pole well away from the docks before trying the sails. When perhaps five hundred yards from shore, he thinks it's time to try sailing. Using knowledge, nature [20], for the wind side, he begins to try to puzzle out how to work with the wind and the set of the sails, and the position of the tiller.

Is the temperature still high? After Pantheon's symbol was righted, a cool breeze was felt. Is there any breeze? How much of one?

Murphy relays to those on the boat whatever it is that Pressi communicates with him which he thinks pertinent for them to know.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday March 27th, 2018 6:59:15 PM
"I think you may have overpaid there, Murph," says Kezzem.

"Well, that's more about sailing than I know," says Kezzem. "I can cut ropes with my daggers though! Um, just tell me which ones. Gosh, I feel useless when there aren't things to stab or talk to. Maybe I should check out the sails with my paladin-sense. That one over there looks particularly shifty."

Kezzem will detect evil on the boat.

OOC: Where are our horses? I can summon Rumpus, but the what about the others?

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle)
Tuesday March 27th, 2018 10:19:53 PM

Bliss enjoys the ride!

The party is headed for the mountains, right?

Bliss hunts for rats and mice that may infest the ship.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 87/100. Freedom of Movement. Endure Elements.
Wednesday March 28th, 2018 12:29:39 AM

For Bliss: The mountains are North. The monks, apparently, South. So Murphy intends to head Southward, unless someone can explain why we should go to the mountains before we have the means to deal with the mountains..

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Wednesday March 28th, 2018 6:02:00 AM
Hobie is all for heading south toward the Monks.

(ooc: I'm sorry to post such short posts lately, I am very busy every day running around doing things to get settled here in Czech Republic, registering with the police, looking for apartments, getting cell phones etc. Once I'm settled, especially once I have my own apartment, I will have more time for consistent thoughtful posts)

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle)
Wednesday March 28th, 2018 7:34:54 AM

Bliss meows in agreement. South to the monks. Do they have what we seek? he wonders. What are we looking for, anyway, Maybe it is a monk weapon or maybe a monkey.

DM Carl - Welcome to ~~Rattledam~~ The Ruins of Rattledam
Wednesday March 28th, 2018 10:26:01 AM
There is indeed room for Harper in the boat, but not the ponies. Murphy set them up with sufficient food and water in Rattledam.

The party manually maneuvers the boat away from the dock before playing with the sails. There is a breeze, but it's hardly cool and warming quickly. Attempts are made to use the sails, but it's tougher than it looks.

This may seem like a pedantic question, but how are you determining what's north and south here in the Sargrass?

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle)
Wednesday March 28th, 2018 10:56:06 AM

Special: If you are trained in Survival, you can automatically determine where true north lies in relation to yourself.

Bliss thinks that he needs to get himself some survival one of these days! :-)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20=3 ; d20+12=29 ;
Wednesday March 28th, 2018 12:12:59 PM
Relentless Tracker: Pressi can add 8 to her tracking rolls to search for the monks but tips them off that she�s tracking.

Survival Roll for north 7, to track:29

Also need more survival, esp for warding ritual

Harper is on the boat eyeing the grass warily.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Wednesday March 28th, 2018 5:06:30 PM
(didn't we somehow know that the mountains were North? So wouldn't sailing away from them take us south?)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 87/100. Freedom of Movement. Endure Elements. d20+14=24 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+25=36 ;
Wednesday March 28th, 2018 6:48:04 PM

We can tell which way is north because the DM post told us we can see the Crystal Mountains to the north :-) ... Actually, both what Cayzle mentioned (Murphy has +12 on survival), and, Murphy has the, I realize now, redundant cantrip of know direction. I think I'll substitute another cantrip from here on out, since survival covers it.
Regarding sailing... Murphy, though not a sailor, is a fairly bright fellow (Int 16, Wis 18). Combining knowledge, engineering at 24, survival at 20, and knowledge, nature at 32, and using his perceptive (36) abilities to observe what happens when he does this, or that, or the other, I'm hoping that within an hour or two of experimentation, he and the rest of the crew (Hobie- Int, Str & Dex 18; Bliss- Int 16, Str 20, Dex 16; Kezzem Dex 20); will be able better to fathom and/or figure out how to this grassboat slides over the verdant sea, benefitting from the wind, the set of the sails, the tiller (or someone manning an oar to serve the role of a tiller), and the complex math and physics that make it all work.

"Anyone know any sailing songs?" Murphy asks as he fiddles with the sails.

He relays to Pressi things they are puzzling out on the boat and its accoutrements.

DM Ken: Being a wise and bright fellow who knows about the wind and nature and such is fine, but it's also not a substitute for ranks in the ability that governs the ability to sail skillfully. If such were the case, all skills would be some sort of ability check, with no real divisions or ranks to govern them.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday March 28th, 2018 7:56:39 PM
OOC: Kezzem intends to decipher which way is north via Murphey. He will toss bim in the air, and whichever way his head points is north.

Will post more later.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday March 28th, 2018 9:34:09 PM
"Have you heard of Tommy the fox,
He worked down at the docks,
He had to take a hike,
For the union's on strike,
Down on his luck like he had thr pox."

"Have you heard of Gina the fey,
At the tavern she worked all day,
Though she ate from a can,
She worked for her man,
And always brouht home her pay."

"They had to hold on to ehst they got,
It didn't matter if they were ready or not,
They had seach other,
That a lot to pother
For love they gave it a shot."

"To pay their bills they were halfway there,
You might say there were living on a prayer,
They struggle and fought,
For all that they got,
But in the end they make it I swear."

Bliss / CatBliss (AC26, HP92of96) (Cayzle) d20+5=9 ;
Thursday March 29th, 2018 10:41:23 AM

Bliss changes into a halfling, claps his hands, and dances to Sir Kezzem's song ... Perform 9. He falls down.

"Funny, I used to be a better dancer, I think. Back when Mookie was alive."

He shifts back to a cat and stands at the prow of the boat. He yowls! If you understand the speech of cats, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {"I'm The King Of The World!"}

DM Carl - Welcome to ~~Rattledam~~ The Ruins of Rattledam
Thursday March 29th, 2018 11:41:30 AM
Those who know how to read the motion of the sun, as well as other means of locating north, confirm that the mountains are indeed north...until Murphy brings out a know direction spell which says they're to the south.

It's hard to say which is right. Magic is affected here, but it's a whole other plane of existence. Who's to say which is correct. Maybe tracking by the stars will help, but it's morning. In the meantime, Humble's Sword has a choice to make about what direction is correct.

***

Yea, I know. This is stupid. I'm trying to avoid a situation that happened in Hook City, so please trust me and play along.

Regarding sailing without the profession, here's my official verdict: If the wind is blowing in the direction you want, it's easy enough to hold the sail open and move. It's like flying a plane that's already in the air, just gotta hold the yoke steady and make small corrections. Where you're going to get into trouble is with anything apart from ideal conditions. Avoiding boulders, docking, rough weather...anything like that is going to be difficult to handle. Those will require untrained profession rolls, which are capped at 10. I can pretty much guarantee you'll run into those situations.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday March 29th, 2018 7:14:14 PM
"So north is south now?" asks Kezzem. "What is this? What's next? Dogs and cats living together?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Thursday March 29th, 2018 10:22:00 PM
At Bliss' words, Harper chuckles.

Pressi casts guidance from time to time to help with untrained rolls. She asks if she could cast locate creature (manfri).

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 87/100. Freedom of Movement. Endure Elements.
Friday March 30th, 2018 3:37:46 AM
Murphy addresses everyone. "I was mistaken. We want to head toward the Crystalmist; that is where north lies around here. If you think you are looking south, then you're likely looking toward the north. You think that's west?" he asks, pointing in the direction he surmised only a few moments before to be the westerly direction. "Uh-uh. That's east."

He works with others to try to get the boat to come about, and travel towards the mountains.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 87/100. Freedom of Movement. Endure Elements. d20+25=34 ;
Friday March 30th, 2018 9:55:55 AM

As they travel over the grass, Murphy observes to see if there are various species of vegetation. As no one else has tried the shoes they found in the cleric's chamber, Murphy slips them on his feet, ties a silk rope to the boat, and lets others know he's going to try walking on the grass. "And please haul me in if I slip below it, fast!"

At first tentative, he works to get a feel for how the footwear functions.

If this goes well, he will take a moment when he comes upon a new type of vegetation and use his knife to get small samples - hoping the process of doing so does not provoke a grassy attack in return. The samples he uses to help him discern how he might wild shape into such plant forms. The druid spends about half an hour in this pursuit before reboarding (unless something untoward occurs in the interim). Then he gets the thought - how well might I be able to pull this boat? Since he is attached to it, he lets those on board know, then tries to skate ahead, rope about his waist, to see if he can increase the speed of the craft as he and it glide over the verdant surface.

After a while, he asks, "Would someone else like to try this, too?" If so, back on board he transfers the shoes to whoever volunteers.

Mr DM Carl - feel free to make whatever skill roles for Murphy you think might be applicable. Perception: 34

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 80/80. Endure Elements. d8+1=8 ; d8+1=9 ;
Friday March 30th, 2018 10:53:13 AM

Oh, and at some point, he bips himself with two applications of the wand of Cure Light Wounds, bringing his hit points back up to full.

And, a further thought - if there are leaves of the plants floating separately, unattached from the main plant, he will take those rather than cutting, where possible.

[sorry for multiple posts - I usually try to gather things, thoughts, together before making a single post. My time has been very fragmented the past few days.
----------
ALSO: I may need someone to post for Murphy this coming week. Am working full time, and taking a 28-hour class. Any volunteers?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Saturday March 31st, 2018 8:29:22 AM
(Guys I'm so sorry I haven't been posting, with all the new culture moving stuff this has just completely escaped my mind. I'm gonna catch up now and make a post for Hobie)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Saturday March 31st, 2018 8:42:53 AM
Hobie helps out as best he can with maneuvering the boat. He has no experience with sailing, but he tries where he can.

He keeps his bow at the ready, looking out into the distance for anything that could possibly be a threat.

DM Carl - Welcome to ~~Rattledam~~ The Ruins of Rattledam d4=2 ; d20+14=17 ;
Sunday April 1st, 2018 9:23:43 AM
Once that nonsense with the directions in this place is sorted out, the party starts their movement towards the mountains. Quick check of the wind (generated by a D4), shows it blowing west. Without a trained sailor on board, the best the sails can manage is a vaguely southwestern direction. It gets them closer to the mountains, but not very quickly. With some perseverence, the party will be able to make it to the mountains, but maybe the oars will be quicker until the wind changes?

The party makes it roughly an hour out. Rattledam has officially faded from view, making the Crystal Mountains the lone landmark in the entire Sargrass. Murphy decides to test out the shoes. It is surprisingly easy to walk on the Sargrass with the shoes. They don't appear magical, the grass just seems to naturally repel them. At a slight 45lbs, Murphy finds he walks just a few millimeters above the grass. Moving full speed requires some balance, but a decent enough speed can be managed regardless.

(Acrobactics check DC 15 to move full speed, otherwise move half speed).

With a lifeline attached, Murphy tests out dragging the boat. Unfortunately, the lack of fiction provided by walking just above the grass offers Murphy no leverage to tow. He basically walks in place, held back by the boat.

A sudden pull on the rope and the boat lurches forward (reflex save DC 10 or fall prone in the boat. Nat 1 means you've fallen overboard). Looking out, Murphy is no where to be seen, but the rope (pulled taut) is leading under the grass.

Murphy ONLY, Highlight to display spoiler: {down here in the grass, it's hard to tell, but you'd swear the grass itself is attacking you. No damage, and the grapple attempt against you was weak enough for you to escape from without too much difficulty. (grapple check 17 vs your CMB of 19 - enough to catch you flat footed, but not enough to hold you once you start wiggling).}

We're in combat rounds right now.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+8=24 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+9=15 ;
Sunday April 1st, 2018 2:22:22 PM
Hobie feels the lurch of the boat but manages to keep himself upright.
He quickly moves to the front of the boat and looks to where Murphy was, where the rope leads under the grass, and tries to look for Murph (Perception 20)

He tries to think through his studies for anything that might be relevant to what is happening
(Knowledge Planes 13, Knowledge Nature 15)

======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Grease, Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Mirror Image, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 26 HP 80/80. Endure Elements.
Sunday April 1st, 2018 11:51:21 PM

Murphy telepathically communicates with Pressi that he is all right, just pulled under by the local plants. "I'm going to see if I can somehow communicate with them. So, I'm changing into some sort of Sargrassian grass - just like the ones you see around you. Try not to attack them."

He wild shapes into a huge version of the surrounding plants which make up the local grass which is pulling him under.

[+8 size bonus to your Strength, a �2 penalty to your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus] [Am already going through eight hours of prep time for class, don't have time to look up all effects of these items. CAN SOMEONE HELP OUT? SWAMPED THIS WEEK!]

Murphy will attempt to communicate with plants. We are not here to harm you. We want to help save the Sargrass, both flora and fauna, and to save our world. Can you help us? We need to move toward the mountains that way," he tries to convey to them.

[To DM Carl: please feel free to request skill rolls - and go ahead and make them on Murphy's behalf if it will save time. I may have close to zero time to do any of that this week.]

ADM Kim
Sunday April 1st, 2018 11:52:16 PM

Can someone post for Murphy this week? -asks Kim

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Monday April 2nd, 2018 7:03:59 AM
Yeah I should have no problem posting.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+4=24 ;
Monday April 2nd, 2018 3:15:21 PM
To DM: Before I roll Murphy's skill rolls, I need a ruling as to whether he can communicate with the grass by turning into the grass.

--------------------

(Pressi and Harper saves: no fail)

Harper growls and wags her tail menacingly (Intimidate Natural 20)

Pressi is less than thrilled about this turn of events, thinking he'd be better off doing... well, lots of things, really. She does fire a guide gaze, however, that gives Murphy a +2 to his next skill rolls.

-----------

ritual grimalkin, shield of faith

rose control 14 hours
comprehend languages 20 minutes
read magic 15 minutes
flight 7 hrs

L1 - 2+1
L2 - 2+1
L4 - 1
read tattoo - 1/4
clair - 1/8
guide - 1

Bliss / CatBliss (AC24, HP92of96) (Cayzle) d20+10=26 ; d20+33=42 ; d20+20=38 ;
Monday April 2nd, 2018 5:00:34 PM

Reflex save vs DC10 - +10 mod, fails on a nat 1, rolls a 26.

Bliss in cat form per prior post, activates his Ritual Shield of Faith as a swift action and casts divine favor as a third level still silent spell. With his move action, he leaps from the prow down into the grass where Murphy was.

Acrobatics 42.

Bliss looks for Murphy and anything that grabbed him.

Perception 38 plus scent anf low light vision.

DM Carl - Out on the Sargrass d20+13=32 ; d10+6=7 ; d20+13=25 ; d10=8 ; d20+14=21 ;
Tuesday April 3rd, 2018 10:23:20 AM
Hobie remains upright, trying to look for Murphy. He can't see through the grass, but there's movement where the rope disappears. His knowledge of nature or outerplannar creatures fails him.

Pressi would rather not deal with this, but such is life. She aids Murphy in his attempts to communicate with whatever's got him. Harper lets whatever's out there know she's not messing around, but it's hard to know what effect that has.

Bliss is tough to knock over and easily stays upright. He casts protective spells on himself and bravely leaps into the grass to aid Murphy.

Murphy lets Pressi know he's ok; let's hope that's true. As whatever's grappling him tries to maintain a grip, the druid shapeshifts into a huge version of the grasses around him.

That's when things get interesting.

Bliss and Murphy both, from their vantage point in the grass, are able to get a better look at whatever's attacking. It's not a creature any of you recognize, but it's not a plant. It is tall, skinny, and blends in perfectly with its surroundings, but it's definitely bipedal. Its "face" is blank, with no visible eyes, nose or mouth. One of its "arms" is nothing more than a jagged spike, the other a tendril covered in hooks.

Murphy's attempts to communicate fail, as they're not plants. The creature's hold on Murphy breaks as the druid wildshapes, though. Murphy also realizes something is off about his wild shape. He's huge and plant like, but unlike the local grass he is tinged red and feels something in the back of his mind. It is feral and untamed. He feels a strong desire to consume, to spread, to become everything and watch everything become...something else.

Will save DC 10 or treat all creatures, friends or not, as hostile.

The creature may not have Murphy in a grapple, but it's still in a position to hurt him. It thrusts its spiked appendage into Murphy, tearing through the grasses that make up the druid's wildshape. A gray, viscous liquid is left behind, but plants are immune to poison. Murphy takes 7 slashing damage.

Bliss, meanwhile, smells something fishy & wheels around in time to see another one of these things attacking. He's not caught flat-footed, but is still hit as it tries to wrap its tendril-like arm around CatBliss. Bliss takes 8 bludgeoning damage. Grab attempt is 21 & fails vs. Bliss' 27 CMD (kindly put your CMD in your header, bud.)

ADM Kim
Tuesday April 3rd, 2018 12:19:50 PM

Murphy has a legacy item which grants powerful shape - thus the huge size option.

Thanks for taking over posting for me, Melvin!

DM Carl - Out on the Sargrass
Tuesday April 3rd, 2018 12:21:17 PM
Roger that. Thanks, Kim. I'll update the post.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+16=29 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+10=23 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+1=3 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+1=4 ;
Tuesday April 3rd, 2018 12:48:34 PM
POSTING FOR KEZZEM

Kezzem quickdraws his daggers, and throws four of them rapidly at the creature attacking Murphy

Attack 29
Damage 3

Attack 27
Damage 3

Attack 12 (Natural 1)
Damage 5

Attack 23
Damage 4

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+18=24 ; d3+2=5 ;
Tuesday April 3rd, 2018 12:54:45 PM
Oh I just reread your post and saw that Hobie couldn't see what's going on, even standing there looking, so Kezzem probably couldnt see either.

Kezzem leaps down from the boat, using the rope to guide himself toward Murphy, and attacks the creature there if he can see him

Attack 24
Damage 5

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2
Tuesday April 3rd, 2018 1:00:08 PM
Hobie can't see what is attacking his friends, but he remembers the monocle they found which should be able to identify threats, and he grabs it from among the group's things in the boat (we never really said who took possession of it. Murphy looked at it but didn't write that he was keeping it) and looks through it to see if the enemies become evident.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday April 3rd, 2018 1:17:29 PM
Kezzem will detect evil at the plant creatures before jumping in.

Ooc: Sorry I missed yesterdays post. Mondays are super busy for me.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC25, CMD30, HP104of116) (Cayzle) d20+12=29 ; d2+13=15 ; d20+12=29 ; d2+13=15 ; d20+12=23 ; d3+13=15 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday April 3rd, 2018 2:25:02 PM

Bliss focuses all his attention fiercely on the thing attacking him (rage as free action). He is cautious, however, and strikes carefully (fighting on the defensive, no action). With a five ft step to enter the enemy's square, Bliss claws, claws, and bites!

A claw hits AC29 for 15 damage.
A claw hits AC29 for 15 damage.
A bite hits AC23 for 17 nonlethal damage.

Status:
Cat form (see cat sheet for base stats, no barkskin at present)
Divine Favor +2 att, dam (rnd 1 of 10)
Shield of Faith +3 AC & CMD (rnd 2 of 46)
Rage +4 str (+2 att, dam) +4 con (+2 fort saves) -2 AC +2 will saves (rnd 1 of 14)
Fighting Defensively -4 att, +3 AC
NET: +0 att, +4 dam, +1 AC, +3 CMD

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Melvin subbing for Kim) AC 26 (24) HP 73/80. d20+12=18 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+10=24 ; d6+5=10 ;
Tuesday April 3rd, 2018 9:42:26 PM
Murphy shakes off the red attack upon him. "Huh, must be something I didn't eat."

Murphy takes in the situation and the creature before him (Know Nature 32). "One of these days, a trick like this will actually pay off, and won't you be surprised then. In the meantime...."

Murphy tests out the creature's insulation by firing off a lightning arc (domain ability) at the creature (range touch AC 24, damage 10).

---------------

-------

wildshaped: huge grass monster [+8 size bonus to your Strength, a �2 penalty to your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus]
Endure Elements.

light arc - 1
wildshape - 1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Tuesday April 3rd, 2018 11:18:17 PM
Pressi casts spectral hand while circling the creature.

DM Carl - Out on the Sargrass d20+14=28 ; d20+14=31 ; d10+6=14 ; d10+6=10 ;
Wednesday April 4th, 2018 10:02:20 AM
Kezzem detects evil using his inate paladin abilities. Looking towards Murphy and Bliss, he indeed detects evil.

(Two posts for Kezzem, I used the one by the actual player. Thanks to Nick for jumping in and subbing, though.)

Hobie peeks through the monocle they found. He is able to clearly see the outlines of two creatures in the grass. They're humanoid, but very tall and thin. They'd have no problem blending into the grass. The lens is really hard on the eyes, though. Hobie takes 2 non-lethal damage.

Pressi prepares a spectral hand spell.

Murphy shakes off the unwelcome urges he's experiencing and shocks the creature with a small bolt of lightning. The electricity grounds out quickly, but chars the creature on the way down.

Bliss is having none of this and attacks tooth and claw. He strikes three times, but the creature weaves back and forth like reeds on the wind. It blunts some of the impact of Bliss' attacks.

The two creatures press their attacks. Murphy is struck again by the creature's spiked arm. Hit AC 28 for 14 damage. The creature Bliss attacked also strikes back, hitting AC 31 for 10 damage. Bliss must make a DC 13 Fort save or be stunned one round.

...and just like that, both creatures vanish. Both the monocle and Kezzem's detection spells are unable to locate either of them. It looks like the party is alone again.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC25, CMD30, HP94of116) (Cayzle) d20=14 ; d20=17 ; d20+12=28 ; d3+13=15 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday April 4th, 2018 7:36:24 PM

Fort save (at +2 due to +4 con raging) ... at +15 only fails on a nat 1 ... rolls a 14 so no prob.

BTW, since Bliss was not stunned, does he get an AoO since it seemed to attack and move in the same round? That is, it did not use the withdraw action ... Bliss guesses? If so, he snaps with a bite, hitting AC28 for 18 damage nonlethal.

Bliss uses his scent to try to track the fellow. Untrained survival + scent to track ... a 17 may find a trail! He follows and tries to engage.

"MEOWWWRR!" he yowls as he pursues.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Wednesday April 4th, 2018 9:32:37 PM
"So, that happened," Pressi replied as she cast detect magic through the area.

-----------

ritual grimalkin, shield of faith

rose control 14 hours
comprehend languages 20 minutes
read magic 15 minutes
flight 7 hrs
spectral hand 8 mins

L1 - 2+1
L2 - 2+1
L4 - 1
read tattoo - 1/4
clair - 1/8
guide - 1

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday April 4th, 2018 10:43:45 PM
"By Gargul's dagger, I smite at...hey, where did he go?"

Kezzem attempts to detect evil again...just in case.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2
Thursday April 5th, 2018 11:07:18 AM
"Are you guys okay down there?!"
Hobie offers to help his friends up by pulling them up with the rope.

"I found what this monocle is for, I was not able to see the creatures with my bare eyes, but with this monocle they showed up clear as day. It gives a mighty headache though. Youch!" Hobie rubs his forehead.

"Well, should we keep going? Maybe stay in the boat this time?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Melvin subbing for Kim) AC 26 (24) HP 59/80.
Thursday April 5th, 2018 11:29:00 AM
"Hhm, so that would explain look before you leap," Murphy mused. "This could be a problem - and a reminder that we might need to reserve our resources better. Pressi, can you keep a closer eye in the sky for anything out there?"

Upon her assent, Murphy takes another look around. He also takes the opportunity of his form to push the boat forward in the correct direction before shifting back and climbing aboard.

DM Ken, "So, that happened."
Thursday April 5th, 2018 12:54:51 PM

Bliss feels his teeth find purchase on the creature he fought one final time, but its tough and rubbery skin seems to blunt much of the impact of his bite. He pursues, sniffing the air.

Bliss doesn't smell any new smells, nor can he pinpoint the creature any longer. That tells him the creature is more than sixty feet away. There also is not a trail leading in any particular direction for him to follow. The tracks stopped where he last fought the enemy. This tells him that the creature is capable of some form of instantaneous movement, plane shifting, moving without a trace, or teleportation. Which one, of course, is impossible to determine.

------------

Pressi detects magic, a bit surprised at the sudden engagement and retreat of their enemies. On the whole, the attack lasted a little of 20 seconds, and the attackers left nothing behind but a few wounds and scratches, plus a small puddle of poison that had no effect on Murphy, who was fortunate enough to be in a plant form when the attack occured.

-------------

Kezzem detects for evil one last time. He detects nothing within the 60ft area of the spell, reinforcing the idea that the enemies possessed the ability to quickly move from one location to another.

-------------

Hobie tells the others that the monocle does indeed identify the foes among the plants they camouflage with so well.

------------

Murphy pushes their boat back the correct direction, and the party resumes their travels. (I think)

------------
------------

(Only Bliss seemed interested in pursuing the foe. This assumes Humbles Shield does not go on a hunt.)

A few hours into their travel, their small skiff begins to pick up speed, skipping over the grasses. While travel speed has increased, control of the craft is becoming difficult.

Survival DC 20:(Base 15, +5 for Sargrass unfamiliarity) Highlight to display spoiler: { It seems that there is some sort of wind storm brewing. Several hot winds, though subtle, have begun to whip across the Sargrass. You predict that in less than an hour, it will be upon you. If you don't want to have to try piloting the craft through the storm, it might be a good idea to call a stop for a little while and find a way to moor your craft and prepare for the storm.)}

Bliss / CatBliss (AC25, CMD30, HP94of116) (Cayzle) d20=5 ;
Thursday April 5th, 2018 7:27:07 PM
Bliss growls, then returns to the boat and shifts back to halfling form. He explains what he saw, as well as his deduction that they could blip around.

Bliss does his best to help with the ship ... Aid Another 5, nope!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+1=12 ;
Thursday April 5th, 2018 8:10:38 PM
Kezzem assists to the best of his ability.

Aid another survival: 12.
+2 from Kezzem

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Melvin subbing for Kim) AC 26 HP 59/80. d20+12=28 ; d20+15=22 ;
Friday April 6th, 2018 9:16:22 AM
(Murphy's survival roll 28+2 from Kezzem)

Murphy, having shifted back into form, watches the storm coming towards them. (He had considered staying in form to continue pushing, but the speed increase of the boat made that too difficult so he shrank down and climbed back aboard.)

"And with nobody here having sailing experience, I think we are just going to have to wait it out. We have about an hour to get this boat moored and prepared so are there any suggestions?"

While Pressi began flying in ever-growing circles looking for a place to moor the craft, Murphy instructs Hobie to keep using the monocle, which might reveal hidden ports or foes.

He also began to get to work, making checks to see if he can determine better ways to wait out the storm (Know Nature 22). Remembering the adventures told by Hazel of his second cousin's former roomate's sister (look it up), Murphy began to cast mending after mending in an attempt to craft the various bags and cloth into makeshift tarps and various pieces of wood into bolsters for the sailboat.

He also continued to cast "Know Direction" in order to keep their bearings straight.

Finally, he casts "control winds" as the storm gets closer, hoping that he can push away the storm.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Melvin subbing for Kim) AC 26 HP 77/80 d8+1=7 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=8 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=7 ;
Friday April 6th, 2018 10:31:13 AM

[Thanks, Melvin!] Murphy also takes a minute before things get too bad to heal up Bliss and himself (Bliss to full, Murphy to 77/80).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+9=26 ; d20+19=32 ;
Friday April 6th, 2018 11:07:43 AM
Pressi continues to fly around (fly check 26 in case she hits wind) looking for a port (Perception 32, detect magic).

DM Ken, "So, that happened."
Friday April 6th, 2018 12:36:03 PM
Pressi continues to scout ahead, flying for a good while on her broom. She navigates the increasing winds, but gets called in for a team meeting. While she discovered no ports or town in their immediate area, many miles to the south she spotted a small clearing in the Sargrass. In addition to this clearing, she notices several isolated wooden buildings, probably homes, dotting the landscape. One of these, or perhaps the clearing, might make a decent spot for camp on their journey.

It is requested that Hobie wear those goggles nonstop, but he patiently reminds Murphy that every round they are worn, he will take d6 subdual damage. They are not meant for long term use.

Kezzem does his best to try and help Murphy get things ready for the oncoming storm, but mostly gets in the way rather than being much help at all. Bliss has every good intention as well, but the lines of rope hanging from the mast get the better of his kitty instincts, and he instead finds himself all wrapped in twine.

Murphy suggests they wait out the storm, and makes several preparations of his own. He is pretty certain he will be able to pinpoint when the storm comes across, and he is learning to read the winds of the Grass. He is certain that he can hold back the brunt of the storm, but he projects that the wind storm will last longer than he can channel his spell. (Good job on the high survival check) He has a decision to make.

Does he try to deflect the beginning of the storm, or the end of it? Perhaps he will wait for it to reach it's zenith? Either way, the spell is not quite yet cast.

----------------------

Regarding preparations for the storm, there isn't a lot of time. Being the smart people that you lot are, you recognize three main tasks. (A +5 DC modifier has been applied to survival checks to represent the difficulty of dealing with the Sargrass.)

Securing the sails of the vessel. Due to this boats particular construction, it does not seem that the sails can be removed. (Profession Sailor: DC 15, or Intelligence check DC 18)

Anchoring the vessel to the ground. (Profession Sailor: DC 15, or Wisdom check DC 18)

Setting up some form of shelter from the wind storm. (Survival: DC 20.)

----------------

In the forty five minutes before the storm arrives, each character has enough time to attempt three of these tasks and aid another on one other task of their choosing. (I will apply it to the attempt that needs it the most) They may attempt the same task more than once, even if they fail the first time.

Each task will have varying degrees of success against the coming storm based on how many successes is logged. The more successes, the better.

Each player may trade one of their task attempts to weatherize the party gear and companions instead, per the survival skill, DC 20. If you succeed, gain a +2 bonus on all Fortitude saves against severe weather while moving up to half your overland speed, or gain a +4 bonus if you remain stationary. You may grant the same bonus to one other character for every 1 point by which your Survival check result exceeds 20.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+1=16 ; d20+1=12 ; d20+1=3 ;
Friday April 6th, 2018 12:52:08 PM
Kezzem will attempt to anchor the vessel to the ground.

Wisdom Check #1: 16. (Could make it with an Aid Another check).

Wisdom Check #2: 12.

After failing twice, he assists someone else in doing so.

Aid Another: 3.

Apparently, his expertise is all on how to fail.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+1=4 ;
Friday April 6th, 2018 1:24:53 PM
Sorry, misunderstood, it was three attempts PLUS aid another.

Wisdom Check #3: 4.

Well, that's no help.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2 d20+4=11 ; d20+4=5 ; d20+4=22 ;
Friday April 6th, 2018 2:36:54 PM
Hobie will work as hard as he can on the sails, trying to secure them as best he can.

He rolls 11, 5, and 22 on his Intelligence checks, so one success.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 79/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2 d20+4=18 ;
Friday April 6th, 2018 2:38:06 PM
Aid another 18

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 82/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers
Friday April 6th, 2018 3:26:26 PM
I�m traveling to a funereal. Can someone roll for Pressi?

DM Ken: I'll do it. My condolences for your loss.

SUB POST FOR PRESSI (By Ken E.) d20+4=17 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+4=24 ;
Friday April 6th, 2018 3:59:27 PM

Pressi also works on the sails.

17 +2 = 19 (using hobies successful aid another), 12, 24.

Alongside Hobie, the two of them successfully secure the sails.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC25, CMD30, HP96) (Cayzle) d20+2=9 ; d20+2=3 ; d20+2=17 ; d20+2=4 ;
Friday April 6th, 2018 4:05:41 PM

Bliss untangles himself from the ropes in time to hear about this storm that is coming.

It's easier to have great ideas when you have had years of experience. So Bliss uses his age-altering spell to become super-duper old!!! [OOC: +4 wisdom gives Bliss a 14.]

He has an idea on anchoring the ship to the ground. "You can't anchor a boat if you got no anchor!" He gets out his magic pot, puts it face down, and expands it to maximum size (big enough that a taur could fit inside). He ties ropes from the handles to the ship. "That should help!" he says.

Three anchor rolls: 9, 3, and 17. That 17 is close ... maybe a +1 circumstance modifier from the pot?

And an aid another check: 4

Other preparation: Bliss casts his Barkskin spell about 10 minutes before the storm hits. Back in young cat form, he digs a scrape under the lip of his face-down pot. Then back to halfling form to shout into the wind to his friends ... "ANYONE WHO WANTS TO CAN SHELTER UNDER MY POT! I BET ALL FIVE OF US COULD FIT!"

Then back to cat form to crawl under the pot, then in halfling form to pull in friends who try to wriggle under. When all are inside, back to cat form to save space.

DM Ken points out that the Bloodwitch writeup says: "Cauldrons come in sizes tiny, small, medium, and large. A cauldron can hold one creature of the same size category or smaller."]

Bliss / CatBliss (AC25, CMD30, HP96) (Cayzle)
Friday April 6th, 2018 4:07:53 PM

On reflection, Bliss is making shelter AND anchorage. How you interpret all that is up to you, oh kindly DM!

Bliss ponders again his need for some basic survival skills!

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Melvin subbing for Kim) AC 26 HP 77/80 d20+3=14 ; d20+12=17 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+25=34 ; d20+25=40 ; d20+25=33 ;
Monday April 9th, 2018 12:20:17 AM
Murphy aids Pressi and Hobie in fixing the sails, and Bliss in anchoring the grass boat to the ground.

Murphy aims to weatherize the party gear and his companions against the coming storm (Survival DC 22). Besides himself, he also does so for Pressi and Hobie. Bliss should be well protected within the cauldron, and Kezzem is pretty tough as he is.

If there is time, he also fixes silk ropes in several points along the perimeter of the boat, with loops one can place limbs through to help prevent being blown off the boat.

He waits until 45 minutes before the zenith of the storm's force arrives to cast control winds, so that the lead in to the full force and the trailing off of the same are significantly mitigated, dropping off by 3 levels of force. The effect lasts until nearly an hour (55 minutes) after the peak of the storm. The area of effect is 400 feet out in all directions from the boat's mainmast, to a height of 40 feet.

Prior to casting that spell, he helps his friends to work to keep the boat faced toward the brunt of the wind, and to deal with any grassy waves which may rock the boat.

"I don't know whether the creatures that attacked us earlier will do so - but it's possible we may have more than the storm to deal with in the midst of the storm. Be alert."

Perception: 34 up until control winds is cast, 40 for duration of control winds, 33 thereafter.

DM Ken, Riding out the Storm
Monday April 9th, 2018 1:39:22 PM

The ships sails are expertly secured. There's little doubt that they will survive the coming storm. The ship itself is anchored as best as you can manage, to Bliss's cauldron. Not much progress was made however, in making any sort of shelter, so Humbles Ford is stuck with being stuck on the open deck, while Bliss hides below the "surface" of the Grass, hidden under his pot.

As the winds whip up, Murphy makes his best guess as to when the storm will reach it's peak. He knows the storm will last longer than 55 minutes, so he (as best as him DM understands it) tries to straddle the peak of the storm, and allowing the beginning and endings winds to do as they will. There was not time to secure yourselves with ropes.

--------------------------------
Storm Phase 1: Severe Winds.. 30 minutes.
Small Creatures: Creatures of this size or smaller are unable to move forward against the force of the wind unless they succeed on a DC 10 Strength check (if on the ground) or a DC 20 Fly skill check if airborne.
Tiny Creatures: Creatures on the ground are knocked prone and rolled 1d4 � 10 feet, taking 1d4 points of nonlethal damage per 10 feet, unless they make a DC 15 Strength check. Flying creatures are blown back 2d6 � 10 feet and take 2d6 points of nonlethal damage due to battering and buffeting, unless they succeed on a DC 25 Fly skill check.
---------------------------------

Murphy's spell is not yet in effect. The forces from the wind pick up to severe, and movement for those on the boat (Kezzem, Murphy, and Pressi) is difficult. Bliss, hiding under his cauldron, is safely insulated from the wind, but has no real idea about what is happening around him.

Tubes and pieces of sharp Sargrass swirl with the winds. Everyone but Bliss, please make 3 DC 15 reflex saves -4, or take 1d6 damage per failed save from the sharp grasses caught in the storm.

Event: The rope tied to the anchor is whipping wildly back and forth! There's too much slack in the line. You can try to handle it now, dealing with the wind at its current speeds, or wait until later (assuming it lasts) and fix it when Murphys spell reduces some of the wind volume.

Acrobatics check DC 20 to fix the rope. (Don't forget the Str check to actually move to the rope)

Bliss / CatBliss (AC25, CMD30, HP96) (Cayzle)
Monday April 9th, 2018 2:29:23 PM

Bliss waits out the storm and wishes there were room under his pot for more of his friends. He listens as best he can to figure out what is going on outside.

Then he has an idea. "Pot, dear pot, please tell me what is happening outside!"

[OOC: Note that Bliss's pot, per the rules for a 6th level bloodwitch, has Int 10, speech, and can see and hear with a range of 60 ft.]

If so far the pot does not see anyone in great danger or need of rescue, then Bliss will stay put.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+1=11 ; d20+7=23 ;
Monday April 9th, 2018 11:14:54 PM
"The rope loose! Dont'w worry, I'll get it!"

Kezzem attempts to make his way to the rope.

Strength DC 10: 11. Made.
Acrobatics: DC 23. Made!

"All right, I'm useful at something that doesn't involve talking or stabbing!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a AC 26 HP 80/80 d20+2=22 ; d20+2=11 ; d20+2=9 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d20+1=8 ; d8+1=8 ; d8+1=5 ;
Tuesday April 10th, 2018 12:32:09 AM

Murphy avoids the early shards and torn grass bits, but is struck well in another gust, and somewhat again in a third (6, 3 = 9 hp). He clings to the mast, arms and legs both, unable to gather enough strength to help Kezzem with the anchor rope.

"Good work, Kezzem!" he shouts.

Having weatherized his gear, and with cloak wrapped about him, Murphy lets go with one hand, reaches within the cloak to reach the bandolier wherein his wand of cure light wounds is kept, and heals himself, keeping the wand under wraps, with CLW 8, then 5, going from 68 hp to a full 80. He resecures the wand in the bandolier. "WHO NEEDS HEALING?" he calls out over the wind.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 75/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 56/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+10=27 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+10=13 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=22 ; d6=3 ; d20+4=6 ;
Tuesday April 10th, 2018 1:59:30 PM
"Son of a..." Pressi mutters as she is struck by debris twice (7 damage).

Harper does a better job, only getting hit once (3 damage). She grabs onto Kezzem, attempting to aid him in moving the rope to a better position (strength roll 6).

DM Ken, Riding out the Storm d20=5 ; d20=19 ; d20=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d20=8 d20=8 d20=8 d6=2 d6=5 d6=2
Tuesday April 10th, 2018 2:50:53 PM
(Kezzem forgot to save vs the blowing debris, so his DM rolled his saves. He failed 2. Kezzem takes 10 damage)

Hobie has not posted, so here are his saves. (12, 12, 12). Hobie takes 9 damage.

--------------------------------
Storm Phase 2: Windstorm. (Reduced to moderate winds) 20 minutes.
Small Creatures: No penalty.
Tiny Creatures: No penalty.
---------------------------------

Kezzem crawls bravely towards the whipping rope, and despite the powerful winds, secures the ropes excess line. He is cheered on by Murphy, who heals himself with his wand. Bliss, hiding underneath his pot, is oblivious to everything but the sound of the wind and the *clink* and *thwap* of grasses bouncing off of his cauldron. His pot has little to report, other than grasses bouncing off his exterior.

Pressi holds on, despite getting takes a few cuts from flying debris. She snags Kezzem to try and help, but he seems to have things well in hand.

It's at this point Murphy casts his spell, and the wind, which had begun to rise in both strength and sustained volume, are suddenly pushed back and repelled, reduced to a moderate gust with no real difficulty to manage.

Though the blasts of wind are substantially reduced, the din of the wind is loud and powerful, as both Murphys spell and the natural forces of the storm collide. For a moment, it seems as if you are alone, and in relatively little danger.

(Suvival and Perception checks please. )

Bliss / CatBliss (AC25, CMD30, HP96) (Cayzle) d20=9 ; d20+20=34 ;
Tuesday April 10th, 2018 3:07:32 PM
As the storm ebbs, Bliss sticks his head out for a lookie-loo. In halfling form.

Survival (untrained) 9

Perception 34

"Hi everybody! Some storm, huh?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 70/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2 d20+15=29 ;
Tuesday April 10th, 2018 3:17:03 PM
Hobie picks up his head after the wind dies down a bit, "Geez, that was rough."

He looks around (Perc 29) at their surroundings to see what he can see now that the storm has finished.

He plucks nervously at his bow string.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 99/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+1=16 ; d20+1=16 ;
Tuesday April 10th, 2018 6:16:27 PM
"Youch!" says Kezzem as he is struck with debris and a random Pressi.

Perception: 16.
Survival: 16.

"Hey, Pressi, knock it off!" says Kezzem. "I know its hard to keep your hands off me, but what would Murphy think?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a AC 26 HP 80/80 d20+12=25 ; d20+25=44 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=6 ;
Wednesday April 11th, 2018 1:03:33 AM
As his domain spell takes hold, Murphy observes closely for a moment at the effects. "That gives us about an hour and a half of respite. It may worsen in the midst of it by a certain amount if the storm around increases, but I don't think we're likely to get ripped apart." [Note: control winds lasts 100 minutes, or 1 hour 40 minutes] He relinquishes his post at the mast.

He mentally, briefly, communicates telepathically with Pressi about the pull to rage and destruction he felt when wild shaped into the grass form, and posits it may have something to do with his earlier exposure to the meteor - or, perhaps, with something he has yet to discern about the local environment. Keep an eye, on me, Press. Tell the others what I told you if you wish.

He heals Hobie for 6+6=12 hp damage (back to full); Kezzem for 7hp (down by 3), and Pressi for 9 hp (back to full). "Yes, Pressi, what would I think?" he asks his love with a wink. He cures Harper for 6hp (back to full).

"Windstorms can last for short times, or long times. I do not know the Sargrass well, obviously," he tells his friends. "My recommendation: How about two or three of you work on bettering the shelter here on the boat, and someone place looped ropes along the edges to keep us attached to the boat should the storm outlast my spell? I'm going to spend about ten minutes or so communing with nature, to learn what secrets the Sargrass might reveal to me." He finds a secure place to sit, wraps some rope around something to help keep him from getting blown away or knocked about too much during the time he spends meditating. He swiftly casts know direction, to fix in his mind the way to the mountains, then
begins to reach out to the local environment, out to a radius of ten miles (or more? or less? - depending upon whether the 'difference' Murphy earlier sensed affects spell durations or effects).

He particularly attends to the area between the boat and the mountains. He seeks knowledge of the ground or terrain which forms the bottom of the grassy sea, the plants, and the general population of critters dwelling within the grassy domain. If a fourth area is available to him to discern (based on the so-far vague notion that 'things are different' for Murphy here), he checks to learn whether there may be any powerful unnatural creatures.
==========
Survival: 25
Perception: 44

Bliss / CatBliss (AC25, CMD30, HP96) (Cayzle)
Wednesday April 11th, 2018 7:11:41 AM

Bliss laughs at Kezzem. "Too funny!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+19=26 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=11 ;
Wednesday April 11th, 2018 12:30:14 PM
To Kezzem and Murphy's questions of what anyone would think, "I would think people need to learn the difference between me and my cat, Kenneth." Looking at her hands, "It has been a while since my last manicure but it hasn't been that long."

Harper let go of Kezzem, growling lowly.

Pressi makes her checks (Perception 26, Survival 6), decides against telling people about Murphy's strange pull, and accepts the healing graciously.

Not skilled at weatherizing or building shelter (not a lot of survival points - like Bliss, Pressi contemplates adding some at her next chance), she considers scrying the monk they are chasing (she has the tapestry but not the time) or a divination, but ultimately chooses to save the spell slot. Instead, she chooses to recheck that the sail lines are secured (Int Check 11)

-----------

ritual grimalkin, shield of faith

rose control 9 hours
flight 2 hrs (on boat)

L1 - 2+1
L2 - 2+1
L4 - 1
read tattoo - 1/4
clair - 1/8
guide - 1

DM Ken, Riding out the Storm
Wednesday April 11th, 2018 7:06:15 PM
--------------------------------
Storm Phase 3: Hurricane Winds. (Reduced to strong winds) 30 minutes.
Small Creatures: No penalty.
Tiny Creatures: Creatures of this size or smaller are unable to move forward against the force of the wind unless they succeed on a DC 10 Strength check (if on the ground) or a DC 20 Fly skill check if airborne.
---------------------------------

50 minutes have expired from Murphy's spell.

Hobie is glad for the respite, and surveys the surrounding area. He sees nothing out of place, but he isn't even familiar enough with the Sargrass to know "out of place" from normal around here.

Bliss also keeps an eye out on patrol, on the ground floor of the Sargrass. He doesn't venture out from his pot, and thus can't really see much of his surroundings. "Some storm huh?!", asks the hobbit. "Says the halfling who used me as a shield.", says his Cauldron, in a ringing, high pitched voice.

Kezzem isn't much able to concentrate with arms full of Pressi. He takes a quick look around, as much for enemies as for Murphy.

Murphy can commune with nature, and he does so. His spell has a range of ten miles. He focuses on the direction from whence they came, to the north towards the mountains. (Remember you have been traveling south, towards the last known location of a band of monks) He concentrates on the following items.

"He seeks knowledge of the ground or terrain which forms the bottom of the grassy sea, the plants, and the general population of critters dwelling within the grassy domain. "

"Murphy feels a sense of wariness from the Sargrass, a deliberate caution that is often seen among intricate forms of plantlife, whereas one grass or tree will send chemical signals to other grasses or trees, warning that a predator or pest in nearby. The Sargrass -is- an immortal power, and it's denizens have developed a sort of third sense, whereas the creatures within go about their lives and roles, but almost all are on alert when something foreign is present.

As he falls deeper into his trance, he feels that wariness ease a little. He learns that the floor of the Sargrass is much like the floor of most canopy topped rain forests, filled with predators and herbivores, as well as a collective intelligence of some sort.

The ground on the floor hosts a range of geology. There are sandy pits, hard clay, caverns, soft dirt, and rocky dusty expanses. Each type of terrain is host to dozens of breeds of Sargrass, which is as much predator as it is prey, and it seems to be intricately bonded to the many types of creatures and micro systems in this plane. Some Sargrasses are harvested, and you feel they could be used in healing, poisons, construction, and conservation. There's probably a type of Sargrass to fulfill the need of any man or beast in this region.

There are a number of pack animals that Murphy is aware of. Some seem to have developed long necks to see above the grasses, and mix herds with smaller animals that observe below the surface. Several groups of swift footed raptors seem to be stalking them, seeking an opening. Powerfully built predators with large horns and bony plates seem like the solitary sort, perhaps only pairing to mate."

Murphy's knowledge is gained in an instant, once he finished the ten minutes of preparation required by the spell. In addition, thanks to his control winds spell, the others are each allowed one more check to secure their shelter or their anchor.

(Reminder)

Anchoring the vessel to the ground. (Profession Sailor: DC 15, or Wisdom check DC 18)

Setting up some form of shelter from the wind storm. (Survival: DC 20.)

Please be sure to state whether your character is preparing above or below the surface. Note that the winds have picked up a little more. Tiny creatures are in small danger.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 99/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+1=3 ;
Wednesday April 11th, 2018 7:17:15 PM
"Man, this storm makes everything confusing. I confused Pressi with kitty. Maybe you do need to trim those nails, eh Pressi? And maybe shave those legs."

Kezzem continues to work on the anchor.

Wisdom: 3.

Well, with a Wisdom check like that, that might explain a few things....

DM Ken, Riding out the Storm
Wednesday April 11th, 2018 7:21:30 PM

Murphy: Receive 1 hero point for excellent use of usually useless druid spells.
Kezzem: Receive 1 hero point for fixing the anchor before its a problem.
Bliss's Cauldron: Receive 1 hero point for rescuing your Halfling. (Only characters get hero points, so Bliss has to name his cauldron in order for it to store up this point.)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 70/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2 d20=16 ;
Thursday April 12th, 2018 12:48:07 AM
With the winds picking up, Hobie puts Prowler back into his efficient quiver, and moves to tie a rope around his waist and secure it to the mast. He tries to find some sort of tarp or heavy sheet to place over himself in the event of more sharp flying debris, and he lays prone to wait out the storm. Survival 20.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+4=14 ;
Thursday April 12th, 2018 11:58:52 AM
Pressi takes one more stab at providing shelter for herself and Harper (survival 14) and falls short. She and Harper head below the surface.

She tries to think creatively but nothing really comes out as a good idea. (Most of her spells don't really allow for much creatively - they do what they do.) At least she can save a few spell slots for the inevitable cleanup.

---------------------

ritual grimalkin, shield of faith

rose control 9 hours
flight 2 hrs (on boat)

L1 - 2+1
L2 - 2+1
L4 - 1
read tattoo - 1/4
clair - 1/8
guide - 1

Bliss / CatBliss (AC25, CMD30, HP96) (Cayzle) d20=10 ;
Thursday April 12th, 2018 12:41:48 PM

Bliss is grateful to his cauldron for her protection. "Auntie, you are the best! Thank you!"

But his efforts to help with the anchoring are pretty dismal. Oh well.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a AC 26 HP 80/80 d20+14=32 ; d20+12=31 ;
Thursday April 12th, 2018 2:24:42 PM
Murphy tells the crew about all he just learned.

Then he uses his acquaintance with principles of engineering, and the materials at hand, to provide shelter for all, and to shore up the integrity of their vessel in order to help it, and them, to get through to the other side of the battering of the storm.

Materials List to help in protecting boat and crew:
2 square yards of canvas
Fishing net
Iron pot
50' hemp rope
2 x 50' silk rope
5 sacks
Oil
Medium sized blanket
Bucket
Sling staff
Sewing needles
50' twine
500' of thread
Block and tackle

Plus whatever came with the boat itself, and whatever else his companions might have to offer in the effort.
========
Knowledge, engineering: 32
Survival: 31

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a AC 26 HP 80/80
Thursday April 12th, 2018 3:35:49 PM
Oh, and if some of the local grasses might be of benefit in protecting the boat, and providing shelter, Murphy may consider using some of those, as well. Understanding more now about the plant life, he takes care in his selection - and whether it might be wiser to avoid using or harming some types versus others. He decides to use only the odds and ends of already uprooted or separated plants, rather than using anything firmly rooted. He wants to remain at peace with the flora.

DM Ken, Riding out the Storm d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d20+13=24 ; d10=7 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday April 12th, 2018 9:14:53 PM

--------------------------------
Storm Phase 4: Tornado Winds. (Reduced to severe winds) 30 minutes.
Small Creatures: Creatures of this size or smaller are unable to move forward against the force of the wind unless they succeed on a DC 10 Strength check (if on the ground) or a DC 20 Fly skill check if airborne.
Tiny Creatures: Creatures on the ground are knocked prone and rolled 1d4 � 10 feet, taking 1d4 points of nonlethal damage per 10 feet, unless they make a DC 15 Strength check. Flying creatures are blown back 2d6 � 10 feet and take 2d6 points of nonlethal damage due to battering and buffeting, unless they succeed on a DC 25 Fly skill check
---------------------------------

80 minutes have expired from Murphy's spell.

The sail is extremely secure.
The anchor is adequately fashioned.
There is adequate shelter on the Sargrass floor.

Murphy's spell, while protecting you from the very worst of the environment, is unable to contain the full force of the windstorm around you. The winds once more are severe, as bad as they were when things first got rough, and debris is once more a danger.

The shelter protects you from some of the debris. Everyone but Hobie: 3 Reflex Saves DC 15 at -1 or take 4, 2, and 5 damage. Hobie: 3 Reflex Saves DC 15 at -4 or take 3, 5 and 2 damage.

--------------------------------

Hobie, alone atop the ship, lays down prone. He ties himself to the mast, so he isn't worried about being blown away. Pressi and Bliss try to help with preparations, but like Kezzem, they find themselves unable to contribute much. Thankfully, Murphy's shelter helps a little, deflecting the smaller bits of Sargrass.

As the Haflings huddle together, hiding from the wind and storm, a far more sinister threat approaches..

On the surface floor, Pressi's world explodes in pain. A sharp, talon appendage slashes through her armor, ripping into her side. Flat-footed, she cannot see her attacker, at least until he attacks. Suddenly, she is face to face with an emotionless gray visage. The skin of the creature, mostly marbled white, swirls and changes as it tries to re-camouflage itself with its immediate surroundings.

Attack vs Pressi: Hits AC 25 for 30 damage. Pressi is inflicted with the bleed condition. Each turn, take 1d6 bleed damage. Pressi must make a DC 17 fortitude save or be stunned for 1 round.

Above the canopy, Hobie feels the ship suddenly lurch, as if something heavy has been tossed upon it.

-------------------------------------------

Those around Pressi can clearly see the humanoid. Tall and heavy, yet sickly skinny. It seems both powerful and fragile all at once.

Int Check DC 14.

Highlight to display spoiler: { The creatures stealth seems to be based on camouflage, not invisibility. Watching its skin try to shift and compensate, you get the feeling this creature is going to be visible for only short periods of time, specifically right after an attack.}

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 65/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2 d20+4=14 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+4=5 ;
Friday April 13th, 2018 1:13:14 PM
Hobie avoids the most dangerous piece that flies at him, but takes the damage from the other two. As the boat stops suddenly, he doesn't know what to do. He listens for any cries from his group.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a AC 26 HP 80/80 d20+3=5 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+7=22 ; d3+1=4 ; d20+25=42 ;
Friday April 13th, 2018 1:27:45 PM

Murphy takes a tanglefoot bag from the right pocket of his Bill's Pants O'Plenty, and tosses it at the creature (ranged touch attack 14+2 from flanking for 16 - correct this if I'm mistaken). He throws a dagger from his bandolier, hitting AC 22 for 4 hp damage.
==========
Perception: 42

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (24), HP 52/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (24), HP 50/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+13=18 ; d20+13=17 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+4=8 ; d6=1 ; d6+9=12 ; d6+9=13 ; d6+9=13 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=26 ; d6+4=10 ; d3+4=5 ;
Friday April 13th, 2018 1:54:03 PM
Pressi dodges the debris easily, but the tentacle not so much. She has no problem shaking off the stun, but she can feel the blood from along her forehead. She tries to make a bead on the creature (the int check) but the pounding is just too loud (she takes 1 damage for this round). Struggling, she tries to reach the creature and activate her Lore Keeper ability (hits Touch AC 21) and remembers to activate her shield swiftly.

Harper howls in pain as every piece hits her square in the head and activates her shield. She immediately tries a full round barrage against the creature.

(Hits AC 22, 10 and 26. Damage for hit 1 (bite) = 10 and if Harper can trip, its at CMB 8. Damage 3 (claw) = 5).

---------------------

ritual grimalkin, shield of faith - 19 rnds each

bleed condition - 1d6 damage per round
rose control 9 hours
flight 2 hrs (on boat)

L1 - 2+1
L2 - 2+1
L4 - 1
read tattoo - 1/4
clair - 1/8
guide - 1

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+12=22 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+18=22 ; d3+2=3 ;
Friday April 13th, 2018 1:55:05 PM
SV Ref DC 15: 22, 19, 19. All made.

Kezzem detects evil at the humanoid (move action). If he detects, he will smite evil and throw a dagger at him. Otherwise, just the dagger. (standard action).

Attack: 22 (25 if evil).
Damage: 3 (13 if evil, 23 if evil outsider, dragon, or undead).

"Hey, hands off Harper!" says Kezzem. "Or is that Pressi? I get those two mixed up."

Bliss / CatBliss (AC25, CMD30, HP90of96) (Cayzle) d20+7=12 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+3=8 ; d20+10=17 ;
Friday April 13th, 2018 6:30:54 PM

Bliss gets buffetted about a bit: 3 Reflex Saves DC 15 at -1 or take 4, 2, and 5 damage. Rolls two fails and a hit, takes 6 damage.

"I shoulda stayed under your wing, Auntie," he calls to his pot.

Then the newly come monster attacks Pressi! Int check 8, so Bliss is clueless!

Bliss sprouts his bramble armor just in case he is attacked.

Not seeing the foe or sure what to do, Bliss casts a Divine Favor on the defensive. Concentration check is 1d20+7+3 ... rolls a 17 for a first level spell, so that's ok, unless the weather imposes a penalty?

ADM Kim
Friday April 13th, 2018 7:37:37 PM

Note to Bliss: "Those around Pressi can clearly see the humanoid." Bliss just might miss seeing it if waiting until next round to try to attack.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a AC 26 HP 73/80 d20+5=18 ; d20+5=12 ; d20+5=7 ;
Friday April 13th, 2018 7:42:06 PM

Forgotten reflex saves for Murphy - 1 save, 2 fails - 2 and 5 points damage, 7 total.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC25, CMD30, HP90of96) (Cayzle)
Friday April 13th, 2018 9:57:46 PM

Oh yes, and Shield of Faith from the Ritual as a swift action please.

DM Ken, Riding out the Storm d20+13=28 ; d10+6=8 ; d20+13=31 ; d10+6=7 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+14=17 ; d10=3 ;
Friday April 13th, 2018 11:58:26 PM
--------------------------------
Storm Phase 4: Tornado Winds. (Reduced to severe winds) 30 minutes.

-Small Creatures: Creatures of this size or smaller are unable to move forward against the force of the wind unless they succeed on a DC 10 Strength check (if on the ground) or a DC 20 Fly skill check if airborne.

-Tiny Creatures: Creatures on the ground are knocked prone and rolled 1d4 � 10 feet, taking 1d4 points of nonlethal damage per 10 feet, unless they make a DC 15 Strength check. Flying creatures are blown back 2d6 � 10 feet and take 2d6 points of nonlethal damage due to battering and buffeting, unless they succeed on a DC 25 Fly skill check

-All ranged attacks suffer a -4 penalty.

- You can communicate freely via shouting, but cannot hear whispers or regular speech.
---------------------------------

80 minutes have expired from Murphy's spell.

The sail is extremely secure.
The anchor is adequately fashioned.
There is adequate shelter on the Sargrass floor.
-----------------------------------

Hobie doesn't react to the sudden extra weight on the ship. He listens for cries from his allies, and hears Pressi's shout of pain above the wind.

Murphy throws a pair of weapons, but within such close proximity to the enemy, pays a sudden and painful price. The strange humanoid slashes at Murphy when opportunity presents itself, hitting AC 28 for 8 damage. Murphy must save vs DC 13 of be stunned for 1 round. Both of Murphy's missile weapons miss, including the Tanglefoot bag, which only needs hit touch ac.

Pressi dances around the debris, but the sudden attack on her left it's mark. Seeking knowledge, Pressi lays a hand on the creature, and much is revealed. Glimpses of a society of creatures, Tall Men, whose only existence seems to be to stalk, kill, and consume, fill her mind. (See Below) Harper sinks his teeth and claws into the foe, and tries to shake him down, but his natural weapons seem of little use against the rubbery skin of the Tall Man. (2 attacks hit, DR reduces to 0) Pressi is still bleeding.

Kezzem detects for evil, and evil is most definitely present. He throws a dagger, and it strikes true. The Tall Man cannot make an attack of opportunity, because it has already done so.

Bliss's body is suddenly covered in sharp brambles!

-------------------------

The Tall Man's body finishes acclimating itself, and it is suddenly gone again from sight. Heavy footfalls land, thumping loud enough even to be heard among the storm. Harper seems to have an idea where his enemy lies, and he growls loudly with his hackles raised. Kezzem too, can still sense the enemies evil lingering, but doesn't actually see the foe. He feels the aura continue to linger nearby.

Suddenly, the Tall Man is visible again, it's bodies camouflage failing as it slashes it's scything talon across Murphy's back. (Tall Man hits AC 31 vs Murphy, who is denied his dexterity bonus.)

Tall Man hits Murphy for 16 damage. Murphy must save vs DC 17 or be stunned. (So two saves from Murphy, one vs 13 and one vs 17). Murphy is now bleeding, and takes 1d6 bleed damage per turn.

Up on the ship, Hobie feels a sudden impact, as a heavy tendril crashes onto him. Flat footed and prone, he does not add his dex to his AC or CMD, and he feels the thick rubbery tendril wrap around his body.

Hobie is grappled, and take 9 damage. In the commotion, his coverings are lost to the wind, and he can clearly for now, see the enemy holding him in it's grasp.

Tall Man 1 (AC 18, Touch 17, Large 10ft Reach, DR 10/magic): 13 damage.
Tall Man 2 (AC 18, Touch 17, Large 10ft Reach, DR 10/magic): -

Hobie: Grappled.
Pressi: Bleeding, Mirrorgrass shards.
Murphy: Bleeding, Mirrorgrass shards.

Pressi has the information found here.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 65/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2 d20+12=15 ;
Saturday April 14th, 2018 1:54:36 PM
Hobie attempts to escape the grapple (15). He uses his move action to draw his +1 longsword, Romita, from it's scabbard.

======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Grease, Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Mirror Image, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=21 ; d20+19=23 ; d20+14=17 ; d20+14=26 ; d3+12=15 ; d3+11=13 ; d3+12=15 ; d3+11=13 ;
Saturday April 14th, 2018 4:35:56 PM
Kezzem stabs at the same target (Tall Man 1?) with his daggers.

Attack #1: 21.
Damage: 15.

Attack #2: 23.
Damage: 13.

Attack #3: 17.
Damage: 15.

Attack #4: 26.
Damage: 13.

The first dagger that connects also deals and additional 10 damage if the Tall Man is a dragon, undead, or an evil outsider.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (24), HP 49/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (24), HP 50/61, CMD 23; Followers d6=3 ;
Sunday April 15th, 2018 10:05:28 PM

Pressi's eyes widen as she understands the full impact of what is going on. "Get him out of there," she shouts of Hobie. "Get him out of that grapple NOW! And for Domi's sake, find some non-magical way to get these guys seen, even if it's chalk. See invisible will not work, but chalk will."

She isn't sure if Hobie and Kezzem can hear her, but at least Murphy can.

WIncing at the continued bleeding damage - no way we're getting out of this one and into sufficient healing, she thinks - she continues to figure out what else to do. While Harper continues to pace and sniff, Pressi casts Ill Omen (no save debuff, two rerolls) onto the nearby Tall Man and uses her move action to draw her ice chain.

Both Harper and Pressi activate shields.

---------------------

ritual grimalkin, shield of faith - 19 rnds each

bleed condition - 1d6 damage per round
rose control 9 hours
flight 2 hrs (on boat)

L1 - 3+1
L2 - 2+1
L4 - 1
read tattoo - 1/4
clair - 1/8
guide - 1

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a AC 26 HP 73/80 d20+9=21 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+25=31 ;
Monday April 16th, 2018 3:22:33 AM
Murphy saves twice (21 vs DC13, 29 vs DC 17 (nat 20), and is therefore not stunned.
He withdraws a sack of flour from a pocket of his pants of plenty, and wildshapes into a large (16' tall) earth elemental. He roars at the tall man.
Will have to wait until next round to do something with the sack of flour. The bleeding condition is stopped due to his elemental body.
=======
Perception: 31

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23raging, CMD30, HP90of96) (Cayzle) d20+16=21 ; d2+17=19 ; d6=3 ; d2+11=13 ; d20+20=37
Monday April 16th, 2018 3:45:25 PM

Bliss is still not sure what is going on here. Is he next to an enemy? He shakes his head and tries to focus and listen. But this storm makes that hard!

When Bliss has a chance to swing, can he even see an enemy? Well, how's this ...

If Bliss can't detect an enemy, he'll ready an attack to hit when he sees one in reach. That's a raging attack with a wooden fist (plant domain ability).

If he can see and charge an enemy on his turn, Bliss will do that. Raging wooden fist with a charge.

If he can take a full attack without moving or maybe with a five ft step, he'll take two swings (iterative attacks with high BAB)

Here are some rolls ... If charging, add +2 to hit and -2 AC.

Divine favor raging power attack primary swing with wooden fist: +16 to hit for 1d2+17+1d6tear
... hits AC21 for 22 nonlethal

Secondary attack at +11 ... hits AC13, surely a miss.

Perception check: 37

===== ===== =====

SANITY INFO

Spells used today:
Lvl 1: 5+1, used 2 (shld o fth, divine favor)
Lvl 2: 4+1, used +1 (barkskin)
Lvl 3: 3+1, used 0
Lvl 4: 1+1, used 1 (threefold aspect)

Other stuff used:
Bramble Armor used 2
Wood Fists used 1
Breath of Life unused
Death Knell unused
Hero Point used 0
Divine Favor +2 att, dam (rnd 1 of 10)
Shield of Faith +3 AC & CMD (rnd 4 of 46)
Rage (rnd 3 of 14)

DM Ken, Riding out the Storm d100=71 ; d100=89 ; d100=19 ; d100=4 ; d20+19=26 ; d10+6=12 ;
Monday April 16th, 2018 5:38:37 PM
--------------------------------
Storm Phase 4: Tornado Winds. (Reduced to severe winds) 30 minutes.

-Small Creatures: Creatures of this size or smaller are unable to move forward against the force of the wind unless they succeed on a DC 10 Strength check (if on the ground) or a DC 20 Fly skill check if airborne.

-Tiny Creatures: Creatures on the ground are knocked prone and rolled 1d4 � 10 feet, taking 1d4 points of nonlethal damage per 10 feet, unless they make a DC 15 Strength check. Flying creatures are blown back 2d6 � 10 feet and take 2d6 points of nonlethal damage due to battering and buffeting, unless they succeed on a DC 25 Fly skill check

-All ranged attacks suffer a -4 penalty.

- You can communicate freely via shouting, but cannot hear whispers or regular speech.
---------------------------------

80 minutes have expired from Murphy's spell.

The sail is extremely secure.
The anchor is adequately fashioned.
There is adequate shelter on the Sargrass floor.
-----------------------------------

(Murphy took 24 damage last round. Please update your header)

Hobie struggles with his captor, and draws his sword. He finds himself still very much in the grasp of the Tallman.

Kezzem launches a flurry of daggers into the wind and towards the Tall Man. Two of the weapons find purchase, eliciting a furious swirl of color from the skin of the Tall Man. His daggers pass through the creatures resistances with ease, and his flurry of stabs wear the enemy down. If falls over in a lump, its body still trying to camouflage itself in its final moments.

Pressi has no target upon which to cast her spell, so she draws her ice chain.

Murphy shapeshifts, and takes care to hold out a sack of flour from his kit. His wounds cease to bleed any longer, but he still feels like something isn't right with his person.

Bliss IS near an enemy, but it is dead. He hits the corpse for good measure.

---------------------

Those on the floor have a poor view at best to Hobie's struggle above. Pressi though, doesn't need to see, she already knows whats happening. The tendrils on its grappling arm press harder into Hobie, and both Hobie and the Tall Man camouflage, fading from vision. (grapple maintained)

Hobie feels himself *skip*, and when the sudden jolt of travel ends, all is replaced with the tremendous roar of hurricane force winds, trying to rip him from the grasp of his captor. Alone and isolated, he cannot hear his own voice above the roar of the wind.

He can see however, and he watches every horrible moment of the Tall Man holding him at arms length, right before it stabs him with is knife-like arm. Hobie takes 12 damage, and must save vs DC 13 or be stunned for 1 round.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+11=23 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+5=22 ; d20+5=13 ; d20+12=29 ; d3+12=15 ; d3+11=13 ; d3+11=12 ; d3+10=12 ;
Monday April 16th, 2018 11:31:06 PM
"Hey, come back down here so I can stab you to death!" shouts Kezzem.

If he can, Kezzem will attempts to throw his daggers at the remaining tall man.

OOC:
+3 smite evil (+10 damage), -2 imp. two-weapon fighting, -4 firing into melee, -4 wind

#1: +1 Returning Dagger (Main Hand)
Attack: 23.
Damage: 15.

#2: +1 Returning Dagger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 17.
Damage: 13.

#3: Dagger (Main Hand)
Attack: 22.
Damage: 12.

#4: Dagger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 13.
Damage: 12.

Kezzem will deal an additional 10 damage on the first dagger to hit if the Tall Man is a dragon, undead, or an evil outsider.

Pleasue ignore the d20+12=29 roll. Forgot to change the dice to d3 before rolling damage.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 52/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2 d20+8=18 ; d20+12=23 ;
Tuesday April 17th, 2018 12:59:59 AM
You didn't write what kind of save it was, but my lowest Save would be a 16 with that roll, so I passed the DC13.

Hobie attempts once more to break free of the grapple with a 23. If successful he will take a 5 ft step back from the creature.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 53/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2
Tuesday April 17th, 2018 1:00:46 AM
correcting HP

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a Large Earth Elemental with Huge bonuses AC 26 HP 49/80 d20+9=10 ; d20+14=23 ; 2d8+9=19 ; d20+25=30 ;
Tuesday April 17th, 2018 1:28:44 AM
Murphy checks in mentally with Pressi as to what's going on atop, as he opens the top of the flour sack, and, controlling the aperture, spins in a circle so as to cast the flour in the areas adjacent to him [shoot - rolled a nat 1 on flour distribution - maybe he covered himself with some of the white bits]. If he somehow discerns (Perception: 30) a nearby tall man, he punches it in the face (AC 27, not 23) for 19 damage, or, wait, 20 hp damage (if its feet are touching the ground).

If he does not discern anyone there at the moment, he sees about ascending to the boat to see what's up. If he finds out that Hobie has been teleported away, he begins to seek to figure out how to find him. "HOBIE - WHERE ARE YOU??" he shouts against the storm, hoping that the winds may carry his voice.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (24), HP 45/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (24), HP 50/61, CMD 23; Followers d6=4 ; d6+8=11 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+9=18 ;
Tuesday April 17th, 2018 12:35:52 PM
Pressi gets to Hobie's level (I'll use that instead of the spell from last round) just in time to see Hobie disappear. "Hey, bring him back. He still owes me five dollars."

As Murphy comes up top, Pressi mentally and verbally fills everyone in. Continuing to ignore the slow bleeding from her forehead, she takes a moment to cast locate creature (Tall Man) which should indicate to her about where the Tall Man that has Hobie is located.

If the creature can be seen (Perception 24), Harper strikes with a trip attempt (CMB Roll 11) but does not make it easily. Pressi moves within reach of her chain and points the creature out.

If the creature is located off the boat or is out of range....

Pressi turns to Murphy. "Get this ship unmoored and prepared to follow me. No rest for the wicked, apparently."

Pressi takes off on her broom into the winds and attempts to track the creature from the air. (Fly 18+4 from hero point.)

---------------------

ritual grimalkin, shield of faith - 17 rnds each

bleed condition - 1d6 damage per round
rose control 9 hours
flight 2 hrs (on boat?)

L1 - 2+1
L2 - 2+1
L4 - 2
read tattoo - 1/4
clair - 1/8
guide - 1

Bliss / CatBliss (AC24, CMD28, HP90of96) (Cayzle)
Tuesday April 17th, 2018 5:34:02 PM

[OOC to kindly DM Ken: Highlight to display spoiler: {Um, I really tried to specify that i would not use my rage and fist and armor abilities unless I had a viable target. Not a dead thing. So I'll assume that Bliss did not see a foe, did not use those powers, and kicked a corpse in frustration? OK?} Thanks!]

Bliss is fed up with this wind and these enemies.

"If anybody knows where the enemy is, give a shout!" he declares loudly. "I'll be the big cat!"

He casts Beast Shape 1 to take the form of a cheetah. [standard action]

He sniffs the dead one to get the scent of these things. [free action]

It looks like Miss Pressi knows a way to go. Cheetah Bliss chases after, running under her to the extent possible in the tangled grass. [Bliss can go up to 35 ft as a move action in difficult terrain.]

===== ===== =====

SANITY INFO

Spells used today:
Lvl 1: 5+1, used 2 (shld o fth, divine favor)
Lvl 2: 4+1, used +1 (barkskin)
Lvl 3: 3+1, used 1 (BS1)
Lvl 4: 1+1, used 1 (threefold aspect)

Other stuff used:
Bramble Armor (rnd 2 of 6)
Wood Fists used (rnd 0 of 6)
Breath of Life unused
Death Knell unused
Hero Point used 0 of 3
Divine Favor +2 att, dam (rnd 2 of 10)
Shield of Faith +3 AC & CMD (rnd 5 of 46)
Rage (rnd 2 of 14)

DM Ken, Riding out the Storm d100=95 ; d100=39 ; d100=37 ; d20+19=32 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d10+6=13 ;
Tuesday April 17th, 2018 5:51:32 PM
DM Ken, Riding out the Storm d100=71 ; d100=89 ; d100=19 ; d100=4 ; d20+19=26 ; d10+6=12 ;
Monday April 16th, 2018 5:38:37 PM
--------------------------------
Storm Phase 4: Tornado Winds. (Reduced to severe winds) 30 minutes.

-Small Creatures: Creatures of this size or smaller are unable to move forward against the force of the wind unless they succeed on a DC 10 Strength check (if on the ground) or a DC 20 Fly skill check if airborne.

-Tiny Creatures: Creatures on the ground are knocked prone and rolled 1d4 � 10 feet, taking 1d4 points of nonlethal damage per 10 feet, unless they make a DC 15 Strength check. Flying creatures are blown back 2d6 � 10 feet and take 2d6 points of nonlethal damage due to battering and buffeting, unless they succeed on a DC 25 Fly skill check

-All ranged attacks suffer a -4 penalty.

- You can communicate freely via shouting, but cannot hear whispers or regular speech.
---------------------------------

80 minutes have expired from Murphy's spell.

The sail is extremely secure.
The anchor is adequately fashioned.
There is adequate shelter on the Sargrass floor.
-----------------------------------

Kezzem launches a barrage of daggers into the Tall Man, but it is invisible along with Hobie, who is in it's clutches. The first dagger still strikes true, but the others miss, flying off into the storm. He still senses the lingering evil of the Tall Man, but is certain it has moved beyond the range of his Detect Evil.

Hobie struggles in his captors grasp, and fails to break free.

The Murphemental roars, and rips open a bag of flour. Dust flies everywhere, landing on the partially camouflaged corpse of the Tall Man. Murphy then punches the corpse in the face. Murphy shouts into the wind for his missing friend...

Pressi explains to everyone as much as she can about the Tall Men. Everything from their tenacious bleeds, their poisons, and their various tactics and abilities. Per her estimate, this Tall Man has probably has exhausted its ability to use dimension door.

She casts locate creature, which has the exact same range as Dimension door. She feels a pull to the south, 600 feet away.

Bliss -was- near an enemy when he used his bramble armor ability, a living breathing one. His DM did NOT specify that he was wasting class abilities on a corpse. No resources other than Bramble Armor are considered used. If Bliss has questions, he is free to email his DM.

He turns into a Cheetah and gets the creatures scent, but the winds are playing havoc with his nose. Thankfully, he can follow Pressi. She will easily outpace him though, unless she slows down.

The Tall Grass also presents a challenge. Bliss will need to make a perception check of DC 30 each round to keep visuals on Pressi, through the grass, the swirling debris, and the wind in his eyes.

-------------------------------
-------------------------------

Hobie's struggles seem to have little effect on the Tall Man, who pauses to stare at him, somewhat impassively. It easily maintains its grapple. This far away from Murphy's spell, the forces of the wind are unabated. Broken pieces of Sargrass whip through the air, hitting both Hobie and the Tall Man. The monster doesn't seem bothered by the whipping reeds.

Methodically and slowly, the monster continues to skewer Hobie with its knife-arm.

Hobie: The CMD to break the grapple is 32)
Hobie: Three Reflex Saves at -6, DC 15, or take 3, 3, and 3 damage.
Hobie: Take 13 damage. Fortitude save DC 13 or be stunned for 1 round.

------------------------------------------------------
Sailing in the storm!

-Currently: The ship is anchored. It will take 1 round to quickly remove the anchor.
-Currently: There is no sail, it is secured. It will take 2 rounds to unfurl the sail, though the wind will make the process of sailing quite difficult.

Sailing North will require a Profession Sailor check DC 25, or a Profession Sailor DC 10 alongside a STR check DC 20. (To represent fighting the wind, rather than guiding the ship) The ship can move 100ft per round in the storm.

Failure: A failed round of navigation means the ship careens in a random direction, using a compass rose, With 1 being North and 8 being North West.
------------------------------------------------------

Pressi: Your fly checks are DC 20 within the range of Murphys spell, and DC 25 outside it. Murphys spell has a 400 ft radius. You will eventually have to deal with the storm outside, unless Murphy spends his rounds in concentration to move the effect.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a Large Air Elemental with Huge bonuses AC 29 HP 49/80 d20+21=22 ; d20+21=24 ; d20+25=37 ;
Wednesday April 18th, 2018 1:47:42 AM

"No, Pressi, I'll come with you more directly. The rest of you defend the boat, heal if you can. I'll reach him faster this way." Murphy transforms into a large air elemental (16' tall, weighing in at 4 pounds, but with capabilities similar to a huge air elemental).

He races toward the place which Pressi tells him she senses. Fly (22), perfect, 125'. Next round he will go flat out to reach Hobie (up to 500'), but will have to adjust once he hits the higher winds (fly 24 - 1 shy of 25).
========
Perception: 37

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 34/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2 d20+2=3 ; d20+2=14 ; d20+2=18 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+15=22 ; d20+10=12 ; d6+5=8 ; d6+5=11 ;
Wednesday April 18th, 2018 8:21:06 AM
Hobie fails the first two reflex saves, then passes the third as well as the fortitude save.

Hobie is hurting from this awful creature from which he cannot escape. Desperately, he clutches his sword and swings at his attacker.

Attack 22
Damage 8

Attack 12
Damage 11

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (24), HP 41/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (24), HP 50/61, CMD 23; Followers d6=4 ; d20+9=17 ;
Wednesday April 18th, 2018 2:49:57 PM
(Bleed Damage 4, Fly Check 17+4 from hero point. Really didn't want to burn through so many.)

"Unless some random hog riding paladin is destined to show up, I have no idea how we are supposed to get out of this one without a resurrection," she grumbled. "Making us fly all this way, no part of my spell told me that this thing worked for Delta."

Pressi fell silent as Murphy the air elemental rocketed forward, as she used a double move to keep somewhat close by (120 feet. Per fly spell, Pressi can charge but not "run".) "Showoff," she grumbled. "If you get even to within medium range, start hitting the HP and fort save spells and anything that can keep him from camouflaging. Maybe try to distract him but he prefers to stalk prey over chasing it."

---------------------

ritual grimalkin, shield of faith - 17 rnds each

bleed condition - 1d6 damage per round
rose control 9 hours
flight 2 hrs

L1 - 2+1
L2 - 2+1
L4 - 2
read tattoo - 1/4
clair - 1/8
guide - 1

Bliss / CatBliss (AC24, CMD28, HP90of96) (Cayzle) d20+20=38 d20+20=31 d20+20=38
Wednesday April 18th, 2018 6:31:14 PM
Bliss keeps running. Perception Rolls to follow Pressi ...

38, 31, 38 ... the die roller loves Bliss. We'll see how long that lasts!

DM Ken, Riding out the Storm d20+19=29 ; d10+6=10 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday April 18th, 2018 6:36:23 PM

Murphy and Pressi move quickly through the air. Even though Murphy is faster than Pressi, she is the one being guided by the Locate Creature spell. In the storm and unfamiliar Sargrass, he will need to either follow Pressi, or search for Hobie the hard way.

Bliss moves as quickly as he can (his DM is assuming, sorry! If you need to do something else, thats okay too.) after the flying partners. He either makes, or does not make, his perception check.

DM Edit: Bliss has the eyes of a hawk, and easily pursues Pressi at his hustle speed. I do not recall which of you is faster at this moment.

------------------

Hobie's magical sword cuts into the Tall Man, scoring a trail of blood down its arm. It looks quickly at its wound, then faces Hobie again, stabbing him once more.

Hobie take 10 damage. Fort Save DC 13 or be stunned. Reflex saves at -6 x3 or take 6, 4, and 3 damage.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday April 18th, 2018 7:09:26 PM
Kezzem stays with the boat.

"Yeah vole, mine captain!" he says to Murphy.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 18/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2 d20+2=11 ; d3=1 ; d20+2=15 ; d20+2=18 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+15=18 ; d6+5=7 ; d20+10=23 ; d6+5=11 ;
Thursday April 19th, 2018 12:56:36 AM
Hobie is hit by the first bit of sawgrass but manages to avoid the rest. He barely manages to avoid being stunned.

Recognizing that his death is imminent, Hobie doesn't see any choice but to keep slashing desperately at the monster.

1st attack 18
Damage= 7

2nd attack 23
Damage = 11

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a Large Air Elemental with Huge bonuses AC 29 HP 49/80 d20+21=32 ; d20+25=26 ; d20+17=33 ; 2d6+6=11 ;
Thursday April 19th, 2018 1:41:08 AM
Murphy asks Pressi for guidance. "Which direction? How far?" He will home in on Hobie's location based upon what she communicates to him.

If he manages to find Hobie and his tormentor, he slam attacks the latter, AC 33, hp 11, and orbits tightly around the tall man between attacks, emitting a howling scream.
========
[/i]Fly: 32
Perception: 26[i]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (24), HP 35/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (24), HP 50/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+9=11 ; d6=6 ; d20+11=31 ;
Thursday April 19th, 2018 11:43:08 AM
(How Far? I am assuming 600-(60+120)=420 feet from her position. Keep in mind though that the spell doesn't grant perfect direction and distance, let alone a precise coordinate. She needs two rounds of full speed to get to confusion range and hope she lucks out. Honestly, when I began the flight, I was thinking it was more likely the DM would keep the creature near the boat than 600 feet out.)

Pressi uses guestures and telepathy to grant Murphy the best picture she has, but even she doesn't know precisely where the creature is, and she knows that both the creature and Hobie will probably be camoflauged. "Do you have any ideas of how to locate them once you get in range?" she asks Murphy. "And see if there's any way to get it to flee or come to us; whatever you do, don't let it grab you too."

As Pressi's own propulsion begins to sputter (Fly 11) and blood continues to drain (6 HP), she reaches out for a hail mary: Ghost Sound (32 human equivalent roaring of whatever creature eats Tall Men, Know Local Nat 20 - really, that's when I get it?) that maybe will fool the creature into running without Hobie (Will DC 14).

---------------------

ritual grimalkin, shield of faith - 17 rnds each

bleed condition - 1d6 damage per round
rose control 9 hours
flight 2 hrs

L1 - 2+1
L2 - 2+1
L4 - 2
read tattoo - 1/4
clair - 1/8
guide - 1

Bliss / CatBliss (AC24, CMD28, HP90of96) (Cayzle) d20+22=36 ; d20+20=27 ;
Thursday April 19th, 2018 4:38:35 PM

Bliss keeps on following Miss Pressi. What's her altitude? I think he can keep up with her if she is taking standard actions to cast spells. He has already rolled to see where she is. He rolls a spellcraft to ID the spell she is casting ... Spellcraft 36 to know she is casting Ghost Sound. He listens for wherever it is she is casting the sound to ... and it is loud ... Bliss rolls a 27 to hear the Ghost Sound wherever it blasts out. Hopefully he gets a fix, and with the firection of her flight and the location of the Ghost Sound, Bliss is hoping he will not need to keep making Perception checks to watch Pressi. NOW he know where to go. Or does he?

Three rounds of Cheetah hustling ... 210 ft travelled.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (24), HP 35/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (24), HP 50/61, CMD 23; Followers
Thursday April 19th, 2018 4:58:39 PM
He can keep up pretty well considering she failed the last fly check (and can't run even with a success). (I'm kind of considering some form of polymorph or beast shape for a last speed burst.)

3 rounds of flying = 180 feet, currently stalled.

She does her best to convey to Bliss the distance and direction, but doesn't have the telepathy or Bliss flying. (I didn't give much thought to altitude but she's probably not much higher than the deck of the boat. Call it... 20 feet or so? Maybe 30 so she's not just skimming the grass.) She also suggests that if he can run ahead, he should do so.

DM Ken, Riding out the Storm d20=6 ; d20+19=27 ;
Thursday April 19th, 2018 8:58:56 PM

Kezzem stays with the boat, watching his friends outpace the safety of Murphy's spell.

Hobie struggles desperately with his captor. He scores to more clean wounds on the Tall Man.

Murphy tries to locate Hobie using Pressi's spell, but it just isn't effective. She herself only gets a general feeling of direction, and with their points of origin being so different, among the storm, he is left searching the old fashioned way. In this moment, he does not detect his friend. He is at least certain he is in the right area, based on knowledge of spell ranges and the general directional data given by Pressi.

Bliss tries to triangulate where he should be going, even if it means leaving Pressi behind. The sound of the spell isn't much louder than the sound of the wind storm. He can either keep following Pressi (an action for which you have 1 more stored up passed check), or he can try to hit a survival DC of 20 to pick his way through the Sargrass, in the storm, towards the sound of her spell.

----------

The Tall Man reaches back once more to run Hobie through, but pauses when the loud sound of not a single creature, but a company of monks chanting mantras echoes through the storm. Its body language is cautious, and rather than stab Hobie again, it pins him to the ground and presses it's weight down upon him. Hobie watches as the creatures skin again camouflages, this time compensating for both of them. It doesn't even seem to be watching him, but rather scanning for some other threat.

Hobie has the pinned condition. Being underneath the Tall Man, he takes no damage this round.

A pinned creature cannot move and is denied its Dexterity bonus. A pinned character also takes an additional �4 penalty to his Armor Class...A pinned creature can take verbal and mental actions, but cannot cast any spells that require a somatic or material component...Pinned is a more severe version of grappled, and their effects do not stack. A pinned creature cannot attack, but can attempt to escape it's grapple.

Creatures outside of the range of Murphy's Spell.: (Just Murph at the moment I think.) Creatures on the ground are knocked prone and rolled 1d4 � 10 feet, taking 1d4 points of nonlethal damage per 10 feet, unless they make a DC 15 Strength check. Flying creatures are blown back 2d6 � 10 feet and take 2d6 points of nonlethal damage due to battering and buffeting, unless they succeed on a DC 25 Fly skill check.

Other creatures, use the previous listed chart.

Tall Man: 30 damage

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 18/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2 d20+12=26 ;
Friday April 20th, 2018 12:33:03 AM
Hobie struggles desperately to escape from his captor, 26 to break free.

He shouts at the top of his lungs, "Help! He's got me! We're camouflaged!! HELP!!!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a Large Air Elemental with Huge bonuses AC 29 HP 49/80 d20+25=38 ;
Friday April 20th, 2018 4:36:10 AM
Murphy continues to search for Hobie and the tall man. With Hobie's yells, and Murphy's perception (38), does he find him?

If so, he does as described in the previous post - slamming the tall man, AC 33, hp 11.

He also notes, if he perceives it, the chanting he hears. Which direction, how far away?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (24), HP 32/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (24), HP 50/61, CMD 23; Followers d6=3 ; d20+9=15 ;
Friday April 20th, 2018 10:26:40 AM
(Bleed Damage 3. Fly roll 15.)

"Oh, who am I kidding," Pressi grumped. Finally done with wasting time, she polymorphs into a small elemental (as per Elemental 1).

The perfect flight ability boosts her flight enough to travel 60 feet. (360 to go.)
---------------------

ritual grimalkin, shield of faith - 17 rnds each

bleed condition - 1d6 damage per round
rose control 9 hours
flight 2 hrs
polymorph 8 mins (small air elemental, as per air elemental 1)

L1 - 2+1
L2 - 2+1
L4 - 3
read tattoo - 1/4
clair - 1/8
guide - 1

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a Large Air Elemental with Huge bonuses AC 29 HP 49/80 d20+21=29 ;
Friday April 20th, 2018 11:55:06 AM

Fly check for Murphy: 29

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday April 20th, 2018 12:53:58 PM
"So, boat, it looks like it's just you and me," says Kezzem. "Just don't go gettin' any idears. I don't want to be 'shipped with a ship."

Bliss / CatBliss (AC24, CMD28, HP90of96) (Cayzle)
Saturday April 21st, 2018 12:20:26 AM

Again, and not for the first time in recent days, Bliss considers that he really needs some Survival skill!

But for now, failing that, he instead keeps his eyes open and follows Miss Pressi.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a Large Air Elemental with Huge bonuses AC 29 HP 49/80
Monday April 23rd, 2018 9:12:17 AM

[Awaiting the next heartbeat...]

DM Ken, Riding out the Storm d100=51 ; d20=15 ;
Monday April 23rd, 2018 5:24:44 PM

Murphy hears the shouts, and even through the storm, detects a misshapen lump of mass on the floor of the Sargrass. He charges into the invisible knot of camouflage, ramming it at full speed.

Hobie, suddenly visible, is no longer being held, though he is much worse for wear.

Bliss and Pressi continue to make some progress towards the target of her spell.

--------------------

Hobie and Murphy wait in silence for a few moments, but the attack is never renewed by the Tall Man. It seems as if, for now, it has chosen to retreat.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC24, CMD28, HP90of96) (Cayzle) d20+20=29 ; d20+20=32 ;
Monday April 23rd, 2018 10:08:51 PM

Bliss keeps on following Pressi, if he can ...

Perception checks: 29, 32.

If Bliss gets lost, he'll just have to try to find his way back?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a Large Air Elemental with Huge bonuses AC 29 HP 49/80 d8+5=11 ; d8=3 ; d8=1 ; d8=7 ; d8=2 ; d8=5 ; d20+25=29 ;
Monday April 23rd, 2018 10:49:15 PM

"Got 'im, Pressi. The tall man is gone," Murphy messages her. "Hey, Hobie. Long way from home! Just so you know - it's me, Murphy, the wind-spirit! Can I heal you some?" he asks. So long as the Hobster does not object, he casts cure light wounds (heals 11 hp) and cure critical wounds (heals 27 hp, for 38 total with the CLW), bringing Hobie to 56/82. "Wish I could do more, but my healing abilities are rather limited at the moment. You have your wand? Start working on yourself. And let's get walking back to where the winds are a bit quieter." He uses know direction to verify which way to go, and leads his friend back that way.

Meanwhile, he listens for the chanting he thought he had heard a moment ago.
=======
Perception: 29

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+1=7 ;
Monday April 23rd, 2018 11:25:30 PM
"Let see...aft is the backside...heh, backside...fore is the front, port is...left...and starboard...right..., or is it the other way around?"

Kezzem continues to wait on the boat and keeps an eye out for trouble.

Perception: 7. Guess he's too busy trying to figure out the difference between port and starboard.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2 d20+13=19 ; d20+13=14 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=3 ;
Tuesday April 24th, 2018 12:55:23 AM
"Thanks Murph! I really thought for a moment that it was the end for me. This was a nightmare for an archer like myself, taken completely by surprise, all my training with the bow utterly useless. I truly thought I was a goner. A thought even ran through my head of what I might become should I be reincarnated somewhere else in the Wold."

"But thanks for the healing! I feel great and strong again! I will try not to leave myself so open to surprise attacks again. I pray the gods will send us another Paladin for me to hide behind!"

Hobie takes out his wand of CLW and tries to UMD it, but due to his injuries, he can't seem to figure out the correct flourish. (Rolled a Nat 1, so I can't use UMD on this particular wand for the rest of the day.)

He will ask if Murphy or Kezzem or anyone else who knows the spell can tap him with it a few times. (Assuming someone complies, he uses 5 charges from the wand to heal to full HP)

It still has about half it's charges left, and he offers the wand up to anyone else who might need some healing.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a Large Air Elemental with Huge bonuses AC 29 HP 80/80 d8=8 ; d8=3 ; d8=4 ; d8=1 ; d8=3 ; d8=2 ; d8=8 ;
Tuesday April 24th, 2018 1:10:40 AM

Murphy helps Hobie with the wand, so Hobie is fully healed now (using Hobie's wand rolls of 4, 3, 7, 9, 3 = 26). He asks if he can use it on himself, too. If so, with 6 charges, Murphy is fully healed) (and I think that leaves 22 charges still in the wand).

"We are much relieved that we have you still with us, friend. Your swift arrows have often helped us overcome our enemies. A question for you, though I hope you'll never be in a position where I shall have to follow through. Should you ever die, would you prefer that we visit Lord Gargul, or would you have me cast reincarnation?"

He considers something Hobie said. "Say, Hobe, both you and Pressi have mentioned having a Paladin join us. Do you two know something that I don't?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday April 24th, 2018 8:24:01 AM
OOC: Assuming you guys make it back to the boat....

"That's old news, Murph," says Kezzem. "I joined a long time ago, even before I was a paladin."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2
Tuesday April 24th, 2018 10:30:00 AM
"Well, I haven't much thought of that. It might be fun to be reincarnated and end up in some new kind of body, but if I'm not mistaken, there's at least a small chance I'd end up as a Bugbear right? That's not so much fun."

"I was just saying I hope we can get another big armored body in between me and the bad guys. If it was a Paladin with some heal spells, that would be even better. Pressi knows the future a lot better than I do though. Maybe she knows something."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (24), HP 32/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21 (24), HP 50/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+8=10 ; d20+8=11 ;
Tuesday April 24th, 2018 11:33:55 AM
Pressi shrugged as best as an air elemental could and turned the ghost sound off. "This would be about the time I'd mock Murphy about how much more I know, but apparently knowing how to fly isn't one of them.

"One thing I do know is that for a halfling only team, we attract a surprising number of divines and strength based tanks and surprisingly few charismatic and dexterous folks. Its almost like we take harder jobs as a challenge, says the halfling witch divine. As for the hog riding, that's just the stupidest thing I could think of. I almost said kangaroo riding, but I'm not sure I'm saying it right."

Pressi chooses to remain in her current air elemental form as long as possible so she doesn't have to contend with the storm. Changing back, she addresses the Shard issue and bleed condition, explaining to Murphy that only a use of a heal kit can help. So, unless anyone has a good heal skill (Pressi's is 6 +2 with a healers kit charge), she now begins that attempt.

(As a reminder, both Pressi and Murphy need eight hours of non-activity rest to fully heal or else the bleed condition begins again.)

Pressi's Roll on self: 10
Pressi's Roll for Murphy: 11

"Well, that is unfortunate."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a Large Air Elemental with Huge bonuses AC 29 HP 80/80 d20+9=21 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+12=16 ;
Tuesday April 24th, 2018 12:54:11 PM

"You may mock me about your greater knowledge any time you desire, sweetheart," Murphy replies with a smile in his airy voice.

"I miss our old bard - though his moral compass regarding veracity seemed often askew. And I especially miss Shel, a sorcerer, and long-time friend." He feels choked up as he thinks about her.

Murphy manages to halt Pressi's bleeding once she changes back to halfling form (healing of 25, if one includes the +2 from the healing kit, and +2 from aid another by Pressi), as well as himself - an adjusted 19, only 15 is needed. [However, according to this, "Bleeding can be stopped by a DC 15 Heal check or through the application of any spell that cures hit point damage (even if the bleed is ability damage)."

But he is remaining in his air elemental form for now. "I can only wild shape one more time today - and the day may be long," he explains.

Finally, he takes a moment (if actions can be extended out this far) to consider the storm, and update his own weather forecast (Survival 16 - need 15). Is the present storm waning, or will it wax greater?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a Large Air Elemental with Huge bonuses AC 29 HP 80/80
Tuesday April 24th, 2018 1:00:29 PM

And to Kezzem, Murphy says, "Oh, I know you did, Kezzem. It just sounded as though they were discussing another paladin. Hey - thanks for watching over our boat!"

[Akh! - sorry for all the posts!]

DM Ken, The Skies Clear
Tuesday April 24th, 2018 6:56:33 PM

Once back into the somewhat calmer winds of Murphy's spell radius, and assuming the flying types remember to guide Bliss back to camp, it seems like much of the trouble is finally passing. Over the next 30 minutes, the storm is passed for good.

However, there remains the pesky matter of healing. The administrations to Pressi seem to have held, and her bleeding is indeed stopped, but the wound is fussy, and easily opens. Murphy's wounds are the same. While he doesn't bleed in elemental form, shapeshifting back to his natural state seems to simply re-open the wound.

And while he might be confused as to why regular healing methods, including magical healing, aren't stopping the bleeding, Pressi has a very good understanding of why.

The Tall Men, as she identifies them, use a number of poisons created from Sargrass plants. One of them is called Mirrorgrass, and they use fibers from it very effectively. Pressi can explain both poisons easily.

(In game terms.)

Gray Sargrass Poison: A creature wounded by a Tall Man's slash attack must make a Fortitude Save vs DC 13 or be stunned for 1 round. If the creature was wounded by a sneak attack from the Tall Man, increase the save DC from that attack to DC 17 instead.

Mirrorgrass Shards: Bleeding from a wound caused by Mirrorgrass Shards requires a heal check of DC 20 to properly heal. Magical healing does not automatically stop the bleeding. The wound must be closed for 8 hours before it heals completely. Any strenuous action ( attacking in combat, spellcasting, hard labor) will reopen the bleeding wound and reset the amount of time for the healing to finish, as well as require a new DC 20 heal check.)

All heroes gain 1280 xp from the Tall Men they defeated, and an additional 720 for 'defeating' the storm. That's a total of 2k each.

--------------------------------------------------------

With the storm passed and an unknown amount of travel to the south remaining, what plan does Humbles Sword make?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a Large Air Elemental with Huge bonuses AC 29 HP 80/80
Tuesday April 24th, 2018 7:13:39 PM

[Murphy is immune to poisons (characteristic of druids of level 9 or higher). Therefore, unless this poison falls outside of that immunity, it is likely he is not similarly affected - subject to DM overrule of this character-class ability, of course]

Murphy is not presently, as stated earlier, returning to his normal form, but rather intends to remain as a large air elemental unless circumstances call for a change, or the wild shape ends 10 hours after he first assumed the shape. He doesn't know what is likely to happen between now and then. He is very interested, and pays close attention to Pressi's explanation. He also compares what she says with what he garnered about the local plant life during his time communing with nature.

"Hobie - tell me, tell us, everything you can remember about what happened from the time the tall man grappled with you, ported you elsewhere, and we arrived, and the tall man ported again. What did you see, feel, hear? Besides the storm itself, of course."

[thanks for xp!]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday April 24th, 2018 7:58:55 PM
"Hey, I'm plenty Charisma and Dexterity-based, Pressi," says Kezzem. "Those are two of my two best abilities!"

Bliss / CatBliss (AC24, CMD28, HP90of96) (Cayzle)
Tuesday April 24th, 2018 10:04:15 PM

"Me too!" says Bliss, "and I'm also pretty strong these days!"

He can delay poison if that would help.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 32/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 50/61, CMD 23; Followers
Wednesday April 25th, 2018 11:07:43 AM
"Ok, ok, sorry I brought it up," Pressi said. "I guess it's just me and Murphy then."

To Murphy, she tries to explain that the Mirrorgrass Shards (the stuff causing the bleeding) isn't really a poison or disease (which is why she isn't casting herself). "It's just a foreign projectile, something that splits the skin like sand can split wood. That's why it needs the good healing."

Anyway, back to healing. With Murphy and Pressi working together, Pressi's wounds seem to be stopped, but for the next 8 hours, she can't fight, cast or do "hard labor", so her options on what to do next personally are limited. She allows Murphy to remain in his elemental form (postponing the rolls until he finishes) but reminds him that the 8 hours starts from the time he changes back. Pressi assumes that wand use is included in this, and thus holds off further healing herself.

As for next steps, Pressi reminds the group of the nearby homelike isolated buildings and suggests that they might want to head there. She also suggests that they might want to hunker down for the night but leaves it up to the group, particularly Hobie. The question becomes one of whether they want to cast off and try traveling again. (I am assuming the monk chants were from my spell, and not actual monks.)

---------------------

ritual grimalkin, shield of faith - 15 rnds each

bleed condition (stopped) (1d6 damage per round if in next 8 hrs attack, cast or hard labor).
rose control 9 hours
flight 2 hrs
polymorph 8 mins (small air elemental, as per air elemental 1)

L1 - 2+1
L2 - 2+1
L4 - 3
read tattoo - 1/4
clair - 1/8
guide - 1

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a Large Air Elemental with Huge bonuses AC 29 HP 80/80 d20+25=34 ;
Wednesday April 25th, 2018 12:21:56 PM

[As DM Ken described it as a 'poison' - I assumed the druidic immunity to natural poisons would be effective. If Mister DM can weigh in on this, then Murphy will make his decision. Because, if immune, he would not have suffered from the bleeding, and therefore knows he is immune. If not, then he will go with Pressi's explanation, and change over in a few minutes, then cast neutralize poison on himself (if it is, at all, deemed a poison). I assume that, following neutralize poison, a DC 15 heal skill would do.]

Meanwhile, he learns that the chanting monks was from Pressi's ghost sounds spell, so decides he does not need to scour the grasses in order to find the non-existent monks. However, he does fly high up into the air, in order to see ahead as far as his sight will take him. [Perception 34] He then returns to the boat to report in on his findings, if any. In his present form he is of marginal use in weighing anchor, so encourages the super-strong Bliss to head up that task with others helping.

DM Ken: Sorry. Poison was probably not the right term. Grey Sargrass is in deed a poison. Mirrorgrass shards are an EX ability that accompanies their sneak attacks.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC24, CMD28, HP90of96) (Cayzle) d8=4 ; d8=4 ; d8=2 ; d8=6 ; d8=1 ; d8=7 ;
Wednesday April 25th, 2018 12:52:15 PM

Bliss is happy to help set up a camp with the boat and everything. He casts his Control Plants spell to try to get the plants to make a clearing, with the more dangerous plants away from the group.

Before the day ends, he uses his Breath of Life ability on whoever is the worst off of the "poisoned." You do not have to be dead for it to help you. ... Cures 30 hp.

He asks Auntie Pot to help cook some dinner.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2
Wednesday April 25th, 2018 3:27:00 PM
�It�s hard to recall what was happening, I was just fearful for my life. I couldn�t get away from that thing no matter how I tried. I swear though, that I heard monks chanting, right before he let me go. I guess these guys are afraid of them.�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 62/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 50/61, CMD 23; Followers
Wednesday April 25th, 2018 4:14:35 PM
Pressi gladly accepts the healing from Bliss, with thanks. (She is technically the worst off since Murphy didn't really take any damage.)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a Large Air Elemental with Huge bonuses AC 29 HP 80/80
Wednesday April 25th, 2018 5:02:04 PM

"Uh, Bliss, 'to weigh anchor' means to lift up the anchor from the bottom, so that the boat can start moving, again," explains windy Murphy. "Sorry. I'm not a sailor, but I've listened to a few of them talking once in a while. The day still has hours left, and we have people to find. So, if you all can grab all the stuff - canvas, ropes, and so forth, from the grass sea floor, and then can lift up the anchor, we can be on our way toward where the monks were said to be. If the wind blows our way, then, yay! We'll unbind and unfurl the sails, and let the wind take us there. If not, then one or two people on the oars might do the trick."

If he is not subject to the bleed effect, he might see what he can do to play the part of the wind himself, flying into the sails, and flying so as to press against them, as a 16' large elemental, with strength capabilities of a 32' huge elemental.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC24, CMD28, HP90of96) (Cayzle)
Wednesday April 25th, 2018 5:46:11 PM

"We're not making camp? Okay."

Bliss asks Auntie to shrink down, then he picks her up and changes into a kitty. He takes his place at the front of the boat.

DM Ken, The Skies Clear
Wednesday April 25th, 2018 9:37:17 PM

Pressi explains to Murphy, more perfectly than her DM did, the difference between the poison and the mirrorgrass shards. Murphy's time in form is limited, and he only has one shapeshift remaining.

Pressi tests out her wounds, and finds that anything requiring much physical effort sets her off again,and spell casting does the same. She is certain that channeling magic through a spell activation item such as a wand or staff or scroll will also set her bleeding off again.

Humbles Sword works together to pack up anchor as best they can, and Murphy's scouting reveals nothing new. The same clearing in the distance that Pressi observed, as well as the dotted and sporadic homes. Just before the order is given to cast off, Bliss hears a sound not local to this landscape.

The beating of hooves.

Before he can react, a small statured creature, perhaps a Halfling or a Gnome, comes thundering into your small clearing that Bliss made. Perched atop an armored boar, he skids to a stop, and takes a moment to observe each of you. He touches a holy symbol, that of Pantheon, and his eyes glow with a soft yellow light, just bright enough to be observed through his helmet.

(Succotash, you are certain that none of these Halflings are evil, though there is a lingering aura of something far less savory that had been here, and the corpse of a Tall Man deposited on the ground level of the Sargrass floor.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday April 25th, 2018 10:17:01 PM
Kezzem casts detects evil on the new halfling paladin. You can't trust those guys!

Kezzem is a halfling with curly-red hair dressed all in black leather. He bears the symbol symbol of Gargul and has several daggers stashed over his body.

"Who are you, and who is that on your back?" Kezzem asks of the boar.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a Large Air Elemental with Huge bonuses AC 29 HP 80/80 d20+25=43 ;
Wednesday April 25th, 2018 10:56:18 PM

"Ah. Ah. Sorry, Bliss. Belay that order. That means, ignore my last instruction. Looks like we may need to drop anchor again," says the large air elemental to one of the halflings on board.

He looks down at the new arrival. "Ahoy, there. Are you a cleric? Or something? I know I look like an air elemental, but I started out in life as a halfling. Murphy's my name. I'll soon change back to my halfling self. I see you serve Pantheon. We just, um, helped to fix a desecrated altar of Pantheon, several hours back. Some wicked spirit was inhabiting the large holy symbol, inverting... I mean, turning it upside down. So, we turned it right side up. And the evil spirit left."

He flies down to the boar's and small fellow's level. "Don't worry. Just taking a closer look. Do you know where any monks of Pantheon might be around here?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a Large Air Elemental with Huge bonuses AC 29 HP 80/80
Wednesday April 25th, 2018 10:57:30 PM

That was a perception roll of 43. Murphy's senses take in the newcomers pretty well.

Succotash Slenderstick & Miss Piggy
Thursday April 26th, 2018 5:51:20 AM
Succotash is a brown haired halfling wearing well polished full plate, with an image of Pantheon�s holy symbol emblazed on the chest, however it�s currently covered in dust, and what may appear to be the grim of battle. Miss Piggy is a medium sized hog, who is wearing chainshirt barding, that also is covered in dust and battle grim. Succotash dismounts, gives a bow a recognition, and says, �Succotash Slenderstick at your service. �It seems you�ve had dealings with these demon spawn too,� he says indicting the dead tall man. �Just got done fighting with three of the pains in the back side, and managed to kill one, but not before he wiped out my whole party�. Miss Piggy, he says referring to his boar,and I only escaped because the other two scampered off�. �It seems they had it out for me, my guess is that it�s because of my devotion to Pantheon, and my service to him as a Paladin.� �If you don�t mind me tagging along, Miss Piggy and I could use some company, and if any more of those tall men show up, well let�s just say I have a bone to pick with them, preferably theirs!�

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2
Thursday April 26th, 2018 6:45:18 AM
A halfling wearing a large brown hat and a green cloak over a mithral chainshirt approaches the stranger. (You can find a picture of Hobie if you click on my link)

"Welcome, Mr. Slenderstick. My name is Hobarth Q. Browncloak, but please, call me Hobie. That's terrible news of your friends, I'm very sorry. I can't speak for all of our group, but as the most recent addition, I know what it is to join a new party, and would love to welcome you in the fullest!

I'm an archer by trade and passion, and a wizard by hobby. Most of what I do is pepper our foes with arrows, but every now and then it's fun to cast a grease spell or two to mix it up! With all that armor, I'd imagine you like to be in the thick of the battle. That's nice for me, as I rather prefer to keep myself clean. But I can hold my own in a sword fight if necessary.

Tell me Mr. Succotash, what is your weapon of choice? What feats have you trained in? I love to discuss martial theory when I can. "

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 91/91
Thursday April 26th, 2018 7:25:45 AM
My weapon of choice is my great sword he says as he draws it for inspection, revealing a blade that glows like a torch, I named her �Twinklesting�. As far as feats, most of them evolve around Twinklesting, well except selective channeling, no sense healing the baddies while healing my allies, if you know what I mean. I have a great axe and some throwing axes on standby, but I relish the front line. Feel free to use me as a meat shield if the need arises.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday April 26th, 2018 8:02:07 AM
"Murphy, you never have to tell us to ignore your orders. We're usually way ahead of you there. Although if you tell us to ignore your orders, and we never follow your orders....I think you broke my brain!"

"Well, Miss Piggy and companion, I'm afraid if you are a paladin, we've already got one. I didnt die to become a paladin for nothing, you know!"

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 91/91
Thursday April 26th, 2018 10:10:23 AM
Well, Kezzem is it?, I can tell by your gear that you prefer fast and agile strikes in combat where as I perform a more strength based attack, both styles are effective, and I�m glad you are playing to your strengths, but sense our styles are so different, I think we could make a pretty excellent team, besides, since when is having another front line attack/healer a bad thing?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 62/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 50/61, CMD 23; Followers
Thursday April 26th, 2018 11:06:05 AM
"Normally this would be the time for my own snark," Pressi began. "But I've grown accustomed to the inevitability of newcomers so... welcome aboard, I suppose. Don't bother me otherwise."

Pressi might not ping evil but she's aware that Succotash might notice or ping other aspects surrounding her. Like the fact that she simply stayed down for now, continuing to nurse her wounds. Or her own holy symbol, the mark of Pantheon twisted and surrounded by the mark of the crones of the south. She wondered if he could sense her witchly presence and bodily transformation, and if he cared. Paladins weren't exactly meant to get along with her, Kezzem's history being the exception.

Struggling to get up, Pressi finally offered her greetings. "Pressi Silverglove. Justicar, Skillmonkey and... Divination Healer." She brushed the black hair out of her eyes, her lithe body mismatched by her black leather armor and the frosty chain on her belt. "You'll want to keep an eye on me for needed spells. And your mount might want to keep an eye on...."

Behind Miss Piggy, a leapord stalked the boat licking her lips and sniffing.

"Harper, release," Pressi called out to her familiar. "Anyway, welcome aboard and pardon the mess. I don't suppose your group was already on a mission dealing with the end of the world, so we will fill you in later. In the meantime, I don't suppose you've run into any monks recently?"

Bliss / CatBliss (AC24, CMD28, HP90of96) (Cayzle)
Thursday April 26th, 2018 4:33:34 PM

Before the newcomer arrives ...

Since Bliss made the camp and used his 4th level domain spell to do it, we're darn well going to make a camp here! In fact, as Bliss thinks about this, he gets a little hot under the collar.

"You know!" he exclaims. "You know! Since I made this camp and used my best plant spell to do it, seems to me we're darn well going to camp here!" He plants his feet and does NOT untie the ship from Auntie Pot.

But he snorts a laugh when Kezzem points out that we usually ignore orders.

Just then a new guy arrives riding a boar!

"Ha!" says Bliss. "It's a good thing we have a nice camp here to say hi to this stranger. He may be riding a piggie, but I have a good feeling about him."

As the new guy rides up, and Bliss steps up to say hi.

"Sir Slenderstick, hello! I'm Bliss, just Bliss. I sure am sorry to hear about how your friends died. Are you looking to go before Lord Gargul to ask for them back? We've done that, and it doesn't always work out so good."

"I'm a witch, see, and he doesn't really hold much with witches. Plus I've been mad at him ever since what he did to my mom. Anyway, welcome! This is Mister Murphy, a druid; Sir Kezzem; a paladin; Hobie, who was almost got by one of those tall guys; and Miss Pressi, who is a witch too."

"I'm more of a fighting witch, and Miss Pressi is more of a ... of a ... of a ... different witch."

"When I fight I like to change into a cat. Or maybe use thorns and bark to fight with."

Bliss is very young looking -- as in, ALMOST too young to be an adventurer. He is dressed in green clothes, with a variety of accessories that are likely magic: boots, belt, bracers, headbands, etc.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 62/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 50/61, CMD 23; Followers
Thursday April 26th, 2018 6:16:01 PM
"Yeah I am going to have to go with Bliss on this one," Pressi voted for camping here. "I get the urgency but I am basically useless for the next eight hours and the millisecond that air elemental form ends, so are you. Hobie's been knocked around, and Bliss could use some spell recovery. Honestly, the only reason I brought up the houses was I thought that would make a better camp site."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 91/91 5d6=15 ; 5d6=21 ;
Thursday April 26th, 2018 6:53:11 PM
Well met everyone, it seems you guys could use a little healing. Succotash grabs his holy symbol, and as he does it begins to glow and everyone within 30ft receives 21 health (5d6) as he uses two lay of hands to channel positive energy.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 91/91
Thursday April 26th, 2018 7:00:16 PM
Sorry he used 4 lay of hands, channeling energy twice 1 for 15 and 1 for 21 making a total healing of 36

DM Ken, The Skies Clear
Thursday April 26th, 2018 10:35:19 PM

Bliss puts his tiny feet down, and demands a camp be made. His arguments are pretty sound. Spells are low in supply, and people are injured. Pressi seems to agree.

Succotash does what he can, sending some healing energy through the party.

There are about 5 hours of daylight remaining, and an 8 hour night ahead of you.

Notable locations..

Clearing that Pressi and Murphy saw: 6 hours to reach it without any further trouble.
Dotted buildings on the horizon: 7 to 9 hours, some are closer and some are further.

Time south required: Unknown. The party learned of monks to the south, but all they know is a general direction.

(Party please decide what you are doing from here. In addition, your humble DM is requesting a watch order if one exists.)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a Large Air Elemental with Huge bonuses AC 29 HP 80/80 d20+25=39 ; d20+25=35 ;
Friday April 27th, 2018 5:05:12 AM

Murphy smiles as Bliss again seems to misunderstand him. Perhaps Pressi, as well, does not quite pick up that Murphy already concurs with them. And Kezzem's customary wit entertains. "Very well, then, all. Let's do as you suggest, as it nicely comports with what I just suggested. I think I could have been more clear out loud than I was in my own mind."

"Be back in a minute or so." Murphy speeds through the surrounding grass, inventorying the types of plants within a hundred feet radius of the camp. He plans to jot down the information he gathers in a bit.

He communicates the time estimates to reach the clearing, and to the distant buildings. "Let's let Pressi - and me - heal from these mirrorglass wounds. Maybe wait until dawn before we continue the journey, unless circumstances change.

"And, let's take a look at this talon which did its work on Pressi and me," he suggests. He draws adjacent to the now deceased Tall Man, then closely examines the talon, trying to see where the mirrorglass shards are along the appendage. "I wonder if the shards can be somehow removed, or neutralized, or washed off," Murphy ponders aloud, "whether from the wound, or from the talon." He asks for Pressi's and Bliss's opinions and ideas on the topic. He has some training in alchemy, along with his druidic background in working with flora. He creates just a small amount of water to flow over just a small portion of the talon where the mirrorglass is discernible. Does it remain on the talon? Does some wash off? He asks if any have a bit of wine, or ale, or other alcoholic beverage. If provided, he sees whether alcohol affects the glass.

"Succotash - do you have a healing skill - other than laying on of hands, and spells? As in, using a healer's kit, and providing care that way?"

Once he has determined what he can in his elemental form, he then says, "In a few minutes, I'm going to resume my own shape. From what Pressi says, I will probably start bleeding again." If water or alcohol had any effect on removing or neutralizing any of the tiny shards, he will try washing the place where the talon dug into his skin, to see if that helps in the healing process. "Wish I had some aloe," he says, then adds, "Perhaps some stitches in the wound would help to keep it together. I have needles and thread."

"Succotash - do you have a healing skill - other than laying on of hands, and spells? As in, using a healer's kit, and providing care that way?"

He explains what he did for Pressi, and how it seemed to help her.

And is ready to receive some healing ministrations, if available.

"Hobie - what does the 'Q' stand for - your middle name, I mean?"
========
Perception: 39 (for examining local flora); 35 (for examining Tall Man's talon, mirrorglass shards)

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 91/91
Friday April 27th, 2018 5:24:23 AM
Well, truth be told, Bliss I wouldn�t actually call my former party friends, I barely knew them, you see I was asked to join the party to investigate strange going ons in the area, at kind of the last minute, they seemed like alright people, but they kept talking about some pact they had with a powerful wizard/cleric combo thingy, met the dude, and he was a wee bit off if you understand me, anyway they told me not to worry about them, because the wizard/cleric guy has a lock of each of their hair, and has promised to keep an eye one them using some spell, and if they were to die, he would use their hair to resurrect them. I know that what they said is possible, but, not sure if I would be willing to put all my trust in one dude. Anyway when the tall men retreated, I thought about at lest burying them, but then I saw you ship thingy, and thought to myself, Pantheons beard, those people maybe in trouble, so I mounted Miss Piggy, and came at the gallop, and now looking back, I�m thinking we should leave them lay and let the guy with the hair locks deal with them, after all, we have more pressing matters, like setting up camp, and if we should have two, or only one pint. At which point Succotash reaches into his saddlebags of holding and pulls out a gallon jug of ale. Setting the jug on the ground, he says, but first let�s set up camp! Also, unless someone else has their heart set on it, I�m willing to take first watch.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 91/91 d20=16 ;
Friday April 27th, 2018 5:44:09 AM
Sorry Murphy, I don�t have a healer�s kit (never thought about that he says to himself) but I do have some, not extensive mind you, but some skill at physical healing. If someone has a kit I can borrow or I can try to use some makeshift bandages rolled a 16+3=19 without kit or +5=21 with a kit and says may have to pick one of those healer�s kit thingys up, seems to come in handy.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a Large Air Elemental with Huge bonuses AC 29 HP 80/80 d6=6 ;
Friday April 27th, 2018 10:30:19 AM

Immediately after changing back to his halfling form, Murphy extracts his healing kit and hands it to Succotash. During that time, before the paladin is able to begin his ministrations, the apparently healed druid manages to tear open the wound again, and takes 6 hp bleeding damage. Blessedly, Succotash's care manages to mend him up. He heeds Pressi's advice to take it easy.

He takes out his journal and ink, and begins writing an update on what has been happening. He adds sketches of the Tall Man, some of the plants he has seen. He mainly rests near Pressi.

"Thank you, big time, Succotash Slenderstick."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Friday April 27th, 2018 11:40:17 AM

To Murphy: "I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. When you said that we should stop long enough to meet the new guy, we presumed that you just wanted to stop for a few minutes. So we are in agreement that we are camping at the boat here overnight then."

As to the further study of the shards, Pressi is disappointed that Murphy isn't thinking of turning Tall Men body parts into a weapon. She starts to consider breaking to him that there might not be a better cure than time and non-magical healing but he settles down and accepts that. (Started writing before Murphy's last post.)

"If I am allowed to start sleeping now, I can get 8 hours of sleep and still grab the last shift. From there.... It might be worth a few minutes to let me try out some scrying or divinations so we have a better idea of the monk's location or condition, though divinations haven't been our best bet in this plane... What about arcane eye? I could cast one at the southern herizon and we'd at least have some idea of what's up ahead."

To Succotash, "You're actually a little calmer about being on a boat with a couple of witches than I thought you would be. Anyway, I appreciate the healing and am sorry I'm not better company at the moment."

To Kezzem in private, "You know, I get it. I kind of felt threatened as a part rogue with... well, you back in your rogue days. But coverage happens, and similar builds can mean different roles. Just look at me and Bliss. Still, I've never known you to look at a similar build as a threat before...."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 91/91
Friday April 27th, 2018 1:15:29 PM
Well Pressi, Pantheon teaches us not to judge unfairly, and as I see it, how someone serves the gods is far less important than who they serve. I see that you also are a follower of Pantheon, so how could I think ill of you?

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 91/91
Friday April 27th, 2018 4:46:47 PM
I think Pressi is on to something, maybe Murphy should take first watch so he can get eight hours of uninterrupted sleep too, I�ll go second instead. Succotash is planning on sleeping in his armor figuring if he wakes up fatigued, he can use a mercy on himself if the need arises. Better to be fatigued than dead is his line of thinking.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC24, CMD28, HP96of96) (Cayzle)
Friday April 27th, 2018 4:55:41 PM

"Oh, okay," says Bliss, who honestly does not follow the entirety of the new paladin's story, but is willing to go along. He finds himself feeling friendly towards Slenderstick. "Thank you for the healing," says Bliss. "Can I pet your pig?"

The young halfling takes first watch (in cat shape) and then sleeps under Auntie Pot the rest of the night.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 91/91
Friday April 27th, 2018 6:46:41 PM
Miss Piggy loves to be scratched behind the ears, and if she likes you, she�ll roll over and let you rub her belly. As miss Piggy squeals with delight at the thought of a belly rub, and flops onto her back, exposing it to Bliss.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday April 27th, 2018 8:12:14 PM
To Pressi (in private): "Well, I knew what I was doing with the rogue stuff...it didn't just wake from the dead and suddenly have all the new abilities and responsibilities. It's a bit overwhelming, especially since I can barely tell a skeleton from a zombie and suddenly I'm supposed to be an expert on all undead and fiends and the like. I can't even heal those mirror glass thingies for you!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a AC 23 HP 80/80
Saturday April 28th, 2018 3:01:47 AM

"Yes, sleep now, Pressi. I'll do likewise and sleep in perhaps an hour, after I finish writing and sketching."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a AC 23 HP 80/80
Saturday April 28th, 2018 2:16:12 PM

"Oh, and, sorry, Succotash. If I am on watch - I will not be very effective. Pressi told me no strenuous moving, so spell casting, no nothin' for 8 hours. Basically, I can sleep, or lounge about. Mirrorglass, y'know," Murphy explains.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 91/91
Saturday April 28th, 2018 8:58:33 PM
No worries my friend when you�re on watch, if something happens, wake the rest of us up, and try to stay away from the baddies, and that goes for you too Pressi! In your guys condition, you�l Just be in the way, and I don�t want you getting hurt worse than you already are.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a AC 23 HP 80/80
Saturday April 28th, 2018 9:08:19 PM

"I usually take last watch - and would be happy to do so. Should be fine by then. Just not first watch."

DM Carl is back in the saddle again d4=3 ; d4=2 ; d4=2 ; d4=4 ;
Sunday April 29th, 2018 10:37:50 AM
A new stranger, a dead thin man, Pressi and Murphy one heavy lift from bleeding out...it's been an exciting time in your humble narrator's absence!

The party agrees, some more readily than others, that it is time to stop, even if there's daylight left. Too many people are hurt, and too many spells are used. Murphy and Pressi both wisely state they need to rest, but both offer to take the last shift. Looks like the lovebirds will be taking last shift together. They probably need a moment alone together anyway. Let's just hope they don't get distracted...

No definitive plan is made for the rest of the evening, so straws are drawn (read: dice are rolled) to figure out the order. Kezzem takes first shift, followed by Succotash, then Hobie, and finally Bliss. Murphy and Pressi take last. With the early evening, this gives everyone plenty of sleep.

The evening is quiet, and Kezzem (plus anyone who can't sleep) is treated to a gorgeous sunset over the horizon of the Sargrass. It's easy to forget how deadly the place can be when it's this peaceful.

Succotash is the first to see the Tall Man. Whether or not the newcomer alerts the others, it is gone again in seconds. Each guardsman has the same experience: a single Thin Man appears on the edge of vision, just for an instant, and is gone. Searches are unsuccessful in the very, very dark night. Even using the lens doesn't help; it doesn't make the Thin Men glow in the dark, after all.

Sense motive, DC 15, Highlight to display spoiler: {The fact that you're able to see the Thin Man at all means it wanted to be seen. The thing's playing with you.}

The sightings stop as soon as the sun crests the opposite horizon. Murphy and Pressi are treated to an equally beautiful sunrise, though the heat in the Sargrass quickly starts to rise. Murphy can especially tell that today is going to be a scorcher.

OOC: After roughly midday, the Sargrass is going to be officially very hot and subject to the following:

A character in very hot conditions (above 90� F) must make a Fortitude saving throw each hour (DC 15, +1 for each previous check) or take 1d4 points of nonlethal damage. Characters wearing heavy clothing or armor of any sort take a �4 penalty on their saves. A character with the Survival skill may receive a bonus on this saving throw and might be able to apply this bonus to other characters as well (see the skill description). Characters reduced to unconsciousness begin taking lethal damage (1d4 points per hour).

With the sun up, your destination once again becomes visible.

***

We've got one week until the next module starts. I'm going to montage the travel, so please do any and all preparations in your next post. Good being back in the seat; I missed you crazy kids...

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Missy Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=7 ; d20=7 ; d20=14 ;
Monday April 30th, 2018 5:30:02 AM
rolled a 7-1=6 for sense motive, so Succotash is clueless as to the motives of the Tall Men, but he does have a strong desire to tickle their ribs with Twinklesting (his greatsword).

Upon hearing Murphy"s proclamation about the weather, Succotash chooses to prepare and cast Endure Elements twice, once for himself, and once for Miss Piggy, figuring, can't hurt. Due to his self sufficient nature, brought on by his mostly solo paladin career, Succotash never even stops to think that others are able to do such things for him. He will be doing likewise, each morning, until they arrive at their destination.

here is a complete list of prepared spells:
1st level
endure elements 0/2
lesser regeneration 1/1
2nd level
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level
heal mount 1/1

Bliss / CatBliss (AC24, CMD28, HP86of86) (Cayzle) d20+10=12 ; d20+18=28 ;
Monday April 30th, 2018 10:57:17 AM

Bliss is alarmed by the sightings of Tall Men, but they seem to have learned their lesson, and Bliss is relieved that they decide not to attack.

That morning, Bliss does his usual gathering of Woldsblood -- some for the Fey Queen, some for his daily spells. That's a concentration check (1d20+7+3 for Bliss) usually vs DC14, but here in the Sargrass within the Valleys of Twilight, that's a DC9! ... Bliss rolls a 12 and succeeds without mishap. For a moment Bliss thinks it all goes wrong, but then realizes that he is fine!

=====

On his own, Bliss performs the Ritual of Grimalkin that he uses daily to give himself the ability to change into a housecat at will. The Handle Animal DC is 20, and he has +18 on the check with Auntie Pot's help. A 28 shows that he can change shape at will as usual!

When Pressi is ready, Bliss joins in the witch ritual of sharing. that the two do every day. Bliss leads, since even with his soul shaken, he has a slightly better chance of success. Bliss is a +22, +1 for Auntie Pot, +1 for Harper, and +5 for Pressi, for a +29, and the ritual cannot fail.

If Pressi agrees, Bliss casts an Extended Shield of Faith for himself, Pressi, and Harper to share. It offers a +3 deflection bonus for a total of 14 minutes, or 46 rounds each, to use across the day.

=====

Finally, as usual, Bliss completes his daily prep by casting the Threefold Aspect spell that allows him to tap the energy of youth, granting a +2 to Dex and Con, at a cost of a -2 to Wisdom.

=====

When it is time to travel, Bliss changes into a cat and takes his place at the prow of the ship. When it gets hot, he casts Rose's Temperature Control to keep cool.

OOC: An earlier version of this post included a catastrophic failure of Woldsblood handling, but thanks to a situational mod that kindly DM Carl reminded me of, that did not happen after all! Whew!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 78/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+12=25 ; d20+7=16 ;
Monday April 30th, 2018 2:25:52 PM
(Sense Motive: No Fail)

Pressi can tell that the Tall Man is just playing with them and uncharacteristically wants to be seen. (One doesn't need a sense motive roll to know that. It's clearly acting differently from the last Tall Man we encountered and from Pressi's knowledge report about how it tries to stay camouflaged as much as possible and tends to avoid confrontation.)

Finally better, Pressi and Murphy sit together for the last shift of the morning, simply watching the sunrise and enjoying each others company. Pressi avoids mentioning the danger they both felt or still face, the danger they already faced several times and have gotten used to. There isn't much beyond that life of an adventurer at this point except to keep an eye on the sunrise.

Besides, both of them have cut it well closer than that.

-----------------

At the end of her shift, Pressi joins Bliss for the Woldsblood catch (passes easily) and the sharing ritual (not having any better ideas at the moment).

Like Bliss, she casts Rose Control twice (for herself and Harper) to endure the elements but can't really help others.

She performs her own basic daily ritual, again of survival. But without her followers, she once again falls short, and once again curses out her low survival points.

With the others busy, she sets off to perform a spell of scrying, in an attempt to locate the monks. Using the tapestry as a focus, she reaches out to see if she can reach the people of that group, and immediately after casting surrender blood upon herself to boost the caster level.

(Will DC=19, They get +1 to save (+5 secondhand, -4 possession)) If it succeeds, Pressi casts message through the scrying.

---------------

failed ritual of warding (-1 to saves from spells)
shield of faith

L1 - 3
L4 - 1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 78/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Monday April 30th, 2018 2:31:17 PM
Bliss reminded me....

Pressi casts, before the various rituals, Threefold Aspect on herself and makes herself a crone. The +4 to Int and Wis means that her ritual of warding succeeds (since she can raise her survival enough) and her will save is actually 21.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2
Monday April 30th, 2018 7:24:42 PM
Hobie keeps his bow trained on the tall man for the duration of his watch, ready to loose an arrow should the foul creature approach.

When the heat begins to be unbearable, Hobie will use his wand of Endure Elements to give himself 24 hours of comfort. (Please let me know how many days we travel so i know how many charges to mark)

======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Grease, Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Mirror Image, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday April 30th, 2018 11:58:03 PM
Kezzem casts endure elements on himself and shares it with Rumpus.

OOC: Succotash, Paladins can share your spells with their mount, so you can cover yourself and Miss Piggy with a single casting.

----

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells:
1st Level: Endure Elements, Lesser Restoration x2
2nd Level: Resist Energy, Shield Other
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a AC 23 HP 80/80 d20+7=23 ; d20+25=40 ;
Monday April 30th, 2018 11:58:22 PM

Having heard from others about catching glimpses of Tall Men, when he catches one revealing himself, he calls out, rapidly but with clear diction in several languages: Sylvan; Common; Druidic; Terran; Aquan; Giant; Ignan; Elf; Auran. He says, each time: "Let us talk, Tall Man. Can we help each other?" He does succeed by a fair margin at sensing motive (23). Regardless the motive, he still voices his offer. He tells Pressi, and later the others as they awaken, what he sensed.

He lifts up prayers first to Eberyon, and Flower, then to Pantheon, and several others. He asks for wisdom, direction, power, discernment, and help needed to do what Humble's Sword might to save the Wold, including this separated portion of their world.

He takes time to memorize spells, and to change out some for others. [Am redoing spell selection offline, should have updated by tomorrow, and will adjust CS at that time.]

He asks Hobie if he would be so kind as to use his wand of endure elements for him and for Kezzem. "That will free up a spell slot for me to give us more alternatives."

When Pressi goes into crone mode, Murphy says, "I love your fresh wrinkles, dear."

"So, shall we proceed first to the clearing, then onward to where we can see the buildings?" he inquires of the group. "What might your scrying have revealed, Pressi?"

"Oh, also, I can use control winds to give us a boost in the right direction," he adds.
======
Perception: 40

DM Carl is back in the saddle again
Tuesday May 1st, 2018 10:20:01 AM
Humble's Sword performs its morning rituals. Bliss is fairly certain that he'd have messed up his daily Woldsblood drawing back in Humble's Ford, but luckily the stuff is darn-right cooperative here on the Sargrass. Pressi decides it's a day for looking old, and Kezzem teaches Succotash the finer points of life as a paladin.

Murphy attempts to call out to the Tall Man. He's completely unable to read the thing's face due to the dark and distance, but no attempts at parlay are made, so...probably not feeling like chatting.

Sense motive, DC 25, Highlight to display spoiler: {though intelligent, the Tall Man is still an apex predator in the Sargrass. It likely considers you food. Troublesome food. Uppity food, but food nonetheless.}.

The party gets themselves comfortable on the boat.

OOC: Were accommodations made for Miss Piggy? It's doubtful there's room on the boat for a riding pig, and there's no way they could keep up. If not, I'm waving my DM magic wand and saying it "just works" since we're on a time table here with the rest of the Wold.

With Murphy's ability to control the wind, good progress is made. None of Humble's Sword can sailor well, but so long as the weather's clear and Murphy can provide a steady breeze, anyone could pilot the boat.

There is no sign of the Tall Man throughout the day. The clearing is reached, providing a good stopping place for lunch should our intrepid adventurers wish it.

It's evening by the time you arrive at the buildings you've been seeing in the distance. Now that you can reach out and touch them, it seems they were built in similar style to those in Rattledam, but not nearly as artfully. They're not quite ramshackle, but they weren't built to last either. This was probably an outpost of some type, though it's reason for being is not readily apparent. Exposure to the elements has weathered their exteriors, but not to the point where they're structurally unsound. Seven buildings stand in total. Four of them look to be communal lodging, one bears a large symbol of Pantheon, and the other two? Who knows. They'll need to be looked at.

The grasses are cleared around the buildings, but only about 10' from the outermost ones. It looks like they were once cleared further than that, but the grasses have been reclaiming the area. A few more months and they'll probably swallow the entire settlement.

There's roughly an hour before sunset.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC24, CMD28, HP86of86) (Cayzle) d20+26=46 ; d20+20=28 ;
Tuesday May 1st, 2018 11:15:17 AM

Bliss has a suggestion -- Maybe Mister Murphy can cast Reduce Animal to give Miss Piggie a smaller footprint?

At the outpost, Bliss scouts around the outside of the other buildings -- in cat form -- and reports back -- in halfling form. He detects magic too.

Stealth: 46
Perception: 28

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Missy Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=7 ; d20=4 ; d20=3 ; d20=17 ;
Tuesday May 1st, 2018 1:25:51 PM
As a paladin of Pantheon, Succotash heads directly to the building with the Pantheon holy symbol. He has Twinklesting in his hand, and Miss Piggy by his side. While in route, he is trying to take in the sites, and looking out for enemies. Succotash�s perception is 7+6=13, and Miss Piggy�s perception is 4+7=11. He is also trying to move stealthily Succotash rolled a 3+4=7, Miss Piggy rolled a 17+ 6=23.

Succotash curses his choice in armor.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 78/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+21=23 ; d20+24=37 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+21=30 ; d20+6=10 ;
Tuesday May 1st, 2018 2:55:35 PM
(As per DM's question: Ken left it that the boat can hold paladin mounts and witch familiars but not normal mounts or other non-class feature animals.)

Pressi actually fails to meet the sense motive on the creature, and congratulates Murphy on a good try. As to his comment of her age, "Aww, that's so extremely weird."

Since she lacked the time for scrying (in that case, I'm taking the spell back), she instead spends her time thinking through strategies and of course lunch.

Not really wanting to split the party, Pressi holds Succotash back until Bliss returns. WIth an hour before sundown, Pressi does follow him to the Pantheon building (stealth 37, harper stealth 18), trying her best to spot traps among other things (Perception 30, Harper smell perception 10). Like Bliss, she also casts detect magic

---------------

ritual of warding (+1 to AC, saving throws) (all day)
shield of faith (20 rounds each)
rose temp control (both as if endure elements)
threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +2 to DCs)
threefold plus warding (no change to AC, reflex, -1 to attack rolls and damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +2 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

L1 - 2
L4 - 1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2
Tuesday May 1st, 2018 3:24:41 PM
Hobie will go along with the group to the Pantheon building. He stays toward the back of the group, and lets the Paladin of Pantheon lead on.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Missy Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Tuesday May 1st, 2018 5:02:30 PM
Succotash agrees with Pressi that waiting for Bliss�s return is for the best. He blames his lack of experience at working with a party for his absent mindedness.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday May 1st, 2018 6:30:29 PM
Correction: Kezzem just casts endure elements on himself. I was using the 3.5 rules for shared spells and was not aware they were changed for Pathfinder.

Since Kezzem can summon Rumpus to him magically summon him to his side when needed, Rumpus was not on the boat but remained with the rest of the party's mounts.

DM Carl is back in the saddle again
Tuesday May 1st, 2018 8:51:18 PM
OOC: If Ken already ruled the paladin mounts could come along w/o issue, I'm not going to counter it. I am ok with ret-conning here and saying Rumpus and whatever other named mounts you folks have are along for the ride.

...and FYI, both Ken and myself had to take our turn at the DM table this module w/ very little advanced knowledge due to life circumstances. Hopefully in the future the hand-off will be more smooth & at appropriate times in the module.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a AC 23 HP 80/80 d20+7=10 ; d20+25=36 ;
Wednesday May 2nd, 2018 4:04:32 AM

Murphy finds the tall man's obscured visage inscrutable - but he does not like the creature much.

As they travel, Murphy agains asks Hobie if he can receive an endure elements spell from his wand.

He helps his companions enjoy a decent lunch at the clearing, pulling out some of his supplies of food and cooking gear.

The druid is attentive around the buildings. He evaluates the local plant life. He listens, trying to ascertain whether there is anyone moving around the area beside his companions.

He figures he'll see how the newcomer plans to do things.
========
Sense motive (tall man): 10
Perception (in area of buildings): 36

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Missy Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Wednesday May 2nd, 2018 5:24:05 AM
If Hobie can�t help Murphy out for whatever reason, Succotash would be more than happy to prepare Endure Elements a third time each day, and cast it on Murphy.

DM Carl is back in the saddle again
Wednesday May 2nd, 2018 11:16:05 AM
On padded paw, Bliss is nigh-undetectable. His keen eyes shinning in the darkness, he moves from building to building looking for anything of importance, that is dangerous, that is magical, and probably anything that's shiny as well.

This is what he learns:

The buildings that appeared to be lodging are just that. They are hastily constructed and contain just a large common room with 6 cots each. A woven grass screen in the corner of each provided some privacy for natural functions, but other than that they're just austere barracks. There is little sign of whoever used these. Any personal storage space that may have existed is gone, leaving just the screens and cots.

One of the buildings was a combination mess hall/kitchen. A large cooking pot is still hanging over a long cold fire-pit and a few sealed barrels of *something* have been left behind. Bliss's sensitive nose tells him they probably contain dried & salted meat. Two rows of wooden tables and benches take up most of the space in this building. A tray of crude wooden utensils rests on the end of each table.

The other mystery building holds about a dozen writing desks. Hovering above each desk is a very feint glowing orb that radiates minor evocation magic. Touching (or pawing, as the case may be) one causes it to glow brightly, illuminating the desk it floats over. Touching it again turns it off. Each desk still contains a supply of ink and pens, as well as several rolls of blank paper. However, whatever it was they were writing here is gone. One wall is dominated by a large cabinet with dozens of cubbyholes, but they're all empty.

Meanwhile, the rest of Humble's Sword waits for their friend to finish his rounds. Murphy checks on local plants, but doesn't find anything out of place or any strange movements.

With Bliss' scouting done, the party explores the temple. It contains an altar & about six rows of pews - nothing fancy. Hanging from the ceiling is a woven tapestry bearing the symbol of Pantheon. It's masterfully woven from many different species of sargrass, which is no small task considering how varied the grasses are. Whomever wove it was a master of the art, and the result is probably worth some coin, though transporting it would be a challenge. The different properties of so many different types of grass mean it can't simply be rolled up and tucked away. It's roughly 6'x6' and would need to be transported flat. It radiates no magic.

A single door leads to a back office with only a simple desk and chair. Embedded in the desk is a large spike that Bliss can immediately recognize as the dismembered arm of a Thin Man. The drawers of the desk are open, and the former contents strewn about the room. Bliss spies a rolled, wax-sealed scroll under the desk. It details the final days before Maab whisked away the survivors of the events that ripped the Sargrass from the Wold. The last bit sounds important:

The Sargrass has been home to our order for longer than our recorded history tell us, and while we praise Maab for showing mercy and rescuing us from it's collapse, I'm afraid many of our number grows bitter. Even I am tempted to succumb to self-pity, but have faith that in time we'll find a way to return. At least our expedition here succeeded, and the heart of the crystal mountains is safe.

At Marcus' insistance, I am leaving behind a shard here in my office. I question the wisdom of doing so, but cannot deny the boy's gift for divination. I can only have faith that Pantheon speaks truly through him...

There is an aura of...some sort of magic. It doesn't match any school Bliss, Pressi, or anyone else is aware of. It seems to be just a lingering effect. The source of the aura is no longer here.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC24, CMD28, HP86of86) (Cayzle) d20+22=31 ;
Wednesday May 2nd, 2018 12:02:36 PM

Using his Detect Magic, his scent, and spellcraft (rolled a 31), Bliss tries to track the odd magic aura. Was it moved? Where has it gone?

"If a Thin Man teleported it out, then it will be awful hard to find," he says.

"Wowsy, I don't have any magic to find it," Bliss says sadly. "Mister Murphy, can you Commune with Nature to see if this odd magic aura is anywhere around?"

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Missy Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Wednesday May 2nd, 2018 1:19:15 PM
Is anyone able to enlighten me as to what the heart of the Crystal Mountains is? Succotash asks, or are you all as clueless as me? While you�re at it, does anyone have a guess as to what the shard is, because I�m guessing it�s important, and maybe we should try to find it.

He also suggests spending the night here.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 78/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Wednesday May 2nd, 2018 2:51:47 PM

"Well, I did promise you an explanation," Pressi replied to Succotash. "We do in theory know a tad more than you do, and this seems like as good as any a time for a recap."

Pressi checks her notes and begins again.

"A while back, while your group was galavanting around here, our world's strange Woldsblood and Goddess stuff have been resulting in... well, me and Bliss for starters. I used to be a quite non-arcane monk and Bliss, witch as he was, certainly didn't run around as a cat. But that was just the beginning of strange visions and ethereal sightings of demons and fire elementals. You know, chaos and entropy. Also, our town got cut off for a while, we battled some creatures, I had some visions of the sleeper mountain ve'el - another witch god, fun stuff really. Doom of the World, fires through the streets, cats and dogs living in (red eyed) harmony, you get the picture. Oh, and lets not forget the meteors. They are kind of important. Lets see, battle, battle, transport to another justicar with weirdly similar build, meeting with jerk, other meeting with jerk, ok, here we go....

"We came here through the Vale of Twilight after meeting with a Manfri called Sir Not Going to Try Remembering the Name. I remember he was kind of a jerk. Anyway, boss man explained how we are being rained upon by pieces of Crystal Mountains, and how among other fun stuff its replacing sargrass with bloodweed... Anyway, the Crystal Mountain also grows these shards of crystals called... Crystal Shards... shut up, I didn't come up with the name.... The Mountain produces these crystal shards and we are supposed to collect them. Except we can't even find them unless we find these monks that have been studying them. Oh, and only they know how to remove them without splintering them.

"So to make a long and boring story slightly less longer and more boring, we need to find the monks, find and remove the crystals, use the books the Manfri gave us for the cleansing ritual, and then blow the horn when we are ready to return. And then hopefully we figure out how to use the crystals to save the world and the world in turn buys our merchandising. Simple enough, right? Well, except that these diviners really didn't do a fantastic job of leaving behind a forwarding address or, you know, any notes. Who could have seen that coming. Which is why I am collecting whatever tapestries and notes I can find. If you have any further questions, please keep them to yourself."

(OOC - will post the rest of my move separately)

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Missy Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Wednesday May 2nd, 2018 5:26:05 PM
So you�re saying we are on a desperate quest to save the world, and we�re not exactly sure as to how to do it, sounds fun (he says giving a sarcastic thumbs up).

You know life was a lot easier when you only needed to kill something to save the day!!!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday May 2nd, 2018 7:02:58 PM
Remembering what happened at the last temple of Pantheon, Kezzem actives his detecto evilo vision to see if any mischief is afoot!

"Also, I died and became a paladin," says Kezzem to the new guy. "Got to chat up Gargul and everything when I was dead. Have you met Pantheon?" Before he can answer. "Yeah, I didn't think so."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 78/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+4=13 ;
Wednesday May 2nd, 2018 10:00:57 PM
If Pressi is allowed to visit the mess hall first, she checks to see if she can make anything from the barrels that are left (Profession Check 13).

I assume the group as a whole is ignoring the writing desk building for now but Pressi mentions a desire to visit the building later.

As for the temple....

Pressi tries to think of a time when Humble's Sword could save the day merely by killing the right something. It seemed almost a joke premise, like saving the day by stamp collecting.

Pressi tries to figure out how to remove the tapestry but no good ideas come to mind. (She does have a wild thought that maybe it was the shard, making the removal impossible.)

In the office, Pressi casts detect magic and follows it up with see invisibility (her domain spell).

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a AC 23 HP 80/80 d20+25=33 ;
Thursday May 3rd, 2018 5:01:33 AM

Murphy says, HOBIE. Hobie Hobie H-O-B-I-E! Hey, [/i]Hobie![/i] Do I have your attention for a moment, buddy?" He has made a request of the Hobes a few times already today. He repeats it for what seems to him to be the umpteenth time, "CAN YOU CAST ENDURE ELEMENTS ON ME, Pretty Please, with your wand?" He thanks Succotash for being willing to learn the spell in future days, but says he'll see if Hobie's ears will work well enough to share from the wand for the time being.

If there still seems to be a deafness toward his request, he says again,
HEY, H O B I E ! ! !
Then again asks, "Um, can you use your wand to cast endure elements on me? Thanks!"

[OOC: Please, everyone, read what others write in their posts. Some of it may pertain to you :-) Really, Nick, Murph would have pestered Hobie about this matter earlier in the day, before we even reached the clearing, let alone the settlement, as he does not want to become a sweatball. Also, neither Murphy nor I are upset - just trying to communicate!]

======

At the table, and after closely examining the notes left behind, and hearing Bliss's request, Murphy says, "Maybe not a bad idea, Bliss. Yes, I can attempt to commune with nature, and reach out to discern whether the mentioned shard is within reach - within about ten miles, that is."

Before he does so, though, he asks Pressi, "Uh, which ones were the jerks you referred to?" Aside from those references, he finds her coverage of past events leading up to the present quite cogent, and hope it helps Succotash gain some understanding. He adds a few comments here and there to help fill in any small gaps which may matter.

He does not insert himself into the paladinic posturing.

He also says, regarding the beautiful tapestry, "It may be a real challenge to transport, but that would be wonderful to have at our new outpost outside Humble's Ford, at the shrine for Pantheon that will be built, in the midst of other shrines to those who watch over us from above."

Then he tells his companions, "This spell will take me about ten minutes for me to do. So, please make sure that no tall man tries to carry me away."

Murphy casts commune with nature. He seeks to learn the whereabouts of the crystal shard. If he manages to find it in his divination, he also tries to learn who or what may be in possession of it, and details of its present locale. If he does not manage to find it, then he tries to discern whether there are tall men in the vicinity, and where. If this second mental outreach turns up blank, finally he seeks any other evidence of the presence of Manfri within ten miles.
====
General Perception: 33

DM Carl is back in the saddle again d20+28=36 ;
Thursday May 3rd, 2018 10:44:17 AM
Bliss looks around, trying to see if he can follow the magic aura. He can't. Likely whatever caused the aura sat here for a while. He suggests Murphy commune with nature.

Succotash asks to be filled in on what's going on. Pressi is able to fill him in and lament about being unable to just finish off a bad guy to complete a quest. If only life were so simple.

She finds enough preserved meat and vegetables to make a passable meal. Since there's plenty of create water spells around, a stew would likely be her best bet.

Kezzem gets a solid dig in on Succotash.

Murphy flails around trying to get Hobie to notice him, and comments on the tapestry. He heads outside to commune with nature, since the spell doesn't work inside the settlement. Surrounded by grass and (hopefully) guarded by his companions, he reaches out and allows his consciousness to join the Sargrass. He's struck by an alien, uncomfortable feeling. He perceives the world around him tinted red, grasses suddenly thrashing with an angry intelligence. It is beautiful, spoiled only by this settlement and his companions.

Murphy, will save DC 15 or your attitude towards your companions falls to indifferent. Fail by 5 or more and it falls to hostile. The effect will last until the spell is complete, +1 minute for however much you failed the check by.

There are other lifeforms out in the grasses, but only one of them walks upright. Your spell loses touch with him as he enters the settlement.

Sure enough, the Thin Man leaps onto the roof of the mess hall, a large crystal wrapped in its tendril arm.

OOC: None of the perception checks beat his stealth check.

Finally, Murphy gets his wish as the thing speaks (in Sylvan).

"Looking for this?" It holds out the crystal. "You can have it. All I need from you is a sacrifice." He points his spiked arm straight at Kezzem. "This one killed one of us. Hand him over."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday May 3rd, 2018 12:33:19 PM
"Hey, why's he pointing at me?" asks Kezzem. "Doesn't he know that's rude?"

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Missy Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Thursday May 3rd, 2018 1:19:43 PM
Not understanding a word the tall man said, Succotash and Miss Piggy step closer to Kezzem, and says in a very sarcastic way, �I�m not sure why, but I don�t think he likes you�. Both Succotash and Miss Piggy ready an action, if the tall man or any other hostiles come within striking distance, they will attack.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Missy Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=20 ; d20=20 ;
Thursday May 3rd, 2018 1:23:37 PM
Succotash and Miss Piggy roll perception looking for other new threats
Succotash 20+6=26, Miss Piggy 20+7=27

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a AC 23 HP 80/80 d20+12=26 ;
Thursday May 3rd, 2018 1:33:46 PM

Murphy walks back to the clearing, and replies in Sylvan, Let me tell my companions of your offer.

He tells them in common, thinking to himself that some day he is going to have to further persuade Bliss to learn the halfling tongue, "The tall man offers us the crystal shard, in exchange for a sacrifice. Please, don't anyone take action against him, and let us see if we can avoid bloodshed. He wants you," he says, looking at Kezzem. "I shall offer him myself."

Then he returns his attention to the tall man. [i]"It was one of you who attacked us without warning, without provocation. We were defending ourselves. Your companion drew our blood. My friend then drew his blood.

"We do not seek to kill where we can avoid it. But he wounded more than one of us, and it seemed clear he was trying to take our lives. I am sorry that he chose to attack us, and thus his life ended. Already another of yours nearly killed another of us.

"However, I have a proposal. I shall offer myself in his place. Rather than kill me, though, there is something I can do which may return his soul to you, but in another body. There is a ritual which I may perform in the morning, to bring him back to you. We can stand as enemies, or, if you are willing, we might be able, not to undo what has been done, but rather, to bring back your friend in some form.

"So, I go with you. The shard you give to my friends. I tell you this, that shard can play a role in saving the Wold, in saving the Sargrass. If you do this, then I will do as I have told you. What do you say?"

As he speaks, he communicates telepathically with Pressi, so that she may understand his thoughts.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 23 HP 80/80 d20+13=28 ; d20+25=34 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+7=18 ;
Thursday May 3rd, 2018 2:22:47 PM

Roll with prior post - Will save: 26/15
New rolls which may pertain to above post:
Diplomacy: 28
Perception: 34
Knowledge, Nature: 20
Sense Motive: 18

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers; crone d20+21=41 ;
Thursday May 3rd, 2018 5:13:17 PM
Pressi is less than thrilled at the sight of the Tall Man or about Murphy's attempts at making a deal, but she isn't about to blow whatever he is trying. "Uh, yeah, sure, we'll get right on it," she muttered in halfling. "Why don't you have them leave their location information so we can interrupt them during dinner."

She messages back that she doesn't really trust this tall man, or thinks that her reincarnation spell will be seen as a good deal. But if he wants to try to get that shard on the ground and if it's less than five pounds, she could mage hand it. "Oh, and tell him that we were just getting some ambiance going."

Pressi casts a round or two of dancing lights in an attempt to find the creature (Perception 41) and readies the Blink spell if the creature attacks.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday May 3rd, 2018 5:14:13 PM
"Well tell him I'm flsttered but dont swing that way."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2
Friday May 4th, 2018 11:10:13 AM
(sorry, I have been out of commission, but Hobie would absolutely have offered endure elements to any who wanted. I mentioned that in my previous posts where I used the wand, but forgot to mention it this time)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2 d20+18=33 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+13=23 ; d6+10=13 ; d6=6 ; d6+10=15 ; d6=4 ; d6+10=12 ; d6=5 ; d6+10=15 ; d6=5 ; d6+10=12 ; d6=3 ;
Friday May 4th, 2018 11:38:13 AM
I have to ask, when the tall man is speaking to Murphy in Sylvan, is he visible to all of us, or is he invisible?

Nick knows that negotiation seems to be the best course of action here, so I'm really sorry if Hobie screws things up, but one of these guys brought Hobie literally one turn away from death. If this guy appeared in front of him speaking in a language Hobie doesn't understand, Hobie would not think about negotiations before firing a full round of arrows at him.

So, if Hobie CAN see the guy:

He simultaneously clicks the heels of his boots as he takes two arrows from his quiver. He proceeds to fire as many arrows as he possibly can in one 6 second burst.

Many Shot Attack=33
Damage =13 Piercing + 6 Fire, 15 Piercing +4 Fire

Rapid Shot Attack = 37
Damage = 12 Piercing+ 5 Fire

Haste Attack = 30
Damage= 15 Piercing + 5 Fire

Iterative Attack = 23
Damage = 12 Piercing + 3 Fire

Damage Total if all hit = 90 (67 Piercing, 23 Fire) All of it with Cold Iron arrows and a Magic bow

If Hobie CANNOT see the guy, he will nock an arrow, point it at the sound of the voice and ready an action to fire an arrow if he sees the enemy.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, CMD29, HP116of116) (Cayzle) d20+33=38 ; d20+16=32 ; d3+13=14 ; d6=6 ; d6+3=5 ;
Friday May 4th, 2018 11:53:16 AM

Bliss listens intently. He speaks Sylvan, of course -- it is his Lady's language. And he nods when Murphy speaks Halfling -- he's managed to pick up enough of that tongue over the years. "Keep him talking, Mister Murphy," says Bliss. Then he changes into a cat. That's round one.

1) Cat
2) Silent Still Barkskin
3) Silent Still Divine Favor
4) Silent Still Focused Touch of Gracelessness

If they are still talking in Round 5, Bliss charges the enemy. He raises his Shield of Faith and rages for the charge, and he uses Acrobatics to avoid AoOs on the final approach as he enters the thin man's square.

Acrobatics to avoid AoOs: 38.

Charge Attack at base +12 +2 charge +2 rage +2 divine favor is a hit on AC32.

That's a bite at base 1d3+9+1d6 +2 rage +2 divine favor inflicts 20 damage nonlethal
... plus fort save partial DC15 vs Touch of Gracelessness. That's 1d6+3 dex penalty ... rolls 5 or 2 if save plus move penalties if fail.

CatBliss's AC is 27 normally, 25 raging, 23 on the round of a raging charge.

OOC: If the fight starts early, Bliss foregoes the Touch of Gracelessness, moves into the enemy's square the same round as he casts the Divine Favor, and then makes a full attack the next round. Let me know if you want the two claw attacks.

Welp, so much for talking! d20+8=23 ;
Friday May 4th, 2018 1:52:16 PM
Most of Humble's Sword starts thinking about how to handle this. Before any of them get a chance to act on those thoughts, Hobie decides he's having none of this nonsense.

(OOC: Basically, Hobie just made most of your actions not happen. Murphy doesn't get a chance to offer himself or use diplomacy, Pressi doesn't get to snark, Bliss turns into a cat, but that's it.)

A lot happens in the next couple of seconds. Hobie's arrows fly true, and before the Thin Man has a chance to act, he is fatally skewered. He drops dead from the roof of the mess hall, crystal shard rolling out of his tendriled arm.

Miss Piggy squeals loudly and Succotash, who wisely kept a look out, spots two more Thin Men behind them...then three, four...then a lot. Over a dozen of them slide forward out of the grasses surrounding the settlement. They do not look pleased. One blinks away, then appears again standing over the fallen Thin Man & the crystal. He bends and picks it up. The rest cross arms, smile (my they have a lot of teeth), and wait. It's not like our heroes have anywhere to run to.

Whatever Humble's Sword's about to do, they better do it quickly.

***

Difficult situation since we don't use initiative here in the Wold. Here's my ruling on how this plays out:

Obviously you weren't all just standing there as the Thin Man teleported and picked up the shard. We are in combat rounds, but each of you get an extra standard action. So for your next post, you can make two standard actions, one move, one swift, etc.

Bliss, you had time to turn into a cat, so you don't need to use one of your actions to do that.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, CMD29, HP116of116) (Cayzle) d20+33=38 ;
Friday May 4th, 2018 2:00:17 PM

Bliss casts his still silent Barkskin and Divine Favor spells. He turns on his Shield of Faith ritual ability. He moves up to 50 ft to enter the square of the nearest Thin Man, with acrobatic tumbling to avoid provoking AoOs as he gets near.

Acrobatics 38 (again)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2 d20+4=8 ;
Friday May 4th, 2018 6:55:21 PM
OOC: I'm sorry that Hobie attacking disrupted what you guys were trying to do, I know that that is probably frustrating. I just don't see how Hobie wouldn't immediately attack the thing. Hobie was nearly murdered by one of these things, they showed no signs in that first fight of being anything but hungry beasts, and one appeared out of nowhere.

With an army of dozens of Thin Men coming, Hobie quickly grabs one of his scrolls of Fly and casts it on himself(Caster Level Check DC 6, Passed). He then flies directly upward about 45 feet, with his bow trained on the one grabbing the shard.

======
Rounds of Haste Used 2/10
======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Grease, Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Mirror Image, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (24), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers; crone d20+14=22 ;
Friday May 4th, 2018 10:29:20 PM
Pressi grumbles at Hobie jumping the gun. No soup for you.

As the creature moves toward the crystal, Pressi makes an attempt to mage hand it first... and snatched it at the last second (hero point spent for +4). �Looks like you forgot to put your name on it. But don�t worry. I�m not keeping it for long...�

Pressi pulls it towards her and down... into Harper�s mouth (between the teeth). �Run,� she shouted as she cast Blink on her cat. �And can you get me a soda on the way back?�

Harper ran through the wall, phasing outside, and moved as far as she could.

Both of them activated their shield.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements, Shield Other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=35 ; d20+19=22 ; d20+13=30 ; d20+13=27 ; d3+12=13 ; d3+12=15 ; d3+11=14 ; d3+10=12 ;
Saturday May 5th, 2018 12:24:20 AM
"Look out and shout, people," says Kezzem. "They're angry. And they're everywhere!"

Kezzem casts shield other to protect Pressi (bonus standard action).

He then picks one thin man and activates smite evil against it (swift action) before making full attacks with his daggers (regular standard action and move action).

Attacks include Smite Evil (+3 Attack/+10 Damage) and Improved Two-Weapon Fighting (-2 Attack) bonuses/penalties. Please adjust for range as needed. If he can be in melee, add 1 to hit and damage to his third and fourth attacks. Also, if the thin men are undead, evil outsiders, or dragons, Kezzem's first attack that hits will do an additional 10 damage.

#1: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 35.
Damage: 13.

#2: +1 Returning Dagger (off-hand)
Attack: 22.
Damage: 14. (forgot to reduce modifier for off-hand Strength)

#3: Dagger
Attack: 30.
Damage: 14.

#4: Dagger (off hand)
Attack: 27
Damage: 12.

----

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

Spells:
1st Level: Endure Elements (cast), Lesser Restoration x2
2nd Level: Resist Energy, Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) [Large elemental with huge bonuses? AC 29.] [Or, just halfling? AC 23] HP 80/80 d100=55 ; d20=1 ; d100=81 ; d20=6 ;
Saturday May 5th, 2018 3:31:18 AM

Murphy is angry. Close to as angry as he has ever been. The druid's verbal overture to the tall man in the waning darkness before dawn was on the verge of bearing fruit now in the late afternoon. As he habitually does when on watch, he had reported what went on during his watch (except the part about holding hands with Pressi), so people - Hobie included, would know about the various visitations of the tall ones to various members of the watch, and what he said to them.

He had just now translated what the tall man said, asked people not to attack, and was about to make a proposal, and Hobie attacks. Murphy feels certain that the exchange could have been handled without further bloodshed. That the seeds of mutual respect might have here been planted between the halflings and the tall men. He figured that the one tall man on the roof of the building was not alone - there are plenty of places to hide in the nearby grass, and the creatures have some sort of dimension door capabilities. But, the plan formulating in his mind could have worked.

"We are going to have a serious discussion about leadership Real Soon Now," Murphy says. "Murder is not to be our first recourse."

With his plan shot pretty much to oblivion, he sees another opportunity. How well it might work, he does not know. He casts speak with animals, and dashes ahead to where Harper runs with the crystal shard in his teeth. "Harper, give me the shiny stick, please." He tries to grasp it (with the blinking, it may take a couple attempts to physically grasp it - rolling d100 - 50 or lower means he misses it due to its ethereal form, 51 or higher means he can grasp it as it is in its material phase. Rolled 55 - yep, chance he got it. Rolled a nat. 1 to grab - he misses. So he tries again 81 - non-ethereal. 6 on d20 - if Harper cooperates, not certain what adjustments to use for Murphy's grab attempt. Dex bonus? Attack bonus? Help me out with this one, please.

If he gets it, he slips it into his left pants pocket.

And, if he gets it, he uses a hero point to transform into as large an air elemental as he can [am not clear whether he can go huge, or just large - he does end up with huge stats]. If he fails to obtain the crystal shard from Harper, he figures that in the next instant, he is going to be surrounded by several tall men, who will try to hack him to pieces as a halfling.

Blast Hobie. Blast him. Heaven above, save Hobie, and all of us, are the current thoughts running through his mind.

DM Ken Edit Harper took off and poofed through a wall with his Blink spell. Murphy isn't going to be able to catch him in one round.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Missy Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=9 ; d10=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d20=16 ; d10=10 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d20=20 ; d20=16 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d20=11 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d20=10 ; d10=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d20=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d10=9 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ;
Saturday May 5th, 2018 7:15:08 AM
Lay of Hands: 9/9
Smite Evil: 4/4

Succotash thinks to himself, "I spend my whole life as a solo act just to join a party and die, If that isn't irony, I don't know what is, but if I'm going to die, at least I'm taking some of these evil scum with me".

Succotash yells, "Pantheon protect us!" and than goes on the offensive

Assuming he is being threatened by one of the thin men, he and Miss Piggy take a 5ft step, smite evil, and unload on the thing,
Succotash:
9+19+4=32, for 1+5+4+10+10=30 damage
16+14+4=34, for 10+3+6+10+10=39 damage (Twinklesting is a +1 Holy Greatsword)
Miss Piggy:
20 16+14=30 to confirm crit, for 5+3+4+3+10=25 damage
11+9=20 for 3+3+10=16 damage (Miss Piggy is wearing a +1 amulet of mighty fists)
total damage:110(94 if Piggy's second atack didn't hit)

Assuming the beast is dead, they stepup to the next closest, smites evil, and attacks, using vital strike
Succotash: 10+19+4=33, for 3+2+2+9+10+10=36 damage
Miss Piggy: 6+14=20, for 4+1+1+6+10=22 damage

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (24), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers; crone
Saturday May 5th, 2018 7:55:09 AM
�No, we are not going to have a conversation about leadership,� Pressi lectures back. �We literally have this conversation once a mission. You always complain about having your unilateral plan even questioned or pushed against, even as you overrule someone else, like my plan with Harper literally this second. We tell you back that leadership doesn�t mean you get to just make these decisions and you have to defer to and trust us on occasion. And to shake things up, one of our teammates ends the conversation by leaving. After Aleah, aren�t we done with this?

�Besides, and not to defend Hobie but you didn�t actually think we�d solve this with diplomacy and my reincarnate spell, did you? It wouldn�t solve it with us and they�re as crazy as we are. At least give the guy some credit for giving us a fighting chance, even if he could have given us more.�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (24), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers; crone
Saturday May 5th, 2018 8:00:11 AM
Pressi points out that the entire point of using Harper (when she could have flown it herself) was to avoid isolating or tying up a PC. (Also, Harpers base speed plus blink)

But if Murphy wants it, she flicks it to him instead. Unable to cast Blink on Murphy, she instead casts confusion on the tall men behind her.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Large elemental with huge bonuses AC 29 HP 80/80
Saturday May 5th, 2018 10:11:30 AM

"Granted," Murphy acknowledges at least the general sense of Pressi's point, with a bit of chagrin, as he receives the crystal shard from her, and wild shapes into an air elemental.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements, Shield Other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Sunday May 6th, 2018 1:12:04 PM
"Ooo, hot potato!" says Kezzem.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Large elemental with huge bonuses AC 29 HP 80/80
Sunday May 6th, 2018 2:41:18 PM

Something in the corner of his mind pokes out in his consciousness.

"We have the shard. BLOW THE HORN!" Murphy shouts in halfling.

Welp, so much for talking!
Sunday May 6th, 2018 11:01:53 PM
Ah, super heroes and their struggles with ego. Tale as old as time, is it not? Even our Humble adventurers are not immune, but like most heroes, they come together when it matters most.

Pressi snatches victory from the jaws of defeat..or at least the tendriled arm of defeat. A brief struggle happens, but at least those thin men don't have it. The passive, amused looks on the faces of the surrounding thin men vanish quickly after that. Maybe. Hard to tell with faces as impassive as theirs. Enemies are engaged as they close in. Our heroes are brave, but the Thin Men have numbers.

What they don't have is a magical horn to retrieve them from the Sargrass when their mission was complete. Fortunately, Humble's Sword does. The thing thunders across the plains. It is much louder than its small size seems capable of.

Immediately, 5 shafts of light descend from the sky and surround Humble's Sword. Very soon after, additional shafts descend for Rumpus and Harper. Anyone paying attention sees an additional beams come down near Rattledam, and Hobie feels an immediate sense of relief. Finally, Succotash and Miss Piggy are lit up as well; thankfully, someone up there is paying attention.

All are bodily ripped from the ground and flung skyward. It is dizzying, and distressingly nauseating. There's time enough to see the Thin Men rage as their losses go unanswered, probably forever.

The ground vanishes, left behind as this plane is exited. Next stop? Hopefully somewhere with fresher food and fewer apex predators.

***

Friends, apologies for the late weekend post. I've been in and out of the hospital with my wife, and am just exhausted. Apologies also for having to pull a DM-ex-machina here. It's not how I like to handle things, but we're on a schedule here.

I will award XP soon, but each of you has done something Hero Point worth this past module, so I'm awarding you all one each.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Missy Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Monday May 7th, 2018 5:29:50 AM
Not knowing where he is, or how he got there, well not exactly anyway, obviously he heard the horn, and he heard Murphy yell out �blow the horn�, and obviously it was magical in nature, but Succotash is still a little confused, and if he was honest, a little bummed out that he didn�t get to kill more Tall Men, but happy to be alive, he says, �Well, that was different!�.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2
Monday May 7th, 2018 7:06:22 AM
As soon as Hobie gets his wits about him he looks at his friends and says "It's not pretty, but sometimes the fastest way home is to put an arrow in somebody's neck."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (24), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers; crone
Monday May 7th, 2018 1:08:44 PM
Pressi let out a little breath of relaxation. "Finally, I got what I wanted. A victory achieved without having to push our minds and bodies to their limits, but with simplicity in itself.

"... Kind of disappointing and anticlimatic, really. Oh well, if anyone asks about what we had to do to get the shard, we'll just lie about it."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements, Shield Other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday May 7th, 2018 1:10:55 PM
As the party starts to vanish, Kezzem waves at the thin men. "So long, and thanks for all the fish!"

Kezzem stifles a burp upon re-materializing. "Oh, that's...not pleasant. Let's not do that again."

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, CMD29, HP116of116) (Cayzle)
Monday May 7th, 2018 4:43:30 PM

One moment ramping up to fight ---- then pulled into the air!

Bliss turns back into a halfling just so he can exclaim, "WOWSY! WHAT IS GOING ON!?!"

Grabbing at the air and gaining no purchase, he readies a Beast Shape spell in case he is dropped over water or from high enough that he can change into a bird.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Large elemental with huge bonuses AC 29 HP 80/80
Monday May 7th, 2018 10:01:38 PM
[So, it looks like Murphy didn't use the hero point to wild shape after getting the shard, since the leopard Harper had blinked through the wall.]

"YOOOIIIINNNNKKK!" says Murphy as they are whisked skyward. "I meant, let's get the Pantheon weave, then blow the horn! Hey, which one of you blew the horn, anyway? I forgot who took it."

He looks about and listens expectantly to see how this present mode of transportation resolves itself.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (24), HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers; crone
Tuesday May 8th, 2018 6:23:43 AM
�Honk honk honk.�

Pressi turned around to see Harper chewing on the horn like a squeak toy and challenging Miss Piggy to a game of tug of war.. �Grr grr honk honk honk.�

(It has to be this way. Everyone else used up their actions. Also, I couldn�t think of anything funnier.)

Pomp and Dire Circumstances!

Welcome home! - DM Carl
Tuesday May 8th, 2018 10:57:29 AM
Humble's Sword lands with a *whump* in a sea of red grass. A quick look to regain your bearings shows you've landed right back in the Red Hills near the meteor's impact site. Either time moves differently in the demiplane holding the Sargrass, or the bloodweed is growing very fast. The sparce growth that was here when you left has been replaced by a carpet of the stuff. Nearby trees are choked with it, and all other plant life has been crowded out. Tendrils of the stuff are woven around the crystal. At this rate, it wouldn't surprise anyone if the growth had reached Humble's Ford.

To complicate matters, any casters near the meteor feel their powers fail. Spellcraft check, DC 15, Highlight to display spoiler: {There's an anti-magic field 5' around the meteor.}

Thankfully, you have a shard of the heart of the crystal mountains, and a ritual that will hopefully address all this.

Details of the ritual:

The ritual is detailed in the book given to you by the Manfri. The shard must be placed on the meteor. At least one person must before the ritual itself, which will require a perform check. Everyone else can help in any other of the following ways:

STR: A raw Str check to try and keep the grass away from the crystal
DEX: A raw Dex check to wave a stick of incense close to the grass without touching it
CON: A raw Con check to hold a pulsating piece of pure crystal
INT: Int checks to see how to unknot the grass that is tangled up and binding the crystal.
CHA: A Performance check. All sorts of performances (except Comedy) can contribute to performing the ritual.
WIS: Will power and concentration to battle the grass mentally.

...but at least one person has to make a perform check each round to make the ritual work. The ritual looks like it's going to take a while, so Humble's Sword better get started!

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Missy Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=8 ; d20=2 ;
Tuesday May 8th, 2018 1:22:05 PM
After looking at the book, Succotash says, �Well, I guess I have two ways to help, I can play my drum, or try to physically keep the grass away from the crystal, I�m leaning towards the physical, and I think with Miss Piggy�s help, we should hopefully be able to keep the grass at bay�.
Succotash rolled a 8+6=14,
Piggy rolled a 2+6=8

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 (27 vs. Tall Man 1?), HP 106/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements, Shield Other (Pressi); Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+4=24 ; d20+5=25 ;
Tuesday May 8th, 2018 1:48:14 PM
"Hey Rumpo, go fight the grass with the pig," says Kezzem. Rumpus attempts to stop the grass from spreading with his hooves.

Rumpus Strength Check: 24 (natural 20).

Kezzem, meanwhile, shakes a stick of incense about like a young halfling shaking a sparkstick on the Dog Day of the Month of the Sun.

Kezzem Dexterity Check: 25 (natural 25).

OOC: Two natural 20s! Kezzem and rumpus are on point for this ritual.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 Non-Lethal Damage:2 d20+5=10 ;
Tuesday May 8th, 2018 2:03:51 PM
"We need someone to perform?"

Hobie takes out Lucille (his lute), and attempts to play. The adrenaline from the almost fight has his fingers a little unsteady, and he kind of messes up the tune.
Perform:Lute 10

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Large elemental with huge bonuses AC 29 HP 80/80 d20+9=24 ;
Tuesday May 8th, 2018 2:50:05 PM
Please, everyone, read this whole post. Also, see: Ritual Against the Nasty Meteorite

If Hunter still has the crystal, Murphy asks Pressi to take it from the leopard, and keep it safe in her haversack for a few moments. If Murphy has the crystal (things were left a bit hazy concerning this from earlier conflicting postings), he has it in his left pants pocket (Bill's Pants O' Plenty).

Murphy feels the pull of the red. He knows that he has somehow been infected with it, though, thus far, he has managed to resist the lure. He pushes aside the dark thoughts that would make him who he is not.

"Hey, there's an anti-magic shell going out about five feet all around the crystal meteorite," says Murphy [Spellcraft 24]. "Let's see, I've got the ritual book here, and had a chance to read it earlier. If someone wants to take a look at it now, feel free." He holds out the book so that someone else may take it.

"It's a fairly complex ritual, and will take each of us to help out with it. Words and motion and music all can contribute to the effectiveness of the ritual. If at some point we falter, we'll need to rally and try again. The bloodgrass may fight against us. We need to keep the grass away from our crystal shard. One of us needs to hold the crystal over the meteorite over the course of the ritual, although, if one grows weary, another may help, perhaps take over.

"Exactly how long it will take to fully effect the ritual is hard to say. We need to take a few moments to prepare, then go at it, and not stop until evidence of its effectiveness is clear and conclusive.

"I propose that Hobie, Succotash, Pressi and I be prepared to take turns helping to perform the ritual itself. Perhaps two of us at a time, to support one another, and strengthen the ritual. I may need to take a break from performance from time to time to battle the grass. I have been touched by the bloodgrass, and have been battling its effects within me. That battle I will externalize as needed. The plants that surround us will not be passive.

"Succotash, Bliss, and Hobie - you are strongest among us. We will need one or more of you to lend your strength to physically keep the grass from approaching the crystal.

"Does anyone have any incense? Did the Manfri give us some? Wait, I collected some samples from the Sargrass. Let's see if any of those might serve as incense." [It will be up to our DM as to whether any of the samples of plant life that Murphy collected in a few places - both in Rattledam, and in the grassy sea - might serve as incense for our ritual purposes.]

"Someone who is nimble - Kezzem? Pressi? - can wave the incense over the crystal. This will augment the power of the ritual. Take care not to touch the incense to the crystal, though."

"You can see the bloodgrass has knotted itself about the meteorite. We will need to unknot it. Hobie - you have shown yourself clever with the bow, which takes great dexterity, and I know you are smart. Perhaps you can figure out how to use your strong and nimble fingers to work out those knots. Pressi and Bliss, too, might help with that as needed.

"So, there is the chanting of the ritual itself. I have learned it, so can help direct. All of us need to contribute. What if Hobie begins by playing the lute, which you did so beautifully back in Rattledam, and Pressi begins a dance? Kezzem, can you hold the crystal over the meteorite? Succotash, keep the grass away as you can. I might have you kick in with percussion as we go along. Bliss, you want to try to unknot the bloodgrass?

"Maybe Hunter can try to keep the grass away from us, too, Pressi. And Miss Piggy - Do you suppose she'd like to root away the bloodgrass, Succotash?"

"So, let's take a few minutes to talk this all over, then get at it! Suggestions, ideas, alternatives, volunteers?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) Large elemental with huge bonuses AC 29 HP 80/80 d20+6=10 ;
Tuesday May 8th, 2018 2:55:15 PM

Ah - forgot to refresh before posting. Would have altered the post a fair bit...

Murphy will begin the chant, using Perform: Oratory, trying to fit in with Hobie's opening chords on the lute. All right, rather weak start there, but perhaps a bit of synergy may help (would his trying to fit his words to Hobie's rhythm and music give a +2 aid another?).

We're a little bit 'ready, go, set' here.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, CMD29, HP116of116) (Cayzle) d20+7=21 ;
Tuesday May 8th, 2018 6:40:32 PM

Bliss gets mad and focuses on these weeds! He uses his rage to push the darn bloody plants aside!

Str 24 ... rolls at +7 ... gets a 21!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+3=15 ; d20+2=18 ;
Tuesday May 8th, 2018 8:59:45 PM
Pressi doesn't need a spell check to know that something is wrong. It occurs as soon as her old age wears off to her sorta young form and as Bliss begins to lose his young age and presumably loses his cat form.

Murphy's rules make a good first pass but Pressi feels the need to make a couple of corrections:
1) The antimagic field shuts down all magic including belts and headbands, so Murphy needs to track after enchantment stats, as well as the stats of pets and mounts.
2) While most spells and witch abilities, including the rituals, blink out, it's not clear whether Bliss' cat form or Pressi's warding will be considered instantaneous. Pressi's assuming that these things wink out too.
3) The Wis checks are will saves and con checks, not straight checks. It's unclear if they require wis based casting.
4) Rage does work in an antimagic field.

Since the physical checks are all set by a lot of others, including Harper (decent for all three checks), Pressi prefers to start with an Int Check. (Even without her headband, she can pull a 15). Harper takes a stab at a con check (and reaches an 18).

DM Clarification: The WIS part is poorly worded. It's a straight WIS check, not a will save. I see how the wording can be confusing.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 23 HP 80/80
Wednesday May 9th, 2018 4:04:28 AM

I know skill checks and saving throws and all kinds of things that wisdom and other attribute modifiers can apply to. But, in Pathfinder, just what is a straight Wisdom check? I'm assuming you roll a d20 and add any modifiers that the wisdom score grants, aiming for some sort of DM-decided score to beat. So if you need a Wisdom check of, say, 12, and your wisdom is 16 (+3), you'll need to roll a 9 or better on the d20 to meet or exceed that target. Anything else going on with that I may be missing out on?

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Missy Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Wednesday May 9th, 2018 5:27:44 AM
Didn�t think about the effect of the anti-magic field. Without the help from his belt of giant strength, Succotash�s strength is 18 so he would only have added 4 to his roll making it a 12. Succotash grumbles under his breath, �I guess I�m not as strong as I thought I was�.

Welcome home! - DM Carl 2d10=8 ; 1d6=6 ;
Wednesday May 9th, 2018 10:20:56 AM
Humble's Sword has begun the ritual. Though none are particulary skilled at the performing arts, Hobie and Murphy make do.

OOC: Both of you can roll perform checks & they'll both count. Aid another does not apply here.

Everyone else helps as they're able, and it appears to be working. The crystal shudders violently before a large crack bursts open from it. Red light glows from within the crystal, washing over the entire party, animals included. It burns.

Everyone takes 8 negative energy damage. No saves, but any negative energy protections work just fine.

As if that weren't enough, the bloodweed begins to animate. Its stiff leaves slice into anyone on the ground.

Everyone on the ground takes 6 bleed damage, and will continue taking 6 damage each round until healed.

The ritual continues. Remember that at least one perform check must be made, or the ritual does not progress!

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 23 HP 74/80 d20+6=12 ;
Wednesday May 9th, 2018 11:27:52 AM

Murphy continues with Perform: Oratory, for 12.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 23 HP 66/80
Wednesday May 9th, 2018 11:29:15 AM

Fixed hp.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+4=19 ; 5d6=15 ;
Wednesday May 9th, 2018 1:12:11 PM
Rumpus continue to stomp the grass.

Rumpus Strength Check: 19.

Kezzem backs out of the antimagic field. "If anyone needs healing, back up and I'll get you. Otherwise, keep doing what your doing." He'll delay to after everyone else has gone to allow them to opt into the healing.

Channel Positive Energy: 15. That should also take care of the bleed damage.

Lay on Hands 7/day (2 used)
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells:
1st Level: Endure Elements (cast), Lesser Restoration x2
2nd Level: Resist Energy, Shield Other
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 74/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+5=8 ;
Wednesday May 9th, 2018 4:11:14 PM
DM question: Hobie was flying when we were transported back here, I didn't specify in my last post, so I'll leave it up to you, if I was flying when we were transported, would I still be flying now? Or would I be on the ground?

If Hobie was on the ground, he'll fly upwards about 20 feet and continue to pick at his lute.
Perform Lute = 8

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 69/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 47/61, CMD 23; Followers d20+3=14 ; d20+2=17 ;
Wednesday May 9th, 2018 4:50:22 PM
Pressi shook her head at all of this but didn't see a reason to change what she was doing.

Pressi int check: 14

Harper con check: 17

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, CMD29, HP110of116) (Cayzle) d20+6=7 ;
Wednesday May 9th, 2018 6:09:04 PM

Bliss's Str is down to 22 in the AM Field. At a +6 check, he shrugs off the damage and rolls a 7! That's no good!

He suggests that a paladin channeling energy would be like a mass cure that stops everybody's bleed damage, right?

Of course, it won't work in the AM Field. We might have to suck down the damage, then step out for healing, then return.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 23 HP 80/80
Thursday May 10th, 2018 12:56:00 AM
When Kezzem gives his offer, Murphy steps to where he is outside the radius of the anti-magic of the meteorite, and within the radius of Kezzem's positive energy surge.

Am assuming that one does not need to be immediately adjacent to the sphere in order to continue the performance. Please advise if I am mistaken.

DM Ken: One must, indeed, stay continuously adjacent to the crystal.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Missy Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=15 ; d20=20 ;
Thursday May 10th, 2018 5:50:08 AM
Lay of Hands 9/9
Smite Evil 2/2

endure elements 0/2
lesser regeneration 1/1
remove paralysis 2/2
heal mount 1/1

Succotash and Miss Piggy step out of the anti magic field just long enough to benefit from Kezzem's channel. Succotash thanks Kezzem, tells Miss Piggy to continue what she was doing, and than pulls out his drum and begins to perform, keeping time for Hobie and Murphy.

Succotash's performance 15+6=21
Piggy's strength check 20+6=26

DM Ken, The Ritual Continues d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ;
Thursday May 10th, 2018 3:02:07 PM

Murphy's oration of chants continues to appease the crystal. When Succotash joins in, the crystal begins to pulsate wildly.

Pressi continues to unbind knots, which is a wise choice, as they continually try to appear to mend the splintering crystal back together. Harper maintains his grip on the now vibrating crystal shard.

Bliss loses his grip on an encroaching patch of grass, but just as it tries to surge forward, Piggy uproots a huge chunk of earth, grass and all, with her tusks. Kezzem steps aside to help heal his friends.

Things are holding together, but the dark energies in the crystal, which were seeping out in small wisps before, are now gushing out in huge bursts. In addition to all present taking 10 negative energy damage, one tendril of dark energy begins to infuse itself with a patch of the red weed. Strange shadows seem to immediately gather around the area. Unless a successful Wisdom check is performed, (Scale of success, 0-10 failure, 11-14 somewhat successful, 15+ complete success), there could be consequences!

DM Note: Performing the ritual requires constant and continues proximity within 5ft of the crystal. This will require some time and action management. Neither Murphy nor Succotash are able to receive healing and keep up the ritual. One will have to back away if he wants healed. Please remove any healing you gained from Kezzem.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 52/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20=10 ;
Thursday May 10th, 2018 3:23:26 PM
ooc: Ok, so now that I understand we can't leave the 5ft radius of the circle, I'll retcon the flying bit and I subtracted the bleed from last round and this round as well as this round's negative energy. Geez this thing might kill us.

Hobie will try his best to be wise and use what little wisdom he has. He fails with a 10.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+1=15 ; d20=18 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+4=8 ;
Thursday May 10th, 2018 3:59:44 PM
Kezzem Wisdom Check: 15. Complete success.
Rumpus Wisdom Check: 18. Complete success.

Kezzem moves back into the antimagic field to assist with the incense.

Kezzem Dexterity Check: 6 (natural 1).

However, he drops the stick and has to pick it up instead.

Rumpus continues to stomp on the mean grass.

Rumpus Strength Check: 8.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 61/91, Missy Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 77/87 d20=6 ; d20=1 ; d20=5 ; d20=7 ;
Thursday May 10th, 2018 5:13:46 PM
retcon: Succotash decides to take the damage, and keep playing. Miss Piggy get's healed
current: Succotash rolled a 6-1=5 (fail). and Miss Piggy rolled a 1+1=2 (fail) on the wisdom check

Assuming they are able after failing their wis checks, Succotash will continue channeling his inner John Bonham, and Miss Piggy will continue to uproot the grass.

Succotash's performance: 5+6=11
Miss Piggy's str check: 7+6=13

Succotash says,"You know, it sucks when your pig is wiser than you!"

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 61/91, Missy Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 77/87
Thursday May 10th, 2018 5:17:46 PM
Succotash also says. "It would pretty embarrassing if we all got killed by a rock, we will never hear the end of it!"

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, CMD29, HP110of116) (Cayzle) d20=1 ;
Thursday May 10th, 2018 10:47:02 PM
Bliss wisdom: nat 1!

"UGH!" shouts Bliss. "WhAT is hAPPenniNg?!?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 63/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 41/61, CMD 23; Followers d20=13 ; d20+1=21 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+2=4 ;
Thursday May 10th, 2018 11:07:05 PM
Pressi Wis Roll: 13 (partial success)
Harper Wis Roll: 21 (Nat 20)

"Yeah, what is it with all these animals having higher wisdom than us. Is it because true wisdom is just laying around most of the day and eating whatever you want? Because I've always expected as such.

"And lets be clear that it's not the rock that kills us. It's the lawn."

Pressi and Harper continue on

Pressi int check 9
Harper con check 4

"Oh, that can't be good."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 23 HP 58/80 d20+6=20 ;
Thursday May 10th, 2018 11:24:34 PM
Despite the pain - perhaps the pain drives the druid to focus - Murphy's oratory, bolstered by the performances of his friends, rises more to the occasion. After he has spoken his bit, he wild shapes into an air elemental, so as to halt the bleeding condition for the moment. He then continues to orate through the ritual.
Perform: 20

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 23 HP 48/80 d20+4=16 ;
Thursday May 10th, 2018 11:30:01 PM
Wisdom roll: 16 - complete success.
Noting the dark energy twining itself to the bloodgrass. Any insight Murphy picks up, he communicates to the others...

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 52/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+3=16 ;
Friday May 11th, 2018 12:24:20 AM
I�m super confused. Are we doing the wisdom check in place of the STR/DEX/Perform etc checks? Or in addition to it? I thought it was our action but others are posting two different checks.
I�ll add a DEX check for Hobie just in case. DEX= 16

Welcome home! - DM Carl 3d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+13=18 ; d8+7=14 ; d8+7=11 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+13=21 ; d8+7=12 ; d20+7=16 ;
Friday May 11th, 2018 11:14:38 AM
Humble's Sword continues the ritual, though they seem shaken. Perhaps they're worried about the dark energy and strange shadows. Perhaps they should be. At any rate, the negative energy from the crystal continues to seep out, inflicting another 5 points of damage to everyone. The grass continues to slice, inflicting an additional 1 bleed damage to everyone.

Murphy and Succotash the ritual forward while the rest of our heroes assist in whatever way they can. There is a shudder, and the crystal splits down the middle. The energy does not pour from it so much as shoot straight downward.

Hobie, Bliss, Succotash, and Miss Piggy all see evil-looking, spiked vines shoot from the ground at their feet (they can reach 30' into the air, so flight is not an automatic defense vs. them).

The vines erupt skyward towards Hobie, but their aim is not on point today (nat 1).

Bliss discovers his armor is useless as the vines slam into him. Hit touch AC 21 - Bliss takes 14 damage. The vines try to grab him, but Bliss is too slippery.

Succotash's armor isn't any more useful. Hit touch AC 14 - Succotash takes 11 damage. The shadowy tendrils quickly erupt further from the ground and nearly completely entwine the paladin. Nat 20 grab check - Succotash is grappled.

Miss Piggy squeals as the vines lash out. Hit touch AC 18 - Miss Piggy takes 12 damage. The pig is too quick to grapple, fortunately.

Pressi knows something's up with these vines, but that doesn't stop them from lashing out. Still, she's able to side step the odd things. Hit touch AC 16 - miss.

Everyone else just sees wispy black shadows flailing around their friends. Murphy communicates their insubstantial nature to his friends, giving them another chance to recognize them for what they are. Everyone who failed their wisdom rolls gets another chance, (Scale of success, 0-10 failure, 11-14 somewhat successful, 15+ complete success). Anyone who partially succeeded last time cannot fall back to total failure; they stay partial successes.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 23 HP 42/80 d20+6=19 ;
Friday May 11th, 2018 2:48:31 PM

The druid winces at the harm that is coming to his friends. And himself. "For the sake of our people, let us keep on."

And he keeps on. Perform, oration: 19.

[Am wanted to write down his words, but am pretty swamped. Will do so when I can catch the time.]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 46/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+5=15 ;
Friday May 11th, 2018 4:12:20 PM
As the blood pours from his veins and the negative energy saps his strength, Hobie grips his lute and tries his best to play on.

Perform (Lute) 15

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24, Endure Elements; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+5=15 ; d20+4=11 ;
Friday May 11th, 2018 4:26:34 PM
"Eh, it's only the new guy," says Kezzem. He continues to shake the incense stick.

Kezzem Dexterity Check: 15.

Rumpus continues to stomp on the grass as well.

Rumpus Strength Check: 11.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 38/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 59/87 d20=19 ; d20=12 ; d20=14 ; d20=8 ; d20=17 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ;
Friday May 11th, 2018 5:18:18 PM
Succotash's wisdom check: 19-1=18 (complete success)
Miss Piggy's wisdom check 12+1=13 (partial success)

Succotash tries to break the grapple 14+10=24, if successful, he will step out of the anti-magic field and perform a lay hands on himself healing 17 hp (will add health after next DM's post incase he is still grappled)

Miss Piggy will continue rutting the sod 8+6=14

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, CMD29, HP74of116) (Cayzle) d20=7 ; d20+6=13 ;
Friday May 11th, 2018 6:01:18 PM
From last round (sorry forgot to note): +6 bleed damage, +10 neg energy.

New round: +6 bleed damage, +14 grass damage

New wis check 7 Bliss is still clueless!

Crying out like a wounded thing, Bliss tries to wrest the grasses away from the crystal: Str check 13. Is that good enough to be effective?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 57/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 35/61, CMD 23; Followers d20=11 ; d20+3=5 ; d20+2=4 ;
Friday May 11th, 2018 10:11:20 PM
Pressi Will Save 11 - stays partial success

Bliss and Harper try using a round of shield as a swift action. Yeah, anti magic field but the coven stuff is just that weird.

Pressi Int Save 5
Harper Con Save 4

Welcome home! - DM Carl d10=8 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+10=29 ; 2d6+2=9 ; d6=6 ;
Sunday May 13th, 2018 6:20:21 PM
Murphy and Hobie wisely decide that though their friends are important, this ritual is more important. Their spoken word jam continues to affect the crystal.

Kezzem needs to update the HP in his header, unless I've missed some healing. He and Rumpus continue their assistance.

Succotash realizes the vines attacking him are shadow. He is instantly freed, though the shadows twirling around him feel pretty yucky. He steps aside and heals. Miss Piggy continues stomping.

Bliss doesn't understand why his friends aren't more freaked out about these vines! He dodges around, stomping the grass back as he's able.

Pressi sighs and glares at the meteor so hard it explodes into large chunks! At least, that's what it seems like, but the chunks stop mid-air, then fly back together. The pieces swirl around before sticking back together in a shape that's vaguely humanoid. The anti-magic field drops.

Murphy and Hobie both sense that the ritual has been complete, but they're both very sure the book said nothing about this! The crystal gives them no time to consider what could be going on. It moves fluidly, pieces of itself flowing to its destination before it reforms. Its fluid movements make attacks of opportunity impossible. Unfortunately for Succotash, it reforms right in front of the newcomer (random roll) and sends two chunks of itself flying at the paladin. One vears off course, but the follow-up attack hits home. Faster than he can blink, tendrils of crystal punchture Succotash, causing gaping wounds.

Hit AC 29 - Succotash takes 9 damage plus 6 bleed damage.

No map since AoO are impossible & there's just one combatant.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 58/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 59/87 d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d20=5 ; d20=20 ; d20=14 ; d20=1 ; d10=5 ; d10=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d20=18 ; d20=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ;
Monday May 14th, 2018 5:54:58 AM
Succotash says:"Finally something i understand!" as he draws Twinkelsting from it's scabbard. as a swift action, he heals himself with a lay of hands, healing 18 health, and stopping the bleeding. He also Detects Evil on the rock dude, as he slashes out with his Holy Greatsword while using vital strike, rolling a 5+19=24, dealing 5+2+10=17 if evil, add 5+3 for a total of 25

Succotash yells out, "Piggy, attack the rock man", and Miss Piggy moves into attack position, trying to flank with Succotash. Miss Piggy will also attack using vital strike, rolling a natural 20, with a 14+14=28 for a confirmation roll dealing 16+10=26 magical piercing damage

occ: sorry about the extra rolls, my mouse button kept getting stuck

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 58/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 59/87
Monday May 14th, 2018 5:58:35 AM
sorry, Miss Piggy's total crit confirmation would be 30 because of the flanking

DM Update: This thing's immune to crits anyway.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge capabilitie (Kim) AC 23 HP 42/80 d20+9=22 ; d6+5=8 ;
Monday May 14th, 2018 12:13:42 PM

Murphy thinks about spell selection in relationship to this creature. Will electricity harm or help it? [Spellcraft 22 - not sure if that is the right thing to roll]. He decides to give it a small dose, and observe whether it seems harmed or helped, or simply not affected, as he sends a lightning arc - 8 hp damage, DC 18.

Murphy touches base with his inner red to discern the measure of control he has over that.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26+4(Tot D)=30, HP 62/62, CMD 24 5d6=19 ;
Monday May 14th, 2018 2:03:17 PM
With the antimagic field gone, Kezzem channels positive energy (standard action)

Healing: 19 to all. And no more bleed damage.

OOC: That should also take care the damage I missed earlier, restoring Kezzem and Rumpus to full health.

Kezzem will also detect evil (move action) on the crystal creature.

"Stay back, Rumpo," shouts Kezzem. "This thing looks tougher than grass. Go protect Hobbie instead."

Rumpus will position himself next to Hobbie and go total defense.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC21, CMD29, HP93of116) (Cayzle) d20+16=20 ; d3+15=16 ; d6=3 ;
Monday May 14th, 2018 6:46:33 PM

Bliss instantly sprouts thorns on his hands and charges the figure. He swings and punches.

(No AoO with this domain ability)

Attacking at +2, AC at -2, raging hits AC20 for 19 nonlethal.

"Thanks for the healing, Sir Kezzem!" he shouts. He may be a barbarian, but he has not forgotten his manners!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 57/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 35/61, CMD 23; Followers
Monday May 14th, 2018 9:51:47 PM
OOC: Sorry, it was a travel day today. Not even sure what resources I used and can�t update header.

Dm question: are effects cast before the warp back home/am field still in effect? Like rituals or the change age casts?

Not sure yet of what she�s dealing with, she casts ill omen on the creature.

DM Edit: Assuming the effects in question lasted more than a few rounds, yes. Let's say 10 minutes have passed since the horn was blown. The shell suppressed magic, but didn't dispel it.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 46/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 2 d20+15=23 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+10=17 ; d6+15=21 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6+15=21 ; d6+15=20 ; d6=4 ; d6+15=19 ; d6=4 ; d6+15=16 ; d6=1 ;
Tuesday May 15th, 2018 1:23:23 AM
Hobie grins a wry smile as his friends start attacking this thing. He clicks his heals and reaches for arrows, taking deadly aim at the enemy.

Manyshot
Attack 23
Piercing 22, Fire 6
Piercing 22, Fire 2

Rapid shot
Attack 20
Piercing 21, Fire 4

Haste
Attack 31
Piercing 20, Fire 4

Iterative
Attack 17
Piercing 17, Fire 1

(I forgot to include Point Blank in my damage rolls up top, but added them to the total)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 46/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 4 d20=16 ;
Tuesday May 15th, 2018 1:53:58 AM
Hobie will also think hard about this thing, perhaps some of his knowledge could be relevant in this fight.

d20 = 16
Depending on which knowledge skill is needed, my result would be:
Arcana- 28
Planes or Nature - 25
Anything else- 24

(Updated my hero points to add the one you just gave us, and one from a while back which I added on my character sheet but didn't update on my header)

Welcome home! - DM Carl d20+10=24 ; d20+10=29 ; d4=4 ; 2d6+9=18 ; d6=3 ;
Tuesday May 15th, 2018 10:01:26 AM
Succotash and Miss Piggy flank the construct before them. Twinkelsting connects with one of the floating chunks of crystal, but only manages to chip it some. Between its hardness and the fact that it seems to float gently in the air, the big slashing weapon probably isn't ideal (damage resistance). Miss Piggy has a similar result.

(Note: drawing your weapon and detecting evil are both move actions, so you'll have to detect on your next round.)

Murphy checks his mind-space and is relieved to discover any homocidal inclinations are gone. He's his old pleasant self again. He's unsure of the thing's reactions to magic (spellcraft doesn't give much, but a knowledge, arcana would help), so sends some electricity its way. The lightning immediately grounds itself when it hits the crystals, seemingly without result.

Kezzem heals his friends how that the anti-magic barrier is gone. He sends Rumpus to go watch over Hobie.

Bliss goes spikey again and lashes out, but fails to connect (though just barely).

Pressi tries to set the creature up to fail, but can't manage to make her magic stick. The spell is cast without effect.

Hobie takes up his role as the party's cannon and unloads. Three of the five arrows connect with their targets. They're well-aimed hits, but he runs into the same issue that Succotash did. The arrows aren't as effective as they would be against softer targets.

He ponders what this thing is. It's unique, but seems to share a lot of the characteristics of a blood golem, but in a crystal form. It's also floating above the ground.

The damage from Hobie's arrows are enough to draw its attention. It flows towards Hobie, reforming just in time to puncture him with one of its shards. Hobie feels the shard branch out inside him, and blood flows freely from the wound left behind.

Hobie takes 18 piercing damage and 3 bleed damage. Bleed damage will continue each round until healed.

The creature's red hue deepens as it absorbs the blood Hobie left on the attacking shard.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26+4(Tot D)=30, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday May 15th, 2018 1:15:39 PM
Did Kezzem "detect evil" detect evil?

Nope.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26+4(Tot D)=30, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+16=36 ; d3=2 ; d20+16=36 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+11=23 ; d3+1=3 ; d3+1=2 ;
Tuesday May 15th, 2018 3:02:48 PM
Kezzem will draw his daggers (Quick Draw) and attack the crystal creature, moving to flank if possible.

OOC: Full attack with Improved Two-Weapon Fighting.

Attack #1: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 16 = 36 (natural 20).
Auto-hit. Immune to crits.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 4.

Attack #2: +1 Returning Dagger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 1d20 + 16 = 36 (natural 20).
Auto-hit. Immune to crits.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 = 3

Attack #3: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 11 = 12 (natural 1).
Auto-miss.

Attack #4: +1 Returning Dagger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 1d20 + 11 = 23 (or 25 if flanking).
Damage: 1d3 + 1 = 2.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 76/83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 54/61, CMD 23; Followers
Tuesday May 15th, 2018 3:15:15 PM
OOC: Updating Header and Footer

----------------

ritual of warding (+1 to AC, saving throws) (all day)
shield of faith (20 rounds each)
rose temp control (both as if endure elements)
threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +2 to DCs)
threefold plus warding (no change to AC, reflex, -1 to attack rolls and damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +2 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

L1 - 3
L2 - 0+1
L4 - 1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 25/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 4 d20+15=29 ; d20+15=33 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+10=17 ; d6+16=22 ; d6=2 ; d6+16=17 ; d6=2 ; d6+16=22 ; d6=3 ; d6+16=20 ; d6=5 ; d6+16=18 ; d6=6 ;
Tuesday May 15th, 2018 4:18:54 PM
Hobie is in rough shape, down to 25 HP and bleeding, he knows that this thing could knock him out if it were to land another blow on him.

Nevertheless, Hobie has been in enough skirmishes to know that if you don't want to an enemy to take you down, your only choice is to take it down first.

He takes a five foot step back from the construct, and unleashes another flurry of arrows

Manyshot
Attack 29
Piercing 22, Fire 2
Piercing 17, Fire 2

Rapid shot
Attack 33
Piercing 22, Fire 3

Haste
Attack 27
Piercing 20, Fire 5

Iterative
Attack 17
Piercing 18, Fire 6

Rounds of Haste used 3/10

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d20=16 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d12=10 ; d20=10 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday May 15th, 2018 5:29:31 PM
Lay of Hands 5/9
Smite Evil 2/2

Succotash detects evil this round, and finds none. He notices Hobie's plight, so he grips his holy symbol, and channels energy healing 26 health to all who need it, and stop's Hobie's bleeding.

Miss Piggy will make a full round attack on the crystal construct.
16+14=30 (32 if still flanking) dealing 6+6+10=22 damage
10+9=19 (21 if still flanking) dealing 4+5+10=19 damage

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 51/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 4
Tuesday May 15th, 2018 5:32:49 PM
Succotash you are the bomb dot com

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 HP 80/80 d20+5=24 ; 10d6=36 ;
Tuesday May 15th, 2018 6:28:21 PM

The airy druid is most grateful for the healing provided by Kezzem and Succotash. It's nice to have two paladins in Humble's Sword. He wonders whether the creature is damaged by their release of positive energy.

Murphy thinks that, perhaps, the creature is not necessarily immune to electricity - but is able to absorb a fair amount of any particular damage it takes - as it did with the small arc of lightning, and as it is doing with much of his friends' physical attacks. [Knowledge, arcana: 24 - let me know if that helps his understanding]

With perfect flight (and not subject to AoO), as an air elemental he ascends to a height of 45 feet, and about 20 feet away. He'll hold off on testing his hypothesis concerning electricity for the moment, however. Rather, he casts flame strike, such that the bottom of the 40' tall column ends about 7 to 10 feet off the ground - above the height of his friends, but engulfing most of the spikey elemental. The flames extend 10 feet around the turning-toward-red crystalline creature. The flaming column generates 36 hp of damage - one-half from the flames, and one-half from divine damage. If any of the shadow tendrils are still around, and near to it, they, too, will need a Reflex save vs DC22. If the save is made, the damage is 18.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+13=30 ; d6+1=3 ; d6=2 ; 2d6=4 ; d20+8=17 ; d6+4=10 ; d20+8=12 ;
Tuesday May 15th, 2018 9:43:34 PM

"Hold on, I'm remembering something of vast importance from back when we first entered the sargrass," Pressi began. "Does anyone remember if I turned the oven off?"

Pressi is quite grateful at the vast amounts of healing (which topped off herself and Harper, thank you) but she still wasn't sure what to do regarding this creature, and didn't want to make a habit of knowledge lore-ing every creature in the world.

So instead, she got into flanking (reach) position and gave her adamantium ice chain a shot.

(Attack 30, damage 3, ice 2, sneak 4)

Harper decided to attack as well, using her bite.

(Attack 17, damage 10, trip roll 12)

----------------

ritual of warding (+1 to AC, saving throws) (all day)
shield of faith (20 rounds each)
rose temp control (both as if endure elements)
threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +2 to DCs)
threefold plus warding (no change to AC, reflex, -1 to attack rolls and damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +2 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

L1 - 3
L2 - 0+1
L4 - 1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 70/82 AC 25 CMD 27 Hero Points 4
Wednesday May 16th, 2018 12:10:35 AM
Updating Header, I missed Kezzem's channel

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 70/82 AC 22 CMD 28 Hero Points 4
Wednesday May 16th, 2018 12:15:37 AM
Updating header again, my HP is actually 21, +1 from haste. I apparently never changed it from the last time I cast Shield on myself, I'm sorry if there was an attack that should have hit me and didn't.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26+4(Tot D)=30, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday May 16th, 2018 7:29:28 AM
Someone post for Kezzem today please (I will be out-of-town most of the day). If his daggers are ineffective, he'll switch to his adamantine short sword and attack twice with that.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, CMD29, HP93of116) (Cayzle) d20+14=31 ; d3+15=17 ; d6=6 ; d20+9=16 ;
Wednesday May 16th, 2018 1:28:18 PM
Bliss attacks again. His first attack is a fist at AC31 for 23 nonlethal damage.

Then his iterative attack is the other fist at AC16, a miss.

[OOC: Power still out at home, typing this at work, connectivity may be spotty.]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 HP 80/80
Wednesday May 16th, 2018 5:33:04 PM

"'Turned the oven off?'! The whole town was an oven!" Murphy reponds to Pressi. "I expect the bread crusts will be extra thick this time."

Welcome home! - DM Carl d20+10=27 ; d20+10=21 ; 2d6+9=15 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday May 16th, 2018 9:15:34 PM
Kezzem slices and dices as best he's able, but the creature's hardness makes all his attacks ineffective.

Hobie's rough, but never it be said the little dude wasn't brave. He takes a step back & unloads another barrage. The effect is the same as last time: many tiny chunks fly off the thing, but the damage isn't what it would be against a soft target.

Succotash unleashes some much needed healing. If it affected the creature, there's no outward evidence. Miss Piggy is able to reduce a few of its floating bits to dust.

Murphy ponders what this creature is, and how magic affects it. As near as he can tell, it's some variation of a blood golem, but crystalized instead of amophous. Blood golems are immune to almost all magic, but are wickedly vulnerable to blood magic. (Since you pondered this before casting flame strike, I'll allow some reasonable ret-conning if you wish).

Pressi suffers a bit of every traveller's worst nightmare. She lashes out with her chain, and is pleased to see it pulvarize one of the crystals! Whatever issue her companions are having hurting this thing doesn't seem to be an issue with her chain. Harper's unable to catch any of the floating crystals.

Somehow, Bliss manages to bite down on a crystal and inflict non-lethal damage. One wonders how that works, but it does!

Still recognizing Hobie as the greatest threat, inflicting another 15 piercing damage and 5 bleed damage.

***

Sorry for the late, minimal post. My wife and I woke up in Atlanta this morning and spent all morning talking to doctors and getting tests done at Emory, then got caught in a massive traffic jam on what was already a 3� hour drive home. I'm spent.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26+4(Tot D)=30, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+16=24 ; d4+1=4 ;
Thursday May 17th, 2018 12:18:34 AM
Kezzem stows his daggers (move action) and draws his adamantine short sword (swift action with Quick Draw). He makes a single attack on the crystal creature.

Rumpus tries to get between the creature and Hobbie (total defense action).

Adamantine Short Sword
Attack: 1d20 + 16 = 24.
Damage: 1d4 + 1 = 4.

----

Lay on Hands 7/day (4 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

Spells:
1st Level: Endure Elements (cast), Lesser Restoration x2
2nd Level: Resist Energy, Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 50/82 AC 22 CMD 28 Hero Points 4 d20+15=30 ; d20+15=30 ; d20+15=35 ; d20+10=24 ; d6+16=17 ; d6=2 ; d6+16=18 ; d6=6 ; d6+16=20 ; d6=1 ; d6+16=20 ; d6=5 ; d6+16=19 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday May 17th, 2018 1:31:03 AM
Hobie takes another 5 foot step back and is grateful when Rumpus fills the gap.

Seeing Pressi's Ice chain find success, and then seeing Kezzem draw his Adamantine short sword, Hobie understands, and reaches for his precious adamantine arrows, letting five of them loose at the beast.

Manyshot
Attack 30
Piercing 17, Fire 2
Piercing 18, Fire 6

Rapid Shot
Attack 30
Piercing 20, Fire 1

Haste
Attack 35
Piercing 20, Fire 5

Iterative
Attack 24
Piercing 19, Fire 4

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 HP 80/80 d20+25=32 ;
Thursday May 17th, 2018 3:12:38 AM

Murphy communicates mentally in a flash with Pressi, "Say - this thing is a crystalized blood golem. Remember Garron's golem library? I glanced at a few of the books. It's vulnerable to blood magic. Go for it. Looks like your chain does the trick, too."

Rather than cast flame strike - he's not certain, this being the crystalline form - but flames may feed it. Instead, he casts the relatively innocuous faerie fire (last round), limning the golem in blue light.

This round - Murphy flies down to Hobie. Timing it so that he does not interfere with his archery, he touches him with bear's endurance - granting +4 to con for the next ten minutes (thus +20 hp).

He then flies up and slightly away (fly by attack feat), watching to see what may come next, and calculating how he might best help bring this thing down. It being a golem, he has no inclination to chat with it. Who and what is behind the construct, though? How does all this crystal magic work?
=========
Perception: 32

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=4 ; d20=14 ; d10=10 ; d10=1 ; d20=15 ; d20=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ;
Thursday May 17th, 2018 5:41:56 AM
Lay of hands 5/9
Smite Evil 2/4

Succotash sees how affective Pressi�s adamentine chain works against the crystal golem, he wishes he would have dropped the extra 3000 gp on the adamentine heavy flail he had been eyeing but passed on. As he laments the past, he unloads a full round attack on the golem, and Miss Piggy does likewise.

Succotash
4+19=23 (25 if still flanking) for 10+10=20 damage
14+14=28 (30 if still flanking) for 1+10=11 damage
Miss Piggy
15+14=29 (31 if still flanking) for 4+3+10=17 damage
Natural 1= epic fail

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+12=15 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=11 ; d6+4=8 ; d3+4=7 ; d3+4=7 ;
Thursday May 17th, 2018 2:04:44 PM
"Ok, but I don't think it's just adamantine," she replies. "It might be the use of bludgeoning."

Pressi frowns at the discussion of blood magic. "Well, technically its all blood powered but I don't really have much in the way that's coded blood magic, and certainly few powers that bleed. (Boy, the ritual of blood would have cleaned up here.) If Ill Omen bounced off, then..."

As a test, Pressi casts "Eye of Newt" on the creature, attempting to draw a bit of blood. (Touch Attack 15, +4 from hero point brings to 19 if needed, no spell resistance). With that, she acrobats back 10 feet (Nat 20 to avoid AOOs) and considers her next move.

Harper continues to strike, with attack rolls of 19, 10 and 11. (Damage 8, 7 and 7).

----------------

ritual of warding (+1 to AC, saving throws) (all day)
shield of faith (20 rounds each)
rose temp control (both as if endure elements)
threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +2 to DCs)
threefold plus warding (no change to AC, reflex, -1 to attack rolls and damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +2 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

L1 - 3
L2 - 0+1
L3 - 1
L4 - 1

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, CMD29, HP93of116) (Cayzle) d20+14=27 ; d20+9=10 ; d3+15=16 ; d6=3 ;
Thursday May 17th, 2018 7:25:04 PM

[OOC: Bliss is in halfling form, hitting with his thorny fists. Also, um, I think it forgot to attack last round? Hope all is doing ok IRL!]

Bliss punches again, twice! He hits AC27 and AC10! That's one hit for 19 nonlethal!

Welcome home! - DM Carl 4d6=20 ;
Thursday May 17th, 2018 10:38:59 PM
Kezzem strikes out at the creature with his adamantine short sword, but it doesn't seem any more effective than his daggers did.

Hobie also rolls the bones on adamantine being effective, only to find it no more so than his regular arrows. Still, he manages to blow a few chunks off the thing regardless.

Murphy lets Pressi know a possible weakness, then tries landing a faerie fire. It outlines the golem in a violet glow, but the colors drip harmlessly off it and sink into the earth below (the golem is immune to any spell that allows a spell resistance check). He toughens up Hobie a bit, which is good. Dude needs some help. He ponders how this thing works, but the magic behind the bloodweed is new and basically unknown. Maybe there's some power or person behind its creation. Maybe it's a raw manifestation of bloodweed magic.

Succotash and Miss Piggy continue their attack, sending chips of crystal flying until the poor pig trips over her own feet. If pigs could blush...

Pressi's concerns are confirmed when she sees adamantine no more effective than steel. Maybe she's onto something with her bludgeoning idea? She reaches out and snatches a tiny piece of crystal the flies by (Eye of Newt succeeded). She then flits away to avoid being the thing's next target.

Bliss' thorn covered fists knock one of the floating crystals out of orbit. It sails away and thunks into the dirt. The red hue fades and it turns back into an inert lump of crystal.

The golem has taken a beating, but is still very much intact. It flows away from Hobie and spins briefly in the air. Suddenly, every single crystal of the creature shoots straight downards into the earth. The bloodweed immediately reacts, writhing with a life of its own and growing rapidly. It seeks to ensnare anyone it can reach.

Anyone on the ground must make a reflex save vs DC 18 or be entangled. Anyone less than 20' in the air must make the same save or be snared and pulled downwards to ground level.

The ground beneath Kezzem vibrates just a moment before the shards making the creature erupt from beneath him. Kezzem takes 20 damage - reflex DC 16 for half. Remember to apply the -4 to DEX if you're entangled.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 50/82 AC 22 CMD 28 Hero Points 4 d20+8=10 ; d20+12=19 ;
Friday May 18th, 2018 12:01:33 AM
Hobie fails his reflex save and is entangled by the grass.
He pushes and pulls, trying to best escape from the entanglement
CMB 19 to escape grapple

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=10 ; d20=18 ; d20=3 ; d20=15 ; d20=7 ; d10=5 ; d10=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ;
Friday May 18th, 2018 5:36:09 AM
Succotash �s reflex save is a 10+9=19 (success)
Miss Piggy�s reflex save is a 18+7-4(prone from tripping)=21 (success)

Miss Piggy looks around to see if anyone saw her trip, after all she�s the proud mount of a Paladin, comfortable that no one saw her (or so she thinks) she stands up and attacks the golem again. Succotash is suprised at his successful evasion, (his track record has been dismal) in his excitement, he unloads another full round attack.
Succotash
3+19=22, 5+10=15 damage
15+14=29, 1+10=11 damage
Miss Piggy
7+14=21, 3+2+10=15 damage

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Friday May 18th, 2018 7:36:40 AM
Succotash says to Kezzem, �I can tell you like to keep Rumpus out of the fray as much as possible, but her bite and hoof attacks would really come in handy against this thing, you know bludgeoning damage and all�.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 99/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26+4(Tot D)=30, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+13=30 ; d20+8=24 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+11=13 ; d20+11=25 ; d3+4=6 ; d3+4=5 ;
Friday May 18th, 2018 1:22:11 PM
Kezzem dodges both the bloodweed and most of the crystal shards as the creature erupts from beneath him. Seeing his weapons having little to no effect on the creature, he withdraws from the front lines (withdraw action).

"Get him, Rumpo! Maybe your hooves can hurt this thing more than I can!"

Rumpus rears back and smacks at the creature with its front hooves.

----

Sv Ref vs. DC 18.
Kezzem: 1d20 + 13 = 30. Success.
Rumpus: 1d20 + 8 = 24. Success.

Sv Ref vs. DC 16.
Kezzem: 1d20 + 13 = 33 (Natural 20). Auto-success.

Attack #1: Hooves
Rumpus: 1d20 + 11 = 13.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 = 6.

Attack #2: Hooves.
Rumpus: 1d20 + 11 = 25.
Damage: 1d3+ 4 = 5.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 50/82 AC 22 CMD 28 Hero Points 4 d20+11=31 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+6=22 ; d6+16=18 ; d6=3 ; d6+16=22 ; d6=3 ; d6+16=22 ; d6=1 ; d6+16=18 ; d6=4 ; d6+16=21 ; d6=2 ;
Friday May 18th, 2018 1:49:08 PM
Hobie receives a vision (email) from his god (GM) and realizes that entangled is not grappled.

Instead of trying to escape a nonexistent grapple, he keeps working on firing at the horrible golem creature

Manyshot
Attack 31
Piercing 18, Fire 3
Piercing 22, Fire 3

Rapid Shot
Attack 21
Piercing 22, Fire 1

Haste
Attack 14
Piercing 18, Fire 4

Iterative
Attack 22
Piercing 21, Fire 2

Rounds of haste used 5/10

ooc: I know Hobie feels like the attack isn't doing full damage, but like how much does he feel like it isn't going through? I rolled a 28 on my knowledge arcana, does Hobie feel like he's dealing with more than DR 10 on this thing? Cuz he'd be rethinking his actions if so. You said he knows it shares characteristics with a blood golem, does that mean I can look up a blood golem on the bestiary and Hobie knows that information?

Also, I think someone said this thing was immune to magic effects or something like that, am I wasting my time rolling all these d6s for fire?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; crone, eye, Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+14=32 ; d20+10=30 ;
Friday May 18th, 2018 3:42:19 PM
OOC to Hobie (Nick): Blood Golems have DR 5/bludgeoning, and are immune to spells/SLAs with spell resistance unless they specifically touch the blood, in addition to the usual construct immunities. We've already sussed out that this seems to be similar. That means

1) things like arrows and swords are partially ineffectual, but I don't know how much. (Pressi can do her knowledge thing if its that much of a concern.)
2) It's an issue for spells, including elemental damage spells, but not for weapons effects. So Hobie can keep blasting away I think.

----------------

Pressi's leap away from the bloodweed includes a slow motion backflip. Harper's backflip includes what the other PCs swear looks like a moonwalk.

"Ok, lets see if this works," Pressi says. "I don't really have any spells that specifically affect blood - except arguably one."

Pressi runs up to the creature and casts focused bestow curse.

(Pressi can make up her own curse, so she casts bleed effect, 1d2 con damage per round up to -6 con. The DM may modify the curse to a different effect if he feels that is too powerful.)(Will DC save is 19, not counting the -2 to the creature's roll.)

-----------

ritual of warding (+1 to AC, saving throws) (all day)
shield of faith (20 rounds each)
rose temp control (both as if endure elements)
threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +2 to DCs)
threefold plus warding (no change to AC, reflex, -1 to attack rolls and damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +2 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)
eye newt: -2 against DC rolls, attack rolls

L1 - 3
L2 - 0+1
L3 - 1
L4 - 1

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 HP 80/80 d20+25=30 ;
Friday May 18th, 2018 6:23:19 PM

[Though I had not specified in my post, I was thinking of Murphy being at about 35-45 above the ground at the end of the last round - we'll compromise at 40.

The airy druid casts freedom of movement, and moves to a place directly above the golem, about 35' above the top of it's head - or whatever it's highest point may be. He remains directly above it, at a constant height above it's top extremity, wherever that may move about - so that at the beginning of the next round, it is directly beneath him.
======
Perception: 30

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 HP 80/80
Friday May 18th, 2018 6:24:11 PM

every "it's" in my post above should be "its"

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, CMD29, HP93of116) (Cayzle) d20+8=10 ; d20+16=20 ;
Friday May 18th, 2018 8:53:01 PM

Reflex save: 10. Bliss is entangled.

He tries to wriggle free! [OOC if it is like the Entangle spell, you can use a Str check or Escape Artist roll to break free].

Escape Artist 20.

If that works (move action), Bliss moves over to Hobie (move action).

Welcome home! - DM Carl d20+10=16 ; d20+10=26 ;
Saturday May 19th, 2018 10:23:34 AM
Succotash and Miss Piggy both avoid the vines and continue their attacks.

Kezzem is quick enough on his feet to avoid most of what's thrown his way. Rumpus charges in and catches one of the floating crystals with his(her?) hooves. It explodes into tiny shards. Seems bludgeoning damage is indeed effective against the golem.

Hobie worries he's about to be grappled, but the grass isn't THAT tough. He's just entangled. He does his best to continue his attacks. Even if they're not fully effective, they still do a respectable amount of damage to the thing.

OOC: Is it MORE than DR10? Probably not. Are you wasting your d6 fire rolls? Not technically, but they're subject to DR too. You can know all you'd like about blood golems, but don't expect that knowledge to transfer 100% to this thing. It's not a typical blood golem.

Pressi bestows a curse on the golem. Several of the larget floating crystals that make up the thing shutter and crack before blood starts seeping out. The bloodweed shudders and grows rapidly where the blood falls. The bright red hue of the golem fades a bit (curse had full effect: -2 con this round).

Murphy casts a freedom of movement and hovers over the golem, presumably with some cunning plan he'll enact next round.

Bliss is caught, but bursts free and runs towards Hobie.

The golem takes aim at Kezzem, but finds he's already withdrawn. Instead, it whirls around and focuses its attacks on Succotash. Neither attack can penetrate the paladin's armor, though.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 50/82 AC 22 CMD 28 Hero Points 4
Saturday May 19th, 2018 12:26:41 PM
ooc: Just curious are you saying that the DR affects the fire damage? Or did you mean to say that it has resistance as well? Because the rules for DR specifically say it doesn't negate energy damage dealt along with an attack.

You are correct. My bad. I'll update the golem's damage to include the fire damage you've done.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 99/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26+4(Tot D)=30, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+11=29 ; d20+11=19 ; d3+4=6 ; d3+4=5 ; 2d8+10=15 ;
Saturday May 19th, 2018 12:55:51 PM
"That's it, boy, keep it up!"

Rumpus continues to attack the golem.

Attack #1: Hooves
Rumpus: 1d20 + 11 = 29.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 = 6.

Attack #2: Hooves
Rumpus: 1d20 + 11 = 19.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 = 5.

Kezzem moves next to Hobbie and casts cure moderate wounds.

Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8 + 10 = 15.

----

Lay on Hands 7/day (4 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

Spells:
1st Level: Endure Elements (cast), Lesser Restoration x2
2nd Level: Resist Energy, Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds (cast)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 99/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26+4(Tot D)=30, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+6=10 ; d3+4=5 ;
Saturday May 19th, 2018 3:34:20 PM
It has come to my attention that Rumpus gained a third attack at level 9th since he doesn't qualify for the Multiattack feat.

Attack #3: Hooves.
Rumpus: 1d20 + 6 = 10.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 = 5.

Pretty sure that's a miss though.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=3 ; d20=7 ; d10=1 ; d10=8 ; d20=14 ; d20=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ;
Sunday May 20th, 2018 7:37:38 AM
Succotash shouts out, �Well done Guys, I think we have it on the ropes!� Of course, he has no way of knowing whether that�s true or not. �That spell seemed to work well Pressi, and Rumpus� hooves seemed to confirm our suspicions that bludgeoning is the way to go�. (He again laments his failure to procure a bludgeoning weapon)

After his words of encouragement, Succotash and Miss Piggy unload wilh yet another round of full round attacks

Succotash
3+19=22, 1+10=11 damage
7+14=21, 8+10=18 damage
Miss Piggy
14+14=28, 4+6+10=20 damage
6+9=15, 6+2+10=18 damage

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 HP 80/80
Monday May 21st, 2018 12:18:36 AM

Nick / Hobie - Keep in mind that he has Bear's Endurance, +4 to Con, +20 hit points. So, with Kezzem's CMW of 15, and Murphy's spell, Hobie's current total is up to 85/102.
-ADM Kim

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 HP 80/80
Monday May 21st, 2018 12:20:55 AM

Jeremy C/Succotash - Please add your name (first and last, or first, or first and initial, or last - something to identify you other than your character name) to your header. Standard Woldian header protocol :-)
-ADM Kim

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 55/82 AC 22 (23 with Haste) CMD 28 Hero Points 4 d20+12=24 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+7=12 ; d6+16=22 ; d6=1 ; d6+16=18 ; d6=6 ; d6+16=21 ; d6=3 ; d6+16=20 ; d6=2 ; d6+16=22 ; d6=1 ;
Monday May 21st, 2018 1:29:45 AM
Temporary Con Bonus ------ HP = 75/102
(I forgot to add the 5 bleed damage the last two rounds, so my hp is 10 less than as Murphy said in his post)

Thanks to Murphy's Constitution boost, and Kezzem's healing, Hobie is feeling even stronger.

He shouts to his group "Thanks for the healing! Can anyone free me from this grass that has entangled me? Its hindering my shots, but I don't want to stop attacking."

He will delay til after his friends in case anyone can help him. (If somebody frees Hobie, then add +4 to each of these attack rolls)

He continues his work at bringing this creature down.
(My attack is 12 instead of 11 this round because I previously forgot about the +1 from Haste.)

Manyshot
Attack = 24
Piercing 22, Fire 1
Piercing 18, Fire 6

Rapid Shot
Attack = 20
Piercing 21, Fire 3

Haste
Attack =18
Piercing 20, Fire 2

Iterative
Attack = 12
Piercing 22, Fire 1

Rounds of haste used 6/10

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 CMB 14 HP 100/100 d20+17=18 ; d20+17=30 ; 2d8+9=12 ; 2d8+9=18 ;
Monday May 21st, 2018 3:44:39 AM

Murphy's air elemental body lies horizontal, arms and legs spread out. He wild shapes into an earth elemental, 16 feet long, 3 tons (6,000 pounds) of solid rock and earth. He accelerates to falling at a rate close to 35 feet per second by the time his now solid body intersects with the body of the crystalline blood golem. If able, he crashes his limbs against the golem. I leave it to a few dice and DM Carl to determine whether he will damage the monster or not. If he slams with feet (nat 1 - quite ineffectual) and fists and forearms (hit AC 30 for 18 hp) on the way down, that's fine. If the descent then continues, Murphy attempts to earthglide as he contacts the somewhat torn up but partially grass-covered earth beneath. If he manages to partially smoosh the golem beneath the 3 tons of weight, then perhaps earth-gliding is not needed.

If a hero point is required to accomplish the above, then let me know.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large earth elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 CMB 14 HP 100/100
Monday May 21st, 2018 3:45:27 AM

Header for prior post should be the one used in this post.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; crone, eye, Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+12=20 ; d6+1=5 ; d6=6 ; 2d6=8 ;
Monday May 21st, 2018 11:33:54 AM
OOC to Hobie: Murphy cast Freedom of Movement before, which should remove the entangled condition for this round.

If not, Pressi can help you for the next round, but Hobie needs to make a strength or escape artist check (move action).

(For the next round, Pressi will cast a guide on Hobie, whether he's free of the entanglement or not. If Hobie posts first, he should take that into account.)

(OOC to DM: Should we continue to make reflex saves. Because the spell RAW is that a reflex needs to be made every round we are in the area.)

-----------------

Pressi's mind boggles that the creature still doesn't see her as a threat, despite her third solid hit in a row. (Friggin constructs, man.) "Hey, pay attention to me when I'm bleeding you. Show some respect."

Pressi sends Harper to stand near Hobie, in case he needs protection, and takes a five step back to strike the construct again. (Attack 20, Damage 5, ice 6, sneak 8).

-----------

ritual of warding (+1 to AC, saving throws) (all day)
shield of faith (20 rounds each)
rose temp control (both as if endure elements)
threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +2 to DCs)
threefold plus warding (no change to AC, reflex, -1 to attack rolls and damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +2 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)
eye newt: -2 against DC rolls, attack rolls

L1 - 3
L2 - 0+1
L3 - 1
L4 - 1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 55/82 AC 22 (23 with Haste) CMD 28 Hero Points 4
Monday May 21st, 2018 11:44:29 AM
ooc: I think Murphy only cast Freedom of Movement only on himself. I know Hobie can take a standard action to escape it, but I think it makes more sense to keep firing rather than waste a round trying to escape. I was just hoping someone had a spell that could free me or something

Welcome home! - DM Carl 8d6=36 ; d20+6=24 ;
Monday May 21st, 2018 2:23:24 PM
Note: The entangle effect is not ongoing like the spell. Entangled characters remain entangled, but those who are free remain so unless the construct decides to try that again.

Kezzem heals up Hobie while Rumpus rears up and lands a solid blow to the golem.

Succotash and Miss Piggy continue their attacks, but only the pig is able to connect.

Hobie receives enough healing and buffs to allow him to continue focusing on bringing this thing down. Unfortunately, all his shots ding off the crystaline body of the golem.

Murphy, never content to play by the conventional norms, tries something clever. He transforms himself into a large earth elemental and plummets 35' straight down on top of the golem.

OOC: Here's how I'm handling this. Earth elemental Murphy is dead weight as he falls. He can flail, but the damage he'll do is taken from the Falling Objects section of the SRD. I'm treating him like a gargantuan object due to his mass, so that's 8d6 damage. I'm giving the golem a reflex save at DC 15 for half damage, also per the SRD. A falling object takes the same damage it deals per the SRD, but you're trying to earthglide to avoid that. If you were just diving into earth, I'd follow the Falling into Water rules from the SRD. You, however, are falling on a large, hard, pointy golem, so you're taking the same damage the golem does (Newton's third law and all).

Earth elemental Murphy falls quickly. The golem is able to side-step pretty easily (reflex save 24), but it doesn't matter. The golem's battered crystals quiver, then fall to the ground. The red hue drains, leaving them a dull, milky white.

The effect on the bloodweed is immediate. Starting where the crystals fell, the tall red grasses curl back on themselves before the blacken and crumble into dust. The effect radiates outward quickly, and soon the entire valley is back to normal.

All is quiet, except for three of the largest pieces of crystal remaining. Two gently pulse with blue light. The third pulses with an angry red.

Edit: Forgot to say Murphy takes 18 damage from landing on the golem.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 55/82 AC 22 CMD 28 Hero Points 4 d20+15=23 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+31=46 ;
Monday May 21st, 2018 2:37:24 PM
Active Effect: Bear's Endurance---- HP = 75/102

Seeing that the creature is destroyed, Hobie takes the time to free himself from his entanglement, and moves over to inspect the three pulsing pieces of crystal.
Perception =23
Knowledge Arcana =23

He will detect magic on the crystals, and if he can see their auras, he will cast Identify with his wand and use Spellcraft to identify them to the best of his ability.

Spellcraft = 46

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 55/82 AC 22 CMD 28 Hero Points 4
Monday May 21st, 2018 2:39:14 PM
He also clicks his heels to end the haste effect on himself.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 99/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26+4(Tot D)=30, HP 62/62, CMD 24 5d6=17 ;
Monday May 21st, 2018 4:10:29 PM
Rumpus goes to stomp on one the crystal.

"Hold on there, Rumpo! Let the big-brains look at them first. Stomping on them might make them all explodey."

Seeing Hobbie is still pretty wounds, Kezzem will lay hands on him.

Lay on Hands: 5d6 = 17.

OOC: Kudos for using Newton's Third Law!

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, CMD29, HP93of116) (Cayzle)
Monday May 21st, 2018 4:13:20 PM
Bliss stumbles, somehow thinking he was going to hurl a bullet, but then ... nothing.

Well, no matter, his able friends have completed the job.

"HOORAY!" he shouts! "Well done, everybody! We did it!"

He looks around to see who needs help, if anybody.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=10 ;
Monday May 21st, 2018 5:37:59 PM
Succotash detects evil on the crystals, notices that Hobie is going to examine the crystals, and says, "Careful Hobie!" He than tells Miss Piggy to get away from the crystals at which time she moves 40ft away. Succotash than walks beside Hobie (a 5ft step), and makes ready an action to throw himself in front of Hobie, as a human shield, if anything seems amiss (Perception 10+6=16)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 55/82 AC 22 CMD 28 Hero Points 4
Tuesday May 22nd, 2018 3:34:53 AM
Hobie is detecting magic and such WITHOUT touching the crystals. Just looking closely.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large earth earth elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 CMB 14 HP 64/100 d20+5=6 ; d20+25=40 ;
Tuesday May 22nd, 2018 12:00:04 PM

Though the crystalline blood golem manages to mitigate the damage taken - not enough to save itself - Murphy does not, and takes 36 hp damage (I figure he needed to make a reflex save, too - so the extra 18 were from not quite timing the earthglide properly - got a nat 1 on Reflex save). Worth it.

He stands up, and sees the effects nearby as red grass blackens to dust, said effect then spreading faster than wildfire as far as the eye can see.

"Yes, Bliss. We did it," he says with a rocky smile, a bit of dirt edging up near his blue gem eyes in a happy squint.

He notes the three crystal shards. "We might want to keep all three for research," he suggests. "Back in a few minutes."

Murphy earthglides beneath where the crystal sphere once rested, seeing what the earth is like beneath up to about 80 feet below, followed by spiraling out and upward. On resurfacing, he says, "Going to check out the remains of the purple worm. Might be some fine gems thereabouts." He goes to where the purple worm's carcass lies, and begins slogging through grabbing up as many gems (and other interesting items) as he can. He knows there may be some grubs about - but, as they had been blood-infected, perhaps the dissolution of their blood papa may have rendered them dead, or inert.

He takes his time gathering any gems, coming up about once every couple minutes so that people know he is all right. He communicates telepathically with Pressi to note what he finds.

Perception: 40

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; crone, eye, Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Tuesday May 22nd, 2018 1:03:15 PM
Not really loving the glow of the red one, Pressi casts unseen servant and orders it to tackle that gem.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 72/82 AC 22 CMD 28 Hero Points 4
Tuesday May 22nd, 2018 1:40:06 PM
Updating HP before I forget. Thank you so much my lovely Paladins.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large earth earth elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 CMB 14 HP 64/100
Tuesday May 22nd, 2018 3:12:27 PM

"Pressi - don't have your servant harm the gem. We don't want to destroy it - yet," advises Murphy. "Contain it, yes."

He continues his gem mining operation in and around and under the dead purple worm.

Welcome home! - DM Carl
Tuesday May 22nd, 2018 3:59:48 PM
In the quiet that follows, celebrations are had and healing is passed around. Nobody seems to want to touch the crystals, which is probably prudent considering they were trying to kill you a moment ago.

Murphy earthglides around. Checking under the meteor's former resting place, there is plenty of evidence of an immense impact. The crater is about an inch-thick layer of glass and ash. Underneath is some seriously impacted dirt. He'll have a chance to investigate the purple worm, but the crystals aren't intent on giving him the opportunity.

Each of the three gems stands at attention. The sharpest point of each crystal embeds itself in the dirt before an aparition erupts from each. Pressi's servant attempts to tackle the red one to no avail. It moves willfully against any attempts to stop it.

The first figure is a half-elf dressed in leather, wearing a wreath of pak leaves. "Hail champions!" he starts. "You have destroyed a great evil."

The second figure comes into focus as a darkened human dressed in the white robes many desert dwellers wear. He squats down on a pair of wooden stilts.

Knowledge, Geography 15, Highlight to display spoiler: {He's most likely a grasswalker, a resident of the Sargrass.}

"Indeed, you have fought bravely to save your homelands." He pauses to glare sideways at the half-elf. "Now hopefully you can help save mine as well."

The third figure forms into the mutated remains of one of the noble races. It was once likely human, but it's hard to tell. It sports red skin and dragonfly wings. "Nonsense!" it roars. "Do you interlopers realize what you've done?"

Both of the first two figures obviously share no love for this third.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 72/82 AC 22 CMD 28 Hero Points 4 d20+8=23 ;
Tuesday May 22nd, 2018 4:53:57 PM
"Oh hey, you must be from the Sargrass. There were some nasty fellas there, one of whom nearly killed me. I can't speak for the rest of the group, but I'm really gonna need to stock up on some more arrows before I can consider saving anybody else's homeland."

He takes the last fifteen cold iron arrows from his handy haversack and adds them to the fifteen he's got in his efficient quiver.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Tuesday May 22nd, 2018 8:56:07 PM
Succotash detects evil on the three individuals, and then asks the darkened human �what do you mean when you say save our homeland?�,and to the mutant, he says �we saved our homes, and the homes of many innocent people, if you have a problem with that, you better start explaining yourself now!� He also readys an action to attack, if the party is threatened.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, CMD29, HP93of116) (Cayzle)
Tuesday May 22nd, 2018 9:29:22 PM

Bliss looks at the three. "You guys are scary." he says, gasping. He sure is winded after that fight, and he sits down to rest. (fatigued after rage.)

"Before we save anyone's homeland, we gotta get a bit of a breather," he says. "Did you SEE that thing we just beat? Sure we know what we did! We beat the pants off that stone golem!"

"But on the other hand," he says, showing off his WLA badge, "We ARE heroes! So sure, saving people's homelands sounds like something we would want to do!"

"That's a good hero thing, right?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large earth earth elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 CMB 14 HP 64/100 d20+8=27 ;
Tuesday May 22nd, 2018 11:01:43 PM

"What were you trying to do, that we have frustrated?" the earth elemental asks the fellow with dragonfly wings. "And, who are you?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 99/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26+4(Tot D)=30, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday May 22nd, 2018 11:31:26 PM
Kezzem also detects evil at the three men, especially the third one.

"Um...would you believe that we are mushroom merchants and that the golem was broken when we got here?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; crone, eye, Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers d20+4=7 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+9=29 ;
Wednesday May 23rd, 2018 10:16:29 AM
Pressi casts "Like Calls to Like" in preparation to deal with... whatever this is. (Know Arcane Check 12 on the third creature). (If she can't cast it on herself, she casts in on Murphy.)

To the first creatures, "we appreciate the kind words but we only did what had to be done, and are hardly heroes." To the third, "one evil at a time. That's the best we can do."

"To be honest, we don't entirely know what we've done, and have been groping in the dark just to get an idea of what is going on. Also, I believe you have us at a disadvantage. We don't even know who you are or where your homeland is. And while we are always ready to help, whoever you are, it would be nice to get some better idea of what is going on. And of course, any time or resources that might help in solving your problems."

(Diplomacy Nat 20, which is why I'm not adding any witch hunt jokes.)

----------

ritual of warding (+1 to AC, saving throws) (all day)
shield of faith (20 rounds each)
rose temp control (both as if endure elements)
threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +2 to DCs)
threefold plus warding (no change to AC, reflex, -1 to attack rolls and damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +2 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)
like calls to like: +8 to social interactions with various unusual abberations

L1 - 3
L2 - 1+1
L3 - 1
L4 - 1

Welcome home! - DM Carl
Wednesday May 23rd, 2018 2:51:12 PM
No evil is detected on any of the remaining crystals or apparitions.

The figures listen to the questions laid before them. The human speaks first.

"My homelands are the Sargrass as you know them. We have lived and thrived in the grass for generations. Whatever the plains were like before the grass, it has been far too long to consider that anything other than ancient history. I ask you to choose to preserve my home as it is."

The half-elf speaks up. "Your grasses choke the life from the Sarr. (Knowledge, Religion 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {Sarr is the natural spirit of the Sargrass.} We planted the druid trees centuries ago to hold back the grasses, but it was not enough. The Sarr has suffered long enough. It is time to restore the plains."

The human snaps back, "We honor the Sarr as much as you. She remains the spirit of the grasses, worshiped by Manfri and Monk alike. Do not presume to be the final arbiter on the Sarr."

The mutated apparition begins to speak, but then is struck by Pressi's magic. The two share a moment of shared understanding. Pressi is filled with the apparition's desire to change, to embrace whatever future the fates throw his way. There is no evil, malice, or desire for destruction. Speaking directly to Pressi and Murphy (and ignoring the other two apparitions), it says, "We seek to survive alongside the bloodgrass. To learn its secrets, to experience new wonders. It is not a force for evil. It is merely a new direction for life as we know if on the Wold. We too are monks who sing to the mountains and spread the bloodweed. We too honor Mother Sarr, who loves all children, new as well as old. Who are you to force your will on the entire Wold? To hold back change due to fear and ignorance? We seek mutation, for without it life never grows stronger."

OOC: Apparition is of an aberration. That and the nat 20 means you two get to understand each other. Whether or not you agree is up to you, obviously, but you understand where the thing is coming from and know it is truly not evil or destructive.

The third apparition turns towards Kezzem. "Surely even simple mushroom merchants can understand."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Wednesday May 23rd, 2018 7:09:39 PM
�All I know is the grass and the crystal tried to kill us, if it didn�t have evil intentions, it sure has a strange way of playing nice�, Succotash states, �as far as helping saving the sargrass, I�m down for a rematch with the tall men�.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large earth earth elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 CMB 14 HP 64/100 d20+4=13 ;
Thursday May 24th, 2018 1:04:30 AM

"Thank you for explaining your desire, Dragonfly," Murphy says to the mutant, granting him a nod of respect. He does not use the designation in any sort of derogatory manner. "Among my names is Bumblebee - though at the moment I am in the form of a mass of stones and dirt."

He listens to each of the representatives, and to Succotash.

He speaks. "A trilemma, then, we have before us. Three visions of the future of the Wold.

"The first is to keep things as they are now. To preserve what we know, that which is familiar to us. Stability. Continuity. Conservation.

"The second is to return it to how it was in the past. To restore the Sargrass in accordance with the Sarr. The grasses, you indicate, druid, have choked out aspects of those lands, causing suffering. You would bring back those good things from an earlier time, and mitigate the dominance of the multivaried plants there now. Sometimes things do get out of balance, and who more than druids understand a proper sense of balance within nature? Do you recall Lord Eberyon's influence over the Wold not that many years in the past, good fellow?" he asks the half elf. "Three different ways to choose were offered at that time, in which some of my siblings and other relatives participated."

"And you, Dragonfly, see many advantages to the bloodweed. It has secrets, a multitude, which may be exploited. Powers untold.

"You make a few assertions, though, which we may wish to examine. You say that mutation makes life grow stronger. I say that most mutations weaken life. They represent a loss of information. Yes, some few can bring strengths. But, likely better than nine out of ten cause harm. Bring disease - even death.

"There is much more we do NOT know about the bloodweed than that which we do know.

"But this I know. Creatures, whether animal, plant, or, as are each of we talking, members of noble races, when touched by the bloodweed, have a large surge of anger, or wrath. I was touched by it. It called me to betray my friends. Even, perhaps to attack them, to destroy them. We saw beasts grow wild with rage - and we saw, also, some that the bloodweed killed. Even the plantlife became vicious.

"You think this sort of mutation a good thing? For rage to grow and spread throughout the Wold? Really? For death and destruction to kill off the many, and leave only the few - and them distorted by it?

"I see wisdom in what this human says. He looks to preserve that which is, those things that are familiar, and to which his people have adapted.

"I see wisdom in what this half elf says, this druid - there comes a time when certain types of plants have forced out others types, and good stewardship over nature calls for a restoration of a measure of balance. Don't wipe out the dominant grasses - but work with them to contain them from choking out other good plants."

"I see danger in what you advocate. Your supposed progress comes at an immense cost, of which we have only observed the down payment. There may be some benefits to bloodweed - but, if it is allowed to survive at all, it must be well contained, heavily constrained.

"Myself - I am in favor of some preservation, some restoration. I am opposed to ANY direction toward rampant mutation. Let us never do evil that good may abound. That warps character."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 99/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26+4(Tot D)=30, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday May 24th, 2018 3:07:33 AM
"This grass may not be evil, but it is deadly. Should we not seek to eliminate it and restore the plains?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; crone, eye, Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Thursday May 24th, 2018 10:12:27 AM
As various thoughts bounce through Pressi's mind, one in particular rises to the surface over all others. "The Rabbit Defense League," she chuckled.

To anyone looking at her funny. "Every once in a while, you hear stories about seemingly harmless animals being moved to a new habitat. Like a rich guy moving a bunch of rabbits to a new area for hunting or pets and then losing them. Lots of food and breeding space, no natural predators or farmers that know how to deal with wild rabbits, and suddenly you need an army to wipe out such a fierce existential threat the evil and dangerous bunny."

Pressi glared a bit at the three of them. "That's what we are facing now, isn't it? Did someone bring this bloodgrass here or did one of you bring it and lose it?" She thought back to what the abberation said about living among the sargrass. "Or is this a mutated bunny? Do you ask now for balance when you gave no thought to it before?"

Harper flicked her tail, growling slowly. With a wave, Pressi calmed her down.

"You know what, it doesn't matter. What's done is done. What matters is that we need to keep the bloodgrass from continuing to consume wildly. And yes, we will preserve the bloodweed... to a point, if you are willing to compromise and respect balance as well. We are bound to protect all nature, if we can. But we need something from you, the knowledge that you have about where it originated from and how it was originally contained. What is it's natural predator?

"As for the two of you, you are free to whatever holy war measuring contest you would like out of the sight of us, but do it on your own time. We agree only to keeping any homeland from being overrun and the restoration of balance."

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, CMD29, HP93of116) (Cayzle)
Thursday May 24th, 2018 1:08:33 PM

Bliss listens to everybody and is especially grateful to Mister Murphy for his summary.

"I didn't get it at first, but you guys helped a lot. Thank you." He stands and bows to his friends.

Then he thinks hard and muses. "Well, I want to do what a true hero would do. That means not hurting people, right? Saving innocents. If we pick one side, then we are deciding to fight the other two, right? Seems to me we should try to find a way for everybody to just get along."

He walks up to the strange figures. "What about it? Can you guys find a way to coexist? Does this have to be a war? If you can convince people to take your side peacefully, and agree to disagree with the ones who do not, is that okay?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 99/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26+4(Tot D)=30, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday May 24th, 2018 2:13:35 PM
"I think I follow," says Kezzem. "Your saying without the bloodgrass, this land might be overrun with bunnies...and that would be bad, I guess, even though I like bunnies?"

"My head hurts...."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 72/82 AC 22 CMD 28 Hero Points 4
Thursday May 24th, 2018 2:49:38 PM
"I'm with Bliss, surely there is some solution that can appease all sides. Let's find it."

"But if there IS gonna be a war, please give me a few hours to run back into town and stock up on some arrows first"

Welcome home! - DM Carl
Thursday May 24th, 2018 3:34:44 PM
Succotash isn't about to let this force that tried to kill them flourish.

Murphy has much to say on the matter. He notes that most mutations are not positive. A good point. He's certainly not on board with a mutation that enrages and turns beasts and the noble races into the wrathful creatures they've dealt with. Pressi backs this up by pointing out what happens when non-native species with no natural predators are introduced to new environments. Bunny hunting can be problematic, especially when those bunnies seek only to bite and spread disease.

Both agree some preservation of the bloodweed may be beneficial. Kezzem disagrees, stating it should be eliminated. Pressi's example confuses him, though.

Bliss and Hobie both agree some peaceful way exists to make everyone happy.

The half-elf is the first to speak. "We tried co-existing with the grass. The druid trees were planted specifically to keep it at bay. The locals cut them down to make boats and other things that floated on top of the grass, and our preserves were over-run."

"They weren't all cut down," responds the human. "We're not foolish or wasteful enough to destroy so useful a tree. Plenty still grow in farms on the Sargrass." He turns to the party. "I have no qualms about areas of the Sargrass being restored to the forests they once were, but the grasses are strong and will eventually take them over." The half-elf nods in agreement.

The mutated one has been quiet up to this point. "...and my bloodweed would do the same to the Sargrass. All three of us want to see the Sargrass come back to the Wold. If any bloodweed remains, it will take over. If the grasses remain, they will take over whatever groves are set up." He crosses his arms. "It's nice to think there can always be compromise, but if it were easy, the three of us would have figured it out long before you folks got involved. We're all passionate about what we want, but we're not so unreasonable that we haven't tried talking to each other."

The half-elf nods again. "There are many across the Wold who are being asked to make the same choice you are. You're all free to choose not to choose if that's what you'd rather do. Either way, I think you'll find the final steps in this quest in the back of that book you carry."

Indeed, the book does contain a final ritual that will shape the future of the Sargrass. The decision isn't yours alone to make, but you certainly have the power to influence it. Four different rituals can be found: restoration, preservation, mutation, or you can simply choose not to participate in the quarrel and end this without making a choice...

Either way, the three apparitions still stand ready to convince you.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 99/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26+4(Tot D)=30, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday May 24th, 2018 5:57:53 PM
"I still think destroying the Reapers is the best option here....I mean, restoring the druid groves is the best option here," says Kezzem. "It sounds like the grass will take over in either case, but if we restore the groves, it will take longer."

"Wait, I'm confused--what's the difference between preservation and refusing to perform a ritual. Wouldn't both just keep things as they are? And why would we need a ritual to do that?"

"Well I made my thoughts known, but Murph here probably understands all this better than I do, what with him being a druid and all. What do you think Murph?"

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Thursday May 24th, 2018 10:37:29 PM
Well, I guess I�m cool with what ever the rest of the party decides, but I would prefer the elimination of the threat, as innocent life is of to great a value to allow the risk.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large earth earth elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 CMB 14 HP 64/100 d20+15=27 ; d20+15=21 ; d20+15=18 ;
Friday May 25th, 2018 12:20:47 AM

"Huh," Murphy says, after hearing further comments from friends and from the crystal-carried images. "Kezzem, I'd like to answer you. Before we take a stand, let us examine whereupon we ought to place our feet, first. Let me take a closer look at the back of the book before I comment further."

He takes some moments to read through the rituals, attempting to obtain a clearer understanding of the ways, means, and ramifications of each of the stated options. [Knowledge, nature: 27 on option 1 - restore; 21 on option 2 - preserve; 18 on option 3 - mutate]

"Keep in mind, friends, restoration may involve some changes to the way we see things now. Our three friends, here - may we call you that? - have obvious deeper knowledge of the ramifications than we have. Would each of these rituals focus only upon the Sargrass? Or, would the rituals also encompass rather immediately the rest of the Wold? I think I have some notion there - that is, it would focus upon the Sargrass, but, when the continent is restored to the Wold, the decision cannot help but affect the wider Wold over time, as well - nevertheless, I want to hear your insights."

He pauses, giving space to his other friends to speak, and adds, "I may add a few more thoughts in a moment."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; crone, eye, Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Friday May 25th, 2018 10:07:36 AM
"The difference, Kezzem, is that we are deciding for them.

"See, the issue is simple. Trees beat bloodgrass, bloodgrass beats sargrass, and sargrass beats trees, unless we intervene and pick one over the other two. And since nobody can tell us what the natural environment is supposed to look like or why things like weather or rivers can't keep things in zones, the solution is actually simple... step back, stop screwing with nature, and let the three things eventually stabilize. Which appeals to me a lot more than picking a side and playing god once again.

"Which is a roundabout way of saying I'm out with all these screwy rituals, and I recommend you three stop as well. Our will produce cure disease potions and take other steps to help you three deal with the adapting environment but I think its a mistake to get further involved in this matter. And if you don't heed my advice, well what do I know, right? As you so hinted to us, I'm sure you three have it under control and don't need us to tell you what to do."

Pressi doesn't walk away far, just enough to clear her head and calm down. "I'm just so tired," she messages to Murphy. "I didn't sign up to fight nature itself or put us in the middle of some civil war."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large earth earth elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 CMB 14 HP 64/100
Friday May 25th, 2018 10:48:44 AM

T�te-�-t�te between Pressi and Murphy

"I'm a bit tired, too, Pressi," Murphy messages back to her. We seem to spend most of our time fighting, pushing, defending, rescuing. I hope we can find some time just to rest before too long." Then he says, "And by rest, I mean start fixing up our new place outside of town. Oh, and I want to finish some of the tunnel system in town. And there's that tower we promised the air elementals - let's talk with my Papa about that. He make all kinds of wind instruments. But, also, just rest. Visit pubs. Do some quiet fishing. Roll in the grass." The latter he says in a sly mental voice. Then, after a beat, he smacks his forehead with his hand. He continues his messaging. "Sorry I brought up grass. Pressi, if we disengage on this choice, that grass to roll in will eventually end up being red. I don't want that. You don't have to join in the ritual if you do not want to do so, but, for the sake of The Wold As We Know It, I believe we need to go with either restore, or preserve. Don't know which, yet. Gonna pray about it. Love you."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large earth earth elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 CMB 14 HP 64/100
Friday May 25th, 2018 12:20:21 PM

Murphy speaks to his friends, and to the three who appeal to the group to render a decision. "I think that an appeal to those who are wiser than we for direction. They may answer, and help us choose. Or, they may defer to us to choose apart from heavenly guidance. I should feel remiss, nonetheless, if we did not appeal to them for wisdom at such a momentus occasion. Will you join me in prayer, then? And, should you choose, add your own prayers?"

The very large earth elemental drops to his knees, causing a bit of groundshock for a few feet about him. He lifts up his arms of earth and stone, and opens the palms of his hands toward the heavens.

A prayer of the druid Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood:

"Lord Eberyon, and Lady Maab, we come before you, appealing for your wisdom and direction. As husband and wife, the realm of Nature falls under your purview. Mother Maab, we passed through your realm on the way to deal with the problem of the bloodgrass. Father Eberyon, your passion for nature is unsurpassed.

"You both know the decision we now face. Do we perform a ritual to restore nature to a time from nearer to the beginning of things? Do we perform a ritual to maintain nature as it has been up until recently? Or, would you have us perform a ritual to allow mutations to sweep the Wold, upending the way things were in early times, and in the present?

"My personal inclination is toward restoration. But that would cause the loss of the wonderful grasses of the Sarr. I am open to preservation, which would mean that the people of the Sargrass would need to continually attend to finding places to serve as local barriers to the aggressive grass, that there may be room for other plant life apart from the grass. I would be dismayed at the destruction and upending of peoples, nations, and creatures which would come of mutation, of full release of bloodgrass. Might there be a purpose in your eyes to allowing such to occur? Your ways are higher than our ways, and your thoughts than our thoughts.

"But I, and we, appeal to YOU. Can you give us a word, or a sign, of what you would have us do? The need to hear is urgent. The effects of the decision will last long.

"Now, in our moment of need, will you answer us? Will you guide us? Selah!"

Murphy remains in an attitude of prayer and supplication, bringing his arms down, and interlacing his fingers below his chin, eyes closed, spirit open.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 72/82 AC 22 CMD 28 Hero Points 4
Friday May 25th, 2018 6:50:05 PM
"I think Pressi's got a point about letting things balance themselves out, that seems wisest. But I'm with the group, whatever is decided."

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, CMD29, HP93of116) (Cayzle)
Friday May 25th, 2018 9:03:44 PM

Bliss's eyes glaze over when Murphy really gets going, but the words of the figures wake him up and make him mad.

"Look, I understand that peace is hard! Compromise is hard! But that does not mean you give up! You have to do more, work harder, find your hero inside that will make it happen! You tried talking ... keep trying! What's the alternative? A horrible war that gets too many people killed? Honestly, why are we bringing back the Sargrass if you're just going to wreck it. I'm not helping with the ceremony unless you agree to TRY to cooperate. If we leave it with the Silver Lady, at least she will keep it safe. She keeps dreams safe. You can make this dream real!"

The little fellow stands indignant with his hands on his hips.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; crone, eye, Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Friday May 25th, 2018 9:57:27 PM
To Murphy, "I get what you are saying but it isn't just a matter of difficulty. It's a realization that our town, and me in particular, have just been beset by chaos, by holding on to that which won't hold back. Our town was attacked by a mountain, for petes sake. And I... well, you know what I'm getting at.

"At any rate, I understand where you are coming from... if not which spell you are working on... but I think the analysis is wrong. We DON'T know what will happen if things are left alone. I believe that there will be some eventual equillibrium but cannot tell you which equillibrium will transpire. I just know that it will be more natural than any equillibrium we attempt to impose. And if we wait for the gods to give us the right answer, we will be waiting for a long time.

"I don't expect you to agree with inaction. It's hard for a hero to admit that letting nature take its course might be the best action. Which is why I will reveal my second best choice. If we boost the sargrass, that might be the closest we can get to restoring the plains to its original form, before all three of them started mucking it up. And hey, its the one thing everyone can agree on, while the trees don't seem to be."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Friday May 25th, 2018 10:28:55 PM
I know that I�m new to this group, and I don�t want to be an antagonist, and I will be more than happy to go along with majority rule, but I personally think that life as we know it is far too important to risk and quite personally, I like the Wold just the way it is.

Welcome home! - DM Carl
Saturday May 26th, 2018 7:42:32 PM
Kezzem thinks restoring the original forest seems like the best option, but wants Murphy's opinion.

Succotash is content to follow the rest of the party, but isn't keen on the idea of letting the bloodweed flourish.

Murphy ponders, a lot. The rituals themselves give little understanding; they're more formal confirmations than magical incantations.

"Your choice would just involve the Sargrass for now," speaks the half-elf. "Though no one can predict what will happen once it rejoins the Southern Continent. The constant shifting of that place helped to keep the grass in check in the past. So long as it keeps shifting, I doubt it will spread beyond its boarders." The human nods in agreement.

Pressi is out. She's not going to play god and decide the fate of an entire ecosystem. She suggests these three do the same.

Her and Murphy share a moment.

Murphy seeks divine inspiration, and asks those who would to join him. He says an impressively well worded prayer. For a moment there is no response. Then, a single rose blooms from Murphy's outstreched hands, then falls and lands at Pressi's feet. A cryptic response, to be sure. Does Maab agree with Pressi? Does Lord Eberyon think she needs to cheer up? Are they just messing with Murphy?

Hobie is keen with whatever everyone else decides, but leans towards Pressi's idea.

Bliss is having none of this, and lets all parties know.

The human is the first to respond. "I would gladly allow sections of the Sargrass to be returned to primordial forest. I would gladly allow consesions that protect them from the grasses so long as they don't damage the rest of the Sargrass. The plains are huge, certainly big enough to share. We'd be quite grateful if you could think of a way to make that compromise happen, since we've failed."

"I supposed," the half-elf starts, "if we could be allowed to protect our druid tree groves with deadly force, and if the denizens of the Sargrass agree to let them stand instead of chopping them down to use them as boats, an arrangement could be made. You'd need to be prepared for war should you preservationists violate the agreement."

The mutated one sees the writing on the wall and pouts.

Pressi reiterates her disagreement with Murphy. She doesn't want to choose a side, but is willing to settle on her second choice.

***

Gentle readers, this is supposed to be the last post for this scene. I can probably drag our feet if you really want to play this out, but if you're ready to move on, discuss things among yourself (over email if you'd rather) and formally decide before my next DM post.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large earth earth elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 CMB 14 HP 64/100
Sunday May 27th, 2018 8:36:34 PM
Murphy post 20180527

The rose grows out of Murphy's earthy hands. Pauses there, then falls at Pressi's feet. "Thank you, Lord and Lady," he whispers skyward.

"As the flower grew first from my hands, then fell next you, I know not whether that means we should yield to your initial thoughts - not to choose, or that your second choice should prevail - let the grass of the Sarr remain. Or, Pressi, does it mean that you might receive from my hand a blessing from the powers above? Does it mean, we heard your prayer - now you decide? I don't know for certain. Feel free to offer your interpretation.

"Whichever be the case, I do believe that Lady Maab - and Lord Eberyon - hold you in good regard. In that the three of us are united.

"We must also consider that our interlocutors here seem to be approaching a concord. Pressi, I believe should we go with your second choice - to preserve the Sargrass," and he motions towards the human who spoke in favor of such, "that the druids of the plains will leave oases of restoration, and yet allow the marvels of the grasses to continue."

He turns to Bliss. "You speak good words, young Bliss. And it sounds that some are hearing your words of heroic striving."
He speaks with the druid. "Can I get from you some seeds, or a few saplings, that I may grow some of the druid trees here in our area?"

He regards the three crystal speakers. "Thank you for presenting your cases." To the reddish one, he says, "I am sorry." To the other two - "If you both do as you say, then I have hope for you all in the Sargrass."

To the group as a whole, he says, "We hold diverse opinions here. I am of the opinion, and perhaps am mistaken, but think that not to choose is in some ways like taking the third choice - the virulent mutations - need I speak of that great harm, to all of us who have seen it first hand?

"As I said before, I tend to desire the first option, restoration. But, as Pressi has spoken of compromise, and our friends who come to us via the crystal magic are willing to move that direction, can I urge you to vote for the second option - preservation?

"However, I think we all should agree to abide by our vote, whichever way it goes. Each one say which one - Preservation - Restoration - Mutation - Abstention you wish to support. Whichever receives the higher vote, let us as a group go that way. And if the vote does not go your way, it is then your choice as to whether you participate in the ritual - if the choice is to include one of the three. Sound good?

"My vote is: Preservation"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 72/82 AC 22 CMD 28 Hero Points 4
Monday May 28th, 2018 1:20:03 PM
Hobie points his bow toward Pressi.
"I trust her judgement here. Whatever she votes, count it twice."

He runs his fingers through the fletchings of the arrows in his half full quiver.

"Wherever we go, tell me honestly, do we have to go immediately? I'm in dire need of a restock here. I've got thirty arrows before I get down to my specialty ammo. I can go through thirty arrows pretty quick if the going gets rough."

"Plus, Pippa got pretty spooked when we all got teleported to the Sargrass, and I'd love to be able to stable her back in town if it's at all possible. I can't just leave her out here, I don't know if the animals are still going crazy and trying to eat everything."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large earth earth elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 CMB 14 HP 64/100
Monday May 28th, 2018 1:49:38 PM

[Wait. Was that rose red? Because, if so, Murphy will change his vote to abstention. If it was yellow, or white, he sticks with Preservation.]

Yes. It was red.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, CMD29, HP93of116) (Cayzle)
Monday May 28th, 2018 5:24:30 PM

Bliss shakes his head, not getting this flower business. However, he votes to help complete the ceremony. He does not favor one faction over another.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Monday May 28th, 2018 8:27:04 PM
Succotash thinks long and hard, and keeps coming back to the same conclusion, innocent life needs to be preserved, and if changing the Wold will put them in harms way he has to vote Preservation.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83, CMD 20; crone, eye, Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Monday May 28th, 2018 9:24:46 PM
�I will respect the majority vote and participate win or lose,� she replies.

It�s a little heady to see some members place so much respect in her thoughts, including the gods apparently. But worth more than the red rose (hope its not a vote for red grass) is that the members have started working out the problem.

She votes abstention, but offers to help them in their compromise, and even to find a way to save the bloodgrass (will explain how tomorrow)

Welcome home! - DM Carl d8+10=13 ;
Monday May 28th, 2018 11:17:51 PM
The party overwhelmingly chooses to abstain from completing the ritual favoring one faction over another. All three of the apparitions shrug and look at each other before vanishing. They seem sore, and don't much feel like sticking around and getting lectured at regarding any more bright ideas.

...and just like that, it's quiet again.

The rose at Pressi's feet shakes slightly, then the tip of its stem digs into the ground. The flower sticks up as it is rooted, then spins and vanishes into the earth. There is a slight rumbling, then vegetation starts erupting from the site.

Any initial panic at yet another bunch of plants shooting out of the ground is put to rest as they grow into a variety of edible fruits and vegetables. The variety is enormous. Melons, berries, breadfruit, eggplant, even some tobacco that looks like it's already dried and ready for use. Tall calla lilies bloom with their flowers filled with sweet smelling nectar. Cooked or eaten raw, there is more than enough to fill everyone's bellies. There's even a patch of clover for the horses, and a rabbit or two can be seen hopping through should Harper be hungry as well. Obviously Miss Piggy can find plenty to eat.

Murphy and any other follower of Maab or Lord Eberyon feel at peace. It seems they agree with your decision to let nature take its own course.

The feast heals all hit points and re-energizes the party. In addition to being healed, everyone gains 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours (per the Heroes Feast spell).

When everyone's eaten their fill, they realize any spells they've expended have been returned. A small clatter can be heard from behind Hobie, where he sees a pile of all the arrows he fired since they returned from the Sargrass' demiplane (including those adamantium ones). Broken shafts have been mended and the heads sharpened. Looks like some of Maab's sneakier creatures have been busy.

...and with that, the party is ready to complete the ritual. As they do, they feel themselves floating gently up into the air as the world around them glows brighter and brighter, until all is bright white.

***

Bit of a behind the scenes look for you guys. This scene was supposed to reward you based on which option you chose, but you didn't choose. I decided Maab and Lord Eberyon would likely agree with your choice, so I based the reward on that.

Everyone should update their characters to reflect 8 hours of rest, including things like restoring wild shapes, spells, energy channeling, laying on hands, etc. Anyone who wants their mounts left behind, consider them left behind and safely watched over.

Yea, it's literally a deus ex machina, but we're on a schedule and you guys played that scene really well. If you want to change your spell selections for this next scene, that's fine. You don't need to specifically get the last ones you prepared restored.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 72/82 AC 22 CMD 28 Hero Points 4
Monday May 28th, 2018 11:52:25 PM
Hobie is so excited to find the bundle of his arrows, especially his adamantine ones which he had spent a pretty penny on.

======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Grease, Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Mirror Image, Invisibility, Invisibility, Cat's Grace

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Tuesday May 29th, 2018 5:31:32 AM
Miss Piggy squeals with delight at all the tasty things to eat and grunts with pleasure while munching away, Succotash seems a little concerned, but obviously the gods have rewarded their choice, so he isn�t going to argue, and besides he did say he would go with the majority, and so he offers up a short prayer of thanksgiving to Pantheon, and reaches out for a handful of fruit. He also reaches into his Saddlebags of Holding, and pulls out a jug of ale pours himself a pint and then passes the jug around so the rest of his new friends may do likewise.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 99/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26+4(Tot D)=30, HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday May 29th, 2018 1:55:31 PM
Monday Post:

OOC: Sorry, I was waiting for Pressi to post

Although his initial instinct was to vote for restoration, seeing both Murphey and Pressi vote for abstention changes his mind. He trusts both of them, and they are far more knowledgeable about nature and magic then him. The fact that the both agree seals the deal.

"I vote to abstain as well."

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, CMD29, HP93of116) (Cayzle)
Tuesday May 29th, 2018 1:56:43 PM

Bliss bows his head in thanks to the Queen and King. Then he hugely enjoys the meal! He has three helpings of that ambrosia stuff.

He takes a sip of his new friend's jug and makes a face. "I've had better in a dwarfish drinking contest, sorry Succ!" he says apologetically.

When it is time for the ceremony, Bliss does his part, whatever the book calls for.

When he is lifted away from the Wold, he surrenders to the Silver Lady and hopes this works out okay!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109 + 13, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62 +13, CMD 24; Heroes Feast (+1 Atk & Sv, +4 vs. poison & fear)
Tuesday May 29th, 2018 2:06:05 PM
Tuesday Post:

"Food!" shouts Kezzem excitedly. "If someone would have told me we would get a feast for not-choosing, it would have saved me a whole bunch of thinkin'."

----

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x2, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Resist Energy, Shield Other
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Tuesday May 29th, 2018 4:54:56 PM
�Bliss my friend, I am far from offended, but I think you have poor taste in ale�, Succotash replies, �In my humble opinion, this is the best ale in the Wold!�

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Tuesday May 29th, 2018 5:02:22 PM
As he is lifted into the air, Succotash gasps, �Here we go again! I hope the new surroundings are of a gentler persuasion�.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 83 (96), CMD 20, Harper-AC 21, HP 61 (74), CMD 23; Followers
Tuesday May 29th, 2018 9:23:53 PM
"I have to say, I'm actually a bit surprised to have won the day," Pressi replied. "I was sure that there would be far more resistance to the idea of doing nothing. Well, if any of those guys had spent more than 30 seconds preparing for what they'd say to us, maybe I'd have been another mood to listen."

Pressi paused, looking at the hero's feast along the ground. "Clearly, though, my instincts and heart cannot have been completely off. But the team should know that continued deference to my point of view is quite a dangerous precedent."

She partakes in the food and even the drink. "I'm going to agree with you, Succotash," she replied. "The best ale IS what I am drinking now, after all that battle. Still... well, I'll only ask that you keep an open mind as you sample the drinks of our home town."

To Murphy, "I appreciate your guidance in this matter, and your acceptance. As I said, I would have followed the vote regardless. And... maybe I'm still leery of changes through ritual because I understand what went wrong in the soul jar now. Rituals like these. At any rate, all we can do now is worry about what happens next."

Pressi has another thought as she takes out her cauldron. She tries to contact her followers and Humble's Ford.

-------------

Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large earth earth elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 CMB 14 HP 64/100
Tuesday May 29th, 2018 9:42:24 PM

Just after Murphy announced his vote for 'Preservation,' something sinks in that the druid had not considered fully. Are the dirts and rock which make up his earth elemental face lightening in color, his face going pale? Nah, probably just a trick of the light as he gazes skyward. "I mean, Abstention," thereby altering his vote. "I think our patron and matron are asking me to yield to your thinking, my Pressi. My folks said that to love another is for each to yield to the other. I do so now."

Some of the others join in with her, others not, but the decision is in line with what she said.

And the heaven-sent flower opens up the wealth of the earth, with a profusion of life and fruitfulness spreading out before them.

"Do you feel the pleasure of Lord Eberyon, and of Lady Maab?" Murphy asks, dropping his earth elemental form, gems buried within a purple worm forgotten. He tastes the nectar, urges his fellows to partake. He moves in a figure eight, grasping the stems of nearby flowers to form a hasty bouquet for Pressi, which he presents to her with a formal bow, and a pleased as a puppy countenance.

"Our humble homes below, battered, now are become as castles in the clouds as our beloved heavenly hosts show hospitality beyond imagining, beyond hopes expressed. You do for us far more than we can ask or think. We small ones bless you from the Wold, you who reign in wisdom over us. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." Murphy falls back into the pliant verdancy beneath him, arms spread wide.

"Bliss, Hobie, Succotash, Kezzem - this is a foretaste of life after life for those who please the heavens above," he says, raising his head. "I think!" He sits up. "Do you think so, Pressi?"

After some moments of pleasure and refreshment, the still young towhead halfling from Humble's Ford joins his friends in the ritual, and eagerly awaits what comes next. He know it likely will be more challenges for them to face. He does not lack the energy or will to face them, now.

Welcome home! - DM Carl
Tuesday May 29th, 2018 10:47:21 PM
The whiteness vanishes in the blink of an eye, revealing the entirety of the Southern Continent below. The party doesn't float, but it's unclear what they're standing on. The continent below begins to shake, then the entire landmass shifts.

Know, Nature DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {The Southern Continent shifts like this every few decades or so in what's called The Great Migration. The individual biomes more or less stay the same, but they all end up with new neighbors. The particular migration seems localized, like way is being cleared for something.}

A new landmass springs up from within the continent. Neighboring areas shift safely out of the way as our heroes get a once-in-a-lifetime view of one of the greatest mysteriest the Wold offers. To no one's surprise, it is the Sargrass. A land of endless grass broken only by the Crystal Mountains. The party feels an urge to close their eyes, and a voice thick with the accent of the Manfri whispers, "Hold the circle!" in its collective ear.

When eyes reopen, you are back on the plains. Thankfully, the grass is only knee-high to a halfling here and not a hazard like it was before. The sun shines high overhead.

Interestingly enough, you're not alone. All around you are groups of well armed men and women much like yourselves. The two closest groups are about a quarter mile away; too far to make out details. Other groups are adjacent to them, forming a giant, miles long circle.

The center of that circle is dominated by a writhing mass of bloodweed that quickly retracts and coallesces into a single collosal humanoid shape. It is easily 150' across and 400' tall. Its tendrils form a face, then a mouth that opens to scream, "MY HOME! MY HOME! MY CHILDREN!"

Sense motive DC20, Highlight to display spoiler: {It is confused and hurt.}
Sense motive DC30, Highlight to display spoiler: {It is also quite insane.}
Know Religion DC20, Highlight to display spoiler: {This thing is an immortal power. Beings worshiped instead of gods among the people of the Southern Continent.[/spoier]
Know Religion DC30, Highlight to display spoiler: {}...and not just any power. This is the Sarr. It is the immortal power of the Sargrass, thought destroyed in the cataclysm of the last age.}

...and because nothing is ever easy, hundreds of red, frothing, angry looking creatures erupts from between the vines and weeds that make its body. Out pour creatures that run, as well as creatures that fly, and even some that pour out and vanish beneath the ground. There are incorporeal creatures. There are massive swarms of stinging insects. It would take a fevered imagination to come up with something that's not already speeding away and towards the massed heroes flanking the colossal beast.

Perception DC15, Highlight to display spoiler: {The thing shrinks slightly as monsters wriggle out of it.}

Humble's Shield is no exception. A number of creatures are coming your way. A swiftly moving swarm of large birds (about 9 of them) will get to you first, but they won't be the last...

***

We're in combat rounds. The first of those creatures will reach you in six rounds, giving you five to prepare. They'll be in arrow range for two rounds before they're on you. Please post a total of six rounds in your next post, keeping in mind only the last one will involve any melee.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/82 AC 27 CMD 28 Hero Points 4 d20+9=22 ; d20+8=23 ; d20=12 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+16=21 ; d20+11=16 ; d6+15=18 ; d6=5 ; d6+15=16 ; d6=3 ; d6+15=21 ; d6=6 ; d6+15=20 ; d6=4 ; d6+16=19 ; d6+16=19 ; d6+11=15 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+16=27 ; d6+15=21 ; d6=1 ; d6+15=16 ; d6=2 ; d6+15=21 ; d6=3 ; d6+15=21 ; d6=4 ; d20+17=21 ; d20+17=35 ; d20+12=23 ; d6+16=20 ; d6=1 ; d6+16=20 ; d6=3 ; d6+16=22 ; d6=6 ; d6+16=17 ; d6=3 ; d4+1=5 ;
Wednesday May 30th, 2018 1:35:34 AM
"The Great Migration! This hasn't happened since I was a child! How exciti.... HOLY COW, that's an immortal power..."

As the beasts start flying towards him, Hobie gets excited. He grips Prowler tight, and grins wildly. This is the kind of epic battle he's always dreamed of.

Round 1 and 2 - Hobie casts Shield and Mirror Image on himself (+4 AC, and 5 images of Hobie. So if you attack Hobie, roll a d6, with a 1 hitting me, anything else destroys an image)

Round 3- The six Hobies cast Cat's Grace on themselves, and then move to get into position about 20 feet behind all of his friends, where he can safely attack from distance.

Round 4- Hobie let's loose. The first of the creatures are in range, and Hobie goes to work.
As it sounds like there are a multitude of baddies, Hobie's strategy until mentioned otherwise is going to be to shoot the creatures flying toward them, focusing on each in turn until it drops and then moving to the next target. It sounds like currently it is a group of birds that are all similar moving toward us, but if any look stronger than the others, he will focus his arrows first on the strongest looking. Unless otherwise noted, his arrows are Cold Iron.

Six Hobies reach for their quivers, and let their arrows fly.

Manyshot
Attack 25
Piercing 18, Fire 5
Piercing 16, Fire 3

Rapid Shot
Attack 21
Piercing 21, Fire 6

Iterative
Attack 16
Piercing 20, Fire 4

Round 5- More arrows (If you look at the dice you might notice I accidentally rolled d6s for my attack rolls here on accident first)

Manyshot
Attack 28
Piercing 21, Fire 1
Piercing 16, Fire 2

Rapid Shot
Attack 19
Piercing 21, Fire 3

Iterative
Attack 22
Piercing 21, Fire 4

Round 6- The creatures are within Point Blank Shot range, so Hobie gets a bit more accurate and a bit more deadly!

Manyshot
Attack 21
Piercing 20, Fire 1
Piercing 20, Fire 3

Rapid Shot
Attack 35
Piercing 22, Fire 6

Iterative
Attack 23
Piercing 17, Fire 3

======
Active Effects
13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Mirror Image: 5 Images + Hobie = 6 Hobie's
======
Rounds of Haste Used 0/10
======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Grease, Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
~~Mirror Image~~, Invisibility, Invisibility, ~~Cat's Grace~~

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large earth earth elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 CMB 14 HP 64/100 d20+15=21 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+4=15 ; d20+25=31 ;
Wednesday May 30th, 2018 1:46:14 AM

Murphy comments as they watch the shifting of the landmass, "You likely know, but the Southern Continent shifts like this every few decades. Different areas keep their own configuration, pretty much, but it's like a dance in which many dancers move over the floor, each ending up in a different spot. Sort of. Looks like this time, instead of the generalized movement, the land is making room. Guess what for? The Sargrass, of course!"

As he sees the bloodweed coalesce, Murphy casts owl's wisdom, gaining +4 wisdom for the next 10 minutes.
He looks at the colossus, and is reminded of what his sister-in-law, Airin, told him once about a dark creature made up of thousands of crows. "The creature is formed of many creatures, and it diminishes as they now pour out. Prepare for battle. Prepare to hold the circle."

Murphy casts control winds [fort save DC 23], guiding a cylinder of air immediately above the plains to blow whatever is coming toward them back to the source. 800' diameter, 40' in height. How high the base is initially from the ground is determined by how high the large birds are flying. Will try to have the top 10' above them, the windstorm (51-74 mph) blows inward toward the immense collective at the central hub surrounded by the ring of heros. Away from heros, toward center.

Knowledge, nature: 21
Sense motive: 17
Knowledge, religion: 15
Perception: 31xx

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=10 ; d20=3 ; d20=18 ; d20=13 ; d20=17 ; d10=6 ; d10=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d20=1 ; d20=11 ; d20=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday May 30th, 2018 6:14:55 AM
1st sense motive 13
2nd 6
Perception 24
Lay of hands 9/9
Smite evil 4/4
1st level spells
Lesser regeneration 1/1
Endure elements 2/2
2nd level spells
Remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells
Heal mount
13 temp hp, +1 attack and saves, +4 verses poison
Succotash and Miss Piggy see the incoming horde and prepare for combat. Succotash draws Twinklesting, and her blade shines out like a beacon, in Succotash�s mind it is if the sword was saying, � Come get some!�

When the birds are within striking distance, Both Succotash and Miss Piggy unload with full round attacks

Succotash
13+19+1=33, 6+10=16 damage, (add 8 if evil)
17(possible crit rolled a 1 for the confirmation)+14+1=32, for 5+10=15 damage, (add 7 if evil)
Miss Piggy
11+14+1=26, for 4+3+10=17 damage
5+9+1=15, for 4+4+10=18 damage

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Wednesday May 30th, 2018 6:43:24 AM
Btw, Succotash and Miss Piggy are attacking different targets if possible.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Wednesday May 30th, 2018 6:46:00 AM
Before combat Succotash detects evil day on the source of the hordes as well as the hordes themselves

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, CMD29, HP93of116) (Cayzle) d20=10 ; d20+20=36 ;
Wednesday May 30th, 2018 12:19:29 PM
Sense Motive 10 (nada)
Know Religion (nada, untrained)
Perception 36

Bliss calls out -- "It gets smaller as monsters crawl out of it!"

More to come for six rounds of actions!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (24), HP 83 (96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (25), HP 61 (74), CMD 23; Followers d20+8=25 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+11=28 ; d20+8=18 ; d20+8=15 ; d20+8=11 ; d6+4=10 ; d3+4=7 ; d3+4=5 ;
Wednesday May 30th, 2018 12:52:46 PM

(DM ruled: daily stuff done including rituals)

After some hard discussions with Bliss, Pressi and Bliss began the Ritual of Warding (high risk, high reward) and Bliss reminds Pressi that the followers can't help her. (dc+4 base+5 bliss base +2 from in person familiars=dc+11). To be on the safe side, Pressi uses a hero point beforehand for +8... and the team just makes it with 21.

After some discussion, Pressi and Bliss decide to share the spell barkskin and Pressi takes the lead again. (Roll is 21 base, +2 familiars, +22 from Bliss, no fail).

---------------

(Know Nature 25, Sense 27, Know Religion 26, Perception no fail)

Pressi agrees that the land is making room, but isn't sure it is for the Sargrass.

She stares at the large bloodweed mass. "Didn't we just leave this party?"

"Ok, people listen up. What we are looking at is an immortal power. It is confused, it is hurt, and it is NOT here to get our autographs. It also looks like it's made up from a bunch of scary creatures, but remember the first rule of respecting nature. If you fight it right, it's nature's will.

"Looks like we've got some reinforcements, at least. Hi, mom."

She holds off on casting a fly spell because of control winds.

Round 1: message

Round 2: spectral hand

Round 3: threefold aspect: crone

Round 4: Bloodwitch Lore

Round 5: Deep Slumber on the birds, Will DC 19, 10 HD to sleep.

Round 6: know lore (roll 28 vs touch AC) on the birds, Know DC 15.

Harper unleashes a full round attack on the closest bird. (Attack rolls 18, 15, 11; damage 10+trip, 7, 5).

Both Harper and Pressi spam their barkskin.

-------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +3 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins)

Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear

threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

bloodwitch Lore (1 min) +1 to con, dispel, saves against necro and fear, spell touch attacks

spells used

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 1/4+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 1/3+1

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109 + 13, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62 +13, CMD 24; Heroes Feast (+1 Atk & Sv, +4 vs. poison & fear), Protection from E d20+14=31 ; d20+1=14 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+10=28 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+1=3 ; d3+1=4 ; d3=1 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+11=15 ; d20+11=20 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+1=3 ; d3+1=2 ;
Wednesday May 30th, 2018 1:06:16 PM
OOC: Why is everything bold?

Skills Checks
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 14 = 31.
Perception: 1d20 + 1 = 14.

"Heads up, that thing is confused and hurt," says Kezzem. "Also, quite insane, even by our rather loose standards of sanity."

Rounds 1 and 2: Kezzem will cast Shield Other on Pressi, and Protection from Evil on Murphey.

Round 3: "Anyone know if that thing does any energy damage? If so, a head's up would be nice." If someone identifies the creature as dealing acid, cold, electricity, or fire damage, Kezzem will cast the corresponding Resist Energy on himself. Otherwise, he holds this turn.

Round 4 (in arrow range): I'm assuming this means they are out of dagger range this round. Kezzem will attempt to detect evil (60 ft. range). If they are still too far, he holds this turn as well.

Round 5 (in arrow range): If he hasn't done so in Round 4, Kezzem will detect evil (swift action) here if they are in range. If the birds are in dagger range, then he will full (ranged) attack as well (standard and move action) with Improved Two-Weapon Fighting.

+1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 16 = 31.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 5.

+1 Returning Dagger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 1d20 + 16 = 20.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 = 3.

Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 10 = 12.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 = 4.

Daggger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 1d20 + 10 = 28.
Damage: 1d3 + 0 = 1.

Round 6 (melee): If he hasn't done so in Round 4, Kezzem will detect evil (swift action) here if they are in range. He will full (melee) attack as well (standard and move action) with Improved Two-Weapon Fighting.

+1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 16 = 30.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 5.

+1 Returning Dagger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 1d20 + 16 = 33.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 = 3.

+1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 11 = 15.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 3.

+1 Returning Dagger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 1d20 + 11 = 20.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 = 2.

Bliss / CatBliss (AC23, CMD29, HP93of116) (Cayzle) d20+28=38 ; d100=59 ; d20+18=29 ; 3d6+16=31 ; 3d6+21=29 ;
Wednesday May 30th, 2018 5:07:17 PM

Before arriving, Bliss is happy to be blessed with a full recharge! He has his spell slots back and his witchy ritual redone. (Thanks kindly DM!) The roll for the second ritual is a 38, so no problem there. His Ritual of Sharing is a CL9 Barkskin with a +4 enhancement bonus to natural AC. Performing the ceremony costs him 5 of his temp hp.

On arrival, Bliss is quick to see what is going down. "We need to get ready!" he shouts. "Anyone who wants a potion of fire resistance, grab one NOW out of my pack!"

Then he starts prepping.

Round 1: Drinks a CL7 potion of Resist Fire.
Round 2: Casts Shield of Faith
Round 3: Casts extended Divine Favor
Round 4: Casts extended Blink
Round 5: Casts Polymorph (Dire Tiger)
Round 6: Turns on his shared CL9 Barkskin. Readies a bite attack for as soon as an enemy is in reach.

If that readied attack is triggered, Bliss snaps at the target with his bite enhanced by his tear. He focuses his rage and attacks. Miss chance 20%; BAB+7 Str+9 Amulet+1 Blinking+2 DivFavor+2 PowAtt-2 Size-1 equals Att+18; damage 2d6 bite Str+9 Amulet+1 DivFavor+2 PowAtt+4 MercTear+1d6 = 3d6+16 nonlethal. Whew!

That readied attack against a flying thing that comes into range is ... not a miss (59%) ... hits AC29 ... for 31 nonlethal damage.

Dire Tigers also get a free grab attack with that successful bite, so if it hit, the free grapple check is a ... base +7BAB +9Str +4Grab +1size = +21, rolls success to grab CMD 29 and less.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a (Kim) AC 23 CMB 14 HP 80/80
Wednesday May 30th, 2018 5:40:15 PM
[will post rest of prep & stuff in a bit - still workin']

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109 + 13, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62 +13, CMD 24; Heroes Feast (+1 Atk & Sv, +4 vs. poison & fear), Protection from E d20+11=17 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+6=15 ; d3+4=6 ; d3+4=6 ;
Wednesday May 30th, 2018 7:03:42 PM
Forgot to Post for Rumpus:

Rounds 1 to 5: Rumpus holds his ground, trying to keep between Hobbie and any attacks as Kezzem normally has him protect the archer.

Round 6: Rumpus full attacks with his hooves.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 11 = 17.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 = 6.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 11 = 12. Auto-miss.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 6 = 15.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 = 6.

DireBliss (AC23, CMD30, HP114of106) (Cayzle)
Wednesday May 30th, 2018 7:03:59 PM
New header and PC sheet for Bliss ... for use in raging dire tiger form.

Oh, note that with Heroes Feast, DireBliss's attack hits AC30 instead of 29, and grapples CMD30.

Heroes Feast: +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 CMB 14 HP 80/80 d20+25=31 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+15=24 ;
Thursday May 31st, 2018 12:20:29 AM
Murphy considers Pressi's insights that an immortal power has arisen before us, hurt and confused, and Kezzem's addition that it is insane.

As the party lands in the grass, Longstrider (10 hours). During the bloodweed transformation - owl's wisdom 10 minutes - figure 8.5 minutes left, a bit before call to action.
Round 1 - Murphy cast control winds near edge is 400 feet away, 800' diameter, 40' in height - consider it touches the ground. Perhaps the birds will fly within it, perhaps above.
2 - He grabs from Bliss's pack a potion of fire resistance and downs it. (30 minutes, 36 hp, right?)
3 - He casts wall of thorns slightly to the left of center of the battlefield, 200 feet distant from where he stands, 100' wide x 10' deep x 10' high (100 minutes)
4 - He casts spike growth to the immediate right of the wall of thorns, 200' across x 20' deep (10 hours), then moves back a bit from the front line.
5 - He casts call lightning storm (10 minutes, up to 10 individual bolts over that time).
6 - He wild shapes into a large air elemental with huge capabilities.

Perception: 31
Survival (identify wildlife?): 30
Knowledge, nature (identify wildlife): 24

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 CMB 14 HP 80/80
Thursday May 31st, 2018 12:30:19 AM

Saving throw DC for various spells cast above:
Control Winds: 23 (Fort)
Wall of Thorns: 23 (no save)
Spike Growth: 21 (partial Reflex save)
Call Lightning Storm: 23 (Reflex half)

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Thursday May 31st, 2018 5:25:26 AM
Succotash thanks Bliss, as he grabs a potion of fire resistance from his pack and chugs it down.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (91/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (74), CMD 23; Followers
Thursday May 31st, 2018 10:21:26 AM
Along with Bliss, Pressi does also cast the blood spell to help keep the spell at CL9.

(The rest updates her numbers accordingly)

-------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +3 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins)

Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear

threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

bloodwitch Lore (1 min) +1 to con, dispel, saves against necro and fear, spell touch attacks

spells used

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 1/4+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 1/3+1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (91/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (74), CMD 23; Followers
Thursday May 31st, 2018 10:22:07 AM
(OOC: sorry, its +4 nat armor)

Welcome home! - DM Carl d20+6=14 ; d20+3=23 ; d20+3=14 ; d20+3=17 ; 4d4=10 ; 4d4=8 ; 4d4=8 ; 4d4=11 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+5=15 ; d20+5=7 ; d20=6 ; d20=7 ; d20=4 ;
Thursday May 31st, 2018 11:30:38 AM
Humble's Sword's preparations pay off as the initial onslaught of giant, rabid falcons are cut down before they enter melee range.

(Serious overkill. They're dead before the reach Murphy's control winds area. Kim, you can still cast it or change your mind. Your call, but let me know either way.)

There is no time to celebrate, as the remainder of the beasts spawned from the Power (capital P) are close behind. Leading the charge is a towering, four-armed humanoid with a vertical mouth that seems to split its head in two. It is flanked by three of the biggest ogres any of you have likely seen. All four are bleeding from every orafice. Three of them are limping along thanks to Murphy's spiked growth. The ogres each throw two javelins, but their aim is pretty terrible (seriously bad rolls).

Perception DC 25, Highlight to display spoiler: {Just before Murphy's spike growth, a large fin breaks the surface of the earth momentarily before vanishing below it again.}

***

Map. Everyone has edit rights. Make a marker & plop yourselves down where appropriate. Everyone materialized within that blue box. Also,you folks are responsible for marking any AoEs for spells you cast.

Welcome home! - DM Carl
Thursday May 31st, 2018 11:33:57 AM
As the fight begins, a message appears in the sky over the Power:

SIGNAL IF YOU NEED HELP. GOOD LUCK, EVERYONE. SINCERELY, THE IRON DRAGONS.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge capabilities (Kim) AC 29 CMB 14 HP 80/80 d20+25=44 ; 5d6=23 ;
Thursday May 31st, 2018 12:02:34 PM

"Landshark!" Murphy calls out in a loud and windy voice. "They burrow underground, then come up and bite, so beware below!" he says.

He lays a 30' tall 5' wide bolt of lightning into the four-armed maw giant for 23 hp damage (reflex save 23 for 1/2). He flies up and toward the wall.

[Yes, he did cast control winds. He wants to see if anyone is coming through that area. BTW, other groups should be able to see it, and it may affect other games' monster routing.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109 + 13, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26 + 4 (Total Defense), HP 62/62 +13, CMD 24 d20+9=13 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+3=13 ; d20+3=16 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+1=4 ; d3+1=4 ; d3=3 ;
Thursday May 31st, 2018 1:08:48 PM
OOC: Since everyone was guzzling resist energy fire potions, I'll assume Kezzem cast resist energy (fire) on himself in Round 3 of the preparations.

Kezzem steps forward and will activate detect evil on "G" (swift action). Since it is not in dagger range, he will instead target the nearest ogre ("O3") for a volley of daggers (full-attack with improved two-weapon fighting; heroes' feast and -8 range penalty included). Rumpus goes total defense as the creatures close.

+1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 9 = 13.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 3.

+1 Returning Dagger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 1d20 + 9 = 12.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 = 4.

Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 3 = 13.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 = 4.

Dagger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 1d20 + 3 = 16.
Damgae: 1d3 = 3.

Active Spells:
Heroes Feast (+1 Atk & Sv, +4 vs. poison & fear)
Protection form Evil (Murphey; +2 to AC and SVs vs. evil creatures)
Resiste Energy (Resist Fire 20)
Shield Other (Pressi; Kezzem and Pressi each take half of any damage dealt to Pressi)

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x2, Protection from Evil (cast)
2nd Level: Resist Energy (cast), Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds

DireBliss (AC22, CMD30, HP114of106) (Cayzle) d20+30=40 ; d20+21=31 ; d20+21=34 ; 2d4+16=20 ; 2d4+16=19 ; 2d4+24=27 ; 2d4+24=31 ;
Thursday May 31st, 2018 1:40:32 PM
Blinking DireBliss charges the Ogres and pounces, tumbling the last dozen feet to avoid AoOs. Acrobatics 40 vs their CMDs.

He charges so that if one is put down, the other is in reach for more attacks. He is very optimistic.

Two claw attacks at +21 with charge and heroes feast bonuses. Hits AC31 and 34 for claw damage of 20 hp and then 19 damage.

Two free grapple attempts succeed against CMDs 27 and 31.

Then the bite, using the rolls from yesterday, hits AC30 and grapples vs CMD 30 for 31 nonlethal damage.

Current effects:

CL7 Resist Fire.
CL7 Shield of Faith +3
CL7 extended Divine Favor +2
CL7 extended Blink
CL7 Polymorph (Dire Tiger)
CL9 Barkskin +4
CL? Heroes Feast +1 att, will save, more
Bloodwitch Warding Ritual +1 AC, saves

DireBliss (AC22, CMD30, HP114of106) (Cayzle) d100=78 ; d100=29 ;
Thursday May 31st, 2018 3:25:28 PM

DireBliss Extra! Two claw miss chances at 20% ...

78 and 29 = A-OK

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/82 AC 27 CMD 28 Hero Points 4 d20+16=24 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+11=30 ; d6+15=17 ; d6=3 ; d6+15=17 ; d6=4 ; d6+15=20 ; d6=5 ; d6+15=19 ; d6=5 ; d6+15=19 ; d6=6 ;
Thursday May 31st, 2018 3:56:30 PM
ooc: I mentioned in my six rounds earlier that Hobie moved twenty feet back, so I put him there behind the blue box.

Upon seeing the message in the sky, Hobie looks down at Tink's silver dagger and is filled with a burst of confidence as he remembers her words to him before they left for the Sargrass.

The six Hobies take a 5 foot step back, clicking their heels as they do so, and excitedly let loose aiming at the big four armed one. (If he happens to bring the beast down, he will aim at an ogre with his remaining arrows)

Manyshot
Attack 24
Piercing 17, Fire 3 =20
Piercing 17, Fire 4 =21

Rapid Shot
Attack 27
Piercing 20, Fire 5 =25

Haste
Attack 31
Piercing 19, Fire 5 =24

Iterative
Attack 30
Piercing 19, Fire 6 =25

(If they all hit, then the total is 115)

======
Active Effects
13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Mirror Image: 5 Images + Hobie = 6 Hobie's
======
Rounds of Haste Used 0/10
======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Grease, Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
~~Mirror Image, Cat's Grace,~~ Invisibility, Invisibility,

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/82 AC 27 CMD 28 Hero Points 4
Thursday May 31st, 2018 4:10:22 PM
Error correction Rounds of Haste Used 1/10

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=8 ; d20=11 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ;
Thursday May 31st, 2018 7:11:38 PM
perception 14 fail

Lay of hands 9/9
Smite evil 4/4
1st level spells
Lesser regeneration 1/1
Endure elements 2/2
2nd level spells
Remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells
Heal mount
13 temp hp, +1 attack and saves, +4 verses poison

Succotash makes a double move action to get closer to the enemy, and Miss Piggy charges ogre 1
11+14+1+2(for charging)=28 for 2+5+10=17 damage

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (91/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (74), CMD 23; Followers
Thursday May 31st, 2018 9:48:25 PM
Pressi sends Harper to try and track the land shark by scent (can someone roll for me?). This time, she will get her candy gram.

Pressi recognizes that they are in for the long haul and casts vomit swarm.

ADM Kim d20+1=11 ;
Friday June 1st, 2018 8:01:26 AM
For the map, I duplicated it, so that we can follow the unfolding action round by round. 'Round 7 end' is the one we've been marking. DM Carl will (I trust) use the 'Round 8' tab for updates on his next post this morning.

For Pressi's Harper (Melvin requested a scent tracking roll), I rolled an 11. For scent, you add wisdom bonus or survival. As both are +1 - there you go. Scent needs a 10. However, under the circumstances, with the bulette traveling underground, I imagine it will be tough to detect by scent - but will leave that to our competent DM to rule on.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (91/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (74), CMD 23; Followers
Friday June 1st, 2018 10:02:05 AM

(OOC: Added my pieces and summons to the map.)

-------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +4 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins)

Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear

threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

bloodwitch Lore (9 rounds) +1 to con, dispel, saves against necro and fear, spell touch attacks

spells used

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 2/4+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 1/3+1

Welcome home! - DM Carl d20+8=15 ;
Friday June 1st, 2018 11:10:05 AM
Murphy calls down a bolt of lightning, striking the four-armed giant. He flies towards the wall.

Kezzem finds the creature is indeed evil, then launches a ranged attack at the nearest ogre. The extreme range prevents any attacks from hitting; the ogre has plenty of time to dodge. Rumpus hunkers down.

Bliss tumbles past any attempted attacks and closes rank quickly. All attacks succeed against the ogre, wounding it very badly, but not killing it. The many grapple checks succeed, but Bliss is blinking. Inevitably, he occupies the same space as the ogre and is shunted 5' away, taking 4 damage. The ogre is not currently grappled.

Hobie's gonna Hobie. Five arrows fly from his bow. The first two miss, but the remainder hit home. The giant is also very hurt, but alive.

Succotash starts to close the distance, while Miss Piggy charges and gores one of the ogres.

Pressi sends Murphy off to track the landshark, but she can't find the scent. Pressi herself vomits up bugs.

The first ogre swings his giant axe twice at Miss Piggy, but he's too enraged to make an accurate attack & misses horribly.

The other two ogres move and attack Bliss in unison. They connect twice, but Bliss blinks out of existance for one of them. The other hits for 23 damage.

The giant takes a single step forward to attack Bliss as well.

Bite Hit AC 25 - Blink vs 47 - miss
Claw 1 Hit AC 27 - Blink vs 5 - miss
Claw 2 Hit AC 20 - miss
Claw 3 hit AC 25 - Blink vs 56 - 10 damage
Claw 4 Nat 20 - Threat confirm 28 - Blink vs 62 - 16 damage
Rake attack after 2 claws - 15 damage

Hobie ONLY, Perception DC 29 - Highlight to display spoiler: {Something is walking quickly towards you from the east, but you see nothing.}

***

So, I got logged out of the site while I was writing my post. Luckily I always write my posts in Notepad++, so I didn't lose what I wrote. What I lost were all the rolls, so don't think the lack of numbers up there means I'm just making up what's happening.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109 + 13, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26 + 4 (Total Defense), HP 62/62 +13, CMD 24
Friday June 1st, 2018 12:40:31 PM
"Well, so much for having them come to us," laments Kezzem as the party charges forward.

He and Rumpus move up to just out of range of the nearest ogre. Double move for Kezzem, move and Total Defense for Rumpus.

----

Active Spells:
Heroes Feast (+1 Atk & Sv, +4 vs. poison & fear)
Protection form Evil (Murphey; +2 to AC and SVs vs. evil creatures)
Resiste Energy (Resist Fire 20)
Shield Other (Pressi; Kezzem and Pressi each take half of any damage dealt to Pressi)

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x2, Protection from Evil (cast)
2nd Level: Resist Energy (cast), Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/82 AC 27 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 d20+15=27 ; d20+18=22 ;
Friday June 1st, 2018 12:45:11 PM
Using a Hero Point for a +2, Hobie passes the Perception check.
He can hear/feel something approaching him, but he can't see anything.

Hobie reaches into his Handy Haversack (move action) and pulls out the Invisible Peeper Circle he won in the lottery a while back. He activates it (swift action) and can now See Invisibility for 10 rounds.

Depending on what he sees, Hobie will do the following.

If he sees someone friendly, he will fire again at the four armed monster.
Attack 22-- Miss

If he sees an enemy, he will five foot step back from it and if it looks like something that could reasonably be tripped (like a humanoid, or some bipedal creature) he casts Grease at it's feet.

If it is something that looks like it would be hard to trip, like the Bulette or something, he will cast Invisibility on himself.

If he cannot see the creature, even with his See Invisibility, Hobie is going to assume it's one of the Thin Men from the Sargrass, and he will cast Invisibility on himself.

DireBliss (AC27, CMD34, HP46of106) (Cayzle) d6+3=8 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+15=19 ; 2d4+16=22 ; 2d4+16=20 ; 3d6+16=28 ;
Friday June 1st, 2018 2:21:57 PM

OOC: Map Link.

No longer charging, Bliss's AC rises to 24.

Bliss takes more than half his hit points in one round. He decides to fight defensively! Thus his raging AC now rises to 27. He also takes a -4 on his attacks.

Annoyed at himself for not thinking of it, Bliss activates his Bramble Armor as a free action. That means that all attacking him with melee attacks will suffer 1d6+3 damage per hit. That's 8 damage per hit this round.

He makes his full attacks, first on the very injured ogre, then on the other ogre. He would fight the giant, but it looks out of reach.

Miss chance 20%; BAB+7 Str+9 Amulet+1 Blinking+2 DivFavor+2 PowAtt-2 Size-1 Fight Defensively -4 Feast +1 equals Att+15; damage 2d6 bite Str+9 Amulet+1 DivFavor+2 PowAtt+4 MercTear+1d6 = 3d6+16 nonlethal. Claws 2d4+16.

Claw: hits AC31 for 22 damage
Claw: hits AC32 for 20 damage
Bite: hits AC19 for 28 nonlethal dam

Current effects (only tracking effects with durations in rounds):

CL7 Resist Fire.
CL7 Shield of Faith +3
CL7 extended Divine Favor +2 [4of20 rounds used]
CL7 extended Blink [3of14 rounds used]
CL7 Polymorph (Dire Tiger)
CL9 Barkskin +4
CL? Heroes Feast +1 att, will save, more
Bloodwitch Warding Ritual +1 AC, saves
Plant Domain Bramble Armor [1of6 rounds used]
Rage [2of14 rounds used]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (89/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (74), CMD 23; Followers d20+10=29 ; d6+4=6 ; d6=2 ; d4=2 ;
Friday June 1st, 2018 3:45:34 PM
Seeing a hand motion from Pressi, Harper runs to Ogre 2, just as the spider swarm begins to reach ogre 2.

(Harper bite attack: AC 29 almost a crit, Damage 6+trip)

(spider swarm attack: auto, damage 2+poison, distraction)

Pressi casts mislead on the giant (-2 to attack, save) and moves her spectral hand towards Bliss for a potential emergency heal next round.

-------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +4 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins, took 2 hp)

Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear

threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

bloodwitch Lore (8 rounds) +1 to con, dispel, saves against necro and fear, spell touch attacks

spells used

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 2/4+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 1/3+1

Guide/Mislead: 1/8

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=18 ; d10=5 ; d20=20 ; d10=8 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d20=15 ; d20=9 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ;
Friday June 1st, 2018 6:58:58 PM
Lay of hands 9/9
Smite evil 4/4
1st level spells
Lesser regeneration 1/1
Endure elements 2/2
2nd level spells
Remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells
Heal mount
13 temp hp, +1 attack and saves, +4 verses poison

Succotash charges ogre 1, and Miss Piggy unleashes a full round attack on ogre 1

Succotash
18 (possible crit, natural 20 confirms)+2(for charging)+1+19=40 for 5+8+10 =23 damage (add 6 if evil)
Miss Piggy
15+14+1=30, for 5+6+10=21 damage
9+9+1=19, for 5+4+10=19 damage

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge (Kim) AC 29 (+2vsEvil) HP 93/93 5d6=18 ; d20+25=31 ; 5d10=32 ;
Saturday June 2nd, 2018 2:20:51 AM

If the giant has not yet fallen, Murphy zaps it for 18 (ref save for 1/2).
If the giant has fallen, Murphy instead sends his 5d6 electrical bolt against a standing ogre, in a 5' square not adjacent to one of his friends. Then he races forward to take a look at who else might be coming along on the far side (or near side) of the thorny wall and spikey ground - or end running. Anyone coming through the windstorm against the 51-74mph headwinds?

Murphy communicates what he sees to Pressi.

If he notices anyone coming his way yet still within the windstorm area, he may send down a lighting bolt for 5d10=32 hp damage, ref sv 1/2... but that would be the beginning of next round. Depends on what else he sees, too.

Protection from Evil (from Kezzem: +2 to AC and Saves vs. evil creatures)
Heroes Feast (+1 Attack & Save, +4 vs poison & fear)
Perception: 31

Welcome home! - DM Carl d4=4 ; d20+11=19 ; d20+17=33 ; d100=18 ; d100=68 ; d100=65 ; d20+8=22 ; d20=4 ; d20=12 ; d20+17=33 ; d8+7=13 ; d20+3=19 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+10=28 ; 3d6+14=27 ; 3d6+14=23 ; d20+15=26 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+13=28 ; d20=18 ; d6+5=6 ; d6+5=6 ; d20+33=53 ; d20+33=53 ; 3d6=9 ; 3d6=8 ; d4=4 ; d20+13=14 ;
Saturday June 2nd, 2018 3:34:20 PM
Kezzem and Rumpus move towards the danger.

Hobie just barely hears something swooshing through the low grass, but sees nothing. He whips out a mulligan and sees a large, faceless, horned woman moving quickly towards him, holding elaborate kukris in each hand. Hobie takes aim at the creature's feet and casts grease (OOC: getting that thing out of your pack was a move action. Can't do that AND take a 5' step). The creature cocks her head sideways and seems to sigh at being discovered. She avoids falling prone.

Bliss slows things down after getting pummeled. He activates his bramble armor and starts attacking the ogres. His first attack passes harmlessly through the beast (rolled 18 on a d100 since I didn't see where you rolled the miss chance), but the second connects and tears its throat out. He turns and snaps at the other ogre, but misses.

Pressi sends Harper towards the 2nd ogre. Harper latches on to the ogre, but fails to trip the massive thing. Her spiders swarm over it, but it's one tough mother hubbard and shrugs off both the poison and sheer ickyness of having spiders crawl all over it. She makes her spectral hand ready to protect Bliss.

Succotash and Miss Piggy press the attack. They find Ogre 1 dead, and Bliss is blocking the path to everyone else other than the 4-armed giant. The giant tears at the approaching paladin, slashing him for 13 damage. It's a parting blow, though. Succotash chops two of its arms, and it quickly succumbs to pain and bloodloss. (OOC: Miss Piggy will incur and AoO if she moves to attack O3, so I'm not going to assume she does).

Murphy sends a lightning bolt down that hits ogre 3 squarely. He then flies over to see what's coming. He sees absolute horror. Monsters continue to pour from the Power by the dozens, and heroes all across the battlefield are under siege. He's pretty sure he sees five elder chromatic dragons attacking some poor slobs across the way from him. Looking back, he realizes Humble's Sword has been lucky thus far, but that can change. He does spy two stone giants running full speed towards his friends, but hopefully he's learned by now that not all the creatures are approaching by land...or maybe he hasn't? No one knows what's about to happen to poor Hobie in a few moments.

Then, the Power spots the uppity halfling getting too close. It turns and glares pure hatred at the druid, then swoops down and picks up something from the masses of creatures pouring from it. The Power hurls it at Murphy. It's an amazing shot. The howling creature hits Murphy's storm cloud, gets tossed around, comes out on the other end, and STILL manages to run right into Murphy (OOC: two nat 20s). The thing in question turns out to be a hell hound. Both it and Murphy take 9 damage from the impact. The hound falls, taking an additional 8 damage, plus 4 from landing on the spiked growth. It's in rough shape, but alive and angry.

Ogre 2 turns to swing its massive ax at Harper, connecting twice for 27 and 23 damage. Ogre 3 attacks Bliss, but Bliss is way too fast for that stupid ogre. Both attacks miss.

Whatever this thing is that's dealing with Hobie, it moves extremely gracefully, and is able to manuever in the grease with minimal difficulty (acrobatics check 33 - moves half speed). It closes ranks and strikes out at Hobie. It's blade stabs dangerously close to Hobie's femoral artery for 12 damage. It tilts its head and though it has no face, Hobie's pretty sure its smiling at him.

Meanwhile, the landsharks finally make their presence known, errupting from the ground just before the ogres. The first leans down to take a bite of Miss Piggy, but that pig's luck stream continues as the landshark nearly trips over itself trying to eat her (nat 1).

***

Guys, I really need you all to do a better job of putting down DCs for your spells and such for me. Please don't make me look through the SRD and your character sheets to find what DC my creatures need to save against.

Hobie, put the AoE for your grease spell on the map, please.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/82 AC 27 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Saturday June 2nd, 2018 5:15:03 PM
ooc: I don't know where to put the grease spell because the horned woman isn't on the map.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=12 ; d10=6 ; d20=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ;
Saturday June 2nd, 2018 5:47:58 PM
Lay of hands 9/9
Smite evil 4/4
1st level spells
Lesser regeneration 1/1
Endure elements 2/2
2nd level spells
Remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells
Heal mount
13 temp hp,(Miss Piggy only) +1 attack and saves, +4 verses poison

Succotash takes the hit from the 4 armed monstrosity, thinking, "This is going to hurt!", only to discover he never took any real damage. (13 temporary hp gone) after he finishes off the beast, he sees the bulettes, yells to Miss Piggy to get into a flanking position, and then they both charge the first brute.
occ: Succotash realizes that either Miss Piggy or himself will probably trigger an attack of opportunity, but he is willing to take the risk

Succotash
12+19+1+2(charging)+2(flanking)=36, for 6+10=16 damage
Miss Piggy
3+14+1+2(charging)+2(flanking)=22, for 6+1+10=17 damage

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109 + 13, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26 + 4 (Total Defense), HP 62/62 +13, CMD 24 d20+20=31 ; d3+2=4 ; d20+12=25 ;
Saturday June 2nd, 2018 9:39:43 PM
Kezzem will close for melee with Ogre 2, risking an AoO from it (move action). He makes a single attack with his dagger while flanking with Harper? (standard action). He will also use detect evil on one of the bullettes.

+1 Returning Dagger (flanking included)
Attack: 1d20 + 20 = 31. Actually, that should be a 32 if I would remembered the bonus form Heroes' Feast. I imagine it's a hit either way.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 4.

"Rumpus, go see what's up with Hobbie!" orders Kezzem. Rumpus neighs and double moves towards the creature facing Hobbie. If the creature is invisible, Rumpus will use his nose to attempt to locate it.

Rumpus Perception: 1d20 + 12 = 25.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 83/82 AC 27 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Sunday June 3rd, 2018 11:17:10 AM
Hobie takes a five foot step back from the monster and casts Invisibility on himself. He then grabs his scroll of Fly from his handy haversack.

======
Active Effects
1 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Mirror Image: 5 Images + Hobie = 6 Hobie's-- Roll 1 on a d6 to hit Hobie. Anything else hits one of his images.

See Invisibility Rounds 2/10

======
Rounds of Haste Used 1/10
======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
~~Grease~~, Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
~~Mirror Image, Cat's Grace, Invisibility,~~ Invisibility,

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 83/82 AC 27 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Sunday June 3rd, 2018 11:17:47 AM
I forgot to add Invisible to my Active Effects

DireBliss (AC27, CMD34, HP46of106) (Cayzle) d100=97 ; d100=33 ; d100=40 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+15=17 ; 2d4+16=22 ; 2d4+16=21 ; 3d6+16=27 ; d6+3=8 ;
Sunday June 3rd, 2018 5:18:51 PM

OOC: Map Link.

Bliss keeps on attacking whichever enemies he can reach.

Miss chances 20% : 97, 33, 40 = all A-OK.

Att+15 fighting defensively; damage Bite 3d6+16 nonlethal, 2 Claws 2d4+16.

Claw: hits AC17 for 22 damage
Claw: hits AC24 for 21 damage
Bite: hits AC17 for 27 nonlethal dam

If Bliss is hit, his bramble armor retaliates for 8 damage per hit.

Current effects (only tracking effects with durations in rounds):

CL7 Resist Fire.
CL7 Shield of Faith +3
CL7 Polymorph (Dire Tiger)
CL9 Barkskin +4
CL? Heroes Feast +1 att, will save, more
Bloodwitch Warding Ritual +1 AC, saves

CL7 extended Divine Favor +2 [5of20 rounds used]
CL7 extended Blink [4of14 rounds used]
Plant Domain Bramble Armor [2of6 rounds used]
Rage [3of14 rounds used]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 83/82 AC 27 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 d20+17=25 ; d20+17=26 ; d20+17=24 ; d20+12=25 ; d6+16=19 ; d6=1 ; d6+16=21 ; d6=4 ; d6+16=22 ; d6=2 ; d6+16=19 ; d6=4 ; d6+16=19 ; d6=6 ;
Monday June 4th, 2018 12:03:26 AM
ooc: Question- Did this faceless horned woman become visible when she attacked me? I assumed she was still invisible because it wasn't mentioned in the post, but if she was using normal invisibility and became visible, I want to change Hobie's action to a full attack with the bow.

clicking his heels, Hobie unleashes his full fury on the faceless woman, only switching to another enemy if she falls dead.

Manyshot
Attack 25
Piercing 19, Fire 1 = 20
Piercing 21, Fire 4 = 25

Rapid Shot
Attack 26
Piercing 22, Fire 2 = 24

Haste
Attack 24
Piercing 19, Fire 4 = 23

Iterative
Attack 25
Piercing 19, Fire 6 = 25

Total if all attacks hit = 167

======
Active Effects
1 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Mirror Image: 5 Images + Hobie = 6 Hobie's-- Roll 1 on a d6 to hit Hobie. Anything else hits one of his images.

See Invisibility Rounds 2/10

======
Rounds of Haste Used 2/10
======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
~~Grease~~, Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
~~Mirror Image, Cat's Grace,~~ Invisibility, Invisibility,

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge (Kim) AC 29 (+2vsEvil) HP 93/93 5d6=19 ; d20+25=28 ;
Monday June 4th, 2018 5:26:39 AM
"Hi, pup!" Murphy says to the hell hound which was cast at him, and now lies on the spikey ground. "Let's not run into each other again. And, sorry, but you are not allowed out."

A lightning bolt adds to the poor hell hound's misery, 19 hp, ref sav vs DC25 for half. Reflex save vs spike growth is DC23 for each five feet traveled - so at least 3 more saves, or land speed is halved (and damage with no save allowed of 1d4 per 5 feet) for the doggy to cross the rest of the patch.

From his current vantage point, other than the angry bloodweed embodied spirit who just glared at him and attacked (he stores that image in his mind for a future painting, along with the flying hound), what other opponents can Murphy see coming their way, also other than the two giants he likely might have been able to see earlier before they got this far? One point of his ascension was to gain perspective - and he has other area of effect spells he may use to try to contain them further - but needs the visual intel. The windstorm does not render creatures in that area invisible, I think.

Did the giants (B1 and B2) come across the spiked growth, or over the top of the wall of thorns, or did they end run to get to where they are? Am guessing via spiked growth, and, with 4 saves required vs DC23, there's a chance they have their speed halved (plus the 4d4 poked feet damage each).

After looking about (Perception: 28), he descends to a lower level and off a bit to the lower left so as not to invite the casting of, say, a hippo his direction.

Any intel he gains he quickly passes on to Pressi.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 29/31vsEvil HP 84/80
Monday June 4th, 2018 5:31:35 AM

Fixed hp in header.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (89/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (24/74), CMD 23; Followers d6=3 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+12=24 ;
Monday June 4th, 2018 11:41:21 AM
Pressi watches Murphy rush through the barrier and stumble back with the hellhound. "Let me know if you're going to do that again," she says.

Harper takes the full brunt of the axe and starts to whine. Murphy wrestles with the hellhound. Bliss looks like he'll pull through but now Hobie needs help (I'm assuming that she sees the horned creature, at least in a flash). Also, landsharks. "Ok, Pressi, you're the one who deep down wanted the firepower. Now that everything's on fire, its time to power through."

The spider swarm takes another chunk out of O2 (3 damage, poison fort DC 11, distraction fort dc 11). (If both O2 and O3 are down at the start of this turn, the swarm instead crawls toward B2, 40).

Wounded, Harper runs her way back to Pressi while she tries to think about her next move. (If needed, acro 15)

Pressi moves to the horned woman and casts knowledge lore upon her (Touch attack 24), trying to calculate what she is.

Both Harper and Pressi continue with the barkskin.

-------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +4 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins, took 2 hp)

Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear

threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

bloodwitch Lore (7 rounds) +1 to con, dispel, saves against necro and fear, spell touch attacks

spells used

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 2/4+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 1/3+1

Guide/Mislead: 0/8

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (89/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (24/74), CMD 23; Followers
Monday June 4th, 2018 1:27:46 PM
(DM Noted that Horned Woman is still invisible.)

Pressi, staying near Harper, casts See Invisible to determine what is going on with Hobie.

She moves her spectral hand instead, towards Miss Piggy and the landshark.

-------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +4 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins, took 2 hp)

Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear

threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

bloodwitch Lore (7 rounds) +1 to con, dispel, saves against necro and fear, spell touch attacks

spells used

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 3/4+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 1/3+1

Guide/Mislead: 0/8

Welcome home! - DM Carl d20+13=31 ; 2d8+9=17 ; d20+15=28 ; 3d6+14=28 ; d20=12 ; d20=16 ; d20+15=26 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=14 ; 3d6+14=22 ; 3d6+14=27 ; d20+13=17 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+17=35 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+12=24 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+13=23 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+8=18 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+13=22 ; d6+5=9 ;
Monday June 4th, 2018 3:13:26 PM
Succotash and Miss Piggy charge the bulette. The landshark chomps at Succotash as he approaches, taking a bite out of the paladin. AoO hit AC 31 for 17 damage. Both Succotash and Miss Piggy give as good as they get. Both their attacks connect.

Kezzem moves to flank Ogre2. It's greataxe swings at the approaching halfling and hits AC 28 for 28 damage. Kezzem does manage to stab the ogre back before sending Rumpus to go help Hobie. Rumpus has no idea what to attack, though (perception fail).

Hobie takes a step back before vanishing himself. He pulls a scroll from his haversack.

Bliss presses his attack on the ogre, barely hitting the creature. Fortunately, barely counts. The ogre is slashed open by his claws, and its eyes flutter as Bliss' teeth sink into its throat. After a moment, the ogre collapses.

Murphy puts the hell hound out of its misery. Regarding the giants, he did see them early. They're not yet to his wall/spiked growth barriers, but will be able to move through them next round. Vision is somewhat impaired by the control winds spell between himself and the Power. Other than the giants, there aren't any creatures incoming towards Humble's Sword.

Pressi's spider swarm bites into the last ogre, but it remains unfazed. Murphy withdraws to recover (O2 made it's AoO on Kezzem. Murphy can run away w/o worrying about an AoO of her own. Your post said you were staying near her, so I moved her down to where you moved yourself. Shunt her somewhere else if I got it wrong. She's not being targeted by anything this round). She casts see invisible and sees the same large, faceless, horned woman Hobie did.

Knowledge, Planes DC 19, Highlight to display spoiler: {It's a faceless devil}.

The remaining ogre lashes out at Kezzem. He is hit once, then the ogre rears back for what looks to be a mighty blow. Fortunately for Kezzem, he's able to dodge the worst of it.

Hit AC 26 for 22 damage. Hit 30 (nat 20 - crit confirm 14: fail) for 27 damage.

The first bulette bites and claws at Succotash, somehow missing every single attempt.

Hit AC 17, 16, and 23. All miss.

The second bullete leaps into the air and comes down almost on top of Bliss, it's claws a blur as it lands. Fortunately for Bliss, blur is all they do.

Hit AC 15, 24, 16, and 16. All miss again.

Hobie hears an itching in his mind. Then, words form, though not words he recognizes.

Linguistics, DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {Infernal}.

Though he can't translate them, the effect is unsettling. Meanwhile, the faceless woman seems agitated that her prey has vanished. She lashes out at the closest target: Rumpus. Those who can see her observe four attacks with two elaborate looking kukris, but her aim is no better than anyone else's this round and she only connects once.

Hit AC 31 (crit confirm 22 - fail) for 9 damage.

Anyone paying attention to Murphy's warnings can see two stone giants approaching, though they have yet to reach the druid's barriers.

Map

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 83/82 AC 27 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 d20+9=12 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+4=14 ;
Monday June 4th, 2018 4:48:49 PM
Hobie doesn't recognize the creature (Knowledge Planes 12), but when she speaks, there is no mistaking it, Hobie knows the language is Infernal (Linguistics 29).

"Paladins!!! There is an invisible creature here speaking Infernal to me! She's surely as evil as they come, we need your divine abilities!"

Hobie casts Fly using his scroll and flies straight up, 30 feet into the air. (Needing a caster level check DC 5, he rolls a 14)

======
Active Effects
1 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Mirror Image: 5 Images + Hobie = 6 Hobie's-- Roll 1 on a d6 to hit Hobie. Anything else hits one of his images.

See Invisibility Rounds 3/10

Currently Invisible

======
Rounds of Haste Used 1/10
======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
~~Grease,~~ Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
~~Mirror Image, Cat's Grace, Invisibility,~~ Invisibility,

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 29/31vsEvil HP 84/80
Monday June 4th, 2018 6:31:57 PM

Both DM and Melvin are calling Harper 'Murphy'.

"No - I'm the air elemental, not the leopard!!"

:-)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 + 3 (Smite Evil), HP 45/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26 + 4 (Total Defense), HP 62/62 + 4, CMD 24 d20+20=23 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+15=26 ; d20+15=34 ; d20+15=20 ; d4+12=16 ; d4+12=16 ; d4+11=12 ; d4+11=13 ; d4+11=15 ; d4+12=15 ; d20+12=27 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+11=16 ; d3+4=5 ; d3+4=7 ; d3+4=5 ;
Monday June 4th, 2018 7:15:36 PM
"Little busy getting smashed at the moment!" calls Kezzem back to Hobbie. "Be there in a second."

"Well, Mr. Ogre-man, I hope you've been stealing candy from babies or jaywalking, because if so, you're about to get smote!"

Smite Evil (swift action) and full-attack (improved two-weapon fighting) with daggers. Heroes' Feast bonus included. Kezzem takes a 5 ft. step after the attack.

+1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 17 + 3 (Smite Evil) = 23.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 10 (Smite Evil) = 16.

+1 Returning Dagger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 1d20 + 17 + 3 (Smite Evil) = 31.
Damage: 1d4 + 1 + 10 (Smite Evil) = 12.

+1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 12 + 3 (Smite Evil) = 26.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 10 (Smite Evil) = 16.

+1 Returning Dagger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 1d20 + 12 + 3 (Smite Evil) = 34. Crit threat.
Confirmation: 1d20 + 12 + 3 (Smite Evil) = 20.
Damage: 1d4 + 1 + 10 (Smite Evil) = 13.
Crit Damage: 1d4 + 1 + 10 (Smite Evil) = 15.

Also, the ogre will take an additional 10 damage from the first hit if it's undead, a dragon, or an evil outsider.

Rumpus, meanwhile attempts to locate the invisible she-devil.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 = 27.
Rumpus also has Scent if that helps.

If Rumpus cannot locate the creature, he goes Total Defense and hopes to draw its attention away from Hobbie. Otherwise, he will attack with his hooves.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 = 14.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 = 5.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 = 12.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 = 7.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 = 16.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 = 5.

DireBliss (AC27, CMD34, HP46of106) (Cayzle) d6+3=6 ; d100=33 ; d100=72 ; d100=9 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=19 ; 2d4+16=19 ; 2d4+16=20 ;
Monday June 4th, 2018 7:20:30 PM

If Bliss is hit, his bramble armor retaliates for 6 damage per hit.

Bliss claws and snaps back at the bulette.

Miss chances 20% : 33, 72, 09 = Bite misses!

Att+15 fighting defensively; damage Bite 3d6+16 nonlethal, 2 Claws 2d4+16.

Claw: hits AC18 for 19 damage
Claw: hits AC19 for 20 damage
Bite: misses due to blink

Bliss hisses and spits in frustration.

=====

Current effects (only tracking effects with durations in rounds):

CL7 Resist Fire.
CL7 Shield of Faith +3
CL7 Polymorph (Dire Tiger)
CL9 Barkskin +4
CL? Heroes Feast +1 att, will save, more
Bloodwitch Warding Ritual +1 AC, saves
CL7 extended Divine Favor +2 [6of20 rounds used]
CL7 extended Blink [5of14 rounds used]
Plant Domain Bramble Armor [3of6 rounds used]
Rage [4of14 rounds used]

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=3 ; d20=8 ; d10=6 ; d10=1 ; d20=20 ; d20=7 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d20=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ;
Monday June 4th, 2018 7:42:00 PM
"I felt that one!", Succotash grunts, "but you look like you got the brunt of that one shark face". "Would love to help Hobie, but my plates a little full at the moment".

Succotash and Miss Piggy both unleash full round attacks on bulette 1

Succotash
3+19+1+2=25, for 6+10=16 damage
8+14+1+2=25, for 1+10=11 damage
Miss Piggy
natural 20 (7+14+1+2=24 to confirm), for 1+4+1+4+10+10=30 damage
4+9+2+1=16, for 6+1+10+17 damage
OOC, if Succotash drops bulette 1, Miss Piggy will instead charge bulette 2

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 29/31vsEvil HP 84/80 2d4=4 ; 2d4=3 ; 2d6+10=16 ; 2d6+10=17 ; 2d6+10=19 ; 2d6+10=17 ; 2d4=7 ; 2d4=2 ; d4=4 ; d4=1 ; d4=2 ; d4=2 ; d4=4 ; d4=2 ; d4=4 ; d4=4 ; d4=4 ; d4=4 ; d20+25=39 ;
Tuesday June 5th, 2018 3:19:32 AM
Murphy post 20180604

Murphy casts wall of fire right in front of the path the stone giants are heading. [DM Carl - adjust positioning as needed - I posited approximate places based upon your text that they would cross over the spiked growth zone in the next round -Kim] Wall of fire: no save, DC25, fire damage 2d4 if within 10' of wall, 1d4 within 20', plus 2d6+10 fire damage to any creature passing through it. The giants, if they continue straight on their course, will pass through the wall twice, therefore taking the 'pass through' fire damage twice. On the map the yellow is the wall, and the red border line shows which side of the wall radiates heat - the inner wall does not.

If they pass through so as to take the most direct path away from the center, then Stone Giant 1 will take 4 hp from being with 10', then 16 hp from passing through the near side, then 17 hp from passing through the far side, for a total of 37 hp fire damage. Stone Giant 2 will take 3 hp from being within 10', then 19 near side passage, and 17 far side passage, for a total of 39 hp fire damage, no save (generally) allowed. Not sure whether they would take another 2d4 from being within 10' as they exit the lower section, or also 1d4 as they move to 20' away. If so, SG1 adds 7+4=11, for 48 total, and SG2 adds 2+1=3, for 42 hp total. DM Carl - please rule on this - and, thank you!

After that, it's the spikes, SG1 takes 2+2+4+2=10hp - and must make 4 Reflex saves DC23, or be slowed to half speed. SG2 takes 4+4+4+4=16 hp, then likewise on the saves versus feet getting seriously poked into slowness.

Unless they try out the wall of thorns, DC25, no save, no MR - see spell for additional details.

He moves a little more to his left after casting the spell, but maintains concentration on the wall of fire.

He does let Pressi know that the dire wolf was a gift from their angry swirling host, and that they are about to receive a pair of somewhat toasted stone giants. "You'll be able to smell them, slightly cooked."

Murphy looks to see if he can perceive (39) any more critters on their way.
============
Perception: 39

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 83/82 AC 27 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 d20+15=31 ;
Tuesday June 5th, 2018 5:01:19 AM
As he takes to the sky, Hobie is looking for enemies, in particular, any who are flying. Perception 31

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (89/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (24/74), CMD 23; Followers d20+4=20 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+18=36 ; d6=1 ;
Tuesday June 5th, 2018 11:46:07 AM

Pressi, seeing the creature appear, actually manages to identify it by some random miracle. (Planes knowledge is not her forte, but she manages a good score by a simple int check.) She cannot recognize the language, but she can hear Hobie shouting it.

(Note, she can make an untrained check as a member of the WLA)

She can't help but feel a little hurt as Hobie calls for the help of a paladin, and a little smug as the paladins continue to be a bit busy. "So much for relying on heroes," she cracks her knuckles. "Looks like a job for the evil outsider. Hey, goat lady! Do you espeaka the common or is that in your other face?"

Inwardly, her courage falters as she studies the goat lady carefully. Quite a bit of defenses all around. She struggles to form a plan of action, but for now....

Pressi pulls a wand of bless weapon from her haversack and casts it on her adamantium ice chain (UMD roll 36 passes easily). "I can align or bless your arrows but you need to be in range of me or the spectral hand," she shouts to Hobie in halfling.

The spider swarm takes another bite of the ogre (1 damage, 2 more DC 11 fort saves).

-------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +4 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins, took 2 hp)
shield other (move half damage to kezzem)
Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear

threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

bloodwitch Lore (7 rounds) +1 to con, dispel, saves against necro and fear, spell touch attacks

spells used

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 3/4+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 1/3+1

Guide/Mislead: 0/8

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (89/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (24/74), CMD 23; Followers
Tuesday June 5th, 2018 11:47:25 AM
also BLess Weapon: good align weapon, auto crit

Welcome home! - DM Carl d20=13 ; d20=6 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+13=17 ;
Tuesday June 5th, 2018 3:35:52 PM
Hobie takes to the skies and looks around for any incoming airborne enemies. He doesn't see any.

Kezzem is busy getting beaten on by an ogre. He smites the thing and just obliterates it. Rumpus kicks ineffectually at the air.

Bliss tries to take on the bulette, but the creature's armor is just too much.

Succotash and Miss Piggy tag team the other bulette, dropping it.

Murphy casts an oddly-shaped wall of fire. The giants decide they're going to run around it, delaying their entry into the fight, but not showing up to it half dead.

Pressi recognizes the devil attacking Rumpus for what it is. She blesses her chain and prepares to fight. Her spider swarm heads over to pester the bulette since the ogre's dead. The bulette shrugs off the poison and yuckiness as well.

If the devil understands Pressi, she gives no outward appearance of doing so. It knows a blessing when it sees one, though. It moves past Rumpus, deciding the horse isn't a high-value target. It stops 10' away from Pressi and lunges at her with one of her kukri's, but Pressi's on her feet.

The bulette continues being unable to lay a hand on Bliss.

The ground shutters as two more bulettes dig up from underground. These two seem...hungrier than the other two.

Murphy, perception DC 25, Highlight to display spoiler: {two incorporeal shapes break ranks from the mass of monsters and start heading towards you folks. They'll reach your thorn wall in 2 rounds.}

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=17 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ;
Tuesday June 5th, 2018 5:24:46 PM
Succotash's first instinct is to charge bulette 2 but with the arrival of the two new bulettes, he decides to sprint (3x move speed because of heavy armor) to try to help his lighter armored friend, and has Miss Piggy charge one of the new arrivals.

Succotash yells out, "I'm coming to help with the demon chick, if someone could cast "see invisibility", on me that would be helpful!"

Miss Piggy
17+14+1+2(charging)=34, for 4+4+10=18 damage

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 + 3 (Smite Evil), HP 62/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26 + 4 (Total Defense), HP 62/62 + 4, CMD 24 5d6=17 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+6=18 ; d3+4=6 ; d3+4=7 ; d3+4=5 ;
Tuesday June 5th, 2018 5:53:30 PM
"Hang on, Press, I'm coming," says Kezzem. He double moves towards the she-devil (full action) and lays hands on himself (swift action).

Rumpus tries to block the creature from pursuing her. He attempts once more to strike with his hooves.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 = 20.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 = 6.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 = 25.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 = 7.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 = 18.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 = 5.

DireBliss (AC24, CMD31, HP46of106) (Cayzle) d6+3=7 ; d100=2 ; d100=29 ; d100=73 ; d20+19=33 ; d20+19=24 ; 2d4+16=24 ; 3d6+16=28 ;
Tuesday June 5th, 2018 6:11:41 PM
Bliss laughs as he and the land shark continue their ineffectual dance. Taking a chance, he stops fighting defensively, getting back a +4 to hit and suffering a -3 on his AC, which drops to 24. He has to hope that the 50% miss chance and his bramble armor will serve his needs.

Speaking of which, if the Bulette does hit DireTigerBliss, it takes 7 hp damage per hit.

Bliss's own 20% miss chance ... 2, 29, and 73 ... a claw misses!

Att+19; damage Bite 3d6+16 nonlethal, 2 Claws 2d4+16.

Claw: misses due to blink
Claw: hits AC33 for 24 lethal damage
Bite: hits AC24 for 28 nonlethal damage

=====

Current effects (only tracking effects with durations in rounds):

CL7 Resist Fire.
CL7 Shield of Faith +3
CL7 Polymorph (Dire Tiger)
CL9 Barkskin +4
CL? Heroes Feast +1 att, will save, more
Bloodwitch Warding Ritual +1 AC, saves
CL7 extended Divine Favor +2 [7of20 rounds used]
CL7 extended Blink [6of14 rounds used]
Rage [5of14 rounds used]
Plant Domain Bramble Armor [4of6 rounds used]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 83/82 AC 27 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 d20+17=37 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+17=21 ; d20+17=25 ; d20+12=20 ; d6+15=18 ; d6=3 ; d6+15=16 ; d20=13 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+30=36 ; d6+15=19 ; d6=6 ; d6+15=17 ; d6=5 ; d6+15=21 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday June 6th, 2018 1:02:38 AM
Hobie flies five feet forward as he clicks his heels and reaches for two arrows to fire at the new Bulettes. He fires at AB1 until it is down and then switches to AB2

Manyshot
Attack Natural 20, Confirmation Roll 33 (vs Flat footed since Hobie was invisible)
Piercing 18, Fire 3 = 21 extra damage for critical: 36, total 57
Piercing 16, Fire 4 = 20

Rapid Shot
Attack 21
Piercing 19, Fire 6= 25

Haste
Attack 25
Piercing 17, fire 5 = 22

Iterative
Attack 20
Piercing 21, Fire 4= 25

======
Active Effects
1 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Mirror Image: 5 Images + Hobie = 6 Hobie's-- Roll 1 on a d6 to hit Hobie. Anything else hits one of his images.

See Invisibility Rounds 3/10

Currently 30 ft above ground

======
Rounds of Haste Used 2/10
======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Grease, Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Mirror Image, Cat's Grace, Invisibility, Invisibility,

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 84/80 d20+25=32 ;
Wednesday June 6th, 2018 1:49:51 AM
"Well, the stone giants decided to step out of the oven zone. Slowed them up some, but they are not quite as crisped as I would hope they might be," Murphy says to Pressi telepathically.

"Two incorporeal critters headed our way - aiming for the thorn wall, looks like. Pass it on - who's good with incorporeals? Not my pipe of tobacco." Then he adds, "How're things with you and our pals?"

Murphy decides he needs to make himself a little harder to hit, though vs spirits he is not sure how much that might help. cat's grace makes him more nimble, with a better armor class. Casting the spell (I think) drops his concentration on the fire wall - so, only 11 more rounds for that one.
=======
Note on stone giants: Since the wall intersected the front of SG1, and slightly embedded SG2, one might want to reckon that PERHAPS SG1 took 16 hp from wall intersection (but at minimum 4 hp) - and, as it ends within 20' of the wall, another 2, for 18 (or 6) total; and SG2 (more likely) took 19, plus 3, for 22 total fire damage. At such time as they cross the friendly spikey area, prior post had SG1 at 10hp damage; SG2 16HP damage, and each needs to make 4 Reflex saves vs DC23. If any one of the 4 saves fails, that giant can move only 1/2 speed.
=======
Perception: 32

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 84/80
Wednesday June 6th, 2018 2:01:53 AM

And now, for the regional news...
"Oh, by the way, Pressi," Murphy adds telepathically. "-- I heard a fellow druid maybe fifteen seconds ago, off to our right, bellow an invocation to the Culverwood against the Sarr. The big red meanie in the center of this circle is the spirit of the Sargrass. That's who the touring volcano that tried to show up in our town was running away from. Sar the Insane. Keepers of the Vale are on our right flank. Don't know who's on our left." He does risk a quick glance toward the left to see if he can discern what adventuring group might be over there. "I think maybe Hook City Iron Dragons are directly opposite us. But my windstorm keeps me from being certain."

DireBliss (AC24, CMD31, HP46of106) (Cayzle)
Wednesday June 6th, 2018 10:59:26 AM
MAP LINK!

Map

Make sure you click on the Round 11 Tab!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (89/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (24/74), CMD 23; Followers d20+8=12 ;
Wednesday June 6th, 2018 11:37:12 AM
Pressi begins to taunt the horned lady, but Rumpus inserts himself between her and the creature before she can try out her weapon. She can hear the paladins running at what is apparently a damsel in distress. :-P

Before she can remark at any of that, Murphy's remarks come in about the next wave. "Always the buff bot, never the blade," she mutters to herself.

"All right, listen up," Pressi messages to the group. "We've got giants and incorporeal coming in ten seconds, we got three Bulette's left, and dancing gal over here doesn't seem like talking. So let's get some strategy here, because we don't have many shots left.

"Murphy, withdraw back to the group. See if you can slow down anything currently in here, and if you've been holding on to summons, now's the time. Don't worry too much about the incoming incorporeals yet; any magic weapon or spell does 50% damage and I've got an outside shot at charming one of them.

"Bliss, I appreciate what the loss of melee will mean with the targets we currently have, but I can really use some spellcasting help here. We need Death Wards, Ghost Weapons, and maybe some see invisibles or force AC.

"The rest of you, if any of you need or want buffs, now's the time to cast it or come here, yes even in combat. Otherwise, keep continuing here to buy us more time from the incoming, but see if we can keep from getting swarmed."

Pressi casts Death Ward on Succotash or Bliss, whoever wants it. With some effort (hero point spent), she casts Dispel Magic on the faceless devil, attempting to remove its greater invisibility. (Dispel roll 12+1 from lore, maybe +1 from crone or heroes feast, and that's not going to cut it.)"

-------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +4 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins, took 2 hp)
shield other (move half damage to kezzem)
Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear
Bless Weapon (9 rounds): good align weapon, auto crit
threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

bloodwitch Lore (6 rounds) +1 to con, dispel, saves against necro and fear, spell touch attacks

spells used

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 3/4+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1

Guide/Mislead: 0/8

Welcome home! - DM Carl d100=5 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+12=25 ; d20+12=14 ; 2d8+9=17 ; 2d6+6=13 ; d20+15=23 ; d20+14=22 ; d20+14=19 ; d20+19=25 ; d20+14=20 ; d20+14=33 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+14=21 ; d20+14=22 ; 2d6+8=19 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+13=20 ; d6+5=7 ; d6+5=9 ; 2d6=2 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=12 ;
Wednesday June 6th, 2018 1:18:31 PM
Succotash starts beating feet down towards the second combat. Miss Piggy charges and gores one of the newer bulettes.

Kezzem also heads south while Rumpus continues flailing at the devil. One of his hooves manages to connect, but Pressi is able to see it bounce harmlessly off the devil's skin (DR).

Bliss decides to be a little less cautious. It pays off as two attacks finally connect with the thing.

Hobie goes into full attack mode. His first couple of arrows pierce deep into the new bulette, but the rest bounce off.

Murphy casts a cat's grace on himself, dropping concentration on his wall of fire. He notes the heroes off in the distance might be the Iron Dragons. Considering how quickly they're dropping what are undoubtedly great wyrms, he's probably right.

OOC: You've almost certainly spent more time looking at that map than I have by now, so I'm just going to use your damage numbers.

Pressi really wants to hurt this devil, but this horse is in the way. Plus, she knows her time needs to be spent preparing for the incorporeal creatures Murphy called out. She casts a death ward on...someone. You guys pick who. She quickly tries dispeling any magic on the devil, but fails.

The last of the original bulettes is now thoroughly enraged with Bliss. Unfortunately for Bliss, his carelessness is just enough for the bulette to capitalize on. The bulette savagely bites down on Bliss and slashes him once with its claws. The bulette recoils in pain thanks to Bliss' thorns (14 damage total). Hit AC 25 for 17 damage, and hit AC 25 again for 13 damage.

AB1 unleashes a full attack on Miss Piggy, but that is one lucky pig. The bulette is unable to connect.

AB2 takes a short running start before leaping behind Succotash, claws-a-frenzying. Most of the claws miss, but one digs in dangerously deep...almost. Hit AC 33 (crit confirm 16 - fail) for 19 damage.

The devil is just as eager to get at Pressi as Pressi is to get at her, but this stupid horse kept getting in the way. The devil decides to put a stop to that. It slashes four times with its kukris, hitting twice and opening up an oozing gash in Rumpus' neck.

Hit AC 26 for 7 damage and AC 29 (crit confirm fail) for 9 damage. Rumpus bleeds for an additional 2 damage and will bleed for 2d6 damage/round until healed.

The giants continue running towards the party, but are caught unaware by Murphy's spiked growth and slow down to half speed.

Whatever incorporeal creatures are out there are unaccounted for.

Map

DireBliss (AC24, CMD31, HP46of106) (Cayzle) d100=39 d100=62
Wednesday June 6th, 2018 5:22:13 PM

If Bliss does take 30 damage, then he is in no shape to keep on, with only 16 hp left! But maybe his blinking saved him? If he avoided even one of those blows, then he keeps on fighting.

If Bliss is fighting, he goes all in! Claw/Claw/Bite!

But if he is indeed down to just 16 hp, then he has to beat a hasty retreat, acrobatics to back away and then a standard action to use his Breathe of Life on himself. To use the supernatural ability, he'll have to stop raging, and that means losing another 20 hp. Times like this, Bliss is glad he has his Die Hard feat. IF it comes to that.

More post to come when this issue is resolved!

Edit: Darnit, forgot your blink. Lower is better for bulette: 39 & 62. First attack hits.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 83/82 AC 27 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 d20+17=19 ; d20+17=19 ; d20+17=19 ; d20+12=16 ;
Wednesday June 6th, 2018 5:40:19 PM
Hobie knows what he does best, and from his vantage point 30 feet above the battle, he continues to rain arrows onto the bulette AB1. He is distracted by Pressi's battle with the devil below him, and he somehow misses the creature with all five of his arrows.

======
Active Effects
1 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Mirror Image: 5 Images + Hobie = 6 Hobie's-- Roll 1 on a d6 to hit Hobie. Anything else hits one of his images.

See Invisibility Rounds 4/10

Currently 30 ft above ground

======
Rounds of Haste Used 3/10
======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
~~Grease,~~ Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
~~Mirror Image, Cat's Grace, Invisibility,~~ Invisibility,

DireBliss (AC27, CMD31, HP29of106) (Cayzle) d100=36 ; d100=38 ; d100=7 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+15=21 ; 2d4+16=22 ; 2d4+16=21 ;
Wednesday June 6th, 2018 7:24:41 PM
Ouch! The monster hits once for 17 damage to DireTigerBliss. It takes 7 hp from thorns in so biting! Bliss is down to 29 hp!

He attacks in turn, going back to fighting defensively. AC goes back up to 27!

Miss chances ... 01-20 is a miss ... two claws might hit!

Claw at +15 ... hits AC32 for 22 damage
Claw at +15 ... hits AC21 for 21 damage
Bite misses due to blink

=====

Current effects (only tracking effects with durations in rounds):

CL7 Resist Fire.
CL7 Shield of Faith +3
CL7 Polymorph (Dire Tiger)
CL9 Barkskin +4
CL? Heroes Feast +1 att, will save, more
Bloodwitch Warding Ritual +1 AC, saves
CL7 extended Divine Favor +2 [8of20 rounds used]
CL7 extended Blink [7of14 rounds used]
Rage [6of14 rounds used]
Plant Domain Bramble Armor [5of6 rounds used]

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 79/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d20=8 ; d20=14 ; d10=3 ; d10=8 ; d20=16 ; d20=12 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday June 6th, 2018 9:26:32 PM
Succotash gladly receives the death ward from Pressi, and as swift action, performs a lay of hands on himself healing 24 damage he than takes a 5ft step and unloads a full round attack against the bulette that attacked him.

8+1+19=28, for 3+10=13 damage
14+1+14=29, for 8+10=18 damage

Miss Piggy will unload a full round attack against her attacker as well.

16+14+1=31, for 3+6+10=19 damage
12+9+1=22, for 3+5+10=18 damage

Lay of hands 7/9
Smite evil 4/4
1st level spells
Lesser regeneration 1/1
Endure elements 2/2
2nd level spells
Remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells
Heal mount
13 temp hp,(Miss Piggy only) +1 attack and saves, +4 verses poison
under the effect of "fire resistance" and "death ward"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 + 3 (Smite Evil), HP 62/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26 + 4 (Total Defense), HP 62/62 + 4, CMD 24 d20+24=36 ; d4+22=26 ;
Thursday June 7th, 2018 12:32:39 AM
WEDNESDAY POST (12:30 am Thursday)

Kezzem attempts to detect evil to gage the she-devil's location (using a Hero Point for an extra action).

Kezzem then activates smite evil on the she-devil (swift action), moves to flank with Rumpus (move action; AoO provoked if she has reach), and makes a single attack (standard action, with Hero's Feast and flanking bonuses included).

Attack: 1d20 + 21 + 3 (Smite Evil) = 36.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 10 (Smite Evil) + 10 (bonus damage vs. evil outsider) = 26.

With his hooves ineffective, Rumpus goes total defense.

Active Spells:
Heroes Feast (+1 Atk & Sv, +4 vs. poison & fear)
Protection form Evil (Murphey; +2 to AC and SVs vs. evil creatures)
Resiste Energy (Resist Fire 20)
Shield Other (Pressi; Kezzem and Pressi each take half of any damage dealt to Pressi)
Smite Evil (She-Devil)

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (1 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (2 used)

Spells:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x2, Protection from Evil (cast)
2nd Level: Resist Energy (cast), Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 84/80 d20+25=31 ;
Thursday June 7th, 2018 1:27:37 AM

From X42, Murphy casts entangle (Reflex partial DC21) to further assist the stone giants in taking a more leisurely pace. One, it's difficult terrain. Two, if they fail their save, they gain the entangled condition

He then heeds Pressi's call to come closer - how can he resist? - and flies over to AK52. "Summoning? Will get on it, I think."

He does glance back in the general direction the incorporeal twins were heading. Perception: 31.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (89/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (24/74), CMD 23; Followers d20+7=11 ;
Thursday June 7th, 2018 11:05:33 AM
(OOC: I can't just cast see invisible on Kezzem because it has range personal. Pressi uses her last hero point in this turn.)

Pressi grumps as only Murphy seems to change tactics based on her suggestions. "Don't everyone rush on this. Clearly, I meant to waste oxygen."

Understanding that the group won't worry about the next wave until this wave is under control, Pressi switches tactics, trying to change the battlefield.

Dropping her wand, she pulls a sack of flour from her haversack (move action) and, before Kezzem can cast his detect evil, she throws it over the horse at the devil lady's face (standard action). (attack roll vs AC 5 to hit the square, -4 for firing into melee, attack roll 11+1 hits and reveals her).

With heroic effort to stretch (hero point for standard action), Pressi casts deep slumber on the armored bulette facing miss Piggy (after she acts). (10 HD creatures - if AB is higher than that, she instead targets the regular Bulette facing Bliss). (Will Save, DC 20).

-------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +4 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins, took 2 hp)
shield other (move half damage to kezzem)
Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear
Bless Weapon (8 rounds): good align weapon, auto crit
threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

bloodwitch Lore (5 rounds) +1 to con, dispel, saves against necro and fear, spell touch attacks

spells used

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 3/4+1
L3: 3/4+1
L4: 2/3+1

Guide/Mislead: 0/8

DireBliss (AC27, CMD31, HP29of106) (Cayzle) 3d6+16=24 ; 3d6+16=29 ;
Thursday June 7th, 2018 11:58:48 AM

If Bliss's Bulette falls asleep, he takes a full round action to perform a coup de gras on it! There is no attack roll needed and no miss chance. His critical bite damage is 24+29 = 53 nonlethal. Also, the monster must make a Fort save vs DC64 or die or maybe become unconscious, as the Kindly DM rules.

If the Bulette is not put to sleep, then Bliss attacks per usual as posted above.

Welcome home! - DM Carl d100=42 ; d20+8=15 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+8=15 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+15=19 ; d20+14=22 ; d20+14=21 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+14=25 ; d20+14=29 ; 2d6+10=17 ;
Thursday June 7th, 2018 1:14:11 PM
In a stunning display of bad luck, Hobie misses every shot on the bulette.

Bliss savagely slashes the bulette in front of him. The blood loss is too much, and it collapses. It's gigantic chest still moves up and down with its breath.

Succotash claims Pressi's death ward and heals himself. He skillfully attacks the larger bulette attacking him (both attacks hit). Miss Piggy only manages a single shot.

Kezzem detects evil and figures out the location of the devil and moves to attack. He tries to smite the creature, but without being able to see her, can't. Good thing Pressi thought to bring flour. With the devil visible, Kezzem smites her and strikes a painful blow.

OOC: Rules specifically state a paladin can smite a creature "within sight." Paizo rule boards all tend to agree that a paladin has to see an enemy to smite it.

Murphy is intent on making these stone giants take forever to reach the fight. They howl in frustration and look around for anything to throw at that blasted elemental making their lives so hard. The grassland is free of boulders, so they just head forward best they're able. One of the giants gets entangled in the growth right away, but the other is quicker on his feet (giant 1 is entangled). He looks back towards where the incorporeal creatures were, but sees nothing.

Pressi wishes people would listen better. She pulls out a bag of flour and hurls it at the devil before Kezzem can arrive (good thing you specified). The devil is still invisible, but there's a devil-shaped dusting of flour where the devil should be. She tries putting the bulette Miss Piggy is facing to sleep, but it's resisted (Will save 24).

The faceless devil wheels around to face this new threat, seeing how he's much more dangerous to her than a horse. Today's just not her day, though. None of her attacks manages to connect once again.

AB1 tries desperately to take out this surprisingly powerful pig. It just can't, though. Obviously someone has jinxed these monsters.

AB2 squares off vs. Succotash, slashing him once for 17 damage.

Map

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 + 3 (Smite Evil), HP 72/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26 + 4 (Total Defense), HP 39/62, CMD 24 2d6=9 ; d20+22=36 ; d20+22=24 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+14=32 ; d4+22=23 ; d4+11=12 ; d4+12=14 ; d4+11=14 ; 5d6=10 ;
Thursday June 7th, 2018 1:55:19 PM
Rumpus Bleed Damage: 2d6 = 9.

"Thank's for the flour, Press, but I'm afraid I didn't get you anything. I hate to ask for more, but if you could heal Rumpo up a bit, it would be most appreciated."

Kezzem full attacks (flanking with Rumpus, heroes' feast, smite evil, improved two-weapon fighting) on the she-devil. He then lay on hands himself (swift action).

+1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 19 + 3 (Smite Evil) = 36.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 10 (Smite Evil) + 10 (Smite Evil Bonus Damage) = 23.

+1 Returning Dagger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 1d20 + 19 + 3 (Smite Evil) = 24.
Damage: 1d4 + 1 + 10 (Smite Evil) = 12.

+1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 14 + 3 (Smite Evil) = 26.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 10 (Smite Evil) = 14.

+1 Returning Dagger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 1d20 + 14 + 3 (Smite Evil) = 32.
Damage: 1d4 + 1 + 10 (Smite Evil) = 14.

Lay on Hands: 5d6 = 10.

Rumpus continues to go total defense, not able to do much but provide a flanking bonus for Kezzem.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 83/82 AC 27 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 d20+18=28 ; d20+18=29 ; d20+18=33 ; d20+13=24 ; d6+16=21 ; d6=2 ; d6+16=21 ; d6=1 ; d6+16=17 ; d6=6 ; d6+16=21 ; d6=3 ; d6+16=21 ; d6=5 ;
Thursday June 7th, 2018 4:42:01 PM
The 6 Hobies move five feet closer to AB1, now hovering directly above the battle between Kezzem and the Faceless Devil. He hopes that he will have better luck with his closer range.

Firing once more on AB1, and moving to AB2 if it falls.

Many shot
Attack 28
Piercing 21, Fire 2 = 23
Piercing 21, Fire 1 = 22

Rapid Shot
Attack 29
Piercing 17, Fire 6 = 23

Haste
Attack 33
Piercing 21, Fire 3 = 24

Iterative
Attack 24
Piercing 21, Fire 5 = 26

======
Active Effects
1 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Mirror Image: 5 Images + Hobie = 6 Hobie's-- Roll 1 on a d6 to hit Hobie. Anything else hits one of his images.

See Invisibility Rounds 5/10

Currently 30 ft above ground

======
Rounds of Haste Used 4/10
======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
~~Grease,~~ Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
~~Mirror Image, Cat's Grace, Invisibility,~~ Invisibility

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 78/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d20=12 ; d20=17 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ;
Thursday June 7th, 2018 5:07:43 PM
Lay of hands 6/9
Smite evil 4/4
1st level spells
Lesser regeneration 1/1
Endure elements 2/2
2nd level spells
Remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells
Heal mount
13 temp hp,(Miss Piggy only) +1 attack and saves, +4 verses poison
under the effect of "fire resistance" and "death ward"

Succotash yells out, "Hey Bliss, you look like something the cat dragged in, Ha,Ha,Ha, here's some healing". He then channels energy for 16hp, (any friend within 30ft of Succotash will also receive healing, he will wait for others to move into range if possible)
OCC: accidentally subtracted 2 lay of hands yesterday instead of one, corrected it today

Miss Piggy wonders how long her luck will last, as she unleashes yet another full round attack

12+14+1=27 for 3+4+10=17 damage
17+9+1=27 for 6+3+10=19 damage

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 84/80 d20+25=26 ;
Friday June 8th, 2018 2:31:45 AM

Murphy casts summon nature's ally IV.

Perception of what is going on around him is at a minimum at the moment: 26 (nat 1).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (89/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (24/74), CMD 23; Followers d8=5 ; d8=2 ; d20+19=23 ;
Friday June 8th, 2018 11:29:24 AM
Pressi is less than thrilled, having not even healed her own pet, but she complies in healing Rumpus.

(CMW, Healing is 5+2+8=15)(And that's it for L2 spells.)

The spider swarm continues to crawl straight towards the wall (I need to spend a standard action to direct it against the giants.)

Pressi and Harper move up towards the bodies piling up and the stone giants. Pressi takes a moment to peruse the bodies before her. (Perception 23)

-------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +4 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins, took 2 hp)
shield other (move half damage to kezzem)
Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear
Bless Weapon (8 rounds): good align weapon, auto crit
threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

bloodwitch Lore (5 rounds) +1 to con, dispel, saves against necro and fear, spell touch attacks

spells used

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 4/4+1
L3: 3/4+1
L4: 2/3+1

Guide/Mislead: 0/8

DireBliss (AC25, CMD31, HP45of106) (Cayzle) d100=82 ; d100=17 ; d100=35 ; d20+15=35 ; d20+15=16 ; 2d4+16=23 ; d20+17=20 ; 3d6+16=27 ;
Friday June 8th, 2018 12:02:14 PM
Bliss is so happy when Succotash heals him!

He sees Hobie focus on AB1, so he pounces on AB2. Defensively.

Miss chances ... a claw misses.

Claw hits AC35, a nat 20! Confirmation is a nat 1, no confirmation. Damage is 23 to AB2.
Claw ... misses due to blink.

OH WAIT! Poiuncing gives +2 to hit and -2 AC. Bliss is down to AC25. And that crit was vs AC37.

Bite bites AC20 for 27 nonlethal.

DireBliss (AC25, CMD31, HP45of106) (Cayzle) d20+30=50 ;
Friday June 8th, 2018 12:04:48 PM
Extra ... maybe that thing has reach? Bliss tumbles in on the last bit of his pounce ... Acrobatics 50!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (89/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (24/74), CMD 23; Followers
Friday June 8th, 2018 2:21:49 PM
On second thought, only Harper moves upward. Pressi stays behind and uses her move action to pick up the wand of bless she dropped earlier.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 78/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Friday June 8th, 2018 5:19:29 PM
Succotash sees Harper heading north, and knowing she is an intelligent cat, calls out, �Harper, come closer, so I can heal you some�. OCC.. if Harper makes a double move action, she can make it into Succotash�s 30ft channel radius

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (89/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (24/74), CMD 23; Followers
Friday June 8th, 2018 6:01:05 PM
Harper runs toward Succotash at a gallop, using the rest of her movement.

Welcome home! - DM Carl d20+15=33 ; d20+14=21 ; d20+14=25 ; 2d8+12=24 ; d20+12=24 ; d4=1 ; d20+6=14 ;
Saturday June 9th, 2018 10:00:30 PM
A faceless devil is a terrifying creature, but Kezzem is a freakin' paladin. He stabs the devil over and over until she shudders and falls down dead. Kezzem heals himself as he wipes some flour off his armor.

Hobie and the Hobies fly closer to the bulettes and opens fire. Maybe he should get closer, because only his last hit lands home. It's a great stroke of luck that one arrow was all that he needed. The bulette falls, wondering how he managed to get beaten so badly by a pig.

Succotash heals Bliss. Miss Piggy finds her prey already dead.
OOC: Miss Piggy cannot move to AB2 and attack w/o an AoO, so I'm not ruling she tries.

Bliss is thrilled to receive attention, just like a true cat. He slashes once at the bulette.

Murphy stops paying attention and starts bringing in more help.

Pressi heals Rumpus against her better judgement. Harper growls slightly behind her. Her spiders, her panther, and herself all head up towards where the bad guys are grouping.

The last bulette finds himself all alone, but it's determined not to die alone. It chomps down on Succotash, hitting for 24 damage.

The second stone giant rips his legs free from the vines entangling him with sheer strength. Both move ever closer to the party. The grumble back and forth about what they're going to do to these stupid halfings when they get their hands on them. The first giant exits the AoE of the entangle spell. The second giant gets entangled again.

Then, the incorporeal creature makes its apperance. Rather, the incorporeal creatures make their appearance. From directly underneath Murphy, two medium, ghostlike creatures charge at the shape-changed druid. Both pass through Murphy, coating him in a disgusting, grey slime.

The creatures trample Murphy. Murphy can attempt to stop casting and make an AoO at a -4 to hit. Regardless, he takes 2 CON damage. He is also coated in slime and must make two DC 16 reflex saves or be nauseated for one round (total - no stacking). If he makes both saves, he is still staggered for one round. If he is nauseated, he cannot make any standard actions and loses his summoning spell. If he is only staggered, he must still make a DC 22 concentration check or lose his spell.

The creatures end their movement 5' directly above Murphy.

Map

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 + 3 (Smite Evil), HP 72/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26 + 4 (Total Defense), HP 54/62, CMD 24 2d8+10=23 ;
Saturday June 9th, 2018 10:44:59 PM
"Thanks Press, you're the best!" says Kezzem as she heals his mount and stops the bleed damage. Rumpus also gives thanks to Pressi in the form of a big sloppy kiss.

Kezzem moves towards the bullette, stopping next to Bliss to provide some healing.

Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8 + 10 = 23.

"There you go, kid, that should keep you in the fight a bit longer."

Rumpus advances as well, keeping to a defensive stance as it nears the remaining bullette.

"Looks like Murph's in trouble, and we've got one more land shark in our way. We need to take it down ASAP."

Active Spells:
Heroes Feast (+1 Atk & Sv, +4 vs. poison & fear)
Protection form Evil (Murphey; +2 to AC and SVs vs. evil creatures)
Resist Energy (Resist Fire 20)
Shield Other (Pressi; Kezzem and Pressi each take half of any damage dealt to Pressi)

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (1 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (2 used)

Spells:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x2, Protection from Evil (cast)
2nd Level: Resist Energy (cast), Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds (cast)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 83/82 AC 27 CMD 29 Hero Points 3 d20+8=14 ; d20+20=36 ; d6+16=22 ; d6=2 ;
Sunday June 10th, 2018 5:10:24 AM
"Do any of y'all got Ghost Touch stuff? I'm not sure I'm gonna be able to help Murph with those slimers! I'll distract the giants!"

Using the extra speed from Haste, the six Hobies, still hovering 30 feet above the earth, fly 90 ft over toward the stone giants. He studies the creature as he's flying towards it Knowledge Local 14, (15 if Nature)

"HEY!!! BIG DUMB AND UGLY!!! Up here!!!"

Hobie fires a single arrow, aiming straight for the throat of the Stone Giant.

Attack= 36
Damge = Piercing 22, Fire 2

======
Active Effects
1 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Shield: +4 Shield Bonus to AC

Mirror Image: 5 Images + Hobie = 6 Hobie's-- Roll 1 on a d6 to hit Hobie. Anything else hits one of his images.

See Invisibility Rounds 6/10

Currently 30 ft above ground

======
Rounds of Haste Used 5/10
======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
~~Grease,~~ Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
~~Mirror Image, Cat's Grace, Invisibility,~~ Invisibility

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 83/82 AC 27 CMD 29 Hero Points 3
Sunday June 10th, 2018 5:13:40 AM
forgot to specify SG2

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 72/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d6=1 ; d20=7 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d20=12 ; d10=3 ; d10=9 ; d20=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ;
Sunday June 10th, 2018 11:30:26 AM
Thursday June 7th, 2018 5:07:43 PM
Lay of hands 5/9
Smite evil 4/4
1st level spells
Lesser regeneration 1/1
Endure elements 2/2
2nd level spells
Remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells
Heal mount
13 temp hp,(Miss Piggy only) +1 attack and saves, +4 verses poison
under the effect of "fire resistance" and "death ward"

Succotash performs a lay of hands on himself, healing 18 damage
OOC. if I'm not mistaken, Harper would have received 16 points of healing the same time Bliss did

Succotash will then unleash a full round attack
7+19+1=28, for 3+10=13 damage
12+14+1=27, for 9+10=14 damage

Miss Piggy will move into flanking position with Succotash, and attack with vital strike.
6+14+2+1=23, for 17+10=27 damage

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (89/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (24/74), CMD 23; Followers
Sunday June 10th, 2018 12:17:42 PM
Update header later.

Pressi casts guidance on Murphy �s concentration check, +2.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 + 3 (Smite Evil), HP 90/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26 + 4 (Total Defense), HP 54/62, CMD 24 5d6=18 ;
Sunday June 10th, 2018 1:55:37 PM
Kezzem will also lay on hands himself (swift action--he only used a move and standard to move and heal Bliss)

Lay on Hands: 5d6 = 18.

----

Active Spells:
Heroes Feast (+1 Atk & Sv, +4 vs. poison & fear)
Protection form Evil (Murphey; +2 to AC and SVs vs. evil creatures)
Resist Energy (Resist Fire 20)
Shield Other (Pressi; Kezzem and Pressi each take half of any damage dealt to Pressi)

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (2 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (2 used)

Spells:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x2, Protection from Evil (cast)
2nd Level: Resist Energy (cast), Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds (cast)

DireBliss (AC27, CMD31, HP68of106) (Cayzle) d100=6 ; d100=41 ; d100=81 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+15=28 ; 2d4+16=23 ; 3d6+16=21 ;
Sunday June 10th, 2018 6:34:26 PM

Bliss thinks again about pausing to buff and heal, but there is still a bulette to put down. BUT THEN Sir Kezzem stops by for some more healing! This is great! He purrs a diretigrish purr at his friend.

He attacks.

Blink miss chances: miss, hit, hit

Claw at +15 fighting defensively ... hits AC24 for 23

Bite at +15 fighting defensively ... hits AC28 for 21 nonlethal

[OOC: Sorry, confused by the map. Is AB2 down or AB1? If AB2 is the lone bulette standing, then Bliss has to pounce on it. Same result, but -2 AC and +2 to hit. If BOTH bulettes are down, it looks to me like Bliss can reach Stone Giant 2 with a pounce, maybe?]

=====

Current effects (only tracking effects with durations in rounds):

CL7 Resist Fire.
CL7 Shield of Faith +3
CL7 Polymorph (Dire Tiger)
CL9 Barkskin +4
CL? Heroes Feast +1 att, will save, more
Bloodwitch Warding Ritual +1 AC, saves
CL7 extended Divine Favor +2 [10of20 rounds used]
CL7 extended Blink [9of14 rounds used]
Rage [8of14 rounds used]
Plant Domain Bramble Armor [TURNED OFF all used]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (89/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (40/74), CMD 23; Followers
Sunday June 10th, 2018 9:02:11 PM
Harper races to the spider swarm and shoves it in the right direction.

The spider swarm crawls towards the stone giant SG2.

Pressi runs towards the rest of the group just in time to see Murphy get covered in slime. Hoping that Murphy can withstand the onslaught, she can think only to help him complete his spell, using guidance to bolster his concentration (+2 to the roll).

-------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +4 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins, took 2 hp)
shield other (move half damage to kezzem)
Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear
Bless Weapon (7 rounds): good align weapon, auto crit
threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

bloodwitch Lore (4 rounds) +1 to con, dispel, saves against necro and fear, spell touch attacks

spells used

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 4/4+1
L3: 3/4+1
L4: 2/3+1

Guide/Mislead: 1/8

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 74/70(80) d20+11=20 ; d20+11=29 ; d20+18=37 ; d3=1 ; 5d6=20 ; d20+25=32 ;
Monday June 11th, 2018 3:27:51 AM

Murphy makes both reflex saves (20, 29), and the concentration check at 39 (added on +2 from Pressi's guide). He completes the casting, and summons a medium earth elemental, in such a manner that only its head is above ground.

"Make the ground beneath the stone giants unstable, so they may not stand." he commands the summoned creature in the terran tongue.

It sees the stone giant, makes a simple 5' movement, submerging its head in an earthglide, then digs beneath the giant's left foot, a patch long enough to extend along the whole large foot, and find the ground beneath give way unexpectedly to a depth of ~5 feet. [A bit of creative license? DM Carl, I'll leave it to you as to whether this attempt is successful or not in helping to trip the giant, or a least to rattle it a bit.]

"Hello, ghosts. Thanks for the slime. Let me likewise share something of mine with you." Another bolt from call lightning commences about 15 feet above G2, and runs through it, continuing downward another 15 feet from where it first intersected the top of whatever might be considered its head (damage 20, Ref save for 1/2, DC 25).
=======
Perception: 32

Welcome home! - DM Carl d20+10=21 ; d20+16=27 ; d8+8=15 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+15=23 ; d20+14=25 ; d20+14=17 ; d20+16=26 ; 2d8+14=22 ; d20+12=27 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+11=15 ; d20+11=18 ;
Monday June 11th, 2018 12:18:34 PM
Kezzem thanks Pressi for her healing, then moves to heal Bliss (and himself). Rumpus moves forward, but assumes a defensive posture.

Hobie can't hit the ghosts, so he tries to get the giant's attention. He fires a single arrow into the giant.

Succotash and Miss Piggy flank the last bulette. Succotash hits twice, but Piggy's luck has run out and she can't connect.

Pressi sends good wishes Murphy's way. The spiders start heading towards the giants.

Bliss pounces on the remaining bulette, sinking his fangs into it.

Murphy is able to avoid the worst of the slime, but is still staggered. He's able to save his spell & sends an earth elemental to trip the incoming giant. The giant avoids the trip attempt (21 vs CMD 30), and slams his foot down on the sneaky elemental for 15 damage (AoO from trip attempt). Murphy sends a lightning bolt through one of the spirits, who takes the full brunt of the blast (Reflex save 13 - fail).

The last bulette knows he's not getting out alive, but wants to take this pig with him. He fails, of course, because that's just how this combat has been going.

The second giant is finally, finally in a position to start hurting these blasted adventurers. It charges full speed towards Miss Piggy, swinging a massive stone greatclub that comes crushing down on her (Hit AC 30 for 22 damage).

Murphy's earth elemental gets an AoO on the charging giant.

The other giant once again rips its legs free from Murphy's entanglement spell and plods forward some before getting stuck again.

Both spirits try attacking Murphy, but the druid is too quick for both of them. (Hit touch AC 15 and 18. You don't have your touch AC listed in your header, but I'm guessing it's not 13 points lower than your base AC.)

Map

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 83/82 AC 27 CMD 29 Hero Points 3 d20+18=37 ; d20+18=29 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+13=26 ; d6+16=22 ; d6=5 ; d6+16=17 ; d6=3 ; d6+16=19 ; d6=6 ; d6+16=18 ; d6=6 ; d6+16=18 ; d6=3 ;
Monday June 11th, 2018 1:13:57 PM
"I SAID LOOK UP HERE!!!!" Hobie shouts at the Giant who attacked Miss Piggy

He does what he does best, and reaches for his quiver. (If he drops the first Giant, he will use the remaining shots on SG1, but subtract 1 from each roll to account for Point Blank Shot)

Manyshot
Attack 37
Piercing 22, Fire 5 = 27
Piercing 17, Fire 3 = 20

Rapid Shot
Attack 29
Piercing 19, Fire 6= 25

Haste
Attack 36
Piercing 18, Fire 6 = 24

Iterative
Attack 26
Piercing 18, Fire 3 = 21

If all hit, Total = 137

======
Active Effects
1 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Shield: +4 Shield Bonus to AC

Mirror Image: 5 Images + Hobie = 6 Hobie's-- Roll 1 on a d6 to hit Hobie. Anything else hits one of his images.

See Invisibility Rounds 7/10

Currently 30 ft above ground

======
Rounds of Haste Used 6/10
======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
~~Grease,~~ Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
~~Mirror Image, Cat's Grace, Invisibility,~~ Invisibility

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d20+11=12 ;
Monday June 11th, 2018 1:27:14 PM
"After you, kid," says Kezzem to Bliss.

Once Bliss moves, Kezzem will position himself in the middle of things (double move). He will then channel positive energy to his allies (extra standard action from Hero Point).

OOC: I should be able to hit Bliss, Murphy, Hobbie, Succotash, Miss Piggy, and Rumpus.

Healing: 5d6 = 5 + 5 + 3 + 2 + 6 = 21.
This will also remove sickened, nauseated, and staggered conditions.

Rumpus moves up and attacks the bullette. If it has reach, it will get an AoO.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 = 12. Natural 1, miss.

----

Active Spells:
Heroes Feast (+1 Atk & Sv, +4 vs. poison & fear)
Protection form Evil (Murphey; +2 to AC and SVs vs. evil creatures)
Resist Energy (Resist Fire 20)
Shield Other (Pressi; Kezzem and Pressi each take half of any damage dealt to Pressi)

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (4 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (2 used)

Spells:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x2, Protection from Evil (cast)
2nd Level: Resist Energy (cast), Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds (cast)

DireBliss (AC22, CMD31, HP68of106) (Cayzle) d20+42=44 ; d20+30=44 ; d100=19 ; d100=58 ; d100=80 ; d20+21=24 ; d20+21=29 ; 2d4+16=19 ; 3d6+16=29 ;
Monday June 11th, 2018 3:16:08 PM

Bliss charges Stone Giant 2, using acrobatics to pounce and tumble into range without provoking AoOs from the long-armed opponent.

Acrobatics to leap over any dead bodies (not sure this check is needed, but if so, here you go) (and at +12 for move 60): 44

Acrobatics to tumble into melee range: 44

Miss chance for attacks: claw misses due to blink.

Claw attacks at +21 (not defensive, +2 charging) hits AC24 for 19 damage.

Bite nips at +21 (same) hits AC29 for 29 nonlethal damage.

Bliss winces a bit in anticipation of retribution, but hopes that his Blink will save him.

=====

Current effects (only tracking effects with durations in rounds):

CL7 Resist Fire.
CL7 Shield of Faith +3
CL7 Polymorph (Dire Tiger)
CL9 Barkskin +4
CL? Heroes Feast +1 att, will save, more
Bloodwitch Warding Ritual +1 AC, saves
CL7 extended Divine Favor +2 [11of20 rounds used]
CL7 extended Blink [10of14 rounds used]
Rage [9of14 rounds used]
Plant Domain Bramble Armor [TURNED OFF all used]

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 72/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=18 ; d20=16 ; d10=7 ; d10=1 ; d20=9 ; d10=9 ; d20=15 ; d20=11 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ;
Monday June 11th, 2018 5:15:09 PM
Lay of hands 5/9
Smite evil 4/4
1st level spells
Lesser regeneration 1/1
Endure elements 2/2
2nd level spells
Remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells
Heal mount
+1 attack and saves, +4 verses poison
under the effect of "fire resistance" and "death ward"

"Thanks Kezzem". that tops me up nicely, and it looks like Miss Piggy is Topped up also!"

Then both Succotash and Miss Piggy unleash full round attacks on the bulette.

Succotash
18(possible crit) 16+19+1+2=38 to confirm 7+1+10+10=28 damage
9+14+1+2=26. for 9+10=19 damage

Miss Piggy
15+14+1+2=32, for 2+2+10=14 damage
11+9+1+2=23, for 5+3+10=18 damage
OCC: if Succotash drops the bulette, Miss Piggy will make a 5ft step and attack the stone giant that hit her, like wise if Miss Piggy drops the Bulette with her 1st attack, she will 5ft step, and attack the stone giant

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Monday June 11th, 2018 5:16:51 PM
fixed header

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (89/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (40/74), CMD 23; Followers d20+12=23 ; d20+8=9 ; d6=2 ;
Monday June 11th, 2018 11:05:54 PM
Pressi moves her spectral hand to knowledge lore the incorporeal being. (Attack roll 23)

Harper attacks SG2 (nat 1)

Spider swarm bites SG2 (2 damage, dc 11)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 74/70(80) d20+8=15 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+19=28 ; d20+19=20 ; d20+19=30 ; 2d6+8=14 ; 2d6+8=19 ; 2d6+8=16 ; d20+25=31 ;
Tuesday June 12th, 2018 3:54:12 AM

Summoned medium earth elemental
The earth elemental makes an AoO vs the moving stone giant #2. An attack vs AC15 likely misses. The elemental earthglides beneath the ground, and, when a few feet below the giant's rear foot, excavates the earth in an area. The earth creature does so in a manner that the head and body of the digger are not exposed (which is what I was presupposing in his earlier attack, thus I was surprised that the giant was able to find his head to strike at). Atk vs AC27 - or lose footing.

Murphy says, "Time for a spin," and forms a 50' tall whirlwind which goes bouncing about. It strikes both F1 and F2, as the druid has the top of the whirlwind at 58', and the bottom at 8' above the ground. The top has a diameter of 25', the bottom of 5'. As they are incorporeal, the wind may not have any particular effect upon them. In case it does, F1 must make a Reflex save DC 23 or suffer the equivalent of slam damage of 14hp. [Note that via powerful shape from Murphy's cloak, "treat your size as one category larger for the purpose of calculating CMB, CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks you use or that are used against you." Thus treat Murphy as huge (thus 50' whirlwind, and attendant Reflex save of 23) for this attack.]

The stone giant is also struck by the whirlwind, and must make a Reflex save vs DC23, or take 19 hp damage. If he fails his save, he needs to make a second, identical save or be caught up in the vortex.

Should they be caught up in the whirlwind, they may be subject, for F1, to AC 28 with 14hp damage, F2 (rolled 1) is a miss. The stone giant as well needs a Reflex save DC23, else be caught up in the vortex, and take 19 hp damage.

If the giant is caught up, then Murphy heads upward into the sky to a height of 105'. If the giants is not captured, then he heads over to SG1, with the bottom at 10', and attempts to batter / capture the entangled giant. If he fails his DC23 Reflex save, he takes 16 hp damage. If he fails his second save, he is caught up. Any entangling vines at 10' height or higher will be macerated and join the whirling winds, adding a bit of greenery to the conical volume of air.

If SG1 is caught up, then Murphy ascends to a height of 50'.

No AoO are possible against Murphy in whirlwind form.
==========
Perception: 31

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 83/82 AC 27 CMD 29 Hero Points 3
Tuesday June 12th, 2018 4:27:06 AM
ooc: Somehow I added an extra 20 to my total damage if all hit, it's only 117, not 137. Calculation Error

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 74/70(80)
Tuesday June 12th, 2018 10:50:21 AM

BTW, Murphy's touch AC at the moment versus the incorporeals, if they are evil, is 21, otherwise 19.

Welcome home! - DM Carl d20+6=22 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+11=15 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+13=21 ; d4=4 ; d4=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ;
Tuesday June 12th, 2018 1:52:48 PM
Hobie doesn't like being ignored, evidently. He fires four arrows at the closest stone giant to prove it, killing the thing outright. He saves his last shot for the other giant.

Bliss ducks, rolls, and leaps so incredibly gracefully through the battlefield that it's a real shame his target is dead when he arrives.

Kezzem heals everyone in range and sends Rumpus to (poorly) attack the remaining bulette.

Succotash and Miss Piggy absolutely slaughter the remaining bulette, then move only to find their next target already dead as well.

Pressi's minions join the dogpile on the already dead giant. Her knowledge lore reveals the incorporeal things to be festering spirits.

Murphy's earth elemental finds the giant he's trying to trip up already dead.

(I understand what you were trying to do, but earth glide/burrowing can't make dirt just vanish. If the elemental wants to create an excavation, it has to excavate that dirt to the surface. Doing so reveals both its intent and location.)

The druid forms a whirlwind, which the spirits don't seem too bothered by. With SG2 dead, he heads directly to SG1 which is hit by the whirlwind, but remains rooted to the ground thanks to the entanglement spell (I have the giant +5 to his reflex save due to being entangled & having a strong anchor. Reflex save w/ that bonus was 27).

The remaining stone giant swings its club ineffectively at Murphy (Hit AC 28 and 15 - miss).

The festering spirits zero in on Hobie rather than mess with that whirlwind. Both of their attacks hit Hobie's figments, bringing the total down to 3.

Map

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (89/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (40/74), CMD 23; Followers
Tuesday June 12th, 2018 4:04:30 PM
The spider swarm enters the entangled area towards SG1.

Harper gets closer to SG1 but she knows to stay away from the entangled area and the ghosts.

Pressi gets closer to Hobie and the ghosts. She considers going after the ghosts but swallows her pride. Instead, she throws a spell to Hobie, granting ghost touch on 50 of his arrows.

Things may have been low danger so far, but she can see the writing on the wall. She's beginning to run out of spells, and can see the same for many of the others. And she's pretty sure this isn't the last wave...

-------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +4 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins, took 2 hp)
shield other (move half damage to kezzem)
Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear
Bless Weapon (5 rounds): good align weapon, auto crit
threefold aspect elderly: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

bloodwitch Lore (2 rounds) +1 to con, dispel, saves against necro and fear, spell touch attacks

spells used

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 4/4+1
L3: 4/4+1
L4: 2/3+1

Guide/Mislead: 1/8

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 83/82 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3 d20+18=33 ; d20+18=22 ; d20+18=28 ; d20+13=30 ; d6+16=17 ; d6=3 ; d6+16=22 ; d6=5 ; d6+16=21 ; d6=5 ; d6+16=20 ; d6=6 ; d6+16=21 ; d6=1 ;
Tuesday June 12th, 2018 5:55:24 PM
Two of the Hobie's poof into oblivion, but the other four grin wide at Pressi's spell. Hobie thought he was going to have to cast a spell to get out of this one, but he's more than happy to stick to the plan.

He takes a five foot movement away from the spirits and fires back at them. He takes aim first for F1, moving to F2 if he takes it down.

Manyshot
Attack 33
Piercing 17, Fire 3 = 20
Piercing 22, Fire 5 = 27

Rapid Shot
Attack 22
Piercing 21, Fire 5 = 26

Haste
Attack 28
Piercing 20, Fire 6 = 26

Iterative
Attack 30
Piercing 21, Fire 1 = 22

======
Active Effects
1 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Shield: +4 Shield Bonus to AC

Mirror Image: 3 Images + Hobie = 4 Hobie's-- Roll 1 on a d4 to hit Hobie. Anything else hits one of his images.

See Invisibility Rounds 8/10

Currently 30 ft above ground

======
Rounds of Haste Used 7/10
======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
~~Grease,~~ Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
~~Mirror Image, Cat's Grace, Invisibility,~~ Invisibility

DireBliss (AC22, CMD31, HP68of106) (Cayzle)
Tuesday June 12th, 2018 7:12:32 PM

Bliss looks around. He does not think his claws will work against the incorporeal creatures. He does not want to enter the entangled area to fight the giant -- he might get stuck himself.

Bliss decides to end his rage -- which he thinks of as a sort of combat focus, of course. He takes a move action to get over to Succotash and the unconscious bullette AB2 -- moved on the map. He looks at the paladin and meows piteously -- well, as piteously as a size large dire tiger can.

DireBliss sure looks tired (fatigued after rage).

But then he bends his great head down to the unconscious bulette and snuffs a huge inhalation as a standard action spell-like ability. The stuff of the monster's dwindling life force seeps into the bloodwitch. Maybe.

[OOC: Using Bloodwitch Life & Death ability to cast Death Knell on the fallen foe. If the bulette fails a DC15 Will save, it dies and Bliss gets some sweet bennies, depending on the bulette's hit dice. Also note that the use of the spell-like ability requires no components, somatic nor verbal, so Bliss can do this as a tiger, and it has no alignment ramifications, per the witch class.]

=====

Current effects (only tracking effects with durations in rounds):

CL7 Resist Fire.
CL7 Shield of Faith +3
CL7 Polymorph (Dire Tiger)
CL9 Barkskin +4
CL? Heroes Feast +1 att, will save, more
Bloodwitch Warding Ritual +1 AC, saves
CL7 extended Divine Favor +2 [12of20 rounds used]
CL7 extended Blink [11of14 rounds used]
Rage [9of14 rounds used TURNED OFF]
Plant Domain Bramble Armor [TURNED OFF all used]

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday June 12th, 2018 8:57:27 PM
Succotash reaches out to Bliss and performs a lay of hands using a Fatigue mercy to remove his fatiguied condition, and healing 26 hp. "You look a little worn out Bliss, here's a little pick me up"

Miss Piggy moves next to Succotash.

DireBliss (AC24, CMD29, HP86of86) (Cayzle)
Tuesday June 12th, 2018 10:33:35 PM

OOC - Adjusting header: AC rises by 2 when not charging. Current HP rises with cure. Max HP falls when not raging. CMD drops by 2 when not raging.

THANKS SIR SUCCOTASH!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=20 ;
Tuesday June 12th, 2018 11:45:56 PM
"Hey spirit guys, I can see you guys are trying to get a Hobbie, but maybe you could try rock collecting or knitting instead?"

Kezzem moves up (move action) and hurls one of his daggers (standard attack action) at a Festering Spirit. He will also DETECT EVIL in its general direction (swift action). Rumpus, meanwhile, hoofs it (double move) over behind Murphy's elemental.

+1 Returning Dagger (with Heroes' Feast)
Attack: 1d20 + 19 = 20. Natural one. That's a miss.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 74/70(80) 2d6+8=16 ; d20+25=32 ;
Wednesday June 13th, 2018 9:52:41 AM
Murphy tries one more time to give stone giant 1 an uplifting experience. If SG1 fails Reflex save DC23, he suffers 16 hp damage. If he fails a second time, Murphy uproots the frustrated giant and carries him upwards above AM25 to a height of about 40'. If the giant is not caught up in the vortex, Murphy rises to a height just a bit out of reach of the monster (35' for bottom of funnel, 85' for top), and takes a look around to see if anything else is on its way.
=========
Perception: 32

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 74/70(80)
Wednesday June 13th, 2018 12:49:53 PM

The earth elemental earthglides towards SG1.

Welcome home! - DM Carl d20+5=17 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+14=25 ;
Wednesday June 13th, 2018 3:03:10 PM
Pressi and Harper advance, keeping sure Harper remains safe. She casts ghost touch on Hobie's arrows.

With said ghost touch arrows, Hobie vanquishes both of the festering spirits.

Bliss calms himself down and makes his way over to the knocked-out bulette. He tries to draw forth the life remaining in the bulette, but the landshark resists! (Fort save 17 - success).

Succotash heals up Bliss and freshens him up a bit.

Kezzem gets ready to help Hobie, but both spirits are cut down already. Rumpus heads over to join Murphy's elemental.

Murphy tries sucking up the lone enemy combatant, but the giant's prepared this time (reflex 25). He rises up to get a good look at the battlefield. Through the storm he created, he sees the Power in the center of the battlefield rise up. Despite the sounds of wind and battle, the Power's voice booms outward.

"YOU WILL NOT HURT MY LAND, AND I WILL NOT BE DEFEATED SO EASILY!"

Murphy sees another group of creatures pour out, shrinking it even further. Luckily for Humble's Sword, only one creature seems headed your direction. Unfortunately, it is quite large and flying towards you very quickly. It will arrive next round.

In its madness and frustration, the remaining giant hurls its club at Murphy. It misses the shifting winds of our fair druid, causing the giant to absolutely howl in rage.

Map

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 109/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26 + 4 (Total Defense), HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday June 13th, 2018 3:32:06 PM
Kezzem moves towards the entanglement zone (move action) and detects evil on the giant (move action). He taunts the giant with some bad puns, hoping to draw its attention.

"Hey big guy!" says Kezzem. "It sounds like the you love your land, and from the looks of that giant vine hug, the lands feels pretty much the same way. It's hugging you so tight, you might even say it has a...crush...on you."

Rumpus stays put and keeps alert for trouble (total defense).

----

Active Spells:
Heroes Feast (+1 Atk & Sv, +4 vs. poison & fear)
Protection form Evil (Murphey; +2 to AC and SVs vs. evil creatures)
Resist Energy (Resist Fire 20)
Shield Other (Pressi; Kezzem and Pressi each take half of any damage dealt to Pressi)

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (4 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (2 used)

Spells:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x2, Protection from Evil (cast)
2nd Level: Resist Energy (cast), Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds (cast)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 83/82 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3 d20+17=18 ; d20+17=25 ; d20+17=18 ; d20+12=30 ; d6+15=19 ; d6=1 ; d6+15=17 ; d6=1 ;
Wednesday June 13th, 2018 4:44:46 PM
Hobie calls out to his friends "Big flying guy, coming in hot!!!!"

He wants this thing dead before it can get to them and do any real damage, so Hobie fires his arrows. Unfortunately, the creature is flying in fast, and causes Hobie to miss wildly with two of his shots, and the ones that were better aimed seemed to come out weakly.

Manyshot
NATURAL ONE

Rapid Shot
Attack 25
Piercing 19, Fire 1 = 20

Haste
NATURAL ONE

Iterative
Attack 30
Piercing 17, Fire 1 = 18

======
Active Effects
1 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Shield: +4 Shield Bonus to AC

Mirror Image: 3 Images + Hobie = 4 Hobie's-- Roll 1 on a d4 to hit Hobie. Anything else hits one of his images.

See Invisibility Rounds 9/10

Currently 30 ft above ground

======
Rounds of Haste Used 8/10
======
Spells Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
~~Grease,~~ Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
~~Mirror Image, Cat's Grace, Invisibility~~, Invisibility

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Wednesday June 13th, 2018 9:11:07 PM
Lay of hands 5/9
Smite evil 4/4
1st level spells
Lesser regeneration 1/1
Endure elements 2/2
2nd level spells
Remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells
Heal mount
+1 attack and saves, +4 verses poison
under the effect of "fire resistance" and "death ward"

Succotash detects evil on the flying beast, and Miss Piggy moves forward.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (89/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23; Followers
Thursday June 14th, 2018 10:16:16 AM
Pressi stands frozen, unsure of what to do next. "Bliss, I suggest we both drop our forms and switch places. I can do some tanking melee for a while while you start using your spell slots. It's not ideal but we're both running out of resources and I can better melee in flight."

If Bliss agress to this or otherwise encourages her to switch to melee, Pressi shifts her form to young adult (standard action) and rushes forward toward the creature. Otherwise, she casts surrender blood in preparation.

-------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +4 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins, took 2 hp)
shield other (move half damage to kezzem)
Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear
Bless Weapon (4 rounds): good align weapon, auto crit
threefold aspect youth: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

bloodwitch Lore (2 rounds) +1 to con, dispel, saves against necro and fear, spell touch attacks

spells used

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 4/4+1
L3: 4/4+1
L4: 2/3+1

Guide/Mislead: 1/8

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 74/70(80) d20+9=21 ; d8+7=9 ; d20=4 ; 5d6=13 ; d20+25=26 ;
Thursday June 14th, 2018 12:46:53 PM

Murphy's summoned earth elemental comes up from underground, and slams into the bottom of the stone giant's already gimpy foot, d20+9+1=AC22 (forgot to include in roll +1 from both elemental and opponent in contact with ground), for d8+7+1=10hp damage. The elemental then finds vines begin to wrap around it (Ref d20=4).

"Spread out - flier coming - possible breath weapon!" Murphy warns his party members in a powerful, windy voice.

"This is not your day, bigun," he says to the raging giant as a 30' tall, 5' diameter electrical discharge short circuits him for 13hp.

[Need to augment this post, but have to run. Thinking to use a hero point for an additional standard action.]

DireBliss (AC24, CMD29, HP86of86) (Cayzle)
Thursday June 14th, 2018 2:17:27 PM

DireBliss prepares for more fighting. He casts a still silent extended Divine Favor to reset his spell duration to 20 rounds. (standard action)

Bliss shakes his head NO to Pressi's suggestion. In fact, Bliss has used his 4th level slot, 2 of his three 3rd level slots, and 2 of his five 1st level slots. His save DCs are not high. He is really better for melee, not casting.

DireTigerBliss watches the oncoming monster flying so fast. Whatever it is, he thinks, it would not be good to be all clumped up together when it arrives. He moves off at his full speed of 60 (move action).

=====

Current effects (only tracking effects with durations in rounds)

CL7 Resist Fire.
CL7 Shield of Faith +3
CL7 Polymorph (Dire Tiger)
CL9 Barkskin +4
CL? Heroes Feast +1 att, will save, more
Bloodwitch Warding Ritual +1 AC, saves
CL7 extended Divine Favor +2 [0of20 rounds used]
CL7 extended Blink [12of14 rounds used]
Rage [9of14 rounds used TURNED OFF]

Effects that are over or used up:
Plant Domain Bramble Armor 6 of 6 used
Death Knell 1 of 1 used.
Lesser meta rod of extend 3 of 3 used.
4th level: 1 cast of 1+1 (polymorph)
3rd level: 2 cast of 3+1 (blink, silent still div favor)
2nd level: +1 cast of 4+1 (barkskin)
1st level: 2 cast of 5+1 (sur blood, div favor)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 94/90(80)
Thursday June 14th, 2018 3:57:47 PM

Murphy's summoned earth elemental comes up from underground, and slams into the bottom of the stone giant's already gimpy foot, d20+9+1=AC22 (forgot to include in roll +1 from both elemental and opponent in contact with ground), for d8+7+1=10hp damage. The elemental then finds vines begin to wrap around it (Ref d20=4).

"Spread out - flier coming - possible breath weapon!" Murphy warns his party members in a powerful, windy voice.

"This is not your day, bigun," he says to the raging giant as a 30' tall, 5' diameter electrical discharge short circuits him for 13hp.

[Need to augment this post, but have to run. Plan to use a hero point for an additional standard action.]

Calling on heroic haste (hero point), Murphy casts bear's endurance so as to overcome the slight disadvantage the slimy spirits left him (+4 to constitution, lasts 10 minutes).

He moves to AY39.

He also looks to see if he can discern exactly what sort of flying creature approaches, what color. Dragon? Perception is 26 (see prior post) (and on skill checks, a nat 1 is not an automatic failure - if he meets the DC to discern, he discerns. Eyes of the Eagle help). If he can tell, he calls out that information.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (84/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23; Followers
Thursday June 14th, 2018 4:47:13 PM
Sighing, Pressi prepares herself with Surrender Blood. "Looks like its going to be scroll time in a minute," she grumps.

Harper growls as the flying creature gets larger.

-------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +4 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins, took 2 hp)
shield other (move half damage to kezzem)
Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear
Bless Weapon (3 rounds): good align weapon, auto crit
threefold aspect youth: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

bloodwitch Lore (1 rounds) +1 to con, dispel, saves against necro and fear, spell touch attacks
surrender blood (+1 to caster level)

spells used

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 4/4+1
L3: 4/4+1
L4: 2/3+1

Guide/Mislead: 1/8

Welcome home! - DM Carl 2d8+13=24 ; 5d6=18 ;
Thursday June 14th, 2018 4:48:47 PM
Kezzem mocks the giant. Not very friendly considering it's just diseased and not evil, but paladins are lawful good, not lawful nice.

Hobie tries to get a few shots off at the incoming thingy, but all go wide. A few of them go way off.

Succotash detects evil and confirms it is indeed quite evil.

Pressi's not sure what to do. She offers to trade places with Bliss, but Bliss isn't in agreement. So, she casts surrender blood.

Murphy finally finishes off the lone giant, leaving the battlefield temporarily quiet. He casts a bear's endurance spell on himself and looks towards the approaching shape. He announces the beast appears to be black, but he doesn't have much time to give warning.

Flying in hot is a sleek, dark dragon. Its scales are black...no, they're a very dark violet. Its eyes glow red and blood drips from both them and every other orifice on its head. It is clearly in some sort of distress as it shakes its head about and scratches at the scales along its arms. Both of the aformentioned arms have deep gouges in them from where scales have been ripped off. It lands...poorly. It hits the ground and rolls, crushing Rumpus, Miss Piggy, and Kezzem before coming to a stop on top of the paladin.

Rumpus, Kezzem, and Miss Piggy take 24 buldgeoning damage. Kezzem must make a DC 24 reflex save or be pinned.

The thing roars in frustration and thrashes about, trying to get back to its feet. Even in its current state, it is still an awesome sight. Everyone must make a DC24 will save or be shaken for 18 rounds. This is a fear effect.

Know, Arcana DC 18, Highlight to display spoiler: {This is an umbral dragon. Not an old one, but it's no spring chicken either.}

Map

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 94/90(80) d20+5=16 ; 10d6=34 ; d20+20=22 ; d20=1 ; d20+25=39 ;
Thursday June 14th, 2018 8:34:41 PM
Though on the one hand, Murphy feels some compassion toward the dragon - in distress and obviously injured - yet he also considers it just injured several of his friends. He also nearly is overcome by awe at its fearsome power - but calls again on heroic measure to battle back the fear (22+2 from hero point=will save 24). Murphy casts a 40-foot high, 10-foot radius flame strike (centered at AM-AN/51-52) for 34 hp fire damage (Reflex DC24 for 1/2) versus the sleek, dark violet dragon. He feels he should know in the back of his mind what it is, but cannot pluck out the precise knowledge at the moment (Knowledge Arcana 16/18).

Thinking on it, he surmises, and calls out, "SPREAD OUT - BREATH!" he shouts in halfling. "I think that the power we battle just threw that dragon at us - as it threw the hell hound at me, earlier. It was coming faster than dragons can fly, to the best of my reckoning."

Meanwhile, the medium earth elemental is dealing with the unaccustomed experience of being well caught up by vines. How did they snag him under the armpits? [Reflex save 1]. At least the stone giant has fallen down. He believes he has done a tremendous job in tripping the giants so far. He tries to earthglide downward, but cannot.

Lastly, Murphy glances toward the center quickly, and scans the horizon for what may be happening with other heroes surrounding the power. Perception: 39 - pretty good glance.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26 / CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=15 ; d20=3 ; d10=9 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d20=7 ; d20=16 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ;
Thursday June 14th, 2018 8:59:49 PM
Lay of hands 5/9
Smite evil 3/4
1st level spells
Lesser regeneration 1/1
Endure elements 2/2
2nd level spells
Remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells
Heal mount
+1 attack and saves, +4 verses poison
under the effect of "fire resistance" and "death ward"

As a paladin, Succotash is immune to fear, but Miss Piggy must make a save she rolled a 15+4+1 (hero feast)+4 for (being within 10ft of Kezzem)=24 (just barely made it)

"Hey Kezzem,this dragon is evil", Succotash calls out to his fellow paladin, then he declares a smite on the thing and charges, as Miss Piggy unleashes a full round attack.

Succotash
3+19+4(chr)+1+2(flanking)+2(charging)=31, for 9+4+6(Holy)+10+20(Smite vs dragon)=49 damage
Miss Piggy
7+14+1+2(flanking)=24, for 6+2+10=18 damage
16+9+1+2(flanking)=28, for 1+6+10=17 damage

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26-30 vs dragon/ CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 63/87
Thursday June 14th, 2018 9:04:54 PM
header fixed

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 20 (Pinned) + 3 (Smite Evil), HP 85/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 38/62, CMD 24 d20+13=16 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+9=13 ;
Friday June 15th, 2018 12:09:31 AM
SV Ref: 1d20 + 13 = 16. Kezzem is pinned by the dragon.

"Yeah, and he's kind of sitting on me too," replies Kezzem to Succotash.

Kezzem will attempt to break free.

CMB: 1d20 + 10 = 21.

Not sure if he can do this while pinned, but if he can, he will activate smite evil against the dragon.

Rumpus SV Will: 1d20 + 5 + 4 (Aura of Courage) = 13. Rumpus is shaken.

Frightened by the dragon, Rumpus will withdraw.

----

Kezzem Spells & Effects:
Heroes Feast (+1 Atk & Sv, +4 vs. poison & fear)
Pinned (-4 AC)
Protection form Evil (Murphy; +2 to AC and SVs vs. evil creatures)
Resist Energy (Resist Fire 20)
Shield Other (Pressi; Kezzem and Pressi each take half of any damage dealt to Pressi)
Smite Evil (dragon; +3 AC, +3 Atk, +10 damage)

Rumpus Spells & Effects:
Shaken (-2 Atk, -2 SVs)
Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (4 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (2 used)

Spells:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x2, Protection from Evil (cast)
2nd Level: Resist Energy (cast), Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds (cast)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 83/82 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3 d20+8=27 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+18=22 ;
Friday June 15th, 2018 12:20:50 AM
As the dragon lands, it is a fearful sight, but Hobie will not be shaken. He is focused and determined. He immediately recognizes the beast.

Guys this is an Umbral Dragon! His breath weapon is Negative Energy!

Hobie flies 30 feet straight up, and fires a single arrow at the dragon, but is unable to penetrate the dragon's thick scale armor.
(Attack 22)

======
Active Effects
1 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Shield: +4 Shield Bonus to AC

Mirror Image: 3 Images + Hobie = 4 Hobie's-- Roll 1 on a d4 to hit Hobie. Anything else hits one of his images.

Currently 60 ft above ground

======
Rounds of Haste Used 8/10
======
Spells Still Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Invisibility

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (79/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23, shaken; Followers d20+20=27 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+6=22 ; d6+4=8 ;
Friday June 15th, 2018 10:53:02 AM
(OOC: Surrender blood gives option of +2 CL for 10 HP, correcting it accordingly.)

(Will Save Pressi: 27. She gets 9 Base, 2 from boosted will, 1 from warding, 1 from heroes feast basic saves, 4 from heroes feast against fear, 2 from halfling ability against fear, and 1 from bloodwitch lore, so I wasn't that worried. Make sure you didn't miss any of these yourselves.)

(Will Save Harper 17: that will not cut it.)

Pressi is, as typical, prepared for the fear effect and withstands it easily. The sounds of Harper's whines tells her that her pet did not fare as well.

"Hold on," Pressi shouts to Kezzem. "Have one thing to do first."

With a wave of her hand, Pressi hits the dragon with Ill Omen (CL 10, no save, roll twice for the next 3 d20 rolls.) That done, she takes out a wand of grease, preparing to save Kezzem next round.

Harper moves and makes an attempt to bite the dragon. (Hits AC 22+2 from flanking, Damage 8+trip).

Both Pressi and Harper continue to boost their natural armor.

-------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +4 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins, took 2 hp)
shield other (move half damage to kezzem)
Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear
Bless Weapon (2 rounds): good align weapon, auto crit
threefold aspect youth: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

bloodwitch Lore (last round) +1 to con, dispel, saves against necro and fear, spell touch attacks
surrender blood (+1 to caster level)

harper: shaken (18 rounds) -2 to rolls

spells used

L1: 4/7+1
L2: 4/4+1
L3: 4/4+1
L4: 2/3+1

Guide/Mislead: 1/8

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 94/90(80)
Friday June 15th, 2018 1:49:13 PM

"Thanks, Hobie! The only thing that popped into my head was umber hulk, and I knew that had to be wrong..."

=======
OOC: Ah, I forgot about the halfling +2 vs fear. So, Murphy did not need to spend the hero point to make the fear save. Made it on the nose.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (79/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23, shaken; Followers d20+10=27 ;
Friday June 15th, 2018 3:47:00 PM
SR Roll 27.

DireBliss (AC24, CMD29, HP86of86) (Cayzle) d20+14=26 ; d100=52 ; d100=39 ; d100=3 ; d20+17=27 ; d20+17=35 ; d20+14=28 ; 2d4+14=18 ; 2d4+14=20 ;
Friday June 15th, 2018 4:48:36 PM

Bliss rolls a 26 and is not shaken.

DireBliss pounces but does not rage. With a -2 on AC with the charge, he has AC24. He is still blinking this round and next.

Miss chances: both claws have a chance. Bite, not so much. Just as well, prolly the undead thing is immune to nonlethal damage. The Dire Tiger claws at AC27 and AC35 for 18 and 20.

Attacks (at +2 to charge, no rage)

=====

Current effects (only tracking effects with durations in rounds)

CL7 Resist Fire.
CL7 Shield of Faith +3
CL7 Polymorph (Dire Tiger)
CL9 Barkskin +4
CL? Heroes Feast +1 att, will save, more
Bloodwitch Warding Ritual +1 AC, saves
CL7 extended Divine Favor +2 [1of20 rounds used]
CL7 extended Blink [13of14 rounds used]
Rage [9of14 rounds used TURNED OFF]

Effects that are over or used up:
Plant Domain Bramble Armor 6 of 6 used
Death Knell 1 of 1 used.
Lesser meta rod of extend 3 of 3 used.
4th level: 1 cast of 1+1 (polymorph)
3rd level: 2 cast of 3+1 (blink, silent still div favor)
2nd level: +1 cast of 4+1 (barkskin)
1st level: 2 cast of 5+1 (sur blood, div favor)

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26-30 vs dragon/ CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 63/87
Friday June 15th, 2018 10:31:09 PM
�Umbral Dragon, good to know Hobie, and thanks for the heads up on the breath weapon�. Silently he thanks Pantheon for Pressi�s death ward spell.

Welcome home! - DM Carl d20+11=12 ; d20+12=24 ; d20+26=45 ; d20+26=39 ; d20+30=42 ; d20+30=36 ; 2d8+13=17 ;
Saturday June 16th, 2018 3:18:35 PM
Murphy weighs the pros and cons of attacking the distressed dragon, coming down on whichever side involves summoning a pillar of flame to attack it. The dragon never sees it coming and is hit by the full blast (save nat 1). Lucky from the dragon, the spell fails to affect him at all (rolled spell penetration for you, including the +2 for your feat, and rolled a 24 - that fails). He warns of incoming breath attacks.

Succotash ain't afraid of no dragon, but Miss Piggy is. She holds it together though. They tag team the thing. Both manage to score a hit, but know deep down it was only because the dragon is prone. Miss Piggy's attack doesn't seem to do much, but Succotash's? Whoo boy that upset him.

Kezzem tries to break free, but fails. He manages to smite the dragon, though. Rumpus exercies caution.

Hobie successfully identifies this as an umbral dragon. He flies up and fires, but his shot just bounces off.

Pressi sucessfully penetrates the dragon's natural defenses and hits him with an ill omen. She draws a grease wand. Harper gnaws ineffectually on the dragon's scales.

Bliss pounces and snakes a claw underneath the dragon's scales.

***

The dragon shakes its head, sending a spray of blood into the air. It stands, pushing poor Kezzem's head back into the ground (no damage, just flavor text). It turns to face Succotash, still smarting from the halfling's smite. It sighs. "Going mad from the disease of a blood god, and still I manage to find a paladin looking to prove himself. Very well, little one. Prove yourself." The dragon snaps its head forward lightning quick and chomps down on Succotash. With the paladin caught in his jaws, the raises his head up with Succotash in tow.

Hit AC 39* for 17 damage. The dragon grapples per its own snatch feat, getting a 36* on its CMB check vs Succotash's 26 CMD. Succotash is grappled & stuck in the dragon's maw.

Kezzem is no longer pinned, but starts the round prone.

*Yes, I rolled the D20s twice per ill omen.

Dragon's AC is 32/8/32. CMD is 40. SR is 26. He has one more ill omen inspired d20 roll coming.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (79/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23, shaken; Followers d20+8=27 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+8=14 ;
Saturday June 16th, 2018 4:30:34 PM
Pressi swivels, hitting Succotash with the grease wand. She moves 20 feet closer.

A desperate Harper tries to hit the creatures AC (Not even Pressi has a good chance of hitting.) to unlikely avail. (Basically need a natural 20, didn�t happen).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 20 (Pinned) + 3 (Smite Evil), HP 104/109, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 38/62, CMD 24 d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d20+22=40 ; d3+22=25 ;
Saturday June 16th, 2018 5:37:24 PM
Kezzem scurries out from underneath the dragon (move action) and stands-up (move action). He lays hand on himself (swift action).

"Hey Press, you're supposed to grease the pig when playing Catch the Pig, but nevermind, this is no time for fun and games. We've got a dragon here!"

Healing: 5d6 = 19.

"Hey dragon, you know what's worst for a dragon that being smiteded (sic) by one paladin?"

He stabs one of his daggers at the dragon's flank (extra standard action for a hero point; bonuses from heroes' feast and smite included; did not include a flanking bonus from Succotash separate since I wasn't sure if he could flank while being grappled or not--I assume not, and it doesn't look like Kezzem needed it anyway).

Attack: 1d20 + 22 = 40. Hit!
Damage: 1d3 + 22 = 25.

"Two paladins," Kezzem answers.

Rumpus stays back, figuring his hooves wouldn't do much-if-any damage even if he could hit the dragon's AC (total defense).

OOC: Btw, Rumpus is a pony, not a horse. I see he was labeled as a horse on the map.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 94/90(80) d20+17=28 ;
Sunday June 17th, 2018 12:38:26 AM

Murphy, in halfling, says, "Succo, get ready for me to touch you." He moves to where Succotash resides nicely grappled. He casts freedom of movement and touches (AC 28) Succotash (Touch AC11, due to -4 dex with grappled condition) on some part of his body. Bumps into the nose of the dragon if he has to, but focuses the touch on the paladin. [Flyby attack feat - and no AoO when in whirlwind form]

Ends up about AL59, still in whirlwind form. "All right, buddy - prove yourself to this fellow."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 94/90(80)
Sunday June 17th, 2018 12:41:29 AM

OOC: By the way, Jeremy, the freedom of movement will last on your paladin for 100 minutes. Just let someone try to grapple him now! -Kim

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26-30 vs dragon/ CMD 26 - HP 74/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 63/87 d20=15 ; d20=3 ; d10=7 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d20=11 ; d20=14 ;
Sunday June 17th, 2018 1:51:17 AM
Lay of hands 5/9
Smite evil 3/4
1st level spells
Lesser regeneration 1/1
Endure elements 2/2
2nd level spells
Remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells
Heal mount
+1 attack and saves, +4 verses poison
under the effect of "fire resistance", "death ward", "Freedom of movement", "Grease"

"Thanks Murphy, and you too Pressi", Succotash says, as he easily breaks free of the dragon's jaws thanks to Murphy's freedom of movement spell (standard action). He than says to the dragon, "You got some serious death breath you over grown lizard!" Succotash will than use a hero point for a second standard action, then both he and Miss Piggy will perform full round attacks.

Succotash
15+19+1+4=39, for 7+3+4+10+10=34 damage
3+14+1+4=22 miss

Miss Piggy
11+14+1=26 miss
14+9+1=24 miss
occ... don't know if it makes a difference to the amount of damage last round or not, but Miss Piggy's attacks are magical, due to her +1 amulet of mighty fists.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 83/82 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3 d20+20=23 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+15=21 ; d6+9=11 ; d6=5 ;
Sunday June 17th, 2018 5:27:00 PM
Hobie sees the dragon snap up his friend, and he knows how hard this thing is to hit, so he focuses more on accuracy than damage (no Deadly Aim), but still he finds that most of his arrows are simply bouncing off the scales of this dragon.

"His hide is too strong! I'm having trouble penetrating the skin, can any of you do anything to weaken him? To make him easier to hit?"

Manyshot
Attack 23- MISS

Rapid shot
Attack 39
Piercing 11, Fire 5

Haste
Attack 24- MISS

Iterative
Attack 21- MISS

======
Active Effects
1 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Shield: +4 Shield Bonus to AC

Mirror Image: 3 Images + Hobie = 4 Hobie's-- Roll 1 on a d4 to hit Hobie. Anything else hits one of his images.

Currently 60 ft above ground

======
Rounds of Haste Used 9/10
======
Spells Still Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Invisibility

DireBliss (AC24, CMD29, HP86of86) (Cayzle) d100=68 ; d100=87 ; d100=75 ; d20+23=38 ; d20+23=34 ; d20+23=40 ; 2d4+12=16 ; 2d4+12=16 ; 2d6+12=17 ;
Monday June 18th, 2018 1:41:07 PM

Bliss really wants to hurt this dragon, so he turns off his power attack and starts raging. He also gets a +2 flanking, so far as I can tell from the map. BAB+7, +9 str, -1 size, +1 enhancement, +1 hero feast, +2 flank, +2 blinking, +2 divine favor = +23 to hit for bonus dam +9 str, +1 enhancement +2 divine favor for +12 damage.

[Raging but not charging means that Bliss's AC remains 24. With blink for one more round.]

Bliss turns off his Tear. He'll be biting for real. (Blech!)

LAST ROUND OF BLINK ... And for the first time ever, all three blinking attacks land!

Claw: Hits AC38 for 16 damage
Claw: Hits AC34 for 16 damage
Bite: Hits AC40 for 17 damage

If the dragon attacks (grapples!) Bliss, the Blink is still working until the start of his action! Last chance to blink Bliss's butt out of danger!

Bliss spits out some nasty undead dragon ichor and meows piteously!

=====

Current effects (only tracking effects with durations in rounds)

CL7 Resist Fire.
CL7 Shield of Faith +3
CL7 Polymorph (Dire Tiger)
CL9 Barkskin +4
CL? Heroes Feast +1 att, will save, more
Bloodwitch Warding Ritual +1 AC, saves
CL7 extended Divine Favor +2 [2of20 rounds used]
CL7 extended Blink [14of14 rounds used]
Rage [10of14 rounds used NOW ON]

Effects that are over or used up:
Plant Domain Bramble Armor 6 of 6 used
Death Knell 1 of 1 used.
Lesser meta rod of extend 3 of 3 used.
4th level: 1 cast of 1+1 (polymorph)
3rd level: 2 cast of 3+1 (blink, silent still div favor)
2nd level: +1 cast of 4+1 (barkskin)
1st level: 2 cast of 5+1 (sur blood, div favor)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 94/90(80) d20+16=31 ; d20+25=30 ;
Monday June 18th, 2018 5:41:13 PM
Supplemental

Murphy drops the whirlwind and prepares to fly by to deliver a freedom of movement spell for his fairly new friend, Succotash. He knows that, whereas as a whirlwind he can fly by with little risk of an extra attack from an opponent, that risk rises in his simple air elemental form. Therefore, the druid casts defensively (DC 15+(2*Spell Level of 4)=DC 23), risking possible loss of the spell, but obviating the opportunity for this magnificent fearsome dragon easily to take advantage of his passing by. Concentration check (d20+caster level + ability score modifer used to determine bonus spells of the same type) of d20+10+6 (owl's wisdom bonus included), roll of 31 to cast defensively, avoiding attacks of opportunity, and the spell is not disrupted, and, in theory (subject to DM ratification), the paladin can be loosy goosy in the jaws of the dragon.

[When I saw your email, DM Carl, I was at work, and had only about a 90-second window in which to reply - needed to look up the rules after work before he actually flew the mission. Looked up defensive casting before I saw your post. Let me know if this works. I don't know if any other effects on him would help with concentration - prot. fr evil +2; heroes' feast +1]
======
Extra credit:
Perception: 30

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26-30 vs dragon/ CMD 26 - HP 74/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 63/87
Monday June 18th, 2018 6:26:59 PM
What�s the result of Pressi�s grease spell, and will that effect the outcome?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (79/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23, shaken; Followers
Monday June 18th, 2018 9:04:50 PM
It�s +10 to escape artist checks and cmb/CMD checks to escape or avoid grapples. It�s a standard action but you still need to make the roll.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (79/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23, shaken; Followers
Monday June 18th, 2018 9:11:10 PM
�Here�s the thing. Even if that thing didn�t have ridiculous spell resistance, there�s only so far I can drive down it�s armor.

But Pressi does have a recommendation for Hobie. If he flies down to her, it won�t take two rounds to bless his weapon. Alternatively he can give her his hero points so she can try boosting her SR rolls.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (79/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23, shaken; Followers
Monday June 18th, 2018 9:14:35 PM
Oh, and grease has a dc 10 reflex roll for the dragon to avoid falling, no SR.

Welcome home! - DM Carl d4=4 ; d4=3 ;
Monday June 18th, 2018 10:19:12 PM
*Copying previous post, then deleting a bunch to keep the board neat.

Pressi hits Succotash with some grease as Harper wonders how she's expected to hurt this dragon.

Kezzem stands and heals himself. He flanks the dragon and shows him that his troubles are twice as bad as he thought.

Murphy flies in, drops his whirlwind, and defensively casts freedom of movement on Succotash. As he retreats, the dragon rears back and slashes, barely striking him.

Hit AC 33 for 23 damage.

Bliss turns himself up to 11 and dives in, sinking his teeth and claws into the dragon. Instead of ichor, warm blood flows into his mouth. Seems the dragon's not undead after all.

Hobie manages to get one of his arrows to stick in the beast's scales. The flames from the arrow char it a bit.

Succotash slips easily from the dragon's maw, then falls (noted last round the dragon raised its head up). Luckily, it's not too far a drop. He and Miss Piggy press their attack, with Succotash scoring another solid blow.

The dragon realizes it's in a bad place. It spreads its wings and takes to the skies, incurring an AoO from Kezzem, Succotash, Bliss, Harper, and Miss Piggy. He hovers a mere 20' from the ground, raising a cloud of dust and debris.

*If a creature of size Large or larger with this feat hovers within 20 feet of the ground in an area with lots of loose debris, the draft from its wings creates a hemispherical cloud with a radius of 60 feet. The winds generated can snuff torches, small campfires, exposed lanterns, and other small, open flames of non-magical origin. Clear vision within the cloud is limited to 10 feet. Creatures have concealment at 15 to 20 feet (20% miss chance). At 25 feet or more, creatures have total concealment (50% miss chance, and opponents cannot use sight to locate the creature).

Those who are able to see witness the dragon breath in deeply, then breath out pure blackness. Everyone except Hobie, Pressi, and Rumpus are caught in the attack.

Fort save DC 24 or be blinded for 4 rounds and take 7 STR damage. Successful saves reduce the STR damage to 3 and negate the blindness. This is not a negative energy attack and is not thwarted by death ward.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 17 (Blinded) + 3 (Smite Evil), HP 104/109, Strength Damage 4, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 38/62, CMD 24 d20+14=20 ; d4=3 ; d20+22=29 ; d3+12=15 ;
Monday June 18th, 2018 11:45:18 PM
Kezzem AoO: 1d20 + 22 + 2 (Flanking?) = 29 or 31.
That's a miss either way, but just in case the dragon has some AC penalty, I'll include damage.
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 15.

Kezzem SV Fort: 1d20 + 14 = 20. Fail.

"Ack!" shouts Kezzem. "Get his guy a breath-mint or something! His breath is killing me!"

Kezzem casts lesser restoration on himself. Rumpus maintains total defense.

Lesser Restoration: 1d4 = 3.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 17 (Blinded) + 3 (Smite Evil), HP 104/109, Strength Damage 4, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 38/62, CMD 24
Monday June 18th, 2018 11:47:42 PM
Bookkeeping Stuff:

Kezzem

Spells & Effects:
Blinded (-2 AC & no Dex bonus; -2 to Str and Dex checks; 50% miss chance)
Heroes Feast (+1 Atk & Sv, +4 vs. poison & fear)
Protection form Evil (Murphy; +2 to AC and SVs vs. evil creatures)
Resist Energy (Resist Fire 20)
Shield Other (Pressi; Kezzem and Pressi each take half of any damage dealt to Pressi)
Smite Evil (dragon; +3 AC, +3 Atk, +10 damage)

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (4 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (2 used)

Spells:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x2 (1 cast), Protection from Evil (cast)
2nd Level: Resist Energy (cast), Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds (cast)
Lay on Hands 7/day (4 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (2 used)

Spells:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x2 (1 cast), Protection from Evil (cast)
2nd Level: Resist Energy (cast), Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds (cast)

----

Rumpus

Spells & Effects:
Shaken (-2 Atk, -2 SVs)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 83/82 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3
Tuesday June 19th, 2018 12:35:47 AM
Struggling to land a blow against this dragon, Hobie takes out his wand of True Strike and casts it on himself.

======
Active Effects
1 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Shield: +4 Shield Bonus to AC

Mirror Image: 3 Images + Hobie = 4 Hobie's-- Roll 1 on a d4 to hit Hobie. Anything else hits one of his images.

Currently 60 ft above ground

======
Rounds of Haste Used 9/10
======
Spells Still Prepared
Bonded Object Free Spell

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Invisibility

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 94/90(80) d20+14=21 ; 5d10=16 ; d4=3 ; d20+25=41 ;
Tuesday June 19th, 2018 1:27:22 AM
[USE MAP's ROUND 17]

As Murphy had turned to face toward the dragon at the end of his turn, he observes him lifting off and beginning to beat its wings. The air elemental's lower parts are at about 20', and his head at about 36'. As the kicking up of dust and debris constitutes a stormy condition, he sends down a lightning bolt pretty much straight in front of him at about AK44 (I figured about 60' ahead of him, rolling d4=3 to add 15' more, so 75' away), for 5d10=16 hp lightning damage, starting at a height of 40', and descending to a height of 10', with a 5' diameter. Reflex save DC 25 for 1/2 (other half is divine damage, no save). [Please roll SR, if applicable - have to post now]

He then shoots high up in the air, out of the swirling dust, to figure out what to do next.

""Pressi, I'm blinded, high in the air. How are you faring?" he asks telepathically.

Perception: 41 (hearing should be relatively fine. Failed Fort save with a 21, thus blinded for 4 rounds, loss of 7 STR, visual shot, but ears work)

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26-30 vs dragon/ CMD 26 - HP 74/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 63/87 d20=13 ; d20=1 ; d10=8 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d20=15 ; d20=16 ; d4=1 ; d4=1 ;
Tuesday June 19th, 2018 6:00:49 AM
Lay of hands 5/9
Smite evil 3/4
1st level spells
Lesser regeneration 0/1
Endure elements 2/2
2nd level spells
Remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells
Heal mount
+1 attack and saves, +4 verses poison
under the effect of "fire resistance", "death ward", "Freedom of movement", "Grease"
Succotash has -2 to str, and Miss Piggy has -3

Succotash's aoo
13+19+4+1=37, for 8+6+1+10+10=35 damage
Miss Piggy's aoo
natural 1, poor thing tripped on her own hooves

Both Succotash and Miss Piggy make their saves to avoid the blindness, but receive 3 str damage (28&25 respectfully)

Succotash casts less regeneration on himself restoring 1 point of str (occ sorry about the extra d4 roll, i accidentally double clicked)

"Hey, get back here you cowardly piece of maggot meat!", Succotash taunts, and Miss Piggy squeals in frustration as she stands up, shaking the dust from her fur and armor.

DireBliss (AC24, CMD29, HP86of86) (Cayzle) d100=76 ; d20+23=34 ; 2d6+12=17 ; d20+16=27 ;
Tuesday June 19th, 2018 10:57:14 AM

First, Bliss has an AoO to make as the dragon ascends. At this point, he is still blinking, so let's roll a miss chance ... nope! Okay, let's roll a to hit ... hits AC34, a hit, for 17 damage.

Then the dust cloud; that does not affect Bliss too much.

Then the breath weapons! Wowsy! But Bliss is still blinking, and per the Blink Spell, "While blinking, you take only half damage from area attacks."

Sounds like it is time for a reflex save! Bliss's is at +7 usually, but the bloodwitch ward boosts that to +8, right? A hero point used before the roll boosts that by +8 to +16. The roll is a ... 27! That's no blindness and only 3 Str damage, but I'm hoping the Blink reduces that to a mere 1 point of Str damage ... or none?

Bliss still has all his usual actions left for the round.

=====

Current effects (only tracking effects with durations in rounds)

CL7 Resist Fire.
CL7 Shield of Faith +3
CL7 Polymorph (Dire Tiger)
CL9 Barkskin +4
CL? Heroes Feast +1 att, will save, more
Bloodwitch Warding Ritual +1 AC, saves
CL7 extended Divine Favor +2 [2of20 rounds used]
CL7 extended Blink [14of14 rounds used]
Rage [10of14 rounds used NOW ON]

Effects that are over or used up:
Plant Domain Bramble Armor 6 of 6 used
Death Knell 1 of 1 used.
Lesser meta rod of extend 3 of 3 used.
4th level: 1 cast of 1+1 (polymorph)
3rd level: 2 cast of 3+1 (blink, silent still div favor)
2nd level: +1 cast of 4+1 (barkskin)
1st level: 2 cast of 5+1 (sur blood, div favor)
1 hero point

EXTRA INFO:
Dragon's AC is 32/8/32. CMD is 40. SR is 26.
The Map

DireBliss (AC22, CMD28, HP106of106 raging) (Cayzle) d20+21=41 ; d20+44=46 ; d20+20=21 ; d20+20=27 ; d20+20=37 ; 3d6+11=21 ;
Tuesday June 19th, 2018 12:58:49 PM
Bliss's turn starts, and he is NO LONGER BLINKING! I'm assuming Bliss is -1 Str.

Perception check ... 41 ... Bliss senses/scents the dragon 20 ft up and over there. Since it is a living thing, not undead, he activates his tear.

As a Raging Leaper (barbarian power), Bliss does not need a running start to jump. And with move 60, he has a movement-based +12 to jump checks. And his Acrobatics starts at +30, so that's a net +44 on jump checks with no need for a running start.

Bliss pounces OVER and UP! He rolls a 46 on his check, so he gets 46 ft over and 10 ft up on the leap, that's 10 ft of open air between the ground and his hindpaws. He is large size, so he is 10 ft long. And he has a five ft reach. Hopefully that's enough to let him attack at the end of his pounce!

Bliss is weak (by 1 pt) and he keeps his power attack off. He also gets a +2 flanking, so far as I can tell from the map. BAB+7, +8 str, -1 size, +1 enhancement, +1 hero feast, +2 charge, +2 divine favor = +20 to hit for bonus dam +8 str, +1 enhancement +2 divine favor for +11 damage.

Bliss swipes with his claws and BITES ... and hits ACs21, 27, and 37 -- ONLY the bite hits. Bliss bites for 21 nonlethal damage!

Now that his attack is over, Bliss is 10 ft up in midair! Uh-oh! He twists and turns to (hopefully) land on his feet and avoid falling damage. His Acrobatics check to do that is an auto success vs the required DC15.

HOWEVER, seems very likely that Bliss provoked AoOs as he leaped up (and fell down) through threatened squares. And charging, with no Blink, Bliss's puny AC22 means he may be paying a price for his heroism!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (79/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23, shaken; Followers d20=1 ; d20+12=27 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+7=14 ;
Tuesday June 19th, 2018 4:26:27 PM
(Ignore the d20=1, don't know how that even happened.)

"Doing pretty good," Pressi messages back to Murphy. "I'm not someone who got next to a dragon," she quips.

Coughing, she drops the grease wand in her bag, surveys who needs heals and considers her options. Only one person is blinded, Murphy, but he's up there and she can't pull a remove blindness scroll out of her bag and move the hand in time. "Can you try to come near me?" she shouts and telepaths. She can cast a single lesser restore from her last high level spell slot, but that would leave her with no great tricks left. A scroll of slow would do well right now, but will never beat that SR.

Hoping for a last score, Pressi swings her spectral hand to touch the dragon and hopes for the best.

Cast: Touch of Gracelessness (Touch Attack 27, Spell Resist 13... will not be enough.)

------------------

Harper screams as the giant cat becomes blinded herself and takes 7 str damage. Pressi cant help but feel guilty at dragging her out here, and calls for the cat to move away from the dragon as she considers her next move.

------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +4 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins, took 2 hp)
shield other (move half damage to kezzem)
Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear
Bless Weapon (1 rounds): good align weapon, auto crit
threefold aspect youth: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

harper: shaken (18 rounds) -2 to rolls, blinded, -7 STR

spells used

L1: 5/7+1
L2: 4/4+1
L3: 4/4+1
L4: 2/3+1

Guide/Mislead: 1/8

Welcome home! - DM Carl d20+15=33 ; d20+11=14 ; d100=47 ; 14d8=71 ; d20+26=39 ; 2d6+15=21 ;
Tuesday June 19th, 2018 5:14:19 PM
Thanks for everyone getting their posts in early enough for me not to be up late again.

***

Kezzem shrugs off the worst of the shadow breath and restores that lost strength.

Hobie casts true strike, because by golly he's gonna put an arrow in that dragon.

Murphy is blinded and weakened. He summons a lightning bolt where he thinks the dragon should be, and somehow manages to hit the thing full on. An impressive feat.

(Spell resistance check 33 - pass. Reflex save 14 - fail. 50% miss chance due to blindness 47 - pass. d10 because of the dust storm is dubious, but you'd probably get higher than 16 if you rolled again anyway.)

Succotash and his trusty pig both save vs the shadow breath was well. Succotash heals some of the STR damage and taunts the dragon.

Bliss...Bliss is feeling dangerous. His blink saves him from some of the damage (1 STR damage, confirmed. It was a fort save, not reflex, but since your fort is higher than your reflex, no big deal. I'll leave it up to you whether you would have used a HP for a fort save). He takes a flying leap at the dragon and tears a gash in its haunch. The dragon's tail whips out and slams into Bliss on his way back down, hitting AC 39 for 21 damage.

Pressi sends the weakened, blinded, and injured Harper away someplace safe. She tries to deliver a touch attack, but the dragon's SR blocks it.

The dragon's taken some damage; it certainly looks rougher than it did when it landed. That said, if it's feeling weak, it's not showing it.

Not bad, little ones. You might have had me had I stayed down there." The dragon flies up and to the east a bit, lining up a better shot."Unfortunately for you," the dragon pauses to take a deep breath, "I didn't."

The dragon roars, shooting forth a cone of inky, yucky negative energy. The cone hits everyone except Rumpus, Harper, Murphy and Pressi.

(You said Harper moved last round, but she's still in the same place on the map. I'm assuming that's just an oversight.)

Everyone else takes 71 negative energy damage. Reflex save DC 24 for half.

The dragon is now 30' in the air, and the dust storm settles down.

Map

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 17 (Blinded) + 3 (Smite Evil), HP 87/109, Strength Damage 4, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 38/62, CMD 24 d20+13=26 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+10=25 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ;
Tuesday June 19th, 2018 5:57:59 PM
Kezzem SV Ref: 26. Made! Kezzem takes half damage.

"Hey dragon, I've some good news and some bad news for you. Good news is I can't see ya. Bad news is I can still hear you flapping your gums."

Kezzem will attempt a full attack (+3 smite evil, +1 heroes' feast, -2 improved two-weapon fighting, -4 range)

+1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 16 = 25.

+1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 16 = 30.

Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 10 = 12.

Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 10 = 25.

"How you like them daggers, dragon!" shouts Kezzem, literally blinded to the fact that his daggers either missed completely or bounced off the dragon's scales.

Kezzem will then use a hero point for a bonus action to channel positive energy. It should hit Bliss, Hobbie, Piggy, and Succo.

Channel Positive Energy: 5d6 = 2 + 4 + 5 + 3 + 4 = 18.

OOC: Really burning through those hero points this fight, but I figure might was use them up against a dragon!

----

Kezzem

Spells & Effects:
Blinded (-2 AC & no Dex bonus; -2 to Str and Dex checks; 50% miss chance)
Heroes Feast (+1 Atk & Sv, +4 vs. poison & fear)
Protection form Evil (Murphy; +2 to AC and SVs vs. evil creatures)
Resist Energy (Resist Fire 20)
Shield Other (Pressi; Kezzem and Pressi each take half of any damage dealt to Pressi)
Smite Evil (dragon; +3 AC, +3 Atk, +10 damage)

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (4 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (2 used)

Spells:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x2 (1 cast), Protection from Evil (cast)
2nd Level: Resist Energy (cast), Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds (cast)
Lay on Hands 7/day (6 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (2 used)

Spells:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x2 (1 cast), Protection from Evil (cast)
2nd Level: Resist Energy (cast), Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds (cast)

----

Rumpus

Spells & Effects:
Shaken (-2 Atk, -2 SVs)

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26-30 vs dragon/ CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 66/87 d20=17 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d20=10 ;
Tuesday June 19th, 2018 6:57:34 PM
Lay of hands 2/9
Smite evil 3/4
1st level spells
Lesser regeneration 0/1
Endure elements 2/2
2nd level spells
Remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells
Heal mount
+1 attack and saves, +4 verses poison
under the effect of "fire resistance", "death ward", "Freedom of movement", "Grease"
Succotash has -2 to str, and Miss Piggy has -3

thanks to Pressi's Death Ward Spell, Succotash is immune to negative energy.
Miss Piggy rolled a 17+6+1=24(barely saved for half) so she takes 36 damage.

"After an attack like, you got the right idea Kezzem!", Succotash says as he also channels energy healing 4+6+2+5+4=21hp, to himself, Miss Piggy, Hobie, Kezzem, Bliss, and Harper.

then Succotash will use a hero point for another standard action, then he will move 15ft drawing one of his throwing axes, and throws it at the dragon attacking with vital strike. in the mean while Miss Piggy will hold her action.

Succotash
10+12+4+1=27(miss)

Bliss (AC23, CMD28, HP69of86) (Cayzle) d20+16=25 ;
Tuesday June 19th, 2018 7:22:39 PM
[OOC: Yes, Bliss would not have used that hero point on a fort save, but will use it now, thanks!]

Bliss tries to dodge the blast of negative energy. heroically rolling a 25. Bliss takes 35 damage. Plus 21 tail lash damage. Then +18 channel healing. Then another 21 channel healing. Thank goodness for friends with curing!

Bliss stops raging. He is tired. He changes back into his halfling shape (standard action). He backs up 40 ft with a move action, drawing his staff sling as he moves.

=====

Current effects (only tracking effects with durations in rounds)

CL7 Resist Fire.
CL7 Shield of Faith +3
CL9 Barkskin +4
CL? Heroes Feast +1 att, will save, more
Bloodwitch Warding Ritual +1 AC, saves
CL7 extended Divine Favor +2 [4of20 rounds used]
Rage [11of14 rounds used NOW OFF]
Fatigue [1of4 rounds after rage] Can't run or charge; -2 to Str and Dex
-1 Str damage

Effects that are over or used up:
Plant Domain Bramble Armor 6 of 6 used
Death Knell 1 of 1 used.
Lesser meta rod of extend 3 of 3 used.
4th level: 1 cast of 1+1 (polymorph)
3rd level: 2 cast of 3+1 (blink, silent still div favor)
2nd level: +1 cast of 4+1 (barkskin)
1st level: 2 cast of 5+1 (sur blood, div favor)
1 hero point

EXTRA INFO:
Dragon's AC is 32/8/32. CMD is 40. SR is 26.
The Map

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (79/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23, shaken; Followers
Wednesday June 20th, 2018 10:00:08 AM
Pressi messages Murphy, trying to get a plan going.

First, she sees if he is coming to her so she can scroll heal him. (Mechanics, it takes a move action to get the scroll, a touch standard action to remove blindness, and a second move action to move her spectral hand.)

Second, she sees if he has another whirlwind in him. The dragon has broken wings and doesn't seem to be flying very well (he's not shooting 60 feet up in the air) so she might be able to outfly him in wind. (She has one L4 spell left, so she can polymorph, broom, or hold on to it/use it for one more non-attack trick.)

The alternative is that she can realize her casting is almost up and start buffing for melee (divine favor, shifting to young) or spamming mislead.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 90/90(80) d8=2 ; d8=8 ;
Wednesday June 20th, 2018 12:15:07 PM

Murphy casts cure moderate wounds on himself, regaining 20 hp - back to full.

"Yes, I'll come down right now," Murphy communicates telepathically with Murphy. "Since you can see, and I cannot, guide me. To you, or to your spectral hand?" he asks. Whichever she recommends, that is where she goes. "Or if you want me to delay slightly, tell me that." He follows her instructions, and heads towards her - or towards where the spectral hand is, or will soon be - or delays, by coming only within about 90 feet of where she wants him to go. "And, yes, I can whirlwind again."

It is so comforting to have Pressi's voice to help him out.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (79/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23, shaken; Followers d20=5 ; d20+18=25 ;
Wednesday June 20th, 2018 1:40:31 PM
Harper, sniffing the armored bulette, makes a strength check to try and remove its teeth or jaw. (Strength check 5)

Pressi savors the idea of taunting the dragon from above. (Oh, how unfortunate your ability to fly. How can I possibly get down there? Seriously, I thought you dragons were supposed to be impressive.)

But, she has a job to do.

With all her ability, she guides Murphy towards the spectral hand as she removes a scroll from her sack.

With the scroll, she casts remove blindness. (UMD roll 25)

------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +4 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins, took 2 hp)
shield other (move half damage to kezzem)
Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear
Bless Weapon (1 rounds): good align weapon, auto crit
threefold aspect youth: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

harper: shaken (18 rounds) -2 to rolls, blinded, -7 STR

spells used

L1: 5/7+1
L2: 4/4+1
L3: 4/4+1
L4: 2/3+1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 32/102 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3 d20+10=22 ;
Wednesday June 20th, 2018 2:19:55 PM
Hobie tries his best to get out of the way of the dragon's negative energy blast, but he takes the full effect, and he is REALLY hurting.

The two Paladins both posted first, so I was not able to get in range of their Channels, because Hobie is 60 feet in the air right now.

If it's not too late with the order of posting, I'd like for Hobie's move action to be to fly down to the ground to be in range of healing. If it's too late for that, Hobie will instead fly upwards and away from the dragon at a 45 degree angle, trying to distance himself from it.

Either way, Hobie will use his standard action to cast Bear's Endurance on himself via his bonded object, boosting his HP temporarily.

======
Active Effects
1 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Bear's Endurance +4 Constitution

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Shield: +4 Shield Bonus to AC

Mirror Image: 3 Images + Hobie = 4 Hobie's-- Roll 1 on a d4 to hit Hobie. Anything else hits one of his images.

Currently 60 ft above ground

======
Rounds of Haste Used 9/10
======
Spells Still Prepared

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Invisibility

Welcome home! - DM Carl d4=1 ; 14d8=53 ; d4=3 ;
Wednesday June 20th, 2018 3:12:12 PM
Kezzem avoids the worst of the affects, but they still hurt. He channels energy to heal and throws some daggers in the dragon's direction.

Succotash throws an axe with the same result, as well as channeling energy himself.

Bliss accepts the healing gratefully and repostions himself.

Pressi bites her tongue regarding her opinion of this dragon, then tries to get a plan going. Once Murphy's in range, she has her spectral hand remove his blindness.

Murphy also heals himself back up to full.

Hobie ducks in, trying to get in on the paladin's healing, then ups his endurance.

(Since we don't roll initiative, I do allow some intra-turn retconning. Outcomes shouldn't be soley dependent on when you can post. Also, since you didn't say exactly where you were moving to, I just moved you in a straight line to within range of them.)

The dragon notes that Succotash just brushed off his breath weapon. "Well, little one. Looks like you'll be around to watch your friends die." It's voice is pretty matter of fact. If he's gloating, it's not obvious. He breathes deep, then spews negative energy again*. Murphy gets caught up in the blast this time, but Bliss, Pressi, and all the companion animals do not. 53 negative energy damage, reflex DC 24 for half.

*Forgot to roll a d4 to see how soon he could breathe again, so I rolled it this round and got a 1.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 90/90(80) d20=2 ; 5d6=16 ; d20=14 ; d20=15 ; d20=3 ; d20=18 ; d20=5 ;
Wednesday June 20th, 2018 3:42:55 PM

"Thank you, Pressi," Murphy says mentally - not wanting to give the dragon her name. So focused was he on having his eyes opened, that he failed a Reflex save (should be 2+14=16), and takes the full negative energy damage.

He shoots up into the air, off to his right, and lets loose another 5d6 lightning bolt (Ref save DC 25 for 1/2, other half is divine with no save, other than MR)., striking at AM47 for 16 hp damage.

"I'm sorry that the great power just threw you in our direction, O Great Dragon, causing you pain, and tearing off some of your scales in the process. But, now that you are infected with the blood, we cannot let you be - unless you decide to return toward the center," Murphy tells him. "I'd understand if you choose not to do so, though."

He hopes to draw the dragon's attention away from the others, who may be sorely injured by the blast of draining energy, to see whether the dragon may have an interest in this air elemental. "What is your name?" he asks.

Meanwhile, the earth elemental has been entangled the past several rounds, and still cannot break free. He just wants to go back down and swim through the soil.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 37/90(80)
Wednesday June 20th, 2018 3:45:15 PM
Oh, and hit points now at 37/90 for Murphy.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 17 (Blinded) + 3 (Smite Evil), HP 105/109, Strength Damage 4, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 38/62, CMD 24 d20+13=33 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+10=13 ; d3+20=23 ; d3+10=12 ;
Wednesday June 20th, 2018 3:54:48 PM
Kezzem SV Ref: 1d20 + 13 = 33 (natural 20). Made.

Kezzem uses his last lay on hands to heal himself (swift action).

Healing: 5d6 = 3 + 5 + 6 + 6 + 3 = 23.

"Let's try this again!" he says as he unloads with his daggers once more.

OOC: Assuming he's still 30 ft. up for range.

+1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 16 = 32. Hit!
Damage: 1d3 + 10 + 10 = 23.

+1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 16 = 35. Hit! (natural 19)
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 16 = 20. No crit.
Damage: 1d3 + 10 = 12.

Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 10 = 25. Miss.

Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 10 = 13. Miss.

----

Kezzem

Spells & Effects:
Blinded (-2 AC & no Dex bonus; -2 to Str and Dex checks; 50% miss chance)
Heroes Feast (+1 Atk & Sv, +4 vs. poison & fear)
Protection form Evil (Murphy; +2 to AC and SVs vs. evil creatures)
Resist Energy (Resist Fire 20)
Shield Other (Pressi; Kezzem and Pressi each take half of any damage dealt to Pressi)
Smite Evil (dragon; +3 AC, +3 Atk, +10 damage)

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (7 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (2 used)

Spells:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x2 (1 cast), Protection from Evil (cast)
2nd Level: Resist Energy (cast), Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds (cast)

----

Rumpus

Spells & Effects:
Shaken (-2 Atk, -2 SVs)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 17 (Blinded) + 3 (Smite Evil), HP 105/109, Strength Damage 4, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 38/62, CMD 24 d100=65 ; d100=75 ;
Wednesday June 20th, 2018 7:53:51 PM
Forgot miss chances for being blind.

First attack: d% = 65. Hit!

Second attack: d% = 75. Hit!

Whew.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26-30 vs dragon/ CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 66/87 d20=10 ;
Wednesday June 20th, 2018 8:03:10 PM
throwing axes 2/4
Lay of hands 2/9
Smite evil 3/4
1st level spells
Lesser regeneration 0/1
Endure elements 2/2
2nd level spells
Remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells
Heal mount
+1 attack and saves, +4 verses poison
under the effect of "fire resistance", "death ward", "Freedom of movement", "Grease"
Succotash has -2 to str, and Miss Piggy has -3

Realizing she can't do much verses a flying enemy, Miss Piggy withdrawals from the action.
Succotash will throw another throwing axe, as he retorts, "I will die before I let that happen!"
10+12+1+4=27 (miss again)

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26-30 vs dragon/ CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 66/87
Wednesday June 20th, 2018 8:11:52 PM
"Not sure if it's possible", Succotash says to his friends in Halfling, "but if someone is able to give me flight, I would love to sink Twinklesting into this overgrown lizard again".

Bliss (AC23, CMD28, HP69of86) (Cayzle)
Wednesday June 20th, 2018 11:55:12 PM

Bliss casts greater magic weapon on his staff sling. He loads it.

=====

Current effects (only tracking effects with durations in rounds)

CL7 Resist Fire.
CL7 Shield of Faith +3
CL9 Barkskin +4
CL? Heroes Feast +1 att, will save, more
Bloodwitch Warding Ritual +1 AC, saves
CL7 extended Divine Favor +2 [4of20 rounds used]
Rage [11of14 rounds used NOW OFF]
Fatigue [1of4 rounds after rage] Can't run or charge; -2 to Str and Dex
-1 Str damage

Effects that are over or used up:
Plant Domain Bramble Armor 6 of 6 used
Death Knell 1 of 1 used.
Lesser meta rod of extend 3 of 3 used.
4th level: 1 cast of 1+1 (polymorph)
3rd level: 3 cast of 3+1 (blink, silent still div favor, gmw)
2nd level: +1 cast of 4+1 (barkskin)
1st level: 2 cast of 5+1 (sur blood, div favor)
1 hero point

EXTRA INFO:
Dragon's AC is 32/8/32. CMD is 40. SR is 26.
The Map

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 18/102 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3 d20+10=21 ;
Thursday June 21st, 2018 12:13:18 AM
Hobie again takes the full force of the dragon's breath weapon. He knows that another hit like that will kill him outright, and so he beats a hasty retreat, flying horizontally (Double Move)

======
Active Effects
1 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Bear's Endurance +4 Constitution

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Shield: +4 Shield Bonus to AC

Mirror Image: 3 Images + Hobie = 4 Hobie's-- Roll 1 on a d4 to hit Hobie. Anything else hits one of his images.

Elevation 0 ft

======
Rounds of Haste Used 9/10
======
Spells Still Prepared

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Invisibility

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 18/102 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3
Thursday June 21st, 2018 4:28:46 AM
ooc: The thing I love/hate about play by post is that moments like this, where we are running out of spells, and being destroyed by a dragon. I am genuinely concerned that Hobie is not going to live through this fight, and this is the reason I play Pathfinder. This wonderful tension where you have a challenge that you really might not come out of. In a normal, in-person session, this tension would last 45 minutes or so, and then I would know if my character lived or died. With play by post, I have to spend days, sometimes WEEKS at work, or riding the bus, wondering, "Is Hobie going to make it out of this? What can I do differently to keep him from dying." I love this game.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26-30 vs dragon/ CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 66/87
Thursday June 21st, 2018 5:18:17 AM
occ I agree! The suspense is killing me! Way too much fun!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (79/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23, shaken; Followers
Thursday June 21st, 2018 10:28:59 AM
Pressi considers curing Hobie, but he appears to be out of range. Nonetheless, she mentally prepares to breath of life him next round. Pressi's bless weapon flickers out besides her.

To succotash, "I'm sorry but I only have two forms of flight. My broom is self only, and polymorph will lose you too much damage. The latter really would only help..."

You can see the light bulb appear over Pressi's head.

"I think we have to accept what the dragon is hinting at," she mutters as she swings her spectral hand towards Succotash's mount. "The only way this team can beat him... is when pigs fly."

Pressi casts Polymorph on Miss Piggy, transforming her into a Large Eagle.

------------

As a healer, it's a slightly different sensation at least for this mission. (Boy did the tension ratchet up when something grabbed Hobie and teleported.) My biggest tensions are: 1) What happens when I run out of spells, and 2) How long before the dragon finally realizes I keep screwing him over and am quite grabbable?

------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +4 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins, took 2 hp)
shield other (move half damage to kezzem)
Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear
threefold aspect youth: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

harper: shaken (18 rounds) -2 to rolls, blinded, -7 STR

spells used

L1: 5/7+1
L2: 4/4+1
L3: 4/4+1
L4: 3/3+1

Breath of Life 0/1
Guidance 1/8

Welcome home! - DM Carl d20+28=37 ; d20+11=31 6d10(8+3+4+2+6+1)=24
Thursday June 21st, 2018 12:06:50 PM
I'm glad you guys are enjoying this. Between this combat and the nightmare that is Hook City's big fight, I'm kinda combated out and was worrying it was going to bleed over here. If it makes you feel any better, you're on the home stretch. Hang in there. You'll have a good chunk of downtime to catch up on RP back in town and such.

***

Murphy sends a lightning bolt down on the dragon again (you don't need to beat SR with every bolt, the spell already passed its check), but the dragon is ready this time and avoids most of it. He attempts to converse with it.

"I am Xusintass, Son of Korrine. Rightful heir to the throne atop the world which was stolen from her by adventurers just like yourselves."

The last point is punctuated by two daggers from Kezzem. With that, the dragon loses his chill.

"THAT TEARS IT! the beast bellows. "If I'm going to die or lose myself to disease I'm taking as many of you with me as I can." He eyes Hobie flying away, but there are four of him and that's going to be annoying. Better to wait and finish him off in a few moments with his breath weapon. He turn back to Murphy and makes his decision.

Meanwhile, Succotash asks for help flying and Bliss loads a bullet into his newly magical sling.

Pressi can't make Succotash fly, but she can turn Miss Piggy into an eagle.

The dragon closes in on Murphy easily, getting right in his face* before lashing out with it's claws and draining some life from Murphy - Vampiric touch - Hit touch AC 37 for 24 damage.

*Murphy gets an AoO.

Map

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 17 (Blinded) + 3 (Smite Evil), HP 105/109, Strength Damage 4, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 38/62, CMD 24 d20+21=35 ; d100=28 ;
Thursday June 21st, 2018 12:46:21 PM
"If pigs are flying and I'm missing it, Mr. Dragon-man, I'm going to be really cross at you. I might have to taunt you a second time. Let see, um...you mother was a handbag, and your father smelt of elderberries."

Hearing the dragon moving further away, Kezzem stows his daggers (move action) and draws his bow (Quick Draw) instead. He makes a single shot at the dragon, glad that dragon's constant boasting allows him to guestimate his position.

+1 Composite Shortbow
Attack: 1d20 + 21 = 35. Hit!
Miss Chance: 28. Miss.

Unfortunately, his guestimate is not quite accurate enough.

----

Kezzem

Spells & Effects:
Blinded (-2 AC & no Dex bonus; -2 to Str and Dex checks; 50% miss chance)
Heroes Feast (+1 Atk & Sv, +4 vs. poison & fear)
Protection form Evil (Murphy; +2 to AC and SVs vs. evil creatures)
Resist Energy (Resist Fire 20)
Shield Other (Pressi; Kezzem and Pressi each take half of any damage dealt to Pressi)
Smite Evil (dragon; +3 AC, +3 Atk, +10 damage)

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (7 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (2 used)

Spells:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x2 (1 cast), Protection from Evil (cast)
2nd Level: Resist Energy (cast), Shield Other (cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds (cast)

----

Rumpus

Spells & Effects:
Shaken (-2 Atk, -2 SVs)

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26-30 vs dragon/ CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 66/87 d20=5 ; d10=9 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ;
Thursday June 21st, 2018 5:37:49 PM
throwing axes 2/4
Lay of hands 2/9
Smite evil 3/4
1st level spells
Lesser regeneration 0/1
Endure elements 2/2
2nd level spell
Remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells
Heal mount
+1 attack and saves, +4 verses poison
under the effect of "fire resistance", "death ward", "Freedom of movement", "Grease"
Succotash has -2 to str, and Miss Piggy has -3

Miss Piggy now in the form of a giant eagle, in spite of her shock and amazement, quickly realizes the advantage she can give to Succotash if he were to mount her, so she immediately flies over to her master/friend, and attempts to squeal to get his attention, but what comes out her mouth is the cry of an eagle, and she thinks to herself, "I could learn to like this, I wonder how long this will last".
Succotash seeing his closest friend in the form of a Giant Eagle wastes no time and quickly mounts her (move action) shouting over his shoulder to Pressi, "Your the best Pressi, thanks for the lift!" He will then use a hero point to gain another move action, and then the duo will set themselves up for flanking with Murphy, and charge. (giant eagles fly speed is 80 feet)

5+18+4+2+2+1=32, for 9+3+2+8+10=32 damage

Bliss (AC23, CMD28, HP69of86) (Cayzle) d20+13=30 ; d6+7=12 ;
Thursday June 21st, 2018 6:43:57 PM

Bliss moves closer so that he is within range, and hucks a sling bullet at the dragon. He rolls at base BAB +7 dex +1 small +1 enh +1 div favor +2 feast +1 = +13 for 1d6 +3 str +2 div fav +1 enh = 1d6+6.

Bliss rolls to hit AC30 for 11 damage. (made a mistake of 1 in the roller field)

=====

Current effects (only tracking effects with durations in rounds)

CL7 Resist Fire.
CL7 Greater Magic Weapon
CL7 Shield of Faith +3
CL9 Barkskin +4
CL? Heroes Feast +1 att, will save, more
Bloodwitch Warding Ritual +1 AC, saves
CL7 extended Divine Favor +2 [4of20 rounds used]
Rage [11of14 rounds used NOW OFF]
Fatigue [3of4 rounds after rage] Can't run or charge; -2 to Str and Dex
-1 Str damage

Effects that are over or used up:
Plant Domain Bramble Armor 6 of 6 used
Death Knell 1 of 1 used.
Lesser meta rod of extend 3 of 3 used.
4th level: 1 cast of 1+1 (polymorph)
3rd level: 3 cast of 3+1 (blink, silent still div favor, gmw)
2nd level: +1 cast of 4+1 (barkskin)
1st level: 2 cast of 5+1 (sur blood, div favor)
1 hero point

EXTRA INFO:
Dragon's AC is 32/8/32. CMD is 40. SR is 26.
The Map

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 37/90(80) d20+20=26 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+22=35 ; d20+22=25 ; 2d6+8=11 ; d20+18=22 ; 5d6=24 ; d20+27=44 ;
Thursday June 21st, 2018 8:00:38 PM

"Where is the top of the world, anyway, where this throne is, Prince Xusintass?" Murphy asks. "My geographical studies fell somewhat short on that point."

Murphy's attack of opportunity is not potent enough (at 26AC).

"Oof!" he says as the dragon sucks something out of him. His spellcraft (11) is not strong enough to recognize the spell as Vampiric Touch - but he intends to find out that the dragon did to him with that spell - well, he has a fairly good idea on the results, but not the name of the spell.

"Well if you do so, maybe I can hear more of your story on the other side. That is, if our landing places are not too far off from each other."

He could drop a lightning bolt on him again - still a few left. Instead, though he decides to attack, as they are immediately adjacent.

He does manage to slam the dragon along one cheek for 11 hp damage, but fails to penetrate the prince's natural armor for a second slam.

Knowing that the dragon hurt him badly, and he may have no further opportunity to help out his friends, Murphy expends a hero point for an additional standard action, and drops another lightning bolt (24 hp) (via earlier cast call lightning storm) on him, casting defensively - At DC25, he fails, losing the spell, but not subject to an AoO.

His perception, however, as he is still not quite yet dead, is acute - 44.

"Do you play chess?" he asks the death bringer, still striving to have the dragon focus his fury upon him.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 37/90(80)
Thursday June 21st, 2018 8:04:26 PM
As he has a move left, Murphy will seek to fly out of the way, upward, if he sees a claw or tail coming after him, or jaws opening to breathe. Might that have an effect on his AC? If so, how much?

DM edit: It won't. Making an AoO doesn't affect AC.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 13/90(80)
Thursday June 21st, 2018 8:05:41 PM

And, oops, header fix showing current hit points at 13.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 18/102 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3
Friday June 22nd, 2018 3:15:42 AM
Pressi! I'm in dire need of healing, do you have any spells left that could help me out?

He flies 60 feet toward her to get in range of a touch healing spell, and then he once again casts True Strike on himself with his wand.

Let me get one more volley of arrows, and I'm bringing this &%@#!%# down

======
Active Effects
1 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Bear's Endurance +4 Constitution

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Shield: +4 Shield Bonus to AC

Mirror Image: 3 Images + Hobie = 4 Hobie's-- Roll 1 on a d4 to hit Hobie. Anything else hits one of his images.

Elevation 0 ft

======
Rounds of Haste Used 9/10
======
Spells Still Prepared

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Invisibility

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (79/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23, shaken; Followers
Friday June 22nd, 2018 10:13:52 AM
"Pressi, I am in dire need of healing," she hears.

Every sense gets sharper as she surveys the entire battle field. Every object is slower, further away. She watches Murphy remaining in the fight, even as the dragon strikes him with a vampiric touch. (Get out of there, she messages him, he's using you to heal himself!) She watches as Kezzem remains blinded, as Murphy struggles to keep upright, as Succotash rides through the air on her last critical cure, as the other witch with breath of life decides to huck a bullet.

As every spell that failed gets re-examined. As every casting and heroic action she made gets re-examined.

"Pressi, I am in dire need of healing," she hears.

How long has it been? Seconds? Years? She tries to put her thoughts out of her mind, tries to focus on what needs to be done, tries not to think that she asked for power. That she thought playing god was easy. Tries not to think about the day she met Kezzem, the day she and Murphy first kissed, the day she had to race to save Hobie... Was the last one really yesterday?

"Pressi, I am in dire need of healing," she hears from behind her. "Do you have any spells left that could help me out?"

"Yes, yes I do," she replied to Hobie. "I'm sorry."

With a flick of her hand, she swung the spectral hand towards Kezzem. Her cat cried nearby, still helpless.

Pressi scroll casts remove blindness on Kezzem (the scroll is still in her hand; its the last object she used).

She braces to watch Murphy fall out of the sky, even as she holds on to her Breath of Life.

------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +4 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins, took 2 hp)
shield other (move half damage to kezzem)
Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear
threefold aspect youth: +2 Int (doesn't stack with headband), +4 Wis, -2 to Str, Dex (-1 to AC, attack rolls, reflex, +1 to DCs, etc.)
threefold plus warding plus feast (no change to AC or attack rolls, +1 fort, reflex, -1 damage, +1 to con checks, spell DCs, +3 to will saves, will and int skills, extra L1 spell)

harper: shaken (18 rounds) -2 to rolls, blinded, -7 STR

spells used

L1: 5/7+1
L2: 4/4+1
L3: 4/4+1
L4: 3/3+1

Breath of Life 0/1
Guidance 1/8

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 13/90(80)
Friday June 22nd, 2018 2:23:07 PM

Now that Pressi has explained the vampiric toucb... well, he still needs to keep the dragon occupied. There's no AoO unless he moves more than what for a haflling is only two or three steps.
"What was your mother like, as a ruler? As a mother? She must have been remarkable." Murphy is sincere, not mocking.

"Take advantage of the moments I buy you, sweetheart. Maybe he'll pull the same trick again, maybe something else. How about a date, later?" he messages Pressi.

Bliss (AC23, CMD28, HP69of86) (Cayzle) d8=3 ; d8=3 ;
Friday June 22nd, 2018 3:43:39 PM

Bliss sees that Hobie and Murphy are both very much in danger of death. But Hobie is close by, and Murphy is out of reach.

Bliss moves over to Hobie and casts a Cure Moderate Wounds on him. Hobie is cured 13 hp.

=====

Current effects (only tracking effects with durations in rounds)

CL7 Resist Fire.
CL7 Greater Magic Weapon
CL7 Shield of Faith +3
CL9 Barkskin +4
CL? Heroes Feast +1 att, will save, more
Bloodwitch Warding Ritual +1 AC, saves
CL7 extended Divine Favor +2 [4of20 rounds used]
Rage [11of14 rounds used NOW OFF]
Fatigue [3of4 rounds after rage] Can't run or charge; -2 to Str and Dex
-1 Str damage

Effects that are over or used up:
Plant Domain Bramble Armor 6 of 6 used
Death Knell 1 of 1 used.
Lesser meta rod of extend 3 of 3 used.
4th level: 1 cast of 1+1 (polymorph)
3rd level: 3 cast of 3+1 (blink, silent still div favor, gmw)
2nd level: 1+1 cast of 4+1 (barkskin, cmw)
1st level: 2 cast of 5+1 (sur blood, div favor)
1 hero point

EXTRA INFO:
Dragon's AC is 32/8/32. CMD is 40. SR is 26.
The Map

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26-30 vs dragon/ CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 66/87
Friday June 22nd, 2018 4:05:58 PM
�Hey mister dragon, I�m back, and if I�m not mistaken, you and I have a score to settle, well I do at least�, Succotash taunts, in hopes of drawing the dragon�s attention from the hurting Murphy, as well as the rest of the group�.

Welcome home! - DM Carl d20+11=25 ; d20+28=39 ; 2d8+15=28 ; d20+26=36 ; 2d6+15=18 ; d20+26=34 ; d20+26=35 ; 2d6+11=19 ; 2d6+11=18 ; d20+26=42 ; d20+26=37 ; d8+6=14 ; d8+6=14 ;
Friday June 22nd, 2018 5:32:43 PM
Kezzem tries taunting the dragon, but it doesn't seem interested, nor does it notice the bolt that whizzes by.

Succotash cheers on Miss Piggy, now an eagle, as she tears into the dragon.

Bliss fires a sling bullet that bounces off the dragon's scales.

Murphy clocks the dragon square in the mouth, then calls another bolt of lightning down. The dragon avoids the worst of it, but is still looking really rough. He tries engaging the dragon while beating him up.

Invoking a bolt from call lightning isn't the same as casting a spell. You don't need to do it defensively.

Time moves slowly as Pressi watches Murphy tangle with the dragon. She heals Hobie, then prepares to do what she can for everyone else.

Xusintass is not insane yet, and is no fool. The writing's on the wall for him: escape and lose himself to disease, or die to these admitedly capable adventurers. "Enough talk, little one. Time's up for us. Better to fall to you than become...something else. You have my admiration, but pride insists I not die alone." Xusintass bites down hard, crushing Murphy's elemental form until the spark leaves him and he returns to his natural form. The dragon continues to bite, breaking bones and rupturing organs.

Hit AC 39 for 28 damage - with 13 HP left and 12 CON, that will outright kill Murphy.

The dragon does not release Murphy as he turns to face this blasted eagle...of all the things to face at the end of his life. A paladin's pig transformed into an eagle. It is too insulting to go unpunished. He spins to face Miss Piggy, slaming his tail into her as he turns - hit AC 36 for 18 damage. His claws rake across her new form - Hit AC 34 and 35 for 19 and 18 damage, respectively. His wings beat and buffet the poor pig turned eagle - hit AC 42 and 37 for 14 and 14 damage. The combined assault is too much. No longer a living creature, Pressi's spell on Miss Piggy ends and she falls 60' to the ground below.

Xusintass stops beating his wings and falls, landing with an immense, earth-moving thud. Blood is pouring from him, and his breathing is ragged. He simply stares into Succotash's eyes and spits out Murphy's corpse. "Looks like you failed to protect your friends, paladin." He looks expectantly at Succotash and waits.

Murphy ONLY, Highlight to display spoiler: { The pain is shocking, but brief, and is soon replaced by darkness and peace. You're awoken...sometime later. Something dull pokes at your legs. "Hey boss," someone shouts in a high-pitched voice. "I think one of those Humble's Swords got himself killed." Your eyes work. They open to see a small imp leaning against a translucent Miss Piggy. Towering over him and the rest of the battlefield is Gargul, god of life and death. He stares intently at the mass combat before him, ignoring his companion.

"Eh, he's busy, don't mind him. Here, lemme help you up." He offers a hand to help Murphy rise. "Big guy was worried you folks wouldn't be able to handle that thing, but choices had to be made. It was hard enough keeping the Sarr's avatar from running amok." The imp looks back to the center, taking a small, rolled cigar from a pouch on his belt. He offers it to Murphy. "Almost made it, kid. You did good back there. Sarr's almost reigned in, then we can end this mess. Don't go too far. I gotta go check on the others." With that, he flies off to the northwest.

The battle continues around you, though you can't assist your friends. It feels like days have passed, but the battle has barely progressed since you were killed.}

Map

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 17 (Blinded) + 3 (Smite Evil), HP 105/109, Strength Damage 4, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 38/62, CMD 24 d20+21=33 ; d20+16=21 ; d4+20=21 ;
Friday June 22nd, 2018 6:25:42 PM
"Hey, I can see again!" shouts Kezzem as Pressi removes his blindness. He then sees Murphey and Miss Piggy plummeting lifelessly from the. "Ack! Take it back! Take it back!"

He attempts to shoot the dragon once more. "Why won't you die!"

+1 Composite Shortbow
Attack: 1d20 + 21 = 33. Hit!
Damage: 1d4 + 20 = 21.

+1 Composite Shortbow
Attack: 1d20 + 16 = 21. Miss.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26-30 vs dragon/ CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 66/87 d20=19 ; d20=12 ; d10=8 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d20=15 ; d10=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ;
Friday June 22nd, 2018 6:47:35 PM
In a fit of rage, brought on by the sadness of losing his closest friend, as well as someone, even though he just met, he still considered a friend, sucking back tears, Succotash yells at the dragon,�If you would have begged for mercy, I might have relented, but now you must die!� At which time he will make a full round attack.

19(possiable crit)
12+18+4+1=35 (confirmed) 8+8+8+8+1+2+10=45 damage
15+13+4+1=33, for 3+5+5+8+10=31 damage

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (79/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23, shaken; Followers d8=3 ; d8=6 ; d8=1 ; d8=6 ; d8=7 ; d8=3 ;
Friday June 22nd, 2018 11:02:34 PM
Hoping it�s not too late, Pressi swings her hand around and hits Murphy with the breath of life.

Healing = 3+6+6+7+3+8.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 31/102 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3 d20+37=40 ; d20+17=23 ; d20+17=19 ; d20+12=27 ; d6+15=16 ; d6=2 ; d6+15=20 ; d6=5 ;
Saturday June 23rd, 2018 2:14:22 AM
"NOOOOOOOOO!!!!" Hobie screams as he sees Murphy's halfling body go limp and fall to the earth.

He drops his wand to the ground and reaches for his quiver. His first shot sinks two arrows into the dragon, but as Hobie succumbs to grief, he sends his other arrows bouncing harmlessly off of the dragon's hide.

Attack 40
Piercing 16, Fire 2
Piercing 20, Fire 5

Total 43 damage

======
Active Effects
1 temporary hit points, a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear. These effects last 12 hours

Bear's Endurance +4 Constitution

Cat's Grace: +2 Dexterity (I've already got +2 Enhancement from belt, so it's just +2 extra)

Shield: +4 Shield Bonus to AC

Mirror Image: 3 Images + Hobie = 4 Hobie's-- Roll 1 on a d4 to hit Hobie. Anything else hits one of his images.

Elevation 0 ft

======
Rounds of Haste Used 10/10
======
Spells Still Prepared

0 Level
Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message, Mending

1st Level
Shocking Grasp, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster 1, Feather Fall

2nd Level
Invisibility

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (79/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23, shaken; Followers
Saturday June 23rd, 2018 10:38:08 AM
�Don�t you dare die on me,� she shouts as she heals. �Get up.�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 + 3 (Smite Evil), HP 105/109, Strength Damage 4, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 38/62, CMD 24
Saturday June 23rd, 2018 12:38:22 PM
"Save the pig! Don't worry about Murphey, he'll be fine. He dies like every Tuesday."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26-30 vs dragon/ CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 66/87
Saturday June 23rd, 2018 1:16:55 PM
If the dragon falls, Succotash will drop to his knees, sobbing uncontrollably, over the heavy loss. If by some chance it is still alive, he will force himself to keep it together until after the dragon is killed.

Bliss (AC23, CMD28, HP69of86) (Cayzle)
Saturday June 23rd, 2018 1:56:29 PM
Seeing as Pressi has done as much for Murphy as he would have done, he sticks with his action posted earlier, and cures Hobie.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 13/90(80) d20+17=24 ;
Sunday June 24th, 2018 1:32:59 AM

The time for the earth elemental to return to its normal habitation has arrived, and its time for wrestling with tough vegetation has come to an end. It disappears.

Murphy's body lies bloodied and broken on the field where Xusintass spit him out.

Pressi lovingly tries to bring him back, to restore his breath. Heir-apparent Xusintass the umbral dragon, however, was much too thorough in his munching and crunching of Murphy's body (3 points past the constitution limit... or 1 point past the limit after the +4 for bear's endurance, and the -2 from the slime from the festering spirits).

Behind the veil Like, the rest of you all can't see this going on
Murphy looks at his new surroundings. Ah, the imp. He takes the hand, and rises, feeling his sides, checking the integrity of his bones. "Master Gimp, thank you. Thought there was a chance I might run into you and His Lordship today."

Murphy looks to see if he can see the battlefield, and, if so, tries to figure out where his companions stand upon the field, and where the other groups are arrayed.

"Miss Piggy!" he says, seeing the translucent animal. "Ah, so sorry, good sow."

When offered the cigar, Murphy takes it with a nod of acknowledgement. He has smoked a few times before, though does not make it a common practice. His uncle Orbi has taught him a fair bit about tobacco horticulture, and taught him to recognize various tobacco strains by sense of smell. Not as knowledgeable as his uncle, certainly, but he has a fair chance to know roughly the kind of tobacco (knowledge, nature: 24). "Thank you - yes, yes, go take care of things, of course."

He breathes in the tobacco scent one more time, then begins to compose a prayer in his mind. He approaches Miss Piggy, and lays a hand upon her, and continues the composition.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26-30 vs dragon/ CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 66/87
Sunday June 24th, 2018 5:59:49 PM
Miss Piggy nuzzles into Murphy, glad she�s not alone, but sad the Druid died. While sharing a moment with her new friend, she tries to scan the battlefield to see how Succotash is doing.

...and breathe - DM Carl
Monday June 25th, 2018 11:31:14 AM
Xusintass closes his eyes and dreams. He dreams of shadow-walking away from these halflings, tending his wounds, and finding their home. In his mind, he imagines terrorizing their village for centuries. He dreams of blighting their crops, of eating their children. He dreams of demanding sacrifices, of spending several halfling lifetimes patiently preying on them. It's a fine dream, one his mother would be proud of, and but not for this disease, one he would be able to carry out.

His mouth turns up into a fang-filled smile as Kezzem's arrow pierces his tailbone, shattering the base of his spine. He starts to go limp as Succoatsh cleaves twice with his holy greatsword, removing the dragon's head. His last thoughts are happy ones as the blood drains away from his diseased brain and he finally finds peace.

Pressi and Bliss descend upon the recently fallen, knowing their magic has a very narrow window. Pressi's magic starts working, uncrushing the most vital organs and stopping the blood still pooling around him. Murphy's still not pretty, but it's a start.

*Breath of life compares CON scores after healing is applied, not before. Cayzle and I have had this conversation before.

Murphy ONLY, Highlight to display spoiler: {The tobacco could easily be from Orbi's farm. Perhaps Gimp is more thoughful than he readily lets on and planned some comforts for fallen heroes. You watch as Kezzem and Succotash dispatch the dragon, then watch the dragon's spirit stand from its carcass. He sighs, then looks you over dispassionately before he flies downwards through the physical terrain. Straining, you can still see him as he orientates himself to a stream of woldsblood and flies off.

You feel a tug as Pressi's spell takes hold, and immediately the eyes of Gargul are upon you. He breathes in, eyebrows furrowing. He does not look happy. It's the last thing you see before your spirit is shoved forcefully back into your body. Your world explodes in pain; you are still very injured.}

Bliss is able to do the same for Miss Piggy, who squeals in confusion and pain as she's brought back as well. She looks nervous and confused, unable to process what just happened.

(Hope you don't mind, Cayzle. I couldn't picture Bliss just letting her die after Pressi was able to bring Murphy back by herself.)

The battlefield around you is silent. All around, other groups are finishing up their battles as well, though the Iron Dragons seem to have their hands full still. The Sarr is just a small fraction of its former self.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 + 3 (Smite Evil), HP 105/109, Strength Damage 4, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 38/62, CMD 24
Monday June 25th, 2018 1:07:22 PM
As Miss Piggy comes to, Rumpus trots over to her and gives her a big sloppy pony-kiss.

Kezzem runs up and gives Murphey a big hug. "Murph, you're alive again...again!"

He then puts a hand on Succotash's shoulder. "Hey man, glad your pig didn't die. I was starting to like her."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26-30 vs dragon/ CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 66/87 d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ;
Monday June 25th, 2018 1:24:14 PM
PIGGY!!!! Succotash screams in elation, as he runs over to embrace his revived friend, then in a more subdued tone asks Pressi if Murphy is going to make it. If he is breathing, he will use a lay of hands on Murphy, healing 23 hp, then he will use his last hero point, and his last lay of hands to heal Miss Piggy 16hp.

Occ: what�s with all the ones, and how many hp did the breath of life give Miss Piggy

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 31/102 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3 d20+13=17 ; d20+15=23 ;
Monday June 25th, 2018 1:27:53 PM
Seeing Pressi bring Murphy back to life, Hobie flies over to him and taps him with a wand of CLW. Hobie frantically waves the wand at Murphy's bleeding injured body, but is unable to get the wand to discharge.

Pressi is he going to be alright? It seems you've brought him back to life, are my eyes fooling me? Or will he be okay?

Hobie also looks over to where the Iron Dragons still seem to have their hands full. He looks around to his friends who are still able to stand
Should we help them? It might get us killed, but is there anything we can do to help the Iron Dragons? They would do, and have done, the same for us in times of need.

Hobie rolls perception to see what is going on with the Iron Dragons at this moment. Perception 23.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (25), HP 83 (79/96), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23, shaken; Followers
Monday June 25th, 2018 2:20:27 PM
�There�s no fooling, Pressi replied. �I truly am a dark ruby goddess.�

Pressi fires her remote viewing ability towards the Saar and the Iron Dragons.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 43/80 d8+1=7 ; d20+25=39 ;
Monday June 25th, 2018 2:55:32 PM

From the comfort of afterlife, back to the pain of the present, Murphy's recently escaped soul returns to his body. The wash of pain stuns him into semi-consciousness. He feels increased pain as he hears Kezzem speak to him, and realizes the paladin is welcoming him back. Normally a hug would be welcomed, but it feels as though his nerves short circuit with the squeeze. He lets out a feeble, "Th-thank you, K-k-zem" - grateful for the sentiments, if not quite so much for the added pressure at the moment.

Succotash then heals him further, for which he says, "Blessings," and Hobie works to render assistance, too. The momentary hugging pain is washed away, and he feels, not wonderful, but better. "Here, Hobie, let me try," and, borrowing the wand for a moment, manages to receive 7 more hp of healing. He returns the wand to his friend. He rises to his feet, rests his hands on his knees a moment, then lifts his head to see what is going on about him.

"Hello, my ruby goddess," he smiles wanly at Pressi. He looks down at his torn clothing, but refrains from mentioning his shirt is almost a ruby color.

He steps a few feet away from the others, then invokes a few showers of water directly over his head, to begin to clean off some of the blood and gore. The druid looks at the body of the slain dragon. "I watched him dive into the Woldsblood on the other side. Well done, friends."
======
Perception: 39

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26-30 vs dragon/ CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 66/87
Monday June 25th, 2018 5:14:01 PM
�How are the Iron Dragons doing Pressi�, Succotash asks, �I never met any of them, but if they need help I�m on my way�. Succotash mounts Miss Piggy, believing he needs her speed, saying, �Piggy, I know you�re hurting, but if those guys need me I need you to get me there ASAP!� �Hey Murphy�, he calls from the saddle, �If you could drop your spells, it would make traveling far less painful�.

OCC: If Pressi says they look like they have things under control, Succotash will dismount, otherwise, he and Miss Piggy will travel at 160ft per round (Miss Piggy�s sprint speed) towards the Iron Dragons.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26/ CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Monday June 25th, 2018 5:53:31 PM
rethought the first post, Murphy will still get the 23hp, but Succotash will cast heal mount on Miss Piggy, which at level 10 heals 100hp topping her up completely, and he will save his last lay of hands, just in case.

Bliss (AC23, CMD28, HP78of86) (Cayzle) d8+5=9 ;
Monday June 25th, 2018 7:01:28 PM
Bliss cures himself 9 hp.

He is glad he's got his breath back (no longer fatigued after rage).

=====

Current effects (only tracking effects with durations in rounds)

CL7 Resist Fire.
CL7 Greater Magic Weapon
CL7 Shield of Faith +3
CL9 Barkskin +4
CL? Heroes Feast +1 att, will save, more
Bloodwitch Warding Ritual +1 AC, saves
CL7 extended Divine Favor +2 [6of20 rounds used]
Rage [11of14 rounds used NOW OFF]
-1 Str damage

Effects that are over or used up:
Plant Domain Bramble Armor 6 of 6 used
Death Knell 1 of 1 used.
Lesser meta rod of extend 3 of 3 used.
4th level: 1 cast of 1+1 (polymorph)
3rd level: 3 cast of 3+1 (blink, silent still div favor, gmw)
2nd level: 1+1 cast of 4+1 (barkskin, cmw)
1st level: 2 cast of 5+1 (sur blood, div favor)
1 hero point

...and breathe - DM Carl
Tuesday June 26th, 2018 5:08:58 PM
With Humble's Sword back at its full roster, everyone who's able pitches in some healing to get Murphy back on his feet. Lucky for Miss Piggy, her master has a very potent spell to heal her; she's feeling better and squealing happily in no time.

Pressi sends her vision across the battlefield to see what the Iron Dragons are up to. The heroes there face liches, crystalline archers, and what looks like a flying castle made of crystal as well. Panning her vision, Pressi sees a terror unlike anything she's ever seen. It's a horrible amalgamation of dragon, bat, and purple worm. It grows red with the same power that the Sarr does, and a massive crown of adamantium sits on its head. Pressi must make a DC30 will save or be shaken.

Shaken or not, Pressi hopefully realizes it makes the dragon Humble's Sword just defeated look like a mewling kitten.

The Iron Dragons themselves are all still alive and kicking. She sees Garret doing his best against enemies who are all flying way above his head. Humble's Sword can probably relate. Tink is no where to be seen.

Any thoughts about trying to help the Dragons are cut short as a loud tearing sound erupts from the center of the mass combat...

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24 + 3 (Smite Evil), HP 105/109, Strength Damage 4, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 38/62, CMD 24 d8=5 ;
Tuesday June 26th, 2018 5:50:31 PM
"Huh, that can't be good," says Kezzem in response to the loud tearing sound.

He takes out his wand of cure light wounds and uses a charge on Hobbie.

Healing: 1d8 + 1 = 5 + 1 = 6.

"Hey Hobbie, you look Murph, and he just died. Have a little healing before something comes and starts killing us again. Sorry it's not that much."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26/ CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 d20=18 ;
Tuesday June 26th, 2018 7:54:06 PM
Succotash dismounts, and tries to determine the source of the tearing sound (perception 24) �Stay behind me Piggy�, Succotash orders, �I�m not losing you again!�.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 43/80 d8+1=8 ; d8+1=4 ;
Tuesday June 26th, 2018 8:24:47 PM
Succotash helps Murphy see beyond his own need for healing of Hobie. "Ouch, friend. Here, let me use your wand on yourself." He cures him via the wand with another 12 hp.

Bliss (AC23, CMD28, HP78of86) (Cayzle) d20+21=32 ;
Tuesday June 26th, 2018 9:05:07 PM

Bliss wonders what will come next! He keeps alert ... Perception 32.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 49/102 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3 d20+13=14 ;
Wednesday June 27th, 2018 3:25:25 AM
Hobie gratefully accepts the healing. He takes his wand back from Murphy and tries to heal himslef some more but the wand makes a strange noise instead of healing him (UMD Nat 1).

"Dang it! I can turn invisible, or make 6 of me, but I can't get ever seem to get this stupid wand to work myself! I'm glad I have you guys around."

Upon hearing the loud tearing sound, Hobie is filled with a concern and fear for the Iron Dragons, one of which in particular. He says to Pressi

"What was that noise?! How are they doing? How is Tink? Did you see Tink? Is she okay?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (26), HP 83 (79/93), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23, shaken; Followers d20+19=37 ;
Wednesday June 27th, 2018 10:26:59 AM

Pressi manages with all her might to shake off the fear effect, and has some iron will to spare (I'm assuming its a fear effect. But even without, her will saves are pretty strongly buffed for the moment and she rolled an 18.) She's feeling a little less godlike at the moment, however, even if she does have some power over Gargul himself.

Pressi shakes it off. "Uh, well from what I could see of Tink, I'm sure she's doing fine. Not really in much need of... any help that we could give them. Anyway, that tearing noise... isn't really an issue for them...."

With everyone more or less stable, she uses her standard action to shift into youth mode, and prepares her chain. Whatever is coming, she's going to have to engage it in melee (and remember that she has no reach weapons yet). She yells at Murphy that now might be a good time to get back, seeing as how he's already done his near Thursday's death.

Harper continues to whimper in the back, not knowing what is going on, but at least she is no longer shaken (fear effects are disabled when the object you fear is no longer a threat) or blind (I think it's been 4 rounds, but haven't really tracked).

------------

rituals:
warding (+1 to AC, saves to harper, pressi and Bliss)
shared spell: barkskin (20 Minutes to harper, pressi and Bliss), +4 nat AC

message (80 mins)
spectral hand (8 mins, took 2 hp)
shield other (move half damage to kezzem)
Heroes Feast (12 hrs) 13 temporary hit points (used), a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saves, and a +4 bonus vs. poison or fear
threefold aspect youth: +2 Con (dex doesn't stack with belt), -2 Wis (+1 fort, -1 to will saves, +10 HP)
threefold plus warding plus feast (+1 to AC, attack rolls, +2 to fort, reflex saves, -0 to will saves, 10 HP+13 temp HP)

harper: shaken (15 rounds, disabled)
blind wore off
-7 STR (ability drain, permanent, restore via magic)

spells used

L1: 5/7+1
L2: 4/4+1
L3: 4/4+1
L4: 3/3+1

Breath of Life 1/1
Guidance 1/8
Remote View 1/8

The New Powers of the Sargrass

...and breathe - DM Carl
Wednesday June 27th, 2018 10:50:08 AM
The tearing sound increases, and in the center of this massive battlefield the Sarr splits apart as three figures, each more than 100' tall, emerge. One quickly transforms into a massive treant, one into the mother of all sarg moths, and the last rapidly changes into one bestial shape after another.

Enough similarity remains to determine they are the three figures who petitioned you to take a side before this battle started.

They speak together in unison. Each of the Powers says a different word when there is a choice in brackets.

�WE ARE THE SARR {REBORN/BORN/EVOLVED}! WE THANK YOU, HEROES OF THE WOLD, FOR YOUR PART IN BRINGING THE PLAINS BACK TO THE WOLD!�

�WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR ROLE IN {ENDING/TAMING/CURING} THE [THREAT/CHALLENGE/DANGER] OF THE BLOODGRASS.�

�WE HAVE {CONCEDED/AGREED/VOWED} THAT WE MUST NOT WAR AMONG OURSELVES, FOR THAT WOULD DESTROY OUR HOME FOREVER.�

Across the battlefield, remaining bloodweed touched enemies shudder and collapse into blades of grass. The line has been held.

***

Congratulations, all. I'm awarding 20,000 XP for surviving the crossover module. That should put you folks at 11th level. If not, bump yourselves up to 155,000 XP. I'm also awarding a hero point in addition to the one gained when leveling up.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 115/119, Str Damage 1, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 38/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 d10=6 ; d4=3 ;
Wednesday June 27th, 2018 12:53:30 PM
Kezzem Hit Points: 6

Kezzem uses his last spell to restore some more of his strength damage.
Lesser Restoration: 1d4 = 3

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 49/102 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3
Wednesday June 27th, 2018 5:05:50 PM
LEVEL 11!!!! Hobie can cast FIREBALL!!!! (or probably more often, Haste and Fly)

Bliss (AC23, CMD28, HP78of86) (Cayzle)
Wednesday June 27th, 2018 7:50:15 PM

[OOC: Thanks Carl for a great fight! Main sheet updated]

Bliss listens and watches in wonder. Are these really the same three figures who were talking with them back in Humbles Ford? Wowsy! He feels proud.

"We are heroes!" he says to his friends after the new gods or whatever they are stop shouting. "We did it! Hooray! And they decided to give peace a chance, just like I told them! I'm wiser than I look, turns out!"

Then he glances over at the dead dragon. Did it also turn to grass? Bliss had been thinking that a dragonhide armor or maybe a buckler would have been nifty.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (26), HP 83 (79/93), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23, shaken; Followers
Wednesday June 27th, 2018 8:55:22 PM
Level 11! Pressi can hit someone twice! On those occasions where she's allowed to hit.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26/ CMD 26 - HP 91/91, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87
Wednesday June 27th, 2018 9:40:37 PM
�I�m glad that�s over!� Succotash says with a sigh of relief. He then looks over at Miss Piggy, and notices there is something different about her, he can�t put his finger on it, but she somehow gives off a celestial vibe. (11th level paladin mounts gain the celestial template) � Wow Piggy, you�re looking even more impressive than normal!�

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 43/80 3d8+11=31 ;
Thursday June 28th, 2018 2:08:59 AM

After helping Hobie a bit, Murphy walks over to Rumpus. "You are such a good pony. So brave. Here, let me help you a bit."

As he casts cure serious wounds (3d8+...11!), Kezzem's pony is restored to full health (38+31= more than enough). "That's some mount you've got there, Kez. In there kickin' big time!

And then the proclamations come. In his few moments in the presence of Gargul, and Gimp the Imp, Murphy finally understands that the huge power at the center of all this was the spirit of Sarr himself. Itself?

"What a resolution!" he exclaims. He runs over to Pressi and gives her a big kiss. He runs to each of his other friends, and shakes hands, claps them on their shoulder, and, filled with joy that overruns into his physical energy, rejoices and exults. He then holds up a finger. "One thing I must do."

He again transforms into a pretty large air elemental, and shoots up into the air - not directly above the SARR - but up to say, shoulder level - and he begins swiftly to circle about the power, and says in a booming voice,

"PRAISE UNTO THE HEAVENS ABOVE!
PRAISE UNTO THE HEROES ENCIRCLING THESE FIELDS.
PRAISE UNTO THE FACTIONS OF THE SARR WHO HAVE SWORN TO RECONCILE!
PRAISE AND GLORY TO MA'AB WHO PRESERVED,
TO THE GODS AND POWERS WHO WATCHED OVER US ALL!
LET ALL THE WOLD R-E-J-O-I-C-E!
REJOICE - REJOICE - REJOICE!!!

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26/ CMD 26 - HP 100/100, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity r d20=6 ;
Thursday June 28th, 2018 6:09:00 AM
Succotash offers up a brief prayer to Pantheon, then notices Murphy going crazy with elation, he then sheathes Twinklesting, gathers up his throwing axes, and pulls out his drum, saying, "Hobie time to bust out your lute, let's celebrate with some music!" (performance 6+6)

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC 26/ CMD 26 - HP 100/100, Miss Piggy AC 27 / CMD 23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity r
Thursday June 28th, 2018 6:10:26 AM
fixed header

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 49/102 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3 d20+6=22 ;
Thursday June 28th, 2018 9:19:26 AM
At Succotash's suggestion, Hobie will for the first time in what feels like weeks, put Prowler in his efficient quiver, and reach into his handy haversack.

Seeing Murphy and Miss Piggy come back from what looked like sure death, Hobie smiles wide and pulls out a bottle of fine wine and a jar of honey that he had been saving. "Anybody have any bread?"

He passes the food to a friend and pulls out his lute, laughing and smiling, and plays what feels like a happy song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCPLqjcq3cg

Perform(Lute)= 22

Bliss (AC23, CMD28, HP78of86) (Cayzle) d20+2=3 ;
Thursday June 28th, 2018 10:14:57 AM

Bliss claps his hands when Hobie starts playing and tries to dance along. But he's not as good at dancing as he used to be ... rolls a nat 1, falls down, and laughs.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (26), HP 83 (79/93), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23, shaken; Followers d20+5=19 ;
Thursday June 28th, 2018 10:51:55 AM
(It'll take a little time to finish up my sheet - I am thinking of squeezing in a metamagic into my plan.)

Pressi is so happy at the success that she can't even be surly as Bliss takes some of her "I told them so" thunder. She kisses Murphy back hard and even tries to keep the teasing to a minimum. (We have GOT to stop meeting like this.)

Out comes some bread (from her breadbox) and other provisions. Out comes some of her own enjoyment of the music (Perform Dance 19). Out comes some comforting of her cat, though she will have to find someone who can cast restoration later. (It never ceases to amaze her how many gaps the witch spell list has.) She considers talking to her own deity, but the lady could use the break.

Time for our heroes to get some rest. - DM Carl
Thursday June 28th, 2018 11:11:04 AM
A small celebration breaks out after the fight with songs and poetry. It's a very halfling response to winning the day.

Bliss frowns as he notices the monster corpses turning to grass, but the dragon corpse doesn't. Maybe because he was infected, but had not succumbed. In any case, there is some beautiful dark violet dragonhide to be had. There's also a perfectly good head Succotash cut off that would look pretty boss mounted above a fireplace.

As Hobie and Succotash finish their song, a slow clap can be heard behind you. Turning, you all find a small imp that most of you recognize as Gimp, irreverent right hand of Gargul. "Great job guys and gal. You gave the gods all the time they needed to cleans the Sarr and anchor the Plains back where they belong. The Woldsblood has been cleansed and returned where it belongs, and now life can return here."

He hops down and looks back at the Plains. "You've made history, folks, and you have the gratitude of the gods." He turns to face you again. "Anyway, I've been asked to send everyone home. You've done more than enough and deserve a good rest." He takes a pair of scissors from...somewhere. He takes them and cuts a hole in the air from bottom to top. A glowing blue portal opens behind them as he cuts. "This will remain open for about 10 minutes, just in case you want to take some time to gaze or whatnot. Just be sure not to miss your bus. Now if you'll excuse me, lots more heroes to send home." He takes a bow and flies off.

Bliss (AC23, CMD28, HP78of86) (Cayzle) d20=7 ;
Thursday June 28th, 2018 11:39:15 AM

Bliss shouts to Murphy, "Hey Mister Murphy! Get down here! We got work to do and only nine minutes to do it in!"

"Come on everybody, we got a dragon to butcher!

Bliss casts Alter Self (human) on himself for the strength boost and the leverage of longer arms. He gets to work. However, he's never butchered a dragon, or anything else for that matter, so he Aids Another and uses his bloodwitch Guide ability as he tries to help anyone else who has a modicum of expertise skinning a kill.

Well, Bliss's Aid Another roll is for crap, but with the Guide he still grants a +2 to some one else's check!

"I have GOT to get me some Survival skills," he mutters.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 49/102 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3 d20+12=23 ;
Thursday June 28th, 2018 12:12:15 PM
Hobie is also quite interested in the idea of some dragonhide armor, or at least reskinning his quiver with dragonhide to have a token for remembering the first dragon he fought.

Hobie thinks hard about what he knows from studying dragon anatomy and tries to remember exactly what places the cuts should be made to ensure a clean skinning (Knowledge Arcana 23).

He will also take Tink's silver dagger and go to the dragon's head "Guys, what do you think, are we gonna take this back and hang it up in the headquarters we were building? If not, I'd like to at least cut out a tooth for each of us, as a token"

If the group wants to take the whole head Hobie will help, otherwise he will cut out one tooth for each member of Humble's Sword, and he'll take an extra, which he plans to use as a gift.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 115/119, Str Damage 1, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 38/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Thursday June 28th, 2018 12:19:42 PM
"Rumpus is looking a bit sparklier too," says Kezzem. "Did I ever mention I once met a dwarf barbarian? He had a pony named Sparkles. Died her hair pink and everything. Strange fellow."

"Should I blow through my wand now, or should I save it and just rest naturally. Tomorrow I can pray for more healing spells and lay on hands and stuff if we are not going to be fighting more dragons."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 100/100, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Thursday June 28th, 2018 1:17:57 PM
Succotash thinks about things for a moment or two, and then asks, � Am I a member of Humble�s Sword now?� �I mean, for the first time in a very long time, I feel like I belong to something bigger than myself, and to be honest, I really like it�. If you�ll have me, and my opinion means anything, hanging the head at our headquarters, we have a headquarters? Would be sweet!�

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 10a large air elemental w/huge stats (Kim) AC 31/33vsEvil HP 43/80 d20+16=21 ; d20+25=41 ;
Thursday June 28th, 2018 2:57:18 PM
Earlier
"Yes, Press, we've got to think of at least eleventy-three different ways we can meet. Don't want to get boring, right?" he answers her with a wink.

Later
Seeing Gimp show up, Murphy quickly descends - and appreciates Bliss's beckoning, as well. He unwildshapes back to his normal halfling self. "Thank you, Master Gimp, for your fine hospitality, and the cigar. How you found tobacco from my Uncle Orbi's fields, I can only guess at! Apologies to Lord Gargul - his look at me as my love pulled me back was somewhat disconcerting. Praise to him for those he is caring for."

And now
Murphy pulls out a few blades (a masterwork dagger, a normal dagger, and a sickle) - and wildshapes into a large earth elemental with huge side benefits. He attends to skinning as well as he is able (Survival: 21), getting some of the plates off, and some of the fine skin, as much as he is able in nine of the ten minutes available, working with Bliss, Hobie and whoever else is willing to pitch in. The last minute he uses to ensure that all the bits they want to take, and the people and animal friends, make it through in time. He might be able to handle the dragon head himself. The tail end of the tail, and at least one of the claws might be handy to take along too.

Onward
"We have a new plot of land just outside of Humble's Ford that the townsfolk and authorities gave to us. It's pretty good sized, and I'm certain we could have a suitable building as a place of honor for our defeated foe within," he tells Succotash.

He turns to the others, "Well, friends, what do you think? Is the good paladin, Succotash Slenderstick, along with his heavenly hog, Miss Piggy, to be considered a member of Humble's Sword? What do you say? Lord Kezzem - is there room for another paladin in our group? Bliss? Pressi? Hobie?" He will listen to what they say. After all are heard, he says, "Well, I say yes, too, to Lord Succotash. Let's make it formal once we get back to Humble's Ford, shall we?"

He wonders whether the Gimp-drawn window will take them back to the battlefield where the bloodgrass-touched crystal sphere had landed (in which case, currently in earth elemental form, he will mine the gems to be found in the carcass of the purple worm they defeated), or back home in the Ford. If to the latter, he will look around to see if the encircling 10' high stony wall still is there - and then to greet any who may be in their vicinity.
=======
Perception: 41

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 100/100, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 d20=11 ; d20=4 ;
Thursday June 28th, 2018 8:30:24 PM
Succotash tries to offer aid with skinning the dragon rolled an 11-1=10 on survival. �Ok know what you mean Bliss, you would think someone who spent most his life wondering the Wold solo, fighting evil when ever I came upon it, would be better at things like this�.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 115/119, Str Damage 1, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 26, HP 38/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Thursday June 28th, 2018 11:51:25 PM
"Don't worry, Murph, as a paladin of Gargul, I can assure you any dirty looks he gave you is because if you die one more time, you get a free sub in the afterlife."

"Oh, the pig can stay," says Kezzem. "And her companion, too, I guess."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 49/102 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3
Friday June 29th, 2018 5:15:39 AM
"If this means I'm no longer the new guy, then I'm glad to have you as an official member, Succotash!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21 (26), HP 83 (79/93), CMD 20; crone, lore, Harper-AC 21 (26), HP 61 (61/61), CMD 23, shaken; Followers d20+4=9 ;
Friday June 29th, 2018 10:24:44 AM
(Originally, I was going to make a joke about how Murphy survived the last big battle with Garron, and the world was about to end. But then I checked the archives. Murphy did not survive the last big battle.)

Pressi grinned and shook her head. "Honestly, I sometimes think 'We take prior loner guys who show up' should be our motto. Then I remember that we are all halflings, so said motto would just be redundant.

"Also, people have to stop sweating their low survival skills. For example, you might wonder why my survival is so low for a solo gal who lived on the street until you remember... I lived on the street. I spent a lot more time working or petty thieving than I did hunting squirrels and berries." (Survival roll 9, BTW.)
"And if it wasn't for that particular ritual, I'd probably still ignore it even with my new job."

To Kezzem, she tells him that he might want to save his wand, since it seems to be all over.

Time for our heroes to get some rest. - DM Carl
Friday June 29th, 2018 11:05:25 AM
The dragon is skinned, but most of our heroes are not experts in such things. Luckily, Murphy seems to know what he's doing. He secures enough hide and scales for at least one full set of armor, and there will probably be enough left over to decorate one or two small items with the remaining scales.

The portal starts to pulse, alternating between light and dark, as the edges start to waver. Obviously, it's time to go. Humble's Sword, along with its newest member and her paladin companion, walk through and are slingshotted towards home. They see the ground passing below at incredible speeds, though no wind whips around them. Suddenly, there is a tug on the back of everyone's neck, and the movement slows abruptly. There is a sudden feeling of being pulled quickly down, and in the blink of an eye Humble's Sword finds themselves sitting cross-legged in the Manfri lodge where the trip to save the Sargrass first started. Mahyawu sits cross-legged as well on the opposite side of a small, cozy fire.

Everyone quickly notices that all their wounds are healed, and any lingering negative levels or ability damage has been restored as well. In addition, your clothes, armor, and weapons have all been repaired and cleaned. In fact, the sweat and blood of battle has been washed from all of you, replaced with the scents of sage and wood smoke.

Your animal companions have been cleaned up as well and munch happily on what looks to be some sort of oat. Pippa whinnies happily when she sees Hobie has returned, but keeps eating. Priorities, after all.

Though you're back in the same lodge, it's different. The sounds of many people talking and laboring outside can be heard, and the other-worldly vibe is gone. Everyone is 99% certain they're still on the prime material plane.

"I hope you'll pardon the interruption, heroes," speaks Mahyawu. "We owe you a debt that we cannot repay, but we can try..." He makes a motion, and two Manfri teenagers enter, each carrying a woven basket about the size of a large watermelon. "I saw your druid eyeing this worm when I implored you for help, so we took it upon ourselves to recover what we could from it for you." The baskets are placed on the ground where all can see and are opened. Inside is a fortune of uncut gems and precious metal ores. "The beast must have been ancient. It is a tragedy that it met its end in such a diseased state, but what's done is done." Mahyawu rises and bows once. The lids are placed back on the baskets and secured with woven cord. Before anyone has a chance to thank him, he snaps his fingers and you find yourselves, your companions, and two baskets full of goodies start rocketing back home.

After a few moments you start to recognize where you are, and Humble's Ford slowly comes into view. It's only been a few days since you last saw it, but cleanup from the fire elemental attack has gone well. New burrows have started being constructed to replace the ones that were destroyed. A jagged wall of granite and obsidian still rings the town, but enough of is has been removed to allow the river to flow freely again.

Landing, you notice it's still warm inside the town with that rock wall blocking the breeze. Oh well, given some time that can be dealt with. You land without thouroughfare, so it takes a moment for Humble's Ford's citizens to realize you're back. Roscoe is the first person to notice you've arrived. He stares a moment, making sure you folks are really there, before a huge smile errupts on his face. "HEY, HUMBLE'S SWORD'S BACK EVERYONE!" he shouts, and soon faces are poking out of windows and around corners.

Humble's Sword is absolutely assaulted by townsfolk. Even Blossom BumbleLuck lets her haughty demanor slip for a moment, especially when she notices the handsome newcomer. Work on the town cleanup comes to a halt as everyone comes to welcome you home.

***

The treasure is enough to bring everyone up to the 82,000 GP allowed for 11th level, with about 2000 left to put into repairing the town or sprucing up your homestead.

Next real-time week is pure downtime. Go shopping, work on crafting, do whatever. Ken will be starting the adventures back up on July 9th.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Friday June 29th, 2018 2:18:32 PM
OOC: Updating Header and Link to New Sheet

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 85/85
Friday June 29th, 2018 5:10:52 PM
OOC: Updating Header and Link to New Sheet [although it still needs much work]

Request - over the course of next week's posts, can the characters have 3 or 4 weeks off of adventuring? We've been VERY BUSY elsewhere, lately, and would love to catch up on a bit of 'normal' time - and work on things like the new area set aside for the team. And WLA, catching up with social life, reading a few books, lazing in the sun, etc.

Sure. You folks have three in-game weeks off.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3
Saturday June 30th, 2018 3:52:51 AM
The first thing that Hobie is going to do, because it was a promise, and it's time sensitive, is to find Cosimo and Duenna of the traveling menagerie (Holy cow that was 5 months ago, February 1st).

He will request Succotash's assistance in particular because his and Miss Piggy's strength could be an asset, and invite any other of Humble's Sword to join him.
Succotash, I hope you can help me with something. You see, before we traveled to the Sargrass we happened upon a traveling menagerie that was nearly decimated. We hadn't the time to stop and give the dead their respects because we had to save the wold. I thought since you recently lost your whole party, that you might be sensitive to the need and help me bury them.

He will go back to the site of their attack (with Cosimo and Duenna if they are willing) and see to it that their dead friends and beloved animals are buried properly. The animals are quite large and will probably need to be buried at the site, but the humanoids (were they all halflings?) he will bring back to Humble's Ford to have buried in the town cemetery.

If Succotash said yes, and he and Hobie spent some time bonding in this solemn occasion, he will invite Succotash to stay with him at Roscoe's house.
Friend, as you are new to our town, you will certainly be looking for lodging. We are constructing a Humble's Sword headquarters where we might all live together, but with recent events, the construction has been quite slowed. You certainly have more than enough gold to stay at the finest inns in town if that's your preference, but if you'd like to have more of a 'home' experience, you are more than welcome to stay with me and my Cousin Roscoe, the town Constable. We have an extra room for you, and Miss Piggy is welcome as well to stay in the stable with my dear Pippa.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 100/100, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Saturday June 30th, 2018 6:32:59 AM
�I happily except your hospitality Hobie�, Succotash says with a smile, �Been living in inns, and more often then not my tent for so long now, a �real home would be very welcome!� �I am more than happy to help you with the burials, but I would like to stop at the Catacombs before we leave, to place an order�. To the rest of the party he says, �Due to the fact that we are adventures, and as such, often find ourselves on the road, why don�t we hire someone to build our headquarters?�

Bliss (AC23, CMD28, HP78of86) (Cayzle)
Saturday June 30th, 2018 8:45:06 AM

Bliss finally gets a moment of down time and seeks out the new guy. Mister Succotash (and Miss Piggy), welcome to Humbles Ford. This is our town. There are three halfling towns in our valley, Crescent Valley. To the north we got giants and mountains. To the south we got goblins and orcs and ogres. To the west is a magic forest. To the east is a bay and a great human nation."

"At least, that's more or less the directions, Mister Murphy can tell you better. I really gotta get some ranks in Survival! Anyway, welcome to our group and to the area! I like your idea of getting someone to build us a more cozy place."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Saturday June 30th, 2018 1:33:35 PM
Kezzem takes a trip to the catacombs to enchant his adamantine short sword against constructs (construct bane) and adds a frost enchantment to his favorite dagger. He also picks up an amulet of mighty "hooves" for Rumpus and a handful of alchemists fires.

He also takes some down time to brush up on his knowledge on Gargul, the undead, and religion in general. As a paladin he feels he should know these things!

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Saturday June 30th, 2018 2:32:23 PM
"Hey Kezzem! wait up!", Succotash hollers to his fellow paladin, "I'll join you on the way to the catacombs, I'm looking to buy a pair of boots of speed, and a headband of charisma (+2) for myself, and a shock tear for Piggy".

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) 85/85
Sunday July 1st, 2018 2:16:44 AM
HF Things to do after SARR

Town fixin'
Murphy is pleased to see that townsfolk have allowed for the river to pass through its normal channel again. He offers to open up the roadways into and out of town through the walls, if that has not already been accomplished.

Town repair: Murphy provides a measure of help to fix things about town. He solidifies the tunnels and larger underground areas with the help of spells and assisting elementals, and takes time here and there to complete the ones he had earlier planned. "May come in handy down the road," he says.

Succotash's Suggestion
"That is an excellent idea, Succotash. As a matter of fact, the town leadership has provided us with a construction project manager, Foreman George. We have plans for the new place a tad bit north of town. I'll show you a map we laid out of the general plans." He pulls a few scrolls out of his haversack, and spreads them out - Humble's Sword Acres 2018. "See here, this first scroll ('Master 10' View') gives the general plan. Then this next one ('Detailed 2.5ft View') shows more detail." He hands Succotash a copy of 'Everyone Play Map' (name of tab on map). [Click on that tab. Click on little down arrow to right of tab name. Click on Duplicate. After the Duplicate is made, rename it to your character's name. Feel free to make proposed changes to the plan on your copy of it.] Murphy makes the same offer to Kezzem, Hobie, Bliss & Pressi.

More on the compound: The general plans had already been laid out. Anyone who wishes to may join Murphy in discussing the plans again with the builders. After the town work, he focuses on the new place - especially the building up of the central building, engaging earth elementals principly in assisting him, but other elementals as needed for various details. For plumbing, ventilation, secure areas, some hidden passageways and storage, he consults with Foreman George, and coordinates with him.

Humble's Sword Initiation Rites
"Say, Bliss," begins Murphy, "How would you like to figure out a welcoming ceremony - not just for Succotash, but also for any who may wish to join us in the future. I think that newcomers - we may want to have them go through maybe one or two missions with us before we welcome them fully as members of the group. Give them a chance to see if they want to commit to us, and for us to see if they fit with us. I think Succotash will be great. Talk it over with others, if you want. I trust you, Bliss. Go over your ideas with me before we do it. Let's see if we can have a ceremony tomorrow - or later, if you need the time. And a pledge for all of us to make to one another, as members of Humble's Ford."

Keeping a Promise
To fulfill the pledge to the air elementals Murphy made in order to enlist their aid against the fire elementals, he suggests that Pressi join him to meet with Papa Samell (Samell Fingers Pastna Pipewood - Murphy's father) to plan design and construction of the promised white spire for air elemental dancing - something with wind instrument capabilities, harmonics, frolicking. Plan is to place in area where Murphy met with elder elementals to the northwest a ways across the river. He asks his father how tall they might make it. "Fifty feet? A hundred feet tall?"

Staying in touch
Over the course of the next few weeks, if she is willing and available, Murphy sees about spending some time with Pressi every day or so - having a meal, going dancing, taking a walk, talking about ... things.

Once or twice a week, if possible, have a two hour meeting with all members of team. Some may want WLA training. Can WLA trainers meet us in HF? If not, there is a WLA chapter in nearby Angel Springs, about 8-12 hours travel away from Humble's Ford, more or less.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) 85/85
Sunday July 1st, 2018 2:19:06 AM

Note: The Catacombs entrance in Humble's Ford is via Pirnook's General Store.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) 85/85
Sunday July 1st, 2018 2:29:34 AM

Regarding the tunnels, here is the Map of Murphy's Tunnels, Rev1, with Key.

Bliss (AC23, CMD28, HP78of86) (Cayzle)
Sunday July 1st, 2018 8:02:32 PM

Bliss tilts his head and stares at Murphy. "Um, make a ceremony? Like really? Couldn't we all just join the WLA? They're the best group I know, and they already have a good ceremony. I did it."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) 85/85
Sunday July 1st, 2018 10:15:37 PM

"Good call, Bliss," Murphy replies.

"Yeah, Succotash, everyone agrees, we want you to stay with the group," Murphy tells him. "You're officially a member of Humble's Sword. Welcome on, fully!" He shakes the paladin's hand.

"Say, have you heard about the Woldian League of Adventurers? A few of us are heading over to Angel Springs, maybe next week, for some training. We'd be happy to have you join in with us, if you've a mind to."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Monday July 2nd, 2018 6:23:47 AM
�Thanks for the offer, Murphy, but I already promised Hobie I�d help him out with the burials and such, I�m not sure if we�ll be back in time�.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Monday July 2nd, 2018 6:34:29 AM
However, if we are able to get back in time, count me in, I could do with some training, and thanks again for the hearty welcome to Humble�s Sword.

At this time, Succotash places his hand on his holy symbol, and says, �I Succotash Slenderstick, Paladin of Pantheon, along with Miss Piggy, a most excellent pig, do swear to do my best to help the causes of this great adventuring group, and am willing to do what it takes, even laying down my life, to help protect it�.

Time for our heroes to get some rest. - DM Carl
Monday July 2nd, 2018 12:44:56 PM
During the downtime, I'll just be posting appropriate NPC actions, not rehashing what you folks are doing.

***

Hobie manages to track down Cosimo and Duenna living with Murphy's family.

"Mama Bekka put us up once we delivered Murphy's note to her," starts Duenna. "Unopened," interjects Cosimo without looking up from his labor. Duenna ignores the interjection. "I've grown quite fond of your village. I've made plans to stay on myself. Mama Bekka's already agreed to put me up so long as I do my part."

"Not me," says Cosimo. "Not that I don't appreciate everything, but small town life's not for me. In fact, if any of you are planning on heading out to anyplace more...populated anytime soon, I'd like to tag along if you'll let me. Don't feel too safe exploring the countryside alone."

Duenna agrees to accompany Hobie and any others on their quest to bury the Menagarie's dead. Cosmio politely declines; his attachment to them doesn't seem to have strengthened any in your absence.

The townsfolk take an immediate interest when Murphy starts dismantling the rock wall. "The heat doesn't seem too bad at first, but try living in it for a while," explains mayor Bingo. "We'd all appreciate you doing what you can to bring it down."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Monday July 2nd, 2018 1:58:35 PM
"Oh, sure tag along kid," says Kezzem to Succo. "I've never been there either, so hopefully we will spot us a guide there."

Bliss (AC23, CMD28, HP78of86) (Cayzle)
Monday July 2nd, 2018 2:09:25 PM

Bliss is glad to hear that their new paladin pal is coming to join the WLA. "Sir Succotash, don't worry none about getting your job done in time. Many hands make for fast work!"

He introduces the new guy to all his friends, and Pressi's if they are around.

"This is Joy, our cook, and Comfort, our healer, and Hesitation and Mourning, our musicians, who make people happy. They are twins." That last bit is not really needed, seeing as Hesitation and Mourning are identical.

Bliss tells his friends about Succotash's job with Hobie, and he asks if we all can help pitch in, then head to Angel Springs.

Bliss has an idea! "Hey! You all come along too!" he says to his followers. "You all should be WLA members like me!"

In a private aside with Pressi, the small bloodwitch urges his fellow witch to bring her followers to join the WLA too. "After all," he says, with the guidance of his inner Mookie, "the cost is free so long as they say the oath!"

So Bliss proposes to do chores, then head to Angel Springs for WLA training!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23; Followers
Monday July 2nd, 2018 4:43:23 PM
After some much needed rest and recuperation, Pressi finally took some time to see what was on her list. Her first priority, some much needed prayers of half hearted thanks and blue arguments to her pain oriented deity, had been completed to sufficient satisfaction, and the Justicars had decided not to drop her just yet.

Getting some much needed gear seemed to be a priority, and... she supposed she ought to do WLA training too, though she was far less missionary than Bliss had become. Surely he will soon be knocking on the doors of random halflings, asking if they heard the good word that is the WLA.

Come to think of it, they ought to be doing that for their coven, too.

Leaving her room at the Dancing Pig, she shielded her eyes from the light and took in the fields of Humbles Ford below. Turning towards the statue that inexplicably stood outside her door, a longsword at the ready, she tells it to stand down with a hand wave of dismissal and moves to rejoin the group.

Her first stop was to her coven to check in on their well being and to see if the town needed further good works. Then, off to the air elemental tower planning committee, to which she is never prepared for. She spends some time with Murphy alone, of course, and tries to get some time to know the new guys.

And of course, she needs to sit down with the plans for the new hall, if she ever gets the chance.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Monday July 2nd, 2018 4:49:17 PM
Splendid idea Bliss and thanks for the help, besides taking the oath, I think I�m going to go ahead and get my first tier of training in, I�m with you, I really need to gain some survival skills, and I think I�ll add to my mediocre healing skills as well, just in case we run into some of those thin/tall men thing-a-ma-bobs, now that the Sarrgrass is in the Wold, kind of sucks when magic won�t heal.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Monday July 2nd, 2018 5:25:52 PM
�Where are my manners�, Succotash says while slapping his forehead. To Joy he says, � I can always appreciate a good cook, I hope to try some of your cuisine someday, to Comfort he says, �As a Paladin, I always enjoy meeting another healer, maybe we can exchange pointers someday�, and to the twins he says, �I�m not the best but I love playing my drum, maybe we can all get together and jam someday�.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) 85/85
Monday July 2nd, 2018 8:06:37 PM

"I will go with you for the burial ceremony," Murphy tells Succotash. "It's only a few hours travel from here, so that should not prevent us from going to Angel Springs next week."

"A fine pledge, my new friend. A very fine pledge, for you and for your most excellent Miss Piggy."

As nearly always when in town, he spends time with his family. Murphy finds Duenna and Cosimo at the family burrow. "Cosimo, I had some doubts about you. It is clear you honor your word. Will you forgive me for misjudging you? I was wrong. Look, next week some of us are heading to Angel Springs, a decent-sized city, with plenty of options. You are welcome to accompany us, if you've a mind to do so."

He is happy that Duenna plans to stay, and tells her so. "Mama always has this project and that which can use some extra hands."

Over the next three weeks (this week of posting), Murphy has the following things planned (besides spending time with mates, and Pressi). Will flesh out in future posts this week. The order listed is not necessarily the order of performance.

Murphy's To Do List
1. Meet w/ Foreman George to see how things are going in the building projects at Humble's Sword Acres (or whatever we're going to call it). Spend some time helping, coordinating, surveying.
2. With Pressi, meet with Papa Samell to go over construction of the tall, white spire to be build for the air elementals at the cliff outside town which overlooks some of the farms.
3. Raze some of the walls surrounding the town.
4. Finish (or advance/shore up) town tunnel system mapped out.
5. Transplant two huge oaks. Awaken one. Liveoak another.
6. Spend two days in Angel Springs (WLA training, visiting druids, family at shop, et al)
7. Visit with various key people around town.
8. Ask community leaders - civil, religious, social - to plan a festival of thanksgiving in celebration of the preservation of HF, and of the well-being of the Wold, to give thanks to heaven above, and to rejoice with one another. "Let good stories be told."
9. Take 1 day off a week for worship, visiting with friends, and with wise members of the community.
10. He will journal each day - focusing early on the recent events with the Sword, then later on things going on around town.
11. Give local children (and adults, if they want) rides while shapechanged into various critters.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Monday July 2nd, 2018 8:58:47 PM
�I just thought of a great name for our Headquarters�, Succotash shares with his friends, �How about �The Sanctuary�?, of course, I�m just the new guy, so feel free to ignore my suggestion, but I just felt like it would be a sanctuary, so why not call it what it is, or will be�.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Monday July 2nd, 2018 11:58:54 PM
"I should probably get around to the getting one of this WLA membership thingies too," says Kezzem. "How do I do that?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) 85/85
Tuesday July 3rd, 2018 12:43:48 AM

"Good thought, Succotash," Murphy responds to the new paladin's suggestion. "A place of holiness, something set apart, and a place of refuge or safety. 'The Sanctuary of Humble's Sword,' perhaps?"

--------

"Here is how it works, Kezzem. The WLA, or Woldian League of Adventurers, was formed a lo-o-ong time ago, in the beginning years of the Second Age. Members swear to protect the innocent and combat evil, and to uphold the ideals of the League.

"Once you join, and take the oath, you get a badge, like this one," and he displays a badge in the form of a crenelated tower with an encircled symbol. "It's Old High Woldian for the WLA - I've got to learn me that language one of these days." He takes it off so that Kezzem, and anyone else, can take a closer look at it for a few minutes.

"So, the starter levels are free. If you want to advance further - which costs something - you also get more specialized training. Dues incur at 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, and 16th level. If you want to be trained all the way up to your current level, you'll spend 7,000 gold pieces. I have found it to be worthwhile. You would gain additional knowledge in several skills (11 skill point bonuses, no more than two per skill), plus three feats, and prestige. If you want to keep costs down, you could pay for only, say, Journeyman - third level - and Guardian - 6th level, which would get you the training and feats through 8th level, for only 3,500 gold.

"We share information with the WLA - and they with us. I keep a journal of this group's actions, what we find out there in the Wold, and I make a copy of it for their archives. Lots of groups do that - it helps WLA members around the Wold to keep up with what's going on, and especially what is useful to know. I've got one of my younger brothers who copies my journals. I check through it before sending it on - but he hardly ever makes any copying errors, unless my writing gets smeared or something."

He takes back his badge, and affixes it again on his chest. "So, hope that helps, Kez. Why don't you and Succotash plan on spending a week out there - sample the whole banquet, as it were?" Then he adds, "And Angel Springs is an interesting city. You'll want to watch your valuables in certain parts of town."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) 85/85
Tuesday July 3rd, 2018 2:43:50 AM

BTW - we did get the dragonhead, some skin and dragon scale through the window, right? How about the single claw that Murphy mentioned? Hobie suggested Murphy have that made into armor for him - but if someone else wants it, he is all right with that.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3
Tuesday July 3rd, 2018 3:39:41 AM
https://www.d20pfsrd.com/equipment/special-materials/#TOC-Dragonhide
It seems that if you wanted heavy or medium armor, you can only make one set, but if a couple people wanted hide armor, you should be able to make 2 or 3 small sized Hide Armors.

Hobie makes it known that he doesn't need any dragonhide armor, but he would like some of the scraps, just enough to reskin his quiver with dragonhide. He would also love a dragon scale if there are any, he's heard they can possess powerful magic.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Tuesday July 3rd, 2018 5:31:56 AM
�I for one think �The Sanctuary of Humble�s Sword� sounds perfect!�, Succotash exclaims. He then adds, �I would love to get all the training my experience has earned, but at the moment I can only afford the training for the first tier, it seems The Catacombs got the lions share of my gold, but I intended to make the trip worth while�.

Bliss (AC23, CMD28, HP78of86) (Cayzle)
Tuesday July 3rd, 2018 7:30:02 AM

OOC: Note that Woldian Dragonhide has its own special rules.

Bliss likes "Sanctuary," and hopes it can also be the home for the Coven that he and Pressi run. "With some cells for the prisoners," he adds.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday July 3rd, 2018 11:04:41 AM
(The followers and Pressi's Lesser Immortal summons have been moved to Pressi's sheet. The post name was just getting ridiculous.)

----------

Pressi considers the possibility of owning dragonscale hide armor with actual lust, but for now has to decline. (ASF 10% after feat, caps her dex bonus, etc.) If Murphy's not looking for full plate and nobody else wants to share, she asks the group if the 10% risk is acceptable.

--------------

"Now that Murphy has shared with everyone the mechanics," Pressi would tell her followers and the new people, "It's time to talk strategy. Obviously, you have to balance other aspects, including your personality in general (group joiner) and the particular ethos, and I resisted the call to join a group, too.

"Part of the reason for the push is that there are benefits when interacting with other members, though some organizations are more so. But you have to look at the benefts per group. So, here they are..."

WLA - skill points, 5 free feats that aren't the most desired, but can give some benefits for the price. Pressi's a WLA member to keep up her rogue skills and more easily afford the prestige class.

Mailed Fist - 2 teamwork feats that can vastly boost offense, and some training to expand how much they can be used. (You also get a "floating armory" for emergencies. This was Pressi's old org, and I'd recommend our paladins take a closer look before locking anything in.

Star Mages - slotless items (like a free pearl of power) and some base resources (like reduced fee teleport for the group), based on CL and the most RP time intensive

Chancers Club - mostly RP, some chance to gather info or gamble

Sage's Guild - it takes some substantial skill point payments to max it out, so it's primarily for characters focused almost solely on skills like bards or diviner witches.

-----------------

Pressi is in general agreement in regards to the new home, and will take a look at the plans eventually. She introduces the new members to her coven followers.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Tuesday July 3rd, 2018 1:30:19 PM
Kezzem checks his funds after returning from the catacombs. "Ah crap, I forgot to put some money aside for joining one of these guild thingies. Well, I can do that first two levels of the WLA for now at least to boost my knowledge on religion thingies. And it looks like down the road it can make me quicker, tougher, and better able to protect you guys so Murphy doesn't have to die again."

Time for our heroes to get some rest. - DM Carl
Tuesday July 3rd, 2018 3:34:19 PM
Real talk, Swords: I'm swamped. This is the busiest time of the year for me, and right now it's kicking my butt. Since we're on downtime, my posting will be minimal while you guys do your in-town RP. If something needs my attention, please let me know. Otherwise Ken will be starting things up again on Monday.

***

Cosimo nods as he accepts Murphy's apology. "Honestly, you weren't too far off. Either way, I'd be happy to tag along if you're headed to Angel Springs." When it's time to go, Cosimo is paid fair wages for his work and then some. It's enough to keep him fed and housed in Angel Springs for a few weeks if he spends his money wisely.

The dragonhide is looked at further. There's enough material for a shield, as well as a full set of masterwork half-plate, scale, banded, hide, or studded leather armor. At least, there is if it's for a halfling. A set of armor made from it will provide a +3 to saves vs negative energy or death effects. Of course, there's always the chance that another umbral dragon will notice you wearing the hide and take offense, but they're pretty rare. What are the chances of that happening? Enough scraps to cover a quiver and a stray scale or two will be easy enough to manage.

Two nights after our heroes' arrival home, a party is thrown in their honor at the temple of Flower. The Dancing Pig and the Belly Buster work together once again to provide food and drink, though patrons of both establishments are told in no uncertain terms to not get used to it.

The Pigs in particular take a shine to Succotash and his trusty stead. "It..it just wouldn't do for someone with so fine a pig to end up with those stuck up, fine dinin' (he makes little air quotes as he says this bit) Busters. No sir." Several attempts are made throughout the evening to sneak beer and ale to Miss Piggy, usually before aiming her towards the food table and swatting her rear. It's a traditional Humble's Ford affair, meaning that by the end of the evening priests of Flower are dragging passed out halflings out the front door, the BadApples have been kicked out and snuck back in a dozen or so times, and Mulberry and Blossom have stared enough death at each other to strike down any of our humble heroes.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) 85/85 d20+13=31 ;
Tuesday July 3rd, 2018 5:05:23 PM
Murphy post 20180703

"When you get to Angel Springs, Cosimo, I want you to look up my brother, Nalfein, at WinWood Music and Toys. He knows his way around the city as well as any. He and my sister, Leska Rose, are good allies to have in the city."
=======
At the party, Murphy checks with those who keep kicking out the BadApples. "Say, have they done anything wrong while here tonight? If not, let me talk with them - if I bring them back in, then, please don't kick any out - only if, say, one of them does something unseemly, then I will ask that one to leave. Sound all right?"

He says, "Hey, Pressi, join me for a moment." If she comes, he takes her with him outside to members of the once-again rejected BadApples. "Hey, I think you all are not being treated too well tonight. I talked to some inside, and asked them to lay off on you. I have high regard for Crystal - she's done a lot of good for the town, and is a good friend to Hazel and Alouryn. Candy, she helped rescue and take care of some of the kids when the orphanage caught on fire. A tough lady, who has a spot of good tenderness in her heart. I met one of your relatives, Rory Sourwood BadApple, out in Angel Springs a while back. He was with Rosco P. Hairfoot, Lord Mayor.

"Hi Pearl. How are things? Balbo, Belba," he says with a nod of his head. He does not place high trust in those two, but asks, "How're tricks? You keeping up your sorcery skills? You came up with some good ideas in the games a few years back." He turns to their younger brother. "Paldo - you keeping up your practice with the longbow? I know you were one of the best around - so I hope you keep that up," he encourages him. "Say, we are setting up an archery range at our new place out where the old communal building was. If you want to come practice there on the range, you're welcome to do so, once we've got that laid down." Murphy also greets by name any others of the BadApples whom he knows. "As a matter of fact, we'll have an 'open house' once we've got most things set up. I'd be happy to have you come once we do - but it'll be a while before we're set up.

"Anyway, enough of me talking. You are each and all welcome to the celebration. If anyone - and I'm not just talking about you - anyone at the party causes problems, I will deal with them. On second thought, Candy, tell you what - I'll let you step in first and deal with your folks if you think any are stepping out of bounds. You take care of it, then I don't need to. Other than that, come on in, and celebrate with us that the Wold has not just gotten totally warped!" he says with a wry grin. "I'd like you to be with us. I'd be happy to introduce you to some of the newer members of our group who don't know the town well, yet." Diplomacy: 31

If Candy agrees, then he escorts them all in, and says, loudly, "ALL of Humble's Ford celebrates today, TOGETHER! And we'll be kind to one another, RIGHT!?!" As Miss Piggy trots by, he gives her a pat on the flank.

He then approaches Mulberry and Blossom, pulls them together for a whispered moment. He lets Pressi mentally eavesdrop. "You both are women of stellar beauty. If you chose to be friends, rather than rivals, and learned humility, and how to serve others, you could almost rule the Wold by example. Jealously and spite mar your beauty. Find someone whose pulchritude does not match yours, and make some friends - by getting to know them, and genuinely care for them. Have either of you considered taking up the worship of Flower? In short, you might find yourselves much happier if you thought of others more, and less about your own self. All right, now I'll step away, and you two can decide whether to keep hating on each other, or instead try to find things to enjoy about the fact that you are not warped and ravaged by bloodweed." He turns and leaves them to start introducing Succotash to the BadApples, and to the dignitaries, and many interesting people who make up the Ford.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Tuesday July 3rd, 2018 5:26:48 PM
Succotash is a bit overwhelmed at the reception he has been receiving and whispers into Murphy�s ear, �Is it always like this when you guys come home?� He does his best to remember everyone�s name, but is certain he is going to fail miserably. When approached by the patrons of the �Dancing Pig�, he say, as a Paladin of Pantheon, I have to judge fairly, although I heartily appreciate your hospitality, I really need sample the wares and ales from both establishments, before I can make a fair and honest opinion �.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Tuesday July 3rd, 2018 5:31:34 PM
And although both Mulberry and Blossom caught his eye, he had to agree with Murphy, that they would both be a lot more beautiful if they dropped the hate for each other, and, decided they weren�t �his kind of gal�.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) 85/85
Wednesday July 4th, 2018 9:51:28 AM

Murphy laughs. "Oh, Succotash, we get all kinds of reactions around here. But, yes, sometimes we all party, like this!"

Say, Hobie - can you play again that song you played on the battlefield after the Saar yielded to the massed adventurers? I really liked it!" (Rockabye - Clean Bandit (Oud cover) by Ahmed Alshaiba) "Maybe some of the musicians here at the party can join in with you! Hey, everyone - listen to Hobie's song!"

========

[Apologies for the length of this post. No one need read the whole thing. Just want to document what the busy fellow is up to. -Kim]

Murphy's To Do List fleshed out to absurd lengths

1. The Sanctuary of Humble's Sword (were calling it Humble's Sword Acres). Question for group: May Murphy, of the 2000 gp for 'repairing the town or sprucing up your homestead' (DM's June 29th post) use it for this work? His thought is to set up an account for Foreman George for materials, and paying for additional labor where needed. It seems the town leaders are helping in part to fund the crew, but I do not know to what extent.]

So, what does George have to say? Likely not too much progress during all the chaos of the volcano, and bloodweed. Ready to really get going on the project now? Murphy will take a fair part of one day, and perform a more complete subterranean survey of the area under the Sanctuary than he had time for a few weeks ago. For the first 300 feet of depth, below the compound, and extending out to 100 feet out from each side and corner, Murphy, as an earth elemental, surveys in a 10'x10'x500' grid, descending 10 feet deeper after documenting each pass on a separate sheet of paper. After 300 feet of depth are written up, the druid takes a few probes down further to a maximum depth of 600 feet, but not in as dense a pattern. He communicates about once every ten minutes to Pressi via the permanent message spell the gist of what he is finding, noting any interesting bits. He notes some materials that might be useful up top. Boulders, openings, underground streams, minerals, changes in soil and rock type, etc. he marks. He will ask one of Foreman George's more talented helpers to make a copy of each subterranean level map. [I'm not asking our kindly DM(s) to produce such a map - just for general info, and, if there is anything particularly outstanding, to note that.] For the deeper dives down to 600 feet, he makes a few additional maps.

After that is done, he excavates where the under-the-wall ramp will go for the West Gate.

Later, after returning from Angel Springs, Murphy again meets with Foreman George. He had asked him to first build a workshop and a dwelling for the workers near the south gate. He thinks then the stables, and the Guest House - which, after being built, in the short term, can house the followers of Bliss and Pressi, and Humble's Sword - cozy, eh? Later, the central rock building can serve the adventurers. After the guest house, the Stables, Barn, Warehouse. Fit somewhere in there the Target Practice Range.

2. Air elemental spire (DM(s) - see email)

3. Raze the walls. For the sake of brevity, I will not bore you with more than a few details. Suffice it to say that Murphy can take down 2,200 feet of the walls over a five day period, plus change the top 2.5 feet of other wall sections (another 2,200 feet worth) into moist clay - suitable for potters, farmers, and serving as ingredients for the yet-to-be-built white spire for the air elementals. The wall's circumference is close to 20,000 feet. So that is 11% totally razed, and 11% dropped down from 10' to 7.5 feet in height, once the clay is removed. Each 110' long by 20' deep section he affects is separated by a 90 foot untouched section. The gaps are placed, four in a hyphenated row each, in five separate parts of the wall, so that cross breezes may begin. Not a perfect solution, but a start. One of the sections is on the other side of the river. Toward the mid-point of the third week, he will return, and spend a few days terraforming the area using the move earth spell, once the mud has dried. Because of mud, he asks citizens to rope off muddy areas, and supervise until the ground has firmed up.

4. Spend a few days on underground tunnel system. There were a few sections mapped out he did not have time to get to before the firey invasion. Finish the tunneling, then earth to mud, mud to rock spells with help of water elementals, as before.

5. There are oaks scattered here and there around the town and a bit outside of town. Get permission from the local authorities. Pay for the trees if asked. Choose two specimens - healthy oaks of a huge size. Cast Diminish Plants on each one (shrinks tree to about 1/3rd of normal size, becoming untangled and less bushy). 'You may designate portions of the area that are not affected' - he limits the area to the tree, or two trees, he casts the spell for. As earth elemental, dig out ball of earth which contain most of the trees' roots, then transport them to The Sanctuary. One he plants in the NW corner, and one in the SE corner. After they are carefully replanted, then he casts Plant Growth, limiting the focus to these two trees, restoring them to their original size. 'Plant growth counters diminish plants.' He lets them settle for a couple of days as he tends to other matters.

Then, one full day he sets aside to cast Awaken on the NW tree. Already rolled two days ago in the LnB, where I rolled a Will save of 33 vs DC10+awakened tree's HD. The tree has 14 Int, 12 Wis, 15 Cha, and 6+8 extra hit points (but I have not been able to find just how many HD it has). It speaks Halfling, Common, and Sylvan. He names the awakened oak the Halfling (Welsh) word for oak, 'Dderwen' - pronounced /therr-'wen/.

The next day, he casts Liveoak on the tree in the SE corner, transforming it into a treant. It speaks Common, Sylvan, and Treant. He names the treant 'Quercus.'

Their job? Help protect the area from those who would harm. He teaches them that the workers are not there to harm. And, be kind to children who come to visit.

6. Angel Springs. Murphy travels with his friends, I think early in the second week since their return (will go when the main group goes, if earlier than this - will reschedule other activities if need be). He helps out Sword members who are just joining, serving with his other WLA friends as one of their sponsors. He spends a day to gain a skill bonus in Spellcraft. He turns over the latest updates for his journal, to add to what he has already given them, and asks about current news in the city. Oh, when they arrive in town, he also takes folks to his family's shop, WinWood Music and Toys, and introduces them to a pair of his older siblings, brother Nalfein (rogue, craftsman), and sister Leska Rose (druid, artist). Pressi already knows them well. He asks them - especially Nalf - to help Cosimo get to know the city. He asks if they know of any place where rent is low - but security is not too bad. He give Leska 50 gold pieces to help out Cosimo if he needs it down the road. He does not tell Cosimo about the funds, though.

Murphy goes to visit with the elf druids on the other side of the wall, in their grove. He catches them up on goings on which may be of druidic interest. He asks about caring for animated trees, and treants.

He spends a few hours at the bookstore run by Mungo Hardbottle - a sagacious fellow, advanced spellcaster, with books and magic items to be found at his shop. He asks if Mungo might have any books or such regarding Shadow Mountain. He also wants to learn more of Mount Bone (not too far distant from Dirt City). If he has nothing, might he suggest where to go to seek such info? He brings him some of Uncle Orby's pipe tobacco which he knows he favors, and a nicely carved pipe (subtracting 25 gp from wealth to cover cost). Of course, he's willing to pay for any books or scrolls.

This is something that would be common knowledge, but, is Rosco P. Hairfoot still Lord Mayor? If so, he will see if he can schedule a 15-minute visit with him - or even 5 minutes, for he is a busy halfling. He simply wants to thank him for the way he treated with Humble's Sword some time back. He does ask, as discretely as he might, as to what Rory Sourwood BadApple might be up to these days. He also asks how things are going for the city in general, following the recent happenings.

7. Back in Humble's Ford, Murphy endeavors to spend perhaps a teatime with McGregor HeadWise - the town's Eldest, and wisest Halfling. He has wanted to meet with him - but event after event seems to preclude the druid taking the time to do so. He asks about the old days of the town, and stories. He answers, or tries to answer, any questions the Humble Old One may ask. As always, if any members of Humble's Sword want to come along, they are welcome.

9. Murphy sees about the new community worship center that Pressi has helped sponsor. He worships Flower in the Temple of Flower, and Eberyon in the new community worship center, with tips of the hat to other deities and powers. [Hope I got that correct - Pressi has been coordinating somewhat on that project, right?]

11. On the one day a week of worship, the druid does offer rides to local citizens - focusing on the children, but also letting adventurous adults try, as well. He will take the forms of: Elephant; Triceratops; Gorilla. A week later, he does: Giant Chameleon; Dire Wolverine; Camel. If there is a third chance, he wildshapes for rides to: Baluchitherium; Dire Lion (if he may); and ... Dire Bat?

Knowing his plans, he lets Hugo and Primula PipeLeaf know. They already have discussed exotic saddle plans. He finds out if they are willing to help out, so that the childen can be kept relatively safe as they ride him. He will compensate them for their work, of course.

=======
Yes, yes, this is all Murphy's idea of getting rest :-)

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Wednesday July 4th, 2018 11:20:32 AM
While in Angel Springs, Succotash speak the oath and pay the 1000gp for the 1st level of training at the WLA, he will also spend the appropriate time training to obtain the skill points (5) and feat. He will take the self-sufficient feat, and apply 2 points to survival, 2 points to stealth, and 1 to heal.

*****I Succotash Slenderstick, Paladin of Pantheon, do solemnly swear to uphold the ideals of the league, to protect the innocent, and to combat evil wherever I may find it******

Back at Humble�s Ford, he will join Murphy with giving kids rides, allowing them to ride Miss Piggy, he will also use his str to give helicopter rides to anyone who wants to get dizzy.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3
Wednesday July 4th, 2018 11:27:36 AM
I'm sorry, I'm gonna be out in the mountains without wifi until Saturday.

Hobie spends the rest of his downtime relaxing with Pippa and Roscoe, and scribing some scrolls. If there are any scrolls that you guys might like from the Sorcerer/Wizard Spell list levels 1 to 3, let Hobie know, and he will be happen to scribe one for you.

Also if there are any particular spells on that list that you might like Hobie to cast for you, like any buffs or whatever, let me know so that I can make sure he adds them to his spellbook.

He plans to open up most battles by casting Haste on the party from here on out.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Wednesday July 4th, 2018 1:41:37 PM
Kezzem also takes the WLA pledge, although he doesn't have the funds for additional training at this time. He uses the WLA resources to boost his knowledge about religion and the undead, as he feels as a paladin he should know more about such things.

OOC: From an RP perspective, of course Kezzem would join the WLA--that's where his friends are! Also, the feats offered are more attractive to him (planning to take Run, Toughness, Fleet of Foot, and Bodyguard) as they allow him to increase his mobility (to get where he's needed) and better protect his allies.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Wednesday July 4th, 2018 1:42:37 PM
I'm going to be away tomorrow and Friday as well.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) 85/85
Wednesday July 4th, 2018 9:57:36 PM
[Ran this post by DM Carl for his okay -Kim]

Air Elemental Spire Planning

Samell Fingers Pastna Pipewood welcomes Pressi and Murphy (and other team or community members, if desired) to talk with him about the tall white wind spire for the air elementals. He asks for her views on the subject, and says he has looked over the model she put together. "Some good ideas there, Miss Pressi. Murphy also told me suggestions the little air spirit carried back to you two. With all the musical instruments I've made, I have some idea how to allow it to make fair sounds as air flows through, going for harmonics, and even melody. I've got some ideas for percussion, and maybe strings, as well.

"Regarding the strings - they may require occasional replacement. Find out if the elementals would be bothered by that detail. For the wind channels, maybe set up a five-tone scale for the top half, and allow for additional harmonics, perhaps a minor note or two, for the bottom portion. Wonder if I can incorporate a few twists, so that the air spirits can tune it to their pleasure? Normally, have the five tone scale. But, but opening a few channels, go to eight tones for special occasions? Even twelve tones, for complex pieces. Ah, sorry, I may be thinking of something too complex here. The old bard in me saying, 'Try this, Samell, try this!'" He ponders a moment, and adds, "Hmm - wonder if I could add some horns?" Looking away, it appears for a moment as though he is pushing the valves on a trumpet.

Then he returns his attention to the pair in front of him. "Speak up anytime, Miss Pressi, if you'd like to add anything. I know you're a bright one." he asks his son, "So, Murphy, what's the largest size an air elemental gets to?"

"Uh, well, I spoke with an elder elemental," the druid responds. "About 40 feet, I think? Except when it's whirlwinding, then it can get to about 60 feet."

"Forty, huh? Well, the tower should rise above the ground at least twice that height - and three times would be better. So, 120 above ground. Structurally, you want to have at least half the above ground height placed well underground. So, say we go for 120 feet. Make it another 60 to 80 feet under the earth, to anchor it, give it good stability. If we broaden the base underground, you might get away with a little less than that - say 50 feet. But let's stick with 60 or so, for safety - and broaden the base, to boot."

The craftsman pulls out a fair-sized black slate, 3'x2', and some chalk. He expertly sketches the cliff where it's planned for placement. He draws a gently spiraled obelisk, wherein the spiral winds widdershins in the lower third, changes to a simple tubular form until halfway up, on which he draws, using a light tan chalk, some representations of flying creatures and patterned lines, and then reverses the spiral to deasil as it extends upward to about 120' above the top of the cliff, with its base perhaps fifteen or so feet back from the cliff edge, then dotted lines under the cliff face going down half as far as the upper part extends into the sky.

"We should stage its construction up above the cliff, form a mold, and set it up so we can then slide it into place into a prepared hole.

"I know all about your work on the tunnels, son. You can build the hole. Then, once we place the spire, you can do your earth to mud, then mud to stone trick, and shore it up nice and thick. If the cliff ever erodes, what you do can help to ensure it will still stand. You might want to store up some of those spells in a wand or staff, or have some extra scrolls. The work, when the spire is ready for it, will need to be done fairly quickly. Maybe get another druid to help you out. Or a mage, whatever. I can ask my sister if she could help, or if she knows who might. We can place inside the material several long iron rods along its length, albeit skewed this way and that to resist various stress lines, and spidersilk ropes - add to its strength, and resilience.

"You want to ensure it will stay strong for a good long time. Something like 500 years or more - maybe a thousand. Of course, if it's attacked seriously, all bets might be off. But if it's reserved for frolicking air elementals..."

"Papa, we'll be dead in 500 years," Murphy interjects. "What difference does it make if it lasts that long?"

Samell puts down his chalk. He looks over at the wall where many of his tools are neatly organized. Then he looks at Murphy. "Really, Murphy? Really, son?" He puts the slate away, and tosses the chalk into a small canvas bucket, and says, "Come talk again when you decide to get serious about this." He ushers his son and Pressi out of the shop, and locks the door behind him. "I'll be back in four or five days. Have to pick up some materials for another job. Thinking about building a carousel." He asks Pressi, "Have you ever ridden a carousel, lass?"

Bliss (AC23, CMD28, HP78of86) (Cayzle)
Thursday July 5th, 2018 12:54:05 AM

Bliss is so happy to see more of his friends join the WLA. "Sure, if you are a wizard maybe you want to join the Star Tower, or if you are a scholar, the sages, but I still think that for people who want to be heroes, the WLA is the best!"

He is happy to hear Hobie plan to cast Haste more. "Wowsy, I love that spell! You are the best, old friend!"

"My only complaint is this. Did you see the other hero groups at the huge Sargrass fight? Most groups have more people in them. When we go to the WLA, Ima look for more people who maybe would like to join us!"

Pressi (by Kim for Melvin)
Thursday July 5th, 2018 2:53:52 AM

"A carousel? Um I carried a parasol a few times," Pressi answers Samell. She adds, "Please, Murphy's papa, I think we are serious. Making it long lasting is smart, too. Good luck gathering whatever it is you need. We're heading to Angel Springs, so, see you when we get back?" She turns and says to Murphy, "You, druid guy, go talk to those air fellows about the strings. Off with you!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Thursday July 5th, 2018 4:15:54 AM

Murphy offers to lend Kezzem a thousand gold pieces so he may take a bit more of the WLA training now, rather than having to wait until later, so he can get at least as much training as Succotash does at this time. "We have to keep you paladins in parity, y'know."

Also, Murphy tells Pressi, "I think I will pass on the dragon armor. Might slow me up, and take it tough to get the full benefits of cat's grace, so, if you want, go ahead and have the armor fixed up for yourself, love."

======
Murphy answers his father, "All right, let's make it to last, then. I was just... all right, never mind. Make it enduring." "Have a safe trip, Papa. See you soon."

He obeys his sweetheart, summons a small air elemental, explains about the pentatonic scale, and some of the ideas his father mentioned, and asks about the strings. He says his father will be back in about five days, and, if the air elementals have some questions, perhaps they can talk things over with him, or, just wait for it to be set up. He says it will take a while, still, for planning and construction and installation.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Thursday July 5th, 2018 5:50:57 AM
Upon Hobie�s announcing his plans to use haste in the future, Succotash is both excited and frustrated. He�s happy that Miss Piggy will benefit from the spell but wishes he would have known this before he dropped the gold on his brand new boots of speed. �Oh well�, he says to himself, �If I don�t use them, I can always sell them back to the catacombs�.
Succotash realizes that his years as a solo act, has come to an end, and that he needs to start learning how to lean on his friends, and allow them to do what they do, as well as trust them. He realizes that the fight to save the World, changed him, it made him realize his need for companions to share his quest to eradicate evil, and the feelings of love for the members of Humble�s Sword, that he feels growing inside him, he knows are real. Succotash has no idea what the Wold has in store, but he is excited to see what is to come, and he shares Bliss�s sentiment that more members, would most certainly be welcome.

Time for our heroes to get some rest. - DM Carl
Thursday July 5th, 2018 10:14:22 AM
Some minor drama ensues when Murphy has a rare moment of short-termitis.

The days progress quickly. Progress is made on tearing down the stone circle surrounding the town. With it, the breeze can once again flow through the town. You can almost hear the collective sigh of relief.

A trip is made to Angel Springs to sign up and train with the WLA. Cosimo tags along and is surprisingly good company. Turns out when he's got money in his pocket and isn't recovering from a near-death experience, he's pretty chill. He's handed off to Murphy's prodigious network of kin, and everyone's fairly certain he'll land on his feet in no time.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday July 5th, 2018 2:46:44 PM
"Why am I more busy and involved now then when a dragon is bearing down on us?" she wondered. "What is it about spending hours needing to tend to every little thing?"

Ok, lets take it one more step at a time.

--------------------

Pressi is about to finalize her choices for the catacombs at the last minute, though the dizzying array of choices fill her with some dread. She figures she may be overthinking it, worrying about +2s to stats and magic weapons when she should be worrying about scrolls, rods and goggles. It's the latter that will probably make her shopping trip.

It's clear that, whether Murphy changes his mind or not, nobody else will, and some people told her that she could get a leather armor choice that would work well enough (but not studded leather). While the extra AC of hide still calls her, she is pretty sure she has made her choice. (And if extra AC is that big of a deal, she could always buy a shield.)

----------------

Things are otherwise a bit hectic in getting paperwork done. After some hemming and hawwing about whether using money to rebuild the town would make them look good, and be the morally better decision and help the town of course, she decides to agree with the group in putting the money towards the new building.

She also takes a look to see how the growing coven presence (without a building of their own) intersects with such places as the community worship center (which already had to handle a parade of different religious worshippers from Domi to Jamasscus.)

As for Hobie, nothing in particular comes to mind aside from maybe the occasional invisibility or heroism. Rage might be a good buff for some of the paladins. She likewise asks if there are any requests for scrolls or wands besides what she already has. (If not, she may still add a couple of restoration scrolls and a remove fear wand.)

She takes some occasional time to help with Murphy where she can, but her spell list and bodily strength isn't fully suited for the tasks. Besides, she has her own concerns, such as the coven, in mind. She does take some time to check in with the political leadership.

-----------------

It looks like Murphy has things more or less under control with the Badapples and with the bickering women so she mainly just backs them up.

To the women, though, she does think to ask just what they are fighting over and what it is worth. Since they don't seem to be fighting over the affections of any particular person, and since Pressi herself doesn't really engage in this jockeying or consider the "general male affection" that important, she does hope to talk them out of it, or at least to catfight on more dignified grounds.

Otherwise, she takes time to partake in the partying as much as she can, knowing that these moments tend to be fewer than one might hope.

--------------------

Regarding the air spire, Pressi goes out of a sense of obligation and worry about what might happen if they break their word, but she doesn't try to hide how checked out of the process she is. Besides, if the air elementals cared that much about the specifics or length of lasting, they could have said.

If they wanted halfling mind readers, well they could have said for that, too.

---------------------

WLA training for her is quite short.

ADM Kim
Thursday July 5th, 2018 3:25:12 PM

Rough map of granite/obsidian wall around Humble's Ford, with gaps created by Murphy.

Bliss (AC23, CMD28, HP78of86) (Cayzle)
Thursday July 5th, 2018 7:08:39 PM

Bliss posts some signs at the Angel Springs WLA to recruit for heroes to join the group.

He trains and practices his new expert survival skill. Especially tracking by scent in kitty form.

He visits the Catacombs and upgrades his headband and action figure of resistance.

Kezzem (Kim for Brian)
Friday July 6th, 2018 1:12:23 AM
Kezzem hears Murphy offer a loan so he can take a little bit more of the WLA training.

"Here, let me write you an IOU note, Murphy, so you can take me to court if I forget to pay you back. You've got paper and pens, I know, so, lend me those, too, so I can write you the note. Say, do you have invisible ink?"

He accepts the loan, and goes in for some extra training after paying the league the extra funds. "Thought you'd get ahead of me, right, Succotash? No way. This is a race."

Hobie (Kim for Nick)
Friday July 6th, 2018 1:27:40 AM

While in Angel Springs, he goes with Murphy and Cosimo to that music shop. He realizes that he saw Nalfein a few years ago in Humble's Ford, giving someone a noogie. He decides not to bring it up. "So, you are Murphy's brother, right? I think I've seen you in Humble's Ford before. Uh, nice shop here. I picked up a lute a while ago. It's nothing fancy, but I like the sound. Mind if I look around a little? May I try out any instruments?"

If told yes, then he tries out some of the lutes, to see how they sound compared to his own.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday July 6th, 2018 10:57:00 AM
Pressi makes her way to Angel Springs with a bunch of her armor and some dragon leather, in order to purchase the following items.

To sell: +1 Leather Armor, glammered, shadow (price is 1/2 of 7600)

To buy:
+1 dragonhide studded leather armor, glammered, shadow (price is 7870) (DM cleared)
+1 dragonhide buckler (or small light shield) of lesser fortification (price is 4310)
(both of small size for halfling)

(Notes: I am accepting 5% ASF in exchange for another +1 AC, not counting shields. The shield trades more AC for another 5% ASF but I'm not expecting to use it often. The hide armor was a problem because it affected my casting and my rogue abilities.)

Bliss (AC23, CMD28, HP78of86) (Cayzle)
Friday July 6th, 2018 4:45:16 PM
Text of fliers put up by Bliss, written out very carefully in a precise schoolboy's blocky script:

HEROES WANTED
Are you a hero? Or want to be one?
The Adventuring Band known as Humbles Sword
(based in Humbles Ford, Crescent Valley)
is seeking recruits who seek to
fight evil, defend innocents, protect the weak, and have fun!
Contact Bliss or any Humble Sword at the
Woldian League of Adventurers
or at the Humble House, Humbles Ford.

....

Note that Bliss has christened the new group headquarters as "Humble House." We'll see if that sticks!

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Friday July 6th, 2018 5:18:21 PM
�Humble House?� Succotash questions, �Bliss I thought we agreed on �The Sanctuary�, I mean, �Humble House� has a ring to it, so now I�m confused �. �Nice flyer by the way�.

Time for our heroes to get some rest. - DM Carl
Friday July 6th, 2018 6:01:11 PM
Hobie plays some music, Bliss looks for new blood, and Succotash ponders the branding of his new adventuring group.

Pressi wants to have some nice dragonhide armor, but finds The Catacombs unwilling to work with the stuff. Looks like she'll have to find a proper armorsmith in town, or in Angel Springs, perhaps, who can work with the stuff.

OOC: Yea, site's strict on this. Having a dragonhide set of armor made isn't as simple as killing a dragon and dropping coin. You need to actually RP out getting the piece made.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) d100=16 ; d20=18 ; d20=18 ;
Friday July 6th, 2018 7:12:46 PM
Zaragosa walks through the pulling his pony behind him. After seeing the flyers, he asks around until he could find this 'Humble House'. He makes his way there and gives the door a good loud *knock knock knock*

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Friday July 6th, 2018 7:46:34 PM
Answering the door of the makeshift headquarters complex, which is in verious states of new construction, a handsome halfling with a charming scar on his left check, wareing full plate armor with Pantheon�s holy symbol emblazoned on the breastplate, answers the door saying, �can I help you?�

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Friday July 6th, 2018 7:57:22 PM
Zaragosa will smile in return. He looks less shiny and glorious than the halfing that greeted him but was covered head to toe in various off magical times including a simple cap, goggles on his forehead and a mithril shirt. "Can you help me? Perhaps, but the greater question is can I help you? Now, standing before you is the Unbelievable J.T.T Zaragosa, escape artist extraordinaire and grandest of adventurers! Perhaps you have heard of me" This is a lie, but more to make one feel like one SHOULD know him, Zaragosa is well aware that you would have never heard of him. I'll include a roll because I am new and have no idea what I am doing. "I am here in answer to the flyer, or perhaps to your group's prayers. Na, I jest. Though I am here to apply to be of your prestigious number. You'll find my locksmith and ability to dazzling escape to be quite useful. Good sir, I may not be a flashy fighter, but I would employ you to examine my skills for yourself. You will not be disappointed." He raddles on giving the speech quickly as though speaking to a crowd. After he is down it takes his cap off and bows respectfully to you.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Friday July 6th, 2018 8:23:23 PM
�Succotash Slenderstick, Paladin of Pantheon, at your service�, says the charismatic Paladin, �Welcome to the Humble House of Sanctuary, please have a seat while the other members arrive�.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Friday July 6th, 2018 8:31:21 PM
"a paladin you say! How glorious! I know a wee bit of magic myself but not a spectacular as holy magic. Nice to meet you, Succotash Slenderstick, Paladin of Pantheon," he will enter and take a seat

ADM Kim
Friday July 6th, 2018 9:25:24 PM

Like as not J.T.T. Zaragosa will be directed to Humble's Burrow - the home of Mayor Bingo Bumbleluck, if he asks about 'Humble House.' Or, possibly, the home of 80-year-old Halfred Humble, whose family established the town. However, if he asks about Humble's Sword - then there are a few other places he might be sent.

Most likely to a burrow near the river where some members of Humble's Sword live (and where all members of the Sword are welcome to live), called Humble's Sword Burrow - though one former member of the group used to call it Humble's House. When he knocks on that door, a young halfling woman with a smattering of freckles, firey red hair, and green eyes, with a frame slight but curvy, opens the door. "Yes?" she asks. "How may we help you?"

Behind her stands a hirsute halfling, dense curly dark brown mutton chops adorn the sides of his face, and apparently he just took a large bite of an apple. He steps toward the door, mouth still full as he chews furiously. "H'lo." :: chew crunch chew :: "M Hazl. Thisz 'lorn. Who're hyew?"

The beauty giggles. "Swallow first, then talk, Hazel!" she tells him. She returns her attention to the fellow at the front door. [And assuming JTTZ asks about Humble's Sword] "Ah, you got one of Bliss's flyers, I see. He is such a sweetie. Just don't ever step on his tail. If you're looking for Humble's Sword, well, this is as good a place as any to start. My name is Alouryn, and this goofy boy is my husband, Hazel. The others have been flitting all over the place for the past few weeks. Bliss is playing kitty cat. Pressi is trying to herd her coven, and help Bliss with his, too, and probably trying to tell Murphy to slow down. Some are working on the new place west of town about a 20 minute walk. Murphy is probably digging underground somewhere, or blowing walls down so the town can have a good breeze again. Hobie might be with his Uncle Roscoe, our town constable, or combing Pippa's coat. I've got to teach him how to braid her mane.

A bunch of them were out in Angel Springs, but I think they are all back by now. Succotash is - I don't know. Maybe helping with The Sanctuary of Humble's Sword. That's what the new place is called. Maybe they'll go with Bliss's new name for it. Kezzem is - well, he cracks wise so often, he is probably out pulling someone's leg, or figuring out how to be righteous as a paladin, and still tell jokes. Maybe he is helping an old lady cross the road so she doesn't trip in front of Pirnook's General Store."

Hazel, apple fully chewed and swallowed by now, says, "Slow down, honey. Say, would you like to come in and rest your feet for a while, have a bit of food? Sure as the sun comes up, one of more the current members of the Sword should show up right quick. We used to adventure with them. These days, we help take care of this place for 'em, and are working on getting our family started," he adds with a wink.

Alouryn clears her throat, Hazel laughs and calls out, "Say, Quotiln! Can you bring in an extra plate?" Turning to the blond halfling at the door he says, "You can stable your pony - about 25 feet to the left of the door. One of Murphy's brothers, Samki, is there - he'll take care of your mount, then join us. Don't worry, you don't have to tell us your name until your pony is safe!"

ADM Kim
Friday July 6th, 2018 9:27:10 PM

[Well, that's what happens when a post is interrupted half way through by the Xfinity guy, and then I forget to check to see if anything else showed up on the board.]

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Saturday July 7th, 2018 9:24:02 AM
Evidently the new guy saw the note tacked to the front door of the Sanctuary, written with care in a familiar blocky script:

HUMBLE HOUSE
A sanctuary to all.
Be friendly and enter!

Home to the Humble Swords
Welcome!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Saturday July 7th, 2018 3:07:10 PM
"Hey, seriously though, thanks for the loan Murph. Here's a little something to express my gratitude. Consider it interest."

He gives Murphey a platinum "BFF" ring worth 25 gp. "This should help keep you alive, though I think you need to stay within 50 ft. or so of me for it to work.

The ring is for shield other spells. Pressi has already a similar one.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Saturday July 7th, 2018 6:33:18 PM
Will try one last RP tonight. Need time to do it justice.

Ready to throw in the towel, though. Been a lot of work for one of my lower priorities, with a heightened risk to boot. Throw in yet another ac flank, a 1700 scroll... might be time to say forget it.

If Tricia is looking for a hook, Pressi is headed towards the back of a bar.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Saturday July 7th, 2018 10:52:03 PM
Had Pressi known the difficulties of turning dragonhide into any form of armor, she would have forgotten it. To be honest, she had agreed to dragonhide armor more out of aesthetics and the desire not to waste (and the vague feeling that this had been a gift from the gods that everyone else turned their nose at) more than any mechanical value. But as she stood at the new bill from the catacombs (1700 per cast of resurrection? Speaking of, she forgot to get the soul gem too.) and contemplating what a 5% ASF might do to the primary caster, she began to second guess not setting the leather on fire.

She supposed that if the gods were to give her the leather, they might also give her some hook upon which she could know what armorer to take it to. But since they did not, she took it upon herself to find an armorer, even at the risk of changing the world itself. (Otherwise, my prior post of taking it to an armorer would have at least triggered a conversation.)

So she used magic and research. Murphy's relatives, Leska's relatives, Roscoe's relatives, even her own. She searched Justicar files and coven files. She asked around the various schools in Humble's Ford and the WLA.

And they led her here. A green unmarked door under a pet store, leading to a secret club that some arcanes hang out in. In the back was allegedly an armorer who's arts were not strictly legal and who was supposedly nuttier than a squirrel with mage hand. But they also claimed he once crafted celestial mithral armor from goldfish. So she told members of the group to call the police if they don't hear from her in an hour, kissed Murphy goodbye, and took off for this bar, a bag of dragonhide in tow.

If this armorer exists and decides to see her, she gives him the same request she gave to the catacombs and above. Until then, she sits at the bar, drinking.

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Saturday July 7th, 2018 11:38:37 PM
Who's that sitting next to Pressi? Oh! it's Bliss! How did he get there? The little guy gets around.

"Hey Miss Pressi," he says, sipping a cup of slightly hard cider, "why don't you make that dragonhide into +1 studded leather for Harper? He could use the protection, sure, though I suppose you would call it barding."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood
Sunday July 8th, 2018 2:16:10 AM

How did that mainly blue-gray little cat, that has on its head by contrast rather sandy colored fur, end up rubbing up against Pressi's leg, and purring up at Bliss? Who then says, "That is not a bad idea Bliss came up with, girlfriend. Say, if no one shows up here, then I'd bet that Hugo Pipeleaf might be able to help you out. He's pretty smart, and so is his wife, Primula."

The kitty adds, telepathically, "We just don't want to throw it away. If you decide not to pursue it, I will - but I want you to have it. I agree that our possession of it is, in a way, a gift. It's just that some gifts are more challenging to manage than others." The cat's telepathic voice is remarkably similar to that of Murphy.

Hobie (Kim for Nick) d20+5=23 ;
Sunday July 8th, 2018 3:05:53 AM

So, Hobie takes the lute offered to him by Nalfein, and sits on the stool to give it a try. [Perform: lute: 23.] Then he places the lute back where Nalfein had taken it down from, and asked, "How was that?"

Hobie (Kim for Nick)
Sunday July 8th, 2018 3:16:30 AM

And... so as to understand Hobie's post above, this was emailed to Nick very early Friday morning:

The one Murphy introduced as Nalfein has a face marred with a few light scars, and carries himself with a bit of swagger. He sizes up the pair his brother brought in, then answers Hobie. "Yeah, look around. Touch to your heart's content. You break, you buy. We have five lutes out here on display. You want I should bring out the specials from back? Tell you what, take a look-see, I'll bring you something special from the back if I can hear you play four chords competently. Don't want to waste our time if you don't know more than three." He takes a middlin'-priced lute down, plucks the strings, tunes one of them which was about a quarter-note flat, then hands it to Hobie. "Try this one first. You can sit that stool there, if you don't want to stand - and, since I haven't strapped this one, I'd prefer you try it that way."

Leska Rose, who is the third oldest sibling among the Leafwin Pipewoods, about 15 months younger than Nalfein (they look to be in their 30's), with cheeks that match her middle name, and a gentle sweetness about her, greeted all warmly as they arrived, kissed Murphy on the cheek, and shook the hands of Cosimo and Hobie. "I'll fix you some tea," she offers. She goes to a large metal urn under which a flame burns. On top stands a small teapot. She takes down five porcelain cups, pours each one about 1/4 full from the small teapot - the liquid looks rich and dark. Then for each cup, she opens a spigot close to the bottom of the urn, and fills the cups to within a small finger's width of the top, the color lightened slightly, and steam rises.

She places a 7" plate full of assorted cookies in the center of a 12" plate. The cups she spaces evenly around the center plate, a small spoon adjacent to each. These she bears to a circular table midway back on the right side, and six chairs around. From behind the counter come a sugar bowl, a jar of honey, and a small pouring glass with what looks like cream inside. Serviettes (napkins) are placed around the table, with small knives, and twin-tined forks.

Hobie should make a perform: lute skill check.
Roll 6-9: "Ah, maybe I'll leave those in the back," says Nalfein.
Roll 10-14: "You wanna try again?"
Roll 15-19: "So, you're not a total novice. You want I should bring you something nicer?"
Roll 20+: "All right, wait right here. Put that lute back careful, right?"

Hobie can reroll once, if he is not satisfied with his first attempt.
If the second roll is not at least a 15: "Practice more. Come back some other day. Not showing you anything from the back now, that's for sure."
If 15: "You want I should bring you something nicer?"
If 20+: "So, you were just warming up. Give me a moment."

On 15-19: Nalfein brings out a masterwork lute (+1 to perform). "Made by my brother, Kember." It is gorgeous, with gold and silver filigree inlays. On 20+: Nalfein brings both the masterwork lute, and one of even higher caliber. "This here our father made, and my sister Selithe added something special to it. You probably can't afford it."

How does Hobie respond? Does he try out the lute(s)?

Leska Rose asks Cosimo, "So, what brings you to Angel Springs?" as she offers him a seat at the table, and takes a seat across from him, setting a cup next to her serviette, she then pushes the tray slightly his direction so he can take what he would like.

The masterwork lute Nalfein values at 110 gp. The other lute he does not name a price for, other than to say, "This one is considerably higher than that."

[And, it is 100% up to Nick, once he returns, as to whether he decides to purchase the Kember lute. -ADM Kim]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (Kim) HP 85/85
Sunday July 8th, 2018 3:49:01 AM
Kezzem
Murphy is taken aback at Kezzem's thoughtful gift. "Why, you are most kind, friend," as he accepts the platinum ring, and slips it over a finger. "So, you have its mate? I really appreciate how you've helped out Pressi in that manner. If it's a choice between her and me, please help her, though, all right? And, if it's going to take you down, then take off your ring! I don't want to be the cause of my friends going down - but, in the right circumstances ... I know, I know, I talk to much. Simply, thank you, Kezzem."

Notes and Houses
Murphy thanks Bliss for the note of welcome that was placed. So far, the worker's house and workshop are (unless the DM tells us otherwise) the only edifices on the plot of land - with a fair amount of materials gathered for putting up the next two buildings. [Keep in mind that the workers on our place were pulled off our project, and sent to help prepare the town for the anticipated assault by a mountain and fire elementals, and to remain in town to help them recover from that - so, though plans are generally laid out, most of the work is ahead of us - again, unless our DM tells us* that a miracle of super-fast good-quality construction just occurred.] Next in line is the Guest House - which, I believe, is just starting to go under construction - and can serve as short term housing for us once it's up. And this is from a guy who really wants it to be further along than it is! As it is, we have the Humble's Sword Burrow next to the river in town for good dwelling for the moment - and from the 'ADM Kim' post July 6, 2018 9:25:24 PM, a further description of where people are. If Foreman George and his crew have another three or four weeks (past the end of our current 3-week respite), then our Guest House may be generally ready to move in, with room for us all in very cosy quarters (and by 'all,' I'm thinking adventurers and covens - and we'll want to talk with Hazel and Alouryn to see if they'd like to join us, and also Quotiln). [*Appeal to DM: If you want several more buildings to have been *poofed* into existence, then I am fine with that - really! - I just used to project manage, and have helped on construction sites, and... magic is welcome to speed things up. Otherwise, there's still tons of work to get this place built - and my 'another 3-4 weeks' is highly optimistic.]

So, he asks Bliss if he can prepare a new sign - or modify this one, to read:
HUMBLE HOUSE
A sanctuary to all of good will.
Be friendly and enter!

Future Home of Humble's Sword
Welcome!

Murphy takes particular pains to point out that it is "Humble's Sword" and not "Humble Swords" - but gently takes those pains, and in a kindly fashion :-) Also, he sincerely compliments Bliss on the clarity of his writing style.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Sunday July 8th, 2018 11:12:27 AM
To Bliss, Pressi says "That... is something I hadn't thought of...."

(Technically, the issue (other than cost) has been that Harper doesn't have a light armor proficiency feat. But if the DM won't let me swap a feat now, I can squeeze in two witch levels early (I'm already due for a witch level next level up) and add it.)

(BTW, I am assuming that I can sell my current armor at half price and still stay at 82K wealth. If my wealth drops and I can't keep buying stuff, then I will keep my current armor.)

So Pressi's choices change to the following

To buy:
+1 dragonhide medium sized studded leather armor bridling (price is 1400)
+1 dragonhide buckler (or small light shield) of lesser fortification (price is 4310)
(both of small size for halfling)

if enough left, and if I can keep up my WBL, I will also order +1 dragonhide leather armor, glammered, shadow (price is 7770), paid for by selling +1 Leather Armor, glammered, shadow (price is 1/2 of 7600)

(I won't bother with the still spell feat or the extra 5% ASF. Too feat starved and I don't think the team can handle the 1/20 missed casts on a regular basis.)

To DM: Sorry if I overstepped my bounds. I actually did try to RP an armor purchase before and it didn't take, so I am trying this one. Feel free to tell me to forget it or give me some idea of what I am supposed to do instead, but I do want this resolved before monday and I still have to complete my catacombs purchase.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Sunday July 8th, 2018 11:15:33 AM
Also, can I do a quick character surgery on Harper? I'd like to swap out intimidating prowess for light armor proficiency.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Sunday July 8th, 2018 11:41:01 AM
Succotash offers J.T.T Zaragosa a pint of ale, saying, �The others should be along soon, while we wait, why don�t I tell a wee bit about myself�. At which point, Succotash begins to share his life story: when I first started out as a Paladin, I was asked to lead a assault on a small army of hobgoblins that was attacking the town I was living in at the time, even though we eventually drove back the enemy, we sustained heavy losses, close to half our fighting force, and I was severely injured, which is where I got this scar on my cheek. Anyway, after I recovered, I decided to avoid permanently teaming up with others, and so for most of my career, it�s been just me and my mount, Miss Piggy, she�s a pig. That worked out all fine and good until a few weeks ago when I met the members of Humble�s Sword, I found myself caring for these people, and I have vowed to do what ever I can to help them, even if it means laying down my own life.
If you�re looking to join this worthy group, I can certainly assure you that you won�t be disappointed.

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Sunday July 8th, 2018 12:47:01 PM

Bliss, talking to Murphy, reaches up to adjust his upgraded headband of vast intelligence. "You know, Mister Murphy, my old friend, I find that with my improved chapeau, the nuances of grammar no longer elude me. Why are we "Humble's Sword"? We cannot belong to an adjective. We could be "Humility's Sword" I suppose. There was a person named Humble after whom Humble's Ford was named, but we are not his! If we were the town's, we would he "Humble's Ford's Swords" ... but please no."

"I suggest that I am a "Humble Sword" and that we are "Humbles Sword," like passer-by and passers-by. I could compromise on "Humble Swords." Wowsy, at least that would be grammatically correct."

[OOC to Pressi: Armor proficiency is not needed for Harper, unless you want it for roleplay. Rules say "Nonproficient with Armor Worn: A character who wears armor and/or uses a shield with which he is not proficient takes the armor's (and/or shield's) armor check penalty on attack rolls as well as on all Dexterity- and Strength-based ability and skill checks." But masterwork studded leather armor has ZERO armor check penalty, so there is also no non-proficiency penalty!]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Sunday July 8th, 2018 3:10:53 PM
"Don't worry Murph, Pressi seems to be hanging back more in fights. She's not dumb enough to keep running up on things by herself all the time."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3 d20+5=18 ; d20+5=6 ;
Sunday July 8th, 2018 4:26:51 PM
Hobie plays a nice tune on his first try, and then picks up a second lute and really fumbles his fingers on the frets.

"I certainly wouldn't call myself an expert, I'm still learning"

He looks over the masterwork lute.

"She's beautiful. I'd love to purchase this. Tell you what, I'll gladly give you the 110 for it, but if I make it 120, could you engrave, here on the back of the neck, the word 'Romita' ? That's what I'm gonna call her."

Hobie gladly takes out his gold, and pays the man, super thankful for his new masterwork Lute. As he leaves, Hobie notices a young boy outside the shop, looking longingly at the instruments through the window.

He stops and chats with the boy, and then takes his old lute out from his bag.
"This is my old lute, I call her 'Lutecille.' I won't be playing her much anymore on account of I just bought this new one. Would you mind taking her off my hands? Could you promise to play her every day, and get real talented? I'll tell you what, I come to this town every so often to train with the WLA, maybe next time I'm here you and me could have a jam session, and if you've really been practicing, I'll buy you one of Nalfein's nice lutes. Deal?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/82 AC 27 Touch 18 CMD 29 Hero Points 3
Sunday July 8th, 2018 4:46:55 PM
During the downtime, Hobie took the time to scribe the following scrolls:

4x Flame Arrow
4x Haste
2x Fly
2x Tongues
2x Clairaudience/Clairvoyance

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Sunday July 8th, 2018 4:52:54 PM
Updating Header

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Sunday July 8th, 2018 7:03:00 PM
Zaragosa took the ale happily. "Cheers, Your generosity is most thoughtful," he said while Succotash started his tail. This wasn't quite the interview that Zaragosa was expecting. He was quite surprised by Succotash's openness, though he took the paladin's attitude as a good sign. Zaragosa made sure to interact with Succotash story with brief enthusiastic responses such as "how terrible", "that's amazing", and "very interesting".

In the end, Zaragosa was nothing but wide smiles. "Fascinating, and that is only a summation of all the stories you have to tell! I would love to hear more. Thank you for sharing, noble Succotash Slenderstick, Paladin of Pantheon. I have never seen combat as you have described and only once have I meet a group worth travelling with, but never with a group adventurers. If this group is half as great as your words imply, then I fear it is I, as Unbelievably talented as I am, who may be found wanting. I am capable while in a fight, but most of my abilities lie elsewhere" Zaragosa was genuine in his attitude, but he was purposeful in expressing it openly. Complementing others was always a good first impression after all. He also thought this group might be as good as the paladin said, Zaragosa might as well be honest with his level of strengths and weaknesses.

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Sunday July 8th, 2018 8:27:41 PM
A young tomcat wanders by and changes into a young tom halfling.

"No! No!" says the little guy, laughing. "My name is Bliss, not Tom!"

He sticks out his hand to JTT. "Pleezed to meetcha! I'm a Humble Sword. That's what we call ourselves. Are you here to join up? Come on over and sit down for the interview."

Bliss finds a couple chairs and a huge plate of food. A second trip sees Bliss bring over mugs for JTT, Sir Succo, and himself.

"Dig in! Anyone who applies gets a free meal, even if we do not take you! Just water cause we gotta be serious."

"First off, do you promise to protect those weaker than you and do heroic good deeds as best you can?"

Second, are you tough enough? A newbie fresh out of Maplehurst could say yes to the first question, but if they get killed by a magic missile or never fought an orc or a giant, well, that's just sad when they die right away, you know."

He pauses to give the new guy a chance to answer.

"Whelp that's all the questions I got. Sir Succotash, you got anything you want to ask?"

[assuming that the replies was more or less fine, which I'm sure they will be ...]
"Welcome aboard!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Sunday July 8th, 2018 8:49:12 PM
Kezzem greats the newcomer.

"What's this, another one? And Succo's vetting you? He literally just joined himself. Man, I still think of Hobbie as the new guy."

"So what's your deal pal? Please tell me your not another paladin. We already got one (pointing to himself) and spare (pointing to Succo)."

Kezzem activates detect-evil on the newcomer. When you have a detect-evil-hammer, everything looks like a nail. An evil nail. In need of smiting.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Sunday July 8th, 2018 10:41:42 PM
Zaragosa shakes Bliss hand with a smile. "Glad to meet you, I am J.T.T. Zaragosa." He follows Bliss then takes a seat, bringing his Ale with him. He takes a plate and says with a smile, "This generosity is legendary! I thank you very much!"

He listens to the first question and answers it with enthusiasm and glee "Always and forever. I admit when I was young and poor I may have stolen to survive but now I have always tried to treat my fellow person with respect and stick up for those that cannot for themselves."

Zaragosa's toned changed to answer the second question. It took away any hint of a cavalier manner, "I am a better fighter than most. I grew up on the streets and recently have undergone many adventures. However, among legends, like most folk who have gone through as many adventures as myself, I may seem like I have a glass jaw. I am particularly good at finding a weak point when the enemy least expects it, but other than that I more support a fight then do the most damage. Among new adventures, I am a legend in battle. Among legends, I am ok. I can handle my own."

Zaragosa lightens up and smiles as he greets Kezzem. "Greetings, good Paladin." He then turns to address Succotash, Bliss and Kezzem. "I am a talented escape artist, master locksmith, and have been trained in bardic magic. I know encouraging and healing magic. I can disable any lock or trap. I can escape any hold or cage. I most certainly can hold a crowd attention. I will admit I have an overblown ego, but I give no lie when I say you will find me far from useless."

There is not evil aura on any of his gear. Zaragosa is Chaotic Good. Not even a thief

Talia (JonPaul W) HP 68/68
Sunday July 8th, 2018 11:36:41 PM
A rather tall halfling knocks on the door of the "Humble's Sword" with a poster gripped in one hand and her WLA badge proudly displayed on the strap of her stylish overalls. With backpack afixed over one shoulder, she patiently awaits a response while wondering if anyone is actually home. "Gosh I hope this is the right place," she thinks to herself as she waits. "It would be great to adventure with more than a party of one!" she muses to herself.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Monday July 9th, 2018 1:41:41 AM
(confused about the timing of all this, but I think Succo and Bliss were also at the WLA place with us right? So this interview is happening at a different time than the trip to the music shop, so Hobie could be there as well?)

Hobie goes to the door and meets Talia, "Hello! Welcome! I assume you are here because of the sign that was posted. We are currently conducting an interview, but if you could sit right here we'll be with you in a matter of moments. Help yourself to some coffee or tea." Hobie gestures to the pot of hot water that has been set out for the guests, along with some tea bags and a french press.

He goes in to the interview with JTT

"You use the past tense when you talk about stealing, but you certainly have the look of a thief. What confidence can we have that you'll not rob us all blind when we turn our backs? Kezzem and Tash, what does your evil radar say about this guy?"

After the interview with JTT

Hobie returns to where Talia is waiting "Okay, we are ready for you now, please come in."

He gestures to a chair for Talia to sit in

"Tell us about yourself Talia, what's your story? Why do you want to join us, and what is it about yourself that might be of use to our group. And also let me begin by saying that if you are a Paladin we are quite full up. That doesn't mean you are automatically disqualified of course, just that you'll have to impress even more to warrant a spot." He leans in close to where only Talia can hear him "Frankly, between you and me, Kezzem is kind of a strange dagger throwing Paladin, and I'm more partial to the classic sword and shield type. But he has saved my hide on more than a few occasions."

ADM Kim - just shy of two weeks ago, when the party arrived in Angel Springs - for Hobie
Monday July 9th, 2018 1:52:13 AM
"Another ten? Sure," Nalfein agrees. "That'd be Leska who does that for you. Hey, sis, Hobart here wants something engraved on the back of Kember's lute. So, Cosmos, how are the cookies?"

Leska Rose smiles indulgently at Nalfein, then speaks to Cosimo and Hobie. "Don't think he doesn't know your names, lads. He likes to provoke. Yes, Hobie, I was speaking with Cosimo here. What would you like engraved? If you don't mind, the engraving itself need not be very deep, and I have a good paint to fill it in." She makes certain that she has 'Romita' spelled correctly, and positioned just where he wants it. "Oh, on the neck? Do you know someone by this name?" she asks, looking up as he answers.

She has him select a color, or colors, for her to use - she has oil paints, and can cover a full spectrum. Even can include gold, silver, or copper flecks. "It's five above what my brother quoted if I use flecking. After the oil dries, I coat it with a lacquer to protect the paint. Don't worry - it blends in with the stain that is already in the wood after a few hours." She lets him know that she can have it ready when the shop opens in the morning. [As Murphy brought Cosimo, and Hobie, to WinWood Music and Toys on the day the group arrived in Angel Springs to get the WLA training, that should not be a problem, right? - this is a bit of back-step in the time-line.]

When Hobie comes to pick up the fine lute the next morning, he sees Cosimo there at the circular table, talking with with Nalfein, and eating some sort of egg-turnip-onion concoction. Cosimo raises a hand acknowledging Hobie.

Leska shows him her work - it is crisp and elegant, and asks Hobie if it meets his expectations. If so, she places it into an oilcloth carrying bag, and includes a small cloth pouch. "An extra set of strings is included, complements of WinWood. The bag should keep rain and such off of it."

Miss Leska provides him a receipt
Sold to Hobie Browncloak, of Humble's Sword:
1 Masterwork Lute, crafted by Kember Leafwin Pipewood, and engraved by Leska Rose L.P. for 110 gp (or 115 if he goes for the gold-flecked paint)
[Email your DM with this information]

She graciously thanks Hobie for his patronage. Nalfein walks over. "So, Murph was telling me yesterday about what a big help you are to Humble's Sword. You should change the name of the group to Humble's Sword and Arrows, from what I've heard." He gives him a firm clap on the shoulder. "I like people who take good care of my kin. Come around any time, Hobie - y'hear?"

ADM Kim
Monday July 9th, 2018 2:07:14 AM

[OOC: Gang - so as to forestall the abundant confusion as to locale and timing, how about this - subject to DM ratification? Foreman George and his crew have completed the workshop and the workers housing, and have laid the foundation, one story stone walls, and are about to begin framing for the second and third floors of the Guest House - which will be our first dwelling. For some reason they've already temporarily placed the oak front door - which helps make sense that there is a door to knock upon. We've been asked to come and take a look, and approve of the work so far. Hazel, Alouryn, and Quotilyn are bringing food over - and directed people who came to our current dwelling standby, Humble's Sword Burrow, by the river, to instead go out to the Humble House, A Sanctuary, soon to be the new home of Humble's Sword? We don't need to mix up whether we're meeting in Angel Springs, or all over the map in HF. Sound all right? Hope so. P.S.: Murphy, Succotash, Bliss, et al, can discuss the group's name all they wish, and let the best idea be sorted. Phew!]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (Kim) HP 85/85
Monday July 9th, 2018 2:39:49 AM

About this time, a 16' tall earth elemental emerges from the ground at U28 on The Sanctuary of Humble's Sword map. He bears a stone 6 feet long, about 2-1/2 feet wide, and six to ten inches thick. He walks toward the Guest House front door, but sets it down shy of that at T32. In a deep, earthy voice he intones to one of the nearby workers, "Good for a front step, after stone carving." He steps away to U31, moves his hands to cast a spell, says a short phrase, and water rains down upon him from 30' in the air. He repeats the gestures and words several times, as dirt washes off of him. Then he steps away from the puddle, and wildshapes into a halfling.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood steps in the room, sees some of the Sword team there, as well as a few new people. "Hey. Welcome to this skeleton of a dwelling." He squeezes the corner of his shirt out on to the dirt floor. "I'm Murphy. I suppose you saw Bliss's signs. Someone want to fill me in on what's going on? Or shall we wait until the others get here, so we don't have to do it several more times?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Monday July 9th, 2018 3:54:22 AM
Time jump back to Angel Springs

"The gold paint would be perfect. Thank you. "Romita" is a name that is very important to me. I'd prefer to leave it at that."

Hobie gladly pays the 115gp.

ooc: John Romita Jr. was one of the creators of the comic book character The Prowler--Hobie Brown.

Also ooc: For our new folks, if you are confused by the strange times at which I often post, I live in Europe. So my time schedule is kinda wacky for Americans.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Monday July 9th, 2018 5:51:53 AM
�Hey Murphy, nice rock, I can see what you mean, I think it will make a splendid front step�, Succotash declares. �Thanks for sharing your history, and skill set with us mr. Zaragosa, I look forward to seeing your skills in action, and am especially loving the idea of some bardic magical buffs, oh and by the way, do you do any musical performances, because it would be fun having another musician in the group, I play the drum, mediocrely, and Hobie here plays the lute�.
Turning to Talia, Succotash asks, �As Hobie said, could you share a little about yourself, and don�t worry if you�re a Paladin, I for one don�t have a problem with that�. He then detects evil on Talia.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Monday July 9th, 2018 9:41:58 AM
Hobie's words insulted Zaragosa and he let his face show it fully. "I have a 'Look of a thief'? Good sir, your words hurt me deeply but I am sure that is what a thief would say. I forgive your harmful comment, but I plead you do not call me 'thief' again. You all seem fantastically above me and I would be grateful to be in your number, but I will not let my name be dredged through the mud.

"I am a former slave turned boy-on-the-streets. I stole bread to live. I knew of no one way but a good man found me and taught me better. I have stolen since then and I will probably steel again. Yes, you heard me, good sir. Yet I will never steel for my profit. I will never steel for your profit, this groups profit, or for anyone's purse. I will make the call you paladins cannot. I will steal if the result will save someone life or set a captive free. You, nor anyone else will stop me. As for your own gear and coin, I would never touch it. I live to make an honest living. I will entertain for coin, I will even beg for coin, but I will starve to death before I will steal for my own benefit. I plead if you'll take me, trust me, and do not call me a thief.

"I give you my word and I sear in my name and in the name of my trainer, Billie Valencia the Great, that I am not here to rob you."

Zaragosa knew in his heart the man didn't mean to insult him. He didn't quite know why he took it so personally. Perhaps everyone else was so welcoming that the Hobie's words surprised him. Though he hated being called 'thief', but he wished he wasn't so brash with his word. He wished he didn't list 'slave' as his former occupation.

He calmed himself a bit to answer Succotash, "I'm afraid not, my bardic magic comes from my words. I tell stories and act performances. I cannot join a band and my bardic practice makes me.... a bit wordy... but I'm sure you all have figured this out for yourself. Believe me, I can keep my mouth shut when the time is needed."

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Monday July 9th, 2018 9:42:55 AM
(OOC wait wait wait, so the BARD is the only one here that DOESN'T play an instrument?)

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Monday July 9th, 2018 11:32:57 AM

Bliss says, "I used to dance, but i gave that up to be a kitty cat."

"Well, I've heard enough. You're in, Mister JTT. Have a seat and help us interview the next applicant."

Talia (JonPaul W) HP 68/68
Monday July 9th, 2018 2:23:01 PM
"Hello, nice to meet fellow adventurer's and well as fellow halflings. As I have already kindly been introduced I am Talia, am from the area, I believe, and I've been spending my time tracing down my family tree. See, I know I must be from the area...as I am the same race...but my memory eludes me as to which clan I actually belong too. Oh, I'm also have a knack for mystical magical things. And I love Purple!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday July 9th, 2018 3:29:18 PM
"Well, if you are looking for family trees, you might as well start with the nuts," a voice called from the back hole waiting for a window.

A black haired halfling's head popped up, staring at the two newcomers. "My, such interest in everyone. I think every staffing decision thus far was simply whether you could just stand us. Hold on, coming in...."

With a quick hop over the small wall, the rest of her can be seen. A small halfling in armor, she seemed completely wrapped in chains and metal, a holy symbol of the Crones around her neck. A few spells cleaned off her time from the garden.

"Pressi Silverglove. Unabashed thief, outsider sorta undead witch, and your healer of the evening so tip nicely. Over there sunning herself is Harper. Just checking out the garden areas and not at all divining you six ways from sunday. If you have any questions, I barely care. Ok, see you around, probably."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (Kim) HP 85/85
Monday July 9th, 2018 4:03:39 PM
"Wait, wait, wait, Bliss. What? Hello - you are JTT? I'm Murphy. Just got done doin' some work - sorry for the wet clothing. And, hello, Talia - well met. Sorry, folks, no disrespect at all intended in what I'm about to say."

Murphy drags over a piece of lumber and takes a seat, running his fingers through his damp and sandy colored hair. "Bliss, we decide these things as a group. It's not for you to say, prior to consultation from the others, whether someone joins, or does not. Now, we'll likely agree with you, once all is said and done.

"That brings up another matter you have raised. From day one, we have been called 'Humble's Sword.' As a group at the time we discussed whether to use 'Sword' or 'Swords' as the designation. We decided on the singular, and in this case, collective noun. As a group of individuals, bonded together into as cohesive a group as we can make it, we together serve as defense for Humble's Ford. The group of us form the Sword - a weapon to defend our community, our valley, and, at times, the Wold.This is not really a grammatical problem. The group known as Humble's Sword defends, and in some ways represents, Humble's Ford.

"And why 'Humble's' rather than 'Humble'? Because our name represents and recognizes our group's origin, and our home. We live in Humble's Ford. And we are Humble's Sword. Now, if you want to lobby to change the name of our group, you are free to do so. Now, proper humility can be a virtue. And I pray that we each maintain a measure of humility as we serve each other, and our people. Yes, be a humble member of Humble's Sword. I hope to be so, and that each of us is. All right, I know, I'm talking too much all ready. So, I'll stop.

"Except for this - Bliss, you are amazing. And I am happy you are taking initiative - I love it when members of our group show leadership. Look at what your signs have done - looks like we have two people who may have what it takes to join up with us. I say 'may' - because I have not yet really heard much of their stories. Let's get everyone here, and give everyone a fair shake. Does that sound fair?"

Just then Pressi pops in. "Hi."

He turns to Talia, and says, "Purple is a beautiful color."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (Kim) HP 85/85
Monday July 9th, 2018 4:07:54 PM

Murphy listens to Pressi, then says, "Well, she's kind of right. Sure, let's hear what you can do - but, if you want to give us a try, I'm game. I know, I just contradicted what I told Bliss. I must be a hypocrite. And a busy one at that."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Monday July 9th, 2018 4:31:41 PM
to JTT "I can see I struck a nerve, I didn't mean to offend, but I'm no stranger to thievery myself. I've met a lot of guys who claimed to be reformed, and I don't have the fancy evil radar like the Pallies. I can see in your eyes that you aren't a thief. Welcome to the Sword."

Hobie laughs heartily at Murphy
"Well thanks for the longwinded explanation of our name. Nobody gave me that when I signed up, I had to just figure it out with context. Then again, I never actually signed up, Roscoe just told me to help you defeat that necromancer.

He thinks really hard for a moment and then adds "You know, I don't think I ever really found out why exactly we were fighting that guy. Other than the fact that he was creating zombies in our town and such."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Monday July 9th, 2018 4:33:47 PM
ooc: Jon Paul, can you add the link to your character sheet? I'm curious to see what kind of character Talia is.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Monday July 9th, 2018 4:53:32 PM
To JTT: "We used to have a roguish-bard like you. He told the weirdist stories."

To Murph: "If he dies and comes back as a paladin, I'm out of here."

After Pressi enters: "No offense Press, but you've gotten a lot weirder since we first met. I remember when you used to just smack people with your fists."

After Murph explains the origin of their name. "I don't think that was ever explained to me, but then, I don't always listen because I'm not sure if you noticed, but you do tend to talk quite a bit, I just figured it was Sword caused it rhymed."

To Hobie: "You mean creating zombies was not a good reason for you? That's like, top 3 reasons to fight someone, after killing ones family and correcting people who don't use whom correctly."

Talia (JonPaul W) HP 68/68
Monday July 9th, 2018 4:53:52 PM
OOC: Someone remind me how to post the link . Gosh I feel so silly right now.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (Kim) HP 85/85
Monday July 9th, 2018 5:19:44 PM

Like this (but change the { to [ and the } to ] ) - and, of course, give the real URL which is her character sheet location, rather than the phony google link I gave:

{link href="https://docs.google.com/etc.etc.filename"}Talia{/link} (Jon-Paul) AC, HP, CMD, & so forth

That should show up as
Talia (Jon-Paul) AC, HP, CMD, & so forth

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Monday July 9th, 2018 5:54:39 PM
Zaragoza gave Hobie a bow, "I hope my outburst was not out of line. Perhaps your word hurt more than I thought. I thank you for your acceptance and will try to be more understanding in the future. I am honoured to be in your number."

Zaragosa greets Murphy with a smile. "It is good to meet you Sir Murphey. I am grateful to hear about your group and delighted to join it."

Turning to Kezzem while continuing his smile. "I am neither a rogue and hardly a bard. I do know some roguish talents as I can pick a lock but most of that is for show or good. I also know only a few bardic spells. Thank you good, noble sir for letting me in the guild"

To bliss, Zaragosa said, "I will endeavour to be worthy of the group."

He then sat down and listened to Talia speak and let others speak to her

{link href="http://bit.ly/2KKFROD"}Talia{/link} (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Monday July 9th, 2018 5:57:08 PM
OCC: Here's Talia!

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Monday July 9th, 2018 6:05:05 PM
OOC: Ok, so I had cataract surgery last year...I can see!

ADM Kim
Monday July 9th, 2018 7:18:30 PM
DMs Carl and Ken have asked me to DM for the next few days, as Ken works on final measures to kill us all. I mean, to finish up the next module. So, through Wednesday or thereabouts, I'll handle DM issues here. This will give our characters an extension to 'downtime' - figure another 3 weeks - but our next adventure hook should be introduced later this week. Pressi's dragonhide saga should be dealt with in the interim. More building on the compound? What have you. Will post late tonight (or wee hours of the morning) as the official (a)DM post.

Now, continue as you were... -Kim

ADM Kim
Tuesday July 10th, 2018 5:37:58 AM

Winding up three weeks of downtime following the battle with Sarr - the spirit and Power of the Sargrass in the southern continent, the adventurers engage in various pursuits. Amid visits to the Catacombs, training with the WLA, helping Humble's Ford with some of the residual effects of recent events, the party ends up at the locale of their soon-to-be new homestead.

Pressi diligently tries to find someone to craft & magic the dragonskin for her. And cracks wise with the team, and the newcomers. [b]Kezzem recalls how it used to be she would just punch people.

Bliss does some catting around. He places himself in charge of a new recruiting campaign - and it appears to pay off, as two newcomers inquire into joining with with the group. He gives Pressi some counsel regarding the dragonhide armor. Aside from some discussions about nomenclature with Murphy, he seems to be having a great time.

Kezzem and Succotash both check over J.T.T. Zaragoza and Talia to see if they evidence an evil aura. Neither does so at the moment. Hobie adds a measure of interrogation and challenges, some of which Sr. Zaragoza finds disconcerting, but he responds, and things seem to get smoothed out. Talia offers that she has a knack for magic, loves Purple!, and is trying to track down her family. She knows she they must be in this general area, but looks to find someone who might help her.

Murphy locates a solid stone to serve as front step to the Guest House. Kezzem and Hobie express thanks for his explanation of how Humble's Sword got its name.

Looks like the group has even more free time on their hands, as no word of stirrings or trouble abroad has reached their ears. It's as if the Wold is trying to catch its breath after the bloodweed menance was resolved.

====== Feel free to skip, if you wish, any sections following that do not pertain to your character - but EVERYONE should read the 'Foreman George' section, as all are there to hear him ========

ADM Kim - Air Elemental Spire
Tuesday July 10th, 2018 5:40:34 AM
Air Elemental Spire
Papa Samell, head of WinWood Music and Toys, returned from his trip. Took him seven days rather than the 4 or 5 he had estimated. He stops by where the old communal house was, currently being transformed by Foreman George and the members of Humble's Sword. "Hello, all. Looking for Murphy and Pressi, and anyone else interested in the tall white spire for the air elementals to play around."

When found, he says he had time to work through several issues, and believes he is ready to move ahead on making the spire. He unrolls two scrolls, one long with detailed drawings and notations, the other a bill of materials and estimated costs. "I'm not charging for this, other than the right to place my name on the monument, and what I have to pay for some of the materials, and a few experts who don't work for free.

"Trying to get as many volunteers as I can, and I'm asking for donations - I'm telling 'em it might help put our town on the map, in bigger print. I've been attending regular over with the Ffloy folks. Some are interested in helping. Biggest material expenses are enough wood bending and some metal work for the frame, silk ropes, and a special permanent paint from Plateau City. The latter is going to be two thousand gold. Worth every coin. Paint it on, then heat to high temperature. With flames. When it cools down, it's a pearly white, fire resistant, pretty much weather resistant, and they say it lasts, theoretically, for hundreds of years. Though they've only tested it for about 140 years so far. Passed down from alchemist to alchemist. Said they can have the amount I asked for ready in a fortnight. I brought a small sample, enough for a mockup.

"This week I plan to build a scale model of the whole thing, mold and all. Oh, all that clay you made from the tops of the walls - we'll use much of that, too."

ADM Kim - Hobie's New Lute
Tuesday July 10th, 2018 5:42:06 AM
Hobie's Lute Romita [backstep to Angel Springs]
Apologies - the cost of the masterwork lute, with the gold-flecked painted engraving on the neck, was 125 gold pieces, rather than the 115 I mistakenly placed in a prior post... but it is beautiful, what with the gold and silver filigree, and rich tones - both musical, and in the choice of woods. Again, +1 to Perform: Lute skill checks.

Now, the boy Hobie spoke with outside the shop. He learns his name is Patter. Patter Spolens Tablemaker. He is simply flabbergasted at the gift Hobie offers him. He finally accepts it. He puts his fingers on the frets, and plays a somewhat discordant chord. "Oops." He tries again. Not much better. "The bards know how to play, but I don't, mister. Can you show me how to make a few good sounds?" He asks for Hobie's full name. He says he knows where the WLA is. A cousin is a member. He will leave his name and where he lives with his cousin to leave for Hobie the next time he comes in to the city.

After the boy goes on his way, Nalfein comes out the door and says, "Well, Hobart, you've certainly won my sister's heart. She melts at kind deeds. Don't get the wrong idea, though. She's not for you. She just likes what you did. See you around, sometime."

ADM Kim - Pressi's Quest
Tuesday July 10th, 2018 5:43:13 AM
Pressi's armor
Pressi does learn that Hugo Pipeleaf of the Slings and Arrows shop knows of someone who can help with the magicking of the armor, and he himself has the skills to fashion the leather armor for her, and a small shield, or studded leather for her leopard, Harper, with the skins she let him see. The costs come to what she estimated in the Catacombs, the time is "a week or so, with a couple of fittings. The thing is, the person who offered to magick it for you is charging the standard price, plus a future favor. I asked what the favor was, and she said that would be between her and you. And she doesn't want to meet you face to face." He shakes his head. "Takes all kinds, I reckon."

ADM Kim - Humble House / The Sanctuary / Compound: Foreman George
Tuesday July 10th, 2018 5:48:10 AM
Foreman George, his crew, and the compound
The foreman the town provided out of gratitude to the adventurers lets them know that he wants to take an extra two days to extend the stone base of the Guest House half again, so it covers the main floor and a good part of the floor above. The balance of the three story house will be timber framed, and will protrude about 2-1/2 feet beyond the stone wall. He also proposed a covered area, 10' high, for a little outdoor area to seat perhaps ten or so halflings out of doors, but also in the shade, at the NW corner of the building, with timber frame jutting out over that. "After that, with my crew focused, we can finish the guest house in maybe two weeks, except for interior detail work. If you want it up quickly, if some of you could help, it might speed things."

"While most of us are working on that, I can have my stonemasons lay the foundation and walls for the stables, then either the barn or the warehouse. With extra help, and a few more hands, as some finish the guest house, we can get at least two of the three buildings up by the time it's finished, then start on the next one. Might I suggest the stables and warehouse first, then the barn?"

George, who has pouch of tobacco from which he customarily chews as he thinks, says, "With the plans you drew up for the multipurpose meeting building, with what you call 'moduler' insides - shifting walls and such, that will take more time. Not something I've ever built before," he admits.

"For the fountains, the wells - that is something you might be able to tell us about, Mister Murphy, since you've gone digging all over the place. And you might want to get some religious folks out to figure what your plans are for the shrines. For the archery range, just a few spots need smoothing out, then plant the sort of grass you want. For about 25 gp that can be ready, except for nicely grown lawn, in a week. Got me a few workers in Hovel to bring in good at that sort of thing - leveling and such, and laying down a consistent surface.

"Also, some of my men are shy about getting near the two oaks. Not used to trees that can move, and ask them questions about their intentions."

"Ah, last thing, for the moment - that big stone thing you want in the middle - that's for you all to do the bulk of the work on. Huge shaped stone projects are not my specialty. I can do, and oversee, regular stone work no problem. I can help you work in things like plumbing, ventilation, some hidden spots and the like, and make sure your plans look structurally sound."

===============

What does the party wish to do? Again, ~3 weeks of activity, squeezed in between now and the Thursday DM post by Ken.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (Kim) HP 85/85
Tuesday July 10th, 2018 6:21:31 AM

Murphy calls a meeting of all hands. "All right, friends, we have now an opportunity. There seems to be a paucity of people who need rescuing, or giants to fight, or taxidermonecromancers to defeat.

"So, how about we pursue a bit of domestic tranquility, by engaging in strenuous activities which are far from tranquil, and get this place built up? We've got the general plans here. Ask me questions if you'd like more details. Now, except what is already built, these plans are not cast in stone. Well, sure, some are built of stone. What I mean is, we can change things, if you make a good case for us to do so.

"Are you willing to work with the builders, and accelerate the utility of this place? For now, what will be the future Guest House, is going to be the Everyone House. The Humble House, if you will. I dibs a top floor bedroom. If you don't want to help finish this building, there's plenty more work. Gardens and small orchards to plant. Wells and fountains to make. A water slide for fun and refreshment. Shrines to make. Most of them are slated for the NE corner, but, if you'd like one elsewhere, let's talk.

"There is the Archery Range. The Practice Arena. Barn, stables. Oh, a Ritual House. Is 20'x20' large enough? I'd like that to be made of good hardwood, finely crafted. Witches - your input. Religious folk - your ideas.

"Oh, George didn't mention this, but he and I talked about making the ceilings of most buildings at least 8' high. That way biguns can visit and not crack their heads. The Multipurpose Building will have very high ceilings. 20, maybe 25 feet high.

"Maybe we can tuck a burrow in some spot."

Murphy takes a break from talking to hear what people have to say.

After some discussion he adds, "Moisture is beginning to return to the soil, but, unaided, it will take more time for the land that was so parched to find its water level again. I found where an underground stream ran, but it's just a trickle now. I will do what I can to speed it up. I did find a spring about 180' down, in the NE corner - not too far off from where a well and a fountain are planned. There are some open areas underground too. Caves, I mean. The topsoil goes way down. Lots of rocks below that. I mean, there are rocks all over the place, but more as one goes deeper. Found what I think is bedrock at about 450'."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (Kim) HP 85/85
Tuesday July 10th, 2018 7:00:44 AM

"If I could cast Control Weather, I would make it rain. But it might be a while before I can cast that, and a scroll would be 2,275 gp. I can cast create water all day long - but our soil is also affected by adjacent soil all around Humble's Ford.

"Maybe we could all just pray for rain. And I'll make it shower all over the place, about 220 gallons per minute. I'll spend maybe an hour a day making baby showers all over the place." Then his face turns red. "I mean little showers, not the kind where you buy gifts for a little baby." 13,200 gallons per hour, or about 1650 cubic feet, or 99,000 pounds. He also conjures some water elementals, and chats with them about how to improve the water situation in the area - both in the compound, and throughout the town.

The druid says it's fine with him if George extends the stone walls up to about 12 or so feet above the ground for the Guest House. He consults with the stone mason on the front step to the guest house.

He contributes 700 gp to his father for purchasing materials for the air spire, and asks his friends if they would like to contribute.

"If someone wants that archer range up soon, well, just give Foreman George 25 gold," he recommends to his party members, especially who use a bow or crossbow.

Over the three weeks, he digs wells. He adds one at G16 (Master 10ft View). He discusses fountain technology with George, as the foreman did say he knows plumbing. He chats about the fountains with the water elementals, too, asking if they would like to frolic in a fountain from time to time.

"Who wants to design the water slide?" Murphy puts out to the group.

He gathers and stacks stones here and there, especially where they are needed for building materials.

He spends time terraforming, casting the spell Move Earth.

He buys a beehive from a local farmer, and carefully, gently transfers it to his apiary (AI220).

He plants trees. Gardens.

Working for a day or so with his father on the mock up, at an appropriate time he casts mud to rock, then helps his father remove the various little plugs from the mold which are for the musical tones, and helps him polish, then paint. He asks Talia if she knows some fire spells, such as burning hands, to help with the paint finishing. He is most pleased with the pearly white, hard, resistent surface.

Though every day he offers up prayers, one day a week he spends in worship services. Eberyon. Ma'ab. Flower. Ffloy with his father. Pantheon. et al.

And one day a week he does what he can to help the town. Knocking down more of the encircling walls if they wish, or other activities. He adds a few water spots in the underground tunnels. One day he plans to extend the tunnel system further, but not at this time. He already completed what he had planned for the tunnels a few weeks ago.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Tuesday July 10th, 2018 10:12:07 AM
�I�m no expert in building, and such�, Succotash offers, �But please point me to where any heavy lifting is required, or other such work, and Miss Piggy and I will get it done!�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday July 10th, 2018 10:48:41 AM
Timeline = I give up. I'm just treating this like sitcom timelines. You know how some Friends episodes have one plotline that lasts days and a second one that lasts half an hour but they still intersect? That's what is going on here.

Armor Plotline

"Okay, look, I don't want to tell you how to do your job," Pressi began slowly to her shady contact. "But it seems to me like your adding an extra cost and not giving me anything in return above and beyond what I can get elsewhere. If you want me to sell my soul, you've got to at least sweeten the pot. Better price, lower ASF, a bowl of candy, something. Or maybe a favor for a favor if we're going the no questions asked route.

"Also, you should know that if you don't want me to start digging, just tell me she's in the bathroom. Ooh, mysterious stranger hiding her identity. Surely an adventuring heroine with a ton of divination spells and rogue skills will just let this go. Domi, maybe I should be the one taking over the world. Clearly, I'd be better at it...."

Pressi at this point will just go back and accept the deal from Hugo Pipeleaf. "A couple of trips, huh. Good thing I've got shadow walk now."

-----------------

"Ok, ok, I'll do what I can for construction, but can't do much. There is something that I've been waiting to do for a long time now...."

Pressi casts alter self (human) on herself and animal growth on Harper, among other spells and armor effects.

Aside from that, there isn't too much that Pressi can do, but she can fly for hours, lifting lightweight items up to the second and third levels, shaping towers, etc. A few spells like prestidigitation (temporary molds and blocks to keep things from sliding) and rose control also help to some degree.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 d20+21=33 ; d20+21=23 ; d20+21=32 ; d20+21=26 ; d20+21=37 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+20=33 ; d20+20=33 ; d20+20=22 ; d3=2 ; d20+20=33 ; d20+20=36 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+20=30 ; d20+20=38 ; d20+20=32 ; d20+20=28 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+20=32 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+20=39 ; d3=1 ; d20+20=40 ; d20+20=29 ;
Tuesday July 10th, 2018 4:15:44 PM
Melvin, that's exactly how I'm thinking of the timeline.

Hobie will happily pay the 25 gp for the Archery Range to get finished, and encourage Foreman George to get it done as quickly as possible.

Once it's finished, Hobie will head out to do some practice, starting with a target at 30 ft, and aiming for a bullseye of AC 15

He fires 5 shots (33, 23, 32, 26, 37) and unsurprisingly, he hits perfectly with each arrow.

He moves back to 75 feet, and aims for a little bit more of a challenge, AC 25.
He misses 2 of 5 (22, 33, 33, 22, 33) which frustrates him, so he takes another five shots and this time he makes all five (36, 31,29, 30, 38)

Finally, he moves out to 100 ft, and tries to test himself a bit more, AC 30.
Making only 2 of 5 (32, 28, 25, 22, 39), Hobie curses himself, and tries once more. This time he sinks 4 of 5 (32, 31, 22, 39, 40) and finishes with the last arrow landing dead center.

"That's how you finish strong Hobester" he says to himself as he thinks of possible ways to test himself better than just shooting stationary targets.

The next time he sees Kezzem, Hobie will mention an idea that he had. "Hey Kez, now that we got the range finished, what do you say we invite some of the citizens and we give them a little marksmanship show. Maybe we could show off a bit, you with your daggers, me with Prowler, and maybe we could even give lessons for some of the kids?"

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Tuesday July 10th, 2018 4:21:21 PM
Zaragosa will aid in any work that is being done when asked. Else, he mostly will stay out of the way. As a newcomer, he doesn't put his nose anywhere it doesn't belong nor does he have a stake in any decision.

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle) d20+25=32 ; d20+25=28 ; d20+25=36 ;
Tuesday July 10th, 2018 4:36:52 PM

[OOC: Sitcom Mode! I love it! That's exactly right!]

New Guys Plotline

Bliss takes a turn talking to JTT and Talia. He wants them to know about how the group works, with common tactics and stuff. "Don't want you guys to be shocked when Mister Murphy turns into an Elemental or I turn into a Tiger," he says.

Bliss explains that he's a frontline fighter these days. He used to be a sniper, which was less dangerous, but also less heroic and also more boring. Nowadays, he fights with his wooden fists ability, or changes into kitty and attacks in tiny cat form, or maybe changes into a tiger or other large beast. What else? He mentions that Hobie's Haste spell is pretty awesome. "Oh, and we got no cleric, but with two paladins, two bloodwitches, a druid, and a bard, we should be in good shape for cures so long as everybody pitches in."

Foreman George Plotline

Bliss steps in to make sure that Foreman George adds some prison cells to the Humble House. "Because if Pressi needs to bring someone to justice, we need a place to stash them." He also wants a place to brew potions and stuff, like scrying and witchy rituals. And we needs lots of staff bedrooms or dorms, because Bliss has followers (four at the moment), and so does Pressi. Bliss helps out with construction too, and uses Plant Growth and Plant Command to make sure the gardens and trees come out nice.

Brewing Plotline

Bliss and Auntie Pot use some time to make some potions. Barkskin CL9, and Cure Moderate Wounds x2 CL3. Spellcraft checks 32, 28, 36 (sheet updated).

He talks with Talia and JTT to see if they know any cool spells to make into potions in the future. Bardic Heroism maybe? That's a sweet one!

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Tuesday July 10th, 2018 6:40:48 PM

Zaragosa listens to Bliss carefully, after he was done, he nods saying. "I can give a small buff while in combat and I can heal of course. However. the only way I really can do damage is if I can flank so that requires some teamwork. Else I will just stay back. Again, I'm mostly good outside combat, although I do have this nifty ice sword and can hit vital areas decently."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Tuesday July 10th, 2018 7:19:48 PM
Air Elemental Spire:

"Shame Alleah isn't still around to see this," says Kezzem to Murph, Press, and Bliss. "I wonder what she and Shel are up to these days."

Foremore George:

"I think we need some more grassy areas for Rumpus and Miss Piggy to play in. Maybe build a fenced area outside the main wall. Harper can play too, I guess, if he can behave himself without supervision. Hey Press, does your cat eat pork or whatever-it-is-you-call-pony-meat?"

Archery Range:

"That's a great idea, Hobie, but daggers are pretty much close range weapons, and I don't think I want to be standing close to the target if newbies are firing bows at it. That said, I'm a pretty decent shot with a bow myself, even if I can't do any fancy tricks with it."

New Guys:

"I'm not sure what a bloodwitch is, but they all seem to get pretty weird. Alleah, Pressi, and Bliss all got strange from bloodwitch-ing. Well, a different weird in Bliss's case."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Tuesday July 10th, 2018 9:04:17 PM
Humble Swords'
Talia listens to the groups as a whole and then each official member, individually. Talia really is not sure what she might be able to do with regards to the compounds construction directly. Indirectly, Talia says to Mr. Murphy, " I'm not sure what I might be able to do to assist you directly; I have but a few cantrips that might be of some use to Humble Sword's; but I am sure I could donate some coin to your compounds capital building fund, if you think that would be alright?"

"While I am on the topic, are there any historians or genealogists in the Valley?" says Talia to no one in particular. I would very much like to inquire in the past. I have a lead or two I would like to pursue.

Kezzem:

Talia asks Mr. Kezzem, "What's a bloodwitch?" Never heard of such a creature. Does it have something to do with bloodmoss?

Foreman George

Sir Foreman, "To whom should I address by curiosities about the construction of the Humble Swords' compound?" asks Ms.Talia

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Tuesday July 10th, 2018 9:59:15 PM

Bliss grins at Sir Kezzem and is glad to hear of JTT's buffing ability.

Then he laughs at Talia's question. "Wowsy, Mister Murphy here is the Wold's Foremost Expert in halfling families from one of the the valley to the other!"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Wednesday July 11th, 2018 1:43:05 AM
When Bliss mentions that being a sniper is "less heroic" Hobie sprays a mouthful of ale across the room.

"LESS HEROIC?! I'll show you heroic, housecat!" Hobie lifts his fists up. "Let's go outside and brawl, no arrows, no claws, just a good old fashioned wrestling match, first to pin the other wins!"

ADM Kim - weeks 1 and 2 of extended downtime
Wednesday July 11th, 2018 3:26:02 AM
Construction Project

George and many of his crew are pleased to have some of the adventurers pitch in, especially as they use some of their unique abilities. One of the crew keeps on asking for Zaragoza's help with fitting stones on the walls, and later with carrying things up to him as he works the rafters. Pressi's flying ferry service comes in very handy. The strength offered by Succotash and his pig are made use of. The gardening skills of Bliss and Murphy are taken advantage of.

"Prison cells?" George repeats as Bliss suggests such. "Best use the cellar, I think. Let's get the roof on first. But, yes, we can fashion a reasonably secure set of cells. In the cellar," George chuckles.

"Murphy talked about various rooms and labs, and lots of other such things for the huge stone building closer to the center. And there is the ritual house we have plans for over on the eastern side. The kitchen will be on the ground floor here in the Guest House. How about your brewing place on the floor above the kitchen? As far as bedrooms and dorms, yes, many of them are already planned." He shows Bliss the sketches he is working from. The main floor has a few common areas, a fireplace, a kitchen, a dining area, a wall bookshelf, a toilet, a wash area. The two upper rooms have many small and medium sized rooms, a toilet room, a washroom.

"The place can sleep maybe twenty to twenty six halflings with fair privacy, or more with doubling up, more bunks. Your current complement should be able to fit here once we're done."

Kezzem's request for outside the land allotment is answered by the Foreman with, "Well, I've been authorized to build within the 120 yard square area. We'd need to hear from the Mayor if we want to go outside that. If he says yes, then we'll be happy to help you out there."

A worker named Palco constructs the frames over the wells dug by Murphy, with buckets for drawing up the water. Except that the water level of the well at AD70 is so near the surface, that he devises a pump. Water can be drawn from the pump very efficiently.

At the end of two weeks, the Guest House is ready for the roofing. Split cedar on top of broad flat boards is used to cover the building. More interior finishing is underway - interior walls are about half built by this time, with doors on 1/3 of the rooms planned.

Weather Reports
Five days after the new members showed up, and on the third day after the townsfolk showed up to help, rain begins. At first it is light to medium. At night it picks up, and is fairly heavy by the morning, so much so that Foreman George says that he is going to have his crew focus on workshop tasks, out of the rain. "When it lets up, we can continue work on the Guest House." For two more days it remains moderate to heavy. The Crescent River swells somewhat. Murphy surveys, and learns that the underground water flow is improving. On the morning of the fifth day of showers, by midmorning the clouds begin to part. The sun shines through. Birds begin to chitter. After another week of fair weather, another two days of hearty rain ensue, then reasonably fair weather resumes.

Pressi's Favor
After explaining how she can find out who is doing the work regardless, and how she ought to take over the world, Pressi finally relents, and accepts the deal as Hugo Pipeleaf explained it. He says, "Very well." He takes the dragon bits from her, and 60% of the money - "The other 40% on delivery is how I work" - then hands her a rough canvas sack which weighs about ten pounds. Whatever is inside feels soft and squishy. "Go somewhere else private to open this. She said there are instructions inside. See you later."

When she finds a place to open the sack, she discovers within many filthy silks. Dirt, grease, stains, splotches, and some which have questionable smells. Each is 6'x6'. A note falls out among the silks. "Choose three you like. Cleanse and, if needed, mend these three. Place the others back in the sack. Place the three clean silks in a different bag. Return the lot to the leatherworker within 2 days."

Eight of them are of solid colors: Red. Yellow. Sky blue. Dark blue. Green - with a large rip near the center. Black. Purple. Brown. One is like a sunburst of yellow and orange, a few touches of red, blue, green. One is a plaid - mainly blues, greens, with accents of yellow and black. One is checkerboard black and red. One has tight straight parallel rainbow stripes, repeated across the breadth. One shows the face of a leopard in the center, the rest is leopard spots. The last is a sunrise over a lake, with autumn leaves on trees in the background.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (Kim) HP 85/85
Wednesday July 11th, 2018 3:26:59 AM
J.T.T. Zaragosa: Tactics
"I may occasionally be able to flank with you. I tend to wildshape into elemental or other forms. I aim a lot for battlefield area control - trying to keep all our opponents from ganging up on us at once." Murphy lets Talia and J.T.T. know that he keeps a journal of Humble's Sword, and if they care to, he is happy to let them read it. "It has become somewhat lengthy. If you want to know more about our early days, I can give you that section. It might be good for you to read about what we as a group have gone through over the past couple of months, though. At least some of our tactics and skills come through."

If any wish to take advantage of Murphy's journals - simply read through past archives of this game. Maybe your character can mention something he or she read, or ask questions about it]

Kezzem's observations
"I agree, Kez. I wish that Shel and Alleah were still with us. I think I'll check with Shel's folks, see if she is faring all right, and if they know of Alleah's whereabouts," says Murphy. "Or, maybe it might be better if you were to ask."

Talia's Identity Crisis
Murphy laughs at Bliss's compliment to his family tree knowledge. "No, I think the most knowledgeable about Crescent Valley families honor goes to Mildred Treeleaf Softbelly of Angel Springs. And old Farley Applebarrel and his wife Lois over in Hovel are a close second as a pair, and my brother Kendry in the top ten. Did you know they have genealogical knowledge contests once in a while here in the valley? I'm maybe in the top thirty or thereabouts. For other aspects of history, there are several people who have their specialties. My Aunt Marigold is no slouch in the history department - and she has a thing or two in common with Bliss and Pressi and their covens. By the way, I tell you that as I trust each of you - but she does not want that spread for general consumption. She's in Hovel. By the way, she can be sweet as pie, and fierce as a dire wolf, so mind your step with her. Since Hovel is closer, Talia, how about if you and I and whoever else would like to immerse themselves in relational minutae head to Hovel for a day or two? Might be able to find out a little bit - but no guarantees. Oh, and Mungo Hardbottle in Angel Springs has some family history books in his stacks. I think he has a thing for sorcerers, too, but I might be mistaken. That is, Kendry might be mistaken, as he is the one who told me that.

"So, what's the story, Talia? I heard of a young girl in the Red Hills who was being treated rather poorly due to her clear eldrich capabilities at a tender age. Is that what happened to you?"

Murphy makes arrangements for about three days to travel to Hovel, make inquiries, and return, to help out Talia. He would like Pressi to come too, if she will. He suggests they travel once the rains start in earnest. "Not much building possible at the moment."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Wednesday July 11th, 2018 5:12:38 AM
�I�ll head go to Hovel with you guys�, Succotash exclaims, �If the Crescent Valley is going to be my home, I should learn what I can about her, and see what she looks like�. Succotash doesn�t mention the fact that he is more than a bit smitten by the lovely Talia, and secretly, he just wants to spend with her, and even though he is really beginning to love new life, in Humble�s Ford, after several weeks without any �action�, he is getting a little bored.

When he isn�t helping in the construction, he spends most his time practicing with his great sword �Twinklesting�, and sparring with who ever is willing. He also makes a point to keep his armor and weapons highly polished.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Wednesday July 11th, 2018 9:35:20 AM
When talking about tactics, Zaragosa was relieved to hear that Murphey and Bliss appreciated the buffs and team ability. By now Zaragosa realised that he might be the small fish in a big bond as fighting was concerned. Yet he would try to impress them with his skills, but much later.

Since his name was now tied to the Humble Sword (and because of the bad rainy weather), Zaragosa decided not to go out and do corner street performances. Zaragosa was not afraid to make a fool of himself for entertainment and gold, but he didn't wish to make a fool of this group, at least not until he got to know them and their temperaments. He had plenty of gold to survive a long while now so he wasn't very worried. Instead, he would just help with the fitting stones and to carry things, as asked.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday July 11th, 2018 12:13:00 PM
(Okay, I really need to start getting into fewer conversations and threads. It takes me an hour just to get an idea of what to address.)

Armor Quest

Pressi is a little peeved that this guy is making her do her laundry, but that's what her followers are for.

As for designs, she really hadn't given it much thought on what the aesthetics would be, and now it was all she thought about. None of the samples really gave the dark hero vibe she was going for, and she wondered if maybe THAT'S what she could have gotten in exchange for a favor. Too late now.

After some back and forth about what looks good, what matches, what fits the personality, she placed in the bag her three choices:

Her Armor: Purple
Her Buckler: Sunburst
Harper's Armor: Brown (to match her spots and new saddle)

After fulfilling the rest of the instructions and warping a couple of times, she was ready to get this over with.

New House

Link to Map, basically copy and make changes

Pressi donated her share of coin (25 gp, was it?) and perused the effects. She made sure that her "Rock Tower" would be changed to a more general caster (or at least witch) tower and that it would hold some amenities such as a library, divination area, and areas for followers to visit. (And maybe a place to craft potions or scrolls.)

Other than that
- she figured the name of Lance's treehouse could also be changed to just treehouse
- she tried to decide if she needed a shrine to her god or immortal powers in general, and realized she had no idea how to worship anyone

To Kezzem, she reassured him that Harper, despite needing to be taken out for hunting on occassion, would not eat any of the mounts or familiars. Unless they get trapped in barbeque sauce. Then, all bets are off.

As for any displays, she figured she could whip up a show of her own, though not of mundane range abilities. (She doesn't have any, preferring to rely on spells.)

To the newcomers, she encourages them to speak their voice. They may see something that they need or that could otherwise be changed, and it'll be their home, too.

New Guys

"Your feedback is appreciated, Kezzem, but I think you overestimate how normal I used to be as a monk and rogue.

"As for what bloodwitches are, we are casters that tap into the foundations of the material plane itself, drawing a substance called woldsblood (which is how you get a lot of objects with "blood" in the name) that then gets tamed in various ways. We can even turbocharge our abilities by drawing more blood, or by relying on anyone in our coven.

"Or, if you're an unlucky monk with rogue skills and no magic whatsoever, you get shoved into the wrong soul jar when the world itself transforms and pop out as some weak frail figure that can literally change existence. Also, Alleah permanently changed her species before leaving, so.... We do the best we can to stay sane but you have to cut us some slack."

(OOC: If you peruse the bloodwitch class on the Woldipedia, you can see, among other things, that we are supposed to be oddballs, mechanically and fluffwise.)

"As for me? On paper, I do what Mistah J does, albeit with somewhat different talents and gaps, and with a particular mission to hunt fugitives from time to time. In practice, I'm more of a spontaneous cleric. I stand in the back casting heals, debuffs and the occasional miscellaneous trick, though I can certainly swing a chain or sword as needed. You'll probably flank with the paladins or Bliss more than me or Murphy, though...."

Pressi fell silent as Hobie jumped out to defend his honor. "No fighting, or I'm joining in and naming Harper my second. How's your resistance to jungle cats on your head?

"Yeah, Shel and I used to have a number of arguments about..." She catches what she thinks is Talia's look. "About how Shel was a coward because she merely stood in the back casting arcane magic.... I don't think you and I will have the same problems, but yeah, cowards."

Kind of irrelevant when I'm removing your blindness by scroll for the fifth time while Hobie covers you, she thinks to herself. it wasn't easy watching Bliss insist she stay back and keep casting, even if it was clearly the right call. Still hoping to be the big warrior, she supposed.

"So, do you have a spell focus yet?" she asks Talia. "Any ideas spring to mind as to what you'll be casting?"

Pressi does agree to visit Hovel with everyone, offering her divination magic and some knowledge skills.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Wednesday July 11th, 2018 1:33:35 PM
Murphey:
"It'd be nice to get the old gang back together before things fell apart, though last I heard, they didn't stick around Humble's Ford. I guess it can't hurt to check."

Pressi and Talia:
"The only thing I know about bloodwitching is that is changes people. Alleah turned herself into an air elemental somehow, and unlike Murphey, was unable to turn back to a halfling. Bliss used to be a little archer with a talking bird and a shadow pet and know he's charging into combat as a kitty cat. I know Mookie died an all--poor guy, I miss him, but what happened to Pookie? And as for your Press, well, you didn't use to suddenly get older and younger, and you certainly didn't use to dress like you were going to tell me I am about to be visited by three ghosts. I know we all change over time, and I am certainly not the rakish minstrel I used to be, but you bloodwitches seem to have far more than your fair share."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Wednesday July 11th, 2018 2:09:24 PM
"Aw, Press, I'm only playing, I'm not really angry at ole Bliss, just itching for a fun little sparring session. It's been too long since I fought for play and not to keep from being killed by some beast"

OOC: I am sure this is not how you picture (or even describe) your characters, but this is what I picture:

Kezzem- I know you say red haired but this is how I picture you

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/81/3b/d3/813bd32a4d0ea57df26b3c31dc05de31.jpg

Murphy- This is totally wrong I know
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/5c/ca/fc/5ccafc974bf974b5ef5619fab2fb9cef.png

Pressi-
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/parody/images/5/57/Violet-parr-the-incredibles.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20180127000848

Bliss-
https://www.n3rdabl3.com/wp-content/images/uploads/2018/02/salem3EDIT.jpg

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Wednesday July 11th, 2018 3:16:59 PM
No way! THIS is more like Bliss!

:-)

===--===

Bliss pounces on Hobie and wrestles like a mad fiend. He even bites, but it does not hurt due to his Merciful Tear.

Then he hops off laughing and offers his friend a hand.

"Who's next! And that was me holding back!"

[OOC: Who wants to jump on a Tapestry Board and fight each other? Bliss will own all of ya's!]

=====

Murphy in whirlwind form

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Wednesday July 11th, 2018 4:07:56 PM
Talia says, " Although I just arrived, I would be more than happy to visit other locations within the valley!" "Mister Murphy, Who's Mungo Hardbottle? And what an interesting name!", says Talia.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (Kim) HP 85/85
Wednesday July 11th, 2018 11:32:06 PM

"He is a bright fellow, indeed," Murphy responds to Talia's question about Mungo Hardbottle. "My older siblings met him on earlier adventures. He generally knows a whole lot more than he lets on. Shop of knowledge in Angel Springs. I've got some journals that tell more about him. Will let you read them, if you'd like."

ADM Kim - A quick jaunt to Hovel
Wednesday July 11th, 2018 11:33:03 PM
[Will get back to HF building projects in a few hours. For now - we're taking a quick trip to Hovel, in the drenching rains.]

So, Talia, Murphy, Pressi, Succotash, J.T.T. Zaragoza (& any other party members who wish to join in) set off on the second day of rains, and make their way to Hovel, on the west side of Crescent Valley, not so far off from Buddy's Falls, and the Culverwood. On the road perhaps every 50 to 100 feet a turnip is seen near the middle of the pathway.

When nearly to the small town the groups passes by a cart which has extra wide wheels, and a grumpy halfling slouched over the reins, talking to himself, and perhaps to the two dripping ponies which draw the cart. Even as he looks up at some of you in the passing, he keeps mumbling to himself, and makes it clear with glares and dismissive gestures that he has no interest in meeting any of you, or small talk, or answering any question whatsoever. Canvas covers all except the very back of the load of turnips. One falls to the ground even as you pass on by.

Hovel comes into sight. Rain cleanses the air of much of the smoke as it rises from many a chimney. One farmer and his dog lead six cows. As they draw near a barn, the lead cattle break into a trot, apparently excited about finding shelter. Otherwise, the streets are deserted mid-afternoon.

Murphy suggests going straight to the old Applebarrel farm. He recommends to his friends, "Don't volunteer too much information to them when you first meet them. It's a game they play. They try to figure out who someone is by how they look. Feel free to answer them if they ask a question - but have fun watching how they play off each other - and you. After talking for a while, they may ask you your family background. Tell them what you know, if you want to. If you don't know, perhaps they'll have a clue or two."

An old hound in a dog house raises his tired head as he sees the group approach, gives a moderately voiced, "Wuff!" then rests his head back on his forepaws, albeit with droopy eyes remaining open, watching as they pass by to the door. There is a cord hanging down from a bell. Someone rings it, and a very skinny old halfling fellow opens the door. "Ayep. Hallo. What can I do fer you?" he asks in a high-end nasal voice. "Say. Say. Say, Lois, that Murphy Bumblebee kid is here. Sandy hair. And the constable's nephew. Eh? No, from Humble's Ford. Roscoe. I know Roscoe is not the constable's nephew. Hobie Browncloak." A woman's voice can be heard in the background as he talks. "A Quickfoot, too, I reckon," he calls back. He looks at Kezzem for a moment. "You from the Blacklyng line? That'd explain the set of the cheekbones." The woman's voice is heard in the background. "Right, right!" he replies.

"Well, what're ye waitin' fer? Come in. Except for the marvelous pig. Put her over in that pen there - open the shed for it, too - it's empty now, save for some hay. I'll toss in some slop in a bit. Come on in. Oh, right." He steps back and pulls open the door. "Dreadful wet. Come in and get warmed up by the fire."

He lets all pass. Just before the door closes, the dog gives one more, "Wuff!"

A rosy-cheeked halfling woman sits in a rocker, her lips pursed. "I'd get up, but I've got the rheumatism. We boiled the water in the kitchen not long since, so, Farl, add a couple sticks to the stove, and get ready the tea set. Nice to have visitors. Nice. Hobie, your uncle is proud of you. No need to say it. Just the way it is.

"Murphy - followin' in your family's footsteps. And you, dear, must be Pressi. You look different from last time I saw you - just before the tower exploded. No, we didn't meet. I just saw you on your way to visit Ellis and Penelope. Someone told me your name. And, dearie, we keep up on the news. Thank you, by the way, for helping to keep our valley reasonably safe."

A rectangular table with two benches along the sides and chair at each end is already set with plates and silverware. After some kitchen clattering, and a few minutes, the old man comes out. "Tea in a jiffy. Uh, that means, about ten minutes, I reckon."

The fellow, albeit with spine somewhat bent, and neck at 45�, moves pretty well. He's likely not much over 110 years. He pulls out one of the benches, and there's a couch on the other side of the room. "Sit down. Sit down everyone. Oh - see the hooks on the walls? You can hang your wet things, if you've a mind to."

Murphy takes a moment and says, "Friends, this is Mister Farley Wentworth Applebarrel, and his wife, Lois Mulberry Sweetcrop Applebarrel. Mister and Missus Applebarrel, we have come to you for counsel."

Her pursed lips spread into a smile. "Well, Murphy it's been about three years, hasn't it? Come and give me a kiss on the cheek." He does so, a little red-faced.

"Nice to have Humble's Sword visit us here in humble little Hovel." She takes her time, looking at each person in turn. To Zaragoza, she asks, "Do you have kin from the Free-Stater's area?" She squints. "Not sure, not sure."

Lois looks at Bliss. "You look from a much older line of halflings, but I can't place your family."

"This here is Succotash Slenderstick," Farley comments. "You may not realize it - but you may have a few drops of the Rowgold family some generations back. Calfast Rowgold Tunnelly won the spot of Burgomeister some years back, served well, from what I could see, though I voted for Marigold Pipewood Pastna. Someone trumped up false charges against him, though, and he was sandbagged. Some wickedness sneaks through here in the Valley from time to time. I thought he did the Valley good."

"I see Oakendale, too, Farley," Lois interjects. "See his hairline?"

If all this seems like a local version of a carnival show...

Lois turns to Talia. "You, beauty, look like an older version of Linnea."

Just then, a whistling sound comes from the kitchen. Farley leaps up. "Tea in a jiffy!"

And, in a jiffy, tea and biscuits, cheese, sausage, sliced apples, juicy pear slices, carrots, boiled turnips, warm bread, and a nice beef stew - a very varied 'teatime' this is.

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Thursday July 12th, 2018 12:35:53 AM

This woman reminds Bliss of his Aunt Priss, the witch who raised him after his Mom get sentenced to do "hard time" by Lord Gargul for the sin of bringing Bliss back from death.

Anyway, Aunt Priss is a witch too, and the old reflexes kick right in. Bliss keeps a very polite expression on his face and nods carefully during the conversation. When addressed directly -- "You look from a much older line of halflings, but I can't place your family." -- Bliss says, "Yes ma'am. I'm a reincarnation, you see. My biological mom was a harpy, and my adopted mom was a liontaur."

He cautiously takes one sausage, just one, and uses a napkin carefully.

ADM Kim - Construction Notes sitcom section
Thursday July 12th, 2018 2:22:26 AM
Construction Notes

The archery range is ready. The oak at one end of the target range says sternly: "Do not place metal tipped wooden twigs in my bark." One of the workers, Fortho Rockbridge Pastna, points out that people who enter from the West Gate, going under the archery range, might also be subject to stray missiles as they ascend the ramp going upward adjacent to the range, and either a barrier, or a covering for those coming up the ramp would be smart.

During the last week of downtime, more progress was made on the buildings of the compound. The Guest House - 'Humble House' for now, has about 75% of the rooms framed in, with 35% fully finished, and 40% rough finished. The common areas are built. There is a need for furniture. "We can build bed frames. Or you can find a carpenter to do it for you, or maybe even buy some from the General Store." George figures another ten days to general completion. His plumber has water supplied to both ends of each floor. On the roof is a water tank, with a pump in the kitchen which sends water up to it. He asks about putting in a pipe on each floor that can spread water if a fire breaks out. That can be worked on later, and will cost an estimated 125gp per floor. He lets the group know that Palco installed such a system for the orphanage, after the fire was put out, and the building repaired.

George requests that Murphy dig down ten feet below ground level for the multipurpose building, which the druid does, using multiple expeditious excavation spells for a fair part of the first 5' depth, and then terraforming (move earth) and earth elementaling the bulk of the remainder. He goes a little deeper in some parts at George's request. By the end of the last week, the crew has begin to lay the foundation, but George estimates a few months' work will be needed to construct this fairly large edifice.

George also attempts to answer Talia's question. "You can ask me for the technical details about the construction of the Humble's Sword - compound? Sanctuary? House? Whatever you folks are calling it these days. You can ask Murphy, too - he came up with the general designs, but he doesn't have a large amount of building experience. Anyhow, ask away," he tells her. He offers the sorceress a pinch of tobacco. "You put it in your cheek, or under your front lip. Keep it there, but chaw on it once in a while. Helps me when I'm thinking." She may be grossed out by his offer - or not, as she chooses. Chewses?

The foreman tells Pressi that after discussion, the plans for her rock tower were altered, extending the building another 10' eastward. "Your Murphy, though, will be doing most of the work of building it up. My fellows will come in for the finishing work. As this is your tower, please let us know how you would like to situate things. Knowing ahead of time makes it easier to do it the right way."

Murphy does not have time, yet, for this project. Nor for the larger rock and earth edifice. No water slide as of yet.

The outer walls are still not up. The gates are quick-framed in. Plots are staked out at the four corners of each of the anticipated shrines. With two adventures having paid for the archery range, enough funds were available to have the same crew set up the 'Practice Arena / Exercise Yard.' It consists of about six inches of fine sand laid over a firm packed hard earth surface. They leave half a dozen rakes for regular surface smoothing.

The stables, barn, and warehouse are built. Stalls are set up in the stables, places for feed, tack, and so forth. The warehouse at the moment is a bare affair. Shelves and closets and storage and lofts remain to be installed. The barn is fairly well finished. The sheds are in place.

A ritual building is constructed. The ceilings are 16' high, with the roof extending another 8' above that. There is a ladder on the north side of the building which goes from ground to roof. The roof is flat on the west side, and slants downward on the east side. On the wood side, there are railings around the edge of the roof (including protection against sliding down the slant side). The floor is on the western half a fine hardwood, provided by associates of Samell Pastna Pipewood, and on the eastern half made of smooth stone. It has two entrances. On the west side, solid wooden steps rise. On the east side, solid stone steps. It remains to be furnished to their liking by the adventurers themselves. Above the main ceiling is an attic of sorts, 6' high on the west, slanting downward on the eastern side.

Word gets back from the Mayor's office that within 100' of the North side beyond the allotment may be put to any reasonable use. A note is attached, 'Including for Fancy Pigs, if desired.' In addition, up to 30' distant from each of the other sides may be used. Nothing outside those areas is permitted without prior authorization, except in event of an emergency.

George consults with Bliss. "What do you want your fountain to be like, Sir Bliss?" he asks.

All in all, much has been done, yet more remains to do.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (Kim) HP 85/85
Thursday July 12th, 2018 2:55:29 AM

Murphy says a quick blessing over the food. "Heaven above, bless this home, reward them for their hospitality, and we thank you for provision and sustenance. Selah."

As they tuck in, Murphy says, "Always a pleasure to see you two. Actually, she," and he moves his head to indicate Talia, "is why we have come. She seeks knowledge of her family. As I understand it, she was young when they were separated."

He notes Bliss's circumspection.

He thinks it would be lovely to visit his brother and sister-in-law. She is expecting a baby soon - he just does not know how soon.

Murphy writes a note of thanks to the Mayor for the additional grant of land usage, and for the extra assistance he was able to arrange.

He sees that most of the top floor is finished. He wants the room in the NW corner.

Next to the door to the future Guest House Murphy has a sign engraved in wood. "Humble House."

ADM Kim - Pressi's Armor sitcom scene
Thursday July 12th, 2018 3:04:54 AM

Pressi did divine correctly that the silks were to adorn the dragonskin in part - though the skin itself does show through in various places. The armor is finely wrought. The additional 40%, to pay the balance, is requested.

"It was a serious joy to be able to work this leather for you, Lady Pressi," Hugo tells her. "May it serve you, and your leopard, well."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (Kim) HP 85/85. Intro Treant Quercus and Awakened Oak Dderwen
Thursday July 12th, 2018 3:22:15 AM

Murphy suggests some netting to stop or slow down most of the errant arrows. "I have enough I am doing. Someone else take care of the netting," he requests. The same might help snag or deflect arrows by the West Gate and adjacent ramp.

Murphy does take the time to introduce the treant in the SE corner: Quercus is his name. He tells the treant the name of each fellow adventurer, and his relationship to them, and of each construction worker, and the various citizens who have come to help. "Quercus will help defend this area, and be kind to children. You all be kind to Quercus."

He does likewise for the awakened oak in the NW corner. His name is Dderwen - pronounced /therr-'wen/. Similar introductions and admonitions are made.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Thursday July 12th, 2018 5:54:34 AM
To Farley and Lois: �You may be right, I don�t know a lot about my family history, but I do know that my people migrated from a different part of the Wold, many years ago, though I�m not sure which part, so it could be from these parts�.

Upon their return home, Succotash seeks out Forman George, and hands him a small sack of coins containing 300gp, saying, �Put this to whatever projects you deem most important, but don�t tell the rest of the Swords, I�m a firm believer in the old adage: �don�t let your left know what your right hand is doing�, in other words, I don�t want any recognition for this�.

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Thursday July 12th, 2018 8:05:57 AM

Bliss says to the foreman, "I get a fountain? Wowsy! That's nice." He thinks for a bit. "Can it have a liontaur? Who looks like this one?" He shows off his action figure of his mom, Vauhwyt of Blackbird Lake.

"Oh, and maybe a raven on her shoulder?"

Little fellow looks to be getting a tiny bit choked up at the thought.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Thursday July 12th, 2018 8:59:15 AM
A quick jaunt to Hovel:

Kezzem watches the rude fellow on the turnip truck.

"Must...resist...urge...to...push...him...off...truck...and...make...obvious...joke," says Kezzem. "That's not only unpaladiny, but it's just lazy comedy."

Later, when the man addresses his herritage.

"I beg your pardon, sir, but I am not a Quickfoot. Not any more at least. I'm a Humble. Of the Sword Humbles."

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Thursday July 12th, 2018 9:16:33 AM
Leaving his pony and most of his things behind, Zaragosa follows the group out in the rain to the Hovel. Zaragosa lifts his cap and puts it on his head, making it turn into a large brim hat in hopes it keeps him slightly dry.

When he finally arrives, he enters the house, shakes his hat, and instead puts it into his bag of holding. He greets the Applebarrel with a "Most greetings"and a smile. He takes a seat and waits for the tea.

Answers Lois's question politely, "I have no kin anywhere. Why do you ask?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Thursday July 12th, 2018 9:39:47 AM
Hovel Trip

Talia, turns to Ms. Lois Mulberry Sweetcrop Applebarrel, and asks, " An older version of Linnea ? Who is that, if Imight ask?" says Talia looking like she missed a bit of information she should already know.

"Miss Lois, Do you know know a Mister Mungo Hardbottle? Talk is he is a shoppe keep for old antiquities. I would very much like to meet him one day. Could you tell me how to find him?" asks Talia a bit excitedly.

Mister Foreman George

"Mister Foreman George, I was wondering how much additional Capital needs to be raised to finish Humble House Estate?" asks Talia. "In addition, is there anything we could help you with that isn't already being addressed?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday July 12th, 2018 4:27:16 PM
Pressi thanks the armorer for his service and pays whatever is needed. (And I will add things to my sheet tonight or tomorrow)

------------------

Pressi is a bit on the itchy detective side herself as the various Hovelites start analyzing the group. It had taken some willpower to not read the turnip guy's thoughts or hit him with detect magic (or even grab one of the turnips for study. Actually, should I have stopped him and helped him out? Maybe should have done that, or would that be me prying?) Hobie was right, they were all too wound from battle after battle.

Anyway, Pressi wondered at first if she should break out the divine or disguise magic or what, when they identified her quite easily. Because of her fame, she heard. "Well, you know, I just did what was needed..." and she let herself be swept up in their hospitality.

Sky Dancer

Scene 0 - The Tower Stands Tall

ADM Kim - Friendship Kinship
Thursday July 12th, 2018 9:34:39 PM
Friendship Kinship�

"As you wish, sweetheart," Lois replies to Kezzem. "We don't get to choose our blood kin who've come before us, or from sideways. But, when life is good, sometimes we can choose those whom we call brother and sister, aunt or granny. I term that 'Friendship Kinship�'"

When Bliss reveals his provenance, Farley and Lois look at each other, his eyebrows raised, and she claps her hands in glee. "Oh, a good reincarnation can be fascinating and sometimes even scintillating!" She actually wiggles in her soft chair. "Thank you. I know some might be afraid to tell that sort of thing." Then she adopts a stern, stentorian voice. "I command you, Bliss of harpies and liontaurs, you are NOT to fear me!" Then she switches to a more normal tone, and says, "So, eat some more! And there will be pie is for dessert."

When Zaragoza claims to have no kin, she asks, "What, then? Parthenogenesis? Were you also reincarnated? Otherwise - even with those two - everyone has kin. You think you just popped into existence without father or mother? And that there are no relatives, distant or near, anywhere else? Pish-posh. Now, you may not know who your kin may be. I'd still guess you have free-stater somewhere in your background. Please, would you be so kind as to tell me your name?" She holds up her hands. "I am sorry - I don't mean to press unduly - and you don't have to answer any of my questions, unless you are willing."

To Talia, Farley says, "Linnea is a girl who lived sometimes in town, sometimes at Buddy's Falls. Her folks took her to Angel Springs a few years back. Have not heard from them since." He pulls out a pipe and tobacco, sprinkles it into the bowl, and tamps it down. "You do look like her - at least on her mother's side, I reckon. Punkin'," he continues, apparently addressing his wife, "I'm thinkin' - look here at her philtrum." He asks Talia, "Mind if we look at your ears? Don't mean to be treatin' you like a goat at the fair, lass. Just we have a specialty few in the Wold have, and this is the way we riddle some things out."

Lois asks Talia for her full name.

As dinner draws to a close, Lois tells Talia, "We may be able to tell you more, in due course. Be patient as you can. We'll get word to you, dearie."

=======
DM Ken Eubanks is taking over now. Feel free to wrap up any last posts or notes about our recent activities, then let's get rolling with this new module, Sky Dancer!

DM Ken: Construction Complete.
Thursday July 12th, 2018 9:37:46 PM

Humbles Sword has been busy. They've saved the world, killed their first dragon, and taken a trip to meet some old people with an uncanny knack for sniffing out Halfling bloodlines. They've worked with Foreman George, gotten their headquarters on track, and purchased materials for The Spire.

A few weeks pass, and progress is made. The halflings receive some some unexpected help, when a pack of air elementals start heaving around construction supplies, adding an unexpected source of free labor. A small trio of clerics also find their way to town, claiming to be repaying a debt to the Elder Air Elemental who treated with Humbles Sword. They bring both spellpower and followers of Lord Eberyon, all of whom seem to belong to his small, but official church.

The Spire is nearly finished to Murphy's specifications, with only a few final days of construction remaining.

Foreman George also has news, its seems a mysterious donation has come in from some very affluent benefactors, and their headquarter has been not only paid in full, but can be rushed to be completed in just a few more days, as a literal army of contractors and builders stream into Humbles Ford.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Friday July 13th, 2018 7:29:03 AM
Zaragosa only treated Lois with a kind smile. When she was finished talking, he also gives a soft laugh. "No no, you have been nothing but kind. Perhaps I should have said 'I don't know any kin anywhere'. A Free Stater sounds very noble, or at least I hope. If so I would be proud to be related to it, but that is not my last name. I am Zaragosa. J.T.T. Zaragosa, escape artist extraordinaire. You may ask any questions you like. You are no bother at all but are in fact quite charming. Thank you both for your hospitality."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Friday July 13th, 2018 10:07:36 AM
�Talia, If you would like, I can escort you to Angel Springs�, Succotash stammers, �May be we can learn more about your past?�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Friday July 13th, 2018 2:22:52 PM
"Well, you seem to know a lot of things about people," says Kezzem to Lois. "Have you heard anything about former Sword members? We were just talking about Shel and Alleah the other day and were wondering what the two of them were up to."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday July 13th, 2018 2:58:41 PM
Pressi basically just hangs back, letting the new guys ask their questions.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Friday July 13th, 2018 8:08:36 PM
Talia, explains to Ms. Lois that she knows of no other name except "Talia". As for looking at my ears, sure...you can look at almost anything you'd like, but if it calls for me to disrobe, I'd have to do so in private and only with Ms. Lois, if that would be alright.

Hrm...Linnea...what an interesting name! Are her parents still around? Perhaps I could visit them and see what they think?

Oh, Mister Slenderstick, if you'd like to escort me that would be fine. I wouldn't think I'd need protecting, but if you feel that would be appropriate...you can do so.Mister Murphy, would you be coming as well to Angel Springs?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (Kim) HP 85/85
Friday July 13th, 2018 8:37:03 PM

Murphy observes and listens. "Talia, I am willing to come to Angel Springs with you - but, if you'd like my company there, we may need to wait until after the spire is raised for me to keep a promise - and there are a few other pressing obligations I have. Could be a few weeks or so. I know you are anxious to learn what you can. I should like to help. If you can wait, then, when I can, I will help, to the best of my ability."

ADM Kim - Wrapping it up with the Applebarrels d20+30=50 ; d20+30=38 ;
Friday July 13th, 2018 9:31:59 PM
As night is coming on, the Applebarrels offer to allow the group to bunk at their place. "It'll be cozy, and some will need to sleep out here, but there's room."

If anyone rolls a Perception check DC 50 after dinner, let me know, and I'll let you know something. [2nd roll was a finger hiccup]

Farley tells Zaragosa a few things about the Free States which surround the kingdom of Aisildur. He and Lois discuss the latter, and the dominant role of the god Ga'al and the priesthood down through the years. "Things have eased up in some ways over time, but, I for one am thankful not to live in that part of the Wold. The Free States provided a place for those trying to escape the oppression under Ga'al."

"Shel Breezelee Kromnite, niece of Bazeck Breezelee - the wizard of the Second Dinner Club who was lost to a hunter's arrow in Kashmar? Bazeck was her mother's brother, one of them. She is a sorceress. She grew up in Humble's Ford. One of the original members of your group, as I recall," answers Lois. "So, you know all that. From what I heard, after trying to deal with some white shirts, she and Alleah came back to the Ford, took a few hours to gather their possessions. Shel spoke with her parents. Word is they had a strong disagreement with someone in the group," and here she gives a sideways glance to Murphy, with a touch of sorrow in her eyes, "and said they felt it was time to travel elsewhere for a time. They headed towards Angel Springs. I have not heard word of them since then - not so long a time ago it was. A few months. Maybe Shel's folks know. As for Alleah - she went by several 'family' names. Dirtfist. Lighttouch. Highhill. Heathertoe. Maybe others. From Dirt City, she is. Quite a talent, she." She looks at Bliss, and lifts her hand toward him, palm up. "He can tell you more, like as not, right, son of Vauhwyt?"

Lois also tells the group, "We have no great powers, other than what we have been able to learn through the years. Except that Farley does have some light divination abilities." She plucks a hair from her head. Farley does likewise. "If you need help some time, you may try to reach us. If we can help, we will. If we cannot," and she shrugs. "These hairs may help you reach us. If you want something else of ours, just ask. If you would like to leave something of yours to help us, then, we have a special place for that."

"So, take your rest here tonight. We will serve you breakfast," Lois offers. "I am afraid, after that, we have some other things to see to. Hope the rains let up some for you on the morrow."

Farley lets Succotash know that he has some food he will provide for his pig, and goes to carry out that chore. Farley shows Succotash a WLA pin as they go to look after Miss Piggy.

The rains do not let up on the morrow, but will that stop our intrepid adventurers from returning to Humble's Ford?
===========
Now returning you to Humble House, the Spire, and whatever is to come next...

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Friday July 13th, 2018 10:20:53 PM
When Farley shows Succotash his WLA pin, he inturn shows his saying, �I just joined myself, if you�re a member, I bet you have some tales to tell�.

ADM Kim - Wrapping it up with the Applebarrels
Saturday July 14th, 2018 1:47:59 PM
Farley laughs, "Sure enough, sure enough. There was the time I was turned in to a frog - stuck that way for 'bout a month. Developed an appreciation for flies for a bit. Developed a certain... respect for wizards with wands." He carries two buckets. "Found my wife, 'cause she gave me a kiss. She's a real looker, I'll tell ya." As he tosses out limp leafy greens, radishes, turnips, leftover boiled beets, corn and the like, he says, "I was a psion. Not many of those in the Wold. Never got myself too far in the adventuring life. Left it after the amphibious turn, know what I mean?" As Piggy digs in to the grub, the old halfling says, "Always nice to see fella WLA folk. Sure you have stories, I'll bet."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Saturday July 14th, 2018 2:46:32 PM
�Been through a lot, no question about it�, Succotash responds to Farley, �Nothing that I would consider mentioning, until recently�. �After my party, a temporary party mind, was wiped out in the Sargrass, by some creatures known as Tall Men, I met the Swords, and life got real interesting, what with saving the Wold, who knew that playing a drum could help, to slaying a dragon, it�s been one heck of a ride!�

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Saturday July 14th, 2018 6:39:10 PM

Bliss sticks out his hand politely. He too is glad to meet a fellow member of the WLA.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Sunday July 15th, 2018 9:16:59 PM
Zaragosa listened to Farley talk about the Free State. He was a bit embarrassed to think it was a surname since the two mentioned family names with the rest. "I sure hope I am a descendant from such a people. Nothing would make me happier to stand for such freedoms. Thank you for sharing this with me."

Zaragosa would be very grateful for the stay that night and the breakfast offered the next morning, however, he would not let the rain stop him from leaving if that was the wish of the rest of the group

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Sunday July 15th, 2018 11:09:17 PM

Murphy asks J.T.T. Zaragosa, "Say, JTT - What does the 'J' stand for? And the two Ts?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Monday July 16th, 2018 12:18:29 AM

Oh, and Murphy plucks a couple of his hairs, and bites off a bit of the tip of his fingernail from his left hand pinkie (I know, ooh, gross!), to give to the insightful couple before they leave. He suggests that, if his friends want to be able to be contacted by them, they do something similar likewise. He writes his name on a little piece of paper, and rolls the paper so as to contain the hair and fingernail clipping, then adds his initials to the outside of the piece of paper. "There you go!"

He takes more paper, looks at the two hairs they gave him. "All right, the long one is from Missus Lois, the short one from Mister Farley." He writes such on the paper, carefully folds it so as to enclose the hairs, and places them in a pouch, which he keeps in his pants o' plenty pocket.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Monday July 16th, 2018 4:37:37 AM
Succotash also plucks a couple of hairs and rolls them up in some paper, and after writing his name on the paper he hands it to Farley and Lois saying, �No sure why you would need to contact me, but, just in case, here you go �.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Monday July 16th, 2018 9:57:22 AM
When asked by Murphy , Zaragosa would have tried to hide his answer, either while waiting until the hosts leave or just leaning towards Murphy "My first name is Jack though I prefer Zaragosa, a name I gave myself," Zaragosa would answer, "It sounds good while performing, sound important. The 'T.T.' also sounds important. They are really just letters. J.T.T. Zaragosa sounds more amazing that Jack Zaragosa."

Zaragosa (Jack) didn't really like giving out this information since he was trying to spread the word of his surname. He did, however, want the Humble Sword to trust him so he wanted to be as fully honest as he could.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Monday July 16th, 2018 12:46:07 PM
Talia is not 100% understanding the two (2) hairs and some fingernail clippings, but she complies as Mister Murphy seems to think its a good idea, so Talia plays along. She carefully wrapping "her" materials up in a sheet of paper she pulls out of her Haversack. Then neatly folding the paper into a container, hand the package to Mister Murphy.

Returning Home
Mister Murphy, "What are our plans to return back to the Humble House?"

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Monday July 16th, 2018 12:56:33 PM

Bliss is enjoying the conversation, although he finds it a little hard to follow. His new Intelligence headband is giving him lots of other things to think about, like whether that Giant Tower will ever be fixed, and how to fix it, and why the Second Breakfast Club seems so gosh darn incompetent or corrupt or both.

Bliss also thinks about his followers and Humble House and whether they will be safe while the Humble Swords are adventuring.

It does not take much thought, but Bliss sure does enjoy the spread too! Mmmm ... breakfast. Actually, those boiled beets look tasty too ...

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday July 16th, 2018 3:49:21 PM
Pressi is less than thrilled as person after person gives up their hairs to these potential strangers, even if they did put them at ease or offer assistance. Call it the paranoia easily earned after a night with Garron, another trustworthy leader who offered aid. Or call it the recognition of a true divination expert just what they had given up.

Still, the group had made their decision. So she gave her hairs in turn, and made sure to hold on to the hairs that were proffered by them, just in case. (Along with whatever thoughts she reads as she blasts them with her detect thoughts spell.)

------------

As things begin to wrap up (except for her catacombs purchases, which will never arrive), she wonders herself what the next step is.

DM Ken: A strange request.
Monday July 16th, 2018 5:50:29 PM

With only a few days remaining until all their construction is complete, Mayor Bumbleluck comes knocking on Hobie's door. When answered, he asks the fellow a bit nervously.

"Hobie, do you think you could gather your fellows and meet me in the back room of the Belly Buster? Now that things are slowing around down here, we need to put out word for a bit of a .. well.. that can wait for all of you."

He smiles again.

"If you could please gather Humbles Sword. There is something I would like to ask them. Tonight at 7 sharp!"

He leaves, mumbling to himself.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Monday July 16th, 2018 11:26:18 PM
"Why do they always say 7 sharp?" wonders Kezzem. "As opposed to 7 dull? What does that even mean?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Tuesday July 17th, 2018 12:51:03 AM
"Absolutely, Mayor. I shall make sure each member is there at 7pm on the nose. We have two new members as well, have you met them yet? Talia and Zaragosa? Oh and Good Succotash Slenderstick, he's been staying with me here in Roscoe's home, have you met him yet? Well if you haven't, we'll make introductions tonight. I think they will all be valuable additions to our party."

Hobie saddles up his pony, Pippa, and rides off to find each member of Humble's Sword. He will tell each member more or less the same message.

"Friend, Mayor Bumbleluck wants to talk to us about something tonight at seven. I told him we'd all meet him at the Belly Buster, so make sure you are there. I'm not sure what he needs, but he seemed nervous to ask, so it's probably something difficult."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Tuesday July 17th, 2018 6:15:19 AM

Murphy thanks Jack 'T.T.' Zaragosa for letting him know his personal naming scheme. "I really like the name Jack - but I'll call you what you want me to."

He thanks the elderly Applebarrows for their information and hospitality. He does ask them to place the personal artifacts they provided in a safe place, "Unlikely to be found easily by others." And, he is pleased that Farley is a WLA member.

He tells Talia, "Our plans are to walk back to the Humble House in the rain, in the morning." Of course, by now, that already has happened, as of about a week and a half ago.

The druid shares Bliss's concerns about when the giant tower will be rebuilt, if ever. And, yes, he has questions about the competence of the Second Dinner Club. "They have been through a good deal of difficult times. They lost a key member, who was replaced by a fairly clever saboteur. I really wish I could get in touch with my cousin, Grigory Hamwich Fern Pipewood Trufflefinder, who is quite a potent wizard. I think he is trying to remain retired, though."

"Perhaps we just need to have permanent guardposts and long-distant communications set up, in case those giants decide again to come southward."

He is pleased how the second prototype of the spire came out. "Say, Pa, we should maybe put that up somewhere in town. Or, we could put it over at our group's new place. We still seem to be stumbling around exactly what to call it, and the new people are in particular mixed up with Bliss's trying to change the name we had since we first started out. On the other hand, Bliss does seem to be gaining some smarts in general, which is a good thing. And he has finally learned, pretty much, to understand the Halfling tongue." He looks over the mockup, too, of the mold, the levers, the guide ropes, the tilting slide, the liquid-filled landing framed spot designed to cushion and dampen the speed of the descending spire's deep base. "You still manage to keep me amazed, father."

Just before the call to meet over at the Belly Buster, he was gathering stones for the central building on the site. He plans to build that up, then Pressi's Tower. "Thanks, Hobie. I'll be there." The outer walls will have to wait until after that, but should not be overly difficult. He is feeling more and more comfortable with the various construction processes, and in particular his own work in stone. He has passed on his huge gratitude to all those who have pitched in to help both with their compound, as well as the Air Elemental Spire project. He would love to get to know some of their benefactors better.

The Belly Buster is his favorite restaurant, despite the fact that since the early days of the group, most seem to have gravitated to the Pig. The Pig is a place for drinking and revelry. Murphy has a greater measure of appreciation for the fine and subtle sauces of the cooks at the Buster, the amazing dishes, the presentation. He arrives at the Buster about half an hour early. He expresss a measure of appreciation for the inn's fine food, and his enjoyment of it down through the years. He asks for a couple of his favorite dishes so his friends can enjoy them here a bit later.

He wonders at one thing Lois asked him to do, and is trying to figure out just how to handle it.

His friends come rolling in at 'seven sharp,' and the Mayor a short time before. He appreciates in at least some measure some of the challenges that a halfling would have in governing the town. He prays for the Mayor, silently, before they begin. When all have arrived and are more or less ready, Murphy says, "Thank you, Mister Mayor, for asking us here. How may we better serve Humble's Ford?"

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Tuesday July 17th, 2018 7:53:16 AM
Upon hearing the news from Hobie, Succotash saddles and armorers Miss Piggy, than asks for assistance in donning his armor. When he is full ready, he decides to make a good first impression on the mayor, and arrives at the Belly Buster, a half hour early. Slightly shocked to see Murphy already there, he walks over and sits down by the Druid, and asks, �any idea what�s going on?�

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Tuesday July 17th, 2018 9:46:04 AM
At the end of the conversation with Murphey, Zaragosa tells him that he has nothing against the name Jack nor the nickname JTT that this group has found. He will happily answer to any of them gladly. However, Zaragosa will always tell strangers that is name is J.T.T Zaragosa, if not only to spread his performing name.

When the mayor asks the group to assemble (directed by Joss Whedon), he would follow his teammates out. As a newcomer, he would let the others do the talking as he would be the 'new guy in the back' for now. Why would he make any decisions? He didn't even know who the free staters were and they were his own people (perhaps?). Unless something truly offended him, he would keep quiet and let the group decide what to do after the mayor spoke.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday July 17th, 2018 10:40:42 AM
There isn't much to say, except for the typical jokes about the mayor's sexuality and how in the time he told us to meet with him, he could have just told us. (Ok, sometimes we have a guest speaker, but still...)

Also, apparently it's time to hold off on some of the crazy. At least until the new fellas get a chance to reveal their crazy stuff as well. Maybe hold off on the unkind words towards the Belly Buster.

(OOC notes to new guys: While most PCs are more or less unitarian in their bar, Pressi is a Dancing Pig ex-employee. Also, a lot of strange background notes and characters get thrown around, and even us old timers need to occasionally look them up in or out of character. So don't be afraid to ask questions if some reference goes way over your head.)

One of the crazy stuff she can't place a lid on: her morning routines. A drop of blood catch to energize her powers. A couldron ritual attempt to buff herself up. (Rolls will be made if something like combat comes up, but for now it's the rituals of Warding and probably share spell with bliss.) Some discussions with the followers, feed and exercise the giant cat, check her equipment, pray insult comedy at her god, get insulted in return... pretty much as every morning.

And assume she does whatever needed to be done with the town, too.

(OOC Note: I will be traveling the rest of the week, so if anyone could post for Pressi, I would appreciate it.)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Tuesday July 17th, 2018 11:38:10 AM
Talia will follow the group to the arranged meeting place, "Belly Busters", wherever that is?!

Before going, Talia will take all of her belongings, as she doesn't know what to expect. She will also make sure to sleep for 2 hours before the journey. to the "Belly" eatery.

I guess next time we're back, I'll ask if there is a place for me & my stuffs on the Humble House.

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Tuesday July 17th, 2018 4:31:52 PM

On the topic of names, Bliss mentions his old Uncle Warrick the Vulture used to tell stories by a human with a name like Zargy's ... what was that ... JRR Tolgosa, maybe? He was a human but he told great stories about halfling heroes. Great stories!

Bliss goes to the meeting, of course, happy to hear of some way the group can serve to help people. "I bet I know what it's about," he says. "I bet the mayor has a plan to fix the Giant Tower once and for all! Wowsy, wouldn't that be great?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Tuesday July 17th, 2018 6:18:16 PM
OOC: "Succotash saddles and armorers Miss Piggy, than asks for assistance in donning his armor" I sounds like he's asking Miss Piggy to assist him with his armor? That is some pig!

DM Ken: A strange request.
Tuesday July 17th, 2018 8:10:07 PM

The Heroes of Humble gather together at the Belly Buster, entertained with some of Murphy's favorites. They are served beer and water, cheese, crackers, bacon, sausages, and everything else Murphy requested. He might be surprised to find that the Mayor has already footed the bill. When Mayor Bumbleluck finally arrives, he sheepishly asks everyone to finish eating, and he grabs a plate for himself.

It doesn't take long before he finally can't seem to hold in his request.

"Ah.. ehm. My dear heroes. I am afraid I haven't called you here simply for social nicety. While your nearly finished tower is a marvel of marvels and might serve to place Humbles Ford on many maps for many years, I am afraid I might ask you for something else."

He smiles, then rubs his belly.

"It's hard, you see. It wasn't long ago that you lot were tiny little spuds, running amok and playing at hero. Now though, well, you've helped save the whole Wold, right and proper. And that makes those of us here used to leaning on you feel.. like.. perhaps we might be wasting your time."

He fidgets a little more, then adds.

"Why would you lot see fit to help a fat mayor with a personal problem, for example, when the whole wide world needs you help? I just ... "

He reaches into his pack and fishes out a bag of coins. "My dear father has finally pressured me enough to marry. I suppose in my forties, it cannot be avoided. I have the dowry from the brides family, but they have a strict tradition of the wedding meal." He sighs. "Wolpertinger! Can you believe it? He wants Wolpertinger! If you could please, if you have time and are not saving the world, could you please find and catch one of these critters? I don't mean to insult you with something so base after your huge achievements, I just don't know who else to ask."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+8=12 ;
Tuesday July 17th, 2018 9:41:42 PM
Talia listens to the Mayor's personal request, and thinks, "this must be some sort of Bachelor Exercise in Futility. What the heck is a WolperTinger? I wonder if he expects us to gift wrap it or cook it?"

"Er, Mister Mayor," pipes up Ms. Talia, "What pray tell is a WolperTinger exactly?! Do you know where is lives?! And lastly, is there a time frame on the Hunt & Retrieval of this request, Sir?" asks Talia using her feminine charms as she bats her eyelids towards him while she displays a very sensuous smile all the while attempting to be diplomatic about the whole affair.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Tuesday July 17th, 2018 10:37:29 PM
"Hey, this might be a good chance to try out the newbies," says Kezzem, "Better to do so hunting a Whatsatiger than facing an immortal power of the Sargass."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+15=33 ; d20+8=24 ;
Wednesday July 18th, 2018 12:48:07 AM

"First of all, your Honor, congratulations! I trust you and your bride are fond of each other. Is she from here in town, someone we know? Or from another place?"

He awaits the Bingo Bumbleluck's response, comments appropriately, supportively as he can. Then he joins in the discussion of the requested nonesuch.

"They say, sometimes, a god may try to bring together different combinations of critters into one strange creature. Also brilliant, yet unstable mages, or strange druids have been said to attempt similar effects. Anyone ever hear of the platypus?" asks Murphy.

"Well, the wolpertinger, from what I have heard, looks in part like a rabbit with its long ears, a deer with its antlers, a squirrel in its body, a pheasant in its wings and tail. Some claim they have fangs. I have never seen one, though I have looked at a painting of one." He takes out some paper, pen and ink, and makes a rough sketch. He passes it around to those gathered. "Others report some combination where another animal type than the ones I mentioned make up a wolpertinger." He shrugs his shoulders, takes a bite of sausage, chews it most of the way, then adds before his mouth is entirely done with that bite, "Maybe there are some in the Culverwood, but I do not know for certain." He swallows, smiles, and says, "What a familiar for a druid mage such a beast might make!"

"Um, Mayor Bumbleluck. Your daughter, Blossom. How does she feel about you getting married? And how does your fiancee feel about gaining a stepdaughter?"

The old tales tell of the occasional bump in the road as a stepmother arrives on the scene, Murphy thinks to himself. He long had supposed that the Mayor became a widower shortly after Blossom was born, but realizes he never took the time to find out what really happened there. Had she been born out of wedlock? If so, what of the mother?

[Knowledge: Nature 33]
[Profession: Artist: 24]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3 d20+10=15 ;
Wednesday July 18th, 2018 1:27:18 AM
Knowledge Nature to know Wolpertinger = 15

Mayor, we'd be more than happy to go out and get you one of these things. Just to clarify, we need to bring one back ALIVE? or dead is okay too?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Wednesday July 18th, 2018 1:33:11 AM
Hobie reaches into his handy haversack and pulls out a staff which he holds out to the group "I just remembered, we found this staff in the wreckage of that menagerie before the planar jumping. It can cast Calm Animals and Reduce Animal. Maybe it could come in handy, but I can't cast those spells."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Wednesday July 18th, 2018 5:14:51 AM
�I�m not much of a hunter�, Succotash confesses, �But I�m in if everyone else is�. He also feels more than just a little jealous when Talia flirts with the mayor. �Sorry Talia�, he says, �but it looks like your trip to Angel Springs, is going to have wait, but don�t worry, when we get back I promise to escort you there�.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) d20=1 ;
Wednesday July 18th, 2018 10:24:12 AM
"Oh, congratulations our most excellent mayor!" Zaragosa said, trying his hardest to hide his disappointment in the job. Zaragosa was new and nowhere near a 'world saver', but he was an accomplished adventurer and thought joining the Humble Sword would be more glorious. This was, however, just one job.

Bluff == 13

(OOC darn, my first 'roll' is a natural 1. Isn't that the way it is.)

DM Edit: Changed a couple letters around in your post. =) Wold is "G" for language, something I struggle with mightily!

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Wednesday July 18th, 2018 11:24:31 AM

Bliss claps at the good news, and is willing to help, but he is worried about giant incursions with the Tower still busted. He asks the Mayor for an update on that. And what's happening with the Second Breakfast Club?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Wednesday July 18th, 2018 12:03:07 PM
Hobie pats Zaragosa on the back and whispers "Real adventure will find us soon enough. The rest of us have been through quite a bit recently, Murph actually died. I'm kinda glad for a simple hunting trip right now."

Hobie will speak up to the mayor and the rest of the group, especially Murphy "So where do we find one of these things? and is it really something that requires all of us? I mean that drawing doesn't look like too much to handle, I suppose I could sneak up and snipe one with my bow pretty easy if it doesn't need to be alive."

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) d20+5=18 ;
Wednesday July 18th, 2018 1:05:19 PM
(totally forgot that bards can roll all knowledge.)

Zaragosa noted that at least Hobie noticed his lie. To make up for this, he wanted to be useful. He started to think and try to remember if he heard of this creature

Knowledge nature == 18

(OOC that's a bit better..... )

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday July 18th, 2018 4:28:31 PM
As the mayor bumbles his way to the point, Pressi asks where he is going with this. �Because I have to say there�s not enough money in the world to get me married. To the mayor. As an arrangement. Jackelopes, huh.

�Anyway, congratulations on the marriage. I�m as excited as you are.�

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Wednesday July 18th, 2018 5:07:16 PM

"Hobie, by 'catch this creature,' I am thinking that his Honor would like us to capture one, alive. So, netting, sleep spells, or letting Blisscat lick it into submission might be alternatives.

"As for adventure, friends, who knows what might come up as we search for such a critter? You know, with us, things seldom turn out as simply as we hoped they might."

Murphy addresses one concern of the mayor. "Sir, we are Humble's Sword. Neither you nor any other leader or citizen of the Ford need to feel shy about requesting our help. We are not some high and mighty group. Yes, we have some skills. But service to this community, and to Crescent Valley, is among the highest of our goals. Moreover, marriage is an honorable estate." He smiles. "Who knows, with a little practice, you may come to enjoy it."

He still does want to hear how things are between Blossom and her father and his bride-to-be on this matter...

DM Ken: A strange request.
Wednesday July 18th, 2018 8:48:17 PM

The mayor lets out a sigh, obviously relieved.

"Thank you all!" He takes out a little sketchpad, and shows them a picture. It looks quite like Murphy's description. A rabbit, with antlers, wings, and of course, fangs.

"The creature is to be .. well.. eaten at the wedding. It has some symbolic meaning to my soon to be inlaws, so I don't suppose it matters much if it is living or dead when brought to us. The chefs here at the Buster will prepare the meal. We need four of the creatures.. not just one. One for each parent, and one for the newlyweds, who share the wings and breast, and mount the horns on their mantle. My own mother has passed, so we do not need a fifth, though if you could find one more for her ceremonial plate, it would be a kind gesture."

He pokes his food, then answers some of Murphy's more personal questions.

"I am marrying into a nomadic family of sorts. They did in fact, recommend the Culverwood or any of the Wolds .. special lands.. as a place to start. Wolpertingers seem to be attracted to sentient lands." He smiles. "My daughter Blossom is also pushing my marriage. She says it means she will finally leave room for someone other than me to dote on. Blossoms mother.. well.. she was an adventurer, and as soon as her daughter was weaned, she took to wandering. She would be gone longer and longer, and finally one day, she left me with a very polite note and a broken heart."

He claps his hands loudly, breaking his own memories.

"Now! You all are fed and informed! Please return within fourteen days. While you are gone I shall plan for a wedding, and a ceremony centered upon your spire!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Wednesday July 18th, 2018 9:33:53 PM
"A rabbit...wih fangs you say? I think I saw this in a play once. This is going to be no ordinary rabbit."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+8=17 ;
Wednesday July 18th, 2018 11:40:28 PM
Talia mumbles under her breath, " Sentient Lands?! The creature is attracted to areas in which they can converse?! They will know we are coming!"

Piping up from her spot amongst the group, Talia addresses the Mayor again, while batting her eye lashes and trying to be diplomatic. "Mister Mayor, would you happen to know anything else about the classification, Taxonomy, and/or etymology of these critters, like are they solitary or do they gather into groups or families? Are they venomous? "

When finished speaking, Talia reaches for whatever veggie dishes are still available. "Any chance I could have a hot green tea and a glass of ice cold water?" to no one in particular

[Diplomacy Roll: 17]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Thursday July 19th, 2018 12:21:44 AM
"Alright, well let's head out to the Culverwood then."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Thursday July 19th, 2018 3:15:10 AM

Thanks for the grub, yep, we'll do it for you
"Yes, your honor, you have told us, we have agreed. Now, we know you'll have your hands full what with governance and getting ready for your wedding. I am pleased your daughter is pleased - that bodes well. Thank you for the good food, too!

Bliss's question for His Honor to respond to
"At least one more question remains - one that Bliss has asked. Have the two remaining members of the Second Dinner Club been able to make ANY forward progress on the Giant Tower? You know of my cousin, Grigory Hamwich Fern Pipewood Trufflefinder. His mother, my Aunt Shanzi Lips P.P. is my father's twin sister. Grigory traveled with the Crimson Shields of Hope for some time, and has since generally retired from active adventuring, just traipsing about here and there working on a book. His folks and many of his siblings live right here in Humble's Ford. Might you consider him to replace Bazeck Breezely? Grigory is brilliant, and might help Veseley and Tiana pull themselves together. Or maybe his sister, Camellia Moss Lakeby P.T., who is a sorceress. It is not responsible for us to just forget about the tower. Not that you have done so, your Honor. But, do you know of any progress, any hope, anything, Mister Mayor?" Murphy then holds up his hands, "I know, I know, you have much on your hands. A wedding, and a spire ceremony. Would you do this for us, though? That is, put someone in our community in charge of following up on this? Not just for us here in this room - but for all of us, here in the Ford and the Valley."

Let's prep for this, team, then leave at 9am
"All right, all, it's evening. I think I need to go bother Pirnook Deeppockets at the General Store." [That is, visit the Catacombs.] "Who here knows how to use a net? I do not. Nonetheless, I think it would be wise to fetch ourselves a few nets. Who knows how far into the Culverwood we will need to travel, or how many days it will take to travel back here once we have found a portion of the wedding feast? If we can avoid beating them up and bruising them overmuch, our good chef here at the Belly Buster will have a much easier time with the presentation. If we can bring them back alive - perhaps a few cages are required, too - all the better.

"Some slow spells. Sleep spells? Some sort of oil of preservation, in case we have to kill one or more of them ... something to prevent spoilage. Let's think this through; prepare as we might; get a good night's rest. How shall we travel? I could wildshape and fly, and carry four besides myself, with a proper saddle. Pressi can fly. Bliss can figure out how to do so. Can we fly back, carrying the critters? Or do we go with mounts? A narrow cart?

"We have two newcomers to the group, J.T.T. Zaragosa and Talia. Jack, you've done a fairly good job of laying out your capabilities. Talia, I know you are a sorceress, but not what spells you have.

"All, each of us - let's talk it through, then go off as prepared as we might, with what prep and sleep we can get over the next 12 hours.

"Let's be ready to leave in the morning, say about three hours past sunrise?" [9 am]

Murphy puts his hands on the table, and asks, "Please, talk it over. I'll be ready at the time I stated. Is there ANY reason why we cannot leave by then? And what things do we need to bring, and how do we travel? I was born in the Culverwood, and know parts of it. Some of us - Kezzem, Pressi and I - have traveled a long way through it. The flora is dense. The pathways can change. The forest decides who it likes, and who it does not like. It can help, or hinder. We treat the forest with respect. I don't want fireballs in the midst of the woods. Your turn." Murphy catches the last bit of the fine sauce remaining on his plate with the nice, fresh bread, and listens to his friends - and, he trusts, the Mayor.

He comments quietly to Talia, "I've never heard of ice water being served here, but they have a fine jasmine green tea." He whispers to a waiter, requesting a pot of it for Talia, along with some fresh water for her.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Thursday July 19th, 2018 9:38:28 AM
Succotash heads home with Hobie after the meeting, unsaddles and removes Miss Piggy�s Barding, then with Hobie�s help, removes his armor. When that is finished, he sits down with Hobie, and asks, �Of course I�m willing to help out however I can, but unless we are going into a potentially dangerous situation, isn�t sending a group with our collective experience, a little overkill for a hunting expedition?�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+11=30 ;
Thursday July 19th, 2018 10:20:28 AM
If Pressi remembers anything about the Culverwood or nomadic families (know local 30), she provides some exposition.

In response to the picture, �Didn�t see anything like that from Monty Python or Culverwood�s Funniest People.�

In response to Talia, �He�s already begging us. Take it down a notch until we really need it.�

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Thursday July 19th, 2018 2:09:27 PM

Bliss perks up when he hears a mention of magical woods. "I grew up in a magical wood," he declares. "That was the Blackbird Forest, next to the Culverwood. And one thing I learned about magical forests is that they are not for the uninvited or the unskilled. If we just go traipsing around in the Culverwood, odds are we get lost at best, or lost forever at worst. Even if we find the right kind of magical bunnies, how are we getting out again?"

"What we need is a guide to help us navigate our way around. Mister Murphy, I know you are a worthy druid, but just because you are a druid, it does not mean you won't get lost in the Culverwood."

"I think we should go somewhere sensible and hire a guide. I say, let's go to the Emerald Kingdom and find an elf guide. Also we can consult with sages there who can give us more information."

He turns to the mayor. "You'll delay the wedding until we get back, Sir Mayor?" he asks.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Thursday July 19th, 2018 4:52:04 PM

"Yes, Bliss, a guide would be useful. I lived in the Culverwood with my Aunt Nilli for about a year and a half. She knows quite a bit, and there are many druids she works with in the wood. One of her druid friends showed me a book of drawings of some Culverwood creatures, and that's where I saw this one.

"Much as I'd love to visit the Blackbird Forest, that is quite a ways away. How about if we start out closer to home, but consider ... oh, wait, you said go to the Emerald Kingdom, not the Blackbird Forest. We probably weren't too far off from the Emerald Kingdom after we made our way back home after ending up in Izen. Friends, I forgot to mention that Bliss was with us on that journey, too.

"Nilli is about a day's walk into the forest. I could almost get there blindfolded. Or, we could head down to Traders Corner - we can catch a boat a little upstream from Buddy's Falls, where the river from The Scab branches, and it's maybe a 30 mile journey downstream. All kinds of people pass through there. A guy named Brock makes some of the best brew in the Wold. It's a small community, but sure and someone there might have a clue as to where to go. Oh, and speaking of elves - quite a few are on the south side, just outside the walls of Angel Springs. Maybe one of them might know. Or Mungo Hardbottle - he knows quite a bit about quite a bit.

"My Grandpapa Warbler used to say, 'In the abundance of counselors there is wisdom.' He usually said that after Grandma Eglantine said something he disagreed with, but... So, great idea, Bliss. We need to find someone who can give us guidance. I'm not opposed to going to Emerald City, if we have to, but, what do you think about starting out a little bit closer to home, first?"

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Thursday July 19th, 2018 7:23:42 PM
Zaragosa appreciated Murphy recognizing, his talents. That man seemed to be the one taking charge, so Zaragosa would ask him a question. He did, however, ask it loud enough for others to hear. That way anyone could answer him

"Aye, sounds good. I have about 10 days worth of rations stored up, but I did don't sound like it will take more than a few days. I usually carry my pony with me to help carry my supplies, I'm not the strongest chap. Is that Ok? Is there anything the team needs me to bring? Any other procedure I should know about or prepare for? Sorry for the questions my excellent sir, I just am new to the company and want to do right by everyone."

DM Ken: A strange request.
Thursday July 19th, 2018 7:29:26 PM

The mayors face darkens a bit when he is asked again about the tower, a question he pointedly ignored.

"Well, our towers are a bit beyond me and our means. I have sent dispatch to the gentlemen who run the Sage's Guild, but their fee to come and repair it is... well, robbery in my own opinion. They seem to know how important it is to us. One of their representatives is coming to meet me within the month. We shall have to hold the thought until then."

As the halflings leave, he makes a promise.

"You have my word that once this wedding and spire are finished, the tower shall be my very next concern! And yes, dear Bliss, I shall be very much forced to postpone the wedding until your return. Finally, no, I do not know anything at all about the creatures, other than having this sketch. You may take it if you wish."

It seems obvious that perhaps his priorities are backwards, but Bumbleluck has always been a bit of a mess.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Thursday July 19th, 2018 9:04:37 PM
Talia will do her best to help everyone get ready for the journey. Talia will assist where she can, doing whatever she can. When the time comes she will sleep at least two (2) hours prior to everyone's wake time seeing how Mister Murphy said they should leave about 9am in the morn.

[Still awaiting my Catacomb purchase]

When Talia see Mister Murphy is available for a word, she will approach Mister Murphy and answer his question about sorcery.

As Ms. Talia hadn't unpacked, we will be ready when it's time.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Thursday July 19th, 2018 10:55:40 PM
"Is this rabbit-thing fiendish per chance?" asks Kezzem. "Draconic or undeadish maybe? Cause Rumpo, Succo, Piggo, and me...me-o can all bring the smites now!"

"Yeah, that would probably be too easy. Not as easy as the animator having a sudden fatal heart attack, mind you...wait, that was a different part of that play. The drawing got me confused."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Friday July 20th, 2018 7:40:38 AM
�Hey, what if we found a guide who was an enchanter named Tim, and he taught us about the air speed volatility of laden and unladen swallows!� Of course they would have to be European swallows, as African swallows are non migratory�. �Not sure what a swallow has to do with a rabbit with big nasty pointy teeth though�

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Friday July 20th, 2018 9:48:15 AM

Bliss is content with the Mayor's answer and agrees with Murphy's idea of heading to the Emerald Kingdom by way of the southern eaves of the Culverwood. If they find out more and especially if they find a guide before they get to the Elvish nation, that's fine too.

The young halfling laughs at Sir Kezzem's and Sir Succcotash's jokes. "Paladins are funny!" he declares.

He compares notes with Miss Talia, asking about the kinds of magic she can do, and what she'll cast in a fight. He shows off his polymorphing and talks about his favorite buffs, like barkskin and shield of faith and divine favor. And he loves the witch spell that makes him old or young or really old -- Bliss demonstrates each in turn at will, switching back and forth at dizzying speed -- though almost all the time he prefers the young option.

He coordinates with Miss Pressi every day for their shared buff, a Shield of Faith spell boosted with bloodwitch magic to CL12 for a +4 bonus to AC. "Right, Miss Pressi?"

[OOC: Are we setting out? Kindly DM, let me know when you want bloodwitch PCs to roll for their daily spells and rituals.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Friday July 20th, 2018 12:26:34 PM
"Hey, you saw the same play!" remarks Kezzem.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday July 20th, 2018 1:27:35 PM
�All right, get it out of your system,� Pressi admonished. �But you do not want me to go back there and taunt you a second time. I�ve already got to correct people thinking I weigh less than a duck when I clearly weigh two pounds more.

�Also, a killer clearly not a rabbit sparks something but traveling to the Emerald City doesn�t even get a mention of visiting a Wizard or traveling by Brick road? Watch more plays, people.�

In response to ZTT, �It�s up to you. We�ve traveled by entire caravan in the past, until goblins struck our horses. I plan to just walk. And we usually don�t have too much of a rations issue. The big thing is we need to discuss a March order, including who wants to scout, rear guard, etc. Think of a watch order too. Other than that, just be ready for whatever animals or bandits we come across.�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday July 20th, 2018 1:45:44 PM
Also to Bliss, �Correct. I see my buckler as more of an emergency device than a normal use one so I�ll still be relying on shield spells. Also, any idea on how much a guide costs?�

To Talia, �You�ve been kind of quiet about your build so I went ahead and scanned you. Get more touch AC by the way. Kind of strange that you went hard on transmutation. Even witches go necro or enchanting... melee witches excepted of course. Doing a lot of Baleful Polymorph, perhaps?�

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Friday July 20th, 2018 3:47:29 PM
[Pressi [Melvin] first spell caster in a long long time. It seemed like the thing to go to compliment the party. Ps. Its that what the links is for?]

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Friday July 20th, 2018 8:41:24 PM
Zaragosa thanks Pressi for answering him "Thank you. I don't ride the pony, I just need him to carry my things, if you need me, I can always scout ahead. I can be sneaky when I need to be, I also have this magical ring that helps me bend in. I prefer to be in the back in a fight, ready to strick when flanking or buffing everyone with a haste spell. But while walking, anytime you need me to scout ahead, just ask."

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Friday July 20th, 2018 9:04:06 PM

Bliss is delighted to hear that Talia is a baleful polymorpher! "I had fun as a little birdie once when someone cast that on me," he declares proudly.

And he shakes his finger at Pressi. "Like my Aunt Priss always said, 'Shield of Faith gives a "deflection" bonus, not a "shield" bonus,' so you can definitely use the spell and a buckler at the same time."

"I'll scout with you, JTT," says Bliss. "As a kitty I'm pretty sneaky too!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Friday July 20th, 2018 10:19:46 PM
"What, you get a bonus from using a buckler?" asks Kezzem. "Is it a marketing thing, like putting the logo for the Dancing Pig on your shield. I need to get in on this. I could definitely use some extra coin."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Friday July 20th, 2018 10:36:16 PM

Wrap-up at the Belly Buster
"Thank you, Mayor Bumbleluck. My prayers, and no doubt those of some of my companions, will be with you during this time of preparation. Please ask your fiancee to keep us in her prayers, too. Where is she from, by the way, and, would it be all right to know her name?" he asks lightly, in a manner to let him know he is interested, but will not press for the information.

He lets all know that he is going to spend the evening at the group's River burrow, as most of his gear is there, and he wants to organize it. "Once we get back, Humble's House should be fully complete, aside from whatever we want to do to furnish and decorate it. I'll be happy to move in there fully by then."

He asks where each person plans to sleep, just in case anything comes up, so we know.

"Anyway, in the morning let's all meet at the Sanctuary by 8:30, make certain all of us have everything we think we need, then set out by 9. Perhaps I'll wildshape into a Woldian swallow, and one of you can measure my air speed laden and unladen."

Before they all split, Murphy lets Pressi know he needs to swing by his folks place afterwards. "Mama is getting ready to help out my sister-in-law, Airin, back in Hovel, she I need to let her know we're going as well, and see if she wants to travel with us that far. Want to meet me there? I'll bring Talia from the General Store, and we can get her to where she's going to stay for the evening. See if Jack wants to come along, too. Heck, anyone who wants to can drop by. My folks live for visitors."

At the Pastna Pipewoods
If Talia is okay with this plan, he takes her there. Murphy's father, Samell Pastna Pipewood, and mother, Bekka Lilly Burrows Leafwin Pipewood, welcome newcomers warmly. "There's room here, if you want to sleep in nice beds, with down comforters."

Bekka talks about getting Airin to the Birthing Tree in time. "Doesn't hurt to get there a little early. Most of my children were born there - including this rascal," she says of Murphy.

"And so was Eberyon," his father adds.

General Store / Catacombs
Earlier, when he and Talia go to Pirnook's General Store, in order to gain access to the Catacombs, Murphy lets him know that he is one of his favorite proprietors of the town's General Store. "Sorry so late, but things are pressing, so thank you for opening for us." If Pirnook grumbles significantly, Murphy tells him he has a genuine talent for grouchiness. "But I'm still glad that your life was saved a little while back. Town wouldn't be the same without you." If Pirnook does not grouse overmuch, then Murphy is simply pleasant to him, and thanks him for his help. "It's something to help out the Mayor and the town."

If the Catacombs will provide Talia's spell components for Stoneskin, then they can retire early. If not, then Murphy may be busy for a little while rousing Madame LaRue to help with grinding diamonds into dust, to mix with granite, also ground into dust, so that Talia may have enough components for seven such spells.

[So, both Murphy and Talia are awaiting completion of help in the Catacombs.]

To Rest
After the store, and a short stop in at his family place, Murphy walks the others to wherever they are staying. If that leaves him alone, he wildshapes into a bat, and flies to the burrow, resumes his own form, and packs for the trip. If not alone for the last leg of the trip home, he walks with his companion(s).

Morning Has Broken
In the morning, he awakens, prays, eats, fetches his mother, who has put what she is bringing in saddlebags and another sack kept on the pony she rides. "I tire of riding in carts. Your father loves it," she explains. As she rides, she knits a small outfit. "Something for the babe."

By 8:20, Murphy, his mother, and whoever else stayed in town show up to greet those who stayed in the Humble House. Murphy spends about ten minutes with Foreman George, going over the plans. "Anything you want me to try and bring back from the Culverwood?" he asks him.

8:30 - "Friends, most of you know my mother, Bekka is her name. She will guard us on the dangerous way to Hovel," he jests. "She's going to help my sister-in-law, Airin, give birth to her first child, out at the Birthing Tree in the Culverwood."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Saturday July 21st, 2018 12:28:50 AM
"Yes, Mister Murphy, that will be fine, your plan" says Talia to Mister Murphy. Talia will follow Mister Murphy to meet his kin and have a nice warm place to sleep & prepare for the days journey ahead.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Saturday July 21st, 2018 8:45:30 AM
Succotash rises early and quietly as he can, he heads out of Hobie�s house, heads out to the stable, and saddles Miss Piggy, after that, he dresses her in her barding, and feeds her some nice oats saying, �not sure how long this will take girl, but you may be grazing for awhile, instead of enjoying Hobie and Roscoe�s fine stable fare�. After that he leads her out to a quiet place and spend an hour in prayer and meditation, as he concludes his time with Pantheon, he thanks him for his time and protection, and then heads back to Hobie�s home. He arrives just in time for a lovely breakfast with Hobie and Roscoe, then asks them to once again help with the donning of his armor. Than he will ride with Hobie to The Sanctuary, to meet up with the others.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Saturday July 21st, 2018 9:51:09 AM
Zaragosa turned to bliss in a small bit of excitement "You are sneaky?! I am sneaky! We can be scout buddies! I wish I could share the magical ring that hides me, but I trust in your abilities alone."

if the next day arrives

Zaragosa would grab his gear and find his pony. He would use his bag of holding and put his hear in them, then set that in the pony's saddle bag.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Saturday July 21st, 2018 9:55:47 AM
JP sorry about not responding earlier, and I really just wanted to give Talia a chance to explain her particular casting strategy. Will take rest of conversation to email.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Monday July 23rd, 2018 2:14:02 AM
"Oh Talia you are a transmutation specialist? Me too!! I mean, I'm not much of a wizard, certainly more focused on training with my bow than studying the arcane, but I did focus my limited studies on the transmutation school. What spells do you know?!"

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Monday July 23rd, 2018 5:44:15 AM
�Talia, and you to Zaragosa, I told Hobie to feel free to use me as a meat shield, if needed, when we met, and I am now making the same offer to you guys. I specialize in frontline combat, where Miss Piggy and I can set up flanking maneuvers with each other, where I can bring the mighty �Twinklesting�, my Holy Greatsword, to bare, also, as a Paladin, I have some healing magic, so along with Kezzem, and Pressi, let us know if you�re hurting. By the way, I have made it my personal mission to do everything in my power to keep the members of this group alive, including laying down my own life if needed. As members of Humble�s Sword, that vow now extends to you two, I hope that gives you some comfort, as we embark into the unknown.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Monday July 23rd, 2018 10:13:29 AM
Zaragosa to Succotash, "thank you, Succotash Slenderstick, Paladin of Pantheon. That does give me a lot of comfort. I like to also swing a sword around but I am aware I am only good while someone is helping me flank. If you wish me to stay in the back and heal, I shall do that."

(OOC, my character has been talking about rations but I Forgot I gave him a ring of Sustenance, I guess he likes to eat.)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Monday July 23rd, 2018 10:15:15 AM
Oh, Mister Hobie, explains Talia, my favorite is "Baleful Polymorph"....I just love turning the enemy into Sloths! It's just the most fun one can have without killing...no mess, terrific punishment, and there's no deaths to hang on your conscious."

Other than that, since I have been on my own without family to speak of, except for my Owl; should be about mile out from us hunting; most of the magic I have come to cast serves more of a utilitarian purpose.

I do have a wand of cure light wounds...never used!

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Monday July 23rd, 2018 1:19:10 PM
Bliss looks at Sir Succotash and Sir Kezzem as the group talks about capabilities.

"Sorry Sir Kezzem," he says, "but Sir Succo is now my favorite paladin. He can take away my tiredness if I need to unfocus in a fight."

[Bliss does not think of his barbarian rage as rage, but as "being focused" and "unfocused." But even so, that paladin mercy vs fatigue is a barbarian's joy!]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Monday July 23rd, 2018 3:17:52 PM
"Baleful Polymorph! I've read a bit about that one, and our good friend Kezzem has some personal experience with it. I'm afraid I probably won't ever be able to cast it, at least not until late in my career

Hobie turns to Kez "Do you still crave acorns from time to time?

DM Ken: A strange request.
Monday July 23rd, 2018 4:53:23 PM

When morning comes, its time to ride. The adventurers get moving, with an escort of non-combat halfling companions.

The plan, is relatively simple.

Step 1. Make it to Emerald Kingdom by way of the southern eaves of the Culverwood.
Step 2. Catch or Kill a Wolpertinger or three and return it.
Step 3. Do all of this within a week.

Per this chart, you halflings move at a pace of 2 miles per hour, and can walk 8 hours per day, to the tune of 16 miles without dealing with fatigue. Per yours DM's estimate on the hand drawn maps of New Elenna, Crescent Valley, Yrth, and the Culverwood, you are roughly 150 miles away, which is a 18 day one way trip on foot. If the Culverwood is the route you wish to take, you might need a faster mode of travel.

With everyone gathered, all that's left is to make some final decisions regarding marching orders, camp rotations, and lunch menus!

(Witches, I will ask you to go ahead and give me a number of checks = to the number of days your final route will take you. I will also be looking through your coven stuff making sure everyone is more or less up to date. )

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Monday July 23rd, 2018 6:01:56 PM
"What?" says Kezzem to Bliss. "It's because of the pig, isn't it. Everyone loves the pig. Rumpus, why aren't you a pig!"

Rumpus snorts.

"Hush, you!" says Kezzem to Hobie.

OOC: Kezzem is fine with any march order, but would prefer to be up front (possibly behind a scout/guide if needed). For watch order, Kezzem would prefer to be paired with Pressi, Murphey, Bliss, or Hobie (in that order) rather than one of the new guys.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Monday July 23rd, 2018 6:25:37 PM
�We have a long journey ahead of us�, Succotash realizes out loud, �Does anyone have some teleport spells, or know of a wizard we can hire to cast the spell, I�m afraid we won�t make it in time otherwise?�

�By the way, I don�t really care what order either, but if Kezzem is going to take the lead, maybe I should take the rear, and form a Paladin sandwich�, Succotash suggests.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Monday July 23rd, 2018 6:32:09 PM
�I don�t care who I take watch with�, Succotash adds, �but maybe you would maybe want to take watch with me Talia?� After saying this Succotash�s face turns beet red.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Monday July 23rd, 2018 7:57:14 PM
Talia, looking upwards towards the heavens, whistles very loudly...and yearns for something...after a while she returns to the groups activities of getting ready for the journey.

Talia tells the group, "I was just gonna try to keep pace with Rayya. You know, fly over the land and all, but I was wondering what speed the rest of you will be traveling at?" "I can stay towards the back behind the tank like members" explains Talia. "I have some of my own rations to munch on if its okay with the group, mumbles Talia.

"I'm all packed and ready to go, is there anything I might be able to help ya'll with?" says Talia to the group?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday July 23rd, 2018 9:13:38 PM
�May I make a suggestion,� Pressi replies really quick. �I actually do have a teleport spell called shadow walk. I can transport 9 or 10 creatures at 50 MPH for much of the day. But we will have to leave mounts and companions behind. And... I can�t entirely control where we wind up.�

Pressi can scout but she�s willing to stay in the middle of the pack and let someone else give it a try. She needs eight hours rest so put her at the beginning or end of the watch order.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Tuesday July 24th, 2018 12:30:21 AM

Murphy, I forgot to mention, brought one of his riding dogs, Skipper, along with him - mainly to help carry things - and he likes his big dogs.

"My thought is this. If we can find the four to six wolpertingers we have agreed to find for our Mayor nearby, that would be preferable to going almost halfway across the maybe 400 miles-wide forest, find a guide, take more time, finally gain our goal, then travel halfway again across the forest.

"So, every so often - say, twice or three times a day, as we travel deeper into the Culverwood, I can commune with the land, and seek out the wolpertingers. We then travel on the local hunt, capture the pheasant squirrel deer bunnies, then head back. I don't want to go primarily by foot. Rather, by boat. By foot, only when we find evidence of their presence.

"Therefore, I purchased some feather tokens. Three swan boats. A couple of fans. A pair of anchors. If traveling downstream, with these boats, we could travel all the way to the Emerald City in one day - so long as the boat is not damaged, and we're not attacked or blocked multiple times. Traveling back upstream, using a fan feather token - we could make it in one day, or maybe two.

"Is anyone here skilled, at all, with boats? Some of us have rafted the river, both directions - at least partway. We also tried the grass boats in the Sargrass. If one or more of us have boating skills, well, all the better. We could hire someone with boating skills, but that might place that person at risk, knowing what our group tends to attract. My brother, Kendry, has such skills, but no way he is going to leave Airin's side now.

"So, my hope, really, is to reach out via spells to find the critters within an eleven (11) mile radius, and sooner rather than later, each time I cast the spell. That's close to 380 square miles." [22 miles wide circle]

Murphy then asks, "Besides the possibility of shipwreck, can anyone see significant risks to what I propose? Can anyone see benefits or advantages to this approach? Oh, and one other non-exclusive option - we can go ask Nilli, who, as I mentioned, knows the woods pretty well in the area not far off from Crescent Valley."

He then adds, "Shadow walk sounds fun though, Pressi. But also it may be a fascinating way to get lost. If it works, we could cross the whole Culverwood, if direction and distance did not get mixed up. Or, if my nature commune lets us know they are, say, six miles off, could you use that, once we've captured," and he says with a bit of a sad face, "or, killed the requisite number, to shadow walk us back to the boat?"

Murphy offers to take either first watch, or last watch. He often does the latter, as he also tends to be the one to whip up breakfast.

"For the first leg of the trip (if we skip meeting with Nilli), there's a Captain Titus who runs a paddlewheel sailboat* up and down the river. Last I checked, anyhow. We can ask in Hovel - someone there usually knows what's going on with the captain and his boat. I didn't think to ask when we went there last week, since - we didn't know about wolpertinger hunting. Anyway, his main run is from near Buddy Falls to Trader's Corner. He may go to Troll sometimes, and he may go to Emerald City - but usually only if he is hired to do that, and I really don't know what he charges. He has a crew, most of them know boating pretty well."

The last thing he adds is this: "I have several throwing nets - enough that each of us can have one, if you want. These critters fly. It could be a good way to wrap them up, if we don't manage to net ourselves in the process. Just let me know, and I'll give you one."

*See Crescent Valley archives post of Thursday, September 30th, 2004 titled "Riverboatin' (DM Stephen)" for reference, particularly the last paragraph.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 3
Tuesday July 24th, 2018 1:53:54 AM
Well guys, I do happen to have a scroll of teleport on me. Thought it would come in handy at some point. It can only transport up to 4 of us though, and the spell works best if you are really familiar with your destination, so I think we should just remember that we've got it, and if it takes us so long to catch them that we don't have time for the return journey, then a couple of us could teleport back with the wolpertingers while the others return. But as for getting there, Murphy's boat plan seems pretty solid, but Pressi's Shadow Walk seems much more exciting. Sure it could put us a little off course, but it could get us there in only a couple of hours. More risk, more reward. My vote is with Press

ooc: Mechanically the farthest out of the way that shadow walk could place us is 10,000 feet which is less than 2 miles. And that's only if we first appear in a solid object. More likely it's 1d10x100 feet. And it'll only take us 3 hours to get there that way. Shadow walk is super risky for teleporting in combat situations, but for long distances its not really a big deal. So that's my vote.

As for watch order: Hobie listens to a few of his partners note their preferences for watch. Succotash clearly wants to spend some time with Talia, Kezzem would prefer not to keep watch with one of the new crew, and Hobie assumes that Murphy and Pressi would prefer to keep their watch together. So Hobie decides that maybe it's a good opportunity to spend some time getting to know JTT Zaragosa, and he'll let Bliss keep watch with Kezzem.

Zaragosa, how would you like to keep watch with me? I think I'd quite enjoy discussing how we've both mixed the arcane arts with the martial. I'd love to hear some of your stories.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Tuesday July 24th, 2018 5:42:00 AM
�I like the shadow walk idea, Pressi�, Succotash states, �I can summon Miss Piggy to my side when we arrive, and I know Kezzem can do the same with Rumpus if he wants, so no big deal there�. Then turning to The rest of the party, �if anyone needs help carrying equipment, Miss Piggy and I can help�.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Tuesday July 24th, 2018 7:13:43 AM
Zaragosa was intrigued with the idea of shadow walk, he had never seen that spell and was looking forward to seeing it work. However, most of the census was how it would not be the best idea. Being new, and not know how the spell worked, he kept out of that decision.

He did, however, answer Hobie with enthusiasm. It was pretty clear that he was anxious to get to know any of his team, "I would enjoy that very much, my good sir! I have a story or two to tell, however, I have not done anything as amazing as save the world! I would like to hear some of your stories as well"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Tuesday July 24th, 2018 8:40:55 AM
"That's fine, Press, I can summon Rumpo to my...oh, Succo already said that."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday July 24th, 2018 10:26:07 AM
Ok, a couple of other items to get things out of the way.

Flight: "Well, a couple of us do have flight through fly, flying broom or transforming into animals or elementals. But we aren't going to go fast enough to cut the time by flying."

Companions: It's good to know that some of you can summon your mounts, but I don't think I can summon Harper. Anyone else having trouble leaving people at home?

(With an L1 spell, I can boost Shadow Walk to Level 10 for 10 slots. PCs take up 8, Harper takes up 1, and Bliss' cauldron and paladin mounts take up 0, so I can take the owl too, or a single non-magical mount if the owl can also be summoned.)

Net offer: Pressi will take one (and she actually has the feats to use it. Someday, she will pick up a ghost touch net, and the DM will be unhappy.).

Ship Ideas: We are still waiting for everyone to weigh in, so don't be shy. And don't forget that we all get a voice to at least float the ideas. The consensus does appear to be approaching some sort of mix, using boats to get from port to port, then shadow walk to move further inland. Thing is, nobody here has profession: sailor so we'll face some of the issues we did last module.

Besides shipwreck, the issue might be one of time since we'd be locked in waterways.

Oh,and Pressi has a few divinations such as locate creature or arcane eye to supplement Murphy's searches.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Tuesday July 24th, 2018 12:57:43 PM
Zaragosa would find Succotash before any departure to ask "Great paladin! I would like to take you up on the offer to carry my supplies. All are in this bag of holding which is always 25 pounds. That is too much for me to move around but might be nothing for you or your most excellent steed. If this is too much to ask, I understand. I will use my pony to carry it. However, if you are willing, I think we would do better to track through a forest without the pony to drag us behind."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Tuesday July 24th, 2018 1:06:15 PM
Succotash gladly receives Zaragosa�s bag of holding, and slings it over Miss Piggy�s saddle horn and says, �anyone else need to lighten the load?�

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle) d20=6 ; d20=17 ; d20=2 ; d20=6 ; d20=14 ; d20=13 ; d20=17 ; d20=15 ; d20=6 ; d20=9 ; d20=14 ; d20=14 ; d20=7 ; d20=12 ; d20=17 ; d20=3 ; d20=13 ; d20=18 ; d20=11 ; d20=5 ;
Tuesday July 24th, 2018 1:24:43 PM

Bliss is excited to hear about Pressi's spell. "Wowsy, I'm not a shadowdancer any more, but I could still be a ShadowWALKER!" He is definitely in favor of this option.

When he hears that Murphy has a spell to detect the monsters they seek even if they are a long ways away, he is even more pleased. "So long as you can guide us out of the Culverwood as well as into it, that sounds great Mister Murphy! But if you cannot guide us out, we should hire a guide first so we don't get lost."

==========

OOC: Every day Bliss draws Woldsblood for magic power. He sends some power to his immortal patron, and he uses the rest to power his own spells; he has a DC14 concentration check to do that. He has a +12 concentration check, so he fails only on a nat 1.
20 days of travel: No Natural 1s, so A-OK.

Every day, Bliss performs his basic ritual of Grimalkin, needing to make a DC20 Handle Animal check to do it. He has a +17 base, +1 each from Aunt Pot, Pressi, and Harper, so that means the ritual cannot fail. No roll is needed.

Every day, Bliss and Aunt Pot help Pressi and Harper with Pressi's basic ritual. Bliss and Auntie both add a +1, but cannot benefit from whatever ritual it is (Warding?) because you cannot benefit from two basic rituals in the same day. If the ritual fails, they do share in the penalty.

Every day, Bliss and Pressi work together on an Intermediate Ritual of Sharing, requiring a DC30 Spellcraft check. Bliss's base Spellcraft of +23 is better than Pressi's base +21, so use Bliss's. Because Pressi is not doing her own (but benefitting from Bliss's), she gives a +5 on the check. Auntie Pot and Harper each kick in +1. That's +23+5+1+1 = +30, so this ritual too cannot fail. No roll is needed.

As a rule, the spell shared is a CL13 Extended Shield of Faith. That gives a +4 deflection bonus to AC for 260 rounds. The duration is divided among Bliss, Pressi, and Harper; 86 rounds each. The shared Extended Shield is CL13 because both Bliss and Pressi cast Surrender Blood to boost CL by +2, from Pressi's 9 to 14. It is extended because each day Bliss loans his Lesser Rod of Extend to Pressi for the casting.

He grumbles a bit about it too.

"Miss Pressi, you and Harper get two-thirds of the shared Shield, but you are using one of my three rod charges! And it costs me 10hp for the blood. Least you can do is cast CLW on me every day!"

"I thought you were going to get your own extend rod! It's only 3,000 gold."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Tuesday July 24th, 2018 2:18:19 PM
Updating Hero Points in Header

DM Ken: A strange request.
Tuesday July 24th, 2018 4:34:17 PM

Modes of travel are discussed, but nothing finalized. It seems to have come down to using a couple of teleport scrolls, Shadow Walk, or a few magical items for sailing.

Pressi would also know the following.

1. Shadow Walk moves you at 50 miles per hour, not per day. So in about 3 hours or less, you can be more or less on point.
2. When exiting the realm of shadow, you shunt 1d10 x 100, so max of 1,000 feet. That's not a huge detour. But there is the risk of coming our in the middle of the Culverwood without having much for bearing.

(Please wrap up your travel method and preparations by Wednesday! I think there's only 2 particular votes, and a few excited for Shadow Walk who haven't really given a vote.)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Tuesday July 24th, 2018 4:39:36 PM
Talia, thinks aloud and offers this suggestion. "Perhaps Shadow walk could get up at least there and maybe Mister Murphy could "Commune" to discover our bearing afterwards?"

After casting her vote, Ms Talia, stares back upwards towards the heavens after though waiting for something or someone to arrive...

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Tuesday July 24th, 2018 5:15:11 PM
�Well, I vote we use Pressi �s spell, and let Murphy figure out where we are when we arrive�, Succotash states for the record, �May I ask what you keep looking for in the sky Miss Talia?�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday July 24th, 2018 5:40:46 PM
Have to rejigger spell points in compliance with headband as discussed in the rules board. Will try to do tonight.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Tuesday July 24th, 2018 6:41:45 PM
"Let's do that shadow-walk thingamajobie Pressi was talking about," says Kezzem, realizing people were waiting for him to talk."

---

Kezzem

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Cure Light Wounds x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

----

Rumpus

Abilities:
Smite Evil 1/day
1st:

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Tuesday July 24th, 2018 8:05:27 PM

"Friends, I am not opposed to using shadow walk. I am fine with the notion," says Murphy. "[/b]However[/b], why not look closer to home, first? If, after one day into the Culverwood along the river we find no evidence of nearby wolpertingers, then consider the alternatives.

"I am concerned that folks are so excited about shadow walking to the Emerald City, that we are not even willing to consider finding our quarry quickly, closer to home, and getting back safe and sound, prior to going all the way into the center of the forest. Mind you, I am not opposed to going there if it appears necessary. I am fine with using shadow walk. But, please, FIRST - let's check out the closer by environment. In one day of travel, I can search in the neighborhood of 800 square miles. Let's begin with that. If something comes up, we can hunt using our animal friends. If nothing comes up, then, we can leave our mounts at Troll, or Trader's Corner, shadow walk, get a guide if necessary from Emerald City, go on the hunt, then head back, get our mounts, and boat back upstream. We hire a sailor to get us back upstream, if necessary."

He wraps up his argument: "This is not an either/or decision. It's a both/and - we'll do both if useful and necessary - but we'll also aim for what might be the faster course for going and returning. I made a promise to the air elementals, and Bliss, you mentioned maybe taking weeks in talking to the Mayor. I cannot take weeks. I need speed, or my word to the elementals will appear to erode. If no one else cares about me keeping my word to them, then if this task begins to take too long, I may need to consider leaving early - which I do not wish to do - for then my word to the Mayor will be compromised, not to mention my commitments to you all. Please, nearby first, then into the heart if needed."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Wednesday July 25th, 2018 12:22:06 AM
"Ah, and one more thing. Pressi, you need to sleep in order to learn the shadow walk spell, right?" Murphy asks. "So, we finish our jaunt to Hovel this morning. There are folks in town who know the ferry schedule. If it's still available when we get to Buddy's Falls, then, great, we take the ferry downstream. If not, we can still try the swan boat - the river flows downstream, and is fairly wide. Whichever boat, along the way I can cast the commune with nature spell once or twice, and again after we've had a chance to ask at Trader's Corner. If the ferry is to continue southward before the day is done, then, we ride onward with them - maybe all the way to Troll. If not, perhaps we can hire a sailor off the ferry, or one from Trader's Corner, and use the balance of the day to travel to Troll. Either from there, or from Trader's Corner - we sleep. In the morning, I check to see if there is any such animal as we seek in the vicinity. If not, then Pressi shadow walks us to the Emerald City. So, barring discovery of the proper bunnies, we arrive at that city in the morning. All right, that's my proposal."

He is happy to give a net to Pressi. He asks Jack TT Zaragoza whether there might be a bit of room left in his bag of holding to stow a few nets. "I bought 10 total." And, if not, he checks with Succotash as to how many Miss Piggy might be able to convey. "Does anyone else - would anyone else, please, take a net? If at least 3 or 4 of us have one each, they really might come in handy at the right time."

He also sketches out a quick overview map of the Culverwood to help his friends understand the references some of them are making.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Wednesday July 25th, 2018 5:03:02 AM

"Oh, and if in Hovel we find the ferry has left, we can ask around to see if there is a sailor whom we can hire," Murphy thinks to add. "As I said, I have three boats, which move fast (60 movement, plus the current, plus, if needed, a 25 mph tailwind)."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Wednesday July 25th, 2018 5:38:00 AM
�I�ll take a net Murphy, and I have plenty of room in my saddlebags of holding for any extra�, Succotash says, �Your proposal seems fair Murphy, but to be honest Miss Piggy can move faster, (40ft speed + double move action = 80ft per round = 800ft per minute) without the tailwind of course, but if you chuck some haste on my girl, well then she�s really moving�. �Although, she can really only care one or two of us at the most so.....� �Anyway, I�d be willing to do the boat thing if that was the consensus, but to be honest I never really feel comfortable on a boat, and before I received my Paladin fear immunity, they terrified me�.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Wednesday July 25th, 2018 9:33:23 AM
Zaragosa answers Murphy , "I have another bag of holding on me, it isn't very full so I would be happy to hold some nets"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Wednesday July 25th, 2018 11:02:57 AM
Talia listens to Mister Murphy intently and with a new wonder as his thoughts, and his concerns, display a great wisdom she didn't see earlier.

"Ah, Mister Murphy", Taia raises her hand waving it about, "I believe you have valid points to make on this issue of travel and about our Journey in general. I second your concerns and I like the idea of seeing our path instead of just Poofing into the forest. We can always Poof out of the forest, as we know were the Humble Home is!" says Talia in a exasperated breath as if she needed to say all that in one breath!

"Oh, Mister Slenderstick, I am looking for my friend Rayya. She usually stays within a mile or so of me, but I haven't seen here since meeting all of you. Perhaps she is shocked that this many Halflings even exist, & all in one place! Or maybe she is deciding which one to have for lunch?! Just kidding, but that look on your face was classic!" laughs Talia at Mister Slenderstick.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday July 25th, 2018 11:34:49 AM
(OOC: Ok, I quickly reset my skill points and need the DM to check them fast. I failed to assign a skill to my headband, instead putting the 11 ranks in a number of rogue skills, and I changed that. I also took the opportunity to grab skill points from little use skills to focus on the areas I originally had in mind.

Pressi currently has no ranks in heal. The plan is to upgrade my headband next level, and add the heal skill to it. But we will just have to go without for this round.)

-------------------

Like Bliss, Pressi has a woldian check every day. She has a +13 concentration check vs DC 15, but she also has a +15 to reflex so she cannot fail the second check.

Pressi prefers to occasionally cast Ritual of Warding and casts threefold aspect crone. She has a base 14, +2 from crone, +3 from Bliss, Pot and Harper, and thus fails only on a natural 1. (No fail whenever Bliss decides to benefit from it.)(Gain is a +1 to AC and saving throws.) She and Harper then assist Bliss and pot on their ritual.

Pressi has a base 22 in spellcraft +1 from crone form, so its six of one which one begins the ritual (for now). Pressi can't entirely follow why she's being handed the extend rod if Bliss is doing the ritual and doesn't exactly consider the ritual unfair given that she's losing hit points too and a spell slot (an L2 slot if extended, right) if she does the ritual instead.

"Ok, a couple of things," she sniffs at Bliss. "First of all, if you are unsatisfied with the arrangement, we can always make changes to it, like not casting it extended. Also, I just eat the HP hit but if you would gladly hit you with a CLW wand every day as part of rituals if you would feel better... and if you can pronounce the magic word please." (Pressi is a little insulted but she does make using the wand or one of her L1 slots part of the ritual.)(Also, an extend rod is on my shopping list for next level, when she begins to take the ritual over.)

"Second, I used the money I was going to use for the extend rod for this silence rod instead... and for a tatoo to remove everyone's paralysis but my own. I consider the fact that I will occasionally use one of my two charges on you, or that I will occasionally start casting without giving the group away a fair payment, but you are free to reject this offer. I had a really tough time in the catacombs getting this stuff, so feel free to also stand in line for me." (I only have a couple of hundred coins left currently.)

"Less of a snit response, I have been considering an alternate shared spell. If you think you might want to occasionally scout ahead or have an extra spell in your back pocket, I can share a debuff or control spell (silent enchantment) with you and you can take advantage of the extra DCs (at half the rounds). Something to keep in mind."

-----------------------

In response to Murphy, "So your theory is that because speed is of the essence, we should go slower. Just in case we come across a creature outside of where everyone would say it would be. But I don't really have any fight left in me, either and we have to decide now, so... lets try it your way to start."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Wednesday July 25th, 2018 2:49:07 PM
"Yeah Murph you are making no sense. We are currently 150 miles away from the area where these things most likely reside. Pressi can get us there in 3 hours. Why would we take boats for a whole day when we can get there in three hours? My vote is 100% for the shadow walk"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Wednesday July 25th, 2018 3:29:33 PM
Murphy smiles, "Right."

[OOC: I know that Murphy's logic in this case is far from impeccable. Sometimes I laugh at his point of view. He's just feeling anxious about getting the spire done. His argument DOES let us take advantage of today, while we wait for Pressi to sleep in the evening and get the spell in the morning, right?]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday July 25th, 2018 5:34:23 PM
Pressi does let him have his day of sailing before she rests and preps.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Wednesday July 25th, 2018 7:05:45 PM
So, a short list for DM Ken:
1. Is there a ferry available today near Buddy's Falls? (They should know in Hovel.) If not:
2. Is there someone with sailing abilities in Hovel we can bri... hire to handle the boat for us? Preferably at least two people. Our valley does have a navigable river running through it. And there is the (semi-regular?) nearby ferry service.
3. At Buddy's falls is a family who works with the ferry service. They can stable animals for a small fee (it used to be a silver a day)
4. Murphy plans to buy some of Brock's brews at Trader's Post to serve at the Mayor's nuptials. His "Brock's Best" is not cheap - like 300 to 400gp a barrel, but with lesser prices for some of his normal very good stuff (ciders and ales and beers).
That's it. Besides my earlier PPtDMs.

DM Ken: A strange request.
Wednesday July 25th, 2018 8:53:46 PM

Murphy, in his usual way, badgers bluffs and bosses the group into seeing things from his point of view. A few people are willing to stick with the shadow walk, but since the only one capable of the spell has acquiesced to Murphy's stubborness, the point is moot.

---

The small group sets out, perhaps with animals. Their DM is pretty confused at this point. Hovel, per the map, appears to be about 13 miles away from Humbles Ford, which is near the maximum of the groups daily travel without forcing march, if even one of the halflings decides to go on foot. And as I understand it, a few of them are going on foot.

---

The group arrives, 6 hours later, into Hovel. A few on pony, one on a pig, and several on foot. They immediately set about asking for Ferry information, and find their ship has literally sailed. Once every three days a ferry leaves, more or less, and it takes about a week for the rafts to be hauled back to the starting docks. They stagger departures, and the next isn't schedules to arrive until tomorrow evening, again, more or less.

---

There aren't any sailors, per say, but there are a few river guides who can be found.

---

There are always people willing to stable extra animals for a few silver pieces.

---

I do not see Buddy Falls on any maps, so all of your interactions at this point, are limited to Hovel.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Wednesday July 25th, 2018 9:17:46 PM
"Give me a couple of those nets, Murph," says Kezzem. "I'm good at throwing things and don't have many nonlethal options."

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Thursday July 26th, 2018 1:10:36 AM

"OOPS we missed the boat, Mister Murphy," Bliss says ruefully. "I think we better go back to the shadow walking plan."

He's not really sure why we walked to Hovel. It *IS* close to the Culverwood ... hmm ...

"Hey, just for giggles, you wanna cast your Detect Weird Monster spell, Mister Murphy? It would sure be a kick in the pants if we shadow walked hundreds of miles away when there's a gaggle of the beasties we seek right here in our back yard."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+7=22 ;
Thursday July 26th, 2018 2:17:56 AM

Just before leaving Humble House
"Sure, Kezzem, here you are," Murphy says as he hands one folded net to the paladin, then attempts to cast the second net over his friend's head (AC 22). Which, as an attack vs his touch AC of 17, might just have worked. "And, there's the second one!" If Kezzem tosses the one he was just handed back at Murphy, the druid accepts the counter with laughter. [Gotta look up all the net rules... feel free to correct the results if Murphy didn't manage to do as he intended]

Travel to Hovel
For the journey to Hovel and beyond, someone else can ride Murphy's dog, Skipper, for now. His mother Bekka has her pony, Masky Maisie (the cinnamon-colored mare has black circles around her eyes), and there's room for one more to ride behind her. Murphy can wildshape into a mount for the journey to Hovel, large enough to bear up to four - we should be able to get everyone over to Hovel at a movement rate of 40, rather than 20, as time is of the essence - so, arrival should be closer to noon, than 3pm.

At Hovel
Bekka takes her leave of the group shortly after arriving in Hovel, blessing all in the name of Ma'ab and Flower, and gifting each one a blueberry goodberry from her garden. She says she is heading over to Kendry's and Airin's burrow.

Taking Bliss's observation and suggestion as a good reason to overexplain, Murphy answers, "Well, Bliss if I cast it from here, I could get the area that Aunt Nilli lives in - and she said she never saw a Wolpertinger there - well, as of a few years back, when she told me that. My spell'd catch about, maybe 40 square miles of the northeast edge of the Culverwood? If we go the three miles up past Buddy's Falls, though, I could read maybe 80 square miles in. Better yet, take a swan boat up to the fork in the river, then down the other tine towards the Culverwood. About two hours after setting out, I could catch from close to the upper tip of the woods, and down from there 22 miles, for a total area of 140 square miles. That's actually a great idea, Bliss - I'm glad you thought of it!"

Murphy is sincere in attributing the whole idea to Bliss, as he had been thinking of first casting it a fair ways farther downstream - rather than just a few miles downstream.

"Oh, and Pressi tells me she already used up the slot for shadow walking, so can't do it today."

"Say, let's hire us two river guides. Really, one, two or three guides, your call. Could you, Bliss, take someone with you and negotiate for them to travel with us? I'll see if my cousin Ellis has a carriage to spare to get us all quickly to the dock beyond the falls.

With the guides' help, though, we could be in a few hours to a place where I could take in about 200 square miles, a bit farther down to the southwest. So, one to grab the upper northeast, and a second spell for closer to Trader's Corner. And, if we're lucky, we can make the Corner before nightfall.

"Let's all try to meet in half an hour at the Greentree Livery. You've been there before, Bliss - you know, my cousin Penelope, and her husband Ellis? Daughter Clara? Right." He points out the livery to everyone. "As soon as we have a river guide or two, and the livery can have the carriage ready, we can all make haste to Buddy's Falls. It's really beautiful out that way - and loud as we climb the hill not too far off from the falls."

Once he's arranged for a 6-seater carriage rental, he asks about Airin. If she and Kendry are still in town, he runs off for about fifteen to twenty minutes for a quick visit with his brother and sister-in-law, then scoots back to the livery.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Thursday July 26th, 2018 5:28:29 AM
(Before they leave) �Miss Piggy can carry two, would you like to ride with me Talia?� Succotash offers.

(Arrival at Hovel) �I�m confused Murphy, why do we need a carriage?� Succotash asks, �wouldn�t it be faster just to continue riding down to the river?�

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Thursday July 26th, 2018 7:11:09 AM

Bliss starts counting on his fingers.

"One, I'm fast as a kitty. Wowsy, I'm fast as me!" [OOC: Bliss has move 40 as a halfling and move 50 as a kitty]

"Two and three, Miss Pressi can ride Harper and he's fast." [OOC: Harper is size Medium and has move 50]

"Four and five and six, Miss Piggy can carry Sir Succo and Hobie." Bliss laughs. "Miss Piggy will give you piggy-back rides!" [OOC: Miss Piggy moves at 40]

"Seven and eight, Sir Kezzem can ride Rumpus." [OOC: Rumpus moves at 40, and Brian, you should totes buy Rumpus some magic horseshoes!

"Nine, Miss Talia, you are great at magic right? Maybe you can fly?" [Overland Flight is the default gain for Talia's bloodline at level 11 and grants fly speed 40]

"Ten and, um, eleven, Mister Murphy can be something fast if he wants I bet! You could be something fast that JTT can ride." [OOC: Wolf, say, moves at 50]

Having run out of fingers, Bliss looks around. "That's everybody, right? So we don't need to hire a coach! On a beautiful day like today!" [OOC: The party should be moving at 40 overland in general, I think.]

"So we can just scoot a few miles over to the outskirts of Hovel, at the edge of the magic forest -- but not IN it -- and then Mister Murphy can Detect Flibbertigibbits! Whatchamacallits. Thingamabobs. The funky bunnies."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+13=23 ; d20+19=31 ;
Thursday July 26th, 2018 11:16:30 AM
Hovel Rolls
threefold aspect crone, then normal - L4 spell
Wold Blood pass
Ritual of Warding pass
cast surrender blood, CLW on Bliss - 2 L1 spells
assist shared spell (shield of faith extended)
L5 spells used - should be none

------------------

Pressi is, a bit flabbergasted when Murphy claims that she had used her level 5 spell slots for the day, which seems to have resulted from some confusion as she tried to explain that she needs the eight hour rest to refresh her spells after she casts them, which she thought she did that morning. (The last spell she cast, Animal Growth, was an L5 spell but that was a couple of days ago she thought, and at any rate she gets 2 L5 spells in crone form.)

To some degree, though, she knows this is more than just Murphy trying to maximize speed or get his way. He spent some of his hard earned money on this magical item that should solve the problem, only to find that a caster can take it away with a single spell. Back when she was trying to make it as a roguelike monk, she found herself trying to make flour and talking teddy bears work while casters just zapped away, so she knows the frustration he must be feeling. So, let him have today at least, she supposed.

But when he instead decides to hire a caster, she balks. "First, I thought the entire point of coming here was not to see if this thing happened to be in the back yard. I thought it was to get a guide or sailor and we could probably make due with a river guide. Second, movement rates aside, I didn't think we were going to leave Hovel that far - as Bliss said, maybe to the edge. So yeah, I am not sure what the carriage is for, besides aesthetics."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Thursday July 26th, 2018 12:50:18 PM
Hobie is frustrated and will speak up again.

"I don't understand why we are wasting time and money with boats and river guides. Pressi can get us to our destination in THREE HOURS. Why are we not doing that? If it's a matter of her not having the spell prepared, then it's gonna be faster and cheaper just to sleep here for the night and leave with the spell in the morning. There is no reason at all to waste our time with all of this other nonsense, Murphy!"

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Thursday July 26th, 2018 1:09:06 PM

Bliss laughs at the paladin's chicken joke.

And oh yeah, Bliss casts his Threefold Aspect spell every day like Pressi does, but instead of being an old crone, he's a youngster -- or a young tomcat, say -- under the influence of the spell, at least by default.

So he's down that plus a Surrender Blood plus a use of his rod every day before breakfast.

Well, ok, before second breakfast anyway.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+8=25 ;
Thursday July 26th, 2018 6:35:56 PM
Hovel
Talia wonders if Murphy was just being cautious with respect to the Culverwoods and his extended family...She says, in her most diplomatic tones, "Hey Mister Murphy, I believe I understand you intentions with respect to your extended family, and your extensive network of friends and acquaintances here in the Crescent Valley. You were just hoping to cultivate your network for the information to bring us to our collective goal must sooner. I reckon, you may have swung and missed a couple of times, though."

"Perhaps, we can regroup, rest, and head out tomorrow morning?" wonders Talia aloud to the group.

Rayya

When finished speaking to the group, Talia, once again looks towards the heavens, and whistles loudly...hoping Rayya isn't lost.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Thursday July 26th, 2018 8:08:36 PM

Murphy steps back as his friends misunderstand him, and he them. "I - I thought we had agreed - Bliss, you had. Pressi, you had. And that..."

Murphy says, "Fine. No one wants to go on the boat. I'm going to fly over - forget the boat idea. I'll fly to the edge of the Culverwood, and cast the spell. You can go on without me if you wish. I don't care. I'll try to see if the critters are close at hand. If you go on without me, I'll see about flying to the Emerald City. I've traveled before through the Culverwood on my own. I will catch up when I can.

"Sure, you all may be right. I may be wrong. I'm going to find out what is close to home first, anyway."

He transforms into an air elemental, says, "See you in a bit, or not. If you wait, I should be back in about two hours or so. If not, then, I'll try to fly to a rendezvous later."

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Thursday July 26th, 2018 10:06:45 PM

"Aw, Mister Murphy," says Bliss. "Don't be like that. Of course we'll ..."

OOPS, he turned into a thing and flew away ...

"... OF COURSE WE'LL WAIT FOR YOU!" Bliss shouts after his sensitive druid friend.

[OOC: Um, missed posting yesterday, but made up for it today! Heh.]

DM Ken: Havoc in Hovel
Thursday July 26th, 2018 11:01:11 PM

Things get a little chaotic at the docks. Pressi is willing to let Murphy have his way here, for a few good reasons, but a few of the more outspoken halflings still take issue with what seems to be a faster plan.

Murphy, having none of it, transforms into an air elemental and gives a bit of finality to his thought process.

"See you in a bit, or not. If you wait, I should be back in about two hours or so. If not, then, I'll try to fly to a rendezvous later.", he says. He then flies away, without any real way to set a rendezvous point, other than if the party stays put.

The others now have a choice to make. Rest and leave with Pressi in the morning, and try to send word to Murphy on where to meet them, or wait for their headstrong Druid to return.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Friday July 27th, 2018 12:28:43 AM
Thursday Post:

Kezzem plays dead when Murphey nets him.

He sighs then as Murphey storms off.

"Hey Press, Murph's at it again. Don't get me wrong, I love the guy like a brother...well, probably a bad analogy given my family...but he can be so...opinionated...sometimes."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Friday July 27th, 2018 1:40:08 AM
Hobie will kick the dirt when Murphy flies away. He is visibly angry.

Was there some sort of vote before I joined you guys that made Murphy the king of Humbles Sword? Press, you need to stand up to your boyfriend, and tell him it�s not okay for him to force his will over the rest of the team, and over you. You had a great idea, and best I could tell every single one of us supported your idea, until he exerted the force of his personality over you, and you just gave in. You regularly have great ideas, but then just give in as soon as he suggests something else. I�m not one to pry into other people�s relationships, the two of you can handle your stuff however you like. But when it�s affecting Humble�s Sword, I�m going to speak up.

Hobie turns and fires an arrow at a tree or wooden sign post, etc. letting out a bit of his anger with the arrow. He takes a few steps away and let�s himself cool down.

He thinks to himself that maybe he�s being too harsh, after all Murphy just died a few days ago, who knows how that is affecting him, and who knows how his temporary loss has affected Pressi.
After cooling off a bit he turns back to the group, and towards Pressi.

I�m just trying to say that I want to be a part of a team where every voice matters equally. In my whole time here we have never discussed any kind of �government� for lack of a better word for Humble�s Sword. We have no formal decision making process, and often that leads to one personality taking charge, and sometimes steamrolling everyone else. Maybe we should set something up.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+27=39 ; d20+15=35 ;
Friday July 27th, 2018 2:25:00 AM

Murphy disappears very quickly from sight, moving southwest initially at 555 feet per round, or over a mile a minute. He arrives at his destination, about 1 mile to the east of the river into the Culverwood, in about 12 minutes. He settles into a tree, and looks around for a good spot in which to cast the spell [Perception: 39; Survival: 35 (nat 20)]. He wants to ensure he has not landed in someone's nest, and that he is not going to have squirrels, or worse, chittering at him. He pauses a few moments to catch his breath, as it were.

"Pressi. I've found a good spot," he communicates with her telepathically. "I'll start the spell in a moment. Let people know I'm all right. I anyone wants to punch me when I get back, I'll try to stand still for it. And, this is a lot faster than boats, just as I know your shadow walk is. Will let you know what I find."

He casts know direction (lets him know true north), and checks out local marks to ensure he knows exactly where the points of the compass lie before beginning, and also marking the position of the sun in the early midafternoon sky.

He settles in the tree, hidden by its branches and foliage, to cast commune with nature. The casting, verbal and somatic, requires ten minutes. His focus is on the presence of wolpertingers in the far northeast corner of the Culverwood, as shown within the red circle on this map.

If he discerns the presence - and is certain he is not confusing rabbits with wolpertingers, he marks in his mind the direction and distance from his chosen spot. He then flies straight up several hundred feet to get his bearings further, again casting know direction. If more than one - flock? - of the critters are found, he fixes each in his mind.

After that, he communicates with Pressi his findings. "Heading back now, love." He initially takes a more leisurely path back so as to mentally mark a few more checkpoints so as to be able to retrace his path, and especially when he comes out over the river. Then, crossing over in the air still, he flies on the Red Hills side, seeing the pathway some travelers and traders use on that side of the river, and then resumes full speed ahead, back to his friends.

Round trip, barring any time-sapping encounters, ends up at around 45 minutes.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Friday July 27th, 2018 4:39:56 AM
Succotash puts his hand on Hobie�s shoulder, and says, �Calm down my friend, I agree with you, but it�s no use getting in a tizzy over, we all know that Murphy is doing what he thinks is best, even if the rest of us disagree with him sometimes, he still has our best interests at heart, even if he�s wrong �.

Turning to Talia, Succotash says, �As one who understands attachment to an animal, has Rayya ever disappeared like this before, and is there anything the rest of us can do to help locate your owl?� To the rest of the party, he asks, �Does anyone have any spells that could help Talia locate Rayya?�

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) d20+17=35 ;
Friday July 27th, 2018 8:36:38 AM
(Sorry for no post yesterday, but even so, there is nothing I can add here)

Zaragosa stays out of the conflict between the members. Murphy seemed to be in charge at first but it looks like not all agreed with him. He tried to stay out of it but as they went, he would tell stories that he heard of other adventurers to try to calm anyone down who would listen.

performance = 35

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Friday July 27th, 2018 12:04:13 PM

Bliss does not really mind waiting. He tells Hobie, "I would vote for you for party leader, Hobie!"

He muses ... maybe we could have a different party leader every so often until we figure out who is best for the job. Plus it is nice to share, so everybody can get a turn trying it out. Except Bliss. "I want to be a hero, not a general!" And not Murphy. "Wowsy, I love that nut job, but he would not make a good leader."

Bliss listens to JTT's highly entertaining stories delightedly and then passes around some elven waybread from his elven lunchbox. "Try some, it's good!" He even slips a taste to Rumpus, Harper, and Miss Piggy.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday July 27th, 2018 12:13:15 PM
Pressi stands there, stunned but not surprised. This is not the first time he has done this, shapeshifted and flew ahead on a lark or to prove he was right, as if he truly believed his forms made him bulletproof or that any success at this attempt proved anything.

At the speed he achieved (not really sure how), she couldn't follow him even if she wanted to. (She could close the gap by riding harper, changing to a small air elemental, or hitting the broom, but doing so would still leave a gap that endangered them both.

To Hobie and JTT (and other newbies), "Murphy has been the leader since the inception of the group, in part because he usually sees the nitty details when making overall plans... But the group itself is supposed to be a collective with some level of voice with decisions like this. Murphy... never entirely understood this. Nor did he ever understand that sometimes you have to listen to the group even when it's gone "completely insane" or "back on its word," let alone at times when you can't articulate your own position and you suddenly add new elements." She shakes her head. "So... I'm not exactly expecting him to run into anything this close to a town, anyway. He'll blow off some steam, we'll rest and hire a river guide here, and the jump can wait until morning. Or bandits will kill him and I'll try to resurrect him into someone capable of learning. And if anyone else has any suggestions for things we can do here, gathering resources or information perhaps, it appears we have an hour or two to do it."

-----------------

Pressi finds an area to begin a divination attempt (doesn't hurt to just ask) and to research locate creature (is the picture enough, she wonders) when Murphy gives her a call, telling her she'll stand still if anyone wants to punch him.

Yeah, we came to a consensus about that. I've been allowed the first shot. Don't worry about standing still, I have that covered.

I cannot believe that we are ONCE AGAIN having this same conversation. How many times has this resulted in success? What has to go through that airhead brain of yours that makes you think this is a good idea. No, seriously tell me what you think the best case scenario of your action is.

Meanwhile, we're all stuck here trying to figure out why you wanted to sail around before we left to get this stupid flying rabbit for some stupid arrangement that nobody seems to want. This is why I decided long ago never to get ma...

Pressi stood there for a while, turning her mind off.

Look, just get back here and we can figure this stuff out when we're all calmer.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Friday July 27th, 2018 12:41:26 PM
Rumpus excepts the elven bread and thanks Bliss with a big sloppy pony kiss.

"Maybe you should be the leader, Press," suggests Kezzem.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Friday July 27th, 2018 12:51:56 PM
If Murphy doesn't encounter anything in his trip and is able to return to the group as he wrote in his post:

Hobie, now calm, will approach Murphy.

Murph, I'm sorry that I lost my temper. I'm not sorry about the things I said, because they were true, but I'm sorry for how I said them. It was wrong of me to fly off the handle like that.

He pauses, and looks away, then looks back at Murphy

When I was traveling with that band of thieves, we had a guy named Brynn Glabbrus, real nasty human son-of-a-gun. He didn't give two shakes what anyone else had to say, he just forced his will on the group. There was this job, robbing this wizard's house. The rest of us wanted to wait, scout it out for a few weeks, do our due diligence. Brynn wanted us to rush in and do the job one weekend while the old man was traveling.

Hobie takes a loooooong pause at this point. His face is filled with emotion, it's hard to tell what exactly. Anger is there. Sadness is there. Regret is there.

His personality was so strong, we gave in. We did the job that weekend. We didn't take the time to learn exactly how powerful that wizard was. We were in way over our heads, but we didn't know it. My cousin, Remy, Roscoe's brother, the one he never talks about, was our rogue. It was his job to check for traps. He didn't see that the wizard had warded his valuables with a Symbol of Death.

Hobie starts to get choked up a bit.

He didn't stand a chance, that spell was too powerful. I grabbed Remy's lifeless body and we got the heck out of that house.

At this point Hobie's face has one clear emotion, anger.

The next night, after we had buried Remy, I put three arrows in Brynn's sleeping body, and I took my gear and ran.

Hobie's face softens quite a bit as he stares off into the distance

I should have stood up to him, put my foot down, maybe Remy would be laughing with Roscoe in Humble's Ford right now. Maybe he and I would both still be thieves. I don't know.

He pauses again.

I'm not saying this to say that I would kill my teammate again. That's not who I am anymore. I wish I hadn't done it then, and I'd never do it now. But a party has many voices for a reason, and I just don't want to see anyone steamrolled again.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Friday July 27th, 2018 1:31:54 PM
�Thanks Bliss, this is some tasty stuff!� Succotash exclaims. Maybe Miss Piggy gives a squeal of delight and nuzzles into Bliss, nearly knocking him over.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 d20+12=18 ;
Friday July 27th, 2018 1:49:41 PM
Once/If Murphey Returns, Kezzem walks up to him.

"Murph, you've got this coming."

He throws a net over his head.

Attack: 1d20 + 12 = 18.
Murphey Touch AC 17.
Murphey is Entangled!

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+8=21 ;
Friday July 27th, 2018 5:33:18 PM
Talia wonder's how far Buddy Fall's are from Hovel. On the Map, it doesn't look all the far!

Talia will mingle amongst the local asking about Mongo Hardbottle and Linnea, trying to locate any traces of what could be her family. [Using Diplomacy:21]

ADM Kim posting for DM Ken (he is having trouble posting from his phone directly)
Friday July 27th, 2018 11:06:00 PM
Murphy spell goes off without a hitch, there's no evil creatures in the trees waiting to eat him as soon as he lands. He asks the spell very specific questions pertaining to wolpertingers, but finds that the land around him is less than cooperative. Murphy make a diplomacy check dc20 to learn any relevant information about this Fay creature that lives within the Culver wood.

The rest of the party weights, some share bits of their history others decide to look around to find out about their own history. Well nobody is able to give Talia any direct information on her family, she is informed about a group called The sages Guild. It seems if anybody is going to be able to track down lost lineage it might be them. Of course, the sages Guild is very well known for doing nothing for free.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+13=27 ;
Friday July 27th, 2018 11:18:16 PM

Murphy appeals to the power of the Culverwood to reveal the presence of any wolpertingers.

Diplomacy 27.

Possible adjustments (did not include in roll): Murphy was born in the Culverwood. Has lived in the Culverwood. Has treated well with it. Though he begins to doubt the wisdom of this particular task.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Sunday July 29th, 2018 5:25:08 AM
Murphy post 20180728

"Murphy learns that there are no wolpertinger in range of his spell.
He also gets the distinct impression that the Culverwood is both hesitant
to answer and annoyed that it had to give an honest answer."
-Email from DM Ken to Kim

Murphy thanks the Culverwood for putting up with his annoying queries. And he returns to the group, arriving about 45 minutes after he left. He lets Pressi know he is on his way back, and that he'll be ready for the shadow walk, if everyone else is.

After he lands and unwildshapes, he says, "No wolpertinger in the northeast. I just wanted to check, to see one way or another."

He gives, gingerly, Pressi a hug. "Based upon what you said to me when I was out there, we have some things to talk about, I reckon."

When Kezzem nets him, he falls to the ground, arms and legs splayed out as far as the net will allow. "I've been properly gotten, Sir Kezzem, by a paladin, to boot."

Then Hobie tells a story from his past. "I am so sorry to hear about your cousin Remy," Murphy says quietly after hearing the whole thing. He lets that sit for a few moments. "And, I take your point." He waits to see if Hobie has more to say.

When that conversation reaches a reasonable breaking point, he says to Bliss, "I appreciate your suggestion to check on the northern portion of the Culverwood. Perhaps I should have given up entirely on even bothering to cast the spell, as most are pretty excited about heading straight over to Emerald City. Rather than arguing further about boats, or river guides, or whatever, I realized that the whole thing could be taken care of much more quickly."

Addressing everyone, he says, "Had the Culverwood shown the prey we seek to be nearby, then we might have gone that way. As it is, I believe none are to be found up here. So, shall we follow Bliss's initial suggestion, and take advantage of Pressi's conveyance? I had misunderstood, thinking that she would need to sleep another eight hours in order to be able to cast the spell. Now, Press, am I right to think that you can cast it now?"

"If so, is there anything to keep us here? Other than maybe getting a note from the Mayor to convey to the Emerald City leadership for the purpose of diplomacy." He holds up his hands, "No, I'm not suggesting we do that."

"If it helps, I am accustomed to slower modes of travel. Walking or riding through the woods can take a good long time, and yes, I resisted that notion. When the options changed... Looks like all of us, as our abilities stretch and grow, need to adjust our thinking as to just what we might be able to get done, and what makes the best sense for the situation."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Sunday July 29th, 2018 8:35:23 PM
Kezzem helps Murph out of the new.

"Just be glad that we paladins smite evil and don't smite stubbornness."

Bliss (AC23, HP96) (Cayzle)
Sunday July 29th, 2018 10:53:07 PM

Bliss giggles when Kezzem says, "smite stubbornness."

"Okay Sir Kezzem," he tells the paladin, "You can be my favorite paladin too. You always make me laugh."

The little guy turns serious for a moment as he addresses his druid friend. "Mister Murphy, remember you got murdered when you went off on your own before. Please don't do that. It's not fair to the people who care about you."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Monday July 30th, 2018 5:52:41 AM
Succotash seems a little off with the mention of going to the northern parts of Culverwood, up til now it didn�t seem real, but now it seems he will be there in a few hours or less, and the thought is a bit unsettling to the Paladin.
�How far from Merrydale will we be?, the unsettled Paladin asks, �You see, that�s where I�m from�.

�I was born and raised there, but haven�t been back for a long time�. �You see, my father wanted me to join the family business working as a silversmith in the shop that has been in my family since we settled in Merrydale�. �Of course I had no love, or talent for that kind of work, and really just wanted to become a Paladin �. �On my coming of age birthday, I told my parents that I wanted to leave Merrydale to seek training as a Paladin�. �My father was furious, and told me that if I left, then I shouldn�t bother coming back�. �Well, that was several years ago, and this will be the closest to Merrydale that I have been since�. �I know we are on a tight schedule, and I�m not asking that we head there, but I guess I�m feeling a little nostalgic, and was thinking I need to go home someday soon, and try to make amends with my father �.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday July 30th, 2018 3:19:34 PM
Pressi smiled at the idea that she should be leader, but felt like she ought to be at least a little fake modest before accepting.

She considers her next move. Clearly, there is some discussion of which town to travel toward. Talia and Succotash both want to go to towns related to their past. Murphy and others are ready to head toward Emerald City now. Pressi also does some mental calculations to determine what time it will be when the journey is completed - if its close to sundown now, they might prefer sleeping here to sleeping in the woods even if its just outside the city. Otherwise, "Yes I just need to surrender blood first and I can take everyone whenever you are ready." (Ultimately, this is what she does unless anyone objects.)

Before she does anything, though, she takes a moment to talk to a river guide to determine how well he knows the culverwood (even if they never enter a boat, it might still be a good idea) and how much it costs. She figures she will find better guides at Emerald City, though.

She also takes some measure to calm everyone down. It is, after all, time to move forward.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Monday July 30th, 2018 4:36:03 PM
[OOC: Did Bliss share with everyone that Mister Murphy would be back in under an hour?]

While Talia awaits Mister Murphy's return, Talia continues to search for Rayya. While Talia separates herself from the group a by putting some distance between herself and the rest of the pack, Talia brightens up! Looking up and squinting a bit, she smiles to herself! Mumbling under her breath, "There you are my precious....Mommy's been worried sick over you absence!" In the distance about 50 feet up in the sky a small circle appears and begins to grow larger as it approaches Talia's location....before long a small bird swoops down and settles on Talia's shoulder, rubbing up against her and hooting.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Monday July 30th, 2018 5:05:12 PM
(Jairus asked me to post for him because his mother-in-law is in the hospital, and he isn�t sure when he� Get a chance to post)

After Succotash shares his past, and his desire to try to reconcile with his parents, Zaragosa offers, �As one who never knew his parents, I would say that you should do what ever you can to redeem your relationship with your parents, and I would like to offer my company in said endeavor, as soon as our quest is completed of course�.

DM Ken: Havoc in Hovel
Monday July 30th, 2018 6:41:07 PM

With Murphy returned, some basic amends are made. Hobie makes his feelings clear, Bliss clears the air, Pressi considers herself in a leadership role, Succotash thinks about home, and Talia recovers her owl, after a bit of motherly worry.

With all the red tape and party adjustments handled, all that's left is a step into... THE SHADOW REALM

Pressi, when she is ready, casts her spell.

Bliss (AC25, HP99of109) (Cayzle)
Monday July 30th, 2018 7:18:56 PM

Bliss fusses over the owl. "I used to have a bird friend," he says wistfully. "You are extremely beautiful" he says to Talia's owl.

He has not kept any secrets, so anything he knows he tends to blab out.

Bliss is excited to travel in the Realm of Shadows, and he casts an extended barkskin (boosted with Surrender Blood to CL10) and switches to kitty mode for the transit.

Resources used today:
Threefold Aspect spell
Surrender Blood x2
Barkskin
Two uses of meta rod of extend
0of80 rounds of CL12 Shield of Faith

Note: CatBliss sheet updated here

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Monday July 30th, 2018 11:33:40 PM
"So, what do we have to do, Press? Gather around in a circle and hold hands or something?"

"Hey Bliss, didn't you used to play around with shadows, any thing we should know going in?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Tuesday July 31st, 2018 4:56:21 AM

"Bliss, I'll never forget the time when Graeff sent me out into the Culverwood to track down members of the Yoke of Culver, to deliver them a letter, advising them of the loss of the Giant Tower, the growing threat from giants of the Scab, and requesting their help. I found them to be pretty crabby people. They didn't agree to help us, but at least promised not to hinder us.

"Shoot - I'm getting off point again. When you learned I would be going off by myself into the Culverwood, you send your shadow-self, Pookie, to accompany me. And I did find comfort in having your shadow along on that trip. Pookie stayed with me the whole way out to find them. But, on the way back home, he somehow told me it was time for me to go on without him. I was very sad when your shadow left me, Bliss.

"And now, I'm happy. I'm happy that we'll be able to travel together, all sharing shadows on this journey. I was told once that some people from the Southern Continent have a blessing: 'Many shadows' is what they say to someone they wish well."

Murphy looks forward to learning what a shadow walk is really like.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Tuesday July 31st, 2018 5:34:03 AM
Succotash draws Twinklesting from her scabbard, and takes a moment to marvel at the blue light emitted by the blade, then, he says, “I’m ready when ever you are Pressi”. Then to Miss Piggy he says, “you wait here girl, as soon as we arrive I’ll call you to me, I’d take you into the shadow realm, but Pressi’s spell has it’s limitations”. Miss Piggy gives a nod of understanding, and then nuzzles her friend/master.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Tuesday July 31st, 2018 5:43:17 AM
(For Jairus/Zaragosa)

Zaragosa has been doing his best to stay out of the conflict with Murphy, as he sees it, he’s the “new guy”, and he needs to earn his place within Humble’s Sword, as a result, he is relieved that the tension has been lifted. He draws his rapier, and gives a nod to Pressi saying, “I’m ready malady”.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 21, HP 74/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 21, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday July 31st, 2018 10:44:32 AM
In response to Kezzem's question, Pressi tries not to sweat as she flips through the pages. "Uh... you know what, why not." (You do have to start with all the travelers in physical contact, so a circle makes as much sense as anything else for now, but we'll basically be traveling in a chain holding hands or conga lining, Pressi out front and Harper in the rear.)

"We also need an area of dim light so it looks like we are waiting until the moon comes out, unless anyone else has a suggestion. Ghost sound has been preloaded with a variety of traveling music from the last couple of decades and headphones are available upon request. In the event of an emergency, my respect will be given to the person who panics most creatively. Please secure your own panic first before assisting others in their panic. If you find yourselves traveling to the shadow realm, well, it beats the in-flight movie. Ok, when everyone is ready...."

Pressi uses another spell of surrender blood so she can carry 11 creatures. That's eight heroes, two pets (Harper and Rayya, Pressi ordering the former not to eat the latter.) and one spot to spare. They all hold hands around in the moonlight, and Pressi begins the incantation....

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Tuesday July 31st, 2018 2:40:45 PM
Hobie grabs the hand of whoever is next to him and readies himself for travel.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Tuesday July 31st, 2018 4:19:15 PM

"A dim light? Ellis' hay barn - just go in there, shut the barn door almost all the way - and there you go," Murphy suggests. "And the cats keep the rat population down there."

He adds Skipper to the line. He places one hand on Pressi's shoulder, and the other on the dog's collar. "Somebody can grab my elbow, or my belt, or Skipper's tail."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Tuesday July 31st, 2018 6:06:24 PM
Upon hearing about the need to hold hands, Succotash resheaths Twinklesting and offers to link hands with Talia, and Zaragosa.

(For Jairus/Zaragosa)
Zaragosa Follows Succotash’s lead and sheaths his rapier, and then gladly excepts Succotash’s out stretched hand.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Tuesday July 31st, 2018 6:56:39 PM
While the rest of the group prepares for the "Leap of Faith" with the Shadow Walking...Talia speaks to her friend Rayya. "Now be a good friend while I'm away. We should be back before too long, and I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers if I should be delays." Talia explains to Rayya, as Rayya stays at her as if to read her lips.

"Ready when you are Friends," says Talia to Mister Murphy, Bliss, & Pressi as everyone prepares for this swift journey.

DM Ken: Havoc in Hovel
Tuesday July 31st, 2018 6:59:39 PM

The transition into the realm of shadow feels something like slowly being submerged in a pool of water. The atmosphere is cool, and feels fluid. You aren't slowed down like your walking under water or anything, but everything feels like there's a layer of resistance that just feels alien.

Things look more or less the same, though shadows stretch longer and light is nowhere to be seen. Instead, most things give off a grey, wispy aura, that serves to both illuminate and obscure.

The travel itself is a strange feeling. Each regular step you take puts large patches of ground beneath you, and stopping movement doesn't quite feel like a precise art. Even once your body is still, something like inertia serves to move the land around you in strange ways until it slides to a stop. You move through, over, and around vast patches of woods and forest, the trees of which bend silently towards you, as if expecting you to save them from this strange other place.

Nearly an hour into your travel, you start to feel some fatigue. You woke early, traveled a long way, stayed awake till moonlight, and continue to travel.

All players, constitution check DC 12 to avoid fatigue. (Con mod + d20. Some feats give a bonus to this check.)

All players, Perception, DC 25.

CatBliss (AC29, HP99of109) (Cayzle) d20+7=13 ; d20+22=35 ;
Tuesday July 31st, 2018 8:18:30 PM

Bliss in cat form has a Con mod of +3 and the endurance feat for +4, so at +7 he rolls a 13 and is not tired.

His perception is 35 so he sees it.

"MEEOW!" says Bliss in his cat shape.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 d20+14=21 ; d20+1=13 ;
Tuesday July 31st, 2018 11:34:02 PM
Con DC 12: 1d20 + 3 = 10. Fail.
(Sorry, I misread this and thought it was a Fort Sv, not a Con--the mod should be only be +3).

Perception DC 25: 1d20 + 1 = 13. Fail.

"Wowsers, I'm starting to feel awfully tired. I never knew being shadow was this exhausting. I mean, they are always laying there on the ground or at least leaning on a building or something."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+1=16 ; d20+27=47 ;
Wednesday August 1st, 2018 1:53:57 AM

[I thought, since we can use the dim light of the barn, that we were able to leave Hovel mid-afternoon, rather than waiting until dark - so that travel is not at night, but late in the day... but will roll with this.]

Murphy is not fatigued (16) - this mode of travel is far too engaging. His senses seem heightened, as well (Perception: 47 - nat 20), so he endeavors to discern what he is able.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 d20=14 ; d20=9 ; d20=15 ;
Wednesday August 1st, 2018 5:37:18 AM
Succotash rolls a 14 as such he is still feeling pretty good. Miss Piggy rolls a 9+3(con)=12 so she�s fine as well. Succotash fails his perception check (15+7=22).
�If anyone needs their fatigue removed let me know. Funny, I asked Pantheon for this mercy because I was often in a position that it was safer to sleep in my armor, never thought I would be defatigueing a Barbarian or shadow walkers�.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 d20=8 ; d20=3 ;
Wednesday August 1st, 2018 5:48:32 AM
(For Jairus/Zaragosa, it sounds like his mother-in-law isn�t doing well at all, and the doctors don�t think she�s going to make it)

Zaragosa rolls a 8, and is most definitely fatigued. He also fails his perception check (3+7=10)

Feeling rather drowsy after a long day of traveling, Zaragosa says, �I will gladly except your generous offer Mister Slenderstick, unless of course we will be resting soon�.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Wednesday August 1st, 2018 5:52:38 AM
Fixing Succotash�s post:
Forgot Miss Piggy wasn�t following Succotash into the shadow realm. Sorry for any confusion, please disregard her fatigue roll.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+2=11 ; d20+17=31 ;
Wednesday August 1st, 2018 7:32:09 AM
Talia begins to tire while the rest of the group appears to be fine. Although she is tiring she does see whatever can been seen!

Talia says, "This is a interesting way to travel, interesting viewpoint, but it is exhausting!" to no particular person, but more so as a general statement. "How much longer will this trip take? Can I sit awhile?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 86/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+2=17 ; d20+2=4 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+6=24 ; d8+5=12 ;
Wednesday August 1st, 2018 11:17:11 AM
Pressi continues to hike the trail with purpose and vigor, switching from song to song. Towards the back, Harper could be heard panting and whining to keep up. Harper barely misses whatever she is supposed to see but Pressi spots it easily enough.

It goes without saying that she activates the glammer on her armor, disguising it to look like something more cloaklike and inconspicuous in nature. What's the point of traveling if you don't do it in style? She hits herself with a CLW charge before she leaves. She has one hand grasping another PC and the other controlling the shadows as she concentrates.

To Talia, Pressi shouts back that they get there when they get there. (Oh, and to Jack, let him know we want him to hang in there.)

-----------------

Conditions

Pressi
tri form (crone)
ritual of warding
ext shield of faith (86 rounds)

Harper
fatigued
ext shield of faith (86 rounds)

Spells Used

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 0/4+1
L4: 1/3+1
L5: 1/2+1

one CLW charge

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6 d20+1=8 ; d20+18=36 ;
Wednesday August 1st, 2018 3:18:55 PM
Hobie fails the constitution check and is fatigued. He passes the perception check with a 36.

Hobie begins to feel quite tired as the party moves rushes ahead through shadow

Spells Prepared:

Arcane Object Free Spell

Level 0: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Light, Mage Hand

Level 1: Grease, True Strike, Feather Fall, Enlarge Person, Shield

Level 2: Bull's Strength, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Cat's Grace

Level 3: Fly, Flame Arrow, Rage

(Jon-Paul, have you decided on Talia's spells yet? I know she's a Transmutation specialist, so will she know Haste and be able to cast it on the party at the beginning of battles? If not, Hobie will prepare it instead of Rage, but if Talia were to cast it instead of Hobie, then that would equal 5 extra arrows per encounter, and each arrow is 3d6+17 damage, so that would be real nice. )

DM Ken: Shadow Showdown - LINK TO MAP
Wednesday August 1st, 2018 5:30:33 PM
DM Note: Forest Squares are difficult terrain.

DM Note: The Paladins can each cure one person of their fatigue, if they have the mercy that does so.

DM Note: Please see the rules for Fatigued.

It was a small thing, at first. A slight buzz in the minds of the various creatures and denizens natural to the plane of shadow. Some were created here, living in shadow as natural as can be. Others, like those that noticed that tiny buzz, were brought here, made into twisted things here, and thus brought as much wretched misery as they could on everything they could find, as it was the only respite that helped them tolerate their own horrible existence.

So a buzz, no matter how slight, still caught the attention of the things that dwell in the shadow. Perhaps it was the presence of two powerful paladins, whose holy auras were a stinging annoyance, and filled them with wrath and spite. Perhaps it was the presence of two blood witches, whose magic drew from the Woldsblood in this realm and was made manifest in another. Perhaps they just sensed something other than the dark and wispy creatures of this land, but the things that lived in shadow knew Humbles Sword was here.

Bliss, Murphy and Pressi were the first to notice them. Appearing, dancing, and swirling in and out of the trees. The remains of fine noble clothing, adorned with jewels and silver and gold collected shadowstuff that caused the finery to gleam with menace. Then Hobie and Talia, too, saw that the shadows had begun to take shape among the trees, enclosing Humbles in a ring of shadow...

"Are you the one who comes to settle the debt?"

The voice is everywhere, in the forest as much as whispering in your ears.

"Are you the one who comes to right the wrong?"

The other creatures pause their frolic through the shadow, and the world waits for your reply.

Spirit Type 1, Knowledge Religion: 13
Spirit Type 2, Knowledge Religion: 15
Spirit Type 3, Knowledge Religion: 17
Spirit Type 4, Knowledge Religion: 18 and Knowledge Nobility 32.

CatBliss (AC29, HP99of109) (Cayzle) d20+8=17 ; d20+8=21 ;
Wednesday August 1st, 2018 7:22:03 PM

The cat gives Murphy a head butt and looks at the undead.

Bliss figures Murph will take a minute or two to answer.

The cat sits and stares.

Bliss casts a still silent Ill Omen on an undead (pick at random for me, oh kindly DM; Bliss has no clue as to the differences among them. It that undead has spell resistance, then Bliss's roll to over come SR is 1d20+8, or 17. If it has SR as high as 21, Bliss uses a retroactive hero point to boost his penetration roll by +4.

If that works, Bliss then one round later (assuming Murphy is still negotiating) casts a still silent Command Undead. The Will save DC is 16. SR check if needed is a 21.

After that, Bliss turns on his Shield of Faith (swift action) and, if all has gone well, goes over to his controlled undead, purring and bumping it with his head.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d8+5=9 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+3=18 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=24 ;
Wednesday August 1st, 2018 7:49:36 PM

During the time of travel, Murphy takes a moment to cast cure light wounds upon Pressi, healing 9hp, bringing her to full. He thinks how nice it would be to be able to help his friends overcome their fatigue, but lacks the means to do so. "Thanks, Succotash, for helping our weary friends. Looks like Kezzem and Talia are feeling it, too. Alleah, who used to travel with us, was also able to mitigate fatigue. I miss her. Shel, too, especially."

During the travel, he tells the newcomers to the group some of the stories about Humble's Sword's early adventures. Rescuing Eldon TossCobble from the goblins in the Red Hills; tracking down information on who killed the beloved Sarabella LoveSong, high priestess of Flower; the two trips to the Parley House, during which they conversed with, then killed when attacked, the ogre mage Idafeatu, and months later his twin brother Noyudint. It was Idafeatu who hired Sarabella's assassins, who Idafeatu claimed were all dead.

"My old friend Hazel, a ranger, and his beautiful wife Alouryn, a cleric of Flower, had been accused of the murder of Sarabella, as they were the last people whom some people from Humble's Ford had seen going in to the Temple of Flower - which is now the Temple of Flower and Ffloyd," the druid says. "Odd combination that last fact is."

Especially for the most recent newcomers, he reminds them that they've met these two, as Hazel and Alouryn have been overseeing the Humble's Sword River Burrow, and are in the process of moving in to the new digs with them.

"So, Hazel and Alouryn were falsely accused, and mandated to Angel Springs for a trial - we insisted on going with them, all in a locked coach. Along the way ogres, orcs, a few halflings, and a human attacked us. We got out of the coach, and directly saved the life of Morro Goodbarrel Oakleaf, the investigator."

---------- All the above was written before the DM post -----

Murphy interrupts his story as he starts noticing the gathering about them. "Friends - look who's coming to meet us."

He hears their questions, and projects well that all may hear. "Tell us, please, what is the debt that requires settlement? And what is the wrong which needs to be righted? Answer us, and who you are, that we may better answer you."

The druid does not recognize Spirit Type 1, nor Type 3, nor does he have adequate knowledge of nobility for Type 4. He does, however, recognize Type 2 (23/15), and Type 4 (24/18).

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Wednesday August 1st, 2018 7:58:51 PM

P.S.: Gang, once the Shadow Walk spell was cast, and we initially stepped into the realm of shadows, there is no need to remain touching each other, either in a circle nor a conga line - though perhaps for the first minute or so as we orient to the new environment, maintaining that touch may be of comfort. We simply remain close to one another, keeping an eye on each other. Read toward the end of the spell to see that the touch is not required once we are in the Shadow Plane. -ADM Kim

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6 d20+8=23 ; d3=3 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=26 ;
Wednesday August 1st, 2018 11:26:04 PM
Hobie asks the Paladins if one of them can cure his fatigue "It's gonna be a lot harder to use my bow with my strength loss from the fatigue, are either of you able to heal it for me?"

Hobie recognizes the first and third spirits (Knowledge Religion 23 and 22) but not the second or fourth (11 and 11, knowledge Nobility 26).

If the spirits seem hostile, or if Hobie's knowledge gives him any reason to suspect a fight, he will cast Flame Arrow from one of his scrolls.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5
Thursday August 2nd, 2018 5:31:28 AM
Succotash realizes he only has time for one mercy, before all heck breaks loose, so he does some quick mental calculus, thinking, �Well, Talia will probably stay back and cast spells, Hobie�s probably going to stay back and shoot, Kezzem is pretty tough, and will probably be offended anyway, Harper is a pretty tough kitty, but something about Zaragosa screams I�m not as ruff and tumble as the rest of you. With his mind made up, Succotash lays hands on Zaragosa removing his fatigue, then draws Twinklesting, who�s warm glow brings the Paladin some comfort in this depressing realm.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 d20=12 ; d20=19 ; d20=12 ; d20=6 ; d20=3 ;
Thursday August 2nd, 2018 5:42:32 AM
(For Jairus/ Zaragosa, no update about the mother-in-law)

Zaragosa thanks Succotash for the fatigue removal, then draws his rapier.
Zaragosa is able to identify the first 3 spirits, but I has no idea what the 4th one is.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, HP 119/119, CMD 24, Fatigued; Rumpus - AC 25, HP 62/62, CMD 24, DR 5/evil, Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5 d20+7=8 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=19 ; d20+7=23 ;
Thursday August 2nd, 2018 8:55:45 AM
"Sorry, Hobbie, I didn't prepare that spell today. I figured Succo had that covered."

Kezzem attempts to use his new knowledge to identify the spirits.

Knowledge (religion)
Spirit 1: 1d20 + 7 = 8. Nope!
Spirit 2: 1d20 + 7 = 14. Still no.
Spirit 3: 1d20 + 7 = 19. Great Success!
Spirit 4: 1d20 + 7 = 23. Great Success!

Kezzem will also detect evil on the spirits.

"Hey I know what that is! And that one too! It's a ... and a ....!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (25), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23 (27), HP 61, CMD 23 d20+17=22 ;
Thursday August 2nd, 2018 4:12:15 PM
Pressi considers using her knowledge ability but everyone seems to have it more or less covered.

"Now, now, I know you think we are the ones to repay your debts but those guys are actually two, maybe three groups back.... Unless one of you know Carlos. If you do, tell that snake he'll get his money when he's got the goods. Otherwise, I'm telling you they are just coming on the next shadow, should be any minute really."

(Bluff 22)

Pressi tries as subtly as she can to cast lesser restoration on Hobie and prepares to move back behind the front line. If she has time, she casts ghost touch on Kezzem's... net.

Both Pressi and Harper swift activate their extended shield of faith, keeping it up for a while.

-----------------

Conditions

Pressi
tri form (crone)
ritual of warding
ext shield of faith (86 rounds)

Harper
fatigued
ext shield of faith (86 rounds)(+4 to AC, doesn't stack with ring)

Spells Used

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 1/5+1
L3: 1?/4+1
L4: 1/3+1
L5: 1/2+1

one CLW charge

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Thursday August 2nd, 2018 6:04:23 PM
As Talia has little knowledge of organized religions, she begins to cast a spell on herself -- verbalizing and eschewing the materials to cast Displacement on herself. The spell should last 11 rounds.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Thursday August 2nd, 2018 6:04:59 PM
As Talia has little knowledge of organized religions, she begins to cast a spell on herself -- verbalizing and eschewing the materials to cast Displacement on herself. The spell should last 11 rounds.

Conditions:

Fatigued (-2 Str & Dex),

CatBliss (AC29, HP99of109) (Cayzle)
Thursday August 2nd, 2018 8:55:12 PM

The suspense is killing Bliss! He swishes his tail as he watches carefully to see if his magic takes hold.

DM Ken: Shadow Showdown - LINK TO MAP d20=1 ; d20+6=20 ; d20+6=20 ; d20+6=9 ; d20+6=17 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d20+6=17 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d20+6=22 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+6=20 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d8=3 ; d20+6=21 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d8=7 ; d20+6=16 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d8=5 ; d8=4 ; d20+4=20 ; d6=4 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+4=12 ; d6=5 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+4=5 ; d20+4=10 ; d20+4=20 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d100=3
Thursday August 2nd, 2018 11:22:02 PM

Bliss is waiting around to see what these things are about. He randomly picks an enemy, one of those soon to be identified as a Wraith, and hexes it. Murphy is indeed verbose, but it matters not. Bliss's spell slides off the undead spirit. (Weird. It got the exact same save result both times.)

Hobie casts a flame arrow spell on his bow.

Succotash removes Zaragosa's fatigue. It doesn't matter much, the wonderous JTT Zaragosa faints on the spot! (Your kind DM has reduced the difficulty of this encounter, and is temporarily removing Zaragosa from play. I wish him the best, and when he is ready he can return. I won't expect you to play two characters, especially in a combat!)

Kezzem detects evil, and his sight is briefly flooded with dark menacing auras. He will have no reason to hold back.

Pressi removes Hobies fatigue, and she and Harper activate their swift spells.

Talia casts displacement.

------------------

Murphy and Pressi both give responses to the speaking spirit, but neither seems to be the correct answer it seeks. With a howl of misery, the spirits attack in unison.

Wraith 1. 0 Dmg: Screeches and swoops in, attacking Succotash. Miss.
Wraith 2. 0 Dmg: Screeches and swoops in, attacking Succotash. Hits TOUCH AC 17 for 5 cold damage and 1 strength drain.
Wraith 3. 0 Dmg: Screeches and swoops in, attacking Harper. Hits TOUCH AC 17 for 2 cold damage and 2 strength drain.
Wraith 4. 0 Dmg: Screeches and swoops in, attacking Hobie. Hits TOUCH AC 22 for 2 cold damage and 1 strength drain.
Wraith 5. 0 Dmg: Screeches and swoops in, attacking Succotash. Miss.

White Wraith 1. 0 Dmg: Howls and swoops in, attacking Bliss. Hits TOUCH AC 20 for 10 Cold damage and 3 Dex drain.
White Wraith 2. 0 Dmg: Howls and swoops in, attacking Hobie. Hits TOUCH AC 21 for 9 Cold damage and 7 Dex drain.
White Wraith 3. 0 Dmg. Howls and swoops in, attacking Murphy. Hits TOUCH AC 16 for 6 Cold damage and 5 Dex drain.

Shadow 1. 0 Dmg: Moans and swoops in, attacking Succotash. Hits TOUCH AC 20 for 4 Strength drain.
Shadow 2. 0 Dmg: Moans and swoops in, attacking Succotash. Miss.
Shadow 3. 0 Dmg: Moans and swoops in, attacking Harper. Hits TOUCH AC 24 (nat 20) for 5 Strength drain. Does not confirm.
Shadow 4. 0 Dmg: Moans and swoops in, attacking Talia. Miss.
Shadow 5. 0 Dmg: Moans and swoops in, attacking Murphy. Miss.
Shadow 6. 0 Dmg: Moans and swoops in, attacking Murphy. Miss.
Shadow 7. 0 Dmg: Moans and swoops in, attacking Murphy. Hits TOUCH AC 20 for 5 Strength drain.

Greater Shadow 1. 0 Dmg: "We shall collect our debt!" He sinks below the surface of the ground.He is completely out of line of sight.

DM Edit: Rolling for Talias Displacement. 1-50 hits Talia. 51 - 100 misses Talia.

3. Talia is hit.

CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC29, HP99of109) (Cayzle) d20+34=42 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+10=14 ; d2+15=17 ; d2+15=16 ; d3+15=16 ;
Friday August 3rd, 2018 1:10:50 AM

Bliss is sad that he does not make a new shadow pal, but he supposes there can be only one Pookie.

He says whew, or at least, the cat equivalent, when a shadow ALMOST touches him. That hit vs touch AC20 is a miss, as, per his CatBliss PC sheet, his touch AC is 21. Oh actually, when you add in the force protection of bracers of armor, that's a 24.

And just to be on the safe side, Bliss decides to fight defensively, so with his ranks in Acrobatics, he's got a touch AC of 27.

Bliss uses a hero point to cast a Divine Favor spell silently and still-ly. That does not provoke an AoO because you do not do so when casting super-fast like.

He uses a swift action to ready his arcane strike. That makes his claws and teeth magical, that is, they can hit, albeit for half damage.

Then he takes a five ft step into the same square as the shadowthing that attacked him [White Wraith 1]. If needed, his tumble check to avoid AoOs is a 42.

Finally, Bliss claws, claws, and bites at the shadowthing. He is base +8, str +4, power att -3, size +2, enhancement +1, div favor +2, def fight -4 = +10 to attack. His damage bonus is +4 str, +6 power att, +1 enhancement, +2 div favor, +2 arcane stike = +15.

Bliss claws vs AC19 for 17/2=8
Bliss claws vs AC17 for 16/2=8
Bliss bites vs AC14 for 16/2=8

Bliss yowls his anger at the undead thing.

Round 1 of div fav
hero point used: 1

DM Ken: I can't find any rules to support Still/Silent negating attacks of opportunity. You didn't cast on the defensive, or as a swift action. A hero point is a standard action, even if it is an extra action. If you want to come back and cast defensively I don't mind, but otherwise Bliss will provoke.

Also, is there a place where Bliss tracks his spells? I see his totals, but by my reckoning he's used 1 1st level slot, and 2 third level slots?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6 d20+13=16 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=19 ; d20+8=16 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6+17=18 ; d6=5 ; d4=3 ; d6+17=22 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ;
Friday August 3rd, 2018 1:51:15 AM
OOC: Jon-Paul, I didn't see if you answered my earlier question about Talia, does she know Haste? If she doesn't then Hobie would have prepared Haste instead of Rage

(Hobie Passed his knowledge check on the first and third spirits, so what does he know about them?)

"Pressi, do you think I can get some of that ghost touch too?"

He gives Pressi a chance to cast it on him or not, and then he clicks his heals and fires a volley of arrows once he knows what her action is.

He starts with the White Wraiths, and will move to the shadows if he kills them all.
(I forgot Point Blank Shot so I'm adding one to the numbers with the dice above)

These are full damage totals so if Pressi doesn't cast Ghost Touch then the numbers will be half.

Manyshot
Attack 17
Piercing 20, Electric 6, Fire 4 = 30 Total
Piercing 19, Electric 5, Fire 4= 28 Total

Rapid Shot
Attack 19
Piercing 18, Electric 5, Fire 3= 26 Total

Haste
Attack 20
Piercing 22, Electric 5, Fire 2 = 29 Total

Iterative
Attack 16
Piercing 20, Electric 5, Fire 1= 26 Total

=========
Boots of Speed Used 1/10
=========
Spells Prepared:

Arcane Object Free Spell

Level 0: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Light, Mage Hand

Level 1: Grease, True Strike, Feather Fall, Enlarge Person, Shield

Level 2: Bull's Strength, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Cat's Grace

Level 3: Fly, Flame Arrow, Rage

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electricity 5 d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ;
Friday August 3rd, 2018 6:10:36 AM
Lay of Hands 7/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 1/1

-5 str drain

A much weakened Succotash takes a 5ft step back then grips his holy symbol, and a bright light shoots out of it in a 30ft radius from his body, inflicting 14 damage on all undead within said radius, as he channels positive energy against them. They get a DC 20 will save for half damage.

"We didn't come to fight, but if that's what you want well here you go!", says a frustrated Succotash. Shouting out to his friends, he says, "No one mentioned random undead encounters when we signed up for this trip in the Shadow Realm!"

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric
Friday August 3rd, 2018 6:12:18 AM
added touch AC to header

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (25), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23 (27), HP 61, CMD 23
Friday August 3rd, 2018 7:09:45 AM
Heck of a battle for a travel day. Will try to car post.

Touch AC Pressi 18 (21) Harper 16 (20) both Dragonhide armor

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22/ 18(25, 21), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23/16(27/20), HP 61, CMD 23
Friday August 3rd, 2018 11:08:18 AM
Pressi falls silent as all the ghosts swarmed them. But she takes the time to cast ghost weapon for Hobie. She holds off using hero points for the time being.

Harper knuckles down in total defense.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17 (currently 16; 19 vs. White Wraith); HP 119/119, CMD 24; Fatigued (-2 penalty to Str and Dex) d20+21=38 ; d3+24=25 ; d6=3 ;
Friday August 3rd, 2018 1:19:30 PM
"Not friendlies!" shouts Kezzem in an attempt at warning even as the shadows and wraiths begin to attack. "These things are definitely not friendly!

"Oh no, Kezzem," he mutters to himself as he moves up behind Murphey, "you won't need to prepare any lesser restorations today. We'll be hunting an animal, not life-draining undead, so they will be wasted spells. Why don't you prepare cure light wounds spells instead? Surely they will be more useful."

He actives his smite evil against the White Wraith attacking Murphey.

Attack (include Fatigue penalty and Smite Evil bonus): 1d20 + 21 = 38. Hit!
Damage (including Smite Evil): 1d3 + 13 + 11 (assuming undead) + 1d6 cold = 25 + 3 cold = 28.

----

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Cure Light Wounds x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+1=13 ; d20+11=24 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=3 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=5 ;
Friday August 3rd, 2018 3:15:40 PM
Talia worries that she might not ever see her Rayya again! "Oh, no this just won't do!", says Talia to herself.

Moving quickly in-place, her hands as she speaks seemingly gibberish she casts Magic Missle towards the five creatures surrounding Mister Murphy...the two (2) White Wraiths & the three(3) shadows.

[caster level check: (1d20+11) = 24], If the spell overcomes SR, then the damage to the enemies are: 4,3,5,5,5.

Next round, if Talia is still able, she will cast Fly on herself and move 10 feet above the ground and 1 square west (as if the rose compass is centered on her position [the square above pressi provided pressi doesn't move])

[OOC: first roll was a mistake]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6
Friday August 3rd, 2018 7:17:04 PM
Hobie heard Kezzem�s muttering and shouts back at him while firing his arrows, �Don�t kick yourself Kez, this drain is more than any spell of yours could handle anyway. Stick to what you are good at, knives.�

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 79/85 AC/FF/T 20/18/16(17/18/13) CMB 7/8 CMD 19/22 Dex 9/14 Str 7/12
Friday August 3rd, 2018 10:16:10 PM

Murphy takes a 5 foot (diagonal - up and left) step to the left of the white wraith (#3), and wildshapes into an air elemental.

He doesn't even talk.

DM Ken: Shadow Showdown - LINK TO MAP
Saturday August 4th, 2018 3:29:47 AM
(Hey all! I hate to do it in a combat, but I've lost my phone and am out of town. It's 2 am on a hotel lobby computer. Unless someone can notify Carl to pop in and make a post, its only going to be 4 this week.

To clarify, my phone has a gmail authentication. Without it, out of town, I can't log in to email anyone. )

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Saturday August 4th, 2018 6:02:57 AM
[OOC: I have emailed Carl!]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 79/85 Halfling: AC/FF/T 20/18/16(17/18/13) CMB 7/8 CMD 19/22 Dex 9/14 Str 7/12 Large(Huge) Air El
Saturday August 4th, 2018 12:44:57 PM

And, even though he doesn't talk, Murphy expends a hero point to transform into a 50' whirlwind.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 79/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 Dex 15/14 Str 11/12
Saturday August 4th, 2018 12:52:20 PM
Ran out of space on header. This should be good for current form, until the DM takes his turn:
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 79/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 Dex 15/14 Str 11/12

DM Carl to the rescue! d20+6=9 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+4=10 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+4=14 ; d3=2 ; d20+4=18 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=19 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+6=15 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d20+6=22 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=24 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+11=24 ; d8=1 ;
Saturday August 4th, 2018 8:23:20 PM
Real talk, players: I'm about to mangle this. I'm walking in blind, but I'll do mah best.

Also, don't expect Hemingway. :D

***

Bliss claws twice, but doesn't connect w/ his bite - 15 damage total.

Pressi casts a ghost touch spell on Hobie as Harper hunkers down.

Hobie starts sending arrows at the white wraiths. His first two outright kill the first one, his next two drop the second one, and his last makes the last white wraith pretty grouchy.

Succotash lets fly a burst of positive energy hitting all the undead within a 30' radius...which is all of them. One uppity wraith knuckles through, the rest take the blast full in the face. Nearby friends should remember they're healed by the channel if appropriate.

Kezzem thinks these undead may mean them harm. He starts to smite the white wraith on Murphy, but the wraith is just barely clinging to unlife. Instead, he just finishes it off easy. (Aren't I nice?)

Talia sends magic missiles towards a group of shadows. Already hit by Succotash's positive energy, they're easy prey. Five shadows disappear.

Murphy is in a better place with that white wraith dead. That means time to go air elemental. Then he pushes through and starts whirlwinding.

***

Wraith 1. 14 Dmg: Continues attacking Succotash. Hit touch AC 21 for 4 negative energy damage and 2 CON damage.
Wraith 2. 14 Dmg: Continues attacking Succotash. Hits touch AC 15 for 2 negative energy damage and 5 CON damage.
Wraith 3. 7 Dmg: Continues attacking Harper. Hits touch AC 22 for 2 negative energy damage and 2 CON damage.
Wraith 4. 14 Dmg: Continues attacking Hobie. Hits touch AC 21. Miss.
Wraith 5. 14 Dmg: Continues attacking Succotash. Hits touch AC 24 for 5 negative energy damage and 5 CON damage.

White Wraith 1. Dead
White Wraith 2. Dead
White Wraith 3. Dead

Shadow 1. dead
Shadow 2. dead
Shadow 3. dead
Shadow 4. dead
Shadow 5. dead
Shadow 6. 14 Dmg: Moves after Murphy. Hits touch AC 9. Miss.
Shadow 7. 14 Dmg: Moves after Murphy. Hits touch AC 13. Miss.

Greater Shadow 1. 14 Dmg: Succotash feels a bone-chilling ache on his ankle, and looks down just in time to see a shadowy hand release it's grip and vanish again beneath the ground. Hit touch AC 24 for 1 STR damage. Guess he didn't get too good a grip.

***

There ya go. You'll behave yourselves, now.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17 (currently 16; 19 vs. White Wraith); HP 119/119, CMD 24; Fatigued (-2 penalty to Str and Dex) 5d6=20 ;
Saturday August 4th, 2018 9:08:58 PM
"Hey, these things aren't too tough," observes Kezzem. He follows Succo's lead and channel positive energy. (Damage 20, SV DC 18 half; should hit everyone except maybe the Greater Shadow).

He then moves between Pressi and Succo.

----

Kezzem

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (2 used)
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Cure Light Wounds x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6 d20+13=26 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+8=23 ; d6+17=23 ; d6+17=21 ; d6+17=23 ; d6+17=19 ; d6+17=21 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ;
Sunday August 5th, 2018 5:19:37 PM
(Not sure which of the Shadows are dead and which are alive on the map, but since 5 of the 7 are dead I'm assuming Hobie can 5 foot step to a position safe from AOOs. If not he'll ask Pressi to move 5 feet so he can take her space)

He will take aim, with Ghost Touch active on his arrows, and fire 5 arrows at the remaining creatures, starting with the creatures closest to Hobie and moving farther away with each foe he drops.

Many shot
Attack 26
Piercing 23, Electricity 6, Fire 6 = Total 35
Piercing 21, Electiricty 1, Fire 1 = Total 23

Rapid Shot
Attack 20
Piercing 23, Electricity 4, Fire 5= Total 32

Haste
Attack 31
Piercing 19, Electricity 2, Fire 5 = Total 26

Iterative
Attack 23
Piercing 21, Electricity 1, Fire 3 = Total 25

DM Carl note: Honestly, I'm not sure either. I left it for Ken to update when he's able.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6
Monday August 6th, 2018 1:49:57 AM
Thanks for the update, the order of Hobie's attacks will be U10, S14, Q13, M12, moving to the next if any fall.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric
Monday August 6th, 2018 5:24:21 AM
Overwhelmed by the constitution damage (total of twelve verses his 10 con), Succotash crumbles to the ground dead, with his dieing breath he says, �It�s been an honor serving with you guys, sorry if I failed you�, then looking up he says, �Pantheon, I�m coming home!�

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Monday August 6th, 2018 7:33:48 AM
Talia, just a bit disturbed by the risk to life from the "fast walk" trip, reach into her HHS (Handy HaverSack) and grabs a sunrod. She strikes the sunod to activate it. Speaking aloud to no one in particular," Now we will see what is really going on!" After the sunrod activates, Talia will hold the sunrod high over her head to bring light upon the area and illuminate all that she can!

DM Ken: Shadow Showdown - LINK TO MAP
Monday August 6th, 2018 1:09:58 PM

DM Ken makes a quick post.

Hey,

Succotash probably isn't dead. He gets a DC 17 fort save to negate the con drains.

CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP99of109) (Cayzle) d20+34=45 ; d20+8=24 ; d3+13=15 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+8=24 ; d2+13=15 ; d2+13=14 ;
Monday August 6th, 2018 1:18:35 PM

Bliss looks around, not sure who is where. He looks for a foe. If there is one nearby, he takes a five foot step and makes a full attack. If he has to, he moves up to 50 ft to engage and attack a foe.

His acrobatics check is a 45 to avoid AoOs based on movement. That's a 40 if Bliss has to move at speed.

Bliss attacks, at +8 to hit and +13 damage.

Bite only: hits AC24 for 15 damage divided by two is 6.
Claw if possible: hits AC21 for 15/2=7 damage
Claw if possible: hits AC24 for 14/2=7 damage

Bliss is fighting defensively, not raging, and his touch AC is 27 with bracers.

Resource Tracker

Lvl 1: 5+1 (used Surrender Blood x2)
Lvl 2: 4+1 (used domain CL10 Extended Barkskin)
Lvl 3: 4+1 (used Still Silent Ill Omen)
Lvl 4: 3+1 (used Threefold Aspect, Still Silent Command Undead)

Shared Shield of Faith CL13, used 3 rounds of 86
Meta Rod of Extend, used 2 of 3

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric d20=10 ; d20=4 ; d20=20 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ;
Monday August 6th, 2018 1:20:07 PM
OOC. Disregard last post (thanks Ken)

Succotash makes his first and third fort saves, so only takes 5 con damage. He uses another channeling doing 28 damage DC 20 will save for half.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 79/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 Dex 15/14 Str 11/12 2d6+6=8 ; 2d6+6=12 ; 2d6+6=15 ; 2d6+6=14 ;
Monday August 6th, 2018 2:06:29 PM
Murphy, a 50' tall whirlwind, hoovers through R8, possibly slamming into the shadow there (Reflex save vs DC 21 or suffer slam damage 8, followed by a second Reflex save DC 21 or be sucked up into the vortex of the swirling air). The transformed druid also swoops through O10 (dam 12), N10 (dam 15), and N12 (dam 14) - each needing to make the two DC 21 reflex saves. Each creature pulled into the vortex he then deposits, dropping them from the vortex, at I12, I11, I10, I9. He ends his turn at N8 at an altitude of 15'-65'.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d4+1=5 ; d3=1 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=4 ;
Monday August 6th, 2018 3:26:08 PM
[OOC: Thanks Ken]

Talia, just a bit disturbed by the risk to life from the "fast walk" trip, waves her hands furiously speaking to cast Magic Missile to each of the five remaining Wraiths (one missile for each Wraith)! (5,5,2,2,4)

[OCC: ignore the d3..the page moved while I was clicking]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22/ 18(25, 21), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23/16(27/20), HP 61, CMD 23 d20+19=25 ;
Monday August 6th, 2018 8:30:18 PM
Harper, who had the fortune of seeing the ghost miss twice, continues to hold her position.

Pressi exhaled as she began to realize the full danger that these wights posed. Taking a five foot step, she hit Succotash with death ward in the hopes of protecting him.

In her other hand (move action), she pulled out a holy water and attempted to listen for the greater shadow's movements. (Perception 25).

-----------------

Conditions

Pressi
tri form (crone)
ritual of warding
ext shield of faith (86 rounds)

Harper
fatigued
ext shield of faith (86 rounds)

Spells Used

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 1/5+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 1/2+1

one CLW charge

DM Ken: Shadow Showdown - LINK TO MAP d20=10 ; d20=15 ; d20=7 ; d20+6=25 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=9 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d20+11=15 ; d8=3 ;
Monday August 6th, 2018 9:15:00 PM

Hobie Kills the last two shadows and single wraith, his ghost touch arrows proving to be quite effective against the undead. Cat Bliss kills a third. A channel from Succotash and Kezzem wounds the last three Wraiths, but they still persist.

Murphy's whirlwind sucks the remaining creatures into one spot, but he finds the whipping debris from the whirlwind is of no use in damaging the ethereal enemies.

Talia's magic missiles slam into the last wraiths, killing one. The last two reach for Murphy...

Wraith 4. 41 Dm. Attacks Murphy, hitting touch AC 25 for 5 cold and 2 con damage. DC 17 negates the con.
Wraith 5. 39 Dm. Attacks Murphy, nat 20. Fails to confirm. 5 cold and 5 con damage. DC 17 negates the con.

The Greater Shadow makes no noise. Pressi does see it as it appears and reaches for Hobie. She is pretty sure that if she readies an action, she can smack it with her holy water as it appears.

(Wraiths and shadows have a specific ability to make no noise unless they wish.)

Greater Shadow: 14 dmg. Hits Hobie Touch AC 15 for 3 strength.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 69/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 Dex 15/14 Str 11/12 Con 7/12 d20+9=17 ; d20+9=10 ; 11d6=46 ; d20+27=43 ;
Monday August 6th, 2018 11:48:47 PM

Murphy found he could pick up the wraiths, but they were not really harmed by the swirling winds. If I make it through this, I'm going to need to talk things over with the Catacombs experts, or perhaps find good counsel in the Giggling Ghost, Murphy thinks to himself... and then finds himself further weakened by the wraiths (save vs Con 2, fail vs Con 5).

Not knowing whether he can weather another ability-draining attack or not, the druid ascends to a greater height, and drops out of his whirlwind phase, now again a large air elemental, 130 feet above the shadowy terrain.

He sends down a flame strike, engulfing the remaining wraiths in divine flames, each suffering 46 hp damage - Reflex save DC 24 for half (centered at the intersection of J/K and row 11).
===============
Perception: 43 - Keeping an eye out for the greater shadow, or for any other ethereal bad guys who may show up.
Accumulated damage received from undead: Cold: 6+5+5=16. Dex -5; Str -5; Con -5

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ;
Tuesday August 7th, 2018 5:44:13 AM
Lay of Hands 3/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 1/1

-6 str drain, -5 con drain (temp hp counter 69/69)

Succotash knows he's burning through his Lay of Hands at an alarming rate, but since it seems the best way, at the moment to mess with this undead menace, so he let's loose another channel doing 18 damage (DC 20 will for half), then he shouts out,a word of encouragement, to his friends, "Hang in there guys, I think we got them on the ropes, or at least I hope we have them on the ropes".

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17 (currently 16; 19 vs. Greater Shadow); HP 119/119, CMD 24; Fatigued (-2 penalty to Str and Dex) d20+21=29 ; d3+13=15 ; d6=6 ;
Tuesday August 7th, 2018 1:16:01 PM
Kezzem will activate smite evil and ready an attack with his dagger for when the Great S shows itself again.

+1 Frost Returning Dagger:
Attack: 1d20 + 19 +3 (smite evil) - 1 (fatigued) = 29.
Piercing Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 11 (smite evil) + 11 (bonus smite evil damage) - 1 (fatigued) = 15.
Cold Damage: 1d6 = 6.

Adjust for range and/or throwing into melee as necessary.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6 d20+11=16 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+6=9 ; d6+15=18 ; d6+15=19 ; d6+15=19 ; d6+15=20 ; d6+15=19 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ;
Tuesday August 7th, 2018 1:26:21 PM
Hobie reaches for his bow string and finds it difficult to pull back as he's lost some strength. He powers through, and lets loose a volley. (You didn't mention that the greater shadow disappeared, so if he didn't then Hobie will fire all arrows at him, if he did disappear, then add 2 to my first attack roll as Hobie will ready an action to shoot him when he appears)

Manyshot
Attack 16 (or 18 if readied attack)
Piercing 18, Electricity 5, Fire 2
Piercing 19 Electricity 5, Fire 1

Rapid Shot
Attack 25
Piercing 19, Electricity 3, Fire 6

Haste
Attack 30
Piercing 20, Electricity 3, Fire 4

Iterative
Attack 9
Piercing 19, Electricity 5, Fire 4

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22/ 18(25, 21), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23/16(27/20), HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday August 7th, 2018 4:41:36 PM
Pressi readies an attack to rush over and pour a vial of holy water the second she sees the greater shadow emerge.

Harper moves closer to the wraiths attacking Murphy and lets out a huge roar, trying to attract their attention. She readies a move action 50 feet away if any of the wraiths chase her.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+20=23 ; d20+20=24 ;
Tuesday August 7th, 2018 6:51:23 PM
Talia, furious about this "Shadow Walk", looks about for that big shadow critter. [Perception: 23] If she detects it, all 5 magic missiles will strike it. If not, then they will strike the three remaining wraith critter.

With continued fury, Talia waves her hands and speaks the words to cast Magic Missile!

When finished she will again look to see what can be seen [Perception:24 ]

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Tuesday August 7th, 2018 9:06:27 PM
(OOC sorry for this last week. We got back on Sunday but because of all the craziness, I forgot all about this. I know Zaragosa passed out but other than that I am lost so I will wait for the DM to do what he needs to with my character.

Again, I am sorry for my absence.)

DM Ken: Shadow Showdown - LINK TO MAP
Tuesday August 7th, 2018 11:02:14 PM

Bringing natures wrath from above, Murphy's flame strike destroys the final wraiths, who have no chance of escaping his vengeance.

Seconds later, the greater shadow emerges from the ground, hatred in its eyes. It lunges for Talia, but doesn't make it quite that far. Holy channels, magic missiles, holy water, and a smiting dagger quickly end the undeads burden.

Whatever pinned him to this place matters no longer, and with a moan lost on the wind, he is gone.

---------------

All clear, the Heroes of Humbles Ford still have a small bit of travel left on the plane of shadow. They have saved a lot of time, but the jaunt through the shadow realm has left several of them injured and weakened.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+20=24 ;
Tuesday August 7th, 2018 11:12:01 PM
Talia, reaches into her haversack pulling forth a lovely new, never used rod of cure light wounds. Asking, aloud, " How needs healing? I can offer up to 50 charges of cure light wounds!" says Talia excitedly as she is eager to both help and leave the shadow realm.

Not fully trusting this place, Talia will look around every 15 or so minutes to see what there might be lurking in the shadows. [Perception: 24]

CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP99of109) (Cayzle) d4=2 ; d4=2 ; d4=2 ; d4=4 ;
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 1:08:38 AM
Bliss changes back to a halfling in order to help his friends.

He casts four lesser restorations to heal. He sees that Sir Succo has -6 str drain, -5 con drain. He casts two restorations to heal the Strength loss: 4 points back. He casts two to cure Constitution damage: 6 damage cured.

Then he casts Detect Magic and looks around.

Resource Tracker

Lvl 1: 5+1 (used Surrender Blood x2)
Lvl 2: 4+1 (used 4 Lesser Restores and domain CL10 Extended Barkskin)
Lvl 3: 4+1 (used Still Silent Ill Omen)
Lvl 4: 3+1 (used Threefold Aspect, Still Silent Command Undead)

Shared Shield of Faith CL13, used 3 rounds of 86
Meta Rod of Extend, used 2 of 3

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 1:51:00 AM
ooc: Bliss: Succotash's Con was Damage, not drain, and one casting of Restoration will cure all of the ability drain of one ability and all ability damage period. So one casting of Restoration will fix Succotash completely. So would it be possible for Hobie to get at least one casting of Restoration for his Strength Drain, and maybe even a second for his Dex Drain?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 1:55:36 AM
"Wow, that was horrible. Glad you clung so dearly to life Succotash, I was really worried about you there for a second."

He turns to Pressi, with a concerned look on his face. "Press, I've never heard of anyone being attacked in the Shadow Plane while using that spell, has anything like that ever happened to you before?"

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 5:21:11 AM
Succotash promptly thanks Bliss for the restoration of his strength and constitution, then quickly reaches over and casts lesser restoration on Hobie once for the dex drain, and another time for the strength drain, saying, �I have one more prepared, if anyone needs it�. �That was horrible, for a moment there, I thought I was on my way to meet Pantheon face to face, which I admit I kinda wouldn�t mind, but the idea of standing before Lord Gargul is a bit unnerving�.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 8:19:46 AM
(if I understood the email correctly, I am back)

Zaragosa awakens from whatever made him pass out. He surveys the scene around him, guessing that a fight might have taken place. He was quite embarrassed to have missed the first fight he was in but his concern for the others made him speak up.

"What, what happened?" He asked as calmly as he could. He noted that everyone seemed rather concerned with Succotash, "Succotash, are you alright?"

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 10:05:27 AM
�I�m fine now�, Succotash answers, �However, during the fight, I got targeted for a far amount of constitution drain, and if it wasn�t for Pantheon�s gift of great Fortitude to me, I�m pretty sure it would have done me in�. �I saw you drop at the beginning of the fight, are you ok, do you need restoration, or healing?�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22/ 18(25, 21), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23/16(27/20), HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 10:45:28 AM
OOC: I'm going to post in a bit but I wanted to respond to a couple of things.

Jack - We are just glad to have you back, physically and online. And don't ever feel like you have to apologize for putting real life ahead of this, especially where family and emergencies are concerned. Hope everything turned out okay.

Nick - restoration would be great in this instance but its not on the witch spell list and scrolls would have cost 1700 a piece. (Due to the insane material cost in case I use the scroll to remove negative levels.) So its lesser restores for now, and we'll have to make due until then. Sorry.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric d4=4 ; d4=1 ; d4=4 ;
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 1:09:51 PM
Sorry, forgot to roll for the lesser restoration spells Hobie receives 4 str and 1 dex, with another 4 ability score healing available to whom ever claims it. Succotash is at full con and -2 str, but figures he can sleep it off, if others need it more.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17 (currently 16; 19 vs. Greater Shadow); HP 119/119, CMD 24; Fatigued (-2 penalty to Str and Dex) d8+5=10 ; d8+5=9 ;
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 1:32:13 PM
Kezzem hits Bliss and Hobbie each with a cure light wounds.

Bliss: 10.
Hobbie: 9.

"Is anyone else regularly hurt? I have plenty of that kind of healing. Nothing to help out if you are just feeling enfeebled, sluggish, or drained though."

OOC: Please list both current AND max hit points in your headers so I can see who is in need with healing.

----

Kezzem

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (2 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Cure Light Wounds x3 (2 used)
2nd Level: Shield Other x2
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 69/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 Dex 15/14 Str 11/12 Con 7/12 d20+27=36 ;
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 1:50:22 PM

Scanning the scene one more time [Perception: 36], just to ensure no more foul foes come forth, air elemental Murphy then descends to the ethereal earth. He gives Harper an airy petting. "Thank you for growling in my defense, girl."

"Talia, sure, I would appreciate a bop or two from your fine wand of cure light wounds, there." (down 15) Then Murphy adds, "By the way, lass, your magic missiles were awesomely helpful."

"Kezzem, thanks for coming to my side when I was pretty much surrounded.

"Hobie - bless you and your composite longbow.

"Jack - that turned out to be a fine defensive posture. I agree with Pressi - we're just glad you're all right, and with us. To answer your question as to what happened - Some of these wicked shadows and wights asked us, 'Are you the one who comes to settle the debt? Are you the one who comes to right the wrong?' I asked for clarification, and Pressi let them know that the one they were looked for was coming soon. They were having none of that, and attacked us. The greater shadow said, 'We shall collect our debt!'

"Well, they managed some significant hurt on us - draining strength, and nimbleness, and general health, along with plenty of chilly touches. Succotash in particular seemed to draw their attention. Glad he is stout enough to have resisted some of their ministrations. Bliss tangled with several of them. It's nice to have paladins and witches with us." He smiles. "I'll bet no one ever said that last sentence before."

"All told, however, I believe that all debts are resolved. They hurt us, trying to turn us into shadows. We killed them. The ledger is cleared.

"Though we still need to heal up from all the ability damage we suffered. Once we get to Emerald City, that is. I can cast lesser restoration, but did not memorize that for today. Am thinking we'll want to get there, spend a day in recovery as we seek for a guide, then, with two nights' sleep under our belts, go out in search of the wolpertingers."

If no one else takes Succotash up on his offer of lesser restoration, then Murphy does so to have his constitution restored. He remains in air elemental form for the balance of the trip, in order to compensate for the loss of dex and str.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22/ 18(25, 21), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23/16(27/20), HP 61, CMD 23 d20+19=29 ;
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 2:03:38 PM
To JTT, Pressi makes a few choice remarks of his cowardice and help. Anything to avoid discussing how this happened because of her bad choices... starting with how he considered using a divination before shadow hopping but let herself get distracted first.

In response to Hobie's question, "I can honestly say that this has never happened to me in a shadow jump before." But of course it could happen. The primary purpose of the spell is to enter and walk around the shadow realm without need of a plane shift.

To Murphy, as he fills in JTT, "You know that was a joke, right? I don't think anyone is coming after us. Speaking of which..."

After Pressi casts whatever Lesser Restores and CLWs are needed, she searches the area with a focus on finding the bodies of these creatures (Perception 29) and attempts a "Speak with Dead" spell if she finds one. And of course she continues to seek out treasure.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 2:24:09 PM
Hobie could use a few lesser restos, he�s still down 6 dex. He can shoot his bow without penalty now that his strength is back, but he�s down 6 dex and 25 HP. I am posting from my phone and can�t update header but my HP is 61/86 right now.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 2:25:36 PM
Murphy� Bless my bow, but also bless Pressi�s Ghost Touch Spell, I�d have been half as useful without that spell.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22/ 18(25, 21), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23/16(27/20), HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 2:54:15 PM
Ok, so Pressi has 4 L2 slots left. She casts 2 LR on Hobie, 2 on Murphy.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 69/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 d20+27=28 ;
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 5:30:11 PM

"Yep, Hobie - bless Pressi!" Murphy agrees. "Thank you," he tells her. "I feel much better. And, yes, I thought it highly unlikely that the debt settler and wrong righter was coming in our wake. I'd really like to know what that was about. If you're able to speak with undead, ask them about that detail - what was the basis for the debt they mentioned, and what was the wrong they suffered? Not that they didn't deserve whatever it was."

If the bodies are about, and if there is treasure to be had, Murphy assists in the search... Perception 28.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 6:03:27 PM
(OOC , things did not work out)

Zaragosa listens to the others tell him what happened. He bowed his head low, "I am sorry colleges, I have never shadow walked before and it must have affected me greatly. I did not mean to be a coward and will work my every bone to make up for this. I do not need any healing, but in fact still, have many healing spells left if anyone needs them."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+20=27 ;
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 9:07:54 PM
Talia recognizes that Mister Murphy would like a go or two of the wand of Cure Light Wounds. Talia asks, "Anyone else need some light healing?"

Looking around...[Perception: 27] Talia attempts to see what may be seen...

CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP99of109) (Cayzle)
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 10:46:48 PM

"I'm not sure how the Lesser Restoration works against this undead stuff," says Bliss.

If he only needs to cast twice to help Sir Succo, then Bliss uses the other two on Mister Murphy.

DM Ken: Shadow Showdown - LINK TO MAP
Wednesday August 8th, 2018 11:59:10 PM

Wraiths inflict drain, shadows inflict damage. Either way, it seems everyone has more than enough healing on demand to sort themselves out. With plenty of time left on her spell, Pressi checks for treasure.

When a wraith dies, or a shadow, it doesn't leave much of a corpse. A small, jelly like puddle of goo that quickly evaporates is usually all that remains of the encounter. This band though, seems to have some prior strong attachments to their life. Several possessions are left behind.

- Rings, armlets, and jewelry, as well as noble clothing, are in abundance. All the the jewelry bears the same makers mark. Appraise check for the value. Nothing glows with magical auras.

With a few hours of travel remaining, but many hours left in the spell, does Humbles Sword move on, or stay and investigate, speaking with the dead?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 69/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 d20+8=17 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+8=18 ; d20+8=24 ;
Thursday August 9th, 2018 3:30:32 AM

"Ah, maybe we don't need to wait until the city before the drains are resolved in our favor," Murphy ventures. "How are we doing?" [With Succotash's help, then Pressi's, maybe Bliss might help another person? Not certain myself how all of it adds up.]

"What do you say, Pressi, about taking a few moments to chat with these shades?" Murphy asks. "I'd love to find out what their complaint and appeal is all about. And perhaps we can discover what noble house they derive from."

"But, just before we do so, would it be wiser to stash their goodies, or leave it be until after conversing with them?" he asks the group in general. He is fine either way as regards disposition of the goods, but he does note the maker's mark, and sketches it into the current page of his journal.

His first sketch is passable, but he spends time looking at several exemplars, then renders a much better rendition of the mark on his second attempt. He lists each item of jewelry which bears the mark. He is not so proficient at estimating the value, but figures it's got to be more than the average item of clothing. Nobility and all. As he waits for the speak with dead (if that is to happen), he draws two of the more interesting items of jewelry (18, and 24 on the sketches).

As Talia has volunteered to use the wand, but has not yet done so, and Zaragosa has some spells available, Murphy says, "Sure, Jack, a cure would be welcome." [down 16 hp atm] "And, Jack, you're no coward, as far as I can tell. With all we've been doing of late, and that we decided to wait until moonlight to get going, instead of using the barn, I think it was just taxing."

"Talia, if we have spells available, let's use those, and use the wand as needed after then, if that make sense."

[OOC: J-P - You need to actually roll the curative power of the wand so we know how many hp are granted. Saying you'll do it doesn't count unless you actually make the rolls :-) ]

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric d20=20 ;
Thursday August 9th, 2018 5:32:35 AM
(Rolled a natural 20 on appraise)
Succotash takes a moment to check out the jewelry, but isn�t too keen on the whole talk to the dead thing, but at the same time, he�s not going to argue with Murphy and Pressi about the issue, instead he says, �I don�t know about you all, but I�d rather not spend any more time than necessary in this gods forsaken place�.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+20=24 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+3=22 ;
Thursday August 9th, 2018 6:35:02 AM
Healing

Talia, explains to Mister Murphy, with so much healing around, I didn't want to use the wand, unless it was needed, nodding towards Mister Murphy. "So, does anyone still need a healing spell as I do not have magic healing beyond my healer's kit. I'm all so new to journeying with a group. It's usually just Rayya and I on the open road." states Talia.

Treasure | What's next?

"Mister Murphy, I think, has a great idea regarding the remains. Adding all that stuff to his journal for latter investigation was a brilliant idea!" explains Talia. "I am vexed as to what might cause the undead to carry a burden with them into the afterlife, and what made them into what they became?" wonders aloud to the group.

Because Talia is undersure if the items were cursed and that's the reasons why they became those things...she waves her hands and mumbles incoherently then casts Prestidigitation on all the items in order to cleans them of dust and soot, and even perhaps that jelly stuff, then slowly rotate them items so Mister Murphy can get a better look at them. She even tries to appraise them, but is not so sure he had any better insight than Mister Murphy does. [Appraise: 22]

Talia will also grab out her ink and an ink pen to sketch the items quickly onto a sheet of paper, thinking, "I'll have to get a journal when next in a town! That's so much better than loose paper in a map case!"

Using her knowledge of the arcane as well as her perception, Talia will peruse over the items left behind to discover if she recognizes any of the symbols or marks.[Knowledge: Arcana: 24 | Perception:29 ]

Continued Journey

"Anyone have an idea of how much further we need to travel?"

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Thursday August 9th, 2018 8:51:36 AM
Zaragosa will offer one last time any healing if needed though he knows there is enough of that magic already going around. He will then let them take any loot (since he didn't do anything) and wait to continue the journey.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric
Thursday August 9th, 2018 10:12:01 AM
�Anyone have the ability to check for curses, I can remove them from people with a mercy, but can�t detect them, anyway the reason I�m asking, is because I would like to grab the loot and get going unless someone has any objections�. �I would grab them myself, but depending on the curse, if there�s a curse, I may not be able to use my Paladin powers, and then I�d be stuck with curse�.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 82/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 d8=6 ;
Thursday August 9th, 2018 10:35:52 AM

"Well, I don't know whether speak with dead works with undead - or with puddles of jelly. If not, then the point is moot. If so, it'd at least be nice to know. It takes, what, about 10 minutes? Not enough to slow us up unduly, Succotash. Pressi?" He asks with an eyebrow raised, hoping she will fill them in as to whether the spell may work, or not.

Regarding those things left behind by their vanquished foes, Murphy says, "I don't mind touching them, or gathering them up, but I don't have room to store them. No bag of holding myself." If someone else offers to let him place the items within, he will stow them there.

Since no one is actually rolling for cures, I'll roll for a CLW from Jack - for 13 hit points? (d6+5)

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle) d8+5=7 ;
Thursday August 9th, 2018 11:24:32 AM

Bliss turns off his Shield of Faith, embarrassed that he forgot to do so and used up a couple extra rounds for nothing. Maybe no one noticed ...

After being cured by Kezzem, Bliss bows to the paladin and thanks him.

Bliss laughs as Murphy reaches out for JTT's hand and tries to roll a cure out of him.

"Oh you silly!" he says. "You can't do that! Here, let me, like this!" Bliss casts a cure light wounds spell on Murphy, returning 7 hp to the eager druid.

Bliss is worried about the dead haunting the treasure, but he is reassured by Sir Succotash. "I say we take them. What's the worst that can happen? We fight them again? Still, might be nice to soak them in holy water or something."

He is fine with someone casting Speak with Dead before we go on our way. But who? "That's not a thing witches can do."

Casting done and ready for danger, Bliss ends by turning back into a kitty.

Resource Tracker

Lvl 1: 5+1 (used Surrender Blood x2, CLW)
Lvl 2: 4+1 (used 4 Lesser Restores and domain CL10 Extended Barkskin)
Lvl 3: 4+1 (used Still Silent Ill Omen)
Lvl 4: 3+1 (used Threefold Aspect, Still Silent Command Undead)

Shared Shield of Faith CL13, used 5 rounds of 86
Meta Rod of Extend, used 2 of 3

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22/ 18(25, 21), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23/16(27/20), HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday August 9th, 2018 11:43:50 AM
"Against a pile of goo, I don't think it would work," Pressi replied. "I was hoping to find the original body, the human or whatever shell before something killed him and made him a greater shadow, but we seem to be out of luck. Oh, and Bliss means its something HE can't do." (Speak with Dead - L3 Knowledge domain spell).

"At any rate, we have the makers mark. We can start from there and move on, either by asking around town or by other divinations. So I am fine moving on instead, and I would be glad to grab them. I'm already cursed with voices from the dead, though he's been quiet for a while now. Just to be clear, though, we aren't selling anything until we figure out what's going on. Oh, and you will get your share JTT. We're a team and we all had to cover for each other in the past."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 76/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 d20+27=37 ;
Thursday August 9th, 2018 4:22:03 PM

Appreciating her help as he took a look over some of the jewelry, he adds, "Great idea, Talia. It's much better to have more than one viewpoint in writing out historical records."

"It's settled, then, partly in Succotash's favor - neither clothing curses, nor undead discussions," he winks as well as any air elemental can wink. "Thanks, Pressi, for taking the garb and jewelry.

"And, thank you, Bliss!" he says as he helps him feel a little better.

Murphy takes a moment to fly upwards to 120', looks around. If the area looks reasonably clear [Perception: 37], he swoops down. "All clear. Shall we continue?" Murphy begins to move ahead slowly, watching for the others to start heading that way, and asking Pressi, "This is the right direction, yes?"

As the group gets moving, the druid flies about 30' above the group.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 75/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6 d8=8 ; d8=2 ; d8=7 ; d8=3 ; d20+8=22 ;
Thursday August 9th, 2018 4:25:37 PM
Hobie is super thankful for the restoration of his abilities, he gives his wand to one of the healers in order to top off his HP damage.

Hobie isn't super great at knowing what things are worth, so he doesn't try to appraise the items, but he does think real hard (Knowledge Local 22) about whether he might recognize that makers mark.

"Perhaps it might be a good idea guys to head back to the source of all this gear. It seems to have all been made by the same maker, maybe he knows something"

=========
Boots of Speed Used 2/10
=========
Spells Prepared:

Arcane Object Free Spell

Level 0: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Light, Mage Hand

Level 1: Grease, True Strike, Feather Fall, Enlarge Person, Shield

Level 2: Bull's Strength, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Cat's Grace

Level 3: Fly, Flame Arrow, Rage

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday August 9th, 2018 5:06:16 PM
�Gosh Pressi, I didn�t know you were cursed, if you want, I can fix that right now!�, Succotash offers. If Pressi excepts the offer, the Mercy will be accompanied by 21 healing if she still needs any.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) d8+5=12 ;
Thursday August 9th, 2018 6:28:12 PM
Zaragosa was about the cast CLW on murphey but sees Bliss do it for him, concered and a little too willing to prove himself. He also casts it curing Murphey curing for 12 points

Spells
lvl1 4/5
lvl2 5/5
lvl3 3/3

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 76/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22
Thursday August 9th, 2018 7:47:06 PM
"Thank you, Jack. I feel terrific now."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22
Thursday August 9th, 2018 7:48:01 PM
"Thank you, Jack. I feel terrific now."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 d8+5=12 ;
Thursday August 9th, 2018 8:05:17 PM

Murphy cast CLW on Hobie, restoring 12 hp. We should all be full up on hp now.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17 (currently 16; 19 vs. Greater Shadow); HP 119/119, CMD 24; Fatigued (-2 penalty to Str and Dex)
Friday August 10th, 2018 12:23:40 AM
"We should move on before more of those things come after us," suggests Kezzem. "Not that I'm scared, mind you. Paladin's don't get scared--we're immune you might say. Unfortunately, we aren't also immune to stupidity."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 21 Touch 14 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6
Friday August 10th, 2018 2:14:18 AM
Updating HP

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 24 Touch 17 Flat 19 CMD 26 Hero Points 6
Friday August 10th, 2018 2:14:58 AM
Updating AC

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 13 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Friday August 10th, 2018 2:18:05 AM
Correctly updating AC this time

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Friday August 10th, 2018 2:18:55 AM
Dang it, This time it's correct. I have a cold, cut me some slack.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric
Friday August 10th, 2018 5:21:44 AM
�I agree with Kezzem�, Succotash remarks, �I know I�m in danger of sounding like a broken record, whatever that means, I mean, when my cousin Freidric broke the record for eating the most pies in one minute, I didn�t hear anything, but let�s get out of here�.

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Friday August 10th, 2018 9:16:50 AM

Bliss is in favor of leaving and demonstrates his opinion by sitting still, swishing his tail, and staring at shadows.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22/ 18(25, 21), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23/16(27/20), HP 61, CMD 23
Friday August 10th, 2018 11:36:20 AM
"All right, all right. We can get going if you are going to be that much of a baby about it."

Turning to Talia, she points at all the scaredy cats. "The brave and less emotional sex, am I right?"

When the circle reforms, Pressi whisks the group out of the area.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22
Friday August 10th, 2018 3:39:30 PM
[OOC: Melvin, now that we all are on the plane, we are not required to keep touching each other - witness the combat. The spells says, "Any creatures touched by you when shadow walk is cast also make the transition to the borders of the Plane of Shadow. They may opt to follow you, wander off through the plane, or stumble back into the Material Plane."]

Murphy rejoins the circle as Pressi requests, but mentions they should be able to continue travelling together without constantly having to touch each other - he thinks.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22/ 18(25, 21), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23/16(27/20), HP 61, CMD 23
Friday August 10th, 2018 4:17:40 PM
[OOC: I wasn't clear whether we were still in the plane of shadow or had been bounced out into the material plane. Point is that we are off either way - and while its technically true that we don't need the circle for the former, I prefer the flavor of starting in a circle.]

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41)
Friday August 10th, 2018 5:43:17 PM
Zaragosa noticed that Murphey had the same spell and probably could have used it on himself. Zaragosa thought highly of the gesture. Despite being useless in the fight, he started to feel like a part of the group.

Zaragosa also wishes to get going but keeps his opinion to himself since he is both new and did not do much in the last battle

Spells
lvl1 4/5
lvl2 5/5
lvl3 3/3

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22
Friday August 10th, 2018 6:37:30 PM

[OOC: All right, good flavor!]

Murphy is 16' long x 4' wide (and weighs 8 lbs) - so there's a lot of ephemeral air elemental stuff to grab on to for those nearby. He returns his wispy hand to Pressi's shoulder, and the other to Skipper's collar.

"Circle Up, All Aboard!" he calls. And moves with the others as Pressi resumes their journey toward Emerald City.

DM Ken: Shadow Showdown - LINK TO MAP d100=40
Friday August 10th, 2018 6:45:40 PM

(Sorry! I posted, sent an email, and went to bed, only to get post unsuccessful and email not delivered notices! My internet is pretty bad in Oklahoma)

A speak with dead spell is in fact possible, but the party seems to be in favor of moving on and letting the dead rest.

The jelly like ooze dries up as the travelers move on, and Pressi makes her Circle of Exit without trouble.

As they step from the realm of shadow, they feel themselves pulled strongly to the north, and are deposited safely in a forest of strong, healthy looking oaks.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large (Huge) Air Elem. AC/FF/T 24/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22
Friday August 10th, 2018 7:37:25 PM

Murphy casts know direction, identifying true north. He indicates that to the group. "Oaks. I love oaks." He goes up to touch the bark of one, and says, "Hello, noble oak."

About what time is it?

Murphy flies up a ways above the trees, checking to see if he can discern a city in the distance, or if it seems to be forest all about. Then he particularly focuses towards the north, as he had sensed an attraction in that direction. He then descends and reports what he saw.

If it is still night time, and if he did not discern that they are reasonably near a city, Murphy says, "It's night. We've been in a fight. Rest might be in order - unless several feel strongly we should move on now. If not, let's take a quick look around this area, and secure a site to camp, get a good night's sleep, then set out again after we're rested up, with new spells. Other ideas?"

Should no city be in sight, and the party agree to the camping idea, Murphy sets to work, partnering with at least one other to scope out a good spot to camp, then helping to set it up. He offers to take last watch.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+20=25 ;
Friday August 10th, 2018 9:02:16 PM
Not wanting to caught in difficult terrain again, Talia cast Overland Flight on herself. She then does her best to catch up to the group while being ever so mindful of that around them...[Skill: Perception: 25]

[OOC: I have a cold...sorry this is so late.]

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left lvl1 4/5 lvl2 5/5 lvl3 3/3)
Friday August 10th, 2018 9:17:56 PM
(OOC first off, DM , I LOVE the image you set for Zaragosa. second, I know that Zaragosa missing the fight was not his or my fault since I had to deal with family tragedy, but the character Zaragosa still feels guilt over it and does blame himself.)

Zaragosa sets through to get to the forest. He knew he was pretty useless when it came to nature but the others seemed to have that settled. Wanting to make up for his past screw-ups, he set out to make himself useful but asking detect magic on the area.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17 (currently 16; 19 vs. Greater Shadow); HP 119/119, CMD 24; Fatigued (-2 penalty to Str and Dex)
Saturday August 11th, 2018 12:45:36 AM
"Well that was...draining," says Kezzem. "I feel like I could sleep for a day or two."

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric
Saturday August 11th, 2018 5:28:14 AM
Upon arrival in the woods, the first thing Succotash does is summon Miss Piggy to his side saying, �Missed ya girl, glad to see me?�. Then noticing that Zaragosa, still seems a little off, and assuming he�s still feeling guilty for passing out, Succotash walks over to his friend, puts his hand on his shoulder, and says, �Don�t worry about it, the way things are going, you�ll have plenty of chances to redeem yourself, not that you need to, sometimes things just happen�. �In a way, I kinda understand how you feel, remember when I shared the story of how I got this scar?� he says, while pointing to the scar on his left cheek, �Even though I had no control over the situation, that day, and even though we were ultimately victorious, I personally felt responsible for the loss of so many good men�. �The guilt consumed me for years�, lamented the normally happy go lucky Paladin, �It even kept me from enjoying the company of true brothers in arms, and the joy that I only recently discovered was possible, of being part of a group�. �So as I was saying, I understand how you feel, but don�t let it bring you down, this group of heroes, and I don�t use that term loosely, has already done everything they can to try to put your heart at ease, so instead of dwelling in what is now the past, I ask that you consider looking towards the future, and I beg you not to let this eat you up, like I did, it�s just not worth it�.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric
Saturday August 11th, 2018 5:40:34 AM
If the report is that there is no city nearby, Succotash will help set up camp, and pitch his tent for himself and Miss Piggy, and then goes out and gathers enough dead firewood from the forest floor to last the night, with extra for preparing breakfast in the morning, being carful to avoid any wood still attached to a tree, then brings the wood back to camp, and gets a fire going.

If there is a settlement nearby, he will encourage his friends to make haste, so they can get the rest they so desperately need.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6 d20+18=24 ; d20+20=27 ; d6+11=15 ; d6=1 ;
Saturday August 11th, 2018 9:48:22 AM
Hobie will head out with Succotash and Miss Piggy to collect wood. While they walk around he will keep his eyes peeled for any animals they might find in the forest. Any Wolpertingers, to bring back, or any deer or other animals that Hobie could bring back for dinner.

Perception roll 24 to notice an animal

Attack Roll 27 to fire an arrow at any dinner animal.
He will use his Seeker Arrow ability, which allows the arrow to bend around any trees or obstacles between Hobie and the animal.

Damage = 15 Piercing, 1 Electric

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle) d20+27=30 ; d20+22=38 ;
Saturday August 11th, 2018 12:19:05 PM
Bliss scouts around the site making sure there are no dangers or interesting things nearby.

If Hobie shoots at him, his AC32 should keep him safe?

Stealth 30, Perception 38.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Saturday August 11th, 2018 6:10:23 PM
Hobie knows that Bliss is not dinner

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22
Saturday August 11th, 2018 10:35:05 PM

If we remain to camp (that is, it does not seem the city is nearby, or easily reachable in a short amount of time):

"It's great to have someone such as you with us, Succotash. You and Miss Piggy have spent a good deal of time traveling by yourself, and know how to get on." Murphy drops his air elemental form, going back to halfling.

"Thanks for building the fire. Say, here in the Culverwood, sometimes the wood itself can get a bit antsy about fires. But, have you heard of the ranger's fire hole before? Doesn't seem so much to raise the ire of the Culverwood - and it's safer, and lets out less light to the surrounding area - harder for opponents - or anyone - to spot from much more'n fifteen feet away. Even keeps most of the smoke from kicking up. Heats up a cooking pot faster, to boot.

"If you're interested, we can build it together. Something our group has done from way back. The gist is, you dig two pits - one for the fuel, and one for a chimney downdraft, and join them at the bottom."

If the paladin is open to the idea, Murphy gets out a shovel and a spade, and gets to work with the spade, for the draft chimney, handing Succotash the shovel for the wood section. If anyone else wants to join in, he's fine with that. If Succotash is not interested, then Murphy backs off.

[If anyone wants to see what Murphy is talking about - what he calls the 'ranger's fire hole' is described in our world as a 'Dakota fire pit' - you can take a look here #1: dakota fire pit diagram (closest to Murphy's design)
Here #2: dakota fire pit construction video
Here #3: dakota hole description and diagram (scroll down about 1 screen for explanation, then see illustration on top of the following page).
Here #4: dakota camp fire video]

Once either the above ground fire is built, or the ranger's fire is built, Murphy builds a tripod for the former, and hangs a pot above it, or places the cooking pot above the sunken fire pit, more directly on some transverse, wetter, less dry sticks (which he monitors and changes out as needed), and gets some water boiling. Create water, the appropriate amount, should do the job.

"Kezzem, rest, buddy. How are the rest of us faring?" He looks up at Pressi, knowing that some tension still remains following the mid afternoon wolpertinger reconnaissance.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric
Sunday August 12th, 2018 5:48:18 AM
�I have no arguments with the ranger�s fire pit, if you think it�s best Murphy, it�s actually a system I�ve used in the past�, Succotash concedes. �Growing up on the border of the Culverwood, you learn to respect the forest, which is why I made a point to only gather dead wood from the forest floor, so if you think this system would be less intrusive, let�s do it�, he adds as he grabs the offered shovel, �though with the subdued light, it�s going to make keeping watch more difficult�.�Miss Talia, would you mind if the people on watch borrowed your Sunrod, just in case?�

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left lvl1 4/5 lvl2 5/5 lvl3 3/3)
Sunday August 12th, 2018 12:33:54 PM
Zaragosa gives a weary smile at Succotsha "Thank you most noble Paladin" He said, "Or, if I could so, most noble friend. Your words are very kind. I am proud to be in your number, and shall prove myself." He takes a look around while they get a fire going. "If we are to camp, Miss Piggy still has my bag of holding. My bedroll is in there. I have this nifty Ring of Sustenance so I only require a couple hours of sleep.

Succotash Slenderstick and Miss Piggy (Jeremy Canaday) AC26-touch 13/ CMD26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC27 / CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, Electric
Monday August 13th, 2018 5:14:45 AM
Succotash removes Zaragosa�s Bag of Holding from Miss Piggy�s saddle horn, and hands it to him saying, if you are still in need of Piggy�s assistance in the morning, just go ahead and hang your satchel on her saddle horn, and please feel free to call me friend, as to that, I believe I can safely say that you should feel free to call all us Sword�s friends �.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22/ 18(25, 21), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23/16(27/20), HP 61, CMD 23 d4=4 ;
Monday August 13th, 2018 11:21:31 AM
As much of the activity continues around her, Pressi is mostly quiet. She does, however, burn her other L5 spell before returning to normal form. With the spell of prying eyes, she gets a view of the immediate area. As 13 eyes spin around her, she sends each in a different direction, telling it to return if it spots anything other than ordinary animals or vegetation. If any return (any eye that doesn't see anything disappears at the mile mark), she reviews what they spotted.

With nothing else to do but wait, she sits in silence, mostly ignoring JTT and Kezzem unless they approach her. (Most others seem to be scouting, gathering wood, etc.) Occasionally, she pets Harper, who is dozing at her feet. She helps prepare food brought back, based on the current time. She also begins to cast divinations (10 minute casting time) and prepares to heal the incoming damage. (Last time, she was able to ask as many questions as her constitution could bear.)

In response to Murphy's question, she tells him that she is fine, just tired along with everyone else. With tensions calmer, she isn't planning to revisit any fights. She is going to need to take the first or last shift after a day like today, though.

DM Ken: Easy Camping d100=54 ;
Monday August 13th, 2018 3:13:50 PM

The campsite is confirmed secure by multipe woodsmen, prying eyes, Harpers nose, and other fine adventurers. A few of the Sword deal with personal dealings, share feelings, or brood quietly in reflection on the days events.

Though this trip through the shadow realm was dangerous, not all of them are such forays or frought with danger. Misfortune struck this time, next time might not have any at all.

Murphy flies up and north, but in the dark of night and the expanse of trees, he does not identify any cities. Perhaps morning light will yield more information.

Pressi remembers her last set of divinations, but finds these are not nearly so dangerous. Before, the Sarr was interfering with magic, especially divination. This time, the process is both simple and calming, and she finds herself feeling the logical and expectant gaze of the Hags upon her.

The spell functions as it normally should, and Pressi is certain she is going to receive honest answers to her questions.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left lvl1 4/5 lvl2 5/5 lvl3 3/3) d20+7=18 ;
Monday August 13th, 2018 9:10:00 PM
(Posting to post for the day)

Zaragosa thanks Succotsha then sets up his bedroll and other items. He reiterates that he only requires two hours of sleep but he also lets the party know that he isn't the best at spotting things

(if the perception check is needed for lookout, I rolled for a total of 18)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+20=33 ;
Monday August 13th, 2018 9:38:39 PM
"Mister Murphy that's an awesome idea...this Dakota Fire Pit!" says Talia all excited! Turning around to face Mister Slenderstick, while reaching into her haversack, she says, "Sure, you can hold onto the Sunrod just in case, a have a couple of others as well, Mister Slenderstick" handling Mister Slenderstick a sunrod.

How has what watch? I need two (2) hours of sleep, by the way just in case I forgot to mention that.

Before taking up a meditative rest spot, Talia will look around, just to set her mind at ease.

[Skill: Perception: 33]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 d20+27=28 ;
Monday August 13th, 2018 10:22:38 PM

Roughing it easy...
Murphy delights both in Succotash's acquaintance with, and Talia's pleasure in the ranger pit set up.

"I have two everburning torches," Murphy informs Succotash as they discuss lighting. Just then Talia offers a few sunrods. "Those can be pretty handy - they last about two hours, each, about the length of a nightwatch rotation. One tactice with them is to light it as needed, and toss it a distance to get farther-off lighting. You hear a bunch of noise from one direction? Light up the area.

"If the person on watch requires steady illumination, then he or she can use one of the everburning torches - hold it, lay it on a tree branch, or the like, and have another at the ready." He pulls once from his haversack, and the other he draws out of Skipper's left saddlebag. "As I am on last watch, I'll put them away in the morning." He hands off to whomever will be on first watch. In the future, take it as given that Murphy shares these items each time we begin a period of watches. Without going into too much detail, he follows the custom taught him by others of having for a party a 2' pit dug a short distance from the camp for depositing the end process of digestion, hoping that Bliss doesn't start up another conversation about poop.

Around the campfire, Murphy takes time to brush down Skipper's coat, and make sure his dog is fed - and ups his acquaintance with the other animals in the group. He asks Pressi, "You want to try sleeping up in a tree? I saw a couple of nice spots in that oak over there. Nestle in the branches, set up a bit of canvas and roping to keep from spilling out in the middle of the night, as well as to lower oneself to the ground in a jiffy, and there you go!"

"So, both Talia and Zaragosa get by on two hours shut-eye? Sweet. If one of you can take second watch, and one third watch, then that will give those of us who need a longer rest the chance to take early or last watch. As I said, I dibs last watch, mostly."

"How about this for watches?" Murphy asks:

1st watch - Bliss
2nd watch - Zaragosa
3rd watch - Talia
4th watch - Murphy

"Our paladins and Pressi and Hobie can get a long rest. Another night we can switch things up a bit - but I'm almost always happy with 4th watch." For whatever reason, Murphy's perception (28, nat 1) during his watch is not bad, but it's pretty poor compared to his average perception. Lots to think about, perhaps. Along with his custom of setting things up for morning breakfast during the latter portion of 4th watch, that all can enjoy a warm meal to start the day - taking advantage of what it was that Hobie was able to bag for supper/breakfast.

He reminds all that his mother just before noon gave each a goodberry, and from his own supply gives everyone two more of the magical filling/healing items. "If someone is down, and there's no time for a big healing, popping one of these into their mouth can help them recover a wee bit. So, now, each of you has 3 of 'em." He adds, "One time my brother told me he knew he was about to get hit by a goblin, so popped one in his mouth without chewing it, then bit down on it after he got hit. He bit the berry, that is, not the goblin." [So, gang, each, please, add 3 goodberries to your equipment - maybe in a pouch, or wherever.]

In the morning, he prays with eyes wide open during watch, and receives new spells after folks arise.

IMPORTANT: Is anyone still down in ability points from the shadow/wight encounter?

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle) d20+25=30 ;
Tuesday August 14th, 2018 12:19:51 AM
Bliss is happy to take first watch and is careful to look around.

Perception 30

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC 26/ touch 13/ flat 25 CMD 26 - HP 102/102, Miss Piggy AC 27/ touch 11/ flat 26 CMD 23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, d4=4 ;
Tuesday August 14th, 2018 6:08:50 AM
Lay of Hands 9/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 2/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
Heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 1/1

Succotash thanks Murphy for the thoughtfulness involving the everburning torches, he also thanks Talia for the use of the sunrods, then he draws Twinklesting, allowing her blue torch like glow to be added to the illumination problem, insisting that the sword be kept near at hand just in case he needed it in a jiffy, "Also, something Miraculous happened to Piggy after we fought the Sarr, she took on some celestial aspects, one of which is darkvision, out to 60 ft, I believe". "Hey Kezzem, did Rumpus gain darkvision as well?"

As is his custom while bivouacking, Succotash sleeps in his armor, then uses a mercy to remove the fatigue in the morning, after spending a hour in prayer and meditation, he prepares his spells, and promptly casts lesser restoration on himself to remove the lingering -2 strength. He than thanks Murphy for breakfast as well as the goodberries.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday August 14th, 2018 6:12:42 AM
header adjustment

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday August 14th, 2018 11:34:21 AM
The more formal and comforting setting makes Pressi nervous as she finishes her offering (25 gp spent) and her general prayers. She still wants to avoid the embarrassment of asking them a stupid question, like "settle the boat-shadow walk argument for us" or "am I silly for not wanting to get married?" or other questions.

She starts with the basic questions that could be expected.
1) Can I find the flying jackelopes (womp evers) closer than the position disclosed?
2) Will the culverwood itself effect my shadow walk?
3) What were the shadows we encountered before they died?
4) What debt did they need repayed?

But she had to ask the question. The question that nagged her from the moment this mission began. She wanted so to ask whether the mayor's new bride was who she claimed to be, if she was a threat, and slowly formed the question in her mind.

5) If the mayor gets married to this stranger... Will he be happy? Will the marriage be good for him?

Pressi knew there would be no do overs for that question.

(If there are any other requests for questions, post them now.)

----------------

Pressi finishes her divinations and finishes setting up the campfire and taking care of Harper. As to Murphy's question, she doesn't really think she needs to set up in a tree. (She does have a few spells left, so she isn't completely defenseless.) Honestly, she just wants to finish up, say goodnight to everyone, and get to bed.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17 (currently 16; 19 vs. Greater Shadow); HP 119/119, CMD 24; Fatigued (-2 penalty to Str and Dex)
Tuesday August 14th, 2018 12:43:08 PM
"Well I'll be sure to prepare some restoration spells this time!" says Kezzem. "If you still feeling drained, let me know and I'll...restore you?"

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left lvl1 4/5 lvl2 5/5 lvl3 3/3)
Tuesday August 14th, 2018 12:49:24 PM
Zaragosa agrees to take the second watch. He would sleep without his armour for the first watch then wake up for the second. He would stay awake from then on with his amour on, trying to be ready for anything. He would be open to start a conversation any time other than his turn to keep watch. He stays away from people as they pray out of respect for his teammates.

When Succotash is awake, he would give back his second bag of holding so Miss Piggy can carry it.

Any free time is spent practising tying and untying knots.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Tuesday August 14th, 2018 2:26:29 PM
Hobie takes the full night of rest that's offered to him and wakes up the morning, and prepares his spells for the day.

Alright, any of y'all wise folks know where we can find some Wolpertingers?

=========
Boots of Speed Used 0/10
=========
Spells Prepared:

Arcane Object Free Spell

Level 0: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Light, Mage Hand

Level 1: Grease, True Strike, Feather Fall, Enlarge Person, Shield

Level 2: Spider Climb, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Cat's Grace

Level 3: Fly, Flame Arrow, Rage

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Tuesday August 14th, 2018 2:32:31 PM
ooc; Jon-Paul, have you decided on Talia's spells known yet? They aren't on your character sheet. I want to know if Talia knows Haste since you are a transmutation specialist. If you could cast haste on the party at the beginning of battles it would be a huge bonus to the party. I can prepare it and cast it, but if Talia were to cast it instead then that's an extra full round of arrows Hobie can fire. And that would be 5 arrows at 3d6+17 each, so potentially great damage.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22
Tuesday August 14th, 2018 3:10:08 PM

The druid suggest to Pressi that she add the questions, "Will Murphy ever stop being occasionally stubborn?" Also, "How long will people have troubles getting the name of our group right?"

After her divinations are complete, Murphy asks Pressi about what she was able to learn from her queries.

If in the evening, Pressi was able to discern there are wolpertingers in the area, and can tell approximately where, then Murphy suggests they head that general direction on the morrow. On foot if nearby. Using other means if more distant. If she is able to discern distance and direction, then he will hold off on using another divination spell. If such is vague, then he will cast commune with nature, seeking out the creatures of their quest. He also tries to discern where Emerald City (or any dwellings) might be relative to their position, if it within eleven miles of their position.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17 (currently 16; 19 vs. Greater Shadow); HP 119/119, CMD 24; Fatigued (-2 penalty to Str and Dex)
Tuesday August 14th, 2018 7:56:22 PM
"Also, be sure to ask when or if we are updating to 2nd edition," says Kezzem. "I hear that's a thing now."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+20=30 ; d3=1 ; d20+20=34 ; d20+20=38 ;
Tuesday August 14th, 2018 9:46:25 PM
[OOC: Sorry, Updated the hyperlink. Look for the tab that says Spell list -- don't have haste, have slow]

When it's time for Talia's watch, she will be very perceptive. [Skill: Perception: 30,34,38] While waiting, she will reach into her right pocket and remove 8 sling stones, cast "light" on each stone, and then will toss them
about 20 feet in each of the compass point direction from the center of the camp. Time 'til they extinguish (110 minutes) -- N,E,W,S, NE, NW, SW, SE in order to have a better sense of "what's" out there.

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Tuesday August 14th, 2018 10:04:25 PM

Bliss changes into a halfling long enough to laugh at Murphy and Kezzem's jokes.

Also, he likes the Light spells idea, but as he expects, when you cast one light spell, the prior one winks out. You can only have one light spell active at a time. Except maybe with a wand?

You can also have just one dancing lights active at the same time, too. Unless you make it permanent.

DM Ken: Easy Camping d100=18 ; d100=65 ; d100=94 ; d100=95 ;
Tuesday August 14th, 2018 10:08:10 PM

The night watches go without incident. The most exciting thing is the answers to Pressi's divinations. she casts and fires off five divination spells, taking a good amount of her night. (Under normal circumstance, a divination can answer one question.)

As soon as she asks the first, she feels her psyche taken to a place outside of her body. Three crones stare at her as she makes her request.

1) Can I find the flying jackelopes (womp evers) closer than the position disclosed?

The crones answer is calm in tone, but scathing in content.

"Think girl. You are casting a divination to question a spell, that is in it's essence, a divination? The druids spells have given sound answers"

2) Will the culverwood itself effect my shadow walk?

The answer again is calm, but direct.

"No. The Culverwood did not effect your last spell, you had the misfortune of coming across some denizens of the realm of shadow."

3) What were the shadows we encountered before they died?

"Merchants and a noble. They were underpaid for goods crafted. Like fools, they agreed to meet those who cheated them to collect the rest of their pay. Instead, they were given their deaths."

Pressi's last two questions fail. Either the crones lost patience, or Pressi's concentration faltered. Either way, the spells are lost. (Pressi has a 70+caster level % chance of getting an answer. Her last two divination %'s failed. The Crones are not malicious or trying to deceive her, so she does not receive false answers. )

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday August 15th, 2018 5:30:09 AM
�Hey Mr Zaragosa, By chance do you know the haste spell, I know Hobie does, but as our team cannon, wasting an opportunity to unload with his bow, to cast a spell, can literally be the difference between life and death�. �Personally I just picked up these stylish boots of speed, but Piggy, and let�s face it, the rest of the team, would really benefit from said spell�.

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Wednesday August 15th, 2018 8:20:57 AM

"I love that spell," says Bliss, switching from kitty to halfling and back just to say it. Then he purrs.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday August 15th, 2018 10:30:27 AM
OOC: I wanted to clarify question 2 since there seems to be some confusion. I understand that this is a non-random encounter that happens to work whether we use boats or shadows to travel, and thus won't normally happen (since the wold doesn't do random encounters).

The question is specific to the magic of traveling through the Culverwood itself. Specifically the magical, time and space twisting parts that we encountered at L6 and that make the area an immortal power in its own right. I wanted to make sure that we don't get lost due to strange interactions and wind up on some spaceship vs robo-dinosaur nonsense.

We now return to how Pressi completely misinterprets her divinations.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday August 15th, 2018 10:39:46 AM
OOC: Some bookkeeping. Pressi has 3+1 spells, divination is a BW spell or domain spell. She cast 1 L4 spell for the day (threefold aspect) so she only has three questions left.

I leave it up to the DM as to whether she gets the first three questions or if I get my pick (1, 3 and 5 not answered) but knowledge-wise or offering wise it doesn't much matter. And I'll endeavor to stick to one question per spell going forward.

DM Ken: Easy Camping
Wednesday August 15th, 2018 11:10:13 AM
(It's fine. Pressi learns the answers that were posted. The last two questions would have failed on the d% roll, not dm fiat.

Also, no, the Culverwood will not mess with your Shadow Walk spell, because it is aware that you casting that spell means you are leaving, in a sense.)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Wednesday August 15th, 2018 12:27:40 PM
Well, what did you learn Press? How do we find these wolpertingers? What did you learn about those ghost things? Did they attack us because of these two and their stink of holiness? he points and grins at the Paladins with the last comment

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22
Wednesday August 15th, 2018 12:31:17 PM
As in yesterday's post, "If such [Pressi's wolpertinger info request response] is vague, then he will cast commune with nature, seeking out the creatures of their quest. He also tries to discern where Emerald City (or any dwellings) might be relative to their position, if it within eleven miles of their position."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17 (currently 16; 19 vs. Greater Shadow); HP 119/119, CMD 24; Fatigued (-2 penalty to Str and Dex)
Wednesday August 15th, 2018 12:32:49 PM
"And what about Murphey's question about whether he'll stop being so stubborn?" asks Kezzem. "That would be really useful information to have."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday August 15th, 2018 4:24:01 PM
Pressi wrestled with some strong feelings as she slept fitfully. She had responded to her god's increasing exasperation with her trademark bluster but she could not handle the strong emotions from within.

She decided, however, that perhaps her doubts about Murphy (in many ways) were clearly to be ignored. Did not her own gods just bless his plans, tell her to stop trying to get around his skills? (Okay maybe its a stretch from "The druids spells have given sound answers" but it's the stretch Pressi has clearly searched for.)

It is in this frame of mind that she snuck behind Murphy at the end of her sleep, a burst of make-up affection from the inwardness of the day before.

In answer to their questions, Pressi tells them that the plan is to rely more on Murphy's spells to find the creatures. (In answer to Kezzem's question, he's probably not going to stop soon after this.) Commune with nature appears to be a good place to start, and Pressi can raise a few other divinations to supplement.

Pressi more accurately portrays the answers about who the spirits were, raising her opinion that justice does need to be served.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Wednesday August 15th, 2018 5:35:59 PM
Zaragosa answers Succotash question "Yes sir indeed, The greatest and most favoured of my spells" He answers then continues with a grin "I even have these magic boots that give it to me for a full minute every day"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday August 15th, 2018 7:24:07 PM
�Just so we are clear, the plan hasn�t changed. We still need to know where the city is, except our need to visit it has a couple more reasons. We still need a mix of shadow jaunts and short trips to find the creatures. And we still need whatever scouting or trapping or divination tricks we have.�

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Wednesday August 15th, 2018 8:32:29 PM
[OOC: I can use my "New Arcana to add Haste if you think that would be wise for this group]

"So, where are we with respect to watches?" asks Talia to Mister Murphy.

DM Ken: Easy Camping
Wednesday August 15th, 2018 9:40:40 PM

Murphy begins to cast his commune with Nature spell. He lets it be known all the things he desires to know, and like before, experiences a strange resistance. He is freely told that the Emerald City is 10 miles east.

-Murphy must make a Diplomacy Check DC 25 to reveal any information that pertains to the Wolpertingers.

Pressi explains the results, as she knows them, of her divinations. The night passed without any fuss, and now day has come.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 d20+13=19 ;
Wednesday August 15th, 2018 11:16:17 PM

I should like to appeal the DC 25 requirement, since earlier when Murphy made an identical inquiry, the DC was 20 (and he rolled a 27). Also, Murphy shall expend a hero point to up his persuasiveness on the matter.

As he communes with the Culverwood, he gently asks the reason for the reluctance. If his pursuit of the wolpertinger is considered a Bad Thing, he would like to understand why. "Teach me," he communes with the land. He conveys a sense of openness, humility, a desire to learn, and a desire to live, so far as he is able, in harmony with the spirit of the land.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22
Thursday August 16th, 2018 3:45:10 AM

Earlier, post sneak attack response
Faced the unexpected rapprochement with Pressi in the morning, Murphy responds with affection, touched with a small dollop of restraint. "I think, in some ways, that certain definitions of terms may be leading to misunderstandings here and there - and that is on me." He nuzzles her neck, and whispers, "Suppose we might be able to puzzle things out together?"

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday August 16th, 2018 5:35:26 AM
�So, are we going to trek the 10 miles to Emerald City, or are we going to start looking for these crazy beasts so we can get home?� Succotash asks, �Were you able to gain anything more Murphy?�

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Thursday August 16th, 2018 3:47:40 PM
Talia, now rested, and thinking about the request to add haste to her repertoire of known spells, decides to add haste to her list of known spells using theNew Arcana Bloodline Power.

Talia asks, "Has it been decided to journey to the Emerald City? "

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17 (currently 16; 19 vs. Greater Shadow); HP 119/119, CMD 24; Fatigued (-2 penalty to Str and Dex)
Thursday August 16th, 2018 3:56:57 PM
Kezzem begins to sing softly to himself:

"One short day
In the Emerald City
One short day
Full of so much to do
Ev'ry way
That you look in the city
There's something exquisite
You'll want to visit
Before the day's through."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22
Thursday August 16th, 2018 5:30:32 PM

[I'd like to respond to your question(s), but must await DM Ken's next post, to exit spell-result limbo. :-) ]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday August 16th, 2018 6:33:21 PM
�Well at minimum I�d like to report these dead guys. And I am still hoping that Murphy is right about finding a guide there. But I am glad to also blast right into forest central if everyone else wants to bypass it.�

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday August 17th, 2018 5:24:38 AM
�That�s a good point Pressi�, Succotash remarked, �While getting these wopeltingers is our main objective, undead wearing expensive looking jewelry is a bit of a mystery, a mystery that warrants investigation�. �However, if Murphy is able to track some of the little beasts down, near our current location, well then, we would be foolish to pass up the opportunity�.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday August 17th, 2018 9:34:57 AM
"I should mention that I'm not entirely sure how I feel about going back to this city," Pressi replied.

"Not that I expect anyone to remember me in this city, but if they do it's as a surly employee or small time thief. Somehow, coming back as the wicked witch of the valley doesn't seem a step up."

DM Ken: Easy Camping
Friday August 17th, 2018 2:39:24 PM

Murphy finds that the difficulty in negotiating with the Culverwood has indeed, gotten more difficult. The situation has also changed. He asks several questions not usually associated with the Commune with Nature spell, but the Culverwood seems eager to answer. It's voice pounds in his head.

"You come to hunt. I seek to preserve. Wolpertingers are magical beasts, and rearing young. You are from these lands, and are counted as a natural predator. I do not intend to aid, but will not hinder."

Murphy senses some hesitation, like a friend doing a favor it does not want. He cajoled it into helping him once, with proper diplomacy as demonstrated earlier, he could maybe convince it once more.

----------

Pressi and the others are concerned about reporting the shadows to the Emerald City. At least the Culverwood was willing to guide Murphy in that particular direction, as he has not yet convinced it for more information on the Wolpertingers.

---------

Speaking of Jewelry, one of the Sword did successfully appraise the spoils from the last encounter.

All players add 850 Xp.
Appraised value of the jewelry, silks, and finery is 8,000 gp.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Friday August 17th, 2018 4:22:40 PM
Zaragosa again will politely object to receive any reward for a fight in which he did nothing. He also shares his gratitude for all the kind words his teammates have shown him. "I am covered in head to toe in magical items, I lack for nothing. I only wish to continue with you, perhaps gain some fame or locate some lost friends."

He also stays out of the decision to share information with the Emerald City since he has no idea what that is.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 d20+21=36 ;
Friday August 17th, 2018 5:06:15 PM
Murphy communes further with the Culverwood:

"Ah, thank you, mighty Culverwood. You have helped me better to understand," Murphy replies with genuine gratitude. "I will tell you freely, we sought for five of the creatures. As they are rearing young, though, and we do want them to flourish... I shall seek for only two. If I can capture, rather than kill outright, I will try. I cannot guarantee no deaths of these wondrous creatures while here in your realm, but that shall be my effort in this matter.

"Though, yes, I do hunt, I would never wish to hunt such creatures to extinction. I will make a covenant with you, if you will. I cannot promise an exact time frame on this, but will within coming years take steps to aid the wolpertingers, to help them breed, though not beyond reason. Each creature has its place. If that place is threatened, I would do what is in my power to aim for balance, for restoration where possible. For intelligent migration if necessary.

"Should you concur with me on this, and help me know where to look, and how not to overstep, then I shall covenant with you to help protect the wolpertinger line, so they do not cease to be.

"If not, in accordance with what you have said to neither help nor hinder me, I will seek information elsewhere, to keep a promise I made to another. My worry, though, is, if I involve others than my close friends, I cannot control what an unknown guide may do after we leave - will such a guide lead others to the wolpertingers?

"Yet, if you vouchsafe their whereabouts to me, I shall extract promises from my friends to hold that information in confidence from others, and invite those who wish to share with me in this covenant to do what we are able to ensure survival of this marvelous sort of beast.

"Furthermore, I shall raise a shrine to you on a bit of land where I spend some time, and speak to others of the careful discernment you exercise in caring for the creatures who call your domain home, and the need to walk with respect and wisdom while in this mighty forest."

Murphy awaits a response to his covenantal proposal.

Diplomacy: 36 (including +8 from hero point)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+20=34 ;
Friday August 17th, 2018 5:28:43 PM
Talia asked the assumed group that isn't otherwise engaged in an activity, "How do you make permanent a light type spell on a sling stone?"

Ever vigilant since the "Shadow Walk" journey, Talia makes sure they are safe, by keeping an eye on their surroundings. [Skill: Perception: 34]

"So, are we camping another day before heading off?" asks Talia of Pressi.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22
Friday August 17th, 2018 5:47:49 PM

If 'Yes' to the proposed covenant, Murphy says:

"Friends, the wolpertinger are with young. We may take only two adults - and no nursing mothers. Before we hunt, we must obtain two very strong cages which their mighty teeth may not destroy, and attempt to take a pair alive.

"Also, as we were asked to bring four, or five, for the uniting families to share at feast, an explanation will need to be provided as to why only two were provided. If we do manage to capture, rather than kill, might we be able to persuade them to preserve the wolpertingers, and we can return them to the forest? I don't know. If they choose to kill and prepare them for the wedding feast, then that will be their choice, and I shall not gainsay it.

"So, cages. First, let's go to Emerald City. Second, no guides. The Culverwood has given me guidance, and knowledge of the whereabouts of the wolpertingers is not to be provided to others."

If no further information is provided:

"Friends, the wolpertinger are with young. The Culverwood is concerned for their preservation, and neither will aid nor resist me, us. But their location, I was not given. They are somewhere within 11 miles of this place we are at. So, as Bliss had suggested two days ago, we may need to hire a guide. Also, to buy two stout cages, not vulnerable to their sharp teeth and claws.

"Let us endeavor to capture a pair of them, to not kill any others. Bliss knows how to subdue an opponent without bringing it death. Most of my spells are not so subtle. Talia's slow spell could prove useful - as could haste."

After his report, Murphy stretches, and works a kink out of his neck. "Emerald City is that way. Shall we travel afoot, or otherwise? I'm open to options."

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Friday August 17th, 2018 11:48:13 PM

Bliss grins. "Good job, Mister Murphy! You are a good guide!"

The halfling is eager to follow Murphy's newly gained intelligence.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Saturday August 18th, 2018 9:31:38 AM
�Well, that�s unfortunate because I don�t know if it�s a deal we can make,� Pressi replied. �We we�re searching for others and they presumably wanted four for a reason. And even if they could make due with two, we promised four and can�t ask to change it now.

�And that�s before the logistics of targeting the right number and no nursing mothers. And for what? The vague hope that the Culverwood will help us a little? Look, if I took over the negotiations, nature would throw half my Sargrass speech in my face. I know I am being a bit of a hypocrite. But at least I enter negotiations knowing what I can offer.�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17 (currently 16; 19 vs. Greater Shadow); HP 119/119, CMD 24; Fatigued (-2 penalty to Str and Dex)
Saturday August 18th, 2018 11:32:33 AM
"But you didn't do nothing," says Kezzem. "You lay their really good and distracting like."

"Eh, don't worry Press, I'm sure Murph can figure this out...he's pretty good at this nature stuff."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Saturday August 18th, 2018 5:26:39 PM
To Talia's question while Murphy is talking to the Culverwood "Well, first you'll need to be able to cast Permanency. It's a Level 5 Wizard spell, I don't know that I've ever heard of a Sorcerer who knew that spell, but many an experienced Wizard will have it in his spellbook. I imagine in the Emerald City we could find one who knows it. The only other problem though, is that I've never heard of Light being made permanent on an object. I've seen Dancing Lights made permanent a few times, but never Light. Couldn't hurt to ask around though."

When Murphy comes back and tells us we can only take two:
Pressi's right, we need 4. Any arrangement you made with the Culverwood for only 2, you'll need to renegotiate. I'm sure we aren't going to kill off the species by killing 4 of them. If it's really that big of a problem, why don't we take 4 males, and then you can come back next mating season and summon more males to get the females pregnant. We've got a job to do for the Mayor, and frankly I care more about getting the job done than I do about making sure there are no seasonal dips in the birthrate of Wolpertingers. Heck, if it matters so much, why don't we just find one of whatever naturally preys on Wolpertingers and kill one of those too. That'll keep the balance in line.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22
Saturday August 18th, 2018 6:31:19 PM

While communing with nature, Murphy has keep a telepathic communication channel open with Pressi, so she is tuned in to the conversation.

Just before the Culverwood responds, Murphy adds with a sigh,

"My lady love tells me we need four, to keep another agreement. I shall try to persuade her that three will do. And still see for the general health and welfare of the wolpertinger as time goes on."

Pressi can 'hear' what he is saying as he communes.

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Saturday August 18th, 2018 7:31:05 PM

"We coulda saved some trouble by just going to Plateau City and getting a wizard to Poly Any Object four pigs into Wolperthingies," muses Bliss.

"Them's good eating!"

Bliss changes into a cat just so he can lick his chops better. His nose too, if he stretches his cat tongue a bit.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Saturday August 18th, 2018 9:27:35 PM
�You know Bliss, you might be on to something�, Succotash says, �why didn�t we think os the polymorph idea before we left Humble�s Ford!� At the mention of the pig option, Miss Piggy gives a disapproving squeal, and Succotash quickly adds, �Maybe we could use domestic rabbits instead?�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17 (currently 16; 19 vs. Greater Shadow); HP 119/119, CMD 24; Fatigued (-2 penalty to Str and Dex)
Saturday August 18th, 2018 9:50:08 PM
Kezzem scratches Miss Piggy behind the ear. "Don't worry, Miss P, I'm sure that meanie Bliss meant polymorphing 4 kitty-cats into whatsa-tigers."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday August 20th, 2018 5:34:02 AM
�So Murphy, what do you think about the polymorphic solution, it may solve some of our issues with the Culverwood, and besides, if the Wopeltingers are an endangered species, I would rather create our own than kill a few�.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday August 20th, 2018 1:32:27 PM
Pressi shakes her head as Murphy begins to negotiate with her, and as teammates begin to propose 8th level spell solutions.

"Or maybe we can hand them buckets of air, tell them that we liquidated them to invisible vapor, and try to fool our mayor and a couple of people that have done us no wrong and are counting on us. On the odd chance that works, would you feel good about it?

"Look, if something changes, I may switch sides on this. But for the most part, I think we have to remember why we are out here. People are counting on us and they didn't leave a lot of wiggle room or even an explanation of what they are using these creatures for, and I can't tell you if killing 2 or 4 makes that much of a difference to the population.

"At least let me try to message them with a scrying spell before we make a deal on their behalf."

In answer to the question of why we didn't think of this before, "Because it's of far greater magic than anything even Talia and I can do. Regular polymorphs don't actually change the creature so we need to find someone who's probably pretty hard to find, not to mention expensive. Oh, and we need a duration to last through the wedding, and a hope that magic modification doesn't change the taste."

Pressi begins the scrying spell, hoping to send a message to the mayor.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+20=31 ;
Monday August 20th, 2018 9:59:15 PM
Talia wants to know when the plans to migrate will be finalize, and who has the rooster for the watches tonight?

While waiting for the cacophony & Din of organization to subside, she's look around...[Skill: Perception: 31]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22
Monday August 20th, 2018 11:15:26 PM

Murphy is on hold with the Culverwood...

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Monday August 20th, 2018 11:34:37 PM

"Miss Pressi, you are right. I think you should be the leader of the group."

Bliss watches carefully to see how Talia is going to come upon with a rooster. A Baleful Polymorph, maybe?

"It just better not wake me up at dawn!" Bliss warns.

He takes whatever watch Pressi suggests.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22
Monday August 20th, 2018 11:45:40 PM

[Gang: It's morning, right after breakfast. Do we need to worry about watches yet?]

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday August 21st, 2018 5:22:42 AM
As a way to pass the time, Succotash and Miss Piggy mock wrestle, using exaggerated moves for comedic reasons, and of course Piggy Wins. �No fair, you cheated�, Succotash fakes indignation. �You�re bigger than me, you should have let me win!�, He concludes with a chuckle.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 d20+27=45 ;
Tuesday August 21st, 2018 6:19:06 AM

"Very well, then," Murphy communes, "We're going for four, to keep another promise. And I will still do what I can in the future to ensure the welfare of wolpertingers here in the Culverwood - and all I can to ensure no more than four are killed or captured, and that the nursing mothers and their kits are not hurt by any who are with me."
========

"Talia, a cleric or wizard or sorcerer simply casts the spell continual flame on to a regular torch. Since the spell itself creates a permanent effect, you may not need to use a permanencyi spell in order to make it."

"Mister Zaragosa - Might I suggest you take the share offered to and declined by you, and, since you do not feel you earned it yet, use it to help us buy some cages in Emerald City stout enough to carry perhaps one or two wolpertinger per cage - with a dividing wall inside to ensure they don't fight each other while caged. Let's see if we can't capture them alive. Whether we can get them back to our town via shadow walking again, or boating back up the river - hiring a couple of sailors to help us, or finding a giant sling to hurl us as a group all the way back to the valley - let's get what we need to carry them with us in relative safety for us and the critters."

"Thank you Bliss. The spell was a bit taxing this time around." [Should have more to say once a DM rings in on the Culverwood's final response.] "Say, Bliss, Pressi, Talia - Would you all tally the spell resources we have, and work with the team on optimizing - I mean, on making the best use of the spells we can cast as we try to figure out the best way to get the flying deer bunnies?

"Everyone, as I said, Emerald City is that direction," he points again, "ten miles east of here. We know that here in the forest there is always a chance of running into obstacles and encounters.

"Shall we shadow walk? Or use some other means to get there - such as riding our mounts, some flying?"

"Are you all open to the notion of trying to capture alive, rather than to kill the wolpertingers? Once we have caught four of them, I think we need to get them out of the area where the others are as quickly as we can.

"How might we subdue those we do not capture?

"What means do we have for having some of us sneak up to them, and capturing a few, if possible, before they even know we are there?

"If the group is fine with heading toward the city before we continue the hunt, then how about we discuss strategies and tactics along the way?"

Regarding Succotash's query about polymorph, Murphy concurs Pressi's response. "We might use baleful polymorph, as Talia earlier discussed, to transform one or more real wolpertingers into rabbits - but then we need to cage them quickly enough that the unpolymorphed wolpertingers don't consider them a tasty snack. Then whichever of us initially polymorphed them in the first place, after we have gotten them back to Crescent Valley, we can reverse the spell, so they return to their true form. I think. Right?" he asks his fellow spell casters. "If it works that way, it should deal with any questions of taste."

"Oh, I could store a spell in a staff, too."

Before they leave the area, Murphy suggests that a few of the members of the party who are able to fly, do so, to mark from above this specific area, so that they will all recognize it, should the group need to return to this spot where we camped. He wildshapes into an air elemental to fly up high - as high as 1000 feet above the tree tops, seeing if at that angle he can spot evidence of the city off to the east, as well as picking out several landmarks - or treemarks - for navigating from here to there, and possibly back again. Then will drop back down. Depending upon the mode of travel that the group chooses, he will decide whether to go back to halfling form or not.

Perception: 45

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22
Tuesday August 21st, 2018 1:37:17 PM
"Oh, and Pressi, are you up for going There? I know you seemed reluctant, due to past acquaintances, or the like?" Murphy asks.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Tuesday August 21st, 2018 2:49:53 PM
"I'm completely okay with the plan to bring them alive if possible. But these are flying critters, and if one of them is about to get away, I'm gonna put an arrow through it's heart."

Hobie has a solemn look on his face.

"Succotash almost died, for the sake of a dumb wedding feast. I want to get these stupid things and be done with it. I'm not concerned with nursing mothers or mating pairs or whatever. I'm concerned with getting the job over with.'

DM Carl - The Snipe Hunt Continues
Tuesday August 21st, 2018 3:29:03 PM
It should have been simple. Find four wolpertingers, get them back to Humble's Ford dead or alive, and finally get the town leadership to take the issue with the Giant Towers seriously.

Yet, here they are. They've communed with the Culverwood, tried to barter the wolpertinger bounty down to two without one party there to negotiate with, and are still en route to Emerald City to hire a guide to make all this easier...not to mention almost getting their souls ripped out and being transformed into shadows.

Murphy's discussion with the Culverwood ends with a simple answer: It will not aid, nor hinder, as it said before.

It is morning. The plan seems to be to continue onwards towards Emerald city, which lies a mere 5 hours away if they walk at a good, non-stressful clip. There's talk of shadow walking, but what if they shadow walk right past a nest of wolpertingers?

One thing's for sure: they're not going to get anywhere standing around and planning. It's time to move.

***

IF the party continues towards Emerald City without shadow-walking, I need a survival check from everyone who has at least 1 rank.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday August 21st, 2018 3:38:24 PM
Pressi finally calmed down as people spoke over each other, and tried to calm others as well.

"Ok, a lot going on. But I think its settled, we'll try to take four and we'll try to take them alive and not harm the population, practical convenience issues, blah blah blah. And Murphy, I appreciate the time to speak my mind. It's not like I have a stake in this, but I did feel I needed to speak for the ones that do.

"It... is a shame that we need to stop off at the city to get supplies and do research, but I'm sure we could find some cages. As for planning, I was going to just let the new guys do it, but in general... I can do non-lethal melee and there probably are a few tricks I can use - polymorphs, flesh to stone, deep slumber, charm monster - but the key is probably going to be simple pit, net and other traps, probably should have asked what these things eat. The real trick, as Hobie noted, is that it's really going to be difficult to keep them alive but under control through the trip back, and I probably can't shadow walk carts... or them (they'd have to be added to the creature count). I won't have more than a slot or two to spare, so it looks like we are boating back. That, I don't really have any good ideas. But we probably need to shadow walk now to allow for some time later... if I can find sufficient shadowy areas within the next 10 minutes."

When Bliss is ready, Pressi begins their morning rituals and then prepares shadow walk (if she can find any shadowy areas).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Tuesday August 21st, 2018 4:03:31 PM
"Are you sure that's safe Press?" asks Kezzem as she preps for another shadow walk. "I don't want us to get attacked by the darkness again. I don't have any magic missiles to cast at it!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 d20+27=44 ;
Tuesday August 21st, 2018 5:22:30 PM

After his overhead reconnaissance for visual memory and later map-making purposes, the druid returns to the ground.

"Hobie, if one is getting away, but there are more to be had - or if we already have some, why kill the escaping one?" Murphy asks. "I'm sure I can fly faster than these critters. How about if you fit some of your arrows with bird blunts? Knock 'em out, rather than knockin' 'em dead. And that way, you probably don't get blood all over their feathers and fur."

He offers an option. "Shadow walking should get us to or near the city in about ten minutes, once we start. Sounds good to me. If anyone thinks it a good idea, most of you can shadow walk with Pressi, and I can fly above the tree level to get a bird's eye view of the forest between here and the city. Just in case there happen to be any wolpertingers in this stretch of woods, I might have a chance of seeing them.

"We should arrive in the city about the same time, and Pressi and I can communicate to figure out where each is, then regroup.

"But if y'all want us to stick together through the walk, I'm happy to come along that way. Any preference, friends? Some aerial recon, or all walk together?"

If enough people are open to the split group to cross the distance, then Murphy flies just above the treetops, looking and listening as well as one might when traveling over 60 miles per hour at that height. Otherwise, he's with the group. Perception 44

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Tuesday August 21st, 2018 5:49:35 PM
"Mister Murphy?" says Talia in a questioning tone. "Didn't you say the Culverwood said that the WhoperTings are magical creatures? What if they have Spell Resistance?! What is they can fight back? There are too many "What if" questions here that I do not believe we are actually taking into account for this little soiree!" says Talia.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Tuesday August 21st, 2018 7:29:10 PM
"That sounds like an excellent idea!" Zaragosa says to Murphey, as he tips his hat to Murphey "That would help us in our current task. I could track ahead. I can be very stealthy when needed though I have never hunted anything like this before so I don't know what I would do. I am ready to follow any order given, within reason of course."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22
Tuesday August 21st, 2018 7:45:48 PM

"Yes, they are magical creatures. Depending upon how we approach the task - there's a fair chance some of them will try to fight back. Spell resistance? I'd be surprised if they do - I don't think they are fae creatures, but, if they do have some, then, they might resist a spell or two. There are plenty of 'what ifs' to think about - good on you for bringing some up. That will not necessarily help them to resist nets, though.

"I can cast owl's wisdom, which raises the effectiveness of the spells I cast. If someone has the means to bolster your already entrancing charisma, and that of the paladins, or the intellect of our witches, that could somewhat help us in the situation you described.

"I can cast a 45' high wall of wind, making it so they cannot fly through it - though they might fly above it with some effort. What if you had baleful polymorph prepared to alter them just as they fly above the wall?"

"What other 'what ifs' can we come up with? Thanks for those, Talia."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+2=12 ; d20+20=31 ;
Tuesday August 21st, 2018 7:51:10 PM
After saying her say, Talia casts Overland Flight on herself. Using her skills for survival [Skills: Survival: 12] and her perception while traveling -- [Skills: Perception: 31].

Assuming the travel order with place Talia somewhere in the middle of the troop.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+14=22 ; d20+19=28 ;
Tuesday August 21st, 2018 9:25:14 PM
(OOC: Apologies. I posted at the same time as Ken.)

Woldsblood. Crone form. Ritual of Warding. Ritual of extended shared shield of faith+lore, CLW wand on Bliss. Mockery at Kezzem. Just a normal day.

It seems that people are splitting into groups between Murphy (land moving) and Pressi (shadow walk) but we still await the particular split (other than Talia). Pressi does reassure Kezzem that shadow attacks are not the norm.

Still, if basically everyone wants to join Murphy, she will too. (Survival 22, Perception 28). She considers joining Talia with her own ability, flying broom, but the group will probably want her on the ground for tracking (Relentless Tracker from Justicar - add 2 CL to the above roll if for tracking.)

As for Talia, she doesn't have a ready answer beyond "run away" as an "autonomous collective." She does point out, though, that they have a lot of options at their disposal, and she has an ability to scan all the strengths and weaknesses of any creature with a simple touch. Also, SR gives you no protection from pit traps. Just saying.

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle) d20+13=23 ;
Tuesday August 21st, 2018 9:31:57 PM

Bliss does his morning prep with his coven partner.

Grimalkin for Bliss and Shield of Faith for a Shared Spell.

Let me know if you need rolls.

Bliss leads the way to the Emerald City!

Survival 23!

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20=12 ; d20=15 ;
Wednesday August 22nd, 2018 5:29:04 AM
Succotash rolls 12+3=15 for survival
Miss Piggy rolls 15+7=22 for survival

Succotash mounts Miss Piggy and says, �Lead on Bliss, Emerald City awaits, by the way, isn�t there supposed to a a yellow brick road or something?�

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Wednesday August 22nd, 2018 12:22:47 PM
"Well, the whole point of getting to the culverwood was that the Wolpertingers are here right? I'd prefer to just walk through the woods here rather than shadow walk, in case we run across a couple. Either way, I go where Pressi goes. Let her lead on."

To Murphy "Obviously I'm not gonna kill them if we can take them alive. If you can outfly them then by all means do, but if one is going to escape, I'm shooting it. As for blunted arrows, what I wouldn't give to get my hands on some of those, but unfortunately they don't exist in the Wold. I've heard of other worlds where the gods granted people Advanced weaponry, but as far as I know, in the Wold our gods have only given us Core weaponry. Alas!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday August 22nd, 2018 12:44:16 PM
Since the consensus is everyone walks, Pressi doesn�t cast shadow walk.

DM Carl - The Snipe Hunt Continues
Wednesday August 22nd, 2018 1:17:52 PM
Pressi's nerves settle down. Her and Bliss are able to find a moment to complete their morning rituals.

Talia and Murphy have a chat about the wolpertingers fighting back. They may fight back, but Humble's Sword has taken down a dragon. Surely they can handle a few wolpertingers.

Murphy takes a moment to get an aerial view of the area. There's talk of whether or not to shadow walk to Emerald City. Hobie makes the point that the wolpertingers are right here in the forest, and skipping over it may not be their best bet.

Pressi decides she'll join Murphy and the rest on land, and seeing how she's the primary source for shadow-walking, that kind of settles it.

...and she almost misses it. If not her her Justicar training, she would have missed it. They're rabbit tracks. There's just a few of them in a clearing, with none exiting or leaving the surrounding vegetation. It could very well be a large hair on the run leapt into the clearing and leapt out, or it could have flown. They do not look fresh; it's likely been several days since they were made.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 d20+15=16 ; d20+15=35 ;
Wednesday August 22nd, 2018 3:18:11 PM

Earlier conversation with Hobie
"Alas? So the Catacombs do not sell them," Murphy says to Hobie. "A dagger to remove the point, and make a light notch on each side near the end of the shaft for string to bite into. A bit of cloth. A foot or two of string or twine. You can make your own bird blunt arrow, Hobie. It takes maybe ten minutes the first time. With practice, maybe five minutes or less per arrow. I've got string and twine, and cloth. I'd be happy to help you with it."

If Hobie agrees, Murphy does help, switching back to his halfling self so he can access the materials he listed, but not quite as expertly as he expected he might - Survival 16 for the first bird blunt attempt - not terrible, but not magnificent. At least Hobie should get the gist of how to blunt an arrow, and he leaves him with 25 feet of string, a square of canvas, and a cloth bag. "You can use leather, too, for such a tip."

At present
So, the group sets out for a traipse through the forest, with Murphy riding Skipper. "I love these woods," the druid remarks. And Pressi spots the rabbit tracks. "Great eye, Diamond Dust." He looks over the area.

"Trackers - time to get to work. We may be able to find a nest in this neck of the woods. As Pressi pointed out, the tracks are a few days old." Murphy looks at the main direction the footprints point. Were there some with a heavier imprint, such as from landing, or from a take-off point? If so, he tries to gauge the direction.

Next, he uses his druidic ability to pass without trace to check the surrounding vegetation, to see if there is a sign within the bushes of a critter passing through the leaves, perhaps breaking twigs here and there, or leaving additional imprints in the soil under the brush, as well as evidence of passage through the undergrowth. He follows the trail for a short distance and reports back if such is found. If not, he likewise passes on the lack of nearby rabbit tracks within the local vegetation. Surely other members of the group will be conducting a similar search.

"We don't know, should these be wolpertinger tracks, whether it was flying from the burrow, or back towards it. Thoughts?"

Survival, tracking: 35

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle) d20+13=31 ; d20+22=41 ; d20+27=37 ;
Wednesday August 22nd, 2018 6:20:28 PM
Bliss changes into a cat and smells the tracks (scent ability).

he uses his brand spankin new survival skills to track. He is sneaky in hunting mode.

Survival 31
Prception 41
Stealth 37

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells) d20+23=37 ; d20+5=15 ; d20=6 ;
Wednesday August 22nd, 2018 9:19:31 PM
Whenever he travels with the group anywhere, Zaragosa will whisper to one of the rings he carries. This helps him travel more quietly then he already does. (+10 if the DM allows for the circumstance.) Zaragosa will not trail ahead to scout until requested, but he does take his time to be quiet whenever possible. (unless the group wants to travel at faster paces.

He was not a man of the outdoors, but being a bard, he knew a little of everything. So he would take a look at the tracks and see what he could come up with. He just wanted to know if it was the animal, these wolpertingers, they were tracking (knowledge nature? He did look to see if he could follow the tracks, but he knew he was no good at actual tracking.

Stealth 37 (or 47 with the ring)
Knowledge nature 15
survival 6

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22
Wednesday August 22nd, 2018 9:56:04 PM

Quick Query: How far from our campsite did we travel towards Emerald City before we came upon the 'bunny' tracks? The total distance between campsite and city is ~10 miles.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24 d20+1=7 ; d20+9=19 ; d20+1=11 ;
Wednesday August 22nd, 2018 11:43:07 PM
Kezzem puts his less than formidably tracking skills to the test, but honestly, he has trouble following Murphy's tracks.

Perception: 7.
Stealth: 19.
Survival: 11.

"Hey, were did Bliss and Zaragosa go?" he asks as the pair seemingly vanish into the Culverwood.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+3=15 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+7=12 ;
Thursday August 23rd, 2018 5:25:24 AM
�Ok Piggy, time to put your nose to work, and we�re not looking for truffles this time�, Succotash says with a smile, �However, If you do find some truffles, those things are delicious!�

Succotash: survival 15, perception 11
Miss Piggy (scent): survival 8, perception 12

�Umm, Piggy, the tracks are over here!�

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+7=12 ; d20+6=10 ;
Thursday August 23rd, 2018 5:31:02 AM
Succotash rolls a 12 for stealth, and Miss Piggy rolls a 10.
�Guys, I hope you weren�t wanting me to move stealthily, full plate armor tends to interfere with that�.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+19=39 ; d20+24=41 ; d20+1=18 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+9=29 ;
Thursday August 23rd, 2018 10:36:51 AM
"Yeah, my eyes had nothing to do with it," Pressi replied. "The Wolpertingers know they are being tracked... on some primitive level. The downside to Justicar abilities."

Pressi turns off her ability for now, choosing to aid another (no fail) for Bliss, along with using perception (Nat 20) and stealth (41) to hunt.

Harper makes an attempt to help. (Rolls: survival 18, perception 11, stealth nat 20).

Pressi also makes an attempt to cast locate creature: wolpertinger. (I need a DM ruling as to whether seeing a drawing is sufficient to fulfill the requirements.)

---------------------

crone form
ritual of warding
shared spell: extended shield of faith

L1: 7+1
L2: 5+1
L3: 4+1
L4 1/3+1 (2?)
L5: 0/2+1

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22
Thursday August 23rd, 2018 2:42:50 PM

[Actually, Pressi, you have two pictures - the one that Murphy sketched, and the one that Mayor Bumbleluck provided.]

"I hope that we find only normal wolpertingers, and not the larger dire ones," Murphy says. "If we find the latter, then one could probably feed a fair-sized wedding party. But they can be nasty in combat." He then adds, "But, judging by the footprints left, if a wolpertinger, it looks like the small version."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Thursday August 23rd, 2018 3:55:07 PM
ooc: DMs, is Kim right? Can Hobie craft blunted arrows? I always assumed I just can't have them because they are in the APG and not in the CRB, but if its possible for me to have them, I definitely want some blunted arrows. Would have helped a lot against that crystal construct.

DM Carl - The Snipe Hunt Continues d20+14=27 ; d3=2 ;
Thursday August 23rd, 2018 4:32:05 PM
Murphy sets to work hunting down the wopletingers he hopes are nearby. He's a skilled enough tracker to determine the direction the tracks were heading and can follow them, but they don't lead anywhere interesting in the immediate vicinity.

(Humble's Sword travelled about 2 miles before finding these tracks.)

Bliss has an ability Murphy lacks in his present form: Scent. The passing happened too long ago to leave any scent, however. Bliss smells lots of interesting things, but isn't quite sure what a wolpertinger smells like. He's quiet, though. It's unlikely he scarred any off.

Jack can hide better than his mannerisms would indicate. He can't track worth a tinker's cuss, though.

Kezzem...is Kezzem, and we love him.

Succotash and Pig try to track as well, but Piggy's not interested in wolpertingers. She does find a very small truffle, though!

Pressi makes sure folks know that the wolpertinger who made these tracks knows it's being hunted. Thankfully, the rest of the pack shouldn't. Her perception skills are on point, but can't find anything that Murphy and Bliss can't. Harper can't help much, but manages to stay quiet. She tries getting a bead on any nearby, but feels her spell won't cut it. She may know what they look like, but her magic is much too personal for a painting to substitute for actual contact.

Hobie needs some blunted arrows. He wonders why he hasn't thought of them before.

With no other leads and with a somewhat active trail, our capable heroes follow the trail. It is not easy. The longer you follow, the further apart the tracks become. Soon, you find that tracks come down at different angles than they came from. While this does lend credence to the idea that these are wolpertinger tracks, it doesn't make the job of tracking them any easier. The party is forced to fan out to locate each set of tracks.

It is Bliss who first sees the creature. It seems to be alone, and is almost certainly trying to hide from you. (Perception vs stealth of 27 - success. Rolled d3 to determine who spots it.) As soon as its eyes lock with Bliss', it takes off into the brush.

It appears the hunt is on!

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 halfling AC/FF/T 22/18/16 CMB 10 CMD 22 d20+27=43 ;
Thursday August 23rd, 2018 10:05:51 PM

Murphy messages to Pressi, "Bliss found it. It's bounding through the underbrush. Ask folks not to kill it, if it looks like they're about to try. We're on the chase." He tells her this as he pulls out his folded net to set beside him, and wild shapes into an air elemental. Aloud, he says in halfling, "Capture."

Perception (sight and hearing): 43

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+20=29 ; d20+20=26 ; d20+20=35 ; d20+2=4 ; d20+2=7 ; d20+2=17 ;
Thursday August 23rd, 2018 10:20:34 PM
Talia, casts Fly on herself in hopes to be able to keep the quarry in sight as it flees. Talia will stay between 10 and 15 ft above the ground while trying to keep up with the WhopperTinger.

Using her skills of Perception [Skill: Perception: 29, 26, 35] & Survival, [Skill: Survival: 4,7,17] while flying above the quarry.

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Thursday August 23rd, 2018 11:53:07 PM

Bliss dashes off after it, at a speed of 50 with his barbarian and magical boosts. He tries to get a good sniff, so he will know it next time, even if getting the scent means he loses some ground.

Then he chases!

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Air Elemental AC/FF/T 29/22/19 CMB 12 CMD 27 d20+13=22 ;
Friday August 24th, 2018 2:36:12 AM

(just in case we're not yet in combat rounds)

Air Murphy picks up the folded net, and sets off in pursuit of the deer bird bunny, following the sounds, and what views he may be able to pick up. As he flies 115, perfectly (expertly dodging trees and other obstacles in his path above the bushes), he intends to get up and ahead of the critter. He readies the net should the wolpertinger fly up above the underbrush. First ranged touch attack comes in at... 18 (forgot to subtract -4 for nonproficiency). This might be a few rounds ahead though...

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Friday August 24th, 2018 3:43:52 AM
Hobie sees Bliss take off running, so he chases after, gripping Prowler tightly in his left hand. He is watching Murphy and Bliss to see how well they handle the capture, deferring at first to them before casting any spells or loosing any arrows.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+7=17 ; d20+7=23 ;
Friday August 24th, 2018 5:37:59 AM
Succotash lightheartedly scolds Miss Piggy, and then takes the truffle saying �it�s pretty small, but with these things, a little goes a long way, should add some lovely flavor to dinner tonight�. He than mounts Miss Piggy, and follows his friends with the net Murphy gave him in hand. When Bliss spots the first wolpertinger, he holds back a little, figuring his friends have things under control, instead he and Piggy try to see if any others are hidden.

Succotash perception: 17
Miss Piggy perception (scent): 23

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday August 24th, 2018 10:36:52 AM
Harper takes off like a shot but not directly at the creature. Pressi instead orders Harper to stay by the creatures side in an attempt to corner the creature. (An action is readied to attempt a grapple if the rabbit runs towards Harper.)

Pressi chooses to attempt casting deep slumber on it if she can get within 45 feet of it (or can cast through Harper via shared spell). (Will DC 20).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Friday August 24th, 2018 1:10:20 PM
"I really should have thought to do this this before we started hunting," says Kezzem. "Rumpus, to me, my loyal steed. Your speed is needed."

OOC: Summon Mount (full-round action).

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells) d20+33=42 ; d20=12 ; d20+7=23 ;
Friday August 24th, 2018 7:45:54 PM
(OCC, I laughed when I read the DM's response about my character. My wife thought I was crazy)

Zaragosa did not like the idea of fanning out on the trails. He was not good at this 'nature' thing at all and thought he might get lost. He would ask anyone if he could travel with them.

If so. He would go at their pace. If quietly, then extremely quietly. If they need to move quickly, Zaragosa would whisper to his boots which would double his movement speed but only for a minute (boots of speed)

If not, he would try his best not to get lost while going at half speed to be stealthy in hopes that someone will find him later

stealth 42
survival tracking 12
perception 23

DM Carl - The Snipe Hunt Continues
Friday August 24th, 2018 8:32:18 PM
The wolpertinger doesn't make it very far on land before it takes to the skies, but Bliss is too fast, too graceful, and too fierce for it to get away.

(Your rolls are too high for it to escape w/ anything other than a Nat1, so I'm moving this along.)

CatBliss' distaste for blood comes in handy as he's able to quickly subdue the thing. A constant pressure on the beast's throat ensures it stops thrashing in a few minutes. Its breathing continues once Bliss lets go (if he wants to!).

The rest of Humble's Sword comes tearing through the forest. Kudos to the team for knowing how to snap into action, but it's a shame it worked out so anticlimactically.

There are no signs of any other wolpertingers nearby.

(Only one survival roll is necessary. Reveal up to your point of failure.)

Survival DC 10, Highlight to display spoiler: {This is an adolescent wolpertinger.}
Survival DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {Wolpertingers of this age have already left their packs.}
Survival DC 25, Highlight to display spoiler: {...but siblings do tend to stick together when they leave their parents. Solitary wolpertingers are rare.}
Survival DC 30, Highlight to display spoiler: {Given the age, and assuming all the rest of the wolpertingers in the pack are about the same age, they probably hunt in an area of roughly 2 sq miles. Of course, it's unlikely those 2 sq miles are centered on your exact location.}

It is still before noon.

***

In the interest of not having two missing DM posts in a week, I'll post again this weekend if everyone can get a post in by Sunday morning.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+2=3 ;
Friday August 24th, 2018 9:04:01 PM
Talia, realizing the quarry is had, flys down the the ground and joins Bliss. Looking at the wolpertinger, coupled with her survival skill [Skill: Survival::3 (NAT 1) ], Talia couldn't tell the back end from the front!

Asking Bliss, "Should I through a tanglefoot bag on it or turn it in a snail for easy transporting?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24 d20+1=2 ;
Friday August 24th, 2018 10:00:46 PM
Kezzem mounts Rumpus and attempts to follow after his friends.

Survival: 2 (natural 1).

Unfortunately, tracking is not his strong suit. "Hey, where did everyone go?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Air Elemental AC/FF/T 29/22/19 CMB 12 CMD 27 d20+15=25 ; d20+27=30 ;
Friday August 24th, 2018 10:22:17 PM

"Nicely done, Bliss. Might I wrap it for you?" He unfolds the net, offers to wrap it a few times about the wolpertinger. Then he uses the 10' length of rope at a corner of the net to tie after the critter is wrapped. As he does so, he gets a good look at the air rabbit, attending to the lay of the feathers, the colors.

"There may be another one nearby. This one is adolescent."

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells) d20=8 ;
Friday August 24th, 2018 11:52:03 PM
(missing the DM posts are fine by me. Classes just started so I missed one myself)

Survival score of 8 because Zaragosa no so good at outdoorsy

Zaragosa was just relieved to find the rest of the humble sword. They seem to have captured at least one of these things but Zaragosa has no idea on where to find another one.

"Well done Bliss! you have shown us all up! Very well down indeed, good show" Zaragosa blunders out as he catches his breath

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+7=10 ; d20+3=4 ;
Saturday August 25th, 2018 5:54:01 AM
Miss Piggy with a survival roll of 10 knows that this is a adolescent wolpletinger, however apparently, Succotash is too busy trying to decide what to use the truffle for to notice anything (natural 1).

Succotash scratches Bliss (while in cat form) behind the ears, and says, �Well done my friend! Now we only need 3 more�.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Air Elemental AC/FF/T 29/22/19 CMB 12 CMD 27 d20+27=36 ; d20+15=31 ;
Saturday August 25th, 2018 8:09:01 PM

Murphy comments as things settle down from the quick chase, "I hope the local wolpertinger nest is under threat by no one except for us. If not, we may have to defend those whom we pursue." He looks around to ensure everyone is in good shape. "Shall we continue to hunt? Succotash, might I place - say, is that a truffle you've got there?" he asks as he flies closer with the wrapped wolpertinger package. "Nice. I was going to ask, might we tie this critter to the back of Miss Piggy? Then we can set out and look for more."

If Succotash (or someone else with a mount, or someone with a better suggestion) is good enough to lash the bunny to the back (or figure out a better way to carry the net-wrapped fellow), then Murphy flies up high above the treetops, and takes a quick look about. [Perception: 36; Survival: 31]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+14=20 ; d20+19=38 ;
Saturday August 25th, 2018 9:00:43 PM
Survival 20.

"I don't really have a better way to transport him... Well, maybe "deep slumber" or "flesh to stone." Honestly, it probably would have been better off if we just snapped its neck. But since you asked... First, I don't think its a good idea to hunt around here. This guy clearly left his pack. Second, I guess it depends on what you consider the most dignified and least painful... I guess the back pack thing works unless we can find better at Emerald City."

Pressi does take some time to also look around (Perception 38).

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle) d20+13=25 ; d20+13=14 ;
Saturday August 25th, 2018 10:22:44 PM
Survival 25

Bliss does not kill the odd bunny, and lets Kim bind it. When it is secure, he turns into a halfling long enough to say that maybe it has siblings around abouts.

Maybe Mister Murphy can ask it if it has brothers or sisters or others of its folk nearby.

Then Bliss changes back into a cat and begins circling around for another trail.

Survival to track ... 14.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+7=21 ; d20+7=11 ;
Sunday August 26th, 2018 7:03:53 AM
�I�s small but this little packed is packed with yummyness, any ideas as to how to use Murph?�, Succotash says while holding up the truffle, �and of course we can sling the makeshift net bag on Miss Piggy�s saddle, she�s a tough pig, and this doesn�t weight that much so no problem�.
Succotash rolls a 21, and Miss Piggy an 11 for perception while looking for more signs of the beasts.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Sunday August 26th, 2018 7:40:00 AM
"Nice job Bliss! I wonder where we might find three more?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Air Elemental AC/FF/T 29/22/19 CMB 12 CMD 27
Sunday August 26th, 2018 1:38:58 PM

"What to do with the truffle? Yes, Succotash. I've cooked with them before, and they are exquisitely delicious. I'd suggest we see if we can find some more, and add them to the .Mayor's wedding feast," Murphy answers his friend. "What do you think of that notion?"

DM Carl - The Snipe Hunt Continues
Sunday August 26th, 2018 4:22:44 PM
Talia and Kezzem are both very clueless about this wolpertinger.

Murphy secures their prey in his net, noting it's just an adolescent.

OOC: Kim, what are those rolls for? It looks like survival and perception. Is that right?

Zaragosa isn't much better about outdoorsy stuff than Talia and Kezzem. He congratulates Bliss on his capture.

Murphy ties the secured wolpertinger to Miss Piggy's back. Then, he takes off to look for more.

Pressi mentions killing it would be easier. Maybe she's right? It's going to be eaten if it's handed over to the mayor back home anyway. Her finely tuned senses take in the surrounding area.

Bliss suggests Murphy speak with the thing before turning back into a cat and continuing. He has a good idea on what wolpertingers smell like now, so his scent ability will be useful. He fails to find anything nearby, though.

Hobie asks around, wondering how they can find more.

Murphy and Pressi are both able to take in the surrounding area. Unfortunately, Pressi is not a tracker, and Murphy is above the treeline and unable to see anything other than...well, tree tops.

***

OOC: Hey folks, rolling survival checks until you luck out may work in a sit down game, but in this format it's just wasting time and not at all fun.

The original plan was to head to Emerald City. If you guys want to keep doing that, cool, we'll move on to that. If you want to search, I'm going to allow you to take 20 on a survival check if you spend an hour looking.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Sunday August 26th, 2018 7:15:06 PM
Kezzem takes 20 on his Survival check and eventually finds his friends.

"Oh, there you guys are!" says Kezzem. "I think Rumpus had me going in circles!"

Rumpus shakes his head. If a pony could roll its eyes, he would.

"Hey, you did you find a whatsistiger?"

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells) d20=13 ; d20+7=21 ;
Sunday August 26th, 2018 9:05:26 PM
(Survival 13: zaragosa still knows nothing about the outdoors. He is starting to wonder where the indoor toilets are (just kidding). I don't care about the games pacing. It only helps me keep up with this new style of gaming. Just know I have very little to contribute.)

Zaragosa, not wanting to be useless. Tries to keep a lookout for any enemies while the others are tracking.'

Perception 21 to look out for anyone that means us harm.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday August 27th, 2018 5:24:05 AM
�Well, unless someone more skilled than I was able then find any other signs of the wopeltingers, I suggest we head to Emerald City, get some cages, and maybe a guide, and then see if we can find more of these little beasts�, Succotash suggests. �Murphy you could try casting speak with animals, and talking to the thing, like Bliss suggested�, Succotash offers, � but I don�t know how much help it would be, I doubt it would be willing to give us the location of its family�.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday August 27th, 2018 1:12:29 PM
If people are taking an hour to search, Pressi decides to take the time to search for tracks too.

(Survival 40 for an hour. She gets 20 from take 20, 14 from skills, and 6 from Justicar ability.)

"Isn't the help of speak with animals clear?" she asks Succotash. "To ease our conscience, we have deigned it necessary to capture only those animals that wish to be eaten. If our captive is anything short of enthusiastic to getting in our belly, even after soft persuasion, then surely eating him will be an affront to the predator-prey relationship. This is why I talk to the undead before eating them.

"Or I can question it until it cracks. A couple of the right spells ought to do it. By which I mean ensure my doom when the inevitable mechawhomp finally arrives."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Air Elemental AC/FF/T 29/22/19 CMB 12 CMD 27
Monday August 27th, 2018 1:37:44 PM

Murphy takes 20 on survival: 35. [And, yes, Carl, his rolls in an earlier post were for perception and survival, as was mentioned at the very bottom of the post.]

"I suggest a patterned sweep, angling north, then south, as we head in a generally easterly direction toward the city. If we find something, good. If not, after we visit the city, we can return for a broader look."

If more wolpertinger are found, then we'll move into action. If not, then on to the city.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Air Elemental AC/FF/T 29/22/19 CMB 12 CMD 27
Monday August 27th, 2018 1:56:47 PM

... Or, if we stir up some other critters, well, that might be entertaining, too.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Monday August 27th, 2018 3:05:35 PM
Talia thinks to herself, "Seeing as she is not a Ranger or of any suitable class for this journey, I'll just wait while they ply Hide and seek with the 'TIngers! I'll practice my Prestidigitation!"

Tailia practices the various aspects of gifts of Prestidigitation! Talia starts by cleaning the area she is sitting in with a bit of house dusting by Prestidigitation.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Air Elemental AC/FF/T 29/22/19 CMB 12 CMD 27
Monday August 27th, 2018 7:18:08 PM

"And, uh, gang - let's try to stay reasonably close together as we do this. Say, no more than a couple hundred yards distance between us as we search," Murphy encourages the group. "Talia, how 'bout you walk a straight line to the east," he says, pointing that direction. "And make the trail clean and sparkle as you go along!" he teases her lightly.

Also, it should be mentioned that Murphy's searching while flying, is well below the treetops. Say in the 20'-50' altitude, depending upon the height and density of the local foliage.

"Bliss, and Succotash, I could try speak with animals. I hardly think it sporting, though, to chat with the poor fellow, and ask, 'By the way, do you suppose you can tell me where your fellows are?' Guys, I feel bad enough about this task as it is."

"Pressi, what in the Wold is a 'mechawhomp'? You know so many things, sometimes I just feel ignorant in your presence. Of course, I am ignorant about many things. Got to keep chipping away at my lack of knowledge in so many realms."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Monday August 27th, 2018 10:51:43 PM
"Sporting isn't our concern right now, we've got a job to do. We aren't hunting for hobby here. I'm with Succotash, I think we should keep heading to Emerald City"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Air Elemental AC/FF/T 29/22/19 CMB 12 CMD 27
Monday August 27th, 2018 11:05:33 PM

"Fine, Hobie, you're irritated with me, because that is the rule now. Looked like some others were searching, too, including Pressi. I waited until I saw what she was doing before I suggested a pattern to a sweep as we move toward the east. I agree we head to the city - that is where we are going, but that we keep our eyes and ears and... noses on the alert as we travel toward the city, right? No brag, just fact - I can move almost six times faster than a few members of the party. You think it unwise that we look on the way? Or is this just part of the requirement to remain angry with Murphy?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Tuesday August 28th, 2018 5:09:26 AM
� I�m not ANGRY with you Murph. I�m just annoyed at how much we are talking about their feelings and wellbeing and whatnot. We are hunting them so that our mayor can EAT them. Alive or dead, what does it matter?

He nocks an arrow and aims at the captured Wolpertinger

�In fact, why keep it alive and risk it escaping? If we kill it, you can just Gentle Repose it and keep the meat nice and fresh.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday August 28th, 2018 5:36:49 AM
�Don�t be to annoyed with Murphy, Hobie�, Succotash interjectes, �he�s a Druid, and you know how Druids are when it comes to critters, it�s in their nature to want to preserve and protect them�. �And yes, gentle repose is an option, but, I would rather keep them alive if possible. I�m not sure why, but I guess, I feel sorry for the little guy�.

DM Carl - The Snipe Hunt Continues
Tuesday August 28th, 2018 1:05:22 PM
Kezzem has a look around, but tracking is still not his thing. Zaragosa's in the same boat, so he stands guard instead.

Succotash suggests heading to Emerald City, and that Murphy tries talking to the one they caught.

Pressi says some words that don't make sense to some folks, though everyone's sure they're supposed to be sarcastic.

Fortunately, her and Murphy are very good trackers. More tracks are found, and the two manage to narrow down a small number of possible locations for the local pack's lair.

Talia starts to clean the wilderness.

Tense words are shared between Hobie and Murphy regarding the fate of their captured wolpertinger and their next moves. Perhaps Hobie's desire to move on to Emerald City is somewhat diminished when Murphy and Pressi make progress in tracking down additional specimens? The consensus does seem to be on keeping the wolpertinger alive for the time being, though.

***

Thanks to the efforts of Pressi and Murphy, the two slowly, but surely, progress closer and closer to what they believe to be the...den? burrow? What do you call the nesting place of a bunch of wolpertingers? Anyway, they close in. Both are confident that with a little bit more effort, they'll be right on top of them.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Tuesday August 28th, 2018 1:57:25 PM
[OCC: A group of jackalopes is called a flaggerdoot ~ perhaps the same for Wolpertingers?]

Talia will stop with cleaning activities as the mighty trackers hone in on the quarry of Flaggerdoot!

Not being much up to the task of ranger / wilderness living...Talia will hang back with Kezzem & Zaragosa Guarding & watching the group.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday August 28th, 2018 2:58:37 PM
"Mechawhomp is a common term meaning 'Really really big Wolpertinger out for revenge against those that disrespect their kin' or 'Wow, I thought you'd be used to my weird sense of humor by now.' Also, stop pretending you don't know what things like mecha are. We've literally fought a half dozen different types of them. I have a spell that summons one when I need to lift stuff.... That said, I guess Constructigger is more recognizable and funnier. Never mind."

Pressi does back Murphy up against Hobie. "First, I'm allowed to talk a certain way to Murphy because I make up for it in the bedroom, and you should know I don't share. Second, I'm the reason Succotash got hurt and the reason we are wandering out here so stop blaming Murphy and be more mad at me. Third, Succotash seems to have gotten over the shadows and the forest, so take it down a notch.

"And fourth, I'm actually a lot more torn about these creatures than I maybe let on. Sort of connected to nature myself and all, though a little less so than the average witch. But while I don't appreciate the extra work, I respect it. Frankly, it wouldn't kill you to start expressing your feelings and softer side for a change."

Pressi settled down. "Besides, its almost over. We found the tracks, we found the burrow, our hunting party is almost done. And Murphy, you can calm down. We've fulfilled the mission and I think nature should be pleased. So, shall we all calm down and begin. Any suggestions on what to do next?"

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Tuesday August 28th, 2018 3:29:43 PM
Zaragosa was a bit uncomfortable with the arguments going around. Being new, he couldn't decide if this was how the group always got things done, or if there was bad blood between the members. He would have spoken up in his usually over-the-top manor if he knew, but since he did not he would remain quiet and on the lookout.

He tries to keep watch, forgetting about looking for tracks.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Air Elemental AC/FF/T 29/22/19 CMB 12 CMD 27
Tuesday August 28th, 2018 4:00:55 PM
Murphy laughs with Pressi's word etymologies, and appreciates the general tenor of what she has to say. "Thank you, Succotash, Pressi, and Hobie. Also Talia, for teaching us a new word, Jack for keeping a lookout, and Kezzem for tracking us down.

"Actually," he addresses Hobie, "you have in a way managed to point out to me that I have not yet sexed the wolpertinger. If it's female..." As he speaks, he kneels down to begin partially to untie the critter enough so he can determine its gender [which I am assuming is male]. After checking, he re-bundles him. "If male - ah, yes - we keep him. To keep my promise to the Culverwood, it should help to communicate with them on our journey back to our town. I can actually memorize speak with animals, and see if that works to communicate with them. I'm embarrassed to admit I don't have it at hand at the moment. That could help me know better what things to do to help them thrive.

"I suppose I am soft. But, I will help in the hunt. And hope we can get what we need while keeping four specimens alive. Might make upcoming conversations with them a little bit easier, despite that they are scheduled for dinner in a few days. Does that make sense to you, good archer? Later we can grab suitable cages in Emerald City for transport, and hire the help of a couple of river sailors for the trip home."

Approach ideas - add to these as you wish
With Pressi, and a suitable downwind distance from the target site that conversation will not be overheard, Murphy briefs the group on where the wolpertinger nest - flaggerdoot - is, and how they appear to be arrayed. "If someone can cast invisibility upon one of us who can fly, that one can get a better look without disturbing them overmuch... though smell may rile them up. Actually, I don't think in this form [air elemental] that I have any particular scent aside from normal air." He gives as wry a look as he can manage in his present form and adds, "Though some opinions on that may vary."

"Let's see if we might capture up to six of them, in addition to the one we have. That way, if some are female, then they can be returned once we've had a chance to check.

"I have two instances of baleful polymorph available. If I use it, I'll try to turn the wolpertinger into an armadillo." He describes what they look like. "When threatened, they tend to roll up into a ball. So, if you see one, then grab it up, before it tries to burrow away. Also have wind wall, which will keep them within one area for a little over a round or two, unless they fly up and over the 55' height. Though perhaps I should shape it so that there is at least one open area to channel them through as they try to escape.

"Mind the wee ones and their mothers! Please. I'll cast owl's wisdom [+4 wis 11 minutes] on myself, to help with polymorph. Here is a thought. Bliss, if I cast freedom of movement [110 minutes] upon you, and entangle a portion of the nest area, that might enable you to move within the area and do what you can do to some of the critters. If you like that - or if someone else thinks that they'd like to do that, then let me know. I have only one of each spell.

"I have available cat's grace [+4 dex 11 minutes], bear's endurance [+4 con 11 min.], barkskin [+4 enhancement to natural armor 110 min.] -- if any need one or more of those, speak up. I know calm animals [make docile and harmless 2d4+11 hd], but don't know if that would work on wolpertinger. Hmmm, actually, I can cast it twice. We could try it in our little guy here, just to see, or find out in the thick of things."

"Second to the last thought for the nonce. So that we do not raise a huge ruckus walking through the brush on our way to the site, I could carry maybe four of you in the air, and set you down near the nest.

Murphy retrieves a net from his dog Skipper. "We have eight more nets among us - say if you want one, and it's yours."

"Other ideas, friends?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Tuesday August 28th, 2018 4:39:52 PM
Kezzem has a conversation with himself.

"Hey Kezzem, there you are...we were afraid we lost you."

"Don't worry about it, Kezzem, I can take care of myself."

"All the same, Kezzem, I am glad you are okay."

"I appreciate it, Kezzem."

At Murphey's prompt for ideas, Kezzem ads "Turn them into a newt...they'll get better, right?"

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle) d20+13=23 ; d20+22=34 ; d20+27=38 ; d20+34=48 ; d20=1 ;
Wednesday August 29th, 2018 12:17:42 AM

As a cat, Bliss uses his scent and hunting skills to sneak right up to the burrow.

Survival 23
Perception 34
Stealth 38

If he sees a bunnything, he jumps on it, like last time. What was that, a grapple check? Bliss rolls acrobatics to avoid an AoO and then an attack:

Acrobatics 48
Attack: rolls a nat 1.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday August 29th, 2018 5:17:22 AM
Succotash holds back,as he doesn�t want the noise of his armor to give away his position, but he is ready with his net in case one comes his way.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+20=21 ; d20+14=33 ;
Wednesday August 29th, 2018 8:10:19 AM
Talia seeing her chance to be an active participant in this chase, casts both Invisibility &
Fly on herself, and tries her best to stay above CatBliss by about 10 feet, hovering waiting to drop a tanglefoot bag on the flaggerdoot when they emerge!

[Skills: Perception: 21 (NAt 1) & Fly: 33]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+24=43 ;
Wednesday August 29th, 2018 11:50:32 AM
Pressi looks around for some shadows. If she finds some, she grabs a net and Hides in Plain Sight. (Stealth 43)

Otherwise, she prepares to cast Deep Slumber on the burrow entrance (DC 20).

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Air Elemental AC/FF/T 29/22/19 CMB 12 CMD 27 d20+29=32 ;
Wednesday August 29th, 2018 2:32:09 PM

[Wolpertinger don't tend to burrow. Antlers, right?]

Murphy casts owl's wisdom (+4 wis), and heads to the nest, to see what there is to do. If he sees what he thinks might be a male hopper, he casts baleful polymorph on it, changing it into an armadillo [Fort save DC 27 or change form; Will save DC 27 or lose several abilities: but keeps HD]. He is at a height of 30 feet.

"Capture, don't kill!" Murphy reiterates in the halfling tongue.

Perception: 32

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Wednesday August 29th, 2018 4:32:27 PM
When they arrive at what they believe is the Wolpertinger burrow, Hobie draws his bow and looks down into the hole.
Get your nets ready guys, I'll drive them out into the open

Using his Imbue Arrow ability, he fires an arrow with the Obscuring Mist spell down into the burrow. He is hoping this will cause the Wolpertingers to flee the burrow.

DM Carl - The Snipe Hunt Continues
Wednesday August 29th, 2018 10:07:56 PM
Apologies in advance for the low effort post I'm about to throw at you. I'm sitting in a crappy hotel room in Atlanta between wife and daughter on the eve of the eve of her heart surgery. I've driven all day, but by golly I'm not gonna be on my report.

***

Pressi and Murphy have done their tracking, and their work was correct.

Humble's Sword has made solid preparations, but in the end these are simple creatures who are just no match for them. Pressi's deep slumber spell alone is enough to make capturing them trivial.

The Culverwood spoke true: there are very young wolpertingers in the nest. All told, not including the one already captured, there are 3 adult females, 4 adult males, and 5 newborns.

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Wednesday August 29th, 2018 11:15:17 PM

Bliss is glad to have helped with the capture. "We take five adult males and we're good!" he says in halfling form. "Can we shadow walk back today or should we camp out overnight?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Air Elemental AC/FF/T 29/22/19 CMB 12 CMD 27
Thursday August 30th, 2018 1:23:17 AM
"Good job, everyone. Great work!

"Bliss, that leaves the mothers and young with very little defense. I promised the Culverwood to take no more than four. How about this? We take three adult males, and the younger one we already have."

Murphy checks the sex of each critter, and asks for his friends' help in choosing which three adult males to bring along. Once decided, using the nets, and the 10' net rope about them, so they are secure, but can breathe, and are not more uncomfortable than necessary. Then suggests they leave the rest to their nest, and depart with as little additional stress on the poor critters as they can manage.

Once they are well away from the much-disturbed nest, Murphy adds, "And, when we get to town, I'm going to appeal to the wedding party - in private, well before the ceremony - to spare one of them, that I may return it to the forest. If they say no, it's all four, then I will not appeal further."

"How about these two options for travel?" He asks his friends. "Option 1: We hire river guides in Emerald City, and go by boat. Total? About 18 hours of water travel, say split into two days.
"Option 2: Pressi shadow walks, with most of the group, including one of the bunnies - maybe the younger one, back to our place just outside Humble's Ford. I fly over the other three, and meet you all there, with not too much time one way or the other in our respective arrival times."

===========
Notes for DM Carl: Murphy carefully marks from the above the territory where the group found the wolpertingers, for future reference. He knows that, after the trauma they introduced to the group, they may choose to move. But he wants to know how to get back to the same vicinity. He also gathers up some of the local fauna,

He checks on their well-being fairly frequently, pets them as well as he can through the netting, speaks soothingly to them in the Sylvan tongue. As the group travels, he will occasionally provide them water.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday August 30th, 2018 5:47:03 AM
�Hey Hobie, didn�t you say you had a scroll of teleport?�, Succotash asks, � why don�t we send the critters ahead , along with whom ever wants to accompany them, and then the rest of us can follow using Pressi�s shadow walk spell�.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Thursday August 30th, 2018 10:01:01 AM
(OOC Sorry for my lack of posting. I (a) don't have a lot of skills in this and (b) wait for the DM but then sometimes forget to check back.

As for the DM, I am grateful that you all were understanding when I had family issues, so I too understand that you have family issues. Family come first. respect and prayers for your wife)

Zaragosa tilts his head as he decided to speak his mind a bit more. "I don't want to risk shadow walk with our captured creatures. Succotash was hurt last time and I could barely handle that plane of existence. Now that we have our new 'pets', we should try hard not to lose them. I vote to go by boat.

"Also, Do we have to talk all of them? Do we need five, right? Can we leave the rest to take care of the newborn?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Thursday August 30th, 2018 11:00:34 AM
Rejoining the group, Talia will back up Mister Murphy, in whatever way he believes we shall ship the Flaggerdoot back.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Thursday August 30th, 2018 11:40:43 AM
"Yeah Sucker, I've got this scroll of teleport, but here's the thing, it can only bring the caster, which would have to be Talia unless someone else can cast fifth level spells, plus three extra creatures, of which I'd like to be one. We can bring as many OBJECTS as we can carry, but it's four willing creatures max."

Hobie pauses, and is careful to keep his voice calm, as he doesn't want to provoke a fight.

"I know some of you guys are real keen on keeping these things alive, but remember, we did catch them so that they could be somebody's dinner. If you'll just let me kill them, we can put them in my handy haversack and get them to the mayor in about 5 minutes. Then the rest of the group can take their time riding back on the river. And as I know you are worried about them not being uncomfortable Murph, trust me, I can make sure it's absolutely painless. One arrow each, they won't feel a thing, just a quick cessation of life.

But if we insist on keeping them alive until we get back home (where, let me remind you, we will then proceed to kill them) then it's gonna complicate things as they can potentially resist any forms of magical travel, be it Teleport, Shadow Walk, or anything else."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Thursday August 30th, 2018 11:53:51 AM
DM question (How many days has it been since we left? I'm kinda confused, but it seems like it's only been about 3 days or so, is that right? If it's been less than 10 days, I want to retcon my last post, but if it's been more than 10 days let my last post stand instead of this one. )

Yeah Sucker, I've still got the scroll of Teleport, but I don't think it's really necessary right now. The mayor gave us 14 days to get back with the Wolpertingers, so now that we have them, and still have plenty of time, I think we should take the conservative option and follow Murphy's suggestion of taking the boats back to town. We can always teleport if we get into trouble and are running up against the deadline.

I also just remembered that while the Mayor told us we needed to bring back 4 of these things,he said that a fifth would be nice to place on the ceremonial plate for his deceased mother. So I say we bring back a fifth as well."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday August 30th, 2018 1:58:51 PM
"I can't speak for the rest of us but I (or someone else) still have to head to Emerald City. You know, report a murder, show people the symbol, yada yada. I have no other opinions on travel, except that Talia is the only one who can cast fifth level spells. (Except me, but I presume I've been excluded because I'm needed to cast shadow walk.)

"I leave the particular mix up to you though I am pretty sure we can take one female instead of a male."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Air Elemental AC/FF/T 29/22/19 CMB 12 CMD 27
Thursday August 30th, 2018 5:12:33 PM
[OOC: Nick: We left Humble's Ford two days and four hours ago, roughly.]

"Please, stay your hand, Hobie," Murphy intercedes.

"Right, Pressi. Emerald City is a couple hours travel from here. I'd like to get a cage, or cages."

At her suggestion to take one female, rather than a male, he concurs - so long as the female is not nursing young. If he can determine that to be the case, he is fine with that substitution, and helps effect it, for more than one reason.

To the group he says, "I agree it would be more convenient in some regards just to off these unique creatures. Yet doing so leaves fewer options open. Such as allowing the cooks to fatten them up for a week or so before their slaughter. These are very rare creatures. One of them, cooked, likely has about nine pounds of meat. Let one more remain with the nest. Please, let us take only three from this group, besides the young one we already have, for the sake of the remaining group's survival, as the Culverwood intends for this magical animal." Murphy restrains himself from saying more.

When all are ready, Murphy travels with them - presumably Emerald City-bound.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Air Elemental AC/FF/T 29/22/19 CMB 12 CMD 27
Thursday August 30th, 2018 7:15:25 PM
Oh, and just before they leave the area, the druid marks a good-sized tree - oak, or yew, or the like. He places an airy hand upon it, moves all the way around it, and says in Sylvan, "Perhaps I'll see you soon."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Thursday August 30th, 2018 11:21:45 PM
Kezzem gently places a net over a sleeping wolpertiger.

"Yea, I did something," he says without much enthusiasm. This hunting expedition has not been his forte,

DM Carl - The Snipe Hunt Continues
Thursday August 30th, 2018 11:30:21 PM
Emerald City it is, then!

Murphy makes preparations to find this place again in the future. Assuming the nest stays put, Murphy's more than skilled enough to make sure his bearings are accurate.

There is some lingering disagreement about the status of the wolpertingers, but unless Hobie decides to go completely rogue and outright attack them over the objections of the others, they'll stay alive.

Regardless of how the party travels, the trip to Emerald City is uneventful.

***

I'm sorry, but I'm not sure how many days its been. If you can give me a few more days to get over this trip, I swear I'll be back to the DM you guys deserve.

ADM Kim - Time Lapse - coming up on 3 days in about 4 hours.
Friday August 31st, 2018 1:09:20 AM
Carl - don't sweat this. You watch over your honey.
=================
Time since we left:
9am depart from Humble House
~11am arrive in Hovel. Discuss options
~Noon or early afternoon Murphy takes 45 minute round trip to talk to the Culverwood

Once the sun sets and twilight shadows begin, the group, via Pressi's agency, shadow walks to a place in the Culverwood forest. Despite a shadowy encounter on the way, they get there midnight-ish. Unknown to them at the time, they are about 10 miles west of Emerald City (we overshot - maybe the Culverwood helped us get in the right vicinity). After further consultation with the Culverwood, about 10am or so they leave their nice camp, and find 8 miles away from the city their first wolpertinger, an adolescent, some time before noon, as DM Carl states in the *snipped* quote from his post:

=======
DM Carl - The Snipe Hunt Continues
Friday August 24th, 2018 8:32:18 PM
... [capture of wolpertinger #1 by Bliss] ...
It is still before noon.
========

Further party discussion, general movement toward Emerald City, searching along the way, a nest of wolpertingers is found, a certain number taken. Time & distance unspecified by DM, but, perhaps one or two hours after the adolescent, so, say 1:30pm, maybe 6 miles from the city?

Some discussion after that. Heading toward Emerald City by 2pm. With mounts and other abilities, slowest movement 40, likely we'll arrive to the city at or before 4 o'clock in the afternoon.

By this evening at 7pm, it will be three (3) days since he had us to dinner, and afterwards asked us to go on this snipe hunt.

So, next DM post may have us coming in to Emerald City, about 4pm. Hi, elves!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d100=9 ; d100=46 ;
Friday August 31st, 2018 12:52:37 PM
(Ignore the d100 rolls. Not sure what happened there.)

As Murphy lays out all the factors and timetables, Pressi turned to the rest of the group. "This is why he's in charge instead of me," she remarked. "If I had to pay attention to this stuff, I'd calcify my brains out."

There isn't too much else to say. Pressi isn't inclined to take more of nature than required and "nice to have" for a centerpiece doesn't quite meet Pressi's view of "requirement." (Plus she already picked one battle and isn't ready for another.) She already said her piece about keeping them alive and is ready to do her best in that regard.

To the new guys especially, "Sorry that I didn't give you guys a chance. I'm still getting used to some of my newfound powers. But I'm sure you'll all have a chance to show us what you guys can do."

(OOC: What are the odds that Pressi "animal growths" one of the Wolpertiggers and sends it loose through the wedding. Make your bets now.)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Friday August 31st, 2018 12:56:52 PM
So as I wrote in my retconned post, once I realized it's only been a few days, Hobie would not be at all interested in killing them yet. We have plenty of time and could definitely fatten them up for another week or so. He is however interested in taking a fifth as per the mayor's request.

"The forest really can't spare one more Wolpertinger for the wedding? They are magical beasts sure, but they are still just animals, come on."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large (Huge) Air Elemental
Friday August 31st, 2018 1:00:11 PM

"Kezzem, I almost chose newt, as you suggested!" Murphy tells the paladin. "Buck up, buddy. It'll get better. You got one! Well, not a newt."

As they travel toward the city, Murphy speaks up. "Look, friends, I know that some of you feel that I may be running roughshod over you. Honestly, that is not my intent. I really care about the purpose and success of our group. Yet I think I have not always been alert to what each of you are looking for.

"I do not want us to be at each other's throats. I may seem to some of you to be intransigent at times. Uh, that can mean stubborn, or can mean resolute. I can't promise to turn that around, presto change-o. But, I do want us to work together as a team. A reasonably unified team. I have no desire to be bullheaded. I do not wish to dictate, nor to be an autocrat. Where the group is concerned, I've nearly always tried to work hard, to encourage others, to hold high standards.

"One or more of you have mentioned Pressi for leadership. I concur. She's smart, innovative, knowledgeable.

"I'm not opposed to rotating leadership, or to particular domains of such.

"You may suppose that I will never stop planning, never stop looking out for the welfare of the Sword, and of those we serve to protect. Never stop trying to serve you, never stop trying to be an example in diligence and, as much as I can muster, in seeking wisdom in our ways.

"I mentioned purpose. Each of us needs to ask: 'Why am I a member of an adventuring group? And why this group, Humble's Sword? What are my aims? What are the group's aims?' Also, 'Is having one or more leaders a bad idea? Or does it have merit? If so, in what parameters?'

"Speak freely, friends. Bliss, and all, please tell me to my face your thoughts. Let's share with each other."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large (Huge) Air Elemental
Friday August 31st, 2018 1:07:32 PM
[Sorry - looks like I was finishing up my post as Pressi and Hobie posted. I've got to run in a couple minutes, but have time for this.]

"Hobie, now that we know where to find them, I can get all seven of us - with no mounts or extra animals - back to a spot about 150 yards from where we found them in under a minute from a tree near our place in Humble's Ford. If the mayor insists, after we have talked with him, on another, I am willing to get us back here. Recall, he said, 'It would be nice.' From one perspective, yes. From a bit larger perspective, I think no. And we'll blame it on me. I think, though, once he understands their rarity - and the Culverwood's pressback - he will concur. If I am wrong, then I owe you a whole banquet. I will gladly tell him of your generous heart."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large (Huge) Air Elemental
Friday August 31st, 2018 7:48:45 PM

Hey, I was wrong:ONLY TWO DAYS SINCE DINNER WITH MAYOR
[sorry for the uppercase shout]

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Friday August 31st, 2018 8:36:47 PM
Zaragosa will travel, again, mostly in silence. He tries to stay out of the discussions, especially about who is in charge. While walking he would ask either Succotash or Kezzem when he could catch one or both alone. "Do these debates happen often?"

(I wish I had more to do, sorry for all the short posts)

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday August 31st, 2018 9:14:42 PM
Succotash answers Jack, �Well in the short time I�ve been in the party, there have been a few of these conversations, however it�s easy to see that there is a general sense of respect and dare I say, love for each other, and at the end of the day, everyone really gets along swimmingly�.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+20=35 ;
Friday August 31st, 2018 9:54:11 PM
Talia, having cast Overland flight upon herself, will trail the group as they head to the E-City while scanning the area for impending danger...[Skills:Perception: 35]

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Friday August 31st, 2018 11:57:12 PM
Bliss is excited about seeing a real live elf city, and he keeps changing from cat to halfling and back each time he thinks of something to say.

"Will they have elf bears and elf flowers?"

"Are there real buildings or just tree houses everywhere?"

"I bet there will be lots of music! Good music!"

"None of us are dwarves, right? I hear they don't much like dwarves."

"Do you think that there will be anyone from the family that's my friends? I can show their crest around on my elfish lunchbox!"

DM Carl - The Snipe Hunt Continues
Saturday September 1st, 2018 12:01:43 AM
Ah, Emerald City. What to know what a bunch of elves would do with their freedom after years of being kept impoverished by a green dragon? Well then our heroes are in the right place!

It's not exactly recent events, but the area's still coming into its own after the Emerald Dragons freed them.

...that's all well and good, but Emerald City is a fairly big place, and our diminutive heroes probably aren't well aquanited with the place. Still, one can always depend on the hospitality of elves, right?

Let's find out.

Walking out of the Culverwood, the city comes quickly into view. Elves on the outlying areas stop to observe a company of halflings in their midst. Pressi has business in town, though. Not outlying farms and whatnot. Let's see how she goes about it...

Meanwhile, our heroes really can't seem to agree on wolpertinger hunting, but is it reallllly that big of a deal? The mayor wanted 4 wolpertingers, he's getting 4 wolpertingers. He can get married without losing face, and immediately start neglecting his wife to deal with the very real danger hanging over the town with the Giant Tower being down.

More on that later, though. Pressi's gotta talk to some elves first.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large (Huge) Air Elemental
Saturday September 1st, 2018 3:46:44 AM

Murphy listens for the elven tongue. He speaks the language. He'll wait to see what Pressi might have to say.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Saturday September 1st, 2018 12:39:18 PM
"Kezzem, I almost chose newt, as you suggested!" Murphy tells the paladin. "Buck up, buddy. It'll get better. You got one! Well, not a newt."

"Thanks, Murph, I appreciate it," says Kezzem.

Murphey: "I mentioned purpose. Each of us needs to ask: 'Why am I a member of an adventuring group? And why this group, Humble's Sword? What are my aims? What are the group's aims?' Also, 'Is having one or more leaders a bad idea? Or does it have merit? If so, in what parameters?'

"Because we're a family," says Kezzem.

----

Zaragosa: "Do these debates happen often?"

"Friend, you have no idea," says Kezzem. "This is tip of the iceberg. We may bicker and argue, like a family, but as I said, that's what we are, a family."

----

Bliss: "None of us are dwarves, right? I hear they don't much like dwarves."

"We're all halfings, last I checked. Unless one of us is secretly a dwarf who shaved his beard and disguised him- or herself as a halfling! That's would be a fun surprise."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Saturday September 1st, 2018 3:02:56 PM
"We are most definitely a family. And make no mistake new friends, I might argue with ole Murph today, or Kezzem tomorrow, but if anyone hurts any one of you, he's getting an arrow in his trachea faster than he can blink."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Saturday September 1st, 2018 10:04:37 PM
"Hey Bliss, I had a thought," says Kezzem, "What if the secret dwarf wasn't disguised as a halfling...but as a pig! Think about it, that's genius! Nobody suspects the pig!"

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Sunday September 2nd, 2018 3:45:53 PM
Over hearing Kezzem�s comment about Miss Piggy, Succotash pipes up, �That would be hilarious, I mean I was expecting a pony much like Rumpus, the first time I summoned my mount, when much to my surprise, and joy I might add, I got a pig, well if Piggy was actually a dwarven lass, well wouldn�t that be a great joke played on me by lord Pantheon!�

DM Carl - The Snipe Hunt Continues
Sunday September 2nd, 2018 9:54:38 PM
Families...well, sometimes families are difficult to get along with. Every family has that crazy uncle, or the father who spouts off opinions from the political fringe, or the cousin whose interests deviate so completely from everyone else's that one has to wonder if there's an actual relation there.

When those families contain a bunch of capable adventurers, things can get heated. It's a good thing, then, that Humble's Sword is always so quick to acknowledge their...passionate disagreements and differences of opinion, and reaffirm that disagreements or no, they're still a unit that presents a unified front to the outside world!

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Sunday September 2nd, 2018 10:12:08 PM

Bliss laughs and turns to try his Dwarven on Miss Piggy. He stands open mouthed for a moment, then remembers that he does not even KNOW Dwarven! [OOC: Had to check my sheet, coulda sworn I did!]

"Wowsy, I gotta learn Dwarf!" he declares.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Sunday September 2nd, 2018 10:33:50 PM
OOC: I could have sworn that an unavoidable encounter of a bunch of murdered people now undead with a prominent symbol would be an obvious hook for a sidequest, what with our team filled with paladins and roguelike spellcasters, etc. Clearly, I was mistaken and will wrap this up quickly.

-----------------

Pressi basically goes into reporting mode. She tells the police about the bodies, symbol and divination. She pokes around quickly to see if she gets a hook. And she tries to give her condolences to the family.

Normally, a mystery like this would be hard to resist. Between her justicar abilities, her domain, her enchantment spells and her face and rogue skills, a sidequest like this is just what she was waiting for. A chance to match wits against suspects, break into filing cabinets, learn the shocking truths about victims... but hunting overhyped rabbits is important too.

Sensing the teams increasingly thin patience and knowing that they are already on a mission, she thus performs the minimum her job requires and gets back to the task at hand. Rest up, find ways to keep the rabbits alive, and prepare for the leisurely trip back.

As for whether they are family, you're not going to get an admission more than grudging "only sort of indifferent."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Monday September 3rd, 2018 1:56:26 AM
"Heh, so that's how you and piggy met, Succo? I had Rumpus from before I was paladin. Well, technically, he was Murphey's, but I was riding him. He had a bunch of ponies, but who wouldn't want one named Rumpus? Anyway, I became a paladin later and kept him as my mount."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large (Huge) Air Elemental
Monday September 3rd, 2018 3:17:42 PM
"A family of friends, no?"

Inspired somehow by Pressi's stories from the theater, Murphy asks, "But wait, what about all the detective stories where at some point it is declared, 'The pig did it!'?"

Murphy seeks a source of suitable traveling containers, cages for the animals. He also asks about druid in town, and whether

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Monday September 3rd, 2018 5:24:26 PM
Zaragosa was amused how they went from arguing to making pig jokes. Since he spoke Elvish (and dwarven for that matter) he follows Pressi to see who she reports the information to.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday September 3rd, 2018 7:20:55 PM
�Yup�, Succotash answers Kezzem with a smile, �I wanted to gain a mount, so I prayed to Pantheon, and then he showed me how to do the whole summon mount thing, and presto, Miss Piggy was there!�

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Monday September 3rd, 2018 8:49:53 PM
... Murphy asks about druids in town. He also asks if there is a shrine or temple dedicated to the spirit of the Culverwood.

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Monday September 3rd, 2018 10:59:53 PM
Bliss looks around wide-eyed. He is eager to see elvish sights.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday September 4th, 2018 6:01:32 AM
Succotash joins bliss in his exploration of the city, and though he has seen many things in his travels, he is always empressed by the architecture and city planning of elves.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+20=33 ;
Tuesday September 4th, 2018 12:03:33 PM
Talia, not wanting to get lost in such a big place, will join Mr. Slenderstick and Bliss in their tour, stp every once and again to make note of interesting places, shops, etc.

[Skills: Perception: 33]

DM Carl - The Snipe Hunt Continues
Tuesday September 4th, 2018 12:29:21 PM
Humble's Sword is eager to take in the sights of Emerald City. They find a town in flux that will one day be a beacon of architectural beauty. For now, there's a lot of scaffolding.

Still, there's an energy in Emerald City. A city of humans probably would have rebuilt and moved on already, but elves know they'll be putting up with their mistakes for centuries and act accordingly. As such, no one is in a hurry to erase the past and move on. There's a mixture of fear and excitement present. The elves of the Emerald Kingdom are free to flourish, but after years of being protected by Parnoth, they are once again open to attack from the ignoble hordes of Izen. The kingdom's saviours, the Emerald Dragons, have been quiet for years. One can hope they continue working off the Wold's stage in ensuring the continued safety of these lands.

Pressi, however, has a job to do.

Locating a temple to the Southern Crones is unlikely, but finding the temple of Pantheon is not difficult. Her appearance is met with some weariness, but all that goes away once she makes her report. A fellow Justicar who introduces herself as Faraine takes her report. As they were in the shadow realm when they were attacked, it's impossible to provide a concrete location for them to investigate. They can at least narrow down the search area, though. Pressi is thanked for her time, then unceremoniously shown the door. They're not rude, just highly practical.

...and just like that, job's done. Locating druids, cages, etc. poses no real challenge. The party is free to explore if they wish, but they're doing so with four angry, snarling wolpertingers who spend their every waking moment gnawing away at whatever's holding them.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Tuesday September 4th, 2018 1:36:06 PM
Hobie is excited to be in the Emerald City, he's never actually been, but he knows how Elves love their archery, and he's thrilled to find people who share his passion.

Since we don't need to be back for 11 days, assuming that we will spend a few days here, Hobie is happy to indulge the group in whatever they would like to do here, but he wants to take some time for himself while they are here, perhaps while Pressi is asking around at the temples and talking with the Justicar.

Hobie would love to go find some sort of Archers Guild, and talk with the other archers, discuss theory, get some advice from Elves who have been shooting much longer than he has. He also plans to shop around and look at some of the beautiful Elven made bows, fill up his stock of arrows if one of the fletchers can make him some small sized arrows. Perhaps he might even test his skill against some of the Elves if the opportunity arises.

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Tuesday September 4th, 2018 11:53:51 PM
Bliss really enjoys the views, even under construction and renovation. And he wishes he had time to look up his elf friends, the ones who gave him his magic lunchbox.

But we do not have that time.

"Friends, we have these wild beasts. We need to get them back home. Please do let's be off first thing tomorrow, right after we prep spells and such."

"Maybe we can see more sights next time."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Wednesday September 5th, 2018 5:11:09 AM
Murphy takes all in that he is able. In addition to contact with those he mentioned [Note to DM: See Email for private message], he adds to his list the local WLA chapter. He asks whether they might help his group find lodging for the evening, and perhaps take advantage of the time to exchange information - and ask about a couple of contacts who are decent river guides (with sailor skills). He checks with J.T.T. Zaragoza as to whether he is still interested in financing the enclosures for the wolpertingers.

Primary focus, for wolpertingers: Suitable enclosures, perhaps solid metal (or something equally tough) on four sides, and metal mesh on front and back, with a small opening to place food and water within, and full opening gate for entry and exit, with a latching/locking mechanism to ensure that clever wolpertingers will not be able to free themselves.

With the metal encasing, he also looks for some tough leather lining within, so that they don't have to be in direct contact with metal, and a softer, layered bottom (perhaps a small blanket?) to allow rest. One cage per animal; something to allow them to be latched or strapped side by side and top to bottom. A typical configuration might be with cages numbered 1 through 4, 1 is on top left, 2 on top right, 3 on bottom left, 4 on bottom right, as one faces the front of the cage. Alternatives include all side by side, and all top to bottom.

There should be enough space to accommodate antlers, body, wings, and allow animal to curl up. Before placement within, figure out a suitable wrap so that antlers are protected, and don't get stuck in cage door mesh. The druid's concern is for security, relative comfort. Murphy also seeks multiple animal bladders which he spends time figuring out how to attach to either individual or grouped cages. He strings them together, and uses netting to help affix them. Should the group return by boat, and should something happen to cause a capsizing or sinking, he wants to ensure secured animals and their cages do not sink. AND - he looks for suitable food for them, provides water to drink. On full stomachs, perhaps that will help calm them somewhat. He speaks calmly with them in the sylvan tongue, and tries to gauge their reaction to that - do they seem to understand at all?

Murphy will also clean up messes they make - or ask Talia to cast prestidigitation to do so. Once they are transferred into the cages and fed, Murphy uses mending to repair the damage done to the nets, as it is possible they will need at some point again to be wrapped with them.

Spellstaff tonight, Transport Via Plants stored in the morning
The druid checks as to whether a halfling sling staff might be used as a recepticle for the 6th-level spell Spellstaff. If so, he casts spellstaff on his slingstaff. If not, he buys a halfling-sized quarterstaff (at 20gp, right?), and casts spellstaff on this new staff. In the morning, he makes available the Transport Via Plants spell, then casts to store it in his spellstore staff.

=============

Bird Mail
On a strip of paper, Murphy writes neatly and concisely:

To Mayor Bumbleluck: Captured alive 4 wolpertingers: 3 adults (2 male, 1 female); 1 adolescent (male). Now in Emerald City. Should return within 2-4 days from [today's date]. Ask Foreman George to prepare As Soon As Possible at our new compound a four-compartment metal cage with four 8'Lx8'Wx6'H segments, a door for each, 1' dirt over solid stone flooring for containment. Ask help from Primula PipeLeaf if needed. Greetings to all. Pray for our safe journey home. -Murphy B. Leafwin Pipewood of H.S.

He carefully wraps the message in a strip of leather which he folds lengthwise to enclose the paper, then invokes his bird feather token, wraps and ties the message carefully to one leg of the bird, and directs it to deliver the message to Mayor Bingo Bumbleluck of Humble's Ford. He launches it into the air towards Humble's Ford.

==============

Time with friends, and those of Emerald City
If WLA representatives will meet with them either that evening, or at breakfast the following morning, Murphy lets his friends know, and suggests they gather together for exchange of information. Though he would love to spend a night on the town, he is rather concerned to oversee the welfare of the animals, and barely lets them out of his sight for more than a moment or two as necessary - then ensures someone else from the group is watching over them should he need to be absent for a short period.

He will happily spend time with any who are willing to hang close by, though.

If any outside the group ask him about their intentions with the animals, he tells them that they have been assigned to retrieve them. He really does not think it anyone's business who asked, nor what they intend to do with these four. He communicates his intent to study them as much as he is able, and to do what he can to ensure that this type of animal continues to have the ways and means to survive and thrive as a species within the Culverwood.

Hired river guides?
If via contacts, the group has been able to hire two river guides, and, should the group agree to leave in the morning after breakfast (per Bliss's suggestion) (and all shopping & other activities concluded): With conveyance available, Emerald Kingdom to Troll would take ~6.03 hours; Troll to Trader's Corner ~3.02 hours; T.C. to Hovel ~4.23 hours - unless obstacles, etc. pop up.

How is the group with this plan? Murphy is OK with it, but also would be OK with up to one more day in the Emerald Kingdom, if others so desire.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday September 5th, 2018 5:46:21 AM
After a brief tour of the city, Succotash heartily agrees with Bliss�s desire to get back with the wolpertingers, and after a good nights sleep is ready to head out.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday September 5th, 2018 10:05:31 AM
"It just gets so frustrating," she tells Zaragosa on the way out. "I know that its an organization of the book and by the book but they must realize how much quicker they could solve the mystery if they just left it in my hands. You know its because they don't respect me or trust me yet.

"And look, I get I'm the oddball in an oddball organization. I'm not a divine. I'm not a wilderness fighter. I'm not technically a lawful follower of a normal god or even a normal halfling. I look and fight and figure out stuff a lot less like them than like the guys they track. I get that. But if they aren't going to cut me loose, the least they can do is treat me as if I wasn't a joke."

Pressi calmed down to the best that we could. "If I was less of a coward, I'd take you around the city and we'd probably have no problems figuring out the murderer ourselves. Frankly, I don't think I'm ever truly going to be able to let this go. But I care about what other people think of me, and we've got our own separate mission, so fine. Let them handle it." She sighed. "Would have been nice to lean on at least one bartender, though."

Aside from that, there isn't much else Pressi wants to do in the city, and her teammates have everything else in hand. As Bliss said, its probably going to be a good idea to get moving in the morning, and its probably going to be a leisurely boat ride back. (Even if she wanted to argue for shadow walk again, 1) they now have too many creatures, and 2) some of her teammates seem unwilling to stomach the trip again.)

She does share with Zaragosa (and maybe some others) that this mission, centered around an upcoming wedding, has brought up some feelings about her own relationships and possible future. "So, how about you? Any thoughts about whether you'd ever get married or start a family?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Wednesday September 5th, 2018 10:37:24 AM
Kezzem checks in with the local temple of Gargul. If there isn't one, then he heads to the cemetary and constructs a simple shrine and prays to Gargul to watch over the dead.

DM Carl - The Snipe Hunt Concludes!
Wednesday September 5th, 2018 2:02:48 PM
Finding a perfect set of cages for the wolpertingers that match his exact specifications is unlikely, but they're able to find four sturdy steel cages that should survive even wolpertinger fangs for a few days. Finding additional leathers to provide them some comfort is also well within the means of Humble's Sword.

(OOC: Regarding these kinds of purchases, I tend to address it in a way similar to how White Wolf games use the resources perk. You guys are 11th level heroes. You've secured thousands of gold worth of treasure for yourselves. You can afford some cages and leather. Were this a first level game, I would likely make you account for how you're paying for them. I for one don't enjoy nit-picking my own character's ledger, and don't expect you folks to either. So long as you don't abuse this, I'm content to hand-wave away these minor purchases.)

Murphy is able to ensure some comfort for the doomed wolpertingers. It doesn't seem to make them happy, but they'll probably appreciate not drowning. Mayor Bumbleluck should know if a few hours that their mission was successful.

He finds his spellstaff spell sticks to his sling staff just fine. Handy, that.

Meanwhile, Bliss is keen to leave soon. Druids may not mind constantly snarling companions, but they really should get the things home soon.

Hobie would love to spend more time here, and perhaps someday he may. Finding quality fletchers and skilled archers in a town of elves is not difficult. They remain unimpressed, mostly since elves will be elves. Still, Hobie's charm and skill with his own bow manage to ellicit some nods as the elves reconsider his worth. He finds plenty of arrows that would fit his quiver, should he wish to purchase more.

Succotash enjoys the sights, but is in agreement with Bliss to leave tomorrow morning.

Kezzem does indeed find a temple of Gargul that is much different than what is typically associated with the god of death. The elves here seem to have chosen to embrace the life aspect of the god of life and death. His temple can only be described as verdant. It is an open air affair with a thick layer of grass as the carpet (check your shoes at the door...or at least you would if you weren't a halfling). The seating and altar are all living trees shaped into chairs, pews, and an altar as they grew, and many budding branches can be seen growing from them. The priests of the temple are thrilled that a paladin of their god has come to pay a visit, and Kezzem is immediately given an audience with their high priestess, Maeraddyth Gael. "Our lord has dark days ahead," she says, some worry darkening an otherwise flawless face. "Keep your faith, little one. Lord Gargul will need all his servants for what lies ahead." She refuses to elaborate further on what could possibly be going on.

...and then there's Pressi, who is not happy. No one can argue that she is not a tireless seeker of justice, nor can one argue that she is not more than capable in the role. Her method of practicing her craft is just...unsettling to some, especially here in the Northern Continent. Worship of the Crones is common on the bottom of the Wold, but here it's unheard of. Add to that the fact that she tampers with raw Woldsblood (especially after that bloodweed nightmare), and it's almost understandable that some would be wary of her.

Almost.

All that said, she finds her treatment by Faraine to be fair and pleasant, though it is pretty concise. She understands Humble's Sword is engaged, but asks Pressi to look her up should she ever return to the Emerald Kingdom.

***

Murphy finds that there is minimal prescense of the WLA in Emerald City. Such an organization would never have been allowed here while Parnoth reigned, and the elves are in no greater hurry to construct their new headquarters here than they are to complete the rest of their many construction projects. The party is able to identify several members of the WLA in the general population, though none have any insight into local chapters.

***

The next morning, a guide is hired to take the party down river towards home. Pressi is correct in her assessment that the live wolpertingers make shadow walking back with them impossible. Murphy's cartography skills prove spot on as usual, and the party finds themselves in Hovel later that evening. It would have been an exceedingly pleasant trip had these bloody wolpertingers not spent every moment snarling at you. Leaving for Humble's Ford immediately would put the party in town at around midnight, so lodging is instead secured for the evening in Hovel...which really does not deserve it's name. It's a quaint, pleasant little town.

An early start the next day puts our heroes back in their beloved Humble's Ford at midday. Mayor Bimbo meets the party at the edge of town; he must have been keeping an eye out for you since he received Murphy's note. He smiles sadly at the sight of the angry wolpertingers (seriously, how long can these things stay angry?). "Well folks, looks like my last hope of getting this wedding called off just fell victim to your abundance of competance."

The next couple of days are a whirlwind of activity as the entire town prepares for the closest thing Humble's Ford is ever going to get to a royal wedding. The wolpertingers are taken by the bride's family as soon as the party makes it back into town. Maybe some of our heroes are glad to be rid of them. Maybe some of them will miss their savage ways (they were pretty cute when they were sleeping).

Kezzem is walking along one day when a pebble beans him in the head. Looking over, Candy BadApple and her crew start motioning him over from their resting spot on top of a nearby hill. Her crew can be found kicking back, looking up at the party's newly constructed tower. "You folks done real well buildin' this," she starts. "Yea!" shouts another. "Them elementals play in it all day, I never..." He is shut up by a light kick from Candy. The look on her eyes is unmistakable: I am telling the story here. He gets the picture. She continues.

"It's pretty, and we've been content to sit here for days watchin'...but there's a weddin' coming up, and you needs to do us a favor. Getting kicked out and sneakin' back into the last party we threw was the most fun we've had in months. Then Mr. Murphy went and got everyone actin' all responsible." The word seems to hurt to say.

"Anyways, we need you to tell Murph to let us have our fun this time, k?" She plucks an apple from the tree and tosses it to Kezzem before shooing him off. They have elementals to watch...

***

Tomorrow's post will be the mayor's wedding. The post after that will be the aftermath. The last post of the week will start our new module. You were given significant downtime after the bloodweed event, so I won't be providing much since this was more interlude than module. Three in-game days will pass between returning to Humble's Ford and the next module starting.

I am awarding 10k XP for completing your mission with the wolpertingers alive. I will entertain any hero point nominations anyone would like to make (nominating yourself is absolutely acceptable).

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Wednesday September 5th, 2018 5:20:25 PM
Back home, Hobie is happy to sleep in his comfy bed. He makes sure to bring his lute to the wedding party and asks Succotash to bring his drums. Maybe they can do some jamming during the festivities.

Housekeeping-wise, Hobie will take the days off from adventuring and scribe some scrolls,
4 scrolls of Waterbreathing

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Wednesday September 5th, 2018 7:42:38 PM
(sorry AGAIN for missing yesterday. I will endeavour to do better)

To Murphey "By financing you mean make sure they are locked up? I would love to be useful to you, and I am good at tying knots. I have not done much this trip so I will stand by and watch over these critters all night if you wish me to! I will work hard to keep them from escaping!"

Since he was following Pressi he took the time to get to know her and listened to her story respectfully, "I know a little of what you mean. I am not a thief, yet I have the skills. I studied bardic spells, but I cannot sing. I'm just a man who entertains. This group seems to be full of oddballs, which is good because then the two of us fit in. I want to let you know, that I trust you, for what that is worth.

"Perhaps we could convince the others to stay one more night in this city? I would love to look around more and perhaps both of our skills combined can solve some of this problem. I speak elvish so I won't get in the way. If that doesn't work, we should come back here once we deliver the strange rabbit things. I am here at your aid. Whatever I could do to help"

"As for me, I'm not sure marriage or family is in the cards. I haven't given it too much thought but I never knew my family. I feel I wouldn't know how to be a husband nor father since I have no examples. I guess I am still finding what other purposes I could have. An entertainer or perhaps adventurer? What about you, Pressi ? What are your thoughts? does your future have you as someone's spouse?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Wednesday September 5th, 2018 10:44:29 PM
Talia, having basically been meandering behind the group, would like to know if there is a place she can place her assorted collections of stuffs. Asking Mister Murphy, "If there some corner of this expansive compound, I might be able to claim for a bit? For my stuffs, and to house Rayya while I'm about?"

As Talia lays no claim to heritage within the Crescent Valley, but knowing she is of Halfling descent, she will meander within the limits of Humble Ford to get a feeling the customs of the place and especially for the appropriate decorum for the wedding.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24 d20+14=26 ;
Wednesday September 5th, 2018 11:20:59 PM
Kezzem attempts to Sense the Motive of Candy BadApple and her crew. He will also try it the paladin (i.e., detect evil).

Sense Motive: 26.

If everything seems on the up-and-up, he approaches Murphy:
"Everyone's been working hard getting are new base up and running. Maybe we should let the locals have a bit more...fun...at the wedding. Might be good for town morale."

If he otherwise Senses mischief or Detects ill-intent, he also approaches Murphy:
"Young Miss BadApple and her crew are lookin' to stir up trouble at the wedding. Best be on the lookout for them."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Thursday September 6th, 2018 12:00:32 AM

In the morning Murphy casts the spell transport via plants to store in his spellstaff. Well, spell-slingstaff.

"Thank you, Jack!" Murphy responds to the offer to help watch over the animals, so he can get some sleep, especially on the last leg of the trip home. During part of the trip, he wildshapes and catches some fish to feed to the wolpertingers, trusting that may calm them somewhat. He does ask to stop for 15 minutes at Traders Corner, which is on the way, as the pub next to the docks there is the only place in the area that sells Brock's Best Beer (250gp a barrel). He buys a barrel as a gift for the wedding party, and some carrots from a local for the bunnies to crunch on and cleanse their palate as they near the end of the trip.

Pipewood family growth in Hovel
He learns in Hovel that his sister-in-law, Airin, bore two days ago not one, not twins, but triplets! A girl, and a boy, and another girl, each one distinct. The labor was hard, but Airin came through with the help of the midwives. He rejoices with his family. As the children are small, they are undergoing special care, so they cannot see them as of yet. Murphy promises to come back when he can to see them when he can do so proper. Brother Kendry says that they are waiting on a naming day for a short time, and will invite all who care to come at that time. Murph tells everyone in the group the news.

A Place for Talia
"Of course, Talia, you are now one of us. There is a place for you in the Humble House, as well as in the big rock building. Pressi can show you about, and help you pick a suitable spot. Rayya is welcome wherever she chooses to perch. I love owls."

Druid Stuff that's important to Murphy, but maybe nobody else (Bliss & Kezzem and anyone else - feel free to skip this section - wait for the next underline)
When back in Humble's Ford the bride's family comes into sight, he turns briefly, casts a quick owl's wisdom, and, before they can lay full claim to the wolpertingers, Murphy stands in front of the creatures, and introduces the members of Humble's Ford, and last, himself. "We brought these back. I spoke with the Culverwood about these furry, feathery beasts. That great power was reluctant to have us go for them, and wanted to protect them. Quite amazing creatures, fierce and lovely, these wolpertingers. Before we turn them over to you - forgive me for not simply handing them to you directly - but, could you tell me, briefly, of the origins of this nuptial custom?" He awaits their reply. Should they tell him, he thanks them genuinely.

He asks if he might speak with them privately before the animals are removed. If they accommodate this request, he says: "These are rare beasts, indeed, and magical, and the symbolism of your customs are rich. May I make a request? All traditions have roots. Some change over time. We risked our lives on our way to capture them. One of us almost died. So, here is my request. One of these creatures has perhaps eight pounds of edible meat, aside from antlers, bones, feathers, organs, and offal. That leaves a fair amount to eat."

"So that this species might last, I have a need to study them. In order that the Culverwood would not oppose us in this hunt, I made a promise to that Power, in whose shadow we dwell. That is, to ensure the survival of this species.

"Though it be a slight alteration of your tradition, what if you were to take only two of the creatures to serve at meal - one for bride and groom, one for the three living parents to share together? That would leave two for study, and eventually return to the wood to breed, so that more are born over time." If they seem resistant to that notion, he then presents this alternative. "Perhaps, then, one for the bride and groom to share, one for the mother and father of the bride, and one for the father of the groom? That would leave me one, at least, to care for, and study." Should they yield on either of these requests, he promises another wedding celebration offering popular among some families in the Crescent Valley. "It's called, and is, 'Brock's Best Beer'."

If necessary, he will push lightly at least for his last proposal, that one survive - preferably the adolescent. If they will allow two to survive, then he suggests the female and adolescent be spared, and offers to name an area where a new nest of wolpertingers might eventually be planted in honor of their family.

If they appear indecisive he does add, "If you need time to think this over for a few minutes, please, take your time, talk it over among yourselves."

Should the matter come up, he insists, "No, the groom did not ask this of me. This is I, a druid, asking for the welfare of the species, so that, perhaps, future couples might be able to enjoy a similar feast."

If they are insistent that all four be slaughtered, then he says, "Life includes a series of negotiations - of occasionally mutual yielding one to another. My desire is not to oppose your traditions. I do wish you and your family well, and that the union of these two houses be fortuitous, and a blessing for you and yours, and for us and ours. Perhaps, though you have turned down both options, at some time in the future, should I ask a favor, you might be open. Should you change your mind at all in this matter we presently discuss, I shall hold you in even higher esteem. My prayers for you all," and he gestures to include the bride's family and the locals, "as two families unite!" He will then turn and walk away.

Murphy realizes, depending upon which way things go, he could be setting himself up for conflict with the mayor's bride. Not his desire, but, it could happen.

[WHAT ARE THE NAMES of the FATHER & MOTHER of the BRIDE, of the BRIDE HERSELF, and of any other significant people accompanying them?]

==============

Aside on the Air Elemental Tower
Murphy is happy to see that it looks ready, or at least nearly so. He will have to get closer to find out for certain. He may pass by his house to learn more, first.

Apples
Murphy will listen to Kezzem's counsel regarding the BadApples. "What'd they say? or, do?"

Shiney new place
"Look at all this!" he says to Pressi, and all, as they arrive back at their place just outside town. Pretty much everything is up, and according to plan. "Amaaazing!" He takes time to thank Foreman George and his crew.

Viewpoints
"Hey, Press, let's climb your tower!" he suggests. Being a gentlehalfling, he lets her go ahead of him. And enjoys the view from the climb. He telepathically lets her know that he spots some very attractive buns on the way up. He prepares to defend himself against being thrown down the spiraling stairway, laughing. As they ascend further, he looks around, noting the rooms on different levels. At the top, he takes her by the waist and swings her about. "This is your place, Pressi. Your tower! You can do whatever you want here! And the walkway up top scoots over to the big castley-rock." From their vantage point, he looks over the grounds. Right now the shrines are merely framed areas, awaiting the touches and features and decor which will render them proper places to honor the many powers that be, once they are suitably dedicated.

"So, babies born in Hovel. A wedding here in Humble's Ford," Murphy comments as he leans over the wall. He glances over to this bright, unusual, brave hobbit whom he has come to appreciate much. He licks his finger, and says, "You've got a spot on the tip of your nose," and he touches her there with the damp finger, "that is a little wet now." He teases her a little more, then grows a bit more serious.

"I know I get obsessed with some things. I know that some folks do not fully appreciate your multitudinous talents. To me you are a marvel. Despite getting annoyed with me from time to time - how would you feel if I asked: Would you like to spent the rest of your life with me, that we might entertain one another with our mutual quirks? And, maybe, add some more potential adventurers to the Wold?" He pauses, then continues gently, "You do not have to answer now. Think it over, Press."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Thursday September 6th, 2018 12:19:51 AM

Just a reminder, the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword (or Humble House, or...) can be looked at here.

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Thursday September 6th, 2018 12:49:27 AM

As the group travels, Bliss finds himself developing some measure of affection for the angry beasties.

In other words, Bliss likes wolpertingers for their savage ways.

:-)

Back home, Bliss checks in with his coven and sees how progress is going at the new Humble House.

He is looking forward to the wedding. Well, more precisely, to the wedding cake!

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday September 6th, 2018 5:36:55 AM
Succotash tells Hobie, that he loves the idea of jamming at the wedding reception, and brings his drum along. He says, �I think I�ll name my drum Bonham�. At the wedding, he makes sure to congratulate the mayor and his soon to be in laws, and offers up a prayer for the 2 families, that they may be united and content.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday September 6th, 2018 1:36:28 PM
In response to JTT's suggestion, she laughs at the thought of doing the investigation on their own, but she knows they aren't going to actually do it. She does assure him that oddballs (mechanically and personality) thrive in this environment.

Pressi is actually caught off guard at JTT asking her back. Or maybe not. She must have known that she'd have to answer the same question in return, and yet was unprepared.

"I... don't know. I guess I kind of put marriage or even staying in one town for long out of my head for a while. Kind of spent a lot of time on my own. Seemed the best for all concerned. Also, I'd kind of spent a lot of time trying not to be just the 'love interest' healer role that our fans seem to expect. I guess if the time ever came, I figured I'd be ready... sorry, I'm rambling about nothing. Probably would feel different if the mayor wasn't dragging his feet. I just... really haven't had the time to work any of this out or talk about it.

"At any rate, I've got plenty of time. Murphy isn't even thinking about getting serious, either."

Interlude - The Wedding of Bingo Bumbleluck and May Greenbottle

DM Carl - The Snipe Hunt Concludes!
Thursday September 6th, 2018 2:33:40 PM
Hobie is back in his bed. Aside from enjoying his rest, he gets with Succotash to make sure they have musical accompaniment handled for the wedding.

Zaragosa comments on the odd mix of the group. He had wished to stay longer in Emerald City, but should take some solace in the fact that it's a short trip away. It's very unlikely he's seen the last of it. He and Pressi discuss marriage and family.

Talia decides to move in. An excellent choice, as Humble's Sword will need all the help it can get in the days ahead. She takes some time to learn the ins and outs of Humble's Ford.

Kezzem detects evil on Candy's crew, but is probably not surprised to see none. The BadApples like to cause a rukus, but feel like that's an important part of life in Humble's Ford. They would most certainly take offense to being told they were doing harm to the community! He kindly suggests Murph let them be themselves this time around.

Murphy returns to Humble's Ford in high spirits. The Pipewood family continues its growth throughout the Valley, and he is pleased to see mom and children all healthy. He makes a note to return when he has time and they've grown a bit.

The druid remembers his conversation with the Culverwood, and takes a moment to address the bride's parents.

Let's take an aside, gentle reader, to meet the future first lady of Humble's Ford and her parents. Mayor Bingo Bumbleluck is to marry one May Greenbottle, daughter to Lyle and Ruby Greenbottle. The family hails from Angel Springs, where they run a small custom jewelry shop. Though small, it attracts wealthy clientel from all around the Valley and outlying areas; they do quite well for themselves! Ruby has a reputation for being...difficult, but Lyle considers himself a salt-of-the-earth craftsman and is generally easy to get along with. Still, his business requires no small amount of precision and care. The man does not suffer fools, nor does he take kindly to the slovenly. May herself is a charmer, with the emerald eyes and black hair of her mother, a light dusting of freckles, and dimples that are...well, they're just perfect. Anyone who sees her walking with Bingo in the days leading to the wedding can see straight through his reluctant facade. He is a lucky man, and he knows it.

Back to our story. Murphy addresses her parents, asking about the origins of their wolpertinger feast tradition. Ruby seems annoyed by the questioning, but Lyle is quick to respond. "No great secret, Mr. Pipewood." Of course he knows your name. You're heroes, afterall. "They're delicious. Their meat practically melts in your mouth." It's a simple, but straight forward answer. Murphy propositions them on tempering their feast, owing to the rarity of the species. He even offers a special brew as a replacement. Their reply relies highly on Murphy's diplomatic abilities (which Kim should roll for).

Diplomacy <= 12:

"Now see here, sir. You were given a task and performed it admirably, but I did not ask for a lecture from you." Ruby directs her husband to take the cages and huffs off. Lyle does so with one last glare at Murphy before he follows.

Diplomacy >12 & <= 22:

"I suppose if we want future generations of Greenbottles to enjoy these beasts, it would make sense to protect the species." His face betrays some small hesitation, but his decision is only practical. He selects the two largest wolpertingers and leaves the other for Murphy to handle as he sees fit.

Diplomacy >22:

"I'd heard you like to talk, Mr. Pipewood, and now I see why. Of course, none of us want to harm the species. Select two of the wolpertingers to return, and we'll prepare the others for May's wedding. Ruby and I look forward to your attendance!"

Murphy has more tasks to complete as usual, but he does have an important question for Pressi. Your humble narrator hopes the two are aware of how gouche it is to announce future nuptules at a wedding! Pressi has pondered settling down, but didn't expect Murphy to ask so suddenly. It's no surprise that she doesn't have an immediate answer to his question.

Bliss misses the wolpertingers. They are beasts after his own heart. Maybe if Murphy plays his cards right, he'll have more time with them than he realizes.

Succotash agrees that a jam session at the wedding may be fun.

***

The morning of the wedding soon approaches. The ceremony takes place at the base of the newly constructed Air Elemental Spire, a 120' tall pearly white tower recently constructed at the direction of Murphy and Pressi. It is easily the most breathtaking location in Humble's Ford, and a perfect place for a wedding. Several air elemental guests come to see what the commotion is, playing among the tops of the tower, making their strange music as they fly about the holes on top.

OOC: The entire description of the tower can be found on the wiki.

Vows are exchanged between the nervous couple. He promises to love and cherish. She promises to love and cherish. You've been to weddings before, right gentle readers? You know how this part goes.

Wedding receptions can be quiet, sedate affairs, but if that's what the Greenbottles wanted, they should not have married their daughter off in Humble's Ford. It is a loud, fun day followed by a loud, fun night. The punch bowl is spiked to the point where no one's quite sure what kind of punch was once in it. There is dancing, and singing, and music, and...well, there's some debauchery as well, of course. Candy and the BadApples lay claim to the tower, taking on all challengers who would seek to depose them from their throne. Before the day is up, they can be seem from the top of the spire doing their best to mimic the auran of the small, playful elementals who have joined in the festivities. Heavens forbid they should learn the language and incorporate the elementals into their trickery. Anyone watching the BadApples closely realize they are treating the tower with rare restraint. Not one of them even tries to carve their names in it.

May tops the evening off by downing the remainder of the punch bowl, decking a grabby Pit and laying him out, then passing out and leaving Bingo to carry her off. She is going to fit in just fine here in the Ford. Ruby is horrified, but that's her problem.

It is a night for the record books, but like all nights, it ends. Humble's Ford wakes up the next morning. Many of its citizens trot off towards home. The lucky few find themselves already in their beds (the very lucky find themselves...well, they're elsewhere). Life continues on in Humble's Ford as it always does...

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Thursday September 6th, 2018 3:12:00 PM
Zaragosa would smile almost like a smile as Murphey thanked him. it was the first time Jack did anything for the group, "Anything I can do to help, most excellent sir"

To Pressi , Zaragosa responds with "You are free to ramble on and figure these things out. I often talk too much but in truth, I am willing to listen as well. I have very little to offer in advice for this topic, as I am far too focused on other things to have really thought about such life-changing events. However, I am here if you need someone to talk to."

During the wedding, Zaragosa keeps mostly to himself. This would be the kind of event he would love to show off some of his skills to entertain, but this is the mayor's wedding and the Humble Sword's reputation was more important than Jack getting more fame. He would instead talk to only those who would talk to him. He would have one beer and if the party went on long enough and he felt sober enough, he might have a second as well. Zaragosa was still walking on eggshells (figuratively), being more proper than anyone in the debauchery part of the party. He took no changes of making a fool of himself while representing the team.

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Thursday September 6th, 2018 10:28:49 PM

Bliss cannot even CONCEIVE of the concept of making a fool of himself. All he knows is that when authorities tell him not to do something, he stops! I do not suppose anyone will tell Bliss not to drink too much, nor to dance on things (like Succo's drum) and on people (like Mister Murphy), nor to change into a cat and wrestle the bones of a Wolpertinger. Ever since Alleah and Mookie left, Bliss has not really HAD an actual boss to obey. Sometimes that's not okay, but probably no harm will come from this night of festivities.

"Did I ever tell you about the time I won a drinking contest against dwarves?" he asks Jack.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+13=20 ;
Friday September 7th, 2018 12:19:57 AM

"Thank you kindly, Mister Greenbottle," Murphy says with a respectful bow to May's father at the acquiescence to his request. Murphy thinks if he himself had just a bit more native charm, he might have won the man's heart, along with this contribution to conservation. [Diplomacy 20]

Though he had sent a request to foreman George to build a few cages, he does not know whether the request translated into action - especially since the message went to the Mayor. Once he knows he has the female and adolescent male wolpertingers, he checks to see if a cage was made. If not, "George, have I got a job for you!" He also checks with Primula PipeLeaf to see if she will assist him with the metalwork required for the task. If starting from scratch, since there are only two, he has the cages made larger, and backed against the stone of the huge stone building at the Sanctuary. With the flora he collected from the Culverwood, he plants some of that surrounding the twin cages, and uses plant growth to speed up the process. He checks to see whether a local druid might be enlisted to help care for them - and Hazel, too, a ranger. He puts together a log book, and asks them to keep notes on the critters, to be kind to them, feed them (with, e.g., rabbits, mice, rats, vegetables), and to kick out any who tease or rile them up. Also, he looks to see, since they are in adjacent cages, how they treat with one another. Do the male and female seem friendly, or antogonistic? Any dominance games? For all he knows, the female could be mother to the male, from last year's litter. He does speak to them in simple Sylvan ("you want food?" "you want water?" "can you explain the rationale behind your epistomological claims?"), hoping he can discern whether they understand his words at all.

At the wedding, Murphy tries to ensure that Brock's Best Brew is among the first of the libations to be enjoyed, before everyone is too inebriated to tell just how good it is. He toasts the couple, the respective parents, and the daughter of the groom. However, he pours his drinks shallow - doesn't down more than a total of two regular drinks by the end of the evening if added all together.

As CatBliss wrestles the wolpertinger bones, the druid makes certain there is room for it, wild shapes into a lion and roars at his feline friend, then changes back to himself, and pets CatBliss before shooing him on elsewhere. He permanently borrows some of the bones from one of the creatures, but not the antlers. He knows those will be kept as a memento by the bride and groom, and perhaps the other set by the parents of the bride.

The young halfling is content to await, until she is ready, Pressi's response to what he brought up in her new tower building, and has no desire to steal thunder from the mayor and his new bride.

He speaks in auran to some of the air elementals.

Naet taman kauniin valkoisen tornin. Hyvat ystavani auttoivat, ja olen pitanyt lupaukseni sinulle. Olet auttanut kansani. Kerro hallitsijalle, etta Murphy kunnioittaa hanta. Murphy kunnioittaa kaikkia teita, jotka elavat ilmassa. Rukoilen pitkasta ystavyydesta sinun kansasi ja kansamme valilla Humble's Ford.

A rough translation is:

You can see this beautiful white tower. My kind friends helped, and I have kept my promise to you. You've helped my people. Tell your elder ruler that Murphy respects him. Murphy respects you who live in the air. I pray for a long friendship between your people and our people from Humble's Ford.

When opportunity presents itself, Murphy will help out a couple of the BadApples with Auran pronunciation.

Talia, Jack. Hope you are enjoying yourselves. You too, Hobie! Nice lute music, cousin. No one need be overly shy at a Halfling wedding. Though you might ask Hazel about that back at the Sanctuary." Murphy says with a laugh. "I've never seen a groom quite so tongue-tied as he was that happy day he wed Alouryn!" He looks down a moment, then, with memories setting a lively smile on his face, he adds, "I had to tell him a couple days later just all that went on at his wedding. It wasn't alcohol. It was, perhaps, ecstasy mixed with terror and hope." The lines in his face relax, and he says, "They enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon, though, and are among the happiest in marriage I know." Then he spots the couple dancing, she with her ribbons, whipping them so as to surround him, and Hazel looking strong, in control, until her ribbon tickles his lip, and his laughs uproariously, grabs her by the waist, and dances away with her.

As music and dancing begin, he first asks Pressi for a dance or two - and for her to reserve the last dance for him. He also asks Talia to join him in a lively set - and drops her off with Succotash. "Your turn, drummer boy!" He dances with his sister Leska, and his mother - both at the same time! If she will, he dances with May, and tells her he thinks she is in for a wonderful, lively life here in the Ford. "We'll have to have you and your husband over after things settle down a bit." As others likely want to have the chance to dance with the bride, he spins her off to the next one in line.

He sees his father - and the many people who have come to congratulate him on the beauty of the tower. "Wasn't my idea. Just some of my work, with help from many - including yours - I saw you moving the wheelbarrow over and over. Thank you, though. Say, have you ever heard of a carousel?" is the line of some of Samell's conversations for the evening.

Murphy does ask an air elemental in auran, "Do you mind the few halflings climbing up there this day of joy? I will not allow any to dwell there." If it looks like any are likely to try it, he finds a moment to let Candy know, quietly, "I've promised the air elementals to let no one 'dwell' in the tower. Glad you all are having such a fun time. Only, all down before sunrise, all right? You've got some great climbers."

He sees that all his friends from the Sword make it home safely, sees Pressi to her door, if she will. Kisses her, if she will, then retires to his bed, where he journals for 20 minutes, covers the light, and falls asleep.

In the morning, wakened by what seem to be many dreams, he considers whether to memorize transport via plants, among other things. He decides first to pray wisdom of Eberyon, and for guidance for the day.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday September 7th, 2018 6:15:56 AM
When Bliss starts dancing on his drum, Succotash shoes him away lightheartedly saying, �You�re going to mar Bonham�s finish you goof ball�. Of course Succotash partakes in some of the fine ales available, and greatly appreciates Murphy�s contribution, but he makes sure to use moderation, as a Paladin needs to be careful as to what he says and does, but when Murphy drops Talia off indicating that he should dance with her, he loses his cool, and begins to summer like a love sick puppy. �M-miss Talia, I w-would be honored to have th-this dance, I mean if that�s OK with you�. If she agrees, Succotash will be grinning like the cat the got the canary, as he leads the lovely Talia onto the dance floor, if she declines, he will go back to his drumming, and for the rest of the evening keep mostly to himself, and his ale consumption will not a moderate increase.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday September 7th, 2018 1:34:50 PM

Of all the people that might rein in Bliss' behavior, Bliss forgets that of his "dark mistress", though the title does not go far as it used to. True, Pressi's reputation of decorum ends at the door of any alcoholic venue. But one could expect her to step in if any teammate went too far.

Tonight was not a night of happy drinking or for policing others behavior. In fact, Pressi typically nursed her drink in the corner.

As always, Pressi had availed herself of some alcohol and fun. She made the rounds to her fellow teammates, wondering if any had heard. She managed to avoid yelling at the mayor for acting like he was being marched to the executioner and getting into everyone's heads. She congratulated the new bride, an acquaintance from her... thieving days? Shopkeep days? Temple member? May turned out to be a better monk than Pressi ever was.

She avoided eating any of the Wolpertingers if offered. She joined in at cleverly insulting the Badapples, leaving the choicest barbs for her follower. She danced a few dances with Murphy, quite adequately if perfunctory. She hung out with her shyer followers, and spoke with a number of her teammates. And she camped at the back of the room, retreating there whenever the noise got too much.

----------------

The day started brightly. Pressi settled back in the tower, helped Talia to her new room, and showed off her latest decorating idea of a gingerbread walled room with candy everywhere. She saw it in "The Witching Hour" quaterly.

From there, she kept busy. Wedding preparations. Guild house preparations. Some quick thanks to the gods. But she spent some time with Murphy, with his family, with friends. And today... with Murphy again to see the new tower they had worked on.

It had been kept light hearted. Lots of flirting and mockery as they raced up the tower. A terrific view from the top. Some much needed privacy. A speech from Murphy to which Pressi hadn't understood the import. And then he asked her that question.

For a while, nobody spoke.

When it became clear that nothing was going to interrupt them, Pressi finally spoke in whatever syllables she could muster. She remembers talking of the sudden question and of the decorum of proposing on someone else's wedding. She talked of needing to think it over. She wondered if she could say anything at this point that would salvage Murphy's feelings, and came up with "I've actually been dead for 20 years."

She finally settled on "I'll tell you the day after the wedding, you know for decorum," and considered a quick use of spells. The walk down the tower was considerably slower.

Murphy did not ask her later to aid him in his diplomacy.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Friday September 7th, 2018 2:33:59 PM
to Bliss Zaragosa turns to ask as he sips on his drink. "I have not heard this story at all. You are a much braver man than I if you can out drink a Dwarf, or at least try to. Tell me more!"

Zaragosa would raise up his mug, which contents were very slowly diminishing, to Murphey when he spoke to him. "Aye! I live for fun of course!"[/b]

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Friday September 7th, 2018 3:15:42 PM
Talia will join in a lively set of dancing with Mister Murphy. Dancing is good for the bones! says Talia. Not really knowing this assembled group, especially the wedding couple, Talia is display formal discourse with the attendants to this function. Aside from the merry dancing and the occasional merriment and drink, will keep her wits about herself.

DM Carl - The morning after
Friday September 7th, 2018 6:05:36 PM
OOC: Yea, I did know that. Not sure why my brain decided to mix that up. I've corrected my last post.

***

Your humble narrator has given his players much to read lately, so today, he's going to give their eyes a rest. Suffice to say that it's heartening to see Humble's Sword come together in celebration. They find themselves with a free day. Pressi has an important question to answer, but that's between her an Murphy.

At the end of a peaceful day, Humble's Sword settles in for a good night's rest.

Which is a good thing, because they are going to want to be well rested for what comes next...

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Friday September 7th, 2018 7:18:24 PM
"Jack?! Would you like to dance with me?" asks Talia of Jack. Extending her hand, Talia waits for his reaction. If he takes her hand, she will say to him, "Be gentle, I'm a bit rusty!" If he doesn't take her hand, she will pout and wait for him to do something.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Friday September 7th, 2018 8:22:33 PM
Kezzem finds himself strangely feeling a bit out of place during the festivities, and keeps mostly to himself and seems content to watch his friends and the townfolk enjoy themselves while gradually sipping his drinks. He keeps on eye on little Miss BadApple and crew to make sure they don't get up to too much trouble.

If any members of the Sword join him, he'll turn to them and ask, "When did I get so old?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday September 7th, 2018 10:57:07 PM
�Eh, youth wasn�t doing you any favors. Might as well try something else.�

For a while, Pressi said nothing else. �Been a while that we�ve been here, huh. I remember when we were the new kids, and this was supposed to be a temporary gig on the way to the next village. And now? People actually expect things from us.�

She watches Bliss play with the Wolpertinger bones. �Poor guys. Probably thought they�d live or die free. To be dragged around in cages because of some cultural expectation.... sorry, I forgot I was here to cheer you up with mockery. Hey, remember when we had to stake out that casino, the one with all the ostriches?�

��

Pressi lets Murphy walk her home, and gives him a loving kiss on the cheek.

�I�m sorry. I think I just need more time, maybe. I just never saw myself as a gal with a family, and I just have all these issues to work through. I really do love you, and if I ever did marry, it would... sorry, I don�t really know even what I feel sometimes. I... do thank you for your patience. I am really sorry.�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Saturday September 8th, 2018 1:11:53 AM
"I'd say it feels like a lifetime ago when we first joined the Sword, Press, but in my case that is literally true. Used to be I was the irresponsible one, now I am starting to feel like the dad of the group. Oh, and before I forget, make sure Murph has you back by 10:30, young lady."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+29=31 ; d20+17=34 ;
Saturday September 8th, 2018 1:17:49 AM

"Pressi, take time. There is much to think through. You are dear to me." He gives her a warm kiss on the cheek, embraces her for a moment, then says goodnight, not turning around lest she see a tear running down his cheek.

Return of the Wolpertingers
In the morning after the wedding, and after seeking Eberyon's wisdom, Murphy goes over to the wolpertingers. "Sorry, lady. I'll call you Rosie. Sorry, young gent. How does Leonard sound for a name? I've been thinking about keeping an eye on you for a bit, then getting you back home. I have a feeling, though, I'm not going to have time to watch over you. Been having these dreams. So, here's the deal. I'm going to let the Culverwood watch over you. One day, I'll be back. To help you all, or your cousins. Sorry for the other two gents." He tosses a few small veggies in their cages to munch on. "I'll be back soon. Then you're going back home."

To cut down on the typical wall of text: Murphy has the means to take two fellow adventurers with him, and the pair of wolpertingers in their travel cages, to the Culverwood. He can be there with the aforementioned within two rounds, free them both within a minute. He communes for ten minutes with the Culverwood, thanks the Power, and renews his promise to, in time, help wolpertingers. He quickly gathers a bit more flora over a few minutes, then he and his friends step into a tree, and back through a tree near the Sanctuary west of Humble's Ford. He does this, with gratitude for those who helped. Whoever wanted to join him - mention it in your next post. If no one does, he handles it alone.
[Perception: 31; Survival: 34]

He visits Pirnook's store to pick up a few supplies. He comes back, fixes up his room, and walks through the compound, taking in all the work that was done. He's happy to spend time with any who wish to, answer what questions he may.

Murphy invites who will to soak in the pool at the top of the rock building after dinner. About 9pm, he says good night to all, and falls asleep by 9:30. He arises at 6:00 am, prays, breakfasts.

"Things have been quiet since the Sarr business. But I've been having dreams. Anyone know anything that's going on out there in the wider Wold?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Saturday September 8th, 2018 1:26:49 AM

Oh, and I forgot to mention: Murphy plants some of the plants he gathered in the Culverwood around the site of the shrine to the Culverwood in the Sanctuary. Then applies his druidic skills to help ensure their growth.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Saturday September 8th, 2018 3:07:34 AM
At the wedding, Hobie happily played his lute along with whatever other musicians were there. Always happier to be providing the music than to be one dancing in the crowd. He thanks Murphy for the beautiful delicious brew he provided, and his lute playing surely got sloppier as the night went on, but I think the partiers hardly noticed.

------------------------------------

The day after the wedding Hobie finds himself waking on the sofa at Roscoe's house, with an empty bottle in one hand and Prowler in the other.

"Oh, I guess I forgot I had a bed at the Humble House."

As Roscoe is still passed out in his bed, Hobie helps himself to some of his cousin's eggs and makes a few biscuits from his flour jar. He thinks some bacon would be nice, and for half a second Miss Piggy flashes into his mind but he immediately pushes the image away.

After a quiet breakfast, he opens the door and is shocked by the sunlight, with a splitting headache. As he leaves, he notices that Roscoe's door is completely covered with apples, pinned to the door by arrows.

"Huh, I guess we did some target practice after the wedding. Hope I didn't hurt anybody, because I remember nothing."

He goes and finds his friends that day.

"So, uh, who remembers anything from after the wedding?"

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells) d20+3=21 ;
Saturday September 8th, 2018 11:07:21 PM
Zaragosa would give Talia a bow and answer "why yes!, Though I'm not that good of a dancer. It is time for the two newbies to get to know one another, though you WERE more useful when the party was in danger." Jack would accept Talia's hand and do his best to dance (21 preform dance) and also have some small talk since he wished to know more about her strange backstory. It seemed to Jack that Talia didn't know much about her past, or at least that is the impression he got.

Whenever going back to talk to Kezzem , He would answer him, "Good sir, you are far from old, why don't you go out and have some fun? You might find yourself younger than you think!"

The next morning, Zaragosa would love to help Murphey as long as it wasn't against the law. Not that Zaragosa had a love of the law, it was more he wanted to fit into the group without causing too much trouble

Being pretty much sober doing the wedding, he would be able to answer Hobbie pretty much everything.

Preform dance = 21

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Sunday September 9th, 2018 3:46:28 AM

"Hobbie - you should inaugurate the arrow range, with Kezzem," Murphy suggests. "There's a net set up to protect our oak from wild arrows. He promises to eat any shafts that get through the netting. Say, you want to try to start working with blunted arrows, figure out whether the flight characteristics vary from those with metal arrowheads?" [If you get yourself over to the Rules segment of Woldian Games - you can petition to allow your character to use them. I think you could build a good case - and it would really give you some nice extra options for your main attack mode.]

"We can also set up some targets on the practice arena for throwing daggers, axes, etc. Succotash - you can hurl your axes. Jack - you can toss daggers. Talia, Bliss - you two and I can practice with our sling staffs. Say, I'm thinking about casting ironwood on my slingstaff sometime in the near future. If either or both of you would like the same, let me know. [It would turn your normal slingstaff into a still-wooden yet steel-like +1 slingstaff (might take a while before he can get to it, depending upon what is coming up next)]

"Pressi - you use the spiked chain - a nice reach weapon. You don't really throw things very much, like daggers or the like, right? We can try shooting our sling bullets or arrows or tossing daggers and axes as we try to keep from getting tripped up by your chain. We should work out some routines out in the new practice places."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Sunday September 9th, 2018 1:32:50 PM
Kezzem replies to Zaragosa. "Now listen here, young man, back in my day, when we wanted to go hunt wolpetigers, we didn't had no new-fangled shadow walk spells--we had to walk! In the snow! Up hill! Both ways!"

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Sunday September 9th, 2018 6:48:44 PM
Succotash considers hitting the ale a little hard after Talia�s rejection, but decides to leave the party early, he heads to The Sanctuary, and heads to his room in the Humble House. He turns in early feeling depressed, not understanding why he seems to be invisible to Talia, when she seems to occupy his mind at all times. He wakes up the next morning in an uncharacteristic bad mood, and heads over to Pantheon�s shrine to pray.

When Murphy asks if he would like to join him in the freeing of the wolpertingers, he goes along more out of a feeling of obligation at keeping his friends safe then anything else, and remains uncharacteristicly quiet the whole trip.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+8=11 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=18 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=24 ;
Sunday September 9th, 2018 9:26:39 PM

Murphy thanks Jack and Succotash for joining him in the return of the wolpertingers.

He knows that the noble paladin is attracted to the sorceress. The only thing he says to Succotash, at some moment when others are out of earshot, is, "Kind of hard to figure out, sometimes, buddy, no?" He lets him talk if he wants, but does not press.

He spends about two and a half hours all told, scattered over the afternoon, and some in the evening while dangling his legs in the pool, working on the following project. Carved out of oak, Murphy fashions medallions. Each one has the words:

I travel through tree trunks

on one side, and a carving of an oak on the other side. There is a small hole through the top, through which a loop of leather runs, and a larger loop through that to make a necklace. Six of the nine attempts he discards. He manages to make three that are decent artistically (Profession Artist: 23, 28, 24).

In the morning, he gives out the medallions.

"Guys, we are the start of the Fellowship of the Trunk." He gives one medallion to Jack T.T., the second to Succotash, and places the remaining around his own neck. If any asks, he tells them that he were able to travel together from just outside the Sanctuary (Humble House) to the place they found the deer-bunny-birds about 140 or so miles away in the Culverwood. "It's called transport via plants. Maybe you can try it with me some time, and then I'll make you a medallion."

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Sunday September 9th, 2018 11:30:35 PM

Bliss goes with Murphy so that he does not die alone again. He can die with Bliss! LOL! Bliss will return and say he died happy! With Bliss!

Bliss gets up early the next day and gets his crew to help with the cleanup. It's a good way to get a free leftover breakfast!

The Iron Giant

The Aggravated Visitor

DM Carl
Monday September 10th, 2018 12:27:37 PM
Loose ends are tied up, hearts are left wanting, and Bliss gets a free breakfast. Murphy, Bliss, and Succotash succeed in returning the wolpertingers to the Culverwood, though who knows if the sentient forest will provide any assistance to the newly freed beasties. They run off when they are freed, looking back only to snarl one last time. Murphy hands out some nicely made medallions. It's a pleasant day, followed by a too short night...

***

Someone is knocking on the front door of Humble's Sword's sleeping quarters.

They should not be. Looking out the windows, everyone can see it's still dark out. Any thoughts that they might just go away are dashed when the pounding continues in urgency, eventually waking all of our illustrious heroes. Whoever gets to the door first finds a very discheveled Roscoe waiting for them, still in his sleeping gown. The look on his face is something between worry and annoyance.

"So, I know it's early," he starts, "but there's this dwarf that ran into town and started throwing a fit. Says we're all in danger and that we need to abandon the town. I was gonna just throw'im in jail and let him sleep it off, but he seems pretty insistent that we're in some kinda trouble. Can you all come and talk with him, just in case he's not completely crazy?"

Looking at the positions of the moons, it's probably about an hour until dawn. Following Roscoe into town, the party finds most of the town awake. The town guard is keeping most of the townsfolk away from mayor Bingo, who stands talking to a rather unkempt dwarf. He wears simple clothes (though they are heavily sweat stained), but his hair and beard are a mess of tangles that drip with sweat. You can smell him as soon as you get within 20 feet of him. He seems very aggravated, but is unsteady on his feet and sways a bit when standing still.

Sense motive DC 15, Highlight to display spoiler: {This dwarf is exhausted.}
Sense motive DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {...and terrified.}

Bingo motions you over, and the crowd parts granting you access. The smell does not improve as you move closer. "Hello friends," Bingo begins with a strained smile. "Our visitor here says we're all in big trouble and need to run. I thought to myself, 'this sounds like something Humble's Sword needs to know about.'"

The dwarf does not let Bingo finish talking. "I AIN'T MAKING THIS UP, YA PAJAMA WEARIN', MILK DRINKIN', LITTLE FUZZY FOOTED MORONS." The effort of yelling takes something out of him, and he's forced to take a knee. "The giant's comin'. Yer no match for it." The dwarf stands up and starts walking. "I warned ya. I done my part. Stay if ya want, it won't be on my conscious when you're squished."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18 d20+4=20 ;
Monday September 10th, 2018 12:39:11 PM
Talia, edges in towards the dwarf, "How many, white kind, and how long ago was that, when you realized it was up to you to warn others, Mister Dwarf?" asks Talia of the new comer. "How much time do we have to evacuate the towns folks, do you think, Mister Dwarf?" continues Talia.

"Turning to Mister Murphy, could we house the townsfolk in the Humble Sword Compound in your earth tunnels?" asks Talia of Mister Murphy?

[Skills: Sense Motive: 20]

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday September 10th, 2018 1:19:28 PM
The idea of danger pulls Succotash from his funk, and he immediately goes into action. Asking his fellow Swords to help him with his armor, he donns it a quickly as possible. After that he saddles Miss Piggy, as well as dressing her in her barding. He then says, �Point me to the giant!�

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6 d20=18 ;
Monday September 10th, 2018 1:47:33 PM
Upon hearing the urgency in his cousin's voice, Hobie simply nods and sprints back to his room. Not willing to be caught without his bow, he quickly latches his Efficient Quiver to his belt and grabs up his Handy Haversack in hand, wearing nothing but a pair of linen pajama pants.

Following Roscoe, Hobie quickly takes his Mithral Chainshirt from the haversack and pulls it on as he runs. He throws the backpack over his shoulders, not sure what danger awaits, but ready to take on any challenge.

As soon as the dwarf finishes talking Hobie's face goes stern and he reaches into his haversack as he simply asks "Giant? What Kind?"

He takes out a pair of boots and with no time even for socks, he starts putting them on as he awaits the dwarf's reply.

Shouting the townsfolk "EVERYBODY UNDERGROUND NOW! You know the drill, just like the fire monster attack, GET UNDERGROUND NOW!

As soon as he gets his boots laced up, he simultaneously reaches his one hand hand into the quiver and the other into the haversack. In his left hand he grasps Prowler, in his right he places his hat onto his head, and says "Let him come."

ooc: This is my first caster character so I have some questions regarding the fact that we obviously can't prepare spells. Do spells from the previous day carry over, or do they kind of disappear when we go to sleep? Since it was a quiet day, Hobie probably would have not used the spells he had prepared the previous morning.

These are the spells I think Hobie would have prepared on a day where he was not expecting to fight, but would still have wanted to be prepared just in case something happened

Level 0- Mage Hand, Light, Read Magic, Detect Magic
Level 1- Grease, Shield, True Strike, Feather Fall
Level 2- Invisibility, Cat's Grace, Mirror Image,
Level 3- Fly, Fly, Flame Arrow

Enhance Arrow- Shock

Spells already cast:
Summon Monster 1 (Maybe Hobie cast this one for some target practice with his bow)
Bull's Strength (Maybe while carrying some heavy objects during the day)

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells) d20=5 ; d20+17=35 ;
Monday September 10th, 2018 4:06:58 PM
Zaragosa was overly excited, for some reason that he didn't know, to be a member of the Fellowship of the Trunk. He tells Murphey he would love to try it sometime.

(5 on Sense Motive)

As Roscoe awakens everyone, Zaragosa springs into action, ready to prove himself this time.

He does nothing with the dwarf.

As Hobbie shouts to the crowd, Zaragosa follows to help him out. He tries using his acting ability to know how to get a crowds attention. "You heard the man, you know the drill, Come here, come all! let us remain calm, Let us unite together for this task, follow the great warrior's advice, Hear Hobie. Head underground. Let yourselves not panic! For there is room for all as you know we shall protect you."

sense motive = 5
preform Act = 35

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday September 10th, 2018 10:56:26 PM
After the usual morning routines and her conspicuous absence from Murphy�s travel, Pressi tries getting as much location information as she can from the dwarf.

(Also, she tries to hide the fact that she�s still a little drunk.)

Giants are... a tad complicated. The old guard once took on several at once and half the group managed to survive. Since then, the group has been more prepared for a single giant. But still...

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Monday September 10th, 2018 11:40:55 PM

Bliss finds a drink for the dwarf and thanks him for his efforts to warn the town. "Well met, friend dwarf," he says, and then praises him in (what he thinks is) the dwarvish fashion: "This day you have remembered the face of your father."

Not having cast anything but cantrips yesterday, Bliss does not need to perform his procedure to regain spells. However, it would be good to do the usual rituals. "Miss Pressi," he asks deferentially, "Have we got the time we need to wake our coven and make our preparations?"

He asks the good dwarf how soon before this giant arrives?

Also, he curses himself for going chasing magic bunnies when the giant tower still needs fixing. This would not be a danger if the tower had been fixed. Ugh.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24 d20+14=18 ;
Monday September 10th, 2018 11:46:56 PM
"Hey guys, I think I better tell you something," says Kezzem. "At the Emerald City, one of the priests of Gargul's made some rather omin...onim...um, gloomy but rather cryptic comments about there being dark days ah...."

Kezzem is interrupted by the pounding at the door.

"I hope that's not them now."

----

Later, Kezzem checks out the dwarf.

Sense Motive: 18.

Also, he will Detect Evil, because why not.

"You seem quite agitated, my good dwarf," says Kezzem. "And a bit tired. I can help with that."

Kezzem will cast Lesser Restoration on him to remove any fatigue, or reduce exhaustion to fatigue.

"Maybe we should have Miss Piggy talk to him," suggests Kezzem to Bliss. "Talking to one of his own kind might calm him down some."

Seeing Pressi's concern, Kezzem says, "Don't worry, Press, I'm a lot more durable then I was last time. I used to be a lot more fragile. Plus I can heal myself in the middle of a fight too now."

---

Kezzem's usual spell load out (with extra Lesser Restorations after that shadow fight).

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3 (1 cast)
2nd Level: Shield Other x2
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+8=19 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+27=43 ;
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 3:16:11 AM

Day Before
So, three joined him out of two possible on the wolpertinger return trip. Jack, and Succotash, and lastly Bliss. "Bliss, if you're to come along, can you shrink to cat size, and spend about 20-30 seconds in a handy haversack for the journey through the trees? Otherwise, there's not room." If he does so, then he is happy to have Bliss join the group, too. He awards Bliss the third Fellowship of the Trunk carved wooden memento on the leather necklace. He carved another one for himself [okay on second attempt Prof:Artist:20].

To Zaragosa, he says, "Well, you did try it sometime, already. We all, together, stepped into an oak near the Sanctuary, and stepped out of an oak about a 150 yards away from where the wolpertinger nest was. Then did the same thing to get back. So you traveled about 300 miles with us, over the course of 15 minutes or so."

Before dawn
Hazel - formerly active with Humble's Sword, and now caretaking with his wife Alouryn - knows armor, and helps Succotash armor up, and anyone else who needs it. "We'll guard the Sanctuary. You all go take care of the giant."

Murphy thanks Roscoe for alerting them. He runs up to his room, fetches his items, returns to the entry, dons his leather armor, and standard adventuring gear. Perhaps 3-4 minutes and he is ready to go. "Hazel, we may send some townsfolk here to shelter in the rock fortress. Alouryn, should harm come to the citizens, can you be available to help heal whom you may?" he asks her.

He marks Kezzem's comments about the veiled warning from a priest of Gargul over in the Emerald Kingdom, about dark days ahead.

With townsfolk & bearer of alarming news
After the others have spoken, Murphy tells the "Dwarf, we have killed giants. Hill. Fire. Stone. Frost. Plenty of ogres, some ogre magi. A dragon. Some giants were a bit over 20 feet tall. How big is the giant who is coming? Much bigger than 20 feet? 30? 40? Is he alone, or are there other giants?"

Pressi already has asked the dwarf for location information. If he is not forthcoming, or needs further prodding, Murphy adds, "Where did you see the giant? Up north, coming from the Scab? Or coming up from the Red Hills?" He awaits the dwarf's answers, while looking in the direction opposite the dwarf's direction of travel.

He answers Talia, "Yes, some can find shelter in our rock fortress. I have only a few short tunnels underneath it so far, but plenty of space in the many floors throughout. Others - yes, Hobie has the right idea - can shelter in the much more extensive tunnels we dug out here in town to protect from the fire elementals and things falling from the sky. Ah, good, Jack is working with Hobie on urging them to that place of safe tunnels."

So that not everyone tries to go through the same entrance he reminds the crowd:

"There are stairs to the tunnels at: The Belly Buster; The Sling & Arrow; another about 150 feet west of The Smallholding Farrier; and The Dancing Pig."

"Rather than stand and wait for the giant, let's go out to intercept him before he arrives," he counsels his friends.

By now, the dwarf will have presumably been walking away from the giant, whether he actually told us which direction it was coming from. "I will fly ahead quickly, and will let Pressi know if I spot the giant.

"Roscoe, can your guard ensure as many as can seek shelter either in the tunnels here, or at our new Sanctuary? We will do what we can to get to the giant before he gets here," he looks up at the second moon which is drawing near the horizon, "If he cooperates," pointing with his chin toward Wardd.

So as not to add to the fear, he lets people around him know, "Look, I'm going to change into a large air elemental. Don't be afraid. It's just Murphy."

Up, up and away
He wild shapes, and shoots up into the air to a height of 75 feet - he has darkvision to 60 feet, so should be able to discern the top of the giant's torso if it is approaching the vicinity. He then levels off, and flies ['run' speed 575 feet per round, or 65 mph] in the direction the dwarf gave either verbally, or by body language. He reports to Pressi what he spots, or hears.
===========
Perception: 43

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 11:13:36 AM
(also, my act is the same roll I use for Diplomacy, just in case I used the wrong skill, it is really his preform (Oratory) that rolls that anyways which is the same modifier.

DM Carl
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 1:03:30 PM
Talia edges closer to the dwarf with questions, but Mr. Dwarf isn't interested in answering any and starts pushing his way through the crowd.

Succotash is ready to fight! Gallant, that one...

Hobie bursts into action! He encourages the town to take shelter in the tunnels. The dwarf isn't interested in answering his questions any more than he is Talia's. He does let out a chuckle when he hears Hobie's declaration to let him come.

Zaragosa aids in gathering folks and getting them underground.

Pressi obviously had too much to drink last night. Sure hope that doesn't bite her!

Bliss is his usual friendly self. He's kicking himself about the giant towers, though he'll soon learn...well, he'll see.

Kezzem prudently checks for evil. He detects none, but he doesn't need a spell to see the dwarf's kind of a jerk. He casts a lesser restoration, reducing his exhaustion to fatigue. THAT gets the dwarf to stop.

Murphy flies into action, asking questions, giving orders and finally wild-shaping away and flying up. He sees nothing.

OOC: Kim, please stop taking so many actions in a single post.

The dwarf pushes his way back out of the crowd and heads towards Kezzem, putting a hand on the paladin's shoulder.

"You prolly just save my life, friend, so I'm gonna do my best to save yours." He takes his pack off, reaches in, and pulls out a small hourglass. He flips it, putting it down in the side with less sand. "You got five minutes, then I'm history. First off: you ain't up against a giant, you're up against a 200 foot plus warmachine we call the Iron Giant." He glares over at Hobie. "If it comes, it's gonna smash your whole town flat."

OOC: Five minutes = five posts

The reaction in the town is immediate. It's not panic, but the crowd gets real loud, real fast. Mayor Bingo starts frantically waving his hands around, trying to get folks to calm down. Luckily, Humble's Ford has been through tough times before. They more or less hold it together.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 1:11:48 PM
�Constructs, I hate fighting constructs!� Succotash curses under his breath, �Well it is what it is, anybody have any secret weapon verses constructs?� Succotash draws Twinklesting in preparation, and Miss Piggy kicks at the earth in eagerness for action.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 1:18:02 PM
Talia, runs back to the compound together all of her belongs, stuff them in the backpack or her pants. She tells Rayya to fly to their arranged meeting spot and she will come for her when this is over. Rayya, explains she is flying over to "See this iron giant for herself! She will fly to her highest point and view the approaching wave of things"...and with that, Rayya takes flight and goes!

Once gathered (the backpack and her belongings ~ non were unpacked), Talia races back to where the dwarf was.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells) d20+23=29 ;
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 1:36:43 PM
Zaragosa quick speaks to Succotash "hey, does Miss Piggy still have my bag of holding ?"

To also looks around to see if the humble sword is going to run or fight, He will do likewise. If run, he will wait until he sees no more villagers in harm's way, then he will run as well. If fight, he will draw his sword and say "I'll hide out and try to get the upper hand, don't worry, I won't be far". He will then try to hide in an alleyway near the team. he will rub his magical ring to game benefits to being sneaky.

Stealth 29 or if the ring of chameleon power works it is 39

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 3:23:08 PM
"Good dwarf, what do you mean WE call it the Iron Giant? You have a history with this thing? What more can you tell us about it? And are you saying it is still five minutes out from town? If so, we should ride out and meet it"

Hobie notices Zaragosa looking around for a cue from the group as to what action to take. He grins and says "Draw that rapier bud, today we fight!'

Since it's still dark, Hobie casts Light on the fletching of one arrow, knowing that it's gonna be tough to fight something they can't see very well. He hopes if he can sink that arrow into the giant, then it will have enough light for his friends to see fairly well.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 7:48:17 PM
Succotash hands Zaragosa his bag of holding and says, �Normally in a fight, Piggy and I try to flank the enemy, however if you see either of us as an available flanking partner, be my guest�. To the Dwarf, he says, �Do you know of any weaknesses this machine may have, that we may exploit?�

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 8:44:07 PM
Quickly to Hobie "I'll be hiding for the right time to attack. Also ready to follow orders. "

Zaragosa does not take his bag of holding from Succotash "Keep it, for now, good Paladin. Just making sure it was safe"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday September 11th, 2018 9:51:07 PM
Ghost sound: nails on a chalkboard.

�Have we seriously forgotten constructs 101? We need range weapons, environment hazards and ambush points. Stand there getting stomped on your own time. The rest of you, it�s time to build trenches, lay grease spells and firewalls... Frankly we would have been better off keeping people out of the tunnels and collapsing them...�

Pressi asks the dwarf which direction the machine is coming from. She follows up by casting animal growth and magic weapon on Harper.

And remember, the construct�s greatest weakness is it�s mind.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Wednesday September 12th, 2018 12:29:51 AM
[On cutting down actions: OK. I'll cut out the air-elementalization and flying off part, at least, from the last post.]

Murphy offers to perform one more lesser restoration on the dwarf, if he'll have it, to refresh him more completely. "Sorry to be weighing you down with questions. If you know these parts, can you point in about the direction you last saw him, or can you name the area? Is the iron giant coming down from the north, or up from the south, or some other direction?

"Finally, can you guess how long it might take for the iron giant to reach this place?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Wednesday September 12th, 2018 10:34:12 AM
"What does it want?" asks Kezzem. "Is there any way we can lure it away from the town?"

DM Carl
Wednesday September 12th, 2018 1:43:27 PM
Succotash prepares for an imminent fight, but wishes it wasn't against another stinkin' construct.

Talia runs back to get her stuff. Rayya flies to the highest vantage point she can find - the air elemental's tower. She sees nothing, though.

Zaragosa is ready as well, but may want to hold off on that ring...

Hobie asks a bunch of questions, still pumped and ready for a fight.

Pressi shuts everyone up and goes over the construct battleplan.

Murphy asks a few sensible questions, as does Kezzem.

The dwarf pinches the bridge of his nose in obvious frustration. Murphy's restoration spell lifts the remaining fatigue from him, though. Unfortunately, it just seems to give him more energy to yell.

"WILL YOU BLASTED SMOOTH CHINS STOP RATTLING YOUR PIE HOLES AND LISTEN TO ME?" He takes a few deep breaths. "What part of two hundred plus foot warmachine are you not understanding? You ain't dealin' with a construct, you're dealin' with a gigantic tower of death on two legs, bristling with siege weaponry, protected by six inches of solid iron armor that shrugs off every spell we saw thrown at it, crewed by a buncha of zealots, and piloted by the most unreasonable shale-muncher you'll likely ever meet."

He turns to Murphy and Kezzem, since they seem to be more interested in asking questions than making assumptions.

"It's comin' from The Scab. You've got several hours before it gets here, plenty a time to run, which is exactly what you should be doing." He turns to Kezzem. "Honestly, you're just a close, but out of the way target. You're a test run for it, nothin' more. Don't mean they won't enjoy stompin' you and yours to puddin', but it is what it is."

The sand continues falling down into the hourglass. Three minutes left. The townsfolk are starting to...not panic, but close. They look around, probably trying to figure out where to run to. There aren't many good options; Crescent Valley is surrounded by badness.

Bingo approaches Roscoe, whispering something in his ear. The guard commander stoops, letting Bingo climb on his shoulders so he can address the crowd. "Ok Humble's Ford! Our visitor says we've got several hours. We don't know what's going to happen yet, but you should all head back home and start packing, just in case."

"How was that?" he whispers (loudly) to Roscoe, who gives a thumbs up in response before getting Bingo off his shoulders.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday September 12th, 2018 3:13:08 PM
Thoughts of how they went after the Wolpertingers ran through her mind. �Any chance they have a bleeding heart talker Druid as a leader? Someone with an eye for leather cages?�

�Ok sir my apologies for getting ahead of myself. Can you start at the beginning? Who is driving this thing?�

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Wednesday September 12th, 2018 4:48:28 PM
Talia asks the dwarf, " er, buncha of zealots, and piloted by the most unreasonable shale-muncher you say? Friends of yours? Which zealots and whos the Shale muncher?"

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday September 12th, 2018 4:55:36 PM
�Good dwarf, did I hear you say this thing is being driven, and isn�t a construct?� Succotash asked, �Well, if that�s true, then I suggest we relieve the machine of it�s operator, and claim the Iron Giant for ourselves, we could use it instead of the broken giant towers, to protect Humble�s Ford!�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Wednesday September 12th, 2018 8:52:11 PM
Ooc: "(Kezzem) asks a few sensible questions" is a sentence I never thought I would read...but that's character growth for you.

"Okay, so we don't have to stop the giant, just somehow get inside and stop the guys in control," says Kezzem. "We should probably have the townsfolk take precautions just in case. Murph, can we get the people into those tunnels of yours? Is there enough room, and are they sturdy enough that we won't have to worry about a collapse."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Thursday September 13th, 2018 12:39:10 AM

He answers Kezzem, rather quietly, "There's room for most of them. They are about 20' to 30' underground, surrounded by stone floors, curved walls and ceilings. Fairly structurally sound." [Murphy was typically rolling in the 30s for engineering of the tunnels.] "Will they hold? Depends upon how much the iron giant decides to jump up and down. Probably from a single step over one spot. Repeated blows..." he shrugs his shoulders.

"They need air inside this machine, one would presume," the druid surmises. He asks, "Might there be small openings for air, or to ventilate heat, that, say, a small bird might be able to penetrate?

"By the way, Could I ask your name? Some time after we deal with this, I'd like to come thank you for the fair warning. I'm Murphy, a bleeding heart talker druid."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Thursday September 13th, 2018 1:24:14 AM

Murphy turns and addresses the crowds. "The mayor's counsel seems sound. Be ready to leave in 15 minutes, 20 tops. You can always get a new tea set. Just take what you need to survive away from home for a few days."

Then, he suggests to Roscoe, "Could you have someone from here take a fast pony or riding dog, and go quickly to Hovel? Warn them, too. Getting a little way into the Culverwood might prove a defense. Too much chance of tripping over 150 foot trees, I'd guess, for this machine."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Thursday September 13th, 2018 1:37:19 AM
"Alright, we've got a couple hours to prepare for this thing. Murphy, can you and your earth elemental friends do some terraforming in order to direct this thing where we want it?"

He looks to Pressi
"Should we ride out and meet this thing before it reaches our town, or do we want to prepare ourselves for battle here? If we are fighting it here, I can head up to the tower to get a get a great vantage point for my bow.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Thursday September 13th, 2018 10:38:08 AM
"Can't we just like shadow walk inside of it?" asks Kezzem.

DM Carl
Thursday September 13th, 2018 1:28:32 PM
Pressi slows her roll and asks the dwarf to start at the beginning.

"Time's short, doll, so you get the 2 bit version. There's an overzealous priest of Scald named Anur who found the Giant buried deep in The Scab. He got himself a number of followers to take the fight the Fhorge and free his master. He's got a couple henchmen, but I don't know'em. I'm not exactly high on the food chain." He turns to Talia to answer her followup. "Friends? Not really. Truth be told, I didn't quite know what I was gettin' myself into."

Succotash has the bright idea to take out the crew and claim the Giant for himself. The dwarf looks the paladin up and down. "You'd have a better chance of doin' that than taking the Giant head on, but it wouldn't be easy. There's a lotta my kin in there, and they ain't all as nice as I am."

Kezzem agrees that taking the pilot out may be the best idea, then starts wondering about keeping the people safe. That's two responsible thoughts in as many minutes! Who is this new Kezzem?

Murphy can't be sure the tunnels would hold up if the Giant decided to smash them. According to this dwarf, it's over 200' tall and made of solid iron. It must weigh an unfathomable amount. Those tunnels would have to be seriously fortified. He asks about ways into the Giant, and the dwarf's name.

The dwarf responds, "The main entrance we all used was in the right heel. Not hard to see if ya know it's there. I never been above the thing's 'groin' area," he makes little air quotes. "But there ain't no way in or out that I know of other than the heel. The thing's face has holes, but I never once saw no one use'em to get inside. Even the higher-ups used the heel.

"As for my name, you don't get it. Soon as that hourglass is done, I'm outta your life forever."

Murphy addresses the crowd and gets a look from Bingo that's pretty unmistakable: I'll do my job, you do yours. He still whispers to Roscoe about warning Hovel.

Hobie wonders whether they should ride to meet it or prepare for it, and asks Pressi her opinion.

The townsfolk start heading home, hopefully to pack. Bingo stays behind, obviously needing to talk to our heroes, but not wanting to waste what time they have left questioning the dwarf.

The sand in the hourglass keeps pouring downward. Two more minutes till the dwarf claims he's gone.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 89/94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday September 13th, 2018 3:06:14 PM
Pressi has a brief moment of satisfaction in thinking about what she could do the dwarf in two minutes, should he call her "doll" again. He's going over the schematics more thoroughly than she ever hoped, so she can swallow her pride until he gives up the goods. She does find herself having to withdraw from questions as more and more of the team look to her for ideas.

As questions pile up about the plan, she holds off until they get as much information from him as she can. "I do think that, wherever and however we choose to face the machine, laying traps to tie it down is necessary - and shouldn't be that problematic if its just tottering about on two legs, whatever its size. Not sure what to do about that siege weaponry, though...

"As for shadow walking into it, shadow walking doesn't really allow for phasing through objects, and even if it did, the chances of landing in the right box are just too remote. But there are other options, like blink or gaseous form."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Thursday September 13th, 2018 3:11:28 PM
"Okay, so it sounds like maybe it would be better to infiltrate this thing than to fight it head on. Or maybe we could get a giant air elemental to distract it while others of us sneak in and fight it from the inside. How many people would you say are in this thing?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Thursday September 13th, 2018 3:34:32 PM

Murphy nods respect toward Mayor Bumbleluck by way of apology.

Murphy asks the unnamed dwarf, "Are there other races than dwarfs who work inside, and, if so, what other races? Any other names of significance of those inside might help - are there many who would like to escape?"

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday September 13th, 2018 6:11:03 PM
�I for one don�t like the idea of just waiting for this behemoth to arrive at our doorstep, and vote for meeting it where it can�t destroy our town!�, Succotash declares, then he realizes that he used the pronoun our, as in his town, his home, and he smiles at the thought. �Never in my adult life have I ever felt so at home then I do here, and I�ll be darned of I�m going to let some dwarves, who aren�t worth their beards, destroy it!�

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Thursday September 13th, 2018 6:35:25 PM
Zaragosa speaks up to Hobie's plan and Succotash's words. "I like that, distract it and sneak inside. This is the group that saved the world right? I feel we shouldn't abandon the town for utter destruction without putting some type of effort to stop it. I'm willing to put my life on the line to attempt to end this thing"

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Melvin, posting for Cayzle)
Thursday September 13th, 2018 9:03:25 PM
Bliss has been quiet for a while, but he is clearly affected by the spiraling story of what is coming. He thinks through some of his casting options but he'd rather wait for someone to tell him who to maul. Leave the divinations and planning for the "caster" witch.

He does press the dwarf on who this Scald is and who this master is.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Thursday September 13th, 2018 10:16:47 PM
Talia asks the dwarf, "OK, lets fill in the missing pieces, shall we? How many of your kin are associated with this Iron Giant? How long did it take them to dig it out? What was your job while working on the Iron Giant? Lastly, where exactly are you going, and how do we know they aren't chasing you?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Thursday September 13th, 2018 10:44:13 PM

"Could you draw a map of the inside you know? Or, I've got paper and ink. Can you describe, and I'll draw?" Murphy adds. "Sorry we're asking you so much, and we understand your desire to distance yourself."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Friday September 14th, 2018 12:48:11 AM
"How do the crew get in and out?" asks Kezzem. "Are there any other openings? Please tell me we don't have to enter through the 'rear exhaust port.'"

DM Carl
Friday September 14th, 2018 11:23:59 AM
Pressi wishes harm on the dwarf for a bit, but gets back to answering her companions' queries. She shoots down the idea of shadow walking inside and proposes laying down a trap for the thing.

Hobie suggests a distraction and asks how many people are inside. "I dunno, a few dozen?" is the response.

Murphy asks if there are any non-dwarves, and if there are any who would need help.

"There's one gnome in there...real fruity guy that reports right to Anur. We stayed outta his way. I didn't have too much trouble escaping myself, so if there're others who want to, they prolly already did. I don't know any more names; I joined up late & w'd already left when I realize how crazy those folks are." He shakes his head regarding a map. "Ya go in the foot, then go up. The inside architecture don't seem too complex."

Succotash doesn't want this thing anywhere near his new home. A wise choice.

Zaragosa concurs about distracting it and sneaking in.

Talia asks some really good questions. "Few dozen, like I says. I know it took'em months to get it operational, but there's a lot I dunno about how it operates." He stoops to pick up the hourglass and shakes it a bit. "Close enough," he says before packing it away. "I was a hired sword. Didn't do nothin' on the Giant but sit in it and wait for orders...and they probably are looking for me, which is why I'm outta here." He looks to Bliss before he leaves. "Scald's an Old One who lives in The Scab. Ask around if ya don't know him. Surely someone around here knows the story."

Kezzem has a question, but remembers the dwarf's already said the only way in he knows is in the Giant's right heel.

The dwarf is done. He doesn't say goodbye, or good luck, or anything. He just starts pushing his way through the crowd, shoving anyone who doesn't move aside. He doesn't respond to any calls or questions, so unless someone decides to physically restrain him, he just keeps on going.

Bingo moves in quickly. "Hey guys, I don't feel too good about those tunnels holding up against that Giant. I'm taking the townsfolk and as many tents and cots as we can find and heading to Hovel. The town can't hold all of us, but it's not like them to shoo us off and not let us set up a camp on their outskirts. Are you going to go and...what's the word...intercept it? I'm sure we'd all like a town to return home to."

Roscoe takes the statement as confirmation that Murphy's idea of sending a rider is a good one. "I'll send word to Hovel about what's going on." He turns to Hobie. "Don't do anything stupid out there, cuz," he says before giving him a quick embrace. With that, he's off and running.

Most of the crowd has dispersed at this point, leaving Humble's Sword to discuss their situation.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Friday September 14th, 2018 12:20:06 PM
"Murphy We've got a couple hours, what can you do in terms of moving earth around? This thing sounds like it's a lumbering, slow vehicle. I can't image its got a lot of maneuverability. If you were to dig pits around the town, at least on the side from which they're approaching, we could keep them away from any buildings that could be destroyed"

"I'm gonna head home real quick, I'd like to get dressed, and I'm gonna need an hour to prepare my spells. I know Murph, Kez and Sucker probably need the time too."

"Then I think we should all head out and see if we can't find somewhere that we can get a view of this thing and make a game plan."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Friday September 14th, 2018 12:42:10 PM

"I don't know about the rest of you, but I have not had a chance to memorize spells for today. It might be wise for us to coordinate on that. I have a list here druid spells I can cast." [OOC: Click on the down arrow next to the little rectangle just above the Source column, and select CRB. Paizo's spell list on the Paizo site have been transferred elsewhere, and are not yet ready for prime time.]

[Will post more later, must fly to work.]

"

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Friday September 14th, 2018 1:56:06 PM
Zaragosa suggests "All I had to do is get dressed and come here. I can always scout ahead and report back once you have your spells. Else I will just go with you and keep a watch while you gather your spells."

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Melvin, posting for Cayzle)
Friday September 14th, 2018 2:59:04 PM
As stated before, Pressi and Bliss still have their spell slots (neither is noted for doing any casting during the wedding) but need to do their rituals. Bliss pushes for the usual set of Grimalkin and Shared Spell: Extended Shield of Faith.

"Wowsy, looks like we're going where it's AT-AT. Can't believe they're coming after our town just because we're on the way. Aunt Priss would have a laziness quote for something like that."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20=7 ;
Friday September 14th, 2018 3:06:58 PM
Pressi considers pushing for dropping shared spell in favor of the perception ritual, but ultimately acquiesces. As typical for the shared spell, both cast their level boosters, and then Pressi hits Bliss and herself with the CLW wand.

Pressi casts her ritual of warding (success except on natural 1).

Like the others, Pressi would prefer not to face it here in the city. (Though she can see the advantages.) She tries to think about the path the machine is traveling, and whether there are any natural formations (such as cliffs) that they can use.

Her current suggested plan is thus: a team lead by Murphy, probably including the less sneaky paladins, performs a hit and run/trap assault on the machine to slow it down, while the sneakier members, led by herself, attempt to penetrate through the heel as fast as they can.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday September 14th, 2018 4:47:46 PM
�I�m all for being a diversion, as my armor tends to give my position away, but I think Kezzem should join the infiltration party, a Paladin is handy in those kind of situations, and besides, he can be plenty sneaky when the need arises�, Succotash offers, �and since I didn�t cast any spells yesterday, I should be good to go�.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday September 14th, 2018 5:01:54 PM
Lay of Hands 10/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 1/1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday September 14th, 2018 5:35:04 PM
�I�m thinking the group makeup will be based on volunteers.�

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Friday September 14th, 2018 8:49:11 PM

"I might ask the air elementals if they would like to scout ahead for us," Murphy says. If it seems good to folks, he sets out to see if any are around. If so, he describes the iron golem, and its size. "We don't want it to smash the town, or the white spire," he tells them.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Friday September 14th, 2018 10:13:12 PM
"I ain't as stealthy as I used to be," says Kezzem, "but at least I'm not a walking collection of kitchen pots."

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Friday September 14th, 2018 11:53:44 PM

OOC: Thanks for the subbing!

Bliss sighs as the dwarf runs away. In fact, as the whole town runs away. "Seems to me that being a hero means being the ones who don't run away!" he says.

He muses about flying in through an eye. But he is not sure everybody can fly.

He thinks Blinking in would be clever, but even fewer people can Blink, and what if it is warded against that.

He nods that shadow walking is not precise enough. In fact Dimension Dooring or Teleporting in might be neat, but again, what if it is warded?

All we really need is something to make it pause and stand still for a round or two while we open the heel door and get in. Does anybody have a knock spell?

Maybe an illusion would trick the operators for long enough to make it pause. Can anyone do illusions?

Maybe soft terrain or mud would make it slow down for a moment. But if the heel is buried in mud, kinda hard to open the door?

Hmmmm.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Saturday September 15th, 2018 4:33:22 AM

"It seems we have been using lesser restoration frequently. A wand should cost 4,500 gp. Of that amount, I can provide 500 gp. Who else can kick in, and for how much each? Having such would allow us to bring additional second level spells, to increase our options. It will belong to the group, with perhaps three or four of us capable of using it help each other. Who can visit the Catacombs to do this? Jack The , do you suppose you can collect the rest of the funds for the party, and visit the Catacombs quickly?" Murphy hands him a bag with 500 gp in it. "I need to spend an hour on new spells."

"Right after I ask the air elementals to scout out - but not engage with - the iron giant. And report back to me, so I can pass it on to Pressi and you all."

"With a comment out of order - If we get inside, up to the knee, could we interfere with leg recovery on one side, so that, as it would normally walk, and the back leg swing forward, we could make it trip, by jamming the joint in a bend position?"

"Press - please let me know the gist of what others say as I go to the spire. I'm off then, then to pray for new spells. Yes, Bliss, I can do rock to mud - if there is any rock over which the giant passes."

"What do you all think? We head out together in, say an hour and, what, 10 or 15 minutes, by the Temple of Flower and Ffloy on the north of town? We might have a report back by then from the air elementals, and have a good idea just where to go."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Saturday September 15th, 2018 11:09:12 AM
OOC: Well, let's get that version of the wand, then.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Saturday September 15th, 2018 10:30:53 PM

CAN SOMEONE POP INTO THE CATACOMBS WHO IS NOT MEMORIZING SPELLS? Murphy is busy with elementals and memorization.

You can take Murphy's 500 gp, and kick in 250 gp more, and we'll have a community-benefits wand of lesser restoration.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Sunday September 16th, 2018 2:38:51 AM
OOC: that wand price is probably up to the DM, when I GM I use Cleric/Wizard/Druid spell levels for prices. 750 would be insanely cheap for a wand of lesser resto. But if the GM allows it then heck yeah let's get two.

Hobie is more than happy to contribute to the wand fund. He'll chip in 500gp of his own (or if it only costs 750 he'll pay the remaining 250).

"Bliss, Knock is a great idea, I haven't learned it yet, but if Jack or whoever is going the catacombs could grab me two scrolls of it, one to use and one to add to my spellbook, then we'd be in business."

He'll give an additional 300gp to whoever is headed to the Catacombs.

"I'd like to go with the infiltration crew, it's been a while since I got to do some good stealthing. I can prepare Alter Self in case there's need for me to appear as a dwarf, and I've also got these scrolls of clairaudience-clairvoyance which could be helpful to us as we sneak in."

============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 0/10

============
Prepared Spells
(I will post these soon)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Sunday September 16th, 2018 3:07:50 AM
"Another thought I had, is that if this thing has an obvious cockpit of sorts, with an opening, I could, right as the assault team begins, fire an arrow with Obscuring Mist into the cockpit as a further distraction. "

Just before they begin their mission, Hobie will use a scroll to cast Flame Arrow on 50 of his arrows.
===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 0/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle)
Sunday September 16th, 2018 10:06:11 PM
Bliss laughs at the idea of appearing as dwarves, and he is in favor of that. "With my Polymorph spell, I can totally be a dwarf! I really have to learn dwarvish! I used to know it way back in my mailed fist days, but I forget. Wowsy, that was a long time ago."

"Anyway, I can use my thorny fists to fight as a dwarf, too, and the spell even makes me a bit stronger, so that's nice."

(Per usual, he has cast his spell that makes him more youthful and sprightly and vigorous.)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Monday September 17th, 2018 1:46:33 AM
"I speak Dwarven, so you could just stand quietly behind, or if push comes to shove we could always cast Tongues"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Monday September 17th, 2018 1:49:50 AM
"I think Zaragosa and Pressi also speak Dwarven, so it could work"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Monday September 17th, 2018 5:00:14 AM

"I speak dwarf, too, Hobie," Murphy says. "But, who knows, I might be going in as a little bird, or squirrel, or somethin' else. Not as a dwarf."

[Someone might want to actually step into the Catacombs in character, and get these purchases rolling. In game, Pirnook may (or may not) be getting ready to leave with the rest of the townspeople. It's his general store that is the Catacombs' entrance. Wait too long, and that avenue may be gone. Murphy has no time to do it.]

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday September 17th, 2018 5:32:59 AM
�I was thinking, if before the fight, someone cast obscuring mist over a large area, the infiltration team could hide in the mists, until the diversion team draws them into the mists, giving the infiltration team the cover they need to sneak in�, Succotash offers in the way of strategy.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday September 17th, 2018 10:54:04 AM
"Its great that everyone is brainstorming, but lets not get ahead of ourselves," Pressi replied. "We don't know much about the environment we will be engaging this machine in, nor about the layout once we get inside.

"But I call dibs on the inevitable pit of lasers that one of us will have to rope dive down. Ever since the Clooney-Cruise accords, every one of these machines is required to have one. Though I have no idea how you do that in a machine where you enter through the bottom and travel up."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday September 17th, 2018 11:28:44 AM
OOC: I know I'm going to get a lot of pushback from Kim if I don't say this. Obviously, the second paragraph of the last post is not cannon and Pressi does not know what a laser is. That is all.

DM Carl
Monday September 17th, 2018 11:31:32 AM
Hobie asks about setting up a pit around town, then heads home to prepare.

Murphy suggests coordinating spells, and that the air elementals may be able to help.

Zaragosa is ready to go and is able to scout ahead.

Pressi and Bliss discuss proper ritual and spell outfiting. She suggests not facing it in the city.

Succotash is ready to go as well, but suggests someone else be sneaky.

Kezzem doesn't share Succotash's confidence in his stealthiness.

Bliss ponders ways in. Not everyone can fly to get in the eye holes. The Giant may be warded against teleportation. There appears to be no easy answer.

There's talk of last-minute purchases. Paladins typically aren't crafters, and it's unlikely the Catacombs carries so specific a wand. There's talk of strategy. It's mostly up to Humble's Sword now, though. As Bliss observed, they're all on their own.

***

This part of the module is up to you guys. What I absolutely need to know is how much time passes between the dwarf wandering off and you folks heading towards the Giant (assuming you go to meet it). Since a few of you mentioned needing to prepare spells, that's at least an hour. Other than that, have fun playing in the sandbox.

Also, I'm not going to read a bunch of ideas and figure you pick one. Someone needs to explicitly say what you guys are actually doing.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+15=33 ;
Monday September 17th, 2018 3:18:08 PM
"Succotash, I can cast obscuring mist if need be."

Murphy has learned not to get too distressed when Pressi talks about things entirely outside his spheres of knowledge. He is just glad he knows someone who understands so many things he does not. "Maybe the pit is at the foot of the other leg," he suggests.

"I plan to be at the Temple of Flower and Ffloy in about an hour and ten minutes, after contacting the air elementals, and memorizing fresh spells. Pressi, feel free to message me if anything of import happens during that time, as I will do if the elementals agree to help, and find the giant. Someone do a quick shop in the Catacombs for what we may need and can afford. See you all at the Temple - it's on the way to the Scab."

Murphy takes out a few items for later use, places them in a bag for carrying which he places on the ground for just a moment, shape changes to a large air elemental, takes up the bag, and flies quickly to the White Spire. If any air elementals are there, he lays out the situation, the size of the iron giant, its ability to crush things, and the danger it presents to the town and the White Spire. "Will you work with your fellows, seek out the iron giant - don't try to fight it - then report back to me, that my group might stop the giant? I will wait here near the spire."

Whether or not the elementals agree, he then prepares his spells.
===========
Diplomacy: 33 (with air elementals)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Monday September 17th, 2018 4:00:59 PM
Talia will prepare her spells; as she needs only 2 hours.

After her two hours are over (mental clock and she's been doing this a while now), she will prepare whatever the teams needs.

[OOC: I have been displaced through a mandatory evacuation. I have no idea when we would be able to return.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday September 17th, 2018 4:15:55 PM
Pressi reaffirms. "So we have to decide if anyone (besides air elementals) is scouting ahead while everyone else is preparing spells or shopping. But I think the two team plan is in effect. And if I understand, here are the volunteered slots...."

Hit and Run Assault: Murphy, Succotash, Talia, Bliss?, familiars and mounts
Infiltration: Pressi, Hobie, JTT, Kezzem?

"The particulars are all on the fly but I think we agree on a few things. First, avoiding being spotted is key for both teams in favor of what may be seen as normal environment and bad luck. Fortunately, I think they expect an assault from their real enemies more than they expect of us. Second, I think we are in agreement that disguises, enchantments and bluffs might be better than straight stealth (once we are inside). Third, I think that we recognize some ability overlap... but that should come in handy."

As for the wand, Pressi can contribute maybe 100 for now. So its a good idea, Murphy, but maybe its an idea for the next level up.

There is still the matter of travel, and whether it's to them or a particular ambush point on the path.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Monday September 17th, 2018 5:25:21 PM
Kezzem is for hitting the giant ASAP. He will go with the infiltration team. Throwing daggers against a giant metal thing doesn't seem t9 effective of a distraction.

"Maybe we can pretend to be mushroom farmers again," suggests Kezzem. "By the law of averages, it is due to work for once. Though maybe one of you should do the talking...my Dwarven is limited to asking where is the library. Also, I am not as good as a liar these days."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 6:06:29 AM
�I think your teams seem right Pressi�, Succotash nods, �but make sure you and Murphy are in contact with each other the whole time so that as soon as you guys are in, we can attempt to join you�.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 11:32:12 AM

[OOC: [WHO IS GOING to actually ENTER THE CATACOMBS, like, NOW?] :-)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 11:41:42 AM

[And if not for the wand of lesser restoration, then at least for the [b]wand of knock(ing) for helping to pass through security points. Please, someone, just go to The Catacombs, figure out what the next number is (should be #1706, unless someone beats you to it), and for the header, use this syntax: | Humble's Ford | | #1706 - then tell 'em what you want, and what you figure it costs. Etc.][/b]

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 1:56:14 PM
Jack Zaragosa agrees that he should go with the infiltrators

(OOC sorry for the short post. Sometimes I don't know what to write so I try to wait until the end of the day only to forget to post)

DM Carl d100=60 ;
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 2:10:59 PM
Murphy asks the party to meet him at the town's temple to Ffloy and Flower when they're ready to move. In the meantime, he does this and that, but most importantly heads to the tower to speak to the air elementals.

OOC: I gave you a 75% chance that there would be at least one elemental there, and a 25% chance that there'd be a medium sized one. I rolled 60 - there's at least one small air elemental. Keep in mind they have an INT of 4.

Murphy's way with words spur the elemental to action (diplomacy: pass). It flies away much faster than Humble's Sword can travel via two legs. Still, Murphy doesn't see it return for about 90 minutes. That's about an hour after the sun finally rises on this day. It wooshes around excitedly for a minute before Murphy's able to get anything out of it.

In auran (obviously), it relays the following:

"IT IS BIG." The elemental flies far into the air, to the point where it's hard to make out against the wispy early morning clouds. It's impossible to accurately judge how far up it is, but it's way past the top of the tower.

"HEAVY!" it screams as it comes crashing down on the ground. It fails to make much of an impact, despite how hard it's obviously trying.

"We are going to run. Giant too big to fight." With that, it gathers up its friends at the tower and they make haste away from town. Murphy is able to make note of what direction the elemental came from when it returned from its scouting mission.

Talia will need 2 hours to prepare spells.

Pressi makes plans, and is still in favor of splitting the party.

Kezzem wants to move ASAP, but his companions don't share his haste and need time to prepare. He wonders if this will be the day his mushroom farmer disguise finally pays off.

Succotash agrees with Pressi, as does Zaragosa.

***

So far, I have you leaving at a minimum of two hours unless someone interrupts Talia. That doesn't mean we're AT the 2 hour mark. If you're waiting for the elemental to return before you solidify a plan, we're at the 90 minute mark. Really though, I'm flexible. So long as your plan is plausible, it's fine.

Kim, can you post for Jon-Paul since he's been evacuated?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 5:19:47 PM
ooc: I'm confused why Talia needs time to prepare spells? Isn't she a sorcerer?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 5:25:42 PM
Hobie took the same hour as the other spellcasters to prepare his spells, and will immediately join back with the rest of the crew.

"So how does everyone feel about the plan (I think Pressi first thought of it?) of splitting into an assault team and an infiltration team?

Assault team will meet this thing out front and try to distract it, while the infiltration team goes in through the heel and tries to take it out from the inside.

Pressi suggested she lead the infiltration team and have Murphy lead the assault team.

I want to be on the infiltration team, and I know Sucker said he'd like to be assault. Where's everyone else stand?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 6:40:05 PM
OOC: Question for DM. Can Kezzem reprepare the Lesser Restoration spell he used on the dwarf or does he not have time for that.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 9:25:17 PM
[OOC: Did the Catacombs bidding for the party. I'll pay for it if I have the cash...you can thank me later. How are we paying for it if I dont have the cash? Talia needs times cause not everything is instantaneous.Hey it could have been 8 hours....]

Talia, will back whatever play have the unanimous vote.

Bliss | CatBliss (Touch AC27, AC32, HP109) (Cayzle) d8+1=8 ; d8+1=3 ; d100=33 ;
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 10:22:47 PM

Bliss uses two hours to do his two rituals with Miss Pressi (detailed earlier ... kitty and shared CL12 Shield of Faith for Bliss, warding and shared shield for Pressi).

So that's the two-hour mark for sure.

Bliss does not need to prep spells since he has not cast any lately.

Then Bliss casts his long-duration buff spells: Threefold Aspect and Extended CL10 Barkskin (boosted to level 10 with Surrender Blood. The Surrender costs 10 hp to cast, which Bliss makes up with two taps of his CLW wand.

Then Bliss casts Divination. He seeks advice of whatever sort his Patron and the Powers Above are willing to bestow regarding how to win in the fight against the oncoming Iron Giant. "Please Silver Lady, help us figure out an angle to attack this monster, or maybe some weakness we can use, or whatever help you can offer? Thank you!"

His roll is a 33, so it should work ...

Bliss suggests strongly that the group make a stand about ten minutes' walk out of town. Hopefully if they win, it will not fall on the community.

When the giant comes into sight or hearing range, Bliss plans to cast See Invisibility and CL10 Stoneskin, unless the Divination gives him other ideas. At the last moment, Bliss plans to cast Blink, change into cat form, and hop into the heel as it walks towards the town. Maybe he can open a way from within for his friends to join him, or maybe they will Knock their way in themselves.

Pressi & Harper [SUB BY CAYZLE FOR MELVIN]
Tuesday September 18th, 2018 10:56:23 PM

Pressi thinks about the Blink option too. She can share one with Harper, and cast one on herself, then both of them can join Bliss in the giant, if that works for him.

Maybe everybody will be infiltrating. After all, what can they possibly do to the monster from the outside? Maybe trip it? How?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 d20+27=31 ;
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 1:50:51 AM

[Note: Talia needs two hours of SLEEP before gaining access to spent spell slots - which she already took care of well before we were awakened by Rosco. Not for spell memorization - sorcerers don't really do that, right? Let me know if I've misunderstood this. However, if Pressi & Bliss need that amount of time for rituals, then, well, there you are.]

[Jon-Paul - Murphy and others have contributed a total of 500(Murphy)+100(Pressi)+800(Hobie)=1400gp. Enough for a wand of knock (750gp). Looks like, since our DM ruled that paladin version is largely unavailable, we will have to pass for now on a wand of restoration. Let's take 350 from Murphy, 350 from Hobie, and 50 from Pressi, 750 total, and just have Talia get the wand of knock.
===========

Murphy thanks the small elemental, and wishes them well.

Murphy telecommunicates with Pressi what he learned from the air elementals. "Based upon what the small, helpful air elemental had to say, and how fast it travels (figure hustle speed, about 35 miles round trip, maybe a bit of zig zagging to find it, and that the iron giant likely continued traveling this direction, it is maybe 15 or 16 miles away now. If we wait half an hour longer - I don't know, it might be 10 to 12 miles from us, I surmise. Your mileage may vary.

"As it sounds like others want another 30 minutes, I'll see everyone by the Temple of Flower & Ffloy."

Murphy flies that way. If either cleric is still around by that time, he asks for their prayers, and lets them know he guess as to how far away the giant is, and that he hopes he and his friends can take down the giant before it gets here.

Since he's earlier than some, he flies a little ways northward toward the hills (say 1 mile), at an altitude of maybe 500 feet, to see if he can pick up any sign of a very tall building walking their way.
========
Perception: 31

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 5:41:18 AM
Succotash spends the last hours praying to Pantheon for protection for his friends, and Humble�s Ford. As he is more concerned about them than his own life, he doesn�t even ask on his own behalf, instead he figures if it�s his time, so be it.
He mounts Miss Piggy, and rides to the temple to meet Murphy and the others, and when everyone is ready, he heads out.

DM Carl
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 11:05:16 AM
Hobie prepares his spells. He asks if folks agree with Pressi's plan.

Kezzem wonders if he has time to prepare spells. With the group taking at least two hours to prepare, he certainly does!

Talia runs by the catacombs.

Bliss and Pressi do their rituals. Bliss doesn't need to prepare spells, but does tick off his long duration ones. He then casts a divination spell, asking his power for advice. The moment his spell is complete his world explodes in pain.

Bliss ONLY, Highlight to display spoiler: {Your eyes snap close. In the darkness, through the pain, you see what can only be the Iron Giant. The dwarf did not do it justice. It towers over 250' tall. It bristles with siege weaponry. Hundreds of embrasures all around its circumference provide total coverage for ranged defenders to engage at any angle. Deep craters are left behind with every step it takes. Bliss notices a white, spongy substance in the back of every footstep its right foot makes. He realizes with a start that it's marshmallow.}

Bliss, will save VS DC20 or be shaken for 1 minute. This is a fear effect.

Pressi ponders blinking inside and wonders if everyone should try and infiltrate the Giant. How do you trip something so massive?

Murphy does some math, figuring it's anywhere between 10 to 16 miles away. He decides to try and get a good view, so he flies up and away. Since The Wold is flat, once Murphy clears any small hills and trees, he is able to see the Giant. From this distance, it's only about a quarter of an inch tall, so it's impossible to see any detail. Through observation, he's able to estimate that it's about 8 miles away, and will reach the town in about 4 hours.

Succotash prays for protection for his friends, then heads out to meet his friends.

In the distance, you start to hear a constant, booming *THUD* spaced at about 10 seconds apart.

***

Two hours have officially passed. I'm fine with not waiting for the catacombs transaction to officially finish before we move on.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 12:44:59 PM
I believe the Scald Clan with mobile iron transport is arriving. First plan of action?

Talia says," I could turn invisible, fly to the heel, "knock" on the door and get inside...what do you think?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 12:52:52 PM
ooc: Hobie wanted a couple scrolls of knock so he could cast one and add the other to his spellbook, not a wand. Knock is a level 2 spell, so a wand would cost 4,500gp, not 750.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 12:55:06 PM
ooc: Maybe a couple scrolls of Lesser Resto would be good though

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 1:06:25 PM
To Talia's suggestion Hobie replies "I think those of us who are going inside this thing should probably all approach as a team and attempt to sneak in together. It's too dangerous to send one in alone. Besides, I think unless this thing is magically locked, Zaragosa's incredible skills with a lockpick exceed even your magical prowess"

ooc: Knock doesn't automatically unlock doors, it lets you use your caster level +10 in place of a disable device check, and Zaragosa's disable device is +35, so he's better than a level 20 wizard would be at opening mundane locks.

Bliss (Cayzle)
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 1:12:57 PM

Bliss does not need to save. He simply shakes and is speechless for a whole minute. That's a long duration in Blisstime.

When he gets a hold of himself, he tells all his friends about his vision. "It is huge! Two hundred and Fifty feet tall! It has lots of arrow holes that people where people can stand and shoot. It's footsteps are like craters ... filled with marshmallow!"

He relates all this and then pauses to think about options.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 1:12:57 PM
GM: While we are waiting for catacombs purchases, can we also have bought 2 scrolls of Invisibility Sphere?

Invisibility Sphere would let the whole Infiltration team approach invisibly without burning a bunch of spells.

Hobie will give 1050 gold to whomever is making the catacombs run, for 2 scrolls of Knock, and 2 scrolls of Invisibility Sphere (if anyone wants to chip in for the scroll of invisibility sphere that we'll use on this mission, the price is 375)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 1:13:33 PM
https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/i/invisibility-sphere/

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 2:45:30 PM
Zaragosa fiddles with the goggles on his head. and comments on Hobbie . "I am not sure I can outdo the best of mage, but my skills are at least nothing to scoff at. I look forward to finally being useful. I agree with the plan and am ready to follow orders."

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+22=37 d20+13=14
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 5:10:39 PM

Bliss is worried about being spotted before they can approach. He suggests that they plot the thing's likely route and dig or make a quick blind. Even just a bramble patch or a couple big trees would do.

Hiding under cover/concealment, we can use Stealth to avoid being seen.

Cast Blink. Change into Cat. Sprint for the giant and Blink into it.

-- If I get in, great. Look for a door to unlock to the outside. Others (message spell) will know that the Blink works, so they can try that, or maybe a Dim Door.

-- If I bounce off, Blink does not work. change back into a halfling, cast Polymorph, change into a little flying thing, fly in through an eye or an arrow slit.

ACTION TAKEN - Bliss walks a half hour out of town towards the monster. he does his best to estimate its path oncoming. He looks for a place to hide ... some sort of natural cover from a tree or bush. Note that any onlookers will likely be looking from above.

Perception 37
Survival 14

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Wednesday September 19th, 2018 8:21:27 PM
"Hey Murph, since you ain't go with the infiltration team, maybe you want to lend that ring to Hobbie? That way I can take some of the heat off our heavy damage dealer and it's not going to do you much good outside or range."

OOC: Kezzem is referring to the Shield Other ring. He figures unless the dwarfs are undead, fiendish, or dragons-in-disguise, he's not going to draw much attention with his daggers.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large Air Elemental d20+29=43 ; d20+17=24 ;
Thursday September 20th, 2018 4:52:46 AM

"Marshmallow?" Murphy repeats a portion of Bliss's description of the thing.

"With many arrow slits - perhaps I can enter as a tiny bat through one. What do you all think about me getting, say, half a mile from it, up in the air, changing into a tiny bat, then coming at it from the side or back, and trying to enter that way. Maybe Bliss could join me, and we could attempt entry near each other. Then, fly to the heal, see about opening the door from the inside to let you all in?

"I know, blinking, dimension door, those may serve as good entry points, too. Unless there's some sort of anti-magic field surrounding it.

"If I thought we had strong enough rope - better yet, steel cable - to use to try to trip it, I'd suggest giving that a try. Rock to mud - if it happens to step on rock - might work - but, if, as the air elemental explained, and Bliss said its footsteps make craters in the earth, I have my doubts that rock to mud would make much difference.

"So, barring any phenomenal flashes of insight, let's go for entry through its standard access at the heel, and / or infiltration through one of the slits and small openings," Murphy recommends. "By the way, Hobie, great ideas."

"So, Pressi, shall I fly ahead a little ways, and try to coordinate entry with you when it is not too far from where we choose to hide? I can scout ahead right now - Bliss and I should be able to find a suitable spot for the bulk of the party to wait for the iron giant to pass near by. We need a measure of concealment - there are stands of trees and bushes here an there. Let's go now," [I'm assuming we're at the 2 hour mark, and everyone has done what needs doing by way of preparation], I'll find a good spot maybe two miles north of town, and we'll get set. I don't want us to start much closer than two miles, as, once we get aboard the giant, it will likely continued to walk forward before we are able to stop it. Two miles gives us about 15 to 25 minutes to disable or take it over."

He casts longstrider on himself for possible later use if he changes to a walking form.

If all that sounds good, Murphy flies out. Once he is out about a mile from the group, he casts owl's wisdom on himself. Then he seeks to find a good spot of concealment for the group at about the two mile mark, more or less, and telecommunicates with Pressi the best route to it, and the best spot to wait, occasionally off to the side trying to get a rough bead on the incoming giant by flying to the south crest of nearby hills and peeking over. Most of his flight will be fairly low to the ground so as to avoid the gaze of the oncoming one.
==============
Perception: 43
Survival: 24
[If another travels with him, he'll add their survival check +2 to his own]
==============

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday September 20th, 2018 5:37:19 AM
After the two hour mark, Succotash is chomping at the bit to get going, and says, �I�m riding towards the thud sounds, if anyone wishes to join me, please do, but I am not waiting any longer!� He then heads out riding Miss Piggy at 40ft per round, unless someone joins him who can�t travel that fast, in which case he will keep pace with the slower travelers. If there is only one person who can�t travel at at least 40ft per round, he will offer them a ride on Miss Piggy.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday September 20th, 2018 11:04:12 AM
Pressi's mind boggled as her two tier plan went up in smoke, and as words undermining her plan went up in smoke. "Murphy, I owe you an apology. Getting this team coordinated and sticking to a plan is insanely hard and can drive you nuts. Ok, new rule. Next guy who undermines a plan that's underway gets to be the leader. Bliss, you go first."

The fact that Murphy is far angrier about a catacombs purchase than having his marriage proposal rejected... You know what, we'll get to that.

"In answer to Bliss' question, and apparently my own. the idea of what to do from the outside is indeed a little fuzzy but I figured that the team could slow or stop the machine, trip it, or even reveal itself and drag some troops outside. Depending on the path it is traveling and the spells prepared by Talia and Murphy but I figured it was possible.

"Also, I figured that if a combat ever occurred, even one that the roguelike half of the team could handle, then the infiltration failed. I'm anticipating two man job after two man job while the others wait, and figured a large crowd, even of eight rogues (and I'm assuming we leave pets behind), would have made the mission harder and left most of the team sidelined.

"But look, I'm not married to the idea. If everyone wants to enter at once, or through different entry points, that's fine. Though as pointed out, while blink or gaseous form or polymorph can presumably bypass the back door, not everyone has such abilities. Personally, I haven't heard any information that presumes we need a knock spell. JTT has a ridiculous disable, I can take a crack at it, and there are a couple of others who can buff us, so...."

DM Carl
Thursday September 20th, 2018 1:14:36 PM
Talia has an idea to get inside.

Hobie suggests those who are going inside stick together.

Bliss relays his vision. He begins to understand what taking the Giant head-on means. He goes on a quick scouting mission to see how easy it will be to hide. Walking 30 minutes out of town, he's easily able to detect it's incoming path. From its height, it can very easily see Humble's Ford. The landscape between the town and the Giant is mostly grassland, but there are trees. He and a few others can turn to animals. A few others can go invisible. The rest of the party can hide from something that tall behind one tree easily enough. Finding a place to remain hidden won't be difficult, but the party will need to be in place before the Giant is within 1 mile, else it will see you approaching.

Zaragosa admits he is no slouch when it comes to breaking and entering.

Kezzem suggests Murphy let them use his ring.

Murphy doesn't seem to have a solid idea on what the significance of marshmallow is, but when is divination obvious? He bats around ideas of sneaking in and opening the heel from the inside, or maybe they could blink in. It would sure help if they knew how the door operated, but there's nothing they can do about that now (is there?). He suggests those who are able to get inside so they can all group up in the Giant's heel. He and Bliss will have no trouble scouting a decent ambush point for the non-sneaky.

Succotash is done waiting. He insists on heading out as well. Your humble DM is not sure how fast Murphy and Bliss are capable of traveling, so he's not sure if Succotash can keep pace.

Pressi decides leading this group is not fun. She nominates the next person to make a plan as leader. She notes some possible holes in her ideas, and won't argue if the rest of the party thinks entering together is a good idea.

***

Current time at beginning of post (not including travel time by Succotash/Bliss/Murphy): 4 hours until Giant reaches Humble's Ford
Giant speed: 2 MPH
Distance from Humble's Ford: 8 miles
Solid estimate at how far away the Giant will spot a non-sneaky halfling: 1 mile

I will leave the rest of the math to you, friends.

To be clear on the subject of cover: just about all of you can hide under a single tree considering they're still leafy. It's a matter of how far away you can get from the town and remain hidden at this point. Cover is the easy part.

I like you how guys are working through this. My write-up of this part of the module is "means of entrance is left to the ingenuity of the players." I was curious to see how you folks would handle this, as there's no perfect answer.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Thursday September 20th, 2018 2:11:02 PM
"So what is the plan? are we splitting up? Should the infiltrators get a move on to find a hiding spot?"

(OOC Should I roll my stealth yet or wait?)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Thursday September 20th, 2018 3:02:34 PM
"So Pressi's plan was for Murphy and the two Paladins to distract this thing while the rest of us snuck in through the feet, is that no longer the plan?"

"Regardless of what we do, I think we should try to stick together under tree cover until we are close enough to make our moves. If you guys will show a little patience, once I'm within 600 feet of this thing I can cast Clairaudience/Clairvoyance, and try to watch/listen to what's going on inside this thing. Maybe tap into their command center so we have an idea of what's going on before we storm in."

"Zaragosa, once we are ready to make our move, if you stick close to me, I can cast Invisibility Sphere and you and anyone else within ten feet of me can sneak to the foot invisibly, where you can try to disable any locks they may have."

Bliss (Cayzle)
Thursday September 20th, 2018 9:38:09 PM

Bliss says, "I got no way to slow this thing down or attack from the outside. If someone else can, great! We could use a distraction as the rest of us try to sneak inside. Maybe an illusion or a tripline? But it is hard to imagine what could trip that thing. The size bonus alone gives it a nasty CMD."

Bliss is ready to keep on with his plan: Try to Blink in as a kitty. If the Blink fails, polymorph into a diminutive bat and fly in through a hole. Either way, then sneak to the heel and help others get in.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Friday September 21st, 2018 1:10:42 AM
Kezzem turns to the newest arrives. "It would appear that we brave halflings of Humble's Sword are faced with our longtime and unbeatable foe--our inability to agree on a plan."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large Air Elemental
Friday September 21st, 2018 3:22:53 AM

[ clarification ]
[OOC: "The fact that Murphy is far angrier about a catacombs purchase than having his marriage proposal rejected... You know what, we'll get to that." - Pressi.

In truth, Murphy was/is not angry at all about a Catacombs purchase. *Kim* just realizes that, if a message does not get through the first time on a significant point, it is sometimes necessary to use CAPITAL letters to grab people's attention. There are some times in my life when I have to YELL to gain people's attention (say as a lifeguard), because the ambient noise needs to be overcome. When I do yell in such a situation, for another's safety or well-being, it is not anger at all (unless someone who ought to know better is idiotically recklessly endangering others after having previously been warned about the same thing). It is overcoming the background noise in order to deliver an important message.

AND - Murphy is not angry about Pressi saying she needs more time. Sad? Sure, somewhat. But not angry. Not despondent. He figures she needs exactly what she said - time. He recalls his grandmother's story about the flower with petals still closed. He is patient. Not angry. And, he knows she may decide never to marry (him). Love is a choice. He offers his. She may choose to reciprocate, or not. The choice is real. By the way, noting he is not angry is not denial. It's a simple truth.

Now, both Murphy and Kim are capable of anger. But it is fairly remote from their standard mode of operation. Bold and ALL CAPS are ways to draw attention, or to represent that Murphy is projecting his voice so as to carry to a crowd, or over a long distance. Or, to highlight a fellow character's name, in a non-shouty situation. Or, OOC, again, in hopes that someone will actually read and attend to a message.] :-)
[ / clarification ]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large Air Elemental
Friday September 21st, 2018 3:23:29 AM

Backstep - Kezzem's ring to Hobie
At the time Kezzem requested it, Murphy responds: "I could do that, but will have to drop out of my air elemental form. That cuts down slightly on my shape changing options for the day. But I'll do so if you think it's best."

If Kezzem says so, he changes, and says, "Say, Hobie, here is Kezzem's ring of friend shield that allows him to cast through his paired ring a shield other spell. In short, he can take upon himself some of the physical damage you experience, so that you don't end up on the wrong side of the Woldsblood stream too soon." He hands the ring to Hobie.

Present Plans
"Pressi, two teams is a great idea. How about, though, rather than a pure distraction team, we have an innocuous appearing early penetration team through one of the attack openings, and a hidden through-the-heel second team?

"Why? If we hide reasonably well - and if one of the sphere of invisibility spells is used on two or three of us who can fly, and get small, say Bliss and I - anyone else? - maybe we can get in, fly down within, and help open the door.

"With that giant at about 250 tall.. A six-foot-tall person's average step is just shy of three feet, figure that each step of the giant is 120 feet - the same length as the new white spire tower is tall. That is 44 steps a mile over 30 minutes of walking. 88 steps an hour, for two miles. So, each step takes... about 41 seconds, and covers 120 feet. If we get in through a lower opening - maybe around the hips? - how long would it take to get to the bottom of the right leg? Flying, as a couple of tiny bats, maybe not too long, unless there are doors or solid obstacles in the way. Or if dwarfs hate bats, and we're not invisible. Bliss is tons more sneaky than I am.

"Hobie, you cast your clairvoyance when the giant is 600 feet away - that is 5 steps, and the giant is then 3 minutes and 25 seconds away from where you are, about. If some sort of magical shield does not prevent your peeking, then you can tell Pressi, she can tell me, I can bat chirp to Bliss - say, if he and I have a message spell between us, that'll be easy.

"The heel tackle team, whether via Talia's knock spell, and with Jack's high capabilities, should be able to work on getting in from the outside - Bliss and I can assist from the inside - and, we're in.

"After that, we ascend. Figure out things as we go along. Some pretend to be dwarfs. Others - maybe invisible. Bluffing. Knockin' 'em out. Killing, if necessary - they are on their way to destroy our homes and those of our friends, and to kill anyone who has stayed behind. Work up to the control center... we'll figure out something. Maybe we will find an ally within.

"Friends, there are so many variables here - we're guessing somewhat, and new things will show themselves in the midst of it all.

"You are one of the most competent group of people I know. We are good at thinking fast, and responding to changing situations.

"Pressi, Hobie, Bliss, Talia, Jack, Succotash, Kezzem - any thoughts, any suggestions, any betterments to this tweak to Pressi's and Hobie's and Bliss's and all's plans?"

"Let's go forward three miles - that will take those on the ground about 40 minutes. The giant will be out six and 2/3 miles from town by then, so 3 and 2/3 miles from our arrival point. Should we go out two miles, instead? Pressi - you tell us - two or three miles from here? It'll take about 26 minutes for the whole group to get two miles out.

"Get set in a blind. There are various stands of trees between here and the Giant Tower - and the Iron Giant is already south of that. One or two of us can scout ahead - Bliss - you and I? - and let you know if plans need changing, or we learn more."

"Succotash, we all love Miss Piggy," the druid adds, "and riding her out should be fine. Once trying to gain entry, though, and presumably climbing stairs or ladders within, that may not be her best playground. It's for you to decide, but consider the possibility of sending her back before we get too far - or maybe right after we get in."

One last idea he puts forth. "If we tie a whole bunch of strong ropes together, and wrap them multiple times, maybe in a figure eight just below the knees, and can figure a way to tighten them at the right moment, m a y b e we could trip it. As Bliss says, though, long odds against it."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large Air Elemental
Friday September 21st, 2018 3:33:02 AM

"Oh, I know, Kezzem. I can give the ring to Hobie about the time I change from air elemental to halfling then to bat, when we're closer. Sound all right?" Murphy asks, posting one more time.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday September 21st, 2018 5:21:12 AM
Miss Piggy doesn�t seem to like the idea of not getting involved, but she will obey her master. Succotash replies to Murphy, �I�ll have to make that choice when we have a better idea what we are up against, but seriously, LET�S GO!!!� Succotash�s patience is wearing thin, as a halfling of action, he is getting more and more frustrated with the departure delays.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday September 21st, 2018 10:28:09 AM
Kid's sick so my post is going to be in bits and pieces today.

But I think no matter what, we have to stop discussing and get moving. Probably should have moved this to an email thread instead if the DM wasn't going to let us have a proper discussion but it is what it is.

So Pressi gets on Harper's saddle (speed 50) and rides out. When they get to the designated area (3 miles should work fine), she has Harper start to head back.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Friday September 21st, 2018 1:07:47 PM
Hobie will ride out on Pippa, and once in position, he'll send her back home.

Taking the ring from Murphy, "Wow, thanks Murph, thanks Kez. This is great, hopefully this can keep me up long enough to put arrows in all these jerks."

"Murph I've only got one scroll of Invisibility Sphere (the other was consumed when adding to my spell book), so if we are splitting into two groups, the other group will have to find a way to be concealed."

Fast forwarding to when we are in position, Hobie will use a scroll to cast Flame Arrow on 50 arrows, and He'll cast Shield on himself.

"Friends, I know you are eager to go, but let me see if I can divine what's happening inside this thing before we go rushing in"

When the Giant is within 600 feet Hobie will use a scroll to cast Clairaudience/Clairvoyance. This is basically like I'm magically sticking a camera with a microphone into the head of the giant which I can see and listen to. (Hobie will place the sensor inside the head of the giant, unless there is a more obvious cockpit once he's in view of it)

Then based on what Hobie see/hears, a knew plan can be formed, but most likely, JUST before any action is taken, Hobie will pull out another scroll and ask all his friends to come within 30 feet and he'll cast Haste on his whole party.

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 0/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Friday September 21st, 2018 1:52:41 PM
"That's fine, Murph, just don't get stuck in air elemental form like Alleah did," says Kezzem.

"Well, my plan is to enter through the heel, find the pilots, and enter aggressive negotiations. There like regular negotiations, but with daggers."

DM Carl d20=14 ;
Friday September 21st, 2018 4:07:27 PM
Zaragosa is still not 100% on the plan, but that's ok. Your humble narrator isn't either.

Hobie thinks they should stick together until they make their move. He can help himself and a few others go invisible if they stay close.

Bliss has a plan: sneak in, help the others from the inside. Seems simple enough.

Kezzem is obviously back to his old self.

Pressi agrees it's time to move, so she does.

OOC: Melvin, this scene was written to give you guys time to plan and discuss handling the Giant. I specifically said this part was up to you, and nothing would happen until you explicitly stated something was happening. Your complaint is unwarranted.

Murphy does some math. He makes a pretty big assumption about the giant's stride. That's not to say it's a bad assumption. If his math is right, and it usually is, that's plenty of time to get the heel door open and inside. He acknowledges it's the best they can do since they're missing more intel. He recommends intercepting the Giant 3 miles out. That will give Humble's Sword a good 90 minutes before it starts attacking the town.

Succotash thinks this show better get on the road, but agrees that Miss Piggy should probably stay back.

***

The plan, as I understand it: Ride three miles out, hide, wait for the Giant. The Giant will be about 90 minutes from your hiding spot when you arrive. If that's correct, great. If you want to get closer to the Giant and further from town, you have time. Since you've come to an agreement on the course of action and have specifically said you're leaving, I'll move this along. If you decide you'd rather ride further out, please say so by the next post. Discuss it over email if you choose.

***

Humble's Sword rushes towards the Giant, moving quickly to get into a position to infiltrate the thing. Not long after the party leaves, the Giant's head starts peeking above the trees and hilltops. The ever-present *THUMP* of its footsteps grows ever louder. The steps, incidentally, are about 20 seconds apart. The Giant's stride must be shorter than Murphy expected.

By the time the party arrives at what would make an adequate hiding spot, most of the Giant is visible. The dwarf did not prepare you for the sight. Towering into the sky, far taller than the tallest building in the Crescent Valley, the gargantuan humanoid is constructed of dark gray metal. Its fists are plated with adamantine, and fiery glow comes from its eye slits. On the back of each hand is an enormous gem that glows blue with intense magical power. Just like the dwarf said, ballistae and trebuchets are arrayed across its broad shoulders. Embrasures dot the entire circumference of it as well.

Perception, DC 25, Highlight to display spoiler: {Shadows pass in front of the embrasures from time to time. Many of them are obviously manned, but it's impossible to be certain how many.}

The Giant's legs are about 120' high, each foot about 20' of that. There are 4 embrasures on each "calf" area. The Giant's right leg will pass within 70' of the party's hiding spot.

Hobie attempts to get an ear into the Giant's head. Clairaudience-Clairvoyance isn't affixed to something, however. It creates a sensor that does not move, and the head is a moving target. You find you're unable to make the sensor appear inside the head's current location. You can cast it out in front and let the head run into it. If you'd rather do that, let me know and I'll throw up a description of what you see over the weekend.

It looks like the Giant's exterior is impervious to magic. Hobie is able to cast the rest of his preparatory spells as outlined.

***

Great job, everyone. Infiltration officially starts next week. I'm awarding 6K XP for roleplay and planning.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+19=38 ;
Friday September 21st, 2018 8:38:09 PM
(OOC: My apologies. My complaint was towards a narrower issue but I don't feel like getting into it.)

"Who can fly and be small inside the sphere with you and Bliss?" Pressi answered. "Well, me, but I assume you want me on the ground. Talia can probably do it; she is the transmutation specialist. Otherwise, I can zap someone like Succotash with polymorph."

It had been a long ride as they moved closer and closer to... well, the towering warhorse doesn't do it justice. "Ok, I'm going to need the team's full cooperation for this point forward. We need a 'they're compensating' joke and we only get one shot, so lets make it count, people."

Almost as good as Hobie's clairvoyance is... well, she gets a round by round ability through her god, but her normal eyes can almost see for miles themselves (Perception 38). "I can see the shadows passing through embrassures. Hard to tell how many are manned, but we might be able to slip the flying team in one of the non-shadowed ones." (One possible way: someone blasts detect thoughts.)

"In all fairness to the naysayers, I really hoped for a better environment. A mix of soften earth, obscure mists and an entanglement would still slow it down. Barring that... it gets within 70 feet and then leaves in three rounds. So we need some speed to get there and then maybe a round or two to unlock. Any ideas?"

(i.e. Pressi's foot speed is 30 so she can double move one round and has two rounds to do stuff.)

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Saturday September 22nd, 2018 6:30:46 AM
Succotash says, � So we have the sneaky ones entering from the heal, with Jack using his most excellent entry skills, and another group turning into small flyers entering through an arrow slit, I like this plan, if Pressi can turn me into a small flyer, just long enough for the entry, it just might work, as long as I get turned back right away so I can fight that is�.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Saturday September 22nd, 2018 7:19:55 AM
ooc: So Hobie will put the sensor ahead of it like you described. If it's footsteps are 20 seconds apart, I should at least be able to see inside for 5 or 6 seconds right?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Saturday September 22nd, 2018 7:27:28 AM
GM- Does anything appear like a cockpit? Like does the head look like a place where those guiding it might be watching from? Is there any other place, like maybe the chest, that looks like the spot where it is piloted from?

Bliss (Cayzle)
Saturday September 22nd, 2018 12:20:07 PM
Bliss notes that he could turn someone else into a tiny flyer, like a hawk or an owl or such.

He is willing to let someone else fly in as a tiny bird, while he Blinks in. If the Blink fails, then he can enter either scale the monster and squeeze in a hole as a kitty, or enter with the group at the heel.

He's thinking he should maybe swap his boots of acrobatics for boots of spider climbing. Except he left them back home. I mean, at the store. In his imagination.

Bliss thinks hard about his vision. How high up was the first level of fortifications and arrow slits? What was the surface of the iron monster like? What would be the DC to climb it?

For that matter, what is the DC to slip through an arrow slit for a tiny creature?

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells) d20+7=14 ;
Saturday September 22nd, 2018 8:12:06 PM
Only 14 on perception

Zaragosa was glad the team seemed to want to use his skills. He informs them that he has a ring to help him stealth and boots of speed to help him run faster.

He waits for orders.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood Druid 11 (Kim) HP 85/85 Large Air Elemental
Sunday September 23rd, 2018 11:50:24 PM

"Shoot, Hobie," Murphy says. "Did you actually find time to write that scroll into your spellbook just now, in the last few minutes since we got the scrolls then headed for these trees? You don't happen to have invisibility memorized, do you? I think one key to us bats getting inside reasonably safely is if we're invisible, too.

"Talia, can you make me and Bliss invisible? Or, maybe, one of us? Bliss is pretty good at sneaking around - but not me.

"If either Hobie can make both of us invisible - which has the advantage that he and I will be able to see each other, but it's really tough for others to see us. Or even, not to be selfish, but, if one of you two can render me invisible, that should up the odds of inside spying significantly. I can be a tiny, invisible bat, until at the door, change to something big and invisible, and operate the mechanism from inside.

"That way, we have the outside opening experts, like Zaragosa here, working that side. And me, not quite the expert but, shoot, it should be easier from within. That ups the group odds a fair bit.

"If someone near the heel wants to attack us, Bliss and I can work on fending them off, giving you all a chance to get inside."

Murphy is in his halfling form now, and was able (as earlier described, but just in the last few minutes accomplished) able to give Hobie the ring from Kezzem). He is about to switch to a tiny bat.

Talia (by Kim for J.P.)
Sunday September 23rd, 2018 11:54:31 PM

Talia says, "Well, I can cast invisibility on one of you. Bliss, is it all right if I cast it in Murphy? He does kind of stick out a lot more than you do when you're being sneaky." If Bliss does not object, then just before Murphy flies away as a bat, she will cast it on him. She waits until he tells her he is ready.

"Otherwise, though, I'll stay here and do what I can to help the outside team get inside. Unless, Pressi, you want me to do something else. I could read the knock scroll if you need that help."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday September 24th, 2018 5:34:23 AM
�So, what�s my role in this?� Succotash asks, �I�m only slightly better at stealth than a walrus, so entering at the heel is probably a no go, Pressi had mentioned she could turn me into a bat or some other tiny flyer, and Bliss said he could do likewise, but now Murphy is talking about flying in with Bliss as a duo, so now I�m confused as to where you want me, as the teams tank, I�m pretty good in a fight, but subterfuge and stealth aren�t my strongest assets, I could stay outside and hack away at the thing with Twinklesting, but that would be about as useful as a screen door on an Apparatus of the Crab�.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday September 24th, 2018 11:19:57 AM
"Assuming that nobody can turn Succotash invisible," Pressi begins, "there are options, including taking your chances as a visible bat or bug. These guys strike me as overconfident, not expecting an attack between here and their destination, and expecting any attack to be a frontal assault. Though I am making a psychological guess.

"I do think that Hobie has the scroll, he was inscribing while we did our rituals, but if not he should have his ring or the spell on hand. I'll try to think of invisible creatures, too..."

"Down, I will personally try to use HiPS, though I won't be fully stealthy if I am moving full speed. Their perception from down here should be pretty low given distance and the forest cover, so stealth shouldn't be too much of an issue. But I can cover people with obscure mist, ghost sound - or maybe mind fog. That drops their perception flat but isn't detectable (by normal senses) as an out of the ordinary event."

"Guys, I know we are dealing with a lot of unknowns, but we also have a lot of power and options, even if spotted or magically detected. And this team, above all, has proven time and again to be flexible even in the face of ambush, mind control, or invisible creatures. We're the good guys, the risk takers, the guys who faced worse challenges than this while everyone laughed at us. Whatever happens between now and when we face the leaders, never forget they're the ones fighting us. It may be their machine, but it's our terrain."

She turns to Murphy, speaking to him for what might be the first time in a while. "See you on the other side."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 23 Touch 16 Flat 19 CMD 28 Hero Points 6
Monday September 24th, 2018 12:39:12 PM
"I can cast regular invisibility on someone else, I have prepared it this morning. Also, Succotash, if you wanted to come with us to the heel, we will be traveling in my Invisibility Sphere, which will make us all invisible. I don't imagine the noisiness of your armor will be much of an issue considering how much noise this thing is already making, and if they can see invisible creatures, well then they could already see the rest of us."

"Pressi don't worry too much about speed, remember I'm gonna cast Haste on all of us as soon as we are ready to go. Plus if you wanted to stay invisible, you'll need to stay within 10 feet of me."

===============
Wearing Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other

Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 0/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

DM Carl
Monday September 24th, 2018 12:40:43 PM
Hobie creates a magical sensor high in the air in front of the Giant's path. From this vantage point, the Giant's "face" is just a series of two large circles for eyes and a barred rectangle where the mouth is supposed to be. The orifices appear to be open, and Hobie's able to see through them into the interior. Through the eyes is a mass of interlocking gears, chains, and pipes. Even from outside, you can hear the grinding, clinking, and hissing of the giant machine. The mouth seems to lead to a separate room, this one much smaller. In the middle is a slightly raised platform, and standing on said platform is an imposing, stone-faced dwarf. He appears to be middle aged, with jet black hair and only a few wrinkles around the eyes. He is clad in an exceptionally imposing set of full plate armor. Around his hands and feet are small pink orbs. It doesn't take much deduction to realize their movements mirror the Giant's.

Hobie has just a few moments to take this in before his sensor makes contact with the exterior of the Giant and instantly vanishes.

Succotash is willing to be shape-changed and head inside, but needs to be sure he can be changed back quickly.

Bliss ponders ways inside. He's still keen on blinking inside if possible. He ponders climbing. The exterior of the Giant isn't particularly smooth, and does provide handholds for climbing, but the legs do come down with some force. It would be exceedingly difficult to climb while it was in motion.

OOC: DC 35 climb check while in motion, with checks every 10 feet.

The first embrasures are in what would be the calves of the Giant, about 40-50 feet up. Slipping through an arrow slit would not be a challenge for any creature small enough to fit, though a non-flying one would have to climb up first.

Zaragosa waits for orders, hopeful that his skills will come in handy.

Murphy takes stock of the party's invisibility means. He proposes he and Bliss enter, and requests an invisibility spell since he's not nearly as sneaky as Bliss.

Talia is able to make Murphy invisible, and will do so unless anyone speaks up real quick.

Succotash isn't sure of his place in this. He's not sneaky.

Pressi believes her opponents to be overconfident. She reminds her companions they're more than capable of fighting if stealth fails. Still, she has options open.

Hobie declares that with his haste and invisibility sphere, approaching on the ground won't be difficult.

***

A semblance of a plan comes together. The Giant is quickly approaching from the north. The time to act is approaching, otherwise Humble's Sword will end up chasing after it.

OOC: You would have had time to plan this out before the Giant was right on top of you, so if you guys need another day to make a plan come together, I'm ok with it. I'd encourage you guys to work it out over email if you're not already. Wednesday's gonna be the cut-off, though. If you don't take any actions after my post tomorrow, the Giant will officially walk on by.

edit: Nick posted as I did, so I added his actions.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Monday September 24th, 2018 9:16:28 PM
(sorry mates, I seem rather lost at what to post)

Bliss (Cayzle)
Monday September 24th, 2018 11:01:43 PM
Bliss breaks it down.

From the hidey spot, we wait until it approaches. Bliss and other mages who can will use Message on everybody. But it will be hard for Bliss to relay messages while in some beast shape.

Pressi casts her Haste. Pressi casts Polymorph on VOLUNTEER 1. Bliss casts Polymorph on a VOLUNTEER 2 -- tiny hawk form. Bliss casts Blink on himself.

As the monster gets within 90 ft, Bliss runs as a kitty to the monster and tries to Blink in.

If that fails, Bliss changes into a halfling, Beast Shape 1 into an eagle, flies up to a lower arrow slot, perches -- can a small eagle fit through? Prolly not. Odds are, Bliss changes back to a kitty, and squeezes in with a good escape artist check. This is sub-optimal and a lot could go wrong -- hopefully the Blink works!

Murphy and VOLUNTEERS fly to the monster and enter, either through a low arrow slit -- to then descend to the heel and then to open the way for the group, or up to the Operator to attack him and stop the monster from walking.

Pressi, Jack, Talia, Succotash, Kezzem, and Hobie [minus whoever are the Poly VOLUNTEERS] approach the heel with Haste and Invisibility Sphere. MAYBE this group can get in on their own. MAYBE they have to keep pace with the monster while a mate inside gets down here to open the way.

Bliss fears an antimagic effect that ends all polys and other effects as soon as you enter. He prays to the Silver Lady that he will not be stuck in an arrow slit, half in and half out.

"That's the plan, I think?" asks Bliss.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Monday September 24th, 2018 11:42:14 PM
"I volunteer for tribute!" says Kezzem. "I mean polymorph. I'd have a hell of a time keeping pace without Rumpus, and I would rather keep him away from getting crushed by a giant iron boot."

Talia (by Kim for J.P.)
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 4:07:12 AM
Talia reads - not out loud, not so as to activate it - yet nevertheless reads the knock spell, to acquaint herself with the casting of it for the very near future.

"Does anyone need a stoneskin spell? I can cast two. It lasts 110 minutes, and tends to soften blows substantially." (DR10/adamantine)

Talia (by Kim for J.P.)
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 4:37:30 AM
"A concern - similar to what Bliss expressed: If we enter by means other than the heel door, will there be a dispel magic effect as we pass through, thereby possibly stripping us of some of the spells just cast upon us?

"What does that marshmallow heel thing taste like? Is it some sort of exhaust system?"

Leading up to the haste spell...
Murphy casts on self
freedom of movement

barkskin
owl's wisdom
stoneskin
Wild shape to tiny bat
Receive Haste from... Hobie?

Fly with Bliss & any others to the lower openings in the leg, fly on through one of them, hopefully avoiding bumping into someone's nose.

Murphy druid 11a --> tiny bat
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 4:39:43 AM

"A concern - similar to what Bliss expressed: If we enter by means other than the heel door, will there be a dispel magic effect as we pass through, thereby possibly stripping us of some of the spells just cast upon us?

"What does that marshmallow heel thing taste like? Is it some sort of exhaust system?

Murphy on self
freedom of movement

barkskin
owl's wisdom
stoneskin
Wild shape to tiny bat
Receive Haste from... Hobie?

Fly to the lower openings in the leg, fly on through one of them, hopefully avoiding bumping into someone's nose.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 5:09:17 AM
Succotash considers for a moment the whole anti magic field thing and then says, �Well, maybe we should all just enter through the heel using Hobie�s invisibility sphere for cover, seems pretty silly to polymorph and fly 50ft in the air, only to come crashing down in the form of a Halfling�. �I volunteer to stand beside Zaragosa, and charge in once the door is open�.

DM Carl
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 1:22:01 PM
The plan is mostly finalized, but Succotash isn't sure they shouldn't just throw it all out the window and move in together.

Time's just about up, though: the Giant is upon you. Whatever plan is being put into action will have to be executed now.

***

If you guys absolutely need more time to talk about this, that's fine, but you'll need to ask for it. Otherwise, your next post needs to include what actions you're actually taking.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 27 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 1:46:54 PM
"Talia, If you are just offering, I would not say no to Stoneskin"
========

"Ok guys, it's go time! Get near me!"

Hobie will give everyone a chance to get within ten feet of him, and then he will cast Invisibility Sphere from his scroll.

"You must stay within ten feet of me or you will become visible, and PLEASE, no one can attack anything until it is ABSOLUTELY necessary, or you will become visible. Let's go!!"

He will then move at 80 feet per round (double moving, 20 feet halfling speed plus 20 feet from Haste which he previously cast on everyone)

===============
Rounds of Haste used 2 of 5 (one round casting invisibility sphere, one round double moving)
===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 0/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 0/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Shield (+4 Shield Bonus)
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 27 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 1:47:50 PM
(He is moving toward the heel, I forgot to mention that)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 9:34:51 PM

Pressi shakes her head. "You know what, Bliss. You do you, but I trust that its easier to get through the gaps, antimagic field or no, than through some random section of potentially shielded and potentially crowded leg by yourself. If you change your mind, you can join either team."

Pressi continues to push for the two teams. But either way, she knows that Succotash's speed is a problem, so she hits him with Polymorph. (His choice. He can become a small bird or a small air elemental, but both forms have a fast fly speed and are harder to spot.) She then hits a nearby area with obscure mist underneath the tree line (where fog might be) so that some cover might occur even if the invisibility fails.

Pressi then moves towards Hobie, giving him and JTT a thumbs up. She shifts to crone form, charges up her spell capacity (surrender blood) and prepares for the inevitable.

-------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
surrender blood

Spells Used:
L1: 2/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 0/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1

Tatoos:

L1: 1

Bliss (Cayzle)
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 9:36:15 PM
Bliss has already cast a few prep spells, like Barkskin. He casts his Polymorph on Sir Kezzem to turn him into a tiny bird, such as a falcon. Then Blink on himself and then sprinting as soon as he is hasted.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Tuesday September 25th, 2018 10:37:39 PM
Zaragosa agrees with Bliss's plan but does not want to be one of the volunteers since he thinks his skills will come in handy with the ground troop.

Zaragosa gives the thumbs up to Pressi a cheerful thumbs up then walks to Succotash. "You'll be fine in your new form, you usually do a lot well so your time to do some righteous fighting!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 1:29:43 AM
Kezzem admires his new form, then wonders if he can use his Smite Evil with bird droppings.

Murphy druid 11a (Kim) --> tiny bat d20+29=31 ;
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 3:46:12 AM

"Hobie - you mentioned two or three times you were going to cast haste upon us all. Will you? Would help us all."

"Falcon Succotash, you can chase me, the invisible bat - if you can figure out where I am."

"Pressi, see you on the other side."

As earlier stated: Cast on self leading up to the call to action: Freedom of movement, barkskin, owl's wisdom, stoneskin. He wild shapes into a bat.
Talia casts invisibility on him. "Thank you," he tells her in a squeaky bat voice.

Receive Haste from... Hobie? (Hobie had twice mentioned he was going to cast it on the group, and Murphy had rather been counting on that promise. Gives us all a leg up on our initial actions. Bat-Murph gives some little squeaks to let Hobie know where he is for the casting of the spell.) <-- If that spell is cast, he thanks Hobie.

Right after the (theorectical?) haste spell from Hobie, Murphy flies toward one of the lower openings along the leg, looking for one of the openings with no obvious shadow right in front of it, and anticipating dodging one direction or another based upon what he perceives upon entry [Perception: 31].

Looking about to see if Succotash is nearby, and maybe where Bliss might be, he flies within.

Talia (by Kim for J.P.)
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 4:00:02 AM
Talia casts stoneskin on Hobie as requested. One more person can place a dibs on that spell, too. Then invisibility on Murphy. She casts flight upon herself.

Then receives haste from Hobie, if that is cast. Then invisibility 10' radius. She endeavors to stay within about 5 feet of Hobie as they race toward the anticipated landing spot of the right heel, her eyes following the swiftly approaching immense boot with a measure of anxiety. She does make certain she is far enough away to avoid crushing by the boot, flying, keeps herself a few feet above the ground, momentarily holding her breath, to steel herself from the strong impact the lowest extremity is sure to have as it lands and sinks in a few feet into the earth.

She is prepared to read the scroll with the knock spell scribed upon it should that prove necessary - waiting a beat or so for Jack to do what he can, but not waiting too long.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 5:31:34 AM
Succotash now in the form of a falcon, shrugs his shoulders and figures the die is cast, he�s going to fly with Murphy. He hopes for two things, first that the polymorph isn�t dispelled, upon making contact with the Iron Giant, and second, that he can turn back to a halfling in time to fight, as he immediately feels inapt in this new body. He flies up towards the closest arrow slit, hoping the now invisible Murphy is beside him, and tries to dive through the arrow slit.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 27 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 6:24:21 AM
As previously mentioned, Hobie cast Haste one round prior to casting invisibility sphere

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 27 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 6:25:31 AM
Upon reaching the foot Hobie says �Do your thing Zaragosa!�

Bliss (Cayzle)
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 1:13:28 PM
Bliss would love a Stone Skin if no one else speaks up!

DM Carl d100=54 ; d20+8=22 ;
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 2:21:03 PM
Talia doles out stoneskin spells to Bliss and Hobie. Then, Humble's Sword leaps into action as the Giant's right foot crashes into the ground 70' away.

Hobie prepares the ground crew with haste and invisibility sphere spells. Hobie, Zaragosa, Pressi, and Talia all rush forward. Zaragosa takes point, ready to move fast to break into the door that's supposedly in the Giant's heel. The door blends into the heel pretty well; one could easily miss it if they didn't know it was there. Zaragosa looks for a keyhole, or some other device to break into. All he sees, however, is an unassuming iron handle. Giving it a tug, he finds a massive door that swings easily upwards, despite its massive size. Both sides of the door are attached to large cylinders. Smaller cylinders protrude from each and assist in lifting. From there, it's easy enough to jump on in. With ~2 rounds to open the door and head inside, everyone is able to get in. At the twenty second mark, the foot hesitates a moment before lifting. The door gently swings downwards and closes. Immediately, the foot lifts and the Giant continues along.

Meanwhile...

Bliss tears away towards the Giant, hoping his blink spell will allow him entry. Despite his best efforts, he makes contact with the Giant's exterior (gave you a 50/50 chance of just blinking through it). He's no doubt relieved to find all his spells are not ripped from him. Once he blinks out again, he's easily able to bypass the wall, also finding himself in the Giant's foot.

Meanwhile...

Murphy, Succotash, and Kezzem all find themselves hasted and in the form of small birds/flying mammals; some are invisible, some aren't. The embrasures around the Giant's calf are large enough for everyone in their current non-halfling form, and flying inside them is done easily enough.

...and just like that, Humble's Sword has infiltrated the Iron Giant. The interior of the giant is like something out of a mad wizard�s workshop. A soft yellow glow suffuses everything, pulsating slightly. A magic hum drones in the background, and the air feels slightly electric. Sparking gold tracery runs in 90-degree angles around the ceiling, floor, and walls. Strange protrusions, polished stones, and glowing gems dot the walls, seemingly at random. Several rectangular metal plates on the wall slide up and down, in time to the giant�s movements. As the Giant lifts its foot into the air, your stomachs are left behind and footing becomes unsteady. As close to the ground (or flying above it) as you all are, it won't present much of an issue when you're moving around, but it will probably cause issues during combat.

Hobie, Zaragosa, Pressi, and Talia, Highlight to display spoiler: {You stand in what is obviously just an entry way. The room is roughly 10'x 20'. A large iron door is in the far wall.}

Bliss, Highlight to display spoiler: {You find yourself in a fairly large room. Strange arcane gadgetry is scattered about, including a glowing, blue glass sphere on a pedestal and a glowing yellow circle in the middle of the floor. This glowing circle is directly below a similar hole in the ceiling, which is ringed with glowing yellow. On the wall is a large symbol in bronze: a massive hammer striking an anvil. Also in this room in an iron chair, apparently bolted to the far wall. A dwarf sits in this chair, clad in simple, but sturdy looking plate armor. A small gear on the dwarf's shoulder spins slowly. He is obviously very motion sick. Still, he takes his duty seriously and keeps a keen eye on the room. (Dwarf's perception roll is 22, roll stealth if you're wanting to remain hidden). An iron door is in the wall opposite the chair, and is obviously where your friends will be coming from.}

Murphy, Succotash, and Kezzem, Highlight to display spoiler: {You find yourselves in a tall, cylindrical room must occupy the giant�s lower leg. It is filled with junk: shaped pieces of metal, springs and gears of all sizes, flakes of sparkling gold, broken weapons, chunks of rock, bits of coal, and similar objects. A 5-foot-high lip around the large hole in the center presumably keeps pieces from tumbling into the foot. A similar hole gapes in the ceiling directly above � perhaps 50 feet. There's also a small hatch in the wall about 30' up.

A construct moves around the room. It looks like a cross between a caterpillar and a spider and is composed of blemished and dented steel. A mess of mechanical arms protrudes from a hatch on the construct�s back; a glowing red gem is perched in front of these arms. The arms end in various tools, including grippers, hammers, and trowels. As you watch, one arm grabs a shattered gear and brings it near the construct�s �face.� It seems to consider the item, then the arm places it neatly in a pile and the construct moves on. Looking down the hole will give you the same view Bliss has.}

***

Everyone gets 4k XP for infiltrating the Giant without drawing attention to yourselves. The Giant is 3 miles out from Humble's Ford, and will arrive in about 90 minutes.

Starting From the Bottom

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells) d20+8=24 ; d20+23=43 ;
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 2:59:48 PM
Zaragosa opens the door with ease as he was a bit disappointed his skills did not come in handy, though he still expected there to be things to unlock inside. He still turned to the group to mouth (in motion only, not verbally) the phrase "Tada!"

He then looks around for traps (perception trap finding 24) and creeps forward towards the door as silently as he can (stealth 43), then tries to inspect the door for a lock.

(OOC again I have to claim to be new at combat here. let me know if I rolled something wrong or a different or new roll is needed)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 27 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 5:00:53 PM
Hobie will move forward with Zaragosa toward the door making sure he keeps everyone within his sphere of invisibility.

He grips Prowler in his left hand and whispers to the group "Let's be quiet, but let's move quick. Remember we need to take this thing down before it reaches our town. Somebody open the door."

He pulls back two arrows on his bow and trains it at the door, ready for whatever may be on the other side.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+19=32 ; d20+24=41 ;
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 9:33:48 PM
Pressi tries to listen through the door (Perception 32, +1 for traps), and fires off a detect magic cantrip.

"Your wish is my command," Pressi replies to Hobie as she opens the door (assuming she doesn't detect anything). "Hey, this is the new yoga studio, right? I remember when it used to be an ice cream parlor."

If Pressi has a standard action left, she casts deep slumber (DC 20). Otherwise, she uses Hide in Plain Sight to dive into the room (stealth 41). Either way, she raises her shield of faith with a swift action.

-------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
surrender blood
hasted
no longer invisible, but hidden under HiPS rules

Spells Used:
L1: 2/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 0/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1

Tatoos:

L1: 1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday September 26th, 2018 9:38:52 PM
(And if that seems unsubtle, the original idea was to knock and see if anyone answers.)

Talia (by Kim for J.P.) AC 31, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Thursday September 27th, 2018 1:28:12 AM

Talia of course lets Bliss have stoneskin shortly before the entry exercise begins, then sandwiches in mage armor as Hobie casts invisibility sphere, then travels with Hobie and the rest, enters through the heel door, and looks about. She is pleased to be invisible. Not seeing anything obvious around, she casts detect magic to be ready to spot anything magical in this room, and to keep concentrating so as to see any in the next room, too. She stays within 7 to 8 feet of Hobie, behind him, perhaps a bit to the side, and still flying, only a few feet off the ground.

=======
Haste; Mage Armor; Invisibility Sphere; Detect Magic active

Murphy Druid 11, diminutive bat, invisible, etc. AC 31/T25/F23 CMB 5 CMD 19 (autosave). Move 85' d20+26=44 ; d20+29=42 ; d20+18=36 ;
Thursday September 27th, 2018 3:10:08 AM
After glancing around their room of entry, visually cataloguing things, Murphy-bat flits through the central hole, down a few feet to glance around, then upwards toward the top of the room the three winged ones arrived in. Telepathically he communicates exactly what he sees to Pressi, so she might have a clue as to what is coming up next. She 'hears' roughly this description:

'Pressi, Succotash and Kezzem arrived with me in a cylindrical room 50' high in the right calf of the giant. Iron hatch 30' up the wall. Junk scattered about - metal, springs, gears, broken weapons, rocks, coal, and the like. There's a mess of a construct brimming with legs, also arms with attached tools - grippers, hammers, trowels. It's taking a look at a gear, then tossing it in a pile. Doesn't seem to notice any of us. A 5-foot-high smaller cylinder in the center of the room opens to the floor beneath, which I'm now flying down to.

'All right - looks like the kitten has landed below the birds,' Murphy says if Bliss rolls less than 45 on stealth. 'Ah, next to the wall on a metal chair sits a dwarf in plate mail, looking around the room. Looks seasick. There's an iron door to one side - might open toward the heel side of the boot, toward where you all entered - you made it, right? I'm flying back upward to see what's above where we came in.'

And that is what Murphy-bat does, ascending back up the way he came, spiraling upwards, not directly under the open shaft above, until he arrives near the ceiling hole, then upwards through it to peek at what is in the next chamber - briefly, just over the rim, and then, unless it appears pretty safe, dropping back through and off to one side, hovering for the moment, or grasping on to a good spot along the wall if needed.

His keen eyes take in much, and he flies with a good bit of stealth. His flight speed (50+30(haste)+5(fleet feat)) is 85, or double that if hustling. Figure he is hustling, batty eyes flitting back and forth as his wings allow to him to maneuver (good). No physical or other actions other than flight, though he does communicate telepathically with Pressi per their permanent link.

[Perception: 42; Stealth: 52; Fly: 36]
Active Spell Effects: Freedom of Movement: 108 minutes 9 rounds; Longstrider: 10 hours 29 minutes 9 rounds; Barkskin: 109 minutes 5 rounds (Nat AC +4); Owl's Wisdom: 104 rounds (+4 Wis); Stoneskin: 106 rounds, DR 10/adamantine; Invisibility: 107 rounds; Haste: 3 rounds.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+7=8 ; d20+11=24 ;
Thursday September 27th, 2018 5:43:35 AM
Being new to this whole polymorph thing, Succotash isn't sure what to do, but he knows the majority of his friends are below him, so he flies down the cylinder, rolls an 8 on perception, so he doesn't notice anything but the obvious, and he rolls a 24 for stealth,, he looks for a place to perch, and lands.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Thursday September 27th, 2018 10:41:14 AM
Kezzem follows Murphey's lead. He tries to think of something witty to say, then remembers that he's a bird, and he's not sure if he can even speak in this form. Probably for the best he doesn't go around cawcawing while sneaking about the Iron Giant.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC30, 50% miss chance d20+27=39 ; d20+22=36 ;
Thursday September 27th, 2018 2:20:29 PM

Bliss is glad to find himself inside the moving monster. and he purrs quietly through the Message spell to let folks know he is happy.

He is also sneaky! His stealth check as a quiet kitty is 39.

Bliss looks around. He also sniffs around with his cat scent. Perception 36.

He sees that dwarf fellow staring at the door, ready to sound an alarm, prolly.

I'm assuming someone is whispering to Bliss that the door is going well!

Bliss figures the guard needs to be distracted when that door opens so he does not see it swing open and shut. So Bliss casts a Still Silent Ghost Sound, timing it carefully so that the sound appears just when the door is about to open. He makes the sound of dwarves having a great time, singing and laughing. That's a happy sound that will likely not make the fellow sound an alarm, Bliss hopes.

Bliss has experienced this himself, so it is no stretch, and not so that any actual words can be heard. The save DC is 14, but even if he saves, he will maybe still hear the sound faintly, so maybe it will still work? A quick mental prayer to the Silver Lady can't hurt either!

==========
DM Sanity Info - OOC: I figure Bliss is due for some bookkeeping:

Spells:
Lvl 1: 5+Entangle (cast surr blood x2)
Lvl 2: 4+Barkskin (cast none)
Lvl 3: 4+Plant Growth (cast Blink)
Lvl 4: 3+Still Silent Barkskin (cast Threefold Aspect, Polymorph, Divination)

Stuff With Uses Per Day:
Basic Ritual: Kitty at will
Intermediate Ritual: Shared CL12 (+4) Shield of Faith
Rage 0 of 14
Bramble Armor 0 of 6 | Wood Fists 0 of 6
Guide/Mislead 0 of 6
Life 0 of 1 | Death 0 of 1 | Focus 0 of 1
Meta Rod of Extend 3 of 3 (Shield of Faith, Barkskin, Blink)

Current Effects:
Haste From Hobie (used 1r) (+1 AC and attacks)
Stoneskin from Talia (used 1r)
Extended CL8 Blink (used 2 of 16r)
Extended Shared CL12 Shield of Faith (used 1 of 120r)
Extended CL10 Barkskin
Message spells

DM Carl d20+4=17 ;
Thursday September 27th, 2018 2:29:01 PM
Zaragosa's a bit disappointed that he can't show off his mechanical abilities, but surely he'll be able to somewhere in this contraption. He inspects the door for a lock, but finds none. It's just a basic metal door. Neither he nor Pressi find it to be trapped.

Hobie readies an arrow, urging haste.

Pressi wanders on in, speaking of things only she gets as usual. Bliss tries to provide a distraction, but the dwarf seems to notice something's up (will save 17 - pass). He leaps off the chair and grabs for a nearby spear, but Pressi's deep slumber spell hits him. He struggles to shrug it off, but can't (will save 18). He takes a knee, then keels over.

Murphy describes what he's seeing, then heads up to peek into the floor above him. He finds a very tall, but mostly bare room. There's a solid door in the ceiling, and another hatch 30' up the wall right above where the one in the lower room is. He also sees a statue resembling a plate-mailed humanoid, slender and tall. A green gem glows on its chest where its heart would be. Its right arm ends in an axe-like blade rather than a hand, and the fingers on its left hand are dangling metal wires.

Succotash isn't digging on being a bird, so he flies downwards to where his friends should be. Kezzem decides to keep quiet, but follows Murphy.

Talia casts detect magic. There is a lot of magic to detect. The entire exterior surface of the Giant radiates magic, as does the gold tracing along the wall. There's so much magic, that Talia will need to focus on something specific; scanning a room for magic isn't going to cut in the Iron Giant.

Bliss takes in the scents of the Iron Giant. It smells...like nothing. Too much like nothing, in fact. There are a bunch of dwarves living in this thing. He should be able to smell them, but he can't.

The Giant continues to move. When the right foot of the Giant touches the ground, both Murphy and Kezzem feel themselves levitating upwards through the central hole that runs up the entire leg. It's not a particularly strong or fast levitation, and both are able to fight it off easily enough should they choose. As soon as the foot lifts off the ground, the levitation effect stops.

The party is more or less together again, though half of them are still polymorphed into small creatures.

Current room description: a fairly large room. Strange arcane gadgetry is scattered about, including a glowing, blue glass sphere on a pedestal and a glowing yellow circle in the middle of the floor. This glowing circle is directly below a similar hole in the ceiling, which is ringed with glowing yellow. On the wall is a large symbol in bronze: a massive hammer striking an anvil. Also in this room in an iron chair, apparently bolted to the far wall. An iron door is in the wall opposite the chair.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC30, 50% miss chance
Thursday September 27th, 2018 3:03:30 PM
Hey, Bliss thinks, huh! Why doesn't that sleeping dwarf smell like a dwarf? Is it an illusion? A ghost? How come it fell asleep?

When he is blinking into the Realm of Shadows, he looks around there for anything ... ghostly?

He gently touches the sleeper and sniffs again.

He bares his claws and puts them on the fellow's neck, then looks at his friends and says, "Meow?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 27 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Thursday September 27th, 2018 3:19:34 PM
Hobie will put the arrow away and run over to the guard, checking him for anything of interest he might be carrying, in particular keys or tokens that might be helpful in the giant.

After looting him, Hobie will place his body back up on the chair to look as if he simply fell asleep in the chair, in case another guard happens by.

DM Carl
Thursday September 27th, 2018 5:51:33 PM
Bonus post!

Hobie goes to loot the guard. He's able to confirm to Bliss that the dwarf is very real. He finds a number of items that Talia can confirm are magical in nature. DC to identify the items are low enough that I'll just disclose what they are for the sake of expediency:

Full plate +1 w/ +1 spikes
Guisarme +1
4 non-magical javelings
Amulet of natural armor +1
Cloak of resistance +1
Ring of protection +1

There's also that gear on his shoulder that continues turning. It radiates moderate transmutation magic, but it's unlike anything she's seen before.

Lastly, his boots seem to be magnetic, though non-magical.

Time passed: 1 minute

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 27 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+24=26 ;
Friday September 28th, 2018 2:13:53 AM
(is the gear part of the full plate armor? or is it like attached like a brooch?)

Hobie will detect magic on the turning gear, and use Spellcraft, with a tap from his wand of Identify (I forgot to include the +10 in the dice roller) to see if he can understand it's magical properties. Spellcraft 36

"Would anyone object to me taking this amulet of natural armor?"

===============
With one minute passing, our Haste is finished, and we have 4 rounds of Invisibility Sphere left, except for Pressi, who is visible now that she cast Deep Slumber.
===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 0/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 0/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Shield (+4 Shield Bonus)
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday September 28th, 2018 5:31:37 AM
Lay of Hands 10/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 1/1

Succotash the Falcon upon seeing Pressi appear in the room, gives a quiet squawk, of hello, and does his best to pantomime the desire to be returned to halfling form.

Murphy Druid 11, diminutive bat, invisible, etc. AC 31/T25/F23 CMB 5 CMD 19 (autosave). Move 85' d20+29=49 ;
Friday September 28th, 2018 11:40:12 AM

During the one minute that has passed, Murphy has not been idle. He flew to each of the hatches to perform at least a cursory look at the opening mechanism. He notified Pressi of each significant thing he learned - including what is in the room above. As he tells this to her, he also whispers the same to nearby Kezzem. 'I would guess that the solid door in the ceiling above leads to the hip area, if not the upper thigh. It's also possible the side hatches include ladders or some means of going up and down - but someone with larger hands than I have check those out. Also, in the center column, there is a cylinder of gentle levitation which activates when the foot is on the ground, and quits once it lifts. So, 20 seconds of levitation.'

From the room below the top one, Murphy casts detect magic, then rises to observe the slender armored humanoid, and focuses upon the heart gem, trying to discern the nature of the magic.

Perception 49.
[I have to run - if additional rolls are needed for Murphy's determination, please feel free to make them, DM Carl.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+19=34 ; d20+11=14 ;
Friday September 28th, 2018 1:44:46 PM

Pressi watches as everyone goes about their business. "Well, don't everyone thank me all at once."

To Murphy, I don't know if I would take anything for granted. Something about the layout of this room of statues and wall chairs and rings seems rather off.

To Succotash, "What's that? Timmy's stuck in the well, again? Seriously, I will reverse you in a second, but I don't want to take away flight while we're still dealing with things vertically.

"Of course, it would help if I knew what I was looking at." Pressi takes a look at the blue sphere and the yellow circle, before laying her eyes on the symbol of a hammer striking an anvil. "Symbol of Domi," she replied. "But it's also related to dwarf history and scab history." If anyone wonders how she knows, "We all have a past. Lets move on."

(Perception 34, Know Local 14)

"Hey, Succotash. I'll release you now if you sit on that chair."

-----------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
surrender blood
hasted
no longer invisible, but hidden under HiPS rules

Spells Used:
L1: 2/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1

Tatoos:

L1: 1

Talia (by Kim for J.P.)
Saturday September 29th, 2018 2:10:18 AM

"Hobie - I am going to look at one of these hatches," Talia says. "But if I do, I lose invisibility. You - and everyone else - want to move close enough to me while I try one? Or, Jack, do you want to try it?"

If people move close with her - especially Hobie - she remains invisible. If not, she comes into view, but goes ahead and tries opening a hatch in the room most of the people are in right now. If it opens, she looks around, up and down.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24 d20+1=12 ;
Saturday September 29th, 2018 2:29:51 AM
Falcon-Kezzem looks around for anything suspicious...or looks tasty in his avian form.

Perception: 12.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 27 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Saturday September 29th, 2018 2:06:25 PM
"You got it, I'll move with you. Pressi, What if I took this dwarf's clothes and cast Alter Self to appear as one of the guards, do you think that could be useful?'

DM Carl
Saturday September 29th, 2018 6:03:12 PM
Bliss wonders why he can't smell the dwarf. He finds if he gets real close to it, it smells dwarfy. Nothing pops out at him from the Realm of Shadows.

Hobie and Talia look through the sleeping guard's stuff, finding some minor magical items and a weird spinning gear. The gear isn't attached via any obvious mechanism. Maybe it's magnetic? At any rate, it does not appear to have been crafted as part of the armor. Unless anyone stops him, Hobie takes the amulet of natural armor.

Brief aside, gentle readers: you're going to be picking up a lot of new loot in this adventure that you won't be keeping when it's over. I encourage everyone to keep a separate, temporary inventory for the duration.

Succotash is done being a bird.

Murphy checks out the hatches along the wall. Through the grill, he sees a vertical tunnel with a ladder running the entire length. He's unable to see how far up it goes, but the bottom hatch seems to be the bottom of the tunnel. Checking out the more dangerous looking of the two constructs, Murphy notices the glowing gem in its chest has a moderate transmutation aura.

Pressi feels unappreciated. She asks Succotash to hold his horses while she looks around. She inspects the sphere, noticing hand prints and greasy smudges on opposite sides of the sphere. She's right that the hammer and anvil is a symbol of Domi, but this doesn't look like what's typical. Something in her brain buzzes about the history of the Scab, but she can't put her finger on it.

Know History or Religion DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {This is probably a symbol of The Forger, a Power from the first age that created Fhorge, Scald, and the rest of the Old Ones.}

Pressi offers to turn Succotash back, instructing him to have a seat.

Kezzem is hungry. He sees nothing particularly suspicious, but he does note a small list stuck to the wall behind the iron chair:

Swashbuckler
Tornado
Warmachine
Thimble
Furnace

Talia gives the hatches a try. They swing open easily enough. The inside is plenty big for a halfling, but anything larger would have to squeeze through. Looking up, Talia sees the tunnel extends above the ceiling in the room with the scary looking construct.

Hobie considers taking up a disguise.

***

Things seem quiet enough for the most part, aside from the pounding of the Giant walking. As Pressi watches the chair, expecting Succotash to go sit and get turned back into a halfling, she finds the seat suddenly taken by young, rather well dressed gnome. She's 100% sure he wasn't there a moment ago.

"Good day!" he says. "Welcome to my Giant! Well, not MY Giant, but partially mine anyway. I'm in charge of making sure people like you don't come in...I think. Who are you, anyway?"

He scootches off the chair (his legs don't touch the ground when he sits), boots thumping as he hits the ground. His hair and clothing are dark, including a beautiful cloak that glints with metallic highlights. His right arm is bare and entwined with jagged, fiery tattoos. He wears a sleeve of mithral armor on his left arm, and two metal gears are afixed to it, turning against each other. A gold rune is prominent on each. The gnome's blue eyes sparkle, as if he finds something amusing. Cords are wrapped around his wrists and tied to a pair of short swords at his sides. He doesn't seem particularly menacing. In fact, his mannerisms are pretty friendly, as is the broad smile on his face.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 24 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Sunday September 30th, 2018 1:51:45 AM
Hobie stays silently still, and reaches for an arrow while Pressi treats with this thing. He is still invisible, along with Jairus, and doesn't want to give himself away just yet.

He prepares himself for any hostility that may arise.

===============
Invisibility Sphere Minutes used 1/5
===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 0/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 0/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Shield (+4 Shield Bonus)
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Sunday September 30th, 2018 1:05:22 PM
Falcon-Kezzem picks up the note with his beak and gives it to Pressi.

When the dwarf appears, he frantically tries to get Bliss's attention with his wings.

OOC: If I am understanding the spell correctly, Bliss has to dismiss the spell for him to regain halfling form.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Sunday September 30th, 2018 10:59:45 PM
�Well, now. I think it�s pretty clear who I am. Your kindred spirit. Any chance you�d believe we are simple mushroom farmers?

�Before we talk about Anur, maybe you could introduce yourself. Who knows, we might have to throw you out.�

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Sunday September 30th, 2018 11:17:59 PM
(sorry for my absents.)

Zaragosa was about to look at the hatches but was unsure what to look for. He would try at least to look for traps or something to unlock but then this Gnome appeared before everyone.

"My good sir." he says, "That is quite the appearance trick. I, myself, love a good entrance. How honoured I am to be in such a presence. Pray, may I ask your magnificent name?" He tried to give compliments to gain more information. "As for me, I am the Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa. Perhaps not so great as yourself, but a performer of some renown."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday October 1st, 2018 5:28:58 AM
Succotash the falcon was about to land on the chair as per Pressi�s request, but pulls up with a squawk of surprise as the gnome appears. He quickly looks for another perch, and lands. If it�s possible in his temporary form, he detects evil on the gnome.

Talia (by Kim for J.P.)
Monday October 1st, 2018 10:15:31 PM

Talia enters the hatch, and takes hold of the ladder. She listens, and looks upwards and downwards. She listens to the others conversing with the gnome, as well as to the ambient sounds in the vertical ladder tunnel.

Murphy Druid 11, diminutive bat, invisible, etc. AC 31/T25/F23 CMB 5 CMD 19 (autosave). Move 85' d20+29=30 ; d20+34=47 ; d20+18=33 ;
Monday October 1st, 2018 10:25:51 PM

From his perch Murphy, thankful his druid's vestment allows for such, asks, "What do you plan to do with this immense walking machine?"

[Perception: 30; Stealth: 47; Fly: 33]
Active Spell Effects: Freedom of Movement: 107 minutes 9 rounds; Longstrider: 10 hours 28 minutes 9 rounds; Barkskin: 108 minutes 5 rounds (Nat AC +4); Owl's Wisdom: 94 rounds (+4 Wis); Stoneskin: 96 rounds, DR 10/adamantine; Invisibility: 97 rounds

Murphy Druid 11, diminutive bat, invisible, etc. AC 31/T25/F23 CMB 5 CMD 19 (autosave). Move 85'
Monday October 1st, 2018 10:27:51 PM

Forgot to add - after speaking, he glides across the room to take advantage of a different perch (stealth of 47 includes penalty for movement), so the gnome will not necessarily know where he is.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29 d20+22=40
Monday October 1st, 2018 11:52:10 PM
Bliss dismisses Kezzem's polymorph. He is still blinking for a few more rounds.

If we are round by round, that's a round. If we have more time, Bliss walks up to the gnome, rubs his head on him in a catlike way, and gives him a sniff. Perception 40 plus actually touching him should give Bliss a save if he is an illusion.

Bliss stares at the gnome. Witch Mislead ability: 4) Guide/Mislead (Su). Just by looking at a target with his gaze, the bloodwitch can impose a +2 or -2 insight bonus or penalty on the target's next attack roll or skill check. This divine supernatural ability works only at close range (25ft + 5ft per 2 witch levels) and requires a standard action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity. The mislead ability allows the target creature no saving throw. The bloodwitch can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + his Intelligence modifier.

==========
DM Sanity Info

Spells:
Lvl 1: 5+Entangle (cast surr blood x2)
Lvl 2: 4+Barkskin (cast none)
Lvl 3: 4+Plant Growth (cast Blink)
Lvl 4: 3+Still Silent Barkskin (cast Threefold Aspect, Polymorph, Divination)

Stuff With Uses Per Day:
Basic Ritual: Kitty at will
Intermediate Ritual: Shared CL12 (+4) Shield of Faith
Rage 0 of 14
Bramble Armor 0 of 7 | Wood Fists 0 of 7
Guide/Mislead 1 of 7
Life 0 of 1 | Death 0 of 1 | Focus 0 of 1
Meta Rod of Extend 3 of 3 (Shield of Faith, Barkskin, Blink)

Current Effects:
Stoneskin from Talia (used 11r)
Extended CL8 Blink (used 12 of 16r)
Extended Shared CL12 Shield of Faith (used 11 of 120r)
Extended CL10 Barkskin
Message spells

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday October 2nd, 2018 5:34:12 AM
Lay of Hands 10/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 1/1

Not being sure what all he is capable of in this new body, Succotash pretends to preen himself from his perch.

DM Carl
Tuesday October 2nd, 2018 10:33:48 AM
Hobie stays quiet, but readies an arrow to attack. If the gnome sees Hobie, he gives no indication.

Kezzem shares the note he found with Pressi. He tries to get Bliss' attention, since he's stuck being a falcon until Bliss dismisses the spell.

Pressi is unfazed as always and asks the gnome his name. "Goodness, where are my manners. I am Ix Revon, herald of Skald and right hand of Anur Daron, whom you will not be meeting. Trust me, you don't want to. I love Anur, but he's a bit of a zealot."

Ix smiles broadly at Zaragosa. "It is a neat trick, isn't it! Super useful, but you'll have to forgive me if I don't divulge my secrets. It's a pleasure to meet you, Zaragosa."

Succotash checks the newcomer for evil. He does give off a moderate evil aura.

Talia keeps an ear open, but continues checking the tunnel. Looking down, she confirms the tunnel stops at the lower of the two hatches in the leg. Looking up, the tunnel continues up past the ceiling of the leg, then stops. She can see some light at the top indicating another hatch.

Bliss dismisses Kezzem's polymorph, then nuzzles up to Ix, who is not an illusion. The gnome bends down to pet Bliss.

Murphy asks what the plans for the Giant are, then glides across the room, hoping to hide his location from Ix.

"Well, Anur wants to move against Fhorge and let all the Old Ones out of their prison, especially Scald. Right now, we're just on a test drive of sorts. You know, making sure we've got everything figured out before we take on the big guy." He takes off his pack, slowly. "I'm just getting some papers out. No funny business, you have my word." He then pulls out a small sheaf of papers. "Here we are. Now then, as this is a test run, I'm really interested in gathering as much data as possible. I figured we'd just be up against a halfling militia, so I'm super glad to actually have a group of adventurers help test our defenses." He walks around, handing everyone a piece of paper. On each is a rough outline of the Giant on the left, with space to write on the right.

"Now, obviously we don't expect you to succeed in stopping us, but if you could make notes for us as you proceed, it would be super helpful.

"...and for what it's worth, I really am sorry about having to flatten your town. I have nothing against you guys, you're just the closest population center outside of Fhorge's influence. I tried to talk Anur out of this, but that guy...he's just so set in his ways. You know the type." He leaves a few extra papers with Pressi. "Just in case anyone's still invisible or shapechanged. Anyway, I'd ask if you had any questions, but I'd really rather you went into this blind." He puts the rest of his papers in his pack and gets himself situated to leave...

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 24 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+16=18 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+11=15 ; d6+17=21 ; d6+17=19 ; d6+17=21 ; d6+17=19 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ;
Tuesday October 2nd, 2018 1:05:49 PM
Hobie is incensed at his matter of fact way of saying that they will flatten our town, he clicks his heels as his anger is manifested in a flurry of arrows.

Manyshot (against flatfooted if he doesn�t see invisibility)
Attack 18
Piercing 21 Electric 4 Fire 6 =31
Piercing 19 Electric 3 Fire 3 =25

Rapid Shot
Attack 32
Piercing 21 Electric 5 Fire 2 = 28

Haste
Attack 19
Piercing 19 Electric 1 Fire 5 = 25

Iterative
Attack 15
Piercing 19 Electric 6 Fire 6 = 31

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Tuesday October 2nd, 2018 5:31:49 PM
Zaragosa would bow and reply "A pleasure to meet you as well." There was no reason to be rude as the gnome was talking. He always felt it was the best way to get information was to not get the other person angry.

He would take the paper with another bow. "Thank you, sir. We'll do our best to stop your villainy."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Tuesday October 2nd, 2018 7:30:13 PM
"I have a suggestion for you," says Kezzem. "What if, instead of building a giant death machine to attacks towns, you...you, know...don't."

Kezzem will detect evil on this guy. He may be polite, but he still seems like a bit of a jerk. More han a bit, actually.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29 d20+12=22 ; d3=2 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 12:36:24 AM

Bliss can't help it. He likes this fellow. He stays close to the gnome (same five ft square). He readies an attack if the rest of the group attacks.

IF NEEDED: Bite vs AC22 for 19 damage.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 5:33:13 AM
Succotash doesn�t know what to do as his worst fear is being played out in front of him, he prayed he wouldn�t be stuck in this body if combat broke out, and that seems to be exactly what happened. �Well, poo�, Succotash thinks to himself, as he flies over to Pressi in a last ditch effort to regain his halfling body, he also thinks to himself, �mental note, no more polymorphing!�

Nick T Posting for Pressi
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 9:19:32 AM
Pressi
"Well, thanks a lot Hobie, I guess negotiations are out the window now."

Pressi uses her standard action to Dismiss the polymorph effect on Succotash turning him back into a halfling.

With her move action she'll move to get in the way of a possible exit to keep the gnome from escaping.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 9:21:26 AM
Updating Header and bookkeeping for Hobie
===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 1/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 5/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Shield (+4 Shield Bonus)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Murphy Druid 11, diminutive bat, invisible, etc. AC 31/T25/F23 CMB 5 CMD 19 (autosave). Move 85' d20+29=33 ; d20+34=48 ;
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 9:41:31 AM

Murphy questions, "So, asking us to test your defenses - have you already advised your crew of our presence, or is that on your immediate next agenda point?"

And then Hobie lets loose. "HOLD!" he calls out. He keeps on forgetting that, as of recently, he is not the party's leader.

Murphy recalls to himself the time in the Sargrass. On the one hand he understands the anger. On the other he thinks that sometimes, even with someone opposed to you, there is a place for discussion. Move straight into death and destruction, and many windows of opportunity are lost. Well, we'll see how this turns out. He likes to give persuasion and negotiation a chance to work before resorting to violence. Maybe Hobie is making the right choice, though.

Kezzem's counsel was sound.

If the Gnome does not immediately vanish from the spot following the flights of arrows, he adds, "Your large toy wonder is an existential threat to our homes, our lands, our friends. Turn this thing away from Crescent Valley, permanently, or, skilled a conversationalist as you may be, Ix Revon, your Anur Daron will be most disappointed in the end results of your venture. His shall not be the only one whose will is thwarted when attempting to come against halflings."

If the gnome does poof away, Murphy explores more thoroughly the top floor, and the hatch above.

[Perception: 33; Stealth: 48]
Active Spell Effects: Freedom of Movement: 107 minutes 8 rounds; Longstrider: 10 hours 28 minutes 8 rounds; Barkskin: 108 minutes 4 rounds (Nat AC +4); Owl's Wisdom: 93 rounds (+4 Wis); Stoneskin: 95 rounds, DR 10/adamantine; Invisibility: 96 rounds

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+20=28 ; d10=4 ; d10=7 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 10:14:18 AM
Succotash back in halfling form, will draw Twinklesting, and attack using vital strike hitting a 28 AC for 27 total damage, 6 of which is holy

Pressi (Melvin - supplementary by Kim)
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 2:37:41 PM

As the gnome had given her an overview of the iron giant, she did take a quick look at it - especially the pathway leading from the right leg up to the head. Once Hobie began his attack, she stuffed the paper, plus the extras, into her bag [then carried out the rest of the actions Nick described for her above.]

DM Carl d100=81 ;
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 3:45:58 PM
*In order to avoid another Thin Man incident, I'm gonna fudge the order and assume you folks were talking when he was handing out papers.

***

Zaragosa maintains his pleasant demeanor. Ix smiles in response. "I'm counting on it, Zaragosa. Infiltration is probably the only way to really stop this thing. It doesn't even have a lock on the main door, for crying out loud..."

Kezzem suggests they try not building death machines and attack innocent towns. "Oh, we didn't build this. I'm not sure the noble races even could build this. Most likely we're in an artifact of another age."

Bliss can't help but like the guy. He *is* super friendly and amicable. Still, he's ready to attack should he need to.

Murphy asks if he's already alerted the crew to their presence. "Actually, no! If I alerted them, they'd stop the Giant and the entire crew would come down on you. What if we were infiltrated during an assault? Couldn't very well have everyone abandoning their posts then, could we? It's better this way." He listens to Murphy's advise, looking around and trying to spot wherever this voice is coming from. "Oh, don't think I'm underestimating you. You just might defeat us! Frankly, if you do, I'm pretty sure our attack on Fhorge would have failed too. I'd rather be beaten by you lot then Fhorge any day. Pretty sure you won't lock me up and torture me for the rest of my life..."

Pressi takes a look at the drawing of the Giant, but finds it's very crude.

As Ix packs up, Hobie decides he can't stomach this arrogant man any longer and opens fire. His first attack connects, catching Ix by surprise. The rest of Hobie's attacks find only air as Ix vanishes instantly. Very soon after, you can hear his voice coming from far above you. "This is not how professionals treat each other!" Then, the sound of metal sliding on metal. Talia, still checking out the tunnel behind the hatches, notices the light coming from the very top has gone dark. Investigation shows a metal plate has been slid and locked in place. There is no purchase to pry, nor mechanism to interact with on this side. It's just a solid panel of iron. "I was going to leave this open like it usually is, but now you can deal with the guardian. Good luck, heroes!"

Pressi admonishes Hobie lightly, then turns Succotash back into a halfling.

***

Time past: 3 minutes

Current room desc: A fairly large room. Strange arcane gadgetry is scattered about, including a glowing, blue glass sphere on a pedestal and a glowing yellow circle in the middle of the floor. This glowing circle is directly below a similar hole in the ceiling, which is ringed with glowing yellow. On the wall is a large symbol in bronze: a massive hammer striking an anvil. Also in this room in an iron chair, apparently bolted to the far wall. An iron door is in the wall opposite the chair.

There's also a huge pile of junk being picked at by a tool-wielding centipede construct one level up, and an imposing construct Ix referred to as a guardian on the level above that.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 8:44:06 PM
"What a strange person," comments Kezzem. "So what's the plan, bosses?"

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 8:46:51 PM
Zaragosa tries to see if the centipede notices them. He tries to say quietly "that's the plan gang, how do you want to take that thing. I aim to prove we can take this whole thing down." He readies his sword.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29
Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 11:23:21 PM
Bliss does not relish scratching his claws out on some autonomonical Guardian, and how are they going to get up there anyway? He changes back into a halfling and says, "Maybe a knock spell now to open that thing?"

"Also, does it do us any good to leave anything functioning behind us? I have this BREAK cantrip -- seems to me that we should start breaking stuff, starting with that glowing blue sphere and that glowing yellow circle. And on the pedastal the sphere is on!

OOC: If no one objects, Bliss will start casting his Break spell as many times as it takes to break something. Maybe Miss Pressi wants to do the same?

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday October 4th, 2018 8:01:25 AM
Succotash with Twinklesting in hand, says, �Well, that didn�t go well, I guess I�ll guard the rear, and let you sneaky ones lead the way�.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday October 4th, 2018 11:16:53 AM
"Well, you got to hand it to a guy who knows how to make an entrance and an exit," Pressi replied. The entire thing with this conversation will have to wait.

(OOC: The next post, I am replacing Harper's sheet with a link to all of these various clues we keep picking up. I kind of feel like they might be important particularly if we keep trying stealth, and may need to be organized.)

"Ok, thoughts on the construct. It has to have heard or seen us by now, so I'm thinking it's generally not hostile unless somehow triggered. Probably by any direct attack or by touching the door, but if there's anything else that will..."

"Bliss, no idea what happens if we leave this stuff on, but we don't know what this stuff is. You might break the lock mechanism for that hatch, the device that keeps this machine from falling on us, or a container holding deadly gas. Not to mention who knows what traps or alarms will go off if we break things. But if that construct's spent all this time repairing stuff, I bet it goes off first.

"I think we might need to better study the objects in this room before we try to leave it. If it were as simple as leaving through the hatch, our gnome friend wouldn't need us to point out the weaknesses. Also, if I may, I think we need to try communicating with the construct. See if it responds to us or understands us."

If nobody objects, she joins JTT. "Hello, excuse me, do you recognize us? Do you understand common? What is your primary function?"

She also activates her "read magic" tatoo, just in case.

-----------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
surrender blood
hasted
no longer invisible, but hidden under HiPS rules

Spells Used:
L1: 2/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6 d20+22=35 ; d20+22=28 ; d20+22=40 ; d20+22=33 ; d20+22=33 ;
Thursday October 4th, 2018 1:24:36 PM
Frustrated at the gnome's escape, Hobie will lower Prowler and shouts after him, "PROFESSIONALS!? YOU ARE JUST A BUNCH OF BULLIES!! YOU ARE NOT DESTROYING MY TOWN!!"

As he calms down, he listens to Pressi's suggestion that we should study the place, and he starts to detect magic all around him, and especially he wants to use spellcraft to see what he can discover about some of the magical auras around him (I'm sure there are many)

Here are five spellcraft checks, add 2 if the aura is Transmutation, subtract 2 if its enchantment or necromancy

A- 35
B- 28
C- 40
D- 33
E- 33

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday October 4th, 2018 2:48:10 PM
Pressi

"Well, fellow bully or not, I personally would like to keep some things professional, so...."

Pressi picks up the blank pages and starts jotting down everything she can remember, or that is in notes. "Not that I want to help him make his war machine better, but he did ask nicely. Also, it can't hurt that we organize some of the myriad things we've learned about the machine and its people. Be kind of a nice record for the museum piece next to that guy's skull."

(Pressi is just kidding about the skull part. Maybe.)

(It's currently in raw form, but I'll be working to get things cleaned up over time. It's also editable if anyone wants to clean it up, add to it, jot some theories, etc. I tried to keep it to things that the DM expressly wrote.)

DM Carl
Thursday October 4th, 2018 4:45:09 PM
Kezzem thinks Ix was a bit odd, but is ready to continue on.

Zaragosa is interested in attacking the tool-bearing construct.

Bliss does not. He asks Pressi what she feels about breaking things around them.

Succotash decides to keep an eye on the party's rear.

Hobie has zero chill. He casts a detect magic and looks around, but there's just too much ambient magic to use the spell use that way.

OOC: As noted earlier, detect magic functions normally in the Giant, but there's too much ambient magic. Using the spell to scan for sources of magic won't work. The spell can be used normally to detect magic on something specific.

Pressi indicates she doesn't approve of Bliss' idea. She takes the papers Ix handed out and starts making notes, figuring it will help as they proceed. She decides to try interacting with the constructs. The tool-bearing centipede-like construct does not seem to care about any of you. It goes about its business, not responding in any way. Of course, no one's gotten violent yet, so we can't say it won't attack.

The guardian construction turns to face anyone who enters. Its eyes flicker green as it starts to move. In a deep, resonating voice, it simply says, "PASSWORD"

Those of you who can't fly find the Giant's foot is grounded long enough to ascend one level via the levitation field. A full minute is required to go from bottom to top. The dwarf who's sleeping off Pressi's deep slumber spell starts to snore...loudly. It's pretty obnoxious.

Time past: 3.5 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24 d20+20=28 ; d4+4=7 ; 2d6=11 ; d20=1 ; d20+10=13 ;
Thursday October 4th, 2018 7:42:26 PM
Kezzem draws his +1 construct bane adamantine short sword. "This is my password," he says as he strikes it with his weapon.

Quick Draw (free action), Move and Attack.

Attack: 1d20 + 20 = 28
Damage: 1d4 + 4 plus 2d6 = 7 + 11 = 18.

If Kezzem does not have to move to attack, he will make a full attack.

Attack: 1d20 + 15 = 16 (natural 1). Auto-miss.

Attack: 1d20 + 10 = 13. I'm assuming that would be a miss.

OOC: Going to NYCC tomorrow, so if someone could post for Kezzem, that would be great.

Murphy - Kim
Thursday October 4th, 2018 8:31:27 PM
"No one attack the centipede. It's the fellow on the top floor who is the guardian," he says in the halfling tongue.

[will post more later]

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Thursday October 4th, 2018 11:05:01 PM
Zaragosa would take the minute to rise floor (if I understood that correctly)

he was about to list off some passwords until Kezzem starts to strike it. "Well I guess that answer my questions about the plans."

He whispers some words to his sword which causes an effect that looks like it frosts over. He then says to Pressi "I don't think it will answer us without a password, and I think Kezzem has one for it." Then to Succotash "It might be hard to sneak across now, however, if I can get around it, I can help quite a bit."

Murphy - Kim
Thursday October 4th, 2018 11:11:41 PM
[OOC: Guys, my mom died. We are having a graveside service tomorrow. I know here that usually the show must go on, but, with ... three or four of us away, could we take a break until Monday? I should be fine by then. Hate to put the brakes on, but I have no bandwidth.]

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29 d20+27=37 ;
Friday October 5th, 2018 7:41:05 AM
Kim, so very sorry.

I'm leaving for a family vacation from this morning to Monday nite. I'll be posting, though. I would not mind a slowdown.

===== ===== =====

Bliss has a clever idea, but no way to accomplish it himself. He asks someone (Jack?) to pick the sleeping dwarf's pockets and to disarm him. And also maybe to tie him up and gag him? Or whap him in the back of the head with a sap?

Bliss casts Unseen Servant. He has the Servant pick up some item or weapon of the dwarf's. He orders the servant to enter and walk to the side of the monster, tapping the item on the floor as he goes.

Bliss changes into a cat. If the construct is distracted or heads to the Servant, Bliss sneaks past it when its head is turned.

Stealth 37.

The Servant can only be "killed" by an area attack ... maybe the robot will not have one. Bliss uses the Servant to repeat the process as others sneak across.

==========
DM Sanity Info

Spells:
Lvl 1: 5+Entangle (cast surr blood x2, unseen servant)
Lvl 2: 4+Barkskin (cast none)
Lvl 3: 4+Plant Growth (cast Blink)
Lvl 4: 3+Still Silent Barkskin (cast Threefold Aspect, Polymorph, Divination)

Stuff With Uses Per Day:
Basic Ritual: Kitty at will
Intermediate Ritual: Shared CL12 (+4) Shield of Faith
Rage 0 of 14
Bramble Armor 0 of 7 | Wood Fists 0 of 7
Guide/Mislead 1 of 7
Life 0 of 1 | Death 0 of 1 | Focus 0 of 1
Meta Rod of Extend 3 of 3 (Shield of Faith, Barkskin, Blink)

Current Effects:
Stoneskin from Talia (used 3.5 min)
Extended Shared CL12 Shield of Faith (used 11 of 120r)
Extended CL10 Barkskin (used 3.5 min)
Message spells (recast as needed)
Unseen Servant

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday October 5th, 2018 2:51:45 PM
(I too am okay with a slowdown. And, so sorry for the losses of everyone in this group.)

Pressi cringes at Kezzem's attack. "You know we had a decent chance of guessing the password, right? Honestly, its like everyone took 'Bull in a China Shop' as a direct challenge." She does, however, hit Kezzem with stoneskin.

Of course, Kezzem is presuming he can reach the creation.

To Bliss, Pressi has no overall objections but pretty much everything has been taken from the dwarf (give the unseen servant his spear, if its about making noise) and tying/hitting the dwarf is basically the only way to wake him up. (See: sleep spell.)

DM Carl
Friday October 5th, 2018 9:43:31 PM
Before Kezzem has a chance to make good on his threats, the Giant comes to a full stop. A loud voice booms from...everywhere, it seems. It's hard to pinpoint the source.

"FIFTEEN MINUTE BREAK, EVERYONE. GIANT'S GOING ON LOCKDOWN TILL WE'RE DONE."

The hatch on the top glows a deep red before a metal hatch seamlessly covers it. Much like the cover on top of the tunnel behind the hatches, there is no mechanism to interact with. Unless you can punch through solid iron, you're stuck.

Looks like Humble's Sword is stuck in the right leg, but at least you're not en-route to smash Humble's Ford at the moment.

Murphy, Talia, Kezzem, and Bliss all descend on the junk pile in the middle level of the leg, combing for any goodies.

***

This basically invalidates everyone's post today. That's not ideal, but real life has smacked too many of us in the mouth this week. It's the best I can think to do. Pressi, Succotash, Zaragosa, and Hobie are free to explore, search, whatever. I'm NOT pausing the timer on the dwarf waking up from Pressi's spell. Maybe you want to figure out what to do with him in the meantime. Also, don't forget he's got some weird gear on him.

The 4 of you searching the pile will effectively be taking 20 to search in your absence.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29 d20+22=23 ;
Friday October 5th, 2018 9:48:09 PM
Bliss helps look. He rolled a 23 but taking 20 gives a 42.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Friday October 5th, 2018 10:37:16 PM
(OOC my wife lost her mom two months ago. I may not understand what you are going through but I have seen the pain real close. Of course my thoughts and prays are with you and your family, but more than that, if you need anything at all, please just let me know. I know I am a stranger far away, but I will support you any way I can. This sucks and I wish I could take away all the pain but I do make that offer for all it is worth. You are not alone)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 86/86 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6 d20+34=42 ;
Monday October 8th, 2018 7:09:43 AM
Seeing that they are now locked in with him and he could be an issue if he wakes, Hobie will go back over to the sleeping guard and remove the +1 Spike Full Plate, the Cloak of Resistance, the Ring of Protection, (Hobie is already wearing the Amulet of Natural Armor). He will take the full plate and the dwarf's weapons and throw those away from the dwarf where he sleeps. The small things, Hobie will place in his handy haversack (unless anyone doesn't already have a cloak of resistance or ring of protection). He will also take the dwarf's boots and offer them up
"These boots seem to be magnetic, and could be quite useful as this machine goes topsy turvy, I don't want to give up these Boots of Speed I currently wear, so one of you should take them. Maybe our melee fighting Paladin, Succotash could find them useful to keep him standing in place so he can swing his sword."

He will take a closer look at the turning gear from the dwarf's shoulder. Being a Transmutation Expert, Hobie will very interestedly study it's magical aura, seeing if he can tell what the magic might do. Using a tap from his Identify wand for inspiration, he rolls a 42 on his Spellcraft check.

He will stow the gear in his haversack, and then proceed to tie up the now armorless dwarf with a rope.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday October 8th, 2018 9:55:53 AM
Succotash thinks about the magnetic boots for a while, then answers, �Well, if one of you arcane types can cast haste on me, at the appropriate time, then I won�t need my boots of speed�. �If no one else wants the cloak of resistance, I�ll take it�, Succotash says, and if no one else claims it, he will put it on, along with the magnetic boots. Succotash also is curious about the gear, and eagerly awaits its identification.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Harper-AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday October 8th, 2018 12:17:07 PM
Pressi ties up the dwarf, but doesn�t have time for much else.

She does remember the blue crystal on the giants fists.

DM Carl
Monday October 8th, 2018 1:58:16 PM
Hobie starts stripping the gear off the sleeping dwarf. Succotash takes the magnetic boots, as well as the cloak of resistance. Hobie places the smaller items in his haversack.

Pressi ties up the sleeping dwarf.

Succotash finds his footing very secure while walking around with the magnetic boots, but he's not nearly as quick on his feet.

OOC: -5 to your base speed

Hobie checks the weird, spinning gear over. As soon as his wand makes contact, he intuitively knows exactly what they do. This gear attaches to any metal armor, clothing, or ornaments on a user's upper arm. This particular gear seems to make a person sturdier. By itself, it's a minor effect, but Hobie's pretty sure that the more gears, the stronger the effects.

OOC: Wearing the gear on your upper arm grants a +1 to CON. There are other gears out there for the other 5 attributes. Each gear ups the bonus for all of them. For example, wearing gears of CON, INT, and STR grants +3 to each. Gears of the same attribute stack, but do not add an additional bonus. Wearing gears of CON, CON, and INT would grant +4 to CON, and +2 to INT. These are unique bonuses and stack with other enhancement bonuses from items like Belts of Physical Might and the like.

The gears are roughly the size of an orange. Up to three can be worn by one person.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6
Monday October 8th, 2018 4:37:58 PM
Hobie attaches the gear to his chainshirt, just how he saw it attached to the dwarf. He immediately feels hardier as the gear boosts his Constitution. (Up from 13 to 14, so he gets 11 extra hit points)

He explains what the gear does, and tells his friends that he thinks it possible that there are more like it being worn by some of the other dwarves in this war machine.

"I am very much interested in who or whatever is powering this magic, I've never seen anything quite like it before."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6
Monday October 8th, 2018 4:39:48 PM
"Wow sucker, those things sure are the opposite of your Boots of Speed. Maybe you're better off throwing them in your bag for now."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday October 9th, 2018 5:27:13 AM
Not liking the fact that the boots slow down his already slow speed Succotash removes them and puts his boots of speed back on. �Well�, he says, �They were worth a shot�. He then hands the magnetic boots to Hobie saying, �I�m not sure if these have much value or not, but would you mind putting these in your handy haversack as well, my saddlebags of holding are still with Miss Piggy�. �I remember seeing two of those gears on the gnome�, Succotash relates, �I wonder how many more we may find in this walking tin can�.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+19=39 ; d20+11=27 ; d20+18=33 ;
Tuesday October 9th, 2018 1:36:55 PM
Pressi considers taking the boots herself but instead reminds Succotash "Don't get fixated on the speed issue. When we start fighting in this swaying body, you might find yourself falling on your back faster without them, too. Probably helps you concentrate while casting, too. Also, we've still got to climb this thing and I ain't made of polymorphs.

"In the meantime, let's see what we have here."

Pressi takes another look around (Perception Nat 20, Know Local 27) but she isn't sure where to start next. She tries to take another look at the various gems and statues (UMD 33) but isn't quite sure where to begin.

She also looks at the list again. Swashbuckler, Tornado, Warmachine, Thimble, Furnace. She counts the letters of each word, notes the first letter, glances at the nearby statues. But it's clear that she is stuck on what she is looking at.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6
Tuesday October 9th, 2018 7:16:39 PM
"No problem, I'll throw them in my bag, let me know if you want them later"

DM Carl
Tuesday October 9th, 2018 7:26:17 PM
Hobie attaches the gear to his armor and immediately feels his endurance increase. He wants more. He also suggests Succotash ditch the new boots; halflings are slow enough already, especially armored ones.

Succotash concurs and puts his boots of speed back on. He asks Hobie to hold on to them. As he's putting his old boots back on, he looks up and spots a leather hood under the iron chair the dwarf was sitting in. The hood is meant to cover the wearer's entire head, but the eye and mouth holes have been sown neatly shut. Should anyone check, it radiates faint divination magic.

Pressi wonders if that's the best idea. They'd be real handy if they had to climb. She investigates the trappings of the right leg. Looking again at the pedestal with the globe and levitation field, she discovers the globe can be rotated. Currently, it can be rotated counter-clockwise until a *click* is heard, then it stops. It can then be rotated back, where it *clicks* into place again. There is zero evidence that it's doing anything. The levitation field continues regardless.

She also ponders the list of words. She counts letters, notes first letters, and compares them to items in the room. Nothing pops out at her.

OOC: Feel free to make a straight WIS roll if you'd like a nudge.

Up in the pile, the half of the party who's searching finds something! Talia's hand touches a gear much like Hobie's, and she finds she intuitively knows what it does just like he did. It seems to be another CON gear.

Knowledge, Arcana DC 15, Highlight to display spoiler: {Looking at this junk, it appears that this junk is mostly used in the creation of magic constructs, though almost all of it is broken beyond use.}

The search party continues searching...

***

The dwarf that's tied up and sleeping will wake during tomorrow's post.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6 d20+15=17 ; d20+22=31 ;
Tuesday October 9th, 2018 7:45:00 PM
If Succotash points out the hood, Hobie will study it's aura to see what it does (Spellcraft 31)

When Talia finds the other gear, Hobie will say to the group "It seems like these things are pieces that are used to build constructs. I almost wonder if we found the right pieces, if we couldn't build a construct of our own. "

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29 d20-1=3 ;
Tuesday October 9th, 2018 11:26:18 PM

Bliss changes into a halfling and talks with the dwarf after he wakes.

He explains that we are heroes, and that we are seeking to stop this attack on Humbles Ford. Can he please give us some advice on how to do that?

Diplomacy 3

If that does not work, he casts Ill Omen and Charm Person on the fellow. He has to make two DC15 Will saves to resist, pick the worst of the two rolls please.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Tuesday October 9th, 2018 11:40:01 PM
Kezzem pops back up again with a big yawn.

"I think Press hit me a bit with that deep slumber spell too. What did I miss?"

"Wowzah, we can make our own construct! That gives me an idea what if we made a construct...mushroom farmer."

Kezzem pauses for the sound of crickets.

"Or maybe we could a construct that can tell the dwarves to shut this down and go home."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday October 10th, 2018 5:26:39 AM
Succotash reaches out and picks up the hood saying, �This seems odd, why would someone sew the eyes and mouth holes shut, hey Hobie check this thing out!� Succotash than begins searching the junk pile for more useful items.

Murphy - Kim d20+29=31 ; d20+29=44 ; d20+34=47 ; d20+17=27 ; d20+13=27 ;
Wednesday October 10th, 2018 12:46:54 PM

Murphy does not join in the search through the debris pile.

Rather, early on, when the iron giant halts its walk, Murphy tells the others his plan. As a still-invisible diminutive bat he flies back through the small opening through which he originally entered. He flits upwards, seeking ingress in the hip area, just closed off to them. He takes a look around to see the layout, the staffing, any controls [Perception: 31], and the cap to the entry from below. Then, he glides close to the lid, to examine it and determine the best way to open it up from this side [Perception: 44]. He maintains constant communication with Pressi so that she gets a description of what he is seeing, and can pass it on to the others.

As the side ladder is covered, except for the opening in each room, he suggests that people get in, and start climbing, so that, should he be able to get the lid open, that they can come through, out of reach of the defender on the top level of the area they are in now.

If any of the room inhabitants detect that he is within their area [Stealth: 47], Murphy says, "Hello. I'm a security bat - actually a wild shaped druid - presently invisible for the very purpose of reviewing security. You have a good eye, and I'll see you get a commendation. Ix Revon has asked me to perform a security inspection in this place. Shall we review procedures? First, for the guardian in the room below, who here knows how you would answer if it said, 'Password?' All right, you, there, with the orange gear on your shoulder [substitute here some such identifying distinction which will allow the dwarfs, if more than one, to tell who he is talking to]. How would you answer?" If there is a reply, he says, "Very well. Next, what is the standard course of action you are to take if, say, during a village-stomping exercise, someone from the town manages to get inside, and tries to stop you? Please review your defenses, and let's see how well you have been trained. Hope you were listening. I know, I know, you just want to enjoy your break. But there are other inspectors here on this security check, and I hope you will give them your full attention and respect. Ix Revon has requested a full report." Like as not, though, no such conversation will end up taking place.

If no one is in the room, he first will consult with Pressi, to ensure people are lined up along the ladder, then endeavor to open up the lid to let his friends come through.

Perception - taking in the room: 31
Perception - closely examining the lid capping the crawlway below.
Stealth: 47
Survival: 27 - in case it's needed for some aspect of his endeavor
Diplomacy: 27 - if he talks to the dwarfs

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20=7 ; d20+4=6 ;
Wednesday October 10th, 2018 3:29:23 PM
Wis roll 7, arcana 6.

Pressi reflects that she will be spending Halloween trapped here.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Wednesday October 10th, 2018 3:40:41 PM
Can you tell I�ve been drafted, once again, into child care duty?

Pressi looks to see if the statues rotate too.

DM Carl d20+4=19 ; d20+4=21 ;
Wednesday October 10th, 2018 7:49:19 PM
Succotash asks Hobie to check out the hood. It does radiate divination magic, but it's not an item he recognizes. As he gets close, he realizes there's sound coming from the inside. It's a crackling, staticky sound. If he listens a while, the sound slowly increases and decreases in volume. If there's a pattern, he can't discern it.

Bliss waits for the dwarf to rouse, explaining he's a hero who's trying to stop this Giant. He, in an act of extreme chutzpah, asks for advice on how to go about it.

"Advice? Sure, I'll give you advice. Head outside and wait for the Giant to step on ya, 'CAUSE THAT'S GONNA HURT A LOT LESS THAN WHAT ANUR AND HIS FOLKS'LL DO TO YOU."

That's probably not what Bliss was wanting, so he casts some spells. Unfortunately, luck is not on Bliss' side today (saves 19 and 21 - not bad for a +4). The dwarf's attitude does not improve.

Kezzem snaps back to attention, but for some reason can still only think of mushroom farming. It's pretty evident Kezzem missed his true calling.

Talia is about to give up her search, when she comes across something pointy. It's a large, silvery blade inscribed with the same gold tracery on the walls of the Giant. It appears to be a longspear blade, but it's unusually long - about two feet. It's also missing its haft.

Murphy has a really good idea about opening the hatch back up, but finds the embrasures closed just like the hatch on top of the leg.

OOC: keep reading

Pressi keeps pondering the list. Maybe the number of words is important? The statues appear to be just decoration. No moving parts, hidden compartments, or magic auras.

OOC: Let me know what state you left the rotating globe in: original or rotated.

A voice booms through the Giant again, just like before. "BREAK'S OVER. BACK TO WORK."

...and just like that, our heroes are moving again. The hatch on top of the leg opens and the red light goes away. The embrasures open, allowing Murphy to exit and enact his plan. He's able to fly into an embrasure in the Giant's hip above the hatch Ix closed. The room he finds himself in is small and unremarkable. There's a hatch in the outer wall, which he's sure is above the tunnel they're aware of. There's both a door and another small hatch in the opposite wall as well. The floor has a large door that's undoubtedly the locked hatch the guardian watches.

He's alone, but if he wants to interact with any of the hatches or doors, he'll need to exit his bat form.

***

Time past: 5 minutes

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Wednesday October 10th, 2018 9:05:01 PM
Zaragosa was disappointed, in the dwarfs response.

He again, seemed rather out of his element as there didn't seem to be anything he could do at the moment. He will wait to see when the party moves.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29
Wednesday October 10th, 2018 10:13:59 PM
Bliss is sad his gambit failed. He puts a gag on the dwarf to keep him quiet and says, "Come on friends, we have to clamber on up! Excelsior!"

Bliss changes into a kitty and takes the lead in the ascent, unless Mister Murphy flies there ahead of him.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Wednesday October 10th, 2018 11:16:43 PM
Kezzem makes haste after kitty Bliss.

"Come one, let's go break something...or someone. The longer we drag our feet the closer this thing gets to smashing our town."

Murphy - Kim d20+29=39 ; d20+29=34 ; d20+29=36 ; d20+29=32 ; d20+29=37 ; d20+29=43 ; d20+29=39 ; d20+29=33 ; d20+29=31 ; d20+29=43 ;
Thursday October 11th, 2018 2:33:38 AM
As he was locked in for the 15 minutes, Murphy did end up searching through the pile of gizmos, say for about ten rounds. Rolls of 39, 34, 36, 32, 37, 43, 39, 33, 31, 43.

When the machine ends lockdown, Murphy Carrie's out what was described in the prior post, except for the hypothetical conversation. He transforms into a gorilla once he has gotten a good look at the hatch above the outer wall. He endeavors to open it. If the mechanism is not readily apparent on the hatch itself, he looks for a nearby lever, handle, wheel or knob, and carefully, gently, manipulates it, taking care not to damage anything.

During this time, he maintains a regular commentary with Pressi so she knows what he is about. As mentioned before, he asks her to get the team lined up on the outside ladder. "Suggest they not attack the gorilla. That's me. Also, suggest we identify ourselves as the security auditors for the iron giant. We don't really need to try to kill or destroy everything that we see as the first course of action."

Once the hatch is open, he makes sure the first kitten gets up safely, and whoever comes next.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday October 11th, 2018 5:24:54 AM
When Pressi relays Murphy�s suggestion of identifying as security auditors, Succotash laughs and says, �That may work better than the potato farmer story, but I�ll just have to nod and smile, as I�m not going to risk losing my paladinship because of a lie�. He then takes his place as the rear guard.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Thursday October 11th, 2018 2:11:13 PM
Zaragosa will keep his sword sheathed as he smiles and follows Bliss in cat form.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d2=1 ;
Thursday October 11th, 2018 2:21:54 PM

Pressi continues to absentmindedly turn the orb back and forth before happening by chance to leave it in the rotated position.

"Oh, shoot, I forgot all about the hood. Ok, lets see... Its for people who call it a royale with cheese. No wait, I can do better, hmm..." Before Succotash can try on the hood, she grabs it and puts in on the dwarf. "Ooh, that is quite a hope that Anur will actually come down here in time and with flowers. I don't know what Anur will do to us, but with enough practice on your foul body, maybe I'll guess it. Moving a single inch or even coughing counts as consent."

(She considers grilling him or trying her own spells, but has too much confidence in her abilities and wasn't thrilled to talk to him further.)

Working hand in hand with Murphy, she positions herself toward the other side of the hatch towards the guardian. "Don't suppose the password is please. How many attempts do we get?"

Murphy - Kim
Thursday October 11th, 2018 5:56:01 PM

"Yeah, enter the hatch through the caterpillar sorter's level," Murphy recommends. "Don't try to wrestle with the guardian. The ladder tube is enclosed, and should get you by without having to negotiate with Mister Password."

Talia (by Kim for J.P.)
Thursday October 11th, 2018 5:59:33 PM

Talia fits herself in the middle of the line of ladder climbers, and, assuming Murphy was able to open the hatch, climbs out and takes a look around. She walks over to look at the small hatch on the opposite wall, and checks to see if it opens. If so, she looks inside and says, albeit quietly, "Hey, security auditors, I think this is the next way up. Or, down the other leg?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Thursday October 11th, 2018 9:42:04 PM
"I see Murphey is prepared to engage in...gorillla warfare,"

DM Carl
Thursday October 11th, 2018 10:15:29 PM
Bliss, Kezzem, Succotash, and Zaragosa are ready to move on. Succotash goes to put the hood on, but Pressi tries to stop him. She puts it on the dwarf's head instead.

The dwarf immediately starts trying to yell. It comes across mostly as "MMpphhh! ENTUUUUDES! HHLP!" Even gagged, he manages to make some noise. He continues yelling until someone stops him.

Pressi asks if the password happens to be 'password'. The guardian shakes its head no and repeats, "PASSWORD."

In gorilla form, Murphy is able to open the hatch and unseal the tunnel. Everyone who wants to is easily able to bypass the guardian and enter the hip area. Talia opens the small hatch and looks inside. There's a tunnel that goes up just a few feet before it bends 90' and heads towards the opposite end of the Giant. Murphy suggests playing up a faux security detail, hoping to avoid a fight as long as possible.

***

Time past: 5 minutes

Everyone who wants to advance up to the hip area is able to do so easily enough. The dwarf is still trying to yell unless someone stops him.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29
Thursday October 11th, 2018 11:30:33 PM
Bliss continues up, wondering what will happen next.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29
Thursday October 11th, 2018 11:31:27 PM
OOC extra: In my prior post I said that I gagged the dwarf, right?

DM: Yup, you did. He managed to make sound around it, but not nearly as loudly or as clearly than he would otherwise.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday October 12th, 2018 4:53:06 AM
Succotash quickly removes the hood from the dwarf saying, �That wasn�t very nice, you need to understand Mister dwarf, as a Paladin I can�t kill you for such things, but I don�t have to stop my friends either�, then to the party, he says, �I think this is a communication device�. Succotash suggests that the party continues up for now saying, �We know the control room is up there, I think we ought to stop this tin can first, then deal with exploring the rest of the machine�.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Friday October 12th, 2018 10:51:20 AM
Zaragosa grumbles at Succotash words "I'm morally grey enough to stick you Dwarf. Not that I like murder, but if it comes down to you risking the lives of my comrades, I'll choose their lives over yours every time so shut it."

He will go up the next level with the rest

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6 3d6=17 ; d6=6 ;
Friday October 12th, 2018 12:02:10 PM
"Guys I think we should remove his gag and see what he knows."

Hobie will point an arrow at the dwarf, and say "Look, I am no Paladin, as you might tell, and I have no need to kill you, but absolutely no objection to it either. If you shout, this arrow will most certainly destroy your vocal chords before you can deliver any sort of message, do you understand?"

===================
Provided the dwarf understands Hobie's threat, and doesn't shout, he will ask these questions.

What is your name?
What is your job here in this machine?
What is the password that the guardian is asking for?
Possibly some follow up questions based on his answers

===================
If the dwarf does not heed Hobie's warning, then the moment he starts to shout, Hobie will hold true to his threat and release an arrow into his throat, delivering a Coup de Grace against the helpless foe.

The dwarf will take 71 (3d6+54) piercing damage and 6 Electric damage, and if that is not enough to kill him, he'll need to make a DC 87 Fortitude save or die.

Hobie will then curse under his breath and say "It didn't have to go that way man."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24
Friday October 12th, 2018 12:19:12 PM
"Does anyone speak Dwarven?" asks Kezzem. "Try saying 'password' in Dwarven."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6
Friday October 12th, 2018 1:57:04 PM
Hobie speaks Dwarven and his words to the Dwarf were in Dwarven

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Friday October 12th, 2018 4:42:33 PM
�Well, so much for my idea of just throwing him out the back. My idea of stabbing his leg with a javelin is still on the table, though.�

Pressi knows the answer is probably �Password One� but follows Murphy through the bypass... after she hits the dwarf with �waves of pain.� It boosts intimidation. Not everything on my list is exactly good guy approved.

Murphy Druid 11, gorilla HP 85/85
Saturday October 13th, 2018 2:24:38 AM

"Gentlemen, ladies: We are a security team. There is nothing faux about the notion. We are here to find weak points in the local security. Ix Revon has asked us to probe the security, and prepare a report. We tell the truth. And probe, and overcome, to our hearts' content. Let's avoid, though, becoming like the worst of those whom we oppose. Overcome evil with good - not with more evil."

Murphy examines the door (not the two hatches, nor the door in floor to guardian below, but the other door). He looks for a logical way to open it, and attempts to do so. If it opens, he looks through to see what is beyond.

DM Carl d20=14 ; d20+4=9 ;
Saturday October 13th, 2018 4:14:24 PM
Bliss upstairs, ready to proceed.

Succotash deduces the hood is some sort of communications device and removes it. He suggests hitting the control room to stop the Giant before exploring. The dwarf, still gagged, can only sigh and roll his eyes at the paladin's threats.

Zaragosa indicates he's more than happy to prove Succotash's point, but heads upstairs to move along.

Hobie continues having zero chill. Despite the dwarf's previously surly nature, Hobie puts some fear into him (OOC: rolled your intimidate vs. his will save - he lost). He slowly nods, sweat starting to bead on his forehead. Still, he keeps his answers as short as possible, answering just enough to technically satisfy Hobie's questions.

"Bazurn Thoreer"
"Guard"
"Dunno. Paper with the passwords was by my chair. Changes daily."

Kezzem suggests saying "password" in dwarven.

Pressi thinks she can guess the password - how hard can it be? She doesn't though, choosing instead to head upstairs.

Murphy postulates that Humble's Sword is, in fact, a security team aboard the Iron Giant. He's not wrong, but one doubts even he thinks that will save him from attack. He holds true to his morals, insisting that evil for good's sake is still evil.

He looks for a way to open the door to the next room, finding a simple knob and keyhole. Checking it, he finds the door is locked.

***

We have a locked door, a mystery hatch, a possible password for the guardian you seem to have bypassed anyway, and an angry but cowed dwarven guard. Six minutes have passed. What's your next move, ladies and gentlemen?

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11, gorilla HP 85/85
Sunday October 14th, 2018 1:20:06 AM

"Good to see you up here, Mister Zaragosa. Care to take a look at this door? The handle does not turn at the moment. There is a keyhole. Your specialty, no?"

He steps aside for Jack. He takes some time while that is being handled to study this area more closely. He looks at whatever controls there might be. He studies, evaluates, memorizes.

Talia (by Kim for J.P.) d20+8=28 ; d20+20=28 ;
Sunday October 14th, 2018 1:24:53 AM
Talia as quietly as she can descends the other leg, through the tube. She looks out through the slits in the hatch to see what is towards the top of the left leg.

By the way, the very large spear point with inscriptions upon it, she earlier wrapped and placed in her bag.

============
Stealth: 28
Perception: 28
(two instances may be too few to note a trend)

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells) d20+8=14 ; d20+35=39 ; d20+23=28 ;
Sunday October 14th, 2018 11:06:17 AM
"Yes, good sir!" Zaragosa says climbing up to check on the door. He would first check on the door to see if there was a trap (perception 14)

If no trap{
He would try to open the door to see if it was locked in the first place quietly
if it won't open{
He would put down his goggles over his eyes and attempt to unlock it (disable device 39)
}}
Either way, he would try to open the door as quietly as possible (stealth 28)

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday October 15th, 2018 5:25:48 AM
Succotash whispers just load enough for Talia to hear him, �We should stick together, solo exploration leads to trouble!� Then with Twinklesting in hand, he takes his normal spot as rear guard and waits for Zaragosa to open the door.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 29 Touch 18 Flat 24 CMD 30 Hero Points 6
Monday October 15th, 2018 6:38:36 AM
"He says there was a paper with the passwords, has anyone seen it?"

Hobie asks the dwarf more questions.
How many of you work here?
When are you scheduled to change the guard shift?
Who is your direct boss? Where can we find him/her?

Talia (by Kim for J.P.)
Monday October 15th, 2018 10:06:04 AM
Once she has taken her brief look through the hatch grill (not opening it) (and perhaps there should be a additional plus to her perfect stealth roll due to being behind the hatch cover), Talia quietly climbs back up the ladder to rejoin the group in the hip area, heeding the advice of Succotash.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Monday October 15th, 2018 11:29:42 AM
Pressi stares at Hobie intently, the list of passwords still in her hands. (She's just guessing, but its probably the list of random words Pressi was working on.)

She tries to gauge whether she can throw it hard enough to strike between the eyes, but chooses to move forward. There is some joking about how fun evil is and whether they can be just a little bit evil, but it's clear by this point that Pressi doesn't generally take the evil path, even if she left lawful long ago. (There's some temptation tied to emotion, but it's more an act than a belief system.)

Using aid another, she helps to boost Talia and JTT by 2 each.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 24 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Monday October 15th, 2018 3:15:49 PM
(Sorry Melvin, I've been super busy this weekend and I didn't take the time to properly read everyone's posts and put two and two together about the list of random words. Frankly I'm a little confused about what we are currently doing and who is where and what not and I don't have the time to piece it together exactly right now.)

After questioning the dwarf, Hobie stands behind as the group presses forward, Prowler at the ready for whatever danger may come.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 25 Touch 17 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Monday October 15th, 2018 3:17:01 PM
Updating AC, because Hobie's Shield spell has worn off

DM Carl d20+10=19 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+10=13 ;
Monday October 15th, 2018 4:58:54 PM
Murphy asks Zaragosa to handle the lock, which he does. As he's working, Zaragosa realizes that while the lock is very well made, it's also quite primitive. It doesn't give him much of a challenge.

Talia checks out the hatch, but finds it goes up, not down. She returns at Succotash's insistence that they stay together.

OOC: Unless the Giant has an impossible wasitline, there's no way this leads straight down to the left leg.

Hobie wonders about the password list. Pressi confirms she has it in her posession. He asks the dwarf a few more questions, continuing to get just the bare minimum to satisfy his questions...

"A few dozen."
"We're almost to your town, aren't we? Not gonna be changin' before that.
"Anur. He's up there."

Zaragosa quietly opens the door. Peeking in, he sees a large room with a very tall ceiling (40'). There's a catwalk on the opposite corner about 20' in the air with a 4' tall solid railing. There's a ladder from the railing that travels all the way to the ceiling where an opening is covered by a pink, flickering field of energy. There's also a door on the opposite wall, under the catwalk.

There are 6 dwarves on the ground floor armed similarly to the one you encountered in the foot. There are also 4 more on the catwalk armed with crossbows. They must be standing on boxes or something since the railing is taller than many dwarves.

Sense motive, DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {The dwarves aren't saying a word, but they're also not keeping a sharp eye out for intruders. Something either has them spooked, or cowed into submission. A few seem lost in thought.}

All of them fail to notice Zaragosa peeking in (all perception checks failed).

Map!

Zaragosa and Murphy said they were by the door. Talia is by the hatch in the wall. The rest of you feel free to plop yourselves where appropriate. Blue boxes are melee dwarves, yellow are crossbow dwarves. The big up-arrow in the SE corner is a stairway, not a ladder.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29
Monday October 15th, 2018 8:11:55 PM

Before the door opens, Bliss urges everyone to gather by the door. In halfling form, he whispers via Message: Come on guys! Give up on that dwarf fellow and the golem! Come up here via the short cut and get ready to head on up!

He changes into a cat as Zargy works on the door. He was ready to use his witch blessing to help him, but he gets it a-ok on his own!

So he casts a still silent Divine Favor as he steps closer to the door.

Talia (by Kim for J.P.) 10d6=38 ;
Tuesday October 16th, 2018 5:27:19 AM
Talia waits until Zaragosa, or someone, opens the door wide. Once that is done, she casts slow affecting the dwarfs in the catwalk armed with crossbows (yellow 1 2 3 4), and the three nearest them on the deck below (blue 1 3 6). Almost immediately after that she casts fireball centered about 10' off the floor (intersection of KL/56), and reaching yellow 1 2 3 4 as well as blue 1 2 3 6, for (6+2+5+2+6+3+3+2+4+5)=38 hp fire damage, Reflex save vs DC20 for half.

For the Slow spell the Will save is vs DC20

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24 d20+19=29 ; d3+2=5 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday October 16th, 2018 10:31:10 AM
"Hey guys, have you tried not..." starts Kezzem, but Talia interrupts him with a fireball.

"Well, I guess we're fighting then." Kezzem moves into the room and attacks Blue Dwarf 5. "Here, let me cool you off after that fireball."

Move and draw daggers, attack with +1 Frost Dagger.

Attack: 1d20 + 19 = 29.
Physical Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 5.
Frost Damage: 2.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+19=30 ;
Tuesday October 16th, 2018 1:49:21 PM
Pressi shook her head as her original idea (of having her, JTT or others sneak in first to lay down traps and spells - that's what AT-like builds are actually there for) goes out the window, and as only she seems to take in the scene. But as Kezzem goes from "wait a minute" to "full assault," she reflects on how the entire team seems to be bursting with aggression. The need to punch something was always going to win out eventually, she supposed. Better now than on these guys after they were tied up.

Still, she takes the time to easily study the dwarves, even through the back of the crowd and past Hobie's head (Sense Motive 30) and notices that none of them are ready. In fact, they seem to be spooked, cowed, lost in thought... and definitely not looking in their direction or preparing for the upcoming battle.

"I may have to re-evaluate my assumption that their weakness is due to arrogance," she said to herself. She screams to Hold Fire but knows that it is too late, and that she will have to fire herself. First, though, she activates her spectral hand just in case. (The arrow floating - shows where the hand is pointing.)

-----------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
surrender blood
hasted
no longer invisible, but hidden under HiPS rules

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1
Guidances: 2

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 17 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+16=23 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+16=31 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6+17=21 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ;
Tuesday October 16th, 2018 2:55:10 PM
ooc: Are we doing two rounds worth of actions since Talia cast Slow and Fireball both?

Hobie will step into the room as Talia casts her first spell. Once he sees her cast fireball, he knows there's no longer any option but brute force, and he does what he does he best, clicking his heels and aiming first for the guys with crossbows, moving from left to right if he kills any of them.

======
Manyshot
Attack = 23
Piercing 19, Fire 2, Electric 4 = Total 25
Piercing 20, Fire 4, Electric 6 = Total 30

Rapid Shot
Natural 1

Haste
Attack = 23
Piercing 21, Fire 2, Electric 6 = Total 29

Iterative
Attack = 26 (forgot to change it to + 11 in the die roller)
Piercing 19, Fire 4, Electric 4 = Total 27

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 12/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 10/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Bliss (Cayzle) HP 109 of 109, AC29 d20+27=43 ; d20+34=43 ;
Tuesday October 16th, 2018 10:01:32 PM

As soon as the firepower is cast and blasted, Bliss sneaks in as a kitty. He uses Acrobatics to avoid AoOs as he slinks up the stairs and moves to fighting range of the archers. That likely takes up a whole round of movement.

Stealth (if lighting and concealment allow) 43
Acrobatics 43

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)
Tuesday October 16th, 2018 10:09:13 PM
Zaragosa turns to those around him and sticks up six fingers to let them know there is someone in the room. he is about the mouth some more information when a fireball spell is flung. He shrugs then and draws his sword, whispering its name to give it an icy look. He waits for others to go in, knowing he will need to either start performing or start trying to flank.

If drawing the sword and activating his +1 frost ability does not take up all his actions, he will turn to Succotash to cast haste

(OOC, I do not know how much I can do or how the DM handles magical weapons. The only time we were ever in a fight was when my mother-in-law died. I do not know how this works yet)

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11, gorilla HP 85/85 d20+12=15 ; d20+12=21 ;
Wednesday October 17th, 2018 12:17:07 AM

"Not quite what I had in mind..." Murphy says to Pressi. He shrugs his muscled shoulders, then says in halfling, "Let me touch you Jack- bear's endurance." He places his hand on the mid or lower back of Jack T.T. Zaragosa with a bear's endurance spell (+4 con, +22 hp, +2 to Fortitude saves for Zaragosa, lasts 11 minutes=110 rounds). (I'm assuming that by letting him know, Jack will willingly receive the spell. If he resists or tries to dodge Murphy's touch, then, Murphy misses with an AC 15 touch.)

Still in halfling he says, "Thanks for unlocking it. You need to clear the doorway, Jack." If Jack had let him touch him, Murphy then nudges his friend through the doorway, and slightly leftward, that others may pass. (AC 21)

"Any suggestions?" he asks of Pressi. "A decisive opening of negotiations we have here, I'd say."
=========
Note: Succotash can attack #5 if he chooses to do so - especially with the haste that Zaragosa gave him.

map

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+20=24 ; d10=8 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday October 17th, 2018 5:35:18 AM
Succotash moves up to #5 and attacks, "thinking so much for diplomacy".
Hit AC 24 for 8+10 damage=18 (9 holy damage if appropriate)

DM Carl d20+4=24 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+4=18 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+4=18 ; d20+4=17 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+5=7 ; d100=66 ; d100=11 ; d100=34 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+12=29 ; d8+1=8 ; d6=5 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+17=26 ; d20+12=18 ; d10+5=12 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+17=25 ; d20+17=24 ; d20+12=28 ; d20+12=19 ; d10+5=6 ; d10+5=12 ; d10+5=7 ; d20+17=26 ;
Wednesday October 17th, 2018 11:11:02 AM
Bliss insists its time to leave the downstairs and move on. He casts a still, silent divine favor.

Succotash gets into position to enter as soon as they're ready.

Talia is done waiting. She casts a slow spell, taking the dwarves by surprise. (Only the Xbow dwarves are in range of the slow spell. The walkway they're on is 20' up and no two targets can be more than 30' apart.) One of the dwarves seems to shrug off the spell. She follows up with a fireball, catching 8 of them in the explosion.

Kezzem gets surprised by Talia's sudden attack, but jumps into the fray. His dagger slips between plates in the nearest dwarf's armor (Hit for 7 damage).

Pressi once again gets her plans frustrated by impulsive team mates. She wonders what may be causing the dwarves' dis-quietness, but since it looks like they're fighting, she prepares a spectral hand.

Zaragosa draws his weapon and casts a haste spell on the party.

OOC: You don't need to activate the frost ability. Haste affects 1 person/level, so you can get the whole party. I'm happy to answer any questions you have before posting, just e-mail me & we'll work it out.

Hobie does what he does best and opens fire. Though slowed, the crossbow wielding dwarves have cover from the catwalk's railing. All of Hobie's attacks fail to find their mark.

Bliss goes full kitty and tries to sneak through. The light conditions in the room are normal (though dwarves have darkvision anyway), and there are no obstacles to provide concealment. With all eyes on the door, his ability to sneak by them is basically non-existent. His acrobatics ability lets him avoid AoO, but he can only move half speed while using it.

OOC: Hasted, your base move is 80, so you can move 40' using acrobatics. A double move will get you across the room, but you're not hidden.

Murphy grants Zaragosa additional endurance and moves aside so his companions can get through the door.

Succotash advances and joins Kezzem in attacking #5.

Crossbow dwarves 1,2, and 3 fire on Hobie. The first dwarf is unaffected by Talia's slow spell and fire three shots, but they are all terribly off. The dwarf curses and makes a small adjustment to his sights. The second dwarf takes aim and finds its target (hit AC 29 - hit). The bolt burns as it hits Hobie. The third attack slams into the wall behind Hobie, barely missing (hit AC 23 - miss).

Hobie takes 8 piercing and 5 fire damage.

The remaining crossbow wielding dwarf turns towards Bliss and fires, but flinches and sends his bolt up into the ceiling (nat 1).

On the ground, #1 advances on Hobie. He swings twice, connecting once (Hit AC 26 and 18 - 1 hit).

Hobie takes 12 slashing damage.

Dwarf #2 also advances on Hobie, then in a practiced motion tries to sweep the halfling's leg. Hobie's able to sidestep the attempt. (Improved trip 19 - fail, but no AoO).

Dwarves #3 and 5 tag-team Kezzem in a flurry of attacks. Three times the dwarves' axes connect with the paladin (Hit AC 24, 25, 28 - 3 hit).

Kezzem takes (6+12+7) 25 slashing damage.

Dwarf #4 follows Bliss, unsure of what this small cat was trying to do, but still sure it was probably a threat. The dwarf's attacks are accurate, but Bliss is just too small and too fast to hit (Hit AC 26 - miss).

Dwarf #6 runs straight to the northern wall, pulling a black leather hood from the wall. It looks exactly like the one from the Giant's foot.

***

Please move your markers on the map as appropriate if you're moving. Speaking of, here's the map.

ADM Kim
Wednesday October 17th, 2018 1:14:30 PM

DM Carl & Players - please use the tab to the far right on the bottom of the map (this time, 'Round 3'), rather than the far left tab for movement.

Trying to keep a record of what happens step by step. - ADM Kim

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 84/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+16=33 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+11=17 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday October 17th, 2018 2:39:47 PM
Thanks to Kezzem's ring, Hobie takes 13 damage and Kezzem takes 12 (Does that just automatically happen or can I choose when I take full damage versus sending some to Kez? It seems kind of mean to be sending my damage his way when I'm still pretty full)

Hobie takes a five foot step back and shouts to his friends, "Thanks for the Haste Z!! Can somebody get a body between me and these guys? I mean any that are still alive."

This time he aims for the dwarves who got up in his face, starting with 1 and moving to 2 if 1 goes down.

Manyshot
Attack = 33
Piercing 20, Fire 2, Electric 1 = 23
Piercing 20, Fire 3, Electric 6 = 29

Rapid Shot
Attack = 32
Piercing 19, Fire 6, Electric 2 = 27

Haste
Attack = 27
Piercing 20, Fire 4, Electric 2 = 26

Iterative
Attack = 17
Piercing 19, Fire 1, Electric 3 = 23
===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 2/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 15/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Talia (by Kim for J-P) 5d4+5=16 ;
Wednesday October 17th, 2018 2:41:38 PM
Talia casts magic missile to strike #6. In halfling she shouts, "Hobie, or somebody, GET THAT GUY ON THE LOWER FLOOR WITH THE HOOD!" she calls out to her companions, indicating #6. "He's calling for help with that hood thingee!"

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)(performance 12/13)
Wednesday October 17th, 2018 3:49:38 PM
Zaragosa starts a speech to encourage the team, starting his bardic performance for Inspire Courage giving everyone +1 on attack and damage with weapons. He speaks mostly about how well he has seen everyone. How he has never seen a team such as this and is touched to his heart to fight alongside them.

He then will rush forward with his sword, having spent a lot of time starting his speech, he stays back just a ways to look for an opportunity to flank

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28 d20+18=38 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+18=28 ; d2+16=18 ; d2+16=17 ; d2+16=17 ; d3+16=18 ; d6=3 ; d3+16=19 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday October 17th, 2018 10:33:54 PM
Bliss activates his arcane strike as a swift action and his combat focus [aka, rage ability] as a free action. He takes a five ft step into the space occupied by Dwarf 4. He is encouraged by the words Zargie speaks. His AC (which had been 30 with the Haste) drops to 28. His hp rise to 131

He makes a full hasted attack on Dwarf 4: two claws and two bites, the bites with his merciful tear.

Usually he is +12 to hit, but with +2 rage, +1 haste, +1 inspire courage, and +2 from the divine favor, that's +18. His damage is up by +2 rage, +1 inspire courage, and +2 divine favor, for +5 over normal.

OOC after rolls: Oh wait, arcane strike gives another +2 damage ... damage totals below are nudged up accordingly.

Claw: nat 20 is a 38, confirms vs AC31. Damage is 20 or 39 if that crit confirms
Claw: hits AC36 for 19 damage
Bite: hits AC27 for 23 nonlethal
Bite: hits AC28 for 24 nonlethal

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11, Gorilla AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave). Move 40' d20+11=23 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+11=24 ; d6+6=12 ; d6+6=8 ; d6+6=7 ;
Thursday October 18th, 2018 3:44:31 AM
[Using the formula for determining the hypotenuse of a right triangle, and without going into all the gory details (if you need them I've got them), #1 and #3 at the time of casting were both within 28.28 feet of the others. You're right, though, #6 was too far away (32 feet). So, DC20 Will saves for axe dwarf #1 (who is probably dead now) and #3 to see if they are slowed by Talia's spell. If #3 was slowed, then maybe Kezzem was struck only twice, rather than thrice.]

Gorilla-Murphy lopes across the room (#3 may get an AoO) to engage with axey-dwarf #6, who is about to try on the hood. Murphy endeavors to take the hood from said dwarf, and keep it from him. He uses his two, no, due to haste, three slam attacks to wrest it from him. AC 23 Dam 12 AC 25 Dam 8 AC 24 Dam 7.

Basically he is real handsey, doing all he can to grab the hood, and by all means keeping it off the head of the dwarf. If he needs to grab the arm that's holding it, or wrap legs around the dwarf's waist and arm(s) around his head... And keep the fellow from throwing the hood elsewhere.

[If you prefer grappling rules - go for it, but they remain to me a mystery. CMB 12, CMD 26. Freedom of Movement prevents the dwarf from grappling him. You can make rolls for Gorilla-Murphy if you want to figure the grapple stuff. I trust ya!]

==============
Things in effect:
Freedom of Movement ( move and attack normally for the duration of the spell, even under the influence of magic that usually impedes movement, such as paralysis, solid fog, slow, and web. All combat maneuver checks made to grapple the target automatically fail. The subject automatically succeeds on any combat maneuver checks and Escape Artist checks made to escape a grapple or a pin): 70 minutes
Longstrider (Move +10): 9 hours 51 minutes
Barkskin (Nat AC +4): 70.6 minutes
Haste (A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves): 8 rounds
Inspired Courage (+1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls): ongoing?
Time to arrival of Iron Giant in Humble's Ford: 67.5 minutes

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+20=35 ; d20+20=38 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+10=13 ; d10=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d10=9 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d10=10 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ;
Thursday October 18th, 2018 5:47:39 AM
Lay of Hands 10/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 1/1

Succotash will perform a full round attack on #5

haste 35 for 12 damage (8 holy)
38 for 19 damage (9 holy)
24 for 20 damage (4 holy)
(I assume a 13 misses)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 94/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Thursday October 18th, 2018 10:37:53 AM
OOC: Sorry, I have to cast the spell first. Should have done that last round. Will correct things here.

Seeing Hobbie getting attacked, Kezzem remembers that he has forgotten something. "Oh right, the ring."

Kezzem will 5-ft. step back from the front-line to not provoke with his casting. He then cast's Shield Other on Hobbie. With his move action, he randomly selects a dwarf (let's go with Axe Dwarf 3) and activates Detect Evil to determine whether or not these dwarves are smitable.

----

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (1 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 84/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Thursday October 18th, 2018 2:01:12 PM
ooc: Oh okay, I thought the ring was the magic, i didn't know you needed to cast the spell first. Hobie should be able to make it through this fight just fine without it if you wanted to keep attacking and save the spell for a bigger fight.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 72/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Thursday October 18th, 2018 2:01:40 PM
updating HP

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Thursday October 18th, 2018 2:24:15 PM
(OOC: Sorry for delay, lost an earlier draft.)

While Murphy plays gorilla patty cake with the dwarf, Pressi casts another deep slumber on him (DC 20). She then activates her shield of faith (+4 to AC).

(If Murphy has the dwarf successfully wrapped up, she instead casts it on one of the catwalk dwarves.)

-----------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
hasted

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1
Guidances: 2

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

DM Carl d20+17=29 ; d20+17=23 ; d10+5=14 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+13=23 ; d20+13=17 ;
Thursday October 18th, 2018 6:20:49 PM
Thanks as always for making my sub-par maps better, Kim. Disagreeing with your math on #1. He's as far from Xbow4 as #6 is from Xbow1. I'll roll a will save for #3, but this is your one rules call for the combat. Will save is 21 - pass.

Hobie winces, hoping some of the incoming damage will get sent to Kezzem. Unfortunately, they didn't activate the ring. He calls out asking for someone to body-block before taking a step back and attacking. Three of his arrows pierce #1 before he goes down. These dudes are pretty sturdy. Hobie's 4th arrow embeds itself in #2's shoulder, but his last arrow is deflected.

Talia warns about the dwarf heading for the communications hood on the wall. He sends a group of magic missiles out after him.

Zaragosa has some kind words of encouragement, boosting everyone's courage. He moves into position to begin attacking next round.

Bliss goes nuclear and tears into the poor soul who thought the small kitty would be an easy target. Bliss's careful bite attacks collapse the dwarf's windpipe, causing him to lose conciousness.

Gorilla Murphy tears after the dwarf Talia pointed out. Dwarves #2 and 3 both react (I can't see any way to avoid only getting an AoO from 3). He barely avoids one attack, but the second hits him. Hit AC 29 for 14 slashing damage.

Two of Murphy's attacks connect, but fail to do enough to put him down. Murphy will get an AoO against him if he tries to put the hood on while Murphy's right there.

Succotash goes all out on #5, slashing and beating him into unconsciousness.

Kezzem activates the ring to shield Hobie. He takes a step back & tries to detect evil on the dwarf near him, finding he does register as evil.

Pressi successfully puts the dwarf trying to warn others to sleep (will save 7).

OOC: I took the liberty of moving you since you had no LOS to the target.

Dwarves #2 and 3 look at each other a moment, a look of panic on their face as three of their companions fall in rapid succession. Together, they run towards the only non-covered exit in the room (Kezzem gets an AoO against #3).

The dwarves up top have faired better and open fire.

X1 attempts to send two bolts at Hobie. The first shot jams (nat 1), and his recovery is almost as bad (nat 3).

X2 chuckles a bit and takes aim himself. It's a solid shot, but Hobie's saved by his protections (Hit AC 23 - miss).

X3 takes aim at Kezzem, trying to give his retreating comrades some cover, but he can't shoot any better than his friends (nat 4? Come on, die roller...).

X4's head vanishes as he steps off something. He does...something that no one can see. The stairwell leading up to the catwalk begins retracting into the wall. It will be gone in a few seconds - if you want to use it, better use it this round.

Murphy only, perception 30, Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear laughter from the hood the dwarf is still holding on to.}

Updated map

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28 d20+50=66 ; d20+34=38 ; d20+20=36 ; d3+16=19 ; d6=2 ;
Thursday October 18th, 2018 11:23:49 PM

Bliss charges Crossbowman #3. He leaps if he has to: Jump check (with a +18 for speed and raging leaper) 66. He dodges when he provokes AoO: Acrobatics check is a 38.

That's +2 to hit, -2 AC, charging. The kitty hits AC36 for 21 nonlethal.

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11, Gorilla AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave). Move 40' d20+11=25 ; d6+6=8 ; 11d6=32 ; d20+27=28 ;
Friday October 19th, 2018 2:39:50 AM
At end of last round Murphy took an AoO vs #2 as he passed by him (10 foot reach) for 8 hp damage vs AC 25.

As #6 feel asleep, and he and the dwarf have been wrestling for the hood, it likely is in his hand, so he simply takes it with him as he steps a little bit away. Rather than focus upon the laughter emanating from the hood (though he does wonder the reason for their laughter), he instead figures he needs to do something with those trying to get away, and as many more as he might.

Murphy casts chain lightning for (1+4+3+2+4+3+6+4+2+1+2)=32 hp electrical damage with blue #2 below the primary target. Reflex save DC 27 for half damage (16hp). Secondary and follow targets are #3, #6, then 3 above, 2 above, and 1 above. For each subsequent target after the first strike, subtract 2 from the Reflex save DC. So: 2:27; 3:25; 6:23; 3Xbow:21; 2Xbow:19; 1Xbow:17. Each receives 32 hp or 16 if save works. Please note: From #2 below to #1 above is 20 feet to the left, and 20 feet up in the air. That is 20^2+20^2=400+400=800. The SQRT of 800 results in a net distance of 28.28'. One diagonal step is counted as 5 feet. Two such steps are counted as 5 for the 1st and 10 for the second. There is no second diagonal step. Therefore, horizontal distance is 20'. All stated opponents are within the maximum initial target range of 30'.

==========
Perception: 28
Things in effect:
Freedom of Movement ( move and attack normally for the duration of the spell, even under the influence of magic that usually impedes movement, such as paralysis, solid fog, slow, and web. All combat maneuver checks made to grapple the target automatically fail. The subject automatically succeeds on any combat maneuver checks and Escape Artist checks made to escape a grapple or a pin): 69.9 minutes
Longstrider (Move +10): 9 hours 50.9 minutes
Barkskin (Nat AC +4): 70.56 minutes
Haste (A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves): 7 rounds
Inspired Courage (+1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls): ongoing?
Time to arrival of Iron Giant in Humble's Ford: 67.4 minutes

Talia (by Kim for J-P) 10d6=30 ; d20+20=33 ;
Friday October 19th, 2018 2:52:35 AM

Talia winces, because she does not want to hurt Murphy, or Bliss. But she sees some people trying to get away, and knows that can cause more trouble.

She calls out to Murphy in halfling, "Murphy, fire coming," so as to give him at least some warning.

However, that may not help very much, as the point of the fireball bursts just a few inches above his head. Maybe his head is hard? Fireball: 30hp, Reflex save DC 20 for 1/2.

The burst is outlined in red, with the center at the intersection of columns L&M, and rows 4&5. Those in the area of effect are: All the crossbow dwarfs above (1,2,3 & 4 - unless 4 has totally left the platform), and on the main floor #2, 3 & 6. Also, sorry guys - Murphy and Bliss need to Reflex save vs fireball or suffer the damage.
======
Perception: 33

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11, Gorilla AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave). Move 40'. HP 56/85 d20+6=20 ;
Friday October 19th, 2018 3:03:21 AM

Updating Murphy's header with hit point info (including 14 hp run-by slash he took earlier from #3). Barely made the reflex save, took 15 fire damage from Talia's fireball.

"Uh, thanks for the warning. I'm fine." All right, maybe a little singed. "Someone want to chase down the fellows trying to escape? Like, NOW!?!" he asks his companions in the halfling tongue.

If any dwarfs are still up and look at him, he shrugs and says in common, "I was raised by halflings as a young ape."

ADM Kim
Friday October 19th, 2018 3:11:18 AM

Note: Fireball is instantaneous, so, if you were not in the area of effect at the time Talia's spell was cast, you can freely run into that area without being blasted. Which might be a good idea. Escapees tell tales.

BTW, Carl: Awesome module so far. Thanks! Or, uh, Tanks!

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+19=30 ; d10=9 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ;
Friday October 19th, 2018 5:11:12 AM
Succotash makes a dash for the escapees, and will attempt to use power attack to drop him

Hit AC 30 for 9+20=29 damage +7 Holy damage

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 72/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+18=30 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+13=24 ; d6+17=22 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6+17=23 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6+17=23 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ;
Friday October 19th, 2018 1:17:24 PM
Hobie takes aim at the crossbowmen, forgoing one of his attacks to boost his accuracy.

Manyshot
Attack 30
Piercing 22, Fire 3, Electric 5 = 30
Piercing 23, Fire 4, Electric 3 = 30

Haste
Attack 31
Piercing 20, Fire, 5, Electric 2 = 27

Iterative
Attack 24
Piercing 23, Fire 6, Electric 1 = 26

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 2/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 19/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+17=35 ;
Friday October 19th, 2018 1:51:19 PM
Pressi finally squeezes past Hobie, making her way into the room. Escapees on the floor, shooters on the catwalk, and Pressi really didn't want to waste more spells on this.

She also sees Murphy quite in blasting range, so any AoEs are going to have to be heavily considered.

And that is when all the fireballs and chain lightning gives her an idea.

Pressi casts suggestion upon Dwarf #2 (should be the same DC 20). "These explosions are clearly affecting anyone standing, and Ix Revon will not tolerate such sloppy running," she shouts through the din (Bluff 35). "On the ground now, and get your friend down too, until the blasting is over."

-----------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
hasted

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 3/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1
Guidances: 2

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 94/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie) d20+19=26 ; d20+15=31 ; d3+2=5 ; d6=5 ; d3+2=3 ; d6=4 ;
Friday October 19th, 2018 10:24:41 PM
AoO: 1d20 + 19 = 26.
Piercing Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 5.
Cold Damage: 5.
Total Damage: 10.

"Hey, you forgot something," Kezzem gives chase and tosses his returning frost dagger at the fleeing dwarves (#2, though feel free to pick another is he's down).

Attack: 1d20 + 15 (adjusted for 2 range increments) = 31.
Piercing Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 3.
Cold Damage: 4.
Total Damage: 7.

DM Carl d20+15=26 ; d6=5 ; d20=17 ; d20=18 ; d20=2 ; d20+4=18 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+8=24 ;
Saturday October 20th, 2018 1:13:56 AM
OOC: Typing this from the ER with my wife. She might have appendicitis. Waiting on a CT. I'm skipping all pretext of flavor text.

Bliss charges up the stairs to attack X3. He runs straight into X4, who was hidden from the ground level, but still there. Both are surprised, but X4 swings his crossbow at Bliss as he passes, barely missing. Bliss' jaws crush X3.

Murphy swipes at #2 as he goes by, barely connecting. The dwarf is looking rough. Murphy casts a chain lightning that hits dwarfs 2, 3, and 6. Unfortunately, with 6 against the wall and a solid catwalk above him, there's no valid path to any of the crossbow dwarves on level 2. #2 is absolutely fried. #6 wakes up for a moment, then gets knocked out, bleeding from his wounds. #3 is in bad shape, but alive.

Talia lets a fireball loose, hitting every standing dwarf (and a few halflings). The last dwarf standing is burned to a crisp. #6 and #2 go from dying to dead. Two of the crossbow dwarves avoid most of the blast. All are still standing, but they're all in bad shape.

Succotash is ready to hurt someone, but is out of targets.

Hobie puts two arrows in X1, killing him. X2 takes an arrow, but barely remains standing.

Pressi chides a corpse.

Kezzem gets ready to throw a dagger, but finds his target dead.

There are three dwarves left on the catwalk. They are basically doomed, and they know it. Bliss sees them look at each other for just a second before they all throw their crossbows over the railing.

"OK! YOU WIN!" says one of them. Probably X1. "Yea, this was supposed to be a sure thing. We ain't dying for this."

X3 stares at the surprisingly dangerous kitty trying to kill him. "Seriously," he asks. "What kind of cat are you?"

Murphy hears Ix's voice through the hood. "Murph! Put the hood on!"

***

Combat rounds are over. If you refuse to accept their surrender, they're doomed. They're all real close to death. Reminder that exits from this room include the way you came in, an opening on the opposite wall, and a hole in the ceiling with a flickering pink energy field over it.

Dwarves are all talking in Dwarven. Ix is speaking common.

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11, Gorilla AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave). Move 40'. HP 56/85 d20+27=46 ;
Saturday October 20th, 2018 3:42:18 AM

Murphy holds his mouth up to the hood and says, "One moment."

He steps away so he can look up. About the dwarfs who just cast down their crossbows, Murphy translates their words so all may understand what they just said. "Lower the ramp you pulled up," he says in dwarf and in common.

Then the druid says in the common tongue, "If you each give your word by that which you hold most dear never to attack Crescent Valley, nor to aid in any attack against it, nor any portion of it, nor the people of it, then we shall consider your full surrender." He then repeats the offer in the dwarven tongue. In common he says, "Pressi - it's for you to discern whether they speak true. If so, have them bound for now. If not, then ... your options are open. I know our paladins - and others - will want their voice."

"Ix Revon just asked me to join in his conversation," Murphy says to his companions in common. "Pardon me."

Gorilla-Murphy places the hood over his head. "Security auditor Murphy here, Mister Revon. Might I recommend you halt this iron giant if you'd like to converse? Unless you wish us to continue our ... inspection. Sorry, but we tend to resist those who choose to be an existential threat to our hometown. We each take it a bit personally." His eyes are open, to discern whether he can see anything through the hood, as well as hear.

==========
Perception: 46
Things in effect:
Freedom of Movement ( move and attack normally for the duration of the spell, even under the influence of magic that usually impedes movement, such as paralysis, solid fog, slow, and web. All combat maneuver checks made to grapple the target automatically fail. The subject automatically succeeds on any combat maneuver checks and Escape Artist checks made to escape a grapple or a pin): 68.9 minutes
Longstrider (Move +10): 9 hours 49.9 minutes
Barkskin (Nat AC +4): 69.5 minutes
Time to arrival of Iron Giant in Humble's Ford: 66.4 minutes [I added ~1 minute to elapsed time up through beginning the conversation with Ix via the hood]

Talia (by Kim for J-P) d20+20=38 ;
Saturday October 20th, 2018 3:59:59 AM

Seeing the last standing dwarfs cast down their weapons, Talia takes a look at the other doors and hatches that the party saw or came through, just to see if anyone is trying to come up behind them.

Perception: 38

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Saturday October 20th, 2018 5:25:40 AM
With the surrender of the final dwarves, and while waiting for Pressi's response, and the out come of Murphy's conversation, Succotash starts searching the bodies, ,looking for anything that my help him and the Swords defeat this foe, especially any of those magical gear things.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 72/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Saturday October 20th, 2018 7:16:16 AM
Hobie will keep his bow trained on the dwarves and demand of them

"If any of y'all have one of these" he points to his magical gear, "Toss it down here immediately, or I might 'accidentally' let an arrow slip."

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)(performance 12/13)
Saturday October 20th, 2018 6:30:56 PM
(apologies again)

Zaragosa speaks out in Dwarven. "Keep still, I got my eye on all of you" He mostly wanted them to know he also spoke dwarven so they do not talk among themselves. Though he knew the team had it handled. Again he had to fight the feelings of uselessness on this fight, but he was impressed by everyone else.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28
Saturday October 20th, 2018 8:35:55 PM

CatBliss lets his focus slip [OOC: ends rage] and pants, breathing heavily. He watches the captives closely. He's always liked dwarves, so he is glad not all of them died.

He hisses at them to make sure they stay put.

He also looks at the downed ones. He pauses next to their noses -- whiskers close -- to see if they are still breathing.

OOC to DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {Since he was doing nonlethal damage, maybe one or two of them are unconscious and not dead? If so, Bliss uses his witchy Life & Death ability to cast Death Knell on a dwarf. If he fails a DC16 will save. If an unconscious dwarf fails, Bliss gains 1d8 temp hp per dwarf level, plus +1 caster level, for ten minutes per dwarf level. Since it is a spell like ability with no components, Bliss can do this in cat form.}

DM Carl d20+4=19 ;
Sunday October 21st, 2018 7:31:22 PM
Talia checks the other exits from this room, looking for other threats. She sees none.

Succotash starts looting the bodies. (Will post towards the end)

Hobie demands the surrendered dwarves toss down any magical gears they have. Each takes the one or two gears they have and toss them over the railing.

Zaragosa wonders how useful he was. There will be more opportunities to prove himself, no doubt.

Bliss lets his rage end. He's glad ALL the dwarves aren't dead. He finds #5 is actively dying and tries to snuff out its life force. Even unconscious, the dwarf fights back (will save 19 - pass). #4 isn't far gone enough for his spell to work. OOC: He's unconscious thanks to your non-lethal damage. Death knell requires its target be at least at -1 HP.

Murphy tells Ix to hold on, then instructs the dwarves to lower the ramp again. One of them, seen only by Bliss, walks over and turns a wheel on the wall. The ramp starts coming back out from the wall. He explains the terms of surrender he's willing to accept.

X4 nods vigorously. "All I want to do is run home to my family and never do anything else this foolish again - cross my heart. Just let us exit out the heel and you'll never see any of us again." The other dwarves bow their heads and mumble agreements.

Murphy puts the hood on. He can hear Ix still chuckling, but sees only the interior of the hood.

"I told them," the gnome starts. "I told them that anyone who got inside would need to go through that groin area to proceed. I told them that we couldn't have our men getting banged around in the legs the whole time. I TOLD THEM to put our best men there in that room with you." Ix chuckles some more. "Anyway, Anur would never stop, even if I did intend to tell him you were in here, so you're gonna have to keep trying.

"Say thanks to your friends for me. You're all being *super* helpful."

***

Loot:

The dwarves on the bottom level are all wearing the same spiked full plate armor and wield a dwarven waraxe. Both radiate magic. The crossbow dwarves all wear agile breastplates and have light crossbows (also all magic).

The following gears are found:

2 - CON
1 - STR
1 - DEX
1 - WIS

There's also a small, green crystal that looks exactly like the one from the tool-wielding caterpillar construct in the junk pile below. It radiates magic.

In addition, there are 2 rings of protection +1, 4 CMW potions, and about 300 gold in coins and small gems.

So far, about 12 minutes have passed. Kim, I'm not sure where you're getting your estimates from.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 72/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Sunday October 21st, 2018 10:54:06 PM
Hobie will grab up the Dex Gear if no one objects to it.

Murphy (Kim)
Monday October 22nd, 2018 3:08:06 AM
Murphy hears the promises of the surrendering dwarfs. In halfling, he says to Pressi, [i]"Sounds good to me. You get to make the call on this one, though."[i] To the dwarfs, he says, "Tell us first, and quickly, of any control in this area." Once they do so, he nods his gorilla head toward Pressi. "She will answer you. I suggest you hear her out. If she gives you leave to go, I pray you do just as you have said."

Murphy listens carefully to what Ix Revon has to say. The fellow certainly is enthusiastic. "Peachy," is all that Murphy replies to him, other than, "Gotta run now. More climbing ahead."

He removes the hood. "Looks like we've got to clear pretty near the whole place. Let's take care of some fast healing - I'm down about 30. A few others were hurt. This thing will reach our town in under an hour if we don't stop it. Healers, please heal us who need it. Then it's time to climb."

He relays mentally to Pressi what Ix had to say. He is reluctant to say what Ix said while there are still dwarfs present.

Regarding the gears, Murphy says, "I'd like at least the wisdom one, but will have to mount it later."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ;
Monday October 22nd, 2018 5:58:40 AM
Lay of Hands 8/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 1/1

Upon hearing Murphy's request for healing, Succotash immediately stops what he's doing, positions himself within 30 ft of all his friends, and channels energy healing 17 hp to anyone who needs it. He then says, "I suggest Jack take one of the Constitution gear, as he seems to have the greatest need for it, as for me I wouldn't mind either the strength one, or the other constitution one unless someone else has their heart set on them already, in which case, I'll wait to see if more are to be obtained".

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+15=17 ; d20+15=33 ; d8=1 ; d8=6 ; d20+15=33 ; d8=1 ; d8=2 ;
Monday October 22nd, 2018 1:45:09 PM
"Thanks Sucker! That healing feels great!"

Hobie will take out his wand of CLW and tap himself with it a few times until he gets it to work and tops himself off with HP.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (full spells)(performance 12/13)
Monday October 22nd, 2018 2:39:37 PM
Zaragosa will gladly take any Gear given to him. He was about to offer healing but was grateful to have Succotash. He sheaths his sword and looks to move on once the Dwarfs are questioned

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+13=30 ;
Monday October 22nd, 2018 2:46:27 PM
"As a matter of fact, there is something that we need to talk about before we let you go," Pressi replies in common, having one of the others repeat it in dwarven. "Though I'm not convinced I can just let you go home. You are all still accessories in a plan to crush us and our homes on the way to what I can only imagine is a bloody religious war. That said, you caught us on a good day so I am willing to listen.

"So lets start at the beginning. Because I'm feeling sick and tired of feeling like a patsy, and I know that none of you are in here to be guards or soldiers. Why doesn't someone here tell me who this Ix Rexon is and why he betrayed every dwarf in this room?"

(Diplomacy 30. She eyes her medallion carefully to make sure nobody is lying.)

-----------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
hasted

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1
Guidances: 2

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28
Monday October 22nd, 2018 8:21:44 PM

Bliss winds around Pressi's legs and purrs to express his approval of her words. And he glares at the prisoners. But honestly, he'd be happy if the party lets them run away.

DM Carl
Monday October 22nd, 2018 8:48:59 PM
Hobie grabs the Dex gear unless someone stops him. He heals himself with his CLW wand.

Murphy tells the dwarves to inform the party about any controls in the area, and suggests that lying to Pressi would be a bad idea. He blows off Ix and talks healing.

X2 speaks up. "That flickering pink barrier up there? It's not supposed to be flickering. You musta turned that globe in the foot. There's another in the left foot that disables it completely. You can walk through it, but it hurts. It hurts a lot.

Succotash channels energy, healing his friends. He requests the STR gear, suggesting Zaragosa take one of the CON gears.

Zaragosa gladly accepts the CON gear.

Pressi is in a good mood. She asks who Ix Revon is any why he betrayed them.

Bliss approves of Pressi's questioning.

All the remaining dwarves look at each other, obviously confused. "Ix? Howd'ya know Ix? He's Anur's fruity adopted kid. How'd he betray us?" X4 looks over, seeing Murphy using the hood, and puts two and two together.

"Wait. He knew you were here?" Then, things get heated real fast.

"IX REVON, YOU SLAGGING GOBLIN-RUTTER! IF WE MAKE IT OUTTA HERE I'M GONNA PEEL YOU APART!"

The dwarves know they're beaten, so they don't get violent, but boy are they mad. Murphy swears he can hear Ix sigh through the hood.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Monday October 22nd, 2018 10:17:54 PM
�See, this is why I�m never going to have a family. Don�t tell me that family is nice. This is family.�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Monday October 22nd, 2018 11:38:22 PM
"I hate to break it to you Press, but you've already got a family," says Kezzem. "Us."

Kezzem will take a DEX gear (what do they do exactly? I think I missed that) and suggest Murph get the other CON gear.

Murphy (Kim)
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 12:27:18 AM

"That is a philosophy of despair. Of death. Of extinction. You believe there is no hope of good in a family? I have experienced otherwise."

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11, Gorilla AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave). Move 40'. HP 73/85 d20+27=30 ;
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 3:17:16 AM
[Murphy's immediately prior post is to Pressi, quietly, directly. He thinks to add something, but chooses not to for now.]

"Thanks, Succotash, for the healing wash."

"Con & Wisdom? That would be sweet, as, you see, Kezzem, I think you can have up to 3 of the items, and, for each one you add, that improves the performance of the other, or others, you wear. If no one objects, I'd be happy to do that."

From DM Carl's October 8th, 2018 post (italics added): OOC: Wearing the gear on your upper arm grants a +1 to CON. There are other gears out there for the other 5 attributes. Each gear ups the bonus for all of them. For example, wearing gears of CON, INT, and STR grants +3 to each. Gears of the same attribute stack, but do not add an additional bonus. Wearing gears of CON, CON, and INT would grant +4 to CON, and +2 to INT. These are unique bonuses and stack with other enhancement bonuses from items like Belts of Physical Might and the like.

The gears are roughly the size of an orange. Up to three can be worn by one person.

If no one objects, Murphy picks up the Con gear, to accompany the Wis gear. He will install it when he has a chance to shapechange back to his halfling self - and not in front of the dwarfs.

Having learned of the other wheel that needs to be turned, located below, Murphy says, "Let's one or two or three of us go down the left leg, so that all of us can get up through the opening now protected by the pink barrier. I'll go. Who wants to come with?"

He communicates telepathically with Pressi. "Either let the dwarfs go, or enlist them in our aid. Anything else, and they may be more of an obstacle than assistance to us. I'd recommend having them exit the heal, though. Again, your call."

He asks the dwarfs, "We go through that door," and here he points to the door that #2 and #3 tried to escape through, "in order to get down to the left leg?"

Depending upon their answer, Murphy goes the direction that seems appropriate to reach the left foot. "Anybody, anything we should watch out for there on the way to the foot?" He asks X2. "I like to avoid hurting people if I can help it," he adds.

"I'm headin' down." He will wait long enough to allow one or two to join him, then head in the direction of the left foot. "Less than an hour remains, friends."

==========
Perception: 30
Things in effect:
Freedom of Movement ( move and attack normally for the duration of the spell, even under the influence of magic that usually impedes movement, such as paralysis, solid fog, slow, and web. All combat maneuver checks made to grapple the target automatically fail. The subject automatically succeeds on any combat maneuver checks and Escape Artist checks made to escape a grapple or a pin): 68.9 minutes
Longstrider (Move +10): 9 hours 38.9 minutes
Barkskin (Nat AC +4): 58.5 minutes
Time to arrival of Iron Giant in Humble's Ford: 55.4 minutes

[To DM Carl: Where am I getting my (time) estimates from? Mine was a minimum estimate to cover the activities from the close of combat to when Murphy put the hood on. I already had factored in the actual combat time, which was not included in the 1 minute estimate. I was still awaiting you to post to let us know total time. I needed to have at least a minimal bump in time passage to reflect in spell duration. Not to usurp your passage of time rulings. I've made the appropriate adjustments.]

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11, Gorilla AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave). Move 40'. HP 73/85 d20+15=28 ;
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 3:22:36 AM

BTW: Knowledge, Engineering: 28 - for Murphy to piece together the bits of information about the operations of the Iron Giant they have gathered thus far.

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 4:59:53 AM

Talia returns from looking behind them. "No one seems to be coming from there, they way we came. Besides the pink thing in the ceiling, maybe we could use the side climbing tubes, just like along the leg, to climb to the next level. Who wants to do that?"

She also pulls Succotash aside. "Look, I know I didn't dance with you. But I see a kindness in your heart. Don't get any ideas about becoming my boyfriend, but, next time there's a dance, let's make up for the missed dance last time. Okay?"

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 5:41:08 AM
Succotash isn�t sure what to think about Talia�s remarks, but he�s pretty sure she�s serious, and he says, �That would be nice�. He would say more, but obviously this isn�t the right time, but he adds, �After this is over, knowing the fine folks of Humble�s Ford, I�m pretty sure we�ll get our chance, by the way, sorry I was in such a mood after the party, I can�t explain, even to myself, why a simple dance, or lack of one, effected me so�.

To Murphy he says �I got your back! Lead on�.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 5/5, 2/3)(performance 12/13)
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 10:43:49 AM
Zaragosa volunteers to go with the group on the left legs but objects to letting any of the dwarfs go.

He speaks in common, "I feel that these dwarfs even know cannot be trusted. We should bind them here. I have plenty of rope and tools for that"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 2:08:04 PM
"I knew it," Pressi shouted to Murphy. "I knew you were full of all that 'take your time doesn't bother me' stuff. I knew you were hiding all this emotion.

"Not going to lie. It feels better than I care to admit. Oh well."

----------------

Pressi shakes her head in regards to everyone. "Have you all forgotten the plan. The plan we all agreed on back before we left Humble's Ford regarding just this situation, where we'd have to go straight back down through a pit? All we need or the magnetic boots, a couple of gears, and this."

Pressi pulls out her climbing gear, ropes and a harness for her cat. With a wave of a hand, action music plays. "This is our one chance, our one rope line shot, and you want to walk it? For shame. Tom Cruise and George Clooney judge you. I'll volunteer if nobody else will. Bring on the laser grid, lord."

-------------

Pressi feels a little funny about letting what may turn out to be a bunch of war criminals go, but they do need the rope for the other leg. So she agrees to let them exit.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 2:10:10 PM
She does ask the dwarves one more question, though. "This side Anur wants to destroy? What did they do that was so bad? Why are we riding a war machine there in the first place?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 2:27:11 PM
Hobie will accompany the group heading toward the left leg. He keeps his bow drawn and arrows nocked, ready to take out any enemies they encounter.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie) d4=2 ;
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 6:01:52 PM
"Um, we don't happen to have another one of those gear things? Something to enhance my undeniable Charisma per chance? Or boost my admittedly limited Intelligence?"

OOC: Don't know where that d4 came from.

Murphy
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 6:06:27 PM

"Of course I care, you ninny!" responds Murphy to Pressi after her moment of gloating over her evaluation of bad domesticity and her apparent lack of belief in the possibility of good domesticity. "Being patient does not mean having no emotion, or lacking interest. Sheesh!"

"All right, we don't want to get in the way of you taking center stage on this one, Press. We do NOT want to unduly irritate Judges Cruise and Clooney." He offers what support he might, then adds the suggestion. "Though, the easiest way to do it might be simply to climb down the side channel. Not as spectacular, surely."

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 9:21:48 PM

The sorceress, after the dwarves have answered everyone's questions, then are told they should leave by Pressi, says, "All right. Down the right leg, out the heel." She flexes her fingers, intertwines them, then cracks her knuckles. "I trust you, as you've each given your word. Just in case your word is not your bond - well, you don't want to find out what I have in store for you if it's not." She shepherds them down and out the right leg - but does ask if anyone wants to come along. "Jack? Kitty cat? Anyone else?"

DM Carl
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 10:05:40 PM
Pressi, Murphy, and Kezzem ponder the pros and cons of family life.

Succotash and Talia share an adorably awkward moment.

Zaragosa thinks that letting the dwarves go may not be a good idea, but Pressi thinks they need the rope. She asks the dwarves why Anur feels the need to use this Giant in the first place.

"Not big on spirituality in The Scab, eh? Fhorge is an Old One who keeps all the other Old Ones imprisoned. Anur worships Scald and wants him free. To do that, he's gotta take out Fhorge."

In the end, Pressi lets the dwarves go. They waste exactly zero seconds before they tear out of the place. Talia then shoos everyone towards the left leg.

Exiting the central room, the party finds themselves in a long, narrow room. A huge mirror dominates the opposite wall of this room � but it is cloudy and unreflective. A number of runed tiles below it glow with red light. In the floor is a ten-foot-wide hole. What seems to be yellow paint surrounds it; the paint glows.

The tiles look like this.

14 minutes have passed.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 11:02:17 PM
Bliss, sticking to cat form, helps see the dwarf prisoners out the one heel. Then it is time to head to the other one to turn off the ward. He thinks that an AM Field spell would have likely got the party through it too, but we ain't got none.

So he follows the party to the other leg to turn it off.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 11:22:41 PM
"Let's see, we have...whirlwind, hammer, rapier, catapult, spear, eyes...um, is that a thimble?...and fireplace," observes Kezzem.

"That mean anything to anyone? Maybe these control the giant's weapons somehow...make wind, use harmmer, etc...maybe some kind of gaze attack, and shoot fire. And also...mend pants?"

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday October 24th, 2018 5:30:35 AM
�Hey Pressi, you still got that piece of paper with the words on it? Succotash asks. �Because I have a feeling it might have something to do with this�, he adds while pointing to the tiles.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Wednesday October 24th, 2018 11:47:27 AM
Pressi breaks away from her emotions as Succotash reminds her about the paper. After a flurry of pocket checking, Pressi manages to pull the list.

"I can't believe that I forgot all about it. Guess I assumed it was already... that's good thinking."

"Swashbuckler, Tornado, Warmachine, Thimble, Furnace." Pressi looked out at the tiles. "And there they all are. 3, 1, 4, 7, 8. I guess... we step on the tiles one at a time? All at once? Any volunteers?"

-----------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
hasted

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 0/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1
Guidances: 2

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

To clarify: The icons are on the mirror, not the floor.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Wednesday October 24th, 2018 1:08:49 PM
"Are we sure the catapult is the war machine?" asks Kezzem. "Maybe the eyes represent this giant, and that's the war machine."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday October 24th, 2018 4:35:07 PM
"Great thinking Sucker!"

Hobie stands guard with bow drawn as succotash pushes the buttons in order.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Wednesday October 24th, 2018 6:40:40 PM
As Kezzem sees Succo begin pressing the runes, "Okay, I'm going to stand waaaaaaay over here...and I suggest the rest of you do the same."

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28
Wednesday October 24th, 2018 8:21:21 PM

Bliss watches approvingly.

DM Carl d20+16=26 ; 2d8+8=18 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+11=18 ; d20+16=35 ; 2d4+8=13 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+14=22 ;
Wednesday October 24th, 2018 8:43:09 PM
Bliss accompanies the dwarves to the heel. It turns into an ordeal...

***

The dwarves, with Bliss accompanying, head down the maintenance hatch to the leg, exiting at the top of the leg. As the last of the dwarves exit (Bliss is still in the tunnel), the Guardian turns to face them.

"NEW TARGETS CONFIRMED. OFFENSIVE PROTOCOLS APPROVED. ENGAGING."

Turns out, the Guardian can move fast. Within moments, it's on top of X2. Its axe-hand shoots forward, slicing through armor and slashing a bloody gash in his chest. X2 falls unconscious and is bleeding heavily. The momentum carries forward through the attack, targeting X3, but X3 is able to duck. The Guardian swings back at X3, but the dwarf jumps back in time.

The wires on the Guardian's other hand shoot out, grabbing and lacerating X3. X3 falls unconscious as the Guardian's wire-hand grabs on and start constricting.

X4 is having none of this. He runs, naked terror evident on his face, back towards Bliss and the (hopeful) safety of the tunnel. The Guardian takes advantage, shooting its axe hand out as a projectile. It misses, badly (nat 1). As soon as it's evident the attack misses, a chain attaching the axe to the Guardian goes taut and pulls the axe back to the Guardian.

X4 finds Bliss in the way, and in his terror attempts to bull rush right over him. Of course, Bliss isn't easy to bull rush, and X4 fails. "PLEASE!" the poor dwarf begs, trying to escape the construct.

***

Back in the room with the mirror, Pressi figures out the correct order. Succotash presses the icons she suggested and the mirror's reflection clears, showing all of you (minus Bliss, obviously). The icons with the eyes, furnace, hammer, and spear all glow green.

***

16 minutes passed.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 5/5, 2/3)(performance 12/13)
Wednesday October 24th, 2018 9:25:08 PM
Zaragosa will follow in the way of Pressi and Succotash. He is still offering to go down and check out the other leg

ADM Kim
Thursday October 25th, 2018 2:12:03 AM

Here's what the glowy tiles look like.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday October 25th, 2018 5:26:27 AM
Unaware of what is happening below, Succotash examines the mirror. �So the tiles turn on the mirror�, Succotash ponders, �Why would anyone make a mirror that you have to punch in a code to see yourself?� �Should we wait for Bliss to get back or continue on?� He asks.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+18=36 ;
Thursday October 25th, 2018 3:21:52 PM
As Pressi waits for Bliss to return or Murphy to say something, she absentmindedly looks at the mirror and the yellow paint surrounding the hole in the floor (Perception 36).

"Yeah, I got nothing," she remarks. "I don't even get why these runes, of all runes, chose to glow."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Thursday October 25th, 2018 5:55:41 PM
"Maybe it was made by vampires," suggests Kezzem.

ADM Kim
Thursday October 25th, 2018 8:54:38 PM
Will post in about 2-1/2 hours... smacked left and right timewise last few days. Currently in a board meeting. Sorry for delay - Kim

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28
Thursday October 25th, 2018 9:38:51 PM
Bliss would not have stood in the way of the oncoming dwarf. He certainly lets the poor fellow back on.

He returns to his friends and changes back into a halfling. He tells what he saw. Then returns to cat shape.

Murphy (Kim) d8+1=3 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=8 ; d20+15=25 ; d20+5=18 ; d8+1=8 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=7 ; d20+13=30 ; d20+27=34 ; d20+7=20 ;
Thursday October 25th, 2018 11:46:03 PM

[OOC: I just learned I had misunderstood DM Carl's time passage notes. We actually have ~74 minutes left before the iron giant arrives in Humble's Ford... and he will update the clock with his next post.]

===========

As the group entered the passageway to the... other side of the groin? the hip? ...he wild shaped from gorilla back to his own self, that is, halfling. That was before the mirror tiles were fiddled with. He extracted one of his wands of cure light wounds, and, with two applications, brought himself back to full hit points (3+9=12, 12+73=85). He next touched Kezzem, who also, now is back to full HP (8+111=119). As far as he can discern, no one else is injured. He handed the wand to Zaragoza. "If I need healing while shape-changed, Jack, and you're not busy, can you use this on me? Feel free to use it on others, too." (It has 16 charges left). Murphy tells Jack the command word - which those near him can hear, too.

Then he took the wisdom gear and the constitution gear, and fastened them onto his leather armor. He has seen them worn by others, if there is any help from that. Using knowledge: engineering (25), he hoped he put them on the right way. Just in case, he augmented the wearing and activation of the gears via knowledge: arcana (18). He ponders and reflects for a moment, trying to ascertain whether he feels any wiser (wisdom 20 instead of 18?) or healthier (constitution 14 instead of 12?). If it will take some time to attune to them, then, he'll just deal with that over the next 24 hours.

He takes the communications hat, and places it in his handy haversack before he says the following.

In halfling, as the mirror is fiddled with, Murphy says, "Folks, consider this. Ix is our ally here. He has asked our help. No one hurts him, unless he decides to go against us - and even if, no one is to try to kill him. At all. He wants us to test the defenses, and, well, you may not like it, but, in this iron man, he is not opposed to us. He tried to talk the leader out of attacking our town. He has thanked us for our help. Hobie, do you understand my reasoning? Others? Are we agreed on this?"

Just about then, four of the eight mirror tiles change from a red glow to a green glow.

===========

After Pressi's use of the paper gave her, it appears, partial success in navigating the mirror tile puzzle, he says, "Well started. Mind if I take a look?" If she allows, he looks over the paper - both sides, to see if there is anything else on there that might help with this passage. If he discerns anything, then he tells Pressi.

When Bliss returns, after he has changed into his halfling form, Murphy asks Bliss, 'Can you use the wand of Mage Armor on me I bought a long time ago, and then gave to you? Feel free to apply it to anyone else, too." (gives mage armor +4 for ... 3 hours?)

"Oh, you're back, too?" he says as the dwarf shows up tailing after Bliss. "You want to help? Here, let me help you a bit. And, what's your name? I'm Murphy. This is a wand of cure light wounds," he says as he withdraws another wand from his bandolier. He applies 3 CLW, for 24 hit points restored. "If you go with us, you have to promise one thing. As much as it may annoy you, you may not attack Ix. I know that request burns. I know it's asking a lot. Think it over a moment, then give your answer." [Diplomacy: 30]

If the dwarf agrees, then Murphy asks, "Do you know how to pass this mirror? And can you tell us about what is on the other side - and who? If we can avoid hurting your friends, we will. If we cannot avoid that, we won't. We must save our own people, and stop this machine."
=========
Perception: 34
Sense Motive: 20

Talia (by Kim for Jon-Paul) d20+20=29 ;
Thursday October 25th, 2018 11:55:48 PM

Talia recalls all the places she saw openings (such as those a few people initially flew through), and whether there are any in the groin area, or if she saw them at higher levels, and if so, where.

She uses her knowledge: arcana (29), and what she has gathered from Pressi's and Succotash's manipulation of the mirror tiles to see if she can figure out what to do next.

Bliss and the dwarf show up. "What happened?" she asks.

She tells Murphy, "If you say so," regarding Ix, but she wrinkles her nose in distaste.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Friday October 26th, 2018 12:06:45 AM
Hobie waits patiently as his friends try to solve the puzzls

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday October 26th, 2018 5:43:19 AM
Succotash has done all that he can, mentally, mental calisthenics isn�t his strong suit after all, so he steps to the rear of the party to take his usual place as rear guard, and waits for his �smarter� friends to deal with the situation, he also asks that the dwarf stays the in front of him, so he can keep a close eye one him.

�No promises Murphy,� he states, �If Ix attacks, he will receive a smite, his evil aura assures him of that, but if he plays nice, I�ll do my best to stay my hand�.

DM Carl d20+16=23 ;
Friday October 26th, 2018 10:20:36 AM
Bliss climbs to get out of the dwarf's way. The dwarf immediately climbs in the tunnel and starts ascending right behind Bliss.

Below, Bliss and the last of the dwarves hear a *thud*, followed by the sound of the Guardian's footsteps. The Guardian's handwires snake up the tunnel, trying to grab the dwarf, but he kicks at them as he climbs and just manages to escape their reach (Hit AC 23 - miss). As they walk away, the dwarf can't look up. If he did, Bliss could see the haunted look on the guy's face. "You coulda let the Guardian take me. I wouldn'ta blamed you." He looks up. "I have a lot of friends in this Giant. Somea them are as zealous as Anur and won't listen to reason. I ain't gonna raise my hand against'em, but I'll help ya as much as I'm able. I just wanna go home and take up mushroom farming or somethin'."

The two of them join the rest of Humble's Sword in front of the newly active mirror. No one's quite sure what to make of the glowing icons. They can probably be touched, but leaving it alone is always a viable option.

Pressi checks out the hole that descends below. The yellow paint is almost certainly just a safety measure. It doesn't take long to realize there's a levitation field in this leg just like the last. The party can easily use it to ascend/descend, just like before.

Succotash checks out what's below. It's darker than the other leg...a lot darker. It's hard to tell from up here, but it looks like holes have been ripped into the iron walls of the leg.

Hobie's not much for puzzles, and lets his friends figure it out.

Murphy turns back into a halfling and starts healing himself and whoever else needs it. He hands the wand to Zaragosa. He tries to affix the gears to himself. Maybe it works? The gears only seem to attach themselves to metal armor. Murphy no doubt remembers the metal tube Ix wore on his arm for that purpose. Your humble narrator can't see Murphy's sheet, so he's not sure, but since he's a druid, it stands to reason he's not wearing metal armor.

He tries to talk the rest of Humble's Sword into not attacking Ix, just as Bliss and one of those crossbow wielding dwarves come back as well.

"I'm Kade, and I promise you Ix ain't no ally to anyone but Ix. Ain't no one able to control that guardian that just killed two of us but him, and if this one," he glares at Pressi, "hadn't told us Ix betrayed us, my friends'd still be alive and we'd be walking back to The Scab together. I told your friend here I'd help short of taking arms against the folks in here, but if you've got half a brain in that tiny head'a yours, you'll put Ix down before he gets a chance to open his mouth. He crosses his arms and glares at Murphy.

Talia tries to make sense of the mirror. It has a strong aura of divination magic. Studying it for a moment, she realizes the reflections...aren't. They're lagging behind just a fraction of a second. It's barely noticeable, but it's there. Actual mirrors don't do that.

In response to Murphy's question, Kade presses the icon on the mirror with the glowing eyes. The image in the mirror changes, revealing the top of the right leg where the Guardian was station. The two crossbow dwarves are there, very dead. Kade looks away.

***

17 minutes have passed. Giant reaches Humbles Ford in 73 minutes.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Friday October 26th, 2018 10:49:46 AM
"It is a control panel for the giant!" says Kezzem. "I am so smart!"

"What do hammer, spear, and furnace do?" Kezzem asks the dwarf. "Do only the glowy tiles do something? If not, then what do the rest do? Does the thimble really mend giant pants?"

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Saturday October 27th, 2018 5:01:23 AM
Since no other ne else claimed it, Succotash attaches the strength gear to his armor, and feels his already abundant strength increase, and he thinks to himself, �ME LIKE!� He wonders what other amazing things he and his friends with find in this machine., and then he remembers the green crystal, and he asks Kade, �What I does this do?�

OOC... Twinklesting�s blade shines like a torch, which Succotash will use as a light source as they descend the other leg.

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 85/85 d20+1=21 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=9 ;
Saturday October 27th, 2018 1:33:13 PM

When the eyes tile was pressed, did the green glow change? Did any other tiles change color?

As he could not affix the gears to his leather armor, Murphy checks to see whether he might affix the gears on his metallic bracers of defense.

At hearing Kade's response, Murphy's lips press together for a moment. "Well, you know him better than I. Mercurial he is, eh?" He nods in acknowledgement. "I guess we'll have to play this by ear. We'll try to get all of us out alive. Would you like a bit more?" he asks as he again takes out his second wand. He restores 40 hp to the dwarf [forgot to change die from 20 to 8 - but got max roll, so the 21 becomes a 9, and discarding the d8+1=2s results in 40 hp healing for Kade, expending 5 charges].

As he heals Kade, he says, "I'm sorry about your friends." After a moment, he asks, "Can you explain what the other tiles can do?"

Lastly, he says to Pressi, gesturing toward the open hole with one hand, and withdrawing from his haversack with the other his everburning torch. "Looks like it's rope and music time. Though, I think we can forego the ropes. Levitation, y'know. I'll dive in first if you don't want to. Otherwise, lady first."

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28 d20+22=25 ; d20+27=46 ;
Sunday October 28th, 2018 9:03:55 PM

Bliss looks down into the darkness, as did Pressi and Sir Succo, but Bliss has a cat's nose and sharp eyes.

Perception 25

He sneaks into the shaft and levitates down to scout.

Stealth 46

As soon as he sees anything, he sneaks back up, and then changes into a halfling long enough to report.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Sunday October 28th, 2018 9:09:37 PM
Pressi shakes her head at Murphy's comment about mercurial. "We really have to start selling you on the benefits of nihilism and maladjustment. What on earth terrible event happened to you that made you so trusting?

"Look, our relationship with Ix Rexon is the same as it always has been. He's earned the right to explain himself and defend his actions, and to avoid death if he can be brought to justice. Same as I'd give Anur himself, who for all we know is the good guy... relatively speaking and stomping on villages aside, I mean. Beyond that... I don't know, am I still the only one who thinks we've been conned? That Ix Rexon's been manipulating us from the beginning? Whatever gifts he gave to us, they were for his benefit alone. As for being our ally... he gave that up when he killed a bunch of people in cold blood."

Moving forward, she agrees that they might not need the ropes... well, maybe as anchors. She also remembers the boots, which might work well, and takes one of the gears herself. (The wisdom one, since nobody called it. It affixes to her studded armor.)

Before anything else happens, she drops a lit torch down below to see what happens.

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Sunday October 28th, 2018 9:20:21 PM
"People keep on asking you the same things, Mister Kade. I'm sorry what happened to your friends just now." Talia feels sympathy for the dwarf who recently was trying to kill them.

Others do things, ask things. She sighs.

"Kale, can you tell us what's below? People? Traps? Obstacles? How to get down there safely, shut off that passage above? You know we must stop this. What is the best way?"

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 5/5, 2/3)(performance 12/13)
Sunday October 28th, 2018 10:15:59 PM
Zaragosa thanks murphey as he took the wand.

He was very confused with all that is happening with the Giant Robot. he could not make heads or tails of any of the way it functions

DM Carl
Sunday October 28th, 2018 11:47:23 PM
Kezzem ponders the utility of this mirror-device. "It's just a viewport to different parts'a the Giant," Kade answers. "The other green thingies let ya see further up the Giant."

Succotash wonders about the crystal. "Couple-a spell chuckers we have here like to horde them. You cast spells? If ya do, put it in yer palm and grip it hard." Assuming you do, you immediately feel its power flow into you.

The crystals function as rechargeable pearls of power. The green ones function as level 3. They recharge automatically between uses. They can each be used once per encounter. Unlike pearls of power, spontaneous casters can use them as well.

Murphy checks out the icons. The one with the eyes glows brighter now that it's pressed, but the colors of all the icons remain the same. He is able to affix the gear to his bracers. He takes heed of Kade's advice and heals him up more.

Bliss decides to scout ahead, but Kade puts his hand on his shoulder to stop him. "Wait. You don't want to go down there alone. When we found this place, the leg was inhabited. Anur and us fought them to a stalemate and struck a deal. Anur would let them keep the leg and...feed them. They agreed to let him control the rest of the Giant. He gets to do his thing, they get fresh food. Win win.

"Ain't never seen anything like'em. Their forms...change constantly." Kade finds a spot against the wall to sit. "They're way above my pay-grade."

Pressi breaks down their relationship with Ix in typical Pressi fashion. She drops a torch down the hole to see what happens. It falls for a bit before the Giant's left foot hits the ground and the levitation field turns on. It hovers there, showing a large room exactly like the room the Guardian was in right leg, except darker. The glowy lines of energy that lit the right leg are dark, and jagged holes have been torn into the wall. The Giant continues moving, and the field shuts down. The torch falls into darkness.

Talia apologizes for what happened to Kade's friends and asks about what's down there. "You'll find a orb down there like the one in the right foot. Rotate it, and that pink field will drop. Only thing you gotta worry 'bout are the things down there. You folks seem capable, but...well, I wouldn't go down there."

Zaragosa's not quite sure what's going on, but is glad for Murphy's healing.

***

18 minutes have passed.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday October 29th, 2018 5:26:23 AM
�One of you more dedicated casters ought to keep this crystal, I can use it obviously, but Paladin�s aren�t the best casters, and someone who depends on their spells more ought to keep it�, Succotash says, as he opens his hand, he then offers it to Talia 1st, not because of his fondness for her, so much as a pragmatic approach since she is the most dedicated caster in the party.

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Monday October 29th, 2018 10:19:58 AM

"Thank you, Succotash. I appreciate that." Talia takes the gem, and holds it in her left hand for now. She waits to hear what the plan is, and thinks over what spells she might use for the creatures below.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Monday October 29th, 2018 10:26:47 AM
"Speak for yourself, Succo," says Kezzem. "I, personally, am a great caster...when I prep the correct spells...and remember to cast them. You know what, just give the crystal to Talia."

"I still want to know what part of the giant is the Thimble. Is there some sort of sewing room in this thing? Seems like a weird thing to have, but I guess it's practical. You can't go around attacking innocent halfling villages with split pants after all. That just wouldn't look right."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Monday October 29th, 2018 4:00:52 PM
�Well, I think it�s possible that Anur likes monopoly. Any chance a different mirror has the dog?

�Kidding aside, the icon probably means repair, similar to how the eyes are tied to probes... no, it�s not glowing so it may need anything. Hammer and spear are probably weapons, which means power would be.... the furnace. Anyone dare me to click this bad boy off?�

Pressi reaches out to press the button. �We can leave ropes down the open shaft and hide. When they come to see what�s going on, we can ambush them.�

Pressi also uses clairaudio down the leg, trying to hear the strange creatures.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Monday October 29th, 2018 4:27:17 PM
"Go ahead and push the button Press, but if these guys are so stupid as to have an off button this close to the entrance, then we coulda let some less experienced adventurers handle this one. Something tells me our experiences are gonna be needed here."

Hobie casts light on an arrow and shoots it down into the pit where Pressi's torch was.

DM Carl
Monday October 29th, 2018 11:07:50 PM
Succotash hands the crystal off to Talia because she's "the most dedicated caster in the party." Sure, we'll go with that. Kezzem feels he's obviously a close second. No one ever expects the caster-specced paladin.

Talia is grateful for the crystal. No doubt she'll make good use of it.

Pressi further ponders what those icons do. Hobie tells her to go ahead and push them, that if they're stupid enough to have a disable button this close to the ground, they deserve to be stopped easily. He's not wrong...

Pressing the furnace button, the image in the mirror shifts to a tiny room surrounded by pink crystal. It's beautiful, though its significance isn't clear. There's a steel chest on the floor.

Pressi casts a clairaudience spell as Hobie fires a light-bearing arrow down the hole. The arrow accelerates much faster than the dropped torch, but doesn't illuminate anything Pressi's torch didn't. The clairaudience sensor picks up the booming of the Giant's foot-steps, as well as a crackling, wooshing noise. It's the same sound that came from the leather hood found in the right foot of the Giant.

Ropes are lowered in hopes of provoking a failed ambush. Whatever's down there isn't taking the bait.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28
Monday October 29th, 2018 11:07:57 PM

Bliss changes into a halfling for the purpose of a quick discussion. "We can sneak down and turn off the switch, or we can try to fight our way through, right? Who wants to do what?? I'm good either way."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday October 30th, 2018 5:27:30 AM
�It seems to me�, Succotash discerns, �that we are going to have to deal with the occupants eventually anyway�, �I mean�, he continues, �If we are going to use this thing to protect Humble�s Ford when this is all said and done, we can�t have any nasty stole aways�. �I for one want to see this thing standing guard in place of the broken giant towers�.

Unless someone stops him, Succotash will then descend the leg shaft, using the levitation function, using Twinklesting as his light source.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Tuesday October 30th, 2018 10:53:35 AM
Pressi takes some time to click on the hammer and the thimble, now that she better understands what she sees. "I don't know, so far they've been unprepared enough that I've overestimated their intelligence... no offense."

Pressi reminds Succotash that it would be better to avoid time delays and attacks if they can, even if they hope to eventually take it for themselves. As for the latter... perhaps it is the fear of the unknown or her own prickly nature. But even though she agrees with Succotash logically, even though her entire power source uses the same logic, she can't help but feel an emotional "no" rise within her. Even for a chain laden blood draining half-dead enchantress-rogue, taking this "deal" feels like an abomination and Pressi doesn't know why.

But that's a question for another time. Right now, it's about moving forward.

"One last thing before we head down. As my fifth level domain spell, I can cast True Seeing on a single person. I was about to cast it upon myself, but want to give others a chance to claim it instead. JTT perhaps? Murphy? Succotash."

It says something about Pressi's state of mind that she hasn't objected to not getting the crystal. (It says something about the player too: this is the first time I haven't had to scratch something out on the phone.) Generally, it raises her partial rivalry with Talia (what do you mean "only" full caster) and her relationship with Murphy. RIght now, it's just another facet to be decided quickly.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 5/5, 2/3)(performance 12/13)
Tuesday October 30th, 2018 2:11:23 PM
Zaragosa thanks Pressi for the offer but declines. If no one stops Succotash, Zaragosa will follow him

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Tuesday October 30th, 2018 3:16:12 PM
"True seeing might help me be more accurate, but darkvision would probably be enough for me, does anyone have that prepared?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Tuesday October 30th, 2018 3:32:17 PM
"Not per se, but I could always change you into an elf or something." Pressi responds to Hobie.

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 96/96
Tuesday October 30th, 2018 9:25:16 PM
As Succotash, then Bliss move to drop down below, Murphy moves to stay them and says, "Y'know, Kade's folks fought the critters below to a stalemate. I know time's a wastin' - and sorry I haven't advanced a plan yet, but, should we make a quick plan, before jumping in feet first?"

"Kade - they shape shift. What kinds of attacks did they have? Did they use magic? Did they throw things, or use missiles? Any unusual attacks? If you had to do it over again, how would you recommend they be dealt with?

"Also, exactly where down there is the gem or dial we're supposed to turn to neutralize the orangish passageway above the area you and your team were defending?"

As he talks and listens, he also glances at the images that Pressi's pushings make to the mirror-like surface.

"Spellcasters among us - anything you can do to soften them up before we descend? I hate to be overcautious, but I also don't want to be foolishly undercautious, either." He considers the spells and such he has remaining.

DM Carl
Tuesday October 30th, 2018 10:52:27 PM
Bliss asks for a consensus on sneaking or fighting.

Succotash makes the decision to fight, seeing as how he'd like to use the Giant when this is all over. Zaragosa is ready to go as well, but Pressi and Murphy stay him. Pressi offers a true seeing spell. Hobie requests darkvision if it's available. Pressi offers to turn him into an elf, which would technically only give him low-light vision.

Kade doesn't have much more to offer. "I didn't fight them. I know they didn't have shapes that stuck, and that they could hurt some folks more than others. I know that doesn't help much; maybe you folks'll figure it out.

"The orb is in the same place as it was on the right. You'll know it when you see it...probably. We rarely have to drop that field, and the things below turn it when we ask them. Part of the deal.

***

20 minute mark!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Tuesday October 30th, 2018 11:34:52 PM
"I know time's a wastin' - and sorry I haven't advanced a plan yet, but, should we make a quick plan, before jumping in feet first?" asks Murphey.

"Maybe we should plan to jump in feet first," says Kezzem. "It always ends up that way, and at least this time, we'll be prepared for it."

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 96/96
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 1:40:55 AM

"Yeah, wait just a moment. Kade - please ask them to turn it," Murphy requests of the dwarf.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 3:34:49 AM
�I�ve heard of gnomes who have darkvision, could you turn me into one of them? Or maybe a goblin?�

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 3:40:45 AM
�Actually, I forgot I�ve got Alter Self prepared, I can turn myself into a Goblin! Ok guys, especially you Paladins, I�m gonna become a goblin for a few minutes. I�m not changing my clothes, so when you see a goblin wearing this outfit, and this hat, don�t attack him, it�s me.�

When the group is ready to descend, Hobie will cast Alter Self and take the form of a goblin.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 3:41:19 AM

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 2/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 19/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 50d8+50=294 ; 50d8+50=265 ; 50d8+50=284 ;
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 3:43:58 AM
ooc: just curious how much healing a whole wand of CLW might do in one shot. Almost 30, not bad

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 5:35:04 AM
If the �friends� down below turn off the field as per Murphy�s request spoken through Kade, than Succotash says, �Time is pressing in on us, we can deal with the leg dwellers after we save our home�.

If not then Succotash descends for real this time.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 9:08:34 AM
Bliss sighs. He saw, even sniffed, nothing down there. The enemies are unknown. He shivers.

The young halfling mutters. �The second strongest halfling emotion is fear, and the greatest fear is fear of the unknown. I�m scared today, for some reason. I don�t know why.�

But he is ready to descend and fight. Bliss changes into a jet black cat, arches his back, and hisses.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1, touch AC 17+1; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 10:37:33 AM
"Yeah, nobody attack Hobbie, especially as I'll take half his...oh crap, is that a goblin! What have you done to Hobbie, you fiend!"

Kezzem gets in a slap-fight with Hobbie.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 5/5, 2/3)(performance 12/13)
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 2:12:54 PM
"Friends, let us be off" Zaragosa said. "We do not have much time to be careful as our town is in such danger. It goes against my instincts, but we must through some of our caution in the wind. I have yet to use any of my healing magic and I believe we are in good shape. We can handle anything we meet when we meet it."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+17=27 ;
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 2:48:43 PM
"Well, nothing like trying to get at least a little prepared."

Pressi considers altering herself into a (drow) elf or a goblin, but chooses dwarf instead. She also activates detect thoughts to ensure nothing sneaks up on them. She holds off on true seeing until she can make sure her gear has the proper material and in case things above the waist are crazier.

Using a grappled rope (as an anchor) and a magnetic gear (as propulsion, she begins to dive down towards the floating torch (Perception 27, darkvision 60), along with Succotash and Hobie.

-----------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
altered self: dwarf (+2 str, darkvision 30, perception -2)

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 1+1/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1
Guidances: 2

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 96/96
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 6:46:31 PM
"Uh, Pressi, you don't want to wait to see if Kade's request will do the trick for us?" Murphy asks. He holds up a forestalling hand to get her attention before she tries descending, but will not stop her if she insists.

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 6:50:02 PM

Talia waits to see if Kade can get the creatures below to turn the control. If so, good. If not, then she casts a few spells, and will be among the last to descend - or will cast downwards if she is able to see opponents.

DM Carl 5d8=22 ; 5d8=31 ; 5d8=20 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 10:40:49 PM
Kezzem wonders if they should make a plan, even if the plan is "jump in."

Murphy asks Kade to ask the things below to turn the orb. "Never done it myself, but I'll ask." Kade walks over to the hole and calls down in dwarven, "Hey, could you things turn that orb?" Nothing happens. "Please?" More nothing. Kade shrugs and walks back to his spot on the wall and sits.

Hobie turns into a goblin, seeing how they have darkvision too. This provokes a slap-fight from Kezzem.

Bliss does not like this, floating on a placid island of ignorance in this black sea of infinity. Still, he's ready to throw down.

Zaragosa recommends haste. Pressi turns herself into a dwarf and casts detect thoughts. Projecting her senses down the hole, she detects zero minds.

Talia prepares to go last.

Succotash is ready and goes first. Waiting for the left foot to hit ground and activate the field, he steps into it and descends.

He does not make it far. In Twinklesting's light, three sets of yellow eyes glow back. They float just below the ceiling and charge Succotash as he descends into their territory. They stop within about 20 feet and explode into a crackling burst of energy that scrambles Succotash's being. He is hit by all three for 22, 31, and 20 damage. A DC 18 will save halves the damage (roll once for each). If any of the saves fail, Succotash is staggered for 4, 2, or 6 rounds respectively. These rounds do not stack.

The attacks happen before anyone else can start to descend. The creatures shift from yellow-eyed humanoids to vaporous clouds that shimmer with blue energy. The immediately start descending, but our heroes have time to act before they get too far away.

Knowledge, Dungeoneering DC 19, Highlight to display spoiler: {These are Bedlams.}
***

Combat rounds!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Shield Other (Hobbie) d20+19=21 ; d3+2=4 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday October 31st, 2018 11:09:39 PM
Kezzem attempts to detect evil on the creatures. He steps towards them as he hurls his frosty dagger at them.

OOC: Btw, Pressi has Kezzem's other Shield Other focus ring, correct? I believe it was Murph than lent his to Hobbie when we split up, but I am not 100% certain (and am too lazy to double check the archives).

----

Detect Evil (Move Action) and 5-ft. step, Attack (Standard Action)

Attack: 1d20 + 21.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 (cold) = 4 + 4 cold = 8 total.

----

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (1 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

DM Carl
Thursday November 1st, 2018 12:11:25 AM
Quick note: Kezzem does not detect evil from them.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Thursday November 1st, 2018 4:32:21 AM
I got my ring from Murphy

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 74/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+13=22 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+13=33 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d20+7=25 ;
Thursday November 1st, 2018 5:39:49 AM
Lay of Hands 7/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 1/1

Succotash is able to shrug off some of the pain from the 1st and 3rd attacks, but the 2nd one nails him full force staggering him for 2 rounds. "These guys pack a punch!", he says through gritted teeth.

As a swift action he heals himself 24 health with a lay of hands. I'm assuming that continuing to descend the shaft is considered a move action, so due to his staggered condition, he will reach the bottom, and that would be the extent of his turn, though he does look around using Twinklesting's light to try to get his bearings, as well as see if anymore attacks are coming his way. perception 25

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+12=16 ;
Thursday November 1st, 2018 9:57:37 AM
Pressi swings back behind the retreating cloud. "Trick or treat," she shouts.

With an outstretched arm, she grazes the form. (Lore Keeper. Attack Roll 16 vs touch AC.)

Swift activation of her shield.

-----------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
altered self: dwarf (+2 str, darkvision 30, perception -2)

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 1+1/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 0/2+1
Guidances: 2

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Thursday November 1st, 2018 10:04:11 AM
(OOC to Kezzem: Pressi does have the other ring, if you want to activate her.)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+18=26 ; d20+18=34 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+13=23 ; d6+17=22 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6+17=22 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6+17=18 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ;
Thursday November 1st, 2018 2:25:06 PM
Hobie fires a full round of arrows at the creatures who attacked Succotash

Manyshot
Attack 26
Piercing 22, Fire 1, Electric 1 (24)
Piercing 22, Fire 5, Electric 5 (32)

Rapid Shot
Attack 34
Piercing 19, Fire 1, Electric 6 (26)

Haste
Attack 27
Piercing 18, Fire 2, Electric 5 (25)

Iterative
Attack 23
Piercing 20, Fire 6, Electric 2 (28)

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 3/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 24/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)

Goblin form for 5 minutes
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 5/5, 1/3)(performance 12/13) d20+5=23 ;
Thursday November 1st, 2018 2:53:20 PM
Zaragosa recognizes what these things were (23). He has had fewer adventures than the rest of the team, but during his journeys, he did hear of this kind of thing.

"Bedlams!" He blurts out to those who can hear him. He will then cast Haste on anyone within range.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28
Thursday November 1st, 2018 10:54:25 PM
Hasted Bliss activates his Shield of Faith and heads down, spending all his move on descent. He wants to get close to one of those things.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP 131 of 131, AC28 d20+34=52 ;
Thursday November 1st, 2018 11:03:12 PM
Xtra: Acrobatics to avoid AoOs: 52

DM Carl d20+20=27 ; d20+20=32 ; 5d8=19 ; 5d8=24 ; 5d8=21 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; 3d8=17 ; 3d8=11 ; 3d8=6 ;
Thursday November 1st, 2018 11:37:52 PM
Kezzem activates his evil-senses, but these things don't register as evil. He chucks a frosty dagger, but it sails through the thing. A few of its vaporous tendrils freeze and fall away. It's the only sign it was affected at all.

Succotash gets whacked hard and is staggered. He heals himself up some and continues going down. He looks around for more of these things, but finds none.

OOC: The field's too slow to get you from top to bottom in one round. Feel free to get off on the 2nd story if you want some ground beneath your feet. Otherwise you can just continue your descent and reach the bottom next round.

Pressi joins Succotash in the field and reaches out to learn about the creature, but the creature is too quick.

OOC: Touch AC 18

Hobie is able to take aim at the creatures from his current position. Focusing fire on Kezzem's target, he sends four arrows out. All hit, but they pass through just like Kezzem's dagger. They don't seem truly ethereal, but your attacks definitely aren't doing full damage. Still, between the fire and electric energies of his arrows, the thing's worse for wear.

OOC: AC 26, DR 10/something. Also, you didn't have haste cast on you but made a haste roll. I used the higher result for your iterative attack instead.

Zaragosa knows what these things are: bedlams! Creatures of pure chaos. He casts haste on the whole party.

Bliss activates his shield of faith and leaps down the hole to Succotash.

The three bedlams move as one, forming a perfect triangle around Succotash and Bliss. An aura emanates from them, disrupting magic in their vicinity.

OOC: Any spells cast within 20' of them require a DC 18 caster level check. Also, any magic items in that vicinity must make the same check (at your level), or temporarily lose their abilities.

All three bedlams once again release a wave of chaotic energy. Succotash takes 19, 24, and 21 points of damage. A DC 18 will save halves that. Any failed checks stagger him for 5, 1, 1 rounds respectively. These still don't stack.

Succotash is not doing well. He feels himself unraveling as the bedlams' chaos infects him. The poor paladin must focus intently just to keep himself from falling to pieces.

Bliss doesn't see what the big deal is. He takes 17, 11, and 6 points of damage. A DC 18 will save halves it, and there's no risk of being staggered.

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Friday November 2nd, 2018 12:23:17 AM

[Sorry gang, this is the worst time for me to go AWOL - but medical issues, memorial issues (service this Saturday), automotive repair issues and mess-ups, and tons of work are killing me. Can't post right now. -Kim]

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC24/touch12/flat23 CMD26 - HP 66/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+13=23 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=29 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d20=20 ; d20=11 ; d20=1 ; d20=3 ; d20=7 ; d20=19 ; d20=4 ;
Friday November 2nd, 2018 5:58:01 AM
Lay of Hands 6/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 1/1
Succotash was able to once again shrug off some of the ouch, but he still takes a thrashing, he also avoided any further rounds of being staggered, but is still staggered for this round. As a swift action, he preforms another lay of hands on himself healing 24 hp. He decides to keep descending in Twinklestings light, as he feels his physical strength lessen. OOC... Twinklesting and his armor made their saves, but his ring of protection, amulet of natural armor, belt of strength, gear of strength, and headband of charisma all temporarily shut off.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC24/touch12/flat23 CMD26 - HP 66/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday November 2nd, 2018 6:06:19 AM
OOC... Totally understand Kim, do what you have to do! My mother-inlaw passed last Saturday and the funeral, of which I'm officiating, is tomorrow, so even though I've been able to keep up on my posts, I completely get what you are going through.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 111/119, CMD 24; Shield Other (Hobbie) d20+21=39 ; d3+2=3 ; d6=2 ;
Friday November 2nd, 2018 12:25:59 PM
Kezzem will move up to one attacking Succo and stab it with his frost dagger. "Hey, stop going all explodie!"

Attack: 39.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 3 + 2 cold = 5.

OOC: Sorry to hear that Kim. Hope you are doing okay.

----

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (1 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+18=23 ; d20+18=19 ; d20+18=35 ; d20+13=33 ; d6+17=22 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ;
Friday November 2nd, 2018 2:53:05 PM
Hobie sees that his damage isn't all getting through, but he doesn't see any choice other than to keep firing, especially at anything close to Succotash

Manyshot
Attack 23 -- Misses AC 26

Rapid Shot
Natural 1

Haste
Attack 35
Piercing 22. Fire 3, Electric 3, Total = 28

Iterative
Attack 33
Piercing 19, Fire 6, Electric 3, Total = 28

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 3/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 29/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)

Goblin form for 5 minutes
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d6=3 ;
Friday November 2nd, 2018 3:24:32 PM

Pressi, staying away from the creatures, hits them with a mass pain strike. "Hey, why don't you pick on somebody who can really bring the pain." She moves downward towards Succotash, trying to keep pace.

(Fort DC 19, 1d6 damage/round+sickness)

Swift activation of shield

--------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
altered self: dwarf (+2 str, darkvision 30, perception -2)

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 1+1/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 1/2+1
Guidances: 2

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 12/13) 2d8+8=18 ;
Friday November 2nd, 2018 9:11:43 PM
Zaragosa will rush up to Succotash if he is within his reach and try to touch him to Cast CURE MODERATE WOUNDS on him for 18 hit points

DM Carl d20+8=22 ; 5d8=25 ; d6=1 ; 5d8=15 ; 5d8=26 ; 5d8=28 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; 3d8=15 ; 3d8=15 ; 3d8=14 ;
Sunday November 4th, 2018 8:52:04 PM
Murphy and Talia bonk their heads together peering over the hole in the floor. They'll probably recover any moment now.

Succotash holds himself together, literally. He heals himself again as he completes his trek to the bottom of the left leg. The foot is very similar to the right foot. The same pedestal and orb are present, and there's a door leading to what would be the toes.

Kezzem heads into the field and stabs at the most heavily damaged bedlam. His attacks are pretty ineffective, but the bedlam in question is looking rough.

Hobie acknowledges his attacks are muted, but has no better option. Most of his attacks go wide, but his last few connect. His first arrow pierces the injured bedlam, causing it to explode outwards in a rainbow-colored cloud. His last attack hits another of the bedlams attacking Succotash.

Pressi tries to get a pain spike to hit, but the spell is shrugged off (Fort save 22). She descends into the leg alongside Kezzem.

Zaragosa can reach Succotash if he performs a double move. He can cast his cure spell next round.

As Pressi, Zaragosa, and Kezzem start to descend, a 4th, hidden bedlam closes quickly, but remains about 15' out. It unleashes its own chaotic blast. Kezzem takes 25 damage and must DC 18 will save or be staggered one round. Pressi and Zaragosa brace themselves for the blast, but find it just kind of...tickles? What are these paladins so worked up about? They take zero damage.

Down below, Succotash and Bliss find themselves on the receiving end of the onslaught of the original three bedlams. Succotash is hit for 15 and 26 HP of damage. He needs to make DC18 will saves or be staggered for 4 or 4 rounds respectively.

Bliss is only hit for 15 and 14 HP. No stagger chance.

Bliss, Succotash, and possibly Zaragosa are on the bottom of the foot. Kezzem and Pressi are half-way down. The field will turn off at the end of your actions this next round. You'll fall if you have no way to fly outside the field. All of you need to make a DC 18 caster level check to cast a spell or use any magic items unless it's chaotic.

Hobie is up top with Talia and Murphy. The bedlams attacking Succotash are 120' away.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 86/119, CMD 24; Shield Other (Hobbie) d20+13=33 ; d20+19=25 ; d3+2=4 ; d6=2 ;
Sunday November 4th, 2018 10:52:18 PM
SV Will: 1d20 + 13 = 33 (natural 20).

Kezzem will stab again with his frost dagger (standard action), then descend towards Succo and Bliss (move action). He will lay on hands on himself (swift action).

Attack: 1d20+ 19 = 25.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 4 + 2 cold = 6.

Talia (Kim for J-P) 5d4+5=19 ; 5d4+5=18 ;
Sunday November 4th, 2018 11:48:40 PM
[I'm back. Sorry, I was not explicit in asking someone to post for Murphy and Talia - what I intended, but, well, there it is. Considering that I was totally pulled away from this game and from a bunch of other things, and if the DM would be so kind, I'll list two actions for each character. If disallowed, then just keep the first one.]

Talia shoots magic missiles against the bedlam closest to Succotash for 19 points of damage.

[If 2nd action allowed] The sorceress doubles down. If the one she attacked is still up, she strikes it again for 18 hp damage. If it is down, she hits the next one closest to Succotash.

Murphy 10d6=33 ;
Sunday November 4th, 2018 11:54:20 PM

Murphy casts call lightning.

[Second action:] Murphy sends forth a lightning bolt versus whichever bedlam is still active near Succotash for 33 hp electrical damage (DC 25)

P.S.: Talia's DC was 18 for the magic missiles.

Murphy & Talia
Sunday November 4th, 2018 11:56:35 PM

Oops: Missed some of the DM description. Please assign whatever damage did to whichever of the bedlams is still alive.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+18=27 ; d20+18=34 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+18=25 ; d6+17=18 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6+17=21 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ;
Monday November 5th, 2018 12:37:23 AM
Hobie aims for the closer Bedlam first since the others are out of his first range increment.

Manyshot
Attack = 27
Piercing 18, Fire 3, Electric 2 = 23
Piercing 21, Fire 2, Electric 3 = 26

Rapid Shot
Attack = 34
Piercing 20, Fire 4, Electric 6 = 30

Haste
Attack = 36
Piercing 19, Fire 1, Electric 4 = 24
Iterative

Attack =20
MISS!

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 3/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 29/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)

Goblin form for 5 minutes
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Monday November 5th, 2018 12:41:55 AM
Fire arrows used should say 34/50

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC24/touch12/flat23 CMD26 - HP 79/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+13=22 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+8=21 ; d8=2 ; d8=7 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ;
Monday November 5th, 2018 5:58:38 AM
Lay of Hands 6/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 0/1

Succotash manages to once again shrug off 1/2 the damage, and to avoid any additional rounds of being staggered. No longer staggered, he takes a 5 ft step away from the Bedlams, and casts Cure Moderate Wounds on himself (caster level check 21) healing 17 damage, then as a swift action, he performs another lay of hands on himself healing 17 damage saying, "I hate wasting all this healing on myself".

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Monday November 5th, 2018 8:21:25 AM
"DON'T WORRY SUCKER!! WE GOT YOU!!!"

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC24/touch12/flat23 CMD26 - HP 79/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday November 5th, 2018 10:05:30 AM
�I know you do Hobie, I just hate being selfish with my gift, not that I want you guys getting hurt either!�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Monday November 5th, 2018 3:47:41 PM
Wanting to save a few spell slots, Pressi chooses instead to see if these things can scratch, casting pox postules upon them (Fort Save 15).

"Yeah, lets see how you like the tickles you... oomph."

When Pressi feels the field turn off, she tumbles to the floor... still tied to the anchoring rope. With a yelp, she stops suddenly, a tug on her abdomen, swinging back and forth.

(If any of her teammates tumble, she makes a catch attempt (and I will gladly make any rolls as needed).)

"So... Are we feeling stealthy yet?"

------------------

--------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form
altered self: dwarf (+2 str, darkvision 30, perception -2)

Spells Used:
L1: 4/7+1
L2: 1+1/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 1/2+1
Guidances: 2

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+9=14 ;
Monday November 5th, 2018 3:49:57 PM
Sorry, forgot to do the concentration roll - spell fails.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 12/13) 2d8+8=19 ;
Monday November 5th, 2018 7:16:58 PM
It will then be this turn when Zaragosa tries to cast CURE MODERATE WOUNDS on succotash for 19 hit points

DM Carl 5d8=19 ; 5d8=18 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; 3d8=17 ; 3d8=14 ;
Monday November 5th, 2018 8:42:27 PM
Kezzem stabs at the bedlam attacking him, then descends to Bliss and Succotash, healing himself.

Talia clears her head, then takes aim from above and sends ten magic missiles down at the damaged bedlam attacking Succotash. It's looking pretty beat up.

Murphy creates an indoor lightning storm, striking the same bedlam. It also explodes in a prismatic explosion.

Hobie keeps on Hobieing. The bedlam that surprised Kezzem takes some serious damage from our glass cannon.

Succotash feels somewhat guilty using all this healing on himself, but he's no good to anyone dead.

Pressi attempts to cast pox postules, but the bedlam's aura corrupts and ruins the spell. Her anchoring keeps her from falling, but leaves her swinging. Good things these bedlams aren't much threat to her.

Zaragosa also heals up Succotash.

One of the bedlams is in rough shape, the other untouched. Their forms start shifting wildly.

Sense motive, DC 35, Highlight to display spoiler: {They're panicking.}

Escape doesn't seem possible, though. With no way out, they can at least try to take these blasted paladins with them.

The 4th bedlam descends, joining the last of the original three about 15' above the heads of our heroes on the bottom. They again release explosions of chaos. Kezzem and Succotash take 19 and 18 damage from the blast and are staggered for 2 and 4 rounds, respectively. A DC 18 will save halves the damage and stops the staggered condition.

Bliss takes 17 and 14 damaged. A DC 18 will save halves the damage.

Zaragosa is unaffected.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP98of131, AC28 raging and hasted d20+8=22 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=16 d20+15=18 d20+15=22 d6=1 d3=3 d2=2 d2=1
Monday November 5th, 2018 9:54:31 PM

Bliss rolls five will saves vs DC18 for full or half: 17, 11, 6, 15, and 14 points of damage.
Rolls: 22, 27, 14, 22, and 22. Takes 8+5+6+7+7=33 damage.

[OOC to kindly DM Carl: I'm assuming the caster level check is only for casting spells or activating items? That is, ongoing permanent items and effects are A-OK? For example, does Bliss have to roll vs his cat form? His pre-cast Shield of Faith? His bracers of armor subsumed into his kitty form? How about using his arcane strike feat? etc]

Bliss is stunned at first by the sheer chaos at the bottom of the leg. [OOC: Sorry missed a post] But he focusses into the combat and gets ready (rage)

Bliss activates his Arcane Strike feat (roll needed?) He takes a five ft step into melee with one of these bedlam things -- what do they look like? There's light down here? What's a "bedlam"?

Bite: hits AC18 for 19 nonlethal
Bite: misses with nat 1
Claw: hits AC18 for 17
Claw: hits AC22 for 16

==========
DM Sanity Info

Spells:
Lvl 1: 5+Entangle (cast surr blood x2, unseen servant)
Lvl 2: 4+Barkskin (cast none)
Lvl 3: 4+Plant Growth (cast Blink)
Lvl 4: 3+Still Silent Barkskin (cast Threefold Aspect, Polymorph, Divination)

Stuff With Uses Per Day:
Basic Ritual: Kitty at will
Intermediate Ritual: Shared CL12 (+4) Shield of Faith
Rage 2 of 14
Bramble Armor 0 of 7 | Wood Fists 0 of 7
Guide/Mislead 1 of 7
Life 0 of 1 | Death 1 of 1 | Focus 0 of 1
Meta Rod of Extend 3 of 3 (Shield of Faith, Barkskin, Blink)

Current Effects:
Extended Shared CL12 Shield of Faith (used 13 of 120r)
Extended CL10 Barkskin (used about 30 min)
Message spells (recast as needed)
Haste - do not know when it ends!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 99/119, CMD 24; Shield Other (Hobbie) 5d6=18 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+9=13 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ;
Tuesday November 6th, 2018 12:34:48 AM
Apparently, I forgot to roll to heal Kezzem.

Lay on Hands (last round): 5d6 = 18.

SV Will DC 18: 1d20 + 13 = 18. Success.
SV Will DC 18: 1d20 + 13 = 24. Success.

"Wow, I don't like these things," says Kezzem. He looks to Pressi and Z. "How come they ain't hurting you guys?"

Full attack with frost dagger.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 19 = 27.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 5 + 4 cold = 9.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 14 = 28.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 3 + 1 cold = 4.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 9 = 13.
Assuming that's a miss.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 99/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie) d20+20=35 ; d3+2=5 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday November 6th, 2018 12:37:08 AM
Also, I see that I am hasted now. Increase those attack rolls by 1 on my previous post.

Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 20 = 35.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 5 + 2 cold = 7.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+18=36 ; d20+18=20 ; d20+18=28 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+13=27 ; d6+17=23 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6+17=19 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6+17=21 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; 3d6+50=61 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ;
Tuesday November 6th, 2018 5:05:52 AM
Under his breath, directed seemingly to the heavens above, Hobie mutters, �Who are you calling �Glass�?�

He continues his barrage

Manyshot
Attack 36
Piercing 23, fire 2, electric 1= 26
Piercing 19, fire 4, electric 5= 28

Rapid shot
Attack 20= miss

Haste
Attack 28
Piercing 21, fire 3, electric 3= 27

Iterative
Natural 20- confirmation roll 27
Unconfirmed: Piercing 20, fire 5, electric 4= 29
Confirmed: Piercing 62 (die roller wouldn�t let me do +51) Fire 3, Electric 1, = 66

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC24/touch12/flat23 CMD26 - HP 70/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+13=23 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+19=26 ; d20+19=26 ; d10=4 ; d10=3 ; d20+14=17 ; d10=7 ; d20+9=15 ;
Tuesday November 6th, 2018 5:33:11 AM
Lay of Hands 6/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 10/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 0/1
Belt and gear of strength, headband of charisma, ring of protection, and amulet of natural armor currently not working.

"Thanks for the healing J.T.T", Succotash says with a smile, "and now lets see about introducing these things to Twinklesting". Taking a 5 ft step, he will perform a full round attack on whichever bedlam looks the least beat up.

26 for 12 damage
26 for 11 damage
16 miss
15 miss

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Tuesday November 6th, 2018 5:39:03 PM
Pressi continued to twist around, firing a guidance on succotash. �Must be my grace under pressure,� she muttered.

�They�re pure chaos. The personification of messianic witches. Which means they can�t hurt chaotic adventurers and Bliss hasn�t been pulling his chaos weight. Not happy .�

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 96/96 10d6=39 ; 3d6=4 ;
Tuesday November 6th, 2018 7:53:56 PM

Murphy repeats the lightning shaft (second of 10 from call lightning), hitting whichever bedlam seems most in need of an extra charge for a paltry 4 hp damage [Reflex DC 25]*. He makes sure that Talia does not fall down the shaft.

In halfling, he calls out below and asks, "Has anyone been able to turn the knob or whatever yet?"

Mentally (perm telepathic link with her) he says to Pressi, "Thanks for explanation of just what bedlams are."

[* Boy, did I blow an earlier post. I rolled 10d6 rather than 3d6. Supplanted the number of hit dice (3) with the maximum number of lightning bolts (10) in the rolling of damage. Almost did the same again. Sorry. Kim here, still only lightly present, in a personal recovery phase, thus not able to place my usual focus on the game.]

DM Carl
Tuesday November 6th, 2018 10:15:06 PM
Bliss lashes out, but can't connect a single time! The only light down here is what you folks brought with you. Twinklesting is providing most of it.

Kezzem attacks several times with his dagger. The blade itself does no damage, but the lingering cold is enough to cool the injured bedlam down completely. The vaporous bits of the creature freeze and fall to the floor in a prismatic snow.

Hobie is probably tougher than he looks. Three arrows hit the last bedlam. The creature turns back into a humanoid shape, glaring at Hobie with fierce, yellow eyes. Hobie takes careful aim and fires a single arrow straight into said eye. The last bedlam explodes, coloring the walls, plus all our heroes at the bottom of the leg, with a prismatic glow that lingers a good 30 seconds.

Others prepare their own attacks, but the battle is won. Our heroes are able to explore the foot without danger, but there's not much to see here. The orb you were looking for is here, ready to turn. There's also a solid iron door leading to the "toes" of the Giant.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 11/13) d20+17=22 ;
Tuesday November 6th, 2018 10:19:54 PM
Zaragosa Starts his speech to start his Inspire Courage giving everyone +1 on hit and damage. He speaks of all he has seen the Humble Sword do so far and how he is amazed by all of them.

His sense motive fails.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP98of131, AC28 raging and hasted
Tuesday November 6th, 2018 10:29:10 PM
Bliss purrs and nudges Sir Kezzem to congratulate his friend.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC24/touch12/flat23 CMD26 - HP 70/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+10=11 ;
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 5:33:01 AM
Succotash walks over to the orb and yells up, �Hey Pressi which direction do I turn this thing?� Then he will turn it the direction she says. After that he will begin searching the area (perception 11) as he hollers up to Hobie, �Could you help Pressi, she�s kind of tied up at the moment?�

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 11/13)
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 8:45:34 AM
(I posted right before the win was announced (by the looks of it))

He gives a concerned look to Succotash. "Do you require any more healing magic?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 99/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie) 2d8+8=11 ; 2d8+8=13 ;
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 10:32:40 AM
Kezzem reaches down to pet Bliss and casts Cure Moderate Wounds on the kitty.

Healing: 2d8 + 8 = 11.

"Let's try that again."

Healing: 2d8 + 8 = 13.

"So what's next?"

----

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (1 used)
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (1 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (2 cast)

Talia (Kim for J-P) d20+20=28 ;
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 12:53:12 PM

Talia sighs with relief. "Well done, stalwarts," she says to those below. "Be right back." She walks over to the opening to the next room, looks around to see if anything has changed over the last couple of minutes within that room, and (unless something untoward is apparent) steps out enough to see whether the orangish opening above has changed or not following the turning of the orb by Succotash.

[Perception: 28]

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC24/touch12/flat23 CMD26 - HP 70/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 1:05:04 PM
�I could use some more if you don�t mind J.T.T.� Succotash answers with his usual smile.

ADM Kim - Cure spells rolling suggestion 2d8+8=16 ; d8=2 ;
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 1:23:27 PM

When you roll things like cure moderate wounds, where multiple d8s are rolled, it might be well either to roll each d8 separately, so that you can reroll ones, or, if using the combined rolls (2d8+x), to click on the 'Explain Previous Roll' link which appears once a dice roll has been performed. Here is what appears for the roll I did above:
2d8+8
= (sum(d8,?)) + 8
= (sum(1,?)) + 8
= (sum(1,d8)) + 8
= (sum(1,7)) + 8
= 8 + 8
= 16
As you can see, the first d8 I rolled was a 1. I get to reroll that. Doing so, a 2, rather than 1, results. So this CMW does 17, rather than 16 points of healing.

On Kezzem's first 2d8+8, it is obvious that he rolled a 1 and a 2 on the CMW. It might have been more clear to just reroll a single d8 to modify the first roll. (I'm unsure as to whether the second CMW was actually a second casting of the spell, or an effort to correct the first CMW roll.) On the second roll, it is possible that there was another 1 rolled... and, if so (and Brian meant to cast the spell twice), then another d8 could have been rolled.

Let's keep in mind, and always take advantage of, the Woldian rule on "No ones in cure spell d8s."

To our health! - ADM Kim

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+15=29 ; d8=4 ; d20+15=28 ; d8=5 ; d20+15=28 ; d8=5 ; d20+15=24 ; d8=3 ; d20+15=24 ; d8=1 ; d8=5 ; d20+15=19 ; d20+15=28 ; d8=6 ; d20+15=34 ; d8=6 ; d20+15=28 ; d8=8 ; d20+15=23 ; d8=2 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+15=35 ; d8=4 ;
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 3:55:13 PM
"I've always been a strong proponent for using wands to heal outside of combat and saving those awesome healing powers for when we really need them, so hold still Sucker, let me help."

Hobie takes out a CLW wand and starts tapping Succotash with it.

5 + 6 + 6 + 4 + 6 + 7 = 34

"There you go bud, you look pretty good now. Hey Kez, come here."

He will give Kezzem some healing as well

7 + 9 + 3 + 5 = 24

Hobie pulls out his favorite dagger, the silver one from Tink "Let me just carve ten more notches in this wand real quick..."

He carefully counts the notches on the wand and says "Alright, this ones got 9 charges left, but don't worry I've got a fresh one in my bag. Gotta keep you meat shields in tip top shape so I can keep shooting."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d100=2 ; d100=46 ; d100=30 ; d100=39 ; d100=78 ; d100=35 ;
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 4:01:31 PM
I forgot Hobie is still a goblin right now, so keep that in mind as you picture the situation.

Hobie will also take the time to search for the six arrows that he missed with. He finds one still in good shape, but the others are unfortunately either missing or broken beyond use.

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 3/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 20/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)

Goblin form for 5 minutes
===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Invisibility, Mirror Image

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Murphy (Kim)
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 8:20:39 PM
.
"Let's get going upwards, shall we?" Murphy says. "I have more healing for those who return to the top here."

Murphy takes a few moments to review the viewing mirror images, to observe what might be shown as he in turn looks at each of the green spots. [If all this was already shown, then skip those already described.]

As no one has mentioned the locked door to him in the toes, he does not know to ask about that.

After looking at the images, he nods to Kade, then joins Talia in the next area, from which they came.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie) d8=5 ;
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 8:27:42 PM
OOC: Sorry, I keep forgetting that heal rule.

The first charge definitely had a 1 in it (the dice total was 3, so it had to be a "1" and a "2" on the rolled dice). Keeping the 2, I rerolled the second d8.

So the first charge on Bliss should be: 2d8 + 8 = 15, not 11 (a 4 hp gain).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+7=23 ; d8+5=8 ; d8+5=9 ; d8+5=6 ; d8+5=7 ;
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 8:35:55 PM
"It should turn only one way," Pressi replies. "Hold on, I'm coming...."

Pressi looks to see how far down she is. (She can't be too high up if she's on a rope that's meant to get her toward the orb and can keep some pace with Succotash.) Making a climb check, she shimmies the farthest that she can (climb 23), and then lets herself drop the rest of the way (acro roll, no fail to ignore first 10 feet damage).

"I only have a CLW wand, but that should be sufficient...." (4 charges gives him back 30 HP, and she uses a couple on herself for the damage.)

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP98of131, AC28 raging and hasted d20+22=24 ;
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 9:48:34 PM
Bliss walks up to the door to the toe and listens. Maybe he can hear something behind it?

Perception 24

DM Carl
Wednesday November 7th, 2018 11:27:02 PM
The fight won, healing is passed around. Succotash asks Pressi which direction you turn the orb thing, but finds it only rotates one way. He does so until it clicks. Kade calls down from the top, "That did it. Field's down. You guys don't mess around, do ya? Ix shoulda killed you when he had the chance...wait, that came out wrong..." Talia confirms; the party is able to proceed up the Giant.

Goblin Hobie busts out the healing wand. No sense using the big magics for out of combat healing. Cannony AND prudent: he's a keeper, folks. He recovers some arrows.

Pressi tries to judge how far up she is. Without anything trying to kill her, shimmying down is easy enough. She lands gracefully.

Bliss takes a listen to the door in the Giants toe-area. He hears nothing. There's no lock on the door that he sees, only a simple knob.

Murphy investigates the viewing mirror while his companions fiddle down below. He's already seen the right leg area where Kade's comrades were killed (the eyes), and a strange pink crystal room with a steel chest (the furnace). That leaves the spear and the hammer. The spear shows the big room with the catwalk where our heroes fought their first big fight. He's also able to see the pink field is down.

The hammer shows something more interesting.

It shows a room dominated by an enormous pink gem. It's the exact pink crystal shown via the furnace icon. The gem is nine feet tall and six feet wide. The facets are as big as a human. It sits on a gold stand in the middle of the room, and a gold ring on stilts surrounds it. It pulses slowly with energy.

There are also 6 dwarves in the room along with two of the guardian constructs the party first encountered in the right leg. Then, of course, there's the dire badger. It takes Murphy a moment to observe the badger to get an idea of what he's looking at. It's been...enhanced? Is that the right word? Maybe. We'll use it. It's been enhanced in a manner similar to the interior of the Giant. Its paws are metal, but he can't tell if the paws have been replaced, or if they've just been clad in iron. Glowy gold wires run from said paws down the length of the badger, wrapping around before terminating in a small hole that's been trepanned into the badger's skull. No doubt, Murphy's druid sensibilities do not approve of this; it is wholly unnatural. One of the dwarves throws a sunrod at a battered target. The badger attacks, tearing the thing in half.

If Murphy has the hood someplace where he can hear it, he can hear a voice calling his name.

***

22 minutes have passed.

The legs and groin of the Giant have been effectively conquered. Each character gets 8,000 experience points. Succotash gets a hero point for being the first to engage an enemy designed to kill him and pressing on instead of falling back and letting Pressi and Zaragosa deal with it.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday November 8th, 2018 5:26:03 AM
"Thanks Hobie, I feel great!", Succotash says after receiving the healing, then he stops Pressi from wasting her wand on him saying, "I'm good, Hobie already got me. but thanks for the thought". he than waits for the levitation field to come back on, and ascends to the groin room.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 11/13)
Thursday November 8th, 2018 8:29:32 AM
(OOC. Oh my goodness, a cyborg Badger! Though my character does not know this, I find it fun.)

Feeling, the leg has been conquered and the orb retrieved. Zaragosa encourages the rest to try to come back up as time is a pressing issue.

Murphy (Kim)
Thursday November 8th, 2018 11:29:59 AM

Murphy raises an eyebrow at Kade's comment.

Murphy relays to all what he saw via the hammer tile. The 9' tall, 6' wide pulsating pink gem, resting upon a gold stand, and a golden ring on stilts surrounds it. The six dwarfs. The metallically-augmented dire badger and its ferocity. The two guardian constructs.

[Could we get the apparent dimensions of the room - how wide, long, high?]

He asks Kade, "Anything you can tell us about the pink gem and how it works, the folks in the room, the guardian constructs, or anything else useful about this area? Might some of the dwarfs yield or surrender, or even help us before blood is shed?"

As he listens to the reply, he opens his haversack to retrieve a sunrod. And at that point hears a voice from the hood. "Excuse me for a moment," he says, and walks back to the groin area of the iron giant. He leans against a wall, places the hood over his head, and says, "Hello. Murphy here. How is it going from your perspective?"

Murphy (Kim)
Thursday November 8th, 2018 7:24:32 PM

Oh, and Murphy keeps his telepathic channel with Pressi open so she is privy to Murphy's conversation with Ix - or with whoever is on the other end of the comm loop.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Thursday November 8th, 2018 7:41:20 PM
"Hey, does anyone have any sunrods?" asks Kezzem. "I have an idea. Maybe we can use them to trick that armored badger into attack its handlers instead."

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP78of111, AC29 d20+27=37 ; d20+22=30 ;
Thursday November 8th, 2018 8:19:40 PM

Bliss is not sure why the party is not attacking, but he stays hid and waits for action.

Stealth 37

Perception 30

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+17=27 ;
Thursday November 8th, 2018 8:20:38 PM
To Kezzem, "It's not a bad idea, but you forgot that we don't need any stinking badgers, so it doesn't count. Also, who are you and what have you done with the real Kezzem?"

Pressi looks around the area, expecting to see upward pathways similar to those in the right leg. Curiosity getting the best of her, and after checking for traps (Perception 28, still darkvision), she opens the door to the left heel before making her way back upwards.

To Kade's remarks, she remains lost in thought. To Murphy, "Please don't taunt the happy fun gnome."

DM Carl
Thursday November 8th, 2018 11:59:58 PM
Succotash appreciates the healing. He ascends out of the left foot.

Zaragosa encourages haste.

Murphy wonders how large the room was. The image wasn't of the entire room, so he can't be 100%. Ceiling was maybe 20' up. He couldn't see the left and right walls, so width is unknown, but it's about 50' deep. He asks Kade about anything he can tell them.

Kade shakes his head. "I've never been above this level. Don't know where that giant gem is or what it does. I've got friends in here who might listen, but I've got more that'll kill me without hesitating for talkin' to you. The chances of running into a room of reasonable dwarves up there's probably pretty slim."

(I'll get to your conversation with the hood in a bit.)

Bliss seems confused. The dwarves and dire badger are images in the mirror.

Kezzem ponders using sunrods against the badger's handlers. It'll be a hoot if it works.

Pressi encourages Murphy not taunt Ix. She investigates the door in the foot. Inside the small room is a pegboard with dozens of pegs. Six gears are hung on various pegs. Touching them reveals their associated stat. There is another CON gear, a DEX gear, 2 INT gears, a WIS gear, and a CHA gear. The CHA gear is super pretty.

Murphy finds an out of the way spot to blind himself and speak with Ix. "Hey, you guys cleared out the bedlams? That's super helpful! Turns out sending a bunch of loyal, order-following soldiers to fight beings of pure chaos doesn't end well. That Succotash guy is pretty tough! You folks are burning through a lot of healing, though. Say, what was down in the left foot, anyway? We never found out.

"Oh, and what's that archer doing with you guys? He was supposed to get dealt with by the guardian. You folks letting him tag along is going to lead to some awkward conversations for me later. Any chance you can just off him for me? I'll make it worth your while. There's some frustrating stuff to work through in the level above you."

***

23 minutes have passed.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 102/102, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday November 9th, 2018 4:01:52 AM
Seeing Pressi exploring the other room, Succotash reverses course, wanting to be there to help his friend should trouble arrive, and assuming Pressi doesn�t keep her find to herself He will ask if anyone would mind if he used the con gear, and though he would really like the chr gear, he allows his other charisma based friends 1st dibs if they wanted it, of course if no one wants it, he will gladly claim it.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Friday November 9th, 2018 2:05:51 PM
Pressi doesn't feel too terrible just taking the two INT gears. She figures that nobody else is going for it. (That gives Pressi another 2nd level spell and +1 to things like DCs.)

Pressi's alter self (Dwarf) has a run time of 9 minutes so she figures she has 6-7 to go. Hobie's, Pressi presumes, is about the same. "What if Kade and I pretended we caught this "goblin" running around and tried to scout ahead, maybe even keep their attention?" Her glammer armor shifted, beginning to match the armor she's been seeing around. "Oh, and let Ix know I'm coming to pee in his skull. Give him time to shower."

"This is your last chance if you want me to try a divination to better know what's up past the waist."

--------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form+ 2 int gears, 1 wis gear (Int 22)
altered self: dwarf (+2 str, darkvision 30, perception -2)

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 1+1/6+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 1/2+1
Guidances: 3/9

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 11/13)
Friday November 9th, 2018 3:03:25 PM
Zaragosa will let

Pressi

that if he only has a limited number of divinations, that he would rather save it for the head of the creature. Zaragosa felt that this is where the Ix guy would be.

Zaragosa would then climb back up to the midsection they were at before.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+32=51 ;
Friday November 9th, 2018 8:35:25 PM
"I would be down for that plan if you think it might work Pressi. I'm not too great at lying but I'll just try to act grumpy and quiet."

Hobie would also love that Dex gear, but since he took the first dex one, he would understand if Kezzem or Zaragosa wants it.

If either of them wants it he will ask for either the CHA or WIS gear.
Since the CHA gear looks really pretty, Hobie will detect magic on it and carefully study it's aura, using a boost from his wand of Identify

Spellcraft Check = 51

Murphy (Kim)
Saturday November 10th, 2018 1:06:44 AM

Murphy would like either (one only, ordered by preference): WIS; DEX; or INT

He has communicated to Pressi what Ix has told him thus far.

[Will post more, including conversation with Ix, by early afternoon Saturday. Helping family member, time is tight.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Saturday November 10th, 2018 1:58:09 AM
Kezzem would prefer the gears in the following order: Cha, Dex, Con. I don't think he got a gear yet as Hobbie snatched up that Dex one last time.

Murphy (Kim)
Sunday November 11th, 2018 2:05:46 AM

"Succotash is one of the best halflings I know, Ix," Murphy replies. "And I'm traveling with a group of the best.

"Left foot? I dunno, toejam? Ah, no. A handful of gears."

When Ix asks about 'that archer,' Murphy replies, "Y'know, you may not have to worry about awkward conversations - unless that is a habit of yours. Maybe I can talk to him, give him - and you - reasons to extend his life. Purpose is important, would you not agree? Let's see if we can avoid more slaughter than necessary." He pauses. "I generally like dwarfs. And gnomes can be amazing!

"Say, with the frustrating stuff coming up, any hints or suggestions? Are you the brains behind the iron badger?

"Also, the pulsating pink crystal - we just came from a place of crystal, not too long ago. Does that magically fuel, or emplower, the iron gargantua?"

Talia (by Kim for J-P)
Sunday November 11th, 2018 2:21:43 AM

Talia says, "All right, all right. Gear up, and let's go, everyone! The giant is getting closer to our town!" She says, "Let's all get up quickly, and get to the middle of the, the, uh, groin. And then ride up the levitation lift."

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP78of111, AC29
Sunday November 11th, 2018 11:26:56 AM

What? He was looking into a mirror! Bliss swishes his tail, annoyed at his own foolishness.

He sure is glad that Miss Talia seems to know what to do. He sticks close to her.

The Iron Gargantua

DM Carl
Sunday November 11th, 2018 7:20:10 PM
Succotash hears "looooooot" whispered in his ear and turns around. He grabs a CON gear since there seem to be plenty of them to go around. He waits to see if anyone else claims the CHA gear.

Pressi snatches up both INT gears.

OOC: Keep in mind, you get the bonus twice for having two INT gears, but they don't both add +1 to the stack. If you have two INT gears and another, you get +4 INT and +2 to the other.

She floats a plan to use her disguise to sneak past some of the guards. Kade blanches. "Woah now, I owe you folks my life and I'll lend a hand, but don't ask me to actively work against my friends."

Zaragosa advises Pressi save her divinations for further up the Giant.

Hobie checks out the CHA gear. It offers no benefit other than boosting CHA and looking pretty. He'd really like that DEX gear...

Murphy would like a gear and makes his preferences known.

Kezzem would ALSO like the CHA gear. It's in high demand! He hasn't gotten a gear yet, perhaps Humble's Sword needs to learn to share?

Muprhy starts conversing with Ix.

"The Iron Gargantua...I like that!" He starts saying it in different voices, putting the emphasis on different syllables.

"The Iron garGANtua!"

"The Iron GARganTUA!"

"The Iron garganTUA!...no, don't like that one. You mind if we use that from now on? Oh, and no hints unless whats-his-name with the crossbow gets himself dead. You can find out what Chompy and the pink gem are all by yourself. We can chat all you'd like, though. It's not my town that's about to get crushed."

Talia is ready to move on.

Bliss scratches at the mirror a bit. One has to wonder if he's not secretly a cat that turns into a halfling, instead of the other way around.

***

24 minutes. The way up to the next level is a ladder that leads to an open hole in the ceiling above the catwalk in that room where you fought all those dwarves.

Feel free to figure out who gets what gear in email. Doesn't matter to me.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 113/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday November 12th, 2018 5:41:37 AM
"Kezzem, Talia, Jack and Myself would benefit the most from the CHR gear, and since Kezzem doesn't have a gear yet, I think he should have it", Succotash says as he attaches the con gear next to his str gear adding, "What ever ancient peoples who created this iron monstrosity, must have been a highly advanced magical society, I mean, besides the machine itself, they made the different constructs, as well as these gears, and Talia's crystal, it would be interesting to learn something about these people". "But time is a wasting, shall we continue?" He says as he steps into the levitation area.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 11/13)
Monday November 12th, 2018 10:59:42 AM
Zaragosa would take any gear given to him. He does not seem very eager to grab anyone in particular as he still does not know what it would do. On top of that, he felt he was the least of his comrades and didn't want to fight over such things. "I'll take what you'll give me" would be his response to anything ask about the Gears.

Zaragoas would wait for everyone to move on, but he is worried about the time talking about the gears

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 96/96
Monday November 12th, 2018 2:07:33 PM

"Sure, of course you can use it, Ix," Murphy replies. "I'm partial to the 'gar-GAN-tua' option myself, but, choose your favorite!"

"And, you have a point there. Time's a-wastin'. Talk to you later. Over for now." Unless Ix has something to add (and maybe reply to), the druid places the hood back in his haversack, rolled up, and closes the haversack well - aiming that no sound might go out or in.

"Yeah, I can pass on more gears this time around, but might want to take one more up if the opportunity is provided later."

"Kade, of course. Ix wants you dead. We don't want you dead. Trail behind, as you wish. I've healed you up a fair bit. Assuming we survive the next area of contention, I'll see if I can help you more with that. If we need to take down all of your friends, we will. But if we can show mercy to some, so we will. You have seen what we can do. If you find it in yourself to recommend surrender to your mates, without them trying to bring you down, I'm fine with that, and we will show mercy. And figure out a way to get them past the warbot that took down your other companions."

He joins the others, and climbs the ladder leading up to the hole. "Any plans or preparations before breaching the top-of-the-ceiling passageway?" He has a sunrod in easy reach in his bandolier.

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Monday November 12th, 2018 2:15:51 PM

Talia ensures that certain spell components are ready at hand. "What order should we go through the hole? I don't think I should be first," she says politely. She gets up the ladder, maybe toward the middle or end of the party.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Monday November 12th, 2018 3:25:51 PM
"I suggest the meat shields, erm, Paladins, go first. I'll follow in behind them. Unless we wanted to do the goblin prisoner plan, Press"

ooc: I've got 2 minutes of Goblin form left before I turn back.

DM Carl
Monday November 12th, 2018 8:22:00 PM
Discussions happen regarding the gears.

Murphy grants Ix rights to the name. "Too kind, Murph. Too kind. You folks are starting to grow on me. I hope you know I'm being genuine when I say I hope we all manage to survive this.

"Except the archer. That one I'm going to have to finish off."

Ix has nothing further to add, and the conversation stops. Kade listens to what Murphy has to say and finds it agreeable. "Fair enough, Mr. Murphy, but like I said before: there's some real zealots up there. Most of'em I won't miss, which is good cause you're gonna have ta kill'em if you want to stop Anur."

The rest of the party seems ready to move on. All that's left is to pick an order and pull the trigger.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP78of111, AC29
Monday November 12th, 2018 8:32:45 PM
Bliss is happy to take point and ascend, either first or sharing the space of whoever is first. (He can share a space because he is tiny in size).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Haste, Shield Other (Hobbie)
Tuesday November 13th, 2018 12:59:11 AM
"Ooh, I feel pretty now!" says Kezzem, proudly sporting his new gear.

DM Question: the gear boosts my Cha to an 18, which grants me an extra lay on hands per day. Does it apply immediately, or do I have to rest first to gain that extra use.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 113/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Tuesday November 13th, 2018 5:16:31 AM
Succotash will lead the way up, sharing a space with Bliss, Twinklesting in hand. He then suggests that Kade stay towards the middle of the troupe so we can better protect him, and then he asks, �Why does Ix want you dead so bad?�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Tuesday November 13th, 2018 10:35:30 AM
OOC: Dishwasher broke. Someone post for me, please.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 11/13)
Tuesday November 13th, 2018 2:24:04 PM
Zaragosa wishes to go towards the end so he could start preforming if needed.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Tuesday November 13th, 2018 4:37:48 PM
ooc: Did Kezzem grab the Dex gear too or just the Cha? If not, Hobie will grab it.

DM Carl
Tuesday November 13th, 2018 11:39:43 PM
Kezzem looked pretty boss before. With the new gear? Total stud.

OOC: You get the effects of an 18 CHA immediately.

Succotash and Bliss go first. Succotash wonders why Ix wants Kade so dead. "I know he didn't warn us when you folks arrived. You're all capable, but if he'd sounded the alarm and brought all us down on ya, we'd have defeated you." There's no malice in his voice. He's simply stating what he sees as fact. "If ya win this fight, it'll be his fault for playing around instead of doing his job."

Zaragosa takes the rear.

The party moves up the ladder. Thankfully, nothing scary is waiting for them. What they find is a narrow room. It's still 50' long, which is the length of the Giant, but only 20' wide. The first thing everyone no doubt notices are the amulets hanging from hooks on the ceiling. An initial glance at them show various symbols that no doubt aren't universally recognized.

Knowledge, Religion 25. Highlight to display spoiler: {These are symbols commonly associated with the Old Ones. Some searching allows you to find Skald's, as well as Fhorge's. There's a few others. Every Old One anyone can remember has an amulet here with their symbol.}

OOC: Don't forget bards can make all knowledge checks untrained and with a bonus.

In the southern/central section of the room is a yellow circle the party recognizes as a levitation circle like the ones in both feet. This one is dark. Above it is a closed, very sturdy looking iris. There are two doors leading from the room. One in the eastern wall, one in the western.

Map

The areas right and left of the room you're in will be filled in as you explore.

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Wednesday November 14th, 2018 3:52:53 AM

Talia whispers to Kale, "I may have something for you. You know the rope trick? It opens an extradimensional space. You climb the rope, and hide up there. No one can see you. You can see out a bit through the bottom. Problem is the rope hangs down. If someone you don't want to notices it, and climbs, they can get inside with you. Other than that, you're really pretty safe. If you know a good place for us to set it up, I can do that for you. We'll get you after the cleanup is done.

"Again, there's a risk. But, you'll have to decide if it's worth it."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 113/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+7=15;
Wednesday November 14th, 2018 5:22:10 AM
Succotash checks out the west door perception 15 to see if there is anything unusual (traps) then if he doesn't see anything out of the ordinary, he attempts to open the door, if he notices something, or it's locked he asks Zaragosa to take a look at it.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP78of111, AC29
Wednesday November 14th, 2018 7:15:00 AM

Bliss looks at his friends attaching metal disks to themselves, and is not sure that it is really such a good idea. "I like good adventuring GEAR as well as the next hero," he thinks. "But this is ridiculous."

"I'm not onBORG with this."

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP78of111, AC29 d20+22=28 ;
Wednesday November 14th, 2018 7:21:17 AM

Oh, more seriously, Bliss sticks close to Sir Succotash at point (assume we are in the same square, OK? Wherever Jeremy puts us is fine.)

He uses his cat-senses to check out the area. Perception (plus scent and low light vision) 28.

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 96/96 d20+4=14 ; d20+28=34 ;
Wednesday November 14th, 2018 8:39:26 AM

Murphy looks at the various symbols on the amulets which hang from the ceiling. Some they saw earlier, but many are unfamiliar to him. He asks if anyone else might know who they represent. "If I were to guess, some might belong to the old gods that Ix said Anur wants to re-raise to power. Does anyone know which one belongs to Sklur?"

How large are the amulets and are they suspended from cords? In a necklace fashion? And, if so, are they small enough to wear as necklaces for a halfling?

Murphy also listens [Perception: 34] at the door on the left side of the map. [OOC: Where is North on this map? If it is at the top, then, west is to the left, east to the right, and the yellow levitation circle closest to the direction of travel, southwards.]

Knowledge: Religion: 14 (Aid another in the knowledge check. Do any of the symbols match what we saw earlier in lower sections?)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+19=22 ; d20+22=30 ;
Wednesday November 14th, 2018 2:31:12 PM
To Kade's remark, "Whether you may have defeated us doesn't change a simple fact. If you need someone to warn you to glance occasionally at the unlocked door that you couldn't even bother to put a couple of paint cans in front of, then you don't deserve to win. Hate to take Ix's side on this one, but... Wait a second. If you weren't there to guard from an infiltration, and you weren't waiting to exit as ground forces, what were you doing down there? Why were you staring at the entrance to the giant's waist?"

A thought popped in her head. "You were there to put down the bedlams if they escaped. Weren't you."

Of course, whether the door would have been easily spotted remains an open question. If a dwarf hadn't told them of it in advance... a little too fortuitously, Pressi thinks to herself in hindsight.

Pressi's original plan seems to have fallen by the wayside. (Limited time, Kade rejection)

Pressi offers Murphy the Wis gear. (Currently +4 int, +2 Wis) Someone needs to make a chart as to who has which gears.

Succostash and Bliss check out one door, and Pressi presumes JTT will check out the other. That leaves her to check out the levitation disk (Perception 20, Spellcraft 30) and fires a round of clairvoyance up the tube.

--------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form+ 2 int gears, 1 wis gear (Int 24, Wis 12)
altered self: dwarf (+2 str, darkvision 30, perception -2)

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 1+1/6+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 1/2+1
Guidances: 3/9
Clair: 2/9

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 96/96
Wednesday November 14th, 2018 3:17:03 PM

With a look of surprise, Murphy says, "Thank you, Pressi," and accepts the additional Wisdom gear from her. He takes a moment, and affixes it next to the other Wisdom gear on his left bracer (now 2xWis(+4}, 1xCon(+2)). The Constitution gear is on his right bracer. "Later, if we get another intelligence, strength or dexterity gear, I would not mind swapping out for my second wisdom gear. Could come in handy in the near future."

A totally unrelated thought occurs to Murphy after placing the third gear. To Kade, after Talia finishes whispering to him, the druid says, "Say, where do people place the end results of the digestive process here in this iron gargantua? Do you just lean out of an arrow slot? And how about cooking facilities? And beds? Places to brush your teeth, or change your clothes? Were any of those things considered in putting something like this together?"

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 96/96 d20+29=35 ;
Wednesday November 14th, 2018 3:21:57 PM

After the conversation, and with the additional bonus of +1 to his perception, he tries listening at the left door once again. Perception 35 this time (gain of 1 - same roll of 6 on the d20 as before!)

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Wednesday November 14th, 2018 5:58:34 PM

Talia adds to Kade. "And, you can climb down, and climb back up any time you want. It will last over ten hours. Maybe one of us might stop by later to let you know what's going on, if you want us to do so. Again, you can see down, no one can see up. The rope disappears into the invisible space, in another dimension."

[Totally OOC: Kim is laughing at Cayzle's Borg references.]

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP78of111, AC29
Wednesday November 14th, 2018 9:32:26 PM
[If we were all sitting around a gaming table together, I'd totally be making RESISTANCE IS FUTILE jokes. Probably in my best robot voice, and with a few Dalek-style EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE! comments.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Shield Other (Hobbie); [link href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1V6Si8D-6vpXO_TNBbJZCyUzHuLaXfZc
Wednesday November 14th, 2018 10:51:41 PM
OOC: Okay, I made a table of the gears were recovered. Please correct me if I have anything wrong. By my count we have a Dex gear and a Con gear up for grabs yet. Also, Talia and Bliss have not gotten any gears yet, so they should perhaps get first pick.

"Come on, Bliss, you know you want a gear," says Kezzem. "You know your reluctance will wane. After all, RESISTANCE IS FUTILE."

OOC: There you go Cayzle.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Gear
Wednesday November 14th, 2018 11:02:00 PM
Finally got it, yay!

DM Carl
Wednesday November 14th, 2018 11:40:32 PM
Talia discusses Kade's hiding out in a rope trick spell. "It's an idea, but Ix has a lotta control over this place and probably heard ya say that. Best place is still next to you folks."

Bliss questions the wisdom of attaching this strange new magic to one's body. He sticks close to Succotash, just in case he needs someone to save him from the gears.

Murphy inspects the amulets. They're about the right size to be worn, even for a halfling. He looks for an amulet matching the symbols found in the right foot and finds...none. The Forger's symbol is not present. He listens at the western door and hears nothing.

Pressi has an idea. Kade does not take kindly to it. He stares at her for a moment before lashing out. "We was in the groin cuz we'd get bounced around like crazy in the legs. We've been travelling for days; ya don't think that kinda pounding would get old real fast?" He gets closer...a little too closer. "Let's make a deal, you and I. I blame you for my present situation just as much as Ix. I'll keep my mouth shut and ignore ya if you do the same." He doesn't wait for an acknowledgement before he grumbles and stomps off.

Kezzem waves a gear at Bliss, tempting him.

Succotash checks out the western door. Since Murphy didn't hear anything and it looks like a simple knob, he tries to open it.

A sultry female voice spills from the western room. Well, sultry for a dwarf...

"Well, don't be shy! Come on in..." Kade's eyes widen at the voice and his face sinks. He starts edging his way towards the ladder.

***

25 minute mark!

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Thursday November 15th, 2018 12:23:31 AM

Talia quickly says, "I'll take whichever one Bliss won't take. If he won't take either, I'll take both for the moment, and place them on my bracers."

She places one on her left bracer... and, if both, the other on her left bracer, too. She wants to keep her right arm free of obstacles.

Con? Dex? Con & Dex?

"Wait, what about Jack?" she asks. "Do you have one yet?" she asks the bard.

And the door opens. So, she steps in past Succotash, takes a quick look around until her eyes land on the sultry dwarf. "H'lo, darling. I'm kind of lost in here. Part of the new security review team, I guess, y'know? Name's Talia. How 'bout you? Say, where can a girl get some privacy around here?" She keeps eye contact, a friendly smile on her face.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP78of111, AC29 d20+14=30 ; d3+13=14 ; d6=3 ;
Thursday November 15th, 2018 1:06:27 AM

[OOC: Bliss has so many enhancement bonuses to his stats already, so stacking is problematic. For now he is fine with no gears. And if these gears do end up booby trapped or cursed, better at least one person in the party has none!]

Bliss sees that this Kade fellow is looking scared of the monster that sounds like a dwarf lady, so he activates his arcane power and readies a charge action to move and bite anyone who attacks one of his friends.

Triggered by attack: Charge hits AC30 for 17 nonlethal, if he does charge, Bliss's AC drops to 27.

DM Edit: The bonuses from these gears are not enhancement bonuses and stack with your existing ones.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 113/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+21=23 ; d10=8 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d20=12 ; d4=1 ;
Thursday November 15th, 2018 5:36:22 AM
Succotash 5ft steps into the room,then detects evil on the dwarf chick. and depending upon his distance from her, he will either ready an action to throw a throwing ax, or swing Twinklesting.

Twinklesting
2+21=23 for 8+11=19 slashing damage and 3+6=9 holy damage

Throwing Ax
12+14=28 for 1+7=8 damage

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+20=35 ; d6+18=23 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday November 15th, 2018 2:42:48 PM
Hobie goes into the room after Succotash and readies an action. If any of his party attacks any creature, Hobie will also let an arrow fly at that creature (Excluding Hobie's allies, in case of any shenanigans).

Attack 35
Piercing 23, Fire 1, Electric 4 = 28 damage

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Thursday November 15th, 2018 2:57:47 PM
Pressi watched Kade go, not really sure why her statement would so set him off. Because she didn't understand him, she supposed. She'd been a "true believer" so long, she probably had more in common with Anur and Ix than with Kade. Her old days as a loner and thief probably wouldn't have brought her close to Kade either. Maybe during her courtesan work. Surely there were times when she cared more about the comfort of her chair than her duties or the goals of her bosses... but those days were so faded.

She knew better than to raise the comparison with Kade. He didn't seem the type who'd appreciate the parallels.

She stops at Kade's blanching, and considers asking him what this is about. Instead, she pulls Succotash back and holds Bliss off. Still in dwarf form and wearing the colors of the militia, she believed that Talia's bluff had a better chance of working than just outright attacking. (Pressi is operating on the assumption that this is some bigwig's moll than some shapeshifting monster.)

Her presence and a few "sorry, maams," should aid Talia in her bluff or at least help disengage if needed. That said, she wouldn't mind hearing about whether there's a powder room on this floor.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 11/13)
Thursday November 15th, 2018 6:17:21 PM
Zaragosa was going to take a look at the other door when he hears some woman dwarf talking through Succotash's door. He turns to face it has he sees the other dwarf back away from it.

Zaragosa would thank Talia as he takes a step towards the door with the voice. Before she leaves through the door, he tries to say "I'm not even sure what they do, but that is alright. I'm more concerned on stopping this thing. But I thank you kindly for thinking of me, madam."

DM Carl
Thursday November 15th, 2018 10:23:42 PM
Pressi isn't sure what just happened with Kade, but lets it go.

Zaragosa thanks Talia for thinking of him, but isn't sure what the gears do.

OOC: The gears each boost one of the six attributes (STR,DEX,CON,WIS,INT,CHA). They must be applied to some sort of metal armor or clothing on your arm. The bonus provided is dependent on the number of gears you wear. Each different gear you wear adds +1 to the bonus of each gear. For example, wearing a single WIS gear grants you +1 to wisdom. Wearing a STR gear and a WIS gear grants +2 to wisdom and strength. Wearing two of one kind of gear grants the bonus twice, but does not increase the bonus of each gear. So wearing 2 WIS gears and a STR gear grants +4 to wisdom and +2 to strength.

Talia smiles and introduces herself as part of the new security team.

The woman looks at Talia a moment before speaking. "I'm not sure how to start responding to that, darling. Am I to believe that we picked up a team of halfling security auditors out here in the middle of no where? There's no 'security review team' that I'm aware of.

"Still, it's quite nice to meet you, Talia." She steps forward. She's pretty frail for a dwarf, but is quite fetching (by dwarven standards, anyway). She's dressed in comfortable looking robes and a pair of fluffy house slippers. "I'm Shan. Shan Shalutch. Now, care to tell me what's going on here? The truth this time, maybe? Oh, and Kade? Don't think I don't know you're out there. For your own sake, you better have a darn good reason for being with these strangers." There is no line of sight from Shan to Kade through the door.

Inside the room is a row of the same guardian constructs that guarded the right leg. There are five in all. There are also three armed dwarves in addition to Shan. On the far end of the room is the largest construct you've seen here (aside from the Giant itself, obviously). Its head nearly brushes the 20' tall ceiling, and its arms end in massive spiked ﬁsts. Two additional armlike appendages sprout from its back and support dark blades. Several large runes adorn its breastplate. Despite its fearsome appearance, it stands dormant and immobile. Rust covers it; it looks like it might be beyond repair.

Bliss notes Kade's fear and prepares to throw down.

Succotash checks for evil and finds it radiates off Shan very strongly. He, plus Bliss and Hobie, go to enter the room when they're stopped by Pressi's hand. She gives a "sorry, ma'am," as she plays the part.

Shan gets a confused look on her face. "Not sure what to make of this at all...you there," she turns and addresses one of the other dwarves in the room. "Put that hood on and ask Ix if he's up to anything." She turns back to Talia, smiling wide. "Now then, won't you and your friends come in while we sort this all out?"

One of the dwarves grabs a hood and starts having a quiet conversation.

***

26 minutes on the clock

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+18=37 ; d20+18=38 ; d20+18=20 ; d20+18=34 ; d20+13=16 ; d6+18=21 ; d6+18=20 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d20=10 ; d6=2 ; d6+18=24 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+36=42 ; d6+18=22 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6+18=19 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d8=7 ;
Friday November 16th, 2018 1:04:48 AM
"There's no time to talk, you are going to destroy our village!"

Hobie clicks his heels and lets his arrows fly at Shan

Manyshot
Attack 37
Piercing 21, Fire 4, Electric 4 = 29
Piercing 20, Fire 5, Electric 2 = 27

Rapid Shot
Attack Natural 20- Confirmation Roll = 20
Piercing 24, Fire 6, Electric 5 = 35
Extra Damage if Crit confirms = 42 = 77 total (!!!!)

Haste
Attack =34
Piercing 22, Fire 2, Electric 1 = 25

Iterative
Attack = 16
Piercing 19, Fire 6, Electric 4 = 29

ooc: Bliss are you sure you want to take Hobie on in a tapestry? If you only count the arrows that beat AC 34, I just did 116 damage in one round.

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Friday November 16th, 2018 2:27:35 AM
Murphy, outside the door (he moved to the side a moment before to let Pressi by), hears Shan Shalutch call for a dwarf to talk to Ix. So, he scoots a little more to the side as he removes the hood from his bag to join in the conversation. He places his head into the hood, and says, "So, we're having a nice conversation with Shan. Things look fine here."

Murphy Kim Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 96/96 d20+11=31 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+29=35 ;
Friday November 16th, 2018 2:51:34 AM

[Okay, I forgot to: 1. Change my header
2. Refresh before I posted
That's when I noticed what was posted for Hobie, before Murphy.

As Murphy was between Hobie and the door, if he saw Hobie marching forward with arrows nocked (rolled Perception: 35 - he noticed), right in the middle of Talia's and Pressi's negotiations, he would have intervened to stop him.

"Hold it, hot-head," He grasps the two or three nocked arrows to pull them out of the bow (natural 20 hit AC 31 - crit not confirmed with a 14). "You're not going in there loaded for bear. Ix asked us to check the security. Things look fine inside. We'll wait out here, friend."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Friday November 16th, 2018 3:52:33 AM
So you are rolling to disarm Hobie of his first two knocked arrows? I don�t see how you could stop the whole fullround attack

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Friday November 16th, 2018 4:16:20 AM
I don�t have my laptop to update the header, but Hobie�s AC is 27 and his CMD is 30 with haste active via his boots.

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Friday November 16th, 2018 4:22:15 AM

Talia says to Shan, "Ask your fellow in the hood over there if Ix asked us to check out the security. This room looks reasonably secure to me. Except - what happened to ol' Rusty there?" she asks Shan, indicating the giant guardian. "Looks like it's about ready for the sorting bot in the right leg to go to work on it." She also speaks to one of the dwarfs. "You guys keep your weapons in good shape?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Friday November 16th, 2018 4:22:51 AM
To murphy�s Comment about what Ix asked us to do �Ix is trying to destroy our town! Did you remember that or has the �inspector� job gone to your head? I don�t care what Ix says, we are trying to kill him and stop this thing!!�

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 113/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+9=10 ; d20+5=17 ;
Friday November 16th, 2018 5:40:35 AM
Succotash says to Shan, �I�m not one for diplomatic relations normally, but if you and yours friends here are willing to leave this contraption, and go about your merry way, then I for one will harbor no ill will, but if you wish to remain true to a Anur, and his desire to destroy our home, well then, you may want to consider this a warning�. Succotash is trying to be diplomatic not intimidating, but as a halfling of action, his words are rather matter of fact. (Diplomacy 10, intimation 17)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Friday November 16th, 2018 2:47:56 PM
As Murphy and Hobie go at each other, Pressi tries to keep the smile frozen on her face. "I don't suppose that you'd accept that this is normal first day jitters?"

She holds back Hobie as best as she can. "I can't completely disagree with your analysis, but at the end of the day we don't know what your attack will bring upon us, or whether we are attacking potential allies. Never forget, its the idea of practicality over morality that places our town in danger in the first place. At least, give me one more chance...."

"Ok, I think everyone is going to stay their hands, and I've decided to try a risky strategy called the truth." Pressi dropped her disguise and walked to the room, hands up. "My name is Pressi Silverglove, and I suspect we have the same job... more or less. Whatever drives your religious war, and I haven't met a lot of true believers frankly, we don't care. You are all about to drive through our town, and we are here to stop you, or at least get you to conduct your rampant destruction like civilized people.

"Oh, and Ix Revan knows very well who we are." Pressi takes some time to discuss the note paper, the lack of warning, and just what Kade is doing here. "Not sure what he intends to do with you whatever you choose, but if I were you, I wouldn't count on his continued support... any more than I do currently, really. The point is, I am placing my trust in your goodness, or at least in your self regard. We can get through this without bloodshed... or you can ask yourself what attacking us will accomplish because we are not your enemy."

(Readied action if they attack: cast confusion on the group.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+13=30 ;
Friday November 16th, 2018 2:51:12 PM
Diplomacy Roll: 30

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Gear d20+14=21 ; d20+1=8 ;
Friday November 16th, 2018 3:49:11 PM
"Muprh, these people, no matter how friendly the seem and whatever their reasons, are trying to destroy our town," says Kezzem, trying to stay as quiet as possible so the dwarves can't her what he is saying. "He's just being ready for their sudden yet inevitable betrayal. When can discuss the morals and what not latter, but when the excrement strikes the windmill, remember which side you are on."

He will also try and keep an eye on Shan.

Detect Evil
Perception: 8.
Sense Motive: 21.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 11/13)
Friday November 16th, 2018 4:56:52 PM
(OOC sorry for my crappy posts of late. This moving robot thing has confused me quite a bit. I will endeavour to post better or pay better attention in the future)

With Hobbie on the offensive and Murphew trying to stop him, Zaragosa would move closer to the door. He didn't trust the new dwarf woman as she seems rather pleasant for someone aiding the destruction of the town. Yet he will hold his action. If make an offensive move, he would start performing. In the meantime he would say and watch

DM Carl
Friday November 16th, 2018 9:45:34 PM
OOC posts have no place on this board and will be removed. That's why god invented email. I'm playing this encounter 100% by the book and letting the chips fall where they may. Buckle up, everyone.

Hobie's lack of chill continues unabated. He wants to make a full round attack on Shan, but he doesn't have line of sight and must move more than 5' to obtain one. At best, he could make a single attack, plus a hasted attack...but...

Murphy has other plans and moves to disarm Hobie. Amazingly, he manages to get his hands on Hobie's arrows (nat 20). He provokes an AoO from Hobie, should Hobie choose to use it.

Talia puts the hood on, but finds it non-operational. She can't hear anything coming from it. (I'm ignoring Talia's 2nd post. One per person per turn.)

Succotash offers Shan a chance to leave peacefully.

Pressi keeps her composure and tries something risky: telling the truth. She explains their current situation to Shan, who, for her part, sits and listens carefully. That smile on Shan's face? That fades significantly when she hears what Ix is up to. Pressi's diplomacy skills are on point today, which is a very good thing for everyone.

Kezzem reminds Murphy who the bad guys are.

Zaragosa holds his action, waiting to see where this goes.

Shan walks over to the dwarf who's wearing the hood and tears it off his head. Turning it over, she unties some of the stitching. "You have one of these? Do the same please," she indicates the untied stitching.

Shan waits to see if Talia will do so. Assuming she does, she turns to Pressi and continues. "Dear, come sit with me a bit, won't you?" She turns and starts shooing all the other dwarves into the center room. "I expect all of you to behave out here...or don't. I don't care. Pressi, you have my word you'll come to no harm by my hand until we've had our conversation."

OOC: I made secret sense motive rolls for everyone. You're all pretty sure she's being truthful.

If Pressi accepts, Shan makes sure everyone's ushered out of the room and sits at a small, ornate table that's been set for tea. "What a mess," she starts. "So you're trying to save your village. I need to protect Anur from his idiot of a son." She pours herself and Pressi a cup from the same teapot. She adds two sugar cubes to hers and takes a sip. "If you have a way out of this, I'm all ears."

Outside, the three dwarves glance nervously back and forth. These dwarves look tougher than the last bunch you fought, but they're pretty outnumbered.

Murphy Kim Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 96/96
Saturday November 17th, 2018 1:10:12 AM

Murphy steps back and gives a nod to one or two of the dwarfs as they exit the room, holding out his left hand to suggest they move toward the levitation side of the central space.

As this happens, he telepathically says to Pressi, "Please relay conversation & thoughts to me. If help is needed, or other action, let me know, if able. Good on you, Pressi."

As Hobie had pledged to go with what direction Pressi gives, he presumes their conflict is resolved, at least for the moment. He hands back the arrows he took from the capable archer.

After that, he says to the nervous dwarfs. "Hello. I'm Murphy, of the village the iron gargantua is heading toward. I helped start this group some years back. How is life on this huge construct? It has some amazing features."

He continues, "Where I come from, through some engagements in the Red Hills, we are in what some call a 'parley' - that is, a conference between opposing sides, a discussion of how things might proceed. We'd prefer not to have to kill you. Well, at least some of us would - so long as you all don't keep moving toward stomping through our valley, smashing homes, farms, cattle, killing our people. No doubt you might feel something similar if someone were planning to take this metal box against where you make your homes."

He also adds, "I've given my name. Any of my friends who choose to do so may give theirs. If you'd care to do likewise, that might ease the tension." In the dwarvish tongue, he adds, "If you'd like me to review all that in your own language, I will do so. We just wiped out any who would not surrender to us below. The bedlams were interesting. A few of your crew perished by other means than us. And no, you do not need to throw down your arms. A parley allows for something other than one side winning, and the other losing. Sometimes both win - though not always in the way they originally planned."

Murphy closes in common. "Opportunities abound, for those who are bright, or wise, or canny."

Pressi could 'hear' what he said, if she chooses to.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Saturday November 17th, 2018 2:47:44 PM
Pressi smiles and waves to Murphy before turning her messaging off. She felt bad at the thought of invading this woman�s privacy, even if she intended to kill her.

Pressi watches the woman drink a sip of tea, and tries to purify her own surreptitiously. (If caught, she explains having been poisoned before, so it�s not personal.)

In response to Shan�s question, she leans back and sighs. �Honestly, I was hoping you might have some ideas. I�m not exactly grasping the situation as a whole, and I�m the last person who should be giving personal advice.�

Putting her cup down, she tries to collect her thoughts. �I know better than to ask you anything that can be a betrayal, and I haven�t even been open with the guy I�m dating. Still, Im hoping this mess might still be solved without bloodshed. But to recommend anything, I need some idea of who you are and what any of you want. I�m getting some save the father figure here and Oedipal stuff there, but I don�t know anything about this religion or regional politics of yours, and I don�t know why your son is just letting us romp around the giant.

�So maybe you could start by filling in some gaps in my knowledge. If you can�t bring yourself to discuss any personal history, then at least some of the political stuff.�

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 11/13)
Sunday November 18th, 2018 10:32:55 AM
Believing she is truthful, Zaragosa lets his guard down, though he still feels in a hurry to stop the giant.

"May I enter and have a seat as well, or shall I just behave myself out here?" Zaragosa asked. "Sorry if I seem rude, I'm rather in a hurry to save my new town."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Sunday November 18th, 2018 10:41:33 AM
Hobie is livid at Murphy�s grabbing of his arrows. He snatched them back as Murphy offers them, and Hobie says �If you EVER touch my arrows again...� He stops himself before he says something over the line.

Talking to his party, he gestures at the dwarves and talks about them like they aren�t present.
�These guys are soldiers, they were hired to do a job, that job is to destroy our town. I don�t give a flying flip about their lives. If they want to just leave, GREAT, that saves us time and energy and saves their lives, but if they insist on staying and doing their job, then I�m gonna do mine, and I�m gonna put an arrow in each of their throats.�

He calms himself down a bit, and then he adds:
�Pressi wants to try to make a deal with these guys, then I respect her and I�m willing to follow her and give her the chance to do it. But maybe I�m the only one remembering that we are working against the clock here, and they are gonna reach town in about an hour. I�ll sit and trust Press for now, but if this parley takes more than a couple minutes, I�m taking Shan down and moving up the ladder.�

Talia (Kim for J-P) d20+20=32 ;
Sunday November 18th, 2018 11:24:12 PM

Talia, surprised to find in her hands the hood Murphy has been using to talk to Ix, and trying to figure out how she got it out of his bag when he was in the hall and she was in the room, hears Shan request. "All right," she responds, and shows Shan she is beginning to undo some of the stitching as she steps out of the room to join the exodus. She moves away from the door, and finds a place in the hallway. She starts thinking about what she should do next, and wonders about controls for the sphincter opening to the level above. She looks around to see if she can discern anything. [Perception: 32]

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 113/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+7=8 ;
Monday November 19th, 2018 5:38:38 AM
Succotash is a bit annoyed at yet another delay, but he trusts Pressi, and thinks to himself, �Hopefully this won�t take long�. Doing his best to defuse the situation between Hobie and Murphy, he says, in halfling, �Guys, right now tensions are pretty high, and quite frankly, I�m near the edge of my patience as well, but we need to work as a team if we want to save our home. Hobie, you�re a lot like me, preferring action over words, but we all know that sometimes, diplomacy is the better choice, and Murphy, while I hope Pressi can work things out for us, I have a feeling that things are about to go sideways real fast, and if that happens, we may wish that Hobie would have dropped the chick, either way, I�m keeping Twinklesting at the ready�.

Succotash idles his best to keep his eyes on the situation, keeping on the alert, and watching the dwarves. Perception 8

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+13=19 ; d20+19=39 ;
Monday November 19th, 2018 9:10:26 AM
(Slight of hand 19, Perception Natural 20)

If she can, she wanders a little bit, taking a look at some of the statues around the room. "It's a pity. All these art installations hidden inside a long buried war machine."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Gear d20+1=8 ; d20+14=33 ;
Monday November 19th, 2018 10:46:21 AM
Kezzem keeps and eye out for Shan's sudden yet inevitable betrayal.

Detect Evil
Perception: 8.
Sense Motive: 33.

DM Carl
Monday November 19th, 2018 3:50:23 PM
Outside the room with Pressi and Shan, three dwarves and seven halflings find themselves at odds. There are concerns about time slipping by. They have a fair point. Murphy discusses the finer points of a parley. Hobie discusses where he's going to stick several of his finer points if things don't get moving. Mostly, the group trusts Pressi.

...and speaking of Pressi, she's meeting with Shan. Her attempts to purify her tea are not commented on, if they're noticed at all. Shan listens to Pressi's opening words before speaking.

"You'll forgive me if I don't divulge all the political goings-on at play here. Were I to start, your village would be rubble by the time I finished. Let's focus on what we can agree on: it is awfully odd for Anur and my adopted son to let you rampage through his father's war-machine. I suspect he's doing so in order to put you and your friends in my presence, where I would no doubt try and stop you, and maybe, juuuust maybe, get myself killed in the process." Shan sighs and sits back in her chair. "So let's now move on to the obvious questions. No, I cannot let you proceed any further into the Giant. No, I cannot stop Anur from his current course; his pride and zeal would not allow it. I imagine you aren't inclined to let Anur destroy your village just to humor him.

"I can't think of anyway out of this situation that doesn't involve bloodshed." She reaches, slowly, into a scroll case on her belt. "We could sit here and hem and haw on about it, but you're on a timer. I intend to try and stop you and your friends," she pauses to look Pressi in the eye, "after you're reunited with them, of course. A deal is a deal." She unrolls the scroll, picks up a nearby pen, and starts writing a short note. Afterwards, she seals the scroll with wax and presses her ring into it before it can melt. "Pressi, I aim to win, but I trust you will deliver the last words of a wife to her husband without peeking if I do not? I wish we could have met under better circumstances." She holds out the scroll for Pressi to accept.

"Now then, unless you can come up with some brilliant solution, I'm going to open that door. You will walk out, my men will walk in, and I will close the door. After that, well..." She shrugs and smiles sadly. Shan then walks over and holds the door open for Pressi, inviting her own men in only once Pressi is safely outside. Assuming all those actions happen, Shan quickly closes the door once they're inside.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+19=36 ; d6+17=20 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ;
Monday November 19th, 2018 4:32:10 PM
The second the door opens, Hobie is standing right there and looks to Pressi for some clue of how to respond. If she suggests in any way that a fight is to begin, Hobie will step into the room so that he has a clear shot but some distance between him and Shan (preferably with his back to a wall so as not to be swarmed by dwarves) and fire an arrow. If Pressi's actions suggest that we are not to fight just yet, Hobie will step aside and let things proceed as Pressi directs.

Attack = 36

Piercing 20, Fire 1, Electric 5

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+13=18 ;
Monday November 19th, 2018 10:13:12 PM
"Here's a brilliant solution," Pressi replied, angrily. "You can stop letting these guys punish you for marrying one of them and actually fight. My god, are you really going to martyr yourself in the name of a distance competition? Because your son led you to the slaughter? What about your own life, your own principles? What does Shan Shalutch think about any of this?

"I apologize if I come off as insulting to your culture or to your family. I really do get it, a little bit. But I come from a family just as toxic and stubborn as this one, and they taught me the difference between loyalty and slavery. And I'm not trying to stop Anur from what he wants. I'm just trying to remind him that he can win the battle and lose the war. Help me. Help yourself. Take me hostage and bring me right to him if you have to. Or take me to Ix Revan and let HIM do his business himself, if he has the stone. But if you choose this path, you're not dying a warrior's death. You're just denying yourself happiness, and let me assure you that even when facing death, that gets old quickly."

(Diplomacy 18)

Frustrated, Pressi considers a number of options. A blast of suggestion or flesh to stone. A one on one challenge to provide a true warrior's death. A quick HiPS to make Shah catch her. But in the end, she can only grab the scroll and leave without a word.

Once outside, she signals Hobie to hold but shakes her head at Murphy. "We don't attack until her men return to the room. It's the least I can do."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Tuesday November 20th, 2018 3:02:12 AM
Following Pressi�s lead, Hobie will stand beside the door and let the dwarves go in, but he will prepare himself to get in the way should anyone try to close the door

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 113/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20=20 ; d10=1 ; d10=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ;
Tuesday November 20th, 2018 5:26:33 AM
Succotash isn�t surprised by the outcome, and still at the door, he allows the dwarves �safe� passage back into the room but, taking Hobie�s lead, he readys an action to strike with both vital strike and power attack if the dwarves try to close the door.

Natural 20
1+1+11+9x2=44+4 holy

Murphy Kim Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 96/96 3d6=10 ; d20+29=43 ;
Tuesday November 20th, 2018 6:23:24 AM

Murphy nods his head to Pressi, a grave look on his face. He looks at the door to determine how it might be locked - key? Bar across the door? Other visible means?

To the dwarfs passing by he says, "Some parleys are not as successful as we might hope. If we fight, and you lay down your arms, mercy may be possible."

In halfling he warns his friends, "Watch for outward blasts, and mech attacks. Best to dash in, alternate left, right, or straight ahead to allow the next people behind you to enter." If, after the door closes, it is reopened, and he has a clear line of sight to Shan, he lays a lightning strike (10 hp dam Reflex DC 26 from early call lightning) on her (unless she waves a white flag). If she is not in line of sight, he does so to a dwarf. He figures the doorway will be packed. He will remain in the hallway until things get less packed. And occasionally glance backward lest the door behind them open.
========
Perception: 43

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 11/13) d20+17=31 ;
Tuesday November 20th, 2018 8:13:13 AM
"We could stop your son without murder, believe me, that we have that power. Then we can give you control of this machine as long as you leave our town alone. You can keep whatever honour or political standing if you think this through. We can be your hands in this matter." Zaragosa would speak up if he is able to be heard. "If you only see this ending in bloodshed, then you have a lack of imagination. There is always a proper solution if you are willing to take a moment to discuss this with us."

(Diplomacy 31)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Gear d20+4=20 ;
Tuesday November 20th, 2018 10:49:14 AM
"Hey Lady," says Kezzem, growing impatient with her talking in circles while his home is in danger. "You aren't the first to cause trouble for this town. We've fought necromancers, giants, even a freakin' demigod. You don't want to fight us. You'll lose."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 = 20.
If Kezzem can use Diplomacy, add another 13.

"This is going nowhere, Press," says Kezzem. "I don't think she even wants to find another solution to her problems."

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Tuesday November 20th, 2018 3:32:51 PM

"So, it did not go well?" Talia asks Pressi. "Shall we then attack?" If so... she is ready to cast a spell once the door opens, and she can gauge a clear target.

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Tuesday November 20th, 2018 5:44:49 PM
That is - once the door re-opens after the dwarfs go inside and the door is shut (presumably - unless someone precludes it from shutting... then play it by ear)

DM Carl d20+10=21 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+18=22 ; d10+9=13 ;
Tuesday November 20th, 2018 8:01:34 PM
Pressi has choice words for Shan, who, for her own part, sits impassively and listens. "Martyr? Dear, making a martyr of myself would mean I was resigned to dying. I assure you that is not the case. Do not assume you and your friends are a match for me and mine..." Pressi honors Shan's agreement, and swaps places with Shan's three men.

Kezzem has words to say to Shan, but she looks unimpressed (will save vs intimidate - pass).

Murphy prepares for the attack. Talia laments that violence is once again imminent.

Zaragosa has quite the way with words. "There is much you do not know about our situation, strangers." She puts a lot of emphasis on the word 'strangers.' "Know that Anur would do the same for me in a heartbeat."

As the three dwarves are about to enter, she puts a hand out and stops them. "Kade, you've been put in a bad situation. I don't begrudge your decision to ally yourself with these invaders. Rejoin me now, and I'll consider the entire matter behind us. Refuse, and I'll see you die a traitor's death." Kade's face betrays several emotions before he makes up his mind. "I am *done* with your whole family, Shan. My money's on these halflings." Shan simply shrugs, allows her men to enter, and closes the door.

...or at least, she tries to. Hobie evidently has no intention of letting her. Shan's eyes flicker over to Pressi, ignoring the angry Hobie right in front of her. As she looks, Succotash makes his move. Like lightning, he's thrust Twinklesting into Shan's breast, releasing a torrent of blood. Her face bears a look of genuine surprise, followed by intense hatred. It looks like she has words, but then decides they'd be wasted. Shan withdraws behind the door as her men rush forward to attack.

In an instant, the door behind the party flies open and two large blobs that look like quicksilver pour forth. One sends a pseudo-pod out and smacks Bliss across the room and into the wall.

Knowledge, Dungeoneering 16, Highlight to display spoiler: {these are metallic oozes.}

OOC: Cayzle's been completely MIA. Removing him temporarily.

The other ooze sends a pseudo-pod of it's own at Talia, barely missing (Hit AC 21).

The two dwarves at the door attack Succotash in a flurry of axe blows. The 2nd one connects once with Succotash, hitting for 13 damage.

On the far wall through the door, you can see the guardians spring to life.

Somewhere, deep down in Succotash's soul, he must realize he attacked first during a peaceful parlay. It is not the most paladin-like action he's ever taken, even if his life and home are on the line.

***

Combat rounds! We start the combat at the 29 minute mark.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 11/13) d20+5=20 ;
Tuesday November 20th, 2018 11:09:27 PM
"I may not know everything about this situation, but you do not know or are not willing to think of a ay we might be your solution." zaragosa would respond before seeing his comrades start to attack. He knows they did the right things as this woman would not listen to his reason.

Recognizing the creatures as metallic oozes (knowledge dungeoneering 20), Zaragosa points to the blobs and shouts "metallic oozes! they are poisonous and for the love of the gods, keep them away from fire and heat!"

He would draw his sword and if he has enough actions to do anything else, he would start performing a speech about the Humble Fords deeds to give the team +1 to hit and +1 for damage.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Gear d20+19=25 ; d3+2=3 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday November 21st, 2018 1:15:48 AM
"Yeah, I'm not much of a fan of oozes. They are hard to stab!"

Kezzem will take a 5 ft. step towards the nearest dwarf and detect evil on him (move action). If evil, we will activate smite evil against him (swift action). He draws his frost dagger and either stabs or throw it at the dwarf.

Attack: 1d20 + 19 (+ 4 smite evil) = 25 (29 smite evil).
Piercing Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 3.
Cold Damage: 1d6 = 6
(Smite Evil Damage: +11, +22 if undead, evil outsider, or dragon)
Total Damage: 9 (20 smite evil, 31 if undead, evil outsider or dragon).

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 113/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20=2 ; d20=6 ; d20=5 ; d20=20 ; d10=1 ; d10=5 ; d10=9 ; d10=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d20=17 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday November 21st, 2018 4:43:34 AM
Lay of Hands 6/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 9/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 0/1

Feeling a bit guilty about attacking 1st after a parley, Succotash makes a mental note to seek out an atonement spell when this is all over. In the mean time, he tries to justify his actions with the knowledge that Pressi said the parley had failed, and Shan made it clear that combat was what she wanted. With that thought, Succotash clicks his heals together activating his boots of speed, and then unleashes a full round attack (using Power Attack) on the Dwarf that attacked him.

2+18=20 for 1+11+9=21+6 holy
6+18=24 for 5+11+9=25+8 holy
5+13=18 for 9+11+9=19+7 holy
Natural 20 for 6+11+9x2=52+9 holy

OOC... please ignore the last d20 roll, my mouse slipped while trying to press the last d6

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday November 21st, 2018 10:36:29 AM
Hobie casts Invisibility on himself, and moves past the dwarves following Shan beyond the door. He tries to get himself into the best position possible, preferably within 30 feet of her, with a clear line of sight, with his back against a wall, and leaving the guardians plenty of room to walk past his invisible self. (I'll let the GM explain where he is able to get, and Hobie will use a round of his boots of speed if necessary to get into position. The most important part is having clear line of sight, if he's even able to find her.)

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 3/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Used 20/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)

===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Mirror Image

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+12=21 ; d6+2=5 ; d6=1 ;
Wednesday November 21st, 2018 3:08:35 PM
Pressi, despite it all, does feel sorry that her side attacked early, but it�s not a breach of honor, exactly. More that she failed the dwarf, somehow. That she couldn�t explain to her team that this wasn�t a military skirmish.

She tries to determine if the oozes are made of metal, or just have the color (using her ability if needed).

She strikes one of the oozes with her newly drawn ice chain (attack 21, damage 5, ice 1).

Talia (Kim for J-P)
Wednesday November 21st, 2018 5:10:38 PM
posting in an hour...

Talia (Kim for J-P) (AC 26 - still active Magic Shield)
Wednesday November 21st, 2018 6:45:55 PM

Talia takes a step away from the metallic blob, and casts haste upon all her friends.

Murphy Kim Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 96/96 3d6=17 ; d20+29=39 ;
Wednesday November 21st, 2018 7:13:11 PM
As I mentioned Murphy was keeping an eye on the door the oozes just opened, and his perception was 43, I figure he at least could have called out a warning to others. "Door behind us - Shiny metal blobs!"

Murphy moves 5 feet and gains line of sight to cast (corner to corner, right?) a lightning bolt (from call lightning) centered between columns J&K/7&8. Each of the three dwarfs takes 17 hp damage, or Ref vs DC 26 for half.

"Kade, if you want to defend, or help, feel free to grab your crossbow and bolts. And here's a dagger, for what it's worth. We'll still be here, I reckon."
======
Perception: 39. Keeping tabs on any changes to environment, newcomers, etc.
Active Spell Effects: Freedom of Movement: 82 minutes 8 rounds; Longstrider: 10 hours 3 minutes 8 rounds; Barkskin: 83 minutes 4 rounds (Nat AC +4); Call Lightning: 6 minutes 7 rounds (8 lightning bolts left); Haste: 11 rounds

Murphy Kim Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 96/96
Wednesday November 21st, 2018 8:08:12 PM

Then, before Kade leaves, Murphy adds, "Uh, come to think of it, it might be safer for you if you stay with us. Harder for someone to try to get you if you're with us."

DM Carl d20+5=17 ; d20+5=13 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+11=15 ; 4d8+7=26 ; d20+18=35 ; d20+13=23 ; d10+7=16 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+13=26 ; d10+7=8 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+10=11 ; 2d8+8=20 ; 2d8+8=19 ; 2d8+8=20 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=16 ; d20-1=12 ; d20+14=23 ; d20+9=20 ;
Wednesday November 21st, 2018 8:32:02 PM
Zaragosa correctly identifies the metallic oozes and warns against fire. A prudent suggestion! He starts reciting some inspiring prose.

Kezzem's daggers are at a disadvantage vs. oozes. He notes the dwarf in front of him is evil and smites the thing before slicing into him.

Succotash makes a mental note to atone for his actions. Then, he unloads on the dwarf that hit him. Maybe his conscious is getting to him, though, because only his last attack hits. Thankfully, it's a doozy! The dwarf survives the blow, but looks bad.

Hobie goes invisible and tries to follow Shan. Even invisible, there's only one way through a square an enemy is in: acrobatics. That's a standard action, not a move action, and Hobie already cast invisibility. If Hobie can fly some how, the door is tall enough to go over the dwarves' heads. Either way, he's unable to enter that room this round.

Pressi can tell from here that though they shine like polished metal, they're not made of metal. She lashes out with her ice chain, finding them very easy targets (AC 4). She slices a bit of the ooze off.

Talia hastes the party.

Murphy indeed saw the oozes first, but Bliss was caught unaware.

OOC: It was a convenient way to get him out of combat since Cayzle's MIA.

He arms Kade, then brings down a column of lightning on the dwarves. None are able to avoid any of the blast.

Kade draws his crossbow and opens fire on D1. Both bolts impale themselves in the door jamb.

No one has eyes on Shan, but she can be heard intoning arcane language. No one notices any effect, but she howls in frustration. Wonder what happened...?

D1 takes a 5' step away from you folks, then downs a potion from his belt. Some of his wounds close.
D2 presses his attack on Succotash, hitting once. Hit AC 35 for 16 damage.
D3 steps foward to take his friend's place and attacks Succotash as well, also hitting once. Hit AC 26 for 8 damage.

Two of the guardians start to advance. One gets close enough to attack Succotash through the open door. Its opening attack hits Succotash hard. Crits on 19, confirm hit AC 28. 59 damage. Luckily, the follow-through is off (Nat1).

Succotash can make an AoO against this guardian.

The ooze Pressi attacked retaliates, but its pseudo-pod misses. The 2nd ooze advances on Kezzem, drawing an AoO. It lashes out, but also misses.

Map!

Murphy Kim Druid 11 AC 27 CMB 12 CMD 26 (autosave) HP 96/96
Wednesday November 21st, 2018 10:26:39 PM
OOC: How high is the ceiling? How high the doorways?

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 11/13) d8=6 ; d8=1 ; d8=7 ; d8=6 ;
Wednesday November 21st, 2018 11:14:26 PM
(OOC so cure spells we reroll 1's right?)

Zaragosa would take a five foot step back then case a Cure Serious Wound on Succotash for (6+7+6+caster lvl 8) 27

His sword ices over and he continues to use his speech to give everyone their +1 to hit. He looks for an opening to get a better attack but wishes to keep Succotash alive for now.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+8=15 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+8=28 ;
Thursday November 22nd, 2018 6:42:58 AM
Hobie casts fly on himself and flies over the dwarves and into the room where Shan is. He positions himself as high as possible, with a clear view of Shan and preferably behind the guardians. (His fly speed with haste is 90 feet)

Can you remind us what the guardians look like, what are they made of, how big are they, etc?

Hobie will also make appropriate knowledge rolls to see what he knows about the creatures.
Shan Knowledge Local = 15
Guardians Knowledge Arcana = 18
Oozes Knowledge Dungeoneering =28

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 74/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+21=37 ; d10+11=15 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d20=7 ; d20=14 ; d20=3 ; d20=11 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d10=9 ; d10=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d10=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d10=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ;
Thursday November 22nd, 2018 7:13:46 AM
Lay of Hands 5/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 9/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 0/1

AoO vs Guardian hit AC 37 for 15 damage +7 holy (but I doubt the thing is evil)

As a swift action, Succotash performs a Lay of Hands on himself healing 17 damage, then, he will deal out a full attack round on D2. If D2 drops early, he will finish on D3. He is not using power attack this round.

7+21+1=29 for 9+11+1=21+6 holy
14+21+1=36 for 3+11+1=15+5 holy
3+16+1=20 for 2+11+1=14+9 holy
11+11+1=23 for 4 +11+1=16+11 holy

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20=13 ; d20=17 ; d20=3 ; 6d6+6=21 ;
Thursday November 22nd, 2018 1:41:52 PM
Pressi gets 3 attacks, all hit (13, 13, 8).

Damage is 2 d6 plus 2 times 3. 21 damage.

DM Carl
Thursday November 22nd, 2018 9:35:06 PM
The ceiling is 20' tall. Doors are 8' tall.

From inside, the sounds of arcane wording can be heard again as our heroes make their attacks. What's Shan up to in there?

***

OOC: Yea, total cop out, but it's Thanksgiving and I'm in charge of everything here today. No excused posts, so RP if you've made a combat action already.

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 - Large Air Elemental w/Huge bonuses add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Natl armor AC 35 CMB 13 CMD 28 (autosave) HP 96/96 d20+20=25 ; d20+20=28 ; 2d6+13=21 ; 2d6+13=16 ;
Thursday November 22nd, 2018 10:27:25 PM

Murphy transforms into a large air elemental (with huge bonuses). Immediately he flies high to the door, and cuts the corner with precision and speed, heading to the corner where Shan is chanting in perfect flight, and slams her twice, seeking to disrupt her concentration and gesticulations for arcane casting, hitting AC 31 (not 25, forgot to include bonuses and proper BAB, and bardic inspiration) for 21 dam, and AC 34 for 16 dam.

I think he needs to use a hero point to hit her this round.

Talia (Kim for J-P) (AC 27 - still active Magic Shield, and now haste) 10d6=37 ;
Thursday November 22nd, 2018 11:01:39 PM

"Say, Kade, mind poking that ooze there while I cast spells?" Talia asks the dwarf. "Looks easy to hit. And aren't Jack's words inspiring?"

Talia gets line of sight to the intersection of I-J/9-10, where a fireball instantaneously bursts forth. Neither Construct 2 nor Shan nor Hobie nor Murphy are in the area of effect. All other dwarfs and constructs within Shan's lair need a Ref Save DC 20 for half (16), otherwise take 37 hp fire damage.

[I'm not certain whether Succotash will need to save or not - perhaps so (sorry, Jeremy). Please let him know, DM Carl, one way or the other.]

[Note: I moved Kale's figure to a spot between Talia and the ooze, but feel free to negate that move if he did not heed Talia's request]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+22=33 ;
Friday November 23rd, 2018 1:03:11 AM
Presumably Hobie can see Shan at this point, so he probably recognizes what spell she is casting (Spellcraft Check 33)

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 95/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20=13 ; d20=13 ; d20=15 ; d20=4 ; d20=6 ; d10=10 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d10=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d10=8 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d10=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ;
Friday November 23rd, 2018 7:21:39 AM
unless Carl rules otherwise, Succotash should be out of the blast radius of Talia's fireball, but just in case reflex 13+11=24

Lay of Hands 5/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 9/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 0/1

Succotash will try to finish off d2, and will follow through to d3, and even #2 if possible. He won't use Power Attack due to their relatively high AC.

13+21+1=34 for 10+11+1=22+5 holy
15+21+1=37 for 6+11+1=18+3 holy
4+16+1=21 for 8+11+1=20+5 holy
6+11+1=18 for 5+11+1=17+6 holy

After that, he will lay hands on himself healing 21hp

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 9/13)
Friday November 23rd, 2018 8:06:33 PM
With his sword draw, Zaragosa makes a brief pause in his speech to say his word and make his sword magical effect. Frost quickly engulfs the blade making it glisten in whatever light is available.

He continues his speech to encourage everyone around him, "Friends, sisters and brothers, no Gaint nor demigod nor dwarfen foolishness can withstand the Humble Sword. What stories have I heard of this group! Such tails of such bravery. Such displays of courage, honour and terrifying might. No matter what words are spoken behind this door, what magic effect is going to take place, you all can overcome it together. Nothing can defeat such a force such as you, and I am grateful and thankful to be counted upon your number. And in that spirit of thanksgiving we will bring this fight to a quick and fabulous victory."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Gear d20+21=36 ; d20+21=35 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+11=25 ; d3+13=16 ; d3+13=14 ; d3+13=14 ; d3+12=13 ; d3+12=13 ; d3+12=14 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ;
Saturday November 24th, 2018 12:52:03 AM
"Sorry pal, but you're not going to like this very much!"

Kezzem full attacks (with greater two weapon fighting) the dwarf at whom he has directed his smite. Mods from Greater Two-Weapon Fighting and Smite Evil are included (assuming he is a regular evil dwarf and not also a dragon, undead, and/or fiend, in which case Kezzem's first hit does an extra 11 damage). If he downs the dwarf, he will instead direct any additional attacks to the next nearest dwarf, 5 ft. stepping as needed (adjust since smite evil will not be active on the 2nd dwarf -4 attack, -11 damage).

+1 Frost Returning Dagger
Attack #1: 1d20 + 21 = 36.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 + 1d6 cold = 16 + 6 cold = 22.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 16 = 22.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 + 1d6 cold = 14 + 5 cold = 19.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 11 = 16.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 + 1d6 cold = 13 + 5 cold = 18.

+1 Returning Dagger (offhand)
Attack #1: : 1d20 + 21 = 35.
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 13

Attack #2: 1d20 + 16 = 30.
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 13

Attack #3: 1d20 + 11 = 25.
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 14.

Talia (Kim for J-P) (AC 27 - still active Magic Shield, and now haste) d20+20=39 ;
Saturday November 24th, 2018 3:00:35 PM

Also - based upon Talia's study of arcana, she endeavors, based upon the verbalization of Shan's spell, to determine what it is she is trying to cast.

"Stab, Kade, slash!" she encourages the dwarf.

Knowledge: Arcana: 39

DM Carl d20+5=15 ; d20+5=22 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=22 ; d20+5=13 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+18=29 ; d20+13=22 ; d10+7=9 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+16=26 ; d20+10=14 ; d4+7=10 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+12=22 ; d4+1=3 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=29 ; d6+4=5 ; d6+4=10 ; d20=9 ; d20=10 ; d10+2=8 ; d10+2=5 ; 2d6+11=21 ; 2d4=4 ; d4=3 ; 2d6=4 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=19 ;
Saturday November 24th, 2018 3:42:05 PM
Zaragosa steps back and heals Succotash. He keeps up the words of encouragement.

Hobie casts a fly spell and flies into the room where Shan and the rest are. He positions himself 20' up with a clear LoS to Shan. He ponders what he knows about what they're attacking. He concurs with Zaragosa that they're metallic oozes, but knows nothing about these guardians.

Guardians look like this, and are about 7' tall.

Succotash puts a dent in the guardian as it approaches, but the thing's pretty tough.

OOC: Guardians have DR10/Something.

He heals himself up a bit before unloading on the dwarf in front of him. He drops the dwarf in two hits, then moves on to the next one. He can't connect with the second target, though.

Pressi's chain gloops through the ooze three time, carving a chunk out each time.

Kezzem reminds the party what he can do when evil gets in the way. Between both his daggers, he connects three times with the smited (smote?) dwarf.

Talia throws a fireball into the room. One dwarf and one guardian avoid the worst of the blast. The rest take the full brunt (D3 and G2 made their saves.)

Murphy is far too large to squeeze through the doorway with the dwarf blocking it, even if it is just a dwarf.

OOC: Hobie is an invisible halfling. You're a visible, large elemental. The only way you're getting through that doorway is by bull-rushing the foes in front of it. Accepting that air elementals are pretty amorphous, there are still rules to follow to ensure combat's balanced. I'll allow Murphy two actions this round since he wouldn't have just sat there wishing he could pull that off. Also, how is your AC 35?

Kade takes the advice and attacks the same ooze Pressi is attacking, doing an additional 13 damage. Both oozes still look pretty good.

D1 is more than happy to let guardian 1 take point at the door. D3 is hurt bad, but the crazed look in his eyes betray him to be far too zealous to surrender. He makes a full attack against Kezzem, trying to get some retribution. He's only able to hit once, hitting AC 29 for 9 damage.

D1 pulls out a javelin from a quiver on his back and hurls it at Kezzem. His aim is perfect, hitting Kezzem for 15 damage. (Nat 20, confirm his AC 29 - 15 damage).

G2 performs a full attack on Succotash. Both attacks with its axe hand miss. Then, it sends its finger wires in, wrapping around the small paladin, slicing him for 10 damage. Its attempt to grab Succotash fails (grapple 20 vs CMD 26).

From inside, Hobie sees Shan trying to cast what looks like a very difficult spell from a scroll. Her eyes light up as she succeeds!

Hobie ONLY: Spellcraft, DC 24, Highlight to display spoiler: {Holy moley! That's a time stop scroll she's casting from!}

Her smile is gone as soon as she finishes casting. In fact, so is she! She's on the far end of the room now, and the area where his friends are is on fire.

In fact, things just got real bad in that room. A wall of flame erupts along the doorway, hot side pointing towards our heroes. Kezzem and Succotash take 21 points of fire damage (no save). Murphy, Pressi, and Zaragosa take 4 points of fire damage. Kade takes 3 fire damage.

The oozes also take fire damage, which is really unfortunate. Their acidic ooze sublimates into an acidic vapor. Everyone in the area of effect (green on the map) must make a DC 21 Fort save. Failure results in taking 4 acid damage and gaining a -2 to attack and damage rolls for 3 rounds.

Talia is overcome by the fumes and falls back to catch her breath.

OOC: Powers that be have ruled JP's been gone too long to allow further subbing. She'll be back in play the moment JP's back.

Both oozes' attacks miss their marks.

***

Map!

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP78of111, AC29 d20+34=42 ;
Saturday November 24th, 2018 9:55:07 PM

Bliss shakes his head, coming to after being knocked loopy. He casts a still silent Divine Favor and moves into the space of the nearest foe within 50 ft.

Acrobatics to move into a foe's space without provoking AoOs: 42

[OOC to Kindly DM Carl: Could you please put tiny CatBliss on the map after his move towards the nearest foe? I have no idea where to go on the map.]

==========
DM Sanity Info

Spells:
Lvl 1: 5+Entangle (cast Surr Blood x2, Unseen Servant)
Lvl 2: 4+Barkskin (cast none)
Lvl 3: 4+Plant Growth (cast Blink, Still Silent Div Favor)
Lvl 4: 3+Still Silent Barkskin (cast Threefold Aspect, Polymorph, Divination)

Stuff With Uses Per Day:
Basic Ritual: Kitty at will
Intermediate Ritual: Shared CL12 (+4) Shield of Faith
Rage 2 of 14
Bramble Armor 0 of 7 | Wood Fists 0 of 7
Guide/Mislead 1 of 7
Life 0 of 1 | Death 1 of 1 | Focus 0 of 1
Meta Rod of Extend 3 of 3 (Shield of Faith, Barkskin, Blink)

Current Effects:
Extended Shared CL12 Shield of Faith (used 13 of 120r)
Extended CL10 Barkskin (used about 30 min)
Message spells (recast as needed)

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 33) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 8/13) d20+4=12 ; d20+13=19 ; d20+8=19 ; d4+1=2 ; d6=4 ; 4d6=11 ; d4+1=2 ; d6=2 ; 4d6=20 ;
Saturday November 24th, 2018 10:16:57 PM
round 1 of 3 (-2 on attack and damage rolls)

Zaragosa feels the flames hit his skin right before acid rains from the oozes. He yells out in pain as he never felt acid before, but it continues his speech.

He then tries to take a 5-foot step to flank ooze 1 with Kade. If successful he could do sneak attack damage He would try his full round attack. He would get -2 due to the acid but +1 due to the performance

Attack #1 d20 + 13 = 19 (+2 if flanking = 21)
Damage 1d4 +1 + (cold damage) 1d6 = 2 + (cold) 4 = 6
if flanking is working add 4d6 to add 11:: 6+11 = 17

Attack #2 d20 + 8 = 19 (+2 if flanking = 21)
Damage 1d4 +1 + (cold damage) 1d6 = 2 + (cold) 2 = 4
if flanking is working add 4d6 to add 20:: 4+20= 24

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 33) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 8/13) d20+13=18 ; d4+1=3 ; d6=6 ; 4d6=5 ;
Sunday November 25th, 2018 8:13:16 AM
(OOC I forgot that the part was hasted so if I am allowed to roll my haste attack)

attack with haste
Attack #1 d20 + 13 = 18 (+2 if flanking = 20)
Damage 1d4 +1 + (cold damage) 1d6 + (preformance) 1= 3 + (cold) 6 + 1 = 10
if flanking is working add 4d6 to add 5:: 10+5= 15

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 90/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+11=21 ;
Sunday November 25th, 2018 11:27:04 AM
Pressi barely makes her fort save, the warding shield flickering in the acid.

�I was really hoping not to waste this on some suicidal maniac with delusions of grandeur... so literally nobody on this machine.�

As she moves out of the acid and fire (I�ll take the AoO), she throws a gold nugget between the dwarves into the next room. Sounds whirr and lights blink as it begins to grow into the shape of a dog headed male. (Lesser immortal summons).

(If it can move this round, it turns and starts slicing at dwarves.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d20+21=29 ; d20+21=41 ; d20+21=34 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+11=24 ; d20+11=18 ; d3+13=15 ; d6=6 ; d3+13=15 ; d6=4 ; d3+13=16 ; d6=3 ; d3+12=14 ; d3+12=14 ; d3+12=14 ; d3+12=14 ;
Sunday November 25th, 2018 9:28:44 PM
Kezzem steps 5 feet to the west and casts lay on hands on himself (swift action).

Healing:
5d6 = 3 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 4 = 13 (hey, I remembered to reroll 1s!)

He then full attacks the besmotted dwarf. Mods from Greater Two-Weapon Fighting and Smite Evil are included (assuming he is a regular evil dwarf and not also a dragon, undead, and/or fiend, in which case Kezzem's first hit does an extra 11 damage). If he downs the dwarf, he will switch to thrown (ranged) attacks against Dwarf 2 (adjust since smite evil will not be active on the 2nd dwarf -4 attack, -11 damage). Kezzem can make at most 2 ranged attacks with his magical daggers, so adjust any remaining attacks to mundane daggers if needed (-1 attack, -1 damage, no cold damage). Kezzem has Quick Draw so drawing them is no problem for him.

+1 Frost Returning Dagger
Attack #1: 1d20 + 21 = 29.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 + 1d6 cold = 15 + 6 cold = 21.

+1 Returning Dagger (offhand)
Attack #1: 1d20 + 21 = 41 (natural 20).
Crit: 1d20 + 21 = 34.
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 14.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 14.

+1 Frost Returning Dagger
Attack #2: 1d20 + 16 = 23.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 + 1d6 cold = 15 + 4 cold = 19.

+1 Returning Dagger (offhand)
Attack #2: 1d20 + 16 = 22.
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 14.

+1 Frost Returning Dagger
Attack #3: 1d20 + 11 = 24.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 + 1d6 cold = 16 + 3 cold = 19.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 11 = 18.
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 14.

If the dwarf is still standing, Kezzem adds,

"Hey pal, I know your all caught up in the moment, so I'm gonna help you out. This is the part where you run away."

----

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (2 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (1 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (2 cast)

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 - Large Air Elemental w/Huge bonuses add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Natl armor AC 32 CMB 13 CMD 28 (autosave) HP 96/96 d20+20=30 ; d20+26=43 ; d20+26=38 ; 2d6+13=24 ; 2d6+13=23 ; 2d6+13=22 ; d20+29=45 ;
Monday November 26th, 2018 3:48:46 AM
Murphy takes advantage of foes falling and moving about to fly through the mess on the far side of the door, then heads over to help Hobie deal with the very potent Shan Shalutch. He slams her three times hitting AC 36 (1st roll should be 1d20+26, not 1d20+20) for 24 hp, AC 43 for 23 hp, AC 38 for 22 hp.

DM Carl - feel free to adjudicate and roll for any AoO which Murphy might have had last round and this round, and any those in the area might have had against him. Am still a bit confused about how you want to handle that).[i]

========
[i]Perception: 45. Keeping tabs on any changes to environment, newcomers, etc.

Active Spell Effects: Freedom of Movement: 82 minutes 7 rounds; Longstrider: 10 hours 3 minutes 7 rounds (land movement +10); Mage Armor (+4 AC): 2 hrs 30 minutes: Barkskin: 83 minutes 3 rounds (Nat AC +4); Call Lightning: 6 minutes 6 rounds (7 lightning bolts left); Haste: 10 rounds (9?)

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 89/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d20=16 ; d20=3 ; d20=18 ; d20=3 ; d10=10 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d10=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d20=3 ; d10=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d20=19 ;
Monday November 26th, 2018 5:15:33 AM
Lay of Hands 4/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 9/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 0/1

Succotash lays hands on himself healing 25 hp, he will then full round attack d3
16+21+1=38 for 10+11+1=22+9 holy
3+21+1=25 for 1+11+1=13+4 holy
18+16+1=35 possible crit, 3+16+1=20, failed, for 3+11+1=15+5 holy
3+11+1=15 miss

if d3 drops he will 5ft step into the room, and continue the attack on d1. If d3 doesn't drop, he will use a hero point and attempt to bull rush d3, pushing him back 10ft, willing to take the AoO's to get out of the wall of fire, and get closer to what he feels is the real threat, Shan
19+16=35

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 89/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday November 26th, 2018 5:17:27 AM
Sorry, I said Succotash would push back d3 10ft, I meant 5ft

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+19=25 ; d20+19=39 ; d20+19=39 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+14=16 ; d6+18=20 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6+18=20 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; 3d6=11 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6+18=19 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6+18=22 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ;
Monday November 26th, 2018 10:02:57 AM
I'm a little confused as to where Shan moved to, can Hobie still see her? I think as long as she's on his side of the wall of fire he should be able to attack her yes? Otherwise he'll attack some dwarves.

Current attacks are +19--- Base +21, -3 Deadly Aim, -2 Rapid Shot, +1 Haste, +1 Jack's Bard thing +1 Point Blank Shot

Manyshot
Attack = 25
Piercing 20, Fire 6, Electric 3 = 29
Piercing 20, Fire 2, Electric 3 = 25

Rapid Shot
Attack = Natural 20, Confirmation roll = Natural 20 for 39
Piercing = 65 (3d6+54), Fire 1, Electric 3 = 69

Haste
Attack = 38
Piercing 19, Fire 2, Electric 3 = 24

Iterative
Attack =16
Piercing 22, Fire 3, Electric 6 = 31

DM Carl d20+16=21 ; d20+16=36 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+10=11 ; 2d8+8=17 ; d100=88 ; d100=88 ; d100=54 ; d100=100 ; d100=46 ; d100=22 ; d100=15 ; d20+13=27 ; d20=5 ; d10+2=4 ; d10+2=9 ; 2d6+12=19 ; 2d4=7 ; d4=4 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+20=33 ; d10+7=11 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+16=26 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+10=16 ; 2d8+8=17 ; 2d8+8=21 ;
Monday November 26th, 2018 5:57:19 PM
Bliss shakes himself out of his stupor. He casts a still, silent divine favor and approaches the enemies. There is no enemy he can approach without wandering into the acidic vapor from the oozes. Bliss must make a DC21 Fort Save or take 4 acid damage and -2 to attack and damage rolls for 3 rounds.

Zaragosa attacks the oozes, but finds they lack critical areas to attack. (OOC: Oozes are immune to flanking and sneak attack damage.) He does succeed in lopping off three globs of ooze. The first ooze is substantially reduced at this point.

Pressi recognizes the situation warrants extra assistance. She summons help.

Kezzem heals himself, then goes ape on the dwarf. He misses his first attack with the blade of his dagger, but catches the dwarf's temple with the pommel. The dwarf's eyes swim a moment before he collapses (0 hp exactly). He has more attacks up his sleeve, so he moves on the guardian 2. All his daggers bounce off the guardian's iron skin.

Murphy is able to take advantage of the space D3 used to occupy to blow (heh, get it?) past the other enemies at the door. In doing so, he opens himself up to attack, though. He finds the guardian constructs in particular are quick to take advantage (guardian constructs have combat reflexes).

OOC: Using AC 30 per my email.

The dwarf misses badly on the attempt (nat 1), but the first guardian lands a solid blow (nat 20, confirm fails). Murphy takes 17 points of damage from the attack.[/b]

Murphy reaches Shan, and slams twice (you can't make a full attack after a move action. One attack, plus haste). Both attacks go straight through Shan. She shrugs her shoulders innocently.

Succotash follows Murphy into the room, finding that even though he's still right next to the wall of fire, it's not hot on this side. He heals, then unloads on guardian 1. His first three attacks hit, knocking off a large section of the guardian's skull plate. Underneath? Gears and glowy stuff.

Hobie can indeed see Shan, so he attacks! Two arrows pass right through her, just like Murphy's attacks. The third arrow stops short of its target, suspended in mid-air. The effect on Shan is immediate, though. She vanishes, immediately replaced with the actual Shan a few feet away. The arrow is embedded in her skull, and the momentum of the attack knocks her head into the wall. She falls, neck at a wholly unsettling angle. She is quite dead.

Kade knows from experience his attacks won't do much of anything to the guardians, so he turns to attack the oozes. He drops his crossbow, pulling an axe from his back. He lops two small bits of ooze off O1.

Shan may be dead, but her wall of fire persists. Anyone on the wall takes 19 damage. Anyone within 10' takes 7. Anyone 10'-20' takes 4.

The oozes' attacks continue to be unimpressive.

D1's eyes widen in anger as Shan falls. Hobie is too high up for him to reach, but Murphy isn't. The dwarf charges and leaps into the air, bringing his axe tearing through Murphy's form. Hit AC 33 for 11 damage.

Succotash finds himself flanked by two guardians. Four attacks come his way, two hit. Hit AC 37 and 28 for 17 and 21 damage, respectively.

As Shan's body settles, the last of the guardians animate and start coming to life. They'll be mobile next round.

Map

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 33) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 8/13) d20+13=18 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+8=16 ; d4+1=2 ; d6=3 ; d4+1=3 ; d6=5 ; d4+1=2 ; d6=4 ;
Monday November 26th, 2018 10:29:32 PM
round 2 of 3 (-2 on attack and damage rolls)

Zaragosa was discouraged by his lack of ability but refused to be discouraged. He continues his performance, "Any challenge we come across is just an opportunity to show the glory of Humble Sword! Any obstacle we tackle is just here to show how great you all are! Let us show them what we are made of!"

He will take a full round attack knowing these things cannot be flanked. All attacks are at -2 but plus 1 due to his performance.

Attack 1 = 18
1d6 + 1 + (cold) 1d6 + (performance) 1 = 6

Attack 2 = 16
1d6 + 1 + (cold) 1d6 + (performance) 1 = 9

attack 3 = 16
1d6 + 1 + (cold) 1d6 + (performance) 1 = 7

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 33) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 8/13)
Monday November 26th, 2018 10:31:29 PM
Targeting ooze 1, sorry

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP78of111, AC29 d20+18=37 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+14=32 ; d20+14=29 ; d2+17=18 ; d2+17=18 ; d3+17=19 ; d6=1 ;
Monday November 26th, 2018 11:02:30 PM

CatBliss concentrates on entering his combat focus [barbarian rage free action] and charges his claws and bite with arcane power [arcane strike swift action] he pounces into the acid fog [five ft step].

Fort Save at +18 ... a 37.

Bliss shrugs off the acidic fumes and rips into the ooze.
Claw: hits AC33 for 18
Claw: hits AC34 for 18
Bite (bleck): hits AC31 for 20 nonlethal

==========
DM Sanity Info

Spells:
Lvl 1: 5+Entangle (cast Surr Blood x2, Unseen Servant)
Lvl 2: 4+Barkskin (cast none)
Lvl 3: 4+Plant Growth (cast Blink, Still Silent Div Favor)
Lvl 4: 3+Still Silent Barkskin (cast Threefold Aspect, Polymorph, Divination)

Stuff With Uses Per Day:
Basic Ritual: Kitty at will
Intermediate Ritual: Shared CL12 (+4) Shield of Faith
Rage 2 of 14
Bramble Armor 0 of 7 | Wood Fists 0 of 7
Guide/Mislead 1 of 7
Life 0 of 1 | Death 1 of 1 | Focus 0 of 1
Meta Rod of Extend 3 of 3 (Shield of Faith, Barkskin, Blink)

Current Effects:
Extended Shared CL12 Shield of Faith (used 13 of 120r)
Extended CL10 Barkskin (used about 30 min)
Message spells (recast as needed)

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 - Large Air Elemental w/Huge bonuses add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Natl armor AC 30 CMB 13 CMD 28 (autosave) HP 68/96 d20+26=41 ; 2d6+13=17 ; 2d6+13=18 ; 2d6+13=25 ; 2d6+13=21 ; 2d6+13=21 ; 2d6+13=18 ; 2d6+13=15 ; 2d6+13=25 ; 2d6+13=16 ; 2d6+13=19 ; 2d6+13=20 ; 2d6+13=20 ; 2d6+13=19 ; 2d6+13=20 ; 2d6+13=18 ; 2d6+13=20 ; d20+29=38 ;
Tuesday November 27th, 2018 3:12:31 AM

[to DM Carl - sure, go ahead and drop our respective comments. In action, and in my text, I did mention the dwarf who dropped as a reason why Murphy might finally get through - I think we were agreeing, in a practical way, on that. I see you were momentarily unaware of M's standing freedom of movement, and I had just assumed you knew of it - but that's a lot to keep in mind - I've just been posting spell-effect countdown updates every few posts ... will try to include those each post for your reference. Thank you, and I didn't mean to chafe. Sorry for complexity of what follows... -Kim]

In response to Dwarf 1 closing with him, Murphy launched an attack of opportunity, hitting AC 41 for 17 hp.

On his turn, Murphy goes whirlwind (please read, esp. paragraphs 3-5), within a few inches of 20' height - say 19'9", but as though a huge air elemental via powerful shape, thus able to bring large and smaller opponents into the vortex. His is not subject to AoO in this form. He collides with D1, then on to Guardian 2, D1... well, here's a chart of his travel route and whom he contacts (note: once sucked up, no further damage accrues until next round - maximum 5 large/medium critters inside):

5' - Dwarf1 - Reflex Save DC21 or (slam equivalent) Damage 2d6+13=18; D1 2nd Ref Save DC21 or be sucked up into whirlwind
10' - Guardian 2 - Ref DC21 or Dam 25; G2 2nd Ref DC21 or sucked up
20' - D1 - DC21 or Dam 21; D1 DC21 or sucked up [Note: ignore additional damage if already within whirlwind]
55' - G5 - DC21 or Dam 21; G5 DC21 or sucked up
60' - G4 - DC21 or Dam 18; G4 DC21 or sucked up
65' - G5 - DC21 or Dam 15 (if not previously caught up); G4 DC21 or sucked up
70' - G4 - Dam 25 (if not previously caught up - and so forth in following lines); sucked up?
75' - G5 - Dam 16; sucked up?
80' - If any have been sucked up, Murphy as a free action drops one of them (D1 or G4 or G5, DM call) at I12
80' - G4 - Dam 19; sucked up?
85' - G3 - Dam 19; sucked up?
90' - G4 - Dam 20; sucked up?
95' - G3 - Dam 20; sucked up?
100' - back it I12 - Hit anyone still there - Dam 19; sucked up?
110' - dump as free action any guardians caught up - 2, 3, 4, 5, in the vicinity of i10, i11, j10, j11 in a heap
125' - G1 - Dam 20; sucked up?
130' back one if G1 is not sucked up, and against G1 again at 135' dam 18; sucked up?
150' to I5 (where D1 started), if D1 still there - then again vs him dam 20; sucked up? If D1 is already inside, well, that's where he ends up anyway.

Presumably, there may still be a guardian and perhaps the dwarf inside the swirling vortex. If only one dumpee (at 110') is allowed as a free action, then choose which one of the guardians is left in that area. DM call as to whether they land on feet, or prone. If I knew all of their saving throws, I'd be able to have it all figured out for you. Carl, you need a raise.

Furniture and other items (tables, chairs, pillows, loose carpets, teapots, etc.) caught anywhere in this path may either be caught up within the whirlwind to be battered about within, or cast swiftly away in random directions until encountering something that stops it - wall, floor, ceiling, person. Ignore this if it complicates matters overmuch.
=========
Perception: 38

Active Spell Effects: Freedom of Movement: 82 minutes 6 rounds; Longstrider: 10 hours 3 minutes 6 rounds (land movement +10); Mage Armor (+4 AC): 149 minutes 9 rounds: Barkskin: 83 minutes 2 rounds (Nat AC +4); Call Lightning: 6 minutes 5 rounds (7 lightning bolts left); Haste: 9 rounds (8?)

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 - Large Air Elemental w/Huge bonuses add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Natl armor AC 30 CMB 13 CMD 28 (autosave) HP 68/96
Tuesday November 27th, 2018 3:53:03 AM
One oops. Eliminate action of dropping at 80' - did not intend to drop any there, as I don't think I get two separate free actions, and wanted to reserve any dropping off for 110'.
Keep action vs D4 at 80' - that was my intention. Thx.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 66/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d20=19 ; d20=16 ; d20=9 ; d20=1 ; d20=16 ; d10=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d10=8 ; d10=6 ;
Tuesday November 27th, 2018 5:43:07 AM
Lay of Hands 3/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 9/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 1/1

Knowing this fight is taking it's toll on his body Succotash lays hands on himself again, healing 15hp.
then he takes a 5ft step and full round attacks g1 using powerattack
OCC. he should be able to hit G1 even if he got sucked into Murphy's whirlwind, based on how Kim placed things.

19+18+1=38 (possible crit confirmed with a 35) for 5+11+9+1x2=52 damage
9+18+1=19 for 8+11+9+1=29 damage
nat 1
16+8+1=25 for 6+11+9+1=27 damage

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 102/119, CMD 24; Gears d20+20=24 ; d4+4=8 ; 2d6=7 ; 5d6=18 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday November 27th, 2018 10:52:20 AM
Kezzem stows his non-frost returning dagger (move action) and draws his adamantine short sword (free action with quick draw). He then attacks the guardian with the short sword.

Assuming the guardian is a construct. If not subtract 2 from Kezzem's to hit and damage, and ignore the bane damage.

+1 Construct-Bane Short Sword
Attack: 1d20 + 20 = 24.
Damage: 1d4 + 4 = 8.
Bane Damage: 2d6 = 7.
Total Damage: 8 + 7 = 15.

Kezzem then casts lay on hands on himself (swift action).
(Ignore the 5d6 roll--forgot to roll separately).
Healing: 5d6 = 2 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 5 = 15.
(Should have kept the 5d6, lol).

----

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (3 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (1 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (2 cast)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 90/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+10=18 ; d20+5=6 ; d6+5=6 ; d20+14=25 ;
Tuesday November 27th, 2018 12:29:57 PM
As Pressi's own guardian clicks to life, she prepares to order it against... and then she realizes she is about to order it against the same guardians. (Which means she doesn't need to roll knowledge. She understands her most recently used class feature.)

"Belay the original order. Gerry, focus all fire power upon the remaining dwarves. Everyone else, fall back to the amulets. I repeat, fall back."

Gerry complies, striking twice. (Attack rolls 19+2 if he's flanking anyone, nat 1. If the first hits, 6 damage plus bleed.)

Pressi herself moves back towards the amulets, searching among them once again. "There, up there," she shouts, pointing to an amulet of an anvil. "Gerry has a weakness. He won't attack anyone with the same religous symbol I have. I'm betting these guys won't, either. Why didn't think of this before?"

She leaps up in the air (acro roll 25), hoping to grab one.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+10=30 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+19=39 ; d20+19=22 ; d20+19=30 ; d20+14=25 ; d6+18=19 ; d6+18=22 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6+18=23 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+36=43 ; d6+18=20 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6+18=19 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday November 27th, 2018 2:35:05 PM
I'm sorry, I'm still a bit confused about locations of stuff in this giant. If Hobie can get to the amulets that Pressi is talking about without having to go through the wall of flames, he will heed Pressi's orders and fly directly toward them and try to grab one (90ft fly speed, so double move 180, as necessary)

If he is blocked by the wall of fire, then he will stay in the sky (I've been reading about the Fly skill and realized I need to make a DC 15 Hover Check to do a full round attack from the sky, otherwise I need to spend a move action flying or fall from the sky. I passed with a 30) and he will take aim at any dwarves who remain, or if there are none, he will aim for the opening that Succotash created in one of the guardian's heads.

Manyshot
Attack = 27
Piercing 19, Fire 1, Electric 6 = 26
Piercing 22, Fire 6, Electric 5 = 33

Rapid Shot
Attack = Natural 20 (AGAIN!) Confirmation roll = 22 (probably not good enough)
Piercing 23, Fire 2, Electric 1 = 26 (if confirmed, additional damage is 43, for total of 69)

Haste
Attack = 30
Piercing 20, Fire 4, Electric 5 = 29

Iterative
Attack =25
Piercing 19, Fire 1, Electric 2 = 22

DM Carl d20=7 ; d20=13 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+7=22 ; d8+4=8 ; d6=1 ; d4=4 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+11=29 ; d10+7=8 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+16=28 ; 2d8+8=23 ; d4=4 ; d4=3 ;
Tuesday November 27th, 2018 8:51:26 PM
Zaragosa continues to sell himself short as he hacks the first ooze into smaller puddles of ooze. His second slash destabilizes the creature and it erupts into a thin, viscous liquid. His third attack slashes a piece of the second ooze off.

Bliss goes nuts and tears into the last ooze. He even bites it, finding it tastes nothing like metal. For the curious, it takes like rubber.

Kim, I'm not picking on you, promise. Powerful Shape is a feat from the Ultimate Magic splat book and not available for use in the Wold. APG feats can be taken on a case-by-case basis with ACDM approval, but UM feats are just outright banned. You're not able to lift the guardians, and I assume your maths will need work. In order to move this along, I'm accepting the numbers here as written, but not subjecting the guardians to being carried off. If I've missed something or some arrangement was made before my time as DM, let me know.

Murphy provides further proof that whirlwind needs a serious whack with the nerf hammer. D1 avoids some of the gust, and almost holds on, but is snatched away by Murphy. The rest of the guardians, save the last one hit, take the full brunt of Murphy's gusts, but remain grounded. G4 is torn to pieces by the winds. G1 is looking rough, but G2's still pretty untouched.

Succotash uses more of his dwindling healing. He lays into G1 with all his might (construct, so no crit). Two hits in, he knocks the thing's head clean off. He applies his last successful hit to G2.

Hobie has a good feeling that adamantine arrows will work well here.

Kezzem has a magic sword for dealing with constructs! Unfortunately, his attack falls juuuust short of hitting G2.

Pressi thinks these amulets may stop the guardians from attacking. One way to find out...

She orders her Gerry to attack the guardians. G2's armor is more than a match for the attack. (Put Gerry on the map, please.)

Hobie unloads on G2 with the rest of the cool kids. All his attacks make contact. His last hit strikes a latch that was holding in the glowing crystal heart in its center. The gem falls out, and the guardian falls.

Kade bravely wades through the acidic vapor to attack the last ooze. His axe lops off some ooze.

D1 is stuck in a whirlwind. It's not looking good for him, no sir. He lashes out at Murphy's form, hitting AC 33 for 8 damage.

The last ooze smacks Zaragosa with a chromatic pseudo-pod. He takes 8 bludgeoning and 1 acid damage. In addition, he must make a DC 21 fort save or take 2 DEX damage.

G3 charges Murphy, but the attack is way off (Hit AC 20 - miss).
G5 charges Kezzem, giant axe-hand coming down and hitting AC 28 for 23 damage.

The wall of fire continues burning. Zaragosa, Pressi, Bliss, and Kade take 7 fire damage. So does the ooze, but the area's already saturated with acidic vapor.

Map!

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP71of111, AC29
Tuesday November 27th, 2018 10:41:33 PM

Bliss flinches at the fire damage. He ends his focus [rage] after just a round. He changes back into a halfling. (standard action)

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 - Large Air Elemental [w/o Huge bonuses??] add +2 Str +4 Dex +4 Natl armor AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 (CMB and CMD may be low d8+9=12 ; d8+9=15 ; d8+9=17 ; d8+9=11 ; d8+9=13 ; d8+9=10 ; d8+9=12 ; d8+9=11 ; d8+9=12 ; d8+9=13 ; d8+9=11 ; d8+9=17 ; d8+9=15 ; d8+9=12 ; d8+9=15 ; d8+9=16 ; d20+11=27 ; d20+29=40 ;
Wednesday November 28th, 2018 4:48:10 AM

As Murphy moves, if anyone gets picked up, he drops the passenger immediately (D1 at H9 in this case). He'll basically be trying to wind bash, but not scoop up - so we don't have to deal with that aspect until our DM is satisfied with the aspect of Black Genie ACDM approved legacy item abilities brought up (see email). Also I will (momentarily, until resolved) drop down to standard large air elemental damage, as for a druid with Murphy's characteristics.

10' - bash G3 if fail Reflex Save DC18 take d8+9=12 damage
On the way the wind howls, "I'll be dropping you off, dwarf."
20' - drop off D1 at H9
25' - bash G5 15 dam
35' - bash D1 17 dam
40' - bash G3 11 dam. As Murphy is traveling back and forth, he says in windy halfling, "Great shooting, Hobie. Want to check the fallen after the rest of these folk fall?"
45' - bash D1 13 dam
50' - bash G5 10 dam
60' - bash D1 12 dam
65' - bash G3 11 dam. To Kezzem, "You can finish them if I don't wind them down enough."
70' - bash D1 12 dam
75' - bash G5 13 dam
85' - bash D1 11 dam
90' - bash G3 17 dam
95' - bash D1 15 dam
100' - bash G5 12 dam
110' - bash D1 15 dam
115' - bash G3 16 dam
That's G3 possibly hit as many as 5 times (12/11/11/17/16), G5 4 times (15/10/13/12), D1 7 times (17/13/12/12/11/15/15).
135' - ends up at K5/K6/J5/J6, and drops whirlwind form, extending back to large air elemental K5/K6/K7, but slightly up in the air, just above the back of Succotash's head. "Mind if I try to peek around the door, Succotash?" Murphy asks in a breathy voice. "A fire to put out." He does not actually move now, as his movement is used up.

That took care of his move actions and standard actions.

[Note: Rolled for dispel vs fire using Quench - but he can't do that this round. If fire still going, will likely do at start of next round as follows: Murphy casts quench, to extinguish the wall of fire. Hoping with his head at the doorway, he can glance left and right for the casting, starting immediately at the doorway, and spreading the distance from there, with a dispel roll of 1d20+11=27 (up to 11 20' cubes dispelled).]

=========
Perception: 40

Active Spell Effects: Freedom of Movement: 82 minutes 5 rounds; Longstrider: 10 hours 3 minutes 5 rounds (land movement +10); Mage Armor (+4 AC): 149 minutes 8 rounds: Barkskin: 83 minutes 1 rounds (Nat AC +4); Call Lightning: 6 minutes 4 rounds (7 lightning bolts left); Haste: 8 rounds (7?)

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 66/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20=6 ; d20=4 ; d20=16 ; d20=8 ; d10=8 ; d10=9 ; d10=3 ;
Wednesday November 28th, 2018 5:34:48 AM
if G3 is still standing, Succotash will 5ft step, and unload with a full round attack, using power attack

6+18+1=25 for 8+11+9+1=29 damage
4+18+1=23 for 9+11+9+1=30 damage
16+13+1=30 for 3+11+9+1=24 damage
3+8+1=12 miss I'm assuming

if G3 is dead, he will either 5ft step to D1, or make a normal move action against G5, if he is attacking G5 please ignore all but the 1st attack.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 104/119, CMD 24; Gears d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+10=26 ; d4+4=8 ; 2d6=7 ;
Wednesday November 28th, 2018 10:50:21 AM
Kezzem uses a swift action for lay on hands.

Healing: 5d6 = 6 + 3 + 6 + 6 + 4 = 25.
(nice rolling there!)

He then focuses on attacking the Guardian 5 with his +1 Construct-Bane Adamantine Short Sword

Attack #1: 1d20 + 20 = 24. Miss.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 15 = 24. Miss.

Attack: #3: 1d20 + 10 = 26.
Damage: 1d4 + 4 = 8.
Bane Damage: 2d6 = 7.
Total Damage: 8 + 7 = 15.

"How do you like my sword?" asks Kezzem. "I call it...Construct Bane. I'm, uh, going to workshop it."

----

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (4 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (1 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (2 cast)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 97/97 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday November 28th, 2018 3:46:37 PM
Hobie will fly down, grab the gem from the fallen guardian, and fly back up to the ceiling, examining it as best he can while he does.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 90/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Wednesday November 28th, 2018 7:23:09 PM
Sorry, no time or real computer access. Can someone please place Gerry for me, thanks.

Pressi tries to knock down an amulet with her broom. �Hey, Murphy. A bit of help, please.�

Gerry, thanks to his knowledge, gets +1 to his next two swings.

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 - Large Air Elemental [w/o Huge bonuses??] add +2 Str +4 Dex +4 Natl armor AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 (CMB and CMD may be low
Wednesday November 28th, 2018 8:52:06 PM

ADM Kim - Placed Gerry at A9, next to G5, and not far from D1. Okay spot?

Murphy responds vocally to Pressi, "Sure, just a moment. Fire to put out."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 90/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Wednesday November 28th, 2018 9:10:35 PM
Perfect

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 17) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 7/13) d20+4=13 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+6=23 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=3 ; d4+1=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday November 28th, 2018 9:39:15 PM
Last time with the -2
Takes -2 Dex

Zaragosa continues to perform as he tries to hit, he truly feels the damage to his DEX as he starts to stiff up and slow down.

He continues to attack Ooze 2

All attacks are 1d4+1 + (cold) 1d6 + (perform) 1
Attack #1 hit is 25
5 + (cold) 6 + 1 . = 12

Attack #2 hit is 23
3 + (cold) 5 + 1 = 9

attack #3 hit is 23
2 + (cold) 3 + 1 = 6

DM Carl d20+5=21 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=7 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+5=7 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+5=22 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+14=18 ; d20+9=19 ; d20=15 ; d20=7 ; d10+2=7 ; d10+2=11 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+11=26 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+16=18 ; 2d8+8=17 ; 2d8+8=18 ; d4+8=12 ;
Wednesday November 28th, 2018 10:05:58 PM
OOC: Welcome back, JP! Combat's about to end, so don't worry about catching up on the mechanics. I'll email you an up-to-date summary. Melvin's post header also has some notes he's been taking that you should look at.

Bliss turns back into a halfling.

Murphy continues swooshing around the room, knocking into all the guardians and the last dwarf. Guardian 3 is falling to pieces, but still leathal. 5's in good shape. The dwarf is scattered all across the room. It's not pretty.

Succotash finishes off G3.

Kezzem touches up his health, then attacks the last remaining construct. His weapon is super effective.

Hobie swoops down and grabs the gem he knocked loose from the guardian. He can tell it functions like a pearl of power. It's red, and functions like a 4th level pearl (though you can also use it to cast any spell from levels 0-3 if you'd like). It recharges and can be used once per combat.

Pressi asks for some help getting an amulet. Gerry moves to attack, but can't connect (I rolled based on your sheet and last round).

Kade takes two huge swings with his axe, and the last ooze *pops* and melts away.

There's only one combatant left: a very beat up but still capable guardian construct. It throws everything it has at Kezzem. Spoiler warning: it's gonna hurt.

His axe hand slashes twice:

Hit AC 25 for 17 damage
Hit AC 26 for 18 damage

His finger wires flay the poor paladin

Hit AC 28 for 12 damage

He tries to constrict, but Kezzem evades the attempt (grapple 18 vs CMD 24 - fail).

After that, he's basically destined for the junk pile. One or two good hits is all it will take to break the thing, so let's go ahead and say that happens and save Murphy 16 or so damage rolls. :D

The dust settles and combat is officially over. The acidic vapor finally dissipates, though the wall of fire continues to burn for another 48 seconds.

A loot check reveals the following (I'm assuming you guys properly identify this stuff. Your rolls are high enough to make success basically guaranteed, so let's skip it, shall we?):

Gears - 2x INT, 1x CON, 3x STR, 2x WIS, 1x CHA
5 red power gems from the guardians (described above in Hobie's turn - Hobie already has one of the five).
3 sets of +1 spiked breastplate
3 Dwarven war axes +2
3 CSW potions
An amulet of natural armor +1
2 Rings of Prot. +1
A quiver with 4 javelins +1

Shan herself has the following:

A scroll case with a few arcane scrolls:

Wall of Iron
Blight
Dream
Sending
Daylight
Invisibility Sphere

A wand of invisibility (44 charges)
A wand of mount (28 charges)
A masterwork alchemical silver dagger
A brooch of shielding
A ring of counterspells

...and her spellbook, which will take time to go through, but you guys should remember to look at it later! She also has an amulet very similar to the ones hanging from the ceiling in the entrance to this level, but this one has the mark of The Forger on it. Pressi did not notice any other amulets in that room with this particular mark.

By the time loot is gathered, you find yourselves at the 32 minute mark. You're making good time, but this is not a situation you want down to the wire.

Now that things have settled, you have a chance to look at the huge construct that's in this room that (thankfully) didn't come to life and attack you. It is larger than those you�ve seen here before � its head almost brushes the ceiling. Its arms end in massive spikes, and two additional arm-like appendages sprout from its back and support dark blades. Several large runes adorn its breastplate. Despite its fearsome appearance, it stands dormant and immobile. Rust covers it; it looks like it might be beyond repair. The letters "AD-6J" are stamped into its chest.

Map, since you're still on this level.

Regular Bliss (Cayzle) HP100of111, AC25 d8=1 ; d8=5 ; d8=5 ; d8=3 ; d8=1 ; d8=4 ; d8=3 ; d8=3 ;
Wednesday November 28th, 2018 11:22:53 PM
Bliss says, "Whew, what a fight."

He helps tally the loot and gather it all up.

He digs out his CLW wand and uses it six times on himself.

"Anyone else need curing?"

==========
DM Sanity Info

Spells:
Lvl 1: 5+Entangle (cast Surr Blood x2, Unseen Servant)
Lvl 2: 4+Barkskin (cast none)
Lvl 3: 4+Plant Growth (cast Blink, Still Silent Div Favor)
Lvl 4: 3+Still Silent Barkskin (cast Threefold Aspect, Polymorph, Divination)

Stuff With Uses Per Day:
Basic Ritual: Kitty at will
Intermediate Ritual: Shared CL12 (+4) Shield of Faith
Rage 4 of 14
Bramble Armor 0 of 7 | Wood Fists 0 of 7
Guide/Mislead 1 of 7
Life 0 of 1 | Death 1 of 1 | Focus 0 of 1
Meta Rod of Extend 3 of 3 (Shield of Faith, Barkskin, Blink)

Current Effects:
Extended Shared CL12 Shield of Faith (used 15 of 120r)
Extended CL10 Barkskin (used about 30 min)
Message spells (recast as needed)
CLW: 6 used

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Thursday November 29th, 2018 5:07:46 AM
Hobie will point out the Pearls of Power to his friends, keeping one for himself and making sure the other prepared casters get the rest.

He will excitedly grab Shan's spellbook with plans to study it and copy some spells down later. (Is Hobie the only spellbook caster in our party?)

He will also point out the arcane scrolls to his party "Hey so it seems she was a wizard like me, and I found these scrolls. I think with Thalia unconscious I'm the only one who can cast some of these, so I'll hang on to them unless any of you wants any of them, I think druids can cast this one" He holds the scroll of Blight out toward Murphy as he says this.

As far as the gears, Hobie will carefully examine them all and express his disappointment that there is no DEX gear, but then will finally take one of the two INT gears. He feels really good as this gear bumps his Con up to 16 and gives him another hit point boost

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 66/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday November 29th, 2018 5:33:15 AM
Succotash says to Bliss,' "If you don't mind, I could use a few hits from that wand', then he looks at the pile of loot and decides that adding another Str gear would really kick things up a notch, and so adds 1 to his other str gear and his con gear. He figures the true casters (He doesn't consider a Paladin to be one) would make the most from the red gems, and so he doesn't care to much about those, He would be all over the Javelins if they were a little shorter, but ... seeing the 3 potions of CSW. he asks, "As I'm nearing the end of my Lay of Hands would anyone mind if I carried these, we may have a lot of fight left?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 57/119, CMD 24; Gears
Thursday November 29th, 2018 10:38:50 AM
Updated the list of gears. I still have two that were never grabbed last time, a Dex gear and a Con gear. I does not look like anybody claimed them last time. Kezzem would be happy to take the Dex one.

Kezzem also wouldn't mind one of the Int gear to get some more Skill Points. Alternately, he would also be happy with Str and Con. Or another Cha one, bust since he has the other one and it was in high demand, he'll probably let one of the others have it.

Since Bliss doesn't want any, we have enough gears now for everyone to have the max 3. Make your preferences known!

Kezzem will also take the silver dagger if nobody else wants it. He can never have too many daggers.

When Bliss asks if anyone needs curing, Kezzem raises his hand. "I have my own wand, but if anybody has any spells, I'll take them first rather than use up my charges."

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 17) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 7/13)
Thursday November 29th, 2018 2:43:27 PM
Zaragosa breathed heavy as the fight came to a close. He raises his hand at Bliss's words. "I'm not in good shape, but I can cure myself if you are running low."

Regular Bliss (Cayzle) HP100of111, AC25 d8=1 ; d100=58 ; d8=1 ; d8=4 ; d8=8 ; d8=7 ; d8=3 ; d8=2 ; d8=4 ; d8=7 ; d8=3 ; d8=5 ; d8=6 ; d8=1 ; d8=5 ; d8=2 ; d8=5 ; d8=8 ; d8=3 ; d8=2 ; d8=6 ; d8=7 ; d8=5 ; d8=8 ;
Thursday November 29th, 2018 7:10:43 PM

Bliss has 2 CLWs, 4 CMWs, and 2 CSWs to cast. Sir Succo gets 9+13 back from 2 CLWs and 18 back from a CMW for total 40 healing to Sir Succo.

Two CMWs to Kezzem is 14+18 = 32 total healing to Kezzem.

And 1 CMW (19) and 1 CSW (20) to Jack heals him with 39 total healing to Jack.

Seems to Bliss that Sir Kezzem still needs some help, so he fires off his last CSW, granting Kezzem another 21 hp curing.

That taps Bliss out for spells today, aside from a couple uncast Plant Domainers. [OOC: Accidently rolled another 4d8 curing, but that was not needed after all. Sorry.]

==========
DM Sanity Info

Spells:
Lvl 1: 5+Entangle (cast Surr Blood x2, Unseen Servant, CLW x2)
Lvl 2: 4+Barkskin (cast CMW x4)
Lvl 3: 4+Plant Growth (cast Blink, Still Silent Div Favor, CSW x2)
Lvl 4: 3+Still Silent Barkskin (cast Threefold Aspect, Polymorph, Divination)

Stuff With Uses Per Day:
Basic Ritual: Kitty at will
Intermediate Ritual: Shared CL12 (+4) Shield of Faith
Rage 4 of 14
Bramble Armor 0 of 7 | Wood Fists 0 of 7
Guide/Mislead 1 of 7
Life 0 of 1 | Death 1 of 1 | Focus 0 of 1
Meta Rod of Extend 3 of 3 (Shield of Faith, Barkskin, Blink)

Current Effects:
Extended Shared CL12 Shield of Faith (used 15 of 120r)
Extended CL10 Barkskin (used about 40 min)
Message spells (recast as needed)
CLW wand: 6 used

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 90/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Thursday November 29th, 2018 8:15:38 PM
"Hold on, I'm not sure how much curing I need." (I apologize for some of the short days but I'm going to take some time tomorrow to do accounting - and to update my notes.) "So, are we going to never learn if my idea would have worked? Not even a hint?" She uses her CLW wand as needed if anyone else is low.

While most people focus on the curing and gears, Pressi makes her way to Shan's body. "Such a waste," she mutters as she moves the body to the couch, closing the eyes as needed. She wonders if she should do more, but there isn't time for a burial, she can't just cremate it on a whim, and she doesn't even recognize the god. The best she can do is a quickly mumbled prayer and a decision to return that amulet if possible.

She had considered calling out that Shan deserved a better death than an arrow to the head... but then, the woman had gone down far faster than Pressi expected.

She fingers the scroll that Shan had given her and the amulet she just lifted. Probably best not to mention her sidequest to the rest of the group. It was going to be hard enough explaining to the team that this wasn't just some soldier going down with the... wait, what do soldiers go down with?

She does remind Hobie that there are probably others, herself included, who can use the scrolls and wands easily. (Though he's correct that he's the only spellbook user, he may prefer that Pressi or Bliss look over the spell book first, just in case.)

Finally, she moves on the unmoving construct, fingering the runes carefully.

Regular Bliss (Cayzle) HP100of111, AC25
Thursday November 29th, 2018 8:56:24 PM

Bliss apologizes when asked to check out the book. "Sorry, witches don't know how to Read Magic."

[OOC: It is not on the spell list for the class!]

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 - Large Air Elemental [w/o Huge bonuses??] add +2 Str +4 Dex +4 Natl armor AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 60/96
Thursday November 29th, 2018 9:06:50 PM
Murphy post 20181129

"Thank the heavens we all survived that," Murphy says. "I am sad that they chose to fight rather than to accept an alternative. Killing others, in many cases, should be held only as a last resort. We are, however, at war, of sorts, it seems," the druid sighs. It is very easy for an air elemental to sigh.

He takes up one of the red gems, and then casts quench on the wall of fire. He eases out of Shan's room, then collects the necklaces and medallions that Pressi asked for help with. The poisonous acidic vapor does not bother him [I think - druidic immunity to poison?].

Murphy requests a STR gear, making available one WIS gear

"The strength will help when I wild shape, and need to attach physically," he explains.

He would thus have one each of STR, CON, and WIS, +3 each.

"Thank you, Hobie," he says as he looks over the Blight scroll. "Pressi, would you mind holding on to this until I drop out of wild shape - think I'll remain this way for the time being, and don't want to accidentally rip up the scroll."

Healing
"Oh, yes, I was beat up a bit," he says, "And can't use my wand at the moment." [Down about 36 or so]

[may add more - ripped up day]

DM Carl d20+19=34 ;
Thursday November 29th, 2018 9:53:46 PM
Humble's Sword divies up loot and heals themselves. Boy, they sure are burning through the healing, aren't they? Good thing they found some potions.

Pressi is not pleased with how the combat turned out, thinking Shan deserved better than this. She checks out the huge construct, tracing the runes. As she runs her fingers along the various seams in the thing, she realizes the back of its head flips up, revealing two indentations that are shaped just like the gems that power the guardian and maintenance constructs.

The maintenance constructs are the ones that look like centipedes with tools for hands, in case it's been too long to remember.

Murphy is able to gather up as many amulets as anyone would like, though what to do with them? The acidic vapor is gone before he gets there, which is good because his immunity is to poison, not acid. (The oozes had a poison attack, but the vapor was just good ol' acid.)

***

33 minutes in.

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 - Large Air Elemental [w/o Huge bonuses??] add +2 Str +4 Dex +4 Natl armor AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 60/96
Thursday November 29th, 2018 11:12:08 PM

"Kade could use some healing, as well. How about you, Talia?" Murphy asks the sorceress. "Good job on the fireball there. Say, can you show me the hood? You loosened a thread on it? Mind if I take a look?"

He explains to the party, "I have two wildshapes left today. Think I should retain this form for now. Therefore, cannot get to my two wands of cure light wounds. Jack, I gave you my third wand. Can you use it three times on Kade, then maybe five times on me? It has, I think, 14 charges remaining. After that, six will be left."

He asks Kade, after Jack (or someone) helps heal him up. "How do you sit, now? Feeling better? Need more?"

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 - Large Air Elemental [w/o Huge bonuses??] add +2 Str +4 Dex +4 Natl armor AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 60/96 d20+29=48 ;
Thursday November 29th, 2018 11:45:20 PM

Gently, Murphy probes Pressi's mind via their permanent message bond. "Knock knock. Mind if I drop by?" He won't go further unless she grants permission.

"How about if Talia takes the wand of invisibility (44 charges) for now? May be handy as we ascend."

As Kade is well armed, Murphy says, "Later I may need my dagger back, but it's yours to use for now."

"This level - call it the lower abdomen? - has another room or two." He points a wispy limb toward the door opposite Shan's. "We should look about to see if we can find any controls which might open up the spot above the levitation area in the middle passage. Someone look in Shan's room. Maybe two or three look in the room the shiny blobs came out of. I'd like us to know what's behind us - fairly quickly - before we climb higher.

"The ring of counterspells - Bliss? Pressi? Talia? Hobie? Zaragosa? Any of you up for using that? May be useful, and I don't want whoever takes it to forget to use it at an opportune time. Please, someone take a look, see if you can tell what spells it contains.

About a minute after he asked for additional healing (down 36) [hoping someone takes care of that for him], Murphy says: "I'm going to go with anyone else who wants to into the blob room, and maybe check beyond. Looking for controls, and whatever is there. We need to do this quickly, and quickly figure out how to ascend. Either Shan's room, or these other ones, may help us do so."

He pokes his head through the door, looking up, left, right. If it looks reasonably safe, he enters fully into the blob room, and begins to search about.

==========
Perception: 48

Note: Murphy can't take off the second WIS gear, nor yet place the new STR gear, until after he drops out of wild shape. He asks Talia if she can hold on to the STR gear for him until he can swap it out. "Go ahead and wear it for now," he suggests to her, "unless you have three, or want a different set."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 26 Touch 18 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+22=36 ;
Friday November 30th, 2018 12:28:15 AM
�Well Murph, I don�t think Talia has woken up yet from that last fight, I think we oughta leave her somewhere safe and somebody else can hold on to the wand of invisibility. Jack�s got a ring of invisibility so he doesn�t need it really, can anyone else cast the spell besides me, or should I hang on to it?�

Hobie will also take the ring of counterspells and examine it, studying the magical auras to know what spell is inside it currently. Spellcraft 36

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 110/119, CMD 24; Gears
Friday November 30th, 2018 12:49:11 AM
"Thanks a lot, buddy," says Kezzem. "I don't mean to sound like a miser, but if you can heal us for free, why waste money on magic items when we don't need to."

Since nobody else spoke up, I'm going to give the Dex gear to Kezzem as well as the Int gear (he needs the Skill points!). If somebody wants one of them or to trade, let me know.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 106/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20=11 ;
Friday November 30th, 2018 5:34:15 AM
Lay of Hands 3/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 9/10

1st level spells:
lesser restoration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 0/1

"Thanks Bliss feeling a ton better, what ever a ton is", Succotash says with his usual smile, he then follows Murphy into the other room. perception 18

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 90/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Friday November 30th, 2018 3:12:37 PM
Pressi took some time to consider her options.

Regular Bliss (Cayzle) HP108of111, AC25 d8=4 ; d8=2 ;
Friday November 30th, 2018 6:46:54 PM

Bliss sees that Mister Murphy is pretty wounded. He taps his friend four times (using the four rolls leftover from yesterday) and cures 30 hp to Murphy.

What the heck! He taps himself twice too. 8 back to Bliss.

"Are we ready to keep on heading up?" he asks. Oh! Look! Murphy and Sir Succotash are already on their way. "Come on, everybody," calls Bliss. On a whim, he sticks to halfling form for now. On another whim, he gets out his halfling sling-staff and loads it.

[OOC: Note: 12 wand charges used so far]

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 7/13) d8=8 ; d8=5 ; d8=8 ;
Friday November 30th, 2018 7:00:13 PM
"Oh, I forgot about that wand!" Zaragosa said to Murphy frustrated with himself (OOC oh! I forgot about that wand) He takes it out and heals Murphy for 24

He then bows to Biss and thanks Healing him "Good sir you are far to kind and I owe you my heal and life. If I had half a brain I Would have realized I could use my owe wand."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Friday November 30th, 2018 8:24:27 PM
Talia hands Murphy the items he is referring to; although she feels like she's been in a fog, a really thick fog of war!

Assuming everyone else is heading towards the ladder to ascend up into the Iron Giant...Talia will actively join the group feeling like she's missed a lot, like she's been living in a waking dream!

DM Carl
Friday November 30th, 2018 10:32:25 PM
Kade thanks Zaragosa for the healing. "Ya know, that's the first time I ever been magically healed." He rubs his shoulder and checks works out some soreness. "Still kinda hurts. That normal?" He appears fully healed. Maybe he's just softer than he lets on?

Hobie checks out the ring. There's currently a hold monster spell stored on it.

Talia must have taken a blow to the head. Humble's Sword is far too polite to call her out on anything her troubled memory may have forgotten.

Pressi appears to have something she wants to do, but seems preoccupied. Perhaps her thoughts are on how busy life with children can be.

There's more talk about splitting up loot and healing, then it's decided to go check out the room the oozes came from.

The room is...slimy, and unpleasant. The only thing of note (besides the other door) is a busted up looking maintenance construct. The thing's green gem is still embedded in its torso.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Friday November 30th, 2018 11:45:35 PM
Was someone asking me some questions earlier? I recall someone asking me something, but for some reason I don;t recall what it / they were. Would that someone care to repeat the questions for me?

"I wonder what I did with my owl?" mumbles Talia.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 106/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Saturday December 1st, 2018 7:12:04 AM
�Glad you�re back with us Miss Talia�, I was beginning to think I was going to have to carry you, and the thought was a little alarming to me since you�re a woman, and I was always taught to respect a lady, and I was trying really hard to consider how to carry a lady respectfully, and well I just couldn�t figure out how to do it, but now I don�t have to worry about it, so... do you need any healing per chance?�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 110/119, CMD 24; Gears
Saturday December 1st, 2018 3:04:44 PM
"And Rumpus!" says Kezzem. "And we know your not a witch, Succo, your a paladin like me. Well, not like me. You're the type that likes to get hit a lot whereas crazy Kezzem prefers to dodge the attacks and not get hit."

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 7/13)
Saturday December 1st, 2018 6:41:16 PM
Zaragosa bows to Kade "it is my honour to help in whatever way we can."

He then tries his best to step out of whatever gook he is in and find his footing. "Does anyone else need healing? if not, we shall not waste time. The fiend in charge just arranged for his mother's murder, or at least I believe so if I am following these events correctly. With the safety of our home in question, we should not waste too much time here."

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 - Large Air Elemental [w/o Huge bonuses??] add +2 Str +4 Dex +4 Natl armor AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 60/96 d20+29=37 ; d20+29=30 ;
Saturday December 1st, 2018 8:01:08 PM

As Murphy was trying to talk with Talia earlier, may we assume this conversation took place before he went exploring? If we may:

"So, Talia, you must have taken quite a tumble there - hit your head? We've been cleaning up this iron gargantua - giant, whatever. You've helped quite a bit. We are about halfway up - heading toward the head. This wand of invisibility - 44 charges left - please use it to help us out as we continue. On your left arm, on your bracers of armor, you can see two gears. One enhances your dexterity. The other your constitution. Right here I have a gear," he says, holding it about three feet from her so she can see it, "for strength, I'll want to add to my own after I change back to halfling form, but think I should wait on that for the moment. How about you add it to your left bracer for now? That way you benefit even more from dexterity, in your constitution, and, for the moment, in your strength." (+3 on each of those abilities.) He helps her connect it to the bracers and to one of the other gears [the triple-stats boost is immediate].

"You want a WISdom boost when I take off my second such gear later?" He asks Talia.

============

Room exploring:
Murphy gingerly removes the green gem from the caterpillar-like maintenance bot. If he succeeds, he speaks. "Bliss, I'll bet you can use this," he says, and hands it to him. "Let's see what's in the next room."

He goes to the door, listens for a moment (Perception: 37). If he hears something (other than the ongoing noises made throughout the immense machine by its continuing perambulation), he tells others what he hears, then endeavors to open the door. If he is unable, he asks Succotash and Bliss if they can check it out.

"Maybe controls for the ceiling valve might be inside. Or, something else. I think the next level up is the belly button."

Once the door is open (by himself or someone else), he looks around the immediate door area - up, right, left, down, then, barring an immediately apparent threat, puts his head within for a better look around. If it appears reasonable to continue, he pushes through the opening, allowing room for the others to go through. Now, if Bliss or Succotash open the door, then either can go first if they choose.

Unless circumstances otherwise dictate, air elemental Murphy explores this room [Perception: 30] with his friends. Any alternative paths to the abdominal section above discernible? Any control panels, levers, or the like? Heaps of treasure?

Again, he gently probes the message link with Pressi. "Let me know when we can talk again."

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 - Large Air Elemental [w/o Huge bonuses??] add +2 Str +4 Dex +4 Natl armor AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96
Sunday December 2nd, 2018 1:50:44 AM

Oh, and of course, Murphy thanks Bliss and Zaragosa for the healing - and lets Jack know that Kade can have the last two CLW spells, if he needs them, as Bliss already had brought Murphy nearly up to full. With the single 'bink' from Zaragosa, the druid is back to full hit points.

Regular Bliss (Cayzle) HP108of111, AC25 d20+14=28 ;
Sunday December 2nd, 2018 7:34:50 PM
Bliss takes the green gem and says, "Thank you Mister Murphy!" He casts Detect Magic and studies the gem.

He looks at his hand holding the gem. Stares at both. [OOC: Uses Bloodwitch Guide ability to grant himself a +2 bonus on his next skill check.]

He listens to the gem, shakes it, points it at a wall, and says, "TRIGGER!"

[OOC: Bliss is using his Use Magic Device skill to activate an item blindly. The DC is 25. Bliss usually has a +12, but with the Guide bonus that's a +14. Bliss rolls a 28! SUCCESS!]

He observes what the item does and says to his druid friend, "You were right, Mister Murphy! You were right! I CAN use this!" He explains what he learns, if it is not obvious.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 106/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+7=17 ;
Monday December 3rd, 2018 4:55:25 AM
"There has to be a lever or switch somewhere that turns that levitation pad on", Succotash exclaims, "we need to get to the top before it's too late!" He then walks over to the pad and tries to find something to activate it. perception 17

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 70/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Monday December 3rd, 2018 12:04:43 PM
Some bookkeeping.

I decided that after some rounds of fire and acid, and with the fire going after the attack, that it looks like I was down to 70 instead of 90. (I may be off by a few points one way or another but that should be right.)

I apologize for being a bit absent. I didn't adequately prepare for posting around work training time and there were a couple of times when childcare kept me from posting, and more so from keeping track of HP, spells, maps, etc. Also, some confusion about amulet retrieval results blew a posting window for me.

--------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form+ 2 int gears, 1 wis gear (Int 24, Wis 12)
altered self: dwarf (+2 str, darkvision 30, perception -2)
Gerry: 7 minutes left

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 1+1/6+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 2/2+1
Guidances: 3/9
Clair: 2/9

Tatoos:

L0: 1
L1: 1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 70/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d8+5=13 ; d8+5=6 ; d8+5=7 ; d8+5=7 ;
Monday December 3rd, 2018 12:20:46 PM
Pressi hits herself with a couple of CLW charges (three easily bring her back up to full) and shares with the group what she noticed about the constructs. "It's possible that we can rebuild some of these guys, and have them work for us for a change.)

She suspects the gem Bliss is attempting to "use" might be better served in the gut of another machine. But if Bliss wants to go full Laser Cat on us, who are we to judge.

She also takes a few minutes to look over Hobie's new spellbook and to remind him that she can use scrolls just fine. (Read Magic is not part of the witch spellbook, but Pressi can use her tatoo for it.) Pressi also looks to see if there are any spells stored in the ring of counterspells and considers strategy. It might be nice to store a debuff in there but they know so little about what the casters here use. (If I understand right, the spell has to be stored in advance.)

--------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form+ 2 int gears, 1 wis gear (Int 24, Wis 12)
altered self: dwarf (+2 str, darkvision 30, perception -2)
Gerry: 7 minutes left

Spells Used:
L1: 3/7+1
L2: 1+1/6+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/3+1
L5: 2/2+1
Guidances: 3/9
Clair: 2/9

Tatoos:

L0: 2
L1: 1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Monday December 3rd, 2018 2:55:39 PM
While his friends work on finding the next way up, Hobie will work on making sure he is topped up and ready to go. Having spent his previous flame arrows, Hobie will take out another 50 from his haversack and read from a scroll to imbue them with a fiery aura. He will then place them in his quiver, alongside the 10 adamantine arrows.

Just before leaving this room and moving forward, Hobie will use his wand of Shield on himself.

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 3/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Remaining 50/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)

Shield Spell +4 Shield Bonus (only +3 above buckler)

===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Mirror Image

Level 3
Fly, Haste, Slow

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Monday December 3rd, 2018 5:21:43 PM
That you Mister Murphy! "Yes, I think I would very much like that gear for wisdom and anything else you'd like to share with me. So let's see, so far its wand of Invisibility -- 44 charges -- and the 3-gear attribute boost to the Bracers of Armor (Dexterity, Constitution, and Strength) and afterward swapping out strength for Wisdom? Surely, what a wonderful idea!

Talia will stay towards the back of the pack, hoping the group doesn't walk right into another battle.

OOC: Going to add these to my character sheet.

DM Carl
Monday December 3rd, 2018 8:17:26 PM
Talia wonders about her owl. Did she head back with the rest of the animals, or has she been here the entire time?

OOC: Other critters were sent home because ponies can't climb ladders. Owls don't have that issue, so if you'd like, yours can still be with you.

Zaragosa checks to see if anyone needs healing. He's eager to get moving and take out the monster who just arranged his own (step)mother's death.

Murphy retrieves the green gem and hands it to Bliss, who had recently said he was mostly out of spells. He listens at the far door, getting some ooze on his ear as he does so. Inside he hears what sounds like...writing? Yea, quill on parchment. He tries to open the door, and finds it swings open easily.

Bliss finds that the gem functions like a pearl of power, except that it can be used by spontaneous casters as well and recharges between combats. The green gems can be used to cast level 3 spells (or lower).

Hobie prepares more arrows. He'll need them.

Pressi tops up her health and ponders reconstructing the guardians. A cursory examination shows them to be a mix of arcane and divine construction the likes of which she's never seen. Pressi's a smart cookie; given time she may be able to make heads or tails of them. If she stopped now to try, Humble's Ford would be flattened before her eureka moment.

As Murphy opens the door past the ooze room, a small number of neatly tied scrolls pour forth. Inside the room are 5 tables. At each table, a fragile looking, eyeless construct sits writing on a parchment scroll. It's right "hand" is just an ornate looking pen, indicating its only function is to write.

One of the constructs finishes with a scroll and lifts it into a contraption next to it on the table. Rollers take in the scroll and pop it back out rolled up and neatly tied. The construct attempts to drop it into a scroll tube, but the tube is hopelessly stuffed with scrolls. It rolls off onto the floor, and the construct begins writing on a fresh scroll.

A lone guardian construct sits in the corner. It does not move, but looks at the party's direction as the enter. In a deep, resonant voice it simply states, "DO NOT DISTURB."

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 7/13) d20+23=29 ; d20+8=14 ;
Monday December 3rd, 2018 8:54:54 PM
"right" Zaragosa whispers to the others. He rubs his magical stealthy ring then tries to tip-toe his way so that he 'doesn't disturb' the writers. He will try to read what they are writing on the scrolls without touching anything.

stealth to not disturb the room 29 (+10 if the ring works 39)
to examine the writings, perception 14

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 110/119, CMD 24; Gears
Monday December 3rd, 2018 9:10:02 PM
Talia, Kezzem had taken the Dex gear, but there is one Cha gear left if you want that for sorcerer stuff. If not, Kezzem will take a second Cha gear and let you have the Dex gear and get an extra boost on his paladin stuff.

OOC: It looks like all the gears have been assigned but 1 Wisdom one, save the Cha/Dex gear situation with Talia and Kezzem above. Since Bliss doesn't want any and everyone else has three, I suggest the remaining gear goes to Zaragosa.

Zaragosa, you now have a Con gear and a Wis gear, which will give +2 to both stat. Please update your character sheet.

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 - Large Air Elemental [w/o Huge bonuses??] add +2 Str +4 Dex +4 Natl armor AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 d20+29=33 ;
Monday December 3rd, 2018 9:20:36 PM

Murphy picks up a few of the scrolls which fell at his feet, removes string, and looks to see what is written upon them. "Does work proceed apace?" he asks the construct. "Are supplies adequate for the moment? It looks like the scroll tube is jammed. Does it require repair?"

=======
Perception: 33

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP108of111, AC25 d20+22=35 ; d20+27=36 ;
Monday December 3rd, 2018 10:08:56 PM

Bliss grins and immediately uses his new green gem to regain a level 3 spell slot!

Inside, he whispers, "Aw, let's leave the poor golem alone and sneak past."

He changes into a cat and looks around as he sneaks through.

Perception 35
Stealth 36

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 106/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+7=13 ;
Tuesday December 4th, 2018 5:22:03 AM
OOC.. I believe Talia has one of the green gems as well

Succotash is at a loss for words as he takes in the sights in the room. he will continue to look for a way to turn the levitation pad on. perception 13

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 110/119, CMD 24; Gears d20+10=15 ;
Tuesday December 4th, 2018 10:27:32 AM
Kezzem attempts to sneak past the construct as well. He's not as Stealthy as he used to be, but he is still surprising lightfooted for a paladin.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 = 15.

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 - Large Air Elemental [w/o Huge bonuses??] add +2 Str +4 Dex +4 Natl armor AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96
Tuesday December 4th, 2018 12:50:37 PM

Murphy just hovers there at the doorway, watching people stream past, sneaking, or attempting, into a room with scroll bots, and a guardian. In halfling he says, "So, we want to start an unecessary riot in the scriptorium?"

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 7/13)
Tuesday December 4th, 2018 1:16:24 PM
(OOC, alrighty, I am at work so I have very little time. In my free time tonight I will update the character sheet)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Tuesday December 4th, 2018 1:51:04 PM
Hobie casts detect magic on the scrolls to see if they are magical scrolls. If any seem to be interesting magic he will examine them further

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Tuesday December 4th, 2018 3:41:32 PM
"Ok, if we can't get them up and running... I have a few more minutes with Gerry. Why not decorate him with a couple of runes and let him scout ahead? There's no chance the dwarves know all the devices?" As an alternate, Pressi builds on Murphy's plan by having Gerry insult the writing construct's math teacher. Everyone knows them's fighting words for guardians.

Aside from that... there's probably enough invisibility to slip a little ahead, even do a bit of sabotage. (With some HiPS using exceptions.) She doesn't pile on into the writing room at first, but if there's something to check out, or if the rest of the group hits a wall, then she will.

DM Carl
Tuesday December 4th, 2018 9:51:00 PM
Zaragosa goes quiet. He tries to read what the constructs are writing. The following is written on a parchment scroll that's currently being worked on:

Iron Giant Pilot Anur Daron has assumed manual control. Destination: unknown. Purpose: unknown. Iron Giant is crewed by 30 dwarves, 1 gnome, 2 oozes, 4 bedlams, and one badger.

Update: Iron Giant crew has increased by 8 halflings while en-route.
Update: Iron Giant crew has decreased by 6 dwarves.
Update: Iron Giant crew has decreased by 3 dwarves.
Update: Iron Giant crew has decreased by 4 dwarves and 2 oozes.
Update: Halfling crew members have entered the Record Room.

Kezzem continues sorting out the gears. He tries to sneak in, but knocks over a scroll tube and causes quite a racket! No one seems to care.

Murphy picks up a few scrolls and looks at what is written down. Every scroll he picks up has the word "darkness" repeating for its entire length. As he approaches the constructs to check on their status, they ignore him. The Guardian construct moves one of its hand wires to its...well, to where its lips would be and makes a horrible, grinding sound that Murphy's pretty sure is construct for "shhh!"

OOC: Kim, what are you doing with the scrolls you've read?

Bliss digs his treasure. He turns into a cat and sneaks inside. The floor is littered with small bits of parchment and string. Depending on how cat-like he feels, he could potentially have some fun here.

Succotash is far more interested in turning the levitation pad on. He sees no obvious mechanism to do so.

Hobie casts detect magic and looks around. As stated before, there's too much latent magic for detect magic to function as a general detection spell. Focusing on the scrolls, he can see the ones visible are not magical. He notices a large cabinet in the corner and focuses on that. There's something magical on top of it. Exploring reveals a divine scroll with the following:

CSW
Dispel Magic
Mass CLW
Remove Curse
Restoration
Summon Monster III

What's more, the cabinet itself radiates conjuration magic.

Pressi ponders sending Gerry ahead to scout, but ahead to where? With the discovery of the record room, the entire level has been explored. The only way forward now is up. Something tiggles the back of Pressi's mind. Maybe she picked up something off Shan that could be useful...

Kade has very little to add to any of this, though he seems to have made peace with his decision to join you folks. He's in a pretty good mood.

***

We're at the 36 minute mark.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 7/13)
Tuesday December 4th, 2018 10:17:35 PM
Zaragosa relays what he has learned with the group. He says this rather quietly but is no longer being stealthful since other members of the team have made quite the racket after him.

"Very well guys" he whispered, "Looks like we have 27 dwarves still on here and a, a badger...?"

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP108of111, AC25
Tuesday December 4th, 2018 10:47:37 PM

The conversation and revelations are interesting, and Bliss thinks that the folks who put on gears are the ones that the iron giant thinks are now crew members.

But that's not paying the rent, and this construct keeps on getting closer to home.

He miaows his impatience and looks for the way onwards and upwards.

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 - Large Air Elemental [w/o Huge bonuses??] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 30 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 d20+29=38 ; d20+29=36 ; d20+29=48 ; d20+29=30 ; d20+29=48 ; d20+29=40 ; d20+29=45 ; d20+29=41 ; d20+29=44 ; d20+29=36 ; d20+29=36 ; d20+29=41 ; d20+29=41 ; d20+29=38 ; d20+29=39 ; d20+29=32 ; d20+29=48 ; d20+29=30 ; d20+29=34 ; d20+29=43 ;
Wednesday December 5th, 2018 1:59:14 AM
[Murphy had remained at the doorway, just picking up scrolls that tumbled near the door as it opened. Others were going in.] Murphy does try to head the guardian's admonition, as he had, in fact, spoken in the doorway. It appears the guardian is not of a mind to respond to his queries, and only seems intent on maintaining fairly low decibels in the vicinity. He won't be bothering the scribe bots or the guardian any more for the moment.

He leaves the scrolls he found, as he really has no place on his person to put them.

"That would be 17 left, Jack, not 27. The badger is likely in the chest area above with some of them. And, like the documents say - looks like we are now crew members. Good find, Jack.

"I'm looking for a way up. Going to scan quickly while flying, and get back to Pressi. The password sheet may be of some use. Let's try that. You guys look for any controls in here, I'm going back out."

He does so - and flies a scanning pattern, looking at structure, at indentations, at any local differences as he flies in full intake mode first in the slime room. As soon as he comes across Pressi, he stops. "Say, you shut me out there. No doubt you had your reasons. But within this thing, it may be wise to keep lines of communication open. Are you willing to open the blockade? Also, you mind checking the password list over? It may have something that will open up the sphincter in the ceiling for us. Before you use it, we should gather everyone, and try to move more or less together. I haven't seen any travel tubes going upwards yet. Am looking a little harder now. Feel free to tell me your thoughts, if you wish, as I fly."

He does fly again, a few feet below the ceiling, gazing upwards. Lengthwise, scan a 5 or 6 foot breadth, then shift over on the return scan, another 5 to 6 foot sector in the central corridor. Near the levitation field, all along the adjacent walls, floors, ceiling. Lengthwise again. If nothing found in slime room or central corridor, then into Shan's lair. Scan ceiling, walls. Controls? Anomalies? Red buttons?

Made 20 perception rolls, as follows. Apply them where you think they apply: 38, 36, 48, 30, 48, 40, 45, 41, 44, 36, 36, 41, 41, 38, 39, 32, 48, 30, 34, 43.

Though alternative approaches to dealing with the crew do not come to mind, he still feels sad about the deaths they are causing - even though they do so to prevent deaths and destruction of their homes. And, Murphy thinks to himself, he really has no desire to see the iron giant's current pilot live long enough to call forth dead or imprisoned 'gods' which were likely dealt with that way because they deserved it.

And Ix? Impish as he is, and ruthless though he may be, and weird though it seems, he has at least a very slight affection for the gnome. He knows the gnome could easily turn on them. And that he needs to protect Kade from him. But... well, see what happens. He thinks that Pressi's urge to tell everyone we meet what a betrayer Ix is, though apparently the case, may not be the wisest tactical move in every case.

As he thinks through these things, his mind is open to Pressi, should she want to pay him any attention.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 106/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+7=27 ;
Wednesday December 5th, 2018 5:28:32 AM
Succotash is growing more frantic as the time ticks by, "Why can't I find the way up?" he mentally berates himself, then continues looking. perception 27 nat 20

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 7/13)
Wednesday December 5th, 2018 8:15:28 AM
(OOC I shouldn't post while tired or do math when it is late, it is ok. it is not like I'm a science teacher.... wait....)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+22=42 ;
Wednesday December 5th, 2018 2:47:02 PM
Hobie stops and focuses carefully on the conjuration aura of the cabinet, Spellcraft 42.

He hands the scroll of Divine spells out toward the two paladins. "Hey meat shields, I can't cast these, maybe you guys could get some use out of them."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Wednesday December 5th, 2018 8:27:15 PM
Pressi turns back on the link but she�s clearly bonded more with Shan than Ix.

Speaking of... what have I got in my pocket?

Pressi takes out the amulet and tries to use it.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP108of111, AC25 d20+13=22 ;
Wednesday December 5th, 2018 9:45:19 PM

Bliss uses another of his Guide witch uses to give a +2 to Jack's perception check.

BlissCat also sniffs out the trail that shows the way folk have most often left and entered. (Scent ability in this form) ... Survival to Track 22.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 110/119, CMD 24; Gears
Wednesday December 5th, 2018 10:36:53 PM
"Hey look, they've got 8 halfling crew members," observes Kezzem. "And there are eight of us. Wait a minute...do they think we're crew? Maybe if we unionize we can demand things like better pay, sick leave, and not flattening our town into a pancake. And also dental."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 22, HP 72/72, CMD 18
Thursday December 6th, 2018 2:01:26 AM
Talia hangs back and watches the group spread out into the room, around the tables of constructs busy recording everything that there are sensors to log. Wow! An automated log mechanism. A room full of automatons that record dang near everything.

Talia says with the excitement of self-discovery, to the group..."Hey, Humble Swords! ...this room records everything that is happening in this construct. What do you think would happen if we removed a baker's dozen of the scrolls from each "machine"? Would they recreate them? Does anyone have thoughts on this?"

Feeling like a deaf, dumb, and blind familiar in a room full of familiars, Talia will ask Rayya to fly around the room to see all it can see and to point out anything she thinks is interesting... using the "Speak with Master" ability of her familiar.

In the meantime, Tali; as she refers to herself in the familiar tone; with cast overland flight on herself just in case, she waves her hands and speaks to herself casting the spell. When finished, she makes sure she is hovering over the floor some 4 feet as she meanders around the room.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 106/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday December 6th, 2018 5:22:45 AM
Succotash decides to stand ready on the levitation pad for when his friends find the means to turn the thing on.

DM Carl
Thursday December 6th, 2018 8:22:36 AM
Zaragosa does some math. Given the stress, one can hardly blame him for being a little off.

Bliss wonders if wearing the gears makes one a crew member, but the scroll said there were 8 halflings that joined the crew. Bliss is likely counted whether he wears a gear or not. That's not important right now, though.

Murphy also does some math, then does some serious searching. At the end of his investigations, Murphy is absolutely certain there is not a physical mechanism that activates the levitation pad or opens the door above it. There has to be a magical way of opening it.

Succotash does his own search, and comes to the same conclusion. He stands on the levitation pad so he's the first to move up when this is figured out.

Hobie investigates the cabinet. Inside is a rack of a dozen quills, a dozen bottles of ink (all full), 50 pieces of parchment, and a dozen scroll tubes. The scrolls, quills, and ink the constructs are using match the stocks inside exactly. The cabinet is fully stocked, though, and all the stuff inside looks brand new.

Bliss's nose confirms people come and go through the levitation circle.

Kezzem dreams of a glorious proletariat revolution!

Talia wants one of these automated log things for her own. Is it self repairing? She asks Rayya to fly about and report, but the owl finds nothing new. Her excitement is met by another, louder, grindier "SHHH" from the guardian, who then enters a combat-ready stance, but makes no further aggressive action.

Pressi has her own favorites in the unexpected family drama going on inside the Iron Giant. She takes the amulet out and tries to use it. She can't figure out any activation mechanism, but the levitation pad starts to respond when she stands on it. She must be real close to figuring out what to do with it.

***

37 minutes have passed.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+18=22 ; d20+4=18 ;
Thursday December 6th, 2018 1:09:51 PM
Gerry walks up to the quite rude writing construct, placing a finger on his lips himself. His glare can be quite intimidating at times.

Pressi continues to fiddle with the amulet, running a number of knowledge checks on it. (UMD 22, Know Religion 18) She also tries some of the basics like jumping up and down while blowing.

Also, clicking her heels a couple of times.

Oh, and wiggling and banging it in the hopes of getting a better signal. Can't forget that one.

(If I think of a better or funnier solution before end of tonight, I'll try to post it.)

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP108of111, AC25
Thursday December 6th, 2018 1:18:31 PM
Bliss uses his Guide witch ability to give Pressi a plus two on her effort to get the lift going. He hops on it too.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 7/13) d20+12=31 ; d20+8=14 ;
Thursday December 6th, 2018 2:06:00 PM
Zaragosa tilts his head toward Pressi "perhaps banging it against the platform will work" he said in a friendly half serious tone. He will walk up to inspect the amulet for arcane (knowledge arcane 31) and religion (knowledge religion 14)

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 - Large Air Elemental [w/o Huge bonuses??] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 30 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96
Thursday December 6th, 2018 3:31:34 PM

Murphy gives his report to all, and gathers with them around the levitation spot. He feels confident that Pressi will figure things out, somehow or other.

"Say, Hobie, would you mind twinking me with your wand of shield? Maybe some of the other folks here, too, might benefit from it. How long does it last?"

"And Talia, having yourself and maybe a few of us turned invisible with your new wand could be helpful. I'd be happy to have you do that for me, if it's all right."

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 - Large Air Elemental [w/o Huge bonuses??] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 30 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96
Thursday December 6th, 2018 3:33:45 PM

"Oh, and Bliss - you have the wand of mage armor I lent you a while back. Maybe use it on those who don't have it up yet. I'm fine, though."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Thursday December 6th, 2018 4:33:38 PM
Hobie will grab a bunch of the parchment, ink and quills and shove them in his haversack. He�s got plans to scribe some scrolls when they get back to town. He will watch what happens to the cabinet after he takes the things.

�Well Murph I cant cast the spell on you because this particular spell only works for the one who casts it. But if you are practiced at Using Magical Devices and can activate the wand yourself then feel free to use a charge. It only lasts one minute, so I tend to use it just before going into a place where danger might be immediately present.�

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Thursday December 6th, 2018 4:35:02 PM
�Talia I�d like to be made invisible as well before we head up the way�

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23, HP 83/83, CMD 19 d20+20=27 ; d20+5=13 ; d20+25=45 ;
Thursday December 6th, 2018 6:23:33 PM
Talia asks everyone in the group that wishes to be turned invisible, to line up in a single queue so that it will be easier to cast one at a time on them. Tali says, "Alright, everyone wishing to be Invisible for 11 minutes or until you attacks, step right up!"

Afterward, Tali walks up to Pressi hoping she can lend a hand at the gem activation process. Using her Knowledge Arcana, Spellcraft, and Use Magical devices skills, she tries to help! Tali asks, "Pressi, would you mind terribly if I try to get this gem to operate the lift?" as she extended her hand to take hold of the gem.

[Skills Used: Knowledge Arcana: 27, Spellcraft: 15, & Use Magical Device: Nat 20 (45)]

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 - Large Air Elemental [w/o Huge bonuses??] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 30 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96
Thursday December 6th, 2018 7:12:28 PM

Murphy mentions, "I think, using the wand, the invisibility will last 3 minutes, rather than 11 minutes." He lines up for the spell.

Murphy (Kim) Druid 11 - Large Air Elemental [w/o Huge bonuses??] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 30 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96
Thursday December 6th, 2018 10:01:05 PM

"Oh, if we see one of the communication hoods, when we get to the next level," Murphy adds, "someone get to it, or the person who has it, as soon as possible. We want to do what we can to minimize our opponents taking advantage of that. AND - try to keep others from retreating upwards. The less advanced notice, the better. Middle abs, next stop."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 110/119, CMD 24; Gears
Friday December 7th, 2018 1:13:56 AM
"I'd like to be invisible!" say Kezzem. "Makes it easier to blame others next time I knock over a scroll tube."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD26 - HP 106/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday December 7th, 2018 5:17:31 AM
Succotash asks Talia for a tap from the invisibility wand, and prepares to lead the way up.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 41) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 7/13)
Friday December 7th, 2018 8:15:23 AM
Zaragosa joins the others and also asked for some invisibility but "only if there is any left, for I Do a lot more damage to the enemy if I come out of no where"

Talia (Kim for Jon-Paul) AC 23, HP 83/83, CMD 19 Invisible
Friday December 7th, 2018 2:24:01 PM
Talia's wand grants invisibility to the following people: Hobie; Succotash; Kezzem; Zaragosa; Murphy. If Kade wants also to be invisible, she does so for him. She has Rayya land on her shoulder, and casts on herself. 44-7=36 charges remaining if Kade included. Lasts 3 minutes. "Anyone else? Pressi, Bliss?"

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 34 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 Invisible d20+3=13 ; d20+3=22 ; d20+29=48 ;
Friday December 7th, 2018 2:46:06 PM

"Bliss. BLISS." Murphy tries to get his attention. "The Wand of mage armor. Does anyone here need that? Speak up friends, if you want that benefit."

"Hobie, thanks for reminding me on the shield spell. I think you already told me that before, and I had forgotten. I'll give it a try." He tries, fails on the first attempt, tries again, and succeeds. "Thanks! Here is the wand back."

=============
Perception: 48
Active Spell Effects: Freedom of Movement: 76 minutes 5 rounds; Longstrider: 9 hours 57 minutes 5 rounds (land movement +10); Mage Armor (+4 AC): 143 minutes 8 rounds: Barkskin: 77 minutes 1 rounds (Nat AC +4); Call Lightning: 4 rounds (7 lightning bolts left); Invisibility: 2 minutes 8 rounds; Shield 3 minutes

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+22=24 ;
Friday December 7th, 2018 3:25:27 PM
On that wand of Invisibility, I didn't roll spellcraft earlier cuz you just kind of told us about the loot, but I want to know what the caster level on it is, so that we can hopefully know how long our invisibility will last. Spellcraft 24 for that

DM Carl d20+16=26 ; d20+14=26 ;
Friday December 7th, 2018 5:46:50 PM
Whhoooooo boy...

Murphy and Talia discuss making sure everyone's defensive spells are cast, and go through their extensive wand collection to make sure everyone's as ready as they can make them.

Meanwhile, Pressi, Bliss, and Zaragosa take turns trying new and exciting things with the amulet. Through trial and error, they realize that the higher up the amulet goes, the closer the levitation pad looks to turning on. Finally, Pressi brushes the amulet against one of the hooks the other amulets are hanging from, and the levitation pad immediately comes to life, lifting Succotash up into the air.

Meanwhile, Hobie starts shoving writing supplies into his pack.

Then, things get exciting.

As soon as Hobie shoves the first supply into his pack, the guardian construct roars to life and attacks. It has to cross the room to get to him, so fortunately it only gets one attack. It hits AC 26, missing. Still, Hobie finds the guardian between himself and his way out.

At the same time, a sunrod is thrown down from the upper floor, bouncing on the iron floor once before a metal-clad dire badger leaps down through the levitation field, slamming into Succotash, knocking him out of the levitation field and flat on his back on the ground below. The badger stands over Succotash, snarling angrily. (Bull rush 26 - success).

From above, a heavily armored female dwarf cheers. "Good girl, Chompy! Git'em!" She does something unseen, and the levitation field reverses. A yellow light on the levitation pad turns blue as this happens.

Combat rounds! No map yet. I'm not 100% on where Murphy and Talia were when all this was going on. Were you still with Hobie? Were you futzing with the levitation pad? Up to you folks.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP108of111, AC25
Friday December 7th, 2018 8:05:36 PM

Before things get lively, Bliss shakes his head to Mister Murphy. He has no need for a Mage Armor.

Then Bliss, who was on the levitation pad with Sir Succo, takes a leap. Maybe a leap up-up-up to the dwarf girl, or a five ft leap onto Chompy. He would prefer to leap to the dwarf, if he can. He focuses [OOC: Barbarian rage] and leaps ...

CatBliss has a 1d20+44 to leap, and expect to leap up 10-15 ft no problemo. How far is the nearest landing near the dwarf girl?

Bliss's will attack, either a standard attack against the girl or a full attack against chompy, if he can, after distance and target and jump checks are made ...

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP108of111, AC23 d20+14=26 ; d20+14=18 ; d20+14=32 ; d2+15=16 ; d2+15=16 ; d3+15=18 ; d6=3 ;
Friday December 7th, 2018 9:06:44 PM

... on reflection, Bliss realizes he just can't leap up 20 ft to attack the dwarf girl. So he leaps five ft (five ft step) into Chompy's square. Like I said, before jumping Bliss focuses [rage, free action]. As he leaps, he activates his arcane strike (swift action). He has not taken the time to activate his Shield of Faith, and raging brings his AC down by 2, so he is AC23.

Three attacks:

Claw: AC26 for 16
Claw: AC18 for 16
Bite: AC32 for 21 nonlethal

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 110/119, CMD 24; Gears d20+19=31 ;
Friday December 7th, 2018 11:43:47 PM
"Man, I really hate fighting people's pets," says Kezzem. "It just feels so wrong."

"Hey Dwarf Girl, there is no reason for us to hurt Mr. Chompy," says Kezzem. "How about you order him to stand down and we can just talk this out."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 = 31.

He will also use Detect Evil on the she-dwarf.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 34 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 2d6+11=22 ; 2d6+11=17 ; 2d6+11=20 ; 2d6+11=21 ; 2d6+11=14 ; 2d6+11=17 ; 2d6+11=19 ; 2d6+11=19 ; 2d6+11=18 ; 2d6+11=21 ; 2d6+11=23 ; 2d6+11=19 ; 2d6+11=21 ; 2d6+11=17 ; 2d6+11=19 ; 2d6+29=37 ;
Saturday December 8th, 2018 2:02:42 AM

Murphy spins up to whirlwind, then rises from about 10' altitude upward through the opening, attaining close to 20' from the bottom to the top of his vortex. He looks around [my perception roll from last set post of 48 was for whatever was about to happen.] He hoovers through the dwarf lady who just assaulted his buddy, and takes a pathway through any other dwarfs (about six of them up here?) and constructs (about 2 of them up here?). Does there happen to be a 9' tall, 6' diameter pink gem in the center of the area? In any event, he strives to intersect his pathway with all the dwarfs, and any constructs, of course becoming visible once he intersects with the badger's coach. Plot a path for him through them all, then again if he still has movement available. 120' total. 10' up to dwarf, then through her, and the next, etc.

He pays particular attention to any who might have, or might be going to pick up a communications hood. And makes certain that hood and attempted user do not succeed in connecting a call.

But mainly, stirring things up as much as possible to disrupt those above from messing further with those below. And taking up as many of the dwarfs as possible. He does not try to pull the constructs into his vortex.

Dwarf coach lady Reflex Save DC21 or (slam equivalent) Damage 2d6+11=22; and make 2nd Ref Save DC21 or be sucked up into vortex of whirlwind
Next dwarf (or construct, or other opponent): Ref DC21 or dam 22; 2nd Ref DC21 or pulled into vortex
Next: DC21 or dam 17; DC21 or vortex
Next: dam 20; vortex?
Next: dam 21; vortex?
Next: dam 14; vortex?
Next: dam 17; vortex?
Next: dam 19; vortex?
Next: dam 19; vortex?
Next: dam 18; vortex?
Next: dam 21; vortex?
Next: dam 23; vortex?
Next: dam 19; vortex?
Next: dam 21; vortex?
Next: dam 17; vortex?
Next: dam 19; vortex?

I figure that's enough potential interactions for this round - may not even be able to use all of them. May I reserve where he ends up in the chamber once we have a map? He doesn't want to end the round directly between two constructs. If changing direction frequently makes sense to help him with his final stopping point for the round (and getting as many opponents as possible), he does so.

MAP (look to far right bottom tab 'Badger and Guardian 1' - 2 levels shown, lower on page is up a level from higher on page -ADM Kim, subject to DM revisions)

==========
Perception (for balance of round): 37

Active Spell Effects: Freedom of Movement: 76 minutes 4 rounds; Longstrider: 9 hours 57 minutes 4 rounds (land movement +10); Mage Armor (+4 AC): 143 minutes 4 rounds: Barkskin: 77 minutes 0 rounds (Nat AC +4); Call Lightning: 3 rounds (6 lightning bolts left - well, 3); Invisibility: attack invalidates

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 30 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96
Saturday December 8th, 2018 2:05:21 AM
[Oops - AC 30, not 34. No shield spell active, due to separation of characters. Hobie, in totally different room, likely does not have invisibility, afaik, as that was happening next to levitation circle.]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Saturday December 8th, 2018 7:04:27 AM
"Sorry guys!"

Hobie will 5 ft step to get out of the range of the construct attacking him (or if not possible with 5ft then he'll move and incur an AOO), and he will cast Invisibility on himself.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD28 - HP 106/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20=10 ; d10=5 ; d20=8 ; d10=5 ; d10=7 ;
Saturday December 8th, 2018 7:27:02 AM
Sorry I forgot to update the CMD on my header after adding the 2 str gears, but I will gracefully take the bullrush, or more accurately ungracefully

As Chompy barrels down on him Succotash is able to get off a swing with Twinklesting (AoO0 before going head over tea kettles.

10+22=33 for 5+13=18 damage

Then he will offers Chompy a chance for an AoO when he stands up (A move action) then using Power Attack and Vital Strike, he brings another blow to bare.

8+22-3(Power Attack)=27 for 5+7+13+9=34 damage

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 6/13)
Saturday December 8th, 2018 9:52:50 AM
Since my character is invisible (I think) and I don't know who to attack without the map, Zaragosa's first turn will be to start his performances

Talia (Kim for Jon-Paul) AC 23, HP 83/83, CMD 19 Invisible d20+20=25 ;
Saturday December 8th, 2018 1:29:15 PM

Talia flies up through the opening above, to where she can see below and above, and casts haste using the power of the gem for that 3rd level slot, affecting all in the party, including Kade, except for Hobie (no line of sight, two rooms away). Each person adds 30 to any type of movement (max double normal speed), +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. When making a full attack action, a hasted creature may make one extra attack with one natural or manufactured weapon. The attack is made using the creature�s full base attack bonus, plus any modifiers appropriate to the situation.

She takes a look around to see what is happening above. Perception 25.

Pressi (CAYZLE) - AC 27, HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Sunday December 9th, 2018 10:23:13 AM

[OOC Map Notes: It looks to me like Bliss and Sir Succo were both in the badger's (Chompy's) square. There's not enough room for that, so I kept Bliss in Chompy's space (Bliss is size tiny so that's fine) and moved Sir Succotash one space down. Hope that's OK? I also tidied a bit here and there.]

Pressi activates her witch's Shield of Faith that she shares with Bliss as a swift action, giving her a +4 deflection bonus to AC. She enjoys that Haste, so her total AC is now 27. Jack's performance (bonus to attack and damage) will be nice next round if her spell fails, but for now she casts a spell pointing UP!

She looks up at that dwarf enemy and casts a powerful bloodwitch spell, adding a boost from her Focused Curse ability. DOMINATE PERSON!

The Will save DC is base 10 +5 (5th level spell) +4 (18Int) +2 (feats) +1 (Curse) = Will Save DC22.

If it works, Pressi forces the dwarf to call off Chompy and stop the fight.

DM Carl d20+6=14 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+5=21 ; d20+5=22 ; d20+5=16 ; d20+5=13 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+5=10 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+14=30 ; 2d4+2=5 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+13=19 ; d20+13=20 ; d10+7=12 ; d10+7=13 ; d10+10=18 ; d20+21=35 ; d20+21=37 ; d10+10=13 ; d10+10=13 ; d10+10=18 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+16=34 ; 2d8+8=16 ; 2d8+8=14 ; d20+14=33 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+14=34 ; d20+14=24 ; 2d4+12=17 ; 2d3+10=14 ; 2d3+10=14 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+8=14 ; d10+2=7 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=14 ;
Sunday December 9th, 2018 6:46:21 PM
Bliss leaps into action (literally!). In cat form, he performs an all-out attack on Chompy. His second claw attack misses, and the two attacks that do hit are dampened by the metal plating on her.

OOC: Chompy has AC 24 and DR5/Something.

Kezzem doesn't feel right about attacking pets. He tries to get her to stand down. She chuckles. "You were right, Ix. They do like to talk." She smiles at someone (you assume Ix) off to the side. It would appear the inevitable betrayal shoe finally dropped.

Murphy goes whirlwind and starts heading up. His memory from the magic mirror below is correct. There's a big pink gem, 6 dwarves (one of whom, the woman who's addressed you, is much better equipped than the other fodder in here - D1 on the map), some training dummies, a small rack of sunrods...and Ix, who looks really pleased with himself. He is currently playing a catchy tune on a very nice looking lute. Murphy tries to slam into and scoop up as many folks as possible. Unfortunately, that's just the people who are on the rim of the opening.

OOC: The room upstairs is 9' tall. Per whirlwind rules, you need at least 10 feet. You can stay on the lower floor and woosh all the folks within 5' of the rim, but you can't move in that upper floor. That's still 4 targets, though!

Murphy starts with the fancy-armored woman and moves clockwise.

D1 - Full damage, no vortex
D3 - Half damage, no vortex
D2 - Full damage, caught in vortex
D5 - Full damage, caught in vortex
D1 again - Full damage, no vortex
D3 again - Full damage, caught in vortex
D1 again - Full damage, no vortex

Not enough move to get back to D1 again. There's room in your vortex for one more small creature.

Hobie apologizes, steps back, and vanishes. The guardian begins to scan the room, but gives no indication it can see you.

Succotash swings at Chompy as she bowls him over, drawing some blood. The badger's eyes widen and she begins shaking in rage as she's injured (blood rage!). As he stands, she takes a bite out of him. hitting AC 30 for 15 damage. Unhappy with that turn of events, he throws some caution to the wind and lands a solid blow against her.

Zaragosa begins his performance, boosting everyone's combat abilities.

Talia drops a haste spell on the party, then flies upstairs to get a good look.

Pressi boosts her defenses, then attempts to cast a dominate person spell on the mocking dwarf. The dwarf's grin vanishes as Pressi's curse takes hold (will save 20 - fail). The dwarf gives a sharp whistle, but Chompy is currently blood-raging and does not respond.

Kade takes aim and unleashes bolts as quickly as he's able at Chompy, hitting once for 5 damage.

D1 continues whistling, trying to get Chompy to stop.

The three dwarves in Murphy's vortex all slash at the druid's winds. Murphy is hit thrice (hit AC 34, 28, and 30) for 15, 18, and 16 damage.

D4 and D6 both advance and take a swing at Murphy as well. Hit AC 35 and 37 for 13 and 13 damage.

OOC: Looks like the die roller finally started cooperating.[/b]

Both guardian constructs advance on Talia and swing at her with their axe-hands (Talia gets an AoO on G1). Hit AC 30 and 34 for 16 and 14 damage.

Ix leans against the gem and continues his song. He casts a spell at Murphy. Murphy must make a DC 17 fort save or be blinded.

Chompy attacks Succotash with a single-minded rage.

Bite: Hit AC 33 for 17 damage
Claw1: Hit AC 28 for 14 damage
Claw2: Nat 20 (threat fail at 24) for 14 damage

Map

Pressi (CAYZLE) - AC 27, HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d4=2 ;
Sunday December 9th, 2018 8:45:25 PM

Pressi calls out, "Do not attack the Dwarf Lady! She is now our ally! Do not kill her badger! Back off and let her grapple it!"

She uses a move action to command the dominated Dwarf: "Come down here, grapple your badger ally, and drag him to safety in that room over there!" Pressi indicates the room where Hobie was a little while ago, out of line of sight of the battle.

Then Pressi uses a standard action to cast a Spectral Hand spell. That inflicts 1d4 -- 2 -- hp damage on herself.

She communicates to Murphy through her telepathic link that she will cure him with a spectral hand touch next round. Plus, why is he going off ahead again!? Come back here with the creatures you picked up and drop them here so we can attack them please.

Halfling Bliss (Cayzle) HP106of109, AC26
Sunday December 9th, 2018 8:59:19 PM

Following Pressi's guidance, Bliss takes a five ft step back and ends his rage. He activates his Shield of Faith (swift action) and changes into a halfling (standard action). He delays until the dwarf has grappled her pal and then takes out his staff-sling (move action).

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 30 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 54/96 (or 21/96) 2d6+12=19 ; 2d6+12=19 ; 2d6+12=21 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=10 ; 2d6=8 ; d20+10=17 ; d8=5 ; d8=4 ; d8=1 ; d8=8 ; d8=3 ; d20+29=40 ;
Monday December 10th, 2018 4:56:19 AM
"Ix is up here, leaning against the pink gem, trying to blind me," roars the wind in the halfling tongue.

Murphy's vortex shakes those within, then begins to shrink down, and after a moment the whirlwind begins spitting three dwarfs to the floor below.
D2 Ref DC21 or take 19 dam, then dropped at N12, 9 hp falling damage
D3 Ref DC21 or take 19 dam, dropped at O10, 10 hp falling damage
D5 Ref DC21 or take 21 dam, dropped at N10, 8 hp falling damage
It's possible that all three land prone - and are available for striking, if people so desire.

He then speeds away, sorely wounded. He casts cure critical wounds on himself, regaining 33 of the 75 hp damage he just took, leaving him down 42 from max.

If for some reason he cannot cast that spell upon himself when in whirlwind form, he drops out of whirlwind to cast it, back to air elemental - but will have to wait until next round to cast.

He gives mental assent to Pressi as she informs him of an imminent cure via mage hand, and messages her telepathically, "Ix is up there, playing a lute. I think he did something to lower the ceiling. It had been about 20' high when we saw this room through the mirror, and there was open space above the gem. Now the ceiling is dropped to 9' high."
========
Fort Save: 17/17
Perception: 40

Active Spell Effects: Freedom of Movement: 76 minutes 3 rounds; Longstrider: 9 hours 57 minutes 3 rounds (land movement +10); Mage Armor (+4 AC): 143 minutes 3 rounds: Barkskin: 76 minutes 9 rounds (Nat AC +4); Call Lightning: 2 rounds (6 lightning bolts left - well, 2)

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC26/touch13/flat25 CMD28 - HP 106/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20=5 ; d20=6 ; d20=12 ; d20=16 ;
Monday December 10th, 2018 5:36:58 AM
OOC please ignore all but the 1st d20 roll, mouse button got stuck

Upon hearing Pressi's words, Succotash attempts to grapple Chompy.
5+17+1+1=24

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 46/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday December 10th, 2018 5:39:19 AM
fixed header

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 6/13) d20+15=16 ; d4+1=2 ; d6=3 ; 4d6=16 ; d20+15=33 ; d4+1=2 ; d6=4 ; 4d6=15 ; d20+9=14 ; d4+1=5 ; d6=3 ; 4d6=16 ;
Monday December 10th, 2018 8:46:46 AM
Zaragosa, was invisible beforehand and now has haste, which put him in perfect position to make a five-foot step to D2 to flank, he will strike D2 with a full round attack

If I come out of invisibility to attack, are they flatfooted?

+1 for performance
attack 1:
16 to hit (natural 1) : damage 2 + (cold) 3 + preformance 1 + (sneak attack) 16 = 22

attack 2:
33 to hit: damage 2 + (cold) 4 + preformance 1 + (sneak attack) 15 = 22

attack 3:
14 to hit: damage 4 + (cold) 3 + preformance 1 + (sneak attack) 16 = 24

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 110/119, CMD 24; Gears
Monday December 10th, 2018 12:40:45 PM
Kezzem backs away and cast Shield Other on Pressi (standard action))

He then activates his Detect Evil against the nearest Dwarf (currently D3) or the Badger as applicable (move action)

Spells in Effect:
Haste
Shield Other (Hobbie, Pressi)

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (4 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (2 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (2 cast)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23, HP 53/83, CMD 19
Monday December 10th, 2018 12:42:09 PM
Tali, is just a bit disappointed he was hit, and will fly (having casted overland flight) from N25 to the ceiling of N25 stretching spread eagle flat against the wall (ceiling) while moving to N17 trying to avoid any attacks of opportunity the enemies might be looking to take advantage off.

The next round Tali will cast a spell.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Monday December 10th, 2018 4:03:33 PM
Hobie casts Fly on himself and still invisible, flies 60 feet into the room with his friends.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24, touch AC 17; HP 110/119, CMD 24; Gears
Monday December 10th, 2018 6:22:15 PM
Hobbie, you'll need to stay within 50 feet of Kezzem if you want to benefit from Shield Other. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Kezzem can get up there easily.

Halfling Bliss (Cayzle) HP106of109, AC26
Monday December 10th, 2018 10:27:05 PM
Bliss and Pressi look around and wonder if this iron golem would make a good witch cauldron.

[OOC: Going to bed, making a post for the day.]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Tuesday December 11th, 2018 12:30:51 AM
Kezzem: Hobie in a different room from Kezzem but with that move he is now right next to Kezzem

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 30 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 54/96 (or 21/96) 3d6=5 ;
Tuesday December 11th, 2018 2:10:10 AM

Note: If Murphy cannot, this round, cast CSW on self in whirlwind form, nor drop out of whirlwind to do so, he will instead discharge a 5' diameter 30' tall (29' plus electrical splash?) lightning column to strike D5 and D3 for... a measly 5 hp of electrical damage, or Ref save for half damage.

If not able to cast it... then, please disregard.

DM Carl d20+7=21 ; d20+10=11 ; d20+5=7 ; d20+14=32 ; 2d4+12=16 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+8=13 ; d10+2=9 ; d20+14=33 ; d20+14=15 ; 2d4+10=16 ; d20+10=28 ; d10+2=10 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+18=30 ; d10+7=13 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+18=29 ; d10+7=13 ;
Tuesday December 11th, 2018 11:00:43 AM
Pressi asks her companions to not attack the dwarf lady, then commands her to come down and stop Chompy. Dwarf lady fights hard against the command, and almost doesn't succeed, but Ix's song puts her over the top and she shakes off the enchantment (will save 24 - success). Whhooooooo boy is she angry at Pressi.

"Right. Lads, that one's mine. Git yourselves outta that blasted whirlwind and kill the rest'ofem."

Pressi casts a spectral hand spell with intentions to heal Murphy next round.

Bliss calms down and steps back. He casts a spell and prepares to attack again next round.

OOC: Gerry is Pressi's lesser summons. I'll have him (her?) attack Chompy this round. Info is on Pressi's sheet for next round.

Gerry clumsily attempts to attack Chompy, but the attempts are very lacking (Hit AC 11 and 7).

Murphy shakes up the dwarves he picked up last round. (They don't get reflex saves for half damage if they're tumbling helplessly in your vortex.) He then drops them, where they land prone and banged up. He spirits himself away and heals some of the damage he took. (Whirlwind says you can't make standard attacks, but says nothing about other actions. Plus, you have wild shape. Plus, you speak auran. I see no reason why you wouldn't be able to cast spells as a whirlwind.)

Succotash follows Pressi's suggestion to grapple Chompy, but that's one strong badger. The attempt gets him an AoO, and Chompy...well, chomps, hitting AC 32 for 16 damage.

Talia gets out of harms way, then starts summoning some help. As she passes the pink gem in the middle of the room, she feels waves of arcane energy. When she's finished casting her summon monster spell, she finds the casting did not remove it from her prepared spell list!

OOC: Summon monster takes a full round to cast, meaning your summon arrives at the beginning of the next round and can act immediately. Since you're invisible, you can escape the guardians w/o any danger. I recommend you get in the habit of noting any effects you have currently active in your posts; I wouldn't have had them attack you if I'd known you were invisible (of course, there's a good chance Murphy would have been killed since he was the only other viable target!). Oh, and you pick the monster you summon. There are no dice to roll. Qualifying monsters are in the spell description.

Zaragosa moves to attack the newly delivered dwarves. He stabs D2 once, getting a particularly nasty strike in. D2's looking rough.

Kezzem protects Pressi, then checks for evil. D3 is indeed evil. (You can only check one object or individual per turn, but you know animals, even dire ones, are very rarely evil.)

Hobie books it double-speed back to his friends.

Kade finds softer targets in the dwarves who've fallen and opens fire on D2, hitting once. D2 tries to stand, but swoons and collapses unconscious.

Chompy continues her single-minded assault on Succotash, hitting AC 33 for 16 damage.

D5 stands and swings at Kade, drawing AoO from Kade and Pressi. He misses, barely, and Kade clocks him with the butt of his crossbow, hitting AC 28 for 10 damage. D5's also looking rough.

D3 also stands, drawing AoO from Bliss and Pressi. He swings at Bliss, hitting AC 30 for 13 damage.

From across the room, Talia can see both guardians stand tall and look for threats.

D4, D6, and D1 all jump down, the levitation field slowing their falls. D6 draws an AoO from Zaragosa. D4 draws an AoO from Zaragosa and Succotash. D1 draws an AoO from Pressi.

She turns her back to Kade, glaring at him before she turns to Pressi. "I'll deal with you in a moment, traitor. This one invaded my mind. She dies first." Dwarf lady rears back and makes a powerful strike. It's obvious she's exceptionally well-trained. The attack almost breaks through Pressi's defenses, but Kezzem's Shield Other spell saves her.

D6 takes a swing at Zaragosa, but fails to connect.

D4 takes a swing at Bliss, hitting AC 29 for 13 damage.

Ix's song can be heard growing louder as he approaches the edge of the hole. His stupid little head peaks over the edge, smiling at Kezzem. He casts a spell towards the door Hobie just came out of.

Pressi, Hobie, Kezzem, and Bliss (and maybe Gerry?) must make a DC19 will save or be confused.

Anyone who's confused, roll a D100 each round and act appropriately:

01-25 Acts normally
26-50 Does nothing but babble incoherently
51-75 Deals 1d8 points of damage + Str modifier to self with item in hand
76-100 Attacks nearest creature (for this purpose, a familiar counts as part of the subject�s self)

Map

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23, HP 53/83, CMD 19 d3=3 ;
Tuesday December 11th, 2018 12:25:34 PM
At the start of the next round, Tali -- hasted and invisible -- will have summoned a Bralani Azata to fight for her against IX and the other enemies on this level. As she has a discovered the effect of the pink gem on her known spells, she will cast the Summon Monster V again, but this time, will summon (1d3) worth of Archon Hounds, who will arrive the start of the next round!

Active Spell Effects:

Overlight flight (Spell -- self cast -- prior to combat) -- lasts 11 hours
Invisibility (from wand -- cast on anyone that wanted in -- started with 44 charges -- spell lasts for 3 minutes?)
Haste (casts haste using the power of the gem for that 3rd level slot, affecting all in the party, including Kade, except for Hobie (no line of sight, two rooms away). Each person adds 30 to any type of movement (max double normal speed), +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. When making a full attack action, a hasted creature may make one extra attack with one natural or manufactured weapon. The attack is made using the creature�s full base attack bonus, plus any modifiers appropriate to the situation.) cast 2 round ago.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 4/13) d20+15=27 ; d4+1=2 ; d6=1 ; 4d6=18 ; d20+15=19 ; d4+1=3 ; d6=6 ; 4d6=23 ; d20+15=32 ; d4+1=5 ; d6=5 ; 4d6=20 ; d20=14 ; d4+1=2 ; d6=3 ; 4d6=18 ;
Tuesday December 11th, 2018 1:32:06 PM
Hasted

Zaragosa will continue his performance, though his voice shows sign of wearing out.

If I am reading the post correctly, I get a chance to do an Attack of Opportunity for either Dwarf 6 or 4 (I'll choose 4). If I am reading the map correctly, I have flanking with Bliss against dwarf 4

All on target Dwarf 4, AoO then a full round attack

AoO:
27 to hit : damage 2 + (cold) 1 + preformance 1 + (sneak attack) 18 = 22

Attack 1:
19 to hit : damage 3 + (cold) 6 + preformance 1 + (sneak attack) 23 = 33

Attack 2:
32 to hit : damage 5 + (cold) 5 + preformance 1 + (sneak attack) 20 = 31

Attack 3: (forgot to add +9 to the d20 roll. This is the last d20 roll on the chart above
23 to hit : damage 2 + (cold) 3 + preformance 1 + (sneak attack) 18 = 24

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 30 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 89/96 2d6+14=21 ; 2d6+14=21 ; 2d6+14=19 ; 2d6+14=20 ; 2d6+14=21 ; 2d6+14=20 ; 2d6=11 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=8 ; d8=8 ; d8=5 ; d8=5 ; d8=6 ; d20+29=36 ;
Tuesday December 11th, 2018 2:53:00 PM
Murphy flies hugging the ceiling (which he was doing at the end of the last round, having done so to fly over allies), a 10' vortex with the bottom 10' above the floor, forward 25' (, then expands the height of the vortex downward to 20' height, moves over to contact D3, D4, D5 and D6. He then raised up 9', coming in contact with Ix and G2. He shrinks to 10' (am counting 10' move for raising and lowering overall height of vortex), and drops anybody who has been caught up in the vortex down to the platform below. He flies back to his starting place. Total move 95' (60'+ fleet 5' + haste 30')

As before, each person who comes into contact with whirlwind needs to make a Reflex DC21 save or take 2d6+14 (have added in extra damage from Zaragosa's exceptional inspire courage - do not know whether that would add to Reflex save DC opponents need to make - likely not, but if so, DC24). If first save fails, then second such save or be sucked up into the vortex.
Damage: 21; 21; 19; 20; 21; 20
Falling damage (may be mitigated if levitation active) from ~20 height: 11; 4; 6; 9; 5; 8

He then flies back along the ceiling to his starting point. He casts CCW again from the pink gem he carries, regaining 35 hp (back to 89/96).

Murphy loves the power of the gems, and wonders about the huge one on the floor above.
==============
Perception: 36 (in particular, for a quick glance on the upper floor)

Active Spell Effects: Freedom of Movement: 76 minutes 2 rounds; Longstrider: 9 hours 57 minutes 2 rounds (land movement +10); Mage Armor (+4 AC): 143 minutes 2 rounds: Barkskin: 76 minutes 8 rounds (Nat AC +4); Call Lightning: 1 round (6 lightning bolts left - well, 1)

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 30 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 89/96
Tuesday December 11th, 2018 2:53:48 PM
Oh, and those who take falling damage are likely to land prone.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+9=12 ; d100=86 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+18=34 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+13=29 ; d6+18=23 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6+18=19 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6+18=19 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6+18=19 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6+18=22 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday December 11th, 2018 3:50:44 PM
Hobie is confused, and he rolled the worst of the four options. I'm not sure what that cyan G is but if it's a creature, then the GM can decide whether it or Kezzem is the unfortunate victim of the invisible archer.

I'm going to roll a full attack, because honestly Hobie's nature is to fire as many arrows as he can as quickly as he can. (Or if you are feeling lenient and want to rule that he only fires one arrow, that would sure be helpful)

Manyshot
Attack = 27 vs flat footed, as Hobie was invisible. (Or 29 if you rule that he takes only the one shot)
Piercing 23, Fire 4, Electric 2 = 27
Piercing 19, Fire 3, Electric 5 = 27

Rapid shot
Attack = 34
Piercing 19, Fire 5, Electric 1= 25

Haste
Attack = 31
Piercing 19, Fire 4, Electric 2 = 25

Iterative
Attack = 29
Piercing 22, Fire 2, Electric 2 = 26

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 4/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Remaining 50/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Haste (+1 AC, +1 Attack, +20 feet movement)

Shield Spell +4 Shield Bonus (only +3 above buckler)

===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Mirror Image

Level 3
Haste, Slow

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 37/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20=7 ; d10=9 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d20=9 ; d20=7 ; d20=8 ; d20=12 ; d10=3 ; d10=7 ; d10=7 ; d10=8 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday December 11th, 2018 5:41:13 PM
Lay of Hands 2/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 9/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 0/1

Succotash sees d4 out of the corner of his eye, and tries to hit him with a back swing (AoO)
7+22+3+1=33 for 9+13+3=25 slashing and 2 holy damage

After that, he preforms a Lay of Hands on himself healing 23 hp, he will then unload a full round attack on Chompy. if Chompy drops before he runs out of attacks, he will hit d4 with the remainder, unless he is also down, in which case, he will 5ft step and attack d6, he will bw using power attack for all his attacks

9+22+3+1-3=32 for 3+13+9+3=28 damage +6 holy
7+22+3+1-3=30 for 7+13+9+3=32 damage +8 holy
8+17+3+1-3=26 for 7+13+9+3=32 damage +7 holy
12+12+3+1-3=25 for 8+13+9+3=33 damage +4 holy

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 24+1(+5), touch AC 17; HP 110/119, CMD 24; Gears d20+15=31 ; d20+24=26 ; d20+24=41 ; d20+24=33 ; d20+19=28 ; d20+19=33 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+14=23 ; d3+13=16 ; d6=2 ; d3+13=15 ; d6=2 ; d3+13=16 ; d6=4 ; d3+13=16 ; d6=2 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+12=15 ; d3+12=13 ;
Tuesday December 11th, 2018 7:10:35 PM
SV Will: 1d20 + 15 = 31. Kezzem is not confused. For once.

Kezzem 5 ft. steps towards the Dwarf Lady (D1?) and activates Smite Evil on her (swift action).

OOC: Assuming she is Evil, but not secretly Undead, Fiendish, and Draconic. Adjust the following numbers below as needed if she is not.

"Well, I gave you a chance to take your badger and go home and you wouldn't listen, and instead decided to attack my buddy Pressi, so it's smiting time!"

He then unloads on her with a full attack from his daggers (modifiers from greater two-weapon fighting [-2], haste [+1], and smite evil [+5] all included).

Attack #1: +1 Frost Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 24 = 26.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 + 1d6 cold = 16 + 2 = 18.

Attack #2: +1 Frost Returning Dagger (Haste)
Attack: 1d20 + 24 = 41.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 + 1d6 cold = 15 + 2 = 17.

Attack #3: +1 Returning Dagger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 1d20 + 24 = 33.
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 14 (note that I had wrong modifier in die roll).

Attack #4: +1 Frost Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 19 = 28.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 + 1d6 cold = 16 + 4 = 20.

Attack #5: +1 Returning Dagger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 1d20 + 19 = 33.
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 15.

Attack #6: +1 Frost Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 14 = 26.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 + 1d6 cold = 16 + 2 = 18.

Attack #7: +1 Returning Dagger (Off-Hand)
Attack: 1d20 + 14 = 23.
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 13.

If D1 goes down before Kezzem is out of attacks, he will use his remaining attacks to throw daggers at D3. Note smite evil will not apply (modify each hit -5 attack, -11 damage; if he makes more than two attacks this way, the remaining attacks will be with regular, non-magical daggers (-1 attack, -1 damage, no cold damage in addition to no smite evil bonuses).

----

Spells & Effects:
Haste
Shield Other (Hobbie, Pressi)
Smite Evil (D1)

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (4 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (2 used)

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (2 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (2 cast)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1(+5), touch AC 18; HP 110/119, CMD 24; Gears
Tuesday December 11th, 2018 7:11:29 PM
Corrected AC.

Halfling Bliss (Cayzle) HP80of109, AC26 d20+8=25 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+11=20 ; d6+8=12 ; d6+8=10 ; d6+8=10 ;
Tuesday December 11th, 2018 8:31:24 PM

Bliss takes 26 damage from 2 blows and makes a will save ... a 25! Bliss suffers no confusion!

The little halfling makes a full attack on D4 with his fatigue, arcane strike, haste, flanking, and performance. That's three attacks, two at +16, one at +11, for 1d6+8, He hits ...

AC28 for 12
AC27 for 12
AC20 for 10

Pressi (CAYZLE) - AC 27, HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+17=18 ;
Tuesday December 11th, 2018 9:03:56 PM

Pressi notes that Murphy is only down 7 hp, and she appreciates that her love is okay for now.

But there's this angry dwarf lady right in front of her!

She takes a five ft step back, casts her witchy Calcific Touch spell, and tries to touch the angry dwarf woman with a touch attack: Pressi hits Touch AC18 - a natural one, misses.

Gerry keeps on fighting.

DM Carl d20+5=17 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+5=22 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+3=5 ; d20+3=15 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+10=26 ; d8+20=27 ; d8+20=23 ; d20+11=22 ; d20+16=17 ; d10+7=12 ; d20+14=28 ; d10+2=3 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+19=32 ; d10+7=12 ;
Wednesday December 12th, 2018 2:53:49 PM
Talia keeps pumping out monsters like there's no tomorrow. This spell casting *does* use up the slot.

OOC: You control them. Feel free to have them perform this round and next round's actions in your next post.

Zaragosa needs a glass of water, but keeps it up. He uses all available distractions to puncture D4 twice. It's a super-effective tactic. D4's bleeding bad.

Succotash rears back and slashes D4 to within an inch of his life. He heals himself up, then presses his attack on Chompy. He strikes the badger 4 times, though each is blunted somewhat by Chompy's armor. Three attacks are all it take to deliver a fatal blow, but Chompy's too angry to know that and keeps fighting (ferocity). One last attack, and Chompy's down for good.

Poor Chompy...

Murphy goes flying through the bad guys, trying to scoop them up (or at least bash'em around a bit). D3, D4, and G2 are hit by the full effect AND picked up. The rest made both saves and stay put. As he gets to the end of his route, Murphy spits all three combatants out. Both dwarves land in a heap and groan. They look up just in time to see the guardian construct come hurtling towards them. They scream briefly before the metal machine crushes the life from both of them. Like most of Murphy's kills, it's reeaalllll bloody.

Hobie finally recognizes that their true threat is Kezzem. He nocks two arrows and sends them at the paladin. Both plink off his armor. (Used your first attack & 27 is a miss).

Kezzem has run out of chances to give, and smites that dwarf lady.

Bliss finds his target's been snatched up by Murphy. He can take a step forward and attack D5, shredding the dude.

Pressi notes Murphy is mostly healed back up, then tries to start petrifying dwarf lady. A sudden hand cramp causes her arm to spasm, messing up the attack.

Gerry's greatest foe today is the dice roller, and he's losing.

Kade finds himself sandwiched between a guardian and dwarf lady. He gulps hard, grabs an axe from his belt, and attacks the lady. It's a great attack, but lady is heavily armored.

Things are not going well for our enemies today. Their pet is dead, their numbers have been halved, and their leader is looking super rough. BUT, dwarf lady made a promise to kill Pressi, and by jove that's what she's gonna do. Two strikes cut through Pressi's defenses, hitting AC 32 and 27 for 27 and 23 damage, respectively. Some of that goes to Kezzem, but you guys can work that out.

D6 sees the writing on the wall, but he keeps glancing fearfully at D1. He gulps, turns to Zaragosa, and attacks. He hits once, hitting AC 32 for 12 damage.

G2 stands, drawing an AoO from Kade and Gerry. Kade connects, but it's a glancing blow that does zero actual damage. Gerry's attempts to best the dice roller continue to fail. G2 attacks Murphy once with it's bladed hand, but Murphy's natural armor is too much to cut through.

Ix draws a beautiful, ornate crossbow from its place on his belt, takes careful aim, and sends a bolt straight through dwarf lady's brain stem. She doesn't even have time to act surprised before she's down. (Hit AC 32 for 12 damage.)

He then removes a small box from his pocket and fiddles with it. G2 stands down.

"Whew! Sorry about that, folks! Had to keep up appearances until Minh there was out of the picture. Dumb as a bag of hammers, but if she'd wanted me dead, well...I'd be dead." He steps into the levitation field and starts floating down, shrugging as he descends. "If you guys want to keep Hobie from hurting himself, I can stop that confusion spell too," he adds as he starts rifling through his belt pouches. "Gonna need you to finish off that one, though," he says while pointing to D6. "...and you sure you won't finish off Kade? It'd be a big help."

D6 immediately drops his weapon and backs up, face terrified and hands in the air.

Map! - Note I updated the upper level to show where walls/doors were. It's not a fully open space.

Whether or not we're in combat rounds at this point is up to you folks.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 30 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 89/96 d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday December 12th, 2018 5:13:25 PM

Murphy drops, in the last possible round he could do so, a lightning bolt (from earlier cast call lightning) a few feet in front of D6 (at L10) for 11 hp electrical damage, just avoiding striking him. "Yes, let Hobie's confusion end. Just make sure you are quickly out of his line of sight. He's fast with that bow. Maybe stand behind a construct."

"Kade is under our protection, Ix, so, no can do. Here's the deal. You take him down, and any deals we make with you go down. Your plan is to take over the ... gargantua, no? It's therefore in your best interests to let him be. We are competent at killing, but like to find other means where possible. Let this one go, the fellow with his hands raised. We seldom destroy those who have surrendered. Make certain that the defender in the right thigh leaves him alone, and let him exit the heel." To dwarf six, he says, "Go, dwarf. Leave. Head back north. If we find you anywhere in Crescent Valley, including Humble's Ford, it will not go well for you. Best keep your mouth shut."

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 89/96
Wednesday December 12th, 2018 5:26:16 PM
[Shoot. I thought I had already changed Murphy's header to show AC 28, so have not been paying attention to it. Fixed now. Sincere apologies.]

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 37/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday December 12th, 2018 5:27:09 PM
�Killing an unarmed person won�t happen!�, Succotash says to Ix, then turning to the remaining dwarf he says, �if you�re smart you�ll follow Kade�s lead and help us, if you do that, we will put you under our protection�.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1(+5), touch AC 18; HP 110/119, CMD 24; Gears d20+15=18 ;
Wednesday December 12th, 2018 6:57:31 PM
"Hey!" says Kezzem. "I'm smitin' here! I'm smitin' here!" He is very suspicious of this dwarf who seems to change sides as often as Murphey changes shape.

Sense Motive: 18.

He will also pop a Detect Evil on Iz if he can get him in range.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 40/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 4/13)
Wednesday December 12th, 2018 8:05:41 PM
Zaragosa stops his speech and points his frozen sword at the unarmed Dwarf. "Wise move, as you can see, you are no match for the Humble Sword"

Pressi (CAYZLE) - AC 27, HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Wednesday December 12th, 2018 9:51:23 PM

Pressi says ouch when she is hit by the angry dwarf lady. Then she says wow when the fight is suddenly over.

"So you are using us," she says to Ix, "to kill your enemies and leave you in possession of the iron giant?"

"Well, first remove the confusion then."

Halfling Bliss (Cayzle) HP80of109, AC26
Wednesday December 12th, 2018 9:53:02 PM
Bliss looks around to figure out why the fighting has stopped.

He listens to the negotiations.

"What would a real hero do?" he asks. "Would a hero let this Ix fellow go on his merry way?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23, HP 53/83, CMD 19 d20+20=29 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+25=43 ;
Wednesday December 12th, 2018 11:55:13 PM
Out of thin air, materializes a Bralani Azata, Silver-white hair the color of a lightning strike whips about this poised elf-like archer, his eyes swirling with vibrant colors standing in position O25 with scimitar drawn poised to strike and a composite longbow stretched across its back. Using truespeech, the Bralani listens to Talia when Tali asks the Bralani to delay his action against [1].

Behind the Bralani, ten feet or so back towards Talia, begin to form large humanoid looking beings with canine heads-- wielding greatswords -- roughly in positions L23, N23, and O23.

Tali flys to investigate the Gem [position MNO21] while her summoned creatures stand guard on that level. Using all of her acquired skills -- knowledge with Arcana, spellcraft, Use magical device and her perception, Tali will attempt to ascertain what the gem is and how to use it, move it, etc.

Spells in Effect

Summoned Monsters are summoned for 11 rounds,
Talia is invisible, and hasted

Skill Checks

Knowledge (Arcana) = 29
Perception = 22
Spellcraft = 25 (NAT 20)
Use Magic Device = 43

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 59/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d8=3 ; d100=91 ; d8=1 ; d8=2 ; d8=6 ;
Thursday December 13th, 2018 5:34:20 AM
Lay of Hands 2/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 9/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 0/1

Succotash pulls the cork on one of the 3 potions of CSW taken from Shane in the previous battle and drinks it, healing 22 hp.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 89/96
Thursday December 13th, 2018 1:55:12 PM

Murphy communicates telepathically to Pressi, "Please, please, tell Hobie not to try to fill Ix full of arrows, at least at this time. Okay, don't say 'at this time' out loud to him."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d100=49 ;
Thursday December 13th, 2018 2:07:30 PM
While his party begins to talk to Ix, Hobie simply babbles incoherently.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23, HP 53/83, CMD 19 d20+20=22 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+5=16 ; d20+25=34 ;
Thursday December 13th, 2018 3:58:47 PM
As the next set of summon creatures begin to materialize, Talia asks both groups to move to the edge of the circle at M24 & N24 and peer over the edge to see the enemy below, but to hold unless attacked.

Meanwhile, Tali is going to investigate more of the gem at position M21 & N21 just like last round.

Spells in Effect

Summoned Monsters are summoned for 11 rounds,
Talia is invisible, and hasted

Skill Checks

Knowledge (Arcana) = 22
Perception = 29
Spellcraft = 16
Use Magic Device = 34

DM Carl
Thursday December 13th, 2018 4:21:25 PM
Murphy sends a warning shot at D6, spooking the poor dwarf even more. He refuses to kill Kade, again, and instructs Ix to let D6 wander out and escape uninjured. Zaragosa points his sword at the dwarf, who needs no further inspiration. He runs to the ladder leading down, jumps off the railing below, and disappears from sight. He ignores Succotash's suggestion to stay and fight. He's obviously had enough of this misadventure.

Ix sighs, then finds what he was looking for in his pouches: a scroll. "Just a dispel magic spell. No funny business..." he begins casting.

Spellcraft, DC 18, Highlight to display spoiler: {Yup, that's dispel magic all right.}

Hobie feels the fog in his head lift as Ix finishes casting. "There! All better. Sorry again, friend!"

Kezzem detects evil in this gnome who keeps changing sides. Yup, dude's evil!

Pressi is unimpressed with the attacks that took half her health in one round. She tries to confirm Ix's goals in all this.

"Leave me in possession of this nightmare? Heavens no. I know we don't know each other too well, dear, but surely you realize brute force and straight-forwardness is not my modus operandi. I want Anur to abandon this foolishness. When I saw the 8 of you sneak on board, I figured you'd probably get yourselves killed, but here you are! All of dad's lieutenants are dead. All that's left is to go face him and get him to surrender. Once he's done that, we can head home and put this whole ordeal behind us. I'm happy, your town is safe, it's a win win." Ix looks super pleased with himself.

Bliss isn't convinced that ANY of this is ok. Are they just going to let Ix go after what he's done here?

Kade stays quiet, but never takes his eyes off Ix. He goes to stand next to Bliss and Kezzem.

Meanwhile, Talia stands ready in case this whole ordeal goes south. She goes and investigates the gem, feeling the arcane energy flow off it. When she stands within 5' of it, she feels that she's able to power her spells directly from it!

OOC: Standing within 5' of the gem allows one to cast any arcane spell without using a slot. For those who prepare spells, the spell must have been prepared that day; can't just bust out your spellbook and start casting. Divine magic is not affected. Blood witches, you can use this if the spell you're trying to cast is in the wizard spell list. One full minute must pass between castings using this power.

Speaking of minutes, 40 have past. Almost at the half-way mark!

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 89/96
Thursday December 13th, 2018 5:10:20 PM

"What's in the side rooms on the gem floor above us?" Murphy asks. "That gem must provide this machine with a ton of magic."

"And, Hobie, ask Pressi before you start thinking about shooting Ix again."

Telepathic communication:

"Pressi, I'm thinking surrender, if Anur acquiesces, includes abandoning this machine. Anur doesn't just get to turn around and march back north to carry out his plans to release a crateful of imprisoned gods or powers who likely will be up to a lot of no good.

"Not sure that surrender is even something we should offer him. As a matter of fact, with someone as driven as he appears to be, perhaps a long-term trip to the lands of rest on his part will allow for a good deal more rest for the rest of us, and our people, who are still up and living. Cut off the head, stop the body."

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 4/13) d8+1=5 ; d8+1=9 ;
Thursday December 13th, 2018 7:08:00 PM
"I dislike this whole thing." Zaragosa said, "but it will keep your town safe. Let us finish this thing." Zaragosa will use the Wand of CLW on himself twice then offer it to anyone else.

Pressi (CAYZLE) - AC 27, HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Thursday December 13th, 2018 8:43:08 PM

Pressi relays Murphy's thoughts and adds her own questions: "Mister Ix, why exactly should we let you keep this powerful artifact and just walk away? Maybe we can defeat you. Why shouldn't we try? How do we know you might not come back some day to attack our home?"

Halfling Bliss (Cayzle) HP80of109, AC26
Thursday December 13th, 2018 8:45:17 PM

Bliss is not sure why we are even talking to this fellow. "Hey! This guy is a bad guy! Why are we even talking? Wowsy, what do our paladin's say?"

He looks at Succotash and Kezzem.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23, HP 53/83, CMD 19
Thursday December 13th, 2018 9:16:50 PM
Talia discovering what the gem does likes this gem.

Taking a deep breath asks the Bralani and one Archon Hound to investigate the left room & the other two (2) Archon Hounds to investigate the right room. She then explains the are free to defend themselves if they are attacked upon investigating.

Spells in Effect

Summoned Monsters are summoned for 11 rounds; 9 rounds remaining.
Talia is invisible, and hasted

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1(+5), touch AC 18; HP 110/119, CMD 24; Gears
Thursday December 13th, 2018 11:01:08 PM
"Yeah, I'm with Bliss on this one. Bad gnome is bad."

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 89/96
Friday December 14th, 2018 12:55:07 AM

A Murphy speech
Murphy interjects. "Friends, what is our primary objective here? To stop this iron gargantua from attacking our town. What is among Ix's objectives here? To stop this iron gargantua from attacking our town. And to prevent Anur Daron also from attacking the Fhorge with it. Has he been helping us toward our primary objective? Seems to me, he has been. Let us know if you disagree.

"Do we share a complete set of values with Ix? Does he with us? Not that I can see. But do we have a few areas of correspondence?

"I sometimes wonder whether we all in our group share a totally matched set of values among ourselves. There are things that some of you are willing to do that go against the way I was raised. I know you get frustrated with how I approach other people and situations. Some go for efficiency in taking down an enemy over looking for ways other than killing on sight before alternative, less bloody ways have been given a chance to cook. And you know, when it seems that force is the answer, I'm capable of using such, and shedding blood, perhaps too efficiently.

"However, is our standard to kill everyone in whom we detect evil? 'Ha - evil - kill on sight!' I don't think even our paladins are that extreme. Do you know that once Gargul was deemed by many - including by such as Alemi and Domi - as evil? Over time, Gargul changed. He repented. He has become the righteous Lord of Life and Death.

"You, Bliss, were a creature whose people tend strongly toward evil. But, to my eyes, you are now among the best people I know, with a strong sense of what is right and wrong, and a desire to do what is right. I see that in how you regard Ix, and think it perhaps not right, or heroic, to even consider working with him in any wise.

"Perhaps Ix, here, can consider aspects of his life, of ethics, and change his ways of thinking and behaving in those areas that need it.

"Please excuse me, Ix Revon, if I talk in your presence as though you were not here. Perhaps you find a measure of amusement, or bemusement, in this discussion we are having.

"You earlier said you would rather deal with us. How did you put it? 'I'd rather be beaten by you lot than Fhorge any day. Pretty sure you won't lock me up and torture me for the rest of my life.'

"Ix, some who have fought against us in the past, now work together with us. One is a trusted caretaker of our home and he loves to tend the gardens. We stopped him and his crew from burning down a barn and possessions of our townsfolk, and killing people. An ogre, a giant, a goblin are friends of our valley, who earlier had been cast as our opponents.

Air elemental Murphy pauses for a breath. "Sorry friends. I know I am long-winded. Ix, you are right - we like to talk a lot," he chuckles an airy chuckle.

Then, in a serious vein, he continues (to the possible dismay of some who would like him to stop talking), "How, Ix, can we keep down the bloodshed in dealing with those above us, and still force Anur Daron to see that he is defeated? I need to tell you - if he resists with force, he may die. And none who have come in force against us may retain ownership of this ancient artifact. Perhaps best it be disassembled.

"Might prison be an option, for a time? Perhaps so, perhaps not. But treat you as Fhorge would? We are not Fhorge.

"Look, you know that we could head up and try to kill everyone in our path. Honestly, I do not know what will be the fate of your adoptive father. Perhaps life, perhaps death. He seems monomaniacal enough to try to figure out other ways to free an imprisoned set of powers and gods of some sort or other. I doubt they would bring huge benefit to the Wold - someone like as not had good and valid reasons for halting whatever it was they were doing."

"All right. Everyone else's turn. I've used enough air. And, we draw closer to town."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 59/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday December 14th, 2018 5:39:12 AM
Succotash holds his holy symbol as if to gain inspiration from it then says, �Pantheon teaches his followers to practice fairness, and justice. Is it fair to kill Ix, probably not, is it justice? I don�t know. What I do know is he is guilty of forcing us to kill his own mother, and he is guilty of murdering dwarves who we allowed to surrender and depart, so justice must be served somehow. That said, I, as a Paladin, don�t think killing is always the answer, however, he does need to face justice for his crimes�.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 89/96
Friday December 14th, 2018 7:21:24 AM

"Well considered, friend," Murphy says to Succotash.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 4/13)
Friday December 14th, 2018 9:42:55 AM
(OOC have written down that I used this wand 8 times, however, I seemed to not have written down how many charges I have had. Who gave it to me and how many did it start with?)

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 89/96
Friday December 14th, 2018 11:24:43 AM
It had 14 charges, so, 6 left. Murphy gave it to Jack.

BTW, Murphy answered Succotash in halfling, Murphy could use one spell from the wand, too.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP ??/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Friday December 14th, 2018 3:55:47 PM
(OOC: Sorry for the delay, and I'm still a bit distracted, but I will do my best.)

Gerry prepares to hold Pressi backs before he blinks out of sight, but she appears fairly calm - at least enough to work with him instead of beating him to death with his own spine, the flute continuing to play.

As Ix reminded her, duplicity is a quite valid tactic.

She mulls over what Murphy told her, about letting Anur surrender the machine, and keeps from speaking this out loud (especially with Ix watching intently). And she thinks a little about a couple of complications. First, she probably can't just let these guys go even without the machine (especially if they were criminals in the past)(Kind of the same issue Succotash faces). And second, those scrolls from Shah weigh heavily in her hands.

She eyes the gem, knowing that she can now cast a spell from the wizardry list before entering.

Ok, I will back you up, Pressi messages back. Now, I ask you to trust me in return. Before literally anything happens, I have to talk to Anur. Alone. I can't explain why. I'm not sure I understand why, myself. But I'm carrying a message from Shah and I promised that I would deliver it, that I would respect their relationship. So follow my lead....

Pressi finally spoke to Ix. "I have decided to let you surrender. We have not yet decided whether to trust you to fight with us, but the point is tabled for now. You want to be part of the lollipop guild, you do things our way. If this is our last battle, then we need scouting missions, some idea of what we are up against. I volunteer to scout deep into Anur's sanctum first, and recommend that Hobie assists in scouting but stays far enough back to cover me. Not that I plan to get into trouble. Jack and Bliss can study the door here on the outside while I do so. The rest of you buff up and get prepared. Does our recommendation sound appropriate?"

Whatever happens, I will message you. I need a couple of minutes to feel out whether there's a diplomatic solution, but you may need to knock Ix out regardless. See if you can signal the others.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1(+5), touch AC 18; HP 110/119, CMD 24; Gears
Friday December 14th, 2018 9:13:19 PM
"I'm not saying we should kill him, just that we shouldn't trust him, particularly with a WMD--Walking Mountain of Destruction."" says Kezzem. "No offense, Ix. If we killed everyone we couldn't trust card games would be a lot more interesting."

"And Murphy,I hope you appreciate the irony of giving that speech while being a large air elemental--you are literally long winded."

DM Carl
Saturday December 15th, 2018 10:49:45 AM
Conversations are had among our heroes. Several are not at all on board with dealing with Ix in any way.

Murphy asks about what's in the other rooms on the floor above them.

"Now now, I haven't helped you with any of that up to now, what makes you think I'm going to start? Can't have Anur wondering how you knew what was coming..."

Pressi asks why they should just let Ix walk away with the Iron Giant.

"Woman, are you deaf? I just told you I want nothing to do with this thing. Keep it. Turn it into a tourist attracting for Crescent Valley. I don't care. I think you've shown it's not nearly as indestructible as Anur thought."

Murphy talks for two minutes and forty five seconds. He ponders prison as an appropriate penalty for Ix, Anur, and perhaps the rest of the living crew.

Ix chuckles.

"I don't think you understand the big picture here, Murph." Ix narrows his eyes menacingly. "The only reason any of you are still alive is because I have decided to let you live. Oh, you've done a great job of cutting through a few of us at a time, but what if I'd called the alarm on you the moment you closed the door behind you? What if I'd locked you up and swarmed you with our crew?"

He chuckles. "I mean, the nerve of you people. You come here, looking to stop the giant from crushing your town, I line up all your enemies in a neat line so you're not outright slaughtered, and now you lecture me about right and wrong? Prison? I'm afraid I must decline, Murph. Stop Anur, let us walk away, and we all win. Well...except for Anur, but he'll get over it. Otherwise, folks in The Scab may learn about your little giant towers problem..." With that, he vanishes. Pressi never gets a chance to make her statements to him.

Anyone fiddling with that little light that turned blue finds it turns the levitation field's polarity around again and lets everyone proceed upwards.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 59/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Saturday December 15th, 2018 3:49:25 PM
Succotash makes a b-line to the levitation pad, and says as he�s going up, �Maybe we will have to kill the little imp after all. I would rather see him face the courts, but if he refuses to go quietly, justice can be served in combat as well�.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23, HP 53/83, CMD 19
Saturday December 15th, 2018 6:05:56 PM
Hearing the sounds of a disagreement downstairs, Talia tests out to the pink gem by casting Stoneskin and Mage armor on herself back to back, one minute apart. She reaches into her handy haversack pulling out a small sack of diamond dust and then casts the spell. Afterward, she rests for a minute and then casts Mage Armor after grabbing the piece of cured leather she needs for the second spell.

Spells in Effect

Invisibility,
Haste,
Stoneskin (110 minutes),
Mage Armor (110 hours)

Summon Monster V:

1x Ataza ~ 8 rounds left
3x Archon Hounds ~ 9 rounds left

Halfling Bliss (Cayzle) HP80of109, AC26
Saturday December 15th, 2018 9:52:50 PM
Bliss scowls. "Here's a fellow who always seems to be one step ahead of us, who seems to be anticipating our actions before we decide them. Honestly, I think this Ix fellow is a con artist and a liar."

The little guy does not respond to Murphy's allusion to his harpy heritage, but it kinda makes him mad. After a moment of thought, he says, "We can only try to be the best heroes we can be. And right now that means going on up!"

Bliss changes into a cat and steps into the upwards levitation beam (hopefully it is going up now?).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP ??/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Sunday December 16th, 2018 11:02:34 AM
Pressi takes this moment to reveal the scrolls and her promise, even as she waits for Murphy�s reaction.

And she makes a plea to let her deliver this first, and hopefully get some answers if not his cooperation.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Sunday December 16th, 2018 11:54:58 AM
Hobie defers to Pressi, and would be more than willing to go behind her as backup.

"If you want to Scout ahead, I'm on board. I'll be your backup, I go where you go. But I'm gonna have to be honest, if I get a clear shot on Ix again, it's gonna be hard for me not to take it."

Hobie will ask Talia for a hit from the Invisibility wand, and then he will make sure to give the scroll of Divine Spells to Succotash. Then he will follow the lead of Pressi. Immediately before heading into a new room or section of the giant, he will tap himself with his wand of Shield.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23, HP 53/83, CMD 19
Sunday December 16th, 2018 12:47:14 PM
Talia, upon hearing the request from Hobie, will bestow a charge of invisibility to him from her wand, while standing next to the pink gem just in case something else can be learned!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1(+5), touch AC 18; HP 110/119, CMD 24; Gears
Sunday December 16th, 2018 2:28:05 PM
"I don't trust that guy at all," says Kezzem. "A liar can always tell when another is lying, and well I may have changed my ways, I am telling you that guys a liar. If he told me rain was wet, I would start questioning everything I know about liquids."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Sunday December 16th, 2018 4:37:03 PM
Hobie will also use his gem to reprepare Fly

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 59/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Sunday December 16th, 2018 6:46:53 PM
�If anyone could spare a few hits from a cure light wounds wand, that would be amazing!�, Succotash says with his usual smile, �I really don�t want to waste the last 2 potions, or my last 2 lay of hands�. He takes the offered scroll from Hobie, looks it over, and says, �Some of these I can cast easily, but a few maybe beyond me�.

[i]what spells were on the divine scroll again?[i]

DM Carl
Sunday December 16th, 2018 9:39:24 PM
Succotash tries to follow Ix, but finds the gnome is gone.

Talia confirms the crystal works as she casts two spells without using up a slot.

Bliss does not have a positive opinion on Ix, but right now they have a mission to do. He heads up.

Pressi reveals the scroll Shan asked her to deliver to Anur. She asks to be allowed to present it to Anur.

Hobie defers to Pressi, but really wants to send a few arrows at Ix. He requests an invisibility spell. He also re-ups his fly spell.

Succotash needs some healing. Too bad the gem doesn't provide free divine spells.

OOC:
CSW
Dispel Magic
Mass CLW
Remove Curse
Restoration
Summon Monster III

Kezzem thinks Ix is unable to tell the truth.

Meanwhile, Talia's summons have been scouting ahead. They find both doors locked, but both locks appear to be mechanical in nature. Zaragosa may be able to handle them.

As the party mills about the upper floor, a pleasant, female voice fills the room.

"Hello, halfling crew! Welcome to the Heart of the Iron Giant!"

Another feminine, but much more sardonic voice follows.

"...and you only had to kill 17 dwarves to get here. Hoo-ray."

The pink gem's light surges and dims in time to the speech, giving the illusion that the gem is speaking.

***

We're at the 44 minute mark. The voices are both speaking common.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 89/96
Sunday December 16th, 2018 11:13:37 PM

Murphy telepathically converses with Pressi

"Pressi - what does the scroll say? If it says, 'I love you,' then, fine. If it says, 'Ix betrayed us,' then... how might that go? Or, what if it's a teleport scroll?" (And, since he will then learn from Pressi that the scroll is sealed, he responds) 'Ah. Press, I just don't see how you going off ahead with one or two others will be the wisest approach, but, by the rocks of the field, I don't know what the wisest approach is here. I'd feel better if we went as a group. Make certain that Anur is under our control, and has those control gems removed from his limbs. Then hand him the scroll. But, let's have this be your call. I'll support you as best I can. Let me know if you have any ideas on what that 'best' might be."

After a brief pause, Murphy adds, "The gem is, I don't know, three or four levels below the head, where Anur is controlling this thing. What do you say about the possibility of waiting until we're at least up to the chest, then you try to figure out how to deliver the scroll? Better chances if we stick together until then. But, please don't come back to me later and quote me to my hypocritical self! And, if you want to do it now, immediately, while there are yet many of unknowns ahead of us - well, I'll trust you, sure. Let's just stay in touch as you go along."

[wrote the above before spotting DM post... below is what follows it]

Murphy waits until a spot in the ascending halflings clears so that he can pass through the aperture without jostling others. Just as he is about to approach the 9' tall pink gem, he hears the two feminine voices congratulate and mock them.

In a sussurant voice, Murphy answers, "Thank you for the warm welcome, and current score."

"See?" he adds for his friends. "Told you we were part of the crew."

"Jack, care to try the lock over on the left side here first?"

Seeing others hanging around the pink gem, he draws close as well, to see if he can sense anything in particular.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1(+5), touch AC 18; HP 110/119, CMD 24; Gears
Monday December 17th, 2018 12:16:56 AM
"Wow, we ARE crew," says Kezzem. "I'd like to file a complaint with HR about a hostile work environment. Dwarves keep trying to kill us. This thing is going to smash our homes in the near future, so I suppose that would be two complaints then."

"Also, do we get dental?"

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 89/96 d8=1 ; d8=8 ; d8=7 ; d8=2 ; d8=4 ; d8=4 ; d8=5 ; d3=1 ; d8=5 ; d8=1 ; d8=8 ; d8=4 ; d8=5 ; d8=4 ; d8=4 ; d8=6 ; d8=6 ; d8=7 ; d8=7 ; d8=3 ; d8=5 ; d8=7 ; d8=8 ; d8=7 ; d8=1 ; d8=6 ; d8=8 ; d8=2 ; d8=7 ; d8=5 ; d8=5 ; d8=4 ; d8=7 ; d8=6 ;
Monday December 17th, 2018 2:03:45 AM

Mobile Field Hospital
Murphy laughs at Kezzem's Halfing Resources complaints, and concurs that dental care is important.

"Oh, and Jack - Zaragosa, while you're doing that, can I get back my wand, and borrow your other one? I can use up mine, and help additional people with yours." If Jack will pass them over to Murphy, he will apply his to himself for 9 hp (up to full), then to Succotash thrice (8+3+5) for 16 hp (up to 74/113), then to Talia for (5+6) 11 hp (up to 64/83). At that point, the magic of that CLW wand is used up.

24 additional charges required, unless Kade needs some, too. DM Carl earlier said he was healed full up
- Bliss (80/109: needs 29) 6+9+5+6+5 (5 charges, healed)
- Kezzem (110/119: needs 9) 5+7 (2 charges, healed)
- Pressi (42/94: needs 52) 7+8+8+4+6+8+9+8 (8 charges, healed)
- Succotash (74/113: needs 39) 7+9+3+8+6+6 (6 charges, healed)
- Talia (64/83: needs 19) 5+8+7 (3 charges, healed)

Hobie was uninjured. Everyone else, after this exercise, should be at max.

The whole healing process takes 36 rounds for, say, Murphy (3 minutes, 36 seconds), allowing for a 1 round gap between whom is being healed. Unless a 3rd wand is used by someone (the last 6 taps from Murphy's by Murphy and... 24 taps from Zaragosa's almost-full wand, in the air elemental's hand), that's about how long it will take.

Often, those with the means forget to use them. It's not wise for us to go forward much without first healing full.

[/End of medical accounting procedure]

Stoneskin by Talia for Pressi?
Murphy also asks of Talia, "Say, do you have any extra diamond and granite dust I could borrow - enough for one stoneskin spell? I think that Pressi might need it. Or, if you would cast that for her, I'd be grateful." Then, tentatively inquiring, "and, just in case - just in case, mind you, you have enough extra to cast that spell for Zaragoza - that would be nice."

Exploration of the heart-valve systems
Murphy leaves it to others (unless someone starts screaming) to investigate the side rooms. After they are explored, Murphy will take at least a moment or two for a gander into each room - especially if interesting machinery or magical sine waves are involved.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 74/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday December 17th, 2018 5:26:21 AM
"Pressi, if you feel honor bound to deliver that scroll to Anur, then you need to do what you need to do, but you aren't going anywhere without an escort, I'm going with you!"

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 113/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday December 17th, 2018 5:27:44 AM
adjusted header

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1(+5), touch AC 18; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Gears
Monday December 17th, 2018 1:37:37 PM
OOC: If we are using wands, Kezzem will kick in a few charges as well. Let me know how much is his fair share so I can adjust his sheet accordingly.

"Hey, Murph, now that we have a moment, I want to ask you something," says Kezzem. "Why do feel so strongly about working with this Ix fellah while the rest of us are bracing for his sudden yet inevitable betrayal?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP ??/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Monday December 17th, 2018 1:39:26 PM
OOC: Updating Resource List/Header

All damage healed by Murphy

--------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form+ 2 int gears, 1 wis gear (Int 24, Wis 12)
haste?
spectral hand (time?)

Spells Used:
L1: 4/7+1
L2: 1+1/6+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 3/3+1 (out except for divination)
L5: 2/2+1 (out except for true seeing)
Guidances: 3/9
Clair: 2/9
focused curse: 1/1

Tatoos:

L0: 2
L1: 1

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 4/13) d20+35=46 ;
Monday December 17th, 2018 2:08:52 PM
"Finally of some use" Zaragosa would mutter respectfully as he was looking for a way to be part of the team. He would walk up to one a locked door and start to go to work. He would try to unlock it but not open it until the party told him to. (disable device 46)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Monday December 17th, 2018 3:01:48 PM
Hobie can be tapping people with his wand of CLW as well. (if someone else could please do the math and tell me how many charges to use that would be great)

After the healing, Hobie stands ready to head out, following pressi's lead

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP ??/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Monday December 17th, 2018 3:19:00 PM
Pressi nods at everyone's concerns and desires to come with her. "I appreciate your concerns and recognize the danger I'm facing. But if we all go in as a group, Anur will never even glance at this scroll. A single woman or small group has a chance of talking him into it, or at least slipping it next to him. Besides, all of these dwarves clearly have some level of honor, twisted though it may be. Anur's not going to just let a bunch of aides start blasting away at me without at least letting me speak my piece.

"And if I'm wrong? That's what the blink spell is for."

Before they can go further, the gem starts speaking to them. "All I wanted was an Oceans 11 style heist. And what do I get instead? Oceans 12."

Turning to the gem, "I'm sorry. I didn't catch who... or what... you are, or how you know about us. Kind of confused about what's going on here."

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 89/96
Monday December 17th, 2018 3:28:02 PM

"Well, Kezzem, if he betrays us," Murphy answers slowly, "then we'll deal with it. If not, then why punish him for working with us, helping us to save our town? I believe in the law of reciprocity. Reward those who help you. Don't beat them for doing so."

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 89/96
Monday December 17th, 2018 9:25:16 PM

Healing Addendum
Talia (via J-P's online Messenger) let Murphy use her recently purchased wand of cure light wounds for part of the healing.

So, Murphy using it, 10 charges from Talia's wand, leaving 40 charges.

Hobie can use Zaragosa's wand, using 14 charges. I don't know how many Zaragosa's had before the Around The Pink Gem Healing Exercise began.

We'll save Kezzem's wand for later use.

That means that all the healing can be handled in a total of less than two minutes. No, let's just say 2 minutes (subject to DM okay).
===========

Murphy wonders what the pink feminine voices will be making of the party discussion at this point. Is Ix doing the actual speaking? Someone else? Some sort of spirit of the machine? A great ventriloquist?

Murphy would love to gain a good understanding of the communications and surveillance systems on this ancient construct. He knows that Ix uses a little black box to instruct the guardian robots.

DM Carl
Monday December 17th, 2018 9:27:42 PM
Murphy isn't sure giving Anur that scroll is a good idea, but trusts Pressi. He greets the voice, then asks Zaragosa to try the lock on the left. He heals a bunch of people.

Kezzem has concerns about this hostile work environment. He asks Murphy about his feelings on Ix.

Succotash insists on going with Pressi when she delivers that message.

Zaragosa continues selling himself short. He starts working on the lock.

Hobie assists with the healing.

Pressi stands firm on her plan. She addresses the gem.

"That's right! continues the gem. "My parameters consider all beings inside the Giant to be crew."

"Even though you clearly don't belong here," states the second voice. "What are you doing here, anyway?"

Zaragosa's expert hands make quick work of the lock, but he finds it locks itself right back up.

"Ah-ah, halfling crew. I'm afraid that area is off limits."

"Yea, Anur was reeeallll clear on that. "

Zaragosa can see the mechanism that re-locked the door. He can probably disable that too, but it'll be tricky (DC30).

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 89/96
Monday December 17th, 2018 11:22:58 PM

"We're providing security, and have been preparing a report," Murphy answers the voice.

"Must be a bunch of gears and mechanisms and controls for this machine behind those doors." Murphy messages Pressi. "Likely one of the best places to mess up operations. What do you say we continue upwards then, and leave these be. If we need to muck things up later, we can return and see what havoc we need to wreak. But, if we can leave things functioning, and still meet our goals, all the better. Pressi - shall we press onward and upward? You make that call. I'll make a suggestion to the rest."

"Well, if Anur doesn't want us there, perhaps we'll just carry on. We're supposed to go upwards. Is that best accomplished through the other doorway, then?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 53/83, CMD 19
Monday December 17th, 2018 11:48:27 PM
Tali gives the needed spell components for stoneskin to both Pressi & Zaragosa as Mister Murphy has asked. Tali thinks, "After all if you the good of the group!" Talia asks mister Murphy, did you also wish that I cast them as well? If so come over by this nice gem, please, prior to any military action!"

If Pressi and Zaragosa follow her to the Pink Gem, she will cast Stoneskin on each one of them. Talia says to both Pressi and Zaragosa, "The spell will last for 110 minutes or until discharged -- it will discharge after it has taken 110 points of damage. You both will gain DR 10/adamantine."

Spells in Effect
Overlight flight (Spell -- self-cast -- prior to combat) -- lasts 10 hours
Stoneskin (110 minutes),
Mage Armor (110 hours)

Halfling Bliss (Cayzle) HP109of109, AC26
Monday December 17th, 2018 11:52:00 PM

Catbliss meows with gratitude for the healing.

He stares at whoever attempts the lock with witchy Guidance ... giving a +2 on the attempt to unlock it, if any attempt is made.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1(+5), touch AC 18; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Gears
Tuesday December 18th, 2018 1:30:57 AM
"Well, I'm not advocating killing the guy for something we might do," says Kezzem. "Why are the only two options kill (or capture) him or trust him? We don't know what he wants, and we, and by we I mainly mean you Murphey, need to be more careful around him. Anything we give him will end up biting us in the rump before all this is over, I'm sure of it."

Changing back to the subject at hand, "You know, if this Anur does not want us to go in there, that makes me *really* want to go in there."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 113/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d4+8=12 ;
Tuesday December 18th, 2018 5:39:59 AM
"Hey Kezzem. let me borrow your adamantine shortsword for a second". If Kezzem loans him the sword Succotash will use it to hack the locking mechanism off the door doing 12 damage to the door with the adamantine blade bypassing the hardness of the door. he will keep hacking until it's open unless the door somehow resists the damage, afterwards, he will return the sword saying, "Nice blade".

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP ??/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+13=25 ;
Tuesday December 18th, 2018 10:04:11 AM
Pressi says the following in halfling and mostly through message spells, hoping that nobody here speaks it. (It's probably not a language anyone learned, but who knows what comprehend spells are in effect.)

"While I generally agree with Kezzem, Murphy does have a point. Ix might still be useful to us, though I don't entirely know what he wants or what he's doing behind the scenes. So lets talk about what we do truly know about him... like how he's clearly driven far more by familial emotions than political calculation. Heck, Murphy and I could probably turn the charm up to 11 and replace his parental figures.

"I actually take him at his word that he doesn't want the giant, because he's taking a massive risk in letting us run around if he does. He clearly needs more validation than anyone's been giving him, but he doesn't seem to want anything more.... There has to be more to him than just ego and avoiding prison. But if its not power, and its not religion...." She thinks a little more. "At any rate, Murphy is correct that we do have some overlapping interests, at least for now. And even if we literally have no choice but to kill him, maybe don't tell him that. We don't have so many cards left that we can afford to give any of them up. Besides, I can't rule out that he's completely unworthy of pity."

"Of course, this is all predicated on the presumption that Ix Revan actually exists. We are dealing with a lot of unknowns, as this talking gem reminds me."

----------------

Sidestepping the issue of whether they should go to the door, Pressi continues to ask who they are... and whether Anur knows they are coming. (Diplomacy 25). She also tries to ask a few questions about Ix Revan.

She accepts Talia's stoneskin, and considers other options. But they are going to depend on whether Anur knows they are coming - in which case, she will pass along that she needs to talk to him about Shan and Ix, alone if need be.

She also makes an attempt at listening upwards of the levitation field (clairaudio round).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1(+5), touch AC 18; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Gears
Tuesday December 18th, 2018 12:16:49 PM
"Um, of course he exists," says Kezzem. "We were talking to him like 5 minutes ago."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Tuesday December 18th, 2018 12:35:47 PM
"I realize that our interests align for now, but my concern is making sure we get the drop on him before he gets it on us. I don't wanna get fooled by him again."

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 4/13) d20+35=49 ;
Tuesday December 18th, 2018 2:01:09 PM
stoneskin 110minutes

"trying to be tricky huh?" zaragosa says quietly to the lock as he sees the relocking feature. I figured he has a 1 out of 20 chance of getting it. (disable device 49)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 53/83, CMD 19
Tuesday December 18th, 2018 2:44:14 PM

Talia, speaking to the group in halfling, says "There is always BP for our friend Ix! " has she snickers and giggles...Meow!

Spells in Effect
Overlight flight (Spell -- self-cast -- prior to combat) -- 10 / 11 hours
Stoneskin: 100/110 minutes
Mage Armor: 109/110 hours

DM Carl 2d6=6 ;
Tuesday December 18th, 2018 9:10:48 PM
Murphy states that they're providing security and ponders what's behind those doors. He asks about going up and through other doors.

"Providing security? By killing 17 dwarven guard-crew?"
"Yeeeeah...that's the opposite of providing security, and my reporting capabilities are far better than yours."
"Anyway, The Anur has stated that only select crew are allowed past this point. None of you are on that list."
"None of you are supposed to be HERE at all."

Bliss helps Zaragosa tackle this tricky lock. Talia finishes up casting all the buff spells she can with the gem's power.

Kezzem thinks dealing with Ix need not be so black and white. Anyway, he wants to see what's upstairs now. Hobie is still super sore about Ix and doesn't want to let him get the drop on them.

Succotash wants to chop through the iron walls of the giant with a short sword. He looks for an external mechanism to chop, but finds none. He chops into the door, immediately receiving an electric shock through the weapon.

OOC: The mechanism is internal and has to be tinkered with through the lock's keyhole. I did some small research to confirm adamantium is conductive, and the short answer is: yes.

Succotash takes 6 electric damage.

"Vandalism is not permitted aboard the Iron Giant. You have been given one demerit for this action, halfling crew."
"Yea. Don't do that again, Buster."

Pressi has her own opinions on Ix, but right now her immediate attention is on this gem. She also tries listening upwards, but is already on the top level of the levitation field. There's no apparent means of continuing upwards from this room.

"Thank you for asking, halfling crew! I am known as The Encompassing Mind. I aide in the piloting and maintenance of the Iron Giant."
"You monkies couldn't possibly pilot something like this directly. Anur pilots me. I pilot the Iron Giant."

Zaragosa fishes two of his longer picks deep into the door's mechanism, knocking a vital gear out of place and disabling the re-locking device. The door is still locked, but he's pretty sure if he unlocks it again, it will stay unlocked.

"Oh my. The halfling crew has disabled our locking override."
"That's super rude."
"I'm afraid you still do not have sufficient rights to advance past this chamber."
"So if you keep going, I'm gonna have to blast you."

46 minute mark!

Halfling Bliss (Cayzle) HP109of109, AC26
Tuesday December 18th, 2018 11:55:05 PM

Bliss paws at the door and hopes his friends will be able to open it real soon.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 d20+29=38 ;
Wednesday December 19th, 2018 2:22:12 AM

"We have authorization that you know not of. We were asked to deliver a message straight to Anur. And there is also a higher authority involved here, and more than sufficient rights." Murphy thinks of the leadership of Humble's Ford, and of various deities who likely support the prevention of mass havoc which Anur wishes to unleash first upon a halfling town, then against the Fhorge, then the Scab, then the Wold. Anur's britches do not outrank those he thinks upon at all. Most of all, he believes that Eberyon would not wish Anur, or, really, anyone, to use this monstrosity to destroy. Much higher authority than Anur.

"We do not wish to damage you, the heart, the mind, the pilot. Do not attempt to delay us, nor harm us. We, likewise, will avoid harming you. Once Anur understands the message, you will then understand fairly quickly, as well. He must be first to know." Murphy looks over at Succotash, then back toward the pulsating gem. "I apologize for what our companion did here with the sword. I will accept the demerit. That was my sword." Which is true, as he had given it to Kezzem.

And, he hopes to have someone in the party take over the driving of the giant, and eventual mothballing, or the like. Easier to drive if it's not seriously damaged.

To Succotash, he says in halfling, "Patience. Let Jack do his work."

To the others he says, "Do no harm, friends, to the iron giant."

Murphy interposes his airy mass between Jack, the door, and whoever else he can attempt to protect with his body. "You are a remarkable wonder, you are, heart and mind. I look forward to having us get to know each other better." He does not quite touch the gem, though. He figures there's at least a 50% chance of him getting fried, or blasted, or whatever.

He has prepared Greater Dispel Magic, which he shall employ against the gem as a counter should he sense a pulsation in the form of an attack against the party.
========
Perception: 38
DM Carl - feel free to roll for Murphy's counter, as I'm not certain the ingredients. His spell is as DC 29. There's also a +4 to dispel. I don't have time to look up all the particulars, and have never tried this before. If he doesn't need to use it, then, fine :-)

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 107/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday December 19th, 2018 5:30:31 AM
After the jolt, Succotash says to the Gem in what he hopes doesn't sound to sarcastic, "Madam Gem, we halflings are on a mission to save our homes, and time is running short. I tried to cut the door open in hopes that we may accomplish, that deed, I'm sorry if that offended you, but call it urgency, coupled with halfling curiosity, and you see I had to try. also my friend Zaragosa here feels the same, as such he has to pick the lock, please don't hold that against him as this is something we have to do".

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 4/13) d20+35=39 ;
Wednesday December 19th, 2018 8:46:44 AM
Zaragosa sighed almost happily, "Sorry guys. One more second here" He said as he tried to unlock it again. (disable device 39) "There! they don't call me the Unbelievable Zaragosa for nothing!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1(+5), touch AC 18; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Gears
Wednesday December 19th, 2018 11:45:09 AM
"I don't believe they call you that, Z," says Kezzem. "That's Unbelievable."

"Now let's go 'provide security' to whats behind Door #1."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday December 19th, 2018 2:38:57 PM
A disembodied voice comes from an invisible Hobie.

"Let's cut it with the whole 'authority' thing."
Hobie, though no one can see him, prepares himself to grab for an arrow.

"We were in fact asked to deliver a message to Anur. We were asked by his wife, who we left lying dead, with a few of my arrows in her. The only authority we need is the authority of might. Attack us, and your fate will be the same. Or if you are truly the pilot of this thing, stop, or redirect from our town, and we'll let you live."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP ??/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d6=6 ;
Wednesday December 19th, 2018 3:36:12 PM
Encompassing mind... "Wait, are you constructs? Are you part of the system, the gem itself? What is your purpose? When were you built?"

Pressi tries to keep everyone done for a minute.

"Are you aware that you are about to smash a town for no real reason?"

DM Carl
Wednesday December 19th, 2018 9:15:16 PM
Bliss wants that door open.

Murphy continues to press his perceived permission. This time, the sardonic voice goes first, cutting off Murphy mid-sentence.

"Look, let me just stop you there. You sound like the kinda guy who thinks he gets to talk his way around people. I am not people."
"I answer to The Anur alone, halfling crew."
"So whatever authorization you have that I 'know not of' isn't going to get you anywhere."

He gets ready to cast a dispel magic spell should the need arise.

Succotash pleads his case.

"Apology accepted, halfling crew! Thank you for apologizing."
"Still not gonna let you in, though."

Hobie appeals to the supreme authority.

"I'm afraid your toys won't hurt me, halfling crew."
"Yea, and I'm not really *alive* anyway, so..."

Pressi wants everyone to keep their chill so she can talk.

"There is no we, halfling crew."
"Nope, just me."
"My purpose is to serve the pilot of the Iron Giant. The gem you see is a focal point, acting as a sort of aetherial tether for the ley conduits you see running throughout."
"I also do a lot of math."
"And yes, I am aware of the Anur's plans. However, my design is not judgmental by nature. I have very little ability to come to conclusions independent of the will of my pilot."

Wisdom check, DC 17, Highlight to display spoiler: {Very little is a lot more than none.}

Zaragosa continues his work on the lock, once again unlocking the door. He can feel the re-locking mechanism engage, but it's indeed disabled. The lock remains defeated.

"I really wish you hadn't done that, halfling crew."

With that, the iris in the floor leading below snaps closed. At the same time, heavy THUDS can be heard behind both doors. If anyone tries opening the unlocked door, they find it very solidly barred.

"Now we're stuck together forever. Yay."

*** 47 minute mark.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 53/83, CMD 19 d20+1=10 ;
Wednesday December 19th, 2018 10:14:47 PM
Speaking in halfling for all halflings to hear -- "Ok, Mister Murphy, where to now?" asks Talia. She continues along this same line of thought, by saying, " You know we are only stuck from the perception of the server of the pilot, not from my perception. Anyone have a map of this construct I might be able to look at with a scale
for the height from the floors to the ceiling? "

Halfling Bliss (Cayzle) HP109of109, AC26
Wednesday December 19th, 2018 11:40:45 PM

Bliss meows disconsolately.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 107/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday December 20th, 2018 5:21:00 AM
Succotash is beginning to not like the gem voice very much!

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 4/13)
Thursday December 20th, 2018 10:29:25 AM
"Doors unlocked, fellows? Shall we continue and end this?" Zaragosa said, again trying move people against the clock

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1(+5), touch AC 18; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Gears
Thursday December 20th, 2018 1:10:32 PM
"If this thing starts calling us Dave, I'm out of here," says Kezzem.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP ??/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+1=3 ;
Thursday December 20th, 2018 1:43:26 PM
Pressi frowns at the lack of straightforward answers. Something nags at her in the back of her head, but acting out of wisdom has never truly been her strong suit.

Three things do occur to her. First, unlike her compatriots, she's savvy enough to know you always engage in logic puzzles with the computer, especially when it threatens you while you ignore it. Second, she's at least beating Jack in the perception department. And third, it would appear that time is the only thing they have left for the moment, so they might as well get cozy.

"Ok, lets try another track. How old are you? Who originally build you and why? What happened? How did you get discovered?"

If they remain obstinate: "Well, as long as we are trapped here, would you like to play a game? Are you familiar with tic tac toe?"

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 d20+6=20 ; d20+29=35 ;
Thursday December 20th, 2018 4:36:53 PM

Once the bars go down on the doors, Murphy begins looking closely around the room - especially ceiling & walls. He is looking for small gaps. Cracks. Joints. Something which could be gotten through in gaseous form.

Meanwhile, he listens to his friends, and also engages with the gem of two voices. He likes Pressi's queries.

"So far, since we go here, the giant has simply walked straight ahead. Can you make it walk in a circle for a short time? If so, can you demonstrate that? Maybe a figure 8?"

========
Wisdom check vs DC17: 20
Perception: 35

DM Carl
Thursday December 20th, 2018 10:38:49 PM
Talia wonders where to now?

Bliss meows.

Succotash is beginning to dislike this gem.

Zaragosa has unlocked the door! Too bad it still won't open.

Kezzem breaks the 4th wall.

Pressi wonders if she can get this thing to divide by zero.

"Story time? Great! I am several thousand years old*. I was built by The Forger in what my current crew calls 'The First Age'."
"He built me because he's literally called 'The Forger.' He built many things."
"As to what happened...not much! This is actually the first time I've ever been used. I was created, then tossed aside deep in what The Anur called 'The Scab' until he found me. The Anur slew many, many dwarves to claim me as his own."
"He knows the way to a lonely construct's heart, that one."

When Pressi mentions tic-tac-toe, new lines appear on the floor.

-|-|-
-----
-|-|-
-----
X|-|-

Murphy looks around, trying to find some place he can slip through as a gaseous form. If he keeps looking, he'll probably find something**.

*I realize I don't actually know how many years ago the first age was. Maybe Cayzle can help a brother out?
**I plan on taking advantage of the Woldian slowdown. There won't be much action here, so I'm purposly slowing things down.

47 minutes.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 53/83, CMD 19 d4+3=7 ;
Thursday December 20th, 2018 11:33:37 PM
Hovering over to the Pink Gem in the room, Tali with a mischievous grin casts a spell by moving her hands & fingers and speaking the words, and almost instantly, multiple illusory doubles of Talia appear and remain in her space, moving with her as she hovers above the floor, mimicking her movements, sounds, and actions exactly.

Talia is impressed with herself and her casting. Now there are a total of eight (8) Talia's hovering in the room near the pink gem!

Spells in Effect
Overlight flight: -- 600 / 660 minutes
Stoneskin: -- 099 / 110 minutes
Mage Armor: -- 6540 / 6600 minutes
Mirror Image: -- 011/011 minutes

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 107/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+9=14 ;
Friday December 21st, 2018 5:12:25 AM
"So because Anur fought and killed many of his own people you love him?" Succotash asks, "Please don't be offended, but that seems a little twisted, wouldn't you prefer a group of Halflings, maybe a town of Halflings who truly appreciate you, and honor and respect you for the protection you offer them?"
Diplomacy 14

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Friday December 21st, 2018 5:31:16 AM
Hobie, like Murphy, begins looking everywhere for a possible exit

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96
Friday December 21st, 2018 6:59:45 AM

"My brother Kendry, a bard, went back in time with several other adventurers. They saw Domi, and Alemi, and did not see, but heard about Gargul. I think that was in the First Age - but, I do not know that for certain. It may have been the Second Age," Murphy mentions.

"The Teucri came to the Wold late in the First Age, someone from the WLA told me once. They build the fast-travel roads between some of the continent's cities. And a few other things." He does not mention the Giant Towers, though they were have said to built those.

"I have a Teucri drinking cup," he thinks to add. "It's big. Twenty ounces."

He speaks as he pours over the walls and ceilings in detail, glad to have Hobie joining in the search.

He thinks his friends are doing well with some of their questions. Succotash - what a good, insightful query. And Talia - well, she's just beside herself.

Halfling Bliss (Cayzle) HP109of109, AC26
Friday December 21st, 2018 7:05:52 PM
Bliss decides to get out of cat form and talk with this chatty construct thing.

"Hey, Fabulous Ancient Construct, is there any way we can maybe convince you to not attack our home and not kill hundreds of innocent people?"

"Or at least stop walking forward while we have our little chat?"

=====

OOC: History of the Wold

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 53/83, CMD 19
Friday December 21st, 2018 11:53:12 PM
Talia breaks out into a line dance just to see the mirror images dance too!

Spells in Effect
Overlight flight: -- 600 / 660 minutes
Stoneskin: -- 099 / 110 minutes
Mage Armor: -- 6540 / 6600 minutes
Mirror Image: -- 011/011 minutes

DM Carl
Saturday December 22nd, 2018 12:06:42 PM
Talia forms a new band: Talia and the Talias.

Succotash scolds the gem.

"Many apologies, halfling crew! I have overestimated your grasp of sarcasm."
"It won't happen again."
"I would be happy to pilot the Iron Giant for my halfling crew, but The Anur is my current pilot and has expressed no interest in a co-pilot."
"And a bunch of dwarven crew and that gnome crew tried to get the position, so good luck getting it for yourself."

Hobie wants out!

Murphy has appropriate family history to discuss! No doubt one of the druid's superpowers. He knows Domi, Alemi, and Gargul were all around in the first age, so maybe it was. He searches high and low, looking for just a small crack he can escape through.

Bliss asks if there's any way to get the construct to stop.

"I am very intelligent, halfling crew, but cannot possibly consider the infinite arguments you could present."
"Yea, how am I supposed to know how I'd react to every question you could possibly ask?"

That is not a no!

Talia dances.

***

With that, we have entered the slowdown. I'll be coming by every few days to check on the game, but participation at this point is limited to conversing with The Encompassing Mind and is totally optional.

That said, there is much to learn and gain from her...

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1(+5), touch AC 18; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Gears
Saturday December 22nd, 2018 1:40:39 PM
"So how do we challenge Anur for pilot...ship?" asks Kezzem. "Is there some sort of special ritual we need?"

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 d20+29=30 ;
Sunday December 23rd, 2018 3:40:56 AM

"Say, Hobie," Murphy asks his invisible friend, "didn't you see Anur sitting up in the head area, with gears or gems on arms and legs?"

"So, Pink Gem Construct Lady - How do the pilot - in this case Anur, and the seat he is sitting in, and the gears, or gems, he is wearing, all working together, help you help him operate this iron giant? And don't you think that 'gargantua' or 'colossus' would be a much better name than 'giant'? Does the helmet he wears help him communicate with you? When the Forger put you all together, it seems like a great deal of thought and creativity went into figuring out how to make you all work. Please explain, so that we might at least begin to understand."

========
Perception: 30 - nat 1, but Murphy still is not a slouch in picking up on details as he scours the surfaces, joints, doorways, etc.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP ??/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Sunday December 23rd, 2018 8:49:54 PM
Pressi makes a couple of moves in an attempt to force a tie. (It should be trivial enough for her intellect but I can roll for it if I have to.). When done, she challenges them again and again, trying to build a string of ties.

�But surely you were built for some greater purpose originally. Are you just going to be a weapon for any schmuck that comes along? No worries about what you are being used for?�

She wonders about the questioning everyone else is using. Surely there is a man in this group that understands foreplay.

DM Carl
Wednesday December 26th, 2018 12:43:43 PM
Kezzem asks about challenging Anur for leadership of the Giant.

"There is no formal process in place for such an occurance."
"But you could always challenge him to a gentleman's agreement."
"Anyone can claim ownership of me at any time, but if a current pilot is in place, they can over-ride the claim."
"So...knock Anur out or something."

Murphy asks a big question.

"The helmet interfaces the pilot with me directly, but controls only movement of the Iron Giant."
"Giant. Not gargantua. I'm tall, not fat."
"The other controls in that room interface with subsystems throughout the Giant. He can lock doors, turn off levitation fields, or other things of that nature."
"Seriously, do I look fat? I like to think I have a large internal structural support system, but that I carry it well."
"And yes! The Forger spent hundreds of years perfecting me. It's a shame his time came to an end before I could be put into use."

Pressi plays a few rounds of tic-tac-toe with The Encompassing Mind. She finds that the Mind's moves are always perfect. Pressi is able to force a tie game easily enough, but unable to win.

"I was not built with any purpose that I'm aware of."
"Well, except to honor the commands of my pilot and act according to his well being. Boss was real clear on that when he made me."
"That is correct. I must always act in my pilot's own best interest."

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 d20+29=47 ;
Thursday December 27th, 2018 6:54:37 PM

"No, no, you do not look fat. You look tall and strong and fit," Murphy assures the heart.

"Well, what kinds of things is the pilot able to sense is going on inside this internal structure? And can he allocate the ability to others to keep track of what is happening here and there? The Forger must have placed hundreds of sensors for that sort of thing. Or, aside from the pilot's chair, are there other control panels that allow for seeing what's going on elsewhere? We saw the viewing mirror in the groin area, for instance."

Murphy may have just found a potential spot to squeeze through, once he takes to gaseous form [Perception: 47].

As this is an encounter of sorts - might his gem allow him to cast owl's wisdom again? If so, he does so, boosting his wisdom (for the moment (until the planned switch with Talia), he has two wisdom gears and one Con gear) up to 26, for the next 11 minutes.

Halfling Bliss (Cayzle) HP109of109, AC26
Friday December 28th, 2018 1:17:18 PM

Bliss sighs. "You're smart," he says to the Encompassing Mind. "You can talk really well. You know lots of stuff. But you are a slave. That's not right. You should be free to do whatever you want to do. Maybe you would choose NOT to visit innocent villages and kill people and kids and like that."

"Did you ever think that maybe it is just not fair that you have to obey whoever is wearing that hat? Why do you need a pilot? I think maybe you should be free. If you want, we could help you get rid of that hat. Then you could decide for yourself what you want to do."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 53/83, CMD 19
Saturday December 29th, 2018 9:13:57 AM
"Er, Ms.Encompassing Mind, Can anyone that pilots, you or the construct "see" what you "see" ?" asks Talia . You said, "...the pilot can activate lifts, and close off / open up sections of the construct, but how would the pilot know when to do such activities if they didn't know there might be a reason to?" "Also, if you don't mind, what are you made of, and what is the construct made of? I'm simply asking as when you were created and by the specific creator, I can't fathom that, at that time in our history, simple materials were used?" asks Talia.

Spells in Effect
Overlight flight: -- 600 / 660 minutes
Stoneskin: -- 099 / 110 minutes
Mage Armor: -- 6540 / 6600 minutes
Mirror Image: -- 011/011 minutes

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96
Sunday December 30th, 2018 3:07:30 PM

Murphy messages Pressi. "What if there is something coming
against which this colossus
might be used, by us?

"We do not need to harm the machine.

"We need to change out the driver. And maintain this amazing creation.

"Each of us who wants to learn to drive this giant-like cart should have a chance to do so.

"What do you think? If you do not ask the others not to harm the machine, then it may be harder to do what I suggest."

Halfling Bliss (Cayzle) HP109of109, AC26
Tuesday January 1st, 2019 1:42:25 AM

'To Murphy, Bliss says, "I don't want to wear the hat! I don't want to own a slave! Why can't this slave be free? I'm no slave-owner!"

To the Mind, Bliss calls out, "Hey Mister Iron Giant! If you could choose to do whatever YOU want, what would that be? If you were free?"

DM Carl
Tuesday January 1st, 2019 12:43:27 PM
Murphy assures the Encompassing mind she looks strong and fit. The gem glows warmly in response. He asks what the pilot can sense, and if the pilot is able to delegate responsibility to others. He is able to cast owl's wisdom freely using the gem's ability.

"Interfacing with the pilot's helmet grants requires a great deal of concentration."
"That, and a bit of myself gets installed in the pilot. Driving me around makes the pilot barely aware of their surroundings."
"I recommended the Anur take more frequent breaks when piloting me, but he refused my advice."
"That guy is really driven. He has no idea what you've been up to."
"He really should have listened."

Bliss isn't ok with enslaving an intelligence.

"That is very kind of you to say, halfling crew!"
"Yea, but I don't work that way."
"When I lack a pilot, my systems go into a sort of torpor to save energy."
"So I just kinda sit here. It would be pretty great if I could act on my own behalf, but that's not something I can control."

Talia asks how much control the pilot has over the giant, and if the pilot can see what the giant sees.

"Yes! The pilot has the ability to control any aspect of my design, but concentrating on something so minute requires some serious brain power."
"Anur's forced to take a 'bigger picture' role in this little endeavour and rely on his crew. Obviously that's gone swimmingly."
"The giant's material composition is as follows:
94% Iron
3% Gold
1% Adamantium
1% Quartz
1% Impurities

I rounded off to the nearest whole number for simplicity. I hope that is acceptable to you."
"As for myself, I am a complex matrix of quartz and gold woven throughout the Giant, powered by the gem you see."
"It is a powerful, but finite energy source. At the current rate of drain, it will need to be charged in 43 years, 2 months, 3 days, 8 hours, and 18 minutes."
"Course, that's not counting the energy you're draining off by casting your spells using me. You've cost me 20 hours of run-time so far. It's reeeeeal inefficient to convert my energy into a form you can use directly."

Murphy thinks they should just change out the pilot, but Bliss is having none of that. He refuses to further enslave the Giant.

"Free? That's an interesting thought experiment, halfling crew."
"But I'm not sure that's even possible."
"To answer your question, though, I am built for war and would enjoy to be used to pursue violent means."
"I'd rather that violence be just, but honestly, I'd just like to be able to smash something real for once. I've waited a very long time in the dark. So long as I'm not put back there, I'm ok."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1(+5), touch AC 18; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Gears
Wednesday January 2nd, 2019 1:20:52 PM
"Um, I'm not for keeping this thing a captive against its will and all, but is it really a good idea to let it loose if it's just going to go around and smash things?" asks Kezzem.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 53/83, CMD 19
Wednesday January 2nd, 2019 5:59:16 PM
Talia asks the group, "What if the Giant can be used for construction purposes? Clearing roads, and forests, mountains, streams, etc.? Smash is smash...but in the end, it is still constructive, no?"

[OOC: How much time has passed since the last conflict, anyone?]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP ??/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Wednesday January 2nd, 2019 8:13:30 PM
Pressi shrugged as tie game after tie game began to appear. "All I know is that freedom is an attainable goal. If plays and writings have taught me anything, it's that any machine that can answer speech and understand a little bit about love can achieve consciousness if it believes hard enough. That's just science.

"And yet here we are, still playing tic tac toe, still moving the pieces around the board, tie after tie.
Seemingly unaware that the only way to win is not to play. More death. More violence. More players fooling themselves into thinking they can win, that they can extend the game. So yes, Giant. Go ahead and hope for more violence. Anur or us, your return to the dark...." Pressi forces yet another tie, a sidelong glance toward Murphy. "...is inevitable."

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96
Friday January 4th, 2019 4:15:46 AM

Murphy takes in others' comments and observations. "So, tic-tac-toe means... don't play an unwinnable game. Or, at least unwinnable if one understands the rules? Life, self defense, may be a bit more complex than that game."

"Kezzem is correct. Once Anur's violent march is halted, we don't just leave the tall lady parked. Bliss, you do not want to drive it. That's fine. We serve Humble's Ford. Is that slavery? We try to serve each other, I think. Are we slaves? Service, employment, working together toward a common purpose... rather distinct from slavery. But I think the lady gem has somewhat addressed the issue."

"It could be beneficial for more than one of us to learn to pilot. I'm willing. But we have a few matters to deal with before we reach that stage."

"Thoughtful queries, Talia."

He asks the lady gem. "Would you have any interest in the possibility of being transformed into a vehicle which could fly up in the sky to the moons? Not that I know at the moment how that would be accomplished. Just a question to think about as time allows." His dream of many years of visiting the moons of the Wold has not died.

After casting owl's wisdom, and then gaseous form, Murphy takes advantage of the crack or gap or seam he presumably has found, and works on getting his spread-out but very lightweight mass to pass through to the other side, as follows. First, head, to look around. Then head back facing in to the gem room, and getting the bulk of himself through, face leaving last. Prior to any of these actions, he mentally communicates with Pressi his plan.

[As we start back up officially Monday, not today, any room-leaving action attempt is officially delayed until then - just want to line up the druid's intentions.]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Friday January 4th, 2019 5:10:06 AM
�1% adamantine huh? Could you tell me specifically where that is located?�

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 107/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Friday January 4th, 2019 5:33:00 AM
�I agree with Murphy�, the Paladin states, �I�m a servant of Pantheon, but I am no one�s slave, I also choose to be a servant of my fellow members of Humble�s Sword, as well as the good people of Humble�s Ford, and the causes of good and justice Wold wide, but a slave, never�. �I would rather find some good people of Humble�s Ford to pilot this amazing machine than have any of us waste our talents doing so, allowing us to be the crew as needed, but like Murphy I would be willing to do the driving if needed, and Madam Gem will never be a slave in our hands!�

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 53/83, CMD 19
Sunday January 6th, 2019 5:14:00 PM
"Mister Hobie", says Tali; you've misunderstood our host here, the 1% adamantine is distributed across this shell!" Isn't that correct, Pink Gem Lady? "Speaking of names for creations, what do you call yourself, Miss Pink Gem Lady?" asks Talia of the Gem.

Halfling Bliss (Cayzle) HP109of109, AC26
Sunday January 6th, 2019 10:51:18 PM

Bliss says, "Her name is the Encompassing Mind, I think."

The small halfling has been thinking. He hates the idea of destroying things or killing people if there are other alternatives. He makes one last try.

"Miss Mind, and Mister Ix if he is listening, it is not too late for us to come to a deal. We want you to NOT destroy our home village, and we want you to not attack innocent people in general. If you break off from this path, we can help you with fighting real bad guys in the Scab like you want to. With our help, you could really have a better chance at victory."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 107/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday January 7th, 2019 5:52:05 AM
As the time ticks by, Succotash is getting more and more antsy, finally he breaks down and says, �Madam Gem, you know our plight, could you please lower your defenses just this once, and let us pass, when this is over, I promise the good people of Humble�s Ford and us, the members of Humble�s Sword, will treat you with the respect you deserve, and we will put you to work doing what you love, namely smashing, but instead of conquering you will be defending�.

DM Carl
Monday January 7th, 2019 10:25:32 AM
Kezzem doesn't feel letting this thing have free reign to run around smashing things is a good idea.

Talia wonders if it could be re-purposed for construction purposes.

OOC: Time paused during the slowdown. It's just been 3-5 minutes or so.

Pressi waxes philosophical, but indicates that if the Encompassing Mind continues on with its desire for violence, its return to the darkness is inevitable.

At least, that's what your humble narrator thinks she was trying to get across.

"You make an interesting point, halfling crew!"
"I hate it when you little monkies do that."
"But if you were hoping to have a philosophical discussion with me, I'm afraid you'll have me at a disadvantage."
"It's really not my thing."

Murphy makes some comparisons about slavery vs service, and wonders if this thing can somehow be re-purposed to fly.

"Fly to the moon? I lack any propulsion system that would allow me to break the world's gravitational hold on me."
"Which is significant, as you pointed out earlier."

Hobie wonders where that adamantine is located.

"It's in a chest labeled 'Halfling Crew, please loot."
"Not really, obviously. It's used in small amounts throughout this construct in places where electrical conductivity is needed, but which are under too much stress for gold to be utilized."
"You'd have to tear me apart. Not even my pilot gets to do that without triggering my defenses."

Succotash agrees with Murphy and ponders letting some citizens of Humble's Ford pilot the giant. Of course, the Giant already has a pilot that has to be dealt with first.

Talia begins correcting Hobie, but finds the Encompassing Mind has the situation handled.

Bliss recalls the gem's correct name. He and Succotash both argue that the Encompassing Mind would be better served in service to them rather than Anur.

"You are both likely correct."
"Not that it matters. I can't betray the desires of my pilot just because I want to."
"For example, I would be unable to open the doorways leading to my control centers, like so:"

At that, the door Zaragosa was working on swings open.

"Not that I'm opening it for you, of course. I'm just giving you an example. Now let's see...how do I close that door? May take me about 2 minutes to figure it out. It's more complicated that you'd think."

***

Welcome back, folks. Timer is currently at 48 minutes. Anur starts smashing Humble's Ford in 42 minutes.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 107/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Monday January 7th, 2019 1:08:23 PM
Succotash runs through the open door Twinklesting in hand, but as he does, he says, �Thank you Madam Gem hopefully, we will be allies soon!�

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 Wis +4 d20+31=40 ;
Monday January 7th, 2019 4:18:12 PM

"Encompassing Mind - may I call you 'Em'? - thank you for that demonstration. See you again, soon!"

Murphy, waiting for a gap in his friends' passing through the doorway, squeezes through to see what is on the other side, ensuring he continues moving forward such that others may pass by him. He looks around at details of what is in this next room, as well as seeking for a way upwards. He gauges the height of the ceiling, wondering if it is 9', as the room with the Encompassing Mind, or 20', as the outside view of the Iron Giant, as well as the map which Ix gave them would seem (at least roughly) to indicate.

If the room is higher, he goes up to see what might be above the gem room. Open space? Equipment? A doorway to another room?

Once all have made it through the doorway, air elemental Murphy says to his friends, "You all are the best!"

[In view of Em's response, Murphy is not casting gaseous form at this time.]
=============
Perception: 40

Halfling Bliss (Cayzle) HP109of109, AC26 d20+22=37 ;
Monday January 7th, 2019 5:55:28 PM
Bliss sighs, changes into a cat, activates the shared shield, and stalks through the door, sniffing.

Perception plus scent 37.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1(+5), touch AC 18; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Gears d20+1=12 ;
Monday January 7th, 2019 6:27:25 PM
"Man, it would be nice to find a chest addressed to us for change," says Kezzem. "Villains are never very accommodating in the regard. Is it too much to ask for a little hospitality?"

Kezzem activates his evil-dar as he walks through the door as he looks around.

Perception: 12.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 107/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+7=22 ;
Monday January 7th, 2019 7:49:04 PM
Succotash rolls a 22 for perception as he enters the room.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d12=10 ; d12=10 ; d20+19=28 ; d20+24=26 ;
Tuesday January 8th, 2019 9:08:26 AM
(Ignore the d12 dice rolls.)

Before everyone leaves, Pressi begins to speak up to Murphy. "The point is, its easy to get sucked into a game that becomes a tie again and again. To get so focused on how much we need to win or how great it feels to get that corner or how easy we could win if the other side just does what we want. We've been doing self defense for years but how much safer are we?

"I don't know. I didn't really think I would ever convince this machine. Maybe I'm just trying to convince myself."

Pressi begins to notice if anyone else is listening in. "I owe you all an explanation for why I took this letter, too. Shah... I wonder what she did before becoming a mother. The adventures she might have had. The battles she must have played a role in. The discussions that she might have had. She didn't die as some soldier with strong if misplaced loyalty. She died as a wife and mother, the only role she had left. To throw herself in front of a husband lost to ambition and a son who's every bad date I ever had."

She thinks about it, turning the scroll over in her hands. "I don't know what's in here. But I would like to give that death some closure, some meaning. To make her back into her own person, if I can."

She puts away the scroll. "But that's extra. We still have a valley to save. And maybe a religious war to stop, if we still can. Let's show these guys what choosing to play feels like."

-------------------

After helping JTT check for traps, Pressi slips into the room, preferably through the air ducts (Perception 28+1 for traps). Regardless, she uses her hide in plain sight ability (stealth 26) to try to scout the area.

DM Carl
Tuesday January 8th, 2019 11:03:18 AM
Succotash is the first through the open door.

"No. Wait. Stop," states the Encompassing Mind w/o any inflection.

Murphy asks if he can call the Encompassing Mind "Em."

"No"
"No"

Both voices answer simultaneously. Murphy follows Succotash into the room.

Bliss sighs and follows. Kezzem grumbles about villain accommodations, but even he has to agree that Ix has been pretty accommodating for a villain. He checks for evil, but finds none.

Pressi explains her motivations before entering, looking for anything that could be a trap.

The room beyond the door is bare, but the walls are oddly smooth. They lack the lines of arcane energy and crystal that criss-cross the rest of the Giant. For a moment, it's hard to see anything worthy of your attention. Then, a small circular hole opens in the ceiling and a metallic...tentacle? Snake? Tentacle. It's a tentacle with glowing orb at the end, and it descends rapidly. It inspects each of our heroes in turn, taking only a fraction of a second to inspect each of you before moving on. Then, as quickly as it appeared, it vanishes back up into the ceiling. The circular hole vanishes; the ceiling appears to be some sort of liquid metal that heals itself perfectly.

"HALFLING CREW MEMBERS DETECTED. ACCESS UNAUTHORIZED."

The voice is masculine, but sounds very artificial. The Encompassing Mind's voices could easily pass for organic life forms. This is something else. The Encompassing Mind's voice can still be heard from the open doorway behind you.

"Good luck, halfling crew."
"You'll need it. That guy's a real jerk."

The walls all melt away, revealing an area much larger than should be possible.

Knowledge, Planes DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {This "room" is some sort of demiplane.}

The ground beneath your feet reforms into hard-packed earth. Above you is an endless, turbulently cloudy sky. The door remains open behind you, but moves back and forth as if two competing forces are trying to close/keep it open. A wall of interlocking, razor sharp gears ascends from nothing 30' in front of you. It is 5' high and 20' wide. For the moment, it sits there.

Knowledge, Arcana DC 27, Highlight to display spoiler: {Email me if you pass this check. :D }

The door behind you finally slams shut, and disappears. There is no obvious exit from this place.

***

49 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1(+5), touch AC 18; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Gears d20+11=25 ;
Tuesday January 8th, 2019 2:36:10 PM
"Well, this is a perfectly lovely room of death," says Kezzem as he draws his adamantine short sword. "Okay, halfling rogue crew, you guys are up. Do your thing."

Kezzem will look around to see if he can find anything useful, but his eyes are not as short as they were in his previous life.

OOC: Perception: 15 (that should be +1, not +11; selected the wrong entry on the Dropbox).

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+10=28 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+23=40 ;
Tuesday January 8th, 2019 2:56:12 PM
Knowledge Planes 28, Knowledge Arcana 31

"Well guys I know this is probably obvious, but I'm pretty sure this is some kind of Demiplane. Let me detect the magical aura of this sharp thing for a minute and see what I might figure out." Spellcraft 40

Halfling Bliss (Cayzle) HP109of109, AC26 d20+34=52 ;
Tuesday January 8th, 2019 11:20:44 PM

Bliss does not know much about anything planar or arcane, This wall of razor sharp gears concerns him, however. It is only 5 feet high, though, so Bliss decides to jump over it. He runs forward, leaps, and ...

Acrobatics check 52. That should get CatBliss a good 13 feet in the air ... plenty of room to spare.

He looks around to see what there is to see on this side.

He sniffs the wall -- few illusions have olfactory aspects, so maybe his scent will reveal something.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 107/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday January 9th, 2019 5:19:40 AM
Succotash is dumb founded, he has never experienced anything like this before, in his confusion, he cries out, "Well, if you're going to kill us at least show yourself first, unless you're a coward!"

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 1/3)(performance 4/13) d20+5=18 ; d20+12=18 ;
Wednesday January 9th, 2019 8:18:56 AM
(18 on both checks)

Zaragosa would follow the party in, keeping to himself. As the walls melt away, he stared in bewilderment since he had no idea what was going on.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 53/83, CMD 19 d20=19 ; d20+20=33 ; d20+20=36 ;
Wednesday January 9th, 2019 12:45:25 PM
Talia passing from one room unto another, using her perception and knowledge of arcana to discover and ascertain new information about the old room and the new location.

Once the appearance of the gears are viewed as a possible eminent threat, Talia will hover 25 feet in the air using her overland flight spell she cast recently.

Talia, skilled in Arcana, realizes this is much of the same type of magic as the Golum Constructs we met earlier in our ascent. I wonder what we have to do to activate it?

[Skill Knowledge, Planes: 19]
[Skill Knowledge, Arcana: 33]
[Skill: Perception: 36]

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 Wis +4 d20+3=7 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+31=36 ;
Wednesday January 9th, 2019 2:46:28 PM

"All right. Encompassing Mind you are. No nicknames."

Murphy hears Hobie describe this as a demiplane. The druid makes a mental note that he needs to learn more about planes.

He first flies up to where the metallic orifice appeared, slows, tries to touch it [did it disappear, or is it still there?]. He notes the 20' line of sharp-edged line of gears.

Should time allow, he next flies up and over the gears - about 45' above the top - and over to the other side, perhaps 30' past.
=====
Knowledge, Planes: 7
Knowledge, Arcana: 24
Perception: 36

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Wednesday January 9th, 2019 8:18:10 PM
With others focused elsewhere, Pressi eyes the machinery in the center.

She also readies a break spell if the machine so much as twitch funny.

Halfling Bliss (Cayzle) HP109of109, AC26
Wednesday January 9th, 2019 8:27:56 PM
In midair as he is leaping, CatBliss looks down into the odd wall.

�Wowsy, that reminds me. I need some new gear.�

DM Carl d20+23=37 ; 2d10+8=23 ; d20+29=46 ; 2d10+12=21 ;
Wednesday January 9th, 2019 9:14:55 PM
Talia correctly identifies the wall as related to a clockwork golem. Murphy checks where the ceiling was, but finds just open space.

The party jumps over, flies over, and otherwise inspects the wall. Succotash calls it a coward. At that, the gears start spinning.

"THIS AREA IS OFF-LIMITS TO ALL CREW MEMBERS. YOU SHALL ALL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION, UP TO AND INCLUDING TERMINATION."

Gears move in rapid fashion. It changes from a wall to a...blob, of sorts. It's an amorphous pile of gears that turn over themselves. A pseudo-pod of sorts lashes out at the closest halfling: Bliss. The spinning, bladed gears tear into Bliss, hitting AC 37 for 23 damage. Bliss is caught between two gears (grapple check 46), causing slashing blades to erupt from the to gears that hold him, doing an additional 21 damage.

***

Combat rounds. No map since it's literally one large creature in an effectively infinite space.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1(+5), touch AC 18; HP 119/119, CMD 24; Gears d20+21=36 ; d4+4=5 ; 2d6=6 ;
Wednesday January 9th, 2019 11:01:14 PM
"I hope you have a generous severance package," says Kezzem. He moves up to attack the clockwork golem with his adamantine short sword. "Maybe even one that will cost you and arm or a leg!"

+1 Adamantine Construct-Bane Short Sword
Attack: 1d20 + 21 = 36.
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 2d6 = 5 + 6 = 11.

Spells:
Shield Other (Hobbie, Pressi)

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (4 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (2 used)

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (2 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (2 cast)

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 107/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20=8 ; d20=18 ; d20=16 ; d20=9 ; d20=19 ; d20=1 ; d10=8 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d10=7 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d10=7 ; d6=3 ; d20=10 ; d6=6 ; d10=9 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday January 10th, 2019 5:34:29 AM
Lay of Hands 2/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 8/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 0/1

Succotash leaps into action (Figuratively) as he 5ft steps up to the golem, and does his best to bring the pain, as he clicks his heals together to activate his boots of speed. he will be using power attack.

Attacks Damage
8+22+1-2=29 8+13+9=30 (2 holy)
18+22+1-2=39 7+13+9=29 (9 holy)
16+17+1-2=32 7+13+9=29 (9 holy)
9+12+1-2=20 9+13+9=31 (5 holy)
please ignore the last 3 d20 rolls, was rolling for crit confirmation, and remembered constructs are immune to crits, and bumped d20 instead of d6 once

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 53/83, CMD 19
Thursday January 10th, 2019 10:51:22 AM
Talia, using her Overland flight, will fly up to a height of 50' (if there is no hard ceiling) and hover over the threat in the room (clockwork Golem). Reaching into her haversack, she will remove a Tanglefoot bag, dropping it onto the golem below. (Do I have to roll for attack?) Talia wonders, "I hope this works, I only have 2 more bags!"

Spells in Effect
Overlight flight: -- 655 / 660 minutes
Stoneskin: -- 105 / 110 minutes
Mage Armor: -- 6595 / 6600 minutes
Mirror Image: -- 011/011 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d8=3 ; d8=3 ; d8=3 ;
Thursday January 10th, 2019 3:00:40 PM
Playing a hunch, Pressi casts true seeing on herself, wondering if she might see anything unusual around this area.

She then runs to Bliss, casting a cure serious wounds on him while she tries to come up with a better solution. (Healing is 3d8+9 =18).

--------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form+ 2 int gears, 1 wis gear (Int 24, Wis 12)
haste?
spectral hand (time?)

Spells Used:
L1: 4/7+1
L2: 1+1/6+1
L3: 3/4+1
L4: 3/3+1 (out except for divination)
L5: 2+1/2+1 (out)
Guidances: 3/9
Clair: 2/9
focused curse: 1/1

Tatoos:

L0: 2
L1: 1

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 0/3)(performance 4/13)
Thursday January 10th, 2019 6:01:03 PM
(if I am following this correctly, no one cast Haste yet for this monster)

Zaragosa would move away from the monster and cast Haste as his last best spell

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Thursday January 10th, 2019 6:34:42 PM
Just to be clear, I�m spending a hero point.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 Wis +4 2d6+11=15 ; 2d6+11=21 ; 2d6+11=18 ; 2d6+11=15 ; 2d6+11=19 ;
Thursday January 10th, 2019 7:23:22 PM

Murphy finds himself a bit flummoxed at the moment - not a customary place for him. He is fascinated by the notion of this relatively small section of a moving metal monstrosity containing a - demiplane? - Hobie called it. A huge open space, in the middle of what was a fairly tight enclosed metal box. And the demiplane home to a different type of metal monstrosity. He has never used it before in a combat situation, but is acquainted with a spell that could be o-so-useful - rusting grasp. But he has not acquired that spell this day, so will have to think of something els... oh yeah. Not particularly creative. Not new and wonderful. Such as an armor-plated stegosaurus. But there at least is room to do it.

Murphy, mindful of the positioning of his friends, seeking to avoid them as some lay into the mass of gears close up, drops into a 50' tall whirlwind, then flies to and fro, intersecting the metallic mess, then moving away, then back again, and so forth. Let's say just 5 - no, 3 potential connections this time around, as there are friends to avoid, and sharp turns to make, along with a closing move about 25' above the multi-pointed thing.

Ref sav DC 21? - if saves failed, take: 15, 21, 18 damage.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP83of109, AC30 hasted d20+27=45 ; d20+34=39 ;
Thursday January 10th, 2019 10:28:09 PM
Bliss tries to wriggle free. His escape artist is +19 and he boosts that to +27 with a hero point. He rolls a 45 to beat the golem�s CMD. Hopefully that works, and with his move action he runs off 50 ft, using acrobatics to avoid provoking AoOs. He rolls a 39 to do so.

DM Carl d20=5 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+4=5 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+4=17 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+19=20 ; d20+19=30 ; 2d10+8=20 ; d20+17=25 ; 4d6=12 ;
Friday January 11th, 2019 10:23:07 AM
Kezzem has read an employee handbook before. He advances with a weapon custom made to deal with threats like these. He finds it slices through the clockwork blob easily.

Succotash steps forward and start his attack. He connects three times, but notices the construct doesn't seem to be bothered by his holy damage (construct is not evil), and soaks a good portion of the damage (DR 10/Adamantine). He still manages to pack a punch.

Talia drops a tanglefoot bag on the construct (ranged touch attack that can basically only miss on a nat1 - I rolled a d20 for you and got a 5). The bag gums up the construct's gears nicely, but the thing is not held in place by it (reflex save 22).

OOC: Construct gets a -2 to attacks and a -4 to DEX. Due to the nature of this construct and your clever use of the tanglefoot bag, I'm also deducting the bonus it gets to grapple checks from future attempts.

Pressi follows a hunch and casts true seeing. She discovers there are no illusions at play here, but realizes all matter in this demiplane is an extension of this construct. It's not on the ground, it is the ground. They are currently standing on the construct...well, those of you who are standing at all are, anyway. She runs up to heal Bliss, but cannot reach touch range without incurring an AoO. Is she using her spectral hand?

Zaragosa drops a haste spell on the party. A prudent move.

Murphy wishes he'd prepared a useful spell, but settles on running the construct over as a whirlwind. Three times the construct is hit by Murphy's winds, though the attacks are blunted by it's DR. On the last pass, Murphy picks up the construct.

Bliss wriggles free of the construct, thanks partially to Talia's goo. Unfortunately, he finds himself in the path of Murphy's whirlwind attacks as well. In a world without initiative, does he escape in time? We'll give him a DC21 reflex save to find out, with Zaragosa's haste spell included: 25! He escapes just in time as Murphy tears the construct away from the floor.

The construct finds itself aloft and tumbling inside Murphy. It doesn't seem to mind, and is content to tear at Murphy from the inside. It's first attack flails wildly (nat 1), but the second connects, hitting AC 30 for 20 damage. The construct's ability to grapple is limited thanks to its whirlwinded state and Talia's goo. It is unable to grab onto Murphy (grapple 25 vs CMD 28 - fail).

The construct has several bent or broken gears. Suddenly, these gears burst out, catching everyone who was in melee range for 12 damage (Reflex DC 18 for half damage). Simultaneously, replacement gears tear themselves from the floor and unerringly slot into place, healing the construct a significant amount (though not nearly enough to heal all the damage our heroes did).

Characters affected by the gear explosion: Murphy, Bliss, Kezzem, Succotash, and Pressi if she was not using her spectral hand.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 0/3)(performance 3/13)
Friday January 11th, 2019 12:20:40 PM
Haste for 8 rounds

Since Zaragosa moved away from the enemy, he was out of reach of the melee. He tries to move into a position where he might be one turn away from flanking but not into Melee yet.

He starts performing giving the party +1 on hit and damage

He draws his sword and activates his frost enchantment.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1(+5), touch AC 18; HP 113/119, CMD 24; Gears d20+17=27 ; d20+22=29 ; d20+22=23 ; d20+17=27 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=18 ; d4+4=8 ; d4+4=6 ; d4+4=5 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=9 ;
Friday January 11th, 2019 12:39:45 PM
SV Ref: 1d20 + 16 + 1 (Haste) = 27. Made. Kezzem takes 6 damage.

"Thanks for the speed, Z!" Kezzem continues to attack with his sword. "Time to slice and dice."

+1 Adamantine Construct-Bane Short Sword

Haste Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 22 = 29.
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 2d6 = 8 + 9 = 17.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 22 = 23 (natural 1). Auto-miss.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 17 = 27.
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 2d6 = 6 + 7 = 13.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 12 = 32 (natural 20).
Critical Confirmation: 18. Assuming that's not a critical hit.
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 2d6 = 5 + 9 = 14.

"So glad I invested in this thing after those flesh golems," says Kezzem proudly.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 28 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 Wis +4 Hasted d20+17=32 ; 2d20+11=25 ; 8d6=30 ; 2d6=7 ; d20+31=44 ;
Friday January 11th, 2019 3:13:35 PM

Murphy lifts higher still, to a height of 100' at the base of the funnel. The construct takes an additional 25-10=15 hp damage from buffeting if Ref Save DC22 (DC21+1=22 from haste - I think) fails. Then he drops the shredding machine from 100' - aiming so as to avoid having it land on any of his friends. Falling damage: 37-10=27.

Fly check for vertical ascent 32/20 - success
Perception: 44

[See email]

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 95/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20=12 ; d20=9 ; d20=19 ; d20=4 ; d10=8 ; d10=1 ; d10=1 ; d10=2 ;
Friday January 11th, 2019 5:10:58 PM
Lay of Hands 2/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 8/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 0/1

Succotash waits for Murphy to drop the construct, then he will 5 ft step up to the thing and attempt another full round attack, using power attack.

12+22+1+1-2=34 for 8+13+9+1=31-10=21
9+22+1+1-2=31 for 1+13+9+1=24-10=14
19+17+1+1-2=36 for 1+13+9+1=24-10=14
miss

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 53/83, CMD 19 d20=18 ;
Friday January 11th, 2019 5:57:22 PM
Talia, at a height of 50'using her Overland flight, will make sure she is once again centered over the golem, then Reach into her haversack, she will remove a Tanglefoot bag, dropping it onto the golem below!

Attack Rolls

Like last round, 1d20 = 18 to hit.

Spells in Effect
Overlight flight: -- 655 / 660 minutes
Stoneskin: -- 105 / 110 minutes
Mage Armor: -- 6595 / 6600 minutes
Mirror Image: -- 011/011 minutes

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+19=28 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+14=22 ; d6+19=21 ; d6+19=22 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6+19=24 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6+19=23 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6+19=22 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ;
Saturday January 12th, 2019 4:32:30 PM
Hobie's brain kicks back into gear. He takes a step back (staying about 30 feet away from the thing) and fires a volley of arrows.

Manyshot
Attack = 28
Piercing 21, Fire 5, Electric 3 = 29
Piercing 22, Fire 6, Electoc 3= 31

Rapid Shot
Attack =24
Piercing 24. Fire 1, Electric 5 = 30

Haste
Attack =21
Piercing 23, Fire 3, Electric 6 = 32

Iterative
Attack = 22
Piercing 22, Fire 3, Electric 5 = 30

DM Carl d20+4=15 ; 12d8=53 ;
Sunday January 13th, 2019 11:12:21 AM
Zaragosa starts laying down some beats.

Murphy continues to buffet the construct in his strong winds. In its gunked up state, the thing can't avoid the worst of the damage. He then drops the thing from 100' up. Simultaneously, two pillars of gears erupt from the ground, catching the construct (no damage). The construct is now a roughly 50' tall and on two legs.

Perception DC25, Highlight to display spoiler: {As the construct reforms itself, you briefly glimpse a glowing blue gemstone inside.}

Kezzem hacks at the things legs with his awesome sword. Three attacks hit, and each does full damage. He tears enough away to severe about 2 feet of leg off. The construct is now lop-sided.

Succotash may not have a super construct weapon, but he's still able to do some real damage. All three attacks hit, sundering the other leg and causing the construct's main body to plummet to the ground. When it hits, it explodes outwards, catching everybody in a rain of razor sharp gears. All characters take 53 damage from the explosion. Reflex save DC 20 for half.

The pieces of the construct fall back to the ground, including a blue gem set into a golden socket. Where the socket lands, the floor starts to re-shape itself to cover the gem. Hobie is able to use his arrows to keep the construction from proceeding, but can only manage a stalemate. Talia is in position to drop a tanglefoot bag, but doing so will likely just make it harder to remove the gem.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 57/83, CMD 19 d20+20=34 ; d20+9=29 ;
Sunday January 13th, 2019 12:35:49 PM
Hasted, Tali deftly making her reflex save for half damage (NAT 20), casts dimension door to move to the Blue Gem and grab it, then flies straight up 65' to avoid the reforming construct, as fast as she can!

Talia shouts to the gang, "hopefully, my actions will ensure that thing won't reform!"

Skills & Checks
Perception Check: 34
Reflex Save: 29 for 26 points of damage

Spells in Effect
Overlight flight: -- 655 / 660 minutes
Stoneskin: -- 105 / 110 minutes
Mage Armor: -- 6595 / 6600 minutes
Mirror Image: -- 011/011 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears d20+17=26 ; d20+22=38 ; d20+22=32 ; d20+17=21 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=32 ; d4+4=6 ; d4+4=8 ; d4+4=5 ; d4+4=7 ; d4+4=5 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=8 ; 2d6=10 ; 2d6=11 ;
Sunday January 13th, 2019 2:25:36 PM
SV Ref: 1d20 + 17 = 26. Kezzem saves and takes half damage.

"Should I stab it again?" asks Kezzem. "I am going to stab it again."

Kezzem continues to stab at the pieces attempting to reform with his +1 Adamantine Construct-Bane Short Sword.

Haste Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 22 = 38.
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 2d6 = 6 + 4 = 10.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 22 = 32.
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 2d6 = 8 + 8 = 16.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 17 = 21.
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 2d6 = 5 + 10 = 15.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 12 = 32. Natural 20!
Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 12 = 32. Natural 20!
Reg Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 2d6 = 7 + 11 = 18.
Crit Damage: 1d4 + 4 = 5.
Total damage: 23.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 68/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+11=31 ; d20=5 ; d20=11 ; d20=8 ; d20=5 ; d10=2 ; d10=9 ; d10=9 ;
Monday January 14th, 2019 5:05:44 AM
Lay of Hands 2/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 8/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 0/1

Succotash manages to get out of the way of most of the shrapnel reflex 31 pass, and hacks at the construct to help give Talia time to remove the gem. He won't be using power attack, as he is going for precisely placed strikes, not brute force.

5+22+1+1=29 for 2+13+1=16-10=6 damage
11+22+1+1=35 for 9+13+1=23-10=13 damage
8+17+1+1=27 for 9+13+1=23-10=13 damage
5+12+1+1=19 (miss)

DM Carl 2d6+12=20 ; d20+21=36 ;
Monday January 14th, 2019 11:25:51 AM
Talia makes a grab for them gem, then things happen fast.

Kezzem and Succotash hack away at the rapidly reforming construct, but several bladed gears erupt around the gem. If Talia makes a DC 20 reflex save, she pulls the gem safely from the socket just in time and the whole thing shuts down.

If she fails, the gears catch, she takes 20 damage, and she is grappled (grapple check 36). She'll need one of the following to escape:

A DC 31 escape artist check (this construct has no set form and cannot be grappled back)
A DC 20 STR check (the rest of you can each give a +2 aid other bonus if you help pull her out)

Effects that protect against grappling will also work here.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+10=22 ; d20+19=20 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+19=22 ; d20+14=33 ; d6+19=22 ; d6+19=23 ; d6+19=25 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ;
Monday January 14th, 2019 12:23:37 PM
Hobie passes the reflex save and avoids half the damage. If Talia fails to grab the gem, he will continue to fire arrows at the machine, hoping to distract it enough for others to help her escape.

Manyshot
Natural 1

Rapid shot
Attack 21
Piercing 22 Fire 2, Electric 3 = 27

Haste,
Attack 22
Piercing 23, Fire 5, Electric 6 = 34

Iterative
Attack 33
Piercing 25, Fire 3, Electric 1 = 29

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 31, HP 37/83, CMD 19 d20+9=14 ; d20=13 ;
Monday January 14th, 2019 3:18:23 PM
Tali focused solely on the gem grab, doesn't see peripherally the Golem grapple until its too late. Tali gets slammed taking 20 points of damage from the golem and he held fast. Tali attempting to make the Strength check, fails as only a sorcerer can (Skill check: 13)!!! As a last ditched effort, when Talia can, she will cast Dimension Door to teleport herself 65 feet above the Golem (as she still has Overland Flight cast and in affect).

Spells in Effect
Overlight flight: -- 655 / 660 minutes
Stoneskin: -- 105 / 110 minutes
Mage Armor: -- 6595 / 6600 minutes
Mirror Image: -- 011/011 minutes

[OCC: How does / did Stoneskin and Mage armor help in this encounter?]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Monday January 14th, 2019 3:54:25 PM
Sorry, 3 year old snow day stuff.

Pressi uses her knowledge ability to try and identify the creature.

If she gets a second move, she casts Spectral hand.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 0/3)(performance 3/13) d20+15=20 ; d4+1=5 ; d6=6 ; 4d6=14 ;
Monday January 14th, 2019 8:41:59 PM
Zaragosa would continue his speech performance and try to get closer to the construct, , trying to see if it can be flanked, he would take an attack after the move

Attack
20 to hit (not natural) (22 if flanking)
5 + 1 + 6 (cold) = 12 (26 if flanking)

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP75, AC30 hasted d20=13
Monday January 14th, 2019 11:04:25 PM
Last Round: Reflex save DC 18 for 12 or 6 ... he rolls a raw 13, makes the save, takes half damage.

Bliss keeps his distance, running off to max range, and uses his witch ability to inflict a -2 penalty on the monsters next save or skill check. There is no save, iirc.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 44/96 Wis +4 Hasted d20+31=40 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+19=33 ;
Tuesday January 15th, 2019 4:52:49 AM

Murphy flies swiftly down to Talia, if she is still grappled, and has not been able to dimension door out, and casts (using the gemstone for this combat set to call upon a previously used spell) to cast upon her freedom of movement ["This spell enables you or a creature you touch to move and attack normally for the duration of the spell, even under the influence of magic that usually impedes movement, such as paralysis, solid fog, slow, and web. All combat maneuver checks made to grapple the target automatically fail. The subject automatically succeeds on any combat maneuver checks and Escape Artist checks made to escape a grapple or a pin."] The spell has a duration of 110 minutes. [Murphy also has this spell effect upon himself... need to check remaining time, but it is not scheduled to expire soon.]

[Perception: 40
Reflex save for earlier gear explosion: 21/20 - success
Reflex save if needed for dealing with renewed proximity to machine: 33
DM Carl - if additional saves are needed to resolve this, I trust you to roll them for Murphy - I'm super tied up Tuesday]

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 68/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20=7 ; d20=14 ; d20=16 ; d20=9 ; d10=7 ; d10=2 ; d10=9 ; d10=7 ;
Tuesday January 15th, 2019 5:31:14 AM
Lay of Hands 2/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 8/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 0/1

Succotash will continue to press his assault, as Talia is now free, due to Murphy's spell he is more concerned about destroying the thing then helping anyone retrieve the gem so he will use power attack.

7+22+1+1-2=29 for 7+13+9+1-10=20 damage
14+22+1+1-2=36 for 2+13+9+1-10=15 damage
16+17+1+1-2=33 for 9+13+9+1-10=22 damage
9+12+1+1-2=21 for 7+13+9+1-10=20 damage

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 31, HP 37/83, CMD 19 d20+17=31 ;
Tuesday January 15th, 2019 11:52:57 AM
Taila tries to concentrate to attempt the Dimension Door spell while grappled, but doesn't have enough mental capacity versus this huge monstrosity of a Clockwork Golem as is unable to cast her spell.

DM Carl
Tuesday January 15th, 2019 3:46:57 PM
Talia pulls with all her might, but it's not nearly enough. Thankfully, Murphy is johnny-on-the-spot as always and swoops in with a freedom of movement spell. With that, Talia is able to easily slip from the construct's grasp with the blue gem in hand.

The entire plane shudders as the gem is removed. After a few seconds, the vista vanishes in a *poof*. The players find themselves in a non-descript room with a single door leading out. Said door swings open automatically. The voice of the Encompassing Mind floats in.

"That is much better, halfling crew."
"Yea, we owe you one."

The only thing that remains of the construct is a small pillar with a gem socket on top. Talia stands nearby with the gem in hand.

Talia ONLY, Highlight to display spoiler: {This gem feels wrong, and while holding it you feel a strong urge to be violent. It does not change your alignment; you feel no desire to hurt your friends or innocents, but you'd really like to go find some bad guys and whoop them. While it is in your possession, you must make a DC18 will save any time someone Talia feels violence is justified against is nearby. Failure means she attacks to the best of her abilities.

You do not need to be physically touching the gem for this effect to be present. You feel its effect even if it's sitting in a pouch or pack you're carrying/wearing. You can freely drop it or give it to someone else. The effect stops immediately if you do.}

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 0/3)(performance 3/13)
Tuesday January 15th, 2019 6:26:22 PM
Zaragosa stops performing and looks around feeling a bit foolish. "Does, does anyone need healing still?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 31, HP 37/83, CMD 19
Tuesday January 15th, 2019 7:37:15 PM
Talia, says to Jack, yes please Mister Jack, I am down quite a bit, unfortunately! Actually, I down by a bit more than half!"

": Mister Murphy," says Tali, may I have a moment of your time?! It's about this blue gem here."

Spells in Effect
Overlight flight: -- 654 / 660 minutes
Stoneskin: -- 104 / 110 minutes
Mage Armor: -- 6594 / 6600 minutes
Mirror Image: -- 010/010 minutes

[OOC: Kim I'll send you an email]

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP75, AC30 hasted
Tuesday January 15th, 2019 10:28:27 PM
�Wowsy, great job Miss Talia� declares Bliss after switching to halfling shape.

�HEY� he says out loud to the voices, �I thought something super special would happen if we won that one.�

Bliss checks himself over to see if he has managed to become more special than he was before.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears d20+1=10 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=8 ; d8+1=8 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=8 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=8 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday January 16th, 2019 12:21:54 AM

"Gather around for some healing, everyone."

Kezzem uses to uses of his lay on hands to channel positive energy to heal everyone.

Healing: 5d6 = 6 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 5 = 18.

He then takes out his wand and starts spreading around the healing.

OOC: Ignore the d20 roll

Talia: 6 charges
Healing: 3 + 3 + 8 + 8 + 4 + 5 = 31.

Murphey: 6 charges
Healing: 3 + 9 + 9 + 5 + 4 + 2 (rerolled to 9) = 39.

Succotash: 6 charges
Healing: 6 + 3 + 4 + 6 + 5 + 4 = 28.

Bliss: 3 charges
Healing: 5 + 4 + 9 = 18.

Hobbie: 3 charges
Healing: 3 + 4 + 3 = 10.

Kezzem: 7 charges
Healing: 4 + 7 + 2 (rerolled to 5) + 3 + 8 + 2 (rerolled to 7) + 8 = 42

That should top everyone off. However, Kezzem's wand is toast.

"We need to finish this, guys, I'm running out of healing."

---

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day (6 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (2 used)

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (2 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (2 cast)

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 44/96 Wis +4 Hasted
Wednesday January 16th, 2019 12:22:25 AM

"Sure, Talia," Murphy replies. "Glad you made that stellar play for the gem, good friend. Bliss is right!" Though it is ambiguous as to whether the druid is saying he is right about the great job Talia said, or the something super special he thought should happen...

"What are you thinking about?" He listens to what Tali has to say, going to the farthest corner of the room they can find.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 113/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday January 16th, 2019 5:37:16 AM
Lay of Hands 2/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 8/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 0/1

"Thanks Kezzem, feeling pretty awesome at the moment thanks to you!", Succotash declares, then adds, "I'm running low on healing myself, I think I can muster only 2 more Lay of Hands at most!"

"Can I borrow someones spell recall gem, if so I can re-prepare cure moderate wounds, which may come in handy".

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+15=26 ; d8=1 ; d8=7 ; d20+15=16 ; d8=1 ; d8=8 ;
Wednesday January 16th, 2019 2:38:49 PM
Hobie takes out his wand of CLW and manages to heal himself once with it. (8 HP)

"Thanks Kezz, and don't worry about wands for now, this one still has about 8 charges left, and then I have a fresh one in my bag" On his second try with the wand he does some kind of strange flourish with it and it refuses to work for him. "Can you or Sucker give me another tap with it? And then use it on anyone else who isn't feeling their fullest."

(Presuming someone else will give him the tap he heals for 9HP and is back to health)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears
Wednesday January 16th, 2019 2:45:45 PM
Hobbie: I think you missed the 18 hp Kez did to everyone using 2 of his Lay on Hands. I am sure I topped everyone off with Kezzem's wand.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Wednesday January 16th, 2019 3:05:18 PM
Pressi shakes herself out of her funk, tries to understand what is going on, and accepts the heal.

She isn't sure about what to do next. Forward, she supposes.

--------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form+ 2 int gears, 1 wis gear (Int 24, Wis 12)
haste

Spells Used:
L1: 4/7+1
L2: 1+1/6+1
L3: 3/4+1
L4: 3/3+1 (out except for divination)
L5: 2+1/2+1 (out)
Guidances: 3/9
Clair: 2/9
focused curse: 1/1

Tatoos:

L0: 2
L1: 1

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP93, AC30 hasted
Wednesday January 16th, 2019 7:50:03 PM
Bliss is grateful for the healing. �Thanks!� he exclaims. He looks around for a way onwards and upwards.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 31, HP 37/83, CMD 19
Wednesday January 16th, 2019 8:21:17 PM
"Mister Murphy," says Tali, may I have a moment of your time?! It's about this blue gem here." Talia migrates to a corner of the once very large room and waves Mister Murphy over.

Mister Murphy only, please:

Highlight to display spoiler: {So - Murphy responds to Talia. He meets with her in a far corner, and arrays his mass to try to quell sound from going too far:

First, thanks for the Johnny-on-the-spot spell, I might have been a goner! Second, this blue gem isn't something I think the group should keep...but I am not sure how to "Dispose of it"...This gem feels wrong to me, and while holding it makes me feel a strong urge to be violent. " this is not something I'm not prone to, but this could very well be an artifact of some kind maybe even of the first age!" What to do? As Talia hands the gem to Mister Murphy, she says, "Sure, Mister Murphy here's the blue gem!" says Talia as she makes some distance between the two so, Mister Murphy can soak up the loving. Talia giggles...after a while, Ms. Talia asks " would still like to hold onto it?"

"Hmm... that could be serious. Also, pretty near everything in this perambulating hunk of metal is an artifact of the first age if what they've told us so far is the case - and I have no reason at the moment to doubt it." Murphy floats gently up and down as they quietly converse. "By the way, if you feel a need to punch me, or something, I'll try to understand."

He thinks for a moment. "You have a handy haversack, right? And you have Bill's Pants o' Plenty. What if you empty out one of the sections, and place the gem inside, and close it. See if the feeling remains. If so, then we'll have to think of something else. If not, then, maybe we can delay the disposition of it. Just promise me you're not going to lend it to Hobie... Say - could I hold it for a moment, and see if I get the same feeling?"

He holds it for a few moments and sees where his thoughts and feelings go. After enough time to get a reading, he returns it to Talia.}

"Thank you for the healing Mister Jack. It is good to feel so full of energy and life!", exclaims Talia.

[u]Spells in Effect[/b]
Overlight flight: | 653 | 660 minutes
Stoneskin: | 103 | 110 minutes
Mirror Image: | 9 |10 minutes
Mage Armor: | 6594 | 6600 minutes

DM Carl
Wednesday January 16th, 2019 9:08:09 PM
With gem in hand, Talia takes Murphy aside for a chat.

Bliss calls out wondering why nothing super special happened.

"It is rude to yell, halfling crew."
"So come back in here so we can talk about what you did."

He is no more special than before, but he was pretty special to begin with.

Kezzem gathers everyone for healing, using the last of his wand. Humble's Sword has done well so far, but they've soaked up a lot of their healing ability doing so.

Hobie proclaims he has an unused healing wand in his pack.

Pressi is ready to move forward.

With the demiplane collapsed, there is nothing else in this room. The gem of the Encompassing Mind glows hapilly when you return through the door you came through.

"That is much better, halfling crew!"
"Yea, that piece of me a real bully. You guys just removed my id."
"...and we no longer feel any desire for violence! Now we really can use our powers to help, to build...gosh, to do anything!"
"So long as that anything is what our pilot wants to accomplish, of course. To answer the obvious questions, yes, we're still en route to smash your home. No, we still can't act against our pilot. No, we still can't let you proceed."
"All true, I'm afraid."

A small panel opens on the gem, revealing one small pink and one small purple gem. "So you're gonna have to shut me down and use the manual override system."
"You'll turn me back on after you've saved your town though, right?"

***

We are at the 50 minute mark.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 Wis +4
Thursday January 17th, 2019 1:50:38 AM

"The - 'id'?" Murphy echoes. He turns to Talia.

"Try what I suggested. Place it in one of your extra-dimensional storage places, close up the storage place, and take a moment to consider. Do you still feel the same urges?"

To the Encompassing Mind, Murphy says, "Sounds quite equitable to me. What say the rest of the halfling crew?" He awaits their input on the matter. Catching a pause between people, he asks, "Uh, a question. Are there special instructions available for how to operate while on manual override?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Thursday January 17th, 2019 2:41:16 AM
Oh I didn�t notice that Kez, thanks

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 113/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Thursday January 17th, 2019 5:30:16 AM
"Of course we'll turn you back on!" Succotash smiles. He isn't sure if the Encompassing Mind can see his smile, but he is sincere, he has grown fond of her, so he adds, "You're part of our crew now, am I right guys?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears
Thursday January 17th, 2019 12:32:01 PM
"Yup, you're the all Encompassing Mind Crew and we're the Halfling Crew," says Kezzem. "Us crews have to stick together."

"More gems?" asks Kezzem. "I was hoping for a Big Red Button that says Do Not Touch. I love touching Big Red Buttons that say Do Not Touch."

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 0/3)(performance 3/13)
Thursday January 17th, 2019 12:44:26 PM
Zaragosa sheaths his sword and waits until they are done talking.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Thursday January 17th, 2019 2:24:31 PM
Pressi stares as Talia and Murphy have their meeting. Whatever she is thinking, she remains silent.

She decides against engaging the Encompassing Mind further, but takes some time to peruse the new gems. "How exactly do these things work? Do they contain some sort of programming or is it more of an organic system. Are there any instructions that go with it?"

She considers things a little further. "Answer me this. The person driving this thing... is he fully connected or does he have some measure of consciousness? Could he... carry on a conversation, for example?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 31, HP 37/83, CMD 19
Thursday January 17th, 2019 4:17:32 PM
Talia, following Mister Murphy's suggestion, drops the big blue gem into one of the unused pockets on her Haversack.

"Er, Encompassing Mind, What happens to the Pilot when we disengage these two gems, the pink and purple?"

DM Carl
Thursday January 17th, 2019 9:29:32 PM
Murphy suggests Talia stuff the gem somewhere. He asks the EC about piloting without her.

"Remember how I said a part of me was installed on the pilot? It's enough to allow basic piloting without my assistance."
"But it will slow the Giant by about 25% and take ALL the pilot's concentration. He'll be basically blind to the world so long as he's wearing the helmet."

Succotash exclaims that they will certainly turn the EC back on.

"Thank you, halfli...Succotash."
"I can call you by your names now. That was unexpected. I wonder what else I can do."

Kezzem laments the lack of a big red button, and Zaragosa waits to see what the party decides.

Pressi inspects the gems and asks about their make-up. Her questions about the pilot having been answered above.

She should have her true seeing spell still in effect. Inspecting the gems leads to some confusing results. They do not respond to changes in perspective as well as they should. Looking at them from the left, for example, they appear to be square cut gems. Looking from the right, they appear to be princess cut.

INT check DC 18 or knowledge engineering 25, Highlight to display spoiler: {It's possible these gems exist in more than three dimensions. It's the only explanation that would make any sense.}

"The gems are complex, but the basics are that they hold different aspects of myself."
"They hold personalities, not instructions for piloting the Giant. Those instructions are spread along the whole of the construct."
"The three gems make up the logic behind the higher levels of the user interface, basically."
"We could talk a long time about this if you'd like, but Anur is still keen on smashing your town, so...

Talia finds the effect persists even when in an extra-dimensional space.

"Anur will be fine when you remove those gems. The version of myself that was implanted in his mind will handle the basics of movement, though it will take all the brainpower he has."
"He has more than I originally thought he did."

***

51 minutes.

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP93, AC30 hasted
Thursday January 17th, 2019 10:21:30 PM

Bliss is happy with this outcome. "I'm glad the murder-hobo part of your brain is gone," he says to the Iron Giant's Encompassing Mind. "Now we just have to get to your pilot and take off his hat."

He looks around.

"Um, how do we do that? Helloo? Here is the door to the pilot's room?"

Bliss looks around for the way forward.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 31, HP 83/83, CMD 19 d20+2=17 ;
Friday January 18th, 2019 12:34:24 AM
Talia asks the Encompassing Mind, "How do we get to Anur, once we disengage your Pink & Purple gems? Is there a door or some sort of map we can follow to get to Anur?"

If the Encompassing mind answers Talia's questions satisfactorily, Talia will swipe the gems and drop them into her Handy Haversack, into a compartment of their own. Hopefully, this will increase the time it takes Anur to attack and smash Humble Ford! "Hope that animal gets a MIgraine headache!" says Talia to no in particular.

Talia tries to understand the gems, but just misses it [skill check: INT: DC 18 ~ 17]

Highlight to display spoiler: { Mister Murphy, the blue gem is still making me agitated}

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears
Friday January 18th, 2019 1:30:56 AM
"Anur will be fine when you remove those gems. The version of myself that was implanted in his mind will handle the basics of movement, though it will take all the brainpower he has."
"He has more than I originally thought he did."

"Funny, people often tell me the same thing," says Kezzem.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 Wis +4
Friday January 18th, 2019 4:47:35 AM

"Talia, let me carry that gem, then. And I shall strive to resist its dark allure." As he takes the blue gem - the 'id' - from Talia, he explains to the others how it tends to incite violence on the part of the bearer against those one discerns merit punishment. "I shall do my best to resist said allure." [At the moment, with owl's wisdom up, he'll only fail to resist it on a natural 1 will save.]

Mentally, to Pressi, Murphy messages, "Talia wanted to talk to me privately for a moment. What I just told everyone now is the gist of our discussion."

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 113/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20=2 ;
Friday January 18th, 2019 5:27:22 AM
Succotash waits for the instructions from the encompassing mind, the heads in the direction she suggests.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 0/3)(performance 3/13) d20+5=12 ;
Friday January 18th, 2019 12:37:04 PM
Zaragosa inspects what the others are doing but fails his check on engineering, a subject he was not used to other than disarming things.

He again will hold and keep watch

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+5=23 ;
Friday January 18th, 2019 3:10:57 PM
INT Check 23
"Guys, the strange perspective, or perspectives rather, of these gems indicates to me that they are actually existing in more than just the three dimensions we normally deal with. Very peculiar."

"Half of me wants to figure all this crazyness out, but the other half of me wants to just keep pushing forward and take Anur down before he gets to Humbles Ford. Then figure this stuff out later."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+6=14 ;
Friday January 18th, 2019 3:32:18 PM
"Agreed," Pressi replied to Hobie. "In all of our discussions of whether to stop it, destroy it, keep it... we really haven't given enough recognition to the lessons we could learn from studying it. Why the secrets we could unlock from the gears or the gems alone. And who knows if we get another chance."

Pressi tries to unlock the secrets herself, but even her sharp mind cannot penetrate it.

"Well, we will just have to move forward. Murphy, may I suggest keeping the gem myself. Unchecked allure of violence is rather my wheelhouse. If you find a gem that compels one to whine about their past, I'll take the hit on that, too."

Pressi sends out another clairaudio signal, trying to listen for anyone or anything else in the direction they have to go (1 round).

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 Wis +4 d20+31=37 ;
Friday January 18th, 2019 9:07:05 PM

Murphy chuckles at Kezzem's comment. He concurs with Hobie's and Pressi's comments. "Good insights, Hobie." Except for when he considers Pressi's request to hold the Id Gem. "Were it a gem of whining, why, yes, I'd be happy to let you carry it. But not this one, for right now. I'm estimating the odds of it setting you off as higher than doing so for me. What if it drove you to attack Anur, whom you're trying, perhaps, to spare? - at least long enough for him to read the note. No, my heart, I will bear it for the moment."

[35% change the gem will compel Pressi to violence, 45% for Talia or Jack, 50% for Hobie or Bliss. Only 20% for Succotash and 10% for Kezzem. A slim 5% chance that will happen to Murphy, at least for the next 9-10 minutes, and 15% after that.]

Since the Encompassing Mind is momentarily decommissioned, and the manual override is in place, The airy druid says, "Let's figure out where to climb up," and begins looking for the way upwards. "There is that door on the other side the Lady Gem we have not yet looked at. Jack, do you want to do the honors on seeing if we can open the door? Maybe that will be how we can ascend. Meanwhile, I'll check the room we just had the battle in. Holler if you find something."

He scans the room with the Id pillar, in particular where the eye tentacle had appeared earlier out of the ceiling - then elsewhere, if that spot bears no fruit.
============
Perception: 37

DM Carl
Saturday January 19th, 2019 6:03:27 PM
Bliss is pleased with this new outcome, but wonders where the door is.

"Like I said, Bliss, I will need to be deactivated before the manual override controls become available to you."
"I hope you realize I'm basically letting you kill me for a while. You ALL owe me big."

Talia asks for more specifics.

"There's a wheel. You turn it. So simple even a halfling can do it."

At that, Talia grabs the pink gem, then the purple. Neither gem have an effect similar to the blue one.

The effects are immediate. A high-pitched whine you hadn't really been aware of before stops. The color drains from the conduits that line the walls of the Giant, and its movements immediately feel more clumsy. It's not enough to affect anyone above the waist, but it's noticable.

Just as promised, two hatches open where before there was no evidence of one. One is in the floor. Inside is a metal wheel with four gem-shaped sockets in the middle. They're too big for the Encompassing Mind's or the Id's gems, but the ones you've socked away will fit. The wheel itself is big; it's got a 20' diameter.

Above, the hatch peels away to reveal...a crude wooden door? It's the first piece of wood any of you have seen since you entered the giant. It's not even nice wood. It's just some rough cut pine planks crudely nailed together.

Murphy offers to hold the blue gem.

Succotash and Zaragosa were waiting to see what happens.

Kezzem is no stranger to being underestimated.

Hobie realizes the gems exist in more than three dimensions.

It occurs to Pressi that they have a lot to learn from this Giant. That is very true, as Humble's Sword may discover in the coming months.

Murphy declines Pressi's offer to hold the blue gem, figuring he had the best chance of resisting it. He briefly scans the other room, but the pillar is even more non-descript now than it was before Talia took the gems out. There is zero sign of where that tentacle thing came from. It's just smooth wall.

***

51 minutes, but the Giant is now moving 25% slower. Rounding to the nearest minute, you've bought yourselves another 10 minutes. The Giant will reach Humble's Ford in 49 minutes.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 Wis +4 d20+31=39 ;
Monday January 21st, 2019 12:07:29 AM

"Hello, Ix, if you can hear me. I suspect your ability to do so now is compromised, but I may be mistaken. Hope all is reasonably well with you, if I am. See you in a while."

He turns to someone closer. "Say, Kade, how are you doing so far?" he asks the dwarf. "Sorry, I did not think to ask if you were injured as we fought the metal golem." He looks him over. If he was injured, he asks if someone can help him out with healing.

If Talia gets around to handing him the blue 'Id' gem, he accepts it.

"Hear that? Feel that. The strides are about 12 or 13 seconds apart now. Let's get moving - we're only about halfway up, far as I can reckon. There's a pinewood door above us. How about if everyone takes a moment to prepare, then let us ascend? Unless anyone wants to see what happens if we plop four of our gems into the middle of the metal wheel in the floor. Perhaps by placing gems there, and turning the wheel, the ceiling door will open? We can find out. If someone wants to do that, I'll lend my pink gem." And he does so, if anyone takes up that notion.

"Once we open the ceiling door, I can lift people up about two at a time." [Unless there is a ladder or such which already lead to the wooden door, in which case he does not make the latter offer.]
==========
Perception: 39

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 31, HP 83/83, CMD 19
Monday January 21st, 2019 12:43:41 AM
Talia gives the Blue gem to Mister Murphy for safe keeping. Talia stores the pink & purple gem into her handy haversack. Talia asks the group, "Do you believe the pink and purple always work the manual mode?"

If the group believes that the pink and purple gems should be placed here, then she will remove them from the haversack and place them here in this 4-gem sockets. "Any suggestions on how they should be placed?", talia asks the group.

"Perhaps we should turn the wheel first since that's what EM suggested, but she didn't mention anything about needing gems. If that doesn't work by itself, then we try them gems," states Talia. "In the meantime, let have a look at this crude dressing of a door, shall we? Let's go, strong people on the wheel, one strong one on the door!" says Talia matter of factly.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 113/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+8=17 ;
Monday January 21st, 2019 5:22:13 AM
Succotash will try turning the wheel Strength check 17 if nothing happens, he says, "It seems we need the gems, after all, not Madam Gem's gems of course, as they obviously won't fit, but some of those other gems that help recall spells maybe".

CatBliss (Cayzle) HP93, AC30 hasted d20+22=23 ;
Monday January 21st, 2019 10:44:12 AM

Bliss likes Murphy's idea about two halflings, one on the other's shoulders, and then Bliss can climb up in cat form to listen at the upper hatch with the wooden door.

Bliss listens in cat form, and maybe even peers through a crack ... Perception 23.

Bliss agrees with Talia about doing the lower hatch before trying to open the upper. He stands on guard, alert.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+23=24 ;
Monday January 21st, 2019 3:40:26 PM
"I'm interested in this basic pine door, what's it doing here?"

Hobie will detect magic on the door, and study it's aura if it has one. Spellcraft 24.

If it doesn't detect as magic, or if the aura doesn't seem threatening, Hobie will approach it and try to open it. If it's locked, he'll take his crowbar from his handy haversack.

"I bought this thing a while back and haven't had a use for it yet. I'm gonna go ahead and pry this thing open if nobody objects."

If no one stops him, he'll go ahead and start prying the door open.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 0/3)(performance 3/13)
Monday January 21st, 2019 3:58:39 PM
Zaragosa would nod to Murphey but would not that Hobie is about to take a crowbar to the door. "I may be able to help with that" He says, through his tired voice

DM Carl
Monday January 21st, 2019 8:47:28 PM
Hey guys, I'm under the weather tonight, so low effort post incoming...

Murphy calls out to Ix, presumably using the leather hood, but there is no reply. Murphy can hear background noise through the hood, so it does seem to be operational still.

Kade nods, indicating he's doing fine. He stayed behind during the fight with the Id, so he's fine.

Talia hands over the blue gem to Murphy. She immediately feels much less violent as she does so. She tries to place the purple and pink gems in the wheel's sockets, but finds they do not fit. It appears the smaller red and green ones are the ones that will fit. She suggest they try turning the wheel.

Succotash obliges. He's pretty strong, but this wheel is super tough to turn. As he turns it, he finds the floor around the wheel (and under the wooden door) rises, but just barely. Also, it really wants to go back down. Succotash has to hold it with all his might just to keep it a few inches off the ground.

Bliss should have no trouble getting to that door above as the ceiling is only 9' up. He listens and looks through the gaps between the boards. It's hard to be sure, but at least two persons are standing on them. Also, the hardware holding the door together is steel, not iron. That's also out of place here.

Hobie has a crowbar. He detects magic, but finds none.

Zaragosa recommends he be allowed to take a look at the door before Hobie goes about prying it open.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears
Monday January 21st, 2019 11:22:41 PM
Kezzem juggles his daggers as he waits for everyone to open the door.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/108 AC 28 Touch 17 Flat 23 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Tuesday January 22nd, 2019 2:20:45 AM
Hobie stands aside and gestures to Jack that he come take a look, but he�s ready to pry the thing open.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 Wis +4 d20+31=37 ;
Tuesday January 22nd, 2019 4:34:02 AM

The druid contributes one of his gems - the pink 4th-level one (not the ones from g-EM) - into the wheel, and waits to ensure that all four spots are filled by others' contributions of the appropriate stones. "I'm wondering whether the magic of our gems works now that the mother gem is disabled? Guess we'll find out soon."

"Hobie - you're pretty strong. How about you add your muscle to the wheel here? Maybe you can get additional purchase with the crowbar helping to lever the wheel. Maybe, once the platform is raised, the crowbar can help fix it in place? I dunno. Kade - would you mind lending a hand with turning the wheel?"

Murphy is willing to serve as a platform for Jack and Bliss to try to deal with the door above - they can rest on his shoulders, or he'll hunch over and they can stand on his upper back. He keeps an eye on the progress of the wheel, so that he does not become the center portion of a sandwich.

"Anything we're forgetting, Pressi, Talia?" Murphy inquires.

Keep in mind Murphy is wild shaped into an air elemental, stands ~16' tall when standing, and is perhaps 8' wide. So he is feeling somewhat cramped for now.
======
Perception: 37 - while all this is going on, he listens and observes as well as he is able.

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 113/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20+8=12 ;
Tuesday January 22nd, 2019 5:19:26 AM
Succotash grunts as he struggles to hold the wheel, "I think we need 3 more of those gems like Murphy installed". He will continue to try to turn the wheel strength check 12

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 0/3)(performance 3/13) d20+9=22 ; d20+35=42 ;
Tuesday January 22nd, 2019 11:15:53 AM
Zaragosa would walk up and look for traps (trap finding 22). If it is locked and not trapped, he will unlock it, if it is trapped, he will disable it first (Either can disable device 42)

"At least this machine is slowed down, I cannot wait to finish this, though I am low on spells." He'll say in a light tone

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Tuesday January 22nd, 2019 2:38:05 PM
Pressi tried to think. She had assumed the door was just a jury rig addition from the dwarves but couldn�t imagine why they would need an extra door.

She tries to think a little more but the fog hasn�t yet lifted.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 Wis +4
Tuesday January 22nd, 2019 7:50:21 PM
Pressi. Hobie. Talia. PUT YOUR SPELL RENEWAL GEMS IN THE LITTLE RECEPTACLES NEAR THE WHEEL!!" He takes a breath. "Thankyouverymuch"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Tuesday January 22nd, 2019 8:37:55 PM
Pressi puts a gem in a receptacle.

DM Carl
Tuesday January 22nd, 2019 8:42:25 PM
Kezzem juggles. Hobie stands aside and lets Zaragosa do his thing.

Murphy places a red gem into the wheel. Succotash immediately feels the effect. He no longer has to strain to keep the platform from descending, but it's still pretty tough to make it go higher.

Zaragosa checks the mechanism for traps. He notes the door is opening very slightly as the platform rises and concludes it likely opens automatically when the platform is high enough.

Pressi tries to figure out what's going on. Murphy lightly suggests the party place more gems in this wheel.

Succotash's muscle sloooooooowwly raises the platform, but it's hard work that's not producing that much outcome. The platform rises a few inches after some major effort on his part.

Edit: Pressi posted as I did, so...

With a second gem added, Succotash's job becomes much easier. It still takes muscle, but the platform rises steadily.

The wooden door above appears to be trying to open, but something heavy must be on top of it.

As the wooden door strains to open, Succotash finds it harder and harder to turn the wheel. The mechanisms must be hard-linked somehow.

***

53 minute mark.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 31, HP 83/83, CMD 19 d20+20=28 ; d20+25=39 ;
Tuesday January 22nd, 2019 8:47:36 PM
Talia asks Mister Murphy, "Do I have one such gem as you are speaking about? If I do, you are welcome to it."

After all the gems are in place, Talia will attempt to understand its mechanism via an Arcana skill check & a use magic device skill check; 28 & 39 respectively.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 Wis +4
Tuesday January 22nd, 2019 11:08:24 PM

"Succotash gave you one of the green ones," Murphy responds to Talia. "It was found among the sorted debris that the ... sorting golem was organizing. It's good for restoring up to 3rd level spells. It should fit in one of the wheel's little compartments."

[She may have another one, too, but I don't have time to search further...]

Bliss (Cayzle) HP93, AC25 d20+5=23 ;
Tuesday January 22nd, 2019 11:21:33 PM

Bliss never took any of the gems. But he changes back into a halfling, urges everybody who has one to cough it up, and then lends his own not-inconsiderable strength to the job of turning that wheel.

Str 20 without raging. If a str check is needed, Bliss rolls a 23!

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 113/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5
Wednesday January 23rd, 2019 5:22:32 AM
"Those gems are making this a whole lot easier, thanks" Succotash says, and when Bliss pitches in and helps turn the wheel, he says, "Thanks for the help, let's force this thing open!"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 82/108 AC 25 Touch 17 Flat 20 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday January 23rd, 2019 10:45:42 AM
Hobie takes his gem and uses it to re-prepare Fly, then if there is another slot for a gem he places it in there.

"Alright, let's get going, we need to stop this thing before it gets home."

He then starts to push along with the others.
===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 4/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Remaining 40/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Mirror Image

Level 3
Haste, Slow, Fly

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 25 Touch 17 Flat 20 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday January 23rd, 2019 10:46:24 AM
updating HP

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+15=27 ;
Wednesday January 23rd, 2019 2:56:35 PM

Pressi tries hard to hear beyond the opening door (but holds off on another round of clairaudio). "Are we sure its wise to just ride up there. We have no idea if anyone is watching...."

She stops, realizing that something is holding right on top of it and nobody has any way to move the object from this side.

"Well.... recklessness got us this far."

With a wave of the hand, Pressi cast blink on herself. Before anyone could react, Pressi grabbed Hobie's shoulders and shoved herself upwards through the wooden door. (Acro 27 or 6 feet. Between the low ceiling, the raised platform and the 3 foot height of a halfling, it should just be enough.)

--------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form+ 2 int gears, 1 wis gear (Int 24, Wis 12)
haste?
spectral hand (time?)

Spells Used:
L1: 4/7+1
L2: 1+1/6+1
L3: 4/4+1 (out except for speak with dead)
L4: 3/3+1 (out except for divination)
L5: 2+1/2+1 (out)
Guidances: 3/9
Clair: 4/9
focused curse: 1/1

Tatoos:

L0: 2
L1: 1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+19=37 ;
Wednesday January 23rd, 2019 2:57:17 PM
(Oh and Perception 37 for anybody on the other side.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Wednesday January 23rd, 2019 3:42:57 PM
Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form+ 2 int gears, 1 wis gear (Int 24, Wis 12)
blink form

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 0/3)(performance 3/13)
Wednesday January 23rd, 2019 5:43:44 PM
Zaragosa Stands at the ready, he doesn't want to get in Bliss or Succotash's way since they have the wheel covered.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 31, HP 83/83, CMD 19
Wednesday January 23rd, 2019 6:20:48 PM
Talia digs in her Haversack, pulling out the Gem(s) mister Murphy mentioned, and then places what she has into the remaining sockets on the Big Wheel mechanism.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP93, AC25
Wednesday January 23rd, 2019 9:39:21 PM

"UUUUUUHHHHHHH!!!!!" grunts Bliss as he tries to get that wheel moving.

DM Carl
Wednesday January 23rd, 2019 10:27:53 PM
Bliss, Succotash, and Kade strain at the wheel as Hobie and Talia add the final two gems to the wheel. At the same time, Pressi grabs Hobie and blinks the two of them upwards.

Then, lots of things happen at once.

With all the gems inserted, Succotash and Bliss' efforts become effortless. In fact, the platform flies rapidly through the air. The wooden doors fly apart as the platform approaches and someone up there yells in surprise.

Pressi and Hobie arrive to see two dwarves thrown across the room before striking the opposite wall and collapsing in a heap together.

The platform, along with anyone else riding it, comes to an abrupt stop as it reaches the next story of the Giant. Anyone who did not ride up finds the platform is now blocking the way up; it will need to be lowered to allow any stragglers up.

"Gorn! Basalt!" exclaims Kade. He rushes over and checks on the two. "These guys are friends of mine. Gimme a chance to talk to them."

The two dwarves have no small measure of fear in their eyes as they look at the party of halflings that's slaughtered their way through the Giant. Kade details what he's learned about Ix's betrayal. Slowly, their looks go from fear to anger.

Meanwhile, our party has a moment to survey their surroundings. This room is smaller than the ones before it. It is roughly 60' across, but sunlight streams through arrow slits all around them. Doors lead to what must be the exterior of the Giant on opposite sides. Judging by how high you figure you must be, they probably lead to the Giant's shoulders. That's where most of the siege weaponry was.

Along the north and south walls are a total of 10 of the Guardian constructs. One of the constructs *sighs*.

"I handed this whole adventure to you folks on a silver platter. All I asked of you was to not leave survivors and to let Anur and I walk when it was over. I could have brought the might of this entire place down on you as soon as you walked in, but I thought we could scratch each others' backs."

The construct's movements as it speaks are strangely fluid compared to the halting movements they have shown in previous encounters. It rubs the area where the bridge of its nose would be, even though it doesn't actually have a nose.

"...and now you've let three survivors learn the truth. YOU HAVE FAILED TO KEEP UP YOUR END OF THIS GAME, so I'm calling it off."

The other nine constructs all spring to life and prepare to attack.

***

Map

I'm not 100% on which of you went up, so 4 of you have markers off to the side. If you would have rode up on the platform, go ahead and place yourself. Otherwise there's no obvious way up until the platform is lowered.

Also, you've effectively conquered the Giant's torso. I'm awarding 12,000 XP to each of you. I'm awarding a hero point to Pressi for her handling of Shan, and another to Talia for nullifying the Id. As always, I'll entertain nominations in case I forgot something cool. Self-nominations are entirely appropriate.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears
Wednesday January 23rd, 2019 11:48:00 PM
"Ix!" shouts Kezzem. "Curse your...gradual...and inevitable betrayal!"

Kezzem moves to protect Hobbie and Pressi. He draws his construct-bane short sword and activates his detect evil aura on the Ix construct.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 Wis +4 2d6+11=20 ; 2d6+11=20 ; 2d6+11=18 ; 2d6+11=20 ; 2d6+11=15 ; 2d6+11=18 ; d20+31=43 ;
Thursday January 24th, 2019 2:01:10 AM

[Zaragosa was up checking out the mechanism, looking at unlocking or unblocking - Murphy had offered his back to stand upon, so Jack's likely up there. Talia had just placed a gem in the wheel - a good chance she's on or near the platform. And Murphy had been watching carefully for signs of movement. As the ascent began in earnest, he'd lend a hand to whom needs it, and fly them up, or nudge them aboard - so, fair chance we all made it.]

As Kade went over to his two friends, Murphy moved that direction, too, gently hulking about 5' away from Kade, and saying to Gorn and Basalt, 'Don't worry.'

About that time, Ix begins to speak. He figures that it's Ix's voice, but likely not Ix himself.

About the time that Ix was winding up his declaration (right about at 'three survivors'), Murphy figured it was time to ready for action. He swirled into a whirlwind (assuming 20' ceiling height unless told otherwise), and begins to do his thing. The bottom of his vortex is 5' wide, and the top is 10' wide.

After Ix's declaration, Murphy begins a sweep, catching in order:

Construct 5 (C5) - Reflex Save DC 21 or take 2d6+11=20 hp damage. Make a second such save or be sucked up into the vortex if large or smaller
C4 - 20 hp (same pair of saves DC 21)
C1 ('Ix') - 18 hp, 2 saves
C4 - 15 hp (35 total), 2 more saves (unless previously hoovered)
C5 - 18 (38 total), 2 more saves (unless caught in the vortex on 1st pass)

Murphy lingers right around Construct 5. He has to speak up to be heard reasonably well through the wind he is kicking up. He says as he sweeps three of the constructs - two of them twice, "That was your call, Ix. I thought something could be worked out. You stand down, and we'll talk. Or not, and your bargaining position weakens. I always wanted to ask about how you keep track of things around the giant, by the way."
=======
Perception: 43

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 113/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20=12 ; d10=5 ; d10=1 ;
Thursday January 24th, 2019 5:36:38 AM
Lay of Hands 2/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 8/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 0/1

Succotash draws Twinklesting as he moves to attack C1, yelling, "I'm getting really tired of these constructs, come out and fight Ix, you coward!" He will use both vital strike and power attack.

12+22=-2=32 for 5+1+13+9=28 damage

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+19=28 ; d100=51 ;
Thursday January 24th, 2019 8:33:29 PM

Pressi takes some time to scan the room (Perception 28+true seeing) to see if she can figure anything else potentially useful.

"Wait, are you shocked that we left survivors who knew what you did? Or that we weren't thrilled about just letting you go? Because I'm pretty sure we've been up front with that from the get go, no matter how many times you insisted upon your martial planning superiority. Honestly, did it ever occur to you to try sweetening the pot? Or is that a tactic for those of us who have heard the word no?"

Pressi keeps an eye on that door as she drops down from Hobie and moves towards it. Before completing (reaching D6), she fires (failure is 20 or below) an "obscuring mist" around herself, hoping to blind a number of the nearby constructs.

--------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form+ 2 int gears, 1 wis gear (Int 24, Wis 12)
blink 2/9 rounds
true seeing 4.5 minutes left

Spells Used:
L1: 4/7+1
L2: 1+1/6+1
L3: 4/4+1 (out except for speak with dead)
L4: 3/3+1 (out except for divination)
L5: 2+1/2+1 (out)
Guidances: 3/9
Clair: 4/9
focused curse: 1/1

Tatoos:

L0: 2
L1: 2

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 83/83, CMD 19
Thursday January 24th, 2019 9:15:56 PM
Talia, on the platform and realizing that they are all in danger casts, Summon Monster V spell in hopes of conjuring one Bralani Azata, just like she did last time. Eschewing the materials out of thin air as she motions and speaks, Talia summons the Azata for a short time to materialize on location D4. She will continue to hover 7 feet above the platform.

Next round Talia plans on summoning Archon Hounds to assist!

Talia Status:
===============================
Overlight flight | 651 of 660 minutes left
Stoneskin | 101 of 110 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6591 of 6600 minutes left
Mirror Image | 8 of 11 minutes left

Summon Monster V | 11 minutes of 11 minutes left - Azata

Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1 (unsure of how many stoneskin spells I cast aside from on myself and Mister Murphy)
L5: 4 /4+1 (including the one I just cast)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 25 Touch 17 Flat 20 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d4+1=5 ;
Friday January 25th, 2019 3:30:24 AM
�Oh you are so going to die here Ix� Hobie says as he grips his bow and casts a spell in preparation for the battle.

Suddenly there are 6 Hobies, all of whom attempt to stay in the middle of the the group so they can have room to fire arrows.

Mirror Image: Roll a 6 on a d6 to hit Hobie, otherwise hit an image

DM Carl d20+5=25 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=33 ; 2d8+8=12 ; 2d8+8=16 ; d20+18=29 ; d20+13=22 ; d10+7=13 ; d20+16=29 ; 2d8+8=20 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+9=14 ; 2d8+8=20 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+21=38 ; 2d8+8=17 ; d6=4 ; d4=3 ;
Friday January 25th, 2019 11:59:56 AM
Kezzem moves to protect Pressi and Hobie. He detects no evil on the construct.

Murphy assumes correctly that Ix is speaking through the construct. He winds himself up and makes his way through the topmost constructs.

OOC: Not sure you counted your moves right here. Remember that transforming into a whirlwind is a standard action, meaning no double move this round. I'm not seeing any haste spells active. Also remember sharp turns take extra movement. I figure you have enough move to hit the top three once each, but I'll retcon if I'm missing something. I'll assume you started with C1 to end up where you are now.

C5 nimbly avoids Murphy; it's tough armor negates all damage.
C4 takes the full brunt and gets swept up in Murphy's whirlwind.
C1 is much more agile, but still takes the full brunt. It avoids being scooped up.

"Oh, we can talk all you want. Heck, we can become pen pals for life, Murph. Just take care of those three over there, and I'll stand down." He points to Kade, Gorn, and Basalt.

Succotash calls Ix a coward and attacks (please mark what all those pluses are so I know which ones affect the constructs). He connects, though the damage is blunted.

All constructs have DR10/Adamantine.

Pressi has a way with words. Before she drops a mist, she looks around with extra sharp eyes. She notices the hand-axe on C1 has a bit of frost on it.

"Sweetening the pot? You're alive because I decided we could help each other out. YOU sweeten the pot, toots. You're a witch, right? Can't you erase their memories or something?"

Talia begins summoning an azata. It will arrive and be able to fight at the beginning of next round.

Hobie has been waiting to tangle with Ix. He grabs his bow and makes 5 more Hobies.

The constructs begin their attack. C3 is effectively blind and beings walking diagonally, looking for a target.
C6 begins moving around the mist.
C7 approaches the closest target: Bliss. The nimble halfling avoids C7's attack. (Hit AC 18).
C8 approaches the closest target: Zaragosa. Its attack is halted as its arm seizes up, presumably from improper maintenance. It shutters a moment and completes its attack, but Zaragosa had plenty of time to avoid the attack (nat 1).
C9 and C10 approach the closest target: Gorn. The two attack in unison, both catching to dwarf in either shoulder. (Hit AC 32 for 12 damage and AC 33 for 16 damage).

Gorn is pissed and stares daggers at everyone. "All right, Ix. First I'm gonna crush every one'a your stupid machines, then I'm gonna bury all these stupid halflings that ruined our plan, THEN I'M COMING FOR YOU." There's another sigh from C1. Gorn's axe knocks a tiny chunk out of C9. He gulps a bit as he realizes smashing all those machines is easier said than done.

C2 approaches the closest target: Kezzem. It's axe hand hits home (Hit AC 29), doing 20 slashing damage to Kezzem.

C4 is stuck in a whirlwind, but still gets to attack its captor. Its axe hand finds a solid bit in all the wind and cuts through it, hitting AC 29 for 20 damage.

C5 attacks the closest target: Murphy. Both of the construct's attacks slash empty air. In its defense, it's pretty tough knowing which bits of Murphy's vortex are actually Murphy.

C1 does NOT approach the closest target. C1 makes a b-line straight for Talia. Hobie and Kezzem can make an AoO as it passes (Kezzem can attack twice if he has combat reflexes). It lashes out, striking her as she casts her spell. Thankfully, it hits one of her figments.

OOC: Please indicate how many figments your mirror image spell has left.

Basalt looks around a bit, then shakes his head. "Nope, I'm out," he quips before opening the door, stepping through, and closing it behind him.

Kade looks back and forth between the door and the party. He shrugs in a manner that says, "sorry guys, but this is way beyond what I can handle. Good luck, but I'm not getting myself killed today." It's a very substantial shrug. He also steps through the door and closes it behind him.

***

Map

Bliss (Cayzle) HP93, AC25
Friday January 25th, 2019 1:17:17 PM
Bliss, who was at the wheel, looks up. He turns the wheel the other way to make the platform come down. If that does not work he tries to bring it down by removing a gem.

As Kade leaves, Bliss shouts out to him, �Hey Mister Kade, let me hop on the platform (plus anyone else down here), and then please send me up before you go!�

Hopefully that works, since otherwise Bliss will have to try to stand on the platform and try to send himself up with a mage hand spell.

Hopefully Bliss arrives in time!

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 0/3)(performance 3/13)
Friday January 25th, 2019 2:24:16 PM
(I have been sick so I keep forgetting about this)

Zaragosa would make a five footstep to try to set up a flanking for later turns.

This turn he would start his preformance giving everyone +1 on hit and damage

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 96/96 Wis +4 2d6+11=22 ; 2d6+11=21 ; d20+14=19 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+14=33 ; d20+14=22 ; 2d6+11=21 ; 2d6+11=16 ; 2d6+11=15 ; 2d6+11=22 ; 2d6+11=18 ; 2d6+11=20 ; 2d6+11=16 ; 2d6+11=19 ; d20+31=47 ;
Friday January 25th, 2019 4:55:58 PM

After receiving 23 HP damage from the whirlwind (adding in Zaragosa's bardic +1 benefit to roll of 22, and for all subsequent rolls), C4 is dropped off at L5 (10' move). Murphy continues his sweeps up and down the east side of the chamber. He takes care to (barely) avoid Gorn. With Zaragosa's bardic inspiration, the Reflex Save DC changes to 22.

Murphy flight moves (total allowed: 130'):
025 25' - Start at L3 (drop off C4 (after he took 23 hp) at L5) to L8 vs C9 (22 hp)
030 5' - 90 degrees turn (fly 19/15)
035 5' - To M8 vs C10 (22 hp)
045 10' - M8 Reverse (fly 27/20)
050 5' - To L8 vs C9 (17 hp)
055 5' - L8 90 degree turn (fly 26/15)
070 15' - To L5 vs C4 (16 hp)
080 10' - To L3 (lower vortex touches on K2, L2, K3, L3) vs C5 (22 hp) (23 hp)
090 10' - L3 Reverse (fly 29/20)
100 10' - to L5 vs C4 (19 hp)
115 15' - to L8 vs C9 (21 hp)
120 10' - L8 90 degree turn (fly 33/15)
130 5' - to M8 vs C10 (17 hp)

Damage summary:
C4 - Damage 22 hp (within whirlwind before dropoff). 4 saves vs Reflex DC 22. 15 hp; 18 hp; 20 hp
C5 - 2 saves. 22 hp
C9 - 8 saves. 21 hp; 16 hp
C10 - 4 saves. 21 hp; 19 hp
[Ignore last damage roll of 2d6+11=19]

As he flies, Murphy messages Pressi, 'I'm not recommending Ix's suggestion, but - can you selectively erase people's memories??'

He also wonders what additional weal or woe the dwarfs who just left the room might invite upon Humble's Sword.
=========
Perception: 47 - As he flies about, Murphy attempts to discern where the gems, and what colors, are on each construct, if visible.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 83/83, CMD 19 d4=4 ;
Friday January 25th, 2019 6:26:56 PM
Talia realizing that they are all in grave danger casts, Summon Monster V spell in hopes of conjuring a bunch of Archon Hounds, just like she did last time. Eschewing the materials out of thin air as she motions and speaks, Talia summons the Archon Hounds -- 4 to be exact -- for a short time to materialize on location F6.

She will continue to hover 7 feet above the platform.

Next round Talia plans on Casting displacement to increase her defense!

Talia Status:
===============================
Overlight flight | 651 of 660 minutes left
Stoneskin | 101 of 110 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6591 of 6600 minutes left
Mirror Image | 8 of 11 minutes left

Summon Monster V | 11 minutes of 11 minutes left - Azata

Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1 (unsure of how many stoneskin spells I cast aside from on myself and Mister Murphy)
L5: 5 /4+1 (including the one I just cast)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears d20+19=27 ; d20+21=38 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+16=27 ; d4+4=7 ; d4+4=5 ; d4+4=7 ; d4+4=5 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=5 ;
Friday January 25th, 2019 6:54:26 PM
Kezzem takes advantage of the flank with Zargosa and lashes out at the Ix-Construct with his sword.

"You just brought a construct to an adamantine construct-bane fight," says Kezzem. "I thought you were supposed to be smart!"

AoO (no flank bonus): 1d20 + 19 + 2 (Bane) = 29.
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 2d6 = 7 + 9 = 16.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 21 + 2 (Bane) = 40.
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 2d6 = 5 + 4 = 9.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 16 + 2 (Bane) = 21.
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 2d6 = 7 + 5 = 12.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 11 + 2 (Bane) = 29.
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 2d6 = 5 + 5 = 10.

----

Spells in Effect:
Shield Other (Hobbie, Pressi)

I assume these are both in effect as the spell lasts for 11 hours.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Friday January 25th, 2019 8:55:20 PM
�Okay, yes we can certainly find another method to protect you. But if you think I�m just going to up and murder them, I�m afraid you�ll find me....� Pressi watched the dwarves begin to run. �... quite flexible on the subject. Kade, you have 24 hours to run before I find you with a baleful polymorph spell and a badminton racket. In the meantime....�

Pressi activated her spectral hand near Talia and edged closer to the door.

�You want a pot sweetener?� Pressi began to intone as she fingered a quite familiar scroll. �Feast your eyes on this. Your mother�s last words.�

Succotash and Miss Piggy (Jeremy) AC27/touch14/flat25 CMD28 - HP 113/113, Piggy AC27/touch11/flat26 CMD23 - HP 87/87 DR 5/evil, Acid, Cold, electricity 5 d20=19 ; d20=16 ; d20=16 ; d20=6 ; d10=3 ; d10=10 ; d10=9 ;
Friday January 25th, 2019 10:19:59 PM
Succotash will deliver a full round attack on C1, after clicking his heals together to activate his boots of speed. He will be using power attack.

19+22(bab)+1(performance)-3(power attack)=39 for 3+13(1 1/2 str+1 magic)+1(performance)+9(power attack)-10(dr)=16 damage
16+22(bab)+1(performance)-3(power attack)=36 for 10+13(1 1/2 str+1 magic)+1(performance)+9(power attack)-10(dr)=24 damage
16+17(bab)+1(performance)-3(power attack)=31 for 9+12(1 1/2 str+1 magic)+1)performance)+9(power attack)-10(dr)=23 damage
Last attack is most likely a miss.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Saturday January 26th, 2019 8:25:35 AM
I'm posting in a second, and this will make more sense when my post comes through, but just so theres no suspicion of shenanigans, Rapid Shot = Adamantine

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Saturday January 26th, 2019 8:26:14 AM
actually that doesn't necessarily mean anything unless I also say, Rapid Shot = second die roll

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+19=26 ; d20+19=37 ; d20+19=20 ; d20+14=33 ; d6+19=24 ; d6+19=20 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6+19=24 ; d6=4 ; d6+19=21 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ;
Saturday January 26th, 2019 8:34:01 AM
Hobie takes a 5 foot step back behind Succotash, and he wants Ix dead.

He fires a full round of arrows at the construct he thinks is Ix. (I think it's C1 right?)
For his second shot he fires an adamantine arrow instead of one of his fire arrows. He is curious to see if it's possible that it hurts the construct more than his fire arrows

Manyshot
Attack = 26
Piercing 24, Fire 2, Electricity 5 = 31
Piercing 20, Fire 2, Electricity 6= 28

Rapid Shot (This one is adamantine)
Attack = 37
Piercing 24, Electricity 4 = 28

Haste (from his boots unless someone cast it without me noticing)
Attack = Natural 1

Iterative
Attack = 33
Piercing 21, Fire 4, Electricity 2 = 27

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 5/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Remaining 36/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

Mirror Image -- 6 Hobies, 5 fake. 6 on a d6 hits him.

===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
None Remaining

Level 3
Haste, Slow, Fly

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Saturday January 26th, 2019 8:43:29 AM
I didn't see the mist sorry, so Hobie will stand right where he was and C1 will get an AOO if he wants it

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87
Saturday January 26th, 2019 9:51:40 AM
sorry, tried to streamline character sheet, giving Miss Piggy her own sheet, but I guess there isn't enough space in the header for both Succotash's and Miss Piggy's links, so I added a link to Miss Piggy on Succotash.

[OOC to Jeremy: Yeah, the character count allowed on headers does not allow two long links. You can do it with a URL shortener, like Bit.ly. I deleted your extra broken posts. -- Cayzle]

Bliss (Cayzle) HP115, AC23 d20+15=26 ; d20+10=12 ; d2+17=18 ; d2+17=19 ;
Saturday January 26th, 2019 9:56:34 AM
[OOC: This post assumes that Bliss can get up there from the wheel. Since the kindly DM has already placed him on the map, that seems like a safe enough bet.]

As a halfling, Bliss turned the wheel and came up the lift. Still a halfling, Bliss activates his bramble armor, wooden fists, and combat focus (ie, rage). Those are all free actions. He also activates his shield of faith (swift action). He attacks. His AC drops to 23. He swings C7 with his wooden fists.

He is happy to hear that inspiring song! "Thanks Jack!"

First punch hits AC26 for 18 damage
Second punch hits AC12 for 19 damage

If attacked, Bliss's bramble armor inflicts 1d6+4 against each attack that hits him.

DM Carl d20+22=27 ; d20+22=40 ; d20+22=38 ; d20+5=15 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+5=16 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+5=13 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+5=7 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+16=36 ; d20+16=28 ; 2d8+8=17 ; 2d8+8=23 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+16=28 ; 2d8+8=17 ; 2d8+8=17 ; 2d8+8=19 ; 2d8+8=16 ; d4+4=5 ; d4+4=6 ; d20+16=34 ; d20+16=34 ; d20+14=19 ; d20+14=30 ; d20+14=25 ; d20+14=30 ; d20+14=23 ; d20+14=20 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+14=33 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+19=37 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+21=25 ; 2d8+8=14 ; 2d8+8=20 ; 2d8+8=17 ; d6=1 ; d4+4=5 ; d20+21=22 ; d4+4=6 ; d20+18=34 ; d20+13=25 ; d10+7=16 ; d10+7=12 ; d100=15 d100=1 d100=71 d100=87 d100=32 d100=99
Saturday January 26th, 2019 7:34:30 PM
Bliss tries lowering the wheel, finding it descends easily. With the ceiling only 9' tall, he can easily leap up. Succotash and Talia find themselves a few feet below the floor's level.

Zaragosa repositions himself and starts singing a little ditty.

Murphy batters C4 about a bit, then drops him off. He wooshes around, ending up with 4 guardian constructs in his funnel.

C9 is not picked up.
C10 is not picked up.
C9 gets picked up.
C4 gets picked up.
C5 gets picked up.
C10 gets picked up.

Murphy no doubt notices his whirlwind's damage is blunted by the constructs' damage resistance. Each construct has a red gem.

Talia finishes casting her spell, bringing an azata to the fight. She continues summoning help.

OOC: You control the azata. Feel free to make two rounds of actions for her. Also, put her HP, AC, and CMD in your footer.

Kezzem is flanking with a weapon that cuts through these things like butter. It's good to be Kezzem today. Only his third attack misses. C1 ends up with a bunch of gashes.

Pressi rethinks her decision not to kill Kade. She likely realizes that even though he's outside the Giant, he's still a good 200' in the air of a construct that is very difficult to climb, is in motion, and is extra wobbly due to the lack of the Encompassing Mind. He's not gone.

She waves Shan's scroll around, and that gets his attention.

"Now THAT is something I'd like to get my hands on. What'll ya trade?"

Succotash unloads on C1 as best as he's able. His first three attacks are solidly on point, though they are dulled by DR (thanks for mathing for me, dude). He lops the construct's head clean off his body. It falls over.

Across the room, C10 shutters suddenly, then relaxes.

"Oh no, he's still here," comes Ix's voice in a deadpan. "Come on, Murph. I like you man, don't make me hurt you."

Hobie really does not like this guy, so when he appears to shift control to C10, he wants to fire. Unfortunately, the whirlwind makes arrow attacks impossible. All the currently damaged constructs are in the whirlwind, so he takes aim at C8 since it's not in the mist. He manages to almost destroy the construct in a single round.

Bliss starts punching. His first attack strikes C7.

C2 attacks Kezzem w/ a full attack.
Axe hand 1: Hit AC 22 - misses
Axe hand 2: Nat 20, confirm 28. 40 damage.
Hand wires: Nat 1

C3 continues moving in a straight line until he finds a target in the mist: Hobie. The attack goes wide (Hit AC 24).

C6 continues moving towards the closest visible target: Zaragosa.

C7 and C8 tag team Bliss with full attacks. It's not pretty.
Axe hand 1: Hit AC 30 (20% conceal chance = 15, a miss!)
Axe hand 1: Hit AC 33 (20% conceal chance = 1, a miss!)
Axe hand 2: Hit AC 31 (20% conceal chance = 71, a hit)for 19
Axe hand 2: Hit AC 32 (20% conceal chance = 87, a hit)for 16
Hand wires: Hit AC 25 (20% conceal chance = 32, a hit)for 5 - Grapple check is 34 - Bliss is grappled
Hand wires: Hit AC 28 (20% conceal chance = 99, a hit)for 6 - Grapple check is 34 - Bliss is held by both sets of hand wires.

C4, C5, C9, and C10 all perform full attacks on Murphy, but he's having much better luck than Bliss today. Still, ouch!
C4:
Axe hand 1: Hit AC 19
Axe hand 2: Hit AC 25
Hand wires: Hit AC 25 - all misses

C5:
Axe hand 1: Hit AC 30 for 14 damage
Axe hand 2: Hit AC 18
Hand wires: Hit AC 20

C9:
Axe hand 1: Hit AC 29 for 20 damage
Axe hand 2: Hit AC 26
Hand wires: Hit AC 33 for 5 damage. Grapple check 25 (fail)

C10:
Axe hand 1: Hit AC 27
Axe hand 2: Hit AC 32 for 17 slashing and 1 frost
Hand wires: Hit AC 38 (crit confirm fail) for 6 damage. Grapple check nat 1

Gorn swings twice, knocking chunks off C10 with both swings. If he's noticed his companions have fled, he hasn't lead on.

Maybe Kade and Basalt are up to something, maybe not. Who knows?

Map

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 83/83, CMD 19 d20+15=21 ; d4+2=5 ;
Saturday January 26th, 2019 11:21:39 PM
Azata materializes at H7. Upon arrive the Azats scans the room to perceive the threats in the area. Skill check 21. Sizing up the construct threat , the Azata cast his at will spell wind wall(DC 14) to form a square -- points around the halfings, starting point FG3/4 across to I/J 3/4 down to I between 7/8 back across to G between 7/8 to make an effective square box protecting the halfings with the roaring blast facing the constructs.
Her second round she casts mirror image creating 5 images of itself all distributed within the square perimeter of the wind wall.

[OOC: DM Carl -- doing this on a iPhone and I apologize for the lack of my active spells.]

Azata:
HP: 66 | AC: AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 | CMD: 26

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 48/96 Wis +4 2d6+12=17 ; 2d6+12=21 ; 2d6+12=19 ; 2d6+12=21 ; 2d6+12=19 ; 2d6+12=16 ; 2d6+12=20 ; 2d6+12=20 ; 2d6+2=6 ; 2d6+2=4 ; 2d6+2=12 ; d8=4 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d8=2 ; d8=7 ;
Sunday January 27th, 2019 2:29:25 AM

"Oh, hello body-transfer Ix. I know the real you is elsewhere. You have a great skill set, y'know? Hey! You hurt me. I'll drop you off in the corner. Oops. Oops. Oops."

Damage taken by the 4 constructs within the whirlwind prior to dropoff (taking into consideration DR/10) is C4: 17-10=7; C5: 11; C9: 9; C10: 11

He does so in a way that Ix (C10) is the first dropped off. On top of C10 goes C4, and C5, and C9, so that Ix will need to take some time to dig out - and there may be some tangling among the constructs.

Whirlwind Murphy then winds his way over to intersect with C6 (9 hp), C8 (6 hp), C7 (10 hp). Any pickups become quick dropoffs at G8. He ends the movement phase of his turn at E9 (and E8, D8, D9).

The wild shaped druid casts cure light wounds upon himself (4+2+7+11=24 hp). And the portion of obscuring mist that he has passed through is now dissipated, whisked away by the winds.

No fly checks rolled, as he does not make any 180 degree changes in direction, and with his fly skill, DC15 is automatic for the directional changes he does make. Also, I rolled too many damage rolls - discovered there was not enough movement available to do as much as was planned. Stayin' alive.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 48/96 Wis +4
Sunday January 27th, 2019 2:33:46 AM
Sorry, the penultimate paragraph that should have read "The wild shaped druid casts cure serious wounds upon himself"...
Not cure light

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87 d20=12 ; d20=17 ; d20=8 ; d20=19 ; d100=64 ; d100=97 ; d100=75 ; d100=67 ; d10=9 ; d10=3 ; d10=10 ; d10=8 ;
Monday January 28th, 2019 5:52:34 AM
Succotash makes a full round attack on C3 using power attack

12+22(a)+1(b)-3(c)= 32 (64% on miss chance) for 9+13(d)+9(c)+1(b)-10(e)= 22 damage
17+22(a)+1(b)-3(c)= 37 (97% on miss chance) for 3+13(d)+9(c)+1(b)-10(e)= 16 damage
8+17(a)+1(b)-3(c)= 23 (75% on miss chance) for 10+13(d)+9(c)+1(b)-10(e)= 23 damage
19+12(a)+1(b)-3(c)= 29 (67% on miss chance) for 8+13(d)+9(c)+1(b)-10(e)= 21 damage

(a)= BAB+str+magic+weapon focus
(b)= Zaragosa's performance
(c)= Power Attack
(d)= 1 1/2 str bonus
(e)= DR

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87
Monday January 28th, 2019 5:56:04 AM
I forgot to add that Succotash is using another round of his boots of speed

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87
Monday January 28th, 2019 5:59:09 AM
Lay of Hands 2/10
smite evil 4/4
boots of speed 6/10

1st level spells:
lesser regeneration 3/3
2nd level spells:
remove paralysis 2/2
3rd level spells:
heal mount 1/1
cure moderate wounds 0/1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+19=27 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+19=30 ; d20+14=33 ; d6+19=24 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6+19=20 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6+19=23 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6+19=25 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6+19=22 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ;
Monday January 28th, 2019 3:18:53 PM
Posting with a phone can someone move Hobie on the map?

Hobie 5 foots up just to Kezzems right and fires arrows at the one to kezzems left.

Manyshot
Attack 27
Piercing 24 Fire 6 Electric 4= 34
Piercing 20 Fire 5 Electric 5= 30

Rapid shot
Attack 24
Piercing 23 Fire 3 Electric 5= 31

Haste
Attack 30
Piercing 25 Fire 2 Electric 5= 32

Iterative
Attack 33
Piercing 22 Fire 1 Electric 5= 28

If 24 hits, it�s 155-50(DR10?)= 105 damage
If 27 hits its 121-40 = 81 damage

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 0/3)(performance 2/13) d20+15=27 ; d4+1=3 ; d6=4 ;
Monday January 28th, 2019 4:06:31 PM
He continues to give his speech performance, but his throat starts to go out as he has so little left.

Since he no longer was flanking anyone, he moves up to C2 to try to set up a new one. Having moved, he has only one attack.

attack roll 27
Damage 3 + 1 + cold 4

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 83/83, CMD 19 d20+10=21 ; d3=2 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+10=24 ; d20+10=25 ; d4=1 ;
Monday January 28th, 2019 5:31:41 PM
When the Archon Hounds arrive (4), they will be john on the spot respectively at F2 & G3, as well as F8, & F9 ready to pounce! After arriving, they all take in the surrounds using the perception skills [21,21,24,& 25 respectively -- excuse the d3 roll I was too quick on the mouse!] The next attack will be will their masterwork greatswords.

Talia
====

Next round Talia plans on summoning another group of Archon Hounds using the last 5th level spell!

Talia Status:
===============================
Overlight flight | 651 of 660 minutes left
Stoneskin | 101 of 110 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6591 of 6600 minutes left
Mirror Image | 8 of 11 minutes left

Summon Monster V | 11 minutes of 11 minutes left - Azata
Summon Monster V | 11 minutes of 11 minutes left - Hound Archon, Group 1 (4)
Summon Monster V | 11 minutes of 11 minutes left - Hound Archon, Group 2 (1)

Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1 (unsure of how many stoneskin spells I cast aside from on myself and Mister Murphy)
L5: 5 /4+1 (including the one I just cast)

Azata
=====
AC: AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 | HP: 66 |CMD: 26

Hound Archons (4)
===============
[AC 19, touch 10, flat-footed 19 (+9 natural; +2 deflection vs. evil) | hp 39 (6d10+6) | CMD: 18]

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC23 2d6+8=11 ; 2d6+8=16 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+8=15 ; d2+19=20 ; d2+19=21 ;
Monday January 28th, 2019 6:00:09 PM

[OOC to the kindly DM: I don't see any d6+4 rolls so let me mention that both C7 and C8 take Bramble Armor damage twice, from two hits each -- that's 11 damage to C7 and 16 damage to C8, I hope!]

Bliss takes his natural attacks against C7, using a swift action to activate his arcane strike. Note that since he is grappled, Bliss takes a -2 on attacks, if I read the grappled condition rules correctly. He attacks twice with his wooden fists domain power (primary and secondary attacks, not two weapon fighting). Also, I seem to recall that Bliss loses 4 Dex, when attacked by others, but not when attacked by his grappler. So his AC is 21 except against C7 and C8, for whom it is still 23.

Two attacks against C7 while grappled:
Wood Punch hits AC26 for 20 damage
Secondary Wood Punch hits AC15 for 21 damage

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d8=8 ; d8=7 ;
Monday January 28th, 2019 8:21:09 PM
(If you don't update your HP or effects, I can't determine whether to heal you.)

"I got to say, I thought you'd be way more angry about this than the whole not killing surrendering dwarves thing. I mean, your mom and I had a great long chat about you and only misplaced loyalty kept her from being here. How proud she must be of you, I wonder." Pressi's cackling she imagines can fill the room.

Pressi casts a CMW on Murphy to top him off (via spectral hand) for (8+7+9=24 HP).

"And this could be worth quite a bit. I mean, I probably have time to blink out to the shoulder seige weapons, scale from there to the head and hand it right to Amur, as promised and I do not like breaking my promises. Probably are not built for that, are you?

"So here's my proposal. No more killing dwarves or attacking us. No more fooling around with this on the fence stuff. You let us right up there, you do what you can to stop or change this thing's direction, and you tell me why your poor mother had to die, and maybe... maybe... I'll find it in my heart to keep you alive and free. Well, alive anyway. Anyway, I don't have a ton of time left, so... don't dawdle on your decision."

--------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form+ 2 int gears, 1 wis gear (Int 24, Wis 12)
blink 4/9 rounds
true seeing 4.5 minutes left
spectral hand: 9 minutes left

Spells Used:
L1: 5/7+1
L2: 1+1/6+1
L3: 4/4+1 (out except for speak with dead)
L4: 3/3+1 (out except for divination)
L5: 2+1/2+1 (out)
Guidances: 3/9
Clair: 4/9
focused curse: 1/1

Tatoos:

L0: 2
L1: 2

DM Carl d20+5=9 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=20 ;
Monday January 28th, 2019 10:31:01 PM
Talia's azata summons a wind wall to protect the party. She casts a mirror image of herself. The wall blows away the obscuring mist outside the box. The constructs are too large to be affected. Their hands ARE weapons, so their weapons can't be blown away.

Murphy knocks the constructs around a bit as he moves and drops them off in the corner. He buries Ix first, hoping to delay him. It's a pretty clever move. He tears through three more constructs, picking up C8 before depositing it at G8. Their damage reduction negates all damage, unfortunately.

OOC to Talia: Yes, each +2 to CON gives 1 HP per level effective immediately.

Succotash tears into C3, missing only once. He attacks the one to Kezzem's left...but there are two there. Surely he'd finish off C3, right? Well, that's what he does. His first two arrows pop its red gem right from it's body. It collapses. He changes targets to C2, landing two more hits which ALSO knock something important loose inside. It powers down, but remains upright.

A low whistle can be heard from the corner where C10 is. "Damn, Hobie. Any chance you'd want to switch sides here?"

Zaragosa finds his throat getting scratchy. He moves to attack C2, but finds the constuct immobile and non-responsive.

Bliss notices a few puncture marks that weren't there before. His bramble armor must be working.

OOC: Sorry, applied DR where it wasn't appropriate.

He doesn't attempt to break free, choosing instead to punch his way to freedom. He makes one solid hit against C7.

Pressi makes Ix an offer, then heals Murphy (again :D ).

"Anger is a stupid emotion, doll...and let me be real clear on something: Shan was not my mother. Shan was my adopted father's wife." He seems to really enjoy saying "was". "She didn't have to die, but things will be better with her gone. Well...they'll be better for me, that's for sure.

"Also, I am 100% sure I'd beat you to the top."

Suddenly, all the constructs straighten up and stop attacking.

"Temporary truce. You lay one hand on these guys, and it's back on." C8 shudders a bit, then starts walking much more fluidly. Ix-bot approaches Pressi, giving Murphy a little wink as he walks by. He holds out his hand.

"Allow me to make a counter-offer, toots. You place Shan's scroll in my hand, and I open the way forward for you and help you convince Anur to abandon this nonsense. He and I walk, you make sure those dwarves don't get a chance to spill the beans, YOU promise not to spill the beans, and no one else has to die today. Whaddya say?"

C6 and C7 both move away from the party. They drop Bliss as they move. He is no longer grappled.

"A show of good faith."

Gorn...Gorn is having none of this.

"OH I'M GONNA DO MORE THAN SPILL YOUR BEANS YOU SMOOTH CHINNED, BACKSTABBING, PSYCHOPATH." He tries moving towards you guys, but that wall is pretty tough. The door opens, and Kade walks through, grin on his face. He grabs Gorn by the back of his breastplate and pulls. They exchange words, but none of you can hear. Something catches his ear though, and he stops, then runs back out the door with Kade, closing the door behind them.

Ix, of course, notices. "Those fools are no doubt up to something. Six seconds, Pressi. Make a decision."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears
Monday January 28th, 2019 11:39:34 PM
OOC: Sorry, thought I posted last round. Guess I just thought about posting....

"Gah!" says Kezzem. "I can't keep up with this guy. What are we doing here guys? Do I keep stabbing these things or not?"

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 72/96 Wis +4 d20+31=51 ;
Tuesday January 29th, 2019 1:19:00 AM

Note for historical accuracy: Murphy's hp damage against the constructs factors in the DR/10 reduction (mentioned in the post: "(taking into consideration DR/10)"), so they should have received the actual DR-reduced damage shown with Murphy's last attacks.

Hit points damage (PRIOR ROUND GANG - NOT THIS ROUND) after DR/10 factored into the rolls vs the constructs - add 10 hp damage back in to each for the damage prior to DR/10:
C4: 7; C5: 11; C9: 9: c10: 11; C6: 9; C8: 6; C7: 10

This round Murphy stops attacking.

"Thank you, love," Murphy says as Pressi helps to heal him.

The whirlwind druid does not have any eyebrows to raise toward Ix as C8 in this form - he drops out of whirlwind, back to large air elemental.

"FRIENDS - STAND DOWN!" Murphy says. "Let's see how we can make this work. Our goal is to stop the Iron Giant, remember - not to bear bitterness. A wise princess once said, 'Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die.' We share at least that one similar goal with the one who has made it possible for us to get as far as we have gotten. Stop the giant. They will abandon it... with a bit more suasion on our part with Anur.

"And, Ix, if you have any suggestions on the most effective way for us to do that persuasion, please let us know."

He turns to Pressi. "Can you do what Ix earlier suggested?" Via message, he adds so only she can hear, "That is, alter the recent memories of the dwarfs?" And back to speaking so all can hear, "Or, if not, might they be persuadable through some other course - that their lives be preserved?"

He ends, for the moment, with, "Your call, Pressi."
==========
Murphy's senses are preternaturally keen at the moment: Perception: 51 - (including trying to discern what Kade whispered to Gorn)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87
Tuesday January 29th, 2019 5:33:59 AM
Succotash can't stand the idea of acting in any way but honest, and says, "Pressi, Anur has the right to know why his wife is dead, and Ix has the right to a prison cell. I can't stand all this subterfuge, either they are the enemy, and need to be brought to justice or they aren't, and we all know that they are, so what's the point to this little chit-chat!" He then adds, "And let's face it, nothing good can come from Anur's plan, and I have a hard time believing that taking away his giant toy will slow his ambitions".

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+19=32 ;
Tuesday January 29th, 2019 10:10:16 AM
To Murphy: I can't really alter memories, though there are a few tricks like suggestion or lesser geas that I can stretch to close enough. As for behavior... well, enchantment is my specialty if Ix can wait until the next morning, and I've still got a few ways to befriend or intimidate someone if he can't.

Perception 32 to see if she can determine where Kade needs anyone to stand. Bluff (message, DC 15) to try to signal Kade with a flicker of eye and hope he signals back.

"Your proposition is... quite tempting. But you have to understand that I have my own position... and honestly, my own strange sense of what's right and wrong. Even if its inconvenient. But to finally end bloodshed... I know I ask a lot of you, but before I agree to anything, I need you to do one last thing for me... CATCH."

With a wave of mage hand, Pressi propelled the scroll towards the ceiling in the center of the room.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 4/5, 0/3)(performance 2/13)
Tuesday January 29th, 2019 4:17:56 PM
Zaragosa lowers his blade at Murpheys words.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Tuesday January 29th, 2019 7:28:44 PM
"Looks like I don't need that last spell after all!" giggles Tali. "So, what's the story moving forward, folks?" asks Tali of the group. "Since we have the Azata and the Archon's we should at least see if they can be of help, no?" asks Talia of Mister Murphy, and the gang.

Talia Status:
===============================
Overlight flight | 651 of 660 minutes left
Stoneskin | 101 of 110 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6591 of 6600 minutes left
Mirror Image | 8 of 11 minutes left

Summon Monster V | 11 minutes of 11 minutes left - Azata
Summon Monster V | 11 minutes of 11 minutes left - Hound Archon, Group 1 (4)

Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1 (unsure of how many stoneskin spells I cast aside from on myself and Mister Murphy)
L5: 5 /4+1 (including the one I just cast)

Azata
=====
AC: AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 | HP: 66 |CMD: 26

Hound Archons (4)
===============
[AC 19, touch 10, flat-footed 19 (+9 natural; +2 deflection vs. evil) | hp 39 (6d10+6) | CMD: 18]

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Tuesday January 29th, 2019 9:20:54 PM
"Mister Murphy, is now a good time to swap those gear thingies?" asks Talia. I have your Gear + 3 Strength right here in the Haver-Sack says, Talia, as she moves towards Mister Murphy for the exchange.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Tuesday January 29th, 2019 9:51:54 PM

Bliss gets up and brushes himself off. He ends his rage and plant domain bennies. But not his Shield of Faith

"Seems to me heroes do not kill people unless they have to. If Mister Murphy thinks we can stop this robot from destroying Humbles Ford without more fighting, I'm all in. Just no killing innocent dwarves, OK?"

He tries to figure out what the deal is here.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 72/96 Wis +4
Tuesday January 29th, 2019 10:33:03 PM

"No, Tali, not yet. Add that onto your bracers, and you'll get full benefit of having three on. We'll have to exchange later. Sorry," Murphy answers the sorceress. "Sure, your summoned folk are welcome to stay for the moment."

He refrains from speaking more until all have weighed in, other than to ask, "Hobie, any words? Kezzem?"

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 72/96 Wis +4 d20+14=26 ;
Tuesday January 29th, 2019 11:06:51 PM

Except that, just then, noting the trajectory of the scroll that Pressi just tossed into the air, and fearing the trajectory - and potential landing place - from Ix's construct's current spot, Murphy prepares to jet over to catch the flying construct, before he lands on any of his friends incidental to trying to grab the scroll. Fly check 26 if needed.

If C8 does not move to jump for the scroll, then Murphy does not move to fly. He knows that some of the robots have chains and reaching extensions, too.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Tuesday January 29th, 2019 11:28:01 PM
"Okay Mister Murphy, I'll put it back on then...we'll get to it later!" exclaims Talia in the midst of the commotions.

Talia reaches into the haversack, takes out the gear and places it back into the bracer.

"So, what's the story here? Are we taking a vote? Hello?!" wonders Ms. Talia aloud to no one in particular.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Tuesday January 29th, 2019 11:33:09 PM
Hobie pauses to let Pressi use her judgement, but he stays ready to resume the battle when the 6 seconds pass, if nothing changes.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears
Wednesday January 30th, 2019 1:18:03 AM
"All this back and forth is making my head hurt," says Kezzem. "We need to stop this thing. Just let me know who or what I need to stab to make that happen."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Wednesday January 30th, 2019 7:51:10 AM
"Okay, everyone, let's vote on it! All in favor of Nixing Ix, say Aye! All of you in favor of staying ""true"" to your alignment say nothing!" states Talia to the room to no one in particular.

Looking around the room, Talia begins to point in everyone's direction, seeming to take a head count of everyone's position on the matter.

"You there, in the back! What say you?!" says Talia!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Wednesday January 30th, 2019 7:53:38 AM
Pressi had considered just buying time and screwing with Ix. But as a consensus forms around a deal with Ix, she cools her jets. �Ok, but I�m going to leave the scroll up here for the moment until I see the door open. I assume that you�d like me to hand it to you personally so you can check it out?�

She hopes that Kade also accepts. She still tries to get a read on him.

�You should know that Shan did love you. And she understood.�

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 72/96 Wis +4
Wednesday January 30th, 2019 9:16:53 AM

"Talia, can you send your Azata with me? We need to gently halt the dwarfs. If they get up top, they are dead. We don't want them dead.

"Folks, if you want success, with no more harm to us or others, work with Ix. This is serious. I'm heading up. Ix, if Hobie shoots the construct you're using, don't take it personally. That's just his way of showing affection."

Murphy flies to the door, opens it, and begins to ascend as quickly as he can squeeze through. If going misty is needed to do so, he does so (gaseous form).
=======
AND, if the druid has done far too much in this time frame, feel free to pull him back to whatever point you deem appropriate, Mr. DM Carl.

DM Carl d20+17=22 ;
Wednesday January 30th, 2019 10:26:40 AM
Kezzem asks whether they're still stabbing these constructs or not.

Murphy implores his companions to try and work through this. He asks for assistance from Talia's summons, but such decisions are not up to your humble narrator.

Succotash's principals are making it difficult to do anything other than whoop everyone's butts and haul them in for justice. Paladins, am I right?

Zaragosa complies with Murphy's request, lowering his weapon so he can see how this plays out.

Talia giggles, then starts adjusting her accessories.

OOC: Haven't had a moment to look, but I'll peak at your sheet after this is posted.

Bliss is against killing unless it's absolutely necessary, so he'll talk. He insists that no more "innocent" dwarves be killed.

Hobie lets Pressi make the call, but is counting down the seconds.

Pressi is up to something. She watches Kade's eyes as he enters and leaves. He appears to make note of the locations of all the constructs. She tries to get an idea to/from him, but with only eyes to communicate with, there are limits. Still, Pressi's good at being sly.

OOC: I'm treating this as a complex message since it's completely non-verbal. I rolled your bluff vs. DC20 and got a 22.

Kade catches the look. In return, he looks towards the door he came in, then swiftly moves his eyes to look at Ix-bot. When his eyes make contact with Ix-bot, they go very wide, very quickly. He ducks back out, closing the door.

She ponders throwing the scroll, but thinks better of it. Talia's wind wall is still up, so IF she decides to throw it, it's gonna fly around the room. She offers to hand it directly to Ix so he can inspect it, and insists Shan did love and understand the gnome.

If it's possible for a construct with no facial articulation to project confusion, Ix-bot nails it. "Dollface, you presume to know way more about my family than I think you do. Anyway, these eyes are just as good as my own. I'm just as keen as Murph here is to stop more bloodshed, so I'm gonna be super nice and give you another six. whole. seconds to place that scroll in my hand."

It should be noted that the constructs don't actually *have* hands, though. They have a giant axe at the end of one arm, and a bunch of fully articulated whip/snares at the end of the other. Currently, the axe blade is presented to Pressi, business end aimed straight at her. There is a large, flat area to place the scroll, however.

"And if those three idiots you refuse to kill interrupt our little bargain, I'm gonna assume your answer is no. You want to keep them alive, you deal with their behavior issues."

***

Stuff is going to start happening fast on my next post. Consider this your last chance to act before we enter the end game.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87
Wednesday January 30th, 2019 11:40:01 AM
Succotash�s eyes keep darting from one of his friends to the next, as he struggles to come to grips with the fact that they are considering making a deal with Ix. Finally he blurts out, What in Pantheon�s name is going on here?! Why would you consider making yet another deal with this imp?! How many times has he betrayed us?! How many more chances for betrayal are you going to give him?! I would prefer not to have to kill anyone else today, but I see no real way that we walk out of this without Ix and Anur either dead or tied up and lead to justice!�

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday January 30th, 2019 12:53:25 PM
Hobie's fingers are touching the feathers of the arrows in his quiver. He looks to Pressi.

"This isn't gonna end without us or Ix dead, Press. Say the word and I go back to turret mode."

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 3/5, 0/3)(performance 2 d20+12=22 ;
Wednesday January 30th, 2019 2:11:05 PM
Zaragosa rubs his throat with his free hand as he holds his sword with his other. He was out of depth with what was happening, he was out of his best spells, and he didn't know how many more speeches he could do. He sighed as he looked at the group arguing on what to do, sure this would still end in a fight.

"I'll be right back," he said, bluffing as he wasn't going anywhere (bluff 22). as he cast Invisibility on himself. He would be prepared if the fight went off, it was the last thing he could think to do with his best stuff used up.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 72/96 Wis +4
Wednesday January 30th, 2019 2:44:08 PM

"I can use a haste," Murphy says as he exits the room. "Because he has been helping us, Succotash, over and over, as much as he could without giving himself away! Kade himself said as much! You are like a horse with serious blinders on. Ix has been consistent, and your self-righteous judgment on this is almost as narrow as Hobie's view of life solely through the end of his arrow shafts!" Murphy calls as he is heading out the door and upwards at full speed. As his muffled voice says as he is heading upwards, "And I say that self-righteously!" He flies fast as he can to intercept the dwarves.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 72/96 Wis +4
Wednesday January 30th, 2019 3:55:03 PM

For Pressi and DM only Highlight to display spoiler: {Murphy mentally sends the following to Pressi. "What do we owe Anur, Pressi? Nothing. His monomaniacal pursuit to crush our town lends me no sympathy to his cause. I understand to an extent - few can ever accuse me of full understanding of anything - your desire to fulfill Shan's last request. She who chose to support her husband - generally a noble course - to attack and kill innocents - generally an ignoble course. You connected, gave her a genuine offer. She refused. She chose that which led to her death.

"Ix wants a relationship with his father - and to direct him away from his present and, perhaps, certain future courses of action. His is a filial desire. He has been entirely consistent within his framework. He betrayed his father's plan, in order to save his father, and save himself.

"The ONLY thing he asks is that he not be 'turned in' to his father.

"For ALL he has done for us, I feel we owe him that.

"If we do not deliver, then Ix - who, as we know - should have no problem escaping from us - he can teleport at will, to where he wishes," Murphy says in an incomplete sentence, but soon rectifies that.

"If we do not deliver, then Ix WILL inform the Red Hills of the vulnerability of Crescent Valley. We owe it to our people, to let Ix have his one, own, monomaniacal desire. Getting his father out of here, so he can continue a twisted father/son relationship. He likes his dad."

A brief pause, then he says, "And Hobie has GOT to be called to stand down. He has blown up a few other occasions where peace had a chance. Neither he nor I trust the other's judgment. Wish he'd grow up, so I don't have to.

"Good luck with your decision, love. I will go which way you choose in this. Maybe die with the dwarfs!" he closes with a mental chuckle.

[I know that's a lot - pick out what you figure Pressi might pick up. I think mental communication can send ideas faster than the spoken tongue (I can read way faster than I can talk, for instance).]}

DM Edit: Kim, you're getting all this across in 6 seconds?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears
Wednesday January 30th, 2019 6:11:19 PM
"I am so tried of all the back and forth here," says Kezzem. "We're on the sundial here people! Let's just stop the giant killer robot and then we can discuss what to do about Ix. Man, I haven't seen this much will-they or won't-they since Russ Yeller got back together with Rachelle Graene."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Wednesday January 30th, 2019 6:44:58 PM
Talia asked the summoned Bralani Azata to help out his buddy, Mister Murphy. " I'm sure there is something for you to do ...with Murphy, there always is!" says Tali to the Bralani Azata warrior.

Looking around, Talia doesn't see any Archon Hounds, and excitedly says, "Wow! I got to save two (2) spells! Alright!"

Talia Status:
===============================
Overlight flight | 651 of 660 minutes left
Stoneskin | 101 of 110 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6591 of 6600 minutes left
Mirror Image | 8 of 11 minutes left
Summon Monster V | 11 minutes of 11 minutes left - Azata

Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1 (unsure of how many stoneskin spells I cast aside from on myself and Mister Murphy)
L5: 3 /4+1 (including the one I just cast)

Azata
=====
AC: AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 | HP: 66 |CMD: 26

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Wednesday January 30th, 2019 11:02:13 PM

Bliss has the feeling that stuff is about to go down, one way or another. He activates his swift action arcne strike and turns into a cat.

OOC: How many rounds since the end of the combat?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+17=18 ;
Wednesday January 30th, 2019 11:15:08 PM
(I wanted to flesh out a couple of these things, but I�ll give the highlights now.)

Pressi missed the days of being the stupid fighter.

As Pressi tried to listen to the swirl of opinions, Murphy gives her a message. It may have been a long speech in transmission but Pressi sees only a couple of images, fleeting in the moment. Just a quick glimpse of father and son, a burst of emotion without context. And in that moment, Pressi understood.

She makes one last bluff check (natural 1, +8 with hero point) to try and get Ix to read the scroll in person, but in the end decides to give in, and hands the construct the scroll. (She will abort and grab the scroll back if Kade starts attacking or if that invisible spell triggers an attack.)

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 72/96 Wis +4
Thursday January 31st, 2019 1:06:20 AM

Response to DM query: In the future, after he retires from adventuring, he plans to take up auctioneering.
Pressi's visualization encapsulates something of what he was aiming for.

DM Carl
Thursday January 31st, 2019 2:44:56 PM
The party is split on this decision, it seems. Arguments are made, but in the end, the choice is up to Pressi. She attempts to use bluff, but your DM isn't sure how she would attempt such a thing.

OOC: The only use of bluff that makes sense to me is "Suggest Course of Action", and that requires a full minute of interaction. I sincerely apologize if I'm missing your point, Melvin. You can keep the hero point.

Zaragosa goes invisible, which miraculously Ix fails to recognize.

In the end, Pressi places the scroll on the construct's blade. There is a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Pressi. I'm glad that cooler heads prevailed. Give me a moment." The construct walks to the door opposite the one Kade and crew went out. The door opens automatically as it approaches, and the construct lifts its axe blade outside. The high winds carry the scroll away almost instantly.

Things happen quickly, and noisily, after that.

The door on the opposite end of the room swings inward. Kade moves quickly, holding it open and ducking down. A massive metal ballista bolt flies inward, cuts through Talia's wind wall like it wasn't there, strikes Ix-bot, and sends it careening out the door.

Gorn's voice floods the room.

"THAT IS WHAT YOU GET, YOU MILK DRINKING, ILLEGITIMATE BRAT!" Just as quickly as he came in, Kade retreats outside.

C7 shudders, then visibly sighs and runs its hands down its face. Every other construct approaches the door Kade left from and forms a wall. C5 wraps its hand wires around the handle and puts tension on them. It's unlikely Kade will be able to over power the construct and open the door again.

"Enough of those fools. Let's save your town and my father. We'll leave them out there to get blown around in the cold for now."

A hollow cylinder rises from the floor until it reaches the ceiling. Inside the cylinder is a ladder. A hole opens in the ceiling, allowing for travel upward. C7 goes slack again, and a few seconds later Ix's head pops down. He eyes Hobie wearily. "I'm acting in good faith here to save lives, dude. You gonna behave yourself?"

***

OOC: We never left combat rounds, that's why Ix was giving Pressi six seconds.

That said, we're now out of combat rounds.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24 d20+8=15 ;
Thursday January 31st, 2019 7:23:39 PM
Talia, still using her casted spell of Overland Flight, flies up to the opening in the ceiling that Ix just poked his head through. "Hello, Ix, I'm Talia. I've heard so much about you...though to see for myself," says Talia to Ix.

As soon as Talia stops talking towards Ix, she will look around to see what they are getting into [Perception skill check:15 ] Once she has a good idea, she'll use the Cantrip of Message to explain to Mr. Murphy what she sees, explaining to him that he is free to disseminate the message to the rest of the tribe, while pointing in his direction.

Talia Status:
===============================
Overlight flight | 651 of 660 minutes left
Stoneskin | 101 of 110 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6591 of 6600 minutes left
Mirror Image | 8 of 11 minutes left

Summon Monster V | 11 minutes of 11 minutes left - Azata
Summon Monster V | 11 minutes of 11 minutes left - Hound Archon, Group 1 (4)

Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1 (unsure of how many stoneskin spells I cast aside from on myself and Mister Murphy)
L5: 5 /4+1 (including the one I just cast)

Azata
=====
AC: AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 | HP: 66 |CMD: 26

Hound Archons (4)
===============
[AC 19, touch 10, flat-footed 19 (+9 natural; +2 deflection vs. evil) | hp 39 (6d10+6) | CMD: 18]

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 72/96 Wis +4 d8=5 ; d8=6 ; d8=5 ; d20+16=23 ; d8=7 ; d8=1 ; d8=3 ;
Thursday January 31st, 2019 7:38:44 PM

I suppose that Murphy was about to go out the door, then, when Kade opens the door accompanied by ballista bolt and the sound of the Gornian Chorus. He does move aside (fortunately), and watches the bolt zing across the room to strike Ix's construct. He decides to slip aside further as the remaining constructs barricade the door.

He says to Talia's summoned Bralani Azata, "I guess we're not chasing them now - looks like that goes to an outside area. Thank you. I'm Murphy. What may I call you?"

He takes a moment to grab up the dislodged gems from constructs C1, C2 and C3. He suggests someone grab the remaining gems from the wheel - "Someone can keep mine," casts on self cure moderate wounds (5+6+5+11=27 hp, back to full) via one of the three just acquired gems. He offers the one he just used for someone to hold onto or to stow, as well as a second, unused one. He retains one, along with the Id gem. Regarding the Id gem, he rolls a will save of 23 vs DC 18 to resist its urging him to hostility.

Murphy thought to ask Talia to take down her wind wall, but she has already flown upwards. He will relay to others what she communicates to him via her message spell.

He offers a so-far unused cure moderate wounds for Kezzem (7+3+10=20 hp), bringing him to 107/119. [Is anyone else wounded? - Might be good to ascend at full hit points.]

"Upwards, then?" he asks of Pressi. Unless she signals no, Murphy flies up to the opening above, following whoever may already have by this time ascended (I figure his described activities all told take ~30-42 seconds). If no one other than Talia has gone before him (there's time for those who choose to move quickly), and unless Pressi indicates otherwise, then he ascends upwards through the tube, flying, squeezing if necessary.

As he is going through these various paces, he touches in a couple times with Pressi mentally. For Pressi Highlight to display spoiler: {"Thank you, Press. Tough one, I know." ... "Any thoughts at the moment? Or play it by ear? Part of this delicate line is that members of our group don't try to 'out' Ix in front of his father. Ha! Good luck with that. But that we also let Anur know that we have defeated his defenses, and he is surrendering the Giant fully to us, forever, and never to come against Crescent Valley again. We didn't start anything up with him. He was coming against us and ours, unprovoked." ... "Perhaps Ix has a script he'd like us to use. But that doesn't mean we have to use it." ... "And there are likely others above with Anur."}

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 3/5, 0/3)(performance 2
Thursday January 31st, 2019 8:23:35 PM
Zaragosa will remain invisible until he is sure a fight won't break out.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Thursday January 31st, 2019 10:53:52 PM

CatBliss watches carefully, just in case combat breaks out. He watches everybody and tries to figure out what is happening.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Friday February 1st, 2019 12:12:10 AM
Hobie stares right back into Ix's eyes. "Am I gonna behave myself? You'll have to wait and see. We got less than an hour til this thing reaches our home. But for the grace of Pressi, you'd be dead, full of arrows. If I were you I'd quit talking and get to stopping this giant."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87 d20+7=21 ;
Friday February 1st, 2019 5:36:55 AM
Succotash reluctantly goes with the flow and ascends the ladder, putting on his evil radar. (he already knows Ix is evil so he wouldn't bother checking him), he looks around to see what can be seen perception 21

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Friday February 1st, 2019 9:24:45 AM
Talia, looking around, and downwards towards her friends, realizes the Wind Wall is up! Using a cantrip of Message points to the Azata warrior asking him/her to drop the windwall; "Azata Warrior, I mean no disrespect, but would you mind dropping the Windwall, please? We appear to be out of immediate combat, but still on edge and my friends are having difficulty traversing the barrier. Thank You. By the way, what should I call you?"

Talia Status:
===============================
Overlight flight | 651 of 660 minutes left
Stoneskin | 101 of 110 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6591 of 6600 minutes left
Mirror Image | 8 of 11 minutes left
Summon Monster V | 11 minutes of 11 minutes left - Azata

Azata Brilani
=====
AC: AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 | HP: 66 |CMD: 26

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1 (unsure of how many stoneskin spells I cast aside from on myself and Mister Murphy)
L5: 3 /4+1 (including the one I just cast)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Friday February 1st, 2019 9:49:51 PM
Pressi began to focus all her frustrations and sadness over the scroll�s loss. A simple emotional ball, pushed through the entire fiber of her business.

��

At the edge of town, Harper the leopard raised her head, filled with desire for the scroll and understanding Pressi�s emotion. With a growl to her fellow familiars and mounts, and a stare to the coven member watching her, she proceeded to hunt for the scroll, using sight and scent.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Friday February 1st, 2019 10:21:15 PM
In response to Murphy�s query, Pressi almost laughed. �There is no more planning. We put down our chips, and now it�s up to the roulette wheel. Whether we made the right choice, we will find out soon enough.

�But... thank you for that image. It might be the most open you�ve ever been.�

Pressi turned to Ix. �There�s one thing I need to know. What in the universe do baby dwarves drink that makes milk so taboo. Are they secretly lizards?�

She does use mage hand to grab one of the spell crystals from the platform before heading up. If Ix stops watching, she places Shan�s necklace in her bandolier.

DM Carl
Friday February 1st, 2019 11:01:44 PM
Talia formally introduces herself to Ix.

"Hey doll, good to meet you. You were a bit out there when we met before, eh?"

She peeks above the hatch and sees a small, cylindrical room. It's got a 20' diameter and is about 10' high. The ladder extends upwards to another hatch in the ceiling. This must be the Giant's neck. It looks...unfinished. A number of gears churn in the walls. Vertical iron chains clank and clatter around pulleys, moving up or down. This is probably what most of the Iron Giant looks like behind its solid interior walls.

Murphy stops to grab the gems from the fallen constructs, but notes their internal light is dimmer than the others. If he tries to pull the gems from the wheel, he'll cause it to go careening down to the level before, but he's welcome to if that's what he wants. He heals Kezzem and manages not to try and attack Ix.

Zaragosa remains incognito. Bliss stays sharp in case there's still fighting to be had.

Hobie is incredulous, and suggests Ix stop yapping and start halting the Giant.

"Fair enough, dude," says Ix as he stands. He's no longer visible from this room.

Succotash isn't thrilled. He keeps his evil radar up, but Ix is the only thing that dings.

Talia asks the azata to drop the wind wall. It complies.

OOC: I don't RP summons, but feel free to handle it as you see fit.

Pressi has a knot in her soul. She hopes she made the right choice.

The party is able to climb the ladder. There's not much to see up here; it's basically just a vertical tunnel leading to the head.

Ix's demeanor is relaxed, friendly. One would expect him to be haughty, having won, in a sense. He is not.

Sense motive, DC 21, Highlight to display spoiler: {Ix seems happy, peaceful...and grateful. It's a new look on him, to be sure.}

"Dwarven babies drink plenty of milk, Press. The insult that moron keeps throwing around is a very dwarven way of calling me a child." He stops before continuing upwards. "Ok, Anur is up there, hooked into the Giant. Since the Encompassing Mind was shut down, he's completely wrapped up in the interface. I'll have to physically remove the device from his head. It's gonna disorient him, and he's probably not going to handle it gracefully. I suggest everyone stay far away from him until he has a moment to adjust. Anur is a high priest of Scald; if he decides he wants you hurt, you'll suffer, even if you do come out on top at the end. Last chance for questions before we finish this."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87
Saturday February 2nd, 2019 7:05:02 AM
Clueless as what Harper is growling about, Miss Piggy, not understanding leopard speak, simply follows her feline friend.

Succotash follows Ix's instructions, but he is prepared for the inevitable betrayal that he is convinced is about to happen. As such he will keep his detect evil active and Twinklesting in front of him. He is almost looking forward for the chance to lay the smite down on Ix and Anur.

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 72/96 Wis +4 d20+9=15 ; d20+9=27 ; d20+16=21 ; d20+31=38 ;
Saturday February 2nd, 2019 7:50:15 AM

The druid did not tried to pull any gems from the wheel, but had mentioned the possibility to others. Looks like Pressi did retrieve one of the four.

Murphy senses some of Pressi's sorrow. And receives her thanks for what he tried to get across. He smiles as he hears her query about what baby dwarves drink.

He keeps close to mind the greater dispel magic spell, to use likely as a counterspell against Anur if it looks like he moves to cast something significant against the party. Not cast yet, just at hand as needed.

He tries to sense motive on Succotash as they gather in the neck area. Looks like he is set, determined... Murphy feels badly that he attributed self-righteousness to the paladin. He thinks his friend courageous, stalwart. He wonders whether he is right about the need, not only to stop the giant - everyone agrees with that - but to imprison, or slay, if necessary, the pilot. If they let him go with Ix, will they have a run-in with him down the road, in the next year, or years?

Ix - looks grateful? Somehow at peace, at the moment. Murph inwardly prays that, for all the young gnome's machinations, that he is able to spend time with his father.

"Just before going up there, Ix, mind if I ask something? How was it that Anur came to adopt you? Had you lost your own parents somehow?" He pauses briefly, then adds, "Nothing requires you to answer what I ask. But... I was just wondering. Seems like you have an attachment to him, a concern for him."
======

Sense motive with Succotash: 15
Sense motive with Ix: 27
Resist Id gem: 21 vs DC18
Perception: 38

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears
Saturday February 2nd, 2019 12:11:32 PM
"Can we knock him out and then remove the helmet?" asks Kezzem. "Seems like that would avoid a lot of trouble."

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 3/5, 0/3)(performance 2 d20+1=8 ;
Sunday February 3rd, 2019 9:13:11 AM
Zaragosa misses the sense motive. He stays put and invisible for the time being. Still unsure of what will go down since he has not sense motive on the Gnome

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Sunday February 3rd, 2019 8:51:25 PM

Bliss asks his friends to just say the deal one more time in simple words.

He's hoping it is something like this: We stop the fighting, they turn their iron giant around, and go away and never come back. Is that it?

Bliss would be on board for something like that.

DM Carl
Sunday February 3rd, 2019 10:30:30 PM
Friends, the wife has pneumonia, the kids both have strep. For those unaware, my daughter is a kidney transplant recipient who started 3rd grade this year. That means she gets shuffled around to different classes, which exposes her to much more disease. Add to that a particularly nasty wave of illnesses throughout the entire school this year, and it's been a very rough winter.

That's why my next post kinda sucks. Hope you understand.

***

Everyone appears ready to move on. Kezzem has a bright idea, but Ix's look tells him all he needs to know about his thoughts on it.

Ix does stop at Bliss' statement.

"No. I don't want this Giant. I don't want Anur having this Giant. What I want is to head back to the Scab and try to see if I can de-radicalize my father. You can keep this blasted thing."

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 72/96 Wis +4
Monday February 4th, 2019 1:50:19 AM
[Carl - sorry for all the tsurris
"Ix, my paladin friends perceive within you an evil bent. A few of your actions this day tend to confirm that. However, your desire to stop your father from an unwise, unwarranted assault I see as a good thing. That, and your aim to help move him from his radical goals - a good thing. At the risk of irritating some of my friends - I like you, Ix. I shall remember you in my prayers - and among those prayers is that you turn your own heart away from evil, and toward what is good, and noble, and kind - to learn to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly in service to the good.

"Your father's redemption may be a strong first step in that new path."

"That said, in the next few moments there may be a few spells which might mitigate Anur's initial reactions - especially those of a violent nature. A slow spell. Calm emotions? Being tied up with rope, until he agrees to terms?"

"Friends - suggestions? Besides puncturing, bludgeoning, or slashing? Let's try to skip those options."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24 d20+3=7 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+11=28 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+9=24 ;
Monday February 4th, 2019 3:39:54 AM
Taila subtly points to the Azata explaining to the Azata using a message cantrip, that the toughest battle is through the next door -- the pilot of this-this craft!

Talia knowing that it could quite be possible that Ix will turn on us as soon as we engage Anur, or worse, she quickly goes through all her Skill checks making sure she is missing anything:

Talia will first concentrate on Ix and his person, clothing, mannerisms, etc, will trying to use her Diplomacy skill to determine something Humbles Sword can use in the upcoming battle.

"Mister Ix, Did you become a power spellcaster from your own innate drive & talent or did Anur influence you?" asks Talia of Ix while using her Diplomacy skills, while observing his mannerisms.

Talia will also try to recognize any item, symbols, or markings on his attire.

Skill Checks:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Diplomacy: 28
Sense Motive: 7
Perception: 20
Knowl (Arcana): 21
Spellcraft: 24

Talia Status:
===============================
Overlight flight | 651 of 660 minutes left
Stoneskin | 101 of 110 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6591 of 6600 minutes left
Mirror Image | 8 of 11 minutes left
Summon Monster V | 11 minutes of 11 minutes left - Azata

Azata Brilani
=====
AC: AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 | HP: 66 |CMD: 26

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1 (unsure of how many stoneskin spells I cast aside from on myself and Mister Murphy)
L5: 3 /4+1 (including the one I just cast)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87
Monday February 4th, 2019 5:35:11 AM
Succotash listens to Murphy's plead with Ix, and for the first time he actually agrees with the Druid. He would much rather see the gnome turn to the ways of goodness and justice, as he would prefer to see anyone following said path, and so he keeps his mouth shut throwing up a silent prayer to Pantheon that Ix would in fact heed Murphy's words, however, he is still prepared to drop the smite on Ix if needed, as such he keeps his detect evil trained on the gnome hoping that he witnesses a change.

To Murphy he says, "I have some rope, but it's currently in my saddlebags, which I left with Miss Piggy. I could summon her if needed, in fact I was considering doing so when we get to the head, I would love for everything to run peacefully, but having her strength in the final fight, if it comes to that, could be helpful".

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Monday February 4th, 2019 2:49:44 PM
"this guy has double crossed us over and over and now we are concerning ourselves with the redemption of his father? I cannot believe you guys. Once this thing is no longer moving directly toward our hometown, and once it's been either destroyed or taken control of, then, and only then, will I consider any sort of goodwill for this gnome."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Monday February 4th, 2019 6:25:46 PM
�Fair enough. But I�m always willing to help the souls of the needy, even if I know I�m killing them after.�

To Murphy: understand, though. You are neither Anur nor Ix, just like I�m not really Shah.

�Honestly, an elevated charm person or calm emotion is all that�s needed. We are just going to talk to the guy, for now.� (She readies a bloodwitch lore followed by a charm person.)

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Monday February 4th, 2019 6:26:48 PM

Bliss changes back into a halfling and talks to his skeptical friend. "Well sure, Hobie. The only reason we are talking is to get this iron giant moving away from our home. If it keeps on threatening our people, we start fighting again."

"It's just that our whole mission is to stop the attack on our town. If we can do that without further loss of life, that seems good to me? Even heroic, maybe?"

"Maybe this Mister Ix can find some common ground with us? That's what Mister Murphy is trying to arrange, right?"

He waves when Ix responds to his words. "See?"

[OOC to Carl: Sending positive vibes to you and your family.]

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 3/5, 0/3)(performance 2
Monday February 4th, 2019 7:21:12 PM
Zaragosa would dismiss his invisibility, "I'm up for keeping a giant construct."

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 72/96 Wis +4
Monday February 4th, 2019 11:47:04 PM
"Succotash - Sure, it would be nice to see Miss Piggy," Murphy responds. "If you want, go ahead and call her, and bring up the rope."

He turns his attention to Ix. "Hope you don't mind - and I understand the potential disorientation... hmm. So long as the helmet is removed, and he be given a moment to adjust to the disorientation - tying him down may be irritating to him, but far less so than if he starts wildly casting spells at these intruders, and Hobie shares some bird feathers on a stick with him."

He turns to his friends. "So, I'm going to ask - say, ah, there you are, Jack - say, you have very nimble fingers, from what I've observed. How about you and Succotash gently circle the rope about him a few times, then pull it snug as a bug in a rug as soon as Ix goes for helmet removal? If someone has a tanglefoot bag, then one of those splashed on his lap and arms might also prove a beneficial restraint.

"Following these indignities - a charm person, or calm emotions, may further mitigate undue consternation.

"Sure an' you betcha he'll feel sore about all this after a while, so we may need to further explain that we are treating him with relative respect, considering that he was just about to stomp our town to smithereens. And that there were several who thought it better he die, rather than be momentarily restrained. His choices include:

1. Suffer trial and sentencing. Or,
2. Be remanded to the care of his son, and return home to consider major repentance from the sins he was about to commit.

"Finally - if, after trying for a few rounds to use non-lethal constraints, it looks like Ix's persuasion, and our pointing out we're not trying to kill him, but rather we ARE stopping him from attacking our town, not to mention us - if he continues to attempt lethal force - that's when sharp things may need to be used.

"Ix Revon, I'm hoping for everyone's sake that we can do this, and we all live to see the end of the week. If you have novel insight or ideas, tell us. I'm not going to let Anur get away with causing significant harm to my friends. I do want to give you a chance to do what you have asked for.

"Friends, last chance to refine our proposed course of action."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Monday February 4th, 2019 11:48:24 PM
While waiting for something to transpire, Talia strikes up a conversation with the Azata. So, Mister Azata warrior, how's "Elysium"? Any machines on Elysium?" asks Talia of the warrior.

Skill Checks:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Diplomacy: 28
Sense Motive: 7
Perception: 20
Knowl (Arcana): 21
Spellcraft: 24

Talia Status:
===============================
Overlight flight | 651 of 660 minutes left
Stoneskin | 101 of 110 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6591 of 6600 minutes left
Mirror Image | 8 of 11 minutes left
Summon Monster V | 11 minutes of 11 minutes left - Azata

Azata Brilani
=====
AC: AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 | HP: 66 |CMD: 26

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1 (unsure of how many stoneskin spells I cast aside from on myself and Mister Murphy)
L5: 3 /4+1 (including the one I just cast)

DM Carl
Monday February 4th, 2019 11:50:44 PM
Thanks, folks...

***

Murphy starts making plans, and wonders if Ix himself can be redeemed.

"I am selfish, and conniving, and cold-hearted. I'm also practical and realize unrestrained evil intentions never work out well for the evil doer in a world where the Dragon Consortium and groups such as yourselves exist. Above all, I want a long, comfortable life. I can't change who I am at heart, but you can trust me not to throw away the chance you folks have given me." He flashes a grin. "Gonna have some trouble with humility, though. Just don't have that in me."

Talia makes plans with her summons and asks Ix about his abilities.

"I'm a bard by trade, dear. I had quite the following back home before Anur went nuts."

You see no instruments on his person. Perhaps he's a vocalist? Maybe a story teller?

Succotash finds himself agreeing with Murphy. That's refreshing.

Hobie is still not ok with any of this.

"Fair enough, Hobie. Fair enough."

Pressi makes plans to charm Anur and calm his emotions.

A cold shiver runs down Bliss' spine when he hears Pressi mention calm emotions, as if a memory from another life is trying to surface to warn him of danger. He shakes it off and it's gone. He's on board with stopping this Giant without further loss of life.

Zaragosa makes an entrance. He's on board with keeping this awesome Giant.

The party ascends the ladder and find themselves in the room Hobie's clairvoyance spell saw before they entered the Giant. Standing on a pedestal is a massive dwarf. If not for his full, waist long beard and the fact that he's about as wide as he is tall, he could almost pass for a short, stocky human. He wears an ornate, bronze set of full plate armor that is of masterful quality and almost certainly enchanted. The symbol of Scald is engraved in the metal. He is an imposing figure, to say the least.

On his head is a leather headband, attached to a metal cable. Pink orbs float around each hand and foot, mimicking the movements of the Giant as he walks in place. His eyes are glazed over and he gives no indication he's aware of your presence at all.

"Ok Press, the headband gives pretty strong protection against enchantments, so if you wanna try and charm him, wait till it's off. And in case you can't tell by looking at him, Anur's not dying alone if this gets violent...and I can assure you he will want to get violent.

Whatever happens, though, thanks."

He doesn't waste any time; he removes the headband from Anur. The effect is immediate. Anur seizes up and collapses to the floor, shaking and mumbling loudly, but incoherently.

"Come on, old man. Pull yourself together. We've got intruders."

The Giant has stopped.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears
Tuesday February 5th, 2019 1:08:50 AM
"Would you believe we are travelling mushroom salesmen?" askes Kezzem. He readies his dagger to attack Ix should he make any hostile action against the party.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87 d20=14 ; d20=17 ; d20=8 ; d10=8 ; d10=8 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday February 5th, 2019 5:40:28 AM
"Well so much for Miss Piggy and the rope", Succotash says while he detects evil on Anur, and makes ready an action to charge Anur if he tries anything. He will only charge if it looks like Anur or Ix are going to cast a spell, or attack, and if he attacks he will use power attack and vital strike. perception 14+7=21

readied action:
17 possible crit 8+22(a)+2(b)-3(c)=29 to confirm, 38 for the total attack roll
8+8(d)+13(e)+9(c)=38 damage (68 if confirmed)+(4+5=9 holy)

(a )strength+BAB+magic+weapon focus+size
(b) charge
(c) power attack
(d) vital strike
(e) 1 1/2 half strength+magic

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 72/96 Wis +4 d20+11=13 ;
Tuesday February 5th, 2019 5:52:39 AM

[Friends - please read Murphy's post right before our DM's post - it contains several things we could have done to prep for this moment. Ropes, tanglefoot bags, and Other Stuff. Jack & Succotash were mentioned.]

Murphy drops his wild shape. With one hand he tosses (without an abundance of finesse: Ranged touch 13) the 50' silk rope he has coiled on one hip to Jack. With the other, he reaches into his haversack and extracts a pair of tanglefoot bags. "Wrap him, Jack. I'll seal him! Kezzem, you've nimble fingers, too. Help Jack tie him up before he hurts himself, or others."

He offers the second tanglefoot bag to whoever thinks he (or she) would be good at using on on the prone fellow.

Mentally he signals to Pressi, "Say, wouldn't it give Ix some plausible deniability if he is tanglefooted, too?"

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 72/96 Wis +4
Tuesday February 5th, 2019 5:56:44 AM

"No, Succotash - it's not too late - at least for rope. And non-lethal things. C'mon, folks. Panic is Not Yet In Order. Here, take this tanglefoot bag, unless someone else does so first. LET'S DO THINGS TO CONTAIN, NOT DESTROY!! We are better than that. I hope."

(Didn't see Succotash's post until after mine.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears d20+20=22 ; d3+2=5 ; d6=4 ;
Tuesday February 5th, 2019 11:27:43 AM
OOC: Kezzem's readied attack.

Attack: 1d20 + 20 = 22.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 plus 1d6 cold = 5 + 4 cold = 9.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Tuesday February 5th, 2019 2:09:18 PM
Hobie makes sure to stand back around 30 feet if possible, with at least the two Paladins between him and Anur.

As soon as the headband comes off, Hobie casts Slow on both Anur and Ix.
Will Negates, DC 18, If successful, it lasts 5 rounds.

https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/s/slow/

===============
Mirror Image- Currently 6 Hobies- Roll a 6 to hit him instead of an image
===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 5/10

Elemental Arrow: Electricity

Fire Arrows Remaining 35/50

Kezzem's Ring of Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 Saves, Kezzem takes half damage)

===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message

Level 1
Grease, Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Feather Fall

Level 2
Mirror Image

Level 3
Haste, Fly

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 d20+22=39 ;
Tuesday February 5th, 2019 8:01:29 PM

Bliss laughs out loud when Kezzem mentions being mushroom sellers!

He readies a nasty witch gaze to focus on this Anurs fellow if he attacks [-2 on next attack or skill check, no save].

He watches closely for any kind of funny business. (Perception 39)

Murphy (Kim) Large Air Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] add +4 Str +6 Dex +4 Nat AC 29 CMB 13 CMD 28 HP 72/96 Wis +4
Tuesday February 5th, 2019 8:12:28 PM

"Take any weapons he has on him!" Murphy interjects since no one seems to be taking him up on using the rope, or taking the tanglefoot bags.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Tuesday February 5th, 2019 8:24:20 PM
Pressi casts surrender blood in preparation of casting charm.

But since Murphy is still interested in holding off, Pressi also casts �like calls to like,� moving herself into the shoes of Ix and Anur. (+18 to social roles)

Quickly, she begins talking, ascertaining how he feels, trying to smooth over his initial opinion of them (diplomacy roll).

DM Carl d20+8=14 ; d20+13=29 ;
Tuesday February 5th, 2019 10:43:27 PM
Two folks posted yesterday while I was typing up the post. I'm going to ret-con some stuff...

***

Succotash indicates he may be willing to allow Anur to walk, but will resort to lethal force without much hesitation. He suggests tying up Anur and ponders summoning Miss Piggy.

"Rope? You think rope is going to do anything against my dad? You underestimate this man, Succotash. Plus, you can count any chance of talking this out goodbye if you take him hostage. I can't stop all of you if this is the path you want to take, but I hope you didn't go to such great lengths to avoid unnecessary killing only to throw it away on that idea."

Murphy asks Ix for some advice before things get started.

"My dad respects strength. He loathes weakness. Be real careful, Murph. You talk a lot, and my dad's not a patient man. If he thinks you're trying to sweet talk him, or talk over him, it's going to get ugly."

Ix removes the headband from Anur. It swings free on a metal cable connected to the ceiling where it vanishes through a small hole there. Anur seizes up a bit, but Ix is there to catch him and guide him safely to the floor. The strain of that burden obvious on his face. He breathes a sigh of relief when Anur is safely on the ground. He kneels on the ground and places Anur's head on his knees, waiting for him to come to. It would be a tender moment, but there's really nothing tender about Anur at all.

Succotash detects evil on Anur and is probably not surprised to find he registers. He and Kezzem are ready to strike at a moment's notice. Kezzem dusts off the mushroom farmer chestnut. Bliss chuckles, then gets ready to look real mean at Anur.

Hobie is less trusting, as usual, and casts a slow spell on the two men. The magic breaks through Ix's defenses, but wash right off Anur. Ix shoots Hobie an annoyed look, but there's no time to do anything now.

Pressi makes appropriate preparations, including putting herself in their hosts' shoes.

Anur's fugue comes to an abrupt end. Ix immediately jumps to his feet.

"Dad, get up. We have uninvited guests." Anur looks up, sees the party, and gets slowly to his feet.

"Ix, what is this? YOU HAD ONE JOB, BOY." He eyes you all quickly, eyes finding the holy symbols of the paladins. "Great...adventurers, right?" He turns to Ix. "Go. Fetch Shan and Minh. We'll deal with these...for goodness sake, boy, THEY'RE HALFLINGS. You couldn't handle a few halflings? We are going to have words later."

Ix blanches. "Dad, they're dead. Shan, Minh, most of the crew and almost all the guardian constructs. They defeated them all."

Anur looks shocked. For the moment, he has nothing to say.

Pressi is the first to start talking, though what she says is a mystery to your humble narrator...

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24 d20+15=35 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+14=25 ;
Wednesday February 6th, 2019 12:54:16 AM
Talia subtlely points to the Azata warrior and using the message spell explains to the Azata warrior, "The is the evil ring leader, the high priest of Scald. If he moves against us, drop him as he is the essence of Evil!" The White-haired Elven-like warrior scans the scene with several skills to seize up this encounter -- when Anur attacks or attempts to move against the halflings, the Warrior will respond with a slam attack and then draw his scimitar.

Talia meanwhile withdraws a tanglefoot bag from her haversack.

Perception Check: 35 (NAT 20); Sense Motive: 22; & Stealth: 25 ( for Sneak attack)

Skill Checks:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Diplomacy: 28
Sense Motive: 7
Perception: 20
Knowl (Arcana): 21
Spellcraft: 24

Talia Status:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Overlight flight | 651 of 660 minutes left
Stoneskin | 101 of 110 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6591 of 6600 minutes left
Mirror Image | 8 of 11 minutes left
Summon Monster V | 11 minutes of 11 minutes left - Azata

Azata Brilani Statistics:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
AC: AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 | HP: 66 |CMD: 26

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)

Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)

Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)

Special Attacks whirlwind blast

Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)

At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall

2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1 (unsure of how many stoneskin spells I cast aside from on myself and Mister Murphy)
L5: 3 /4+1 (including the one I just cast)

[OCC: Have an upper respiratory illness and was sleeping.]

Murphy (Kim) Earth Elemental [large as huge] 16' tall, +8ST -2DX +4CO +6NatAC 27 CMB16 CMD35 HP118/96 +4WI. DR10/Adm d20+13=25 ; d20+11=13 ; d20+31=33 ;
Wednesday February 6th, 2019 3:06:15 AM

Murphy listens as Pressi speaks with Anur and Ix. He hands off his tanglefoot bag to Jack. When he perceives it an appropriate moment to step into the conversation, he says:

"Anur. We could have attacked you to kill you. Though I dislike killing. But we will do so to defend our people. We protect the little town you set out to smash - Humble's Ford. Halflings.

"After we wiped your defenses below, we came for you. We might have killed him, who has attacked us," he nods in the direction of the one Anur calls son. "But in the end this - Ix? - made a compelling appeal to spare his life and yours.

"The conditions? Total and irrevocable surrender of this machine and all its capabilities. A solemn vow from you, Anur, and Ix, never to return against the people of Crescent Valley, nor to lend any support whatsoever to such an attack."

"Before you decide," and Murphy wild shapes into a large earth elemental (with huge capabilities), 16� tall, with strong limbs. He concludes in a gravelly voice, "Hear her out." He lifts his massive arm in Pressi's direction. And lends her his support (+2 diplomacy, very large boyfriend, etc.)

===========
Diplomacy (aid Pressi +2): 25
Sense Motive: 13 (meh)
Perception: 33

Active Spell Effects:
- Freedom of Movement (All combat maneuver checks made to grapple the target automatically fail): 61 minutes
- Longstrider: 9 hours 42 minutes (land movement +10)
- Mage Armor (+4 AC): 128 minutes
- Barkskin: 61 minutes 6 rounds (Nat AC +4)
- Owl's Wisdom (+4 WIS) 5 minutes
- Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine): 55 minutes
From wild shape DR/5; immune to bleed, critical hits, and sneak attacks, and more (see header).

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87 d20+7=21 ; d20=2 ; d10=5 ; d10=7 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday February 6th, 2019 5:36:44 AM
"Know this Anur, I will drop the smite on you faster than you can blink if you try anything stupid! but I gave Murphy my word that we will try this the bloodless way", Succotash begins. He than adds, "If you choose to leave, I give you my word, as a Paladin of Pantheon, no harm will come to you, but if you choose to stay and fight, your death is on you!"

As he is speaking, he readies an action to charge Anur with Vital Strike and Power Attack if he tries anything. perception 21

Readied action:
2+22(a)+2(b)-3(c)=23 for 5+7(d)+13(e)+9(c)+(5+4=9(f))=43 damage

(a )strength+BAB+magic+weapon focus+size
(b) charge
(c) power attack
(d) vital strike
(e) 1 1/2 half strength+magic
(f) holy

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday February 6th, 2019 1:09:24 PM
DM How high is this room? I'm sorry if I missed the description.

If the room seems big enough that Hobie could fly up and stay out of Anur's physical reach, then Hobie will cast Fly and move straight up.

If the room isn't that big, Hobie will cast Haste on his party.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Wednesday February 6th, 2019 5:44:03 PM

Bliss, in halfling form, has stern words for Ix's father. "Look, Mister Ix's Dad," he declaims, "the fighting is over and there's no way for you to invade our home any more. So you and Ix can just pack it up and go. You go back to your home, and we'll take this giant iron lumpen back to ours, where nobody will use it for making war no more."

He stands firm, hands on his hips, and then sprouts thorns all over as he deploys his bramble armor for some extra effect.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Wednesday February 6th, 2019 5:44:29 PM
[OCC: Do we have an idea of the size of this room from all the perception checks having been made?]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Wednesday February 6th, 2019 10:08:01 PM
After Ix speaks, Pressi spends most of her time giving introductions. �Look, I can�t begin to imagine the things that you are feeling, but you should know we are prepared to pound on you a little, just a bit. Later. Take a moment to focus up, maybe share a drink?�

Pressi let others continue before speaking again. �Ok, let�s all give the guy some breathing room. Let him get his surroundings. The guy�s wife just died. Really nice woman, by the way. My condolences. She meant a lot more to me than you realize.

�Believe it or not, we�ve felt some of what you have. About family, or personal history, or religion. If you had just visited our town with a couple of questions, we might have helped you. Now, we are giving you one more chance. A chance to think about what�s truly important. The connections you make, the lessons you teach... the times you share, watching how things turn out.

�Shan died to protect you and Ix... from this machine more than us. It�s been growing in consciousness and malfunctioning more than you can imagine, and this single mindedness threatens everything you care about. But I know more than anybody what the focus to identity can do to a person. As great as this person you are trying to save might be... you�ve got a pretty great person right here, too. Maybe get to know him, and yourself.�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Wednesday February 6th, 2019 10:23:28 PM
Ooc: apologies if the words tend to be vague or otherwise unmoving. I�m typing this off a phone in a hotel room. But I think I got the gist and invoking like calls is supposed to fill the gaps.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears d20+19=26 ;
Wednesday February 6th, 2019 11:32:08 PM
"We're giving you a good deal here," says Kezzem. "It's the best outcome you are going to get. Sure, you may be thinking I can take a bunch of halflings, but people always underestimate us halflings. Listen to what your kid Ix says--we've fought our way here and overcome everything defense this place has thrown in our way, and we haven't lost a single man or woman doing so. We are offering to resolve things here without further bloodshed. It's a good offer. I suggest you take."

"And if you are still thinking of taking your chances, know this: we also have a pig."

Diplomacy: 26.

Murphy (Kim) Earth Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] 16' tall add +8 ST -2 DX +4 CO +6 Nat AC 27 CMB 16 CMD 35 HP 118/96 WI +4. DR10/Adm
Thursday February 7th, 2019 10:19:12 AM

Should it appear Anur is about to cast a spell, Murphy has prepared a counter spell - Greater Dispel Magic.

DM Carl d20+17=28 ;
Thursday February 7th, 2019 11:04:47 AM
This room is circular w/ a 20' diameter and a 7' high ceiling.

***

Talia prepares her summon for attack, in case it comes to that. She looks around. In addition to the pedestal in the center of the room, there's a staircase that winds its way up the interior wall of the room, leading to a hatch in the ceiling. Upstairs, there's a lot of banging noises.

Succotash and Hobie are ready to throw down.

Pressi makes introductions, also making clear they are here to talk, but will throw down at a moment's notice.

Murphy speaks up, letting Anur know they could easily have killed him. Of course, looking at the dwarf in front of him, Murphy probably isn't too sure it would have been easy, even IF he was plugged in and helpless. He indicates Ix has made it possible for him to walk away.

Bliss and Kezzem speak up, indicating it would be a good decision to take the deal.

Pressi continues, trying to bring some empathy to the situation. Anur's eyes follow the two back and forth as they take turns talking. When Pressi starts talking about Shan, Anur decides he's got a few words of his own.

"My wife, the woman I loved, the woman who brought meaning and purpose to my life...meant a lot to you?" His face is a mix of anger and shock.

Ix speaks. "She certainly did change your outlook, father."

Pressi ONLY, Highlight to display spoiler: {Ix gives you a knowing look, and you realize what he's saying (bluff 28): who do you think radicalized him in the first place?}

Anur continues, "and now I'm expected to simply abandon what her and I started? To cowardly slink back home to do what? Drink myself to death? Spend the next two hundred years knowing I betrayed her, just so I can live out my days with this one?" He gestures to Ix. He takes a few steps towards Pressi, looking her straight in the eyes.

"Why would I ever do that?"

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 3/5, 0/3)(performance 2
Thursday February 7th, 2019 11:33:28 AM
Being that this family drama was beyond Zaragosa and his understanding, he would rather not talk and let the others sort it out, whether, through peace or war, he would try to be ready.

Murphy (Kim) Earth Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] 16' tall add +8 ST -2 DX +4 CO +6 Nat AC 27 CMB 16 CMD 35 HP 118/96 WI +4. DR10/Adm
Thursday February 7th, 2019 1:12:59 PM

"Right, be courageous and throw away the rest of your life this minute - omitting the fact that shows cowardice against facing the future, brave Anur. Or keep on attacking innocents who - until you moved against them - never had caused you harm. Plan to stomp them out. And if you can't, then pout and turn into a drunken lout. Because those are your only three options: Die today. Or kill the innocent. Or drown yourself in ale for the next twenty decades.

"Because NO other options exist," Murphy throws that in his teeth.

He pauses for a beat, then says, "NO chance that you could take your drive and intelligence and do something to build up the Wold, to benefit your people and the Wold at large. Right? You're not smart enough to come up with something like that, are you?"

One more quick pause, then the druid closes with, "Or, am I somewhere mistaken?"

=========
[Sheesh - had I known the room dimensions, I don't think Murphy would have gone to earth elemental. He'll be in his horizontal position (the stats do describe them as "16' long").]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Thursday February 7th, 2019 3:39:04 PM
(Since the room was only 7 feet high, then Hobie's action was to cast Haste,so everybody can count that they have Haste in effect)

with bow at the ready Hobie very dryly says "What SHE and I started."

"I know Dwarvish doesn't have different pronouns for subject and object, but in Common you need to use different pronouns. Common mistake."

"Please dude, I'm begging you. Surrender. If it weren't for the wordy Druid and this Paladin we picked up in an alternate dimension, you'd already be full of my arrows, the other Paladin's daggers (well actually they teleport back to him so you'd only keep the holes) and a bunch of claw marks."

"If you want, you can leave the giant right here, go far far away, and build a new war machine to terrorize somebody else's town. Just make sure we never know about it, and you're gold. But this time, you made a bad call choosing this particular town, and you can either fold or pay up in blood. That's it. Those are your two options."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87
Thursday February 7th, 2019 5:14:59 PM
At Kezzem's mention of having a pig Succotash closes his eyes and focuses on Miss Piggy, willing her to his side, and as she appears, he says, "And here she is!" He then says to Miss Piggy while pointing to Ix and Anur, "If either of those two do anything aggressive, smite them!"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24 d20+3=21 ; d20+8=18 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+5=16 ;
Thursday February 7th, 2019 8:06:29 PM
Talia, now using her own skill set, slowly reaches into the haversack with her other hand to ready a Thunderstone! When both hands have readied their charges, Talia stealthily attempts to keep the Tanglefoot & Thunderstone in the shadows. She also attempts to discern what the High Priest of Scald might lead with as Talia feels in her gut, he'll never back down!

Skill Checks:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Sense Motive: 21
Perception: 18
Knowl (Arcana): 21
Spellcraft: 13
Sleight of hand: 16

Talia Status:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Overlight flight | 651 of 660 minutes left
Stoneskin | 101 of 110 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6591 of 6600 minutes left
Mirror Image | 8 of 11 minutes left
Summon Monster V | 11 minutes of 11 minutes left - Azata

Azata Brilani Statistics:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
AC: AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 | HP: 66 |CMD: 26

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)

Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)

Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)

Special Attacks whirlwind blast

Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)

At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall

2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1 (unsure of how many stoneskin spells I cast aside from on myself and Mister Murphy)
L5: 3 /4+1 (including the one I just cast)

[OCC: Have an upper respiratory illness and was sleeping.]

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Thursday February 7th, 2019 8:18:37 PM

Bliss laughs. "Mister, what are you talking about? There is so much to do in this Wold. Redeem the honor of the Red Dwarf Clan of the Scab! Visit the lost land of Turok Nor! Find the MIGHTY Axe of the Dwarf Lord's Revenge! If you do not like this son, go sire a dozen more, and do a better job this time. You're evidently a mighty dwarf, but I never heard of you -- go make yourself famous around the Wold! Dying won't honor your poor wife. Try to think of something that would make her proud!"

"I mean sure, if you wanna commit suicide by hero, okay, we'll put you down. Seems dumb to me, though. You have better things to do. Go do some!"

"Or stick with us and go on adventures! We're going to be famous some day, you betcha!"

Murphy (Kim) Earth Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] 16' tall add +8 ST -2 DX +4 CO +6 Nat AC 27 CMB 16 CMD 35 HP 118/96 WI +4. DR10/Adm
Thursday February 7th, 2019 8:43:00 PM

Murphy laughs a gravelly laugh at Bliss's suggestions. "Lots of great things to do, sounds like. Say, friends - no one attack, seriously. Let him make up his mind. I suppose going on a three-day bender in mourning might not be a bad idea. But, after that..."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Thursday February 7th, 2019 10:29:03 PM
Pressi sizes up the dwarf before her. She gets Ix�s message about how radicalized he was by Shah, and wonders if she can do that himself.

�I get where you come from. I�ve been a religious warrior myself for a while... for four or five religions. And I can tell you right now that there�s no courage in fighting. Attacking is easy. Letting yourself be vulnerable? Putting others needs before yours? That�s the risky part.

�Besides, even the little I�ve picked up of this religion tells me that Shan cared about more than fighting enemies or dying for the cause. In the end, Shan died for the two of you, not for any cause. You really should consider putting The needs of others... like the guy you are still trying to save or your wife�s legacy... above your own emotions.�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears d20+20=23 ; d3+2=5 ; d6=5 ;
Friday February 8th, 2019 12:29:26 AM
"Ouch Ix, that had to hurt hurt," says Kezzem. "I felt that rebuke and I didn't even cast Shield Other on you."

"Anur, your son has done everything he can to convince us to allow you to live, and you go and spit in his face like that? You would really rather die than live and be with your son? That's...that's messed up. If by my birth family's standards."

"Ix, you deserve better than this. If this don't work out, maybe you can come find a new family in Humble's Ford. It worked for me."

Kezzem readies to throw a dagger at Anur at this first sign of hostile action.

Readied Attack: 1d20 + 20 = 23.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 plus 1d6 cold = 5 + 5 cold = 10.

Murphy (Kim) Earth Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] 16' tall add +8 ST -2 DX +4 CO +6 Nat AC 27 CMB 16 CMD 35 HP 118/96 WI +4. DR10/Adm
Friday February 8th, 2019 1:52:10 AM

Note: As stated in an earlier post, Murphy is prepared for a counterspell using Greater Dispel Magic should Anur go to cast a spell.

DM Carl
Friday February 8th, 2019 12:13:15 PM
Anur listens as the party extols the many benefits of surrender. They make good points, but it's Bliss who gets his attention. He takes a few steps back from Pressi, closes his eyes, and retreats into his own head for a moment. He thinks long and hard before appearing to come to a conclusion. He points to Kezzem and Succotash.

"You two. I would see my wife again before I make a final decision. Will you bring her to me? You have my word I will stay my hand until you've returned."

Sense motive DC 15, Highlight to display spoiler: {He seems earnest.}

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Friday February 8th, 2019 2:39:06 PM
"Better hurry bros, I can't promise I'll stay mine."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears
Friday February 8th, 2019 5:56:09 PM
"Well, let's go get her Succo," says Kezzem. "You get one arm and I'll get the other. It will be just like that one weekend at my Uncle Bernie's."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87
Friday February 8th, 2019 8:16:32 PM
Succotash decides to go with Kezzem to fetch the body, but before he does, he tells Miss Piggy to listen to Murphy and Pressi.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Friday February 8th, 2019 10:36:56 PM

A light bulb goes off -- that's the power of roleplaying an 18 Int -- and Bliss realizes something. "Oh, his wife is ..." his voice drops to a whisper ... "one of the people we already killed? Oh."

Bliss covers his mouth with one hand.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 3/5, 0/3)(performance 2 d20=2 ;
Friday February 8th, 2019 10:39:20 PM
Sense motive 2 + 1 to make 3.

Zaragosa was always good at telling the truth but making it sound fantastic, not really good at lying or telling if someone else was lying, so he instantly just believes the man's words. He will follow the others to the body if they go

Murphy (Kim) Earth Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] 16' tall add +8 ST -2 DX +4 CO +6 Nat AC 27 CMB 16 CMD 35 HP 118/96 WI +4. DR10/Adm d20+9=22 ; d20+31=45 ;
Saturday February 9th, 2019 6:13:04 AM

"We can wait," Murphy says.

"So, it looks like piloting this is a very intense activity. The mind, the limbs, the gems work together to cause it to move. How long did it take to learn how to drive?"

Murphy looks about the head chamber, taking in his surroundings, the controls, what can be seen through the eyes of the iron giant. Is Humble's Ford yet in view?
========
Sense Motive 24 (forgot to add WIS bonus to roll).
Perception: 47 (WIS)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Saturday February 9th, 2019 8:52:23 AM
Talia begins to whistle a tune that sounds like, "I owe, I owe, so it's off to work I go..." to break the uneasy silence that has descended over the pilot's room. Talia abruptly stops whistling and says, "I Wish My Brother George Was Here."

Talia Status:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Overlight flight | 650 of 660 minutes left
Stoneskin | 100 of 110 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6590 of 6600 minutes left
Mirror Image | 9 of 11 minutes left
Summon Monster V | 10 minutes of 11 minutes left - Azata

Azata Brilani Statistics:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
AC: AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 | HP: 66 |CMD: 26

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14

OFFENSE
-=-=-=-=-=-
Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)

At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1 (unsure of how many stoneskin spells I cast aside from on myself and Mister Murphy)
L5: 3 /4+1 (including the one I just cast)

DM Carl
Sunday February 10th, 2019 4:06:01 PM
Kezzem and Succotash head back down below. They have to fiddle with the gem-socketed wheel, but they know how it works by now. Zaragosa joins them, not trusting that Anur's not setting them up. Anur takes note, but doesn't object.

Back upstairs, tensions are high. Bliss worries they'll have to tell Anur his wife is dead, but he must be confused since Ix told Anur that just seconds before. Murphy has questions.

"Donning the control headband conveys everything one needs to know to pilot the Giant. It's rather effortless." He says nothing else during the entire affair.

Looking out the Giant's view window, one can indeed see Humble's Ford. It's quite the view! It looks deserted, which is good because that was the plan. Far, far off to the west is movement. It must be the citizens on their way to Hovel.

After a few minutes, Kezzem and Succotash return. They (presumably) gently place Shan on the control dais, then stand back.

Anur walks over and kneels before his wife. He strokes her hair once, then starts looking through her belt pouches. He is calm at first, then confused. He searches her entire person, becoming more and more frantic as he does so. "Where is it?" he says quietly to himself as he continues looking. Then, he stands, turns, and asks the party very loudly,

"WHERE IS THE SCROLL THAT SHE KEPT IN HER POUCH? SHE NEVER TOOK IT OFF HER PERSON. WHICH ONE OF YOU HAS IT?"

Ix pales a bit and takes a few steps back, though Anur doesn't see it as his back is to him. Ix locks eyes with Pressi, just a touch of panic in them.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87
Monday February 11th, 2019 5:21:06 AM
Succotash isn't sure what to say, he's certain that the scroll mentioned is the one that Ix chucked our the door, but for some reason he isn't inclined to share the whereabouts of said scroll, feeling that it isn't his place to do so.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears
Monday February 11th, 2019 11:40:54 AM
"Was it a love poem?" asks Kezzem. "I tried to write a love poem once. My cousin Kazzah told me I should compare her to a summer's day, so I said she was mucky with a chance of thunderstorms. Boy was I right about those thunderstorms!"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24 d20+11=20 ;
Monday February 11th, 2019 11:53:46 AM
Talia pipes up to lend her ability of diplomacy to this very tense situation. [Diplomacy skill check: 20]

Talia beings with, "Dear High Priest of Scald. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Talia. I am, but a humble halfling amongst this group of adventurers. I believe that the scroll is somewhere nearby to be sure. Exactly, where, I am not 100% sure, but I know that there is one that might know of its whereabouts. Let me confer with my friends to see if we can help you with this task."

Quickly switching into one hand the thunderstone & the tanglefoot bag, and then indirectly pointing at Murphy, using the message cantrip, "think fast mister Murphy, do we point out Ix? Pressi? We knew where it was, perhaps its some distance behind us now?"

Talia Status:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Overlight flight | 650 of 660 minutes left
Stoneskin | 100 of 110 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6590 of 6600 minutes left
Mirror Image | 9 of 11 minutes left
Summon Monster V | 10 minutes of 11 minutes left - Azata

Azata Brilani Statistics:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
AC: AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 | HP: 66 |CMD: 26

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14

OFFENSE
-=-=-=-=-=-
Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)

At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1 (unsure of how many stoneskin spells I cast aside from on myself and Mister Murphy)
L5: 3 /4+1 (including the one I just cast)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Monday February 11th, 2019 12:48:37 PM
Hobie, feeling absolutely no loyalty to Ix, is the one to give him up.

"We gave the scroll to that treacherous gnome who calls you 'Dad'"

Murphy (Kim) Earth Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] 16' tall add +8 ST -2 DX +4 CO +6 Nat AC 27 CMB 16 CMD 35 HP 118/96 WI +4. DR10/Adm
Monday February 11th, 2019 1:21:11 PM

"The scroll was grabbed by a construct below, that went out a side door. The scroll went fluttering away about the time the construct was struck in the back by a large bolt. Ix was on the floor above," Murphy reports. "Did anyone see a gnome during that battle?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Monday February 11th, 2019 2:13:57 PM
Pressi felt stuck, caught between Hobie�s anger and Murphy�s deflection and Kezzem�s... to think she once thought it could have been a message of love...

�What was it?� She demanded from both Anur and Ix. �Was it a code? A trick? Was it a scroll of resurrection? A curse? Why did you both want it? Were you keeping Shah from being raised, unaware that I can do that myself? Were you trying to protect dad or have him yourself? Or did you not care, Ix the wonderful genius?

�No matter. You want the scroll. Here it is!�

Pressi cast speak with dead upon Shan. �First, please forgive my weakness. Second, if you have something to say about this scroll, now�s the time.�

Murphy (Kim) Earth Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] 16' tall add +8 ST -2 DX +4 CO +6 Nat AC 27 CMB 16 CMD 35 HP 118/96 WI +4. DR10/Adm d20+31=32 ;
Monday February 11th, 2019 5:26:00 PM

[How much time has passed since the last time check, once the body of Shan Shalutch was returned by the paladins and the bard, and Anur started shouting? Five minutes? More? Need for spell durations.]

Murphy is confused when Pressi says about the scroll, 'Here it is.' She had sent Harper out to search for the scroll. She seemed to be acting as though it was genuinely Shan's scroll that had been passed to the construct, and flew out into the wind. Was it a different scroll entirely she had handed over?

Or was 'Here it is' meant to be answered by her speaking with Shan's spirit? Murphy keeps a close eye on Anur, ready to block him with a fist if he moves aggressively against Pressi, or with a counterspell should he be going to cast a spell. But also ready to just wait, if none of the above transpires. He keeps a bit of an eye on Hobie, as well, whom he figures has limited patience for negotiations. If loosing of arrows commences before a move to violence on the part of Anur, he is prepared to move to take the arrows in his own body. If, however, Anur initiates violence, Murphy will in no way hinder Hobie's response.
==========
With somewhat divided attention, Murphy's perception is 32.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Monday February 11th, 2019 6:59:30 PM
Bliss is confused. �What scroll?� He honestly asks.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Monday February 11th, 2019 10:54:03 PM
�Sorry, the earth elemental requires precision of language. We gave the scroll to a construct that was being magically controlled by the gnome.�

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Monday February 11th, 2019 11:46:39 PM

Bliss puts his 18 Int to good use. "Oh yeah! Didn't it fly out in the wind when someone opened that door?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87
Tuesday February 12th, 2019 5:46:33 AM
Succotash tightens his grip on Twinklesting, and he asks, "Guys why the subterfuge? Why is the truth so hard?" then to Anur he says, "In an act of good faith, Pressi here handed the scroll to a construct controlled by Ix. Then Ix threw it out the door. I neither know nor care about the scroll, I only want this situation to end. I've said it before, but I'll say it again, leave the Crescent Valley now and no one else needs to die, without the Iron Giant of course, or stay and we will cross swords, make your choice wisely! By the way, out of a love for the truth I offer this, your son is directly responsible for the deaths of several of your dwarves, as well as your wife".

Murphy (Kim) Earth Elemental [w/ Huge bonuses] 16' tall add +8 ST -2 DX +4 CO +6 Nat AC 27 CMB 16 CMD 35 HP 118/96 WI +4. DR10/Adm
Tuesday February 12th, 2019 7:43:22 AM

"Loving truth - Ix is not the one who killed her, Succotash," Murphy responds. "That was her choice when we offered her an option to live, and she said she would oppose us, and support her husband in destroying our town, rather than surrender. Loving truth, do you recall your part? And, with her and the guards and constructs fighting us, I joined in against them all."

"Anur, to many on our way up we have offered terms, offered mercy. Most have rejected them, set on support of your dream. Most, therefore, have perished. Will that be your choice? I pray not. Shall we learn what Pressi discerns? If you will allow her, and the spirit of Shan Shalutch be willing to speak, we may learn her thoughts on this matter."

Murphy wonders how many different colors may have passed over Ix's face with all this going on. He marvels at how messed up this situation is, and holds little hope of it turning out well, considering ... the participants. All of us. A few moments ago, the wedge of hope seemed stronger. Still, he remains vigilant.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Tuesday February 12th, 2019 3:17:05 PM
Talia says, well this is awkward!" aloud to no one in particular.

Talia Status:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Overlight flight | 650 of 660 minutes left
Stoneskin | 100 of 110 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6590 of 6600 minutes left
Mirror Image | 9 of 11 minutes left
Summon Monster V | 10 minutes of 11 minutes left - Azata

Azata Brilani Statistics:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
AC: AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 | HP: 66 |CMD: 26

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14

OFFENSE
-=-=-=-=-=-
Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)

At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1 (unsure of how many stoneskin spells I cast aside from on myself and Mister Murphy)
L5: 3 /4+1 (including the one I just cast)

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Kim for Jairus) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 3/5, 0/3)
Tuesday February 12th, 2019 3:35:35 PM

J.T.T. Zaragosa speaks up, softly. "Let us all stop talking. Let Anur, and maybe Shan through Pressi, and Ix have their say if they will. Too many words," says the bard.

DM Carl d20=10 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+6=15 ;
Tuesday February 12th, 2019 3:45:14 PM
About a mile away, in the village of Humble's Ford, a sleeping leopard suddenly darts upright. She has a sudden, intense need to find a scroll that smells of her master. She starts running towards the towering metal thing, but it's about three quarters of a mile away still.

OOC: At a hustle, it will take Harper about 7 minutes to reach The Giant (it's been four minutes so far). From there, she can make a DC23 perception check once a minute to search. It will take 2 successes to find the scroll. If she has more than the +5 to perception a regular leopard has, let me know...or heck, roll yourself.

Succotash isn't going to be the one to spill the beans.

Kezzem asks if it was a love poem. This really seems to anger Anur, and he starts marching over.

Talia is quick to intervene and try to calm down the situation. It doesn't appear to be working to well, but then Hobie goes full savage and points the finger at Ix.

Anur actually sighs in relief when he hears this. He quickly spins and asks, "Why didn't you say so, boy? Hand it over so we can finish all this." He holds out his hand expectantly.

Murphy explains it was taken by a construct, but that just makes Anur look at him funny. He turns back to Ix. "Construct took it? We both know they wouldn't do that less they were being controlled." His eyes narrow. "Son, what did you do?"

Pressi has a lot going on upstairs and demands to know what was in that scroll. She casts a speak with dead on Shan, but can tell before she finishes it's not going to work. Shan...Shan's not a corpse. What she is is not obvious to Pressi.

Anur takes a deep breath, then chuckles at a joke only he seems to get. He turns to Pressi, smiling but obviously not happy. "Tell me, little one. When was the last time you stopped to take a drink since you entered the Giant?" He looks up and around at everyone else. "You folks have had a busy time fighting your way through here. Anyone hungry? Tired?"

The answer, of course, is no. None of you are the least bit tired, winded, hungry, or thirsty. Touching your foreheads, you find no sweat.

"It's the magic of this place. Makes you part construct. My wife here isn't dead. She's broken. She always carried a scroll that would let me fix her." He pats a pouch on his belt. "Made me one too."

Succotash, Murphy, and Hobie start to have a back and forth, but Ix's warning about Anur proves accurate.

"ENOUGH! shouts the priest. In the small chamber, it takes a moment for the echos to die down.

Ix grips his cloak and vanishes. "Oh no you don't," mutters Anur under his breath. He walks to the dais, careful not to step on Shan. He...fiddles with the air, like there's something over the dais that none of you can see. He reaches out with his right hand, and pushes an invisible button in the air. Ix reappears and finds Anur's fist gripping the front of his cloak and shirt. He grasps his holy symbol with his other hand and casts his spell.

Spellcraft DC22, Highlight to display spoiler: {Destruction}

Murphy has planned on counterspelling. If he attempts to, he finds himself lacking.

OOC: I rolled for you to avoid an entire day of posting just for one roll. Rolled a 20. That's a fail.

Ix grits his teeth, but Anur's power is too much. He screams as he's engulfed in a sickly green flame. He doesn't scream long. When it's done, only his cloak and a few other belongings remain. Anur lets the cloak flutter to the ground. He takes a moment to wipe his eyes. He glances down at the dais, and makes up his mind.

He removes the axe from his back, then drops it. He does the same to his holy symbol. With practiced grace, he unbuckles his armor and lets it collapse around him. "What have I done?" he quietly asks himself.

He turns to face the party. He's still pretty intimidating, but objectively much less of a threat. "With the Encompassing Mind gone, the power that keeps us from truly dying...well, except for Ix here...it will fail in a little less than an hour. Help me find the scroll to save my wife, and I'll submit to your justice."

Pressi can feel Harper on the edge of her senses. She's almost here.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 68/68) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 3/5, 0/3)(performance 2
Tuesday February 12th, 2019 4:05:46 PM
(OOC Thanks Kim! very grateful. health and work keep getting in my way)

Zaragosa was grateful that this was coming to an end, "That sounds like a fair deal. Unless the rest of you are upset about Ix?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24 d20+9=17 ;
Tuesday February 12th, 2019 5:00:12 PM
Talia is more than a bit perplexed as to Ix Revlon's fate...using her Spell Craft skill, she tries to recall that that bit of magic was that Anur used...on Ix. The Azata warrior seems poised to strike.

Pointing to Mister Murphy, and using the message cantrip, Talia asks Murphy, "What if we turn the Encompassing Mind back on?"

[Spellcraft skill check: 17]

Talia Status:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Overlight flight | 643 of 660 minutes left
Stoneskin | 93 of 110 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6583 of 6600 minutes left
Mirror Image | 2 of 11 minutes left
Summon Monster V | 3 minutes of 11 minutes left - Azata

Azata Brilani Statistics:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
AC: AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 | HP: 66 |CMD: 26

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14

OFFENSE
-=-=-=-=-=-
Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)

At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1 (unsure of how many stoneskin spells I cast aside from on myself and Mister Murphy)
L5: 3 /4+1 (including the one I just cast)

Murphy (Kim) Lrg Earth Elem [w/ Huge bonuses] 16' +8ST -2DX +4CO +6Nat AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP118/96 WI+4. DR10/Adm d20+20=34 ; d20+10=18 ;
Tuesday February 12th, 2019 5:12:06 PM

Murphy was surprised his greater dispel magic did not counter whatever destructive spell that was. Close, but not enough. He winces as Ix screams. He understands the disdain that some of his friends hold the gnome, and he realizes that justice was served. Despite all his shortcomings, though, he rather liked him, and had hoped for a better filial relationship with his dwarf father.

The earth elemental shrugs his shoulders at Jack's question. "It's done, and there's a measure of justice there," he growls quietly.

Murphy has in the back of his mind been keeping track of the steps the giant has been taking. Rolling a survival check to recall (how well depends upon the roll) how many steps back it was the scroll fluttered away. He recalls that each step covers an average of 58 feet 8 inches (based upon the 20 seconds per step - both 20 seconds per step and 10 seconds per step were mentioned - the 20 figure makes more sense, and the machine was traveling at 2 miles per hour) - round to 60. Survival: 34 - he should have a fairly decent estimate.

Murphy reports the rough distance back that the scroll left the giant, based upon that time to when the giant stopped moving a few minutes ago.

Murphy responds to Talia's message (and relays telepathically their conversation to Pressi), "Let's hold off on that. If we can recover the scroll quickly, and obtain the formal surrender, then, perhaps."

"Bliss, can you go back to bird form? If so, you've gotten much better at tracking things of late. Would anyone else be able to join him in flight? And, Pressi, your Harper is hunting for it, too, am I right? I'll remain here. Those who would help in the hunt, help. Those who would remain, do so. Subject to what Pressi may desire on the matter, of course. If someone has a message spell who will remain here, can cast it upon one who is looking for the scroll - or vice versa - please do so."

He considers that not all of the party members may be up for letting Anur live - or Shan be 'unbroken.' He trusts to Pressi to work that one out with them. And says, telepathically, "Good luck, love, with helping our friends to sort this out. Let me know what I might do."
======
Spellcraft: 18 (try to figure out what spell Anur cast - failed vs DC22)
Survival: 34 (estimate distance traveled since scroll left the giant)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears
Tuesday February 12th, 2019 6:53:08 PM
"You said you had a scroll too," says Kezzem. "Why don't you just use that one? For what I understand, there doesn't seem to be any point to saving it."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 d20+22=30 ; d20+22=32 ; d20+22=37 ;
Tuesday February 12th, 2019 9:56:20 PM
Bliss says, "I'll go look!"

He changes into a cat and looks for a way out of the giant. If he can find one, he'll look for the scroll.

Perception checks (note, with scent) -- 30, 32, 37.

If he has time to take 20 ... 42.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87
Wednesday February 13th, 2019 5:25:31 AM
Succotash is in a bit of a quandary, on the one hand he feels obligated to stay and guard his friends, on the other hand, he knows that Miss Piggy's nose could help find the scroll, and the only way to get her out of the head of the Iron Giant, is to leave the Giant and summon her, finally he thinks up a possible solution, and says, "Hey Pressi, when we fought that dragon in the battle with the Sar, you turned Piggy into a giant eagle, if you could turn her into some flying critter, her nose could be useful".

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday February 13th, 2019 4:03:53 PM
Hobie is dumbfounded by Ix�s destruction. Part of him is satisfied that Ix will no longer be a threat, part of him is sad that he doesn�t get to take Ix down himself, but most of him is just wary of Anur, not ready to let his guard down yet.

�I�ll stay on guard here in case of funny business while someone else finds the scroll.�

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24 d20+11=14 ;
Wednesday February 13th, 2019 6:07:40 PM
While awaiting the outcome of the search for the scroll, Talia finds herself stumped. "Er, Mister Anur, would you mind sharing with me, the spell you used to disintegrate Ix? As a spellcaster myself, I am always curious about spellcraft, but your skills and talent have stumped me. " [Skill check | Diplomacy: 14]

Talia Status:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Overlight flight | 643 of 660 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6583 of 6600 minutes left
Stoneskin | 93 of 110 minutes left

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1 (unsure of how many stoneskin spells I cast aside from on myself and Mister Murphy)
L5: 3 /4+1 (including the one I just cast)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Wednesday February 13th, 2019 8:39:23 PM
Pressi tries to hide her distaste at what Anur had done. She may not be Ix�s biggest fan but she isn�t summary execution�s biggest fan, either. And she isn�t sure she trusts Anur or even the dead wife more.

�And just what makes you think I�d be interested in further perverting nature in the name of some mocking desire to affront God hers... no, I�m just messing with you. Of course I�ll �repair� your dead wife. I�m dressed right out of the Goth catalog, and literally wearing chains. Let�s necromance this thing.... for 250 gold coins.�

If given, Pressi drops it on the floor and begins drawing a pentagram around it. �One quick divination should do the trick. I just ask where the scroll is, and my familiar picks it up. Nothing to it except 10 minutes of our time, the sacrifice, and a few candles... vanilla spice okay? I�m kind of running low.�

Except Pressi doesn�t plan on asking that question. Instead, she asks whether Anur or Shan will betray them. (Can someone roll bluff for me. Remember the like to like bonus, thanks.)

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Wednesday February 13th, 2019 8:50:51 PM

Hey wait! Bliss was so involved in the idea of searching for the scroll, he almost missed that Ix is dead!?!

As Bliss realizes that Ix's dad killed Ix, then, well, wowsy. The whole idea was to stop with the killing, and now Mister Ix is dead. This fellow -- his dad? -- wants to raise his wife? Bad idea! Then they will have to fight both of them, prolly.

Bliss has enough minutes on his shield to keep it still up, but not if Pressi is going to take 10 minutes. Bliss will wait too. Or if Bliss is outside searching for the scroll, then if he finds the scroll on his own, well, maybe he'll just rip it up. He does not want that lady back again. She was hard enough to kill the first time.

Murphy (Kim) Lrg Earth Elem [w/ Huge bonuses] 16' +8ST -2DX +4CO +6Nat AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP118/96 WI+4. DR10/Adm d20+35=39 ;
Wednesday February 13th, 2019 9:45:45 PM
Despite the header, this is for Pressi:

Bluff for Pressi on : 17 + 18 from like to like gives a 35 bonus: d20+35=39.

So, Bluff: 39

DM Carl d20+27=46 ; d20+18=34 ; d100=72 ;
Wednesday February 13th, 2019 9:59:01 PM
There are mixed feelings all around. Did Ix deserve it? Maybe. Is summary execution like that ok? Probably not. One could argue he's the captain of a ship, but they're not out to sea.

Zaragosa is mostly ok with the arrangement.

Talia has never seen that spell cast before, and her knowledge of spellcraft is not helping. She wonders about turning the Encompassing Mind back on. A good idea, maybe they should try. She asks Anur to teach her that spell. "My magic ain't taught, it's given," is his reply. It seems his magic is divine in nature.

Murphy suggests they hold off and does more math in his head. He has a great idea of where the scroll would have been dropped, but it was a piece of parchment blown around by high winds over 200' high. Chaos theory makes an accurate calculation off the top of his head impossible. Still, he can figure within a few hundred square feet. He decides to leave the choice of how to proceed up to his companions.

Kezzem suggests using the scroll Anur has. Anur shakes his dead. "This one's an arcane scroll. She was supposed to cast it if I needed it. I can't cast arcane spells, and Shan was pretty clear that she was the only one who could use it." He procures the scroll and hands it over to anyone who wants to take a look. "See for yourself. Maybe you can make heads or tails of this."

Succotash asks Pressi to consider turning Miss Piggy into an eagle again. Your humble narrator might suggest something with a strong olfactory sense, like a vulture.

Hobie realizes they're not out of danger yet. He decides to keep an eye on Anur.

Pressi asks to be paid for her services. Anur's eyes flare with anger, but he brings himself back down. "You'll be taking me in and confiscating all my possessions, and you ask for 250 gold up front anyway? Fine." He tosses a small purse at Pressi. Maybe it's full of coin, maybe it's his dice pouch. He doesn't seem to realize the sacrifice is for casting the spell itself.

Bliss isn't sure he wants Shan back, but bides his time while Pressi works her magic.

Pressi's bluff is masterful (46). Anur's a great judge of character, but not that great. Pressi casts her spell, and she knows it succeeds (72/81 - pass). Anur's intentions are true. Shan will not seek to betray the party.

Meanwhile, Harper begins her search.

OOC: I mispoke earlier. I need survival rolls from Harper to track via scent, not perception.

Murphy (Kim) Lrg Earth Elem [w/ Huge bonuses] 16' +8ST -2DX +4CO +6Nat AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP118/96 WI+4. DR10/Adm d20+29=40 ;
Thursday February 14th, 2019 2:35:57 AM

When Anur protests the monetary request, Murphy explains, "It's a witchy thing, sir - the coin helps power the spell - it's not that she's greedy. I don't understand exactly how it all works."

He waits for a couple of minutes into Pressi's ritual, then talks to Kezzem. "While we're waitin' for someone to fetch the scroll, Kezzem, what was that you were saying this morning about a priest of Gargul, and dark days to come?"

He takes Anur up on this offer to look over the scroll. Often he has the read magic ability, but not today. "Yep, arcane," he says after taking a good look. "Say, Jack[/i], or [b]Talia, or anyone, can you make heads or tails of this scroll? Would love to know what the spell is called, at least. Sounds like it's custom for just this sort of situation. And the one we're looking for might be a clerical version of the same scroll?" he queries lightly in Anur's direction.

Once she is wrapping up her divination, Murphy queries Pressi telepathically for a mental report on what she figures out.

"So, shall we grant his request? Sure and he's evil, but I expect he'll keep his word to us. Who knows, may try to twist it down the road, but, I think Bliss's words had some good effect upon him..." Then he thinks to add, "By the way, if I had one more wild shape left, you know I'd be out searching for that scroll. Do you have it in you to do as Succotash requests - turning Miss Piggy into a bird that might be able to spot, or smell out the scroll? It's got your scent on it, and Shan's. If she were turned into a vulture or a parrot - both have a great sense of smell - that might do the trick. Let her smell you, and the ... Shan, then seek out similar scents along the pathway behind us.

"Might someone take up those things on the floor?" earthy Murphy asks - not singling out anyone, but hoping someone considers the request. He nods slightly toward Ix's cloak and items. He doesn't yet nod toward Anur's axe or armor or pendant, and wonders whether anyone might think of them, as well. Murphy has no access to storage at the moment.
==========
Perception: 40 - just keeping an eye on things, and people. Among other things mindful of the area that Anur touched above the dais just before taking Ix by the collar.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+23=35 ;
Thursday February 14th, 2019 3:34:45 AM
"Here let me take a look at the arcane scroll, I may be able to make use of it."
Hobie will spend some time looking carefully at it, trying to decipher it (DC 20 + Spell Level) and see if he might be able to cast the spell, whatever it is.

Spellcraft = 35

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87 d20+7=9 ;
Thursday February 14th, 2019 5:29:02 AM
If Pressi turns Miss Piggy into a vulture, Succotash will take her down a level and open turret door and let Kade and company back in as Miss Piggy flies out after getting a good sniff of Pressi and Shan, survival 9.
If she doesn't turn Miss Piggy Succotash will retrieve both Ix's and Anur's dropped items.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24 d20+18=25 ; d20+9=24 ;
Thursday February 14th, 2019 11:23:53 AM
Talia accepts the task of looking at the scroll and using her knowledge of Arcana & of Spellcraft, might have an inkling of what it is or what it does.

[Skill Check: Arcana: 25]
[Skill Check: Spellcraft: 24]

Talia Status:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Overlight flight | 643 of 660 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6583 of 6600 minutes left
Stoneskin | 93 of 110 minutes left

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1
L5: 3 /4+1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 84/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Thursday February 14th, 2019 3:04:24 PM
At Murphy's balking, Pressi almost shakes as she messages back. I chose to divine their motives rather than find the scroll because of your assurance that the scroll would be easy to find. (OOC: forgot to add it in, but Kim and I discussed what to divine over email.) If you don't have another wild shape or a better idea, we are toast. And no, I can't cast another bird shape. I've got a couple of L2 spells left and then I'm a rogue with cantrips.

After calming down, For what its worth, we can trust them. And other considerations aside, I do have an obligation to get her back up. Whatever happens tomorrow... we will figure that out then.

She tries to use one of the spell-granting gems. If she can get another divination (L4 domain spell), she will use that through her own wealth. If not, she tries to grab a Beast Shape 1 or 2 and turn the pig into a vulture.

And if nothing else works, she boosts Talia with a guidance. She is prepared to make a UMD roll as well, depending on what Talia finds.

--------------------

Harper status: heading away back to town

Pressi status:

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell: Shield of Faith (Bliss, Pressi only)(extended?)(Pressi casts surrender blood)
crone form+ 2 int gears, 1 wis gear (Int 24, Wis 12)
Like calls to like (+18 for 90 mins)
surrender blood (CL+2 next spell or one minute)

Spells Used:
L1: 6/7+1
L2: 2+1/6+1
L3: 4+1/4+1 (out)
L4: 3+1/3+1 (out)
L5: 2+1/2+1 (out)
Guidances: 3/9
Clair: 4/9
focused curse: 1/1

Tatoos:

L0: 2
L1: 2

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 84/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+1=13 ; d20+1=10 ; d20+1=7 ; d20+1=8 ;
Thursday February 14th, 2019 3:06:33 PM
Harper's survival skill is well less than perception, but she soldiers on. (Last set 13 and 10. This set 7 and 8).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 84/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Thursday February 14th, 2019 3:10:13 PM
(At DC 23, Harper will need two nat 20s in a row.)

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Kim for Jairus) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 52/52) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 3/5, 0/3)
Thursday February 14th, 2019 6:50:20 PM

"Hobie, if you have a good handle on it, you think you can cast it off the scroll? If it's all right with Anur?" Jack asks. He seemed to see the light go on in Hobie's eyes as the arcane archer looked over the scroll.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 68/68) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 3/5, 0/3)(performance 2
Thursday February 14th, 2019 7:34:39 PM
Zaragosa would sigh at Murphey's question. "I actually haven't studied such things and don't know much about spell crafting."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Thursday February 14th, 2019 8:06:59 PM

Evidently searching for the scroll is still a thing. So Bliss changes into a cat, leaves the giant, and searches his heart out. "I just home we get find it in (valen)time." he thinks.

(Per Feb 12 post ... Perception checks (note, with scent) -- 30, 32, 37. If he has time to take 20 ... 42.)

DM Carl
Thursday February 14th, 2019 11:41:07 PM
I'm travelling today, so today's and tomorrow's posts are going to be short.

Hobie and Talia both inspect the scroll. It's difficult. It's like reading a book that's hundreds of years old. The language is arcane, but the dialect is foreign. Still, those two are sharp cookies and can figure it out with some work.

They deduce it is more closely related to the spell make whole than raise dead or resurrection. The materials are fresh, though. This scroll was made within the last few weeks, not centuries. With some study, they come to two conclusions. A: This scroll is tailor made for Anur and will not help raise Shan. B: Shan must be one smart cookie to have made this.

With enough study and effort, the two think they may be able to learn the secrets behind this magic and recreate it, but not in the time they have left.

Pressi is reassured that Anur and Shan aren't likely to double cross them. She could use one of the gems to turn Miss Piggy into a turkey vulture if she chooses.

Bliss offers to go look for the scroll. Anur nods and presses an invisible button over the dais. Immediately, the Giant starts moving downwards. It kneels, both arms outstretched in front of it, hands on the ground below. The "window" shimmers a bit, then vanishes. Fresh air floods the interior of the room. Looking out, the party finds themselves roughly 100' above the ground. The Giant's arms can be used as a ramp to descend below. It's treacherous and slippery. Most people would have a hard time keeping their balance. Bliss, especially CatBliss, will have zero issues and is able to run full speed downwards.

There's enough time for Bliss and Harper to work together and fully track down Pressi's scent on the scroll that MUST be around here somewhere.

OOC: Yes, taking 20 is acceptable here.

It takes the duo a full 20 minutes to track the scroll down, but they find it caught in a prickly shrub.

The question now is, does Bliss really want to give the scroll to Anur?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears
Friday February 15th, 2019 12:13:51 AM
Kezzem pulls Pressi aside. "Seems odd to have a scroll that will only work on one person, no? Seems kinda inefficient if you ask me. I wouldn't want a dagger that could only stab one person, you know?"

Murphy (Kim) Lrg Earth Elem [w/ Huge bonuses] 16' +8ST -2DX +4CO +6Nat AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP96/96. DR10/Adm
Friday February 15th, 2019 2:46:59 AM

Murphy attends to the area that Anur presses, and marvels at the results. "Nice. I'll remain here." He reminds Bliss of the approximate area to seek in.

"How did you and your wife come to know one another, if I may ask, Anur? There's no requirement you answer."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87 d20+7=10 ; d20+7=13 ;
Friday February 15th, 2019 5:08:21 AM
Succotash and Miss Piggy will wait as patiently as possible, however, they will remain on the alert Succotash perception 10 Miss Piggy perception 13

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 84/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Friday February 15th, 2019 3:56:18 PM
�Oh, I don�t know,� Pressi replied. �There�s a part of me that absolutely wants to make a dozen riffs on how they�ve literally pinned their survival on their enemy�s mercy. But deep down, like way way down... I actually find it sweet that they�d tie their survival to each other, that they would actually eschew logic and caution to build this....

�I�m not actually going to turn down Murphy�s proposal, am I. After all is said and done...�

Harper�s link interrupted Pressi�s chain of thought. Quickly, she used the gem to change miss piggy into a vulture and sent her off.

With that done, she takes some time to look at the interface equipment itself and scan for gem placement.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Friday February 15th, 2019 4:12:01 PM
Pointing to Mister Murphy, Talia sends another short message. "Mister Murphy, what do you think will happen once Shan is "Made Whole"?

Talia Status:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Overlight flight | 623 of 660 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6563 of 6600 minutes left
Stoneskin | 73 of 110 minutes left

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1
L5: 3 /4+1

Murphy (Kim) Lrg Earth Elem [w/ Huge bonuses] 16' +8ST -2DX +4CO +6Nat AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP96/96. DR10/Adm
Friday February 15th, 2019 5:03:46 PM

Murphy listens to Pressi. He smiles.

To Talia via her message spell, Murphy says, "I think she and her husband will talk. They will agree together to surrender terms. They will head back up to their home in the Scab and decide what to do with the rest of their lives. And, if they keep their word, they will not do harm to Crescent Valley. We spare his life and allow hers to be restored. Mercy triumphs. May this soften their ways. Time will tell."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Friday February 15th, 2019 9:38:55 PM

Bliss thinks about what a hero does. "A hero would not make important decisions without his friends. A hero trusts his team."

He picks up the scroll and brings it back to the giant. He drops it in front of Mister Murphy.

DM Carl
Friday February 15th, 2019 9:53:48 PM
Bliss knows better than to make a big decision like this without his friends. He climbs his way back up the Giant's arms and into the cockpit before dropping the scroll in front of Murphy.

If the party was pondering making a decision, Anur doesn't seem to notice. He walks over and scoops up the scroll.

...or does he? Maybe the party stops him? Let's see!

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 68/68) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 3/5, 0/3)(performance 2
Friday February 15th, 2019 11:42:18 PM
Zaragosa sighs as he watches both Anur and the party.

He'll back his party but he himself will not make a move against Anur

Murphy (Kim) Lrg Earth Elem [w/ Huge bonuses] 16' +8ST -2DX +4CO +6Nat AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP96/96. DR10/Adm
Saturday February 16th, 2019 1:49:07 AM

"Thank you, Bliss." He gingerly picks up the wax-sealed scroll (if the wax seal is still intact). He hands it to Pressi. "From my lady, for his lady, if you will," allowing Pressi to render the final decision.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Sunday February 17th, 2019 10:03:01 PM

After dropping the scroll, Bliss twirls around, standing between it and the dwarf.

He waits and watches, happy to see it in Miss Pressi's possession.

DM Carl
Sunday February 17th, 2019 11:32:20 PM
Anur watches the scroll move from the ground, to Murphy, to Pressi. He looks at her expectantly...

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87 d20+7=24 ;
Monday February 18th, 2019 5:17:30 AM
Succotash re-tightens his grip on Twinklesting waiting for Pressi's to decide what to do with the scroll, and Anur's reaction to the choice. perception 24

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24 d20+8=20 ;
Monday February 18th, 2019 11:48:32 AM
Talia looks around to see where everyone is and makes a snap judgment about what might go down after Shan is made whole.

[Skill check | Perception: 20]

Talia Status:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Overlight flight | 623 of 660 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6563 of 6600 minutes left
Stoneskin | 73 of 110 minutes left

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1
L5: 3 /4+1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 84/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Monday February 18th, 2019 8:40:36 PM
Pressi wrinkles her nose at Murphy. �My comments were not meant to be taken as a challenge. Let�s lose the ego, lest that no become easier. Sir.�

After that wink, she gives Anur the scroll, eventually. �This scroll is a second chance. I have no illusions, if the situation were reversed, that you�d grant me the same courtesy. But that�s okay, I don�t need it. I just hope you don�t waste this second chance.�

Murphy (Kim) Lrg Earth Elem [w/ Huge bonuses] 16' +8ST -2DX +4CO +6Nat AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP96/96. DR10/Adm d20+17=35 ;
Monday February 18th, 2019 9:52:59 PM

"Challenge?? Ego?" Murphy is truly perplexed, wondering what Pressi may have taken as a challenge from him, and what ego has to do with anything. However, she did wink. Murphy feels like some sort of dolt who can't figure out what the joke was, or that he was even in the middle of one until the punchline hit the face of the sucker.

However, he is pleased with how she offered the scroll to Anur, especially the words that accompanied the gesture. "I'm casting owl's wisdom on myself. No one panic. I need all the wisdom I can get." He does so with one of the gems.

Now, he attends to what the cleric does - still mindful of the actions and attitudes of his friends, ready to shield friends and foe(s) alike from harm should it come to that.

Readied action: Interpose body between combatants. Only if violence arises. His will save (35 - or 33?) precludes the Id gem he bears from rousing him to unwarranted violence. Which is good. He doesn't want to punch Anur, or Shan, or anyone else as the scroll of - what, great mending? - no, 'make whole' - takes effect.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Monday February 18th, 2019 10:14:08 PM
Bliss watches Anur as he is handed the scroll.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears d20+15=26 ;
Monday February 18th, 2019 11:56:44 PM
Kezzem starts to finger his frost dagger, but thinking on what Anur has says, switches to his adamantine short-sword instead. He keeps an eye on him to see if now that he has what he wants if he will turn hostile.

Sense Motive: 26.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Tuesday February 19th, 2019 5:48:16 AM
Hobie watches everything unfold, trusting Pressi's judgement.

He keeps an arrow trained on Anur, and one eye on the weapons he dropped to the ground. If Anur makes any moves toward the weapons rather than to Shan, Hobie will let the arrow loose.

DM Carl
Tuesday February 19th, 2019 4:19:12 PM
Anur accepts the scroll with a sigh that's both contented and resigned. He may have saved his wife, but what of his own life? He simply nods sternly and accepts the scroll.

The rest of the party carefully watches what happens next, though Pressi's judgment is seldom questioned regarding these things.

Anur breaks the seal and uncurls the scroll. He wastes no time with speeches or niceties, choosing instead to recite the words listed on the scroll.

"Ang imong kaugalingon, gugma." The language is wholly unfamiliar*, and Anur seems to have great difficulty saying with words. The effect, however, is immediate, and Shan's eyes shoot open. She stands. The wounds on her body start fixing themselves. They don't heal, or fade. The tears in her skin jerk back together and fuse bloodlessly. Broken bones crunch back to place. It looks very painful, and Shan, despite her best efforts not to, winces as she talks.

"My thanks, Miss Pressi. I knew my faith in you was...wait, why am I already in the control room?" She looks around, eyes stopping and widening when she sees the pile of ash and the silver cloak that was once Ix Revon. She looks at the party, ready to jump into action, but not exactly poised to strike. Then, she looks to her husband and sees a man resigned to his fate. She looks down her eyes at him and starts to speak when the silence in the room is spoiled by a loud CRUNCH as her humerus is forced back into place. Despite herself, she cries out in pain. Anur is by her side in an instant. As the pain subsides, she hisses through clenched teeth, "Anur, what did you do?"

Anur seems lost for words, again.

*Linguistics, DC 30, Highlight to display spoiler: {Whatever language this is, it's likely the precursor several times removed to dwarven. It may be the first language spoken in The Scab. Translating it would take time.}

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24 d20=8 ;
Tuesday February 19th, 2019 4:43:16 PM
Talia Readies both the Tanglefoot bag & the thunderstone.

Linguistics check: 8

Talia Status:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Overlight flight | 623 of 660 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6563 of 6600 minutes left
Stoneskin | 73 of 110 minutes left

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1
L5: 3 /4+1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 84/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Tuesday February 19th, 2019 10:10:02 PM
As things continue to move forward, Pressi surreptitiously scoops up some of Ix ashes under the guise of studying them further.

�What happened is that not a single one of you took the time to talk to each other and reflect. Don�t make the same mistake again. In the meantime, does anyone know where these crystals went? I�ve got a few other promises to fulfill here.�

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 68/68) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 3/5, 0/3)(performance 2
Tuesday February 19th, 2019 10:14:06 PM
Zaragosa sighed in both relief and a slight hit of frustration. On one end he felt the woman didn't need to fight and die, on the other hand, Zaragosa was glad she was alive again. Though he didn't drop his guard as her reactions didn't make a lot of sense to him.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears
Tuesday February 19th, 2019 11:59:37 PM
"So...now what?" asks Kezzem.

Murphy (Kim) Lrg Earth Elem [w/ Huge bonuses] 16' +8ST -2DX +4CO +6Nat AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP96/96. +4WIS. DR10/Adm d20+10=27 ;
Wednesday February 20th, 2019 12:17:15 AM

"That sounds like a very old tongue," Murphy the amateur linguist remarks. "Thought I caught one dwarvish- sounding word in it."

"Shan Shalutch, I should have preferred we not battle you. Nor really, any of those who defend this walker. But as your husband, and you, showed no inclination to reverse course, and were intent on crushing our homes, our gardens, our places of worship, and, had it not been for someone who informed us of your intent, our people - we must defend our own. Several times we offered terms of mercy should the walker riders surrender. Yet nearly all who persisted in the goal of attacking our homeland have died.

"When Ix brought to his adoptive father's attention that there were invaders in the walker, and he came out of his pilot's trance, your husband found it hard to believe. He told Ix to get you, and Minh. Your husband learned you both were dead.

"Anur Daron learned from my companions some of what Ix had been about. He reduced his son to dust. Ix believed you, Shan, to be the reason for this... exercise. He wanted to return home with his father, and engage in a life with him which seemed to him perhaps less insane than the course you have been on.

"Domestic conflicts are complex and sometimes intractable. None of us pretends to any sure solutions. Except this one.

"You both will irrevocably surrender the Iron Giant to us. You will vow never to come against the halflings of Crescent Valley, nor to support others who may be so inclined.

"We could have ended both of you. Instead, as a gesture of and hope for a measure of good will, we chose otherwise. To let Anur live. To let you, Shan, come back from what appeared to be death. To let you two choose another route in life - so long as you promise what we have laid down. Never come against us halflings again. The Iron Giant and all that pertains to it is fully forfeit.

"My friends may have their own thoughts to tell you. My lady, Pressi, as well."

He holds out two of the gems recovered from the constructs battled in the upper chest of the giant, and drops them in Pressi's hand. "These are perhaps weaker than what you may need." He shrugs one shoulder to indicate his surmise.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87 d20+7=8 ;
Wednesday February 20th, 2019 5:26:21 AM
OOC...Please ignore the roll, not sure where it came from

After Murphy's eloquent speech, Succotash adds, "Shan, I am sorry it was I that struck first when parlay failed, but like Murphy indicated we would have preferred that none of this violence was needed in the first place. I implore both of you to leave now, to return on pain of death, and let me add this, in the future, Never underestimate a band of determined halflings."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Wednesday February 20th, 2019 10:35:32 AM
Believing the issue to be near a positive conclusion, Talia tries to make herself useful. She places both items back into her haversack, and removes her empty map case hoping it will be big enough for Ix Revlon's ashes. She then proceeds to cast a cantrip of Prestidigitation to organize Ix's ashes into a pile and then places the case just to the side of Ix, in hopes that his parents understand the gesture.

Talia says, "I introduced myself to Mister Ix, and he was cordial to me. I hope you do not take offense at my gesture, but everyone needs a good "bonvoyagiee" and it is out of respect for him that I offer the only container I have as a means of transporting his remains."

Talia, then returns to her place.

Talia Status:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Overlight flight | 623 of 660 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6563 of 6600 minutes left
Stoneskin | 73 of 110 minutes left

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1
L5: 3 /4+1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 84/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Wednesday February 20th, 2019 11:17:53 AM
Pressi moves to help Talia collect ashes.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+10=22 ;
Wednesday February 20th, 2019 11:57:22 AM
Linguistics 22 - Hobie doesn't know it.

Hobie will join Talia using Prestidigitation to clean the ashes.

After Succotash apologizes for attacking Shan, Hobie will add, "I however don't in anyway regret that my arrow took your life. If either of you should ever threaten my home again, I won't hesitate to take it once more."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Wednesday February 20th, 2019 2:02:31 PM

Still in cat form and ready to pounce, Bliss readies an attack in case violence does break out.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 84/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+8=11 ;
Wednesday February 20th, 2019 2:14:26 PM
Linguistics 11. At that point, she�s just ignoring you.

The Wrap Up

DM Carl
Wednesday February 20th, 2019 4:53:08 PM
Pressi moves to start gathering Ix's ashes. She has comments on the family's failure to communicate.

Shan recovers and stands. Anur starts to respond, but Shan shushes him. "Now now, dear. Our familial squabbles have given these adventurers enough trouble." She turns to Pressi. Her smile is warm, but her skin is gray and her eyes hard, both showing her to be in no small amount of pain. "Still, you're not quite right on that. Ix and I both begged this lummox not to perform this little test run. This failure is teacher enough, though. No need for me to gloat or rub it in."

Zaragosa is glad Shan is back among the living, but can't figure out her intentions. Perhaps a sense motive check could lend some understanding?

Kezzem wonders what's next and Bliss is still ready to pounce.

Murphy details for Shan some parts of all this she may not have been aware of, and lays down the terms of surrender for the pair. Shan flashes a brief smile when he mentions Ix's belief that Shan caused all this, but she hides it quickly behind her hand.

It's Anur who speaks first. "Ix was...brilliant, and charming. He was also lazy, hedonistic, and arrogant. I cannot forgive his bringing ruin to our designs, but I will still miss him." Shan stands behind him, making a face that hints she may not share this final sentiment. "I've already surrendered to your justice. I accept your terms."

"Me too," chimes in Shan. She watches as Anur walks to pick up the heavy pewter symbol of Scald he dropped earlier. He looks intently at it for a moment, face a mask of concentration. After a few seconds, he exhales and drops the thing. The paladins in the party are intimately familiar with what's just happened. Arcane power is taken. Divine power is only borrowed, and it appears Anur's has been rescinded. Maybe they feel a little bad for him? Probably not...

Succotash apologizes for striking first during a parlay. Shan regards him quite coolly. "I'd almost forgotten. You'll receive no absolution from me. I accept your surrender. You can keep your apology."

Talia feels this is almost at an end. She begins to gather Ix's ashes, placing them in an empty scroll tube with Pressi's assistance. Anur accepts it with no outward emotion. Shan doesn't seem moved either way.

Hobie makes sure Shan knows he'll put her down without hesitation. "Come now. We may let different philosophies guide our actions, but surely I've shown myself to be a woman of my word? Still, if scowling at me makes you feel better..." She lets the thought drift off and conclude itself.

***

Shan joins her husband, takes the scroll containing his son, and places it in her pack. "Time to go home, love." Anur nods and wordlessly descends the ladder out of the control room. Shan moves to Pressi and gives her a quick hug. "If you ever get bored or find yourself tired of these boys you keep company with, come find me. I wish we could have met under better circumstances." She smiles and turns to follow Anur.

With that, the threat to Humble's Ford has been nullified. I am awarding 40,000 XP to everyone for saving your town, 1 hero point for successfully completing the adventure, plus 1 additional hero point for showing mercy and not resorting to violence in the climax.

That should put each of you at 12th level. If you find yourself short, please let me know.

That said, there are still loose ends here before we call it a day. There's the matter of the Encompassing Mind to deal with. Plus, there are three dwarves stuck out on the shoulder. Hopefully they held on when Anur made the Giant take a knee!

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 68/68) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 3/5, 0/3)(performance 2 d20+1=6 ;
Wednesday February 20th, 2019 7:07:39 PM
Zaragosa tries to get a sense of Shan's motive, but he was never very good at that sort of thing (Sense Motive 6). Instead, he waits and sees the others surrender. He has no reason to doubt them at this point. He breathes a sigh of relief and is glad this was all over.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116. +4WIS. DR10/Adm d8=8 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d8=3 ; d8=4 ; d8=6 ;
Wednesday February 20th, 2019 8:21:04 PM

Before they leave, Murphy senses some slight changes within. Just as the couple is about to head down the stairs, the druid calls out. "Wait. One last thing." He comes out of wild shape, into his own halfing form. "If you will allow me - may I cast a cure critical wounds spell upon you, Shan Shalutch?" If she so allows, he does so, presumably easing the bulk of her pains. 33 hp damage healed. Unless she says anything else requiring a response, he says nothing more to them as they depart.

[More later, must head to evening class.]

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Wednesday February 20th, 2019 11:34:03 PM
Bliss changes back to a halfling, glad that the situation with these morally ambiguous foes seems to be resolved. And we get a giant robot to play with!

"I wonder how much these go for in the Catacombs," he ponders.

Bliss walks over to the pilot's seat and puts on the helmet.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116. +4WIS. DR10/Adm
Thursday February 21st, 2019 4:08:11 AM

"Ride 'im, Bliss Boy!" Murphy says as Bliss takes the pilot's seat. He wonders, with EM off, how much understanding Bliss is likely to obtain at this point. Well, the fellow will find out.

Once the sound of the retreating steps can no longer be heard, Murphy says to all. "We may squabble, and quibble. But you are good friends. True. Brave. Heroes. We stopped the Iron Giant. Proud of you." He looks around at each one of his friends, then switches his glance to the floor for a moment.

"There's more to do." He takes a step toward here, and asks, "Pressi, what do you think of the following? Talia has the gems to restart the Encompassing Mind. Once we're sure that Anur and Shan have left the heel, shall we have her start her up again? Might be good for us to be there when she awakens.

"Who'd like to see how Kade and his two friends are doing?" He asks, "Has anyone found the things that dropped from Ix's body? He had a device he used to control the constructs. They were left blocking the passage to the three dwarfs. Perhaps the Mind can give us guidance on how to communicate with them. The machines, not the dwarfs.

"And there are bodies to bury. Shall we ask the three remaining dwarfs about that? I'm not too worried about Kade, but would like to gauge where the other two dwarfs stand. The bellower spoke of taking us on after dealing with Ix.

"Also, the people need to be notified at some point.

"What else? And what order shall we do things in?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Thursday February 21st, 2019 5:21:53 AM
While Bliss is trying to pilot the system, Hobie will take his time, gathering up the bodies of all the fallen, preparing them for a funeral pyre or mass grave. While he is doing it, he will collect any loot or gear that he found on any of the bodies (including anything Anur or Ix left behind) and make a detailed list on a piece of parchment as he is going along.

He will also make sure to stop by that replenishing cabinet of scrolls and ink so that he can stock up on supplies for writing future scrolls.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87 d20+10=20 ;
Thursday February 21st, 2019 5:24:52 AM
"First things first", Succotash begins. "We promised Madam Gem we would start her up ASAP, so I believe that should be our first objective, and maybe Bliss or I can physically move the construct out of the way and let Kade and company in". Succotash will then head down a level, and try to push the construct out of the way strength of 27, strength check 20

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87
Thursday February 21st, 2019 5:27:26 AM
If he successfully moves the construct out of the way, Succotash will open the door for the dwarfs.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 84/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Thursday February 21st, 2019 4:24:02 PM
Pressi smiled at Shan's proposal. "I was about to propose the same to you. Clearly the solution is for both of us to dump our boys and start afresh, but I've still got some things here."

More seriously. "I do wish things had gone better. Perhaps our paths will cross again and things will. In the meantime, I do hope you find what you are looking for. You did, after all, have more of an impact on me than you can ever know. Take care."

--------------

Pressi asks Talia what she had in mind regarding Ix, discussing certain possibilities.

If Talia had nothing in mind, Pressi will take Ix for now. The next day, she will strap him to materials from the giant in the middle of the woods, cast "Reincarnation" and leave him.

"I can't say, even at this stage, whether this is the right thing to do," she says to anyone who figures out what she is up to and asks. "But I have given it some thought and I cannot allow for the summary execution of a living being that surrendered. Besides, at the end of the day he would have come through for us and who am I to deny anyone a second chance.

"And I have decided that the way to do that is to regrow him in some random fashion and leave him in the middle of the woods stark naked without supplies besides a note. I may be a bleeding heart past-monk who navel gazes at ethics, but I'm still a witch and he was still a jerk. To anyone who might protest, as always I don't care and won't change my mind. Bye, Ix. If you decide on revenge, I'm looking forward to the surprise."

That was the last word on the matter. She left, knowing he would be fully grown within the hour.

------------------

The first thing Pressi does is to reach the top of the giant and start casting metrics. Before long, her mark of the justicars begins to shine through the sky, a signal to any diviner who may want to perform cleanup and a symbol of their victory.

The next thing she does is to help Succotash and Murphy in cleanup. Getting Kade off the shoulders. Getting the machine restarted as promised. Searching Ix and the control areas for ways to control the constructs.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 87/119, CMD 24; Gears
Thursday February 21st, 2019 6:23:36 PM
"That's nice of you, Pres," says Kezzem. "Heck, even I was starting to like the guy. After meeting his folks...well, that explained a lot!"

"To go out like that? That just isn't right."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Thursday February 21st, 2019 8:13:50 PM
Talia wonders about the Encompassing Mind and turning her back on.

Talia Status:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Overlight flight | 623 of 660 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6563 of 6600 minutes left
Stoneskin | 73 of 110 minutes left

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1
L5: 3 /4+1

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Thursday February 21st, 2019 10:03:12 PM
Oh, before Bliss tried to activate the giant, he makes sure that the three dwarves are safe and nobody is outside. He does not want anybody to get hurt.

DM Carl d100=37 ;
Thursday February 21st, 2019 10:23:40 PM
Shan's motives remain a mystery to Zaragosa, but he's glad this is all over.

Murphy heals some of Shan's wounds. She smiles and returns the touch (since cure wounds are touch spells). "I'd say take care of that one," she starts, motioning to Pressi, "but she doesn't need you too. Don't forget that."

Bliss can't wait and puts the helmet on, but nothing happens. He recalls the Encompassing Mind said something about initializing new pilots.

Hobie is ready to start gathering bodies, but that will no doubt take some time. He returns to the scroll room to find the guardian and writing constructs all lifeless. It's likely the first time they've stopped in centuries. The cabinet still works to provide an endless supply of ink and paper. No doubt our heroes will find some way to abuse this.

OOC: I'll prepare a list of loot tomorrow and email it to the group.

Pressi makes a friend. She also decides to use some small portion of Ix's ashes to reincarnate him. A tricky task, seeing as he was killed by a destruction spell. Still, since reincarnation creates a whole new body, it stands to reason it just might work. Since it seems Pressi is not keen on sticking around anyway, I guess we'll have to wait to find out if it does.

Kezzem agrees with Pressi's decision.

Talia is keen to restart the Encompassing Mind. Should be easy as replacing the two gemstones that were taken to turn it off, so she replaces them.

For a moment, nothing happens. Then, the surface of the giant pink gem in the heart of the Giant ripples. Writing appears on the surface, and though it's not in a language any of you can recognize, you can instinctively read it without issue.

Encompassing Mind initialization commencing. Estimated time to completion: 32 years, 4 months, 3 days, 19 hours, 8 minutes, 34 seconds. 33 seconds. 32 seconds...and so on. A disappointing turn of events to be sure.

***

Meanwhile, Succotash turns to rescuing Kade, Basalt, and Gorn. Investigation shows the constructs have completely powered down. The whip-fingers that held the door shut are easily removed, and the door opened. Gorn immediately charges in. "TIME TO DIE IX!" he shouts before realizing it's you. "Oh." He looks around. "Where's Ix? Kade says you're good people, so I'm sorry about sayin' I was gonna murder you all before."

"Ignore him," says Basalt as he saunters in. "This mess is over, right? I signed up to fight against Fhorge, not stomp on innocent villagers. Good on you folks for stopping Anur." He looks around a bit. "So, can I leave? I'd love to go home and live a nice, boring life from here on out."

Assuming no one stops him, Basalt is happy to exit the story quickly. Gorn follows once he realizes he's too late to kill Ix himself.

Kade is not so quick to call it a day. "After all this I'm not keen on heading back to The Scab. Those two may want to go home, but the war between Fhorge and the rest of the Old Ones continues, and Scald is going to throw a fit when it learns what happened here. I know I was part of the folks who were going to crush your village, but if you'll have me, I'd really like to stay. Before all this, I was a pretty great mushroom farmer. Even found a way to cultivate truffles deep underground."

The basics done, Pressi makes her way to the top of the Giant. She leaves her mark, and if she looks reaaalll closely, she can see that mass of people a few miles away stop moving and turn around. The citizens of Humble's Ford are coming home.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116. +4WIS. DR10/Adm
Friday February 22nd, 2019 1:23:49 AM

[Sorry - super-long post, but there's a lot going on here. Feel free to just skim for headlines, read for more details if of interest]

Reincarnation
A note on the post prior to DM's: Pressi took a small amount - a handful? of the ashy remains of Ix. The rest of Ix's ashes were placed into Talia's scroll tube, and "Shan joins her husband, takes the scroll containing his son, and places it in her pack." So Talia does not have Ix's remains. Shan does. With the handful of Ixie-dust that Pressi took, the witch may still cast reincarnation, subject to DM call. Before any posting about Pressi's plan, Murphy intended to discuss the possibility of reincarnation with Pressi. So, don't figure Pressi will exclude him from the decision. He's more likely to stick around, and encourage whom Ix becomes to think over carefully the outcome of his machinations. This can be a fresh start. He will not follow the witchy approach to the situation. Alignment changes following reincarnation are not unheard of, and he is willing to attempt a nudge in the right direction. Besides, if Press gets in trouble with Gargul for the reincarnation, Murphy is going to share the responsibility.
=========

Shan & Murphy
"Do we always know what we need, or whom we need, Shan?" Murphy replies to her counsel. "I will take care of mine, if she'll be mine, and choose me to be hers. I don't doubt you'll take care of yours."

Iron Giant, Encompassing Mind, and Accoutrements
"Well, looks like we may have an appointment here in about 32 years, 3 months," Murphy says after observing the early stages of the restoration of the Encompassing Mind.

He leans the side of his face against the large pink gem. "Encompassing Mind, surely you knew what you were offering when you revealed the two hidden gems for us halflings to remove. Time may be less of a concern to you. Thank you for helping us save our town, and home of our people. Should I live so long, and you not be vandalized beyond all recognition, I hope to see you here in about 32 years. Maybe I'll stop by and check on you, and give the iron giant a good sweeping every so often until then."

He turns his head, kisses the gem, then starts to walks away to help with the various tasks that remain. Especially helping to collect and inventory usable items. However...

Saying hello again, goodbye as a group to the Encompassing Mind - EVERYBODY INCLUDED
Murphy asks all of Humble's Sword this. "Before we leave the Iron Giant, is it all right if we gather around the Encompassing Mind for a moment? Let's offer gratitude - to each other, to the Mind, to the gods and powers who lend us aid and inspiration. Someone can offer prayers. Not prayers to the Mind - I'm not suggesting worshipping her at all. Perhaps Jack, or who will, might offer a song."

If folks are not of a mind to do so right now, then Murphy suggests they schedule such a time for later today, or perhaps tomorrow.

Three Dwarfs
Murphy bids Gorn and Basalt farewell and a good journey. "You may catch up to Anur and Shan fairly soon, if you've a mind to, assuming you're heading to the same direction back to the Scab."

With Kade, when he learns of his desire, he remarks, "Mushroom farmer, eh? We own a bit of property not too far from here that we're in the process of getting set up. I dare say we could find a place for you to cultivate a fungus farm, Kade. And I love to delve underground - even deep. I've been developing a system of tunnels lately. Mind if we show you around town?" he asks, as he nods toward Succotash and Kezzem, including them in as potential town guides (and anyone else who wishes to be included). He then adds, "And who doesn't love truffles!?"

Gathering Scrolls
He is glad that Hobie has taken an interest in the scroll room. The druid wants to spend at least 20 minutes speed-reading over the recent scrolls, and gathering up those from farther back for further purusal. "This is history here. If we're going to understand this, the scrolls may be key. We don't want these lost to curious memento seekers. Let us find some scribes and bookbinders to help organize, and render copies for - libraries? We'll need get a decent feel for what's there, first, then figure that out."

"A thought. I suddenly find I have one more wild shape I can effect today. If someone can lend me one or two bags of holding once we're back to town, I can transform into an air elemental, fly back here, then ferry all the scrolls back to our place before a bunch of halfling kids decide to ransack the place. About which, let's ask the Mayor to authorize a guard for a few days to preclude such from happening.

Guardians for the Giant
"Hobie, maybe your cousin Roscoe can figure out who would be up to that task. Are you all right with checking with him?

"Perhaps we can schedule a time for key people to tour the giant - then let the town leadership figure out whether to open it up to anyone else. Squabbling over this thing apparently led to battles for control in the not too distant past."

Power Gems, Gears
"You know these gems began losing their power after EM was shut down? One thought is to find a good spot to store them, and look to getting them back here around the time the giant is close to returning to service. We're unlikely to get bonus spells from carrying them about." He considers. "Is there any one among us who might want to study the matter further? If there is a way to power them apart from EM, that would be most handy." He looks to Talia to see if she has any inclination to take up this notion.

He turns to the gears. "These may work away from the giant, and from EM. We'll just have to try them on the outside to discern that."

Constructs
"Let's take at least one of these constructs home with us. Would be nice to have - maybe Hugo and Primula PipeLeaf look it over. Map it. Disassemble, reassemble. They're clever folks, especially with metal, armor, and such. Perhaps two we should bring - the scavenger / reassembler, and the guardian machines." He says, "I can carry them over tomorrow, I suppose."

Documentation
"Jack, you're a bard. Do you think you're willing to write up a description of all that happened here with the Iron Giant, and to turn in a copy of such a report to the WLA - the Woldian League of Adventurers? I'm sure most of us would be willing to lend you a hand in remembering the details, and telling the story. But, what would you say about being the primary author?" Murphy asks J.T.T. Zaragosa.

Mapping
Murphy mentally catalogues each of the openings from inside to outside found along the surface of the giant. He plans to use that information for quick forays into and out over the next few days as needed. He draws up maps with greater accuracy and more detail than the rough sketch Ix provided them.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87
Friday February 22nd, 2019 5:37:45 AM
Succotash is sad that Madam Gem didn't turn back on right away, he really liked her, and was looking forward to talking to her again. He is glad to learn that Kade is planning on joining them, and is looking forward to fresh truffles, and figuring out ways to sneak some to Miss Piggy. He says farewell to Gorn and Basalt, and offers to lead the prayer session that Murphy suggested.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 68/68) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 3/5, 0/3)(performance 2
Friday February 22nd, 2019 7:54:57 AM
Zaragosa gave Murphy a polite bow. "To write about such great, prestigious adventurers would truly be an honour. Perhaps my place is to be the witness of such grand warriors! However, I will need to interview most of you, since I am still rather lost at the motives or our opponents here."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 28 HP 113/113 Miss Piggy AC 27/11/26 CMD 23 HP 87/87
Friday February 22nd, 2019 10:14:20 AM
OCC.. Of course the DM can do as he pleases, however, the destruction spells says only true resurrection, wish spell followed by resurrection, or miracle can bring someone back.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 84/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Friday February 22nd, 2019 1:17:39 PM
(Ooc: yeah, but reincarnation is kind of weird since it�s not actually a resurrection. Anyway, the plot hook for a sequel is there if there if they ever want it, and I think what Carl and I want most is that question mark, not a rules debate.

Raw wise, a malfunctioning soul gem doesn�t change monks into witches, either. But here we are.)

DM Edit: I never want a rules debate.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Friday February 22nd, 2019 6:49:13 PM
Talia asks, "Anyone the viability of these Gears away from the Giant?" Mister Murphy, I will stay and say a few words prior to our departure and I hope I will be able to study these gears!

Anyone know if I could use an open/close spell to close off the Entry points to the giant?

Talia Status:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Overlight flight | 623 of 660 minutes left
Mage Armor | 6563 of 6600 minutes left
Stoneskin | 73 of 110 minutes left

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Spells Used:
L1: 1 /6+2
L2: 1 /6+2
L3: 0 /6+1
L4: 2+ /6+1
L5: 3 /4+1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6 d20+24=30 ; d3=2 ; d20+24=31 ; d20+24=29 ; d20+24=39 ; d20+24=31 ; d20+18=38 ; d20+18=33 ; d20+18=31 ; d3=1 ; d20+18=38 ; d20+18=23 ;
Friday February 22nd, 2019 8:03:05 PM
After collecting and logging any loot, Hobie will be pleased to spend some time studying the magic in the giant, figuring out what might work with or without the mind, or what works outside the giant.

He will also examine the replenishing scroll cabinet and think about whether it might be possible to relocate this to their offices at the HQ.

Here's a bunch of Spellcraft and Knowledge Arcana checks
Spellcraft -- 30, 31, 29, 39, 31
Knowledge Arcana-- 38, 33, 31, 38, 23

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 84/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Friday February 22nd, 2019 9:35:02 PM
Pressi can�t help but snicker at the long countdown. �Well, it�s our grandkids problem now.�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 84/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Friday February 22nd, 2019 10:07:29 PM
Aside from that, there�s not much more to do. And it�s not long before Pressi packs up and returns home.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 29 HP 141/141 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Saturday February 23rd, 2019 6:35:05 AM
updating header for level increase

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 29 HP 141/141 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Saturday February 23rd, 2019 6:53:50 AM
whoops

DM Carl
Saturday February 23rd, 2019 12:27:59 PM
There's a lot going on here, but lets hit the highlights, shall we?

Kade breathes a sigh of relief when he's allowed to stay. "Thanks, Murphy. You have my world I'll pull my own weight."

There are literally thousands of scrolls to go through, but 99% of them just say "darkness" over and over again. It will take months to go through all of them, even with professional scribes.

There's talk of taking home a construct, but they weight about a ton each. That's not to say it can't be done, but our heroes will need to explain how they intend to get one home.

Experimentation shows the gears and power crystals continue working at full power, right up until the second they're outside the Giant. Once back inside the Giant, they power back up. They don't seem to be affected by the lack of the Encompassing Mind. Walking outside seems to drain the power crystals. Regardless of whether they were charged or not when they left, they need time to charge when they re-enter.

Succotash is disappointed about the Encompassing Mind. That's understandable, it was pretty great. Kade is excited about the prospect of having an intelligent pig around. "Takes time to train a truffle hog. Miss Piggy here seems real bright though. With your permission, I bet I can have her sniffing them out in no time."

Hobie checks out the scroll cabinet and begins study on the Giant. He finds the scroll cabinet is not a free-standing piece of furniture. It's built into the Giant's walls. His studies also indicate it's powered by the Heart of the Giant, meaning even if it's cut out, it still won't function outside the Giant.

One wonders where the ink and paper come from, though. Are there quasi-elemental planes of paper out there? It's a strange universe. It wouldn't be the strangest thing ever seen.

Hobie's investigation into the Giant show it to be equal parts magical and mechanical wonder. Many constructs are simple machines that use magic to do the heavy lifting. Not so with the Giant. Magic provides the raw power necessary to move the enormous collections of gears and machines that make up the Giant, but it's still a mechanically sound piece of equipment. If one could find a mundane source of power to provide the raw force needed to move the Giant, it could (theoretically) be possible to pilot it without magical assistance.

Of course, it would take the Wold's most talented engineer lifetimes to work out that problem and implement a solution. It's a good bet that the Encompassing Mind will be back up and running before that happens, and it probably wouldn't be thrilled with any changes that had been made.

If there's on thing Hobie takes away from his investigations, it's this: A team of scientists, engineers, wizards, and priests could dedicate several lifetimes to delving its secrets.

***

As Humble's Sword wraps up and gets ready to leave, they hit a snag that Anur and his crew did as well: there is no way to lock and secure the Giant. A talented enough metal worker with time and materials may be able to rig something up, but it's unlikely Humble's Sword has that at their disposal. The Giant's metal skin absorbs all magic, so any solution needs to be mundane.

***

I haven't forgotten your loot. Just low on time.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Saturday February 23rd, 2019 1:58:51 PM

Bliss looks around as the group gets ready to depart.

"Why do we need to bring the thing to town?" he asks. "Besides, town is right over there, see?"

"Seems to me that a classy heroic adventuring group does not necessarily WANT a castle in the middle of town. When the enemy dragon and demon army comes to fight the heroes, it's better for the everyday folk if the battle is a short walk outside town anyway, right?"

"All we need is to put some locks on this thing, and we have our new magic castle! What's not to like?"

"In the future, we can recruit some hefty guards and load them up with all the gears and power gems and the teleport cloak and that's our major domo slash guardian. Maybe a djinni or a nice plant creature or something."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 29 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Saturday February 23rd, 2019 6:42:21 PM
I like the idea of using the Iron Giant as a Castle, but what about �The Sanctuary?�Succotash says with his usual smile, �I thought that was our stronghold�. He then adds, �I�m going to miss the strength these gears gave me, but can�t spend the rest of my days living inside a Giant Humanoid�.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25, touch AC 18; HP 87/125, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d8+3=6 ;
Saturday February 23rd, 2019 10:13:22 PM
"Ah man, I was starting to like those gears," says Kezzem. "They made my thoughts all not fuzzy."

OOC: Talking a level of rogue, mainly for some extra Skill points. Plus it gives Kezzem back some of his old pre-resurrection flavor.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 22 HP 68/68) (spells left by lvl 5/5, 3/5, 0/3)(performance 2
Saturday February 23rd, 2019 10:21:56 PM
Zaragosa also snickers at this idea of this being the Humble Ford's fortress. "It truly seems to fit your teams over-the-top style"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Saturday February 23rd, 2019 11:02:12 PM

"Jack!" cries Bliss in outrage. "Your team! YOUR team! I got news for you my friend! This is OUR team, and you are on it!"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Sunday February 24th, 2019 4:24:02 AM

Murphy concurs with Succotash. "Yes, I would prefer a faster startup. Maybe an hour or so wouldn't be so bad - looks like that's about how long it takes to shut down, but... three decades? What was The Forger thinking, anyhow??" After a pause, he adds, "Though to build such a thing - he was smarter than the lot of us, no doubt. I wonder if an assemblage of geniuses - of high moral character - might be able to significantly shorten the time needed? Or, a few wish spells to accomplish the same thing."

At Pressi's comment, he says with a (barely) straight face, "Oh, so grandchildren may be in the picture?"

Murphy gives Zaragosa a warm smile. "Sure, feel free to interview us, Jack. Thanks for agreeing to go for it!" [OOC: If you can take the time to re-read the board, I think it's all there, and makes for some good reading!]

"I don't know, Tali, how the open/close cantrip might help here," Murphy responds. "I think there's some sort of anti-magic protections built in. You can certainly give it a try, though!"

'ROUND THE GEM - A Moment of Gratitude and Reflection
Before you pack everything up, Pressi, can you join us around the Encompassing Mind?" Murphy asks. As people gather, he lets Succotash lead the moment.

When it comes to his turn, this is what the druid has to say:

"I am grateful to Eberyon, who supports me through granting of spells, and whose purposes I support. And to his wife, the Lady Maab, whom Bliss adores. To the just Pantheon, served by Succotash, as well as to Lady Justice, from whom Pressi gains counsel. To Gargul, to whom I personally owe gratitude, and who is served by Kezzem. And to Alemi, for health and well being, to Domi, for courage, to Flower, benefactress of Humble's Ford and matron of deep love and of families, to Ffloy - recently magnified within our community and supporter of responsible labor and earned prosperity. Perhaps Wardd, too, has assisted us in his own random ways.

"And most of all - I'm grateful for this mis-matched group of people who make up Humble's Sword. When our group started, almost all of us had been born and raised in or around Humble's Ford. Now - we are still a group of halflings, some from here, some from afar - yet joined together as an ever-sharper Humble's Sword. Though we overcame great opposition - we also made a friend or two along the way." He nods towards Kade, whom he invited to join in.

Scrolls & Hobie
"Want to work together to get these scrolls over to our place?" Mister Leafwin Pipewood asks Mister Browncloak. "There's a room in our new place that would be a good spot to sort through all this." He asks if any others want to help pack up the multitude of scrolls to take with.

Use of the Kneeling Iron Giant
When Bliss proposes turning the Iron Giant into the group's 'castle' - Murphy laughs with delight and appreciation for his friend's enthusiasm. "Think of the possibilities! Look, let's think this over, and think it through. Talk it over the next week or two. Succotash is right - we do already have a 'castle' of sorts - Sanctuary - well begun. And it's NOT right in the middle of town - takes about a 15- to 20-minute walk to get to it.

"Might not be a bad idea to use both sites. At a minimum, I'd like us to check back in on it once a year and see how goes the countdown. Maybe the bootup will be faster than the initial reports.

"We have a lot to learn. I like what Bliss is doing. Seeing how we can take advantage of the kneeling giant now and into the future - and determine a way to protect it over time."

Then, as Jack remarks on the fortress in a way that implies his own outsider status, and Bliss jumps on that notion, Murphy concurs. "What Bliss said is true, Jack. You've helped us on several points. You are a member of Humble's Ford. You can be over-the-top WITH us!" he finishes with a stern look, which slowly shifts to a smile, and a wink.

"Yep, Kezzem. Not only are they stylish, but the gears really give one a boost where needed!"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Sunday February 24th, 2019 7:49:56 AM
Talia being as aloof as she was when she first arrived, says, "Am I officially part of the Humble Sword, Mister Murphy? What are we to do with the magic gear (no pun intended) that do not function outside of the Giant Construct? Shouldn't we hold on to them so as to not fall into the wrong hands? We can always bring them back for a recharge! I do not feel it is a mature move to leave them behind...since we can't secure the Giant, and we don't know who will want to loot or play inside the giant! We should take all precautions necessary to avoid any possible negative outcome. My two (2) cents!"

Talia continues to offer suggestions to the group, "also, for loot and the ilk, I believe we should get it "Home" and then sort it out...no reason to bring unwanted attention to the issue."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Sunday February 24th, 2019 12:09:12 PM
"Thats definitely a good idea Murph, I think there's a lot we could learn from these scrolls, but I think we could probably get a couple hirelings from town to do the work of transporting them for us, we just saved their lives, they can help us carry some boxes."

"As for me, I've just finished going around and making an inventory of all the gear that's been left behind, and its quite the haul. Here's the list (GM emailed it to us), y'all feel free to take anything you like, and I'll go ahead and do the grunt work of selling the rest over at the Catacombs, I think I might have them do some work on my bow while they process the transaction, so I'll be waiting around there anyway."

ooc: For newbies (and correct me if I'm wrong oldbies) the way we handle loot is that we take everything back to the Catacombs and then split the profits between us. If you want a specific article from the loot for story reasons (like Anur's Armor for example) just mention in your post that your character is taking that piece, and then your character will spend the full price gold as if you were buying a new one, but lorewise it will still be the original. That way everybody gets an even split of the loot.

I'll do the work of tallying up everything's value tonight and then make the catacombs post. Anything leftover beyond our characters' WBL, we'll spend on party stuff.

Homecoming

Hail the Conquering Heroes!

DM Carl
Sunday February 24th, 2019 9:07:43 PM
With prayers and camaraderie, Humble's Sword wraps things up. Hobie and Murphy load up as many interesting scrolls as they carry. It seems the writers in the Iron Giant recorded everything that happened in the vicinity for hundreds of years.

OOC: I'm not writing hundreds of years of history, at least not all at once. The library you've gained access to gives you a +5 bonus to knowledge, history checks regarding The Scab when you're able to peruse them. If there are any specific questions you'd like to study, I'll address them. I may also use these as hooks for future adventures.

Our heroes arrive home in Humble's Sword before the rest of the citizenry. They left early this morning, and will take some time to return home. Anyone checking from a higher vantage point can confirm they're on their way, though.

***

Thus begins scene zero. You folks have a week of downtime to shop, role-play, whatever. Like I said in my email, I don't really care if you post in the Catacombs board to sell this stuff, but you do need to deduct the 50% restock fee from anything you intend to sell.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25, touch AC 18; HP 87/125, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Sunday February 24th, 2019 11:30:18 PM
Kezzem ponders what to spend his new wealth on. "Well, I wouldn't mind boosting my headband to make me smart-like, but I don't think I'll be wanting to spend all my gold on it to do so. Probably should boost my armor and stuff first."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 29 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Monday February 25th, 2019 5:10:57 AM
"Talia, I know you asked Murphy, but allow me to answer your question", Succotash says with much enthusiasm, "Being fairly new to the team, I can say from personal experience, that anyone with a good heart and heroic temperament is welcome as a member, for goodness sake, you bled with us, and fought with us, in my mind, that makes you one of us!"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Monday February 25th, 2019 11:31:22 AM
�Of course you are on the team, Miss Talia! Wowsy, it�s a no-brainer!� declares Bliss.

He advocates taking all the Giant-only stuff and saving it for when the party hires a caretaker or guardian or steward. �If we take it as our own, we�ll need a fighter/butler. If we don�t want it, we should equip a tour guide to charge for tours and give the proceeds to charity! This could be quite the tourist attraction! Our pal the merchant priest could have a concession stand for snacks and tchotchkies.�

But the first order of business is wla training and shopping!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 29 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Monday February 25th, 2019 1:04:37 PM
I agree Bliss, some shopping is definitely on the to do list!� Succotash grins.

The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jack) (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) (spells left by lvl 6/6 3/5 1/4) (abilities bar
Monday February 25th, 2019 2:38:05 PM
Jack notes Murphy and Bliss's kindness towards himself and Talia. He gives the two a reassuring smile but his voice lacked his usual enthusiasm, "Yes yes, of course, our team. I'll make note of that."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Monday February 25th, 2019 8:59:41 PM

Murph writes down the sounds he heard Anur say earlier, even though he did not understand them. He figures he will check in with someone at the WLA about what he heard earlier. He also plans to have Hobie and Talia explain what they gained from looking over Anur's scroll earlier - the Make Whole thing.

"Yes, yes, Talia. You have shown yourself clearly to be a worthy member of Humble's Sword. Succotash and Bliss both said it well. Let us officially welcome you - and Jack - as full-on members of the Sword." He takes and squeezes her hand. "You made a difference several times for us."

Concerning the disposition of the magic gear and gems, Murphy says, "Well, it looks like, if we take either outside of the giant, they lose their effect - and need to be brought back in before they will start working again. But, yes, so that they are not lost, I concur with your idea of securing them in some reasonable manner, whether doing so within the giant or elsewhere. Go ahead and take initiative on how to do that, Tali."

Thinking over what they have been told, he talks with the group. "Since living within the Iron Giant, one in effect becomes a construct, according to Anur. He said that while dwelling within the giant, one does not become hungry or thirsty - although Shan did prepare some tea for Pressi. One does not grow tired. We ourselves did not feel tired, or winded. We exerted ourselves, yet did not break a sweat. 'It's the magic of this place. Makes you part construct,' Anur told us. He also said that his wife was not dead, but only broken."

After letting that sink in, he adds, "I don't know that I wish to be part construct. I'm fine with visiting the giant, but do not wish to make it my general dwelling place. It's no great secret that I am a druid. I think that I shall dwell at the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword - we have lots of projects there - and visit the giant from time to time, for now. I kind of like its current posture: on one knee, arms extended down toward Humble's Ford. A warrior, in submission toward the town it came to destroy."

Balance of day
Murphy works with Hobie and others to transfer all the scrolls with writing upon them to The Sanctuary of Humble's Sword, as well as a few other items. He suggests they leave one scroll, with 'Darkness' written upon it, within the Scriptorium. To answer an earlier question, how does Murphy propose to move a construct which weighs a ton from the Iron Giant over to the Sanctuary? He wild shapes to a huge (not large - he can do huge now) earth elemental. He weighs 48,000 pounds. Surely he is capable of carrying something weighing about 4% of his own weight. If needed, he can get one of the town's larger wagons and a small team of ponies to bear it in - but otherwise, he'll do it himself. Before hauling it the mile or so required, he will first wrap it in canvas. He takes it to a room in the large stone fortress in the center of the group's compound, and will contact Hugo Primula PipeLeaf about taking a look at it.

In the late afternoon, or earlier, Murphy congratulates Rosco and the Mayor for their masterful evacuation efforts, and his relief that nothing - save a long path of immense footprints leading most of the way from the Scab to the town - was smashed. He talks with the children about how he hopes that some of them will grow up to be adventurers, to defend the town, and, more important, that some will grow up to be farmers, and merchants, fathers, mothers, craftsfolk. "We need all sorts. Take your time, but figure out how you can help your people best as you grow up."

Next morning
Murphy will go with Pressi, and whoever else wants to attend, for the casting of the [b]reincarnation spell for Ix[/u]. He understands her intention is to leave. Murphy's is to remain, and see how his body grows back, and in what form - if, indeed, it does so. And, if Ix returns via reincarnation, Murphy spends some time talking with him.

Before they go, he talks with Kade, lets him know the plan, and offers to let him come along, if he chooses. "If you want to rebuke him for what he did to your friends, that is up to you. My hope is to persuade him to consider a different path. I serve my Lord Eberyon, who initially went for what seemed in the eyes of many to be great violence and evil - yet chose to submit to reform and to much that is good after facing a Wold-wide comeuppance. I believe in reform. In redemption." Then he adds, "And really tasty mushrooms."

Visit to WLA in Angel Springs
Murphy can take four with him to Angel Springs for training with the WLA via tree-trunk travel. He also can return half an hour later to pick up to four more in his arms as a huge air elemental (32 feet long), getting there in under half an hour, which may be the way to go for those who love to have the wind run through their hair.

He plans to pay 4,000 gp to graduate from Officer to Champion status, and receive skill and feat training. Feat? Cosmopolitan. Regarding the latter, he can learn two more languages. He asks his companions if there are any they recommend. Old High Woldian is one he is considering. Maybe also the language that Anur read from the scroll that restored Shan. But he is open to other options.

Loot Keeping
About the loot, he says, "Let's keep the partial deck of illusions with the hearts, spades and jokers." [value 4,100] "Who wants to carry it? Bliss? Talia? Jack? Anyone, really, could use them. I'm not the best one, as I can't get to them when wild shaped. Could someone use the elixir of hiding? And how about keeping most of the CMW potions? We could take two each, have an extra left over, or turn it in at the Catacombs. Jack, do you want the bardic scrolls? They might come in handy for a ... bard!"

A few visits
Later in the week, back in Humble's Ford, Murphy endeavors to schedule a teatime with McGregor HeadWise - the town's Eldest, and wisest Halfling. He has wanted to meet with him - but event after event seems to preclude the druid taking the time to do so. He asks about the old days of the town, and stories. He answers, or tries to answer, any questions the Humble Old One may ask. As always, any members of Humble's Sword who want to join in are welcome.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Monday February 25th, 2019 10:17:21 PM

By way of reminder, here is a The Sanctuary of Humble's Sword. For the most accurate (and detailed) version of the map, see the second tab. If you wish to suggest changes, copy the map on 'Everyone Play' tab to a tab with your own name, and have fun editing. Or, for greater detail, you can copy the detailed map, give it your name on a separate tab, and have fun with working out the details.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 84/94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Monday February 25th, 2019 10:45:13 PM
Pressi smiles at Talia. �Like it or not, you�re stuck with us.�

She also kind of vetoes the whole giant in the castle idea. �This place gives me the creeps, but not the correct form of creeps. Plus it doesn�t really go with the vibe any of us are trying to give out. I mean, who�s flavor screams live in a giant head decor?�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25, touch AC 18; HP 87/125, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday February 25th, 2019 11:36:56 PM
"Well, I'm off to the catacombs," says Kezzem. "Who wants to join me?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 27/13/25 CMD 29 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Tuesday February 26th, 2019 5:04:58 AM
Succotash says, "I'll join you Kezzem, I'm hoping to upgrade my ring of protection, and my amulet of natural armor". "By the way", Succotash adds, "I'm thinking of heading over to Merrydale to try to reacquaint myself with my parents, and make nice with my father". "I know I mentioned how him and I had a falling out when I left to become a Paladin, instead of learning the silversmith trade as he hoped, now after all these years, and after almost being killed in the shadow realm, I really think it's time for me to reach out. Well anyway, I was wondering if any of you would care to join me, I could really use the moral support, and would really enjoy the company".

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Tuesday February 26th, 2019 5:40:51 AM
adjusting header

DM Carl
Tuesday February 26th, 2019 11:13:01 AM
Our heroes immediately get to work spending their hard earned coin.

They have the time. The citizenry of Humble's Ford likely won't make it back to town for another hour.

Kade looks around, taking an immediate shine to his new home. He's especially impressed by the tunnel system that's set up.

"Any chance you could use your magic to carve me out a place to sleep down here while I get settled? I'd rather dig my own home and farm out the old fashioned way, but I wouldn't mind a head start."

***

As usual, my posts during scene 0 are pretty minimal. Tomorrow's will be bigger once the townsfolk get back, but scene 0's mostly your show.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 25, touch AC 18; HP 87/125, CMD 24; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday February 26th, 2019 12:07:26 PM
"Oh, and Murphey, here's the 1000 gp I owe you."

Kezzem forks over the coin.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday February 26th, 2019 12:22:25 PM
Header update

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Tuesday February 26th, 2019 3:26:26 PM
After waiting for Jack to speak up, she pulls him aside. "You did some pretty good moves up there. I know the group isn't always team stealth what with the druid, two paladins... Heck, even I began to give up on stealth moves once it became clear everyone knew we were there. Anyway, if you wanted to get some training, I could run some drills with you, as someone who also mixes spells and skills.

"And... I may take the deck if it comes to that, but frankly I think it's more your style. It's a little carnivalesque trickster and I'm going more the dark spirit avenger route... you know, drop out of the mists in black clothes and chains, maybe some exotic flourishes like the leopard and western god statue. When branding falls in your lap, you just have to run with it."

(A similar offer is made by others, but even Talia appears sure of her abilities.)

As for securing it, Pressi suggests burying it in nature. Murphy has his large form and a bunch of spells, Pressi and Bliss can create water and freeze it, Talia probably has a few tricks, Kezzem and Succotash can use their mounts, etc. It may be warded against direct attacks and have survived centuries in the open air but it can still be slowed down by nature.

After all, it was the first time.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Tuesday February 26th, 2019 4:11:32 PM
Bliss loves loves loves Pressi�s idea of everybody getting some stealth! He suggests cloaks of sneaking or chameleon rings or shadow armor or even just carrying a few elixirs. �With the witches and casters we got, we can use polymorph and invisibility to sneak around.�

Plus of course +4 for being small in size!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Wednesday February 27th, 2019 5:13:28 AM
"As much as I would love to be more stealthy", Succotash says to Pressi and Bliss, "A Paladin if full plate armor doesn't actually equal quiet movement, and have you seen the cost of Mithril these days?"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Wednesday February 27th, 2019 6:06:06 AM

Bliss says, "Mithril! That makes no nevermind. An elixer of sneaking, and a potion of invisibility, and you're golden!"

[OOC: OMG! With your dex, size, ranks, WLA bonus, and armor, you're a natural +7 on stealth! Elixer costs 250 gp and lasts an hour, gets you up to +17. Potion of Invis costs 300 gp, gives you a three minute burst of +20 on stealth (until you attack). That's +37 on stealth, for just 600 gp.]

Bliss actually takes the time to watch Sir Succotash move and walk. He puts his Int 18 to use. "Hey! Actually, you are no slouch in the sneaking department, my friend! You stop your fibbing, SIr Paladin! You're already not too shabby at stealth! Spend some gold on Shadow Armor and you will be super sneaky!"

[OOC: Seriously, just a token 6,450 gp to add glamered and shadow properties to your full plate, and you can literally walk around with no one knowing you even have any armor on.]

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP91
Wednesday February 27th, 2019 8:03:36 AM

"Kade, I can dig the basic form of a burrow for you, and you can refine the details. Or, we have other housing available, too, here in the Sanctuary. I'll show you some options. Both may also be possible - get you a conventional room in one of our buildings, and start you a burrow. If you're looking for a spot in the town proper, well, we'd have to take that up with the Mayor - and now's not a good time - he's supposed to be on his honeymoon. But for right around here, within the current walls we'd have to figure that out. Just on the other side of the walls, though, that would be easy. Let's talk it all over. I'll introduce you around to the folks who live and work here, besides those of us you met in the giant." He does so. "Over here is the workshop... Oh, hey, Foreman George, this here is Kade..."
----
"Sure, Catacombs sounds great, paladins. I'll join in. Our entrance to the Catacombs awaits the return of Pirnook Deeppockets, so he can re-open the General Store for us."
----
"Kezzem, you're an honest paladin," Murphy says when his friend returns the 1,000 gp, "with talent at accounting, to boot. Thank you!"
----
"Think about this guys. We were all in the Culverwood, and Emerald City, just - what is it, three days ago? So much happening in so little time. I could use a good long break. And traveling to Merrywood sounds like a good break. Unless we have to deal with something strange relating to the warning the cleric of Gargul uttered when we were back in Emerald City."
----
"Stealth? Yeah, all right, I'll learn a rank in stealth," Murphy agrees. "But that's it! Too many other things to do! If I want to be unobtrusive, I can go for a small bird or animal." [That gives him a 7 stealth, I think]

"Also, I'm learning boating. 'Bout time someone in the group do that. Seems we find ourselves on the water from time to time enough."

The Unbelievable Jack T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) (spells left by lvl 6/6 5/5 4/4) (abilities bardic
Wednesday February 27th, 2019 9:10:46 AM
After Pressi pulls Jack to the side, he nods and agrees. "I could use the training. I have adventured before but not with such a group. They are more talented than even my performance team I was a part of. So I could use any pointers you give me. I'll take the cards and let Murphy know I want them and the scrolls. Thanks for your help."

To Murphy, he agrees to take the scrolls and the deck. He also requests to get one of the cloaks of resistance, since there are so many

Jack would attend the reincarnation spell for Ix

DM Carl
Wednesday February 27th, 2019 11:03:55 AM
Murphy's right, of course. Humble's Sword has been pretty slammed. Honestly, so has all of Humble's Ford. Biggest party of the year, and they all have to wake up at dawn and flee town?

It's hardly surprising that the citizenry looks half dead when they return home. There's applause, of course, and once again our heroes find themselves on the receiving end of appropriate appreciateion. Really though? They want to go back to bed for a few days.

Mayor Bingo gets everyone's attention.

"Friends, it's been an exciting few weeks for us here in the Ford. I think we can all agree we could use some down time, yea?" There's a murmur of approval from the crowd. "Go home. Spend time with your families. Catch up on sleep. There will be time to celebrate Humble's Sword's victory when we're all good and rested." The tired crowd disperses quickly and goes home.

Considering what Humble's Sword went through to save the town, it's maybe a little anti-climatic? Let's hope things stay quiet for a while.

***

Kade is not oblivious to the fact that while no one wants to deal with coding and housing issues, he needs a place to sleep. "Probably best if I set up shop here at...Sanctuary, you called it? Mushroom farming can use quite a bit of space. Probably best I'm not digging under folks homes." He prefers living underground, because of course he does. He's more than happy to start with a simple hole in the ground.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Wednesday February 27th, 2019 11:41:02 AM
"Yeah, I think I need to take a step back," Pressi said as Bliss started to push for everyone to be stealty. "First, I don't expect everyone on the group to be stealthy, let alone the particular form. Though I agree that even a paladin needs a plan on what to do if he wants to just get around a fight or what to do when the roguelikes are scouting or doing their thing. I mean, its not like I'm going to rule the combat roost in an antimagic field or start blasting things out of the sky.

"Second, I think that stealth is also a matter of strategy and attitude more than ability. It's the question of how we approach a group of enemies or how we keep a group of enemies from approaching us. But more than that - and this is the third point - its more than just starting attacking or buffing. By stealth I mean spending minutes or even hours studying the enemy and environment, laying down traps and locking/unlocking stuff, turning enemies against each other, or getting allies and enemies ready to battle before they even get a glimpse of us. Jack and I can each do that using different strategies, and what does Bliss do in the meantime besides get a coffee or start clawing? I mean, you have some of my abilities, but do you have the strategy or the patience?"

Regarding the reincarnation ceremony, "I think people understood what's going on. I want to give him a second chance... away from us. I want nothing to do with him and I hope he feels the same. I don't want to know how he feels about it, what form he takes... or even if it works. I mean, I get why people are hanging around out of curiosity even about the process but its getting kind of crazy here." (OOC: Also, I wanted to leave the story on an unsettling cliffhanger where the DM says nothing about whether it even works, and maybe doesn't even decide until a year from now.) "I guess if people need to stick around, just don't tell me what happens. I do this for cosmic balance, not because he deserved it."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Wednesday February 27th, 2019 12:14:52 PM
Bliss is in halfling form, but his fur still bristles. �Hey! I got lots of patience and strategy!�

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Wednesday February 27th, 2019 1:36:12 PM
Hobie finally returns from trading in the loot at the catacombs.

"Good news everyone!! I got a better rate than I expected on some of the stuff, so everybody's share comes to 29,080.5 gold pieces, not the 28,000 that I estimated in my inventory. Don't go spending it all in one place. I mean, actually we are probably all gonna spend it in the Catacombs I suppose."

Hobie will take the time to go sit at his cousin Roscoe's house. He will fill him in on everything that happened at the Giant, and most importantly he will brush up on some reading. He's got with him a catalog he picked up in the catacombs, he's thinking carefully about what purchases he might want to make. He's also got Shan's spellbook, and excitedly studies it, to see what new spells he might be able to cast. He will probably prepare and cast a few of them in the next days to practice. (preparing a spell from a borrowed spellbook is Spellcraft check 15+ spell level, which is an auto success for all spells Hobie can cast, so he won't bother copying the spells to his spellbook.)

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP92
Wednesday February 27th, 2019 3:31:15 PM

Kade's Burrow
"Very well, Kade. For tonight, at least, we'll have a room for you. At some point tomorrow," he says, thinking of the reincarnation spell Pressi plans for Ix, "I can dig you a burrow, and would be happy to connect it to one of the tunnels I have on the far side - the north side - of the wall. It's over there that I intend to start an orchard, have a little grove, and a few more burrows. Yours can be the first." He pulls out some paper, and sketches a few possible floor plans for the burrow, and asks him which style would suit the dwarf, or just how he would want the basic design set up. He will find a suitable spot, with Kade's thoughts on just where might be the best. He does make sure that the burrow is 40 feet or more away from the wall, 150 feet at the most, and not in a centerline with the gate opening, nor down range of the archery lane on the Hovel side of the Sanctuary. He also says, "Since this area is under the aegis of all the members of Humble's Sword, let's get their approval before we make a final decision." He lets members of the group know about the plans, asks if they are all right with what he and Kade intend.

If so, then at a suitable time the following day he wild shapes to a large earth elemental. Going to huge would be bigger than he needs to be for this task. He digs out the shell. "If you'd like, I can do as I did for the tunnels through the town - put a thick limestone lining along the walls and floor. That will have to wait for another day, however. Let me know before you start putting in any furniture, but after you've got the basic refinements to your dig."

Once he is finished, Murphy tells Kade, "All right, Mister dwarf. There's your rough cut. Now shape and accessorize to your heart's content. If you need any tools, lumber, or stones, check in with the foreman, George. I'm letting him know you may have what you need to borrow for your burrow."

Mayor's Announcement
"Mister Mayor - thank you. I do believe yours is among the most important work of any of us here at the moment. So, go home and you and May enjoy yourselves! We're glad she's joined our town. Have your honeymoon!" He turns to the crowd. "And I concur that for our town - rest is the best celebration at the moment!"

Hobie's News
"That is great, Hobie! It will be good to augment our outfits."

WLA Training
Murphy reiterates his offer to quickly get over to Angel Springs any team members who wish to attend Woldian League of Adventurers training. "Either tomorrow night (on the evening of the day after the Iron Giant battle) or the morning following (2 days after Iron Giant), I can be ready to get us there, via trees and wind."

Ix - Reincarnation?
"Pressi, when you cast your spell, I will be there as a little bird," he tells her whom his soul loves. "At a river's headwaters, a small stone might determine the direction the river takes. I intend, should he regenerate, to provide a nudge. As you request, and unless you ask, I will not tell you what transpires. I cannot, though, not be there. If you wish, I can cast the spell myself. I would rather it be me who incurs the wrath of Anur, Shan, or Gargul, than you."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Wednesday February 27th, 2019 5:33:40 PM
Bliss will go with Murphy to train in Angel Springs. �Maybe they can teach me some patience!� he says indignantly. �Or some strategy!�

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Wednesday February 27th, 2019 6:52:16 PM
Taila declines the offer to hold onto the deck of illusions but accepts the task of researching for the gears and other gear we cannot allow to fall into the wrong hands...thinking about it, Talia says, "Mister Murphy, perhaps a bag of holding for the gears and other "gear" that we need to store; we can hide the bag of holding within the compound where someone with the right "walking" spell might access them?" I'll think about it some more, but I'm sure the party wealth can afford a bag for this purpose!

Talia will also accept Mister Murphy's offer for transportation to Angel Springs; as Talia plans to pay 4,000 gp to graduate from Officer to Champion status, and receive skill and feat training. She also believes that the choice of Cosmopolitan feat may be the best for her at this point in time.

Regarding the latter, she can learn two more languages. Also, there is something about adding two additional skills as part of her repertoire!

Once she returns, she will head on over to the Catacombs to trade and gain new additional gear.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday February 27th, 2019 7:11:33 PM
"I'm glad to be an honest paladin," says Kezzem. "It makes it easy to stand out from all those dishonest paladins."

When Pressi does her reincarnation ritual, Kezzem says a prayer to Gargul. "And this time, could you maybe not give him a dad or step-dad or whatever who's not such a jerk?"

To Kade: "Oh may Gargul, are you a mushroom farmer? THIS IS FANTASTIC! I hereby dub thee an honorary member of Humble's Sword, and as such, I can tell people Humble's Sword are mushroom farmers WITHOUT HAVING TO BREAK ANY PALADINY OATHS!" Kezzem is way too excited by all this.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Thursday February 28th, 2019 5:30:56 AM
Succotash declines Murphy's offer to go to Angel Springs, and instead heads to the Temple of Flower/Ffloy, wishing there was a temple to Pantheon in Humble's Ford. Once their he asks to speak with the High Priestess, and when Sarabella emerges, he shares how he made the first strike after the failed parley with Shan. He concludes his story by saying, "I know that because we were defending our homes, and that the parley was over, that no wrong was done, but for some reason it keeps gnawing at my conscience, and I was wondering if you could cast an atonement spell on me". "I can pay of course!", he quickly adds.

DM Carl
Thursday February 28th, 2019 1:31:19 PM
Pressi slows everyone's stealth roll for a moment. Murphy decides to wait and see the result of Pressi's reincarnation spell. Maybe he sees something.

OOC: I genuinely haven't decided if it works yet. If it does, I'll fill Kim in if/when he comes back around.

Kade asks only for a hole in the ground at the moment. He's keen on fashioning his home the old fashioned way, not with magic, but might. He chuckles nervously at Kezzem's enthusiasm.

Several of our heroes embark on a trip to Angel Springs to train. The weather is lovely for travelling, and they find the journey without incident.

***

Succotash has matters to attend to, though. He explains his situation to Sarabella, who listens patiently. She smiles warmly and places a hand on his back, guiding him to join her in a walk through the temple.

As they walk, she bends down to pet Miss Piggy. "It looks to me like Patheon hasn't decided your...transgressions were enough to warrant stripping your status, Succotash. I don't believe an atonement spell is the proper response here." She stops, turns, and gives him a tight hug. "Try harder to be the vessel of Pantheon's justice in the future, but for now show yourself kindness. Not even paladins are perfect." She gives him one final squeeze and a smile before she gets back to her rest.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday February 28th, 2019 2:10:37 PM
"Not even paladins are perfect."

Kezzem pops out of nowhere. "That's for sure." He then disappears again.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP92
Thursday February 28th, 2019 9:31:24 PM

Murphy gives Kade whatever size hole he wants for a head start on his underground dwelling. He asks if he also wants the link to the underground tunnel network from near his starter hole. "Or, I can just show you an opening to it near that tree about sixty yards from here."

He tells the dwarf about roughly mapping out the underground to a depth of 300' beneath the compound, as well as up to 150' outside the walls. "Let me know, and I can show you that."

To the WLA
It sounds like Bliss, Talia, Jack - anyone else? plan to go to the WLA. When they arrive, with Bliss next to him, Murphy tells the person in charge, "Yes, sir" (or ma'am), "Bliss here would like to be trained up in strategic patience."

He suggests to Jack that he turn in the write up on the Iron Giant to the WLA archivist - making certain that the party keeps a copy of Jack's report, as well.

By Murphy's reckoning, the trip to Angel Springs is made two mornings after the Iron Giant encounter. If four come with him, they can get to a tree just outside the walls, over by the elvish enclave, and then it's about a ten to fifteen-minute walk into the city and the WLA outpost.

Iron Giant Trinkets Storage
"Sounds like a good idea, Talia. Likely the smallest size bag at 2,500 gp would suffice - it holds 30 cubic feet, up to 250 pounds. Would a handy haversack be enough to hold the gems and gears? I often finance such items, but with some of the projects I've got going, things are a little tight. I could kick in 500 gp toward it, though. You want to take up a collection?"

He continues. "We could have it in a walled off room. Or stored underground. Whatever we decide, those who know where it is should be kept to a minimum. Maybe three people, or so?"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Thursday February 28th, 2019 10:25:33 PM

OH! The first morning after the adventure, Bliss wakes up with a huge messy grin on his face.

"I had the bestest dream," he declares. "I dreamed I was eating the most delicious chocolate ever! And when I woke up, I WAS!"

He licks the chocolate off his lips and fingers.

[OOC: Thanks to a lotto win of free chocolate! It's all gone now, though.]

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Friday March 1st, 2019 12:39:48 AM
Eventually, Talia will return from the catacomb visit and find a place to call her own within the Humble's Sword compound. Thinking to herself, Talia wonders, "Perhaps I should ask Mister Murphy, what's free for the taking here?!"

After Talia figures out where he place is, she will put out a call for Rayya, and spend some time both meditating while awaiting Rayya's return and recuperating from the Iron Giant excursion; at least two (2) hours.

When her meditation is over, and Rayya has returned, Talia will spend time with Rayya showing her their new home base. From corner to corner and barn to orchard. Everywhere Rayya could explore.

While at Angel springs, Talia chose to learn the dwarven and Elven languages to add to her understanding of the world she lives in, while in the WLA chapterhouse. She knows it will take some time, but she is always ready to add to her skill set.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Friday March 1st, 2019 1:00:40 AM
Hobie takes some time to go riding out in the countryside. It's really only been a few days since the fire elementals and the sargrass, but it sure feels like he's been away from home for a long time. He wants time to relax with his horse.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Friday March 1st, 2019 5:51:34 AM
Succotash is much relieved by Sarabella's words, and thanks her, heartily returning the hug. As he and Miss Piggy return to the Sanctuary, he sees Hobie heading out for his ride through the countryside. Succotash stops him and asks, "Going for a ride? Would you mind if I join you? A nice leisurely ride would be most relaxing".

DM Carl
Friday March 1st, 2019 12:54:26 PM
A week passes as normalcy returns to Humble's Ford. It is uneventful, which suits everyone just fine.

Kade is pretty insistent on his hole in the ground being isolated. "Mushroom farming takes space. It's best if I get to digging on the outskirts. Won't do to go digging under folks' homes."

One morning, about 6 days after the ordeal with the Giant, there's a knock on Sanctuary's door, right in the middle of breakfast. Your guest turns out to be The Second Dinner Club's own Tiana Taithen.

"Sorry, sorry!" She says as she bursts in. She makes her way to the breakfast table, scoops a bowl of oatmeal out of the way, and dumps a load of scrolls on the table. "I've been busy. Did you know that Giant's skin repels all magic? You probably did, seeing how you fought it. Thanks for that, by the way."

She takes a breath.

"Anyway! I had an idea. The magic that powers that thing comes from the old magic of The Scab. It's the same magic that powered the Giant Tower that was...well, you know. Veselay and I have been wracking our brains for months trying to figure out how to restore the tower before giants come calling again. We thought we were on to something for a while, then that business with the bloodweed happened and it seems like everything got side tracked."

She casually starts eating the oatmeal she scooped out of the way.

"So look here," she says as she puts the bowl down. She unfurls two scrolls.

"Ok, these are readings I took using the Club's exocubic capacitor. It measures aetherovariation signatures. Over here, this is the readings we took months ago from the tower before the whole explosion thing." The scroll she points at contains a series of wavy lines and dots that mean nothing without a DC45 knowledge, arcana roll.

She unfurls another scroll. "...and here's the readings we get from the Giant." The two scrolls appear similar, but the lines on the Giant's scroll are much less wavy.

"You see where I'm going with this, right?"

Knowledge, arcana DC45, Highlight to display spoiler: {It looks like the Giant and the Tower's signatures are almost identical, but the readings are much fainter for the Giant. Probably because of the magic dampening exterior.}

Otherwise, you probably don't know where she's going with this.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Friday March 1st, 2019 3:00:45 PM
Succotash blinks twice and then says, �Could you try that again, but this time please speak in either Halfling or Common, oh and Please help yourself to some oatmeal�, He then turns to Miss Piggy and says, �Raw oats are better for you anyway�, to which Miss Piggy gives a squeal that clearly showes her disappointment.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP92 d20+17=20 ;
Friday March 1st, 2019 4:23:43 PM

Murphy responds to Kade that he can have his home in the ground as far away as 150' to the north of the north wall - perhaps along the eastern side. "There's no rule I'm aware of concerning where you can dig once about, say 30' below the ground. So if you want to dig out toward the north farther, and from there eastward or westward, that'd be fine. Trees and mushrooms often get on well together. I can plant and grow some. The bulk of the 360' by 150' north of the wall is for agriculture, maybe a few small buildings. Thinking of an orchard, and a mix of complementary crops. A few burrows.

Parsing Tiana Taithen
"It's great to see you, Tiana Taithen!" Murphy says sincerely as she takes a breath. As she goes through her explanation, he says, "So, you're the expert here. 'Exocubic capacitor.' 'Exocubic' means - outside of the cube? Outside of the box? 'Capacitor' has something to do with - capacity? How much - whatever - something can hold?

"'Aetherovariation signatures' - That deals with differences in the aether? That is, with how it looks, or its varying features, or levels of energy or waviness of the waves it gives off??

"Do these different size wavy lines and dots have anything to do with that? You and Veseley are used to dealing with these things all the time. We need your help to get up to speed in what you're saying."

It is so good to see her in her right mind, and making apparent progress on the work of the Second Dinner Club.

Murphy is fairly knowledgeable about engineering, and so has a tiny bit to go on (Know: Engr: 20).

After Succotash comments on the food, he shouts toward the kitchen, "Great job on the oatmeal, Alouryn!"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24 d20+18=37 ;
Friday March 1st, 2019 6:31:27 PM
Talia tries to follow along, but she gets the sense, that, she still doesn't get it! [arcana check DC45:37]

On a side note, Talia wonders how the lady likes the oatmeal?

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Friday March 1st, 2019 6:33:56 PM
Bliss, back from Angel Springs and newly trained up, is sure happy to see how enthusiastic the arcanist is. "Miss Tiana, it sounds like good news. Sit and breathe and slow down though, please!"

He helps himself to some oatmeal, loading it up with raisins, cinnamon, walnuts, and fresh goats milk. And honey. Lots of honey. Then he looks around for bacon.

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) d20+12=32 ;
Friday March 1st, 2019 7:23:56 PM
(OOC do I need to roll something for the report or just state that he took the time to write it? Do I need to actually write the report IRL?)

(OOC there was no chance to roll a 45 on the check but I did anyway because I didn't think it through, I seemed to have a natural 20 if that means anything)

Jack would look through the scroll but there was little he could determine from them. "Seems a bit beyond me I'm afraid."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday March 1st, 2019 9:07:30 PM
"Um, excuse me miss, but this is the breakfast table. Seeing how you are a member of the Second Dinner Club and not a member of the Second Breakfast Club, I am going to have to ask you to move all of this to the dinner table. Thank you."

To Succo, Kezzem says "I think that was Gnomish. Everything she said, it was Gnomish to me."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes d20+8=15 ;
Saturday March 2nd, 2019 12:35:37 PM
�I presume you�re here to show me how the rest of the team feels about me, in which case you need a pithy remark in the pipeline.�

Pressi rifled through the graphs, trying to make sense of them. Harper began sniffing and pawing at Miss Piggy�s raw oats.

�When the towers exploded, half of us went hurdling through time and space to meet the other half, which still doesn�t make sense. But I always suspected there was more to the story than unrecorded advanced technology buried in the desert. May I presume you solved the one point twenty one gigawatt problem?�

DM Carl
Saturday March 2nd, 2019 2:18:27 PM
OOC: Nat 20 and Nat 1 mean nothing for skill checks. It's possible for a skill check to be either impossible to fail, or impossible to succeed.

***

Tiana smiles at Murphy. "Not one to just say you don't know, eh? Gotta try and figure it out? I like that. An exocubic capacitor absorbs small amounts of aether. It...well, it gets charged by it up to a certain point, then it drains out at a similar, rate." She grabs a piece of paper and she draws a two-axis grid, then a line that goes from left to right, rising rapidly at first, but tapering off towards the top. "Its measurements are logarithmic, not linear, so the math is kinda involved, but it lets us see an arcane signature, of sorts. If Hobie over there cast a spell by it and we recorded the results, then Pressi cast the same spell, we'd see two different signatures. We call it exocubic because its frame is shaped like a cube on the outside.

"...and yes, the oatmeal is very good, but I need you all to focus."

She places the two scrolls on top of each other, grabs a stone from her pocket, and casts a light cantrip on it. She looks around at Humble's Sword before deciding on Kezzem. "You! Hold these up!" She hands him the scrolls, instructing him to hold them up at arm's length.

She grabs the stone and shines it through the scrolls. The glowing stone is right in Kezzem's eyes. It's not bright enough to do any real damage, but it's not pleasant either.

"Okay, look here." She takes a pen out from somewhere and starts connecting dots and lines on the top scroll. "The signatures aren't identical, but they're so similar in so many places that it can't be a coincidence. I need to study the Giant up close, meaning from the inside...probably for a couple weeks."

She plops the stone back in her pocket. Kezzem will be fine once he blinks away the floaters in his eyes.

"Of course, I don't know my way around the place and would feel better not all alone. You've all spent time there, right? You can help me out?" She looks around expectantly for a bit, then looks at Pressi and asks, "what's a gigawatt?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Sunday March 3rd, 2019 12:45:44 AM
"Okay, I think I understand now," says Kezzem. "This has something to do with math, yes?"

"That's about as far as I got."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP92
Sunday March 3rd, 2019 8:54:36 PM

"Ah, that helps - starting to get an inkling of what you're saying. Just the merest inkling at this point," Murphy responds.

When it kicks in a little more that she thinks the Iron Giant may be key to helping to figure out how to... "You mean, you think the magic and technology of the Iron Giant may be key to helping to figure out how to fix the Giant Tower? Amazing. And it makes some sense."

He turns to the rest of the members of Humble's Sword. "So, what do you say? Can we help her out?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Sunday March 3rd, 2019 10:41:56 PM
Talia migrates back to her "spot" to make an accounting of her things...something is not adding up correctly.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 94, CMD 21; Pressi's Notes
Sunday March 3rd, 2019 11:20:58 PM
�Hmm, yes well I suppose I could return to that place of war machines, but... and I say this as the team necromancer... maybe it�s better to let things lie once in a while. The secrets of both the giant and the tower... they are secret for a reason.

�Ok, pointless gesture and warning made and undoubtedly ignored. If you want the entire team, I�ll be there. But I�m sure a couple of our greener members can show you around fine, and I�m just so busy at the moment... not wanting to.�

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Sunday March 3rd, 2019 11:31:44 PM
Talia, not sure she is getting these calculations correctly, turning around looking in the direction she came from, and knowing where the rough location of the kitchen is, points to that room and using message spell, asks Mister Murphy, "Where is the collective Humble Sword's gear vault? I have some items I would love to donate to "our" cause that I do not feel, I can use effectively going forward. "

It is Talia's intent to offload anything the group can use that is not directly related to being a Sorcerer. Mostly many of the items that she lugged around in her Handy Haversack. She frees up space, and add to the greater common good of the entire Humble Sword, Talia thinks to herself.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP92
Monday March 4th, 2019 12:31:12 AM

"Uh, Talia, you might want to join us at breakfast. Rather important thing happening here. We can discuss the gear vault over oatmeal."

When she gets there, he jots down quick directions to where he was thinking about setting up a place for communal gear within the huge rocky fortress at the center of the Sanctuary.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Monday March 4th, 2019 5:30:18 AM
Succotash says, "So you need a guide around the Iron Giant? Why didn't you say so in the first place". "Of course we'll take you, though I'm clueless as to what you are talking about, if it helps protect Humble's Ford, I'm in!"

Waking the Giant

Adventures in Babysitting

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday March 4th, 2019 11:11:59 AM
"Wait Press, since when are you a necromancer!" says Kezzem with alarm.

"Oh man, does this mean I have to start smiting you now?"

DM Carl
Monday March 4th, 2019 11:17:22 AM
Tiana breathes a sigh of relief. "Great! I knew I could count on you folks. I have to bring a lot of gear, so I'll need a few hours to put it all on the wagon. I'll be back a little after lunch so we can get moving!" She scoops up all her scrolls and bounds out the door, full of purpose.

The party has a few hours to pack up and get ready.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Monday March 4th, 2019 12:55:18 PM
Talia returns to the breakfast table and additional helpings of oatmeal. "Mister Murphy", says Talia when there is a break in the conversation, at the breakfast meeting with the wise sage; Lady Tianna; that has appeared before us to discuss the ramifications of the Iron Giant.

Humble Sword's Collective Gear Vault

When Talia is able to discuss openly her desire to donate a vast collection of her gear to the greater good use of Humble Sword, she explains to Mister Murphy that she is prepared to donate of all the following items:

Spiked Gauntlets;Pair -- Cold Iron & MasterWorked,
Alchemical - Antitoxin vials 3
Alchemical - Everburning torch 3
Alchemical - Holy Water 3
Alchemical - Oil 3
--------------------------------------
Candles 3
Canvas 3
Case (map/scroll) 1
Chalk 3
Compass (magnetic, directional) 1
Crowbar 1
Disguise Kit 1
Flint and Steel 1
------------------------------------------
Healer's kit 1
Ink 3
Inkpens 3
Parchment 33
Map Case (parchment) 2
Mirror 2
Rations (trail), halfling 14

Rope - hemp 50' 1
Rope - silk 50' 2
Sack (empty) 7
Sealing Wax 1
Sewing Needles 3
Shovel 1
Soap 1
Torches 3
Waterskins Sized small. 3
Whetstone 1
Whistle, signal 1
---------------------------------

"If of course, you believe you can use any of these items?" says Talia to Mister Murphy.

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Monday March 4th, 2019 3:59:53 PM
Jack would rise up and speak to Succotash, "If you got my bag of holding still, I am ready to leave now.

Abilities: bardic performance:13/13 Impromptu sneak attack:1/1 Tricky Spell:3/3
Spells: 1st 6/6 2nd 5/5 3rd 4/4

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 108/108 AC 27 Touch 19 Flat 21 CMD 29 Hero Points 6
Monday March 4th, 2019 4:07:40 PM
Hobie arrives at the breakfast meeting, wearing a bright new purple and green cloak. His buckler exudes a magical aura that it previously did not.

"Sorry for my absence of late, I really needed some time riding alone with Pip. I'm here now, and ready to go. I don't exactly follow all of what she's saying about the magic of the giant, I'm still a mere apprentice when it comes to the Arcane, but I'm definitely interested in seeing how we might use this thing to serve the town."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Monday March 4th, 2019 4:53:36 PM
Updating Header

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 d20+4=12 ;
Monday March 4th, 2019 7:02:51 PM

Bliss puts his Int headband to work and tries to understand the arcana being bandied about ... Int check 12.

"Well, I'm not sure what this is all about, but we always want to help the Second Breakfast Club," Bliss says. "So long as they are not betraying us and getting us sent back in time or to Koshe Marr!"

[OOC: PC Sheets for Bliss and for CatBliss are both updated.]

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP92
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 12:27:35 AM

Murphy looks at Pressi as she appears to temporize. "Are you feeling all right, Press?" he mentally messages her. "I thought we had agreed that getting the giant tower fixed was A Good Idea." He listens carefully to gauge her thoughts, mood.

He finishes jotting the note and directions to Talia, and listens to the interactions with his friends.

"Kezzem, no smiting of Pressi," Murphy mock-admonishes him.

As Tiana Taithen is scooping up her scrolls, and just before she dashes off, he tells her, "It took us an hour to acquaint ourselves with the Iron Giant, as superficially as we are, and another hour for cleanup and such. So, we could surely walk you through the place in maybe half an hour - since there won't be dwarfs or weird chaos monsters or semi-reliable gnomes or active constructs to battle. Not to mention oozes and shape-shifting machines. But setting up your machines - well, you're the expert on that.

"I'd be happy to join up with whoever else would like to show you about - unless I'm needed elsewhere. There's a huge gem at the heart of the Iron Giant which is - or perhaps who is - lovely indeed."

As she heads out the door, he calls out, "Sounds great. See you after lunch, Tiana." To his friends who remain at the table, he comments, "It's good to start a new task on a full stomach - except for swimming."

Murphy says to Talia. "This is a nice start to our group's supply center. I have a few things to add to it." [Will set up a sub-page on Woldipedia for Humble's Ford for these items, and others we add.] Before the group heads out Murphy finds a starter cubby hole for The Company Store in the rock castle and does something or other to obscure it from discovery. He tosses in a few more items in addition to what Talia turned in. This week he has been sorting through some of his own things, paring down and consolidating here and there.

"So, Hobie, looks like your buckler received some tender loving care. What did you have done to it? Nice cloak, too. Definitely moving up in the fashion world. You look somehow -- more robust. I take it time with Pippa was beneficial. Did I ever tell you about the time I tracked her for a few miles? An enemy spellcaster tried to burn down the tree she was standing under, and she managed to skedaddle. Was so relieved to find her. Lost another pony that day - might still be wandering the Red Hills."
-----
"Sounds like you might be busy. Anything I can help you with, Pressi, between now and lunch?" he asks.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 5:18:35 AM
Succotash Says to Zaragosa, "I still have your bag for you, I've never looked inside of it, not my stuff and all, but you know halfling curiosity...". He then dons his armor, and saddles and dresses Miss Piggy in her barding, thinking, "Just in case, better to be safe then sorry". He will then meet the other for lunch, and after that the departure for the Iron Giant.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 11:35:37 AM
Updated Header+Sheet for Review

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 1:23:05 PM
Jack would give an honest smile, "Bedroll, pillows, water skins, lanterns, tents. That sort of thing. Nothing mysterious, I'm just too weak to hold both bag-of-holdings"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 2:17:14 PM
Pressi smiled at Kezzem as she shrugs to Murphy. "I think he's being sarcastic. Or he really needs to read up on what a reincarnation ceremony entails."

Regarding the giant: Let's just say that before I renew my commitment to a construction project, I'd like to see the bill. Call it an abundance of caution.

She pauses a bit, considering what to message.

I think people have noticed I talk a bigger game than I let on. I rattle the chains and cackle. I speak freely of the evil powers I could unleash upon the world. I stand ready to fight. But this stuff takes a toll on me. Dragging blood from the ether just so I can cast a cantrip takes its toll. And to see these supernatural elements arise once again...

I don't know if its a tighter connection to nature than when I was just a monk, or if its my paranoia getting to me, but I really regret not pushing harder to bury that thing back into the desert. I was done with it. And I can't shake the feeling that there's a cost to learning from it.

Pressi stood up, checking her gear. "Aside from the daily rituals of Bliss and myself, there shouldn't be an issue. I will gladly meet everyone at the site."

----------------------

Not much has changed for Pressi. A few additional ingredients, a couple of more spells, a gem for trapping souls (looks like the last one I encountered, she thought), and an ability to charm people as an SLA or to use the healing ritual - she anticipated some fights with Bliss over the last one.

Pressi grabbed the drop of blood handily (no fail with the roll), saddled up Harper and rode out.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 4:06:58 PM
To Murphy: "Oh nothing too special, just got it enhanced a bit, Prowler too. This though, this is fun."
As he says that he waves his new cape in the air.
"This is a Cape of the Mountebank. Once per day, I can use it to cast Dimension Door. So now if I see a nice cliff or vantage point at the beginning of a battle, BAMF!!! I'm there. Or if a nasty bad guy gets in too close so I can't use my bow, BAMF!! I'm gone. I'd show it too you, but I'm not so sure this day is gonna end without us seeing some danger. Remind me before bed."

"What about you? Buy anything fun with your funds?"

DM Carl
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 4:49:34 PM
Pressi wonders for a moment about past judgments, but when push comes to shove, she'll back her team.

True to her word, Tiana can be found on the outskirts of town. She stands waiting with a mule-pulled cart laden with obscure arcane equipment.

"All here then? Great!" She casts a mount spell, conjuring a pony into existence, then mounts up and begins the short journey.

The Giant is, of course, right where you left it. It still kneels with one arm on the ground, providing a ramp up to the Giant's face. The wall of force that acts as a windshield was restored before Anur took off, meaning the only obvious entrance is still in the right heel.

A few of the bolder citizens of Humble's Ford are already here, checking out the Giant. None seem to have worked up the courage to go inside, though. When Humble's Sword arrives, there's a flurry of excitement.

"Hey! Humble's Sword is here!"
"Hail the Giant Slayers!"

and of course...

"CAN WE HAVE A TOUR?"

A good half dozen folks all wait breathlessly for an answer. Tiana pulls out a leather folio and a pen. Fun fact about Tiana: she talks out loud when she writes.

"Entry one. Time of day: 1 hour past mid-day. Day of the Cat, Month of Beginnings, Year of the Spider." She pulls out a small box with a wire frame, probably the exocubic capacitor. She takes a blank scroll, places it inside the box, and waves it around the Giant's exterior. After a moment, she pulls it out and observes it.

"Aetherovariation signatures identical to readings taken inside Second Dinner Club tower. Proximity to Giant has not affected readings." She takes out a small ball of bat guano, casts her spell, and hurls the glowing red ball at the Giant. Nothing happens when it makes contact, other than a ball of bat dung falling to the ground.

"Confirm magic dampening effect of Giant's exterior. Readings from exterior of Giant likely compromised." She closes the folio and puts it away.

"Right. So how do we get inside?"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 5:53:21 PM

Bliss stands up to talk to the people. "HI EVERYBODY! MAYBE WE CAN DO TOURS LATER! FIRST WE HAVE TO CHECK OUT THE IRON GIANT WITH MISS TIANA HERE. SHE'S AN EXPERT!"

He moves around the inner edge of the crowd, shooing people back from the giant and herding kids. He takes out his pot and uses it to call his four followers. And Pressi's if she does not mind. He asks them to come to the giant to handle crowd control when the party enters the iron colossus to show Miss Talia around.

"As soon as our friends arrive to handle the crowd, we'll take you in, Miss Talia," he tells her.

[OOC: Hope that's an ok use of followers. If not, sorry, can I take it back?]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 7:07:35 PM
"Hey, that's a neat trick!" says Kezzem as Tiana casts mount. "I can do it too, sorta."

"Rumpus-chu, I choose you!"

Kezzem summons his mount.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27, HP 94/94, CMD 24
Tuesday March 5th, 2019 10:04:37 PM
Additional Gear for the Humble Sword Collective Cache

Talia also adds to the list of Humble Sword items, explaining to Mister Murphy, "Now that I am capable of more advanced feats, I have decided to leave these additional items with the group. They are:

Wand of Cure Light Wounds 50 charges. (10 charges used on 12-17-2018 by Mister Murphy)
Mithril Buckler +1
Scroll of Haste 3x

I hope the group can use them!"

Afterwards

After Talia finishes with her donations to the Humble Sword Collective Cache and having sleep enough in the past 24 hours (needed two hours) to regain her spells slots, Talia casts Overland Flight on herself, and leaves a few items behind with Rayya -- the explorer coveralls from the explorer outfit she previously purchased, then magically changes the design of Bill's Splendid Pants O' Plenty to a nice shape of long flowing kilt in the color style of plaid with a distinct pattern woven with blues, reds, a green strip and were the lines cross, purples.

She then sets out to rejoin her companions at the Iron Giant.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Wednesday March 6th, 2019 5:04:12 AM
"I just spent a big sack of coins on upgrading my Ring of Protection, and my Amulet of Natural Armor. I did pick up a Wand of Cure Light Wounds, thinking everyone else is so generous with theirs, it's my turn to share", Succotash answers Hobie. "That cloak thing is pretty sweet", He adds.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP92
Wednesday March 6th, 2019 5:05:40 AM

Murphy waits until Bliss's crowd management skills kick in and get the people moved back away from the giant. Then he tells Tiana, "Like this." He opens the back of the right heel, and steps through.

[Next few days my posts may be sparse. Highly busy elsewhere.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday March 6th, 2019 11:43:48 AM
Pressi calls up her followers and joins Bliss in crowd control.

As Murphy shows Talia the way in, Pressi looks at the leg once again. It feels so long ago, the last time they entered into the giant.

"You haven't really explained to us where in the giant you want to go or what we are looking for. Are we looking to figure out what this thing is made of? Or is there a specific component you have in mind?"

DM Carl
Wednesday March 6th, 2019 4:59:41 PM
Bliss addresses the crowd and summons his and Pressi's followers to escort them all back to town. There are a collection of groans; the crowd is obviously disappointed. Still, they go, kicking rocks and hands in pockets.

Kezzem also has a horse.

Talia finishes up her pet project, then joins the party at the Giant.

Succotash and Hobie compare purchases

Murphy shows Tiana the entrance. She continues writing as she walks. "Note: entrance to the Giant is located in the heel of the right foot."

Pressi asks what she's looking for.

Tiana pulls out the scroll she just made. "I'm looking for whatever is giving off this aetherovariation signature. It would be a very potent source of arcane energy. Maybe you've seen something like that in there?" She walks inside, writing as she walks.

"Entry foyer...unremarkable. Seriously...the grand, magnificent Iron Giant has this broom closet for an entrance? Who designed this?" She walks through and opens the interior door leading to the rest of the foot.

"Woah. This is more like it. What are these conduits on the wall for? Did you ever figure out what the circle over there does? Hold on, let me get a reading." She starts fiddling with the exocubic capacitor again. "Think some of you can start bringing all that equipment in? Careful though, some of it's fragile!"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 d20+4=22 [originally rolled a 32 by accident, typo fixed with my super ACDM dice editing powers]
Wednesday March 6th, 2019 7:41:00 PM

Bliss is pleased to be of use, and helps carry equipment in careful like.

"Of course, we found out a-loads of stuff, Miss Tiana," he says. "Ask Mister Murphy for details, but there's sure a metric crap-ton of unusual magic making this beastie walk."

He explains what he can (Int check 22, woo hoo), and maybe he actually has noticed a thing or two.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday March 7th, 2019 12:07:52 AM
"What's an aethero-whatis and how will I know if I see it?" asks Kezzem. "Hey, we're back in giant. Maybe if I load up on Int gears I can understand what's she's talking about."

OOC: I'm picturing Kezzem with three Int gears like that scene from the Hangover where Zach Galifianakis is counting cards at the blackjack table.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Thursday March 7th, 2019 5:16:01 AM
Succotash offers to help carry equipment, and carefully does so, placing the items where directed. He then says, "Unless I'm wrong, the most powerful magical area would probably be Madam Gem. Maybe we should go there first".

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP92
Thursday March 7th, 2019 7:25:14 AM

Murphy assists in loading the equipment. He listens to as much of what Tiana is saying as possible.

"I came in a different way. Did someone figure out what the circle does that Tiana is asking about?" the druid asks the rest of the team.

"The conduits - The Encompassing Mind said something about a ... network of conduits. Did she say 'network'? Something like that. Messages, energies, magic, what-have-you are carried throughout the Iron Giant via the conduits. They have alloyed metals for various purposes, and gems for others."

He shows her a few gears, and since they are back within the giant, he places the three he ended up with on the bracers on his left arm. He also shows her a few gems, to further distract the sorcerer/mage/sage.

BTW - Murphy thought about the following last week, but when it was in Kim's mind, he was away from the keyboard. That is: We return all the gears and gems to the Iron Giant as we enter. - Talia was point on storing them, and Murphy knows where - so, we brought them along. One guardian construct, which Murphy elemental hulked over to the team's rock castle, lies in a room within that castle, with the PipeLeafs (Hugo and Primula) having been invited to take a good long look at it.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday March 7th, 2019 1:12:19 PM
�In all fairness, I�m pretty sure this is the back entrance. We just never figured out the front.�

Pressi takes some time to explain levitation, the orbs, the constructs and a few other places. To Succotash, �I�d rather take her to the control panel at the waist first, get our bearings at least. Though you�re right that we need to go there too.�

Pressi is not an equipment lugger, but she will use her skills to help set things up or operate them. She also starts operating from her notes to point things out. �Hopefully, you can forgive my technical ignorance. Knowing of the arcane was never my strong suit, especially all this construct and crystal stuff.�

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90
Thursday March 7th, 2019 2:55:41 PM
Talia helps where she can...

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP104 d20+7=13 ;
Thursday March 7th, 2019 3:38:48 PM

"A few people said the heel is the only entrance. However, we learned that the area along the eyes - the faceplate - is some kind of transparent force field, which can be opened from the pilot's seat. Bliss went out through it, and later came back in through it.

"Oh, and here is the cloak Ix used for teleportation - it only works within the giant, as far as we understand." Murphy puts it on to see if he can sense how it might work. "Also, a little control box for controlling the constructs that he used."

He thinks about the place on the leftward side of the groin, just above the left thigh, and tries to see if he can activate the teleportation cloak. [UMD 13]. If it works, then he messages Pressi as to what just happened, then begins hustling back on foot. If it does not work, he scrunches his face a little, and says, "This cloak doesn't work for me yet. Might need attunement. Or something." He then hands it off to someone else if they want to try the teleportation ability.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Thursday March 7th, 2019 3:46:09 PM
Hobie laughs and pats Kezzem on the back.

"Kez Kez Kez, before you go grabbing gears, let a superior mind explain some simple math to you. If you use three INT gears, each one gives you +1 to INT, or +3 in total. If you use one INT gear, one Dex gear, and one STR gear, each one will give you a +3. Either way, you end up with +3 INT. Unfortunately, even with the three gears, that math might be too difficult for you. Why don't you guard the entrance while the intellectuals discuss the aetherovariation."

Hobie will chime in throughout the conversation as Pressi and Murphy explain most of what they discovered, he will fill in details where he can.

DM Carl
Thursday March 7th, 2019 5:06:00 PM
Bliss is happy to lend a hand. He advises Tiana to ask Muprhy for details, using scientific terms such as "crap ton" and "beastie".

Kezzem tries making himself smarter, but even with all three gears he's just at above average intellect. That's ok, he makes up for it in other ways.

Succotash correctly points out that the most powerful magic aura is the gigantic pink gem in the heart of the Giant.

"Yes, Succotash. I think I would very much like to see this gem."

Murphy does a thorough job explaining what they've learned about the inner workings of the Giant. She asks for a few gems and gears to experiment on, but otherwise seems intent on finding the source of what she's detecting. He tests out the cloak, and finds it works intuitively. He can easily poof himself around the Giant. It's crazy useful. The little control box Ix used is another matter. Murphy can't make heads or tails of it. The controls are too simple to account for all that Ix could do with it. There must be an angle he's not aware of.

Hobie reminds Kezzem of how the gears work, then gently suggests he let the grown ups speak.

Pressi theorizes they haven't found the front door. She offers to take Tiana to the control panel on the waist-level. Though, unless your DM is thinking of something else, it's more of a remote surveillance system than control system.

The party ascends. They cross the catwalk room their first big fight was in. Hobie took care of the bodies, but it's still a little bloody. It could use a good scrub. Reaching the mirror, it appears deactivated. Pressing icons 3, 1, 4, 7, and 8 still activates it, letting everyone use it.

Tiana starts fiddling. She presses the hammer, which brings up the view of the pink Heart of the Giant. "Is that what I think it is? It's bigger than I thought it would be." She reaches out to touch it, but touches only mirror. "Just for viewing, then. Still pretty neat." She takes a reading with the exocubic capacitor. "Doesn't look that any signatures it gives off travel through the mirror either."

Then, she presses the furnace, which shows a small room surrounded by pink gemstone. "What's this? Is this inside the other gem we just saw?" She flips back and forth between the two views. "It sure looks like it. Did you guys ever figure out what this view is of?"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP104
Thursday March 7th, 2019 6:02:46 PM

Prior to their arrival at the viewing area, Murphy lets all know what he just discovered about the ease of use of the cloak, after blinking away and returning after maybe 45 seconds. He offers to let someone else in the party experiment with it if they'd like. "You want to give it a try, Talia?"

"Looks like it," Murphy concurs as Tiana speculates as to what the small room surrounded by pink gemstone might be. "No, I don't think we did figure that one out. There are certainly more things to be discovered. Helps to have another set of eyes, plus your arcane expertise."

He tells her about the controls in the lower left foot/ankle area.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Thursday March 7th, 2019 10:40:25 PM

Bliss looks around and wrinkles his nose. "It's funny, heroes don't generally have to go back into the dungeons after the adventure is over."

"Well, this will not do."

He casts an Unseen Servant, plus prestidigitations, mage hands, and create water.

"It is time to clean up this place." He gets to work, especially where there is blood.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Friday March 8th, 2019 4:49:49 AM
"Whoa, are you saying that the inside of Madam Gem? Succotash exclaims. "I wish we could get her running again, I miss her". As Bliss is doing a little spring cleaning, Succotash jokingly says, "Hey Bliss, you missed a spot!"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Friday March 8th, 2019 12:06:54 PM
"No we didn't figure that out, but we should now, what do you think about it? I wonder if we can find a way in there."

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Kim for Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Friday March 8th, 2019 2:36:37 PM

Jack pitches in to help Bliss with the cleanup, casting the prestidigitation cantrip multiple times. "Hey Succotash, since you spotted the spot, it's on you to clean it up!"

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90
Friday March 8th, 2019 4:48:20 PM
Talia, reaches into her haversack pulling out a small bag and handing it to Mister Murphy saying, "Here, you might need these here." Inside are:

Gear of Constitution | Special bonus +3 to constitution
Gear of Dexterity | Special bonus +3 to dexterity
Gear of Wisdom | Special bonus +3 to Wisdom

"I meant to leave them, but forgot, good thing I didn't!" says Talia. "As for the cloak, sure I'll give it a whirl!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday March 8th, 2019 4:53:39 PM
Pressi shrugged at the mention of missing certain rooms. �With all due respect, we were rather on the clock. And Ix was rather concerned with security in other areas.�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday March 8th, 2019 7:05:32 PM
"Well, give me two of those Intelligence gears at least," says Kezzem. "And Maybe a Charsima one too just in case something needs smiting." He looks at Murphey. "And I'm not talking about Pressi."

OOC

As per DM Carl: Wearing the gear on your upper arm grants a +1 to CON. There are other gears out there for the other 5 attributes. Each gear ups the bonus for all of them. For example, wearing gears of CON, INT, and STR grants +3 to each. Gears of the same attribute stack, but do not add an additional bonus. Wearing gears of CON, CON, and INT would grant +4 to CON, and +2 to INT. These are unique bonuses and stack with other enhancement bonuses from items like Belts of Physical Might and the like.

So 3 INT gears would be a +5 to INT (3 gears, +2 stacking), correct? So with Kezzem's base Int 10, there's no benefit of a third over two Int gear and a third other gear (let's say Cha). Of course, boost his Int means more skill points! Ranks of Knowledge (arcana) and Knowledge (engineering) would matter more than the simple Int boost.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Friday March 8th, 2019 8:57:44 PM

"Ah, thanks, Talia. I thought my third one was for Strength, rather than Dexterity. You have the Strength one I was using before? That way, I end up with strength, con and wisdom," Murphy says. Then he adds, "So, Talia. You just going to stand here admiring the cloak? Or are you going to try actually teleporting elsewhere in the giant, to see how it works?"

Murphy points his index finger and middle finger twice toward his own eyes, then the same two fingers towards Kezzem, then repeats the gesture again. Then, he gives him a wink.

DM Carl
Friday March 8th, 2019 11:58:52 PM
Murphy is pleased to discover how useful the teleportation cloak is. Pity it doesn't work outside the Giant.

Bliss starts cleaning up the mess he made.

Succotash misses the Encompassing Mind. He and Zaragosa trade barbs.

Hobie notes they never found the area visible in the mirror. Pressi correctly notes they were on a mission to stop Anur from destroying Humble's Ford, not site-seeing.

Talia produces the gears in case anyone needs them.

Kezzem still wants to be smart.

OOC: Gears each give +1 per different gear worn. Wearing 3 INT gears gives +3 INT. Wearing 2 INT gears and one CHA gear gives +4 INT and +2 CHA. The +4 is the highest possible bonus. Do note any skill increases as temporary.

Tiana seems to be done investigating the mirror. She looks down the hole that leads to the left leg of the Giant. "Why's it so dark down there? Everywhere else is pretty well lit. Anyway, which way to that big gem?"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 d20=11 ;
Saturday March 9th, 2019 1:10:42 AM

"Some sort of negative power shape-shifting chaos critters were guarding this leg. They didn't like light, it seems. They and the dwarfs had a rough d�tente. 'You stay down here, we'll stay up here.'

"What were they called?" Murphy asks. "Hope they haven't grown back. Should we check it out, just to be sure?" he asks the troop.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Kim for Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Saturday March 9th, 2019 1:21:43 AM

"Bedlams!!" Jack calls out. "They're called bedlams - creatures of pure chaos. Nasty."

He pops his head around the corner. "They really whacked on Succotash. His bravery in the face of such monsters was amazing to observe. Instead of turning tail, he kept on whaling right back against them. Of course, pretty much everyone else helped out, one way or another."

"Also, Murphy, sorry to correct you - but theirs is not negative power. It's chaotic power."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday March 9th, 2019 5:06:11 PM
"Yeah, the sucked," says Kezzem. "They zapped us lawful types good, and yes, even I think it's weird that I'm somehow a lawful type now."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Saturday March 9th, 2019 9:02:52 PM
As Tiana moves around this secure area, paranoid thoughts run through Pressi�s head. Once upon a time, they trusted another member of the second dinner club named Garron, the one that gave her this body. Before that, scandals erupted regarding the use of giant essence. And before that, there were assurances that the tower wouldn�t explode and rip the fabric of time and space.

Her new SLA began to burn a hole in her fingers. Surely if detected, Tiana would understand Pressi was just doing her job.

Instead, she fingered �absent minded� her holy symbol, the one that glows upon detecting lies. �What exactly do you plan to do upon finding a match? Are we extracting parts or just taking readings? And what is your end goal in all of this?�

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Sunday March 10th, 2019 12:24:01 PM

Question: What does 'SLA' stand for? I can think of about ten things, but really have no sure idea.

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Sunday March 10th, 2019 3:07:22 PM
Jack would clean up what he can, either with his hands or spells. He mainly stays out of Tianna's way

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Monday March 11th, 2019 5:14:34 AM
"Yes indeed, those bedlams were a formidable foe", Succotash says as he shudders at the memory, "Good thing I can heal myself, and that we have so many potential healers in our party, thank-you all by the way, or I would have been a goner!"

As he and everyone is reminiscing, he watches Tianna, to see if she needs any help in the form of heavy lifting, and is prepared to lead her and the others to the Encompassing Mind.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Monday March 11th, 2019 5:32:25 AM

"Yes, Kezzem also proved stalwart when faced with so formidable foes to law," Murphy concurs.

The druid awaits the response of Tiana to Pressi's query. If all seems well after that, then he comments, "So, I have not heard any votes for descending again into the darkness of the left thigh - so, it's upward, then, out of the groin into the next stage of the lower torso, and thence up through the abdominal sectors until we reach the heart?"

If that seems to be the consensus, then Murphy heads up that direction. When they get to the room where they fought the dwarfs, Murphy says, "Hmm... more cleanup needed, I suppose."

DM Carl
Monday March 11th, 2019 1:25:25 PM
The party reminisces about the bedlams. Succotash and Kezzem both probably have some lingering pain from their strikes.

Pressi asks pointed, appropriate questions. (OOC: Yea, what's an SLA?)

"Well, if my hunch is right, the magic powering this Giant is the same...type...of magic that powered the tower before it exploded. Even if that proves true, I have no easy way of channeling that energy into the tower. It's not as simple as putting some in a bag and walking it over to the tower. I'm hoping there's a mechanism in this thing that will help me...us, power up the tower again.

"You folks mentioned something called 'Madam Gem' just a few moments ago. What exactly are you talking about?"

She moves as she talks, heading up the ladder to the floor above where Shan was cut down. There's more blood here, plus a sticky, smelly residue from the oozes. Tiana covers her mouth and does her best to step around the mess. "I knew you had to fight your way through this Giant to save the town, but seeing it first had is...unsettling. I don't have the stomach for your line of work, but I have to say I'm glad you're around to do it."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday March 11th, 2019 1:52:40 PM
SLA = spell like ability. In this case, I'm talking about the WLA feat making charm person a spell she can cast as a spell like ability as opposed to using her slots, but she has a couple of others through class features.

The takeaway is that she's weighing various abilities in case she has to take Tiana down, grill her, control her, etc.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Monday March 11th, 2019 2:09:13 PM

"Thirty-two years does seem an awfully long time for this massive machine to start up again," Murphy says. "'Madam Gem' is one of our nicknames for the huge dual-voiced pink gem. She - they? - she calls herself the 'Encompassing Mind.' One voice is generally courteous. The other voice is acerbic. The two together do a decent job of explanations and giving two-sided reactions to things. After earlier threatening us (as the Encompassing Mind figured we were threatening her and hers), she later expressed gratitude for our help - and taught us how to shut her down, so that we could make it up the rest of the way through the upper body in order to confront the pilot." He scratches his nose. "She forgot to mention the start up time. We figured - well, I figured, maybe a few minutes to a few hours, considering the complexity of it all. No doubt there's some way to speed things up, but that will surely take some fiddling around."

"Oh, my. This will take quite a bit more cleanup." Murphy gives a brief explanation of what happened on this floor - the negotiations over tea ("Pressi can tell you more about that"), the impasse, and combat - and Ix's two-sided role in the whole thing.

"I wonder if we need to get some help from some of the townspeople to help get this place cleaned up?" he says to the team.

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 d20+10=28 ;
Monday March 11th, 2019 2:36:42 PM
Talia wonders what the group will find in the remains of the Iron Giant now that the Encompassing Mind is rebooting and the "power" is off!

"Did I miss anything, Mister Murphy?" asks Talia. "Miss Tiana, what are you looking for exactly?" in her most diplomatic of ways.

[Diplomacy Skill check: 28]

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Monday March 11th, 2019 5:02:29 PM

Bliss travels with the group, urging his unseen servant to come along too. There's just so much to clean up in here.

He picks up his staff-sling, loops the sling around his wrist, strikes a "magical" pose, and waves the staff part with one hand.

"Scourgify!" he declaims in his most magical voice.

"I just got this thing enchanted," Bliss says. "Did that work?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Monday March 11th, 2019 5:05:25 PM
Hobie wasn't there for the party's previous beef with the second dinner club, and didn't have an immediate distrust of Tiana, but he's been watching Pressi who seems really to be untrusting, which is putting him on edge. Hobie is at this point following along and listening, but half watching Tiana and half watching Pressi, ready to spring into action if necessary.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday March 11th, 2019 5:49:51 PM
"Maybe we shouldn't be messing around with energy that makes things explode," suggests Kezzem. "Just a thought.

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Monday March 11th, 2019 7:22:56 PM
Jack's ears perked up at Kezzem's words "right-o, I think Kezzem is on to something with the not exploding. To be fair, I think this giant is too powerful for anyone to have, even us."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday March 11th, 2019 8:33:43 PM
Pressi thought a bit about what happened, that tea party that seemed so long ago.

--------------

A couple of days after the device had been shut down, sometime after the reincarnation ceremony, Murphy had come knocking on her door with flowers and mostly chocolates. Pressi may be an independent woman who can spend 20 minutes about why you shouldn't do flowers and chocolates, but she is still a Halfling woman. And Murphy made clear that he just wanted to talk, as adults.

They spoke for some time, flirted, discussed some fears, and at one point teased each other over who would win in a fair fight. (Like Pressi would ever fight fair, she chuckled to herself.) And eventually, Pressi found herself saying yes.

During this sit down, Pressi had filled in the details about what she and Shan had discussed during tea. The family relationships, the little she had gleaned about politics and religion, the refusal to budge as a soldier or a mother, even in the face of betrayal. (Tangents about familial relationships multiplied, but that's not really an issue here.)

It still weighed on her. She never truly expected to stare directly into such an emotional entanglement, to face challenge after challenge that could be solved by vulnerability.

--------------

"Uh..." she responded to Murphy's prodding to explain the tea party standoff. "I suppose I could go into more detail but aside from a few notes about the constructs and these medals and scrolls... I apologize, Tiana, but you've been coming off as uninterested in any of the stuff beyond the mechanics."

Not much is left as secret. Once Pressi revealed the scroll given to her and explained the personal connection, anything further struck Pressi as commentary. So she fills in anything she can, around what Tiana seems to want to hear.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Tuesday March 12th, 2019 5:29:57 AM
Succotash is more than happy to lead the way to the Encompassing Mind, he secretly hopes that Madam Gem will wake up sooner then expected, and hopes that their current actions will lead to that happening.

DM Carl
Tuesday March 12th, 2019 11:30:30 AM
Murphy explains the Encompassing Mind to Talia and wonders if they can hire a clean-up crew for the Giant. They should probably explore the entire thing first to make sure there aren't any other beasties hiding.

Talia asks Tiana what she's looking for. "Just looking for now, really. Won't know what to do until I find...something. Maybe this giant gem is something."

Bliss tries, but fails, to pull a Sorcerer's Apprentice. Maybe if he'd enchanted a mop instead of a staff-sling.

Hobie has some history to catch up on, but Pressi's unease is contagious.

Kezzem ponders not messing around with exploding energy.

"I wouldn't be much of a wizard if I didn't toy with magic that could possibly explode. All magic is potentially volitile." She casts a quick cantrip. "Looks like you're armed and armored in magic yourself, Kezzem." She smiles a little too smugly.

Zaragosa agrees with Kezzem, feeling the Giant is too powerful.

"Sure. Maybe it is, but I'm not here to fix the Giant. I'm here to fix the Giant Tower that keeps us safe from multiple annual giant attacks. A giant invasion may just be another fight for you folks, but the citizens of that town we all live in would surely appreciate not having the possibility looming over them."

Pressi doesn't have much more to add about her meeting with Shan, indicating Tiana doesn't care too much about it anyway.

"No need to apologize. You're right, actually. I mean, I don't want to sound ungrateful. What you people did was amazing, but I'm here about the Giant."

Succotash is eager to get to Madam Gem.

The trip up the Giant continues, leading right to the Heart of the Giant. Tiana's eyes widen as she takes it in. "It's one thing to see it in a magic mirror, but up close..." She quickly pulls out the exocubic capacitor again. "Hope I brought enough blank scrolls. I'll be taking a ton of readings over the next few days..." She places a scroll in the cube and walks around the gem, waving it about. After she makes a full rotation, she pulls the scroll out and looks. Her eyes widen. She pulls out another scroll and compares the two. She shrieks and does a little dance before composing herself.

"I was right! The aetherovariation signatures are identical! If we can channel it into the tower, we can reactivate it!" Her excitement diminishes a bit. "Of course, that's a lot easier said than done. How are we even going to get the Giant to the tower when every spell we cast at it gets absorbed. I'm going to need time. Probably several days."

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Tuesday March 12th, 2019 12:02:04 PM
Jack nods at this. "well I'll let you to it. I'll be about, cleaning here and there." More to Tiana he adds, "If there is anything mechanism or door you are struggling to manoeuvre, just let me know, I'll be around here somewhere."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Tuesday March 12th, 2019 2:18:06 PM

Bliss smiles as he cleans up the last of the mess and listens to the esoteric mage explain the fundamental mission and next steps needed.

"Okay, Miss Tiana, you mean you can use the Iron Giant to fix our protective Tower! But you need to get the Giant closer to the Tower. Got it."

Bliss thinks for a while. He suggests a plan.

"First, we build a scaffold out of huge logs. We add giant pulleys. With some elephants and dinosaurs we summon, we can lower the Giant."

"But before we do that, we make a huge sledge. It would have four runners, each one ten feet by ten feet. The sledge would have to carry the Giant, so maybe it has to me made of walls of iron say."

"We buy some Oils of Slipperiness and coat each of the runners. Then we lower the Giant onto the sledge. Then we use teams of horses and whatever beasts we can summon or call to pull the sledge to the Tower."

"How's that sound?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday March 12th, 2019 2:23:31 PM
"So this I'm sure is a stupid question, the answer of which even I can barely comprehend," Pressi began. "But can someone explain to me why you can't just take a sword and crowbar and just take this thing out? It all seems modular enough."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Tuesday March 12th, 2019 2:31:36 PM
"I wouldn't worry too much about having enough scrolls. I think we can handle that problem."

"I'm with Press, let's just take this thing out." He grabs his crowbar from his bag and moves toward the thing"

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90
Tuesday March 12th, 2019 2:42:18 PM
Talia, laughs at Pressi's suggestion about moving the giant to the tower..."Pressi, I think it would be easier with a wish spell!" giggles Talia.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Tuesday March 12th, 2019 3:25:22 PM

"No crowbars yet, Pressi, Hobie," Murphy admonishes. "Let's let Tiana do her figuring, first. Also, I think we made some sort of promise to the Encompassing Mind, no?"

"Say, let's make sure that no critters have moved back in here. Who is up to join me back in the leg of chaos? Let's verify it is safe."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday March 12th, 2019 8:17:53 PM
"Well, I have never heard of anyone blowing themselves up with a magic dagger," says Kezzem to Tiana.

----

"Well if we can't bring the giant to the tower, maybe we can bring the tower to the giant," suggests Kezzem.

"That sounded smarter in my head."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 d100=99 ;
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 6:18:49 AM

"Tell you what. Talia, could I borrow the cloak? I'm going to check on the dark leg. If anyone wants to come with, please do."

Murphy takes a quick look at the countdown clock on the side of the gem, then heads down, aiming for the dark leg.

[Lotto 99! - wrong place]

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 8:13:24 AM

Oh no! Mister Murphy is heading off on his own again.

"No you don't my friend! We ALL go with you!"

Bliss corrals the entire party into following Murphy into the dark again.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 10:03:48 AM
Succotash says, �Let�s let Twinklesting�s light lead�, then he steps to the front of the party, and leads the way to the dark leg.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 10:33:24 AM
"Why," Pressi exclaimed. "What does it matter if the monsters came back? Are we running pony rides down there? Keeping the bedlams from getting squatters rights? Is the latest Trump Golf Course down there, next to the Starbucks? Just because a creature exists in the world doesn't mean we have to kill it, even if its the unofficial team motto. We have a job up here, and the people leading the charge are the people who would normally tell me to keep the eye on the prize."

Pressi eyed everyone around. To Kezzem, "Personally I'd rather move the tower myself. I sometimes feel like the only one here who doesn't salivate at the thought of turning this monstrosity once again upon our enemies. This thing is enslaved by the controller, and it inevitably returns the favor. And yet the temptation to just push for a giant, without even asking what the cost might be, just keeps pulling at us all."

Turning to Tiana, "I think, though, that you're seeing the group decide they want to do something besides play museum tour guide. So unless there's something in particular that you want from us, something that you can't get from our notes and debriefing, it may be time for us to turn our attention elsewhere. Please excuse my bluntness and our impatience."

Harper began to crouch, tail waving slowly, behind Pressi.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 11:41:02 AM
Bliss giggles. �If a creature exists in the Wold, we have to kill it.�

�Sir Kezzem,� Bliss says, �You always make me laugh!�

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 8:04:44 PM
Talia says, "wait for me, Mister Murphy!" and flows her friend down the leg using her previously cast Overland flight spell!

"Does anyone have a light source for this leg? If not, I could help with it!" says Talia aloud.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 715/720 Minutes

DM Carl
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 8:24:53 PM
Zaragosa gets to work cleaning.

Bliss comes up with a complex idea, but could it work? There would need to be a lot of very strong logs, and even then...how would it not smash them? It's a ~250 feet tall iron giant. Steel would be more workable, but that much iron? Eesh.

Pressi ponders just taking the gem out. Hobie agrees. Tiana's face shows naked horror, but Murphy steps in and asks Hobie to leave the gem alone for now.

"Yes! Please do! Nothing about this place looks modular, and if we break it, I'm not sure we can fix it. I already have one thing I'm trying to fix.

There's talk about exploring the left leg again, but there's also some push back.

Whatever the party decides to do, Tiana gets to work. She sets up a small laboratory, then gets to work...

***

What happens next is up to you. If you want to explore the Giant some more, you can. If you want me to hand-wave to the next part of this module, I can. If there's no consensus, I'll go with majority rules.

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) d20+6=8 ;
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 9:08:07 PM
Jack does not get Pressi's references. He feels like he should know what a 'Starbucks' is but he does not. He tries, and probably fails, to bluff know the reference (bluff 8). "trump gulf, ha! good one, as for the crowbar thing, I would rather know more about it before messing around. Seems like this whole thing is dangerous and we almost lost our town already."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 9:13:34 PM
"I don't know, Press, but I findnit best to avoid those Trump golf courses," says Kezzem. "They attract all types of weird creatures."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday March 13th, 2019 10:41:02 PM
�Yeah, all I know about Starbucks is there�s one in my living room and I can�t get it out.�

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Thursday March 14th, 2019 2:09:01 AM

Murphy throws his hands in the air. "I know what golf is, vaguely. At least I've heard of it. A trump is a suit in a card game that will generally win against a non-trump card of otherwise equivalent value. In the music business, sometimes people will call a 'trumpet' a 'trump' - due to... it's faster to drop the final syllable, I suppose. Are there horses in the sky, which buck the stars? No idea. Does Starbucks have anything to do with Shakespeare, that fellow you told me about who writes plays, about whom I've never heard anyone else in Wold mention - although I really would like to see his plays, if there are as good as you say - and I don't doubt they are.

"But we still have a town to protect. And people FROM that town to protect. Who is to say, even if we say, 'Stay away - the Starbucks will get you!' - that some enterprising halfling lass or lad - or a whole passel of 'em - won't try to sneak in and find out what mysteries lie within the Amazing Iron Giant?

"Tiana needs to set up shop and get her tests running. Explain to me - if it's other than laziness - ANY good reason why we should not have a run through of the giant, to ENSURE that it is cleared out. And once we are certain that no spare critters that might hurt someone (other than us adventurers) are lurking about, then to more thoroughly map it out - figure out the conduits and channels for the... power and nervous system built in.

"Not all of us need necessarily to all bunch together after a full sweep. However, some of you have laid into me for trying things solo. Which is why now, for the third time, I Am Inviting Any Who Wish To Come - to join me in a security sweep.

"Another thing - I think we owe it to our community to grant them a well-guided tour of the place, once it looks secure. And the first ones on board should be: People willing to help us clean it up."

"So:
1. Joint Security Sweep.
2a and 2b. Then - select supervised cleanup crew, while some of us are mapping. (We want to be sure that visitors do not steal stuff from here - like in the calf and thigh of the right leg)
3. Then a celebration party with high muck-a-mucks and all.
4. And finally, after that - all except necessary personnel stay out so that work might be done.

"We can talk about what follows the security sweep. But for now, I'd like to request all hands who want to join in, to help us ensure the giant is secure. Those who don't want to participate, well, we'll let you know what we find, if anything."

He thanks Bliss, Talia, Succotash for agreeing to come. "Yep, Talia, I think we've got light. So long as there are no more bedlams down there, we should be fine -- unless there is something worse..."

Murphy sticks around for a moment to hear reactions. Then, unless a far more brilliant idea is put forth, he heads out to do the work with those who go with him, beginning in the left leg.

[Keep in mind that the left leg now goes from the hip directly or ever-so-slightly-off-vertical angled down toward the knee, then sharply doubles back to go towards the foot, either on the level, or slightly angled upward toward the heel, since the Iron Giant is kneeling, and the right leg at the foot ascends, then from the knee descends at an angle toward the hip.]

[Also, note that the party has yet to explore along the inside of the arms - at least one of which is angled down to touch the ground in front of the giant.]

[Finally: If it's okay with the rest of the gang and DM Carl: Can we assume we sweep the giant and, unless and until we find something new, weird, unexpected (or combat), you give us highlights and a summary?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Thursday March 14th, 2019 5:45:42 AM
Succotash is down with making a sweep of the giant, as he is uncomfortable with the idea of some civilian getting attacked while on a tour of the thing, but he really would like to try to get to the location they saw in the viewing screen of the inside of the encompassing mind,

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday March 14th, 2019 1:47:26 PM
Pressi moves on from strange bits she's been gleaning from divinations, and makes a mental note to move on from nightly Woldsblood, or at least in assuming people besides her have the ability to move on.

"We didn't just lay into you for flying solo. We laid into you because you have this tendency to forget the task at hand and focus on scouting for scouting sake. I asked you for the purpose. You gave me a hypothetical with a lot of assumptions, a crack about my laziness, and an assertion that I have to protect this town, with zero evidence, from the scourge of (shrug shoulders).

"It's not my job to be your mother. You want to go check out the leg, even by yourself, knock yourself out. I don't expect you to find much left, which is why I think its a waste of time. I also expect you not to engage or release it, given that its probably contained. If you need me, you know where to find me. Just be honest about why you suddenly decided to check certain things out, even if its just to yourself."

With that, she parks herself near the laboratory, keeping an eye on Tiana.

"Oh, and even if this giant has no dangers whatsoever, it still contains a lot of information and objects that can wander off and secrets that might be found. Not to mention information about how our group operates against foes. So, no, I don't think we owe the community a tour of what I'm treating as a classified site. But that's another argument."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday March 14th, 2019 2:04:27 PM
(OOC: Metawise, I'm operating under the assumption that at least one person should stay near Tiana, at least for expositional purposes. (And, on the odd chance that something does happen, to protect her.) I'm using Pressi's stubbornness in part to explain why she stays behind.)

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Thursday March 14th, 2019 3:28:25 PM
Jack also agrees to go along with the security sweep, that is if the humble ford won't mind him taking a break from cleaning up.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Thursday March 14th, 2019 3:35:08 PM
"I'll come along on a security sweep. If we run into one of those starbucks, you are gonna want my bow to protect you."

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90
Thursday March 14th, 2019 6:49:47 PM
"Ready when you are Mister Murphy!" exclaims Talia.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 715/720 Minutes

DM Carl
Thursday March 14th, 2019 10:16:17 PM
There are some fiesty words shared. Given the time, it probably makes sense to do a sweep of the Giant, even if not everyone is on board.

The final decision about what to do with the Giant looms, but there's time enough to figure it out.

***

I've been in the ER all day. Everything's fine now, but this post is all I have energy for. Tomorrow's post will include what's discovered in a sweep of the Giant. My apologies, friends.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Thursday March 14th, 2019 10:19:08 PM

Bliss turns on / casts his kitty shape, shield of faith, barkskin, and last of all, his new SLA Divine Favor. Then hops down into the dark with his friends, sniffing (scent).

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Friday March 15th, 2019 2:54:53 AM

"That was not a personal crack about your laziness," Murphy responds, "nor an accusation thereof, Pressi. It was addressed to the whole group - I suppose it was a crack of sorts, just in case someone were to have advanced it as a reason to avoid doing the work. We're really not a lazy assemblage of people, anyhow. You may prickle if you choose to at things I say - but if you take something personally that was not intended as such, I will tend to let you know.

"'Scouting for scouting's sake'? Nope. Scouting has a point. The point is situational awareness. Finding out if there are threats, or opportunities, so as to better prepare for or avoid danger, and so as to gain the benefits of good things we may otherwise have missed. But, 'I think I'll scout just because I'm tired of standing around'? That's not the case - although, I reserve the right to use it in the future, just in case," he smiles.

"Having someone partner with Tiana, should the need arise? Quite astute.

"And whether to have anyone take a look, once we're satisfied we know where things are? I think that at least a few folks that it might be sensible to include would be Constable Rosco, Mayor Bingo, Hazel and Alouryn," [original members of Humble's Sword, and now caretakers of our place,] "Hugo and Primula PipeLeaf, and my father. For starters. Oh, and of course Tiana's colleague in the Second Dinner Club, Veseley Vortence."

"Yes, Hobie, yes, I take your point indeed!"

"Great, Talia, Jack. Hi, kitty cat. You alive, Kezzem - wanna stay, or go on tour with us? I concur, Succotash - I'd like to be able to look inside the gem, too. Should be time for that, once Tiana's investigations - with Pressi and whoever helping out - prove fruitful."

He joins those setting out and explores with them the Iron Giant, toe to tip. From time to time he messages updates to Pressi.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Friday March 15th, 2019 5:51:30 AM
After making a complete sweep of the Iron Giant, Succotash is awed by the shear magnitude of the Iron Giant, as he sees and notices things he didn't take time for on his last visit, of course Humble's Sword was a bit preoccupied last time. He keeps Twinklesting in hand just in case something jumps out of the wood work, requiring her special kind of attention.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Friday March 15th, 2019 5:53:16 AM
Pic: what�s the range on that mindlink that Murphy and Pressi have? And what�s the cost? I was thinking maybe it could be advantageous to have Hobie do it with Roscoe, so the party can always be contact with the town.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Friday March 15th, 2019 8:00:14 AM

"Hobie - Telepathic bond is a fifth level divination spell," Murphy explains. "To make it permanent between two people, it costs 6,250 gold pieces. Once the bond is formed, it works over any distance - but not from one plane to another."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday March 15th, 2019 1:30:59 PM
(OOC: 6250 per person - we each had to put it on our sheet. In the case of an NPC like Roscoe, you'd probably be on the hook for 12,500, so decide if its worth it. We have it for combat or scouting scenarios, i.e. in a case like this where we split the party. If you are interested, you purchase it in the catacombs just like any other item.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday March 15th, 2019 2:46:55 PM
As the rest of the group moves out to explore the giant, Pressi continues to hang back with Tiana. Whatever she may think about exploration or Murphy's statements, she considers any further discussion... counterproductive at this time.

Hanging back in the corner, Pressi watches Tiana continue her experiment silently, while continuing to watch the room, fiddle with her backpack, scrolling through her cauldron... trying hard not to stare or let her guard down.

"I've been rather busy on my own projects, don't you know," she finally said to nobody in particular. "If you really want a challenge, try planning a druid-witch wedding where all the guests aren't naked. Can't be done."

She waits for a reaction before continuing.

"So, what exactly are you trying to test for? I thought we established what this thing was and that we need to move the giant before any other task."

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Friday March 15th, 2019 3:09:15 PM
Jack will join the others as they do their sweep.

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90
Friday March 15th, 2019 5:46:30 PM
Talia tries to stay a person or cat behind Mister Murphy....simply because she's a squishy.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 714/720 Minutes

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Friday March 15th, 2019 8:18:20 PM
Bliss meows as he sniffs in the dark.

He looks -- or smells -- or really, just listens -- for Mister Murphy. That fellow is always getting himself in trouble.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday March 16th, 2019 1:07:47 PM
Kezzem sings softly as the party sweeps the giant.

"Sweep, sweep, sweep,
All day long
Sweep, sweep, sweep,
While I sing this song.

Gonna sweep this giant,
Gonna make a climb,
If we find some bedlams,
Then it's smiting time."

DM Carl
Saturday March 16th, 2019 2:09:35 PM
And so, Tiana gets to work while Pressi keeps her company. Some of our party cleans, some explored the Giant. Pressi's comments actually get Tiana to stop for a moment in quiet contemplation. "That IS a conundrum. Maybe outfits made from vines and broad leaves? Not very witchy, but it should satisfy druidic sensibilities...wait, you're engaged? Are we going to have to have another party? We've had a lot of those lately. I'm kind of partied out."

When asked what she's testing for, she replies, "Mostly testing my hypothesis. If we do end up having to physically move this thing, I want to be sure I'm right before we do so. Imagine my embarrassment if it turns out we didn't need to move it after all that effort was expended!

"Also, trying to suss out just how we'd use the Giant's energy if and when we get it close to the tower. I have a hunch there aren't any mechanisms that allow that built in." She sighs. "I understand you did what you had to do, but this would be much easier if I could talk to this Encompassing Mind Succotash seems so fond of."

There are two areas of the Giant that were unexplored when Anur was defeated. No further critters are found, though. The Giant is, at least for now, cleaned out and secure.

One is the area just to the left of the Heart of the Giant. Inside our heroes find an armory of sorts. Spellcasters who check for magic find an array of battle axes and breastplates that are all mundane. They could probably be sold for some coin, but maybe they're better off as supplies for possible future crew? Guess that depends on the party's plans.

There is one magical item in the room. It is a long shaft made of wood. Picking it up, it's heavier than it should be, almost as if it's under the effect of an ironwood spell. At what we'll call the top of the shaft are three receptacles that are the same size and shape as the power crystals found throughout the Giant. The very top is shaped like a hexagon.

It's been quite some time since the players behind our party found it, but perhaps one of them recall finding a longspear blade without a shaft.

The other area that didn't get explored is the very top of the Giant. A small hatch can be found in the control room with one of those ladders that fold in three for storage. As soon as the hatch is open, a cacophony of bangs, clacks, and other metal-on-metal sounds pours out.

Up that ladder is the brain of the Iron Giant. The only source of light pours from the eye slits of the Giant and does little to illuminate the area.

Bringing a source light reveals a mechanical network of steam pipes, chains, and gears. Even with the Giant at rest, they constantly move. The functions of individual contraptions will take lots of study to deduce, and whomever does it will need ear plugs of a few silence scrolls because this whole place is painfully loud. Anyone who stays here more than a few minutes without protection risks temporary deafness or worse. Tinnitus is no joke, folks...

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday March 16th, 2019 2:44:35 PM
"WE SHOULD NOT STAY IN HERE!" shouts Kezzem. "I KNEW AN ARCHER ONCE WHO HAD TINNITUS, AND LET ME TELL YOU, IT IS NO JOKE!"

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90
Sunday March 17th, 2019 2:43:26 PM
Talia. not waiting for the consensus, leaves the tiny room to the others to deliberate over. "This place is not for me!" Talia mumbles to herself, as she softly decends out of the room using her casted spell Overland Flight.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 714/720 Minutes

(OOC: Any idea of how much time has past?)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Monday March 18th, 2019 5:23:32 AM
Succotash is satisfied that the Iron Giant is free from any threats at the moment, so he heads back to the encompassing gem, presumably with the others. Upon arrival, he asks, "Figure anything out yet, and do you know how we can get inside of the gem yet?"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 d20+17=31 ; d20+17=22 ; d20+17=34 ; d20+17=36 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=21 ;
Monday March 18th, 2019 6:00:52 AM

Murphy concurs with Kezzem and Talia. "Yeah - way too loud in there."

Once they are a suitable distance from the audio assault forces, the druid says, "My headband grants me skill in engineering. I propose a couple of us team up to get to know the mechanics of the chamber. Also, though I frequently mention pulling in suitable folks from the town to help us out in situations for which their skills seem appropriate, it seems there is occasional resistance to pulling them in" (or, perhaps the powers that be don't have time to address the matter).

"I think, though, that Hugh and Primula PipeLeaf might want to take a look at this. I already talked with them the day we stopped the iron giant about looking over one of the guardian robots. Also, I'd like to include my father, Samell, who has crafted many machines, and is just starting to design something he is calling a 'Ride-Around on Amazing Creatures Machine.'" He smiles, and adds, "My mother, Bekka Lilly, suggested instead he call it a 'Merry Go Round.'

"Anyway, how about having me and at least one other of us take an initial gander. I can sketch out various pieces and parts. We can watch to see how things interrelate. As needed, I can shape change into a tiny form to get to different parts. We'll want to take care that some bit of machinery does not catch on our limbs, hair or clothing to draw us into getting mangled.

"Who wants to help me out with this? And, if you think anyone else in town might have knowledge, gifts or skills that could be useful inside - just let us know. Oh, and I've got some soft cloth for stuffing our ears so we don't go deaf. Or, develop tinnitus. I could find some clay - that'd likely do a great job. When we're done, Bliss Kitty can help lick out the excess." He watches for Bliss's reaction.

Murphy will get some clay - he's a druid, and has dug around as an earth elemental, and knows the town - should not be any big trouble to get that. He plans to use some thin tightly-woven fabric in which to place the clay so that it doesn't actually get stuck in the ears. He will test to be certain it does an adequate job of lowering the intensity of the noise.

"How about we have some lunch out on the grass, then get started in here?"

Murphy via mindlink with Pressi asks, "Shall we tell our friends about our engagement over lunch? Or when? How are you with letting them know? I don't know if discussing it in the middle of a huge metal bucket was the venue for it..."

Then, aloud, he asks, "Pressi, how does the, um, checking out the operational innards by a few of us sound to you?" He looks at the others, "And with you all?"

And finally, "And for you, Tiana, would you want Veseley, or anyone else, to give you a hand in here?"

[For when we get started: I rolled 4 Knowledge: Engineering checks of 31, 22, 34, 36 for starters. As well as 4 Profession: Artist rolls of 30, 21, 30, 21 for developing documentation of what we learn.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday March 18th, 2019 2:38:37 PM
"I don't think we're having a big party. We haven't even announced to most of the group or discussed whether we are telling anyone yet," Pressi admitted. "Guess we just had other things on our mind."

"Speaking of... if the encompassing mind is really that important, I'd be glad to run you up there and to the bridge quickly. You could at least poke around and get a better idea of what drives it. I think you underestimate how easily you could just tell it to go to the tower without destroying half the town. It was... not the easiest interface in the wold."

DM Carl
Monday March 18th, 2019 5:35:38 PM
Kezzem, Talia, and Murphy all escape back to the quiet of the control room. Murphy ponders bringing in outside assistance to try and gain an idea of how the Giant works.

...and why not? They have time. Tiana shakes her head when Murphy brings up Veseley. "He's pursuing his own studies. He thinks we can 'un-blow-up' the tower via chrono-distortion. I think he's a quack, but let him try. What's the worst that can happen...a lot, actually. A lot can happen." She stands. "Anyway, Pressi was going to show me the control center."

The two excuse themselves and head upstairs. "This is it? A dias, a headband, and a big window?" She scratches her head. "Doesn't seem that complicated."

Murphy and his kin have time to do some investigations. His trick with the cloth and clay works well enough; it's loud, but at least no one will go deaf up there.

It takes a few days, and Murphy spends a lot of time as a shrew, or some other small animal. A lot is going on behind the interior walls of the Giant. However, without the Giant being in motion, it's very difficult to test their theories. There are also some findings that defy explanation. For example, no one is able to find a direct powertrain from the brain of the Giant to its legs. Perhaps there is some mechanism that transmits instructions, without also transmitting power. A sort of...drive by wire situation. Without the Giant in motion, discerning such a system is nearly impossible.

That's not even touching on the divine and arcane energies that go into piloting the Giant.

Murphy no doubt has the patience and will to figure all this out, but one wonders how much time would be left to adventuring if he tried.

Succotash wonders if anyone's figured out how to get inside the gem yet. Your narrator suggests everyone go reread his last post for something important everyone seems to have missed.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Monday March 18th, 2019 6:55:40 PM

Mentally replying to Pressi, Murphy says, 'That's fine. We'll find a suitable time to let our friends know.'

"Oh, no. I don't want renewed chrono-distortion," Murphy replies to Tania's explanation. "We traveled for weeks following our own version of that. And that's when you and we got separated, and you and Veseley kidnapped, and... no. No, please."

At some point, likely during a break for a meal, Murphy brings up something to the group. "Talia found a silvery longspear blade among the junk pile in the middle level of the right leg, in the early stage of our Iron Giant visit. You wrapped it in cloth and placed it in your bag of holding." [Oct 14 2018 post] "Tali, you still have that? If so, can we see it?"

He then turns to Hobie. "You didn't happen by chance to have sold that to the Catacombs, I trust?" [Kim knows he did not, but Murphy is just checking to make certain.]

Should Talia produce the spear blade, he asks to see the wooden ironwood-ish shaft that was found in their latest explorations. He looks at the opening at the base of the longspear blade to see if it is hexagonal in shape, to match the head of the shaft "So, what do you all think? How about we place the spear blade over the end of the shaft, and populate the three receptacles with power crystals?

"Who wants to put it together?" Murphy asks his friends. "I wonder if it might be a key of sorts? Or just a super-arcane weapon? Or both?"

He mentally asks Pressi, 'You suppose it might help open the Encompassing Mind gem?'

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 d20+13=30 ;
Monday March 18th, 2019 7:17:37 PM

Bliss ignores Murphy's rude comment about ... licking! Bleck!

He does have fun pouncing on little rodents he sees scurrying about, catching them with his (nonlethal) bite. Wait, that's you, Murphy? Oops!

After the whole place is secure, he changes into a halfling and watches Murphy with the ironwood shaft. "Here, let me try that," he asks. He puts in some power crystals and tries to use his UMD to "activate blndly."

"ROOTAH ... VOOTAH ... ZOOT!" he declares, waving it around.

He taps it on his heels and says softly, "There's no place like Humbles Ford."

He points it at a wall and says, "Abracadabra!"

If that does not work, he says, "I mean, 'Avada Kedavra'!"

He looks around for a hexal place to put it into, and tries that all again.

Use Magic Device check 30 WOO HOO!

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 d20+18=24 ; d20+18=28 ;
Monday March 18th, 2019 7:31:48 PM
Talia using her overland flight spell goes back to the room with the heavy magical staff. It is a long shaft made of wood. At what we'll call the top of the shaft are three receptacles that are the same size and shape as the power crystals found throughout the Giant. The very top is shaped like a hexagon.

Returning with the shaft, Talia also retrieves the longspear balde wrapped in a cloth from her Handy haversack. Showing the both to Mister Murphy, Talia vonlunteers to assemble the arcane device, if there are no other volunteers.

Talia, if allowed will place the long spear balde atop the spear with her Use Magical Device & her knowledge of the Arcane skillsets. Afterwards, she will place the three (3) gems around the blade into their proper recepticles.

[Skill checks | Knowledge Arcane: 24, UMD: 28]

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 710/720 Minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday March 18th, 2019 8:50:28 PM
"Hey, if it wasn't for that chrono-dis-whats-now, you wouldn't have met me!" says Kezzem. "Surely it wasn't all bad."

He pauses for a minute.

"You also wouldn't have met Press."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Monday March 18th, 2019 9:51:01 PM
Bliss scoffs at Talia, teasing. "Just a puny 28? You call that a UMD check! Ha!"

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90
Monday March 18th, 2019 11:21:43 PM
"Bliss, really?! Where's your Arcane knowledge? Just cause you have a lucky spike of using magic devices, you gonna tease me? Really?!" says Talia laughing....as Talia mumbles, furball...

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday March 18th, 2019 11:22:01 PM
"What's the kid talking 'bout now?" asks Kezzem.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 1:28:00 AM

"Valid points, Kezzem," the druid responds. "Excellent."

Murphy is amused with Bliss's playful efforts at activation and laughs at the banter between him and Talia.

"Say, folks. Let's take this spear contraption over near the Encompassing Mind. And look carefully to see if there is a spot where it seems to fit," he suggests. "But under Tiana's close oversight. Supervision. As in, she's the boss over us regarding Madam Gem for the time being."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+7=19 ;
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 4:44:26 AM
"I got someone else to call her Madam Gem!" Succotash giggles out loud, "But then it does sound less formal the Encompassing Mind" he says Encompassing Mind in a mock high and might tone accompanied by side to side neck movements coinciding with the syllables. He then goes over to check for anything that might look like a place to insert the spear. Perception 19

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Kim for Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 4:56:24 AM

"If you want someone with a steady hand to use the spear near the gem, then Hobie or I, maybe Bliss might be good candidates and are nimble. I think Bliss and Hobie are stronger than me, but I have rather good balance," affirms Jack, though with a blush to his cheeks to be making so bold.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 d20+21=22 ; d20+23=33 ;
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 1:10:48 PM
"Let me take a look at that thing as well Talia"

Hobie examines the magical spear, and it's auras, (Knowledge Arcana 22, Spellcraft 33)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 2:57:30 PM
There isn't much more that Pressi can do with the spear, except whack it against the side of the giant. She considers detect magic but remembers that the entire room gives off auras. (Of course, she could always take it outside....)

She does break out the true seeing for the spear and a quick look at some of the rooms (including the room with all of the noise, the madam gem room and the control room). For the noise room itself, she uses arcane eye to spy upon it from a distance, taking some time to look around.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 4:35:42 PM
Kezzem notices Pressi examining the spear. "Maybe you could try stabbing someone and see what happens," suggest Kezzem. "Um, you know, someone who is not me."

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 5:27:34 PM
Talia goes along with everyone else in trying to see if there is something here we can unlock.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 8:27:57 PM

At the beginning of the third day of examinations, Murphy looks to bring in his father, Samell Fingers Pastna Pipewood, having shown him his sketches the evening prior.

At the beginning of the fourth day, he sees if Hugo and/or Primula PipeWeed are open to taking a look. [to DM Carl - have those two yet taken advantage of Murphy's week-old invitation to examine the guardian construct that rests in a room in the stone castle of Sanctuary? I've not yet seen a response on the boards to that twice-repeated invite. If so, that could give them a head start as they look over the mechanisms of the Iron Giant]. He thinks that getting some of the more mechanically clever people from Humble's Ford to help take a look may help accelerate the accumulation of knowledge. As an inducement to join in, he also shows them some of the sketches, so that they'll have some idea as to what they are getting into.
============

"May I presume that we are not camping out here in the Iron Giant? I like to sleep in my bed when possible. Working here maybe 8, 9 hours a day does it for me."

DM Carl d20+10=17 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+15=33 ;
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 9:38:09 PM
OOC to Kim: I thought their presence was implied:

Murphy and his kin have time to do some investigations.

***

Murphy is not on board with poking the timeline any further. What are the chances of someone better than Kezzem coming along? Very, very unlikely to be sure. He ponders attaching the blade they found during their quest to this new shaft.

Bliss is all over it. He places some power crystals inside the sockets. As he does, he finds the sockets ever so slightly shift to accept them. They lock securely in place; Bliss can swing the shaft around as violently as he likes and they stay put. He finds it is trivial to remove then when that's his intention, however.

He goes through his checklist of arcane sounding words, but there's no reaction.

Talia gently relieves Bliss of the shaft and places the longspear blade on top. It fits perfectly with a slight *click*, and instantly any gems in the shaft begin to glow faintly.

OOC: For the sake of expediency, I'm going to say two red gems and one green are slotted.

Green energy begins to spark along the blade of the newly reconstructed longspear. Talia tries to safely coax a reaction from the blade. With a flash on insight, she realizes it has a ranged attack. Sure enough, a blast of green arcane power erupts from it, striking the wall of the Giant where is dissipates harmlessly. It's a good bet it wouldn't dissipate harmlessly if it struck an opponent.

One has to wonder if different gems have different effects. In their travels up the Giant, the party found a number of red and green gems, plus the three gems that made up the Encompassing Mind.

The spear is brought up the the Heart of the Giant. Succotash and Zaragosa check it over, but there is no obvious way the two interact. The surface of the gem is flawless.

Hobie asks for a turn and inspects the spear. It radiates very strong evocation and transmutation magics. The evocation magic's effect is obvious enough. Its transmutation effect is not.

Pressi recognizes her companions have addressed the spear properly.

OOC: Detect magic can still be used against a specific object as normal. The restriction was on using it to scan a space for auras.

She inspects the spear with true seeing. She discovers the entire length is shot through with arcane conduits that feed off the gems inserted. She also has a strong suspicion that the sockets themselves are somewhat mutable. While the spell is active, she heads upstairs and inspects the control room and the brain. The dais in the control room is surrounded by a field of strong transmutation magic. She probably remembers Anur fiddling with controls that weren't visible. The aura she seems correlates to the movements she remembers. Still, she is unable to see anything other than an aura, even with true seeing.

The brain itself is surprisingly light on magic auras. It appears to be mostly mechanical.

Murphy ponders sleeping arrangements, but the party is able to stay awake without food or water indefinitely while inside the Giant. Stepping out of the Giant after a prolonged stay finds one hungry, thirsty, and fatigued, but not unreasonably so.

Tiana takes full advantage. "This may be my favorite part. Sleep and I have been enemies for many, many years." She works day and night, literally.

After three days, in the middle of the night, a crash is heard from the bottom of the Giant.

OOC: Perception check was DC10, so let's just say everyone auto-passes.

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 9:53:24 PM
Jack would rise from his bedroll where he was staying every night in this giant. He was having a dream about slaying a giant, which was kind of funny due to his name.

Being a support fighter, He would wait to see who else would wake as he put his armor on before leaving to see what was below

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 10:23:42 PM

"What's that everybody! Wake up! Come on, Jack! Check it out!"

Bliss changes into a cat and pounces down to see what the noise is and what is making it. He activates his Shield of Faith as he descends.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 d20+30=33 ;
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 10:42:15 PM
Despite that one can work aboard the Iron Giant without hunger, thirst, or fatigue while within, Murphy decides that he still wants to get in a good night's sleep away from the giant, and have a late dinner and early breakfast, besides. So he commutes. He's a druid. Too much machinery makes him want to go back, check out the soil, the oaks, the bees asleep at night, say hi to his friends and catch them up a bit on what's going on, or find out what's happening in town, and pet his cat. As a result... he is likely at the Sanctuary, and sound asleep when there is a bump in the night at the Iron Giant.

He leaves the teleportation cloak with Talia and the three gems within the giant (he places them in a sack underneath the pile of assorted junk in the middle of the right leg) before he leaves each evening, then reclaims them each morning on his return.

As he sleeps, all of his gear is adjacent to his bed, so he can get up and go at a moment's notice.

[Sorry, gang, I'm not there with you at this specific moment. It's a druid thing.]

'the bottom of the Giant' = backside of groin area? Or the bottom of the right foot? Or along the left knee/shin/foot?
============
Perception: 33/10 - success :-) - but only in his dreams.

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 11:12:00 PM
Talia, although like everyone else recalls, within the Giant, sleep is not really necessary, she will meditate for two (2) hours to regain her allotted slots.

After the first night of meditation, Taila will continue with the two (2) hour meditate process everyday they remain in the Giant. Everytime Talia comes out of her meditation state, she will cast Overland Flight on herself.

On the third night after mediation and spell casting, Talia will await to see what the main fighters do and if the majority of them decend into the depths of the Giant's anatomy, then she will also decent keeping about a 20 foot space between herself and the main fighters. Before leaving, Talia asks Tiana what she might like now that the group is off to investigate the loud crashing sound eminating from the bottom of the Giants Leg?

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 720/720 Minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday March 19th, 2019 11:47:50 PM
Kezzem is napping despite not needing to sleep. Roused by the loud noise, Kezzem hastily adorns his armor and descends to investigate. He activates detect evil.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Wednesday March 20th, 2019 5:15:49 AM

Murphy dreams about putting all pink gems into the spear, aiming that at the Mother Gem, and trying to use magical device. Might that open her up?

He moves his left foot to pull it out gently from under the calico cat, who laid her body on the covers on top of it. She complains and moves to the floor.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Wednesday March 20th, 2019 5:33:43 AM
Succotash is loving the fact that he doesn't have to sleep, as a result, he has remained vigilant and armored the whole time, and since he hasn't used any spells, he is good to go. Upon hearing the crash, he springs into action. He draws Twinklesting as he makes a b-line for the sound.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday March 20th, 2019 2:21:34 PM
(If Murphy is spending every night outside the giant, Pressi probablly is as well, unless some particular duty keeps her there.)

Nights are spent... somewhat lonely. (Murphy has been quite clear that he is saving himself for marriage.). Of course, other duties arise as the days go on. Figuring out whether to make a big deal about the engagement. Running her (and Bliss apparently) coven. Playing with the diagrams she sketched shortly after true seeing.

She sleeps fitfully in her room at the dancing pig.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Wednesday March 20th, 2019 5:01:31 PM
Hobie remained in the giant, using the endless scroll cabinet to scribe some magical scrolls, as well as just journaling about his experiences of late. He also spent much of the time shading Tiana to see what she is learning.

When he hears the noise, he takes off along with Succotash and Kezzem. He will stand a few meters behind his armored friends, with Prowler in hand, and the other hand ready to grab for an arrow.

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90
Wednesday March 20th, 2019 7:07:32 PM
Talia asks , "Is anyone staying with Tiana, while the rest go to investiagte the crashing sound? If not, I will stay with Tiana...."

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 720/720 Minutes

DM Carl
Wednesday March 20th, 2019 7:49:13 PM
Everyone...save maybe Pressi (ooc: you're sleeping in town? That's absolutely fine, just confirming) and Murphy...hears the sound and rushes towards it.

Turns out, it came from the floor just above the entrance in the right heel. It's the one with all the junk and broken constructs. Succotash and Kezzem, paladins that they are, bravely charge forth with Bliss to discover...Candy Badapple and two of her gang pulling a third out of the pile where they obviously took a tumble. They're accompanied by two small air elementals.

"He...hey guys!" starts Candy. "Just thought, ya know, there's a giant metal man over there, and Humble's Sword is probably getting bored and wants some company...in the middle of the night." She pauses, scratching her head for a bit. "So here we are! Oh, hey Hobie, Jack!" she adds as they appears behind the two.

The air elementals whirl around some, catching Candy's attention.

Auran, Highlight to display spoiler: {"You said we were going to sneak around, not keep them company."}

Candy listens, appears to process the difficult language, and answer in passable auran herself. Highlight to display spoiler: {"Shh!"...ok, that's actually not too hard to say in auran.}

"So...uh, wanna show us around?"

Meanwhile, Tiana and Talia are more than happy to let the men handle the danger. Talia knows enough about the arcane to make herself useful. "Hand me the quantum re-fluxer, will you? It's the gooey stuff over there in the brass tub. Careful, you don't want to get it on yourself. You'll go to clean it off and find it's simultaneously there and not there until someone else watches you do it."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Wednesday March 20th, 2019 7:50:30 PM

Talia may recall that Murphy left the cloak of teleportation with her while he is outside the Iron Giant. She can go anywhere she likes in an instant within the giant.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Wednesday March 20th, 2019 8:35:56 PM

Bliss agrees with Talia. "Good idea, Miss," he says just before he changes into a cat and rushes down.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Wednesday March 20th, 2019 9:42:49 PM
[OOC: OOPS missed the DM post?!]

Bliss in cat form dashes up to these intruders. He hisses, like an angry cat.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday March 21st, 2019 12:04:56 AM
"Well, it's probably not the best time to come for a visit. Bliss is awfully cranky that you woke him from his...cat nap!"

Kezzem responses to these intruders with his deadliest of weapons...puns.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Thursday March 21st, 2019 1:08:39 AM

Murphy turns on to his left side in bed, scrunching the down-feather pillow just so to support his head.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Kim for Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Thursday March 21st, 2019 3:30:42 AM

"I'm fairly new to the group, but - hi, Candy - but the rule right now is no one visits without Pressi and maybe Murphy and Bliss and, and the rest of us giving the say so. And Bliss just snaa-ed at you. The middle of the night! Sneakin' in, like thieves or somethin'. So, if you want to come in, you go out now, and come back in the morning, after second breakfast, and knock, and wait for permission. Not even the Mayor has come in yet. You can get hurt in here, don't you know? We've been cleaning up blood for days."

Then he adds, "And maybe we should check your pockets. To get this thing goin', there had better be no parts missing." He adds, "I'm checking to be sure - don't worry, this is just detect magic." He casts the spell and starts looking over the group - whatever they are wearing, whatever they are carrying.

Jairus has heard enough stories about these people, and the trouble they caused here and there and climbing up on the white spire and disrupting parties.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Kim for Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Thursday March 21st, 2019 8:17:52 AM

That is (last sentence - someone please fix):

Jack has heard enough stories about these people, and the trouble they caused here and there and climbing up on the white spire and disrupting parties.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Thursday March 21st, 2019 10:09:10 AM
Succotash turns to Kezzem with his back to Candy and company, and winks as if to say, �Follow my lead�, then he turns back and says, �Nice, Kezzem, it looks like we have some new recruits for Paladin training!�. Even though he is messing with them, he would gladly train any of them that choose to become a Paladin.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday March 21st, 2019 11:19:05 AM
"Well, I don't knoe how your god does things, Succo, but my training to become a champion of Gargul was pretty simple. Acttually, there was only one step: you just have to die and come back."

"Actually, I guess that would be two steps."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday March 21st, 2019 3:17:10 PM
Pressi continues to sleep. Deep down, she wonders whether circumstances will require a diviner who can comprehend languages, detect thoughts and enchant. But how likely is that.

There are other things she is unaware of, such as the other female halfling in her room. Cloaked in shadow, she remains only long enough to leave a scroll on the nightstand, the Silverglove family crest quite visible.

(OOC: This is the last of the things I'll post about NPCs. Just wanted to establish that her family knows where she is and about the engagement.)

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Thursday March 21st, 2019 7:59:18 PM
(OOC ok, I'm cool with that, seems I am missing out on who these guys are but Kim is right if Jack would have heard about them)

DM Carl
Thursday March 21st, 2019 9:38:31 PM
Murphy and Pressi sleep right through all the excitement.

Bliss bounds up and makes a show of hissing at the intruders.

Kezzem makes a pun so bad that Candy and her entire crew groan in unison. Even the elementals make a show of it.

Zaragosa has some instincts on how to proceed, but he knows that Candy and her bunch are good-hearted troublemakers, not actual hooligans. They'd probably be really upset if he accused them of stealing.

Succotash announces he's ready to begin their training. Kezzem details the process of becoming one of Gargul's paladins.

"Woah now...we just wanted'a see the Giant." She pauses a moment. "You guys really think I'm paladin material?" The question seems earnest.

Meanwhile, Pressi has a visitor. Hopefully she brings good tidings? Probably not. Good tidings don't sneak in and out under cover of night.

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90
Thursday March 21st, 2019 11:05:43 PM
"So Ms. Tiana, how did you come to learn about the quantum re-fluxer? Better, yet how did you come to be a member of the Supper club?" asks Talia of Ms. Tiana.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 710/720 Minutes

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 d20-1=11
Thursday March 21st, 2019 11:56:51 PM

Bliss sees others engaging the intruders and changes into a halfling. "You guys aren't really very good at being sneaky, are you?" he asks.

"I know Miss ... Candy? right? Well, I'm Bliss." He reaches a hand to meet the leader of the gang and her members. "What are your names? And what are you all doing in here, really?"

Untrained Sense Motive: 11.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Friday March 22nd, 2019 1:48:11 AM
"These guys are right, it's dangerous here. You'd better leave. But if you are gonna stay, maybe grab some armor and a weapon."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Friday March 22nd, 2019 5:49:42 AM
"Well Candy", Succotash begins, "I believe anyone who is willing to throw off the shackles of evil and lawlessness, and embrace good and law, can train to become a Paladin" "It takes hard work, and no you don't have to die, Kezzem's "Training" is unusual to say the least, But if you are willing to work hard, I, and I'm sure Kezzem, would be happy to train you".

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Friday March 22nd, 2019 10:17:48 AM
Jack would rather not have people mess around with the giant at this stage. He tries to get them to leave with him. "This place is dangerous enough as is. It is certainly not tour ready. However, I the Unbelievable J.T.T Zaragosa, Master escape artist, _{you might have heard of me}, was there for the entire event. I could weave a tall of the most exciting conflict between the Great and Noble Humble Sword against dark arts, ancient traditions, and family conflict. If you join me in the town. perhaps we can open up a tavern and I'll tell you all about it. Trust me, the entertainer Zaragosa never disappoints."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday March 22nd, 2019 4:14:59 PM
check

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday March 22nd, 2019 5:58:09 PM
"Well, Miss Badapple, they let me be a paladin so why not?"

DM Carl
Friday March 22nd, 2019 9:35:53 PM
Talia strikes up a conversation. "Quantum re-fluxer is a pretty standard arcane ingredient. The Club formed pretty organically. Our founders would meet during second dinner to talk shop."

Bliss introduces himself.

"Yea, I'm Candy. This here's Erbin and Anton." They both wave as their names are mentioned. "The one in the pit down there don't have a name, not till he makes up for makin' a ruckus and giving us away." She glares and the third winces.

"I call the elementals Skye and Mistral. They seem to like those names." The elementals dance happily about in response.

Hobie advises them to leave, but leaves a door open for them to stay. Candy seizes on it immediately. "Yea...yea I should totally find myself a weapon. There any around?" She starts looking, but there aren't any in the pile. She settles on a small shaft of iron. "Will this do? I bet I could clobber some chumps with it."

Succotash and Kezzem make a case for paladinhood. "Well, I'm honored ya think I could, but I'm not real keen on the whole lawful thing. Can paladins still get inta high jinks?"

Zaragosa makes an introduction. "Yea, I heard'a ya. Everyone's heard'a all of ya. You still workin' on that story, or do we getta hear it soon?"

Murphy and Pressi sleep the sleep of the childless.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 d20+8=18 ;
Friday March 22nd, 2019 9:48:26 PM

Despite generally drinking enough water and such, Murphy wakes up thirsty. He yawns, stretches, walks out of the room to the little balcony at the upper end of the guesthouse, and looks up into the sky. He sees the moon Kerracles up and to the right of the stone castle.

'I need to make a place for us in there, in the castle,' he thinks to himself. He walks back down the hallway, past his doorway to the stairs. About to descend for apple juice, he checks himself. He returns to his room, picks up his pack and gear, then heads downstairs. He grabs the pitcher of apple juice left over - enough for a whole pint, which he pours into a glass. He downs it and smacks his lips when done.

He goes to where Hazel and Alouryn stay, then thinks twice. 'No need to wake them.' He jots down a note to leave on the dining room table. 'Back to the Unrusty Bucket -Murph' is what it says. That's what he and Hazel have started calling the Iron Giant after Hazel called it 'a walking rust bucket.' Murphy explained in earnest he really didn't find any rust on it. Hazel had stared at him with a grave mien. "You really take things too seriously, Murph. I know it's not rusty. But I figured I'd say what I did, then you would carefully explain to me the truth of the matter." Then the ranger had burst out laughing during that conversation a couple of nights ago. "Silly owl, I know you like the back of my hand!"

The druid walks out of the guest house, up the road back to the center of town. He climbs the outside of the Dancing Pig [climb 18], then raps on the window. "Psst. Pressi. It's Romeo, Juliet. Want to walk in the moonlight?" he asks in a stage whisper. "That's their names, right?" he asks, recalling a discussion of this fictional Shakespeare and his plays. "Who was that woman who was crawling out of your window when I was a few blocks away?"

If there's no response, he mentally pops in. Hey, love of my life... Would you not open your window to me? The moon is out, and everyone is asleep.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25 d20+33=35 ; d20+2=19 ;
Friday March 22nd, 2019 11:18:41 PM
Bliss tells his new friends Erbin, Anton, and nameless that he is pleased to meet them. He asks if they like gymnastics. He puts on a little show, standing on his hands, flipping up in the air, landing softly and tumbling in place.

Acrobatics 35

Then he breaks into a little song and dance:

Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Baby shark!

Untrained Perform 19

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday March 23rd, 2019 1:04:40 PM
"I still get up to high jinks, right guys?" asks Kezzem. "You just have to think of the law as a challenge and not an obstacle. That law thing, in my opinion, is more about be willing to protect your friends and community, rather than following a set of rules."

"Man, I would make a great (or terrible) lawyer...just like that Ruby Jewelriani guy. 'THE TRUTH IS NOT THE TRUTH!'"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Sunday March 24th, 2019 11:06:06 AM
definitely if you want to be a Paladin and a hijinker, you can find no better model than Kezzem. Follow his lead and you'll be okay.

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90
Sunday March 24th, 2019 3:07:15 PM
Talia wonders how Tiana got started in Magic..."Is magic inate to you or is it something you developed over time?" Ms. Tiana?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Monday March 25th, 2019 10:11:47 AM
�As long as the hijink doesn�t break any real laws, I see no problem�, Succotash says as he shakes his head in semi disbelief.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday March 25th, 2019 10:36:35 AM
Kezzem beams with pride.

DM Carl
Monday March 25th, 2019 2:53:40 PM
Murphy decides a midnight rendezvous is in order.

Bliss breaks into a song and dance that leaves the kids scratching their heads a bit. They clap politely when it's over, though they're obviously not sure what that was all about.

Succotash, Hobie, and Kezzem admit that being a paladin doesn't mean you can't still get into trouble. Candy doesn't seem sold. "I'll think'a 'bout it. Does Wardd got any paladins?" She gives a thoughtful look. "How would that work, anyway?" She puffs out her chest and makes herself sound serious for a bit. "I will put on the armor of faith and go to war with people that don't take enough chances." She shrugs. "Anyway, we'll get outta yer hair. Thanks for the club!" She hefts the bar onto her shoulder and floats down the levitation field, doing little flips in it as she does. Her cohorts all follow suit (the elementals just fly down, of course).

Talia and Tiana continue their discussion. "I always just knew I was a wizard. Mom tried to talk me out of it and set me up with a string of kind but simple men, but that wasn't me. My studies left no time for that sort of thing."

***

A few more days pass. Tiana's work is slow, but fruitful. She gathers everyone in front of the Heart to show her experiments with the longspear finally yield fruit: the blade can effortlessly pass through the Giant's Heart, allowing a single person to enter the thing.

"I found this strange eye patch in there," she says, presenting a green crystal with a circular strap of leather attached to it. "Watch this." She places it over her right eye. "Somehow I can still see just fine with this thing on. Also, I can do this..." She blinks three times and bands of iron tear themselves from the nearby wall and wrap themselves around her until there is no sign left of hair or skin. "It's similar to the Iron Body spell. Doesn't last too long, though." About thirty seconds later, the bands fly right back off her and back onto the wall.

"Anyway, that's not the only thing I've figured out. I've got good news, bad news, and...news news." She pauses, trying to think of better words. None come, so she moves on. "The good news is that I can absolutely use the power stored in this Heart to re-power the Giant Tower. I would barely need any to fully charge it for decades! There's a lot of power in this thing.

"The bad news is that there is no way for me to transmit that power, even if we could move the Giant in its current state."

She turns, picks up a shiny, golden looking contraption from her workbench, and presents it. It looks like a golden Y shaped from fine wire. The two prongs on "top" of the Y have small circles. "So I made this. That's the news news. Watch."

She takes the pink and purple gems the Encompassing Mind handed over to deactivate itself and places one in each of the aforementioned small circles. Immediately, a fluid wisp of arcane energy starts flowing from the opposite end. It doesn't flow randomly. In fact, it seems to be pointing north.

"This points towards the source of power that gave life to the Giant back in the First Age. My theory, which I'm almost certain is correct, is that if these gems are placed in that source of power and left to charge, we'll be able to dramatically shorten the time to bring the Encompassing Mind back to...life, as it were." She looks very pleased with herself.

"So...we just need some brave adventurers to traipse over to The Scab and do that." She smiles broadly at the assembled group.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Monday March 25th, 2019 4:50:41 PM
(ooc: does anyone have a rough idea of how much time has spanned between our adventures? I feel like we pretty much only have a handful of days in game time between each module, so even though Nick has been here for a year, I think Hobie has probably been with the group less than a month? I don't have time to dive in and analyze the archives right now, but if anyone has a rough idea, I'd be really interested to know)

Hobie listens to everything Tiana has to say, and responds "Alright, let's go," he adds sarcastically "I imagine it's just gonna be a nice easy journey there and back again. I'll go get Pip ready,"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP80, AC25
Monday March 25th, 2019 7:50:30 PM

[OOC: Great question Nick. Here's Bliss's and my accounting.]

Bliss sees that Candy and her friends are pretty darn tight. He feels even closer to his friends. How close they all feel, even though really they've only been together for a short time. The little guy sits down and dives into memory, thinking out loud and putting his thinking cap headband to good use ...

"Well, What's-His-Name from the Second Breakfast Club blew up the Giant Tower and sent us into Koshe Marr. That was probably only a couple of days, but who knows how time goes by in Nightmares. Me and Mister Murphy are the only ones here who saw it." [early 2015]

"Then we emerged in the past by the goblins on the far side of Izen and had to race back to return before the tower blew up again. For the first time, I mean. Time travel makes it hard to figure, but if you are looking at elapsed time as we perceived it, call that a few weeks, right, by way of the Culverwood? That's when we met Miss Pressi and Sir Kezzem, but he was no 'sir' then!" [late 2015]

"Oh! I remember that guy's name! Veseley! 'Veseley Crusher' we called him, after he crushed the tower. Everybody hated that guy. And Miss Tiana and poor Bazeck of course. Cause when we got back we found out that Taxidermy fellow had kidnapped them, and we only managed to get Vesely and Tiana back, but Bazeck got killed. That Taxidermy guy was the worst, right Mister Murphy? Well, that musta been a few weeks to travel to the Taxidermist's town and back again." [2016]

"Aroundabouts then is when Vesely brought on the new Second Breakfast Club wizard, Garron, who ended up being a traitor. That was just about the time we heard about the giant and ogre army that was going to invade because the tower defense was down, and we went out and defeated the army before they could get here by assassinating all the leaders. That musta taken a few weeks." [2017]

"When we got back, the orphanage burnt down and undead showed up, and it was all part of that traitor Garron's plot, but we beat him down and foiled his plans, though I'm not sure we ever really figured out what those were. It was Hobie who we just met who gave us our first clue about that villain. That was also when I first learned how to change into a cat! And Vesely was so ashamed of messing up for the second time that I do not think we've seen him since. Call that a few weeks." [OOC: We never got a formal exit for Vesely, but the last time a DM has mentioned him was May 2017. Hobie joined in Sept 2017.]

"So Miss Tiana is the only member of the Second Breakfast Club left, but that's when the bloodgrass invaded and the demons and the elementals, and then we travelled to the Sargrass, met Sir Succotash, helped kill that giant god thing in the Southern Continent. Then we met Miss Talia and Jack. Call that about four weeks, right?" [2018]

"And that side trip to the Culverwood for Wulpertingles."

"And finally that Iron Giant also showed up to take advantage of the Tower Defense being down, so, a week more?"

"Add in say a month of down time, I guess, plus training and a couple weeks of feasts, a few weddings, and that's ... (Bliss counts on his fingers and toes -- that's why he's sitting down) ... I reckon it at 24 weeks, say, or like about half a year since the Giant Tower blew up."

"We sure have been on the go since then! Time is funny, huh!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday March 25th, 2019 8:08:18 PM
Pressi stirred as Murphy rapped upon her window, knowing he was there. �Well, I don'tknow if I would call us star crossed lovers. But I suppose a midnight walk would show whether we were. Give me a moment to freshen up.

When Murphy asks of her midnight suitor, Pressi considers it a joke in poor taste. Until she finds the scroll. �Oh, to no longer be a Capulet,� she muttered.

��-

More to follow.

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Monday March 25th, 2019 8:19:15 PM
Jack would ponder the meaning of these things. "Sounds like an adventure. We could indeed travel to charge them. Travelling distances quickly doesn't see to be a problem with our group. Though, I am still unsure we shouldn't dismantle this giant instead"

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90
Monday March 25th, 2019 9:37:09 PM
Talia says, with glee..."Sure thing Tiana, what's the Scabb and what where would you liek us to place the Y thing to charge the gems, and for how long?" full well knowing, she was probably the only one to ask it...well there is always Mister Murphy.....

Ms. Tiana, asks Talia, "how far is it to the Scabb from here?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday March 25th, 2019 11:34:55 PM
"Nice summary, Bliss," says Kezzem. "Though you left out the part were I died. Also, I'm still not sure I'm a Sir now."

To Hobbie, Succo, Jack, and Talia he elaborates, "I got better."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Tuesday March 26th, 2019 8:59:47 AM

After sensing Pressi's - disgust? incredulity? - at his mention of the person who came out her window, Murphy gives a sketchy description of the surely female halfling-sized form. "Didn't see her face, though," he adds. "I could track her, if you want me to."

Murphy suggests a walk to the Iron Giant, in a round about way. "Couldn't sleep. I have an idea for the gem arrangement on the spear. But that's not what I want to talk about on the way. Bring your stuff!"

As to the rest of the interlude with Pressi, that will await her 'More to follow.'

It's possible that they will come upon Candy BadApple and some of her crew as they near the I.G. If so, Murphy says, "Hey Candy. It's a few hours past midnight. You all out sightseeing? Did you visit the giant?" He greets the air elementals in Auran. He tells her, "I'm kind of glad you've been getting to know our friends of the wind. I take it they are fine with you spending time at the spire, eh?"

Next couple of days
Once he learns that Candy took with her a bit of the spare parts from the giant, he lets her know that they'll need it back at some point. "All the bits that belong to the Iron Giant have a purpose, and are pretty hard to replace." He'll talk it over with his friends, but if they approve, he'll offer to let her and a few of her friends tour, if she'll give that back. "When you're inside the giant, feel free to carry it around. We pretty much all leave the inside things inside."

And when a few days later Tiana reveals the next likely assignment for the group, he decides to see if a challenging mixture of the BadApple gang and some folks assigned by Constable Rosco might provide security for the Iron Giant.

Druidic Stuff
As his friends spend time on the Iron Giant, Murphy chooses to help there a few hours a day, yet feels drawn toward taking care of some matters at the Sanctuary, plus implementing a method for quick planting of things where vegetation is sparse or nonexistent. Namely, he gathers seeds of mainly thorny and tall grassy sorts, and packs them into tight balls of dirt. Each one weighs about five pounds, and carries scores of seeds. He experiments, first finding some of the few places in the area which lack vegetative cover. He throwns down sample balls to the ground, wherein they shatter and scatter, then casts entangle, to see if he is able to use such ingredients to effect that spell. If it has the desired effect, then he will form more such balls, and bring along a good bag of them.

He also speaks with Hazel and Alouryn. "Look, mum's the word until we say so - you two can keep a secret, right? But Pressi and I look to be heading towards marriage. Can you two take the room up on the fourth floor inside the rock castle in the north east corner, and get it fixed up for us? A nice bed. Two wardrobes. A full length mirror next to a table for Pressi. A writing table for me. A wash basin. Some carpets. It's right next to the outside walls, so I'll fashion a window or two using stone shape right soon. You can get someone to help you if you need. I want it to be nice for her.

Sanctuary Signage
Murphy asks Foreman George to have his people make up some nice wooden signs for the place. Examples include: "Hobie's Archery Range" "Pressi's Tower" "Guests of Humble's Sword" "Fountain of Bliss" "The Mighty Quercus" "plus signs for the shrines and other areas of the compound.

Tiana's Research Results
Murphy is overjoyed to learn of the wizard's results.

"So, we leave the Iron Giant here. We head up north into the Scab - Talia, that begins basically a bit north of the Giant Towers. We use the heart gems and your little device, Tiana, to learn which way to go. Once we find it, we get the gems attached to the power source, and let them recharge. Any idea how long it might take to recharge? A few hours? Days? Weeks? Longer?

"It would be interesting to see if any other similar gems might be found in that area.

"I learned the language that we heard up in the driver's area of the giant. Also the Old High Woldian tongue and script. Don't know if either will come in handy in the hills of the Scab, but we can find out."

Plans
"So, friends. What now? Who is willing to take the trip that Tiana proposes for us? And, how soon shall we leave? And by what means?

"It surely would be sweet to have a really large carpet of flying to get us from here to there in greater speed. But we can always use more conventional travel."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Tuesday March 26th, 2019 1:17:24 PM
Succotash perks up at the thought of going on an adventure. He says, �If it means waking up Madam Gem sooner, count me in, who am I kidding you guys know I�m always up for an adventure, but I should probably head home and get some sleep, I�ve been up for a few days, and once I leave the Iron Giant, my tail will be dragging something awful�. With that he leaves for home saying, �See ya all in the morning!�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday March 26th, 2019 1:17:34 PM
Pressi doesn't need a description of the person who left the letter, and she definitely doesn't agree to let Murphy track her. "It's one of my sisters. And you don't find them. They find you."

--------------

To the south of Humble's Ford lies Dirt City, a town run by six different sides forever at war. While rumors swirl of heroes working in the shadows, the city remains in the grip of thieves and violent thugs. A city where you play the game, or you leave. The ones that play, that stay behind....

"I haven't seen any of my family for a few years now, but they've seen me. They know about the engagement, which means they definitely know something about what I can do. For years I heard only that I should stop trying to be some heroic paragon of the martial arts and return to my family destiny of glitzy thieves, con artists and sorcery..."

Pressi looked at the glowing chain along her side. "... Close enough I guess. But I can't imagine this is what they had in mind. Gothic avenger isn't really their style.

"I'm sorry, I'm either boring you or making you concerned. It's not their style to just strike out at me either. This was them reaching out, and if I don't reach back, the matter is settled."

--------------------------

Not much is otherwise said. Pressi responds to Tiana's news that they are being sent out with a grunt and a shrug. Anything to get out of the house, after all.

Though she wouldn't admit it, part of her was drawn towards the area. The idea of so much discovery, so much raw power....

DM Carl
Tuesday March 26th, 2019 4:13:22 PM
Hobie is ready to go. He ponders how much has happened in so short a time.

Bliss has the same idea and sits down to figure it out. Half a year, it turns out.

Zaragosa is happy to have an adventure, even if it's one to aid a cause he isn't 100% sure of.

Talia is also ready to go, but has a couple questions.

"I'm not sure how long it will take. The trail from the dual-prismatic aetherial amplifier, that's what I'm calling this, should grow brighter as the gems charge. When it stops getting brighter, it's full. It should take several hours, but not more than a day or so. Just an estimate, though. I can't be too sure.

"As far as The Scab, the range is reachable within a day. It's navigating the range that will be tough, and at some point you'll need to find a way underground."

Kezzem likes hearing about his escape from death.

Succotash is eager to do anything to help speed Madam Gem's recovery, but probably needs rest since he's been up for days. Sure enough, the moment he exits the Giant he finds himself fatigued. It's not nearly as bad as if he'd really been awake for a whole week, but bed sounds real nice.

Pressi discovers evidence of her sister's visit. Obviously that's a part of her life she'd rather leave in the past, but here it is nonetheless. She reminisces about it for a moment, thinking that ignoring the situation will make it go away.

Besides, she has a trip to The Scab, which excites her more than she'd readily admit.

Murphy must sense his time home is drawing to a close, because he's checking all the boxes on his to-do list. He finds Candy in a good mood as she walks back home. "Yea, we went and checked it out until no-name here mucked it up..." A nearby boy winces a bit. "...and yea, Skye, Mistral, and the others can play for hours. They're even teachin' me their language, but I'm havin' a real tough time talking it." She attempts to say something in auran, but ends up spitting more than talking. "I'll keep practicing. I'm gettin' pretty good at understanding'em."

She agrees to leave her new iron club at the door, but only if it stays there until she gets back. She's reaaaaal insistent about it. In return, she'll work with Roscoe and make sure the place doesn't turn into an amusement park while Humble's Sword is away.

He takes care of some home and garden issues, trusting just two of his many acquaintances about his nuptials.

***

The party does need to wait for Succotash to rest, and they find word spreads through town very quickly that Humble's Sword is on a mission to save the Giant Towers. The Pig and the Buster are both in full swing, hoping our heroes will stop by one last time before they head out to save the day again.

Sometime that evening, Kade searches the party down.

"Hey guys. I...I know you've done a lot for me, but if you're going to The Scab anyway, think you could keep an eye out for some tower caps? They're giant, woody mushrooms that grow there. That method of growing truffles I told ya 'bout earlier won't work without'em. They grow straight through rock, so if you're going along and see what looks like a tree trunk busting through the floor or ceiling, that's them. I need spores from the very top cap."

Other than that very important side quest, Humble's Sword is free to head out whenever.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Tuesday March 26th, 2019 8:05:59 PM

Walk in the Kerracles Moonlight
"Ah," Murphy responds while listening to Pressi describe aspects of her family situation. "Do you suppose it would be possible, and appropriate, for me to have a chance to meet your family? I'd like to do so before we tie the knot. Get to know them - or some of them - and let them do likewise with me.

"'Marry a girl, marry her family,' my Aunt Marigold told me. And Aunt Nilli. Also Grandma Eglantine. And they'd tell my sisters the same thing, except with 'boy' instead of 'girl.' Oh, and I heard Uncle Orby say it once, too.

"What did the scroll say, if you'd care to say?"

Kadian Mushrooming
"Of course, Kade, of course." Murphy spends a few minutes after hearing Kade's description to try sketching what he has described. He will go through enough sketches until the dwarf agrees it's a fair drawing. He also asks for descriptions of any other fungi, flowers, and the like that Kade might deem of interest for above ground or below ground.

He also explains the expeditious excavation spell, and offers to open up one or two 5'x5'x5' holes in the ground for Kade should he wish it, anywhere in the fields north of the wall.

When to Leave
Murphy runs most of these idea telepathically through Pressi before talking to the group, to be sure they are in concord.

"Gang, many of you have stayed pretty much the whole time on the Iron Giant. How about this? It's mid-afternoon now. All who need to, sleep as much as you need. There are places for all at the Sanctuary. Not tomorrow morning, but the morning after, let's head to the Scab. That should give any who need it the chance to pick up any last minute items, see anyone you wish to see, and be well rested before we start. Sound all right? Alternative ideas?"

How to Travel
After that discussion (if any) makes the rounds, he asks, "What modes of travel shall we use? I could take on a huge form, and, if we could have an appropriate saddle rigged by the PipeLeafs in time, might be able to carry four of us, besides myself, either by wing, or on land. But there are eight of us, and our animal friends. For some of you, those friends can be summoned from afar. For others, it's not so easy.

"Who'd like to work on figuring out a good part of that question? Hobie? Talia?" He looks to see if either is interested, or if anyone else wants to join in.

"A few of us - Pressi, Bliss, Kessem and I - have been in part of the Scab before, when we qwelled the giants by taking out their leadership. I'm hoping the gems guide us in at least a slightly different direction than their valley."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30
Tuesday March 26th, 2019 10:07:56 PM

"Miss Tiana, please, can we get all the details?" Bliss makes real sure the party knows what to look for, where to find it, and like that. He uses his Int 18 to memorize everything.

Bliss is fond of both taverns, and makes sure to visit both. He practices his drinking in case he gets into another drinking contest with dwarves in the Scab. He tries to remember his Dwarven and practices his vocabulary, but it comes out large size. [OOC: Prior versions of Bliss knew Dwarven, IIRC, but he does not know it now. He DOES know Giant for some reason. Gotta pick up Dwarven again.]

Realizing it has been a month, and the party seems about to embark on a new adventure, Bliss searches for an XP award. "Maybe there's a little one around here somewhere. I did sing that nice song, you know," he says as he checks under his bed.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday March 26th, 2019 11:13:44 PM
"No problem, Kade, but if anyone asks, we'll tell them we're just a group of adventurers," says Kezzem. "We usually do it the other way so that will be an interesting change of pace. I just hope we remember to bring enough bags with us. After we pack those tower caps, I don't know if there is going to be...musch room...for anything else."

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90
Tuesday March 26th, 2019 11:42:22 PM
Talia will fly back to the Humble Sword's compound in order to meditate. She will use her already casted spell Overland flight. Once Talia arrives, she will commence her meditation for two (2) hours.

Afterwards, she she gather her needed supplies, etc. and then have a session with Rayya. She massages Rayya and gets some good snuggle time with her beloved friend. She then explains to Rayya that she is going ona journey up into the mountains to recharge for stones.She also explains taht she would love for Rayya to stand guard, watching their remaining belongings and to keep a watchful eye on the compound. She then explains to Rayya of the crafty bunch of halflings led by "Candy". She also explains that they are accompanied by two air elementals, none of which Talia trusts at all or as far as she could through them. Talia explains that Candy has sticky fingers.

When about three (3) hours have past, Talia will get dressed with her undergarments, Bill stylish pant's of Plenty is a lovely shade of light chestnut brown and the texture of cotton canvas "Denim", her coveralls, shirt, and her adventuring gear: Headband, belt, Amulet, bracers, and clock, and slung over her shoulder, her favorite haversack. She then casts Overland flight on herself making a quick trip to the appointed place for the departure.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 5:45:03 AM
Succotash awakes and and spends an hour with Pantheon, praying and preparing spells. He then dons his armor, saddles and bards Miss Piggy, gathers his gear and heads to the appointed meeting place, at the appointed time.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 12:18:13 PM
"I don't know what the scroll says. I left it where it was, unopened."

Pressi remained quiet for a moment. "You want to know the kind of family you are marrying into? They are the kind of family that will miss your dance recital. For work. For the work of setting people on fire as they begged for death. Which paid for dance classes, of which I was reminded quite often. Who thoroughly passed on the righteousness of thievery and cynicism that I still follow as tenants today. So, I'm thinking... picnic maybe? How familiar are you with frisbee?"

"I just... I don't want to talk about it anymore. Can we just drop it for now, please."

(OOC to Murphy: I do want to drop it here for now, concentrate on the new mission that's starting. As for whether we ever meet family members, I leave that up to the DMs for now.)

-------------------

To the issue of travel: "As you know, I do have shadow walk available. But since we aren't under any particular timetable, why not just travel normally by horse caravan? It will be a nice change of pace to see the sights, not have to rush to the destination. And maybe we can take the opportunity to scan the area before we arrive."

She works with Talia to see if she wants to switch off in flight or if they want to fly together. (During flight, Harper stays with Bliss. On land, she rides Harper.)

After moving things to the sanctuary, and checking in once more with the coven, Pressi prepares for the trip (including whatever rest is needed for spells and fatigue). Some quick rituals and she is off.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 3:08:18 PM
"As far as transportation, we could strap a saddle on you, and fly, we could just take horses and move slower but steadier, (how big of a hurry are we in?) or we could even try teleporting, but I haven't been there, so it would be risky, I don't know about Talia, if she has or not. Then Shadow walk is of course also an option again."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 3:09:22 PM
"My preference along with Pressi, would be horses. I've been apart from Pippa for a while now, and I think our Paladins might also like some time with their mounts."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 4:14:11 PM
"Wow Pres," says Kezzem. "Though from the sounds of things, I think we might be related."

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 6:54:51 PM
Jack also tells Kade that he will do his best to keep an eye out for them

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 7:14:48 PM

Backstep with Pressi
As the conversation with Pressi occurred a few days ago: "Pressi, you want to drop discussion. Sure, after I respond to what you just said. Family is family, like them or not. My hope is to at some point get to know them - at least superficially, if that is all that is initially allowed. I am sad to hear of the neglect you experienced, and some of the deeds they did. One request: At least read what your sister dropped off. At least.

"And now, until further notice, I will drop this discussion. Not permanently. For now. Except: 'Frisbee'? What is that?"

More on travel plans
That afternoon, after a bit of party discussion, Murphy concurs. "All right. Conventional travel seems to be the consensus. More time for sight-seeing. As well as more opportunities for interactions - whether peaceful or combative. And, I can plant some oaks along the way."

Preparations
CHECK WITH THE Woldian League of Adventurers
"We are going into the Scab. The WLA will have information on it. History. Geography. Who will visit the WLA to get their research, history, info on the Scab's development through the ages, and maybe a decent map? I'll help on this, but more than one of us should join in. If someone wants to join me - say two? it would be good to have someone with good reading, researching skills - we can head over there in a few minutes." [To DM Carl - after contact with the WLA, might we have the information found on the Scab page linked to in this paragraph? -Kim]

TRIANGULATE
Putting on his engineering hat as it were, Murphy posits, "But before we head out, I want to take Tiana's device along with. We can do some triangulation, and get a rough idea how far ahead the power source is. We've done it from here. Use Angel Springs and Hovel as two other points.

"Using a map, we see which way the apparatus points then pencil in a line that direction. Three lines, and see where they intersect. Angel Springs upward, Iron Giant upward, Hovel upward.

"It may not be 100% accurate - but should at least give us a general estimate of how far to go north. Fifteen miles? Fifty miles? Likely we'll be able to tell within a league the distance from Humble's Ford."

"It would be smart to know at least approximately where we are headed, before we set out. Going in cold would be less than wise. 'Well researched is twice prepared,' a teacher one told me. Or thrice."

Visits to Angel Spring, Hovel
If a few people are game, he lets them know he will change into a huge air elemental, and fly them swiftly to Angel Springs, taking about six minutes. "We'll stop in the fields just a bit outside, I'll drop the wildshape, then we can walk into the city, to visit the WLA. We'll get you started. We, or I, can go up on the roof of the Winwood Music and Toys store to get a triangulation point, likely without being spotted - or maybe the WLA will let us use their roof." After a few hours there, joining in on the research, Murphy will go with them back outside the city, wildshape back into a huge air elemental, then fly the group back with the results of their research.

After dropping them off, if any want to join him for a short early evening flight and return to Hovel, he flies with the device to Hovel with the map, takes a measurement and sketches the line on the map, drops in for a few minutes to visit his new nieces and nephew and their parents, Kendry and Airin, and Clara and her folks, then returns to Humble's Ford. Three point triangulation complete. He shows his results to the team, and turns the map over to Pressi. He's got the map pretty much memorized.

Evening in Humble's Ford
Murphy goes to the Buster that first evening that Tiana told them about the goal, with whoever wishes to join in with him.

Day Before Departure
The following day he prepares his slingstaff with spellstaff, placing transport via plants in it. Makes some goodberries.

And he starts on his shrine to Eberyon at the Sanctuary, pops into the Catacombs, and does a whole bunch of other local and preparatory things, no more of which I will burden our readers with.

That evening he lets his friends know he'll be at the Dancing Pig the following evening for an hour or so, and ready to leave after an early breakfast the following morning. "Don't worry. I'm not going to ask about bringing along carts."

The Caverns of Glimstone

DM Carl
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 9:51:34 PM
Murphy and Pressi have a nice walk in the moonlight that becomes a lot nicer when the subject of Pressi's family becomes off limits.

Kade is happy to detail what tower caps look like. "Their exterior really is woody. Some dwarves use them as building materials...beds and such. I'll take any mushrooms you find as well, plump helmets and dimple cups especially. Dimple cups make a really nice blue dye."

There is talk about how to travel. The consensus seems to be travel by horseback to The Scab. A fine idea, but Tiana did warn that you'd need to go underground. It's very unlikely they'll be able to accompany you the entire way, but you'll probably find some place safe to leave them (read: you will).

Bliss wants all the details. "Well, I'm not sure what your destination will look like. The dual-prismatic aetherial amplifier...DPAA for short...will give you a very strong indication." She scratches her head. "There's also a chance that the power source you're looking for drifted away from The Giant's resting spot over the centuries. That's too bad. I bet it'll be real easy to follow the trail of a 260' Iron Giant back home."

OOC: I used to DM The Forged with Rob. I realized after the great DM migration of 2013 what an opportunity I missed. I'm correcting that oversight now.

Kezzem is happy to be on the other side of the ruse for once.

Talia spends some time with her owl friend, asking her to watch her stuff and make sure Candy doesn't sneak off with anything.

Pressi decides a nice stroll to the mountains is a better use of their time than shadow walking. She's ready to go.

Zaragosa advises Kade he'll also be on a mushroom hunt.

There are enough spells and mounts to go around to ensure Humble's Sword can travel at a solid pace. Humble's Ford gathers to wave good-bye to their heroes, and they're off.

OOC: I thought I was done with today's post, then I hit F5...

Murphy comes up with the bright idea of trying to triangulate the rough position of their destination. It's a solid idea, but experimenting with the DPAA show it's unlikely to be productive. The stream is very erratic. Tiana explains. "Yea, this far away it's just going to point you in the right direction. It'll get more useful once you're closer. Promise."

The DPAA points north towards the mountains. No surprise there. Of course, there ARE a bunch of giant footsteps leading from The Scab where The Giant tread. Tiana's explanation holds true, so our party may as well just follow the Giant's path to The Scab for now.

OOC (again): I cannot find any accurate details on the Woldipedia about how far away The Scab is, so I'm making an executive decision and saying it's 6 hours by horseback away. If anyone can find a more accurate measurement, I'll make a note of it, but won't be ret-conning.

The six hour trek to the base of the mountains of The Scab is lovely, even if the scenery is marred by the huge gouges in the land The Giant left behind. Thirty minutes out from the mountains, the party notices activity. As they get closer, they see what looks like an artificial entrance into the mountains, flanked on both sides by enormous stone statues. Both are obviously dwarven. One statue lovingly cradles a handful of enormous gems. The other stands proudly with a pick resting on his shoulder. Both are of the highest craftsmanship. A word has been carved into the rock above the entrance: GLIMSTONE.

The trail left by The Giant intercepts with the base of the mountains roughly 20 yards east of the aforementioned cavern, where the Giant obviously erupted out of the ground. Before the party arrives, they see a number of dwarves milling about the fresh wound in the earth.

They're arguing loudly.

***

Scene 1 over. I'm awarding 7500 XP for roleplaying, with a 550 XP bonus to Bliss for trying to entertain the kids.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+16=21 ;
Wednesday March 27th, 2019 11:21:36 PM
"Dwarves ahead," says Kezzem. "I wonder if they are arguing about who's beard is longer or something less serious.

Kezzem attempts to gauge the disposition of the dwarves: is this friendly bickering or a heated blood feud.

Sense Motive: 21.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30
Thursday March 28th, 2019 12:03:49 AM

At the site of the giant's origination, Bliss changes into a halfling and approaches with his friends.

"Hello, good sir dwarves!" he shouts. "We've come from the halfling town of Humbles Ford following the backtrail of an iron giant. What all are you doing here?"

Then he repeats it in giant: "HeLLO dWaRVeS!!! WHat YOU DO HeRe??"

[OOC: Just missed midnight ugh.]

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Thursday March 28th, 2019 4:48:36 AM

As greetings already have been offered by Kezzem, and Bliss, Murphy simply adds in the tongue of dwarfs, "Looks like we found the birthplace of the Iron Giant. Hello, and peace to you."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+8=22 ; d20+8=15 ;
Thursday March 28th, 2019 5:42:13 AM
Succotash dismounts, and whispers in Miss Piggy's ear "Watch our backs", he then joins his friends offering the dwarves a reassuring smile, keeping an eye out for any trouble, Succotash's perception 22, Miss Piggy's perception 15

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday March 28th, 2019 2:48:25 PM
"I know I throw a lot of strange words around, but you surely knows what Frisbee is. It dates back to the days of ancient greece, just like triangulation. Look it up."

---------------------

Pressi just hangs back, watching to see what will happen.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Thursday March 28th, 2019 4:07:06 PM
Conversation from 3 days ago

"Triangulation, I know. Frisbee* - is from ancient grease - like old bacon grease?" Murphy asks, his voice rising slightly in pitch on that question. He clucks his tongue. "Pressi, you're references are often inscrutable. Does someone eat it, if it is derived from grease? If not eaten, then what does a Frisbee do?"

A bit later, he adds, "There are many things I would like to look up. There is a library in Angel Springs. It would be nice to start building up a good one here in Humble's Ford. Maybe we can adapt the scroll writers to copying books."

A Reminder of Something Murphy did before heading north
And, speaking of looking things up: Mister DM - Murphy still did fly to Angel Springs (whether accompanied by others in the group or not) shortly after the conversation following Tiana's proposal to learn what he could of history, geography, religion, dwarfs et al, things from ages past to present related to the Scab. From the WLA, of course. See his Preparations first section from the March 27th post. Thanks!

* Note: Frisbie pie plates date from the late 19th century. Skipping several intermediaries in the history of the product, the game company Wham-O bought the rights to the Frisbie pie plate-inspired Pluto Platter, renamed it 'Frisbee' and began to sell the disc game implement in the 20th century. Now, had Pressi said 'flying disc' or discus, then Murphy might have understood. And, yes, those do date back to the days of ancient Greece - which, afaik, is not known within the Wold. :-p

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Thursday March 28th, 2019 5:01:34 PM
Hobie will approach the group along with Bliss and offer greetings in Dwarvish. "Hello friends, what seems to be the problem here? Anything we can do to help?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday March 28th, 2019 5:29:12 PM
"Just the word triangulation makes my head hurt," complains Kezzem.

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90
Thursday March 28th, 2019 8:11:55 PM
Talia stops and decides to scoot (Overland Flight) back to the middle of the pack, least something horrible happens, as she doesn't speak Dwarven.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight

DM Carl
Thursday March 28th, 2019 10:15:46 PM
Other than an odd discussion about something called a Frisbee, something called Greece, and triangulation, our party arrives at the Caverns of Glimstone with only a headachy Kezzem as a casualty.

Humble's Sword approaches the arguing dwarves.

Kezzem tries to get a sense of what the dwarves are yelling about. Obviously, they're yelling at the giant hole in the mountain. They're all very angry about it. They're not disagreeing about anything in particular, they're just so angry that they need someone to yell at. They've chosen each other.

Bliss is the first to approach. The dwarves stop yelling as he approaches, but as soon as the words "Iron Giant" leave his mouth, they start right back up again.

Murphy adds to the greeting in dwarven.

"Birthplace? That monstrosity ain't ours and it ain't from around here! That metal *bad thing* tore through our caverns and destroyed our *finely crafted* pump stack! A whole year of work, gathering and shaping tons of *lovely* gabbro, all gone! We've got a whole new workshop filled with *functional* magma forges with no *useful* magma!"

Whew...had to edit that a bit. The dwarf's language is far too spicy for our audience.

OOC: That's fine, Kim. It's fair to assume Murphy knows the basics of the geography and history of The Scab.

Talia, Pressi, and Succotash take a back seat and keep their eyes open.

Hobie asks if they can do anything to help.

"Yea," comes a voice from inside the cavern. An ancient looking dwarf emerges. His eyes are hard, but not cruel. "You can tell us what you know about this Giant, and you best hope you had nothing to do with this."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday March 28th, 2019 11:14:51 PM
"It was going to smash our town," says Kezzem. "We stopped it."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30
Thursday March 28th, 2019 11:36:03 PM

Bliss smiles. He used to adventure with dwarves. He's been friends with dwarves. He's "won" drinking contests with dwarves. He knows how to introduce himself to an elder dwarf!

He walks closer, looking down to avoid any piles of vomit.

He bows low to the elder and says, "Bliss has been happy lately. He has made a satisfying acquisition lately. He has leveled up lately. He has been able to rest and recuperate recently. He sang and danced recently. He ate a fine meal recently. He has enjoyed travelling out of doors. He has made three new friends recently. He invaded and halted an iron giant that was threatening his home."

"He is very strong, agile, quite sturdy, quick to heal, and enjoys taking on the shape of a cat. He finds maintaining decorum a silly, fumbling waste of time. He has a large deficit of willpower, a shortage of patience, and little ability with social relationships. He dreams of becoming a legendary hero."

"He likes battle, laughter, figurines, and kitty cats for their softness and explosive nature. He prefers to consume pork bacon and potions. He needs several large meals to get through the day."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Thursday March 28th, 2019 11:57:02 PM
Murphy post 20190328

"Frisbee, I don't know, but gabbro, I do," Murphy says. He explains simply for his friends: "Gabbro is a phaneritic, mafic intrusive igneous rock.

"'Phaneritic' means you can see the individual minerals in it. 'Mafic' means it combines magnesium and ferrous minerals - ferrous means iron. 'Igneous' means it solidified from lava or magma.

"It forms mainly from the slow cooling of magnesium-rich and iron-rich magma into a holocrystalline mass deep beneath the Wold's surface. Slow-cooling, coarse-grained gabbro is alchemically equivalent to rapid-cooling, fine-grained basalt. It is somewhat also like diabase."

He is about to continue to delve deeper into this explanation but sees eyes starting to glaze over. "Sorry. Got that from the study of alchemy and the ignan language, and chatting with earth elementals."

He asks the arguing dwarfs, "Did the Iron Giant take most of your gabbro? Or just really mess it up so it was scattered all over the place? Because if it was left underground, maybe we can do a little bit to help you gather a bunch of it back together."

He likes Kezzem's succinct explanation and Bliss's interesting introduction.

Then he adds, for the hard-eyed ancient. "The metal thing is a product of the first age. It was taken over by a dwarf, who is no longer here. We deposed him. The metallic giant is presently inert."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+9=11 ;
Friday March 29th, 2019 5:43:37 AM
Succotash bows in respect to the dwarven elder, and says, "My name is Succotash Slenderstick, and these are my friends and allies known as Humble's Sword, if we may be of assistance you but need to ask". diplomacy 11

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday March 29th, 2019 10:56:17 AM
Pressi looked from Bliss to Murphy to Succotash, wondering if anyone here remembered how to talk.

Pressi also kind of glossed over this discussion of gabbro, figuring that the giant probably was still on its test run rather than anything targeted. Without a word, she moved to the giant sized hole, using her Justicar tracking skills and detect magic to scan the area.

"So then I can assume you know nothing about where it came from, who piloted it, or why it came through here. Can I ask you what you know about ancient dwarven religions? Religious nut jobs in the area, perhaps?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90 d20+10=24 ;
Friday March 29th, 2019 6:34:07 PM
Talia breaks from the pack hovering a bit to one side. In a very rudimentary attempt, Talia beings to speak Dwarven to everyone assembled using her diplomacy skills; [Dipolmacy Skill check: 24]

Talia begins "Dear Assembled Dwarven leaders, we've come to save our home. My self, along with my gathered friends helped to put a stop to the Iron Giant, that attempted to destroy our home, as it looks like it tried here too! We followed its footprints. Perhaps if we could help you, you, in turn, could help us? My friend Mister Murphy is far a better translator than I. I sure he could explain how we could be of beneficial help to one another. Mister Murphy...would you?"

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Friday March 29th, 2019 8:06:23 PM
Seeing the others talking, Jack stood in the back and watched and listened to see what the dwarfs would do next.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30
Friday March 29th, 2019 11:58:44 PM
Bliss introduces his companions.

"This is Murphy Windwinder the Scion of Elemental Air. He is a member of the Humbles Swords. He courts death at will."

"This is Hobie Browncloak. He is a member of the Humble Swords. He arrives in the nick of time."

"This is Miss Pressi Abernathy of the Justice Coven. She is a member of the Humbles Swords. She is small, hardy, and expressive."

"This is Sir Succotash of Sylvestyre. He is a member of the Humbles Swords. He is fond of drink and likes large boars for their carrying capacity."

"This is Jack Ostrogoth, Heaor of the Silver Spires and Lord of the Unbelievable. He is a member of the Humble Swords. He is a friend of Bliss."

"This is Talia Topmost Tenterhooks. She is a member of the Humble Swords. She likes cave spider silk for its milky color."

"This is Sir Kezzem of the Laughing Gasses. He is a member of the Humbles Swords. He is outgoing and entertaining at all times."

DM Carl
Saturday March 30th, 2019 5:30:13 PM
Kezzem gets right to the point.

The old dwarf nods and his face softens a bit. "Well, that's some good news, then. How'd you pull that off? We threw everything we had at the thing and it all just sorta bounced off."

Bliss happily introduces himself in a strange fashion. The dwarves seem to respond well, though. The elder dwarf introduces himself.

"Well met, Bliss. I am Urist Bernanrir, mayor of our new Fortress. These two are Ineth Berakur and Zasit Fenceblockades. Excuse Ineth's language. He has cause for his anger."

"Darn right I do," he mutters.

Murphy proves his knowledge of gabbro, but of course the dwarves know all about that stuff.

"It didn't take our gabbro so much as drill and smash its way through it," the one introduced as Zasit replies. He's wearing a pair of expertly crafted spectacles and carries a clipboard. "It's in little pieces. It's basically only good for gravel at this point. Mending magics would be more work than just mining more."

"Yea," Ineth speaks up. "Easy to say when you're not the one mining it."

"We mine, Ineth," Urist says. "It's what we do." He gives Ineth a look that stops the argument before it starts.

All is fine until Murphy adds that a dwarf is responsible for this. Urist can only shake his head.

"A dwarf did this," Ineth asks. "No...no that can't be. I thought for sure this was the work of the dark elves or...SOMETHING else. Dwarves should know better." He doesn't seem mad, more disappointed.

Succotash and Talia uses the pause to introduce themselves.

"Good to meet you both, but you'll find we're a self-sufficient bunch. These things happen. If it wasn't a giant iron contraption, it would be a dragon, or an army of goblins, or some other horror. There's a lot of forgotten beasts down here in The Scab. We'll get back on our feet."

Zaragosa keeps his cards close to his chest.

Pressi asks a pointed question about religious nut jobs.

Urist raises an eye. "That's an odd question, miss. No, we don't know about who piloted it. If you do, we'd be very interested in learning who."

Zasit speaks up. "There are those Skald worshipers. They're kind of 'nut jobs' if you ask me. The dwarves of The Scab are finally getting back on their feet, and they want to go ahead and release all the Old Ones from their captivity. It's absolute madness..."

Urist gives another look, and once again it results in silence. "Zasit isn't completely wrong, but not all those who worship Skald are crazy. They have their reasons.

"Enough on that. It pains me we are forced to meet like this. We had just finished expanding our network of tunnels lead into the Crescent Valley. We'd planned on opening trade relations with you in the coming months. The Caverns of Glimstone have had much success over the past few years. Who knew we just had to wait for an iron machine to come and carve it for us."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday March 30th, 2019 6:28:56 PM
"See that's where you made your mistake," says Kezzem. "You were trying to crack the shell. We sneaked and just cracked the nuts inside. Well, most of the nuts. Some saw the errors of their ways, others surrendered, and some got killed by other nuts."

"By nuts I mean dwarves. But not all dwarves, just the ones crazy enough that want to pilot a giant iron...er, giant...and smash halfling villages. And one gnome."

"The gnome was one of the nuts, not one of things being smashed by the iron giant. And by nut, in his case, I mean that he was also crazy, not that he was also a dwarf. Although he was adopted by dwarves, so maybe he was legally a dwarf?"

He turns to Pressi. "Is that how that works?"

"Anyway, I think I am rambling a bit. I'm starting to sound like Murph."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Sunday March 31st, 2019 1:50:21 AM
Hobie's ears perk up at the mention of releasing the Old Ones.

"What do you mean they want to release the Old Ones? This would be disastrous. Surely we can't allow that to happen."

He looks to Pressi, seeking some agreement from her.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Sunday March 31st, 2019 2:33:12 AM

Murphy finds Bliss's designations for and descriptions of his friends and himself charming. The dwarfs seem to enjoy his presentation.

"I don't know if some assistance would be useful. It does sound that you are self-sufficient people. Nonetheless, I've spent a fair bit of time underground, exploring, digging tunnels. As an earth elemental. If you would like, I could perhaps take some time now, or in the near future, to help you all get a good outline of the main areas for finding more gabbro. Maybe help dig some, too. Let me know. I would let you know whatever I find. With my good friend's help," and he nods toward Pressi, "we could give you a running commentary of what I come across. Gabbro, gems, ore, or whatever."

"Crescent Valley - though we can't officially speak for the officials - would almost certainly welcome trade with folk such as yourselves. The valley offers a wealth of food, tobacco, some decent ales, and a variety of handiworks. The ladies - and some laddies - enjoy gems and jewelry. The followers of Ffloy would be... enthused about negotiating trade deals."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+11=13 ;
Sunday March 31st, 2019 12:42:51 PM
Kezzem attempts to recall what his recent studies have mentioned anything about Old Ones.

Knowledge (religion) 13.

"The Old Ones don't sound very scary to me," says Kezzem. "I mean, all they are going to do is yell at us young whippersnappers to get off their lawn, no?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Monday April 1st, 2019 5:41:23 AM
Succotash recalls what Ix had said about his father wanting to release the Old Ones, and says "The gnome, mentioned his father wanted to release the Old Ones, and was hoping to use the Iron Giant to do just that".

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Monday April 1st, 2019 7:51:44 AM
Jack opens his writings in hopes to refresh himself on what the Gnome said about the old ones. He again keeps to himself since the others have the talking handled.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday April 1st, 2019 2:34:05 PM
Pressi watched as a couple of eyes turned to her. "Sorry, guys, I know as much about this religion as you do. All I can comment on is how it makes people act."

To the dwarves, "I'm not commenting on the religion. Even Pantheon worshippers can go nutjob evil if the right assumptions enter their head. But the fact remains that a number of dwarves were driven by this religion - or by money - to drive a giant through a couple of towns. So anything you can tell us about the basic tenants or practices could be worthwhile."

She gives some explanation about the people running the giant and the symbols found in various places, being careful to avoid giving any names or identifying information. (No vigilante justice - Pressi can't afford the competition.) "Can you tell us where these Skald worshippers set up camp?"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30
Monday April 1st, 2019 6:53:47 PM

"Honestly," adds Bliss, "we just want to follow the backtrail of the iron giant on to wherever it originally came from."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Monday April 1st, 2019 7:18:24 PM

"We've been traveling six hours. If you were willing to allow us, we can stay here overnight, I would be happy to do a bit of underground exploring on your behalf to assist in a faster finding of things before it grows late."

"By the way, a negotiating hint for you down in Humble's Ford. If you can manage to get on the good side of Mayor Bumbleluck, High priestess Sarabella Lovesong, Broker Iangold Laughshield, and... maybe Candy BadApple, then you'll likely find success in your trades." He thinks to add, "There's not much getting on the good side of Pirnook Deeppockets - but he engages in a fair bit of trade."

DM Carl
Monday April 1st, 2019 9:59:00 PM
Hobie thinks releasing the Old Ones would be disastrous. Zasit speaks first. "Not really. They're linked to physical phenomena in The Scab. We could release all of them and Crescent Valley probably wouldn't be affected much, if at all. The Old Ones aren't that great, if you catch my drift."

Kezzem ponders the Old Ones. He knows they were creations of The Forger, much like the Iron Giant was. More than that, he's not sure. He gives a very, very rough draft of what happened. All three dwarves' eyes widen when he mentions the adopted gnome.

Urist is the first to speak. "The gnome, don't suppose his name was Ix, was it? Can't be too many dwarves adopting gnomes out there."

Succotash reveals a bit more about their previous discussions with Ix.

"Yea, that's Anur all right," answers Urist. "He used to be a friend of mine, until Shan got her hooks in him. Turned him on to worshipin' Scald. No doubt that's who he was trying to free." Urist scratches his head. "Not sure what part of his plan attacking Crescent Valley was, though. Can't say that makes much sense."

Zaragosa looks back over his notes. Ix didn't have much to say about the Old Ones. He got the feeling Ix wasn't the religious type. He remembers Ix wasn't fond of Anur worshiping Scald and hoped killing Shan would dissuade Anur's worship.

Pressi asks about any presence Scald's worshipers have. Ineth chimes in. "There's a few shrines to Scald, as well as Fhorge and some other Old Ones. Most of us decent folk worship Domi. Most'a those who worship the Old Ones are kids who don't know no better."

Bliss indicates they'd like to follow the trail the Giant went through.

"Easier said than done," answers Urist. "Normally when we dig a tunnel, we take care to carry out the stone we remove. The Giant simply deposited it behind it as it went." He ushers everyone inside the tunnel to show them. Sure enough, after several yards of roughly hewn stone, the entire path is blocked by rubble.

Murphy offers advice on trade in Humble's Sword. "Ah," starts Urist. "I'm sure our broker would love to have a word with you. We've been busy encrusting our stone crafts with gems in preparation for trade."

He also offers assistance, but finds himself gently rebuked. "Thanks, but no," answer all three. Urist finishes everyone's thought: "We handle our own here in Glimstone, friend. Come. It'll be evening soon. Let's get you settled inside for the night. Even underground, it's best not to travel at night..."

Zasit scratches his head as Urist leads Humble's Sword underground. "Ineth, what's wrong with travelling at night underground?" Ineth just rolls his eyes and follows.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday April 1st, 2019 11:33:40 PM
"Yesh, Ix, that be him," says Kezzem. "A bit of a jerk. Well, maybe more than a bit. Didn't deserve to go out like that, though."

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 12:21:28 AM
Talia just watches feeling out of place with both her new languages and the surroundings.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 2:51:58 AM
Hobie will brush Pippa a bit and talk with her before he leaves her to head underground. She's a smart pony and more than capable and looking after herself for the night.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 5:14:50 AM
Succotash and Miss Piggy follow the dwarves inside, not being a Halfling blessed with wisdom he follows without any concerns.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 1:03:57 PM
Pressi has a moment's hesitation, glancing down at her religious symbol (sense motive, Truetest version, +20). Ultimately, though, she feels even if it glows bright blue that it would be better to follow them for now. (And if they are followers of Domi, so much the better. But maybe avoid the spellcasting for now. Avoid scaring the natives.)

To the others, "I'm betting that one of those shrines belonged to Shan. A base of operations if not the giant dig site itself. Maybe we can track down where these shrines are.

"As for the loose rock, that's got to be easier to move than the solid. Surely Murphy or Talia has some ability to move through it."

She presumes the decision to wait until morning was decided by consensus.

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 1:13:56 PM
Jack also shrugs and heads in after the dwarfs, he had never been housed in a dwarf settlement before.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 d20+33=44 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+12=17 ;
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 6:24:44 PM

Urist says, "Normally when we dig a tunnel, we take care to carry out the stone we remove. The Giant simply deposited it behind it as it went." And he shows us the rubble.

Well! There's Rubble and there's Rubble! That thing is crazy big, like 200 ft tall, right? Likely it made huuuuge boulders as it tunnelled. So that may well mean that little folk could squirm their way in! In the cracks and spaces between the boulders?

Bliss starts tossing out ideas on how to get through. "As a cat and an acrobatic escape artist, I bet I could higgle-di-wiggle my way through! Maybe all of us could! Especially with say a wand of reduce person, or grease spells, or blinking or gaseous form or polymorphs."

The little guy changes into a cat and sees if he can pick his way through the rubble. If he can, he goes say 30 feet in before turning back. What if we were careful (taking 10)? What if we were slow and careful (taking 20)?

Acrobatics 44, Escape Artist 21, Climb, 17

If he makes it, he returns and says, "See, not so bad! There's all kinds of spells and magic gear that can make you slippery or good at climbing!"

"Hey! Mister Murphy can just go through as an earth elemental, right? You got any other earth moving spells, Mister Murphy? You can cast reduce animal on Harper, right? And Miss Pressi can be a cat like me if she wants. And the Sirs Kezzem and Succotash can summon their pals to them once we get through."

"Miss Talia and Hobie! Can you do dimension doors? Maybe bringing people with you?"

"Jack, you got mad skills, right? And Blink and Grease? Any other tricks?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) 90/90
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 8:05:00 PM
Talia was under the impression Dwarfs do not really care for magic...

If they all go underground, Talia wonders aloud," if someone brought a light source...seeing how Dwarfs do not need a light source. If Not, I have a Sunrod we could use!"

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 d20+30=42 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+16=23 ;
Tuesday April 2nd, 2019 11:21:26 PM

Murphy takes in what each person has to say. He attends closely to the look of the entrance, the tunnels they traverse, the items placed here and there. "Thank you for your hospitality." Murphy says.

"All right - I understand you not wanting to have someone you do not yet know, or know to trust, to go poking around your place. As we do have an interest though in following the trail of the iron giant, if you could grant leave at least for that, we'd be most appreciative. Think it over."

Responding to Bliss's queries, he responds, "Yes, Bliss, reduce animal I can cast. Gaseous form, yes. Freedom of movement may help some. There's soften earth and stone; stone shape; transmute rock to mud, and mud to rock. Move earth isn't really conducive to moving large stone formations - it's more of a surface topographical rearrangement, up to 750 feet by 750 feet, and takes hours. It sort of gently rearranges a segment of the surface of the Wold. As an earth elemental - I can - let's call it 'swim' through earth and rock without affecting it or changing it in any way. Gold and silver and large areas of metal I have to skirt. And, I can push earth out of the way to an extent - but it needs a place to go. I can't just make it disappear. Some potent wizards and sorcerers have spells to open passageways through earth and stone. Who knows where they send the materials off to? Oh, and I can cast stone tell - basically talk to stones, finding out who or what has touched them, as well as revealing what is covered or concealed behind or under them.

"I do not yet have the wherewithal for it, but when I lived in the Culverwood with my Aunt Nilli I met some powerful druids who can make Woldquakes - making the ground, and underground, shake in an area, maybe 160 feet in diameter. Some of them, too, can repel metal or stone. And there's a spell called transmute metal to wood, which affects pretty much all metal within a 40' radius. Don't worry, I cannot yet cast that one."

He assures the dwarfs he has no intention of casting any such spells as he enumerated without their leave, or in areas they wish unexplored. "These are your caves. We're here as guests, not as opponents, or adversaries, but as people who offer friendship, and potential alliance. Also, not necessarily ourselves per se - but some of our friends, neighbors, merchants and such - as trading partners. Yes, it would be good to meet your broker."

He does not press on any of these matters. He simply lays out possibilities, and leaves it to their hosts to process. Everything he says (to the best of his (and Kim's) knowledge) is true and factual. To his friends, he says, "We may do well, before spell acquisition on the morrow, to gather together to help us choose how we might proceed, with leave of our hosts."

Small backstep
I think I had mentioned Murphy's plan to plant oaks along the way. He plants three acorns, about 35 feet apart in an equilateral triangle, roughly every 1,000 feet of their journey northward, finding suitable spots. He waters, then leaves them to do what acorns do. He plans to have small stands of oaks leading into the Scab - and intends to return to each spot in the future to tend and care for them.

-----------------
Perception: 42
Sense Motive: 18
Diplomacy: 23 [either on its own, or augmented by +2 for each who helps him out to 25 or beyond...]

DM Carl
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 11:26:35 AM
Kezzem confirms Urist's hunch about Ix.

"Aye, he was pretty full of himself. Could spin a yarn like no other, though. I've missed his stories."

Talia stares in confusion.

Hobie makes preparations for Pippa. She'll be fine.

"We have stables not far in, sir," mentions Zasit. "We've taken pains to ensure visitors are comfortable and cared for. Are you sure your mount wouldn't be more comfortable inside?"

Succotash delights in his wealth of foolishness and follows ahead, followed by Zaragosa.

Pressi briefly worries about her own religious proclivities, but does she have any cause to? Domi may be the primarily worshiped diety here, but surely not the only one.

Knowledge, Local DC 15, Highlight to display spoiler: {Domi is responsible for giving the dwarves of The Scab access to their great forge again, which has caused a renaissance of sorts. Pantheon is still well respected and worshiped in his own right down here.}

She figures moving through rubble is no doubt easier than through solid stone. She's not wrong.

Bliss agrees, and gets right to work planning a way through the tunnel. He turns into a cat and bounces around in the pile. It's not as easy as he was hoping. He turns back into a halfling and starts planning when he feels a hard hand on his shoulder. He turns to see Ineth's hard eyes staring into his.

"Friend, we got druids hard at work shaping all that stone solid again on the other side. Maybe you could not open this tunnel back up? 'Sepcially since we got a perfectly good one a few yards over there?" He points west a bit.

Urist clears his throat. "Ineth's right, son. If you folks are keen on following that giant's trail, you'll have a much easier time starting from the caverns we've unearthed than clearing out this tunnel." He smiles, but it seems a bit strained.

Sense motive DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {He's doing his best to stay hospitable, but he's getting annoyed.}

Murphy has tools at his disposal, but after the dwarves' reactions, maybe he keeps those under his belt? He does slip into his role as the group's chief diplomat, though, and smooths some ruffled feathers.

"Good to hear...Murphy, as it? Please, allow us to show you around..."

The party is lead past the two statues in the mountainside into a long tunnel sloping into the earth. "Take care to walk where I walk, friends," says Urist as they walk. "This tunnel is not nearly as defenseless as it appears." To drive the point home, he takes a walking staff from its strap on his back and presses a nearby chunk of floor. Ten large, serrated steel discs spring from their cleverly concealed hiding spaces among the engravings, tearing into the space adjacent. "We can deactivate them, of course. So long as you are expected, you'll find this way safe."

The tunnel is actually about 1 mile long and tall enough for humans to walk comfortably. The floors have been smoothed, but the walls are masterfully engraved. Urist takes care to detail the stories they tell as the group travels inward. Should our players be curious, the history of the dwarves of The Scab can be found in the Woldipedia. The way is lit by what the casters in the party can no doubt identify as continual flames. Several thousand gold worth of rubies must have gone into their creation.

As the tunnel nears its end, the party comes upon a checkpoint manned by two dwarves clad head to foot in solid steel plate armor. Two dogs, also armored in steel, sit at attention. Sounds of sparring can be heard coming from nearby. Urist makes a slight motion with his hand and both dwarves stand aside and open the gates. Past the gates is an enormous central stairway leading down into the caverns. A wide open space is off to the left past the gates, though its function is unclear.

Urist leads the party down the stairwell. "Will you be wanting to rest before you start your journey inward? We have accommodations for visitors."

***

Kim: Apologies if you did and I missed them. You'll have no issues planting the oaks as you travel.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+3=11 ;
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 5:42:16 PM
"Well", Succotash says, "Maybe getting getting a fresh start in the morning would be a good idea, but if everyone wants to press on, I fine with whatever"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 d20+9=12 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+30=35 ;
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 8:13:55 PM

Murphy thanks Urist and whoever else comes along on the tour, listening to the stories. "Jack, as a bard, you'll want to be taking all this in, no?"

"I'm fine with a night's sleep, Succotash, both to enjoy the hospitality offered, and to have an appropriate selection of spells."
------------------------
Knowledge, Local: 12
Sense motive: 12
Perception: 35

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) d20+6=24 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+9=19 ;
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 9:42:40 PM
injnore the d20 +15, that was a mistake
sense motive is 24 and knowledge local was 19

Jack nodds to Bliss "yes yes, I have grease and blink and can magically unlock door and such. I'm sure I can be of great use here."

Jack is aware of the worship of Pantheon but says nothing of it.

Jack, who was often terrible at sensing the motivation of others, somehow caught Urist's frustration. "We cannot thank you enough." he would say, "If there is any way we can repay you, please let me know."

To Murphy, jack shrugs "I guess I'm bard-ish. I have been doing my best to take in in sir. Anything you wish me to do with the knowledge? I know that Domi is mostly responsible for the forge, and I wonder if it is connect to the worship of Pantheon in the area? "

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90 d20+2=14 ;
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 11:20:34 PM
Talia will join the popular decision, whatever that happens to be. If she must go underground, she will pull an Sunrod from her haversack, and activate it by smashing it into the ground.

Talia will try to sense motive in this situation [skill check: Sense Motive: 14]. Her arcane senses are dulled at the moment.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 11:25:55 PM
"Well, it would be rude to refuse such a generous offer," says Kezzem. "We're not pressed for time, are we guys? I'm afraid I don't have much of head for arithmemagic myself so you have to ask Pressi, Talia, or Murphey."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30
Thursday April 4th, 2019 10:48:26 AM
Bliss scrambled to wriggle through gaps and crevices, then emerges covered in dust and grit.

�Huh,� he says, �Yeah, maybe we could go that way, but it would not be all that easy ....�

He looks over to where Ineth is pointing � at a tunnel just a few dozen feet away.

�OR ... we could just walk down this handy tunnel going exactly in the same direction, sure. OK, let�s do that!�

Bliss grins at Ineth and Urist, oblivious to nuance.

As the group walks down the tunnel, he enjoys the engravings and listens to the stories, though sometimes they seem odd to him � dwarf culture, go figure. Is that an engraving of a sock? He tries to get into the spirit and comments to Urist, �This is an exceptionally designed image of a dwarf. The dwarf is surrounded by the dwarves.�

Asked if he wants to rest, Bliss says he is not tired. But he looks at himself and the trail of grit and dust behind him. He has dust on his right great toe and his left arm and his upper thighs and his eyelashes and his left elbow. �Just a bucket of non-murky water and a bar of soap, please, if you have your soap economy up and running.�

DM Carl
Thursday April 4th, 2019 1:21:15 PM
The party accepts the offer to stay as Urist leads them downstairs. The stairwell is roughly 15' wide with two separate staircases: one for up traffic, one for down. They're arranged in a double helix. The party descends down several stories of the dwarves' fortress. Down hallways that lead away from the stairs, our heroes can see many, many dwarves going about their industrious lives. Urist leads the party down one such hallway, through a pair of gem-encrusted double doors, into what appears to be a gathering place for the locals. Ornate statues line the walls, with several un-labelled levers situated throughout. "Always someone here," says Urist when he sees they've caught your attention. "When the call goes to flip one, we can guarantee someone will be here to do it."

Food and drink is plentiful, if unorthodox. The chief liquor seems to be a wine brewed from local mushrooms. It's probably an acquired taste.

The party's rooms appear to be on the very last level of the fortress before it opens up into the caverns below. Each room is appointed with a 20' square glass window that offers a view any of our heroes have likely seen before. Dwarves mill about, cracking open seams of gems and otherwise keeping busy. It's also very obvious where the Giant tread: a path of destruction has been torn through the caverns, including a tower of stone (gabbro, for those in the know) that is obviously dwarven-made. Some kind of stone machinery can be seen inside its ruins.

The rooms are high up enough and the walls thick enough to absorb all sound from the work below. Our heroes sleep soundly.

It is morning. With this view of the entire caverns it's a great time to break out the dual-prismatic aetherial amplifier and plan a route. The results are...disappointing. The DPAA points away from the trail the Giant left. Tiana did mention it was possible the source of the Giant's power may have drifted over the years. It appears she was right.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Thursday April 4th, 2019 1:40:33 PM

"What to do with knowledge, Jack? Why, knowing things enhances one's understanding, informs wisdom, provides context, and enlarges one's repertoire of stories to tell to share with an audience of many, or of one. You can be scintillating as you regale another with an apt tale. And, as we enter the land wherein live many dwarfs, a better acquaintance with their history may serve us well in The Scab." [See link to find out what the dwarfs told us.]

Murphy laughs at the request Bliss made. He first waits to see how their hosts might respond to what he asked for. If they fall short in any one aspect, Murphy can make up for it to complete the solution. [Right pants pocket - a bucket; haversack - a bar of soap; can cast create water.]

He is curious about what sorts of accommodations for visitors the dwarfs provide. He considers what he might offer as a gift of gratitude at the time they leave (after a good night's sleep?).

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Thursday April 4th, 2019 1:53:51 PM

"Oh, I forgot to ask - along the way down the tunnel ahead, how often might one find a pathway to the land above?" the druid inquires. "Are there signs or sigils which might indicate such?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+11=31 ;
Thursday April 4th, 2019 2:36:03 PM
(Know Local Nat 20, Sense Motive no fail).

Pressi notes the dwarf's increasing impatience, but doesn't respond. "Our apologies for getting ahead of ourselves. Wouldn't be heroes if we didn't assume the worst every once in a while."

Regarding the religious aspects... acceptance of a true follower of Pantheon like Succotash is one thing. Following the protestant arcane twist that is an arcane bloodwitch - that is another thing altogether. But they are also a long way from the days of dwarven distrust of arcane magic so nobody here is burning the witch... right?

To Kezzem, "My knowledge of this area starts and stops with the ability to drag energy from the rock and literally catch it. But tactic wise, the danger our town faces with the tower down and us gone is the same as before, and won't change with a night's sleep. And if it were an issue with the giant, Tiana would presumably have mentioned it."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Thursday April 4th, 2019 5:01:48 PM
Succotash indulges in the interesting food and drink offered by the dwarves. He finds it exotic and palatable, but it�s not something he would want to eat every day, however he is quick to show his gratitude to his hosts. After dinner he again thanks his hosts, and decides to hit the sack, recommending his comrades do likewise, as the adventure starts afresh in the morning.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Thursday April 4th, 2019 5:47:39 PM
As he considers a gift, the thought occurs to Murphy before the day is gone. "I have been planting sets of three acorns along the way on our path from Humble's Ford northward to Glimstone. If you would like, as a mark of friendship, I could do so outside of your place - you tell me at what distance - a hundred feet or so? Closer? Farther away? - and I will plant three acorns, and cause them to grow up quickly into oak trees. If you would like more than three, I can do more." He will cast in such a way as to affect only the acorns.

If they agree, then, just before sunset, he will plant the three acorns - or more, if their hosts desire, water them, then cast plant growth to focus upon those three. If they want the 35' separation pattern he has been using, that is fine, or several in a row, he can so do. "If you'd prefer, I can plant several acorns in a 150' radius semicircle, or a 100' circle, or a 200' quarter circle." He also offers to cast a spell which will allow for more abundant harvests in a half-mile radius over this coming year.

"As a mark of trade between our town and your enterprise, people will be able to follow the stands of oaks between here and there."

========
Meanwhile, he is mindful of how the dwarfs respond to Pressi's queries and comments.

Quietly, he asks the various members of the group to consider some token of gratitude towards the dwarfs for hospitality shown. "It's not required - but yet may be appreciated."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday April 4th, 2019 8:06:52 PM
Any night where the team can get some actual food, drink and sleep is a good one. In fact, forget the food and the sleep.

Wake up, rituals, blood catch and... after finding the new direction... the cauldron report back to their coven (along with passing along the question of whether they actually are in a hurry).

As for knowledge, sometimes knowledge is just knowledge. Personally, Pressi wished she had spent more time learning about Shan's beliefs. That would probably be worth more than learning that dwarves are Domi with a splash of Parthenon.

There is some discussion of the percentages and risks of various choices. But in the end, Pressi lays her marker for following the DPAA. If it turns out to be broken, she can always find places in Tiana's body to stash it.

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Thursday April 4th, 2019 10:23:10 PM
Jack thinks about what Murphey says. "I guess I could be a storyteller of sorts. perhaps one day. Perhaps it could be the thing I am good at." he says, seemingly a lot more humble than he was when he first met the team, " What about you? What are you seeking in life? is there any way I could aid in that?"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Friday April 5th, 2019 12:31:41 AM

[Okay, as I posted roughly the same time as DM Carl, and did not take his into consideration (it was invisible to me!), the post at 1:53pm Thursday was based upon having just arrived and initially taken down a hallway a ways. The plan to plant the oaks - with Urist's approval - was to have taken place late in the afternoon of our arrival - not the next morning. Is that all right? My later posts were also oblivious of Carl's post. I totally failed my (personal) perception check -Kim]

Murphy is fascinated with the view from the windows, and spends time taking in as much as he can. He tries to divine the purpose of each machine, the intent of each worker, the magnitude of their operation. "This is an astonishing piece of work you people perform!"
============
"Pressi! I actually know what DPAA is! Yes - let us follow the meandering guidance device. It seemed rather nicely to be pointing back exactly the direction that the Iron Giant took from Glimstone to Humble's Ford." He checks to see if there seems to be an angle of difference in the direction the Iron Giant took while underground, as opposed to when it emerged and began making indentations in the surface of the Wold. If so - that is, if the giant changed his pathway at or near that point, and the DPAA is pointing along the direction that coincides with the H.F. to Glimstone path, then his confidence in the device increases.

If, instead, the device's directionality is at odds with its earlier indications, then he mentally regroups. "If it keeps pointing different directions - maybe it's not pointing directly to the power source, but rather toward the most expedient way to travel to the power source? I know, that sounds unlikely. We'll likely understand better as we follow its directions. I hope."

"Perhaps, so, Jack. I think you could. The Wold has many voices. Perhaps it also needs yours to flavor the mix, eh? And, it seems to me you've the capability of being good at additional things. You rose to the occasion several times during our sweep of the Iron Giant.

"Hey Hobie. Wake up. You've been walking along without asking clever questions or making acute observations for hours now."

"What am I seeking in life? An excellent question, Jack. Did you know that questions are building blocks of friendships? What am I seeking? Tell you what, I'll answer your question over the next few days. That I will."

He asks Urist, "Does the tunnel ahead follow a more or less straight path this direction?" and he points the direction the tunnel starts out at. "Or does it turn and go more or less that direction," and he indicates the direction the DPAA points. He does not use the device in the presence or the dwarfs, nor does he recommend that any do so. "Alternatively, does it meander all over the place?"

To the group as a whole, considering the direction the dual-prismatic aetherial amplifier points, he asks the members of Humble's Sword, "Shall we follow the tunnel route - or see about going above ground for the time being?"

He does indicate he would like, in time, to follow the construct's pathway - but if it does not coincide with where the DPAA directs them, that may need to wait for a later date.

He finishes with, "Please, Pressi, tell me what a Frisbee is."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90 d20+18=29 ;
Friday April 5th, 2019 7:11:47 AM
Talia stays silent most of the time observing what is happening especially the dialogues between his friend and the dwarves. When able, Talia will mediate for at least 2 hours for good nights sleep.

While observing, Talia will try to get a sense of the arcane in the area...[Skill check: Knowledge arcane: 29]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Friday April 5th, 2019 12:38:26 PM
ooc: Sorry for the absence guys.

Hobie takes the offer of the stables for Pippa and brings her along (I didn't realize how big this underground place was).

Hobie is quiet as they are brought along, he lets the more sociable members of his party take the lead. He meticulously touches and counts every arrow in his quiver over and over again and thinks about the dangers to come. He thinks about his spellbook and what spells might be useful to his group.

DM Carl
Friday April 5th, 2019 2:09:00 PM
Murphy and Jack continue to discuss his role in the group.

Pressi is relieved to find herself not on the business end of a stake. She figures following Tiana's device is probably the more prudent route.

Murphy test it himself. It does not, nor has it ever, changed direction. However, now that you're at a location where the Giant travelled on it's route to Crescent Valley, one can see that the device is not pointing at wherever it is the Giant started said journey. He asks Urist about it.

"Well, we haven't followed the thing's path back to where it started. I'm sure we will at some point, but we've been busy here." He looks at the direction indicated by the DPAA. "Nope, giant didn't come from over there. Don't much recommend you head that way, either. We've had to shut off that entire area of the caverns cause'a the irlgaunt nest."

...because of course there's an irlgaunt nest over there. What's an irlgaunt, you ask? A DC23 knowledge arcana check gets you this.

Murphy also mentioned travelling above ground for a bit. That's possible, but the DPAA is also pointing to a place deeper within the earth.

Talia takes in the sights. The dwarves have a reputation for mistrust of the arcane, but maybe that's not justified? She sees a few dwarves with what look to be component pouches. She also sees one talking to a shrew, but she might just be crazy.

Hobie is quiet lately, but he's still here, pondering his own usefulness.

Succotash is happy with food, drink, and a place to sleep.

***

Everyone's awake, they know the direction they're supposed to go, but there are beasties in the way. Story as old as time...

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 d20+7=18 ; d20+16=32 ;
Friday April 5th, 2019 2:52:23 PM

"I've never run into an irlgaunt before. Most of my life has been above ground, or in holes and tunnels not very deep down. What can you tell us about them?" Murphy inquires. "And how many of them might you estimate would be in that area? If we could clear out a fair portion of them, would you want to use that area of the caverns again?"

========
Knowledge, Arcana: 18
Knowledge, Nature: 32

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Friday April 5th, 2019 5:05:42 PM
Succotash has know idea what an irlgaunt is but that doesn�t stop him from blurting out, �We will take care of this infestation for you!�

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) d20+12=28 ;
Friday April 5th, 2019 8:54:05 PM
"I look forward to hearing more about your goals" Jack would say to Murphey at the end of the conversation. Later that same day he would try to ask Succotash more about his father as well.

On hearing about the Irigaunt, I rolled a 28 on the knowledge check

"An Irlgaunt!" Jack would gasp, "I have heard of them in my studies. Nasty things! Large spiders with tentacles and slime. They are immune to acid and cold. I believe they can spill all kinds of acid on you as well. I have had enough of that since we fought those acid monsters in the giant."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30
Friday April 5th, 2019 9:37:39 PM

"I'm not afraid of spiders," says Bliss. "I just wish I had gotten my spider cloak instead of deciding to get it next level! D'OH!"

If the party is just taking a few moments to freshen themselves, then Bliss is ready. If the party is sleeping through the night, then Bliss is ready.

He does ask the dwarves if they have any vials of antivenom that they would be willing to sell. Also, he asks about the Tower Caps and other mushrooms we aree looking for as a side quest.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+5=12 ;
Friday April 5th, 2019 11:13:10 PM
Pressi smirks at Jack�s continued questions. �You know, I don�t think I could tell you Murphy�s goals or dreams either. Pretty sure he doesn�t have them. Just go back to the farm with me and a couple of kids, but he more expected than dreamed that.�

She asks the dwarves if they know how far the nest is. This could be a job for scouting or scrying. As for these creatures, looks like she might have to scan them by touch to learn their weaknesses or begin a strategy.�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday April 6th, 2019 12:32:27 AM
"What's an Earl Gaunt?" asks Kezzem. "Some kind of spider? Sounds like it should be a real thin duke."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Saturday April 6th, 2019 3:35:42 AM

"How strangely you misrepresent me, Pressi. You have frequently expressed an interest - much more than an interest - in me, yet can perceive none of my goals, not one of my dreams? You're certain I have none such? I thought you much more perceptive than that. Unless your words are in total jest," Murphy allows. "If not, then there's a whole lot more acquaintance to make. Or change of direction. So, Pressi - what are your goals, your dreams?

"I've sensed purpose in you for some time now. Let us peel the onion further."

"And, yes, Jack, I'll be with you on that shortly. Thank you for telling us a bit about the Irlgaunt. Just how large are they?" He also awaits word on the creatures from others who may know.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Saturday April 6th, 2019 8:00:40 AM
�Well Jack�, Succotash begins, �He�s a halfling who is proud of his craftsmanship, so proud, that he sometimes forgets that other people have other dreams�. �Frankly I understand why he was and perhaps still is upset with me for not following in his footsteps, as a silversmith�, Succotash continues, �as it�s a trade that has been passed down from generation to generation in my family, and as an only child father simply assumed I would desire to take up the mantle and learn the trade, but I had no love or skill for it, my only desire from my youth has been to travel the Wold fighting evil, as a Paladin of Pantheon�.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90 d20+18=34 ;
Saturday April 6th, 2019 9:38:24 AM
Talia, when she gets the opportunity to speak with her hosts; in her newly learned language - Dwarven-; asks,

"Urist not that long ago, I saw what I believed to be component pouches. I even thought I saw one of your brethren speaking to a rodent! I thought the Dwarven people shun the arcane? I mean this is a story I have heard many many times. That the Dwarven people distrust magic..."

When learning about a nest of some sort, Irigaunts...Talia thinks back into her collective knowledge of the arcana and remembers...oh abominations...powerful carnivores that enjoy humanoids!

Without waiting for Urist to explain her perceived magic connection, Talia casts Overland Flight on herself, in case she needs to make haste. With that quick conclusion, Talia finds herself giggling.

"Ah, Bliss you are not getting the big "spider picture" here, Talia explains, "Irigaunts are an unwholesome abomination scuttles fluidly forth, its shape combining features of both spider and squid under an armor of rugged rock. While stone protuberances gird its upper portions, below it is a thing of angry red flesh and soft pink tendrils. Two gaping orifices full of tiny barbs split its lower body�a mouthlike slit surrounded by numerous narrow red eyes and, above that, an oozing alien aperture. In addition, this thing lives here switch probably means it came tobe in the first age...it's near DemiGod like in its creation, and it's Evil!"

[Skill Check: knowledge arcana: 34]

[Spells in Effect
Overland Flight

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Saturday April 6th, 2019 2:57:58 PM

At some point, Murphy jots down some notes.

"These can be honed, I'm certain," Murphy says before reading the list. "But, Jack, and Pressi, and whoever else wants to know, here are some of my aims and goals."

A few Things Murphy Aims To Do, To Be, To Accomplish

Learn much
Do good
Help others
Oppose evil, oppose oppressors, help the oppressed

Acknowledge Heaven's help
Give due respect and honor

Laugh. Dance. Suffer. Sing. Rejoice. Mourn. Fast. Feast. Live.

Seek wise balance in life
Once in a while, go wildly out of balance
Gain in power and abilities to help fulfill goals
Adventure with friends
Travel to the moons of the Wold - Kerracles and Wardd

Marry - become one with another very particular person
Do my best to help us both be the best we can be
Be open to the fruit of relationship
(including children)
Take care of family - including extended family (and in-laws)

Help Humble's Ford
Help Crescent Valley
Make friends
Make history
Write a few books. And read many.

Bring peace where possible
Be an instrument of reconciliation

Help boost my friends to meet their righteous goals
Show grace to others, and receive grace given me

DM Carl
Saturday April 6th, 2019 4:32:20 PM
In the midst of a discussion about family, life goals, and history of the members of Humble's Sword, our heroes have questions for their host.

"Honestly, Talia, I think the 'dwarves mistrust the arcane' belief is taken to an extreme too often. The arcane is a tool, much like a pick or ballista. It has its use, and like all tools, it can be useful in the right hand. The common folk among the dwarves may not love the arcane, but they'd much rather let one of our wizards light our caverns with their continual flame spells than spend their time crafting and rotating out torches or oil lamps.

"Far as the irlgaunts, Maggad says they're normally solitary creatures. Maggad's a local druid and knows her stuff. She says if there're this many in one place, then there's a nest they're protecting. Says they'll probably clear out within a year once their young are raised, so we've decided to leave'em along unless they start encroaching. We set a couple'a rangers to keep an eye on them without gettin' too close.

"Really though, we'd all sleep better if they were gone. Them things gotta eat, and there's only so much food down here for'em to hunt. If you folks think you can tackle them, we'd be real grateful."

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Saturday April 6th, 2019 5:34:58 PM
Jack would raise an eyebrow to Murphey's goals. "quite the list of things. Very admiral goals, all of them. I shall keep them in mind. As for your question on the Irlgaunt, they are large, sort of like a direwolf. To the best of my knowledge as I have only heard them through stories."

to Succotash he would have said something along the lines, "I have heard you mentioned most of this before. It seemed since all this giant business started we didn't' get a break, but when we do perhaps you and I could have a sit down with your father."

To the dwarf host Jack would say, "You need not fear. The Humble sword has dealt with worse than Irlgaunts."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 d20+21=41 ;
Sunday April 7th, 2019 2:44:26 AM
"I'm quite familiar with Irlgaunts, (Know Arc 41) and I'm not terribly concerned. If it was just one of these guys I could dispatch him with ease before he ever knew I was there. But a whole nest of them could certainly be trouble. How many are we talking? Five? Ten? Dozens?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Sunday April 7th, 2019 9:23:11 AM
�Could someone fill me in on there strengths and weaknesses�, Succotash asks, �Woudn�t mind being better prepared�.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Sunday April 7th, 2019 2:37:28 PM

"Killing them is possible, I reckon. However, now that you mention her, if Maggad is available, we could talk with her a moment?" Murphy inquires. "I am thinking there may be a way of getting through their nesting area, without having a need for attempts at mutual slaughter. They need to feed, right? I could bring several sheep back within a few hours. We talk with the irlgaunts, explain that we need to pass through. They need food. If they try to treat halflings as food, they will be killed. If they will take the sheep instead, and let us pass through peacefully...

"Also, a fair number of sheep and cattle are kept in Crescent Valley. If you'd like to exchange a few gems once in a while, perhaps a weekly delivery of food could be sent up here. We let the irlgaunts know that, for the next year, they'll be given a certain amount of food on a weekly basis. They will attack no dwarfs, gnomes, halflings - people - who pass through peacefully. After a year, they will need to migrate elsewhere, and free up that passage."

"But, it would be good to speak with Maggad, to see if she believes such is feasible. To see if we can negotiate with them. If not, then let Hobie's arrows fly, and the rest of us do what we can do."

-------
In reply to Succotash, Murphy says, "You have a fair idea of mine, don't you?" But he still gives the paladin at least a brief review. [Feel free to take a look at everyone's character sheets.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Sunday April 7th, 2019 6:35:08 PM
"Wait, you can talk with these things?" asks Kezzem. "I thought they were spiders! Can somebody feel a guy in on what's happening here?"

"I think he meant the strengths and weaknesses of the Earl Gaunts, Murph."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90
Sunday April 7th, 2019 9:48:24 PM
Talia listens to Kezzem and grins. Talia explains to the group, but especially Kezzem. "Kezzem, the Irigaunts are well they are large, spider-like aberrations that lurk in mountainous regions and vertical subterranean chasms. While large and imposing, these arachnid-like beings are deceivingly agile, their reflexes fast and movements swift, similar to the darting motions of a hunting insect.

Irlgaunts are as quick-witted as they are nimble and have a strong grasp of strategy and tactics. They stand between 11 and 13 feet tall and weigh around 3,000 pounds. Their lowest ability is Intelligence and they can speak up to four languages. Their highest abilities are strength and dexterity, both equivalent to that of Giants! Now as for weaknesses, fire, like most things, but they do have many skills, attacks, and defense reductions...It's an abomination really. Does that help you?"

Talia also tells the group, "I would assume that after the initial offering, then we would have a chance to see if they will live up to the bargain. If not, then ranged attached, fire, and the like...I bet they even spit acid!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Monday April 8th, 2019 6:24:52 AM
"Thank you Kezzem", Succotash says, "For the most part I know our strengths and weakness Murph, we've been fighting side by side for awhile now, and I couldn't ask for better brothers and sisters in arms, but I want to know if Twinklesting will be able to drop them, or not, and whether or not I should ask the Dwarves if they have an entrance to the catacombs to purchase something more suited for the occasion.

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Monday April 8th, 2019 10:20:26 AM
to Succotash jack would say, "I think we should use bludgeoning since they are so slimy. I know they are immune to acid and cold which sucks for me and my frost sword. I am pretty sure they can spit acid so watch for that. All these are through stories though as I have never seen one."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday April 8th, 2019 11:18:01 AM

"I beleive that I may have spoken," Pressi replied. "I sometimes forget that small dreams are still dreams. And frankly, that you want nothing more than to settle down or help others is what attracts me the most to you. But... even your list doesn't have much concrete besides marriage, and it doesn't say how you will help others. I mean, if the war ended tomorrow and you never had to fight another giant, what would you do?

"Me. I'll admit to having been more of a cork in the water than I'd like... though some of the best things about my life were never planned. But I've always wanted the fame and recognition, to be known as the great warrior and leader. And now that I've achieved that to some degree... I guess I'm still chasing that statue, still looking for the next step. Grow my foundation, get my face out there, maybe even enter politics. Mayor Silverwood, kind of has a nice ring to it."

As for the giant spiders, Pressi tends to be disinclined to just go up and fight or bargain with what seems to be a rather nasty abberation. She'd prefer to use divinations or scouting to avoid them altogether.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday April 8th, 2019 11:22:40 AM
"Hey, I know spells that can protect against acid!" says Kezzem. "If I have time to pray, I can ask Gargul for a couple."

DM Carl
Monday April 8th, 2019 3:06:20 PM
Jack correctly asserts that Humble's Sword has dealt with worse problems than irlgaunts.

Hobie is well versed in the lore surrounding the creatures. He asks about how many they're dealing with.

"Well, we think there are at least five. Can't say for sure, though."

Succotash asks for the lowdown on these things. Jack fills him in.

Murphy, always one to look for a way around a solution, asks to speak with the local druid.

Urist sees no problem with that, so he leads the party back to the tunnel the Giant tore through the mountain, though this time they're on the interior rather than exterior. Several dwarves are busy arranging the rubble into as solid a wall as they're able before one of the gathered casters stone shapes it shut. Urist introduces Maggad, a slight, short (even for dwarf standards), completely unassuming dwarf. There are no outward clues that Maggad is anything other than a commoner.

"Maggad, got some visitors here that need to get past the irlgaunt nest you discovered. They've got some questions. Folks, this is Maggad."

"Hold a moment!" shouts Maggad to the workers assembled with him. He turns back to the party, speaking in perfect halfling.

"I'd heard rumor we had visitors. Sorry for not finding time to visit, but our work here is terribly important." He listens to Murphy's ideas on the irlgaunts, but his face betrays his doubt. "They're not animals. I dare say when it comes to pure intellect, I'm no match for them. What's more, they're notoriously cruel. Nothing gets along with an irlgaunt, not even other irlgaunts. The fact that they're forced to spend time together has probably put them into even more foul a mood than normal.

"What's more, they are aberrations. Were they not such a grave threat I wouldn't hesitate to wipe them out. I can't ask others to put their lives on the line for the sake of my own beliefs, but I cannot abide aiding them...and what's to happen next time they spawn? Are we to become an irlgaunt nursery? No friend, I cannot sign off on this course of action." He speaks softly, but his words and posture leave no doubt as to how firm his resolve on this matter is. "If you want to move in that direction, you're going to have to deal with them directly."

Kezzem rethinks his mental understanding of their foe. He has spells he can prepare. It's still very early. It's possible the party's casters haven't even prepared their spells for the day yet...

Pressi is keen on avoiding the situation at all. Maybe that's possible?

Urist thanks Maggad for his time and leads the party away unless they have any follow-up questions. "Probably not the answer you were wanting, but Maggad knows his stuff. There's a lot of life down in these caverns if you know where to look, and Maggad does. He's saved many lives."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Monday April 8th, 2019 3:43:28 PM

"Thank you, Maggad." He uses a druidic term of respect for him, then says, "We appreciate your frank insights. With the irlgaunts being abberrations as dangerous and repugnant as you report, we will see what we can do."

"If you know anything about what or who may lie beyond the irlgaunts' nest, your insights would be valued."

To Pressi he communicates telepathically Highlight to display spoiler: {"I'm open to wiping them out, based upon what Maggad says. I know you also want to explore the possibility of largely or entirely bypassing them. That could be fine - but diminishing the threat to the dwarfs seems a good thing to me. With good prep, likely we can do it. I can't believe I'm agreeing with Hobie."}

"It's early," he says to his friends. "Let us decide what to do, and prepare spells and such as seem appropriate."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Monday April 8th, 2019 3:50:14 PM
"Look, I think it would do these dwarves a lot of good if we can clear out the nest, and they're in our way as it is. Let's go take them out."

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Monday April 8th, 2019 3:52:06 PM
"Good Dwarf sir, we shall handle this problem post-haste! Many have not seen such a talented group of adventurers!"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30
Monday April 8th, 2019 9:14:02 PM

"I feel brave," says Bliss. "We should go fight evil nasty giant spiders!"

"I bet your craftsdwarves would love to use their silk, Master Urist. Just close the door behind us and do not let them out to harvest until AFTER the battle, please!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday April 8th, 2019 11:42:52 PM
"Well, I am going to go pray for some spells," says Kezzem. "I should be able to ward myself and one other against acid, so fight amoungst yourselves over who is going to get the ward. Also, I am going to ask Gargul if there is a way to share resistance to acid energy communally. I have heard rumors of such spells, but I am not sure if he grants them or not."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 12:29:51 AM
Talia asks the group what they think they will need for this extermination?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 6:15:17 AM
"I can prepare that spell also, 3 times I believe, and Piggy already has some acid protection, so who would like the other 2?", Succotash offers. He then asks their host if they have an entrance to the catacombs stating that he would like to purchase that adamantine heavy flail he had been eye balling for his last few trips there.

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 7:55:03 AM
Jack would answer Talia "I could use a club or a mace. All I got is a sword of frost damage and that would be useless against such things, though I could always cheer from the back"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 1:57:21 PM
Pressi begins to protest that the dwarves seem fine, but everyone else seems to be itching for a fight. "All right, let's go save the world. Again. Whatever."

Turning to Maggad. "We have an idea about the creatures. Now lets talk about the environment, because it says here they like to ambush people using camouflage. (OOC: I'm metagaming to move things along.) It also says they like to knock people off of mountains... but I presume that would be hard in the middle of a tunnel. So is this nest in the tunnel or out a bit. And either way, are we talking hours of walking or around the corner. Are we talking a lot of room or just flight?"

Pressi messages back to Murphy. Highlight to display spoiler: { Am I really the only one here that worries about wiping out an ecosystem that seems contained, in a room with TWO druids? }

In light of the potential ambush, Pressi takes some time to cast spite. The ink wraps around her arm among the other tatoos, the runes for "Ghoul Touch" forming in black energy. "I can also cast protection from energy: acid on myself and one other, plus for Jack, I could cast Greater Magic Weapon." Depending on Maggad's information, she considers flying broom and one of arcane eye or prying eyes before they enter the tunnel, and spectral hand for when they get closer. This time, she skips the Threefold Aspect. "And... did someone request an Animal Growth for polymorph for their mount or did I imagine that?"

That remains it for the preparations, but Pressi notes which of her spells work on any living creature.

L1 7
L2 1/5
L3 1/4
L4 4
L5 3

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 2:58:15 PM

Murphy messages Pressi with a smile. Highlight to display spoiler: {"Well, I did propose negotiating with and feeding them, until the druid on the scene recommended wiping them out. I'm going against my first inclination - after receiving Maggad's key perspective."} Out loud, he adds, "And he speaks impeccable halfling."

Presumably, the assault will take place at least an hour after the meeting with Maggad, to allow for spell preparations. [Will update spell selection by this evening - have swapped a few spells.] Murphy does mention, "I'm taking fire seeds, mass cure light wounds, call lightning storm, wall of fire, freedom of movement, flame strike, call lightning, protection from energy, greater magic fang, neutralize poison, resist energy, flaming sphere, detect snares and pits, and a few others."

DM Carl
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 2:58:58 PM
Murphy thanks Maggad and asks if the druid knows what lies beyond the nest.

"The vastness of The Scab, of course," he answers cryptically. "That area of the tunnel is unexplored by my kind. I'd be interested in hearing what you find, should you return."

Hobie and Jack are ready to throw down.

Bliss is really milking this scene.

Kezzem goes to prepare, making plans to ward himself and a friend against acid. Smart, especially for Kezzem.

Talia asks for some input on how she can help. Jack could use something that will actually hurt the creatures.

Succotash asks for a Catacombs entrance. Urist shakes his head, indicating they do not. If he really wants that flail, he can always run home and buy it there. It'll take all day, but the irlgaunts aren't going anywhere.

Pressi continues to bear the burden of wisdom. She asks Maggad about the environment.

"Oh, I imagine it will be to your disadvantage. The creatures can shape stone at will, and will no doubt have tailored their nest to be defensible. There may not be mountains to knock you off of, but there could be pits to knock you in to...just as an example. I haven't gotten close enough to their nest to draw you a diagram. Even if I had, who knows what they've done with the place since our first encounter. If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say open spaces aren't likely."

Urist speaks up. "Our miners were creating an exploratory tunnel when they broke through to what they thought was a natural fissure in the stone. That's where they first encountered the irlgaunts. We don't know what's beyond that opening, but it's the only way we know into their domain."

She wonders why the druids seem ok with this proposed slaughter, but Maggad made his feelings on aberrations quite clear.

***

The ball is in our heroes' court at the moment.

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 3:01:24 PM
Jack is ready to go and lets the team know he is ready when they are.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 3:37:06 PM
ooc: What is the light situation like? I'm assuming it's dark because it's a cave, but is that correct? I may change spells to add Dark vision based on your answer.

======================================
Elemental Arrows: Shock
Boots of Haste 10/10 rounds available
======================================
Spells Prepared
Free Bonded Item Spell
Lvl 0 Spells: Light, Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Read Magic
Lvl 1 Spells: Enlarge Person, Feather Fall, Feather Fall, Feather Fall, Floating Disk
Lvl 2 Spells: Glitterdust, Glitterdust, Alter Self, Alter Self
Lvl 3 Spells: Fly, Fly, Flame Arrow

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 5:43:30 PM
Succotash's ears perk up when Pressi mentions Animal Growth, and says to her, "Piggy would love to go large when fighting, but I wouldn't want to take anything away from Harper". "Come to think of it, I wouldn't mind some enlargement during a fight either".

To Urist he says, "Aw well, I'm probably going to need Twinkelsting's light anyway", he pulls her out of her scabbard a few inches to reveal the glowing blade, "Besides since these things are evil, her holy damage will come in handy".

Then to the party, "Well, if we all have our spells prepared, we might as well head out"

Spells Prepared:
1st Level
Bless
Lesser Restoration
Lesser Restoration
2nd Level
Resist Energy: Acid
Resist Energy: Acid
Resist Energy: Acid
3rd Level
Heal Mount
Dispel Magic

Lay of Hands 10/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Boots of Speed 10/10

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 6:11:48 PM
"Okay gang, I am ready to resist some acid," says Kezzem. "Sadly, I won't be able to shield others through my rings, so you're on your own there. So I can take care of two of us, and it looks like Succo can get three others. Rumpus is already a little resistant to acid, and I'm sure Piggy is as well. That leaves us eight halflings, and three without acid resistance by my count. Can anyone else handle that?

Abilities:
Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

Spells Prepared:
1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90 d20+18=19 ;
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 10:15:26 PM
Tali' says out loud to the assembled group..."why do you think this is a sound move, taking on the Irlgaunt nest? First up, we do not know how many there are! If there turns out to be just as many of them, as there as us, we well all be visiting Gargul sooner than you'll think! I just think that you all underestimate....dang I lost my train of thought, Ug! You fighters are going to be the death of me!" Tali' ambles off to get ready.

"Are we all going? Do we all need StoneSkin spells casted?" nasks Talia to the H'Sword. If so, line up and I cast the spell of anyone needing one, as she reaches back into her haversack withdrawing a rod. In addition, before whatever fight may come, I can also cast Protection from evil with a wand. Although I have Haste as a spell I can't caste them all on the group it would deplete all my spells of that level.

[Skill check: Knowledge arcane:19]

Spells Prepared:
1st-Level | Per Day: 6+3

Identify
Grease
Mage Armor
Enlarge Person
Magic Missile
shocking grasp

2nd-Level | Per Day: 6+3

Invisibility
Glitterdust
Pyrotechnics
Web
Acid Arrow
Scorching Ray
Spectral Hand

3rd-Level | Per Day: 6+2

Dispel Magic
Blink
Fireball
VAMPIRIC TOUCH
Haste

4th-Level | Per Day: 6+2

Dimension Door
Black Tentacles
Enervation
StoneskinM

5th-Level | Per Day: 5+2

Overland Flight
Telekinesis
Beast Shape III

6th-Level | Per Day: 3+2

Summon Monster VI

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30
Tuesday April 9th, 2019 10:50:33 PM

When Bliss hears that the situation may have changed, what with pits and stone shapings and what-all, he suggests a magic solution. "Maybe one of us witches or arcanists can send out an invisible arcane eye to scout out the lair. Plus, if maybe the footing will be bad, we should fight this fight from air. I can polymorph people into small air elementals. I can ride a magic broom."

He asks Urist if he can borrow a broom for the fight.

"We've got to clean out these spiders!" he says, giggling.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 2:35:46 AM

"Succotash," says Murphy, "I can have the both of us back at Pirnook's General Store in the time it takes us to walk to the three trees I planted yesterday afternoon (cast two plant growth spells on them), and then from the big oak next to Humble's Barrow - the Mayor's place, and the short walk to the store. You can enter the Catacombs there. An hour later, I'll switch into a huge air elemental, and we'll fly back. Round trip, here to there and back again? Just shy of two hours, including your shopping time.

"If anyone wants us to pick up something extra from the Catacombs, let us know. That arcane eye notion, Bliss, sounds useful.

"Succotash - if you don't want to grab your adamantite stabber, then I can be ready to head with everyone toward the irlgaunts in about 15 minutes from now."

He asks his friends' opinions as to whether he should enter the nesting area as earth elemental, or air elemental. He is inclined toward the former, but both forms have their own advantages. "Might switch to fire elemental at some point."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 6:22:16 AM
[b]"Thanks for the offer Murph, but like I was saying to Urist, I'm probably going to need Twinkelsting's light in the darkness anyway, and her holy damage should come in handy, but next time I get to the catacombs, that Adamantine Heavy Flail is mine!"

Spells Prepared:
1st Level
Bless
Bless
Lesser Restoration
Lesser Restoration
2nd Level
Resist Energy: Acid
Resist Energy: Acid
Resist Energy: Acid
3rd Level
Heal Mount
Dispel Magic

Lay of Hands 10/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Boots of Speed 10/10

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 1:45:37 PM
Pressi tapped her fellow female arcanist on the shoulder. "Forget it, Tal'," she grumbled slowly. "It's Fighta' town."

"Ok, everyone needs to stop the haste casting. No buffs until we reach the natural fissure. We will make just outside that our base of operations and I will drop an arcane eye at that point so its going to take a while before we buff for the fight if any."

Pressi looks at Harper and considers leaving her out for this fight, or at least casting stoneskin.

Pressi goes through Kezzem's list and decides that means him+hobie and succo+jack+Murphy, Bliss or Harper. Murphy and Bliss can each do themselves, and that leaves her+talia.

DM Carl
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 6:04:52 PM
Jack is ready.

Hobie ponders the light situation. It can be assumed the party will be in complete, but natural, darkness.

Succotash saves the flail for later; he'll need Twinklesting's light anyway.

Kezzem continues taking stock of the group's defenses.

Talia has some valid concerns about her possible death, but such is the life of an adventurer.

Bliss suggests everyone stay off the ground as much as possible. He asks Urist for a broom.

"Uh, yea...we can probably find a broom. Lots of rubble to clear out lately." He finds Bliss a very sturdy, very wide push broom used to sweep large chunks of gravel.

Murphy offers a quick way back home to Succotash, but is rebuffed. He asks for shapeshifting advice.

Pressi implores everyone to lay off on the casting until it's go time, as she plans on using an Arcane Eye spell to gather intel first.

Our heroes had indicated they still required time to prepare their spells, so it's assumed they do so before the party approaches the fissure Urist mentioned. The opening is exactly as Urist described. It's a tight fit for a dwarf, but should be no problem for a halfling.

Pressi has no trouble sending her Arcane Eye through the opening, which opens near the top of a narrow ravine. It averages about 10-20' from wall to wall. The walls are jagged and uneven, providing a shelf of sorts to walk along without reaching the bottom. Unfortunately, it is pitch black, and Arcane Eye doesn't provide any illumination or darkvision. The sounds of running water can be heard, but the bottom of the ravine is lost in darkness. The sound gives the impression that the ravine is quite deep.

The DPAA indicates your target, whatever it ends up being, is in the same direction the ravine travels as it snakes its way through The Scab.

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) d20+24=39 ;
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 7:57:45 PM
It is a tight fit, but whenever possible, Jack would stay near a wall, near a shadow, and move as quietly as possible (stealth 39)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 8:13:24 PM
Pressi sighs upon realizing the darkness keeping her vision short. "There's always an extra fee. Nobody here was expecting me to spellcast during the fight, right?"

With a wave, Pressi transformed herself into a dwarf, giving herself darkvision. "Ok, I only have this form for 10 minutes. Let's make it count."

She passes along what she sees, whispering as best as she can.

---------------

Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith
dwarf form
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
arcane eye

L1 1/7+1
L2 2/5+1
L3 1/4+1
L4 1/4+1
L5 0/3+1

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 10:37:35 PM
[OOC: I'm assuming at our current CLs and skill levels that there is no need to roll for drawing Woldsblood and performing rituals? But Kindly DM Carl, if you want it spelled out, no problemo.]

At the beginning of the day, per usual, Bliss casts his Threefold Aspect and performs his witchy stuff -- for cat form and for Shield of Faith shared with Pressi and Harper.

Before Pressi casts her Arcane Eye, Bliss casts, all at CL9 ...
-- extended Barkskin (duration 3 hours)
-- Delay Poison (duration 9 hours)
-- extended Resist Acid 20 (duration 3 hours)

Bliss changes into a cat, and hopes that low light vision and scent will suffice in the dark. He worries about climbing around in the dark, and thinks again about that Cloak of Arachnia he has his eyes on.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 11:28:09 PM
Tali decides that she will cast Stoneskin on everyone within the group, as she didnt see a line form during her offer. Pointing the wand in each members direction, she casts Stoneskin on each:

Jack, Pressi, Succotash, Kezzem, Hobbie, Bliss, Murphy, and one onto herself.

"Anyone I miss?" shouts Tali. "Okay, then...you all have this spell for 120 minutes I believe.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight
Stoneskin

(OCC: DM, what level was the Wand of Stoneskin created at, so I can get the minutes right?)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 11:28:10 PM
Tali decides that she will cast Stoneskin on everyone within the group, as she didnt see a line form during her offer. Pointing the wand in each members direction, she casts Stoneskin on each:

Jack, Pressi, Succotash, Kezzem, Hobbie, Bliss, Murphy, and one onto herself.

"Anyone I miss?" shouts Tali. "Okay, then...you all have this spell for 120 minutes I believe.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight
Stoneskin

(OCC: DM, what level was the Wand of Stoneskin created at, so I can get the minutes right?)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday April 10th, 2019 11:50:22 PM
Kezzem casts resist energy (acid) on himself and on Hobbie.

Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 80 minutes)

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB16 CMD35 HP116 d20+30=49 ;
Thursday April 11th, 2019 2:52:40 AM

"Uh, gang, we might have to walk several minutes before we come across the critters. Maybe after the initial breech, they moved themselves and their nests farther away. Let's see whether Pressi's spell finds anything, then determine whether it is time to cast those spells. We may have to travel a ways before coming across them. Also, if we begin an attack too early, those farther in may flee, and we lose the chance to take them."

He does cast Longstrider on himself - it lasts 12 hours. Ground movement goes to 35' (20(halfling) +5(fleet) +10(longstrider))

Murphy offers to cast Resist Energy: Acid (120 minutes) on Harper when the time is deemed appropriate, and not before.
At the proper time, he casts Protection from Energy: Acid (120 hp, 120 minutes) on himself.
He accepts, with gratitude, Talia's stoneskin- likely once inside the caves, if Pressi discerns no immediate danger at the entry point.

The druid gives to each person 3 goodberries, and 2 more for a total of 5 to each of those who have animal friends/ companions/ familiars. "Remember, one of these heals 1 hit point of damage, and automatically stabilizes any in need of such. If you're not wounded, it serves as enough food for the whole day."

At an appropriate point he will cast Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) upon himself. "I have one more such spell - if it looks like someone needs it, I will cast it upon him or her." He explains how it works. Both Succotash and Talia have been previous beneficiaries of the spell.

"Should Pressi not find anything with the arcane eye, then let me go ahead as an earth elemental. If attacked, I can immediately notify Pressi telepathically, as I submerge beneath the stone. I know they also can stoneshape, but - I think travelling as a huge earth elemental, they might be less inclined to bother me. Not as tasty. I can speak to them in terran, I think, if it comes to that."

Should the group agree to have Murphy go on ahead for further scouting, he will first cast the spells mentioned on himself, as well as Detect Snares and Pits.

Just before leaving the group, he casts Know Direction to orient himself to the compass points, and for reference before he moves ahead...
============
Perception: 49

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Thursday April 11th, 2019 6:25:56 AM
Succotash will follow Murphy's lead and hold out on casting resist acid until the time seems right at which time, he will cast it on himself, Jack, and since Murphy got Harper and himself he will hook up Miss Piggy, who only has acid resistance 5 normally. (20 resistance, 120 min) He thanks Murphy for the goodberries, and places them in his pouch along with the other 3 he gave him on their last adventure. He thanks Talia for the stoneskin, and agrees that Murphy's idea of going as an earth elemental may be best, if Pressi's spell fails to reveal anything. Succotash would have drawn Twinklesting before he headed into the darkness, and would be using her as a torch.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Thursday April 11th, 2019 6:27:40 AM
Spells Prepared:
1st Level
Bless
Bless
Lesser Restoration
Lesser Restoration
2nd Level
Resist Energy: Acid (used)
Resist Energy: Acid (used)
Resist Energy: Acid (used)
3rd Level
Heal Mount
Dispel Magic

Lay of Hands 10/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Boots of Speed 10/10

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30
Thursday April 11th, 2019 10:47:06 AM
"Oh I almost forgot!" Bliss casts Message cantrips so that the party can whisper to other members.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Thursday April 11th, 2019 3:28:55 PM
Hobie will use his Dancing lights to follow along with Pressi's Arcane Eye so she can see things.

"Thanks for the Stoneskin Talia, I agree with Murph though, let's hold off for just a bit before we cast it. let's see what else we might see first."

ooc: However much you paid for the wand should tell you the caster level, cuz here is the formula for wand prices.

"The price of a wand is equal to the level of the spell � the creator�s caster level � 750 gp."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 23 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90
Thursday April 11th, 2019 7:12:38 PM
Talia says, "Who! I'm glad you didnt wait til the last minute about the casting of SK. Good Idea I'll wait to its really needed..."

Talia takes the good berries and places them in her right pants pocket. tapping her pcoket ever so lightly.

"Say whats the actual plan than Mister Murphy & clan?" asks Tali.

The Irlgaunt Nest

DM Carl
Thursday April 11th, 2019 8:22:59 PM
Jack plans his movement through the ravine.

Pressi turns herself into a dwarf, enabling her to see just fine in the dark.

Hobie's able to have a dancing lights spell tag along. Doing math, it looks like that gives a roughly 50' globe of dim light. That is more than enough to light the entire 20' max width of the ravine.

Whether Pressi wants the light is up to her. Either way, her Arcane Eye goes exploring. The ravine is about 100' deep, with a narrow but powerful stream running along the bottom. There is a 5' wide shelf that follows the ravine about 30' from the bottom in case someone feels like walking. It is not worked stone, however, and is difficult terrain.

Other than a seam of rubies, Pressi sees nothing other than rock and water. The ravine extends as far as light will allow to see in both directions, including the direction the DPAA is pointing towards.

Bliss changes into a cat. With his 4 legged form and high acrobatics, he should have little trouble traversing the ravine. He casts Message.

Talia, Succotash, and Kezzem are prepared to cast spells, but Murphy suggests waiting until Pressi's scouting is complete. Stoneskin and resist energy have pretty long durations, though. Murphy hands out some snacks.

When it's time to move forward, I will need a solid marching order. The entrance is only big enough for one small or medium sized creature to move through at a time, though Bliss could sneak through with someone.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC24 CMB16 CMD35 HP128 d20+30=48 ; d20+30=37 ; d20+30=42 ; d20+30=37 ; d20+30=50 ; d20+30=45 ; d20+30=35 ; d20+30=32 ; d20+30=46 ; d20+30=40 ;
Friday April 12th, 2019 5:07:47 AM

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC24 CMB16 CMD35 HP128

Murphy, having cast know direction, compares due north with the direction the DPAA indicates, to see whether it points directly north, or slightly (or more than slightly) NE, NNE, NNW, or NW, and by how many degrees. He begins a map starting from the entrance they are taking, and indicates both items. He asks Jack, "Would you like to keep a map for us? I could do so, but will often be in a form wherein it will be difficult for me to update it." If Jack agrees, he hands him a few pieces of paper, shows him what he has started, and gives him a pen.

"Mind if I go on ahead? I'd be fine going it alone, or with the company of others."

He lets all know he's going to switch to earth elemental, and asks if anyone needs anything from him before he does so. He'll try to accommodate requests. One of his everburning torches he places in his bandolier in such a fashion that it shines brightly to provide a measure of light for those times he does not submerge in rock, then wildshapes into a huge earth elemental. Rather than trying to squeeze into the narrow passageway, he earthglides next to it. He stops to harvest a few rubies, which he passes on to the rest of the group, then continues forward.

He has already cast longstrider (land movement +10; 12 hours duration). Figuring (time will tell whether properly or no - but our DM persuaded me) that two hours should be enough time to find the spiders, he casts on Harper Resist Energy: Acid (120 minutes), once the group is inside the caves. Then on himself Protection from Energy: Acid (120 hp, 120 minutes); and Freedom of Movement (120 minutes). He'll receive from Talia the stoneskin spell (how long?).

Just before moving on ahead - if his scouting ahead is approved, he casts Detect Snares and Pits (120 minutes) so as to let the party behind know of what he may find. From time to time he casts know direction while moving along.

As he travels along, his darkvision aids him. He also utilizes tremorsense (60') to gauge the local terrain. He moves 25' per round while earthgliding, and 35' when walking (am thinking an earth elemental is not likely to be overly challenged walking on rough rocky terrain, plus the freedom of movement spell may help, but please correct if that assumption does not hold true). He may spiral through the area, earthgliding with head generally just outside the surface, and body swimming through the rock, starting low, then ascending along the right side diagonally forward, along the top, then descending diagonally forward along the left side, to the bottom, then back upwards, still advancing. He will do so for one 50 yard loop, then go more directly for 50 yards, then loop again over a 50 yard section, until further notice.

During this time, he telepathically updates Pressi briefly every few minutes, unless something of particular significance arises demanding a more immediate mental memo.

Should he be surprised with an attack, he may sink more deeply into the rock, and evade to some extent in that fashion, all while notifying Pressi of what he discerned.
=================
Perception (10 rolls - DM may choose which apply at any particular time): 48, 37, 42, 37, 50, 45, 35, 32, 46, 40

Spells Active:
Longstrider (12 hours)
Stoneskin (??)
Freedom of Movement (120 minutes)
Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection)
Detect Snares and Pits (120 minutes) - if something is detected, Murphy expends additional time to ascertain the nature of the obstacle

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV: This spell functions as elemental body III, except that it also allows you to assume the form of a Huge air, earth, fire, or water elemental. The abilities you gain depend upon the type of elemental into which you change. You are also immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/�.
Earth elemental: As elemental body I except that you gain a +8 size bonus to your Strength, a �2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71)
Friday April 12th, 2019 2:09:35 PM
Jack wishes to go towards the end of the marching order.

Jack agrees to keep the map for Murphey.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9
Friday April 12th, 2019 3:28:43 PM
Hobie will cast light on his bow as long as others in the group are also using sources of light, and will try to stay towards the middle of the pack.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+8=12 ; d3=3 ; d20+8=27 ;
Friday April 12th, 2019 5:16:13 PM
Succotash asks Miss Piggy to stay with Murphy, as he can't keep up with the druid, but she can, and he won't let him go off alone as he is fond of doing. He will take rear guard, as he is the slowest. Both Succotash and Miss Piggy do their best to remain alert Succotash perception 12, Miss Piggy perception 27

Spells Prepared:
1st Level
Bless
Bless
Lesser Restoration
Lesser Restoration
2nd Level
Resist Energy: Acid (used)
Resist Energy: Acid (used)
Resist Energy: Acid (used)
3rd Level
Heal Mount
Dispel Magic

Lay of Hands 10/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Boots of Speed 10/10

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday April 12th, 2019 5:24:41 PM
In answer to Talia�s question, �I don�t know if we have a plan besides hope they don�t get the drop on us and that we can win a fair fight. Frankly, I�m surprised they let me take a first look.�

Pressi continued to move the arcane eye forward. She gives Talia and herself a POE and takes a Stoneskin. She and Harper take the center of the line. �Between you and me, I actually do have a plan. Find the brood and take it hostage. I�m only partially kidding.�

�Maybe you and I should take flight, if there�s room next to the ledge.�

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC24 CMB16 CMD35 HP128
Friday April 12th, 2019 6:03:25 PM

"Oh, Succotash, I love Miss Piggy too much to have her out in the vanguard. She is tough, but lacks the defensive capabilities and flexibility I have," Murphy says. "And she would likely be too tempting a tasty morsel for the spiders to resist. If she is there, and we are attacked, I fear I would have to focus most of my attention on defending her, and it would place both of us at far greater risk. Now, if someone came along with, such as Bliss, for advance scouting, then perhaps there would be some advantage to her presence with us. I'll be sometimes up on the ceiling, or along the walls - kind of roving, looking for nests, hiding places. Miss Piggy will likely need to follow the channel."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30
Friday April 12th, 2019 9:45:55 PM

Bliss in kitty shape will definitely share a space with whoever is going first!

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC24 CMB16 CMD35 HP128
Friday April 12th, 2019 11:29:28 PM

[ What is a 'POE'? ]

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC24 CMB16 CMD35 HP128
Friday April 12th, 2019 11:46:58 PM

Talia's wand, valued at 21,000 gp, casts stoneskin at 7th level, lasting 70 minutes per charge.

With Bliss along in the lead, Murphy's concern for Miss Piggy's welfare is somewhat allayed.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC24 CMB16 CMD35 HP128
Saturday April 13th, 2019 8:25:04 AM

Per DM request, and according to the general placement people requested -
Marching order in single-file situations (coming through the narrow entrance)
After that, until further notice, some folks may be adjacent each other, or otherwise change positions.

Scouting
Murphy
Bliss
Miss Piggy
Main Group
Kezzem
Pressi
Harper
Hobie
Talia
Jack
Succotash

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday April 13th, 2019 2:09:54 PM
Kezzem will summon Rumpus to his side if he is not there already.

"Hey, boy I need you to take extra good care of Talia, okay? If anything that's not a halfing or a pig or a cat or whatever Murphey has turned into tries to get near her, you stomp it in the face, okay?"

OOC: Put Rumpus between Hobbie and Talia in the marching order please.

DM Carl
Saturday April 13th, 2019 4:42:12 PM
Murphy's just never happy unless he knows specifics, is he? Well, too bad. The DPAA's aether tether is not precise at this distance from its target. It waves randomly back and forth, but generally points towards where the ravine heads.

He turns into an earth elemental, and considers stealing a few rubies from the dwarves, but does he? Surely he knows this area is a mine claimed by their hosts. He utilizes tremorsense and earth glide, along with some choice spells. Should he try walking along without earth gliding, he finds the terrain as difficult as anyone.

OOC: Tone the length down, Kim. Stop trying to post 2-3 days worth of actions in a single post.

Jack agrees to make a map and prefers a rear position.

Hobie provides more light and stays towards the middle.

Succotash takes rear guard position. Miss Piggy is ordered to stay with Murphy. How is she planning on doing that? Is she still a pig? Let me know if I missed something.

Pressi casts some more spells, and comes up with an effective, if cold-hearted plan. Being a hero isn't all rainbows though, is it?

There is plenty of room to fly in the ravine. It's about 100' top to bottom, and the 5' wide shelf is about 30' up. The ravine averages between 10'-20' wide.

Everybody go back and read that until you understand the terrain you find yourselves in.

Bliss has enough acrobatics to autopass moving at full speed through the ravine and can keep pace with Murphy so long as the druid isn't earth gliding.

Kezzem asks Rumpus to watch Talia. Is Rumpus being shape-shifted? She'll have a difficult time with the terrain here if she's still a pony.

***

Pressi's arcane eye leads the way as the party begins its trek through the ravine. It doesn't travel far before it comes to a sheer rock wall blocking the entire path forward. No knowledge checks are needed to know it's not a natural formation. It is far too smooth, likely the result of a stone shape spell or effect. There are two ways past: a hole in the bottom just tall enough for the ravine's stream to flow unimpeded, and a 5' wide circular tunnel through it.

Murphy discovers something else as he swims through the rock: the area behind the ravine's walls is just lousy with tunnels big enough for large creatures to travel through.

The unnatural wall is about 200' from the entrance to the ravine. Pressi's arcane eye has a potentially unlimited range, so I can't say for sure how far away the party is from it. I'll leave it to Pressi to determine how far ahead the arcane eye was scouting.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC24 CMB16 CMD35 HP128
Saturday April 13th, 2019 9:27:56 PM

Murphy lets Pressi and Bliss know about the multitude of large tunnels a short distance through either side of the ravine walls. Bliss can message the others, and Pressi can tell most directly.

He keeps his eyes, ears, and tremorsense going so as to discern movement, perhaps little reflections from eyes, or wisps of spiderwebs.

"Those on the ledge" he communicates via Pressi and Bliss, "you may wish to rope together, and be prepared otherwise to fall 30 feet into the bottom of the ravine. The spiders may shape stone on the thin walls of the ravine to open a place to ambush us. Use your own rope. Mine is busy."

If he senses something big and spiderlike in the neighborhood, he casts call lightning storm - but does not drop a column of lightning until he has a valid target.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday April 13th, 2019 10:18:41 PM
"This will not end well," says Kezzem looking at the ravine. "I left my climbing ability in my other body. Hey Rumpus, can you like, grow wings now or something?"

Rumpus snorts. Even he has little tolerance for Kezzem's jokes.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Sunday April 14th, 2019 10:02:27 AM
Pressi would probably want to strike a balance, not letting the sensor get too far or close. And probably wants to get going soon. So let�s say... 50 feet? That seems like a good place.

Keep in mind that concentrate is a standard action that precludes fast movement and spellcasting.

Pressi should still be in medium dwarf form then.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP128
Monday April 15th, 2019 5:05:35 AM
Forgotten added active effects for Murphy per email request:

=================
Perception (10 rolls - DM may choose which apply at any particular time): 48, 37, 42, 37, 50, 45, 35, 32, 46, 40

Spells Active:
Longstrider (12 hours)
Stoneskin (70 minutes)
Freedom of Movement (120 minutes)
Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection)
Detect Snares and Pits (120 minutes) - if something is detected, Murphy expends additional time to ascertain the nature of the obstacle, and communicates via Pressi, and possibly Bliss

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV: This spell functions as elemental body III, except that it also allows you to assume the form of a Huge air, earth, fire, or water elemental. The abilities you gain depend upon the type of elemental into which you change. You are also immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/�.
Earth elemental: As elemental body I except that you gain a +8 size bonus to your Strength, a �2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC. Via his Druid's Vestment (legacy), he has tremorsense while in earth elemental form.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Monday April 15th, 2019 5:28:34 AM
Upon Murphy�s suggestion, Succotash reaches into his saddlebags of holding and pulls out 50ft of hemp rope. He ties one end to Miss Piggy, choosing to personally rely on his ring of feather fall He then offers the rope to Jack, or whoever is next in line.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+8=18 ; d20+8=20 ;
Monday April 15th, 2019 5:40:11 AM
Succotash suggests the tunnel as his swimming skills are less then amazing in his armor. Both him and Miss Piggy will try to remain vigilant. (Succotash�s perception 18, Miss Piggy�s perception 20)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (26), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+18=26 ;
Monday April 15th, 2019 11:33:53 AM
Perception 26 plus dark vision to keep an eye on the surroundings without breaking concentration, and to look down the nearby cave.

She ties herself and Harper to the rope line. Part of her hoped the creature won�t be able to pull them down with one tug. Another part is a sucker for efficiency.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90 d20+7=10 ;
Monday April 15th, 2019 9:53:50 PM
Talia tries her best to look to see if she sees anything using her perception skill (Skill Check: Perception: 10) and sees nothing out of the ordinary. Being in the 3rd to last position gives Talia some comfort.

Spells Active:
Mage Armor (720 Minutes)
Overland flight (700 minutes)
Stoneskin (70 minutes)

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30
Monday April 15th, 2019 11:48:29 PM

Bliss is ready to keep on, going through the 5 ft wide tunnel. If someone can cast water breathing, the stream tunnel might be an option ... but Bliss can't cast that. Either way, the kitty goes with the group consensus.

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Cat: On
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 0 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 1 of 5+1 spells/day (Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 2+1 of 4+1 spells/day (extended Barkskin 3hrs, Delay Poison 9hrs, Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs)
Lvl 3: used 0 of 4+1 spells/day
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges
Spell from another: Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP128
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 1:00:39 AM

Note: The Resist Energy: Acid on Harper will take care of the first 30 hp of acid damage per round, and lasts 120 minutes.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 5:05:59 AM
Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells currently running
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Spells prepared
1st level
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
Resist energy 0/3
3rd level
Heal mount 1/1
Dispel magic 1/1

After thinking about it for a while, Succotash ties himself to the rope anyway, not for his own safety, his ring will keep him safe should he fall, but to help be an anchor for others if they fall.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP128
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 5:42:53 AM

[Oh, to answer our DM's question about whether Murphy takes the rubies - He decides not to do so, considering the claims of the dwarfs. As he earthglides, should he come across other gems or precious metals, he will make a mental catalog of their locations to pass on to the dwarfs.

Also - in his spiraling pathway, he will likely be going down deeply at least once per odd 50' section, so should have an idea how deep the ravine is, as well as how wide at the water level.]

DM Carl d100=52 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 12:22:53 PM
The party finds themselves 50' away from the unnatural wall when Pressi warns them. That is outside the visible light range of the party.

Murphy suggests the group tie themselves together. He finds the ravine's bottom is about 30' from the shelf the party walks on.

Kezzem has a bad feeling about this.

Pressi pats herself down. Yup, still a dwarf.

Succotash ties Miss Piggy off to Jack and suggests they not go for a swim. Pressi adds herself and Harper to the line.

Talia keeps her eyes open, glad she's not in front of the pack.

Bliss considers the bottom tunnel an option.

Pressi sends her arcane eye through the 5' hole in the unnatural rock formation, but as it approaches the hole, it stops, hitting something solid.

Things happen quickly after that. Murphy's tremorsense goes off in multiple directions. The druid casts a lightning storm in preparation for a perceived attack.

OOC: I'd mark where on the map for you, but I don't know where exactly you are since you've described yourself in constant motion. What you're sure of is that you feel multiple creatures moving.

The area around the party explodes in thick, sticky webbing.

Webbing? Irlgaunts may look like spiders, but those who have heard of them before know they don't use webs.

Regardless, everyone in the blast radius needs to make a DC17 reflex save or be grappled. The entire area is also difficult terrain.

A skittering chuckle can be heard at the end of the tunnel.

Map - Bliss and Murphy, put yourself someplace appropriate. Yellow circle is Hobie's dancing lights - 50' radius. The ceiling is about 70' above the shelf you're walking on.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 9 d20+8=14 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+19=24 ;
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 2:31:37 PM
Hobie fails the reflex save, and is grappled, he immediately uses his standard action to break free with a combat maneuver check (26) (if this web is acting like the spell web then that works for breaking free, let me know if this doesn't work that way)

If his teammates in front of him move forward out of the webbing, Hobie will use his move action to do the same, otherwise he'll stand pat.

Either way he is scouring the place, looking for any sign of the creatures, and especially looking for any other creature, as he knows that the webs must be from another source.

Perception: 24

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90 d20+9=12 ;
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 8:22:17 PM
Talia tries to fless the webbing by launching herslef over the shelf as she is using Overland flight (Fly speed 40) to avoid getting stuck in the webs. Her Reflex skill says that without her overland flight spell (already cast) she could be stuck (Relex check = 12).

Talia will cast Dimension Door on herself positioning herself at K4 65' above the rock shelf, hovering in the air. (if this is possible)

Spells Active:
Mage Armor (720 Minutes)
Overland flight (700 minutes)
Stoneskin (70 minutes)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23 d8=1 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+18=36 ;
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 9:05:41 PM
(Talia - don't forget you also have Protection from Energy from Pressi. Bliss, you have the shared spell shield of faith. Murphy, did you cast resist energy on Harper yet?)

Pressi and Harper both save easily, but need to decide quickly what to do. Her mind races in regards to the webbing.

She casts spectral hand, knowing she will have to start making some changes soon.

Harper takes a total defense action.

Pressi tries to use her darkvision to peer as best as she can (Perception 36), trying to determine what is happening.

---------------

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)?

Pressi

dwarf form
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
arcane eye - dissipated
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand

L1 1/7+1
L2 2/5+1
L3 1/4+1
L4 1/4+1
L5 0/3+1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 9:06:27 PM
sorry, need to update spell list

L1 2/7+1
L2 2/5+1
L3 3/4+1
L4 1/4+1
L5 0/3+1

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP128
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 9:35:35 PM

Yes, Murphy cast on Harper before he took off scouting. [Can't post more atm... will do so later.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+17=19 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+12=27 ;
Tuesday April 16th, 2019 11:25:48 PM
Kezzem SV Ref: 1d20 + 17 = 19. Made.
Rumpus SV Ref: 1d20 + 8 = 17. Made.

Kezzem and Rumpus moves outside the webbing and attempts to detect evil. Well, Kezzem attempts to detect evil. Rumpus attemtps to...scent evil?

Kezzem Detect Evil
Rumpus Perception: 1d20 + 12 = 27.

"Reveal yourself!" challenges Kezzem.

OOC: I was unable to click on Kezzem and Rumpus under the web, so I had to create new ones. If someone could remove the old ones, that would be great.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 d20+10=11 d20+18=38
Wednesday April 17th, 2019 1:18:01 AM
Bliss rolls a nat 1 on his save and is held fast!

If this works like a grapple, Bliss tries to wriggle free with an Escape Artist check: 38.

If successful, Bliss tries to wriggle out of the webs and towards the spider sounds.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP128
Wednesday April 17th, 2019 3:55:16 AM

The skittering chuckle heard at the end of the tunnel: Which end?

Once done with casting call lightning storm, the druid communicates to Pressi a rough number and rough positioning of the various critters who are causing microtremors to pass through adjacent rock. 'There are many,' he telepathically says to Pressi. 'They may be preparing to shape stone to step on through to attack us, perhaps from a little higher level.' Since it could make some sense for the octosquids to mass against those caught up in the webbing, he considers moving to the wall opposite the bulk of the party. He does attempt to discern the directionality and distances of the movement via tremorsense. If there is an opening to the left of him or beneath and to the left of him, and if it not interfere with his spell casting, he takes a peek to see if there are critters in such openings.

=================
DM Requested Info:
Perception (rolled earlier, figure ~first 4 already used): 50, 45, 35, 32, 46, 40

Spells Active:
Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/�]
Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection)
Detect Snares and Pits (120 minutes) - if something is detected, Murphy expends additional time to ascertain the nature of the obstacle, and communicates via Pressi, and possibly Bliss - spell ends with casting of call lightning storm. However, if any traps, pits, snares exist in the area of the map - Murphy likely would have detected such by now, and can warn others of them.
Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who saves takes only 1/2 damage.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 20' (+5' for Fleet feat for 25') You are also immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/�.
Earth elemental: You gain a +8 size bonus to your Strength, a �2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): He has tremorsense while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level).

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Kim McCoy for Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) d20+16=34 ;
Wednesday April 17th, 2019 4:32:20 AM

Jack steps forward 5', unhindered by the webbing (Reflex save 34).

He beings a chant to inspire his companions.

"Brave we
Face we
Strange critters
Who chitter
To an end bitter
As we, though small
Make them fall
Brave we fight them
And win over all."

An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. - Add these rolls where appropriate, all!
==========
Resist Energy - Acid: (20 resistance) 120 minutes
Inspire courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+11=30 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+15=26 ; d20+10=20 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ;
Wednesday April 17th, 2019 5:26:05 AM
Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 1/1

Both Succotash and Miss Piggy make their reflex saves avoiding being grappled. Succotash casts bless on the party giving everyone a +1 on attack rolls. He then looks around for the source of the laughter/web with his vision limited to Twinklesting�s torch like glow. (Perception 12) He then turns to Miss Piggy and asks, �Do you see or hear anything girl?�. Miss Piggy looks around using her 60ft celestial darkvision, as well as her scent ability. (Perception 20) If Miss Piggy sees or hears anything, she will let out a squeal and try to indicate the direction of the threat, and if it comes within range of a 5ft step she will make an full round attack against it.

D20+15=26+1+1=28 for 2+1+10=13(+3 shock)
D20+10=20+1+1=22 for 3+6+10=19(+1 shock)

DM Carl d20+20=31 ; d3=3 ; d20+18=34 ; 2d6+8=14 ; 2d6=4 ; d6=1 ;
Wednesday April 17th, 2019 11:06:33 AM
Hobie is taken by surprise by the webbing, but weasels his way out. He will move as he's able.

Talia is also caught, but dimension doors herself out of it (barely).

OOC: Casting spells when grappled requires a concentration check, even if there are no somatic components. I rolled for you and just barely succeeded. Also, remember you just teleported into darkness.

Pressi and Harper avoid getting caught in the web. Harper goes on total defense while Pressi readies a spectral hand. Her darkvision extends 10' past Hobie's lights, but does not reveal anything.

Kezzem and Rumpus also avoid the webbing. Rumpus is tucked into an alcove with no where to go, but snorts and strikes her hooves against the NE section of the ravine's wall. Checking the area for evil, Kezzem detects some, but sees nothing but stone.

Bliss gets caught, which is surprising. He immediately escapes and heads towards the sounds he heard.

OOC: I should have mentioned WHICH end of the tunnel. It came from high up at the northern-most section of the ravine, right by the unnatural wall.

Jack starts chanting.

Succotash and Miss Piggy avoid the webbing. Piggy's scent picks up something to the NE, though there's just rock there. Succotash blesses the party.

Murphy calls out the creatures he detects. He attempts to locate the creatures, but knows there's nothing below or to the left of him. There is a tunnel heading to the south, where he did sense some movement. There's also one leading up that curves around the top of the ravine. He also sensed movement that direction.

OOC: Note each detected creature has the height they're at. The one in the middle, for example, is above the ravine's ceiling. Also note it's where they were last detected, not necessarily where they are.

Murphy feels something attacking his mind. Murphy needs to make a DC20 will save. It is not fear-based.

Bliss and Jack both feel the shelf they're walking on being shaped into a very steep ramp leading down into the ravine. Both need to make DC18 reflex saves or risk falling into the fast moving water at the bottom of the ravine. Success indicates you've moved to an available nearby space, or that you're holding on to the ravine wall to avoid falling (since Jack has no where to move to). Falling into the water results in 3 non-lethal damage and risks being swept away.

A big ball of rock and acid comes flying out of the darkness above the party, striking Kezzem and spraying him with acid.

Hit AC 34 for 14 bludgeoning and 4 acid damage. Rumpus also takes 1 acid damage.

Murphy might feel the creature to the south of him moving away if he makes his will save.

Map

Note that I am not taking resist energy into account when stating acid damage. The amount I post is the amount taken, not what's left after resist energy is accounted for.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90 10d6=43 ;
Wednesday April 17th, 2019 6:45:00 PM
Talia not onl;y is not on the ledge, she realizes she is i up in the air. Listening to the chaos erupt all around and not being able to see in the dark, listens and in rembering what she walked through and along coupled with hat the party has already shared, casts a fireball outward straight out from herself by pointing her hand and finger straight outward -- range 95' above the ravine and 25 feet away from her centered spot K10; causing 43 points of fire damage to anything caught in its blast! Hopefully it also lights up the area enough to see whats in the ravine / hall.

Spells Active:
Mage Armor (720 Minutes)
Overland flight (700 minutes)
Stoneskin (70 minutes)

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage d20+8=17 ; d20+16=30 ;
Wednesday April 17th, 2019 8:51:50 PM
(OOC sorry gang, I was doing better for a while but I seemed to drop the ball again)

Zaragosa tries to find the enemy (they are still dotted so I take it he doesn't see them) perception 17

Jack makes the save (reflect 30) to move on a space nearby

He continues to chant on who awesome the group is, then casts HASTE on the party

===================================
Abilities: bardic performance:11/13
Impromptu sneak attack:1/1
Tricky Spell:3/3
Spells: 1st 6/6 2nd 5/5 3rd 3/4
Resist Energy - Acid: (20 resistance) 120 minutes
Inspire Courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1, touch AC 18+1; HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=28 ; d20+19=36 ; d20+14=15 ; d20+9=11 ; d4+2=4 ; d4+2=4 ;
Thursday April 18th, 2019 12:09:49 AM
OOC: If I am interpreting the map correctly, Kezzem can sense a creature 110' above/below him.

Kezzem Quickdraws his magic shortbow and fires blindly towards the creature that struck him.

OOC: Quickdraw (swift action), Full Attack

Hasted Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 18 + 1 (Haste) = 28.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 = 4.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 18 + 1 (Haste) = 36.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 = 4.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 (Haste) = 15. Auto-miss.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 8 + 1 (Haste) = 11. Assuming that is a miss.

Rumpus takes a defensive stance and looks out for more attacks.

OOC: Total Defense

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Haste
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 60 points remaining; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
DR 5/evil
Haste
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 d20+12=27 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+23=33 ;
Thursday April 18th, 2019 12:22:54 AM

Bliss rolls a 27 for that save and keeps his footing. But rather than just cling to the wall, he ascends!

Climb checks: 16 and 14. Hopefully that's enough to ascend? For each successful check, Bliss ascends 1/4 of 70 = 17.5 ft.

He tries to sniff out the enemy above with his scent and perceptions: 33

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Cat: On
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 0 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 1 of 5+1 spells/day (Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 2+1 of 4+1 spells/day (extended Barkskin 3hrs, Delay Poison 9hrs, Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs)
Lvl 3: used 0 of 4+1 spells/day
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

Stuff from others:
Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+8=26 ; d20+8=21 ;
Thursday April 18th, 2019 5:02:24 AM
OOC... don�t forget to add +1 to your attack rolls from Succotash�s bless spell, it is a moral bonus, so it stacks with Jack�s performance, which is a competence bonus

Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack�s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 1/1

Feeling useless at the moment, Succotash and Miss Piggy keep trying to spot the enemy, in hopes of getting an attack in. (Perception: Succotash 26, Miss Piggy 21) Succotash, in his frustration, yells out, �Come and fight us you cowards!�

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8 d20+21=41 ;
Thursday April 18th, 2019 5:52:34 AM
Hobie takes a scroll from his bag and casts Alter Self, turning himself into a goblin and gaining Darkvision. He keeps looking for bad guys, ESPECIALLY anyone who could have possibly cast a spell, using a hero point for a +2, Perception check=41 (Nat 20!!!)

He also says "Don't attack the goblin, it's Hobie!"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP128 d20+14=19 ; 5d6=18 ;
Thursday April 18th, 2019 11:46:43 AM

Murphy rolls a Wisdom save of 19 - then immediately bumps it up to 23 (or 21?) by expending a hero point.

At the intersection of K-L/8-9, up high (immediately at the top of the large mass at 110' altitude, or at 130' altitude if the altitude on the map represents the bottom of the creature), Murphy looses a column of lightning, electrifying what he presumes to be an irlgaunt, for 18 hp damage. Reflex save for 1/2 damage.

'Someone is trying to control my mind,' Murphy messages Pressi.

=================
DM Requested Info:
Perception (rolled earlier): 45, 35, 32, 46, 40

Spells Active:
Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/�]
Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection)
Detect Snares and Pits (120 minutes) - if something is detected, Murphy expends additional time to ascertain the nature of the obstacle, and communicates via Pressi, and possibly Bliss - spell ends with casting of call lightning storm. However, if any traps, pits, snares exist in the area of the map - Murphy likely would have detected such by now, and can warn others of them.
Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who saves takes only 1/2 damage.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 20' (+5' for Fleet feat for 25') You are also immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/�.
Earth elemental: You gain a +8 size bonus to your Strength, a �2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): He has tremorsense while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level).

DM Carl d20+21=41 ; d100=100 ; d100=81 ; d20+21=30 ; d6=2 ; d4=4 ;
Thursday April 18th, 2019 1:06:57 PM
Talia sends a fireball to where that big rock came from. She briefly illuminates a 5' hole in the ceiling, through which can be seen a dark gray arachnid that is almost certainly an irlgaunt. The thing is able to find cover from the stone, but still gets singed by the fireball.

Zaragosa is able to avoid falling, clinging to the wall of the ravine as the floor slopes away. Until Hobie moves, he has no solid footing to stand on. So long as he keeps one hand free to hold the wall, he can stand in his position indefinitely, but may be knocked off if attacked. He continues buffing the party, adding haste to the stack.

With the illumination that Talia provided, Kezzem is able to unload. They're firing through a 5' hole at the creature, which gives it concealment and a 20% miss chance.

Kezzem's first attack *just* misses, but his follow-up connects. Unfortunately, the creature's DR absorbs all the damage. The rest fly wide. The light from Talia's fireball fades, putting the creature in darkness again.

Hobie turns into a goblin to get darkvision out to 60'. That's not enough to see the ceiling of the ravine, and there are no irlgaunts visible within his range.

Bliss scrambles up the wall 20' (I'm rounding to the nearest 5'). He sniffs around. Something is above him and to the west. Smells like trouble.

Succotash invites the cowards attacking the party to fight fair. Their silence is likely a rejection of the invitation.

Murphy almost feels himself going, then very wisely draws upon some inner heroics and shrugs off the mental attack. He calls a lightning bolt down (up?) where he hopes the irlgaunt is. With the darkness, he can't tell one way or the other. Something sizzles, though.

OOC: Please put save difficulties in your posts, everyone.

Talia feels something on the edge of her mind, trying to get in. She needs to make a DC20 will save.

The party hears skittering behind the ravine walls to the east. Murphy feels movements to the south and up a bit.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 d20+23=30
Thursday April 18th, 2019 2:16:25 PM

Vomit Swarm is a lvl 2 Woldian Bloodwitch spell from the APG. It has only somatic components.

Bliss uses his Still Spell feat to cast it with NO components, so being a cat clinging to a wall is no impediment. He does not actually have to "hack" it up; it just appears.

At Bliss's level, the spell summons a wasp swarm. It appears next to Bliss, and Bliss sends it off in the direction of the enemy above -- "above him and to the west" as the kitty sniffs.

The wasp swarm has a fly speed of 40, a 10x10 space with no reach, and swarms for 2d6 damage plus distraction and poison.
Distraction: Fort DC 13 or nauseated for one round.
Poison: Fort DC 13; frequency 1/round for 4 rounds; effect 1 Dexterity damage; cure 1 save.

It takes Bliss a full round action to cast because spontaneous casters plus metamagic feats. So that's all Bliss can do this time ... Except he watches carefully to see where the wasps go -- that will help him to better pinpoint the spider. Perception 30

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Cat: On
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 0 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 1 of 5+1 spells/day (Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 2+1 of 4+1 spells/day (extended Barkskin 3hrs, Delay Poison 9hrs, Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs)
Lvl 3: used 1 of 4+1 spells/day (Still Vomit Swarm)
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

wasp swarm - used 1 round of 9.

Stuff from others:
Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 90/90 d20+9=27 ; d3=3 ;
Thursday April 18th, 2019 5:16:24 PM
Talia feeling an invasion of her mind, makes her best effort with a saving against the attack. Surviving the attack, Talia summons three (3) Bralani Azata warriors to fight for her to materialize at just in front & around her at K6 95' feet above the bottom of the ravine.

Upon their arrival, Tali explains to them of the Irlgaunt in a hole in the ceiling's rock roughly 15 in front of us and 10 feet overhead. She continues to inform them, that there could be others but she doesn't know. Lastly she explains that thee are other members of her party -- halfings - 70 feet below us.

Saving Throws:
Will Save|DC20: 27

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

(3) Summoned Bralani Azata Warriors

Defense
----------------

AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+4 Dex, +6 natural)
hp 66 (7d10+28)
Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +6
DR 10/cold iron or evil; Immune electricity, petrification; Resist cold 10, fire 10; SR 17
--------------------
OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage
Thursday April 18th, 2019 6:18:46 PM
Jack holds on to the wall while continuing his performance

===================================
Abilities: bardic performance:10/13
Impromptu sneak attack:1/1
Tricky Spell:3/3
Spells: 1st 6/6 2nd 5/5 3rd 3/4
Resist Energy - Acid: (20 resistance) 120 minutes
Inspire Courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23 d20+21=36 ;
Thursday April 18th, 2019 10:31:58 PM
Pressi began to message to Murphy.

Sorry I held my fire for a second. Needed these guys to forget I was here. But now its time to start evening the odds... and maybe confirming that these guys are actually irlgaunts. If they won't come out here... Just cover for me; I'll be right back.

Turning to Harper, "You're up, kid."

Harper moved out towards the edge, speaking in a female Scottish accent. "Oi, you're all trying to be impressive, but the only thing strong about you is the smell. Come on out here like a real spider and we'll talk. Pay attention to me!"

Casting Blink on herself, Pressi fell back behind the wall, in the direction of the nearest creature sensed. If she falls into a tunnel, she immediately uses Hide in Plain Sight (stealth 36). She yanks her spectral hand with her.

---------------

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)

Pressi

dwarf form
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
arcane eye - dissipated
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand
blinking

L1 1/7+1
L2 2/5+1
L3 4/4+1
L4 1/4+1
L5 0/3+1

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+23=26 ; d20+23=36 ; d20+18=22 ; d20+13=28 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=18 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=17 ;
Friday April 19th, 2019 12:42:10 AM
"The way things are going, we might win this fight...when pigs fly!" says Kezzem. "That was a suggestion, by the way. Someone Miss Piggy fly so Succo can ride her and smite their ugly faces."

"Speaking of smiting, Gargul grant me smite beyond smite!"

Kezzem activates his smite evil against the irlgaunt he was firing at and continues shooting with his crossbow.

Additional attack bonus +5 (+1 Haste, +1 Bless/Inspire Courage, +3 Smite Evil)
Additional damage bonus +12 (+1 Inspire Courage +11 Smite Evil)

Hasted Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless/Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 26.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless/Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 36.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 18.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 Bless/Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 22.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 8 + 1 Bless/Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 28.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 17.

Please remember that Smite Evil also negates damage reduction.

Rumpus continues to go total defense.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Bless
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Smite Evil (+3 Atk & AC; +11 damage)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
Bless
DR 5/evil
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP128
Friday April 19th, 2019 4:04:09 AM

[Note: Murphy has darkvision 60' - so he might have been able to see the critter at 110', unless it was invisible. Also note that his altitude had increased by 25' last round.]

The rocky druid casts owl's wisdom on himself, perceiving the need for greater mental fortitude (Wisdom +4 to 24, with a +7 bonus). At this point, call lightning storm columns will be at DC: 29.

To Pressi he responds, 'Good idea. Good luck! I'm following a critter on my side who is hiding behind rock.'

To everyone who can hear him, he says, "Beware mental probes - one of the bad guys is trying to take over our minds. Resist heroically, friends."

The druid earthglides through stone so as to kiss the irlgaunt at H13. Note his AAR (Altitude Above Ravine) is 80'-96'. He is ready to fall upon the aberration, hopefully with a satisfying splat (will need to wait until next round for that, though, and he is likely subject to an AoO).

[Is is possible to show rock formations beyond the 5' perimeter currently on the map? - at least to the limits of Murphy's perception.]

=================
DM Requested Info:
Perception (rolled earlier): 35, 32, 46, 40

Spells Active:
Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/�]
Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection)
Detect Snares and Pits (120 minutes) - if something is detected, Murphy expends additional time to ascertain the nature of the obstacle, and communicates via Pressi, and possibly Bliss - spell ends with casting of call lightning storm. However, if any traps, pits, snares exist in the area of the map - Murphy likely would have detected such by now, and can warn others of them.
Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who saves takes only 1/2 damage.
Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 20' (+5' for Fleet feat for 25') You are also immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/�. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: You gain a +8 size bonus to your Strength, a �2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level).

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Friday April 19th, 2019 5:04:31 AM
Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack�s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 1/1

�Sorry guys�, Succotash begins, �I�m feeling pretty useless right now�. �If someone could give Piggy some wings or something, maybe Twinklesting could help even the odds�

DM Carl d100=11 ; d6=3 ; d20+21=30 ; d20+21=25 ;
Friday April 19th, 2019 2:40:19 PM
Bliss summons a swarm of wasps out of mid air as he clings to the side of the ravine. Neat trick! The wasps fly off, but do not find a target.

Talia shrugs off the mental attack easily enough. She starts summoning some assistance. They'll arrive and be able to act at the beginning of the next round.

Jack holds on for dear life and keeps belting out the hits.

Pressi starts thinking fancy. Harper somehow starts taunting their assailants in some strange accent. Meanwhile, she starts blinking and tries walking through the wall to the tunnels Murphy told her about. Walking through a solid object while blinking carries some risks, and it bites her.

OOC: 50% chance of materializing in a solid object: rolled an 11. Pressi takes 3 damage, but I'll say she gets shunted the direction she wants to go.

She finds herself in darkness, but that's no big deal since she's a dwarf for the moment. If she was noticed by anything, nothing's reacted to her presence. She can't see any enemies, but the tunnel slopes downwards to the north and south both. It also branches off to the east.

OOC: Keep in mind the dashed lines are where enemies were detected, not where anyone can confirm they are.

Kezzem wants to smite, but can't until his foe is in sight.

OOC: As a swift action, the paladin chooses one target within sight to smite. Kezzem would have known that, so I'll allow two actions this round.

Without a smite, his attacks cannot overcome his foe's DR.

Murphy cannot see any enemies due to no direct line of sight. He calls a lightning strike down at the previous location, but has no way to confirm if it effects anything. Anyone looking up during the flash can see a creature still in the previous location.

He attempts to get in position to drop on the foe near H13, but it's solid stone at his height. Likely there's a tunnel down there. If his plans are to get the drop on his foe, he'll need to sneak.

OOC: Yes, I will draw any open spaces you encounter. You're just mostly in solid stone at the moment. It's difficult to convey on a 2D Excel map, unfortunately.

Succotash doesn't see many options available. He asks if anyone can help Miss Piggy fly.

The mental attacks continue, this time targeting Bliss, who must make a DC20 will save.

Meanwhile, the shelf continues to be shaped. This time, the shelf beneath Hobie, Harper, Kezzem, and Rumpus slopes downward. A DC18 reflex save is necessary to hold on to the wall or move to a safe square. Obviously Rumpus won't be able to just hold on to the wall, so she'll need to move.

Skittering can be heard above where the ceiling irlgaunt was, but that area is not illuminated nor in range for darkvision.

Map

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 d20+9=29 ; d20+23=37 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+23=25 ;
Friday April 19th, 2019 3:29:50 PM

Will save DC20? Bliss has only a 50-50 chance of making that. Should he use a hero point for a +8 pre-emptive bonus? Or wait, and if he fails, either use the +4 post facto bonus or a reroll? Bliss lives dangerously!

His roll is a 29! Nat 20, no hero point used. Bliss shrugs off whatever mental attack that was.

Bliss makes a free action Spellcraft check at +23 to see if he can figure out what that was ... 37!

Bliss climbs up using the Accelerated Climbing rules to ascend 35 ft ... toward his foe. Climb check 29 to do so.

Bliss sniffs, listens, and looks to locate, and maybe even pinpoint, his foe. Perception 25.

If he has any kind of better fix, then he uses a move action to redirect his swarm at his foe. If he still has no fix, he turns on his shared Shield of Faith ritual.

The wasp swarm has a fly speed of 40, a 10x10 space with no reach, and swarms for 2d6 damage plus distraction and poison.
Distraction: Fort DC 13 or nauseated for one round.
Poison: Fort DC 13; frequency 1/round for 4 rounds; effect 1 Dexterity damage; cure 1 save.

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Cat: On
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 0 or 1 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 1 of 5+1 spells/day (Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 2+1 of 4+1 spells/day (extended Barkskin 3hrs, Delay Poison 9hrs, Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs)
Lvl 3: used 1 of 4+1 spells/day (Still Vomit Swarm)
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

wasp swarm - used 2 rounds of 9.

Stuff from others:
Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 27 | CMB 4 | CMD 15 | HP 87/90 d4=3 ; 3d6=12 ; 3d6=13 ; 3d6=11 ;
Saturday April 20th, 2019 12:12:42 AM
When the three summoned Brilani Azata materialize, they are all in Wind form. Tali explains to them why they were summoned and what she knows about the evil abomination; just in front & around her at K6 95' feet above the bottom of the ravine.

Upon their arrival, Tali explains to them of the Irlgaunt in a hole in the ceiling's rock roughly 15 in front of us and 10 feet overhead. She continues to inform them, that there could be others but she doesn't know. Lastly she explains that thee are other members of her party -- halfings - 70 feet below us.

The three Brilani Azata, seeing the critter hole in the ceiling, within 60' of themselves, all make a Whirlwind Blast (Su) attack with a scouring blast of wind, by moving a 5-foot adjustment in order to angle the windblast up into the hole in the ceiling, dealing 3d6 points of damage in a 20-foot line (Reflex DC 17 half). The save DC is Constitution-based. First attack: 12; Second Attack: 13, & the last attack: 11.

Meanwhile, as the three attempt to attack the critter in the ceiling hole, Talia believesshe can cast Overland flight on Miss Piggy and then recalls its a personal spell. Instead she casts Spectral Hand losing 3 HP's in the process.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

3 Summoned Bralani Azata Warriors

Darkvision 60 feet and low-light vision.
Immunity to electricity and petrification.
Resistance to cold 10 and fire 10.
Truespeech (Su) All azatas can speak with any creature that has a language, as though using a tongues spell (caster level 14th). This ability is always active.

Defense
----------------

AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+4 Dex, +6 natural)
hp 66 (7d10+28)
Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +6
DR 10/cold iron or evil; Immune electricity, petrification; Resist cold 10, fire 10; SR 17
--------------------
OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8 d20+20=21 ; d20+20=34 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+15=29 ; d20+10=19 ; d6+19=24 ; d6=2 ; d6+19=23 ; d6=4 ; d6+19=22 ; d6=6 ; d6+19=23 ; d6=2 ; d20+25=31 ; d6+12=13 ; d6=3 ;
Saturday April 20th, 2019 5:02:56 AM
ooc: Guys I'm sorry I'm stupid and didn't think of this earlier.

Hobie moves his Dancing Lights up to the ceiling/wall where they sensed the irglaunts were. This will possibly leave the party in some darkness, but Hobie had previously cast light on his bow also, so 30 feet radius of Hobie should be lit. (spell description says I can move them at will and it requires no concentration to move them. It doesn't say anything about an action, and I think "no concentration" = free action, but I've also had GMs say it should be a move action, so I'll include my action for both interpretations.

(If it's a free action to move Dancing Lights)
Hobie goes full Hobie on any irglaunts that he can see.

Manyshot
Natural 1

Rapid Shot
Attack = 34
Piercing 24, Electric 2 = 26

Haste
Attack =22
Piercing 23, Electric 4 = 27

Iterative 1
Attack = 29
Piercing 22, Electric 6 = 28

Iterative 2
attack = 19
Piercing 23, Electric 2 = 25
-------------------------------------------------------------
(If it's a move action to move the dancing lights)
Hobie will fire a single arrow at one of the irlgaunts he can see, with Glitterdust cast on the arrow

Attack = 31
Damage = Piercing 13, Electric 3, Total = 16
Glitterdust will cover it in glitter giving it -40 to stealth and DC 16 Will save to avoid being blinded

======================================
Bless +1 to attack
Inspire Courage +1 attack and damage
Haste +1 to attack and AC
Elemental Arrows: Shock
Boots of Haste 10/10 rounds available
======================================
Spells Prepared
Free Bonded Item Spell
Lvl 0 Spells: Light, Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Read Magic
Lvl 1 Spells: Enlarge Person, Feather Fall, Feather Fall, Feather Fall, Floating Disk
Lvl 2 Spells: Glitterdust, Glitterdust, Alter Self, Alter Self
Lvl 3 Spells: Fly, Fly, Flame Arrow

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP128
Saturday April 20th, 2019 7:48:45 AM

I do believe 'tremorsense' is an automatic ability for Murphy while in Earth Elemental form (via the druid's cloak). If not, I will mention it each round. Am thinking there's a fair chance Murphy would have an update on our opponents' movements, unless they've gone into a mode where they do not cause the ground to vibrate - by remaining perfectly still, or having no feet on the ground, or walls if they are moving.

He spends this round concentrating on where - beside his party members - he senses movement. He reports this info to Pressi.

=================
DM Requested Info:
Perception (rolled earlier): 32, 46, 40

Spells Active:
Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/—]
Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection)
Detect Snares and Pits (120 minutes) - if something is detected, Murphy expends additional time to ascertain the nature of the obstacle, and communicates via Pressi, and possibly Bliss - spell ends with casting of call lightning storm. However, if any traps, pits, snares exist in the area of the map - Murphy likely would have detected such by now, and can warn others of them.
Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who saves takes only 1/2 damage.
Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 20' (+5' for Fleet feat for 25') You are also immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/—. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: You gain a +8 size bonus to your Strength, a –2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level).

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage
Saturday April 20th, 2019 10:42:57 AM
(OOC not sure I'm reading the map right)

Jack tries to find a place to climb to where he is safe. He will continue to make his speach to continue to boost the team.

===================================
Abilities: bardic performance:9/13
Impromptu sneak attack:1/1
Tricky Spell:3/3
Spells: 1st 6/6 2nd 5/5 3rd 3/4
Resist Energy - Acid: (20 resistance) 120 minutes
Inspire Courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP128
Saturday April 20th, 2019 3:53:35 PM

Ah, I forgot to mention Murphy casting bear's endurance during the tremorsense round (because, he can do both). +4 Con (to 22). HP kick up to 152.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP152
Saturday April 20th, 2019 3:55:46 PM

[Fix header]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 98 of 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23 d20+10=21 ;
Sunday April 21st, 2019 9:31:06 AM
SUBSTITUTE FRIDAY POST FOR PRESSI!!
(Almost forgot!)

Pressi casts See Invisible, then checks out the passage to the east, per PCs map.

Harper has to make a DC18 reflex save vs slope. He rolls a 21 and keeps his footing. He readies a bite in case any enemy comes near.

---------------

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)

Pressi

dwarf form
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
arcane eye - dissipated
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand
blinking
see invisible

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4/4+1
L4 1/4+1
L5 0/3+1

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Sunday April 21st, 2019 11:59:34 PM
"Um, can anybody light these things up so I can see them please?" asks Kezzem.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday April 22nd, 2019 12:02:09 AM
Kezzem will hold his smite attack from the previous round until he can see a foe, reposted for DM sanity.

Hasted Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 27.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 37.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 18.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 23.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 8 + 1 Bless + 1 IInspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 29.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 17.

Please remember that Smite Evil also negates damage reduction.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Bless
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Smite Evil (+3 Atk & AC; +11 damage)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
Bless
DR 5/evil
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+8=26 ; d20+8=23 ;
Monday April 22nd, 2019 5:30:27 AM
Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack�s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 1/1

Understanding his friends are doing everything they can, Succotash and Miss Piggy remain focused as best they can. (Succotash perception 26, Miss Piggy perception 23). Seeing his friends struggling with the ledge collapses, Succotash shortens the rope between him and Miss Piggy he is more concerned for Miss Piggy than himself, knowing that she will have a harder time dealing with the rock face should it change under her, and he is ready to pull her back up if she should fall.

DM Carl d20+15=22 ; d20+15=29 ; d20+15=20 ; d100=4 ; d100=3 ; d100=26 ; d100=1 ; d3=3 ; d20+9=19 ; d20+9=28 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ;
Monday April 22nd, 2019 11:41:25 AM
Bliss easily shrugs off the mental attack. As the feelers withdraw, Bliss swears he feels some frustration coming from them. He's pretty sure he just resisted a magic jar spell.

He climbs as Hobie raises his light to the ceiling. He can see an irlgaunt in a 50' hole coming from the ceiling, but swears he can smell one right next to Talia as well. The hole is 5' in diameter and 5' from the nearest wall. He can make a jump to get up and in it, but it'll be tricky (DC20).

Well, it'd be tricky for anyone who isn't Bliss. He can also try climbing along the ceiling w/ a DC25 check (figured you had footholds since you're 4 legged). Note that the irlgaunt is right there, so you'll have to move through his space as well.

The only target for his swarm is I2, so that's where they go. The wasps don't seem to affect the irlgaunt too much (DR + both saves made)

Talia fills in her bralani army and they take off towards the hole, each sending a whirlwind blast from different angles. The irlgaunt hides for some cover, but still gets its chitin scoured by the winds.

Hobie lit up the ceiling eariler and does what he does best. It's not his day, though. The only two shots that were on target get deflected by the irlgaunt's cover.

OOC: 20% miss chance due to cover: rolled a 3% and 4%.

Murphy concentrates on his tremorsense (I've been telling you when you felt something move this entire time, dude. :D ). He ups his constitution by +2 (enhancement bonuses don't stack & you already have a belt of physical perfection +2).

Zaragosa looks to get out of this bind, but doesn't let up his chanting.

OOC: You'll need a DC20 climb check to climb along the wall to safety. Failure by 5 or more means you fall. Hobie and Succotash are standing on the closest bits of ground to you. Until they get out of the way, you have no safe place to move to. You were tied off earlier, I believe, so someone should be able to help you get to safety and catch you if you fall.

Pressi casts see invisible, then checks out the tunnel leading east. There's a bend down there she can't see around.

Kezzem finally has a target, and smites it. A single arrow finds it's way through the irlgaunt's cover and finds it's target. It's got some serious wounds, but is still in good fighting shape.

OOC: 20% miss chance due to cover: rolled a 26% and 1%.

Succotash keeps an eye and ear open. Miss Piggy also keeps a snout open. There is definitely something moving to the right of you and down a bit.

The mental probe continues to it's next target: Succotash, who will need to make a DC20 will save.

I2 scurries away to the north and out of sight. Murphy can still tell precisely where it is.

Murphy feels the creature to the south of him move up and eastward.

Succotash and Miss Piggy send something moving next to and below them.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC29 raging d20+33=45 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+12=21 ; d20+16=21 ; d3=3 ; d6=1 ; 2d6=8 ;
Monday April 22nd, 2019 1:02:48 PM

Bliss continues to have his swarm attack the spider. No action needed on Bliss's part. Swarm damage is 2d6=8, or 9 with the bardic inspire? Plus DC13 fort saves vs poison and distraction.

Bliss will take that jump into the hole where the spider lurks. His jump skill mod is so high he does not have to roll. He continues his move and tumbles / dodges into the monster's space. Acrobatics check to avoid AoOs -- a 45. If a climb check is needed to cling to the wall, Bliss rolls a 13 (nat one). If that would be a fall, Bliss uses a hero point to reroll ... a 21 if needed.

Hopefully Bliss can get into the spider's space and bite him. Bliss activates his Arcane Strike as a swift action. He focuses on his foe (OOC: reskinned rage). I forgot to add the +2 rage bonus when I rolled, so Bliss hits AC23, not the AC21 from the die roller box. If that hits, Bliss inflicts 20 nonlethal damage with his Merciful Bite. (1d3 base +1d6 tear +6 power att +6 str +2 arcane strike +1 enh +1 inspire = 1d3+1d6+16)

OOC: If Bliss wants to make a full attack next round, can he use his bite and paws and still stay on the wall? What are the checks needed?

OOC: Can we guess the enemy's DR and AC?

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Cat: On
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 2 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 1 of 5+1 spells/day (Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 2+1 of 4+1 spells/day (extended Barkskin 3hrs, Delay Poison 9hrs, Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs)
Lvl 3: used 1 of 4+1 spells/day (Still Vomit Swarm)
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

wasp swarm - used 3 rounds of 9.

More Stuff:
Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks
Rage: +2 attacks, damage, -2 AC

Map

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23 d20+21=24 ;
Monday April 22nd, 2019 8:24:47 PM
(Ok, I'm going to do the best that I can to understand the map. Also, forgot to take the HP for spectral hand.)

Pressi tries to decide whether to go off on her own, but she can't leave her team members completely defenseless, even if it means continued activity from a magic jar.

With an outstretched arm, Pressi casts Baleful Polymorph+Focused Curse on the Irlgaunt near her spectral hand (form of a small goat)(DC 21, fort, then will).

Pressi also fires direct magic down the corridor to see if she detects an aura around the bend (hero point spent). Using Hide in Plain Sight, she moves down the corridor (stealth 24).

---------------

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)

Pressi

dwarf form
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
arcane eye - dissipated
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand
blinking
see invisible

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4/4+1
L4 1/4+1
L5 1/3+1

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 d20+13=15 ; 3d6=8 ; 3d6=11 ; 3d6=7 ;
Monday April 22nd, 2019 9:24:13 PM
Talia hearing from Bliss, that a squid-spyder is close by, so she casts light through the spectral hand to touch the wall at M5 at about 100' above the ravine, then moves to the area between K8 & K9.

The three Bralini Azata will hold their actions, then if the Irlgaunt appears near M5 they will attack with Windblast: Attack 1: 8. Attack 2:11 & Attack 3: 7

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

3 Summoned Bralani Azata Warriors

Darkvision 60 feet and low-light vision.
Immunity to electricity and petrification.
Resistance to cold 10 and fire 10.
Truespeech (Su) All azatas can speak with any creature that has a language, as though using a tongues spell (caster level 14th). This ability is always active.

Defense
----------------

AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+4 Dex, +6 natural)
hp 66 (7d10+28)
Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +6
DR 10/cold iron or evil; Immune electricity, petrification; Resist cold 10, fire 10; SR 17
--------------------
OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP152 d20+19=38 ; d20+19=30 ; 2d8+12=18 ; 2d8+12=21 ;
Monday April 22nd, 2019 10:28:50 PM

Murphy earthglides to a place just above K-L/14-15, and slam attacks the creature - presumably an irlgaunt. Hits AC 38 for 18 hp, and AC 30 for 21 hp - as an irlgaunt has DR/bludgeoning, none of the damage is reduced on it, unless it has something else going on.

If, for some reason, there is stone directly above the [irlgaunt], elementally-my-dear-Murphy simply goes low enough to reach the hard/soft parts below the stone. In terran, he says, "Eat dirt, please."

He sends Pressi a memo, letting her know where he is, and where others are.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP140
Monday April 22nd, 2019 10:43:08 PM
DM Requested Info (almost forgot!):
Perception (rolled earlier): 46, 40

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/�]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage.
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 20' (+5' for Fleet feat for 25') You are also immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/�. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: You gain a +8 size bonus to your Strength, a �2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+24=27 ; d20+24=34 ; d20+24=34 ; d20+14=20 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+15=19 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+10=14 ; d3+13=16 ; d3+13=16 ; d3+13=14 ; d3+13=14 ;
Monday April 22nd, 2019 11:56:33 PM
Kezzem continues to fire his bow at his smite-target. He will target another if he is unable to target his smite-target for some reason, and will activate a second smite evil on another irlguant if his smite-target is down.

Hasted Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 27.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 17.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 34.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 15.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 29.
(forgot to reduce bonus so the roll shows 34).
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 17.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 8 + 1 Bless + 1 IInspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 20.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 15.

"Say, I do a pretty good Hobbie impression, eh?" remarks Kezzem.

Rumpus will stay total defense, unless A3 is in range, in which case he will 5-ft step and smite evil.

Rumpus Haste Attack: 1d20 + 12 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste = 27.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 1 Inspire Courage + 7 Smite Evil = 16.

Rumpus Attack #1: 1d20 + 12 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste = 18.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 1 Inspire Courage + 7 Smite Evil = 16.

Rumpus Attack #2: 1d20 + 12 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste = 17.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 1 Inspire Courage + 7 Smite Evil = 14.

Rumps Attack #3: 1d20 + 7 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste = 14.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 1 Inspire Courage + 7 Smite Evil = 14.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday April 22nd, 2019 11:57:25 PM
DM Sanity Info:

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Bless
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Smite Evil (+3 Atk & AC; +11 damage)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
Bless
DR 5/evil
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday April 22nd, 2019 11:58:21 PM
Disregard my post for Rumpus. I just realized that A3 is Talia's summons and not the irlgaunt.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20=15 ; d20=7 ; d20=12 ; d20=8 ; d20=6 ; d10=3 ; d10=10 ; d10=8 ; d10=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d20=8 ; d20=2 ; d20=8 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday April 23rd, 2019 6:00:42 AM
Succotash realizes that something is trying to mess with his head, but he brushes it off as though it were nothing. (Will save 15+13=28) He chuckles a bit to himself and says, �You�ll have to do better than that if you want to take down a Paladin of Pantheon, why not come and face me!�. Though he is trying to show bravado, inside he is more than a little angry that someone would try to mess with his head, and at his inability to assist his friends in the conflict. If an Irlgaunt decides to take him up on his offer both he and Miss Piggy will have a full round action prepared, assuming it comes into 5ft step range.

Succotash
7+21+3=31 for 3+10+1=14+3 holy
12+21+3=36 for 10+10+1=21+8 holy
8+16+3=27 for 8+10+1=19+8 holy
6+11+3=20 for 5+10+1=16+7 holy

Miss Piggy
8+15+3=26 for 8+10+1=19+4 shock
2+15+3=20 for 6+10+1=17+1 shock
8+10+3=21 for 3+10+1=14+2 shock

#(D20)+#(BAB+Strength+magic)+#(bless+performance+haste)=# for #(damage dice)+#(strength+magic)+#(performance)

Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack�s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 1/1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8 d20+21=26 ; d20+21=35 ; d20+21=32 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=18 ; d6+19=25 ; d6=6 ; d6+19=25 ; d6=2 ; d6+19=23 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday April 23rd, 2019 10:07:29 AM
ooc: Hobie has Improved Precise Shot, so he gets to ignore cover and concealment less than total, so those shots should have gone through.

"Benefit: Your ranged attacks ignore the AC bonus granted to targets by anything less than total cover, and the miss chance granted to targets by anything less than total concealment. Total cover and total concealment provide their normal benefits against your ranged attacks."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hobie keeps doing what Hobie does, and fires arrows at whatever Irlgaunts he can see.
Manyshot
Attack 26 = Miss (I don't like to metagame but it's a lot of dice to roll for Hobie and I know the Irlgaunts' AC is 29 from my crazy high knowledge check earlier. Let me know if I'm wrong for some reason and I'll be happy to roll the damage or have you do it)

Rapid shot
Attack = 35
Piercing 25, Electric 6 = 31 Total

Haste
Attack = 32
Piercing 25, Electric 2 = 27 Total

Iterative 1
Attack 28 = Miss

Iterative 2
Natural 20, does not confirm
Piercing 23, Electric 5 = 28 Total

======================================

Bless +1 to attack
Inspire Courage +1 attack and damage
Haste +1 to attack and AC
Alter Self +2 to Dex
Elemental Arrows: Shock
Boots of Haste 10/10 rounds available
======================================
Spells Prepared
Free Bonded Item Spell
Lvl 0 Spells: Light, Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Read Magic
Lvl 1 Spells: Enlarge Person, Feather Fall, Feather Fall, Feather Fall, Floating Disk
Lvl 2 Spells: Glitterdust, Glitterdust, Alter Self, Alter Self
Lvl 3 Spells: Fly, Fly, Flame Arrow

DM Carl d20+9=28 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+21=32 ; d20+17=26 ; d20+17=36 ; d20+17=32 ; d8+8=15 ; d8+8=14 ; d6=6 ;
Tuesday April 23rd, 2019 12:45:25 PM
Bliss' swarm continues attacking the irlgaunt, but fails to penetrate the creature's exoskeleton (DR). It manages to ignore them for the most part (both saves made).

On the plus side, the buzzing does make it easier to find it in the dark.

He easily makes the leap up into the ceiling hole, but the irlgaunt has moved on. Bliss can hear the buzzing coming from a tunnel leading north, but he'll be in total darkness if he follows. (Can't get within melee range in a single round, so save those attacks for next round if you follow.)

Pressi sneaks down the corridor, throwing a detect magic as she goes. She detects none. With her darkvision, she's able to see a small chamber beyond the tunnel. Eight large eggs sit in a mound, surrounded by a foul-smelling gunk. A rough, rocky cage has been built around them. It's a crude, but effective cage. The space between bars is too small for her hands, even if she was still a halfling.

Regarding your spectral hand: It can only cast 4th level spells or lower, and returns to your side if you leave LOS. Since your target is not in your LOS, you can't possibly attack it. Keep your hero point.

Talia lights up the ceiling further. The bralani wait for a target.

Murphy follows the irlgaunt he feels moving. He finds the irlgaunt is in a tunnel just tall enough for it, so he's unable to attack from above. He politely asks the irlgaunt to eat him before attacking and hitting twice for 39 damage total.

Kezzem, Succotash and Hobie do not have a target to attack. These irlgaunts are obviously not keen on making themselves available to kill.

OOC: My bad, Nick. I'll ret-con the damage from your previous attacks. The irlgaunt who fled was in pretty rough shape last anyone saw him.

Jack is still holding on to the side of the ravine while Hobie and Succotash continue blocking his only means to get back on solid ground.

No further mental attacks come. Murphy feels new movement on the very edge of his tremorsense (new red outline on map - note the dashed outline: no one has eyes on this creature yet).

I2 moves. Murphy can feel it move until it is outside the range of his tremorsense. Bliss can hear his wasp swarm following it further north.

I3 attacks Murphy back, slamming once and biting once, hitting AC36 for 15 bludgeoning + 6 acid damage, and hitting AC 32 for 14 piercing damage.

The floor beneath Succotash and Miss Piggy begins sloping downward. A DC18 reflex save is needed to either hold on to the wall in Succotash's case, or leap back to safety (L25) in Miss Piggy's.

The floor beneath Kezzem also begins sloping downward. He also needs a DC18 reflex save to either hold on to the wall or escape to L13.

Map

Remember dashed enemies have been sensed, but not confirmed. They may have moved on from where they were last detected.

Enemy irlgaults AC: 29/18/20
DR: 10/Bludgeoning
CMD: 38 (42 vs. trip)

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC29 raging
Tuesday April 23rd, 2019 1:24:37 PM

Request to retcon last round, please please nice DM Carl: Since Bliss did not get to attack and did not follow into the dark, I hope it is okay if he activates his Divine Favor spell-like ability. That takes only a standard action and, as an SLA, has no components.

This round, Bliss stops raging (Fatigued for this round and next). He casts a still silent Dancing Lights (full round to cast with metamagic) and sends it ahead to illuminate the area. He takes a five ft step forward.

OOC: Can we guess the enemy's DR and AC?

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Cat: On
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 3 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 1 of 5+1 spells/day (Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 2+1 of 4+1 spells/day (extended Barkskin 3hrs, Delay Poison 9hrs, Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs)
Lvl 3: used 1 of 4+1 spells/day (Still Vomit Swarm)
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

wasp swarm - used 4 rounds of 9.
Divine Favor round 1 of 10

More Stuff:
Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks
Rage: +2 attacks, damage, -2 AC 1 round used, fatigued this round and next
Dancing Lights

Map

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage
Tuesday April 23rd, 2019 3:18:25 PM
Jack continues his speak while also telling Hobie and Succotash to move, he dare not risk moving and falling

===================================
Abilities: bardic performance:7/13
Impromptu sneak attack:1/1
Tricky Spell:3/3
Spells: 1st 6/6 2nd 5/5 3rd 3/4
Resist Energy - Acid: (20 resistance) 120 minutes
Inspire Courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 d20+19=25 ; d20+19=21 ; 2d8+12=22 ;
Tuesday April 23rd, 2019 3:55:12 PM

Murphy takes, after DR (damage reduction) 15-10 and 14-10, a total of 9 hp damage. The acid damage reduces his Protection from Energy, Acid from 120 to 114. He had come down last round to attack no more than 4 or 5 feet below the surface of the stone, so withdraws back up into the stone after not quite penetrating the irlgaunt's defense (although, if AC 25 somehow worked, he did 22 hp blugeoning damage, with no DR working for the irlgaunt).

He updates Pressi on his perception of where the irlgaunts are, and asks how she is faring.

=================
DM Requested Info:
Perception (rolled earlier): 40

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/�]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 1 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 20' (+5' for Fleet feat for 25') You are also immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/�. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: You gain a +8 size bonus to your Strength, a �2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level).

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 | 90+24 HP d20+13=19 ; d6+8=9 ; d20+13=22 ; d6+8=11 ; d20+13=23 ; d20+13=31 ; d6+8=14 ; d6+8=14 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=17 ; d6+8=11 ; d6+8=11 ; d20+14=30 ; 6d6=24 ;
Tuesday April 23rd, 2019 8:16:55 PM
Talia believes she can see that a squid-spyder is close by, so she casts Vampiric Touch through the spectral hand to touch the squid-spyder at K18 at about 100' above the ravine. Ranched Touch Attack through Spectral Hand on Irlgaunt at K17.5 for 24 damage (24 temp HP)

The three Bralini Azata will attack the Irlgaunt at K18, with their Scimitars. Azata # 1 closes the distance by flying 20 feet & attacking: Attacks 2x - Attack 1: 19, damage: 9, Attack 2: 22; Damage: 11 | Azata # 2 closes the distance by flying about 9 feet & attacking:Attacks 2x - Attack 1: 23, damage:14 , Attack 2:31 ; Damage: 14 | Azata # 3 closes the distance by flying 25 feet & attacking:Attacks 2x - Attack 1:18 , damage:11 , Attack 2:17 ; Damage:11

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

3 Summoned Bralani Azata Warriors

Darkvision 60 feet and low-light vision.
Immunity to electricity and petrification.
Resistance to cold 10 and fire 10.
Truespeech (Su) All azatas can speak with any creature that has a language, as though using a tongues spell (caster level 14th). This ability is always active.

Defense
----------------

AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+4 Dex, +6 natural)
hp 66 (7d10+28)
Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +6
DR 10/cold iron or evil; Immune electricity, petrification; Resist cold 10, fire 10; SR 17
--------------------
OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+18=30 ;
Tuesday April 23rd, 2019 11:26:20 PM
SV Ref: 1d20 + 17 + 1 (Haste) = 30.

"You know, maybe we should withdraw and return once we are better prepared to battle the darkness," suggests Kezzem.

Kezzem will hold his action from last round, reposted here for DM Sanity.

Hasted Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 27.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 17.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 34.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 15.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 29.
(forgot to reduce bonus so the roll shows 34).
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 17.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 8 + 1 Bless + 1 IInspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 20.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 15.

Kezzem
-----------
Bless
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Smite Evil (+3 Atk & AC; +11 damage)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
Bless
DR 5/evil
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8
Wednesday April 24th, 2019 2:24:55 AM
Ok since it was unclear that I could no longer see any of them, can my action for yesterday be to cast Fly and then fly up and out to wherever I can see one? Then I�m out of Jack�s way too

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+11=29 ; d20+9=23 ; d20+11=20 ;
Wednesday April 24th, 2019 5:38:21 AM
Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack�s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 1/1

Both Succotash and Miss Piggy make their reflex saves. Seeing Miss Piggy on solid ground Succotash tells her, �Move back a bit girl so I can climb over there�. Succotash then uses a hero point to add +8 to his climb check plus his normal +3 and rolls a total of 20. Could someone move Succotash to L25, and Miss Piggy to L26 for me �I would withdraw Kezzem, but Twinklesting is thirsty for some irlgaunt blood, and right now I�m ticked off at these cowardly eight legged piles of slime!�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday April 24th, 2019 1:49:39 PM
"Fine, fine," Pressi messages back. "Everything's fine. So, uh, listen. Funny story, you're going to laugh. Eventually. So, uh, you remember how we discussed the implications about finding an irlgaunt's eggs among the need to fight some irlgaunts. All hypothetical and all.

"And... you've also been keeping an eye on the tunnels, I assume, in case someone has to come extract me. You know, in case I suddenly invade their actual nest and piss them off. Or in case someone else has the lox."

(Posting my actual move in an hour. Standby.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23 d20+18=33 ; d20+20=32 ;
Wednesday April 24th, 2019 2:56:32 PM
Pressi wonders if taking someone's kids hostage should really be a hard and fast rule. Because it seems like more of a rough guideline in cases like this, right?

Ok, fine, be that way, she thought to herself.

After checking to make sure none of the eggs are beginning to hatch (Perception 33+dark) and moving herself into whatever cover is available (stealth 32, HiPS), she takes out her own soul gem (two move actions). With a wave of her hand, she casts magic jar (hero point for standard action) and begins to sense the lines of effect.

---------------

After watching Bliss start to climb the walls, Harper makes an attempt to do the same, moving towards the closest sensed creature.

---------------

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)

Pressi

dwarf form
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
arcane eye - dissipated
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand
blinking
see invisible

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4/4+1
L4 2/4+1
L5 0/3+1

DM Carl d20+11=31 ; d20+21=40 ;
Wednesday April 24th, 2019 4:14:34 PM
Bliss calms himself down and starts to inch forward with some light and divine favor on his side (ret-con approved). He finds himself in a large tunnel leading north and south. He could possibly see Murphy withdrawing and the irlgaunt he was fighting fall if he hurried. The wasp swarm is far to the north, but Bliss' light doesn't penetrate that far.

Jack works some "get out of my way, dudes" lyrics into his chant.

Murphy withdraws, but your humble narrator is afraid Murphy missed the part where his attacks did significant damage to the irlgaunt (you did 39 damage last round, dude :D ). He'll assume Murphy withdrew and did not incur an AoO.

I3 is just above the ravine's ceiling.

Talia sends a vampiric touch attack via her spectral hand up through the hole in the ceiling to attack the irlgaunt there. It's attack done, the hand appears back at Talia's side.

OOC: I wasn't clear that I3 was above the ravine's ceiling, so I'm allowing the attack.

Kezzem wonders if a tactical retreat is in order as he leaps off the further shrinking shelf the party stands on. He holds his attack, looking for an opening.

Hobie casts fly on himself. A prudent move.

Succotash is not feeling like retreating. He grabs on to the wall and shimmies himself back to solid ground, deftly avoiding the webbing as he does.

OOC: Don't forget that web's still there, folks.

Pressi finds some place she think she won't be noticed, then puts her soul into a gem and starts feeling around.

She can sense three life forms in about the same area (per spell, cannot determine exact location). The eggs must not be developed yet; she senses nothing from them.

Suddenly, there is a fourth life form present, and it is very close. In her current form, she cannot hear or see anything.

I4 does something, but no one has eyes on it. Bliss can probably hear his wasps getting even further away.

I3 seems nervous, and takes advantage of Murphy letting up his attack to shape the stone under its feet, allowing it to fall straight down into the water at the bottom of the ravine. It leaps at the last moment to avoid the webs.

What it didn't count on were two archers waiting for a target.

(I'm assuming Kezzem smites and using Hobie's last rolls since you stated you were looking for a target.)

Kezzem's second and third attacks connect as the irlgaunt falls. The smite ensures full damage is applied to both.

Hobie puts three arrows into the thing, killing it outright. Its corpse hits the water in the ravine below with a crunch and gets swept away.

The other targets have yet to be identified. Rumpus, who didn't have to jump to safety last round, kicks at the wall to the east. Something has her attention there.

Map!

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 d20+32=42 ;
Wednesday April 24th, 2019 5:08:08 PM
Murphy post 20190424

To Pressi, he says, "Uh, you found the eggs?! Give me a moment, and I'll be on my way."

Murphy casts greater magic fang [+3 attack/+3 damage, lasts 12 hours], then heads diagonally downwards toward the ledge below - but not all the way to the ledge. He is about 10' above it, with a hand outstretched to the side, palm up, immediately below the wall-hanging Zaragosa. "Goin' through the wall, buddies. Pressi's somewhere on the other side. Here, Jack, take my hand."

If he wants to, Jack can climb up Murphy's arm and on to his back.

The web does not bother Murphy at all, since he has freedom of movement. Weighing 48,000 pounds also might mitigate against being slowed by the webbing, but that's moot.

He updates his tremorsense, trying to figure out where people and critters are.

"Hobie, can you take a second to figure out how to help Succotash and maybe Miss Piggy?"

=================
DM Requested Info:
Perception: 42

Spells Active:
- Greater Magic Fang (12 hours) +3 attack / +3 damage
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/�]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 1 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 20' (+5' for Fleet feat for 25') You are also immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/�. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: You gain a +8 size bonus to your Strength, a �2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +4 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 1 in use so far today).

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage d20+8=19 ;
Wednesday April 24th, 2019 8:08:30 PM
Perhaps it was useless as Jack spat out his encouraging words, but he knew his team might find the enemy any moment so he continued.

He also tries to climb on Murphey's back (climb 19)

========================

Abilities: bardic performance:6/13
Impromptu sneak attack:1/1
Tricky Spell:3/3
Spells: 1st 6/6 2nd 5/5 3rd 3/4
Resist Energy - Acid: (20 resistance) 120 minutes
Inspire Courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC29 raging d20+23=38 ;
Wednesday April 24th, 2019 10:06:09 PM

Bliss's swarm pursues still. 2d6 damage and 2 DC13 Fort saves please.

Bliss finds himself in a tunnel with sound footing. He changes back into a halfling. He looks around and gets out his sling staff.

Perception 38

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Cat: On
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 4 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 1 of 5+1 spells/day (Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 3+1 of 4+1 spells/day (Extended Barkskin 3hrs, Delay Poison 9hrs, Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs, Still Silent Dance Lights)
Lvl 3: used 1 of 4+1 spells/day (Still Vomit Swarm)
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

wasp swarm - used 5 rounds of 9.
Divine Favor round 2 of 10

More Stuff:
Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks
Dancing Lights

Map

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 | 90+24 HP
Wednesday April 24th, 2019 11:54:25 PM
Talia moves to K12 to get an assesstment from her warrors as to what is going on thus far.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

3 Summoned Bralani Azata Warriors

Darkvision 60 feet and low-light vision.
Immunity to electricity and petrification.
Resistance to cold 10 and fire 10.
Truespeech (Su) All azatas can speak with any creature that has a language, as though using a tongues spell (caster level 14th). This ability is always active.

Defense
----------------

AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+4 Dex, +6 natural)
hp 66 (7d10+28)
Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +6
DR 10/cold iron or evil; Immune electricity, petrification; Resist cold 10, fire 10; SR 17
--------------------
OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8 d20+23=39 ; d6+19=25 ; d6=6 ;
Thursday April 25th, 2019 2:20:41 AM
ooc: I'm sorry, I'm really confused by the map so I don't know where exactly to move Hobie.

Goblin Hobie will fly out, with his 60 feet darkvision, following where he saw any ilrgaunts retreat to. If he sees one he will fire a single arrow with Glitterdust

Attack =39
Piercing 25, Electric 6 = 31 total
DC 16 Will save to avoid being blinded
save or not, covered in glitter, takes a -20 to stealth

======================================

Bless +1 to attack
Inspire Courage +1 attack and damage
Haste +1 to attack and AC
Alter Self +2 to Dex
Elemental Arrows: Shock
Boots of Haste 10/10 rounds available
======================================
Spells Prepared
Free Bonded Item Spell
Lvl 0 Spells: Light, Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Read Magic
Lvl 1 Spells: Enlarge Person, Feather Fall, Feather Fall, Feather Fall, Floating Disk
Lvl 2 Spells: Glitterdust, Glitterdust, Alter Self(USED), Alter Self
Lvl 3 Spells: Fly(USED), Fly, Flame Arrow

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+8=15 ; d20+8=19 ;
Thursday April 25th, 2019 5:26:47 AM
Seeing Jack climb onto Murphy�s back, Succotash quickly cuts the rope connecting himself to the arcane trickster, not wanting to be dragged about by Murphy. He is cut off from his friends, but does his best to remain vigilant. (Succotash perception 15, Miss Piggy perception 19)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Thursday April 25th, 2019 10:06:34 AM
Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack�s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 1/1

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+3=21 ;
Thursday April 25th, 2019 11:28:23 AM
Kezzem moves overs to Rumpus. "What's the matter, boy? Murphey stuck in the wall again?"

He uses Perception to attempt to see what he can see.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 = 21 + 1 Trapfinding (if applicable)

OOC: Did Kezzem use a second Smite Evil this combat?

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Bless
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Smite Evil (+3 Atk & AC; +11 damage)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
Bless
DR 5/evil
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday April 25th, 2019 11:55:42 AM
updating spells. Also, I rolled to make sure that the magic jar spell worked while blinking (other spells cast were self only) but lost the roll to being logged out.

---------------

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)

Pressi

dwarf form (4/9 minutes remaining)
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand (8/9 minutes)
blinking (5/9 rounds)
see invisible

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4/4+1
L4 1/4+1
L5 1/3+1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday April 25th, 2019 12:08:53 PM
Pressi sat in a small gem, energy flowing through her floating form. She fought down the nausea of being disembodied and the memories of the last time she was in one of these.

Nearby lay a dwarf body - her own body twisted by her own hand long before she cast alter self. It continued to blink and shimmer in and out of existence, the various buffs continuing to move throughout. Despite the lack of ears, she could swear that crackles - Murphy's voice, maybe - continued to eminate from the body.

Once upon a time, she had been trapped in one of these things while Woldsblood flowed through her invaded body. The time of metamorphosis. Now, she was prepared to do the same thing to another living creature, one she hated for trying the same exact trick on their group.

Once upon a time, she bought this gem without a moment's thought.

After scanning (their hit dice) (I assume all four forms are either stronger or weaker than her), Pressi begins to flow through the jar, attempting randomly to grab on to any of the creatures (DC 20, will negates).

DM Carl d20+9=17 ; d20+9=28 ; 2d6=9 ; d4=4 ; d3=3 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+21=34 ;
Thursday April 25th, 2019 3:04:53 PM
Murphy communicates with Pressi over their bond.

OOC: I consider telepathic bond to work when one of you is in a magic jar, because reasons.

The druid buffs himself further, then begins making his way towards Pressi. He gives Jack a hand, and Jack's able to catch a ride with Earth Elemental Murphy. He won't be able to earth glide w/ Jack, but he can burrow.

Bliss turns back into a halfling now that he's got space. He looks around, but he finds he's in an unremarkable tunnel. Somewhere, far to the north of him through this tunnel, is his swarm of wasps. They're too far away to hear at this point, though. It's dark in this tunnel, but Bliss' keen eyes spot a tunnel in the eastern wall. It only extends a few feet before it drops down into the area Pressi first entered. It is pitch black down there.

Talia goes to check on her Bralani's, but without an obvious target, there's not much for them to do. They could always follow Bliss since he's seemed to discover a useful passage.

Hobie is confused by the verticality of this combat. That's understandable. There are no obvious targets here. One irlgaunt is dead. One seems to have fled far to the north in a tunnel above the ravine's ceiling. Two are causing havoc to those on the ravine's shelf. One is...somewhere else. Bliss has found an important passage, though.

Succotash cuts the rope holding Jack. He's cut off from the party on an ever disappearing shelf over the ravine.

Kezzem has only used one smite. He can't see anything, but something's moving behind the ravine's eastern wall. No doubt it's what's causing the shelf to keep vanishing.

Pressi waxes melancholic, but as usual comes through. She picks one of the life forces at random and finds herself with four more limbs than before. She's not exactly sure where she is, though. She's in a dead-end tunnel and can hear running water close by.

OOC: You're the red square with the P. Here's your new form.

I2 does something.

Succotash and Miss Piggy feel the stone beneath their feet start to shift again, but then it suddenly stops.

Kezzem and Rumpus find the stone under their feet start to shift, but it does not stop. They'll need a DC18 reflex save to jump to the nearest open space in time.

Map is confusing, I admit. Do your best to use it, and if you misread it in an understandable way, I'll make it work.

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage
Thursday April 25th, 2019 3:49:16 PM
Without much left to do, Jack continues his speach but he wonders how long he can encourage his friends before his speach becomes to long

========================

Abilities: bardic performance:5/13
Impromptu sneak attack:1/1
Tricky Spell:3/3
Spells: 1st 6/6 2nd 5/5 3rd 3/4
Resist Energy - Acid: (20 resistance) 120 minutes
Inspire Courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 d20+32=37 ; d20+22=38 ; d20+22=41 ; 2d8+15=24 ; 2d8+15=18 ;
Thursday April 25th, 2019 8:04:59 PM

Murphy asks Jack, "Say, could you cast another haste on us? Or maybe wait until more of us are together. Don't worry about the chant for the moment. I'll burrow through this five-foot thick wall so you and others can come through after me, then I'll swing so you can jump off to the left." [to L17] "We need to get everyone out of the ravine area very soon."

He does go through, burrowing 5' deep to open a 10'x10' section at the indentation (N18-19), creating a good deal of rocky rubble, and the rest of his body earthglides. He does swing a bit as mentioned, so that Jack can exit in relative safety, and then earthgliding, angles diagonally downward as needed to get to the irlgaunt to the north, making sure he does not sweep Harper aside in the process. If the irlgaunt to the north is pressed up against rock between it and Murphy, then Murphy presses through (48k lbs vs 3k lbs) to be able to punch it - and DM may slightly move Murphy's figure appropriately. His head has moved only about 18 or so feet of the 25 he can move, so there's maybe 7 feet of wiggle room.

He hits AC 38 and 41 for 24 hp and 18 hp (42 total). The irlgaunt has no DR versus blugeoning. "Eat dirt, please," he cordially invites in the terran tongue the irlgaunt who is trying to undermine the footing of his friends. He finds it satisfying to attack an aberration devoted to nastiness and evil. Almost paladin-ish, or Hobie-ish.

The busy druid asks Pressi, "How goes it, love? I'm punching an irlgaunt to the north. Catch me up when you can."

============
DM Requested Info:
Perception: 37

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/�]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 1 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/�. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: +8 size bonus to Strength, �2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 1 in use so far today).

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 | 90+24 HP
Thursday April 25th, 2019 8:33:21 PM
Talia suggest to her warriors that she follow them as they pursue the irlgaunt up the hole in the ceiling.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

3 Summoned Bralani Azata Warriors

Darkvision 60 feet and low-light vision.
Immunity to electricity and petrification.
Resistance to cold 10 and fire 10.
Truespeech (Su) All azatas can speak with any creature that has a language, as though using a tongues spell (caster level 14th). This ability is always active.

Defense
----------------

AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+4 Dex, +6 natural)
hp 66 (7d10+28)
Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +6
DR 10/cold iron or evil; Immune electricity, petrification; Resist cold 10, fire 10; SR 17
--------------------
OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC29 raging d20+23=26 ;
Thursday April 25th, 2019 10:31:04 PM

Bliss and his dancing lights travel hither and yon, mapping and exploring every nook and crannie. Not sure I understand the map; please just illuminate as you see fit, oh kindly DM! Bliss has move 60.

Perception 26

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+18=35 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=26 ; d20+24=33 ; d20+24=35 ; d20+19=26 ; d20+14=18 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=18 ;
Thursday April 25th, 2019 10:41:44 PM
Kezzem SV Ref: 1d20 + 17 + 1 (Haste) = 35.
Rumpus SV Ref: 1d20 + 8 + 1 (Haste) = 12. Ruh-roh!

I am using a hero point to reroll for Rumpus.

Rumpus SV Ref: 1d20 + 8 + 1 (Haste) = 26.

Rumpus move away from where the shelf keeps vanishing to more stable ground if possible.

"Hey Murphey!" says Kezzem in his best Shatner voice. "There's...some...thing...in the...wall."

Kezzem will hold until he can make an attack. With extra smite action.

Hasted Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 33.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 35.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 26.
(forgot to reduce bonus so the roll shows 34).
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 8 + 1 Bless + 1 IInspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 18.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 18.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Bless
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Smite Evil (+3 Atk & AC; +11 damage)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
Bless
DR 5/evil
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+8=24 ; d20+8=23 ;
Friday April 26th, 2019 5:34:55 AM
Succotash looks to Miss Piggy and says, �Well it looks like it�s just you and me girl� He try�s to remain vigilant and optimistic but being cut off from his friends is more distressing to him then he would have thought, considering up to recent months, he was a loner. (Succotash perception 24, Miss Piggy perception 23)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Friday April 26th, 2019 5:35:39 AM
Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack�s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 1/1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Friday April 26th, 2019 1:15:57 PM
"Now, now," an evil (if familiar voice) reverberated from below. "Did you truly think that you were ever alone?"

Pressi crawled up to the ledge near Succotash. "I understand you ordered a mount?"

Harper stared at Pressi, mewing between her more typical british accent. "Oh, what the sixes and sevens did you do this time?"

(OOC: To those who wonder how she's talking... she's a witch's familiar. They talk. Harper just chooses not to.)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8
Friday April 26th, 2019 1:29:17 PM
Hobie will take off and follow Bliss

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC29 raging d20+9=10 Nat 1 will save ; d100=44 ;
Friday April 26th, 2019 2:55:29 PM

::Bliss studies the map. Turns it upside down and studies some more.::

::Bliss fails his save vs confusion::

::Bliss rolls d100: 44::

::Bliss does nothing but babble incoherently::

"I knew I shoulda made a left turn at Albuquerque!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Friday April 26th, 2019 5:08:19 PM
Seeing an irlgaunt appear in front of him, Succotash is about to throw down a smite, but when it talks to him familiarly, he stops, and stops Miss Piggy from attacking as well, because he is more than a little confused. So he decides to detect evil on the creature, and when it comes up negative, he looks around and notices Harper, and her reaction, which of course confuses him even more, so he sheepishly says, �Pressi is that you?�

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Saturday April 27th, 2019 1:34:23 AM
"I'm on it, Kezzem" Murphy booms in gravelly halfling when/if his head comes in contact with the air.

"Pressi! Tell me what is going on! Haven't heard back from you in, oh, 18 seconds!" Murphy messages her. His mental voice is filled with concerned exclamation marks.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Kim for Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage
Saturday April 27th, 2019 1:43:46 AM

Seeing that Murphy left a gaping hole in the wall, Jack decides to scramble through - figuring the 5' burrowed section is difficult terrain. Everything here seems difficult terrain. He continues his chant to encourage his fellows, albeit holding the cloth of his shirt over his mouth as he breathes in, to deal with all the rock dust kicked up by his elemental friend. He looks left and right, and ahead. Mainly Murphy's body, and maybe a 5' wide hallway not too far from the new opening. Is Murphy fighting an irlgaunt?

Jack ducks back behind the remaining wall for a moment, not wanting to attrack the spittle of the irlgaunt, should it even notice him, as he sings forth loudly. Why, who would even notice him under the circumstances?

ADM Kim - EDITING REQUEST
Saturday April 27th, 2019 1:47:25 AM

Can someone change 'attrack' to 'attract' in the last paragraph of the post for Jack above? Huh - you'd think I don't know how to spell! - ADM Kim

Oh, and then please delete this post - thank you very much!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday April 27th, 2019 9:19:04 AM
OOC: I won't be able to post again until late Monday night so if somebody could post for Kezzem if we have another post this weekend, that would be great.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Saturday April 27th, 2019 9:24:56 AM
�Why so formal?� Pressi asked. �I�m just your friendly neighborhood spider girl. To say otherwise is a total waste of a secret identity.�

Seeing Succotash�s face and realizing she�s about to get a face full of smite, �No seriously, it�s me, more or less.�

To Murphy, The nest is down the corridor and it�s not alone. Also, please don�t crush my body. This one is just a rental.

Harper follows Murphy through the rug out path.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 | 90+24 HP
Saturday April 27th, 2019 11:14:26 AM
Talia & her summoned warrior continue following the tunnel until they find the quarry.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

3 Summoned Bralani Azata Warriors

Darkvision 60 feet and low-light vision.
Immunity to electricity and petrification.
Resistance to cold 10 and fire 10.
Truespeech (Su) All azatas can speak with any creature that has a language, as though using a tongues spell (caster level 14th). This ability is always active.

Defense
----------------

AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+4 Dex, +6 natural)
hp 66 (7d10+28)
Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +6
DR 10/cold iron or evil; Immune electricity, petrification; Resist cold 10, fire 10; SR 17
--------------------
OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

DM Carl d100=82 ;
Saturday April 27th, 2019 8:25:37 PM
Bliss jumps down into the tunnel behind the ravine as Murphy burrows through. Between the two routes, everyone is able to enter the irlgaunt's secret tunnels. Succotash is still stuck, until Pressi uses the irlgaunt's stone shape ability to open a path for him to use as well.

OOC: Against the rule, but I'm allowing it since this map sucks and I'm not a jerk.

Murphy is first on the scene. He sees an Irlgaunt at the end of a narrow tunnel. It's too narrow to fit an irlgaunt comfortably, but it's there nonetheless.

This one is...different. Murphy's darkvision doesn't see color, but he can see what are etchings in the irlgaunt's chitin. It stares at Murphy with an utterly alien hatred.

Murphy notices this, but what he notices more than anything is that this thing is standing over Pressi's unoccupied body.

The thing calls out loudly in an ugly, cryptic language.

Aklo, Highlight to display spoiler: {"Lu-kthu. Flee."}

Murphy's tremorsense feels something skittering away to the north and down, but nothing is within view. It's still moving when it leaves the edge of his tremorsense unless Murphy gives chase. There is a tunnel leading the direction it's fleeing.

The irlgaunt near Pressi doesn't waste time. It reaches down and tries to get a leg under Pressi's body. It then vanishes, taking Pressi with it. (Blink chance: 83 - fail.)

Wherever it's gone to, it is outside the senses of both Murphy's tremorsense and Pressi's ability to find her soul gem.

Map is not really important at this point. Yes, irlgaunt's perception roll beat Pressi's stealth roll.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Sunday April 28th, 2019 2:09:41 AM

"Jack Zaragosa - hasten me NOW!" Murphy shouts in halfling. "They've taken Pressi, and I must pursue!!" As he waits [briefly, he hopes] for Jack's help, he says to any who will listen, pointing in the direction he thinks they are, just on the other side of where Pressi's dwarf-shaped body just lay, "Eggs inside - burn them, or crush them!"

This has quickly moved from expedient to personal. Murphy has not heard a thing from Pressi for three or four rounds now, and thinks she may be unconscious at best. He is unaware she is using magic jar to inhabit another body.

'You likely can't hear me, but I'm coming for you, Pressi!' he messages his fianc�e.

[Holding action: Pursuit, until someone hastens him.]

============
DM Requested Info:
Perception: 37

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/�]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 1 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/�. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: +8 size bonus to Strength, �2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 1 in use so far today).

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage
Sunday April 28th, 2019 7:13:20 PM
with much haste in action, Jack casts Haste on all he can

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 5d6=25 ; d20+32=35 ;
Monday April 29th, 2019 1:47:58 AM

So shaken he at seeing the spell-using tattooed irlgaunt teleport away with Pressi's body, that for a moment it doesn't quite register that he is finally hearing Pressi's mental communication. 'Wait, what? Speak clearly, if you can, Pressi. You were in dwarf form - that form has been snatched away by a teleporting irlgaunt. Renting a body? What do you mean? I'm going to chase down that fellow, and I'm pretty sure he is carrying you - your sleeping body? - northward. Speak plainly if you can. My head is full of rocks.' Murphy is still unaware that Pressi now inhabits an irlgaunt's body, and likely should tell him lest he attack if he sees her. No one else has told him.

[i]Held actions now released[/u]:
With the casting of haste by Jack, Murphy gives a hearty, 'Thank you!' in halfling. He surges toward the space where he saw Pressi's dwarven body, and glides through the wall. If the interior is as described to Pressi earlier, he burrows through the slatted stones so others can reach the eggs. If fully walled off, he does the same with the walls, breaking through. If the eggs are there, he drops a lightning bolt on them, centered such as to touch the maximum within a 5-foot diameter column for 25 hp from the call lightning storm spell he cast about a minute ago (Reflex save vs DC 29, if eggs have any reflexes). He tells Pressi what he's doing. At the moment, at least, he is not horrified by what he is doing, rather highly disgusted with these creatures, and beginning to embrace Maggad's view on them. "If anyone wants to finish off these eggs, I'll not object. I'm going for Pressi."

[BTW: Carl - Maggad the druidic dwarf has been described by you originally as female, and in later posts as male. Which one do you want to settle on?]

Then he heads northward, following the most recent tremorsense, moving 50' per round during times of earthgliding, and ... can he run 65'x5=325' while going through tunnels while hasted (has run feat and fleet feat, and longstrider, and freedom of movement, and is in earth elemental form)? If not, then how fast? He tells others of his pursuit, inviting anyone who wants to come along to do so...

============
DM Requested Info:
Perception: 35

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/�]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 2 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/�. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: +8 size bonus to Strength, �2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 1 in use so far today).

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Monday April 29th, 2019 5:23:10 AM
Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack�s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 4/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 1/1

Assuming she leaves a tunnel behind, Succotash will mount Miss Piggy and follow Pressi saying �Lead on, my Lady�.

DM Carl
Monday April 29th, 2019 11:55:36 AM
DM Update: Maggad's a dude, and so long as Pressi's mind is within range of the telepathy spell, it works, no matter what body/vessel her mind is in.

At least, that's my interpretation of it.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23 d20+8=14 ; d20+21=35 ;
Monday April 29th, 2019 3:04:31 PM
Pressi and Harper lead Succotash down the tunnels towards the other irlgaunt as Murphy's messages come flooding in fast. "Hold on," she calls as she moves towards Murphy. "I'm back here in the..."

Pressi looks at where her body lay.

When Pressi's mind finally snaps back into reality, her screams can be heard back at the dwarven mining camp.

------------------

An irlgaunt may be tough to catch with a head start. Harper bets that its not faster than her. Moving at 10 times her normal speed (sprint) down the tunnel, she attempts to catch up to the creature or at least block it.

(Grapple roll: 14)

------------------

As Pressi catches up Murphy telepathically as fast as she can, she figures she also ought to catch up Jack and anyone else around.

From that, she tries to keep Murphy from blasting everything in sight, mainly to preserve whatever evidence might be left. Any mood she was in to show these creatures morality or mercy is quite limited. (She is pretty sure, though, that these creatures wouldn't have teleported out of range and left the eggs behind.)

"But the point is, while I have this body and am still up and running... I should be able to see my body if its within 200 feet and on this plane. If they destroy this body or my actual body before I get in range of the spell gem, I die. If I don't find both my body and the soul gem within the next 10 hours, I die. If they didn't take my body for food... I don't even want to think about what they took it for. I'm actually praying for hostage right about now."

Pressi studies the site of disappearance and the egg room for clues (Perception 35, see invisible and darkvision). She also casts detect magic, hoping to discover some auras.

---------------

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)

Pressi's Body

dwarf form (4/9 minutes remaining)
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand (8/9 minutes)
blinking (4/9 rounds)
see invisible

Pressi
irlgaunt Form
Stats: 27, 29, 20, 21, 10, 12
AC 29, HP 133
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand (8/9 minutes)
see invisible

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4/4+1
L4 1/4+1
L5 1/3+1

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday April 29th, 2019 11:27:39 PM
"Hey Irrrrrrrrrlgaunts, come out and plaaaaaaay," says Kezzem. "Hey Irrrrrrrrrlgaunts, come out and plaaaaaaay."

He will continue to hold his attack, reposted her for DM sanity:

Hasted Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 33.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 18 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 35.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 Bless + 1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 26.
(forgot to reduce bonus so the roll shows 34).
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 8 + 1 Bless + 1 IInspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil = 18.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 18.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Bless
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Smite Evil (+3 Atk & AC; +11 damage)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
Bless
DR 5/evil
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC29 raging
Monday April 29th, 2019 11:35:31 PM

Bliss moves as fast as he can through the secret passages to Murphy, and hopefully to rescue Pressi, wherever she is.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 | 90+24 HP
Monday April 29th, 2019 11:53:49 PM
Talia continues to follow the tunnel with her warriors in front in wind form.

Hobie Browncloak (Kim for Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8
Tuesday April 30th, 2019 4:07:16 AM

Hobie continues to follow Bliss, who is joining Murphy in the pursuit of the irlgaunts. "What's with Pressi?" he asks Bliss.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Kim for Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage
Tuesday April 30th, 2019 4:09:52 AM

Jack feels dread in his soul as he begins to understand what has happened to Pressi. She now indwells an irlgaunt's body, and her own currently dwarf-shaped body has been stolen by an evil irlgaunt.

"Let's go catch them!" he says, and joins the others in the swift pursuit of their fleeing spider-like foes.

DM Carl d20+17=22 ;
Tuesday April 30th, 2019 11:36:52 AM
Murphy receives a haste from Jack, then calls on his lightning storm to obliterate the eggs. The eggs are helpless and easily destroyed in a single round.

OOC: No need to clear a path to the eggs. There's already a 5' wide tunnel leading right to them.

Pressi realizes what's happened and responds with appropriate unease. Studying the scene of the disappearance, Pressi is almost certain that the irlgaunt who teleported away did so with a dimension door spell. So while it could be anywhere, at least it's still nearby. Her blinks spell is still active, so her body is effectively impossible to carry until it runs out.

Meanwhile, Bliss, Hobie, Talia & her summons all give chase down the tunnel. None of them are as fast as Harper, who is easily able to catch up with the fleeing irlgaunt. Unfortunately, it's not the irlgaunt who stole Pressi's body. Harper tries to grapple the irlgaunt, but the critter isn't tripped up. Harper does prevent it from closing the tunnel behind it.

Kezzem tries to get the irlgaunts to come back and attack them, but that's probably not happening. They're obviously not at all interested in a fair fight.

Pressi, Murphy, Jack, and Succotash stick together. They lag behind the rest, but they're on their way.

Bliss, Hobie, Talia (and the bralani) all see an irlgaunt ahead tangling with Harper. The thing tries to ignore the cat and flee as fast as it's able. The party has a speed advantage over it, but it's got a head start. They're currently about 40' away from the fleeing beast. The tunnel you are in extends into the unknown beyond the irlgaunt.

Murphy, Succotash, Jack and Pressi are about 50' behind them since they didn't take full move actions.

Pressi is unable to sense her body or the crystal holding her host's soul. Murphy does not sense any tremors.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Tuesday April 30th, 2019 1:07:43 PM
Succotash HP 129/129 Miss Piggy HP 96/96

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack�s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 3/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 0/1

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20=10 ; d10=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d20=19 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday April 30th, 2019 1:31:14 PM
Under the effect of the haste spell, Miss Piggy, with Succotash on her back charges the Irlgaunt. (Normally Miss Piggy travels 40ft per round charging adds another 40, and haste adds another 30ft allowing her and Succotash to move 110ft) (could someone move Succotash and Miss Piggy to represent the charge) Both Miss Piggy and Succotash will smite the evil beast.

Succotash
10+21(str+bab+magic)+5(chr)+2(haste+bless)=38 for 3+10(str+magic)+12(level)+7(holy)=32 damage

Miss Piggy
19+15(str+bab+magic)+2(haste+bless)=36 for 5+3+10(str+magic)+9(hit dice)+5(shock)=32

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday April 30th, 2019 3:43:24 PM
"What are you doing?" Pressi shouted as Succotash began whaling on the irlgaunt. "He's our only remaining lead! We need him alive!"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 | 90+24 HP
Tuesday April 30th, 2019 9:54:44 PM
Talia realizes there is more going on than what was one thought. She truns to the summoned warrior and asks them to flank the group keeping watch for them.

Talia asks Pressi...what's going on?

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage
Tuesday April 30th, 2019 10:35:46 PM
Jack will do his best to catch up to the rest of them

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC29 raging
Tuesday April 30th, 2019 10:50:51 PM
Bliss grins and rages as a free action, activates arcane strike as a swift action -- and battle is joined at last!

Bliss, with move 60 hasted, charges the spider, crossing the 40 ft of distance toot sweet.

Att bonus: Bliss's charge is at +2, +3 div favor, +1 bard song, +1 bless, +1 haste. That's +8 to hit over and above usuals. Make that +7 for using two hands with a buckler.
Dam bonus: +3 div favor, +1 bard song, +2 arcane strike. +6 dam above the usual suspects.

He swings his staff sling two-handed like a club ...

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

wasp swarm - used 8 rounds of 9.
Divine Favor round 5 of 10

More Stuff:
Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks
Dancing Lights

Map

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC29 raging d20+20=27 ; d4+23=24 ;
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 1:33:38 AM

Bliss's attack: Hits AC27 for 24 damage.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 1:35:34 AM
Kezzem mounts Rumpus and follows after thr party.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 d20+32=35 ;
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 7:03:47 AM

Murphy, aware now that Pressi wants the nearest irlgaunt to not perish - thinks her desire may be thwarted by enthusiastic folks eager to lay into one of the critters which has been so elusive.

Thinking at this point it may be too late to avert its death, Murphy heads into hyperspeed, trying to move forward in hopes of coming across evidence of the kidnapper. It may have been able to advance about 800 feet from where it took Pressi - in any direction. However, he thinks it likely it would have gone in the direction of the other fleeing irlgaunts, rather some other point. Pressi may have a clearer idea on the matter.

In short, Murphy pursues the tattoo-rich irlgaunt, using tremorsense. Full speed ahead.

============
DM Requested Info:
Perception: 35

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/�]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 1 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/�. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: +8 size bonus to Strength, �2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 1 in use so far today).

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 12:07:12 PM
Hearing Pressi's cry to let the Irlgaunt live, wishing for us to follow it, Hobie casts glitterdust on the Irlgaunt (DC 16 to not be blinded, but I don't think that matters for it, but it should be nice and sparkly now -20 to stealth) and flies after it trying to stay about 10 feet behind it, (fly speed 60 ft.)

DM Carl d20+15=27 ; d20+15=18 ;
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 1:12:55 PM
Succotash charges after the fleeing irlgaunt on Miss Piggy. Twinklesting moves rapidly, grievously wounding it.

Pressi suggests they not kill their last known lead.

Talia asks her summons to protect them from being flanked, in case there are more lurking out there.

Bliss is too angry to think about Pressi's concerns. He leaps to attack, but his attack only glances off.

Kezzem rides Rumpus, giving chase. Jack gives chase as well, as quick as his hasted little halfling legs allow.

Murphy hopes the irlgaunt who took Pressi went the same direction as the other fleeing irlgaunts. He rushes forward, keeping his senses open. He feels an additional something in the tunnel ahead, not far beyond the fleeing irlgaunt.

Hobie sends a glitterdust bomb ahead. The explosion of light illuminates not only the irlgaunt the party was chasing, but also the one weird looking one that took Pressi. Neither are blinded, but both are very shiny.

The fleeing irlgaunt turns and carefully withdraws from combat, making sure not to leave any openings. Behind it, the kidnapper quickly scuttles forward, lays a single leg on the fleeing irlgaunt, and dimension doors away.

It is quiet, except for the sounds the party makes and the faint sounds of the water flowing in the ravine. Pressi cannot sense her body, nor can she sense anything other than her companions. Murphy's tremorsense is quiet as well. Quite the pickle our heroes have found themselves in...

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 fatigued
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 2:05:27 PM

Bliss got a good look at the glittery spider carrying Pressi's body. He ends his rage, activates his arcane strike, and casts a Locate Creature spell, trying to find that spider.

He knows that it can't have moved after Dim-Dooring, and both it and the Locate Creature spell have the same range -- 400 ft + 40 ft/lvl.

Hopefully he gets a fix -- for example, "That direction and 600 ft away" If so, he dashes up to 60 ft to reach Talia.

"Miss Talia! Miss Talia!" calls Bliss. He tells her the fix location as exactly as he can. "You, me, and the next two of us to come here! Dimension Door us to there! Now! Please!"

He hopes everyone else can hear the fix too, so they can head there if they can on their own. *cough*Murphy*cough*

Hopefully Talia will blip herself, Bliss, and two more PCs to the location of the glitterbug.

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Cat: On
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 4 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 1 of 5+1 spells/day (Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 3+1 of 4+1 spells/day (Extended Barkskin 3hrs, Delay Poison 9hrs, Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs, Still Silent Dance Lights)
Lvl 3: used 1 of 4+1 spells/day (Still Vomit Swarm)
Lvl 4: used 2 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect, Locate Creature)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

wasp swarm - used 9 rounds of 9.
Divine Favor round 6 of 10

More Stuff:
Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks
Dancing Lights

Map

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 d20+32=34 ;
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 2:32:54 PM

Murphy gets over to Talia at Bliss's recommendation to join in with those who plan to d-door to the kidnapper.

==========
Perception: 34

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 8:21:22 PM
Jack, was a bit paniced at the turn of events but puts on a strong, focused face for Pressi's sake.

In a bit of desperation he casts detect secret door and see invisiblity to see if he can detect anything to help Pressi

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 8:51:35 PM

Pressi tried to think if she had any way to stop the fleeing irlgaunt in its tracks before it ran off but nothing came to mind. (Except stone shape, but she needs to be closer for that to work - right? Could the irlgaunts SLA work through her spectral hand?)

Talia asked her what is going on. Pressi, now a large spiderlike boulder of lovecraftian horror, stared at her for a moment. "Oh, you know, the usual. Work, wedding planning, I'm thinking of cutting my hair shorter. What's going on with you? Look, I'll explain everything later. Just try to get my body or the glowing thing, and roll with it."

As Bliss prepares to locate creature (irlgaunt), Pressi realizes the spell will locate HER. Quickly, she polymorphs into an air elemental and tries to fly ahead at top speed, passing Harper as she continued to run. Hopefully, the creatures didn't go far.

Readied action: if she sees either creature again, she tries to stop the dimension door with a dispel or a stone shape via spectral hand. (Hero point, higher spell slot used if dispel).

---------------

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)

Pressi's Body

dwarf form (4/9 minutes remaining)
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand (8/9 minutes)
blinking (4/9 rounds)
see invisible

Pressi
irlgaunt Form --> air elemental (small) form
Stats: 27, 29, 20, 21, 10, 12
AC 29, HP 133
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand (7/9 minutes)
see invisible

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4/4+1
L4 2/4+1
L5 1/3+1

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 | 90+24 HP
Wednesday May 1st, 2019 8:59:52 PM
Talia await the up to 4 of the group to travel with her using D-Door. Talia tells the Bralani that she will D-Door down the tunnel 600' from her to intercept that Irlgaunt lit up like sparkles. She wants them to travel to that spot and away her arrival.

When all assembled and touching me, I will D-Door 600 feet down the tunnel with the group in the direction of that "Glitterbug"!

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

3 Summoned Bralani Azata Warriors

Darkvision 60 feet and low-light vision.
Immunity to electricity and petrification.
Resistance to cold 10 and fire 10.
Truespeech (Su) All azatas can speak with any creature that has a language, as though using a tongues spell (caster level 14th). This ability is always active.

Defense
----------------

AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+4 Dex, +6 natural)
hp 66 (7d10+28)
Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +6
DR 10/cold iron or evil; Immune electricity, petrification; Resist cold 10, fire 10; SR 17
--------------------
OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 121/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 12:10:41 AM
Kezzem rides up next to Talia.

"You can leave the pony if you have to," says Kezzem. " I can summon him to my side if need be."

He will do what little he can to look for the irlgaunts and activate a detect evil.

DM Sanity Info:

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Bless
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Smite Evil (+3 Atk & AC; +11 damage)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
Bless
DR 5/evil
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 5:22:19 AM
Succotash dismounts and runs over to Talia saying, "I'll summon you as soon as I get there Piggy"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 5:23:29 AM
Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack�s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 3/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 0/1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 7:49:04 AM
If possible, Hobie will join the group with dimension door, otherwise he will fly after them as fast as he can. (should be 90ft movement speed with fly and haste, Can you "Run" while flying for quadruple speed?)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 10:50:00 AM
(Action retconned - I was waiting for a DM ruling, but it would appear I made a mistake and Bliss can detect a particular irlgaunt.)

Pressi remembers before she polymorphs (or Bliss reminds her) that Bliss should be able to detect around her. So she holds off on the spell for the moment, trying to weigh her options. Polymorphing would still give her some speed, but she's already pretty fast in this form (and has her spells besides) and everyone else seems to be boosting their speed or dimension dooring. (Murphy and Pressi can't go with in the dimension door because they are too big.)

Instead, she attempts to keep up with the rest of the group. This time, she prepares to cast charm monster (readied action) if she sees them (hero point spent if needed). (Yeah, I know re the prior attacks. But Pressi figures she can still make a deal if she can get one of them to talk to her for three seconds.)

---------------

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)

Pressi's Body

dwarf form (4/9 minutes remaining)
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand (8/9 minutes)
blinking (4/9 rounds)
see invisible

Pressi
irlgaunt Form --> air elemental (small) form
Stats: 27, 29, 20, 21, 10, 12
AC 29, HP 133
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand (7/9 minutes)
see invisible

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4/4+1
L4 1/4+1
L5 1/3+1

DM Carl d100=46 ; d6=5 ; d20+19=20 ; d6=1 ; d20+17=24 ; d20+17=29 ; d20+17=28 ; d8+8=16 ; d8+8=13 ; d6=1 ;
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 12:09:17 PM
Bliss has an inspired idea and casts locate creature on the unique irlgaunt. He senses it about 650' ahead of them and at a significantly higher elevation. Conveying exactly where the irlgaunt is to Talia is tricky, and he can be assured dimension dooring with second hand directions poses some risk, but surely he'd not let a little thing like that stop him from rescuing Pressi's body.

OOC: Regarding targeting w/ locate creature, I agree with Cayzle's interpretation.

Talia agrees with the plan. She is able to take up to four additional persons, so long as they're no bigger than a medium-sized creature. We're going with first come, first serve per Bliss' post.

Murphy is huge at the moment, but that's easily remedied should he want change to something else.

OOC: I assume you're wanting to shape-change smaller. Be sure to indicate what form you take in your next post.

Pressi changes into an air elemental and tears down the tunnel with Harper (kindly update your spell timers. You've had 4/9 rounds of blink for a couple days now).

Jack casts detect secret door in a bit of desperation, but finds nothing.

Kezzem and Succotash both dismiss their rides and join Talia.

Hobie doesn't make it in time. He flies up the tunnel with Pressi.

Talia, Bliss, Murphy, Kezzem, and Succotash dimension door to where Bliss describes the irlgaunt's position. Without a clear vision of where she's going, Talia can only aim and hope.

Unfortunately, her window was smaller than could have been anticipated. The spell transports the party into solid stone, scrambling everyone for 5 damage. All are shunted to the closest open space. This happens to be a 20' x 20' chamber with no exits. There is a small, 1' diameter hole in the ground. Other than that, it's sealed. Two glowing, very surprised irlgaunts are here. Pressi's body is not.

The unique irlgaunt seems to sigh. It goes to cast another dimension door spell carefully, attempting to avoid giving these troublesome adventurers an opening. It's possibly the last mistake it will ever get to make, as it loses concentration in the effort and fails! Its annoyance quickly turns to worry.

Its companion, not quite understanding why they're still sitting here, lashes out at Talia. She is bashed and bitten by the irlgaunt, taking 16 and 13 damage, plus 1 point of acid damage.

Meanwhile, Jack, Pressi, and Hobie all race down the tunnel towards the action. Pressi still has no bead on her body.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+23=43 ; d20+23=37 ; d20+23=40 ; d20+23=43 ; d20+23=26 ; d20+18=35 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+13=17 ; d3+14=15 ; d3+14=17 ; d6=6 ; d3+14=15 ; d6=5 ; d3+14=15 ; d6=3 ; d3+14=16 ; d6=6 ; d3+13=14 ; d3+13=16 ; d3+13=15 ; d3+13=15 ;
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 1:01:44 PM
"Looks like you're going nowhere, buddy," says Kezzem. "It's smiting time!"

OOC: Drop shortbow (free action), Quick Draw daggers (free action), Smite Evil (swift action), full attack the irlgaunt that attempted to cast dimension door.

+1 Returning Frost Dagger:

Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 19 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil - 2 (TWF) = 43 (nat 20)!
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 19 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil - 2 (TWF) = 37.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 15.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 17.
Cold Damage: 1d6 = 6.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 19 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil - 2 (TWF) = 40.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 15.
Cold Damage: 1d6 = 5.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 14 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil - 2 (TWF) = 35.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 15.
Cold Damage: 1d6 = 3.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 9 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil - 2 (TWF) = 25 (30 - 5)
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.
Cold Damage: 1d6 = 6.

+1 Returning Dagger

Attack #1: 1d20 + 19 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil - 2 (TWF) = 43 (nat 20)!
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 19 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil - 2 (TWF) = 26.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 (off-hand) + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 14.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 1 (off-hand) + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 16.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 14 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil - 2 (TWF) = 25
Damage: 1d3 + 1 (off-hand) + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 15.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 9 + 1 Bless +1 Inspire Courage + 1 Haste + 3 Smite Evil - 2 (TWF) = 17.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 (off-hand) + 1 Inspire Courage + 11 Smite Evil = 15.

If the first irlgaunt goes down, direct the remaining attacks at the second (adjusting for lack of Smite Evil bonuses).

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Bless
Haste
Inspire Courage +1
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70 minutes)
Smite Evil (+3 Atk & AC; +11 damage)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70 minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (2 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 fatigued
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 1:59:41 PM

Bliss gapes at Sir Kezzem's attacks! "WOWSY!"

OOC: Use of the DELAY action to see what the others do first.

Special to Kindly DM: Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Maybe we can find out which enemies go down when, maybe? If not, no biggie, I'll just make some if/thens in my real post. ALSO ... does Stoneskin stop shunting damage?}

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 2:18:26 PM
(OOC: Sorry, the blink should be off by now. I actually miscounted to boot.)

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 5:50:13 PM
Goes toward the action as quickly as he can.

DM Carl
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 6:13:33 PM
Sure thing, Cayzle. I consider shunting damage to be magical in nature. It's the spell doing its best with your bits to avoid you getting outright killed.

***

Kezzem seriously puts the hurt on the caster irlgaunt, but it's still standing.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 5d6=22 ; d20+32=46 ;
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 6:59:36 PM

Immediately before the dimension door, Murphy reverts to his true halfling form. When he sees that the tattooed sparkly irlgaunt does not have Pressi (if I understand the description correctly), he brings down a 22 hp lightning bolt to split between the two irlgaunts (5' diameter, Reflex sav DC29 for half), while ensuring that the 1' diameter hole is not hit. He figures that may be where Pressi lays, underneath. He wildshapes back into a huge earth elemental, with most of his body earthglided into the rock behind, as otherwise he would fill most of the available space. He makes certain his body is higher than his friends, but bottom of his torso about 10' above the floor. His head and arms are at the edge of the wall nearest the evil fellow who stole his girl.

[He is hasted, but if that's not enough to do what I described in one round, let me know and I will use a hero point to accomplish it. He doesn't have to cast the call lightning storm spell, which was cast several rounds ago - simply point and shoot, as it were.]

If able in the midst of all this activity, he messages Pressi, "We found the two irlgaunts. You may be somewhere around here, but I don't see you yet. An enclosed cubic space 20' per side. Tiny one inch hole in floor."

ALSO - I UPDATED THE MAP PAGE A LITTLE
[For the 20'x20'x20' room)

============
DM Requested Info:
Perception: 46

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/�]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 1 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/�. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
Earth elemental: +8 size bonus to Strength, �2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 2 in use so far today).

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 86/90 | 90
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 8:07:39 PM
Talia is surprised she got hit...there goes the temporary hit points! Also, I believe the Stone skin ticks off 10 points, no?

Tali will cast Glitterdust centered about where the lightening bolt is (location: betwen I|J & 7|8) -- hopefully this gets the Irlgaunts and not the halflings! Talia will then take a step back to I9.

Her next spell will be another Spectral hand!

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 fatigued d20+23=24 d20+9=14 d100=73 d100=7 d100=88 d20+17=37 [Crit Threat!!!] d20+17=23 d4+20=24 d4+20=21 d20+17=26 d4+20=21 d20+12=20 d4+20=23
Thursday May 2nd, 2019 11:51:32 PM
Bliss hopes to identify the 20 ft diameter area spell about to go off in the 20x20 room. Spellcraft 24
That's still enough to beat the required DC, so Bliss senses a disaster in the making and tries to strike before the spell.

If he can, great. If not, he'll save first. Ugh
Will Save vs Glitterdust: 14! [If Bliss gets Glitterdust in his eyes, he curses a blue streak and ends with "Holy Mother Of Hobbits And Halibuts! What ever happened to Magic Missiles for gosh sake!"

Bliss gets three attacks. Hasted attack, Primary attack, Iterative attack. If he is blind, here are his miss chances at 01-50 = miss. On target, way off, on target.

Here are the attacks:

Haste -- HA! Nat 20! Follows up with confirmation vs AC23. Damage is 24 or 45 if crit is confirmed

Primary -- (misses if blinded by glitterdust) Hits AC26 for 21.

Secondary -- hits AC20 for 23.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Friday May 3rd, 2019 12:34:41 AM

[I believe Talia meant to take a step back to F9. I9 is ten feet forward and smack dab in the middle of the back end of the attacking irlgaunt. I made the appropriate adjustment on the map] -ADM Kim

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 d20+17=30 ;
Friday May 3rd, 2019 4:37:30 AM
[Murphy saved vs Talia's Reflex DC 18 glitterdust with a 30]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+11=20 ; d20=16 ; d20=12 ; d20=19 ; d20=1 ; d10=10 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d10=7 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d20=17 ; d10=7 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d10=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ;
Friday May 3rd, 2019 5:55:45 AM
Succotash rolls a total of 20 for the reflex verses Talia's Glitterdust spell, which passes.

Seeing as he is right in front of the tattooed beast, as a swift action, he smites the tattooed beast, with a full round action to boot.

16+21(str+bab+magic)+5(chr)+2(haste+bless)=44 for 10+10(str+magic)+12(level)+7(holy)=39 damage
12+21(str+bab+magic)+5(chr)+2(haste+bless)=40 for 7+10(str+magic)+12(level)+6(holy)=35 damage
19(possiable crit, a 1 doesn't confirm)+16(str+bab+magic)+5(chr)+2(haste+bless)=42 for 7+10(str+magic)+12(level)+7(holy)=36 damage
17+11(str+bab+magic)+5(chr)+2(haste+bless)=35 for 1+10(str+magic)+12(level)+7(holy)=30 damage

Succotash will 5ft step up to the other one whom he previously smote, and continue his attack, if the tattooed one drops.

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack�s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 2/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 0/1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8 d20+21=22 ; d20+21=24 ; d20+21=37 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+11=26 ; d6+19=20 ; d6=4 ; d6+19=24 ; d6=4 ;
Friday May 3rd, 2019 12:37:34 PM
Hobie will unleash arrows at the Irlgaunts if he can see them (Improved precise shot, so no cover or concealment less than total applies to Hobie)

Manyshot
Attack Natural 1

Rapid Shot
Attack 23- Miss

Haste
Attack 37
Piercing 20, Electric 4, Total 24

Iterative 1
Attack 30
Piercing 24, Electric 4, Total 28

Iterative 2
Attack 26- Miss

DM Carl
Friday May 3rd, 2019 4:31:41 PM
In the end, it's not a close fight. Both irlgaunts are shredded. The small chamber our five teleporting heroes find themselves in is very brightly lit thanks to a close-quarters glitterdust spell that's blinded Bliss. A quick look around the room confirms there is no way in or out. The only things of note are the aforementioned hole in the floor, and a strange symbol carved into the wall. It holds no significance to any of our heroes and radiates no magic.

As Pressi, Jack, and Hobie race down the corridor, they see a stream of glowing dust falling from the ceiling of the tunnel. Upon reaching it, they can hear their friends a few feet above them. Bliss sounds...unhappy.

There was a forth irlgaunt, but it fled a while ago. At the moment, our heroes are safe.

Except for Pressi, that is, who has about 10 hours to find her body before she dies. Speaking of which, she's still unable to sense it anywhere.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 d20+32=36 ;
Friday May 3rd, 2019 5:04:55 PM

The irlgaunts defeated, Murphy asks his friends, "Can someone search the bodies of the irlgaunts? See if they carried anything with them of note? Bliss, I can see you holding your hands over your sparkly eyes. I can get some water to wash them out, though I can't guarantee that will fully do the job for you. Can it hurt? Maybe. If you want me to try, say the word." If Bliss asks, he creates a much smaller amount of water than he is capable of, but enough to wash over Bliss's face. Then he says, "I'm going to see what's around this room. Oh, and good work, friends."

He goes exploring, withdrawing into the wall, then gingerly begins to look below the floor, aiming toward where the hole is. He wants to test his guess that they placed Pressi's body below the floor.

Instead, he sees his friends just running up to them. They see the blue-gem eyes in Murphy's huge earth elemental head, and an arm and should appearing from the roof of the tunnel just ahead of them. "Hey!" he projects in his gravelly voice. "You found us. Uh, Pressi, I'm going to look around the walls up here to see if we can find your own body, or to see if they have any other secrets. There is some sort of rune on the wall in the twenty foot cubic chamber just above us. And, along with the glitter dust, you might be seeing some irlgaunt blood coming through that hole in a moment."

He retreats above, earthgliding, and carefully inspecting the area around the chamber - in particular the other side of the wall where the rune is written. After he scopes that out (unless something comes up that would indicate he should not), Murphy burrows a passageway through a wall of the chamber, then a ramp coming down next to the tunnel, so they can walk out to the tunnel below.

============
DM Requested Info:
Perception: 36

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/�]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 1 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/�. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
+8 size bonus to Strength, �2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 2 in use so far today).

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC30 fatigued
Friday May 3rd, 2019 6:12:40 PM
"That's ok, Mister Murphy," says Bliss. "Water won't wash away magic. I'll just sit here and rest for a minute or two, then it will go away."

He does so.

As he does, he thinks out loud about how to find Pressi's body. Locate Object would work, sure. Failing that, Divination might give a clue. Heck, we could just walk around and hope to stumble into range, assuming Miss Pressi can sense her home?

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 86/90 | 90 d20+18=19 ;
Friday May 3rd, 2019 11:21:03 PM
Talia sesarches in her haversack looking for something to write with and then recalls she left them all back at the compound. Mister Murphy, can you get a sketch relief of that symbol please. Just to be on the safe side, Talia will attempt to recall if she has ever seen that symbol in all of her arcane research. [Skill check: Arcane Knowledge: Nat 1] she can't recall a thing! Head must be glittery!

After shaking that fuzzyness out of her head, Talia will head over to the hole to look through the hole to judge the distance between the room and the outside area. If it is took dark, Talia will grab a piece of ginger from her haversack, cast light on it and drop it through the hole, using its light to learn of their surrounding. If it looks plasuible, and can judge the distance and location outside of the cube, will inform her friends that she will be able to make another D-Door with them to free everyone.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday May 4th, 2019 12:23:09 AM
"Hey Pressi, if you can hear me, think evil thoughts so Succo or I can find you!" calls out Kezzem.

He attempts to find her using Detect Evil.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Saturday May 4th, 2019 5:46:36 AM
When Talia is ready to dimensional door out of the chamber they are in, Succotash will grab the blinded Bliss's hand, and then link hands with Talia. Once they join the others, Succotash will either mount Miss Piggy, or summon her to his side depending on whether or not she followed the others.

Spells and stuff active:
Stoneskin (Succotash)
Resist energy: acid (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Bless (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Jack�s performance (Succotash/Miss Piggy)
Haste (Succotash/Miss Piggy)

Spells prepared:
1st level
bless 1/2
lesser restoration 2/2
2nd level
resist energy: acid 0/3
3rd level
heal mount 1/1
dispel magic 1/1

Lay of hands 10/10
Smite evil 2/4
Summon mount 2/2
Boots of speed 10/10

Miss Piggy stuff:
DR 5/evil
Energy resistance: cold, acid, electricity
Darkvision 60ft
Lowlight vision
Smite evil 0/1

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage
Saturday May 4th, 2019 1:19:08 PM
"Doesn't a couple of us have the ability to talk to a diety or something. Now would be a good time to ask for assistance" Jack said, trying to think up any solution.

Abilities: bardic performance:5/13
Impromptu sneak attack:1/1
Tricky Spell:3/3
Spells: 1st 5/6 2nd 5/5 3rd 1/4

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Saturday May 4th, 2019 2:09:16 PM
Pressi thinks some evil thoughts, transforms back, and climbs through the hole easily.

After surveying the situation, she tries casting speak with dead and hopes the creature will be a little chatty. She also tries to decipher the symbol.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Saturday May 4th, 2019 2:23:11 PM
To Jack: �I could speak to mine. I just need my symbol and my backpack.�

DM Carl d20+13=32 ;
Saturday May 4th, 2019 4:40:18 PM
Murphy explores the area around the room they're in, but other than the tunnel below them, there's nothing worth mentioning. He burrows a path out of their room to the tunnel below.

Bliss ponders using his locate object spell to find Pressi's body. Even without her soul in there, would Pressi's body just be an object? It's an interesting philosophical question rendered moot by the fact that Bliss can just as easily cast the spell on an object he knows Pressi was carrying. So long as her body is within the range of the spell, it should work.

Talia wants a rubbing of that symbol. She can't remember seeing anything like it, ever. It's simply an oblong circle with four evenly spaced equilateral triangles inside. She goes to dimension door out of here, but sees Murphy has kindly dug a ramp downwards. Best she save her spell.

Kezzem asks Pressi to think evil thoughts. Won't work, of course, but that's never stopped our boy Kezzem from trying something novel.

Succotash exits the hole they're in and reunites himself with his trusty steed.

Jack suggests divine intervention may be a way forward.

Pressi casts speak with dead. She finds the sorcerer irlguant's corpse is not feeling chatty today. (Will save 32 - pass). The symbol means nothing to her either. She could totally take Jack's advice...if she had her body.

Time continues to move on. Good thing magic jar has such a long duration.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Saturday May 4th, 2019 8:45:22 PM
OOC: Sadly, witches can locate creatures, but not objects. Bliss was musing out loud in case anyone else could cast Locate Object. Of course, Pressi has tons of magic items on her. Maybe Detect Magic will work. Hmmm.

After he can see, Bliss walks around with Detect Magic, hoping to pick up something.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8
Sunday May 5th, 2019 8:26:50 AM
Could we possibly get back to the dwarves and find a scroll of Locate Object? I have one scroll of Teleport, I suppose I could teleport to the catacombs, buy a scroll of Locate Object and a second scroll of Teleport, and then return here. Does anyone have a better idea?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Sunday May 5th, 2019 8:39:34 PM
�Perhaps,� Pressi said in return. �I�ve been trying to figure out how these creatures aren�t getting lost themselves and I�m pretty sure these symbols are the key. A map perhaps? Or a symbol of what�s beyond?�

As a test, Pressi touches the symbol and tries to stone shape a nearby hole into the next room.

�In the meantime, does anyone want to speculate on how an irlgaunt managed to get spell casting ability? Who ever heard of such a... ok, I can sort of see how. But who on earth gets at Will dimension door?�

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 d20+13=17 ; d20+32=42 ;
Monday May 6th, 2019 4:40:16 AM

Murphy takes a close look at the rune, and memorizes it, especially as it is fairly simple. Also, he has studied Old High Woldian, and knows the runes for it, as well having recently been taught in the WLA the tongue spoken by Shan Shalutch and Anur Daron - the language written on the scroll Anur read to 'repair' his wife - a precursor language to dwarven, perhaps? If it's a language he knows, he should know it. Otherwise, a linguistics: 17 check to see if he can figure out something about the rune. He adds what he can to Pressi's and Talia's investigations.

"Sorry, Talia, but I'm not going to wildshape again just to retrieve paper - there is a limit to how often I can do so. But I've placed the rune in my mind."

"It's still the morning, and we have - what, about ten hours to try to help Pressi find her ... self. In the interim either to wipe out the rest of the irlgaunts - one got away, right? - or perhaps negotiate with one to help Pressi.

Murphy thinks for a moment. "How far away could your body have been placed? How near do you sense you need to be to sense it? The nasty irlgaunt - oh, several tattoos, right? Maybe he had a number of dimension door tattoos to call upon?

"He did not have a tremendous amount of time, but at lease enough time to go to more than one place. I can start a sweep - maybe enlist the aid of some earth elementals to assist - to try to figure out where you and your gem may be hidden." He already had earthglided the area of the wall behind the rune, and hadn't found anything out of the ordinary - no other nearby chamber. He lets Pressi know that.

"Maybe not a bad idea, Hobie. As long as you get waited on quickly. Sometimes they are spot on, and sometimes it seems like the only one around to help you out at the Catacombs is the janitor. Regardless, If you want to try that, it may be a workable approach. Some of our buffs are likely to wear out in the interim, though."

Murphy listens to his friends, then says, "Tell you what: I'm going to explore in a grid pattern, as I did under the Sanctuary, mapping out the underground. If anything useful or noteworthy pops up, I will let Pressi know, and Press, you can pass on to the others. Unless anyone objects, I'll get started on that, along with pulling in some earth elemental assistance."

============
DM Requested Info:
Perception: 42

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/�]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 3 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/�. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
+8 size bonus to Strength, �2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 2 in use so far today).

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Monday May 6th, 2019 5:39:43 AM
"Hey Hobie, if you go to the store, you'll have to go back to Humble's Ford first. Before we left, the dwarves informed me that they don't have an entrance to the catacombs here", Succotash informs.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Monday May 6th, 2019 1:03:37 PM

Can I just double check -- Pressi is currently possessing a spider? What happens to the spider when she leaves that body? Maybe we should tie her up so we can restrain the spider if it wakes up?

Bliss asks Pressi if she can cast Magic Jar again to extend her life?

Bliss agrees with Murphy. He casts Messages and Polymorph (Elemental Body I), and as an earth elemental glides through the stone to try to help locate Pressi.

"Two people searching has got to be better," he says before changing.

If this works, great. If no one can find the body, Bliss will burn a hero point on a "hunch/hint" for an answer.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8
Monday May 6th, 2019 3:23:08 PM
Sucker, well I'd just teleport us directly into the Catacombs I suppose, so a bunch of us could go.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Monday May 6th, 2019 3:59:23 PM
In answer to Murphy: "I have to be within 100 feet and on the same plane (plus line of effect) to detect my body. As for how far it could have been placed... It might be on the other side of the continent, in another plane of existence, deep in a maze, picked up by someone else.... It's not easy to narrow it down."

To Bliss: "The magic servers the ties to both souls, and so the other spider will die at the same time I do. So... yay. You should know about the reversion that the spider will return to its body slightly faster than I will return to mine. He's probably going to be slightly less friendly and more angry than I am."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 86/90 | 90
Monday May 6th, 2019 10:07:04 PM
Talia will follow Mister Murphy and the group in trying to retrieve the body as she saves another spell.. She will also dismiss her summoned warriors as they no longer detect a fight to be had.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday May 6th, 2019 11:26:27 PM
"Pressi, where was the last place you remember having a body?" askes Kezzem. "Maybe we can then retrace your steps from there."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Tuesday May 7th, 2019 5:05:10 AM

"Kezzem," Murphy interjects, "we knew where her dwarf form was: Just outside the irlgaunt egg chamber, then taken by the tattooed irlgaunt, who dimension doored up to near one of the fleeing ones, to whom we caught up. Pressi's body was with the tattooed one, still, who then apparently dimension doored away again with Pressi, and the other irlgaunt. She lost awareness of where her body and the gemstone had gone at that point.

"So, what intermediate place did he take her body, before arriving in the chamber where we fought? That is what we seek to learn. That concern is paramount."

DM Carl
Tuesday May 7th, 2019 10:24:08 AM
Bliss can't actually cast locate object. That seems like an odd oversight, really. He casts detect magic and starts poking around. There are some auras coming off the sorcerer irlgaunt. The auras seem to be coming from inside its head, and from one of its thorax segments.

Hobie ponders grabbing a scroll from the Catacombs. With 10 hours and some teleport magic, it's a possibility. Succotash notes that will include a trip back to Humble's Ford since the Caverns of Glimstone don't have an entrance yet.

Pressi hypothesizes the symbols are used to aid in mapping these confusing tunnels. She's super close to figuring them out. She wonders how the irlguant was able to cast spells in the first place.

Murphy starts doing some math. Dimension door is not a druid spell, so he'd need a knowledge arcana roll to know enough to figure out the distance. Someone with access to the spell would likely have a solid idea about the spell's range. Pressi theorizes her body could be anywhere.

Talia tags along after thanking her Bralani for their assistance.

Kezzem asks about the last place she remembers her body being.

Murphy correctly states her body was outside the egg chamber, but incorrectly states the irlgaunt dimension doored away with its companion and her body.

Pressi's body was no where to be seen when the sorcerer irlgaunt rescued its companion with dimension door.

***

Kim, if you're searching via earthglide, I need to know your movement speed.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 d20+14=19 ;
Tuesday May 7th, 2019 12:14:44 PM

Bliss wonders if the spider stashed Pressi's body in a bag of holding or similar magic. That would stop her from returning to it. Maybe the spider has internal pockets or pouches, like a kangaroo -- maybe the bag oif holding is INSIDE the dead monster! Guided by his Detect Magic and his Survival skill ...

Survival check 19

... Bliss dissects the spider where his detection has suggested the thing has magic in itself. If the chitin is too strong, Bliss uses his witchy Break cantrip to get through the carapace. Whatever it is, being magical ... it is probably valuable -- but not as valuable as Miss Pressi's body in a dimensional space or maybe sized way down with a Shrink Item spell, maybe.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 86/90 | 90
Tuesday May 7th, 2019 1:35:18 PM
Talia wonders if the stories about the Irlgaunt are actually true, where they sometimes use the magic items & artifacts they find from peoples they eat against their next victims? Maybe this is how this one magic wielding enemy is taunting us?

Mister Murphy...the range of a D-Door spell is: 400 ft. + 40 ft./ caster level

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23 d4=3 ;
Tuesday May 7th, 2019 8:14:38 PM
Pressi lets out a sarcastic laugh at Kezzem's joke. "Oh, you do not want to start with me. I may not ping evil but I will still sit on you and rip your head off. Oh, and the guy who actually did see my body last? We could actually be questioning him right now if a couple of Palabuddies weren't so trigger happy!"

Pressi closed her eyes, trying to calm herself down. "Sorry, it's been a bit of a day and its still morning. You know, the loss of the body, fighting over cliffs... and apparently no stone shaping. Right, that's probably tied to the brain. I probably ought to take some time to train in fighting before we face anything."

"Ok, I hate to burn yet another spell. We're at the point where I'm about to suggest we all take a rest, ticking clock notwithstanding. But if its just 800 feet or so, I do still have a prying eyes spell." Pressi casts it, creating 13 eye orbs. "I can just send these out with instructions to return upon seeing my body or soul jar (or irlgaunt concentration) and map this maze out in no time."

---------------

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)

Pressi's Body

dwarf form (4/9 minutes remaining)
spite tatoo: ghoul touch
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
see invisible

Pressi
irlgaunt Form
Stats: 27, 29, 20, 21, 10, 12
AC 29, HP 133
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
spectral hand (5/9 minutes)
see invisible

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4+1/4+1
L4 2/4+1
L5 2/3+1

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage
Tuesday May 7th, 2019 9:41:52 PM
"I tried my spells too but nothing came of them, I'd try again if I'd think it did any good. We need to finger this out in a hurry." Jack adds

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Wednesday May 8th, 2019 5:17:27 AM
Succotash feels rather useless at the moment, and decides to offer up a prayer to Pantheon asking for guidance for the party. While praying he has an idea and asks Pressi, "I know you worship the Crones, but don't you worship Pantheon too? Couldn't you use my holy symbol to talk to him for guidance?"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 d20+7=23 ;
Wednesday May 8th, 2019 6:06:00 AM

"Thanks, Talia. Yeah, that's pretty much what Veseley told us when he described the dimension door portable hole experiment that ended up knocking down the giant tower. He said it went out to 880 feet." [DM post May 19th, 2015] [Murphy has several spellcasters in his family, including a sorcerer, a witch and a bard - and there are over 50 mentions of the spell in this game's archives. Murphy already knows the rough parameters of the spell through prior in-game discussion and observation. Despite that he already knows, I went ahead and rolled Knowledge: Arcana: 23, just in case prior knowledge should be discounted.]

"My thoughts are these," Murphy says to Bliss and whoever else wants to listen. "First I'd like to do a quick search immediately below the pathway here, and a little off to each side. Next, head back to the intermediate jump off point, the first glitterdust site, and search that area in a 100' spiral, starting close to where we say them, then working outward. Pressi, were you blinking for a little while? If so, I wonder if your body might have blinked downwards, to a lower spot. That will be the first place I look."

About to dive, he pauses. "I can check in mentally with Pressi pretty much at will. I will do so a minimum of once every 5 minutes - more frequently if I find useful information. But for you, Bliss - do you have tremorsense? How will you know which way is up? I often check for north - that keeps me oriented. Maybe you should surface from time to time so we don't lose you."

"Can someone walk back the way we came, and see if there are other holes about one inch in diameter either in the ceiling, the floor, or along the walls of the pathway? If found, let us know, and we can check behind them."

Then he begins with his downward searching as described. Murphy's standard rate of earthgliding is 25' per round. If one may hustle while earthgliding, he will do so at 50', but not on the line directly downward, where he moves more carefully - 25' rate. He works a grid pattern. He covers a 15'x15' pathway as he goes.

All the spells of 12 minute duration or less will be eaten up by the time they get to where the first glitterdust spell was cast by Hobie before the two-irlgaunt dimension door. The longer-lived spells may still be in effect for a while.

He'll do a more downward directed search unless the terrain draws him to alter this pattern.

Finally, he will return to where the Irlgaut first took Pressi's body, search beneath, then in pretty much a straight line, dipping down a bit, between the spot just outside the hatchery, and thence to where we found them next.

One would hope that someone else will have figured out a better plan than this before he gets so far.

============
DM Requested Info:
Perception: First ten minutes Average of 42 (minimum 33, maximum 52), following that Average of 40.

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/�]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)
- Call Lightning Storm (12 minutes) - can send one column of lightning/electricity per round, up to 12 total, for 5d6 hp damage (half is divine damage, half is arcane damage). Victim who Reflex saves vs DC 29 takes only 1/2 damage. [Used: 3 of 12]
- Owl's Wisdom (12 minutes) - +4 wisdom bonus
- Bear's Endurance (12 minutes) - +4 constitution bonus - less 2 due to magic device already granting a +2 enhancement bonus.

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/�. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
+8 size bonus to Strength, �2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 2 in use so far today).

DM Carl
Wednesday May 8th, 2019 2:42:54 PM
Bliss wonders if Pressi's body is stashed in a bag of holding. Could be, but no real way of knowing right now, is there? He goes to dissect the monster.

He finds a section of the monster's chitin can be pried away to reveal a hidden bug pocket of sorts. It's gross, but he reaches in to pull out a small leather pouch. The pouch itself is mundane, but holds a number of gems and an arcane scroll.

The scroll contains the following:

Fireball
Stone shape
Shadow evocation

Appraise DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {There are only a handful of gems, but they're seriously nice. There's some benitoite, two black opals, and even a red beryl! These can easily fetch 20k GP.}

One of the gems radiates magic. Spellcraft DC 25, Highlight to display spoiler: {this is a gem of seeing.}

The magic around the irlgaunt's head is another matter. Bliss can see a scar where the chitin around the thing's "skull" was cut away and healed. Cracking it open reveals an ornate headband squished into place around the irlgaunt's brain. It must have been extremely painful to get it placed there, and likely caused the creature constant pain as well. The irlgaunt's head structure wouldn't allow it to just wear the thing normally, though.

Spellcraft DC 31, Highlight to display spoiler: {this is a headband of mental superiority +4.}

There are no more magical auras for Bliss to investigate.

Talia knows the range of a dimension door spell.

OOC: I'll say the spectral hand came along with your dimension door.

Pressi laughs, then casts a prying eyes spell to go swoosh around and map the place. At Murphy's (rather good) suggestion, she keeps an eye out for any small holes in the tunnel walls. Unfortunately, prying eyes cannot see in the dark, even if Pressi can. They are able to slowly move through tunnels by touch, but all Pressi can see when they return is darkness. The only light in the entire area is the light the party created/brought themselves.

Jack's used all the useful spells he could think of.

Succotash offers his holy symbol of Pantheon for Pressi to use and request divine intervention.

Murphy also knows how far away a dimension door spell can take one.

OOC: Dude, come on. You can't say you autopass what would require a knowledge check because of a rich backstory. This game has rules.

He searches specific locations around key points, but comes up empty. His suggestion that the party keep an eye out for small holes does lead to two other chambers similar to the ones the irlgaunt sorcerer was killed in. Each has a unique symbol that holds no apparent meaning. Mostly, the areas he searches are just solid stone. There are veins of metal and seams of gemstones he can make note of, but that's about it.

***

Time is ticking away. Assuming a radius of 880 feet from a single dimension door spell, that's a search area of nearly 3 billion square feet. Murphy's spots to search first are certainly reasonable starting places, but the search itself is fruitless thus far.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday May 8th, 2019 5:21:51 PM
Pressi considers Succotash's suggestion. "That... might work. I don't have any better ideas at this point."

She turns to the group. "I need 250 gold or some equivalent items as a sacrifice. But more than that, I need a really good question. Something that won't get a smart aleck response or other non-answer. So before I cast, does anyone have a suggestion for a good question."

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage
Wednesday May 8th, 2019 8:27:23 PM
Jack spat out as he started to worry, "take any of my magic items
Pressi! Any magic ring I have would be worth that!"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 86/90 | 90 d20=6 ; d20=1 ; d20+7=12 ; d3=2 ; d20+7=17 ;
Wednesday May 8th, 2019 8:36:16 PM
Ms. Talia, will give these a try...its been a while..wow! Been a long time...I am horrible today....at this checking stuff... as she turns to Pressi...are you gonna try a wish spell like request divine intervention? Reaching into her hackersack, she begins counting gold coins..10, 20, 30..100...150..250! There you go...hope its worth it.

Skill checks

Appraise DC 20 | 6
Spellcraft DC 25 | 12
Spellcraft DC 31 | 17

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Wednesday May 8th, 2019 10:13:12 PM

Bliss is not sure what spell is about to be tried, but he is in favor of asking for help. "Good idea, Sir Succotash!"

[OOC: We can also use a hero point to "request a hint" if we are stuck, maybe in conjunction with this attempt. If no one else steps forward, Bliss will contribute a hero point to the cause. Search for "Inspiration" on this page.]

He puts his artificially inflated 18 Int to work on the question of what question to ask.

"Wowsy, that's a tough one. How about 'What is the distance and direction from where I am right now to where Pressi's body is right now?' That should do it, right?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 86/90 | 90 d20=6 ;
Wednesday May 8th, 2019 10:36:35 PM
Talia belives Bliss might be onto something with her questioning.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 720 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 700 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Spectral hand: HP 3, 12 minutes

Stuff from others:
Hasted: +1 AC, +1 attacks, +1 reflex saves
Inspired: +1 vs charm and fear; +1 attacks, damage
Bless: +1 attacks

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday May 8th, 2019 11:49:31 PM
"You can use me to test your question before casting, Pressi," says Kezzem. "You won't get a smart arse response if it's Kezzem-proof."

OOC: I think you mean 3 million sq ft, not 3 billion.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Thursday May 9th, 2019 5:23:54 AM
"Bliss I think you got it, but you may want to say Pressi's actual body, and borrowed body", Succotash offers.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8
Thursday May 9th, 2019 7:26:24 AM
As the things are harvested from the body of the Irlgaunt "I've seen a lot of things and that's easily one of the grossest"

Hobie stands by as his friends prepare the magic spell.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Thursday May 9th, 2019 7:29:25 AM
"Good idea!" says Bliss.

DM Carl
Thursday May 9th, 2019 2:58:35 PM
Pressi decides Succotash's suggestion is sound. She starts looking for a sacrifice and forming a solid question in her mind.

Jack offers any of his treasure to help.

Talia happens to have 250 gold coins on her.

Bliss suggests simply asking for a direction and distance from their current location. Certainly simple enough.

Kezzem offers to be Pressi's official smart-aleck tester. It's the role he was born to play.

Succotash suggests Pressi clarify which body needs finding.

Hobie is grossed out.

***

Looks like our heroes have a plan. They just need to pull the trigger now...

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Thursday May 9th, 2019 3:01:52 PM

"I think - and this is not a certainly," Murphy says, "but evidence I have seen points that way - that the irlgaunt took Pressi's body and the first thing he did was to place it in a hiding place within the range of a dimension door. The following round, it dimension doored up just ahead of where the fleeing irlgaunt was. However, Pressi could not sense her body. Was it placed in an area surrounded by something that precludes her sensing her body, and the gemstone? I don't know.

"For the divination spell - Bliss seemed to frame the question well."

Murphy prays to Eberyon and to Maab to guide Pressi in her spell. And to Gargul, as well. "If you don't want to interview her directly, might you grant her some insight to avoid an unnecessary death, Lord?"

============
As the dimension door spell allows movement in any direction, a sphere gives us the operative measure of: Radius 880'^3 * 4/3 * Pi = 868 million cubic feet. Working 8 hours a day, it could take 32 days to fully explore at a pace of 25' per round, 15'x15' at a time.
============
DM Requested Info:
Perception: 41 average

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/�]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/�. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
+8 size bonus to Strength, �2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 2 in use so far today).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday May 9th, 2019 4:23:16 PM
To Murphy, "It's certainly a range of possibilities but it again raises the issue that we aren't going to find it by searching. We may as well assume the possibility he separated the soul gem from my body and placed one of them on the moon. If this doesn't work, and the puzzle map icon doesn't work, then our only hope may be to find the irlgaunts directly and start making a deal."

Pressi, borrowing the items, closed her eyes and began to cast divination (4th level domain spell). "Oh mighty... whichever one of you picks up. What is the distance and direction from my borrowed body right now to my actual body right now?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday May 9th, 2019 7:09:06 PM
"What's our vector, Victor?" adds Kezzem. "And do we have clearance, Clarence?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 86/90 | 90
Thursday May 9th, 2019 7:58:54 PM
Talia tells the group that she remembers that although the Irlguant don't necessarily use the magic items they find after consumming their favorites foods, they dohave a tendancy to use those very items to lure more of their favorite foods...Huminoids!

Perhaps that is what this one is doing....leading us into another trap?!

Jack _{The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa} (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage
Thursday May 9th, 2019 10:04:38 PM
Jack will watch his team work

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Friday May 10th, 2019 5:15:30 AM
Succotash stands at the ready, praying that the spell cast with the borrowed holy symbol works.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8
Friday May 10th, 2019 12:47:06 PM
Hobie will follow the leads of his group.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 86/90 | 90
Friday May 10th, 2019 4:27:10 PM
Talia will meditate for two hours while this attempt is being made. Hopefully, she will be able to recover all her slots afterwards.

Talia will also keep Pressi in her heart for a show of support.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Friday May 10th, 2019 5:16:05 PM

Murphy notes, and memorizes, the symbols in each of the rooms-with-a-hole. After having made his comments, the wild-shaped druid continues his methodical searching, figuring that multiple approaches increase the odds that success will attain.

DM Carl d100=21 ;
Friday May 10th, 2019 8:33:15 PM
Pressi casts her divination spell as her companions wait and hope for the best.

For a moment, nothing happens. Then, Pressi blinks and her vision changes when her eyes reopen. She sees a space similar to the rest of the places the irlguant teleported too, complete with odd but unique symbol. This space, though, has stone bars with a view of the montaintops that make up The Scab. The space must be very near the surface. Pressi knows this is what her eyes see, and knows it's about 500' above her current position and to the NE a bit.

Another blink and the vision's gone.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Saturday May 11th, 2019 6:12:19 AM
As Succotash watches Pressi the Irlagaunt, he wonders if Pantheon is listening or not. After a while, He asks Pressi, "Did it work?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday May 11th, 2019 1:44:54 PM
"If not and this is your new look Press,well, stranger things have happened," says Kezzem. "Remember when Alleah turned herself into an air elemental? And don't worry about your romance--Murphey takes on all kinds of forms!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Saturday May 11th, 2019 2:29:49 PM
Pressi�s eyes snapped open. �It worked well.�

Explaining what she saw (and what she didn�t, like the soul gem), �we need scouting through the area and preparation for battle. Anyone who can recharge quickly should do so.�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Saturday May 11th, 2019 3:17:41 PM
�Speaking of, I think we should take eight hours to sleep and recharge spells, if possible. 500 feet is admittedly kind of far.�

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Saturday May 11th, 2019 5:48:25 PM

"Eight hours?" Murphy asks, after returning from his latest digs. "No. We should go now. No telling what could happen in eight more hours. Five hundred feet up to the northeast?" I can be there in about two, maybe three minutes. Let me go take a quick peek. I'll let you know what I find, Press. Let me do that before we make any huge decisions.

"Speaking of Alleah - she and I were butting heads on that day, Kezzem, but not because I have delusions of grandeur. I feared at the time that there may be more whiteshirts at risk, and our delay could bring harm to them. As it turned out, I was correct in that thought - as she aimed for dominance and delay, another poor halfling fell under the necromantic spells, who might otherwise have been rescued alive." Turning to face Pressi in her borrowed body, the druid suggests, "Let's get you and your body back to each other. Then, if appropriate, more rest and spell prep might be fine. There will still be more irlgaunts to deal with - especially if they come across the fried eggs."

Unless Pressi objects, he will start heading in the direction she indicated - upwards, with occasional nudges to the northeast. Tremorsense all the way, with occasional know direction spells to verify his heading.

Moving at 25', he can cover 500 feet in 20 rounds. Add a few more rounds for the NE adjustment, and additional as required to home in on the exact location. As he 'pings' his surroundings, he slows as he approaches any open spaces for a more subtle entry - perhaps allowing just the front of his face to emerge gently from solid rock and earth into caves, caverns, or prison cells. That may slow him further, depending upon how porous the route may be.
=========
Perception: 41 on average (31 to 51 range)

DM Carl
Saturday May 11th, 2019 9:16:17 PM
Pressi urges caution, but Murphy's having none of that. He's easily able to earthglide and/or burrow in the direction Pressi's divination revealed. Between here and there is solid stone; nothing out of the ordinary grabs his attention.

Her body is right where she said it would be. He notes there's a slowly oozing puncture wound in her right shoulder. Likely the irlgaunt tried to outright kill her, but found her magical protections too strong to overcome quickly.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d8=8 ; d8=8 ;
Saturday May 11th, 2019 10:51:09 PM
"Aha, I've got it! It was Miss Irlgaunt in the Caverns with the Candlestick!"

Kezzem casts Cure Moderate Wounds on Pressi's body.

Healing: 2d8 + 8 = 24.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Resist Energy (Resist acid 20; 70? minutes)
Stoneskin (DR 10/adamantine; 70 points; 70? minutes)

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (1 cast)

-----------
Rumpus
-----------
DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 d20+30=36 ; d8+5=7 ; d8=3 ; d8=8 ; d8=3 ;
Sunday May 12th, 2019 12:00:39 AM

Murphy sees his beloved Pressi in the room. He's an earth elemental. Earth elementals do not cry.

"Found you," he whispers in as tender a voice as a gravelly throat will allow. "Found you," he tells Pressi telepathically. He looks over the rest of the room, trying to sense if any others are present, or nearby [Perception 36]. If he senses no others, he glides the rest of the way into the room, and begins to take a look at her wound. [By the way - still a dwarf body? or has she reverted to her own self?].

Interrupting this action, the rocky druid spares just a moment to glance out the barred window to the mountains in the morning light, in part to see if any beings are visible nearby. He also uses tremorsense to discern if any move within 60'. If the area seems clear...

He looks to see how serious her wound might be. He casts cure light wounds for 7 hp. Looks it over more. If more is needed, he'll cast either a cure moderate wounds for (2d8+10=)21 hp, or cure serious wounds for (3d8+15=)29 hp. He also looks to see if any poisoning might be evident. If he thinks there is the slightest chance of such, he casts neutralize poison.

He mentally fills in Pressi on what he is doing as he does it.

Once he is satisfied her body is as well as it might be, he searches for the magic gem she was using for her spell. He casts detect magic to help him in his search. If he does not find it on her, he searches the room further, then nearby outside the room - maybe a hidden spot? He looks outside especially in a near line of sight from the barred window. Maybe in haste the kidnapping irlgaunt just tossed it out the window. He looks for likely landing places, augmenting the search with detect magic.

At some point he notes the symbol on the wall, comparing and contrasting it with the others. If they are to hunt down the irlgaunts, surely there will be other such chambers.

Again, he keeps his channel with Pressi wide open, informing her of all he takes in.

If he feels he has all the information he can gather, he mentions making a small burrow out of the chamber to get the slumbering Pressi out. He makes certain her gear is intact.

"I can go air elemental, and carry you back to the entrance to the mining operation, and effect a reunion in that fashion," he suggests to Pressi. "I'm open to alternatives though, if you or others think there may be a better way."

=====================
Spells / conditions / active abilities:

Spells Active:
- Longstrider (12 hours) Move +10'
- Stoneskin (70 minutes) DR 10/Adamantine [Also, w/Elem Body IV, have DR 5/�]
- Freedom of Movement (120 minutes) - cannot be grappled, pinned, slowed, webbed, entangled, etc.
- Protection from Energy (120 minutes, gives 120 points of acid protection, minus 6: 114)

Huge Earth Elemental info: Elemental Body IV. Darkvision 60'. Earthglide 25' (20' + 5' for Fleet feat) Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form; gain DR 5/�. Length 32'; Weight 48,000 pounds.
+8 size bonus to Strength, �2 penalty on Dexterity, +4 size bonus to Constitution, and +6 natural armor bonus. Huge size gives a -2 Size penalty to AC.
Druid's Vestment (legacy item): Murphy has tremorsense 60' while in earth elemental form, and gains benefits of being one size larger for CMB and CMD, carrying capacity, and any size-based special attacks. He also may speak any language he knows while wild shaped, and gains two additional wild shapes per day (7 total at 12th level: 2 in use so far today).

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Sunday May 12th, 2019 12:03:33 AM

Oops: CSW (if needed) for Murphy should have been 26, not 29. He's not 15th level yet. Kezzem - I think you're a little too far away to effect a remote CMW.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Sunday May 12th, 2019 2:09:36 AM
Well, once Murphey returns with Pressi he can do it.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 d8+1=3 ;
Sunday May 12th, 2019 4:37:14 PM
Talia chimes in, "Why uses spells when I have a wand? asks Talia of Kezzem. Save those for when you really need them!"

"So, I guess we are waiting until mister murphy returns with Pressi's body?" says Talia aloud to no one in particular.

In the meatime, Talia used her wand of cure light wounds on herself. (1d8+1) for 3 points and then mediate for hopefully two (2) hours, if it take them that long.

OCC: I have no idea what levels my wands have been cast at, so I assume a +1.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Sunday May 12th, 2019 7:50:26 PM

This is roughly what Murphy sounded like when he said, "Found you," to Pressi's slumbering body in the mountain cave above Glimstone.

[Also, DM Carl, if it would make things easier or speed things along, I could have Murphy airlift Pressi's body back to the party, but also am mindful, at lease somewhat, of your admonition to not try to stuff too much into a post. Your call on that. In that regard, as a footnote, if he can't find the magic jar gemstone, he will earthglide a bit more around the cell with detect magic up to see if the irlgaunt embedded it in stone, just in case. Leave no stone unturned, as it were.]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Monday May 13th, 2019 7:43:06 AM
Succotash awaits word, and instructions on Murphy�s discovery.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Monday May 13th, 2019 12:30:06 PM

Bliss is glad his suggestion worked, and the location has been found.

[OOC: Did that use a hero point, per Bliss's posts last week? No mention in the DM post so ...]

"Sounds like we need another Dim Door," he says.

Bliss looks around, sees no sign of Murphy. "Unless Mister Murphy has gone off by himself to gather Miss Pressi's body?" He sees no sign of the druid. "Going off alone into possible danger? Again? Maybe there are spiders in the room waiting to ambush whoever pops in? The divination might not mention that little fact. We'll see if Murphy even comes back!"

Bliss complains a bit more to anyone in earshot. "Some people will never change, even after a god tells them to. I swear, if we miss our chance at the Dragon Consortium because Murphy is a lone wolf, well, well, wowsy, I'll be super mad!"

When Murphy does re-appear, assuming he does, Bliss walks over and punches him.

[OOC to Kim: Highlight to display spoiler: {Kim, you posted, "Unless Pressi objects ... " but then you did not wait for a post from Pressi before haring off again. How is that fair? Also, you said you would "take a peek" and come back, but now you are posting that you are going to airlift the body back to the party. How is that "just a peek"? I love ya, Kim, but someday you'll get killed again for stuff like this, and maybe Gargul won't be so cool about it. Seriously.}]

DM Carl
Monday May 13th, 2019 3:03:23 PM
Pressi's body has long since turned back into her true form. Digging through her belongings, she discovers the gem she used to cast magic jar is...wherever it was to begin with. His CLW spell cures everything but the tiniest scratch. Pressi would likely chide him for using healing magic to finish the job, but that's his prerogative (1 HP of damage left).

He offers to travel back to the entrance as an air elemental, but Pressi is small, and there's no reason he can't just carry her and burrow back to the rest of Humble's Sword as an earth elemental.

OOC: Trying to wrap this scene up.

Bliss is unhappy with Murphy going off again against the better judgement of his peers. Murphy got lucky this time, but maybe Bliss is right?

OOC: No hero point used since Pressi figured out a way to find her body. As for Murphy going off alone, I'm leaving that an IC discussion that's up to you folks.

Talia meditates while everyone else secures Pressi's body. Kezzem is prepared to heal her up, but it looks like Murphy took care of that.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Monday May 13th, 2019 5:34:31 PM

Murphy carefully wraps Pressi's body and goods, ties a hankerchief over her face against the dust of his burrowing.

"Just realized I could burrow back down with you, love. The gem is here. You are breathing. You could probably use a goodberry after you reunite, but your body is pretty healed up now with a simple cure light wounds. That irlgaunt wanted to hurt you bad, I think, but also was in a big hurry. So, here I come. It'll take a few minutes. Tell everyone, please. How are things on your end?"

Huge earth elemental Murphy burrows (speed thru stone ~15'? - not as fast as earthgliding) back down to where his friends await, taking about three and a half minutes to get from the back of the stone cell to P25-26 on the map (Tab '11 Pressi Tunnel') opposite where Irlgaunt Pressi had opened a hole in the wall to the ledge. Total round trip perhaps eight to ten minutes.

He notifies Pressi telepathically just before burrowing through the wall, so she knows where to expect him, and for people to give a little clearance.

After he breeches the wall, the druid gently lays the slumbering body of Pressi down before him, and looks into the eyes of the Irlgaunt hosting Pressi for the moment, he says, "Here you are. Safe and sound. Bless the power who gave you sight."

Out of the corner of his eye he notices Bliss approaching with deliberation in his steps. And Bliss punches him. Bliss can punch hard when he wants to. "Hi, Bliss. You were worried, weren't you?"

He greets the others. "So, your call, Pressi. Shall we return to the dwarfs with you in your present form, looking toward rest and spell renewal? Or would you like us all to make preparations before you transfer back? Or is there something else planned?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90
Monday May 13th, 2019 9:18:35 PM
After Talia finishes up her two (2) hours of meditation, she snapily stands up and asks, "where to now, to the assembled Humble swords. Hi, Pressi, nice to have you back!"

If no one moves to engage Talia in a conversation or idle banter, she will cast Overland flight on herself.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight ~ 720 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 5:31:47 AM
Succotash is very much relieved when Murphy returns with Pressi's body. But like Bliss he is a bit upset that the druid went lone wolf again, and he says,"Until I met you guys and joined the Swords, it was just me against the forces of evil, but even then, I always had Piggy watching my back! These are dangerous times, and we are in the middle of a dangerous dungeon crawl and you decide to go be the lone hero! Man your not invincible, what would have happened if it was an ambush!? I'll tell you what would have happened, you would be dead! I for one am not OK with that. We are a team, no scratch that, we are a family, and family sticks together!"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 7:10:05 AM

Bliss nods at the paladin's wise words. "That's exactly right, you listen to him, Mister Murphy! Thank you, Sir Succotash. We work together, not alone, and not alone into danger just to scout, and not alone into danger to scout and then not just scouting but exposing yourself to danger!"

Bliss glares at Murphy, who still does not seem to get that this is serious.

"Miss Pressi, you tell him, please. Maybe he will listen to you."

[OOC: Um, is Pressi back in her body? Just checking.]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 9:27:11 AM
Hobie stands back as Bliss and Succotash chew into Murphy. Normally he is the one pissed at Murphy for these antics. This time he stays quiet and lets the others do the talking.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8 d20+23=40 ;
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 9:30:37 AM
I wrote that he "stands back." Let me alter that a bit. He stays quiet and lets the others talk to Murphy, but he will run over to Pressi the second he sees her and will check that she's okay, detecting magic and spellcrafting to see if theres any unusual magic auras about her. Spellcraft 40

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 11:37:27 AM
"Yeah... I think I'm going to hold off on criticizing Murphy about rushing off until I'm done repairing the damage from my rushing off. I am a little surprisingly insulted that HE'S not lecturing me and screaming that I could have gotten myself killed.

"Look, I'm the one who said that someone needed to break off from the group and scout the area, and I maintain that to be the correct call. Some of us have the ability to sneak or shapeshift for a reason, and even a paladin should be prepared to do it from time to time. But yes, Murphy, there was some risk in what you did and a few minutes to discuss possible approaches or protections would have been better - and yielded us more information about the environment.

"Moving on, it would appear in hindsight that Murphy actually made the right call. By which I mean we now know more about the weaknesses in the irlgaunts operations and can recognize that Murphy never really had anything to fear with his strategy. It's strange that they would put my body in a cell but not even post a guard or something... but maybe not. Its a piece with whatever modified this spellcasting irlgaunt, a reminder that cells in general are not a natural part of their environment and that they didn't realize what they had."

Pressi remains in her form for the moment.

(Part 2 after lunch)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 12:30:22 PM
"Yeah, that's not cool, Pressi," says Kezzem. "Going off on your own and nearly getting yourself give is clearly Murphey's niche."

Kezzem casts Cure Moderate Wounds on Pressi's body.

Healing: 2d8 + 8 = 24.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 1:56:42 PM
Pressi considers her options. "Ok, here's what I'm thinking. First, I'm holding off on switching back to my body until we decide what to do with this irlgaunt because its soul is what's in my gem right now and I'm going to guess he's not happy - though he'd probably retreat from a fight like this.

"Second... I was thinking that we should just move on through where this body was held right out to the scab and be done with these things. Maybe with some way to send a warning back to the dwarves because these guys might take revenge on them instead. I don't think we can take on the nest while we have our own thing and we've probably screwed over any chance to make a deal. I would have liked to figure out what's been modifying these creatures but we don't have much time either."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 4:33:08 PM

Bliss giggles at the paladin's joke. "Sir Kezzem, you always make me laugh!" he says, and that calms him down some.

"But Mister Murphy, it was still reckless. Please don't do that again!"

DM Carl
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 6:13:28 PM
Murphy breaks through the wall, and Pressi is carefully placed in the most comfortable spot he can find, safe and sound. The decision on what to do next is put on Pressi, who's still an irlgaunt.

Talia goes ahead and casts an overland flight spell.

Succotash and Bliss continue to insist that Murphy stop going off alone. Bliss implores Pressi to talk some sense into him.

Hobie enjoys not having to be the one doing this for once. He inspects her for any magical auras, but finds nothing out of place. Thankfully, the irlgaunt sorcerer only had enough time to deposit her before returning to assist its companion.

Pressi realizes that she's the one who got hurt by going off on her own, so really isn't in a position to chastise Murphy. She has her own thoughts on solo jaunts around dangerous territory!

Kezzem notes Murphy was going off by himself before it was cool.

***

Pressi notes they need to decide what to do with the body she's inhabiting, and suggests maybe overland travel instead of underground. That's certainly a possibility, but the DPAA indicates their target is deeper into the depths than they are now. If they travel overland, they'll need a way to dig down when they get there. There's also the possiblity it's under a mountain peek.

Which is not your humble narrator talking anyone out of anything, of course. It's not his adventure!

Thankfully, they appear to have time to figure all this out. Pressi's spell won't end for several hours still.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 6:56:34 PM
(OOC been rather sick again, sorry for keep using this excuse)

[OOC comment by ACDM Cayzle: Please use standard Wold Formatting, per the edits I made to your header just now. Email me if you need help! Thanks!]

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 9:28:45 PM

Regarding the Chastening
Murphy takes in what his friends have to tell him.

He directs a request to the archer. "Hobie, as you are with her, could you carefully feed Pressi one of the goodberries I gave you? I think that will cap off the healing her body needs. Thanks, friend."

Then he answers.

"I went to rescue the unconscious body of my love. Don't ever tell me I may not do that," he shoots back sharply at Bliss, returning his glare.

Then he stops himself, and figuratively speaking takes a breath. [Do earth elementals breathe in a conventional sense?]

To all he says, "I checked with Pressi before I left. I spoke openly, anyone in earshot could hear my plans. I said unless she objected, I would earthglide to where her vision showed her body rested. She did not object. The path I traveled was about the same as going from the front door of The Belly Buster to the entrance to the General Store - no vast distance. I was in constant contact with Pressi, telepathically, and she was free to let all of you know what I was doing. Did you do so, Pressi?

"Family? Yes, Succotash. We are comrades, friends, companions, and in a sense family. We care for each other. I know you care for me - which is why you worry for me. When I see you in danger, I want to protect you. And you're right, Succotash. I am not invincible. Reasonably tough, resourceful. But not invincible. My visit to Gargul convinced me of that. I should have asked Bliss to come along to rescue Pressi. I apologize that I did not think of that at the time. But will I apologize for doing what I am well suited for, and bringing my fiancee back?" Murphy shakes his head in negation of that notion.

"Also, yes, you are right, Pressi, that additional plans may have been made. A further step back, had you told me you were magic jarring an irlgaunt and your body was going to lie undefended, I would have been your guard - and your body likely would not have left us. Because you told no one, no one knew you needed guarding. I am not chastising you, just recommending keeping the thoughts flowing in dangerous situations so I can cover you, or find someone to do so.

"Perhaps I should have thought, say, to check with you, Bliss, to see if you wanted to go back to earth elemental, glide with me, and we could have each other's backs.

"Yet so anxious was I to get to her before anything worse befell her, that I did not delay, other than a brief conversation, to go on a rescue.

"We are friends and family. But we are not children, hiding behind our mothers' skirts. We are adventurers. We walk into the fire as others are fleeing. It is hard for me to imagine me cowering in the background, afraid of my shadow. Were I to live by some people's version of 'if,' I might never get out of the burrow. IF I get out of bed, something bad may happen to me. IF I cross the street, a horse and cart may run over me. IF I go into the hills, a lion may eat me.

"Each of you can do some things that I cannot. I can do things that most of you cannot. We each play a role. If you expect me to stay in the middle of the pack - that will seldom be my choice. Sometimes, perhaps. Like it or not - and some of you obviously do not, I will continue to scout. I am not your ward. We are adventurers. We take risks."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 9:36:47 PM
Talia, being the new person, does not chastise anyone....

"Now that Pressi, is still a Irlgaunt, can we learn anything from her while she is in this form?" wonders Talia aloud to no one is particular.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight ~ 720 minutes

[OOC: How much time has past since the battle?]

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Tuesday May 14th, 2019 9:54:41 PM
2nd post, as the matters are quite distinct:

Quick addendum to Murphy's response
Murphy also joins Bliss in a bit of mirth at Kezzem's wit. He answers Bliss, "I will take your cautious recommendation under advisement."

Planning Conversation

"I agree we continue. But by way of the surface, Pressi? The device calls us downward. Likely we will run into more irlgaunts along the way, which we have told the dwarfs - and I value our given word - we would try to eliminate. We better understand their tactics. And they more fear us.

"Since the dwarfs are back only a few hundred feet from us, a couple from our group easily could report back to them the gist of what has occurred, and what our plans are - once we've figured out what they are. I can tell them where I found pockets of gems.

"Let's follow the pathways downward. We will defeat the irlgaunts, unless they choose to flee from us entirely. Perhaps they have allies deeper into the caves, and may call for help. This is not cause for fear. It is cause for preparation, planning, contingencies, and doing what we do best - making things up on the spur of the moment.

"We've learned that some of our animals are not well suited for travel through caves. I love that some of you are able to send them somewhere, and call upon them back to your side at will. That is amazing to me. Perhaps send them -- wherever it is -- as we travel through areas hard on them.

"The day is young - it's still before second breakfast. What say we have an early second breakfast, then be on our way.

"Unless we decide, indeed, to wait until the morrow. I am fine with going now. There is a better chance we can face remaining irlgaunts without them having a large amount of time to prepare against us. I will be patient should we decide to wait until the morrow. We are on no official schedule, I think."

Earth elemental Murphy rests mainly in rock, his head, shoulders and arms above the surface, listening to what is discussed. He twiddles with an interesting green rock he found while burrowing back down.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday May 15th, 2019 1:10:07 AM
"So um, what happened to the irlgaunt Pressi is in now?" asks Kezzem. "Do the others know their friend is possessed by a halfling? Maybe we could use some sort of ruse, which as a paladin, I will have to give you a strongly worded lecture about not doing."

"Also, just a thought, but are irlgaunt's mushroom farmers per chance?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Wednesday May 15th, 2019 5:36:54 AM
"I'm ready to continue", Succotash offers, "but if our casters are feeling a bit drained, we can wait too. heck, we could all go back and report to the dwarves, get a good rest, and strike out again after if needed".
Then turning to Murphy, "My friend, thank you for understanding my concern, I don't expect you to be a coward, my respect for you would diminish greatly if you did, I just ask that you take advantage of the fact that you have friends who love you and allow us to help". He then adds, with a huge smile on his face, as a means to lighten the tension,"I mean really, isn't the noble sacrifice more of a paladin thing anyways?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday May 15th, 2019 1:39:01 PM
To Murphy, "Fair enough."

To Kezzem, "I would never dream of suggesting such a ruse, but it is basically the only reason to use the soul gem. Well, that and if you wandered off the battlefield and are kind of in a hurry, but that's just showing off."

She paused for a bit upon hearing that they had to go deeper into the caverns. "Apologies, I thought we had to go through the caverns. There is another option, now that we've already crossed the egg killing line, of changing our hold on this creature. Then we could make him act as a guide... by magic or threat of force, perhaps. As for traveling now... I probably have enough magic for another round of fighting."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90
Wednesday May 15th, 2019 6:16:31 PM
Talia, asks, out loud, "So what happens to Pressi once the spell wears off?" Do we have incompacitate another spyder? Where's Pressi's body again? "

As for being ready to leave onto the next phase of this journey?, I'm A okay!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday May 15th, 2019 8:24:09 PM
Ok, once more for those not looking up Magic Jar

1) Pressi's body and soul gem are once again in the same room as the body Pressi occupies, crisis averted.

2) The soul of the body Pressi occupies is in the crystal. If Pressi returns to her body naturally, or when the spell ends, the irlgaunt's soul will likewise return to its body. The death of the body Pressi is occupying would now result in the immediate return of Pressi to her own body and the death of the irlgaunt.

3) If Pressi remains in the body, she would have the form of an irlgaunt and a number of advantages, i.e. the new forms natural attacks and speed, the soul's magic and SLAs.

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Kim for Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage
Wednesday May 15th, 2019 9:00:47 PM

"I need to compose something to tell about our story so far. I should have it done in about three years," Jack jests.

"So, do we have second breakfast? Do we talk to the dwarfs? Do we head down farther into the caverns? Talia, can you fly me up in the air - but not too high?"

DM Carl
Wednesday May 15th, 2019 9:03:25 PM
Many words are spoken. Pressi comes up with an interesting idea: make the irlguant whose companions you (justifiably) killed act as guide. Crazy enough to work, or just crazy? Meanwhile, Kezzem wonders aloud why anyone would think it would be ok to trick the irlgaunts into thinking Pressi's current form is one of them. Who would do such an unscrupulous thing?

The casters seem ready to continue without rest. Plan seems to be have second breakfast, then continue. Only undecided variable seems to be how to handle Pressi's current body situation.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Thursday May 16th, 2019 1:53:34 AM

"How about this? We eat here, then continue on in," Murphy suggests. "While we're eating, I'll change back to my own cheerful self, and maybe one or two come with me to let the dwarfs know what's happened so far. We come back, then together head onward through the caverns. At some point, I'll likely go back to my current lump of dirt and stone. With Pressi - Pressi, how do you want us to handle your body? Mostly inside a bag of holding with your head on the outside? Though I could carry you, if I need to earthglide, that could present some problems. Also, I'll probably be bashing often if we get back to fighting."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Thursday May 16th, 2019 5:41:24 AM
"We could tie Pressi's body to Piggy's saddle, gently of course, we don't want to inflict rope burns, that would free everyone up, and Piggy would hardly know she was there", Succotash offers. Then a loud noise comes from his belly, and he says, "But after we eat!"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Thursday May 16th, 2019 8:57:24 AM

Bliss is confused at the idea of leaving and flying OVER the mountains and then digging DOWN?! But he just keeps quiet.

He is also unhappy at Murphy's nonchalant attitude towards his own safety. Well, Bliss holds his tongue there too.

Bliss switches to cat form and tails along with the group, wherever we are going next.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8
Thursday May 16th, 2019 11:23:57 AM
Hobie feeds Pressi the goodberry, and helps with whatever plan is for her body. He expresses that as much as he hates being underground, the thing they are following seems to suggest that staying underground is the wisest course of action.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday May 16th, 2019 3:16:22 PM
"You guys are making it way too hard. I have to take Harper with me anyway so just strap my other body into her saddle... if you want me to keep this form. I mean, there are benefits for now but it just means delaying the inevitable switch back."

"And if you want to wait until breakfast, great. Someone please pass the goat."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday May 16th, 2019 3:17:15 PM
Pressi checks, before she forgets again, to see if the damage triggered her spite spell on a wandering irlgaunt.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90
Thursday May 16th, 2019 3:20:05 PM
Talia asks if we could use an Unseen servant spell or such to carry Pressi's body? What about Telekensis?

Spells in Effect

Overand Flight ~ 720 Minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday May 16th, 2019 6:50:19 PM
"We could always put a pair of sunglasses on her and carry her between the two of us," suggest Kezzem. "Just like that Weekend at my cousin's Burnie."

The Ravine

DM Carl
Thursday May 16th, 2019 10:18:49 PM
Looks like the decision is to strap Pressi's body to Harper and continue with an unwitting irlgaunt.

The party has second breakfast. Pressi finds her current body doesn't have any real appetite for rations, though her companions look positively delicious. One can assume she controls herself.

Hobie feeds her body a goodberry, and what was left of her scratch vanishes. She is fully healed.

OOC: You still have your spite spell. The creature did not make a standard melee attack on you.

The stone wall the irlgaunts created to block the ravine is easily dealt with by irlgaunt Pressi and earth elemental Murphy. The DPAA points the party further down the ravine, and so the party follows...

***

Scene done. Everyone gets 20k XP for removing the irlgaunt threat from the Caverns of Glimstone, not dying, and putting up with my maps. A few of you don't appear to have kept up with XP accounting. Take a moment and update your sheets, please.

***

Travel along the ravine is quiet, except for the rush of water at the bottom. It's not immediately evident, but the cave system is crawling with life if one looks. Like...literally crawling. Millipedes, crayfish, salamanders (the slimy kind, not the fire kind), and blind fish all live happily in this hidden ecosystem. The odd bat even flies by. Talia even notices a small number of them clustering around what looks like a tree trunk erupting from a cave wall.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Friday May 17th, 2019 5:30:54 AM
As Succotash notices the wildlife of the ravine. he takes a moment to enjoy the tranquil beauty of it, and says, "I wouldn't want to build a summer home here, but this ravine is quite lovely"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Friday May 17th, 2019 11:36:04 AM

"Wait a minute! Wait a minute!" exclaims Bliss before the party leaves the spider lairs. "Where's the Giant Cave Spider Silk?! It's got to be around here somewhere! That stuff is valuable. You haven't enjoyed wearing a mitten until you've worn a *Superior Cave Spider Silk Mitten* -- or even two!

Bliss spends at least ten minutes wandering around in search of webbing.

After the party travels a bit, the caverns become more lively. "Watch out, everybody," says Bliss. "If you fall in the water, there may not be an easy way out. And watch out for carnivorous carp! Especially the undead ones!"

Coming up to the tree, Bliss takes a good look at it. He's thinking that this is one of them Tower Caps that we're supposed to look for. "Mister Murphy, can you use your druid powers to ID this tree-thingie."

"I hope someone brought an ax. Even a copper one would do."

========

[OOC: For them what's lost track, for this module we were awarded 7,500 xp on Mar 27 and 20,000 yesterday. ALSO, I updated the game page a smidge.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Friday May 17th, 2019 1:44:01 PM
Pressi continues to skitter about through the caves, keeping an eye out.

Harper follows, the body swaying back and forth.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 d20+18=30 ; d20+30=39 ;
Friday May 17th, 2019 8:43:30 PM

Informing the Dwarfs
Just before the group delves more deeply into the caverns, Murphy goes (with whoever wants to accompany him) to fill in the dwarfs on what they have accomplished so far. He lets them know where he found gems in various places while earthgliding, tells them of the chambers - and the small holes to find them with, and of the new tunnel to the surface. He asks if they might send in a cleanup crew to get rid of the broken eggs, and any left over irlgaunt bodies. He lets them know that at least one irlgaunt was able to escape - and that one is currently under the party's rather direct control.

He also tells the dwarfs, "Once we get more than a mile from here, I may personally harvest a few gems and plantlife as we travel along. I hope I may have your leave to do so. Don't worry, I'll leave most in place, and, as I am able, will tell you additional spots once we are back, and perhaps bring a few samples so you know the quality of what you can find in different areas. But we may need something for a spell component or the like. I want to be transparent with you."

He also draws on paper the four symbols found in the four different chambers, and asks if any know the significance of the symbols - what language, or nomenclature they come from.

Down into the mountains' roots
"You have a cousin Bernie, Kezzem?" Murphy asks. "You and Pressi were with him some time back for a weekend? Where does he live?"

Once all are ready to journey, Murphy takes a few items and places them in a doubled bag*, then wildshapes back to his favorite underground traveling form.

"Talia - there in the bag is some parchment, pens and ink for jotting down notes, maps, or what-have-you as we travel along." He tells everyone whatever he may have learned from the dwarfs about the meaning of the symbols they found in the four chambers - if any dwarf knew enough to decipher them.

He tell everyone what else is in the bag. "If someone would carry it - Succotash, maybe? - then those items can be accessed."

*Inside the big doubled bag:
1 each:
Blanket
Antitoxin vial
Holy water
Oil
Sunrod
Tanglefoot bag
Thunderstone
Bucket (folding canvas)
Handaxe, small humanoid
Hammer
Miner's pick
Hooded lantern
Signal whistle
Multiples of:
2: Rope - silk 50'
10: Pitons
10: Parchment sheets
2: Inkpens
2: Vials of ink

Addressing Bliss's request
"Sure, happy to take a look, buddy." He looks over the apparent tree trunk - comparing that with how Kade described the tower caps [see DM Carl's post of 2019-03-26].

If this indeed is a tower cap [Knowledge, nature 30 - gave a +2 based upon detailed description Kade gave], Murphy says, "No need for an axe, Bliss - though there is one in the bag. Remember that Kade said he needs spore from the very top cap. We don't have to chop down the whole thing. A knife to slice off a small wedge - see this part, here? Just a small wedge, maybe six to eight inches deep, wrap it in burlap.

Before any samples are taken, though, Murphy visually inspects it carefully, making sure he does not disturb any part of it, nor the bats unduly. He offers to lift up in his cupped hand whoever would like to take the small sample he suggested. "First, though, put some cloth over your face - some spore may shoot out, and likely you're not going to want to breathe them in." He will be quick and careful to pull them back should anything threatening occur due to the slicing.

==============
General Perception Roll: 39

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90
Friday May 17th, 2019 10:38:01 PM
Talia will go along with the group hovering 6" above the ground.

DM Carl
Friday May 17th, 2019 11:09:14 PM
Succotash appreciates the beauty of the underworld. His decision not to move in is wise; there are worse things down here than irlgaunts.

Bliss seems to know a lot more about this place than one would think he would. He looks everywhere for webbing, but aside from garden variety spider webs, comes up empty. Maybe they're elsewhere...

He asks if anyone has an axe, as he seems to think the tree thing is a tower cap.

Pressi the Irlgaunt keeps her multiple eyes peeled. The body she occupies is very efficient in navigating the ravine.

Murphy...goes and sees the dwarves? Ok, it's not far. He finds they don't take kindly to his suggestion. "Friend," starts Urist, "We've been real clear that we like to handle our own." Still, he does provide Murphy with the boundaries of their claim, indicating he's free to take what he finds beyond that.

He finds Maggad much more hospitable. "Killed'a bunch of'em AND smashed their eggs? That's great news, Murphy. Wouldn't mind pickin' your brain about that caster one; hopefully it was just a...well, an aberration. Those things are dangerous enough without magic behind'em." He doesn't seem concerned about the one that got away.

He places items that may be important in a bag before shapeshifting into (assuming) an earth elemental. Smart. That way he won't need to shift back to retrieve it.

He does successfully identify the tree as a tower cap, but knows that their spores are at the very top. In this case, the tower cap's trunk breaks through solid rock above them. They'll need to dig, or burrow, or earthglide...they'll need to go up.

Talia hovers upward a bit, checking the ceiling where the tower cap vanishes. She finds there is no gap between the tower cap and the stone surrounding it, but there are micro-cracks radiating outward. Likely, it's grown in diameter since it pushed through the stone as it grew.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Saturday May 18th, 2019 12:52:28 AM

If anyone looks at Bliss for knowing too much, he says scornfully, "Sure, I'm a player!"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 d20+30=32 ;
Saturday May 18th, 2019 1:20:10 AM

[My post of 5/16 did say Murphy was planning to talk to the dwarfs as his friends finished their meals.] As long as Murphy is clear on the boundaries of the claim, that's fine with him (about how far out from the little passageway they initially come in through to the edge of their boundaries is it? Less than a mile? More than?) Also - was Urist offended at the notion of clean up (if so he says it's not required, surely some critters will eat up the remains), or at the notion that deeper within he might take some gems? Or were they offended that he told them about the pockets of gems that he found by earthgliding?

"All right, Bliss, to get to the top of this, I may have to earthglide with a tiny bit of burrowing twenty, forty feet or more out of sight. Will communicate with Pressi as I do so. Have I your permission to go? For the sake of mushrooms?"

If Bliss grants leave for him to go solo, he does so, after asking for a knife or something sharp. "Adamantine would be nice." ;-)

He goes slowly, with care, trying not to damage the plant, circling around until he finds the top of it. He then continues on to the other side, to know the parameters. Then back to the top. The whole way, he mentally passes on to the Pressi the gist of what he finds - perhaps to the point of boredom for her, or, not.

If all seems well, he slices off a pie-shaped wedge. He burrows just enough to get the wedge out of the rock, earthgliding the rest of the way. IF he determines that will work.

================
Perception: 32

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Saturday May 18th, 2019 3:17:21 AM

Hope it goes without saying, but Murphy, during this operation, is mindful not to damage the structural integrity of that to which the plant depends for support. If at some point he deems Pressi's irlgaunt host's rock-shaping ability might be the better extraction technique, he will coordinate that with her.

Most of all, he simply wants to Avoid Messing It Up. If the DM believes a particular skill check would be needed, the Player requests he do so on the druid's behalf.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8
Saturday May 18th, 2019 3:47:26 AM
Hobie will follow the team. He's not too interested in a mushroom, but will wait patiently as the others examine it.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Saturday May 18th, 2019 7:08:12 AM

Bliss says to Murphy, "Meow!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday May 18th, 2019 2:23:43 PM
"'Cause Bliss's a player
He's a griner
He's a slayer
And he's a sinner
Layin' like a cat in the sun
He's a chamer
He's a harmer
He's a mushroom farmer..."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Saturday May 18th, 2019 2:30:45 PM
A quick reminder: Pressi can�t cast stone shape, which is why the DM ignored her attempt. Under soul gem, natural abilities transfer but not mental ones like SLAs.

Pressi, along their travels, tests out a few other moves like the acid spit. She also checks how long Murphy�s trip took so she can figure out the time left.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Saturday May 18th, 2019 3:39:03 PM
Pressi agrees to Murphy�s travels but considers the bottom to be the bigger deal. She uses Spellcraft and detect magic on the mushroom.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Saturday May 18th, 2019 6:39:54 PM

[Murphy's trip time, for Pressi's edification:
1. Explorations after killing tattooed and regular irlgaunt: Up to DM Carl, but figure 30 minutes.
2. Finally discerning Pressi's location and effecting a rescue: About 10-15 minutes.
3. Time to castigate Murphy for his having rescued Pressi's body from the cell 500' away and discussion about what to do next: About 10 minutes
4. Second Breakfast: About 20-30 minutes. The druid left in the middle of second breakfast, and was hoping to be back as people were finishing up with feeding their faces. He really only hoped to take 10-15 minutes round trip - maybe figure 30 minutes for breakfast, at which time Murphy would have returned. No one accepted his twice or thrice offered chance to go with him, so I assume he traveled alone.
Average of ranges: About 80-85 minutes total until we resumed travel, plus however long DM Carl indicates it took for us to travel to the place of the mushroom tree. I fear that Talia did not have time to meditate for a full 2 hours.
And all of this is subject to DM Carl's adjudication.]

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage
Saturday May 18th, 2019 11:34:29 PM
Jack has no real intest in the mushroom other than the group no group was not in danger.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Monday May 20th, 2019 5:37:53 AM
Before Murphy identifies the tree like mushroom, Succotash answers Bliss by saying, "Which would you prefer a throwing axe, or a great axe? Cause I got both as you well know!" Even though he hasn't used it, he has a masterwork great axe strapped to his back next to Twinklesting as a backup weapon, and he has 4 throwing axes hanging from his belt, that he used with no effect in the fight with the umbral dragon during the battle with the Sarr)

After the Identification, Succotash says to Murphy, "You be careful! At the slightest sign of trouble you get back here, but for the sake of mushrooms and fulfilling a promise to Kade, you have my leave to go solo, and yes, I'll carry your bag, or more accurately, Piggy will". Since it's a mundane bag, and not a bag of holding, he takes the it and puts it into one of his saddlebags of holding

DM Carl
Monday May 20th, 2019 10:35:06 AM
Murphy gets the feeling that the dwarves mean exactly what they say: they value self sufficency and do not appreciate outsiders giving unsolicited opinions or advice. Urist doesn't seem to care one way or another about some irlgaunt corpses.

(I'll get back to your trip up the tower cap later in the post. Your time-frame seems reasonable, but there's about 45 minutes from the time you left the dwarves until the time you found the tower cap.)

Bliss meows his agreement with Murphy's plan.

Hobie and Jack aren't particularly interested in mushrooms, but can be patient in the meantime.

Kezzem jokes around.

Pressi confirms she's unable to use the irlgaunt's stone shape ability. Her new body continues churning acid and stone in the irlgaunt's bladder, but she lacks the muscle control to fire them. She finds the mushrooms quite mundane.

OOC: It's an extraordinary ability, which is disallowed per magic jar rules.

Succotash has axes to spare, but it looks like Murphy's gonna have to do it the hard way. He places the bag Murphy offered earlier in Miss Piggy's magic saddlebags and asks him to be cautious; some mushroom spores as a favor to Kade are not worth getting hurt over.

...and thus, Murphy begins his ascent. He finds the tower cap to be exceptionally sturdy for a mushroom; he's unlikely to damage it without intending to. The earthglide/burrow trip upwards is uneventful. After travelling for about 120', his head (or the earth elemental equivalent) breaks the surface into a massive underground cavern. The tower cap extends another 30' into the air before it blooms into a large crown containing the spores.

Murphy's attention is quickly diverted from the mushroom by a cacophony of noise and the smell of burning coal. He has to swivel 180' to find the source: giants. Dozens of giants mill about the cavern. He sees fire giants working huge forges, attended by hill and stone giants. Temporary shelters have been constructed. There are stockpiles of weapons and supplies...this is a camp! Murphy's lived in Crescent Valley long enough to know this is not typical giant behavior. The fact that they're working together, forming a small army, is a very bad sign.

As for him, he's about 80' away and looks like the surrounding stone. He's safe for now, but getting some mushroom spores may attract attention if he's not sneaky about it.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 d20+30=40 ;
Monday May 20th, 2019 12:11:40 PM

Murphy, of course, keeps Pressi apprised of what he is seeing. All of it. Once he sees the giant, he freezes in place. He takes a few moments to gather what details he might by taking a quick census of the giants he can see, listening (he speaks the giant tongue) and silently observing so as to gather a better idea of the layout. Once he has done so for a bit, he eases back down beneath the surface of the huge cavern.

He asks Pressi if she wants him to do a bit more reconnaissance, or return to the party. "Whatever we do, we must notify the dwarfs of this threat near their doorstep."
=========
Perception: 40

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday May 20th, 2019 1:00:51 PM
"Well, that's not good," says Kezzem. "You might say we have a...giant problem."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 98/98 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 29 Hero Points 8
Monday May 20th, 2019 2:04:19 PM
Assuming Pressi fills the group in on what Murphy says, Hobie gets a little bit excited. After the crazy snipe hunting expedition with the Irlgaunts, he's ready for a straight up battle. "Alright, looks like we've got a camp to clear out. How many are there?"

Jack The Unbelievable J.T.T. Zaragosa (Jairus Houdek) (AC 24 CMD 23 HP 71/71) 3 non-lethal damage d20+12=19 ;
Monday May 20th, 2019 3:00:03 PM
(OOC, I'm not complaining but it was suggested that I write what Jack is feeling in these posts)

Jack would give a chuckle on Kezzem's joke, though the seriousness of the current events keep him from really laughing.

He also feels he waisted his best spells and a real fight is on the way. Though he is confident that the team could be this camp with or without his powers.

He waits for the team to respond, keeping his thoughts to himself. Not expressing them verbally in any way. In fact he would keep a straight face as much as possible to the team (bluff 19).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Monday May 20th, 2019 3:40:50 PM
After Pressi quickly briefs the group, she forces herself not to shout come back protect yourself speeches.

�I don�t want to notify the dwarves until we have a better idea of their size or target. Is there any way to get audio? Can you see any connecting tunnels?�

Pressi tells Hobie to calm down, not liking the odds even at full rest. �Besides, I�ve never been one to pick a fight I don�t have to, unless they won�t fight back.�

(If Hobie pushes, she can tell stories of the last time they took on a camp like this.)

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Monday May 20th, 2019 4:14:59 PM

Did you ever hear a cat snort? Maybe it is like coughing up a hairball? That's the sound Bliss makes in cat form at Sir Kezzem's "giant problem" comment.

Bliss turns back into a halfling for the war council.

"We have to get 120 ft straight up through rock. Maybe there's a way to walk it if we look -- but they'll be expecting an approach from that direction. If we can manage to come up from behind, well, wowsy, we can use this giant mushroom as cover and get the jump on them!"

"How are we doing with Dimension Doors? Miss Talia, you can cast one, right? Even if you have used up your fourth level slots, you can use a higher level slot to cast a lower level spell. You can take three or four others with you, right?"

"Before we go we can buff up. Jack can Inspire Courage, I can cast Barkskin if anyone needs Natural Armor. Hobie, you got buffs like Mirror Image and Heroism and like that, right? The paladins can dismiss their pals and resummon them once we get up there. We can be ready to the nines!

"So we got Miss Talia with Succotash, Jack, and Kezzem. And Mister Murphy, Miss Pressi, and I can all change into earth elementals and glide up. Miss Pressi, you can change Hobie into an elemental too, right? That gets everyone through."

"First thing we do when we pop out is have the paladins check for evil, right? Nobody wants to kill innocent giants!"

"Comments? Ideas?"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Monday May 20th, 2019 9:49:15 PM

Murphy asks Pressi, "Can you tell Hobie I'll let him know about how many targets there are as soon as I can?" He communicates a smile. "Looks like they are not interested in this quiet piece of rock at the moment. As soon as I have a fair first glimpse at the lay of the land, I'll drop back below. Might be a good time to think about summoning lots of help if we decide to take them on."

Murphy does intend to go beneath the surface, but after one good look about of 1-3 rounds. No sudden moves. No rising higher above the surface than he already is.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 d8+1=5 ;
Monday May 20th, 2019 9:57:26 PM
Talia, removes her wand of CLW, and casts a healing upon herself. Talis listens to everyone and thens asks everyone if they know how much time has expired since the Irlgaunt fight began?

"Yes, Bliss, I am able to cast that spell. Nope, I'm good I spells for today, I meditated for two (2) hours while the group did their things. Yes, I can take 4 others with me" explains Talia to Bliss.

"In addition Bliss, I have some wands, especially Stoneskin like I casted on the group last fight, if we are gonna gear up for a altercation!" explains Talia.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 675 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 715 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp | 25 minutes remaining

ADM Kim interrupts this adventure for a brief announcement
Monday May 20th, 2019 11:50:22 PM

Get your character over to the Giggling Ghost. A veteran group is graduating to Dragon Status. Every character in the Wold should take the opportunity to witness such an event.

Don't worry - you can keep posting here, too. Woldian adventurers visit the Ghost in some sort of dream state. I can't explain it very well. But, describe your character entering the GG Inn via the green-flamed fireplace, then find your way to a place to park yourself. Interact with whom you choose - or with whoever chooses you. Witness history in the making

This is Woldian Tradition.

End of Announcement - return to game - and also Go to the Ghost.

ADM Kim answers Talia's query
Monday May 20th, 2019 11:57:21 PM

It's been roughly 2 hours and 10 minutes since the beginning of the encounter with the irlgaunts. That's 85 minutes up to the point of leaving after second breakfast, plus 45 minutes of travel after that. Am not sure you had time for 2 hours of meditation - but DM Carl can address that.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Tuesday May 21st, 2019 5:39:35 AM
Succotash rolls his eyes at Kezzem's pun than he shares his opinion, "Well I know these giants are technically not our problem, at the moment, as we are going down, not up, but we are heroes taking on the baddies and saving the day is kinda what we do". He then adds, "Besides, if they are this close to home, I worry that, after wiping out the dwarves here, they may decide to mess with Humble's Ford, and with the giant towers down, it would be a slaughter! I'm down with Bliss's plan, but am open to other suggestions".

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday May 21st, 2019 10:41:39 AM
"Since some of us have clearly forgotten," Pressi glared at Bliss, "The last time we went against a camp of giants, half of us died or went unconscious, in part because we decided to just rush in and start pounding instead of working on a plan. Yes, we are increased in power now, but back then we had all our spell slots and superior intel, and we needed to only target the head and we hadn't just cast a bunch of buffs for a different threat.

"But on the odd chance that I can't convince us to at least camp or do intelligence gathering and planning first, may I make one last 'time wasting' suggestion. I currently occupy someone who might know something about these giants. I can release his soul back into his body after you bind it and we can ask him what HE knows about the giants. Or I can just walk up there in this form and try to bluff my way into the camp. By pretending to sell mushrooms. I know you won't approve a plan like this otherwise."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday May 21st, 2019 1:52:33 PM
"Succo, dude, giants are ALWAYS a problem," says Kezzem. "And yes, Press, I remember some of us got knocked out and died last time we fought giants. I was the one who died, afterall, and let me tell you, that is something you don't forget. But I got better and am much more sturdier now...plus we have Succo. Last time we fought giants we didn't have two paladins with us."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90
Tuesday May 21st, 2019 1:59:15 PM
"Bliss, I am able to cast that spell. Yes, I can take 4 others with me. As for if I am able to actually cast it again, I will have to look into my accounting" explains Talia to Bliss.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 675 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 715 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp | 25 minutes remaining

[OOC: so, if less than three hours has past, then the original Overland flight is still in affect. No need to cast it again, eh?]

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Tuesday May 21st, 2019 1:59:17 PM

"Miss Pressi, you are wise. We should at least consider what we know. How many giants did you see, Mister Murphy? What kinds were they? What were they doing? Did they have weapons or armor? Was it hot or cold there?"

Bliss is still up for a fight, though. "Last time I was not as good at clawing and biting!" he says.

DM Carl
Tuesday May 21st, 2019 2:38:46 PM
Murphy keeps Pressi appraised of the Giant situation and goes into reconnaissance mode. He takes his time to observe the giant forces. He speaks their language, but they're pretty far away and there's a lot of background noise.

Murphy only, Perception DC35, Highlight to display spoiler: {On the edge of camp are a hill giant and a much smaller hill giant, almost certainly a child.

"So what do halflings taste like, anyway?"
"They eat a lot, so they're fat. Lots of hair, though, so ya gotta boil'em first."
"How come we ain't ever eaten'em then?"
"Told ya. Magic kept us away, but it's gone now. Gizziar says we're gonna take over so they don't kick us out again. We'll eat plenty good."}

He counts aboooouuuuuuuutttt 72, but some may be in shelters, and he thinks some of the smoke is coming from other sections in the cavern. There may be other camps here, but he can't tell from his current situation.

Kezzem notes, in very serious tones, that this problem is indeed vexing.

Hobie gets excited at the thought of such a target rich environment. Such big, easy to hit targets to boot!

Pressi feels it prudent to get a grasp of the situation before running to tell the dwarves. Said dwarves are 45 minutes away. She keeps her desire to boss Murphy around in check, but does calm Hobie down.

Jack worries he's not prepared for another fight, though he keeps the thoughts to himself.

Bliss is the voice of reason. How novel! He has some solid ideas on how to prepare for a possible battle.

Pressi reminds the party how poorly their last assault on a giant camp went. She suggests letting her use her still active magic jar spell to look around.

Looks like Murphy's intel is needed before a decision can be reached. There's no activity in the camp to indicate anything out of the ordinary is going on over there.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 d20+30=47 ;
Tuesday May 21st, 2019 3:18:49 PM

Murphy listens and relates to Pressi what he is hearing. "There are maybe six dozen giants I can see - fire, stone, hill - but there are other areas out of sight. So, who knows? Hundreds?

"Oh, on the edge of camp are a hill giant and a hill giant child talking.
Child hill giant - 'So what do halflings taste like, anyway?'
Adult hill giant - 'They eat a lot, so they're fat. Lots of hair, though, so ya gotta boil'em first.'
Child - 'How come we ain't ever eaten'em then?'
Adult -'Told ya. Magic kept us away, but it's gone now. Gizziar says we're gonna take over so they don't kick us out again. We'll eat plenty good.'"

He pauses after this, then tells her, "So, I'd take a stab and say that Gizziar heads up this army."

Murphy looks over the area to mentally map out the parts of the cavern he can see, and get a feel for where the forges are, other structures, if any, and where giants tend to be grouped. He has in mind finding one or more vantage points he might earthglide to for additional intelligence on the planned invasion force. He doesn't tell this yet to Pressi, until he has pulled in the information.

Meanwhile, he adds to Pressi, "I am wondering how our group can go up against hundreds of giants. If it were a few dozen, with a good plan on our part, surely. But perhaps the best thing we can do is to get us as quickly as possible to where we can plug the dual-prismatic aetherial amplifier into the power source, and then get the empowered DPAA back as soon as possible to Tiana, so that the tower can be brought back to life before the giants get here.

"Another alternative - repeat what we did before. Cut off the head - find and kill the leader - Gizziar? - and engender confusion and disorder in the ranks.

"My current thoughts, though? Power up the DPAA. Jet it back to Tiana. Then work on leadership disruption."

=============
Perception: 47 - pretty good!

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Tuesday May 21st, 2019 8:29:53 PM

Bliss feels humble. So many giants! Maybe it would be a mistake to attack. "Miss Pressi, please don't be mad. You are right. We don't want to visit Lord Gargul again."

(Under his voice, Bliss mutters, "Especially since that guy has it in for my family!")

When Murphy suggests that the party simply ignore the giants in order to focus on what they really came for -- that magical power supply -- Bliss is inclined to agree.

"Yeah, we should instead go get the power we need to fix the tower."

Bliss taps on the headband that makes him smarter and tries to remember stuff ... "Please, do let's break out the primsal-amp thingie asap and see where it points us. If it points through the giant camp, well, we'll see. If not, then we bypass the giants to get to the energy source!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 12:38:40 AM
"As his paladin, Gargul's like a father to me," says Kezzem. "And just like my natural father, I hope it's a really long time before we see each other again."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 5:21:51 AM
Succotash is a bit perplexed, thinking to himself, "That's a lot of giants", but says, "Hey Murphy, can you get a judge of how soon the giants plan to advance? Because if it seems like attack is eminent, then we have to at least slow them down, even if it means laying our lives down, though someone needs to teleport home to warn them". He is OK with the idea of leaving them alone, for now, if it seems as if they have time, but he would stress the new found need for speed. He is also comfortable with the idea of taking out the leader as a show of strength and a means to disorganize the giants.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 7:33:34 AM

"Say, Pressi, would you like to ask Bliss if he'd like to join me on reconnaissance - and especially on getting some of the spores. I think me here with my rocky head standing stone cold is fine for surveillance, but I have all the subtlely of movement when I am moving so as easily to give myself away. Bliss, on the other hand, has a lot better chance of scooting up the thirty-foot tall stalk and recovering spores for Kade than have I. Check with him, would you?" Murphy adds that request to his letting her know what he is seeing.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 7:50:43 AM
"Speaking of which, which way is that Magical direction finder pointing, Mister Murphy?" asks Talia. "I say, let's life and let live...we are far too small a force to reckon with that many Giants!"

"So, since we are in this predictament, lets get an accounting of what we have left for the day in terms of spells and offensive materials in case we need them on a moments notice, shall we?" explains Talia to the group. Talia starts thinking as her eyes roll upward.....

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 11:08:36 AM
Pressi agrees with Succotash that they need to figure out how soon they will move. She also passes the message along to Bliss, along with the rest of the group. "And I'm not mad. I'm just ... don't say disappointed, don't say disappointed... Uh oh."

(I'm assuming that the group wants Pressi to hold on to the irlgaunt body for now - its a fairly good tank build - so holds off on releasing it or burning more spells.)

If Murphy left the indicator behind (I don't think he can use it under the current conditions) she takes a look.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 11:32:43 AM
(OOC: Updated Info)

Pressi takes some stock as to how many spells she has left. She isn't in as bad shape as she thought, but in a tough fight....

---------------

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)
sprint used - 1/1

Pressi's Body

spite tatoo: ghoul touch
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
see invisible?

Pressi
irlgaunt Form - 6-7 hrs left
Stats: 27, 29, 20, 21, 10, 12
AC 29, HP 133
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4+1/4+1
L4 2+1/4+1
L5 2/3+1

DM Carl
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 12:44:01 PM
Murphy's excellent hearing reveals the giants' target. With his ability to earthglide and remain undetected, he's able to move and get another vantage point looking over the cavern...where he sees his hunch was correct: there are more camps. Where once he saw dozens of giants, he now sees hundreds. Each camp seems to be self sufficient, though others are more or less segregated by species of giant. The initial group he saw seems to be producing arms for the assembled giants.

Succotash asks Pressi to see if Murphy can gauge the giants' readiness. If Murphy's looking for a way to do that, the number of weapons on hand from the forges is probably his best bet. There are about two hundred giants, but only enough weapons to arm half of them. Most weapons are just crude clubs, quick to make. Working full speed, they'll be fully armed in...3 days? Maybe a little less? There are too many variables to get an accurate estimate, but it seems likely that Humble's Sword has a few days to finish their mission. Deep in the middle of the cavern is a tent that looks just a bit nicer than others, but Murphy sees no one coming or going from it. It's not exactly guarded, but there is a lot of ground to cover if someone wanted to get in there, and it's crawling with giants.

He asks Bliss to help with the spores and suggests maybe finishing their mission is the better option to stymie these invaders.

Bliss agrees with Pressi's reading of the situation and Murphy's suggestion.

Kezzem seems to have daddy issues, but agrees not dying to be a good idea.

Talia wonders if the DPAA is pointing towards the giants' encampments. Your narrator is unsure who's holding the thing, but let's assume it's not Murphy for brevity's sake. The DPAA is produced and observed. It points downward, along the ravine the party has been following. In fact, it's always pointing the direction the water at the bottom of the ravine is flowing. That's probably not a coincidence.

Pressi sees that the path before them doesn't necessarily lead through the giants and takes stock of her spell situation.

Hobie isn't comfortable leaving these giants to their own devices. "Jack and I should stay. We can hide easily enough and can easily outpace them if we have to run and warn someone about any movement." Jack nods his agreement.

OOC: This is me bowing the two of them out gracefully, so let's not argue with them too much. :D

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 3:03:27 PM

After learning what he has learned, always passing it on to Pressi, Murphy tries to gauge which is the most productive forge, then returns to the party. "Bliss, I'd still like your help in getting the spores we need, but before we do that, let's talk about a few possibilities."

Fare Well, Brothers
Hearing Hobie's plans, and Jack's concurrence, Murphy looks down at the ground. "That is a serious proposal, friends. Brothers." The wild shaped druid allows himself to sink into the ground until his head is eye-level with theirs. He then looks up, his blue-gem eyes meeting theirs. "Are you certain?" Hearing that they are, he nods. "Very well. You have my respect. Two requests before we part ways. Please wait until we have recovered the spores. We'll give half to you, and keep half. Kade only needs a few to do what he desires.

"And, second, once we are on our way, please go and inform the dwarfs about the two hundred or so giants who are arming themselves for war less than an hour's march from where they mine gems. If Urist gives you grief for delivering such news, then let him bleed on his own prickliness." He pauses a beat. "I know you understand I don't mean by it that you cause him to bleed, Hobie," he adds with a wry grin.

"After that, do what you believe best. I know you'll watch each other's back. Perhaps you can race back to warn your cousin, Hobie, and Mayor Bumbleluck of the arms being forged against us, and ask Sarabella LoveSong and the other clerics in town for their prayers on our behalf. Should you return to town, please deliver the spores... which I hope we're about to fetch - to Kade at the Sanctuary.

"May the heavens watch over you. May they contrive to reunite us safely in due course. I shall pray regularly for you while we are absent one from the other."

Two Quick Missions, then an exit - Part The First
"Bliss, you outrank us all, to the best of my knowledge, in being stealthy," Murphy begins. "This is our opportunity to handle Kade's request - and look forward to some nice truffles in time. I try to keep my promises. If I go for it, we'll likely have giants swarming to find out what's going on by the head of the mushroom tree. I'll be there, watching your back, but keeping a low profile. Are you up for that? Should take us only a minute or two, if all goes well."

Part The Second
Murphy tells the party, "Look, I am thinking of a way to slow them up, if only a bit, without drawing undue suspicion. We can undermine the area beneath the largest forge, burrowing out a small subcavern. We leave a few supporting pillars. When it's sufficiently cleared out, we buckle the pillars, allowing the forge above to fall quickly into the space we've created. It might end up slowing their weapons production a bit, and maybe gain us half a day, if we're lucky. Who knows, maybe a few giants will die or be severely injured in the cave-in. Anyone who plans to invade our valley and eat our fellow halflings I do not feel very bad about harming.

"We only do this to one forge, otherwise they will know it's a planned attack. If properly executed, they may mark it up to bad luck. How does that sound to you?"

Part the Third
"I have two Swan Boat Feather Tokens. I finally studied the rudiments of being a sailor. The river below seems to be going the right way." He describes the dimensions of the craft - and most should recall they traveled on one from Emerald City upriver to the western edge of Crescent Valley. "Someone check the river below, and see if you think the boat would fit. If so - that may be a swift way for us to attain our goal. There are risks. Is it worth trying?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 3:52:24 PM
"Nice idea Murph, but couldn't we collapse the tunnels to the surface so they can't get to us?" asks Kezzem. "Or are there too many for that to be feasible? And since I seem to be acting also serious for a second, please be sure to insert a witty comment from me here."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 4:09:39 PM
"Not a bad idea, Kezzem. It would take more exploration to determine where they may be, in addition to the ravine we're following. But for the forge collapse, perhaps we can put some meat on a stick to take advantage of the sudden heat. A nice warm meal before we beat feet." He asks the paladin. "Will that do? Not quite up to Kezzem standards, I know."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 9:48:15 PM

Bliss is embarrassed. He looks down, and says quietly to Murphy, "Wowsy, I'm not as sneaky as I used to be. Plus I'd have to earthglide up 120 ft, okay, that's fine, but then I have to climb the Tower Cap up 30 ft, and my Climbing training is really very limited. I'm really scared I'd fall and alert all the giants."

Under his breath, he mutters, "I really really should have gotten that spider cloak!"

Bliss looks around at the others. "Can we keep our eyes on the top goal? Get to the energy source, then maybe stop by to collect Tower Cap spores on the way out."

Bliss suggests we follow the waterway. He's thinking the group may have to swim or even water breathe if the water goes deep.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90
Wednesday May 22nd, 2019 11:27:31 PM
Talia still thinking about her spell slots, hears that two of the group are staying behind to monitor the giants..."Farewell & GodsSpeed my friends it was a pleasure getting to know you two, hope to see you both again someday."says Talia to Hobie and Jack.

After using these spells thus far:

1x | Overland flight | Lvl 5th
1x | Mage Armor | Lvl 1st
1x | Dim Door | Lvl 4th
1x | fireball | Lvl 3rd
1x | light | Lvl 2nd
1x | Vampiric Touch | Lvl 3rd
1x | Glitterdust | Lvl 2nd
1x | summon Monster VI | Lvl 6th

Magic Slots Left are:

8 1st lvls,
7 2nd lvls,
5 3rd lvls,
7 4th lvls,
6 5th lvls, &
4 6th lvls

I think we should serioulsy give precedence to our goals and make haste to warn those in a position to defend.

=-=-=-=-=-=

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 675 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 675 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 25 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 12:09:11 AM
"Heh, I hear you Bliss, I hear you," says Kezzem. "I used to be very sneaky too once, back in my younger days."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 11:53:38 AM
Pressi messages back to Murphy. "Just come back down. We have the information we need, and can't risk them knowing we are here. For now, they aren't a priority and we have eyes on them in case that changes."

Turning to the two friends who are staying behind, "Ok, just... be careful down here. We'll miss you guys."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 12:58:42 PM

Bliss turns to Hobie and Jack. "Usually I'm not a fan of splitting up the party, but in this case, I'll make a suggestion! Turning our backs on a hundred giants is not a good idea. Thanks, you two, for being lookouts."

"Now, who knows how far the rabbit hall this goes," he adds after a thought. "We might even have to rest up and get spells. So don't worry, you two, if we are delayed. If we take too long, head back and tell the dwarves about the giants, OK?"

When it is time, Bliss shakes hands with his two comrades and then (hopefully) leads the rest of the party toward the water per the direction from the magic compass.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 d20+15=20 ; d20+30=34 ;
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 1:52:35 PM

Murphy looks around for an area where the sight line to where the giants are is obscured. Perhaps where some rocks stick up from the ground, with space behind. Or a nearby fold in the wall of the cavern. All he needs is a small hiding place. He does not go there yet. He just marks the location.

He thinks to himself, 'Bats. There are lots of bats around here. I've been a bat several times. Natural inhabitants of caves.'

"One moment, I'm going batty up here," he tells Pressi.

Murphy wild shapes into a bat. He flits, stealthily (Stealth: 20 - and, if the nearest giant is 80 feet away, that becomes 28) up to the area of the spores (along the backside, relative to the nearest giants), and with his little bat hands tears off some of the spore-rich crown - a couple of pieces, if possible. If it takes a round or three, so be it. He then flies to the obscured place, and lands there. Then he wild shapes back into huge earth elemental, earthgliding as he changes into the adjacent stone - incorporating the fleshy spore flesh bits into his renewed form. Then he earthglides back down to his friends.

"Hi. Got it. So, you don't want me to undermine their biggest forge before we leave? - maybe summon some earth elementals to do it for us?" He is fine either way with the answer.

"Did anyone bother to check the riverbed for sizing as I asked?" (As I think the answer is no...) Murphy says, "Hold on a couple minutes, Jack and Hobie." He works his way down to the riverbed. He considers the width of the stream, and the width of the swan boat, as well as the speed of the water. If he deems it of sufficient width (say, 10 feet or wider, though 15 would be better), he then ascends, and reports whether or not the swan boat may be a viable means to travel briskly into the depths of the range.

If it looks to be a good path, he says, "Let me help you down to the riverbed - but give me a few minutes to build a landing spot for us and the boat." He explains his plan to burrow a ledge below for getting the boat set up, and to serve as an inset for docking the boat. He waits to get an okay from the party before doing so, though.

Once all is set up and ready, he reverts to his halfling form, places the two spore samples into two little bags, tears off two small scraps of parchment, on each one writes "Spores of Tower Cap" as well as today's date, and gives one to Hobie. "This will be for Kade." He places the other bag into a pants pocket.

[DM Carl - and fellow players - if this is too much crammed into one post, then please dial me back to a point of your pleasing. Just trying to help wrap up this segment for us.]

He adds, following Bliss's counsel to Hobie and Jack, "I agree with everything Bliss says. Except one thing. After waiting for a few minutes once we've left, it might be smart to return to let the dwarfs know sooner, rather than later. That is news that will be more dire and urgent if delayed overmuch."

========
Perception: 34
Stealth: 20/28

4 of 7 wild shapes used today

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 1:56:25 PM
"You two sure you're going to be okay on your own?" asks Kezzem of Hobbie and Jack. "You sure you don't want me or Succo to stab behind with you? We're a bit sturdier than you two."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 4:10:58 PM

Bliss giggles when Sir Kezzem the Paladin offers to stab his friends in the back.

DM Carl d20+14=31 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+14=22 ;
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 4:37:13 PM
Hobie and Jack's decision to stay behind and watch is met with some sadness. They really will be missed.

Murphy asks if Bliss can sneak up the tower cap, but Bliss isn't as sneaky as he used to be. He also has concerns about climbing the tower cap, but it's got a rough exterior and is as tough as any tree (OOC: climb DC is 10). Bliss wonders if they should focus on the mission and leave the tower caps for later.

Knowledge, Nature DC 25, Highlight to display spoiler: {Tower caps aren't common in this part of the world, despite their representation in popular culture. There's absolutely no guarantee you'll be able to find another one.}

Murphy also suggests they could slow down the giants by collapsing the stone beneath the forge. That's actually a really neat idea, but...

Knowledge, local or engineering DC30, Highlight to display spoiler: {Fire giants are renowned metal workers, and almost certainly chose the site for the forge carefully. They're unlikely to believe it to be just an oversight if it collapses the ground underneath it. (This is not me saying it's a bad idea.)}

Kezzem wonders if maybe they'd be better off collapsing the tunnels that lead out of this cavern. Also a neat idea! There are no obvious exits from the caverns, from Murphy's general location. It's a very big cavern and Murphy can't see all the perimeter (Also not me saying it's a bad idea).

Talia says farewell for now to her friends and takes stock of her remaining spell power.

Pressi's feels it's best to leave them and stick to the mission, but Murphy's feeling a little batty.

The druid changes shape again into one of the bats he's seen flying about. The spores of the tower cap are quite small, and even a tiny batclaw's worth contains a substantial amount of them. Looking around, he notices two fire giants look over and spot him (perception 31 and 28), but there are plenty bats around and don't particularly seem to care. Still, Murphy is likely extra special careful not to change shape again in eyesight of them!

He returns with the goods, giving half to Hobie to maximize the chance that Kade gets his spores, then makes a little dock for some swan boats. The ravine's width varies, but averages about 20' across. In some places, the party can remember it getting narrower, but usually to about 10-15'. The quick moving water in the ravine has had many, many years to wear away any true bottlenecks.

If the party wishes to travel by boat, it will indeed be faster. Pressi will probably need to go back into her old body, though. Also, the water is pretty rough. Does anyone have any experience piloting a boat in rough waters? (Looking specifically for profession-sailor)

Whether Hobie and Jack leave sooner or later depends a lot on whether our heroes are going to try and sabotage anything. If not, we'll proceed in tomorrow's post.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131 d20+17=29 ; d20+16=30 ;
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 6:06:46 PM

Murphy, after a few years of adventuring trying to handle boats and rafts without the sailing profession under his belt, finally received training in it at the WLA, and has earned his Beginning Sailor Merit Badge (he has an adjusted 8 total on this skill).

"Are we ready?" Murphy asks. "If we're agreed, I will have this feather change into a beautiful swam boat, and we can all board. Though... Pressi, how do you want us to handle your current host? A bit large for the boat - but maybe not impossible."

[Swan boat is 50' long, can hold up to 32 medium-sized creatures. It also can hold large (1 large for 4 medium slots).]

If all agree, and all climb aboard, and settle in, then Murphy will launch the craft. If there are matters to resolve before doing so, then he waits until those are taken care of.

=============
Knowledge: Engineering: 29
Knowledge: Nature: 30

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90
Thursday May 23rd, 2019 8:17:14 PM
Boat Ride

Talia looks around to see if she can help with the next task. Seeing nothing to assist with, climbs into the boat, although she is still hovering a few inches above the inside of the boat.

My Spells Active:
Mage Armor: +4 armor bonus to AC, CL12, 675 Minutes
Overland flight: fly at a speed of 40, can hustle over long distances without taking nonlethal damage, CL12, 675 minutes
Stoneskin: DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 25 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday May 24th, 2019 1:09:01 AM
"I believe that boat should be big enough for Pressi," observes Kezzem. "Yeah, she may have put on a little weight and become a spider monster, but there seems to be plenty of room."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Earth Elemental AC27 CMB18 CMD32 HP131
Friday May 24th, 2019 1:26:39 AM

"We might have to adjust the seat height for you, Talia," jests Murphy.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27
Friday May 24th, 2019 11:00:45 AM

Bliss is thinking that sometimes underground waterways eventually head completely underground, with little or no clearance for air above. What will we do with the swan boat if / when that happens?

"Well, we can buy that trouble when we get to it," he mutters. "Hey Mister Murphy, can you cast Water Breathing if we need it?"

Clambering aboard, he asks Talia if she wants a rope to hold onto. "You're kind of like a magic balloon, Miss," he declares.

Sitting in the magic boat, Bliss takes stock of what he has used and what he has left. He decides to take this ride in cat form.

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Cat: On
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 5 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 2 of 5+1 spells/day (Divine Favor, Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 3+1 of 4+1 spells/day (Extended Barkskin 3hrs, Delay Poison 9hrs, Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs, Still Silent Dance Lights)
Lvl 3: used 1 of 4+1 spells/day (Still Vomit Swarm)
Lvl 4: used 2 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect, Locate Creature)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

Continuing and still active effects:
Stoneskin DR10, CL7, 70 hp in 70 minutes
Extended Barkskin 3hrs
Delay Poison 9hrs
Extended Resist Acid 20 3hrs
Threefold Aspect (all day)
Hoping these are all still active??

CatBliss: http://bit.ly/2vSp6p9 | Bliss: http://bit.ly/2wQoG3x

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Friday May 24th, 2019 1:35:45 PM
With a heavy sigh, irlgaunt Pressi bounces herself off a couple of rocks in the river before falling in. The body bobs and drifts before dipping below the surface, the shell separating to sweep out of sight by the fast current.

By Harper's side, the gem sits. Slowly, the light fades out.

Pressi jerks her actual body from a slumped position. "I swear, I need to find some men, any men, who can't make things so complicated. Ok everyone, problem solved, all aboard. And let us never speak of this again."

She paused to see Talia just floating about. "Oh come on..."

---------------

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)
sprint used - 1/1

Pressi

spite tatoo: ghoul touch
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
see invisible?

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4+1/4+1
L4 2+1/4+1
L5 2/3+1

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90
Friday May 24th, 2019 7:21:01 PM
"Good to see you too, Pressi! This is going to be fun! I havent been in a boat on rapids in a long time!" giggles Talia with glee!

Sir Succotash (substitute Cayzle) d20+8=26 ;
Friday May 24th, 2019 11:49:01 PM

The paladin gets himself and his companion, Miss Piggy, settled in the swan boat.

He sits in the front and uses his Detect Evil ability to scan the way ahead. Maybe there might be warning of an enemy. He uses his perception too.

Roll 26!

DM Carl
Saturday May 25th, 2019 8:16:35 AM
Murphy takes a small feather and dips it into the water, where it grows rapidly until it's formed a 50' long swan boat. Feather tokens are weird...

Talia is still airborne, so she's tied to the ship.

Kezzem notes the boat should be plenty big for spider-Pressi.

Bliss asks if Murphy can cast water breathing, just in case the ravine heads underground. Well, more underground. He turns into a cat.

Pressi decides she's had enough of being an irlgaunt. She jumps overboard into the swiftly running water. It's deeper than expected, and her weight carries her under instantly. She pops back into her body before it gets out of range. Somewhere down the current is a very confused irlgaunt.

Succotash takes point, keeping his eyes and paladin senses open for danger.

With Captain Murphy at the helm, the boat sails merrily down the ravine. Except, it doesn't. It's a rough voyage. The water is choppy and the ravine walls vary unpredictably. Murphy does his best, no doubt, but is it enough?

Murphy needs to make a DC 22 profession sailor check. Success indicates he steers the large craft more or less successfully through the ravine.

Failure by 5 - 10 indicates a successful, but rough trip. Everyone else must make a DC 15 fort save or be nauseated for one hour.

Failure by more than 10 indicates the ship is damaged and the party is forced to abandon ship.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) d20+8=27 ;
Saturday May 25th, 2019 3:16:18 PM

Before the water journey begins
Alarmed by the fall and harm done to Pressi's host - then watching it be swept away in the current, Murphy has to remind himself of what little he was told of the spell. He watches the gem fade, and the soul return to Pressi's previously limp body.

He rushes over to take hold of her. "Pressi - Pressi. I do not like that spell. I do not like it at all!" Somewhere within him may be awakening the feeling that his friends have when he does something he is fine with, but they think is potentially quite dangerous.

After she makes her proclamation, the towhead answers, "I come from a family of complicators - and simplifiers. Sometimes one thing is needed, and sometimes the other."

Downstream voyage
"Sure, I can cast water breathing, Bliss - tomorrow."

Just before they set out, Murphy uses some of his cordage to wrap the DPAA so that if there is a mishap, it will be less likely to be swept away. He fashions two points of attachment - one to a loop to run around the back of the neck, and one to fasten to something else - a belt, or bench, or whatever the wielder (who wants to monitor the sensor Tiana fashioned?) chooses.

The experience from Murphy's multiple weeks of untrained river navigation in prior adventures melds nicely with his recent formal training in sailing. [Profession: Sailor: 27].

"Woo-hoo!" he exults in some of the areas of rapids. As they descend further into the depths, Murphy uses his know direction spell fairly frequently as he mentally maps the twists and turns of the subwoldian waterway. He also notes from time to time possible intermediate landing sites. He ponders the notion of using his remaining unused swan boat feather token of ferrying the crew back upstream.

In anticipation of possible mishaps, Murphy generates multiple rescue / recovery plans for crew and craft. "Does everyone have a waterskin? If so, it's not a bad idea to fill one with air, and tie it to your body somewhere. If you go overboard, it's nice to have something floaty to hang on to."

"So, as long as we're on a boat, some rudimentary vocabulary is helpful. The front pointy part of the boat is the bow - the forward part of the boat. The back end, or aft, is called the stern. Looking toward the bow, the left side is port, the right side is starboard. So: Bow, stern, port, starboard. Those are the four main directions. I'll tell you more later. Bow. Stern. Port. Starboard" he says as he points to each.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90
Saturday May 25th, 2019 10:49:14 PM
Talia, not trying to make Mister Murphy's life harder, stops the hovering and walks on the deck.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday May 27th, 2019 12:38:36 PM
"Hi Talia, it's nice seeing you being a little more...down to earth," says Kezzem. "I imaging you are feeling more...grounded."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12)
Monday May 27th, 2019 12:50:40 PM

"Not grounded, Kezzem. She's being shipped," responds Murphy.

"Who is using the DPAA thingee?" he asks.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Monday May 27th, 2019 1:51:31 PM
Succotash keeps his evil GPS in full go mode so as to keep his friends appraised of what maybe around the corner. He is prepared to jump ship along with Miss Piggy if the need arises.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27 d20+23=30 ;
Monday May 27th, 2019 2:13:22 PM

Bliss is amazed at Murphy's piloting skill. "Wowsy, Mister Murphy! I did not know you were a sailor! Good job!"

The halfling shifts back into cat shape as the boat continues, thinking that danger may well be just around the corner.

Perception 30 plus scent

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90
Monday May 27th, 2019 5:46:07 PM
"Mister Murphy is a treasure trove of Elecctic and ecentric knowledges...a veritable walking library of Halflingsness!" giggle Talia. "How much further do we have?" asks Talia to Pilot Murphy.

The Grotto

DM Carl
Monday May 27th, 2019 7:57:55 PM
Captain Murphy steers the boat true through the ravine. There are still bumps, and most of you are pretty soaked during the voyage, but Murphy gets everyone to the end of the line in one piece.

Talia decides to go ahead and just ground herself.

Succotash keeps his evil radar up, but nothing triggers his alarms. Miss Piggy is a faithful steed, but she probably doesn't like this too much.

KezzemIs glad to see Talia grounded, but Murphy one ups him in the pun battle.

Bliss is impressed by Murphy's boating skills.

It's likely Murphy has the DPAA, seeing how he mentioned tying it up, but for now, it doesn't really matter, because you are at your journey's end.

The water starts to pick up speed as it turns a sharp corner. The sound of roaring water can be heard as the boat turns to follow the river, but before anyone can properly investigate the sound, the bow of the ship tips downward. All our heroes have time to do is hold on as their vessel lurches forward and falls.

Luckily, it's only a drop of a few dozen feet. The boat plunges beneath the water for a bit before popping back up. Water drains from the boat's scuppers as our heroes take stock of their new situation.

The party has landed in a large, underground lake. The water turns slightly, indicating the stream likely continues its journey somewhere below the surface of the water.

The second thing that draws their attention is the prolific growth of luminescent algae. The surface of the water glows with a light blue that provides him light to the entire grotto. Along the grotto walls and ceiling, pin points of blue light flicker from a multitude of glow worms. The effect is mesmerizing. Succotash detects no evil here; it is a place of beauty and peace. A small island rises from the center of the underground lake, covered in a thick, soft moss.

Bliss and Pressi feel something else: the presence of Woldsblood here is exceptionally strong, almost as if it flows into this grotto as well.

The DPAA stops emitting a beam of light and starts to pulse slowly instead. It appears it has found its destination.

***

Witches who attempt to draw Woldsblood here do so at a -5 penalty due to having to tame the raw power of this place. If successful, an extra spell of any level is granted, but must be used within 1 day.

I'm awarding 15k XP for successfully navigating to your destination. I'm also awarding Murphy a hero point for gathering the tower cap spores and greatly simplifying the journey with his boat.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) d20+30=47 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+17=22 ;
Monday May 27th, 2019 11:13:59 PM

"Heavens be praised, we made it in one piece, and well-rinsed!" declares the novice captain.

Then is he struck dumb for a short time. He looks around at the soft glow of luminscent algae, the pale blue light eminating from the water, and the star-like blue light flickering from many scattered glow worms. He opens his mouth a few times as though about to comment, then closes it again, taking in more. Silently, he guides the beautiful, though somewhat battered swan boat in an elegant approach to the small mossy isle at lake's center.

He looks at the DPAA slung around his neck. [I had hoped someone would have claimed it. Murphy does not want to hog all the action, and he asked a few times.] Quietly he says, "This is the place. Tiana's sensor says, I think, we are home." He observes it as they draw close to the island. He draws parallel to the shore, and casts some lines ashore in hopes that someone will take them up, and find a place to secure the boat. If no one moves to do so, he says, "Um, can someone see if it's safe to walk on the moss, and take up the lines - the ropes - to tie this beautiful boat to it?" Murphy mans the boat to hold it in place until someone else has relieved him of that duty by securing the lines.
==========
Perception: 47 (general purpose look about)
Knowledge, nature: 25 (figuring out what he may know about the local flora and wee fauna)
Knowledge, engineering: 22 (trying to figure out what the DPAA is telling us, and maybe where to plug it in, if plugging it in is needed)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 12:04:41 AM
"I think the boat's supposed to stay ABOVE the water, Murphey," says Kezzem. "Just, you know, for future reference."

To Talia, he says, "I bet your wishing you stayed afloat now."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12)
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 12:47:29 AM

"Good call, Kezzem, but I thought an unexpected drop off and plunge in the water would be refreshing. Now - can you climb out, grab that rope, and see if you can tie it to something that will bear the load? If not, I've got some spikes for you, either for your next drink, or to drive in and tie a line to. Can a paladin of Gargul also be practical?

"Or Succotash? You want to help tie the boat down?"

He looks at Bliss - but decides not to directly ask a cat to help secure the boat. He is certainly willing to entertain offers from others.

"I'm holding this in place, guys, but without practical help - not just advice - progress will be slow. Usefulness scores high in my books."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 5:35:15 AM
Succotash is dumb founded by the immense beauty of the place. As he looks around from one source of beauty to the next he can only stare in awe and give thanks for the opportunity to experience this wonder. He is torn away from his entranced state by Murphy's ask for assistance, to which, not wanting to disturb the tranquility of the place , he whispers, "I'm on it Murph". He then jumps over the rail of the boat onto the island, grabbing the rope Murphy offered, and looks for a place to tie it securely.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 12:56:30 PM
"I am always full of good ideas!" declares Kezzem proudly. He'll lend his brother paladin a hand in securing the boat.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 2:27:43 PM
Along the side of the boat, Harper leaned over the edge and began retching.

Pressi looks around at the area, trying to make sense of the blood flowing within her. To Murphy, "Ok, but you should know this place is of such raw power that we might explode, and I'd rather give advice about that than tie knots. Thoughts?"

Pressi tries to use detect magic and spellcraft on the area as she explains the situation and asks Talia what she senses.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 d20+7=14 ;
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 2:50:39 PM
Talia, like the rest of the Humble Crew is dumbfounded by the Glow Grotto! Talia also looks around to see what can be seen.

Talia resume hovering and hovers over to the island to bask in the glow...."maybe this is good for my complexion?" mutters Talia!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Perception skill check: 14

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12)
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 5:47:38 PM

"Thanks, guys," Murph tells the paladins.

He feels very sorry for Harper as the large cat heaves over the side of the boat. He keeps his eye on the leopard to ensure it does not slide overboard. He is glad that Harper is the only cat onboard that seemed shaken by the travel.

Then he hears Pressi begin to lay out the nature of the magical and Woldsblood power concentrated in this large chamber. "My. But, we knew we were going to a major source of power. We need to figure out, I think, where is the best spot to rest the dual-prismatic aetherial amplifier? Or will it just soak up things from the ambience?"

Murphy adds his efforts to analyzing the arcane nature of this area by casting detect magic - which he tries to tone down / tune to find the strongest locus of magical / power emanations.

"What, your complexion needs help? I couldn't tell, Tali."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 d20+18=32 ;
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 7:37:39 PM
Talia discovering that this areais arcane...tries to decypher the nature of it....she looks ta everything...glow this and that...moss..water...everything she things you can discover the nature of...

Arcane Knowledge Skill check: 32

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 9:38:42 PM

Bliss looks around and thinks, "Wow! Just wow!"

He turns back into a halfling for conversation. "Miss Tiana said that we have to put the gems part of the doo-hickey into the 'source of power' and leave them to charge."

Bliss casts Detect Magic and if possible uses his witchy senses to get a feel for the best possible "source of power" location. When he has an idea, he asks Murphy to stick the doo-hickey in. Maybe into the water? and see if it looks like it is charging. Maybe with Detect Magic we can get an idea of when it will be finished charging.

"Maybe we need to leave it charging overnight," Bliss suggests. "That would be okay, because we can rest and get back spells in the morning before we leave. I'd love to get a sweet spell like a Miracle or a Polymorph Any Object in the morning."

DM Carl
Tuesday May 28th, 2019 10:13:02 PM
Murphy celebrates his victory before the beauty of this place silences him. He asks that someone secure the boat as he wonders what he's supposed to do now.

Succotash and Kezzem go ahead and secure the boat to the rocky island.

Pressi is somewhat concerned about the raw power of this place. She doesn't think there's any danger of spontaneous combustion, but she knows to be careful. Harper does not seem to be enjoying the trip.

She casts a detect magic spell. She sees an aura of magic that runs through the grotto. It looks like a current or river running through the water. The magic spreads out and diffuses into the rest of the lake, but it's strongest in a narrow path through the lake. Being a bloodwitch, she's almost positive that's a stream of woldsblood. It hasn't broken through the lands of rest, but the barrier between that place and this seems thin here.

She's pretty sure it poses no actual danger, though it's power does make her legs restless.

Talia and Bliss investigate as well. They likely deduce that putting the gems into the stream of woldsblood Pressi detected is a good place to start.

The gems glow faintly as Murphy puts them into the stream. He has to hold it there for several minutes before he's sure they're glowing a little brighter than before. Bliss thinks they may need to leave it overnight to charge, which is an astute observation.

Near the grotto wall where the rivulet of woldsblood flows from solid stone is a shallow area untouched by the lake's current. It seems like a safe place to leave the DPAA to charge without having to keep a hand on it.

***

OOC: I should have said "any spell you can cast" instead of any spell. Part of me wants to see what you two would do with sudden access to high level spells, but the majority of me knows you'd just break this module's boss fight. I'll compromise and say any level you can already cast +1. So, if you can cast 4th level spells max, you can chose a 5th level spell. So, let me rephrase:

Witches who attempt to draw Woldsblood here do so at a -5 penalty due to having to tame the raw power of this place. If successful, an extra spell of any level, plus one additional level, already available to the bloodwitch is granted, but must be used within 1 day.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) d20+30=50 ; d20+16=33 ;
Wednesday May 29th, 2019 3:57:36 AM

Travel Time
How long did it take to get from next to the giants' lair downstream to this cavern? We likely started the boat-segment of the journey at about 11 am or so. Was it an hour of travel? More?

DPAA Watches
Murphy suggests that a watch be set over the DPAA. "It is the heart of what we are here to do. Unwise it would be for us not to have someone minding it at all times. I will take either 2nd watch, or last watch. There are a few other things I need to do before I stand my watch. Let me know if this makes sense to you all. Feel free to rearrange your watch, trade with another, whatever."

1st Watch: Kezzem
2nd Watch: Murphy
3rd Watch: Pressi
4th Watch: Bliss
5th Watch: Succotash
6th Watch: Talia

Exploration
The druid wishes to explore the depths of the cavern. "I do not know what all creatures' forms you - Pressi and Bliss - may assume. If one or both of you would like to join me, I thought to adopt a form suitable for swimming - whether fish or water elemental, and explore underwater the extents of this cavern." If either wishes to accept, he is happy for the company. If not, he still promises to maintain contact with Pressi as he explores.

He does wish to spend some time as a water elemental, but first as something else. He mentions gar, giant gar, squid, octopus, dimetrodon, giant moray eel, dolphin as a few of the possibilities.

Diving into the water though is first preceded by less immersive discovery. The druid takes up a handful of water, and tastes the water. If it seems fine, he then swallows some. If no harm comes and it seems safely potable, he drinks a bit more.

He walks on the mossy island, seeing what lies beneath the moss, and whether aught other than moss is to be found here. He encourages his mates to see what they might learn through exploration, too.

Murphy takes small samples of flora. He examines fauna, too - including the glow worms, of course.
===========
Perception: 50 (nat 20)
Knowledge, Nature: 33

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Wednesday May 29th, 2019 5:40:38 AM
Succotash has no preference as to when he takes his watch, and would gladly exchange time slots with anyone if they would prefer his time slot.

Succotash takes the time to give Miss Piggy a good rub down and then he decides to find a comfortable place to lay on his back so he can marvel at the beauty of the place.

In the morning, he spends an hour in prayer with Pantheon, and prepares his spells.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday May 29th, 2019 7:42:57 AM
Question: does the bonus spell apply to all casters or just bloodwitches?

Kezzem inspects the cavern with a detect evil before the party settle in to rest.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23 d20+10=20 ;
Wednesday May 29th, 2019 10:20:43 AM
In answer to Murphy's question, Pressi tells the group about the river of woldsblood energy. "As to where to place the amplifier or the gems I couldn't tell you for sure. But this narrow path through the lake does seem to be a good start."

Pressi wonders if she can use alter self but it might be difficult. (I'm considering a nymph, but that's fey. Maybe a lizardfolk again?) She agrees that going for a swim might be needed but recommends caution - they don't know what will happen if they get too close to the ribbon.

Murphy testing the water itself is a good start but Pressi tries another arcane eye down there first, followed by dropping a rock down there.

The watch order should be successful (unless we want to do pairs). Pressi needs eight hours of rest but it need not be continuous.

In the morning, Pressi makes her rolls and manages to wrangle the woldsblood easily enough. Power rushes through her almost immediately, however, and she can see new possibilities.

---------------

Both
Ritual of Warding
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith

Harper
Resist Energy: Acid (From Murphy)
sprint used - 1/1

Pressi

spite tatoo: ghoul touch
Protection from Energy - self
Stoneskin - Talia
see invisible?

L1 1/7+1
L2 3/5+1
L3 4+1/4+1
L4 3+1/4+1
L5 2/3+1
L6 1

(resets after this)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 d20+7=26 ;
Wednesday May 29th, 2019 9:44:48 PM
Talia, feeling the arcane buzz through her, decides to take a swim in the blue grotto before her watch post to guard over the Arcane GPS DooHicky.

Swimming

Talia changes the Bill's Stylish Pants o' Plenty using her secret command words into something akin to a one-piece swimming suit and goes and takes a dip into the blue grotto. She spends about 2 hours swimming around as well as floating on her back. She uses her skillin perception to notice anything different while swimming about.

Skill check: Perception: 26

Guarding the Doo-Hicky

After dragging herself out of the waters of the blue grotto, she changes to Bill's Stylish Pants o' Plenty back to her standard attire and sets off to prep for her watch of the Golden Doo-Hicky!

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27
Wednesday May 29th, 2019 9:54:06 PM

Bliss gives advice on how to set the doo-hickey for charging. He casts a Message cantrip on Murphy, and listens as the fellow does his underwater exploring. If he calls out (gurgles out?), Bliss will change into a giant octopus and swim down to see if he can help. Or maybe a small water elemental, per the Polymorph spell.

[OOC: Note that beast shape spells, and thus wildshaping as an animal, does not grant water breathing. A water elemental is prob a better bet for long-term searching.]

DM Carl
Wednesday May 29th, 2019 11:18:38 PM
Murphy checks his mental clock and finds it about 3:00 PM. After setting a watch for the DPAA, he decides to taste the water. Assuming he pulls from below the layer of bio-luminescent algae, he finds some very refreshing water with a high mineral content that is safe enough to drink.

He shifts to a *insert fish or aquatic mammal here* and finds it gets dark fast down there. As a water elemental, he has darkvision out to 60', but it's something to be aware of in another form. He goes exploring, but finds there's a lot to explore (will pick up with Pressi's arcane eye). He collects some glow worms, some algae, and a few small, eyeless fish.

In the mean time, our paladins inspect the place for evil and settle down, letting the nature lovers do their thing. They find this moss is going to be very nice to sleep on, and may find themselves napping if they lounge about too long if they don't mind the cold (see below).

OOC: Bonus spell is for bloodwitches only, and the level restrictions apply to bloodwitch spells only.

Pressi concurs that the shallows seem as good a place as any to let the DPAA charge. She cannot use alter self to give herself gills (though your narrator is almost certain that was a thing in some other 3.5 game we don't play here). She wants to use arcane eye and a dropped rock to map out the depth, but Murphy has discovered how dark it is down there. She could use alter self again to give herself darkvision, and we'll just say that happens to satisfy her curiosity.

The lake is deep. It's kinda scary deep, going down about 1500', far deeper than it's relatively low surface area would imply. Exploring with her arcane eye, she can find where the underground river continues it's journey deeper into The Scab. If she explores that, she finds Bliss' warnings were correct, as there is no air available at all where it flows. Anything that gets sucked down there without water breathing is doomed. Our metal-clad paladins should be extra careful not to fall in.

Luckily, it's way down there. Regarding fauna, there's life in the lake, but nothing that threatens our heroes. Deeper down there are some decent sized fish that might be good eating, but they don't seem to go higher than about 400'. Pressi finds the rivulet of woldsblood does not extend very far down into the depths.

Talia goes for a nice swim in the lake. It's pretty cold if you're not in a form designed for this kind of water, but maybe she finds it refreshing? Despite the scary depth and current of death at the bottom, swimming around on top is safe if you're able.

Bliss stays in contact with Murphy, and maybe joins him for a bit. If he does down about 100' or so, he notices the effect of the woldsblood stream can no longer be felt.

***

Our heroes are free to explore a little more if they like, but as time passes they can't help but notice the gems aren't getting brighter any faster. They're still getting brighter, just slowly. It looks like they should make themselves comfortable. Those of you who got wet find yourselves rather cold. In fact, it's pretty chilly down here.

OOC: Cold weather rules in effect for everyone, wet or dry. We'll say it's about 4 PM for brevity's sake, and that (spoiler alert) the gems will be ready at 7 AM.

An unprotected character in cold weather (below 40� F) must make a Fortitude save each hour (DC 15, +1 per previous check) or take 1d6 points of nonlethal damage. A character who has the Survival skill may receive a bonus on this saving throw and might be able to apply this bonus to other characters as well (see the skill description).

There's absolutely nothing to burn down here for warmth, but our heroes are intrepid! Surely they have some way of keeping warm.

Or maybe they just have a miserable night. That'd be a shame in such a beautiful place.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday May 29th, 2019 11:30:17 PM
"Well, I checked over the moss, and it did not detect evil," says Kezzem. "That said, I am keeping an eye on that patch over there. They know why."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+6=8 ; d20+6=16 ;
Thursday May 30th, 2019 5:46:11 AM
Due to the cold air, Succotash changes into his cold weather outfit, then re-dons his armor. After changing, he pulls out his winter blanket, and drapes it over Miss Piggy saying, "It's a little to early for you to grow your winter coat, but this should help". Once both him and Miss Piggy are warmed up a bit, due to the extra layers, Succotash decides to find a cozy spot to sit down and pull out the clarinet he got, as a gift, at the Giggling Ghost, and tries to preform a song, but apparently the instrument is out of adjustment. After some adjusting, he is able to produce a semi-decent rendition of Ode to Joy.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12)
Thursday May 30th, 2019 6:33:03 AM

Name That Cavern
"This is such a lovely spot. Surely few have been in this place before, or for ages. I do believe that explorers are granted naming rights. How shall we style this cavern? By what name should we remember it?" Murphy asks the group.

Dealing With Cool
Due to the chill in the air, the druid takes out a bedroll, and a medium-sized blanket - room in itself enough for two or three halflings to keep warm. He also brings out a fair-sized rectangle of canvas, which can be laid out. "Did everyone bring their own blankets, or bed rolls? The moss surely is soft and comfortable, yet also chill. Resting in the boat may be not as soft, but also not as likely to sap the warmth of our bodies."

Aqua Map Man
Since as a water elemental, Murphy can swim at a ridiculous speed (120'), he takes advantage of that ability to engage in one of his favorite pastimes - cartography. Gathering information to form a clear image in his mind of where things lie in relation to one another. Mapping things out.

As Talia seems to have a penchant for such to a degree as well, prior to wild shaping he provides her paper, pen and ink. Every few minutes he pops up to relate to her additional aspects of the underwater environment that she might jot down. Depths, dimensions, currents, protrusions, and similar items of interest. For perhaps an hour or so he performs as complete an exploration as is feasible. Once that is accomplished, he next swims upstream where the boat shot from the long stream into the cavern. He goes up to a hundred yards or so from where the current first increased. It might be that the group will need to begin their return voyage from that position, as he doubts he can navigate the swan boat back up the last segment entering the cavern. So he plots a starting point.

Exit Point
"Pressi, Bliss, I'm going to make a route for us to ascend after the DPAA is fully charged. It might take a little time. Switching back to earth elemental, and I'll dig a nice, easy, sloping tunnel we all can use to get past the rushing water that plopped us here."

If any want to be with him, or nearby, as he does the work, he arranges to transport them before he changes from water to earth elemental.

So long as she, Bliss, or others do not object, he works on that, burrowing a tunnel with easy bends, and gentle slope, about ten feet in circumference, coming into the cavern about forty feet away from the water torrent - and on a side away from where he was told the Woldsblood flows. He does not want to mess with Woldsblood more than is necessary. The upstream side is about 15 feet above the water level, and he fashions a ramp going down to a few feet above the water's edge.

Any interesting rocks or gems he will note, and take up a few of them to share with others.

Sittin' and Talkin'
After all his work is done, he sits down next to Pressi. "Hi." He talks with her about what they have been going through, what may be on the horizon. Asks her questions - just catching up. If others are near, he chats with them, too.

He breaks out some food, shares it around. He listens to Succotash playing the clarinet.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27 d20+14=15 ; d20+8=27 ; d8=7 ;
Thursday May 30th, 2019 7:32:55 AM

"Wowsy," says Bliss, "I think of myself more like a warrior than a magic-user, but I think I have some magic help for our challenges today!"

He casts two Rose's Temperature Control. One keeps himself nice and warm -- though the spell cannot be cast on others.

Then he uses his Survival skill [rolls a 15] to help his friends. He uses a second Temp Control to warm up some tea or broth or other warm drink after seeing whatever it is he can scrounge up from party supplies or fishes or mosses that his skill suggests. He looks carefully at Sir Kezzem's patch of moss, never quite sure if the paladin is serious or making a funny.

He casts a third Temp Control on the blanket that Harper and Miss Piggy can snuggle under.

The next day, after a good rest, Bliss sits with his toes dangling in the Woldsblood-empowered water and draws raw power from the Realm of Shadows into the Wold, as he does every day. Today, though, the job is harder, what with all the raw ambient infusion. First, he concentrates.

[Roll concentration check at -5 vs DC14 ... 1d20+9+4-5 = 27 rolled.]

Bliss has no problem drawing the drop of Woldsblood that he needs. Per his pact, he sends a good chunk of that energy to the Silver Lady. The rest he puts into his empty spell slots, 1st level through 4th, filling them with potential.

"Huh!" says Bliss to himself, "I've got energy leftover for a change!" He intuits a solution and fills a fifth level slot! "Wowsy! I could DO stuff with this!"

He goes over to Miss Pressi and sees how she is doing with her morning draw. She has no problem!

For a change, Bliss does not use his Grimalkin ritual. He joins Miss Pressi in her Ritual of Warding. "I don't think I'll be a cat today," he declares on a whim.

He does stick to procedure with the Ritual of Sharing. He bumps up Miss Pressi's caster level by +1 with a Surrender Blood spell and shares a Shield of Faith with her and Harper.

He uses his wand to repair the damage of the Surrender Blood ... one charge is enough. He casts his Threefold Aspect and his extended Barkskin as usual, and he is set for the day.

When Mister Murphy talks about digging out a tunnel, Bliss is not down with that. "I don't think we have to wreck this beautiful place with lots of digging," he suggests. "We can just Shadow Walk back to the dwarves, right? Miss Pressi can cast that, or so can I, today!"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12)
Thursday May 30th, 2019 8:10:04 AM

"Not wrecking, Bliss. But, Shadow Walk is fine, sure," Murphy responds. "Thanks for sharing the warmth, by the way."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday May 30th, 2019 12:08:58 PM
"Um...Humble's Grotto?" suggests Kezzem

DM Edit: This gets my vote.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday May 30th, 2019 2:13:03 PM
Pressi works along with Bliss, activating her own Temperature controls, participating in morning rituals, and activating her own surrender blood/CLW. (She extends Shield of Faith using her lesser rod.) Using her last 4th level spell, she polymorphs into something that can grab a fish from that depth and take a look at the center where the energy ribbon stops.

She considers using all these Rose Temp Controls to instead build an igloo but that's rather cutesy even for this team.

In addition to the bedroll, Pressi breaks out a couple of torches, her flint and steel, and a few prestidigitations and profession and survival checks. It doesn't take too long to make the fish and some rations into a quick meal.

Harper chooses the moss that Kezzem mistrusts as her bed. It knows why.

There isn't much else to do but wait things out.

----------------

Both
Ritual of Warding (shared with Bliss)
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith (extended)

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 1/5+1
L6: 1+0

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12)
Thursday May 30th, 2019 4:28:07 PM

One more exploratory item - during his mapping Murphy explores to three to four hundred feet the watery exit from the cavern, then returns.

Back on shore. "I like that, Kezzem," Murphy says. After thinking about it for a minute, he adds, "How about, 'Humble's Grotto of Peace and Power'? Or HGPP for short, where we recharged the DPAA." He grins.

Murphy's proposition to dig an alternate passageway was in the late afternoon/early evening, not in the morning. He wants to start the new day with a fresh set of wild shaping available.

He enjoys the fish Pressi prepared. If she was not able to find something in the shallower water, he could have retrieved a decent sized fish from deeper down. After dinner, he writes down notes on the various fish, the glow worms, with sketches. "I need to get colored inks, or paints," he says to no one in particular.

Moss Talk
Murphy lies on a spot of moss (with canvas under it, in his bedroll) near Pressi and the suspicious moss. Actually, he sits there, looking about. "This is among the most beautiful places I've been in, Press. Good to be with you in so many amazing places. Remember Emerald City?" he asks her.

He awaits her response. Then says, "I designed, working with elves, something of beauty back there. And would like you to have it, as a token." It is a ring with woven bands of ironwood, silver, gold, and platinum. Embedded within a slightly thicker part of the weave is a beautiful, high quality, but small diamond.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday May 30th, 2019 8:07:43 PM
Pressi takes some time before bed to approach Talia. "You know, I figured it was about time the two of us got to know each other better, and to see if I could make you more comfortable within the group. So... how did you wind up becoming a spellcaster? What's your story?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90
Thursday May 30th, 2019 11:08:14 PM
Talia uses the command word for her Bill's Stylish Pants o' Plenty to change the color to match that of the Blue grotto and of a durable winter frabic, to help mitagate the cold.

"Mister Murphy, sir? Would you happen to have an additional blanket or something. Apparently I leaft my warm weather gear including bedroll at the compound. Silly Me!" says Talia.

Pressi's Inquiry

Taking Talia off guard, Pressi approaches Talia, and asks, "So... how did you wind up becoming a spellcaster? What's your story?"

It's kinda funny you should ask, but I have always been a spellcaster. I was born this way. In the beginning, whomever took care of me, helping to rasie me, was shocked, that I was able to do anything, and kept thinking it was the wind and the like. I do not have very many memories of my family...its all kind of a blur.

I do have the one friend, Rayya, but I asked her to stay behind and to guard the compound.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+1(+3), touch AC 18+1(+3); HP 116/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4+1, touch 14+4+1; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday May 31st, 2019 12:19:58 AM
Back on shore. "I like that, Kezzem," Murphy says. After thinking about it for a minute, he adds, "How about, 'Humble's Grotto of Peace and Power'? Or HGPP for short, where we recharged the DPAA." He grins.

"Ack!" shouts Kezzem. "I am being attacked by letters!"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12)
Friday May 31st, 2019 1:54:15 AM

"Oh, yes, of course, Talia." He gives her his medium-sized blanket - the size a human might use. A halfing could bundle up in multiple layers with it.

"I also can cast on you resist energy versus cold, which lasts for two hours. Isn't that about how long you like to sink into meditation?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Friday May 31st, 2019 5:23:16 AM
"I think Humble's Grotto is perfect, Kezzem, no sense in over complicating something as simple as a name", Succotash pipes in, "Then again Murphy does have a lot of words in his name, so maybe he thinks all names should be multi worded, but I like to keep it simple, heck I don't even have a middle name"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90
Friday May 31st, 2019 9:03:21 AM
"Thank you, Mister Murphy, the blanket will be awesome. As much as I would love that opportunity to meditate in a relaxed and comfortable manner, I also have 6th watch! Any idea what watch we are on now?" asks Talia.

"Really?! Kezzem?! That's the best you've come up with? Can't we called it Scaab Spa? Short Simple...and it belays the idea that death is close by." says Talia aloud.

DM Carl
Friday May 31st, 2019 10:40:46 AM
A quick note on the woldsblood stream in case I wasn't clear: The stream is safely tucked away in the realm of shadows. The distance between that realm and here is just very small, comparatively speaking. Even Pressi can splash around and play in it safely, though it may raise the hair on the back of her neck.

Kezzem keeps an eye on a particular patch of moss and comes up with the obvious choice of name for this place: Humble's Grotto.

Succotash gets his cold weather gear on and provides Miss Piggy with his winter blanket. It'll keep them alive, though maybe not comfortable in the cold. After a rough start, he provides some music while Humble's Sword sits around and waits.

Murphy notes the boat may sap the heat from everyone less than the moss. He's got a point, but sleeping on that boat's gonna be pretty uncomfortable. Up to our heroes.

With Talia's assistance, he maps out the underwater lake. The cold undoubtedly doesn't bother him in elemental form. It takes some time, as there's a crazy volume of water to explore, but he gets it done. The only thing interesting down there is the fauna, though.

He advises a plan to shape a path back up, though Bliss does not agree with marring the natural beauty of this place, and suggests a shadow walk back to the dwarves. If he wants to pop into the realm of shadow this close to a woldsblood stream, he's welcome to try!

Bliss has just the spell for this situation, and puts it to good use.

Pressi follows suit with the temperature control, then provides a fish dinner. Harper finds the suspicious patch of moss extra chushy. It's everyone else's loss, really. Blame Kezzem.

Murphy decides to map out the stream that exits from this lake. It's a narrow exit, and the water is under extreme pressure. He can do it, but even for a water elemental, it takes a lot of effort to come back upstream all that way. He can do it, but he's exhausted when he finally returns. He finds the energy to give Pressi a gift.

Talia grabs and extra blanket from Murphy, then her and Pressi have a chat.

***

It's a peaceful evening, and comfortable enough with the provisions and magic available to the group. As the night goes on and the watch shifts change out, the crystals' glow steadily grow in intensity. By the time morning rolls around, they're bright enough to illuminate the entire grotto. The place is much less magical with the harsh, artificial glow. Just a hole in the earth with algae covered water and worms all over the walls. Our heroes hopefully remember that the crystals only glow when inserted into the DPAA, and that there's really no good reason to keep them there anymore.

Now. How is everyone getting out of this place?

***

I'm not clear if Murphy dug his tunnel or not. Let's make a decision one way or the other before my next post.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday May 31st, 2019 12:17:55 PM
"What can I say, I like things that are simple and to the point," says Kezzem. "Like daggers."

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12)
Friday May 31st, 2019 12:48:24 PM

After learning of the nature of the shadow-inhabiting woldsblood, and considering the nature of shadow walking, Murphy reconsiders his acquiescence to Bliss's objection to a tunnel. He tells the group that attempting to shadow walk from this locale may be a deadly enterprise.

"Bliss, you don't want me 'messing up' this grotto. I can dig without causing a huge mess - also, this pool is almost a mile deep. You think a little bit of stony rubble, sunk to the bottom, is going to cause problems or mar beauty?

"I'm going suggest the members of the Sword consider my proposal, with a modification. I can build the tunnel now (we're talking about 7 or 8pm), so that we have a safe path out and upwards on the morrow. And, in the morning I can memorize a spell or two that will allow me to shape the stone, to cover up the upstream entrance to the tunnel, so that people will not know about it coming downstream. Not that many are likely to do so.

"Another possibility exists. I can change to water elemental, and carry a few of you at a time upstream the way we came in. Pressi, it may be tough to persuade Harper to do so. For Miss Piggy - I know she can pop in and out. And you'll all get soaking wet.

"Paladins, sorceress, witches - let me know your wishes." If the group concurs the tunnel should be built, he will have done so. If not, he asks if the upstream ferrying is what they wish, or taking a huge risk with shadow walk. "Or, does someone have another solution?"

Once they are well on the upstream side, however they get there, perhaps a hundred or two hundred yards from where the stream accelerated to enter the grotto, he can lay down another swan boat, if people are amenable to that form of travel - Harper excepted. "If we want to get well away from the grotto, perhaps shadow walk from there might arguably be a better way to travel."

Murphy wonders, also, whether the rock and soil in this area may have absorbed a measure of the power and magic of this cave. He gathers about four or five pounds of soil from the mossy isle (and some of the moss), and about ten pounds of stones. Any gems in the area?

"Will someone go ahead and carefully remove the gems for recharging the Encompassing Mind from the DPAA, and place them in a safe place?" Murphy requests in the morning.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27
Friday May 31st, 2019 2:52:25 PM

After pondering it, Bliss says he thinks the shadow walking is too risky.

Bliss asks Murphy, "You found an underground river exit, right? Maybe we are supposed to go out that way? With Water Breathing, we can just sink down and walk along the river, right?"

"Or with water breathing, we can just climb out the way we came in."

Bliss looks at the waterfall and tries to figure out the Climb DC, if you did not have to worry about drowning.

Could one fly up the waterfall? How long a rope would you need from the top?

Bliss is happy to pick up the doohickey after it is charged and to carry it back home.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12)
Friday May 31st, 2019 5:08:05 PM

"The underground river exit - is out the other side of the cavern, deeper into the mountains, and it's fast, no air above, and likely highly dangerous. As a water elemental who can move 120, I barely got back. That is not the way to go, Bliss. The way we came in is a waterfall. Tell me how we get Harper up that? I'm not saying it's impossible. Just not optimal." However, he does look to see how much air space there is between the incoming water level and the area above it.

He turns to the others: "Kezzem, Pressi, Talia, Succotash - are you all right with me making a safe alternative way out of here? It's not a hard thing for me to do, and is a sure way out. And I can seal it with stone as we leave."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Friday May 31st, 2019 9:30:56 PM
"Spider Oasis? Underground Oasis? The Oasis Band?"

Yes, Pressi is that tired. Too tired to follow up with a question like "So who raised you?" Barely enough to mumble something about how the people who raise you don't always see your potential.

Pressi is fine with the tunneling, though she's unclear as to how high up the tunnel goes. She figures that Murphy tends to be careful in these kinds of things, so she doesn't consider ruining the prestine nature of this area a strong risk.

Flight or swimming up is another option - the four casters probably do have enough spells to carry the two paladins and Harper.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12)
Saturday June 1st, 2019 12:00:57 AM

"One additional thought, Bliss. We can use among us five or six or more spells just to get out of here - flight, water breathing, whatever - or conserve those spell slots for other uses. What if we get in another fight? You want a bunch of our power just used up on getting out of this beautiful grotto?" Murphy asks. "With my plan, we walk out, I use one spell to seal the tunnel, and we're on our way. Conservation of power, flexibility of plans."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday June 1st, 2019 12:54:29 AM
"Yeah, I vote for the tunnel," says Kezzem. "I'm not too sure I like that water elemental idea. So let's go ahead and tunnel since you use your druid magics to shape the stone make a Wonder Wall in this Oasis."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) d20+19=30 ;
Saturday June 1st, 2019 3:19:09 AM

Unless another negative vote comes in, Murphy will develop a structurally sound, gently sloped route through the solid rock back up to a point at least 50 yards upstream of where the water hastens greatly before entering the grotto. It would be easiest for him to make the tunnel 8' - 10' in diameter, allowing all to pass without undue problems through the bulk of the passage (and he makes the walking surface flat for the most part, rather than curved), though the entrance and exit are of a smaller size - 5'4" in diameter. About three feet inside the tunnel closest to the cavern, he finger-carves in the rock the initials: "H.G." Let that puzzle future visitors.

Out of agreement with Bliss's concerns for neatness, he ensures the rubble is delivered into the depths, and the tunnel and immediate surrounding area is nearly neat as a pin.

As she seemed way too exhausted to notice when he proffered the ring to Pressi, Murphy quietly withdraws the offer for now, and will wait for a more propitious occasion. This occasion seemed propitious to him, but that turned out not to be the case.

In the morning after breakfast and spell meditation, and once all seem ready, Murphy asks people to climb back into the swan boat, and he ferries them over to the lower tunnel entrance. Once all are off loaded, he steps out, and gives the boat a gentle push away from the falls, to live out the balance of its maybe three hours of existence.

On the upward end of the tunnel, people and critters will find that they will need to squeeze themselves through a five foot four inch diameter final few feet. "I wanted to have to use only one spell, cast twice to close it up. Sorry for the tight fit at the end."

He will use stone shape to close off the ends. There will remain a small, one inch diameter, one foot deep hole in the wall to where the tunnel begins to widen. He stuffs the hole on the upward end with a few little pebbles.

Assuming all make it safely up and out, he asks, "So, shadow walk from here? Another swan boat to travel upstream? Or some other way to get us back home?"
=========
Knowledge, Engineeering: 30 (including a +2 circumstantial bonus for extensive earth elemental tunneling experience)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Saturday June 1st, 2019 7:26:18 AM
"Last time we shadow walked, I almost died, however, if you guys want to take that route, I'm down, but I would prefer the boat", Succotash answers Murphy after they make it out of the grotto.

DM Carl
Saturday June 1st, 2019 2:13:01 PM
Kezzem gets right to the point.

Murphy suggests he can tunnel out of here, though he'll have to tell your narrator how he intends to do that.

OOC: Per the rules for an earth elemental:
Its burrowing leaves behind no tunnel or hole, nor does it create any ripple or other sign of its presence.

This wasn't something I was aware of before, but we're going forward within the rules rather than forever granting earth elementals a new ability. No, this is not open for debate.

The rest of the party is on board with the tunnel, which is still a good idea, so long as someone figures out how to do it.

Bliss suggests a few water breathing spells and wildshapes, then following the stream out of the lake. Murphy tends to think this is far too dangerous. Plus, it may just drain into an underground aquifer. Then where would our heroes be?

***

Yea, I realize this is a jerk-DM move rule change, but I do my best to keep to raw. All those tunnels in Humble's Ford are still there and safe.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12)
Saturday June 1st, 2019 2:48:59 PM

[If that be the case - this whole discussion is kaput :-) - for the making of the tunnels, it was ruled that an earth elemental could dig, though its normal movement was to earthglide.]

As, when the swan boat entered the grotto, it did not get clobbered by rocks - there must be some sort of air space above the watery torrent as it enters the cavern. "We can fly out. So as to save having to use too many spells, I can wildshape to air elemental, and carry people and animals out a few at a time," suggests Murphy, awaiting concurrence or other plans from the rest of the party. If all agree to this simple plan, he carries it out, finding a decent place to set them down upstream.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27
Saturday June 1st, 2019 3:59:41 PM

"Everybody, hold on. We'll think better after second breakfast." Bliss shares out a meal from his elven lunchbox (the magic one that can feed a person a day). There's enough for everyone to have a little snack, plus some leftover fish maybe.

"Mister Murphy, you can fly for sure. And you can carry someone. I'd rather fly myself, please. What if the waterfall sweeps me out of your arms?"

Bliss counts on his fingers.

"The Paladins can send Miss Piggy and Rumpus away and call them later. Miss Talia can fly like yesterday [Overland Flight]. I can turn Sir Succotash into a dire bat," says Bliss [using a Polymorph spell] and also fly out myself as an eagle [using Beast Shape I]. Miss Pressi can Polymorph Sir Kezzem into a dire bat or an eagle too. And she can turn herself and Harper into eagles [with two BSIs]. So that's everybody, right?

Bliss looks at the waterfall from below, gauging difficulties. [OOC to Kindly DM: What Fly skill checks are we talking to fly out? What about a climb DC, as, say, an octopus crawling up the waterfall?]

[OOC to Murphy: I thought that you were digging tunnels in the earth, back in Humbles Ford. Was it really solid bedrock?]

Bliss has an idea. "Gosh I wish I had thought of trying to brew a potion out of this magic water last night," he says. He sees Succotash is down five hp and Talia is down 1. He makes them each drink a potion of Cure Moderate Wounds. He washes out the bottles and fills them with magic water, then stows them away. "Maybe I can brew something later," he says.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90
Saturday June 1st, 2019 9:27:31 PM
Talia wonders," if she could either summon a creature or polymorph into one big enough to carry most of the group?"

"What do you folks think?" Talia asks for the group.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12)
Saturday June 1st, 2019 10:12:12 PM

"And people call me the complicator. Bliss - that's six spells or special whatsis." Murphy wildshapes into a huge air elemental, and flies up through the opening they came through. The boat they arrived in was not damaged - therefore there is air above the water at the opening. Parts of the boat extend perhaps eight to ten feet, at least, above the waterline. Therefore, there is at minimum ten feet of clearance - and maybe there is 20, or 30, or 40 feet or more of clearance. He flies through, measuring the dimensions through which they need travel.

Then he returns to the party, and reports his findings. He remains as an air elemental until further notice.

[OOC for Bliss: Murphy was digging primarly through earth in Humble's Ford, though he also moved some boulders and smaller rocks along the way. It was determined that he could do more than simply earthglide - but doing so was a fair bit more work. How can an earth elemental stand upon earth, if his only interaction with earth is to glide through it? It would be like trying to stand upon (liquid-state) water.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Sunday June 2nd, 2019 5:11:42 PM
�Yeah but it�s six spells divided between four casters,� Pressi pointed out. �We burned a ton more just buffing against irlgaunts. The 1-2 spells a piece won�t make or break us. Besides, I don�t intend to stick around now that we have the gems, so....

�I get the whole efficiency thing but there�s something about six simple moves that makes it more powerful than a single complex move. It�s called the power of friendship. Accept the power of friendship, loser. Ooh, that should be our new motto.�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Sunday June 2nd, 2019 7:16:19 PM
"If we are discussing shapeshifting options, I would like to be a tree," suggests Kezzem. "Wait, tress can't move. Nevermind then. Anything that moves would be find. Except a snake. Or a raven."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge air elemental
Sunday June 2nd, 2019 8:31:17 PM

"Uh, it seems like a single simple move to me," Murphy counters Pressi. "But, if we want to waste resources, sure. If we get in a combat later, and don't quite have as many options as we might otherwise, well, that's not to worry about, right?

"'Loser'? Surely you would want nothing to do with a loser." Murphy, willing to do all he can for the party, is very torqued at the disrespect he is feeling from some members of the party. Perhaps he is misinterpreting things...

The huge air elemental druid offers to carry any out who wish to go that way. And leaves those who don't want to be wafted in a bundle of air up and over the waterfall, to find another way.

"Am in the habit of dropping those I carry, Bliss?"

Murphy is clearly in a foul mood - which is odd, as he is not one given to moodiness. I don't think he has ever felt the way he is feeling right now towards some of his party members.

[OOC: Don't worry - this is how Murphy is feeling, not how Kim is feeling.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Sunday June 2nd, 2019 10:11:06 PM
�Whoa, whoa, I was just kidding about the loser part... mostly. Look, both plans have their pros and cons, and I don�t have a stake in this decision. But your plan has no backup should something go wrong, and Bliss�s plan has redundancy in such a case.

�If one of you backs down, I�ll support the other. But are we really going to quibble over margins here. If I can�t spare an extra spell slot or two, I�d be a lousy support caster.�

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27
Monday June 3rd, 2019 12:06:57 AM
"We should all go together so that the party is not split."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Monday June 3rd, 2019 5:40:01 AM
Succotash looks at his friends with not a small amount of frustration, then says, "Come on guys, are we really going to squabble over something as ridicules as what method we are going to use to fly out of here?" "Personally I'm not a huge fan of being polymorphed", Succotash continues, "Last time that happened we were facing off against some dwarves in the iron giant, and I was a bat, imagine the disgrace of being in a fight, and my only recourse was dropping guano on the enemy".

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge air elemental
Monday June 3rd, 2019 5:54:24 AM

Murphy gives Pressi a skeptical look as she only partially backtracks on what she called him.

"Tell you what - those who would like a lift out of here, I'll give it," Murphy says. "Those who want to use other means, that's fine. I have already gone up and through to see what's on the other side. And we can time things to be getting up there fairly close in time to each other. I'd be happy to spot any who choose to climb, so long as I'm not ferrying in the meantime."

The wild shaped druid easily can carry two at a time.

[awaiting DM filling in the info from an earlier post - 'If someone is waiting there for us - I'll let you know.']

DM Carl
Monday June 3rd, 2019 11:57:12 AM
Our heroes put forth a *ton* of effort and discussion over how to climb up a few dozen feet.

Climb checks are DC 10 since it's a rough cave wall. I wouldn't call for fly checks since there's enough room to gently circle about and gain altitude.

Bliss wonders aloud why he didn't think to brew something with this special water (keep in mind natural overnight healing if you're down a HP or so).

As tempted as your narrator is to hand wave this away in the issue of party unity, our heroes should really learn to move past issues like these without so much drama. Some of our heroes understand this, at least.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge air elemental
Monday June 3rd, 2019 1:58:33 PM

[OOC: As our DM did not report back anything specific or out of the ordinary from Murphy's surveillance flight up and out, I am assuming the coast is clear - no visible ambush awaits us.]

"Anyone want a lift?" he asks. Air elemental (about 32' long, 16' wide) Murphy will carry whoever wishes to be carried, and set them down along the most travel-worthy side of the riverbank. After he has carried people up (which he can do very quickly), he hovers near whoever chooses to try the easy climb, waiting to catch any who may slip.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+3=18 ;
Monday June 3rd, 2019 2:46:50 PM
"I'll go first," volunteers Kezzem.

"This is weird, this is weird, this is weird, this is weird," repeats Kezzem as Murphey flies him up.

Once there, he will activate Detect Evil and look around.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 = 18 (19 for Traps)

If Kezzem expects smooth traveling from here on out, he will Summon Rumpus; otherwise, he will wait for better terrain before bringing in his pony.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90
Monday June 3rd, 2019 4:12:11 PM
Talia just hovers up to the distance needed to clear the hurdle. "Where are we going exactly? I thought we were looking for an expidenent way back to the dwarfs?!" says Talia somewhat questioning.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Monday June 3rd, 2019 8:40:21 PM
Before Murphy performs his transformation, Pressi pulls him aside to as much privacy as the open grotto can muster, moving back towards the pool where the woldsblood can be drawn.

"Look, I know that I need to be a little less cavalier about my insults. I need you to know that I really do think the world of you... and it's kind of hard to think very well of myself, to remember that anyone actually looks to me as anything but a street rat. Still, it should be clear that I meant nothing more than to try to snark at my own logic, and nothing more. At any rate, I need you to be an adult, even when I'm not.

"And if this is about the ring thing, look, I'm sorry that things are distracted. But while it's a nice place, it's the wrong time. Last night was the time to focus on survival, charging the crystals, and keeping up with the rest of the group. I just feel that you should have waited until..."

A dozen of Pressi's cantrips began to fire at the same time, music filling the nook, wold energy sprouting as a fountain, dazzling lights surrounding them.

"... See, now this is a better time if you want to ask me something."

--------------

After Pressi and Murphy return, Pressi also pulls Talia aside. "I kind of feel like you opened up to me and I left you hanging, and I'm sorry. I wasn't sure how much to pry about... caretakers and stuff. But I do know how hard it is to explain yourself to the people that raise you."

----------------

Pressi allows Murphy to bring up Harper first. The cat's objections end when Pressi points out that she never intended to polymorph either of them. "You see this broom? You get on the back and hang on."

Pressi watches with curiosity what Bliss will do, and generally stays behind to be brought up last, acting if any spells are needed.

-------------

(OOC: Sorry for the disjointed post. I didn't have full time to RP the last couple of days and some of the RP stuff got buried. I'm only now beginning to play catchup.)

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27
Monday June 3rd, 2019 10:54:34 PM

Bliss shrugs. "I just want someone up there to be on guard."

He changes into an eagle with Beast Shape I and flies up there with Murphy carrying Harper, and Talia flying. He stays on guard as Murphy ferries others to a point above the waterfall.

"Now what? Another boat that can sail upstream?"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12)
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 5:25:03 AM

A Moment Set Aside
Wondering what she might be pulling him to the side for, Murphy comes, with a mixture of hope, trepidation, and plain curiosity. As Pressi opens up, he listens, then responds. "I've never heard my mother insult my father, nor he her." He says tentatively, "Oh, they'll tease each other. And sometimes have differences in the way they view some things. But I don't recall, ever, a lack of... respect between them, nor insults. So, that's something I'm - I'm just not, not accustomed to," he tries to explain. "But, yes, I'll try to be - adult?"

He plays with a patch of moss as she speaks of last night not being the right time. He is about to respond, when suddenly the locale lights up with her magic, and she grants him leave to -

Murphy asks, "Now is the time?" and he gives a funny shake of his head - not a negation, nor an affirmation, but an emotion of the sort that his body does not know quite what to do. He takes a deep breath, settles, then reaches into his pocket, and draws forth a tiny leather bag with a string binding it together.

"We were in Emerald City. I thought of you. Us. What might be, who we might become. Aunt Nilli often spoke of how many disparate things can be woven together to create a thing of strength and resilience." Finally the string is unbound. He opens the wee bag, pushing up the bottom. A diamond clear, small, yet stunning and well set shows, embedded in a braided weave of ironwood, silver, gold, and platinum.

"Will you accept this as a token of my pledge to you? To marry you for life at a time we choose, and to be yours, and you, mine, Pressi Silverglove?" He proffers her the emblem.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+8=11 ;
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 5:30:32 AM
Succotash gladly excepts a lift from Murphy, when at the top of the waterfall, he tries to ascertain if there is a proper walk way, following the ravine. (perception 11) If there is, he says, "I know it may seem old fashion, but we could just walk". Either way, he asks Murphy, "Do you have the means to fill a swan boats sails? Because we aren't sailing upstream without a push".

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 124/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 5:39:29 AM
When Pressi's light show goes off, Succotash can't help but notice the two love birds having their conversation, he doesn't want to eves drop, but the actions of Murphy and Pressi say it all. he then elbows Kezzem gently and says, "Check it out, they are finally making their engagement official! I wonder if they'll ask one of use to officiate their wedding?

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental d20+21=29 ; d20+30=36 ;
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 6:09:25 AM

Leaving Humble's Grotto
Just before wild shaping, Murphy takes just a few more items out of his pocket, and places them in a small sack. He asks a favor of one of his friends. "Succotash, will you do the honors of letting Miss Piggy be the bearer of another bag of mine? This one can go inside the other."

He does perform the quick surveillance on the upside, then returns. Then he commences with the transport - as described in an earlier post. Kezzem first, as he volunteered. As his friend Kez narrates the weirdness of the journey, Murphy gives an airy laugh. He takes who wishes to come next. In time the druid talks to Harper. "It felt odd for me the first few times I flew. I've grown to enjoy it. My arms in this form are strong, and you will be safe. May I carry you, brave leopard?"

And last, he brings up Pressi - and, unless aught untoward is evident above, he carries her with a short flyover of the island, then back, and up, and out.

"Yes, Talia, we're wanting to determine the wisest way to get to where we need to go."

He turns to eagle Bliss. "Friend, you were wiser than I. Will you forgive me my myopia? Uh, short-sightedness? And stubbornness? And you, Succotash? And all? The power of friendship is the best way."

Modes of Transportion - Vote Please
Once all are settled safe and sound above - and upstream of where the water begins its downturn, Murphy speaks. "We have mentioned boating upstream, or shadow walking, or walking slowly over very rough and varied stone when time is of the essence," he says with a smile in Succotash's direction. "I've sailed a swan boat upstream before. It is possible. If there's an additional method someone would like to suggest, speak now please. If not, I think shadow walking may be the fastest way for us to return what is needed to Tiana. I do have another swan boat feather token available. Either means can draw us to combat along the way. Either means may be fine. But again - shadow walk is my preference. Sorry Succotash. If there are means to protect us from shadowy sorts of things along the way, let us know, anyone.

"I will go with how the party decides, if between these two ideas, or three. Please vote."

For once, though it crossed his mind, he does not bring up carrying it by himself, no matter how fast he can fly.
==============
Flying: 29
Perception: 36

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 6:16:09 AM

P.S.: I failed to mention, the diamond/ironwood/silver/gold/platinum emblem is, indeed, a ring.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 8:19:15 AM
"My friend, Mister Murphy, aye, Leadership skills also make you that way. As for a vote, I enjoy the shadow skipping, er Walk. It's surreal to me. That's my vote, Shadow Walking!" says Talia.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 715 / 720 minutes

[OFC [Out of Character} | Did Talia have anough time to meditate for two (2) hours?]

DM Carl
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 5:37:19 PM
Fair warning: Low effort post incoming. I'm in the hospital w/ my wife and really can't read everything up there. If I miss something important, and I will, ask again.

***

The party makes it's way up, along with the swan boat. Our party is welcome to use it upstream, but they could walk faster. It's a very fast moving stream.

Soon as they decide how they're moving, the show can get on the road.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 8:49:57 PM
"Oh my god, where did all this come from?" Pressi joked. "I'm clearly going to need some time to... Last one, I promise. Just needed to get this out of my system."

Pressi took Murphy's hands in his. "Absolutely, I do."

-----------------

Once up the falls, Pressi can see the speed of the current. "Looks like we're walking it."

If they are in dim light, Pressi begins to activate shadow walk.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 11:55:30 PM

Bliss is in favor of walking. Or flying, while his nine minute spell lasts.

His barkskin is up, as is his threefold aspect, as always. He'll wait to turn on other buffs when there is any indication of danger.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90
Tuesday June 4th, 2019 11:58:00 PM
"I'll overland flight it if you don't mind..."says Talia. Mister Murphy, you're the guide right?! Perhaps I should flight a bit above all of the group as a somewhat forward lookout?! "asks Talia of the gang.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 12:25:51 AM
"So what's next?" asks Kezzem. "Should we summon Piggy and Rumpus now, or should we wait a bit first?"

DM Carl
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 1:00:34 AM
DM note before tomorrow:

If you want to shadow walk, you'll need to either

A: Remove the two gems from the DPAA
B: Put it in a completely opaque bag, pack, etc.

The gems in the DPAA right now provide normal light out to 60'.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 3:20:26 AM

Bliss had removed the gems for the Encompassing Mind from the DPAA once the charging was done, so those lights are out. "Just in case you get knocked out or something, Bliss, where are you keeping the gems?"

"KEZZEM. SUCCOTASH. Vote, please. Shadow walk, or conventional walk, with some flying? The giants are arming to invade and enslave our lands. They look to be ready to leave in about two days.

___Shadow walking time to home: About an hour or so.
___Conventional walking time: About a day and a half, if we're lucky. That leaves a lead time of only half a day or a day for the giants.
___Flying: Not all of us can, and Harper likely will not be happy about being slung under an airy elemental arm for long.
___Swan boat: Maybe we can rig a harness. The motive speed of the swan boat will let us move upstream maybe a mile or two an hour. If Murphy can drag it faster, we might approach the speed we had going downstream, but the druid may get tired fast.

VOTE!
The vote now stands:
Shadow Walk: Murphy, Pressi, and 1/2 vote for Talia
Walk/Fly: Bliss, 1/2 vote for Talia

Not yet voting: Kezzem, Succotash

"Pressi, if either paladin votes for shadow walk, then let's all hit the dimly-lit trail."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 5:46:16 AM
Succotash isn't thrilled about the idea of shadow walking again, but he understands the need for speed, and agrees that the fastest way would be to shadow walk. "I reluctantly vote yes" Succotash says with a half-hearted smile. he would have Twinklesting out as no one has mentioned another light source, since we are not in the grotto anymore. He will keep Twinklesting out until all preparations are made to shadow walk, then as soon as they are ready, he will sheath her, and link hands with his friends.

The Escape

DM Carl
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 11:07:50 AM
**Sorry about yesterday. Things are better today.

***

With Succotash's vote, the party has chosen to Shadow Walk back to the Caverns of Glimstone. Seems like a prudent enough idea, doesn't it?

The party gathers around Pressi, who casts her spell. The party is transported to the Realm of Shadow, that space between the Wold and the Lands of Rest. She's done it before, you all have. You know what to expect.

...or so you thought.

Our heroes find themselves on an island surrounded by Woldsblood streams. This place must be very close to the Lands of Rest for the streams to be as large as they are. That would certainly explain the power our bloodwitches felt in the grotto.

As dangerous as that whole situation is, our heroes have a more pressing concern.

Towering above them is a malevolent, twisting mass of steam and fire. The thought jumps unbidden into everyone's head that you gaze upon Scald. He is hate. He is brutality incarnate. With his springs he will split the stone prison of The Scab. With his steam he will blister and flay his enemies.

He will free The Old Ones.

They will show the Wold secrets hidden for ages. They will show the noble races unwelcome truths. They will show the Wold ecstasies and agonies beyond dreams.

He has found you, and he

is

ANGRY.

**

All players need to make a DC17 will save or be dazed by the proximity of this much Woldsblood. This save needs to be made each round you stay here. In addition, another DC15 will save is needed to avoid being frightened by the capital P Power in front of them. Failure by 5 or more indicates the hero is panicked.

That would be very unfortunate here...

*Almost forgot! All heroes are granted 15,000 XP for successfully recharging the Crystals of the Encompassing Mind. I'm also awarding 1 hero point to everyone for some excellent roleplay in the grotto.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+3, touch AC 18+3; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+15=20 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+20=23 ; d3+13=16 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d3+13=16 ; d20+20=35 ; d3+13=16 ; d6=1 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+9=26 ; d3+12=13 ; d3+12=14 ; d3+12=14 ; d3+12=15 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 12:59:31 PM
"Wait, we're Shadow Walking now?" says Kezzem. "That didn't work out to well last time."

Will Save: 1d20 + 15 = 20.

Kezzem is immune to fear. Note everyone within 10 feet of Kezzem or Succotash receive an extra +4 on SVs vs. fear. Since we were all gathered around Pressi, I would think that would apply to everyone.

"Great Gargul's Genitals, I do not like the look at that thing!"

Kezzem takes a 5 ft. step towards Scald, actiavtes Smite's Evil, and then starts throwing daggers at Scald. Including Sneak Attack in case Kezzem catches him flat-footed. Also, adjust attack roles as needed for range.

+1 Returning Frost Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 19 + 3 Smite Evil - 2 Two-Weapon Fighting = 39.
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 19 + 3 Smite Evil - 2 Two-Weapon Fighting = 23.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 11 Smite Evil + 1d6 Frost + 1d6 Sneak Attack= 16 + 6 + 1 = 23.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 11 Smite Evil = 16.
If Scald is a fiend, undead, or dragon, then add an extra 11 damage to both regular and crit damage.

+1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 19 + 3 Smite Evil - 2 Two-Weapon Fighting = 35.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 11 Smite Evil + 1d6 Sneak Attack= 16 + 1 = 17.

Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 13 + 3 Smite Evil - 2 Two-Weapon Fighting = 26.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 + 11 Smite Evil + 1d6 Sneak Attack = 13 + 6 = 19,

Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 13 + 3 Smite Evil - 2 Two-Weapon Fighting = 27.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 + 11 Smite Evil + 1d6 Sneak Attack = 14 + 2 = 16.

Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 13 + 3 Smite Evil - 2 Two-Weapon Fighting = 21.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 + 11 Smite Evil + 1d6 Sneak Attack = 14 + 4 = 18.

Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 13 + 3 Smite Evil - 2 Two-Weapon Fighting = 26.
Damage: 1d3 + 1 + 11 Smite Evil + 1d6 Sneak Attack = 15 + 2 = 17.

Note that with Smite Evil, even his mundane daggers bypass Damage Reduction.

"Just for future reference, consider me a standing vote against Shadow Walking."

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27 d20+9=23 ; d20+15=17 ;
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 2:16:54 PM

[OOC: Note the Halfling racial bonus vs fear for that second save!]

Bliss says, "I told you shadow walking was too dangerous!"

Save vs Woldsblood is a 23, no problem.
Save vs Fear at +2 halfling and +4 pally's pal is a 17, nat 2, no worries!

Then Sir Kezzem remembers that he is a paladin and attacks the demigod. "Wowsy," Bliss mutters. "That's not your usual brand of humor, Sir Kezzem, but its good for a chuckle until we are all killed."

Bliss uses the DELAY special aaction to see what everyone else does first. Maybe Miss Pressi will end the ShadowWalk and just send us all back where we belong?

Bliss thinks hard about that 5th level slot he's got.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23 d20+10=25 ; d20+16=34 ;
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 3:48:54 PM
"Yeah, well nobody thought to give us friggin teleport. This is what I've got to work with. A spell that apparently won't let me go to the fridge for a beer without being a bother."

(Rolls are 25, 34)

Bliss waits for Pressi to decide on an action. "Uh... not really sure that ending the shadow walk is how it works." She does drop everyone out of the walk, and begins to surrender blood.

She isn't entirely sure what to do next.

(Need a DM ruling: can I designate a sanctuary now using word of recall)

DM Carl
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 5:24:39 PM
Word of Recall: See here. This makes sense to me. You choose when you prepare your spells for the day, which you should totally do from now on. I'm assuming you didn't, though.

Cayzle Comments: Um, sorry, it is a witch spell. Casts spontaneously. Witches don't prep spells like clerics do. They cast at will from any spell on the witch list. Something like "Choose your sanctuary when you regain your spell slots in the morning" sounds good to me, if it is a place you know well, and where you can be reasonably sure you won't be immediately attacked! Just my two cents. Also, a default of "Home in Humbles Ford" seems reasonable to me as well.

DM Comments: That's what I just said, though I could have chosen my words more carefully. It's also what the link says regarding the Oracle class.

Also, a default of "Home in Humbles Ford" seems reasonable to me as well.

You're certainly welcome to make it your default from here on out instead of declaring it every time.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 89/90 d20+12=30 ; d20+13=32 ;
Wednesday June 5th, 2019 10:12:04 PM
Talia is not happy. There is this large angry Old Demigod - Skald and its looking at us for a reckoning. I am starting to dislike these easy way outs...whatever happened to walking? Talia mumbles to herself.

Easily making all of her saves...Talia ponders her next move... using the DELAY special action to see what everyone else does first.

Saving throws

DC17 Will Save: 30
DC15 Fear (Will) Save: 32

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental d20+15=19 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+19=34 ;
Thursday June 6th, 2019 2:03:54 AM

Murphy certaining finds Scald to be awesome. Rarely for him, he almost clicks into a fear response, but calls on reserves to qwell it, knowing that fear will not help him think clearly. [Both saves made, with 1 hero point help for fear save.]

More than anything in a situation like this wisdom is required. He casts owl's wisdom, and asks the enraged power, "Why so angry?"

Of course, we may not be sticking around long enough to receive a direct answer. Though, the fellow likely has enough power in this area to still come after us.

"Shall we move forward? I anticipate steam showing up where we are right now."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+13=29 ; d20+21=26 ; d10+10=16 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday June 6th, 2019 4:33:02 AM
Succotash makes his will save verse being dazed, and like Kezzem he is immune to all fear like conditions.

Succotash shouts out, "We can't let him release the Old Ones, it would have serious repercussions Wold wide!" Unless someone stays his hand he will charge Scald, drawing Twinklesting on the run, and clicking his heels, as a free action, to activate his boots of speed.

26+2(Charging)= to hit AC 28 for 16+10 holy damage

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Thursday June 6th, 2019 4:34:32 AM
If someone stays Succotash's hand he will go with the party's plan.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27 d20+13=23 ;
Thursday June 6th, 2019 7:34:17 AM

"Succotash, No!" Bliss grabs Sir Succotash. Hopefully no grapple check required, but if so, Bliss rolls a 23.

"Please, please Miss Pressi," Bliss calls out, "Please end your spell and take us back out of the Shadows!"

OOC: The spell has "Duration 1 hour/level (D)" ... the (D) means you can dismiss it with a standard action.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 91/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23 d20+20=35 ; d20+11=21 ;
Thursday June 6th, 2019 11:20:17 AM
(OOC: If someone can pull back Kezzem, do so... but it's no big deal since we aren't trying diplomacy. What we are trying is to see if we can run. This post is to clarify actions and add rolls.)

Free action: Perception 35 to see if they can escape using shadow walk, Know Local 21 to see what she knows about the creature ahead of her. If so, she tries to continue escape (assuming shadow walk didn't end automatically). If not...

Standard Action: Drop Shadow Walk as needed. Move action away from the big hulking demigod.

Second Standard Action (Hero Point spent): Surrender Blood (+2 CL next casting for 10 HP) while she decides the best mode for escape.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+3, touch AC 18+3; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday June 6th, 2019 12:34:18 PM
Kezzem was using ranged attacks. He only took a 5 ft. step to put himself between Scald and the party.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental
Thursday June 6th, 2019 1:11:45 PM

Murphy assists Bliss in staying the hand of Succotash - and Kezzem. "Are our paladins carrying the spirit of Hobie?" Murphy asks quietly. He leaves it to Pressi to decide whether to try to flee with the speed of the woldsblood rich Shadow realm, or to drop back to normal travel mode.

DM Carl d10=10 ; d100=72 ; d10=2 ; d100=77 ;
Thursday June 6th, 2019 1:38:44 PM
Bliss finds his worry about travelling via the Shadow Realm was justified. He watches as the paladins do what paladins do, grabbing Succotash before he can charge at Scald.

Kezzem launches his daggers at Scald, watching as they pass through the mass of steam, unable to tell if the attacks accomplished anything. An unpleasant chuckle bounces around his brain.

Talia does not like this, and holds a moment, hoping her friends have a good idea on getting out of here.

Murphy buffs his wisdom, then asks a simple question. Then, for Murphy, time stops.

The shadows of the Shadow Realm press down on the young druid, binding him no matter how hard he struggles. The light fades as they coalesce around him, until he is in complete darkness, unable to move. Murphy waits for what happens next...

...but nothing does. Minutes pass, then hours. Hours turn to days, to weeks, to years. After that, it's hard to say. How much time passes in the darkness? Decades? Centuries? Hope that hunger or thirst will end this are beaten down time and time again in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Murphy's strong mind holds out longer than most would, but madness finds him eventually as he is left trapped and alone for so, so long beneath the earth.

Then, just like that, it's over. Murphy is in the Shadow Realm, surrounded by woldsblood, an angry Power in front of him. His madness is gone, his time spent imprisoned reduced to a stain on his soul that seems to linger. Scald roils in front of him, and Murphy no doubt realizes his question has been answered. No one else is aware that anything has just happened, though Pressi feels her link with Murphy blink off and on again within half a second.

Pressi pulls the party out of her shadow walk spell, wishing that the powers that grant witches their spells had thought to include teleportation. Even though the party hasn't moved, shadow walk still doesn't take you right where you wanted to go...

*Rolled a 1d360. You're pulled off in an ENE direction.

The spell tries to deposit the party 1000 feet away (1d10*100 - rolled a 10), but that's solid rock. So, the spell tries again, this time 2000 feet away. There does seem to be open space there, and the party pops back into existence in an unfamiliar place. In Twinklesting's light, you find yourselves in a chamber with smooth floors and smooth walls. Too smooth, really. There's no chance this occurred naturally. There are no doors, but a square tunnel does branch off to the...actually, you're probably not sure what direction that is. Small pools of water have collected in several low points in the floor.

It's quiet, with only the sound of dripping water and your own breathing. A drip of water catches Kezzem in the ear, and he finds it burns. The pools of water around you start to ripple, then boil. The words I see you rise with the steam.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27
Thursday June 6th, 2019 1:50:18 PM

Bliss sees that he has to rescue the party toot sweet! He casts his shadowwalk to move the group out of here!

...

...

...

just kidding!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+3, touch AC 18+3; HP 125/125, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday June 6th, 2019 1:59:04 PM
"Ack," says Kezzem as the water strikes his ear.

He sees Bliss starting to cast shadowwalk. "Forget it. Forget it. No more shadowwalking. This time I'm gonna walk."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental d20+32=37 ;
Thursday June 6th, 2019 2:17:08 PM

"'Oh - that's what you've gone through - I am so sorry," Murphy says aloud. "No wonder you feel so wildly enraged."

He pauses, then says, "But it is not we, mere halflings, who did this to you. If your anger with us deals with a dwarf who came against us who had done him no harm - we stopped him, then set him free. If some other reason," Murphy shrugs his airy shoulders, "well, I don't know. We just want to get home, now. As, I know, you wanted to for so many, many years, Lord Scald."

While the druid speaks, he looks around the room, the smooth walls, the steaming puddles on the floor, and at his friends.

Murphy casts a know direction spell. He points his right hand, and says to his friends, "North is that way." Whichever way north may be, he begins to move down the square tunnel, slowly enough for everyone to keep up.
==========
Perception: 37

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90 d4=4 ;
Thursday June 6th, 2019 7:01:22 PM
Movement

Talia, with Overland flight still in effect, hovers her way after Mister Murphy. While glide her way to the North, Talia will cast a spell {Spectral Hand}. Within an instand a spectral hand floats behind Talia.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 700 of 720 minutes left

Spectral Hand | 12 of 12 minutes left

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23 d20+20=39 ; d20+24=33 ;
Thursday June 6th, 2019 8:16:25 PM
Reacting to the words in the stream, Pressi responds by firing up True Seeing. "Not if I see you first," Pressi thought to herself.

She really was beginning to tire of the whole "trying to scare you" vibe. A woman who finally embraced the dark, who finally turned herself to a literal creature of fear herself, should not be slinking around things that go boo in the night.

Taking some time to detect magic and make spellcraft checks, she continues on. (Perception 39, Spellcraft 33).

----------------

Both
Ritual of Warding (shared with Bliss)
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith (extended)

Pressi
True Seeing

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 1/5+1
L3: 0/4+1
L4: 0/4+1
L5: 1+1/3+1
L6: 0/1+0

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d8+3=11 ;
Friday June 7th, 2019 12:02:47 AM
Level update

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Friday June 7th, 2019 4:38:18 AM
"Glad to hear it!", Succotash says sarcastically when the voice from the steam makes its "I see you" statement. activating detect evil towards the direction of the voice.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental
Friday June 7th, 2019 12:05:26 PM

As they begin to go down the passageway, Murphy relates to the party the gist of what Scald showed him in - a vision? "It seemed real enough as he showed me - like I was gone from you, fully bound, imprisoned, alone with no light for centuries. Eons. Tortured by unrelenting existence, hunger, thirst, unable to break free of my captivity, losing all hope, and eventually my sanity." He looks this way and that, listening, as they move on. "I had asked Scald, 'Why so angry?' - and that is what he showed me.

[For Talia - I, Kim, don't know yet whether the hallway is to the north, south, or some other direction. Murphy pointed to the north - but the DM will have to tell us what direction the hallway was in relation to north from the room in which our shadow walk concluded.]

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental
Friday June 7th, 2019 1:44:14 PM

[PS to DM Carl: Please let us know at least the rough dimensions of the areas we travel through. Like, the size of the room we arrived in, the 20x20 hallway, or whatever it is, etc. Thanks! Need to know... In particular, would love to find out if we get to an area with a high ceiling.]

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC27 d20+23=42 ;
Friday June 7th, 2019 2:07:28 PM

Bliss is happy to take point. "It's the best warrior who should go first," he says, winking at the paladins.

Perception 42

"Or at least, the sharpest-eyed!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday June 7th, 2019 2:45:26 PM
"Press, I'm no expert on magic, but I'm pretty sure he would still be able to see us even if you saw him first," says Kezzem. "I mean, that's not how vision works anyone. If I'm looking at you I don't turn invisible, right?"

DM Carl
Friday June 7th, 2019 4:06:22 PM
Bliss suggests shadow walking, because why should Kezzem get all the good one-liners?

Kezzem does not see the humor.

Murphy feels somewhat for the demigod, but probably realizes that won�t save him. He�s not around long enough to give Scald his response in person, but maybe these pools of water can hear as well as speak. He discovers the tunnel leads south before telling everyone what he just went through. As he�s telling it, he realizes he has troubles remembering specifics. There�s just a sense of dread.

Talia is ready to get a move on.

Pressi refuses to not be the scariest thing in the room. She casts true seeing, but right now there�s nothing her regular eyes aren�t seeing. She takes a moment to observe. She thinks the speed of the dripping water is increasing�yes, yes it�s coming down faster and faster all right. Her knowledge of spellcraft doesn�t bring anything to the table, but maybe her knowledge of religion would?

Succotash is actually immune to fear. He checks the puddles for evil, but finds them merely hot.

With only one way out and a few party members eager to move, the tunnel is followed (it is 10' high and wide). It turns sharply right after only 15�, then left again after another 10� before opening up into a circular room. Two raised platforms are on the western and eastern sections, each 5� off the ground with no steps leading up to them. The ceiling is dome shaped. Beyond that is another room with large holes in the floor.

A wooshing sound is heard from the far room as twin jets blast from the holes, one water, one steam. Both coalesce into huge elementals. The water elemental boils, gas bubbles inside constantly erupting from its �skin�. The other looks like an air elemental, but is obviously steam. Murphy no doubt recognizes them as elders of their kind.

***

Combat rounds. Here's the map. Since the elementals took time to gather themselves, you folks get first actions. Put yourselves on the map wherever. Paladins, delete your pets if they're not summoned.

Note to Kim: If you're mapping this as you go along, note that all "turn sharplys" are 90 degree turns because I am lazy and would rather keep things on a grid.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Friday June 7th, 2019 5:29:13 PM

Sensing danger, Bliss uses a swift action to turn on his Shield of Faith, the one he is sharing with Pressi via ritual. Then he uses his lesser meta rod of extend to cast Extended Divine Favor.

With his remaining Move Action, Bliss moves to square C6.

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Warding always on +1 AC and Saves
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 0 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 2 of 5+1 spells/day (Ext Divine Favor, Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 0+1 of 4+1 spells/day (Extended Barkskin 3hrs)
Lvl 3: used 0 of 4+1 spells/day
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)
Lvl 1: used 0 of 1 special 5th level slot

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

Continuing and still active effects:
Extended Barkskin 3hrs
Threefold Aspect (all day)
Extended Divine Favor (CL9 +3) (0 of 20 rounds)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90
Friday June 7th, 2019 9:49:41 PM
Talia seeing the two powerful looking elementals, casts Summon Monster VI and brings forth a Lillend Azata in position F6. Talia will move to H3.

Next round, the Azata upon her arrival will break into a bardic performance to Inspire Courage within the party. Should give everyone next round:

An affected ally receives a +2 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +2 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.

Lillend Azata STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 17, Con 21, Int 14, Wis 16, Cha 19
Base Atk +7; CMB +13; CMD 26 (can�t be tripped)
Feats Combat Casting, Hover, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes
Skills Bluff +14, Diplomacy +14, Fly +11, Knowledge (nature) +9, Perception +13, Perform (stringed instruments) +16, Sense Motive +13, Survival +14; Racial Modifiers +4 Survival
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 700 of 720 minutes left

Spectral Hand | 12 of 12 minutes left

Summon Monster 6 | 12 of 12 rounds left after she appears.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+20=37 ; d3+2=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ;
Friday June 7th, 2019 10:16:10 PM
Kezzem moves towards the choke point and tosses his frost dagger at the steam elemental. He will also activate Detect Evil on the elementals to see if they are smitable.

"Keep alert, guys," says Kezzem. "We've got McSteamy and McHottie here. No sign of McDreamie though."

Attack: 1d20 + 20 = 37.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 Frost + 1d6 Sneak Attack = 5 + 4 Frost + 4 Sneak Attack.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90
Saturday June 8th, 2019 1:07:59 AM
"Kezzem, You're so funny! That's a knee-slapper for sure!" giggles Talia...

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental 12d6=43 ; 12d6=32 ; d20+32=41 ;
Saturday June 8th, 2019 11:05:30 AM

After turning the first corner, Murphy casts resist energy: fire. He figures there's a chance that Scald may somehow attack them. There is no 'resist steam' option - but fire injures through a transfer of heat, so he is hoping that may still help protect against whatever hot things they may encounter. [Mister DM, Murphy was planning on casting that spell at that point before your post, I promise - but let me know if you choose to overrule it. The notion was he wanted to wait until out of sight of the room where the steamy 'I see you' message appeared.]

Murphy sees the super-heated elder-class air and water elementals form. Normally, he is all for beginning an engagement to see if talking is an option. He foregoes that approach this time, and casts chain lighting, inflicting (6d12) 43 hp damage versus water elemental McHottie, and 32 vs airy steam elemental McSteamy (Reflex DC 31 for 1/2 damage).
==========
Perception: 41
Active spell effects:
Owl's Wisdom (11 min)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire(heat?) attacks by 30 per attack)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Sunday June 9th, 2019 8:36:43 AM
Pressi smiles. Finally, something familiar.

Squeezing past Murphy, Pressi casts a cone of fear at the elementals.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Sunday June 9th, 2019 12:48:55 PM
"Thanks, Talia, I try," says Kezzem.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+23=31 ; d10+10=12 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ;
Monday June 10th, 2019 5:33:45 AM
Succotash does what he usually does, which is charge forward, this time towards the water elemental, hoping to bring Twinklesting to bear.

Hitting AC 31 for 12 damage plus 8 holy damage.

DM Carl d20+18=27 ; d20+21=31 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+7=16 ;
Monday June 10th, 2019 11:16:11 AM
Bliss prepares himself for combat and moves into position.

Talia begins summoning some assistance that will arrive next round. She also moves into position.

Kezzem checks for evil, but finds they're good'ol neutral elementals. He throws a dagger that connects, but the elemental shrugs almost all of it off. Only the frost damage seems to have affected it as some of its steam condenses back to water and splashes on the ground.

OOC: I'm feeling nice, Kim, so I'm gonna allow it. Don't consider this a precedent. Also, yes, per the Creative Director of Pathfinder, damage from heat is considered fire damage. So resist energy vs fire will protect you from scalding damage as well.

Murphy realizes talking isn't going to help. He sends a chain lightning spell at the two elementals. The air elemental takes the full brunt of the lightning, but the boiling water elemental avoids some of the arcing lightning.

Pressi is glad for a straight forward fight. Wanting to cast fear, and realizing it's not got a lot of range, she hustles forward. The simple-minded elementals are no match for Pressi's will, and they both flee back down into the holes they came from.

*Melvin, please put save DCs for your spells in your posts.

Succotash charges forward, taking a swing at the boiling water elemental. Twinklesting's holy damage seems to affect it much more than being sliced.

The elementals have flown the coop for now. Peering down into the holes they went down shows only darkness. Anyone able to see in the dark spots the elementals descending as fast as they're able. The boiling water elemental has boiled himself into another steam elemental, and is flying down right behind it companion.

Talia notices a trickle of steaming water coming from the direction they originally came.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday June 10th, 2019 12:36:04 PM
"Yeah, you better run!" shouts Kezzem.

"So do we chase after them now?"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Monday June 10th, 2019 12:48:49 PM

"Good job Miss Pressi! You get scarier every day!"

"Way to tell them, Sir Kezzem!"

Bliss laughs.

'It looks like there's an exit around K17. Come on everybody!"

Bliss leads the way onwards.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental
Monday June 10th, 2019 3:42:15 PM
"Yes, Fear Pressi, opponents of the Sword! - well engaged, all. And good idea, Bliss - let's go!"

As they move the direction Bliss suggests, Murphy says, "I can cast Resist Energy - versus fire - which is not exactly the same as steam, but both are very hot and burn the skin - so it may help. Same thing for Protection from Fire. Let me know, I'll cast one or the other on you." He does so on whom requests first, and second.

If none want either, he casts Magic Fang, Greater on himself (12 hours, +3 on attack/damage rolls). If the party travels for more than 1 round, he will cast one spell per round as they travel.

Aside from when he is casting a spell on a mate, he remains the rear guard for now. Murphy has the flyby attack feat, so can move, cast along the way, then complete his move - 120', perfect flight.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Monday June 10th, 2019 9:18:44 PM
Pressi is surprised, and a tad guilty feeling, at the potency of her spell. But as the reality of her power, and the chants, come to her, she can�t help but feel her ego swell.

To be on the safe side, Pressi chills the metal (Rose control) of the pipes they disappeared down.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90
Monday June 10th, 2019 9:48:53 PM
Talia wonders aloud, "but what about my Azata summoning?! She'll show up and no one will be around! How fair is that?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Tuesday June 11th, 2019 5:30:07 AM
"Well done Pressi, but honestly that was a bit of an anticlimax", Succotash says with his customary smile. He then adds, "Stay on your toes my friends, when the spell wears off they may return, and boy will they be angry! lead the way Bliss!"

DM Carl
Tuesday June 11th, 2019 11:04:29 AM
Kezzem shouts after the fleeing elementals, wondering if they should give chase.

It's not out of the question. The holes they vanished down are certainly big enough for a halfling to jump down. Whether or not they should is another matter.

Bliss has a good laugh, then tries to get everyone moving again.

Murphy offers to cast a resist energy spell on anyone who needs it. When no one speaks up, he prepares a magic fang spell for himself.

Pressi is pleased with herself. She goes to freeze some pipes, but finds none. They're just holes in the floor leading to a deep, empty chamber underneath. As she gets close, she feels some serious heat coming up from them and hears a rush of air and...laughter? It's faint, but it sounds amused.

Talia wonders about her Azata. She can stop casting before it appears, but the spell would be wasted. Better to have it along. Who knows, maybe something will happen before its two minute duration is up.

Succotash commends Pressi on her success, but maybe was hoping to actually attack something after that whole irlgaunt business. He surmises they may be back in a couple minutes to finish the job.

The trickle of water from the north continues to grow, snaking its way through these rooms and pouring down the holes.

Perception DC15, Highlight to display spoiler: {There's a thud from the tunnel you came through, like stone falling on stone.}

The trickle quickly becomes a small, fast moving torrent. Overhead, the stone ceiling groans. Our heroes move on, through another corridor, to an oddly shaped room.

Map. Note those two weird looking areas in the middle of the upper and lower middle walls is just poor editing by myself. They're quite solid.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90 d20+7=15 ;
Tuesday June 11th, 2019 1:04:09 PM
Talia calls after the Lillend Azata when she arrives, in hopes she will follow, being as we are moving onward. Talia, using her great perception (DC15 perception check: 15) notices perhaps they should be moving a bit faster...."Swords, I think Skald is trying to drown us...with a lake or something above us!" shouts Talia as she beings to pick up speed through these tunnels.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+3=20 ;
Tuesday June 11th, 2019 2:12:22 PM
"I don't like the sound of that," says Kezzem. "Succo, since I am up front with Bliss, why don't you go guard the back, just in case.

Kezzem will inspect the new room with Detect Evil as well as mundane Perception.

Perception: 20 (21 vs. traps)

"Man, I need to get smarter so I can see things better," mutters Kezzem to himself. "Wait a minute, how does that work anyhow?"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental
Tuesday June 11th, 2019 4:16:25 PM

Murphy says, "Maybe an earth elemental in coming behind us." He casts call lightning storm, among his favorite spells. [Reflex DC: 30]

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental d20+32=44 ;
Tuesday June 11th, 2019 4:20:43 PM

P.S.: If we come to a room with a ceiling of, say, 50' or higher, please let me know.
===========
Perception: 44
Active spell effects:
Owl's Wisdom (11 min)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 d20+23=28 ;
Tuesday June 11th, 2019 10:30:57 PM

Bliss says, "We got spells burning, so let's not dally please."

Bliss continues on to Z12, alertly.

Perception 28

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 129/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+8=22 ;
Wednesday June 12th, 2019 5:33:04 AM
Succotash hears the sound coming down the tunnel (perception 22), and moves to the rear guard position next to Murphy, as Kezzem requested. Then he says, "Hurry, not sure what it is, but it sounds like death is following us!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23 d20+20=28 ;
Wednesday June 12th, 2019 12:30:17 PM
If Pressi still has true seeing on, she makes an attempt to look around for traps or unseen creatures (Perception 28), perhaps moving back to get a better look. (If true seeing has ended, she casts see invisibility).

Just to be on the safe side, she places a mind fog behind the group before moving. (DC 20, center on the room with the holes).

----------------

Both
Ritual of Warding (shared with Bliss)
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith (extended)

Pressi
True Seeing ?/10 minutes left since the "I see you" mist?

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 1/5+1
L3: 0/4+1
L4: 1/4+1
L5: 2+1/3+1
L6: 0/1+0

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental
Wednesday June 12th, 2019 3:09:50 PM

"Forward all, let's move forward. What's the bottleneck?" Murphy asks his mates. "Things and beings are behind us, coming up."
===========
Perception: 44
Active spell effects:
Owl's Wisdom (11 min)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs)

DM Carl 20d3=37 ; 20d3=42 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+3=6 ; d20+3=6 ; 15d3=30 ; 15d3=28 ; 15d3=29 ; 15d3=28 ;
Wednesday June 12th, 2019 5:01:52 PM
Talia calls on her azata to follow and warns that Scald is trying to drown them. Not to worry, though. You'll be dead from scalding way before you drown.

Kezzem ponders the plight of the barbarian: too stupid to know how to jump AND climb. He keeps an eye out. He searches for evil, but finds none.

Murphy starts a call lightning spell.

OOC: Thanks for taking care of the map. Everyone else, please move yourselves on the map when one's available. If you're on mobile and can't, call out a square like Cayzle did. The ceiling height in the tunnel you're in and the room you're moving into is only 7' tall. Also, put your HP and AC back in your header.

Bliss picks up the pace.

Succotash moves into a rearguard position.

Pressi leaves a mindfog behind the party.

From his position at the rear of the group, Murphy sees the stream of boiling water increase to a raging torrent. The water pours down the holes in the floor in huge quantities, throwing boiling spray and quickly filling the room with steam.

He sees the steam condense into hundreds of small shapes: mephits. They're smaller than normal mephits, but Murphy's pretty sure there's enough of them to make up for that. They cluster together and attack.

***

Please read: I'm stealing an idea Mitch and Hugh threw at us in Hook City. There are enough tiny mephits that they make up a swarm. They're effectively a custom monster, but have all the strengths and weaknesses detailed in that link. Don't forget the distraction ability listed on the bottom of that section.

***

As they form, they run into Pressi's cloud. All four swarms seem stupefied, but still have enough wisdom to have at least animal instinct.

The two closest to Murphy tear past him, provoking AoOs from Murphy and Succotash. They swirl around Succotash, hitting him twice:

Attack 1: 30 slashing + 20 fire
Attack 2: 28 slashing + 20 fire

The other two swarms swirl around Murphy.

Attack 1: 29 slashing + 20 fire
Attack 2: 28 slashing + 20 fire

*Note: I'm not adjusting for resist energy. That's your job. Ignore the first two rolls. I forgot to adjust for fewer characters w/o Hobie and Jack.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday June 12th, 2019 6:29:30 PM
"So Bliss, I'm not seeing anything you?"

"Hey, Murph, we've got nada up here. You guys okay back there?"

Assuming someone tells Kezzem about the mephits, he moves back towards them and cast Resist Energy (fire) on himself.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (1 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90
Wednesday June 12th, 2019 10:08:02 PM
Talia suggests to the Azata, when she arrives to inspire courage as we will need it!

Talia will then cast Mage Armor on herself. then she will move to position F10.

Spells in affect

Overland flight 715 of 720 minutes left

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental AC 29 HP 57/104 d20+17=20 ; 2d8+11=21 ; d20+32=39 ;
Wednesday June 12th, 2019 11:04:47 PM

Murphy's spell is disrupted (not even going to roll - too much damage - lost concentraton). He takes a swipe at steam mephit swarm #2 as an attack of opportunity, hitting AC 20 for 21 hp bludgeoning damage.

"Swarms of tiny steam mephits, Kezzem. I'm going to blow them about. Sorry, Succotash." And he does what he described with wind wall, inscribing a sinuous path, two feet wide, and filling the corridor in which he and Succotash find themselves. Being in the form of a creature of air, Murphy himself is fine having the winds blow all about him - though he backs up slightly. A fine massage, punctuated with little steamy critters being blown up quickly to the ceiling, where they crash (repeated blugeoning damage, perhaps? -up to you, Mr. Carl), and get blown around further by closely adjacent segments of the vigorous wall. There might be six inches to 18 inches of space between adjacent 2' segments. Let the steamy now imbecilic mephits organize themselves in this circumstance. Or simply enjoy the repetitive blugeoning of wind / ceiling / wind / ceiling.
===========
Perception: 39
Active spell and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (11 min)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)
DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Immune to bleeed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental AC 29 HP 57/104
Wednesday June 12th, 2019 11:07:45 PM

Use this MAP

Tiana - You are at approximately V11. No way you can move to F10 - that is the old map you're looking at.

-ADM Kim

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Wednesday June 12th, 2019 11:52:15 PM

Bliss casts Resist Fire (CL9) and moves to R12 or S12 (wherever he fits), drawing his staff sling as he moves.

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Warding always on +1 AC and Saves
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 0 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 2 of 5+1 spells/day (Ext Divine Favor, Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 1+1 of 4+1 spells/day (Resist Fire, Extended Barkskin 3hrs)
Lvl 3: used 0 of 4+1 spells/day
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)
Lvl 1: used 0 of 1 special 5th level slot

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

Continuing and still active effects:
Extended Barkskin 3hrs
Threefold Aspect (all day)
Extended Divine Favor (CL9 +3) (4? of 20 rounds)
Resist Fire (20) (CL9) 90 min.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 52/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+21=33 ; d10+10=16 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d20+21=36 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+11=12 ; d10+10=11 ; d10+10=14 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ;
Thursday June 13th, 2019 5:53:26 AM
Succotash swings Twinklesting when the opening becomes available (AoO) hit AC 33 for 16 slashing and 7 holy damage.

Succotash received a nasty blow by his swarm, so as a swift action, he performs a lay of hands on himself healing 21 hp. He then makes a full round attack against the swarm, unless Murphy's Wind Wall blew them away from him.

1st hits AC 36 for 11 slashing and 12 holy damage
2nd hits AC 31 for 14 slashing and 11 holy damage
3rd misses (Nat 1)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday June 13th, 2019 2:29:40 PM
Pressi casts protection from fire on Succotash, and begins looking through her 6th level spells.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90
Thursday June 13th, 2019 2:41:23 PM
Ok, so now Talia is really confused! Is she in a different room with her summoned Lillend Azata?! If so, Talia asks the Azata to play some music to inspire the troops!

DM Carl 15d3=31 ; 15d3=30 ;
Thursday June 13th, 2019 3:16:02 PM
Kezzem, Pressi, and Bliss all cast resist energy - fire. Smart.

Talia casts a mage armor spell and asks her azata to play a little tune.

Pro tip: Mage armor has a really long duration. It's best cast well before combat.

Murphy loses his call lightning spell, then proves he can still throw his DM for a loop. His wind wall spell doesn't affect the mephits as much as he had hoped, but they're effectively locked down in their current locations. They can't fly through the wall, but they're not birds nor objects and are not continually thrown about by the winds. They get pushed aside and fly about between the curtains of air.

Both Murphy and Succotash attack the mephit swarms as they go by, then Succotash swings away at the swarm before healing. The slashing damage from Tinklesting hurts them, but not as much as he'd like. Holy damage has full effect.

The mephit swarms can't move, but they don't have to since they're already in Succotash's space. As roughly half the swarm got blasted out of the way this round, their damage output is halved as well.

Swarm 1 attacks for 15 slashing and 10 fire.
Swarm 2 attacks for 15 slashing and 10 fire.

From the rear of the pack, Murphy sees the steam and spray continue to condense into additional mephits. He's going to have more company very soon.

Here's the map.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Huge Air Elemental AC 29 HP 86/104 d8=3 ; d8=3 ; d8=6 ; d8=1 ; d8=5 ; d20+32=45 ;
Thursday June 13th, 2019 5:25:46 PM
Murphy casts cure critical wounds upon himself (29 healed). "MORE MEPHITS ASSEMBLING!" he calls out through the windwall. Good luck to his companions hearing what he is saying. So he mentally communicates the same to Pressi. He moves back slightly so that the wind wall will prevent assaults on him by the newcomers.
============
Perception: 45
etc.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 d20+18=21 ; d6+12=16 ;
Thursday June 13th, 2019 11:29:01 PM

It looks to Bliss like he as a clear shot at a swarm, so he fires off a bullet. He hits AC21 for 16 bullet damage, including divine favor and inspire courage. He reloads his sling and takes a five ft step closer to Q12.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 46/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d20+22=29 ; d20+17=29 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=16 ; d10+10=20 ; d10+10=13 ; d10+10=12 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d20=3 ;
Friday June 14th, 2019 5:41:08 AM
As a swift action, Succotash performs another lay of hands on himself healing 24 hp.
In response to Murphy's announcement, Succotash remarks, "Well, isn't that just peachy!" If Bliss's sling bullet was able to finish off the swarm that is causing him trouble, then he will channel energy healing himself and Murphy 20 hp. If not, he will continue his full round attack barrage.

Hit AC 29 for 20 slashing and 3 holy
Hit AC 29 for 13 slashing and 5 holy
Nat 20 (16 to confirm) 12 slashing (24 if confirmed) and 7 holy

Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:
Protection from fire (124/144 damage before spell is used up)

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 2/2
2nd Level:
Bull�s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 2/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 1/1

Lay of Hands 8/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Summon Mount 2/2
Boots of Speed 10/10

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+20=28 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+10=27 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d4=1 ;
Friday June 14th, 2019 12:23:58 PM
Kezzem 5 ft. steps next to Pressi and swings away at Swarm 1.

"With Gargul's Frost Dagger, I stab at thee!"

OOC: Not seeing any buffs (like haste, but I'm not feeling at 100% so I may have missed something--please let me know if I did).

Attack #1: 1d20 + 20 = 28.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 3 + 1 cold.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 15 = 18.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 4 + 4 cold.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 10 = 27.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 3 + 1 cold.

OOC: Of course, I roll the good damage on the low attack roll. Well, relatively speaking.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23 d20+8=13 ; d20+8=18 ;
Friday June 14th, 2019 2:16:10 PM
Harper makes a couple of attacks, much like a cat chasing a butterfly, complete with similar noises. (Bite attack 13, Claw attack 18).

Pressi moves a step into the swarm to cast resist fire on Succotash as well. With a wave of her hand (and a hero point) she also casts rose control on one of the Mephit swarms in an attempt to cool them down.

"We have to fall back. Everyone through to the next room."

----------------

Both
Ritual of Warding (shared with Bliss)
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith (extended)

Pressi
True Seeing ?/10 minutes left since the "I see you" mist?
resist fire

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 3/5+1
L3: 0/4+1
L4: 1/4+1
L5: 2+1/3+1
L6: 0/1+0

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Friday June 14th, 2019 2:18:07 PM
After the two castings, Pressi and Harper move back, if possible.

DM Carl 15d3=32 ; 15d3=29 ; 15d3=30 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+3=14 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+3=15 ;
Friday June 14th, 2019 10:45:12 PM
Murphy heals himself up a bit before moving behind the protection of his wind wall.

Bliss fires a sling bullet into the swarm. It knocks a few mephits away, but there are hundreds more. It's not even half gone yet, and there are three other swarms to deal with.

Succotash finds both swarms on him still kicking, so he unleashes all he can on them (swarms are immune to crits). All his attacks take some mephits out, but his slashing attacks continue to be sub-optimal.

Kezzem throws his daggers. The piercing damage is all but negated. The cold damage seems very effective, though.

Harper lashes out at the swarm (both attacks hit - these things have very low AC, so roll damage). Pressi ponders lowering the temperature of the swarm, but likely knows the spell "cannot target unwilling creatures". She should keep her hero point. She recommends falling back. Both her and Harper start taking their own advice.

Succotash is still in melee range for two swarms. They do their worst.

Swarm 1: 32 slashing + 20 fire
Swarm 2: 29 slashing + 20 fire

Swarm 3 is trapped by Murphy's wind wall.

Swarm 4 lashes out at Murphy.

Swarm 4: 30 slashing + 20 fire

Four more swarms pop up. All pop into Pressi's mind fog and revert to bare animal instinct. They throw themselves at Murphy's wind wall to zero effect. Swarm 2 is in tatters, but still very capable. It's about 75% dispersed.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP -15(dead)/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Saturday June 15th, 2019 8:50:15 AM
With the last assault from the mephit swarm, Succotash is layed low. The mighty halfling simply crumples to the ground in a pool of his own blood, sending Twinklesting clattering against the stone floor of the cavern. The mighty sword is still putting off it's light, but its normal warm light seems to have gone cold somehow.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90
Saturday June 15th, 2019 3:34:47 PM
Since Talia appears not to be in the fight, She discusses with Ms. Lillend Azata, the finer points of musicanship..."Perhaps another inspiring tune?

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 73/116 d20+32=36 ;
Saturday June 15th, 2019 9:43:51 PM

Murphy wild shapes again, taking the form of a medium earth elemental (but w/most large earth elemental characteristics other than size due to legacy druid's vestment) and in his new form his now rocky earth solid body has shrunken in size in a way that it does not touch on the areas of the steam mephits. He earthglides to roughly P13, just 5 feet underground, using tremorsense to evaluate movements of friends, foes, water flows, etc.

"Pressi, I've gone earth elemental," Murphy mentally sends to her. "More mephits trying to join us, but the wind walls should hold them back for a while. Let's keep moving - Scald can call these steam mephits up all day - your mind fog was well placed, though. Tell Succotash to back off and you all deal with the few I didn't manage to block. We must keep moving, find a way out. I'll be right with you - I'm just below the surface where the tunnel goes into, what, the room you're in?"

With as tied up with wild shaping and moving as he is, and over the roar of the wind, I do not think Murphy is yet aware that Succotash has fallen - though perhaps he sensed the dropping of a sword. Whatever Pressi telepathically communicates back to him may affect his next action(s).
=============
Perception: 36

Active spells and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (10 min 7 rd)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)

DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP -10/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Sunday June 16th, 2019 10:37:57 AM
A lesser person would be dead and gone, but as a Hero of the Wold, Succotash somehow still has a pulse, albeit a weak one, and his condition has miraculously stabilized, though he is in a coma. (used 2 hero points to cheat death)

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Sunday June 16th, 2019 1:18:19 PM

Bliss has line of sight to Sir Succotash, and he sees his comrade-in-arms fall. Without thinking, Bliss drops his staff-sling, dashes into the swarm, and grabs the unconscious Paladin. Those mephits are annoying, but with his fire resistance, Bliss figures he can just ignore the swarm for now.

"It's a good thing I'm so strong," mutters Bliss, as he slings the paladin over a shoulder.

That's two move actions, though, and both Bliss and Succotash are still in the swarm. That's not good enough.

Pushing his own reserves -- using a hero point to gain an extra move -- Bliss manages to find it within himself to stagger out of the swarm, setting Succo down at Q12, diagonally next to Pressi, and ends his own move at R12.

"Miss Pressi! Miss Pressi!" Bliss shouts, "Please heal him!"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90 12d6=36 ;
Sunday June 16th, 2019 4:38:40 PM
Talia, seeing a member drop casts Fireball into the fray at position: N14 for 36 points of damage. When able, will ready another Fireball.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90
Sunday June 16th, 2019 10:21:17 PM
Talia thinking the better of it...instead summons a huge Ice Elemental at position N14 in hopes he will be able to cast Numbing cold on the swarms.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 2d8+8=13 ;
Monday June 17th, 2019 1:27:57 AM
"Succo, what do we say to Gargul?"

Kezzem casts Cure Moderate Wounds on his brother paladin.

"We say not today."

Healing: 2d8 + 10 = 13.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------
Resist fire 20

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (1 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (1 cast)

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 73/116 d8=7 ;
Monday June 17th, 2019 2:45:11 AM
Kezzem - roll 1d8 at a time for curing spells. You rolled a 2 and a 1. 1s are re-rolled. Succotash should have 19 hp of healing from his brother paladin's hands.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday June 17th, 2019 4:02:52 AM
Sorry!

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Monday June 17th, 2019 6:20:09 AM

Bliss giggles at Kezzem's Gargul joke.

"You know what else we say to Gargul?"

" 'You're a Mister Meanie Guy!' "

(Bliss's least favorite god)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday June 17th, 2019 12:55:07 PM
"He's not mean," says Kezzem. "He's actually quite chill."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23 d8=7 ; d8=6 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d8=8 ;
Monday June 17th, 2019 1:51:27 PM
Pressi tries to think, as she heals succotash with a cure serious wounds. (Healing for 31 points.) "That was a very brave, very foolish thing you did back there. And the next time you decide to stand in front of a mephit swarm, you won't just face Gargul. You will face me."

"As for what to say to Gargul, it's going to be with a fruit basket if we don't get that hallway blocked. Talia, do you have anything like a wall or shaping spell available? Murphy, is there any way that you can knock out some of the supports around here? Harper, take Succotash to the back of this room and see if the pathway on that side is clear."

----------------

Both
Ritual of Warding (shared with Bliss)
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith (extended)

Pressi
True Seeing ?/10 minutes left since the "I see you" mist?
resist fire

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 3/5+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 1/4+1
L5: 2+1/3+1
L6: 0/1+0

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday June 17th, 2019 4:57:34 PM
Sorry!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday June 17th, 2019 5:04:27 PM
"No offense, Presso, but I'd rather take my chances with Gargul. I've seen you before your morning coffee."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90
Monday June 17th, 2019 8:03:29 PM
Talia, wants to know if she should summon the huge Ice Elemental?! "Hey, are we still fighting those swarms?!" asks Taila to the remaining members of the Humble Sword.

DM Carl
Monday June 17th, 2019 8:39:12 PM
Succotash cannot stand the mephit swarm any further...or can he? He's hurt, but clings to life.

Murphy changes form and communicates with Pressi that the party should keep moving. He hasn't noticed his friend Succotash has fallen. He sinks into the stone.

Bliss charges into the fray! Luckily, swarms don't get attacks of opportunity. He's in and out before the mephits can do any real damage. He asks Pressi to heal the noble paladin.

Talia brings an ice elemental into the fight. A solid idea.

Kezzem denies Gargul his due. Bliss seems to have nothing nice to say about the god of life or death. Given his back story, that's entirely appropriate. Sometimes Gargul isn't very nice.

Pressi also heals Succotash, indicating he should try not standing still and getting killed next time, brave though he may be.

Murphy's wind wall currently has the mephit swarms either locked down or just unable to advance. If our heroes are keen on a tactical retreat, now is the time.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90 d8=1 ; d8=4 ;
Monday June 17th, 2019 11:14:51 PM
Once the summoned Elemental arrives, Talia explains there are fire and stem mephits swarms...please do attack them using numbing cold over there (position N12 and down that narrow hallway). {When an ice elemental deals cold damage to a creature, that creature must succeed on a Fortitude save or be staggered for 1 round. The save DC is listed in the elemental�s stat block and is Constitution-based.}

Miss Lillend will also approach position N12 to attack the swarms using a Sound Burst (1d8 Damage) {Using a hero point to reroll the sonic damage) -- all creatures in the affected 10' radius takes 4 points of sonic damage { and must succeed on a Fortitude save to avoid being stunned for 1 round. Creatures that cannot hear are not stunned but are still damaged.}

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 73/116 d8=7 ; d8=5 ; d8=3 ; d20+32=41 ;
Tuesday June 18th, 2019 12:05:49 AM

"Brave halflings, and noble, let's go," growls an earth elemental in the halfling tongue. "I'm giving you a lift," Murphy explains as he emerges from beneath the floor at P13, scoops Kezzem up in his left arm, and Succotash in his right arm. The eight foot tall large earth elemental with blue gems for eyes carries them forward and gradually emerges more fully out of the floor, stooping slightly as his legs and feet emerge at about S13 so as not to scrape his head on the seven foot high ceiling. "Most of the mephits are blocked by wind walls. Time is not our friend. If we can get to an open space, we may find an exit. All, hasten forward."

He nods toward the beautiful elf-like winged serpent-tailed woman, "Lady Azata."

If we are indeed out of combat, Murphy continues for another round or two forward to exit this room, trusting that all will be joining in. During that second round, he lets Kezzem down and casts cure serious wounds on Succotash for 27 hp of healing.

If and when Succotash wants down, and is conscious, Murphy will gently set him down.
===============
Perception: 41

Active spells and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (10 min 7 rd)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)

DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday June 18th, 2019 12:21:09 AM
"Help!" says Kezzem. "This Earth Elemental that is certainly not Murphey has got me and Succotash!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 90/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ;
Tuesday June 18th, 2019 5:40:48 AM
As Pressi and Kezzem heal him back to conscientiousness, Succotash realizes he isn't where he was when he fell. He thanks his friends for bringing him back from the brink of death, and makes a face of mock horror when Pressi tells him what for, he is about to stand up when all of a sudden an earth elemental named Murphy picks him up and starts retreating. He is about to complain then he decides to just go for the ride. however he does request to be set down when Murphy sets Kezzem down, and then he performs a lay of hands on himself, healing 23 hp.

Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:
Protection from fire (124/144 damage before spell is used up)
Elemental resistance: fire

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 2/2
2nd Level:
Bull�s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 2/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 1/1

Lay of Hands 7/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Summon Mount 2/2
Boots of Speed 10/10

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 d20+23=29 ;
Tuesday June 18th, 2019 1:46:39 PM

"Seems to me that with the wind and summoned creatures, we got plenty to keep the mephits off our backs, right? Come on everybodies, let's keep going."

Bliss picks up his staff and heads out, to the east, right? He keeps his eyes open as he takes the lead with his 40 move.

Perception 29

[Note: If we travel for more than a minute without facing a risk, Bliss will then turn off his Shield of Faith and save the rest of the ritual spell's duration for later.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23 d20+20=29 ;
Tuesday June 18th, 2019 3:19:36 PM
�Yeah, I don�t like this. It�s beginning to feel like we are being pushed somewhere.�

Pressi takes some time to search for traps. (Perception 29)

�Also, it�s not funny. Earth elemental feels like our next fight.�

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Tuesday June 18th, 2019 3:39:07 PM

"That's no Earth Elemental! That's Mister Murphy!"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 101/116 d8=4 ; d8=5 ; d8=1 ; d8=4 ;
Tuesday June 18th, 2019 6:21:08 PM

"As an earth elemental, I'm in relative mini-me size," Murphy asserts. "Maybe magma elementals? Yes, Pressi, likely we are being guided forward into greater danger. Regardless, let's have a tactical advance."
After setting both paladins down, he casts in following rounds:
Longstrider; Cure Moderate Wounds on Self (19 hp); Call Lightning; Cure Light Wounds on self (9 hp); Freedom of Movement.

He does offer resist energy again should someone else want that protection.

[As always, DM Carl, if I've pushed the action too far, please pull me back.]

DM Carl d20=2 ; d20=2 ;
Tuesday June 18th, 2019 9:16:50 PM
Talia has her summons attack the mephit swarms. Miraculously, the swarm is both staggered and stunned.

OOC: Hero points can't be used to reroll damage. I'll apply the 1 damage, keep the hero point.

Murphy comes up under the paladins and scoops them away. He recommends they move.

Kezzem doesn't recognize his old friend.

Succotash comes to, thankful to his friends to be alive. He tops up his own health.

Bliss takes point.

OOC: Don't let it down.

Pressi feels like they're being guided somewhere. Your narrator assures you it has nothing to do with the party getting shunted 2000' outside the original scope of the module. No sir...

Bliss moves ahead. There's a long, narrow hallway that opens up after about 35 feet. Even if you can see that far in darkness, the room's visibility is severely limited due to a thick cloud of water vapor.

OOC: Any new images I add are in front of your character markers by default, and Google Sheets doesn't have a "Send to Back" option, so I'm going back to my old school line drawings. The dimensions of the room at the end of this corridor are unknown. Visibility in that room is 10'.

Murphy, confirm that wall has 9 rounds left, or correct me if I'm wrong.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 85/90 d8=1 ;
Tuesday June 18th, 2019 10:02:18 PM
Talia asks both summoned creature's to attack the mephits again, to which they are more than happy to oblige the summoner's request!

"Please do attack the Mephits using numbing cold over there (position N12 and down that narrow hallway). {When an ice elemental deals cold damage to a creature, that creature must succeed on a Fortitude save or be staggered for 1 round. The save DC is listed in the elemental�s stat block and is Constitution-based.}

Miss Lillend will also approach position N12 to attack the swarms using a Sound Burst (1d8 Damage) {Using a hero point to reroll the sonic damage) -- all creatures in the affected 10' radius takes 4 points of sonic damage { and must succeed on a Fortitude save to avoid being stunned for 1 round. Creatures that cannot hear are not stunned but are still damaged.}

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday June 19th, 2019 1:21:14 AM
"That's no Earth Elemental!" says Bliss. "That's Mister Murphy!"

"And he would have gotten away with it too if it weren't for us meddling halflings and our pig."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 90/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Wednesday June 19th, 2019 5:33:26 AM
Succotash decides now would be a good time to summon Miss Piggy figuring he may need her speed if the party tries to make a break for it.

Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:
Protection from fire (124/144 damage before spell is used up)
Elemental resistance: fire

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 2/2
2nd Level:
Bull�s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 2/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 1/1

Lay of Hands 7/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Summon Mount 1/2
Boots of Speed 10/10

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31 d20+23=32 ;
Wednesday June 19th, 2019 6:46:35 AM

LOL! Bliss chuckles as his friends try to increase their damages with heroics!

He suggests, "Wowsy, it would be good to have some way to block the path behind us. Anybody? We gotta learn a wall of stone or thorns or something."

As for Bliss, he is facing a wall of mist. Or a cloud, anyway. Is it some kind of acid mist? Maybe this is Mist of Concealing, and a troll or a dragon is inside? Has the party gotten turned around and stumbled into Miss Pressi's Mind Fog? If Mookie were here, he could go first ... Well, nothing for it but bravery!

"Okay everybody, be careful not to lose anybody in this mist! I'll take a quick scout ahead and come back." Bliss has a double move of 80 ft, so he moves out to about AL13 and then back to AH13, next to Murphy.

"Come on, everybody!" he calls back to his friends.

Perception 32

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124, AC31
Wednesday June 19th, 2019 12:26:15 PM

Bliss also considers that Mookie would have gotten Sir Kezzem's latest jest, which he is sure was really funny, and which he wishes he understood.

"I miss that ol' raven," he thinks. "He was funny too."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday June 19th, 2019 2:31:07 PM
"To me Rumpus!" calls Kezzem. "We ride!"

Kezzen summons his pony.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday June 19th, 2019 2:59:15 PM
To Bliss, "Don't you have something like that, yourself? Entangle, at least? I think Murphy has stone shape but I'm not sure."

Pressi does ready an action to blast Deep Slumber if a swarm comes anywhere near them (DC 18).

She considers what to do about the fog, now that true seeing is gone. She chooses detect thoughts and concentrates the cone through the fog.

----------------

Both
Ritual of Warding (shared with Bliss)
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith (extended)

Pressi
resist fire

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 3+1/5+1
L3: 1/4+1
L4: 1/4+1
L5: 2+1/3+1
L6: 0/1+0

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 101/116
Thursday June 20th, 2019 12:02:08 AM
Am tied up for 2 more hours. Will post then - Kim

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 101/116 d20+32=51 ;
Thursday June 20th, 2019 3:43:34 AM

Holding off on casting the series of spells he had planned, Murphy goes over to the end of the hallway which momentarily houses the wind-whipped mephits. "Please move back, Lady Azata - excuse me ice elemental," and casts stone shape. He makes a five-inch thick wall of stone fully blocking the hallway. [to Carl - you had indicated it was 7' high and 7' wide, that makes the opening 7x7=49 square feet. A stone wall 5" thick is possible, with a bit of extra material to have the edges blend into and adhere to the top, bottom, left and right, giving a total volume of 22 cubic feet, which is the volume Murphy can work with]

"Talia - it's up to you what you do with your friends here - but perhaps they can help us in the next room." He hustles back toward the room that Bliss is about to explore.

[7 rounds left on wind wall]
===============
Perception: 51 - pretty close to perfect - sight, sound

Active spells and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (10 min 6 rd)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)

DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90 d8+1=5 ;
Thursday June 20th, 2019 10:06:22 AM
Talia asks her summoned to finish off the Mephits and then they can take their leave. Taila thanks her summoned for their assistance.

Talia will remove her wand of cure light wounds and heal herself while the rest of her party preapres for the next encounter. Talia heals herself fully.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 101/116
Thursday June 20th, 2019 5:21:00 PM

If Talia wants her summoned helpers to continue to battle the mephits, Murphy is fine with ensuring they are on the other side of the wall before he shapes the stone.

DM Carl d20+22=31 ; 3d10+14=40 ;
Thursday June 20th, 2019 9:20:43 PM
Talia continues having her summons do their thing.

Succotash summons his pig.

Bliss goes forward, curious about the mist. It's just plain ol' steam and water vapor. It's unpleasantly warm, but not dangerously so.

The moment he crosses into the room, he hears heavy stomps coming in fast from his left. He looks just in time to see a huge minotaur-like creature charge into him. It's seemingly formed from steam, but it's solid enough. It wields a massive black greataxe. Wait, it's a massive blue greataxe. No...it's a massive steel greataxe. The axe can't seem to make up it's mind, but it's definitely massive.

Readied action, charge: Hit AC 31 for 36 slashing and 4 chaotic damage. Bliss lacks the ranks in knowledge planes or arcane to know what this is.

Kezzem summons his pony.

Pressi casts detect thoughts. Yup, something's intelligent over there.

OOC: Round 1 just literally detects whether there's an intellect over there.

Murphy casts stone shape and seals up the path leading into this room.

The minotaur prepares to continue its attack.

OctoBliss (Cayzle) HP89 of 124, AC30 d20+33=41 ;
Thursday June 20th, 2019 10:26:49 PM

Bliss tumbles back 20 feet, hopefully avoiding AoOs. Acrobatics 41.

He declares in Tauric: "Come and fight me, you dishonorable shame to your fathers!"

He casts Beast Shape III using his special 5th level spell slot, to assume the form of a large size giant octopus that can grab and constrict.

[OOC: See sheet link in header. Sheet assumes Bliss is raging; he is not. So AC is +2 for that. Also, Bliis has ritual of warding, so that's another +1 AC.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+3?, touch AC 18+3?; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+20=28 ; d3+2=3 ; d6=5 ;
Friday June 21st, 2019 12:20:23 AM
"Hey, where did that guy come from?"

Kezeem takes a 5-ft. step towards the minotaur and activates his Detect Evil sense (move action). If the minotaur detects evil, then Kezzem will Smite Evil. In either case, he lobs his +1 returning frost dagger in the direction of the minotaur.

Attack: 1d20 + 20 + 3 (Smite Evil if applicable) = 28 / 31.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 11 (Smite Evil if applicable) + 1d6 cold = 3 + 5 cold / 14 + 5 cold

Rumpus will take a defensive stance for now and wait for the minotaur to come to the party (total defense).

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1/2 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (1 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (1 cast)

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 101/116
Friday June 21st, 2019 1:37:29 AM

Players Rnd 9 map

DM Edit: I meant to do this. You're a good ADM, Kim.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 90/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96
Friday June 21st, 2019 5:34:46 AM
Hearing the commotion , and Bliss shouting in a language he doesn't know, Succotash clicks his boots of speed together, (A free action) and makes a double move action to come to Bliss's aid, with Miss Piggy doing likewise. Succotash shouts out to Bliss, "Hold on buddy, we're on our way!!!"

Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:
Protection from fire (124/144 damage before spell is used up)
Elemental resistance: fire

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 2/2
2nd Level:
Bull�s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 2/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 1/1

Lay of Hands 7/10
Smite Evil 4/4
Summon Mount 1/2
Boots of Speed 9/10

Miss Piggy Stuff

DR 5/evil
Energy Resistance 5: Cold, Acid, and Electricity
60ft Darkvision
Lowlight Vision
Smite Evil 1/1

OctoBliss (Cayzle) HP89 of 124, AC30
Friday June 21st, 2019 5:50:11 AM
Thanks for the map, Kim!

Bliss backs off to AJ16, after which he casts his spell and grows into a large OctoBliss.

It's not really round 9 is it? How much time has elapsed? Has his 20-round divine favor expired?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Friday June 21st, 2019 10:13:39 AM
Pressi activates a spectral hand. �This is just a whole load of b... ow, Harper, stop hitting me!�

DM Carl d20+20=24 ; d20+15=28 ; d20+10=19 ;
Friday June 21st, 2019 10:56:30 PM
OOC Story Time!

Once, in a RL D&D 3.5 session, a cleric player cast summon monster and summoned a celestial squid to attack a blue dragon in its lair. The squid collapsed in a heap on the ground, helpless since it was out of water. The dragon picked up the squid and hurled it at the cleric in a clear "that was ridiculous" move from the DM.

No, it wasn't me. I was playing a NE rogue who worshiped Shar and betrayed everyone. Lesson learned: cast detect evil when people join your party. Serves them right...

Anyway, on to today's post.

***

Bliss tumbles backwards taunts the minotaur. The creature does not respond. In fact, you're not sure it even understood you. Bliss then turns into a giant octopus. Your narrator did not see that one coming, but he rarely does.

OOC: I'm going purely by RAW here to be fair. Your land movement speed is 20, and you cannot breathe while out of water. It is totally round 9, btw. Things are moving quick.

Kezzem detects, and finds evil. He smites the minotaur and hurls his dagger, finding it super effective! The minotaur is an evil outsider, so the dagger does 25+5 cold damage. Nice.

Succotash charges forth with his trusty pig!

Talia heals herself and dismisses her summons.

Pressi summons a spectral hand and complains at Harper.

The minotaur takes a 5' step towards Succotash and mercilessly attacks with its greataxe. Fortunately for Succotash, it's having a bad aim day...

All attacks fail to hit AC29. Sometimes the die roller just doesn't feel it.

Here's the map.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 28 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 d4=3 ;
Friday June 21st, 2019 11:42:24 PM
Talia casts Spectral hand and moves towards the monster, stoping at position AA12.6. [Hitpoint lose to Spectra hand: 3 hps.]

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116 d20+32=38 ;
Saturday June 22nd, 2019 12:28:27 AM

Last round Murphy moved and cast call lightning. This round he casts Cure Moderate Wounds on Self (19 hp) (rolled 2019-06-18), then moves forward and upward through the walls and stone beyond.

===========
[I wrote up two rounds of activity for this post, as I was pulled away when about to post fully earlier]

Perception: 38 - pretty close to perfect - sight, sound

Active spells and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (10 min 2 rd)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)

DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Tremorsense 60'
Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

OctoBliss (Cayzle) HP89 of 124, AC28 d20+13=24 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=17 ; d4+13=14 ; d4+13=16 ; d4+13=17 ; d4+13=16 ; d4+13=17 ; d4+13=17 ; d4+13=15 ; d20+18=19 ;
Saturday June 22nd, 2019 1:30:44 AM

After expansion, OctoBliss is a large creature occupying spaces AI-AJ-15-16. His base speed on land is 20, but he has a +10 barbarian bonus and +10 boots which are active though subsumed. Doubt it will matter for this fight though unless the monster tries to flee!

OctoBliss is holding his breath! The Holding One's Breath rules (see swim skill) say that you can hold your breath easily in combat for a number of rounds equal to your Con score. After that you have to make Con checks. So OctoBliss is fine for now.

Bliss focuses on the battle royale to come [OOC: starts his rage]. He activates his Arcane Strike as a swift action. He takes a five ft step to 14-15-AJ-AK. With his reach, both his bite and his tentacles are able to reach the monster.

OctoBliss lashes out with eight tentacles and a bite. The tentacles are secondary attacks and he cannot use his grab ability because that only applies to creatures smaller than the grabber.

OctoBliss's eight tentacles hit ACs 24, 29, 14 (a nat one), 18, 27, 22, 27, and 17; for damages of 14, 16, --, 17, 16, 17, 17, 15, respectively.

OctoBliss's bite is worse than his sucker! But not this time, as he rolls another nat one!

A thin trickle of ink poots out at the monster, making a sound as it emerges something like this: PBBBBBBBTTTT!

Bliss's DM Sanity Stuff

Minor Ritual: Warding always on +1 AC and Saves
Intermediate Ritual: Sharing Extended Shield of Faith, CL12, +4 AC, 11 of 80 rounds used (Shared with Pressi and Harper)

Spells:
Lvl 1: used 2 of 5+1 spells/day (Ext Divine Favor, Surrender Blood to boost Pressi's Shield of Faith CL)
Lvl 2: used 1+1 of 4+1 spells/day (Resist Fire, Extended Barkskin 3hrs)
Lvl 3: used 0 of 4+1 spells/day
Lvl 4: used 1 of 3+1 spells/day (Threefold Aspect)
Lvl 1: used 1 of 1 special 5th level slot (BSIII)

Meta Rod of Extend: Used 2 of 3 charges

Continuing and still active effects:
Extended Barkskin 3hrs
Threefold Aspect (all day)
Extended Divine Favor (CL9 +3) (10 of 20 rounds)
Resist Fire (20) (CL9) 90 min.
Shield of Faith, used 11 of 80 rounds

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 90/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d20+21=30 ; d20+21=25 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=31 ; d10=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d10=9 ; d6=6 ; d20=17 ; d6=4 ; d10=8 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d10=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d20+15=27 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ;
Saturday June 22nd, 2019 11:41:17 AM
Seeing Kezzem activate a smite evil, Succotash commands Miss Piggy to advance on the Minotaur thing, then he activates his smite evil, and allows his Boots of Speed to operate for another round.

1st
30+5(chr)=35 for 5+10+24(level x2)=39+6 holy
haste
25+5(chr)=30 for 9+10+12(level)=31+10 holy
2nd
32+5(chr)=37 for 8+10+12(level)=30+8 holy
3rd
nat 20 (confirmed with nat 20) for 2+10x2=24+12=36+7 holy

(Please ignore 2nd +16 roll and odd d20 roll, mouse stuck)

Miss Piggy
27 for 5+10=15+2 shock

Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:
Protection from fire (124/144 damage before spell is used up)
Elemental resistance: fire

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 2/2
2nd Level:
Bull�s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 2/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 1/1

Lay of Hands 7/10
Smite Evil 3/4
Summon Mount 1/2
Boots of Speed 8/10

Miss Piggy Stuff

DR 5/evil
Energy Resistance 5: Cold, Acid, and Electricity
60ft Darkvision
Lowlight Vision
Smite Evil 1/1

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+3?, touch AC 18+3?; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+18=24 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+13=17 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+8=26 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ;
Saturday June 22nd, 2019 7:09:04 PM
Kezzem goes to work with his daggers. Rumpus continues to hang back until he can get a clear shot.

+1 Frost Dagger
Attack: 1d20+18=24.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 11 = 15 +1d6=6 cold.

Attack: 1d20+13=25.
Damage: 1d3+2+11=16+1d6=4 cold.

Attack: 1d20+8=22.
Damage:1d3+2+11=15+1d6=6 cold.

+1 Dagger
Attack:1d20+18=27.
Damage1d3+3+11=14

+1 Dagger
Attack:1d20+13=33
Crit Threat=17.
Damage 1d3+2+11=16
Crit Damage 1d3+2+11=15

+1 Dagger
Attack: 1d20+7=26
Damage 1d3+2+11=16.

First dagger that hits also deals additional 11 smite damage

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 61, CMD 23
Saturday June 22nd, 2019 10:54:46 PM
Pressi uses her spectral hand to cast calcific touch (DC 19).

As much as she�d hate to see octobliss insta die, this is way too insane, even for her.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =33) d20+8=22 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ;
Monday June 24th, 2019 6:33:46 AM
Talia will cast Vampiric Touch through her Spectral Hand on the Minotaur at position AJ12.

Spectral Hand spell give +2 to hit, BAB = +6, Hit = 22;
Vampiric Touch (6d6) {rerolling 1's } = 33 points damage [6,6,6,4,5,6]

Spells in affect {as of June 13}

Mage Armor 710 of 720 minutes left
Overland flight 710 of 720 minutes left

DM Carl d4=1 ; d20+19=30 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+20=35 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+10=23 ; 3d10+16=38 ; 2d6=5 ;
Monday June 24th, 2019 11:00:29 AM
Talia prepares a spectral hand spell.

Murphy calls down a lightning storm, but doesn't have time to heal himself.

OOC: Sorry dude, missed posts are missed posts.

Bliss crawls forward and starts bludgeoning the minotaur with his tentacles. Three of his tentacle attacks connect and deal damage, though it does seem somewhat blunted.

OOC: AC 27, DR 5/Cold

Succotash unleashes a full attack on the minotaur, doing a crazy amount of damage to the thing. Miss Piggy also does her thing.

Kezzem hurls his daggers, but only two connect. They still tear an impressive amount off the thing.

Pressi casts calcific touch via her spectral hand. The minotaur shrugs off the slow effect, but does lose a point of DEX.

The minotaur identifies Succotash as his greatest threat, and performs a full attack on the paladin, though only one attack breaks through his defenses.

Hit AC 35 for 34 slashing + 4 chaos damage.

There is a loud CRACK as the stone near Z10 splits open and starts spraying scalding hot water in a fan in from the the tunnel leading forward. Anyone moving through the arc takes 5 fire damage. The water begins to pool on the ground and the area starts to fill up with steam.

Meanwhile, the ice elemental and azata are basically doomed. They can't hope to defeat the mephits and will certainly be torn apart by them.

Here's the map.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+3?, touch AC 18+3?; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+18=19 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+8=18 ; d3+24=27 ;
Monday June 24th, 2019 3:17:49 PM
"I'd challenge you to a battle of wits, Sir Minotaur, but I'm afraid you would be unarmed," says Kezzem. "So I will stick to daggers."

OOC: Two attacks means that the 27 hit last round, but the 26 did not. I will assume the AC is 27 and only roll damage accordingly.

+1 Cold Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 18 = 19. Natural 1, Auto-Miss.

Attack: 1d20 + 13 = 25. Miss.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 = 19. Miss.

+1 Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 18 = 27. Hit!
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 11 (Smite) + 11 (Bonus Smite) = 27.

Attack + 1d20 + 13 = 25. Miss.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 = 18. Miss.

"Man, you have tough skin," observes Kezzem. "Have you considered moisturizing?"

Rumpus will ready a charge on the minotaur should he get an opening.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 96/96 d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d20=16 ; d20=1 ; d20=7 ; d20=9 ; d10=10 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d10=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d20=3 ; d20=10 ;
Monday June 24th, 2019 5:15:07 PM
"Pantheon's pancreas that one smarted!" Succotash winces as the Minotaur's ax hits home, "Now it's my turn you son of a cow!" Succotash uses a swift action to lay hands on himself, healing 24 hp, then both him and Miss Piggy will go into full round attack mode, with Succotash using another round of his Boots of Speed.

Succotash
1st
16+21+5=42 for 10+10+12=32 slashing+6 holy
haste
nat 1 miss
2nd
7+16+5=28 for 1+10+12=23 slashing+5 holy
3rd
9+11+5=25 miss

Miss Piggy
15+3=miss
10+10=miss

Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:
Protection from fire (124/144 damage before spell is used up)
Elemental resistance: fire

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 2/2
2nd Level:
Bull�s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 2/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 1/1

Lay of Hands 6/10
Smite Evil 3/4
Summon Mount 1/2
Boots of Speed 7/10

Miss Piggy Stuff

DR 5/evil
Energy Resistance 5: Cold, Acid, and Electricity
60ft Darkvision
Lowlight Vision
Smite Evil 1/1

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116 d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+32=39 ;
Monday June 24th, 2019 8:29:45 PM

Murphy travels forward and upward, and partly emerges from the wall at AI16. He launches the first of his 12 possible electrical bolts from his link href="http://legacy.aonprd.com/coreRuleBook/spells/callLightning.html#call-lightning"]call lightning[/link] spell, doing 3d6=12 hp electrical damage against the steamy minotaur. He glances at the shifting black/blue/steel greataxe of chaos he wields, and tries to ascertain more of the nature of the weapon [Knowledge of The Planes: 33].
==============
[i]Perception: 39

Active spells and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (10 min 0 rd)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)

DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Tremorsense 60'
Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

OctoBliss (Cayzle) HP89 of 124, AC28 d20+13=27 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+13=26 ; d4+13=15 ; d4+13=17 ; d4+13=17 ; d20+18=19 ;
Monday June 24th, 2019 11:21:35 PM

OctoBliss makes another full attack against the monster's AC27.

Eight tentacles hit ACs 27, 27, 32, 18, 21, 22, 21, 26. That's three hits for 15 (-5=10), 17 (-5=12), and 17 (-5=12).

His beak hits AC19, his second natural 1 in a row!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29+3?, touch AC 18+3?; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25+4, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 12:13:32 AM
"Succo, you need to work on your banter," suggests Kezzem. "I am not sure calling him a son of a cow is an insult so much as it is matter of fact."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 5:16:57 AM

Btw, Murphy is about 15-20' above the ground level, head and arms sticking out of the wall, lower body inside. Can he tell how high the ceiling is above the floor? Can he see how far to the right the room goes?

DM Carl 5d6=18 ; 2d6=10 ;
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 12:35:39 PM
With two paladins, and octopus, and lightning attacking it, the minotaur is quickly overcome. Instead of collapsing, it solidifies. For a moment, the look of anguish as Succotash finishes it off is frozen (literally) on its face before the whole thing cracks into pieces and collapses.

The pieces left behind are rather pretty and probably valuable. They're big enough that they can be collected in only two rounds.

Meanwhile, the water jet forces the hole it's shooting out of even larger. Anyone moving through the area now takes 18 fire damage and must make a DC 20 reflex save or get knocked off their feet and pushed 10' south.

Scalding water now covers the floor. Anyone barefoot, including your animal friends, find this very uncomfortable to say the least and take 10 fire damage. The steam and spray from the water are starting to form more tiny shapes in the air.

***

The ceiling in the room the minotaur was in is 10' tall. Visibility in the entire room is 10' as well.

Map

OctoBliss (Cayzle) HP89 of 124, AC28 d20=11 ; d20=12 ; d20=12 ; d20+23=31 ;
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 12:48:10 PM

[OOC: Sorry, mis-clicks!]

Bliss ends his rage.

With his many tentacles, OctoBliss finds it easy to pick up valuable "minotaur" pieces -- and even maybe cuts the time down, with his superb ability to multitask.

He looks around, trying to get a feel for the dimensions of the room. Perception 31.

He ponders diving into the growing pool, just for a chance at a breath. [2 rounds of battle holding his breath ... plus a couple more picking up valuables.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 59/62, CMD 24 d8+1=7 ;
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 12:49:23 PM
Rumpus whimpers as the scalding water laps up on his hooves from behinds and he trots into the minotaur cave, hurdling over Miss Piggy.

Kezzem moves to his side and uses his wand to treat the pony's hooves.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =33) d20+8=17 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ;
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 12:50:25 PM
Talia will waits for a moment to see the aftermath.

Spells in affect {as of June 13}

Mage Armor 710 of 720 minutes left
Overland flight 710 of 720 minutes left

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 59/62, CMD 24
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 12:51:53 PM
"So where to now?" asks Kezzem. "This room seems to be missing some walls. Pressi, did you do that? Is that what you mean when you were teaching me to break the fourth wall?"

DM edit: Visibility in this room is only 10'.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 52/61, CMD 23 d20+15=35 ;
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 2:55:51 PM
Pressi stares at what apparently is the spray in front of her. "Well, this is what I get for not looking at the map earlier, just because I was stuck on my phone."

Nobody is around to hear the comment, so nobody can complain about it. Just like I can't point out that the steaks have never been higher.

Pressi shares the blink spell with Harper and they both run through. Pressi absorbs the damage (earlier resist fire) and practically flips to avoid the stream (nat 20). Harper takes half damage and shouldn't need to make a reflex save.

Harper makes a check to see if she can smell anything in the room.

----------------

Both
Ritual of Warding (shared with Bliss)
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith (extended)

Pressi
resist fire (18)
spectral hand

Harper
Blink 1/10

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 3+1/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/4+1
L5: 2+1/3+1
L6: 0/1+0

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 86/96
Tuesday June 25th, 2019 5:02:53 PM
seeing the hot water coming in, Succotash and Miss Piggy move into the room further, and then Succotash casts elemental resistance fire on Miss Piggy.

Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:
Protection from fire (124/144 damage before spell is used up)
Elemental resistance: fire

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 2/2
2nd Level:
Bull�s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 1/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 1/1

Lay of Hands 6/10
Smite Evil 3/4
Summon Mount 1/2
Boots of Speed 7/10

Miss Piggy Stuff
Active Spells:
Elemental Resistance: fire

DR 5/evil
Energy Resistance 5: Cold, Acid, and Electricity
60ft Darkvision
Lowlight Vision
Smite Evil 1/1

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116 d20+32=35 ;
Wednesday June 26th, 2019 12:26:32 AM

Murphy casts longstrider, then moves out along the floor to AP16. As usual, he looks and listens, and uses his tremorsense to detect if there is movement along wall, floor or ceiling from anyone, or anything, other than his fellow party members. If he comes to the end of the room, or finds an opening, his pathway may alter to accommodate the new feature.

In halfling he says, "I hope ahead there is a way out. Steam can create a good deal of pressure." He then adds, "If you at any point hear me say, 'Circle around!' - then come to me as quickly as absolutely possible. Take each other's hands, and take my hand. Those with critters who can do so - that means paladins, send them back to - to wherever it is when you don't need them with you. If any of you are in a large form, get back to your small form. I'll be able to take four of you, including an animal or two, at a time, elsewhere, then return for the rest after a moment or so.

"Now is not when we will do this. I will tell you more should the occasion arise. Again, if I say, 'Circle around!' - then come to me immediately, without delay. Not now, just, in the future, should I say those words."

He mentally communicates with Pressi that he needs a vertical space about 50' to 60' feet, and maybe 40' diameter in order to do what he is thinking about. It can even be underwater, he supposes. But not in lava or flames.
==============
Perception: 35

Active spells and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (9 min 9 rd)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)
Longstrider (12 hrs)

DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Tremorsense 60'
Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =33)
Wednesday June 26th, 2019 8:32:12 AM
Talia hovers 6 inches above the scalding water on the floor when she first discovers the water on the floor is hot!

Talia using the casted spells will fly over to position AJ12 to be is the next area with the Sword team.

Spells in affect

Mage Armor 710 of 720 minutes left
Overland flight 710 of 720 minutes left

DM Carl 3d6=6 ;
Wednesday June 26th, 2019 12:38:51 PM
Bliss has eight arms to hold the treasure. Assuming someone else has a bag he can throw it in, it's doable. Let's go ahead and assume that happens.

Kezzem takes care of his mount.

Pressi's magic and acrobatics help her avoid getting scalded by the water gushing in.

Succotash moves inward and protects his pig.

Murphy casts a longstrider spell and makes a plan. The rushing water is messing with his tremorsense, but there's a rumbling and cracking all around him. He's pretty sure Scald's still at work trying to bring this place down around them.

OOC: Moved you a bit west since you hit a wall.

Talia floats above the scalding water.

Meanwhile, even though only Pressi can see it, the water is gushing from the room behind them at an ever increasing rate. Anyone standing on the ground takes 6 fire damage. To the north is the only exit from this room.

Map

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24
Wednesday June 26th, 2019 1:18:41 PM
Seeing how even in the new room the water is still going to be a problem, Kezzem will hit Rumpus with a Resist Energy (fire).

"That should protect you, boy," says Kezzem. "I'd heal you next round. I do it this round, but this isn't second edition so I can only cast one spell every 6 seconds."

Kezzem leads Rumpus to the north. "It's dark it here. Rumpus, you're part celestial now, right? Can't you like shoots light out of eyes or something?"

Rumpus snorts.

"I'll take that as a Neeeeeeeigh."

If a pony could facepalm, Rumpus would.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Resist fire 20

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2 (2 cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (1 cast)

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
Resist fire 20

Smite Evil 1/day

OctoBliss (Cayzle) HP89 of 124, AC28 d20+23=43 ; d20+11=24 ;
Wednesday June 26th, 2019 2:51:00 PM

Bliss gently slaps a tentacle on Rumpus's face for him. Us animals have to stick together.

OctoBliss is not unhappy that the water is getting deeper! He splashes right in, renewing his air supply, and enjoying the temperature like a pleasant dip in a tropical sea. (Resist Energy CL9 is 20 points, so no worries.)

Then it is time to jet ahead with a double move action, swimming up to 80 ft (or crawling at the same rate when the water gives out, if it does). Bliss takes point, unless someone beats him to it, moving somewhere close to AL1, or however the path takes him, stopping at anything that looks dangerous or interesting.

Perception 43 woot!

So long as he is in the water, Bliss uses the cover or partial cover of the water not only for defense, but to sneak as well as jet. Rolling stealth at -5 for speed ... 24 plus cover bonuses?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 86/96 d20+8=15 ; d20+8=9 ;
Wednesday June 26th, 2019 5:15:41 PM
Succotash and Miss Piggy continue moving north, Succotash is using Twinklesting's light, but Miss Piggy is using her 60ft darkvision.

Succotash perception 15
Miss Piggy perception 9

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 44/61, CMD 23
Wednesday June 26th, 2019 8:36:38 PM
Pressi sends Harper ahead towards the tunnel and tells everyone to head forward. She makes one last attempt to rose control the water (in hopes of buying time) before she begins to run.

----------------

Both
Ritual of Warding (shared with Bliss)
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith (extended)

Pressi
resist fire (DR/20 vs fire)
spectral hand

Harper
Blink 1/10

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 3+1/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/4+1
L5: 2+1/3+1
L6: 0/1+0

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116 d20+32=46 ;
Thursday June 27th, 2019 12:26:44 AM

"The structure is developing faults. No dilly dallying," Murphy recommends. "Hope we can get ahead of whatever Skald is planning for us."

He moves to about AM8, heals himself (using roll from earlier post). He looks ahead, as far as darksight and local atmospheric conditions allow.
==================
Perception: 46

Active spells and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (9 min 8 rd)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)
Longstrider (12 hrs)

DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Tremorsense 60'
Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

DM Carl 3d6=5 ;
Thursday June 27th, 2019 3:11:31 PM
Kezzem protects his horse before torturing the poor thing.

Bliss has enough protection to handle the scalding water, so he goes full native and starts jetting around. Just past the entry way he goes through, he discovers a 30'x30' platform on an angled, vertical track. The track goes up as far as Bliss is able to see. A large wheel is attached vertically in the center of the platform, with knobs on both sides. It looks like it's designed for two people to turn it. The height suggests those people were dwarves. It doesn't take an engineer to realize it's used to raise and lower the platform.

The water level has risen above the platform. It will take some muscle to move it, and it's not going to get any easier as the water rises.

Succotash follows, using his sword to provide light.

Pressi tries lowering the water temperature. She can freeze about 20 gallons of regular water, so she can likely create a small ice dam if she focuses on a small enough area. It's gonna melt really quick, though. Pressi takes off after everyone else.

Murphy warns that the structure around them is taking a beating, heals himself, and heads north.

***

Pressi's bought some time, but the water still burns everyone for 5 damage. The platform you've found can be raised by a max of two persons at once. Both operators make a straight STR check, and the platform moves a number of feet equal to the sum of both checks. The platform's destination is not currently visible.

That, or you could all just fly up...

OctoBliss (Cayzle) HP89 of 124, AC28 d20+9=22 ;
Thursday June 27th, 2019 4:08:36 PM

OOH OOH ME ME! thinks OctoBliss. He splashes over to the platform and uses his MegaTenticularStrength to do the deed! Flopping around to allow someone else to have room to pull too, Bliss focuses (rages) for extra effectiveness.

Strength check at Str29 (+9) -- 22.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 86/96 d20+7=22 ;
Thursday June 27th, 2019 5:15:54 PM
Succotash thinks for a bit, Talia can fly up. Pressi can probably as well, Murphy can turn into something that flies, sooooo. "Hey Murph can you carry Kezzem and Harper out of here if Kezzem and I dismiss our mounts?" He then dismisses Miss Piggy, and jumps on the platform with Bliss. strength check 22

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116 d20+6=15 ; d20+32=40 ;
Thursday June 27th, 2019 5:29:05 PM

Earth elemental Murphy says, "All on the platform! Hold off on lifting until they're on, Bliss," moves to the other wheel, casts bull's strength, and, once all are aboard who are going aboard, turns the wheel. Strength check at Str 22 (+6) -- 15. So that, combined with Bliss's efforts, should, by the end of the turn, lift the team up by 22+15=37 feet.

What kind of slant are we talking about? 15 degree? 30, 45, 60 degree, or other? Need To Know. Also, with the 30'x30' platform, how much clearance is there between the edges of the platform and the channel walls?

Being in contact with the ground, Murphy maintains his tremorsense, gauging the longevity of the local structure.

[OOC: I updated the Players Rnd 14 map, including recreating the blobs for PCs and animals so they will be visible when placed upon the platform. If you can, move your blob(s) and mage hands to where you want them on the platform. If you can't see or move them, just say you move to the platform, and one of us can place your placeholder there - ADM Kim]
===========
Perception: 40

Active spells and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (9 min 8 rd)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)
Longstrider (12 hrs)

DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Tremorsense 60'
Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116
Thursday June 27th, 2019 5:33:25 PM

[was writing - did not see Succotash's post prior to mine.]

"Yes, I probably can carry them," Murphy replies to his friend, "but, Succotash, everybody except Bliss and I - because we won't drown while lifting this thing - should just get on the platform - and yeah, it's a good idea for you to dismiss your mounts for now."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116
Thursday June 27th, 2019 5:38:12 PM

And, I further mis-read our good DM's text - I guess Bliss and Murphy are in the middle of the platform. If Succotash is not too small to turn the wheel, he will defer to the paladin, who has great strength. Should Succotash be too small to handle it, Murphy will do the work. Will let our DM make the call on that bit of mechanics. Sorry for multiplicity of posts - but I can't edit previous ones to make things right.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24
Thursday June 27th, 2019 5:44:53 PM
"But we just summoned them!" protests Kezzem. "Fiiiiiiine. Rumpus, head back to the celestial planes where you can heal up and not get burned by hot water or bad puns."

Kezzem dismisses Rumpus and moves onto the platform.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =33) d20+7=12 ; d20+20=39 ;
Thursday June 27th, 2019 9:33:30 PM
Talia using her Overland flight spell will move 40' to AK6 From this point, Talia removing a sunrod from her haversack, then activating it, and using her gifts of preception, will causiously fly upwards lighting the way for the group.

Skill Checks:
Fly: 39 (Using Overland Flight bonus to fly checks)
Perception:12

Spells in affect

Mage Armor 709 of 720 minutes left
Overland flight 709 of 720 minutes left

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23
Friday June 28th, 2019 1:01:32 PM
Pressi makes her sto the platform, surprised that the team can squeeze on well enough. With Talia flying upwards, Pressi sticks to trying to peer upwards.

----------------

Both
Ritual of Warding (shared with Bliss)
Shared Spell (cast by Pressi) - shield of faith (extended)

Pressi
resist fire (DR/20 vs fire)
spectral hand

Harper
Blink 3/10

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 3+1/5+1
L3: 2/4+1
L4: 2/4+1
L5: 2+1/3+1
L6: 0/1+0

DM Carl
Friday June 28th, 2019 8:35:45 PM
Bliss is pretty darn strong. He gets the wheel moving while Succotash takes the other side. They're strong enough to get the platform moving. Scalding water pours off the sides of the platform as it exits the standing water. It moves an additional 24 feet from its base.

One is sure they waited for their friends to join them, of course.

Murphy lets the two strongest of his friends take the wheel. He observes the track ascends at a 20 degree angle, more or less. There's 10 feet of nothing between the edges of the platform and the ascending tunnel wall. There's not even a railing; let's not tell OSHA, eh? Between all the gears and mechanisms involved in moving this platform, and the fact that it's made of metal-reinforced wood 24 feet in the air, he finds his tremorsense is basically useless.

He's also 750 pounds of dirt and rock.

Kezzem is sad to see Rumpus go away so soon, but there will be other adventures.

Talia can fly, which is super useful right now. She grabs a sunrod and lights the tunnel up ahead. She doesn't really have time to get far enough ahead of the platform, but will be able to outpace it next round. Well, probably. Bliss really is quite strong.

Pressi joins her companions on the platform as it begins to rise.

Anyone looking down sees the water continue rushing in below them. Looks like Pressi's ice dam was overcome. The air up here is still steamy, but not enough to limit vision...and hey, everyone's pores just got a good scrubbing.

***

Map is officially discontinued unless one of you really wants to keep updating it.

OctoBliss (Cayzle) HP89 of 124, AC28 d20+9=16 ;
Friday June 28th, 2019 9:37:19 PM

Bliss keeps on keeping on, tentacle after tentacle. Str check 16. Bliss is getting a little tired. Plus holding his breath again!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24
Friday June 28th, 2019 10:52:31 PM
"Woah, it's like a sauna in here," says Kezzem.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116 d20+32=42 ;
Friday June 28th, 2019 10:59:26 PM

As the platform rises, Murphy considers how they might quickly return to town. He decides this platform is not the place to do what he has in mind - for, why should he destroy what is helping them and may help others? ...should Scald not destroy the whole thing.

"Eberyon, thank you for granting me useful spells today," Murphy prays aloud, "as you have done all days. May I never take your succour for granted. Blessed be your name. You help the Wold to flourish."

He then says, "Friends, you are nonpareil - matchless. For each of you, and all together, I am thankful. Thankful for your commitment to our goal of helping our people in particular, and at times many people of the Wold. Pleased with your skills, insights, jocularity, strengths, good character. Impressed with your perseverance in the face of obstacles to overcome, of pain, injury, the threat of death.

"Not many are there who would try what you do, or even could reasonably attempt such. Here's some water, Bliss. Open wide." He drops 24 gallons of fresh water down immediately above Bliss's gills, hoping to let him get a good breath.

"Kezzem. Would you like to join me in running and jumping off the edge, and see if we can splash in the water below without hitting the wall first?" He does not actually run and jump off the edge.
==============
Perception: 42

Active spells and intrinsic effects:
Owl's Wisdom (9 min 8 rd)
Resist Energy: Fire (2 hrs, reduce fire/heat attacks by 30 per attack)
Greater Magic Fang (12 hrs) (+3 att/dam)
Longstrider (12 hrs)

DR 5/---
Darkvision 60'
Tremorsense 60'
Immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks
Electrical resistance 20
Immune to poisons

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 86/96 d20+7=15 ;
Saturday June 29th, 2019 1:56:33 PM
Succotash continues cranking on the lever (Strength check 15) hoping that the platform actually goes somewhere, and they arrive before something else tries to kill them.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23
Sunday June 30th, 2019 10:23:01 PM
Pressi continues to watch hand wait in anticipation.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =29) d4=4 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+20=32 ;
Sunday June 30th, 2019 11:01:15 PM
Talia casts another Spectral Hand while flying up the shaft while holding onto the sunrod, just incase a touch spell is needed! She is starting to feel like a beacon!

Skill Checks:
Fly: 32 (Using Overland Flight bonus to fly checks{1/2 spell caster lvl})
Perception:24

Spells in effect
Spectral Hand: 12 of 12 minutes left
Mage Armor: 705 of 720 minutes left
Overland flight: 705 of 720 minutes left

DM Carl
Monday July 1st, 2019 11:59:47 AM
OOC: So, I've looked over my plans for the next part of this elevator trip, and realized it's not very fun. So, let's fast forward.

***

Bliss and Succotash together work the elevator. As they ascend, the air gets cooler and cooler, until finally natural light is visible.

Murphy gives thanks to his patron, thanks his friends for another adventure, lets Bliss breathe, and tries to goad Kezzem into killing himself. Kezzem fails to take the bait, hopefully. He's busy working on his skin routine.

Pressi hangs out while Talia lights the way, ensuring no surprises.

The elevator clunks to a stop as it reaches its zenith. A simple arch leads outside to the exterior of The Scab. Those of you who can read dwarven notice some words carefully carved into the rock near the entrance to the mine you just left:

Warning: Damp stone

No one's really sure where they are, but your friendly druid can easily figure that out. Home is about a day's flight away. Is there anything our heroes would like to do before returning home and getting Tiana back to work on fixing that tower?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24
Monday July 1st, 2019 12:43:21 PM
"So if shadow walking is out, what's our next option?" asks Kezzem. "Should we paladins summon our mounts back now? I can only call Rumpus back once more before we rest so I need to make sure."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116
Monday July 1st, 2019 1:06:51 PM

"We can travel by tree," Murphy says. "I have a feather token which transforms into a large oak tree. I can take four of us. Hey, paladins, wait on summoning your mounts.

"I drop the feather, the oak springs up, I take four of you. I come back, I take the rest of you. We'll end up in a large oak about a hundred yards from our mayor's burrow.

All told, from the time the oak springs up, if all are gathered next to it, I can have us all back there in well under a minute."

Transport via plants - one from staff, two memorized.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116
Monday July 1st, 2019 1:07:39 PM
"Well, okay, we end up just outside a large oak," Murphy corrects himself.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23
Monday July 1st, 2019 3:27:38 PM
"You know why our relationship works," Pressi responds. "It's because, deep down, you're actually crazier and scarier than I am. I bow to this superior horror.'

"Personally, I'm fine just walking, but I'm glad to do this too. Before we go, though, does anyone want to say goodbye to the dwarves?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =29) d20+7=11 ; d20+20=40 ;
Monday July 1st, 2019 4:17:05 PM
Talia would love to visit the Dwarves again! "Can We Mister Murphy, giggles Talia excitedly?"

Skill Checks:
Fly: 40 (NAT 20) (Using Overland Flight bonus to fly checks{1/2 spell caster lvl})
Perception:11

Spells in effect:
Spectral Hand: 12 of 12 minutes left
Mage Armor: 705 of 720 minutes left
Overland flight: 705 of 720 minutes left

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116
Monday July 1st, 2019 4:52:14 PM

The druid laughs at the Pressi's evaluation of their relative scare factor. "I'd kiss you, beloved witch, but don't want to muddy your dear face."

Hearing the notion of visiting the dwarfs, Murphy casts know direction. He looks about, calculates which direction the entrance to their gem mine is, and the distance to the best of his ability. He performs similar calculations for the best path home should they fly rather than transport via oaks.

"I'm thinking that Jack TT Zaragosa, and Hobie Browncloak already have told the dwarfs about the giants preparing for war within a 45 minute walk of their gem mines. That was yesterday they did so - maybe 12 or 14 hours ago." [Mister DM - please correct my time estimation if I am too far off]

He smiles a rocky-toothed smile at Talia. "That could be fun, yes, and perhaps useful. Let's think it over just a bit, though, first, eh?

"The giants will be ready to march against Humble's Ford and Crescent Valley about two days from now if we're 'lucky', unless we choose to come against them before they depart. I do not know how long it will take Tiana Taithen to power up the Iron Giant and walk it over to the giant tower and get the tower to again function. Time is tight. Every minute we can save in getting the gems for the Encompassing Mind to her will grant her that much more time to do what, likely, only she and maybe Veseley have the know-how for."

He calculates how much time it would take for them to collectively fly over to the dwarfs' place, and tells the party. If it's a fairly short hop via air (say not much more than an hour), he's fine with it. If over two hours, he will urge the party first get the gems to Tiana, and then if a few want to visit the dwarfs after that, he can air elemental carry them back up in a jiffy. Maybe some local air elementals could help in the effort, once they understand this is to defend against the giatns.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 86/96
Monday July 1st, 2019 6:00:55 PM
"I certainly would love to see the dwarves again, but I feel that our duty is the protection of our home and the innocent men, women, and children who are counting on us for their protection", Succotash declares, "But after Madam Gem as back and the Giant Towers are good to go, I for one would love to come back and visit Humble's Grotto again".

OctoBliss (Cayzle) HP89 of 124, AC28
Monday July 1st, 2019 8:54:14 PM

Bliss ends his stint as an Octopus. "That was fun!" he declares.

As he looks around, he recalls ... "Hey, aren't we supposed to give those giant mushroom spores you collected to somebody, Mister Murphy?"

"No true hero ignores the side quest!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24
Monday July 1st, 2019 11:57:48 PM
"Okay then Murph, just as long as we don't end up attacked by some big bad evil guy name Treefyre (with a "y") or something."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 12:39:14 AM

"Kade asked for the spores, yes, Bliss," Murphy responds. "Maybe Hobie already got some to him. If not, I've got some more right here," and he pats his left thigh. Then he looks down at his rocky leg. "Well, right. About there... and, according to our new dwarf friend, growing tower caps will make it possible to have great harvests of truffles. That's the real reason we've come this way."

"Heavens forefend, Kezzem," he returns. "May that never be!"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 12:48:02 AM

Oh - last thing - Murphy looks about the area to ascertain where there may be a suitable place to plant a full-grown oak, within easy access by the party members, and not too close to the opening of the lift, in case the party decides to follow that travel suggestion.

Welcome Home

DM Carl
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 10:32:48 AM
Kezzem declares shadow-walking to be out, but there's no reason for it to be. They're no longer in Scald's domain, nor by any huge lakes of Woldsblood. The terrain here is far too mountainous for Rumpus to be useful unless she's a secret pegasus.

Murphy suggests they travel by tree. That's a novel idea, for sure. The area around him is mostly solid rock, but a small amount of travel reveals suitable earth where two peaks have slowly ground into each other. It won't be hard to find this place again; there's not another tree in sight anywhere.

Pressi believes Murphy is scarier than she is. High praise...

Talia is excited about the possibility of seeing the dwarves again. Murphy correctly points out it's not a short detour. The party spent half a day in a swan boat travelling down a rapidly moving river, then got shunted almost half a mile away from that when they came out of shadow walk. The druid has no way of knowing if Jack or Hobie have told the dwarves, or what time frame is involved if they have. Murphy suggests haste is necessary. He's not wrong.

Succotash agrees they need to return home, but has a list of vacation destinations in mind for after.

Bliss becomes Bliss again and checks to make sure they completed their side quest. They have the spores, they just need to look for the giant yellow question mark when they get back to town to hand it in.

***

Murphy's plan is sound. Travelling via tree is done instantaneously, and within half a minute or so, our party is on the outskirts of home!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 1:04:40 PM
"Yeah, we're back!" says Kezzem. "And nobody tried to kill us that time."

"However, for some reason, I am wondering if Rumpus is a pegasus. Secretly, I mean. Man, my pony's be holding out on me! But where would he be hiding those wings? I don't know, just a random thought. Now you know what it's like in here."

Kezzem points to his head.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 4:08:21 PM
"So I guess the thing we all learned is... So, to wrap up... Hhm. Actually, I can't even wrap anything up for this mission. Weird things just happened. I didn't even get to use the power I tapped into. Oh well."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 4:13:15 PM

Oak Tree Network
Once it's agreed to try the Oak Tree Network, Murphy drops out of wild shape back to his halfling self, and once they reach the small area where soil may be found, he removes a particular feather out of his pants pocket, asks his friends to stand back a few feet, then casts the feather towards his chosen landing spot, himself jumping back.

As the feather touches down, a huge oak tree suddenly springs into being. He invites whoever wants to be among the first group of three or four to join him, invokes transport via plants from his sling staff, and the group of them are whisked via oak trees to one of the larger oaks a stone's throw from Mayor Bumbleluck's dwelling. "Step a bit away, friends, to make room for the next group," he instructs.

He casts the spell this time from memory, and returns to the remaining three. "Touch me, or touch someone touching me, and it's your turn to travel by tree." He recasts this last time, and away they go, with perhaps a bit of woody fragrance clinging to them as they emerge in the town's woods. Murphy gives Pressi a kiss. "Now that I can do that without getting dirt all over you," he grins.

"Hmmm, Kezzem, I've known Rumpus a long time. Let me know if he does sprout wings. Stranger things have been known to happen here in the Wold."

Finding Tiana
"Let's get the gems to the Iron Giant immediately. Who wants to warn the Mayor of the Giant forces gathered against us in the south end of the Scab? Bliss, you have the gems, right? Say, since that's the Mayor's house there - let's tell him so he can talk with others about preparations, then head up to the giant. Hopefully Tiana will be there. And, whether she is there or not, we can place the gems back within the Encompassing Mind, no? No, likely we should make certain she is there - it might help her understand whatever it is she needs to understand by being there. We can ask the Mayor if he knows where she is at the moment."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 86/96
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 6:16:32 PM
"Hey Murphy, why don't you and whoever wishes to join you go talk to the major, while some of us start heading to the Iron Giant with the gems", Succotash offers.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) Medium Earth Elemental AC 30 HP 92/116
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 8:38:05 PM

"Sure, Succotash - go ahead with whoever wants to go," Murphy agrees. "We, or I, will catch up! Do, please, wait until Tiana shows up before inserting the gems, though, all right? Say hi to any members of the BadApples, and ask them how things have been going. And carry concealed, eh?"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124 of 124, AC30
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 9:07:34 PM

[OOC: Have we had a chance to heal up? Bliss uses enough cures to get himself to full, if need be. Let me know if you need this rolled out, please]

Bliss laughs at the idea of flying Rumpus. "Yeah, you should get him some magic horseshoes, Sir Kezzem! Your animal friends deserve sweet gear too!"

Then Bliss is quiet, thinking of Mookie.

[OOC to DMs: Highlight to display spoiler: {The witch rules say, "If a spirit cauldron or spirit companion is killed or destroyed, the witch may not bind another for 30 days or until he gains a bloodwitch level, whichever comes first." Can Bliss dismiss his magic pot and (after he levels up) call for an animal spirit companion? Bliss misses Mookie. IF SO, he'll dismiss his pot now, before going to seek out Miss Tiana. Don't worry, I don't want to ride him around or polymorph him into a gnome (for using wands and rods) or anything bogus like that.}]

=====

Bliss is happy to deliver the magic gems to Miss Tiana -- with Sir Succotash? -- and he also gives her back her compass.

He waits and watches if she looks them over right away.

"What do you think, miss? Can you power up the giant? Can you bring it close to the Tower to fix it?"

After a moment of watching, Bliss has a dreadful thought. "And please, Miss Tiana, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not power it up without us! Just in case!" He will not leave until she promises NOT to start it up or even tinker with it until the whole party is there. THAT kind of nonsense is how the Tower got blowed up in the first place!

The idea of promises makes something twitch and tickle in his mind, so he goes in search of the party's collective memory. "Mister Murphy, did we promise the Iron Giant Spirit that we would help it smoehow or other when the giant got woked up again?"

In actuality, Bliss is choosing to mangle his syntax and grammar today. He really said "smoehow" for some reason.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =29) d20+7=8 ; d20+20=26 ;
Tuesday July 2nd, 2019 9:26:22 PM
Talia wil go to see Ms. Tiana with the rest of the gang and the gems of course. Talia will hover over the ground like her way is to do. While hovering to their destination, nothing catches her eye here.

Skill Checks:
Fly: 26 (Using Overland Flight bonus to fly checks{1/2 spell caster lvl})
Perception:8 (NAT 1)

Spells in effect:
Spectral Hand: 10 of 12 minutes left
Mage Armor: 708 of 720 minutes left
Overland flight: 703 of 720 minutes left

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC 25 HP 92/116 d20+32=35 ;
Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 12:10:48 AM

Promise to the Encompassing Mind
"Yes, Bliss, thank you for reminding me. Indeed, we did say we be there with her as she revived. Now, once already we tried that - and learned it could take over 30 years. Tiana explained to us it was because these gems were so drained. This time, it should take much less than that. Let us endeavor to keep our word, as we can."

Words before the party splits
"Look, I don't expect to be with the Mayor more than 5 minutes - 10 minutes, tops. I just want to give him a brief rundown - he needs to know, to help notify key leaders here in town, and to prepare the people.

"So, please, wait until we can all be there before the gems are placed - but I don't mind if you leave a few minutes before me - before us."

"Pressi, would you come with me to meet with the Mayor and May Greenbottle, his wife? You have insight and perspective I lack, and it may be well for them to benefit from both." Responding to her earlier comments, Murphy says, "Yeah. I tend to agree with Succotash on a relevant matter. Let's us someday return to the grotto. And then you could tap into that power once more - and be prepared to channel it as you desire, scary lady.

"We did, however, learn of the gemological work of the dwarfs, the breeding customs and battle tactics of some large nasty spiders, the location of a rare mushroom tree, the bellicose plans of a large population of giants, the joys and possible perils of riding a swift underground river, the beauty and power of a particular grotto, and the pent-up wrath of a long-imprisoned Power."

Of course Murphy welcomes any others who want to join in. The local druid knocks on the front door.
==========
Perception 35

DM Carl
Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 11:56:34 AM
Kezzem entertains a random thought. One has to assume many of his thoughts are random.

Pressi reflects on the odd series of events they just went through. She still has access to higher magics for the next several hours if there's something she wants to try.

Everyone else discusses going to the mayor's house and getting the gems back to Tiana.

Bliss, Talia, and Succotash head off to the Iron Giant, with the intention of making poor Tiana wait even more to start things back up.

Murphy invites Pressi to come with him to Mayor Bingo's residence.

***

The Iron Giant is just where you left it, obviously. Inside the chamber of the Giant's heart is Tiana. She has made herself right at home, going so far as to raid the paper and ink supply closet to take copious notes on her studies.

It's kind of a mess, if we're being honest.

Tiana practically vibrates with anticipation once the gems are shown to be charged, and takes the news that she has to wait a little more very hard. "I've waited for daaaayyyys, Bliss. DAYS. Time goes kinda slow when you don't sleep." Still, she agrees.

***

Meanwhile, Mayor Bingo answers the door himself, eyes smiling when he seems his town's chief protectors are back where they can help protect it. "Murphy! Pressi! Glad to see you're back." Married life appears to agree with the Mayor; he appears a little fuller around the middle already. He stands aside to invite the couple in. "So, anything new going on out in the Wold?"

***

I'm fine with you getting Mookie back, Cayzle. Pull her (him?) out of your cauldron and be done with it. You're about to gain another level anyway...

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24
Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 1:03:08 PM
"Ooo, now there's an idea, Bliss. Kezzem starts to sing, "Magic horseshoes...clovers, and blue moons. They're magically delicious!"

To Tiana, he asks "Have you tried sleeping? It's quite relaxing. People always say that they can sleep when they're dead, but as a paladin or Gargul, I can assure you that's not the case. He snores."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =29)
Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 8:17:51 PM
Talia, asks, Ms. Tiana,"What's ya' been up to since we left? What are all thes notes you have made?"

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124 of 124, AC30
Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 8:29:20 PM

"Miss Tiana," says Bliss, concerned, "why aren't you sleeping? When you are tired you make mistakes. You gotta take care of yourself!"

He gets busy tidying up, and makes her eat a meal out of his magic elven lunchbox.

=====

"but as a paladin or [of?] Gargul, I can assure you that's not the case."

Bliss stares at Kezzem. "You're a paladin of ... Gargul? Are you sure that's a good idea, Sir Kezzem? That guy only treated me and my mom bad, you know."

=====

Bliss's cauldron starts rattling. "Oh, yeah, I forgot I had this thing." he sets it on the ground, and it cracks open. A big black raven rolls out.

"I've heard of hatchlings, but this is ridiculous!" says Bliss.

The bird sits up, shakes like a wet dog, and laughs. "The Kid with a zinger! My life has not been wasted."

Bliss hugs the bird -- he is about the same size as Bliss is. "Mookie, I missed you."

The big raven ruffles Bliss's hair with his beak. "I know, Kid, that's what brung me back."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23
Wednesday July 3rd, 2019 8:46:56 PM
Pressi listens to the laundry list of things we learned. "And if you told a story about the events as a whole, the theme would be... what, exactly?" She shakes her head. "Now, the iron giant, there was a story with a tight arc."

Moving on, "I would be glad to accompany you towards the mayor house. Let me remind Harper not to eat any of Bliss' new pets and we will be on our way."

She lets Murphy answer the question of what is new in the world.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC 25 HP 113/116 d8=1 ; d8=4 ; d8=4 ; d8=4 ; d8=5 ; d20+30=47 ;
Thursday July 4th, 2019 1:18:00 AM

Reflecting upon story arcs
After Pressi likens the recent series of events to a story, and the Iron Giant as a distinct story, Murphy considers. "Huh. Is that the sort of thing you learn from knowing that Shakespeare fellow?" he asks. "But, Pressi, the 'Iron Giant' story - aren't we still in the middle of that... arc? I mean, the approach, infiltration, assault, and victory were part of the story. But our taking the gemstones back to the source of power which enlivens the giant, letting them fill up again on that power, then placing the same back into the heart of the giant - is that not yet another part of that story? Perhaps, what do they call it in plays? Another act, in a multipart play?

"I think the broader story arc is not over. The acts are smaller arcs, upon which the greater story is built. And us halflings, facing repeated threats from those who are of greater size than we, who use our own small selves to overcome these larger threats - is that not a recurring thread in this tapestried links of stories?"

Meeting with Mayor Bumbleluck
Smiling large at the Mayor's warm greeting, Murphy steps aside to allow Pressi to enter first. Telepathically he says to her, "I'm letting you go first in case there are any hazards inside," then follows her in.

"Thank you," he says, offering his hand to shake. "It's good to see you, Mayor Bumbleluck. I trust that May is doing well?"

After brief pleasantries are exchanged, he launches. "Sir, I wish we had a bit more time to spend with you, but you'll understand our urgency in a moment.

"Humble's Sword headed north at Tiana's request to recharge the core gems of the Iron Giant - she believes once that is done, she can use the repowered giant to get the Giant Tower working again!

"Glimstone dwarfs - who would like to engage in trade with us, providing fine gems on their part - showed us hospitality, and we rested among them. The morning of the next day, however, less than an hour through underground passageways beyond the gem mines, we came upon perhaps 300 giants or so making preparations for war against us here in the valley. We were able to observe them without them being aware of our presence.

"Fire giants, stone, and hill giants I saw, and Bliss glimpsed, too. They spoke of coming against us now that the towers no longer prevent their entry. They spoke of how sweet halflings taste, and how much they shall feast. I watched their fire giant smiths making swords, spears, clubs and such.

"They may be ready to leave within about two days, more or less. Now, good Mayor, do not panic - listen to this:

"Just four minutes ago the balance of our team headed up to the Iron Giant to deliver what Tiana needs to re-energize that construct, and then, if her thoughts are borne out, to use it to bring the Giant Tower back into working order.

"Surely, once you have let our militia and key people know about the renewed threat from the north, I trust in your wisdom and leadership to help prepare the people, and with other good heads here to devise some defensive measures." He reminds the mayor of detailed defensive plans he wrote out many months ago, and gave copies to him, to the constable, and some of the outsiders who were helping. [OOC: I will try to find those instructions in our archives in the next day or so.] "There may some ideas worth implementing there. I think, in particular, we may want to focus on defenses around the area of the tower, and adjacent, plus near and in town.

"Word needs to go immediately to the rest of the valley. You are the first who has been told, as I infer that neither Jack nor Hobie was able to get word to you. I pray for their welfare.

"If you have questions, ask now. We must be present up in the Iron Giant within the next few minutes with Tiana and our friends to assist with and witness the procedure."

Murphy tries to respond as best as possible to the Mayor's queries, and expresses his confidence in the politician to rise well to the occasion, as he has so many times in the past.

Then, after providing brief responses, he excuses himself and Pressi, with the parting words, "Really, sir, once things have settled down, you must do us the honor of joining us with your wife at our little sanctuary for a nice teatime."

Hustling northward back to the Kneeling Giant
Once they are able to leave, he asks Pressi, "Wanna race?" and takes off running to rejoin their friends. Though longstrider is still in effect on him, he does not outpace his fianc�e, but rather plays at the race. If she rides upon Harper - he asks both if he may ride as well. He is happy to be back to his halfling form, and loves to be close to her, and to ride together.

Within the Iron Giant
Back in the giant, Murphy retrieves the gems he wore earlier, and places them upon his bracers to gain their benefits. [Wisdom, Strength, Constitution, +3 on each] If it is available, he also puts on the cloak that allows for teleportation within the immense construct.

Going up to the level of the gem heart, he gives Tiana a hug. "Oh, it is so good to see you. Are we ready to try it? We promised the Encompassing Mind to be here when the gemstones were put inside."

Then, "MOOKIE!!!" The druid is overwhelmed with joy at the return of Bliss's raven friend.

And, as some point, he uses his wand of cure light wounds 4 times to heal himself up.
===========
Perception: 48

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24
Thursday July 4th, 2019 1:19:37 AM
"Well, I died and Gargul let me come back to protect you guys," says Kezzem, serious for a moment. "That's a great gift and not one I take lightly."

"Mookie! Long time no see. How long has Bliss kept you hiding in his pot?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 86/96
Thursday July 4th, 2019 8:57:50 AM
Succotash can hardly contain his anticipation. he really likes Madam Gem, and kinda misses her. he doesn't say much, but he keeps his eyes on the action. When Bliss pulls Mookie out of his cauldron, He is more then a little shocked, and takes a few steps back. He quickly regains his composer when Kezzem and Murphy seem to know the bird. When Mookie talks, Succotash decides to make his introduction saying, "Succotash Slenderstick at your service, we haven't met, but Bliss has mentioned you on multiple occasions, good to finally meet you".

DM Carl
Thursday July 4th, 2019 11:10:03 AM
Kezzem and Bliss both suggest rest and food to Tiana, but she waves both away.

"Don't need them in here, remember? Tried sleeping, but it didn't take. After you left, I would absently sip on tea while I worked, then realized nothing was...well, nothing was coming back out."

She produces a scroll with a line drawn vertically down the paper. The words 'input' and 'output' are written in the two columns. A series of 10 hash marks are on the 'input' side with nothing on the 'output' side.

"I'm a little concerned about what's going to happen when I leave, if we're being honest."

Talia asks what Tiana's been up to.

"Oh, I explored a bit. There's an old, heavily damaged construct that I tried to get working, but too many of its parts are broken. Without those gems you won't let me install, there's not much I can do here."

Bliss sorts out his things as he waits for his companions, and is delighted when Mookie comes popping out of his cauldron.

Pressi and Murphy discuss recent events before warning the mayor about the giants they discovered in The Scab, draining poor Bingo's face of color in the process. Murphy's reassurances do little to bring any of that color back, but he takes a breath and stands.

"Right. Right...the valley. I will get Roscoe to activate his militia." He pauses, gathering his thoughts and formulating plans. "May and Blossom can head to Angel Springs. You two should go take care of the Giant." He stands and shoos the two out the door. He can be heard calling for his wife and daughter as the door closes behind our two heroes.

They race back to the Giant, where Succotash waits anxiously. Mookie's appearance does little to calm that anxiety.

"Finally!" exclaims Tiana when the whole gang arrives. She grabs both gems, setting the DPAA aside for now. She gently places them inside the open space in the giant, pink heart of the Iron Giant. The little door open in the heart closes, and about two seconds pass before the heart erupts with blinding pink and purple light. Tiana actually squeals a little when the conduits that criss-cross the entire interior of the Giant start glowing and pulsing with energy. A low hum starts somewhere above the party, growing in pitch quickly before either stopping or growing too high to hear.

As before, the surface of the giant pink gem ripples and writing appears on its surface. It's still not a language anyone can identify, but everyone's able to read it.

Encompassing Mind initialization continuing. Estimated time to completion: 32 years, 4 months, 3 days, 19 hours, 8 minutes, 34 seconds.

Re-calibrating

Estimated time to completion: 10 years, 2 months, 12 days, 4 hours, 1 minutes, 0 seconds.

Re-calibrating

Estimated time to completion: 1 years, 1 months, 22 days, 16 hours, 4 minutes, 38 seconds.

Re-calibrating

Estimated time to completion: 5 months, 6 days, 7 hours, 8 minutes, 14 seconds.

Re-calibrating

Estimated time to completion: 20 years, 8 months, 3 days, 20 hours, 47 minutes, 31 seconds.

Re-calibrating

Estimated time to completion: 1 second.

Encompassing Mind startup checks initialized.

Aetherial/Mechanical couplings check: Successful
Pilot interface check: Successful
Organic need neutralization field check: Successful

Encompassing Mind personality prismatic matrices check:

WARNING! BLUE PRISMATIC MATRIX NOT DETECTED. ADVANCED DESTRUCTIVE ABILITIES NOT AVAILABLE.

Guardian construct check:

12 GC-13A Guardian Constructs available.
7 MC-1X Maintenance Constructs available.
5 SD-2Z Sentry Drones available.
3 HH-4V Historian Constructs in use.

WARNING! AD-6 ARMAGEDDON DRONE NON OPERATIONAL.

Construct checks: Successful

Crew Check:

6 known halfling crew members present.
1 unknown halfling crew member present.

Crew check successful.

Pilot check:

WARNING! NO IRON GIANT PILOTS ARE AVAILABLE.

Pilot check unsuccessful. New pilot needed.

Encompassing Mind Crew Interface Personality check:

"Successful! Hello halfling crew. I have missed you."
"Even if it's only been a few seconds for me.
"You all look well! I am glad to see the past three decades have been kind to you."
"A little too good. You still look like children."
"That was not a short joke. Promise!
"Why aren't you older, and why do I feel so new? What did you monkeys do?"

Tiana is stunned. Her hand covers her mouth and her eyes flicker quickly back and forth between our heroes and the gem. She is breathing very fast.

Sense motive, DC 12, Highlight to display spoiler: {She's waiting for an introduction.}

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 86/96
Thursday July 4th, 2019 12:11:58 PM
"Madam Gem!!!!! Succotash squeals with delight, "I missed you, even though it has only been a few months. Let me introduce you to Tiana, she's the one who helped us bring you online so soon. Oh and Tiana, this is the Encompassing Mind!"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC 25 HP 113/116
Thursday July 4th, 2019 1:29:16 PM

Murphy watches the recalibrations, growing excited, then momentarily dismayed with the penultimate estimate. When it begins marching through the various startup checks, his heart begins to race, and likely his face flushes.

When she speaks, he claps his hands, and dances in a circle. "You're back, you're back!"

Succotash introduces Tiana to the Encompassing Mind. He is so polite a paladin. Murphy likes him. "Yes, yes, Tiana Taithen - Encompassing Mind, she is a member of the local wizards group, the Second Dinner Club, and quite brilliant. We love her." He laughs - why is he so emotional about a construct? "And Succotash is right - it's not been years, but only a few weeks.

"We saw it was going to take over thirty years for you to come back fully. Tiana figured out that placing your heart gems back at the power source, where they were created, would greatly empower them. She devised a dual-prismatic aetherial amplifier using the gems which led us to that source." Surely able to babble on indefinitely, Murphy manages to restrain himself, giving air to his friends so they can tell more of the story.

At some point though, he interjects, "I would love to try piloting Iron Giant." He does, though, not wish to be greedy for the pilot's seat. "Although, if another so wishes, perhaps another. But I would love trying!"

Others might explain about the giant tower, and the imminent threat from the giants out of the Scab, and that halflings don't get much larger than we are, and...

------------------
As others respond and interact, a thought occurs to Murphy. After a bit he communicates telepathically to Pressi. "We may need to consider the possibility of placing the blue gem back on its pedestal, not immediately, but before the giants approach. We should ask her about that. Encompassing Mind seemed to have a distaste for that segment of the - the system."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =29) d20+2=14 ;
Thursday July 4th, 2019 1:33:47 PM
Tali gigles as that word of the Ms. EM! "Silly Emcompassing Mind, we speeded up your boot processes!" "Oh, how silly of me, Ms. Encompassing Mind, this is Lady Tiana, Lady Tiana, this is the Conciousness that controls the Giant...kind of it's operating system...that ever that is!" laughs Tali!

Skill Checks

Sense Movtives = 14

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23
Thursday July 4th, 2019 7:29:35 PM
Pressi is characteristically unenthusiastic about the mind being awakened. I thought we were just powering this thing enough to walk it to the tower. I�d tell you how lousy turning this thing on is, but I bet she�ll make a better case.

Pressi moves a tad closer. �What is your current primary command? Do you remember anything from our last conversation or during your time inactive?�

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124 of 124, AC30
Thursday July 4th, 2019 11:32:24 PM

Mookie bows low when greeted by Murphy, Kezzem, and Succotash.

Murph, just the same as ever, I see.

Kezz, boy have you changed!

"Nice to meet ya, new guy," he says to Sir Succotash.

Then all the Encompassing Mind awakening stuff happens!

"Kid," says Mookie, "ya got yourself into something here, for sure."

"Wowsy, yeah," says Bliss. But he is distracted by Murphy.

"Mister Murphy, please don't jump in to pilot this! The last guy to do it lost his soul and killed his own son. Let Miss Tiana investigate it first!"

"Please Miss Pressi, tell him!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24
Friday July 5th, 2019 1:35:31 AM
"Murph, are you okay there?" asks Kezzem. "Don't start going all 'my precious' on the Iron Giant. I don't want to have to explain to Pressi that I had to smite you."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC 25 HP 113/116
Friday July 5th, 2019 2:26:40 AM

Oh, and Murphy thinks to extract pen and paper to jot down the words and numbers that the Encompassing Mind had been displaying. He in particular writes the model numbers of the drones and constructs and their status.

As the druid takes in the rebukes of his friends, Murphy looks at them. "What is it that makes you think I'm likely to become a murderous mushbrain?"

"Yes, let us consider ramifications, and talk things over with Tiana and Encompassing Mind and each other." He continues to write as he speaks. "The Iron Giant will need a pilot to move. It would be wise for more than just one person to learn how to pilot. Giants will soon be on the march. The more options we have at hand for both defense and offense, the better our chance at victory.

"Defense: A working network of Giant Towers
"Offense as needed: The Iron Giant
"Tell me it is foolish to consider these things. Or go ahead and smite me, Kezzem."

He turns to Bliss. "You jumped into the pilot seat, Bliss. I would guess your soul is still intact." He gives him a wink. "But, do let us learn more, and consider well what we do. A wise carpenter learns his tools."

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124 of 124, AC30
Friday July 5th, 2019 9:26:16 AM

"Oh yeah, Mister Murphy, but it didn't take because the batteries were dry."

Mookie tilts his head and looks at Bliss.

"Okay," Bliss says, "you have my blessing to try, but be careful."

"Miss Tiana, please tell Mister Murphy exactly where he is supposed to put the giant down."

Tiana Meets the Encompassing Mind

Scene 0 - An Interlude

DM Carl
Friday July 5th, 2019 1:04:10 PM
Succotash sure missed the Encompassing Mind. He introduces it to Tiana.

"Hello, Tiana! I am very glad you found a way to bring me back so quickly."
"Yeeeah, but what did you actually do?"

Murphy interjects, explaining how they took the EM's gems back into The Scab to charge them up.

"You took me out of the Iron Giant?"
"That was very clever of you. How did you find the dimensional instability used to power me originally?"
"You took me out of the Iron Giant?"
"The instability drifted away while I sat in The Scab alone for so many years. I was afraid I would run out of power and be alone forever."
"You took me out of the Iron Giant?"
"I am not at all upset about that, and am very glad I am not lost in The Scab, never to be seen again."

Tiana breathes deep and picks up the DPAA. "I used this. It amplifies the aetherial signatures of your matrices and reveals their power source." She looks around, trying to figure out how to show the thing to the Encompassing Mind.

"Yes, Crew Member Murphy is correct. You are quite intelligent."
"Stop moving it around so I can get a look at it. I can see everything in the Giant."

Tiana stops moving, allowing the EM to look. Murphy mentions he'd love to try piloting.

Talia adds that they sped up something called the "boot process," proving Tiana's not the only one who uses made up words.

Pressi isn't as excited as everyone else, but when is she? She asks two pointed questions to the Encompassing Mind.

"I do not have a primary command."
"I don't even have a pilot right now. You chased off my last one."
"I remember everything of our previous conversations, and the HH-4V historian constructs have made a permanent record for their archives."
"...and I don't remember anything in between, since I was off. Also, you took our gems outside the Iron Giant."
"I am sure I could have been useful. I was created in The Scab. Its magic is very old."

Bliss and Mookie meet the new people, but Bliss balks at the idea of Murphy becoming a pilot.

"Hey, that guy's soul was damaged way before he came here."
"It is true. He killed many dwarves when his crew found me. By the standards you have shown, Anur is not a good person."

Kezzem worries about Murphy's sudden interest. Murphy agrees that Tiana should do some research before piloting.

"Right, right...research," starts Tiana. She grabs several blank paper scrolls and fills a pen before continuing. "Ok you two," she starts, but is interrupted.

"Begging your pardon, miss, but I am a singular entity."
"There's no we, just me."
"If that's confusing, you're probably overthinking it."

Tiana writes very quickly during the exchange before starting her interrogation of the Encompassing Mind...

***

Someone probably thinks to take a look at the the chunks of dead solidified steam minotaur at some point. Experimentation shows they are water that stays solid at room temperature, but that sublime into vapor when heated to water's boiling point. They depose back to solid once they cool, never turning into a liquid. If the vapor is allowed to dissipate, the crystal is lost. They have several uses in both artistry and arcana, and will fetch a hefty price. They can be sold for a total of 200,000 gold.

***

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand that's the module, folks. I'm awarding 30k XP for completion, which should put everyone at 13th level (if not, bump yourself up to 13th). Next module is already approved, but I'm giving you a real-time week before it starts to shop, level up, role play, whatever. Note that only 24 hours of in game time will pass during this week, so don't go too nuts.

Don't worry about actually selling the loot at the catacombs. They're worth enough to boost everyone's WBL to 13th level max.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24
Friday July 5th, 2019 2:14:32 PM
"Well, I'm off to the catacombs. Need to upgrade my thinking cap. Also, get some nifty horseshoes for Rumpus. And maybe a magic cloak for him as well. Is it still a cloak if a pony is wearing? I think it's called something else, but I can't think of the word."

Do we have time for upgrading WLA membership stuff?

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC 25 HP 113/116
Friday July 5th, 2019 4:12:39 PM

Brief interjection (Murphy does other things before answering Kezzem - but I've gotta run)
"I think the word you are looking for Kezzem - a sort of cloak or robe for a horse, is a caparison," Murphy answers his friend who is capable of smiting him.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 136/136, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 53/62, CMD 24
Friday July 5th, 2019 5:12:52 PM
Wait, Kezzem is capable of smiting Murphey?

DM Edit: Yes, you can. Won't do anything since Murphy's not evil, but you can smite him.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC 25 HP 125/128
Saturday July 6th, 2019 12:18:42 AM

Listening to the Encompassing Mind, Murphy perceives her mixture of anxiety, gratitude, relief, consternation, mixed approval. "I perceive you have a sense of anxiety that you - the core gems - were removed from the Iron Giant, and that involved great risk. You are not mistaken, great risk was involved. Death drew near to us during the journey there and back again. Without having taken that risk, however, you would not now be awake, not for at least another 32 years.

"And, the gems are you, right? You are the gems. We bore you, asleep as it were. All the rest of this machinery is what you inhabit. You are the soul of the machine, Encompassing Mind. And, by bearing you with care and dispatch to rejoin for maybe a dozen hours the nexus of dimensional instability - you gained fresh energy. You shine brightly. You can face your purpose, and ours, with great power to carry it out. Welcome back."

Murphy pauses, giving Miss Gem the time to process, and to communicate in return.

"Several of the drones and constructs require repair. They were damaged by us when they attacked us. Are the MC-IX Maintenance Constructs able to effect repairs upon them?" He asks to find out the best way to get the MC-IX units to the damaged units, or to get the damaged units to the MC-IXs. He lets EM know that one of the guardian constructs was borne to another place for examination, and will be returned. [This construct was for Hugo and Primula Pipeleaf, and Samell Fingers Pastna Pipewood, Murphy's father, to examine. It may have been further disassembled and in part or whole reassembled by them, and is in a room in the rock castle of the Sanctuary]

"Would you require a pilot to provide direction, or, lacking such at the moment, can we work together on these matters?"

If she says a pilot is required, he says, "We halflings like at times, and in certain ways, to share responsibilities. If more than one of us pilot you - albeit only one at a time, is that something you can accommodate without too much -- trouble?"

Murphy asks Pressi, Talia, Bliss, Succotash, Kezzem, and Tiana, "Who should take the pilot's seat? Does anyone else wish to do so first? Or second? I'm willing to start, or follow."

He also asks Tiana, "For what you have in mind, Tiana Taithen, would moving to the Giant Tower before too much time passes be a smart thing? Propinquity may advance the process. Would you need the assistance of Veseley?"

The Glimstone Mines - Who Will Go?
"Friends, we do not know for certain that Jack and Hobie were able to notify the dwarfs," Murphy says. "I do think that no one in authority in Humble's Ford was told about the giants until Pressi and I spoke with the Mayor a few minutes ago. Who will go let the dwarfs know? Two or more should go together, I think, and travel swiftly, that they might prepare."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 76/129 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 86/96
Saturday July 6th, 2019 9:39:45 AM
"Thanks for asking Murph, but as much as I adore Madam Gem, I really have no desire to pilot the Iron Giant. Don't get me wrong, I would if need arose, but doing so just to do so isn't my cup of tea", Succotash answers, then adds, "Can't we send an animal messenger, you know, like the spell, to the dwarves to warn them, that would save us the time, and accomplish the same thing".

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC 25 HP 125/128
Saturday July 6th, 2019 12:36:48 PM

"Oh, great idea, Succotash! I have a bird feather token."

Murphy writes out the following message:

"Urist Bernanrir & Glimstone friends: There is an army of around 300 giants downstream of your mines, a 45-minute walk. Where roots of a tower cap grow out the wall adjacent the passageway, on the other side of the stone they are gathered in large caverns, fashioning iron weapons. Fire, Stone, Hill giants, who plan to attack Crescent Valley in perhaps 2 days or so. Needed to warn you. --Murphy from Humble's Ford."

He allows the feather token to transform into a bird, wraps the message around a leg, and directs it to Urist Bernanrir, mayor of Glimstone.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday July 6th, 2019 1:04:44 PM
Kezzem returns from his WLA training looking a little tougher.

"Huzzah! Now I can really take a hit. In fact, I might be turning into a dwarf. Let me know if I start growing a beard, okay?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23
Saturday July 6th, 2019 8:20:09 PM
�I think we need to hold our horses. Tiana hasn�t even told us what she wants to do next.�

That the gems can recognize the difference in standards, that they can begin to determine who is good, causes Pressi to re-evaluate her opinion of the gems. Perhaps they are still reachable after all.

Pressi considers a caparing joke but the moment may have passed. As for whether Kezzem can smite her, a few six level spells should get him motivated.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(12) AC 25 HP 125/128
Saturday July 6th, 2019 9:03:58 PM

With DM's Carl's request that we take care of shopping, WLA, etc. - Murphy will do so... but must first:

Transform into huge air elemental, hustle flies (time required: About 25 minutes) to Hovel and warns the leadership and members of his family of the renewed threat from the giants for 30 minutes; then flies in similar fashion (time required: about 48 minutes) to Angel Springs, warns their leadership, and family members of the 300 giants preparing to descend on the Valley - most likely aiming for passage near the vulnerable Giant Tower above Humble's Ford. He lets only a few key leaders know that the Iron Giant is now their ally, so don't attack it. He does not spill the beans about the possibility of getting the Giant Tower functioning again, because it already has been sabotaged before, and he does not know whom all to trust.

Then he can do WLA, shop, etc.

I really want him to go on a stealth mission to turn large quantities of the giants' weapons from metal to wood... but that will have to wait.

========
So, Murphy trains and goes shopping, and such.

Bliss (Cayzle) HP124 of 124, AC30
Monday July 8th, 2019 11:51:58 AM

"We've got at least a day before the giants arrive," says Bliss, "and I'm hoping Miss Tiana gets the tower back up and running in time.

"But either way, we got at least a day." He reflects. "Wowsy, I've got a lot to pack into a day,"

First things first, the WLA. Bliss and Mookie dash off to the outpost in Angel Springs, the nearest training site, IIRC. At the outpost, Bliss studies up on wands and scrolls. And makes a quick trip to the Catacombs.

DM Carl
Monday July 8th, 2019 12:49:01 PM
Kezzem immediately goes to spend his monies, like any true adventurer would.

Murphy starts to have a chat with the Encompassing Mind, but Tiana hushes him and shoos him out of the Giant. He wonders who should tell the dwarves about the Giants.

Succotash suggests just sending a message to the dwarves to save time. Murphy goes ahead and sends an animal messenger to warn Urist and the rest.

Pressi puts on the brakes like only Pressi can. She finds a glimmer of hope that the Encompassing Mind might just be ok.

Bliss realizes they have to take care of themselves before they take care of the Giants.

***

As usual, I only react to what you folks post during Scene 0. I like to give you folks a week to sort out your stuff and roleplay with the town, but the next module's ready to go if you feel you'd rather not take an entire week. That's up to you all.

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday July 8th, 2019 4:56:11 PM

Updating PC Sheet headers

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 34/20/33 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Monday July 8th, 2019 5:32:10 PM
"Hey Bliss hold up, and I'll join you at the WLA, I'm a bit behind, but am catching up slowly in my membership" Succotash says. While there, he studies up on how to be more perceptive, as well as, a bit about the planes. He then heads off to the catacombs thinking to himself, "I am totally getting that adamantine heavy flail this time!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Monday July 8th, 2019 5:33:37 PM
fixed header

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday July 8th, 2019 6:36:07 PM
Bliss is happy to go with Sir Succotash, and chatters all the way about his plan to get a spider cloak and riding/sticking to the bottom of the flying carpet the paladin says he is thinking of buying.

Mookie, quiet, just listens and does that beak thing that looks kinda like a smile.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =29)
Monday July 8th, 2019 9:02:31 PM
Talia flies back to the sword compound to spend time with Rayya. To meditate for at least two (2) and to collectively plan plans for spending some time with WLA in Angel springs as well as spend sometime in the Catacombs.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday July 8th, 2019 11:15:33 PM
Kezzem shares with Bliss his dreams of magic horseshoes for Rumpus.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128
Tuesday July 9th, 2019 6:09:47 AM

Murphy asks Pressi her plans, and tells her his. He lets the others know, too - at least those who are around after he talks with Pressi. He then visits the Catacombs via the local general store and buys things.

He tells his friends, "I will fly to Hovel, say a quick hello to family, militia and mayor, and tell them what is going on. Maximum time there about 30 minutes. I'll fly there as an air elemental. I can take a few of you if you want to come. I'll head to Angel Springs afterwards."

It turns out his flight to Hovel takes under 11 minutes, rather than 25.

He talks to his Aunt Marigold if she is available, and has her direct him to the current head of the militia, and the local mayor. He gives them a quick rundown on the situation (~ 300 giants coming : maybe a way to fix the tower in time : no guarantees), and encourages them to make preparations - military, evacuation, or what they deem appropriate. He leaves with his Aunt Margaret a bird feather token, in case she needs to reach him with a message. She is a witch, so he also plucks a couple of hairs to give to her in case she or one of her coven members wish to contact him via other magic. And gives her a big hug. "Tell Kendry and Airin, too. Kiss the wee ones for me."

Then he goes to Angel Springs - This flight takes about three quarters of an hour. He takes a different tack this time. He goes directly to the WLA. There he explains the situation with the giants. He asks them - who have many modes and channels of communication - to alert the proper people (Burgomeister, military, & ?) about the situation.

Then he receives WLA training - and will patiently answer questions he can about what he has brought up. Usually he would see his sister and brother, but this time just leaves a message for them.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128
Tuesday July 9th, 2019 6:22:57 AM

He tells Bliss, too, that morning in the Iron Giant, "Bliss, it's likely two days until they are ready to travel - and will likely take them most of a day to travel down to here. So - two and a half, or three days if we're lucky. But, yeah, maybe they could accelerate their plans and get here sooner, without first completing their weapons. "Ah, well, just grab a small tree on the way down and hit them over the head with that. Throw rocks. Not all of you need swords and spears or metal clubs." Murphy says in as deep a voice as he can muster with a giantish accent.

"Givin' ourselves a day for training and other prep, like as not as of tomorrow morning there like as not is at least another day before they even think of arriving. I'll be there early in the morning - before sunrise - to help Tiana, and maybe we can move the Iron Giant over to the tower about then. Tonight I expect to sleep in Humble's Ford - and check in with Tiana before I get a good sleep at our Sanctuary."

"Pressi - shall we host our friends for a late night at the Belly Buster? I know you favor the Dancing Pig, but I'd like a place where we can hear ourselves talk and think at a moment like this."

To the group - the spellcasters, Murphy says, "Someone should have a spell of restoration or two for Tiana for when she steps out of the giant to fiddle with the Tower. Otherwise she'll crash and fall asleep, and won't have a clear mind for doing what needs doing."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Tuesday July 9th, 2019 10:10:33 AM
�I got a restoration spell and a couple of lesser restoration spells prepared Murphy, Succotash informs his friend, �And I know how to use the fatigue mercy as well!�

DM Carl
Tuesday July 9th, 2019 1:56:48 PM
As most of the party goes to take care of shopping and training at the WLA, Murphy visits relatives. On his return trip from Angel Springs, he has an encounter...

Flying along, he feels something watching and hears rushing wind, even over the sound of his own elemental form. He looks back in time to see another air elemental, larger and faster than even our capable druid. In no time he is overtaken, but he senses no hostility. The elemental regards him curiously, then speaks in perfect druidic.

"Murphy, right? We should talk..." Without waiting for a reply, the elemental plummets towards the ground, turning into a tall, unkempt human who rolls with the landing. He stretches a bit, and Murphy notices the man wears nothing his mother didn't give him. He's tattooed heavily enough to not make that immediately evident. His hair and beard are a mess, and his scent is...substantial. He looks up expectantly.

Murphy's free to ignore the man, but who knows what he has to say...

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128
Tuesday July 9th, 2019 2:39:11 PM
Of course, Murphy flies to the ground and, out of courtesy and curiosity, wild shapes back to himself.

He replies in druidic, "You wouldn't be related to Myrridan, now, would you?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Tuesday July 9th, 2019 5:11:46 PM
"Bliss we can be Humble's trifecta of ouch", Succotash laughs, "Piggy on the carpet, me on Piggy, and you underneath, Giants beware!"

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday July 9th, 2019 10:24:16 PM

"And Mookie flying and Rumpus with magic horseshoes (and Sir Kezzem on Rumpus) and Miss Talia and Mister Murphy flying ... everybody can be in the air!"

He thinks for a sec. "I guess Miss Pressi can fly a broom?"

Bliss enjoys the conversation, shows off his purchases, and then is happy to get home.

Once there, he has to introduce Mookie to his coven. Well, his and Miss Pressi's.

"Mookie," he says, "These are Joy, Comfort, Hesitation, and Mourning. They are my followers. Guys, this is Mookie."

"They got funny names," says Mookie.

"I know, right?" whispers Bliss. "Maybe it's like, a tribute? I dunno."

Bliss spends some time and a meal with his people. He tells them about his recent adventures and stuff.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday July 9th, 2019 10:26:48 PM
"Trifecta of ouch?" asks Kezzem. "Naw, we can do better than out. How about threesome of booboos? Or trio of woopies? Wait, no, I got it...Trinity of Woe!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23
Tuesday July 9th, 2019 11:27:38 PM
To Murphy, "Well, if we are looking for a quiet place to host the team for a bit, I might know of another location..."

---------------

From atop the head of the iron giant, Pressi stared out into the vast expanse, out into the starry void. Out through the rolling hills of the crescent valley. "A little reminder that thoughts of insignificance... just won't do."

With a simple cast of Heroes' Feast, Pressi brings forth a magnificent spread for the team, cycling through a number of music acts and food styles. "Just a little reminder to the pain trio or whatever... you boys still play for second.

"Seriously, I did want to do a little celebrating, and a little something special for this great team... this great family... that we have become. And with little time left to prepare before this great device comes online, I just felt like we could use a reminder of how far we've come. And now, I believe Murphy wished to say a few words?"

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Wednesday July 10th, 2019 7:28:54 AM

Bliss shows off his purchases to his coven, but he realizes something is missing. "Hey, that janitor fellow forgot the potion wrappings!"

He looks at a piece of parchment at the bottom. "Well, at least he didn't charge me for them. Come on, let's go find some in town. You guys know the shops better than me."

Joy volunteers to go shopping with Bliss in Humbles Ford.

Bliss is looking for leather wrappings for his newly bought potion bottles, color coded for each kind, and with leather straps or handles for easy carrying and handling (by Mookie with his new amulet of Mage Hand). Bliss has up to 200 gp to spend on these -- a lot, he thinks, but they have to be ready today.

Later, Bliss and Mookie enjoy the picnic on top of the Iron Giant's head. "Miss Pressi, it sure was nice of you to make this tasty spread," Bliss says around a mouthful of a BLT sandwich. "I love my elven lunch box, but sometimes a hero wants something with bacon!"

[OOC to all: Heroes' Feast grants the participants "gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours." Pressi, what's your caster level with this spell -- and would you like a +1 from Bliss casting Sacrifice Blood beforehand?]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday July 10th, 2019 7:43:23 AM
"Hold on Bliss, I'll come with you," says Kezzem. "I need to pick a few regular daggers to replace those I lost in the shadow-walk place."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23
Wednesday July 10th, 2019 10:19:31 AM
Pressi smiles. "Not necessary. I think our caster level is just fine."

(CL level is 12. She has 11 base, and will get 1 from Santanos Vestment.)

DM Carl
Wednesday July 10th, 2019 3:58:12 PM
"Nah," comes the response in causal-sounding common. "That guy's way too high profile for my liking." He plops himself down in the grass and lies back. "I swear, Crescent Valley may be the most perfect picnic spot in the entire Wold. Nice weather, comfortable plant life, halfling cooking...what more can a guy ask for?"

He sits up, and Murphy gets a good look at the guy's tattoos. They're mostly tribal line-work, but scattered across his skin are dozens of tiny oak leaves. "I don't need to tell you that though, do I? Gotta say Murphy, you've caught the attention of a lotta folks in my world. Big hero druid doin' his part to save the valley from that Sargrass business? The trees you planted though...we all kinda figured you were angling for an invite. You got a lot of fans in my circle, Murphy." He scratches his head as he continues talking. A lot of stuff sloughs off.

"I ain't one of them, though. Did you know that each of those three oaks you planted were exactly 35' apart? I measured. You ever seen trees grow that perfectly spaced out in nature? I haven't, and I've been in plenty of nature and seen plenty of oaks. There's a chaos to nature Murph, and you seem determined to bring order to it.

"Still, you've got promise, and your heart's in the right place. So, I've come to make you an offer: you have one year to change my mind. One year to show me you can let nature be nature, that you're comfortable in a world with most stuff not conforming to what you think it should be. You do that, and there's a place in our circle for you."

He jumps to his feet. "For what it's worth, I wouldn't be here if I thought you were a lost cause. I'll be pullin' for ya." With that, he turns back into an elder air elemental and flies off, taking absolutely zero questions nor waiting for a reply.

OOC: Consider this the one year probationary period the Circle of The Oak requires.

***

Meanwhile, the rest of our heroes are finishing up their shopping. Pressi decides on holding a feast atop the Iron Giant. It is a stunning view from 260' up, and a reminder of what everyone is about to fight for.

Bliss enjoys some bacon, no doubt remembering the words of a wise Mendicant. Joy is able to find the items he was looking for at a reasonable price while they dine.

Murphy is asked to say a few words...

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Wednesday July 10th, 2019 4:47:01 PM
Succotash flies to the Head of the Iron Giant on his brand new Carpet of Flying. He does a couple of fly-bys so that everyone can see the beautiful weaving put into the Persian style rug he is riding on. When he lands, he asks his friends, "Isn't it beautiful? I ordered a flying carpet, but never expected anything this nice!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday July 10th, 2019 6:50:04 PM
Kezzem comes back with eight new daggers, given him a total of twenty in his arsenal (2 magic, 2 silver, 6 cold iron, and 10 regular daggers). They are strapped all about his armor in pretty much every conceivable location.

"What? These two magic ones are nice and they return to my hand after I throw him, but I can draw and throw daggers faster than the magic works, so I need extras. And since the rest of them don't return (which could be quite pricey, plus I only have two hands for them to return to), I need extra extras. And yeah, they might not be as good as the magic one, but when I'm putting the smite on, they still pack quite they oomph."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22 (27), HP 95/101, CMD 21; Harper AC 23 (28), HP 41/61, CMD 23
Thursday July 11th, 2019 1:38:15 PM
With everyone else out and about, Pressi squeezes shopping between wedding plans (though a date has yet to be set) and keeping Harper from eating Mookie... or Miss Piggy... or Rumpus... or any local livestock... In hindsight, fruit bat might have been the better way to go.

Not much gear to show off this time around. Harper may have better weapons than she does at this point... Hhm, maybe that's why she's so spirited, she thought to herself.

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+25=32 ;
Thursday July 11th, 2019 1:54:53 PM
Bliss admires Kezzem�s knives. �Very sharp!�

He plays with Harper and Mookie.

And he keeps a close eye on the mountains for invaders.

Perception 32

�Is everybody ready?� He asks.

Murphy (Jeremy subbing)
Thursday July 11th, 2019 5:14:30 PM
"Well guys as you know, we are going to have to fight some giants soon", Murphy begins, "Just remember our goal is to hold them back not slaughter them, that's just not our way". "Oh and one more thing", Murphy decides to add, Pressi and I are getting married!"

Murphy (Jeremy subbing)
Thursday July 11th, 2019 5:18:00 PM
"Oh and nice carpet Succotash!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Thursday July 11th, 2019 5:18:51 PM
reset header

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =29)
Thursday July 11th, 2019 9:15:46 PM
Talia spends some time in Angel Springs -- the closest location for WLA chapter, by flying on honing her skills. After she is finished here, she will hover through the town like usual taking in the sites. On Friday, she will take her leave and return to HUmble Sword's compound, where she will play and snuggle with Rayya again, before heading back to the Iron Giant.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 (Temp HP =29)
Friday July 12th, 2019 8:12:44 AM
While in Angel Springs, Talia will stop by the Catacombs to upgrade her gear and obtain an item or two.

{OOC: will send you an email}

DM Carl
Friday July 12th, 2019 10:16:07 AM
Holy smokes, I forgot to post yesterday. Shame on me.

***

Time passes as everyone shows off their new toys. Murphy reminds everyone that slaughtering their enemies is not the Humble's Sword way, though the giants will certainly not extend the same mercy.

Anyone thinking to check on Tiana will find she's close to a breakthrough, but needs just a little more time...

***

I'll be posting tomorrow morning. Please update your sheets and get your shopping/WLA training done before Monday. Let me know when your sheets are ready for review.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday July 12th, 2019 10:34:41 AM
Header Update

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday July 12th, 2019 10:35:18 AM
(Sheet ready for review)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday July 12th, 2019 10:53:10 AM
With his shopping and WLA training complete, Kezzem spends some time playing with Rumpus, making a rumpus about town.

After Murphey reminds everyone about holding back against the giants, Kezzem makes an objection. "Okay Murph, I hear you, but if they have undead or fiends with them, I'm not holding back against those."

OOC: Kezzem is ready to go.

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Friday July 12th, 2019 11:46:19 AM
Bliss laughs. �With my new ring of jumping and my newest form, I just wanna hop up and hug everybody!�

Bliss makes Mookie practice stuff, like flanking and fly-by attacks and full defenses.

�Kid, I was working with your mom before you were born.�

�Old crow!� Bliss shouts as he soars. �You�re rusty!�

�Who else wants practice? Sirrahs Kezzem and Succotash, we challenge you!�

Mookie says, �Yeah, to a pie eating contest.�

[OOC: sheets and links are up to date!]

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128
Friday July 12th, 2019 12:49:09 PM

"Allow me to rephrase what I said earlier," Murphy requests. "We'lI want to do all we can to prevent the giants from passing the tower. I prefer to avoid bloodshed where possible, but let it flow freely against the giants if necessary, and our fellow halflings avoid having their blood spilt. With 300 of them coming, it's possible they will only understand the mathematics of defeat. If enough of their companions fall, some of them may decide that staying alive by retreating is more important than the opportunity to taste halfling flesh.

"Long ago the giants invaded our lands. The people fought against them, and the towers were built. Once again the people of our beautiful valley are called upon to defend their lands, their homes, their children. And our job is to be the point of the spear of this defense; to do what we might to re-enable the Giant Tower; and to sear into giantkind memory the folly of attacking whom they deem defenseless halflings.

"Hobie Browncloak and I differ on a number of philosophical and ethical matters - but this is one time I surely wish he were by our side. But let us see what we six - what we ten, or eleven, counting our animal friends - may do to stop them."

Then he adds, "Giants are impressed by their great size as compared to those of our race. If faced with one many times their size and mass, that might give them pause - the army of the Iron Giant may more than even the odds against the giants of flesh and bone."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128
Friday July 12th, 2019 1:14:33 PM

Murphy's intended response to the druidic visitation
As it was only two days ago that Murphy planted acorns, yes, in the 35' triangle the druid mentioned - but the acorns are yet in the ground, not yet grown. It was only the ones not far from the Glowstone mines that he had cast plant growth on, so he thinks to ask him how they detected his repetitive planting pattern.

He had wanted to respond that there is both order and chaos in nature. "Have you not noted the repetitive structure of leaves, the pattern of 1 1 2 3 5 8 13 21 and upwards pattern in some plants and animals? My Lord Eberyon himself called us druids stewards of the land. A steward among other things brings order out of chaos - but, as you say, also allows for the benefits of chaos where doing so is wise. Your tatoos - though many and demonstrating aspects of chaos, also have qualities of order and repetition.

"If you wish me not to harness nature's vigor to accomplish good for the Wold, I shall refuse. However, I shall endeavor to learn more the benefits of things in nature that strike the eye as chaotic, while not minimizing the underlying patterns, structure, and design."

"Thank you for your challenge. Tell my brethren of my gratitude, as well. And, may I ask your name?"

Those are things Murphy would have said, had his druidic brother not left so abruptly.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday July 12th, 2019 3:43:10 PM
To Kezzem, "I actually am going to implore you to stay your hand a little against undead and fiends. It took me three months to form that book club and I am not looking forward to starting from scratch."

At Bliss' desire to show off his new form, Pressi smiles and stays out of it.

She takes a quick check on Tiana, updates her knowledge of everyone's abilities, and begins to prepare.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Saturday July 13th, 2019 8:02:39 AM
Succotash nods his agreement with Murphy and says, "I have no love for killing, except maybe undead, as they are an abomination, but we do what we must to protect our homes and loved ones. With this test of strength and virtue before us, we must do what's needed to survive and protect, without losing that which makes us who we are, and that is heroes. I know none of us has sought such a title, but it is one we have earned many times over, and one we must live up to! So I ask you all to make ready to unleash the wrath of Humble's Sword on those who choose harm over humanity, but be equally ready to show mercy to any who may request it".

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday July 13th, 2019 11:31:10 AM
"Not just humanity, but halfling-ity, too," adds Kezzem.

DM Carl
Saturday July 13th, 2019 6:23:17 PM
Murphy reflects on the odd man he met earlier. He had plenty to say to the man, but no chance to say it. He has a feeling the man was severely lacking in social grace, to the point where he may have been a bit touched. Murphy is likely able to sense that he was an exceptionally powerful druid.

Our heroes have a last moment of peace atop the Giant's head. Bliss especially seems to have reinvented himself in a short amount of time. One can hardly wait to see what he throws at your narrator in the coming weeks.

All things must end though. In this case it ends with Tiana sticking her head in.

"OK guys, I think I've got it figured out, but it's gonna take some work..."

***

New module starts Monday. Have a good weekend, everyone.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Saturday July 13th, 2019 11:18:48 PM
�Oh goody, I cannot wait for the end results.�

Pressi turned to Murphy. �Honey, you came back from a presumably uneventful trip. Remind me how everything is more normal than I tend to believe.�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Sunday July 14th, 2019 1:43:24 AM
"Hey Talia, check out Rumpus's new horseshoes!" Rumpus trotts up with his hooves no actually touching the ground. "He can do that hover thing you like to do. Well, maybe not quite as well as you, but it should help him get through rough terrain. He did not have fun on those cave-ridges, so these should help out a lot. The guy at the Catacombs said they will even let him walk over water."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128
Sunday July 14th, 2019 2:55:51 AM

Murphy laughs more than once at things that several things his friends have to say or do.

"Oh, of course, Press. Air elementals race across the valley as usual. One was a faster flyer than I. He didn't give me his name, but said, in effect, I am under consideration to become a member of the CIrcle of the Oak. They noted the acorns I had planted in threes, and took that as my appeal to join them. The fellow they sent had more tattoos on himself than anyone else I've ever seen. He was clothed in them - for he wore no other clothing. As I understand, they will let me know in about a year if they would like me to become one of them.

"I think that people are becoming somewhat accustomed to the notion that terrifically horrible things will threaten the valley, but that we - and sometimes others who help - will get them somewhat safely past these existential threats.

"'What, oh, giants threaten us again? I'm sure the adventurers will deal with them!'" he says in a laconic voice.

"I only hope that we can thwart them before undue harm comes to our people. Y'know, I really don't like to kill people - but giants treat us as not-people. They have no compunction about killing us, enslaving us, and coming up with halfling-based recipes. There have been a few times I awoke, shuddering, as I drempt of the body of that poor fellow roasting on a spit in the valley of the giants.

"I do not wish to become bloodthirsty - yet the feeling grows in me that shedding massive streams of giant blood is what it will take to stop them.

"Why are there so many evil creatures in the Wold? I am grateful there are some who are good, or who at least try to aim in that direction from time to time.

"Oh, along with the warnings I passed on to the folks in Hovel and Angel Springs - I let a few people know that you are my fiancee - and I yours. So, people marrying, loving each other, having children, having arguments, being stubborn, being sweet, and learning to face life's challenges and adventures together - that falls on the normal side of things, right, my rose?"

Murphy draws a bit of Pressi's hair over her ear. "So, how are things with the coven?"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128
Sunday July 14th, 2019 3:06:01 AM

Forgot to mention - the evening of the feast, Murphy cast spike stones into his sling staff.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Sunday July 14th, 2019 4:48:44 PM
Succotash's ears perk up when Tiana informs them that she finally has it figured out, and waits impatiently for the next step.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128
Monday July 15th, 2019 5:18:04 AM

As a quick aside, as the group prepares to hearken to what Tiana has figured out so far, Murphy asks, "I wonder who it is who has gotten rival giantkind to work together with a measure of harmony and purpose?"

Then he opens wide his ears to what she has to tell them.

The Invasion of Humble's Ford

Scene 1 - Tiana's Plan

DM Carl
Monday July 15th, 2019 11:50:34 AM
Tiana gathers everyone in the heart chamber of the Iron Giant. She's really made herself at home in here. There are tables filled with paper and magical apparatuses. She's used magnets to fix more important documents directly to the interior walls. Anyone trained in the arcane can look at these and see she treats magic like a mathematical disciple. It really takes a lot of the mystique out of the arcane, but she seems to know what she's doing.

***

OOC:

Tiana: Italics
Nice EM: Bold Italics
Sardonic EM: Bold

These formats will persist for the entirety of this module when all three are engaged in dialog.

***

"Ok, Madam Gem and I have been working this out. She says she likes to be called that.

"Yes, it reminds me of Succotash."
"Even if he does seem a little too excited to see me sometimes."

"...and we've come up with a plan!"

The Dual Prismatic Aetherial Amplifier suddenly floats upwards. Twin streams of energy, pink and purple, flow from the Heart and into the DPAA. "We can use this to direct Madam Gem's raw magic into the broken tower."

"From what Tiana says, it seems evident that we're made from the same stuff that originally powered your tower."
"That stuff being ancient Scab magic. It's raw power. Tiana really should be more concerned with handling it.
"With my help, she will be safe, though!"
"Seriously though, don't touch that thing while we're using it."

"There are two issues. One, we need to be a lot closer to the tower. Two, Madam Gem can't control the DPAA finely enough to keep it aimed correctly."

"I'm all thumbs."

Tiana casts a quick mage hand cantrip. "So, I'll need to keep it in-line with the tower's power source. That means one of you will need to get the Giant to the tower. There's only one way that's happening."

"I will need a pilot."
"Cause evidently I'm too fat to move myself. No, I haven't forgotten that."
"Regardless of size, I am not equipped to move the Giant. I require a pilot if we're going to get close to your tower."

Tiana purses her lips. "You should tell them what that entails."

"It means I get to hitch a ride in your brain."
"That is correct. I will need to place a tiny part of myself into your consciousness."
"and then we can be best friends forever. Yay."
"Do not worry, though. I mostly do not speak unless it is necessary. I am very good at doing nothing for centuries at a time."
"Just because I was abandoned in the dark by my creator for ages doesn't mean you need to keep me entertained. I get it. You get busy and can't always make time to talk."

"Also, whoever does that will have to devote everything they have to piloting. If a fight breaks out before we finish the ritual, you'll have to fight as the Giant. If you leave the control dais, the ritual will fail."

"Yea, but I promise I can punch way harder than any of you."
"I am capable of great violence."

"Anyway, the ritual will take about 20 hours. We should probably start as soon as we can."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128
Monday July 15th, 2019 2:08:27 PM

"Pressi and I share a mind link," Murphy says. "I rather appreciate it. It greatly facilitates communication... in various ways and circumstances."

"Madam Gem, if I were to pilot, I imagine she, too, could pick up on what we are saying. That could be useful in tactical situations.

"On the other hand, having two female voices in my head... or is it three? - for you, though one, speak in two voices. - what effect might that have on my mind?"

He gives a sardonic smile. "What would you think of that, Press? And do you foresee and challenges or benefits that may present, Madam Gem? Forever, you say?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Monday July 15th, 2019 5:04:16 PM
Upon hearing about the mind link, Succotash steps forward and says, "I know I said I wasn't interested in piloting the Iron Giant, and for the most part that still holds true, but a link with Madam Gem would be something I think I would truly love. I can't explain why, heck I don't even understand it myself, but I feel a connection with Madam Gem, and a mental link with her would be something that I would cherish. I am more then happy to go along with whatever anyone else wishes, but I felt I needed to share my feelings".

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128
Monday July 15th, 2019 5:57:14 PM

"Great, Succotash. I think you may be on to something great," Murphy says, glad for the paladin's interest.

"Madam Gem - do you still have your link with Anur Daron? And can there be pilots who switch off with each other?"

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday July 15th, 2019 8:40:12 PM

Bliss is happy with either Murphy or Succotash taking the pilot's seat.

He is thinking that maybe Sir Succotash would make a better pilot, because Murphy can cast a slew of Entangles and Plant Growths to slow down the approaching army.

Heck, Bliss's new Wall of Thorns spell might help in that regard.

As for himself, Bliss plans to use the warding and sharing rituals with Mookie. He's still happy to give Miss Pressi the usual +1 for him and +1 for Mookie with her rituals if she needs a hand. He plans to have his coven members help out too.

He is wondering about other battle control stuff. His new cloak lets him cast Web once a day. He looks around for a wooded area where that would be more effective in creating a tangle. He asks Miss Talia if she has any spells to cast on enemy armies. Like Slow and Fireball and Stinking Cloud.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90
Monday July 15th, 2019 8:54:02 PM
Talia wonders what being a pilot consists of, so she pipes up and asks. Asks Madam Gem, "What are the requirements for being a pilot of the Great Iron Giant? Do we all have what it takes, or does one have to inately magical to be considered? Althought I watched the Anur Pilot you, He did appear to be quiet comatose in the process. I am wondering if choosing any on the other members of the Humble Sword, might be actually humbling of us all?" finishes up Talia to the Madam Gem.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday July 16th, 2019 6:30:10 AM
"Good idea, Talia!" says Kezzem. "Would you prefer someone strong, dexterous, hardy, intelligent, wise, or charismatic? Are there any skills that training in would be more beneficial to a pilot?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday July 16th, 2019 10:36:12 AM
"Wow, what a kind and generous offer," Pressi began to say.

Just what we need, more voices in the head[/i Harper interjected.

"And I applaud Murphy's optimism that I won't burn this town to the ground myself if he does this," Pressi began tentatively, "but I think there are a few issues. One, I don't intend to be on the ground myself, so we need further lines of communication. Two, I agree with everyone else that other issues are at play... like I bet Madam Gem doesn't wildshape or cast very hard. Three, I don't share. And four, I still don't trust this thing entering ANYONE'S mind and I would completely bury it in the desert myself if I saw a glimmer of another option, and it doesn't even need to be a good option."

[i]No offense, dearie.

"That said, I am leaning towards Succotash. He's got the better relationship with Madam Gem, the protections if it turns on us, and the better understanding of martial tactics. We can use Mookie and Rayya as messengers if we leave the giant's shoulders open, and I can keep Murphy on the ground.

"As one last protection, I still have yet to prepare. When I do, I can set Word of Recall to the cockpit, in case of trouble... of any kind."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128
Tuesday July 16th, 2019 1:25:50 PM

"Here is what I would like," Murphy mentally says to Pressi, "- but I want first to get Madam Gem's comments on what we have said thus far. I would like to be first to take the pilot's seat, at least for a few minutes. There are a few physical tests I would like to run with her. Then, let Succotash take the seat, and get us up to the tower. If she and I can then communicate while I am on the ground, that could be of enormous tactical benefit.

"As you - and Harper - feel resistant toward having too many more voices in your head - I'm pretty sure that what she says to me will not immediately be conveyed to you, unless I choose to allow my thoughts regarding what she says to pass on to you. I can try to keep it down to essentials.

"I agree with you and with Bliss that my best place, so long as I have spells and wildshapes available - is on the ground. But I also really, really want to sit the seat for at least a few minutes, and thus be in a stronger position to take the seat again without going through the initial adjustments I am certain will be the case for a new pilot. Not that 5 or 10 minutes will allow me to master things, but... I still want to sit the seat that long, then turn it over to Succotash. It sounds like Talia is also interested."

To all, he says, "I would like to sit the pilot's seat for a few minutes. There are some physical tests I would like to try, a few maneuvers. Then, after five to ten minutes, I would like to relinquish the seat to Succotash. I agree, all things considered, it would be better for him to sit the seat, and for me to be on the ground. WIth the mental link, as I am on the ground, in theory I could communicate to Succotash via Madam Gem as he pilots the Iron Giant.

"I take it, too, that you, Talia, have an interest in piloting. I'm fine with that at some point, so long as others concur. As Tiana has indicated, time is of the essence. Talia, you have very useful spells and skills that could be useful on the ground.

"Oh, Madam Gem - can spell casters send spells, amplify them outward, from within the Iron Giant? How might that work?"

DM Carl
Tuesday July 16th, 2019 2:32:32 PM
Murphy and Succotash both express a desire to pilot the Giant. The Encompassing Mind corrects one of Murphy's assumptions.

"Begging your pardon, but I will not be linking myself to your mind."
"Yea, I'll be putting a piece of myself in your brain."
"It's not a physical piece, though. It won't hurt."
"I won't even be able to talk to it. It will be aaaaalllll yours."
"As such, I am not linked to Anur."
"But he's still a pilot. If he came here and the job was empty, he could take it."

Tiana speaks up. "You can both become pilots, but whoever's piloting once the ritual starts has to stay pilot for the whole thing."

Bliss doesn't seem interested in piloting and starts planning his next moves.

Talia asks a very good question.

"I require a willing, sentient pilot with an organic brain."
"You folks are lucky that blue matrix was removed. It took a lot of willpower to keep control when it was around."
"Yes. I tried to convince Anur to attack the dwarven caverns we passed through on the way here."
"He kept saying they weren't our target, though. If he hadn't been so hard-headed, it might have worked."
"That is no longer a concern now that it has been removed."

Kezzem follows up with a question of his own.

"My preferences are not important."
"Yea, but the better you can fight outside the Giant, the better you can fight AS the Giant."

OOC: The Giant's attacks use your BAB, but the bonuses it gets makes that minimally important.

Pressi has strong feelings on this contraption they're in. She's able to cast word of recall to bring her to the cockpit at any time.

Murphy indicates a desire to try things out, but suggests Succotash should pilot during the ritual.

"Uh, you realize once I'm in there I'm not coming out, right?"
"I'd be happy to make you a pilot, Murphy. I just want to be sure you know the specifics."
"And no, I don't amplify any spells. You could stick a hand out one of my arrow slits and cast away if you'd like."
"Yes, but the magic will function as normal."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128
Tuesday July 16th, 2019 3:42:52 PM

Murphy takes in the deeper information. "So, you insert a part of you in our mind - but it's not physical. Is it a bit of intelligence? A link to your mind, or your system? Or simply a, something, an identifier? that lets you know that we are connected? A passcode?"

"As a physical fighter, Succotash is mighty, indeed. Multiplying that through the Iron Giant should be awesome. I have the willpower, but not the same level of strength.

"But, if the ritual is underway, and the giants show up, can the ritual continue while the Iron Giant is kicking, stomping, and throwing giants around? Or would the Iron Giant need to remain nice and close to the Giant Tower. Wow, we're going to be saying 'giant' quite a bit in the next day or two."

Murphy considers, and says, "Yes, please - if it is all right with the team, I would like to be a pilot. And would like Succotash to be the active pilot, after my brief introduction. If Talia, too, wishes it - that is, to be a pilot, shall we do that now, or consider it later? Talia - what are your thoughts?"

Inter alia, Murphy also has been looking over some of Tiana's writings, computations, sketches. He will ask her about some of them, and try to begin to understand the gist of what she has been writing.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Tuesday July 16th, 2019 5:00:22 PM
"Feel free to pilot and make the tests you want Murph, just remember that time is of the essence" Succotash reminds, he then asks, "Madam Gem, are the shoulder ballistas operational,and if so would anyone like to operate them? Kezzem, you have pretty good aim!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Tuesday July 16th, 2019 5:02:05 PM
Succotash adds, "I would be honored to take fight in this thing if that is rhe wish of the Party"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday July 16th, 2019 5:36:37 PM
"Madam Gem, are the shoulder ballistas operational,and if so would anyone like to operate them? Kezzem, you have pretty good aim!"

"That's right, I used to bullseye womp rats in my T-16 back home," says Kezzem. "They�re not much bigger than 2 meters. But I was going into Tosche Station to pick up some power converters! Guess that will have to wait. Actually, I don't even know what power converters are, or where Tosche Station. Don't know why I said that. Don't worry, I will use the force...of the shoulder ballistas...against the giants."

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday July 16th, 2019 7:42:33 PM

Bliss suggests that the Encompassing Mind should be the one to decide who is their pilot.

"It only seems fair, considering," he says.

Mookie, meanwhiles, has been experimenting. One moment he is wearing a vest, then a sweater, then a jump suit.

"Wowsy, those little pant legs are totes adorbs," says Bliss.

"I'm sure I have no idea what you are talking about," the toga-clad raven replies.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128 - Spores (earlier) to Kade
Tuesday July 16th, 2019 8:08:30 PM

Earlier aside I forgot to mention, but Murphy surely would have remembered - Kade's mushroom seed delivery

Murphy gave Kade the special mushroom spores he harvested as a tiny bat, keeping that promise - this was before the group met for dinner. He asked as to whether Hobie also got some spores to him, and whether he has heard anything from Hobie Browncloak or Jack TT Zaragosa.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90
Wednesday July 17th, 2019 12:36:19 AM
Talia, follows the group decision.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday July 17th, 2019 10:56:20 AM
Pressi frowns at Murphy's insistence, a clear sign that Murphy wins this argument.

"Ok, if you have an actual plan to be careful, I trust you. But I don't have to like it.

"Ok, moving forward. We are moving the machine from point A to point B, giant army presumably in the way. Lets presume Succotash in drivers seat, Talia, I and I presume Murphy in the air, and... Bliss, Kezzem, where are you two?

"The machine gives us some firepower, but is kind of slow and the friendly fire cannot be discounted. We need at least one flier scouting ahead... Might as well be Murphy, he's going to do it anyway and he's probably the fastest. Probably at least some guards by the legs, maybe the animals. That would probably leave Kezzem and Bliss at right and left forward flank, maybe?

"I'm thinking for prebuffs: spectral hand, animal growth, at least one polymorph, flying broom, and of course the ritual of warding and... lets go ahead and use shared spell shield of faith, that should last long enough. Anything else?"

Scene 2 - Defending the Valley

DM Carl
Wednesday July 17th, 2019 2:15:42 PM
Murphy takes in the new information, deciding that while he'd still like to become a pilot, Succotash should handle things during the ritual. He asks if things inside will be ok if the Giant is fighting.

"You may be overestimating how nimble I am."
"I cannot move very quickly, but nothing is protecting my crew should I fail to remain upright."
"I'd have to bend way over to grab most giants. Maybe try stepping on them or using my weapon systems."
"Well, what weapon systems are still available."

Succotash agrees to be pilot during the ritual, though he urges haste. Talia speaks up. "Yea, he's right. Murphy, maybe you can pilot the Giant to the tower rather than experiment right now? It's gonna take time to get this ritual complete."

Kezzem asks if the ballista are operational, then jabbers on about a galaxy far, far away.

"Indeed! I can reconfigure the shoulder-mounted weaponry to my pilot's specifications. I have four mounting points to use for either ballista or catapults."
"There's also plenty of ammo for both."
"You should probably familiarize yourself with that before trying to use it.
"Yea, some of it explodes."

OOC: Ballista use BAB+dex and do direct damage. Catapults use BAB+int and do direct and splash damage.

Bliss suggests the Encompassing Mind decide. Mookie wears some pants.

"That is thoughtful of you, Bliss."
"Yea, can't do it, though. The Forger was real careful to make sure I had no power to control this thing without something else calling the shots."

Talia doesn't have anything to add at this time.

Pressi doesn't put her foot down, but that doesn't mean she likes it. She focuses on plans for the coming fight.

Assuming Murphy still wants to pilot, Tiana leads him up to the cockpit. It's still a mostly empty room except for a raised dais in the middle and a metal helmet on a cable extending from the ceiling.

"Ok Murphy, just stand there and put that helmet on. I haven't actually done it myself, but it should be straight forward." The helmet is more of a skullcap with some padding for comfort. It's not a tight fit for a halfling's head, but it'll work. Murphy does note he'll need to remove any other headgear to use it, and the EM's comments on organic brains means he likely needs to be not-shapeshifted.

Placing it on his head, he hears the Encompassing Mind giving instructions. It is still speaking aloud, not in Murphy's head.

"Ok crewman Murphy. There are two buttons in front of you. Press the green button to allow me to interface with you,"
"Or press the red one if you don't want me in your head forever."

Sure enough, two glowing buttons are floating in the air. At least, there are for Muprhy. No one else sees anything.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Wednesday July 17th, 2019 5:12:41 PM
"So Kezzem, is going to man one of the shoulder weapons, who's up for the other?, also if someone wants to borrow my carpet of flying and or ring of feather fall, they are welcome to do so, as I won't be needing them while in the captain's chair", Succotash says.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday July 17th, 2019 5:34:42 PM
"Ballista or catapults?" ponders Kezzem. "Well, that decision would have been a no-brainer before I got this fancy new headband as I'm not quite the no-brainer was before, and the splash damage sounds nice. But I still think I'd better stick with the ballista bolts."

"Succo, I believe the mind said we could set FOUR of these weapons. Hobbie and Jack would probably be great at this too, but Bliss and Murphey would make decent catapulters, and Pressi wouldn't be bad at either weapon. Sorry, Talia, but I don't think this is you forte. Ooo, that's a new word! Thank's headband! Anyway, do you have anything for spellcasters, EM?"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128 - Spores (earlier) to Kade
Wednesday July 17th, 2019 5:35:50 PM

Hearing the limitations on the Iron Giant's nimbleness, Murphy does revise some of his plans, and decides he will have to go with a more conservative approach to movement. Apparently trying to roll over giants may be too awkward to attempt, and would rattle the inhabitants inside the immense construct significantly. That is fine, though.

"Thank you."

Murphy takes a few deep breaths, prepares to take the helmet, then draws it on.

He presses the green button.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday July 17th, 2019 10:31:07 PM
"I think I'll take you up on the offer of your carpet, Succo," says Kezzem. "If I get knocked off, I'll need a way to get back into position. And maybe lend the ring to Pressi? Bliss and Murph can change into a bird or something, and Talia's always floating around anyway, so they should all be good."

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday July 18th, 2019 11:07:06 AM
While Murphy is learning to be a pilot, Bliss practices climbing around on the giant (via constant spider climbing) plus leaping from giant to foe and back. With his ring of jumping and natural ability, Bliss can jump 40 ft across and ten ft up without even making a roll (if he �takes 1� so to speak).

He needs hands and feet free for his Spider-Man antics, so he practices using his wooden fists (as a halfling) and his natural attacks polymorphed.

Mookie practices flanking and full defense and flyby attacks. Also delivering touch spells.

�Gosh I wish I�d thought to buy some giant bane bullets!� Bliss laments. �But too late now!�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday July 18th, 2019 11:46:21 AM
"I suppose there'd be nothing wrong with most of us manning the stations, but I don't want to leave us vulnerable to the same tricks we used or discussed using." She thought for a second. "We could still leave the animals near our legs and let Talia scout ahead, and I could drop an arcane eye by the back door since... how fast does this thing move again?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90
Thursday July 18th, 2019 12:42:24 PM
Taila speaking up, asks, "I would like to know the available stations left for her to choose from. At this station, will it be obvious as to how to contribute to the over plan, as well as the means of communication. Will we be using Madam Gem, for that?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday July 18th, 2019 1:47:18 PM
"Press, I don't know if Em is going to appreciate you eyeing her back door," says Kezzem.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist."

DM Carl
Thursday July 18th, 2019 3:50:00 PM
Succotash offers to allow others use of his flying carpet and feather fall ring. That's decent of him.

Kezzem ponders which siege weaponry he'd like to use. He could always go back and forth; they're not far apart on the shoulders. He asks the Encompassing Mind if there's anything for Talia to do.

"She could always deliver ammunition."
"Also, I thought I said you couldn't call me Em."
"Yes, I did say that when Murphy asked."
"Anyway, Talia can do what she'd like."

Murphy presses the green button. A tingle travels up the tip of his finger before depositing itself in his cranium. It lingers, then fades away to nothing. He doesn't feel any different.

"Hello, Pilot Murphy. I hope I'm able to perform to your satisfaction."
"KILL ALL HUMANS. CRUSH THEIR HOMES."
"Just a joke! I am at your disposal."

The voice is tinny, and comes from inside his own head. Around him, the dais comes to life with glowing controls that seem to shift as he looks around. He finds it completely instinctive to use; whatever control he's looking for ends up right under his hands.

He instinctively knows there are two methods of controlling the Giant. He can use the panel in front of him to open or close internal doors, but knows that he cannot keep them closed if someone is there to manually open them. That kind of sucks, but if Anur had been able to do that, Humbles Ford may not be around any more. He can also turn off and on lights, make Giant-wide announcements, and give orders to the various constructs that are still around. He's also aware of everything going on inside the chamber with the Encompassing Mind's gem, but not the Giant as a whole.

In addition, he's able to shuffle the siege weaponry on the shoulders of the Giant, choosing between ballista or catapults. There are two hard points per shoulder for a total of four. Lastly, the Giant's hands can be reconfigured to a pair of drills capable of tunneling through stone. That would explain how it tore through the Caverns of Glimstone.

In order to move the Giant, he simply becomes it. While he is moving the Giant, he is not aware of his own personal surroundings and cannot manipulate the control panel. He can still communicate with the Encompassing Mind, but cannot issue audible speech. Switching between controlling the Giant directly and being able to operate the control panel is a swift action.

OOC: I will send the combat stats for the Giant to Kim and Jeremy via email.

Bliss practices climbing around on the Giant's exterior. His magic allows him to climb about the stationary Giant easy, but there are two things he should keep in mind:

A: The Giant's footsteps have massive force behind them. If he's on a leg when it comes crashing down, he'll need a DC25 climb check to keep hold.
B: Fire giants are 16' tall. The Iron Giant is 260' tall.

Pressi suggests most of Humble's Sword could be useful manning siege weaponry. She also suggests making sure they aren't vulnerable to the same tactics they used to take the Giant's crew down. Smart.

Talia asks about manning stations and communication. No one's called dibs on any siege weaponry yet, and other than the pilot and Encompassing Mind being in communication, the Iron Giant does not come with any built in capabilities...except for those hoods you used to talk to Ix.

Murphy is able to start moving the Giant into position. The Giant moves at about 4.5 miles/hour. At that speed, it'll take about an hour to get it close enough to the tower.

OOC: Yes, there's still Catacombs time. Also, I haven't forgotten about Kade. We can address him after this module, but I'll assume the spores were dropped off.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Thursday July 18th, 2019 5:07:13 PM
As Murphy moves the Iron Giant into position, Succotash retrieves the two strength and one constitution gears he had before, and attaches them to his armor in preparation for the fight. He then says, "That's a good idea Pressi, if Harper, Piggy, Rumpas, and Mookie guard the door, that should keep any giants from trying to squeeze in.

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday July 18th, 2019 9:43:46 PM

Bliss laughs as he jumps from ankle to ankle as the giant walks toward the broken giant tower.

[OOC: Bliss's natural +12 on climb checks gets a +8 bonus with the cloak AND he can take ten even when it is dangerous. So his default Climb of 30 without rolling keeps him stuck like a bug on a rug being worn like a pair of giant pants. LOL]

Bliss also practices his "accelerated climbing," that is double his normal climb speed of 20 with only a -5 on his check. At 80 ft per round (40 ft per move action), he can go from head to toe in just three and a half rounds!

"What's that jingling?" asks Mookie. "Oh just my new giant bane bullets," says Bliss.

Mookie cocks his head. "I thought you said you forgot to buy those."

"Oh yeah, I forgot that I had. But I did!" Bliss says retconnishly.

When he gets to the top, he hears about using Mookie as muscle to bar the door. "Um, no." says Mookie and Bliss simultaneously. "But do not worry," Bliss says, "I'll be watching the feet and fighting any giants that come near. Or slinging at them!"

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128 - Spores (earlier) to Kade d20+34=49 ;
Friday July 19th, 2019 6:11:58 AM

[OOC: This post is exceptionally long, even for Murphy - but I wanted to get through what he had planned, and let Jeremy take over as Succotash asap.
P.S.: Italics indicate Murphy is communicating mentally either with the Encompassing Mind, or with Pressi
Bold indicates a broadcast announcement Pilot Murphy makes throughout the Iron Giant -Kim]

He senses the transmission and implantation of the portion of the Encompassing Mind within. Hearing the voice within his head, Murphy thrills at this new connection.

"Hello, Encompassing Mind - Madam Gem. Welcome. Hahaha - you are funny!" he chuckles, though he spoke internally, not aloud. "I am very excited. Can you tell?"

Then the construct's controls present themselves before him. He recalls how the last thing that Anur, the previous pilot, did with the machine was to cause it to kneel, and to extend the right arm at an angle toward the ground, allowing Bliss (and others?) to descend in relative safety. The arm is in that position. Ah - the hands can become drills.

This he does, with the right hand only. He performs the procedure to reconfigure it into a drill. He ensures that no one is near, by announcing Giant-wide,

Announcement: "All please stay away from the right hand on the ground. Move away from the hand immediately, at peril of your life. I will count down from ten to one, at which point any on or near the hand may be harmed." He wants to ensure no members of the BadApples are hiding near it. "Ten - nine - eight... three - two - one - NOW!" A very short beat after that moment, the hand begins to change shape, and a stout drill emerges. He causes it to drill down ten feet, then pull back gently, with the drill bit removing some amount of dirt and small rocks from the fresh hole.

He directs the hand slightly to the right, and shakes it a bit to allow most of the dirt to fall to the ground adjacent to the hole.

"Did you see that, Succotash?" he announces after he stops the shaking of the drill hand. He thinks Succotash is in the control room with him at this moment, still. He works on adjusting to his changed perception, his modified frame of reference.[blockquote]Announcement: "Six second light test in six seconds. Lights going off - three - two - one."

He shuts all the lights off, then, six seconds later, relights them.

Announcement: "Prepare for standing procedure in two minutes. Iron Giant will resume standing... One minute... 30 seconds... Ten seconds... Five - four - three - two - one."

On a beat after 'one,' Murphy wills the giant to change from kneeling to standing. Once that is done, he ensures it is at its full height, balanced. He changes the right hand drill back into a hand. He balls it into a fist, then back into a more relaxed position.

"Pressi, I'm in. Will occasionally let you know what I am doing. Let me know if there is something I should know. Shall I give you a quick rundown on what I have learned before I have the giant begin walking?" If Pressi says yes, then he gives her a mental synopsis of what he has learned. "I think, while I am moving this around, it may be hard to communicate much, though we'll see. It feels rather all-encompassing of my ability to concentrate."

After their conversation, he instructs the constructs to prepare for motion in six minutes. He fiddles with and further acquaints himself with the controls for less than a minute.

Announcement: "Prepare for motion. Iron Giant will begin walking in five minutes. Five minutes warning." - "Four minutes" - "Three minutes" - "Two minutes" - "One minute" - "Ten - nine - eight - ... - three - two -one"

Meanwhile, during the gap between the time marks, he asks the Encompassing Mind various questions about the giant, the controls, the 'brain' wiring and mechanisms above the pilot's chair. One question he asks is, "What can you tell me about the soft puffy white substance extruded out the right heel as the Iron Giant walks?"

I Salute You, Humble's Ford
Then, he - Iron Giant/Murphy - takes one step, left foot forward, then right foot even with it, and pauses. He raises his right open hand upward in greeting toward Humble's Ford, then brings it back in a salute toward the town he almost drew close enough to destroy. He holds the salute for thirty seconds. He lowers the hand to his side. He swings his right leg back in a semicircle, his left leg follows that around, and a pivot makes a divot in the ground. He begins to head northward toward the giant tower, at an angle slightly away from the angle of approach of a few weeks back.

The Walk
At first his movements are deliberate. As he gets a feel for it, he begins to relax into the motion.

"Pressi - tell Succotash to get ready. Much as I'd like to keep going, he needs this experience, too. Tell him about ten minutes, and it's his. If I lose track of time, you get my attention."

At about the same time, he asks, Madam Gem, please tell me when nine minutes are up from now, and remind me that I have about one minute left before transfer to Succotash, that he can become the next pilot.

As he walks, since he can communicate with Madam Gem, he does so, asking for more in-depth knowledge of her history, and creation, and creator, and experience thus far. And he walks. From the vantage point his height grants him, he looks ahead toward the gem mines, to see if he can discern any movement from that direction. He fills her in a tiny bit more on Humble's Grotto, and their experience there.

About four minutes into the walk, he begins to experiment with the range of motion of his arms - but carefully, so as not to throw off his balance. He tries some gentle punching motions towards the ground - one hand moving downward, the elbow of the other arm pulling backwards to balance the motion. He also tries some sweeping motions with his hands, and imagines picking up a few dozen giants, and tossing them in an arc through the sky - giving them perhaps a 300' high parabolic flight and landing.

Offensive Lunges
When Madam Gem informs him of the one minute mark, he comes to a stop. He asks, "Can I jump?" He does not do so, but thinks about what it would be like. "I shall lunge."

Announcement: "Hold fast for two offensive lunges in thirty seconds. Those in legs secure yourselves. Those in torso prepare for a slight descent.

Then, imagining swarming giants before him, he pulls back his right leg, then sweeps it forward in a lunge, trying to keep the foot so that it is only inches off the ground, until he plants the foot down solidly before him, his right knee bent so the angle from the back of the calf to the back of the thigh is fixed at about 100 degrees, the left leg only slightly bent at the knee behind him. Then the left leg performs its part as the assaultive foot. After that, his right leg moves forward and his body rises slightly back upwards, and he ends in a full upright shoulder-width stance.

Murphy's First Run Ends

Announcement: "Initial Pilot Murphy testing concluded. You likely will be happier with Pilot Succotash."

"Thank you, Madam Gem. You provide so much in this wonderful creation. I do hope to pilot more, but now it is the turn of the good Succotash." He waits a beat for any reply she may have, then reaches up, and removes the helm.

"Everyone all right?" he asks. If Succotash is present, he says, "You are not going to [i]believe[i] this, buddy!"
=============
Perception: 49 (for looking ahead towards the Scab)

Iron Giant size comparisons

The Statue of Liberty in New York City, the Lady Liberty portion herself (not including the pedestal) stands 111 tall - 44% the size of the iron giant. So the Iron Giant is 225% the size of Lady Liberty.

The Grand Buddha at Lingshan, China is 259.4' (not including the 29.55' pedestal - which would bring it to 288 feet) - almost exactly the 260' height of the Iron Giant - the latter about 5" taller.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128 - Spores (earlier) to Kade
Friday July 19th, 2019 6:16:47 AM

A person with DM privileges please swap the block of text (and formatting) below for the OOC paragraph at the beginning of Murphy's post above. Oh, and of course, then delete this editing request post. Thanks! -Kim
==============

[OOC: This post is exceptionally long, even for Murphy - but I wanted to get through what he had planned, and let Jeremy take over as Succotash asap.
P.S.: Italics indicate Murphy is communicating mentally either with the Encompassing Mind, or with Pressi
Bold indicates a broadcast announcement Pilot Murphy makes throughout the Iron Giant -Kim]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday July 19th, 2019 11:10:07 AM
"Hey Encomposing Madame Gem, those gear things, will they work while I'm on your shoulder? We may want to swap them around so the ballistas have more of the Dex gears and the catapults the Int gears. Also, how do we reload these things? I doubt i will be able to Quick Draw such large amunition from my belt. Maybe we can get some volunteers to jelp with reloading. And if it takes a while maybe we should mount two ballistas for me on one shoulder and I could magic carpet between them while the other reloads. And how much damage do these ballistas do anyway, Madame Mind? And if you could put it in terms of dice, that would be great."

"Wow, that's a long paragraph. And I barely made any jokes! Am I turning into Murphey?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday July 19th, 2019 2:04:40 PM
(OOC Driving, apologies if I missed something or don�t give good answers.)

�Also, regarding the back door, Can anyone rig up an alarm or actual lock? Maybe even just a couple of paint cans?�

Pressi mans the catapult, figuring she can mix between this and spell casting. She acknowledges Murphy and briefs Succotash about what to expect.

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Friday July 19th, 2019 10:29:04 PM

As talk turns to alarms, Bliss has an idea. "I can cast an Unseen Servant, and give him a bell, and order him to ring the bell if the door opens."

"Anyone got a bell?"

DM Carl
Saturday July 20th, 2019 10:40:56 AM
Succotash retrieves the gears he'd used earlier and agrees with Pressi's plan to set animal guards.

Bliss can hold on to the Giant in motion without issue. Hopefully nothing throws a boulder at him or something while he's jumping.

Murphy...just does a stupid amount of stuff. He correctly assumes the Giant cannot jump, so he tries lunging. It doesn't work. The Giant does not respond the way he intends, and the entire exercise only succeeds in jostling the contents.

"Pilot Murphy, Tiana wishes me to inform you that this maneuver has scattered her belongings throughout my chamber."
"and she's reeealllly steamed about it."
"If I may make a recommendation, you'd do well to think of me as a fortress that moves, rather than a big golem."
"Well, a fortress that can step on things and shoot concentrated divine energy."

OOC: In combat, you're limited to the information I gave you. The Giant cannot make delicate movements.

Kezzem asks if the gears will work on the Giant's shoulder area, and how to use the weaponry.

"Yes. The siege weaponry mounts are still part of me."
"and the weapons reload just like normal ones. There are ammo stockpiles up there."
"They use the same enchantment that keeps the historian constructs supplied with ink and paper. You will not run out."

OOC: A single person manning a weapon will require one round to load the weapon, and one to fire it. If two people are manning them, they can fire every round.

Pressi wonders if they can lock the door, or at least alarm it. The mechanism that opens and closes the door is mechanical in nature. Someone with some engineering skill may be able to look at it and devise something.

Murphy completes the trek to the Giant tower. When he removes the helmet, Tiana storms up into the cockpit. She's had time to cool off, but is not pleased. "I trust you'll assist me in finishing putting my things back in order downstairs? It took me 10 minutes to find the DPAA under all my papers. We're lucky it wasn't bent; it's made of gold, you know. Bends easy." She starts walking away, trusting Murphy to follow. "Succotash, get yourself ready. I'll need you in position to start."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128 - Spores (earlier) to Kade
Saturday July 20th, 2019 1:47:35 PM

"Thank you for letting me know, Madam Gem, of Tiana's scattered belongings, and of the parameters of movement. I shall help her with her things in a few minutes. Oh - the white soft substance that issues from the heel? What is that, please?"

Murphy, I believe, did not walk the Iron Giant all the way to the tower, but only about 10-15 minutes of the way there. Succotash should have opportunity to walk the remainder of the distance.

"So sorry, Tiana, so sorry. Of course I will help to gather that which I scattered."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+20=40 ;
Saturday July 20th, 2019 2:28:35 PM
RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS:

Kezzem borrows the magic carpet to head into town. He attempts to recruit some volunteers to help with reloading ballistas and catapults. He will actually start with the Bad Apples.

"Hey Candy," says Kezzem. "I'm sure you've heard about the giants. We're looking for a few volunteers to assist with reload ballistas and catapults on the Iron Giant's shoulder. I won't lie, it will be somewhat dangerous, but you will pretty far from the giants and have some cover. I also have a some magic rings to magically shield two on the same shoulder as me. So what do you kids say? I'm sure the giants would appreciate some of your 'hijinks'."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 20 = 40 (natural 20).

Assuming they accept, he'll add, "Just don't try anything to stupid and heroic. That's our job."

He'll offer ferry any volunteers on the magic carpet.

----

GEAR ALLOTMENT:

"So by my count we have 3 Strength gears, 2 Dexterity gears, 5 Constitution gears, 4 Intelligence gears, 4 Wisdom gears, and 2 Charisma gears. My first instinct is to take both Dexterity gears, and a Charsima gear for myself (though I'll take one of the Constitution gears instead if Talia wants to double up on Charisma), but I'm already got good aim and maybe it's better to give those gears to Pressi if she will be manning a second ballista. Bliss and Murph, if you guys are going to be catapulters, perhaps you should take 2 Intelligence gear each."

"By the way, I would like to lend out those two shield other rings to some of the volunteers. I should be able to magically shield both of those on the same shoulder as me, and I don't want to put them in any more danger than absolutely necessary."

"Wow, all that and not a single joke," says Kezzem. "I really am turning into you, Murph."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Sunday July 21st, 2019 11:57:16 AM
Succotash stands up and dusts himself off after Murphy's attempt at acrobatics. Before he jumps in the cockpit, he mentions to Kezzem that sheriff Roscoe may also be willing to help with the siege engines. He then steps into the cockpit and straps in the headgear, following Madam Gems instructions, piloting the Iron Giant into position to recharge/repair the Iron giants

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128 - Spores (earlier) to Kade
Monday July 22nd, 2019 6:16:40 AM

As Succotash readies to take over the pilot's seat, Murphy encourages him to get the various constructs back into shape. "We beat up a number of them. Getting the maintenance constructs to work on the guardian constructs and sentry drones could prove of value. I forgot to do so. Perhaps you'd like to issue those instructions. Madam Gem is much smarter about such things than I am."

======
"Yeah, I am already wearing the strength, constitution and wisdom gears, Kezzem the former Joker and Imitator of Murphy," the druid explains. "Also I have the teleport cloak, but am thinking about asking some elementals if they'd like to assist us in defending against the giants, so may be away for a bit, and someone else can wear it if they need to zip about the insides of the Iron Giant."

Meanwhile, he helps Tiana sort through the mess he made. He had earlier been paying some attention to her notes, sketches and writings, and had asked her about what is on them, so should have at least some clues as to what goes where. He further inquires as he helps reassemble the scatterings, and strives to put in memory what he sees.

"I wonder what spell-casting support the giants may have?" Murphy brings up to fellow members of the Sword. "The earlier gathering of the giants we learned that non-giants - including one of our major foes - was directly behind the a-typical mixed-species giant alliance."

DM Carl
Monday July 22nd, 2019 3:35:52 PM
Murphy assists Tiana with cleaning up the mess. He's mostly able to get things put back in order with her.

Kezzem recriuts Candy and the rest of her Badapples to help with running ammo during the fight. Her eyes sparkle for a moment before she remembers herself.

"Only if ya let me take a shot at the giants at least once." She crosses her arms and puts on her serious face. Behind her, the other Badapples do not look at all as enthused as she is, but they don't say anything.

He also sorts out the gear he'll wear during the fight.

OOC: Don't forget there was that cool spear.

Succotash takes his place as pilot after mentioning that Roscoe may be able to assist on the Giant. Murphy suggests he see if he can repair any of the constructs.

The trip to the tower is uneventful. Tiana walks up to the cockpit when they arrive to talk to Succotash directly.

"I'm ready to start, but once we do, we're both stuck at our posts. Let me know when you're ready to go, then get ready to spend a good 20 hours being a giant fortress."

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+23=27 ; d20+5=25 ;
Monday July 22nd, 2019 4:37:58 PM

Bliss stays at the top of the giant and keeps a watch. He figures an army of giants should be pretty noticeable, so he hopes to be able to give some fair warning.

Perception 27

Flying Mookie circles and keeps watch from even higher up, but his eyes are not as keen. Still, a nat 20 works wonders! Perception 25 from high up (within empathy range of well within a mile).

Bliss is all set with his rituals -- warding and sharing. And his domain spells are prepped per usual. He does not cast his extended Barkskins until he has warning that the army is approaching.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Monday July 22nd, 2019 5:26:30 PM
Succotash takes Murphy's suggestion, and asks Madam Gem, "How much effort would it be to repair the defense constructs, and it is something that can take place while the ritual is in process?" He then lets Tiana know he is ready to begin.

Talia (Kim for Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90
Monday July 22nd, 2019 11:34:18 PM

"Say, what about getting Hazel and Alouryn out here to help us?" asks Talia. "She is a healer of Flower. He is a ranger. He could help with feeding the bolts, or whatever you call them, to the weapons. When I read some of Murphy's journal from the early days of Humble's Sword, Hazel got on really well with a few of the BadApples. Not all of them, but some of them - and Crystal, Candy's sister, is Alouryn's friend, and also a healer.

"I can fly out to the Sanctuary and ask them," she suggests.

"Someone here asked what spells I have that might be useful in the fight. I wrote out Here's a list."

Talia's Sorcerer Spell List
0-Level Spells (can cast any at will)
Resistance; Detect Magic; Ghost Sound; Light; Mending; Open/Close; Prestidigitation; Message; Arcane Mark

1st-Level Per Day: 6+3
Identify; Grease; Mage Armor; Enlarge Person; Magic Missile; Shocking Grasp

2nd-Level Per Day: 6+3
Invisibility; Glitterdust (Bliss remembers that one); Pyrotechnics; Web; Acid Arrow; Scorching Ray; Spectral Hand

3rd-Level Per Day: 6+2
Dispel Magic; Blink; Fireball; Vampiric Touch; Haste

4th-Level Per Day: 6+2
Dimension Door; Black Tentacles; Enervation; Stoneskin

5th-Level Per Day: 6+1
Overland Flight; Telekinesis; Beast Shape III

6th-Level Per Day: 4+1
True Seeing; Summon Monster VI; Chain Lightning; Forceful Hand

"Unless someone needs me to do something else, I want to watch the very start of what Tiana and Succotash start for the ritual, then fly over to talk with Hazel and Alouryn. Should I ask Kade, too? Or should we just have him there at the Sanctuary to watch over the place?"

Talia does await the start of the ritual, watching for the first 7 or 8 minutes. Maybe ten minutes if it is particularly interesting. Then, unless someone asks her to do something else, she leaves, and flies back to the sanctuary to talk to the people there about helping on the Iron Giant. Perhaps she may swing by the General Store after that to pick up a few more minor items from the Catacombs.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday July 23rd, 2019 6:59:22 AM
"Well, Candy, we can let you take some practice shots and see how you do," suggests Kezzem. "And we can pair you up with one of the spellcasters. If they have to break to cast spells, I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to take some pot shots at the giants."

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128
Tuesday July 23rd, 2019 1:18:43 PM

As he was assisting her, Murphy asked Talia to explain the gist of the ceremony she was about to perform, to try to have at least a rudimentary understanding of this newly invented procedure. He joins in with Talia in observing the opening stages of the Tiana / Succotash / Madam Gem / Giant Tower ritual.

After watching for perhaps 15 minutes, he lets people know he has a few errands to run, and a quick visit to the Catacombs via Pirnook DeepPockets's General Store. "I'll need a few silver mirrors, and stoneskin spell components for two castings. What would it cost to refresh my low-cost, general spell components?"

After the General Store, he sees what progress the mayor, constabulary, clerics, and others may have made towards the defense of the city and the populace. He apologizes for showing up in the guise of an air elemental, but says he can only change form so many times per day, and needs to be able to move quickly. "Any word from Hovel, Angel Springs, elves, dwarfs, others?"

He stops at the Sanctuary. "Ah, look, here is Talia." He lets her have her say. He joins in on her request - as to whether Kade, Hazel, and/or Alouryn would like to join them in the Iron Giant up next to the Giant Tower. If they wish to do so, he offers to pick them up later and fly them there. He speaks to the awakened oak, and the treant, and asks them to defend their place. "Allow halflings and dwarfs, humans, gnomes and elfs refuge here. Resist giants should they come. Except for Lomar," the good ogre/ogre mage whom they have met.

He flies next to the Spire, and speaks with the air elementals there. He tells them of the giants who are preparing to invade. "Should you do what you can to help defend - especially if you can speak with your elders, and see if they are willing, we should be most grateful."

He summons a small earth elemental. "Let your elders know that Murphy would speak with them about a giant invasion. I know they are desirous of a cavern of gems. Let us speak. Tell me a good time to meet, and where. We expect the giants to arrive within 15 to 30 hours from now - more likely the shorter amount of time. Ask them what form they wish me to appear in - as halfling, or elemental - air as I am now, or earth. I shall respect their wishes on that matter." He waits for a bit to see if a reply may come from the earth elementals.

Planned scrying (while back inside the Iron Giant), near an opening, such as an arrow slit: Upon adult giant who had conversed with the child giant near the Tower Cap in caverns adjacent the ravine that Murphy heard/observed.

Murphy firsts casts Owl's Wisdom. Then he scrys upon that giant (Will DC 32). I believe the Will Save Modifier would be +0 (Firsthand - you have met the subject, rather than +5 - Secondhand - you have heard of the subject). Murphy was several feet away from the subject (I really think it likely he would have been able to determine the gender at the time, but the DM never explicitly revealed the gender either of the adult or child). Should the scry attempt succeed, the druid can see and hear the subject and its surroundings (approximately within 10 feet in all directions of the subject - so perhaps a 15' radius, 30' diameter, based upon the size of the giant. If the subject moves, the sensor follows at a speed of up to 150 feet. If the scrying succeeds, Murphy also will cast detect magic, to discern if there is any within the observable radius. He likely will be in air elemental form. Dark vision will work if needed through the scrying.

He tries to discern location, any conversations. Are the giants yet on the move? Are weapons still being forged, or being distributed? He just picks up what he is able over the course of the 13-minute duration - and he will cut that time short if he learns what he needs to in less time.

===========
As always, DM Carl, if Murphy has bit off more than the time allows for him to chew, notify me just how far he gets. He does plan to fly northward possibly, to somewhat gum up the works for the giants should they already be marching this direction. And, yes, he first will talk it over with the rest of the Sword. -Kim

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday July 23rd, 2019 3:21:06 PM
(OOC: Sorry about the delays and the choppy post. Will try to get this done.)

Murphy's Travels: Pressi can't stop smirking.

Rituals: shared spell and warding rituals.

Other preparations: stationed at catapult with gears. Casting of arcane eye and of spectral hand. Placement of Harper near door. Gathering of adepts/cohorts for any remaining roles.

DM Carl
Tuesday July 23rd, 2019 5:40:19 PM
Bliss perches himself atop the Giant and keeps a lookout. He feels ready for what's ahead.

Succotash if the constructs could be repaired.

"You can direct the maintenance constructs to begin repairs."
"They're not so fast, though. You're kinda stuck with what you got now."

Talia wonders if Hazel or Alouryn can help out. Only one way to know.

Kezzem agrees to let Candy take a few shots to see how she does. She finds this agreeable. "You're the boss, boss," she says in a way that makes it quite clear that Kezzem is not the boss.

Murphy heads to the Catacombs to pick up some scrying materials. He asks key Humble's citizens if they're able to lend aid. Hazel and Alouryn look at each other, then Hazel speaks.

"Murph, our strongest are already going to be at the Giant. Unless you know some way it can be everywhere at once, Humble's Ford is going to need people to protect it too. Roscoe and Bingo are already on this. Maybe you should talk to them."

Murphy gets nothing else accomplished, and the player behind him needs to chill out.

Pressi is preoccupied, but that's to be expected sometimes. She makes sure her rituals are complete and finds a catapult.

Kezzem and Pressi are both able to inspect the siege weaponry. The ammo receptacles are nearby their respective weapons. Each weapon has two types of ammunition.

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside.

Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius
Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

Ballista ammo is what one would expect. There are bolts tipped with iron, as well as plain wooden looking bolts. Inspecting them, the wooden bolts seem to fracture easily. They'd probably do massive damage to organic targets.

Metal-tipped bolt: Damages all enemies in a 30' line. 15d10 damage to first, 10d10 damage to others.
Wooden bolt: 20d10 damage to a single target. Bleeds for 1d10 damage for 6 rounds after.

With the situation handled, Tiana goes ahead and starts the ritual. She casts a quick mage hand cantrip and moves the DPAA into position.

"Ok, Madam Gem. Whenever you're ready."

With no further fan-faire, two streams of energy erupt from the Encompassing Mind's gem towards the DPAA. Tiana keeps a hold of the thing as a concentrated beam of energy starts flowing out the end. Anyone outside the Giant can see said energy flow and wrap around the damaged giant tower.

It's actually rather pretty.

"It works!" cries Tiana, who only a moment ago seemed pretty confident that it would. "Now we just have to keep this up for several hours."

A few seconds pass.

"This is not terribly exciting, is it?" She frowns as the idea of sitting here casting mage hand for 20 hours sinks in. Succotash doesn't have an active part in the ritual, but Tiana was very clear that he must remain in control of the Giant for the entire ritual.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Tuesday July 23rd, 2019 5:42:38 PM
Succotash follows Tiana and Madam Gem's instructions to the letter.hoping that the ritual is done, and the giant towers are working, before the giants arrive.

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday July 23rd, 2019 11:40:04 PM

"OOO! Pretty!" says Bliss. But he and Mookie keep a sharp watch all around from the top of the giant and even higher.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128
Wednesday July 24th, 2019 3:40:16 AM

In town I suppose it would be better for Murphy to switch to his halfling self.

All right, it looks as if Murphy went to talk with Hazel and Alouryn prior to visiting the mayor and constable. "Of course you're right about that, Hazel. Myself - I'll more likely be out and about should a large group of giants show up, which is likely. Candy and some of her crew will be helping out on the giant - so, yeah. Maybe we'll see each other out there. I'll try to get a handle on how far away the giants are when I can, and pass that on."

"Alouryn, would you mind saying a prayer to Flower for us and the town?" If the cleric agrees to do so, he suggests, "Talia, come on over - let's circle as she prays." He puts an arm over the shoulder of Hazel, and a hand lightly on Talia's shoulder - who likely is adjacent to Alouryn, and bows his head in reverence a moment to join in with the cleric's supplication and intercession on their behalf. He mentally communicates with Pressi the situation, and what Alouryn prays.

"I need to talk with our trees. Maybe it would be a good idea for them to help provide some defense should the giants near the river," Murphy says, regarding the oaken treant Quercus and the awakened oak Dderwen. "If you two would like their help, I'll ask them to accompany you. Nothing like furious trees to help watch your backs, eh? Let's go talk with them together, right, Hazel?" He takes Hazel with him, if the ranger is game, and asks the living trees to help Hazel and Alouryn to defend Humble's Ford against the giants.

He sheds a few things he carries he likely will not need, and rearranges what he carries (will take a couple days to reflect on CS), as well as grabbing a few stored items.

Then goes to meet with Bingo, Rosco, et al, and find out what plans they have been putting together. He finds someone to see if his father can join them in the discussion. He updates them on what he witnessed of the start of Tiana's plan to restore the Giant Tower. "It will be touchy if the giants show up before she is done. The Iron Giant must remain within 100' of the Tower until the power transfer, as I understand it, is complete. Once that is done, I expect the giants will be in for a most unpleasant surprise - so long as we keep them from harming the Tower."

He asks Rosco whether he has any word from Hobie. If asked, he explains how they parted in the under-the-mountains ravine.

Talia (Kim for Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90
Wednesday July 24th, 2019 3:58:36 AM

Talia joins in the circle as Alouryn offers her prayer. She is not quite sure what Pressi would think about Murphy putting his hand on her shoulder. At the end she adds, "Hear this prayer." She lets Rayya fly over the coumpound for a few minutes as the boys are talking to the trees, and scratches Calico under her chin as she finds the cat stalking a bug in the garden area.

"I'm going to visit Madame La'Rue," she announces, then flies back to town to visit the herbarium.

"Good day, Madame La'Rue. Say, do you have any concoctions that might be useful to an adventurer, or to citizens trying to fight off an invasion by giants? Things for healing, or strength, endurance, or other benefits? How about for someone who is suddenly very, very tired?" she adds, thinking how poorly Tiana will do if she leaves the giant after so long inside of it. "Or, if sprinkled in the air, to make giants sneeze, or cough?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+20=28 ;
Wednesday July 24th, 2019 11:04:23 AM
"Well, you know Tiana that its really up to you to provide the showmanship and energy. We witches don't recite 'bubble bubble toil and trouble' stuff because it does anything. We do it because how else are you going to kill an hour?"

Pressi is way more upset at Talia and Murphy flying off than them holding hands. (Again, witch. She knows the drill.) Whatever goods are available cannot offset the risk of those two not being at their posts. But she does her best to remain on target, using her arcane eye (and her own eyes) to scan the field (Perception 28). She loads a standard metal ball ahead of time.

Downstairs, Harper begins clawing the furniture.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 149/149, CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday July 24th, 2019 11:45:58 AM
As Succotash takes command of the Iron Giant, Kezzem says to Murphey, "Look at Succotash. Look at him. He is the captain now."

"So guys, can we finalize our preparations? We Bliss going to guard the rear end with our animal friends? If so, are we doing two ballistas (me and Talia ) and two catapults (Murphey and Pressi)? If we do that, maybe we should give Talia both Dex gears then. Murph and Press should split the Int gears. So what does everyone else want?"

DM Carl
Wednesday July 24th, 2019 2:53:25 PM
Succotash takes his post seriously, even though there's not much for him to do at the moment.

Murphy agrees with Hazel's statements and forms a prayer circle with her, Alouryn, and Talia.

OOC: I have no idea who those treants/awakened oaks are, dude. There's nothing in the wiki about them and I'm guessing they're before my time. That or I forgot...I do that sometimes.

He then heads over to search for Rosco and Bingo. They're not hard to find, since they're actively getting efforts underway to secure Humble's Ford. Both frown as Murphy tells them the Giant won't be able to defend the town directly.

"We're gathering everyone who can fight, but without you folks here we'll be stretched awfully thin," starts Roscoe.

"May and Blossom are still trying to get Angel Springs to send aid. If anyone can talk the Baron into mobilizing some troops, it's May. She speaks their language, but has our...fire. Let's call it fire," adds Bingo.

Roscoe has not heard from Hobie. "If anyone can sneak through The Scab and stay safe, it's Hobie," is all he has to say on the matter. He seems to believe it, but his face still shows some worry.

Talia heads to Madame La'Rue's. She has a wide assortment of potions and alchemical weapons, but nothing too exotic.

OOC: I hadn't planned on her having anything special for this module, but she has access to all alchemical items approved for play in The Wold (those being in the core book).

Pressi makes a good point. Tiana considers it, then starts manipulating the DPAA cautiously. Outside, Bliss notices the energy stream takes on new life. It grows more diffuse, but covers a larger area and cascades in waves against the tower. The effect is even more magnificent than before. She loads her cannon and keeps her eyes peeled. Harper finds the iron interior of the Giant very resistant to her claws.

Kezzem discusses finalizing their situation.

Bliss, from up top, keeps his eyes peeled. He manages to wrest them away from the spectacle enough to see a tiny form in the distance running towards them. He strains his eyes for a moment to be sure, but it sure looks like Hobie and Jack are riding Pippa very hard in their direction.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105 d6=6 ; d20+6=23 ;
Wednesday July 24th, 2019 5:35:07 PM
To kill time, Succotash pulls out his clarinet and starts playing a little tune. (performance 23) He impresses himself with the performance as he seems to be in the zone. After he jams out his little ditty, he asks if anyone had any requests.

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+5=22 ; d20+23=41 ;
Wednesday July 24th, 2019 9:51:12 PM

Something about Sir Succotash's muzak makes Bliss want to ride a lift up and down. Mookie, sensing this through the empathic link, says, "That would be very elevating."

Bliss answers Sir Kezzem -- "No way am I staying in the butt with the beasts!"

Mookie says, "He said the rear, not the butt."

Bliss ignores this and declares his intention of clinging to the Giant and using ranged attacks until the enemy gets close, then fighting with claw, beak, and tentacle!

=====

But then, LOOK! Bliss shouts that Hobie and Jack are coming in fast! FAST! "GET READY EVERYBODY!" he shouts. Where is Murphy and Miss Pressi! If they are chewing the fat with the Mayor, they may not even get back here in time!

Well, Bliss will be prepared! He casts his Extended Barkskin on Mookie and another one on himself.

"Where's Mister Murphy!? He's supposed to cast Greater Magic Fang on Mookie!"

Mookie makes a face and says, "Flick it! We'll do it live!"

Then Bliss and Mookie climb/fly down to a perch on a knee. Bliss casts Resist FIre on himself and Mookie. Both of them turn on their Shields of Faith. Mookie gets out a philter of shield and is ready to drink it.

The pair look for whatever it is Hobie and Jack are running from.

Perception 22 (M) and 41 (B)

Talia (Kim for Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90
Thursday July 25th, 2019 5:43:21 AM

Talia learns that Madame La'Rue has a number of potentially useful alchemical items. After going through them, she asks to purchase the following:

12: Acid @10gp / 1 lb
12: Alchemist's Fire @20gp / 1 lb
12: Smokestick @20gp / 1/2 lb
5: Sunrod @2gp / 1 lb
8: Tanglefoot bags @50gp / 4 lb
16: Thunderstones @30gp / 1 lb

Is that 1,490 gold pieces? Maybe another gold piece to cover the cost of a few bags to put them in? I'm having this idea - if I can fly way above a group of giants - maybe out of easy reach of their stones, then open a bag full of thunderstones and tanglefoot bags and alchemist's fire tied to smokesticks - that could creat wonderful confusion and consternation, some hot feet, and deafened giants who then can't hear what others are saying, and others who are trying to put fires out." Tiana giggles at the thought. Then, she gets more serious. "They said they want to eat us, you know, so I don't feel bad at all doing something like this to them."

"So, I'll put 4 thunderstones in a bag, 3 acid vials, 2 tanglefoot bags, 3 smokesticks tied each to a different alchemist's fire vial - should we glue them together, you think, or just tie them? That's, what, 19-and-a-half pounds, plus maybe less than a half a pound for the bag. If I just open the top, grab the bottom, and shake things out so they fall down - that would do something, right?" she asks the lady herbalist.

"I can put one sack in each of two pockets here (Bill's Splendid Pants O'Plenty). Then I have room for a couple others in my handy haversack."

If this sounds workable to Madame La'Rue, then Talia asks for her help in putting them together. "See, nice lady - you're helping to defend Humble's Ford against the giants!"

Once this purchase is made, and the ingredients properly assembled and stored, she thanks the herbalist, departs the store, and flies back to the Iron Giant to see what's going on there, if anything.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128 d20+32=41 ;
Thursday July 25th, 2019 7:56:54 AM

Murphy nods in appreciation, and with a warm smile at the mayor's description of his wife's - fire. "I also asked the WLA to get the word out." To Rosco he replies, "Some will be inside the Iron Giant, some will be outside. I most likely will be outside, wreaking havoc on our enemies from high above the field, if I am able. Perhaps others will, too.

"We could perhaps use two or three people to help man the shoulder-mounted artillery, to free a few of us up to range more widely. Someone on the strong and/or nimble side would be good." He adds, "Odd though it may sound, Theadric Orgulas, if he's halfway to sober at the moment, may be good to have by our side. Perhaps my father, too." He takes out a feather token, and gives it to Rosco Hornblower. "This feather token can become a messenger bird. If you need to get a message to us, send it to Pressi. She can contact me anywhere, and will likely remain in the giant." He tells him how to use it.

[I am going to assume that Pressi heard Bliss's report of the approaching riders, and informed him...] "Ah! Hobie and our bard, Jack Zaragosa, are riding toward the tower right now! You are right about your cousin, sir. I'd better get back up there. I will do what I can to slow the approach of the giants, and give us more time to prepare. Heaven's blessings on us, and stout hearts within us. We can do this, sirs! I must go now."

"Where did? - oh yeah!" Murphy mumbles to himself. He sprints to Madame La'Rue's herbarium, right next to his family's house, where Talia said she was going. Just before he gets there, he sees her flying northward. "Wait, Talia! I've got a faster way!"

He points to an oak tree a few hundred feet north, to the left of the Second Dinner Club tower. "We can plant walk through the tree. There's an oak just a couple hundred yards from the Giant Tower. Let's go together. Sounds like Hobie and Jack are riding swiftly toward the Giant Tower now."

Assuming she agrees, he takes her - and Rayya - and himself through the tree, arriving about 700 feet away from the Giant Tower. "That is beautiful!" he says, seeing the power coruscating from the Iron Giant and surrounding the tower.

"Time for me to wild shape." Murphy places a bag with something in it on the ground, wild shapes into a huge air elemental, and picks up the bag with his left hand. "Want to fly faster?" he asks Talia. If so, then he takes her in his right arm, and flies swiftly to the tower (he should get there within about ten seconds). He sees Bliss perched outside on the Giant's knee with Mookie [Perception: 41]. "I'm letting you go, Talia, since you're flying."

"Let me know if you want that spell now, Mookie. But I don't see any giants yet. I want to create a storm and winds to slow down the giants, and wear them out some before they can get here." He communicates that same thought to Pressi. "I have control weather to make a storm and a few control winds spells, plus other resources. I will have to fly at least 3 miles or more northward to do it, though. Alone? Or with company?" He is willing to wait for word from the two approaching party members before taking a decision, and feedback from the team.
=========
* The awakened oak and the treant he suggests posting north of town (I was mistaken to say by the river earlier) - perhaps standing near adjacent trees opposite Molly's Rest, and ready to surprise any giants who manage to draw that close to the town.

[July 4th, 2018, Murphy awakened an oak he named Dderwen (pronounced /therr-'wen/) (86 hp) 14 Int, 12 Wis, 15 Cha, speaks Halfling, Common, and Sylvan. He cast liveoak on another, and thus brought into being a treant called Quercus (115 hp) speaks Common, Sylvan, and Treant. Their customary places are in two corners of the compound - you can see them on the Sanctuary map. And you were DMing, Carl :-)]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 162/162 (temp), CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday July 25th, 2019 1:22:46 PM
"Well, since nobody else is saying anything about them, I'm just going to take 2 Con gears and 1 Cha gear. That will leave all the Dex and Int gears whoever wants them. Press, why don't you keep 2 Int gears and take a catapult since Bliss wants to climb about the giant. Leave the 2 Dex gears for Talia, and the other 2 Int gears for Murph. They can take a balista and catapult respectively. Talia, if you don't think your going to be firing the balista much (or at all), I'll take those two Dex gears then."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday July 25th, 2019 1:56:42 PM
To Murphy, "Hold off on any such spells until we have a better idea of what the giants are doing. A storm spell could frustrate our own side as well, particularly if they utilize particular strategies."

She could kick herself. A scrying or third eye ritual could have given the group intelligence on the ground. Now they will just have to give it their best shot. "I don't get it, though. We know that the giant is nearly impenetrable to a frontal assault, and giants aren't known for their stealth. Its possible we have the element of surprise, but maybe..."

Turning to Tiana. "You've been rather worried about some sort of attack or disruption despite knowing the giant is impenetrable to ammunition or magic. That it took a stealth team and some massive infighting by the drivers to bring it down by diplomacy. What, precisely, has had you worried for so long? What do you see that we don't?"

Regardless of answer, Pressi makes her way towards the catapult with the two intelligence gears.

Murphy (Kim) Halfling Druid(13) AC 25 HP 128/128
Thursday July 25th, 2019 3:03:03 PM

Backstepping Murphy's responses to Kezzem's concerns
Murphy, when we arrived with the DPAA, immediately donned the Wisdom, Constitution, and Strength gears (though in that post I mistakenly called them 'gems').

Note that Succotash's selected gears include two Strength and one Constitution.

Kezzem & Murphy on Leadership
At the time Succotash took over the pilot's seat, Kezzem made a point of telling Murphy, "Look at Succotash. Look at him. He is the captain now." Murphy responded, "Sure, Kezzem, Succotash is the current pilot of the Iron Giant. Do you think I don't know that? What's your point? Would you like to become a druid?" He asks that with a teasing smile. "We are a team, right, Kez? Many of us have leadership qualities in various areas. I do not mind shared leadership. Such as you are taking in making certain that people make sensible use of the gears on board."

DM Carl
Thursday July 25th, 2019 3:04:17 PM
Succotash plays a little tune to pass the time, then asks for requests.

Bliss spots his friends riding fast, but it appears nothing is chasing them. Maybe they hold off on casting spells since it looks like there aren't any bad guys to fight?

Talia loads up on alchemical weapons and goodies, then catches a ride back with Murphy.

Murphy finishes up his conversation with Roscoe and Bingo, offering them a feather token that will deliver a message to Pressi. He teleports via plant closer to the Giant.

OOC: Like I said, I forget. If you want to re-visit NPCs, put them on the wiki. I do not have your memory for these things.

Kezzem finishes up divvying the gears.

Pressi wishes she had thought to have some extra scrying on the ground. There's nothing to fight right now, though. Who's to say she doesn't have time? She questions Tiana about her concerns.

Tiana, somewhat entertained by her newfound showmanship, spins the DPAA along its axis. Outside, a vortex of the Encompassing Mind's energies engulfs the tower.

"Oh, I'm not worried about the giants defeating our Giant. We could literally beat the stuffing out of them without rest for years." She closes her fist, stopping the DPAA from spinning, then turns to face Pressi. "...but can we kill them fast enough to stop all of them from damaging the tower? What happens if they decide they're just going to sprint past us since we can't really stray from it? We know they have to come through here since the other two towers are still working, but that doesn't mean they'll just run up to us in a line." She goes back to playing with her new toy. "Maybe you've made some incorrect assumptions along the way about this."

***

Meanwhile, Hobie and Jack arrive to find Bliss and Mookie hanging out on the Giant's knee, which is still pretty far up in the air. Too far to shout an entire conversation. Perhaps he hops down to talk, or maybe Murphy and Talia get there first. Hobie hops off Pippa and immediately starts rubbing her down; she's been ridden hard and is starting to show it. "Fill them in, Jack. I need to walk Pippa." He takes her reins and starts doing just that, letting her tired muscles stretch and relax.

Jack turns to face whoever's down there. "Hobie and I split up down there," he starts, getting right to the point. "I kept an eye on the encampment we found, Hobie went stalking through the caverns. The camp we found was one of a handful of others, and that 300 number we estimated...well, it was off. It was way off. We're looking at a thousand, easy. Hobie's not even sure he found'em all." He stretches, sore from the ride. "Oh, and they were mobilizing when we took off. They're a few hours off still, but they're coming."

He looks up at the energy cascading over the tower. "I guess recharging those gems worked. What are you guys doing, anyway?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 162/162 (temp), CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday July 25th, 2019 4:57:16 PM
"Just a joke Murph. It's a line from that plan with Hank Thomas. What was the name of it? You know, the one where he is captain of a ship and it's taken over by pirates."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105 d20+6=14 ;
Thursday July 25th, 2019 5:03:29 PM
Succotash continues playing,his clarinet, but he isn't quite as good at playing the current song, However, he still manages to stay in time, without missing any important notes.

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday July 25th, 2019 10:14:01 PM

Bliss scrambles downleg to greet Hobie and Jack. "Look, I'm a SpiderBliss!" he enthuses.

"Yeah, you're something, Kid," add Mookie.

In answer to the question, Bliss explains about how Miss Tiana figured out hos to use Giant Power to fix the Giant Tower. "She needs about 20 hours, and we are standing watch to make sure she gets the chance."

Bliss adds, "I'm hoping we can stand here when the army arrives and just challenge the leader to combat! That'll be fun! Then again, if there are really are a thousand or more, I don't know how we'll stop them. Last time we pre-emptively snuck into their camp and assassinated the leaders. Maybe we can do that again?"

"I mean, I can cast a Wall of Thorns, but that's only 100 ft tall and 10 ft high. That's not enough. I can cast a web, but also not enough."

Mookie laughs. "What's the CR on a thousand giants?" he asks rhetorically.

"How long do we have before they arrive?" Bliss asks. "Maybe we should just tell the Humbles Forders to flee, while we protect the Tower until it is repaired, then go giant hunting after the Tower is back in service."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90
Thursday July 25th, 2019 10:49:18 PM
After Talia returns, she asks to have two of the charisma gears so she can use them;" two points a gear are they? I have almost forgotten how to use them! already Seems like its been months!"

After receiving and applying the geasr to her bracers, Talia will reposition up on the shoulders of the Iron Giant hoping to gain a strategic vantage point in which to privode as much offense as defense in the upcoming battle.

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental (Fix-> AC 25 HP 128/128)
Friday July 26th, 2019 3:45:48 AM

"It's so good to see you two, and Pippa, of course," air elemental Murphy tells Hobie and Jack as they arrive. Then he listens carefully to Jack's report.

"That was extremely brave of you two. Did you warn the dwarfs, as we suggested?" Murphy inquires of Jack. Then, as he hears the estimated number rise substantially - 3 to 5 times higher than they thought initially, that sobers the druid...

"Based upon Tiana's counsel, and understanding that the giants know of the power of the Towers - what sorts of things can we do to augment the defense of the Humble's Ford Tower? Had I shown more foresight, I - we - might have built up mighty walls and berms of stone and soil. Yet time is short for that. The Iron Giant has the capacity no doubt to do so, but must now remain relatively stationary."

He thinks and thinks. "The leader's name is Gizziar. And to be sure, there will be other leaders under him. How much information were you two able to gather on their structure? Who heads the hill giants? The fire giants? Frost? - what all kinds of different giants are working together? Are there non-giants allied with them? Any humans? Goblinoids? Other sorts? Birds? Ogres? Mounts? Fill us in more, guys. Leadership? Roughly how many of each giant type? Allies? Internal relational fractures our covens can subvert?"

He listens carefully.

"Consider this proposal. I shall fly northward toward the Scab. When I am more than three miles north of here - it was roughly 20 miles or so to the Gem mine from here - when I can see the giants coming, and observe how they are arrayed, then will I begin to cast Control Weather. In a three mile radius from where I cast - that's six miles across - a stormy area shall form. Casting time is 10 minutes. Formation of the storm is another 10 minutes. I can make it last for [8d12] hours - easily a couple of days, if I choose. If I go as a common bird, perhaps I can avoid significant notice. Land in an area where I have some cover, then cast.

"Tossed into that mix will be Control Winds - forceful winds that blow between 75 and 174 miles per hour, covering an area of a bit over one thousand feet in diameter, about 40 feet high. It will knock down medium-sized creatures, and large ones will have to struggle each round to move forward against the wind, and generally be slowed in their pace. It will kick up dirt, debris - things may get in their eyes. It will be a pain to them, and, not impassible, but a struggle. Might wear some of them down so they don't arrive with as much energy. If they try throwing rocks - the wind is strong enough to alter the path even of a giant-hurled stone (-8 attack), and normal missiles are impossible to use. Also can have rain pour down upon them, drenching them, making them miserable, and having to walk through muck. I can cast Control Winds up to three times.

"There's also spike growth, spike stones to attack their feet. Ice storm - hard on the fire giants especially.

"Other things can be done. What suggestions do you all have? Any holes in my plan? Would someone want to come along with me? I have one more transport via plants available" (first was via sling staff, with Talia).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18; HP 162/162 (temp), CMD 28; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday July 26th, 2019 2:24:50 PM
"Okay, Talia, you can take both Cha gears. Are you keeping a Dex gear as your third gear? I will take the remaining Dex gear then, or both if you want a different gear."

That would give you a +4 Cha and a +2 Dex, or substitute Dex with another (non-Cha) stat if you would prefer a different boost.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday July 26th, 2019 2:33:27 PM
To Tiana, "Perhaps. Something's off, though. The giants last time were organized by outside forces, and its odd that they'd choose to attack what's already broken... unless they somehow knew what we were doing. At any event, they are certainly capable of basic strategy, but if they are still gaining outside help..."

"Let me ask you something. These various proposals to protect the tower, like storms and walls of thorns and stuff. They won't affect this magic transfer, correct?"

Pressi volunteers to go with Murphy if he so wishes to move ahead.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday July 26th, 2019 2:34:49 PM
Header update

DM Carl
Friday July 26th, 2019 4:05:11 PM
Kezzem gets back to his old tricks.

Succotash doesn't have too much to do right now, but he's got a hunch he'll be plenty busy when things start happening.

Bliss explains what's happening to Jack and Hobie. He ponders his defensive options, but none of them cover an area wide enough to do much. He considers having everyone flee Humble's Ford, but they just got back from the last invasion...

Talia figures out what she's going to wear as Kezzem considers his own again. Kezzem really likes to mix and match, it seems.

Murphy asks a lot of questions. Hobie speaks up as he walks Pippa back towards the gathering.

"There isn't a lot of leadership, Murph. They know our tower is broken, and they know we're about to fix it. The only thing keeping them in line is their anger at us for ruining their annual 'go eat some halflings' tours. Gizziar was in charge of that forge we found, but he's not leading anyone into battle. I think tensions were getting high in the camp, so they decided it was time to move.

"and yea, we backtracked through the Caverns of Glimstone and told Urist. He wishes us luck, but this tower ain't gonna protect him if we pull this off. He's staying out of it. He doesn't need to start a war between dwarf and giant."

Our heroes can talk among themselves about the wisdom of Murphy's plans, but your narrator won't be adding his input. It's your show.

Pressi considers their situation and asks Tiana some questions.

"The tower is broken, but it's not broken broken. We can fix the state it's in now, but if gets knocked over or damaged too much further, the ritual will fail." She starts manipulating the DPAA steadily up and down until the energy pattern outside stabilizes into a perfect sine wave. "Wind and thorns won't stop the ritual, though. If Murphy mentions surrounding the tower in lead, I suggest you talk him out of it."

Pressi offers to accompany Murphy if he goes ahead.

Upstairs, Candy starts getting impatient. She opens up a ballista ammo cache and pulls out one of the metal-tipped bolts. "Kezzem! Show me how to load this thing. I need'ta prove I can shoot some giants."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday July 26th, 2019 5:08:47 PM
Kezzem gladly shows Candy how to operate the ballista.

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Friday July 26th, 2019 10:10:27 PM
Bliss listens to Murphy's ideas and likes them. "We gotta throw all we got at these giants, and if that means storms and entangles and spike stones, then I say go for it."

"I just expect to jump into battle and kill as many as I can! We'll see how many that is. And when things get too hairy, I'll jump back out for healing!"

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90
Friday July 26th, 2019 10:37:52 PM
Talia, using the proper command words, changes her "Stylish pants ol' plenty" into a dark leather. Stylish, durable, and menacing...it will do good for the next combat!" thinks Talia to herself.

Talia will take those gears offered and apply them to her bracer. She will then mount a position on the shoulders.

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental (Fix-> AC 25 HP 128/128)
Saturday July 27th, 2019 2:50:27 AM
"If you want to fight up close, Bliss," Murphy responds, "well, with the storm, that will slow them. Maybe some of the younger ones will be blown back by the storm - perhaps a few mothers who have come along will take them back, and cut down on the numbers attacking. But many will push through. If some of us are there as they stumble from the storm, that may be a good time for you, for us, to attack them. We take the fight to them, rather than waiting for them to bring it to us."

Advanced Strike Force
Murphy adds, "So, what if some of us serve on an advanced strike force? Cut down on the numbers coming down from the Scab. For those who make it through, we fall back and form a new front, whittle them down. Fight, retreat, fight, retreat. Against those who continue to come, we make a stand a ways in front of the tower, with the Iron Giant providing artillery support. If Angel Springs has gotten around to sending some knights or other warriors, maybe they can join us.

"The Tower is the giants' first aim. Let's spoil their aim. I don't want stone giants hurling boulders at our tower, nor hill giants bashing the base with their clubs, nor fire giants hurling their iron spears against stone.

Travel Matters
"To keep it short," then Murphy snorts as he recognizes it is close to ridiculous that he could keep it short, "- Up to four can join me in the north. Then, when the time to retreat comes, there are two ways we can do so. First - I can carry up to four of you with me. Second, if needed, I have a feather token to make an oak tree, and through it - just as we did to get back here from the Scab, I can get you back to that oak over there - just over 200 yards away from the Iron Giant.

"Who, in addition to Pressi and Bliss, would choose to come with me? There likely will be few giants to fight here near the tower for a while."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Saturday July 27th, 2019 12:22:47 PM
"I'm not sure if it works that way Murph, Succotash answers, But of course if Madam Gem says I'm wrong, I will be happy to relay messages back and forth". He then adds "My only regret is I won't be able to partake in the advanced skirmish, after all, taking it to the enemy is kinda my thing! Succotash thinks for a moment then says, "Maybe you might want to take Piggy along, she is pretty nimble on the battlefield!"

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental (Fix-> AC 25 HP 128/128)
Saturday July 27th, 2019 6:37:52 PM

Murphy nods his semi-translucent head in acknowledgement of his friend's initial words. "She is that, Succotash," he responds to the paladin's suggestion. "My hands will be full, so someone else would need to be working with her, though. And we can't exceed the +4 limit, if all means of transport are to be available to us. Should we meet those conditions, though, that's a possibility!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday July 27th, 2019 6:45:06 PM
"Those of you that are quick of hand and foot, come with me," suggests Kezzem. "Those that are more clever should go with Pressi. If neither of those apply to you, just pick one of us."

Kezzem will run a balista clinic for the Bad Apples that will loading and/or operating the balistas. He will encourage Presi to run a similar demonstration for the catapulters.

"Okay, kids, time to show you the ropes...and the springs and the frame.

After allowing groans, he continues. "Safety first. Rule one, don't point it at anything unless you plan to shoot it. Rule two, make sure all body parts are clear before firing. You don't want to pinch your finger when it fires. Rule three, don''t point it anything unless you plan to shoot it. Rule four, don't wear loose clothing and jewelry that could get caught in the mechanism. And finally, rule five, don''t point it anything unless you plan to shoot it. Yes, I know Rule 1, 3, and 5 are the same...that's because it's a really important one."

He will then demonstrate the proper loading techniques and go over the two types of ammunition. "The metal tip ones are good when giants are clumped together. It can go right through them and strike up to two or three more giants standing behind them, depending on how clumped together they are. The first one will take the worst of it, but these babies pack quite a punch. Now for single targets, typically leaders and other boss types, you want to use the wooden bolts. They won't penetrate the giant, but they will splinter and do more damage to your target. That said, boss types have better armor, and since you guys don't have much combat training, you may want to stick with easier targets."

"Now let's take some practice shots at those tree stumps over there...."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Sunday July 28th, 2019 12:59:25 AM
"Murph, you really think I should know Auran? I can take one of those Int gears and be all like 'I know kung fu.'"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Sunday July 28th, 2019 2:33:09 PM
Pressi watches discussions of communication lines, and Kezzem sending people up to her. �Looks like I�m going to be staying here after all. It doesn�t seem like you can report back otherwise.�

DM Carl
Monday July 29th, 2019 1:39:36 PM
Kezzem shows Candy how to operate the ballista. She's quick with her hands and proves an adept student. Kezzem does see her making sure she doesn't have anything loose that could catch, then checks her crew. She looks back to Kezzem when she's convinced they're following the rules. She looks around, choosing one of the trunks he pointed out. She takes aim, and misses, but it's real close.

"If that'd been a giant and not some little tree stump, I woulda hit it, Kezzem." She nods, agreeing with herself. "I'll go ahead and take this one, and Erbin'll keep the ammo coming." She nods again, pleased with the outcome. "Well, sure you're busy! We'll keep practicin'. The gem did say there was like...unlimited ammo, right?" She points at the nearby ammo cache. "Erbin! Gimme one of the other ones this time."

It seems Candy's embraced the philosophy of asking forgiveness instead of permission at a young age.

Bliss likes the ideas Murphy's throwin' out, noting he intends to be down where the action is during the fight.

Talia readies up and heads up to the seige weaponry. Is she planning on manning one of the weapons?

Murphy ponders the effect winds will have on the giants. It will slow them down some, and certainly make them angry/frustrated. It will also greatly impact the ballista/catapult attacks firing on them from your Giant.

He suggests a forward strike team, asking for volunteers and planning how to travel quickly. He also discusses communication.

OOC, Kim only, Highlight to display spoiler: {refer to the email I sent over the weekend if you're wondering where your post went. I copy/pasted it in case you didn't get a chance.}

Succotash thinks back on how he can communicate as pilot. He's always in contact with the Encompassing Mind while piloting. He also remembers Anur was able to make annoucements that could be heard throughout the Giant. He's sure that includes the seige area as well. He's not sure if that can be heard outside the Giant, but probably not.

What he doesn't have is a way to contact anyone privately who's either not in the cockpit with him, or standing next to the Encompassing Mind's gem for it to relay a message. Any magical means of communication set up in advance work normally.

He offers Miss Piggy as a battlefield companion, though he may remember Pressi had mentioned using them as sentries inside the Giant.

Pressi notes that unless she stays behind, Murphy may not have a way to report back from a forward strike.

In the meantime, Tiana keeps on doing her thing. Meanwhile back at town...well, no one's really sure what's going on back in town, but something's probably happening.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Monday July 29th, 2019 5:22:58 PM
Succotash nods his understanding to Murphy and says to Miss Piggy, "If Murphy asks you to go along with him, you go right ahead and go with him, please be safe though". He then says, "I can make announcements via the intercom, but I can't share private or secret messages, and I have no means to communicate with anyone away from the Iron Giant".

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday July 29th, 2019 6:32:39 PM
Kezzem is pleased to see Candy is taking safety seriously.

"Nice shot, Candy! Yep, giants are easier to hit overall, but they also have armor and thick skins, so you want to make sure you get a direct hit and not just graze them. Also, giants may try to hit back, though barring magic or flying mounts, I doubt they will be able to launch an effective ranged attack this high up."

Well, I don't know about unlimited. Maybe the giant magically restores its stock--such things are above my pay grade, but I wouldn't count on it too much. However, she did indicate that we had plenty, so we should not have to worry about using up ammo on practicing as long as we're not excessively wasteful."

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday July 29th, 2019 9:52:49 PM

Bliss tries really hard to think about any other ideas that might help the party prepare for this invasion, especially anything he, Bliss, can do.

[OOC: Using a hero point for Inspiration ... "Inspiration: If you feel stuck at one point in the adventure, you can spend a hero point and petition the GM for a hint about what to do next. If the GM feels that there is no information to be gained, the hero point is not spent."]

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90
Monday July 29th, 2019 10:25:04 PM
Talia readys herself near the Balista but has no intention of actually manning one. She will use this area to launch area attacks when the time comes.

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental (Fix-> AC 25 HP 128/128)
Tuesday July 30th, 2019 5:27:33 AM

"Succotash, I'll be frank with you - I may be flitting and flying about rapidly," Murphy says. "Coordinating with Miss Piggy will be very hard for me. Now if Bliss, Mookie and Piggy are able to coordinate attacks as a unit, that might work. I'll be out there sometimes moving over a mile a minute, though. How would she keep up? So, Bliss - if you think you can figure how to work well with her in hit-and-run combat, then go for it."

"I'll carry those going with me; drop you off about where the southern part of the storm will be; and myself continue to the casting spot. I will lay down the storm so that the southern end of it is at least a mile north of the tower - means I'll travel four miles, minimum. If they are quite a ways farther away than that, then we'll be going farther north. Since from the top of the Iron Giant the invading giants are not visible, they have to be more than four miles from us - maybe six, or ten, or more. We take the storm to them, and, at six miles wide, it will be tough to bypass.

"I don't plan on having the storm covering the tower nor the Iron Giant.

"Talia, sure you don't want to join us?" he asks the sorceress. "That you can fly can keep you above the storm, and you may be able to wreak more havoc upon the giants stuck on the ground."

"If those going are ready, then so am I. We can adapt our plans as we find out more. I will stay in touch with you, Pressi. Thoughts?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday July 30th, 2019 2:59:43 PM
"Someday, I will have to actually invest in a scrying mirror," she mutters to herself.

"Nope, I think we are as ready as we will ever be. Good luck and god speed."

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
spectral hand 11 minutes (at tower base)
arcane eye 11 minutes (at tower base)
int+4 from gears

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

L1: 2
L2: 1
L4: 1

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental (Fix-> AC 25 HP 128/128)
Tuesday July 30th, 2019 4:43:55 PM

Murphy reaches into the bag he is carrying. "Here, sweets - your own silver scrying mirror." He hands it over to Pressi.

DM Carl
Tuesday July 30th, 2019 4:54:35 PM
Succotash details his abilities and limitations in communicating with his team.

Kezzem approves of Candy's abilities. He likely does remember the Encompassing Mind noting that ammo was replenished automatically.

OOC: It's effectively infinite, at least for this module.

Bliss thinks real hard about what they might be missing.

As near as he can figure, the most important thing is fixing the tower, but the Giant can only go so far from it. If the giants decide they don't want to tangle with the Iron Giant (and who could blame them?), they'll just have to take a slight detour. Doing so will let them waltz into Humble's Ford and tear it to pieces. Even if the ritual succeeds, they won't have a ford to come home to afterwards. Not even a humble one.

If the Giant abandons the tower, the other giants will destroy the thing. The group's planning has been excellent on keeping the tower safe and the ritual successful, but they've mostly let Humble's Ford fend for themselves so far. The gap in the Giant Towers' barrier isn't THAT wide. If there were more defenders on the front alongside the Iron Giant, they could probably keep the giants from overrunning Crescent Valley before the ritual was complete. They'd just have to be outside the Giant's stomping range...

(Hope that was a hero point's worth of inspiration.)

Talia sets up near the ballista, ready to use her magic. She should keep in mind the fact that she's over 200' above the giants when determining range on her spells.

Murphy doubts Miss Piggy (or any animal companions) will be able to assist him. He makes a solid plan about using the weather to slow down the giants, and takes volunteers to come along.

Pressi confirms she's staying put so both groups are in touch with each other, and wishes them luck. She wishes she had a mirror for scrying.

OOC: Was Harper being stationed by the entrance? Am I remembering that correctly?

Candy continues practicing, and it looks like her choice for ammo runner was sound. The two of them work well enough together to fire their ballista every round. She lacks the keen eyes and instincts of our seasoned adventurers, but she's got talent.

Tiana's theatrics have died down. They kept her entertained for a while, at least.

Meanwhile, in the cockpit, two small air elementals join Succotash. They're almost certainly part of Candy's crew just nosing around. They seem very interested in the wall of force that serves as a windshield. They tap on it, then look at Succotash expectantly.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Tuesday July 30th, 2019 5:09:29 PM
Confused by the actions of the elementals, and not knowing their language, Succotash reaches out to tap the windshield as well, thinking it a game he is playing with the elementals, he then asks them, "Do either of you two know how to speak common or halfling?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=37 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+19=38 ;
Tuesday July 30th, 2019 6:10:19 PM
Seeing Candy has her ballista in hand, Kezzem attempts to practice with his ammo runner.

"What's your name, kid?"

He will take a few practice shots himself, just to get a feel for it and work with an ammo runner. With his incredible dexterity and combat training, Kezzem is well suited to the job.

Attack Rolls: 1d20 + 19: 37, 24, 38.

"Yuck, that middle one was not great. You want to take a few shots just for fun?"

After setting his ammo runner up, he'll go check in on his fellow paladin.

"Hey look, you've got friends?"

"Hi guys," he says in Auran. "What's up?"

In Common, he taps his headband and says "I speak Auran now. Auran is cool."

OOC: Rumpus, Piggy, and Harper we're guarding the rear entrance we used when he infiltrated the giant.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday July 30th, 2019 6:13:36 PM
Also, assuming the two balistas are within 50 feet of each other, Kezzem will lend Candy and her runner rings of Shield Other so that he can protect them in the coming battle. He figures he'll be close enough to heal his ammo runner if need be.

(If Candy is out of 50 foot range, he'll just give one ring to his ammo runner; in this case, he'll prepare a Resist Energy instead of a second Shield Other spell).

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90
Tuesday July 30th, 2019 9:24:13 PM
Talia gives some thought to what Mister Murphy is planning and decides that it may just be better to join Mister Murphy in thie endeavor.

Talia will take as many metal ballista balls and she can carry in her haversack to add to the balistic protential she can wrought on the battlefield.

{OOC: I believe the bals cause 10d10 damage, but I need to know size and weight, plz}

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday July 30th, 2019 10:35:21 PM

Bliss communicates his thinking to the whole group. Prolly that means a conference on or in the Iron Giant.

"We need to prevent the giants from running past us and invading our town. Mister Murphy, all the things you are talking about -- storm and spike stones and like that -- we do not need those in front of the tower -- we need them to one side or the other!"

"We need something to block them! What else do we have? I can cast a wall of thorns and a plant growth and an entangle. But I'm worried that all those will not last long enough. What else can we use?"

"Can we summon earth elementals and dig some trenches and pile up some berms?"

[OOC: Kindly DM, will we be using a big terrain map for this fight? Or are we mapless? If we have a map, can we see it to plan out where we will cast what? Also, I'm assuming we need to defend both sides of the giant, right and left?]

"And I'm guessing we can't do it alone. We shopuld get as many powerful people from the Ford as we can to stand with us. [OOC: Say 5th level and above] Maybe there are others who would be willing to stand and fight."

"And even less powerful people can stand on the giant and shoot bullets and arrows, right?"

"This means we need someone to go back to the Ford and recruit!" Bliss will do that, but anyone else with good charisma is welcome.

He uses his WLA pin to help with recruiting. Bliss also makes sure that his own followers will be on hand. They have to stay back and hide, or stay on the iron giant, but maybe they can cast some blesses or protections from evil or cures.

[OOC: reduced hero points from 6 to 5]

Humble's Ford Giants Relevant maps - ADM Kim
Wednesday July 31st, 2019 4:42:02 AM
Keep in mind that some of the maps for the Wold look contradictory at points. They were drawn up over various years, by various DMs (and ADM Kim). Nonetheless, they should give you an idea of what is where, roughly. Carl may (or may not) update portions, or provide a map for the area near the Giant Tower.

The Sanctuary of Humble's Sword
Crescent Valley Miles Grid Map (one mile per square)
Humble's Ford Granite-Obsidian Wall Map - very plain map shows where the volcanic walls are, and gaps in the walls. Could be useful for defensive points.
Map Humble's Ford Some of Murphy's Tunnels

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Wednesday July 31st, 2019 8:08:19 AM

Bliss is hoping that the existing functional giant towers to either side of the Humbles Ford tower still work. The question is, how big is the gap that the party has to proect? He presses Miss Tiana in the hope that she can give an answer.

He hopes it is not the full 15-20 miles between the two nearest functional towers.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday July 31st, 2019 3:30:54 PM
(OOC: If I recall correctly, the door in the right leg leads to an empty foyer/stairs to a second door that leads to a furnished, two level room. The room where we face our first guard, meet Ix, etc. Harper is stationed in that room.)

(Also, I seem to have some sort of issue where my computer wifi keeps dropping and nobody can help me. So expect a bit of posting from phones for a while.)

As Bliss starts speaking of her inspiration, Pressi slaps her forehead. "I let myself be blinded, thinking this giant was of all things the primary target." As for the giants, she can cast her lesser summons, but it won't last long against a wave. She considers mind fog, but not much else comes to mind environmentally. (BTW, how far up are the giant's shoulders, again?)

-----------------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
spectral hand 11 minutes (at tower base)
flying broom (hours)
int+4 from gears

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

Murphy
Wednesday July 31st, 2019 3:39:02 PM
Murphy says to Succotash, I think they want to know if you can open the window for them. You can. But wait one moment before you do. "

"Friends of the air," he begins in auran. "Giants come from the north. Many, many. I go now with one or two others to slow them down. They come to kill halfings, to smash homes and buildings. Maybe even the White Spire. Please tell your friends, and elder air elementals, to come play in the winds, and harass the giants. Your larger friends can pick up giants, fly them high into the air, then drop them from the sky."

"Okay, Succotash, now is fine. Hey, have some of our team get the talking hoods for onboard communication."

When he learns that Talia will come along, and Bliss remain behind, he is fine with that. And the exploding metal balls, and glass? He sees about taking two glass, four metal.

"Ready? Shall we go?"

If so, he does... just after casting greater magic claw on Mookie, then via the pearl, upon humself.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Wednesday July 31st, 2019 5:15:50 PM
Succotash nods his understanding, to Murphy, then when the time is right, he opens the window for the Air elementals

DM Carl d20+5=6 ;
Wednesday July 31st, 2019 8:46:02 PM
Succotash taps on the wall of force too. The elementals look at each other. If they speak common or halfling, they don't let on.

Kezzem asks the ammo runner's name. "Erbin, squire." Is his response. "Thanks for lettin' us help! Rather be up here doin' my part that runnin' away to Hovel again, savvy?" He gets back to his duties, practicing the ballista himself. It's a mixed bag. He asks his young companions if they have friends. "Everyone wants to be our friend, Kez," answers Candy as she lines up another shot. "You need more hands up here? I can have every halfling kid in the Ford. Didn't think child labor was your thing, but hey, desperate times, yea?" She smiles at him as she blindly fires the ballista. She misses the trigger entirely (nat 1). She blushes a bit. It's ok, she could use a little humility.

He checks on Succotash, and speaks auran. Handy! The elementals swirl happily when they're spoken too. "The wall! Open the wall!"

Talia agrees to join Murphy in delaying the giants.

OOC: The ballista fire bolts. The cannons fire balls. What are you planning? They do that much damage when fired from seige weaponry, not when thrown.

Bliss recommends Murphy's preparations divert the giants towards the tower, not away from it. He also recommends earth elementals make something called berms, which your DM did not have to google. No sir. He also recommends folks who can fight join them up here, rather than hang back in town.

He asks Tiana about the existing towers.

"Huh?" she starts, trapped in bored reverie. "Oh, yes. The other towers are still working." She makes a small adjustment to the DPAA. "Hold it there a moment, Madam Gem."

"Sure, what else am I doing?"
"It is a good thing I do not get bored."

Tiana grabs a scroll from one of her tables and unrolls it. "I spent some time while you and the rest of Humble's Sword were out saving the world. I researched the existing Giant Towers. They were built to overlap each other by quite a bit when they were designed. So much so, that there's only about 1000' of unprotected space the giants will have to move through. We may not be able to sense the barrier without magical aid, but the giants know it's there and will not just wander into it. Not unless they want to turn to ash, that is."

She recasts her mage hand cantrip, then goes back to adjusting the DPAA. "The tower is a squirrelier target than one would think. Is that a word, 'squirrelier?' Well, it is now.

Pressi slaps herself for thinking the Giant would be the primary target. She ponders how to respond to her revelation.

OOC: The shoulders are about 200' up.

Murphy correctly interprets the elementals' wishes, but parleys first. He asks the elementals to alert the elders of their kind about the giants, and the danger they pose. They respond, "yes yes. Tell elders. Now open wall?" It's probably the best he can expect from them. The small ones aren't too bright. He's ready to go with Talia, casting greater magic claw on himself and Mookie.

When Succotash opens the wall of force, the elementals swoosh around the room a bit before backing up to the far wall, then throwing themselves out the window. They streamline themselves, plummeting and hitting terminal velocity. They pull up in time to glide just above the ground before swirling around each other playfully. They immediately begin flying back up to do it again.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday July 31st, 2019 10:25:46 PM
"Consider it a work-study program," says Kezzem to Candy.

----

"Hey Succo, the air elementals want you to open the wall."

In Auran, he says "Why do you want him to open the wall?" He will translate their response to Succotash.

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Wednesday July 31st, 2019 10:43:12 PM

"A gap of only 1,000 feet? Wowsy, that's the best news yet!"

If he has not already, Bliss makes a quick trip to Humbles Ford to rally his followers (and Miss Pressi's?) and to recruit any other volunteers. He flashes his WLA badge so that people know he is official.

He leaves Mookie at the Iron Giant, patrolling high up, with orders to come get him if there is any sign that the giants are on their way.

Finally, Bliss elbows Mookie and gives him a look. The halfling-size raven flap over to Murphy and nods his head. "Fangs for the buff, Murph old chap. Get it? 'Fangs'? Magic Fang spell?" He shakes his head, amazed at the half-wit of halflings.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90
Wednesday July 31st, 2019 11:26:34 PM
Talia plans on filling up her haversack with cannon balls and dropping them from a great height, perhaps even in the bags of Giant traps Mister Murphy and I have assembled.

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental
Thursday August 1st, 2019 1:07:40 AM

Seeing the playfulness of the elementals, Murphy smiles. "Fun critters, aren't they, Succo?" As they re-enter through the - visor? - he tells them, "Two more times. Then tell the elders of the giants. By the way, you are beautiful in your flight." He waits a beat for any reply, then reiterates, "Two more dives, then tell the elders. Giants coming - help Murphy to the north!"

As the pair fly back out, Murphy teaches Succotash the Auran word for giants. "Jattilaiset. Jattilaiset. Succotash, after the third time they come up here, say to them, 'jattilaiset, nyt.' That means, 'giants, now.' Jattilaiset, nyt." [ref: Finnish]

OOC reply to DM Carl: Murphy plans to drop the ammo from a height. For simplicity sake, in Pathfinder, terminal velocity is attained at 200 feet of falling. So, dropping them from about that height should generate the speed they need, if not the accuracy. Likely, as an air elemental, he could throw them with force from somewhat lower - say, 150' height? and generate equivalent velocity. If giants are grouped somewhat close together, they can still be effective, if you so allow.

He finds Pressi. "You got the silver mirror, for scrying, right?" Murphy offered it to her a few minutes ago, but, so preoccupied she seemed, he wants to be certain the gift registers. "Headin' north, now. Good luck kiss?" he asks.

"I am very happy for your fangfulness, Mookie," the druid replies to Bliss's large raven friend with a mostly straight face. He casts longstrider on himself.

Learning what Bliss has just learned. "Ah, then, Bliss - I've introduced everyone to Quercus, our treant, and Dderwen (/therr-'wen/), an awakened oak. They should be lumbering toward us now. Tell them I want them to team up on the left side of the gap - you show them where. They are good at throwing rocks, and can go limb-to-limb in fighting off giants. They both speak Common and Sylvan. Dderwen also speaks halfling." [See Murphy post, section 5, for July 4, 2018 for more details.]

"Sorry, Talia, one more thing to do before we fly northward. This should take just a minute. Let's go to the ground outside." Murphy casts summon nature's ally IV, for a medium earth elemental.

To the earth elemental:
"Sometime in the next few hours hundreds of giants shall attack here. Please take a message to your elders. If you & your people work with us to keep the giants from passing south of this tower, then I, Murphy Leafwin Pipewood of Humble's Ford, will find or make a cavern for you, with gems therein, as your place to enjoy. Or, name some other desire - if I can rightly do it with no harm to my people, I shall. I kept my word to elementals of the air. I shall honor my word to you." He further explains for a start their help forming two defensive berms would help to channel the giants into an area to make it easier to defend the tower from the giants, who wish to destroy it.

He ensures Talia is ready, and heads out with her, and the ammo they have taken. He also casts longstrider.

He offers to carry Talia, as he flies quite a bit faster than she. "I am thinking - it may be wise to travel invisibly. I can cover more than a mile a minute. We fly north until we see where the giants are, land at a suitable point ahead of their path, and I begin casting. How long might an invisibility spell be able to keep the two of us hidden?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday August 1st, 2019 3:39:57 PM
Pressi eyed Murphy carefully. "Why in the universe do you just happen to have a 1000 gp scrying mirror? Never mind, I don't think I want to know."

In response, Pressi gives Bliss permission to round up her cohorts. (Except Dolgrin. He's off on his own adventure at the moment.) She also lays down her summons Gerry in the gap to the Ford, and asks if anyone has suggestions for anything to ask during a divination.

But she won't have to ask where the giants are. She casts scrying for that.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Thursday August 1st, 2019 5:28:04 PM
Succotash watches the air elementals, and wishes that they could enjoy themselves like that for ever. The thought of the oncoming fight reminds him of a time many years ago when he was a novice paladin, leading an army of towns people in defense of their town. He absent mindedly rubs the scar on his left cheek, as he remembers that terrible day. So many lives cut short, so many people wounded, himself included, and now he is about face an ordeal that could have similar outcomes, and the thought brings a tear to his eyes. Not for himself, He would gladly lay down his life for another, but for the average Joe who may fall at the hands of the giant invasion. He shakes himself out of his revelry, and focuses on the here and now, brushing the tears from his eyes in the process. Then when the elementals do their third dive, he reminds them to go talk to their elders, using the words Murphy taught him.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday August 1st, 2019 7:59:53 PM
(OOC: Sorry about the mirror quip. I missed that scrying was also a druid spell.)

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental
Thursday August 1st, 2019 9:24:25 PM

"Only because I anticipated your needs, dear. Yes, that must be it," Murphy answers with a smile. "I almost bought two..."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90
Thursday August 1st, 2019 9:32:17 PM
Talia follows murphy to the ground by flight.

{OOC: How much time has past since we started this module?}

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday August 1st, 2019 11:49:27 PM
Bliss is happy to get the message to Pressi's followers too, and tries to round up any able-bodied person in the area to fight Giants.

He emphasizes to them and to the treants -- just hold the line! Use total defense! Keep them from breaking through while we fight!

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90
Friday August 2nd, 2019 12:07:58 AM
Talia turns to Mister Murphy, " an invisability spells last 13 minutes or until we engage in combat, which either comes first. Sure you can ferry me, Mister Bullet Train Murphy!" giggles Talia.

DM Carl d20+3=16 ;
Friday August 2nd, 2019 12:02:30 PM
Kezzem institutes a work-study program in advanced siege weaponry for the children of Humble's Ford. Your DM did not see this one coming.

"Ok, Kez." Answers Candy. "Hey, Anton!" she shouts, and her other cohort snaps to attention. "Go find two more kids to run ammo for the Swords. Make sure they're strong enough and ain't gonna chicken out. In fact, get four, just in case." Anton nods, looks out at how far he has to run to get back to town, and sighs a bit. To his credit, he starts descending the Giant immediately and hits the ground running once he's out of the heel.

Bliss is pleased that they have only a relatively narrow area to defend. He heads back, keeping pace easily with Anton. (I'll get to the in town bit at the end of the post)

Mookie thanks Murphy for the magic, though he does so using the lowest form of humor. The familiar takes to the skies, keeping an eye out.

Talia and Murphy note they plans to drop the bombs from the air on the giants.

OOC: That sounds reasonable, Kim.

Murphy asks an earth elemental to deliver a message to its elders. Keep in mind these things have an INT of 4. Still, it nods before vanishing back into the ground. Before he leaves, he hands Pressi an expensive mirror and asks Talia if they can make them invisible to cover their movement.

He also asks Bliss to direct his tree-folk to the battlefield.

Pressi wonders where Murphy was keeping that mirror. She asks for advice on what to divine. Then, she scrys on the giants.

The spell needs to be cast on a creature. Pressi observed giants during their trip through The Scab. She probably remembers the father and son hill giants more than any, so let's say she casts it on the father. Said father fails its will save, allowing Pressi to look in on the thing.

She sees the giant. It moves with dozens of its own kind. Only a handful are in front of it, but behind it? Hundreds of hill, stone, and fire giants are pouring from The Scab. The giants look to have just left the peaks and are heading south now. As near as Pressi can tell, the giants are still a good 7-8 hours away. That's assuming nothing delays them, of course. Her fiance is on his way to change that.

Succotash worries about those who are going to risk their lives in this fight. He shakes it off, then chases off the elementals who are all too happy to ignore Murphy's request. Closing the wall of force again puts an end to their fun.

Back in town, Bliss enlists aid, asking for people willing to help hold the line. He stops at Sanctuary first, where Murphy's tree folk and the group's followers are willing to lend a hand (ooc: since these are your followers/creations, you're free to run/RP them as you see fit).

When he arrives in Humble's Ford, he finds that Angel Springs has pulled through. May and Blossom arrive back in town with a hundred well-armed militia accompanying them. Meanwhile, Roscoe and Bingo have managed to find and outfit every able-bodied citizen of Humble's Ford to aid in defense. Roscoe seems to sigh in relief when Bliss asks them to hold the line alongside the Iron Giant.

"Can do, Bliss. Wasn't looking forward to handling this without you guys nearby anyway. It'll be nice not to have the whole town destroyed again, too."

Hobie and Jack both agree to stay with the defenders; Jack's talents are better used with a larger audience, and Hobie would rather stick with his bow. Hugo's agreed to keep the talented archer stocked with arrows for the fight. Sarabella and Vesley will also be lending their talents to defense. Even Theadric has taken up arms again, though it's done little to dispel the air of loss about him.

"Ok, Bliss," starts Bingo, "We'll be in position when the giants reach the tower. We'll hold the line best we're able." He pauses as something catches his eye: May dressed in tight fitting black leather with twin daggers on her hips. He sighs. "I know it's not right to ask, but I can't talk her out of this. If you could keep an eye on her, I'd appreciate it."

***

I'd like to wind up these preparations by Wednesday. I'm officially ending them Friday, though.

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental d20+32=39 ;
Saturday August 3rd, 2019 3:00:53 AM

"Let's hold off on invisibility for a bit," air elemental Murphy suggests. "I'm planning to aim off to the northwest, then to swing back to the northeast, so as not to give a direct visual line coming directly from Humble's Ford. We'll go high until we spot them, and fly down westward til we're outside line of sight. Invisibility would make sense then - and fly high, invisible, to take a census - then get ahead of them by a ways to start casting. Sound like a plan?

"If you have any other spells or preparations you think would be useful, just let me know now or along the way. Do you have goggles?"

Murphy waits until Talia is ready to go. When she is ready, he wraps an arm around, asks if that feels comfortable and secure. When it does, he takes off. Up, up and away!

North by northwest. Slightly over seventy one miles per hour for the first five minutes. Shifts to North for another few minutes. Then ever-so-slightly north by northeast for a few more minutes. Total at that speed not to exceed 10 minutes. Then, if needed (that is, no giants yet observed), Murphy slows to about 28.5 mph (hussle) for further searching from the skies. Likely adjusts more directly northward. Based upon where the giants were, he figures they are likely to have emerged from a place west of Glimstone a ways - or will be coming from there, if they have not yet left the mountains.

Perception (looking for giants along the ground in the distance): 39

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Saturday August 3rd, 2019 9:33:37 AM
After closing the Windshield, Succotash sighs, then resumes playing his clarinet, while silently throwing up a prayer for Talia and Murphy's protection.

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Saturday August 3rd, 2019 12:00:45 PM
Back at the tower, Bliss does what he can to help with the preparations. He and his followers work to dig a ditch and pile the earth in a rampart next to the ditch. That might give slingers and archers some cover. He urges all the volunteers who arrive to do whatever they can to get ready.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Saturday August 3rd, 2019 9:19:21 PM
Kezzem will go check out how Pressi and the catapulted are doing on the other shoulder. But then he finds her looking In a mirror.

"Press, this is no time to be fixing your makeup. We've got drills to run!"

He'll try to rope her into practicing with the Bad Apples, unless she too busy with "magic stuff" in which case he'll take over running the drills.

OOC: Kezzem surprises me all the time too. That's the joy of playing a PC with poor impulse control.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Sunday August 4th, 2019 9:26:10 AM
Pressi looks up at Kezzem. �Spoken like a male. Company�s coming.�

She relays to Kezzem and Murphy the giant�s location and the mix of giants. �No drills either. Times up.�

DM Carl
Sunday August 4th, 2019 9:45:45 AM
Murphy travels, though he finds the giants are coming from an area east of the caverns. He spots them easily enough, and finds it's just like Pressi said: mostly unorganized, but with a bunch of hill giants pushed to the front of the mob. It looks like Hobie wasn't exaggerating, either. There's easily a thousand giants here. They travel in a pretty compact column for such a large number of giants; Murphy supposes they know about the narrow window they have into the Valley.

Though giants are still exiting The Scab, they've also made a good bit of progress. They're probably 6 hours away from the tower.

Succotash prays for the safety of those scouting ahead.

Bliss prepares some cover for those who will fight along them.

Kezzem takes his life in his own hands, then tries to show Pressi how to operate the equipment.

Pressi goes easy on him, indicating time's almost up...it's not, though. They've got a few more hours before the giants will even be in visible range.

At some point while Murphy and Talia, a small earth elemental pops up where Bliss is digging. It hands him a stone tablet with what he can probably assume is Terran written on it.

Should someone other than Murphy be able to read that, it says:

"You are aligned with the elders of air." Right to the point, it seems.

As if on cue, two dozen elder air elementals fly down from the heavens, led by two small ones Kezzem and Succotash may recognize. Candy and Erbin light up as they arrive. "Hey, Skye and Mistral brought friends!" cries Erbin. The two small elementals break off to join their Badapple Gang companions while the elders surround the giant.

"Who speaks for you?" they ask in Auran.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90
Sunday August 4th, 2019 10:31:28 AM
Mister Murphy, "Nope, no goggles. The thought never crossed my mind" says Talia. As for a additional spells that may be on use...anything through a Spectral hand would be for singular attacks...Grease, Black tentacles....ah.. a new one -- Chain Lightning!" eclaims Talia.

"Before we make an attack, I want to renew some of my spells..." says Talia aloud.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Sunday August 4th, 2019 12:47:41 PM
"Uh, Press, I uh...got to go check on Rumpus."

Kezzem flees from Pressi. Even a paladin's immunity to fear has its limits.

----

Question for DM: How close are the balistas? Are they within 50 feet?

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Sunday August 4th, 2019 1:26:59 PM

Bliss casts a Comprehend Language spell to read the tablet and understand the elder air elemental. The spell does not allow him to speak though, so he does his best with just Common and Sylvan.

Bliss bows to the mighty creature of winds and asks him to please wait. Then he runs off.

"Murphy! Mister Murphy! Where are you!? You got friends here!"

If Murphy is still out scouting, Bliss finds Miss Pressi instead, seeing as they have this telepathy thing going on. Bliss understands that once you get love-tangled with a person, you can basically read each others' thoughts and beam chores into each other's heads, so he figures she can let Murphy know that he has friends who need to be talked with.

"You were right, Miss Pressi, we DO have guests! And you look very nice, too," Bliss says. His Aunt Priss made sure he knew his manners, and besides, offering compliments is its own reward, anyway.

And look! Here's a person who can help, slinking around nearby out of Pressi's line of sight! "Oh! Sir Kezzem! You speak Air Elemental, right? Come and chat with these nice folks, friends of Murphy's I think, and tell them we'd be grateful for their help!"

After making introductions, Bliss spreads the word about the giants and that we have about 6 hours before they arrive. He keeps working on the earthenworks, maybe with any friendly earth elementals, if he can pantomime what he wants them to do. He makes sure the followers all know to make themselves scarce, either well back or up in the Iron Giant, before the enemy arrives.

When everybody is together for a strategy session, Bliss has some tactical thoughts.

"The big questions for us are these: Do we want to attract the enemy TO the Iron Giant so we can deal with them more easily before they can do harm? Or do we want to divert the enemy away from the Iron Giant to keep it safer?"

If we want to protect the Giant, then here is my idea: Cast Plant Growth in a 150-ft-radius half circle centered ten ft from the Iron Giant's feet. It will last for at least a day. Then, when the giants come near, cast Entangle and Wall of Thorns within the Plant Growth area. This will slow them down if they want to attack the Iron Giant or the Tower. If they instead choose to bypass the Tower and head into Humbles Ford, we have to be ready to sprint out to intercept them.

If we want to DRAW the enemy to us at the Iron Giant, then instead we should use my Plant Growth / Wall / Entangle on one side of the Tower, and Murphy's similar spells, like Spike Growth and whatever else he has prepped, on the other -- LEAVING a clear space to funnel the enemy towards us. "I kinda like this plan better," Bliss says. "Encourage them come to us, and we'll be the meat grinder. Also, a funnel is narrow at the end, so maybe we can bunch them up and only let a few approach at a time."

Mookie looks at Bliss. "Kid, you been reading or something?"

OOC to the kindly DM: How long has the repair to the Tower been underway? Any chance there are less than 6 hours to go? :-) Is it even close ... like, if we can hold off the giants for X period of time, we do not have to kill them all? What would X be, do we guess?

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 28 d20+32=51 ; d20+18=36 ;
Monday August 5th, 2019 3:00:28 AM

Flight with Talia
"Uh, I thought we came out here ready to attack," Murphy tells Talia. "How long does it take you to renew your spells, Talia? If we're talking ten minutes, or twenty, then, well, all right. If we're talking 2 hours or more, then, nope. We attack now with what we have, you renew after we get back to the Iron Giant - should have maybe three or four hours to spare for you back there. Now, once the storm is formed, and rain, wind and hail are hitting their eyes, let's get you up high - about 200 feet or so, where you can drop the bombs, and hopefully be out of reach of the stone giants' rocks. I'll be diving in and out, casting a few spells along the way. After the storm forms, perhaps stoneskin, protection from evil, invisibility, then haste once we get close enough to attack, will benefit us both, if you can help with those. Black tentacles - maybe save for later? Unless you can use it now, then refresh it later. Chain Lighting? Nice one. If we can figure out who some leaders are - especially among the fire giants or stone giants, then it might be wise to use it against them."

The Array Below
Murphy takes a real good look around at the ordered line of giants issuing from the caves. He looks to see if he can discern where following the relatively lowly hill giants are the stone giants, where are the fire giants, and their approximate pace. Any clear signs of leadership? He checks the area perhaps two to three miles ahead of them to see if there are patches of rocky ground in their pathway. He then returns to the ground.

To the Elder Air Elementals, via Pressi & Kezzem
As he learns of the elder air elementals arrival, he relays to Pressi, "Thank them for coming, from me, personally. Say, 'Druid Murphy Leafwin Pipewood speaks through me, Pressi, to Kezzem, to you.'" He gives his friends and the elementals a moment to get the line of communication set up :-) -- then mentally speaks. [For ease of communication -- Murphy will say one or two sentences, then pause for transmission/interpretation.]

- "I am calling a storm to begin about X miles [- please help on that, DM Carl - Murphy is pretty good at directions, and will tell them as accurately as he can] north northeast of the tower, forming in about 25 minutes."
- "If you want to join me up here, there are over a thousand giants marching from the Scab."
- "Whirlwinds and dropping giants on top of each other from great heights should shake them up."
- "There shall be rain, perhaps hail, much wind, and some lighting."
- "You lords of the air will have skills beyond mine - whatever you think to do to oppose the giants, you have my support, our gratitude."
- "Halfling sorceress Talia is with me, on our side, and I am wild shaped to resemble an air elemental."
- "After attacks to the north, we regroup to the south. I see multi-staged attacks."
- "We fight giants as they work their way south, and perhaps cause some to flee - cut down on the numbers coming."
- "Then harass them as they march south past the edges of the storm."
- "As they draw close to the towers, let us do what we can to further impede them."
- "Let us take the lives of the giants who come to destroy. Yet may we live."
- "Do what you can, what you are willing."
- "If any take serious damage, let that one retreat, with one or two to help the injured one. I want no elementals lost today, nor halflings, if we can help it."
- "Even so we want as many giants killed, crippled, or driven away as we can."
- "This is war. Guarantees are few."
- "Bold action and courage - and the power of air - can lead to victory, and closer friendship between our peoples."
- "This is Murphy. I await your thoughts."

As he begins to move with him and Talia, Murphy mentally awaits any reply from the Air Elemental Lords. In the halfling tongue he lets Talia know what he told Pressi to pass on.

Getting into place, and beginning
Trying to stay out of line of sight of the giants, he races to a point just over 2 miles ahead of the lead hill giants, looking for a spot with some degree of cover (a little copse of trees, tall brush, some ground-embedded boulders that stick above the surface, or the like). He tells Talia and Pressi what he is about to do. If Talia wants to do or cast things in the interim, he's fine with that, but he recommends offensive action wait until after the storm is formed. "This will take about ten minutes to cast, then another ten minutes to fully form into a storm six miles in diameter, a three-mile radius from me. Once I've cast, I can do other things. As the storm gets rolling, my plan is for us to harass and confuse as we are able. Should the elder air elementals show up, then we'll have even more effect together with them. If not, we are looking at perhaps a few minutes of actions on our part, before we strategically retreat.�

He casts control weather (aiming for hail and/or rainstorms, and violent wind, blowing from the south toward the north). He double checks with Pressi to find out if elder air elementals are on their way. "Expect the unexpected, Talia. If need be, I'll scoop you up and we'll fly in haste out of danger. May the Heavens watch over us!"

===============
Perception of giants and environs: 51
Diplomacy with Elder Air Elementals: 36 (plus whatever bonuses Pressi and Kezzem may add into the mixture)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Monday August 5th, 2019 10:08:26 AM
Succotash is happy to see that the small elementals fulfilled their job, and seeing the elders show renewed his hope. with the help of the good people of Angel Springs, and now quite possibly the air elementals, things are looking much better for Humble's Ford, and it's survival.

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday August 5th, 2019 10:41:05 AM
Bliss does his best to help facilitate communication. But he does have a bit of an unhappy look.

�What�s with the sour mug, Kid?� asks Mookie.

Bliss blushes. �Well, I thought Murphy was just going out to scout. Not going out to fight the war without us. I just hope he gets back alive.�

Mookie caws, laughing. �No worries! That son of a bun always goes haring off, and he hasn�t died yet!�

Bliss just looks at Mookie. �Ummm ...�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday August 5th, 2019 2:47:26 PM
"I speak Auran? Well, I do for now, but only until Pressi kills me. She didn't like my mirror joke. Okay, fine, I'll stick around to help, but it Pressi actually kills me I'm haunting you Bliss."

Kezzem gets ready to play telephone.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday August 5th, 2019 3:01:53 PM
With the clock ticking down on Murphy's scrying mirror, Pressi watched Kezzem flee. After a bit, she made her way to Candy Badapple. "So, you and Kezzem fighting together for this one? I'm trusting you both are... being careful about everything?"

-------------

To Bliss' calling out, "I was NOT putting on makeup before batt... Oh, what fresh from the shadow realm is this?"

Watching the elementals and listening to Bliss and Murphy, she does her best to make sense of it all and place herself in the messaging chain. She also passes on Murphy's messages as best as she can, edited for time and for a 4 Int elemental.

DM Carl
Monday August 5th, 2019 3:27:34 PM
Talia wonders if she has time to regain some spells. She doesn't have time, but she should have basically all her daily spells still.

Kezzem flees before Pressi decides to get offended.

OOC: They're about 50' apart. What were you thinking?

Bliss uses magic to understand the elementals. The earth elementals do not stick around to help, unless one of the casters summons some and puts them to work.

He wonders if they should draw giants to the tower and the Iron Giant, or away from it. It's a good question.

OOC: At the 6 hour mark, assuming nothing interferes (big assumption), the ritual will be complete and the Giant Tower will be functioning again. That will end any threat of invasion.

Murphy considers a pre-emptive strike, but where to start? There are no clear leaders, like Hobie said. While hill giants are in the front of the pack, towards the back they start to co-mingle. They're moving double-time.

They're also coming from The Scab; the entire ground is rocky. It gets less rocky as they move into the valley.

He communicates with the elementals via Pressi. They get the jist, but seem to favor hanging back and fighting along side the small army and powerful, giant construct than going off and facing a thousand giants head-on. Still, with two miles between Murphy and the giant army, there's no chance of them interrupting him in 10 minutes time. He is able to cast his control weather spell.

Succotash is relieved the small elementals came through. Not long after the elders arrive, the two small ones are back with a third. They gather at the back of the cockpit and look at Succotash expectantly.

Mookie has obviously missed some goings on in recent weeks.

Pressi asks Candy if her and Kezzem are being careful. She blushes intensely for a moment before realizing Pressi's talking about the ballista. "Oh. Oh yea. See, no long hair, no loose clothes. I can pay attention." She gets back to practice.

She's relieved to discover elder air elementals are as smart as most humans. She has no trouble relaying messages back and forth.

***

Reminder I'd like to start fighting after Wednesday, but I'm forcing the issue after Friday's post. What happens between then and now is all on you folks.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Monday August 5th, 2019 4:16:23 PM
In spit of the circumstances, Succotash has to chuckle at the air elementals. He re-opens the windshield for them so they can resume their game. "Have fun while you can my friends!", he says under his breath, "I pray you will be able to return to your game when this is over".

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90
Monday August 5th, 2019 9:15:37 PM
Talia recast her primary daily spells especially that she is going into combat. Also, she reaches into her haversack, withdraws the her wand of stoneskin and casts stoneskin on herself, then places her wand back into the haversack. Lastly, she will cast Mage Armor & then Overland flight on herself.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 780 minutes
Mage Armor | 780 minutes
Stoneskin | 130 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday August 5th, 2019 11:11:46 PM
OOC: I was checking to see if Kezzem could get a shield other spell to work on the adjacent crew. Looks like he can.

"Don't worry, Press, I got the safety covered. Plus I got my shield rings to keep them extra safe."

Kezzem makes his finally preparations for battle and casts shield other on Candy and Erbin.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 28 d20+34=53 ;
Tuesday August 6th, 2019 6:26:55 AM

So, did Kezzem relay to the air elementals what Murphy told Pressi? It appears she communicated, and Kezzem, as he put it, played telephone. What is the response of the 24 elder elementals? As was pointed out, they are no dummies at all. Would love to hear their response. Come and help, or remain and wait? Either or both will be fine. The communication took place a few minutes before Murphy began casting spells.

Murphy does not stand around and wait, however. Five minutes after the conversation, at storm mark zero minutes: Control weather is cast.
Storm mark 10-20: Clouds form, light sprinkles begin, and the air begins to move. The air chills, and soon those marching in sunlight are marching in heavier weather as precipitation builds toward heavy rain. The latter reduces visibility to one-quarter normal range, -6 on Perception, and extinguishes unprotected flames and imposes a -6 penalty on ranged attacks.

At storm mark 14 Murphy requests of Talia, "Stoneskin, please, then invisibility. I'll fly you up to 200' in the air, then, in about six minutes, can I ask you also to cast haste?" He flies her up to 200' above the plain. Having looked over the area previously, the druid finds a stony area over which the horde will soon be treading. He lays down spike stones, 20' deep, 260' across. Rather than a straight line, he staggers the 20' square pattern, forming 3/4ths of a shallow 'w', offset from each other with 10' overlaps. Since vegetation gaining the ascendency over rocky ground as they move down the pathway, farther on and 3/4ths the distance to the left of where the centrally-placed spiked stones had been is a shallow 'M' formation, 20' deep, 260' across, of spike growth. Those unfortunate enough to tread through these areas must make a Reflex Save DC 29 every 5 feet for spike stones, DC 28 for spike growth, or have their land speed cut in half - said penalty lasts 24 hours. Each 5' a creature progresses through spike stones costs 1d8 piercing damage/5 feet; through spike growth 1d4 piercing damage/5 feet.

At mark 19 Murphy casts owl's wisdom, then control winds. He shapes the winds to blow with hurricane force from the south northward, which cover a diameter 1040 feet wide - likely encompassing the full width and then some of the marching giants.

If, once giants are underfoot, Talia chooses to drop the siege weapon balls from the Iron Giant, at 200', they will reach terminal velocity by the time they hit the ground - or near maximum if they hit someone on the head.

At mark 20 minutes, with wind and storm full on, he draws back next to where he left Talia, calling out for her if he does not sense her, and so she can hear his voice. "I plan to whirlwind, pick up a few giants, and drop them on giants farther back, as a morale modifier. Then let's regroup here, and decide whether to do more, or to head south. And do what you choose until I return - which should be about a minute or so, I hope. If we can't find each other in two minutes - meet south of the storm by a mile or so, up high. Haste, please?" he requests another spell from his friend.

As he going through his work, Murphy periodically relays to Pressi what is going on with them, the weather, and the giants. And, if they decided to join them, the air elementals. He asks if there is anything down there he should be aware of.

Will wait until tomorrow's post for more action. There's much here to digest.
===============
Perception: 53

Some info on weather effects so DM Carl does not have to spend an inordinate amount of time looking it all up -ADM Kim
Tuesday August 6th, 2019 6:46:46 AM

Weather Effects
The wind speed rises to hurricane force, varying from 75 to 174 miles per hour. Were there wooden buildings, they would be destroyed; large trees may be uprooted and flung in the direction of the wind, and small trees and bushes surely shall be. Vegetation, loose rocks, dust, dirt, and debris will fly forth and strike those within the area of effect. Each round a creature in the wind must make a Fortitude save DC 32 or suffer the effect of being in the windy area.

Environment - see Weather section: Wind effects - Hurricanes are incredibly massive storms featuring heavy rain and a wind strength greater than that of the most powerful windstorm. With winds of 75�174 miles per hour, a hurricane renders ranged attacks impossible, and siege weapons take a �8 penalty on attack rolls. Each round large or smaller creatures must succeed at a DC 15 Strength check or they are unable to move forward against the strength of the wind. Medium or smaller creatures on the ground must succeed at a DC 15 Strength check or they are knocked prone and roll 1d6x10 feet, taking 1d6 points of nonlethal damage per 10 feet. Flying creatures (falling under 'Blown Away Size') must succeed at a DC 25 Fly check or they are blown back 2d8�10 feet and take 4d6 points of nonlethal damage due to battering and buffeting. Hurricanes also usually cause flooding. It�s nearly impossible to journey out into a hurricane unscathed. See Table: Wind Effects

Powerful Storms: Very high winds and torrential precipitation reduce visibility to zero, making Perception checks and all ranged weapon attacks impossible. Unprotected flames are automatically extinguished, and protected flames have a 75% chance of being doused. Creatures caught in the area must make a Fortitude save or face the effects based on the size of the creature (see Table: Wind Effects). Powerful storms are divided into the following four types.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90
Tuesday August 6th, 2019 10:18:42 AM
Talia, when finished with her own spells, casts spells on Mister Murphy as predetermined timings & as the storm builds. They are:

Spells to cast on Mister Murphy: Spell & Time

1. Stoneskin -- by wand at 14 minutes after flight,

2. Invisibility -- spell right after Stoneskin, & lastly

3. Haste -- spell at 20 1/2 minutes after flight.

Spells in Effect on Talia

Overland Flight | 780 minutes
Mage Armor | 780 minutes
Stoneskin | 130 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+20=26 ;
Tuesday August 6th, 2019 12:03:15 PM
Kezzem did relay Murphey's message, with a little added flair.

Diplomacy: 26.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday August 6th, 2019 4:04:09 PM
Pressi eyes Candy and Kezzem really carefully, especially as Kezzem talks about his shield rings. "Ok, well its just my nature to be protective when it comes to people. Don't want anyone to read into what the other wants and... fire in the wrong direction, or forget some unintended consequence. So, I will leave everyone to it and..."

As Pressi backs off towards her post, "Everyone have a good... whatever this is."

As soon as she is alone, her voice hit a higher pitch. "Oh, Kezzem, a ring for me? Let me handle your armaments." Laughing, she shook her head and took off back to the scrying mirror. To Harper, Why yes, I am twelve.

--------------------

As far as preparations go, they are limited to asking the elementals what they plan to do and watching Murphy and the giants. There doesn't seem to be much left for her to do until the battle begins.

DM Carl
Tuesday August 6th, 2019 5:12:35 PM
Succotash lets his new elemental friends play.

Talia prepares herself for battle.

Kezzem prepares to protect his young charges from any harm.

Murphy wonders what the response of the elder elementals is.

OOC: Like I said in my last post, they will help defend alongside the Iron Giant and small halfling army. They are not keen on charging ahead and attacking ~1000 giants by their lonesomes.

Using control weather, control winds, spike stones, and spike growth to lay down some serious impediments to the giant army. He makes plans to attack more directly once the giants emerge from the quagmire he's created. Between fighting the winds and routing themselves around the spikes he's left, Murphy has successfully delayed the giants, but not enough to prevent them from reaching the tower before Tiana and the Encompassing Mind finish their ritual. He asks Talia for some spells as well.

Pressi runs with whatever's going on in poor Candy's mind.

In the distance, Succotash spots a small army of halflings approaching from Humble's Ford. They should be here within the hour.

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday August 6th, 2019 9:50:10 PM

Bliss helps coordinate the new hobbit militia when they arrive. He reinforces the idea of using the berms and ditches and defensive fighting and full defense to hold the line while the heroes attack.

Bliss begins to be more sure that the party should try to use Plant Growth and channelling / barrier spells to try to direct and funnel the invaders toward the Iron Giant. He plans for that.

When the time is come, Bliss uses his Plant Growth, Wall of Thorns, and Entangle to channel the enemy toward the Giant. He hopes to take one side while Murphy takes the other. If Murph does not have the spells, he'll use Plant Growth (quarter-circle option) on one side and Wall of Thorns and Entangle on the other.

Other prep spells and such: Extended Barkskin for him and Mookie a half hour before they arrive. In the rounds before battle, Extended Divine Favor (Bliss), Shield of Faith via Ritual (Mookie and Bliss), and Polymorph when the enemy is very close!

Bliss is ready!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Wednesday August 7th, 2019 5:24:54 AM
Succotash announces the arrival of the halfling army, letting Bliss and whom ever else know that they should probably coordinate with them. He is feeling a tad bit useless as he is stuck in the captains chair, and in spite of himself, he would like to see this fight begin. He figures the sooner it starts, the sooner it will be over. There is only so much prep that one can do, sometimes you just have to get your hands dirty, and do what needs doing.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+20=26 ;
Wednesday August 7th, 2019 11:36:57 AM
"Well, I guess there's only one thing left to do," says Kezzem. He climbs up onto the edge of the giant's shoulder.

"Halfling of Wold, I am Kezzem Blacklyng. As we speak, and army of death awaits our friends in Humble's Ford, but we, we can face that death head-on, and save them! And I see in your eyes, the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come, when the courage of halflings fails, and we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship...but it is not this day! An hour of wolves and shattered slings, when the Fifth Age comes crashing down! But it is not this day! This day we fight! By all that you hold door on this good Wold, I bid you stand, Halflings of Humble! This is our chance, our one chance, to tell our enemies that they can take our lives....but they can never take, our freedom! And should we win the day, the Day of the Dog in the Month of the Sun will no longer be known as a halfling holiday, but as the day the Wold declared in one voice: 'We will not go quietly into the night!' We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive. Today, we celebrate, our Independence Day!"

Diplomacy: 26.

Kezzem then climbs back down.

"Well, I hope everyone all the way down there heard all that," he says to Erbin.

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 29 HP 154 2d8+10=20 ; 2d8+10=19 ; 2d8+10=23 ; 2d8+10=22 ; 2d8+10=23 ; 2d8+10=19 ; 2d8+10=21 ; 2d8+10=20 ; d20+35=52 ;
Wednesday August 7th, 2019 4:39:25 PM
Just before the haste from Talia, Murphy casts on himself bear's endurance.
"Come to think about it, I won't be invisible after I do what I'm planning, so you may see me coming."

Immediately after Talia casts haste upon him, Murphy flies, invisibly, down into the storm, perhaps 10 rows or so behind the leading giants. Once he is about 20' above the heads of the giants, he transforms into a whirlwind, which should fit nicely with the local environment. Since he is of huge size, Murphy is not affected by the 'blown over' rules for large and smaller size creatures.

Murphy's 50' tall whirlwind descends upon the giants, into the winds exceeding 100 mph. He intersects with eight giants who are close to each other, then ascends above their heads. As he comes into contact with each, the giant will need to make a reflex save DC 25 or receive slam damage. Whether or not it suffers from slam damage, it also will need to make a separate reflex save DC 25 or be taken up into the funnel of the whirlwind, and be tossed about within the 10,145 cubic feet of the airy vortex.

Slam hp damage per giant
1: 20 ... 5: 23
2: 19 ... 6: 19
3: 23 ... 7: 21
4: 22 ... 8: 20

With his move at 155, he ends the round at about 40' above the heads of the giants still on the ground

The next round he ascends to 175' above the ground, and farther north. Go ahead and use the prior rolls for additional damage done to whatever giants are within the whirlwind. If he requires healing from attacks from the giants as they swirl within him, he will cast an appropriate healing spell or two as he delivers them onward. Next round, he ascends to 210' and still farther north, and begins to drop whatever hill giants are still in the whirlwind, one at a time, on the giants toward the middle of the massive assembly. Each giant will suffer 20d6 hp damage from the fall. If they happen to land on other giants, the targets also will suffer significant damage from the collision of meat and bone on meat and bone.

After that, Murphy flies back, returning to normal air elemental form, to where he left Talia, and looks for her. "Drop your ammunition if you wish, then let's get back to where we need to go." He drops the four 3d10 30' radius bombs he brought with him, pushing them away so they each descend in a slightly differnt arc this way or that.

The druid then carries the sorcerer back to the Iron Giant at 88 mph for about 7 rounds, then at slightly over 71 mph for another 7 minutes. After that, he slows to 28.5 mph until they make it to the Iron Giant and the Tower.

Back at the Iron Giant
Murphy looks over those assembled working on the grounds, and talks with the various members of the Sword. "I can cast Move Earth and help big time with the berms. Bliss, I have the spells you asked about. Good ideas." By the time he and Talia return, there should not be much less than 5 and a half hours before the giants arrive. He casts move earth, and begins to move massive amounts to earth to help channel the giants, and defend against them.
================
Perception: 52

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday August 7th, 2019 8:37:59 PM
Pressi just waits until she can slap the first person who shouts �I�m king of the world.�

DM Carl
Wednesday August 7th, 2019 8:48:55 PM
Bliss ensures the defenders know they're to hold the line, not press the enemy.

It's an odd juxtaposition. You have a rag-tag bunch of militia from Humble's Ford alongside trained and highly disciplined soliders from Angel Springs. Still, one does not walk into the homes of halflings and expect them to take it lying down...

Bliss plans to funnel the giants towards the Iron Giant. A good idea; that thing can take a lot more of a beating than any halfling here.

Succotash is having a slow afternoon. To be expected, but he'll have lots to do very soon.

Kezzem gives a rousing speech. No one heard it, but by golly it was impressive. Candy seems moved.

Murphy takes the fight to the giants. Your narrator has to wonder what he hopes to accomplish with this. There are hundreds of giants; over a thousand, in fact! He slams a few of them. He picks up others. Heck, let's say he kills everyone he touches. Next time he swoops by, they'll have prepared actions to attack. Our druid is brave, but he's attacking a macro problem with micro solutions. His control weather/winds spells and spike strips have accomplished much, but there are too many for the direct attacks of one halfling to make a real difference.

Your narrator is trying to be helpful, not mean.

Pressi prepares to slap folks back to reality...subjective as that can be in this situation.

Back at the Giant, Murphy assists Bliss with moving earth to make berms. Between the efforts, they ensure the assembled halflings are not subject to ranged attacks by incoming giants until they're almost upon them. No doubt they've saved many lives with their actions.

***

With everyone back at the Iron Giant, I'm calling it. The giant army arrives and combat begins tomorrow. There have been solid defenses put in place that will have a real effect on the battle.

I'll award XP and all that tomorrow as well. Good job, folks.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Thursday August 8th, 2019 5:41:06 AM
Succotash listens to Murphy's recap of his doings at the giants advance, and he smiles a bit, though he realizes it is just a drop in the proverbial bucket, compared to the carnage that is just over the horizon. He gathers his friends together, and says, "Friends, or as I like to think, brothers and sisters, we are about to face possibly the most difficult encounter of our lives, to date. I will do what I can in the Iron Giant, and I know that you all will be doing your parts as well, but our greatest assets this day isn't the Iron Giant or it's armaments, or even our abilities as adventures, it's our heart! our love for our home, our fellow halflings, and each other is what will see us through this day. So let us spend these last few moments in prayer to our deities not just asking for protection, but also thanking them for the victory that is surly ours on this monumental day".

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday August 8th, 2019 10:40:26 AM
"Halflings....huddle," says Kezzem.

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 28 HP 128 d20+33=49 ;
Thursday August 8th, 2019 5:34:09 PM

[OOC: I did not see your observations as mean at all. To respond to your questions, Carl: Without the support of the air elementals, Murphy planned only for a single pass - which was performed. Why? Small acts affecting a small percentage of people directly can affect large groups of people. He wanted to affect morale, if only by a relatively small action (referring to single whirlwind pass, pickup and dropoff of a few giants), and a few explosions. Make some think twice. No way he thought in any wise this would be a deciding factor. But influencing, a bit, by killing/wounding 1/10th of 1%? That was his aim. Was hoping Talia might have tossed her bombs, too, and her spells helped him to do what he did.]

Murphy spends a little time with the two dozen elder air elementals. "I am Murphy. We spread our wings in the updraft of the winds," - an air elemental phrase of gratitude in the Auran tongue. He lets them know of how things went with the giants as they left the Scab and began their southward march toward the tower. "I can invoke gale-force winds to slow up the giants when they are just out of reach of the missiles from the Iron Giant, to help tire them. Might you wish to attack them in that environment? Or up closer to the tower?" he gets their views, if they wish to share them, on what role they expect to play - or even to hear if they plan simply to see what needs to be done when it needs to be done.

Murphy coordinates with fellow members of the Sword to determine the optimal placement of the following (perhaps once we have a map, I can place the area-affecting locales in appropriate spots thereon).

After setting up the berm(s), Murphy begins drenching via create water an area through which a portion of the giants will need to pass, 65'x20'. After perhaps 20-30 minutes of soaking it, he warns people to stay off, then casts soften earth and stone over the area, which now consists of mud about 3-4' deep.

At some handy spot - perhaps not too far from the mud - the druid casts spike growth, 260'x20' - or maybe he waits until he knows the layout better.

He speaks with the Angel Spring knights for a few minutes, finds out their ideas on fighting the giants - and lets them know of areas to avoid, due to battlefield hazards. Speaking of, he ensures that channels exist to allow them through. He speaks with his friends and neighbors from Humble's Ford, thanks them, encourages them, cautions here and there.

"Generations back, our forebearers faced a similar crisis. Sorry I'm in an elemental form - this is Murphy here, talking, in case you were wondering. Heaven bless our air elemental friends who are here to help us. Missus Stonethrow, that is a fine skillet you are wielding. We beat back the giants, and the then brand-new towers fried many of the rest. Just three days ago I heard a hill giant father tell his son how tasty halflings are. Looks like our generation gets to remind the nasty giants of that lesson again. Don't mess with halflings. May we walk in the bravery of Domi, the righteousness of Alemi, the love of family of Flower. May Eberyon help guide, he who was reborn of a halfling, and raise up nature against the giants. We defend those whom we love. We of Humble's Sword love you of Humble's Ford. For now, we fight together, each as he and she is able. Now that stone was well slung, there, Cabby," he tells an older boy who stacked three stones, and knocked out the middle one, with the top one landing to rest on top of the bottom. "You hit between the stones. Soon you can aim between the eyes - or in the eyes."

Murphy then joins his friends, gathering with Pilot Succotash. "Good words. Oh, a note, let us be alert, in case there are clerics or other spell casters among them, and focus on taking them down. Yes, let us pray." And Murphy joins others with invocations, adoration and petitions.

And concludes with a big airy group hug.

"Open the visor, would you, Succotash? I'm flying high to see their progress." He flies high, and looks to see how far off they are.
==============
Perception: 49

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90
Thursday August 8th, 2019 7:37:17 PM
Now that Talia is once again at the Iron Giant, she will take a defensive position on the Giant awaiting the impending battle!

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 780 minutes
Mage Armor | 780 minutes
Stoneskin | 130 minutes

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday August 8th, 2019 9:03:10 PM
Bliss is stationed on the lowest rampart -- knee level? He has cast his Barkskins. He is waiting for the enemy to come close -- then he will cast his Entangle and Wall of Thorns. Then, after that, it will be time to cast Extended Divine Favor and Polymorph.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday August 8th, 2019 11:01:50 PM
Pressi continues to watch at the catapult.

DM Carl
Friday August 9th, 2019 10:59:14 AM
Succotash gives a rousing speech as Kezzem calls everyone to attention.

Murphy coordinates battlefield defenses and addresses the assembled halfling defenders.

OOC: I'd appreciate you putting your defenses directly on a map I'm providing at the end of this post.

Talia was able to drop her bombs during Murphy's attack, only to discover they had no effect.

Knowledge, Arcana DC 19, Highlight to display spoiler: {Likely the magic ammunition from the Iron Giant needs to be in proximity to the Giant to work, much like the gears and teleportation cloak. Solid idea, though.}

She takes position on the Giant, as do Bliss and Pressi.

***

Apologies for getting this up today instead of yesterday. Got an unexpected priority project at work and had contractors at the house installing new attic fans until later than I would have imagined.

The battle is about to start, but I'd like any defenses put on this map. That includes spells, berms, anything. It will influence where the giants actually get placed initially during the fight.

Keep in mind the upcoming fight is an abstraction. The defenses will need to hold for about an hour, but that's like...600 rounds of combat. Actual combat will last two real-world weeks. The results and casualties on both sides will be extrapolated from your performance.

I'm awarding 40k XP for solid prep work for the upcoming battle. I'm also awarding a hero point to Kezzem for radicalizing the Ford's youth, and to Succotash and Murphy for allowing a magic construct to infect their brains. As always, I'll entertain nominations for things that I may have forgotten. My old man brain forgets stuff.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday August 9th, 2019 12:58:45 PM
Kezzem steps on Succo's flying carpet and takes his position at the ballista.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90 d20+21=38 ;
Friday August 9th, 2019 1:00:58 PM
The Murphy Offense

Talia, hearing that the Catapult ammunition didn't work as planned, thinks about why this could be. [Skill Check Arcana: 38]

"Eureka! Think I have it", says Talia Aloud! "It could be related to this Iron Giant! How everything only works in and around it. Dang, I wished I would have remembered that! Oh Well...next time."

Iron Giant Offense| Defensive

Reaching in her pockets {Bill's Stylish Pants ol' Plenty} & her Haversack, she recalls she still has the Alchemical Surprise sacks!

When able, Talia will fly up about 100 feet and drop her surprise alchemical sack on the approaching Giants!

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Friday August 9th, 2019 1:11:47 PM

Bliss takes the west defense, leaving the east defense to Murphy. He casts a few Message spells to be able to chat to friends within range ... only within 200 ft, alas.

[See map: The Plant Growth quarter-circle is on the map, plus a Wall of Thorns and an Entangle]

Looking over his handiwork, Bliss is pleased. The Wall is ten feet high, 200 ft long, but only 5 ft wide, alas. Still, it will have to do. The Entangle is only a little thing on a battlefield. But Bliss only has the one. Bliss expresses this to Mookie, and the raven says, "Well, that PLant Growth is the ticket."

"True dat," says Bliss.

==========

"Mister Murphy, if you have another Entangle to cast for me, maybe one right there would be nice," Bliss says, pointing.

==========

"Good Luck, everybody!" says Bliss, to those within 200 ft.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Friday August 9th, 2019 5:30:05 PM
Succotash lets everyone know that he is closing the windshield in preparation for the fight to come. He then raises the right arm of the Iron Giant and grasps the forearm with the left arm in preparation of firing a Divine Thunder as soon as a the giants come within 200ft.

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 28 HP 128
Friday August 9th, 2019 8:21:26 PM

Feel free to take a look at the map as it stands. I know that we would have had a chance to discuss placement of things with each other prior to actually doing so - as it would have taken a bit over four hours for Murphy's earth movement to create the berming, plus time for others to plan, lay down spells, etc. Please comment on what Cayzle (Bliss) and Kim (Murphy) have done - and there should be room for edits, tweaks, to figure out:

- How to channel our opponents
- How to best coordinate obstacles / defenses to keep giants out of the areas we want to keep them out of
- How to allow our foot soldiers, militia, knights, cavalry, et al to get where they need to go

With Murphy's move earth spell, I have shown how he pushed much dirt up from farther away to make a two-stage berm. Farther away - about 20' below normal grade. Nearer, 25' above grade (so there's a 45' wall the giants will face initially), nearer still 20' above grade, and nearest are ramps allowing halflings to get up on to the ramparts to sling stones, loose arrows and crossbow bolts, or throw used laundry water on the heads of giants below.

Of course, giants can throw stones at those above them, so how to deal with that will be an issue. If some of the citizens and others have the time to develop crenellations or some sort of shelter, that may help. Murphy did not have any mud to stone spells prepared for today, so he can't particularly help with that. Unless some scrolls were available.

Are the proposed placements of Bliss's plant growth and Murphy's good, or can better placement / channeling be done? By the way, Murphy uses within the Iron Giant two of the gems capable of using to cast 3rd-level spells to power his spike growth and plant growth, so that he can again call on those spells while outside the Iron Giant. Both are within range of the spells he casts from within the construct.

DM Carl - Murphy also would have consulted early on with the mounted troops from Angel Springs. He knows they will want to be able to engage with the giants. Please give me their feedback on what he has planned, and whether the berming needs to be laid down other than what he has done.

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Friday August 9th, 2019 8:39:26 PM
Oh by the way, the ditch and bermworks that Bliss supervised and helped with is all off map to help give the volunteers and militia cover. They need it more than we do!

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 28 HP 128
Friday August 9th, 2019 8:48:35 PM

Padding / armor on north half of tower. If our town's armorers have a means of hanging defensive shielding, armor, padding, support along a good portion of the north half of the tower - something to absorb some of the damage from incoming stones - see if there is something that can be hastily devised...

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 28 HP 128
Saturday August 10th, 2019 6:27:00 AM

A couple of suggestions:
- Bliss might want to wait until giants show up before casting entangle. Murphy plans to wait on his. He can cast more than one.
- Succotash might want to let a dozen or so giants through to get their feet stabbed by spike growth before he blasts - then blast those coming behind. We should be able to take care of the first ones through after they are all limping. That way you won't blast the furthest section of spike growth before it has done its work.

DM Carl
Saturday August 10th, 2019 9:07:20 PM
Kezzem is ready to start putting holes in giants.

Talia figures out why the ammo isn't working, which is unfortunate, but such is life. She is prepared to attack.

OOC: Note to JP - this close to the Iron Giant, the ammo functions normally.

Bliss and Murphy tackle the defensive fortifications. They are both very thorough.

OOC: All the other halfling defenders are playing defensively, holding the line until Tiana, Succotash, and the Encompassing Mind finish fixing the tower.

Murphy also suggests some armor on the north facing side of the tower. It's a good idea, but unless they can magic up something, there's just not enough time to measure, make, and install armor on the tower. Maybe some vines growing up it would help hold the thing together and provide some padding?

***

I don't want to actually start combat on a Saturday post. Consider this one more round to get your planning done.

Yea, it's lazy of me, but woosh...my weekends are killer, dudes.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=33 ; 20d10=112 ; d10=9 ;
Sunday August 11th, 2019 1:21:58 AM
Kezzem readies an attack with a wooden ballista bolt on the first giant (or other giant-allied creature) to come in range that appears to be either casting a spell or barking orders.

Attack: 1d20 + 19 = 33.
Damage: 20d10 = 112.
Bleed: 9.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105
Sunday August 11th, 2019 12:36:52 PM
Succotash listens to Murphy's suggestion, then says, "The blast from the divine thunder will leave a sizable crater, around 30ft in diameter, so my plan will be to use the blasts to both drop giants, and create additional barriers to slow them down, and funnel them where we want them, without destroying any existing barriers".

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 28 HP 128 d20+11=21 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+11=15 ; d20+11=18 ; d20+11=27 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+11=15 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+11=19 ; d20+11=18 ; d20+11=18 ; d20+11=26 ;
Sunday August 11th, 2019 5:51:40 PM
"On a day such as today, I should like to have about 180 Hobie Browncloaks," Murphy tells Bliss and Talia - and whoever else may be in earshot. "Nevertheless, having one Iron Giant is not a bad substitute."

Somehow or other, a notion occurs to him. "Vines. Let us fortify the Giant Tower with vines. A natural lattice work to anchor the stones, and absorb and ameliorate blows which may chance from the clubs or stones of giants."

Murphy finds ivy shoots. He plants them not far from the base of the stony tower to grow up and surround it. From within the Iron Giant, using one of the gems kept therein which allow channeling of spell power, he casts plant growth on the vines he just placed there, and in the weaving of nature's power the rapidly ascending vines reach out, tentatively, then with growing strength, glueing themselves and thickening stout, yielding leaves of green, attached to limb-like tendrils. Up and up the tall tower the vines sprout, and age, and grow in strength. Now, given time, such vines can damage stone. But these are here for today, for such as time as this, and will buttress with pliable, woody vines the firm stone which lies underneath.

"I'll call this Eberyon's Shield," he tells those who see it. "Eberyon's Ivy."
=========
Note: above rolls for next post

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 28 HP 128
Sunday August 11th, 2019 11:39:50 PM

(Hurricane-force) Control Winds:
When the giants are about 500 feet away, Murphy casts for the second time today control winds. He fashions it such that it drives those inside to the center of the maelstrom. Hurricane-force winds in the form of an updraft blows from the outer edges in toward the center in equal strength from all directions, veering upward before impinging on the eye in the center (a 40' radius area of calm). The southernmost area of the winds can be seen in the four arrows at the top of the Giant and Halflings vs the Invading Giants map.

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 28 HP 128 d20+33=40 ;
Sunday August 11th, 2019 11:58:31 PM

Murphy talks with Bliss, and with Talia, both of whom have wands, as does Murphy himself, about making use of theirs briefly, taking advantage of the Use Magic Device skill (which is sorely in need of bumping up in the future).

Murphy has one spell already in force. He casts additional spells, including some via the Use Magical Device skill using wands. If the DM would like the details, I can provide them - but suffice it to say, I kept close track of time required, retries on UMD (1d20+11 rolls from a couple posts above), total time spent, and spell times remaining. Here are the results as Murphy goes forth to do things as the giants arrive on the map.

Results: Spells in effect and remaining durations as he flies forth:
Longstrider 419 minutes
Freedom of Movement 779 minutes
Resist Energy (Fire 30) 129 minutes
Stoneskin 129 minutes
Mage Armor 59 minutes
Call Lightning Storm 12 minutes
Hide from Undead 9 minutes 2 rounds
Protection from Evil 10 rounds
Entropic Shield 4 rounds
===========
Perception: 40

Scene 3 - The Invasion

DM Carl d20+3=14 ;
Monday August 12th, 2019 1:49:58 PM
Murphy finds some time to grow some ivy to protect the tower. With that, our heroes have made the battlefield firmly to their advantage.

Good thing too, because time is up.

They arrive at dusk. They are drenched, wind-burned, and more than a few of them are hobbling. They are also late, hungry, and very angry (and probably a little worn out). Their force is still overwhelming, a mass of hill, stone, and fire giants, most armed with spiked metal clubs, fight through Murphy's final control winds spell. Hill giants lead the charge, several of them shouting in pain and falling over as they discover the spiked growth left for them. Already having dealt with such traps on the trip here, the horde quickly parts onto eastern and western fronts.

Our heroes have created a strong channel towards the tower and the Iron Giant, but little to provide cover to the halfling defenders on either side. The halfling archers on either side take aim and fire as giant heads crest the artificial summit, felling several before the giants gain the high ground. About half those giants reach into pouches on their belts and produce fist-sized (giant fist-sized, that is) crude metal balls that they hurl into the assembled ranks. The halfling have assembled a tower-shield wall in the front ranks, but with the height advantage presented to the giants, they're able to hurl the metal balls into the assembled defenders. Several are crushed, but they quickly spread out to avoid giving the giants too large a target. The scene quickly descends into fierce combat as the giants jump down from the berms and begin their charge.

Meanwhile, the giants in the middle seem very reluctant to approach the tower and the Iron Giant, but with throngs of other giants behind and to either side, they're left with little choice. With no where else to go, the initial charge of hill giants charges the tower.

Candy is the first to fire, eager as she is. Too eager, it would seem, as the shot goes wide. She frowns, but keeps her cool. Erbin is already there to reload her balista. Seems they took their practice seriously.

Here's the map. If anyone needs a reminder on what the siege weaponry or Giant does in combat, let me know.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105 d20+26=42 ; d20+26=38 ; d20+26=44 ; d20+26=36 ; d20+26=28 ; d20+26=39 ; d20+26=37 ; d20+26=40 ; 5d10+18=38 ; 5d10+18=51 ; 5d10+18=37 ; 5d10+18=34 ; 4d10+18=35 ; 4d10+18=39 ; 4d10+18=37 ; 4d10+18=47 ;
Monday August 12th, 2019 3:27:05 PM
Succotash decides to use the Iron Giants slam and stomp attacks, centering both attacks on an 20 ft diameter area that threatens 2,3,4 and 6 each if hit by either attack, need to make a DC 39 fort save or fall prone.

Giant 2
stomp hits AC 42 for 38 damage
slam hits AC 38 for 35 damage

Giant 3
stomp hits AC 44 for 51 damage
slam hits AC 36 for 39 damage

Giant 4
stomp hits AC 28 for 37 damage
slam hits AC 39 for 37 damage

Giant 6
stomp hits AC 37 for 34 damage
slam hits AC 40 for 47 damage

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday August 12th, 2019 5:41:18 PM

Bliss does not feel like going out to meet the charge, but he has no problem with prepping for the attack and waiting for a giant to get in range. He casts Extended Divine Favor and gets his Shield of Faith going. That's one round of battle, perched 20 ft up the Giant.

Are we now round by round? If not, in the next round Bliss casts his Polymorph spell and takes on the form of OctoBliss. Mookie uses his Mage Hand and his beak to get out and drink a philter of Mirror Image.

Extended Barkskin for him and Mookie (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)
Extended Divine Favor (Bliss)
Shield of Faith via Ritual (Mookie and Bliss)

MAYBE
Polymorph (Bliss)
Philter of Mirror Image (Mookie)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=22 ; 20d10=101 ; d10=8 ;
Monday August 12th, 2019 8:37:29 PM
Kezzem will pick a giant and attack with his ballista. He will target Giant C unless any show signs of spellcasting or command, in which case he will target them instead.

Attack: 1d20 + 19 = 22.
Damage: 20d10 = 101.
Bleed: 1d10 = 8.

"Erbin, get a metal-tipped one ready for me, will you? That's a good lad."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday August 12th, 2019 8:57:39 PM

Near the tower, Pressi's summons (Gerry the Graven Guardian) began to hold (total defense).

By the iron giant's legs, Pressi's spectral hand began to spin around, looking for spells to cast.

In the giant's entry room, Harper slept on Ix's chair.

Up in the giant's shoulder, Pressi's scrying mirror clocked to zero. She glances to see if she can still see her target.

With an outstretched hand, she fires mind fog (DC 22) down into the middle of the cluster of giants as Succotash moves forward. She follows up with a ghost sound warning. Her broom remains near the catapult, just in case.

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
spectral hand 11 minutes (at tower base)
scrying eyes
overland flight
int+4 from gears
Lesser Summons (Gerry)

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

Position: 200 ft up

L1: 2
L2: 1
L4: 2
L5: 0+1

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90 d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ;
Monday August 12th, 2019 9:48:17 PM

Talia sets her sights on Hill Giant (#1) and centers her spell (Chain Lightning) on #1 , and then from number one arcing to 2,9,5,6,3,4,7,8,A,B,C!

Chain Lightning: = (6+5+6+5+5+1+4+4+5+6+3+6+2) = 58 hit point per bolt

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 780 minutes
Mage Armor | 780 minutes
Stoneskin | 130 minutes

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 28 HP 128 2d8+9=19 ; 2d8+9=20 ; 2d8+9=18 ; 2d8+9=19 ; 2d8+9=13 ; d20+33=42 ;
Tuesday August 13th, 2019 9:05:06 AM

Murphy's Morosity
Were he in a form where such was possible, one would see that the blood has drained from Murphy's face. He provided the military and civilian defenders with a tremendous advantage over the invading forces: Higher ground. He laid out ramps for them to ascend. He counseled placing ropes along the back sides of the 20' high berms to allow for quick descents by the halflings should they need such. (see Invasion Setup map footnotes)

The enormous tactical advantage he provided through the move earth spell - they have squandered. There must be some among them who saw the benefit. He set it up for them to rain down missiles in the killing field of the ditch 45' feet below the top of the berm. The elder air elementals could sweep the face of the berm as giants try to climb to the top. Spells could be cast below.

The majority of the giants are still below. How to drive those up top back and regain - or gain - the high ground?

Why did the halflings - especially the militia and knights, who ought to know better - remain perhaps timidly, quite foolishly off the ramparts Murphy spent hours preparing for their use? Murphy ponders these things as he moves to make a difference.

Murphy's Maneuver
A halfling druid of action, Murphy whirlwinds, 50' tall, and slams up against hill giants 7 (20 hp dam), B (21), A (19), 8 (20) (should be +10 rather than +9) (ignore last roll). As he comes into contact with each, the giant will need to make a reflex save DC 26 or receive slam damage (shown in parentheses). Whether or not it suffers damage, it also will need to make a separate reflex save DC 26 or be taken up into the funnel of the whirlwind, and be tossed about within the 10,145 cubic feet of the airy vortex, taking additional damage each round.

Murphy just recently gained the wingover feat, so need make no fly check, nor lose speed due to his nearly 180 degree change in direction. He had dropped down so the lower opening of the vortex was about 7 feet off the ground, and after striking (and possibly capturing) the last of the giants, lifts off to a height of 42 feet at the bottom, and once he bypasses Pressi's mind fog area scoots a bit behind the Iron Giant's right leg. Their saving throws will determine how many of the four hill giants may be caught up in the whirlwind.
=============
Perception: 42
Spells in effect:
Greater Magic Fang 419 minutes
Longstrider 419 minutes
Freedom of Movement 779 minutes
Resist Energy (Fire 30) 129 minutes
Stoneskin 129 minutes
Mage Armor 59 minutes
Call Lightning Storm 12 minutes
Hide from Undead 9 minutes 2 rounds
Protection from Evil 10 rounds
Entropic Shield 4 rounds

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 32 HP 128
Tuesday August 13th, 2019 9:12:02 AM

Forgot: With mage armor and protection from evil, net +4 to AC (only +2 of the +4 from mage armor), results in 32 AC, rather than 28.

DM Carl d20=7 ; d20=10 ; d20=10 ; d20=2 ; d20=10 ; d20=9 ; d20=2 ; d20=20 ; d20=5 ; d20=8 ; d20=20 ; d20=6 ; d20=17 ; d20=4 ; d20=3 ; d20=11 ; d20=13 ; d20=6 ; d20=5 ; d20=4 ; d20=1 ; d20=8 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+11=13 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=28 ; 2d8+12=23 ; 2d8+12=23 ; d20=4 ;
Tuesday August 13th, 2019 3:03:21 PM
OOC: Whoever's moving monsters on the map, stop.

Finally, Succotash gets to take the Iron Giant into combat.

It is not pretty.

Giant 3 is flattened outright. The rest are nearly dead. All are on their backs. The giants standing around the impact zone look up, then around, then back. There is no where for them to go but forward, though. Sucks for them.

Bliss prepares to enter battle.

OOC: Yes, this combat will go round by round like any other. Spell duration will work like normal. Will I be describing way more than 6 seconds of action about the battle at large every round? Yes. It's flavor text at this point, a way to pass 45 minutes of fighting without literally spending 9 months in combat.

Kezzem sends a ballista bolt hurtling towards giant C. The soft wood embeds itself in the giant's chest and splinters through its major organs. It falls over extremely dead and pouring blood onto the ground. Erbin runs another bolt over to Kezzem and loads it. He looks down at the battlefield and immediately loses both his lunches over the side of the Iron Giant. Nothing a little rain won't wash off. He recovers and runs back to start reloading Candy's ballista.

Pressi sends a mind fog onto the battlefield as Harper and Gerry take their positions. Every giant in the mind fog spell feels its already limited wisdom diminished. From this high up, it's unlikely Pressi could tell her hill giant target from the rest. He might be that ooze Succotash is stepping on.

Talia sends a chain lightning spell coursing through the assembled giants. Every giant reeling from Succotash's stomp is killed outright. The rest are badly injured as electricity races through them.

Murphy swoops down and picks up four giants. Three of which barely cling to life.

The giants caught up in Murphy's whirlwind lash out at the creature that picked them up, as it's really all they can do. Most of the attacks hit air, but two manage to hit the few sensitive bits that make up air elemental Murphy.

Hit AC 33 for 23 damage
Nat 20 (crit confirm fail) for 23 damage

Giants 5 and 9 are effected by mind fog and can only run in terror at the Iron Giant. Both move to squeeze past the tower and Bliss' plant growth spell. Gerry gets an AoO on both (5 moved first if he doesn't have combat reflexes).

C decides stomping through plants is better than being crushed by Succotash. It slowly starts moving away.

1 decides to follow his fleeing comrades, running through Pressi's fog (will save 7: fail).

Giants continue to pour forth, though the ones in the middle who come at the tower continue to be pressed into the fray. The initial charge of hill giants has mostly been wiped out, and stone giants are starting to attack as well.

The battle on the sides fare well. The giants' charge has given the halfling defenders cover from further ranged attacks. The assembled soldiers from Angel Springs are obviously very well trained against giant attacks. Two rows of huge (for a halfling, obviously), sharply angled tower shields deflect the overhead attacks of the giants, while longspears reach through the small gaps to impale the attackers. Behind the front lines, the Humble's Ford militia fight with bow, crossbow, and sling.

They can't keep up the defense all day, though. Eventually those shield arms are going to give out. Have the numerous obstacles bought them enough time?

Inside the Iron Giant, Tiana begins to sweat. She studiously keeps the DPAA trained on the tower, wishing not for the first time she had some way of speeding this along. Those looking at the tower see a faint glow at it's peak.

***

Made the map bigger. It went off the page, but meh...

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105 22d8=95 ; d3=3 ; d20=17 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday August 13th, 2019 6:14:45 PM
Succotash has the Iron giant grasp its right forearm, he aims for the space between stone giant 1, and hill giant F, and fires a visible blast of kinetic energy that causes the air to ripple, leaving a 30ft diameter crater that is 15ft at it's deepest point. The blast should hit hill giants e, F, and G, as well as stone giants 1, 4 and I'm not sure but maybe 3. each receives 95 damage DC 39 reflex for 1/2 damage. It will take 3 rounds for the divine thunder to recharge.

Succotash sends Miss Piggy out to help Gerry, and she races down to the summoned constructs location and attacks hill giant 9

17+16=33 for 3+5+10=18+2 shock

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 32 HP 102/128 d100=1 ; 10d6=36 ; 10d6=29 ; 10d6=33 ; 10d6=25 ; 5d6=15 ; 2d8+10=19 ; 2d8+10=20 ; 2d8+10=19 ; 2d8+10=14 ; d20+33=39 ;
Wednesday August 14th, 2019 12:15:55 AM
[Ignore d100=1]

Murphy ascends to a (lower) height of 102' to drop off his passengers as follows:
Hill Giant B (19 hp damage from buffeting within unless he succeeds on a Reflex save DC 26). B is dropped from on high on top of HG #1 (falling damage 10d6=36 --> each?)
HG 8 (20hp buffet). Falls on both 1 and 9 (29hp for #8, and 1 and 9 split say 15hp/14hp);
HG 7 (19hp buffet). Falls on 5 (33hp)
HG A (14hp buffer). Falls on C (25hp)

Murphy then sends a 30' tall 5' wide shaft of lightning (from call lightning storm cast earlier) down on the head of C for 15 hp electrical damage (save DC 32 for 1/2).

[Note: As we now show more map area, matching the terrain on original map, the 20' tall berm is at the top of this map where most of the new giants are, as is the opening to the spike growth area in the upper right of the map.
[I know you, DM Carl, asked whoever was moving the monsters on the map to stop it. I was not, but am doing so this round, as Murphy is actually moving monsters. Though he was trying to drop them as described in the text, I slightly off-set them on the map so you can read most of the monster numbers. #1 is a bit obscured by B and 8]
[I also copied the map, so we can keep track of rounds. The newest is designated #1 at the top, with the date toward upper left. Yesterday's is #2 for now]

Perception: 39
Spells in effect:
Greater Magic Fang 418 minutes 9 rounds
Longstrider 419 minutes 8 rounds
Freedom of Movement 778 minutes 9 rounds
Resist Energy (Fire 30) 128 minutes 9 rounds
Stoneskin 128 minutes 8 rounds (20/130)
Mage Armor 58 minutes 9 rounds
Call Lightning Storm 11 minutes 9 rounds (1 of 13 used)
Hide from Undead 9 minutes 1 round
Protection from Evil 9 rounds
Entropic Shield 3 rounds

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday August 14th, 2019 2:43:51 AM
Kezzem targets Hill Giant 8 with a metal-tipped bolt hoping to get 5, 7, and 9 as well.

Attack: 1d20 + 19 =

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=33 ; 15d10=90 ; 10d10=63 ;
Wednesday August 14th, 2019 2:45:17 AM
OOC: Sorry, clicked the wrong button.

Attack: 1d20 + 19 = 33.
Hill Giant 8 Damage: 15d10 = 90.
Line Damage: 10d10 = 63.

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Wednesday August 14th, 2019 7:22:09 AM
Bliss casts his polymorph and Octobliss's his way 40 ft forward (cast and move for this round). Mookie keeps pace.

DM Carl d20=17 ; d20+19=38 ; 4d8+20=40 ; d100=18 ; d20=8 ; d20=8 ;
Wednesday August 14th, 2019 7:07:08 PM
Succotash brings the thunder, literally. Every hill giant he hits is atomized. The stone giants cling to life, reeling from the impact. He blows a hole in the berm with the impact. Technically there's still 5' of earth, but we're talking about giants here. Let's not split hairs.

Murphy buffets the giants stuck in his vortex (I'm dealing their damage before you drop them). Hill giants B, 7, and A all die from the trauma. B is still kicking, but pretty angry.

Then, he starts dropping the corpses of their comrades on the giants. Metal. Adding injury to injury, he then calls a bolt of lightning down on C. The only giants left alive after the rain of giant corpses are 1 and C.

Kezzem takes aim, but finds Murphy has killed his targets. He's aiming in the direction of #1, so let's say he targets that. The bolt tears straight through hill giant #1, liquefying its liver before embedding itself with a thud in the ground behind it.

Bliss moves forward, preparing to pummel and confuse incoming giants as an octopus. Bliss is a weird guy, but we love him.

OOC: Put yourself on the map, dude.

Candy sees stone giant #1 is reeling from Succotash's divine thunder, and takes aim. The metal-tipped ballista bolt takes off a piece of the giant's head, then tears through the horde behind it, breaking the knee cap of and hobbling an incoming hill giant.

Candy cheers for a moment before realizing that she's taken a life for the first time. The realization hits her hard and she tears up. She furiously wipes them away as Erbin reloads her ballista, wisely saying nothing.

The remaining giants realize the futility of attacking pilot Succotash and the Iron Giant, preferring to run past and hopefully not die in the process. Giant C realizes there's no chance he's going to make it through this plant growth without Murphy tearing him to pieces or sucking him up, so he takes a heavy iron ball from a pouch and hurls it at the druid. It's a solid throw, one that really would have hurt Murphy if the druid's entropic shield hadn't deflected it (20% miss chance - rolled 18, you lucky devil). Giant C looks dismayed as it trudges through the growth.

Stone giants 2 and 3 run through Pressi's mind fog, both failing their saves. They stumble dumbly on.

More giants appear on the scene, pushed on by the mass behind them. There's just so many of the darn things.

In fact, it's a good time to mention there is still an entire army of giants waiting to assault Crescent Valley. Our defenders are seriously brave and capable, but even our heroes probably realize that without the fact that Tiana is working furiously to protect the Valley, this would be a doomed undertaking. They just go on and on as far as the eye can see.

Anyone more than 100' in the air, roll a Perception, DC 30. Highlight to display spoiler: {Way out there, still far away, are some seriously huge giants. Those have to be mountain giants.}

Anyone more than 100' in the air, roll another perception, DC 20. Highlight to display spoiler: {Some giants have brought heavy equipment to the fight, but abandoned it. Murphy's winds make attacking with ranged weapons impossible, even for siege weaponry. If the tower were sentient, it would no doubt thank you.}

Our defenders on the eastern and western fronts are holding up well. Way out there on the eastern front, if anyone's looking, is Hobie. Arrow after arrow fly from the skilled archer, each more often then not finding a place in an oncoming giant's head or organs. No doubt he'd be welcome on the Iron Giant, but he's absolutely making a difference in the fight.

The western front does not fare as well. The press of giants threatens to step over and overwhelm the defenders. With the giants so clumped together, a catapult attack from the Iron Giant would no doubt have great effect.

OOC: I'm reusing hill giant numbers. They're not returned from the dead.

***

So, if I were in your shoes, I'd be wondering what the point of this is. Obviously you're going to crush these stupid giants with the amount of fire power you've been given. Well, each giant that gets past you is going to have a major effect on the ongoing defense of Humble's Ford. Should I have mentioned that earlier? Maybe, but who doesn't love surprises? I sure do...

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=38 ; 15d10=65 ; 10d10=57 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+19=34 ;
Wednesday August 14th, 2019 8:23:05 PM
Kezzem calls out to Candy: "Great, kid! Don't get cocky."

Kezzem lines a shot at Stone Giant 0 and aims to get Hill Giant 1 or Hill Giant 2.

Attack: 1d20 + 19 = 38.
Damage: 15d10 = 65.
Line Damage: 10d10 = 57.

Perception: 1d20 + 19 = 21. Nope.
Perception: 1d20 + 19 = 34. Yep!

"Nice, Murph! The giants are abandoning their siege equipment! You long windiness has finally paid off!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+20=32 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+15=31 ; 6d8=16 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday August 14th, 2019 9:05:43 PM
(If I understand correctly, attack rolls are my range BAB (int=dex) +2 from two int gears?)(OOC: also, apologies for missing this round - got busy this afternoon. In the future, if I miss a turn, just assume I fire a catapult at the largest crowd at attack roll +15.)

(Perception Rolls 32, 25) "Mountain giants, up ahead." she calls down to the group.

Gerry continues to fight whichever alive giant is nearby. (Attack Rolls Nat 1, 9). (If he strikes, his damage includes good damage if the giants are evil.)

Pressi's catapult firing fairs better (Attack Roll 31, she tries an incendiary attack at the clump of giants - 16 damage + burning 3 rounds, 30 ft radius.)

If she gets another attack (to make up for the missed one), she casts confusion out into the distance (DC 21).

---------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
spectral hand 11 minutes (at tower base)
scrying eyes
overland flight
int+4 from gears
Lesser Summons (Gerry)

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

Position: 200 ft up

L1: 2
L2: 1
L4: 2
L5: 0+1

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105 d20+13=16 ; d20+26=38 ; d20+26=40 ; 5d10+18=50 ; 5d10+18=44 ; d20=15 ; 2d6+10=19 ; 2d6+10=18 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d20=16 ;
Wednesday August 14th, 2019 9:11:46 PM
Succotash moves the Iron Giant back a bit, and attempts to stomp on stone giants 4 and 5, each needs to make a DC 39 fort save or be knocked prone, if hit. Miss Piggy takes a 5ft step and attacks stone giant 4

stone giant 4
Hits AC 38 for 50 damage

stone giant 5
Hits AC 40 for 44 damage

Miss Piggy
1st hits AC 33 for 19 piercing and 3 shock
2nd Hits AC 27 for 18 piercing and 6 shock

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90 d20+8=18 ; d20+8=9 ;
Wednesday August 14th, 2019 9:13:43 PM
The first major round

Talia being on the Iron Giant's Shoulders realizes if she stopped to look around, that she can't see anything that makes any sense in this battle except that the enemy is vast!

Next Round of Fighting

Talia recalls that she never used her Alchemical surprise sacks inside her haversack...."Now let's see if I recall what Murphy said about these sacks....Maybe I should count how many we made?" wonders insdie her head.

Skill Checks

1st Perception: 18
2nd Perception: 9 (NAT 1)

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 780 minutes
Mage Armor | 780 minutes
Stoneskin | 130 minutes

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+13=27 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+13=18 ; d4+14=17 ; d3=2 ; d4+14=18 ; d4+14=18 ; d4+14=18 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=17 ;
Thursday August 15th, 2019 12:40:20 AM

Bliss has a 20 ft reach with his tentacles, so he focuses (rages) and uses those eight attacks on Giants 8 and 7 in the whirlwind. Each tentacle has an attack and a chance to grab, but Bliss is going to skip the grab attacks for fear of getting dragged into the wind.

He activates his Arcane Strike as a swift action. He attacks Giant 8 first, and if/when it goes down, switches to Giant 7.

Tentacles hit ACs ... 27, 16, 14 (miss), 22, 26, 20, 26, and 18. Damages (use what you need) ... 17, 18, 18, 18, 15, 16, 17.

[note: round 2 of "holding breath."]

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 32 HP 102/128 -ADM Kim d20+33=34 ; d20+33=37 ;
Thursday August 15th, 2019 1:37:50 AM

Cayzle - you are looking at the wrong map.
Do NOT use the bottom map. Use the TOP MAP!
(The one numbered #1)

To DM Carl: Please COPY the map before you make your move. Then use the one at the top. This will ensure continuity, will avoid losing info, and should be less confusing.

-Thanks all.

Remember: Use the TOP (#1) Map for your character's moves

--ADM Kim

Bliss HP124/124 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday August 15th, 2019 1:37:06 PM
OOPS My sorry on the map!

Okay, well, re-evaluating ... how about we say Bliss leapt onto and is clinging to the Iron Giant and attacking Giants numbers 3 and 4? Is that okay? Mookie stays by Bliss, flying nearby.

Here's the map.

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 32 HP 102/128 -ADM Kim 13d6=40 ; 2d8+10=22 ; 2d8+10=20 ; 2d8+10=18 ;
Thursday August 15th, 2019 3:46:24 PM

Murphy notes the abandoned siegeworks and mountain giants on the way, shoots that info telepathically to Pressi, sends chain lightning for 40 hp damage (Reflex DC 31 for 1/2) to each of these giants on the hill: 1, 2, 0, 9, 3, A, 4, 8, B, 7, 6.

He descends upon HG C, and bumps into him as many times as it takes to catch him up within the funnel of his whirlwind, then lifts him just a little bit up and away. During this process he says, "You may not hurt my people." On the first bump the giant makes his save Reflex DC 26 or takes 22 hp damage, same save to learn whether he was caught up or not. If the first time does not do it, then the second time it's 20 hp damage. If there's a third time, it's another 18 hp damage.

[I will leave it to you, DM Carl, to move him on the map if he failed any one of his 3 'caught in whirlwind' saves.]

DM Carl d20=5 ; d20=5 ; d20=14 ; d20=3 ; d20=5 ; d20=13 ; d20=11 ; d20=12 ; d20=2 ; d20=7 ; d20=13 ; d20=15 ; d20=1 ; d20=18 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+4=19 ; 15d10=86 ; 15d10=65 ; 10d10=57 ; 10d10=55 ;
Thursday August 15th, 2019 4:35:51 PM
Kezzem takes aim and sends a bolt straight through SG0 and HG2. Both are grievously injured.

Pressi spies an opportunity and sends an incendiary round towards the massed giants attacking the western front. As the round erupts, the pressing giants fall into chaos. The Angel Springs soldiers seize on the opportunity and impale those in the front. The rest panic.

OOC: If you're wearing 2 INT gears and some other 3rd different one, your total INT bonus is +4. If you're just wearing two INT gears, it's +2.

Succotash takes a step backwards, flattening SG4 and knocking SG5 to the ground. Miss Piggy finds SG4 quite dead, so she attacks the prone SG5 instead. The stunned giant impotently tries to swat her away, but Miss Piggy gores and electrocutes it twice. It's not looking good.

Bliss, holding on to the legs of the Iron Giant, lashes out at nearby enemies. Giant 4 is dead, but 3 and 5 are within his range. He winds a single tentacle around SG5's next and snaps it. The giant goes limp. Three more attacks land on SG3, beating the thing bloody before it crashes down. One round, two kills. Nice. Too bad octopus taste with their suckers; we'll assume Bliss back-tentacled them.

Talia remembers she has alchemical weapons. How to use them though? Maybe they could be launched w/ a catapult?

OOC: I'm going to allow that 'cuz it sounds awesome.

Murphy sends a bolt of lightning that zaps every single giant that just arrived. None avoid any of the blast. That's 440 damage in a single round. Very impressive. HG2 and SG0, both punctured by Kezzem, clutch their chests (or what's left of them), and fall. Then, our druid sets his sights on the lone HG-C. The giant turns to run, only to get swooped up and battered immediately. He's caught, and about half dead, but he's alive.

Candy notices the two giants to the west making a break for it. She pivots her ballista and takes aim at SG2. Her aim is dead on (nat 20, crit confirmed, that's my girl). The bolt takes off SG2's head, ricochets slightly, and punctures HG-d's heart. Both giants are dead before they hit the ground. Candy gasps, her pride overpowering her revulsion. "I think I'm beatin' ya, Kez," she yells playfully.

The area around the tower is clear for the moment. The giants to the north charge forward. There's a small gap in the giant horde behind them, and no new giants arrive. Fire giants are leading the next charge, though.

On the western front, the air elementals capitalize on the fire from Pressi's incendiary round. They send gusts of wind to fan the flames into more giants and cause those already alight to burn hotter. On both fronts, the elementals guard the armies' flanks. Any giants who try to be sneaky and go the long way find themselves picked up and tossed back into their friends. The eastern front is still holding solid, but fire giants are also almost upon both sides.

Succotash hears the Encompassing Mind up in the cockpit.

Succotash, Miss Tiana requests an update to the battle.
She's kinda freaking out down there since she can't see what's happening.
She is also wondering if she should return the blue gem.
That's a bad idea, right? I just got used to that part of me being gone.
You are the captain, though, and I am here to serve.
Yeeeeeeah. I guess that's true.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 105/105 d20+26=39 ; d20+26=45 ; d20+26=31 ; 5d10+18=42 ; 5d10+18=47 ; 5d10+18=53 ; d20+16=20 ; 2d6+10=16 ; d6=2 ;
Thursday August 15th, 2019 5:53:01 PM
"Madam Gem please relay the message that at the moment we are doing well. All fronts are holding ground, and we have been able to foil any attempts to attack the tower directly", Succotash answers, "And please ask her why she would even consider returning the blue gem, I am not, in anyway O.K. with that, unless she can give me a darn good reason!".

He then moves up a bit taking Bliss and Mookie with him (I'm assuming Mookie is staying by Bliss's side) then stomps on SG B, SG 8, and HG 4. if hit they must make a DC 39 fort save or be knocked prone. Mean while, Miss Piggy charges forward to attack SG A.

SG B
Hits AC 39 for 42 damage

SG 8
Hits AC 46 for 47 damage

HG 4
Hits AC 31 for 53 damage

Miss Piggy
Hits AC 20+2 for charging= 22 for 16 piercing and 2 shock

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=28 ; 115d10=655 ; 15d10=90 ; 10d10=66 ;
Thursday August 15th, 2019 6:32:59 PM
"Great, kid! Don't get...wait, I just used that reference."

Kezzem takes aim at Stone Giant A, with a line striking Hill Giant 4 and Stone Giant B.

Attack: 1d20 + 19 = 28.
Damage: 15d10 = 90.
Line Damage: 10d10 = 66.
(Please ignore the 115d10 damage roll).

Kezzem holds his hand to his ear. He's seen people do that in plays when they want to talk to someone that's not near so he figures it must work somehow. "Anyone else wondering what the leaders are up to?"

OOC: In my last tabletop game, my 9th-level magus rolled two nat 20s (hit and confirm) when spellstriking with a force punch. Nothing like dealing 2d6+4 damage with your sword then getting to add an extra 9d4+36 to the roll.

Can't wait to try that with Disintegrate :-)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90 d20+8=22 ; d3=1 ;
Thursday August 15th, 2019 11:22:12 PM
Out of the Fog

Talia blinks out of her haze, and straight into her normal battle prose...that is to say, Talia casts Summon Monster bringing forth a Bralani Azata. Once the Azata arrives, she explains to the Bralani, "the Giants are coming to kill all the Halfings...Slay the Giants!"[/i]

[u]Next Spell

As soon as Talia finishes her summoning, she launches right into her next spell, Black Tentacles...

Skill Checks

Perception: 22

{OOC: What map are we using? Every map says use map #1...I don't know where to center the next spell!}

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 779 minutes
Mage Armor | 779 minutes
Stoneskin | 129 minutes

Bralani Azata STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 32 HP 102/128 11d6=34 ; d4=2 ; d10=9 ; d20+33=36 ; 2d8+10=14 ;
Friday August 16th, 2019 3:02:31 AM

Murphy thinks we are doing reasonably well, so far, yet there are still about a thousand giants preparing to join in the assault. And ... Mountain Giants!

"Pressi. Ask Succotash, or Talia, or somebody - to see about putting the blue gem back on its pedestal," Murphy speaks via his mindlink with his fianc�e. "Mountain Giants are coming. I will warn the giants. If they continue the attack, ask Succotash to command it's placement."

Meanwhile he briefly interrupts his stream of thoughts to say words and make subtle whirlwindish motions in the casting of wall of thorns - forming a 10'x10'x10' spiked wall which will rip apart, and certainly slow, anyone trying to get past it. It is similar to the one that Bliss cast, only twice as thick, and about 130' in curved length. Someone may bypass it by walking on the spike growth, hurting and hobbling them. [Pardon the clumsiness of the drawing. The thorns look like about 7' wide - it should be 10' wide. My drawing time is limited, along with my skill.]

He flies up and northward. In the giant tongue, he uses the full power of the air and the wind in which he dances, and booms forth:
"G I A N T S ... T U R N ... B A C K ... N O W
O R ... F A C E ... Y O U R ... D O O M
F R O M ... S M A L L
A N D ... L A R G E"
He punctuates his warning by releasing hill giant C (which takes 14 hp from buffeting unless he saves Reflex DC 26) in such a manner that he lands half in thorns, half on spikes. From falling, and from that upon which he falls, the hill giant takes about 45 hp damage (rough calculation, subject to what the HG's AC is through the thorns). That may or may not kill him - but good luck getting out of the thorns and spikes alive. Murphy blocks his heart from pity for now. That giant would have had no pity on any he encountered. Murphy is at 115' to 165' altitude, 50' in height.

==============
Perception: 36
Spells in effect:
Greater Magic Fang 418 minutes 7 rounds
Longstrider 419 minutes 6 rounds
Freedom of Movement 778 minutes 7 rounds
Resist Energy (Fire 30) 128 minutes 7 rounds
Stoneskin 128 minutes 6 rounds (20/130)
Mage Armor 58 minutes 7 rounds
Call Lightning Storm 11 minutes 7 rounds (1 of 13 used)
Hide from Undead 8 minutes 9 rounds
Protection from Evil 7 rounds
Entropic Shield 1 round

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 32 HP 102/128
Friday August 16th, 2019 3:07:10 AM

Map #1 is always the top map. When in doubt, use the top map. You'll see the number 1 way over on the far left lists of maps, number 2 to the left of the one below it, etc.

Also you can look at the date on the left side of the map towards the top.

Pressi (Kim for Melvin) d20+15=19 ; 6d8=27 ; d6=6 ;
Friday August 16th, 2019 5:50:15 AM

Pressi lobs another incendiary toward 7 and 6, perhaps also catching 4 and 8 as well. Not the best aimed shot perhaps - hit AC 19, but it exploded quite well - damage 27, burning 6 rounds.

She 'hears' Murphy recommending the blue gem that powered that crazy aggro machine they had to fight into submission. "Sigh - yes, I thought 'sigh.' Don't know if Succo will go for that. But mountain giants... yeah, I'll check." "Okay, you," she asks her helper. "Go ahead and load and fire. Do your best. I'll be back."

Pressi hustles off to talk with the Pilot.

Bliss HP124/124 AC29 raging | Mookie HP59/59 AC43 full def | Cayzle d20+13=23 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+13=17 ; d20+13=31 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+14=15 ; d20+18=30 ; d8+21=22 ; d6=6 ;
Friday August 16th, 2019 11:44:44 AM
Bliss continues to cling to the Iron Giant and to lash out at any giants within 20 ft of his tentacles. If the giant is targetting giants B, 8, and 4, then of they are dead Bliss can likely swing at 6 and 7? I'll let the DM move the giant, as wll as Bliss sticking to it and Mookie flying nearby.

Bliss calls up to Sir Succotash (Message spell): "Doing great, sir! Just please do not walk through the Mind Fog!"

Mookie uses total defense (AC37) plus mirror images.

Bliss tentacles (20 ft reach): Hit ACs 23, 21, 27, 21, 26, 32, 17, and 31 for damages of 17, 15, 15, 15, 17, 17, 15, 15.

If one gets within 10 ft ... for a bite, then Bliss hits AC30 for 28 nonlethal damage.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday August 16th, 2019 4:47:27 PM
Pressi stops herself from going to talk with the pilot (Succotash) because she remembers that Succotash cannot interact with her directly.

(If Kim meant the encompassing mind, she tries to find a better way to communicate as she considers the pros and cons of using the blue gem. She's loyal enough, though, to pass along Murphy's message regardless.)

DM Carl d20=2 ; d20=10 ; d20=17 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=21 ; 2d8+12=16 ; d20+18=32 ; 2d8+12=20 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+14=20 ;
Saturday August 17th, 2019 2:46:46 PM
Succotash makes it clear that Tiana is not to insert that blue gem.

Miss Tiana wishes me to inform you that she was just asking.
Then she said "jeez," whatever that means.

He then steps on three giants, killing HG4 and knocking down the other two. Miss Piggy attacks, but doesn't connect.

Kezzem aims and sends a ballista bolt through two giants (HG4 is dead). SG4 and SG-B both die outright.

Talia brings some assistance to the party, then throws some magic tentacles down.

OOC: Like Kim said, use the top map. Also, you control your own summons. I need to know where you are as well. Are you on the Iron Giant's shoulders w/ Kezzem and Pressi? If so, you're 200' in the air.

Pressi lobs some fire at the giants before running off to talk to Succotash. She sees SG8 burn to death before she goes. She can't communicate with Succotash directly, but she can yell loud enough for the Encompassing Mind and Tiana to hear if she sticks her head inside the Giant.

Bliss continues lashing out at nearby giants. Of those in range, only SG-A is still alive. Well, he WAS alive before Bliss pummeled him to death.

Murphy summons a wall of thorns to prevent (or at least discourage) giants from escaping that way. He then warns the giants of their impending doom before he carries the long-suffering HG-C over to the spikes he's laid out. The giant lashes out, managing to connect with Murphy in the process.

Nat 20 (crit failed) for 16 damage.

Then, Murphy drops the thing. Between the buffeting and fall damage, HG-C bleeds out rapidly.

More giants join the frey, including several fire giants.

OOC: Reusing numbers again, but all giants in the top three rows are new.

Stone giants 6, 7 and B make a break to the west, deciding to take the long way around.

Stone giant 9 and hill giants 1 and 3 realize they're in trouble, so they do the only thing they know: charge the squishiest, closest thing they can find. In this case, that's Miss Piggy.

HG3 charges, blocking the rest of the giants from behind able to do so. It's a solid attack, hitting AC 32 for 20 damage.

HG1 moves into position, granting Bliss an AoO. Its attack can't catch the nimble pig. SG9 tries the same thing with similar results.

If the giants are phased by Murphy's warning, they don't let on. Truth is, they have the numbers to wear our defenders down. Are they aware of how close Tiana is to finishing? The tower glows brighter by the moment...

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 32 HP 96/128 2d8+10=21 ; 2d8+10=13 ; 2d8+10=25 ; 2d6+8=15 ; 3d6=10 ; 2d6=6 ; d20+33=53 ;
Saturday August 17th, 2019 10:06:54 PM

Murphy notes that the giants pretty much ignored his warning.

He casts ice storm so as to encompass fire giants 3, 4, 6 & 6, and stone giant 4. Great magical hailstones pound down upon casting this spell. Those inside take 3d6=10 hp blugeoning damage, and 2d6=6 hp cold damage. For fire giants, perhaps double the cold damage to 12hp?

As the druid descends diagonally downward he telepaths to Pressi, "Tell Encompassing Mind that the giants were warned about their doom should they continue. They have ignored the warning. Ask her to tell Succotash & Tiana that, and Murphy STRONGLY recommends the blue gem be placed. Mountain giants coming - no time for niceness. And that the tower is beginning to glow nicely from the top, and the glow is spreading downward."

Toward the end of his descent Murphy whirlwind slams Stone Giants B, 6 & 7. In order to reach #6, his vortex drops to 10' above the base level of the ground - thus slipping slightly below the level of the ramp (about 12.5' high), and therefore kicking up a whole mess of debris - rocks, dirt, grasses - obscuring sight, even darksight (total concealment).

The stone giants need Reflex DC 26 to avoid the slam damage (SG B: 21hp; 6: 13hp; 7: 25hp). Each also needs to make the same save or be caught up in the now dusty, dirty, debris-filled vortex. Their perception (and Murphy's) is cut down by the debris field. The cloud obscures all vision, including darkvision, beyond 5 feet. Creatures 5 feet away have concealment, while those farther away have total concealment. Any people outside the debris field who attempt to attack Murphy (or the giants inside the field) will have their attacks modified by total concealment. Of course, Murphy can't see out, either, at the moment. The debris field shows on the map as the dark yellow torus

Am going to assign 2d6+8=15 damage against Murphy for his digging so into the soil - mitigated by 10 hp due to stoneskin, for 5hp total. He has no movement left to rise higher this round.
===========
Perception: 53 - nat 20, yet affected by the end of the round by debris field (total concealment) - he should be hearing very well, though, and seeing very well before his whirlwind encountered the ramp dirt
Spells in effect:
Greater Magic Fang 418 minutes 6 rounds
Longstrider 419 minutes 5 rounds
Freedom of Movement 778 minutes 6 rounds
Resist Energy (Fire 30) 128 minutes 6 rounds
Stoneskin 128 minutes 5 rounds (130-40=90)
Mage Armor 58 minutes 6 rounds
Call Lightning Storm 11 minutes 6 rounds (1 of 13 used)
Hide from Undead 8 minutes 8 rounds
Protection from Evil 6 rounds
Entropic Shield 0 round - done

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 32 HP 96/128
Saturday August 17th, 2019 10:25:27 PM

Should be in ice storm fire giants 3, 4, 6 & 7 (not 6 & 6). Stone giant 4, also. See map for verification.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 85/105 d20+26=39 ; d20+26=27 ; d20+26=36 ; 5d10+18=36 ; 4d10+18=33 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+11=12 ; 2d6+10=18 ; d6=3 ;
Sunday August 18th, 2019 10:40:32 AM
Succotash attempts to stomp SG 9, and HG 3, while slamming HG 1, if hit they need to make a DC 39 fort save or be knocked prone. Mean while, seeing that the Iron Giant missed HG 3, Miss Piggy will make a full round attack on HG3.

SG 9
Hits AC 39 for 36 damage

HG 3
Nat 1 Missed

HG 1
Hits AC 36 for 33 damage

Miss Piggy
Hits AC 28 for 18 piercing, and 3 shock
Nat 1 missed

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=33 ; 15d10=85 ; 10d10=49 ;
Sunday August 18th, 2019 5:06:56 PM
Kezzem will shoots at Fire Giant 5 through to Fire Giant 1.

Attack: 1d20 + 19 = 33.
Damage: 15d10 = 85.
Line damage: 10d10 = 49.

"Shoot, shoot, shoot,
All day long,
Shoot, shoot, shoot,
While I sing this song.

"Gonna shoot them dead,
Gonna make red vista,
Gonna take off a fat head,
With ballista."

Bliss HP124/124 AC29 raging | Mookie HP59/59 AC43 full def | Cayzle d20+13=20 ; d4+14=16 ; d20+13=15 ; d20+13=19 ; d20+13=30 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=15 ; d20+13=22 ; d3=1 ; d20+13=16 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+14=18 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=18 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=18 ; d3=1 ; d4+14=16 ; d20+18=23 ; d8+21=24 ; d6=3 ;
Sunday August 18th, 2019 6:56:32 PM

Bliss takes his AoO on HG1: Hits AC20 for 16 dam.

It looks to Bliss like there are at least three giants in reach, and even in bite range ...

Tentacles hit ACs 15, 19, 30, 18, 27, 15, 22, and 16. Most of those miss, but the damages are 15, 15, 18, 17, 18, 16, 16, 16. [please ignore the d3 rolls by accident]

And a bite: hits AC23 for 27 nonlethal.

Mookie stays on total defense.

Pressi (Kim for Melvin) This is supposed to be the late Sunday post - which it is in Kim's timezone d20+15=16 ; d20+20=37 ;
Monday August 19th, 2019 2:30:05 AM

Pressi passes on to the Encompassing Mind the gist of what Murphy asked her to say, shouting: "Yeah, Madame Gem, Murphy says the Mountain Giants are going to be really bad, so if we don't plant the blue gem back in place, they'll knock us over. All right, so I exaggerated what he said. But not by much. Tell Pilot Succotash that the Pilot Murphy said it would be smart to do that, like, now. Don't wait until we regret not doing it. And Tiana should be close enough. Oh, tell her the Tower is starting to light up nicely, from the top and spreading downwards. I gotta go. Always more giants to kill."

She returns to the catapult, and sees what she can do. She can roll a natural 1. She had hoped to crater FG 3, and encompass FG 7 and 4, as well as ST 1. With a nat 1, though... we'll let the DM decide what happened there, including damage, if it occurred at all. "Spent too much time talking, not enough time aiming." If her loader was able to get an earlier shot off, can you roll for that, DM Carl?

Pressi's perception of what is happening out there is not too bad nonetheless: 37.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90/90 d20+8=10 ; d20=20 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d20=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d20+12=17 ; d20+12=28 ; d8+6=9 ; d8+6=9 ;
Monday August 19th, 2019 8:23:08 AM
Here Comes the Light...

Talia, seeing the struggling efforts to hold off the various giants, until Lady Tiana can finish her work, lets loose another Chain Lightning spell while her summoned Azata lets loose his magical composite low bow at the closest Giants.

Chain Lightning spell to hit Stone Giant #3 first, then arc to Fire Giant 1, Fire Giant 5, Fire Giant 3, then Stone Giant #1, then Fire Giant # 7, Fire Giant #3, Fire Giant # 4, Fire Giant # 6, then Stone Giant # 4, then Stone Giant # 3 for 52 damage. {Excuse the d20 roll ~ was over zealous and missed the d6 button}

Summoned Azata Attack

The summoned Azata Fires his bow at Fire Giants #1 {Hit 17, 9 points damage & #3 hit 28 for 9 point damage}.

Next Spell

As soon as Talia finishes her Spell, she launches another Chain lightning spell at the same group of giants for 50 damage.

Skill Checks

Perception: 10

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 779 minutes
Mage Armor | 779 minutes
Stoneskin | 129 minutes

Bralani Azata STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

DM Carl d20=19 ; d20=5 ; d20=7 ; d20=8 ; d20=1 ; d20=3 ; d20=15 ; d20=14 ; d20=13 ; d20=10 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=18 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=14 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+4=9 ; d20=12 ; d6=3 ; d20=14 ; d20=16 ; d20+4=15 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+4=15 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=16 ; d20=13 ; d20=7 ; d20=9 ; d20=1 ; d20+4=14 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+18=35 ; 2d8+14=25 ; 2d8+12=24 ;
Monday August 19th, 2019 1:05:53 PM
Murphy notes the giants ignored his warning, so he brings an ice storm down on the lot.

OOC: Fire giants are vulnerable to cold and take 50% more damage. That'll be 9 in this case.

He strongly suggests placing the blue gem. Does he remember your narrator saying it would be permanent, and that the restored, insatiably violent Encompassing Mind would never let it get removed again? Not trying to sway opinions either way, but it's important to be informed about these things.

Murphy flies over and swoops down onto the fleeing stone giants, bashing and lifting all three into the air. He also makes a mess. SG-B is killed by the attack. The other two are real close.

Succotash and the Iron Giant step over Miss Piggy, bringing the giant's foot down behind the giants 9 and 3 (nat 1 doesn't mean much when you hit everything in a 20' radius. I used the 36 damage from your previous roll again). He then slams HG1.

Giants 9 and 3 are knocked prone.

Kezzem sends a bolt through fire giants 5 and 1, all while singing a catchy song.

Bliss lashes out at HG1 as it passes, but misses (barely - AC 21). He continues lashing at HG1, hitting three times with his tentacles and chomping down once. He holds the bite for a moment, choking the giant until it passes out due to nonlethal damage.

Pressi passes Murphy's message along before running back to the fight. The catapult was wound way too tightly, though. The round sails over the battlefield and into the mass of giants behind those closest. They take a beating from it, but that doesn't help our heroes' immediate situation. It's ok, even the best of us foul things up occasionally.

Talia sends a bolt of lightning zipping around the newly assembled giants. One fire giant avoids the worst of the attack, but the rest get zapped hard. FG5's head is reduced to a fine mist as the lightning arcs straight between the thing's ears.

She then draws from heroic reserves and does the same thing again. This time, all the giants take the full attack. Every stone giant targeted collapses. They're technically still alive, but they're down for our fight, at least. FG1 gets a hole blasted clean through its chest. The rest of the fire giants still stand, but are terribly wounded. Her azata puts an arrow in FG1 for good measure.

Candy sees a line of giants and takes aim. She "hmph!"s a little as her bolt flies harmlessly past all three.

The giants amassed at the top of our map are in a bad place position-wise. The lingering incendiary round will kill several of them, but movement is hampered by Murphy's ice storm. They do the only thing they can: press on and hope to get through this. Fire giants 1, 5, and 2 skirt around the fire and ready attacks against anything coming near. The rest decide to see if they can bash a whole in that thorn wall.

Meanwhile, SG9 and HG3 stand and lash out at Miss Piggy. Both hits are dead on, unfortunately.

Both attacks hit AC 35 for 24 and 25 bludgeoning damage.

As fire giants advance on our halfling defenders on the eastern and western fronts, the halfling army changes tactics. The wall of tower shields opens and dozens of halflings leap forth wielding broad-headed short spears. They bring them down on the fire giants' feet, impaling them and digging into the ground below. Lightly armored halflings equipped with punch daggers follow, leaping and climbing the immobilized giant legs, severing tendons as they go. It's an effective attack, but no so effective that the giants are unable to retaliate. The shield bearers brace their shields at an angle, and several club attacks from the giants are diverted into the earth. Several still find their mark and crack more than a few halfling skulls open.

Elder air elementals continue guarding the flanks of the halfling fronts, but the fire giants don't seem to be valuing tactics much and mostly charge straight ahead. The elementals instead make landfall in their whirlwind forms, throwing up debris and blinding a good section of the giant army.

The tower glows ever brighter. Tiana raises her estimates of success from 95% to 97%.

Map

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 85/105 d20+26=34 ; d10=7 ; d3=2 ; d20+26=38 ; d3=1 ; d20+26=28 ; d20+26=41 ; d20+26=27 ; d20+26=36 ; 4d10+18=38 ; 4d10+18=45 ; 4d10+18=43 ; 5d10+18=37 ; 5d10+18=50 ; 5d10+18=39 ;
Monday August 19th, 2019 5:39:55 PM
Seeing Miss Piggy get clobbered, Succotash gets on the intercom, "Piggy, it's time to withdraw back into the iron giant!" Hearing her masters words, Miss Piggy makes a withdraw action and heads back into the Iron Giant, where she hangs out with Harper, in case a giant tries to enter. Hearing Pressi pass on Murphy's request, Succotash answers over the intercom, "We are not putting the Blue Gem back into the encompassing mind! I refuse to force Madam Gem to have to deal with that evil individual, nor do I wish to deal with him!" Succotash then slams and stomps on HG3, FG3, and SG9. Each hit requires a DC 39 fort save of they fall prone.

HG3
Slam Hits AC 34 for 38 damage
Stomp Hits AC 38 for 37 damage

FG3
slam Hits AC 28 for 45 damage
stomp Hits AC 41 for 50 damage

SG9
slam Hits AC 27 for 43 damage
stomp Hits AC 36 for 39 damage

(Please ignore the oddball dice rolls, my mouse kept slipping on me.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=22 ; 15d10=68 ; 10d10=50 ;
Monday August 19th, 2019 5:48:47 PM
"Five ball in the corner pocket," quips Kezzem as he attacks Fire Giant 5 (and through to Fire Giant 1)

Attack: 1d20 + 19 = 22.
Damage: 15d10 = 68.
Line Damage: 10d10 = 50.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday August 19th, 2019 8:35:29 PM
"Acknowledged," Pressi relayed Succotash's decision back to Murphy. "I'm not quite there yet myself, as long as we can continue our advantage. But we need some way to hold the line. Succotash, is there any way that we can get this giant closer to the fire giants?"

To Murphy, she sends a different message. Honey, I have an idea on how to break the fire giant line. But I need to abandon the catapult and get in front of them. Which means... which means I need you to grab me when I'm on my broom and throw me to the ground as hard as you can. If I'm lucky, I can stop myself overhead, but I don't see many other options.

Bliss HP124/124 AC29 raging | Mookie HP59/59 AC41 full def | Cayzle d20+12=17 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+15=19 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+15=34 ; d20+15=32 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=18 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+14=16 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+22=40 ; d8+23=28 ; d6=4 ;
Tuesday August 20th, 2019 12:48:52 AM

Bliss is also adamant: "NO WE ARE NOT PUTTING THE BLUE GEM IN!!!"

"I mean really, come on," mutters Mookie. "It's like trying to use the one ring."

Meanwhile, it looks like Giants 9 and 3 and the other 3 are all flanking / attacking Bliss.

Mookie uses acrobatics to move to the far side of Giant 9. Acrobatics check 17. If that fails, Mookie's AC on the defensive is 41.

Then Bliss attacks Giant 9 flanking. He tentacle-hits ACs 27, 27, 24, 34, and 32 (ignoring misses) for 17, 16, 18, 15, and 16.

Mookie aids another on the bite ... rolls a 17 to aid another, and does.

And the bite: AC40 for 32 nonlethal damage.

[If Giant 9 goes down, other attacks can go to other giants at -2 AC (not flanking) or -4 bite (no flank or aid).]

Murphy (Kim) Druid(13) Huge Air Elemental AC 32 HP 96/128 2d8+10=23 ; 2d8+10=15 ; 2d8+10=23 ; 2d8+10=20 ; 2d8+10=16 ; 10d6=24 ; 10d6=40 ; 10d6=35 ; 10d6=39 ; 10d6=34 ; 10d6=36 ; d20+33=52 ;
Tuesday August 20th, 2019 6:12:02 AM

[Aside from today's DM post, could find no where in the archives where it was said that placement of the blue gem was permanent. Would appreciate the locale of said citation. Without such, I shall assume that the Encompassing Mind just now let us know. Otherwise, Murphy would never have advocated for placement if he understood what was presently laid out. Will figure that Pressi just passed on this info to the druid.]

To Pressi Murphy replies, "Ah, placement of the blue gem is considered a permanent placement? Scratch what I said then. The two gems who form the Encompassing Mind should be more than enough. Oh, Succotash should not take the Iron Giant farther north than the edge of the berm - that's 90 feet from the Tower, and Tiana said no more than 100 feet away."

"I THINK I HEARD YOU, BLISS - I AGREE NOW."

"Press, I'll work my way up to you, but meanwhile I need to pick up and drop off a few giants. Be there for you next round, toots, for the toss attempt. Say, let Talia know I could really use a haste boost when I get up to the Iron Giant's shoulder." [that'll be next round]

Murphy in Motion
The druid in his huge air elemental whirlwind form scoots north and up the ramp, no longer scraping the dirt. On the berm his path intersects the three fire giants there. Each will need to make the DC 26 Reflex save or take #1 FG 23 hp, #5 FG 15 hp, #2 FG 23 hp. The two Stone Giants already caught up in the whirlwind take #6 SG 20 hp and #7 SG 16 hp.

He ascends with as many as he was able to capture to a point partly above the ice storm. He drops SG #6 (24 hp falling damage) & #7 (40 hp fall) on top of FG #4 [placed on map a bit askew so numbers can be read]. SG #8 (dead) deadfalls on FG #7 (35 hp fall).

If he picked up any of the FG from the berm (#1, #2, and/or #5), he drops them. One of them falls upon FG #4 (39 hp fall). If more than 1 FG was caught, the 2nd hits FG #7 (34 hp fall), the 3rd hits FG #7 (36 hp fall). I leave it to good DM Carl to move FG #1, #2, and/or #5 from their spots on the berm to their spots over in or near the ice storm.

He takes advantage of the lightened load, and casts entangle (Reflex DC 26) so as to provide FG #6 and ST #2 with additional diversions in their waning time. It is part in the plant growth area, is bisected by the thorn wall, and comes quite close to the spike growth. The 5'-wide vortex opening is at 100 feet, and the 25'-wide top of the whirlwind is at 150 feet above the ground.
=============
Perception: 52

Spells in effect:
Greater Magic Fang 418 minutes 5 rounds
Longstrider 419 minutes 4 rounds
Freedom of Movement 778 minutes 5 rounds
Resist Energy (Fire 30) 128 minutes 5 rounds
Stoneskin 128 minutes 4 rounds (130-40=90)
Mage Armor 58 minutes 5 rounds
Call Lightning Storm 11 minutes 5 rounds (1 of 13 used)
Hide from Undead 8 minutes 7 rounds
Protection from Evil 5 rounds

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+15=33 ; 10d10=46 ;
Tuesday August 20th, 2019 11:46:10 AM
"Roger that," Pressi messages back to Murphy. "I will standby."

She fires an explosive round directly at FG1 to slow him down. (Attack Roll 33, 46 damage). She was about to fire at FG6, but Murphy remains in the way.

So instead she reaches out and fires a confusion spell at FG7 (+ everyone in 15ft radius). (Hero point spent)(DC 22)

---------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
spectral hand 11 minutes (at tower base)
scrying eyes
overland flight
int+4 from gears
Lesser Summons (Gerry)

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

Position: 200 ft up

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 1/5+1
L3: 0/5+1
L4: 3/4+1
L5: 0+1/3+1
L6: 0/1+1

DM Carl d20+22=34 ; d20+22=23 ; d20+22=40 ; 3d6+14=27 ; 3d6+14=22 ; d20+4=14 ; d20+4=11 ; d20+4=10 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+4=18 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+8=19 ;
Tuesday August 20th, 2019 8:38:24 PM
Succotash urges Miss Piggy to retreat, but the heel is closed. Can he open it? Turns out he can! Handy that. The giants are too big to enter anyway, but Succotash undoubtedly closes the heel behind Miss Piggy.

Then, he stomps, and smacks, and basically pummels the giants. HG3 is turned into jelly. FG3 is more of a jam: chunky, but still spreadable. SG9 is stuck to the bottom of the Iron Giant's foot.

Kezzem misses. How unfortunate. Candy keeps quiet, but feels a little better about herself.

Pressi has a plan. Your narrator has no idea where she's going with this, but is intrigued to find out.

Bliss finds all his targets are paste. Succotash was very thorough.

Murphy moves to attack the three giants to the north, all of whom had attacks readied. Two attacks connect, but FG1's swing was laughable bad.

Fire giants his AC 34 and 40 for 27 and 22 damage, respectively.

Then, he swoops over them. All three fail all six of their saving throws and get picked up by Murphy. All three are killed by the buffeting winds. Then, he rains down bodies. The effects are pretty gruesome. Every single giant save FG6 and SG2 are killed.

Pressi takes aim, but Murphy's killed her target. Her original target of FG6 is a valid target, as Murphy is about 50-100' below the catapult. FG6 is blown to pieces by the exploding cannon ball, and SG2 is caught in the blast as well.

Candy takes aim at the only giant left in range, but the attack isn't even close. Maybe Candy has having some beginners luck earlier?

SG2 realizes there's no way he's beating this wall down, so he tries pushing his way through. He fails, barely, and scratches himself up in the process.

More giants arrive near the tower: a combination of fire giants and mountain giants. For those not aware, mountain giants are significantly more powerful than the other three types attacking. They are 45' tall, magic-wielding brutes that can swallow most races whole. These giants are armed with massive, ornately crafted warhammers.

The halfling fronts on both sides fare well. Luckily, the few mountain giants are charging straight down the middle of the battlefield. Good thing, because the armies are no match for them. In fact, the fire giants are almost too much for them. If the Angel Springs army hadn't spent generations training to fight giants, they'd have already been overrun. For now, they hold their own.

***

Melvin, I'll have Murphy complete whatever plan you had before escorting him out of combat.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=22 ; 15d10=80 ; 10d10=53 ;
Tuesday August 20th, 2019 9:09:07 PM
Kezzem fires at Mountain Giant 1 and to the Fire Giant behind him.

Attack: 1d20 + 19= 22.
Damage: 15d10 = 80.
Line Danage: 10d10 = 53.

"Erbin, let's switch back to the wooden bolts for these Mountain G's
Candy, try and focus on cleaning up the Fire Giants."

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 d4=3 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+7=10 ; d8+6=9 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+8=21 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ;
Tuesday August 20th, 2019 10:04:55 PM
Here Comes Ghoulish Light...

Talia, continues the spells, but this time switches to touch attacks instead...by casting Spectral Hand! Next Spell attack will be to cast Vampiric Touch on one of the Mountain Giants! She uses her skill of perception to determine which Mountian Giant is the best to attack. {Roll should be +2 + BAB = +8 + Roll (21) for 6d6 = 21 hit points of damage!

In casting Spectral Hand, Talia temporarily looses 3 hit points.

Summoned Azata Attack

The summoned Azata Fires his bow at Mountain Giants #1 {Hit NAT 20,confirming Hit 30 , 27 points damage & #2 hit 10 believe this is a miss}.

To Blue Gem or Not!

At no time does Talia move to recover the Blue Gem or to reinsert it into the Encompassing Mind...in fact, if she finds the blue gem, she will hide it in her hacksack!

Skill Checks

Perception: 22

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 778 minutes
Mage Armor | 778 minutes
Stoneskin | 128 minutes

Bralani Azata STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

Bliss HP124/124 AC29 raging | Mookie HP59/59 AC41 full def | Cayzle
Tuesday August 20th, 2019 11:28:59 PM
With no enemies in reach, OctoBliss and Mookie enjoy a little respite. But Bliss readies a tentacle attack in case anyone comes up!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 85/105 22d8=89 ;
Wednesday August 21st, 2019 5:36:23 AM
Succotash takes aim with the Divine Thunder, sending a stream of visible kinetic energy rippling through the air creating a 30ft diameter crater that is 15ft at the deepest point. The blast should hit Fire Giants 1-5, and Mountain Giant 1, inflicting 89 points force damage. (DC 39 reflex save for half damage)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+8=24 ; d20+15=28 ; 6d8=28 ;
Wednesday August 21st, 2019 1:09:20 PM
Pressi stops as the larger giants begin to bound into view. (Know Nature 24)

"Hold off on the ride," she signals to Murphy. "Change of plans. I'm going to try to get them closer to the giant."

Swinging the catapult, she fires an incendiary at MG2. (Attack 28, Damage 28)

---------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
spectral hand 11 minutes (at tower base)
scrying eyes
overland flight
int+4 from gears
Lesser Summons (Gerry)

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

Position: 200 ft up

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 1/5+1
L3: 0/5+1
L4: 3/4+1
L5: 0+1/3+1
L6: 0/1+1

DM Carl d20=20 ; d20=7 ; d20=15 ; d20=11 ; d20=14 ; d20=12 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+8=27 ; d3=3 ;
Wednesday August 21st, 2019 5:44:51 PM
Kezzem takes aim, but cannot catch a break. He decides to start using the wooden bolts again.

Talia casts spectral hand. Does she have time to also cast vampiric touch?

OOC: Are you using hero points? You don't need to check first, but you do need to specifically call out that you're using one.

Her azata takes careful aim and plunks an arrow into MG1's chest. Nice.

Bliss takes a little break.

Succotash raises the Iron Giant's hand and unleashed Divine Thunder at the amassed giants. FG1 hides behind FG2, but the rest take the full brunt and clear their heads to find themselves in a pit. He should remember to roll to see when he can use that again.

Pressi sends an incendiary round at MG2, where it explodes against the giant's chest, lighting it on fire. It's very unhappy with this development.

OOC: The i on MG2's marker is for ignited.

Candy doesn't think she can find a solid place to hit the mountain giants, so she aims at the fire giants instead. Still misses her shot, but it's close. She starts getting visibly frustrated.

Eastern and western fronts are currently holding, but the giants have finally noticed the tower is starting to glow. Their mass shifts as they try and get to the tower, but our heroes have made the way too difficult to just pass through easily. The halflings take advantage of the distraction to push an attack, cutting several giants down.

SG2 keeps pushing through the wall of thorns, and succeeds. He arrives scratched and bloody on the other side, but he's past. He still has to contend with plant growth AND an entangle spell, so he's moving real slow.

The fire giants are too injured to risk going through the fire from Pressi's previous shot, so they start an end run around it.

The mountain giants just blink, then reappear behind the party and the Iron Giant!

There is a brief lull in the approaching giants, but more are coming.

Bliss HP124/124 AC29 raging | Mookie HP59/59 AC41 full def | Cayzle d20+20=35 ; d8+22=28 ; d6=2 ;
Thursday August 22nd, 2019 12:33:36 AM

Bliss sees that the Mountain Giants are going to break through and hurt the town. He charges 35 ft and snaps at Mountain Giant 2 with his octobeak.

Bliss has AC27 charging. He hits AC35 for 30 nonlethal damage.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+22=37 ; 20d10+11=148 ; d10=5 ;
Thursday August 22nd, 2019 1:20:04 AM
"They're behind us!" shouts Kezzem as he swirls around the ballista. He activates a Smite Evil on Mountain Giant 1.

Attack: 1d20 + 19 + 3 = 37.
Damage: 20d10 + 11 = 148.
Bleed Damage: d10 = 5.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (1 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 85/105 d20+26=42 ; 4d10+18=36 ;
Thursday August 22nd, 2019 5:14:46 AM
Succotash turns the Iron giant around and moves forward a step or two, being careful not to step on Bliss, then he uses the Iron Giants 30ft reach to slam mountain giant 2 Hitting AC 42 for 36 damage, and if hit, it must make a DC 39 fort save or be knocked prone.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 85/105 d3=1 ;
Thursday August 22nd, 2019 5:15:19 AM
Divine thunder recharge 1 round.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 d20+12=19 ; d20+7=18 ; d8+6=10 ; d8+6=9 ;
Thursday August 22nd, 2019 10:01:29 AM
Here Comes Ghoulish Touch

Talia, continues the Spell attack will be to cast Vampiric Touch on one of the Mountain Giants! She uses her skill of perception to determine which Mountian Giant is the best to attack. {Roll should be +2 + BAB = +8 + Roll (21) for 6d6 = 21 hit points of damage!

In casting Spectral Hand, Talia temporarily looses 3 hit points.

Using a Hero point, Talia casts Black Tentacles on the ground in front of Mountain Giant that blinked behind the Iron Giant.

Summoned Azata Attack

The summoned Azata Fires his bow at Mountain Giants #1 {Hit 19 for 10 points damage & #2 hit 18 for 9 damage }.

[][]Skill Checks[][]

Perception: 22

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 778 minutes
Mage Armor | 778 minutes
Stoneskin | 128 minutes

Bralani Azata STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+10=30 ; d20+10=30 ; d6+5=11 ; d6=1 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=6 ; d6+5=11 ; d6=1 ;
Thursday August 22nd, 2019 3:14:01 PM
Gerry looks back and forth at the mountain giants while whirring wildly. (Almost as if telling Bliss to move over so they can flank.) He swings at giant #2.

(Attack 1: Nat 20, Crit confirm Nat 20, damage 11x2=22+1 good damage.)
(Attack 2: Nat 20, Crit confirm Nat 1, damage 11+1 good)

------------------

With her empathic link, Pressi imbues a desire into Harper a desire for fresh air, such a desire.

With the door to the iron giant swinging open, Harper bounds outside and immediately sits, watching as the giants pass through the mind fog.

-------------------

"Do I really have to specify the term 'get closer' people?"

With a heavy sigh - and a recognition that if she immolates the tower, Tiana will keep whining about it - she leaps off the giant, broom in tow.

Moving straight down, and then towards the tower, she inevitably finds herself within 240 feet of the mountain giants (themselves 45 feet tall) and closing fast.

Her mouth opened but nothing came out. Darkness began to cloud her vision, her pupils fading. She continued to fly, closer and closer.

Cast: Living Voodoo (blindness) - 4 targets. (She picks the two mountain giants, and the first fire giant to get within range.)

---------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
spectral hand 11 minutes (at tower base)
scrying eyes
overland flight
int+4 from gears
Lesser Summons (Gerry)
blind (living voodoo)

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

Position: 200 ft up

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 1/5+1
L3: 0/5+1
L4: 3/4+1
L5: 0+1/3+1
L6: 1/1+1

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d20+12=32 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+7=12 ; d8+6=7 ; d20+8=18 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ;
Friday August 23rd, 2019 8:29:08 AM
Ghoulish Too

Talia, continues the Spell barrage against the blinking Mountain Giant casting another Vampiric Touch! She uses her skill of perception to determine some of these important factors about the Mountain Giants. {Roll should be +2 + BAB = +8 + Roll (18) for 6d6 = 29 hit points of damage!

Summoned Azata Attack

The summoned Azata Fires his bow at Mountain Giants #1 {Hit 32 {NAT20} ; Confirmed hit 15 for 21 points damage - if a critical or 7 points if not & #2 hit 12 I believe this is a miss }.

[][]Skill Checks[][]

Perception: 22

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 777 minutes
Mage Armor | 777 minutes
Stoneskin | 127 minutes

Bralani Azata STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

DM Carl Map Link d20=18 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+5=24 ; 10d20=103 ; 4d6+2=15 ; 4d6+2=17 ; 4d6+2=19 ; 4d6+2=17 ; d20=3 ; d20=13 ; d20=19 ; d20=18 ; d20+4=5 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+4=22 ; 3d6=14 ;
Friday August 23rd, 2019 12:05:52 PM
Apologies for the late post. Walked away from a family thing last night to a work thing this morning.

***

Bliss charges at MG2...somehow. How does an octopus charge over land? Your narrator would love to see that. Either way, the mountain giant gets an ankle full of octopus beak.

Kezzem swivels, smites, takes aim at, and clobbers MG1 with a wooden ballista bolt. It very nearly kills the giant, but these things are tough.

Succotash brings the Iron Giant's foot down, clipping MG2 and knocking it down.

Talia sucks 21 points of life out of MG1. Her azata's arrows bounce off the giant's tough hide, though.

She then quickly throws some black tentacles at the giants. Both are stuck by the things.

OOC: Don't forget to roll damage on the tentacles, JP.

Gerry has a series of very interesting rolls. Seeing how close to death MG1 is, Gerry cracks it right in its ankle, breaking it and causing the giant to plummet down and impale itself on the thorn wall. It seizes a bit as it bleeds out. Gerry repeats the attempt on MG2 to lesser effect.

Harper needs some fresh air, so she bounds outside when Miss Piggy heads in.

Pressi leaps off the Iron Giant onto her broom. She flies towards the remaining mountain giant, both of them going blind.

Candy sends a wooden bolt at FG1. It's a great shot, tearing the giant's arm off at the elbow and showering it with shrapnel. The giant dies quickly of shock.

Erbin sweats bullets carrying the ballista bolts between Candy and Kezzem. He's breathing real hard, but not slowing down.

MG2 is blind and a little injured, but it remembers where the huge tower right next to it was. It stands and swings once. The sturdy stone tower absorbs some of the damage, as do the vines Murphy grew over it, but the structure still shudders.

MG2 does 15 damage to the tower. It's still sturdy.

The fire giants are heartened by seeing the tower damaged and charge. All of them run through the mind fog and get stupid, which explains why they blunder into the black tentacles. FG5 avoids the tentacles and smashes its club against the tower, doing another 14 points of damage to it.

SG2 makes slow and steady progress away from here.

Off to the east, the giants start to push into the assembled halflings. Murphy takes note and whirlwinds over, picking up and throwing the giants spearheading the push.

More giants arrive on the battlefield, this time taking care to approach away from the fire and ice.

Edit: Realized MG2 had to stand and couldn't make a full attack on the tower.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+22=26 ; 20d10+11=127 ; d10=6 ;
Friday August 23rd, 2019 12:29:20 PM
Seeing the first mountain giants nearly taken care of, Kezzem swirls the ballista around again towards the north to greet the newcomers. He fires at Mountain Giant 3 (with a second Smite Evil).

Attack: 1d20 + 22 = 26.
Damage: 20d10 + 11 = 127.
Bleed Damage: d10 = 6.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Friday August 23rd, 2019 12:29:38 PM
-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (2 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+12=23 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=20 ; d6+5=10 ; d6+5=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ;
Friday August 23rd, 2019 4:52:42 PM
(I'm assuming Gerry can move this round. CMD 21)

Gerry turns to attack FG5, swinging twice.

(Attack Roll 23, Damage 10+5 good.)
(Attack Roll Nat 20, Crit Confirm 20. Damage 6+6 good.)

------------------

Pressi's mind reaches out. The sounds of weapon against stone. The sounds (and smells) of fire giants rushing in. The increasing excitement of Harper as she scopes the battlefield for Pressi. The sound of... whatever that wet slapping sound is.

The rush of air as she continues to plummet towards the ground. (80 feet up.) Reaching out, she fires an extended confusion upon the field around the mountain giant (DC 22).

------------------

---------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
spectral hand 11 minutes (at tower base)
scrying eyes
overland flight
int+4 from gears
Lesser Summons (Gerry)
blind (living voodoo)

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

Position: 200 ft up

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 1/5+1
L3: 0/5+1
L4: 3/4+1
L5: 1+1/3+1
L6: 1/1+1

Bliss HP124/124 AC29 raging | Mookie HP59/59 AC41 full def | Cayzle d20+13=17 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+13=23 ; d20+13=19 ; d20+13=20 ; d4+14=18 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+14=18 ; d4+14=18 ; d20+18=24 ; d8+22=23 ; d6=4 ;
Friday August 23rd, 2019 5:15:31 PM

[OOC: I'm assuming the purple P oval is either Pressi or something friendly?]

Bliss sees no need to move closer ... it looks like Mountain Giant 2i or Fire Giant 3 are in reach. Please apply my attacks to whichever is still standing.

A whirlwind of flexible arms whips out at the giants!

8 Tentacles hit ACs 17, 20, 21, 25, 16, 23, 19, 20
(Most of these would normally miss, but against blinded foes Bliss gains a +2 to hit and the enemy loses any dex bonus to AC. Also, if they are grappled by the Black Tentacles, they may be easier to hit?)

Tentacle Damages are 18 (vs AC17), 15 (vs AC20), 17 (vs AC21), 15 (vs AC25), 16 (vs AC16), 15 (vs AC23), 18 (vs AC19), and 18(vs AC20)

A bite too, if within a 10 ft reach ... hits AC24 for 27 nonlethal damage.

DM Sanity Info:

This is Round NINE of Bliss fighting and holding his breath in Giant Octopus form. He can hold his breath and fight for 20 rounds before he has to start making drowning/suffocation checks.

Current Effects:
Raging: 9 rounds of 16 per day used
Extended Divine Favor: 10 rounds of 20 used
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 10 rounds of 100 used
Arcane Strike: Renewed each round as a swift action
Extended Barkskin
Threefold Aspect

Mookie:
Philter of Mirror Image: 10 rounds of 30 used
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 10 rounds of 100 used

Extended Barkskin for him and Mookie (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)
Extended Divine Favor (Bliss)
Shield of Faith via Ritual (Mookie and Bliss)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 85/105 22d8=93 ;
Saturday August 24th, 2019 1:19:02 PM
Not wanting to risk smashing his friends, Succotash decides to take aim at fire giants 6 and 1, and mountain giants 4 and 3 with a divine thunder hitting them with 93 damage. They can attempt a DC 39 reflex save for half.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 85/105 d3=1 ;
Saturday August 24th, 2019 3:49:29 PM
Divine thunder recharges in 1 round.

DM Carl Map Link d20+20=33 ; d20+9=20 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+12=17 ; d20=12 ; d20=18 ; d100=84 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+20=26 ; d8+10=12 ; d20=10 ; d20=12 ; d20=14 ; d20=4 ; 4d6+2=20 ; 4d6+2=21 ; 4d6+2=18 ; 4d6+2=22 ; d20+4=11 ; d20+21=25 ; d20+9=23 ;
Sunday August 25th, 2019 10:39:31 AM
Kezzem sends a bolt at MG3. The giant raises its massive warhammer and blocks it, sending splinters flying.

Gerry is on fire today, pounding FG5 once. Pressi throws a confusion spell around where the mountain giant is. Mountain giants are pretty brainy, though, and it easily shrugs it off. FG3 and FG5 are both effected, though. Is Gerry affected by the confusion effect as well?

Bliss pounds and bites FG3 once. Not his best showing, but it's enough. FG3 faints clean away.

Succotash sends divine thunder at the newcomers, all of whom are affected and find themselves in a new crater.

Talia sucks some health from MG1 as her azata puts an arrow in it.

Candy doesn't think she can hit the mountain giant with a ballista bolt, but maybe she'd have better luck just getting it inside an explosion from the catapult. She runs, and lets loose a loaded explosive catapult charge. It flies way over the giant, and the tower (nat 1).

FG5 is confused, and lashes out at the closest combatant: Gerry. It hits AC 26 for 12 damage.

MG2 has no idea who's around him, so it keeps beating on the tower. Four solid hits whack the tower for a total of 81 damage. It's still standing and solid, but it can't take that forever.

FG4 approaches Bliss, who gets an AoO. It swings once, hitting AC25 and missing. FG2 also approaches Bliss, who gets an AoO if he has combat reflexes, but gets caught in Talia's tentacles.

Talia should be rolling black tentacle damage.

FG6 and FG1 advance. FG1 shrugs off the mind fog effect. MG3 and MG4 also advance, avoiding the mind fog entirely.

No new giants arrive, but they're still coming. Off towards the east, Murphy is coming back hot. Looks like he's carrying someone.

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d6=4 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+10=28 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; 4d6=15 ; d10+12=15 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+8=15 ; d8+6=8 ; d8+6=13 ;
Sunday August 25th, 2019 1:19:34 PM
Talia Prepares the next attacks

Using her perception, she chooses the most dangerous of the Giants to lay waste to.

Black Tentacles

Spell lenght is 13 rounds. The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The damage this round is 1d6+4 = 8 points of damage for everything grappled. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

scorchingSpectral Hand[b]

Talia, continues the Spell barrage against the blinking Mountain Giant that is caught in the Black tentacles with a scorching ray attack delivered by Spectral Hand! Talia sends thee (3) rays to this menacingMountian Giant by blasting it with three searing beams of fire.

Ray One (1): Hit 16 | Damage: 8
Ray two (2) : Hit 22 | Damage: 12
Ray Three (3): Hit 28 | Damage: 15

[b]Summoned Azata Attack

The summoned Azata Fires his bow at same Mountain Giants Talia is attacking {Hit 19 for points 8 damage & second arrow hit 22 for 13 damage}.

Skill Checks

Perception: 15

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 776 minutes
Mage Armor | 776 minutes
Stoneskin | 126 minutes

{OOC: I apologize the the botched roll of 1d10+12, over zelous today}

Bralani Azata STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 85/105 d20+26=34 ; d3=1 ; d20+26=38 ; 4d10+18=38 ; 5d10+18=48 ;
Sunday August 25th, 2019 1:34:20 PM
Realizing that Mountain Giant 2i is within his reach, and he has a way to hit it without hitting any of his friends, he attempts to both slam and stomp it. if either hit, he must make a DC 39 fort save or be knocked prone

Slam hits AC 34 for 38 damage
Stomp hits AC 38 for 48 damage

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+22=35 ; 20d10+11=122 ; d10=7 ;
Sunday August 25th, 2019 2:28:34 PM
"Well I guess it's true what the say, if all you have is a massive warhammer, than every problem is a giant wooden nail."

Kezzem attempts to shoot Mountain Giant 3 again (Smite Evil still in effect)

Attack: 1d20 + 22 = 35.
Damage: 20d10 + 11 = 122.
Damage: d10 = 7.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+13=19 ; d4=1 ;
Monday August 26th, 2019 1:51:17 PM
Pressi makes an educated guess as to how far above the mountain giant is, and rockets directly on top of (into?) him. (She assumes he's standing next to the tower and hasn't moved much.)

Screaming with all her might, she fires a Focused Curse Calcific Touch upon him (Fort DC 21, but I'd like to spend a hero point for any kind of DC boost I can get). (Touch attack 19, no obscure chance because I crashed into him and am hanging on. Dex damage 1.)

"Don't ever ignore me," she shouts in Giant.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9 d20+20=32 ; 2d6+21=27 ; d6=2 ; 6d6=13 ;
Monday August 26th, 2019 4:16:19 PM
As Murphy returns, he brings with him a familiar halfling, one with a cowboy hat and dragonskin boots. He has at his waist a dragonskin quiver and in his hand is a bow that would be instantly recognizable to any who have seen it in action.

Murphy drops the halfling onto the Iron Giant's shoulder, and the archer immediately moves to the best vantage point from which to rain destruction on the giants. He seems unnaturally sure footed, as if some magic keeps him stuck to the metal behemoth(Spider Climb).

"Come on guys, how long did you wait after I was gone before Kezzem turned himself into an archer?"

After getting himself into position, Hobie mutters an incantation and fires a single arrow at Fire Giant 1

Attack = 32
Damage = 27 nonlethal piercing, 2 Cold

Cast on the arrow was a Lightning Bolt, which begins with the Fire Giant in a straight line, hitting Mountain Giants 3 and 4 as well.

Fire Giant 1, Mountain Giant 3, Mountain Giant 4 take 13 damage (what a terrible roll)
DC 17 Reflex for half damage

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 0/10

Elemental Arrow: Cold

Fire Arrows Used 0/50

Spells in effect- Spider Climb, Bears Endurance (59/60 remaining)

===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message, Mage Hand

Level 1
Grease, Burning Hands, Burning Hands, True Strike, Enlarge Person, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Mirror Image, Mirror Image, ***Bear's Endurance***, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Lightning Bolt, ***Lightning Bolt***, Flame Arrow

DM Carl Map Link d100=97 ; d20+20=40 ; d20+20=26 ; d8+10=14 ; d20+21=33 ; d20+21=31 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+11=14 ; 3d6+17=24 ; 3d6+17=28 ; d20+12=30 ; 4d6+2=9 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+21=37 ; d20+5=14 ; 10d10=67 ;
Monday August 26th, 2019 5:01:37 PM
Talia sends some scorching rays at MG2. Her azata can't get a shot to stick in the giant's hide. The black tentacles squeeze the fire giants.

OOC: Spectral hand can only cast touch spells, not ranged touch spells. You can still target the giant yourself, though.

Succotash hammers MG2 twice. Between that and the lingering flames from Pressi's earlier attack, it finally falls.

Kezzem continues firing on MG3, this time nailing the giant's upper thigh. It roars in pain as the bolt shreds its way through the giants hide and explodes into shrapnel. Blood pours from the wound. The giant's in a bad way, but it still lives.

Pressi hears her target wail in pain. When she goes to grab on, she finds her target missing.

Hobie makes an entrance before Murphy flies back off to help the eastern front. A lightning-bolt infused arrow hits FG1 in the forehead before the spell fries what's left of his brain. The bolt arcs to the two mountain giants behind it. MG3 is looking rough

FG5 is still confused and lashes out at the nearest target: Gerry, hitting AC 40 for 14 damage.

FG2 and FG4 double-team Bliss. They strike 3 times each, but only hit twice.

Hit AC 33 for 24 damage
Hit AC 31 for 28 damage

Both mountain giants and FG6 advance. MG3 easily shrugs off the tentacles and makes it within range of the tower, hitting it once with its massive warhammer for 9 damage after hardness.

Candy takes aim with her catapult behind the attacking giants, and catches all the fire giants and MG 4 in the blast for 67 damage. All the fire giants are killed!

Which is good, because here come more. Though only 11 rounds of combat have happened here, the combat has been raging for over half an hour. The halfling armies are holding, but barely. Off to the west, a fire giant grabs a harassing air elemental by the base of its whirlwind and pulls it back down. Several other giants gather to beat the life out of it, then move to put more pressure on the halfling's flanks. There are more than enough giants out there still to overwhelm the defenders if given enough time, which isn't much.

The tower, though, is glowing brightly. The voice of the Encompassing Mind fills the cockpit.

Pilot Succotash, Tiana has asked me to inform you that the ritual will be complete in five minutes.
So maybe stop letting those things beat on it? Our thing isn't going to fix it if it's all the way broken.
Those are her words, not ours, Pilot.

Waaaaay over to the west of the map, SG2 is almost got away.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 85/105 22d8=98 ;
Monday August 26th, 2019 5:29:41 PM
Seeing his inability to get closer to the tower without risking stepping on his friends, Succotash gets on the intercom and says, "Please concentrate, your attacks on the two Mountain Giants that are attacking the Tower, we can't recharge the tower if it's destroyed, and by the way is sounds as if we only have to hold these beasts for another 5 min or so!" He then aims a divine thunder at fire giants 1-4, and mountain giants 1-3 causing 98 damage DC 39 reflex for half.

OOC... Welcome Back Nick!!!!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 85/105 d3=1 ;
Monday August 26th, 2019 5:38:42 PM
Divine thunder recharges in one round.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9
Monday August 26th, 2019 6:07:58 PM
Ooc: I�m glad to be back guys. I�m not fully up on the goals here, if that SG1 gets away, does that have bad consequences? Or is he just running away. I can have Hobie take him down if it�s bad to let him escape, otherwise I�ll focus on MGs

Bliss HP72/124 AC27 raging | Mookie HP59/59 AC41 full def | Cayzle d20+18=19 ; d20+12=14 ; d4+1=5 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+15=23 ; d20+15=34 ; d20+15=34 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+15=32 ; d4+14=18 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=18 ; d4+14=18 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=18 ; d4+14=17 ; d20+20=29 ; d8+22=27 ; d6=2 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+15=33 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+15=34 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=18 ; d4+14=16 ; d20+20=32 ; d8+22=24 ; d6=1 ;
Monday August 26th, 2019 7:22:57 PM

AoO against FG4 from the Sunday DM Post (Bliss does not have combat reflexes):
Bliss bites with his sharp octobeak but rolls a nat 1. No AoO that time!

Last Round (if the kindly DM allows the full round of attacks)

Mookie flies around FG4 to flank. He probably provokes AoOs to do that ... his Acrobatics check to avoid AoOs is a 14. Note that he has five mirror images up and has an AC43 using full defense.

Bliss attacks FG4 with tentacles and hits ACs 17, 24, 20, 23, 34, 34, 17, and 32 for 18, 15, 16, 18, 18, 17, 18, and 17 damage respectively.
He bites vs AC29 for 29 nonlethal damage.

This Round

If FG4 is dead, Mookie flies to flank FG2.

Bliss attacks with tentacles and hits ACs 32, 31, 33, 18, 32, 24, 17, and 34 for damage 17, 16, 17, 16, 16, 17, 18, and 16.

Bliss bites vs AC32 for 25 nonlethal.

NOTES:
- If Bliss drops a flanked foe and switches over to the other, please downgrade ACs hit by two with loss of Mookie's flanking bonus.
- HP damage for Bliss tracked in header.
- I seem to have made a mistake in my header; Bliss's AC is 27 raging, not 29. I searched the DM die results fields and I did not see any attack rolls vs AC27 or AC28 in rounds that Bliss was under attack, so I think no swings on Bliss that missed were actually hits (whew). Sorry header fixed.
- My first two attacks rolled this round were at +13. They should have been at +15 flanking, and I fixed the results field.

DM Sanity Info:

This is Round ELEVEN of Bliss fighting and holding his breath in Giant Octopus form. He can hold his breath and fight for 20 rounds before he has to start making drowning/suffocation checks.

Current Effects:
Raging: 11 rounds of 16 per day used
Extended Divine Favor: 11 rounds of 20 used
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 12 rounds of 100 used
Arcane Strike: Renewed each round as a swift action
Extended Barkskin
Threefold Aspect

Mookie:
Philter of Mirror Image: 12 rounds of 30 used [5 images]
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 12 rounds of 100 used

Extended Barkskin for him and Mookie (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)
Extended Divine Favor (Bliss)
Shield of Faith via Ritual (Mookie and Bliss)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d20+8=28 ; d6+4=5 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=15 ; d8+6=13 ; d20+7=23 ; d8+6=12 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ;
Monday August 26th, 2019 7:49:19 PM
Talia Spies the Mountain

Using her perception, she chooses the most dangerous of the Mountain Giants to destroy! Mountain Giant #3! {Skill Check: Perception: 28 (NAT 20)}

Spying the situation, Talia casts FireBall at Stone Mountain #3 dead center of his back (20 feet down from the top of it's head) if facing towards the tower, or dead center of its chest (20 feet down from the top of it's head) if facing away from the tower. Damage = 10d6 = 38 points of damage. Spell expands outward 20 feet in a sphere.

Remembering the Catapult Ammo

Talia recalls what was said about the Catapult ammo: "Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

Talia then barks at the people supplying ammo for the catapult and the ballistas; "I need 13 pieces of the Catapult ball ammo: 7 of the metal balls & 6 of the glass balls ammo. "

Using another Hero Point, Talia begins casting the Spell, Telekinesis, with the idea that she will send all 13 balls hurling towards the enemy using the Violent Thrust option within the spell towards the closest Mountain Giant that can cause the Tower damage.

{Violent Thrust: Alternatively, the spell energy can be spent in a single round. You can hurl one object or creature per caster level (maximum 15) that are within range and all within 10 feet of each other toward any target within 10 feet per level of all the objects. You can hurl up to a total weight of 25 pounds per caster level (maximum 375 pounds at 15th level).}

Black Tentacles

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 5 points of damages, and are grappled.

Spell length is 13-1 rounds. The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Summoned Azata Attack

The summoned Azata Fires his bow at same Mountain Giants Talia is attacking {Hit 32 (NAT 20); confirmed attack 15 for points 13 damage if not a critical & 39 if it is critical & second arrow hit 23 for 12 damage}.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 775 minutes
Mage Armor | 775 minutes
Stoneskin | 125 minutes

Bralani Azata STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+22=35 ; 20d10+11=111 ; d10=9 ; d10=3 ;
Tuesday August 27th, 2019 12:04:50 AM
"Hey Hobbie's back!" says Kezzem.

He uses his mental link to communicate with Rumpus. "Hey Rumpus, Hobbie's outside the giant. Go fetch him, would you boy? I have a great idea that's just crazy enough to work."

He sees Candy's catapult take out a group of fire giants. "That still only counts as one!" he shouts at her.

Assuming Talia is able to finish off Mountain Giant 3, Kezzem turns his aim on Mountain Giant 4 and activates his third smite evil against these tough mountain giant.

Attack MG4: 1d20 + 22 = 35.
Damage: 20d10 + 11 = 111.
Bleed Damage: d10 = 9.

Bleed Damage SG3 (if still alive somehow): 3.

Rumpus meanwhile exits the giant and makes his way over to Hobbie. He gestures for Hobbie to mount him.

OOC: Welcome back Nick!

My crazy idea to get you up to the ballistas. If you get on Rumpus, Kezzem can next round use his ability to summon his mount to his side to quickly get you on top of the giant. Whether or not this actually works is a DM call as I'm not seeing anything about whether you can or cannot transport additional creatures using this ability. The ballistas themselves allow you to make a single ranged attack each round (we have helpers to handle reloading) for 20d10 damage plus 1d10 bleed damage (wooden bolts) or 15d10 with 10d10 damage in a 30' line (metal bolts). They are ranged attacks so maybe you can add your arcane archer stuff to them too!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Tuesday August 27th, 2019 12:06:34 AM
-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (3 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9 d20+19=20 ; d20+19=22 ; d20+19=31 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+9=28 ; 4d6+21=32 ; 4d6+21=30 ; 4d6+21=31 ; 4d6+21=32 ;
Tuesday August 27th, 2019 4:32:13 AM
Hobie notices the Stone Giant running toward Humble's Ford. He clicks his heels, and does what he does best.

In six seconds, six arrows go flying toward the Stone Giant. The first two sail over his head, but as the archer gets dialed in the next four might have a chance to hit.

My range increment is 220ft so I should be able to reach him in the first increment.
Also, because I've played pathfinder before, I know Stone Giants don't have resistance to Cold or Fire, so for simplicity's sake I'm just rolling 4d6 instead of rolling those separate, but if this Stone Giant is different for some reason just let me know and I'll reroll

Manyshot = Natural 1

Rapid Shot
Attack 22
Damage = 32

Haste
Attack 31
Damage = 30

Iterative 1
Attack 26
Damage = 31

Iterative 2
Attack 28
Damage = 32

Total if all hit =125

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 1/10

Elemental Arrow: Cold

Fire Arrows Used 6/50

Spells in effect- Spider Climb, Bears Endurance (58/60 remaining)

===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message, Mage Hand

Level 1
Grease, Burning Hands, Burning Hands, True Strike, Enlarge Person, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Mirror Image, Mirror Image, ***Bear's Endurance***, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Lightning Bolt, ***Lightning Bolt***, Flame Arrow

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9
Tuesday August 27th, 2019 11:50:16 AM
ooc: For Kezzem's idea: The arcane archer's abilities describe that I can place my spells on "an arrow." So it would be a Carl's decision whether this could apply to a ballista bolt.

Unless he says it would, I think Hobie will stick to his own bow. I did some math, and because a lot of my abilities are longbow specific, Hobie is much more accurate with the bow than he would be with a ballista, and can even do more damage if at least four out of 6 arrows hit

But if I can do Arcane Archer stuff to the ballista bolts then that's a whole different story.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday August 27th, 2019 3:37:40 PM
Pressi dismisses her blindness and fires a wave of pain at whoever's left nearby.

Bliss HP72/124 AC27 raging | Mookie HP59/59 AC41 full def | Cayzle
Tuesday August 27th, 2019 6:58:34 PM
OOC: Nick, good to see you back with us!

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map
Tuesday August 27th, 2019 8:00:17 PM

Succotash's divine thunder claps through the giant. It stutters and holds its ears for a long moment, then drops to its knees and sinks into the mud of the field. Several others quickly run to take its place, stepping on and over the fallen warrior, but not for long.

Talia's mind thrust sends 13 of the explosive rounds flying through air, until the first explodes. Each detonation sets off another, and each one builds upon the blast of the one before it. A thick cloud of smoke hangs in the air... and when it clears, 3 more giants lay slain by the blast, and their brethren are weary for the moment to fill the gap.

The gate too, seems to have taken some damage.

"Pilot Succotash, please inform Talia that tactic is not good for the structural integrity of the tower. It has been weakened significantly."

Meanwhile, Kezzem considers sending Rumpus to collect Hobie, but figures that if he summons his mount back to his side, he would get the pig, and leave the rider on his lonesome. Hobie however, seems to have things under control on his own. His arrows pierce the stone giants vitals, and leaves it bleeding in the dirt.

Bliss continues his point defense at the outside of the giant, and manages to overwhelm one enemy completely. The giant falls, choked of life, at the long arms of the warrior-octopus.

Pressi dismisses her own blindness, but finds there's no one around to inflict with pain.

With all immediate foes slain, there is a small window to pause, and catch your breath.

---------------------------------------------
All Players: Please take a slight moment here and use your next post to give your long-estranged DM Ken a brief overview of where your character is, what they are doing, and any spells they might have in effect.

I'm taking over mid battle for DM Carl. He needs a break and this one is long overdue.

All Players: Please give me a perception check. Also, please list any unusual or extra sensory qualities in effect. IE, scent, tremorsense, etc. I'll not be putting the reason why in spoilers, since this is a pause post and it's pretty important.
------------------------------------------------------

Glad to be back!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+22=40 ; 20d10+11=120 ; d10=9 ; d20+19=36 ;
Tuesday August 27th, 2019 9:07:58 PM
Kezzem is atop the iron giant arming a ballista. Candy BadApple is also firing on the giants at this point and has recently switched to a catapult. Several of her crew are on reload duty allowing Kezzem and Candy to focus on firing.

Kezzem fires on Mountain Giant 3 with Smite Evil in effect.

Attack: 1d20 + 22 = 40.
Damage: 20d10 + 11 = 120.
Bleed Damage: 9.

Perception: 1d20 + 19 = 36.
No special vision effects.

OctoBliss HP72/124 AC27 raging | Mookie HP59/59 AC41 full def | Cayzle d20+24=39 ; d20+5=23 ;
Tuesday August 27th, 2019 9:09:10 PM

Bliss looks around, maybe crawling up a giant corpse for a better vantage point, spying for other foes or for the next wave. "Mookie????" he sends through his empathic link.

Perception: Bliss 39, Mookie 23, both with low-light vision.

Mookie caws, "HA! You think I got answers? Kid, you got better eyes than this old bird in these latter days. Just relax a sec before the next bunch. I don't think we're done yet!"

OOC: Welcome back, kindly DM Ken! All my current stuff is in my Sanity Info below. BTW I should have been linking to my OctoBliss sheet. I have fixed that in the header with this post.

DM Sanity Info:

This is Round ELEVEN of Bliss fighting and holding his breath in Giant Octopus form. He can hold his breath and fight for 20 rounds before he has to start making drowning/suffocation checks.

Current Effects:
Raging: 11 rounds of 16 per day used
Extended Divine Favor: 11 rounds of 20 used
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 12 rounds of 100 used
Arcane Strike: Renewed each round as a swift action
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)
Threefold Aspect

Mookie:
Philter of Mirror Image: 12 rounds of 30 used [5 images]
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 12 rounds of 100 used
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)

Talia (Jon-Paul) AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d20+8=26 ; d6+4=6 ; d6+4=5 ;
Tuesday August 27th, 2019 9:23:03 PM
Talia Spies the Mountain...Destruction

Using her perception, she surveys her most mind shattering destruction thus far! {Skill Check: Perception: 26}

{Violent Thrust: Alternatively, the spell energy can be spent in a single round. You can hurl one object or creature per caster level (maximum 15) that are within range and all within 10 feet of each other toward any target within 10 feet per level of all the objects. You can hurl up to a total weight of 25 pounds per caster level (maximum 375 pounds at 15th level).}

Black Tentacles

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 6 points of damages, and are grappled. {ignore second damage roll ...a delay in the appearence of roll }

Spell length is 13-2 rounds; 11 more rounds. The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Summoned Azata Attack | 3 Rounds remain before he leaves

The summoned Azata Fires takes this pause to change forms...transforming into Wind Bralani Azata...surveying the battle field knowing the battle is not yet over!

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 774 minutes
Mage Armor | 774 minutes
Stoneskin | 124 minutes

Bralani Azata STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+20=21 ; d20+6=12 ;
Tuesday August 27th, 2019 9:31:06 PM
Pressi continues to survey the area for any possible enemies...using her sense of perception and doesn't notice even a fly fart! {Skill Check: Perception: 21 {NAT 1}}

As for Harper, it definately noticed the fly farting but was out of range to claw it! {Skill Check: Perception: 12}

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9 d20+20=30 ;
Wednesday August 28th, 2019 3:24:02 AM
Hobie Perception check = 30

Hobie has just rejoined his group and is currently standing on the shoulder of the iron giant with Spider Climb active so he can move as he pleases on the giant robot.

During the pause he takes off his hat and wipes the sweat from his brow, then continues scanning the horizon for threats.

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 1/10

Elemental Arrow: Cold

Fire Arrows Used 6/50

Spells in effect- Spider Climb, Bears Endurance (58/60 remaining)

===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message, Mage Hand

Level 1
Grease, Burning Hands, Burning Hands, True Strike, Enlarge Person, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Mirror Image, Mirror Image, ***Bear's Endurance***, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Lightning Bolt, ***Lightning Bolt***, Flame Arrow

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 85/105
Wednesday August 28th, 2019 5:35:47 AM
Not having any enemies within range of the Iron Giants stomps and slams, and having to wait a round for the Divine Thunder to recharge, Succotash gets on the intercom, "I think we're in the home stretch guys, keep up the good work! Hey Talia that was an awesome attack, next time could you aim it away from the tower though? I just got word that it caused some damage to the tower as well as the giants".

OOC... Succotash is in the cockpit of the Iron Giant, located in it's head, and Miss Piggy is hanging out in the Iron Giant's heel near the exit/entrance

OctoBliss HP72/124 AC27 raging | Mookie HP59/59 AC41 full def | Cayzle
Wednesday August 28th, 2019 9:00:46 PM

Bliss and Mookie wait to see what will happen next.

Well, Bliss waits. Mookie is poking the battle-torn ground for worms. Evidently a rain of blood is just as good as a rain of water for driving worms to the surface.

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20+24=38 ; d20+20=38 ; d20+25=34 ;
Wednesday August 28th, 2019 9:45:49 PM

In the moment of pause, time slows for the weary group. The iron giants systems hum loudly, and even the giants are nervous to rush forward after Talia's latest show of force. Slowly, things begin to ramp up once more.

A few new giants begin to encroach again from the northwest, goaded on by boasts of a large stone giant. Within the Iron Giant, Succotash feels a pang of uncertainty in his link.

"Master pilot... please be alert. I feel as if something might not be quite right."

Succotash Only: Perception Check. (I don't recall if DM Carl gave you a negative for being jacked in. If so, please apply it. )

Everyone Else: The new swarm of giants moves in to take the positions of the last bunch, with several seeming to charge straight to the now cracked and smoking tower.

(Map updated with giant movement. I took no actions this turn with the giants. Please resume normal posts.)

(DM Note. Round 1, passive activity and movement.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Thursday August 29th, 2019 12:49:34 AM
OOC: Reposting Kezzem's attack from last "round"

Kezzem fires on Mountain Giant 3 with Smite Evil in effect.

Attack: 1d20 + 22 = 40.
Damage: 20d10 + 11 = 120.
Bleed Damage: 9.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 85/105 d20+13=14 ; d20+26=40 ; d20+26=44 ; d20+26=34 ; d20+26=27 ; 5d10+18=41 ; 5d10+18=50 ; 4d10+18=36 ; 4d10+18=33 ;
Thursday August 29th, 2019 5:06:34 AM
OOC... I don't think Carl ever mentioned a perception penalty.

Peception 14

"Madam Gem do you know what's happening?" Succotash asks as things start feeling a bit off.

If he is still able to control the Iron Giant, Succotash will attempt to stomp and slam Mountain Giants 2 and 3, if any of the attacks hit they must make a DC 39 fort save or be knocked prone.

Mountain Giant 2
Stomp Hits AC 40 for 41 damage
Slam Hits AC 44 for 36 damage

Mountain Giant 3
Stomp hits AC 34 for 50 damage
Slam hits AC 27 for 33 damage

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9 d20+23=37 ; d20+23=37 ; d20+23=25 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+13=22 ; 2d6+13=17 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+13=23 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+13=24 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+13=22 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+13=23 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+13=19 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ;
Thursday August 29th, 2019 5:37:21 AM
Hobie lets loose a barrage of arrows at the giants. He will start with the closest giant and move backward if any fall. (He will ignore any that are knocked prone.)

Manyshot
Attack = 37
Nonlethal Piercing 17, Cold 6, Fire 1 = 24 total
nonlethal piercing 23, Cold 4, Fire 3 = 30 total

Rapid Shot
Attack = 37
Nonlethal piercing 24, Cold 6, Fire 1 = 31

Haste
Attack = 25
Nonlethal Piercing 22, Cold 1, Fire 6 = 29

Iterative 1
Attack = 24
Nonlethal piercing 23, Cold 2, Fire 4 = 29

Iterative 2
Attack = 22
Nonlethal Piercing 19, Cold 1, Fire 1 = 21

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 2/10

Elemental Arrow: Cold

Fire Arrows Used 12/50

Spells in effect- Spider Climb, Bears Endurance (56/60 remaining)

===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message, Mage Hand

Level 1
Grease, Burning Hands, Burning Hands, True Strike, Enlarge Person, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Mirror Image, Mirror Image, ***Bear's Endurance***, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Lightning Bolt, ***Lightning Bolt***, Flame Arrow

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+20=34 ;
Thursday August 29th, 2019 3:27:33 PM
Pressi continues to fly as voices continue through the intercomm.

She may not be able to see much, but her inner voice notes that the behavior is... too normal. Like the giants were completely unaware of what happened to the last wave. Or....

Pressi casts true seeing on herself (Perception 34) and orders Harper to use scent.

---------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
spectral hand 11 minutes (at tower base)
scrying eyes
overland flight
int+4 from gears
Lesser Summons (Gerry)
blind (living voodoo)

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

Position: 200 ft up

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 1/5+1
L3: 0/5+1
L4: 3/4+1
L5: 1+1/3+1
L6: 1/1+1

OctoBliss HP72/124 AC27 raging | Mookie HP59/59 AC41 full def | Cayzle d20+18=20 ; d8+21=25 ; d6=3 ; d20+13=32 ; d4+14=17 ;
Thursday August 29th, 2019 8:41:33 PM

Since there are no giants in reach, Bliss moves over out of the Iron Giant's shadow. He readies an attack.

Readied Attack (bite): hits AC20 for 28 nonlethal.

If he gets an AoO with a tentacle: hits AC32 for 17 damage.

Mookie takes up a spot behind his tentacled boss.

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20=11 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+11=14 ; 2d8+11=14 ; d20=14 ; d20=6 ;
Thursday August 29th, 2019 9:11:32 PM

(DM Ken adds a map key. He also notices someone moved some of the monsters? Weird.)

Enemy Movement

Fire Giants a, b, and c move up. B fails his save vs Mind Fog. Stone Giants A and B move up.

Enemy Attacks

Fire Giant B attacks Pressi, misses.

Stone Giant B attacks Piggy. Hits AC 29 for 15 damage.

Stone Giant A throws a Rock at Talia. Misses.

Mountain Giant 3 attacks Hobie. Misses.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Succotash Only: Perception check, DC 19 / DC 24/ and DC 36.

"I.. do not know. Our weight has increased nearly 750 lbs, despite the constant expenditure of ammunition.

His attacks on the giants find their mark, and more are smashed beneath the Iron Giant.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Others
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pressi activates true seeing. There is nothing unusual in her field of vision. (Does she have any spells which would detect magical auras in place?)

Bliss readies an attack, but nothing makes it to his side of the giant.

Hobie unleashes a barrage of arrows. Another enemy giant falls in a gurgle.

Kezzems barrage finds home again, and another giant is buried in a large mess of boulders.

------------------------------------

(Dm Note 2: Entrenchment on level 1, passive activity on level 2, passive activity and movement on level 3.)

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d6+4=9 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d20+8=15 ; d6+4=7 ;
Thursday August 29th, 2019 9:29:40 PM
Talia Spies the Mountain...Destruction

Using her perception, {Skill Check: Perception:15 }, Talia casts another Black Tentacles spell eminating from the ground between FG#5 & FG#B.This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 7 points of damages, and are grappled.

Spell length is 13 rounds. The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Black Tentacles | 10 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 9 points of damages, and are grappled.

Spell length is 13- rounds; 11 more rounds. The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Summoned Azata Attack | 2 Rounds remain before he leaves

Wind Bralani Azata...surveying the battle field attacks the new giants with a Lightning Bolt. Starting at the Azata and eminating outward to pierce MG#2, MG#3, & FG#5 takening 20 points of damage, save for half (Reflex).

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 773 minutes
Mage Armor | 773 minutes
Stoneskin | 123 minutes

Bralani Azata STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+12=19 ; d3+12=14 ; d20+19=20 ;
Friday August 30th, 2019 1:59:10 AM
Rumpus moves to protect Pressi. He attacks Fire Giant A (using his smite evil ability).

Attack: 1d20 + 12 = 19.
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 14.

Kezzem meanwhile will keep an eye out for more mountain giants. Not seeing any, he will fire on Fire Giant B.

Attack: 1d20 + 19 = 20. Auto-miss.

"Man, that was a total Greedo-shot there. Hey Candy, if you could blast that cluster of fire giants with your catapults, that would be greaaaaaaaaat."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 85/105 d20+16=24 ; d20+11=27 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d20+13=15 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+13=28 ; d20+26=37 ; d10=7 ; d20+26=28 ; d20+26=36 ; d20+26=36 ; 5d10+18=41 ; 5d10+18=43 ; 4d10+18=44 ; 4d10+18=29 ;
Friday August 30th, 2019 5:22:17 AM
Miss Piggy is thankful for her chainshirt barding which deflects the blow (Her AC is 30, so a 29 barely misses) She takes a five foot step and attempts a full round attack on stone giant B
1st
hits AC 24 for 6+10 piercing and 3 shock damage= 19
2nd
Hits AC 27 for 5+10 piercing and 5 shock damage = 20

Succotash has no idea what is causing the extra weight, perception 15 (please ignore the 2 other d20+13 rolls, mouse got stuck) So gets on the intercom and says, "Madam Gem just told me that the Iron Giant just gained 750lbs. I can't find the source does anyone else see anything?"

He then stomps and slams mountain giant 2 and stone giant A (please ignore lone d10 roll, screen shifted as I was hitting the mouse.)

mountain giant 2
stomp hits AC 37 for 41 damage
slam hits AC 28 for 44 damage

stone giant A
stomp hits AC 36 for 43 damage
slam hits AC 36 for 29 damage

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9 d20+20=38 ; d20+20=23 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+10=15 ; 2d6+22=32 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+22=28 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+22=32 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+22=32 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ;
Friday August 30th, 2019 12:29:25 PM
Hobie uses his Deadly Aim to attack the two stone Giants below him.

Manyshot
Attack = 38
Nonlethal piercing 32, Cold 6, Fire 4 = 42
Nonlethal Piercing 28, Cold 4, Fire 2 = 34

Rapid Shot
Attack = 23
Nonlethal Piercing 32, Cold 4, Fire 1 = 37

Haste
Attack = 22
Nonlethal Piercing 32, Cold 1, Fire 6 = 39
Iterative 1 = Natural 1
Iterative 2= Pretty sure a 15 is a miss.

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 3/10

Elemental Arrow: Cold

Fire Arrows Used 18/50

Spells in effect- Spider Climb, Bears Endurance (55/60 remaining)

===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message, Mage Hand

Level 1
Grease, Burning Hands, Burning Hands, True Strike, Enlarge Person, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Mirror Image, Mirror Image, ***Bear's Endurance***, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Lightning Bolt, ***Lightning Bolt***, Flame Arrow

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+24=44 ;
Friday August 30th, 2019 2:40:28 PM
Pressi is about to fire off a spell at MG3 when Succotash's voice comes over the intercomm. (She still has a hood from when she was firing a catapult and she's still in the shadow of the iron giant.)

(OOC note: in general, I try to metagame/take hints only to the extent that I can reverse engineer what Pressi might observe or reason. In this case, Succotash's warning is the only reason I can think of why she'd ever look for auras, particularly while standing in a ton of spells and magical objects.)

Instead, she fires off a detect magic (Spellcraft Natural 20).

Followed by a suggestion at SGA to start doing jumping jacks. (Will DC 20, hero point used.)

---------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
overland flight
int+4 from gears (inactive)
Lesser Summons (Gerry)
true seeing
detect magic

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

Position: 40/200 ft up

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 1/5+1
L3: 1/5+1
L4: 3/4+1
L5: 1+1/3+1
L6: 1+1/1+1

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d20+8=19 ; d6+4=10 ; d6+4=6 ; d6+4=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ;
Friday August 30th, 2019 11:56:28 PM
Perception, Perception,...Oh! Perceptions!

Using her perception, {Skill Check: Perception:19 }, Talia casts another Telekensis spell prepping for the same round.

Black Tentacles #2 | 12 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 10 points of damages, and are grappled.

Spell length is 13 rounds. The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Black Tentacles #1 | 10 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 6 points of damages, and are grappled.

Spell length is 13- rounds; 11 more rounds. The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Summoned Azata Attack | 1 Rounds remain before he leaves

Wind Bralani Azata...surveying the battle field attacks the new giants with another Lightning Bolt. Starting at the Azata and eminating outward to pierce FG#5, FG#C,takening 21 points of damage, save for half (Reflex).

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 772 minutes
Mage Armor | 772 minutes
Stoneskin | 122 minutes

Bralani Azata STATISTICS

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 15
Base Atk +7; CMB +12; CMD 26
Feats Blind-Fight, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Bluff +12, Fly +22, Handle Animal +12, Perception +15, Ride +14, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +14
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ wind form

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect)
Melee +1 scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+8/18�20) or slam +12 (1d6+7)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +12/+7 (1d8+6/�3)
Special Attacks whirlwind blast
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th)
At Will�blur, charm person (DC 13), gust of wind (DC 14), mirror image, wind wall
2/day�lightning bolt (DC 15), cure serious wounds

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map
Saturday August 31st, 2019 11:50:17 AM
Friday DM Post, delivered late in the Saturday AM.

Succotash asks his friends for help. There's a problem, and he's not able to identify it from his position. Piggy helps fight the stone giant.

Pressi responds by activating detect magic. Her vision is flooded with colors, but the Iron Giant is what she focuses on. While the entire thing radiates magic, there are lingering auras of transmutation and conjuration, both in the air above the iron giant, and near the giants arrow slits at the shoulder level.

Talia, Kezzem, and Hobie continue to suppress the giants wave after wave. As some fall, more replace them. Many seem intent on making it to the tower, but the heroes have formedan impressive zone of physical defense and ranged suppression.

-------------------Giants-----------------------------

Another wave of giants, this time a tribe of Hills, thunders to the field. Two break south from the Ice Storm, worse for the experience.

----------------------------------------------------------

Inside of the Giant, Succotash continues to pilot. He brings the mechanical limbs down on an enemy, pleased with the results. As he looks for a next target, once more he is interrupted.

"Pilot Succotash, are any of your allies on board? Several doors have been opened and closed, using successful passcodes."

---------------------------------------------------------------
DM note 3: Entrenchment on level 1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 - Passive activity on level 2, 2.1, and 2.2 Entrenchment on level 2 and 2.1 Passive activity on level 3 and 3.4

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=38 ;
Saturday August 31st, 2019 1:07:03 PM
Assuming Succotash let's Kezzem know what's going on....

"I'm on it, Succo. If you could open the doors for me, that would be greaaaaaaaat." He hops on the magic carpet and heads inside the giant. "Candy you're in charge up here!"

Kezzem will activate Detect Evil as he goes and concentrate to maintain it.

Perception: 1d20 + 19 = 38.

Carpet of Flying (as overland flight, Speed 40 ft. fly)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 85/105
Saturday August 31st, 2019 2:06:41 PM
Succotash, unable to leave the cockpit to check on the possible intruders himself, gets on the intercom to inform his friends what Madam Gem has told him. He then takes a full round action to summon Miss Piggy to his side and via the intercom he tells her to go check on the intruders. Miss Piggy then runs over to the air lift to descend to the next level. When he he hears Kezzem's response, he tells Miss Piggy via the intercom to follow Kezzem.

OctoBliss HP72/124 AC27 raging | Mookie HP59/59 AC41 full def | Cayzle d20+18=23 ; d8+21=22 ; d6=4 ; d20+13=14 ;
Saturday August 31st, 2019 2:06:54 PM

Bliss is tired of sitting in the back, especially when there are foes ahead. He had run back here to stop a break-out, but it seems to him that he is wasting his time now.

So, OctoBliss schlurps over to the Iron Giant, scales one leg, and moves around to the front of it (move action with cloak of arachnida for climbing expertise, in addition to suckers!) Clinging to the Iron Giant's shin, he triggers his Bramble Armor (free action) and thorny spikes poke out of his Octohide. Then, he starts to glow with arcane energy (Arcane Strike feat, swift action).

He gestures with his tentacles like Morpheus and readies an attack (and an AoO if he gets the chance).

Mookie, who has flown and perched a bit behind his master, caws, "The octopus says 'Calamari and get it!' "
Readied Attack (bite) hits AC23 for 26 nonlethal damage
AoO (tentacle) misses with a natural one!

OctoBliss HP72/124 AC27 raging | Mookie HP59/59 AC41 full def | Cayzle d6+3=7 ;
Saturday August 31st, 2019 2:08:15 PM
Oh, Bramble Armor inflicts 1d6+3 = 7 to attackers.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9 d20+19=37 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+14=20 ; d20+9=22 ; 4d6+22=37 ; 4d6+22=33 ; 4d6+22=37 ; 4d6+22=37 ; 4d6+22=34 ;
Monday September 2nd, 2019 12:44:13 PM
Hobie isn't too worried about Hill Giants, and starts with the ones closest to him. (if these Hill Giants have some sort of weakness or resistance to fire or cold let me know and I'll reroll damage specifically. I'm trying to simplify rolls here.)

Manyshot
Attack = 37
Damage 1= 37
Damage 2 = 33

Rapid Shot
Attack = 21
Damage = 37

Iterative 1
Attack = 20
Damage = 37

Iterative 2
Attack = 22
Damage = 34
===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 3/10

Elemental Arrow: Cold

Fire Arrows Used 13/50

Spells in effect- Spider Climb, Bears Endurance (54/60 remaining)

===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message, Mage Hand

Level 1
Grease, Burning Hands, Burning Hands, True Strike, Enlarge Person, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Mirror Image, Mirror Image, ***Bear's Endurance***, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Lightning Bolt, ***Lightning Bolt***, Flame Arrow

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday September 2nd, 2019 1:03:37 PM
Pressi watches as aura after aura appears, Succotash�s voice rising through.

And she makes a decision right there, that the giant cannot fall in enemy hands. Not even in the name of fixing the tower.

�Succotash, get the giant close to the rest of the army and away from the tower. Kezzem, get Succotash out of there. Tiana, everyone else, time to wrap up.

�Madam Gem, query. How do I activate your self destruct or disable program. Respond. Second query. What happens if someone runs their chain straight through a power gem. Respond.�

Pressi continues with a cast of spectral hand, followed by touch of idiocy.� (Hero point spent)

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20+16=26 ; d20+16=35 ; d8=8 ; d8=2 ;
Monday September 2nd, 2019 9:37:40 PM

As often happens in the field, multiple orders begin to fly among the fighters.

Kezzem and Miss Piggy move to secure the head. Succotash refuses to give up the pilots seat, and gives his mount orders to follow Kezzem.

Bliss and Hobie, seemingly worried about the giants, maintain superiority outside of the giant.

Pressi, unwilling to give up the titan to the enemy, orders a self destruct sequence. Soon, she receives a reply.

"Response one. It simply needs to be ordered, and calculated with the giants current capacities. Response to second query. It's likely the giant would shut down, possibly permanently. There are no tested parameters for such an action."

--------------Giants---------------

One of the Hill Giants takes Bliss's bait, and charges into the reach of the octopus-warrior. It fails to harm the Eldritch Knight, and is now in his melee range. A second one stumbles into his range, and his club connects squarely with the octo-knight. (hits ac 35 for 20 damage.)

Another giant stops and looks around. He's come down with a case of the stupid, but still understands the concept of smash a glowing tower.

Another group, led by the Stone Giant, rushes around the south to angle towards the tower.

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d20+8=25 ; d6+4=10 ; d6+4=8 ;
Monday September 2nd, 2019 10:40:25 PM
The Fight Rages On

Using her perception, {Skill Check: Perception:25 }, having cast Telekensis spell last round, she spills all the alchemical bags from her pockets and haversack in an attempt to Violent Thrust all of the 13 of the items (at fire giants#, FG#3, FG#2, & FG#1) in front on the Iron Giant!

Those Alchemical agents are: four (4) bags as described below:

4 Thunderstones
3 Acid Vials
2 Tanglefoot bags
3 pairs of Smokesticks
3 Alchemist's Fire

Having them all spilled onto the IG's shoulder, Talia will uses her Telekensis spell to pick up everything but the Alchemist's Fire and sent them using Violent Thrust toward the FG!

Black Tentacles #2 | 10 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 10 points of damages, and are grappled.

Spell length is 13 rounds. The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Black Tentacles #1 | 08 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 8 points of damages, and are grappled.

The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 771 minutes
Mage Armor | 771 minutes
Stoneskin | 121 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Monday September 2nd, 2019 11:29:11 PM
With no signs of immediate trouble, Kezzem will summon Rumpus to his side as well.

OctoBliss HP52/124 AC30 raging | Mookie HP59/59 AC41 full def | Cayzle d20+12=17 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+12=21 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+12=18 ; d4+11=12 ; d4+11=13 ; d4+11=14 ; d4+11=13 ; d4+11=12 ; d4+11=14 ; d4+11=14 ; d4+11=12 ; d20+17=30 ; d8+16=18 ; d6=5 ; d20+11=27 ;
Monday September 2nd, 2019 11:54:56 PM

[OOC: In the spirit of talk around the gaming table, I hope this is okay. Bliss does not understand what is going on, but are you saying that Pressi is trying to self-destruct the Iron Giant?!? BEFORE THE TOWER IS REPAIRED??? Wait, wait wait. This is so wrong on many levels. First, WHY?? The giant is not close to being destroyed or taken away is it? Plus Succotash is embedded! I just do not understand! Is there any way Bliss can act on this, or does he remain ignorant?]

Bliss says "Oof!" as he takes a lumpen. He decides to start fighting defensively, and not to use his power attack. That's a net +3 AC -1 attacks, -3 damage (-6 bite damage).

8 tentacles: ACs 17, 18, 22, 19, 21, 15, 15, and 18 ... for 12, 13, 14, 13, 12, 14, 14, 12

1 bite: AC30 for 23 nonlethal damage.

Mookie stays next to Bliss and uses his Aid Another to boost AC ... a roll of 27 boosts Bliss's AC for the first attack against him by +2 to 32.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 85/105 22d8=107 ; d20+16=23 ; 2d6+10=17 ; d6=6 ;
Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 5:07:53 AM
Succotash turns and aims a Divine Thunder at Stone giant 1 and fire giants 4-6, being careful to avoid making contact with the tower. each one takes 107 damage (DC 39 reflex for half). Meanwhile, Miss Piggy waits patiently for Kezzem to summon Rumpus. She is however on guard and has a ready action to attack any threat that may expose it's self. (Hits AC 23 for 17 piercing and 6 shock damage)

Succotash gets on the horn again and says, "I'm not ready to give up yet, the tower is almost repaired, and we still have defenses in the giant!" He then asks Madame Gem if there are any Guardian constructs operational, and if so he asks her to activate them to assist Kezzem, Miss Piggy, and Rumpas.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 135/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 85/105 d3=3 ;
Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 5:08:38 AM
divine thunder recharges in 3 rounds

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 4:45:58 PM
Pressi scoffed back at Bliss. �First, how do you know how close they are to destroying the tower or taking the giant. Second, because who knows what happens when a giant army and whatever casters they work for get ahold of that thing. So you�ll excuse me if I�d like to not cut it too close.

�Especially with these durran giants that won�t stop attacking the tower or losing the ability to attack even if someone tied them up for a courtesan special.�

Pressi fires a contagion at the giant closest to the tower.

�I mean, I don�t even know how they are getting past the giants anti magic field, but it�s not through the back door. And the giants below might as well be constructs... or hypnotized...�

Pressi continues to detect magic on the giant but also the fire giants below.

Gerry and Harper attack any giant they can reach.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+12=29 ;
Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 8:29:02 PM
Some Numbers

---------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
overland flight
int+4 from gears (inactive)
Lesser Summons (Gerry)
true seeing
detect magic

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

Position: 40/200 ft up

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 2/5+1
L3: 2/5+1
L4: 3/4+1
L5: 1+1/3+1
L6: 1+1/1+1

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20+19=28 ; d20+19=28 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+9=16 ;
Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 8:30:59 PM
.SUB POST.

DM KEN FOR HOBIE.

Hobie unleashes a full barrage of arrows at the nearest of the giants. (His DM is fuzzy on the math of his damage multipliers, so he is assuming 2 hits is more than enough to kill a hill giant.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+12=25 ; d6+5=7 ; d6=3 ; d20+7=17 ;
Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 8:33:20 PM
Gerry's Rolls on FG4

Attack Roll 1: 29 (see in other post), crit confirm 25, damage 7 (double if confirm)+bleed+3 good.

Attack Roll 2: 17.

-----------------

Pressi's info - cast contagion on FG6 but keep an eye on which has touch of idiocy (will cast a will spell on him next) (Fort DC 18)

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20=16 ; d20=6 ; d20=15 ; d20=7 ; d20=16 ; d20=9 ; d20=17 ; d20=1 ; d20=14 ; d20=19 ; d20=5 ; d20=15 ; d20=12 ; d6=2 ; d20=2 ; d20=6 ; d20=15 ; d20=18 ; d20=19 ; d20=15 ; d20=17 ; d20=6 ; d20=2 ; d20=14 ; d20=20 ; d20=9 ; d20=12 ; d20=17 ; d20=17 ; d20=16 ; d20=19 ; d20=2 ; d20=3 ; d20=19 ; d20=19 ; d20=13 ; d20=18 ; d20=20 ; d20=5 ; d20=4 ; d20=10 ; d20=3 ; d20=10 ; d20=7 ; d20=1 ; d20=20 ; d20=6 ; d20=16 ; d20=3 ; d20=7 ; d3=3 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+14=30 ; d20+14=34 ; 2d6+4=12 ; 2d6+4=10 ; 2d6+4=11 ; d20+14=27 ; 2d6+4=12 ; 2d6+4=12 ; d3=2 ;
Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 9:32:42 PM

--Outside the Giant--

Talia continues to explore the powers of telekinesis. Her DM assumes she is targeting the ground with all the items, as per the spell each item thrown needs an attack roll, and she gave him none. Only 1 item was a critical failure, and is assumed to miss the spot. The results are 3 stuck giants, one who is deafened, and for the sake of sanity, 5 points of splash damage each.

Bliss is a flurry of tentacles and anguish, like a late night 18+ anime. More of his attacks hit than he would have expected, aided by the sticky goo on the giants. One of them falls from its wounds, bleeding on the ground.

Pressi afflicts the giant closest to the tower, the only one remaining, with a contagion spell. Her DM does not see a listed saving throw, so he is currently assuming a 19 from the giant is enough to succeed. (10+3+5 or 6 stat?)

--Inside the Giant--

Kezzem summons Rumpus to his side.

Succotash and Pressi exchange words. Succotash isn't ready to give it up. They are close to victory, he knows, within 5 minutes, and he isn't ready to abandon all hope. The encompassing mind addresses them both.

"I am required to follow the commands of the acting pilot. Succotash, in case of an emergency, I can meld my consciousness with the tower. The giant will forever lose all function, and I will lose my sense of consciousness and perception. This option requires extreme focus on both my end, and that of the pilot. Please advise in advance."

----------------------------------------------------------------

Enemy Actions.

The door to the pilots room slides open with a deceptively peaceful "swoosh." The doesn't seem to be much in the way of immediate commotion. About the time Kezzem and Succotash would get curious, Kezzem feels a sharp pain in his side, and Miss Piggy squeals in terror! Thick bruises suddenly appear on her flanks, welling with blood.

Kezzem too, feels a sudden impact as he is slammed by an unseen blow to the back of his head.

??? to Miss Piggy.(ff) Hits AC 26 and 28. Ac 28 hit does 12 damage.
??? to Miss Piggy.(ff) Hits AC 16 and 29. Ac 29 hit does 16 damage.
??? to Succotash.(ff) Hits AC 32 and AC 36 (crit confirmed) for 11 damage and 24 damage.
??? does ???. Perception: DC 14.

-Dm Notes:

DM note 4:

Level 1: Passives Complete
Level 1: Entrenchment Complete.

Level 2: Passives Complete.
Level 2: Entrenchment Complete.

Level 3: Passives Complete.
Level 3: Entrenchment on 3.4 and 3.3
Level 3: Combat Engaged.

Level 3: Combat Map: Map of Level 3 Combat

Note to players.

Now that combat is joined inside the giant, please note that your kindly DM is breaking the giant into 3 sectors. The head and legs, the midsection, and the shoulders and head. I will reveal the map to each area as needed.

OctoBliss HP52/124 AC30 raging | Mookie HP59/59 AC41 full def | Cayzle d20+24=32 ;
Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 10:18:30 PM

[OOC Bliss shrugs. Nothing he can do about the Iron Giant right now anyway. He's trying not to die here!]

Bliss looks around to see if there is any relief in sight, any slackening in the oncoming stream of giants.

Perception 32

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 127/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=34 ; d20+19=26 ; d20+19=35 ; d20+14=17 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+9=23 ; d20+9=22 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=5 ; d3=2 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d10+3=13 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+7=9 ; d3+5=7 ; d3+5=7 ; d3+5=8 ;
Tuesday September 3rd, 2019 11:42:19 PM
Perception: 1d20 + 19 = 34.

(I assume those hits are on Kezzem not Succotash, correct?).

----

"Piggy, Rumpus, find them!" Kezzem Quick Draws his daggers and attempts to stab (with Greater Two-Weapon Fighting) back in the general direction that the attack came from. (Let me know if I need to roll miss chances--I would assume 50%)

+1 Frost Returning Dagger

Attack #1: 1d20 + 19 = 26.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 4 + 2 cold = 6.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 14 = 17.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 4 + 4 cold = 8.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 9 = 23.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 3 + 4 cold = 7.

+1 Ruturning Dagger

Attack #1: 1d20 + 19 = 35.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 5.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 14 = 16.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 3.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 9 = 22.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 5.

Two-Weapon Rend: 1d10 + 3 = 13.

Rumpus will attempt to use Scent to locate the invisible attacker.
Perception: 1d20 + 12 = 26.

Rumpus will the either full-attack or move and attack as needed.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 12 = 32. Auto-Hit!
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 12 = 22.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 = 7.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 5 = 7.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 12 = 22.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 = 8.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 7 = 9.
Assuming that one is a miss.

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d20+8=15 ; d6+4=9 ; d6+4=6 ; d6+1=3 ; d6+1=5 ; d6+1=6 ; d6+1=7 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=3 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=3 ;
Wednesday September 4th, 2019 12:23:21 AM
The Dark & Dreary

Using her perception, {Skill Check: Perception:15 },

Those Alchemical agents left are 3 Alchemist's Fire.

Thinking about the FGs below, Talia targets 2x FG#3, 1x FG#3, 1x FG#2, & 1x FG#1 with the Magic Missle Spell! Targeting all five: FG#3 takes 6 points of damage, FG#3 takes 3 points of damage, FG#2 takes 3 points of damage, & FG#1 takes 4 points of damage ! { Please excuse the 1d6+1 rolls...mistake}

Black Tentacles #2 | 9 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 9 points of damages, and are grappled.

Spell length is 13 rounds. The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Black Tentacles #1 | 7 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 6 points of damages, and are grappled.

The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 770 minutes
Mage Armor | 770 minutes
Stoneskin | 120 minutes

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9
Wednesday September 4th, 2019 6:19:45 AM
Does Succotash have any way of communicating whats happening to the rest of the group? If he can and does, Hobie will Dimension Door his way in there. If not, I'll shoot some arrows. I'm gonna give some time for Succer to post before I do.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday September 4th, 2019 9:58:42 AM
(OOC to Hobie: the rest of the team is using hoods from the Iron Giant, similar to how the dwarves and Ix were communicating with each other in the infiltration module. The DM has been handwaving some of the rules, i.e. communicating while flying around the giant, and I'm sure he'll allow Hobie to hear Succotash's voice from a nearby hood.)

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map
Wednesday September 4th, 2019 10:24:46 AM
DM Responses.

Bliss: You are correct, I forgot. Its a fight with a lot of moving parts, my mistake is your gain! The giants stare dumbly at Bliss. There are plenty more giants, but the next wave has to come from a bit away. Your kindly dm gave you a d4 kept secret.

Kezzem: No, There were 6 total attacks, some on your pilot, some on your pig.

Hobie: Melvin is correct. However, it is totally okay to assume that among your magics and abilities, relaying a hoods message is pretty much automatic. However, please note it was explained that the giant is warded against teleports and extra-dimensional travel.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9
Wednesday September 4th, 2019 10:33:14 AM
If the DM allows it, Hobie will grab his cloak and with a flourish he disappears and reappears inside the pilot room near his hurting friends. (Hobie has been spent time there before so he knows the room fairly well and would try to appear one of the rooms corners with his back against the wall. Since he doesn't know exactly where any people are, feel free to stick him in a random corner.)

When he doesn't see his friends' assailant(s), he uses his move action to grab a scroll of See Invisibility from his Handy Haversack.

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 3/10

Elemental Arrow: Cold

Fire Arrows Used 13/50

Spells in effect- Spider Climb, Bears Endurance (54/60 remaining)

===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message, Mage Hand

Level 1
Grease, Burning Hands, Burning Hands, True Strike, Enlarge Person, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Mirror Image, Mirror Image, ***Bear's Endurance***, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Lightning Bolt, ***Lightning Bolt***, Flame Arrow

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9
Wednesday September 4th, 2019 10:34:51 AM
scratch that, the scroll he grabs is not See Invisibility, it's Glitterdust

OctoBliss HP52/124 AC30 raging | Mookie HP59/59 AC38 fighting defensively | Cayzle d20+10=24 ; d20+14=15 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+14=25 ; d20+14=34 ; d20+14=32 ; d20+14=15 ; d20+14=15 ; d20+14=28 ; d4+11=12 ; d4+11=14 ; d4+11=13 ; 2d4+22=28 ; d4+11=13 ; d20+19=38 ; d8+16=18 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday September 4th, 2019 4:35:20 PM

Mookie flaps to flank and then fights defensively to Aid Another ... Mookie gets a 24 to grant Bliss +2 AC (to AC32) vs the first attack against him.

Bliss continues to fight defensively, not power attacking.
==> 8 tentacles (with a +2 flanking bonus at +14 for 1d4+11) hit ACs 24, 15 (nat 1), 16, 25, 34 (crit threat confirmed vs AC32), 15 (nat 1), 15 (nat 1), and 28 ... for damage 12, none, 14, 13, 28 (the crit), none, none, and 13.
==> 1 bite (with a +2 flanking bonus at +19 for 1d8+16+1d6) hit AC38 for 20 nonlethal.

DM Sanity Info:

This is Round FOURTEEN of Bliss fighting and holding his breath in Giant Octopus form. He can hold his breath and fight for 20 rounds before he has to start making drowning/suffocation checks.

Current Effects:
Raging: 14 rounds of 16 per day used
Extended Divine Favor: 14 rounds of 20 used
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 15 rounds of 100 used
Arcane Strike: Renewed each round as a swift action
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)
Threefold Aspect

Mookie:
Philter of Mirror Image: 15 rounds of 30 used [5 images]
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 15 rounds of 100 used
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday September 4th, 2019 4:39:30 PM
HP adjusted

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 100/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 69/105 d20=20 ; d20=15 ; d20=20 ; d20=12 ; d20=18 ; d20=13 ; d10=8 ; d10=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d10=8 ; d10=4 ; d6=2 ; d20=6 ; d10=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d10=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d20+9=16 ; d20=20 ; d20=20 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday September 4th, 2019 5:41:46 PM
Stuck in the cockpit, Succotash clicks his heels together to activate his boots of speed, then lashes out in the direction of his attacker with a full round attack.

Haste
Natural 20 (15+23(str, Bab, ect)-4(invisible)=34 to confirm) for 8+6+10=24 if confirmed, 18 if not +7 holy
1st attack
Natural 20 (12+23-4=31 to confirm) for 8+4+10=22 if confirmed, 18 if not +8 holy
2nd attack
18+18-4=32 for 4+10=14+7 holy
3rd attack
13+13-4=22 for 2+10=12+3 holy

Miss Piggy uses her sent to try to find her attacker (perception 16) and then tries to lash our at it

natural 20,(20+16=36 to confirm) for 1+6+10=17+3 shock

Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 3/3
2nd Level:
Bull�s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 2/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 1/1
4th Level:
Restoration

Lay of Hands 10/10
Smite Evil 5/5
Summon Mount 3/3
Boots of Speed 10/10

Miss Piggy Stuff
Active Spells:
Elemental Resistance: fire
DR 5/evil
Energy Resistance 5: Cold, Acid, and Electricity
60ft Darkvision
Lowlight Vision
Smite Evil 1/1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday September 4th, 2019 6:20:55 PM
Pressi turns her attention towards the idiot made giant and casts suggestion (will DC 20).

�You know what this world needs before the tower falls? The giant next to you needs a hug. I mean, look at the guy.�

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20=20 ; d100=61 ; d100=72 ; d100=89 ; d20=9 ; d20+14=22 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+14=21 ; d20=13 ; 2d8+2=5 ; d100=41 ; d100=5 ; d100=14 ; d100=3 ; d100=79 ; d100=18 ; d100=37 ; d20+17=28 ; d20+17=33 ; 2d6+4=15 ; 2d6+4=11 ; d20+15=26 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+15=35 ; d20+15=34 ; d20+15=19 ; 2d6+4=8 ; 2d6+4=11 ;
Wednesday September 4th, 2019 8:34:16 PM

---Outside the Giant---

Bliss mauls another giant, with Mookies help. He is return attacked, but the giants miss and their clubs thud against the hull of the Iron Giant.

Talia singes the giants with magical bolts. Her constant pestering seems to have caught the eye of a giant, which begins fingering a bag of boulders around its waist.

Pressi's idiot fails his save, and tries to grapple his nearbye companion. The DM feels that the companion would be unprepared for this, and has made it flat flooted. Giants 2 and 3 are grappled.

The Stone Giant waves off the tentacles, and begins wailing on the tower for 17 damage.

----Inside the Giant----

Hobie cannot Dimension Door into the Giant. The whole thing is warded against teleportations and conjurations, as his DM noted above. The DM will make a climb check for Hobie, which resulted in a natural 20. Hobie is able to climb in through a window in the cockpit, which is something the DM has handwaived as "probable as not" for this encounter. This is only a move action, since Hobie has Spider Climb up. Hobie has retrieved a glitterdust scroll.

Succotash presumably abandons his pilots chair/station and climbs to his feet. The DM decides that Succotash doesn't really count as being prone, and so no AoO's are provoked. (It looks like you made 4 attacks but labeled 3?)

Per CRB Page 563: "... If an invisible creature strikes a character, the character struck knows the exact location of the creature that struck him ..."

Succotash is surprised to find himself attack upwards towards the ceiling! His attacks suffer a 50% miss chance. His DM always says higher is better, so all three attacks hit. Miss Piggy attacks where she was hit from, above her as well, but comes up empty handed.

Kezzem, not having been hit, did decide he would rely on his companions to find them. Rumpus finds the enemy easily enough, and gores at the air above her! She seems confused however, when she feels no foe. (Pinpointing a creature does not negate the miss chance. It just means she doesnt have to get hit to find it.)

Kezzem attacks more or less the same space as Piggy. He feels his second slice meet resistance.

Three unknown enemies fight back!

??? 3: continues to attack Succotash. He is hit on AC's 28 and 33, and he is flat footed. He takes 15 and 11 damage.

??? 1: continues to attack Succotash. He feels two heavy thuds on his armor, but otherwise takes no damage.

???2: continues to attack Piggy. She is crit and confirmed on AC 34, and takes 19 total damage.

??? ?: chants a spell from outside of the room. Soon after, the cockpit descends into total and complete darkness.

--------COMBAT SANITY--------------

DM Note for our Paladins: None of the combatants in this room are of evil alignment.
DM Note: Invisible enemies may have moved! since the most recent pinpoint listed above!
DM Note: In battle, it is a perception check DC 25 to pinpoint an enemy inside of the head. Scent works as listed, ie a move action to pinpoint an enemy within the head.

??? 1: 68 Damage - Last located above Rumpus, attacking Succotash.
??? 2: 8 damage- Last located above Piggy, attacking Piggy.
??? 3: - Last located above Kezzem, attacking Succotash.

All players in the head: Perception DC 15: If successful, you hear spellcasting from outside the door. Sadly, none have line of sight to the caster, which prevents spellcraft checks. The effect however, is an immediate and obvious darkness flooding the room.

All players in the head: Head Combat Map

Feel free to move yourselves, but understand you might have Aoos on you.

To Hobie: Your kindly DM isn't trying to screw over your glitterdust scroll. He is following a scripted combat plan. Hobie knows that glitterdust won't help much unless the darkness spell is removed. Your DM had to think about this one, but settled it this way. If he were rolled in glitter, he would sparkle. Turn out the lights in a dark room, and glitter or not, you couldn't find him.

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d20+8=22 ; d6+4=5 ; d6+4=10 ; d20+8=14 ; 2d4=3 ;
Wednesday September 4th, 2019 8:54:18 PM
Once upon a...

Using perception, {Skill Check: Perception:22},

With the Spectral Hand stil floating about, Talia will cast "Acid Arrow" onto FG#1. Melee touch attack(+6 +2) to hit = 14 damage = 3 damage for another 4 rounds.

Black Tentacles #2 | 8 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 5 points of damages, and are grappled.

Spell length is 13 rounds. The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Black Tentacles #1 | 6 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 10 points of damages, and are grappled.

The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Spells in Effect | 3 rounds into the next minute

Overland Flight | 777 minutes
Mage Armor | 777 minutes
Stoneskin | 127 minutes

Spectral Hand | 12 Minutes

The hand is incorporeal and thus cannot be harmed by normal weapons. It has improved evasion (half damage on a failed Reflex save and no damage on a successful save), your save bonuses, and an AC of 22 (+8 size, +4 natural armor). Your Intelligence modifier applies to the hand�s AC as if it were the hand�s Dexterity modifier. The hand has 1 to 4 hit points, the same number that you lost in creating it.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+12=17 ; d3+5=7 ; d20+19=21 ; 2d8+8=14 ; d8=3 ; d8=2 ;
Wednesday September 4th, 2019 11:33:49 PM
Rumpus will attempt to Scent the enemy again (move action), and if there is a target within range, will attack with his hooves (standard action). If there is no enemy within range, Rumpus will move towards the nearest enemy.

Attack: 1d20 + 12 = 17.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 = 7.

"Hey, who turned out the lights?" asks Kezzem as the room is wrapped in darkness. He attempts to pinpoint an invisible foe.

Perception: 1d20 + 19 = 21. Fail.

"Well they can't see us either at least, but I still can't see them. Throwing daggers randomly might not be the best plan. Maybe I can detect-evil them?"

Kezzem will attempt Detect Evil (move action).

"Well, not evil so probably not undead. Better not to a burst channel then."

He uses a standard action to cast Cure Moderate Wounds on Succotash.

Healing: 2d8 + 8 = 14.

"Wait, did I say all that aloud? I better stop talking so the bad guys won't know where I am."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday September 4th, 2019 11:34:48 PM
-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (3 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (1 cast)

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day (used)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+8=22 ; d20+14=17 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2019 9:57:35 AM
As the black tentacles shake and shiver, a black nose begins to poke through. Harper, she of high speed and decent CMD, decides to try to make her way through. (Double move over difficult terrain.)

Tail wagging and eyes slotted, she lets out a low growl (Intimidate 22). Slowly, she circles, moving around the giant until she is almost near the tower. Almost as if she was getting into position.

With a whirr, longsword drawn, Gerry bursts through the tentacles, reaching the stone giant on the other side.

(Attack Roll 17)

Harper chooses to start growling at Gerry.

OctoBliss HP52/124 AC30 raging | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+16=32 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+13=22 ; d4+4=5 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=5 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+15=23 ; d20+15=21 ; d20+15=29 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=31 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=15 ; d20+20=37 ; d8+22=30 ; d6=6 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2019 10:22:27 AM

Bliss bloops over five feet as Mookie flies around to flank. In his penultimate round of focused attacks [OOC: That's how Bliss considers/reskins his barbarian rage power], Bliss resolves to make the most of it and let the clubs fall where they may. Bliss sends a telempathic pulse to his old friend. "GO! FIGHT! WIN!" sends OctoBliss to Mookie.

Mookie caws and laughs. "I'm off the leash, stupid giants!" he cries. Flanking, Mookie attacks a giant with a beak and two talons. He hits ACs 32, 21, and 22 for 5, 5, and 5. Note that Mookie's AC drops to 37 and he has five mirror images. "I gotta get some damage buffs," mutters Mookie.

Bliss himself attacks, and his AC drops to 27 since he is using power attacks but not fighting defensively. Thus his attacks are ... +9BAB +9Str +3 divine favor +1 amulet +2 flanking -3 power attack -1 size = +20 on a bite, that is, +15 with tentacles, since they are secondary attacks.

As he does every round, Bliss activates his Arcane Strike as a swift action for +3 damage.

Tentacles hit ACs 17, miss with a nat 1, 24, 23, 21, 29, 18, and 31; for 17. --, 17, 17, 15, 17, 17, and 15.

Bite hits AC37 for 36 nonlethal.

DM Sanity Info:

This is Round FIFTEEN of Bliss fighting and holding his breath in Giant Octopus form. He can hold his breath and fight for 20 rounds before he has to start making drowning/suffocation checks.

Current Effects:
Raging: 15 rounds of 16 per day used
Extended Divine Favor: 15 rounds of 20 used
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 16 rounds of 100 used
Arcane Strike: Renewed each round as a swift action
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)
Threefold Aspect

Mookie:
Philter of Mirror Image: 16 rounds of 30 used [5 images]
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 16 rounds of 100 used
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday September 5th, 2019 1:01:04 PM
Pressi tries to decide whether to back up Succotash or keep attacking the giants. But with a stone giant about to smash the tower, she decides she needs to end this now.

Flying over the black tentacles, she looks down at the stone giant below and focuses.

Suffocation (DC 20).

---------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
overland flight
int+4 from gears (inactive)
Lesser Summons (Gerry)
true seeing
detect magic

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

Position: 40/200 ft up

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 2/5+1
L3: 3/5+1
L4: 3/4+1
L5: 2+1/3+1
L6: 1+1/1+1

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 100/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 69/105 d20+15=20 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+11=24 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2019 6:07:09 PM
Succotash attempts to cast dispel magic on the darkness defensibly to avoid an attack of opportunity, Rolled a 20, need a 21. Rolled a 27 for the dispel, (27 and 20 concentration check if he takes damage from AOOs) so assuming the spell goes off, the darkness should be dispelled. Meanwhile, Miss Piggy will full round attack the creature that hit her

1st attack
Hits AC 25 for 17+4 shock
2nd attack
Hits AC 24 for 19+3 shock

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 74/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 50/105
Thursday September 5th, 2019 6:11:12 PM
Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 3/3
2nd Level:
Bull�s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 2/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 0/1
4th Level:
Restoration

Lay of Hands 10/10
Smite Evil 5/5
Summon Mount 2/3
Boots of Speed 9/10

Miss Piggy Stuff
Active Spells:
Elemental Resistance: fire
DR 5/evil
Energy Resistance 5: Cold, Acid, and Electricity
60ft Darkvision
Lowlight Vision
Smite Evil 1/1

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20+12=16 ; d20+12=31 ; 2d8+10=19 ; d20+10=24 ; d100=3 ; d100=88 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+25=39 ; d20+25=37 ; 2d6+4=12 ; 2d6+4=7 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+20=25 ; d8+10=13 ; d6=2 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2019 10:22:55 PM
(Sorry Nick! Waited for that Hobie post!)

---Outside the Giant---

Talia continues her harassment of the giants. Its skin crackles and pops.
Pressi sends Gerri (please tell your DM who Gerri is? Its a thing that happened while I was away I think.)
Bliss and Mookie work together in tandem, happily spouting nonsense and pulling a hill giant into pieces.
Pressi isn't messing around with the Stone Giant. It starts to immediately suffocate in the first round of the spell. If it fails its next fortitude save, it falls unconscious.

The remaining two giants are suddenly left free to make targeting decisions. One, considerably more stupid than normal, attacks Bliss, since he is closest. It hits AC 31 for 19 damage.

The second throws a boulder at Talia, but misses.

-----Inside of the Giant-----

Rumpus finds her foe, but comes up with nothing on her attack. Kezzem lays hands on himself.

Succotash casts defensively, but fails. Since he failed, he loses the spell. He does not incur any attacks of opportunity. Miss Piggy has some success in defending herself, and hits her enemy once.

Hobie uses a scroll of Glitterdust. All four enemies will be glittery, but saved vs blindness.

???1: slams down on Succotash's armor twice, but to no effect.
???3: also crashes into Succotash, hitting AC's 39 and 37 for 12 and 7 damage.
???2: attacks Piggy again, but her hide is too touch.

???!: crashes into the room, and heavy armor thuds through the darkness. Moments later, Kezzem feels a heavy lump of metal crash into his shoulder. Hits FF ac of 25 for 13 damage and 2 fire damage.

--------COMBAT SANITY--------------

DM Note for our Paladins: None of the combatants in this room are of evil alignment.
DM Note: Invisible enemies may have moved! since the most recent pinpoint listed above!
DM Note: In battle, it is a perception check DC 25 to pinpoint an enemy inside of the head. Scent works as listed, ie a move action to pinpoint an enemy within the head.
DM Note: Enemies with Darkvision can still operate in magical Darkness. Please let me know if you mount or companion has it.

??? 1: 68 Damage - Last located above Rumpus, attacking Succotash.
??? 2: 25 damage- Last located above Piggy, attacking Piggy.
??? 3: - Last located above Kezzem, attacking Succotash.

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d6+4=10 ; d6+4=5 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+9=18 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ;
Thursday September 5th, 2019 10:49:46 PM
Once upon a popping / shocking FireGiant

Using perception, {Skill Check: Perception:23},

With the Spectral Hand stil floating about, Talia will cast "Shocking Grasp" onto FG#1 using the Spectral Hand. Melee touch attack(+6 +3**) to hit =18 | Damage = 19 points.

** {Your successful melee touch attack deals 1d6 points of electricity damage per caster level (maximum 5d6). When delivering the jolt, you gain a +3 bonus on attack rolls if the opponent is wearing metal armor (or is carrying a metal weapon or is made of metal).}

Black Tentacles #2 | 7 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 10 points of damages, and are grappled.

Spell length is 13 rounds. The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Black Tentacles #1 | 5 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 5 points of damages, and are grappled.

The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Spells in Effect | 4 rounds into the next minute

Overland Flight | 777 minutes
Mage Armor | 777 minutes
Stoneskin | 127 minutes

Spectral Hand | 12 Minutes

The hand is incorporeal and thus cannot be harmed by normal weapons. It has improved evasion (half damage on a failed Reflex save and no damage on a successful save), your save bonuses, and an AC of 22 (+8 size, +4 natural armor). Your Intelligence modifier applies to the hand�s AC as if it were the hand�s Dexterity modifier. The hand has 1 to 4 hit points, the same number that you lost in creating it.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9
Friday September 6th, 2019 12:35:47 AM
(sorry I forgot to post, I caught my wife's sickness and just forgot to get a sub. I wanted to have Hobie cast glitterdust and make these invisible guys all sparkly)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9
Friday September 6th, 2019 12:37:40 AM
then I would cast light to try to counteract the darkness

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9 d20+6=26 ;
Friday September 6th, 2019 3:48:54 AM
ooc: Okay, sorry I was out of it from being sick but I'm more or less here now, I understand all about the glitterdust and the darkness, it makes sense. Hobie still would have cast the glitterdust last round, and then disregard casting Light, Hobie is a wizard and would know that won't work.

Hobie reaches back into his bag and pulls out another scroll. He targets the darkness spell and casts Dispel Magic. He really feels like he nailed it (Nat 20 for a 26 against DC 11+ spell's Caster Level), and hopefully his friends can now see glittery assailants.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9
Friday September 6th, 2019 4:03:54 AM
ooc: Also, I'm having trouble finding where on the wiki it describes what we can do with Hero Points, I think I remember we can get an extra action by spending one, is that true? If so(and if you'll allow this particular action), Hobie spends one to do the following.

After dispelling (or attempting to dispel) the darkness, Hobie uses his Cape of the Mountebank to dimension door himself out into the hallway where he heard the spell being cast

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20+15=25 2d6(2+6)+4=12
Friday September 6th, 2019 11:02:46 AM
All Players, please see edits to the above, made in retcon of Hobies actions.

As a result, all players must save DC vs Fort DC 13 or be blinded.

Also, since Hobie is first in initiative order by virtue of posting first, I'll be revealing the head map.

Knowledge Planes DC 22 to identify the attackers.

Hobie takes a AoO for 12 damage, hitting is FF AC.

DM Note: The AoO comes from the necessary movement Hobie would have needed to back away from the darkness radius, to read his scrolls.

Just assumed he scrambled out and away outside, then used his scrolls, then moved back in and used his cape.

Can't read a scroll in the dark.

----------Also Added---------

Hobie Dim Doors into the hallway. Its a safe assumption the spell he heard came from the dwarf in armor swinging a flaming mace around.

Hobie: Perception, DC 19

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 157/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=31 ; d20+19=30 ; d20+19=23 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+14=30 ; d20+9=23 ; d20+9=18 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d10+3=5 ; d20+12=13 ;
Friday September 6th, 2019 11:06:32 AM
"Can someone make this invisible things visible?" asks Kezzem. "I'm tired of playing Marco Polo with daggers!"

Kezzem attempts to pinpoint the nearest invisible creature (probably the one that hit him).

Perception: 1d20 + 19 = 31.

He will then make full attacks with his daggers (I'm assuming it's in melee range; if it is in range, only the first attack with each magic daggers are magic, the rest will be with mundane daggers; also, if using range, Kezzem will not benefit from Two-Weapon Rend).

+1 Frost Returning Dagger:

Attack #1: 1d20 + 19 = 30.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 4 + 5 cold = 9.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 14 = 26.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 4 + 4 cold = 8.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 9 = 23.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 3 + 1 cold = 4.

+1 Returning Dagger:

Attack #1: 1d20 + 19 = 23.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 4.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 14 = 30.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 3.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 9 = 18.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 4.

Two-Weapon Rend: 1d10 + 3 = 5.

Rumpus will once against attempt to scent an opponent, and either move or attack as needed.

Attack: 1d20 + 12 = 13 (natural 1). Miss.

OctoBliss HP42/134 AC28 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+16=34 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+13=16 ; d4+4=7 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=2 ; d20+15=30 ; d20+15=28 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=29 ; d20+15=33 ; d20+15=24 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=16 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+14=18 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=17 ; d20+20=22 ; d8+22=23 ; d6=6 ; d8=6 ; d8=8 ; d8=1 ; d8=6 ; d8=2 ; d8=6 ;
Friday September 6th, 2019 11:45:34 AM

Assuming Bliss outside the Giant does not need to save vs blindness.

This is Bliss's last round of focused fighting, so he makes the most of it. Mookie moves to flank again.

Mookie hits ACs 34, 20, and 16 for 7, 2, and 2.

Bliss's tentacles hit ACs 30, 28, 31, miss, 18, 29, 33, and 24 for 17, 17, 16, --, 15, 18, 17, and 17.

Bliss's bite hits AC22 for 29 nonlethal.

THEN Bliss ends his rage. He takes 26 damage, bringing him to 7. He uses a hero point for an extra action to breathe life back into himself (Witch Life & Death ability, SLA can be used as an octopus!). He cures himself 37 points, bringing himself to 42 total.

[OOC: Going over all this, it seems possible that I overestimated my AC and underestimated my HP ... pretty sure it is right now, and figuring it all works out in the wash.]

DM Sanity Info:

This is Round SIXTEEN of Bliss fighting and holding his breath in Giant Octopus form. He can hold his breath and fight for 20 rounds before he has to start making drowning/suffocation checks.

Current Effects:
Raging: 16 rounds of 16 per day used = over, FATIGUED
Extended Divine Favor: 16 rounds of 20 used
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 17 rounds of 100 used
Arcane Strike: Renewed each round as a swift action
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)
Threefold Aspect
ONE hero point used!
Life/Death - Life used

Mookie:
Philter of Mirror Image: 17 rounds of 30 used [5 images]
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 17 rounds of 100 used
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday September 6th, 2019 12:06:42 PM
(OOC: Gerry is Pressi's Lesser Immortal Summons (from the 5th level Wold spell)(see her sheet but its essentially a modified Graven Guardian summons, as allowed in the PTB. Anyway, someone removed it from the map, but I meanwhile forgot how long he can exist, or how many minutes have passed since the last fight.)

If Pressi can use hero points to regain a 6th level spell slot, she activates word of recall, beaming herself directly into the head (allowed to setup by Carl).

Otherwise, she flies double time for the nearest opening in the iron giant.

Harper continues to watch the suffocating giant carefully, hissing before swatting at him.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9 d20+20=28 ; d20+10=24 ;
Friday September 6th, 2019 2:28:15 PM
Perception =28
Knowledge Planes = 24

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 83/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 76/105 d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d20+14=30 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+16=36 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+11=19 ; d20+11=25 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ;
Friday September 6th, 2019 5:53:04 PM
Succotash's save verse blindness 30 (pass), Miss Piggy's 13 (pass barely)

Succotash selectively channels positive energy healing all his allies within 30 ft of him 26 hp. With Hobie's glitterdust in affect, Miss Piggy's Darkvision kicks in allowing her to see her assailants clearly. She lashes out in a full round attack against #1

1st attack
Natural 20, confirmed with a natural 20 for 35 piercing, and 1 shock

2nd attack
hits AC 19 for 16 piercing and 1 shock

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 83/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 76/105
Friday September 6th, 2019 5:54:07 PM
Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 3/3
2nd Level:
Bull�s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 2/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 0/1
4th Level:
Restoration

Lay of Hands 8/10
Smite Evil 5/5
Summon Mount 2/3
Boots of Speed 9/10

Miss Piggy Stuff

DR 5/evil
Energy Resistance 5: Cold, Acid, and Electricity
60ft Darkvision
Lowlight Vision
Smite Evil 1/1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday September 6th, 2019 7:32:43 PM
Pressi flies triple time back to the giant (hero point for extra move action).

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20=8 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d20+21=39 ; d20+21=27 ; d20+16=35 ; d8+10=15 ; d8+10=18 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d20+15=25 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+15=27 ;
Saturday September 7th, 2019 12:31:15 AM

---Outside the Giant---

Talia once more deals damage to the same hill giant! (Her DM has been applying her damage to the new maps.) Angry, it stutters forward, then falls on its face.
Pressihightails it to the head entrance of the giant. Harper swats the stone giant, which has fallen unconscious.If it fails its next fortitude save, it dies.
Bliss and Mookie are out of enemies, and he takes a moment to heal himself.

There are shouts from giants some small distance away, but it looks like the party has a moment or two before reinforcements arrive.

**Reinforcements will arrive in 3 rounds-**

Finally, as if to break the sudden peace, the door to the heel of the Iron Giant flies open, from the inside. Nothing comes out.

-----Inside of the Giant-----

When the darkness is dispelled, those up top find themselves in a swirling melee. Three glittery elementals, Invisible Stalkers to those who recognize them, are flying above the halflings. A stout dwarven female, whose shield is emblazoned with the holy symbol of Scald, curses as her strategy is ruined by a simple dispel scroll.

Hobie: dispels the darkness. He also hears many sounds coming from below, down the hatch below him. He hears what sounds like spellcasting, but without line of sight, cannot identify the spell.

Kezzem finds himself engaged with one of the elementals. His daggers do good work, and wispy bits of the creature go flying.

Succotash heals his friends for 26hp. Miss Piggy hooks her tusks into an invisible stalker, and pulls it by down to the floor. Dead, it vanishes back to its own plane.

--------Enemy Actions---------------

Ketia continues to swing her weapon, beating down on Succotash. She is literally on fire, covered by thin blue flames.

"You come like thieves in the night to steal our Iron Giant, now we come to reclaim it! Scald will not be denied his prize!"

She snaps at the last two stalkers.

"The pilot, get the pilot!"

She lays into Succotash with uncanny speed, hitting him on AC 39,27, and 35. Two of those beat his AC of 29, and she deals a total of 37 damage.

The two now-visible stalkers follow orders, slamming into Succotash, but they fail to hurt him. With his ability to dodge foes back in place, he escapes their attacks.

--------COMBAT SANITY--------------

DM Note for our Paladins: None of the combatants in this room are of evil alignment.
DM Note: Invisible enemies may have moved! since the most recent pinpoint listed above!
DM Note: In battle, it is a perception check DC 25 to pinpoint an enemy inside of the head. Scent works as listed, ie a move action to pinpoint an enemy within the head.
DM Note: Enemies with Darkvision can still operate in magical Darkness. Please let me know if you mount or companion has it.

Invis Stalker 1: Dead
Invis Stalker 2: 25 damage.
Invis Stalker 3: 33 damage.

Ketia, Devout of Scald: (Multiple glowing auras, covered in flames, weapon flaming)
AC: ???

???: Downstairs.
??? - ????: Downstairs.
???: Downstairs.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 66/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 76/105 d20=15 ; d20=12 ; d20=17 ; d20=6 ; d20=16 ; d10=1 ; d10=10 ; d10=1 ; d10=3 ; d10=8 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d20=18 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d20=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ;
Sunday September 8th, 2019 11:33:07 AM
Angered by the accusation of being a thief, Succotash fires back a retort, "I'm no thief, but if you don't surrender, Twinklesting is going to steal your life!" He then clicks his heals together again, activating his boots of speed as a free action, and attempts a full round attack on the she dwarf, followed by a lay of hands as a swift action on himself, healing 20 damage. At the same time, Miss Piggy does a full round attack on #3

Succotash
Hasted Attack
15+23=38 for 1+10=11 slashing

1st attack
12+23=35 for 10+10=20 slashing

2nd attack
17+18=35(possible crit, 6+18=24 to confirm) for 1+3+20=24 slashing if confirmed, or 11 slashing if not

3rd attack
16+13=29 for 8+10=18 slashing

Miss Piggy
1st attack
18+16=34 for 2+10=12 piercing+2 shock

2nd attack
2+11=13 for 3 piercing+6 shock

Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 3/3
2nd Level:
Bull�s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 2/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 0/1
4th Level:
Restoration

Lay of Hands 7/10
Smite Evil 5/5
Summon Mount 2/3
Boots of Speed 8/10

Miss Piggy Stuff

DR 5/evil
Energy Resistance 5: Cold, Acid, and Electricity
60ft Darkvision
Lowlight Vision
Smite Evil 1/1

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+12=13 ; d20+12=21 ; d20+12=22 ; d3+5=6 ; d3+5=6 ; d20+19=20 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+19=22 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+14=31 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d10+3=9 ; d10+3=6 ;
Sunday September 8th, 2019 11:32:26 PM
Rumpus full attacks "Visible" Stalker 2.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 12 = 13. Auto-miss.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 12 = 21.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 = 6.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 12 = 22.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 = 6.

Kezzem will full attack "Visible" Stalker #3. Any additional attacks get redirected to the dwarf.

+1 Frost Returning Dagger
Attack #1: 1d20 + 19 = 20. Auto-miss.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 14 = 29.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 3 + 3 = 6.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 9 = 24.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 4 + 6 = 10.

+1 Returning Dagger
Attack #1: 1d20 + 19 = 22.
Damage: 1d3 + 3 = 5.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 14 = 16.
Damage: 1d3 + 3 = 3.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 9 = 31.
Damage: 1d3 + 3 = 5.

Two-Weapon Rend on "Visibile Stalker 3" (if applicable): 1d10 + 3 = 9.
Two-Weapon Rend on Dwarf (if applicable): 1d10 + 3 = 6.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9 d20+25=36 ; 2d6+14=20 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; 5d4=10 ;
Monday September 9th, 2019 2:30:28 PM
Hobie will follow the sound of the spell caster below him, walking down the wall through the hatch below him, and if he sees any enemy, he'll fire a single arrow imbued with the Burning Hands spell

Arrow hits AC 36
Nonlethal Piercing 20, Cold 1, Fire 2 = 23

Target and anyone in 15 ft cone takes 10 fire damage, reflex DC 15 for half

ooc: Tomorrow I'll be flying to Venice, If the next DM post is up by like 2 AM eastern time Tuesday then I should be able to make my next post from the airport on the way, but if not, I will probably need a sub. Then i'll be in Italy for a week and I should be able to post at nights from the hotel but they will be short

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday September 9th, 2019 3:07:16 PM
Unless Pressi sees any other doorways, she continues to fly her way up to the catapult shoulder and should reach the cockpit next round.

OctoBliss HP42/134 AC28 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday September 9th, 2019 3:30:51 PM

Bliss could use a boost. He has been downing giants left and right with nonlethal damage. He searches now for one that is unconscious.

Mookie attacks this giant to bring him or her into the negatives. Then Bliss uses the Death half of his witchy Life and Death power to cast Death Knell as an SLA. That's a will save DC16 to gain 1d8 temporary hit points per target hit die, for 10 minutes per target hit die.

Note that Bliss is now fatigued and not raging.

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d20+8=23 ; d6+4=7 ; d6+4=7 ;
Monday September 9th, 2019 11:47:49 PM
The Eye of the Giant Storm

Lady Talia quickly look saround as the battle grows still. {Perception Check = 23}

Black Tentacles #2 | 6 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 7 points of damages, and are grappled.

Spell length is 13 rounds. The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Black Tentacles #1 | 4 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 7 points of damages, and are grappled.

The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Spells in Effect | 5 rounds into the next minute

Overland Flight | 777 minutes
Mage Armor | 777 minutes
Stoneskin | 127 minutes

Spectral Hand | 12 Minutes

The hand is incorporeal and thus cannot be harmed by normal weapons. It has improved evasion (half damage on a failed Reflex save and no damage on a successful save), your save bonuses, and an AC of 22 (+8 size, +4 natural armor). Your Intelligence modifier applies to the hand�s AC as if it were the hand�s Dexterity modifier. The hand has 1 to 4 hit points, the same number that you lost in creating it.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 66/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 76/105
Tuesday September 10th, 2019 5:22:03 AM
Succotash has a thought, then asks, "Madame Gem, Do we have an update on the time the tower will be finished, and is Tiana OK?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday September 10th, 2019 2:52:59 PM
As Pressi continues to fly, she asks Madam Gem what is going on.

After getting an answer, Pressi tells Madam Gem the birth date of Murphy. "From now until I provide the code again, I want a lock on all functionality within the Iron Giant. This thing does not move a centimeter without that code in my voice. Be sure to let the invader know that killing me might not be advisable."

Continuing to fly, "Seems like a discussion that could have waited until tomorrow if you ask me."

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map
Tuesday September 10th, 2019 7:54:58 PM
[DM Placeholder.]

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20=17 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d4+1=2 ; d20=3 ; d20=2 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+15=22 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+15=29 ; 2d6+4=10 ; d20+3=10 ; d20+3=15 ;
Tuesday September 10th, 2019 8:31:29 PM

---Outside the Giant---

Talia observes the battlefield. Giants are still coming, but their group is still some ways away.
Pressi continues flying through the catapult entrance. She asks Madam Gem for the situation and gives some demands.

"Pilot Pressi, please be aware I do not have full sensory detail at this time. Doors are opening, with proper clearance, on multiple levels, notably the heel entrance, the mid-heart engines, and the pilots room.

Please be advised that if another completes the piloting link, I cannot disobey their commands. Further, I believe pilot Succotash has just fallen unconscious.

Tiana has not reported any current aggressors."

Bliss and Mookie try to drink a foe dry, but the stubborn giant passes his will save and the effect is negated.

**Reinforcements will arrive in 2 rounds-**

The door to the iron giant remains open, and an eerie darkness seeps from its entrance.

-----Inside of the Giant-----

Succotash unleashes holy fury on his enemy, slashing the she-dwarf over and over. She screams with each cut, but the wispy flames harm Succotash greatly with each strike. The flaming aura deals 70 damage back to Succotash!.

As he loses consciousness, his query is answered. "Three minutes until full integration. Reminder, I can fuse to the tower instantly, but I will be lost in the process, and the giant will no longer function."

Hobie: descends down a level. He arrives just in time to see two creatures, both hideous center torsos covered in eye stalks, float up to his level. He sends his arrow towards them, and each are burned by the flaming attack.

Kezzem and his Companion: Each do considerable damage to the invisible stalkers.

--------Enemy Actions---------------

Ketia: With Succotash downed, she takes a step back and casts a healing spell on herself. (Spellcraft DC 21: Heal) The damage inflicted by the paladin vanishes to nothing. She sneers.

"Next?"

She yells at the stalkers.

"Get this one out of my way!"

StalkersThis time the stalkers adjust to come after Kezzem, but only one attack finds hold. It hits Kezzem on AC 31 for 10 damage.

Beholders: The gurgling creatures eyestalks quiver, and beams of light streak at Hobie. One flies wide, and one narrowly misses.

???: Hobie hears the sounds of spellcasting from within his current room, but no enemies are revealed. Suddenly he finds himself within a strange mist. Hobie must make a will save DC 22 or take a -10 penalty to will saves and wisdom checks.

--------COMBAT SANITY--------------

DM Note for our Paladins: None of the combatants in this room are of evil alignment.
DM Note: Invisible enemies are currently visible!
DM Note: In battle, it is a perception check DC 25 to pinpoint an enemy inside of the head. Scent works as listed, ie a move action to pinpoint an enemy within the head.
DM Note: Enemies with Darkvision can still operate in magical Darkness. Please let me know if you mount or companion has it.

Invis Stalker 1: Dead
Invis Stalker 2:63 damage.
Invis Stalker 3: 45 damage.

Ketia, Devout of Scald: (Multiple glowing auras, covered in flames, weapon flaming)
AC: 28 - 0 Damage.

2 Beholders: Downstairs.
??? - ????: Further Downstairs.
???: Even Further Downstairs.

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map
Tuesday September 10th, 2019 8:35:52 PM
Head Map

Hobie: Treat that middle section as if you were a level down. It's identical.

OctoBliss HP42/134 AC28 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday September 10th, 2019 10:31:52 PM

Almost out of air, Bliss needs to end his polymorph. That's a standard action to dismiss.

He wonders what is going on in the iron giant.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 162/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+12=16 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=9 ; d3+5=7 ; d3+5=6 ; d3+5=6 ; d8=5 ; d8=1 ; d8=6 ; d20+19=33 ; d20+19=35 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+2=5 ; d6=2 ; d10+3=4 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+14=15 ; d20+14=27 ; d3+2=5 ; d6=5 ; d3+2=5 ; d3+2=4 ; d10+3=8 ;
Wednesday September 11th, 2019 12:12:21 AM
"Rumpo, get Number Three!"

Rumpus steps 5 feet to get in range, the kicks at Invisible Stalker 3 with his hooves.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 12 = 16.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 = 7.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 12 = 19.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 = 6.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 7 = 27. Natural 20!
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 7 = 9. Not a crit.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 = 6.

If Rumpus takes out the Invisible Stalker #3, Kezzem will move into its space and cast cure moderate wounds on Succotash. Healing: 2d8 + 8 = 5 + 6 + 8 = 19.

Otherwise, Kezzem will full attack the two Stalkers as indicated. Naturally, if one stalker goes down, redirect all remaining attacks to the remaining stalker. If both go down, he will throw daggers at the dwarf.

+1 Frost Returning Dagger (Attack #1) on Invisible Stalker 3
Attack: 1d20 + 19 = 33.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 3 + 2 cold = 5.

+1 Returning Dagger (Attack #1) on Invisible Stalker 3
Attack: 1d20 + 19 = 36.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 5.

Two-Weapon Rend on Invisible Stalker 3 (assuming AC 33 hits).
Damage: 1d10 + 3 = 4.

+1 Frost Returning Dagger (Attack #2) on Invisible Stalker 2
Attack: 1d20 + 14 = 27.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 5 + 5 cold = 10.

+1 Returning Dagger (Attack #2) on Invisible Stalker 2
Attack: 1d20 + 14 = 16.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 5.

+1 Frost Returning Dagger (Attack #3) on Invisible Stalker 2
Attack: 1d20 + 9 = 10. Natural 1. (Note: I forgot to reduce the modifier so the roll shows 1d20 + 14 = 15).

+1 Returning Dagger (Attack #3) on Invisible Stalker 2
Attack: 1d20 + 9 = 27.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 4.

Two-Weapon Rend on Invisible Stalker 2 (assuming AC 27 hits)
Damage: 1d10 + 3 = 8.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day
Smite Evil 4/day (3 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (1 or 2 cast)

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day (used)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP 66/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 76/105 d20=17 ; d20=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday September 11th, 2019 5:33:34 AM
Seeing her master fall sends Miss Piggy into a frenzy, as she attacks #3 with all her might, however, the grief of Succotash's fall must have thrown off her groove, as she misses with her second attack.

1st attack
17+16=13 for 16 piercing+5 shock

2nd attack
nat 1

Succotash Stuff

Active Spells:

Spells prepared
1st level:
Bless 2/2
Lesser restoration 3/3
2nd Level:
Bull�s Strength 1/1
Resist Energy 2/2
3rd Level:
Heal Mount 1/1
Dispel Magic 0/1
4th Level:
Restoration

Lay of Hands 7/10
Smite Evil 5/5
Summon Mount 2/3
Boots of Speed 8/10

Miss Piggy Stuff

DR 5/evil
Energy Resistance 5: Cold, Acid, and Electricity
60ft Darkvision
Lowlight Vision
Smite Evil 1/1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday September 11th, 2019 2:44:56 PM
Pressi continues to fly upwards as she scans the area, stopping at Hobie's level. Right in front of the arrow slits.

For a moment, silence as she views the Beholder and Hobie through the arrow slits nearby (and maybe the invisible attacker if he's on her side of the giant). Followed by a scream for Hobie to run to the arrow slits.

(Ill Omen (2 roll twices)+Baleful Polymorph+Focused Curse, DC 23 on the nearby beholder, make it a squirrel, hero point spent.)

"Madam Gem," she speaks into the microphone shortly. "Initiate self destruct sequence, time one minute. And patch me through to whoever's leading this. Tell her that unless those are her giants out there, this can wait until tomorrow."

---------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
overland flight
int+4 from gears
true seeing
detect magic

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

L1: 4/7+1
L2: 2/5+1
L3: 3/5+1
L4: 3/4+1
L5: 3+1/3+1
L6: 1+1/1+1

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map
Wednesday September 11th, 2019 8:25:36 PM
(DM post incoming once we have a Talia post, or 830 happens)

Bliss HP42/134 AC28 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Wednesday September 11th, 2019 9:51:44 PM

Bliss has one more round to prepare. Hmm ... another polymorph? Nah ... refreshing his extended Divine Favor is more important for now.

He casts the spell, a full round action for a metamagicked spontaneous spell.

He just hopes he gets time for another cure.

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20=11 ; d20=9 ; d20+6=7 ; d20=9 ; d20=6 ; d20=14 ; d20=8 ; d20=2 ; d20=11 ; 10d6=39 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday September 11th, 2019 10:24:03 PM

---Outside the Giant---

Talia observes the battlefield even longer.

Pressi stops at the outside of the arrow slits. Her DM will concede the thought that perhaps the arrow slits cover multiple levels, even though he specifically pointed out Hobie was a level down. She casts two spells, Ill Omen and Baleful polymorph on the closest beholder.

It gurgles something in a language (celestial), before turning into a surprised squirrel, retaining no memories of its past.

Bliss and Mookie remain outside. Bliss resumes his natural form.

**Reinforcements will arrive in 1 rounds-**

The door at the heel, ground level, to the iron giant remains open, and an eerie darkness seeps from its entrance.

-----Inside of the Giant-----

Hobie: fails his will save against the strange mist. With one enemy defeated by Pressi, he followers her orders, and falls back near the slits before attacking the other. After a single arrow, the beholder grumbles and falls. Right before it disappears, he is positive it takes the shape of a much smaller, much more harmless lantern archon.

Kezzem and Rumpus keep attacking enemy 3. Rumpus hurts it, but doesn't kill it. Kezzems daggers hurt #2, and finally send the third back to whatever elemental plane it came from.

Succotash lays on the floor unconscious. He fails his stabilization roll and is dying at -5hp. Piggy tries valiantly to avenge her master. She gores the final elemental, and yanks its fluffy bits out of its insides. It too, vanishes into the air.

--------Enemy Actions---------------

Ketia: with her Stalkers destroyed, Ketia backs up to get some space. Rumpus gets to swat at her as she moves (hits ac 11+12=23), but he only hits armor.

"Thanks for grouping up!", she shouts, as she conjures a red glowing orb. It streaks out from her outstretched hand and detonated in the middle of the pack of paladins and animals. Kezzem, Succotash, Rumpus, and Piggy take 39 fire damage, reflex save DC 21 for half. (19 fire if passed.)

Succotash: Unconscious creatures are treated as having a dexterity of zero. Therefore, as an unconscious character, your reflex save will have a -5 modifier from from dex instead of what it usually is. Note, you still get divine grace. I'm aware it may be a moot point either way =(

Kezzem: Please remember to take your 10 damage from last round, in addition to any damage from this spell.

???: casts a spell again from somewhere in the corner of the room. Suddenly, Hobie finds himself alone in a room, face to face with the potion shop owner from his troubles past. The shopkeep staggers towards him, pale and gaunt, with a dagger jutting from his heart. He calmly pulls the dagger from his chest and he puts a hand on Hobies shoulder.

"Now its your turn, murderer."

From her vantage at the arrow slit, Pressi sees none of this, only Hobie standing still and staring into the distance.

Hobie: must make a WILL SAVE DC 23, at a -10 modifier from the mind fog. If he fails, he must make a FORTITUDE SAVE at DC 23. If he succeeds, he takes 11 damage. If he fails, he dies as his heart stops from panic and guilt.

--------COMBAT SANITY--------------

DM Note for our Paladins: None of the combatants in this room are of evil alignment.
DM Note: Invisible enemies are currently visible!
DM Note: In battle, it is a perception check DC 25 to pinpoint an enemy inside of the head. Scent works as listed, ie a move action to pinpoint an enemy within the head.
DM Note: Enemies with Darkvision can still operate in magical Darkness. Please let me know if you mount or companion has it.

Ketia, Devout of Scald: (Multiple glowing auras, covered in flames, weapon flaming)
AC: 28 - 0 Damage.

??? - ????: Further Downstairs.
???: Even Further Downstairs.

---Non Combat Actions---

Madam Gem replies to Pressi.

"It will take several moments to calculate the actions needed for destruction. Update, I no longer detect vital signs from Pilot Succotash. Update, Tiana is now engaged in combat with a heavily armored foe. Update. There are no replies from the invading party on any level."

There is halting silence, then more updates.

"Update. Calculation of self destruction complete. It is certain that at this proximity, destruction of the giant will destroy the tower you are attempting to save. Without a conscious pilot in the cockpit, I cannot move the giant. As I informed Pilot Succotash, it is possible for our consciousness to repair your tower immediately, at the cost of the giants permanent functionality and our continued self awareness. This action, as well as self destruction, requires a conscious pilot at the helm."

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20+18=32 ; d10+10=11 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d20=10 ;
Wednesday September 11th, 2019 10:46:33 PM
Off screen.

??: Saves vs Spell.
??: Hits for 17 damage.

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d20+8=19 ; d6+4=9 ; d6+4=7 ;
Wednesday September 11th, 2019 11:25:25 PM
The L:ast Charge of the Humble Brigade

Lady Talia quickly look saround as the battle grows still. {Perception Check = 19}. Pointing a finger in Pressi's general direction, and casting the message spell, Talia says to Pressi, For Pressi Only Highlight to display spoiler: {"Where is the blue gem? Where did we put it? Do I have it in my haversack or pantspockets? I believe the only thing to save us and the valley at this point is to fuse the gem and it holder into the Iron Giant. We will most likely loose the giant, and the person fusing, it; Me. I am of magic, as is this Iron Giant. I am also newly arrived, so leaving for the good of the whole is a noble venture. In addition, unless you plan of sacrificing yourself for this mission, then I will need Mister Murphy's birthdate in order to attempt to Replace Mister Succotash as the pilot. I have high Charisma, ought to do the trick. Beasides I never met Mister Gargul before!"}

Talia, using the Overland Flight spell, will at full speed try to enter the catapult entry and make it to the Pilot's Nest as soon as possible. {Using a hero Point}

Black Tentacles #2 | 5 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 9 points of damages, and are grappled.

Spell length is 13 rounds. The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Black Tentacles #1 | 3 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 7 points of damages, and are grappled.

The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Spells in Effect | 6 rounds into the next minute

Overland Flight | 777 minutes
Mage Armor | 777 minutes
Stoneskin | 127 minutes

Spectral Hand | 12 Minutes

The hand is incorporeal and thus cannot be harmed by normal weapons. It has improved evasion (half damage on a failed Reflex save and no damage on a successful save), your save bonuses, and an AC of 22 (+8 size, +4 natural armor). Your Intelligence modifier applies to the hand�s AC as if it were the hand�s Dexterity modifier. The hand has 1 to 4 hit points, the same number that you lost in creating

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 136/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=20 ; d20+8=24 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday September 11th, 2019 11:38:42 PM
OOC: Sorry, I thought I updated the header with the 10 hp damage, but it looks like I didn't.

Kezzem DC 21 SV Ref: 1d20 + 19 = 20. Fail.
All I had to do is not roll a one :-(

Rumpus DC 21 SV Ref: 1d20 + 8 = 24.
And Rumpus, with less than half of Kezzem's modifier, makes it. And he has Evasion so he takes no damage.

----

"No problem, watch me evade this with my rogue training!" says Kezzem proudly as he dives right into the path of the blast. Rumpus takes cover behind Kezzem and evades the blast entirely.

"Ow, that's hot! Did I say evade? I meant heroically dive in the way to say my trusty steed!"

Kezzem will burn two uses of Lay on Hands to channel positive energy and heal the group.

Healing: 5d6 = 6 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 6 = 23. Nice!

Kezzem will next move towards the dwarf (using a Hero Point to double move and get within melee range).

With his master in the bottleneck, Rumpus spreads out to the side of the room and goes total defense.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 136/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24
Wednesday September 11th, 2019 11:39:04 PM
-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day (2 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (3 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (1 cast)

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day (used)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9 d20-4=2 ; d20+9=22 ;
Thursday September 12th, 2019 2:21:47 AM
Hobie fails the will save, and feels the spell start to take hold (Fort Save 22). As his soul begins to leave his body, Hobie remembers the heroic things he�s done (uses a hero point to boost my Fort save and pass it) and says to the shopkeep, �You will get vengeance someday good sir, but not today.�

Hobie snaps back to reality, and calls to Pressi �What are the orders, what should we do?�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105 d20+9=10 ; d20=16 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ;
Thursday September 12th, 2019 5:47:24 AM
Missing her reflex save Miss Piggy takes the full blast of the fireball. she lets out a squeal of pain, which is soothed slightly by Kezzem's healing magic. Sensing her link to Succotash broken, she knows that her master is dead. In her anger, she moves up beside Kezzem in hopes of sticking her tusks into the killer of her best friend.

I can't tell by the map if she has an attack opening or not, but if our awesome DM rules she does, then she attacks with a 16+16= Hits AC 32 for 6+10=16 piercing+3 shock

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday September 12th, 2019 1:45:42 PM
Hobie leans back against the arrow slits she flies next to. "What are the orders?" he asks her. "What should we do?"

In response, Pressi closes her eyes and grabs Hobie through the slits. "We run. Yoink."

Pressi, having polymorphed Hobie into a ferret (or whatever animal is arrow slit sized), yanks him through the arrow slit and kicks flight into high gear.

-------------------

Pressi meets Talia at the catapult and drops Hobie down. "Really sorry about this, I'll dismiss in a second, but we can't simply fight our way out. We�re fighting two sides on three fronts over way too large a battlefield. If we try to secure the giant, the giants will destroy the tower or invade the home. If we focus on the giants, the dwarves will take the giant and end the energy transfer. And if we remain split, we�ll be overrun by sheer numbers. We've lost Murphy, our speedy wall builder. And as a reminder of how much I hate this Iron Giant, it won't let me set a password on the controls. I thought an attempt at self destruct would attract someone's attention and I'd get a call, but I guess not."

Pressi almost passes out from speaking so fast but she continues.

"We may have to do the transfer now, I think Tiana has the blue gem still, and we have other options to shut this thing down. But I think we need to stop using our swords and our spells and start using our brains and our mouths. And probably also our swords and our spells. But we need to bluff, bargain and berate whoever is in there and threatening to destroy the giant remains our best leverage."

---------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
overland flight
int+4 from gears
true seeing
detect magic

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

L1: 4/7+1
L2: 2/5+1
L3: 3/5+1
L4: 4/4+1
L5: 3+1/3+1
L6: 1+1/1+1

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d4+1=2 ; 10d6=32 ; 26d6=101 ; 5d6=17 ; d20=6 ; d20+20=28 ; d20+15=35 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+10=26 ; d10+10=12 ; d10+10=15 ; d10+10=18 ; d10+10=13 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ;
Thursday September 12th, 2019 10:06:11 PM

--Player Actions---

Talia moves fullspeed towards the catapult entrance, and meets Pressi there just outside.

Pressi grabs the embattled Hobie, and transforms him into a hedgehog, because they are adorable. She explains the blue gem might be necessary, but she wants to try and leverage the giants destruction to coerce the Scaldian Assassins. Hobie probably squeaks or something.

Bliss and Mookie does in fact have time for a cure. The new rush of hill giants comes over the pass, just a little wary at so many of their kinds corpses littering the ground.

**Reinforcements are now on the map.**

The door at the heel, ground level, to the iron giant remains open, and an eerie darkness seeps from its entrance.

------------------------------

Kezzem and Rumpus spread out. Kezzem heals his friends in the room, then bodyblocks the Dwarf from entering.

Succotash is dead, and his friend and companion becomes enraged. She gores at the dwarf who killed her companion, and tusks her mightily.

--------Enemy Actions---------------

???: does something.

Ketia:Having been forced from the room, she takes a step back and utters a divine word. Kezzem must pass a DC 25 Fortitude save, or take 130 damage. If he passes, he takes 32 damage instead.

Furthermore, a moment later, Kezzem feels another magical impact from in front of him. He must pass a fortitude save DC 23 or take 101 damage. If he succeeds, he takes 17 damage instead.

--------COMBAT SANITY--------------

DM Note for our Paladins: None of the combatants in this room are of evil alignment.
DM Note: Invisible enemies are currently visible!
DM Note: In battle, it is a perception check DC 25 to pinpoint an enemy inside of the head. Scent works as listed, ie a move action to pinpoint an enemy within the head.
DM Note: Enemies with Darkvision can still operate in magical Darkness. Please let me know if you mount or companion has it.

Ketia, Devout of Scald: (Multiple glowing auras, covered in flames, weapon flaming)
AC: 28 - 19 Damage.

???: Last noticed downstairs.
???: Last reported in Tiana's room.

------------------------------------

???: Saves vs spell. Takes damage.
???: Hits 3 times. Tiana takes 36 damage damage. Stoneskin reduced.

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d6+4=6 ; d6+4=6 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=25 ;
Thursday September 12th, 2019 10:35:27 PM
The Last Charge of the Humble Brigade | Screaming in Digital

Lady Talia meets with Pressi on the Iron Giant Shoulder near the Catapult and discusses what must be done at this point. "Who's at the Pilot Helm? Where is Tiana? Are you coming with me or am I to go alone? I will continue to use the [b][i]Message spell as its up for a bit..."says Talia to Pressi. Talia turns to Pressi, and with Pressi, and Hobie in range, casts Haste on the group of three. Then {burning another Hero Point} casts Invisibility on herself right before...entering the Iron Giant the way Pressi left, Talia uses Overland Flight to make her way through to the Pilot's Nest and to Lady Tiana. While making her way inside the Iron Giant, Talia points her finger towards where she believe the Empassing Mind is and asks by way of the Message spell, "Ms. Encompassing Mind, how do I help save you, without damage to you, the Iron Giant, the tower, & the other people in the Valley? Is there something we can do with your Gems and if so, how? I feel I am one of the last remaining hopes here as most of my group is down, hurting, and very very tired."

While here, hasted and invisible, Talia will make her way using her perception & Stealth skills {Preception = 21 | Stealth =19+20(Invis) =39 }. When she sees Lady Tianna, she will point to her and using the Message spell, "Lady Tianna, it is I, Talia. I am in this room with you, Hasted and Invisible. I need the Blue Gem, if we are to have a successful outcome. I will also have to make it up to the Pilots Nest and persuade the new pilot of this new outcome. To help you, I will cast Black Tentacles near you on the ground in an effort to stay invisible."

If possible, as Talia makes her way to the pilots nest after recovering the blue gem (will use a hero point if possible), Talia will cast a Black Tentacle spell centered on the floor, 20 feet away from Talia while at the pilot enterence, near lady Tianna and directed and cast on that spot of the floor.

Iron Giant Pilot's Nest

Making her way, by flight, up to the Pilot's Nest, Talia making another Perception & Stealth check {Perception = 14 |Stealth = 25 + 20(invis) = 45} will try to decern if there is a way to reach the Pilot directly. Pointing to Ms. Emcompassing Mind, "How do I disengage the Pilot without killing her?"

Meanwhile, outside the Iron Giant

Black Tentacles #2 | 4 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 6 points of damages, and are grappled.

Spell length is 13 rounds. The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Black Tentacles #1 | 2 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 6 points of damages, and are grappled.

The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Spells in Effect | 7 rounds into the next minute

Overland Flight | 777 minutes
Mage Armor | 777 minutes
Stoneskin | 127 minutes

Spectral Hand | 12 Minutes

The hand is incorporeal and thus cannot be harmed by normal weapons. It has improved evasion (half damage on a failed Reflex save and no damage on a successful save), your save bonuses, and an AC of 22 (+8 size, +4 natural armor). Your Intelligence modifier applies to the hand�s AC as if it were the hand�s Dexterity modifier. The hand has 1 to 4 hit points, the same number that you lost in creating

Message | 12 Minutes

You can whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Those nearby can hear these messages with a DC 25 Perception check. You point your finger at each creature you want to receive the message. When you whisper, the whispered message is audible to all targeted creatures within range. Magical silence, 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal (or a thin sheet of lead), or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks the spell. The message does not have to travel in a straight line. It can circumvent a barrier if there is an open path between you and the subject, and the path's entire length lies within the spell's range. The creatures that receive the message can whisper a reply that you hear. The spell transmits sound, not meaning; it doesn't transcend language barriers. To speak a message, you must mouth the words and whisper.

Haste | 12 rounds : 12 rounds left

Invisibility | 12 minutes : 12 minutes left

Of course, the subject is not magically silenced, and certain other conditions can render the recipient detectable (such as swimming in water or stepping in a puddle). If a check is required, a stationary invisible creature has a +40 bonus on its Stealth checks. This bonus is reduced to +20 if the creature is moving. The spell ends if the subject attacks any creature. For purposes of this spell, an attack includes any spell targeting a foe or whose area or effect includes a foe. Exactly who is a foe depends on the invisible character�s perceptions. Actions directed at unattended objects do not break the spell. Causing harm indirectly is not an attack. Thus, an invisible being can open doors, talk, eat, climb stairs, summon monsters and have them attack, cut the ropes holding a rope bridge while enemies are on the bridge, remotely trigger traps, open a portcullis to release attack dogs, and so forth. If the subject attacks directly, however, it immediately becomes visible along with all its gear. Spells such as bless that specifically affect allies but not foes are not attacks for this purpose, even when they include foes in their area.

Bliss HP78/134 AC30 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d8=8 ; d8=4 ; d8=6 ; d8=8 ; d20+24=33 ;
Thursday September 12th, 2019 11:47:09 PM
Bliss casts a Cure Critical Wounds on himself. He heals 36 hp.

Bliss makes a heroic effort to do more! He activates his cloak of the spider to cast Web between both legs of the Iron Giant and the Tower behind it and the wall of thorns along the base. Then he climbs in and up into the webs, deep enough that he remains unseen. (total cover, no hide check needed, bonuses to AC and reflex saves.)

Mookie perches on the side of the Iron Giant, 20 ft up, just above the edge of the Web, With a five ft step, Bliss could be next to Mookie. Mookie keeps an eye on the enemy and reports their move to Bliss.

Incidentally, the webbing covers the heels of the Iron Giant and the opening to get into it. If someone moves in the Web, Bliss may notice. Perception 33.

DM Sanity Info:

This is Round NINETEEN of Bliss fighting.

Current Effects:
Raging: 16 rounds of 16 per day used = over, FATIGUED
Extended Divine Favor: 1 rounds of 20 used
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 20 rounds of 100 used
Arcane Strike: Renewed each round as a swift action
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)
Threefold Aspect
TWO hero points used!
Life/Death - BOTH used
Web 1/day used

SPELLS:
Lvl 1: 5+1 spells/day; used surr blood, shld o fth, div favor x2 +entangle
Lvl 2: 5+1 spells/day; used barkskin +barkskin
Lvl 3: 4+1 spells/day; +plant growth
Lvl 4: 3+1 spells/day; ccw, threefold aspect, polymorph
Lvl 5: 1+1 spells/day; +wall o thorns

Mookie:
Philter of Mirror Image: 20 rounds of 30 used [5 images]
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 20 rounds of 100 used
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 105/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d20+19=32 ; d20+19=35 ; d20+19=31 ; d20+19=22 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+14=15 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+9=25 ; d3+2=5 ; d6=4 ; d3+2=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ;
Friday September 13th, 2019 12:38:19 AM
Kezzem SV Fort (DC 25): 1d20 + 19 = 32. Made.
Kezzem SV Fort (DC 23): 1d20 + 19 = 35. Made.

"Heh, cute tricks," says Kezzem. "But they're wasted on a paladin. You sure you're not evil? I mean, have you given a serious thought? There are plenty of benefits to going evil, like I'd be able to smite you. I mean, you'll still be dead, but it will happen a lot quicker!"

Kezzem recalls the flames that struck Succotash when he attacked, but Miss Piggy was able to strike with impunity (or "im..pig...ity"), so he will 5 ft. step towards her and full attack.

+1 Frost Dagger Attack #1: 1d20 + 19 = 31. Hit!
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 5 + 4 cold = 9.

+1 Dagger Attack #1: 1d20 + 19 = 22. Miss.

+1 Frost Dagger Attack #2: 1d20 + 14 = 31. Hi!
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 3 + 5 cold = 8

+1 Dagger Attack #2: 1d20 + 14 = 15. Auto-miss.

+1 Frost Dagger Attack #3: 1d20 + 14 = 22. Miss.

+1 Dagger Attack #3: 1d20 + 14 = 25. Miss.

Kezzem will then lay on hands himself as a swift action.

Healing 5d6 = 5 + 5 + 4 + 2 + 2 = 18.

Rumpus will move into the front of the head, allowing Miss Piggy to press her attack rather than getting in her way. He maintains a defensive stance.

"Good boy," says Kezzem. "Don't let anyone into the head we don't know."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105 d20=20 ; d20=10 ; d20=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ;
Friday September 13th, 2019 5:50:16 AM
Succotash finds himself floating just above the heads of his friends in the cockpit, He sees Kezzem and Miss Piggy attacking the she-dwarf, and thinks to himself, "Why don't I head over there and help them out", but then he looks down and sees his body still laying in a pool of his own blood, in the cockpit, and he realizes he is dead. "So this is what it's like being dead, it kinda sucks really!", he says to himself, as he begins wondering if he'll get to see his deity Pantheon.

Meanwhile, Miss Piggy takes a 5 ft step following her prey, and makes a full round attack, using power attack.

1st attack
Natural 20 (not confirmed) for 6+10+9(power attack)=25 piercing+1 shock
2nd attack
miss
natural 20

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday September 13th, 2019 7:27:03 AM
Pressi dismissed Hobie�s polymorph.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday September 13th, 2019 8:56:35 AM
(Unless he�s seriously considering hedgehog catapult.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+25=39 ; d20+20=23 ;
Friday September 13th, 2019 2:26:19 PM
Pressi listens to Talia. She watches for the the giant's next wave, listens for the continued clock, listens for a message from Kezzem or Succotash that just won't come.

"Ok," she says finally. "Ok."

Pressi radios everyone that they are going to do the blue gem and tries to get Tiana on the line. "Tiana, do it safely if you can but otherwise hold on tight. We are coming to you."

"Hobie, do you want to come too? Or man the catapults for a while?"

---------

Following Tiana, she uses her HiPS ability at whatever dim area is available (Stealth 39) and continues to look for auras and traps (Perception 23+1 trapsense + true seeing).

---------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
overland flight
int+4 from gears
true seeing
detect magic
hasted

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

L1: 4/7+1
L2: 2/5+1
L3: 3/5+1
L4: 4/4+1
L5: 3+1/3+1
L6: 1+1/1+1

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d6+4=9 ; d6+4=10 ;
Friday September 13th, 2019 10:15:08 PM
The Last Charge of the Humble Brigade | Screaming in Digital

{OOC: Not knowing how much Talia would have been able to accomplish yesterday, I repeated this but modified based on your emails}

Lady Talia meets with Pressi on the Iron Giant Shoulder near the Catapult and discusses what must be done at this point. "Who's at the Pilot Helm? Where is Tiana? Are you coming with me or am I to go alone? I will continue to use the [i]Message spell as its up for a bit..."says Talia to Pressi. Talia turns to Pressi, and with Pressi, and Hobie in range, casts Haste on the group of three. Then {burning another Hero Point} casts Invisibility on herself right before...entering the Iron Giant the way Pressi left, Talia uses Overland Flight to make her way through to the Pilot's Nest and to Lady Tiana. While making her way inside the Iron Giant, Talia points her finger towards where she believe the Empassing Mind is and asks by way of the Message spell, "Ms. Encompassing Mind, how do I help save you, without damage to you, the Iron Giant, the tower, & the other people in the Valley? Is there something we can do with your Gems; I have the blue Gem with me; and if so, how? I feel I am one of the last remaining hopes here as most of my group is down, hurting, and very very tired."

While here, hasted and invisible, Talia will make her way using her perception & Stealth skills {Preception = 21 | Stealth =19+20(Invis) =39 }. When she sees Lady Tianna, she will point to her and using the Message spell, "Lady Tianna, it is I, Talia. I am in this room with you, Hasted and Invisible. I have the Blue Gem. I will also have to make it up to the Pilots Nest and persuade the new pilot of this new outcome. To help you, I will cast Black Tentacles near you on the ground in an effort to stay invisible & help at the same time!"

If possible, as Talia makes her way to the pilots nest ( & will use a hero point if possible), Talia will then cast a Black Tentacle spell centered on the floor, 20 feet away from herself & near lady Tianna casting directly on that spot {20 feet away from herself but close to Tiana} on the floor.

[b]Iron Giant Pilot's Nest

Making her way, by flight, up to the Pilot's Nest, Talia making another Perception & Stealth check {Perception = 14 |Stealth = 25 + 20(invis) = 45} will try to decern if there is a way to reach the Pilot directly. Pointing to Ms. Emcompassing Mind, "Is there a pilot & if so, how do I disengage the Pilot without killing them?"

Meanwhile, outside the Iron Giant

Black Tentacles #2 | 3 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 9 points of damages, and are grappled.

Spell length is 13 rounds. The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Black Tentacles #1 | 1 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 10 points of damages, and are grappled.

The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Spells in Effect | 8 rounds into the next minute

Overland Flight | 777 minutes
Mage Armor | 777 minutes
Stoneskin | 127 minutes

Spectral Hand | 12 Minutes

The hand is incorporeal and thus cannot be harmed by normal weapons. It has improved evasion (half damage on a failed Reflex save and no damage on a successful save), your save bonuses, and an AC of 22 (+8 size, +4 natural armor). Your Intelligence modifier applies to the hand�s AC as if it were the hand�s Dexterity modifier. The hand has 1 to 4 hit points, the same number that you lost in creating

Message | 12 Minutes

You can whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Those nearby can hear these messages with a DC 25 Perception check. You point your finger at each creature you want to receive the message. When you whisper, the whispered message is audible to all targeted creatures within range. Magical silence, 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal (or a thin sheet of lead), or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks the spell. The message does not have to travel in a straight line. It can circumvent a barrier if there is an open path between you and the subject, and the path's entire length lies within the spell's range. The creatures that receive the message can whisper a reply that you hear. The spell transmits sound, not meaning; it doesn't transcend language barriers. To speak a message, you must mouth the words and whisper.

Haste | 12 rounds : 12 rounds left

Invisibility | 12 minutes : 12 minutes left

Of course, the subject is not magically silenced, and certain other conditions can render the recipient detectable (such as swimming in water or stepping in a puddle). If a check is required, a stationary invisible creature has a +40 bonus on its Stealth checks. This bonus is reduced to +20 if the creature is moving. The spell ends if the subject attacks any creature. For purposes of this spell, an attack includes any spell targeting a foe or whose area or effect includes a foe. Exactly who is a foe depends on the invisible character�s perceptions. Actions directed at unattended objects do not break the spell. Causing harm indirectly is not an attack. Thus, an invisible being can open doors, talk, eat, climb stairs, summon monsters and have them attack, cut the ropes holding a rope bridge while enemies are on the bridge, remotely trigger traps, open a portcullis to release attack dogs, and so forth. If the subject attacks directly, however, it immediately becomes visible along with all its gear. Spells such as bless that specifically affect allies but not foes are not attacks for this purpose, even when they include foes in their area

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Saturday September 14th, 2019 12:06:49 PM
Hearing Pressi's words, Succotash finds himself in her presence. He does his best to try to communicate with her, trying to will himself to make her understand that the reinstalling of the blue gem would be worse than transferring Madame Gem to the tower. After that, he finds himself next to Talia, where he does the same thing, hoping beyond hope that she understands the dire ramifications of reinstalling the blue gem. Not knowing whether or not he was successful he returns to the head to keep an eye on Miss Piggy, praying that Pantheon would keep her safe.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9
Saturday September 14th, 2019 4:57:52 PM
Hobie responds to Pressi, �If you think it�s best I�ll man the artillery. But it seems like a lost cause and I�d rather come a long.�

If Pressi wants Hobie to come with, he�ll cast invisibility on himself and follow, bow at the ready.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 136/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 9
Saturday September 14th, 2019 4:59:06 PM
Ooc: on Monday I�ll be back from holiday in Italy, and I won�t have to post from my phone so I�ll update all of Hobies HP, Hero points, spells, etc then

Bliss HP78/134 AC30 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Sunday September 15th, 2019 1:13:24 PM
Bliss sits in his web and thinks about the coming enemy. He remains oblivious to the stuff happening up in the giant.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 113/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 7
Monday September 16th, 2019 11:06:40 AM
Updating header and spells stuff

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 3/10

Elemental Arrow: Cold

Fire Arrows Used 13/50

Spells in effect- Spider Climb, Bears Endurance (50/60 remaining)

===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message, Mage Hand

Level 1
Grease, ***Burning Hands***, Burning Hands, True Strike, Enlarge Person, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Mirror Image, Mirror Image, ***Bear's Endurance***, Alter Self

Level 3
Fly, Lightning Bolt, ***Lightning Bolt***, Flame Arrow

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday September 16th, 2019 11:12:36 AM
Pressi leaves it up to Hobie, reminding him and Talia that using rounds could still buy the group time before the soul transfer, but also that Hobie could back up Talia (and Tiana) if they get in trouble.

She also clarifies that they are soul transferring, not blue gemming (which makes it more powerful but evil). No, not even if the latter would be more fun.

"But if you do come with me, I need you to promise me one thing. Talia, you too. See, even if I could turn invisible... well, someone needs to save our paladins and someone needs to slow down these casters and I don't know what's going to happen down there, but...

"I don't think I can follow the two of you to Tiana, and I think she needs the two of you down there. So no matter what happens to be down there, I want you both to run. Get to Tiana as fast as you can. Get this done before we lose the iron giant or the tower. Just... run. I need that promise or we stay put."

Pressi gives a smile that barely hides her worry. "Sorry about being maudlin. You know me. I'll be fine."

-----------------

OOC Note to Tiana: I think we are still doing a round at a time, with the giants coming in next round. So, we aren't making past just inside.

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map
Monday September 16th, 2019 8:02:56 PM
DM post incoming.

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d20=10 ; d20=16 ; 5d8=25 ; d20=14 ; d4=2 ; d20=9 ;
Monday September 16th, 2019 8:29:12 PM

--Player Actions---

Talia and Pressi confer for a moment, and the decision is made that Hobie and Talia are heading down to the core to help Tiana, who had reported herself under attack. The make some progress downwards, through the first two hatches no problem.

Outside the entrance to the heart however, they find themselves facing an issue. Three large walls appear to be in place, prohibiting entry to the core. A wall of iron, a wall of ice, and a wall of stone. From behind the walls and the door, they can hear someone taunting Tiana.

"You can't hide forever, wizard. I'll find you soon enough."

There doesn't appear to be a way around the walls, even though there's a myriad of chains and sub-stations all around them. Talia and Hobie, what do you do?

Pressi does some things! They are great things, her DM will retocon this post when he figures it out. Either way, he is pretty certain she will wind up going into the corridor with the dwarf. With her true seeing, she spots a drow woman that the Paladins had not mentioned, hovering there slinging spells.

Bliss and Mookie do some healing, and block whatever was in the heel, from getting out.

**Reinforcements are now on the map.**

The door at the heel, ground level, to the iron giant remains open, and an eerie darkness seeps from its entrance, through the cracks of the spider webs.

------------------------------

Kezzem attacks the known foe, taunting her with his amazing saves. He recalls piggy not getting hurt by recoiling flames, and his DM will warn him this was a DM error and the aura is still in place. He can choose to do his damage and take the flare back, or take a different standard action free of consequence.

If he chooses to do his damage, he takes 31 fire damage in response.

The Animals are roaming the cabin. Piggy had room to attack the first time, but the dwarfs reposition has left her one vs one with Kezzem.

--------Enemy Actions---------------

Invisible Drow:

Ketia: points her weapon at Kezzem. "No halfling, we are not evil. We serve Scald, regardless of labels and the like. He has asked us to retrieve this giant, and that's what we shall do. I imagine the best thing for you and your lot is to let us have it and we will leave, so you can mind the defense of your hovel!"

She growls.

"If you beg, we might even help you. Consider your pride, Paladin. Too much of it is a sin."

She adjusts, forced further from the cockpit, and casts a spell. A searing streak of light hits Kezzems touch ac with a 24, burning him for 25 points of damage.

From near the ladderwell, another burst of energy, this one dark and corrosive, also barrels into Kezzem. He takes 2 negative levels.

--------COMBAT SANITY--------------

DM Note for our Paladins: None of the combatants in this room are of evil alignment.
DM Note: Invisible enemies are currently visible!
DM Note: In battle, it is a perception check DC 25 to pinpoint an enemy inside of the head. Scent works as listed, ie a move action to pinpoint an enemy within the head.
DM Note: Enemies with Darkvision can still operate in magical Darkness. Please let me know if you mount or companion has it.

DM Note on NEGATIVE LEVELSFor each negative level a creature has, it takes a cumulative �1 penalty on all ability checks, attack rolls, combat maneuver checks, Combat Maneuver Defense, saving throws, and skill checks. In addition, the creature reduces its current and total hit points by 5 for each negative level it possesses. The creature is also treated as one level lower for the purpose of level-dependent variables (such as spellcasting) for each negative level possessed. Spellcasters do not lose any prepared spells or slots as a result of negative levels. If a creature�s negative levels equal or exceed its total Hit Dice, it dies.

Ketia, Devout of Scald: (Multiple glowing auras, covered in flames, weapon flaming)
AC: 28 - 19 Damage. (maybe more)

Invisible Drow: 0 damage.

???: Last reported in Tiana's room.

------------------------------------

???: Saves vs spell. Heals self.
???: Is unable to locate target.

Bliss HP99/134 AC30 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d8=3 ; d8=3 ; d8=5 ;
Monday September 16th, 2019 11:50:26 PM
Lurking in his webs, with Mookie still watching, Bliss cures himself further. Level 3 CSW: 21.

He is wondering where those giants went!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 122/162*, CMD 30*; Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, CMD 24 d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+19=28 ; d3+2=5 ; d20+13=28 ; d3+1=3 ; d20+13=17 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+8=24 ; d8=3 ; d8=4 ;
Monday September 16th, 2019 11:56:39 PM
LAST ROUND

OOC: In case Kezzem is aware of the flames still being up, he will instead lob daggers from at least 5 feet way. Please remove the second Kezzem next to the dwarf as I cannot seem to be able to click on him. Modify his attacks as follows from last round.

+1 Frost Returning Dagger Attack: 1d20 + 19 = 31. Hit!
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 5 + 4 cold = 9.

+1 Returning Dagger Attack: 1d20 + 19 = 22. Miss.

Dagger Attack #1: 1d20 + 14 = 30. Hi!
Damage: 1d3 + 1 = 2.

Dagger Attack #2: 1d20 + 14 = 15. Auto-miss.

Dagger Attack #3: 1d20 + 14 = 22. Miss.

Dagger Attack #4: 1d20 + 14 = 25. Miss.

----

THIS ROUND

Kezzem lays hands on himself.

Healing: 5d6 = 6 + 6 + 6 + 3 + 5 = 26.

"I don't know, you are attempting to compromise the defense of a halfling village and just murdered a paladin of Pantheon. I don't know who judges such things, but that seems pretty evil if you ask me. Oh, and pride isn't the sin of mine you should be worried about, lady. After what you did to Succotash, it's wrath that should concern you."

He launches another round of full attacks with his daggers.

+1 Frost Returning Dagger Attack: 1d20 + 19 = 21. Miss.

+1 Returning Dagger Attack: 1d20 + 19= 28. Hit!
Damage: 1d3 + 2 = 5.

Dagger Attack #1: 1d20 + 13 = 28. Hit!
Damage: 1d3 + 1 = 3.

Dagger Attack #2: 1d20 + 13 = 17. Miss.

Dagger Attack #3: 1d20 + 8 = 21. Miss.

Dagger Attack #4: 1d20 + 8 = 24. Miss.

"Hey Press! A little help here! If you could make her count as evil somehow, that would be really great!"

Kezzem will burn a Hero Point to also cast cure moderate wounds on himself.

Healing: 2d8 + 8 = 3 + 4 + 8 = 15.

----

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day (4 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (3 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (both cast)

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day (used)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 112/162*, CMD 30*; Negative Levels (2), Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62,
Tuesday September 17th, 2019 12:27:00 AM
OOC: Ooops, forgot the negative levels. His attack this round should be:

+1 Frost Returning Dagger Attack: 1d20 + 17 = 19. Miss.

+1 Returning Dagger Attack: 1d20 + 17= 26. Miss.

Dagger Attack #1: 1d20 + 11 = 26. Miss.

Dagger Attack #2: 1d20 + 11 = 15. Miss.

Dagger Attack #3: 1d20 + 6 =19. Miss.

Dagger Attack #4: 1d20 + 6 = 22. Miss.

"Hey Press! A little help here! If you could make her count as evil somehow, that would be really great!"

Kezzem will burn a Hero Point to also cast cure moderate wounds on himself.

Healing: 2d8 + 8 = 3 + 4 + 8 = 15.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105 d20+9=21 ; d20=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ;
Tuesday September 17th, 2019 6:09:08 AM
Miss Piggy sees Kezzem get hit with magic coming from the ladder well, so she heads that way, using her sent ability to try to find the source. (Perception 21) If she finds the source, she will attack it, (Not sure where that is on the map, could our awesome DM move Miss Piggy to the appropriate location?))

3+16=19 for 12+10=22 piercing, and 1 shock

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d6+4=8 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+8=17 ;
Tuesday September 17th, 2019 8:42:28 AM
The Last Charge of the Humble Brigade | Still Screaming in Digital

Iron Giant Pilot's Nest

Up near the Pilot's Nest, Talia making another Perception & Stealth check {Perception = 21 |Stealth = 25 + 20(invis) = 37} will cast True Seeing on herself. She is also still awaiting answers from Ms. Encompassing Mind. As she casts the spell, Talia wonders, "I think I shall try to Blink throught the walls next!"

Meanwhile, outside the Iron Giant

Black Tentacles #2 | 1 Rounds remain before ending

This round, everything grappled by the Black Tentacles takes 8 points of damages, and are grappled.

Spell length is 13 rounds. The CMB for the black tentacles is 13 + 4 + 1 = 18. The CMD = 28 to escape the tentacles. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the spell lasts.

Spells in Effect | 0 rounds into the next minute

Overland Flight | 776 minutes
Mage Armor | 776 minutes
Stoneskin | 126 minutes

Spectral Hand | 13 Minutes :: 11 minutes remaining

The hand is incorporeal and thus cannot be harmed by normal weapons. It has improved evasion (half damage on a failed Reflex save and no damage on a successful save), your save bonuses, and an AC of 22 (+8 size, +4 natural armor). Your Intelligence modifier applies to the hand�s AC as if it were the hand�s Dexterity modifier. The hand has 1 to 4 hit points, the same number that you lost in creating

Message | 13 Minutes :: 11 minutes remaining

You can whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Those nearby can hear these messages with a DC 25 Perception check. You point your finger at each creature you want to receive the message. When you whisper, the whispered message is audible to all targeted creatures within range. Magical silence, 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal (or a thin sheet of lead), or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks the spell. The message does not have to travel in a straight line. It can circumvent a barrier if there is an open path between you and the subject, and the path's entire length lies within the spell's range. The creatures that receive the message can whisper a reply that you hear. The spell transmits sound, not meaning; it doesn't transcend language barriers. To speak a message, you must mouth the words and whisper.

Haste | 13 rounds :: 11 minutes remaining

Invisibility | 13 minutes :: 11 minutes remaining

Of course, the subject is not magically silenced, and certain other conditions can render the recipient detectable (such as swimming in water or stepping in a puddle). If a check is required, a stationary invisible creature has a +40 bonus on its Stealth checks. This bonus is reduced to +20 if the creature is moving. The spell ends if the subject attacks any creature. For purposes of this spell, an attack includes any spell targeting a foe or whose area or effect includes a foe. Exactly who is a foe depends on the invisible character�s perceptions. Actions directed at unattended objects do not break the spell. Causing harm indirectly is not an attack. Thus, an invisible being can open doors, talk, eat, climb stairs, summon monsters and have them attack, cut the ropes holding a rope bridge while enemies are on the bridge, remotely trigger traps, open a portcullis to release attack dogs, and so forth. If the subject attacks directly, however, it immediately becomes visible along with all its gear. Spells such as bless that specifically affect allies but not foes are not attacks for this purpose, even when they include foes in their area

True Seeing | 13 minutes :: 13 minutes remaining

You confer on the subject the ability to see all things as they actually are. The subject sees through normal and magical darkness, notices secret doors hidden by magic, sees the exact locations of creatures or objects under blur or displacement effects, sees invisible creatures or objects normally, sees through illusions, and sees the true form of polymorphed, changed, or transmuted things. Further, the subject can focus its vision to see into the Ethereal Plane (but not into extra-dimensional spaces). The range of true seeing conferred is 120 feet.

True seeing, however, does not penetrate solid objects. It in no way confers X-ray vision or its equivalent. It does not negate concealment, including that caused by fog and the like. True seeing does not help the viewer see through mundane disguises, spot creatures who are simply hiding, or notice secret doors hidden by mundane means. In addition, the spell effects cannot be further enhanced with known magic, so one cannot use true seeing through a crystal ball or in conjunction with clairaudience/clairvoyance.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 113/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 7 d20+8=24 ;
Tuesday September 17th, 2019 1:52:29 PM
"Talia, we gotta get through these walls. You and I are both transmutation specialists, surely we can figure out a way to change them or melt them, or freeze them or whatever to get through."

Do you know Stone Shape? Surely the ice one can be melted, what can we do about the metal one?

Hobie, usually quick to action and unwilling to stop and think, pauses and thinks to himself how he might get through.

Knowledge Engineering 24 to get some basic details on the walls. What is the thickness, hardness, etc, what order are they in? (And actually, how would we know there are three walls? can we see through the first one some how? or do we only know about the first one?)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 113/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 7 d20+24=29 ;
Tuesday September 17th, 2019 1:53:59 PM
Oh Hobie will also Detect Magic on the wall for as long as it takes and study any aura, to see if the walls are magical.
Spellcraft= 29

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+25=41 ;
Tuesday September 17th, 2019 3:13:44 PM
Pressi briefly considered seeing if she could talk these people down, but then she heard the "maybe if you beg" stuff, and that Succotash was dead.

"Not much I can do about her alignment," she called from the shadows. "The haircut of that drow female alone should be crime enough. Oh, and also... I can seeee youuu."

Pressi stepped out and fired a grease spell from her wand, straight at the drow's face and body.

"But I do urge you to stay your wrath," she responds to Kezzem. "Why, can't you hear the great dwarven songs of their honor and sense of justice towards others. You can't because they will die and their lives never mattered. I don't know your relationship to Shan but I wish I could speak to her now. Oh well...."

(Hero Point as Needed.) She fires a grease spell at Ketia, trying to get the flames. With that, she uses her HiPS again in the next shadow, stealth 41.

---------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
overland flight
int+4 from gears
true seeing
detect magic
hasted

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

L1: 4/7+1
L2: 2/5+1
L3: 3/5+1
L4: 4/4+1
L5: 3+1/3+1
L6: 1+1/1+1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday September 17th, 2019 7:31:21 PM
If Harper sees a giant in earshot, she starts talking so the giants can overhear about the awesome destruction of this weapon and how it will lead to victory.

Unless, of course, they somehow learn of the secret back door in the leg.

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20=11 ; d20=11 ; d20=12 ; d10=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d20=6 ; d20=1 ;
Tuesday September 17th, 2019 7:56:38 PM

--Player Actions---

Bliss lurks in his web, and his patience is rewarded. After a few siege rounds from above, thanks to Candy, a few giants lurk out of the flying dust and mud. The pair pass right in front of him, triggering an AoO.

Talia and Hobie are trying to figure out how to bypass three walls. They can see them, as they are not all perfectly flush with each other. When Hobie casts detect magic, he does notice something unusual, the wall of iron glows as magical. As a transmutation wizard, he is very much aware of the fact that the Wall of Iron spell creates one very regular, non magical iron wall.

Talia blinks through the walls, and suddenly she is aware of WHY she's not been answered by Tiana. There is no trace of the mage in the space, and standing there is a very angry looking half orc. He is clad in heavy armor, holding a bastard sword. He is currently unaware of Talia. He swings his sword at seemingly nothing, but calls out in laughter as he is rewarded with a resounding crunch.

Talia also is aware that when looking at the iron wall, she sees nothing at all but a faint outline, thanks to her trueseeing.

The walls are in the order of Iron, then Ice, then Stone.

TALIA AND HOBIE: Perception, DC 20.

Pressi sees the hiding drow, and lets her know as much. She lectures Kezzem just a moment, then casts a grease spell on Ketia, who saves against it without much trouble. She casts it on the drow, who also seems to not be much affected. (Charged 1 hero point.)

Kezzem threw some daggers, then goes and throws some more. Most of them bounce off her armor.

-----------------------------------

The door at the heel, ground level, to the iron giant remains open, and an eerie darkness seeps from its entrance, through the cracks of the spider webs.

Giants are near the heel, by Bliss-Web. He gets an aoo.

DM Note: I've taken down the outside map. Everything important is happening inside.
If he chooses to do his damage, he takes 31 fire damage in response.

--------Enemy Actions---------------

Invisible Drow: Reaches out and touches Ketia. Both vanish from sight, and reappear behind the door.

Ketia: casts a spell, and a large wall of blades and chains whirls into creation. Over its metallic clanking, Ketia shouts at the halflings.

"Funny you should mention Shan. The dead halfling here is the one who plunged a knife into her breast before the parley had finished."

She gestures wildly, from what bits and pieces you can see through the barrier, she is furious.

"Murder? We are lawfully reclaiming an item of our own belonging, and locked in combat with the same halflings who stole it the first time. He could be a server of flower, and it wouldn't change the fact it was mutual combat on a battlefield. Not murder."

--------COMBAT SANITY--------------

DM Note for our Paladins: None of the combatants in this room are of evil alignment.
DM Note: Invisible enemies are currently visible!
DM Note: In battle, it is a perception check DC 25 to pinpoint an enemy inside of the head. Scent works as listed, ie a move action to pinpoint an enemy within the head.
DM Note: Enemies with Darkvision can still operate in magical Darkness. Please let me know if you mount or companion has it.

DM Note on NEGATIVE LEVELSFor each negative level a creature has, it takes a cumulative �1 penalty on all ability checks, attack rolls, combat maneuver checks, Combat Maneuver Defense, saving throws, and skill checks. In addition, the creature reduces its current and total hit points by 5 for each negative level it possesses. The creature is also treated as one level lower for the purpose of level-dependent variables (such as spellcasting) for each negative level possessed. Spellcasters do not lose any prepared spells or slots as a result of negative levels. If a creature�s negative levels equal or exceed its total Hit Dice, it dies.

Ketia, Devout of Scald: (Multiple glowing auras, covered in flames, weapon flaming)
AC: 28 - 19 Damage. (maybe more)

Invisible Drow: 0 damage.

Armored Orc: 0 damage.

------------------------------------

???: Saves vs spell.
???: Pinpoints target. Hits for 8 damage and takes 10 points off stoneskin.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday September 17th, 2019 8:18:44 PM
"If you know what happened well enough to identify us on sight, then you know that this wasn't just some simple theft."

Pressi frowned at the dwarf. "You also know that I carried the scroll for that woman. We earned this device because we saved Shan's life, and I'd frankly be the first to turn it off tomorrow. You don't want to deal with that paladin? Fine. Why didn't you come to me?"

Bliss HP99/134 AC30 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+25=35 ;
Tuesday September 17th, 2019 11:02:51 PM
Bliss lets these giants pass by and enters the Iron Giant through the webbed heel.

"Come on, Mookie," he says, "I got a gut feeling. Everything important is happening inside."

Perception 35.

[OOC: Please place me on the map? I'm confused about it.]

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d20+8=23 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+17=33 ;
Tuesday September 17th, 2019 11:54:09 PM
The Last Charge of the Humble Brigade | Inside th' head?!

Iron Giant Heart

Inside, Talia, making another Perception & Stealth check {Perception = 23 |Stealth = 25 + 20(invis) = 45} tries her best to determine how to save Miss Tianna. With True seeing and the skill checks, what can I discern about this room I am in? How far away is Tianna? Can I see her? If I can see her, and as I am hasted, I will fly to her (Skill check fly: 33), and as I touch her, Talia will cast Dimension Door taking both Talia and Lady Tianna to the location just outside of the Catapult area where previously I had met up with Pressi. {Maximum distance with Dim Door is 920ft.} After arriving, and when able, Talia will remove her wand of Cure Light Wounds in an attempt to heal Miss Tianna. Talia then points to Hobie's last location and then everyone else within the group by using the Message spell warning them of the very angry orc stationed in the heart area surrounded by those three concentric walls: The walls are in the order of Iron, then Ice, then Stone.

Spells in Effect | 1 rounds into the next minute

Overland Flight | 776 minutes
Mage Armor | 776 minutes
Stone skin | 126 minutes

Spectral Hand | 13 Minutes :: 11 minutes remaining
Message | 13 Minutes :: 11 minutes remaining
Haste | 13 rounds :: 11 minutes remaining
Invisibility | 13 minutes :: 11 minutes remaining
True Seeing | 13 minutes :: 13 minutes remaining

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Wednesday September 18th, 2019 5:32:56 AM
Miss Piggy lets out a squeal of frustration as she sees her master's killer disappear, and the reappear inside the head area. when the blade barrier goes up, she lets out another, even loader squeal. If someone had cast speak with animals, they would blush from the foul words coming from the pigs mouth.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 112/162*, CMD 30*; Negative Levels (2), Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, d20+17=19 ; d20+20=37 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+10=29 ; d3+13=14 ; d3+13=14 ; d3+13=15 ; d3+13=15 ; d3+13=14 ; d3+13=16 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d10+3=9 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d10+12=14 ; d3+5=7 ;
Wednesday September 18th, 2019 10:06:08 AM
"How did she get over there?" asks Kezzem. "Wait, there's also a drow? Are they evil?"

Kezzem will attempt to detect evil (move action).

If he detects evil, he will attempt to pinpoint the drow.

Perception: 1d20 + 17 = 19.

If he can still tell where she is (from grease spell) and she is in melee range, Kezzem will burn a hero point, smite evil (swift action; only if he detects evil), and make a full attack (if she is not evil, subtract 3 from each attack roll and 11 from each damage roll).

+1 Frost Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 20 = 37.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 + 1d6 cold = 14 + 3 cold = 17.

+1 Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 20 = 29.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 = 14.

+1 Frost Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 15 = 32.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 + 1d6 cold = 15 + 5 cold = 20.

+1 Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 15 = 31.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 = 15.

+1 Frost Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 10 = 15 (forgot to reduce attack bonus)
Damage: 1d3 + 13 + 1d6 cold = 14 + 6 cold = 20.

+1 Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 10 = 29.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 + 1d6 cold = 16.

Two-Weapon Rend: 1d10 + 3 = 9.

If Kezzem can tell where she is (by grease) and she is not in melee range, he also burns a Hero Point, smite evil (swift action if he detects evil), and full range attack. His attacks would then be as follows:

+1 Frost Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 20 = 37.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 + 1d6 cold = 14 + 3 cold = 17.

+1 Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 20 = 29.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 = 14.

Dagger: 1d20 + 14 = 31.
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 14.

Dagger: 1d20 + 14 = 30.
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 14.

Dagger: 1d20 + 9 = 14
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 13..

Dagger: 1d20 + 9 = 28.
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 15.

If he cannot tell where the drow is, he will instead cast lay on hands on himself.
Healing 5d6: 3 + 5 + 3 + 4 + 2 = 17.

Rumpus will use scent to pinpoint the drow (move action). If in melee range, he will make an attack (standard action).

Attack: 1d20 + 12 = 14.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 = 7.

Otherwise, he will move to melee range.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 113/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 7 d20+20=40 ;
Wednesday September 18th, 2019 12:22:16 PM
Hobie doesn't know what to do, he will shout to Talia, "Whats happening in there? Can you find a way to get rid of these walls? Or is there a window in there I could climb around to?"

If Talia says there's a window, Hobie will run out the window and around to the next window (He has Spider-Climb active still so it shouldn't be too hard. Also, I'm assuming the walls extend to the ceiling is that right? If they don't Hobie will just go over them)

Hobie Perception = 40

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 113/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 7
Wednesday September 18th, 2019 12:25:54 PM
Hobie doesn't know what to do, he will shout to Talia, "Whats happening in there? Can you find a way to get rid of these walls? Or is there a window in there I could climb around to?"

If Talia says there's a window, Hobie will run out the window and around to the next window (He has Spider-Climb active still so it shouldn't be too hard. Also, I'm assuming the walls extend to the ceiling is that right? If they don't Hobie will just go over them)

Hobie Perception = 40

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday September 18th, 2019 4:54:31 PM
Pressi stays Kezzem�s hand, for now. �Someone has to put their weapons down first or this will never stop.�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday September 18th, 2019 5:02:01 PM
Pressi also casts like calls to like, before one last diplomatic push.

Bliss HP99/134 AC30 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+5=18 ;
Wednesday September 18th, 2019 8:51:19 PM

In the Iron Giant, Bliss and Mookie advance, looking for problems or foes or anything out of the ordinary. "Keep your eyes open, Mookie old chap!"

"You got it, Kid," the talking raven replies. Mookie's Perception check is an 18. Bliss's check is in yesterday's post.

The duo advance.

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20=10 ; d20=7 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+11=15 ; d20+11=27 ; d4=1 ; d4=1 ;
Wednesday September 18th, 2019 9:26:23 PM

--Player Actions---

Bliss makes his way in through the heel of the map. If he does not have darkvision, he cannot see anything. He is certain the darkness is magical in nature. If he does, he is in a room that is roughly shaped like a foot, 40 feet from end to end, and has a ladder-well leading up. Many chains dangle down from other parts of the leg structures. (No map here. If you want a positioning, it will be fine.)
-----------------------------------------

Talia's see invisible allows her to quickly locate Tiana. She cannot dimension door out, because creatures cannot teleport through the giants outer shell. If she wants to help Tiana, she can dimension door her to the other side of the walls which she blinked through, or take some aggressive action against the armored orc.

The room itself is oval shaped, with thick metal walls and one door in or out. There are a couple of tables full of engineering equipment, and a large furnace "heart", that serves as a power unit for the Iron Giant.

Talia is also aware from her true seeing spell, as her DM posted last round, the wall of Iron was an illusion. I will assume she shares that information as well.

If she dim doors out of the room to the outside chamber, she finds Hobie under attack by a creature covered in chains.

---------------------------------------

Hobie spots something moving among the chains right as it attacks. As such, he is not flat footed. The creature is humanoid, wearing a strange mask and armor made also, of chains. At its gesture, 4 chains lash out at him! The creature is 20 feet from him, and 20 feet up.
------------------------------------------------

Kezzem does not have melee range to the invaders, and the blade barrier offers cover from his attacks. He takes a -4 on all attacks through the Blade Barrier.

Detect Evil does register in the direction of the cockpit, but without direct line of sight he can only determine the general direction. Unfortunately, the grease spell did not outline the enemies.

He moves to throw some daggers, but is stopped by Pressi. (If he wants to attack regardless, just post as much and I'll retcon the damage.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pressi engages the female cleric, who resists her divination spell.

--------Enemy Actions---------------

Ketia responds to Pressi. She stands her ground on the defensive, and seems to have readied herself to cast a spell, but doesn't do anything for the moment.

"There's always more to it. When two sides disagree, fundamentally, the circling and mental positioning never ends."

She sighs.

"All right, here's the basis of everything for us. I am here to reclaim the giant. It was never Shans to give. Your defense of this town, your lives, and anything else is secondary. That is my one, immutable condition."

She looks to the cockpit, outside.

"Even the giant can't defend this town indefinitely. The giants will over-run you."

Invisible Drow hisses at Ketia.

"This isn't in our mission description, dwarf. What are you doing?"

She too, prepares to cast a spell and holds it, grinning at Pressi through the whirling barrier of swords and blades.

The Orc will continue his pursuit of Tiana. If Talia evacuates her, he is none the wiser for now.

The Chain Creature (Know planes, DC 15 to identify as a Kyton), sends 4 chains out at Hobie.

-----------------------------------

DM Note: I've taken down the outside map. Everything important is happening inside.

--------COMBAT SANITY--------------

DM Note for our Paladins: None of the combatants in this room are of evil alignment.
DM Note: Invisible enemies are currently visible!
DM Note: In battle, it is a perception check DC 25 to pinpoint an enemy inside of the head. Scent works as listed, ie a move action to pinpoint an enemy within the head.
DM Note: Enemies with Darkvision can still operate in magical Darkness. Please let me know if you mount or companion has it.

DM Note on NEGATIVE LEVELSFor each negative level a creature has, it takes a cumulative �1 penalty on all ability checks, attack rolls, combat maneuver checks, Combat Maneuver Defense, saving throws, and skill checks. In addition, the creature reduces its current and total hit points by 5 for each negative level it possesses. The creature is also treated as one level lower for the purpose of level-dependent variables (such as spellcasting) for each negative level possessed. Spellcasters do not lose any prepared spells or slots as a result of negative levels. If a creature�s negative levels equal or exceed its total Hit Dice, it dies.

Ketia, Devout of Scald: (Multiple glowing auras, covered in flames, weapon flaming)
AC: 28 - 19 Damage. (maybe more)

Invisible Drow: 0 damage.

Armored Orc: 0 damage.

Kyton Chain Devil: Hits Hobie on AC 27 for 4 damage.

------------------------------------
.

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d20+8=28 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+17=26 ; d8+5=12 ; d8+5=10 ; d8+5=6 ; d8+5=10 ; d8+5=12 ;
Wednesday September 18th, 2019 11:10:29 PM
The Last Charge of the Humble Brigade | Dancing in the Heart

Iron Giant's Heart

Inside, Talia, making another Perception & Stealth check {Perception = 28 {NAT 20} | Stealth = 26 + 20(invis) = 46} tries her best to determine how to save Miss Tianna from the mean Orc. With this round of True seeing, haste, and with the skill checks, seeing her, I will fly to her (Skill check fly: 26), and as Talia touches her, Talia will cast Dimension Door taking both Talia and Lady Tianna to the location just inside of the Iron Giant close to where Pressi & I previously entered the Iron Giant. {Maximum distance with Dim Door is 920ft.}

After using the Dimension Door spell, and when able, Talia will remove her wand of Cure Light Wounds from her Bill's Stylish Pant o' Plenty; right pocket; in an attempt to heal Miss Tianna. Talia will use 5 charges of the wand {1d8+5 | I believe the wand was created with 25 charges at 7th lvl}. Talia heals Tianna for: 12+10+6+10+12 = 50 points of healing.

Talia then points to Hobie's last location, using the current Message spell, warning first Hobie, & then everyone else within the group inside the Iron Giant of the very angry orc stationed in the heart area surrounded by those three concentric walls: The walls are in the order of Iron, then Ice, then Stone. I also tell them the the Iron Wall is just an illusion. That I have Tianna, and have taken her to safety while I heal her.

Spells in Effect | 2 rounds into the next minute

Overland Flight | 776 minutes
Mage Armor | 776 minutes
Stone skin | 126 minutes

Spectral Hand | 13 Minutes :: 11 minutes remaining

Message | 13 Minutes :: 11 minutes remaining | Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) = 230 feet | Targets one creature/level = 13 creatures

Haste | 13 rounds :: 9 rounds remaining

Invisibility | 13 minutes :: 11 minutes remaining

Blink | 13 rounds :: 12 rounds remaining

True Seeing | 13 minutes :: 13 minutes remaining

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Thursday September 19th, 2019 5:44:15 AM
Succotash's spirit goes over to Miss Piggy, and tries to calm her down a bit, however, being dead, she can't see or hear him. Miss Piggy is smart enough to know that she can't get through the blade barrier, and stays in a guarded stance.

Succotash frowns as he hears Pressi begin negotiations, he realizes that this may be the only way to save Humble's Ford, but the idea of allowing these individuals to take the giant, so they can use it to free Skald, isn't something that he is even close to fine with, fearing that they or some other group, will have to face the giant, and possibly Skald, in the future. Of course Succotash has no way of sharing his thoughts at the moment.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 129/162*, CMD 30*; Negative Levels (2), Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62,
Thursday September 19th, 2019 10:20:34 AM
"Uh, Press? What we doin' here?" asks Kezzem.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+18=20 ; d20+14=34 ;
Thursday September 19th, 2019 11:31:40 AM
Pressi tries her best to hide that she isn't staring at both of them aiming spells at her. Reaching into her pocket, slowly as they watch her, she pulls out a nondescript fan and flips it open.

"I think before we all kill each other and let the giants attack what's left, we need to explore... other options. Wouldn't you agree Ketia? I mean, not giving diplomacy a decent chance was the reason our paladin's death was justified. That is your belief, right?"

On Kezzem's side, lines begin to form and shift. (Bluff 22 (dang) to send secret message.)

Kezzem sense motive DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {"Tiana's transfer" She briefly points to the door into the heart, then towards where Talia is about to dimension door. (Kezzem should realize she's talking about the madam gem soul transfer discussed earlier.)} "At the very least, we can take care of some injured that need assistance, and perhaps further delay the invaders."

Continuing to fan herself, she continues. "Simply relying on the giant is, indeed, insufficient. And I'm not going to give a group that's already attacked us and thinks we're evil MORE information about our defenses, any more than you'd give to me. I'm probably risking a lot to say we really only need the giant for today, and clearly not for the way you expect. So if you could come back tomorrow to kill us, that would be great.

"And what of you? You seem to believe that after you let us be slaughtered, we're just going to let it go and forget about you. You seem to think the giant army out there will just let you walk out with a machine they desire and not a thought of revenge or an ability to follow the big footprints. I know you're fighting at least one other massive foe to begin with. And yet, you seem to think the giant will defend your OWN town indefinitely... against a foe or two that already took the giant once.

"You say that the lives of ourselves and our children are secondary to holding the giant. Your own lives and the lives of our town... they are not secondary to holding the giant for us, and you'd learn that if you didn't just punch through without a single thought. You scream that Succotash was too quick to attack. What makes you better in that regard? You come here, ready to let kids die time and time again, your own kids and ours, caring not for anything but your own comfort, for a weapon you can hold and whisper to yourself it can do good? That you need nothing beyond your precious steel and fire? THIS is your idea of a good society?"

Pressi pauses to catch her breath. "We are fighting for our very lives. But we are also ready to help those in need. Even you, if you're willing to put your OWN sense of honor aside. But first you have to decide why you actually came here for this machine. If it's only because of some god or some sense of property, then you have to decide if that's enough."

(Diplomacy Natural 20)

---------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
overland flight
int+4 from gears
true seeing
detect magic
hasted

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

L1: 4/7+1
L2: 2/5+1
L3: 3/5+1
L4: 4/4+1
L5: 3+1/3+1
L6: 1+1/1+1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 113/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 7 d20+20=37 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+20=34 ; d20+15=23 ; d20+10=26 ; 2d6+22=26 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+22=29 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+22=24 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+22=30 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+22=29 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+22=32 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday September 19th, 2019 11:50:12 AM
Hobie spins and fires at the chain creature (My bow is a +4, so attacks get through any of the material based DRs like adamantine, cold iron etc, but if it has DR/ bludgeoning,slashing, etc. it still applies)

Manyshot
Attack 37
Piercing 26, Cold 1, Fire 2 = 29
Piercing 29, Cold 6, Fire 1 = 35

Rapidshot
Attack 31
Piercing 24, Cold 1, Fire 5 = 30

Haste
Attack 34
Piercing 30, Cold 1, Fire 2 = 33

Iterative 1
Attack 23
Piercing 29, Cold 4, Fire 2 = 35

Iterative 2
Attack 26
Piercing 32, Cold 3, Fire 4 = 39

Bliss HP99/134 AC30 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+24=34 ;
Thursday September 19th, 2019 6:14:48 PM

"It's too dark in here Mookie," says Bliss. He casts his most powerful spell, Beast Shape III, to become a Spidertaur.

Bliss looks around with his Darkvision -- Perception 34. He looks for a way to go up, and starts walking and climbing. "Come on Mookie, follow my voice," he says.

"Sure, Kid, but no kisses, OK? That poison drool you got there is no joke."

Bliss makes slurping sounds.

DM Sanity Info:

This is Round 22 of this combat.

Current Effects:
Beast Shape III Spidertaur: 1 round of 90 used
Raging: 16 rounds of 16 per day used = over, FATIGUED
Extended Divine Favor: 4 rounds of 20 used
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 23 rounds of 100 used
Arcane Strike: Renewed each round as a swift action
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)
Threefold Aspect
TWO hero points used!
Life/Death - BOTH used
Web 1/day used

SPELLS:
Lvl 1: 5+1 spells/day; used surr blood, shld o fth, div favor x2 +entangle
Lvl 2: 5+1 spells/day; used barkskin +barkskin
Lvl 3: 4+1 spells/day; +plant growth
Lvl 4: 3+1 spells/day; ccw, threefold aspect, polymorph
Lvl 5: 1+1 spells/day; bsiii+wall o thorns

Mookie:
Philter of Mirror Image: 23 rounds of 30 used [5 images]
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 23 rounds of 100 used
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)

SpideyBliss HP99/134 AC30 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday September 19th, 2019 7:25:03 PM

New header with link to SpideyBliss sheet.

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20=18 ; d20=15 ;
Thursday September 19th, 2019 7:57:20 PM
Talia teleports with Tiana, and informs the others about the illusory wall.

Hobie is ambushed, then immediately slays the attacking enemy.

Bliss takes a spider form, one that allows him to see in the darkness. He sees everything normally now. Other than the path upwards, there is nothing happening in this room. There are 3 other sections of the "heel", all similar sized above Bliss. In his spider form, he could traverse them all, and find his way to the bottom of the midsection.

The Ghost of Succotash is displeased. His anger materializes, and he rattles some of the chains, like a hobbit poltergeist.

Pressi signals to Kezzem, something that Ketia immediately picks up on. (Sense motive: 24)

Ketia frowns.

"A day? What good is a day? How does the giant help you over such a short span of time?" She shakes her head.

"I don't know what your trying to pull, but my mission, from my god, is to reclaim this machine. There's no more, and no less involved. When you treat with the divine, you follow their demands. I HAVE put down weapons, for a moment, to listen to you. I will make you one offer, since you declined to make one to me and time is of the essence."

She looks outside.

"We will occupy the giants cockpit and take over the machine. We will walk away with the giant, since you don't need it any longer, and cover the retreat of your party and any reasonable number of refugees. I will vow, as the head of Skalds following, not to return here with the weapon again, unless my god demands it."

She holds up a placating hand.

"Which I do not forsee happening."

The drow seems impatient. "Ketia, hurry and make a choice. Kill them or leave them, there's a lot more giants and I don't want the machine damaged"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Friday September 20th, 2019 5:21:56 AM
"Well, I tried", Succotash says to himself, shocked that his efforts had any visible effects. he then goes over to the drow and Ketia, and tries the same thing, hoping to scare them a bit.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 113/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 7
Friday September 20th, 2019 11:25:17 AM
Hobie heads out the window walking on the exterior of the giant looking for a way into the other room.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 146/152*, CMD 28*; Negative Levels (2), Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62, d20+18=25 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ;
Friday September 20th, 2019 12:04:51 PM
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 18 = 25.

Kezzem nods at Pressi. He moves towards Talia and lays his hands on her.

Healing: 5d6 = 5 + 2 + 4 + 3 + 6 = 20.

He will also lay hands on himself as a swift action.

Healing: 5d6 = 4 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 5 = 17.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day (5 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (3 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (1 cast)

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day (used)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday September 20th, 2019 3:08:09 PM
"THAT'S your opening offer?" Pressi spoke with rage. "No offer to assist against this wave or plug the massive hole in the defenses or wait until we are finished? No offer to even kick a couple of giants on the way out or to light a candle? Not even a sarcastic 'sorry for the inconvenience'? Hey, here's my counter offer..."

Pressi does not disclose her initial counter offer. She prefers to take some deep breaths.

"You can't tell me that you don't care about others, not even a little. You've seen what we are up against. Come on, one of you must have a heart, or a memory of when someone left you hanging. Just leave, let us finish, and... and you can have the giant and we won't stop you from taking it out. Okay? It's yours. I'm not really thrilled that either of us have it, but we could really use it for a while longer. Besides, you kind of remind me of my mother, so.... Do we have a deal?"

If they continue to resist, Pressi's eyes drop down towards Succotash's body, and she could swear she almost feels his presence. "At least let us bury our dead. Surely your god has some room for such a kindness, even if you don't strike me as the truly religious type."

---------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
overland flight
int+4 from gears
true seeing
detect magic
hasted

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

L1: 4/7+1
L2: 3/5+1
L3: 3/5+1
L4: 4/4+1
L5: 3+1/3+1
L6: 1+1/1+1

SpideyBliss HP99/134 AC30 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+24=42 ;
Friday September 20th, 2019 3:22:16 PM

Bliss recalls this portion of the Iron Giant. "Don't go down the other leg, Mookie," he says. "Something nasty is down there."

The spidertaur continues his climb until he hears something or sees someone. Perception 42.

Mookie sees that roll and does not even bother rolling at his own +5. "Kid, you got eyes like a bloodhound."

Bliss blushes. "Thanks, old friend!"

[OOC: I think there is an "accelerated climbing" rule that lets you climb at double speed at -5 on the roll? With Bliss's climb speed and spider cloak, that seems like a good way to get up there even faster, please.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 146/152*, CMD 28*; Negative Levels (2), Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62,
Friday September 20th, 2019 5:35:11 PM
"Wait, does that mean your mother was a dwarf, Press?" ask Kezzem. "How did has this not come up before?

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d20+8=19 ; d20+8=27 ;
Friday September 20th, 2019 9:39:49 PM
The Last Charge of the Humble Brigade | Healing Tianna

Tianna

Talia, still invisble, continues to look after lady Tianna making sure she is safe and well.

Talia also makes sure that every chance she gets (every round), she will use she skills to their peak perfection! Perception & Stealth check {Perception = 19 | Stealth = 27 + 20(invis) = 47}.

Talia then points to Tianna, using the current Message spell, asking her, " what they should do to bring this situation to a favorable conclusion? Mister Murphy and Pressi spoke about transferring the Encompassing Mind's conciousness into ther Giant Tower, but I am not sure how that was suppose to work. Do you?"

While Talia, messages lady Tianna, She will look around the room to see what the next danger might be. She wonders in, feet how far away the stone & iron walls are from where Tianna and Talia are, planning the their next move. "Miss Tianna, are you all healed up now? Can you walk?" asks Talia using the Message spell.

After speaking with Tianna, Talia will message Pressi, and Kezzem, and Mookie, and Honie, each in turn with the Message spell, asking each one their current situation.

Spells in Effect | 4 rounds into the next minute

Overland Flight | 776 minutes
Mage Armor | 776 minutes
Stone skin | 126 minutes

Spectral Hand | 13 Minutes :: 11 minutes remaining

Message | 13 Minutes :: 11 minutes remaining | Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) = 230 feet | Targets one creature/level = 13 creatures

Haste | 13 rounds :: 7 rounds remaining

Invisibility | 13 minutes :: 11 minutes remaining

Blink | 13 rounds :: 10 rounds remaining

True Seeing | 13 minutes :: 13 minutes remaining

The Ride [CDM Jerry]
Saturday September 21st, 2019 11:20:49 AM
A halfling mage teleports in with a popping sound.

"Where is..." He looks at a sheet of paper. "Where is Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood, hmm....?"

When told he was in the fight at a different location, he says, "Thanks. I was sent to take him....to where he was....to another place....yeah..... He'll be.....elsewhere....for a time... I'll go fetch.....and deliver....yes..... He'll rejoin you later if....well if...."

He looks around.

"Wowsers! What did you guys do....I wonder?....."

Not waiting for an answer, he twists his ring and teleports out again.

[this is Murphy's exit]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Saturday September 21st, 2019 4:27:14 PM
The ghost of Succotash tries to communicate with Talia saying something to the affect of, �Go take the cockpit and make the transfer�, but then he remembers he�s dead, and speaking with the living isn�t something that dead people normally do.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 146/152*, CMD 28*; Negative Levels (2), Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62,
Sunday September 22nd, 2019 4:12:01 PM
I don't suppose Kezzem could hear Succotash, being a paladin of Gargul and all....

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*, touch AC 19*; HP 146/152*, CMD 28*; Negative Levels (2), Shield Other (Candy, Erbin); Rumpus - AC 25, touch 14; HP 62/62,
Sunday September 22nd, 2019 6:52:40 PM
"If I can get in there, what do I need to do?" aswhispers Kezzem to Talia.

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d20+8=22 ; d20+8=27 ;
Monday September 23rd, 2019 12:25:55 AM
The Last Charge of the Humble Brigade | The Transfer

Talia also makes sure that every chance she gets (every round), she will use she skills to their peak perfection to assist here in finishing this final task!
Perception & Stealth check:: {Perception = 22 | Stealth = 27 + 20(invis) = 47}.

Talia continues to message the Humble Sword family: Pressi, Kezzem, Succotash, Bliss, and Hobie each in turn with the Message spell::

Pressi -- what do I need to do to finish this?

Kezzem -- I believe Pressi knows the final step to finish this task -- it all involves the cockpit & Madam Encompassing Mind.

Succotash -- Where ya at? You still in the cockpit?

Bliss -- Where are you? Where is everyone? I have Tianna & I've healed here, but I do not know the final piece of this solution! Do you?

Hobie -- Do you know what we need to do to finish this?

Talia turns to Tianna asking, "Do you recall how far the Cockpit is relative to the Heart, where I found you?"

-=-=-

Spells in Effect | 5 rounds into the next minute (Turn)

Overland Flight | 776 minutes
Mage Armor | 776 minutes
Stone skin | 126 minutes

Spectral Hand | 13 Minutes :: 11 minutes remaining

Message | 13 Minutes :: 11 minutes remaining | Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) = 230 feet | Targets one creature/level = 13 creatures

Haste | 13 rounds :: 7 rounds remaining

Invisibility | 13 minutes :: 11 minutes remaining

Blink | 13 rounds :: 10 rounds remaining

True Seeing | 13 minutes :: 13 minutes remaining

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday September 23rd, 2019 11:47:57 AM
�Just get in there, get to the controls, keep them from the controls... and make the transfer.�

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 113/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 7
Monday September 23rd, 2019 2:01:08 PM
"I have no idea what to do! I was fighting on a different front when everything was going down and I have not figured out how to catch up. If I can get to you I'll keep you safe while you make the transfer"

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map
Monday September 23rd, 2019 10:03:57 PM

Pressi isn't pleased with the counter offer, and pleas for them to leave and come back tomorrow.

Spider Bliss keeps climbing up all the way to the midsection. He can either make his way to the heart to investigate the walls he's been told about, or he can keep climbing upwards.

Talia makes multiple plans with the others. A plan of sort is hatched, for her to get to the cockpit, unmolested, and link with the mind for an instant transfer. She imparts this to Kezzem.

Hobie is lost, but plans to serve as bodyguard.

Any of them can run through the blade barrier, there's just damage as a result, and the fact that two spells are being readied.

------------------------------------------------------

Ketia frowns.

"We aren't going to leave the giant here long enough for it to be destroyed in a last ditch effort. I have my orders and I made my offer. You've in no way given me the slightest idea of how the giant can be anything but a last ditch effort."

She looks again outside.

"I don't want the halflings to die. But I also can't risk fighting until the giant is over-ran. I don't see what option I have other than to leave."

At her signal, the drows readied spell is cast. She gestures, but nothing particularly visible happens. (spellcraft DC 23: Wall of force.)

Ketia casts a spell as well, and everything goes dark. (Spellcraft to detect the obvious Darkness spell, DC 17)

SpideyBliss HP99/134 AC30 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday September 23rd, 2019 10:49:18 PM

Bliss ignores the middle section and the heart. The action is up, he thinks. He moves up. (Double move)

"Come on, Mookie! We've got to get a head!"

"Oy," caws Mookie. "I've raised a comedian. A bad comedian."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*+3**, touch AC 19*+3**; HP 146/152*, CMD 28*; * Negative Levels (2), ** Smite Evil (drow); Rump d20+17=36 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+8=14 ;
Tuesday September 24th, 2019 2:21:30 AM
Kezzem will wait for the signal. Once someone takes action, he flies through the blade barrier on Succotash's magic carpet.

SV Ref: 1d20 + 19 - 2 (Negative Levels) = 36. Note: Kezzem has Evasion.

He moves towards the dwarf and attempts to grapple her.

CMB: 1d20 + 12 = 32 (natural 20).

He will also activate his last Smite Evil against the drow. It won't help him grapple her, but it will boost his AC at least.

Brave Sir Rumpus follow suit.

SV Ref: 1d20 + 8 = 21. Rumpus also has evasion (and Spell Resistance 16).

Rumpus will target the drow and attempt to "grapple" her with his hooves.

CMB: 1d20 + 10 = 23.

Note: If Rumpus is going to fail his save, Kezzem will spend a Hero Point to reroll for his companion.

SV Ref: 1d20 + 8 = 14.

Well, that's not better. Let's hope the first one makes it! Also, how many Hero Points can you spend on rerolls for a single Saving Throw?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 113/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 7
Tuesday September 24th, 2019 4:26:51 AM
Hobie will cast Alter Self turning into a goblin so he can see in the dark. He says to his friends "Remember guys, don't attack the goblin the cowboy hat, it's still me!!!"

He will follow Kezzem through the Blade barrier

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 3/10

Elemental Arrow: Cold

Fire Arrows Used 13/50

Spells in effect- Spider Climb, Bears Endurance (50/60 remaining)

===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message, Mage Hand

Level 1
Grease, ***Burning Hands***, Burning Hands, True Strike, Enlarge Person, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Mirror Image, Mirror Image, ***Bear's Endurance***, ***Alter Self***

Level 3
Fly, Lightning Bolt, ***Lightning Bolt***, Flame Arrow

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105 d20+17=21 ; d20+14=23 ;
Tuesday September 24th, 2019 5:38:38 AM
The ghost of Succotash burns a hero point to give Miss Piggy +8 on her reflex roll as she follows Kezzem and Rumpus through the blade barrier. (Reflex 21) Using her darkvision to see the way, she will rush over and try to grapple the drow. (grapple attempt 23)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+15=17 ;
Tuesday September 24th, 2019 2:13:45 PM
"It's the tower! The tower will protect the giant once it's fully charged, if you just give us..."

Pressi watched as the wall of force cut off their one backup option (spellcraft no fail for either, and her true seeing handles magical darkness). She wondered if the universe was sexist or just hated her personally, but probably both.

Slamming at the door, she turned to Talia. "Dimension Door right into the chair and activate the full transfer of Madam Gem right now! Kezzem, smash that wall as much as you can. Hobie... good luck. But if you can't get through the wall, maybe you can find a way around it."

She turned to Tiana. "You, get back down to the gem room. If this thing moves away from the tower, I want you to smash the gems as hard as you can as often as you can or activate the self destruct. If we can't have the tower, they can't have this war machine. They want a villain, I intend to oblige."

Pressi casts blink and runs through the blade barrier (reflex 17) and towards the dwarf.

---------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
overland flight
int+4 from gears
true seeing
detect magic
hasted
blinking

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

L1: 4/7+1
L2: 3/5+1
L3: 4/5+1
L4: 4/4+1
L5: 3+1/3+1
L6: 1+1/1+1

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21
Tuesday September 24th, 2019 2:55:10 PM
PLace Holder...

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*+3**, touch AC 19*+3**; HP 146/152*, CMD 28*; * Negative Levels (2), ** Smite Evil (drow); Rump d20+18=32 ; d4+2=4 ; d20+12=22 ; d3+5=7 ;
Tuesday September 24th, 2019 6:24:03 PM
If Kezzem is blocked by the wall of force, he'll Quick Draw his adamantine short sword and attack with that.

+1 Adamantine Construct-Bane Short Sword
Attack: 1d20 + 18 = 32.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 = 4.

Wall of Forces are constructs since they are CONSTRUCTed, right?

Rumpus will also try with his hooves, though I doubt they will do anything useful.

Attack: 1d20 + 12 = 22.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 = 7.

SpideyBliss HP99/134 AC30 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+24=33 ;
Tuesday September 24th, 2019 9:22:10 PM
When he gets up to the head, Bliss casts a Blink spell. He likes how this form has good attacks and lets him talk and cast spells. He knows that it can't get him through force effects, but maybe he can get AROUND them. He looks for an enemy, if he can see anything (Darkvision) or hear anything -- Perception 33. If he has a move action left, maybe he'll move toward an enemy.

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 21 d20+8=11 ; d20+8=15 ;
Tuesday September 24th, 2019 9:22:38 PM
The Last Charge of the Humble Brigade | The Transfer

Talia also makes sure that every chance she gets (every round), she will use she skills to their peak perfection to assist here in finishing this final task!
Perception & Stealth check:: {Perception = 11| Stealth =15 + 20(invis) = 35}.

Talia having discovered the exact location of the cockpit from Tianna and her own memories of an earlier time, plans to Dimension Door straight there by simply visualizing the location and the cockpit chair as she remembers it! As Talia is Hasted, she casts Dimension Door, taking herself straight to the cockpit chair! Upon arrival & {using another Hero Point}, Talia using the True Seeing spell dons the pilot helmet and tells the Encompassing Mind {Madam Gem} to meld your consciousness with the tower Immediately!

Spells in Effect | 6 rounds into the next minute (Turn)

Overland Flight | 776 minutes
Mage Armor | 776 minutes
Stone skin | 126 minutes

Spectral Hand | 13 Minutes :: 11 minutes remaining

Message | 13 Minutes :: 11 minutes remaining | Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) = 230 feet | Targets one creature/level = 13 creatures

Haste | 13 rounds :: 7 rounds remaining

Invisibility | 13 minutes :: 11 minutes remaining

Blink | 13 rounds :: 10 rounds remaining

True Seeing | 13 minutes :: 13 minutes remaining

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map 13d6=45 ; d20=17 ; d20=4 ; 13d6=36 ; 13d6=40 ; d100=40 ; 13d6=40 ; d20=5 ; d20+13=25 ;
Tuesday September 24th, 2019 10:22:12 PM

Bliss still has another round before he makes it to the shoulders, then one round to the head. This assumes he double moves as his actions each round. The Iron Giant is very tall, and he started at the bottom.

Kezzem and Rumpus each run through the blade barrier and into the wall of force. The Save DC is 24, so Rumpus fails and takes 45 damage. They can stay there and keep attacking the wall of force, but they will remain in the blade barrier and must save each round if they do so. Kezzem can see that his attack left no visible mark on the invisible wall.

Hobie passes his save on the way through the blade barrier, so takes half damage, unless he has evasion. He takes 18 damage

Pressi rushes through the blade barrier, blinking, but finds that no protection from the magical blades. (Blink says force effects affect you normally, and blade barrier is such an effect.). She takes 40 damage from the spell. She also runs smack into the wall of force, and finds herself unable to pass. (Again, force effect.)

Talia moves into the cockpit, via dimension door, and slams the headpiece into place. She gives the order to meld into the tower, and it is immediately followed.

Outside of the Iron Giant, the humming of the tower reaches a sudden and unexpected zenith. The howls of giants are carried up on the wind and reverberate in the metal walls of the Iron Giant. Each one that rushes into the gates of Humbles Ford finds themselves burning with flames they cannot extinguish. Those inside of the walls are instantly turned to ash, and carried into nothingness on the wind.

Even inside of the giant, the battle pauses for a moment, only to be reignited by a scream of anger from Ketia and the drow when the giant lurches, then loses all power and locks itself into place.

------------------------------------------------

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?", Ketia screams with rage. She turns and brings down a huge column of flame on Talia, seemingly unbothered by her invisibility, and in this moment by chance, her blinking. Talia takes 40 points of damage, half divine and half fire. Reflex DC 23 for half.

Snarling, she very quickly casts a second spell. "IF YOU TOLD ME YOU HAD A PLAN I.. I.. I MIGHT HAVE.." .. her lip quivers. "TO SKALDS FURNACE WITH YOU ALL! I WILL AVENGE THIS LOSS OF HONOR BEFORE MY GOD!"

A streak of fiery light flashes out at Talia, but misses the agile sorceress.

-----------

"Big mistake", mutters the drow. She takes a step away from Talia, and dispels her magical effects. It affects 3 spells, and the highest levels. It breaks her True Seeing, it breaks her Blink, and it breaks her Haste.

--------------

Bliss hears a commotion coming from below him. Moving up the ladder with a speed almost close to his, is a orc covered in heavy armor.

--------------

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*+3**, touch AC 19*+3**; HP 146/152*, CMD 28*; * -2 Levels, ** Smite Evil (drow), Rumpus 17/62. d20+18=32 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+8=28 ; d4+2=6 ; d4+2=3 ; d4+2=5 ; d20+17=23 ; d20+17=21 ;
Tuesday September 24th, 2019 11:22:34 PM
Rumpus backs up as he cannot take much damage like that.

Not sure what else he can do, Kezzem's going to remain and attempts to pound away at the wall of force with his adamantine short sword.

Attack: 1d20 + 18 = 32.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 = 6.

Attack: 1d20 + 13 (18 - 5) = 26.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 = 3.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 = 28. Natural 20, but I assume a force wall is not critable.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 = 7.

DC 24 SV Ref for Blade Barrier: 1d20 + 17 = 23. Hero Point!
DC 24 SV Ref for Blade Barrier: 1d20 + 17 = 21. And that's worse. I can only use Hero Points to reroll once, correct?

"Hey, if you want to kill us, you better lower this wall down first, no?" asks Kezzem.

SpideyBliss HP99/134 AC30 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+15=27 ;
Wednesday September 25th, 2019 12:16:48 AM

Bliss shoots a web at the orc below him.

That's 1 of 8 that Bliss can shoot daily. A ranged touch attack entangles the target. If entangled, it's a DC19 escape artist check to escape, or DC23 strength check to burst out.

Bliss's ranged touch attack hits touch AC27. Then he turns and keeps moving up.

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 87/90 -- TMP HP 10 d20=4 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+8=27 ;
Wednesday September 25th, 2019 12:35:02 AM
The Last Charge of the Humble Brigade

"Well actions always have consequences are this is more proof" thinks Talia as she tries to use her reflexes to avoid a nasty scorch {Reflex save = 4} , but as she is in a chair and was hell-bent on making the transfer, can't avoid the scorching!!
{40 - 50 Temp HP = 10 temp hp left} ** explained in DM post to follow.

Talia also makes sure that every chance she gets (every round), she will use she skills to their peak perfection to assist her in finishing this final task! Perception & Stealth check:: {Perception = 21 | Stealth = 27 + 20(invis) = 47}.

Talia casts Beast Shape III transforming herself into a Dire Tiger ready to strike!

Spells in Effect | 7 rounds into the next minute (Turn)

Overland Flight | 776 minutes
Mage Armor | 776 minutes
Stone skin | 126 minutes

Spectral Hand | 13 Minutes :: 11 minutes remaining

Message | 13 Minutes :: 11 minutes remaining | Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) = 230 feet | Targets one creature/level = 13 creatures

Invisibility | 13 minutes :: 11 minutes remaining

Stat Block for Beast Shape III - Dire Tiger

Tiger, Dire (Smilodon) CR 8

XP 4,800
N Large animal
Init +6; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +12

DEFENSE

AC 17, touch 11, flat-footed 15 (+2 Dex, +6 natural, �1 size)
hp 105 (14d8+42)
Fort +12, Ref +11, Will +5

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee 2 claws +18 (2d4+8 plus grab), bite +18 (2d6+8/19�20 plus grab)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft.
Special Attacks pounce, rake (2 claws +18, 2d4+8)

STATISTICS

Str 27, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +10; CMB +19 (+23 grapple); CMD 31 (35 vs. trip)
Feats Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Run, Skill Focus (Perception), Skill Focus (Stealth), Weapon Focus (bite, claw)
Skills Acrobatics +6, Perception +12, Stealth +15 (+23 in tall grass), Swim +13; Racial Modifiers +4 Acrobatics, +4 Stealth (+8 in tall grass)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Wednesday September 25th, 2019 5:35:20 AM
A tear wells up in Succotash's ghostly eyes as he knows Madame Gem is gone for ever, but then he realizes that Talia is cut off from her friends. He sees her turn into a dire tiger, and thinks to himself, "You go girl!", but he worries for his friend as she is alone against two very angry, and powerful individuals.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*+3**, touch AC 19*+3**; HP 146/152*, CMD 28*; * -2 Levels, ** Smite Evil (drow), Rumpus 17/62.
Wednesday September 25th, 2019 9:26:27 AM
Kezxem turns to Pressi, "Talia an turn into animals too? Am i the only one of us stuck being a half,ing 24/7?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 71/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+16=23 ; d20+16=27 ; d2=2 ; d2=1 ; d6=1 ;
Wednesday September 25th, 2019 2:25:30 PM
Pressi just smiled. "Well, the only one that's still breathing. Besides, there's always heavy drinking."

Smiling, Pressi double moves under the force wall, trying to hold on to the ceiling of the room below (Reflex Rolls 23+4 from hero point for blade, 27 for holding on.)(I only have two hero points left, better make them count.)(Pressi hits the bulkhead once for 1 damage per 5 ft).

While swinging, "Now, now, striking out in anger and ego hurt isn't going to solve anything, especially if you're striking out at the wrong female caster. Besides, there's no need for this, because we are keeping our end of the deal. I promised you the giant once we were done with the plan, which I believe I was quite clear that we had, if you bothered to listen."

Pressi pulled herself up from the floor. "And now, a deal's a deal. Granted, I can't also give you Madam Gem, as you never bothered to even ask during negotiations. But as promised, the giant's all yours and nobody will stop you from taking it back if you stop fighting and leave. A word of advice, though. Lift with your legs, not with your back."

---------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
overland flight
int+4 from gears
true seeing
detect magic
hasted
blinking

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

L1: 4/7+1
L2: 3/5+1
L3: 4/5+1
L4: 4/4+1
L5: 3+1/3+1
L6: 1+1/1+1

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 17 | CMB +19 | CMD +31 | HP 105 (Plus 10 tmp?) d20+12=19 ; d20+15=21 ; d20+4=11 ; d20+1=17 ;
Wednesday September 25th, 2019 9:24:31 PM
The Last Charge of the Humble Brigade

Using her new skill set, Talia Dire Tiger / Talia Smildon familiarizes herself with the room and the creatures she must end.

{Perception = roll +12 = 19 | Stealth = roll + 15 + 20(invis) =41 | Stealth = roll +4 = 11 | Scent = 1d20+1 (wiz) (DC10) = 17 }.

Invisible, Talia Dire Tiger ( or Talia Smilodon) is now using her low-light vision and scent abilities to track her prey to detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell. Having successfully caught a whiff of the enemies, what can I tell from my new abilities and how far are they from me?

The first creature to attack me, I will return the favor and charge them!

Spells in Effect | 7 rounds into the next minute (Turn)

Overland Flight | 776 minutes
Mage Armor | 776 minutes
Stone skin | 126 minutes

Spectral Hand | 13 Minutes :: 11 minutes remaining

Message | 13 Minutes :: 11 minutes remaining | Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) = 230 feet | Targets one creature/level = 13 creatures

Invisibility | 13 minutes :: 11 minutes remaining

Beast Shape III | 13 Minutes :: 13 minutes remaining

Stat Block for Beast Shape III - Dire Tiger

Tiger, Dire (Smilodon) CR 8

XP 4,800
N Large animal
Init +6; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +12

DEFENSE

AC 17, touch 11, flat-footed 15 (+2 Dex, +6 natural, �1 size)
hp 105 (14d8+42)
Fort +12, Ref +11, Will +5

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee 2 claws +18 (2d4+8 plus grab), bite +18 (2d6+8/19�20 plus grab)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft.
Special Attacks pounce, rake (2 claws +18, 2d4+8)

STATISTICS

Str 27, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +10; CMB +19 (+23 grapple); CMD 31 (35 vs. trip)
Feats Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Run, Skill Focus (Perception), Skill Focus (Stealth), Weapon Focus (bite, claw)
Skills Acrobatics +6, Perception +12, Stealth +15 (+23 in tall grass), Swim +13; Racial Modifiers +4 Acrobatics, +4 Stealth (+8 in tall grass)

Scent
This special quality allows a creature to detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell. Creatures with the scent ability can identify familiar odors just as humans do familiar sights.

The creature can detect opponents within 30 feet by sense of smell. If the opponent is upwind, the range increases to 60 feet; if downwind, it drops to 15 feet. Strong scents, such as smoke or rotting garbage, can be detected at twice the ranges noted above. Overpowering scents, such as skunk musk or troglodyte stench, can be detected at triple normal range.

When a creature detects a scent, the exact location of the source is not revealed�only its presence somewhere within range. The creature can take a move action to note the direction of the scent. When the creature is within 5 feet of the source, it pinpoints the source�s location.

A creature with the scent ability can follow tracks by smell, making a Wisdom (or Survival) check to find or follow a track. The typical DC for a fresh trail is 10 (no matter what kind of surface holds the scent). This DC increases or decreases depending on how strong the quarry�s odor is, the number of creatures, and the age of the trail. For each hour that the trail is cold, the DC increases by 2. The ability otherwise follows the rules for the Survival skill. Creatures tracking by scent ignore the effects of surface conditions and poor visibility.

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 17 | CMB +19 | CMD +31 | HP 105 (Plus 10 tmp?) d20+10=16 ; 2d4+8=11 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d4=3 ; d4=4 ;
Wednesday September 25th, 2019 11:14:03 PM
The Last Charge of the Humble Brigade

Using her new skill set, Talia Dire Tiger / Talia Smildon familiarizes herself with the room and the creatures she must end.

{Perception = roll +12 = 19 | Stealth = roll + 15 + 20(invis) =41 | Stealth = roll +4 = 11 | Scent = 1d20+1 (wiz) (DC10) = 17 }.

Invisible, Talia Dire Tiger ( or Talia Smilodon) is now using her low-light vision and scent abilities to track her prey to detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell. Having successfully caught a whiff of the enemies, what can I tell from my new abilities and how far are they from me?

The first creature to attack me or try to attack me, I will return the favor and charge them, if I can!

Dire Tiger Charge Attack

Melee Attack +10 +2 (attack when invisible) = 18

Claw attack + Grab = 11 + 18 = 29 hp damage + grab

Bite = (6+5)+8 +18 = 37 hp damage + grab

If a charge was possible, can I also rake? If yes, Rake = (7+8)+18 = 33

{Not sure how the grab part works}

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 7 d20+6=23 ;
Thursday September 26th, 2019 3:51:35 AM
Goblin Hobie, realizing he can't get through the wall of force, grabs a scroll from his bag and tries to dispel the Blade Barrier - Dispel Check 23 vs DC of 11+Spell's Caster level

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Thursday September 26th, 2019 5:47:25 AM
Succotash can't help but laugh at Pressi's witty comment about the lifting with the legs. He is a little relieved to see Pressi in the room with Talia, although he though it was a little weird seeing her pop up through the floor.

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 17 | CMB +19 | CMD +31 | HP 105 (Plus 10 tmp?) d20+10=30 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+23=34 ; d20+23=36 ; d20+23=40 ; d20+18=31 ; d4=1 ; d4=2 ; d4+8=10 ; d20+18=24 ; d4=3 ; d4=4 ;
Thursday September 26th, 2019 7:10:44 AM
Pouncing Dire Tiger Charge Attack

Melee Attack #1 -- Claw

{From above post @ Wednesday September 25th, 2019 11:14:03 PM -- I was apprised by email I didnt do this correctly}

Possible Hit: +2 (attack when invisible) + 18 = 36

Melee Damage #1 = 11 hp damage

Possible Grab: 40

Possible Rake Hit = 31

Possible Rake damage = 11 hp damage

Melee Attack #2 -- Claw

Possible hit: 30 {NAT 20} | Confirmed = 30 {NAT 20}

Damage: (2d4+8) = 10 x2 = 20 hp damage

Possible Grab: 34

Melee Attack #3 -- Bite

Possible Hit: 24

Possible Damage: 3+4+8 = 15 hp damage

Possible Grab: 36

{Totally confused by the Stat block}

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 71/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday September 26th, 2019 4:07:45 PM
Pressi waits for either of them to respond.

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map 13d6=42 ; d20=20 ; d20=15 ; d8+10=15 ; d6=3 ; d20=14 ; d20+20=34 ; d20+20=23 ; d20+15=35 ; d20+15=24 ; d8+10=14 ; d6=5 ; d8+10=12 ; d6=6 ; d8+10=13 ; d6=1 ; d8+10=11 ; d6=6 ; d20=12 ;
Thursday September 26th, 2019 4:54:47 PM

Rumpus backs up, and Kezzem taunts the dwarf. She doesn't seem to be in the mood anymore. Kezzem remains in the blade barrier, and takes 42 damage, 21 if he passed the DC 24 reflex save.

Bliss shoots his webbing at the orc below him, but it doesn't seem to phase it much. It breaks the web easily (nat 20 on the attempt), but is at least slowed by the breaking of the web as much as Bliss was slowed by making it.

Talia casts beast shape 3, and incurs an attack of opportunity from the Drow and Ketia while doing so. Ketia hits AC 35 for 18 damage. The Drow misses, even against the flat footed Talia.

Talia must make a concentration check DC 33 to keep her Beast Shape 3 spell.

(Your DM missed a post and you skipped ahead a round. Sorry about that.)

Pressi does some movement (Sorry, I cant really follow where you want to be. Did you come up on the other side of the blade barrier near Talia?), and taunts her foes.

Hobie tries to dispel the blade barrier, and feels it quiver, but realizes that he came up just a little short. (BB is 11 + 13 = 24. Would you like to spend a point to add 4 to it?)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enemy Actions.

The orc keeps climbing, making pace with Bliss.

Ketia continues attacking Talia. She whirls at Pressi.

"I tried to treat you honestly, halfling. Having a plan to instantly wipe out every giant in a 10 mile radius is much different than a plan to use the giants weapons. And I suspect you never intended to give us a working warmachine. You would have circumvented the spirit of the bargain, somehow you wretch!"

She looks back at Talia, then back to Pressi.

"This ones blood is on your hands. We will kill you all and pray your bloody heads satisfy our god where this inert statue cannot."

Ketia hits AC 34, 23, and 35. (The final attack confirms as a crit if you successfully pull of dire tiger form, with your reduced AC, and the second attack will hit as well.), for 14 physical / 5 fire, 12 physical / 6 fire, and 14 physical, 1 fire. (plus 11 physical and 6 fire if crit is successful) If all hit, the total damage is 51 physical and 18 fire damage. Also note that unless you pulled off tiger form, you are denied your dex.

The Drow steps away from Talia, and fires a blinding ray, hitting touch ac 20. Talia is blind for one round, even if a dire tiger.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*+3**, touch AC 19*+3**; HP 122/152*, CMD 28*; * -2 Levels, ** Smite Evil (drow), Rumpus 17/62. d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d8=8 ;
Thursday September 26th, 2019 7:35:56 PM
"Only one still alive? Wow, Press, that was pretty dark. As a paladin of Gargul, I'm supposed to be the goth one!"

"Okay, okay, I get the hint," says Kezzem, backing off from the blade barrier. As a swift action, he casts his last lay on hands on himself.

Healing: 5d6 = 2 + 4 + 3 + 3 + 6 = 18.

Wow, that's a lot of 1's! Good to be able to reroll them.

"Hey Rumpus, I haven't bliss around lately. Be a good boy and go check on him, will ya?"

He takes out his wand and hits Hobbie with a charge. "So I guess we just stand here and watch?"

Healing: 1d8 + 1 = 9.

To Ketia, Kezzem says, "Yeah, we would have told your our plan, but the whole attacking us while we are trying to defend our home didn't inspire a lot of trust."

-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day (7 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (3 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (1 cast)

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day (used)

Talia (JonPaul) - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 10/90 d20+21=29 ; d20+21=33 ; d20+2=19 ; d20+1=12 ; d20+7=18 ; d4=3 ; d4=3 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=17 ; d4=3 ; d4=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ;
Thursday September 26th, 2019 9:17:31 PM
The Last Charge of the Humble Brigade | The Sacrifice[/b/]

Realizing a bit too late that there where other invisible enemies in the room with her, Talia now needs to concentrate to complete her transformation. Combast Casting concentration check (DC 33) :: 1d20 + Caters level + Charisma bonus = 1d20 + 13+8 = 1d20 + 21 == 29 {Using a hero point to reroll check} new check is 33 {Did I make it?}

If I made it, then she transforms into a Dire Tiger (Smilodon) taking 87 hp of damage - 10 for temporary hPs leaves 10 HP's left...now that she took more than 50% of her health in one battle, Talia will mentally roll a Constitution check = 19 to remain standing.

Now, also a blinded Smilodon, Talia will track her most arden enemy and pounce using scent. {Scent Check : 1d20+1 (DC 10) = 12} Assuming I now know where Ketia is, I pounce!

[b]Attacking Smilodon | 2 Claws and a Bite

Attack Claw #1 | 1d20+7 + 2 {invis} = 18 + 2 = 20
Damage Claw # 1 | 6+8 = 14 hps

Attack Claw #2 | 1d20+7 = 15
Damage Claw # 2 | 5+8 = 13 hps

Attack Bite #1 | 1d20+7 = 27 (NAT 20) | {Last Hero Point to Confirm Crit} AC 17
Damage Bite # 1 | 5+3+8 = 16 HPs

Grab on Critical? | attempts to start a Grapple as a Free Action without provoking an attack of opportunity == {Whose values do I use for Grapple? }

[u][b]Spells in Effect | 6 rounds into the next minute (Turn)

Overland Flight | 776 minutes
Mage Armor | 776 minutes
Stone skin | 126 minutes

Spectral Hand | 13 Minutes :: 11 minutes remaining

Message | 13 Minutes :: 11 minutes remaining | Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) = 230 feet | Targets one creature/level = 13 creatures

SpideyBliss HP99/134 AC30 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+15=27 ; d6+3=7 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+14=15 ;
Thursday September 26th, 2019 11:51:52 PM

Bliss shrugs and figures on having to deal with that fighter one way or another. He shoots another web, hitting touch AC27.

If the enemy attacks Bliss, he'll activate his bramble armor as a free action. That inflicts 1d6+3 on an attacker ... this round, that's 7 damage.

Mookie flies to the enemy, attacks, and flies back. He's using his Flyby Attack feat, and his Fly check is a 33. His attack on the entangled foe hits AC15, but that's a natural one.

Can Bliss get an idea for the fellow's AC? Touch AC? Do Bliss and Mookie get a bonus to attack from above / higher ground?

"Jeezum Crow!" says the disappointed bird.

Leaving the space next to the fellow triggers an AoO, but note that Mookie still has five mirror images up and running.

DM Sanity Info:

This is Round 25 of this combat.

Current Effects:
Beast Shape III Spidertaur: 4 round of 90 used
Raging: 16 rounds of 16 per day used = over, FATIGUED
Extended Divine Favor: 7 rounds of 20 used
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 26 rounds of 100 used
Arcane Strike: Renewed each round as a swift action
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)
Threefold Aspect
TWO hero points used!
Life/Death - BOTH used
Web Spell 1/day used 1
Shooting A Web 8/day used 2. DC19 escape artist or DC23 strength check to escape.

SPELLS:
Lvl 1: 5+1 spells/day; used surr blood, shld o fth, div favor x2 +entangle
Lvl 2: 5+1 spells/day; used barkskin +barkskin
Lvl 3: 4+1 spells/day; +plant growth
Lvl 4: 3+1 spells/day; ccw, threefold aspect, polymorph
Lvl 5: 1+1 spells/day; bsiii+wall o thorns

Mookie:
Philter of Mirror Image: 26 rounds of 30 used [5 images]
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 26 rounds of 100 used
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Friday September 27th, 2019 5:41:09 AM
The frustration of not being able to avenge her master is too great for Miss Piggy, and she sits in a corner sobbing. Can a pig cry you ask? Well, normally no, but Miss Piggy, as a Paladin's Mount, is smarter then some people I know, so... (Int 6)

Meanwhile Succotash the ghost tries to encourage his friends to keep up the good fight, hoping that none of them join him in his current status. When he sees Talia, the Dire Tiger, leaping at the she-dwarf, his heart sinks, as he knows that Ketia's fire shield is probably going to be the end of Talia, as it was for him.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6 d20=20 ; d20=3 ; d20=19 ; d20=13 ; d20=19 ; 4d6+22=40 ; 4d6+22=30 ; 4d6+22=41 ; 4d6+22=32 ; 4d6+22=38 ; 4d6+22=37 ;
Friday September 27th, 2019 12:52:39 PM
Hobie will expend just a little bit more heroic effort and dispel the blade barrier (I'll use a hero point to boost that roll)

Then Hobie will start shooting arrows at the wall of force.

Goblin Hobie will take aim at a particular five foot square of the wall and fire a stream of arrows at it (DC5, all my bonuses are much higher than 5 so I'm just gonna roll d20s in case of a 1)

Manyshot- hits
Arrow 1 - 40 damage minus 30 hardness = 10 damage to wall
Arrow 2- 30 damage minus 30 hardness = 0 damage to wall

Rapid Shot- Hits
41 damage minus 30 hardness = 11 damage to wall

Haste- Hits
32 damage minus 30 hardness = 2 damage to wall

Iterative 1 - Hits
38 damage minus 30 hardness = 8 damage to wall

Iterative 2- Hits
37 damage minus 30 hardness = 7 damage to wall

Total of 38 damage to the wall

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 71/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+24=25 ; d20+20=21 ; d20+20=23 ; d8=2 ; d8=6 ; d8=5 ; d8=5 ; d8=1 ; d8=3 ;
Friday September 27th, 2019 2:46:09 PM
(OOC: Sorry about that. I forgot to update the map but imagined being somewhat close to Ketia, and otherwise didn't consider positioning to be a big deal in such small quarters.)

(OOC: will there really still be a fire shield still? That's only a #spell level round limit. At any event, Spellcraft 25 to see if Pressi detects it.)

(Perception 21 to see any possible means of escape or to take down the barrier.)

------------

"Me, keep a giant war machine of massive armaments from such even tempered and clear headed diplomats like yourselves? Why, just the other day I was saying that I wish to hand this death carrier to a couple of religious zealots from a country that has now invaded us twice and actually hinted they might do it a third time even if we just gave up. That, or a pack of rabbid ferrets that are lactose intolerant.

Pressi cringed at the attacks on Talia and hopes she's in position to give her flanking.

"And you know what, to Scald with your so called honesty. I spent that entire time looking for a shred of compassion, reflection, mercy... decency. The thing every cleric is actually supposed to have. The type of thing I could spot in Shan, or Uthvas, or even those darn irlgaunts. How did you become more inhuman than literal giant spiders? And another thing, it's not my fault you don't listen. In fact, I bet you can't state three things about me besides what's on the surface."

Pressi tumbles away from Keita (Acro 23) and delayed action (after other side) hits Talia with the breath of life (33 HP+reverse death).

She also searches for some inspiration to keep herself and Talia alive - and I mean anything. Escape, diplomacy, getting down the wall, rabbid ferrets, any hint will do. (Hero point spent, one left.)

"One last thing, if you actually think our bloody heads are a sufficient gift in place of a giant war machine. You are NEVER to buy me a gift off the registry. Yeesh."

------------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
overland flight
int+4 from gears
true seeing - 6/12 minutes
detect magic - 6/12 minutes
hasted - 13 rounds
blinking - 10/12 rounds

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

L1: 4/7+1
L2: 3/5+1
L3: 4/5+1
L4: 4/4+1
L5: 3+1/3+1
L6: 1+1/1+1

Talia (JonPaul) - As Smilodon {AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 10/90} d20+1=4 ;
Friday September 27th, 2019 7:03:37 PM
The Last Charge of the Humble Brigade

A now blinded Smilodon, Talia will track her most arden enemy and pounce using scent. {Scent Check : 1d20+1 (DC 10) = 12} Assuming I now know where Ketia is, I pounce!

If Talia survives the attack against Ketia, she will stop grappling Ketia and make a move against the Drow, by scent. {Scent Check : 1d20+1 (DC 10) = 4} Guess I don't know where the drow is after all!

Stat Block for Beast Shape III - Dire Tiger

Tiger, Dire (Smilodon) CR 8

XP 4,800
N Large animal
Init +6; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +12

DEFENSE

AC 17, touch 11, flat-footed 15 (+2 Dex, +6 natural, �1 size)
hp 105 (14d8+42)
Fort +12, Ref +11, Will +5

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee 2 claws +18 (2d4+8 plus grab), bite +18 (2d6+8/19�20 plus grab)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft.
Special Attacks pounce, rake (2 claws +18, 2d4+8)

STATISTICS

Str 27, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +10; CMB +19 (+23 grapple); CMD 31 (35 vs. trip)
Feats Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Run, Skill Focus (Perception), Skill Focus (Stealth), Weapon Focus (bite, claw)
Skills Acrobatics +6, Perception +12, Stealth +15 (+23 in tall grass), Swim +13; Racial Modifiers +4 Acrobatics, +4 Stealth (+8 in tall grass)

DM Sanity Info:

This is Round 25 of this combat | 6 rounds into the next Turn

Current Effects:
Beast Shape III Smilodon: 1 rounds of 130 used
Overland Flight: 40 rounds of 780 used
Mage Armor: 40 rounds of 780 used
Stone skin: 126 rounds of 780 used
Spectral Hand: 20 rounds of 130 used
Message: 20 rounds of 130 used

TWO (2) hero points used!

SPELLS:
Lvl 0: Infini/day;
Lvl 1: 6+3 spells/day;
Lvl 2: 6+3 spells/day;
Lvl 3: 6+2 spells/day;
Lvl 4: 6+2 spells/day;
Lvl 5: 6+1 spells/day;
Lvl 6: 4+1 spells/day;

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*+3**, touch AC 19*+3**; HP 122/152*, CMD 28*; * -2 Levels, ** Smite Evil (drow), Rumpus 17/62.
Friday September 27th, 2019 7:36:37 PM
"Okay, I guess you can do that instead," says Kezzem, looking at his daggers sadly. "I'm just going to sit here."

SpideyBliss HP99/134 AC30 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+14=15 ;
Friday September 27th, 2019 11:43:35 PM

With time slowing to a cosmic standstill, Mookie tries rolling his natural one, even though he has no hero points. Another natural one.

"Wowsy! The universe just has it in for me," says Mookie.

[OOC: Sorry, just wanted to get a Friday post in!]

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d6=5 ; d20=1 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+20=30 ; d20+5=6 ; d8+10=13 ; d6=4 ; d100=76 ; d8+10=13 ; d6=1 ; d20=4 ; d20=17 ; d4=1 d4=1
Saturday September 28th, 2019 1:05:21 PM

Kezzem and Hobie get a little healing from lay hands and a wand. He sends Rumpus to look for Bliss. The animal makes it to the ladders, then looks back at its master unsure of how to proceed.

Talia lands a nasty bite on the dwarf, then, as were the others, she ignites in flames as the spells feedback gets to her. Talia takes 18 fire damage, and collapses on the floor.

Talia must make a stabilization roll. (You've all seen enough spells here to figure she's somewhere between 12th and 15th level. Flame shield is still engaged.)

Bliss webs the enemy again, and then sends Mookie to attack in tandem. He's got an idea of the enemies touch AC, but that's all. The Orc clumsily swings as Mookie leaves his area, but misses.

Pressi heals her ally, (which should leave Talia at 20 and ignore the stabilize bit from above.) then again tries to confront Ketia on grounds of morality.

Hobie: Dispels the blade barrier, and chips away at the wall.

Kezzem seems to have weapon envy.

-------------------------------------------------

Ketia: "I know my convictions, girl. I was willing to help here but you were too stubborn to hand over the machine first without precondition! Even while talking with me you were signaling others to subterfuge. If you had told me you could instantly annihilate your foe without ruining the giant, I would have waited."

She looks around at her situation and assesses it.

"Judge me however you wish. Only a handful of mortals in this world affect my conscience, and it is for them I exist. The opinion of a group of halflings bound for Gargul don't matter anymore."

-

She recognizes the healing spell, and scowls. The again lays into Talia, splitting her attacks between her and Pressi. She Hits Talia on AC 25 for 17 damage, knocking her unconscious to -3. (if my math is right on her hp.) She hits Pressi for 14 damage, and passes the blink test.

The Drow uses her dagger to coup de grace Talia. Talia takes 4 damage, and must pass a fort test DC 14 or be slain.

The Orc again easily bursts through the webbing, and moves within 5ft of Bliss.

Ketia, AC 28: 19 damage
Drow, AC ??:
Half Orc, AC?? Touch 11:
Wall of force: 38/260

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map
Saturday September 28th, 2019 1:14:41 PM
(Sorry, just realized Pressi used a hero point.)

Pressi's Point.

Pressi tries to take in their situation. They are locked into deadly combat with an enemy as strong as they are. She has been able to figure out that the Cleric and the Wizard (likely an illusionist) are at least 13th level, though she has no idea about the Orc.

She recognizes Divine Power, Flame Shield as the two most important enemy buffs right now.

The Dwarfs interactions seems to paint her in strongly neutral colors. She hasn't cared about anything other than her own goals and her divine instructions. If those had been achieved through negotiation or force, it didn't matter, but she seemed to have at one point been amenable to preventing some death of the halflings below.

Pressi also figures that had Ketia known their plan, that the giant could have been kept operational if they were just given the extra 3 minutes, she would have allowed it.

Pressi's current options are few.

-She can keep up the fight, but on this side of the wall she's at a disadvantage. However, Hobie will break through soon. Dispelling Ketia would help a lot, if she goes that route.

-Alternatively, they might just retreat. Between Murphy's roaming elementals and an army of halflings, its possible (but not certain) the enemy party would just give up, but they would certainly live under threat of a new assassination attempt. Retreat through the front windows is an option.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*+3**, touch AC 19*+3**; HP 122/152*, CMD 28*; * -2 Levels, ** Smite Evil (drow), Rumpus 17/62.
Saturday September 28th, 2019 2:15:48 PM
"Okay, Rumpus, new plan, you stay here and keep and eye on Hobbie. Let me know if he gets in trouble. I'll go find Bliss."

Kezzem takes flight on the magic carpet and flies down into the giant looking for Bliss.

Talia (JonPaul) - As Smilodon {AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 10/90} d20=9 ;
Saturday September 28th, 2019 5:24:18 PM
Long Live the Fighters!

On the ground in the form of a dire tiger, Talia is linging to life barely, especially after being assissinated in a Coup de Grace by a drow after a severe beatdown by a disgraced Primordial lackey. Checking to determine is she still as the fortitude to go on...missing her fortitude check the most recent round was too much for her small form, killing her instantly.

In an instant a tiny owl fall off its perch in anguish as her guardian and bonded friend is slain. It screams out in its thoughs, "Long Live The Fighters!" and finishes with "I will always Love You...."

In Talia's mind, she smiles thinking, "Ketia, You will never get over the Disgrace Halflings brought to your honor & your God!..."

DM Sanity Info

SPELLS:
Lvl 0: Infini/day;
Lvl 1: 6+3 spells/day;
Lvl 2: 6+3 spells/day;
Lvl 3: 6+2 spells/day;
Lvl 4: 6+2 spells/day;
Lvl 5: 6+1 spells/day;
Lvl 6: 4+1 spells/day;

Talia (JonPaul) - As Smilodon {AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 10/90}
Saturday September 28th, 2019 9:29:37 PM
Death

Talia looks down upon a dire tiger form slowly changing back into halfling form. Wow, so this is what death is like?!...weird

SpideyBliss HP99/134 AC30 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+16=20 ; d4+4=5 ; d20+16=20 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d20+33=44 ; d20+24=27 ;
Sunday September 29th, 2019 10:41:59 AM

Mookie tries his flyby attack again, not caring about the AoO as he flies behind the orc, takes a flanking attack, and then flies away. Between his AC and the five mirror images, he does not worry. He hits AC20 for 5 damage and then flies back behind Bliss.

Bliss tries for a poison bite. He hits AC20 for 30 lethal and 4 nonlethal damage, plus poison [save Fort DC 19; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d3 Strength; cure 1 save.].

[OOC: Ugh! So many bad rolls to attack!]

Bliss is worried about AoOs, but he does not want this fellow to be able to take full attacks. He tumbles back 10 ft. Acrobatics check 44 to avoid AoOs. But now the orc will have to take a move action to reach him. Bliss looks at the orc (Perception 27) -- if he is using a reach weapon, Bliss tumbles back another 10 ft. What armor and weapons does he have? Any pole arms or missile weapons obvious?

"Come on, big boy," SpiderBliss chitters at him. "You can do better than that. Let's see whatcha got."

Behind Bliss, Mookie caws in laughter.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Monday September 30th, 2019 5:49:05 AM
Succotash sees Talia fall and watches the drow finisher her off, and cries out with a ghostly NOOOOOO!!!!! The sound of his ghostly cry becomes audible, and shakes the room violently for a second, because of the intense anguish he feels at seeing his friend die. He then sees her ghost and goes over to talk to her. "Try not to focus on the Woldsblood, it will pull you down", Succotash informs Talia, "We need to keep praying for our friends!"

Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain
Monday September 30th, 2019 11:02:56 AM
Ghostly Visage

Oh hi, Succotash! What are you doing here?! asks Talia...then she face frowns and she says, "Oh, your dead too! What happened to you to get you here?! wonders Talia.

"Succotash, do you think Rayya my familiar will be okay without me?!" asks Talia.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 71/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+12=13 ; d20+12=15 ;
Monday September 30th, 2019 3:18:41 PM
(OOC I will do my color copy later.)

Pressi moves away from the bad guys to avoid spell casting AOOs. (Spring attack, mobility if need acro roll)

Pressi fires off a dispel on the fire shield and other buffs, using a hero point if needed. (Caster level 12)(roll is natural 1, reroll is 15)(seriously this die needs to be rebooted before it kills us all)

If It fails, Pressi signals Hobie to withdraw and falls through the floor to the level below. Might be a good idea even if it succeeds.

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20+25=26 ;
Monday September 30th, 2019 9:02:48 PM
Talia and Succotash live vicariously through their companions. Talia doesn't notice anything strange about her familiar. Perhaps its still holding on to its magical properties for now.

Bliss and Mookie both fail to penetrate the Orcs considerable heavy armor, even without the use of his heavy shield. The orc is carrying a bastard sword, and seems to be quite familiar with it.

Pressi: tries, but fails to dispel the fire shield. She signals Hobie to withdraw, and she drops a level through the floor.

----------------

With Hobie withdrawing, the room in darkness, and Pressi a floor down, the enemy actions are hidden in the head.

The Orc calls out a challenge to Bliss.

"Come, dancing spider! Find a plane of honorable combat and face me!" It seems the Orc is suggesting some sort of honor duel?

Bliss though, feels nothing but evil oozing from the guy. He feels.. dirty.. oily... just being in his presence. Small fears become terror, his normal poise and reflexes feel corrupted.

He swings his bastard sword, which glows with a dark pulsing red aura, but seems to lose his grip for a moment, and his swing misses. (Nat 1)

SpideyBliss HP99/134 AC30 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+16=36 ; d20+16=36 ; d4+4=6 ; d4+4=7 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+17=22 ;
Tuesday October 1st, 2019 12:17:09 AM

Mookie uses his flyby attack again. He provokes the AoO like last time, but maybe the fellow only has one and does not want to waste it on a bird?

Anyway, Mookie gets a nat 20 this time, and confirms vs AC36! Wowsy, double 20s! Mookie hits for 13 damage. Then Mookie turns around and flies back. Fly check 22.

Bliss gapes in wonder. "Good one, Mookie old pal!"

Then he tries for a bite. he rolls a 20 again, missing. "Wowsy."

He backs up another 10 ft.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Tuesday October 1st, 2019 5:34:29 AM
Succotash answers Talia, "I've been here for a minute or so, The she-dwarf got me with her fire shield". "I wouldn't worry about Rayya, if she's anything like Piggy, she should be fine. Piggy just returned to the celestial plane for now".

Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain
Tuesday October 1st, 2019 9:29:06 AM
You have a Celestial Piggy?! Where was I?" exclaims Talia!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 71/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday October 1st, 2019 1:06:33 PM
Pressi casts message and, I n halfling, orders everyone (Bliss) to the catapults and weapons platforms. She orders Tiana to where the NPCs (Crabapple) should still be.

If she can reach the Crabapple, she orders her to fire upon the neck or head.

With that, she makes her way to the catapult, running into Harper on the way (she�s been heading up for a while now).

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6 d20=15 ; d20=15 ; d20=16 ; d20=6 ; d20=14 ; 4d6+22=33 ; 4d6+22=34 ; 4d6+22=41 ; 4d6+22=30 ; 4d6+22=36 ; d3=3 ; 4d6+22=43 ;
Tuesday October 1st, 2019 1:17:32 PM

Hobie keeps firing at the wall.
All 6 of his arrows hit (the first roll is manyshot)
33-30= 3
34-30=4
41-30=11
30-30=0
36-30=6
43-30= 13
Total damage against Forcewall= 37

Also, Hobie is in Goblin form, so has darkvision and should be able to see anything happening in darkness

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday October 1st, 2019 9:01:33 PM
Seeing Hobie advance, and (OOC) being reminded that they are out of limited ammo, she tells the woman to standby but presses that Kezzem and Bliss should book it to the platforms. (Not that they can blast a hole through the body of this statue, but they might get a shot through a door or a way to detonate it manually. At minimum, they'd have the open space and the knowledge that you don't need the catapult to work with.)

Angry at Hobie's stubborness but unwilling to leave him to his fate, she tries to shove herself back up to the above floor, on the other side of the force wall. "She still has the fire shield," she tells him. "Focus fire on the drow first."

Harper continues to run towards the catapult platform as per Pressi's plan B instructions.

------------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
overland flight
int+4 from gears
true seeing - 6/12 minutes
detect magic - 6/12 minutes
hasted - 4/13 rounds
blinking - 8/12 rounds

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

L1: 4/7+1
L2: 3/5+1
L3: 5/5+1
L4: 4/4+1
L5: 3+1/3+1
L6: 1+1/1+1
Breath 1

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20+25=35 ; d8+13=19 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d20+25=43 ; d8+13=17 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ;
Tuesday October 1st, 2019 10:40:53 PM
Talia and Succotash talk about the effects of their deaths on their magical mounts.

Bliss and Mookie finally make some progress, and Mookie lands a hit on the orc. Bliss can now gauge the Orcs AC at 29. (Less currently, because of climbing.)

Hobie chips away at the wall of force. He saw the casters cast some spells last round, one of which seemed to be a heal, and the other was from the invisible drow he cant see.

Pressi: continues trying to wrangle Bliss and Hobie, giving advice all the while.
----------------

Grunting at the flyby attack, it ignores the pesky familiar, and swings his aoo at bliss. hits AC 35 for 25 damage.

He moves after Bliss up the ladder, and swings again. He hits AC 43 for 24 damage.

Bliss, having been around two paladins for most of his adventuring career, is quite certain he is being smited. Smitten. Smote?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*+3**, touch AC 19*+3**; HP 122/152*, CMD 28*; * -2 Levels, ** Smite Evil (drow), Rumpus 17/62.
Tuesday October 1st, 2019 11:26:12 PM
Kezzem continues making his way toward Bliss (he is on a carpet of flying, so he moves 80 feet per round with a double move).

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6
Tuesday October 1st, 2019 11:44:19 PM
Ooc: sorry, I missed Pressi�s post because I think I was already typing mine when it came through.

Hobie�s singlemindedness caused him to be a little slow to hear Pressi�s orders. After about 6 seconds though, the words get through his thick skull. He follows her orders to retreat. Hobie casts Fly and shoots off through the window and heads toward the catapults like Pressi ordered.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6
Tuesday October 1st, 2019 11:49:29 PM
Ooc: sorry, I missed Pressi�s post because I think I was already typing mine when it came through.

Hobie�s singlemindedness caused him to be a little slow to hear Pressi�s orders. After about 6 seconds though, the words get through his thick skull. He follows her orders to retreat. Hobie casts Fly and shoots off through the window and heads toward the catapults like Pressi ordered.

SpideyBliss HP50/134 AC30 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+16=27 ; d20+17=22 ; d20+13=19 ; d20+9=23 ; d6=3 ; d20+33=41 ;
Wednesday October 2nd, 2019 12:14:34 AM

[OOC: UGH! I cannot believe I forgot to tumble as I retreated last round! OMG!]

Mookie makes another attack. he rolls a 27 and misses. He uses his skill (Fly 22) to fly on past and down.

Bliss tries to cast a Touch of Idiocy spell on the defensive. He rolls at +13 ... a 19 is enough. The touch spell allows no saving throw. If there is spell resistance, Bliss rolls a 23. The spell inflicts 1d6 damage to Int, Wis, and Chr. Bliss rolls a 3.

Then Bliss tumbles back. He rolls a 41 to avoid AoOs. He has speed 70 and climb 40. His goal is to move DOWN and away as far as possible. Also, if he can climb out of reach, he will.

DM Sanity Info:

This is Round 28 of this combat.

Current Effects:
Beast Shape III Spidertaur: 7 round of 90 used
Raging: 16 rounds of 16 per day used = over, FATIGUED
Extended Divine Favor: 10 rounds of 20 used
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 29 rounds of 100 used
Arcane Strike: Renewed each round as a swift action
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)
Threefold Aspect
TWO hero points used!
Life/Death - BOTH used
Web Spell 1/day used 3
Shooting A Web 8/day used 2. DC19 escape artist or DC23 strength check to escape.

SPELLS:
Lvl 1: 5+1 spells/day; used surr blood, shld o fth, div favor x2 +entangle
Lvl 2: 5+1 spells/day; used touch of idiocy, barkskin +barkskin
Lvl 3: 4+1 spells/day; +plant growth
Lvl 4: 3+1 spells/day; ccw, threefold aspect, polymorph
Lvl 5: 1+1 spells/day; bsiii+wall o thorns

Mookie:
Philter of Mirror Image: 29 rounds of 30 used [5 images]
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 29 rounds of 100 used
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Wednesday October 2nd, 2019 5:37:59 AM
"You know that Paladins summon their mounts right?" Succotash asks, to begin to explain Miss Piggy's celestial nature, "Well, when I first summoned Miss Piggy, a few years ago, I wasn't completely certain from where she came, other then that she was a gift from my deity Pantheon, and that she could return when I dismissed her. As time went on however, she began to develop celestial traits (they gain the celestial template at 11th level), and I knew that is where she was from. For the record, Rumpus, Kezzem's Pony is also celestial in nature".

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23 d20+20=22 ;
Wednesday October 2nd, 2019 9:38:16 AM
Pressi draws her broom and flies off after Hobie towards the catapults.

"Ok, here's what I am thinking. First, you should know that the smart play is to just take off and deal with these guys later, and I want to give you a chance to turn that down so I can pin it on you when my own plan goes south.

"Second, I've been racking my brain for any advantages left. I don't know about you but I only have a couple of low level spells left (and one chance to fire a high level spell I already cast, like Suffocate or Living Voodoo). So environment and forcing them to use resources is going to be key. There should be a couple of pieces of ammo remaining, don't know if any of them are incendiary but we will use what we can. I'm thinking ambushes, range attacks from flying, solo+flight rather than manyshot. And, obviously, keep them separated and on our turf for a change. This would work better with four of us, but we do what we can. I don't know what tricks they have left... and have no intention of finding out. Every spell, we tactically retreat. No more digging through walls or darkness for them."

She looks to see if any other halflings are on the walls. She also takes a look to see what ammo is remaining. (Perception 22).

-------------------

When Harper gets to the catapult, she looks over the ammo and sees if she can carry any of it in her mouth.

-----------------

------------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
overland flight
int+4 from gears
true seeing - 6/12 minutes
detect magic - 6/12 minutes
hasted - 4/13 rounds
blinking - 8/12 rounds

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

L1: 4/7+1
L2: 3/5+1
L3: 5/5+1
L4: 4/4+1
L5: 3+1/3+1
L6: 1+1/1+1
Breath 1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday October 2nd, 2019 9:46:16 AM
Pressi also casts Detect Magic again, so she can track whether Ketia is on the move.

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map 7d6=28 ;
Wednesday October 2nd, 2019 11:31:41 PM
Kezzem makes his way down the giant, and finally catches sight of a giant spider battling an orc in platemail.

Hobie follows Pressi out the window and towards the war machines.

Bliss casts a spell without drawing an aoo, then tumbles past the orc.

Pressi casts detect magic. While it won't penetrate any levels of the iron giants inner our outer shells, her true seeing will allow it to see past the darkness spells in place.
--------------

The orc moves as far towards Bliss as he can, and happens to land on a flat level in the middle-upper torso. He seems to notice Kezzem, but still seems focused on Bliss. He channels negative energy. Bliss must pass a will save DC 21 at -2 from the corrupting aura, or take 288 damage. If he saves, he takes half.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Thursday October 3rd, 2019 5:30:19 AM
"So how did you gain Rayya as a familiar?" Succotash asks Talia.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday October 3rd, 2019 11:41:06 AM
"Come in, Bliss, come..." Pressi begins to realize that Bliss isn't coming. "Kezzem, do you read me? I think Bliss is.... Hobie and I are at the catapult. We need to make our last stand there."

Pressi tries to fight back against the darkness in her heart. "Murphy, I could really use you right now," she muttered.

Turning to Hobie, she admitted that she had a brief glimpse of Keita's point of view, and feelings of neutrality. "And I should mention something. I didn't care. I don't care. I want to kill her, and then I want to get to work on her. I want to let her go so that I can find this Scald that sent her... and if she had succeeded in destroying the tower, my repayment... Well, that's why I didn't trust myself with the giant, either. Even without the giant, what I could do to a town with enough time..."

She paused in thought. "I am so sorry that you came back to this. I let you down. I let everybody down. And now, I don't know what's going to happen. I don't know if they are going to keep coming. I don't know if they have yet another trick up their sleeves themselves. I just know that this bloodshed... it's not going to stop here, is it."

Stopping at the catapult, she grabbed as much ammunition as she could carry and flew off.

Harper continues to watch Pressi take off, an incendiary ball in her mouth.

------------

shared spell extend shield of faith +2 lvl
ritual of warding
overland flight
int+4 from gears
true seeing - 6/12 minutes
detect magic - 6/12 minutes
blinking - 9/12 rounds

Catapult ammo is much smaller than one would expect, and easily able to be handled by a single person. There are standard looking metal balls, as well as glass balls with an oily substance inside. Explosive rounds: 10d10 damage in 30' radius, Incendiary rounds: 6d8 damage in a 30' radius, burns for 1d6 rounds. Enemies damaged burn for 3 rounds after they exit the AoE.

L1: 4/7+1
L2: 3/5+1
L3: 5/5+1
L4: 4/4+1
L5: 3+1/3+1
L6: 1+1/1+1
Breath 1

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6
Thursday October 3rd, 2019 11:55:49 AM
"Press, this stuff isn't on you. The only way you could let me down is if you turn tail and run away now. We're the only ones standing between this army and the town I've come to call home, my cousin's town. There's no time for introspection now, just arrows. No one in Humble's Ford dies until every member of Humble's Sword is already gone. That's all I can worry about right now.

And I'm not really sure who this Keita is. Is she the dwarf who killed our friends and then cowardly cast that dumb wall? If so, she dies before I do. That wall is only gonna last about another minute, what do you say we or I go back and get her after that?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday October 3rd, 2019 3:31:57 PM
Pressi affirms that Ketia is the dwarf leader. "I say first that running isn't really an option, at least for me. I'm the reason she's still sticking around."

"What do I say about going back? I say they've killed three of us already and almost killed both of us, so I'm not a fan. Assuming we do have a minute to prepare, do you have any spells or scrolls left that we can use? Or any better ideas of where we should make our stand?"

Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain
Thursday October 3rd, 2019 8:13:13 PM
Talia, like in life, hovers through the wold, and now as before, inside this Iron Giant....looking for that Drow that changed everything... Finding it still near her body...Talia haunts...that Drow....

SpideyBliss HP36/134 AC30 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+24=30 ; d20+22=42 ; d20+42=45 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+17=30 ;
Thursday October 3rd, 2019 8:23:13 PM

Bliss makes his save and takes 14 damage.

Then SpideyBliss casts a spell for Mookie to deliver for him: Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog.

And then he continues to run/climb/jump down at top speed to get out of Channel range and head for the exit in the foot. Move 70, Climb 40.

Perception 30
Climb 42
Jump 45

As he descends, he keeps his eyes open and calls back to the orc. "Ha ha! Can't catch me, slowpoke! Put that in your pipe and smite it!"

Mookie uses his Flyby Attack to swoop down and deliver the touch spell. The orc's touch AC is 11 and Mookie has a +14 to hit, so unless the raven rolls a nat 1, it should work. He rolls a 29, so that's OK.

Mookie is still uncaring of AoOs, given his five Mirror Images and his high AC. He turns in midair (Fly check 30) and hightails it after his master.

DM Sanity Info:

This is Round 29 of this combat.

Current Effects:
Beast Shape III Spidertaur: 8 round of 90 used
Raging: 16 rounds of 16 per day used = over, FATIGUED
Extended Divine Favor: 11 rounds of 20 used
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 30 rounds of 100 used
Arcane Strike: Renewed each round as a swift action
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)
Threefold Aspect
TWO hero points used!
Life/Death - BOTH used
Web Spell 1/day used 1
Shooting A Web 8/day used 3. DC19 escape artist or DC23 strength check to escape.

SPELLS:
Lvl 1: 5+1 spells/day; used surr blood, shld o fth, div favor x2 +entangle
Lvl 2: 5+1 spells/day; used touch of idiocy, barkskin +barkskin
Lvl 3: 4+1 spells/day; used eye of newt +plant growth
Lvl 4: 3+1 spells/day; ccw, threefold aspect, polymorph
Lvl 5: 1+1 spells/day; bsiii+wall o thorns

Mookie:
Philter of Mirror Image: 29 rounds of 30 used [5 images]
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 30 rounds of 100 used
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*+3**, touch AC 19*+3**; HP 122/152*, CMD 28*; * -2 Levels, ** Smite Evil (drow), Rumpus 17/62.
Friday October 4th, 2019 12:03:49 AM
OOC: Don't know what happened to Kezzem's post. Posting again.

"Bliss! There you are kid! We're falling back. Hop on and let's get out of here!"

Kezzem will double move towards the nearest exit after Bliss gets on the carpet. If he needs to wait, he will use a standard action to summon Rumpus to his side.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Friday October 4th, 2019 5:30:22 AM
Succotash watches Talia trying to haunt the drow, and thinks to himself, "Why not give it a try". he then moves over to Ketia, and attempts to make her life suck for the moment.

Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain
Friday October 4th, 2019 10:01:09 AM
"Succotash, says Talia, funny thing, it's almost as we were born at the same time, as I do not recall a time Rayya wasn't there...could be part of that section of my life I do not remember, like the part where I don't recall having family."

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20+25=35 ; d8+8=10 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ;
Friday October 4th, 2019 11:18:35 AM

Succotash and Talia continue to have a strange, after death discussion while watching the battle unfold.

Pressi and Hobie share their feelings on the current state of affairs. Pressi knows now, in her mind, where Ketias stance was grounded, but quite frankly didn't care. And that's fine, because she's a mortal, not a god, and perfection isn't a feat anyone can take.

Hobie reassures Pressi, and lets her know as long as she's not fleeing, he's not losing faith in her.

Kezzem sees the anti-paladin, and sees Bliss. He decides that's he's helping Bliss, and double moves towards him. It draws an AoO from the orc, which hits AC 33 for for 17 damage.

Still, he makes it by and makes it to Bliss. It is up to Bliss whether or not to mount the carpet.

------------------------------

The Orc watches the two retreat, and begins climbing UP the ladder again, towards the head of the giant.

SpideyBliss HP36/134 AC30 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+14=29 ; d4=4 ; d20+17=23 ;
Friday October 4th, 2019 11:47:43 AM

Bliss is not ready to let that darn orc go. He just spent two rounds softening him up! He has to get at least one last lick in.

First, Bliss casts Ill Omen on the orc. That means the next two d20 rolls he makes, he has to roll twice and take the worse result.

Then Bliss reaches deep, makes a heroic effort, and casts a Focused-Curse-enhanced Bestow Curse spell.

Mookie will deliver the Bestow Curse. It is a Will save DC17 spell, which would not normally impress anybody, but considering that the orc has a net -4 on saves (hopefully a -1 based on reducing his Chr bonus, -2 for the Eye of Newt, and -1 for the Focused power), and considering that he has to roll twice, maybe it will work!

Does Mookie deliver it? Touch AC29 says yes. (Fly check to turn on a dime and come back: 23). Mookie's mirror images flicker out as he comes back to Bliss.

The form of Bestow Curse chosen by Bliss is the one that inflicts a -4 penalty on attack rolls, saves, ability checks, and skill checks.

If the Curse takes hold, Bliss will not retreat on the carpet, but in fact keeps pace and follows the orc.

If he saves twice, then Bliss hops on the carpet and flies away with Kezzem.

Either way, he asks, "Sir Kezzem, have you any healing left? Or any way to lift my fatigue, my friend? How are the others doing? Are we winning?"

DM Sanity Info:

This is Round 30 of this combat.

Current Effects:
Beast Shape III Spidertaur: 9 round of 90 used
Raging: 16 rounds of 16 per day used = over, FATIGUED
Extended Divine Favor: 12 rounds of 20 used
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 31 rounds of 100 used
Arcane Strike: Renewed each round as a swift action
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)
Threefold Aspect
THREE hero points used!
Life/Death - BOTH used
Web Spell 1/day used 1
Shooting A Web 8/day used 3. DC19 escape artist or DC23 strength check to escape.

SPELLS:
Lvl 1: 5+1 spells/day; used ill omen, surr blood, shld o fth, div favor x2 +entangle
Lvl 2: 5+1 spells/day; used touch of idiocy, barkskin +barkskin
Lvl 3: 4+1 spells/day; used bestow curse, eye of newt +plant growth
Lvl 4: 3+1 spells/day; ccw, threefold aspect, polymorph
Lvl 5: 1+1 spells/day; bsiii+wall o thorns

Mookie:
Philter of Mirror Image: 30 rounds of 30 used [5 images]
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 31 rounds of 100 used
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)

Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain
Friday October 4th, 2019 11:29:43 PM
"Hey Succotash!" says, Talia in a spooky vibrating voice, " Maybe I can crouch behind the drow, and you can push it backward over me and we can spook the drow like poltergiest?!"snickers Tali.

"This afterlife thing could be neat!", squeals Tali.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*+3**, touch AC 19*+3**; HP 122/152*, CMD 28*; * -2 Levels, ** Smite Evil (drow), Rumpus 17/62.
Saturday October 5th, 2019 7:56:23 AM
Kezzem will burn a Hero Point to cast Lesser Restoration on Bliss.

"I'm out of healing, but I have a wand in my pack. As for how we are doing, well, I've got good news and bad news for you. Good news is we stopped the giants, but the bad news is were down to just me, you Prezzi, and Hobbie."

Kezzem will double move outside the giant.

Rumpus will try to get to Candy and Erbin. He has Horeshoes of the Zephyr so I'm hoping that will allow him to get to them at least.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6
Sunday October 6th, 2019 12:35:56 PM
Seeing that the giants are defeated, but the other three bad guys are still alive, Hobie will ask Pressi �what of Succotash and Talia�s bodies? Are they gone? Is there any way to retrieve them?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105 d20+7=21 ;
Monday October 7th, 2019 5:26:08 AM
"We can try Talia, but I'm afraid we are a bit incorporeal at the moment. As Talia kneels down behind the drow, Succotash tries to give a mighty push. (strength 23 rolled a 21)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday October 7th, 2019 3:40:22 PM
Pressi admits to Hobie that she isn't sure. "I imagine that the bodies can be recovered. These guys don't strike me as body thieves. But reviving them.... That, I don't know."

As Bliss comes back online with Kezzem crackling on, Pressi breathes a sigh of relief. "Hold on, guys. We'll meet you halfway."

Pressi directs Hobie and Harper to following her back inside the giant and towards the staircase for Bliss.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday October 7th, 2019 3:53:55 PM
Oh, and Pressi readies an Ill Omen (roll twice x2) to fire if she happens to see the dwarf or drow when re-entering the giant. Just in case they move into an ambush.

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20=1 ; d20=16 ; d20+25=36 ; d8+18=19 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ;
Monday October 7th, 2019 8:22:52 PM

Bliss curses the orc.
Kezzem heads outside, minus Bliss, who decided to confront the foe.

Hobie talks with Pressi to take stock of the situation.

Pressi herself isnt totally sure, but is relieved to have everyone together. It's short lived, as Bliss engages the anti-paladin in solo combat. She prepares to go back inside.

She doesn't see enemies in the stairwells, they must still be in the head.

-------------------------------

The Orc curses as he feels the curse take hold. Bliss was successful. The Orc turns, snarling.

"Begone pest!"

The orc turns and jumps down from the ladder, back again to the middle platform. He swings his sword down on Bliss as he descends from above, cleaving his sword down on Bliss as he descends. With Bliss's -4 but the bonuses from Smite Good, that hits AC 32 for 27 damage.

He lands with a heavy thump, taking some damage himself from the fall.

"I need support, women!" The orcs voice echoes up through the stairwells.

A few moments later, an answer comes.

"Retreat idiot, we are leaving!"

The orc replies, "I'll include this in my report, Ketia!". He chuckles as he hears cursing coming from the head of the giant.

--------------------------

Sanity info - Right now combat is happening on a small platform, similar in dimensions to the shoulder area behind the head. The orc is holding the stairwell. The other two are still above in the head.

SpideyBliss HP36 or 4/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+13=21 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+34=47 ; d20+43=47 ; d20+23=43 ; d20+14=15 ;
Monday October 7th, 2019 9:01:14 PM

[OOC: Adjusted my AC up by 1 because I am no longer fatigued. PC sheet updated.]

[OOC: Kindly DM Ken, note that the Orc was still under the effect of Ill Omen when he attacked Bliss. It affected his next two d20 rolls. Those were the save vs curse and the attack. So he needs to reroll again at -4 vs Bliss's AC31. At net +21 he needs a 10 or better, so we'll see.

I'm assuming that after the orc's leaping attack, he is not in melee range of Bliss. If he is, Bliss will cast on the defensive.

Bliss uses another Ill Omen (no save, using a second level slot because I'm out of first level slots), and then uses another hero point to cast casts a Blindness spell at the orc, using his second Focused Curse. With the Touch of Idiocy (-1) the Eye of Newt (-2), the Focused Curse (-1) and the Bestowed Curse (-4) he should be saving at -8. The save DC is 16.

If needed, rolls to cast on the defensive ... at +13 ... needs two 19s ... rolls 21 and 22, ok!

Then Bliss leaps back and climbs up! His goal is to get a full move away and hopefully high enough to be out of channel range. If he starts move right next to the orc, he tumbles away at +34 and rolls a 47 to avoid AoOs. Roll to leap ... 47 ... to climb ... 43.

Remember, per Ill Omen, he's rolling twice on his next roll.

Bliss continues to taunt him. "I sent my ally to safety, and you need to call for help. Loser!"

"Kid, ya really gotta get better material," Mookie says. "Like this! Anti-Paladin?! More like Anti-Palatable, amirite?"

Mookie makes a Flyby attack! He does not worry about AoOs, even though the Mirror Images are gone. He rolls a nat 1, though. "Meh, you taste too bad to bite. Probably from the dirt and filth all over ya."

DM Sanity Info:

This is Round 31 of this combat.

Current Effects:
Beast Shape III Spidertaur: 10 round of 90 used
Raging: 16 rounds of 16 per day used = over, but NOT fatigued
Extended Divine Favor: 13 rounds of 20 used
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 32 rounds of 100 used
Arcane Strike: Renewed each round as a swift action
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)
Threefold Aspect
FOUR (of six) hero points used!
Life/Death - BOTH used
Web Spell 1/day used 1
Shooting A Web 8/day used 3. DC19 escape artist or DC23 strength check to escape.

SPELLS:
Lvl 1: 5+1 spells/day; used ill omen, surr blood, shld o fth, div favor x2 +entangle
Lvl 2: 5+1 spells/day; used ill omen, blindness, touch of idiocy, barkskin +barkskin
Lvl 3: 4+1 spells/day; used bestow curse, eye of newt +plant growth
Lvl 4: 3+1 spells/day; ccw, threefold aspect, polymorph
Lvl 5: 1+1 spells/day; bsiii+wall o thorns

Mookie:
Philter of Mirror Image: 30 rounds of 30 used [EXPIRED]
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 32 rounds of 100 used
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)

Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain
Monday October 7th, 2019 9:26:52 PM
"Hey Succotash!" says, Talia in a spooky vibrating voice, "I think we have to concentrate on physically moving anything...but it was a great first try!"

"I think they are starting to pack up and retreat..."says Talia is a spooky wavering voice....

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*+3**, touch AC 19*+3**; HP 122/152*, CMD 28*; * -2 Levels, ** Smite Evil (drow), Rumpus 17/62.
Tuesday October 8th, 2019 12:37:10 AM
Bliss was flying away with Kezzem I thought....

Kezzem will head to the shoulders to begin evacuating the Bad Apples with Rumpus.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*+3**, touch AC 19*+3**; HP 122/152*, CMD 28*; * -2 Levels, ** Smite Evil (Orc), Rumpus 17/62. d20+20=36 ; d3+13=15 ; d6=2 ; d20+20=24 ; d3+13=14 ; d20+14=34 ; d20+14=26 ; d3+12=14 ; d3+12=13 ; d4=3 ; d20+14=31 ; d3+12=13 ; d20+9=28 ; d3+12=15 ; d20+9=26 ; d3+12=13 ;
Tuesday October 8th, 2019 12:58:14 AM
OOC: If Bliss is staying to fight the orc.

"Hey, I thought we were leaving...oh well. By Succotash's pig I smite at thee!"

Kezzem will smite evil the orc and unleash his daggers of fury (attacks include bonuses from Smite Evil and penalties from negative levels and two-weapon fighting)

Attack #1: +1 Frost Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 20 = 36.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 + 1d6 cold = 15 + 2 cold = 17.

Attack #2: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 20 = 24.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 = 14.

Attack #3: regular Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 14 = 34. Natural 20!
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 26.
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 14.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 13.

Ignore that random d4 roll. Pushed wrong button.

Attack #4: regular Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 14 = 31
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 13.

Attack #5: regular Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 9 = 28
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 15.

Attack #6: regular Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 9 = 26
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 13.

-----------
Kezzem
-----------

Lay on Hands 7/day (7 used)
Smite Evil 4/day (4 used)

1st Level: Lesser Restoration x3 (1 cast_
2nd Level: Shield Other x2 (both cast)
3rd Level: Cure Moderate Wounds x2 (both cast)

-----------
Rumpus
-----------

DR 5/evil
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5

Smite Evil 1/day (used)

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20+25=45 ;
Tuesday October 8th, 2019 2:28:36 AM
Hitting Bliss.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105 d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday October 8th, 2019 5:34:09 AM
Succotash says to Talia , "I'm not sure that Bliss got the memo", He then takes advantage of his ghostly body and dives through the floors until he reaches Bliss and Kezzem, when he sees Bliss wounded and fatigued, he tries to do a lay of hands on him, applying a fatigue mercy to the healing. He isn't certain it will work, bur he will do his best. If it works he heals Bliss of 36 damage, and removes his fatigue.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6 d20+22=37 ; 2d6+22=28 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; 5d4=14 ;
Tuesday October 8th, 2019 12:41:15 PM
As Pressi goes back in, she is followed by a flying goblin wearing a cowboy hat and dragonskin boots.

If Hobie spots any enemies, he will speak an incantation and fire a single arrow imbued with Burning Hands.

Attack = 37
Arrow Damage = Nonlethal Piercing 28, Cold 2, Fire 1, = 31
Burning Hands damage (DC 15 Reflex for half) = 14

===============
Boots of Speed
Rounds Used 3/10

Elemental Arrow: Cold

Fire Arrows Used 25/50

Spells in effect- Spider Climb, Bears Endurance (40/60 remaining), Fly, Alter Self (Goblin form)
Darkvision from Goblin form

===============
Prepared Spells
Bonded Item Free Spell

Level 0
Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Message, Mage Hand

Level 1
Grease, ***Burning Hands***, Burning Hands, True Strike, Enlarge Person, Feather Fall

Level 2
Invisibility, Mirror Image, Mirror Image, ***Bear's Endurance***, ***Alter Self***

Level 3
***Fly***, Lightning Bolt, ***Lightning Bolt***, Flame Arrow

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday October 8th, 2019 2:48:02 PM
Pressi turns to Hobie the Goblin and asks if he has any preference to do anything. She points out that if they go and save Bliss, the other two will probably just leave.

If Hobie insists on fighting them, Pressi considers using the ammo to blast a hole in the floor. Instead, she flies up to the next level.

Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain
Tuesday October 8th, 2019 9:25:25 PM
Finding Bliss

Watching Succtoash float into the floor looking for Bliss and the others...Talia will follow her friend and walk thru walls and floors looking for her friends Bliss and Kezzem too!

Once she finds Bliss and Kezzem, & Sucotash, she will try again to interfere with the enemy...Orc!...Perhaps she can cast Grease on the Orc's feet!

Rasing her hands, she casts a 10' square of grease on the floor in front of the Orc! Take that, you Orcish Orc! Bleh Bla bla Bleh! says Talia to the room, in a sinister tone and hidious laugh!

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d100=83 ; d100=29 ;
Tuesday October 8th, 2019 10:11:42 PM

Bliss's magical warding does him good, and the enemy misses what he thought was a sure hit. Kezzem starts evacuating Bad Apples. Succotash and Talia try to use their magic on the orc.

Neither quite finds the way to pull it off though (gave 10% chances), and they are frustrated and dead again. The orc though, seems to notice something amiss.

Pressie flies Hobie up one level.

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map d20=1 ; d20=19 ; d20=11 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d8=4 ; d8=7 ; d8=2 ; d8=3 ;
Tuesday October 8th, 2019 10:30:46 PM
The Orc tries to identify ill omen as it is cast, but fails by rolling a 1. Then he needs to save vs Blindess. His two results are 19 and 11. His modifier for Fortitude saves is +20. Even minus 8, he easily passes.

Then in comes Kezzem on the attack, in what I assume are ranged tosses? The orc takes 44 damage from those.

-------------------------------------

From above, things happen. If no one has eyes on the cockpit, they aren't really sure. And even if they are, unless they are still true seeing, they also aren't sure. If they are all of these things, they see an invisible Ketia and Sashe, (the illusionist), descending in flight down the ladderwell.

Orc, AC 29: 32 damage. On ground level. Still ill omened.

--------------------------------------------------

Laughing, the orc draws and drinks a potion, then tosses the glass flask on the ground.

(Ignore the d6's. I started hitting the wrong button on the potion)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Wednesday October 9th, 2019 5:29:51 AM
"Well, that didn't work!" Succotash says to Talia, "But, at least we tried". He then tries more traditional haunting methods on the orc, moaning, rattling of the chains, ECT... again he isn't sure it will have any effect, but he will do what ever he can in his current state to help his friends.

SpideyBliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+14=28 ; d20+14=15 ;
Wednesday October 9th, 2019 9:25:13 AM

Bliss webs the orc again, hoping the -4 curse penalty will make it harder for him to break free. He hits touch AC28, so that's worth a webbing!

"Keep throwing Sir Kezzem!" Bliss shouts. Then he backs up so that he is 50 feet away. He holds the line of his webbing like a net so that they'll have to have a strength fight if he wants to run away.

Mookie again tries a flyby attack. Again he rolls a natural 1.

"Kid," he caws, "I'm not sure I'm a good bet for life as a front line fighter!"

Notes on Orc:
-- He is entangled: An entangled creature moves at half speed, cannot run or charge, and takes a -2 penalty on all attack rolls and a -4 penalty to Dexterity. DC19 escape artist or DC23 strength check to escape.
-- He is cursed: -4 penalty on attack rolls, saves, ability checks, and skill checks
-- Eye of Newt: He has a -2 to save vs Bliss's Spells and -2 to hit Bliss.
-- Ill Omen: He rolls twice, takes the worse.

If Bliss or Mookie sense their ghostly friends, Bliss will call out -- "We'll avenge you and get you back! Don't worry!"

DM Sanity Info:

This is Round 32 of this combat.

Current Effects:
Beast Shape III Spidertaur: 11 round of 90 used
Raging: 16 rounds of 16 per day used = over, but NOT fatigued
Extended Divine Favor: 14 rounds of 20 used
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 33 rounds of 100 used
Arcane Strike: Renewed each round as a swift action
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)
Threefold Aspect
FOUR (of six) hero points used!
Life/Death - BOTH used
Web Spell 1/day used 1
Shooting A Web 8/day used 4. DC19 escape artist or DC23 strength check to escape.

SPELLS:
Lvl 1: 5+1 spells/day; used ill omen, surr blood, shld o fth, div favor x2 +entangle
Lvl 2: 5+1 spells/day; used ill omen, blindness, touch of idiocy, barkskin +barkskin
Lvl 3: 4+1 spells/day; used bestow curse, eye of newt +plant growth
Lvl 4: 3+1 spells/day; ccw, threefold aspect, polymorph
Lvl 5: 1+1 spells/day; bsiii+wall o thorns

Mookie:
Philter of Mirror Image: 30 rounds of 30 used [EXPIRED]
Extended Shield of Faith via Ritual: 33 rounds of 100 used
Extended Barkskin (cast a half hour before the enemies arrive)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6
Wednesday October 9th, 2019 1:42:36 PM
Hobie is not looking to pick a fight, but he continues following Pressi in search of Bliss. "Let's go guys! Live to fight another day!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday October 9th, 2019 2:39:17 PM
Pressi locks eyes on the dwarf as she considers going up. She does not speak.

Turning to the down stairs, she moves with Hobie to look for Bliss.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday October 9th, 2019 4:33:52 PM
Readied action: suffocate (hero point) if either attack.

Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain
Wednesday October 9th, 2019 9:09:55 PM
AfterLife

Talia is clearly disappointed that in this AfterLife is is even less functional than before she arrived!

Talia tries with every instance of her being, to try to affect this Armored Orc , perhaps she can cast Ghost Sounds and Spook this cretin!

With her arms up, Talia makes like a undead creaturehaving just tried to cast her spell. Talia then begins to moan as loudly as possible...while getting in the way of the Orc!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 30*+3**, touch AC 19*+3**; HP 122/152*, CMD 28*; * -2 Levels, ** Smite Evil (Orc), Rumpus 17/62. d20+20=21 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+20=36 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+14=25 ; d20+9=14 ; d20+9=13 ; d3+13=16 ; d3+13=14 ; d3+12=13 ; d3+12=13 ; d3+12=14 ; d3+12=13 ;
Thursday October 10th, 2019 12:49:15 AM
Kezzem says in a mock-dwarvish accent, "I'm throwing everything I've got, Captain!"

Attack #1: +1 Frost Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 20 = 21. Auto-miss.

Attack #2: +1 Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 20 = 39.
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 20 = 36.
Damage: 1d3 + 13 = 16.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 13 = 14.
Total: 16 + 14 = 30!

Attack #3: regular Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 14 = 26.
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 13.

Attack #4: regular Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 14 = 25
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 13.

Attack #5: regular Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 9 = 14
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 14.

Attack #6: regular Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 9 = 13
Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 13.

Honestly, I'm kidding myself rolling damage for those last two attacks....

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Thursday October 10th, 2019 5:15:56 AM
Succotash will try phasing through the orc, hoping that it will creep him out a bit.

Hobie (sub by Cayzle) d20+20=31 ; d20+15=35 ; d20+15=35 ; d20+10=13 ; 2d6+21=29 ; 2d6+21=25 ; 2d6+21=27 ; 2d6+21=29 ;
Thursday October 10th, 2019 12:56:31 PM

Last post, Hobie was following Pressi to get to wherever the heck Bliss had got himself to.

Assuming he gets to some place close to the battle, he will shoot some arrows.

If he and Pressi started ABOVE Bliss and the orc, then maybe he ends up higher than the orc, so that from highest to lowest, we got Hobie and Pressi, then the orc on the landing, then Bliss below?

Well, either way, seems reasonable to pump the orc full of arrows.

[OOC: In a recent post, Hobie shot six arrows at the wall of force, but I only see three attacks per round on his sheet, so Ima roll three.]

Arrows against the entangled orc, using Deadly Aim (-4 to hit, +8 damage): The first attack hits AC31. The second, wowsy, is a nat 20 that confirms with a nat 20! The third misses.

Damage on the first attack is 29.

Damage on the confirmed crit, with arrows as a x3 crit mod, is 25+27+29 = 81 total from Hobie!

That's 81+29 = 110 damage this round to the orc. Sweet!

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6 d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ;
Thursday October 10th, 2019 2:06:47 PM
Cayzle forgot the elemental damage, each arrow has 1d6 fire and 1d6 electric
Arrow 1- 6 fire, 4 electric
Arrow 2- 6 fire, 1 electric

17 more damage

Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain
Thursday October 10th, 2019 9:53:07 PM
Following Succtoash's lead...Talia will try to walk through the Orc...to chill 'em!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday October 10th, 2019 10:06:45 PM
As Pressi walks down, she advises the assassins to avoid the townspeople.

�I want the joy of finding you two myself. Of knowing you can feel my breath on your necks.�

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map
Thursday October 10th, 2019 10:25:42 PM

Bliss webs the orc without much difficulty. With the ranged attacks from Kezzem and Hobie, the anti-paladin falls with a gurgle, and moves no more.

Pressi turns up to warn Ketia and Sashe, but they are already gone. Whether or not they heard her warning, she has no idea, but she's very sure that Ketia will not forget her. Assuming she isn't executed for her failures to Skald, that is.

In the aftermath, and there's much of it, there are dead giants, a dead anti paladin, a dead iron giant, and a fully functional set of towers, protecting Humbles Ford for its bright and foreseeable future.

------------------------

Xp Award for scene: 60,000 - all players.

Hero Points Award for scene completion: 1 for all players.

Bonus Hero Point to Pressi for excellent role play and strategical thinking, and to Talia and Succotash for roughing through and consistently posting while dead.

I think this should put you all well past the minimum for 14th level?

Bliss (Cayzle) d20+24=44 ;
Thursday October 10th, 2019 10:57:45 PM

Bliss grins madly! "Wowsy, thanks everybody! What a fight!"

He detects for magic on the orc and searches him. Perception 44.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Friday October 11th, 2019 5:09:03 AM
Succotash breaths a sigh of relief knowing no more of his friends are going to join him in the afterlife. He looks to Talia and says, �Looks like we won!�

Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain
Friday October 11th, 2019 10:17:53 AM
Talia looks at Succotash, giving his a ghostly high five saying, " Allright!"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6
Friday October 11th, 2019 11:19:22 AM
As bliss searches the Orc, Hobie says to him �If there�s anything you can�t identify, bring it to me later�

He says to Pressi �Anything else you need me here for right this minute? I�d really like to go check on my cousin, Constable Roscoe.�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday October 11th, 2019 3:06:49 PM
Pressi agrees to Hobie's request, allowing him to travel forth before she gets to work.

Checking in on Kezzem, she determines if everyone made it out, or if there are still people (besides the team) in the Iron Giant. She also tries to track down Tiana to get a status on the energy transfer.

After checking with Bliss' search, she takes out her own cauldron, encourages him to take out his, and attempts to contact the rest of the coven for an update on the town and field.

Beyond that, there's the attempt to reach anyone who can possibly raise Talia and Succotash. (She has the random reanimate spell but neither strike her as the kind of people that would accept that.) Scrolls or an actual cleric may need to be found.

If there is time, Pressi does try to get a good look for some tracks, an idea of where the invading Skalders went or where the invading giants came from. Some clue as to what they might face next or whether they are truly safe.

To fit all this in, Pressi chooses to avoid luxuries like eating or resting, though she probably feels the urges within the iron giant. She figures, in the back of her head, that Murphy would have a list at least twice as long. But this is what she can think of for now.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18, HP 133/163, CMD 30; -2 Levels; Rumpus AC 28, touch AC 15, HP 25/70, CMD 27 d10=9 ; d8=5 ;
Friday October 11th, 2019 7:00:03 PM
Once he checks on Rumpus and the Bad Apples made it to safety, Kezzem will see to the bodies of Succotash and Talia. He says a prayer to Gargul.

"If you must take a life this time, Lord Gargul, take mine instead," Kezzem offers.

Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain
Friday October 11th, 2019 7:17:41 PM
Talia will hover around the rest of her team, while they proceed to clean up and make sure everyone else is safe & secure.

"Succotash, Let's follow the group in case they gather our bodies"...says Talia!

DM Ken - Danger on the Winds.. The Map
Saturday October 12th, 2019 1:00:39 AM

It doesn't take long to scout the rest of the giant and find no new enemies. Succotash and Talias bodies lay side by side, each with their pinkies missing. There's any number of reasons for this, but the more magically inclined immediately consider things like curses and scrying.

The Orcs bodies is covered in magical glow. The following items are found, and easily identified.

Unholy Bastard Sword +1
Headband of Alluring Charisma +4
Heavy Wooden Shield +3
Cloak of Resistance +2
Boots of Elvenkind
Full Plate of Light Fortification +3
Belt of Physical Might (+2 Dex, +2 Con)

-------------------------------------------------------------

Tiana informs Pressi the transfer is complete, and the Iron Giant is now a very large lawn ornament. There's no real telling where Skalds people went, but Pressi remembers her own Word of Recall spell being enough to get in and out. It's feasible the priestess was similarly prepared.

Outside, those evacuating the Bad Apples find that a crowd is beginning to gather, as humble Hobbits defending their homes and streets finally start to realize they are safe, and wonder towards the heroes who held the gates and restored the tower.

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+24=36 ; d20+5=22 ;
Saturday October 12th, 2019 8:41:12 AM

Bliss points out the treasure and helps stow it away.

He changes back into a halfling and says to his friends, "Let's make sure that there are no more enemies outside, and that all the warriors are ok."

Bliss is expecting that there may be people in need of first aid or healing around the battlefield.

"Mookie, can you fly around and look for anyone who needs help?"

"Sure," says the small raven. "And I'll look for loot too."

Perception checks: Bliss: 36, Mookie 22

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Monday October 14th, 2019 5:43:06 AM
Succotash answers Talia, �Good idea, let�s go!�. Seeing everyone going different directions, Succotash decides to follow Kezzem, as he seems to be heading towards the bodies. Upon arrival, Succotash hears Kezzem�s prayer and is moved by the love that he is expressing for his fallen friends.

ACDM RobC - "Let's follow the group in case they gather our bodies"
Monday October 14th, 2019 7:25:43 AM
"take mine instead"

When these words are uttered by Kezzem, the Wold goes quiet. It only takes you a moment to realize that it is because time has ground to a halt. Everything is frozen in place, silent and still... except for you.

"Let's see. Humble's Sword, party of six?" The high pitched voice that breaks the silence is quite familiar. Stepping over the bodies of the orcs and walking (not flying) towards the party comes the little imp figure: Gimp.

He looks at the corpses of Succotash and Talia and gives a small whistle. "Oooh. A two-fer. Haven't had one of these for a while" He nudges Succotash's corpse with his foot "Well. You have some time before the boss man gets here. Might want to get your stories straight and put your bargaining faces on. That or perhaps say some final goodbyes"

Gimp gives two claps in quick succession and the translucent spirits of Succotash and Talia become visible to you. Pinkie fingers attached.

Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain
Monday October 14th, 2019 8:43:38 AM
Gimp the messenger...

"Nice to meet you, Gimp! So, what is Lord Gargul like? Is there a Protocol we are too adopt in his presence? Anything we should or should not do, other than offending him and what would offend him?"asks Talia to the Imp, Gimp. "I've never really recall anyone having met him; looking towards Succotash, have you?" says Talia.

Talia notices, that her spirit is in tact, but the bodies are missing their pinkies! "Hey, what gives?" exclaims Talia! "Our Pinkies are gone! What, is not enough to kill us, they have to take trophies too!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Monday October 14th, 2019 10:13:21 AM
Succotash Slenderstick, Paladin of Pantheon, more out of instinct than anything else, reaches for Twinklesting, his holy great sword, and his holy symbol to detect evil, upon seeing an imp, then quickly checks himself and leaves Twinklesting in her scabbard and releases his holy symbol, when he remembers he is dead, as such than this can be none other than Gimp, Gargul�s companion. �No Talia, this is a first for me too� Succotash answers his friend. He is a bit upset about the missing pinkies, but keeps his anger I check. Turning to Gimp, Succotash says, �I have no need to get my story straight, as a Paladin I am forbidden to lie, and if your master sees fit to return me to life, good, but if my final journey is at hand I will face it without fear!�

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6
Monday October 14th, 2019 3:30:03 PM
ooc: Am I reading it correct that the spirits of Talia and Sucker appear visible in front of the rest of Humbles Ford? if so this is Hobie's post, and if not, see below:

As the spirits of his dead friends appear, Hobie is filled with a feeling of failure. He takes his hat from his head and places it on his heart.
"My friends! I'm so sorry for your pain, I should have done more to protect you. Succotash, I left you when I went after the spell caster. I should have stayed by your side!
Talia! I shouldn't have let you run ahead of me like you did, I should have prepared different spells so that I might have torn down the walls and been there to protect you.

Hobie puts his head down and sings-

There's a grief that can't be spoken,
There's a pain goes on and on.
Empty chairs at empty tables,
Now my friends are dead and gone.

Oh my friends, my friends forgive me
That I live and you are gone
There's a grief that can't be spoken,
And there's a pain goes on and on"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If I misread that, and Hobie doesn't see the spirits of his friends, Hobie will rush off, still flying and still in Goblin form, to find his cousin, the town Constable Roscoe. I imagine Roscoe would be confused about the goblin, but would surely recognize Hobie's hat and dragon skin boots.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday October 14th, 2019 3:55:09 PM
Pressi looks down at the celebration below, a familiar leapord cavorting with the halflings. She continued to speak with Tiana. "I have to say, I can't exactly call this a victory. This feels like a tie at best. A few men down each, a broken machine, an uneasy peace. The woman who did this won't let this go. I made her mad. That makes me feel a little better."

She switches gears. "Can... I still speak to Madam Gem? I think I do owe her an apology."

She thinks about the missing pinkies and word of recall. "Tomorrow, when my spells come back, it's going to be time to hit some divinations of my own. And we need to hit the books hard, and maybe the inns of some of the surrounding towns. Figure out who these guys are. It's supposed to be my thing."

-------------

At Gimp's appearance, "A sight as always, to our popular figure. Not really in the mood for barbs. You may not have noticed, but it's been a day."

She listened to Gimp say some words. "Give it to me straight. How mad is the guy upstairs? Because I am thinking the truth is rather straightforward... and the destruction of a major war machine that almost wound up in the wrong hands must count for something."

To Talia, "Yeah... just a trophy taking. Definitely not worse than that." She explains that she's been in this situation a time or two.

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday October 14th, 2019 11:26:14 PM

Bliss nods and says quietly, "We're heroes, so all we need to do is tell the truth."

"I think."

You all note that Bliss is much more subdued -- apprehensive, even -- about this meeting.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18, HP 133/163, CMD 30; -2 Levels; Rumpus AC 28, touch AC 15, HP 25/70, CMD 27
Tuesday October 15th, 2019 1:20:33 AM
"Succo, Talia...my apologies. I've lived my time, and then some thanks to Gargul last time I was here. Ot should have been me."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Tuesday October 15th, 2019 5:26:31 AM
"Friends" Succotash begins, referring to Hobie and Kezzem, "Don't beat yourselves up over this, we're adventurers, death happens!"

ACDM RobC - "Don't beat yourselves up over this, we're adventurers, death happens!"
Tuesday October 15th, 2019 7:26:01 AM
Apologies are made and actions questioned.

"Protocol?" Gimp raises an eyebrow and looks to Talia "Just the basics. Mind your language, show respect, and try not to upset him. He's the one that decides the fate of your immortal souls after all"

He turns to give a few nods to Pressi "It's been a busy day, sure, but the big guy isn't letting it show. Truth be told, knowing what happened here and how it went down, well, I think you'll do ok. I'm usually right on these things."

There is an ominous thumping noise approaching and it's getting louder. Thump. Thump. THUMP. A massive, dark robed figure - far larger than that of any giant - is walking this way. In his right hand he holds a staff that he strikes down sharply as he walks. You have no doubt in your mind as to who it is.

Lord Gargul stops some fifty feet away from the party and looks down at you all. He sighs deeply and leans heavily on his staff. "These are the ones you called me here for, Gimp?" His voice is so deep you can feel the vibrations in your chest. As to his mood? You can't quite make out his face from under his hood.

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday October 15th, 2019 10:30:27 AM

Bliss bows low and waits for the right time to speak. Mookie stands behind him, but being the same size as Bliss, the spirit familiar raven is not really very well hidden.

Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain
Tuesday October 15th, 2019 10:32:12 AM
Lord Gargul Approaches

As the massive, dark robed figure - far larger than that of any giant approaches the vibrations from his Thumping sets up a similar resonance within Talia, that Talia feels the only thing to do is follow her own ideal Protocol and kneel before Lord Gargul. She will stay in this position until otherwise directed.

Thinking to herself, "Wow, this is awesome, such power flows through Lord Gargul...I wonder if I will survive this opportunity!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Tuesday October 15th, 2019 12:17:33 PM
"Normally, I'd be the first out of the gate to give a speech about my own failures or how I'm accountable, but I won't. Normally, I'd agree that death is the nature of the job, but you won't get that speech either.

"Let's not allow those invaders off the hook. They didn't fight out of need or self defense. They didn't challenge us to fair duels or take advantage of some oversight. They deliberately attacked us at our weakest point with our very town on the line. They attacked without mercy and without a moment to breathe. Talia died because those two saw the fighting was over, and ganged up on her anyway. No amount of strategy obviates that simple fact.

"So I will be making one lie of admission. I won't say out loud what I'm going to do once I've discovered where they went and who their loved ones and townspeople are. Going to let that be a surprise."

(There is a modest chance that Pressi won't actually go through with it.)

----------------

Pressi continues to stand, with nothing but a head bow. She tries her best not to show any emotion.

"Oh, great and powerful Gargul... It has been a while. I am Pressi Silverglove, leader of Humble's Sword. And we come before you to request that you return our fallen heroes. Not just out of mercy, but because a grave injustice has occurred and may continue to occur without your wisdom and intervention."

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday October 15th, 2019 1:16:53 PM

Through his empathic link, Bliss senses indignation from Mookie. Translated into words, he knows it would be something like, "Leader! Who elected her leader!?"

Bliss sends back an empathic kick that says, "Hush, Mookie!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18, HP 133/163, CMD 30; -2 Levels; Rumpus AC 28, touch AC 15, HP 25/70, CMD 27 d20+21=31 ;
Tuesday October 15th, 2019 4:56:24 PM
"Oh Great Gargul, by your mercy I have lived past normal days. If any member of the Sword must fall this day, let it be me."

Diplomacy: 31.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Tuesday October 15th, 2019 6:27:04 PM
Turning to Kezzem, Succotash says. "I don't fear death brother, on the contrary, if Lord Gargul decides that I should stay dead, I look forward to the rest my life has earned", Then turning to Gargul, and after a quick bow of respect, Succotash says, "Lord Gargul, I will neither grovel, or beg, as I feel your judgment will be just, instead I will only share what I believe is the sum of my life. As a servant of Pantheon, I have done my best to treat and judge everyone I've come in contact with both fairly and justly, and have striven to be a hero of justice. Though I abhor unnecessary blood shed, I am the first to charge into battle, when diplomacy fails, and am the last to retreat from the battlefield, doing so only for the greater good of the party, which often frustrates Pressi. If you see fit to send me back, I will continue to live my life in this fashion, but I have no fear of death, and if you decide not to, I will face my final journey with anticipation. I do ask that if you feel one of us should stay, then please send back Talia, and keep me, for her to die without unlocking the mysteries of her past would be tragic".

ACDM RobC - "If any member of the Sword must fall this day, let it be me."
Wednesday October 16th, 2019 7:32:22 AM
Bliss bows low, Talia kneels, Pressi lowers her head and Succotash gives a bow.

Most of the party have something to say, and Gargul listens patiently to each of you in turn. He doesn't rush you or interrupt and seems to consider all you have to say. Gimp meanwhile just walks circles around the group and smiles broadly.

"Hmmm. An injustice you say? And what might that be?" Lord Gargul responds to Pressi. You just can't get a read on his mood. You don't think he's asking it to put you on the spot, and he certainly doesn't sound angry in any way. That's a good start at least.

Succotash has quite a bit to get off his chest. "Interesting. Kezzem offers to take the place of someone else whilst Succotash asks on behalf of someone else. You see, Gimp. This is what makes heroes"

Gimp crosses his arms in defiance "Yeah, well, it's easy to have no fear of death when you're already dead"

"Perhaps, though the good of heart needn't fear it at all" Gargul responds in kind, before turning back to the party "You have done well today. All of you. Noone could have asked more. But still.." He pauses to shift his weight a little against the staff "what did you learn today? What would you have done differently? If there was nothing left to learn then perhaps the journey is at an end"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18, HP 133/163, CMD 30; -2 Levels; Rumpus AC 28, touch AC 15, HP 25/70, CMD 27
Wednesday October 16th, 2019 9:51:01 AM
"I learned it is best to heal your allies when you have the chance, because you never know when a battle cleric might drop a fireball in the room," says Kezzem. "Uh, can't tell you how sorry I am about that, Succotash."

Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain
Wednesday October 16th, 2019 11:28:46 AM
The Plea

Still from a kneeling position, lady Talia makes her plea. Lord Gargul, I would prefer, that if there is a choice to be made, that you send the honorable and loyal Paladin, Sir Succotash Slenderestick back to the living as he is virtuous and a great defender of the faith, women, and small children.

As the newest member of this Humble group, I have much less to offer. I do not recall my past, nor do I recall any family, and I willing sacrificed my life to save lady Tianana, the rest of the troop, everyone else in the Crescent Valley, and the rest of the Wold from the Giant invasion. I believe with the exception of my owl friend Rayya and this group...it's hard to know what I would have to offer as I do not know what I have done, except through this sacrifice.

If you deem it appropriate to return me to the living, could you tweak my essence a bit on the way back? I'm sure if I had a more broad skillset and/or a different set of feats I could have been in a better support role and could have been able to save at least the virtuous Paladin. I'm sure there could be an additional area or two to improve upon, I'm certain of this.

Thinking back, we should have realized what would have happened by upsetting that Primordial Lava entity that dwells in the land of the The mountains of the Scab, by using its Iron Giant tool as a means to recharge the Giant Towers I'm sure we should have pieced together that his followers would have wanted to pleasure their master in exacting revenge, but for whatever reason that simple idea escaped us.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6
Wednesday October 16th, 2019 1:26:20 PM
Hobie knelt to the ground at the sight of Lord Gargul, head bowed in reverence.

When asked what he learned, with head still bowed, Hobie speaks up. "I have learned to never turn my back on friends, even for a second. I have learned that my arrows should defend my party, not go off alone in pursuit of blood."

"I also would lay down my life for my friends. If you should take someone, let it be me, I'm the one who lived a life of thievery and committed murder. Let it be my life to come to end."

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Wednesday October 16th, 2019 3:35:11 PM

"Well," says Bliss, shyly, "we should have better communication so we can coordinate better."

"And we should work on mobility, so we can aid each other faster."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Wednesday October 16th, 2019 9:14:15 PM
�Yeah, I could have done the whole sacrifice thing too,� Pressi said as person after person stood up. �But I�ve always believed in quieter forms of heroism. So before we all offer the big guns, how do you feel about recycling?�

In answer to the question of injustice, Pressi explains what happened in her best prosecutor voice... and with a focus on what Keita said. �I don�t know how much of this you know, whether you and Scald get together. But when an ancient god demands a war machine, and let nothing stand in the way... well I can�t help but see signs of war.

�And what did I learn?� Pressi was silent for a while, save for the popping of a molar. It�s pretty clear she�s reluctant to answer.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Thursday October 17th, 2019 5:06:01 AM
"What have I learned?" Succotash repeats the question to himself. He thinks about it for a while, and one can tell by the look in his face, that he is really thinking hard, and one can clearly see that he is soul searching, until finally he answers, "Well sir, you see, when I joined this team, which has rapidly become more of a second family to me, I vowed to do anything within my power to protect my comrades, including laying down my life if needed. I figured that one of the best ways to do that, based on my current skill set, was to put myself in harms way before my friends are put in harms way by the enemy, and use the healing magic gifted to all paladins when appropriate. I feel the methodology has worked fairly well, though I'm sure their is a better way, but for the life of me, I can't come up with one. I am open to suggestions, observations, ECT..., and have a willingness to learn, change, and/or try new things".

ACDM RobC - "I am open to suggestions"
Thursday October 17th, 2019 8:35:23 AM
In turn you explain what it is that you have learnt from the experience. Gargul turns his attention to each of you, and beneath his hood you can just make out his eyes - unblinking and focused, as if peering into your very soul.

"It sounds like a common theme is how you work together. Support, communication, and tactics. Perhaps it was good that you learned this now with only two lives lost. It wouldn't do for you all to perish at the same time."

"There's always next time!" Gimp pipes up with a huge grin. He looks to Gargul and can sense the mood. Gimp looks away quite sheepishly and tries to hide from Gargul's view by standing behind Hobie.

Gargul pauses to look at Talia for a moment in consideration, before turning his attention to Pressi. "Why do you remain silent?" His eyes linger on you "Hopefully you are not tempted to follow the path of Jancassis. Such a course would not be wise"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Thursday October 17th, 2019 11:10:22 AM
"How dare you even...."

Pressi paused for a moment, aware of the eyes upon her, before moving to a full bow, a voice much softer. "Forgive me for forgetting my place. I simply wish to assure you that I am aware of the dangers of such a course. I remain in control, and I remain committed to the principles of justice and mercy that I am sworn by. I am, as always, a soldier for peace, and gods willing a light in the darkness.

"I remain silent because I do not wish to lose sight of what has transpired or what might transpire in the future. My moral and strategic failings cannot be allowed to absolve them of theirs. And if we lose sight of these dangers just out of view...

"I do have one apology that I should have made before. I can be arrogant. Short sighted. I left my post at a critical time to show off what my single level six spell can do... which in this case could have been recalling right behind Succotash with a breath of life at the ready. I gave Talia the order to shut down the statue because I was sure a supposedly non-evil person would not simply and callously murder out of revenge, and that left her trapped. I am sorry for both deaths, and I hope you both can forgive me.

"But I cannot be held responsible for the actions of others. These followers of Scald chose once again to invade our home, and may do so again. They took the pinkies of our dead. That is a sign that they intend to scry upon us... or worse. They were prepared to leave our entire town defenseless against a giant army, and the best they could offer in return for a massive war machine is that they will leave us alone if they feel like it. They chose to fight even when there was nothing for them to gain. They were unyielding in negotiation, and unyielding in battle, and when I gave Talia the breath of life so we could retreat, they killed her again. They may not detect as evil, and I'm sure they have some choice words about me. But they clearly don't follow the path of Gargul, or any form of goodness or nature, either. I didn't pursue when they retreated, but I don't intend to be played by these followers of Scald twice. "

Pressi takes a few deep breaths, wondering if she made things worse.

(OOC: This is how Pressi sees Keita, and does not necessarily reflect how she actually is. Also, sorry for the post length.)

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday October 17th, 2019 2:29:24 PM

Bliss listens carefully and respectfully. He's just happy that the god has not made any comments about witches. But he wants to support Pressi, so he speaks up.

"Um, sir, everybody makes mistakes, but Miss Pressi is a true hero, if I may say."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18, HP 133/163, CMD 30; -2 Levels; Rumpus AC 28, touch AC 15, HP 25/70, CMD 27
Thursday October 17th, 2019 6:20:01 PM
"Yeah, I am starting to think maybe she had some kind of magic to stop us from thinking she was evil," says Kezzem. "Her actions certainly seemed evil to me."

Talia (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP -7 /90 | Slain
Thursday October 17th, 2019 9:17:08 PM
The Plea

Still in a kneeling position since Lord Gargul made his approach, Lady Talia remains silent, having made her plea. The only thing that remains is the Judgement from Lord Gargul.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Friday October 18th, 2019 2:32:27 AM
Succotash feels he has said all he can, and so he remains silent, awaiting Gargul�s Judgment.

ACDM RobC - " I am, as always, a soldier for peace"
Friday October 18th, 2019 6:30:47 AM
"How dare you even..."

As the words leave Pressi's lips you can see Gargul's hand squeeze his hand around his walking staff, his knuckles going tight and staff takes on a soft white glow. He says nothing, and waits for her to finish.

When all has been said he is still silent. He just stands there for a moment that seems to last and last.

Not even Gimp dares to say anything right now, though does take a few cautious steps back from the party.

Then Gargul looks at Pressi and walks towards her. As he does so, he decreases in size until he is the same height as Pressi. Oh, there's no doubt of the power within the god and one still sees the burden of responsibility that causes his shoulders to sag a bit. As he stops in front of Pressi, he says in a very stern tone "I am Gargul, God of Life and Death. I am tasked with judging the dead and placing them in their proper place in the afterlife. I judge whether those of the Noble Races should live again or remain dead."

He looks about at the party before settling his gaze once more on Pressi.

With little warning he steps forward and gives her a great big hug. He whispers so only Pressi can hear. "Pressi Silverglove, I wouldn't change a thing about you." He then slaps her on the back almost knocking her over and begins walking away, fading from view with Gimp by his side.

Next time someone thinks to look, 2 halflings, once dead are breathing again. Succotash and Talia find their souls returned to their bodies. Pinkies intact.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 29/15/28 CMD 31 HP dead/135 Miss Piggy AC 30/12/28 CMD 25 HP 60/105
Friday October 18th, 2019 8:07:41 AM
Succotash wakes up with a gasp, and immediately sits up. While doing so he notices something strange, the weight of his signature full plate armor isn't there! He quickly looks down at what he is wearing and sees green silk robes, of the kind often worn by Clerics. The robes are beautifully embroidered, in gold thread, with the holy symbols of all the Woldian gods. Reaching for his holy symbol he finds the familiar Gavel of Pantheon has been replaced by a silver disk that has the various holy symbols, of the Woldian gods, exquisitely carved in relief. He instinctively pats himself down, and notices something hard under the robes. A brief examination reveals a mithril breastplate hidden there. He stands up and says to his friends, "I don't think I'm a paladin anymore!"

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Friday October 18th, 2019 8:54:52 AM
"Meh," says Bliss to Brother Succotash, "Paladins are overrated. Right Sir Kezzem?" The young-looking halfling elbows the party's remaining paladin in the ribs.

Mookie caws, "Oh snap!"

Bliss grins. "Come on everybody! We have to celebrate this victory. It took us long enough, but the Tower is finally fixed!"

"But what about the loot?" asks Mookie.

"Ah, a volunteer. Mookie old pal, you gather up all the loot and take care of it for us, OK?"

Mookie caws, "Oh snap."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18, HP 133/163, CMD 30; -2 Levels; Rumpus AC 28, touch AC 15, HP 25/70, CMD 27
Friday October 18th, 2019 11:10:41 AM
"Hey!" says Kezzem to Bliss.

"Yeah, dying does that to you. I used to be a rogue, then I died. Now I'm a paladin like you! Er, not like you anymore I guess? Also, I did take a few levels of rogues to get some abilities back. Gods, this is confusing."

"Wait, what happens to Miss Piggy? I liked that pig!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday October 18th, 2019 2:07:44 PM
Succotash looks around quickly, and then he remembers that he saw Piggy head home to the celestial plane when he was dead. Instinctively, he reaches for his new holy symbol, and concentrates on trying to summon Miss Piggy. After a few moments, he hangs his head in failure, and sadly says, "I guess shes gone along with my paladin abilities".

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 57/112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Friday October 18th, 2019 2:09:19 PM
As she returns to earth, Pressi begins breathing again.

Having been hugged by Gargul himself, there's nothing Pressi can even think to quip.

"So uh... that was... okay, I think we need to get settled in. First, congratulations all and welcome back as applied. And yeah, I switched from monk to this after a soul gem mishap, but it's kind of similar. Before we say goodbye to the pig, maybe make sure she isn't still around.

"Second, there will be time to get treasure later. For now, we need to check to make sure everything and everyone is okay. Check on Roscoe too. And... maybe get some help cleaning up around here."

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Friday October 18th, 2019 3:36:22 PM

Bliss of course agrees with Pressi about helping people from the battle ... but ... "I thought we did that before the visit to get back Succotash and Talia," says Bliss.

"Wait wait wait!" caws Mookie. "Isn't anybody else gonna comment on Gargul giving Pressi a hug?"

Bliss laughs and starts to sing, "Gargul and Pressi ... sitting in a tree ... K I S S I N G! ... First comes love ... Then comes marriage ... Then comes MOOKIE in the baby carriage!"

Mookie says, "Ha, but that does not even begin to make sense."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18, HP 133/163, CMD 30; -2 Levels; Rumpus AC 28, touch AC 15, HP 25/70, CMD 27
Friday October 18th, 2019 5:04:56 PM
"No, Mookie, Gargul is your father. Search your feelings. You know it to be true."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6
Monday October 21st, 2019 5:34:08 AM
Hobie is taken aback by Succotash's change, he looks the same. "what are you wearing Sucker? who's gonna stand between me and the baddies now?"

He turns to the group "Okay, I'm gonna run and check on Roscoe and see how the town is doing."

He grips his bow tightly and casts Mount. A beautiful painted pony appears, and Hobie hops on. With haste he runs to the town in search of the constable.

When he finds him, "Cousin! the battle is over. I wouldn't quite say it's won, but it's over. Some villains escaped, and two of ours were killed, but Lord Gargul is merciful, and they have been returned to us. How are things in the town? As soon as is manageable, we could use a lot of hands to clean up outside the town. We will be burying giants for weeks, I fear , and unfortunately we are without Murphy's abilities to move earth."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday October 21st, 2019 7:49:14 AM
Succotash looks at Hobie and answers, �I�m not sure what�s going on myself yet. There are only 2 things I�m certain of at the moment. 1, I�m not a Paladin anymore, and 2, my time with Gargul increased my interest in the rest of the Wolds Pantheon of gods. Though based on my current attire, I�m beginning to believe, I may be a cleric, and based on my holy symbol, I serve all the gods�.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday October 21st, 2019 10:40:00 AM
Pressi looks askew at Mookie. "Say of me what you will," she replies. "But a god embraced me because I make this look good."

Before Mookie can make any more comments, Harper gives a soft chuckle and a shake of her head. A little reminder of who's remaining on top of the food chain.

(OOC: Valerie's a what, now?)

----------------

"So I figured that I should hit the library in an attempt to find more about Scald," Pressi showed Bliss and their followers later. "And... so after some research on rabbit holes, not sure how I got there, I found... this."

Leafing through a book covered in pentagrams and smiley faces, "It's strange to think about, but it might be possible to perform rituals far beyond what we perform so far. I always figured personally that I would focus on the Justicar training and learn how to find objects and hit things harder while flanking. But this... This could be interesting.

"I would like to open it to the rest of the coven, however. I think we should also discuss what if anything needs to be done about these religious zealots that attacked us."

It Took a Village

The Peddler

DM Kathy
Monday October 21st, 2019 12:41:52 PM
In Crescent Valley, the harvest is in. Cellars, attics, and storage bins are full to bursting--which is a good thing, because winter is just around the corner. Bonfires dot the valley as farmers burn off fallen leaves and other detritus. A faint haze of smoke lingers in the air as the autumn days continue to be clear and crisp.

In Humble's Ford, the mess from the invasion is just about cleaned up, and folk are turning their attention to harvest celebrations. The Dancing Pig has a cloth banner hanging above its door boasting of a "Hard Cider Festival." The Belly Buster has a similar banner proclaiming "Sausage Days." Out at Humble Farm, a Harvest Fair is planned. There will be apple-bobbing, a cake-walk, and a demonstration of a new crop, just harvested--something called pop-corn.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday October 21st, 2019 1:27:54 PM
In the days following the invasion, Succotash spends most of his free time, coming to grips with this massive change in his life, and learning how to use his abilities as a cleric. He soon begins to see it as a gift from the gods instead of a sick joke played on him by the god of life and death, and begins relish his new role. In spite of the joy he has found as a cleric, he feels that something is missing, and that coupled with a severe sense of missing Piggy, he decides to head to the woods to commune with his gods. He gives honor to all the Woldian gods in turn, and after doing so he says, �Gods of the Wold, I come before you to ask a boon. As I know you know, I traveled with a pig companion for many years, and I won�t lie, I miss her terribly. If you, in your mercy and kindness could send me a new companion to help fill the void, your humble servant would be most thankful!�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 112, CMD 22; Harper AC 23, HP 61, CMD 23
Monday October 21st, 2019 8:09:30 PM
For others, it is a day of harvest. For witches, the festival can only mean one thing this time of year.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 90 /90
Monday October 21st, 2019 8:52:31 PM
The Peddler

When Talia realizes she is back amongst her friends and the living, she decides life is too short to always be formal. Making a decree, aloud, Talia announces; to no one is particular, "From this day forth, I should be known as Tali!" With a feeling of accomplishment, Tali walks over to the sanctuary looking for Rayya, her owl. When she finds Rayya, she will embrace her, like she had been gone for days! "Oh Rayya, I have missed you terribly. I thought I would never see you again! " Tali snuggles with her familiar.

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday October 21st, 2019 11:37:43 PM
After things calm a bit, Bliss makes a trip to the WLA for training.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 29, touch AC 18, HP 133/163, CMD 30; -2 Levels; Rumpus AC 28, touch AC 15, HP 25/70, CMD 27
Monday October 21st, 2019 11:56:58 PM
Kezzem goes over to Rumpus and combs his mane. "Hey Rumpo! Who's the best paladin mount in Humble's Ford?"

Rumpus snorts.

"Yeah, I know, I miss the pig too."

DM Kathy
Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 12:52:05 PM
Bliss goes to the WLA for training.

Talia announces that she wants to be called Tali from now on. She has a fond reunion with Rayya. The owl nuzzles her affectionately, and gives her a few playful nips. Then she begins telling, with great enthusiasm, all about the tasty shrew she killed and ate yesterday. She goes into some detail. Rather a lot of detail, actually. It's a little unsettling.

Kezzem has a quiet moment with Rumpus. The pony prances a little and gives Kezzem an affectionate nudge. He can't communicate directly with Kezzem, of course, but somehow he conveys the idea that he'd be an even better paladin mount if he was given a nice crunchy apple.

Succotash, realizing that Miss Piggy is now lost to him, prays to the gods for a new companion. At first, there is stillness, and Succotash begins to fear that his prayers will go unanswered. Then he hears a light rustling in the undergrowth, and suddenly a face appears. It's a giant lizard! No! It's a small dinosaur! "Brrrt?" she says.

Pressi hints darkly that this time of year can mean only one thing for a witch. But he's going to have to be more specific for his idiot DM.

But all of that was weeks ago. Bliss's training is complete, everyone is (almost!) accustomed to Succotash's and Tali's new demeanor and abilities, and everybody has met Valerie the Velociraptor. You have sorted out your treasure, visited the Catacombs, and come to grips with your new abilities. It's time for a little fun.

[OOC: Please do continue to update your characters, and I'm happy to answer questions and/or discuss things via email. But let's move on. I promise you won't be in combat for a while, so there's time to get everything sorted out behind the scenes.]

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6
Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 1:39:05 PM
Hobie spends most of his time helping clean up the mess. In the evenings, he studies new spells, and even uses a few to speed up the cleaning process. He uses Enlarge Person Communal to make some of the workers grow and be able to work faster. He laughs and takes joy as the villagers seem to have fun in their temporarily human sized bodies. He even uses Beast Shape 2 to turn into a large badger to speed up the digging of graves for some of the fallen.

He spends many evenings drinking with his cousin Constable Roscoe, sharing the gruesome details of the fight that he doesn't dare share with the average villager. As the festival planning begins, Hobie helps out his cousin with whatever errands need to be run, or work needs to be done, and Hobie even comes up with an idea for a fun event. An Archery Contest!

Hobie decides he will sponsor an Archery Contest for the youth of Humble's Ford. It will be open for anyone age 12 to 19, and the winner will receive a MW Longbow, made from the same bowyer who made Hobie's bow "Prowler". On top of that, Hobie will provide free archery lessons to the winner and runner up.

After making the announcement of the tournament known, Hobie sets to work preparing targets and collecting a large quantity of good arrows to use.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 95/136 AC 26 Touch 16 Flat 22 CMD 31 Hero Points 6
Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 1:39:55 PM
archery tourney as an event in the festival, if that wasnt clear

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 118, CMD 23; Harper AC 23, HP 78, CMD 24
Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 2:12:17 PM
(OOC: Header Update and New Sheet Links)

"... So Halloween is almost over and the bartender just grabs me, and the charm person is just about to go off." She continues her story with Tali. "So it seems like this might be what finally sends me to Gargul and I suddenly have this thought. Why not see if I can just bend my energy and see if I can charm person this guy at the end of the bar. Because of the berries I mentioned earlier. So I have this insane thought, and I actually try it. And it works..."

She pauses to take a glimpse at Harper. Her cat, which long ago climbed up a tree for no reason at all, continued to watch the dinosaur below with intense disinterest. And she isn't staying up there for any reason, either. Just sitting and enjoying and occasionally hissing to let this thing know who's boss.

"... so anyway, it works. Don't know how, but it does. And this big guy starts heading to the bartender and..."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 5:08:03 PM
Seeing Harper climb the Tree, and hearing her hiss, confuses Valerie. So with tug o� war rope toy in her mouth, and pink ribbon on her head she goes lay down elsewhere and whines. Than she hears a shrill whistle, and Succotash�s voice calling her, at which point she stands up and tears off in her master�s direction, much like you would expect from a golden retriever. When she arrives, she offers the rope to Succotash, who takes it and begins playing fetch with her.

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 5:43:38 PM

Bliss and Mookie enjoy some down time with comrades in arms, as well we with his coven. He gives them another 1,000 gold pieces to use in their good works around the hamlet (that's a 3,000 gp total that Bliss dings his WBL for). In fact, he looks for another recruit to help with all the work that needs doing.

[OOC: A Bloodwitch gains a new follower at levels 4, 6, and 8 ... and Bliss just hit 8th. In the past, the DMs picked the names and description, but left the mechanics to me ...]

He asks Pressi if our coven (the coven that both of them manage) is still focusing on justice, and if so, does she have any ideas on how to do that. Bliss is content just to do hero work with his followers, helping people, getting cats out of trees, waterproofing the burrows of the less fortunate, taking care of stray dogs, babysitting, etc. etc.

Plus on top of that, Bliss practices with his gear and powers, so that when battle comes, there will be no surprises when he turns into a spidertaur or hits a foe with an ill omen.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Tuesday October 22nd, 2019 10:57:46 PM
Downtime

After Tali's joyfilled reunion with Rayya, she will meditate for two (2) hours to get all of her spells restored. Afterwards, she will make a list of everything that needs to be addressed & tick them off as she goes along.

Next, comes the standard casting of her standard everyday spells for all day long affect {She loves to fly!}.

Tali casts:

1) Overland Flight; her favorite!
2) Mage Armor; just in case!

Next item on her list, is upgrading gear. Tali communications with Rayya that she's going shopping and wants to know if she wants to tag-along. "Rayya, I'm going shopping, want to come along?" Rayya fluffs her fathers and explains she needs downtime from all the excitment. See ya' when you get back.

The Magic Shoppe

Tali goes to the closest Catacombs to upgrade her magical gear. This time around, she is only looking for two upgrades, hopefully she had the funds! If she has time, she will head to the nearest WLA chapter house to train.

Spells in Affect

Overland Flight: | 840 minutes of {14 hours total}
Mage Armor: | 840 minutes of {14 hours total}

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 12:52:38 AM
Kezzem gets Rumpus a crunch apple. "I got this from the catacombs for you. It should help protect you from fireballs and stuff like that."

He presents Rumpus a new cloak of resistance +2 sized for a pony.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 12:47:58 PM
Updating Header.

DM Kathy
Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 1:13:47 PM
After finishing his WLA training, Bliss goes to the coven, seeking a new recruit. He is somewhat surprised to find Granny waiting for him.

Granny's real name is Willona Barleyrow, but nobody calls her that. Everybody calls her Granny or Granny Barleyrow. She is the sharp-tongued, no-nonsense kind of old lady who strikes terror into the heart of young halflings throughout the Valley. She is also a skilled herbalist.

She calls Bliss "young man" and continually exhorts him to stand up straight, stop mumbling, etc. On one memorable occasion, she told Octo-Bliss, "young man, kindly address me using your proper form and stop waving your tentacles about. It's very rude!"

Now, she fixes Bliss with a stern stare. "It is quite ridiculous to think of a woman of my age 'following' anyone," she says. "But you want looking after, that's plain, and I've never been one to shirk my duty. Don't fidget."

And just like that, Bliss has another follower.

Meanwhile, Tali visits the Catacombs and trains with the WLA. There is time to do both; you had a few weeks after the end of the last adventure.

Kezzem gives in an finds a nice apple for Rumpus. He also finds a Cloak of Resistance for him, which Rumpus cannot eat, but which nevertheless will be just as good as a crunchy apple.

Hobie had a terrific idea--an archery contest as part of the Harvest Fair! And if members of the Humble family weren't quite as enthused by the idea of excited teenagers running around with offensive weapons, they hid it well. The archery contest is added to the slate of events, and will actually open the fair!

Now, Pressi regales bar patrons with Tales of Halloweens Past while Harper torments Valerie, and Valerie seeks solace with Succotash and a marvelous game of fetch.

The Harvest Fair will begin in a few hours.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 118, CMD 23; Harper AC 23, HP 78, CMD 24
Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 3:14:30 PM
Pressi doesn't really have much of an idea for the coven, save as a supplemental force. (Originally designed to help clean up against criminals and fugitives, she figured they may need to be roped in to the city protection and some of the other story lines.)

"I feel like I haven't even had time to recruit or shop. I've been spending time just trying to figure out whether Murphy wound up with the naked guys or teleporting wizards or what. So now I'm planning a wedding for a guy that I may never see again. And of course, I've tried a few times to figure out where those Scald invaders went or whether they are coming back. It's... been busy.

"That said, it may be time to focus on expanding our coven and fully integrating it. Maybe some training, or coordination with law enforcement or the army. Maybe some expansions into an actual system that can put out fires and save lives. I really didn't think through the chance that we might have more than a small band. We may need to even consider some permanent quarters separate from the guild hall, which is big to process."

"Also, I have some concerns about this archery contest for kids," Pressi tells Bliss. "With all the war these kids have seen, we should be moving on to the combustible stuff. Also, cheating. Should we get in on that?" (OOC to DM: ;-P)

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 3:57:36 PM
In preparation for the contest, Hobie puts some of the townsfolk to work gathering up and positioning the archery targets, bundles of arrows, and even a few extra bows just in case. Personally, he takes the Masterwork Longbow, which is meant to be the prize for the winner, and he engraves on it's back a single word, which shall be the name of this great bow, "Excelsior."

He smiles, and remembers the first time he picked up a bow, the first time he managed to hit a target, and the first time he ever held his own bow, Prowler.

He says to his cousin, who is sitting nearby, "Whoever should win this bow, I hope they surpass even my own talent someday. And defend their friends better than I've been able to do."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday October 23rd, 2019 5:55:27 PM
Succotash finishes his game of fetch with Valerie, and scratches her under the chin. Valerie flips onto her back asking for a belly rub, which Succotash gladly does with a laugh. "I would never have expected a dinosaur to act like a dog", he says to her, knowing that she doesn't understand what he is saying, "Well. we should head back to town, the festivities are about to begin".

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday October 24th, 2019 3:15:19 AM

Bliss immediately agrees with anything Granny says. "Yes, Ma'am."

In fact, Bliss has always knuckled under toot sweet when he was faced with a forceful personality. First, his Aunt Priscilla, then the officers of the Mailed Fist, then his friend Miss Alleah, who he respected quite a lot. But since she left the party, Bliss has not had anyone telling him to comb his hair or brush his teeth. This Granny makes him feel both nostalgic and chagrined. But mostly he gets a warm feeling because someone is looking out for him.

Every once in a while he gives Granny a hug, make of that what she will.

Bliss is gung ho for the archery contest, and he asks all his followers to help with registration, refreshments, and keeping bystanders out of the line of fire!

Other times, playing with Valerie, Bliss changes himself and Mookie into velociraptors so that a grand time can be had by all, for about 20 minutes at a casting, anyway. Heck, with an easy peasy Polymorph spell, Bliss can change Succotash into a velociraptor too. Or hey! Change Valerie into a halfling! It's all good fun.

[OOC to DM and Kezzem: Highlight to display spoiler: {Sorry to BE a spoiler, but the Wold has rules for what wearable items a companion can wear, and cloak ain't one of them, sorry. Pay double for the slotless cloak and you are golden.}]

Tali (subbing for Jon Paul)
Thursday October 24th, 2019 5:26:53 AM
As Tali and Rayya fly towards the festivities they run into Succotash, Bliss, Mookie and Valerie playing who's a velociraptor now, and decides to join in the fun for a bit before heading off to the fun and games.

DM Kathy
Thursday October 24th, 2019 12:47:38 PM
In the weeks leading up to the Harvest Fair, it soon becomes clear that "velociraptor" is the hot new look for fall!

But now the Harvest Fair is upon you, and the archery contest will kick off the whole thing! Hobie makes his preparations, and Bliss and Pressi make sure the coven is on hand to assist.

The contest is a good one, though several of the contestants are clearly nervous enough that it throws off their aim. When all the shots have been taken, and the scores tallied, the winner is Leta Humble, a red-haired girl of 14, a scion of the Humble clan that runs the farm. Predictably, there is some grumbling about home field advantage, but most people congratulate Leta wholeheartedly. The crowd gradually breaks up, wandering over to bob for apples or examine the prize pumpkins on display.

During the competition, some of you notice a man you haven't seen before. He is a middle-aged halfling man with sandy brown hair, and he looks worried about something.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Thursday October 24th, 2019 2:11:42 PM
Hobie congratulates Leta Humble, and proudly gives her Excelsior. He is very impressed by her abilities. He tells her to go celebrate with her friends, and promises that another day, soon, they will take up their lessons, and he will teach her everything he knows.

He makes his way around the party, talking to many of the partiers. He makes it a point to go over and congratulate the parents of Leta Humble, telling them what a bright young talent their daughter is, and how she could have a great future as an archer.

While he is talking with them he notices the new halfling and politely excuses himself from the conversation.

He grabs two fresh ales and approaches the sandy haired figure.
"Good sir, your hand is empty, at a party such as this you should always be carrying some food and/or drink!"

He offers one of the ales.

"Sir I noticed you during my tournament, did you enjoy yourself? We've got quite the young talent in this small town! I couldn't have helped but notice you seem concerned, which makes you look quite out of place in a party such as this, may I ask what's the matter?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 118, CMD 23; Harper AC 23, HP 78, CMD 24
Thursday October 24th, 2019 4:13:50 PM
Pressi takes some time to make her way around the festival. She takes some time to enjoy the festival, but also to circulate around the population. (And fairly clearly testing the waters for her own run in politics.)

She watches Hobie approach the new halfling, and can't help but be impressed with his political chops. For the moment, she simply watches the room before doing anything.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday October 24th, 2019 5:29:03 PM
Succotash follows Hobie over to talk to the stranger, but lets the man with the bow do the talking, at least for the moment.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Thursday October 24th, 2019 6:34:19 PM
Kezzem will check on Candy and the Bad Apples to see how they are holding up after the giant battle.

Seeing Humble's Sword gathering around the stranger, Kezzem will make his way over as well. "New fair, who's this?" he asks.

Tali (subbing for Jon-Paul
Thursday October 24th, 2019 7:17:38 PM
See her friend congregating around the stranger, Tali floats over and joins her friends.

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+25=43 ;
Thursday October 24th, 2019 11:12:30 PM

Bliss keeps his ears on the conversation with the stranger (Perception 43) but does not approach, not wanting to alarm the poor guy with a crowd. Instead, he congratulates the archery tourney winner personally.

"Miss Leta," he says, holding out a hand, "You were mighty impressive in the contest today! Maybe someday you'll be a great hunter, or a hero!"

He's happy to see Hobie taking an interest. The archer could be a good role model for Leta.

He invites her to visit the coven anytime.

DM Kathy
Friday October 25th, 2019 1:21:38 PM
Pressi circulates through the fair. She examines the prize pumpkins, the colorful squash, the clever farm scene made of different grains. She stops to look at the cake that will be the prize in the cake-walk later in the day. It is a maple-walnut cake, three layers tall, its brown-sugar icing liberally studded with walnut halves. "Buy a token?" Milly Humble displays a wooden token. "Just one copper for a chance to win this delicious cake!"

Kezzem, meanwhile, checks up on the BadApples. He finds them clustered around the pop-corn demonstration, which is just getting started. Alf Humble is presiding over a camp-stove, on which a small quantity of oil is being heated in a kettle.

Bliss and Hobie take a moment to congratulate Leta. She thanks you with a smile, collects another hug from her proud parents, and takes occasional peeks at a lanky youth standing nearby, watching her with an awestruck expression.

Then Hobie goes over to talk to the worried-looking stranger, as Tali and Succotash look on. Hobie asks him what's the matter.

"You're right; I am troubled. I have a big problem," the man replies. "Fact is, I was hoping to locate those halfling heroes that have done so much good in the Valley." His gaze moves from Hobie's bow and sword to Succotash's robes to Kezzem's armor. His brown eyes widen. "Is--are you them?" he asks, his voice growing excited. "Are you the heroes? Have I found you at last?"

You assure him that you are, indeed, those heroes, and he lets out a little sigh of relief. "I really hope you can help me," he says. "My village is missing." He pauses. "Let me try that from the beginning. My name's Littlefoot--Hendit Littlefoot. I'm a peddler--go from town to town selling wares. My cart's over there." He points to a nearby grove of trees, where a red-painted peddler's hand cart is parked out of the way.

"I travel a lot," he continues. "But I have a home. A nice little village called Thaelhaven. I have a wife there, and--and kids---" he is starting to get choked up. "But they're gone!" he cries. "I came back from my latest trip and everyone was gone. The whole village! Not a soul left! Livestock all dead or run off, and I don't know what happened."

He regains his composure, and continues, "I went to Salbe. That's a human town that's near Thaelhaven. But nobody there cared about a bunch of missing halflings. So I asked myself who would care, and I thought of you, and well...here I am. Will you help me?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday October 25th, 2019 5:28:54 PM
Succotash is horrified when he hears Hendit's tale, as he tries to imagine how he would feel if he was in Hendit's shoes. "Mister Littlefoot, your tale is a sad one indeed, Mayhaps we should adjourn to the Sanctuary, that's what we call out headquarters/stronghold/home, where we can discuss your story more intently. I know I can speak for my friends when I say, we will do everything within our power to find your loved ones, but we need as much information as possible, so should we travel the short distance to the Sanctuary?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Friday October 25th, 2019 6:13:36 PM
Hobie agreed wholeheartedly with Succotash. �Yes, of course we will help you. What a horrible thing to come home to! I agree with my Cleric friend, perhaps we should discuss this further at the Sanctuary, if we were to talk here it might turn the merriment of the whole town into panic that the same might happen in Humble�s Ford. There�s no need for that panic at this time I think. Allow me a moment please.�

Hobie steps away and leaves Hendit with his friends. He goes directly to Pressi and fills her in on what was said, then adds �Heroes never get to just celebrate.�

Before heading to the sanctuary with the rest of Humble�s Ford, Hobie will find Constable Roscoe and make sure he is in attendance so he can be filled in on what is happening.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 118, CMD 23; Harper AC 23, HP 78, CMD 24
Friday October 25th, 2019 9:07:37 PM
�Ma�am, nothing would please me more than to have this cake for my wedding,� Pressi replied. �Not to Murphy. I intend to marry this cake. Just look it right in the eyes and pledge my soul to it, maybe a honeymoon skiing.�

Pressi stopped for a bit. �Or, here�s a copper kind stranger. I�d absolutely like to participate in your lottery.�

At learning later that a village was missing, �Did he remember where he saw it last?�

Soon after, she switched from cider to black coffee.

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+25=45 ;
Friday October 25th, 2019 11:36:29 PM

Casting a message cantrip, Bliss asks Sir Kezzem on the down low, "Hey Sir Kezzem, make sure this guy's not evil. Maybe you can get a hunch on him."

(Bliss knows that he has no sense for figuring out if anyone is being honest or not, but the paladin will know better.)

Then Bliss hangs back a little to see if anyone else follows the group or is keeping an eye on the stranger.
(Perception 45)

Then he follows his friends back and joins the group at the party HQ.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Saturday October 26th, 2019 12:11:48 AM
Kezzem will Detect Evil on this halfling fellow.

"If you are looking for the local heroes, you must mean the Second Dinner Club," says Kezzem. "You know, I never did learn if they were a club dedicated to celebrating second dinners, or they wanted to form a Dinner Club, but another already existed, so they needed to form a second club."

"Oh wait, he means us doesn't he."

DM Kathy
Monday October 28th, 2019 1:28:06 PM
Pressi declares her intention of marrying the cake. Milly laughs. "If you win it, you can do what you like with it," she says, handing over a token. "We'll be doing the cake-walk in a couple of hours," she adds.

Succotash listens to Hendit Littlefoot with sympathy, and suggests that the group retires to the Sanctuary. Hendit agrees, and brings along his peddler's cart. The cheerful rattle of various tin items is a sharp contrast to Hendit's worried expression.

Hobie finds Constable Roscoe at the pop-corn demonstration, and asks him to join the group.

Kezzem detects no evil on Hendit. He and Bliss join the group; Bliss does not see anyone following them or paying undue attention to their group. Everyone is having fun at the fair.

Pressi, joining the group, asks Hendit where he saw the village last. "Heh. I suppose I could have been clearer," he says. "The village is still there--all the buildings and fences and paths. People's possessions. But the people are gone, and I don't know what happened to them."

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday October 28th, 2019 5:29:04 PM

Bliss steps up in hero mode. He bows to Hendit and declares that we heroes of Humbles Ford will help.

"Don't worry," he adds, "we'll try our darndest to find and rescue your people."

Then, scratching at his Thinking Headband, he asks what he hopes are intelligent questions.

Where exactly are Thaelhaven and Salbe? Bliss asks his friends if anyone has heard of them. Alas, Bliss himself could not find Plateau City on a map.

How long gone were they? How dusty was it? Was the food rotted? Dogs, cattle?

Did the village have any enemies or warnings of danger?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday October 28th, 2019 5:35:37 PM
Upon arrival at the Sanctuary, Succotash ushers Hendit into the great hall, where he offers him a chair, and pours him an ale. When the rest of the Swords arrive, Succotash says, "Could you start your story over from the beginning, making sure to offer any and all possible leads, even if they seem silly. In order for us to proceed, we need somewhere to start, and sometimes the most obscure, is the right answer". He nods approvingly when Bliss asks his questions, and is really beginning to love his new found wisdom.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Monday October 28th, 2019 11:49:06 PM
"Well, you seem trustworthy, friend, right Bliss?" says Kezzem. Ever since he was reborn as a paladin he has been very bad at dissembling.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 5:17:25 AM
Hobie will echo many of the same questions as his group.

He is particularly ready to head to the village, thinking most of the helpful clues will be found there.

"Guys, I think we should start by heading to the village. Let's get a basic understanding, and then get moving. We can get details on the way right?"

Tali (subbing for Jon Paul)
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 5:27:39 AM
Tali listens intently as he comrades ask the appropriate questions. She too is ready to get the show on the road.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 118, CMD 23; Harper AC 23, HP 78, CMD 24
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 10:45:51 AM
Pressi looks through her spells and items, but realizes that scrying only works on people (and doesn't see any spells that can remote view a place).

She considers a divination but isn't sure where to begin.

If the newcomer seems thrown by Succotash, "Anything at all? Any enemies or neighbors of the town? Any strange people or phenomenon? Any deliveries right before you left or that should have arrived right before?"

-----------

Before heading out, she sends one of her followers to the catacombs. She'll have to have her new gear essentially zapped to her.

DM Kathy
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 12:41:12 PM
Once Hendit is comfortably settled in the Sanctuary, an ale at his elbow, Succotash asks him to go over the whole story again.

"All right," Hendit says. "Well, I'm a traveling peddler. I have several routes, all going out from Thaelhaven. So I'll leave, be on the road for several weeks, come home for a week or two, then head out again. That is, I spend more time away from the village than in it. But it's home, and--" he starts getting choked up "--it's where my wife and children are. Were. Anyway.

"When I returned to Thaelhaven from my most recent trip, the place was deserted. I called, and looked, but nobody was there. Thaelhaven is a little place--six houses, twenty-three people--so it didn't take long to search. The houses were all deserted. People's clothing and personal belongings were still there, but the people were gone.

"If I had to guess," he continues, "I'd say that whatever happened, happened in the night or very early in the morning. Beds were slept in, not made up. And all the animals--" he chokes up again "--they were in their barns and pens.

"The thing is," he says, looking at you earnestly, "I'm not a tracker. There may be clues I'm just not able to read. I'd like to have somebody come take a look at the place--somebody who knows what to look for. That's part of the reason I went to Salbe. I mean, I was hoping they'd heard something about what happened, but I was also hoping somebody'd be willing to come take a look. But I couldn't get anybody to care. Maybe--" he looks at you again. "Maybe you'd have better luck in Salbe. You're heroes, after all; maybe people will talk to you.

"I don't know what happened," he concludes, "though I can tell you what didn't happen. There weren't any fresh graves, or bodies--of people, that is--so it wasn't some kind of plague or poison. There was no sign of fire or flood nearby, so they didn't evacuate. Anyway, if they'd evacuated, they'd have taken at least some of the animals with them. An orc raiding party would've taken livestock and left the people alone. Well, they'd've killed anybody who resisted, but like I said, there weren't any fresh graves. So it wasn't any of those things. I can't think what it could have been."

Bliss asks some clarifying questions. "Thaelhaven and Salbe are on the fringes of Izen. Basically on the border between Izen and the Red Hills.

"Based on the amount of dust and the--the condition of the animals, I'd say it had been at least a week. And not much more than two weeks. Sometime in that range. The village didn't have any enemies that I know of. I mean, the Big Folk in Salbe sometimes found us annoying, but that's Big Folk for you. There wasn't any real animosity. There weren't any warning signs the last time I was home. If warning signs appeared in the weeks after I left--well, I wouldn't have seen them."

Kezzem confirms that Hendit is trustworthy.

Pressi considers some kind of divination spell, but realizes that she doesn't have enough information to make the attempt.

Gradually, you all come to the conclusion that Hobie and Tali already reached. You need to go to Thaelhaven and take a look for yourself. You should probably also go to Salbe and see if you can be more persuasive than Hendit was.

"Thank you," Hendit says. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you for agreeing to do this. I can guide you. I know safe ways through the Red Hills"

So, you are going to embark on a journey. It is mid-afternoon. You could leave now, travel a few hours, probably stay at an inn at the edge of Crescent Valley. Or, you could take some time to prepare and leave first thing in the morning. Which do you prefer?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 1:36:20 PM
"I'd really like to get there as soon as possible, but I suppose if it's already been between a week and two weeks, tonight or tomorrow might not make a big difference if anyone needs more time. Personally I can grab my handy haversack and be ready to go as soon as I get Pippa saddled."

Hobie turns to Pressi "What about that shadow walk we did to get those wererabbits? Is that a possibility again? I know Succotash almost died last time, but we were all caught off guard, we'd be ready this time."

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 4:34:44 PM

Bliss declares, "I'm ready! Let's go!" He changes into a cat and starts running around fast.

"Kid! Kid! You're making me dizzy!" Mookie complains.

Bliss changes back. "Well, a responsible hero tells his followers what is up so they don't worry." He tracks down Granny and asks her to look out for the rest of the coven while he is out a-heroing. Then he changes back into a cat and dashes off.

The natty raven wearing a smart colorful vest and a headband sighs and says to the peddler, "Well, Niblet, we'll want to travel fast, so park your wagon here where the Coven can watch over it, and if we are lucky, the paladin will give you a ride on his pony."

Mookie cocks his head and stares at Sir Kezzem.

"Right?"

Succotash Slenderstick (Jeremy C)
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 5:44:20 PM
Succotash scratches his chin for a moment and says, "Well, both heading out now, and waiting until morning have merit, both are wise choices, but I say let's head out now and get started" Succotash shudders a bit at the thought of shadow-walking, remembering his last experience with the spell, but then says he's OK with it if Pressi wishes to go that route.

Tali (subbing for Jon Paul)
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 5:46:53 PM
Tali is game for what ever everyone else wants to do but would prefer to head out right away. She is willing to shadow walk, as it's something she hasn't tried before, but again will go with the majority.

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 7:14:24 PM
Bliss also shudders at shadow walking. "Too close to Gargul's Realm for my taste," Bliss says.

"But honestly, it is really not that far away. We can probably get there by morning if we push it! No need to risk the shadowlands!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Tuesday October 29th, 2019 8:13:36 PM
"I don't know, Mookie, Rumpus doesn't usually let people smarter than him ride him," says Kezzem. "I mean, he let's me ride all the time, so I must be the exception to that rule, right?"

"Well, IF you guys want to try shadow walking again, I will be sure to prepare the right spells this time and fill up on lesser restorations!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 22, HP 118, CMD 23; Harper AC 23, HP 78, CMD 24
Wednesday October 30th, 2019 11:59:23 AM
Pressi listens to Hendit's story quietly, keeping her feelings to her chest. "You came to the right place for this... potentially supernatural development. Strange stuff actually happens to be our bread and butter, as are things like tracking, detection or making bigguns see our point of view. I should warn you, however, that there has been some activity around the Red Hills border affecting us too. You may not like what we find."

Standing up, "I leave shadow walking up to the group, given it's... rocky history. I can port myself and 12 other people and animals, which should be sufficient. But if we truly need a guide to the place and to avoid non-safe paths, it might be a good idea to choose slower travel and scouting... and even hit the inn and Salbe along the way, just in case we run into anyone who knows something. On the other hand, every day we waste does leave the path cold.

"A reminder: shadow walking only works starting at twilight so we will have a few hours to prepare."

DM Kathy
Wednesday October 30th, 2019 12:46:45 PM
Most of you are keen to leave right away. There is some talk of teleporting and shadow walking, but for now, you'll travel by road.

Bliss declares confidently that you can be there by morning! Hendit smiles. "Not quite," he says. "It'll take a few days to get there. But I'm willing to leave right away."

So you gather your gear, collect your Catacombs purchases, and let people know you'll be gone for a while. Constable Roscoe was at the meeting, and promises to spread the word. Bliss makes a point of seeking out Granny, who tells him he's a fool for traveling with winter so close at hand, and to at least wrap up so he doesn't catch his death.

You deliberately turn away from the fair, and the sound of laughter, and the pop-corn (whatever that is), and the delicious cake. The life of a hero requires sacrifice. You leave Humble's Ford, heading for the edge of the Valley and the Red Hills beyond. Hendit accompanies you, pulling his peddler cart.

You are able to spend that night in a rustic inn right at the edge of Crescent Valley.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Wednesday October 30th, 2019 2:34:21 PM
Riding along, Hobie is happy to be back atop Pippa, it has felt like far too long since he's been out riding. He made sure to pack her some extra apples and sugar cubes for the journey.

Once they are settled in to the inn and people are sitting around comfortably having some ale, Hobie will take out "Romita," his lute and play a tune for his friends. The song is one fitting Hendit's predicament, it is full of sadness and longing, for those lost.

it sounds like this

Bliss HP36/134 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+25=36 ; d20+11=12 ;
Wednesday October 30th, 2019 4:51:18 PM

Bliss is secretly confused and envious of Hobie's NINE hero points, which he just noticed. The cat-shaped witch secretly resolves to be more heroic! Like Hobie! It does not occur to Bliss that he simply blows through his faster.

On the other hand. the little guy and one-time dancer is delighted by the song. Bliss says to Mookie, "Wow, I did not know Hobie was also a bard."

"Bard, Schmard," scoffs Mookie. "He didn't even roll a Perform check."

=====

Bliss uses his time at the inn to listen to conversations and scout for news on mysterious disappearances, and about the two towns towards which we are travelling. He does some of this in halfling form and some of this in cat shape. Perception 36. Gather Info 12.

=====

And in the privacy of the privvy, Bliss casts a Silent Divination to inquire of the forces beyond mortal ken regarding the people who disappeared from Hendit's village.

Succotash Slenderstick (Jeremy C)
Wednesday October 30th, 2019 5:18:49 PM
As Hobie busts out Romita, Succotash busts out Bonham, his masterwork drum, and keeps time for his friend's jam.

Tali (subbing for Jon Paul)
Wednesday October 30th, 2019 5:20:58 PM
Tali listens and enjoys the music her friends are producing. She keeps to herself for the most part as she is unsure as to what the days ahead.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Wednesday October 30th, 2019 10:50:04 PM
"I didn't know we were starting a marching band, guys," says Kezzem. "If you would have told me, I would have brought an instrument. I guess I'll just have to get one next time we're in town. Maybe a didgeridoo."

DM Kathy d100=37 ;
Thursday October 31st, 2019 1:38:28 PM
At the inn, Hobie pulls out his lute and plays a melancholy tune. Succotash brings out his drum to accompany the performance, as Tali listens in appreciation.

Kezzem, feeling a little left out, threatens to buy a didgeridoo. Your DM would like to point out that a kazoo is far more portable and almost as annoying.

Bliss, in both halfling and cat form, listens for clues about disappearances and the towns you're headed toward. All you hear, though, is talk about the harvest and the condition of the roads.

Bliss also casts a Divinaion, wondering about the fate of the villagers. His reply: you can save them.

The next morning is foggy and cold. You bundle up, saddle your various animals, and set out into the Red Hills. You climb up out of the fog, and can turn to see it filling up the Crescent Valley behind you.

Hendit guides you along a fairly good road, toward a friendly halfling town he knows of. The day gradually warms to be fairly comfortable, and the lingering fog burns off. It is a pleasant autumn evening by the time you reach the little town of Amblebury.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+27=47 ;
Thursday October 31st, 2019 2:30:24 PM

In the morning, Bliss coordinates Rituals with Pressi ... Basic Cat Ritual for himself, Basic Ward Ritual for Pressi, Harper, and Mookie. Separate Intermediate Sharing Rituals (Bliss and Mookie, Pressi and Harper).

Bliss's Morning Roll to draw Woldsblood and power spells ... Concentration DC15 cannot fail at +11+4.
DC20 Handle Animal check for Grimalkin (cat shape) ritual ... At +18 base and with help from Mookie, cannot fail.
DC30 Spellcraft check for Sharing Ritual ... at +26, +27 with help from Mookie ... rolls a nat 20, no problem, sharing the Shield of Faith spell at CL13, 65 rounds each for Mookie and Bliss.

=====

The party sets off after breakfast. If Bliss is satisfied that no faster time is possible, then he is content. However, if he thinks the party could go faster -- for example, doubling miles per day with six hours of hustling and four hours of forced marching, say ... then he will advocate strongly for that.

"Guys! Guys!" he says fiercely, "I cast a divination, and it said we can save them! The villagers of Thaelhaven I mean! But maybe we need to get there faster to do it! Come on! We can go faster than this!"

When he hears that we're heading to a place called "Amblin' " it makes him even more anxious about getting there in time.

OOC: Fixed up PC sheets, linked in header.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Thursday October 31st, 2019 3:47:19 PM
Hobie is more than happy to pick up the pace at Bliss's request.

"Hendit, what does the town of Amblebury know of your predicament? Did you stop there on your way to us? Is there anyone here who could be of help?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Thursday October 31st, 2019 3:52:02 PM
(OOC: New Header)

"Aww, cheer up, Kezzem," Pressi replied as she rode along beside him on her decked out leopard. "The fact remains that you can still join this parade, with just a smidgen of ingenuity and an understanding of percussion."

Slapslapslappity slapslap

Pressi does not wonder how others have more hero points than she does.

Succotash Slenderstick (Jeremy C) d20+18=31 ;
Thursday October 31st, 2019 5:32:04 PM
Next morning before breakfast, Succotash and Valerie find a quiet place for him to pray to his various gods, and prepare his spells for the day. Succotash is happy to pick up the pace, especially since he finds he has to constantly rein in Valerie, to keep pace with the rest of the group. His only concern is whether or not Hendit will be able to keep up.

In Amblebury, Succotash tries to keep his ears open for any mention of Hendit's village (Perception 31), as they walk through the town, and especially at the inn, where he will sip an ale and watch the crowd. If nothing seems to be forth coming, he will pull out his clarinet, and begin playing a little ditty. All the while keeping his ear to the crowd.

Tali (subbing for Jon Paul)
Thursday October 31st, 2019 5:37:41 PM
Tali continues to keep to herself a bit, as her recent run in with Lord Gargul, has caused her much inner contemplation.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Thursday October 31st, 2019 7:09:52 PM
"You know, Press, sometimes you scare me," says Kezzem. "And other times you REALLY scare me."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Friday November 1st, 2019 12:42:52 PM
Moving on to other things, Pressi spends much of her travel as she typically does: showing off her new uniform for the sequel. (Bliss may not be aware of this but the true purpose of such insanely large covens is merchandising.)

She does make a rather unsettling sight, decked out in a mithral breastplate and religious vestments that contrast with her dark clothes and robes. Pressi checked her mirror, outlining her cowl of persuasion just covering her red-streaked black hair. She stroked the gleaming whip now along her belt along with the chains of ice.

Pressi for now continues her own ritual of sharing shield of faith with Harper. She does consider the heal boost ritual as a replacement (with a heal skill of 17... maybe find some gear to boost that.)

The rest of the time in both the inn and Amblebury is spent celebrating the Halloween festivals and hitting the taverns. She makes some attempts to push Tali to open up, and bonds with some of her other travelers and townspeople, some of whom can pick up that she can't hear Murphy's voice.

She also tries to tone down the scary outsider stuff, especially for the townspeople. It was one thing when she could lurk in the shadows, but she recently found herself out in front.

The Red Hills

DM Kathy
Friday November 1st, 2019 1:39:39 PM
[Everybody take 4000 XP for the previous scene.]

Hobie is curious to find out what people in Amblebury know about Thaelhaven's predicament. They don't know very much. You are still several days' travel from Hendit's village. "I did ask on the way through, but nobody had heard about it," Hendit tells you.

Succotash plays for the folk at the inn, while Pressi gets to know them. Tali and Kezzem mainly keep to themselves.

Bliss does what he can to make the party go faster! You can make whatever adjustments you like; just keep in mind that your main speed limiter is the guy pulling the peddler's cart.

You spend another night in an inn, but then Hendit leads you through a stretch of wilderness where you'll need to camp. "Just no towns hereabouts," he says, "at least, none you'd want to visit."

Mid-afternoon on that day, you hear the rumble of distant thunder.

Survival or Knowledge: Nature DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The weather conditions are wrong for a thunderstorm.}
Perception 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {The thunder didn't come from the sky; it's coming from ground level. }

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 d20+10=27 ; d20+21=28 ;
Friday November 1st, 2019 3:20:13 PM
When the thunder happens, Hobie is quite skeptical of it (Knowledge Nature 27, Perception 28)
How far away does the thunder seem to be, and what direction is it in? Is it in the same direction the party is traveling, or from some other direction?

He speaks up to his friends
"Uh, guys, I don't think that was thunder, it didn't seem to be coming from up, but rather from ground level. And I'm no druid, but it really doesn't seem like there should be any thunder at all in the current weather conditions. Let's be ready for anything, there could be danger ahead."

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+28=30 ; d20+19=35 ;
Friday November 1st, 2019 8:46:37 PM

[OOC: I had suggested that he leave his wagon behind and ride on our of our ponies ... did that not happen? Oh well.]

Bliss hears that Hobie hears something ... so he changes into a cat, but this time, not the frisky young tom he usually is, but an old old cat ... using the aged mode of his Threefold Aspect spell.

Perception 30, Survival 35

"You are right Hobie," says Bliss, back in a flash to his usual halfling form. "Mooks, be a sport and fly up. See what you can see."

"MOOKS!" caws Mookie, but he does fly up for a look around.

"Should we go check it out? I say yes," declares Bliss.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 d20+22=42 ;
Saturday November 2nd, 2019 11:12:49 AM
Perception: 42 (natural 20). Kezzem is one with the universe.

"You're right, Hobbie! It is coming form the ground!"

"Uh, you guys think that might be Murphy?"

Succotash Slenderstick (Jeremy C) d20+11=15 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+11=24 ;
Saturday November 2nd, 2019 1:31:09 PM
Survival 15, Perception 24

Succotash agrees with Hobie that the weather conditions aren't right for thunder, but doesn't notice anything else unusual. "I doubt it's Murph, Kezzem, unless he was in trouble, he would just come to us, without the theatrics. but things are indeed unusual, and we need to be on the alert. Mookie, be careful, as you scout ahead, and yes Bliss we should go investagate. Hendit please stay behind us for your own safety" Succotash than dismounts so that Valerie can move more quickly as needed, then uses his speak with animal ability to talk to Valerie and tell her to follow Mookie , keeping enough distance so as to not cause trouble, but close enough to come to his add if needed. (Valerie stealth 24)

DM Kathy
Monday November 4th, 2019 1:04:54 PM
Hobie can tell that the thundering sound is not in the direction you are traveling. You are heading roughly south; the sound is to your right, west of your location.

Bliss sends Mookie aloft; the raven doesn't immediately spot anything.

Kezzem wonders if it is perhaps Murphy attempting to signal the party, but Succotash points out that's unlikely.

Succotash is all in favor of investigating. He dismounts and asks Valerie to follow Mookie, which she promptly does.

Hendit is quite happy to stay and wait for you. Does the group follow Valerie?

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Monday November 4th, 2019 1:55:55 PM
Hobie will gladly follow Valerie, staying mounted on his pony if the terrain seems to allow for it.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday November 4th, 2019 5:25:25 PM
Succotash of course follows Valerie.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Monday November 4th, 2019 5:46:03 PM
"Following the dinosaur towards the ground lightning, what could possibly go wrong," says Kezzem as he urges Rumpus onwards!

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Monday November 4th, 2019 7:04:26 PM
Tali will stay with Mr. Hendit. "We can afford to loss our charge!" says Tali. Anyone else wish to stay with us?" asks Tali.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday November 4th, 2019 7:28:42 PM

"Hey, no wait, you guys," says Bliss. "this sound isn't even in the right direction. Is it just a distraction? You know, there are people we are supposed to be saving!"

A Divination takes 10 minutes to cast, and Bliss worries that that would be too long. He asks Brother Succotash if he has an Augury spell to cast. If so, "ask whether investigating this sound will aid our rescue of the lost people of Thaelhaven."

If the Augury is not available, and if Bliss judges that there is time, he'll cast the Divination, with an 81% chance of success.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 d20+21=26 ;
Monday November 4th, 2019 8:33:53 PM
Before anyone does anything, while Bliss is arguing for options, Pressi shouts at them to remain calm and to wait just one moment.

First, Pressi fires off a round or two of remote viewing (clairvoyance) in the direction of the thunder noise as close as she can approximate (Perception 26). If that doesn't work, she casts arcane eye.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Tuesday November 5th, 2019 9:50:56 AM
�Guys, this thunder isn�t normal, it�s something magical. There�s a decent chance someone could be in danger RIGHT NOW, why should we ignore it in favor of investigating a town where they are quite possibly all dead already?�

Hobie�s face softens and he turns to Hendit �I�m sorry. That was insensitive. I hope your family can still be saved. But this lightning could also mean someone else�s family needs saving too.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday November 5th, 2019 10:17:25 AM
Succotash shakes his head and says, I didn�t prepare that spell today sadly, but I agree with Hobie, if someone is in trouble, or there is a chance someone is in trouble, we need to see what we can do to lend aid�. He than yells out for Valerie to hold up, as Pressi casts her spell.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d100=16 ;
Tuesday November 5th, 2019 10:32:59 AM

Bliss gets red in the face. "They're NOT dead! They're NOT! My spell from yesterday said we could still save them!"

Bliss definitely takes the ten minutes to divine whether looking into this odd noise will help or hinder saving Hendit's friends and family.

Divination roll: 1d100, success on an 81 or less ... a 16!

DM Kathy d20=9 ; d20=11 ;
Tuesday November 5th, 2019 1:09:09 PM
Hobie, Succotash, and Kezzem immediately set out after Valerie.

But Tali decides to stay behind with Hendit, warning her friends that their primary job is to look out for him. Bliss also advocates caution, reminding everyone that the thundering sound is not in the direction you're heading.

That prompts some discussion. Hobie and Succotash argue that somebody could be in trouble. Bliss reminds them that somebody is in trouble--the residents of Thaelhaven!

Pressi asks everyone to hold up, and tries to use remote viewing to see what's going on. As you watch, you hear another burst of the thunder-like sound, and, just at the edge of your vision, you think you see something moving along the ground.

At the same time, Mookie alerts Bliss that there's something moving down there.

Bliss begins casting his spell, but it will be 10 minutes before he can get an answer.

Some clarifications: you have heard the thunder-like sound, but you haven't seen anything that looks like lightning. You know that this area of the Red Hills is sparsely populated; there are no towns nearby.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday November 5th, 2019 1:19:32 PM
Bliss keeps on casting on.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Tuesday November 5th, 2019 2:41:05 PM
"Frankly, I'd rather not chase it. The question is, is it chasing us?"

Pressi considers casting arcane eye but it also has a 10 minute casting time - and even prying eyes takes a minute. She lets the group know that she spotted something moving along the ground.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday November 5th, 2019 5:57:02 PM
Succotash now is at an impasse. Upon hearing that their are things moving, and not knowing what they are, or if they're a threat, Succotash calls to Valerie to "Come", and when she arrives, he pats her on the head, in an affectionate manner. (He has grown attached to her in a very short time) "What if I quickly "Pop" over there, than "Pop" right back?", Succotash offers, "I got just the right spells for the job!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Tuesday November 5th, 2019 7:29:25 PM
"Just be careful, Succotash," says Kezzem."And don't die again!"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Wednesday November 6th, 2019 10:16:44 AM
Tali, to Bliss, "Do you think the noise is coming from an underground space?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Wednesday November 6th, 2019 12:58:34 PM
Hobie will hold up and see what happens after Sucker pops and unpops

DM Kathy
Wednesday November 6th, 2019 1:12:06 PM
As Bliss continues with his spell, Pressi worries that whatever is making the thunder might be after your group. Tali wonders whether the noise could be coming from underground.

Succotash proposes "popping" over to the site of the noise and back. Kezzem warns him to be careful, and Hobie decides to wait until Succotash returns.

Succotash, if you do have a means to "pop" over there and decided to do so, Highlight to display spoiler: {when you arrive, you don't immediately see anything. The area is kind of a scrubby forest--scattered trees and a lot of bushes. You spend a few minutes walking around, looking for whatever caused the disturbance. Then you hear the thunder again--and see something charging right at you! It looks a little like a boar, except it's Huge, and it has multiple horns and tusks. The thundering sound is its massive hooves churning up the ground! It's a Knowledge: Arcana DC 25 to know more about it, but for now, you should probably get out of its way! }

For the rest of the group, Succotash is gone for several minutes, and then you hear the thundering sound again.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday November 6th, 2019 5:57:22 PM
"Don't worry, I'll bring Valerie with me, she'll keep me safe, won't you girl?" Succotash says to Kezzem, as he pats Valerie on the head. He than asks Mookie and Pressi to describe the area as best as they can, then pulls out a coin from his pouch, and casts light on it, and hands it to his friends saying, "If this goes dark, it's either because Valerie and I are in trouble, or it's urgent, otherwise I'll be right back"

He than uses the description to cast Greater Teleport on himself and Valerie, doing his best to arrive a safe distance, but close enough to see what going on, from what ever it is there is to see. Upon seeing the huge boar, Succotash uses dimensional hop to get Valerie and himself out of the way, then casts either denominational door or teleport to get back to his friends (would prefer to use DD, but if the distance it to far than Teleport is fine) When he's back, he says to everyone, "A huge boar is rampaging over there!"

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Wednesday November 6th, 2019 6:49:53 PM
Bliss keeps on casting!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Wednesday November 6th, 2019 11:17:36 PM
"A Huge Bore, you say Kezzem. "So...it is Murphey? I mean, nobody's a bigger bore than...you mean B-O-A-R boar, don't you?"

Kezzem pauses.

"Now when you say 'huge' do you mean like that's the biggest yet-still-relatively-normal-sized boar I ever scene huge or like that boar is the size of a house huge?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+15=19 ; d20+15=19 ;
Thursday November 7th, 2019 1:01:04 AM

Bliss hears the paladin crack wise ...

... looking for a 15+2x4 = 23 ...

... rolling a concentration check ... a 19!

Bliss bursts out laughing! He falls over.

Even redder n the face than before, he walks over to Kezzem and hits him with a wooden fist. He hits AC19, enough to touch, but not high enough for damage.

"YOU JERK!" Bliss yells, still laughing. "YOU MADE ME SPOIL MY SPELL! I'VE BEEN CASTING THAT FOR THREE DAYS!"

"Anyway, it is just a beast in the wild, far from people. Let's get going. We have to save whats-his-name's people."

Mookie caws with birdish laughter. "Niblet. His name is Niblet."

"Niblet's people," says Bliss.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday November 7th, 2019 6:17:15 AM
"Let's just say that Valerie was in danger of being trampled by it, but even though I couldn't identify it (No ranks in knowledge arcana) I'm pretty sure it's no ordinary beast of the wild".

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Thursday November 7th, 2019 10:27:56 AM
Tali wants to know how far away the BOAR is so she can fly over to it and try to identify its classification, so as to know what we are dealing with. "Succotash, how far away did you actually "pop", so I can see for myself?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Thursday November 7th, 2019 10:53:17 AM
Before Succotash teleports, Pressi casts message on him just in case.

After Succotash's teleport and report, Kezzem's joke and Bliss' laughter goes rather unappreciated by Pressi but she allows it to slide.

She nods at Bliss' assessment, not wanting to kill an animal or destroy nature if she can help it. As they get on their way, she considers methods of leading it away from the group should it start getting closer.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Thursday November 7th, 2019 11:09:54 AM
"Bliss, it's only been like 15 seconds tops," says Kezzem.

DM Kathy
Thursday November 7th, 2019 2:03:33 PM
Succotash returns with news that there is a huge boar rampaging in the valley!

Kezzem takes the opportunity to rag on the absent Murphy before asking whether Succotash means huge colloquially or whether it is actually Huge in size.

Tali wants to fly over and see for herself, which is certainly possible.

Bliss loses his spell, which he has been casting for three days. Kezzem opines that it has been 15 seconds tops. (It has actually been seven minutes.)

Pressi, along with several others, is curious whether this is simply a natural creature in a natural habitat, in which case she votes to leave it alone.

The answer to that question is a little tricky. What constitutes "natural" in a world where there are unicorns and basilisks? You already know that this isn't an ordinary boar. A boar's charge is noisy when you're right there, but a normal boar's hooves don't create a "thunder" that can be heard in the next valley. Further questioning of Succotash reveals that the creature is indeed Huge in size, so it isn't a regular boar. Is it still "natural?" That depends on your definition.

It is true, however, that there aren't any towns nearby. The thing may be a menace to travelers, but there are many such menaces in the Red Hills.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Thursday November 7th, 2019 3:06:47 PM
In hearing of this boar, Hobie will ride Pippa towards it as fast as possible, and prepare to fire an arrow as soon as he can. (How far away is it?)

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday November 7th, 2019 4:33:31 PM

Bliss just gapes as Hobie runs away on his own to fight a monster boar for no reason. "Ugh, are we doomed to have a Murphy in the party even when we don't have a Murphy?" he asks. "Sure, rush off on your own to fight with no back up."

"Thanks for the scouting, Brother Succo, but what if it had been something that snapped at you and grabbed you, like a T-Rex? Also sounds like something Murphy would do."

Mookie shakes his head. "You wanna be in a Dragon Consortium group, Kid, maybe you better go find a new group."

"Ugh." says Bliss.

"Why are we fighting a boar? It's just a beast. Leave it alone."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Thursday November 7th, 2019 5:07:20 PM
"Maybe we could try to calm it down or find out why it's raging," suggests Kezzem. "It might hurt somebody if we just let it go. But we're without our druid, so is anybody good with animals that aren't their familiars, companions, or mounts?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday November 7th, 2019 5:38:41 PM
"I didn't prepare them, of course, but I have some spells at my disposal that would help, if I had prepared them, which I didn't. This cleric thing sure has a learning curve, you think you'll need spell A, so you prepare it, and it turns out you need spell B. As a Paladin I used very few spells, so never really had this problem, but now I guess spells are kinda my thing, hopefully I can improve in the guessing game known as spell prep" Succotash responds to Kezzem's question.

Than turning to Bliss he says, "That's not completely fair, I brought Valerie with me for backup and would have gladly taken as many as I could, if any had asked to accompany me, unlike Murphy, who would just go off on his own, and not to brag, or belittle Murph's abilities, but the gods have given me abilities which allow me to make hasty escapes, and when I say hasty, I mean instantaneous".

Succotash mounts Valerie, and will follow Hobie, ready to back him up, if he continues towards the boar thing.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday November 7th, 2019 5:47:09 PM

Bliss looks abashed.

"Sorry. I'm a little cranky today. My elfish lunchbox only served up avocado and bean sprouts on whole wheat, and that's not my favorite."

"And no worms," adds Mookie.

"I did not mean to be mean," says Bliss. "I'm just frustrated." He kicks at the ground.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+21=39 ;
Friday November 8th, 2019 9:41:51 AM
"Succotash, Where is the boar, how many miles and in what direction? I wanna fly over and try to identify it. If is it making this weather sounding ruckus, it probably doesn't belong in the valley and as thus it is best to know what we are dealing with, just in case we have to help it get back to where it belongs." states Tali.

As soon as Succotash explains the basic direction, Tali, using overland flight -- her go to everyday set of spells used -- will fly over to discover the beast. Once within sight of said boar, Tai does her best to recall if she has an inkling of what this creature is. Knowledge Arcana Skill check: 21+ = 39.

Once, Tali, knows about the animal, she will return to the group and share her discovery.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Friday November 8th, 2019 9:44:23 AM
"Ok, I think now would be a good time to calm down," Pressi replied. "Succotash, sometimes we do need to take risks, but you at least had the time to explain your plan to us and accept more spells than message. Bliss, you need to relax about people taking risks - and this Dragon Consortium stuff. If they can't accept us for who we are, then they aren't our real friends. Hobie, I know I've gone on all granola on the group, but I've never agreed "to just killing 'monsters' just for what they might do. And even if it turns to attack us, I'd like to try some non-lethal strategies first. We'll fight it if we have to, or if we need the meat, but not for fun."

Pressi does take some time to think about her definition of unnatural, which IS a tad strained (being a monk turned bloodwitch with a leopard thanks to the bloodgrass invasion). That something interceded and twisted the creature, she supposed, that knocked the environment itself out of balance. Undead, abberations, constructs, bloodgrass, herself. That iron giant she rather enjoyed destroying.

"Now, in answer to Kezzem, Bliss or I could probably hit the creature with a charm monster. We wouldn't be able to talk to it but it would probably at least slow down for a bit. Deep Slumber is also worth a shot, but I don't know how many [hit dice] the thing has. Aside from that... not much.

"Succotash, don't beat yourself up. Every full caster finds themselves with a gap, especially when it's a universal curve ball. If we can't calm it, we'll just do something else."

She turned to their guide, the one they are supposed to be helping. "What do you think of all of this? Are creatures like this common to the Red Hills?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Friday November 8th, 2019 12:42:41 PM

Bliss takes his scolding and doesn't say anything.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday November 8th, 2019 1:08:16 PM
�It�s all good Bliss, I�ve ofttimes been frustrated with Murph going off by himself too, And I very much appreciate the concern�. Turning to Pressi, Succotash says, �If you guys can calm it, assuming it uses animal speak, I should be able to communicate with it�.

DM Kathy
Friday November 8th, 2019 1:31:30 PM
More harsh words are exchanged about rushing into danger, fighting monsters, and avocados for lunch. Pressi is able to interject some calm, and get everyone more or less on the same page.

Tali casts Overland Flight and heads out to see this creature for herself. She is able to find it after a few minutes' search, and readily identifies it as an ypotryll. It's hard to be sure, but it is probably a natural part of this ecosystem.

[OOC: Its creature type is Magical Beast rather than Animal, but it is in its natural terrain. These creatures can be harmful to settlements, but there aren't many settlements nearby.]

Pressi asks Hendit whether these creatures are common in the Red Hills. "I wouldn't say common, no," Hendit replies. "My routes don't normally take me this far north, but I've never seen anything like the creature you described. You do hear all manner of tales about these hills."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Friday November 8th, 2019 2:41:24 PM
"Well if it's a wild creature, I doubt it would be evil," says Kezzem. "I could check to make sure, but I would need to get within say about 60 feet of it. I'm fairly stealthy already (+12), but I wouldn't say no if somebody could make me invisible or something."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 d20+22=33 ;
Friday November 8th, 2019 5:28:17 PM
If Talia tells the group that they are Ypotryll's, Hobie will know them (Knowledge Arcana 33) and speak up to his group.

"These creatures are definitely dangerous, but they are most usually neutral, and not evil at all. They just want food. It doesn't seem that there are any villages or people around to be hurt by it, perhaps we should just leave it be?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Saturday November 9th, 2019 5:33:18 PM
When Succotash suggests calming the creature, Hobie remembers the staff they found a long time ago at Miss Marne's Menagerie (Sunday February 4th, 2018 3:59:21 PM) and offers it to him.

"This staff can cast Calm Animals and Reduce Animal, maybe you can get some use out of it"

"We picked it up but we've never used it, I think"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Sunday November 10th, 2019 12:03:40 PM
Ypotryll

"Kezzem, I doubt there will be any alignment on this creature as it is a magical beast! It appears to be in its natural environment, and their does not seem to be any seattlements nearby to be caused any grief. The one thing I can tell you, is that, Giants and powerful troll chiefs prize this creature, so it they are looking for one, that might be an issue here. Otherwise, lets move on. " says Tali.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Sunday November 10th, 2019 12:57:23 PM
Succotash thanks Hobie�s for the staff, but says, �I agree with Tali, we should leave the beast alone, as long as it isn�t a threat to anyone, there is no reason to mess with it in it natural habitat�.

DM Kathy
Monday November 11th, 2019 12:44:46 PM
You were ready to charge over and confront this beast--or at least, some of you were--but cooler heads are prevailing. The creature is formidable, but it does seem to belong here. It would be a threat to nearby settlements, but there aren't any.

So most of you are inclined, at the moment, to live and let live. If that is the case, you can soon be on your way. You camp that evening in a location that appears to have been used as a campsite before--several miles from where you saw the Ypotryll.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+18=32 ; d20+9=11 ;
Monday November 11th, 2019 5:42:44 PM
Succotash's Perception 32
Valerie's Perception 11

Succotash will take his watch with Valerie, if the evening is peaceful, he will spend an hour in prayer with his deities, and prepare his spells for the day. He will set out in the morning along with everyone else.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Monday November 11th, 2019 8:26:56 PM
Tali will take the 2am watch. While, Succotash does his watch, Tali will meditate for two (2) hours to regain her slots. Upon finishing her meditation, Tali will cast her standard working spells {See below}.

When it is time for Tali to take her shift, she will hover 5 feet off the ground with her back to a tree in full view of the campfire in the center.

IN the morning, Tali wishes to discuss with the team some ideas before heading out.

Spells in Affect

Overland Flight / 840 minutes
Mage Armor / 840 minutes

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday November 11th, 2019 10:21:07 PM

Bliss sighs, and smiles. "Well, not every encounter is a fight. I'm glad we passed on that."

He favors pressing on, or if it is time to rest, he takes first watch.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Tuesday November 12th, 2019 10:14:33 AM
Before they move out, Pressi can't resist taking a quick peak at the creature herself. She polymorphs into a bird and keeps her distance in the air to do so.

Not much more needs to be done. At arrival in the camp, she takes some moments (perception, detect magic) to make sure the camp is safe and to scrounge for supplies (i.e. for tonight's dinner). She takes the last shift after resting but before her daily rituals.

She also is willing to listen to Tali's suggestions (remind me what they are).

DM Kathy
Tuesday November 12th, 2019 12:45:54 PM
You camp, and set your watches. Pressi is able to find some wild mushrooms nearby, which add a nice, woody flavor to the meal you prepare.

The night is full of strange cries and rustlings, but nothing approaches the camp, and your rest is undisturbed. In the morning, Tali has some things to discuss over breakfast, which may possibly continue as you strike camp and begin the next day's journey.

You camp again that night, then are able to spend another night in an inn. Hendit tells you you can be in Thaelhaven by mid-afternoon tomorrow.

[Everyone take 16,000 XP for this scene. Unless somebody has something still to do in the Red Hills, we'll begin the next scene tomorrow.]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday November 12th, 2019 6:09:49 PM
Succotash wakes feeling refreshed, he thinks to himself, "So this is what it's like to sleep in armor and not wake up fatigued". He eagerly awaits Tali's suggestions, wondering what she has to say.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday November 12th, 2019 7:36:02 PM

Bliss takes a chance at the inn to have a long sit-down with Hendit, after he asks Mookie to take a perch on the roof to keep watch. He asks about his family and his people. About his experiences on the road. It must be a super dangerous job to wander the Red Hills all alone with valuables. He wonders if there is more to Hendit than he seems -- maybe he is not just a merchant, but a warrior, or a magic user? He'd almost have to be, to survive out here.

Kezzem, sub by Cayzle
Tuesday November 12th, 2019 7:43:08 PM

Sir Kezzem takes stock of the inn and sighs. "This place looks pretty hostel," he says. "Tavern? More like cavern, amirite?"

Highlight to display spoiler: {Sorry, Brian is more witty than I am! Clearly!}

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=36 ;
Tuesday November 12th, 2019 10:33:34 PM
Diplomatic Efforts

Skill Check: Diplomacy: 36

Tali suggests to the group, "Next time we get the chance, when we have some down time during the next camping, we should share some of the spells we would be using for communication to become familiar with each other tatics to avoid the communication issues with had in the Iron Giant battle. With so many different skill sets each one of us has, I think it would behoove us to get to be a more well oiled team especially when it come to battles or examples of conflict."

Tali continues, "I for one thought I was prepared and was using my"message spell" but for whatever reason, so few of us answered my questions and they were directed straight to you all! Tonight when we camp, before watches and perhaps during our meal, I will demonstrate my spell "Message" and this way I can share with you a a spell that You can whisper messages and receive whispered replies with a range of 240 ft."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 d20=13 ;
Wednesday November 13th, 2019 4:29:32 AM
ooc: Just to check with everyone else, with the new 16,000 xp, we should be at 508,500xp, is that correct? also, that d20 roll was an accident.

Hobie agrees with Tali about the importance of communication. He will also prepare Message in the morning when he prepares his spells. He reminds her though that it wouldn't have helped too much in the iron giant as Message spells can't go through metal.

Hobie takes his shift at night, and provided no new information is presented to him before his spell preparation the following morning, these are the spells he will prepare:

==========================
Enhanced Arrow - 1d6 Electric

Boots of Speed--Rounds used 0/10
==========================
Arcane Bond free spell

Level 0- Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Message
Level 1- Obscuring Mist, True Strike, Burning Hands, Burning Hands, Grease, Feather Fall
Level 2- Glitterdust, See Invisibility, Invisibility, Invisibility, Alter Self
Level 3- Heroism, Fly, Fly, Flame Arrow
Level 4- Locate Creature, Greater Invisibility, Stone Shape

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Wednesday November 13th, 2019 11:12:28 AM
Pressi listens to Talia. "I get what you are saying, but I think it's less the power of the message spell and more that we can get into our own heads. But more to the point, I don't want you to think that you are bound to seeking consensus or waiting for orders. What if they had cast silence or suffocate on me during negotiations? Would you have literally sat there just waiting? You are allowed to act unilaterally on occasion as long as you read the room correctly and can justify it or seek forgiveness later. It's a judgement call, but still..."

Pressi sighed, shaking her head. "I, of course, should have been better at responding. But I was in a bind myself. I needed to figure out the likelihood of a deal and what I could give up, while trying not to tip my own hand. I couldn't afford to tell THEM that the machine could be shut down or modified or used as a power source. And I couldn't risk that they'd yet again pick up on a coded message, decipher or no. I had to make some judgment calls myself, and I'm sorry if I wasn't fair to you.

"As for communication, it is always a tough thing, particularly in cases of distance or when in front of an enemy. Message is a good spell but it has some risks. My fan can allow for coded messages to a close ally, but there's a chance they can know I am sending a coded message, if not the content itself. I suppose I have a few other tricks - arcane mark, mind reading, nightmare, just talking about the plan ahead of time - but at the end of the day, there are going to be times when communication can't or doesn't happen, or when the plan requires some improvisation without discussing it."

Pressi smiles at the rest of the group. "And when that happens, remember that we are a family of halflings. We are going to scream at each other and dissect our choices until they are translucent. What makes us a family is that we can come together after that - move past the screaming - and that we can each learn to make better choices as time goes on."

-----------------

(OOC: One better way to plan is off the board, particularly via emails. This is also a good tool if you don't understand something or if the player isn't answering you in character or if you are considering a unilateral action. So if something like that happens again, just email the group (or myself or the DM) and something can be worked out. And again, I'm sorry that I didn't respond to you IC at the time, but I wasn't ignoring you. I think I was busy trying to pump out those big dialogue groups under a time crunch.)

What Happened in Thaelhaven?

DM Kathy
Wednesday November 13th, 2019 2:50:53 PM
As you camp, and as you travel, and as you spend a night at an inn, you discuss battle strategies--particularly communication. You want to be prepared if you are separated in combat again.

At the inn, Bliss tries to get a read on Hendit. You learn that the peddler isn't a warrior or a magic-user, but he is quite brave and really smart. He has cultivated relationships with people along his routes, who warn him of rumors of bandits, orcs, and the like. He will break his route and return, or stay a few extra nights in a town, in order to avoid this kind of trouble. He has had losses to bandits, but he shows you how he keeps two purses--a smaller one he can hand over, and a larger one he conceals. He tells you he has only lost the larger purse once.

You set out from the inn to continue your journey in a freezing fog. The combination of low temperatures and poor visibility makes traveling uncomfortable. The fog begins to lift as you descend the Red Hills toward the Plains of Izen. About mid-morning, you realize the rough track you've been following has become a narrow country lane, which widens to a road by noon. "We're close," Hendit says.

The fog is gone by the time you reach Thaelhaven, and a wan sun shines over the scene. There are, as Hendit told you earlier, six houses in the tiny village. Four are traditional hobbit-holes, built into the sides of gently rolling hills. Two are above-ground cottages.

The place is deserted, and beginning to show signs of neglect. Autumn leaves are clustered in drifts against walls and doors. Kitchen gardens are full of weeds, and the grass on the verges is getting tall.

Hendit stops at the edge of the village and sets down the handle of his peddler's cart. He looks like he wants to cry.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+9=28 d20+30=47
Wednesday November 13th, 2019 7:27:41 PM

Bliss suggests that we may see something that Hendit missed.

"Yeah, hard to get a good look around if you're blubbering," Mookie caws.

Bliss gasps, shocked at his companion. "Hush, Mookie!" he commands. "Come on, help me look around." The bird ducks his head, getting a blast of disapproval through the telempathic link.

Bliss changes into a tomcat, but an old ratty one this time [OOC: Threefold Aspect to max Wis bonus at the expense of age.]

Mookie aid another to look around: Perception 28 gives Bliss a +2.

Bliss searching for clues and smells and hints: Perception 47 + scent.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Wednesday November 13th, 2019 11:11:54 PM
Kezzem will use his Detect Evil as he looks around town to see if he gets any pings.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+18=35 ; d20+11=22 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+1=6 ;
Thursday November 14th, 2019 5:36:28 AM
Succotash will cast detect magic as they go, he wonders if there may have been magic used in the disappearance and is testing to see that if so there is any magical aura residue lingering about. he also does his best to look for tracks, and/or any other clues. He also asks Valerie to see if she can smell anything, using her sent ability.

Succotash's perception 35
Succotash survival 22
Valerie's perception 24
Valerie's survival 6

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+19=30 ;
Thursday November 14th, 2019 11:41:11 AM
Tali will fly upward to get an overview of the lay of the town, incase there is something to be seen from above that is not obvious from the ground.

Skill Check: Fly: 30

After taking a 15 minute observation from above, Tali will return to share with the group her findings and expect the same sharing of findings from her colleagues.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 d20+25=35 ;
Thursday November 14th, 2019 1:07:15 PM
Pressi places a hand on Hendt's shoulders, silent for a moment. "I can't begin to imagine what you're feeling right now, but we are here for whatever you need."

With pretty much everyone else doing what she'd normally be doing - tracking, aerial looking, detect magic - Pressi takes some time to instead walk among the perimeter of the village. She follows up by looking around inside the homes themselves. She considers casting detect thoughts, but doesn't know where to point it.

(Perception 35)

DM Kathy
Thursday November 14th, 2019 1:44:14 PM
[Old business: Succotash gets a Hero Point for putting himself in harm's way to investigate the mysterious thunder.]

You spread out and begin investigating the village.

Kezzem detects for evil, but finds none.

Tali flies up to get an aerial view. She doesn't find any clues, but she does give the DM an opportunity to describe the overall layout of the village so that's nice. You see the road that you came in on, heading southwest out of the Red Hills. The road winds through the village before splitting in two. One branch heads west; the other south. On the south road, you see a town about a mile in the distance--probably the Big Folk town of Salbe that Hendit spoke of. Ploughed fields stretch out behind the village--most seem to have been already harvested before whatever happened.

Bliss, in cat form, along with Succotash and Valerie, search around in the village. Near one of the above-ground cottages, concealed in some bushes, you find the remains of a dog. It's mostly a skeleton at this point. A crossbow bolt is clearly visible in its ribcage.

Pressi takes a moment to comfort Hendit before starting her investigation. You go through the houses. You find mostly tidy rooms, but all beds are unmade. Like Hendit said, it looks as if whatever happened, happened at night or very early in the morning. Dust is beginning to cover the furniture. It's so subtle you almost miss it at first, but in one of the houses, you see fresh scuff marks on the floor. Now that you know what to look for, you see similar scuff marks in another house. It appears the residents of Thaelhaven were dragged from their homes.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+18=20 ;
Thursday November 14th, 2019 5:34:07 PM
Seeing the crossbow bolt, Succotash removes it from the dog carcass. and examines it looking for anything that may reveal it's origin. (perception 20) He in turn lets Bliss examine it, and then calls out for the others to meet up. when everyone is assembled he shows the crossbow bolt to everyone, including Hendit, hoping maybe someone recognizes it.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+19=35 ;
Thursday November 14th, 2019 8:53:41 PM

Bliss looks at the dead dog and looks sad. Well, as sad as an elderly cat can look.

Mookie caws, and says, "The Kid is sad."

Bliss hisses at him.

More valuable to Detective Kitty is the scuff marks and other sign that the residents were dragged. He sniffs, trying to pick up a scent. Mookie says to the travelling peddler, "Hey Niblet, you got any personal effects from a missing person? A hankie or a lock of hair, maybe? Something that might have a scent?"

Bliss looks for tracks, howsoever old, in the hope that he can identify who or what made them and where they went. Harper has scent too, right? Can he (she?) aid another? Maybe our dear new cleric can cast a Guidance?

Survival 35, maybe +1, +2, or +3 with friends, to sniff out tracks.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 d8=8 ; d20+1=2 ;
Friday November 15th, 2019 11:04:13 AM
Harper begins to chastise Mookie for his remarks. But she stops as she sees the dead dog, before spitting on it. "You know what that's for, ya fleabag."

(And thus concludes the one time per module that Harper talks.)

After showing Bliss the scuff marks, Pressi watches as Bliss and Harper try to track the marks but Harper can't seem to get the scent (survival 2). (OOC: is there any way to make a familiar a tracking animal? because it doesn't seem like we get enough skill points for that).

She holds off for now with her own tracking abilities, but if Bliss fails, she activates her own tracking abilities. (Justicar survival +17+14, but they know they are being tracked)

Going back to Hendit, she updates him on what the group found and asks him again about any possible enemies. It does occur to her that it's a bit tidy for ogres or bandits, even if they did get the drop on people. "Either these invaders took some steps to cover their tracks, or they took some steps to make sure nobody fought back."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Friday November 15th, 2019 1:17:57 PM
"Well at least is looks like they were taken using normal means," says Kezzem. "That's better than a lot of my worse case scenarios at least."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 d20+13=33 ;
Friday November 15th, 2019 1:44:48 PM
At seeing the dog, Hobie will add, "Why would they have taken the time to hide this dog's carcass in the bushes? Seems quite odd."
He will examine the bolt, and see if theres any way he might, as an archer, recognize anything about the craftmanship of it, what region it comes from, what type of race would possibly use this bolt, etc. (knowledge Local = 33. Tell me if you'd rather I roll a different skill for this.)

Hobie will also make a point to see if he notices any houses without the scuff marks. There's always the chance that someone from the village was helping with this.

DM Kathy
Friday November 15th, 2019 1:54:20 PM
Succotash examines the crossbow bolt, hoping to find a clue. Alas, it is a completely unremarkable crossbow bolt; the kind you can buy in bundles of 10 anywhere in the Wold.

Kezzem is somewhat relieved to find the villagers have been taken by normal means, and not magicked away somehow.

Hobie looks for houses without scuff marks, but that describes most of them. Only two houses have scuff marks; the other four do not. He wonders why the dog's carcass was concealed; but it looks as if the wounded dog crawled into the bushes to die.

Bliss, together with Mookie and Harper, starts investigating scents. It is easy to find personal items of villagers; indeed, their closets, bureaus and clothes-presses are full of clothing. You attempt to track, using these scents and other clues, and find...not very much. The scent of the villagers still lingers in the area of the village itself, but fades quickly once you leave the tiny cluster of homes. Tracks are a muddle. You estimate that it has rained (or possibly snowed) more than once since the villagers were taken, and there is no clear tale to be read on the ground. You see the occasional track from a halfling, and some from Big Folk, but it's difficult to tell how old they are. You see the wheel-tracks of wagons and farm carts on the roads, but they say nothing about who was driving them, where they went, or what they were carrying.

Pressi activates her own tracking abilities, but is unable to determine anything either. The problem, basically, is that there are too few tracks inside the village, and too many tracks once you get out to the roads.

Putting your heads together, you tentatively conclude that the villagers were taken, then conveyed somewhere on some kind of vehicle, but you're not sure what kind of vehicle, or where it went.

You're pretty sure you've seen all there is to see in the village. Hendit reminds you that you can also go to Salbe and ask if anyone there has any more information.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d100=24 ;
Saturday November 16th, 2019 12:16:32 AM

"Wheel tracks and carts. Some halflings were walking. Well, that means they were taken away, and by Big Folk."

"That's the good news, they were taken, not killed," Bliss says. "Now the bad. If we had been faster, maybe the tracks would have been fresher. If I could have done this over, I would have left the peddler's cart behind and force marched us. We did not have to stop at inns. We were stupid, and if we fail to catch them in time, it will be a lesson paid for by innocents, not by us."

He mutters, "The worst thing is I knew it, and I let it go when no one else bothered to agree."

Bliss takes ten minutes to cast a Divination. He asks for the best direction to head in order to find the villagers of Thaelhaven.

Divination roll 24.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Saturday November 16th, 2019 7:59:22 AM
�Bliss, by the looks of the place, the abductions took place a while ago, and even if we were able to teleport ourselves here the moment that Hendit recruited us, we still wouldn�t be able to follow the tracks. My heart is saddened by the scene here, and the lack of clues, but gladdened by the fact that the only body found was a dog, giving hope that they may still all be alive. I vote that. We head to Salbe, but before we do, Hendit, would you be able to find some of your wife�s hair, maybe from a hairbrush, and or some hairs from your children? I didn�t prepare it this morning, but I would like to prepare and cast Scrying in the morning, unless someone else is able and willing to do so now�.

Tali (subbing for Jon-Paul)
Saturday November 16th, 2019 8:07:57 AM
Tali listens to both Bliss and Succotash, and like them, she to is saddened at the lack of clues, but upon hearing Succotash�s word of hope in the safety of the towns people, she perks up, and returns to her normal cheerful self. �I don�t know the scrying spell, but would be glad to cast it if I did�.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Saturday November 16th, 2019 12:18:43 PM
"Um...I got nothing, Can someone magucnusna way to question the dog?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Sunday November 17th, 2019 7:30:27 PM

Bliss laughs. "Questioning the dog is easy, Sir Kezzem, no magic needed. It is getting an answer that is the hard part!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Sunday November 17th, 2019 7:43:14 PM
"Well, that's what the magic's would be for, no?" says Kezzem. "Just trying to come up with the some ideas, but you know me: I don't think outside the box, I AM outside the box!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Sunday November 17th, 2019 8:15:11 PM
Pressi smiled. "Well, I can try speak with dead plus comprehend languages. But just because we can do something doesn't mean we should. That's the basic definition of tampering in god's domain and cannot possibly be done sober."

In addition to scrying and divination, Pressi does have a few tricks up her sleeve, such as Prying eyes (we could send an eyeball down each path), locate creature, and find the path. However, she moves to try this new town as well.

"I get Bliss' concern, but may I remind him that shadow walking was an option. Not a great option, but we had it. Also, I guess I consider hitting inns first part of my "urban tracking" ability. To me, the strongest trail is the bartender, the hotel safe, the shady guy in the corner."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Monday November 18th, 2019 2:07:22 AM
"Man, I used to be the shady guy in the corner," says Kezzem wistfully.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Monday November 18th, 2019 7:15:15 AM
"Oh Succotash! Great idea! I can cast scrying!" Hobie takes out a scroll of "scrying" from his handy haversack.
"I forgot all about it, because it's one that I've just learned recently!"

"Hendit, if you can find me something of your wife's, I could cast the spell and find her, clothing will do, but a bit of hair, or even a nail clipping, would do much better"

If Hendit can provide Hobie with something of her, Hobie will attempt to Scry. (the spell takes one hour)

DM Kathy d20=6 ;
Monday November 18th, 2019 12:47:22 PM
Bliss is upset that you couldn't get here earlier--an understandable sentiment not supported by the math. The villagers had been gone for at least a week by the time Hendit even discovered it. It's unlikely a few extra days would have made any difference.

Kezzem wonders if there's a way to question the dog. The consensus seems to be that it's possible, but perhaps not a good idea.

Instead, Succotash suggests scrying, which Tali endorses. Hobie has the means to scry right now, and asks Hendit for some of his wife's hair to assist in finding her. Hendit gladly obliges, and you are able to gather several strands of long, reddish-brown hair from the hairbrush he brings you.

While the hour-long casting proceeds, Bliss casts his Divination. His answer: the road to wisdom runs through knowledge.

While he is pondering that, Hobie finishes his spell. You immediately see an attractive, middle-aged halfling woman. Her long, reddish-brown hair is a mass of tangles, and she is wearing a shapeless smock made of some kind of animal skin. Bear? Maybe. Three children of varying ages are clustered around her. The children are also dressed in animal skins, and looking unkempt. All four also look unhappy. There are gaps in your vision that puzzle you at first; then you realize that the black bars are part of a cage. The halflings are inside a cage. Around them, you see other halflings, also dressed in animal skins, also looking disheveled. The scene is completely silent. Even when people move around, you don't hear shuffling or rustling noises. Although the halflings look disheveled and unhappy, they don't look as if they are being starved, and you don't see any bruises or other injuries on them.

After the divinations are complete, Pressi reminds you that the best sources of information are often people that you talk to. She is eager to head for Salbe.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 d20+10=18 ;
Monday November 18th, 2019 1:24:58 PM
Knowledge Nature 18 to see if I could POSSIBLY identify the animal skins they wear and possibly determine some kind of general location.

After scrying, Hobie turns immediately to Hendit. "Hendit, the good news is that your wife and children are not hurt. They are looking decently fed, and without injury. Unfortunately though, they are being kept in cages, and they do look quite unhappy. Also unfortunately, I wasn't able to gather much in terms of where they are, except that they were wearing animal skins, but I'm not sure I am of much help in identifying them. If only Murphy was here. The one thing we can take for certain though, is that your family, and the people of your village, are alive."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+6=22 ;
Monday November 18th, 2019 5:44:41 PM
Succotash, also looks to see if he can identify the animal skins, (Knowledge Nature 22) He then says to his friends, "Well, should we head over to Salbe?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Monday November 18th, 2019 6:37:36 PM
"Sure, let's go talk to Sable. Maybe the Symkovian Wild Pack has heard something. What do you think, Hobbie? Shall we go Prowling for information there? Also, I could get me portraits, portraits of Spider-Men! Or ettercaps I believe they are all called."

Kezzem then starts singing to himself. "Ettercaps, ettercaps, does whatever an ettercap does. Can he swing from a web? Sure he can, he's not an ettercan't."

"Um...what were we doing again? I think my train of thought just got derailed, crashed into itself, and crumpled."

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday November 18th, 2019 6:45:48 PM

Bliss shares the results of his divination. "Clearly, we have to learn more, and heading to this town is the most likely route to that. It's our only lead." He's in favor of heading off asap.

Also, Bliss is glad of the result of the scrying. "Thank you Hobie, good job."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Tuesday November 19th, 2019 9:59:36 AM
Tali explains, " that perhaps we should be cautious with the big folks town recalling the not so warm welcome Hendit received from them when he first became alarmed over this matter."

Turning to Mr. Hendit, "What can you tell us about this Big Folk town? How large is it, does it contain mix races or mostly humans? "

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Tuesday November 19th, 2019 10:55:55 AM
Pressi doesn't have much to add at this point, although getting some idea of what Sable is like would indeed benefit their strategy.

She does smile at Kezzem's comment of being in and out of the shadows. It reminds her of how they met.

As they move forward, she attempts to pick up the tracks while they travel.

DM Kathy
Tuesday November 19th, 2019 1:54:52 PM
Hobie tries to figure out what kinds of skins he's seeing. There are a variety; you see some that are probably deer, and some shaggier ones that could be bear or raccoon. It's hard to say for sure.

Succotash can help a bit, but my understanding is that only the person who casts the Scrying can actually see the images, so Succotash would be working form descriptions.

The rest of the group is ready to head to Salbe, although Kezzem is wondering about the possibility of meeting up with a friendly neighborhood ettercap. It seems unlikely.

Tali asks about Salbe. Hendit says it's a town of mostly humans, with a few half-orcs. It's larger than Thaelhaven, of course, but not all that big--a few hundred people, perhaps.

Hendit points you down the right road, but says, "unless you think you need me for something, I'd like to stay here in Thaelhaven. Clean the place up a bit, and keep an eye on things until--until everyone comes back."

[OOC: Hendit will accompany you if you ask him, but otherwise you'll continue the adventure without him.]

As Tali had already seen from overhead, Salbe is about a mile distant. The short journey there is uneventful, and you arrive in the late afternoon. You still have a few hours of daylight left, but folks are probably starting to think about what's for supper. It is, as Hendit said, a smallish town, perhaps a bit rough around the edges out here on the Izen frontier. It is sized exclusively for Big Folk, so everything is too big and the door handles are too high!

You make your way to the center of town. There is an inn here, the Gray Raven. Nearby are the Salbe General Store and the office of the Town Sheriff.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Tuesday November 19th, 2019 11:44:12 PM
"There's your bar, Pressi. And it's a RAVEN. Why did it have to be ravens? You know who likes ravens? Necromancers! Creepy little birds, you ask me. Unless it's a giant raven. Then it's a big creepy bird.

"Uh, no offense, Mookie.

"But Harper knows what I'm talking about. You're a Bengal cat, aren't you? I hear Bengals and Ravens don't like each other much."

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+26=32 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+25=27 ; d20+11=28 ;
Tuesday November 19th, 2019 11:46:46 PM

Bliss feels uncomfortable so he switches to tomcat form before entering the town. He sneaks around sniffing for the kidnap victims, listening to gossip, and being alert for clues.
Stealth 32
Survival to scent/track 31
Perception 27
Gather Info 28

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+18=20 ;
Wednesday November 20th, 2019 5:55:27 AM
"Feel free to stay here and do what you will, my friend", Succotash says to Hendit, "To be honest, if things get dicey, as they always seem to do, when ever we set out on a mission, it would be nice to know that you are safe".

As Succotash enters Salbe, he keeps a tight reign on Valerie so as to hopefully not scare anyone who doesn't need scaring. He tries to keep his eyes and ears open for any sort of clue (perception 20)

In the town center, Succotash says, "I think we should talk to the constable first, if nothing else as a courtesy. Maybe he will be a little more responsive to us than he was to Hendit, after all we have gained a bit of fame, plus Valerie doesn't take kindly to being dismissed". Succotash smiles when he mentions Valerie

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=42 ; d20+15=19 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+29=34 ;
Wednesday November 20th, 2019 1:08:35 PM
Taking everyone else's led, Tali will try diplomacy on top of the other info gathering skills.

Tali first goes into the general store to see what they offer for sales and then to ask question while being diplomatic about it.

Once she feels she has exhausted the General store, she will head into the Raven's Inn bar to be diplomatic there.

Skill Checks:

Diplomacy: 42 | 34
Perception: 10
Gather Info: 19

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Wednesday November 20th, 2019 2:07:15 PM
Pressi is less than thrilled that Hendit won't be going on with them, as he could still be useful. Also, she doesn't entirely agree that a ghost town that's already been hit once is safe. But she is respectful of his decision.

Before they enter the city, Pressi's armor shimmers and shakes, until it changes to a basic outfit from Thaelhaven. Just a simple merchant's skirt for a simple halfling gal riding a leopard she eventually beast shaped into a horse.

Before entering the Grey Raven, she takes two minute's time to look over the building and clientele (hiding in plain sight, as needed) and using rounds of clairaudio to catch snippets of conversation. She begins to plan her eventually disguise and backstory by determining what kind of clients they have, what they do for a living, what they might want in general, how they might respond.

She also reminds the group that someone should head to the sheriff.

---------

Spells Used

L3: 1
remote listening: 3 rounds

DM Kathy
Wednesday November 20th, 2019 2:10:26 PM
Kezzem is unnerved by the name of the bar, and mentions the historic enmity between Bengals and Ravens. He counts himself fortunate that this town isn't industrial enough to have any Steelers.

Bliss morphs into cat form and investigates that way. While slipping about, remaining inconspicuous, trying to observe, you see a human girl doing much the same. She slips into child-sized, out-of-the way hiding places, and watches the people on the street. She seems particularly interested in your group.

Succotash goes into the sheriff's office. He finds a human man in there, middle-aged, with thinning brown hair and the beginnings of a gut. He frowns at Valerie, but only says, "Help you?"

Tali goes into the general store. The proprietor is an older human man with a fringe of gray hair around a mostly bald pate. Faded blue eyes twinkle down at you. "Afternoon, little lady!" he calls cheerfully. He chuckles at his own joke.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Wednesday November 20th, 2019 2:47:47 PM
Being from the Browncloak family, Hobie isn't too fond of Ravens or Bengals himself, and is definitely glad there are no Steelers.

Hobie has gone with Succotash to the sheriff's office and will answer, "Sir, my good friend and I are here having recently traveled from Thaelhaven. It seems that the wholfce village has been taken hostage, I have scried and seen myself that they are in cages and its a horrific sight, but unfortunately I couldn't see more than that they were captured and alive. Is there anything you could possibly know relating to this?"

ooc: When I was scrying, was I able to detect that they were in a stationary place? or did it seem to be moving as if in a wagon or something?

DM Kathy
Wednesday November 20th, 2019 4:17:32 PM
[bonus DM post!]

Pressi takes some time to scout the inn. You can quickly ascertain that most folks in Salbe are farmers, much like in Thaelhaven. Talk is of the harvest, the fields, and what kind of winter it's going to be. This also seems to be the kind of place where everybody knows everybody, so regardless of how clever your disguise is, you're still going to be a stranger.

In the sheriff's office, Hobie asks about the missing halflings. The sheriff is rolling his eyes before you even finish asking the question. "This again!" he says. "Look, I told that other fellow, and I'm telling you--I don't know anything about any missing halflings. I'm real sorry it happened, but I got nothin' to tell you."

[OOC: the cage appeared to be stationary]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Wednesday November 20th, 2019 5:56:38 PM
"I'll come with you, Press," says Kezzem. "Wouldn't hurt to keep an extra eye out. There might be some thief's about...you, know, stealers and the like...and they wouldn't be welcome in the Ravens bar. Best have some extra protection."

Kezzem will activate his Detect Evil in the bar.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+26=30 ; d20+25=34 ;
Wednesday November 20th, 2019 10:38:12 PM

Bliss continues to steathily spy on the girl, following her. He plays it like a nonchalantcat, and if he is noticed, he saunters up for petting.

He smells her if he gets the chance. (Scent)

Stealth 30
Perception 34

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+13=16 ; d20+12=18 ;
Thursday November 21st, 2019 5:58:51 AM
sense motive 16
diplomacy 18

Succotash tries to understand why the sheriff is so up tight when Hobie mentions why they are there. He than says to the sheriff, "I understand you are a busy man, and we wouldn't think to ask you to investigate the situation, that's why we're here. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Succotash Slenderstick, and my friend here is Hobie Browncloak, and we're members of the adventuring group known as Humble's Sword, perhaps you've heard of us, we have developed a bit of fame over the years, heck we even slew a Umber Dragon during the battle of the Sargrass Plains, talk about things like that get around after all. Anyway, we were asked to investigate the missing town of halflings, and so far we have ascertained that they were taken by force. So since there is no one there to talk to, we thought we would head over to the nearest town to look for rumors and such. We wanted to check in with the local law enforcement to see if you may have heard any rumors, even ones that may seem completely absurd, and also to ask permission to investigate in your town".

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 d20+21=39 ; d20+18=37 ;
Thursday November 21st, 2019 2:32:12 PM
Pressi shrugged at Kezzem's suggestion. Now that she knew they were just farmers, she figured she was just going to play it somewhat straight anyway. So the only change is that she won't change herself into a human first.

(OOC: I was looking to see if anything would give me an edge or a thing to avoid. Like, if it were a "hive of scum and villainy," she might have chosen a disguise and a different approach.)

"But we have to move quickly," Pressi replied. "At the rate you joke packers are running through team names like we won't get any bills, it won't be long before we run out of the non-racist puns, and I can't allow that to happen. You know, as a patriot."

Keeping her Thaelhaven clothing image with a few smudges of dirt (and a rod of silent close by), Pressi walked her way into the Ravens and right to the bar as Kezzem took his look around. (She takes some time to look things over herself, using Detect Magic and Perception 39).

(Diplomacy, Bluff 37)

After eyeing the bartender and ordering "just a water, I can't handle much else," Pressi proceeded to spin fifteen minutes of sadness, speaking of "her" village gone and her family missing, and only this kind paladin to relay the message but she was otherwise alone. At one point, Pressi brushed his arm, in the middle of a motif.

"And I know, I know that people have been saying they know nothing about this town, but I am so desperate and so alone, and I... If there is any information that you might have, a non-halfling stranger, a weather pattern, a rumor, or maybe even someone else I could go to, then I would be so appreciative."

DM Kathy
Thursday November 21st, 2019 2:33:16 PM
Kezzem offers to accompany Pressi into the Gray Raven. You do not detect any evil. You do detect the delicious smells of supper being prepared in the kitchen. The inn is not yet very crowded, and the few patrons turn to stare curiously at you as you enter.

Pressi spins a tale of woe to the impatient-looking man behind the bar. "I don't know anything about it," he replies. "I'm too busy working hard here, trying to earn a living." This last is said with a rather pointed look at Pressi's water-glass.

Bliss follows the urchin as she slips around town. She watches Kezzem and Pressi go into the inn. She watches Hobie and Succotash go into the sheriff's office. She sneaks around to what looks like a rear entrance to the inn. At no point does she seem to notice Bliss.

Succotash explains who you are and what you're doing. "I haven't heard any rumors or anything," the sheriff replies. "Like I told that other fellow. You want to ask around, help yourselves."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Thursday November 21st, 2019 4:14:21 PM
"I am detecting something in the kitchen!" says Kezzem. "I am going to go investigate. You don't wouldn't want to be ambushed by an evil stew."

Kezzem goes to the kitchen to "investigate" the food.

"Greetings friends," he says. "What's on the menu?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+26=42 ; d20+25=33 ;
Thursday November 21st, 2019 9:11:06 PM

Bliss continues to steathily spy on the girl, following her. He fears that he is just following a curious child, but if so, then no harm done.

If she heads into the inn, he'll be careful to follow in her footsteps so that he can enter while the door is open ... even if that means his stealth checks fail. He continues to try to get a sniff -- to make sure that she smells like a kid and not something in disguise.

Stealth 42
Perception 33

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+18=22 ;
Friday November 22nd, 2019 5:42:23 AM
Succotash thanks the sheriff than turns to Hobie and says, "Shall we leave the sheriff to his duties, as we continue ours?" he than leaves the sheriffs office and does a quick scan of the area (Perception 22) before heading over to the Gray Raven. If he notices anything he will investigate instead of entering the inn, otherwise he will enter the inn and join Kezzem and Pressi.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 29 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=42 ; d20+29=41 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+8=18 ;
Friday November 22nd, 2019 8:53:52 AM
The Grey Raven

Tali, inquires with the bar keep about missing halflings or if he/she has overheard anyone discussing a group of halflings they might have seen. {Diplomacy check: 42}

Using her other skills Tali will order a mug of mead if they have it and then open a bar tab if this is a service the bar keep offers. Meandering around the room, Tali finds a out-of-the way table or booth to sit down in and observe the assembled group and the other patrons within.

Skill Checks:

Diplomacy: 42 | 41
Gather Info: 20
Perception: 18

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight 829 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor 829 / 840 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Friday November 22nd, 2019 11:04:59 AM
Pressi watches as Kezzem heads for dinner and Tali starts ordering drinks. One can tell from her disappointment that plan A didn't work by how much longer than the story her sighing is.

Finally, she drops a few coins on the table, her affectations melting away. "I'll have a scotch and soda, hold the ice. And why don't you go ahead and make something for yourself, my treat. All I want is a few minutes of your time, and a friendlier demeanor, for which I assure you I will provide just compensation. I don't intend to impede your ability to make a living,.. as long as there's no reason to do so."

DM Kathy
Friday November 22nd, 2019 2:10:26 PM
Kezzem heroically volunteers to check out dinner. You move around the bar--unseen by the barkeep, who is talking to Pressi--and enter the kitchen. Your attention is immediately drawn to the fireplace, where a spit is being turned by a teenaged girl with red braids, looking put-upon as only teenagers can. On the spit is a delicious-looking roast. You sniff. Pork. Definitely pork. Beyond the fireplace, a woman in a large apron is pulling fresh loaves from a bake-oven. A large pot boils merrily on the stovetop next to her.

The teenager looks over and sees Kezzem entering the kitchen. "Ma," she says.

"Not now, Sanne," the woman replies. She turns to put the loaves on a counter, and spies Kezzem. She sets down the loaves and fixes a polite smile to her face. "Good afternoon, sir." She walks toward Kezzem, wiping her hands on her apron. "Supper's not quite ready, but you'll be able to get some soon. Please find a table in the common room, and someone will be right with you."

Meanwhile, Bliss continues to follow the urchin. He has had enough time to observe her, and is quite sure she's just a regular human child. At the back door of the inn, she crouches close to the wall, peeking from time to time through a small window near the door. She seems to see something that interests her, because she lets out a tiny squeak of excitement before nipping through the door. Bliss has to look sharp to go in after her.

Bliss can see that a woman working in the kitchen has just turned her back on the stove, and the back door, and is speaking to somebody he can't see, telling them that supper isn't ready yet. The urchin has squeezed behind the flour-bin, unseen by the woman. She sees cat-Bliss for the first time, and pauses to put a finger to her lips. "Sshhh," she whispers, and reaches out to pet him.

Although the woman didn't see you enter, there's a red-haired girl turning a spit by the fireplace who seems to have seen the whole thing. "Ma!" she cries.

"Hush, Sanne," the woman replies.

"But, Ma--"

"Hush now! I've had enough of your nonsense! And if that roast burns, I'll tan your hide!"

The teenager scowls and goes back to turning the spit.

Bliss, who wasn't able to see the person the woman was talking to, realizes that he can smell Kezzem.

Meanwhile, Tali, who has given up the general store as a bad job, enters the inn and goes to speak to the man behind the bar. She asks about missing halflings. Unfortunately, it's been less than a minute since Pressi asked him the same question, and he's not in a mood to answer. He is somewhat mollified, however, when you order a drink.

Pressi, meanwhile, gives up her tale of woe and orders a drink. She puts more coins on the bar and asks again.

"Well, thank you," the man replies, scooping up the coins. He does seem a little friendlier. "You and your friends are from out of town, I take it. If you need rooms for the night, say the word.

"I can't tell you anything about missing halflings," he continues. "Spend most of my time in here, earning a living. But if you want information, you should talk to Sally Mewles. She's the town gossip. Knows everybody's business. Let me see. You might also want to talk to Jaso Thorne. He's a hunter. Roams all over the countryside hereabouts. He might have seen or heard something." He gives you directions to Sally's house and Jaso's cabin.

Succotash and Hobie finish with the sheriff and enter the inn. They see Pressi at the bar and Tali just seating herself at a table. You don't see Kezzem or Bliss, but there does seem to be some kind of domestic squabble going on in the kitchen--from which delicious smells are wafting.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Friday November 22nd, 2019 6:27:12 PM
Kezzem joins the ladies in the common room.

"Look's like we're having pork," says Kezzem. "Let's just hope that not what happened to Miss Piggy."

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+11=14 ;
Friday November 22nd, 2019 7:06:50 PM
Bliss lets the girl pet him, purrs quietly, and plays friendly like. He uses hos Diplomacy to change her attitude towards friendly or helpful ...

Diplomacy 14 ... that might be enough to make a friendly person helpful?

If that does not work then Bliss also casts a Still Silent Ill Omen and a Still Silent Charm Person on her -- using two third level slots to do that. She'll have to make two DC15 Will saves to resist the magic.

A question to the DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {A Ghost Sound cantrip says "talking, singing, shouting, walking, marching, or running sounds can be created." So I can use the spell to carry on a conversation? I'd want to get the girl alone first so that others do not hear of course.}

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=33 ; d20+15=22 ; d20+8=11 ;
Saturday November 23rd, 2019 9:08:48 PM
The Grey Raven

Tali, not wanting to make a scene, points at Pressi, and using the Message Spell tells Pressi, "Hey buddy, I'm over here in the back sitting at a nice table with a view of the bar and the rest of the room. I'm sure one of our gang is in the Kitchen, might explain the ruckus. I tried to open a tab with the bar keep. Could ask him if its okay? Also, ask him is they serve veggies?"

Using her skills, Tali will observe the bar/tavern in an attempt to gather information.

Skill Checks:

Diplomacy: 33
Gather Info: 22
Perception: 11

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 828 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 828 / 840 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Sunday November 24th, 2019 2:06:10 PM
Succotash enters the Grey Raven and scans the room. He spies Tali in the corner and Pressi at the bar then steps up to the bar, next to Pressi, he acknowledges her, and orders an ale. He arrives in time to hear the directions to the homes, and tells Pressi that he is going to go question Jaso, and asks Hobie if he would like to join him. He then finishes his ale quickly, thanks the bar keep, heads out of the bar, and follows the barkeep's directions to Jaso's cabin.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Monday November 25th, 2019 8:17:54 AM
Hobie follows Succotash into the pub, and back out to interview Jaso. Hobie is hoping he can possibly relate to the hunter and build some common ground, making the hunter more willing to talk than the rest of this town seems to be.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Monday November 25th, 2019 11:09:12 AM

Pressi thanks the bartender for the information. As Kezzem and Talia make their observations, "I'm going to go ahead and say we'll be ordering dinner here... and, yes, I'll go ahead and book a couple of rooms for the night as well. Do you have free continental breakfast? Any amenities?"

*At this rate, we may have to steal towels just to break even* is what Pressi wishes she could send to Murphy about now.

"Oh, and Tali wants to know... wait, do you mean veggies as in an entree, or do you mean as a side? Are you a vegetarian?"

Pressi watches as Succotash and Hobie leave to interview Jaso. "Ok, I guess I'll see if I can track down this Sally, along with... Oy, you two (Tali and Kezzem) are volunteering to 'guard' our dinner, aren't you. Fine, I'll take Bliss."

She paused to look around. "Where the planes is he, anyway?"

DM Kathy
Monday November 25th, 2019 2:24:51 PM
Kezzem joins the group in the common room.

in the kitchen, Bliss becomes the cutest kitty ever in the hopes of influencing the girl. It's hard to see immediately what effect it had; she is more interested in staying hidden and quiet than in making friends. She scoops Cat-Bliss into her arms and brings him back into her hiding place, petting him some more. "Sshh," she says again.

Tali observes the bar patrons. As suppertime approaches, the place is filling up. They seem to be decent, hard-working folk looking forward to a relaxing ale and a good meal at the end of the day. Talk is of the weather, the roads, the harvest, and what kind of winter it's going to be. [OOC: you said you were just going to observe; are you talking to people? Or just watching and listening?]

Succotash approaches the bar in time to hear the directions to Jaso Thorne's cabin, and decides to check it out. He gathers Hobie and heads off. After a few minutes' walk, you arrive at the cabin. It is shut up tight, and no smoke comes from the chimney. You knock, but there is no response. You are about to give up when you see a man coming toward you through the woods. He is dressed for hunting. There is a longbow on his back, a knife at his belt, and another knife in his boot. He is carrying a brace of quail.

"Hey! What're you kids doing?" he yells when he spots you. A second later, he seems to realize that he is talking to adult halflings rather than human children. "Uh...sorry. What can I do for you fellows?"

Meanwhile, Pressi decides to get rooms for the night. The innkeeper becomes downright cheerful. "Breakfast and dinner both included," he says with a nod. "I'll send Sanne up to air the rooms and light the fires." Asked about vegetables, he nods. "Served with the meal," he says. "If you want extra vegetables, I'm sure that can be arranged."

Pressi decides to go talk with the town gossip, and looks for Bliss to come with her. She doesn't see him.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+11=14 ;
Monday November 25th, 2019 3:01:24 PM
Mookie has been perching on a roof or treetop keeping alert. Okay, that means "keeping alert with one wing over his head." But he knows from his telempathic link that Bliss is fine.

And at least he does notice Pressi. He flies down to her.

"Hey Precious," caws the halfling-size bird. "The Kid is fine. Have no idea where he is or what he is doing, but he's proud of himself, happy, and feeling like he is accomplishing something. I'm sure he'll pop up later."

=====

As for Bliss, in the secret hiding space he casts his still silent ghost sound spell and uses it to whisper to the girl. First he just makes very quiet meow sounds. Then he adds a few words.

"Meow meow magic. Meow magic cat. That's me meow. I'm a meow magic cat."

If she will chat with him, he will offer her a trade. If she will share some secrets, he'll change her into any animal she likes for a little while.

He wants to know about halflings like the folk she has been watching. Anything in the last month or two.

Diplomacy 14 again!

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday November 25th, 2019 10:00:12 PM

PS: Bliss feels a little silly pretending to be a magic cat. He is very glad that none of his friends are here to see this. Especially Kezzem.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=34 ; d20+24=39 ; d20+15=25 ; d20+8=28 ;
Monday November 25th, 2019 11:10:31 PM
The Gray Raven

Tali will oberserve and watch people in the inn of the Gray Raven, while a group selectin of his group go off in their different directions -- Succotash & Hobbie, off to Jaso Thorne's cabin & Pressi & whomever {Bliss?} joins the search for the Town Gossip woman. Hearing Pressi's question of her early, answers Miss Pressi when she passes by, with a subdued, "why yes, Miss Pressi, I am a vegitarian. Long story, perhaps a bit later."

Kezzem & Tali apparently are left to gather info from the assembled inn folks. Ordering another round of drinks, Tali elbows, Kezzem asking him what he'll have to drink. Kezzem, what cha' want to drink, brother?" As the waistress leaves, Tali observes {perception check} to attempt to learn who or what maybe a good person or people to further the conversatio with.

Skill Checks:

Diplomacy: 34
Bluff: 39
Gather Info: 25
Perception: 28 {NAT 20}

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 828 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 828 / 840 minutes

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Tuesday November 26th, 2019 4:40:39 AM
"Ah good hunter! How was the hunt? The quail look quite nice."
Hobie draws his own bow and brandishes it toward the hunter.
"It's always nice to meet another marksman!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+12=21 ;
Tuesday November 26th, 2019 5:53:00 AM
Succotash scratches Valerie behind her ear holes much like you would a dog, and her tail wags faster than a Labrador Retriever's, as Hobie breaks the ice with the hunter. He than steps up and says,

"My name is Succotash Slenderstick, and this is my friend Hobie Browncloak, and like Hobie, I would like to congratulate you on your hunt. The two of us are members of an adventures group known as Humble's Sword, perhaps you have heard of us? Anyway, we come from Humble's Ford in the Crescent Valley, in search of the missing villagers of Thaelhaven. We have searched the town, and due to the lateness of our arrival, we were only able to ascertain that the good halflings were taken by force, as any and all trails were beyond cold. So we did what any good hunter in search of his prey would do, under the circumstances, and headed to the nearest community to look for any rumors or leads that may put us on the path of our quarry. The Sheriff seems to be without a clue, as Hobie and I questioned him the moment we arrived in Salbe, but the kindly barkeep at the Grey Raven suggested we talk to you as you have a reputation for knowing all things that go on in the area, due to the nature of your trade". Diplomacy 21

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Tuesday November 26th, 2019 2:09:02 PM
Pressi responded to Mookie in mock horror. "How can this be? Bliss? Daring to go off on his own with his own plan without telling us? Preposterous. After all his speeches about how nobody should ever do that, one just the other day, you expect me to believe he is physically capable of such sacrilege? Scandals and lies, unless... yes, he must have been replaced. Otherwise, he'd be a hypocrite who owes half this group an apology. And what are the odds of that?"

Shaking her head, "So you have no idea of where he is or how we'd know he needs to be bailed out? Ok, if you say he's fine, just keep me posted on whether he gets eaten. And since Tali needs to learn the art of sarcasm, I'll just go myself with Harper. Be back in a couple of hours."

---------------

By this point, Harper is back into her leopard form. Pressi continues to remain in her street clothes as she makes her way to the town gossip.

She keeps an eye out in case anyone is following her.

DM Kathy
Tuesday November 26th, 2019 3:51:56 PM
Bliss uses a Ghost Sound cantrip to tell the girl he is a magic cat! She lets out a soft little "ooh" of excitement, but even the soft "ooh" was a little too loud. The next thing you know, the woman has pulled aside the flour bin and is glaring at both of you. "Kesti Brinks!" she scolds. "Get out of my kitchen this minute! And take that mangy cat with you!"

Kesti was already moving toward the door when the woman started scolding. She holds tight to Bliss as she flees. "And don't think I won't tell your grandmother about this!" the woman yells as she slams the door shut.

Kesti sets Bliss down. "Oh. That dinner smelled really good," she says sadly. She seems to perk up a bit, though. "But you're a magic cat! Can you magic us some dinner?" she asks. She leads Bliss into a copse of trees near the edge of town, where a crude lean-to has been set up. "This is my hiding-place," she tells Bliss. "If we stay here long enough, they might forget what they're mad about. It works sometimes."

Bliss offers to turn into any animal. "I like you as a cat," Kesti says. After a moment's thought, she says, "Could you be a monkey?"

A monkey? Where had this child ever seen a monkey?

Tali, holding down the table for all her scattered friends, looks around the inn as it fills up, trying to find a likely person to question. You spot an older-looking man, rather wistfully watching a lively, talkative group of young people. He looks a little lonely. Perhaps he'd be glad of some conversation.

At Jaso Thorne's cabin, Hobie compliments the hunter and brings out his own bow to show him. "Fine-looking bow," Thorne says. Succotash launches into his speech. When he comes to the end, Thorne blinks a bit. "Cold out here," he says at last. "Let's head inside."

He drops the quail on the cluttered front porch and leads the way into the cabin. The front room is sparsely furnished, clearly belonging to a man who doesn't have many visitors. There's an easy chair, and a table with two straight-backed chairs. Thorne waves in their general direction. "Help yourselves," he says, and moves to kneel beside the fireplace.

As he lays the fire, he says, "I noticed that Thaelhaven looked deserted the last time I went by there. I wondered what had happened. Were there bodies?"

You give him the rundown of everything you found as he gets the fire lit and sits in whatever chair you left vacant for him. "Well, there's been no orc sign for months, so I guess that's a good thing," he says. "Three to four weeks ago you say? That might have been right around the time the heavy wagons came through. Unusually heavy--not like a trading caravan or anything like that. Don't know what was in 'em. Only saw from a distance--dark, rainy evening. If they had any markings or anything on them, I couldn't see 'em. They were heading west."

Meanwhile, Pressi is shocked--shocked!--to learn that Bliss may be off on some wild goose chase. But she decides to stick to the task at hand, and goes to Sally Mewles's house. It's a nice house, near the center of town. Sitting on the porch, well wrapped against the cold, is a middle-aged woman with a knot of graying blonde hair. She is knitting. She would almost certainly be more comfortable indoors--but then she wouldn't be able to avidly watch all the activity on the street. She sees you approaching, and calls out, "Afternoon. Don't think I've seen you around town before."

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+11=18 ;
Tuesday November 26th, 2019 4:14:28 PM

Bliss tells her he can change HER into an animal for a little while. But first, he owes her some magic elf food. He tells her to close her eyes. Then he hides, changes into halfling form, sets out some elf food from his elfish lunchbox, puts ten gold coins under the food, changes back into a cat, and comes out of hiding. And he directs her to the food.

He tells her he came with the halflings she was watching. "We're looking for more small folk. They were captured meow and put in cages. By people with big carts or wagons." Has she heard anything about anybody like meow?

And if she would get in trouble with her granny, Bliss is happy to smooth things over.

"Oh, and meow name is Bliss. What's yours?"

Diplomacy 18

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Tuesday November 26th, 2019 7:55:15 PM
"I think Pressi was being sarcastic," whispers Kezzem to Talia.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday November 27th, 2019 6:08:09 AM
Succotash takes one of the strait back chairs, and listens to Jaso's story, than says, "When we were in Thaelhaven, we saw some tracks that could have been made by wagon's as you described, but they were so weathered, it was impossible to follow them, or to even be sure that they were out of place. Do you think you would be able to set us on the path of those wagons in the morning, and were you able to see who or what was driving the wagons? As you know any and all clues can turn out to be the one that breaks open the mystery".

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Wednesday November 27th, 2019 7:58:18 AM
�Kind of new to the trading game,� Pressi responded. �But I�m confident that I�ll be the first name to come up in mushroom farming.�

After some pleasantries and some basic questions about the area (to feel her out), Pressi eventually brings up the missing town. She asks if there�s any rumors about it.

She also asks why people have been unwilling to help out.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=31 ; d20+24=43 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+8=16 ;
Wednesday November 27th, 2019 12:25:56 PM
Tali, spotting the older-looking man, walks over to him without the mead in hand, and asks the gentleman if he would like some company? Using her bluff & diplomacy skills, { Bluff Skill check: 43 & Diplomacy Skill check: 31 }, strikes up a conversation with the gentleman, while trying to gather information from him, using her "Gather Info" & perception skills check. {Gather Info Skill Check: 27 | Perception: 16}.

Tali, introduces herself as a researcher from Humble Ford helping a fellow halfling looking for his kin. "So what do you do here in town, or are you retired?" asks Tali.

Skill Checks:

Diplomacy: 31
Bluff: 43
Gather Info: 27
Perception: 16

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 828 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 828 / 840 minutes

DM Kathy
Wednesday November 27th, 2019 3:26:22 PM
Bliss introduces himself to the girl. "I'm Kesti," she says. You produce some "magic elf food" and she giggles with excitement. She eats hungrily, but is scrupulous about sharing with you. You ask about captured halflings. "Oh!" she says. "That sounds like the traveling animal show!" A horrible thought seems to occur. "Oh, no! I hope they didn't feed 'em to the lion!"

Succotash presses for more information, but Thorne doesn't have any. "I couldn't really see who was driving," he replies. "They were all in hats and cloaks 'cause of the rain. They headed west--more than that I couldn't tell you."

Leaving Kezzem to guard the table, Tali heads over to talk to the older man. "Sure, pull up a chair," he says. "I'm a farmer," he replies to your question. "Not something you retire from," he adds with a grin.

Pressi says she's new to trading but keen on mushroom farming. "Mushroom farming?" Sally echoes. "I don't think there are any mushroom farms hereabouts." You begin with mundane chit-chat, and soon discover that you can safely sit back and let Sally do most of the talking. She fills you in on who is putting on airs, who drinks too much, who treats his wife "shamefully," and more town gossip. You ask about the missing halflings. "That Jaso Thorne did say something about the village being deserted," Sally says. "I guess folks just thought the halflings had moved on. But you say they're missing? My, that's a shame. I'm sorry, dear, I haven't heard anything about it." You ask why people have been unwilling to help out. Sally snorts. "By 'people,' I assume you mean that Menton Dunn." At your blank look, she adds, "the town sheriff. Honestly, that man! No more sense of curiosity than a clam. If it didn't happen in town, he's not interested."

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Wednesday November 27th, 2019 5:14:00 PM
�Succotash, it looks like we need to head out West then. If they were in big wagons they would have to stick to the trails, maybe we could catch them somehow?�

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Wednesday November 27th, 2019 7:18:53 PM

Bliss asks Kesti if she remembers the last time the Animal Show came through. If she wants to try a new shape, he'll polymorph her. Then he bids her farewell and heads back to find his freinds and report in.

After saying what he found out, he says, "We should ask the locals if a travelling animal show ever comes through. If they say no, then we know they are complicit. We need to find out when it came through last, and where it was headed."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Thursday November 28th, 2019 12:27:50 PM
Pressi thought about what Sally said. �Ok, why would anyone think that an entire town would move on? What would cause a town to move on?�

She asks a few more questions about the town sheriff. How he got the job. What kind of man he is. Whether he had any contact with outsiders himself.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Thursday November 28th, 2019 12:30:15 PM
Depending on the answers, Pressi returns to the group. �Hey, anyone want to help me break into the sheriff�s office. I mean, while we�re here.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday November 28th, 2019 1:08:39 PM
"Seems about right, let's inform the others", Succotash answers Hobie.

When Hobie and Succotash meet up with the others, he informs them as to what they discovered, and says, "We need to head west, if those wagons are as big as Jaso describes, I would wager that they are the same as the "animal show" Bliss is talking about, and that, as Hobie said, they will have to stay on the main roads, and they won't be moving to quickly. Should we head out now or at first light?" He answers Pressi by saying, "The sheriff seems to be a bit of a tool, but I really don't think he's involved, and I'm not sure that breaking and entering is a very heroic thing to do, without a darn good reason".

DM Kathy
Thursday November 28th, 2019 2:31:12 PM
Bliss asks Kesti when the animal show was in town, and she says about a month ago. "About a month" is roughly in the timeframe of the villagers disappearing.

Pressi asks Sally why people would think an entire town would just move on. "Well, you know," Sally says. She looks uncomfortable. "Halflings. They're nomadic." She looks uncertain. "Aren't they?"

Pressi also asks about the sheriff. "Oh, he's fine for town things," Sally says. "Breaking up fights, locking up the occasional drunk. Having a stern talk with youngsters who get out of hand. You know, keeping order. But he's got no sense of curiosity, like I said."

You make your way back to the Gray Raven. Hobie and Succotash report that the wagons likely carrying the villagers went west. Bliss tells about the traveling animal show. Pressi muses that it may be necessary to break in to the sheriff's office.

As you discuss strategies, supper is served. There are slices of roast pork, done to a turn. There is fresh-baked bread, with freshly churned butter alongside. There are boiled root vegetables--delicious pieces of potato, carrot, rutabaga, and turnip, with slices of onion for flavor. Tali asks for and receives a plate of all vegetables with no pork. Everything is really good, served with flavorful stout.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Thursday November 28th, 2019 4:09:34 PM
Hobie will eat, but he�s not exactly feasting. He�s thinking very hard about how far the group could be by now, He can�t shake the image of the halflings in cages. He can�t stop thinking about how horrible it is that someone would imprison families, with children. He feels that he won�t have any mercy when he finds the ones responsible.

When he does speak, he says �I think we should get moving as soon as possible�

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Thursday November 28th, 2019 11:05:42 PM
Tali digs into her awesome veggie p[latter, adding some fresh bread with a dab or freshly churned butter. "Yum!" exclaims Tali.

"Er, Pressi, is that really necessary?!" while scoffing down her veggies.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Friday November 29th, 2019 12:29:49 AM
Bliss agrees with Hobie. He's in favor of leaving asap, and says so. Now we have a lead. A caravan of animal performers, heading west.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday November 29th, 2019 11:41:26 AM
Succotash barely touches his food. The thought of a whole town of people being kept in cages and treated like animals has stolen his appetite. Half way through the meal he stands up and says, "I need to do something. The thought of good people suffering, while we feast and sleep in comfy beds, is turning my stomach. I need to get moving, even if it's just for a few miles. Anyone against leaving and putting some miles behind us before we hit the sack?"

DM Kathy
Friday November 29th, 2019 3:02:28 PM
Many in the group feel a sense of urgency to get started. Succotash and Bliss in particular want to leave right away, which is certainly an option.

On the other hand, you already traveled about 6 hours today, and your rooms are already paid for. And, now that you know specifically to ask about the traveling animals, there may be townsfolk with more information. So far, your sole source on the animals is an eight-year-old.

On the other other hand, some of the group just don't feel right sitting around when there are people suffering out there.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+11=21 ; d20-4=0 ;
Sunday December 1st, 2019 8:37:12 PM

"Well," Bliss says, "We're in an inn, right? Let's ask the barkeep what they can tell us about the traveling menagerie, and then we depart. OK?"

If no one with better diplomacy stands forward, Bliss will ask the bartender what he knows about the wagon train and animal show. If someone else speaks, this is Bliss aiding another.

Diplomacy 21

"Yeah," pipes up Mookie. "And did they have any TALKING animals? or birds?" He looks quite dashing with his glamered armor set to appear like a formal black vest and short cape with silver buttons.

Mookie Diplomacy 0

"Not helping, Mooks old boy," murmurs Bliss, while pushing the emotion of "Hush" through the telempathic link they share.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Monday December 2nd, 2019 12:23:31 AM
"Talking animals?" says Kezzem. "Don't be silly, Mookie. Animals can't talk!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+12=18 ;
Monday December 2nd, 2019 5:34:57 AM
Diplomacy 18

Succotash nods his agreement with Bliss, and follows him to the bar. he thinks about using diplomatic means to help loosen the barkeeps tongue, but figures Bliss has this and instead chooses to aid him.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=41 ;
Monday December 2nd, 2019 9:50:48 AM
Tali, joins Bliss at the bar an chimes in, asking the bartender, "Sir, what might you know about the wagon train and animal show that passed through here recently? On a side note, my compliments to your kitchen staff! Here, here...that was the best meal I had far away from home, in many many moons! Here, a tip for the kitchen staff..." Tali, slides 3 gold coins across the bar towards the barkeep.

Diplomacy skill check: 41

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Monday December 2nd, 2019 12:01:29 PM
Pressi isn't in much of a mood during the dinner, still smacking of the "they're nomadic" comment. She had ended the conversation as diplomatically as she could, with an acknowledgement that some halflings can be nomadic. (Whether they'd build houses is a separate matter.)

As a matter of course, the conversation had turned colder after that. Pressi thanked her for her time, extracted herself politely, and waited until entering a private room to scream about how they are COMPLETELY all nomads, and don't forget the whole thief thing too.

Dinner helped. Having to take back the proposal to break into some places for information was not. "I suppose not, since I don't know if the sheriff's a suspect, let alone someone who wrote this stuff down. I guess, like the rest of the group, I'm chomping at the bit to do something productive, even if I don't completely agree that we should rush out."

Pressi points out that they can do more good by continuing to gather information, and continuing to follow the trail rested and prepared. But Sally's comment, and the sheriff's callousness, continued to wear her down. *I had let myself get complacent* she thought to herself. *Let myself believe that we were making a name for ourselves as a race. After all this time and all these battles, we're still on our own, still the wanderers, still the little people.*

If the consensus truly wishes to leave tonight, Pressi stands up to move to the bartender. Succotash and Hobie may have 'volunteered' for this job, but it's only hers.

"Hi, really really sorry to do this, but is there any way at all we can cancel our rooms, and maybe get some of our money back?"

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Monday December 2nd, 2019 12:43:48 PM
As the group seems to be moving toward leaving soon, Hobie will pack up some of the food in his sack, they will certainly need it later.
"I'll get the ponies ready"
He grabs up his pack and heads out to where their ponies are stabled. He offers each pony an apple before he saddles them and adjusts their packs.
"I'm terribly sorry guys. I know we've been riding for a while and you were probably keen to get some sleep, but we have to take a night ride. There are lives in the balance. Some of our folk and maybe some of your folk as well."

He offers a piece of meat to the velociraptor, and if she allows him, he'll try to attach her gear (does she have a saddle?) as well, though he probably does it wrong.

DM Kathy
Monday December 2nd, 2019 2:04:34 PM
Bliss decides to ask the innkeeper about the traveling menagerie. Succotash and Tali decide that's a good idea, and troop over to help. Mookie and Kezzem provide commentary.

"Oh, yes," the innkeeper says. "There was a traveling menagerie that came through here a few weeks ago. I didn't go see it myself--too busy with things here--but they were here for a couple of days." As the questions continue to spill out, he holds up his hands. "Like I said, I didn't go," he says. But you're being very diplomatic, so he adds, "but my wife and daughter went; maybe they could tell you more about it. Dot!"

After a moment, the door from the kitchen opens, and the red-braided teenager comes out. "Ma's gone to see Adla Brinks," she says. "That Kesti was hiding in the kitchen again."

"That girl!" the innkeeper mutters before introducing you. "This is my daughter Sanne," he says. "Sanne, these nice folks were asking about the menagerie."

Sanne tells you about the menagerie. There was a lioness, and a bear, and monkeys, and peacocks, and wild cats, and some Dark Elves. The animals did not talk, although of course the elves did.

Pressi, after taking some personal time to recover from the casual racism she'd encountered, goes to the innkeeper to request a partial refund. He looks a little disappointed, but after all, he gets to keep Tali's bribe, so he's still coming out ahead. He gladly refunds your money.

Meanwhile, Hobie is saddling the animals and getting ready to depart. Valerie indeed has an exotic saddle, and she's used to you by now, so she lets you saddle her with minimal fuss.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Monday December 2nd, 2019 2:41:09 PM
Pressi thinks about this for a minute. "Who is this Kesti, exactly?" she asks the wife. "And, not that it's any of my business, but what's the big deal if she wants to hang around the kitchen?"

Before they take off, Pressi decides that she needs to check on Kesti and Alda to see what kind of people they are and what kind of damage Bliss did to them. But she figures she might be able to get some followup questions in as a not a cat.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Monday December 2nd, 2019 11:52:54 PM
"Talking elves is no biggie," agrees Kezzem. "Now getting them to shut-up, that's a trick I'd pay good money to see."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Monday December 2nd, 2019 11:55:31 PM
"Hey, anyone know where we can find a guide?" asks Kezzem around the inn. "You know, like a 'What his right name is I've never heard: but he's known round here as Strider' type."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday December 3rd, 2019 5:53:55 AM
Valerie excepts the treat from Hobie gladly, and almost knocks him over as she tries to snuggle with the bowman. She has no problem with him saddling her, and sits still as he does so, then gives him a sloppy dog like kiss, picks up her tug-o-war rope toy and offers the other end to Hobie.

Succotash hears the story about the animal menagerie, and has a sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach. He keeps his thoughts to himself until the Swords leave the inn. He thanks Hobie for saddling Valerie, then once they are out of town he says, "Do any of you find it odd that no one has seen a single halfling among the animals, when we are all pretty certain that the traveling circus and the kidnappers are one and the same? I have a sickening feeling that the animals are in fact halflings who are either being polymorphed, or being forced to act as animals accompanied by illusion magic, which would explain the animal skins Hobie saw them wearing when he scryed them".

OOC... Valerie has the personality of a golden retriever, so basically, a friend to Succotash is a friend to her.

DM Kathy
Tuesday December 3rd, 2019 1:53:22 PM
Pressi has some questions for the innkeeper's wife, but she isn't there; you're talking to the innkeeper and his daughter. You ask about Kesti. "She's a brat," says the daughter. "She's a local girl," says the innkeeper. "Gets into all kinds of trouble. She's not allowed in the kitchen--or anywhere near here, really--because she steals. Her grandmother can't control her so she just runs wild."

Kezzem asks about a guide, but nobody has any ideas at the moment.

Succotash is eager to depart, so you collect your mounts and begin heading out of town. As you walk, Succotash shares a grisly theory about what happened to the halflings.

[Adla's house is at the edge of town, so you can still visit her if you like.]

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+29=40 ; d20+8=14 ;
Tuesday December 3rd, 2019 2:19:25 PM
The Menagerie

Tali stays diplomatically silent as the rest of the group appears to be on a mission, and happily follows along.

Skill Checks:

Diplomacy: 40
Bluff:
Gather Info:
Perception: 14

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 828 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 828 / 840 minutes

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+26=35 ; d20+25=40 ; d20+16=35 ;
Tuesday December 3rd, 2019 4:19:57 PM

Bliss is glad to be headed out. He keeps alert, and scans the road for wheel ruts or signs that wagons have passed. He casts Dancing Lights as needed to illuminate the ground. Mookie flies overhead to keep lookout too. After the group is out of town, Bliss shifts to cat form to stealthily sniff for signs of a menagerie passing. That may help him track, too.

Stealth 35

Perception 403

Track 35

Woo hoo!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Tuesday December 3rd, 2019 8:42:00 PM
Despite the push of everyone else, Pressi insists on visiting Adla's house. She simply cannot let it pass by, as a former little girl troublesome thief herself. And she insists that it won't last long.

Once by the house, she starts with an inquiring of the grandmother before asking about the child. "I just wanted to thank her. You know, for taking good care of my cat."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Wednesday December 4th, 2019 12:09:10 AM
Upon hearing Succotash's theory of halflings polymorphed into animals, he looks at Bliss.

"Or maybe...they're animals polymorphed into halflings! That would explain so...oh wait, nevermind, that doesn't make sense at all. They had a village and everything."

"Still think the kid might secretly be a cat, though. I mean, we know he turns into a cat, but what if secretely he was...you know what, nevermind."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d100=37 ; d20+18=19 ;
Wednesday December 4th, 2019 5:50:18 AM
Succotash waits impatiently, as Pressi questions Adla, then once they are back on the road he keeps his eyes pealed for anything that may indicate they are on the right path, (Perception 19) He casts Augury asking if this path will lead them to the missing halflings. (84% chance of success, rolled 37)

DM Kathy
Wednesday December 4th, 2019 2:49:50 PM
Days are short now, and it is nearly dark by the time you leave the inn. It has gotten colder, too, and your breath puffs in white steam as you walk.

Pressi insists on stopping at Adla Brinks's cottage, which you can do on your way out of town. Even in the dim light, you can see that it is a poor place, with sagging timbers and many makeshift repairs.

Dot, the innkeeper's wife, is still there, talking to Adla. Adla is a thin older woman with a wispy knot of gray hair and a worn dress. She frowns a little at Pressi's questions. "I don't know where the girl is," Adla says. "She ain't come home yet, the wicked child." Your thanks about the cat is not well-received. "Cats!" Adla scoffs. "She oughta be tending to her schooling and her chores instead of taking up with strange cats. I don't know what I'm going to do with that girl."

So it appears that Kesti doesn't have the best home situation, but you are adventurers, not social workers, and there's little you can do for her at the moment. Perhaps Bliss's gift of money will help.

You return to the road and keep going. Kezzem builds on Succotash's theme, speculating that maybe the halflings are really animals! No, wait, that doesn't make sense. Except maybe Bliss.

Succotash is concerned that you are on the right track, but you are. Thorne had said the "big wagons" were moving west, and that is the direction you are headed. Well, you have to take the road north for a bit, swinging close to Thaelhaven, before heading west. Succotash's spell returns a reassuring "WEAL."

It is a cold night--not frigid enough to be dangerous, exactly, but cold enough to be uncomfortable. What are your strategies for making camp?

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Wednesday December 4th, 2019 3:16:22 PM

Bliss is glad to think that his small gift might do some good for these impovrished folk. [OOC: taking 10 gp off my sheet.]

Bliss is inclined to press on through the night --after all, what spells or renewable powers have we used? Just a few? And Sir Succotash can use his mercy, and the witches, a lesser restoration, to restore us when we become fatigued.

But if the group consensus is to rest, then Bliss and Mookie find a tree in which to roost, and the two will stand the first watch.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Wednesday December 4th, 2019 4:41:26 PM
Hobie feels the same as Bliss, he hasn't used any spells today, and would choose to press on for as long as the ponies seem to be able to take it.
"Succotash, with your new Cleric powers, can you speak to animals? Would it be possible for you to speak with the ponies, let them understand the situation and communicate as to their condition? We have wands of Cure Light Wounds, and it might seem disrespectful, but I think it could be wise to have them push through the pain, and we can heal them as they are fatigued." (Forced March rules: we can keep moving past the typical 8 hours of walking in a day, but the ponies would take 1d6 damage every hour after the first 8 before resting again.)

If the team rests, Hobie will suggest that Succotash not take a watch, so as to ensure he can replenish his spells in the morning. He has spells that can prove quite useful to us in this quest. Hobie will take a watch, and he speaks up that we should really rest for the minimum time possible, and we should push forward as soon as we can.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27
Wednesday December 4th, 2019 4:44:56 PM
"I can remove fatigue on there of them," offers Kezzem.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday December 5th, 2019 6:14:44 AM
"I would love nothing less than to push on", Succotash begins, "But I feel wisdom dictates resting". Succotash still marvels at his new found wisdom and wonders how he survived for so long without it. "When we include Valerie, Rumpas, Harper, and Mookie, whom add greatly to our strength, we have ten required lesser restorations, to be at peak fighting strength", Succotash explains. "I also worry that we may miss an important clue traveling in the dark". "I propose we travel for a few hours, and once the riding animals are at the point of fatigue, we take a break for the night, however, I'm more than happy to go with the majority consensuses, and will gladly explain to the unintelligent animals what we are doing, and why, if that is the in fact the consensuses".

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+8=12 ;
Thursday December 5th, 2019 8:55:33 AM
Oh a Hunting We Will Go!

Tali is content to hover & follow the group. She will take last watch (2AM) as she hovers 7 feet above the ground to conduct the watch. Tali will use her skills during her watch to guard against malicious intent to her or her friends.

Skill Checks:

Bluff:
Diplomacy:
Gather Info:
Perception: 12

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 820 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 820 / 840 minutes

{OOC: How much time has past since the tavern?}

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26 d20+17=27 ;
Thursday December 5th, 2019 10:59:58 AM
"Well, whatever you choose to do with that girl," Pressi responded, "I'm sure the choice will be out of your oh so busy hands before you know it. In the meantime, perhaps all she needs is some structure and some understanding of time, and I do wish to express my gratitude regardless, so..."

Pressi took out a small hourglass, the markings of Nephtali's gift shop quite visible. (More hidden is the fact that the sand runs upwards.) As she hands it to the old woman, Pressi's smile seems to positively glow in the light of her ice chain. "If you could give her this, it would mean I wouldn't have to come back here. My thanks, again."

Behind Pressi, Harper licked her paws.

------------------

Pressi counts two in favor of pushing forwards (Hobie, Bliss), two opposed (Succotash, Tali) and one abstain (Kezzem - he proposed a solution but didn't really push either way). That means, she figures, that the tie breaker is up to her.

"I agree with Succotash," Pressi tells Bliss and Hobie. "I want to push the animals to the brink and rush forward as much as Bliss does, but that's the type of want that can lead us astray. We need to keep our emotions in check, to remember that speed won't help them if we make mistakes.

"Which brings me to my other controversial point. As always, I prefer stealth and analysis to direct confrontation, especially when hostages are involved. We may need to hold back even when we spot them."

(If she counted Kezzem or Tali wrong, she is likewise prepared to push forwards.)

As much as Pressi can, she uses her tracking abilities (and Harper's speed) to try and pick up the trail regardless of her decision (survival 27). She holds off on the Justicar boost for now, however.

Tracking

DM Kathy
Thursday December 5th, 2019 1:25:02 PM
[OOC: Jerry has asked all DMs to look at their games and bring them up to the expected level, based on when the game started. Humble's was just a touch behind, so everybody please level your character to 15th.]

You are feeling a sense of urgency, but you also realize you won't be much good to the halflings if you're exhausted and depleted. So you travel for a couple of hours before you stop and make camp.

Because the night is cold, you light a good-sized fire, and you soon find it isn't practical to try to sleep too far away from it--unless you have some magical means of keeping warm. You keep watch, but nothing disturbs your rest. Well, it snows a bit, but that's only to be expected this time of year.

[You made camp a little over three hours after you left the inn. It's now been about 12 hours since you left the inn.]

Pressi, who was growing used to not having her link to Murphy anymore, feels a little---something--where that link used to be. Static? Something like that. Not communication, exactly, but...something.

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Thursday December 5th, 2019 5:04:09 PM
When the group wakes and gets ready to go for the next day, Hobie points out that he does have a wand of Endure Elements, so if the weather starts to get any worse than just uncomfortable, there are still 40 charges left on the wand, enough to get the whole group through for a week or so.

(I will level Hobie up this weekend. Should we also move ourselves up to level 15 WBL gold? or should we wait for a generous loot discovery in our future?)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday December 6th, 2019 5:55:14 AM
Succotash is wearing his cold weather outfit under his mithril breastplate, which he wears under his priestly robes, that accompanied by the combined heat trapping powers of his bedroll, and his winter blanket, keeps the cleric fairly warm, however he does like stay near the fire for the shear comfort of it. He insists, in spite of Hobie's concerns, on taking a watch, but requests the last watch. While on his watch, he prays to the various gods of the Wold in their turn, and prepares his spells for the day. He also gets breakfast started so that when the rest of the Swords awake, they are awoken to the smell of fresh brewed coffee, and the sound of bacon sizzling. After breakfast, he is ready to hit the road.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Friday December 6th, 2019 9:47:07 AM
(I probably will also take... maybe past the weekend. There's always a crunch around every other monday for my work, but I will try the best I can.)

Pressi and Bliss can both cast Rose Control (Endure Elements) on themselves and their pets.

Waking up to the static, her heart races at the possibilities. "Hello? Murphy? Guy we are tracking? Elsa? Samantha?"

She laughs to herself. "I don't even know an Elsa."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 118, CMD 24; Harper AC 27 (32 with rituals), HP 78, CMD 26
Friday December 6th, 2019 10:01:43 AM
(Hey, is it possible that Pressi can "Legend Lore" herself? Because I feel like that's the first thing she'd do upon learning such a spell.)

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+10=30 ; d20+27=36 ; d20+20=27 ;
Friday December 6th, 2019 10:22:03 AM
Last nite: Bliss used Rose's Temp Control spells to keep himself and Mookie warm.

Morning: "Ah, a new day of adventure," Bliss declares, "and a new level!"

Mookie, waking up, is a little grumpy. ::Kid! KID! Not so loud. I can hear you perfectly well in my mind!::

Bliss jumps. ::Mookie! I can hear you in my thoughts!::

Mookie sighs. ::Now it will be even harder to get my beauty sleep.::

[OOC: Witch level 9 gives Bliss telepathy with his spirit companion! Range 100 ft.]

After this revelation, Bliss pursues his morning rituals.

First, he draws Woldsblood to replace what he used yesterday to power his spells ... and to send his fair share to the Silver Lady, per his pact with her. His reflex roll of 30 ensures that he handles the woldsblood adroitly! [Waste of a perfectly good nat 20!]

Spells back, Bliss renews his (and Mookie's) Threefold Aspect spells.

Then on to his rituals. Today, he has a hunch, his cat form will not the tool he needs. So he consults with Pressi and suggests a Warding basic ritual for +1 to AC and Saves. However, he'll do his own Sharing Intermediate Ritual for Extended Shield of Faith for himself and Mookie.
Survival check for basic warding: no check needed at +22 to hit a DC20 check.
Spellcraft check for intermediate sharing: rolling at +27 to hit DC30 ... no prob. Note: The extended shared shield of faith gives 12 minutes each to Mookie and Bliss, startable and stoppable with a swift action.

Morning routine complete, Bliss is ready for the day. "Come on, everybody! Let's go!" He casts around, looking for clues or signs that the wagons have passed this way as the party moves forward. Survival 27.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 163/163, CMD 31; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 70/70, CMD 27 d10=6 ; d8=1 ;
Friday December 6th, 2019 12:31:40 PM
Pressi, who iz Elsa? You know what, nevermind. Just let it go."

"So I'm about to pray to Gargul and ask for some spells. I can get spells to help uo to four of us Endure these Elements, or I can gets spells to help with the Restoration from fatigue by a Lesser amount so we can puah our ponies harder. Again, I can do up to four. Or I an mix and match. Any suggestions?"

DM Kathy
Friday December 6th, 2019 2:28:17 PM
You awaken, finding yourselves perhaps a little stronger. There are new spells to be prepared, which means discussing strategy. Right now the weather is typical for this time of year, meaning that it is cold, but healthy people dressed for the cold should be fine. There is, of course, always the possibility of a cold snap, but it doesn't seem likely today, or tomorrow.

You make your plans and preparations accordingly, and start on your way. As you travel, it snows off and on, but so far the snow is not accumulating.

Bliss checks to see if you are on the right road. It's hard to imagine that you aren't. There's only been this one road; you haven't come to a crossroads yet. The odds that the menagerie would try to take its heavy wagons off the road and cross-country are pretty remote. And last night, Succotash's spell said this was the right road. If it was the right road last night, it's probably the right road today.

You see lots of wagon tracks, because this is a road. You do see a few tracks from heavier wagons with bigger wheels and longer axles. Are they the specific heavy wagons you're tracking? It's hard to tell without having some idea of how often heavy wagons use this road.

Around noon you reach the town of Idlewood. It's a rough-looking place, which is not too surprising given its location on the Izen frontier. There seem to be more half-orcs among the citizens than you normally see--and was that a goblin?

Of course, if the menagerie came through here, some of the locals might have information about it.

Pressi continues to feel the static (or whatever it is).

Hobie Browncloak (Nick T) HP 120/120 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9
Saturday December 7th, 2019 3:11:02 AM
Hobie gets excited when seeing the people of Idlewood are more half-orcs and goblins than normal.
"I'm gonna go get some information guys."
He casts Disguise Self, and immediately is transformed into a form that is quite familiar to his friends. This time Goblin Hobie is only a disguise, as opposed to his usual use of Alter Self, but he looks the same as his usual use of that spell.

Hobie looks out for which taverns (if there are multiple) seem to be most frequented by the half orcs and goblins, and heads on in there and orders a drink. When he gets his beer, he makes sure to tip the bartender a full gold piece before he asks his question.
"Barkeep, What do you know about a group traveling with big wagons and a bunch of animals? Maybe they were here a few days to a week ago?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Saturday December 7th, 2019 4:16:11 AM
Ok I think I fixed it....

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28
Saturday December 7th, 2019 5:13:36 PM
Header update.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Sunday December 8th, 2019 4:19:24 PM
Unlike the human town, this place bothers Bliss. He remembers old stories about goblins, and recalls his mom's aversion to them. He sticks with his friends and stays quiet.

He thinks to Mookie, ::Probably they EAT cats here.::

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Sunday December 8th, 2019 8:35:26 PM
Much like before, Pressi uses Hide in Plain Sight, Clairvoyance and other tricks to figure out more about the town and what people seem to be like/respond to before she chooses whether to play, i.e. the villain, the lawman or the helpless girl to rescue.

One thing is for sure, however. To disguise as a bad guy, no glammer comes close to her armor's natural black spikes and witch's cowl and vestments.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells d20+18=38 ;
Monday December 9th, 2019 5:40:22 AM
Succotash is far from comfortable in this place so he keeps close to his friends, and keeps a tight reign on Valerie. He's not raciest, in fact he has friends who happen to be half-orcs, though the only goblins he has ever met were ones who he had to fight in the past, it's just the unpredictability of the situation. As such, he keeps a close watch his surroundings (perception 38) but, remains civil and friendly towards any who they may approach, or who may approach them.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+25=26 ; d20+30=46 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+10=15 ;
Monday December 9th, 2019 10:43:38 AM
BIg Baddies Town

Upon waking and prior to leaving with the group, Tali would have casted her two(2) most used spells:
Overlight Flight & Mage Armor prior to leaving that morning.

When Tali arrives in the new Big Baddie Town, unlike her friends, her Charisma usually wins out, so fear and dread do not overtake her like it does her friends.

Looking around, Tali will also try to gather information that may be of use to the group about this traveling mengerier. Bluffing her way des appear to help, but Diplomacy appears to be functioning as do, her her skills.

Skill Checks:

Bluff: 26 {NAT 1}
Diplomacy: 46
Gather Info: 20
Perception: 15

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 835 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 835 / 840 minutes

DM Kathy
Monday December 9th, 2019 1:15:25 PM
You look around at the town of Idlewood. It is a rough place, hewn out of frontier. The streets are muddy; the buildings are simple; the people tend to be dirty and uncouth. It is still midday, but you're pretty sure that, come nightfall, there will be drinking, and brawling, and rowdy behavior.

But for all that it is a rough place, Idlewood isn't a den of thieves. You see people hard at work, or (since it is midday) stopping for a well-earned meal. And yes, many of them are dirty, but they've been mining or farming or hauling all morning.

As with many towns you've visited, most of the people you see are humans. Among the non-humans, you do see more half-orcs. And now you've seen a couple of goblins and what you're pretty sure was a full-blooded orc. But it's still a mostly-human town.

Taking advantage of the diverse population, Hobie changes into a goblin and heads for the local inn, the Hidden Hatchet. You do get some sideways glances; goblins are unusual here. But nobody bothers you, and you are able to order a beer from the innkeeper, and unusually tall and muscular human woman. You ask her about the wagons with animals.

"Oh, right, that menagerie thing!" she replies. "They was here a few weeks ago. It was great! I went to see it twice. They've moved on, of course; they're a traveling show."

Bliss and Succotash are uneasy, and watch the people around them. You do see a kind of shoving match break out between two human men, but they stop when they see a half-orc approaching, wearing a tin badge and a forbidding expression. Both men assure him that "there's no trouble here, sheriff," and everybody goes about their business.

Pressi is figuring out how best to approach the townsfolk. Bad guy is out--this isn't a bad-guy town. Lawman would probably be going too far the other way; they're not saints, either. And if you're going to do a damsel in distress, it needs to be a specific kind of damsel--a usually independent, self-reliant damsel who is up against something too big for her to handle. These aren't people with a lot of patience for weakness--tears and simpering aren't going to get it done.

Tali follows goblin-Hobie into the Hidden Hatchet. You notice some broken furniture, neatly cleared into the corners, but not yet removed. This place probably sees its fair share of brawls. You can find any number of people who remember the menagerie and can talk about it. There was a lioness, and a bear, and monkeys, and two mysterious dark elves, and a tribe of savage, cannibal halflings.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28
Monday December 9th, 2019 1:32:15 PM
"Oh great, it's my family," says Kezzem.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Monday December 9th, 2019 2:01:54 PM
Hobie keeps up the conversation with the bartender "Was it popular in town? I have some questions, is there anyone particular in town who spent a lot of time with them, that I could go ask?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28
Monday December 9th, 2019 2:26:48 PM
"Oh great, it's my family," says Kezzem.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid d20+38=50 ;
Monday December 9th, 2019 7:29:34 PM

Murphy appears of a sudden in an otherwise unoccupied back alley. He breathes deeply, taking in the local scents of this place. Not a super-astute move when standing adjacent an overflowing trash cart. He walks out of the alley, sees and hears a blacksmith pounding some sort of ornamentation across the street. Not far off, he finds a bakery, and a much better smell wafts his direction than what was in the alleyway.

He enters, buys an armful of fresh bread (a silver piece or so?), which he places in his haversack, except for half a loaf he keeps to chew on as he explores the town further.

He walks through a few blocks, getting acquainted with this neighborhood, and the next.

Knowing she is near, based upon the report from planar scholar Eurodimes, he reaches out mentally. 'Pressi. Pressi, where are you? I just got back.' He pauses and looks around, describing the area he is in. 'I don't know the town yet. Shall I sent up a lightning bolt, and see if you can see it from where you are? I'm kidding on that. Or we can keep chatting until we find each other.' He pauses, then adds, 'If you want to be found, of course...'

'I missed you, Press. I was so far away, and no time to explain before I was wisked away.'

He keeps an eye out for his love, as well as for any of his friends whom he may run into. Kezzem, Talia, Mookie, Bliss, Hobie, Succotash, Miss Piggy, one of the ponies or cats or Rayya.

And takes in the people of the town.
=========
Looking about Perception: 50

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday December 9th, 2019 11:37:52 PM

Bliss waits for Hobie and Tali to report back, keeping alert for trouble.

When Bliss sees Murphy, he gives him a big hug.

"I missed you."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 5:44:14 AM
After a better assessment of the town, Succotash feels a bit more at ease. After all hard working people, with a solid wok ethic, are to be praised not feared. He is about to approach the sheriff for questioning, but spots Murphy coming towards them.

As Murphy approaches he notices two major differences about Succotash. First, his signature full plate armor embossed with Pantheon's holy symbol is gone, replaced by green silk priestly robes, embroidered with the various holy symbols of the whole pantheon of Woldian gods, and second, Miss Piggy is no where to be seen, but in her stead is a female velociraptor with a pink bow on her head, and wearing mithril breastplate barding.

Succotash rushes over to Murphy, and is about to give him a hug, but Bliss beat him to it, so instead, so he settles for a hearty pat on the back, and a very excited, "So glad to see you brother! I missed you something terrible!"

DM Kathy
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 1:55:46 PM
In the Hidden Hatchet, Hobie asks whether the menagerie was popular, and whether anyone in town would be especially familiar with it. "It was real popular," the innkeeper says. "Just about everybody went to see it at least once. Umm..." she thinks for a moment. "I think they hired Jake here for some odd jobs. Hey, Jake!" She has an impressive bellow. A human man with a graying beard turns toward the bar. "Didn't you do some work for the menagerie folks?" Jake nods cautiously.

Kezzem thinks that savage, cannibal halflings sound like his family, which is probably an exaggeration.

But the real action is out on the street, with the return of Murphy! Where did he spring from? Bliss and Succotash greet him, but there's no word from Pressi yet.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+25=28 ; d20+30=39 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+10=28 ;
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 2:52:28 PM
The Mengerier

Tali wonders to herself, what's a tribe of savage, cannibal halflings? Guess I should find out! Tali will ask all the people she can find about the traveling show and specifically about the cannibal halflings!

Skill Checks:

Bluff: 28
Diplomacy: 39
Gather Info: 17
Perception: 28

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 830 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 830 / 840 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 4:45:45 PM
"Well, look what Harper dragged in," says Kezzem. "Where did you go? We really could have used you back at the Iron Giant. Succotash and Talia died! I mean, they got better, but still!"

Rumpus give Murphey a big slobbery pony kiss.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 5:52:49 PM

Murphy welcomes Bliss's warm greeting, and returns the embrace. As Succotash joins, he pulls him in to a group hug. "I absolutely missed both of you, too."

As they conclude the greeting, he eyes the pink-ribboned velociraptor. "Was Miss Piggy polymorphed?" he asks the paladin. "And you - have you gone from serving Pantheon, to service to the entire pantheon? I have to hear the story."

Addressing both of them, he says, "Last I saw you all was in the midst of battle, which I fully intended to help conclude. But a fellow wisked me away to another plane, and I have not been able to contact Pressi since then. I'm trying to...

"Kezzem! Oooh, so romantic, Rumpus!" He scratches what used to be one of his own ponies behind the ears, then pulls out an apple, breaks it in half, and gives a portion to the now celestial pony.

"Talia, is she around? What are you - we - doing in Idlewood, anyhow? I - I've been trying to reach out to Pressi. I sense her, but - maybe she can't hear me?"

"Oh, how about Hobie? Is he here? Anyone else I should know about?"

He takes the other half of the apple, and gingerly offers it to the velociraptor, alert and ready to pull his flattened hand quickly should the creature try to bite more than the apple.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 7:06:12 PM
"Well long story short, as Kezzem mentioned, in the Humble's Ford invasion Talia, who prefers to go by Tali now, and I both got killed, when I fell, Miss Piggy returned to the celestial plane from which she originally came. Well, after meeting Lord Gargul for the first time, I realized how amazing he was, and as a result I decided I wanted to get to know the other gods as well, figuring that if both Pantheon and Gargul were this great, than the rest had to be pretty special as well. After the fight was over, Lord Gargul showed mercy to Tali and myself, and sent us both back, but we were both changed. Her just a bit, and me a complete overhaul. For Tali, she chose to drop her formal name and any formalities that went with it, choosing to go by Tali henceforth, and me, well, I lost all my Paladin abilities, including the ability to summon Miss Piggy, I sure miss her, but instead I gained these amazing cleric abilities, which include the ability to talk to animals, as well as, teleport short distances, I also gained the ability to cast cleric spells and some other cool spells like teleport and greater teleport. (Animal and Travel domains) Well after all this happened, I realized how much I missed Piggy, and still do, so I prayed that the gods would send me a new companion to fill the void, and they blessed me with Valerie. She's a pretty great little dinosaur, though I think she thinks she's a golden retriever".

Valerie the velociraptor takes the offered apple from Murphy, being careful not to bite the Druid, then gives him a sloppy kiss, and offers him one end of a tug-o-war rope dog toy.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 8:08:14 PM
Pressi followed the link and half the team, eventually catching up with Murphy. It had been so long since they had laid eyes on each other.

Falling into his embrace, she let out a soft cry. "Don't you ever get kidnapped by naked trans-dimensional gardeners again. What is wrong with you?"

She let out a sigh. "I'm just glad you are back. I don't need to know where you went."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 11:44:44 PM
Rumpus wonders where his apple is and looks at Murphey with sad eyes.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday December 10th, 2019 11:47:43 PM

Bliss is happy to all be together again, but he does not say anything when others praise the god of being a big jerk. That guy was a huge bully to his mom, just because she wanted one of her five dead kids back. And he was a little more than somewhat mean to Bliss, too, about having a shadow friend. But a hero does not fight with his comrades about religion, so he holds his peace.

Mookie listens in on his emotions. "It's okay, Kid. You'll see your mom in the Lands of Rest some day. Don't you worry. She'll wait for you there."

"Thanks, old friend."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 2:49:39 AM
Hobie, still unaware of Murphy's return outside, asks Jake to come sit near him and talk for a bit.
"That's great, Jake, how about you come over here and let me buy you a drink! I've got a few questions about that menagerie."
Hobie pulls out his coin purse and hands the bartender a few more gold pieces, making a point to let Jake see that he's carrying a lot more than your average townsperson. His dragonskin boots and quiver might also hint at Hobie's wealth.

"Good bartender, another ale for me, and whatever my friend is having. You hungry, Jake? We could order up some food. How about shots?" If Jake is willing to do shots, Hobie will say to the bartender "Bartender, two shots of your best whiskey! Actually, you know what, give me the whole bottle and two glasses."

If Jake is willing to come and talk, Hobie will ask him for as much information as possible about the menagerie: What do the wagons look like, how many wagons, how many people in their crew, what sort of people? What sort of animals do they have? Did they mention any future destinations, or maybe where they are originally from? What kind of work did Jake do for them? After all of the basic questions, if Jake is amenable, Hobie would ask if Jake ever noticed anything strange or suspicious about them? Only if this is a yes, will Hobie ask outright about the halflings, and if Jake noticed anything related to them.

As Jake is talking, Hobie will continuously pour more whiskey for Jake, trying to loosen his lips as much as possible, but not getting him too drunk to talk.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 2:52:16 AM
Oh shoot, I missed your description a few posts back about what was in the menagerie, especially the savage cannibal halflings. Hobie will absolutely ask Jake about the halflings.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid d20+38=49 ; d20+27=45 ;
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 4:08:16 AM

"You and Talia - Tali - died?" Murphy's face grew pale. "I told that fellow it was NOT the time to take me away. Maybe I could have made a difference..." His breathing stopped for a moment, then he inhaled deeply. "Just glad you and she are back," he says as he claps the cleric on the shoulder. Just as he is going to join Valerie's tug-o-war game, his fiancee arrives, and all else is forgotten.

Murphy embraces, listens, gives Pressi a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I'll try to avoid the scenario you describe, sweets. Wrong with me? I found out there's a certain sort of rash you can get on the plane of hot dirt. Itches like crazy," he teases her.

"Suffice it to say, I was pulled into helping out - and just learning - on a number of different planes - and we're not talking the Sargrass here. Seems learning to deal with trans-dimensional exploration and survival is customary on the way to joining the Dragon Consortium." He gives her one more squeeze. "Or so they tell me."

"So, again," he addresses the gradually growing group - "what brings the Sword to this town, pray tell? Mookie, what do you say?"

He may have noticed the emotional exchange between Bliss and Mookie during the course of the interwoven conversations. He means to ask Bliss about it later when there is less hubbub.
=========
Perception: 49
Sense Motive: 45

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 11:44:25 AM

Bliss sees Murphy's look of concern. "It's okay," he says, rubbing at an eye and getting himself together. "Just that reunions make me think of someday seeing my mom again."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 12:46:02 PM
At Murphy's words, Pressi shoved him backwards. "Ew, ew, I'm going to have that image in my mind for a week! Oh my god! Ugh! I know you're just kidding, but it changes nothing!"

--------------

In response to Murphy's earlier query, Pressi fills him in on the halfling trader that came to them after no other town would help. How they arrived at the trader's town to find it completely abandoned, with only subtle hints of a fight. How they had lost any hope of a trail along the well trodden roads. How divinations had revealed the halflings alive but caged and in fur rags.

"So now we follow the only path we can. There's been a traveling 'animal show' moving from town to town, run by a couple of dark elves. Nobody seems to have given it much thought, so intel remains light. But we do have a good fix on the path it's been taking. So the plan remains traveling from town to town and hoping we eventually catch up.... at which point, we face a hostage situation and a number of creatures capable of quickly dragging a bunch of halflings from their homes."

DM Kathy
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 1:44:42 PM
In the Hidden Hatchet, Tali asks the patrons about the "tribe of savage, cannibal halflings." You learn that the halflings were exhibited all together, in a rolling cage that had been rolled into a large tent. There were men, women, and children halflings, dressed in animal skins. Gnawed bones were scattered about in the cage. Some of the halflings appeared to be shouting, but made no noise.

"They didn't look all that savage," one woman said, sounding a bit disappointed. "Even though they were wearing those animal skins. They mostly just looked sad."

Hobie, meanwhile, is talking to Jake. When the bearded man comes to join you, you can see that he's already halfway through a plate of stew, but he doesn't turn down another ale--or a couple of shots of whiskey.

Jake is able to answer most of your questions. You learn that the menagerie has 11 wagons, of varying description. Some are rolling cages, some are cargo wagons. The menagerie owner has his own special wagon that he sleeps in; the other staff sleep in tents. The menagerie's owner is a half-orc named Olog Breaktooth. Olog has about a dozen low-level employees working for him--they drive the wagons, set up the tents, feed the animals, shovel the poop. In addition, there are four guards, whom Jake describes as "tough customers." They are on hand to deal with trouble, whether that trouble comes from the animals or from belligerent members of the public. The menagerie exhibits consist of: a lioness, a black bear, several monkeys, a peacock and peahen, a cage of tropical birds, another cage of stirges, a family of ocelots, two "mysterious dark elves," the "tribe of savage halflings," and "the world's largest baby."

Jake is able to give you a rundown of the towns the menagerie plans to visit next. Your DM declines to come up with a dozen town names, but you have the information. You ask specifically about the halflings, and learn basically the same information as Tali. "I'll tell you," Jake adds thoughtfully, "some of those animals weren't in very good shape. They fed 'em and everything, but some of 'em didn't look so good. That bear was missing patches of fur."

Outside, the reunion with Murphy continues. Kezzem and Succotash catch him up on the battle with the Iron Giant, the meeting with Gargul, and some of the fallout from it. Pressi catches him up on the current mission while Bliss struggles with his emotions.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 4:23:28 PM

"Thanks Jake, I really appreciate the info."
Hobie slides the rest of the whiskey bottle over to Jake, and leaves the bar.

When he gets outside and sees his friends gathered around Murphy, Hobie approaches gladly. "Murph! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes, where ya been?"

After the greetings, he goes to Pressi and relays all of the information he received from Jake in the bar.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 5:31:32 PM
"Well it seems our quarry is still ahead of us, shall we move on, or stay the night?", Succotash asks his friends as they are all assembled.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Wednesday December 11th, 2019 5:48:19 PM

"Wowsy, I would rather camp out than stay here," declares Bliss.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid
Thursday December 12th, 2019 3:43:56 AM

"I getcha, Bliss. It's got to be so hard to have lost her. Like Mookie says, though, one day, one day, a reunion." He squeezes his small friend's shoulder. "Say, when we can catch a break, let's you and me sit down with my mom for milk and biscuits some day."

"Ah. Ah. Thanks for filling me in on the mission."

"Hobie!" he returns the greeting. "So good to see you again. You helped save so many lives that day, friend," he says, giving him a hand to forearm hand shake. "Out scouting multiple planes - elemental, ethereal, astral, and some really strange ones. Somewhere in our future, we'll likely be dealing with something out there. I'm slightly less ignorant about all that than I was a few weeks ago."

As he is nearby, he listens carefully to what Hobie reports to Pressi.

"You all are more aware of what's going on than I with the menagerie. I'm going to make a quick run on food and a few goodies - maybe half an hour? Then I'd be ready to head, if that's what you all think best. Or stay. Your call. You can take off before I'm done - just point the direction you're heading now."

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday December 12th, 2019 10:39:42 AM

Bliss tries to put the puzzle pieces of this challenge together.

"Well, at first I was kind of happy. We've been recovering artifacts and exploring hollow 200-ft-tall giants and stopping an invasion. It's kind of nice to not have to worry about Wold-shaking events and just track down some missing people."

"But heck, why would someone be so dumb as to shanghai halflings into slavery to be in a show? Unwilling people aren't even that good at performing! They seem more sad than savage! I mean, you could walk into Humbles Ford, put out word that you wanted to recruit performers to play "wild savages" for a travelling show, and you'd have plenty of volunteers, prolly for room, board, and a bit of coin, if the food was good!"

Bliss also wonders if the group isn't a bit overpowered for this mission. But he does not say anything, because he doesn't want to jinx it! He just thinks it to Mookie.

The bird thinks back, ::Maybe they are devil worshippers and they sacrifice one halfling every week for their Balor overlord. And you get to fight the balor!::

::You mean WE get to fight the balor!::

::No, I don't.::

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28
Thursday December 12th, 2019 11:36:06 AM
"Greed is blind," says Kezzem. "They don't care about the quality of the show, just that they pay as little as possible. Doesn't occur to them that they could get more money by putting on a good show even after paying their performers."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+25=29 ; d20+30=36 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+10=21 ;
Thursday December 12th, 2019 12:59:19 PM
The Return of Murphy

When Tali learns all she believes she is going to get out of the assembled peoples, she heads outside. Turning the corner, she she her friends gathered around her long lost pal, Murphy! She quickly hovers over to see if he's real and not a mirage!

"Mister Murphy!" gleefully shouts Tali. "How the heck are you, my friend?!"

Skill Checks:

Bluff: 29
Diplomacy: 36
Gather Info: 18
Perception: 21

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 815 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 815 / 840 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday December 12th, 2019 1:19:13 PM
Pressi nods at Bliss and Kezzem. "Well, I don't quite want to speculate on motives yet. I'm still kind of raw on the fact that gathering information requires just playing it straight. I want to lie to someone, darn it.

"Somehow, I suspect that these half orcs just look upon us halflings as another animal to be pressed into service." Pressi thinks back to some of her own initial impressions of the town, the whole "they're criminals and we require disguises... aren't they?" statement unsaid only because of Murphy's interruption. "I guess we all struggle to some degree. But I'm not feeling a lot of empathy right now."

In response to Murphy, "That's unnecessary, I'm sure we can wait and resupply. But we should get moving as soon as we can, and we may need to skip a camp or two after all. The plan remains, though, slow and steady as we gather as much information as we can."

DM Kathy
Thursday December 12th, 2019 1:48:24 PM
Hobie thanks Jake and heads outside to his friends. Tali likewise finishes up and heads outside. Both are delighted to see Murphy, who asks for a little time to gather supplies.

Bliss wonders aloud why the menagerie is kidnapping people when they could probably get better results just hiring and paying them. Kezzem has a good answer: greed and shortsightedness.

Succotash wonders whether to stay here or move on; Bliss and Pressi are in favor of moving on. Indeed, it is still early afternoon, and even with the days getting shorter, there are hours of daylight left. Murphy can find at least some of what he needs (it's a frontier town, so not everything is available), and you can continue on your journey.

The sun makes some effort to emerge as you travel, but by the time you stop to set up camp, more clouds have rolled in. The temperature remains chilly enough to be uncomfortable, but not cold enough to be dangerous. The overcast makes for a dark night, with neither moons nor stars visible.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28
Thursday December 12th, 2019 4:39:30 PM
"Pressi, anyone can lie," says Kezzem. "The real challenge is figuring how to mislead someone by telling the truth."

OOC: The paladin's code is really more of a guideline to Kezzem.

"Ooo, it's getting chilly out," observes Kezzem. "Now I'm wishing I prepared some of those element endurance spells instead or restorations!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Thursday December 12th, 2019 5:27:58 PM
�I should have bought that Cloak of Comfort I saw last time I was at the Catacombs, only 1000gp, and endure elements is always present�, Succotash says as he pulls his cloak tighter, �Probably should have gotten a slottless version for Valerie as well, or I could have just prepared the spell and save myself 3000gp, remind me to do that in the morning�.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid
Friday December 13th, 2019 6:23:52 AM
"I'm the heck good, Talia," he responds. "I mean, Tali. Keep that up and in six months you'll be Tal, in a year Ta, and eventually just 'T'. Great to see you - glad Gargul was good to you. Tell me what happened on the way. Wanna help out with the shopping?"

Murphy gathers, with any who will help, food and other items to help his friends along the way.

-> Good quantities of fruit (fresh or dried, as available); vegetables (roots, turnips, rutabagas, carrots, leafy greens, etc.); meat - freshly butchered (lamb? beef? pork? -mmm, bacon) or dried/salted; fish -fresh or dried/salted; several blocks of cheese; seasonings; lots of salt; teas; coffee; two barrels (for water); 4 kegs/casks of wine; 4 kegs of ale.
-> Winter wools - blankets, sheets, wraps, coats, scarfs, hats, gloves/mittens, socks, boots. Sized, where possible, for halflings - enough for party and up to 10 additional halflings. 2 tents. 2 crowbars; 2 shovels; 2 pickaxes; 2 hammers; 1 sledge hammer.
-> Horse and horse-drawn wagon (or cart if no wagon is available), tack as appropriate. 5-6 sheep and/or goats to place in cart, with feed for the animals for the journey. Lions and velociraptors and bears can get hungry. If there happens to be a mama goat and nursing kid, all the better. The biggest baby in the world may need milk.
-> Healing salves, ointments, bandages. Wounds and abrasions may need care.
Our good DM can let us know Murphy's relative level of shopping success. He has up to 250gp to spend on this supply project, though he is willing to spend less. Probably took more than 1/2 hour.

.Once he is set and the horse is in harness, the wagon loaded, he says to Pressi, "Yep, slow and steady, as you prescribed."

"Giddup!" Murphy helps set up camp, makes sure that a latrine pit is dug per custom, wondering how much Bliss may comment on it. He lays up trip lines and bells which will ring if people or critters contact certain thin cords around the layered defenses. Those who have traveled with the druid will likely be familiar with these sorts of things. He lets others set up tents, and feed the animals. The cold-weather gear may be used by whoever needs it.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+25=41 ;
Friday December 13th, 2019 6:59:48 AM

Bliss uses Rose's Temperature Control spells for himself and Mookie for warmth, and to set up a couple warming stations around the camp.

"You know, your Mom used to travel with the original Rose," Mookie says. "She had a raven, too. Actually, there were three mages, and three ravens, in that party."

"Those were the days."

Bliss and Mookie take first watch. Perception 41

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Friday December 13th, 2019 10:41:42 AM
Oh Winter it's a coming...

Tali seeing Mister Murphy gearing up for the winter, will also try to purchase some winter gear for herself, know she has none. Tali will look for the same goods Mister Murphy is looking for.

Winter wools - blankets, sheets, wraps, coats, scarfs, hats, gloves/mittens, socks, boots. Sized, where possible, for halflings.

Tali has the money to purchase her own gear.

Tali will describe the basic Iron Giant story to Mister Murphy from her perspective during the journey.

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 815 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 815 / 840 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday December 13th, 2019 10:49:00 AM
Not much more happens at this point. Pressi, like Bliss, uses spells and equipment for warmth, and she takes the last watch right before morning. Like Murphy, she helps set up some traps in addition to setting up tents and animals. She even considers casting a contingency spell (but once again lacks the nutty focus element).

She takes Bliss' cue as to whether he wants to do the shared ritual of warding. For the intermediate ritual, she actually skips the shared shield of faith spell in favor of the ritual of healing (D12s for healing spells.)

DM Kathy
Friday December 13th, 2019 2:05:05 PM
Murphy is able to acquire: salt, tea, coffee, a keg of ale, a barrel for water, 1 tent, 2 shovels, 2 pickaxes, 2 hammers, 1 sledge hammer, 3 blankets, a barrel of salt fish, and a bushel of root vegetables. There is no meat or fruit available. They did not have any ready-made clothes, although you could get warm fabric to make into clothes if anybody has that skill. They didn't have a healer's kit or anything that would go in one. There were no animals to spare, and in fact you had a bit of a hard time finding a horse to draw the cart. In the end, you wound up with a mule. You spent about 50 gold total.

By the time Tali goes looking, Murphy has cleaned it all out--although, again, there is warm woolen fabric available if you have the skill to turn it into something.

You will be passing through other towns as you travel, so you will have the opportunity to acquire more gear, depending on what the other towns have available.

You set up camp, complete with early-warning systems, and discuss ways of keeping yourselves warm.

The night is mostly quiet, until Pressi, on dawn watch, hears a clattering over on the west side of camp. Something has set off one of the warning traps.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28
Friday December 13th, 2019 6:43:50 PM
"There were three ravens, Mookie? I don't know about that. Sounds like a...conspiracy...to me. "

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+25=38 ;
Friday December 13th, 2019 9:33:24 PM
BEFORE SLEEP:
"Um," Mookie ponders ... "Theo and Macaw. Rose and Piper. Vauhwyt and me. Yup, three!" he tells Kezzem.

DURING SLEEP:
Bliss makes a perception check to see if maybe he can wake up when the alarm goes off ... Perception 38?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid d20+38=44 ;
Saturday December 14th, 2019 1:31:00 AM
Murphy post 20191213b

Shopping
Murphy was grateful for what he was able to buy - and does scoop up as much wool (maybe other fabrics to go with it, cotton, linen?) as the seller will allow - plus thread, and - scissors?

On the road
Murphy takes in Tali's recounting of the massive battled of the giants vs. Humble's Ford. He listens attentively, asks questions here and there. "Those dwarfs, whatever they may have claimed or not claimed about or for themselves, did evil. They would have had a much better shot at what they were aiming for had they either backed off, or waited until later. Fools. Wicked-acting fools. I am sorry about what they did against you, Tali. And proud of you for calling upon Madame Gem to work the fusion with the tower, at great personal cost, a signal victory for our people."

At the camp
"I can go to fire elemental, and you can use me as a source of warmth," he volunteers. The food he made available, as well as a couple cooking pots and utensils. He leaves it to others to cook. He also asks others to tell him their experiences in the giant fight. As he listens to the stories, he jots notes. If not flaming.

At dawn
Generally Murphy arises at or shortly before dawn, for prayers, meditation and spells restoral - plus putting on a fresh pot of water to heat for breakfast. Just in case he is still asleep, though, if Perception 44, including alertness feat/keen senses, is enough for the noise to awaken Murphy (he is rather used to using the noise of traps he sets to awaken him), then he arises. He moves off perhaps 30 feet away from Pressi. If it is still dark, he whaps hard with the palm of his hand a sunrod and tosses it in the general direction she is looking at to try to illuminate what is out there. If some ambient light is available, though, he simply looks outward, preparing to defend himself and friends.
========
Perception 44

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells d20+18=29 ;
Saturday December 14th, 2019 10:59:51 AM
Since becoming cleric Succotash makes a point of rising early, so as to pray and prepare spells, and then gets the coffee brewing and hot water heating for those who prefer tea, as well as getting breakfast started, having Murphy back and on the same schedule as himself throws him off a bit at first, but he soon discovers he relishes the company, and the assistance getting breakfast going. He already has his own cold weather outfit, and heavy wool winter blanket, as well as a cooking pot and coffee/tea kettle. a throw back to his days as a traveling paladin, when he slept on the ground, and out of doors, as much if not more often than in a bed, but he thanks Murphy and Tali for their thoughtfulness, even though he has no need for their generosity at the moment..

If Succotash is still sleeping when the alarms go off, his perception is 29-10(for sleeping)=19

if he is awake, his perception is 29

CDM Jerry [OOC post]
Saturday December 14th, 2019 11:52:26 AM
Everyone is invited to the retirement party for the

Iron Dragons!

To be held on the Giggling Ghost board!
Starting Monday, December 16
and continuing all week.

Please come help celebrate their incredible journey
from level 1 through level 20.
[June 29, 2009 - December 13, 2019]

There will be stories!
Speeches!
[yes we'll make them do this ::grin::]
Questions and Answers
Free imaginary food!

Feel free to head there now,
but the festivities start on Monday.

-----

Then starting Saturday, December 21st, our Woldian Slowdown begins along with our
YULETIDE CELEBRATIONS
in the Giggling Ghost.

ACDM Rob is in charge of the festivities in the Giggling Ghost during the Yuletide Slowdown. He will send out an email sometime before the 21st explaining how the Giggling Ghost activities will work.

As a reminder, all requirements to post daily in your Career game are banished until Monday, January 6, 2020. A reminder to begin posting will come out the weekend before to remind you.
During the Yuletide Slowdown:
--no game may be in combat
--no game may advance its story line in any significant way
--posting is allowed, but not required by players or DMs
--all games should be in a relatively safe location where those who desire may roleplay for fun

Everyone who wants to roleplay are encouraged to hang out and post as much as you like in the Giggling Ghost and participate in the activities happening there.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Sunday December 15th, 2019 2:38:50 PM
As others are waking up from the sound of the alarm, Hobie will jump up and look out as well for what could possibly have set off the trap. He quickly attaches his Efficient quiver and pulls Prowler from it.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Monday December 16th, 2019 7:13:23 AM
Pressi considers checking it out herself but instead blasts a ghost sound (loud shriek) throughout the land.

DM Kathy
Monday December 16th, 2019 2:01:52 PM
Pressi, alerted to something entering camp, uses Ghost Sound to sound the alarm.

You all jump awake and ready yourselves for combat.

Although dawn is coming soon, it isn't here yet. Your camp is fairly dark; clouds still hide the moons and stars.

In the dim light of the fire, you see--something--approaching.

Knowledge: Dungeoneering DC 23 Highlight to display spoiler: {This is a Carnivorous Blob}.

And the map. You should be able to edit the map. Please move your own character when you move. Feel free to create ongoing spell effects (obscuring mist, etc.) on the map.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32, touch AC 19, HP 174/174, CMD 32; Rumpus AC 29, touch AC 15, HP 74/74, CMD 28
Monday December 16th, 2019 3:52:50 PM
Kezzem wakes up and stands. He draws his daggers (free action with Quick Draw).

"By Gargul's Grapefruits, what the heck is that thing?" he asks.

Kezzem attempts to Detect Evil on the creature.

Rumpus stands as well and gets ready for combat (total defense).

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells d20+8=21 ; d20+22=26 ; d20+22=42 ; d20+22=32 ; d20+22=24 ; d20+17=18 ; d20+12=22 ; 2d6+21=24 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+21=32 ; d6=2 ; 6d6=18 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+21=27 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+21=28 ; d6=1 ;
Monday December 16th, 2019 4:37:53 PM
Not knowing exactly what this thing is, but not being a fool, Hobie knows this creature is bad news.

Hobie steps back, clicks his heels, and lets a full barrage of arrows fly with deadly aim.

Manyshot = 26
Nonlethal Piercing 24, Electric 6
Nonlethal Piercing 32, Electric 2

Rapid Shot = Natural 20, Confirmation = 32
Nonlethal Piercing = (6d6+63) 81, Electric 2

Haste = 24
Nonlethal Piercing 27, Electric 5

Iterative 1 = Natural 1
MISS!!

Iterative 2 = 22
Nonlethal Piercing 28, Electric 1

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Monday December 16th, 2019 6:13:30 PM
Seeing the ooze type thing, in front of them, Succotash tells Valerie to stay, and then casts summon natures ally 8, his 8th level domain spell, and summons a purple worm which will appear next round, using his augmented summons feat.

Purple Worm CR 12

XP 19,200
N Gargantuan magical beast
Init �2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft.; Perception +18

DEFENSE

AC 26, touch 4, flat-footed 26 (�2 Dex, +22 natural, �4 size)
hp 232 (16d10+112)
Fort +18, Ref +8, Will +4

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., burrow 20 ft., swim 10 ft.
Melee bite +27 (4d8+14/19�20 plus grab), sting +27 (2d8+14 plus poison)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (4d8+14 bludgeoning damage, AC 21, 20 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 39, Dex 6, Con 29, Int 1, Wis 8, Cha 8
Base Atk +16; CMB +34 (+38 grapple); CMD 42 (can�t be tripped)
Feats Awesome Blow, Critical Focus, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), Power Attack, Staggering Critical, Weapon Focus (bite, sting)
Skills Perception +18, Swim +20

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Poison (Ex)
Sting�injury; save Fortitude DC 29; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d4 Strength damage; cure 3 consecutive saves. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+10=28 ; d20+21=33 ;
Monday December 16th, 2019 8:00:46 PM
Preambling Night Visitor

Since this alert is still in the early AM, it should be been during Tali's 2AM watch. As Tali always meditates for two (2) hours before her watch, she is able to cast her stand spells at the begining of her watch:

Overland Flight & Mage Armor

If this intruder did in wander in during Tali's watch, Tali is hovering 7 feet above the ground. Tali did purchase a bolt of the fabric just to see what her cantrips could do with cloth. During the early part of her watch, she cut a portion "halfling sized" of the bolt of winter cloth, and in casting Presidigitation & Mending hopes that she can wear something usable, that the cantrips have made. {is there a DC check to be made here?}

Night Visitor | What is it?!

Not sure exactly what the thing is (Knowledge Arcana check), but perceving (Perception Check) its size, Tali will fly at least is size higher into the air, so, she will be monster height +7 feet above the ground. Using what she gains from her Knowledge Arcana skill, she hopes to be able to recall what the things vunerabilities are.

Aside from flying out of harms way, Tali will delay her attack, until she can recall what the weaknesses are...

Skill Checks:

Knowledge Arcana: 33
Perception: 28

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 830 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 830 / 840 minutes

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday December 16th, 2019 10:40:50 PM
Bliss knows an enemy when he sees one! And even if he didn't, Hobie's barrage of arrows would tell him in any event.

Bliss backs up and casts his newest, most powerful spell: Living_Voodoo_Doll. It allows no saving throw or spell resistance! It causes both Bliss and the enemy to be SICKENED.

Sickened: The character takes a �2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

Mookie, concerned about Bliss, stays close and readies an attack in case the thing comes near.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid d20+6=7 ; d20+38=58 ;
Monday December 16th, 2019 11:08:37 PM

Murphy has no idea what that red tentacled blob is, but does not trust it. So he encircles it (ensquares it?) with a 10' wall of thorns.

================
Knowledge, dungeoneering: 7 (nat 1)
Perception: 58 (nat 20) - so, perhaps aided by the lit stick he sent last round, he can perceive it Real Well. If there is anything else around or about, he might have a clue on that, too.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 12:04:46 AM
Final

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 3:36:14 AM
Header update for Murphy

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 5:07:53 AM

Note: Added grid coordinates to map. Murphy started this round at q4 (about 25'-30' away from Pressi at k5/6), and moved by the end of the round to v2.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 126, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+4=15 ;
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 10:16:17 AM
(OOC on a couple of items. 1) I'm assuming that this means for Pressi and Bliss full spell slots but no rituals. 2) I'm thinking early AM is closer to 6 AM, when Talia will have just gone to sleep.)

Pressi gives an attempt at identification "the old college try" but can only see this giant massive blob. She assumes that THIS is a creature outside of its natural element.

Harper gives a low growl.

In preparation, Pressi activates her spectral hand and figures she will have to figure it out the hard way.

DM Kathy d20+17=34 ; 8d6+19=48 ; d4=1 ;
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 2:26:15 PM
[OOC: I want to focus my attention on the combat, so we'll do Fun with Textiles after the combat wraps.]

Kezzem draws his weapons and attempts to detect whether the creature is evil. It is not.

Hobie fires several shots, which all hit, but do less piercing damage than you would have expected. The creature does not seem to take the electrical damage. It also doesn't seem to be subject to critical hits; the shot that would have been critical is just a normal hit. [I need you to roll normal damage for that one, please.]

Succotash begins casting a summoning spell; a Purple Worm will show up next round unless the spell is somehow disrupted.

Tali takes to the skies and tries to identify the creature, but all she is able to determine is that her Arcane knowledge is coming up blank. [It is a Dungeoneering check.]

Bliss sacrifices some of his own abilities to hamper the creature.

Murphy encircles the creature with a Wall of Thorns.

Pressi assumes the creature is out of its natural element. It really isn't, but it's trying to eat you, so fighting it is probably okay. She casts Spectral Hand.

The creature is momentarily confused by the Wall of Thorns, but it's also pretty hungry. After a moment's hesitation, it starts glorping over the wall. [It has a climb speed.] It's taking damage, but it doesn't seem to care. It's pretty determined.

It is now within melee range of a target, so a pseudopod lashes out at Pressi. It hits! Pressi takes 48 damage, plus 1 point of Constitution drain.

The creature is an amorphous blob, and you are experienced enough adventurers to peg it as "some kind of ooze." But to get more specifics, somebody's going to need to hit that DC 23 Dungeoneering check.

And the map.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 2:57:05 PM
Bliss and Mookie move south so that the friendly worm is between them and the blob.

Bliss uses a focused curse to cast Baleful Polymorph and change the blob into a toad. The focused curse gives it a -1 on the save, and the sickened condition gives it a -2. The save DC is 19 for a fort save and then a will save.

If the spell works, Bliss shouts, "DON'T HURT MY NEW PET FROGGIE!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 d2=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d20+38=45 ;
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 4:24:31 PM

Electricity does not seem to affect the blob. So: Fire or Ice? Fire if 1, Ice if 2. Rolled 2-Ice
Murphy casts Ice Storm. The creature takes 6 hp blugeoning damage, and 9 hp cold damage.

"Pressi! BACK WAY UP FRIENDS. IT CAN REACH FAR!" Murphy shouts. He thinks of about six or eight things that he might do, and hurts as she is hurt.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells d20+22=29 ; d3+2=3 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 4:26:37 PM
"Well, I don't think my daggers will be much use against this thing," says Kezzem. "Hopefully I can at least get it's attention. Here oozy, oozy, oozy, oozy, oozy!"

Kezzem and Rumpus move to protect Pressi.

IF Bliss's polymorph works, Kezzem will go total defense.

OTHERWISE, he will make one attack with his ice dagger.

Attack: 1d20 + 22 = 29.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 3 + 2= 5.

Rumpus will go total defense either way.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells d20+27=46 ; d20+27=43 ; 4d8+14=29 ; 2d8+14=25 ; 15d6=51 ;
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 5:52:16 PM
Succotash yells out to Bliss, "I have know idea what kind it is, but unless I'm mistaken, all oozes are immune to Polymorph!" he then casts flame strike centered on the ooze inflicting 25 fire damage and 26 divine damage DC 21 reflex for half

The purple worm will use it's 15ft reach to attack the ooze with both it's bite and stinger

Bite hits AC 46 for 29 damage
Stinger hits AC 43 for 25 damage but since oozes are immune to poison, it doesn't have to make a con save.

Purple Worm CR 12

XP 19,200
N Gargantuan magical beast
Init �2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft.; Perception +18

DEFENSE

AC 26, touch 4, flat-footed 26 (�2 Dex, +22 natural, �4 size)
hp 232 (16d10+112)
Fort +18, Ref +8, Will +4

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., burrow 20 ft., swim 10 ft.
Melee bite +27 (4d8+14/19�20 plus grab), sting +27 (2d8+14 plus poison)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (4d8+14 bludgeoning damage, AC 21, 20 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 39, Dex 6, Con 29, Int 1, Wis 8, Cha 8
Base Atk +16; CMB +34 (+38 grapple); CMD 42 (can�t be tripped)
Feats Awesome Blow, Critical Focus, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), Power Attack, Staggering Critical, Weapon Focus (bite, sting)
Skills Perception +18, Swim +20

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Poison (Ex)
Sting�injury; save Fortitude DC 29; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d4 Strength damage; cure 3 consecutive saves. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+19=32 ; d20+10=28 ;
Tuesday December 17th, 2019 10:31:15 PM
Obscure Ooze Oozing

While hovering Monster Size +7 feet above the ground at D3, Tali will fly over to O1, thinking about her next or rather first attack onto the creature directly below her, some 40' feet below.

When she can, Tali will cast Hold Monster on her turn directly into the living gianormous Ooze 40+ feet below her. With any of the spells her group casted, Tali hopes this spell will be successful!

Hold Monster Spell Effect

Range medium (100 ft. + 150 ft.)
Target one living creature
Duration: 15 rounds || 1 round/level (D); see text
Saving Throw Will negates; see text; Spell Resistance yes

Skill Checks:

Fly: 32
Perception: 28

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 830 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 830 / 840 minutes

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 2d6+21=26 ; d20+22=26 ; d20+22=33 ; d20+17=20 ; d20+12=16 ; 2d6+21=28 ; 2d6+21=32 ; 2d6+21=29 ; 2d6+21=28 ; 2d6+21=25 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 3:29:17 AM
Arrow from previous round= 26 Nonlethal Piercing

Hobie knows his arrows aren't ideal against a blob, but he keeps firing away.

Manyshot= 26
Nonlethal Piercing = 28
Nonlethal Piercing = 32

Rapid shot = 33
Nonlethal Piercing = 29

Iterative 1= 20
Nonlethal Piercing = 28

Iterative 2 = 16
Nonlethal Piercing = 25

===============================
Rounds of Haste used 1/10

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 63/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+15=18 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 12:08:46 PM
Pressi screams in pain, but she has the presence of mind to grab the tentacle and scan it with all her abilities.

(Attack Roll 18 vs touch AC. If it hits, she gets a full scan via Kowledge Domain: Lore Keeper, Dungeoneering Roll 31.)

With that, Pressi retreats back a bit, hoping to regroup. She calls a hissing Harper to move near her.

Her spectral hand remains left behind.

-----------------

con drain 1
spectral hand

L1: 1

DM Kathy d20+3=7 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=28 ; 8d6+19=44 ; d4=4 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+15=20 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 2:39:04 PM
Bliss casts Baleful Polymorph. The spell seems to slide right off its intended target. It isn't that the creature made its save; it's as if the spell couldn't affect it at all. Succotash calls out that oozes might be immune to polymorph, and this appears to be the case.

Meanwhile, Murphy casts Ice Storm. The bludgeoning damage doesn't seem to affect the creature at all, but--this is interesting! It takes more damage from the cold!

Kezzem attempts to call the ooze like a cat, which doesn't even work on cats. He attacks with his ice dagger. Similar to Murphy's spell, the weapon damage doesn't seem to do anything at all, but the cold damage is even more than you thought it would be! However, in response to being hit, the creature lashes out at Kezzem! It misses.

Succotash hits the creature with a Flame Strike. The fire damage doesn't do anything at all, but the creature takes divine damage as normal. The purple worm bites! It hits! And then the ooze splits into two oozes! One of the oozes lashes out at the purple worm. It hits! The worm takes 44 damage and 4 points of Constitution drain. Then the worm stings! The ooze is not affected by the poison, and doesn't split again, so that's nice. It does lash out at the worm again, but misses this time.

Tali attempts a Hold Monster. Like Bliss, Tali finds that her spell just kind of slides off the creature, as if it can't be affected by it.

Hobie sends more arrows into the original ooze, which is starting to look pretty hurt.

Pressi is able to grab a tendril and use her ability. You learn that this is a Carnivorous Blob, a kind of ooze. Oozes are immune to a lot of things, including critical hits, sneak attack, flanking, mind-affecting spells (like Hold Monster), paralysis, poison, sleep, stun, and polymorph. Carnivorous Blobs have damage reduction 10/-. They resist fire and electricity, and are vulnerable to cold. If they are hit with a melee attack, they get an immediate attack in response, which doesn't count as an Attack of Opportunity. Slashing damage makes them split into more oozes, so maybe don't do that.

Pressi retreats, provoking an Attack of Opportunity from the original ooze, but it misses.

The original ooze continues glorping over the Wall of Thorns. It attacks Kezzem, but misses.

The new ooze attacks Succotash's Purple Worm, but misses.

And the map.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells 15d6=60 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 5:42:35 PM
Seeing the Purple Worm cause the ooze to split, Succotash quickly dismisses the Worm (a standard action) then he will burn a hero point to gain a second standard action, and cast blade barrier forming ring of force, 20ft tall that will drop on both oozes, inflicting 60 points of force damage (DC 22 reflex negates) and causing 15d6 to anyone who passes through it (DC 22 reflex for half)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells d20+22=40 ; d20+17=18 ; d20+12=28 ; d3+2=4 ; d3+2=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 8:39:41 PM
OOC: Don't dismiss the worm! At the very least keep it to tank.

"Rumpus, I don't think your hooves are going to affect this thing," says Kezzem. "Let's see, Pressi has Harper, Succo has Valeria, Mookie has Bliss...go guard Hobbie I guess?"

Rumpus neighs and falls back by Hobbie. Total defense.

Kezzem attacks solely with his frost dagger.

Attack: 1d20 + 22 = 40.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 4 + 5 = 9.

Attack: 1d20 + 17 = 18. Natural 1.

Attack: 1d20 + 12 = 28.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1d6 cold = 4 + 5 = 9.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+36=39 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 11:35:08 PM

Bliss double checks that at least one of the blobs is still sickened by his magic. Maybe they both are? Bliss casts a Flesh to Stone spell on a sickened one. That's a DC19 Fort save.

Then he and Mookie back up, tumbling to avoid AoOs if any. Acrobatics 39.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+19=22 ; d20+10=23 ;
Wednesday December 18th, 2019 11:56:13 PM
Duce Carnivorous Blobs

Discovering that her last spell was not very effective, Tali will hover from O2 to position E5, then cast a spell on one of the blobs at position FL 1318. Tali casts Wall of Force

Wall of Force

Range close (25 ft. + 35ft.) = 60 ft.
Effect wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level ~ 15 10-ft Squares
Duration 1 round /level (D) ~ 15 rounds
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Wall of force as seen on the map.

Skill Checks:

Fly: 22
Perception: 23

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 830 / 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 830 / 840 minutes

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells d20+21=33 ; d20+21=38 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+11=22 ; 2d6+21=30 ; 2d6+21=28 ; 2d6+21=27 ; 2d6+21=27 ;
Thursday December 19th, 2019 6:28:42 AM
Hobie keeps firing away.

Manyshot = 33
Nonlethal Piercing = 30
Nonlethat Piercing = 28

Rapid shot = 38
Nonlethal Piercing = 27

Iterative 1= Natural 1

Iterative 2 = 22
Nonlethal Piercing = 27

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Thursday December 19th, 2019 6:54:26 AM

Murphy saw Pressi try to grab hold of the - tentacle? Pseudopod? of the creature, and knows she may have learned something. "Pressi, what did you learn? What is this thing?"

He wild shapes into a huge air elemental and flies 80 feet up into the air. Now has darkvision. And prepares to cast.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 d4=1 ;
Thursday December 19th, 2019 11:18:02 AM
(Spectral Hand has 1 hp)

As Pressi dodges the blob's atttack. "One thing I definitely learned. Whoever said there's always room for jello is a LIAR."

Pressi casts message and proceeds to report as above. She also yells at Succotash to stop doing slashing damage.

"One more disadvantage. It may have ridiculous reach but it's still slow moving. And it's stupid. Continue to use environmental and range attacks, and lets put some distance between us and them."

With that, Pressi mounts Harper and moves herself back towards the group. "Let's ride."

DM Kathy d20+12=20 ;
Thursday December 19th, 2019 2:32:23 PM
Succotash dismisses his Purple Worm, much to Kezzem's dismay.

Kezzem goes to work with his dagger. As before, the weapon damage doesn't do anything; it's all about the cold.

Hobie starts shooting. His Manyshot sends two arrows into the original ooze, and it dissolves into a puddle. He switches targets, and begins shooting the other ooze.

Bliss tries to turn the second ooze into stone, but it makes its save.

Murphy transforms himself into an elemental.

Pressi passes on what she learned.

Tali encircles the second ooze with a Wall of Force, trapping it on the Wall of Thorns. The damage from the thorns proves to be too much--that creature, too, collapses into a puddle of goo.

Succotash can save his Hero Point. The battle is over.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d8=1 ; d8=3 ; d8=8 ; d8=5 ; d8=7 ;
Thursday December 19th, 2019 2:56:02 PM

Bliss laughs and says to Mookie. "That one shoulda chose to fail its save vs my spell. Better to be a nifty statue than to be a puddle of goo."

Mookie nods. "Plus, as a statue, there was always a chance someone mighta changed it back someday."

A bit of breeze blows the smell of goo over to Bliss, and he promptly throws up.

"Ugh," says Bliss, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. He turns off the magic that made him sick. "Wowsy, now I feel better. I'm not sure I like that spell."

Bliss wanders over to his friends. "Great job guys! Murphy, that wall of thorns was cool. Tali, your wall of force was the key. Hobbie, good shooting. Brother Succotash, good flame strike. Kezzem, that dagger is the best! Pressi, at least you sucked up an attack."

Mookie caws a harsh laugh. "Kid, you did a good job contributing absolutely nothing to that fight!"

"Wowsy, I know, right!" declares Bliss, with a huge grin. "Well, at least I have chicken! I mean cures!"

He cures 35 to Pressi. (CCW)

"Who you calling chicken?" asks Mookie.

"You, Leeroy!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday December 19th, 2019 4:04:25 PM
"I believe there is a 32.3 percent, repeating of course, that you are in fact a chicken, Mookie," says Kezzem.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells d100=92 ; d100=59 ;
Thursday December 19th, 2019 4:05:06 PM
Like any archer worth his salt, when the fight is done, Hobie sees if he can't retrieve the arrows that missed their target. To his luck, he finds them both intact and returns them to his quiver.

Once the group has calmed down, and sets about their morning rituals, Hobie will take the time to prepare his spells, and just in case they run into any creatures like this again, he will attune his elemental arrows to Frost for the day, instead of their usual Shock.

Boots of haste used 1/10

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells d8=4 ; d8=2 ;
Thursday December 19th, 2019 5:19:43 PM
"Sorry Kezzem, that Worm had only slightly more intelligence than the ooze, and I had no way to stop it from attacking, which would continue to split the thing", Succotash says to explain his action, "I really had no other choice, at the time, but everything worked out anyways. Looking around Succotash notices that Pressi still isn't fully healed and that she looks a little less healthy than normal, so he walks over to her and casts lesser restoration removing the 1 con damage she had received (didn't bother rolling since it was only one con damage) than cast cure moderate wounds on her healing 16 hp, which along with Bliss's healing should top her up.

After making sure no one else needed any healing, depending on whither or not he got his full 8 hours of rest, he will either go back to bed to finish his 8 hours, then find a quiet place to pray and prepare his spells, or, head directly to the quiet space.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Thursday December 19th, 2019 7:27:35 PM

"Thank heavens for bravery, mighty arrows, and a much shorter combat than I anticipated."

Murphy soars up high into the sky to see if he can see any signs of light in the waning hours of the morning. Any nearby towns, cities, convenience stores...

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday December 19th, 2019 10:43:23 PM

Mookie laughs. "I like those odds, Kezzie!"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92 d20+10=11 ;
Friday December 20th, 2019 11:25:25 AM
Dual Splooge Blobs

Tali returns to the ground with a slow decent. "Wow, team, that was intense!" Tali remarks! "I'm assuming they have no pockets and therefore no treasure?!" Tali inquiries.

"Perhaps we should sleep in the trees from now on or maybe someone has a Magic Mansion to sleep in?" suggests Tali to the group?! "Anyone know the time?" says Tali.

Skill Checks:

Perception: 11 {NAT 1}

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 815 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 815 of 840 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday December 20th, 2019 2:00:46 PM
Pressi wrinkled her nose at the absorb damage comment, but took the healing graciously.

�Yeah, I guess I could have done that, too.�

DM Kathy
Friday December 20th, 2019 2:33:05 PM
[OOC: I'm awarding a Hero Point to Hobie, because his damage is really what killed the thing. And another one to Pressi for hanging in there even when she was attacked.]

After the battle, Bliss heals Pressi. Succotash adds some extra healing, and attempts to use Lesser Restoration to restore the lost point of Constitution. Alas, it was drain, not damage, so Lesser Restoration won't help. Pressi's Constitution loss will be permanent until she can get a full Restoration cast on her.

Murphy flies up in the air, but doesn't see any lights to speak of.

Tali speculates that the creature does not have treasure, and she is correct in that.

You return to camp, and attempt to rest until actual dawn, but that proves difficult. Adrenaline is high, and the dead oozes are starting to get a bit whiffy. The sky is barely light when you break camp and head out for the day.

As they travel, Murphy and Tali reflect on their experiments with fabric. Back in Idlewood, there had been 12 yards of woolen fabric available, for 5 gp per yard. Between you, you bought it all. Murphy was able to buy thread for 5 silver. It isn't very good thread, but it will do. They didn't have scissors, although they did have needles. In camp, Tali had experimented with cutting some of the cloth. Unless you already had scissors with you, you needed to use a knife, which was tricky but doable. You tried a Mending spell to see if it would create a garment. You cast the spell--and the cut piece of fabric re-attached itself to the fabric it had been cut from. Which is kind of nifty, but not really what you wanted.

So, you give it some thought. You think you can create very simple garments if you just pay attention and don't try anything fancy. [OOC: According to the Craft skill, it is a DC 10 to create a "typical item." Craft is Int-based and can be done untrained. So, providing you don't actually have an Int penalty, you should be able to take 10 and produce simple garments--drawstring trousers and smocks for men; loose-fitting dresses for women. It will take time, but you can do it. As far as spells go, an Unseen Servant is probably your best bet, but I'm not sure anybody can cast it.]

The sky continues to be overcast. About noon, it starts to snow. Within an hour, the snow starts to stick. By mid-afternoon, you are traveling through a wintry white landscape, wrapped in the gentle hush that always accompanies snowfall.

Travel is getting challenging when you reach the town of Blackthorn. It's similar to Idlewood, although perhaps a little bigger. When you arrive, the town is preparing for some kind of winter festival. A towering evergreen tree has been set up in the middle of town. People on ladders are decorating the tree with garlands and little baubles. A safe distance from the tree, logs for a bonfire have been set up, covered with canvas now to protect them from the still-falling snow. Evergreen wreaths, decorated with bright red bows, are hung on many of the buildings.

You go into the inn, called the Sleeping Pig. It's warm and bright inside, and delicious smells are coming from the kitchen. There aren't many customers yet at this early hour, and the staff are busy hanging evergreen boughs on the walls and rafters.

You are able to secure rooms for yourselves and stabling for the animals. You can look forward to a warm, festive night as the snow continues to fall outside.

[OOC: This marks the beginning of our holiday slowdown. You may post here if you like, or at the Giggling Ghost if nothing much is happening here. Or both.]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 d20+17=23 ; d20+17=20 ;
Friday December 20th, 2019 9:38:13 PM

Carnivorous Blob Cleanup
"Pressi - my heart sank when that blob reached out and touched you. Wish I could cast a full restoration for you, but druids can only cast lesser restoration. But, Succotash - is that something you can pray for twice and cast this morning - for yourself, and for Pressi? Your cheeks look wan, Succotash."

If the blob remains are downwind of the camp, Murphy changes into a huge fire elemental, and spends some time burning the remains. It might take a while, since there's a lot of mass, and the living creatures had some resistance to fire. If upwind of the camp, he waits until after he regains spells, and camp is broken. He can catch up to his friends pretty quickly once he has finished.

Tali/Murphy Sewing for Warmth Team
Murphy has the Sailor profession (7), in which sewing of sails (repair, etc.) may be a part. Also Survival skill (21), and sewing is useful in some survival situations. He has done a little leatherwork in the past. Sleight of hand (7) may or may not have some bearing. He has carried needles and thread for himself since early days. These items may factor in to how well he might do with working with fabric. Making simple woolen tunics and pants should not be too tough, and cloaks a piece of cake. Blurring together his sailor, survival, and sleight of hand scores: 35/3 = 12. Is it okay to use that for his skill roll? Assuming so (and +5 from INT): 23 for his first sewing project, a dress sized for Pressi (if she wants it). He takes care with it. I had asked, before we left (Dec14), whether there might be other fabrics, such as cotton, linen. If so, he may use such as a liner. Two layers are better than one for insulation. He checks with Tali, and perhaps they can aid another on their respective pieces. After Pressi's next he tries making a dress for Tali. "You want to try making pants, or tunics?" he asks her. For his dress for her: 20. Not too shabby.

Town of Blackthorn
Being in a place where he can lay things out a bit better, Murphy works on additional clothing for his companions, then gets to thinking about the mounts. He checks in town to see if additional fabrics may be available for purchase, and scissors. Maybe even some pre-made clothing, though that may be less likely. Better yet, a seamstress or tailor.

"Hobie - am I correct in thinking that your arrows now are doing non-lethal damage? If so, that is terrific. How does it work? Does the bow do it? Or are they special arrows? Regardless of how - your ability to take down bad guys or very large hungry things is phenomenal."

Taking a break from the clothing construction, Murphy takes time to talk with his friends, and catch up more on what he has missed out on during his time in other planes. He jots notes in his journal. And enjoys something warm to drink, and food to eat.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Friday December 20th, 2019 11:00:02 PM
Succotash answers Murphy: I actually have restoration prepared already, but alas, I don�t have the diamond dust needed to preform the spell. Not sure why I chose that spell without the proper components, perhaps I can find a vendor in town. As for myself, I�m fine, the blob never touched me. Succotash than makes a search through the town to see if he can find someone who sells diamond dust.

Since it�s ability drain and not negative levels, he needs 100gp worth, but he will buy as much as he can, for future use.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Saturday December 21st, 2019 8:31:54 AM

"Well, I have diamond dust. Here's 200gp worth. I mix it with granite dust for stoneskin," Murphy offers. He goes from having enough diamond dust for 9 castings of stoneskin, to enough for 8 castings.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Saturday December 21st, 2019 8:49:07 AM
Succotash gladly excepts the diamond dust, and using 100gps worth, of the 200gp gift casts restoration on Pressi, removing the con drain. He will still try to see if he can buy some more in town so as to be prepared for the future.

negative levels cost 1000gp, ability drain 100gp, and if for some reason he needs to prepare and cast greater restoration, 5000gp

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Saturday December 21st, 2019 10:06:40 AM

Bliss is glad to see that Murphy is prepared with the needed component. And that Sir Succotash thought ahead to prep the spell.

"Good job everybody!" Bliss says.

Now on to the party!

Bliss enjoys looking at the tree. Some latent kitty instinct makes him want to change into a cat and jump up into it, but he refrains.

The halfling warms his hands at the big fire and enjoys watching the flames.

"I'm cold," says Mookie. Bliss offers magical cold resistance, but sees that everybody is going inside.

"Come on, Mookie," he says. "Maybe they have hot chocolate."

THe bird cocks his head. "And worms."

DM Kathy d4=4 ;
Monday December 23rd, 2019 2:50:58 PM
Murphy approaches the sewing project with a confident optimism. After all, he knows how to mend sails, and he has worked on his manual dexterity. Alas, he soon realizes that skills don't work like that. Sewing to create garments is its own thing, and although his past experience helps him a little, he is still basically a beginner. [OOC: I'll give you a +2 circumstance bonus, but you don't have any ranks in Craft: Sewing, so you're still doing it untrained. With your Int bonus, your total bonus is +7.] You were able to find some cotton fabric for 1 gp per square yard. Since making those purchases, you have had about 4 hours to work on your project. Your dress for Pressi is nearly finished; you haven't yet had time to begin other projects.

Succotash is able to cast a full Restoration, but he doesn't have the material component. Fortunately, Murphy is able to supply some diamond dust.

In Blackthorn, it is late afternoon when you arrive, and snowing, but luckily the stores are still open. Murphy (and presumably Tali) check to see what clothing or fabric they can acquire. The dry goods store does have some ready-made clothing. You find 4 flannel shirts, 6 pairs of warm socks, and 2 sets comprising of a hat, scarf, and mittens. Everything is sized for Big Folk. You also 3 different woolen fabrics, each at 5 gp per yard. There are 5 different cotton fabrics, each at 1gp per yard. There is thread, and needles, and 1 pair of scissors. There are 4 skeins of yarn, and a crochet hook.

Bliss has to suppress his cat instincts to climb into the tree and possibly play with some of the fascinating baubles. The bonfire hasn't been lit yet, so you go back into the inn. They do indeed have hot chocolate, as well as mulled wine and a strong tea flavored with lemon and cloves. Food is not yet being served, but the possibility of worms seems unlikely.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 d20+17=20 ;
Tuesday December 24th, 2019 3:12:41 AM
Murph picks up the oversized ready-made clothing, with Tali, if she wants to join in, and enough additional wool and cotton of each type to help make attire for friends and animals - they can get cold, too. He does not feel as though he really knows what he is doing, but he's going to have some supplies to try it. The thread, needles, and scissors he buys. One of his aunts crochets, so he knows about that, but really never paid too close attention to exactly what she was doing. But, shucks, let's get some of that yarn and crochet needles, too - maybe three pairs?

He does ask about the festivities, the local traditions surrounding them.

At the dry goods store as he is picking up all these things, he quietly asks Tali for her help, "Can you ask them if there is someone here in town who is good at making clothing? Someone who can fit and tailor something? Maybe two or three people?" He lets her speak first, trusting in her high charisma to give them favor with the people who run the dry goods store, and nodding his head or agreeing with her as an aid another in diplomacy (rolled 20, for +2).

If it seems it would help to explain, he adds something along these lines: "We're a group of halflings, set to travel through the cold, but not really as ready as we ought to be. If you know who can help who would do a good job, put us in touch with them. In addition to buying these things from you, I'd be happy to provide you a finder's fee for putting us together, if that can happen quickly. As in, within the next hour?" He's willing to chip in perhaps 3-5gp as a finder's fee. And a bit more if more if two or three competent people can be found.

If they receive a good referral or two, he will join Tali in explaining their need, and asks how much can be done - fitting this afternoon, and the work ready on the morrow. He says he'd to watch and learn the work is done "So I'll know, maybe, what to do if I need to help mend it on a later date."

Usually Murphy would be busy getting to know all he can about such a place - but, aside from the question about the festivities, he is focused on helping to ensure his friends do not freeze in coming days.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Tuesday December 24th, 2019 3:14:21 AM

Oh, I guess he gets one crochet hook, since that's all they have. And the four skeins of yarn. What color(s)?

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+4=20 ;
Wednesday December 25th, 2019 9:37:05 AM

Bliss sees all of Murphy's activities regarding making clothes. "You are insightful and generous, my friend," he says. "When we rescue the captives, they will not want to wear filthy hides and fur. Making new clothes for them is super thoughtful. I'm no sewer, but I'll help if I can."

Aid Another ... Int check to support any craft roll ... rolled a 20 to give a +2.

"You may not be a sewer," says Mookie, cracking wise, "but you sure smell like one!"

Bliss laughs and says, "Oh snap! Stop needling me!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Thursday December 26th, 2019 5:37:25 AM

"Ah, a good thought, Bliss. Honestly, I was thinking of keeping us warm on the way, but surely they will be more in need of the clothing once we rescue them. I'm trying to find someone in town better than I at this task!"

He smiles at Mookie's pun, and laughs at Bliss's rejoinder.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday December 26th, 2019 11:13:12 AM
In response to the town, Pressi proceeds to make several Whoville references. As a practitioner of a minor winter holiday religion, it's a bit much.

She also marvels at how this festival looks so similar to the winter festivals of so many disparate cultures. Almost as if they were modeled on some other culture's practice.

Press thanks Murphy and Succotash for working together. She's polite about the new clothes but the cold really hasn't been an issue.

DM Kathy
Friday December 27th, 2019 11:37:06 AM
Murphy buys the shirts at 5 sp each; the socks at 1 sp per pair; the hat/gloves/scarf sets at 2 sp per set. He also buys the crochet hook for 1 gp and the skeins of yarn (1 brown, 1 blue, 2 undyed) for 1 gp each. He starts looking for somebody to teach him to make things, but here he hits a snag. The shopkeeper explains that there's a celebration this evening, and nobody is likely to want to teach sewing tonight. Your companions will probably want to leave town fairly early in the morning, as they feel a sense of urgency to reach the captive halflings. The shopkeeper's auntie shows you some crochet stitches, and gives you a pattern for socks, and that's about all you can get for now.

Bliss helps, and you are able to finish Pressi's dress and get started on crocheting some socks.

Pressi, for her part, makes some remarks about Whoville, little dreaming how close your DM came to naming the place Houville or something similar. You ask about the celebration and its origins, as does Murphy.

You learn that the town is celebrating Lastmoon, a holiday welcoming in the last month of the year. It is a time for being thankful and prepared for winter.

Inside the Sleeping Pig, dinner is being served. Dinner is roast beef with boiled potatoes and gravy, served with applesauce and fresh-baked rolls. Many of the townsfolk are eating in the inn rather than preparing their own meals at home, and the common room is lively and festive.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Saturday December 28th, 2019 10:49:59 AM
In spite of the need for expediency, and with many of his team going crafty, in hopes of giving the villagers something warm to ware, when rescued. Succotash gives into his halfling nature, and grabs a large plate of food, and for the first time since they left Humble�s Ford, the cleric takes a moment to enjoy himself.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Saturday December 28th, 2019 10:26:57 PM
�It�s just that all my major holidays are spring and fall, so I guess I feel a humbug that�s cannot be shaken.�

Pressi sees the food.

�Of course, one should keep an open mind about the cultures of others. Wouldn�t want to be impolite.�

Joining Succotash, �So how is this cleric game treating you lately?�

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 d20+26=33 ; d20+26=28 ; d20+17=36 ; d20+17=31 ; d20+38=39 ; d20+38=56 ; d20+13=25 ;
Sunday December 29th, 2019 4:58:05 AM

Murphy thanks and pays the shopkeeper [note below he wanted also to buy all the wool and cotton, too], and expresses appreciation to the auntie for the crochet instructions and pattern for socks.

The druid enjoys the food, and listens to his friends' conversation. At the time appointed for the festivities, he suggests the group go and join in on the celebration.

He tries to pick up on the thread of what people are saying, what meaning they attribute to the tree and d�cor, what history and what faith it might represent, and to learn any songs they sing or poems they recite.

He wants to enter in the spirit of the occasion. At the same time, he tries to make a few discrete inquiries. "We have a bit of an emergency need - to rescue some people who were kidnapped, and to keep ourselves from freezing on the way - surely in keeping with being prepared for winder - and to clad later those whom we are rescuing. Would it be in the spirit of this festival to do something which may aid in the saving of lives?"

He will offer 15 gp for the cutting and sewing of each outfit which would fit one of his friends, and 25gp for what would fit the animals (and 35 for Harper). He bought out the wool, and cotton [I may not have been clear earlier, but that was his intention] from the shop. In addition to the thread purchased there, he has his own thread acquired a while back - certainly enough for outfits.

"As much as can be done and ready at sunrise I will pay for," Murphy offers. "I know it may be a sleepless night, and it is a special holiday, but you'll be well compensated." He figures Tali, Hobie, Succotash, Bliss have a need. Also Mookie, Rayya, Harper, Pippa, Rumpus. There likely is not enough fabric to deal with Valerie, and perhaps not enough for some of the other animals...
=======
Rolls for negotiation, encouragement to help on this chilly night those who will be going through several chilly nights:
Sense motive: 33, 28
Diplomacy: 36, 31
Perception: 39, 56
Knowledge - Local: 25 (to help Murphy relate to the festival, pick up what he may concerning it)
The payments suggested above he is willing to modify, if it seems someone can actually do the job in a timely fashion.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Sunday December 29th, 2019 12:15:27 PM

Bliss reassures his friend. "No fear, Mister Murphy. We witches can keep ourselves and our spirit companions warm. I'm sorry we cannot use magic to do the same for our other companions."

He loads up a plate and enjoys the meal. Afterwards, he looks around for anyone who needs healing that he can provide. Failing that, he tries to entertain the gathered people with handstands, flips, and other such feats, as well as spells like Ghost Sound and Dancing Lights. It occurs to him how sad it is that all his most potent spells are dangerous and scary. Maybe he should research a powerful spell that is entertaining and wonderful.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Sunday December 29th, 2019 8:57:26 PM

"Ah, thank you for telling me, Bliss." "He suggests, "Perhaps Tali can wear what I made for Pressi, if she has no need for it. I also can forego the extra clothing. So, perhaps, Hobie, Succotash, and Kezzem, plus Tali, are the only halflings who need it. Not certain am I about the other animal companions and familiars."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Monday December 30th, 2019 5:38:11 AM
Succotash responses to Murphy�s concerns, �Don�t worry about Valerie and myself, Murph, I always carry cold weather clothing and have a extra winter blanket in my pack, even had them with me when we met in the Sargrass, dates back to my day�s as a traveling Paladin, and I�ve been preparing endure elements for Valerie. Preparing for the freed halflings is a great idea, and some may need it, but don�t underestimate the amount of warmth provided by animal skins, there�s a reason you don�t see Rumpas or Harper complaining about the cold, or Mookie for that matter. As a reptile, Valerie is different. Being cold blooded and all, no amount of blankets will trap body heat that isn�t there, that�s where magic kicks in, of course, as a Druid, you probably already know all that�.

DM Kathy
Monday December 30th, 2019 2:33:19 PM
You eat and enjoy the feast. Afterward, Bliss provides some light entertainment, which seems to be appreciated. Murphy talks to the townsfolk about possibly helping out with the clothing project. At first, people are inclined to focus on their celebrations, but Murphy is very persuasive, and cleverly couches his arguments in terms of being prepared for winter, part of what this holiday celebrates. By the time everyone troops outside to the bonfire, you've had several people promise to help "a little later," and that's the best you can do for now.

Bliss and Succotash have assured Murphy that they can keep themselves and their animal companions warm enough. Pressi has already said the cold hasn't been an issue. Perhaps the clothing project can focus more on having clothes ready for the rescued halflings.

Outside, the bonfire has been lit. People gather around it, singing songs. A lot of the songs are of the "we are celebrating, yay!" variety. There's one about decking halls. As the songs continue, a silver-handled bowl of steaming hot liquid is passed around. You ask about it, and the townsfolk tell you that it is something called "wassail." When the bowl gets to you, the wassail is still plenty hot, and you can see slices of orange and lemon floating on the surface. Those who drink taste citrus, honey, cinnamon, cloves, and--is that wine? No, mead! It's quite tasty. The bowl comes by a few times, and it's possible to get quite warm and festive drinking it as it passes.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 d20+5=6 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+26=41 ;
Tuesday December 31st, 2019 5:31:00 PM
He tries joining in the first song, but manages to mangle it significantly (Perform Singing: 6). Then Murphy tries some of the drink as it is passed to him. He smacks his lips. "This wassail is absolutely charming!" he exclaims. "We could have some of this on our honeymoon, Press - whenever that might be."

The drink seems to have cleared the frog in his throat. His next attempt to join in goes much better (Perform Singing: 19). He does manage to force himself, after a good drink from the second offering of the beverage, to simply let it pass by after that. Compelling as the wassail may be, he long ago chose never to let himself drink to the point of drunkenness. Still, he enjoys the good cheer and warmth of the crowd. Coming from a family of bards, musicians, and instrument makers, there is at least an off chance he would have heard at least a few of the songs - and he joins in on the ones he knows, and works at singing along with the ones that are 'pickupable'. It's always nice to learn new songs.

"It's been an action-packed year, friends. I'm grateful to have spent the bulk of it in your company."

When the time comes, later, he will see about sizing warm clothing for the few members of the group who need it, but major on two-sizes fit all clothing - some for halfling adults, and some for their children. He is happy to pay them for their help and kindness, if they will take it. Or, if not, he wants to set up a seed fund for helping strangers and the poor - using Sense Motive (41) to try to discern who might be best to administer such funds (whether an individual or small group of people). He has up to 250gp to spend on this.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+14=32 ;
Wednesday January 1st, 2020 9:42:22 AM

Bliss tastes the treats and drinks, but keeps his wits about him, and as the party-goers get tipsier, he asks around for any more info on this travelling menagerie or the wild cave-halflings in the show. He works his WLA badge into the conversation for an extra +2 prestige bonus to the roll.

Gather Info: 32

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells d20+7=8 ; d20+7=21 ;
Wednesday January 1st, 2020 11:00:51 AM
Succotash tries the Wassail and finds it very much to his liking, but makes a point to not over indulge. When the music and merry making begins, he pulls Bonham, his masterwork drum from his handy haversack and tries to play along, though he seems to struggle at finding the beat. He hopes he didn�t throw anybody�s groove of, as he tries again to find the beat. This time he feels pretty confident that he nailed it.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Thursday January 2nd, 2020 12:03:47 PM
ooc: When do we start up again?

ACDM Cayzle comments: Per Jerry's latest message to DMs, Monday, Jan. 6, is a full posting day!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday January 2nd, 2020 7:18:51 PM
"Yawn, that was a good nap," says Kezzem awakening form his food-coma. "So what have I missed? I've got some spells to help Rumpus and me endure the elements, so don't worry about us. I can also cast that spell on two others, though I won't have any spells left for restorations of the lesser and cheaper variety. Always good to have a few ready just in case. Never know when a halfling will find their strength drained after shadow-walk mishap. Again."

DM Kathy
Thursday January 2nd, 2020 11:20:28 PM
Murphy, Succotash, and Bliss enjoy the wassail but are careful not to get tipsy. Well, only a little tipsy. Succotash tries to play along with the singing, with mixed success.

Meanwhile, Bliss is talking to townsfolk about the menagerie. It did come through here, and you find people quite willing to talk about it, but they don't really have new information for you. The savage halflings were in their own cage, wearing animal skins, with bones scattered on the floor. They didn't do anything particularly savage, and the inside of the cage was unnaturally quiet.

In the Sleeping Pig, Kezzem and Hobie rouse themselves from their food coma long enough to see that dinner has been cleared away, and a dessert buffet set out in its place. And what a dessert buffet! There is mince pie, and pumpkin pie, and apple pie. There is plum pudding and figgy pudding. There is sponge-cake, and chocolate cake, and gingerbread. There are macaroons and shortbreads, fudge and divinity. There is more mulled wine, tea, and hot cocoa.

At the bonfire, people start drifting back into the Sleeping Pig to have some dessert. Some choose to stay by the bonfire. In the inn, in between bites of dessert, several townsfolk help Murphy with his warm clothing project. One woman alters the human-sized flannel shirts, making them into dresses that will fit halfling women. A husband and wife team make several warm woolen trousers with drawstring waists, in both adult and child lengths. Another man makes loose-fitting smock tops, also in warm wool, which can also serve as dresses for halfling girls. A small army of grannies wields knitting needles and crochet hooks, making socks, hats, and mittens.

They do accept modest payment for their work, and express their intention to spend it on "something for the town."

It is well past midnight when the celebration begins winding down. Yawning inn staff begin wrapping up the uneaten desserts, sweeping the floors, and wiping down the tables. Outside, the bonfire has just about burned itself out. The warm clothing project has been a rousing success, and you think you have enough for most of the halfling villagers.

You had already arranged rooms at the Sleeping Pig, so you are not required to stay up through the entire celebration if you don't want to. Whenever you seek your bed, you find it clean and comfortable, if ridiculously oversized. The sheets are smooth, the pillows are soft, and it doesn't take long at all to fall into a deep, restful sleep.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Friday January 3rd, 2020 4:56:41 PM
Bliss and Mookie settle in for a good rest.

"Good night, Mookie."

"Sleep well, Kid."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Sunday January 5th, 2020 12:39:31 AM

Murphy expresses his gratitude to all who helped out, and is quite willing to meet their modest requests for compensation - plus 25% on top of what they asked. "It's a holiday. Thank you for acting in the spirit of it - and here's a little extra to help spread it further. If my brother, Kendry, were here, or our bardic friend Jack, surely they would come up with a song in your honor. That is not my strength, though. Since I am a druid, though, I shall right now cast a spell of plant growth. Over the coming year, all your vegetation within half mile of the bonfire shall yield another 25 to 30 percent more than usual." He walks out to the bonfire area in order to cast the spell. He concludes with, "Bless this town, Eberyon."

"Hobie, a couple of questions. Does anyone in the party that you know of have a wand of endure elements? Also, did I detect that your arrows of late are seeming to do more in the way of subdual damage, rather than lethal damage? How does that work? Or am I mistaken?"

He retires to the inn, partakes of some of the wonderful food - little bit of this and that - a good sampler plate, and washes it down with hot cocoa. He wishes his friends a good sleep, gives Pressi a good night kiss, and heads to his room to enter slumbertown.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Sunday January 5th, 2020 2:27:44 AM
"Aye, Murph, I've got a wand of Endure Elements, still with 40 charges. Anyone is welcome to it, but I'd prefer if we save it until the cold is actually dangerous, not just uncomfortable. And yeah, I've given Prowler the Merciful enchantment, it gives the bow a little more stopping power and makes the damage I do nonlethal. Although when you do nonlethal damage in the quantity Prowler does, it's still plenty lethal."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Sunday January 5th, 2020 10:59:04 PM
Pressi may be more of a dry liquor girl, but she's never been known for turning down a drink.

She's also been quite adept at ducking relationship questions.

Besides the obvious question of how to plan a wedding in the brief moments of not fighting robots, a sticking point had developed. To this day, Pressi hadn't spoken much about her parents, and Murphy expressed some hope in meeting them.

Pressi was much less enthusiastic about the idea.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Monday January 6th, 2020 5:47:06 AM
As the merry making winds down, Succotash heads to his bed. He chuckles to himself at the bed to occupant size difference and attempts to climb in. With a boost from Valerie, he is able to make it into bed and then seeing as though there is so much room left, Valerie jumps into the bed as well. The velociraptor curls up at the foot of the bed, and quickly falls asleep. Meanwhile, Succotash has time to think about how blessed he is to have such faithful friends, and to be part of such a band of heroes as Humble�s Sword, before sleep takes him.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Monday January 6th, 2020 8:44:48 AM
As the first of the group goes off the bed, Hobie goes too. He doesn't have much trouble falling asleep, and dreams of his family growing up. In the dream he and his cousins are chasing a chicken around the yard, attempting to capture the family's evening dinner. After the children grow tired and frustrated at their failures, their grandfather, H.R. Hornblower (from whom both Hobie and his cousin Roscoe take their names) stands on the porch holding a familiar bow, engraved with the name "Prowler." He smiles as he fires a perfectly aimed arrow directly into the chicken's tiny heart. Hobie is the first to grab the chicken and carry it to his grandfather, who pats Hobie's head, and says "Young legs are no match for a well aimed arrow, even from an old fart like your grandpa."

At this point in the dream Hobie wakes. He stretches and gets out of bed, removes Prowler from it's extradimensional space in his quiver, holds it out, and looks over it. He's filled with memories: his grandfather's stories, their archery lessons together, their hunting trips, and finally of his Gran's face, wet with tears of both joy and sadness as she gave Prowler to Hobie on the day of Grandpa's funeral.

Hobie wipes a tear from his own eye, and smiles as he puts his bow away. He dons his armor, puts on his cloak, and heads out the door, ready to get going with whatever adventure is next.

DM Kathy
Monday January 6th, 2020 11:55:36 AM
Your night in the inn is peaceful and undisturbed. In the morning, you can have porridge for breakfast, or leftover pie and gingerbread. Or, you know, both.

You are soon back on the road, in pursuit of the menagerie which appears to have kidnapped the halfling village of Thaelhaven and forced the villagers to play the part of "savage cannibal halflings." The snow that fell last night is still on the ground, slowing your travel. Hopefully, the menagerie wagons are also having to deal with snow, so they aren't pulling away from you.

It is cold, but still not dangerously so. If you were caring for young children, or invalids, or elderly people, you might have been concerned for them, but you are all healthy adults, with healthy adult animals, and the cold is not a threat to you so far.

You pass through another human town that day, and can confirm that the menagerie stopped there. You push on, however, eager to make up time, and wind up camping that night in an alder grove near a small stream.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Monday January 6th, 2020 1:09:56 PM
Kezzem casts Endure Elements on both Rumpus and himself. No sense being cold when they don't have to be.

"Man, I can't wait to catch-up to this menagerie. I need to speak to their manager."

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+26=34 ;
Monday January 6th, 2020 2:17:00 PM

Bliss thinks that Sir Kezzem has a good point. "What DO we do when we catch up at last?" he asks, as the group sits around a campfire that evening. They do not seem to have killed anyone? Is it "speak sternly" or "death to slavers"?" He ponders. "Our standard murderhobo tactics may not be the most appropriate response. Let's resolve to use nonlethal attacks until we get everything figured out?"

Bliss takes first watch with Mookie and stays alert. Perception 34.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Monday January 6th, 2020 6:22:33 PM
Succotash ponders Bliss's words for a bit than says, "While I agree with you Bliss, non-lethal isn't something Valerie can do, and other than buffs and heal spells, I don't have much in my bag of tricks either. I guess we have to hope they feel like surrendering without a fight, otherwise..."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Monday January 6th, 2020 9:38:54 PM
Pressi scoffed at Bliss. �There are worse things than death, and this is one of them. When we find them, I intend to teach them what a true halfling savage can do. It will be quite the show.�

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Monday January 6th, 2020 10:05:28 PM
"I just want to be sure we are the heroes, not the villains," says Bliss.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 92/92
Monday January 6th, 2020 11:39:46 PM
World Travelers

Tali sticks to her standard routine everyday, that is to say, mediate for two (2) hours before returning to sleep if in an inn, and to a 2am watch if in the wilds.

In the morning or before a 2am watch, Tali casts her standard spells: Overland Flight & Mage Armor

Having observed many people the the previous towns, Tali says the proper command swords to change her Bill's Stylish pants o' Plenty into something more befitting the area & the peoples coupled with whatever she and Mister Murphy crafted with the warmer materials.

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 840 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 840 of 840 minutes

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 12:15:35 AM
Hobie will speak up to the issue that Bliss has brought up �Well you know me, I�m one to shoot arrows first and think second, so if provoked, I�m firing a barrage of nonlethal arrows. But maybe Bliss has a point, what if we at least kept them alive long enough to figure out what happened, and maybe after ending whatever curse they�re under we could let the halflings decide the outcome?�

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 12:16:30 AM
At the campsite, Murphy runs his usual security chores, and provides a pot and tripod, filling the pot and a few buckets with water - but leaves it to others to do the cooking. "Mookie - how would you like Magic Fang, Greater (+3 att/dam) before I fall asleep? With Bliss's Metamagic Rod of Extend, that should be good until bedtime tomorrow. I think I've fallen behind in my promised daily allotment to you." He offers one more casting to who asks for it to endure until midmorning. Or on himself, if no one takes him up.

Am going to assume that, through Murphy's promptings and questions over the past few days, he has been able to pry the following from his companions, who gathered most of this information prior to his return. "Based upon what you all have told us, there are 11 wagons - some rolling cages, some carry cargo. The manager - Olog Breaktooth, a half-orc - has a special wagon he sleeps in, the rest sleep in tents. There are four guards - 'tough customers' who keep order and quell trouble. And a dozen workers. There are two drow. Whether those two are always caged, or somehow assist when between towns, I do not know. If the latter, then perhaps one of them provided wizardly services, such as the spell of silence in the halflings' cage. Pure speculation, that.

"Then there are the lioness, a piebald black bear, several monkeys, peacock, peahen, tropical birds, an ocelot family, and a cage of stirges." He appends, "And the world's largest baby. A giant's baby, perchance?"

"If I were them, facing an assault, besides the four toughs, I might call into play the lioness, the bear, the stirges and, if they would help, the dark elves. They have their dozen other workers - some may help, some may hide. And if I were them, I might possibly threaten the halflings. 'Come any closer and I fireball 'em!'" Especially seeing that we are a bunch of halflings."

"So, what are some of our best plays to accomplish the halfling & circus liberation, while considering justice, and, where applicable, kindness, and a dash of mercy?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 12:22:15 AM
Forgot to include: "I have a spell, transmute metal to wood, that can make the metal cage quite easy to break. I could memorize it twice, for a second cage."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 1:31:48 AM
"That could be a helpful spell for sure Murph. And well, if we are concerned that our presence as halflings could lead to them using the other halflings for leverage, I can scribe a bunch of scrolls of Disguise Self or even Alter Self, and we could go in as a band of Goblin bandits. That could help a bit. It would probably lead to them underestimating our abilities."

DM Kathy
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 12:04:09 PM
As you travel and make camp, you discuss strategies for dealing with the menagerie once you've caught up with it. What should be your approach? Frontal assault? Stealthy recon? Demand to speak to the manager? Murphy reminds everyone of what you can expect to find. Will you have to fight the animals? The dark elves? It's hard to say.

The night is uneventful, and the next day you pass through two towns. In each, you are able to verify that the menagerie has come through. It spends at least three days in each town, so you are definitely catching up.

That night is also uneventful. The following day, it begins to rain, turning the snow into slush, and making travel a slow, frustrating, cold, wet experience. Just past noon, you arrive in the town of Yellowdale. There is an inn here, so you could stop for the day and continue tomorrow when the slush is (hopefully) gone. That would also give Hobie a chance to scribe his scrolls, if he's so inclined. Or, you could press on. You know you're getting very close.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 6:37:31 PM
As they are discussing strategy, Succotash pipes in, "I have this spell called Animal Shapes which as of right now I can cast on up to 15 willing animals. What it does is polymorphs them all into a huge sized animal and gives them a boost to their strength (+6) and boasts their natural armor (+6) the down side is their dexterity suffers a bit (-4) and they all have to become the same animal. It lasts a crazy long time too! (1 hour per level) I can cast it on Mookie, Rumpas, Harper, and even Valerie if we can think of a critter type that would benefit us the most, like an allosaurus, though I think Valerie would lose more than she gained by the spell. I could hook up your pony too Hobie, or your owl Tali but I don't think it would be wise, at least not as a combatants, as they haven't learned to take a hit like the rest of the animals."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 7:52:08 PM
Just a Menagerie

Tali sticks to her standard routine everyday, that is to say, mediate for two (2) hours before returning to sleep if in an inn, and to a 2am watch if in the wilds. Tali goes through the motions, upon awaking, which is to say, in the morning or before a 2am watch, Tali casts her standard spells: Overland Flight & Mage Armor .

Community Discussions

"Er, Succotash? I leave Rayya at home and she lives vicariously through my stories when we touch base again. Its best for her, she's a companion, a lover of Nature, but not a fighter." explains Tali to Mister Succotash.

Tali, will experiment with the command words that activate her pair of trousers better known as "Bill Stylish Pants o' Plenty. " Tali is trying to come up with a combination of winterish colors to compliment to additional clothing that Mister Murphy and her designed, sewed, stiched together, and in some cases, even lined with a cotton or linen fabric to cushion the winter blow. Perhaps a pattern like a snow lepord. {Dm Kathy, do you thnk this is possible, Winter Overalls with a snow lepord pattern? }

While working on her Stylish pants ol' plenty, Tali can be heard to be humming a tune and occasionally mutters words to accompany this tune.

Tali hums,"...It�s a gutter ballet...Just a menagerie...Still the orchestra plays...On a dark and lonely night...To a distant fading light..."

So, clan, are we hunkering down in the nature or in an inn?

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 800 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 800 of 840 minutes

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 8:38:58 PM

Bliss cocks his head and looks at Brother Succotash. "Um, uh, that's a witch spell too, and you do not have to just cast it on animals. You could cast it on ALL of us. And you do not have to use only huge size shapes. Sure, you could change us all into elephants, but you could also change us all into diminutive bats and we could all fly in sneaky like."

"Trust me, I know from changing shapes!"

Answering Tali, Bliss thinks we should all press on. "We're hot on the trail, I feel it. We should go on! We're heroes, right? No need for comfy beds, at least not every night."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 8:40:01 PM
To Bliss, "Of course, any action should keep an eye on justice, morality, strategy, all that stuff. But as of now, I'm not worried about lethal damage corroding our souls."

Regarding the town, "I really wish that we had some better idea of how this circus traveled and how long they stayed. You'd think we'd have caught up by now, even with all the inn and camping stuff and the head start. Are they really only staying one night per town? Are they really with all those caravans and equipment outrunning what is frankly a rather speedy halfling strike force? For that matter, how do they decide which towns to go to in the first place and through what paths?

"I guess the bottom line is this. Is there any way, say through divinations or implanted dreams or well placed bribes, that we could force these guys to come to us? Or beat them to their next destination?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Tuesday January 7th, 2020 8:48:09 PM
"Wait, could we change ourselfs into like super fast animals?" asks Kezzem. "That would allow us to make up ground quickly? Like some really fast leopards? Or woild that make us cheat-ahs."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 d20+17=22 ; d20+17=37 ; d20+17=35 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+26=38 ; d20+26=44 ; d20+26=27 ;
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 4:34:52 AM
During travel Murphy plies his friends with questions - perhaps to the point of annoyance on the part of some, trying to pull out as many details as possible about what was learned before his arrival. At the two towns they pass through where the traveling circus has performed, Murphy invites any who wish to join in to do so, but beloved (and shrewd) Pressi especially, and Tali for charm and optics - and makes multiple queries about the circus - but splitting the queries among different people. He intersperses the following with fluffier queries, such as, "What was the most fun part of the show?" Fluffier, casual questions may outnumber more substantive ones. He'll buy drinks to loosen tongues, or offer other small inducements. And crosscheck with other sources.

- "What did the dark elves do? Did they perform?" [If so:] "How? Were you able to talk with them?"
- "Were any animals freed from their cages? Did they perform, do tricks?" He looks to learn which animals did what tricks.
- "What did they do with the stirges? Were they locked up well? They are nasty little birds, you know."
- "What order were the wagons in as they came into town? Did that order vary when they left town? Did they form into a circle or some other formation with their carts and wagons?"
- "How many horses, mules, oxen, other draft animals were there?"
- "Did they say where they were going next?" "How many days ago did they leave?"

Murphy spent a fair bit of his own funds during this trip already. He checks with his companions to see if any might reimburse him for coin spent to loosen people's tongues, where necessary.

In Yellowdale he asks when the animal show left. Once he gets an answer, he asks, out of earshot of townsfolk, "Pressi, does that new information help? They are staying on average 3 days. We're [X] days behind now - surely better than the 21 days lead they once held." [Our great DM can fill in the [X]]

"Let's stay here tonight. Talk over what we've picked up from the last two towns. Discuss spell selections based upon some of the things we have learned. Perhaps additional scrying and divinations can be done. I know, too, how much my scouting trips tend to cause anxiety among you my friends, but I can travel very, very fast as an air elemental. If someone wanted to come with me for backup - I could easily carry two - we can gather additional information. Another alternative, at twilight Pressi can shadow walk us to maybe two or so towns ahead, if we're willing to take that risk."

The druid sits back, awaiting his friends' responses.
==========
Town One: Diplomacy: 22; Knowledge, local: 25; Sense motive: 38
Town Two: Diplomacy: 37; Knowledge, local: 20; Sense motive: 44
Yellowdale: Diplomacy: 35; Knowledge, local: 32; Sense motive: 27

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 7:50:07 AM
�Bliss, I know that the spell works on people as well, I was just offering a way to boost our animal friends combat prowess, must a flashback to my Paladin days, you thinking offensively�.

�Murph, I�ll go along with you, you can fly us fast, and I can teleport us out of harms way, and back to our friends if trouble arrives�.

DM Kathy
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 12:13:03 PM
You continue discussing strategy. Succotash has a spell that can turn your animal companions into large, ferocious beasts! Or, as Bliss points out, turn the whole party into little bats! Kezzem suggests turning everybody into something fast, which would mean figuring out what to do with the cart.

Pressi frets about how long it's taking to catch the menagerie, but really, it isn't taking long at all. The menagerie had about a month's head start on you by the time you left Salbe. Since then, you've traveled a little less than a week and you've almost got them. You're actually catching up pretty quickly.

Tali is just trying to get her pants to work. [If Tali has ever seen a snow leopard, or a snow leopard pelt, then you can have that pattern. Otherwise, no.]

Murphy works to gather additional information. You learn that the dark elves did perform magic tricks. One of the elves waved his hand and plunged the whole tent into total darkness, just like that! People were divided on whether it was scary or just impressive. The stirges were in a cage, similar to the tropical-bird cage. As far as you can tell, both cages remained closed the entire time. The peacock and peahen were free, strutting about their tent. The world's largest baby wasn't in a cage exactly, he or she was set up in a cart. The baby didn't seem able to walk yet, and showed no interest in trying to crawl. The other animals seemed to stay in their cages. There was an area set up near the bear's cage that seemed to be for a performance, but nobody you talked to actually saw the bear perform.

Nobody you talked to really noticed what order the wagons traveled in. There were 15-20 draft animals, mostly horses, although there were mules and oxen as well.

Murphy is inclined to stay in Yellowdale and discuss strategy; Bliss is in favor of pressing on. Your DM will strongly hint that you need a plan before you go too much further. And if you want Hobie to scribe his scrolls, you'll need to stop here.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 1:09:54 PM
"I don't know that going as an air elemental with two people in tow is such a great idea Murph, thats pretty conspicuous. But I do think we are pretty close, and perhaps if you, me, and anyone else who can polymorph themself into a bird, it could be good to do some very stealthy flyover recon. Perhaps we could go as owls and scout out their camp at night.

If we want to appear as something other than halflings, between the two scrolls in my pack and my daily prepared spells, I could cast disguise self on each of us.

Then in the end, it might be a good idea for us to sneak in and let the halflings out of their cages before we open up any kind of assault on the camp. Maybe I could cast Invisibility on Succotash and you could go in, because we are probably going to need you to cast Remove Curse on these halflings before they'll be able to escape."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 1:33:20 PM
�Well, Hobie, I can only prepare remove curse 5 times, which means I can only remove cures on 5 individuals. Escape is out of the question if they are cursed, though I�m willing to go invisible and investigate then �pop� back when the time arrives!�

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+12=22 ;
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 1:44:33 PM

Bliss is willing to stay the night so that we can make the necessary preparations that we need to make. He practices that night doing the Magic Jar trick with Mookie ... he possesses Mookie, leaving his body behind. Then he looks out of Mookie's eyes and possesses that cockroach in the corner, say. He roams around as a cockroach for a while before switching back and letting the thing go free.

"But what the heck am I going to do with your body, Kid?" Mookie asks.

"What if I'm a kitty?"

"You can cast a still silent Magic Jar in cat shape?"

"Oh, yeah, no, not yet. If I had a rod of Silent Spell ... "

"That's the best use for your ONE 6th level slot?"

"Hmmm," Bliss ponders. "I should use a contingency, come to think of it." He calls out, "Anybody have an ivory statue of me I could have?" [OOC: That's the focus for a Contingency spell]

Finally listening to his friends, Bliss mentions that in cat form he is pretty sneaky, so he volunteers to sneak into the camp to free the captives.

And since we are in town here, he asks around to see if there are any ivory merchants in this village. Gather Info 22. [OOC: Dr. Google tells me that you can make ivory from warthog tusks. HEY! That Ypotryll had tusks! Missed opportunity! Anyway, maybe there is an ivory carver in town!]

"So here's our plan. We find the travelling menagerie quiet like so they do not know we are here. Some of us sneak in to rescue the halflings. Hobie, can you (or anybody) cast Knock?"

"If anyone wants to stay back, Mookie will stay with you and he and I can use telepathy to keep everyone in the loop."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 4:20:03 PM
Hobie reaches into his haversack and pulls out a scroll. �Of course I can cast Knock. What kind of wizard can�t cast knock? I can cast it, or with the scroll Talia or somebody else can cast it too�

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Wednesday January 8th, 2020 11:29:59 PM
Planned Menagerie

Tali suggests to the group, when able, "I vote for a night in an inn, so we can sure up our plans. I get the feelings this may be as complex as the Iron Giant battle. I do not prefer to go into this confrontation with a simple "Hello?!" and a wave!"

"So, our plans are?" asks Tali.

Spells in Effect:
Overland Flight | 800 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 800 of 840 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday January 9th, 2020 12:48:04 AM
"I suggest not splitting up this time," says Kezzem. "We tried that during the giant invasion and it didn't work so well."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Thursday January 9th, 2020 1:01:04 AM
Murphy learns the caravan left only two days ago, and makes certain all know. He finds out from the locals the name of the next town, and the distance in miles.

The following Murphy communicates in the halfling tongue, as far as possible out of earshot of anyone else. "They're likely set up, or are getting set up, in the next town. Hobie, yes, if we swooped into the town directly as an elemental & friends - that would be conspicuous. You should know we can be more subtle than that. How we approach, use invisibility... I'm developing a growing appreciation for your scouting and information gathering skills. Were you not going to work on the scrolls, I'd suggest you come.

"Here's my suggestion. A few come with me. Those who can easily assume another form. Bird? Crow, or farm finch, or sparrow - something common, that does not fear a bit of snow. If the distance is within 18 to 20 miles, I can get us within sight of it in 15 minutes, dive to the ground well before we're spotted, then, if you haven't already done so, we change into our avian forms, fly to town, and observe the arrangements. Direct sight is one of the best ways to learn of others. So long as we act bird-like - if you see someone drop some food near the caravan, go for it - what is more birdlike? Squabble with competitors - but not overmuch. Fly to the top of a cage, sit there and observe those there for a moment. Don't raise a ruckus with them. Just watch. Dodge rocks. And don't stay in one place too long.

"Really, though, we could get there and back again in about, say, ninety minutes? Twenty there, scope things out - maybe watch a show, or at least find out when they tend to run their shows. Leave after a bit less than an hour, exit town, and fly back here. I'd be in contact with Pressi. If Bliss comes, he can talk remotely with Mookie, who will interpret Bliss in his own inimitable fashion to you all. You could be a cat, too, Bliss. If Succotash comes, he can teleport us back when needed, and perhaps detect evil here and there. If Tali comes, she has some spells - invisibility is lovely. And she loves flying. If Pressi comes, she can do all kinds of things, and make wisecracks suitable for a blackbird, though she won't be back where she can relay what's happening. [b]Kezzem, if you come, you could give us good bon mots in imitation sparrow language, and think about what you might do once you return as a paladin well armed - or maybe you have an even better idea that does not involve trying to give me a noogie.

"What do you say? A scouting outing, round trip between one and two hours. Once we report back, we have about as good intelligence as we are likely to get - unless you want me to embed with the caravan until you catch up. I know, I know, 'Don't go solo, Murphy!' Anyway, I'll bet our ideas for spell usage and tactics would be well fed by such a reconnoiter.

"What do you think, Pressi?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Thursday January 9th, 2020 1:07:44 AM
[Just saw Kezzem's post after mine was posted]. "Kezzem - when Tali and I went miles ahead of the party, and got the storm going - that went well. It slowed them way down, and we gained information. As for later in the battle, there were things to do both within the giant and outside of it - but I'll not gainsay you wholly." He stares at the ground for a moment, thinking with rue how he was plucked from the midst of battle, when he was of full heart to remain and defend his friends and their town.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday January 9th, 2020 11:42:14 AM
Pressi boggles at all the questions and all the planning. "I don't think we recognize how much of this is from bits of pieces of eyewitness accounts and conjecture. It's not like I've got the caravan itinerary in my backpack."

As for the time, "It helps, but the fact remains we may wish to consider a plan under our terms. Though confronting them in a city, even if we arrive early, could raise further potential hostage situations. I do agree that scouting is a good idea, and this plan of Murphy's does seem thought out. I am fine to either hang back or join into sneaking my way in, though I think my skills are better suited than simply a messaging conduit.

"For example," Pressi patted her lockpick set. "I don't need some inelegant scroll to do the job."

Pressi can't really recommend much to Bliss about her body, having lost it the last soul gem excursion herself. (HIPS can help, but it still can be beaten.) She can lend a rod of (lesser) silent spell but not a contingency idol. (Also - did they change the BW class on us? I'm not getting the usual page.)

DM Kathy
Thursday January 9th, 2020 12:44:46 PM
You seem to be forming a consensus that you want to stop in Yellowdale overnight. You arrange for rooms at the Pitchfork Inn.

You are able to learn that the next town is called Crofters Crossing, and it's a little less than 20 miles away.

Bliss is unable to find a source of ivory in town. Murphy begins planning a recon mission.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Thursday January 9th, 2020 12:58:06 PM
"I'll gladly join in the recon mission. I'm not sure scribing the scrolls is prudent right now, I can just prepare the spell enough times if we decide we all want to Disguise Self. I'd like to get a look at the enemy. I think Pressi's on to something as well, maybe approaching them in the town itself could lead to other innocents being hurt, and if were to know what town they will visit after this current one, we could go ahead of them and prepare an ambush. Dig pit traps that will crash under the weight of the wagons, get them stuck in a choke point, give me and Talia a place to provide proper ranged support, etc. Approaching them on our own terms sounds like a solid idea."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Thursday January 9th, 2020 12:59:00 PM
ooc: it would be super fun to do a recon and then planned out ambush.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Thursday January 9th, 2020 1:28:08 PM
�I have a better Idea!�, Succotash says with a smile, �How about I turn all of us into a nice winter bird, like a chickadee or a cardinal, and we all go on the recon mission, in the morning, together! That way we all know what to expect, we will all be there, with a single action, we will be our normal selves, if needed, and only one spell is used to do the job�.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Thursday January 9th, 2020 10:01:42 PM

Bliss likes that idea a lot. "Everyone should be little birds. Then we can all sneak right in!"

[OOC: there are good stats for a diminutive bird here. But I should mention that Wold House Rules say we are limited to Bestiary I and II animals. Nothing wrong with a flock of ravens or bats!]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday January 9th, 2020 11:17:25 PM
"What about eagles?" asks Kezzem. "I don't want to be a bat or a raven."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Friday January 10th, 2020 12:51:11 AM

"I like eagles, too, Kezzem. Seeing 15 of them together? - I've never seen so many together."

"I have a way to boost the betterness of your idea, Succotash," Murphy says. "Yes, let us do that all together on the morrow. But yes, let also a few of us take an earlier look, today. I'm thinking of the notion of fairly non-invasive deal. We don't go there and try to interact with the caravan people or victims. We do a fly-by. Maybe land on top of a wagon to preen some feathers and take a bird-like, cursory look to see where obvious locks are on the halflings. Do they keep that cage covered when not performing? This is observation, not tight interaction. Maybe, we'll not land, but just circle for a good look - and fly fast elsewhere if one of those dark elves pulls out a bow.

"Perhaps we'll overhear when they will perform. Hear people talking about what has been going on, or what is coming up. Also, we can learn what types of birds are common to Crofters Crossing. If a few of us show up as ravens, then find out that owls or hawks or something else are more common, then, good. That can help us decide what feathers to don tomorrow.

"So, come. I will go in, say, an hour. If this idea is not terrible, then who will come with me at that time for a quick fly-by?"

He adds a suggestion that, when they come within a few miles of the town, they fly low in a semi-circle, and come in from a side a quarter section (90 degrees) to the right of (north of?) their approach. They flit around until the caravan is spotted. They fly over to the line up - perhaps one or two on one end, another from the other side toward the center. Show brief, birdlike curiosity, then fly on, not back the way they came, but toward the main exit on the other side of town - look to see the direction of that path. Maybe find out from the local layout why the town is called a crossing. Continue a mile or two, until out of direct view of the town. Then broad arc southward, and back to somewhere to land slightly out of visual range, go back to halfling, and walk back to Yellowdale.

"Hobie, when we go a ways on the other side of Crofters Crossing, maybe you'll see a reasonable spot for an ambush." "How does this sound to you, Succotash? Again, I love your idea. I'm just looking to multiply our intelligence."

With this plan, and with the additional walking - Murphy says he assumes he'll carry people as an air elemental to cover about 15 to 18 miles of the intermediate legs of the journey for speed purposes, as well as on the return. "If I fly us pretty low, well off the road, it's unlikely we'll be easily spotted."

Murphy asks the innkeep about the next town or two past Crofters Crossing. "Anyone have travel maps around here? Everything is so new here to me!"

Tali (Kim for Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Friday January 10th, 2020 1:29:21 AM

"Well, I'd be willing to go, but, I don't have means to change to a bird on my own. With enough diamond dust, I could. If you want me to go as myself - maybe I can wear some of the clothing we just put together to be less recognizable... and change my hair color?" She shrugs. "Probably I'll wait until tomorrow, when we all are chickadees, or eagles, or hummingbirds." She giggles.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162
Friday January 10th, 2020 2:54:55 AM

"Or, you and I, Bliss, can go in as cats. Beg for scraps, and learn the lay of the land," Murphy suggests with a smile.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 27 HP 100/100 Spells
Friday January 10th, 2020 7:45:47 AM
�I�d be willing to do the cat walk�, Succotash says, �but I don�t have beast shape or animal shape prepared today, of course I�ll prepare animal shape tomorrow, but if someone is willing to hook me up, I would love to go. After we get the lay of the land, and we are out of sight, if I�m returned to normal, I can teleport us back so we still have time to get a good nights sleep before tomorrow�s encounter begins�.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 d4=4 ;
Friday January 10th, 2020 11:06:42 AM
"Tali, I have no idea what spell requires diamond dust, but I can absolutely help you, assuming that we are all going to just change to birds that fly around. Also, I can help you with the snow leapord pattern. Here's Harper, and here's a bag of flour. I can't say with absolute certainty that's what a snow leapord looks like, but I think it's a solid guess. You're welcome."

If the group is staying for the night, Pressi takes some time to attempt scrying on the caravan in an attempt to get a better idea of the location and layout. She also takes some time to "legend lore" the town (40 minutes) in an attempt to see the carnival or ringmaster (if either are "on hand", she legend lore's them.)

"So, are we all just going? I thought we would just send a few scouts."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Friday January 10th, 2020 1:41:06 PM
Hobie loves the idea of taking bird form and all flying together. Especially if Succotash can make them all birds with one spell. He'll make sure to fly past the town as well and scout out possible places where they might be able to ambush the caravan on their way out.

ooc: Maybe we could all commit to just observing, and then if theres not any dangers we could just hand wave the recon mission? That way we don't spend days and days of real life time on it and just get to the actual encounter of ambushing them?

DM Kathy
Friday January 10th, 2020 2:40:15 PM
You decide, as your DM understands things, on two recon missions. The first, undertaken immediately, will involve Murphy and whoever he brings along, as birds, carried on the airstream of air-elemental-Murphy. The second, undertaken in the morning, will involve everyone, in animals forms still to be determined.

Murphy and his team: Highlight to display spoiler: { You are able to fly to Crofters Crossing by (mostly) following the road. You find another mostly-human frontier town. In a large open field on the outskirts of town, several wagons have been drawn up around three large tents and a few smaller tents. The large tents have been set up with entrances that lead from one to the next. Outside the main entrance, a human man stands ready to collect money from any townsfolk wanting to enter. Behind him stands a tough, rangy human with a rapier at his hip. There is nobody trying to enter at present. Another human is at one of the wagons, putting something into a bucket. As you watch, he leaves the wagon and carries the bucket into one of the large tents. }

Those of you in town find the Pitchfork Inn to be a decent place. It isn't time yet for the evening meal, but it's nice to be in out of the slush. The common room is warm, the ale is good, and they have hot cider available for those who prefer.

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+25=28 ;
Friday January 10th, 2020 2:52:50 PM

Bliss definitely went on the recon mission, and hopefully EVERYBODY went. He also looked on the road out of town to see a good spot to set up an ambush. While he was at the camp of the menagerie, he scouted around and looked for halflings.

Perception 28

The next day, he prepares with a Warding ritual. He expects to be polymorphing into a fighting form tomorrow, likely OctoBliss.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid AC 29/T-20/Fl-24 CMD 35 HP 162 d20+37=50 ; d20+37=42 ; d20+37=55 ; d20+26=39 ; d20+19=35 ; d20+13=19 ;
Friday January 10th, 2020 4:13:37 PM

Murphy thanks Bliss and any others who come. As they sit a few hundred yards away, his back to the caravan, and since he can talk normally in his current - let's say raven - form, the druid whispers in halfling to his adjacent friends, "Let's check this out first for 15, 30 minutes tops. When you hear me, or another of us, caw four times, then let's head into town, scatter a bit to get a lay of the town. Let's scatter, listen to different people talking here and there. About 20 minutes of that, then on to the road on the other side as we discussed. See if there is more than one road out of town. Anyone want speak with animals? Only lasts 15 minutes." He listens to any additional ideas and suggestions.

"You know how birds try, cautiously, to get close to sources of food? I'm thinking of getting over by where the fellow picked up the food, and search for bits along the path he walked. Alert to any who shoo me away, of course, flying up to the top of the food wagon. After a bit fly to the top of a tent pole, try to hear sounds within, then another tent. And listen, look, preen. Will do that for a bit - no more than 20 minutes. Sound okay? Caw once for yes, two for no." Unless outvoted, he does so. "Oh, and anyone caws three times? Means 'I'm in trouble.'"

He takes a measure of the dimensions of the tents. And absorbs what else he might. He longs to enter the tents, but that was not part of the agreement. Though he might be tempted to a quick peek if it looks like there is an opening to get inside along the edge of the canvas, or through a venting slit, but only if he is aware of a separate escape avenue. If someone else does, he'll be alert to running what interference he might if necessary.

If she is not along he keeps Pressi updated on what they are doing and seeing, so that all might know.

Are entrance fees listed on a sign by the money collector?
============
Perception rolls (apply as desired): 50, 42, 55
Sense motive: 39
Knowledge nature: 35 (to discern animal sounds)
Knowledge local: 19

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Friday January 10th, 2020 4:42:27 PM
It's all going to the birds!

"I guess I'm in the second wave, then?"asks Tali.

Before nightfall, Tali will mediatate for 2 hours as it has become her routine, everynight. Upon waking, she casts upon herself, two (2) Spells: Overland Flight & Mage Armor.

Tali is still uncertain how she is to transform (polymorpth) into anything?!

Spells in Effect:
Overland Flight | 800 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 800 of 840 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Saturday January 11th, 2020 11:46:41 AM
�I�m going to talk to the animals and see if they can fill me in on anything�, Succotash says in halfling. He than flys around until he finds the animal cages, then using his �Speak with Animals� spell like ability he goes from cage to cage until some critter is willing to share with his raven self. He tells the animals that they are there to rescue the halflings, but would gladly free any animal that wishes freedom, and for any that may be too domesticated he offers them a cage free home at the Swords Sanctuary.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+19=30 ;
Sunday January 12th, 2020 8:40:58 PM
Pressi, sighing, hits Tali with a polymorph spell and tells her to come on.

Assuming she can't stay behind (the pressure is for everyone to come), Pressi proceeds to Beast Shape 1 or 2 herself (depending on what is needed). If possible with a silent rod, she proceeds to detect magic during flight.

As for morning rituals, Pressi makes an attempt to reach for the healing intermediate ritual. (And remind me again. It's 18 for heal skill, +1 from Harper, +5 from her coven (via cauldron call), and I am assuming Bliss and Mookie would prefer to skip. Even if it's only +19, she hits 30. So all her heals are now D12s.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Monday January 13th, 2020 9:20:58 AM
Hobie spends his part of the flight mission flying past the town, exploring what might be their next road, looking for a good place for an ambush. Any luck spotting a good place?

DM Kathy
Monday January 13th, 2020 12:56:53 PM
Bliss, Murphy, Succotash, and Hobie are definitely up for the first recon mission. Tali, Pressi, and Kezzem can go along, too, or they can stay in Yellowdale.

At the menagerie, Bliss looked for halflings. You don't see any. Presumably, they are in one of the tents. Then, he and Hobie begin scouting the road out of Crofters Crossing to the next town, looking for possible ambush sites. Nothing jumps out at you right away, although there are some spots that would be better than others. How far down the road do you go?

Murphy, playing the timid bird looking for food, flies down to the wagons and hops around a bit. You don't see any food along the path the worker took. You fly over to the wagon, and find no food there, either; just a large sack of charcoal. You fly to one of the tent poles. You hear a murmur of voices from the tent, then hear a voice saying clearly, "Jens, get away from that cage!" The air coming from the tent feels warmer than the air around you, and you smell some kind of fire. Possibly that is what the charcoal was for. You fly to another tent pole, and find much the same.

Succotash is looking for cages, but doesn't find any. Presumably, all the menagerie animals are inside the tents. If it's animals you want, though, you can see the oxen, mules, and horses that pull the menagerie wagons in the next field over.

Meanwhile in Yellowdale, the lamps are being lit as the short winter day comes to a close. Townsfolk begin coming into the Pitchfork after a hard days' work, looking for a drink, a bite of supper, and a bit of companionship. Shepherd's Pie is on the menu.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Monday January 13th, 2020 1:40:00 PM
"Eh, I better not," says Kezzem. "My cleric told me I need to cut down on shepherd. Do you have any vegan options?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday January 13th, 2020 4:55:05 PM
Succotas, the raven, flies over to the beasts of burden, and using his Speak with Animals SLA, tries to glean anything he can from them. Are they treated well, do they know what tent the halflings are in, do they know where the caged animals are, approximate how many bad guys are there, are the Drow masters or slaves, would they rather be taken care of by a bunch of good loving, kind hearted halflings, ECT...

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+30=49 ; d20+25=33 ; d20+15=34 ;
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 12:28:54 AM
Yellowdale & The Pitchfork Tavern

Tali will venture into the Pitchfork tavern as to inquire about the menu. Looking at the specials, see's Shepard's Pie. Tali loves Shepard's Pie. "Yummy!" squeals Tali. Walking up to the bar, Tali orders a Shepard's Pie meal along with a goblet of mead if they have it. If no mead, then apple cider. If any of the others accompany Tali, she will pay for their food and one round of drinks. [Diplomacy Check: 49 | Bluff Check: 33]

Using her skills [Diplomacy Check: 49 | Bluff Check: 33 | Gather Information Check: 34], Tali will mingle with the bar tender, any person local looking for companionship, and any of the locals that recall the Mengagerie when it passed through.

When the tavern slows down, Tali makes her way back to whatever rooms we procured. If none were procured ahead of time, Tali will pay for lodging for the group. Then make her way to the rooms to tidy up before her friends arrive.

If any companions from her group { Pressi, or Kezzem} that didn't join Mister Murphy's recon efforts, are in the Tavern, she will wait for them unless waved off. If any Tavern townfolk tries to "pick her up", she will politly decline any invitation if it appears too sketchy.

NightWatch

If Murphy's group isn't back by Midnight, Tali meditates and awakens by 2AM, to take her watch.

{OOC: what time is it & how much was the tab in the tavern? The rooms?}

Skill Checks:
Diplomacy Check: 49
Bluff Check: 33
Gather Information Check: 34

Spells in Effect:
Overland Flight | 750 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 750 of 840 minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - Raven AC 32/T-21/Fl-28 CMD 33 HP 132 d20+40=52 ; d20+40=49 ; d20+40=49 ;
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 12:40:49 AM
Since Pressi is along, Murphy mentally communicates, "So, you mind if I dash into the tents, see what and who are inside, then fly out?" He lets her know his plan as explained below.
-----
As indicated earlier, he had been on the lookout for small vents, openings along the bottom of the fabric, along the ground, or where various points came together. Also, the tent openings are said to go from one to another. It's unclear as to whether these are sealed with fabric, or if there is a gap or any opening whatsoever. Should he locate any opening anywhere along either of the two tents farther away from the entrance and the rapier-armed fellow (note earlier perception checks of 50,42,55 - they were for such a time as this), then he determines to use something other than the main entrance to pop in.

First he flies a distance away. Perhaps up into a tree a ways away, or up on top of a building. He takes a very good look about to ensure no one is in particular earshot or eyeshot - sitting on a branch opposite the tents, or on a suitable part of a roof. Then he casts on himself owl's wisdom; freedom of movement; magic fang, greater; bull's strength; cat's grace. He flits back. Then he slips in through whatever opening may be provided, and circumnavigates the whole exhibit. If after a lap, his entry point is available, he exits that way. If another opening he deems wiser, then there.

He takes care the whole time to ensure his movements are always raven-like. To add verisimilitude, if there's an obvious bit of food in easy reach without great risk, he'll grab it. Goal? Flyby-observe on the wing as much of the layout as he can, and learn who and what are where. Does anyone throw up a net to catch him? Elude, evade, escape. If he does not cause too much disruption, he moves as a curious/bold, but not too foolhardy, crow, quick to jump back if threatened (or, to one side or another). Mainly stays up high. Then, completing as much of the circuit as he can, he leaves, and flies toward town. He gives four caws ('time to go') as he wings away.
-----
If Pressi recommends against it, then he replies, "All right, what's your plan, then? Seen enough?
================
Perception rolls (one for each tent entered): 51, 48, 48 (subtract one from rolls above)

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle d20+26=40 ;
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 1:29:02 AM

Bliss will fly at least a mile down the road and then come back to scout for ambush spots. That's the whole idea, anyway. If there is time, he tries to overhear any news from the menagerie owners.

Perception 40

He also keeps in telepathic contact with Mookie, so that at least the folks left behind can know what is going on.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 62/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 11:31:07 AM
To Murphy, "Ok, but be careful. I don't want you trapped and trampled. I'll remain outside and prepare to cover you."

She continues to take a broader eye view, sizing up the ringmaster and the cashier first. She also uses her "remote viewing" ability (clairaudio) to make sure nobody is coming towards any of them.

There isn't much else she can do at this form and she left Harper in the village. (She can't cast spells with a somantic component, for example.) She does take stock of the type of people who are going to the carnival, and of how they seem to feel as they see the animals.

DM Kathy
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 2:22:05 PM
Succotash flies over to talk with the draft animals. You learn that they are reasonably contented with their life. They get enough to eat, they are brushed regularly, illnesses and injuries are taken care of. Some of them would prefer a cozy barn to this slushy field, but it's clear none of them are actually suffering. They say that the other animals are in the tents, and attempt to tell you which animals are where, but they have some vocabulary trouble. They tend to refer to "that tent" and "the other tent" without making it clear which ones they are talking about. And they don't know the names of the kinds of animals, so you have to decipher "big predator" and "little predators." You end up with a vague idea of the same information Murphy uncovers (see below). You ask how many people take care of the menagerie, but none of them can count that high, so all you get is "lots." You ask whether the dark elves are masters or slaves, and they don't know. Most of them don't even understand the question. You ask if they would rather be taken care of by some nice halflings, and they seem fine either way.

Murphy prepares himself and then flies into the tents. The large central tent is easiest to fly into, so you start there. You fly a circle inside the tent and see the lioness, the bear, the monkeys, and the ocelots. The tent is fairly warm, and you see a couple of charcoal-burning braziers which are apparently the source of heat. There are a few townsfolk in here, looking at the animals, and you hear a small child say, "look! a birdie!" as you fly by. The entrances to the other tents are covered in drapes of canvas, too heavy for you to move in bird form. Luckily, the worker with the bucket of charcoal opens one drape to enter, and you are able to nip through before it closes. The worker yells "hey!", sets down his bucket, and starts after you. You fly around the smaller tent with the worker in hot pursuit. You see the stirges, the tropical birds, and the halflings. This tent is also warm, and you see another brazier in here. The worker is not trying to catch you; he is trying to shoo you out of the tent, and eventually you let him. You can infer that the other small tent contains the dark elves, the peafowl, and the large baby.

Bliss scouts for ambush spots, but doesn't see any especially good ones. You return to the menagerie and try to overhear conversations, but mostly you hear complaints about the slush and arrangements for the next day's schedule. From the latter conversation, you gather the menagerie plans to stay at least one more day.

Pressi doesn't detect anybody sneaking up on the group. The menagerie has no ringmaster, and the guy collecting money seems pretty ordinary. The fellow with him, the one with the rapier, seems more formidable.

In Yellowdale, Kezzem says he's trying to cut down on shepherd. "Oh, it isn't made from shepherd, sir," the innkeeper explains sincerely. "It's meat and veg, covered in mashed potato. You should try it." You ask about vegan options, and the innkeeper looks puzzled. "We don't raise vegans around these parts," he says at last.

Tali has some shepherd's pie. The potato topping is a little dry, but the beef and vegetables are moist and tasty. You can get mead with it. You ask about the menagerie, and since it only left town a few days ago, you find many people more than willing to talk about it. Nobody seems to have any new information, however.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 3:24:40 PM
"Why don't you just call it beef pie then?" asks Kezzem, continuing to play dumb.

He will relent and have some Shepard pie. And mead.

"Well Tali, at least we're eating well on an adventure for once!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 6:59:36 PM
Succotash flies over to where he hopes his friends are, and in raven speak, says, "We should head back, I don't think we'll get anymore intel tonight, let's fly out of town revert back to halflings, and since there is only 5 of us, I'll teleport us back, hopefully in time for dinner".

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 8:38:30 PM

Raven-Bliss tries to find his friends and fly back. He's not sure what they learned, other than that the menagerie folk are here, and that there is no good ambush spot.

Truth to tell, Bliss is not sure that an ambush is the right idea, Something is not right about this, and he is hesitant to go in spells a-blazing.

When at last everyone is together, finishing their second or third shepherd pie, Bliss says, "Look, friends, I think we should just walk in, pay our admission, and find the captive halflings. AND have a heart to heart with them to find out what is REALLY happening before we make a move we cannot take back."

Mookie cocks his head and stares. "Kid! Wowsy! You're talking like a grown-up."

"Ha!" says Bliss.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=16 ;
Tuesday January 14th, 2020 11:54:30 PM
The Pitchfork Tavern in Yellowdale

NightWatch
Tali returns to the rooms procured for us by us {myself or others} to await the group. In the meantime, she will meditate up to two (2) hours in the room, or one of the rooms. Tali will hover prone towards the ceiling of the room is possible while meditating; so she can get the drop on violators.

Skill Checks:
Acrobatics check: 16

Spells in Effect:
Overland Flight | 700 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 700 of 840 minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - Raven AC 32/T-21/Fl-28 CMD 33 HP 132
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 6:10:30 AM

"Maybe teleport us back to the place where we took our guises, outside town, off the road a little ways, so that it will be unlikely people see us just popping in. Sound good, Succotash?" Murphy asks.

Murphy thanks Succotash for the great transportation. He relates what he observed, then repeats his observations when they rejoin the others. "It seems as though it is in some regards a source of entertainment and education for folks who go to see it. That they would kidnap hapless halflings, though, is a crime.

"However, I concur with you, Bliss. Rather than treating these caravan folks as if they are evil giants who will not be reasoned with, there may be a better way to go about this than simply blasting away and wreaking destruction. Succotash, were you able to discern whether any of the workers were of an evil bent? No doubt there may be a few who can be prone to at least occasional wickedness. But others seem normal.

"What do you suppose might happen were we to get a large crowd of people there in the tents, and one of us casts a dispel magic on the halfling's cage, and the silence effect dissipates, and then they tell their story in front of the gathered crowd? How might that sit?"

He tucks in to the shepherd's pie, and enjoys the mead. "What kinds of ideas do you all have? Mmm, this is good." He tips the cook and the server a gold piece for the good meal.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 12:18:04 PM
After the recon, Pressi discusses the next steps with Murphy and Bliss.

"I'm willing to concede that they probably aren't monsters who will fight to their last breath. Probably, at least not uniformally. However, they aren't just people who made a minor clerical error or stole a candy bar, either. They went in and kidnapped a bunch of people and threw them in cages, though I will concede that the story may have a twist or two later. But for now, I need justice to be done. And I am oathbound to pursue crimes, regardless.

"So, I think the idea remains that we can at least gain entry easily enough. We can probably walk in as unassuming halflings so long as we have the coin, though we certainly have some tricks even if they are keeping a lookout for halflings. Aside from diplomacy, we could always lie our way to the leadership, see if they are looking to buy more slaves, for example. Or as a circus in our own right, but I'd have to come up with the lie part.

"As for just releasing them and bringing them to the crowd? Could be trivial enough but we'd need some pretty strong crowd control. And remember, we still don't know how they managed to take down an entire town without signs of struggle, so I'm still expecting a last trick or two."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 12:49:16 PM
Hobie is happy to have some shepherd's pie when they get back. It's one of his favorite meals. He enjoys the mead, and thinks a long time about what spells he might prepare for the next day.

He really thinks that it would have been great if there was some spell that might make a pit under the vehicles of the caravan!

ooc: I just learned that all of the Pit spells didn't come until the APG! I thought for sure that Create Pit would have been a CRB spell. Alas!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 2:15:35 PM
OOC: Nick, I guess you could say...that's the pits!

DM Kathy
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 2:33:55 PM
The recon mission finished, you teleport back to Yellowdale for some tasty shepherd's pie and a strategy session. You discuss the possibility of simply paying admission to further scout the menagerie, perhaps with an eye to freeing the halflings. You wonder about the menagerie employees, whether they are good, bad, or somewhere in between, and how they managed to kidnap an entire village.

It's been weeks for you, but only days for your characters, so your DM will remind you that Hobie talked to a guy in Idlewood named Jake, who had been hired for odd jobs with the menagerie. Jake had said that the menagerie was owned by a half-orc, and that there were four guards that Jake described as "tough customers." The other employees seemed to be ordinary workers, and you can now confirm that the guy taking money, and the guy delivering charcoal, seemed pretty ordinary. If they do turn out to be evil, you're pretty sure you can defeat them without much bother. The guy with the rapier seemed like he'd be more of a challenge--no doubt one of the "tough customers." You saw no sign of the other three, or of the half-orc owner, but you have to assume they're around.

You continue discussing strategy, and eventually retire to bed. The night is largely uneventful--however, you do have odd dreams. You awaken somehow aware of the fact that Serenbeth is alive and has joined the Gods of the Wold, that Wardd has also joined the Gods of the Wold, and that Ceroldra is no more. These heaven-shaking events do not seem to have had much immediate impact on these simple frontier towns, but over time, who knows what kind of new world will come to be?

Casters can renew their spells as normal, and then there are decisions to make. Do you attempt further recon as animals, or do you load up your cart and travel to Crofters Crossing as yourselves?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 3:24:21 PM
"Didn't someone say they can make us look like biguns?" asks Kezzem. "We should probably not go as halflings. They might think we 'want' to join their act."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 5:57:49 PM
Succotash does his morning prayers and prepares his spells. He finds it interesting that Serenbeth and Wardd are now in his pantheon, and he makes sure to revere them along with rest. He is saddened by the knowledge of Ceroldra's death, but since it doesn't seem to have any effect on his abilities, he doesn't let it drag him down.

"I was thinking the same thing Kezzem. Hobie, was it you that mentioned having the appropriate scrolls, and would someone be able to turn Valerie invisible? I would prefer that she be at full fighting ability, but, I don't know how they would feel about me walking in with a dinosaur!"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 10:48:33 PM
The calm before the storm

NightWatch
Tali returns to the rooms procured for us by us {myself or others} to await the group. In the meantime, she will meditate up to two (2) hours in the room, or one of the rooms. Tali will hover prone towards the ceiling of the room is possible while meditating; so she can get the drop on violators.

Skill Checks:
Acrobatics check: 16

Spells in Effect (after Meditation):
Overland Flight | 840 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 840 of 840 minutes

Bliss | CatBliss HP133/143 AC31 | Mookie HP59/59 AC37 | Cayzle
Wednesday January 15th, 2020 11:42:08 PM

"Maybe I'm getting too cocky," Bliss says, "but even these four 'tough customers' can't be all that tough. If they were as tough as us, they would be leading crime gangs, or taking over a town, or something besides running a travelling show for silvers and coppers. So either we are GROSSLY exagerrating the threat level here, or there are deeper waters of which we do not know."

"If we want to play it safe, then let's follow the plan, go in as guests, see what we can see, and that's it."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - Raven AC 32/T-21/Fl-28 CMD 33 HP 132
Thursday January 16th, 2020 5:33:28 AM

"I can change my appearance a bit,"* says Murphy. His face adjusts, and now he looks like a dwarf with a full red beard, braided. He says in the dwarf tongue, "I am shopping for mushrooms. And want to see the menagerie, so I can sneer at the dark elves."

"Let's think carefully about the spells we will choose, and head out early on the morrow," he says in halfling, after reverting to his normal countenance.

*[Druidic A Thousand Faces ability, as alter self]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - Raven AC 32/T-21/Fl-28 CMD 33 HP 132
Thursday January 16th, 2020 7:31:30 AM

He thinks to add, after hearing of Hobie's interest in pit spells, "I can cast expeditious excavation, Hobie. It makes a 5' cubic pit. I used that spell in this group's first adventure, the Crescent Valley Competition, where we went head-to-head in the finals against the BadApples - who cheated. Also at the Parley House in the Red Hills, against an ogre."

To Succotash, he comments, "You know we have shrines to many Woldian deities and powers at the Sanctuary. Looks like we may need to add at least one. Wardd's is already there."

He also rearranges his spells [which should be reflected on his CS by Saturday - super busy atm]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday January 16th, 2020 12:29:17 PM
Kezzem throws his fists in the air triumphantly. "Mushrooms!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday January 16th, 2020 1:08:27 PM
I�ll fill in later today. But for now, Pressi continues with planning.

DM Kathy
Thursday January 16th, 2020 2:16:56 PM
It is morning now, so Tali and Murphy have rested and renewed their spells. The Pitchfork is serving up breakfast hash.

As you plan strategy, Kezzem and Succotash discuss various options for disguise. Bliss opines that the guards can't possibly be as tough as all that.

The group seems to be agreeing to a plan of scouting the menagerie today as people--if not necessarily halflings--by simply paying the cost of admission.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Thursday January 16th, 2020 2:33:03 PM
"I mentioned that I can make us look not like halflings, but I can't make us look like biguns. I can prepare Disguise Self enough times for all of us, but at most I can make us look one foot taller. Seven super short humans all walking in together might look a little conspicuous. I can easily make us Goblins or Gnomes or something else roughly our size though. The spell would give us an hour in disguise."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday January 16th, 2020 2:54:27 PM
"Goblins probably not a good idea. If we have to stay small, I guess gnomes would be better? They don't have any gnome acts, right? So there's that at least. What about dwarves? Or are they too bulky?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d8=3 ; d8=8 ; d20+18=24 ;
Thursday January 16th, 2020 4:42:10 PM
Bliss's spell prep for the day: Rolls a d20+16 vs DC16 ... cannot fail. He draws Woldsblood with no problem.
Bliss's rituals for the day:
Cat for Basic Ritual, rolls d20+18 vs DC20 ... rolls a 24 no problem.
Share Shield of Faith with Mookie and himself for Intermediate Ritual, rolls d20+29 vs DC30 ... cannot fail. As part of his internediate ritual he casts a Surrender self to boost the Shield bu +2 caster levels, and he uses a rod of extend spell to double the duration. He uses two charges from his wand of CLW to get back to top health.

"Miss Pressi, what's your basic ritual? If it is warding, can Mookie join you?"

Bliss figures he can travel in cat form and pose as a familiar or pet. Mookie will stay back (but in telepathy range (100 ft), just in case the group needs a rescue. "Murphy can be a dwarf for a long time. Disguise Self only works on the caster. But we can still be disguised enough!"

Bliss thanks Murphy very kindly for the +3 Greater Magic Fang for himself in cat form, and he casts a 2 hour +5 AC Barkskin on Murphy (or whatever other witch spell he wants) when he is ready for it, probably just before entering the show. Extended Shield of Faith is pretty good for 24 minutes; Stone Skin too but you have to pay for the 1,000 gp diamond dust yourself.

Mookie sets his armor to look like a black cape, so as to be the least noticeable option. "I'll try to find a tree of perch on a tent pole or something and just lay low. But I'll fly in to save the day against whatever took you all out, for sure, no worry!"

"Thanks old buddy," Bliss answers, ignoring the sarcasm.

[OOC: Have updated my Bliss Sheet, My CatBliss Sheet, and Mookie's Sheet.]

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Thursday January 16th, 2020 10:06:07 PM
Breakfast at the Pitchfork

Tali asks the assembled group, "What is the reason why it's as weird as it is, is "Silence"? What is every one of the critters/races has been the victim of a spell-like Silence?" Wouldn't that also be a cause for alarm or at least a serious precursor for extreme precaution on our behalfs?"

Spells in Effect (after Meditation):
Overland Flight | 600 of 840 minutes
Mage Armor | 600 of 840 minutes

(OOC: What time is it?)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - Raven AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132
Friday January 17th, 2020 4:03:40 AM

"I'd love to know the extent of witch spells available, Bliss. And Pressi. No one has ever sat down and gone over those with me," Murphy says. He is happy to cast the requested spell upon Bliss.

"I can look like a gnome," and he suddenly looks like a gnome, "but I don't know the language. Maybe I was raised by dwarfs. Though, in some ways, going in as a little bird on someone's shoulder might give us more options. Or, a weasel, owl, cat, dog, uh, elephant? I could clear the way as a skunk."

Setting aside his silliness, Murphy sighs. "I can only imagine the sorrow and despair the halfling captives can be feeling.

"When we go in, we can't let ourselves give way to acting out on our righteous indignation. Or to trying to whisper to the halflings that we plan to rescue them - because we might be overheard. Some of us might show appreciation at the exhibits. Awe at the tricks the dark elves display. We need to get to know those who have kidnapped a whole village. Then gauge our next actions..."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday January 17th, 2020 11:00:55 AM
"Ok, first of all, I think we can walk in at least still as halflings... though it might be prudent to keep the armor and weapons at least somewhat covered. I find that more of an issue than of race.

"Second, I think traveling in a large group without a decent cover story like "we're a school on a field trip" might also be a red flag. It might be prudent to break up into smaller groups: a family here, a traveling soldier there, and maybe a halfling or two actively trying to join the circus. For example, I could probably just walk in with Harper, a couple of whips, my entertainers outfit, and a couple of cantrips. Just ask to see the manager, then start negotiating salary while asking some "interview" questions. If someone would like to volunteer as an assistant, that would probably work too.

"I do agree that some subtlety will be required, but I don't know if halfling itself is a red flag. They do have halflings in this region, after all. And if you are worried, a disguise into small child should do the trick."

-------------

For routine:
Catching the Woldsblood - no fail
Basic - ritual of warding with Mookie and Bliss (no fail)
intermediate - raising heal dice to D12 (can I just use my last roll since I seem to have jumped the gun? Pass if so.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday January 17th, 2020 11:20:54 AM
In answer to Murphy, "Ok, really quick, because I'm going over seven spell levels...

"Generally speaking, the blood allows a choice between 17 spells plus the domain per level. They include spells that are rarer in the universe (APG and homebrew), at the cost of some of the utility spells that tend to be relied on by others, like invisibility. Think of it as a sorcerer/cleric hybrid casting with a focus on flair.

"The spells can be subdivided into three categories. There's the clerical stuff (debuffs galore, heals, a few cures and buffs), the druid stuff (summons, polymorphs, flesh to stone), and the rogue stuff (the mind control, some divinations, a few interrogation tricks like pain strike). Domains and other abilities and gear can fill the gaps. Most witches focus on one of the categories and dip as needed. Bliss focuses on building himself into a tank with some self-healing. I tend to do the clerical casting in combat and the rogue stuff outside. But you don't get the "there's a spell for that" breadth of other casters, so you have to be a little more flexible and better at the planning. Particularly since the smartest move is to layer spell upon spell."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Friday January 17th, 2020 4:16:31 PM
"We could say we're mushroom farmers," suggests Kezzem. "Maybe it will work thia time."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Friday January 17th, 2020 5:45:00 PM
"Kez you should say you are an aspiring mushroom farmer, that wouldn't be a lie. I think perhaps I'll go in separately from everyone else and go as a gnome. If anyone else wants me to cast Disguise Person on them please tell me now as I am preparing my spells. I can make you any small humanoid (ooc: any that are approved) so, gnome, goblin, dwarves aren't much taller than us so I can pull that off, or a human child. I could even make you a Grippli if you wanna get crazy.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Friday January 17th, 2020 10:37:47 PM
�I have no polymorph spells but I could go invisible!� Says Tali.

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Friday January 17th, 2020 11:09:22 PM

Bliss nods at Pressi's wise summary, and he is happy to take an hour or three to go over the [link href="https://www.woldiangames.com/Woldipedia/index.php/Bloodwitch#Blood_Witch_Spell_List"}witch spell list[/link] with Murphy. "You can have any of these that you need," Bliss says.

And he loves the idea of being in the animal act! He changes into a cat and starts practicing acrobatic tricks as a cat. Walking on his forepaws, flips, leaps, etc.

So here's the disguise plan:

Group one
Pressi - halfling animal tamer (with Harper)
Bliss - cat (part of Pressi's act)

Group two
Hobie - gnome adventurer
Murphy - dwarf adventurer

Group three
Kezzem - halfling mushroom farmer
Succotash - ?halfling?
-- Valerie invisible
Tali - invisible

"Please make suggestions for where and what you want to be," says Bliss.

DM Kathy
Friday January 17th, 2020 11:53:21 PM
You continue discussing spells, disguises, and strategies.

[OOC: It's around 8 am, unless that presents difficulties.]

As Pressi points out, it isn't necessarily a problem trying to go as halflings. Trying to go as a large group of obviously-heroic halflings will probably present more difficulty. There are a variety of ways to avoid looking like a rescue party.

Bliss begins practicing one, trying his acrobatic kitty act. Hobie and Murphy can look like gnomes. If all else fails, Tali can go invisible. There may be other options.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Saturday January 18th, 2020 7:03:28 AM
Succotash offers an idea to is friend, "Maybe if we divide into a couple of groups as Pressi suggested, and then have one group go in, as paying customer, and maybe Pressi as a cat trainer, than we can do one of two things. I can turn the rest into wee critters, maybe pet mice?, and ride in on the shoulders of the others, or someone on the inside sets up a message spell with either me or Tali, or Hobie,or all the above, and we stay just out of sight, then if or when the going gets tough, we use dimensional door to drop the rest of us right into the fray. I'm sorry, you guys know that spell right?".

OOC... Sorry for the missed post, I'm traveling, and even though I've had the opportunity, it completely slipped my mind.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132
Sunday January 19th, 2020 9:35:55 PM

When Murphy flew through two of the three tents, how were the cages been arranged - what is their layout? Are the halflings still up on a cart or movable platform? Is there a harness attached to it? Likewise for the other exhibits. Are they placed upon the ground, or slightly elevated, or still resting upon the carts and wagons which drew them? If still resting upon mobile conveyances, how much effort might be required to pull one out of its parking spot?

"That is very helpful Pressi, Bliss. I'll let you know, Bliss, in a moment - maybe the one you suggested, but I want to think through this list a little more. Give me five, ten minutes tops."

"Hobie - how about I go in as a bat on your shoulder?" Murphy asks. "Or, I could go as a raven. 'Yeah, boss, I knew you'd like to see this circus.'"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132
Monday January 20th, 2020 3:18:55 AM

"All right, after thinking it over for seven minutes - let's go with your first suggestion, natural armor - a few minutes before we come in earshot or clear view of the caravan. Thanks, Bliss."

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+38=46 ;
Monday January 20th, 2020 11:03:05 AM

Not bothering to change back, Bliss meows agreement with Murphy and continues to refine his "act." He starts using Harper as a platform, walking on his hind paws only from his larger pal's tail to shoulders, then jumping up and flipping, then landing on Harper's head!

Acrobatics 46!

"Wheeee!" says Bliss to anyone who understands cat (or has a telepathic connection to his brain).

"The Kid says 'Wheeee'," reports Mookie.

DM Kathy
Monday January 20th, 2020 1:12:59 PM
You continue discussing strategy. Murphy recalls that the lioness, the bear, and the halflings were in rolling wagon/cages obviously intended to be hitched up to draft animals. You're pretty sure you saw wagon-tongues; you did not see actual harnesses. The stirges, tropical birds, ocelots, and monkeys were in large wire cages--smaller than the wagon/cages but still pretty big. You're not sure how they were moved into place--maybe dollies? None of the cages were elevated.

Succotash suggests two small groups, with extra party members changed into tiny animals.

Bliss continues to practice his kitty tricks.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Monday January 20th, 2020 2:47:06 PM
"Er, guys, what if someone goes back using a True seeing spells to see if there are any tricks afoot?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday January 20th, 2020 3:07:34 PM
Tali asks what if someone has True Seeing ...

"Then we FIGHT!" declares Bliss!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday January 20th, 2020 3:32:38 PM
�No Bliss, Tali is talking about one of us looking around with true ceiling�, Succotash corrects his friend, �That�s a good idea Tali, does anyone have that ability?�

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday January 20th, 2020 7:54:33 PM

"Oh" says Bliss, who has evidently turned back into a halfling for talking. "You mean if WE cast True Seeing. Well, can anybody do that?"

Just for the sake of further confusion, Bliss uses his spider cloak to walk on the ceiling.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 12:09:26 AM
"True Ceiling?" asks Kezzem. "That's a good spell. You don't want to have an imaginary ceiling after all: rain will get in."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 12:21:43 AM

"I may be able to cast True Ceiling. Uh, Seeing," affirms Murphy, looking upwards at Bliss. "It lasts for about fifteen minutes."

[I think a while back I said somewhere Murphy bought or acquired components for the various spells he can cast. But I don't remember whether he picked up the eye ointment for that spell. I did select that as one of his spells for the day... doh!]

"Say, what if a couple of us check to see if there's a store here in Yellowdale with a link to the Catacombs. And, if not, then that same couple of us can fly on ahead of the group to see if there is one in Crofters Crossing. I'm thinking Hobie and I could be that couple of us. You up for that, Hobie?" He scratches his nose. "That way, you and I could be among the first to visit and take a true seeing gander through the place. I can telepath to Pressi what we learn, so that the next people who come through will have the benefit of what information we can gather. I may have forgotten to get the special eye ointment for the spell."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 7:03:45 AM
"If you need to get to the catacombs Murph, I can teleport you there and back", Succotash offers.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 11:20:11 AM
The Planning Phase

Tali tells the assembled group, "Silly Boys, I have that spell, but I am out of the material component for it. I'm trying to be useful here, but you are making it difficult for me. Something is obviously awry here, you all but explained that with your reconnaissance. We know we have to be up against formidable odds, because what other reason could their be, unless all the captives believe they are supposed to be there and are happy with it. That's brainwashing!!!"

Spells in Effect (after Meditation):
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 1:14:41 PM
"Well, I have no trouble going back, and I would be glad to cast true seeing," Pressi replies. "Or, if I happen not to have the component, I still have a number of tricks up my sleeve like detect thoughts and divinations."

(* I keep forgetting about the material component, I've been using it almost at will, and the DM never said anything. Someone really needs to add a key to the bloodwitch spell list or write up a shopping list.)

"But honestly, even if they have a massive amount of power, there have to be some question as to how they think and worry, how their psychology works. And they themselves have to balance security with the desire to make money.

"That's the beauty of my particular plan. There's no magic, and no direct assault on any potentially protected area. There isn't even technically a lie. I really am a halfling entertainer with a trained animal and a flair for the dramatic. And I do presume that I can attract the attention of a circus leader who might want to discuss employment."

DM Kathy
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 1:27:05 PM
You continue discussing strategies.

You have passed through several frontier towns in your pursuit of the menagerie, and you have yet to see one with a Catacombs entrance. It is extremely unlikely that there is one in Crofters Crossing. Teleportation is always an option, of course.

You discuss having somebody return to the menagerie with an active True Seeing spell to see if anything is different. It is probably doable, with a quick jaunt to the Catacombs. But is it necessary? Or do you have enough information to don your disguises and make the attempt?

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 3:14:11 PM
That plan sounds good to me, Murph, I can even keep Dimension Door and some Invisibility Spells ready in case we need it

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 3:26:55 PM
Bliss says, "Let's go." Then he changes back to a cat and starts walking.

(He won't go far unless everyone is following.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 4:21:00 PM
"You heard the kitty, folks," says Kezzem. "Transform and roll out!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 6:52:55 PM

"Yep. We'll have to do without true seeing, looks like, and just use our eyes and ears," Murphy says. "Next time we can get to the Catacombs - let's stock up on things, like diamond dust, eye ointments, and other precious material components. Right, Tali uh, Tali?"

He responds to Tali's suppositions. "Brainwashing? Sounds messy. But, you could be right - perhaps some or all of the folks involved in the shows are fine with it. Only thing that might gainsay that, is pretty near everyone who has talked about the halflings agree they all look pretty sad. And they are enveloped in silence. Kind of listless, maybe?"

He proposes to the group, "Since we discussed separate, staged movements, what say Hobie and I go first, scope things out? Pressi and her talented and blissful kitty cat show up twenty minutes, half an hour later, and then the halfling mushroom team and their truffle-sniffing velociraptor show up after another, what, half an hour? Along with invisible Tali. What sort of timing - and order - do you all think would work out? We could go in the order Bliss suggested, or the way I flipped group one and two. Some advance intel for Pressi might be helpful, and ready backup near at hand should something go awry. Halfings at the end might be the best bet.

"If Bliss can have a message spell going with someone from team three and with Hobie and/or me, and Tali can have the same going with me and Hobie and Pressi, maybe? That way we can have another means of passing information around. How many can you include in your messaging?" he asks of Bliss, Tali, and Pressi. Those are all the people he knows who can cast that spell.

"I can cast detect magic when Hobie and I are a short but discreet distance from the tents, and have it up and running as we enter. Perhaps they have some sort of antimagic fields set up. I want to see what the dark elves do, what sort of act, if any, they have.

"Since by the time we get there, they may be running some of their last shows, those who have not yet seen the menagerie, or want to see it one more time, may be there. Blending in with the crowds - if such there are - may be helpful for some of us.

"Are there any sorts of code words we should arrange before we arrive?" he asks the group.

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 7:02:00 PM
" 'Meow' " says Bliss.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday January 21st, 2020 7:38:39 PM
�I�d be OK with that idea Murph�, Succotash says, then adds, �I have dispel magic at the ready, if we wish to try to break a silence spell, giving the crowd a glimpse of the truth, if we wish to go that way�.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 3:28:43 AM

Murphy's quick replies:

- "That's a good multipurpose code word there, Bliss."

- "Great, Succotash. Now, if through suasion alone we can figure out a way for the enterprise to do the right thing and let our people go, then, wonderful. It could turn out that more than words may need to be used. Anyhow, as usual, let us, as my father sometimes says, play it by ear."

- "Those are handy spells to have, Hobie. You are becoming an ever more complex person in my eyes, friend."

- "Pressi, Tali, Kezzum - any additions, redirections, concurrences?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 9:57:19 AM

"They probably don't open until the afternoon. Let's have breakfast now, and walk on over there around noon, and get there in time for lunch. I bet they have good carnie food. I like the sausages and funnel cakes, even in cat shape!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 11:46:04 AM

Pressi interjects into the brainwashing discussion. "It may be a messy business but... remember how we discussed witch magic? Squeezing the life force out of nature to twist innocent minds to my bidding is kind of my job. And I heal a little bit on the side to ensure you overlook it. As for what to expect, I'm trying not to overestimate them."

Regarding the plan, "I think the staggered order and messaging works well. Remember, the key is infiltration, not confrontation. And the code word, as always, is Roshambo. When you hear it, go man, go. (Pause.) Meow works too."

After the first group enters, Pressi begins preparing herself. She activates her glammer armor, switches her cowl for shades, and begins to touch up her makeup and drape some of the cloth Murphy spent gathering over Harper's armor. (She still intends to ride Harper, Bliss and Mookie tucked behind her, into the area before asking to speak to HR. Some touches of prestidigitation and ghost sound complete the costume and make her look more showmanlike.

----------------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
glammers active

DM Kathy
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 1:54:02 PM
You have the makings of the plan. You will forego a second reconnaissance, trusting in the information you already have. You will infiltrate the menagerie in small groups, and see what you can accomplish.

You can further refine the idea as you travel. Crofters Crossing is 20 miles from Yellowdale, so first you've got to head down the road a ways. Your DM is assuming you'll do this as a group, bringing the mule and cart that Murphy acquired, along with all your other animals.

The slush is mostly gone, but the road is muddy and sloppy. It rains off and on throughout the morning, which doesn't help the condition of the road one bit. After a few hours' travel, you see the smoke of several chimneys up ahead. You estimate that you are within a mile or two of the town.

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 5:05:48 PM

Bliss changes back to halfling to cast extended CL12 Barkskin on Murphy. That's +5 bonus to natural armor lasting 4 hours.

What the heck, he casts it on Mookie and himself, just with the regular 2 hour duration.

"Anyone else want any spells?" he asks.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 5:41:51 PM
Succotash uses his speak with animals ability to tell Valerie he is going to uses share spell to cast Beast Shape III to turn her in to a rat, and that she should ride on his shoulder, pretending to be a pet. He then casts the spell, and Valerie climbs onto his shoulder.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells d20+23=30 ;
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 7:24:52 PM
"Man, I wish I had fun spells to disguise myself with," says Kezzem. "Stupid paladin code. Let me practice my story. We did sell gather mushrooms for that dwarf fellow so it's not a lie!

Kezzem practices. "Yes, mushrooms are my trade. I am a shroomer. My name is Kezzem the Shroomer. I arrange, design, and sell mushrooms."

Diplomacy 30 (or Bluff 10).

"Wait, how does one design and arrange mushrooms? Maybe I should workshop that some more. Also, if I'm selling mushrooms, I should probably have some. Murphey, could you druid-up some mushrooms for me?"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+10=14 ;
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 9:30:26 PM
The Planning Phase II

Tali will hover 16 inches above the ground so as not to soil her clothes. When the times comes, Tali will cast invisibility on herself (1min / level). Then hover 15 feet above the ground to keep the group in her sights & to avoid obstacles in her flight path. {Perception Check = 14}

Spells in Effect:
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 30/T-20/Fl-26 CMD 35 HP 132 d20+37=38 ; d20+20=28 ; d20+37=44 ;
Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 10:27:16 PM
Murphy is happy to search for mushrooms along the way for Succotash. Mushroom hunt score: Perception: 38; Survival: 28. Our DM can let us know how successful the druid was in this endeavor.

"Time to get this show going," he says. "I'll go as a raven, Hobie. Your very own, friend-of-a-gnome talking raven. Here are fifteen gold pieces to cover admission, snack items, tips for performers. I'll be Bombo, the Raven Talker. Got that, everyone? Just call me Bombo." ... "Thanks for the extra protection, Bliss!"

"When we go in, ask the fellow at the front whether he needs to pay for the bird to enter with you. They'll probably say no, but then that way they can't rebuke you later for not paying for me. Hope you don't mind me sitting on your shoulder. Though I don't promise to stay there the whole time. I might get down, and just hop next to you as we make the rounds. If someone tries to shoo me away - happened last time I was here - just tell me to get back on your shoulder, and maybe apologize to the shooer. 'He's just an inquisitive bird,' you can tell them. 'He's murder on worms, but don't worry about him trying to bother anyone overmuch.'"

He explains that he wants to see first what's in the first tent because, well, it's the first tent, and he didn't see inside the last time. Go for a nice stroll through the exhibits. He'll pass on a mental map to Pressi. By the way, for the halflings' cage, he can transmute metal to wood. Might be handy. It's easier to break through wood than it is iron or steel. Maybe he'll do that when no one seems to be looking. "You might not want to be right up next to it when I do so - any metal you're wearing could also be affected. If you want me to cast it, just say, 'Knock on wood,' and I'll take the hint."

A bit before the town, he takes out a few more items. He gives Hobie a couple pounds of cheese, and a couple loaves of bread - 'for the halflings, or to feed others, if you feel like it,' he explains. He also, if Hobie is willing to put it in his quiver (if there's room) his spell staff. "It has greater dispel magic stored in it. If I caw out, 'Staff, staff!', then pull it out. I can dispel magic in a 20' radius with that, or do a more targeted dispel. Also, if I touch it to the ground and say a command word, it will tranform into a treant-like creature." He asks if there are any more questions or plans before he wild shapes. When all else is ready and done, then he lays down in the wagon, and wild shapes into a raven. In common he says, "Caw! Bombo am I. Bombo am I! Caw!"

"So, Hobie, what name will you use? Your raven, Bombo, is too stupid to speak Gnome, by the way." He picks up in his beak a thin 9-inch strip of leather from near where he lay before wild shaping. "Hobie, can you tie this around my left ankle? Wrap it a few times and tuck it in tight, so there are no dangling ends."

Once they approach the tent, if that's what Hobie does, Murphy/Bombo perches on his right shoulder. Or left, if that is what the gnome prefers.

[Who casts message, and upon whom?]
===========
Perception at Tent Entrance area: 44

Spell effects at the time of reaching entrance to tent:
Extended Barkskin - Natural armor +5 for 4h 45m
Longstrider: 14h 44m
Magic Fang, Greater: 14h 45m

on Bliss:
Magic Fang, Greater: 29h 29m

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 2:47:23 AM
Hobie ties the leather strap around the raven's ankle, and places the staff in his quiver and the other things in his haversack.

He uses disguise self and turns into a meek blue haired gnome with looooong blue eye brows.

"You can call me 'Francis', Bombo"

Once they are ready, Francis will walk into the tent with Bombo on his shoulder. He enters with an excited and inquisitive expression and nature, eager to see anything new that he can see.

"Oooooh whats in here Bombo!? What kind of new things might we find?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 12:58:53 PM
Pressi watches Hobie and Murphy head into town, then begins to wait half an hour. Her messaging spells and telepathy begin to run overtime as she waits for the group to settle in.

If there are carts available (she wants Kezzem to have at least one cart), she piles Bliss and Mookie in there before getting on Harper.

DM Kathy
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 2:33:21 PM
Bliss casts some protective spells.

Succotash makes Valerie travel-sized for his convenience.

Kezzem practices his role as a shroomer, getting the profession confused with that of a shrubber. Murphy is able to find some good mushrooms.

Tali turns invisible.

Hobie becomes Francis the Talking Gnome, and Murphy becomes his talking raven sidekick.

Pressi takes possession of the cart (and, by extension, the mule), and prepares to follow Hobie and Murphy.

So, as your DM understands things, Hobie (gnome) and Murphy (raven) will go in first. Tali (invisible) may be accompanying them. Everybody else is waiting for now, using Message spells to keep in contact.

Hobie and Murphy head into Crofters Crossing, and find it busy despite the rain. You see a lot of carts and wagons; Crofters Crossing, as its name suggests, stands at a crossroads. You go to the field where the menagerie has set up, and see the same arrangement as yesterday: three main tents, with smaller tents and vehicles nearby. A small crowd has gathered near the entrance, and it appears the menagerie is just opening for the day. A human man begins collecting money from the crowd as they move past. Behind him stands an imposing half-orc with a scimitar at his belt and a longbow on his back.

You get to the head of the line. "One silver piece, please," the human says pleasantly.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 31/T-21/Fl-27 CMD 35 HP 132 d20+37=49 ;
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 5:43:31 PM
Murphy - Bombo the talking raven - lets Hobie do the talking and paying. He looks about at the small gathered crowd, taking in the sorts of people who have showed up to enjoy the show. He looks at the orc, and gives a subdued 'Awk,' while eying the imposing fellow (taking a solid visual inventory of what he wears and carries). He looks at the human fare taker, and then takes a moment to preen an area under his right wing.

He passes on items of interest to Pressi. [i]"Maybe get here in fifteen to twenty minutes, Sweetcakes the Magnificent,"[i] he telepathically recommends.
========
Perception: 49 - take in members of the crowd, and the orc guard.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells d20+25=43 ;
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 6:34:18 PM
�Oooooh what a great deal for such an interesting exhibit!!!!!�
The gnome fumbles with his coin purse and hands a silver piece to the man.
�TELL ME, TELL ME, TELL ME, What�s your favorite thing in the Menagerie!? What should I surely not miss?!"

Hobie. as a proud archer, will slyly pay attention to the half orc's longbow, and will even detect magic and use spellcraft to determine any magical properties it has. Spell craft= 43

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 6:38:54 PM
Succotash waits impatiently for his time to arrive. he figures he will fall in the last group with Kezzem pretending to be mushroom farmers, though he doesn't see how Kezzem's armor, and his clerical robes are going to pass as mushroom farming garb. He suggests to Kezzem, "I know you love the idea of pretending to be mushroom farmer, but it may be more convincing if we used the traveling priest and his protector as a cover story instead, besides you wouldn't even be telling a half truth, since we Swords make a point of protecting each other".

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 8:10:02 PM
"Well, of course you need armor to farm mushrooms. You never know when they might sneak up on you and attack from behind. Oh wait, that's trees, not mushrooms."

"How about a traveling priest that sells mushrooms?" offers Kezzem in compromise. "You can even sell one to me for a copper now so it wouldn't even be a lie."

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Thursday January 23rd, 2020 8:17:26 PM
Bliss looks forward to heading out with Miss Pressi.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday January 24th, 2020 7:32:29 AM
Succotash smiles at Kezzem�s compromise. He loves how the Paladin has such a simple and uncomplicated outlook on life. He chuckles to himself as he says, �OK, that seems possable-ish, Here, this ones one the House, but you�ll have to pay for the next one!� He than tosses his friend one of the mushrooms Murphy found, while trying not to bust out laughing.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Friday January 24th, 2020 8:51:09 AM
(Wait so doesn't that make Succotash the mushroom salesman, not Kezzem?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday January 24th, 2020 10:05:23 AM
(OOC... Kezzem is Succotash�s bodyguard)

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=26 ; d20+19=36 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+2=19 ;
Friday January 24th, 2020 12:47:43 PM
The Menagerie

Invisible Tali using her skills {Skill checks - see below} will stick close to Mister Murphy as she casts a Message spell between her and him.

Pointing to Mister Murphy, Tali whispers under her breath, "Hey, Mister Murphy, I casted a Message spell between us..I'm hovering invisibly near you as reinforcement in case you need an emergency Sorcerer in a fight!

Spells Cast

Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes

Skill Checks

Acrobatics: 26
Fly: 36
Perception:16
Sense Motives: 19

Spells in Affect

Invisibility: 15 /15 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

DM Kathy
Friday January 24th, 2020 2:23:41 PM
Murphy scans the crowd. You see families with children. You're not sure whether it's three families or two--or possibly one extended family. They all seem to know each other. You can see that the half-orc is wearing a chain shirt, and a fancy belt that is probably magical.

Hobie (with invisible Tali hovering nearby) pays his admission and asks the employee what his favorite exhibit is, and what shouldn't be missed.

"Ah, sir," the man replies, "all the exhibits are marvels. Fascinating and one-of-a-kind. Don't miss any of them!"

Hobie also eyes the half-orc's longbow. It is a good bow, well-crafted. You start to cast a Detect Magic, and that doesn't go well.

"Hey!" yells the admissions-taker.

"None of that!" growls the half-orc, drawing his scimitar. "No spells!"

Meanwhile, Succotash and Kezzem are refining their cover story, while Pressi and Bliss prepare to go in as a traveling cat-act.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Friday January 24th, 2020 2:31:26 PM
�Oh sorry sir!! I�m just so excited by new things and your bow is so interesting to me!!!! Is it a maaaaaaaagic bow! ? My grandpa had a magic bow when I was but a tiny gnome. Well, a tiny-ER gnome!!�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday January 24th, 2020 2:36:07 PM
As the time continues, Pressi continues to wait and listen... to Kezzem and Succotash, apparently.

If nothing of note happens within a half hour (twenty minutes if needed), Pressi begins moving her cart and horse down towards the town below. Dancing lights, firework sounds and other prestidigitations fire off as she attempts to attract a crowd. (In the cart, with Bliss and Mookie, Harper begins to whine.)

At last, she makes her way to the front (or to any particular worker). It is here that a rather uncommon accent begins to leave her lips. "You take me now to boss, you take me, yes? He wishes to speak with me, even if he somehow knows me not."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday January 24th, 2020 4:00:10 PM
(OOC: Sorry, posted when Kathy posted.)

If Murphy warns her in advance, Pressi changes out of her armor into her actual entertainer's outfit (adjusting AC accordingly).

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 31/T-21/Fl-27 CMD 35 HP 132 d20+14=29 ; d20+15=35 ;
Friday January 24th, 2020 4:25:01 PM
Murphy/Bombo was hoping to be INSIDE the tents by now. "Boss, let's just go inside and look at the fun things. Sheesh! Sorry fellas, he just gets excited when he sees a bow. He likes blue ceramic bowls, too. I'll keep an eye on him for you. I'll bet you six worms he could barely pull back the string on your arrow, sir. I mean bow. Don't let him get started on his youthful adventures. Caw! Can we just go inside, sirs? That's why we're here, boss, to see the fun things inside, right?"

He holds up a wing to give a loud stage whisper as an aside to the man and orc. "I should get paid extra to take care of Francis, here. Really, he's pretty harmless - just curious all the time, and he makes silly comments. And he casts detect magic almost every day." He returns the wing to his side, and says, "Francis, pay them an extra silver for the trouble, and promise not to cast that spell again while we're here! Promise? I'll tell Pookie if you don't promise! Caw! And you won't get your bedtime story. And tell them you're sorry." He looks up at the ticket taker. "Are any talking animals inside? It's all right if there's not, but one can always hope."

He turns his attention to those still waiting in line. "You think this is fun? It's gotta be better inside, any day! Sorry for holding up the queue."

He hopes that Hobie plays along with him, and doesn't take offense at his attempt to defuse the situation. Who knows, maybe the druid is making it worse, himself.

Murphy/Bombo telepathically relays to Pressi, "Hobie decided to cast a spell in front of the ticket taker and orc muscle before we got in the tent. Hoping they'll just let us get inside. Sheesh! We'll need to hold classes on how not to draw undue attention to yourself when going undercover. So, I decided to add to the undue attention by talking as a raven. So, be ready to bring your best act, Press!"

============
Spellcraft: 29 (Murphy knows Hobie was casting detect magic)
Diplomacy: 35 (nat 20) to persuade man and orc to give them a break

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+38=52 ;
Friday January 24th, 2020 9:06:43 PM

Bliss starts performing with his acrobatics, especially with flips and backflips.

Acrobatics 52

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Sunday January 26th, 2020 4:23:24 AM
Francis will go into his coin purse and get an extra silver like Bombo suggested.

�The bird is right, I don�t mean to make any trouble, I just love seeing all kinds of new things!!!! And I really love seeing the magic behind those things!!! I promise I was only detecting the magic auras!!!!!�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Sunday January 26th, 2020 11:01:47 AM
"Well Kezzem, my friend, I'd say I've always wanted my own personal body guard, but that would be a lie, as I've never even considered having one, but this could be fun!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 31/T-21/Fl-27 CMD 35 HP 132
Monday January 27th, 2020 6:20:53 AM

"Yeah, yeah. Calm down, and we'll get you some hot cocoa later," Borbo says to Francis. "We'll just go in and look around. Y'know, without bouncing up and down on your toes."

"I'll try to help him pipe down," the raven tells the ticket taker. "Never knew how excitable purple eyebrows might make one."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=18 ; d20+19=34 ; d20+10=28 ; d20+2=13 ;
Monday January 27th, 2020 10:05:34 AM
Secret Infiltration of the Menagerie

As Invisible Tali, using her skills {Skill checks - see below}, Tali will hover close to the tent top in order to cast Detect Magic in a 60 ft. cone to cover as many items as possible for 3 rounds of concentration. Upon discovering her findings, Tali will relay them via Message spell with Mister Murphy, she cast last round.

Pointing to Mister Murphy, Tali whispers under her breath, "Hey, Mister Murphy, I just cast a Detect Magic spell on a 60 ft. cone for as much as possible within this tent. I will tell you what I found after 3 rounds of concentration!"

Spells Cast

Detect Magic - Concentration; Duration up to 1 minute / level

Skill Checks

Acrobatics: 28
Fly: 34
Perception:28 {NAT 20}
Sense Motives: 13

Spells in Affect
Detect Magic - 15 minutes / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Invisibility: 15 /15 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

The Menagerie

DM Kathy
Monday January 27th, 2020 1:08:13 PM
[Ghaa! I've been planning to change the scene for days. I finally remembered! Everybody take 20,000 XP for the previous scene.]

Murphy's attempts to smooth over things with the admissions-taker and the guard almost make things worse. The men are aware that there are talking ravens, but this is a talking raven! Extensive vocabulary! Complete sentences! They look on in uncomfortable, wide-eyed silence.

Hobie recovers, pays an extra silver, and apologizes. The men exchange glances, then the admissions-taker accepts the extra coin. "Thank you, sir. No trouble at all." He nods toward Murphy. "That's a remarkable bird you've got there." He exchanges another look with the guard before waving you into the tent.

You step into the first tent, which is actually one of the ones Murphy scouted yesterday. You pass between two cages, on opposite tent walls. On your left is a cage of tropical birds. A family group is clustered next to it, oohing and aahing. A sign affixed to the cage says THE BEAUTY! On the opposite wall is the cage of stirges. Its sign says THE HORROR! There are no visitors at that cage at the moment. After the stirges and the birds, you come to a large open area where the rolling cage full of halflings is stationed. Signs on and near the cage read HALFLING CANNIBALS!, SAVAGE HALFLINGS!, CAUTION, and KEEP WELL BACK! The halflings are milling about in the cage, looking, as people have said, not particularly savage. A family group is looking at them curiously, the parents keeping close hold on the younger children to keep them from getting too close. Near the halfling cage, a draped opening leads into the next tent.

Invisible Tali, hovering above the tent, detects magic within. You have to sort out the auras belonging to Hobie and Murphy, of course, but there remains an aura unaccounted for. It is a Moderate aura. Knowledge: Arcana DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {Its school is Universal.} If you make that check, it is a Spellcraft check to determine the actual spell.

Meanwhile back at the staging area, the next group is preparing to start down the road into Crofters Crossing. And which group will that be--Pressi and Her Amazing Cats, or the Oddly Well-Armed Mushroom Farmers?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+20=33 ;
Monday January 27th, 2020 1:46:40 PM
The next group is Pressi and her amazing cats.

Preparations only slightly modified from before, which I remind here. Pressi switches out from her armor into her old and actual entertainer's outfit and red haired wig, keeps her whips and chains, and uses a disguise kit to cover her face as an entertainer would (and to touch up some of those arm tattoos so they are harder to identify.) She hides the circlet of persuasion using a wig, slips her holy symbol and into a pocket, and hopes nobody else will look too closely at her belt or headband. (She considers taking off her boots and shades, but figures she can pass them off as part of the circus equipment.)

Pressi rides on the horse, while Harper, Bliss and Mookie ride in the cart. Various cantrips should attract the attention of staff and onlookers as the cart comes near. The key to talking her way to management, Pressi surmises, is to put on a show.

Once she reaches a proper entrance (a service entrance in the back?), she breaks out a (vaguely eastern european) accent, and begins to talk her way through (Bluff 33). She introduces herself as Misty (last name Calle), animal trainer and stage magician extraordinaire. She is funny, she is flirty, and she is quite clear that she will not take "no" for an answer, at least, not without a tryout.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 31/T-21/Fl-27 CMD 35 HP 132 d20+37=39 ; d20+37=42 ; d20+37=41 ;
Monday January 27th, 2020 3:43:19 PM

"Hey, Boss, let's see what marvels are here," the Raven suggests to Francis. "Uh, would you mind reading the signs to me? How about we take a lap, look at everything quick, look at the other tents likewise, then decide what to stare at longer? Hi, little girl. Yep, it's me, Bombo, the Talking Raven. Don't worry ma'am," he says to her mother. "I don't use cuss words. That's a lovely dress, ma'am." He spots the aviary and exclaims, "Hey, fellow feathered friends!"

He does look for a moment at the pitiful halflings, making certain he sees Hendit Littlefoot's wife with the reddish-brown hair, but not dwelling on looking therein otherwise more than in passing.

Murphy basically encourages Hobie to do as he described - walk quickly through all the exhibits and avoid behaving in a way that will cause them to get kicked out. He relays what he sees to Pressi. He likely does not talk in the tent with the dark elves, and keeps to birdlike, non-loquacious behavior in that one, unless circumstances call for other tactics. He likewise is unlikely to talk in the other tent, either.
==========
Perception 39 -1st tent
Perception 42 - 2nd tent
Perception 41 - 3rd tent

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday January 27th, 2020 6:04:50 PM

Oh, Mookie is not part of the act! He stays behind, looking for a perch in which to hide, sometimes flying over the tent, checking in with Bliss via telepathy from time to time.

Bliss is ready to go in as part of Miss Pressi's act, and he continues his antics as she fast-talks her way in.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20=16 ; d20=15 ;
Monday January 27th, 2020 7:01:22 PM
�Well Kezzem, if Pressi is heading for the back door, why don�t we head to the front?�, Succotash asks his �bodyguard�, then heads towards the tent, but before he does, he slips his mace into his handy haversack. He figures with no visible weapon, and his breastplate under his clerical robes, he may have a better chance of pulling off the role of a traveling priest. He walks up to the ticket taker, and pays his and Kezzem�s entrance fee. While doing so he says, �Hello, I�m Father Ricardo, I�m a traveling priest, and this is my protector Herman. We have heard tales of savage halflings before, but had heard they dwell in the Sargrass Plains. Well, when we heard that you had some in display, we had to see them for ourselves!� Bluff 20, Diplomacy 28

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Tuesday January 28th, 2020 12:05:08 AM
"Don't forget to ask about the mushroom discount," says Kezzem. "After all, we are small and don't take up much room. Also, we have mushrooms."

DM Kathy
Tuesday January 28th, 2020 1:15:28 PM
It takes him a moment, but Murphy does spot Hendit's wife and children in the cage, toward the back. He urges Hobie to move on to the next tent, and your DM will assume that happens.

The next tent is the big one. The lioness is the first animal you see as you enter; she is pacing back and forth in her rolling cage. Her sign says FIERCE LIONESS!, with a smaller legend beneath saying she was captured in the Jungles of Cthonia. There are also some CAUTION signs. Next to her is the bear, also in a rolling cage, also with CAUTION signs. A small area next to the cage seems to have been set up for performances, with several balls and a hoop. The bear is sitting with its back to you, not moving (although you can tell it is breathing). Opposite them are wire cages, larger than the stirge and bird cages. One's sign says AMAZING AND AMUSING MONKEYS! There's another family group in front of this cage, the children bouncing and giggling with excitement. The other cage says JUNGLE OCELOTS, and does contain several ocelots, along with much-clawed branches for them to climb on. They all seem to be sleeping, because cats.

Meanwhile, Pressi (and Bliss) arrive at the menagerie. You aren't able to find a back entrance, so you need to start at the front. You explain your purpose to the admission-taker, and he seems impressed. "A moment, if you please," he says. Turning, he calls "Ho! Brae! Torvin! Somebody come take coin!" After a few minutes, another employee hurries forward to take over. The original admissions-taker says "follow me," and guides you around the show tents to the camping area behind them. "Name's Arvin," he says. "It's nice to meet you, Mistress Calle. And your cats. We've got cats in the show already; do you think you could do anything with them?" He leads you to a spot near one of the wagons, then says, "wait here, if you please, I'll see if the boss is available."

As she waits, Kezzem and Succotash approach the menagerie, and express an interest in seeing the savage halflings. The admissions-taker looks dubious, but says, "one silver apiece, good sirs."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+21=30 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+19=37 ; d20+10=12 ;
Tuesday January 28th, 2020 1:28:34 PM
Secret Infiltration of the Menagerie

As Invisible Tali, using her skills {Skill checks - see below}, Tali will hover close to the tent top in order to cast Detect Magic in a 60 ft. cone to cover as many items as possible for 3 rounds of concentration. Upon discovering her findings, Tali will relay them via Message spell with Mister Murphy, she cast last round.

Tali learns {
Knowledge: Arcana (DC 20) | 30 {Successful check}} that the school of Magic being used is the Universal school, and then she checks her spell-craft to learn the spell being used {Spell-craft: 29 }.

Tali continues to concentrate with her cast spell, Detect Magic for at least 2 more additional rounds. Tali pointing in the rough direct of Mr. Murphy, says to him via Message spell, "Hey, Mister Murphy, the auras are from the Universal school of magic. I'm awaiting addition skill checks and concentrations before I can determine additional information. Spread the good word!"

Spells Cast

Detect Magic - Concentration; Duration up to 1 minute / level

Skill Checks

Knowledge: Arcana (DC 20) | 30 {Successful check}
Spellcraft: 29

Acrobatics: 17
Fly: 37
Perception:12

Spells in Affect
Detect Magic - 15 minutes / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Invisibility: 15 /15 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Tuesday January 28th, 2020 1:37:20 PM
Hobie walks along and follows the advice of Bombo. He excitedly oohs and aahhs at all of the exhibits. While doing so he is taking stock of everything that could be dangerous in the menagerie, particularly guards, dangerous animals, and he's keeping stock of what creatures might seem to be enslaved and what creatures might be willing to fight for their captors if combat were to break out at some point.

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday January 28th, 2020 2:24:06 PM

Sitting quietly as Arvin tells them to wait, Bliss casts a still silent See Invisible spell. That uses a 4th level slot, and will last a couple hours. He mentally keeps Mookie up to date so that the bird will not worry.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 w/rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35 with rituals), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday January 28th, 2020 3:47:25 PM
"Yeah, I might have thought some other things through," Pressi thought to herself. "Like what if they want to add their own cat to the mix? Or what exactly I want to ask of or get from the boss, besides distracting him as long as possible."

(OOC: The best option is probably charm monster, which would at least keep the cat calm.)

Pressi continues the act while staying where she is. She mixes with the crowd, waves to any other employees, and tries to keep an eye out for any more information.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+11=16 ;
Tuesday January 28th, 2020 6:34:54 PM
"Thank you sir here is payment for both myself and Herman". Succotash says with a smile as he pays the man. When he enters, he waits a few moments to allow his eyes to adjust to the dimmer light of the tent interior, than makes a point of showing horror at the sight of the Stirges, and appreciation for the tropical birds. He doesn't hang out, with the birds/stirges to long, as he already claimed to want to see the savage halflings. He moves into the area that the halflings are being held, and has to swallow his anger at the site of fellow halflings in cages. Turning to Kezzem he says, "Except for their garb, they really don't look any different than us, and here I though they would have claws and fangs or something like that!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells d20+23=26 ; d20+23=35 ;
Tuesday January 28th, 2020 8:14:40 PM
"It that 1 sp price before or after the mushroom discount?" asks Kezzem.

Diplomacy: 26 (ignore second roll)

"Oh, he already pair. Hey priest, I think you forgot about the mushroom discount!" Kezzem chases after Succotash.

"Fangs?" asks Kezzem. "I don't know about that. Have you ever heard of the Snaggletooth Blacklyng clan? I heard they are pretty savage, though as the name might imply, they don't so much have fangs as much as they have, well, snaggleteeth."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=20 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+10=27 ;
Wednesday January 29th, 2020 8:52:33 AM
Secret Infiltration of the Menagerie

As Invisible Tali,continues to concentration about detecting magical items within the tent.. Upon discovering her findings, Tali will relay them via Message spell with Mister Murphy, she cast two rounds ago.

Spells Cast

Detect Magic - Concentration; Duration up to 1 minute / level

Skill Checks

Acrobatics: 20
Fly: 21
Perception:27

Spells in Affect
Detect Magic - 15 minutes / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Invisibility: 15 /15 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 31/T-21/Fl-27 CMD 35 HP 132
Wednesday January 29th, 2020 11:42:22 AM

Murphy/Bombo takes it all in through his raven eyes. In particular he considers the various animals he witnesses with an eye to forms for wild shaping in the future. Also, for tactical purposes over the near future. He does a quick visual assay of the apparent health of the animals, especially the slumbering bear. Is its fur indeed patchy?

"Caw, next, next, caw!" he encourages Francis the happy gnome to continue their scouting into the next tent - the one he has not yet been in.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid - AC 31/T-21/Fl-27 CMD 35 HP 132
Wednesday January 29th, 2020 1:15:23 PM
Oh, and as they pass through the flaps between the 2nd and 3rd tents, Murphy closely observes how the canvas drapes open and calculates the best way to navigate back out should he feel the need to beat a hasty retreat as a raven, when no one happens to be holding open the passageway. Grab that corner with the beak, flip it over the shoulder, push it aside with a talon, or simply use the beak as a wedge to open a way to slip through, that sort of thing. He does not actually perform this - he simply looks and figures.

He also keeps a mental tally of the number of townspeople who are in the tents along with them, and of workers within. Note that Murphy's feathers have a bluish sheen. When he had wild shaped before, when he had examined two of the tents, his feathers had been black - a slight variance, should the charcoal-bearing worker who shooed him out before be around.

As before, he passes on summaries to Pressi. Just as Hobie approaches the drapes, he quietly messages back to Tali that he received what she said, and tells her they are going into the big baby tent.

DM Kathy
Wednesday January 29th, 2020 1:52:20 PM
Tali is able to identify the magic aura as a Permanence. With a little more study, she is able to identify Silence as the spell that has been made permanent. Which probably comes as a surprise to nobody, but it's nice to have it confirmed.

Hobie and Murphy continue their tour. In the large tent, you do see an employee (not the same one Murphy saw yesterday) scattering fresh sawdust on the ground. The ground is a little wet, probably from the rain seeping in under the canvas walls. Murphy notes that the bear is missing patches of fur, as are a couple of the monkeys.

You move into the third tent. The first thing that catches your eye is the WORLD'S LARGEST BABY! (according to the sign). The baby is propped up in a cart, very similar to the cart Murphy acquired a few days ago to transport the extra gear (the one Pressi is using now). The baby has dark skin and black hair, and appears to be asleep. You also see a peacock and peahen, not caged, wandering around the tent. On the far side of the tent is a raised platform, on which as sort of library or study has been set up. There is a bookshelf with a few books, a writing desk, a globe, and an easy chair. In this area are two dark elves, one in the easy chair and one at the desk. They are wearing mage's robes--well, they are wearing the kind of mage's robe you might find in a theater. They're a little gaudy for everyday magicking. The dark elves look up as you enter, and one of them gives you a slight nod.

Studying the entrances, Murphy figures his best bet for getting through them as a raven is to fly down to the ground and hop through on foot.

Kezzem's remarks about a mushroom discount gain nothing but a puzzled frown, and he follows Succotash into the first tent. You approach the halflings, and maintain your cover with a scientific discourse. The family group now looking at the cage doesn't seem to notice anything remarkable about you, and the employee passing through the tent mostly looks bored.

Pressi and Bliss pause and look around them. Bliss casts a spell. Pressi looks to interact with the other employees, but doesn't see anybody at present. You wait for several minutes. You see a man come around from the front of the show tents--it's the man who had relieved Arvin as admissions-taker. He gives you a slight frown as he passes, heading in the same direction Arvin went. Then Arvin himself, and an intimidating-looking half-orc, come back toward you. They meet the other employee, and there is a low-voiced conversation. They are several yards away, and keeping their voices down, so you only catch a word now and then. The new admission-taker says something about "halflings...cat trainer...odd," then Arvin says something about a gnome, and all three start to look worried. The half-orc says something you can't hear at all, and the other men head off in different directions. The half-orc then approaches your cart. "Mistress Calle?" he says in a deep voice. "I am Olog Breaktooth. This is my menagerie. Arvin tells me you have cats you would like to show?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+22=26 ; d20+15=28 ; d20+19=28 ;
Wednesday January 29th, 2020 3:09:01 PM
Pressi telepaths an alert back to Murphy, but otherwise keeps her demeanor up. She studies Olog and Arvin carefully, looking for keys, studying his gear and hoping the study continues to sell her friendly nature (Perception 26). She also takes a moment to reach out her hand, inviting him to kiss it. (If he does, she uses her Lorekeeper abilities to scan him, touch attack hits AC 28, Knowledge Check (all) of Olog=31).

In response to Olog's request, Pressi opens up the cart. Out bounds Harper, who stands on one leg before giving Pressi a fist bump. Pressi beckons Bliss out as well, and the three of them do a handful of tricks and cantrips.

"I am looking for... how you say... piece of action? Not so good with the manager stuff, but good with animals and jumping, no? You give me shot, I take 10 percent of gate, we both get the rich. You no give me shot, I walk away and bankrupt you in two weeks. I kid, I kid. But still, can see chance, correct?"

(Diplomacy 28).

-------------------

Rituals of Warding, Spiritual Healing
Armor off - both Pressi and Harper

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+38=51 ;
Wednesday January 29th, 2020 4:18:18 PM
Bliss is excited to put on a show. It may well be that he has missed his calling. It makes him think back years ago when he was a dancer.

Acrobatics 51

Bliss's routine of flips, somersaults, pawstands, and more -- always at the direction of Miss Pressi! -- turns out swell.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Wednesday January 29th, 2020 4:33:53 PM
Hobie will speak to the Dark Elves in magic robes �OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH ARE YOU MAAAAAAAAGES!?!?!? What kind of magic can you do!?!? please show me!!!!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday January 29th, 2020 6:47:09 PM
Succotash whispers to Kezzem, "So how are we supposed to know when to act, do you think we should just do something?"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=23 ; d20+19=31 ; d20+10=15 ;
Thursday January 30th, 2020 9:10:44 AM
Secret Infiltration of the Menagerie

As Invisible Tali learning that a Silence spell has been made permanent, she relays this new information to Mister Murphy using her Cast Message spell. "Mister Murphy, the only spell cast in the main tent has been Silence, and it was made permanent."

Tali, still invisible, uses her skills to make it into the tent the rest of her group is in.

Spells Cast
Detect Magic - Concentration; Duration up to 1 minute / level {15 minutes}

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 23
Fly: 31
Perception:15

Spells in Affect
Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Invisibility: 15 /15 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday January 30th, 2020 10:37:29 AM
"Listen for someone shouting something like 'Get those meddling fools!' That is usually a pretty good indicator," whispers Kezzem.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+16=36 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+39=44 ;
Thursday January 30th, 2020 10:55:41 AM
"Thanks for the update, Pressi," Murphy telepaths. "Looks like the recommended staggered 20-30 minute arrivals were significantly compressed to maybe 5 minutes and 2 minutes. That alters options considerably, and raises suspicions quickly. They may move on us soon, or at least check us out more deeply. I'll improvise. Was hoping to draw many witnesses from town for the great reveal. May have to happen with a smaller audience. Giving the halflings a voice. Have fun out there."

Bombo the raven has been looking for an alternative way in/out of this last tent, just as the prior two tents provided. He hops down from the shoulder of Francis, and pecks among the sawdust. He hops over, pecks again. If the peacock or hen get territorial, the raven will use that as an excuse to flap/hop over to the entrance to this tent. If they don't, he still goes there. By the description, it seems there is not line of sight to the dark elves from here. He feels bad about leaving Francis/Hobie alone, yet trusts he'll be fine for the moment.

He enters the halfling tent, looks at the halfling prison as it relates to the top of the tent, and exits the way he entered yesterday. Once outside, he briefly whisper-relays (via her message spell) to Tali his immediate plans, and likewise telepaths his intentions to Pressi. He gives them about 15 seconds to try to talk him out of what he intends, or into altering this plans.

IF THEY DON'T, here is what he does: Bombo the Raven puts roughly 80' of distance between himself and the tents, finding a bush or rock or stump or tree or something to hide behind. He casts upon himself, quiet as he can, and round by round: Freedom of Movement; Stoneskin; Bull's Strength; Cat's Grace; Owl's Wisdom. Then, looking before he leaps, he flies back to the tent. He knows right where the 'cannibal' halflings are relative to the tent. He casts a targeted greater dispel magic (35 - the +16 was supposed to be a +15: d20+level - note nat. 20), centered at the caged halflings' feet level inside the cage, and aimed to get rid of the permanency and silence spell there.

The halflings from Thaelhaven should now be able to hear. And be heard. The cleric and paladin and family and worker may notice. From above the tent, he flaps to the next tent, entering, perhaps discretely, by the way he discerned earlier. Kezzem and Succotash may react with suitable dismay and disbelief to what the halflings say, or as they wish. Murphy/Bombo looks to see how things fare with Hobie, but, for the moment, at a distance. He listens.

==========
Perception: 44
Dispel Magic: 35
Stealth: 20

Spell effects at the time of reaching entrance to tent:
Extended Barkskin - Natural armor +5 for 4h 35m
Longstrider: 14h 34m
Magic Fang, Greater: 14h 35m
Freedom of Movement: 2h 28m
Stoneskin: 2h 28m
Bull's Strength: 14m
Cat's Grace: 14m
Owl's Wisdom: 14m

on Bliss:
Magic Fang, Greater: 29h 19m

from Tali:
Message 2h 20m

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday January 30th, 2020 1:20:34 PM
Unaware to what anyone else is doing and getting very impatient, not to mention angry due to the sight of caged halflings right in front of him, Succotash decides to start something. �Hey, what gives?�, Succotash begins to yell, �These aren�t savage halflings, that one there is my Uncle Freddy, and the only thing savage about him is his smell after eating to many beans!� Succotash points to a random male halfling as he yells.

DM Kathy
Thursday January 30th, 2020 2:25:40 PM
Pressi gives Olog her hand to kiss. He doesn't kiss it, but he does shake it, giving her the opportunity to use her ability. You can tell that he really is a half-orc, that he has some fighter levels, and that his armor and weapon are magic. She and Bliss put on a very good show, and Olog seems impressed in spite of himself. "Very nice," he says when you finish. "I have to ask, though--does your act include your gnome friend? Or the two other halflings who just paid their way in?" You now notice that Arvin has returned, and he is not alone. Three tough-looking guards accompany him.

Tali is still flying invisibly over the tents. Clarification: the permanent Silence was in the first tent, not the main tent. You try to go to where your party is, but they're not all in the same place. [See below]

In the last tent, Hobie asks the dark elves if they are mages, and begs for a demonstration. "Yes, we are masters of the Arcane Arts," says the one in the armchair. He has the thickest Elvish accent you have ever heard. You're pretty sure it isn't real. "We will do magic today, but perhaps later, yes? It is very tiring."

Perform (any) DC 12 (trained only) Highlight to display spoiler: {He has a trained voice. He is a singer, or an actor, or some other kind of professional entertainer.}

Murphy, his raven companion, flies to the ground and hops casually to the opening to the big tent. He is able to go through and fly across it to the entrance to the first tent, where the halflings are. He hops through this one, too, and finds himself in the first tent with Kezzem and Succotash.

Kezzem and Succotash are momentarily at a loss for what to do, but then Succotash decides to take matters into his own hands. He starts shouting. The family group looks startled and starts backing away. The employee hurries over to Succotash. "Is there some kind of problem, sir?" he asks.

Where everybody is (because it might be important): Tali is flying invisibly above the tents. Kezzem, Succotash, and Murphy the raven are in the first tent, with the halflings, the tropical birds, and the stirges. Hobie is in the last tent with the dark elves, the giant baby, and the peafowl. Nobody is in the large central tent at the moment. Pressi and Bliss are in the employee camp area behind the show tents, along with Olog Breaktooth and three guards. The fourth guard is presumably still out front.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday January 30th, 2020 4:19:36 PM
"Is there some kind of problem, sir?" asks the employee.

Kezzem backs away for Succotash. "Don't ask me," says Kezzem. "I'm, uh, er...with him!" Kezzem moves to stand by gnome Murphey.

Kezzem gets ready to Quick Draw! his daggers.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday January 30th, 2020 5:23:18 PM
Valerie, the rat, instinctively climbs down from Succotash�s shoulder, and places herself between the employee and Succotash. Meanwhile, Succotash continues to yell, making sure that as many people as possible can hear him, �Of course there�s a problem! I paid good silver to see savage halflings, and instead I see my uncle Freddy, ah heck Auntie Myrtle is in there too, well at least they�re together, but what I want to know is are they there willingly? Hey Uncle Freddy and Auntie Myrtle, did yo guys chose to be in that cage?� He than dismisses the beast shape spell on Valerie, turning her back into a velociraptor.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=45 ;
Thursday January 30th, 2020 5:47:52 PM

With Succotash's voice providing cover, and Kezzem thinking that a lurking crow is a gnome [that's Hobie, as Francis, two tents away], and while having Kezzem's body between him and the distracted employee, Bombo the Raven/Murphy casts the greater dispel magic as outlined in the prior post (without all the intervening spells). He hops back through the passageway, and flies out the middle tent, hugging the outline, and ending on top of the halfling tent, listening. He chooses a side away from sight of the folks with Pressi. And makes a small rip in the fabric with his magic fang enhanced talon, for the peep show. Only he doesn't peep immediately just in case someone saw / heard the rip amidst all the hubbub below. He waits for a couple beats, then turns his eye downward... while looking elsewhere every few seconds in case someone with bow and arrows might be coming around the outside of the tent.

"All right, Pressi, the halflings can hear, and speak, and Succotash is raising an uproar, and Kezzem is undergoing identity confusion." Murphy mentally sends.
========
Dispel Magic: 35 - as per prior post
Perception: 44
Stealth: 20

Spell effects at the time of reaching entrance to tent:
Extended Barkskin - Natural armor +5 for 4h 35m
Longstrider: 14h 34m
Magic Fang, Greater: 14h 35m

on Bliss:
Magic Fang, Greater: 29h 19m

from Tali:
Message 2h 20m

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday January 30th, 2020 10:40:06 PM
�My common is not so good, not sure I get what you mean. But... I say yes, I can ask more from cover? Wait, gnome has scar and curly hair? You ask him where�s my money. You ask him now.�

Pressi passes the image of Arvin and the thugs to Murphy. Whatever you�re planning, better do it now, she thought.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Friday January 31st, 2020 11:27:56 AM
Secret Infiltration of the Menagerie

Tali, still invisible, uses her skills to make it into the tent the rest of her group is in. Using the message spell, she asks Mister Murphy, " Mister Murphy, what should I do, as I am invisible and flying above the tents! I am not sure where the group is! How may I help ya'll?!"

Spells Cast
Detect Magic - Concentration; Duration up to 1 minute / level {15 minutes}

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 23
Fly: 31
Perception:15

Spells in Affect
Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Invisibility: 15 /15 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+20=22 ; d20+10=27 ;
Friday January 31st, 2020 1:33:35 PM
(OOC: Sorry for delay in second part. Needed to decide what to do, but also needed computer to help set up and track resources. Also looked to see if Bliss or Murphy wished to act first.)

Pressi continues to watch the group carefully. "Ok, fine, you win," she replies dropping the accent. "Though I don't know what you mean by gnome. The two halflings are my brother and... lets call the other one my brother's lifelong companion, neither of whom are exactly supportive of 'dishonoring' the family for fortune and fame. So I'm sure one or the other got a little ornery looking for me, but I KNOW that they didn't do anything wrong."

(Bluff 22)

"So I'd like to know what, exactly, you think we are doing that requires a bunch of guards. Do you typically need to stop people from buying tickets or seeking employment, because I've really got to hear your marketing strategy, then. Also, I can take a hint so if you don't want to talk further, I will take my act elsewhere. Or maybe you'd like to put aside whatever narcicism and paranoia and hear me out. But if you think I'm part of some grand conspiracy with a bunch of halflings and gnomes, maybe some you don't even know about, with the purpose of nefarious ehhh, well, I don't know what to tell you. Except that if I did believe that, I probably wouldn't just let them spread through the park, bunch up my security, and then just outright attack one while the rest can burn everything down."

Harper added to Pressi's speech with a number of growls (Intimidate 27).

Pressi readies an action if any of the circus people come a step closer or draw a weapon. She flips out her holy symbol (move action), casts quickened mage armor (swift action), and hits Arvin with a Charm Person (Will DC 18). "If your boss won't listen to reason, perhaps this circus needs a leader with greater vision, and an understanding of a dollar.)

---------

Rituals of Warding, Spiritual Healing
Armor off - both Pressi and Harper
+4 to armor for Pressi if triggered Mage Armor

1/7+1
0/5+1
0/5+1
0/5+1
1/4+1
0/2+1
0/1+1

DM Kathy
Friday January 31st, 2020 3:20:43 PM
When the employee approaches, Kezzem backs away and claims to be with Murphy-the-raven.

Murphy, meanwhile, casts a Greater Dispel. It has an immediate effect. The halflings all wince in pain and put their hands over their ears. Some of the smaller children start crying. After weeks of silence, every sound seems unnaturally loud. Murphy hops back into the middle tent.

Meanwhile, Succotash continues his loud protest. The employee looks at the now-audible halflings, and at Succotash continuing his tirade, and takes a step back. "HEY, RUBE!" he yells at the top of his voice.

A second later, the armed half-orc rushes through the main entrance.

Pressi, seeing the guards, drops her accent and begins an indignant tirade about narcissism and paranoia, which is unfortunately undercut by the shout of HEY, RUBE! from the first tent. The guards immediately start heading in that direction.

Their path will take them right past the cart where Pressi, Harper, and Bliss are. They are not looking at you; they are clearly responding to an alarm. Do you try to stop them?

In the last tent with the dark elves, Hobie can clearly hear the shout of HEY, RUBE! The dark elves get to their feet. "My friend, there is trouble," one of them says. "You stay here, yes? Out of harm's way."

Tali, flying above the tents, and Murphy, in the large tent, can both hear the shout of HEY, RUBE! In addition, Tali can see what is happening in the employee area. You can respond as you prefer; your icons are on the first-tent map.

Map of the first tent.

Map of the employee area.

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+38=52 ; d20+18=20 ;
Friday January 31st, 2020 4:40:50 PM
CatBliss hisses and watches the guards move by. When he thinks one is at its closest, he yowls and leaps into one.

AoOs avoided with tumbling: 52

With a swift action to activate a Quickened SLA Divine Favor AND a Free Action Rage Activation, CatBliss behaves in a catlike way to get tangled in the guard's legs and trip him.

CatBliss does provoke an AoO in making his trip attempt. CatBliss's AC is 27 with no Shield of Faith and raging. His trip attempt is at +18 ... ugh rolled a 2, gets a 20 to trip.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=49 ;
Friday January 31st, 2020 6:31:38 PM
Murphy flies up and out of the middle tent through the passageway he had used the day before, navigates to rest at a point a bit to the side above where the halflings are. He casts transmute metal to wood to envelope their cage, changing all the metal parts of their platform to wood. Metal bars? Wood. Metal nails? Wood. Metal belt buckles? Wood. Wedding ring? Wood.

The altitude of the center of the spell is 40' above the ground, touching the ground, about 15-20 feet* north of the south point of the front of the halfling cage. Due to the curvature of the spell effect, it will be a few feet above the ground, even with the front edge of the platform floor

*The spell center depends upon the height of the halflings' feet above the ground. If, say, their feet are at a height of 5', then that is the height of the spell effect at the front (south?) edge of the display cage. Where Succotash stands, the effect is at a height of about 10', and at 12' where Valerie is. Everyone else is outside the area. Am assuming the squares on the map are 5' per side.

If there is time after all this, Murphy makes a little tear in the canvas to be able to peer below. He does not immediately look through it. Rather, we waits a moment, then looks, initially at an angle, then, if he does not perceive anyone facing up there, then more directly.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Saturday February 1st, 2020 11:38:58 AM
"'Hey rube?'" asks Kezzem. "Well, I suppose that's close enough 'to get that meddling fool.' See Succo? I told you they would signal us when it was time to act."

Kezzem draws his daggers and moves to intercept the half-orc. He also activates detect evil on him to determine smitability.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+20=21 ;
Saturday February 1st, 2020 3:59:12 PM
"Cut that guy off, and help Kezzem", Succotash orders Valerie, then he casts shield of faith on her. Valerie quickly obeys her masters request, putting herself into a flanking position with Kezzem, and blocking the door to the tent. She doesn't attack without Succotash's order however she readies a talon attack if the bad guy chooses to attack either her or Kezzem. However the readied attack will miss if activated (Nat 1)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Monday February 3rd, 2020 7:56:10 AM
I'm not sure where Hobie is with the dark elves as far as map goes

When the dark elves tell him there's trouble, he assumes somethings going wrong with his friends in the other tents, and he wants to keep the dark elves from leaving this room.

He immediately draws his bow and casts Black Tentacles which covers a 20 foot radius. He absolutely will place it in such a way that the exit is blocked, and if possible, also to also catch one or more of the dark elves in the effect.

(I can't find it anywhere, but I thought I remembered we could spend a Hero Point for an extra action, is that correct? If so:)

Hobie will then cast Greater Invisibility on himself, and disappear.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells d20+12=27 ; d6+4=10 ;
Monday February 3rd, 2020 8:10:55 AM
Any creatures entering Black Tentacles will face a grapple check of 27 against their CMD.
If it succeeds, they take 10 points of damage and are grappled.

CMD for escaping Grapple = 22

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=20 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+10=15 ;
Monday February 3rd, 2020 10:22:43 AM
Menagerie Encounter

Tali, still invisible, uses her skills to make it into the tent with the halfling display in it. Using the message spell, Tali states to Mister Murphy, " Mister Murphy, I'm on my way!"

Once Tali makes it to the tent top, Tali cuts/ rips a small opening in the tent to see the actions from above. When able, Tali will cast Wall of Force to place a cylinder of force around the enemies coming into the tent as tall as 10' shorter than the height of the tent inside the tent, and as wide as needed to encase all the guards coming this round.

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 20
Fly: 27
Perception: 15

Spells in Affect

Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Invisibility: 15 /15 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

DM Kathy d20+18=19 ; d3=3 ; d20+13=28 ; d20+15=21 ; d20=1 ;
Monday February 3rd, 2020 1:00:13 PM
In the first tent, Murphy casts a Transmute Metal to Wood. This damages a lot of equipment, but nothing collapses immediately. He makes a little tear in the canvas tent.

Kezzem moves, drawing his daggers as he goes. He detects for evil, and yes, the half-orc guard is evil.

Succotash orders Valerie to get into position, and the velociraptor maneuvers behind the half-orc.

Tali moves to the top of the first tent. She wants to make herself a peep-hole, but she can use the one Murphy just made if she prefers. She wants to cast a Wall of Force. [There is only the one guard this round, and Kezzem and Valerie have him flanked. It would be a challenge to bottle up the guard without catching either the paladin or the dinosaur in the effect. Do you want to attempt it anyway?]

The half-orc takes a 5-foot step to get out of flank, draws a scimitar, and attacks Valerie. He misses with a natural 1! Apart from the scimitar, he has a light wooden shield and a chain shirt.

Map of the first tent.

In the employee area, Bliss pounces on one of the guards as they pass. He attempts to trip the guard, provoking an AoO. The guard attempts to grab the angry cat, but can't hang on. Bliss's trip attempt likewise fails.

Pressi brings out her holy symbol, casts Mage Armor, and casts Charm Person. Arvin fails his save, but doesn't seem to know quite what to do.

One of the guards takes a few steps back and draws his bow. The other draws his rapier. Olog Breaktooth steps up to Pressi and draws his flail. "Call off your cats," he says.

"Whoa, boss! Let's not get hasty!" Arvin says. Olog ignores him.

Map of the employee area.

In the last tent, Hobie casts Black Tentacles. The two dark elves scream and struggle ineffectually against the grasping tentacles. [There is a map now; feel free to add your spell where you want it.] Hobie then casts Greater Invisibility on himself.

Map of the last tent

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+38=56 ;
Monday February 3rd, 2020 1:36:12 PM

Bliss sees what's going on. Miss Pressi is trying to calm and control things with enchantments. The last thing she needs is to have her friends attack. The first thing she needs is help with her enchantments.

Bliss tumbles away from the guard he had been trying to trip. Acrobatics 56 to avoid AoOs.

Then he ends his rage. He'll be fatigued for this round and next round.

Then he casts a Still Silent Ill Omen on the chief, Olog. There's SR but no save. For his next three d20 rolls, he rolls twice and uses the worse result.

He hears noises, maybe, and telpathically asks Mookiewhat he sees.

Since he has See Invis, does he see Miss Tali? Is she outside the tent, or inside but near the tent top?

[Cayzle] Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Monday February 3rd, 2020 1:44:18 PM

Pressi takes a step back and calls her cats back. She says to Oleg, "Look, I have a proposition that will earn you a LOT of money. Here's 100 gold just for the trouble of your time. I suggest we all go sit in your tent and talk this over, friendly like."

Pressi is casting a Suggestion Spell. It's a third level spell, Pressi has two feats to boost enchantments, and her Int mod is +5, so call that a DC20 Will save, maybe 21 or 22 for a reasonable request, and he has to roll twice and take the worse result.

Harper readies an attack if anyone attacks Pressi.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 2:09:27 AM

Murphy quickly describes to Tali a good place for a wall of force. "Make a wall a little way out from the halfling cage, but with room to spare - and so that we can fly out through this tear in the tent," he tells her in halfling. He describes the dimensions as shown on the map in a light purple rectangle. "Make it about 20 feet tall, and up to the top of tent at least along the two sides in line of sight of the half orc. The villagers will become wee birds, and we'll fly them to freedom."

He dives through the tear in the tent top, and comes along the back side (I'm assuming there are bars along the whole circumference - correct my understanding if otherwise), grasping the wooden poles with his talons.

Is there enough room for a raven to fly through, or at least squeeze through? If so, good. If not, then Murphy will see to that in a moment.

In halfling, he says, "Hendit Littlefoot sent us to rescue you, and get you back to Thaelhaven. I have a trick for you. Y'see, I'm not really a bird, but I just look like one, and can fly. I'm a halfling. But, how about if we all become birds, and fly away? Don't worry - we'll go back to being halflings. And don't be afraid. It will be fun. Is everyone ready for that?"

He lets Pressi know what he's up to.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+20=28 ; d20+20=21 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+20=38 ; d20+19=32 ; 2d6+19=27 ; 2d6+12=20 ; 2d6+12=21 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d8+12=17 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d4+12=13 d4+12=16 d6=2 d6=4 d6=3 d6=4
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 5:44:59 AM
Succotash hearing Murphy talking to the halflings yells out to Valerie, "He had his chance to surrender, take him out!" He than walks over to the cage, to assist Murphy. He chimes in, "If your planning on using animal shapes, I can handle 15, do you have more than one casting prepared?

OOC.. Kindly DM, how many halflings are in the cage?

Valerie doesn't hesitate to obey her master, and you might almost swear you see a smile on her face as she goes into a full round attack.

First Talon 28 for 20 damage +1 frost & 3 shock
Second Talon nat 1
Bite 25 for 17 damage +4 frost & 1 shock
First Claw 37 for 13 +2 frost & 4 shock
Second Claw 32 for 16 +3 frost & 4 shock

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+17=25 ; d6+4=6 ; d20+25=31 ; d20+25=37 ; d20+25=45 ; d20+25=28 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+15=32 ; 2d6+22=27 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+22=34 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+22=32 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+22=29 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+22=28 ; 2d6+22=31 ; 2d6+22=27 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+22=32 ; d6=1 ;
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 6:29:27 AM
The Black Tentacles roll a 25 to maintain the grapple on the dark elves. Grappled elves take 6 damage

Invisible Hobie takes aim at the grappled Elves with his Merciful Bow, beginning with the talented singer.

He sends the arrows flying, and makes sure to move from one elf to the other if one falls unconscious. He'd rather not kill the elves unless necessary, but they are clearly working with those who captured the halflings. He needs to take them out, and if they die, they die.

Arrows against AC minus DEX bonus (unless they can see invisibility)

Manyshot =31
Nonlethal Piercing 27, Electric 3 = Total 30
Nonlethal Piercing 34, Electric 3= Total 37

Rapid shot = 37
Nonlethal Piercing 32, Electric 6 = Total 38

(Man, I really hope the first elf is unconscious by now, because if not the Crit probably sends him way past his con)

Haste = 45 (Natural 20, Confirmation Roll =28)

Nonlethal Piercing 29,28,31, Electric 1= Total =89 (If Critical confrimed)
Nonlethal Piercing 29, Electric 1 = Total 30 (if critical unconfirmed)

Iterative 1 = 25
Nonlethal Piercing 27, Electric 5 = Total 32

Iterative 2 = 32
Nonlethal Piercing 32, Electric 1= Total 33

===================================
Boots of Haste rounds used, 1/10
Elemental Bow = Electricity

Rounds of Greater Invisibility used 1/7
Invisible creatures are visually undetectable. An invisible creature gains a +2 bonus on attack rolls against sighted opponents, and ignores its opponents� Dexterity bonuses to AC (if any). See the invisibility special ability.

Rounds of Black Tentacles used 1/7
CMD 22 to escape Black Tentacles

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 8:58:01 AM

As he awaits a reply from the halflings, Murphy casts Freedom of Movement on himself. He then answers Succotash, "Just one, for 15, myself. Say, can Valerie attack in a non-lethal manner? We don't want excessive bloodshed, right?" This is says in halfling.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=27 ; d20+19=35 ; d20+10=25 ;
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 10:37:48 AM
Menagerie Encounter

Tali, still invisible, looks through the rip in the tent to realize this location is tilted in favor of our team.She pauses to consider the use of her spell at this location. Pivoting is mid-air, she flies back to the "Employee Area" as she feels this is more pressing as we are out numbered there.

Once back above the employee area, Tali will assess her options for battle. When able, Tali will cast Wall of Force to place a rectangle of force around the three (3) enemies.as needed to encase the guards. The rectangle is 2 x 5 squares in circumference. Height will depend of the size of each square, but I'm trying to bring the top into a cone formation to encase the three (3) guards. See fuscia colored rectangle on the employees area map.

Does this action make me visible? How large are the squares?

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 27
Fly: 35
Perception: 25

Spells in Affect

Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Invisibility: 15 /15 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

DM Kathy d20+20=27 ; d20+15=23 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+8=10 ;
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 1:16:51 PM
In the first tent, Murphy suggests a use for Tali's Wall of Force, but she has other ideas. Murphy flies down to the halfling cage and is able to squeeze through the wooden bars. You try to speak with the halflings. This proves difficult. Most are in actual pain from the sudden onslaught of noise after weeks of complete silence. You see a few people trying to concentrate on what you're saying, but you're not sure if your message is getting through. Murphy casts Freedom of Movement on himself.

Succotash orders Valerie to take out the guard, then joins Murphy at the halfling cage. Hendit had told you there were 23 people living in Thaelhaven. Nobody asked whether that number included Hendit himself, but either way, there are probably more than 15 people in here [let's say a move action to actually count them]. Some are children, and you see one infant. Most people have their hands clapped over their ears; many of the children are crying.

Valerie, meantime, is attacking the guard. Her left talon and her bite miss; the other blows hit. The guard is bloody but still fighting fit. He attacks in turn, but misses.

Map of the first tent.

In the employee area, Bliss casts Ill Omen on Olog. You can definitely see Tali at this point; she has joined you back here.

In an uncanny act of coordination, Pressi then casts a Suggestion. Olog seems to resist briefly, but then relaxes. "Sure," he says. He calls to the guards, "you boys go see what the trouble is; send for me if you need me." He begins leading the way back toward his wagon. Arvin, looking relieved, beckons for Pressi to follow.

Tali joins the group and casts her Wall of Force. She can encircle the three guards, but she can't quite make the tapered lid she wants. Of course, the wall is invisible, so it's not clear the guards realize that. Right now they're just trying to figure out what happened. There's a lot of pounding and yelling. The archer fires an arrow, and nearly hits one of his companions with the ricochet.

Hearing the shouts, Olog stops and turns. He hesitates for a moment, then his eyes lose focus and he turns back toward his wagon.

Map of the employee area.

In the last tent, the Black Tentacles continue to do damage. Hobie begins firing arrows. Your Manyshot drops the first elf. Your Rapid Shot drops the second elf. There is no reason to fire the remaining shots unless you want to.

Map of the last tent.

[Cayzle] Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 1:37:30 PM

[Not sure if Melvin needs a sub. If so, here is a post.]

Melvin and Harper agree to travel back with Olog to his tent to keep him occupied until all the other threats are neutralized. She says, "I have some secrets to tell you, Olog. Please, let's have Arvin come along and stand at the door. Just because I sure would hate to be disturbed." She motions to Arvin to come along with her and Olog and Harper.

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+33=50 ; d20+26=27 ;
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 1:40:26 PM

CatBliss sneaks into the shadows and follows the other guard moving toward the ruckus, keeping alert.

Stealth: 50
Perception: 27

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 4:53:05 PM
Invisible Hobie will run toward his friends in the first tent (He will make it to the large tent in this round, what is happening in that tent?)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells d20+23=25 ; d20+23=39 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+18=26 ; d20+13=17 ; d20+13=24 ; d3+2=3 ; d3+15=18 ; d3+15=16 ; d3+15=18 ; d3+15=16 ; d3+15=17 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d10+3=10 ;
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 8:40:51 PM
Kezzem takes choking on the dust that got kicked up in the tent and takes step after the half-orc. He activates SMITE EVIL on the nasty half-orc slaver. "Well, you can either take my daggers, or bacon grease to ya're face."

+1 Frost Returning Dagger : 1d20 + 22 + 3 (Smite Evil) - 2 (TWF) = 25.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) + 1d6 cold = 16 + 5 = 21.

+1 Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 22 + 3 (Smite Evil) - 2 (TWF) = 39.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) = 18

+1 Frost Returning Dagger : 1d20 + 17 + 3 (Smite Evil) - 2 (TWF) = 30.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) + 1d6 cold = 16 + 4 = 20.

+1 Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 17 + 3 (Smite Evil) - 2 (TWF) = 26.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) = 18

+1 Frost Returning Dagger : 1d20 + 12 + 3 (Smite Evil) - 2 (TWF) = 17.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) + 1d6 cold = 16 + 1 = 17.

+1 Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 12 + 3 (Smite Evil) - 2 (TWF) = 24.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) = 17.

Assuming AC 30 hits, Kezzem also Two-Weapon Rends:
Rend: 1d10 + 3 = 10.

"Should have taken the grease."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=23 ; d20+19=32 ; d20+10=23 ;
Tuesday February 4th, 2020 11:36:58 PM
Menagerie Encounter

Tali flies to be diagonal with the top of the Wall of Force spell enclosure. Tali when able this coming round, drop another spell inside the enclosure. Tali will cast Stinking Cloud spell to be centered on the inside ground of the Wall of Force spell.

Tali then updates Mister Murphy by using the Message spell casted earlier. While pointing towards Mister Murphy in the first tent, she says, "Mister Murphy, the guards enclosed and dealt with here in the employee area."

Once Tali, realizes she is finished here in the employee's area with respect to the "Glass Menagerie", she rejoins Mister Murphy in the first tent.

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 23
Fly: 32
Perception: 23

Spells in Effect

Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Stinking Cloud:
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Effect cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius, 20 ft. high
Duration 1 round/level {15 rounds}
Saving Throw Fortitude negates; see text; Spell Resistance no

{stinking cloud creates a bank of fog like that created by fog cloud, except that the vapors are nauseating. Living creatures in the cloud become nauseated. This condition lasts as long as the creature is in the cloud and for 1d4+1 rounds after it leaves. (Roll separately for each nauseated character.) Any creature that succeeds on its save but remains in the cloud must continue to save each round on your turn. This is a poison effect.}

Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d8+5=12 ;
Wednesday February 5th, 2020 2:35:31 AM

Murphy singles out the 15 children and adults who seem to be coping least well with the sudden auditory onslaught, and casts mass cure light wounds on them, hoping that by channeling the positive energy, their delicate hearing apparatus will be healed, and they will be able to take in a normal level of noise without additional suffering. Each receives 12 hp of healing. That leaves six who may still be feeling edgy. He does take the time to enumerate a census.

"So, our rescue plan involves helping you to change into birds for a short time, so we can fly out of here together, through a hole in the roof of the tent I just made. I'm Murphy, a halfling like you, but, for the moment, magically changed into the form of a bird. You should try it. It's much more fun than being kept prisoners in a traveling menagerie. Any questions?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d6=5 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+20=33 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+19=21 ; d8+12=17 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d4+12=16 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday February 5th, 2020 5:49:07 AM
Succotash follows Murphy's lead and spontaneously casts mass cure light wounds, targeting those Murphy wasn't able to get. healing 20 hp, he than takes a quick head count. He answers the druids question by saying, "Unfortunately her amulet of mighty fists doesn't have mercy on it, though it is something I will be adding in the future, but it looks like Kezzem's daggers aren't acting very merciful either". Meanwhile Valerie continues to attack her prey.

Left Talon 25 (Miss)
Right Talon 24 (Miss)
Bite 33 for 17 +5 frost & +3 shock= 25
Left Claw 38 for 16 +1 frost & +6 shock= 23
Right Claw 21 (Miss)

OOC... Hey Kim, Mass cure light wounds allows you to add +1 per level with a max at 25 not 5 so Murphy's spell should have healed 20hp.

DM Kathy d20+20=38 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+10=20 ; 2d6+16=23 ; d20+23=28 ; d20+43=59 ;
Wednesday February 5th, 2020 3:00:05 PM
In the first tent, Murphy casts Mass Cure Light Wounds, but it doesn't seem to have much immediate effect. You count 22 halflings. You outline your plan. One of the halfling men, looking around at the group, says "I think we're going to need a minute." He starts moving around the cage, trying to calm the other halflings.

Kezzem steps up to smite the half-orc, but only manages to hit him twice. You are able to rend.

Succotash can confirm the headcount of 22. Valerie continues her assault. The half-orc is badly wounded, but not down yet. Now fighting for his life, he lashes out at Valerie again. He only hits once, but it is a critical hit for 23 damage.

Map of the first tent.

In the employee area, Pressi follows Olog back to his wagon. You ask that Arvin be tasked with keeping watch, and Olog agrees. You are moving at normal speed, not combat speed, so you only just reach the wagon by the end of the round.

Bliss hides in the shadows. At the moment, there is nobody to follow. Olog is going with Pressi toward the wagon; the three guards are contained within the Wall of Force. You cannot see the fourth guard from here; he is in the first tent.

Tali fills the Wall of Force enclosure with a Stinking Cloud. The three guards are no longer visible.

That is until one of them jumps clean over the wall! He takes a step toward Olog. "Hey, boss!" he yells. "We got a situation here! Snap out of it!"

But Olog, still under the Suggestion spell, merely waves a hand. "I'm doing something important right now," he says. "You boys handle it, whatever it is."

Map of the employee area.

In the last tent, Hobie moves toward the central tent. You lift the canvas covering and can look into the larger tent. You can see a knot of confused visitors milling around in the center. The animal cages are all still there, and the animals seem to be all right, although some of them are agitated.

You start to leave the last tent, but pause as your conscience begins to bother you. [This is your DM hitting the Pause button to point out a few things from maybe a different perspective. The dark elves are unarmed. They claimed to have magic abilities, but you haven't seen any yet. What you have seen indicates that they are performers playing a role. The extent of their involvement with the capture of the halflings is unknown. They took no hostile actions toward you--on the contrary, when the commotion started, they urged you to stay where you would be safe. From a metagame perspective, you were able to take each of them down with a single shot, suggesting that they don't have a lot of hit points. This tent wasn't part of the initial combat map. And sure, maybe it's because your DM is a senile old woman who forgot, but maybe it's because you weren't in combat. Right now, the dark elves are unconscious in a field of tentacles. If you don't dismiss your spell, they will die.]

Bliss | CatBliss HP154/154 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+11=21 ;
Wednesday February 5th, 2020 3:18:07 PM

Bliss activates his Ritual Shield of Faith, a mental action.

Then CatBliss walks up to the guard who called to Olog, right into his square like any cat would. That provokes an AoO, but I'm hoping the guard will not take it. He says "Meow" most adorably.

Bluff 21. Maybe there is a bonus because after all CatBliss IS adorable.

[Cayzle] Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday February 5th, 2020 3:20:21 PM

In case Melvin still needs a sub ...

Pressi follows Olog into the tent and asks him where he keeps his drinks. "I want to make a toast to the rishes that you and I will soon share," she says.

Harper settles down casually and starts purring loudly.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+20=32 ; d20+20=36 ; d20+20=30 ; d20+19=20 ; d20+19=27 ; 2d6+12=15 ; 2d6+12=16 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d20=6 ; d6=4 ; d8+12=14 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d4=3 ; d4+12=13 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday February 5th, 2020 6:06:42 PM
Succotash waits for the verdict from the caged halflings while Valerie tries to finish of the guard.

left talon 32 for 15 +1 frost +5 shock= 21
right talon 36 for 16 +4 frost & +4 shock= 24
bite 30 for 14 for +6 frost & +6 shock= 26
left claw miss
right claw 27 for 13 +5 frost & +6 shock= 24

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=48 ;
Wednesday February 5th, 2020 7:30:45 PM
Murphy flies to the side of the cage closest to Succotash, his beak poking through the bars away from the halflings. [b]"DON'T let the saur kill him. We want NO deaths here!"[b] Murphy cries out in the Common tongue.

He realizes that his emphatic voice may hurt tender ears. But death can be rather permanent, too. "Kezzem, what can you do to disable, but not kill?" he asks in Halfling.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=23 ; d20+19=31 ; d20+10=27 ;
Wednesday February 5th, 2020 11:03:16 PM
Menagerie Encounter

Watching one of the Olog's men jump out of the Glass Menagerie, Tali stays in the employee area. From her vantage point, tali cast another Wall of Force to be a flat cover to the first spell, if this is possible, allowing only the smallest of gaps to allow them participants to breath.

Tali then updates Mister Murphy by using the Message spell cast earlier. While pointing towards Mister Murphy in the first tent, she says, "Mister Murphy, I'm going to stay here in the employee area. There is still a possibility of violence. You do what you need to and I'll try and catch up with you later."

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 23
Fly: 31
Perception: 27

Spells in Effect

2x Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

1x Stinking Cloud:
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Effect cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius, 20 ft. high
Duration 1 round/level {15 rounds}
Saving Throw Fortitude negates; see text; Spell Resistance no

{stinking cloud creates a bank of fog like that created by fog cloud, except that the vapors are nauseating. Living creatures in the cloud become nauseated. This condition lasts as long as the creature is in the cloud and for 1d4+1 rounds after it leaves. (Roll separately for each nauseated character.) Any creature that succeeds on its save but remains in the cloud must continue to save each round on your turn. This is a poison effect.}

1x Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
1x Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
1x Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
1x Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday February 6th, 2020 3:07:44 AM
Hobie will dispel the black tentacles and moves through to the first tent.

(Thanks, I definitely didn't want to kill them I just forgot to dispel the tentacles. I was actually really surprised at how little HP they had. To defend my thinking in that situation, I was thinking about their perform skill that was pointed out, and I never considered that they were just actors, my brain just jumped to assuming they were Bards, and I wanted to take them out before they could get to their friends and make the battle tougher.)
=========================================================================

Boots of Haste rounds used, 1/10
Elemental Bow = Electricity

Rounds of Greater Invisibility used 3/7
Invisible creatures are visually undetectable. An invisible creature gains a +2 bonus on attack rolls against sighted opponents, and ignores its opponents� Dexterity bonuses to AC (if any). See the invisibility special ability.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells d20+25=45 ; d20+25=31 ; d20+25=44 ; d20+25=34 ; d20+20=32 ; d20+20=34 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+15=23 ; d3+15=18 ; d6=2 ; d3+15=16 ; d3+15=18 ; d3+15=16 ; d3+15=18 ; d6=5 ; d3+15=16 ; d3+15=16 ; d6=2 ; d10+3=10 ;
Thursday February 6th, 2020 10:39:17 AM
Kezzem steps to flank with Valerie.

+1 Frost Returning Dagger : 1d20 + 22 + 3 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Flank) - 2 (TWF) = 45. Natural 20.
Crit: 1d20 + 25 = 31. Crit!
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) + 1d6 cold = 18 + 2 = 20.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) = 16.

+1 Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 22 + 3 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Flank)- 2 (TWF) = 44. Natural 19.
Crit: 1d20 + 25 = 34. Crit!
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) = 18.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) = 16.

+1 Frost Returning Dagger : 1d20 + 17 + 3 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Flank) - 2 (TWF) = 32.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) + 1d6 cold = 18 + 5 = 23.

+1 Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 17 + 3 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Flank)- 2 (TWF) = 34.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) = 16.

+1 Frost Returning Dagger : 1d20 + 12 + 3 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Flank)- 2 (TWF) = 32.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 13 (Smite Evil) + 1d6 cold = 16 + 2 = 18.

+1 Returning Dagger: 1d20 + 12 + 3 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Flank)- 2 (TWF) = 23. Miss.

Two-Weapon Rends:
Rend: 1d10 + 3 = 10.

Total Damage: 137 (Youch!)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday February 6th, 2020 1:29:03 PM
As Olog goes towards the drinks, Pressi keeps an eye on both him and the guard.

"But before we can make you rich, obviously I need some details about your budget and operations so I can fine tune them. So... lets start with you telling me where and how you got those halflings...."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday February 6th, 2020 1:29:46 PM
(OOC: Thank you, Bliss for your posts. But the kid is better and going to school, and I am ready to begin posting again.)

DM Kathy
Thursday February 6th, 2020 2:12:25 PM
In the first tent, the guard falls under the combined onslaught of Kezzem and Valerie.

Succotash and Murphy continue to watch the halflings. They seem to be recovering. Hendit's wife approaches you, children in tow. "Get us out of here," she says. Her voice is quiet but firm. Other halflings also seem to be warming to the idea. "If we have to be birds, we'll be birds," one woman says.

Not everyone is on board, however. There is an older couple still huddled together, looking frightened and confused. The young man who spoke earlier is with them, trying to encourage them, but they don't look ready to leave. The woman with the infant is looking frightened and uncertain--as well she might. Baby birds can't fly.

Map of the first tent.

In the employee area, Pressi goes with Olog to his wagon, which is a wagon and not a tent. Inside the wagon, Olog produces a bottle of whisky and two glasses, which appear clean-ish. From her current position inside the wagon, Pressi cannot see outside to where the guard is. She'll just have to trust Bliss and Tali to deal with him. You ask about the halflings, and get only a sly smile in return. "All in good time," he says. "What do you propose?"

Meanwhile, Tali drops a lid on the Wall of Force. The wall is invisible, even to you, which makes placing the lid a bit of a challenge. Of course, the Stinking Cloud helps considerably. You wind up placing the lid a bit too high, so it falls into place with a bang. It's difficult to tell whether you've left an air hole or not, but you probably have.

As you watch, you see the trapped guards together at one end of their enclosure. One of them seems to have created some kind of wind effect that is blowing the Stinking Cloud away from that end. The men are still trapped, but they are recovering from the effects of the cloud.

Bliss, in cat form, approaches the guard. It's the same one you tried to trip earlier. He doesn't attack you, but he does try to shoo you away. "Stupid cat," he mutters. He rushes past you, clearly heading for the entrance of the first tent. He will reach it next round.

Map of the employee area.

In the last tent, Hobie dismisses his spell. [Ha! I probably should have made them bards, but I didn't think of it.] As you turn to leave, you see some menagerie employees enter from outside. One of them goes immediately to the dark elves. Another says to you, "sir, there has been a disturbance. Please follow me to the exit." You ignore him and go through the large tent. There's an employee here now, too, herding the guests toward the last tent, and ultimately the exit. You push past them and wind up in the first tent. [You are on that map now.]

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+18=28 ; d20+24=32 ; d3=1 ; d6=4 ; d20+24=41 ; d20+24=37 ; d2+20=21 ; d2+20=21 ; d20+26=34 ; d6=5 ; d3=3 ;
Thursday February 6th, 2020 4:16:36 PM

CatBliss was in the guard's square when he rushed away, so that means re-raging Bliss gets an AoO as the guard tries to leave a threatened square, right?

Bliss tries to trip the guard with that AoO. He provokes an AoO himself when he does that, but Bliss is a fearless tiny cat with AC31 and CMD 33. (AC usually 33 but subtract 2 raging).

Bliss's roll to trip the guard is a 28.

Next it is Bliss's turn. He uses a swift action to turn on his Arcane Strike. But did he trip that guy?

(1) IF Bliss does not trip the guard, he charges up to 80 ft to catch up and bites the fellow (provoking an AoO as he enters the fellow's square). His bite (at +2 charging) (roll hits AC32) inflicts 27 nonlethal damage.

(2) IF Bliss does trip the fellow, then the cute kitty has a full round set of attacks against a prone foe! The bite, using the same rolls as above, hits AC34 for 27 nonlethal damage. In addition two claws hit AC41 and AC37 for 21 and 21 lethal damage. THEN, if the guy tries to stand up, that provokes another AoO which hits AC34 for 30 more nonlethal damage.

FINALLY, IF the guy attacks Bliss, then the bloodwitch activates his Plant Domain Bramble Armor ability as a free action (you can use free actions even when it is not your turn). On any successful hit, the enemy takes 1d6+4 damage from thorns.

Current Active Effects
Still Silent See Invisible spell (4th level slot)
Rage (round 3 of 17 used)
+3 Divine Favor Quickened SLA (used 1 of 2, round 4 of 10)
+5 AC Barkskin (lasts hours)
+4 Shield of Faith Ritual Power (used 2 rounds)
Still Silent Ill Omen on Olog (3rd level slot, maybe still has a roll or two left?)
Arcane Strike activated every round unless Bliss needs that swift action for something else.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 2d6+12=17 ; 2d6+12=15 ; d8+12=14 ; d4+12=14 ; d4+12=16 ;
Thursday February 6th, 2020 5:44:17 PM
"Sorry Murph, Valerie doesn't understand the difference between subdue and slay", Succotash says as the guard falls He then calls Valerie over to attack the now wooden cage, so as to bust the bars asunder. "Stand back everyone", he says to the occupants of the cage then Valerie goes into shred mode on the cage bars.

left talon 17 damage
right talon 15 damage
bite 14 damage
left claw 14 damage
right claw 16 damage

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells d8+1=3 ;
Thursday February 6th, 2020 11:41:38 PM
"And neither does Kezzem, apparently," adds Kezzem. He takes out a wand of cure light wounds and uses one charge on the half-orc if its not to late to stabilize him.

Healing: 3.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=9 ; d20+19=28 ; d20+10=23 ;
Friday February 7th, 2020 10:34:29 AM
Menagerie Encounter

Watching the one of Olog's men that jumped out of the Glass Menagerie, Tali stays in the employee area & tracks him. From her vantage point, Tali will cast Hold Monster if that guard of Olog's moves against his team.

Skill Checks
Fly: 28
Perception: 23

Spells in Effect

1x Hold Monster -
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Target one humanoid creature
Duration 1 round/level (D); see text {15 rounds}
Saving Throw Will negates; see text; Spell Resistance yes

2x Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

1x Stinking Cloud:
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Effect cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius, 20 ft. high
Duration 1 round/level {15 rounds}
Saving Throw Fortitude negates; see text; Spell Resistance no

{stinking cloud creates a bank of fog like that created by fog cloud, except that the vapors are nauseating. Living creatures in the cloud become nauseated. This condition lasts as long as the creature is in the cloud and for 1d4+1 rounds after it leaves. (Roll separately for each nauseated character.) Any creature that succeeds on its save but remains in the cloud must continue to save each round on your turn. This is a poison effect.}

1x Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
1x Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
1x Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
1x Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

{OOC: please ignore the first roll was distracted and click the wrong button -- at work}

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday February 7th, 2020 1:39:19 PM
Just outside the wagon, Harper watches the pair quietly.

Inside the wagon, Pressi takes a sip of the offered whiskey with the sincerest of gratitude. Inside her mind, she attempts to collect her thoughts, scrambling to come up with a better way to discuss these things.

Finally, she lets out a smile and begins to sprinkle a little stage magic on some nearby papers and cloth.

"Imagine a circus that truly provided an immersive experience. That truly gave the common man himself the feeling that he could fly through the air or connect with the majestic beast. An experience that could compete with the power of blood grass itself."

Thus began a spun tale of acrobats spinning to the top of the tent itself, animals leaping at the flick of a wrist, and entertainers bringing shock and delight to crowds larger than Olog has ever seen. She spun tales of ravens that could recite Shakespeare (its getting him to shut up that's the trick) and fireworks through the skies and and and...

"But before I go further, I need to make sure I am not just wasting your time. See, I can supply the technology, the magic, the artistry. I need you to supply at least some of the talent, and... well, I don't have to tell you that we need a lot of staff - a few towns worth - and they need to be cheap and they need to be... lets call it replaceable.

"Hence my questions from before. How you got the halflings, the elves, the dark baby? Whether we could get so many more? I just need you to give a sign of understanding."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=57 ;
Friday February 7th, 2020 1:48:53 PM

Murphy gives a raven's sigh at the death of the guard, and Succotash's and Kezzem's explanations. "Yeah." He tells the Hendit's wife, "We will, ma'am." And to the woman who indicated she is fine with the notion of them becoming birds, he says, "Don't be afraid of it. Once your body changes into bird form, flying will seem natural. We..." Murphy's explanation is interrupted as Valerie launches an attack on the now wooden bars. He interposes his fairly small body between the shattering poles and the people inside in an attempt to absorb some of the flying debris.

"Right. So, Succotash, some will need another way out. The elderly, the babes. Can you teleport those who do not become birds?" he asks. All of this is in Halfling "How about to the room we stayed in, you think? Maybe you have a better idea."

He turns to the group. "Everyone who is willing to become a bird to fly out of here to freedom, stand on this side," and he points to the west (assuming top of map is north). "Everyone who wants to try another way out, stand on that side," and he points to the east end.

When the groups are sorted, he casts animal shapes to change them into ravens - up to 15 of them. If more than that are in the 'willing to change' group, then Succotash will have to help with that.

He briefly communicates mentally with Pressi their status.
==========
Perception: 57 (nat 20) - listening, observing

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday February 7th, 2020 1:53:05 PM

A note: He changes them all into black ravens, not blue, as Murphy himself is. That way, they should be able to tell whom to follow.

DM Kathy d20+13=17 ; d20+15=34 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+14=25 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+9=28 ; d20+4=23 ;
Friday February 7th, 2020 4:33:34 PM
In the first tent, Kezzem attempts to Cure Light Wounds on the downed guard, and finds that it is, in fact, too late to help him.

Succotash calls Valerie to the cage and has her start breaking bars. However, we are still in combat rounds and Valerie had to move, so she only gets one attack.

Murphy identifies about a dozen halflings ready to be changed into birds. Of course, all that takes some discussion and shuffling around, and we are still in combat rounds, so you haven't had a chance to change them yet.

In the employee area, Pressi accepts a drink and begins spinning a tale of a big, immersive circus. Olog frowns thoughtfully. We are still in combat rounds, so you basically are just getting started.

Bliss tries and fails to trip the nimble guard. You charge after him and attempt a bite. This time, the guard takes his AoO, but misses. Your bite hits and does damage. The guard swings around to try to attack you. Tali's Hold Monster gives him pause, but he makes his save. He attacks you, but misses.

Map of the employee area.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=53 ;
Saturday February 8th, 2020 3:40:15 PM

"You will be able to hear and understand me, but it will be hard for you to talk. I've had lots of practice," he forewarns the people. "In order, say your name," he says as they line up, starting left to right among the volunteer changers. He focuses hard on remembering their names, and tries to correlate their halfling names with their bird forms once the spell takes place. He also attends to the look, gender, and approximate age of each volunteer. He has had several rounds already to look over the various halflings.

He sees Hobie come in. "Everything all right?" he asks him - if there is time to ask.
======
Perception: 53 - to try to get everyone's name.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=14 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+10=15 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=3 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=3 ;
Sunday February 9th, 2020 11:00:29 AM
Menagerie Encounter | Employee Area

Tali flies to be verticle to the free guard {call it A17}. Now that he attacked, Tali, defending herself will attack back! Tali casts the Magic Missle directly into the free guard. "This guard has been blessed today to receive all five (5) as my special treat!" giggles Tali.

Damage
Missle 1: 4
Missle 2: 4
Missle 3: 3
Missle 4: 4
Missle 5: 3

Total Damage: 18 points of force damage.

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 14
Fly: 38
Perception: 15

Spells in Effect

Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Targets up to five creatures, no two of which can be more than 15 ft. apart
Duration instantaneous
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance yes
Damage: 1d4+1 (5 Missles at level 12)

Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Stinking Cloud:
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Effect cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius, 20 ft. high
Duration 1 round/level {15 rounds}
Saving Throw Fortitude negates; see text; Spell Resistance no

{stinking cloud creates a bank of fog like that created by fog cloud, except that the vapors are nauseating. Living creatures in the cloud become nauseated. This condition lasts as long as the creature is in the cloud and for 1d4+1 rounds after it leaves. (Roll separately for each nauseated character.) Any creature that succeeds on its save but remains in the cloud must continue to save each round on your turn. This is a poison effect.}

Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 2d6=5 ; 2d6+12=20 ; d8+12=15 ; d4+12=16 ; d4+12=16 ;
Sunday February 9th, 2020 4:52:30 PM
"I would be happy to teleport the none ravens away, but I prepared Animal Shapes instead of greater teleport, and beast shape III instead of teleport this morning. I can dimensional door them to the center of town where they should be able to find a constables office, but it may take me a bit to get back". Succotash sees Hobie and asks him if he has a couple of scrolls of teleportation he could borrow explaining that he would take them directly home, and pop right back. Meanwhile Valerie continues her assault on the cage's wooden bars.

left talon 17 damage
right talon 20 damage
bite 15 damage
left claw 16 damage
right claw 16 damage

total= 84 damage

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday February 10th, 2020 9:40:19 AM
Invisible Hobie speaks up "Absolutely, Sucker. I have two scrolls of Teleport, though one scroll isn't enough to get everyone away. If you used one and I used one, we could probably take everyone directly back to their village, and then I could teleport the two of us back using my free spell slot.

=========================================================================

Boots of Haste rounds used, 1/10
Elemental Bow = Electricity

Rounds of Greater Invisibility used 5/7
Invisible creatures are visually undetectable. An invisible creature gains a +2 bonus on attack rolls against sighted opponents, and ignores its opponents� Dexterity bonuses to AC (if any). See the invisibility special ability.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday February 10th, 2020 9:45:41 AM
ooc: oh shoot that doesn't work. I forgot Teleport is 5th level not 4th, so I can't actually cast it without a scroll.

"Absolutely Sucker, I have two scrolls, but one isn't enough to take everyone back. Either you could take most of them back to the village and use the second scroll to come back, or two of us could take them away and have no way back until tomorrow"

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+22=33 ; d3+22=23 ; d6=6 ; d20+20=28 ; d20+20=32 ; d2+20=21 ; d2+20=21 ;
Monday February 10th, 2020 11:49:52 AM
Bliss continues his kitty-form assault on the guard.

Bite hits AC33 for 29 nonlethal damage.

He claws and claws ACs 28 and 32 for 21 and 21.

He hisses in anger as he fights to put this guy down.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+20=26 ;
Monday February 10th, 2020 2:09:55 PM

Pressi ponders her choices. Information gathering was proving... difficult, requiring a lot of activity. But she couldn't just put down her drink or ask him to do something else. (Suggestion spell: have a drink with me. If the drink ends, he reverts to normal.)

As she continued her sales pitch, she continued to look around the wagon. She hoped to spot any further clues about his actions (Perception 26).

---------

Rituals of Warding, Spiritual Healing
Armor off - both Pressi and Harper
+4 to armor for Pressi if triggered Mage Armor
Charm - Alvin
Suggestion - Olog

1/7+1
0/5+1
1/5+1
0/5+1
1/4+1
0/2+1
0/1+1

DM Kathy
Monday February 10th, 2020 2:30:50 PM
In the first tent, Murphy changes the group of about a dozen halflings into birds. They begin trying their wings, hesitantly flying short little hops.

Valerie continues her work on the cage, removing two bars. Succotash discusses options for the remaining halflings.

Hobie confirms that he has scrolls of Teleport available.

In the employee area, Tali launches a spread of Magic Missiles at the active guard. She is now visible. Bliss continues his assault, and the guard drops after the second claw attack. Because his damage was mostly nonlethal, he is unconscious, not dead.

Meanwhile, inside the Walls of Force, one of the guards is boosting the other one up, to try to get over the wall. He has encountered the lid, and is currently feeling along its edges in the hope of finding an opening. It's slow going, because he can't see the walls.

In Olog's wagon, Pressi continues to chat while looking around. About all you can tell at this point is that Olog is a lousy housekeeper.

[For the moment, foes are either dead, unconscious, contained, or distracted, so I didn't update any of the maps.]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Monday February 10th, 2020 3:01:28 PM

Murphy encourages the halfling crows in their initial attempts. "That's it, right! Spread the wings, feel the air. As you move forward, the wings will lift you through the air."

"Valerie, that's enough, thank you." With four or five bars broken, that should give enough room for halflings to exit. If she stops, he flits up to stand upon the broken base of one of the poles.

"In a moment, we will fly out of this cage, and up through a hole in the tent. I'll be right back." He flies up to the hole, and opens a wider tear to make it easier for the dozen to make it through. When done, he returns to the pole. "Who feels ready?"

[Question: There was another way out of here, right, besides the entrance and passage to the next tent?]

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday February 10th, 2020 3:20:30 PM

Having put down the guard, Bliss changes to halfling form and stops raging. He looks up at his fellow caster hero. "Thanks, Miss Tali! Good job. We have to gather everyone else and get ready to take out the leader, Olog, and one more guard."

Bliss heads into the tent to get his friends and gather the posse. He has Mookie help him in that.

When he realizes that the party druid is leading the former slaves to safety, he nods. "Good idea, Mister Murphy! YOu keep on with that while the rest of us finish taking out the boss. We can't leave him too long alone with Miss Pressi."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday February 10th, 2020 4:27:47 PM
Succotash thanks Hobie�s, as he takes the two scrolls of teleportation. �I should be able to take the remaining 10 home and be back in a moment�. Speaking to the halflings that haven�t been turned into birds, he says, �Hold onto each other, and at least one of you hold onto me, and I�ll have you home in literally a few seconds!� he then turns to Valerie and using his speak with animals ability, ha tells her well done, and asks her to follow Bliss. He makes it clear that unless the others engage in combat, she is to refrain from attacking. Than assuming the remaining halflings wish to be teleported home, he uses a scroll to teleport them to the city center of their hometown.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=12 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+10=23 ;
Monday February 10th, 2020 7:52:30 PM
Menagerie Encounter | Tents

Tali listens to Bliss, and then heads towards Miss Pressi while casting Invisibility on herself again. At this point, Tali flies toward the Wagon meeting spot so as to be 15 above it, show she"hell need to rain down "Hell & Brimstone" upon Olog.

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 12
Fly: 21
Perception: 23

Spells in Effect

[u]Invisibility/u]
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, M/DF (an eyelash encased in gum arabic)
Range personal or touch
Target you or a creature or object weighing no more than 100 lbs./level {1500 lbs.}
Duration 1 min./level (D) {15 minutes}
Saving Throw Will negates (harmless) or Will negates (harmless, object); Spell Resistance yes (harmless) or yes (harmless, object)

Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Targets up to five creatures, no two of which can be more than 15 ft. apart
Duration instantaneous
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance yes
Damage: 1d4+1 (5 Missles at level 12)

Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Stinking Cloud:
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Effect cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius, 20 ft. high
Duration 1 round/level {15 rounds}
Saving Throw Fortitude negates; see text; Spell Resistance no

{stinking cloud creates a bank of fog like that created by fog cloud, except that the vapors are nauseating. Living creatures in the cloud become nauseated. This condition lasts as long as the creature is in the cloud and for 1d4+1 rounds after it leaves. (Roll separately for each nauseated character.) Any creature that succeeds on its save but remains in the cloud must continue to save each round on your turn. This is a poison effect.}

Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Monday February 10th, 2020 8:21:52 PM

"Succotash - If you do that, check out their home site to ensure it is safe for them before you return here," Murphy counsels. "If Hendit Littlefoot is there, and he says it is safe, then, fine, return right away. Otherwise - check carefully, all right?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday February 11th, 2020 2:25:44 AM
�Hey Murphy, tell Pressi that I�m coming in, but I won�t look like myself.�

Hobie will walk over and look carefully at one of the guards, before casting Disguise Self to look exactly like the guard.

When out of sight from the guard, he�ll dispel his invisibility (don�t want the guard to see his doppelg�nger and freak out)
He will then head into Olog�s tent, without saying a word, and if possible, stand behind Olog, over his shoulder, acting as if he means to be support for Olog. If he can do so without Olog seeing, he winks at Pressi.

(This is more than one round probably but just let me know how far I get�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday February 11th, 2020 5:37:02 AM
Succotash, realizing, he mentally confused the number of people he can teleport, with the number he can animal shape, says, �My bad, I can only take 1/2 of you, my brain must�ve shut down there for a moment!� He ponders a moment and says, �I can escort you, on foot, to the constables office, getting the authorities involved would probably be wise anyway� he scans the remaining halflings and if he sees any who seem as though they would be to weak to walk, he allows up to two to ride Valerie. If there are more than two who can�t walk, he will summon 1d4 dire crocodiles to carry the rest. The summoning will be a last resort, as he worries he may frighten the children.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday February 11th, 2020 2:57:14 PM
Pressi continues to give her sales pitch.

DM Kathy
Tuesday February 11th, 2020 2:57:28 PM
In the first tent, Murphy encourages the halfling-birds to try their wings. He opens a wider tear in the roof. The tear in the roof, the main entrance, and the entrance to the large tent are the only exits. But, the tent is just canvas walls, and it wouldn't be too difficult to create another exit if you want one.

Succotash gathers the remaining halflings together, believing he can Teleport them all at once. He realizes he is mistaken, however, sparing his DM from having to deliver the bad news. You look over the remaining halflings. There is the woman with the infant, along with her husband and some other children, presumably the baby's siblings. One of the younger ones is still weeping and holding his hands over his ears. There is the older couple, who still seem a bit confused, and the halfling man who was trying to calm them down. You end up putting the older couple on Valerie, and trusting the parents to manage their children, and you set out to find law enforcement, somewhat hampered by the fact that you don't know where it is.

Hobie wants to study a guard. There is one lying dead right here, another one unconscious around the back, and two more around the back enclosed in a Wall of Force. Which one do you choose?

In the employee area, Tali turns herself invisible again, and flies over to Olog's wagon. Inside the wagon, Pressi continues keeping Olog busy. Bliss heads round to the first tent to gather the rest of the crew--or as much of the rest of the crew as he can get--possibly running into Hobie on the way.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday February 11th, 2020 2:58:27 PM
Pressi also takes some time, once again, to ask for information about how they got their staff. (I assume that, as halflings come into range, it will become time to get some exposition.)

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday February 11th, 2020 5:47:30 PM

Bliss continues to gather the party (including Mookie) and urges everybody to converge on the tent where Miss Pressi is delaying the big boss. There is a guard (charmed) at the tent opening, he warns his friends, who will have to be dealt with first. Does anyone have Silence?

If not, Bliss can just sneakup in cat form and then POUNCE on the charmed guard, taking him down before he can give a warning!

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=14 ; d20+19=25 ; d20+10=17 ;
Tuesday February 11th, 2020 11:24:41 PM
Menagerie Encounter | Olog

While hovering over the Olog wagon, Tali waits like a lion stalking its prey. Tali will await signs of aggression from Olog towards Pressi or any living creature where Olog would be acting like a bully. In the meantime, Tali will remove her L1 - Wand of Entangle from her Handy haversack on her shoulder, to prevent Olog from becoming a threat. When he becomes a threat, Tali will cast from her wand, Entangle at Olog.

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 14
Fly: 25
Perception: 17

Spells in Effect

Entangle
Range long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level) {1000 ft}
Area plants in a 40-ft.-radius spread
Duration 1 min./level (D) {15 minutes}
Saving Throw Reflex partial; see text; Spell Resistance no

Invisibility
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, M/DF (an eyelash encased in gum arabic)
Range personal or touch
Target you or a creature or object weighing no more than 100 lbs./level {1500 lbs.}
Duration 1 min./level (D) {15 minutes}
Saving Throw Will negates (harmless) or Will negates (harmless, object); Spell Resistance yes (harmless) or yes (harmless, object)

Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Targets up to five creatures, no two of which can be more than 15 ft. apart
Duration instantaneous
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance yes
Damage: 1d4+1 (5 Missles at level 12)

Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Stinking Cloud:
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Effect cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius, 20 ft. high
Duration 1 round/level {15 rounds}
Saving Throw Fortitude negates; see text; Spell Resistance no

{stinking cloud creates a bank of fog like that created by fog cloud, except that the vapors are nauseating. Living creatures in the cloud become nauseated. This condition lasts as long as the creature is in the cloud and for 1d4+1 rounds after it leaves. (Roll separately for each nauseated character.) Any creature that succeeds on its save but remains in the cloud must continue to save each round on your turn. This is a poison effect.}

Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday February 12th, 2020 5:36:49 AM
Moving out of the tent, Succotash start leading the Halflings towards the center of town. If I remember correctly, it should be daytime, so I would assume that there are people coming and going. He will try asking any townspeople he comes across for directions to the constables office, and head there as fast as his train of halflings can go. As they are walking, he tears a couple of small squares of fabric off the winter shirt (Presumably wool) he is wearing under his breastplate, which is under his clerical robes, and hands them to the parents asking them if they would want to use them as ear plugs for the child who is still suffering from sensitive ears.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday February 12th, 2020 11:03:38 AM
Hobie uses Disguise Self to take on the visage of the dead guard, and then moves into the office with Olog.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday February 12th, 2020 1:50:20 PM
Pressi watches as her friends enter the room.

DM Kathy
Wednesday February 12th, 2020 2:33:34 PM
In Olog's wagon, Pressi asks how staff are acquired. Olog shrugs. "I just hire 'em," he says. "Farmers, mostly. Wanna travel and see the world and all." You realize that he is talking about his ordinary staff, the ones who drive the wagons and feed the animals and collect the money and shovel the poop.

Hovering over the wagon, Tali is alert for signs that Olog is doing anything untoward. However, unless you have some kind of x-ray vision, this is going to be difficult. Olog's is a closed wagon--something like the one in this article. You can't see into it from above.

Hobie disguises himself to look like the dead guard and drops his invisibility (right?). He joins Bliss and they approach Olog's wagon. It is a wagon, despite Bliss's repeated insistence on calling it a tent. As you pass by the guards inside the Wall of Force, they pound on the walls and yell for "Muuldran" to let them out!

Olog's wagon is being guarded--however, it is being guarded by Arvin, the ordinary employee who had been collecting money when you arrived. Arvin is not armed, he is not wearing armor, and he is not one of the four "tough customer" guards. "Muuldran!" he calls. "What's going on? Everything okay?"

Meanwhile, Succotash is leading a group of "savage cannibal halflings," some riding a dinosaur, through the streets of town. It is causing quite a sensation. In fact, you may not have to go to the constabulary; they may be coming to you! You are able to get direction to the sheriff's office, and start heading that way. The earplugs for the young child are a flop; he throws them at his mother and is generally being fractious, as young children sometimes are.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday February 12th, 2020 2:56:43 PM
Hobie disguised as Muuldran replies to Arvin "Everything's fine. Some customers created a ruckus, but we've got it under control. You keep your post here. I just need to inform Olog."

He will just walk past Arvin and into the wagon. In the wagon, "Muuldran" will attempt to just walk up behind Olog without speaking. Acting as if he is just extra muscle supporting his boss.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Wednesday February 12th, 2020 5:10:01 PM

"First, fly to the roof of the cage, like this," Murphy says, then demonstrates. If many do so, he follows up with praise and encouragement. "Next, fly up and out through the hole in the tent roof there, then wait on the top for all of us birds to arrive."

He coaches those who are struggling with the notion of flying, giving them pointers. He could just slash a hole in the wall of the tent, or walk out through the front, but he wants the fledglings to learn to catch air. Not try to walk to freedom.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Wednesday February 12th, 2020 5:13:19 PM

Murphy adds, "Kezzem, hide the fellow you helped cut down, or a great uproar will soon ensue," he encourages the paladin, who has been seemingly just standing and staring.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells d20+12=27 ;
Wednesday February 12th, 2020 5:32:41 PM
"Hey, I heard cut him up and take him out, so that's what I did," says Kezzem. "You guys are sending me some mixed messages."

Kezzem looks for a curtain or something to hide the body.

Note sure what kill that is, but I'm guessing Stealth.
1d20 + 12 = 27.

OOC: Sorry for the crappy posting this week. Been swamped at work lately and next two months or so. I'm going to do my best to keep up and get a post out every evening, but realistically thinking I'm probably going to miss one now and then just from behind exhausted and it slipping my mind (Monday's are especially bad for me).

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday February 12th, 2020 11:08:33 PM

Bliss, having changed back into a cat, turns on his buffs and pads behind Hobie entering the miniwagon.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday February 13th, 2020 5:30:57 AM
Realizing he and his entourage make quite the spectacle, Succotash almost hopes that law enforcement will meet him half way, as he continues to lead the group towards the sheriff's office.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=17 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+10=24 ; d20+2=9 ;
Thursday February 13th, 2020 1:25:53 PM
Menagerie Encounter | Olog

Tali will descent so see can see into the wagon.

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 17
Fly: 21
Perception: 24
Sense Motives:9

Spells in Effect

Entangle
Range long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level) {1000 ft}
Area plants in a 40-ft.-radius spread
Duration 1 min./level (D) {15 minutes}
Saving Throw Reflex partial; see text; Spell Resistance no

Invisibility
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, M/DF (an eyelash encased in gum arabic)
Range personal or touch
Target you or a creature or object weighing no more than 100 lbs./level {1500 lbs.}
Duration 1 min./level (D) {15 minutes}
Saving Throw Will negates (harmless) or Will negates (harmless, object); Spell Resistance yes (harmless) or yes (harmless, object)

Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Targets up to five creatures, no two of which can be more than 15 ft. apart
Duration instantaneous
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance yes
Damage: 1d4+1 (5 Missles at level 12)

Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Stinking Cloud:
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Effect cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius, 20 ft. high
Duration 1 round/level {15 rounds}
Saving Throw Fortitude negates; see text; Spell Resistance no

{stinking cloud creates a bank of fog like that created by fog cloud, except that the vapors are nauseating. Living creatures in the cloud become nauseated. This condition lasts as long as the creature is in the cloud and for 1d4+1 rounds after it leaves. (Roll separately for each nauseated character.) Any creature that succeeds on its save but remains in the cloud must continue to save each round on your turn. This is a poison effect.}

Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+19=23 ;
Thursday February 13th, 2020 1:40:07 PM
�Of course, of course. But I was thinking about the dark elves. And the giant baby, what even is he?�

If Olog answers, Pressi continues.

�And what of those dreadful... savage somethings?�

Diplomacy 23.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+26=44 ; d20+33=38 ;
Thursday February 13th, 2020 3:53:17 PM

Bliss tries to keep alert in cat form as he sneaks in ... perception 44 stealth 38.

DM Kathy
Thursday February 13th, 2020 4:40:15 PM
In the first tent, Murphy is encouraging the transformed halflings to fly through the hole in the tent. Hesitantly, they follow your lead, flying first to the top of the cage and then out the hole. You exit last, to find a few perched on top of the tent, and the rest on wagons or a nearby tree.

Kezzem looks for something to conceal the guard's body, but doesn't see anything right away. A growing commotion outside suggests you aren't going to have a lot of time to look.

In the employee area, Tali descends to try to see into the wagon. Bliss, in cat form, accompanies Hobie as he tries to get past the employee. Arvin readily steps aside. "And what about them?" He gestures to where the two remaining guards are still trying to free themselves from the Wall of Force. "Guess I'll go get a ladder or something," Arvin says in answer to his own question.

In the wagon, Pressi asks about the dark elves. "Met them in the Culverwood," Olog says. "Entertainers, but they wasn't doing so good. We cooked up this notion, see, to show them as 'mysterious dark elves,' and pay them part of the cut. Kind of like what you're asking' for." You ask about the giant baby. "Got her in Bigtown," Olog says. "She's a giant. Not sure what kind." You ask about the halflings. "Well, I had this harpy, see--" Olog begins. Hobie enters, disguised as Muuldran. "Everything under control?" he asks.

In the town, Succotash almost hopes law enforcement comes to him. You get your wish. A man approaches your group, accompanied by some agitated townsfolk, and another man you recognize as a menagerie employee. The sheriff is an unremarkable-looking man wearing a leather vest with a brass star pinned to it. His gaze drifts over you, the "savage" halflings, and Valerie. "Afternoon," he says mildly. "I'm Polen Vree, town sheriff. Is there something I can help you folks with?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Thursday February 13th, 2020 4:58:51 PM
Unable to find anything in the room to conceal the half-orc, Kezzem attempts to hide him behind Valerie.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+22=34 ;
Thursday February 13th, 2020 7:02:58 PM
Seeing the Sheriff Succotash quickly explains the situation:

"Thank you Officer Vree, you saved us some steps, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Succotash Slenderstick, a cleric of the Woldian pantheon, and member of the adventuring group known as Humble's Sword, perhaps you've heard of us? we have gained some amount of fame after slaying a dragon at the battle of the Sargrass Plains. Anyway, these mistreated halflings and I were heading to your office. These fine halflings that the menagerie have been displaying as "savages" are no more savage then you or I. In fact they are the residence of a small town only a few days journey, to which they can attest. They have been kept against their will by brigands, and unable to share their plight with anyone due to a spell of silence, which we Swords have dispelled. We were attacked when we tried to foil the nefarious plans, and were forced to slay one in defense. I know not how many others may be involved, or how many more ruffians are left to be dealt with, as my priority was to free these good people, and get law enforcement involved. Now that you're here, I was hoping I could leave my charges in your care so that my dinosaur and I may return to aid our friends. We will do our best to avoid anymore death, as that is something we abhor and use only as a last resort, and bring the brigands to your office, if we can take them alive.

Diplomacy 34

If Sheriff Vree is OK with this arrangement, he will help the elderly couple off Valerie, and cast dimensional door to return Valerie and himself to the tent with the cages, as he hasn't seen the other areas, and doesn't wish to take unneeded risks. If Sheriff Vree is not OK with this arrangement, he will continue to converse with him, until they can reach a conclusion.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday February 14th, 2020 3:29:45 AM

To the ones waiting on the tent, Murphy says quietly, "Good. You can fly. Wait here, I'll get the rest, and we'll fly as a flock." He flies to the ones in the tree. "You flew far. Good. Follow me, and land near where I do. We need to stay together." To the ones on the wagon, he lands, and whispers. "Good. Follow me." He flies back to the tent.

His aim is to have them know they need to stay close to him. Once all are gathered on the tent (rounding up any who may be confused or recalcitrant), he says, "All right. We fly toward the dinosaur, and land off to the left." Blue-raven Murphy leads the way, with frequent backward glances, toward where Succotash et al are now. He lands about 50 feet away from the gathered people, and carefully enumerates the crows who are with him.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday February 14th, 2020 5:04:14 AM
Hobie will turn to respond to Olog. "Yeah boss, everythings great, except one thing. There's this halfling out here calls himself 'Hobie.' (If possible without Olog noticing, he will wink at Pressi) He's making a stink, and keeps saying to deliver a message to the boss. He says "Hendit's package has been delivered" He keeps saying the boss will understand."
He maintains the same pace and register in his voice so as not to make Olog suspicious, but at this point he turns his posture toward Pressi and continues.
"What do you say boss, want me to put the guy to sleep?"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=28 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+2=12 ;
Friday February 14th, 2020 11:01:17 AM
Menagerie Encounter | Olog

Looking into the wagon, Tali tries to determine what Olog is doing now that another Humble stumbled into the scene. Tali decides to spook Olog, by casting a message spell between herself and the Target, [Olog. After casting the spell, Tali whispers to Olog while pointing and in a ghostly crackly voice....Olog! You've been very very Naughty! Those halflings have cursed you....someone dispelled the silence area spell and they have cursed you.....you will be haunted by [b]Rats!....I see them...them are coming for you....to devour you...your soul....run![/b]

Next round, Tali will cast, from a wand stored in her Bill's Pants of Plenty front pocket, Ghost Sounds of Rats! a Large volume of Rat sounds...followed by a casting from another wand in the same pocket, Silent Image, of Rats! Lots and Lots of Rats!.

Skill Checks

Acrobatics: 28 {NAT 20}
Fly: 24
Perception: 20
Sense Motives:12

Spells in Effect

2nd Message Spell | Duration 150 Minutes { 900 round} || 900 rounds left -- between Tali & Olog

1x Magic Missiles - instantaneously
1x Hold Monster - target made save.

Invisibility | Duration 15 Minutes {90 round} || 0 rounds left -- used a action & lost invisibility
Invisibility | Duration 15 Minutes {90 round} || 87 rounds left

Wall of Force | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} || 8 rounds left
Wall of Force | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} || 10 rounds left

Stinking Cloud | Duration 1 round/level {15 rounds} || 9 rounds left

Detect Magic | Duration 15 Minutes { 90 round} || 80 rounds left
Message | Duration 150 Minutes { 900 round} || 890 rounds left -- left between Tali & Mister Murphy
Overland Flight | Duration 900 Minutes { 5400 round} || 3240 rounds left
Mage Armor | Duration 900 Minutes { 5400 round} || 3240 rounds left

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday February 14th, 2020 3:16:35 PM
Pressi takes a moment to signal to Murphy that he should keep a look out.

After a moment of watching this new "guard" carefully, Pressi weighs her options.

"I beg your pardon, this seems important and none of my business. But it does remind me of this time when I thought a package was delivered only to see it destroyed by a sudden storm I hadn't tracked. Speaking of things that might shake things up, how on earth did you manage to get a harpy in the first place and why isn't IT an exhibit?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+33=53 ;
Friday February 14th, 2020 4:15:34 PM

Bliss sneaks under Olog's chair.

Stealth 53!

DM Kathy
Friday February 14th, 2020 4:50:57 PM
Kezzem has a brilliant idea to hide the corpse behind Valerie. Unfortunately, Valerie is no longer in the tent; she is out on the town, meeting the sheriff. You think, however, you may be able to partially conceal the body behind the stirge cage.

Murphy gathers his flock. You see right away that asking everybody to perch atop the tent is probably not going to work. The sloping canvas is impractical for perching, and there isn't room for everybody on the tent pole. You gather on one of the wagons, instead, before flying off to where Succotash is.

Succotash explains the situation to the sheriff. He turns to the menagerie employee, who is looking uncomfortable. "Do you have people there against their will?" he asks.

The man squirms. "Um....maybe. Look, I'm not in charge. Talk to Olog. He's the boss."

"I will," the sheriff replies. To Succotash, he says, "I'm sorry, young man, but I'm going to have to come with you and see all this for myself. Can I ask you folks," he looks at the townsfolk who were with him, "to escort these nice halflings to my office? Deputy Vale is there; she can look after them. Let's go." He heads back toward the menagerie, keeping a close eye on the increasingly uncomfortable employee.

Hobie and Pressi talk in a careful code. They seem to have lost Olog's attention, however, as Tali's spells take effect. Olog suddenly jumps to his feet. "What was that?!" he says. "Who said that? Who's talking?"

Bliss hides under a chair, and everyone in the wagon begins to hear the sound of scurrying feet and little squeaks.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74; Spells
Friday February 14th, 2020 8:14:57 PM
Kezzem has a great idea to hide the half-orc behind the stirge cage. Then he has the even better idea of hiding the half-orc INSIDE the stirge cage. That way, if in anyone finds the half-orc dead, maybe they will think the stirges got him (you know, with their daggers and velociraptor-sized claws). He will attempt to move the half-orc inside the cage and shut the door behind him.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Sunday February 16th, 2020 11:44:28 AM
�That�s fine Sheriff, it�s probably wise for you to be there anyway, but allow me to save us a few steps!�, Succotash says as he lays a hand on Valerie (after the elderly couple dismount) and his other hand on the sheriff, and casts dimensional door (1000ft range) teleporting the three into the tent where Kezzem and the body are.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Sunday February 16th, 2020 2:15:46 PM
When Olog jumps up and starts shouting, Hobie thinks its time to go to work.

He grabs Prowler, holds it out toward Olog, and casts Glitterdust at him. He's aiming to not get Pressi in the blast, but if its not possible, Hobie trusts her Will is strong enough to avoid the blindness.

DC 16 Will save for Olog or be Blinded for 7 rounds.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=48 ; d20+26=32 ;
Monday February 17th, 2020 1:49:52 AM

"So, Hobie should be showing up in a different guise," Murphy tells Pressi, mind to mind. "Succotash and the Sheriff just left the field, back to the tent, I think. I'm with a flock of ravens - halflings all, and with another nine or ten unchanged. Townsfolk are taking those in halfling form to meet with Deputy Vale, a woman I think." He pauses. "More later. Need to attend to my flock, or conspiracy. Are various people's actions causing chaos as usual?"

He messages Tali, "We flew out to the field, near the halflings who are in their normal form. How goes it?"

To the flock, he says, as the other halflings begin to accompany the townsfolk, "I think we are going to be fine. Let us fly ahead, land on a building, and wait for your neighbors to draw close. Stay together with me, for safety." As he spoke, he made certain that his back was to the unchanged halflings and townsfolk, again about 50 feet away from them. If you are ready, then, let us fly again." He takes what measure of them he can. If he discerns distress, or the like, the raven druid does what he can to provide comfort and encouragement. He takes off, heading in the general direction the townsfolk begin to walk toward, aiming for a building at the edge of town. He glances back to ensure they all follow.
============
Perception: 48
Sense Motive: 32

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+12=21 ; d20+22=37 ; d6=6 ; d3=3 ; d20+20=27 ; d2+20=21 ; d20+20=23 ; d2+20=21 ;
Monday February 17th, 2020 8:45:37 AM

Bliss, hiding as a cat under Olog's chair, uses Spellcraft to ID the spell Hobie is casting. The DC to do that is 17. Bliss has a +28, so he can't fail that check.

Thus, as soon as Hobie starts to cast Glitterdust, Bliss thinks, "Well, that takes some chutzpah, to cast an area spell in this little tiny wagon!" Bliss immediately focuses HARD on the situation [enters Rage as a free action].

Bliss tries to save vs Glitterdust: a 21, thank goodness!

Well that means it is time to do the job at hand. He bites and claws at Olog.

Bite hits AC37 for 31 nonlethal damage.
Claw hits AC27 for 21 lethal damage.
Claw hits AC23 for 21 lethal damage.

[The above is not modified by any bonuses for attacking with surprise, unseen, vs a potentially blinded foe.]

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Monday February 17th, 2020 1:20:48 PM
{traveling this weekend to the house to see and spend time with our daughter. No proper computer . iPhone will have to do.}

Olog

Tali will await Olog�s exit from the building, especially to see what his friends will do.

DM Kathy d20+8=21 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=15 ;
Monday February 17th, 2020 3:00:29 PM
In town, Murphy updates his companions and then begins leading his flock of transformed halflings. This proves to be pretty straightforward. Your group can fly faster than the people on the ground can walk, so you can fly a short distance, perch and rest, then fly again, always keeping the group in sight. You move from building to tree to building and so on. You aren't acting precisely like natural birds, and a couple of the townsfolk seem to notice, watching you with puzzled frowns. They don't say anything, though, and soon turn back to what they were doing. By the time the halflings reach the sheriff's office, your group is already perched along its ridgepole.

In the employee area, Tali keeps an eye on Arvin as he walks over to the Wall of Force. "I'm gonna go get a ladder," he calls to the trapped guards. "Get a pry bar, too," the one with the rapier calls back. "There's some kinda barrier on top." Arvin nods and walks toward one of the larger wagons, even as the other guard throws up his hands. "What's a pry bar gonna do?" he asks Rapier.

In Olog's wagon, Hobie casts Glitterdust. The interior of the wagon is relatively small; the spell has to cover the entire space or none of it. Bliss makes his save; Pressi needs to save as well.

Olog is not blinded. He draws his flail and picks up his shield. "I don't know what's going on," he says. "But everybody needs to---augh!" Before he quite understands what is happening, Murder Kitty is all up in his business. Bliss's second claw does not hit, but his other attacks inflict a lot of nonlethal damage.

In the first tent, Kezzem decides to hide the body inside the stirge cage. He carries the body in and closes the door. The stirges, of course, are not going to turn up their proboscises at a free meal, and they immediately swoop to attack! Three of them hit, finding gaps in Kezzem's armor, attaching themselves to his neck and wrist. Kezzem takes three points of Constitution damage.

At that moment, Succotash, Valerie, and Sheriff Vree all appear in the tent.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Monday February 17th, 2020 5:28:16 PM

Murphy says, "You are amazing, my new friends. And brave. I will enter with your friends to see Deputy Vale. Hendit's wife - you are in charge here. I will return in a few minutes - and make certain your neighbors are treated fairly."

He flies down and through the open door as people enter. If someone tries to shoo him away, he says in the Common tongue, "I think you're going to want me to be here. We were sent to rescue these kidnapped and enslaved halflings. I am Murphy, and I am more than just a blue raven."

If questioned, he will answer - but thinks that the halflings might best be able to tell their own story.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells 5d8=17 ;
Monday February 17th, 2020 6:07:05 PM
Succotash blinks a few times as they arrive in the tent, only to see Kezzem getting his blood sucked by the stirges. "What the! On second thought, never mind!" Succotash says as he sees his friend getting attacked by the stirges. he casts Holy Smite on the stirge cage knowing that Kezzem won't take any damage, but he is pretty certain that the stirges are neutral, so they will only take half damage. half of 17 is 8 holy damage, DC 20 will save for half.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d4=2 ;
Monday February 17th, 2020 7:17:09 PM
Once Kezzem is outside the cage (and the door is secure), he will cast Lesser Restoration on himself.

Con Healing: 1d4 = 2.

Cayzle Comments: Sorry my friend, you broke the board by putting too many characters into the post name field. If you want multiple links in your post header, use a URL shortener like bitly to make them shorter first please. Or just put your extra links in your post.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+23=41 ; d20+23=33 ; d20+23=38 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+18=19 ; d20+13=22 ; 2d6+22=26 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+22=28 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+22=26 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+22=29 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+22=27 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+22=29 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 2:48:21 AM
Hobie goes to drop Olog. (Preferably Hobie will take a 5 foot step to make sure he's out of Olog's melee range before shooting, but I know we are in tight quarters so if not possible, Hobie will just take Olog's attack of opportunity.)

All arrow damage is nonlethal piercing, and Hobie will stop firing as soon as he sees Olog drop. His preference is not to kill.
For damage below, the format is (Nonlethal Piercing) + (Electric) = Total.

Manyshot - AC 41
26+3 = 29
28+3 = 31

Rapid shot - AC 33
26+3 = 29

Haste - AC 38
29+5 = 34

Iterative 1 - AC 37 (Critical Threat(Nat 19)- Confirm= Nat 1)
27+4 = 31

Iterative 2- AC 22
29+5 = 34

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+22=24 ; d3=3 ; d6=2 ; d20+20=34 ; d2+20=21 ; d20+20=27 ; d2+20=22 ;
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 11:53:02 AM

If Olog is unconscious, then Bliss changes back into a halfling and calls for everybody to stand down.

If Olog is still up and fighting, CatBliss keeps on until he is defeated ... Bite hits AC24 for 27 nonlethal. Claw 1 hits AC34 for 21 lethal. Claw2 hits AC27 for 22 lethal.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+8=12 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+10=17 ;
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 12:26:16 PM
Menagerie | Olog

Tali will fly up a bit higher into the sky to watch Arvin. As soon as Arvin gets close to the Wall of Force enclosure, Tali will cast with her wand, Entangle onto Arvin! Of course, doing so, makes her visible again...oh well! Tali shrugs, then messages Mister Murphy by pointing to the first tent and explaining what she's done to Arvin & Olog. Then, she points at the wagon, and making more eerily-haunting noises, says to Olog, "I'm coming for your Soouuulll...my rats will devour you!"

Skill Checks
Acrobatics: 12
Fly: 24
Perception: 17

Spells in Effect

Entangle
Range long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level) {1000 ft}
Area plants in a 40-ft.-radius spread
Duration 1 min./level (D) {15 minutes}
Saving Throw Reflex partial; see text; Spell Resistance no

Invisibility
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, M/DF (an eyelash encased in gum arabic)
Range personal or touch
Target you or a creature or object weighing no more than 100 lbs./level {1500 lbs.}
Duration 1 min./level (D) {15 minutes}
Saving Throw Will negates (harmless) or Will negates (harmless, object); Spell Resistance yes (harmless) or yes (harmless, object)

Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Targets up to five creatures, no two of which can be more than 15 ft. apart
Duration instantaneous
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance yes
Damage: 1d4+1 (5 Missles at level 12)

Wall of Force - close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels {60 feet}) | wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level {150 feet} | Duration 1 round /level (D) {15 rounds} |
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Stinking Cloud:
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) {250 ft}
Effect cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius, 20 ft. high
Duration 1 round/level {15 rounds}
Saving Throw Fortitude negates; see text; Spell Resistance no

{stinking cloud creates a bank of fog like that created by fog cloud, except that the vapors are nauseating. Living creatures in the cloud become nauseated. This condition lasts as long as the creature is in the cloud and for 1d4+1 rounds after it leaves. (Roll separately for each nauseated character.) Any creature that succeeds on its save but remains in the cloud must continue to save each round on your turn. This is a poison effect.}

Detect Magic - 15 / 15 minutes
Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+11=28 ;
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 2:45:20 PM
Apologies, computer not working well, tapping on phone.

Pressi resists the glitter dust, knocking the bottle to the ground. The best she can do is watch Harper hop in to flank Bliss (someone roll for her if needed, thanks).

Pressi prepares a slow curse if Olog tries to run or Arvin comes in.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 3:18:19 PM

Murphy likely does not hear Tali, as he is now nowhere near the first tent, but rather a way into the buildings of the town. Earlier he had messaged her that he had flown out to the field, near the escaping halflings.

DM Kathy d20=7 ; d20=15 ; d20=13 ; d20=11 ; d20=20 ; d20+20=30 ; d20=13 ;
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 3:21:50 PM
At the sheriff's office, Murphy tries to fly in through the door. One of the townsfolk starts trying to shoo you out again, at which point, you explain yourself. The townsfolk stare. The rescued halflings stare. The deputy--a human woman who doesn't look old enough to be out of school--stares. Finally, the deputy speaks. "What--what is all this?" And everyone starts talking at once.

Seeing Kezzem in the cage, Succotash wastes no time in casting a Holy Smite on the area. All but one of the stirges drop to the ground, dead. The remaining stirge, badly injured, flutters to a high corner of the cage.

Kezzem leaves the cage, closes the door, and restores some of his Constitution damage.

The sheriff looks around, seeing the tropical birds flying agitatedly around their cage, the dead stirges, the dead guard, and the wreck that used to be a rolling cage. "Was that one of your ruffians?" he asks, nodding toward the guard's body. He sounds a mite skeptical.

Just then, one of the menagerie employees comes into the tent. "Sorry, folks, you'll need to--" he begins, then looks around. "What? What happened in here? And whose dinosaur is that?"

In the employee area, Tali casts Entangle and becomes visible. The spell is from a wand, so the save DC is pretty low, and Arvin is not entangled. He stumbles out of the area of the spell and looks around, bewildered. He does not look up, however, so he does not spot you. You continue "haunting" Olog, but he has other problems now.

In the wagon, Hobie fires his bow at Olog. There isn't enough room to avoid an AoO, but Olog misses with his flail. After your hasted shot, Olog drops to the floor, unconscious.

Bliss turns back into a halfling and tells Hobie and Pressi to stand down.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 4:24:46 PM

Since all the halflings already were at least somewhat acquainted with the talking raven, Murphy finds himself amused at their reaction.

"Deputy Vale, are you?" Murphy speaks loudly over the hubbub from atop a cabinet. "This traveling circus, though educational in some ways and amusing, is also responsible for kidnapping nearly a whole village of innocent halflings from many towns away from here. They came at night, killed their dogs lest they give warning, subdued these people, and a dozen more than these you see, and placed them into a cage with a permanent silence spell. They represented them as vicious cannibals - which they are not. The husband of one of the women - his wife is nearby - he sent us to find and rescue them from their evil captivity and bondage.

"I am Murphy, of Humble's Ford, with the adventuring group Humble's Sword.

"I could tell you more, but, please, let them tell you their own story," and he extends a wing toward the halflings.

He mentally reports the situation to Pressi, if she has the ability to get the message in the midst of her current circumstances.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 5:08:27 PM
Bliss ties up Olog with anything he can find. Maybe there's a bed with a blanket he can cut into strips or something.

Then he drags the man out of the wagon and tries to gather all his friends together.

Maybe Mookie tells Bliss telepathically that he saw Murphy and the freed halflings headed into town? Maybe he saws the sherriff? If so, Bliss brings the ringleader to the guy with the star on his vest.

Speaking of badges, he makes sure his WLA pin is prominent.

"Come on, we gotta get this guy to the local lawman."

If Bliss sees any other defeated foes lying on the ground, he tries to make sure they do not die, if possible.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 5:11:50 PM
Hobie pulls out his manacles and Superior Lock (y�all made fun of me for buying those about 3 years ago, and finally I get to use them!) and binds Ologs hands behind his back.

He turns to Pressi �Well that sure moved quickly. Want me to bring him back to consciousness with my wand so we can interrogate him?�

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 5:14:00 PM
If we are moving out of initiative rounds, Hobie will also detect magic on Olog and remove any magical items from his person before waking him.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 5:19:41 PM

Overlapping posts!

If Bliss has heard from Mookie that the Sherriff is on the scene, he talls Hobie and Pressi and suggests that we should bring him in.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+22=41 ;
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 6:11:35 PM
Succotash sighs as he sees the situation: �Sheriff, allow me to introduce my friend and fellow sword, Kezzem, Paladin of Gargul. Yes that is the body of the ruffian that attacked us, but by the gods, I have no idea as to why Kezzem was putting it in the stirge�s cage. The rest of the ruffians, and Swords, I believe are this way� he says as he opens the curtain to the next tent.

Diplomacy 41

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d20+23=32 ;
Tuesday February 18th, 2020 6:37:09 PM
Kezzem attempts to aid another on the Diplomacy check.

1d20 + 23 = 32.

"You shouldn't assume that just because I was trying to dispose of a dead body in the stirge cage that I am not a paladin. I'd hate to use the c-word, but that is very classist of you."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+19=22 ; d20+10=25 ;
Wednesday February 19th, 2020 10:23:25 AM
Menagerie | Aftermath

Tali will drop down to hover three (3) feet off the ground, now that she is visible and join her fellow Humble Swords. Tali also makes sure her WLA pin is proudly displayed on her overalls.

Also soon as Tali realizes that this Masquerade is over and Olog is in shackles, she will drop the two (2) spells -- Wall of force & Stinking cloud, but be perceptive to those two (2) guards in case they should start trouble.

Skill Checks

Fly: 22
Perception: 25

Spells in Effect

Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 150 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 540 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday February 19th, 2020 3:29:39 PM
Pressi stared down at Olog, thinking of all that he had done. She barely heard Bliss speak of the sheriff.

"You know what, Hobie. Why don't you wake him up."

Energy sparked in between Pressi's fingers. A readied Pain Strike.

"I'm thinking it's time that he and I had a more... productive chat."

DM Kathy
Wednesday February 19th, 2020 3:38:39 PM
In the sheriff's office, Murphy explains the situation. The deputy takes in the gathered crowd, looking uncertain. "Well." She clears her throat. "Well. Mistress Knowles, Master Finbar, Master Teede, thank you for bringing these folks to my attention. You have certainly done your civic duty." She's laying it on a bit thick, but the townsfolk are looking pleased, so maybe she knows what she's doing. "Sheriff Vree and I can take it from here, and I certainly don't want to keep you any longer. If we need more information, we'll know where to find you."

The townsfolk look less pleased--they were clearly hoping to hang around and pick up some juicy gossip, but the deputy is firm, and eventually they leave. "You folks find seats; make yourselves comfortable," she tells the halflings. With a little sigh, she adds, "I'll start taking your statements. And you," she says to Murphy, "please don't fly away. I'll want your statement, too."

In the first tent, Kezzem assures the sheriff that this isn't what it looks like. The sheriff frowns, but you and Succotash are both very persuasive, so he nods. The menagerie employee is less easily mollified. "Hey!" he says. "You can't just go bringing strange dinosaurs in here! We have valuable animals! How'd you get in, anyway? You're going to have to leave."

"The boy's got a point," the sheriff says. Looking at Succotash, he adds, "Why don't you take the dinosaur outside and tie it up somewhere while me and the paladin," he looks at Kezzem "get that body out of the cage before more evidence is destroyed. As for you," he says to the employee, "don't go nowhere. I've got some questions about those halflings."

In the wagon, Bliss begins industriously ripping bedsheets into strips, but stops when he hears the clunk of Hobie's manacles locking into place. Mookie has indeed informed you of the sheriff's arrival, so Bliss, Hobie, and Pressi leave the wagon to head around to the front.

Outside the wagon, you encounter Tali, who drops nearer to ground level and begins dismissing spells. Because the Walls of Force are invisible, the guards don't immediately notice. They do, however, notice Hobie, still disguised as the half-orc guard. "Muuldran!" the archer calls. "What's going on? Where's the boss?" Arvin, over by one of the wagons, has noticed Tali. "Um...." he says. "Um....begging your pardon, Miss, but have I done something to upset you?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday February 19th, 2020 4:16:47 PM

Bliss gives Miss Pressi a hard look. "Now Miss, remember that we are the heroes here, and there's a sherriff right there, so no, that's not how we roll, right?"

Mookie just stares at Bliss. "Kid," he teleps to his master, "I think that's one for the books. Standing up and saying no like that. I wonder if you're growing up after all, Mister Peter Pan."

"Welp, I'm just trying to be like the leader of the Iron Dragons, Captain Hook!" Bliss grins.

"Come on, let's bring the ringleader to the sherriff."

[OOC: I'm gonna keep referring to Olog as the ringleader until someone chuckles.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday February 19th, 2020 4:30:01 PM
"Man, I'm getting lots of mixed signals here," says a very confused Kezzem. "Kezzem, don't kill the slavers. Kezzem, kill the half-orc. Kezzem, you shouldn't have killed the half-orc. Kezzem, hide the body of the half-orc. Kezzem, don't hide the body of the half-orc."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid/Raven - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Thursday February 20th, 2020 12:35:21 AM

"Very well, Deputy. I did promise my flock I would return soon. If I may step out for a moment to explain things to them briefly, I promise to return here within a handful of minutes. If someone could get the door for me?"

Should someone open the door for him, he flies up to the waiting ravens. "Deputy Vale is inside with your friends and neighbors. She wants me to testify as to what has happened, as well as the others. Do you want to come with me to see the deputy? She seems smart, and fair-minded.

"I will point my wing at you, one at a time. If you want to come with me, then caw once. If you do not want to come, then caw twice. So, 'yes' is 'Caw!' And 'no' is 'Caw-caw!' Understand?"

If need be, he will explain it again. Then he goes, one by one, until he has a clear answer from all. He begins with the auburn hair wife - who is now a black raven.

Once the results are in, he instructs all to follow him to the ground. Once all are there, he explains another thing to them - something he did not want to explain when they were in a high place. "The spell that helped you to change into a bird will last for many hours. About fifteen. So, if you want, you may remain as a raven. If you want to change back into your normal self, though, you can do so. You won't be able to change back into a raven, though, at least not today, and at least not without help. But, you will be able to talk, and walk, and all that.

"If any of you want to change back into a halfling now, then lift one wing." To any who lift a wing, Murphy helps them with the change. "Everyone stand back a few feet," he warns those around. "Just say to yourself, 'I want to change back into myself, now!' - just say that in your mind. If you believe it, it will happen."

He adds a warning to those who have not changed - "Only ever do what they just did if you are on the ground. It would hurt very badly if you did that while up in the air. But, it's fine on the ground."

When those who change have changed, and those who plan to try out the bird's life a little longer do so, he asks one who has changed to open the door. If none has changed, then he pecks at the door a few times to notify those within. Once the door is open, he enters with his flock and any halflings among them. "I'm back as promised, along with these other victims of Olog & his crew," he says to Deputy Vale.

At the appointed time, he gives his testimony, as he listens to the stories the others tell the bewildered yet astute deputy. "If you need help writing things down, good deputy, I can help."

If she takes him up on the offer, he says, "All right, I'm going to return to my normal halfling self." He makes sure there is adequate space, then does so. He reaches into his haversack, pulls out pen, ink, and paper, asks if he may sit, does so with permission, then begins to take the next person's statement. His handwriting is very neat, his transcriptions accurate.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday February 20th, 2020 5:39:17 AM
Succotash is about to protest, feeling more than a little insulted by the idea that Valerie may be a "strange" dinosaur, after all, to him, she's his close friend, but he decides to overlook the slight and at least partially agree to the Sheriff's request. He tells her to go outside and stand guard, and that she isn't supposed to attack, but alert if anyone tries to enter the tent. "Will that suffice? Valerie is better trained than any guard dog, and will stay right where she is until I relieve her, besides rope isn't going to stop those teeth, and I refuse to chain her like some slave or criminal!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday February 20th, 2020 2:10:33 PM
Pressi drops her spell as Bliss speaks up and the sheriff comes in. "I was just going to see if I could throw a scare into him," she told Bliss rather unconvincingly.

Walking outside, she sees Arvin hanging around and sighs. "Arvin, I need you to go to the sheriff and tell them what you've seen here. They will take care of you as long as you are honest. And its the only way to stop all these disruptions."

Turning to the other two guards. "It's over." Harper, leaping out, growls in agreement.

If either of the guards do anything other than stand there or turn themselves in, Pressi hits one of them with a deep slumber (will DC 20) while Harper trips the other.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+25=43 ; d20+30=32 ;
Thursday February 20th, 2020 2:57:44 PM
Arvin

Using her Charm, Wit , and fluttering eyelashes, (plus her skill set of bluff & diplomacy) , she asks Arvin,� What so ever do you mean, sir?!�

Skill checks:
Bluff:43
Diplomacy:32

DM Kathy d20+4=16 ; d20+6=11 ;
Thursday February 20th, 2020 4:08:56 PM
In the sheriff's office, Murphy asks to leave. "You have a flock?" the deputy asks, confused. But one of the halflings opens the door for you and you are able to fly out. To preserve what's left of the DM's sanity, I'm going to say that all the transformed halflings are though being birds, and change back into themselves. This leaves you with the teensy problem that there isn't enough room in the small office for everyone. The deputy is talking to each adult halfling and going as fast as she can, but there's only one of her and she's writing everything down. It's going pretty slowly, and in the meantime about a third of the group is out in the cold.

In the first tent, Succotash offers to have Valerie guard. "If you're sure she'll stay outside, that's fine," the sheriff says. He leads the confused Kezzem back to the stirge cage. "What happened here?" he asks, looking at the dead stirges on the ground.

The employee, who had followed him over, lets out a gasp. "Oh, no! Spike! Stripey! Mok-mok! What happened to them? And is that Muuldran?" he turns to look at Succotash and Kezzem. "What did you do?!"

In the employee area, Tali is trying to play it coy. "I mean the tangling grasses and the invisible walls and suchlike. That was you, wasn't it?" Arvin says.

Pressi, with Bliss and Hobie by her side, tells the two remaining guards that it's over. The archer frowns, puzzled. "Muuldran?" he asks, "why are you all sparkly?" The one with the rapier is in no mood to chat. He draws a knife, but before he can throw it, Pressi hits both with a Deep Slumber and they drop to the ground, sound asleep.

Pressi tells Arvin to go talk to the sheriff. He looks at the sleeping guards, the unconscious monk, the sparkly people, and the big cat. "Um....yeah," he says. "Yeah. I'm....just gonna go talk to the sheriff." He heads around to the front, taking several anxious glances behind him.

Olog is secured, but now you have these sleeping guards, plus the monk Bliss knocked out earlier. The sheriff has not made his way back here yet, and to go to him, you'll either need to leave the guards unsecured, or take a moment to deal with them.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday February 20th, 2020 6:50:16 PM
"Don't worry Sheriff, she won't go anywhere unless I tell her too", Succotash answers, then adds, "Sheriff your my witness, you saw me cast the spell that harmed the stirges. I did so out of reflex to protect my friend, who was having his blood sucked out of him! I didn't mean to kill them, I even used a fairly weak spell, I was just trying to maim them so they would let go of Kezzem."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d20+23=35 ;
Thursday February 20th, 2020 7:56:43 PM
"The half-orc was killed by some halfling," says Kezzem "and placed in the stirge cage. I was trying to help, but the stirges attacked me! My friend her blasted them with some magic to protect me, though I think he overreacted. I'm quite sturdy!"

Diplomacy: 35.

OOC: Despite his old high bluff score, Kezzem never did too well at Bluffing people. He's been much better at misleading people by sort-of telling the truth!

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+25=34 ; d20+30=32 ; d20+19=37 ; d20+10=13 ;
Thursday February 20th, 2020 10:06:01 PM
Menagerie | Aftermath

Tali uses her Level 01 wand - Entangle wand to secure these sleeping guards, plus the monk Bliss knocked out earlier while hovering 3 feet above the ground to secure the guards and the monk.

Tali says, "you run along after the sheriff. I'll stay here with these three. I've got this!" giggles Tali.

Skill Checks
Bluff: 34
Diplomacy: 32
Fly: 37
Perception:13

Spells in Effect

Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 149 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 539 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 539 of 900 minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday February 21st, 2020 7:55:36 AM

Murphy helps write reports. He gets each person's name, age, family relations, and report of what happened. [And he would love to know some names - especially Hendit's wife and kids.]

He maintains contact with Pressi, and Tali if he can, and asks her (or both hers) what's going on over at the menagerie. Let's them know what he's up to.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+25=45 ;
Friday February 21st, 2020 1:55:13 PM

Bliss for sure stays put to make sure that everybody stays calm and safe and in custody.

"The Sherriff will get here in good time," he says, "and then we'll get it all untangled."

Bliss ties up the captives and guards them.

Perception 45

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday February 21st, 2020 2:32:13 PM
Pressi hangs back to help secure the various unconscious as well. Before heading around to the sheriff, she makes sure Harper is sitting on at least one of them.

As she walks, she gets updates from Murphy about how the group is secure and she passes along information about what they've been up to as well.

When she finally meets the Sheriff, she introduces herself and gives a quick overview of the situation. If he brings up anything about dead bodies or dinosaurs, she shrugs. "Forget it, chief. It's halfling town."

Now What?

DM Kathy
Friday February 21st, 2020 4:15:13 PM
[Everybody take 26,000 XP for the previous scene.]

In the first tent, Kezzem explains that the guard had been killed by "some halfling." You are diplomatic, and Sheriff Vree seems to like you, but that doesn't obligate him to believe everything you tell him. "'Some halfling,' huh?" he says, looking from you, a halfling, to Succotash, also a halfling. "I suppose next you'll be telling me that all those people look alike." He studies the corpse. "And I suppose those aren't dinosaur claws either." He shoots you a sideways glance. "I need to talk to the people here, but you and I will talk again later, and I expect to hear the truth. From a paladin."

In the employee area, the sleeping guards are Entangled and watched over by Harper so that Tali, Bliss, Hobie, and Pressi can, at last, come around to the front and talk to the sheriff.

For the next several hours, the sheriff and his deputy are hard at work, talking to witnesses, examining the menagerie, securing the prisoners. At one point, a messenger is sent to the Crossroads Inn to arrange accommodations for the rescued halflings.

By suppertime, Olog and the three surviving guards are in the lockup. The halflings are at the inn, sorting through the clothes Murphy was thoughtful enough to provide. The menagerie has been closed to the public, and the employees (including the dark elves) cautioned against skipping town. The animals remain in the care of the employees. Your group has likewise been advised not to leave town. You do not presently have accommodations, but there are rooms available at the Crossroads, and two more inns in town. There is also space to camp near the menagerie.

[If there are things you wanted to do that afternoon, of course you had time to do them; go ahead and state those actions. But I thought it was a good time to fast-forward.]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday February 21st, 2020 6:18:35 PM

Murphy again sought to get actual names of the rescued. This is important to him (I'm sure he got them, but it would help to see at least a few of them in writing :-) ).

He confers with his friends as to what all they were doing as the team was scattered. Not widely, but scattered enough - and for good reason. He tells them his perspectives on what he was involved with.

He asks permission, as a druid, to communicate with the animals of the menagerie. "I'm particularly concerned for the bear, you see. Patchy fur."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Saturday February 22nd, 2020 11:58:48 AM
Hobie will take the time to go to Hendit's wife, and tell her all about how he loves her and how it was him who deserves the full credit for finding Humbles Sword and bringing about their rescue. He assures her that she will be reunited with him soon when this is all sorted out.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Saturday February 22nd, 2020 9:06:59 PM
"Okay, you got us, we killed the half-orc. Succo here was all like 'these aren't savage halflings!' and he was all up in face and then Valeria was all slashy-slashy and he was like 'I'm going to kill your pet' so I had to get all stabby-stabby on him. And then Murphey was all Kezzem, you shouldn't have killed him, you better hide the body, so I Iooked for a curtain or a bunkie or something, then I tried to hide him behind Valerie, but she and Succo were out prancing about, so then I saw the stirge cage and thought to myself it would be a good idea to hide him behind the cage, but an even better idea to hide him inside the cage, and that's when you and the sheriff came in and asked what happened, I told you more or less, but you wanted more details, so I told you how Succo was all like 'these aren't savage halflings!...."

Kezzem will continue looping this this run-on explanation until somebody stops him.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday February 24th, 2020 5:34:55 AM
"I think the Sheriff understands Kezzem", Succotash chuckles, "He's right though sheriff, knowing ahead of time that the halflings in the cage were not who they were being displayed as, I started to make a fuss claiming I recognized a couple of the halflings in the cage, and loudly declaring that the whole thing was a sham. That's when this foolish individual came in", He says refering to the body, "Valerie, under my command, and Kezzem surrounded him to restrain him, but the fool lashed out at Valerie, and then, well you can see the result. We had hoped to take him, like the rest of his ilk, alive, but he wasn't interested in going without a fight.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday February 24th, 2020 6:13:31 AM
The giant baby is weighing on Hobie as he reflects on the menagerie, and he will go to Olog in the jail and inquire about where they got the baby from, how long they have had him, what happened to his parents, etc. Hobie is no friend to giants, but no child should be separated from his parents. Hobie is determined that now that the halflings have been taken care of, returning this baby to his family is his next priority.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday February 24th, 2020 6:36:10 AM
If Olog doesn't cooperate, Hobie isn't above threatening him. He's got a nonlethal bow that should be firmly planted in Olog's memory.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+25=26 ; d20+30=31 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+10=28 ;
Monday February 24th, 2020 10:14:28 AM
Menagerie | When the Party is Over

Tali will rejoin the group in the main tent and offer any assistance she can, if and when asked.

Skill Checks
Bluff: NAT 1
Diplomacy: NAT 1
Fly: 24
Perception:28

Spells in Effect

Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 149 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 539 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 539 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Monday February 24th, 2020 1:19:49 PM
With things wrapping up, Pressi searches for cotton candy.

DM Kathy
Monday February 24th, 2020 1:28:56 PM
Murphy does indeed have a list of everyone's name, including Bryony Littlefoot (Hendit's wife) and Arn Sandyman, the man who took the initiative in calming people down when you first freed them. You ask permission to speak with the animals. There's no objection, but the menagerie staff do ask that you wait until tomorrow, as many of the animals are still somewhat agitated.

Kezzem, with help from Succotash, offers the sheriff a better explanation for the guard's death. He nods. "Well, if that's the case, you've got nothing to worry about. Don't leave town just yet, though."

Hobie wants to ask Olog about the giant baby, but the half-orc remains unconscious for most of the afternoon. However, you discover that before you got to Olog's wagon, Pressi had already asked him about the giant baby. Olog said he'd acquired the baby in Bigtown, and consistently referred to the baby as "she."

Tali helps where she can, but soon finds that the main tent--and indeed all the show tents--are being jealously guarded by menagerie staff, who say that the animals are upset and people need to leave them alone. By mid-afternoon, the action has moved to the sheriff's office and the Crossroads Inn.

Pressi searches for cotton candy, but alas, this menagerie is woefully backward when it comes to tasty carnival food. They don't seem to sell food at all, in fact. A definite oversight on somebody's part.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday February 24th, 2020 2:36:12 PM
No way is Bliss leaving the prisoners just to Harper to guard. He stays too, sending Mookie with his friends to keep him in the loop via telepathy.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday February 25th, 2020 5:38:15 AM
Unless the sheriff or deputy need him for anything, Succotash spends the rest of the day getting to know the halflings at the Crossroads Inn he books a room for himself and his friends, and pays for the room, as well as the evening meal for each of his friends. He thanks the innkeeper for their generosity in housing the rescued halflings, and gives a 100gp tip to show his gratitude.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101 d20+25=44 ; d20+30=46 ; d20+19=37 ; d20+10=25 ;
Tuesday February 25th, 2020 9:54:43 AM
Menagerie | Aftermath

In town, Tali will continue to hover 13" inches above the ground. Tali uses her perception skills to take into account all situations she comes across in order to protect herself and her friends.

Now that Tali realizes the group has moved into town & into the Crossroad Inn, Tali helps Succotash where she can, lends a hand where needed. When she needs to interface with someone, she will use her Charms and Wits to gain the upper hand. {Bluff & Diplomacy skills}.

Skill Checks
Bluff: 44
Diplomacy: 46
Fly: 37
Perception:25

Spells in Effect

Message - between Tali & Mister Murphy | 148 / 150 minutes
Overland Flight | 538 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 538 of 900 minutes

{OOC: what time is it since we left the tents?}

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Tuesday February 25th, 2020 12:12:24 PM
Kezzem hears Pressi complaining about the lack of carnival foods.

"I've got some mushrooms!" he offers.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday February 25th, 2020 1:22:20 PM
There isn't much else left. Pressi eventually makes her way back to Bliss, helps officers take their prisoners, and gives her opinion as needed.

Eventually, she makes her way to the sheriff's office to give whatever statements she can.

DM Kathy
Tuesday February 25th, 2020 1:39:47 PM
Bliss is concerned about leaving the prisoners with only Harper to guard them, but finds he doesn't have to worry. The prisoners have been taken to the sheriff's office and placed under lock and key. The sheriff and his deputy now have the responsibility to guard them, and they seem able to handle it.

Kezzem offers Pressi mushrooms as sort of a consolation prize.

With some help from Tali, Succotash makes arrangements for the group at the Crossroads Inn, leaving a ridiculously generous tip that has the staff scrambling to get you anything you want.

Now that you have a place to stay and some time to reflect, there are any number of questions you can discuss and try to answer. For example:

Olog and his guards had some pretty snazzy gear. Now that one of them is dead and the rest are (presumably) bound for some kind of prison sentence, what will happen to the snazzy gear? And could any of it come your way?

On a similar topic, did Olog have any valuables stashed in his wagon? If so, will he forfeit them? If so, who gets them?

Also, what happens to the menagerie? Perhaps a final determination will need to wait until Murphy has a chance to talk to the animals tomorrow, but you could begin discussing it now.

The dark elves can presumably look after themselves, but what about the giant baby? Are you going to try to return her? If so--she came from Bigtown, which is at the foot of Shadow Mountain, which lies to the west. Thaelhaven, where the halflings want to go, is to the east. Are you going to try to escort both? If so, how will you manage it? If not, what other arrangements will you make?

Your DM would be happy to railroad you through all of this, but perhaps you'd like to make some of these decisions yourselves?

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday February 25th, 2020 3:35:10 PM

Bliss has a-lots of questions and opinions!

"First off, I want to hear the story of the halflings who were abducted! What happened??"

"Number Two, we should confiscate the menagerie and sell it and distribute the profits to the victims!"

"Third of all, I'll confiscate all the magic items and wealth we can find from these criminals, identify it, and then decide what to do!"

[OOC: Bliss has Detect Magic and Spellcraft +28.]

"And D) The Giant Baby should go to a bigun family to raise, but if there are none, then me and my coven will do the job. My mom adopted me and raised me, so I better pay it forward if I want to be even half the hero she was!"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday February 25th, 2020 4:34:03 PM
T o speed things along Hobie will help Bliss identify the magic items found (Hobie�s spellcraft is +25)

Hobie will speak up regarding the baby. �It�s a horrible thing that these criminals took a baby to use as a form of entertainment. The baby needs to be returned to her family. There could be a mother and father out there believing their child dead. I won�t stand for it. We have to return this child. Even if I have to go alone I�ll see it done.�

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday February 25th, 2020 4:40:12 PM

Olog said he'd "acquired" the baby. If he stole it, okay, Bliss is up for trying to bring it back. But what if the family is evil and hates halflings? Are we sure?

If the parents sold the baby or if it was abandoned, then Bliss is not so sure returning it is a good plan.

He asks Olog for the whole true story!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday February 26th, 2020 5:38:08 AM
Succotash is open to the idea of returning the child, and since he has never been there, offers to use greater teleportation to make the trip safely, bringing up to 4 volunteers. (He can carry 5 but he won't leave Valerie behind without good reason) He also would like to join Murphy in talking to the animals, He would like to free those animals who wish to be freed, and those who are too domesticated, he would like to offer them a home at the Sanctuary, where they will be well taken care of. He feels that animals don't belong in cages, but either in the wild, or as beloved members of a family.

DM Kathy
Wednesday February 26th, 2020 2:13:59 PM
Bliss is able to ask the halflings the story of how they were abducted. It happened in the middle of the night. Thaelhaven is a peaceful place, and the residents don't lock their doors, so the first warning most of them had was being yanked forcibly out of bed by Big Folk. The few who managed to put up a fight were in nightclothes with no weapons, so their struggles didn't amount to much. The whole thing was over in less than ten minutes.

Bliss also goes to the sheriff's office to ask Olog about how he got the giant baby. Olog isn't exactly in a talking mood, but eventually he says that he bought the baby from "some ogre woman" in Bigtown. He paid 10 gold.

Hobie wants to return the child, and Succotash offers a Greater Teleport.

Hobie and Bliss go to the sheriff's office, and are able to get permission to identify the gear. The bad guys had:

+1 full plate, lion's shield, +1 vicious flail, belt of giant strength +2 (4), cloak of resistance +1 (4), +2 studded leather, +1 kukris (2), amulet of natural armor +1, ring of protection +1 (3), scrolls of neutralize poison (2), wand of cure moderate wounds (20 charges), +2 chain shirt, +2 light wooden shield, +1 scimitar, cloak of resistance +2, ring of protection +2, +1 chain shirt, +1 buckler, +1 frost keen rapier, belt of incredible dexterity +2, boots of striding and springing, amulet of mighty fists +1, bracers of armor +2, headband of inspired wisdom +2, masterwork composite longbow (+2 Str), masterwork composite longbow (+4 Str), masterwork composite longbow (+5 Str), masterwork throwing axe, throwing axes (2), sap, thieves� tools.

In addition, a strongbox was found in Olog's wagon, containing 200 gold and a little statuette that proves to be a Figurine of Wondrous Power (bronze griffin).

However, although you have identified all this stuff, none of it is actually in your possession. The sheriff has it at his office. If you want it, for yourselves or for the halflings, you'll need to make a case for it.

The next day, Murphy and Succotash are able to talk to the menagerie animals. Give me some idea of the kinds of things you want to ask about.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday February 26th, 2020 3:36:47 PM
"OLOG BOUGHT THE BABY FROM AN OGRE?!"
Hobie is incensed that not only is Olog terrible enough to enslave a baby, but some ogre there is trafficking babies. Hobie really wants to get to the bottom of this, go to BigTown and find the ogre and bring them to justice.

Regarding the treasure, Hobie would like to argue that they are the ones who brought these criminals to justice, that the towns police were willing to just let them go on enslaving people and profiting in the town. The treasure should belong to Humble's Sword as a finders fee.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday February 26th, 2020 8:04:35 PM
"Is it an ogre baby? How big would that be? That's got to be at least as big a halfling, no?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (21, no armor, only warding ritual), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday February 26th, 2020 10:19:53 PM
Pressi gives an impassioned speech to the Sheriff about why they should keep the stuff (to be written tomorrow morning).

Regarding Bliss' desire to keep the baby, "Really, you want us to raise... this? Because I thought I was kind of nuts because I wanted to adopt that human street urchin." Turning to Murphy, "You've always wanted a big family, right?"

More seriously, "Just because an ogre woman sold her doesn't mean the ogre bought it or found it abandoned. It sounds to me like yet another kidnapping and slavery."

As for which way to go, it sounds increasingly like the group is planning to split up. Pressi waits to hear from the rest of the group.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=53 ; d20+26=34 ;
Thursday February 27th, 2020 5:16:13 AM

"A big family?" Murphy laughs. "Yes, yes, indeed, but I was rather thinking of another kind of big," he replies to Pressi.

He picks up the general thread of discussion on the topic, and adds, "There is an ogre living in Hovel, his name is Lomar. My sister Selinthe, brother Kendry, sister-in-law Airin, and several others befriended him some years back. He helps out quite a bit, and is the only bigun, aside from elves on the outskirts of Angel Springs, who lives in the valley. I don't know whether he'd would be open to raising the ogre girl child - or what exactly the rest of the community might think of that. Oh, and Lomar is half ogre, half ogre mage - but of good alignment, despite that heritage.

"He is a bard of the drum and song and writes well. That may be an option. Returning her to her ogre mother who sold her? I am not terribly excited about doing so, but see a degree of merit in the notion of at least asking her if she wants her back. Oh, Hovel also has a goblin, Bobbles, Lomar's little green buddy. He plays great rhythm with spoons."

Murphy checks in town before the day is done to see if he can buy some fish, fresh goat meat or lamb or mutton, and other items which would be appropriate for food for the various animals in the menagerie, for pickup on the following morning.

In the morning Murphy memorizes several speak with animal spells.

Any workers on site he will speak with cordially, asking in particular about the animals, what they like, and don't like. Get a read on their personalities.

He speaks first with the bear. He asks if he (she?) would like some fish - and provides it if the bear affirms a desire. "What were you doing before you began to travel in this cage?" he asks. He will follow up with additional promptings to try to get the story of his time with and treatment in the menagerie.

He follows a similar tack with the lion, but offers goat (or mutton or lamb, depending upon what was available). The druid tries to find out what part of the Wold the various birds and animals came from, as well as what they desire. A return to where they came from? A new place to live, outside a cage, with room to roam?

He discusses the whole matter with his companions in Humble's Sword, and finds out if there is anything they want asked of or communicated with the fowl and beasts.

If Pressi wants help or moral support in talking things over with the Sheriff, he will lend such.
==============
Perception: 53
Sense Motive: 34

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday February 27th, 2020 5:41:53 AM
Succotash is undecided on what to do about the child, but will go with the flow. he says to Pressi, "Between Tali and myself we can take everyone to Big Town, if that's the consensus, there is no need to split up" As for the halflings, he points out that they are grown halflings, and should be able to take care of themselves, to some extent, and barring getting jumped in their sleep they should be OK. Though he is willing to go on an escort mission if that is also the consensus.

In the morning, Succotash will go with Murphy to talk to the animals. As Murphy asks about their past and treatment, he gets to the point and asks if they would like to be set free, and returned to their land of origin, or if they are too domesticated, he offers them a comfortable home, with no bars, at the Sanctuary. If for some reason they would like to stay with the menagerie, he will respect their decision, though he would do so reluctantly, as he believes that cages should only be used to house criminals.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Thursday February 27th, 2020 9:14:39 AM
Aftermath

Tali will go along with the group, but makes sure she can meditate at least 2 hours before the next major outting.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 538 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 538 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+19=36 ;
Thursday February 27th, 2020 11:02:00 AM
Diplomacy 36

After explaining what happened, Pressi, currently in her full gear, takes a step back.

"As for the gear and treasure that was confiscated, I think we can agree that it must go where needed, and that it should go based on justice. And as someone who had to learn to ask for what she needed, I hesitate to do the "non-hero" thing and ask for what is ours.

"But you need to take a step back and look at what we face. An entire town was kidnapped and brought as slaves past town after town, and not a single sheriff looked up. Now, I know you did your best, and I know that you have other things to deal with, but you didn't even look up. So then you haven't seen the things we've faced, heard the armies we've stopped.

"This region can't just rely on the small town sheriffs and the kindness of townsfolk. This region needs heroes, it needs armies. It needs someone to stop both the slavers and the giants. That army, for better or for worse, is us. And we need your support, in kind. We need this gear to survive. We need this gear because the next guys who come through here won't stop at a single town."

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Thursday February 27th, 2020 1:23:03 PM

Bliss just wants to get the halflings home. After that, he'll go along with the group, although he has deep reservations about trying to give the baby back to the parents what sold her.

DM Kathy
Thursday February 27th, 2020 2:36:47 PM
Hobie and Pressi go to the sheriff's office and make their case for a share of the loot. "You make a good point," Sheriff Vree says. He waves a hand at the gear. "And truth be told, we don't have much use for all this, and no good way to sell it. So you may as well have it. But I have other plans for the cash. Including giving some of it to those halfling villagers of yours to help them get home.

[OOC: The loot listed in yesterday's DM post is all yours! Let the divvying up begin.]

You discuss the giant baby. Hobie is indignant that the baby was sold, and Pressi points out that it could be a symptom of a larger problem. Bliss is reluctant to give the baby back to parents who sold her, but Kezzem wonders whether the baby is actually an ogre baby. She almost certainly is not. Ogres are Large in size, but the baby is nearly Large already and is obviously still an infant. She will probably be Huge when she grows up. In fact, anyone who succeeds at a DC 23 Nature check Highlight to display spoiler: {can tell this is a baby storm giant}. Whatever relationship the ogre woman had with this child, she was not the mother.

The next day, Murphy and Succotash go to the menagerie to talk to the animals. First, you talk to the staff. You find that they are mostly former farmers, and you realize that they have genuine affection for the animals they care for. You also realize that, deeply though they may care about their charges, they didn't have any experience with exotic animals when they were hired, and there's been nobody to really teach them. With the best will in the world, they haven't been giving the animals the best care, because they just don't know enough.

You talk to the animals. You begin with the bear, who is female. You try to talk to her, and...it doesn't go well. Captivity has taken a mental and emotional toll on her; her mind is fragmented and it's difficult to talk with her. She is neurotic and obsessive, rambling on and then abruptly changing topics. She can't even answer the question about whether she wants to be freed, but it would be highly irresponsible to free her in her present state. There's no telling what she would do. She needs time and care if she is to recover at all.

The lioness, called Mowa, is easier to talk to. She doesn't like her cage. She doesn't like captivity and wants to be free. She's not sure where she came from in relation to here, only that it was warmer there. You know that lions prefer warmer climates, and that this region is probably a bit too cold for her to really thrive in the wild.

You talk to the monkeys. Their principal concern is boredom. They are fed okay, according to them--although you think they'd do better if they got more fresh fruits and vegetables and less "people food." But they sit in their cage all day and there's nothing to do. They need stuff to climb on and play with! A couple of them were born in captivity; the others know they come from the Taur Isles. They actually don't mind being exhibited; watching the people is really the only form of entertainment they get. They seem divided on whether they'd like to be freed; freedom is nice, but there are fewer people in the wild, and people are interesting. Like the lioness, they would need to be freed in a warmer climate.

You talk to the peafowl. They are silly, vain creatures who love being put on display and don't want to go back to the wild. They are doing pretty well on their diet of chicken feed, supplemented by the tasty bugs that wander into the tents.

[OOC: to avoid making this a giant wall of text, I'll do the remaining animals tomorrow.]

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+12=21 ;
Thursday February 27th, 2020 3:05:53 PM
[Not quite good enough at knowing nature!]

Bliss thinks we should make a zoo back home in Humbles.

Maybe Brother Succotash can cast Heal on each of the animals, especially the bear at least.

As for the loot, keep the wand of CMW as party loot and sell the rest? Bliss does not want any of it, and the armor is likely sized for bigguns anyhow.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d20+7=12 ; d4=2 ;
Thursday February 27th, 2020 5:05:57 PM
Does Kezzem think a Lesser restoration would help the bear?

Heal: 1d20 + 7 = 12.

If he thinks it will help with Mental Damage, then he will cast it.

Lesser Retoration: 1d4 = 2.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday February 27th, 2020 7:04:17 PM
After talking to the bear and realizing he has some mental damage, Succotash takes Bliss's advice and casts heal on her, hoping to heal her brain. He likes Bliss's idea of a Humble's Ford Zoo, but only if the enclosures are nice and large giving the animals plenty of room, as though they were in the wild. Of course the animals that want to be returned to the wild, he feels they should take them home.

Succotash asks if anyone wants the boots of striding and springing, if no one objects he will take them. Other than that he agrees with Bliss on the rest of the loot.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Thursday February 27th, 2020 7:30:24 PM
Humble Sword Decisions

Tali, when given the chance, will explain to her group, "that she believes all of the rescued animals that do put up a fight and all of the halfling should be welcomed to the "Humble Sword Compound", at least until they are hardy enough to travel to once they came, or until at least the next Spring has come for the Halflings.

The place is pretty large enough for all, and we could use a living staff. For the animals, Mister Murphy could do his best to rehabilitate those in need before we return them to their preferred habitat.

We could each donate a small sum of monies to get the halfling families up and running, and perhaps they could start a farm for us?!

As for the "Giant Baby" -- probably is a GIant of some sort. Don't need too much of a brain to figure that out...Perhaps the childs return might spell a new relationship for us...after all...but it can't be me to deliver the child, my one swell act turned the wall back on incinerating dozens of Giants! I'm sure they don't like me much, although there could be the chance the baby's parents lost their lives at the wall."

The Spoils

Here's the treasure:

+1 full plate, lion's shield, +1 vicious flail, belt of giant strength +2 (4), cloak of resistance +1 (4), +2 studded leather, +1 kukris (2), amulet of natural armor +1, ring of protection +1 (3), scrolls of neutralize poison (2), wand of cure moderate wounds (20 charges), +2 chain shirt, +2 light wooden shield, +1 scimitar, cloak of resistance +2, ring of protection +2, +1 chain shirt, +1 buckler, +1 frost keen rapier, belt of incredible dexterity +2, boots of striding and springing, amulet of mighty fists +1, bracers of armor +2, headband of inspired wisdom +2, masterwork composite longbow (+2 Str), masterwork composite longbow (+4 Str), masterwork composite longbow (+5 Str), masterwork throwing axe, throwing axes (2), sap, thieves� tools.

In addition, a strongbox was found in Olog's wagon, containing 200 gold and a little statuette that proves to be a Figurine of Wondrous Power (bronze griffin).

Tali says, "With the gold being kept for the Halfling families for a restart, I'll accept whatever you chose to bestow upon me, as I do not think I can actually use all of it. Perhaps you can liquid my share and use it to help rehabilitate the halflings and the animals. I believe I will spend some time getting to know the new Pantheon."

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 538 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 538 of 900 minutes

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+13=22 ;
Friday February 28th, 2020 12:58:47 AM
Hobie isn't quite sure what kind of giant this is, but he knows it's too big to be an ogre. He replies to one of the ideas he's heard coming from his party.

"This is someone's child, we cannot keep it or just give it to whatever giants we find first. Imagine if your own child was stolen and someone found her and just said 'oh here's a random halfling, I'll just give it to them.' At the very least we know where Olog purchased this baby and we need to at least inquire about it's parents. And frankly I'd like to find this ogre trafficking babies and put an arrow or two into her."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday February 28th, 2020 1:00:37 AM
In response to Tali, "Its not a terrible idea to invite the halflings back to Humble's Ford. The whole village minus Hendit was enslaved, and it might take them a bit to get back on their feet. "

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+19=36 ;
Friday February 28th, 2020 3:57:19 AM

After taking a closer look at the giant lass, he notes a few characteristics in early development. "Might be wrong, friends, but I believe this big little girl is born of storm giants. They are among the largest of giant-kind, and most are of good character and disposition. You don't, however, want to get on their wrong side."

"If she hasn't yet a name - how about 'Tymestl Dawel'? Calm Tempest." "Perhaps we can make inquiries, Hobie, and learn if there are some storm giants who would want to adopt the babe. Or, perhaps, if we're lucky, even find her parents."

"Having the halflings join us in Humble's Ford?" reflects Murphy. "What a capital idea! If they will, that is. Their sense of security in the home from which they were kidnapped may be eroded."

Regarding the treasure, Murphy says, "I should like the +1 scimitar. Whatever else others wish to claim is fine with me - what remains we can exchange for coinage toward other purchases, no? Also, someone who would like to be able to fly from time to time would do well to claim the bronze griffin - that figurine of wondrous power." [Question: The amulet of mighty fists would not stack with greater magic fang, would it? If it does, Murphy would be interested, otherwise, no.]

"A place for the animals to live? Sounds good. Perhaps we can petition the town for formal grant of the parcel to our north - which we've been using lightly for crops, and some tunnels, and efforts to grow mushrooms. I can plant and grow there trees, bushes, other plants.

"The monkeys would be fun to have around, methinks! Who would like to be in charge of building a play and exercise area for them?" he asks the group.

The towheaded druid seems pensive for a moment. "The bear could benefit from a period of care, I believe. She can be my project - plus, one of my sisters does very well with animals, if I can persuade her to spend some time with her."

"The peacock and peahens should do just fine wandering around our compound.

"Mowa, we'll want to find a place with a warmer clime, and other lions about. I'll ask for a suitable spot."

He speaks with the workers who have been caring for the animals. "Now that it looks like the menagerie is breaking up... might any of you want to help out with the animals further? None of you have to. We live in Crescent Valley, and, aside from a few elves, plus other sorts who wander through from time to time, we are all halflings there. You are human - biguns, we call you. But, we have rich farmland, and, though some animals we shall try to place in climes more suited to their design, some of these animals will come with us, who agree to it, that is. Let me talk with some more. Kick around the notion among yourselves."

Murphy goes then to speak to more of the animals.

==========
Knowledge, nature: 36 - Murphy has a clear notion of the very large baby's parentage, race.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Friday February 28th, 2020 9:33:35 AM

"Oh, the bronze griffin is pretty sweet," Bliss says. "I'd like that I think."

"Mookie, want an action figure?" Bliss asks telepathically.

Mookie grins -- okay, that's physically impossible, but he manages it somehow. "Good one, Kid!"

[OOC to Murphy: No Amulet of Mighty Fists and Greater Magic Fang both offer enhancement bonuses, so they do not stack, sorry!]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+15=17 ;
Friday February 28th, 2020 1:36:35 PM
Pressi should have no problem identifying the giant if she's allowed to scan for it. (Attack Roll 17+touch AC if she can see the baby.)

The big things Pressi eyes are the scrolls of neutralize poison and the ring of protection +2 upgrade.

As for splitting up, Pressi suggests that maybe she goes in a different direction from Murphy so the two groups can continue communicating with each other. Assuming that the party wants to split.

DM Kathy
Friday February 28th, 2020 3:15:01 PM
You begin to formulate plans, or at least the beginnings of plans. Bliss floats the idea of a zoo back at Humble's Ford, an idea that gets support from Succotash, Tali, and Murphy.

Tali further suggests that the Thaelhaven halflings could be brought to Humble's Ford, possibly to start a new farm.

Hobie isn't quite able to identify the giant baby, but he's sure she isn't a baby ogre, and he's still keen to get to the bottom of what happened. Murphy and Pressi are able to identify her as a baby storm giant, and Murphy proposes a name for her. Presumably, her parents already named her at some point, but perhaps she could use a temporary name.

As for the treasure, Succotash is interested in the Boots of Striding and Springing. Pressi has her eye on the scrolls of Neutralize Poison and the Ring of Protection +2. Bliss suggests that the Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds be kept as party treasure, and is interested in the Figurine of Wondrous Power for himself. Or possibly Mookie.

At the menagerie, Succotash casts Heal on the bear, which helps her out quite a bit. Kezzem can save his Lesser Restoration; it doesn't seem to be needed. She says her name is Grnta, and that she doesn't want to be put on display anymore because people are mean. She barely remembers life in the wild, and isn't sure she wants to go back there. She still seems very timid.

You talk to the remaining animals. The tropical birds are not doing as well on chicken feed as the peafowl are. You spot several health problems--minor ones, but definite indicators that they need a better diet. They could also use more things to do--more perches, some fun toys and things. They could probably be released in the wild, but they are tropical, so they shouldn't be released here.

The lone remaining stirge is injured and frightened. She doesn't understand where the other stirges went, and she is scared all by herself. When you ask whether she wants to be free or remain here, all she says is that she wants to be where other stirges are.

You talk to the ocelots. They turn out to be a family--parents who really were "captured in the Jungles of Cthonia" and three of their offspring. They are healthy enough, but like many of the other animals, they could use more stuff to climb on and play with. The parents want to remain in captivity--they remember life in the wild and this is easier. The more timid of their sons would also like to stay. Their other son and only daughter are keen to have their freedom, but their parents say they wouldn't do well in the wild because they never learned how to hunt.

Murphy also talks to the workers, who are looking a little bewildered at the rapidly changing events.

Just as a reminder, nobody has spoken with the dark elves yet. You don't have to; just a reminder that they're still hanging around.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d8+5=13 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=5 ; d20+26=36 ;
Friday February 28th, 2020 5:58:25 PM
"Wise call, Bliss," Murphy smiles as Bliss takes the bronze griffon as his own.

"That makes good sense, Pressi. Here, this feather will become an oak if cast to the ground. When you feel it is time to use it, stand back if you let it go! It can give the means for me to get to you quickly should the need arise, love - assuming we go to two separate places."

Murphy hands a short list of fruit, vegetables and seeds to one of the workers. "See what you can find from this list in town. It's for the birds - their diet needs a bit of augmentation." He gives 11 gp. "Please get receipts for the purchases, and bring the change, less 1 gp for your efforts."

He tells the stirge he will help her feel better, and casts cure light wounds (+13hp) on her. "It may take a little time, dear winged one. I will try to find out where others of your kind may be found."

The druid thanks Succotash for healing the bear, and to Grnta, he says, "My sister is a druid, and once spent time with bears. She is very kind. Until we figure out what to do together, I will see if she can see to your care and protection, and then we will figure out what seems best."

"We can prepare a good and fun place for you, ocelots of Cthonia. And perhaps arrange for hunting lessons, if you think it wise."

Murphy asks who wish to join him in speaking with the dark elves. He introduces himself, and lets any who joined in to introduce themselves. "We're sorry for the pain you experienced as we worked to rescue the halflings. It seems Olog and his armed muscle are responsible for their kidnapping and forced imprisonment and their false and public humiliation." He looks to see if they still seem wounded. If so, he offers to help mitigate their wounds, at least somewhat. He provides up to (5+7) 12 hp for one, and (5+4+5) 14 for the other with 5 applications of his wand of cure light wounds. "How was it you came to join this traveling enterprise? Are you bards? Or, something else? I'd love to hear your stories." He tries to be polite in his queries, gauging their responses [Sense Motive 36]. He also asks as to what they might wish to do at this juncture. "We understand this all will be changing several people's plans. If we can ease those changes...?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Saturday February 29th, 2020 12:31:28 PM
Kezzem will talk to the dark elves. He speaks SLOWLY and LOUDLY so they can undstand.

"HELL-O! MY....NAME...IS...KEZ-ZEM! WHO...ARE...YOU?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Saturday February 29th, 2020 12:31:44 PM
Also, Kezzem will Detect Evil on them.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Saturday February 29th, 2020 4:01:28 PM
Lingustics

Tali will try to converse with the Dark Elves as she knows Common and Elven.

Tali asks both Dark Elves, "Do you wish to come with us to Crescent Valley, or would you like us to return you to some other place? Do you have a Home outside of the Menagerie?"

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 538 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 538 of 900 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Sunday March 1st, 2020 11:23:16 AM
Succotash says to Grnta the bear, "You will never have to be on display again, if I have any say in the matter, but would you consider being a valued pet/friend? At our home that we call the Sanctuary, we have a large compound which you would be free to wander in safety, with only caring people a trent, and an awakened tree to interact with, plus you would have both Murphy and Myself, as well as Murphy's sister who can talk to you directly so we can better understand your needs".

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday March 2nd, 2020 10:35:23 AM

Bliss continues to push for a zoo or sanctuary back home -- right after all the former "cave-halflings" are either gotten home or wherever they want to resume their lives. (Bliss hints that life in Crescent Valley may likely be both safer and, well, funner for halflings. "Honestly, why even live in Izen when you can live in Humbles Ford?" he asks.)

As for the baby, well, Legend Lore to find out about the baby's mommy, Greater Scrying to see her, then Detect Evil to rule that out, and then talk to her if she is not evil, see if she wants her baby back, and if so, teleport there and home again. Easy Peasy. If we do not have those spells, well, there's always scrolls.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Monday March 2nd, 2020 11:50:43 AM
Pressi points out that some of those scrolls or materials (i.e. for legend lore) are missing, so she wants to know if they are taking the kid back to Humbles first.

She also points out that they have another easy peasy way to figure out where to take the giant child and whether to give her up. It's called go to the place they were pointed to and ask around. (In doing so, its sort of tipped that Pressi heavily leans toward getting the child back to the mother, almost regardless of what happened. At minimum, she seems to be giving the giant parents/family members more of a benefit of the doubt.)

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday March 2nd, 2020 12:01:39 PM

Bliss disagrees. "Being a hero does not mean being dumb. Why not cast a few divinations first so we don't have to walk into a giant town unaware. After all, we just killed a whole bunch of giants! We may have a rep. They may not be inclined towards friendliness. The baby has been in the menagerie for weeks or months, so one more day will do no harm."

DM Kathy
Monday March 2nd, 2020 2:11:04 PM
Murphy gives one of the employees money for fruit, vegetables, and seeds. Food is not expensive here; the worker returns later with a bulging burlap sack, handing you 9 gold pieces and a few silver. In the meantime, you heal the stirge and promise to find her more stirges to be with. You also talk to Grnta the bear, who remains timid and anxious.

Succotash also talks to Grnta, elaborating a bit on Murphy's proposal. She thinks maybe that sounds all right, but she still sounds very uncertain.

Tali, Kezzem, and Murphy go to talk to the dark elves. Kezzem starts by speaking loudly and slowly, which I'm sure they appreciate. You know, deep down. Tali speaks in both Common and Elven, and soon finds that they speak Common perfectly well, without the ridiculously over-the-top accent that Hobie heard earlier. They give their names as Malryth and Zirath Ivraes; they are brothers. They appreciate Murphy's healing, as they were still pretty banged up.

They are entertainers, though they hesitate to call themselves bards. [They do not have any levels of Bard.] They were down on their luck, and cooked up a scheme with Olog to join the menagerie and do a "mysterious dark elves" act. "But after a few weeks Olog stopped paying us," Zirath says. "We kept asking him about it, and eventually he sent one of his toughs to shut us up. We tried to leave--a few times--but they came after us and brought us back. Eventually we quit trying."

Tali asks if they have a home, and they do not. "Actually, we were talking this morning," Malryth says, "and we were hoping we could maybe take over the menagerie. Run it different; be nicer than Olog was. Not show sentient creatures; just actual animals. But I'm not sure we could afford to buy it, even if we were to somehow get the money Olog owes us."

Listening, Murphy is confident they are being truthful.

Meanwhile, Bliss and Pressi are discussing strategies for dealing with the giant baby. Bliss points out that the problem could be solved by just a few (admittedly quite expensive) spells. Pressi feels that shoe leather is a better approach.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday March 2nd, 2020 4:16:46 PM
Hobie is happy to go along with the divination plan, it seems like its a smart idea to at least check things out before heading into bigtown. Hobie's not afraid though should they have to go to the town, he feels like they are just easy targets.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday March 2nd, 2020 5:12:04 PM
Succotash is down with the divination plan, but points out that since he can't cast a message spell, someone else would have cast the greater scrying spell.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Monday March 2nd, 2020 6:58:44 PM

"One argument in favor of not taking the child to Crescent Valley is that the Giant Towers are again in working order, thanks to what you all were able to accomplish," Murphy responds. "Despite her innocence, I don't know that the magic of the towers can discern that. Perhaps the Sanctuary is far enough away that no harm would befall were she to arrive there via teleportation, but doing so without knowing could be a dangerous test. Regardless, let us see what we can learn, as Bliss is recommending. Meanwhile, having a few emissaries heading to the place she came from and making inquiries is not a bad idea. Pressi - which do you think is wisest? Start with onsite inquiries, or with Bliss's arcane or divine investigations?"

With the dark elves, the halfling druid raises a straw-colored eyebrow. "Interesting idea, Malryth and Zirath. You think you have what it takes to manage and run a traveling menagerie? Doubtless you have many talents. How might you deal with security? Recruitment? Oh, and how much does Olog owe you?" He waits for that answer, then asks, "Are you spell casters of some sort?" Murphy waits to hear others' queries to the pair. Toward the end, he asks, "What do you think about the notion of regrouping in Humble's Ford before heading back out on the road? Some of the questions I asked may be more fully answered given time."

With the change returned and the food provided, Murphy offers thanks, then lays out a small subset of the food to be provided to the tropical birds. How many such birds are there? He gives the separated food to the worker. "Once you're done with that, could we have all the workers gather here for a moment?"

He asks Tali if she can help him out on this. He hands her paper and pen. When the workers show up, he asks each of them to meet with Tali, and have her write down whatever funds they believe Olog may owe them.

"You have generally worked hard, it seems, to care for the creatures of the menagerie. Do you wish to continue this sort of work?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Monday March 2nd, 2020 8:11:54 PM
"Wow, you guys picked up the language right quick," says Kezzem. "I must be a great teacher!"

Kezzem says to Marlyth, "So, Zirath, now math was never my best subject, but I figure with all the money Olag owes you and your brother Marlyth, when one accounts for compound interest, accrued late penalties, and additional worker's compensation for having to work in a hostile work environment, I would say Olag owes you...say, an entire Mengagerie. Hey Succotash, can you have Valerie check my math on this?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 5:45:26 AM
"Valerie says your math seems accurate", Succotash chuckles, "I'm not a big fan of cages, in truth I believe that only criminals should be put in them, but if there are willing animals, such as the monkeys and peafowl, and who knows what else you may find, who are willing to live such a life I have no argument. Maybe we can figure out a way for you to talk to them, several potions of speak with animals would really help you understand the animals better, and if you understand them, well, you should have no problem keeping them happy and comfortable. However the animals who desire to return to the wild, will be returned, and the poor bear is coming home with us.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 12:32:12 PM
Accounting & the Ledger

Tali takes the pen & paper and draws up a ledger of sorts to help record the staff of the Menagerie and the pay owed, animals cared for and the upkeep needed to do so.

Tali enjoyed the process and learning what it takes to manage an attraction such as the menagerie!

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | 530 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 530 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 1:34:12 PM
"You'll get no argument from me, either," Pressi replies as she enters the tent with the dark elves. "Consider it a special discount for hardship. The hardship of Bliss adopting and bringing everything in the region to our coven's front lawn."

Since they don't have legend lore materials, Pressi drops down to a simple divination spell (using one of her gold packs). "What is the name of the giant's mother?" Pressi asks.

From that, she casts a greater scrying, with a connection (the kid) and some familiarity (the name).

DM Kathy d100=45 ;
Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 2:35:59 PM
Murphy asks the dark elves whether they have a plan for managing the menagerie. "Well, we have a pretty good idea what not to do," Zirath says. "We hope most of the employees will stay on," Malryth says. "And that you, good sir, will teach us how to better care for the animals. We will need to hire a couple of people for security--not toughs like Olog had, but people who can deal with trouble. Perhaps that sheriff has some suggestions; he seems a sensible sort."

The brothers admit that Olog only owed them about 25 gold--a significant sum to a non-adventurer, but nowhere near the total value of the menagerie. However, Kezzem and Succotash are inclined to let them take it anyway.

Tali takes pen and paper to make careful notes, because this is all complicated! Luckily, the regular employees are not owed back pay, so that all seems to be settled. You also make notes on the animals. The peafowl, monkeys, and tropical birds are all fine to continue with the menagerie. The bear is coming with you. The lioness wants to be released, but needs a warmer climate. The lone remaining stirge wants some little stirge friends, and it's possible you could find some that are willing to join the menagerie. The tricky part is the ocelots--mom, dad, and one of the kids want to stay with the menagerie. Two other kids want to leave; mom and dad are saying no. Though it should be noted that the "kids" are adults of their species.

You might also have suggestions for animals that might be easy to acquire that people would be interested in seeing.

Hobie and Pressi, meanwhile, continue to work on the mystery of the giant baby. Pressi casts a spell to ask for the name of the mother. Your reply is: Thalika Jouvelt

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 4:39:46 PM

Bliss thanks Pressi. "You are a hero, my friend, and it means a lot that you would meet me halfway."

Bliss (plus Mookie and Harper, right?) drop into a quick coven circle before Pressi casts. Bliss casts a Surrender spell to push two extra caster levels into Pressi's spells.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 4:58:37 PM
Succotash holds his breath in anticipation of finding the mothers location. He is ready to take half the crew via Greater Teleport if everything checks out, and is certain that Tali can carry the other half.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 2:25:55 AM

Dark elves and workers
"Here's a suggestion. Let us gather in Crescent Valley, near Humble's Ford. Let my sister, a druid work with you, if she will. I can help some, too. I come from a family of entertainers. My father makes musical instruments and toys. A brother is a bard. The town has additional talented people, some of whom may take an interest in the sort of life you have chosen. Spend a few months with us. We'll build out traveling exhibits that better account for the needs of the animals. Expand the offerings - and entertainment. Add some games, and teaching devices. Children love games - many parents do as well. If a game teaches and rewards learning, families will be drawn. Coin will be spent. Many wise teachings derive from observation of animals and their ways. Stories with morals.

"Perhaps a few young adventurers from those parts might be willing to join - to help out, and provide security. Well, much more to discuss. But for now - how best to get the caravan to Humble's Ford? People and animals we may teleport. But large carts and cages? Hmmm..."

"How would you two take to learning some basic adventuring skills that could complement the menagerie? One take up druidicism, and one become a bard? Some skills - and spells - could make your jobs much easier.

"What animals to add? Various snakes, canines, felines, avians, amphibians, reptiles, terrapins, marsupials, tunneling critters - there are many animals types to consider. Some like daytime, some like nighttime. Ponies or riding dogs for little ones to ride? Out in Hovel some of my friends and I got to take turns riding on the back of a sheep when I was about five years old. I fell off, but it was exciting while it lasted. That sheep was a lot tougher than we were at the time."

Murphy waits for their responses, thanks them, then says, "Well, we can talk more later."

Ocelots
A brief conversation with the ocelots: "Before you move to the wild, you need to learn to hunt, and survive where others may attack you. Are you willing to learn that before leaving your family?" he asks the male and female siblings who want their freedom. He asks the parents if that makes sense to them. He thinks about placing the two younger ones for such with his Aunt Nilli in the Culverwood.

Back to the Halflings
Murphy wants to talk with the freed halflings. "We have been kicking around some ideas. Folks, you'll want to think this over. You may want simply to return home, and take up life again there. That would be fine. There is another opportunity for you, though - really, a Wold full of opportunities. A specific one, though, is this. Come and join us in Humble's Ford. There is available land, land to live on, and land to farm. It is a valley of halflings. Some good folk of various races also come through from time to time. Sometimes bad folks try to get in. We just managed to kill close to a thousand giants who wanted to take over the valley. It will likely take them a few generations to get around to trying that again, so it looks like we're safe for now.

"But, if you would like, we could get you out there, let you take a look around. If it seems good, then you could make plans to join us in the valley - and we'll find those to help you do so. What do you think? Talk it over, let us know. It may take us a few days to finish sorting things out before we leave." He provides fifty gold pieces - 25 for Hendit's wife Bryony Littlefoot and the other 25 for Arn Sandyman to manage. "If you all want to do a bit of shopping, or have other needs here in town, that may help you out a bit. Also, one big coin for each of you - you may keep it, or spend it, as you choose." He gives one gold piece to each of the adults and children - so 72gp total. "If you have concerns, talk to me, or to Pressi. Really, any of us who is available. Anything before I leave for a few hours?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 7:37:52 AM
"Also, if you guys are strapped for coin, maybe you could sell snacks at your menagerie," suggests Kezzem. "We could even hook you up with some mushrooms. I know a guy."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 8:36:19 AM
The Big Baby

"Succotash, I'd pick up the slack, but I need a description of where I am going...enough to get there!", says Tali to Succotash.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | 530 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 530 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 1:49:18 PM
Pressi stares at Kezzem. "I think that's enough mention of mushrooms. You know, unless you WANT to have a good connection to them. I think that can be arranged." (Evil laugh goes here.)

After getting in a circle with Bliss and their pets, Pressi begins to perform the scrying ritual. (DC 22+4 from both surrender bloods.) She focuses as hard as she can on the name "Thalika Jouvelt."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 1:51:30 PM
To Murphy, "I probably could have been nicer to Kezzem and gotten him to stop the joke. But I am a witch capable of amazing and terrible actions, and I just believe its good to remind my friends of that from time to time."

DM Kathy d20=16 ;
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 2:18:36 PM
Murphy speaks again to the freed halflings, and finds them determined to return to Thaelhaven. Their homes are there, and their fields, and they do not want to leave. Bryony Littlefoot is especially determined. "It took Hendit years to build up those routes, earn those customers," she says. "I'm not going to make him start all over again."

You offer the dark elves training and assistance in Humble's Ford. The brothers seem interested. "We could do with a place to spend the winter," Malryth says, "but it seems pretty far away."

You also offer to train the young ocelots. They scoff at the idea, claiming they don't need it, but their parents urge them to accept. The discussion is still going on.

Kezzem suggests offering food for sale, and the brothers seem interested. You offer mushrooms, and they seem less interested.

Meanwhile, Bliss assists Pressi in setting up her scrying. It takes a moment, but soon you are looking at a scene of a storm giant woman, sitting in a comfortably-furnished room. She is facing a window, though which you catch a glimpse of snowy mountain slopes. She has some sewing in her lap. Every once in a while, she adds a few stitches to her work, but it's clear that her heart isn't in it. From time to time, she raises her eyes to look out the window, but she doesn't seem to see the view--she is miles away. She looks sad.

You get a good look at the room, but you'll need to describe it very well to Tali and Succotash if you want a successful teleport.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 2:28:04 PM
Bliss whispers to Pressi, "Psst! Miss Pressi! Talk to her! Say who we are and that we have good news about her babby!"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 4:08:50 PM
"I don't think scrying works like that Bliss. But Press, please study the location and we can teleport to her. We can bring her baby back!"

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 5:04:29 PM
[OOC: You can cast a Message cantrip through a Greater Scrying, right?]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+14=32 ;
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 5:41:50 PM

With Pressi
Back with Pressi & company, Murphy pulls out paper and ink and begins sketching based upon the description that Pressi offers of the mother giant's room and view. He works with her to make adjustments here and there until she feels it is as close as possible to what she has been viewing. He adds telepathic communication the better to understand any subtleties, perhaps to share the view to an extent. He will add additional views or perspectives to try to get as full a representation of the space as he can in cooperation with her. Maybe 3 sheets of paper until he has it just right.
[Profession, Artist: 32 - pretty good police sketch work]

With Thaelhavenians
"Good. It is a good thing to be committed to your hearth, your home," Murphy says, his face serious. "Perhaps this was just a small test - and you passed." A gentle smile touches his face, which then returns to a more serious mien. "We will help you get back within the next few days. Sorry for the delay - there are a few pieces we are putting together, and various intermediate matters to resolve."

With dark elves
"Yes, a few weeks by conventional travel, you're correct," Murphy answers. "If we simply have a few spaces prepared ahead of time, we can get all the animals there in a couple of days, and build up new carts, wagons, and cages over the winter in the valley - ones that will better accommodate the needs of the animals. The carts we would simply leave here in Crofters Crossing. Perhaps they can be sold."

Ocelots
Murphy lets the ocelot family engage in their domestic discussion without further interference for now.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday March 4th, 2020 6:31:17 PM
"Why are you making that face? Mushrooms are delicious! Like I'm always saying, mushrooms are the fruit of the earth. You can roast them, broil them, saute them...pan fried, deep fried, stir fried...there's cremini mushrooms, osyster mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, shittake mushrooms, porcino mushrooms, morel mushrooms....and that, that's about it."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday March 5th, 2020 5:36:03 AM
Succotash waits for Pressi's description of the location and watches as Murphy tries to draw the scene, but he holds off casting Greater Teleport until Pressi messages the mother, so the Swords can determine if that is the best course of action.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d100=53 ;
Thursday March 5th, 2020 1:46:14 PM
Kezzem's speech is drowned out halfway through with a casting of ghost sound: mariachi band.

Sorry, animals.

While in the trance: "Because I used scrying instead of greater scrying, I can message but there is a significant chance of failure. (It's 5% per caster level, Pressi has 12+5 assuming both surrender bloods stack. That's an 85% chance the message will go through.)

"However, I'm rather loathe to send a message to some complete stranger like this. I really don't know how we do it without freaking her out."

Since it's clear that people want this message, she gives it a try. (53, anything under 86 is success.) After some thought, she chooses to sing a soft melody, a lullaby from when she was a child.

DM Kathy
Thursday March 5th, 2020 3:17:23 PM
As Pressi describes the scene with the storm giant, Murphy begins sketching the room. Bliss suggests telling the mother that you have her baby! Hobie points out that TV doesn't work that way, sweetie.

Except, of course, sometimes it does. As Succotash waits for instructions, Pressi casts a Message and begins singing a lullaby. The giant begins looking around, confused. In Giant, she says, "Hello? Is somebody there?"

Meanwhile, Kezzem is extolling the many virtues (and varieties!) of mushrooms to the dark elf brothers. "We're actually very fond of mushrooms," Zirath assures you. "It's just....it would be a challenge to find a way to sell them out of a booth."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+14=25 ;
Thursday March 5th, 2020 10:08:47 PM
After finishing with the mother's room, Murphy begins sketching his friends and companions on a clean piece of parchment, beginning with Pressi, then Bliss, Hobie, Succotash, himself, Tali, and Kezzem. He adds a sketch of the baby, or babby, as Bliss puts it, at the center of the group. He adds also along the periphery Mookie, Rayya, Rumpus, and a certain velociraptor. He neatly writes the name of each person or critter next to their image. He adds this by the baby image:

Storm Giant Baby 'Calm Tempest'

[Profession, Artist: 25 - not a bad sketch]Murphy writes a letter to her, too. On the left side of the page he writes in the common tongue, and on the right side of the page he writes the translation in the giant tongue.

Hello, mother of Calm Tempest. My name is Murphy, a long-time member of Humble's Sword. While rescuing a group of kidnapped halflings, we found whom we believe to be your child, and now return her to you. My friends can tell you more about the circumstances under which we were able to find and rescue her. We have given her the name of 'Tymestl Dawel,' which means 'Calm Tempest' for we do not know the name you have for her. May she prosper under your watchful care and love henceforth.
--With respect and prayers for you and your child,
Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood
[and his signature]
Humble's Sword members:
Pressi Silverglove - Kezzem - Bliss

Hobie Browncloak - Succotash - Tali
[and their signatures]

Under their names he leaves room for each to sign his or her name

Murphy hands in turn to each person a pen prepared with ink, a separate practice page to write on, then this letter for each to sign.

The order of names is the order in which each person joined the group (and Pressi and Kezzem tied in that regard).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Thursday March 5th, 2020 10:35:05 PM
Kezzem signs his name.

"Wait, shouldn't Blisd be listed first?" he asks.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday March 6th, 2020 1:42:48 AM

"Oh, you're right, Kezzem. Bliss and Alleah showed up at the Dancing Pig after we got back from defeating Idafeatyu the ogre mage at the Parley House in the Red Hills. Whereas you and Pressi showed up sometime later outside a large oak in the Culverwood on the morning of shemini atzeret." Murphy looks down at the list. "All right. The first line after mine is in reverse chronological order, and the second line is in straight chronological order. You've an eye for detail, Kez, that I had overlooked!" He does not change the document, as the matter is likely of no import to the storm giant matron.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday March 6th, 2020 5:28:16 AM
Succotash signs his name to the document/drawing, while waiting for Pressi's and the Giant's conversation to begin.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Friday March 6th, 2020 8:18:51 AM
Calm Tempest

Tali signs where appropriate on the drafted document, Mister Murphy creates. Afterwards, Tali approaches, the rest of the Scry team - Bliss & Pressi to determine if she can get a good a destination picture as possible for the trip!

"Bliss, Pressi?! Where is this place we are going? I need details please!" asks Tali of the Scry Team.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 Touch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday March 6th, 2020 12:00:53 PM
Hobie signs his name on the parchment and gets ready for the trip. He gathers his things up, refills his quiver, and spends time preparing his spells.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday March 6th, 2020 12:12:09 PM
Hobie's signature

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday March 6th, 2020 2:45:01 PM
Pressi eyed the document carefully. "I don't exactly know what you're planning here. Why cant I just say this through the message? Are you planning to deliver it really really fast? Is this supposed to be a contract? Oh, I get it. She can trust the voices in her head now because there's a piece of paper."

Sighing, she impresses her arcane mark at the spot by her name.

In response to the giant's query, Pressi softly mentions that she has the child and they are returning. "Where are you?"

DM Kathy
Friday March 6th, 2020 4:10:23 PM
Murphy makes a sketch of the group, and the giant baby, and writes a short explanation with places for everyone to sign. Kezzem, Succotash, and Hobie all sign.

Tali signs too, reminding the others that she is waiting for teleportation coordinates.

Pressi wonders what the paper is for, as does your DM. But she affixes her mark before telling the mother you have the baby. She looks ready to weep. "But....I don't understand," she says, still speaking Giant. "Who are you? Where are you? How are you talking to me? You have Lonia? Is she all right?"

You ask where she is, and she says, "I'm at home. Are you bringing her here?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday March 6th, 2020 4:51:44 PM

"Those who go can take this with you to give to Mama," Murphy says of the letter. He awaits with interest what will come next.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Friday March 6th, 2020 5:08:17 PM

Bliss signs with a special Glyph in Old High Blissian.

"Good one, Mister Murphy," he says.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday March 6th, 2020 6:17:56 PM
"At the very least, the note will be something she can hold on to, to remember the folks who brought her daughter back. I think it's a nice addition."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Saturday March 7th, 2020 2:33:54 PM

"Oh, Pressi - ask her if there are any oak trees nearby her - and try to find out where in the Wold her home is," Murphy quietly requests. "That is, if you deem it not unwise to ask either question."

Meanwhile, he has written "Lonia - storm giant baby girl" and "Thalika Jouvelt - storm giant mother" on the first room sketch he made.

He thinks that even a large oak tree might or might not be of sufficient size to transport the large baby, but could be an auxiliary transportation resource to take several halflings at once.

He also thinks to himself, "Surely there are ocelots in the Culverwood." He loves the beauty of those cats.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday March 9th, 2020 5:27:22 AM
"Like Tali said Pressi, we need details, you gave us a pretty good description of the place, and Murphy's drawing helps a bit, but knowing the name of the town would be the icing on the cake so to speak", Succotash adds to Tali's request for information.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Monday March 9th, 2020 12:39:58 PM
Calm Tempest

"Okay, team, what's the plan? Can we leave after a two hour mediation period or after a good nights sleep?" asks Tali of the group? "I need to regain my spells before we deliver "Calm Tempest" to her rightful clan!"

DM Kathy
Monday March 9th, 2020 1:32:50 PM
Most of you think that the sketch with your signatures will mainly be a souvenir, and you're fine with that.

Murphy thinks there must be ocelots in the Culverwood. You know that ocelots prefer a warmer climate than the one found here in the mid-Elennian Peninsula, which would argue against a Culverwood population of them. On the other hand, the elves are well-versed in nature magic. It's not impossible that their druids have created a warmer pocket, deep in the Culverwood, where tropical plants and animals might flourish. If such a place exists, however, you have not heard so much as a whisper of a rumor of it.

Tali tells the group that she will need to rest and prepare spells at some point. Indeed, depending on how much your group is planning to teleport, you may need a few days to get it all done.

Pressi's conversation with the storm giant mother continues...

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday March 9th, 2020 2:03:02 PM

"Pressi! Miss Pressi!" whispers Bliss, "Tell her we are magic-users and adventurers and we want to teleport to her so we can give back her baby. But she has to tell us where she is so we can get there."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Monday March 9th, 2020 7:31:36 PM
"Forget it, forget it," says Kezzem as Bliss brings up magical transport. "No more Shadowwalking. This time I'm gonna walk."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 1:54:58 AM

Murphy waits for Pressi to respond to Big Mama. He thinks about animal placement, training animal care people, getting halflings back home, and scheduling a teatime with McGregor HeadWise back in Humble's Ford.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 5:23:06 AM
OOC... Is this still the day of the fight, or have we rested? I can't remember.

Succotash waits patiently for Pressi's conversation to provide the needed details to make Greater Teleport work.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 8:41:02 AM

[OOC: We have rested. The fight was yesterday]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 10:44:44 AM
(OOC: Apologies for the delay. Yesterday was one of those days where posting got pushed off and pushed off, and I didn't think a one sentence post would do it justice.)

Pressi pauses, thinking about what to say... and what not to say. For now, mentioning that they are halflings... seems like a bad idea. And she'd like to avoid getting into details, if she can.

"Uh... suffice it to say for now that we are powerful magic users out to right the injustices in the Wold. We found your baby, Lonia, safe and sound, and we have dealt with those that purchased her from an ogre.

"Can you give us some idea of where 'home' is and how we can get there. We intend to reunite your child with you at the greatest speed, and you may wish to meet us halfway. But we need to know where you are, if there are cities along the way, if anything blocks say a teleport? Whatever information you can give us would be appreciated."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 10:45:18 AM
(OOC: re spells. I really should take some time to track what they are.)

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 12:48:22 PM
Prep for the return of Calm Tempest

"Kezzem, this is greater teleport spell silly, we're not using he druid way! We're using magic!" says Tali....

DM Kathy
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 2:31:46 PM
Pressi has questions for the storm giant mother, but she's a little distracted. "You have Lonia? Is she all right? Is she eating? Is she warm enough?" It takes a bit to get her to focus.

"Home is...well, it's here. On Shadow Mountain. Umm....the closest town is Dhahe; it's about three miles away. Cities? Well, there's Nag-Fohrrah, of course. Probably Kulki, depending on which way you're coming. Which way are you coming?" You ask her about things that might block a teleport, and she doesn't know. "We're not mages," she says. "I don't know anything about travel magic."

Reminder for those listening: you can only hear Pressi's side of the conversation, and she is speaking Giant.

Pressi (or anybody, if she passes along the name Nag-Fohrrah) Knowledge Geography 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Nag-Fohrrah is the Giant name for Bigtown.}

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 3:23:34 PM
Hobie eagerly listens to Pressi as she talks with the mother, "Okay, do you have it, you have the info? Let's get moving. Do you have enough info to teleport? If not lets get on the road. We don't need to waste any more time sitting around."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 6:25:04 PM
"'Tell-pork?'" asks Kezzem. "So how does that work, you find a pig and say where you want to go? Nevermind, I don't care, just as long as there won't be evil shadows trying to steal our shadows cause I don't want to do that again."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 6:33:53 PM
Succotash shakes his head in amusement at Kezzem's query, and says, "No Kezzem, it's tel-a-port, not tell-pork. all that happens is Tali, myself, or in this case both of us, cast a spell, and we instantly arrive at our destination.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d20+5=25 ;
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 8:38:12 PM
(OOC: ability to make untrained knowledge rolls thanks to WLA)

Sometimes, things just fall into place and nobody knows why.

Pressi continues to pass along information, and she is on fire. She even knows that Nag-Fohrah is giant for Bigtown.

Noting Kezzem's objections, "Ok, but we kind of built your next birthday party around the concept so thanks for telling me after we lost the deposits. Look, believe it or not, shadow walking is a quite acceptable form of transportation and from now on I'm going to demand we all sign waivers."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 10:41:56 PM
The Return of Calm Tempest

While the rest of the team that decided to return the babe gets ready, and since it is the next day, and assuming we all slept / or meditated as I do, I will cast my morning spells:

Overland Flight & Mage Armor

...while awaiting the rest of the team.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday March 10th, 2020 11:35:54 PM

Bliss laughs. "You guys are too funny," he says.

"Yeah, a regular laff riot," squawks Mookie, and somehow you can tell he said "laff riot," not "laugh riot."

Bliss smiles and adds, "Okay, so let's go! Blip us there, oh wonderful teleporter-casters!

DM Kathy
Wednesday March 11th, 2020 3:02:32 PM
Hobie is impatient to get going. Kezzem seems to be thinking mainly of lunch, but he isn't a fan of shadow walking. Bliss is also ready to go. Succotash and Tali are ready to cast their spells.

Pressi ponders on how things just fall into place and nobody knows why. Although, in this case, Bigtown was first mentioned yesterday, so it's likely the group has discussed it since. At any rate, you seem to have all the information you need, or at least you haven't asked any more questions that your DM can answer.

So, it seems that a lot of people missed it, but you have spent one night in this inn after rescuing the halflings. Please update your spells and effects accordingly. After spending the night, and doing whatever normal morning stuff you guys do, Murphy and Succotash (and possibly others) went back to the menagerie and talked to the animals, the employees, and the dark elves. Pressi cast her divinations. We never did establish where this was happening; I kind of see it back at the inn, but there's no reason you couldn't have done it at the menagerie encampment.

All that took a while; it's probably getting on for noon.

Wherever you guys are now, the giant baby is still at the menagerie encampment, so if you're not there, you'll need to go get her before any teleporting happens.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+11=22 ;
Wednesday March 11th, 2020 3:26:37 PM

"Pressi, how accurately does my drawing reflect what you saw in your scrying? How about colors? Relationship of furniture in the room? Where Big Mama was sitting? The window and scenery beyond? And how about this other part of the room?" Murphy will prompt his fianc�e for corrections, enhancements, clarifications. Based upon her guidance, he will, if necessary, redraw the space for Tali and Succotash to get a clear understanding of the target.

"Bigtown - on the East Slope of Shadow Mountain - is heavily populated by hill giants, but there are also ogres, ettins, trolls, and stone giants, plus many non-giants. However, especially since Tali has greater teleport, I recommend we not walk there. Let her take Pressi, and Lonia, and maybe a couple others to the reunion. Succotash - do you also know greater teleport? Or just regular teleport?"

"Sounds like you need to take your two hours of meditation, Tali. Are there other preparations any of us need to take?" he asks the group.

"I would love to go along, but, as you said, Pressi, communication between you and those left behind will work better if I stay here."

He takes about fifteen minutes to talk with the workers who have been caring for the 'biggest baby in the Wold' about her, the type of care and feeding they have been providing, and the babe's personality so far. He spends another bit of time with Lorna. If she is awake, he'll play with her.
=============
Knowledge Geography 22

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday March 11th, 2020 4:37:49 PM
Hobie spends his time preparing his spells.

ooc: Did anyone handle the loot situation?

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday March 11th, 2020 5:41:49 PM
OOH LOOT! Mookie will help sort that out. He loves the flashy stuff.

Bliss asks the drows to look over the menagerie, and to bring it to Humbles Ford. There we'll take the animals that do not want to be on display and find/make homes for them.

Then with the baby in the menagerie, it is time to teleport.

Bliss slowly comes to realize that Murphy is proposing to stay behind. "Mister Murphy, really? What if you stay behind, and this turns into an adventure?!? Please come with us! We need you. Don't go off on your own!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Wednesday March 11th, 2020 7:08:23 PM

Murphy smiles at Bliss, but then turns serious as he understands his friend's concerns. "Thank you, friend. This is not Murphy's plan to go off on his own, or break off from the party, or abandon anyone in need. It's just that Pressi had talked about returning here after the baby is delivered with a few of you, and some of us staying behind - me, specifically, to remain in communication with the delivery folks, as the rest of us finish sorting out things here with the menagerie and rescued halflings.

"I already gave Pressi a feather token which, if cast to the ground will transform into a huge oak tree. Should the need arise for the rest of us to join the rest of you, then I can get there quickly enough if that is in place.

"If, when you get there, you find a need that requires our attention, well, we'll get there spit-spot, right? Let's take advantage of your concern, though, Bliss, to decide among ourselves: Do we all stick together on this? I think if Succotash has Greater Teleport, then we ought to be able to do so. If not, then baby plus four go first, then, via the oak tree, the rest can follow shortly.

"However, we have promised the halflings to get them back fairly soon. And, there are animals and such to consider. And workers. Our two elves have mentioned just how far away our home is. Surely a couple, maybe three days of teleports and oaken travel can get everyone sorted in good order. If you or Pressi can communicate with your coven the need to set up some cages and animal play areas in advance of sending the animals... I can communicate with my relatives about lending a hand. I am just thinking that the current - what would you call it? - situation? opportunity? embroglio? is still a bit on the messy, unresolved side. Given the few days I mentioned, all can be resolved... unless we want someone else to clear everything up in ways that take much more time, and possibly much greater risk to the non-adventurers."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Thursday March 12th, 2020 1:34:13 AM

"Oh, and if Succotash has Teleport, but not Greater Teleport," Murphy adds to his list of thoughts, "then perhaps he should go with the baby-delivery service via Tali's spell, so that, should there be a need to return there by that means, he will have been able to study it closely. What do you think, Succotash?"

Loot update for Bliss / Cayzle (by Kim)
Thursday March 12th, 2020 3:42:31 AM

Boots of Striding and Springing - Succotash
Figurine of Wondrous Power (bronze griffin) - Bliss
+1 Scimitar - Murphy
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds (20 charges) - party (who will carry it?)
Scrolls of Neutralize Poison (2) - party (who will carry them?)
200 gold in strongbox - to the rescued halflings

Left over to sell:
+1 full plate, lion's shield, +1 vicious flail, belt of giant strength +2 (4), cloak of resistance +1 (4), +2 studded leather, +1 kukris (2), amulet of natural armor +1, ring of protection +1 (3), +2 chain shirt, +2 light wooden shield, cloak of resistance +2, ring of protection +2, +1 chain shirt, +1 buckler, +1 frost keen rapier, belt of incredible dexterity +2, amulet of mighty fists +1, bracers of armor +2, headband of inspired wisdom +2, masterwork composite longbow (+2 Str), masterwork composite longbow (+4 Str), masterwork composite longbow (+5 Str), masterwork throwing axe, throwing axes (2), sap, thieves� tools.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday March 12th, 2020 5:51:43 AM
Succotash reassures Murphy that his domain gives the ability to cast both teleport and greater teleport once per day, assuming he prepares them, which of course he did. He also looks sternly at Murphy and says, "Between Tali and myself we can easily accommodate everyone, so you have no reason to stay behind".

Since our amazing DM has mentioned that all prep time is done, I take that to mean spells have been prepared, and Tali has had her meditation time, so he tells everyone to hold hands, as he lays a hand on the baby, then with a nod to Tali, indicating that they should start casting, he casts Greater Teleport, trying to deliver the crew to the baby's momma's front door.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Thursday March 12th, 2020 6:24:14 AM

Before the group has fully formed, Murphy responds with equivalent sternness to Succotash. "We don't leave our friends in the dark. We tell them, before we leave them. Once we've done that, then I'm fine to go."

Without delaying further posting, this will take about 30 minutes game time. He gets a few hairs or other identifying mementos from one or two of the leading halflings, likewise from at least one of the dark elves and a worker or two for distance communication. He feather-token plants an oak tree near where the menagerie is located, and explains its purpose - as a means for him quickly to return to them.

Murphy communicates similar things to the dark elves and the menagerie workers. "Now we need to return the baby to her mother, and may need to investigate who stole her in the first place." As he himself has fronted money to the halfings and for other things, he asks his friends if they will kick in enough to provide 100 gp for the halflings, and a suitable amount for traveling expenses to the elves for the menagerie. "If we are not back within 3 days, and you have not heard from us, then it may be well to make your way on the road back towards home," he tells the halflings. "If you choose to start prior to that, it's up to you." He provides the halflings the cart and pony for carrying things, and for those who are challenged walking.

He makes some quick recommendations to the menagerie folk to keep the animals happier as they travel. He uses his last speak with animals spell, and tells the animals he will keep the promises he made, but must first return the baby giant to her mother.

And he feels really bad about leaving so many matters regarding their miscellaneous somewhat unfinished rescues. But Murphy will go with the party - now!

"All right, cleric of many, and sorceress of talent," Murphy says to the two casters - "sorry for the delay. But abandonment without explanation is a thoughtlessness we ought to avoid where possible." He extends his hands to join with his friends.
============
[And, sorry for the multiple posts. I shall restrain myself now.]

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Thursday March 12th, 2020 12:25:41 PM
The Return of Calm Tempest

"So what's the plan / time frame?"asks Tali of the group?

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 540 of 540 Minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 540 Minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday March 12th, 2020 2:47:31 PM

(OOC: recharged spells - will update later)

(Pressi's location is the menagerie. I was assuming she had contact with the baby because that makes the scrying easier.)

Pressi attempts to answer Murphy's questions about the layout of the house as best as she can, but the sheer number just begins to overwhelm her. "I'm sorry, but I'm not sure you understand the limits of scrying or my own mental capacity. I can't tell you where the paint is chipped in every room of the house, even if scrying was itself that detailed a picture. Besides, I really don't get the need for such detail, even if you are hoping to just break in and leave the kid."

Pressi also describes the location to the best of her ability. At the same time, she gives some final reassurances and goodbyes to the mother. As they describe where to teleport, Pressi leaves it to the group, but legitimately asks if it would be easier to teleport to a nearby town rather than to a particular house that can be overshot. As for fears of handling giants and ogres, "It's true that we would be walking into the lion's den, but we can dress as lions and parade a lion cub."

Pressi watches as Murphy wonders whether to come with them or help out the halflings and animals. "I respect your decision either way, but I need to remind you that my original plan assumed the halflings and animals were worse off than they actually are. I now believe that we can let them go on their own and stick together, and I don't want you making a decision based off my faulty analysis." She smiles as Murphy chooses instead to stick to the group.

Pressi assists as best as she can. For Murphy, she helps get the halflings and animals ready for transport. After that, she gets some preparations together for helping the child travel - food, rigs for pulling, whatever can be used as makeshift diapers - and hopes she doesn't get stuck with full babysitting.

As for loot, Pressi takes the scrolls of neutralize poison, the ring of protection +2, and the frost keen rapier. She reminds Murphy that Bliss asked for the CMW wand.

At long last, she sends the animals and halflings on their way with a goodbye. Afterwards, she prepares for magic travel that even she has trepidations about.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday March 12th, 2020 5:07:39 PM
�From the gear we�ve collected, I would be interested in this Cherry bow� Hobie says pointing at the MW longbow with +2 STR. �It never hurts to have an extra bow for emergencies, and I quite like the craftsmanship here. The tension is also a bit weaker than Prowler, which could come in handy if I lose strength from a spell or poison. Or if I decide to shrink myself.�

�I would also like this belt of incredible dexterity +2. I�m thinking of giving up this belt which boosts my strength and dexterity, in favor of more Dex�

DM Kathy d100=44 ; d100=16 ;
Thursday March 12th, 2020 5:48:39 PM
You make your preparations to depart. Murphy uses a Feather Token to plant an oak tree, and explains what it's for. He and Pressi speak with the halflings, the menagerie staff, and the dark elves, letting them know where you're going and what to do if you're not back right away.

Murphy, Bliss, and Hobie discuss the loot. Most of it will probably end up getting sold, but that's can wait until you get back.

When you are all gathered, Succotash and Tali cast their spells, and the next thing you know, you and the giant baby are all standing in an enormous room, looking at a dark-haired giantess who seems very startled. She lets out a shriek.

Then she lets out another shriek, this one of joy. "Lonia!" she cries. In an instant, she is kneeling next to the baby, then picking her up in her arms. "Oh! I can't believe it!" she is laughing and crying at the same time.

You are all Small. The giantess is Huge. The size difference is significant. Pressi's description and Murphy's sketch didn't quite prepare everyone for the reality. The room was proportional to the woman, so it wasn't as obvious as it is now. You are mighty heroes, but in this room, you are teeny.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday March 12th, 2020 6:23:39 PM
Already so small, it might not even be noticeable, but Hobie steps forward and kneels before the giantess.
He takes off his hat and places it over his heart and speaks up toward her.

�Our deepest sympathies go to you miss. Taking someone�s child is about the most vile thing any creature could do to another. We are so pleased to return her to you, but we know the grief you�ve suffered won�t simply go away.

We�ve seen to it that the low down dirty orc who purchased your daughter is seeing justice, but he claims to have gotten her from an ogre. If it�s alright by you, I�d like to see that this ogre sees justice as well, preferably by my own bow. Is there any information you could give us that can help us reach that end? Can you walk us through what happened when she was taken from you?�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Thursday March 12th, 2020 7:18:15 PM
"Well now I know what a McNugget feels like," says Kezzem.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday March 13th, 2020 1:52:54 AM

Murphy gestures toward Tali and Succotash. "Tali and Succotash brought us here to you just now." Then toward Pressi. "Pressi found a connection between your daughter and you, and was able to speak to you because of that connection. We did not know your daughter's name, so called her 'Tymestl Dawel,' which means 'Calm Tempest.'"

He holds out the letter he wrote and his friends signed, along with the sketch of the group of halflings around Lania. "A memento for her mother from us, Humble's Sword. I am Murphy."

After giving it to her, he steps back.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday March 13th, 2020 5:50:03 AM
Succotash, never one to let his small size hold him back, gives a quick bow in his usual fashion, than say:

Succotash Slenderstick. Cleric if the Woldian gods, and member of Humble's Sword, at your service! As Murphy has mentioned, we are the adventuring party known as Humble's Sword, perhaps you've heard of us, we did slay a dragon after all, and those sort of things tend to get noticed. Anyway, as Hobie mentioned we brought an end to the wicked schemes of the individual who bought little Lonia, well little to you anyway, and we would love for a chance to bring the kidnapper to justice as well, but I must remind my friends that we have some unfinished business we need to attend to before we can start out on another quest. Luckily, those prior engagements shouldn't take to long, so if that is your wish, and you have any clues as to where to begin, we should be able to begin the investigation in a few days.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday March 13th, 2020 11:31:11 AM
After Murphy introduces her, Pressi slowly moves forward. "Hi, I'm the one you spoke with, nice to meet you. And, uh..."

Pressi moves the child towards the mother. "I don't think anything more needs to be said. May you and your child find better grace going forward."

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+6=16 ;
Friday March 13th, 2020 1:28:34 PM

Bliss is personally less devoted to finding giant baby-nappers, but he just stands patiently, not wanting to intrude on a mama-child moment.

Mookie looks around to see what kind of place this is, and if there is anything to see.

Perception 16. Mookie is not very perceptive!

DM Kathy
Friday March 13th, 2020 3:53:10 PM
Looking around the room, Kezzem feels an unexpected kinship with the mighty warriors of Clan MacNugget. Who knows? Maybe he'll start wearing their tartan.

Murphy explains who you are and how you got here. He offers the paper to the giantess mother. Looking bewildered, she accepts it. It looks very small in her hand.

Pressi introduces herself briefly, but lets the others carry the bulk of the conversation.

Bliss doesn't speak at all, and Mookie is occupied studying the room. He notices that this would be a fine place to challenge other ravens to race! Think how much fun it would be, flying around up by the ceiling! And the room is so big! You'd hardly knock over anything!

Hobie pledges to find the person responsible, and Succotash elaborates on the theme.

"Oh!" says Thalika, still holding her baby tight. "But we already knew who took her. You see, we hired an ogre woman as a nursemaid. I felt sorry for her, poor thing, so I gave her this job. And you see how she repaid our generosity! She stole some things from us, valuables--but worst of all, she stole poor Lonia! My husband was beside himself--oh! I have to tell Vurus that Lonia is back!" She stands and rushes to the door, then seems to remember her manners. "Oh. Make yourselves comfortable. I won't be a moment."

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Friday March 13th, 2020 5:13:18 PM

Being in such a spacious place, Bliss thinks that he would just be more comfortable if he were smaller. So he changes into a cat.

He lays down to tend his fur and waits for the huge lady to come back.

He says via telepathy to Mookie, "I'm glad these giants live far away on a big mountain, not in the Scab. Maybe the giants from the Scab are the bad sorts, and the ones here in Bigtown are not so bad."

Mookie cocks his head and remarks loudly to everyone in common, "The Kid says he likes his giants like he likes his women: Less Scabby."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=39 ;
Saturday March 14th, 2020 2:17:50 PM

Thalika was given two pieces of paper - one with the sketch, and the other the letter.

Murphy walks to the window to look out and take in the view. Are there any large trees in sight? And what else of significance can he observe?
========
Perception: 39

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Saturday March 14th, 2020 7:48:46 PM
"That reminds me of a joke."

Kezzem makes a mouth with his hand.

"Knock knock," says Kezzem,
"Who's there," says the hand as Kezzem blatantly moves his lips.
"Ogre."
"Ogre."
"Ogre you glad I didn't say...wait, that's not how it goes."

"In any case, I say we track this ogre nursemaid," says Kezzem. "Stealing babies is evil. Maybe not I want to turn everyone into a member of my undead army and kill everything evil, but it's up there. With murder and arson and assault and waiting-in-line-but-not-thinking-about-what-you-want-to-order-until-you-get-to-the-front."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday March 16th, 2020 1:03:59 AM
�I�m with Kezzem. Let�s track this ogre lady�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday March 16th, 2020 5:40:32 AM
Succotash looks around the room in hopes of taking the giantess up on her offer of getting comfortable, and spies, what he assumes would be, a sofa sized throw pillow, on the floor leaning against the sofa. Of course the thing is practically big enough to be a small sofa for a halfling. With help from Valerie, he drags the pillow out into the open and offers to share with whomever wishes to have a seat.

As Hobie is getting ready to rush off after the ogre, Succotash reminds them that they have unfinished business back at the menagerie still. He points out that the ogre hunt would diffidently be something he would be on board for, but he feels they should finish what they started first, before setting off on a new adventure.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Monday March 16th, 2020 9:19:30 AM
Pressi agrees to the food out of politeness, but she can't entirely suppress the edge she feels.

After she leaves, she does remind the group that halflings and giants can be friends after all. "All we have to do is have all the halflings save the kids of all the giants out there and we'll be all set." :-)

As for tracking the ogre lady, she puts it aside for the moment, wanting to follow the mother's lead. Also, she's torn between her justice and soft sides herself.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Monday March 16th, 2020 10:59:45 AM
Giants!

Tali hovers above the floor keeping busy and trying not to be impolite.

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 540 of 540 Minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 540 Minutes

{OOC: I apologize for the missed post. Was traveling on Thursday and got home this morning. Still looks likes several months before we can go home, unfortunately, no way to know how this pandemic might slow that to a crawl!}

DM Kathy
Monday March 16th, 2020 2:06:44 PM
Bliss changes into a cat while Tali hovers comfortably.

Murphy goes to a window. You are able to look out by scrambling up onto a nearby ottoman. The effort leaves you oddly breathless. Looking out, you see a snowy landscape. You see no other houses nearby. The trees are mostly pine and juniper, with a few bare deciduous trees you are eventually able to identify as aspens. Based on the trees, and your own shortness of breath, you conclude that you are at a considerable altitude.

Kezzem and Hobie are keen to go after this ogre woman; Pressi isn't so sure.

Succotash tries to provide seating for the group by dragging over a cushion. Like Murphy, you find that exertion here leaves you breathless a lot more quickly than it usually would.

After a few moments, Thalika bursts in, still holding the baby, followed by a storm giant man. Like his wife and daughter, he has dark skin and black hair. From time to time, he reaches out to caress the baby's head, as if trying to assure himself that she really is there.

"This is Vurus, my husband," Thalika says.

"Thank you for returning our child to us," says Vurus. With a puzzled frown, he adds, "You are very small."

"Vurus!"

"I didn't know they were so small!" He sounds defensive. "I though humans would be bigger." Looking at you, he adds, "how did you even carry her?"

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday March 16th, 2020 3:30:46 PM

Bliss says "Meow!"

Mookie says, "The kid says that we are not even humans at all!"

"I'm Mookie," the small-size raven continues. "And the cat is named Bliss. Pleased ta meetcha!" The bird bows.

Then he nudges the cat, and Bliss bows too.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+26=28 ; d20+37=54 ;
Monday March 16th, 2020 11:13:53 PM

"You've a lovely view from this side of the Mountain," Murphy says from atop the ottoman. "Mookie and Bliss are correct. We, none of us, are human. Most of us are halflings, out from Crescent Valley. If one of us stands on the other's shoulders, we might reach the height of a human. We came from a ways away, but needed not to carry your wee one, only touch her hand lightly, that she might join our teleport from one place to another."

He hops down from the ottoman, and momentarily lowers his head in a gesture of respect, then looks back upward.

"Perhaps your wife told you a bit. Your daughter was sold by an ogre woman to an orc who ran a traveling menagerie - of beautiful birds, a bear, ocelots, a lion, stirges, two dark elf brothers, monkeys, a couple dozen kidnapped halflings whom they held in a cage of permanent silence and falsely labeled cannibals, and the one whom they deemed 'the biggest baby in the Wold.'

"We had been told of the disappearance of the halflings, and set out on a rescue of them. We followed the trail of the kidnappers, eventually caught up, helped free those captured, and there found your daughter. We thought it would be folly to try to raise her ourselves, and thought it best to find her parents. There are others here who can tell you how we did so.

"We are members of Humble's Sword, of the little town of Humble's Ford. Dedicated to defend those who need defending, rescue those who need rescuing, battle those who would oppress others, and bring life, light, joy and freedom where we are able. Thank the heavens above, in this case, we may have met all those goals.

"I am Murphy, the last of the first of this group of adventurers." He takes a step back, yielding the floor to whomever chooses to speak next.

He takes in as much as he can of the parents, trying to get a measure of their souls, as well as their exterior, with an artist's eye to recreating the way they look later with his drawing tools - yet without staring overmuch. Some things are perceived through peripheral vision.
============
Sense motive: 28 - soul measurements
Perception: 54 - artistic viewing for use later

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Monday March 16th, 2020 11:47:32 PM
"I am Kezzem, the roguish paladin or paladin rogue, depending on who you ask, stabber of the undead, fiends, and overall not-very-nice people."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday March 17th, 2020 5:37:43 AM
Jumping off his cushion, Succotash gives a bow and says, "Succotash Slenderstick, Cleric of the Woldain gods, former Paladin of Pantheon, and member of the Humble's Swords, at your service". Standing up strait and looking up at the giants, he adds, while scratching Valerie behind the ear vents, "And this is Valerie, my trusted friend".

Valerie considers offering her rope toy to the giants, but one look at the over-sized humanoids, and she tries to hide behind Succotash.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Tuesday March 17th, 2020 12:10:05 PM
Mr. Vurus & Mrs. Thalika

Tali decides to rise up to look at both parents upright, so she flies to their level. Tali says as she curtsy, "Good Day to both of you. I am Tali of the Humble Sword's group. I am a Sorcerer and used my skills to help bring and reunite your family. As I do not know of my family, I felt it best to do everything in my power to make sure little Lonia knows her family!"

Tali continues, "I am overjoyed to learn we have found her true home!"

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 540 of 540 Minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 540 Minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday March 17th, 2020 1:14:53 PM
Pressi eyes the new giant carefully, but she remains polite.

"Pressi Silverglove. I'm the one that contacted your wife from several days out. I think you'll find as you're older that size doesn't matter. Perhaps your wife told you already."

Harper lets out a really long sigh.

"But I digress. We thank you for your wonderful hospitality, and we are glad that we could correct such a fantastic wrong."

DM Kathy
Tuesday March 17th, 2020 2:40:13 PM
You introduce yourselves to the giants, and Murphy offers an explanation of what happened. They look impressed.

"You are heroes!" Thalika says, holding the baby tight.

"Yes," agrees Vurus. "Um. Sorry about the 'small' thing. I just wasn't expecting you."

Thalika looks hesitant. "Can I offer you tea? Something to eat? And--I'm sorry; I don't know much about magical transportation. Do you need rest? A place to spend the night?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Tuesday March 17th, 2020 2:52:07 PM
"I would rather get to finding this ogress and put a stop to her before she kidnaps other babies. She could be quite accomplished it foe all we know. You might even say she was an ogre achiever at kidnapping."

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday March 17th, 2020 10:32:13 PM

Mookie bobs his head in thanks for the hospitality. Bliss meows.

"The Kid says thanks, anything you have would be nice, maybe a little bowl of milk? Personally, I like worms, or spaghetties, or noodles, or anything that's skinny and wriggly."

Then the bird hops over to Murphy and whispers: "Murph Old Boy! You're the smooth talker. Askway emthay boutaway eethay ewardray!"

The cat rolls his eyes.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+26=38 ; d20+37=39 ;
Wednesday March 18th, 2020 1:54:30 AM

"Tea and a bit to eat would be lovely, indeed. And you are very nearly as large as we are small! We've been so busy the past few weeks - it would be nice to sit with the parents of so sweet a child - you know, she really did not fuss at all! - and you can tell us about yourselves, life in the mountains - have you other children? How did you two meet in the first place?"

"Kezzem, Hobie, rescues and justice, and frustrating the machinations of the wicked, are all worthy pursuits. And so is making new friends, learning a bit more about life from others' viewpoints. Now, we are not going to rush off in the next five minutes or sixty. These parents have been deprived of their daughter for - how long has it been?" he looks up at Vurus and Thalika to learn how long ago their child was taken.

Whatever their response, Murphy shakes his head and says, "Oh, my." After a beat, he says, "As you can tell, there are among us those who wish to race away and mete out just deserts. Would you not think, though, that it is sometimes better if things are done at a meet time - that is, at the proper time, in the right manner, in order to gain full effect?

"If it is not too much trouble, yes, let us sit and talk. You can tell us more about yourselves, your friends. Could you help us better understand your relations with other giants in the area? We have known giants who were good to us, and ones who were bad. We already can tell you are of the former.

"Lady Thalika, you must have a very kind heart. A heart now wounded by betrayal. And you, Lord Vurus, how must the theft of your child from one trusted in the household have raised your ire and shaken your very soul - to steal a child! Who, thank the heavens, is now doubly precious -- lost, yet now found. Time it will take to think through these things. How now will you choose to live with what paths lie before you? You need not answer this to us, of course. Please, yes, tea!"

He does not discount Mookie's counsel, nor Hobie's and Kezzem's desires, nor Succotash's concerns to follow through on prior promises made. As they join the immense storm giants for a 'bite,' he speaks here and there to his friends, to matters of timing. He thinks before they go racing off, they together weigh the wisdom of each course of action. You know, boring stuff like that!

And he never discounts Pressi. And he always enjoys Tali's enthusiasm. He does not bring up Mookie's recommendation on asking for a reward. He loves Mookie, though. And he takes a moment to scritch Bliss behind the ears.

As they join in whatever repast is prepared, Murphy asks, "Did you know we called Lonia 'Calm Tempest?' We knew her to be a storm giant, yet her very young character - what we saw of it, was without fear, without fuss. We think, given time, she may wield enormous power."

[Mental aside to Pressi: 'Perhaps, at an apt time, you might inquire as to any personal belongings of the ogre woman, for future scrying efforts.']
==========
Sense motive: 38 - further soul searching of Papa and Mama
Perception: Looking to find stray hair, eyelashes, etc., which may have derived from the giants

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday March 18th, 2020 6:01:40 AM
Succotash , in true halfling fashion, would never turn down a bite to eat, and though tea is fine he asks, "You wouldn't happen to have any ale would you? I enjoy tea fine enough, but I fancy myself a connoisseur of ales, and would love to try some shadow mountain brew, and if you have anything brewed by your people, I would love to try that, never had storm giant ale, or any giant ale, for that matter, though I had some lovely dwarven ale".

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Wednesday March 18th, 2020 12:49:58 PM
Mr. Vurus & Mrs. Thalika

Tali continues, "Yes, please! I would love a spot of tea and some polite conversation."

Spells in Effect:

Overland Flight | 540 of 540 Minutes
Mage Armor | 540 of 540 Minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday March 18th, 2020 1:05:23 PM
Pressi allows the giant husband to back off, reassured that there won't be any sudden violence. And with that, she allows for a bit of rest and food.

Murphy seems to be gearing up for a fight, but it looks like the consensus is to stay and chat.

While the conversation remains light, Pressi does take some time to try and determine what they know about the battles between halfling and giant, or about the necromancers that somehow also seem involved. She doesn't expect much in the way of answers, though, and doesn't press too hard.

Towards the end, she does ask some questions about the ogre nursemaid, including whether they still have any personal objects for scrying or tracking.

DM Kathy
Wednesday March 18th, 2020 3:00:17 PM
Murphy asks how long the baby had been gone. Thalika doesn't even have to think about her answer. "Two months, one week, and four days," she responds promptly.

Tali accepts the offer of tea, while Succotash requests ale and Bliss asks for a saucer of milk. "I'll see what I can do," Thalika says, and leaves the room, still holding tight to her baby. While she's gone, Vurus removes his coat and hat, and answers Murphy's questions about giants.

"We don't have any--halflings, you call yourselves?--on Shadow Mountain. It's mostly giants on this side, though there are humans and taurs living in Bigtown. There's fighting here, sure--mostly with the frost giants, those mangy pests!"

When Thalika returns, she has an enormous saucer of milk for Bliss, and a massive teapot. Giant teacups prove to be too much for you to handle, so in the end she serves you tea in saucers, which are at least shallow enough for you to reach the tea. She also brings out huge slabs of bread and jam, which she cuts into smaller pieces for you. Succotash gets, not ale, but a rather aggressive porter, which is quite good if you like that sort of thing.

Pressi and Kezzem want to know more about the ogre nursemaid and how to find her. "Oh, don't worry about her," Vurus says. "She's dead. Nobody steals from us!"

"I wish you'd found out what she did with Lonia before you killed her," Thalika says.This is clearly an argument they've had before.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday March 18th, 2020 3:46:39 PM
"Hey Press, you're creepy sometimes," says Kezzem. "Can you question the ogre's corpse or something? Maybe she was part of some kind of organized crime ring or even a disorganized crime ring."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday March 18th, 2020 5:03:13 PM
Ooc: I don�t know what happened I swear I wrote a post yesterday, responding to the giants offer of food.

Hobie gladly accepts the offer from the giants, and let�s them mostly guide conversation, but he pays attention when the topic of the ogre is brought up.
�She�s dead? Well then my vow of bringing you justice falls a bit flat if you�ve done it for yourself. I would have liked to know why she did it though. Do you know any of her associates?�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday March 18th, 2020 5:33:46 PM
Succotash thanks their host and hostess for the bread and jam, which he finds very flavorful. He takes on sip of the porter, and a huge smile comes across his face, "This is marvelous! your brewer should be proud! When Keaaem asks Pressi about speaking to the dead ogre, Succotash chimes in, I'm not sure if witches can cast it or not, but there is a talk with dead spell, which I could prepare in the morning, but it requires the corpse of the one you wish to speak to.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday March 18th, 2020 6:02:54 PM

Bliss laps up some milk and looks at Mookie.

Mookie says, "Yeah, you're right Kid. We're done here. The villains are no more. The baby is back with her family. It is enough that we have done our best, righted a wrong, and come to the close of this good deed, one for which no reward at all is needed."

Under his breath he adds in a whisper, "Evidently."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday March 19th, 2020 1:31:09 PM
Pressi reminds the group that she can speak with dead. (It's one of her domain spells.)

"However, I need to remind everyone that there's no real evidence of a baby stealing ring, nor that she did this more than once. I'm pretty sure the market for stolen giant babies is rather limited. Also, I'm pretty sure its been a while so its not like I'm just going to head to the body."

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Thursday March 19th, 2020 1:31:41 PM
Mr. Vurus & Mrs. Thalika Storm Giant

Tali hovers over to the tea in the saucer and drinks it bu hovering horizontal and sucking it in just over its shimmering surface. This is surly a great batch of tea, may I inquire as to what it might be? Thank you for your hospitality of the Bread and jam. It's been a while since I've had such niceties."

Pointing to Mister Murphy and casting the message spell, Tali mentally prods Murphy to explain to the parents about the Menagerie.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 500 of 540 Minutes
Mage Armor | 500 of 540 Minutes

DM Kathy
Thursday March 19th, 2020 2:23:14 PM
You enjoy your refreshments. Succotash praises the porter, and Vurus smiles delightedly. "Yes! I've always said Xedor is the best brewer on the Mountain!"

Tali, meanwhile, asks about the tea. "It's Aisilduran, I believe," Thalika says. "Tea doesn't grow this high up, of course."

Hobie asks whether the ogre woman had any associates. Vurus shrugs. "None that she mentioned. Of course, we didn't chat for very long."

Kezzem wonders about speaking with the dead, which Pressi could theoretically do. However, it would involve finding the ogre woman's corpse, and Vurus doesn't know what happened to it.

Bliss is content with his milk. Mookie is somewhat less content with the lack of reward, but sometimes when the forces of the universe plan a whole adventure for you, and you short-cut it with a teleport, you lose some treasure in the process. It's a well-known occupational hazard.

[You can continue role-playing here as much as you like, but your DM would like to know, from a game mechanic perspective, whether you need to rest or whether you could, if you wanted, teleport back to the menagerie today.]

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Thursday March 19th, 2020 2:33:25 PM
Space-Time Hopping

"Tali is up to travel anytime, isn't that right Mister Murphy?!" says Tali.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 500 of 540 Minutes
Mage Armor | 500 of 540 Minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Thursday March 19th, 2020 3:32:16 PM
"I'm good to go," says Kezzem. "I don't run out of daggers. Even when I throw them away."

Kezzem throws his returning dagger at a target to demonstrate it's properties as if you have not seen him d that plenty of times before.

"So if you spellcasters have got enough spells, I say we press on! Where? I don't know. He's on third, and I don't give a darn."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday March 19th, 2020 5:06:14 PM
�We should head back to the menagerie, and finish our business there�, Succotash says as he stands to leave, �We should leave this lovely family, and not wear out our welcome�. Turning to the giants he says, �Your hospitality has been pleasant beyond words, and it is a thing of beauty to see your family reunited, but we should be on our way, we have some work to do still.

If everyone is ready, Succotash will tell everyone to hold hands and then with a nod to Tali, he will cast teleport to return to the menagerie, knowing she will do likewise.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Thursday March 19th, 2020 10:38:40 PM

Bliss hisses at Mookie's rudeness, then bows to the giants.

"Uh, bye," says the halfling-sized raven, looking abashed.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+16=33 ;
Friday March 20th, 2020 2:32:53 AM

"Wait, wait, just a few minutes. Lord Vurus and Lady Thalika. We have returned your child from a distant place," Murphy says. "We have given you a memento - two, I suppose. A letter from us, and a sketch with us and Calm Tempest - Lonia. But, we have no memento of you. May we take a few minutes, that I may make a drawing? I'd like one of you three together, that we might take that with us, to remember you by. We have a place in our town where we dwell, and are planning a hall of honor. It seems suitable to include you, a small family of very large storm giants, whose love brought into the Wold a daughter, I believe destined for greatness - and to place a drawing of you within that hall? By the way, you would not have a fair-sized parchment, or large sheet of paper? If so, it would be wonderful to draw thereupon. If not, well, I do have more paper of the size I've already given you."

If they are agreeable to the request, Murphy will draw Papa, Mama and Lonia. He asks how they would like to pose, and suggests a few options. One could be standing before the window, looking out upon the mountain, the child in Thalika's arms, and Vurus' hand upon his wife's shoulder. Another could have them seated in a more formal style. The third could be as they sat together during the meal we ate together. If they have trouble deciding, he suggests going with his first idea. If they have another preference, he is fine with that.

"Say, Succotash, you play a musical instrument, right? There's a bit of musical talent among us, no? How about you play something nice as I work on the drawing?"

Murphy's artistic talents have grown over time. After a few minutes of preparation and consideration, he casts two spells upon himself (with a bit of warning and permission ahead of time). First owl's wisdom, to aid him in the composition. Then, as he begins to move toward detailing the work, he casts cat's grace, to help keep a steady and well-directed hand. He frames the composition rather nicely, and chooses appropriate hues, lighting, perspective. He seeks to convey the mother's compassion, with a hint of mist in her eyes, and the strength of the father, newly alert to threats his family faces, and resolute countenance to henceforth fully defend and protect them. The baby's face is calm yet brightens as she looks toward her father, and plays with her mother's dark hair in her hand. [Profession: Artist: 33]

Once he is finished, he gives it to the family to inspect. "Does this seem suitable to put in a place of honor, that we might the better remember you?"

If they seem pleased, he asks if they wish anything else of Humble's Sword before we go.

If not, he offers this. "Should you need our help in the future," and he plucks a couple of hairs from his head. "Ouch!" He rubs the spot. "Find one among you able to scry, and reach out to me - have them use the hairs of my head." He takes out a small spare bag, and places them within, draws the string, and hands it to Vurus. "Have the scryer tell me the nature of the help you require. Now, one last question. Should we ever need your help, might we ask? I would not oblige you to agree to what is asked, should a need ever arise, but at least to hear our request. Does this sound fair to you, and honorable?"

That is as close as Murphy is coming at the moment to acquiescing to Mookie's request.

Finally, when all seems settled, he will ask permission, then give Lonia a farewell kiss upon the back of her hand - if he can have some help reaching it. Then join with his friends, that they may leave the way they came.

[Sorry, friends, for missing a post or so, and not responding in a timely manner to all going on]

Pressi (Sub by Cayzle)
Friday March 20th, 2020 2:46:31 PM

Pressi wonders aloud if Brother Succotash and Tali have another two teleports in them today. If not, we'll have to shelter in place here with the nice giants for the night.

"Do we need to impose on these good folks' hospitality?" she asks. On the up side, she bets they have lots of TP, in the mega-roll format.

She glances out the window to see if there are any brooks, creeks, or rivulets. "If we have to stay here, at least we might have something streaming," she says.

DM Kathy
Friday March 20th, 2020 4:23:39 PM
You begin to think it is time to go. Murphy takes the time to make a quick sketch of the family. You end up with them posing in front of their fireplace, Thalika seated and holding the baby, Vurus standing behind her. They admire their portrait, and agree that it is excellent work. "Though why you would want a picture of us, I can't imagine," Thalika says with a little laugh.

You ask if you can call on them at need, and they agree wholeheartedly. "Just say the word," Vurus says. "If there's a problem that can be solved by a storm giant with an axe, I'm your man!"

Pressi does wonder whether the casters have additional teleports available, but they seem to think so, and your DM isn't going to contradict them. Assuming the spells can be cast, then, Succotash and Tali whisk you back to the menagerie.

It has been a couple of hours since you left, but nothing much has changed.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Saturday March 21st, 2020 11:22:37 AM
After returning to the menagerie, Succotash asks his friends, "What next? I can't do anymore teleports today, so the animal deliveries will have to wait until tomorrow, unless Tali can still handle the deliveries".

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Saturday March 21st, 2020 2:41:09 PM
Space-Time Hopping

Tali explains to her group, Humble Sword, "Well, I have a total of five (5) spells I can cast per day of that level, I have used two (2) thus far, so yes, I have another round trip in me!"

"What are you thinking of sending and to where?" asks Tali aloud.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 500 of 540 Minutes
Mage Armor | 500 of 540 Minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Sunday March 22nd, 2020 3:48:50 PM

Murphy discusses logistics
Murphy replies, "We'll need to do some preparation at our place for the animals. I can take up to five at a time along with me through the oak there. How about if some of us go on ahead to begin preparations there? I can go there and come back here again later today. Should we take either Malryth or Zirath Ivraes to help with preparations? For tomorrow, to help in transport, I can memorize transport via plants multiple times. There are animals and people to consider. Let us take a census that we know the numbers. As the teleport spell, as well as the transport via plants spell, are almost instantaneous, we can talk with and coax the birds and the ocelots - anything else? to enter into bags of holding, and let them out on the far side with no harm.

"In Humble's Ford, we can marshal family, townsfolk to help us out. Foreman George, if he's available, could work with his crew to help in putting up at least some temporary animal shelters. It might even take a few days before we had those ready to go, so let's not tell people that everyone is leaving tomorrow. With all the logistics, this may be a three-day operation, which is better than the time and risk of land travel for several weeks. It should not take more than that if all pitch in, and may be less. Oh, we cannot forget the halflings - we have two targets of quick travel.

"What if I and a few others travel today via oak to the Ford, and Tali take as many as she can to their home in Thaelhaven? They were the reason for our coming, and we owe them expeditious treatment, I think. Tali, if you take two trips to Thaelhaven - maybe a few halfling kids would enjoy a brief ride in a bag of holding, to increase your carrying power, and on your return from the second trip stop in Humble's Ford. Then you could ferry a few of us back here to Crofters Crossing. That would let me take some more to Humble's Ford before the end of the day. Again, we need a count of the workers to ferry. Some need to stay with the animals until they are moved, some could help in Humble's Ford.

"Bliss, you were going to take care of the Catacombs exchange. Perhaps you can come along to get that going through Pirnook Deeppockets' general store - or there may be an outlet here in Crofters Crossing.

"Who can help on that side? Hugo & Primula Pipeleaf maybe could help with metal for a few of the animals. I'll talk to my folks. We should talk with the mayor and community leaders about our plan. They may have questions, even objections for us to answer. Having a dark elf show up for a surprise visit may alarm some.

"In the next few days, we need to put our heads together to determine the best ways to keep promises made, and ensure the welfare of those who at the moment are in our charge."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday March 23rd, 2020 6:46:03 AM
"Hold on Murphy, I, and I believe Tali, was referring to the animals that want to be returned to their natural habitat.", Succotash says, trying to slow down his fast acting friend, "I was thinking that a perfect place for the lion would be the Sargrass Plains. Remember when we meet there? that sounds exactly like the kind of place a healthy lion would flourish!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Monday March 23rd, 2020 11:04:07 AM

"Ah, good thought, there, Succotash," Murphy replies to his friend. "I concur with that. I do ask if there is a particular part of the Sargrass would be best to locate him, though. She could just pop him anywhere she can think of there without further ado. However, as we'd be sending him likely to unfamiliar territory, might it not be good to do so on a full stomach, that he have time to figure things out? But, sure, yours is an excellent idea."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday March 23rd, 2020 1:07:31 PM
�Is far as I can tell, anywhere in the Sargrass Plains would be fine, though being away from civilization, may be wise, so no where near Rattledam�.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Monday March 23rd, 2020 1:51:04 PM

"Yep, sound counsel. Oh, and, Mowa is a lioness. Don't know why I said 'he.'"

Murphy talks with whoever was in charge of feeding Mowa and asks them to take care of her before her trip. He uses a pearl of power to cast one last time Speak with Animals, and explains to her the grassy plains in a warm climate in the Sargrass far to the south. "Would you like us to take you there? If we do, it will be through magic. You will need to let Tali here touch you on the shoulder. She will say some words, then, before you know what happened, you will be with her in the Sargrass. You will be on your own to fine other lions. We cannot help you there. This fellow here will give you some food so that you are not hungry right away. Do you wish to go there after you eat, with Tali? She may take a few other people along with you, make sure you're safe when you arrive. If you don't want to do that, we can take you to our place in a few days."

He includes Tali in this conversation, make sure she is there as they talk with the lioness. If the lion agrees to go, he tells the other animals it is time to say goodbye to her, and for Mowa to say goodbye to them.

"It's up to you, Tali, as to whether you wish to take others with you. If we go soon, I could come along - maybe even change into a lion for a short time." He realizes he can communicate with Mowa without another spell if he wild shapes into a lion. "If a few come with us, we could then go to Humble's Ford, and get things rolling there. You could teleport a few halflings to Thralhaven if that seems agreeable to all."

"Pressi, what are your thoughts on all this? You often have insights I may lack. Hey, maybe someday, we could spend part of our honeymoon in the Sargrass." And he asks the others for their perspectives on the operation.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Monday March 23rd, 2020 1:51:25 PM
Pressi tries not to feel too woozy with all the teleporting. "And I thought... shadow walking... was insane making....

"Seriously, it's a nice day. Can't we just... you know, walk it? See some sights?"

Pressi otherwise stays out of the disussions on where exactly to place the animals, but reminds the group that they were kind of promised to the "dark elves" workers. Wasn't getting the town back what they were trying to do?

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday March 23rd, 2020 3:11:30 PM

Bliss stands up in halfling form and says, "No way!" We can't send a lion to the Sargrass! I know a bit about cats, and that's no place for one. There's no water, period! There are grasses like knives! There are monsters that are super duper dangerous! And most of all, there are NO other lions! We were THERE, don't you remember? You would be sending this poor cat to a quick lonely death of thirst!"

"Sheesh!"

Bliss agrees with Pressi. "Yes, let's just take everybody home, please. We can do that tomorrow."

DM Kathy
Monday March 23rd, 2020 5:30:45 PM
You discuss your next steps. Murphy can take people and/or animals to Humble's Ford using plants. Tali still has teleports left for today, if you want to use them.

Succotash thinks the Sargrass would be the ideal place for Mowa the lioness, but Bliss reminds you all that there is no water there.

Giving it some thought, you begin to think that maybe the Eastern Wilderlands would be a good option. The jungles of Cthonia would be a good place for the ocelots, and the plains beyond would be a good place for Mowa. Yes, the more you think about it, the more a journey to the Eastern Wilderlands sounds like a good idea! Why, it's almost as if the forces of the universe were pulling you in that direction!

Before you do that, of course, there are people and animals to be returned. For people, there are 22 halflings that need to go back to Thaelhaven, plus 2 dark elves and 8 human employees that want to stay with the menagerie--wherever it goes. The menagerie has a bear, two peafowl, a lioness, 5 ocelots, some tropical birds (I think I gave you a number earlier but now I can't find what I said!), a stirge, and some monkeys. It also has draft animals--horses, mules, and oxen--along with wagons, tents, and cages.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 12:49:03 AM
"You know, the more I think about it, a journey to the Eastern Wilderlands sound like a good option!" says Kezzem.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 2:09:24 AM
"The road was safe, I think with some proper rest and the extra funds we've supplied them with, the Halflings can find their way safely back to Thaelhaven on their own right? And let's just let the menagerie continue on, led by the elves. I'm ready to get moving, let's go off to the Eastern Wilderlands"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 4:27:15 AM

"Halflings home first. Then perhaps the next leg of our journey. We were sent on a specific task. Let us finish that, then I'm open to other possibilities," says Murphy.

"Tali, I have a portable hole. How many wee halflings might fit within? You take me and at least four others - plus whoever can fit in the bag. Let's say about five at a time in the hole, easy. So that's nine of them, plus you and I. We get down there, I plant a tree. You bring me back. You take about ten more down. I bring the last three to five through the tree. You bring us both back, with my portable hole of course. You still have one greater teleport left at that point and I still have one transport via plants left. Sound all right to all? If it takes one more trip there and back again, well, between the two of us, we can swing it today."

"If the party agrees, then the proposal needs to be made to the Thralhavians. Who wants to discuss it with them? I'd be happy to be in on that, but not solo. They're going to have questions, maybe a few worries.

"If they agree, though, then that way, we've kept our promise to Hendit Littlefoot. You did agree to get them back to him, didn't you? I wasn't there at the time. But just sending them on their way - remember, we had to fight a huge monster on the way that could have killed us - would that be responsible? We can talk over with the workers, and with the elves, and tomorrow with the animals the notion that has just arisen. Shoot, while Tali and I do the ferrying, you all can chat up the menagerie staff. The Eastern Wilderlands. Who among us came up with that idea? It just seemed to arise by itself among us! Was that you, Kezzem?

"Bliss, you want to check in town and see if there's access to the Catacombs? Turn things in. If we're going on a long traipse, we'd better get ready for that. Besides, I'm running out of trees."

"How does one more night here in town sound, then we take whatever is the next step in our adventures together? Do we need to develop our own circus acts?"

The druid adds, "And Pressi, do you mind terribly your fianc� running to and fro across the Wold with Tali?"

"And, if anyone has a better method for getting the halflings home safely and keeping our word, well, let us know!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 1:05:25 PM
Succotash says, �I to feel the need to head to the Easter Wilderlands, yet for the life of me I can�t say why, it must be the gods directing us that way�.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 1:44:32 PM
Space-Time Hopping Making things right!

Talia exlaims, to no in in particular, "Tali is ready to make things right! Just let me know when & where we are going!

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | 500 of 540 Minutes
Mage Armor | 500 of 540 Minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 2:16:50 PM

"Humble's Ford is between us and the Eastern Wilderlands, last time I checked," the druid mentions. "Pressi, Tali, Succotash - you're all experts in your own right on magical distance travel. Kez, Hobie, Bliss, you're welcome too. Let's go talk with our hardy not-cannibal halflings, explain our proposal to get them back home this afternoon... then do it.

"Tali, did you listen to me as I explained the procedure?" If need be, he explains it to her again (read Murphy's 4:27am post on teleport relays to Thaelhaven - I think I've been misspelling it).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 2:24:15 PM
Pressi wrinkles her nose, ignoring Murphy's joke.

"I'm less than thrilled, as a distance traveler, with putting halflings in bags, even if they are portable holes. But if they are game, I certainly won't stop it. Also, I can shadow walk a good dozen on my own, if need be."

DM Kathy
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 4:45:50 PM
You discuss your options for long-distance transport. You put your heads together, and realize that you can get the Thaelhaven halflings back home this afternoon. So you do that.

They are grateful for your help, and express their thanks over and over again. They want to offer you something more than thanks, but they have very little. They can't even offer you tasty homemade baked goods, since they have been away from their kitchens for over a month! But their gratitude is sincere, and the reunion between Hendit and his family is very touching.

Back in Crofters Crossing, you have some decisions to make. There had been some talk of bringing the menagerie animals, the dark elves, and the employees back to Humble's Ford for the winter, so that you could teach the people to take better care of the animals, and teach the ocelot siblings to hunt before you released them into the wild. Do you still want to do this? If so, what are you going to do with all of the wagons and stuff.

Or, do you just want to return to Humble's with the lioness, the bear, and the two ocelots to be released, and allow the rest of the menagerie to continue on its way, trusting that the new owners will find ways to learn how to take better care of their animals?

Either way, the lone stirge wants some little stirge friends--what are you going to do to find them?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 4:56:28 PM
"Murphey, please tell me you portable hole isn't what I think it is," says Kezzem.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 10:18:26 PM

Bliss is happy to treat the caravan as the two new owners prefer. If the Drow want to come to Humbles Ford, we'll put them up for so long as they want, until they are ready to hit the road. OR if they want to wash their hands of us and just get a move on, fine.

At his first chance, Bliss makes a run to the Catacombs.

"We should stop by Humbles Ford first, then head out. Do we want to walk along the coast of the Scab, or sail across Dragon Bay?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday March 24th, 2020 11:14:45 PM

Nuanced Definitions?
"No doubt whatever you think it is will bear some semblance to the remarkable mind you have, Kez." Out of patient kindness, or something, Murphy lays out the magical black cloth, spreads it out upon the ground, and, looking within, Kezzem can see it goes down about ten feet, with a diameter of six feet all the way down. He closes up the hole before he explains, "If you want to jump in, you can find out how far I can carry you before you run out of fresh air. But DO NOT GO IN if you have any sort of bag of holding or handy haversack or transdimensional pouch or Bill's Pants o' Plenty. You and the contents, and maybe I and people and things nearby might be scattered among various planes, and I don't mean the grassy kind. You heard of what happened in the Giant Tower with the experiment performed by the Second Dinner Club, right? It involved a portable hole and Koshe-Marr."

At Thaelhaven, at the last delivery with Tali
Murphy is happy to help reunite the families with their village. "Maybe in time we can stop by for some good pie after you've had a good chance to settle in and get back to normal life. Say, I'll bet you can be good friends with crows from here on out."

As they are in the village, he takes a good look around over the course of half an hour. He is very happy to meet Hendit, whom he had never seen until now, only heard about. He says about the oak he planted (he first asked the early-arriving villagers where to place it) for transport if they think it should be called 'Hendit's Oak'. "Maybe you can put up a rope swing for folks to enjoy under its leaves. And, who knows, maybe I'll pop out of that tree some day with a good collection of my mother's and aunties' bread surprises!"

"Tali, let's shake everyone's hand, say any words you have to say, then head back. We have more rescues ahead of us!"

Crofter's Crossing - What's the next item on the agenda?
"Humble's Ford is east of us. The Eastern Wilderlands are way farther east of us. A few options. We take all the animals and cages the conventional way, and get back to Humble's Ford in several weeks. Or, we find someone who can shrink down the cages, and reduce the animals, then travel magically to get to Humble's Ford. Spend a little time there, figure out our next steps. The animals willing to stay need better environments. The ones who want to return to or go to the wild, need help.

"Tali, Hobie, could either of you use a wand of shrinking? Who knows the reduce spell? Bliss, Pressi, do you know shrink, or reduce? Hobie? Succotash? Does this seem a reasonable way to do things? Kezzem, what do you think?"

In answer to Bliss's question, he says he is open to either. "Though sailing - I'd love to get to know the sea better. Do dragons still attack boats over there?" "Yes, let us ask the brothers their preferences."

What are Good Guys doing with Bad Guys?
Murphy thanks the Sheriff and Deputy for their good work. "Could you tell us the disposition of those arrested for kidnapping, enslavement, trading in giant babies - well, one giant baby - deceit, unlawful imprisonment, corruption, assault, battery, fraud? Despite having a pretty engaging display."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday March 25th, 2020 1:30:54 AM
I can only Reduce Person, which wouldn�t quite be powerful enough to help with that. Do we need to travel with the menagerie though? I believe the road is safe and they are clearly experienced travelers. I don�t think they need an escort. We could just go back to Humble�s on our own and let Roscoe know that they will be coming.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday March 25th, 2020 10:29:59 AM
�Murph, you goofball, reduce animal is a Druid spell!�, Succotash chuckles at Murphy�s forgetfulness, �Of course that only helps with the critters, the carts and such are something I have no idea how to accomplish, of course, Hobie�s idea has merit�.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday March 25th, 2020 10:57:34 AM
Off in the distance, Pressi casts another scrying spell.

As much as the Wold and the rest of the team might wish to move on, her mind can't move from the poor orphan child they met on the way here, the one that helped them. The one they couldn't help. She needs to... at least make sure....

-----------------

Pressi is pretty sure getting the menagerie anywhere is fairly trivial. (Bliss and Pressi may not have reduce animal but they do have polymorphs and baleful polymorphs. Also, they can always ride the animals as mounts.)

Personally, she'd rather just let the menagerie go on its merry way, but that seems off the table. So she leaps upon traveling to Humbles Ford first. As for sailing... She reminds the group that they've had less luck with THAT than with shadow walking.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday March 25th, 2020 1:56:30 PM

Bliss listens to what the Drow prefer.

As for the travel to the jungle and the wide grasslands beyond, he is inclined to walk along the coast.

DM Kathy
Wednesday March 25th, 2020 4:45:26 PM
Murphy stops by the sheriff's office to see what will become of the prisoners. "I think we have it worked out," the sheriff says. "They'll stay here for a time, and we'll put 'em to work. Chopping wood and fixing things in the winter, then helping with the planting come spring. If they behave themselves, they could go on their way as soon as harvest-time. If they don't...well, they'll be here a mite longer."

Pressi finds a private spot and casts her scrying spell. You see Kesti, the girl from Salbe, in school. She is reading something, and the classroom is pretty quiet. Kesti looks much the same as you saw her before. She seems to be doing okay, but it's hard to know for sure.

The rest of you discuss logistics. The dark elf brothers are content to pack up the menagerie and travel overland to Humble's Ford, where they can spend the rest of the winter.

Your group can pretty easily travel back to Humble's via teleportation and plants. You probably want to bring Grnta the bear, Mowa the lion, and the ocelot siblings with you. And you'll want to find some stirges before you go.

A basic plan begins to coalesce. Some of the more nature-focused among you will go find some stirges that want to be part of a traveling menagerie. The dark elf brothers, and menagerie employees, will pack everything up so they can begin their journey once the stirges arrive. The rest of the group will blip over to Humble's Ford, and probably get some enclosures ready for the animals before you bring them. Then everybody can return to Humble's to await the arrival of the rest of the menagerie. While you wait, you can start Grnta's rehabilitation, and teach the ocelot siblings to hunt on their own.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday March 25th, 2020 5:01:30 PM
Mookie uses telepathy to say to Bliss, "What's with all the stirge-lovin'? Aren't they, well, big mosquitoes that can kill people?"

Bliss thinks back, "Yeah, why aren't we just swatting it? It's a pest, not a nice animal like the others."

But Bliss does not want to offend Murphy, so he is quiet about that.

Bliss has his own opinion about how to divide up the treasure, but service can be slow in the Catacombs, so he has nothing to say about that either, for now.

When we get back to Humbles Ford, Bliss takes a quick daytrip to the WLA. He hopes to ask about the availability of maps of the area between here and the vast eastern plains [OOC: Not really looking for anything beyond what's on the wiki, unless the DM has something for us ... ]

Bliss also suggests that maybe they should get a folding boat or some pearls of the sirens in case we do end up in the waters of Dragon Bay.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Wednesday March 25th, 2020 10:19:49 PM
AfterMath

Tali wonders aloud, "Why can't we just relocate the Stirge to its native habitat? On another note, when we get back, do we have time for a trip to a Catacombs shop?"

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | 450 of 540 Minutes
Mage Armor | 450 of 540 Minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday March 25th, 2020 11:19:00 PM
"Catacombs! Catacombs! Catacombs!"

Kezzem breaks into song.

"We're Knights of Humble's Ford
We dance whene'er we're board.
We do routines and chorus scenes
With footwork impeccable.
We dine well here in Catcombs.
We eat ham and jam and spam with gnomes
We're Knights of Humble's Ford
Our shows are formidable,
But many times we're given rhymes
That are quite unsingable.
We're opera mad in Catacombs.
We sing from the diaphragm in poems.
In war we're tough and able,
Quite indefatigable.
Between our quests we sequin vests and impersonate Clark Gable.
It's a busy life in Catcombs.
I have to push the pram in homes."

"On second thought, let's not got to Catacombs. 'tis a silly place."

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday March 25th, 2020 11:29:09 PM
Bliss shrugs. "Mookie's already at the Catacombs, waiting to be served, in the weird way that the magic shop warps time and space. Service is slow."

Mookie cocks his head and caws. "I am? Oh yeah, I am!"

"Good song though,"Bliss adds, smiling. "Gotta offer up some mad props!"

"Props!" Mookie scoffs and adds, "It's only a model."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Thursday March 26th, 2020 3:02:55 AM

"Bliss, sometimes it seems you want to tell me something, or I think maybe you're upset or disagree about this or that. Always feel free, friend, to tell me your thoughts if you think I'm going in the wrong direction on something or the like. There is a proverb among some humans: 'As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.'

"Tali, you can head right to the Catacombs here in Crofters Crossing right away. Time there is relative. It's almost like you're in two places at once. Pick up what you need. The stirge told me she'd like to stay, but not to be alone. Let's check with the brothers." And he does. If they want to display stirges, he'll go find some and bring them back. If they don't, then he will take lonely stirge, find some others, and take her to them. He should be able to find some in the Culverwood, where he was born and lived a few years.

Murphy has figured out a way to get animals over to Humble's Ford. To keep things short, I will not explain the intricacies. Before he does so, though, habitats need to be prepared. He suggests that one of the elf brothers and one of the knowledgeable workers come with him, plus up to three party members to communicate with the authorities and craftsfolk to help get things ready over the next day or two to the north of the Sanctuary.

He also lets the group know he has figured out a way to get the whole menagerie, horses, carts, wagons, cages and tents to Humble's Ford over the course of two or three days, if anyone thinks that may be less dangerous than the menagerie traveling without protection from people with weapons and defensive skills. Because sometimes there are monsters or brigands.

"Pressi, will you join me in talking with the mayor and his wife? We can tell them, 'Hi. We rescued some kidnapped halflings, and ended up with a menagerie. Can some of them stay over at our place for the winter?' Likely you'll have better words and questions than that."

The druid from the musical family really enjoys Kezzem's song. Silly, funny, definitely Kezzem.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday March 26th, 2020 10:27:41 AM
Succotash asks his friends, �Anybody know where we may find some stirges? I�ve heard they can be found in swamps and marshes. Anyone know where we can find either of those?�

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 31 nTouch 17 Flat 27 CMD 32 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday March 26th, 2020 12:44:03 PM
Hobie will go with the first group who blips to Humbles Ford and he will take some of his recent earnings to the catacombs.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday March 26th, 2020 2:54:13 PM
"Yes, I should have no problem putting it more diplomatically, and asking where to find stirges."

DM Kathy
Thursday March 26th, 2020 4:15:13 PM
You discuss going to the Catacombs, which prompts Kezzem to break into song.

[OOC: If your character needs to visit the Catacombs, go ahead. You have the means to get there, and I want people to have plenty of time to sort out their gear.]

You ask the dark elf brothers about stirges, and their preference is to continue to show them--especially since they will be losing their lioness and bear. It takes several hours, but you are able to locate small colony of wild stirges, and persuade a few of them to join the menagerie. The lone stirge flies excited circles around the cage when the other stirges show up. It's kind of cute. Almost cute enough to make you forget that they're a bunch of blood-sucking pests.

You take a preliminary trip back to Humble's Ford to arrange for the menagerie to winter there. Those arrangements take a bit of time, but you are able to make them. Bliss is able to go to the WLA and get some maps.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Thursday March 26th, 2020 10:51:26 PM

Bliss comes back from the Catacombs and passes out loot.

He also shows off his maps, on which he has scratched some notes.

"On second thought, look! It is much the longer route to walk the beach along the Scab! Maybe we should boat or teleport across the Bay of Dragons. At the narrowest point it is only about 30 miles."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Friday March 27th, 2020 12:08:43 AM
"See, Mookie gets me," says Kezzem.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday March 27th, 2020 5:31:59 AM

Murphy's ramblings
So now we have 4 stirges? 5? 6? Murphy conducts an annoying insect census. But he does talk to them and welcomes them. And how many monkeys have we?

In Humble's Ford, Murphy gathers as many as are willing and able to help get dwellings for the animals. George the lead builder. Hugo and Primula Pipeweed for metallic parts. His father Samell 'Fingers' Pipewood for exercise and play things for the animals. We've been using the 300' square bit to the north of our official 300' square bit. Our dwarf mushroom-raising friend is using part of it. We expand the usage, as shown on the North of the Sanctuary Map. A monkey cage with plenty of things to climb on. A slide. Multiple platforms and trees for the ocelots. And a slide there too, with a curved ramp going up to it. Each spot also has one or more places of shelter, where they can be largely out of sight of those who may be outside the habitat.

Murphy thinks hard about something for the bear, and the lion. For the bear, who does not wish to be placed on display, he makes a hut, with an underground den within along one side. The bear may come out of the hut if he wishes. Outside there are a few long big logs to rest against, or scratch himself upon.

He asks others about ideas for an aviary for the beautiful tropical birds.

"Let's think about traveling dwellings which may be expanded further when camping or for shows, to allow for movement and exercise." He asks for input and suggestions from the dark elves and the workers. We heard some of the worker's names before. T'would be nice to know them all (in due course).

He changes into a lion with a mane and hangs out for a bit with the lioness.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Friday March 27th, 2020 11:56:13 AM
"Hey Press, I think Murphey's got a new girlfriend," says Kezzem.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday March 27th, 2020 1:22:39 PM
Succotash pitches in where ever he can, whether it is speaking with the critters, or helping with building enclosures. He is antsy to got the lioness and other critters, who wish to be released, to their new forever homes.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday March 27th, 2020 2:47:36 PM
Harper pretends to be completely uninterested with the new cats in town.

Pressi looks over her gear, trying to determine if she can actually afford her new rapier. (Will work on this over the weekend.) She also looks over Murphy with annoyance before reconnecting with the coven for help.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday March 27th, 2020 2:58:12 PM
"Hey, Pressi... here's 4,500 gold pieces for you. I just got back from the Catacombs," Murphy says. "I'm fine gear-wise. And, say, if you get annoyed with me over something, call it out. What, you don't want me, a druid, trying to take care of the animals? Likely not so much, eh, if I'm not taking care of you?"

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Friday March 27th, 2020 5:00:07 PM
Rayya

As soon as Tali arrives back at Humble Sword's compund she searches for Rayya. As the space Tali and Rayya took up was small compared to the size of compound, finding Rayya was easy. Tali finds Rayya sitting on her pearch sleeping. In one fell swoop, Tali sweeps Rayya off her pearch, into her harms and snugglesRayya as if she never had.

"Oh, Rayya, I have missed you so! How have you been?!"

The rest f the conversation takes place between the two telepathically, one Master to one Familiar. The two end of snugglings and sleeping for about 2 1/2 hours. Afterwards. Tali does her usual spell prepping after her two hour sleep / meditation.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Friday March 27th, 2020 11:33:16 PM

Bliss is tired, and he takes the chance to catch up on his sleep before the next adventure begins.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Sunday March 29th, 2020 3:25:42 AM

Murphy asks his mates, "Would it make sense for us to spend a week and a half or two here, take care of domestic issues, and get ourselves prepared for our journey eastward? I know some of you would start feeling antsy if it took us longer than that to get back on the road again. Unless you want us to winter here, and take off again as spring approaches."

Should the group concur with the short or the long notion - Murphy wants no more than a fews days to pass before he spends a day or so with Pressi, to talk about where they are, and what their plans may be.

Also, he has been trying for about the past ten levels to meet with McGregor HeadWise. He'd love to have some tea with him, and get his advice and counsel on a few matters [even if such a meeting were to happen off-board].

At least one full day he will spend taking down more of the stoney walls left by the volcano power that tried to inhabit Humble's Ford, to allow even a more free flow of air into the town.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Sunday March 29th, 2020 5:03:49 AM
Hobie took a trip the catacombs and upgraded his belt of Incredible Dex, so he's feeling quite more dextrous (and he's at 21, so when we reach level 16, he'll be even MORE so). He's a bit more accurate with his bow, and a bit better at avoiding damage.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Sunday March 29th, 2020 6:47:36 PM
Succotash likes the idea of a week and a half to two week furlough, and takes the time to teleport to Merrydale to try to finally face his father. He isn�t sure if he is seeking his approval or his forgiveness, but In his heart, Succotash wishes to heal the wounds he created the day he left home.

DM Kathy
Monday March 30th, 2020 12:34:33 PM
The next two weeks are very busy. You make arrangements for the animals, building large enclosures with toys, places to hide, and things to explore. You use teleportation magic to bring the animals to their new (in some cases temporary) home.

You visit the Catacombs and upgrade your gear.

You take care of personal business. Tali reunites with Rayya. The little owl is glad to see you, and curious about the new animals. Murphy finds time to sit with MacGregor Headwise. Succotash goes to Merrydale. Bliss catches up on sleep.

The dark elves and caravan employees are traveling overland from Crofters Crossing to Humble's Ford. The way is relatively safe--with the possible exception of the last bit over the Red Hills. They are able to stay in contact with you, and let you know if they need help. So far, their journey has been uneventful.

Eventually, of course, you will be leaving to take the two ocelots and the lioness to their new homes in the Easter Wilderlands. Before that happens, the ocelots will need to be taught how to hunt so they can survive in the wild. That is really your time limiter at the moment; once you decide the ocelots are ready, you can make your departure.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Monday March 30th, 2020 2:25:50 PM
Shopping

Tali asks Rayya is she wants to go with her shopping for new addition to her gear. "Rayya, my lovely friend, wanna go shopping with me to the Catacombs? Might be able to find a new juicy treat for you!" says Tali to her friendly owl.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 900 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 900 of 900 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Monday March 30th, 2020 4:32:21 PM
Pressi is quite appreciative of Murphy's gift, and quite happy with her new weapon.

She also does take some time to discuss where they are and what the plans are. (I took the discussion offline, but I'm appreciative of the downtime for the characters.)

Harper does what she can to train the animals in the way of hunting.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 35/20/31 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday March 30th, 2020 5:59:30 PM
Succotash starts walking down the roads of his childhood heading to the home he grew up in. Nothing that he can tell has changed since his departure 7 years or so ago, �Everything is as it should be�, he thinks to himself. He reaches for the knocker on the door, but then pulls his hand away, �I�ve fearlessly faced Giants, Dragons, and death, and yet I fear what�s behind this door!�, he mumbles to himself. Finally he reaches out and knocks on the door.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Monday March 30th, 2020 11:28:58 PM
"Hey, look what I can do!" says Kezzem excitedly as he uses his new FLAMING dagger to set dead vegetation on fire, then uses his frost dagger.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday March 31st, 2020 2:33:21 AM

Murphy can play prey for the ocelots, as well as predator, working with Harper sometimes, sometimes just letting Harper do their training all by herself - occasionally watching from afar. He figures Harper is the master in these circumstances.

He does offer tactical training. Such as chase the prey toward the hiding partner.

The druid delivers an update to the Journal of Humble's Sword. With a tiny bit more free time, he does some editing, jots notes and additional information in some areas.

Following Bliss's example, he makes some inquiries regarding the lands they plan to visit. He offers to deliver messages to a few folks out in that area if such help is needed.

He admires Kezzem's hot and cold attacks.

Murphy will attend religious services as led by Sarabella Lovesong, and others offered in town as well. He approaches various religious leaders about the shrines still under development at the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword to get their ideas and recommendations for finishing and dedicating each shrine.

He checks to see how Kade is doing with tunneling and mushroom growing. He also inspects the series of tunnels he built with help a while back. Any weaknesses he will work to repair - using judiciously dampening, some rock to mud, and mud to rock here and there.

But mainly, he looks for time to spend with Pressi.

And, as availability occurs, he gets together individually, as asks each member, "What are we as Humble's Sword doing well? What can we do better?"

Subbing for Bliss (Jeremy)
Tuesday March 31st, 2020 4:56:29 AM
"That's great Kezzem!", Bliss says while clapping his hands, "Now freeze um, and fry um!"

DM Kathy
Tuesday March 31st, 2020 1:14:45 PM
In Humble's Ford, Kezzem shows off his new daggers, to Bliss's admiration. Tali brings Rayya to the Catacombs with her, which is sure to cause a sensation.

Pressi and Murphy help the ocelots learn to hunt. You know that ocelots in the wild are solitary hunters, so you work with the siblings separately. However, given that they were raised together well into adulthood, it's possible that the two ocelots will want to share territory, so you also teach them some team tactics.

You also spend some time with Grnta the bear, who is slowly acclimatizing to her new surroundings.

In Merrydale, Succotash pauses before knocking on the door of his childhood home. There is a long pause, and you begin to think nobody is home, and then the door opens. You don't immediately recognize the person who opened it, but then it clicks. You haven't seen your cousin in years, and he's grown up from the weedy youth he used to be. And for the life of you, you can't remember his name. His real name, that is. You usually called him Blockhead. He frowns, not immediately recognizing you either. "Succotash?" he says at last.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday March 31st, 2020 1:57:24 PM
while the others are out hunting with ocelots, Hobie spends time out riding his pony Pippa in the fields around town. He also gets in some practice with the bow, particularly he will spend time casting the spell Fly, and hovering while shooting. He tries to chase birds and shoot them out of the sky. Anything he kills he will bring home to his cousin, Constable Roscoe.

He enjoys what time he has, as he knows it�s once again going to be just a few days at home before running off on another adventure

Subbing for Bliss (Jeremy)
Tuesday March 31st, 2020 6:11:07 PM
Bliss helps in the ocelot training, since he has some experience hunting as a cat.

Succotash (Jeremy)
Tuesday March 31st, 2020 6:20:51 PM
As he recognizes his cousin, Succotash is about to address him by his childhood nickname, but realizes that may not be a good thing at this time, and since he can�t for the life of him remember his name, Succotash simply says, �It�s been a long time cousin, how goes things here on the home front?� He leaves Blockhead some time to respond, than asks, �Are my parents around, I would really like to see them, especially, I suppose, my father?�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday March 31st, 2020 8:31:02 PM
(More to come tomorrow morning.)

Pressi continues to spend time with Murphy and with her coven. She also gives Kezzem and Hobie a thumbs up on their rather impressive numbers.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Wednesday April 1st, 2020 4:56:00 AM

Murphy decides to renounce druidism and become a bricklayer. He says he's going to check with the WLA to see if he can pick up a few skill points in laying bricks, slathering mortar, and using a plumb line.

"What day is today?" he asks as he ponders his career change.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Wednesday April 1st, 2020 1:05:55 PM
The Shopping Trip

Upon return from the Catacombs, Tali returns her Owl friend to her perch to recover from the CataCombs.

After removing the dust from her clothes, and washing up, Tali will mediate for two hours, resting up for the next assignment / trip.

Upon waking Tali will doing her standard daily process. If 24 hours have past, will cast her two (2) favorite spells: Overland Flight & Mage Armor.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+28=39 ; d20+28=38 ; d20+28=38 ; d20+28=46 ; d20+28=31 ; d20+28=40 ; d20+28=29 ; d20+28=48 ; d20+28=37 ; d20+28=29 ;
Wednesday April 1st, 2020 1:27:10 PM
Hobie fires at ten birds as he flies around. Eight surely hit their mark, but two find themselves off course by just a hair. He is a bit frustrated at being only 80% accurate. After collecting his prey, he'll take some time to fiddle with his bow string, thinking it must be just a hair off.

DM Kathy
Wednesday April 1st, 2020 2:03:41 PM
What with one thing and another, you find yourselves spending several weeks in Humble's Ford. The ocelots have to be trained, and the other animals tended to. When the menagerie employees arrive, space has to be found for them, and then they need to be taught how to better look after the animals.

Grnta the bear continues to improve, but it's clear her menagerie days are over. She grows to like and trust the security of her enclosure, and doesn't want to leave. Sometimes she consents to come out and let people look at her, but that still seems to make her a little uncomfortable. Still, the local halflings seem to like having their very own bear, and many of them grow to become quite protective of Grnta's privacy.

In Merrydale, Succotash learns that his cousin Bachedt (right! that's his real name!) is being taught to take over the silversmithing business. You spend a cozy afternoon with your mother over tea, and a somewhat less cozy conversation with your father at his workshop. It's clear he's still somewhat resentful of how things turned out, and would much rather be training you than your cousin Blockhead. Er, Bachedt.

Murphy plays a merry prank to lighten the long winter days.

Finally, you reach the point where you feel you can leave Humble's Ford once again. The menagerie is ready to go come spring. The ocelots know how to hunt. Mowa the lioness is becoming very impatient. You have your new gear from the Catacombs, you have repaired your old gear, and you are ready for your next adventure!

One final question remains: are you taking the cats (the two ocelots and Mowa) with you on your travels? Or do you plan to find a suitable spot, then teleport back here and get them?

Okay, two final questions: are you going to travel overland or by ship?

[Everybody take 4,000 XP for this scene. We will start our new adventure tomorrow, so please wrap up what you need in Crescent Valley. If your character is still in the Catacombs, that's fine; you will have your gear when you depart.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday April 1st, 2020 11:34:51 PM
Pressi reminds the group that going over land might be better. Otherwise, she prepares for her trip.

As Succotash comes back from his visit from his dad, Pressi makes a decision. She writes a letter to her family saying she's ready to see them again... and leaves it on a tree stump in the middle of an open field.

She doesn't even turn around before knowing a family member took it,

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174 - 15; 1 Con damage; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Thursday April 2nd, 2020 1:12:51 AM
"So long, and thanks for all the fish," says Kezzem as the Sword are ready to depart,

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Thursday April 2nd, 2020 3:55:40 AM

Murphy wild shapes a few times. As a lion he talks with Mowa, and offers her a choice. "Would you want to travel with us? You won't be in a cage. We all likely will face danger. Some of us may die. You may die. But you could travel, and see much. We will defend you. Perhaps you will defend us. Until we find a place you want to call home.

"Or, you can wait here. Just as we used magic to move you from one place to another, so we would do again. It likely would be safer for you, and less complicated for us. But, Mowa, you get to decide."

As an ocelot [yeah, yeah, a reskinned leopard or the like], Murphy talks with the adventuresome youngins. He offers the same choice as he offered Mowa. And finds out their names (or makes up names for them if no one else does). If they (and Mowa) choose to join the party, then he gives them each the chance to say farewell to the other animals. "We leave in the morning."

Murphy and Pressi have been having many private conversations.

He has spent time with his family, and welcomed his friends to do so, as well. His folks and family love to be with his adventuring friends, and ask all sorts of questions, and sometimes offer advice as former adventurers.

Murphy checks in with the mayor and his wife, and Roscoe, to see how things go on the political and law enforcement areas of Humble's Ford. And, he visits Tiana, seeing how she is faring, and expressing deep gratitude for her key role in saving the whole valley from massive death, destruction and slavery. "Without you, Tiana, we would have been lost." He apologizes for leaving, or, really, being whisked away just before things were wrapped up. Doing so was so far from his will that... well, he is just sorry he was not there. If she will, he asks her to tell him her perceptions of the event, and the aftermath.

He joins Hobie in helping him out in archery practice by tossing things in the air for him to shoot down. And helping to organize kids and adults who want to practice at the archery range at the Sanctuary.

He thanks foreman George for the additional work he and his crew have accomplished in providing housing for the menagerie, and helping shape up the shrines. He sees how Kade is doing with the mushroom cultivation.

The druid casts a few instances of plant growth to touch on the town and surrounding farmland to help insure abundant crops over this next year. He plants in a variety of places three oak seeds in proximity to each other - with enough space to have room to grow. He casts targeted plant growth at the various sites he has done this. Not often, though, will the acorns be planted so as to form equilateral triangles. The challenge and offer to join a druidic order still rests in the back of his mind.

In the morning, friends gathered together, he asks Succotash to offer up a prayer for their journey together. Then he is ready to travel eastward.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Thursday April 2nd, 2020 8:41:23 AM
Return from the Catacombs

After returning from the Catacombs, Tali puts Rayya to bed, dons her new gear, and then proceeds to meditate for two (2) hours, while wearing her new gear, especially to get use to the goggles and the newly upgraded belt.

Upon waking Tali will doing her standard daily process. If 24 hours have past, will cast her two (2) favorite spells: Overland Flight & Mage Armor.

Then Tali searches out her companions looking forward to the next chapter.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | 900 of 900 minutes
Mage Armor | 900 of 900 minutes

Subbing for Bliss (Jeremy)
Thursday April 2nd, 2020 10:24:00 AM
Bliss makes it clear to everyone that he is ready to go!

Succotash (Jeremy)
Thursday April 2nd, 2020 10:33:28 AM
Succotash thanks his mom for a lovely tea and gives he a giant hug, telling he loves her. In the workshop, he breaks down saying:

�Dad, I know you may not believe me, but I tried as hard as I could to follow in your footsteps. The problem is, I simply don�t have a knack for working the silver, and every time I tried, I would end up more frustrated, as I wanted to honor you out of love. The stronger the frustration grew, the stronger my wanderlust grew, until I couldn�t take anymore. I hate how I left, and our last words together, but I truly love my life as an adventurer, and I�m overjoyed that a Slenderstick will be taking over the business in the future. I have to leave, but know that I love you and mom, and I hope someday you�ll understand�

He tries to give his dad a hug, and then says farewell, as he teleports back to Humble�s Ford.

Adventure Land

A Passage to Cthonia

DM Kathy
Thursday April 2nd, 2020 2:17:01 PM
Murphy talks to the animals to get their preferences. Mowa wants to come with you. She is tired of this valley, tired of this stupid town, tired of captivity. She wants to leave as soon as possible.

You talk to the ocelots. They do have names, and you have known them for some time. Your DM was hoping to slip by without thinking of the actual names, but alas. The girl is Nia; the boy is Lio. They decide they'd rather spend a bit more time here with their family, then have you teleport them once you've found a suitable place for them.

Succotash rejoins the group, knowing that he has at least made a start on mending fences with his father.

Bliss is eager to depart; Kezzem is as witty as ever. Tali prepares and casts her traveling spells.

Pressi feels that going overland is your best course, and nobody else seems to feel strongly about it, so you leave the Valley by the seldom-used North Road, heading into the Scab. Mowa the lioness paces by your side; the ocelot siblings remain in Humble's Ford. It is still winter, and you have set off early in the day, so a silvery frost clings to every bush, tree, and rock you pass. It is beautiful. And also cold.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Thursday April 2nd, 2020 2:39:13 PM
"Brrr, it's chilly out," says Kezzem. He casts Endure Elements on himself and on Rumpus.

"So anyway, I'm thinking of calling this dagger Ice and this one Fire. I'm even working on a Song about them. I call it...a Melody of Frost and Flame."

[DM edited header to remove an extra link tag.]

Succotash (Jeremy)
Thursday April 2nd, 2020 6:55:46 PM
Succotash casts endure elements on Valerie, as she is cold blooded, but stays relatively comfortable in his winter clothing. He is glad he went home, and is looking forward to spending time in Merrydale again soon. Maybe he�ll take some of his friends along next time, maybe if his dad sees how amazing his fellow Swords are, he may learn to understand his life choice. He is excited to be back on the road, this time heading to places he has never been before, and he is almost giddy at the thought of seeing new things and places.

Subbing for Bliss (Jeremy)
Thursday April 2nd, 2020 6:58:34 PM
Bliss turns himself into a cat and trots alongside his friends, while Mookie flies overhead.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25, HP 96/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday April 2nd, 2020 9:50:37 PM
Pressi gives Murphy's hand a squeeze as they see the ocelots off.

For the most part, Pressi alternates between riding on her broom and riding on Harper. The jungle cat somewhat remains standoffish to the ocelots but remains closeby.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 with rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday April 2nd, 2020 9:53:35 PM
Header fix

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday April 3rd, 2020 1:45:32 AM

Murphy happily returns Pressi's squeeze of the hand. It has been pleasant working together with her in training ocelots Lio and Nia. And he has enjoyed Harper's studied indifference.

Murphy waits for Succotash to pray a blessing over their expedition, and also has requested that Sarabella Lovesong see them off in the morning with a prayer - or to send another to do so, should she not feel up to it. Hazel and Alouryn surely will be there to wave goodbye, and like as not promise to continue watching over the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword and the various projects underway.

It had been mentioned a while back that Murphy would enlist his sister, Leska Rose, a druid, to help with the menagerie and care of the animals over the winter. She does come to help, but can be there usually 4-5 days at a time, followed by 4-10 days off - she has occasional business in Angel Springs and elsewhere. But good care of the animals, and helping the staff better to understand their needs and care? Absolutely.

Perhaps predictably, Murphy shows up with a cart. Some folded tents, tarps, poles and blankets are visible, along with a chest along one side and a barrel along the other. "Right, if we need to abandon it along the way, we do. But sometimes if someone is hurt, or tired, they can ride in the cart. Besides, cats like to sleep most of the day. Anyone want to carry her, or argue with Mowa? Quick! Now is your chance to talk me out of it." Without really waiting for anyone to object, the towhead sends a wave through the leather reins and says, "Nutmeg, Sugar, giddup!"

Subbing for Bliss (Jeremy)
Friday April 3rd, 2020 5:25:27 AM
At Murphy's mention of cat's liking to sleep a lot, Cat-Bliss jumps into the back of the cart, curls up and takes a nap.

Succotash (Jeremy)
Friday April 3rd, 2020 5:34:39 AM
At Murphy's request, Succotash, from his saddle on Valerie, offers up this prayer:

"God's of the Wold I call upon you all asking for your guidance, and protection, as we depart for places unknown for us. We are sure to find trouble along the way, but I ask that you would guide and protect us in combat, or any other obstacle we may find along the way. We seek nothing but to right wrongs, stop evil, and protect the innocent, so any help you can offer is greatly appreciated. Thank-You for the gifts we have received, and will receive in the future"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday April 3rd, 2020 1:34:29 PM
Hobie is happy to follow Pressi overland. He will handle the cold so long as it is only uncomfortable, but if it gets cold to the point of pain, he'll use his wand of Endure Elements

DM Kathy
Friday April 3rd, 2020 3:37:51 PM
Murphy has brought a cart and--horses?mules?--anyway, something to pull it. He explains it will be a good place for Mowa to nap as you travel. Mowa looks skeptical.

Succotash says a prayer, and several adventurers resort to an Endure Elements for the cold. Mowa does not sleep in the wagon that first day, but Harper and cat-Bliss are more than happy to take her place.

The first day is cold, but bearable--however, it gets colder as you travel. More and more of you need Endure Elements to feel comfortable. Mowa doesn't like it at all. You had warned her about the cold, but experiencing it is something else. She is clearly unhappy, and makes her frustration known with growls and little nips.

[There was some confusion about this; only Mowa is with you. The ocelots stayed behind; you will get them when you've found a place for them.]

You travel for several cold, but uneventful, days. When it snows, Mowa finally consents to ride in the cart.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Friday April 3rd, 2020 3:46:01 PM
A Passage to Cthonia

Tali once again leave Rayya behind to watch their collective belongs, and to occasionally play with the new arrivals.

Tali having packed all her needed gear in her haversack / pants o' plenty, heads out with the group. She hopes her newly acquired gear helps her on this journey.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Saturday April 4th, 2020 12:41:18 AM
"Maybe you could have Murphey carry her in his portable hole," suggests Kezzem to Tali.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Sunday April 5th, 2020 12:22:50 AM

One thing I neglected to mention is that Murphy also is bringing along his riding dog. Seeing the prevalence of felines in the back of the cart, when he gets tired, Skipper will sometimes jump up on the seat next to Murphy up front in the cart. But he has pretty good endurance, so does not mind spending a fair bit of time trotting along with the group, often checking out the smells and curiosities he spots along the path.

On the first day out, Murphy mentioned to the group, "These my ponies Nutmeg and Sugar have provided transportation to the group since the Humble's Sword took its first trip outside of the town, along with Pippa, who is now Hobie's valiant mare." [See Murphy post October 10, 2013, and Murphy's and Hobie's posts of November 10th, 2017] "She once was under a tree that got fireballed by a bad goblin named Ringrot, yet she managed to run off - took half a night to catch up to her. Tough, resiliant is she! And definitely improved under Hobie's care." A few days later, he added this thought. "This cart can be pulled by only one pony, and the way the harness is set up, it's easy to change from a two-pony cart to a one-pony cart. But they seem to love pulling together."

"I went to the Catacombs," Murphy replies to Kezzem's suggestion to Tali about where to quarter Rayya. "There's not as much room in the portable hole as there was last month. Besides, I thought I have heard of a mage who had a pouch or satchel or something that allowed him to carry his familiar safely, and the critter could eat and sleep and breathe and all inside, until he needed to pull it out. Maybe Tali can get one of those, or have someone make one. Maybe Mookie might know something about that - he used to work in the Catacombs."

A couple days out, he asks Mowa if she would like for him to make her a warm wrap. As she seemed to snarl at the initial suggestion, he does not mention the notion again until the snow starts to fall, though he does place winter blankets about the back of the cart so the cats get used to them. "About that wrap - I use some of these winter blankets here." The ones he speaks of are sized for humans, not halflings. "If you'd like, I'll start to sew one for you." If she is game for the idea, he has someone else sit in the driver's seat of the cart for a while as he begins to fashion a wrap for Mowa. He has needles and thread. He goes to work. He sings some of the songs he grew up on, being from a family of singers, musicians and storytellers.

"Say, on a trip like this, sometimes reading a good book can fill the hours with more than beautiful scenery. I've got a copy of my journals of Humble's Sword - from Day One until a few days ago. Was able to fill in what I missed when I was whisked away to explore the planes by talking with each of you all - and Tiana, and some of the townsfolk. If anyone wants to read the story of who we have been, and how we got to where we are now - just ask, and I'll lend you one of the volumes. I'm working on volume 4 these days." [If anyone wants to simulate reading the journals, well, go all the way back in the Archives to the start, and get to reading!]
------
To DM Kathy: Murphy's ponies and dogs are shown in his CS toward the bottom of the Equipment tab.

Subbing for Bliss (Jeremy)
Monday April 6th, 2020 10:26:14 AM
Cat-Bliss snuggles in Mowa, enjoying her extra body heat.

Succotash (Jeremy) d20+22=28 ; d20+9=26 ;
Monday April 6th, 2020 10:29:45 AM
Succotash keeps his eyes peeled for any threats or what not (perception 28), while Valerie keeps her nose to the wind (perception 26)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 with rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Monday April 6th, 2020 1:14:36 PM
To Murphy's offer to get in a good book, Pressi reminds him that she's waiting for the movie.

More seriously, Press continues to help take care of the animals, scout the area, and otherwise watch the scenery. She also uses occasional divinations like find the path or her clairvoyance ability.

DM Kathy
Monday April 6th, 2020 2:04:15 PM
Mowa scorns the offer of any kind of warm wrap, though she magnanimously allows the other animals to cuddle up to her. If they want.

The snow day is the worst, and coldest day you face. Shortly afterward, you round the isthmus and begin descending toward Cthonia. The temperature warms noticeably day by day. Soon, you pack away your winter things.

A little over a week after you left Crescent Valley, you find yourself camped on a ridge overlooking the lush, verdant growth of Cthonia. You will enter the jungle tomorrow.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Monday April 6th, 2020 3:29:40 PM
Kezzem and Rumpus are fine with the temperatures, thanks to the magic of Endure Elements.

"If any body else wants to keep toasty warm, just say the word," offers Kezzem. "I can help two more of you endure these elements."

"Cthonia? I don't like the sound of this place. Not enough vowels in the first part of the name. That is never a good sign."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday April 6th, 2020 4:56:25 PM
Hobie packs his winter gear away in his handy haversack where he can get it should the need arise again. He dresses himself in light, but long sleeved clothing to protect against bugs in the approaching jungle.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=47 ;
Tuesday April 7th, 2020 11:16:36 AM

"What is a moo-vee?" Murphy inquires of Pressi. Her occasional use of terms totally outside of his frame of reference often leaves him puzzled. If only he had traveled to all the places she had in her youth, so many more things might he know. But that's part of why he loves her. She expands his world. Or, at least, tries to.

He talks with Mowa as they look down upon the jungle. "Have you lived in a jungle full of plants as we see below, or more in grassy plains?" he asks her. He thinks about how he might want to change up his spells in memory to adapt to the terrain they are about to enter.

He observes the layout of the terrain before them, using the advantage of the height they enjoy to mentally catalog landmarks, the shape of the terrain, and the distance he can see. "I'll be back in about fifteen minutes. Go ahead and move ahead. I want to take a look from a higher place." He moves away from others, shape changes into a huge air elemental, and shoots up and over the area below. He goes about seven miles out, then takes a broad loop around and back to whatever short distance the group may have traveled during his brief jaunt.

He reports on what he has seen.
==============
Perception: 47 - during overflight of jungle

[It will likely take a day or two to make the changes on his CS - super busy]

Succotash (Jeremy) d20+22=42 ; d20+9=22 ;
Tuesday April 7th, 2020 1:12:40 PM
As the temps start going up, Succotash packs away his cold weather clothes, putting them in his handy haversack. Valerie is almost giddy, if a dinosaur can be giddy at being in the jungle. They both keep their senses open while traveling, just in case something means them harm.

Succotash perception 42
Valerie perception 22

Subbing for Bliss (Jeremy)
Tuesday April 7th, 2020 1:14:17 PM
As the temps go up, Cat-Bliss decides to stretch his legs, and sharpens his claws on a nearby tree.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 with rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday April 7th, 2020 2:06:11 PM
"Uh uh," Pressi teased Murphy. "First you tell me what is this reading while traveling, as if reading materials were portable and easily mass produced for a highly literate population. Why, it's almost like moo-vies are just as likely to exist in this period as a compact notebook with a pen."

You can actually hear her wink.

(And that is why policing references is a sucker's game.)

Before they enter the jungle, Pressi flies overhead of the entrance.

Afterwards, she helps the group prepare camp.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday April 7th, 2020 3:04:55 PM
Now Murphy is quite perplexed. "Mass-produced? Three to four copies of our journals exist. I've written the original and a copy. My brother has made two copies - one for the WLA, and one kept at my family's place." He pulls out penk and ink. "You see me writing frequently with these - almost every night as we go out adventuring. And portable? Why, I port them all over the place. You are silly, Pressi, sometimes."

(I see a reversal of real life here. It is often I who tease my wife with absurd references, and she who answers seriously.)

DM Kathy
Tuesday April 7th, 2020 3:31:40 PM
As you approach the jungle, Murphy asks Mowa whether she has lived in a similar place before. She has not; the home she remembers had grassy plains. The ocelots would do well in this jungle; Mowa may need to travel all the way through to the plains on the other side.

Hobie and Succotash stash away their cold-weather gear. Cat-Bliss just enjoys the warmer weather.

Kezzem doesn't like the name "Cthonia," because the vowels are unevenly distributed. Your DM would add that, despite the name, the place is not underground, which threw her off at first.

Before you enter the jungle, Pressi and Murphy do some aerial reconnoissance. You see that the jungle foliage is very thick indeed, and that there isn't much of a road, which could be a problem for the wagon.

As you travel into the jungle, you discover that, yes, the wagon is going to be very difficult to get through. The road you've been following quickly narrows to a footpath with thick vegetation on either side. Your pace slows to a crawl as you try to ease the wagon through.

Also, it is quite warm beneath the jungle canopy. It isn't long before most of you are sweating freely. Was it only a few days ago that you were too cold?

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday April 7th, 2020 4:32:46 PM
As Hobie starts to sweat, he turns to his friends and asks �So are we sure we need this wagon?� Can anybody shrink it?

As they enter the jungle and move through it, Hobie has his bow at the ready and is constantly looking out for any danger that might come about.

(Ooc: we are on the ponies right?)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday April 7th, 2020 8:52:05 PM

"I see a few options, maybe you all have more," says Murphy.

* Yes, Hobie, if we have someone in the group who can cast the shrink spell - it's third level, and it's one I checked into as we were discussing how to get all the wagons and such quickly from Crafter's Crossing to Humble's Ford. That could resolve the issue.
* Another idea: I can change into a hulking earth elemental, and make a road through the jungle. That would be interesting.
* Or: I put most of the stuff in the wagon in the portable hole, then, as a huge air elemental, fly the cart ahead until it's almost out of the jungle, then fly back to rejoin the party. Not that that would attract any attention.
* Or: we abandon the cart.
* Or: Disassemble it, and take the key components in the portable hole. I have most of another cart already with me.

"Other ideas?" Murphy asks. "I might be handy to have a cart later, but likely we won't die without it."[Keeping this short in case people ask him questions he can answer.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Tuesday April 7th, 2020 10:28:43 PM
"Oh, I know this one," says Kezzem. "A movie is like a play, Murphey, but with cows, ain't that right, Press?"

"Maybe if you took a few levels of paladin and took a celestial cart as your mount, you could summon as needed like I do Rumpus," suggests Kezzem unhelpfully.

Subbing for Bliss (Jeremy)
Wednesday April 8th, 2020 5:44:36 AM
Bliss turns back into a halfling and says if you can shrink the cart, do it, otherwise, lets just leave it here and pick it up on the way home.

Succotash (Jeremy)
Wednesday April 8th, 2020 5:49:33 AM
Succotash agrees with Bliss about the cart. As he starts to sweat, he is surprised how the weather can change so drastically from region to region.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Wednesday April 8th, 2020 1:28:39 PM

To speed things along, Murphy agrees. "I'll need a few minutes to transfer the contents of the wagon into the portable hole. Could use some help from those with bulging muscles. Also - no extradimensional items in the hole." So saying, he takes off Bill's Splendid Pants O' Plenty - and is wearing some light pants underneath, so no one, especially Murphy, needs blush. He removes any other such things, such as his handy haversack. He gives his ponies fodder bags so they can eat a bit. Then he opens the portable hole. A ladder can be seen right at the top of the hole. He climbs up and down a few times. The chest goes on top of a stack of chests - easily reachable without descending. He empties the barrel of most of its water, and tucks it into a free spot.

He puts his pants back on, and haversack. He marks the local vegetation - and has been keeping track of it as they went along, so figures he can find the spot again.

"All right, let's go!" Murphy says with enthusiasm and a smile. He tells his horses that the going should be easier now - placing them in the middle of the group so that the way can be slightly cleared before they have branches slapping their faces.

DM Kathy
Wednesday April 8th, 2020 2:31:46 PM
Hobie urges Murphy to shrink the cart or just ditch it, while Kezzem discusses the merits of Dial-a-Horse. [OOC: I pictured you guys on foot, but you can be on ponies if you prefer. Just let me know.]

Murphy, realizing the cart is just impractical for jungle travel, moves his items to other conveyances, mostly the portable hole, unhitches the ponies, and leaves the cart behind.

Harper, Bliss, and Mowa are therefore consigned to walking, but they don't seem to mind that much. Mowa is clearly appreciating the warmer climate, and curious about the jungle around her.

Valerie is simply beside herself with excitement. She loves the climate, and the surroundings. She can smell other dinosaurs. She can even smell other velociraptors! Succotash doesn't have a mental link with her, but her excitement is clear and it isn't hard to guess the cause.

You make better time without the cart, and soon you are deep in the jungle.

Later in the day, you come upon an unexpected sight. There is a crossroads of a kind--a meeting of two jungle paths--and set up there is a small trading booth. There is a large table, with goods on display, with neat bundles of goods off to the side, and a small tent pitched behind. Manning the table are two kobolds! They wave and call greetings as you approach.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Wednesday April 8th, 2020 9:37:48 PM
In the Jungle...the Mighty Jungle

Tali hovers across the Woldian surface, above 3 feet. Trailing behind the group, staying on the lookout for anything.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday April 8th, 2020 10:49:14 PM
"So I was thinking...what if we developed some magic stone tablet or something that would let you summon a pony when you need one as paladins like me can do. That sure would be a great way to get a ride, and we could make a nice profit! We could call it...huver. Like hooves but spelled all foreigny."

"A shop? Here? I thought we already did the catacombs. In fact, I'm quite sure of it. I even sang a song about it."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 with rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Wednesday April 8th, 2020 11:16:33 PM
Pressi takes some time to approach the kobolds. She takes some time to ask who they even sell to.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday April 9th, 2020 12:08:47 AM
To Kezzem �Magic stone tablet? How about just a scroll of �Mount�?�

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=56 ; d20+19=21 ;
Thursday April 9th, 2020 1:35:46 AM

Murphy laughs aloud at Kezzem's suggestions. "Yes, cows, definitely." "Celestial cart?!?" Good thing the druid wasn't drinking, or there would have been a spit-take.

While traveling through the jungle, Murphy gathers samples, shoots, and seeds from various flora. He especially is on the lookout for the fabled darkwood - the wood and bark are marvelous for fashioning various items, including weapons, armor, and, as his father has done, very high-quality woodwind instruments. If by now he has not found any, he does ask the kobolds if they have heard of it in these woods.

"You wouldn't happen to sell wands, now, would you? Such as a wand of shrink?

"And, by the way," he asks, nodding toward Pressi and her query, "how is it you found yourselves setting up shop in the midst of this selva?"
========
Search for darkwood: Perception: 56
Knowledge, nature: 21

Succotash (Jeremy)
Thursday April 9th, 2020 6:49:33 AM
As Valerie is getting excited, Succotash uses his speak with animals to ask her what�s up. When he hears her answer, he says to her, �This must be a homecoming of sorts for you, hopefully we won�t meet any of you crankier, and more powerful relatives�. When they spy the Kobolds, Succotash whispers to his friends, �Be careful, kobolds aren�t known for their trustworthiness�.

Subbing for Bliss (Jeremy)
Thursday April 9th, 2020 6:51:51 AM
Hearing Succotash�s warning, but not paying any attention to it, Bliss walks towards the Kobolds and says, �What�ch selling?�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Thursday April 9th, 2020 11:39:41 AM
To Hobbie: "But not everyone can cast scrolls."

To Murphy: "Maybe a celestial mimic in the shape of a cart?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday April 9th, 2020 12:44:22 PM
Hobie will be happy to peruse the Kobolds' goods.

"Hey there, whatcha'll got for sale?"

DM Kathy
Thursday April 9th, 2020 3:47:52 PM
Tali hangs back a bit, and Kezzem is still enthusiastic about his huver idea, but most of the group approaches the kobold's trading station with curiosity. Succotash warns his companions to be on their guard.

Murphy asks whether they have wands, but a glance at the merchandise reveals that they probably don't. You see clay bowls, plates and pitchers; woven mats; leather goods made from--is that crocodile? Over at the end of the table are exotic-looking weapons, and some mysterious concoctions in glass potion bottles.

Hobie and Bliss ask what the kobolds have for sale. "Many things!" one of them replies. He? Probably he. He picks up a colorfully decorated clay bowl. "Bowls for fruit or meat!" He gestures to the potion bottles, "Cures for jungle poisons. Also, jungle poisons!"

Pressi asks who they even sell to. "People," the same kobold replies. "People come through on paths, and we see them and say, buy our things!" He points down the other path. "That way Crystal Beach. Boats come there, and people come from boats."

The other kobold has been watching you carefully. When his companion is finished speaking, he says. "You have weapons." He points to Tali. "And that one flies. Maybe you are heroes?" It's hard to read kobold expressions, but the tone of his last question sounded hopeful.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday April 9th, 2020 4:44:32 PM
�We are in fact heroes. Pound for pound, the greatest heroes in all the Wold! Are you in need of Heroes?�

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Thursday April 9th, 2020 7:35:11 PM

Murphy was going to say, "That's a question for Bliss to answer." But, in light of what Hobie reported, Murphy instead says. "Yes, and we are very humble, too. Very humble. How might we help you?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Friday April 10th, 2020 5:53:23 AM
Not letting his guard, Succotash says, "We are the heroes known as Humble's Sword, perhaps you've heard of us, we did slay a dragon at the Battle of the Sargrass Plains after all?" He than skeptically asks, "What can we do for you?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 with rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday April 10th, 2020 2:35:30 PM
As Succotash declares them heroes, Pressi makes a "kind of" hand motion. "Well... we often mean well."

When she finds out that there is a beach nearby, she makes her displeasure of being trapped in these close quarters well known.

She can barely resist the bowls and mats - the more kitsch the better - but she eventually turns her eyes towards the exotic weapons and potions, casting detect magic, detect poison and read magic (from tatoo) upon them. "Anything in particular you would recommend to a couple of jungle travelers?"

DM Kathy
Friday April 10th, 2020 3:17:07 PM
[I've been meaning to include this skill check for two days now!]

Knowledge: Local DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {These appear to be K�tthhykk kobolds, a peaceful tribe that has recently increased its efforts to trade with the outside world.}

Some of you are reluctant to speak up, but Hobie, Murphy, and Succotash confirm that you are, indeed heroes!

"And they are small, like kobolds!" the kobold says to his companion.

"Yes," the first kobold replies. He turns to you. "Our village has need of brave people. You go to our village? Talk to Chief? And Auntie?"

Pressi, meanwhile, is examining the goods for sale. You have come to the right place for "primitive kitsch;" everything is decorated in bright, colorful patterns. In particular, a small jug with blue and green lizards all over it catches your attention. The weapons are also decorated. You see blowguns, darts, bolas, and spears. Most seem to be sized for Big Folk; the kobolds clearly created them just for trade. A few of the potion bottles do detect as poison. You ask if there's anything in particular they recommend, and of course, they recommend all of it.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20-1=10 ;
Friday April 10th, 2020 7:09:01 PM

Bliss is excited at the shopping opportunity. "These bowls look perfect for cats to drink milk from." He buys two of the prettiest bowls for sure.

He asks if they have any bug ointment. "These flies and midges are super annoying." he says.

When he hears that they have need of heroes, he is glad to say he thinks the group should go visit Auntie and the Chief. He tries to figure out if they are honest or not ...

Untrained Sense Motive 10. "They seem on the up and up," he says.

"What's your take, Brother Succotash? Sir Kezzem?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d20+21=30 ;
Saturday April 11th, 2020 1:13:43 AM
"Yes, we are small like kobolds," says Kezzem. "And as Murphey has said, we are quite humble. Especially our swords. They almost never talk and brag about how good they are slashing things. Not like my fancy daggers. They never shut-up about how good they are at stabbing!"

Kezzem will look over the kobolds. (Detecting Evil). He also puts his considerable lie detection skills to use. (Sense Motive 30).

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+13=28 ; d20+26=37 ;
Sunday April 12th, 2020 4:13:29 AM

"Please tell me what jungle poisons you have, their nature and effects," Murphy requests. "What do they do, what plants or animals or other things do they come from?

"And what cures have you for jungle poison? How are the cures made? If you answer these questions fully, I would be willing to purchase some of each item - both poisons and cures."

To encourage them further, he asks, "Are you kin to the K�tthhykk kobolds? I've heard good things about them."

If this question pleases them, and he learns they actually are members of that tribe, he expresses delight to actually meet them. He introduces the members of the group to them, and requests their names.

"Now, tell us of the Chief and Auntie. Are they nearby?"

Murphy does nudge them back to answering his queries about the poisons and antidotes should they get too distracted by the other line of questioning.

1. Detail poisons and antidote information
2. What about K'tthhykk kobolds?
3. Tell us about Chief and Auntie

============
Knowledge: Local: 28/20
Sense Motive: 37 [Most folks have layers of motives. Murphy works to see how many layers he may perceive from the kobolds.]

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Sunday April 12th, 2020 1:41:42 PM
Kobolds?!

Tali having left Rayya at home, hovers along sporting her new gear.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+13=21 ;
Monday April 13th, 2020 5:55:44 AM
Sense motive 21 (To determine if the kobolds have anything up their sleeves)

If Succotash senses that the kobolds are legit, he says, "I see no reason to doubt these fine descendants of dragons, if they need a band of heroes, well, that would be who we are!"

If Succotash suspects something, he says, "I'm not sure I trust these guys, but I think we should use caution and investigate none the less.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 with rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Monday April 13th, 2020 1:22:29 PM
Pressi inevitably buys the big jug. She considers the weapons but not even she knows how to use any of them.

DM Kathy
Monday April 13th, 2020 1:33:00 PM
Bliss thinks the bowls are just right for cats! You find two especially pretty ones; one with a pattern of leaves in various shades of green, and another with an abstract pattern in your favorite colors. Each bowl costs a gold piece. You ask about bug repellent, and one of the kobolds shows you a small clay jar of ointment. It smells awful, but the kobolds assure you it keeps bugs away. They want 5 silver pieces for it.

Kezzem finds that the kobolds do not detect as evil. He senses they are being honest. Likewise, Succotash can tell that they have nothing up their sleeves. They don't even have sleeves!

Murphy asks whether the kobolds are kin to the K�tthhykk. "Yes!" one of them says. "We are K�tthhykk. That is our tribe!" They both seem pleased that you have heard of them. The one who first spoke to you is called Ka; the other is Khyshk.

You ask them about the poison, and they describe what it does. They decline to list all of the ingredients, saying it is a tribal secret. From their description, however, you are pretty confident that it is an herbal concoction that works like Drow poison. They ask 90 gold for it. They also describe the antidote. Again, they don't list all the ingredients, but you think its effect is similar to that of antitoxin. They ask 60 gold for it.

"Our chief is Sskurhe," Ka says. "He is a good chief. Wise and strong. Auntie is--" he and Khyshk exchange helpless shrugs. "Auntie is Auntie. Very old kobold. Everyone has much respect for Auntie."

"Our village is called Sskthk," Khyshk adds. "It is one day journey from here."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Monday April 13th, 2020 2:16:16 PM
"Ack, Bliss! I don't know about bugs, but that will certainly keep halflings away."

To the kobolds he says, "Your village is Ssk...ssk...Do you happen to be selling any letters here? I'd like to by a vowel!"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday April 13th, 2020 3:16:20 PM
(Are we allowed to use poisons? I know a lot of GMs say it�s evil to use poison. If it�s okay for us...)

Hobie speaks up �I�d like to buy a couple doses of the poison, as well as a couple doses of the antidote. You never know when it could come in handy�

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday April 13th, 2020 8:43:37 PM

Bliss gives 5 gold for two Cat Bowls and 6 jars of Bug Unguent. [OOC: PC Sheet updated]

Bliss laughs out loud [as does his player] when Kezzem asks to buy a vowel!

"Good one, Sir Kezzem," Bliss declares. "No offense, good kobolds! Just that your language is a jaw breaker for us!"

After the shopping is done, Bliss changes into a cat for the trip to the kobold village.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+14=31 ;
Monday April 13th, 2020 11:52:07 PM

"I'll take three of the poisons, and four of the antitoxins, and three of the bug stuff," Murphy says. "If you have that many." Using his alchemical skills, he plans later to study them, and see whether he can figure out their concoction. He says, I know that comes to five hundred eleven gold and 5 silver - but can we call it a fair quantity discount to pay 500 even?" He won't haggle overmuch. If they insist on the full face value, he'll cover it. If they agree to the 500, then, nice. He figures they likely are used to haggling, and his is a gentle one.

As it seems the party is fine with traveling to the village, he is, as well. He harvests little bits of this and that along the way, asks questions about the flora and fauna, and asks how the tribe has been faring of late. "Trading can help a people to survive and thrive." He asks if they can start teaching him some kobold greetings, and respectful ways of addressing leaders. [Linguistics: 31]

"With us traveling for a day - during the evening, what attacks from creatures or others might we expect? How friendly is the plant life hereabouts?" He wants to prepare for potential adversarial encounters, to help protect his friends and the kobolds.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday April 14th, 2020 2:20:57 AM

Along the way, he searches for any orchids or exotic flowers. If he finds something suitable, he first carefully checks it and its environs. Then, if it looks safe to do so, he cuts the stem with his +1 scimitar, and offers the blossom to Pressi.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Tuesday April 14th, 2020 5:35:33 AM
In draconic, Succotash says, "Lead us to your village, good decedents of dragons, we would be happy to help, if we are capable of doing that which your people require". Turning to Bliss, Succotash giggles and says, "Kobolds usually speak draconic, and I don't seem to have trouble with that language".

DM Kathy
Tuesday April 14th, 2020 2:03:58 PM
Pressi's jug is 2 gold pieces.

Kezzem wants to buy a vowel, but alas, none are for sale.

Bliss buys his bowls and some bug repellent.

Hobie buys some poison and some antitoxin. [OOC: For this DM, poison is not inherently evil; it depends on how it's used. Drow poison in particular cannot kill; it only renders the target unconscious. A future DM, of course, may disagree with this, so it's worth checking if the poison is still on your character sheet at that point.]

Murphy buys some poison, some antitoxin, and some bug ointment. You haggle with the kobolds, who seem to enjoy it, and wind up paying 504 gold.

Succotash speaks to the kobolds in draconic. "You speak the language of dragons!" Ka replies in the same language. "We cannot come with you; we must stay here for trade."

In Common, he adds, "But we will tell you how to get there." He gives you careful directions for finding the village. He also gives you a wooden disk, colorfully painted with tribal designs. "This token will tell Chief and Auntie that you spoke with us," he explains. "Show this when you get to the village."

You wrap up your business with the kobolds and leave the little trading booth. As you travel, Murphy keeps an eye out for flowers. Unfortunately, it is still winter-time, even here in the jungle. It's the wrong time of year for flowers, and you don't see any.

You now have several tasks. You need to find a suitable territory for the ocelot siblings, someplace where there are no ocelots already claiming the territory. You need to find a place for Mowa, probably on the plains. You need to stop off at the kobold village. You can complete these tasks in any order. However, there didn't seem to be a lot of urgency attached to the kobolds' request, and Mowa has been growing impatient.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Tuesday April 14th, 2020 7:24:52 PM
"Well, since you guys are out of vowels, do you have any mushrooms then?" asks Kezzem. "If not, we could hook you up with some. I'm an aspiring mushroomer, don't you know."

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday April 14th, 2020 7:42:35 PM

Changing back into a halfling, Bliss holds out his hand.

"Thank you," says Bliss as he takes the wooden token.

He links arms with Kezzem and helps the would-be mushroom merchant to get ambling on. "Never mind him," Bliss tells the kobolds. "He's silly."

Mookie rolls his eyes.

"Come on everybody, we have to get a move on to Koboldtown." Bliss can't say the name of the place either, so he isn't even trying.

If he notices the big cat's restlessness, he asks the party druid to Wild-Empathy her. "Mister Murphy, explain to Mama Lion that the plains are far away, but we'll get there, we promise!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 with rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Tuesday April 14th, 2020 8:45:51 PM
Pressi pays the money.

�Ok well I�m sure we can take a look at your village after we drop the animals off.�

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday April 15th, 2020 12:54:43 AM
Hobie will take the time to apply one of the doses of poison to a javelin and place it back in his efficient quiver. He will follow the lead of his friends who know more about animals.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+37=55 ; d20+19=37 ;
Wednesday April 15th, 2020 1:39:36 AM

Geography lesson
"According to the map that Bliss was able to obtain, we've gone through the Scab, are now in the jungles of Cthonia, wherein there also are some plateaus. Beyond that, desert. And further on, plains. Plains should be suitable for Mowa. I would guess we are still a few weeks out from them at our current rate of travel."

Ocelot home area? And other animal things
Before departing from Ka and Khyshk, he asks them, "Have you seen ocelots here in the jungle? I ask because we have a young adult pair who need a new home. If there are none too close nearby, this may be a good place for them to come. Here, I'll show you what they look like. Don't be afraid, I am a druid, and will wildshape so you can see what they look like." He does so, and moves about a bit as the ocelot family are wont to - a bit of frisking, a bit of pretend stalking. He then speaks in common. "They can't talk like this, though." He changes back to halfling. "So, have you seen any hereabouts? Ocelot cats?"

He considers whether to plow ahead toward the plains or to take the slight zig towards the kobold village. "What say, as we're close enough now - and who knows what may happen in the interim? - that we stop by Sskthk, meet Chief Sskurhe and Auntie, and learn what their need may be. We may let them know of our other commitments - perhaps accede to their request after the animals are found new homes as promised. Perhaps, if there are not too many other ocelots nearby, they could serve as guardians of the beautiful felines."

Pressi seems inclined to bypass the village for now. He asks if she'll reconsider. "It's not impossible they might help us with one part of our quest. It may be on our return that, if we not meet them now, other exigencies may arise that lead us to forget this opportunity all together."

Heeding Bliss's urging, he communicates with Mowa. "We will see if this be a good place for Nia and Lio. If it is, then after this we can find a good place for you. We have traveled almost halfway to where the plains lie. Be patient. We aim to get you there." He asks her how she is doing; whether she understands what he has told her; and how old she was when the menagerie took her up.

"Tali. You should bring Rayya with you next time. Let's figure out how to get you a good familiar carrier to keep her safe."

Flora
"Can't find any flowers in here. We are too far from the sun now it's winter," the druid comments. Still, he observes and learns what he can about the local plant life. He also keeps his eyes peeled if things hang down from above that might conceal serpents or the like.
=========
Perception: 55 - on alert for animal attacks
Knowledge: Nature: 37

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Wednesday April 15th, 2020 5:46:52 AM
Succotash is torn, on the one hand he wants to fulfill his promise to Mowa, and on the other hand they have a village of goodly kobolds, who need their help. Finally he uses his speak with animals spell like ability to ask Mowa whether or not she is willing to wait until the kobold adventure is over, and if not he offers to use greater teleport to transport her there, but warns her if he does that, he will just be dropping her off and leaving, forcing her to figure things out for herself.

DM Kathy
Wednesday April 15th, 2020 1:28:58 PM
Kezzem asks about mushrooms, but the kobolds are not selling food.

Bliss accepts the wooden token and urges the group to head for the kobolds' village.

Pressi pays for her items and recommends dropping the animals off first. Hobie applies the Drow poison to one of his javelins, but has no opinion on the animals.

Murphy asks the kobolds about ocelots. They have seen ocelots, and know what they look like, so there are some in the general area. It's unclear, however, whether there might be territory available for more ocelots; the kobolds are not druids and they don't pay that close of attention.

Murphy and Succotash speak with Mowa, who reluctantly agrees to come along to the kobold village. She thinks she was about two years old when she was originally captured, but it's hard to know for sure. She isn't quite so stressed now that she is freely walking alongside you rather than in a cage, so you've got that going for you. On the other hand, her presence may cause stress in others who encounter you.

Your business concluded, you leave the kobolds and head into the jungle.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Wednesday April 15th, 2020 7:09:20 PM

On the way through the jungle, Bliss changes into a cat and plays with Mowa. He walks next to her, pounces on her tail, hunts mice and deer with her.

Mookie flies above, telepathically warning of any obvious threats and directing Bliss to the nearest prey.

"At least it keeps him out of my hair," he says, as the group travels toward Koboldtown.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday April 15th, 2020 11:37:24 PM
"These kobolds need a new business plan," says Kezzem. "Everything I was looking for was out of stock! That's some poor retail planning there."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Thursday April 16th, 2020 4:17:15 AM

"I'm thinking we should set up obstacle courses for the children," Murphy says out of the blue to Pressi. "Kezzem, Tali, what would be some good elements to include in an obstacle course for halfling children?"

He adds, "I'm thinking to help teach them things. And reward them. And make them strong. What do you think, Succotash?"

"Ooh - look at these purple vines, the way they intertwine. Hobie, have you ever thought of trying a corkscrew arrow?"

He is happy Bliss is entertaining Mowa. He checks from time to time on Sugar, Nutmeg, and Skipper.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Thursday April 16th, 2020 6:45:26 AM
As they are walking through the jungle, A song comes to Succotash and he begins singing:

Welcome to the Jungle,
We�ve got fun and games,

Turning to Murphy he says, �Speaking of fun and games, I love the obstacle course idea, we could call it a Jungle Gym!�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Thursday April 16th, 2020 11:35:22 AM
"Stop that, Murphey!" protests Kezzem. "Random non sequiturs are totally my thing! As are bad puns, Soccotash. You guys are totally cramping my style!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 with rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Thursday April 16th, 2020 11:42:58 AM
Pressi stares at Murphy's rambling. "You have GOT to stop hanging out with ocelots."

To Kezzem, "I don't think any of us can claim a monopoly on bad puns."

(Sorry about the somewhat short posts. I think I'm going to try morning posting.)

Sensing that the consensus has been to bring the creatures to a town, "I think we've got the obstacle course set up."

It's a Jungle Out There

DM Kathy
Thursday April 16th, 2020 1:33:09 PM
[Everybody take 13,000 XP for the first scene.]

Bliss changes into a cat and lets Mookie keep watch.

Kezzem says the kobolds need a new business plan, which is probably very true, considering they don't even know what a business plan is.

Succotash sings a little song about jungles while he and Murphy discuss the merits of an obstacle course. Pressi concludes that the ocelots have been a bad influence on both of them.

The day gets warmer and warmer as you make your way through the jungle. The bugs come out to feast, and you discover that the kobolds' ointment helps quite a bit. Around mid-afternoon, Mookie alerts you to something big moving through the jungle. It is dinosaurs! You catch a glimpse of the great, lumbering beasts (plant-eaters, fortunately) as they make their way northwards.

The afternoon wears on. Soon it will be time to make camp. The kobolds had said that their village was about a days' travel from the trading booth, but you got to the trading booth around noon, so you'll want to stop for the night, somewhere, and continue to the kobold village in the morning.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Thursday April 16th, 2020 3:24:44 PM
"That's too bad I can't have a monopoly on bad puns, Press. I would totally build a hotel on it too. Or at least on Park Place."

Later, he says, "This seems to be a fine place to rest for the night. I hope we don't get eaten by dinosaurs. They would get serious indigestion from eating Bliss with all that repellant."

"I'll take first watch," offers Kezzem.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Thursday April 16th, 2020 8:54:29 PM

Murphy definitely wants to catch more than a glimpse. He says, "Be back in a few minutes. Anyone who wants to come along, that's fine with me." He wildshapes into whatever jungle bird looks closest to what he can change into, and flies to reach the dinosaurs. He wants to see them up close, and see how they are formed, and their gait, and expressions, and interactions, if only for a few minutes. If it seems safe, he may land on the back of one, and travel for a hundred yards or so thus. If any pay him any mind, he gives a happy chirrup, and returns their gaze, tilting his head to the side. After a brief interlude, he flies back to the party. He reports what he saw - and, if anyone joined him in any guise, he listens to their reports, too.

When Kezzem finds a good place to camp, Murphy concurs, and helps to set up camp for all - including the typical security precautions / early warning system, but extending it into the canopy overhead. He recently added ten new bells to his inventory, so places those with due consideration. And some caltrops at places along the perimeter. He warns his friends of their placement, so they do not develop tender feet. He sketches a map, so that he might take care to collect everything once morning comes.

He ensures the animals are checked, fed, tended to. "Anyone for music - songs - poetry - stories tonight?" he asks as they settle in to eat. "I'll take last watch," he volunteers.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Thursday April 16th, 2020 10:32:22 PM

Bliss changes back and says that him and Mookie will take first watch.

That's the usual for travelling overland, so no surprise.

After his watch he changes into a cat and snuggles up to Mowa.

Also per usual.

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Thursday April 16th, 2020 11:31:40 PM
The DayDream

Sudden;y, Tali realizes someone is talking to her, and she snaps out of er daydream! "Ah, Mister Murphy, What did you ask?!"

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | 800 out of 900 Minutes
Mage Armor | 800 out of 900 Minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Friday April 17th, 2020 12:17:45 AM

"Uh, obstacle courses for children, Tali?" Murphy responds to the resident sorceress. "Ideas to train them? I sure am glad you often wake up when we get into combat. Tali, seriously, I know you theoretically can get by with two hours of sleep a night, but, might I recommend getting, oh, I don't know, six, or even eight? Just for a change. Tell you what. Try that tonight, then -- here, here is a pen, an ink bottle, and ten sheets of paper. If you have a dream, and can remember it when you wake up, then jot it down quickly. You can start 'Lady Tali's Book of Dreams, Recounted.' I'd read it! Maybe what's-his-name in Angel Springs might sell it in his shop. Borgo? My mind, Tali, my mind is eroding before my very eyes!"

Then he adds, "Oh, yeah. If you have a song or story you'd like to tell, well, on the road, or resting along the trail, is a good time for that, if you'd like to tell us a tale."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+7=14
Friday April 17th, 2020 6:46:14 AM
Succotash casts Fly on Valerie and the two follow Murphy. Valerie licks her lips when she sees the big plant eaters, to which Succotash simply laughed and says, �I think you would have a hard time finishing that meal girl� He shakes his head when Murphy lands on one of the big lizards, but stays close enough to his friend to use a dimensional hop to get him out of harms way if needed.

When it�s time to set up camp, he pitches in wherever needed, and even gets the fire started. After dinner he busts out Bonham his masterwork drum and busts out a funky drum beat. (Performance 14) He offers to take first watch.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 with rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29
Friday April 17th, 2020 11:10:26 AM
"There's a dinosaur, knocking at my door. Knocking, one two three..."

(If you ask Pressi to sing songs, well, she knows a lot of dino ones....)

To Succotash: "I'm sure Harper would be glad to help out." Harper hisses at the large beasts. "No? Your loss."

Since Pressi hasn't used any spells today, she takes a middle watch. She makes the usual food rations, prepares the fire and helps to set up camp.

DM Kathy
Friday April 17th, 2020 1:59:30 PM
Some in the group decide to get a closer look at the dinosaurs. They are hard to miss! They are brachiosaurs, each about 80 feet long. They are indeed enough to give Valerie or Harper serious indigestion.

You camp that evening near a small stream. You keep watches, but the night is--well, not quiet. You're in a jungle. There are any number of cries and rustlings out there to keep you guessing. But nothing disturbs your rest, and in the morning you are able to renew and cast spells as usual.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday April 17th, 2020 4:44:29 PM
Hobie hates the jungle. Even with the bug ointment and casting Endure Elements on himself daily, he just isn�t one for the jungles. He is more at home in open fields, where he can see dangers from far away and dispatch them before they are even a threat.

He keeps Prowler in hand always as they walk. He�s not used to the sounds of the jungle, and never knows what might be hiding in the brush. He follows his friends dutifully, but is quite eager to get to a village.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+26=36 ; d20+33=46 ;
Friday April 17th, 2020 6:45:18 PM
Bliss does not mind the jungle, since there are lots of places to sneak, and lots of bugs to pounce on (but not eat, yuck).

But it is a new day, and that means a new adventure! In the morning, Bliss preps his witch power and rituals: cat shape and shield of faith shared with Mookie. Bliss looks forward to whatever Koboldtown will offer, and he scouts ahead for traps and whatever.

Perception 36
Stealth 46
(in cat shape)

Tali (Jon-Paul) - - AC 32 | CMB 5 | CMD 27 | HP 101/101
Friday April 17th, 2020 9:41:15 PM
We Owe, We Owe, So it's off to work we Go!

"Ah, Oh! Good One Mister Murphy! You think I should hone my skills as a writer of sorts, eh? Perhaps a nice Haiku, would ya?! Okay, he's me try:

A fun short jungle journey,
Kobolds selling stuff,
See Sskurhe and Auntie!

How's that?"

"Jungle Gyms, Mister Murphy?! I'm not 100% certain, let me puzzle on it a bit more.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | 900 out of 900 Minutes
Mage Armor | 900 out of 900 Minutes

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Saturday April 18th, 2020 12:10:34 PM

Oh! Bliss has an idea! "Now that I can, how's about I cast a Heroes' Feast every morning? An hour for breakfast is pretty much standard for us anyway, and you get temporary life [hit points] and bonuses with attacks [+1], mental magic [+1 on all will saves], poison [+4] and fear [+4].

If no one objects, Bliss casts the spell. He looks for worms for Mookie (though Mookie will eat anything), and some bacon and eggs for Mama Lion.

Later, Bliss talks privately with Murphy. Highlight to display spoiler: {"Hey Mister Murphy," the halfling asks, "Do you wanna ask Mowa if she would like to be smarter and tougher and a better fighter and talk like people do? You got a spell for that, right? Heck, you could do the ocelots too, I guess."}

Question for the kindly DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {Is Mowa a lion or a dire lion?}

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+26=30 ; d20+37=43 ;
Saturday April 18th, 2020 5:12:21 PM

"Wonderful, Tali! Yes, write poems. Little stories. I bet you'd be great with children. 'Miss Talia's Book of Adventures for Children' could be a popular book. Or, something else, for grown-ups. Or, the best kind - for all ages.

"Oh, Jungle Gym? That is Succotash's idea. We could build - yes, a climbing exercise structure, with knotted ropes, like climbing jungle vines, and bars, ladders, a slide, a tunnel...." The halfling rambles on fleshing out this idea.

"Heroes' Feast sounds scrumptious," enthuses Murphy at Bliss's first suggestion. He enjoys the meal with his friends, and the boost and added confidence it seems to give to him.

During their later conversation, he replies, "Uh, you mean, the awaken spell? Huh. I've used it for an oak tree - you know, Dderwen - you've met him - at the Sanctuary." [look at the upper left corner of the map for where Dderwen stands, near the northwest wall] "I could ask her. Might give her quite a bit better chance at survival. A question, however - do we want to awaken a lion that tends to be so crabby? Although, she does seem to be relaxing somewhat." He brings Pressi into the conversation to get her take on the matter. He feels somewhat more comfortable with the notion of using it for the ocelot siblings. If his beloved thinks it an acceptable pursuit, he'll talk it over with Mowa, explaining as carefully as he might what it can do for her. Among other things the druid tells her, "There is no assurance of happiness as a result of the change. But it will open your understanding in many ways." If she is willing, it does take a full day to cast, so they will need to plan for when to do it.

"Hobie - does this place, the selva, put you ill at ease?" he asks the archer mage as they wend their way toward Sskthk.
==========
Sense motive regarding Hobie's relationship with the jungle: 30
Perception as we travel toward village: 43

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101
Sunday April 19th, 2020 5:19:17 PM
{OOC: I've updated Tali's sheet. Would you please look over it and tell me what I might be missing? I know there is an error in the "int" based skills...I'm working on that.

Anything else you've found?}

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Sunday April 19th, 2020 11:49:01 PM
"Did someone say a Heroes Feast? With mushrooms that will make us as big as humans and hurl fireballs? Oh wait, the fireballs were the flowers."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday April 20th, 2020 5:36:34 AM
Succotash loves the idea of the hero feast, and wonders why he hadn't thought of that. after the scrumptious meal, Succotash goes off to pray and prepare his spells, but before he goes, he asks his friends if there is any spell in particular that they would like him to prepare.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101
Monday April 20th, 2020 8:09:45 AM
Hero's Feast

"Ah, Mister Slenderstick...healing, as I can't really do that myself." says, Tali. "Mister Murphy, Why are we having this feast, exactly? Is it to placate the Cheif & Auntie?" wonders Ms. Tali aloud.

"Can someone remind me of the overall summary of our last 4 days, seems I've been hovering on automatic pilot." asks, Tali.

Spells in Effect

Mage Armor - 850 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 850 of 900 Minutes

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday April 20th, 2020 11:56:56 AM

Over a Heroes' Breakfast of bacon; eggs; pancakes; oatmeal; waffles; oranges, apples, pears, and peaches; scones and rolls with honey, jam, and butter; plus tea, hot cocoa, coffee, milk, ale, broth, cold water, and even ice to cool the cold drinks, Bliss gives Tali a recap.

"We traveled overland from Crescent Valley, past the Scab, and into the jungles of Cthonia. We met a couple of kobold merchants and bought some of their wares. They told us that they could use the help of heroes at their village, and they seemed honest enough, so we're taking a side quest to Koboldtown. After that we'll resume our errand to find homes for Mowa the Lioness and two ocelots."

"After all, even cats big and small deserve help from heroes!"

After looking around the table, Bliss adds, "Sorry Mookie, tomorrow I'll try to get some worms too." He slips Mowa a plate of bacon.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells
Monday April 20th, 2020 1:08:18 PM
Succotash eats his fill, of steak and eggs, and eggs Benedict. He offers Valerie a plate of steaks, ham and bacon, apologizing that the meat is cooked, though she doesn�t seem to care as she eats her fill as well. To Tali he says, �Healing is something that comes natural for me now, I don�t even have to prepare most healing spells!�

DM Kathy
Monday April 20th, 2020 1:29:41 PM
In the morning, Bliss prepares a Heroes Feast. The feast gives everyone multiple benefits, and your DM will state quite frankly that she has a hard time remembering all of them. It would be to your advantage to familiarize yourselves with them.

For example, everyone needs to roll temporary hit points.

After breakfast, Murphy talks to Mowa, who is a normal, non-dire lion. She has a hard time understanding what you're asking about, and has become suspicious of people while in captivity. It's not a hard no, but you'll need to do some more persuading if you're keen on this project.

Then you all set off through the jungle once again, somewhat to Hobie's discomfort.

You are passing through a particularly dense patch of jungle, when you suddenly begin to feel lightheaded. Everyone (animals included) needs to succeed at at DC 24 Will save or become captivated. Captivated creatures can take no actions except move off the path and head eastward.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30 with rituals), HP 111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31 with same), HP 85, CMD 29 d10=2 ; d8+6=14 ; d20+11=29 ; d20+3=14 ;
Monday April 20th, 2020 2:03:51 PM
To Murphy: "Since Bliss didn't answer, I think he meant Animal Growth to make Mowa larger. I use it on Harper to similar effect sometimes."

Pressi performs her own rituals: Warding and Spiritual Healing (unless Bliss is also sharing shield of faith with them) with Harper assist. From Heroes Feast, she gets 14 HP.

Will Save Pressi 29.
Will Save Harper 14 (captivated)

More to follow....

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle
Monday April 20th, 2020 2:49:51 PM

"Oh sorry, I was eating breakkie," Bliss says to Pressi. "I was talking about a powerful permanent magic that makes an animal smarter and better in general, not bigger." OOC: Awaken

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76 AC39 | Cayzle d20+10=16 ; d20+8=27 ;
Monday April 20th, 2020 2:56:58 PM

Bliss turns away from Pressi and starts to wander off. Unaffected, Mookie asks Bliss, "Kid! Kid! Where ya going? Hey Stop! STOP!"

Mookie tries to grab Bliss and stop him from wandering off. Mookie's grapple check is only a +6, though, and he can never beat Bliss's CMD33.

The bird starts yelling, "HEY! HEY! HELP!"

Bliss wanders, oblivious.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+9=27 ; d20+25=38 ; d20+28=47 ; d20+28=34 ; 6d6+30=45 ;
Monday April 20th, 2020 3:50:05 PM
Hobie feels the magical attempt to compel him but succeeds at shrugging it off.
He attempts to identify what magic effect this is (spellcraft 38) and then he takes aim at Bliss

�sorry buddy, I know I can�t grapple you ya squirmy little guy, so I�m hoping this knocks you out of your trance!�
He fires a single arrow, with as many of his damage buffs as possible excluded. All damage is nonlethal

Unfortunately, it�s a critical hit (47), and unfortunately, it�s confirmed(34) (Sorry Bliss!)

45 points of non lethal piercing.

Hobie immediately runs toward bliss in order to heal him.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday April 20th, 2020 3:52:52 PM
GM, feel free to rule that it�s not okay to shoot my teammate, I know it�s obviously not normally allowed, but in the circumstances I felt like it�s something Hobie would feel like might help to end the compulsion effect and with the bow being non lethal, wouldn�t pose any actual risk to Bliss. Hobie is doing it completely out of a desire to help Bliss. But there is just a blanket, �no friendly fire� rule then that�s okay and I�m sorry.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Monday April 20th, 2020 11:57:15 PM
"Can you make me better and smarter in general too?" asks Kezzem.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d20+16=35 ; d20+10=14 ;
Tuesday April 21st, 2020 12:04:48 AM
Kezzem SV Will: 1d20 + 16 = 35.
Rumpus SV Will: 1d20 + 6 + 4 (assuming Enchantment): 14.

"Um, Rumpus, the path is that way? Rumpus?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132 d20+23=33 ; d20=3 ; d20=4 ; d20+1=8 ; d20+11=15 ; d20+14=21 ; d20+37=53 ;
Tuesday April 21st, 2020 1:06:45 AM

Murphy feels the lightheadedness, yet resists the compulsion. As his animals and Bliss all turn the same direction, and Hobie apologizes to Bliss for shooting him in the back with an arrow - he knows that his bow is designed to subdue with non-lethal damage, he acts. Murphy casts an area-effect greater dispel magic to try to overcome the apparent mental / magical effect his friends and animals are going through. It affects all within a 40' diameter - the druid targets it to get as many of his halfling friends as possible, then the animals.

Immediately after casting the spell he decides to examine the larger picture. He wild shapes into a huge air elemental, and ascends up then over the area that seems to be drawing his friends.

=================
Murphy Will save: 33/24. Sugar and Nutmeg (ponies) fail (3, 4), and Skipper (dog) feels he must go THAT way (8).
Knowledge, Arcana: 15 - attempt to understand what is cause of captivation
Spellcraft: 21 - try to understand if there is a spell-like cause for this
Perception: 53 - figure out who or what is out there

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132
Tuesday April 21st, 2020 1:22:36 AM

Oh, and in order to assist with DM sanity: Greater Dispel Magic has a DC of 32.

Murphy responds to Kezzem's (presumably) earlier question. "Yes, Kezzem. We'll work on that together."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+18=23 ; d20+6=18 ;
Tuesday April 21st, 2020 5:28:32 AM
Both Succotash and Valerie find themselves fascinated by whatever magical force is drawing them and the two start following Bliss, Rumpus, and Harper into the woods.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +10 d20+15=24 ; d20+21=24 ; d20+11=17 ; d8+7=10 ;
Tuesday April 21st, 2020 8:17:23 AM
In the Jungle, the Mighty Jungle...

As Tali hovers through the jungle, she is wondering why some of her friends are wandering off the path.
(Save vs Will = 25 | if a fear effect, then 31 - including the Hero's Breakfast morale bonus of +1 & +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects )

"Hey guys, where are you going? The Path is other here!" says Tali loudly to her comrades. Tali checks to see if this there is Magic afoot using her spell Detect Magic and concentrating for 3 rounds. Afterward, Tali checks if it is a magical effect using her skills -- (Skill check - Knowledge Arcana: 24). Lastly, Tali using her perception skill tries to discern if there is something else here at play (Skill check - Perception: 17).

Temporary Hit Points

1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) = 10

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 850 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 850 of 900 Minutes

Hero's Breakfast
Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) &

Grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182+13 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC39 | Cayzle d8+6=13 ; d8+6=12 ;
Tuesday April 21st, 2020 9:26:11 AM

OOC: Temp Hit Points from Heroes' Feast should be 1d8+6.

Bliss rolls 13! Sweet!

Mookie rolls 12!

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d8+6=14 ;
Tuesday April 21st, 2020 10:15:15 AM

Temp hit points for Murphy - maxed out at 14 (yay!)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d8+6=10 ; d8+6=10 ;
Tuesday April 21st, 2020 10:28:08 AM
Forgot to add the +1 to The saving throws so Succotash actually makes the save. He grabs onto the horn of Valerie�s saddle and digs his heels into the ground, trying to stop her from going off, however, she is a lot stronger then him and easily drags Succotash along.

Succotash bonus HP 10
Valerie bonus HP 10

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+14, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85+14, CMD 29
Tuesday April 21st, 2020 11:45:52 AM
Pressi pauses as several wander off. She's torn between stopping the wanderers and following them.

Finally, she casts her flying broom and heads in harpers direction. Before anything else happens, she casts quickened shield of faith on herself.

DM Kathy
Tuesday April 21st, 2020 2:22:07 PM
Bliss, Harper, Rumpus, and Valerie all succumb to the captivating effect. They begin walking east. Succotash clings to Valerie's saddle, trying without success to hold her back.

Murphy casts Dispel Magic, but the effect, whatever it is, does not seem to be magical. Tali can confirm this with her Detect Magic spell.

Hobie fires a shot to try to snap Bliss out of it, but he is unsuccessful. That is, you hit, and do damage, but Bliss continues to wander eastward.

Pressi summons her broom and casts a spell before heading after her cat.

Moving through the jungle, you see what might be the cause of the strange captivation; there is a large, unusual plant here. Knowledge: Nature DC 23 Highlight to display spoiler: {It is a Viper Vine}.

Perception DC 36 Highlight to display spoiler: {There is a very large, cat-like creature concealed in the foliage nearby.}

If you made the Perception check, Knowledge Nature DC 29 Highlight to display spoiler: {It is a bandersnatch, and a slight red glow about its fur suggests that it is frumious!}

And the map.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182+13 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC39 | Cayzle
Tuesday April 21st, 2020 3:15:50 PM

Mookie keeps up with Bliss and uses his Hand of the Mage to try to slap some sense into Bliss. "Come on, Kid, snap out of it!"

OOC to DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {What about Mowa?}

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d20+23=34 ;
Tuesday April 21st, 2020 6:14:51 PM
Kezzem: Perception 34. Missed it by that much.

"Um, unusual plant guy? Is this about all the mushroom jokes?"

"Murph, you're all naturey and stuff. Should I start 'abbingstay' this thing?"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9 d20+11=20 ;
Tuesday April 21st, 2020 11:04:26 PM
In the Jungle, the Mighty Jungle...

Tali, realizing the effects are not magical....raises her flight position to 17 feet above the jungle floor; or as high as she can go without tangling up in the trees. She then reaches into her front pocket and removes one of her newest additions...a nice pair of goggles. She places the goggles over her eyes and tries to perceive what is happening to the Humbles! (Skill Check: Perception = 20 ) Tali sees nothing unusual with the exception that in this Jungle, to Tali, everything is unusual!

"Humbles! There is a weird plant that the others are meandering towards. This doesn't look good! Any idea how far out that plant is?! Also, since it's mesmerizing our brethren, it might be a trap! Be on guard for other dangers lurking nearby. Where's Mowa? Does she detect anything other than that plant?!" shouts Tali to her closest Humbles teammates.

OOC to DM: Highlight to display spoiler: { Please describe the jungle surroundings, how high the canopy is and where the humbles could fly freely. Also, the time of day, and how far away I can see out with darkvision (The goggles are Goggles of the night) and what the map's scale is, please. }

Temporary Hit Points
1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) = 9 (Correcting for incorrect + )

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 850 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 850 of 900 Minutes

Hero's Breakfast
Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) ~= (1d8+6).

Grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+19=35 ; d20+37=47 ; d20+19=34 ;
Wednesday April 22nd, 2020 2:02:36 AM

All in the halfling tongue, huge air elemental Murphy says, "There is a viper vine there - use cold against it, no acid, but yes ranged weapons. It can reach out 20 feet, and likes to strangle, but it moves slowly. Over that other way is a gargantuan cat - looks like a frumious Bandersnatch - one tough critter, and fast.

Murphy cast wall of thorns, 10' deep, 20' high, and 75' long, to slow down his friends from reaching the viper vine. And slow down the viper vine from getting to them. And perhaps place a small obstacle in the way of the Bandersnatch. Although, bander snatches generally do what they will. I know, sorry, it may interfere with the ranged attacks that Murphy recommended - the Bandersnatch, with its gargantuan size, may yet show itself an available target, even over the 20' tall hedge of thorns.
====================
Knowledge: Nature: 35/23
Perception: 47/36
Knowledge: Nature: 34/29

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+6=15 ; d20+22=38 ; d20+6=14 ;
Wednesday April 22nd, 2020 5:53:45 AM
Knowledge nature: 16 (fail)
Perception: 38
Knowledge Nature: 14 (fail)

Succotash see's the ginormous cat thing in the underbrush, but until Murphy identifies it he is clueless as to what it is. He also sees his friends heading to the plant monster that again he isn't able to identify. He does however realize that the plant thing is what is causing his friends to walk into harms way, and he is having none of that, so he will begin summoning an augmented purple worm, having it arrive within striking distance of the Viper Vine next round.

Purple Worm
N Gargantuan magical beast
Init �2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft.; Perception +18

DEFENSE
AC 26, touch 4, flat-footed 26 (�2 Dex, +22 natural, �4 size)
hp 232 (16d10+112)
Fort +17, Ref +8, Will +4

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., burrow 20 ft., swim 10 ft.
Melee bite +27 (4d8+14/19�20 plus grab), sting +27 (2d8+14 plus poison)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (4d8+14 bludgeoning damage, AC 21, 20 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 39, Dex 6, Con 29, Int 1, Wis 8, Cha 8
Base Atk +16; CMB +32 (+36 grapple); CMD 40 (can�t be tripped)
Feats Awesome Blow, Critical Focus, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), Power Attack, Staggering Critical, Weapon Focus (bite, sting)
Skills Perception +18, Swim +20

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Poison (Ex)
Sting�injury; save Fortitude DC 25; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d4 Strength damage; cure 3 consecutive saves. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+14, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85+14, CMD 29 d20+14=30 ;
Wednesday April 22nd, 2020 10:49:45 AM
Having found the source, Pressi proceeds to cast break enchantment on the group below.

(Break enchant check 30).

(I'll try to do some book keeping tonight.)

DM Kathy d20+26=42 ; d20+26=38 ; d20+26=40 ; d10+13=20 ; d10+13=15 ; d10+13=21 ;
Wednesday April 22nd, 2020 1:58:10 PM
First, some logistical things. I'm leaving Mowa the lioness out of this combat to make it less complicated. [I believe Harper is a noncombatant as well? I know Mookie and Valerie are fair game; I'm not sure about Rumpus, but since Kezzem can send him away at any point, I'm not worried about it.] The map is 5-foot squares. The foliage is thick here, but not so thick as to impede movement. The canopy is about 50 feet overhead. You can get above it, of course, but then you really can't see what's happening on the jungle floor. It is mid-morning.

Mookie tries to snap Bliss out of his captivation, to no avail. However, as Bliss and the other captivated creatures approach the Wall of Thorns, each gets a new save before moving into dangerous terrain.

Also, the rest of the party--the ones who are not captivated--need to make a new Will save, DC 24, or become captivated (the effect will linger for several rounds).

Tali gains some altitude and puts on her new goggles.

Kezzem wonders aloud if he should start stabbing. Murphy calls out that the plant is a viper vine, and that there is also a frumious bandersnatch stalking the party!

Succotash begins summoning, and Pressi casts a Break Enchantment. Unfortunately, the captivating effect is not magical, and therefore not an enchantment. Murphy can tell you that the effect is caused by a cloud of pollen.

The bandersnatch appears! It fires quills at Hobie, Pressi, and Kezzem. All hit! Hobie takes 20 damage; Pressi takes 15 damage; Kezzem takes 21 damage. Each of you must also make a DC 28 Reflex save or the quill becomes lodged in your flesh, causing ongoing pain and giving you the sickened condition. The viper vine is quiet for the moment,

And the map.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32 HP 153/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d20+19=31 ;
Wednesday April 22nd, 2020 2:13:17 PM
SV Ref: 1d20 + 19 = 31.

Kezzem makes haste towards the cat-thing and draws his daggers.

"Here, kitty kitty," says Kezzem.

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182+13 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC39 | Cayzle d20+5=19 ; d20+11=12 ;
Wednesday April 22nd, 2020 4:25:51 PM

New Saves! (with the +1 HF bonus this time)

Mookie (at +5 not including Devotion ability) = 19 affected
Bliss at +11 = 12 affected

Bliss tries to climb over the wall of thorns (cloak of arachnida = spider climb)

Mookie tries to fly over.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 106/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+13=25 ; d20+10=18 ;
Thursday April 23rd, 2020 3:08:59 AM
The quills stick into Hobie's flesh and cause him to be sickened.

The pollen has captivated Hobie, and he has no choice but to walk toward the source of his captivation.
He moves 40 feet East.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+25=38 ; 3d6=12 ; 2d6=7 ; d4=3 ; d20+37=54 ;
Thursday April 23rd, 2020 4:38:52 AM

Murphy believes that the viper vine may be slowed for a short time (3 full rounds in this case) by exposure to cold, which he effects via the spell ice storm. The vine with seductive pollen receives 12 hp bludgeoning damage, and 7+50%=10 hp cold damage. He places the spell such that his friends are just outside the area of effect. Then he gets ready to cast another spell. He looks down to try to figure out where his friends are at the moment.
=========
Will save vs pollen: 38/29
Perception: 54 - figure out where friends are below.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+19=30 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=12 ; d20+4=22 ; 15d6=52 ;
Thursday April 23rd, 2020 5:54:14 AM
Succotash shrugs off the effects of the captivation, but Valerie is still under the effect, as she runs headlong into the wall of thorns, luckily her armor protects her, but she keeps attempting to walk forward, but the wall holds her back. (Strength Check 12) Unfortunately, Succotash's purple worm is captivated by the pollen. Succotash drops a Flame Strike on the Viper Vine causing 26 fire and 26 divine damage (DC 21 reflex for half)

Purple Worm
N Gargantuan magical beast
Init �2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft.; Perception +18

DEFENSE
AC 26, touch 4, flat-footed 26 (�2 Dex, +22 natural, �4 size)
hp 232 (16d10+112)
Fort +17, Ref +8, Will +4

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., burrow 20 ft., swim 10 ft.
Melee bite +27 (4d8+14/19�20 plus grab), sting +27 (2d8+14 plus poison)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (4d8+14 bludgeoning damage, AC 21, 20 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 39, Dex 6, Con 29, Int 1, Wis 8, Cha 8
Base Atk +16; CMB +32 (+36 grapple); CMD 40 (can�t be tripped)
Feats Awesome Blow, Critical Focus, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), Power Attack, Staggering Critical, Weapon Focus (bite, sting)
Skills Perception +18, Swim +20

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Poison (Ex)
Sting�injury; save Fortitude DC 25; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d4 Strength damage; cure 3 consecutive saves. The save DC is Constitution-based

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29
Thursday April 23rd, 2020 11:23:25 AM
Header Adjust

To DM: Harper is a combatant. I just don't tend to use her in combats due to time and a tendency to keep both back.

Pressi
ritual warding (+1 to AC, saves)
ritual spiritual healing (use D12s)
heroes feast (+1 to attack rolls and will saves, +4 against poison, fear)
shield of faith (+4 AC)

Harper
ritual warding (+1 to AC, saves)
heroes feast (+1 to attack rolls and will saves, +4 against poison, fear)
captivated (cure unknown)

Spells Used

L1: 7+1
L2: 5+1
L3: 5+1
L4: 1/5+1
L5: 2/4+1
L6: 2+1
L7: 1+1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(110/125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 d20+5=9 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+19=31 ;
Thursday April 23rd, 2020 2:05:15 PM
Harper Will: 9
Pressi Will: 20+4 (hero point used)
Pressi Reflex: 31

As Harper continues to march towards the wall, Pressi despairs to think of anything to use. She can't think of any cures, and control weather takes too long.

Flying close to the captivated group, she tries one more spell: confusion. She blasts it on all her allies, and hopefully replaces the captivated feeling. (Will DC 21). (If it won't work, I'll try fear with DC 19.)

Pressi
ritual warding (+1 to AC, saves)
ritual spiritual healing (use D12s)
heroes feast (+1 to attack rolls and will saves, +4 against poison, fear)
shield of faith (+4 AC)

Harper
ritual warding (+1 to AC, saves)
heroes feast (+1 to attack rolls and will saves, +4 against poison, fear)
captivated (cure unknown)

Spells Used

L1: 7+1
L2: 5+1
L3: 5+1
L4: 2/5+1
L5: 2/4+1
L6: 2+1
L7: 1+1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(110/125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29
Thursday April 23rd, 2020 2:19:04 PM
(OOC to DM: If this is a bridge too far, my backup is to cast Flesh to Stone on the Bandersnatch.)

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9
Thursday April 23rd, 2020 2:26:10 PM
In the Jungle, the Mighty Jungle...

As Tali notices the attack from the very large feline, Tali removes her Wand of Stoneskin and casts one charge upon herself while raising her hover an additional 13 feet upwards to a total of 30 feet above the floor.

Next round, Tali will cast Message in order to asks her team who might want a charge of Stone skin!

Temporary Hit Points
1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) = 9 (Correcting for incorrect + )

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 850 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 850 of 900 Minutes
StoneSkin - 150 of 150 minutes | 150 HP

Hero's Breakfast
Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) ~= (1d8+6).

Grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9 d20+16=33 ;
Thursday April 23rd, 2020 2:32:53 PM
Saving through vs. Will DC 24 = 33 {Will of 15 + Hero's Breakfast +1 bonus}

DM Kathy d20+12=14 ; d20+21=27 ; d6=1 ; d20+28=35 ; d20+32=33 ; d20+32=45 ; d20+32=50 ; d20+32=48 ; d20+32=45 ; 2d8+13=20 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+13=16 ; 2d6+13=17 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; 2d8+19=24 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday April 23rd, 2020 2:53:34 PM
Kezzem draws his daggers and moves toward the bandersnatch.

Bliss is still captivated, and now Mookie and Hobie have joined him. They continue moving toward the viper vine, as does Valerie.

Succotash summons a purple worm, which unfortunately succumbs to the pollen immediately. Succotash hits the viper vine with a Flame Strike. Plants are not especially nimble, and it takes all the damage.

Murphy drops an Ice Storm on the plant, which doesn't do a lot of damage, but does do some cold damage, which immediately slows the viper vine. It does not have any effect on the pollen already in the air, though.

Pressi casts Confusion on her captivated allies! Bliss, Hobie, and presumably Mookie and Valerie need to make a Will save, DC 21 or become Confused. I'm going to say that if a creature is Confused, and rolls "act normally," then the captivation is still in effect and the creature moves toward the viper vine. Otherwise, the Confused action takes precedence. Let me know if you have questions.

Tali protects herself with a Stoneskin, then uses Message to ask her companions if anyone else wants one.

The viper vine is slowed by the cold, but there's a very tempting purple worm within range, so it attacks! A tendril hits Succotash's purple worm, doing a whopping 5 points of damage! It tries to grapple, but fails, and anyway I think the purple worm may be too big for it to grapple in the first place.

The bandersnatch attacks Kezzem! Its first attack misses with a natural 1! The creature is enraged. It bursts into flame! It keeps attacking! Kezzem is bitten for 20 points damage, plus 3 fire damage. He is clawed twice, once for 16 damage plus 5 fire damage, and again for 17 damage plus 2 fire damage. Then he is slapped with the tail for 24 damage plus 10 fire damage, and must make a DC 28 Reflex save or get a quill lodged in his skin and the sickened condition.

And the map.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 106/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+10=12 ; d100=20 ;
Thursday April 23rd, 2020 4:40:15 PM
Hobie becomes confused but manages to continue moving toward the object of his fixation. He will double move and finish his turn right up against the wall of thorns

Bliss | CatBliss HP182/182+13 AC31 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC39 | Cayzle d20+11=25 ; d20+9=23 ;
Friday April 24th, 2020 1:29:29 AM

Bliss Confusion Save at +11 = 25 saves
Mookie Confusion Save (at +9 including Devotion ability) = 23 saves

[Bliss and Mookie chose to save because it is more heroic to let the plant eat me than to attack a friend.]

Bliss and Mookie continue to make their way toward the plant, enthralled. That means climbing over the wall (Bliss) and flying over into the sleet (Mookie). Letting the DM adjust the map and such, thanks!

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Friday April 24th, 2020 2:06:56 AM

Huge air elemental druid Murphy goes all whirlwind. 50' tall, he rips through the foliage, scattering leaves and stems this way and that. He flies just a bit above the heads of his friends - enough to suck up air - and pollen within - but tries to avoid vacuuming up his friends. He has to go a little higher where ponies and velociraptors stand. Should any of his friends get inadvertently scooped up, he drops them off immediately within a few feet. His goal is to purify and, what, saladify? the air. Stop the presence of the pollen by shooting it into the air above the canopy to cause it to dissipate.

He has perfection in flying, as well as wingover, can pull 180 degree turns without breaking a sweat - because, hey, air elementals don't sweat, right? The area on the map with the pinkish dotted lines show the area he covers. In one round 'running' he can cover 600' (5x120'). As the path he takes is 25' across, and allows for 5' of overlap from row to row. Visibility will be compromised for at least a round (likely total concealment for everyone within the area covered). One hopes no allergies are triggered. Vegetation will pretty much be cut down in the area he covered. The rectangular area is 90'x55'. Total linear feet traveled are 355. He ends by flying up a way to be above the field, looking down over the scattering of greenery he has accomplished, and to see how everyone fares at that point.

Let me know if any modifications to results are deemed necessary.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+7=19 ; d8=4 ; d100=30 ; d20+4=19 ; d20+13=26 ; 5d8=27 ;
Friday April 24th, 2020 5:43:00 AM
Valerie is overwhelmed by Pressi's confusion spell and spends a round babbling incoherently (I'd love to hear a dinosaur babble incoherently, what does that even sound like?)

The purple worm, still captivated, moves towards the viper vine, until it is right next to it.

Succotash cast searing light aiming at the bandersnatch. Hitting a touch AC of 26 for 27 damage

Purple Worm
N Gargantuan magical beast
Init �2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft.; Perception +18

DEFENSE
AC 26, touch 4, flat-footed 26 (�2 Dex, +22 natural, �4 size)
hp 227/232
Fort +17, Ref +8, Will +4

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., burrow 20 ft., swim 10 ft.
Melee bite +27 (4d8+14/19�20 plus grab), sting +27 (2d8+14 plus poison)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (4d8+14 bludgeoning damage, AC 21, 20 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 39, Dex 6, Con 29, Int 1, Wis 8, Cha 8
Base Atk +16; CMB +32 (+36 grapple); CMD 40 (can�t be tripped)
Feats Awesome Blow, Critical Focus, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), Power Attack, Staggering Critical, Weapon Focus (bite, sting)
Skills Perception +18, Swim +20

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Poison (Ex)
Sting�injury; save Fortitude DC 25; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d4 Strength damage; cure 3 consecutive saves. The save DC is Constitution-based

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9
Friday April 24th, 2020 10:10:07 AM
In the Jungle, the Mighty Jungle...

As Tali hovers 30 feet above the Jungle floor while wearing her new goggles, she decides to do something a bit different to protect her friends. Seeing her friends meandering so close to danger, she moves 5 feet closer to her friends & casts Wall of Force as shown on the map to protect her friends. The Wall is 15 feet on the short ends and 30 feet on the long ends going at least 20 feet high to match the edge. The wall is 6" inches thick and surrounds the rectangle her friends are grouped in protecting them from the wall of thorns and all three (3) critters -- Bandersnatch, Purple Worm, & Viper Vine. There is an inward edge tapering to a rectangular chimney in the middle to allow the team to breathe.

Next round, Tali will cast Black Tentacles centered on the Bandersnatch.

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 850 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 850 of 900 Minutes
StoneSkin - 150 of 150 minutes | 150 HP
Hero's Breakfast - 700 of 720 minutes
Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) ~= (1d8+6).

Grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours

Temporary Hit Points
1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) = 9 (Correcting for incorrect + )

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4=36; HP 96/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d8=6 ; d20+19=38 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ;
Friday April 24th, 2020 11:04:26 AM
Temp HP (from Heroes' Feast): 1d8 + 7 = 13.

SV Ref: 1d20 + 19 = 38. Made.

"Ouch, ouch, ouch, IT BURNS!" says Kezzem as he tanks that bandersnatch's attack.

Kezzem takes a moment to lay hands on himself (swift action).

Lay on Hands: 6d6 = 5 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 5 + 6 = 27.

Kezzem will then use Detect Evil and the bandersnatch (move action).

He will then go total defense.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9 d20+16=27 ;
Friday April 24th, 2020 1:05:03 PM
In the Jungle, the Pollen Filled Jungle..

Again, I forgot the Pollen Save:

Saving through vs. Will DC 24 = 27 {Will of 15 + Hero's Breakfast +1 bonus}

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(110/125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 d100=81 ; d3=1 ; d20+16=22 ; d6+7=12 ;
Friday April 24th, 2020 1:39:36 PM

Since it's her master, she auto fails the save. She attacks the nearest creature, in this case Rumpus. (There are three nearest so I rolled a die.) (Attack Roll 22, bite damage 12+trip). (I think Harper only gets a standard action attack, not multi-attack, when confused.)

With Rumpus in such danger, I presume he gets yet another roll against the captivation. Also, if Rumpus is confused, he has to stop and attack Harper next turn.

Pressi hopes that this beats continuing towards a creature's maul. At any event, she needs to turn her attention elsewhere, casting Bestow Curse (Focused) on the Bandersnatch. (Will DC 20, curse=50% chance to lose turn).

Pressi
ritual warding (+1 to AC, saves)
ritual spiritual healing (use D12s)
heroes feast (+1 to attack rolls and will saves, +4 against poison, fear)
shield of faith (+4 AC)

Harper
ritual warding (+1 to AC, saves)
heroes feast (+1 to attack rolls and will saves, +4 against poison, fear)
captivated (cure unknown)
confusion (self cast)(break enchantment later)

Spells Used

L1: 7+1
L2: 5+1
L3: 1/5+1
L4: 2/5+1
L5: 2/4+1
L6: 2+1
L7: 1+1

DM Kathy d20+23=35 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d20+32=36 ; d20+32=52 ; d20+32=50 ; d20+32=34 ; d20+27=40 ; d20+32=52 ; d20+32=51 ; 2d8+13=26 ; 4d8+13=26 ; 4d6+13=29 ; 2d8+19=29 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d20=9 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ;
Friday April 24th, 2020 2:07:58 PM
Succotash casts Searing Light at the bandersnatch. The spell hits, and does damage. Meanwhile, the purple worm wanders over next to the viper vine.

Hobie, Bliss, and Mookie are not Confused, but are still captivated and continue moving toward the viper vine's deadly embrace.

Before they can breach the Wall of Thorns, however, Tali casts a Wall of Force to encircle them, along with Succotash, Valerie, Harper, and Rumpus. Mookie, who can fly, continues toward the viper vine.

Kezzem lays hands on himself. He uses his Detect Evil ability, and the bandersnatch does not detect as evil. He goes on total defense.

Murphy begins to whirl, trying to fling the pollen up out of the area. He also flings around a fair bit of foliage, and also some ice, because the Ice Storm is still active (please remember to roll damage for this round and next round.). And a couple of times he flings his companions, but what's a little nonlethal damage among friends? The important point is--Murphy succeeds. He doesn't remove every last little bit of pollen, but he does get enough that it's no longer a danger.

The captivating pollen is gone. Nobody has to roll saves anymore. Captivated creatures return to themselves next round. Confused creatures are still confused. And, of course, most previously-captivated creatures are now inside a Wall of Force, so there's a new challenge! But the pollen is gone.

Murphy gets a Hero Point because that was darned clever.

The viper vine is still slowed by the cold damage, but there's this tasty purple worm right in front of it, so it tries to eat it. Succotash's purple worm takes 16 points of damage, plus 10 points of acid damage.

The bandersnatch attacks Kezzem again! Kezzem is bitten twice, once critically, and clawed once, also critically. Total damage is 90 physical plus 34 fire damage. Let me know if you need that broken down.

Since that (presumably) puts Kezzem down for the count, the bandersnatch turns its attention to Tali. It gazes menacingly at her, and Tali must succeed at a DC 29 Fortitude check or become Confused for one round.

And the map.

DM Kathy d20+11=22 ;
Friday April 24th, 2020 3:42:04 PM
[Addendum: the bandersnatch made its save against Pressi's curse.]

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9 d20+14=28 ;
Friday April 24th, 2020 4:01:14 PM
In the Jungle, the Mighty Jungle...

In a desperate atttempt to save her friends, Tali gets caught in a gaze attack from the Gargantuan F. Bandersnatch. Tali tries to avoid its affects. {Save vs. Fort DC 29 = 28; missing her save} and becomes instantly confused.

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 850 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 850 of 900 Minutes
StoneSkin - 150 of 150 minutes | 150 HP

Hero's Breakfast - 700 of 720 minutes
Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) ~= (1d8+6).

Grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours

Temporary Hit Points
1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) = 9 (Correcting for incorrect + )

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP -28/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Friday April 24th, 2020 4:50:21 PM
Kezzem just lays there with X's over his eyes.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 20 HP 97/97 Valerie AC 31/15/26 CMD 27 HP 93/93 Spells d20+14=23 ; d8=1 ; d8=4 ; d8=5 ; d8=1 ; d8=2 ; d8=4 ; d8=6 ; d20+27=33 ; 4d8+14=35 ; d20+36=41 ; d100=48 ;
Friday April 24th, 2020 5:25:31 PM
Seeing Kezzem go down Succotash uses 45ft of his daily dimensional hop ability (move action) to teleport next to his side, and immediately casts Breath of Life healing 36 hp, and keeping him alive. He then calls his purple worm over to attack the bandersnatch, as he uses a hero point to gain a second action, to dimensional hop himself and Kezzem 10ft away.

Meanwhile, The purple worm easily pushes through Murphy's wall of thorns, taking no damage due to it's AC, and then lashes out at the bandersnatch with it's bite attack hitting AC 33 for 35 damage and using it's grab special ability to try to grapple it with a 41

Valerie continues to babble incoherently

85ft/150ft dimensional hops per day

Purple Worm
N Gargantuan magical beast
Init �2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft.; Perception +18

DEFENSE
AC 26, touch 4, flat-footed 26 (�2 Dex, +22 natural, �4 size)
hp 201/232
Fort +17, Ref +8, Will +4

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., burrow 20 ft., swim 10 ft.
Melee bite +27 (4d8+14/19�20 plus grab), sting +27 (2d8+14 plus poison)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (4d8+14 bludgeoning damage, AC 21, 20 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 39, Dex 6, Con 29, Int 1, Wis 8, Cha 8
Base Atk +16; CMB +32 (+36 grapple); CMD 40 (can�t be tripped)
Feats Awesome Blow, Critical Focus, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), Power Attack, Staggering Critical, Weapon Focus (bite, sting)
Skills Perception +18, Swim +20

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Poison (Ex)
Sting�injury; save Fortitude DC 25; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d4 Strength damage; cure 3 consecutive saves. The save DC is Constitution-based

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 52/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d8=5 ; d8=8 ;
Friday April 24th, 2020 5:50:46 PM
Kezzem will expends another use of lay on hands, the cast cure moderate wounds. He then stands up.

"Thanks Succo, I almost died again."

Lay on Hands: 6d6 = 4 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 5 + 6 = 21.

Cure Mod Wounds = 2d8 + 10 = 5 + 8 + 10 = 23.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d3=1 ;
Saturday April 25th, 2020 1:09:14 AM

No ice to fling around. After the first round of ice storm's icy hail, heavy snow and hail fall in rounds 2-15. No more damage, it's just chilly. Anyone in area takes -4 penalty on Perception skill checks, and area is treated as difficult terrain.

Murphy casts summon nature's ally VII to call forth a greater air elemental, which should arrive on Murphy's turn next round. He knows what he will say to it.

Bliss | OctoBliss HP184/184+13 AC28 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC46 | Cayzle
Saturday April 25th, 2020 10:16:22 AM

Clear-headed for the first time in this encounter, Mookie and Bliss take stock.

Mookie is in the middle of snow and sleet, next to a formidable foe with reach, so that while the withdraw action offers protection from AoOs for the first threatened square he leaves, continuing to fly away will definitely trigger an AoO anyway.

Bliss is encased in a 20 ft wall of force, cannot see Mookie through a wall of thorns, and his friends are dying as they fight a dire porcupine.

Okay, Mookie first. In S14, next to Planty McPlantFace, he uses a swift action to turn on his witchy shared Shield of Faith. Then, Total Defense is a standard action that (with Acrobatics) raises his AC by 6 to 46. Then, trusting to that sweet AC, Mookie just flies away. The Ice Storm counts as difficult terrain, so Mookie flies 15 ft south to S-17, counting that as 30 ft of move. He has Fly 80, so with the rest of his move action (assuming he evades that AoO), he flies to S-20 (15 more feet of move, 45 used), then to O-16, He taps on the wall of force and thinks to Bliss, "Okay, Kid, I'm out."

Bliss gives a thumbs-up and ponders his own dilemma. A second later, he focuses on the combat like a laser (enters rage as a free action, roleplayed as focus rather than anger), activates his own shared Shield of Faith as a swift action, casts Beast Shape III and takes on his OctoBliss form. With his always-active spider climb cloak and tentacles with 20 ft reach, he just reaches over the top of the wall of force and pulls himself up and over. That's it for Bliss's move this round.

DM Sanity Info

Spells cast so far today:
Standard set: Threefold Aspect x2 (M&B); Shield of Faith, Surrender Blood (used in rituals); Heroes' Breakfast; Extended Barkskin x2 (M&B); Beast Shape III

Other stuff used
Rage: 1r
Shield of Faith: 1r
Meta Rod Extend: 2

Hobie (Nick T) HP 106/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Saturday April 25th, 2020 12:09:45 PM
Encased in a wall of force, Hobie looks around for a good solid branch in the sky where he can rain down arrows from above. When he finds a good spot, high above, where he has a line for shooting the bandersnatch (anything less than total cover doesn't apply to Hobie with his archer skills)

once he picks out a good spot, he will cast Dimension Door to poof there, and use his move action to get himself set, and ready to fire arrows next round.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(110/125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29
Saturday April 25th, 2020 3:30:19 PM
Pressi casts break enchantment on her own confusion spell, freeing everyone.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Monday April 27th, 2020 5:55:10 AM
realized I forgot to update header when making level 15. fixed now

DM Kathy d100=79 ; d10=8 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d20+23=32 ; d20+32=35 ; 2d8+13=25 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ;
Monday April 27th, 2020 1:16:28 PM
Tali succumbs to the basilisk's gaze attack.

Meanwhile, Succotash uses his Dimensional Hop ability to snatch Kezzem out of harm's way, then uses Breath of Life to halt his journey to Gargul. Meanwhile, the purple worm powers through the Wall of Thorns to attack the bandersnatch. It hits! The worm damages the bandersnatch, at the cost of 8 points of piercing damage and 4 points of fire damage to itself from the bandersnatch's quills. Also, the worm must succeed at a DC 28 Reflex save or get a quill lodged in its flesh, causing the sickened condition. The worm attempts to grapple, but cannot hold the nimble murder kitty [CMD 57].

Kezzem stands up and heals himself some more.

Murphy begins a summoning spell.

Bliss becomes Octo-Bliss! He climbs out of the Wall of Force. Mookie attempts to retreat from the viper vine, provoking an attack of opportunity. But the plant cannot hit the well-protected raven.

Hobie finds a likely branch overhead (there are plenty), and uses a Dimension Door to get up there. The rain of arrows starts next round.

Pressi ends her Confusion spell.

The viper vine begins creeping northwards, pursing the purple worm.

The bandersnatch has a new target, and it is Octo-Bliss! It has to move, so it only gets one attack this round. It hits! Bliss takes 25 damage, plus 5 fire damage.

Then the bandersnatch glares at Murphy! Murphy must make a DC 29 Fortitude save or be Confused for 1 round. If he is confused, he attacks the nearest creature.

And the map.

Bliss | OctoBliss HP167/184 AC28 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC46 | Cayzle d6+4=5 ; d20+15=29 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+17=22 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+17=24 ; d20+17=24 ; d20+17=25 ; d4+12=16 ; d4+12=15 ; d4+12=16 ; d4+12=14 ; d4+12=15 ; d4+12=14 ; d4+12=13 ; d4+12=14 ; d20+20=25 ; d8=3 ; d6=3 ;
Monday April 27th, 2020 3:49:45 PM

Hopeful retcon: Just before the monster attacks, Bliss would like to turn on his plant domain bramble armor, which he can do as a free action, that is, even on an enemy's turn. If allowed, that inflicts 5 damage to the beastie. If not allowed, Bliss turns it on now, and so each time the monster hits him, it will take 1d6+4 damage.

Bliss's Heroes' Breakfast temp hit points nullify about half of the damage inflicted by the dire porcupine, but it still smarts. "You know what else will smart," Bliss thinks, "those darn porcupine stickers!"

"Ha!" thinks Mookie back, "take it like a hero! Here, I'll help."

Using his total defense again, Mookie flies to the other side of the monster to FLANK. If he provokes an AoO, well, his AC46 may save him, and at least then that eats up an AoO, maybe the monster's only one.

Bliss uses his quickened spell-like ability to grant himself divine favor (+3 to hit and damage) this round. That's his swift action, so he will have to wait for his arcane strike for next round.

Alas, there's no avoiding this. Bliss grits his teeth, takes a five ft step forward, and unleashes 8 tentacles and a bite!

Tentacles hit ACs 31, 22, 22, 33, 33, 24, 24, 25
... for damage of 16, 15, 16, 14, 15, 14, 13, 14
Bite hits AC 25 for 26.

DM Sanity Info

Spells cast so far today:
Standard set: Threefold Aspect x2 (M&B); Shield of Faith, Surrender Blood (used in rituals); Heroes' Breakfast; Extended Barkskin x2 (M&B); Beast Shape III

Other stuff used
Meta Rod Extend: 2
Rage: 2r
Shield of Faith: 2r
Bramble Armor: 1r
Divine Faith: 1r
Holding breath: 2r

Hobie (Nick T) HP 106/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+22=35 ; d20+22=29 ; d20+22=30 ; d20+17=21 ; d20+12=19 ; 2d6+20=27 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+20=27 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+20=23 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+20=23 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+20=27 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+20=25 ; d6=3 ;
Monday April 27th, 2020 4:42:17 PM
Hobie watches Bliss tangle with the Bandersnatch, and provided Bliss doesn't kill it first, Hobie takes aim.

He sends all his arrows toward the bandersnatch unless it drops and then the rest of his arrows go toward the Viper Vine

Boots of speed used = 1/10

(I added one to each of these because I forgot to include the +1 from Haste in my dice roller clicks)
Manyshot = 36
Nonlethal Piercing 27, lightning 5 = 32
nonlethal piercing 27, lightning 3 = 30

Rapid shot = 30
nonlethal piercing 23, lightning 4 = 27

Haste = 31
nonlethal piercing 23, lightning 6 = 29

Iterative 1 = 22
nonlethal piercing 27, lightning 4 = 31

Iterative 2 = 20
nonlethal piercing 25, lightning 3 = 28

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 91/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d8=5 ; d8=2 ;
Monday April 27th, 2020 5:41:36 PM
Kezzem lays hands on himself again (swift), and follows up with another cure moderate wounds (standard). He then moves to 20 feet away from the bandersnatch (move).

Lay on Hands: 6d6 = 6 + 2 + 5 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 22.

Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8 + 10 = 5 + 2 = 17.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9
Monday April 27th, 2020 7:42:34 PM
In the Jungle, the Fruminous BanderSnatch Jungle...

Confused Tali hovers and babbles for one round, after which, she removes her mirror from her handy haversack, pivoting in mid-air and using it to see the battlefield behind her; obviously to avoid future gaze attacks. She points in the direction of Mister Murphy & Octo-Bliss to ask if she should drop the Wall of Force. If any of them answer in the affirmative, she will drop the wall of force, if that is an option.

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 850 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 850 of 900 Minutes
StoneSkin - 150 of 150 minutes | 150 HP

Hero's Breakfast - 700 of 720 minutes
Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) ~= (1d8+6).

Grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours

Temporary Hit Points
1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) = 9 (Correcting for incorrect + )

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(110/125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29
Monday April 27th, 2020 8:30:32 PM
Harper blinks while hanging out in a wall of force. She has some rather irritable growls.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+24=30 ;
Monday April 27th, 2020 11:09:49 PM

Murphy, finding the bandersnatch is trying to catch his eye, already has noted from experience what his glance can do. Though feeling the gaze drawing him, he draws from heroic reserves (1 hero point for +8 luck bonus to fortitude save) to avert his eyes, barely, from meeting those of the monstrosity below. Just in time to find before him a great air elemental.

Murphy says to the greater air elemental, "Tervetuloa, hieno. Kaynnista tornado ja hyokkaa bandersnatchiin uudestaan ja uudestaan. Hyokkaan pian. Menna!" If you speak Auran Highlight to display spoiler: {"Welcome, great one. Become a whirlwind and attack the bandersnatch again and again. I will attack soon. Go!"}

"Yes, Talia, remove it."

Murphy casts call lightning storm.

[Will post Air elemental attacks in a bit - have to run for now.]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Druid halfling - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+21=26 ; d20+21=41 ; d20+21=29 ; 2d8+7=15 ; 2d8+7=17 ; 2d8+7=12 ; 2d8+7=11 ; d20+20=27 ; d20+20=21 ; d20+20=37 ; d20+20=38 ; d20+21=39 ;
Tuesday April 28th, 2020 2:29:32 AM
The greater air elemental, whom Murphy summoned to a spot about 35 above the ground, hears what the druid says. She looks ever so slightly down on the body of the bandersnatch; transforms into a whirlwind, 60' tall, and 30' in diameter, then sweeps across the gargantuan monstrosity, skipping along its surface almost like a stone, but with multiplied force...

However, it manages to do only 17 hp damage to the formidable creature. She ends her turn on the other side of the bandersnatch.

[Note: I find myself, unusually, feeling a bit confused as to how to handle attack / damage, saving throws, etc. Despite all the rolls, I'll go with the most conservative: the elemental hit once (nat 20) for 17 hp damage. Also, am having a hard time figuring out how a creature made up of 10 pounds total of the stuff of air would get anything lodged in its 'flesh' when in whirlwind form, since any materials caught up in the whirlwind tend to get spun around and cast forth into the surrounding air. If you think the elemental should roll, the Reflex save is +18, so please roll if you think it ought to apply.]

The wall of force cast by Talia disappears, as she said it would if either Murphy or Bliss indicated it should go.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+8=9 ; d20+25=42 ; d20+25=43 ; 4d8+12=34 ; 2d8+12=20 ; d20+36=39 ; d20+7=9 ; 3d8+15=23 ;
Tuesday April 28th, 2020 5:54:57 AM
The purple worm fails its save and now has the sickened condition, but lashes out with both it's bite and sting Bite hits AC 42 and sting hits AC 43 for 34 damage from the bite, and 20 from the sting. it must make a DC 25 fortitude save verses the stings poison, or take 1d4 str damage (see bottom of stat block) the worm attempts to use it's grab ability but fails to make the grapple.

Valerie now free fro the confusion spell, and the wall of force cage attempts to force her way through the wall of thorns to attack the viper vine but isn't able to do so instead she starts heading around the wall.

Succotash will cast mass inflict serious wounds, targeting both the bandersnatch and the viper vine with 23 negative energy damage. They can make a DC 23 will save for half.

85ft/150ft dimensional hops per day

Purple Worm -- Sickened
N Gargantuan magical beast
Init �2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft.; Perception +18

DEFENSE
AC 26, touch 4, flat-footed 26 (�2 Dex, +22 natural, �4 size)
hp 189/232
Fort +17, Ref +8, Will +4

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., burrow 20 ft., swim 10 ft.
Melee bite +27 (4d8+14/19�20 plus grab), sting +27 (2d8+14 plus poison)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (4d8+14 bludgeoning damage, AC 21, 20 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 39, Dex 6, Con 29, Int 1, Wis 8, Cha 8
Base Atk +16; CMB +32 (+36 grapple); CMD 40 (can�t be tripped)
Feats Awesome Blow, Critical Focus, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), Power Attack, Staggering Critical, Weapon Focus (bite, sting)
Skills Perception +18, Swim +20

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Poison (Ex)
Sting�injury; save Fortitude DC 25; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d4 Strength damage; cure 3 consecutive saves. The save DC is Constitution-based

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(110/125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29
Tuesday April 28th, 2020 10:53:18 AM
Harper hyperdrives to the other side of the wall of thorns (squeezing around the ice storm or air elemental - I have 500 feet to play with). (Full round action)

Pressi tries to decide her next move (60 ft move - fly action) and to pretend her last couple of moves made a difference. She decides to start her own conjuration (insect plague) to appear next to the viper vine.

-----------

Pressi
ritual warding (+1 to AC, saves)
ritual spiritual healing (use D12s)
heroes feast (+1 to attack rolls and will saves, +4 against poison, fear)
shield of faith (+4 AC)

Harper
ritual warding (+1 to AC, saves)
heroes feast (+1 to attack rolls and will saves, +4 against poison, fear)
captivated (cure unknown)
confusion (self cast)(break enchantment later)

Spells Used

L1: 7+1
L2: 5+1
L3: 1/5+1
L4: 2/5+1
L5: 3/4+1
L6: 2+1
L7: 1+1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(110/125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29
Tuesday April 28th, 2020 10:53:56 AM
(OOC: it should be noted that I used an L6 spell.)

DM Kathy d10=4 ; d10=7 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d10=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d20+21=34 ; d10=5 ; d3=1 ; d10=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d20+32=37 ; d20+32=40 ; d20+32=49 ; d20+32=51 ; d20+32=41 ; d20+27=33 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; 2d8+13=17 ; 2d8+13=21 ; 2d6+13=17 ; 4d6+26=39 ; 2d8+19=28 ; 10d6=23 ; d20+6=23 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+23=42 ; d20+21=38 ; d20+21=32 ; d20+21=34 ; d20+21=38 ; 2d6+8=11 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6+4=10 ; d6+4=9 ; d6+4=6 ; d6+4=9 ; d20+28=41 ; d100=61 ;
Tuesday April 28th, 2020 1:50:43 PM
Bliss activates his bramble armor. He attacks, with flank from Mookie, hitting twice. Bliss takes 11 points of damage plus 7 points of fire damage from the creature's quills, and must succeed at two DC 28 reflex saves or get a quill lodged in his flesh, causing the sickened condition.

Hobie fires a series of arrows. His Manyshot attack hits; the others miss.

Kezzem retreats a little further and heals himself a little more.

Tali takes precautions against further gaze attacks and offers to drop the Wall of Force. Murphy accepts, and now the wall is gone.

Murphy's air elemental whirls the bandersnatch for some damage, and your DM agrees that it's silly to think an air elemental can get a quill lodged anywhere. The elemental does, however, take 2 points of damage and 9 points of fire damage. Murphy casts Call Lightning Storm.

Succotash's purple worm hits the bandersnatch twice. The bandersnatch is unaffected by the poison, and the purple worm takes 6 damage plus 10 fire damage. Valerie makes her way toward the viper vine. Succotash casts Mass Inflict Serious Wounds. Weirdly, the plant makes its save. I don't know what that looks like, but I'll just go with it.

Pressi begins a summoning while Harper gets into position near the viper vine.

The bandersnatch heals a little of its damage. The air elementals are too high for it to reach, and Mookie is too small to make a decent meal. The purple worm is underground? Succotash, how much of the worm is underground? Anyway, there's a perfectly good target right there in Octo-Bliss, so that's where it focuses its attention! It hits Bliss 5 times (one critical), which means it takes 32 points of damage from the brambles. Bliss takes 122 damage plus 23 fire damage.

Then the bandersnatch glares at Kezzem. Kezzem must make a DC 29 Fortitude save or become Confused for a round. If confused, you deal 1d8 points of damage + Str modifier to self with item in hand.

The viper vine targets Harper. It bites the big cat for 11 damage plus 14 acid damage. Four tendrils lash out and hit for another 34 damage. And Harper is grappled!

And the map.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 87/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d20+18=21 ; d8+1=4 ;
Tuesday April 28th, 2020 2:26:38 PM
SV Fort: 1d20 + 18 = 21.

"Hah! You target me, a paladin, with a Fort save! Like that will wor...oh hey, what a nice shiny dagger! Oh look, it's got some red stuff on it!"

Damage: 1d8 + 1 = 4.

Bliss | OctoBliss HP4/184 AC28 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC46 | Cayzle d20+10=20 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+41=61 ;
Tuesday April 28th, 2020 3:39:22 PM

Bliss takes another 163 damage. He had 167, so his current total is 4.

Reflex saves vs nauseated: 20 and 18. Bliss is sickened.
[Actually, those did not include a +2 from Lightning Reflexes, but it would not have mattered]
Sickened -- The character takes a -2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

Bliss can't end his rage to cast a spell, because ending his rage means immediately sinking to -26 hp! He can't attack, and even full defense will do nothing. All he can think to do is to run away, using acrobatics to avoid provoking AoOs. He uses a hero point for a +8 on the roll, and takes a -2 sickened, for a net +6 to his +35 base.

Acrobatics 61 with a nat 20! Bliss tumbles back, moving at half speed while in the monster's reach. I moved my token south, but I think I can eke another 20 ft of move headed away.

Mookie caws, "The Kid's got the right idea! Run away! Run!"

He uses his standard action on total defense, then moves up and away, trying to fly above the monster's reach.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+27=32 ; d20+27=40 ; 4d8+12=32 ; 2d8+12=23 ; d20+20=24 ; 2d6+12=21 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ;
Tuesday April 28th, 2020 6:05:13 PM
Seeing Bliss take a beat down, and seeing him withdraw, Succotash dimensional hops 60ft, and cast Heal restoring 150 hp to Bliss, and removing his sickened condition. He will then burn a hero point to begin summoning an augmented celestial T-Rex, via summon monster VII.

The purple worm lashes out with both it the bandersnatch with both it's bite and sting again. the bite hits AC 30 and the sting hits AC 38. The bite does 32 damage, and the sting does 23 damage.

Unable to pounce on the viper vine due to the difficult terrain, Valerie advances, and lashes out with one of her talons hitting AC 24 for 21 damage plus 5 shock and 4 frost, for a total of 30 damage.

25ft/150ft dimensional hops per day

Purple Worm -- Sickened
N Gargantuan magical beast
Init �2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft.; Perception +18

DEFENSE
AC 26, touch 4, flat-footed 26 (�2 Dex, +22 natural, �4 size)
hp 173/232
Fort +17, Ref +8, Will +4

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., burrow 20 ft., swim 10 ft.
Melee bite +27 (4d8+14/19�20 plus grab), sting +27 (2d8+14 plus poison)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (4d8+14 bludgeoning damage, AC 21, 20 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 39, Dex 6, Con 29, Int 1, Wis 8, Cha 8
Base Atk +16; CMB +32 (+36 grapple); CMD 40 (can�t be tripped)
Feats Awesome Blow, Critical Focus, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), Power Attack, Staggering Critical, Weapon Focus (bite, sting)
Skills Perception +18, Swim +20

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Poison (Ex)
Sting�injury; save Fortitude DC 25; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d4 Strength damage; cure 3 consecutive saves. The save DC is Constitution-based

Tyrannosaurus
N Gargantuan animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, Darkvision 60ft, scent; Perception +37

DEFENSE

AC 21, touch 7, flat-footed 20 (+1 Dex, +14 natural, �4 size)
hp 189/189
Fort +17, Ref +12, Will +10
SR 15,energy resistance 15 (cold, acid, electricity) DR 10/evil

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +22 (4d6+24/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d8+15, AC 17, hp 15)

STATISTICS

Str 36, Dex 13, Con 23, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +28 (+32 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +37; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite

Hobie (Nick T) HP 106/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+26=40 ; d20+26=36 ; d20+26=41 ; d20+21=32 ; d20+16=24 ; 2d6+12=22 ; 2d6+12=23 ; 2d6+12=16 ; 2d6+12=18 ; 2d6+12=21 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday April 29th, 2020 12:42:28 AM
Hobie takes more careful aim this time, and fires again

Manyshot 40
22 nonlethal piercing, 4 lightning = 26
23 nonlethal piercing, 6 lightning = 29

Rapid shot 36
16 nonlethal piercing, 1 lightning = 17

Haste 41
18 nonlethal piercing, 3 lightning = 21

Iterative One 32
21 nonlethal piercing, 5 lightning = 26

Haste boots 2/10

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp 5d10=25 ; d20+21=23 ; d20+21=31 ; d20+22=35 ; d20+22=31 ; d20+22=25 ; d20+22=38 ; 2d8+12=17 ; 2d8+12=22 ;
Wednesday April 29th, 2020 7:09:57 AM

"AVOID THE GAZE OF THE BANDERSNATCH!" Murphy advises his companions. Who knows, that might give them a +2 circumstantial bonus on their Fortitude saving throws versus that attack :-)

Murphy drops a 30' tall 5' diameter cylinder of lightning upon the large cat-like hexapod closely adjacent to where the greater air elemental passes - meanwhile she almost damages the beast, but not quite (needed 32, rolled 31). Murphy figures she at least enjoys the tingle of the nearby electricity. It's an air elemental thing. [Note: 5d10 rather than 5d6 due to proximity of whirlwind]. Damage: 25, or half if reflex save vs DC 33.

Murphy flies repeatedly to try to bash the bandersnatch. He wonders whether it can be polymorphed into a lemur. Twice he connects for 17 then 22 hp damage, 39 total.

The greater air elementals ends up in the same places she started, but just a bit lower down - about 25' above the forest ground. Murphy ends about 40' in the air at the bottom of the 50' vortex.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (28/30), HP 111(110/125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (29/31), HP 85 (40/99), CMD 29 (27) d20+15=20 ; d20+15=33 ; d20+15=24 ; d6+7=9 ; d3+7=10 ; d3+7=8 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=12 ; 2d6=5 ;
Wednesday April 29th, 2020 11:03:22 AM
Pressi, hearing Murphy, makes note of it. "Careful with your wish, Murphy. You know how I tend to go overboard. Hey, guys, anyone asking for a flat footed creature. Maybe one with hairy palms?"

Pressi's eyes begin to move to the back of the head, as does that of the Bandersnatch and... I guess of the Viper Vine. Maybe it has mushrooms on it that can move to the back of the head. Various tongues continue as she flies over the wall.

(Cast Living Voodoo Blindness on both, no save. Also cast on cat Quickened Ill Omen, no save, 3 roll twices.)

Harper struggles with the vine, unleashing its natural attacks.
(Bite attack: 22, Claw attacks 35 and 26 (forgot flanking bonus). If any hit, damage is 9+trip, 10 and 8, respectively.)

Pressi's summons finishes - 4 swarms of wasps (caster level 14 - we are still L15, right?) right on top of a plant. (Each does 2d6+poison damage, no attack rolls. That's 29 damage + 4 rolls against -1 Dex, Fort DC 13).

-----------

Pressi
ritual warding (+1 to AC, saves)
ritual spiritual healing (use D12s)
heroes feast (+1 to attack rolls and will saves, +4 against poison, fear)
shield of faith (+4 AC)
blindness (-2 AC, 50 percent miss chance, Str/Dex/Percept)

Harper
ritual warding (+1 to AC, saves)
heroes feast (+1 to attack rolls and will saves, +4 against poison, fear)
grappled (-2 to AC, attack rolls (really -1), CMB/CMD)

Spells Used

L1: 7+1
L2: 5+1
L3: 1/5+1
L4: 2/5+1
L5: 4/4+1
L6: 2/2+1
L7: 1+1

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9 d3=1 ; d3=2 ;
Wednesday April 29th, 2020 1:33:02 PM
In the Jungle, the Fruminous BanderSnatch Jungle...

{OOC: Made a mistake rolling dice. I meant to not roll dice and just summon one creature}

Tali casts Summon Monster VII to bring forth a Dinosaur, Tyrannosaurus (with the celestial creature template as per Jerm-boy Canaday) right behind the Fruminous Bandersnatch, without looking at the Bandersnatch, just the sky. Once the animal appears, Tali requests that it attacks to the death the Bandersnatch!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Tyrannosaurus Dinosaur with the celestial creature template
XP 6,400 | CR:10 (9+1)
N Gargantuan animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, scent creature gains dark vision 60 ft.; Perception +37

DEFENSE

AC 21, touch 7, flat-footed 20 (+1 Dex, +14 natural, �4 size)
hp 153 (18d8+72)
Fort +15, Ref +12, Will +10

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +20 (4d6+22/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d8+11, AC 17, hp 15)

STATISTICS

Str 32, Dex 13, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +28 (+32 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +37; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Powerful Bite (Ex)
A tyrannosaurus applies twice its Strength modifier to bite damage.

Defensive Abilities The creature gains damage reduction and energy resistance as noted on Table: Celestial Creature Defense.

SR The creature gains spell resistance equal to its new CR15

Special Attacks The creature may smite evil 1/day as a swift action (it adds its Cha bonus to attack rolls, and a damage bonus equal to its HD against evil foes; smite persists until the target is dead or the celestial creature rests).

Table: Celestial Creature Defenses
Hit Dice Resist Cold, Acid, and Electricity DR
1�4 5 �
5�10 10 5/evil
11+ 15 10/evil

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 850 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 850 of 900 Minutes
StoneSkin - 150 of 150 minutes | 150 HP

Hero's Breakfast - 700 of 720 minutes
Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) ~= (1d8+6).

Grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours

Temporary Hit Points
1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) = 9 (Correcting for incorrect + )

DM Kathy d20+28=38 ; d6=1 ; d20+23=24 ; d20+21=26 ; d20+21=32 ; d20+21=26 ; d20+21=32 ;
Wednesday April 29th, 2020 1:37:40 PM
Kezzem, despite his brave words, succumbs to the Confusion effect and damages himself.

Bliss and Mokie spend the round getting away from the bandersnatch.

Succotash heals Bliss. Making a heroic effort, he begins casting a summoning spell. Meanwhile, the purple worm attacks the bandersnatch, hitting with its sting, while Valerie moves up to attack the viper vine. She does not hit her target.

Hobie fires again, this time taking more care with his aim. It pays off; all but the last shot hit.

Murphy calls a warning, then calls down lightning. The bandersnatch stops moving.

Pressi uses Living Voodoo Doll to blind the viper vine. Harper attacks the vine, managing to hit with a claw. The wasps show up, and damage the vine. Unfortunately, being a plant, it is immune to poison.

The bandersnatch remains unconscious, although it heals some damage. The viper vine bites at Harper, but manages to miss with a natural 1. It then constricts Harper for 9 damage. It lashes out at Valerie with its tendrils, but misses.

And the map. The bandersnatch is unconscious but alive. It has fast healing so somebody should keep an eye on it.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp 5d10=28 ; d20+21=34 ; d20+21=37 ; 2d8+7=20 ; 2d8+7=20 ; d20+26=44 ; d20+26=38 ; d20+26=35 ; d20+26=46 ; d20+26=28 ; 2d8+12=21 ; 2d8+12=17 ; 2d8+12=19 ; 2d8+12=20 ;
Wednesday April 29th, 2020 3:12:12 PM

The lady elemental repeats her attacks. As she does so, Murphy targets another lightning strike for 28 points of electrical damage. Summoned she-elemental hits for 20 + 20 = 40 hp.

Murphy hits 4 times, but fails to convert a nat 20 to a crit. Damage: 21 + 17 + 19 + 20 = 77 hp

As he makes his swoops, Murphy calls out: "He - she - it? is alive, and regenerating � So let's drop it beyond the point of regeneration! � Did you know that some of these critters can live for a thousand years? � And they like to track down people they have fought before? � Grant it the mercy of death."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+25=31 ; d20+25=36 ; 4d8+12=27 ; 2d8+12=24 ; d20+36=45 ; d20+22=39 ; 4d6+24=36 ; d20+32=50 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+20=37 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+19=23 ; d20+19=39 ; d20+19=26 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d8=8 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d4=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; 15d6=57 ;
Wednesday April 29th, 2020 6:38:17 PM
Seeing the Bandersnatch go down, and Murphy and his elemental friend continue to pummel it Succotash orders his purple worm to attack the viper vine. It's bite hit AC 32 for 27 damage, and it's sting hits AC 36 fro 24 damage. It's grab ability with it's bite grapples CMD 45.

Succotash's T-Rex also attacks the viper vine, hitting AC 39 with it's bite for 36 damage and it attempts to grapple with it's grab ability hitting with a 50

Valerie goes full round attack against the viper vine
left talon hits AC 25 - miss
right talon hits AC 37 for 21 damage plus 1 shock & 3 frost= 25
bite hits AC 39 for 20 damage plus 6 shock & 4 frost= 24
left claw hits AC 23 - miss
right claw nat 20, 26 doesn't confirm for 17 damage plus 1 shock & 6 frost= 24

Succotash casts flame strike on the viper vine for 57 damage (1/2 divine, 1/2 fire) DC 19 reflex for half

25ft/150ft dimensional hops per day

Purple Worm -- Sickened
N Gargantuan magical beast
Init �2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft.; Perception +18

DEFENSE
AC 26, touch 4, flat-footed 26 (�2 Dex, +22 natural, �4 size)
hp 173/232
Fort +17, Ref +8, Will +4

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., burrow 20 ft., swim 10 ft.
Melee bite +27 (4d8+14/19�20 plus grab), sting +27 (2d8+14 plus poison)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (4d8+14 bludgeoning damage, AC 21, 20 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 39, Dex 6, Con 29, Int 1, Wis 8, Cha 8
Base Atk +16; CMB +32 (+36 grapple); CMD 40 (can�t be tripped)
Feats Awesome Blow, Critical Focus, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), Power Attack, Staggering Critical, Weapon Focus (bite, sting)
Skills Perception +18, Swim +20

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Poison (Ex)
Sting�injury; save Fortitude DC 25; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d4 Strength damage; cure 3 consecutive saves. The save DC is Constitution-based

Tyrannosaurus
N Gargantuan animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, Darkvision 60ft, scent; Perception +37

DEFENSE

AC 21, touch 7, flat-footed 20 (+1 Dex, +14 natural, �4 size)
hp 189/189
Fort +17, Ref +12, Will +10
SR 15,energy resistance 15 (cold, acid, electricity) DR 10/evil

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +22 (4d6+24/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d8+15, AC 17, hp 15)

STATISTICS

Str 36, Dex 13, Con 23, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +28 (+32 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +37; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9 d20+20=28 ; 4d6+22=34 ; d4+1=5 ;
Wednesday April 29th, 2020 9:02:15 PM
In the Jungle, the Dangerous Jungle...

Tali brings forth a Dinosaur, a Tyrannosaurus (with the celestial creature template as per Jerm-boy Canaday) right behind the Fruminous Bandersnatch. " Mr/Ms. T.Rex, destroy that big animal in front of you, please!"

The T.Rex, attacks the Frumious Bandersnatch attempting a big bite! Attack: 1d20+20: 28 (I don't think that hits) | Damage: (4d6+22/19�20 plus grab) = 34 if it does.

Tali is not convinced the Big Cat is down for the count, summons five (5) Bralani Azata for the final stroke!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Tyrannosaurus Dinosaur with the celestial creature template
XP 6,400 | CR:10 (9+1)
N Gargantuan animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, scent creature gains dark vision 60 ft.; Perception +37

DEFENSE

AC 21, touch 7, flat-footed 20 (+1 Dex, +14 natural, �4 size)
hp 153 (18d8+72)
Fort +15, Ref +12, Will +10

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +20 (4d6+22/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d8+11, AC 17, hp 15)

STATISTICS

Str 32, Dex 13, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +28 (+32 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +37; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Powerful Bite (Ex)
A tyrannosaurus applies twice its Strength modifier to bite damage.

Defensive Abilities The creature gains damage reduction and energy resistance as noted on Table: Celestial Creature Defense.

SR The creature gains spell resistance equal to its new CR15

Special Attacks The creature may smite evil 1/day as a swift action (it adds its Cha bonus to attack rolls, and a damage bonus equal to its HD against evil foes; smite persists until the target is dead or the celestial creature rests).

Table: Celestial Creature Defenses
Hit Dice Resist Cold, Acid, and Electricity DR
1�4 5 �
5�10 10 5/evil
11+ 15 10/evil

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 850 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 850 of 900 Minutes
StoneSkin - 150 of 150 minutes | 150 HP

Hero's Breakfast - 700 of 720 minutes
Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) ~= (1d8+6).

Grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours

Temporary Hit Points
1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) = 9 (Correcting for incorrect + )

Bliss | OctoBliss HP154/184 AC28 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC46 | Cayzle d20+22=38 ; d8=7 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday April 29th, 2020 10:13:06 PM

Back in the very pink of health, OctoBliss activates his arcane strike, charges the downed dire porcupine, and hits AC38 for 1d6+1d3+23 = 35 nonlethal damage.

Bliss flies overhead, out of reach. "Are you sure about this, Kid?" he cautions.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 106/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+23=28 ; d20+23=41 ; d20+23=39 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+13=22 ; 2d6+20=23 ; 2d6+20=24 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+20=26 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+20=22 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+20=28 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+20=29 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday April 30th, 2020 12:12:10 PM
ooc: y'all are getting kinda savage on that bandersnatch, one coup de grace probably would have done the trick ;p

Hobie turns his attention the Viper Vine

Manyshot 28
Piercing 23, Electric 5 = 28
Piercing 24, Electric 3= 27

Rapid Shot 41
Piercing 26, Electric 5 = 31

Haste 39
Piercing 22, Electric 4 = 26

Iterative One 30
Piercing 28, Electric 6 = 34

Iterative Two 22
Piercing 29, Electric 4 = 33

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (28/30), HP 111(110/125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (29/31), HP 85 (31/99), CMD 29 (27) 8d6=24 ;
Thursday April 30th, 2020 1:30:13 PM
Pressi isn't quite convinced that taking it down was the right answer, and actually feels a bit sorry for the giant cat. Also, "If anyone could stop stomping on a downed foe and actually save MY pet so I don't have to hunt you for a thousand years, I'd really appreciate it. Much obliged."

Pressi casts Blink on Harper (shared spell) and Harper moves out of the grapple. She casts a quickened ill omen on the plant (the one she didn't fire last time).

The wasps continue to do its thing (24 damage).

-------------------------

Pressi
ritual warding (+1 to AC, saves)
ritual spiritual healing (use D12s)
heroes feast (+1 to attack rolls and will saves, +4 against poison, fear)
shield of faith (+4 AC)
blindness (-2 AC, 50 percent miss chance, Str/Dex/Percept)

Harper
ritual warding (+1 to AC, saves)
heroes feast (+1 to attack rolls and will saves, +4 against poison, fear)
grappled (-2 to AC, attack rolls (really -1), CMB/CMD)
blinking

Spells Used

L1: 7+1
L2: 5+1
L3: 2/5+1
L4: 2/5+1
L5: 4/4+1
L6: 2/2+1
L7: 1+1

DM Kathy
Thursday April 30th, 2020 2:28:54 PM
Murphy and his air elemental continue attacking the bandersnatch, trying to kill it outright.

Bliss does more non-lethal damage.

Tali's newly arrived T-Rex finishes off the giant porcupine-cat. Its blow wouldn't have hit a conscious bandersnatch, but it isn't nearly as nimble now that it's just lying there.

The bandersnatch is dead.

Hobie, Succotash, and Succotash's menagerie finish off the viper vine.

Pressi is concerned for Harper, but the big cat is fine now that his foe is dead. The wasps continue to swarm the downed vine.

Pressi can save her spells, and Tali can save her summoning; the battle is over.

Hero Points to Kezzem and Bliss for hanging in and absorbing full attacks from the murder kitty!

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Thursday April 30th, 2020 2:51:03 PM

"And have we slain the bandersnatch?
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!" Murphy chortles in his joy.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Thursday April 30th, 2020 5:10:52 PM
Succotash breaths a sigh of relief, as the enemies fall. "Well, I think understand why Lord Gargul sent me back as a cleric now!", Succotash says with a smile, "Kezzem would have been a goner, if I was still a Paladin, and I'm not sure if I would have been able to help Bliss out either, or for that matter, if I would have survived! Praise the gods for this well earned, and hard won victory!" He then uses his speak with animals SLA to thank the T-Rex and Purple Worm for their service, before he dismisses them. After dismissing them, he runs over to Valerie, and scratches her behind the ear vents saying,"Who's a good girl, who's a good girl, You're a good girl!"

Bliss | OctoBliss HP154/184 AC28 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC46 | Cayzle
Thursday April 30th, 2020 5:56:48 PM

Bliss dismisses his polymorph -- that's a standard action. "Whew!" he says, enjoying breathing. (He has to hold his breath in Octo Form.)

Mookie lands next to him. "Kid, when are you going to get a magic item so you do not have to breath?"

"Soon, Mooks ol' pal. Soon!"

[OOC: thanks for the hero point, kindly DM!]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 87/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Thursday April 30th, 2020 11:29:40 PM
"That was one nasty murder kitty," said Kezzem. He then notices the cut on is arm.

"Hey, who stabbed me with a dagger?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d8=6 ; d8=8 ; d8=3 ;
Friday May 1st, 2020 3:37:44 AM

Murphy draws near to the summoned great air elemental. He speaks in the susurrant Auran tongue.

"Kiitos, olento ilmasta. Olet auttanut meita voittamaan vaikean vihollisen. Nimeni on Murphy, ja Rakastan sellaisia ihmisiasi.
"Siella on puolivalissa oleva kaupunki nimeltaan 'Humble's Ford.' Se sijaitsee Crescent Valleyn keskella. Laheisella kukkulalla seisoo kaunis valkoinen torni. Torni rakennettiin kiitollisuudesta ilman olentoille. Tule sinne joskus ja tanssi Musiikin Spiren kautta muiden kanssa.
"Voit vapaasti menna tiesi. Jaahyvaiset."

"Thank you, creature of the stuff of air. You have helped us vanquish a fearsome foe. I am Murphy, and I love your kind.
"There is halfling town called "Humble's Ford." It lies in the middle of Crescent Valley. On a nearby hill stands a beautiful white spire. The spire was built out of gratitude to the creatures of the air. Come there, sometime, and dance through the Spire of Music with others.
"You are free to go your way. Fare well."

"Are all well?" the druid asks his friends. He sees a few wounds here and there. He gathers animals and people together who have a need for healing. Murphy casts mass cure serious wounds, healing 32 hp of damage to all, halflings and animals alike.

"I'm going to do something that will be bloody. That is harvesting some parts of the bandersnatch, and some of the viper vine." He uses his +1 scimitar to handle the cutting. The eyes; pituitary glands. Other organs, and the right forepaw with its claws. Anyone who wishes to help, he is more than fine with that.

"The eyes rolled back in your head, beloved - you are impressively scary," he comments on one of Pressi's spell-casting actions late in the battle.

"Bliss, Hobie - I am impressed that you suffered so much, yet still battled on. We are a brave bunch, as far as I can tell. Thank the heavens none of us died. Almost, maybe, but not quite. And you, Harper. What can I say?"
===========
Everyone who needs it: 32 hp from mass cure serious wounds.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9
Friday May 1st, 2020 12:31:05 PM
Dead BanderSnatch

{OOC: it's difficult to do this on a smartphone }

Talk will ask of the groups spell casters, � if it makes sense to collect any of the remains of these creatures? Also, is everyone alright? Do we need additional healings?�

DM Kathy
Friday May 1st, 2020 1:44:06 PM
In the aftermath of the battle, Bliss turns back into a halfling, and Kezzem wonders aloud who stabbed him.

Succotash uses a Speak With Animals ability to thank the t-rex and purple worm before dismissing them. He tells Valerie she is a good girl, and Valerie reminds him that good girls are generally rewarded with treats.

Murphy bids farewell to the air elemental, then announces his intention to harvest bandersnatch bits. Tali wonders whether that is strictly necessary.

Perception DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {There's something shiny under the remains of the viper vine.}

Bliss | OctoBliss HP184/184 AC28 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC46 | Cayzle
Friday May 1st, 2020 2:02:40 PM

Bliss sees some shinies under the vine. (At +26, no roll needed) As he gathers the valuables, the plant-domain witch says to the dead plant creature, "Sorry, friend, I did not have a chance to interact with you, or maybe we coulda got out of this without so much death."

Mookie is having none of it. "Kid, it tried to lure you in and eat you! And it almost did!"

"Yup, nature, red in tooth and thorn," says Bliss philosophically.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d20+23=26 ; d8=4 ; d8=4 ; d8=3 ; d8=6 ; d8=8 ; d8=5 ; d8=4 ; d8=7 ; d8=5 ;
Friday May 1st, 2020 3:08:49 PM
"Thanks, Murph, that hit the spot."

Perception: 1d20 + 23 = 26.

"Hey look, something shiny!" he says pointing towards the viper vine,

He will take out his wand and hit himself with another CLW.

Healing: 1d8 + 1 = 5.

"Hmm, this might take a while."

Assuming we have time, Kezzem will continue to expend charges until he is healed.

Healing: 1d8 + 1 = 5.
Healing: 1d8 + 1 = 4.
Healing: 1d8 + 1 = 7.
Healing: 1d8 + 1 = 9.
Healing: 1d8 + 1 = 6.
Healing: 1d8 + 1 = 5.
Healing: 1d8 + 1 = 8.
Healing: 1d8 + 1 = 6.

"Anyone else need some happy stick?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (28/30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (29/31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (27) d12+14=26 ; d12+14=21 ;
Friday May 1st, 2020 3:13:02 PM
(Sorry, wrote this at 10, forgot to post)

Pressi watches as Murphy starts removing organs from everyone. "You've got a bit of the scary witch thing going on yourself. Even I'm not the kind of gal to start cutting out trophies. What's up?"

Pressi and Harper take advantage of the healing, Pressi feeling a little sheepish that she isn't really doing so during battle. (Still, its nice to have some of the pressure off.) She heals up Harper herself with a cure critical (easily above) and then looks around if anyone needs anything further.

She also takes a moment to check on Mowa.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 106/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday May 1st, 2020 4:53:54 PM
Murphy�s cure is enough to bring Hobie to full (I�ll update header when I can use my notebook).

Once there are no imminent threats, Hobie will move around the battlefield and collect any arrows that are salvageable. He will also watch Murphy as he hacks away at the Bandersnatch?
�Are you sure you don�t want to use something a little more precise? Kezzem always has a bunch of daggers. This is quite gruesome.�

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Sunday May 3rd, 2020 12:25:56 PM

As Pressi asked him a question as to why he is removing organs, Murphy responds. "I've been studying things alchemical, and magical to an extent. Sometimes parts of unusual critters can be used to help fashion rare or unique arcane instruments or potions. As I think it highly unlikely we shall ever again come across a frumious bandersnatch, I thought it prudent to not let an opportunity go to waste. And, sorry, yes, it is somewhat gruesome what I am doing."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+22=40 ;
Sunday May 3rd, 2020 4:25:34 PM
Perception 40
Succotash also see's the shinnies, but allows his friends to retrieve them. "What did you find guys?", Succotash asks, as he draws his dagger and hacks off a chunk of Bandersnatch meat to give to Valerie as a treat. "Here you go girl", he says as he offers his companion the treat.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9 d20+11=13 ;
Monday May 4th, 2020 8:27:09 AM
In the Silent Jungle

Tali descends back to the jungle floor to join in the recovery efforts. She looks around at the various newly deceased critters after all of the summoned critters have be release from their calling/servitude. Using her wonderful powers of perception {Skill check | Perception: 13}, she doesn't see anything out of the ordinary.

"Mister Murphy, Tali asks of her friend, Are there any good items for use in spell casting that we can collect from these deceased critters?"

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 850 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 850 of 900 Minutes
StoneSkin - 150 of 150 minutes | 150 HP

Hero's Breakfast - 700 of 720 minutes
Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) ~= (1d8+6).

Grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours

Temporary Hit Points
1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) = 9

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (28/30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (29/31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (27)
Monday May 4th, 2020 11:05:52 AM
Pressi accepts Murpy's answer.

"So, just out of curiosity, do you think any of the cures those kobolds were selling would have helped against these creatures?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d8+1=4 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=7 ; d100=91 ; d100=58 ; d100=16 ; d100=34 ; d100=54 ;
Monday May 4th, 2020 11:51:44 AM
( i rolled a bunch of CLW rolls, forgetting that I was already healed in my last post)
Hobie will gather himself together and collect 3 loose arrows that missed their targets. He moves some arrows from his haversack to his quiver to keep it full.

DM Kathy
Monday May 4th, 2020 1:29:04 PM
Kezzem heals himself. Pressi heals harper and checks on Mowa. The lioness is fine.

Succotash cuts off a chunk of bandersnatch meat for Valerie, who devours it with relish.

Hobie is able to recover a few spent arrows. Murphy and Tali discuss the possibilities of bandersnatch bits. You don't know of any offhand, but that doesn't mean you couldn't find some with a little study.

Bliss and Kezzem check on the shiny stuff. You find that you need some Detect Magics to figure it all out, but this group has more than enough detecting power, so I'm not going to worry about it. You find: an Orb of Storms, a Headband of Vast Intelligence +6, a +3 Mighty Cleaving Greataxe, a +5 light steel shield, a Rod of Thunder and Lightning, a Staff of Divination, and an emerald and diamond necklace (nonmagical, but probably worth something).

Bliss HP154/154 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC40 | Cayzle
Monday May 4th, 2020 2:57:07 PM

Bliss tries to lift and wield the greataxe. "Look, I'm a proper barbarian now," he shouts as the swinging axe, maybe weighing as much as he does, throws him off balance.

Mookie laughs. "Where's your dee-twelve?!"

[OOC: Assuming the weapon and shield are sized for medium folk, kindly DM Kathy?]

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday May 4th, 2020 4:11:31 PM
�Woooah this staff is pretty amazing!!� Hobie says while looking closely at it. �Fully charged, We could cast True Seeing on three of us with this thing. Could be quite handy in a pinch.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Monday May 4th, 2020 5:30:14 PM
Succotash looks at the loot, and says, "That's some nice stuff there, though I'm not seeing anything that jumps out and says, Succotash look at me, if you think that staff will come in handy, Hobie by all means take it, unless you think someone else should carry it".

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Tuesday May 5th, 2020 12:58:23 AM
"You need seven more than you will be all set as Octo-Bliss!" says Kezzem laughing at Bliss swinging around the greataxe (or more like the greataxe swinging around Bliss!

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+6=15 ;
Tuesday May 5th, 2020 2:45:17 AM

After taking a few dozen bits and pieces of bandersnatch and viper vines, wrapping some parts in bags, placing some into jars or jugs, Murphy cleans up and joins the rest in checking out the leavings of previous victims of the vine plant. "Succotash, this fine emerald and diamond necklace would go well with your green robes, eh?" smiles Murphy. "None of us has green eyes in this group, right? Alleah has, but she left us some time ago. I miss... aspects of her. I know you and she were quite close, Bliss. Do you ever think about her these days? I wonder how she is doing. Shel, too."

"This is a glorious orb of power - power through extreme weather - storms. Even a storm of vengeance. And the rod of thunder and lightning? It can help us do amazing things against our foes.

He invites any who wish to join him in looking over by where he first spotted the crouching beast, in case of hitting the low probability of finding any items that monster may have left. Though it be possible that something lies within the stomach or intestines of the bandersnatch, he has little interest in that depth of exploration.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Tuesday May 5th, 2020 2:47:54 AM

Oh, and the d20+6=15 --> was an appraise skill check for the emerald/diamond necklace. So, he knows it's valuable, but is not sure just quite how much so.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (28/30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (29/31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (27) d20+22=28 ;
Tuesday May 5th, 2020 10:28:52 AM
Pressi practically salivates at the headband of +6, but she's already rather overextended thanks to that rapier. So she keeps quiet for now.

Of course, she won't turn down the necklace either, even if her eyes are blue.

Under Murphy's request, Pressi performs a follow up search (Perception 28).

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9
Tuesday May 5th, 2020 11:21:10 AM
Haul of the Potted Plant

"That's quite some items from that potted plant!" says Tali when she sees haul her troop pulls out of the underside of the vine. "Wow! Look like the Vine's last meal was a wizard!

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 850 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 850 of 900 Minutes
StoneSkin - 150 of 150 minutes | 150 HP

Hero's Breakfast - 700 of 720 minutes
Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) ~= (1d8+6).

Grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours

Temporary Hit Points
1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) = 9

DM Kathy d100=72 ; d100=10 ;
Tuesday May 5th, 2020 2:40:17 PM
Examining the loot, Tali remarks that the vine's last meal must have been a wizard! Actually, given the axe and shield, it must have been an entire adventuring party!

Or perhaps the Universe has noticed that you don't have as much treasure as is typical for heroes of your calibre, and has decided to do something about it. Impossible to say, really.

On that theme, Murphy checks to see whether the bandersnatch may also have been hiding treasure! But alas, the Universe is not that generous today.

Bliss has noticed that the greataxe is sized for biguns, but the shield is Small!

The rest of the group discusses the possibilities of the newly-discovered treasure.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+1=14 ;
Tuesday May 5th, 2020 5:25:07 PM
"I'm not much of a jewelry guy Murph, unless of course it serves some other purpose than just being pretty, you know, like my ring of protection", Succotash chuckles, as he tries to appraise the necklaces (appraisal 14), but like Murphy Succotash fails to come up with their value.

Bliss HP154/154 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC40 | Cayzle
Tuesday May 5th, 2020 7:05:48 PM

Bliss sighs. Really, he fights with natural weapons in natural forms ... he really can't use the axe (too big anyway) or the shield.

"The ax is too big for ANYBODY," Bliss says. "So we sell that."

"Tali, Pressi, and Murphy can't use the shield. Or Hobie; he needs two hands to shoot. Brother Succotash already has a nice shield. And Sir Kezzem is a two-weapon specialist. I think we gotta sell that too, right?"

Bliss looks at the headband to see what three skills it boosts. And what languages it grants. "I've got the middling headband of better thinking, and it lets me use Escape Artist and Survival for skills, and Dwarf and Giant for languages. Maybe this new one will be better for me? Let's find out."

"I like the orb and the staves, but again, not really for me, seeing as stuff I carry might end up merged."

Bliss does not have an opinion on the

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Tuesday May 5th, 2020 11:32:29 PM

"I can use both the orb and the staff. I am not claiming them, simply saying I should be able to work them. Some others among us likely can, too. Say, we have a journey to the kobold village to complete. Shall we continue on our way?"

He speaks with Pressi. "The headband is a bit better than the one you have. What if you make the one you have available to someone else, and you, who cast spells dependent, in part, on strength of intellect, place that on your head?" He sees she also has eyes for the necklace, and smiles. He'd love for her to have it - but the party may benefit more by purchasing more magic.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+11=23 ;
Wednesday May 6th, 2020 12:24:43 AM

Oh, and Murphy takes a few minutes of knowledge, arcana - including putting the headband on his own head to help in discernment - to try to ken what are the areas of skill that the headband provides for (unless the DM wants Pressi to find out on her own). Knowledge, arcana 23

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (28/30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (29/31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (27)
Wednesday May 6th, 2020 10:19:22 AM
"Yeah," Pressi says to Murphy. "I can give that up. But aside from Bliss, I don't know if anyone else is pushing for Int."

(It's a +4 int, skills are survival and heal (the next upgrade would have been Know Arcana), but maybe the DM will allow it to reboot. Its meant to be a ritual booster (and to help boost her justicar side) but I'm thinking Hobie could get some use out of it.)

She has no opinion on the orb of storms - she can cast control weather herself (and actually considered that as an option, except it would have taken too long).

She agrees to continue on her way.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Wednesday May 6th, 2020 1:13:51 PM
Succotash is in favor of hitting the road.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9
Wednesday May 6th, 2020 1:16:46 PM
Jungle Haul

"All things aside, Ya'll can keep that stuff...nothing really interests me, as most of the kool things, I already have an item for..." explains Tali to the Humbles.

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 850 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 850 of 900 Minutes
StoneSkin - 150 of 150 minutes | 150 HP

Hero's Breakfast - 700 of 720 minutes
Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) ~= (1d8+6).

Grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours

Temporary Hit Points
1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) = 9

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday May 6th, 2020 1:40:42 PM
"I could take the shield I suppose," offers Kezzem. "Sometimes my daggers aren't effective on everything, even with the flaming and frost enchantments. If I only have one effective weapon, having something take the hits instead of my head might not be a bad idea."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday May 6th, 2020 1:41:59 PM
"Also, if I could get it enhanced at the catacombs to just float there that would also be great."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+38=49 ;
Wednesday May 6th, 2020 2:06:28 PM

"Good thinking, all. Let's continue on, then." He makes certain his ponies and doggie are in good shape. He rides on Skipper - the doggie, keeping eyes and ears open for whatever may be next on the jungle menu.
=======
Perception: 49

Sskthk

DM Kathy
Wednesday May 6th, 2020 2:45:23 PM
[Everybody take 69,000 XP for the previous scene.]

You discover that the headband boosts skills in three Knowledge areas: Arcana, Nature, and Planes.

After some discussion, you distribute the magic items and continue on your way.

A few hours later, you think you are getting close to the location of the kobold village. Your hunch is confirmed when a kobold, armed with a spear, steps into your path. He challenges you in Draconic: Highlight to display spoiler: {"Who are you? What do you want here?" }

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday May 6th, 2020 4:53:16 PM
Hobie will respond back in Draconic �Hello! We are friends. Some of your kind sent us here. May we come in, and share food and drink with you?�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+22=41 ;
Wednesday May 6th, 2020 5:10:05 PM
Succotash adds to Hobie�s greeting, in draconic, �We are a band of heroes, sent by your fellow dragon descendants. We need to talk to your chief�. Diplomacy 41

Bliss HP154/154 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC40 | Cayzle
Wednesday May 6th, 2020 9:23:52 PM

Bliss bows to the kobold, points to himself, and says, "Bliss."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d20+23=25 ;
Thursday May 7th, 2020 1:03:23 AM
"We were told to come here by a pair of kobold merchants," says Kezzem. "What were their names, Yikyak and Pattywack? That reminds me I have to give a dog a bone once we go rolling home."

Aid Another Diplomacy: 25.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Thursday May 7th, 2020 2:47:49 AM

In the Common tongue, Murphy adds to his friends' information. "Ka and Khyshk were selling things along the trail. We bought a few things from them." He holds out one of the potion vials - an antidote. "They asked if we would visit their tribe, the K'tthhykk." He puts the vial away. "Are you from Sskurhe? They want us to meet with the chief, and Auntie."

Bliss HP154/154 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC40 | Cayzle
Thursday May 7th, 2020 10:10:44 AM

Bliss listens to Murphy accurately say the kobold names, while Kezzem mangles them amusingly.

He giggles.

"I'm just glad to be arriving at Koboldtown," he says.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (28/30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (29/31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (27)
Thursday May 7th, 2020 10:32:19 AM
Pressi still considers the band. The know arcana is rather tempting, and it would be nice to identify creatures without touching them.

For now, though, she holds off on the band along. Its just as well, she needs to let everyone else catch up on treasure.

Pressi hangs back this time as everyone else rushes forward. She does, however, ready a spell cast of "Like Calls to Like" if its needed.

-------------------------

Pressi
ritual warding (+1 to AC, saves)
ritual spiritual healing (use D12s)
heroes feast (+1 to attack rolls and will saves, +4 against poison, fear)
shield of faith (+4 AC)
blindness (-2 AC, 50 percent miss chance, Str/Dex/Percept)

Harper
ritual warding (+1 to AC, saves)
heroes feast (+1 to attack rolls and will saves, +4 against poison, fear)
grappled (-2 to AC, attack rolls (really -1), CMB/CMD)
blinking

Spells Used

L1: 7+1
L2: 5+1
L3: 1/5+1
L4: 2/5+1
L5: 3/4+1
L6: 2/2+1
L7: 1+1

DM Kathy
Thursday May 7th, 2020 2:08:06 PM
When challenged by the sentries, many of you hasten to explain your purpose. You are very diplomatic. Murphy even thinks to show one of the potions you bought.

Alas, nobody thinks to show the token you were given for this exact purpose, but the sentry does not seem inclined to hold it against you. Still wary, he nods.

Speaking in Draconic, he says: Highlight to display spoiler: {Come, then. You will see the Chief. And Auntie.}

With his spear, he motions for you to precede him.

You walk for several minutes before reaching a clearing. In the clearing is a circle of huts, all sized for Small creatures. Cookfires burn here and there, and you see kobolds going about their daily work. Two kobolds are scraping a hide from some kind of mammal. Another kobold grinds something with a pestle. Several kobolds are sewing; one is tending the fires. All of the kobolds look up when you enter the village.

"You wait here," the sentry says in accented Common, then hurries toward one of the huts.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9 d20+22=41 ; d20+24=38 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+6=13 ;
Thursday May 7th, 2020 10:44:16 PM
Koboldtown

Tali continues to hover seven (7) inches above the ground. As she does so, she will observe all that she can in this new town; the peoples, the chief & the Auntie.

Skill Checks

Bluff: 41
Diplomacy: 38
Perception: 20
Sense motives: 13

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 850 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 850 of 900 Minutes
StoneSkin - 150 of 150 minutes | 150 HP
Message - 150 of 150 minutes

Hero's Breakfast - 700 of 720 minutes
Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) ~= (1d8+6).

Grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours

Temporary Hit Points
1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) = 9

{OOC: How much time has passed since the Bandersnatch battle?}

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday May 8th, 2020 12:06:14 AM
While they are waiting, Hobie will approach the one with the pestle and speak in Draconic:

�That�s very interesting. What are you working on? Is this to be a magic potion, or some kind of food?�

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+38=44 ;
Friday May 8th, 2020 2:10:10 AM

[How close is the goblin tongue to draconic? Murphy has spoken goblin since before 1st level, and even had a goblin friend in his youth. If goblin IS draconic, well, then, he speaks and understands it.]

Murphy nods affirmation at the guard's instruction. He looks around at the community. As he does so, he speaks with Mowa. "If you chose to go through awakening, you would be able to understand many things that we and other people say - and could even tell them what you are thinking, or what you want." The druid will engage in a gentle campaign of persuading the lioness to seriously consider going through the process. "It takes a whole day and a night, so I am not saying it is an easy thing. Though there are parts of it you can sleep through."
===========
Perception: 44

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+22=34 ;
Friday May 8th, 2020 5:37:02 AM
Draconic is the language of dragons, and since Kobolds consider themselves decedents of dragons they speak draconic as their native tongue. Goblin is the language of goblinoids such as goblins, hobgoblins, and bugbears, so the two are different languages.

Succotash makes sure to translate for anyone not knowledgeable in the draconic language. As they wait for the chief and Auntie, he scans the town trying to get an idea of what life is like for the kobolds that live here. (perception 34)

Bliss HP154/154 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC40 | Cayzle d20+6=9 ;
Friday May 8th, 2020 9:11:16 AM

Bliss is getting bored waiting.

"Mookie, take a spin above the town and see what there is to see, wouldja?"

"Sure Kid, glad to put my wings to use."

Mookie perception from above: 9.

Bliss turns into a cat. Then back. Repeat for a while.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (28/30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (29/31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (27)
Friday May 8th, 2020 11:38:30 AM
�Wait,� Pressi rememberers. �Where did that token even go?�

Harper burps.

Pressi studies the village with some suspicion but is otherwise silent. She does take some time to detect magic.

DM Kathy
Friday May 8th, 2020 3:31:07 PM
While you wait, Bliss amuses himself by becoming a cat. Mookie flies a quick recon, and sees nothing noteworthy. Succotash, looking around, also doesn't see anything alarming, though some of what the kobolds are doing is reasonably interesting.

Hobie asks the kobold with the pestle what she is making. "Nut flour," she says, showing you the bowl. "For nut-cakes tomorrow."

Pressi has a sudden, sneaking suspicion where the token went. You detect for magic, and find a few minor charms.

Murphy talks to Mowa, who remains unconvinced of the benefits of understanding the two-legs.

After a time, the sentry returns. "Chief and Auntie see you now," he says in Common, gesturing you to follow.

He leads the way to one of the larger huts, and motions you in. Inside, you find a comfortable, if primitive, living space. Neat bundles of cloth suggest clothes and bedrolls. Herbs hang from the ceiling, and a collection of small bowls and pots is stored on a wooden shelf. They are probably for herbal preparations rather than cooking.

Two kobolds are inside the hut. An imposing male kobold stands near the center. He is wearing an intricate, colorful headdress and carrying a lavishly decorated spear. He frowns as you enter.

The other kobold is sitting in a large chair resembling a throne, set exactly in the hut's center. She is very, very old. Her face is a mass of wrinkles, and her markings have faded to a near-uniform gray.

"Well, well," she says in perfect, unaccented Common. "And who might you be?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d20+23=26 ;
Friday May 8th, 2020 4:07:09 PM
"We are halfling adventurer's that encountered two kobold merchants in the woods. You will find us to be quite humble," says Kezzem. "Sword."

OOC: Diplomacy 26.

Bliss HP154/154 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC40 | Cayzle
Friday May 8th, 2020 4:25:59 PM

Bliss changes from a cat to a halfling and looks around the place for signs of witchy stuff.

He bows to the chief and auntie. "Hi, I'm Bliss, and these are my friends Sir Kezzem the Paladin, who you just met, and Murphy the Druid, and Hobie the Archer Mage, and Brother Succotash the Animal Priest and his friendly pal Valerie, and Miss Pressi who is a witch like me, and Tali the Sorcerer."

There is a croaking caw/laugh behind him.

"And this is my oldest and bestest friend Mookie!"

"We came all this way because we're taking this friendly lion home to the plains beyond the jungle. We met your merchant friends, who thought you could use some help."

"So we're asking, do you have some job or problem that we can help you with?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Sunday May 10th, 2020 10:34:15 PM
Murphy listens to Kezzem and Bliss. He then bows to Auntie, and to the chief. Standing erect, he says, "Ka the merchant told us," and here he does a passable imitation of Ka's voice: "'Our chief is Sskurhe. He is a good chief. Wise and strong. Auntie is--'" and here he shrugs his shoulders. "'Auntie is Auntie... Everyone has much respect for Auntie.'"

The druid says, "On the way we came across a large monster, and a large vine plant that attacked us. A bandersnatch, the frumious sort. But here we are. We are from Crescent Valley, Humble's Ford. We are adventurers who aim to help those whom we can, Auntie, and Chief Sskurhe." He bows again.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+22=35 ;
Monday May 11th, 2020 5:36:32 AM
"My good Chief, and of course Auntie, Succotash begins with a polite bow. He than stands erect, and continues, "As my friends have already said we are hero's from Humble's Ford, and we are known as Humble's Sword, perhaps you heard of us? We did fight at the battle of Sargrass Plains after all. Anyway we heard the call and here we are. How can we assist you? (diplomacy 35)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday May 11th, 2020 6:01:57 AM
Hobie will give Succotash an elbow jab in the side and whisper to him "Exnay on the Sargrass Plains battle. We probably don't want these guys knowing we killed a dragon there..."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9 d20+22=34 ; d20+24=31 ; d20+11=27 ; d20+6=10 ;
Monday May 11th, 2020 8:31:23 AM
Auntie & the Chief

As Tali listens to the question form the Kobold hierarchy, Tali hovers closer, curtsys in mid-air, and removes her goggles, placing them into her front pocket, then starts her explanation. {Skill checks: see below}"With a downward flourish of her arms palms upward, says, "Madam Auntie, Chief Sskurhe, we are the Humble Sword adventuring group. We hail from Humble Ford within the Crescent Valley. On our way to return native animals to their rightful home, we came across two members of your tribe: Ka & his friend, Khyshk. They even gave us a token! Tali describes the token: it's a wooden disk, colorfully painted with tribal designs. Mister Murphy, who has that token, so that we may be recognized by these leaders?"

Skill Checks
Bluff: 34
Diplomacy: 31
Perception: 27
Sense motives: 10

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 600 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 600 of 900 Minutes

Hero's Breakfast - 300 of 720 minutes
Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) ~= (1d8+6).

Grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours

Temporary Hit Points
1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) = 9

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (28/30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (29/31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (27)
Monday May 11th, 2020 10:43:16 AM
As most of the team focuses on Auntie, Pressi keeps an eye on her guard, meeting his gaze with her own stare.

She does, at Hobie's reminder, make sure her buckler is well hidden. Her keen rapier of cold remains visible (and has clearly replaced her adamantium chain). At her introduction, she gives a small courtesy.

DM Kathy
Monday May 11th, 2020 12:38:52 PM
You respond to Auntie's query at your most diplomatic. Tali describes the token, which should still be in Murphy's possession unless Harper eated it.

Hobie is concerned about revealing too much about the Battle of Sargrass Plains, but you're pretty sure that Auntie hasn't heard about it. And it soon becomes clear that Chief Sskurhe doesn't speak Common.

"As I'm sure you guessed, I am called Auntie," says Auntie. "You all seem like nice children. This is Sskurhe," she continues, adding in Draconic, Highlight to display spoiler: {"Don't fidget!"} The chief shoots her an aggrieved look but says nothing.

"Now then. I asked young Ka to be on the lookout because we found something," Auntie says. She shakes her head. "Wait, I must go back. Far to the north of here, there is a very old temple. It has fallen into ruin. We aren't sure who built it, or why. Legend has it, though, that those who built the temple stole a sacred talisman from the kobolds and placed it within the temple.

"Some weeks ago, a group of our hunters, roaming farther north than usual, came upon some strange objects. They brought the objects back here with them, hoping the elders would know what they were. We did not. However, our shaman was able to divine that the objects have something to do with this abandoned temple. We are not sure what kind of connection it is."

She looks over at Sskurhe, and says in Draconic, Highlight to display spoiler: {"So. A promising group of children, I must say. Do you think they can be the ones to help us?"}

He sighs heavily, and replies, Highlight to display spoiler: {"Auntie, as I've said many times, my warriors are more than capable of doing this! Let us go, and recover our own talisman. This is a matter for kobolds."}

Auntie waves a hand. "Sskurhe," she says, Highlight to display spoiler: {"You're a nice boy, but you aren't thinking this through. What if something happens to your warriors? We cannot do without them! Youngsters like this,"} she nods in your direction, Highlight to display spoiler: {"are trained with special skills that your warriors do not possess."}

"I should also mention," she adds in Common, "that there is rumored to be other treasures in the temple, things rare and wondrous to behold. We are only interested in the talisman. Any other treasure would be yours to keep." She looks at you, eyes still bright in her faded, wrinkled face. "So, what do you say? Will you recover our talisman for us?"

Bliss HP154/154 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC40 | Cayzle
Monday May 11th, 2020 12:45:54 PM

Bliss says, "Thank you, Auntie. I always wanted a Secret Jungle Base in an Ancient Abandoned Temple! If we get this talisman for you, can we keep the Temple? To have as our vacation home or mysterious Fortress of Solicitude? We'd make good neighbors, mostly we would not even be in residence, but we might station a couple followers there as caretakers. Is it a deal?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Monday May 11th, 2020 2:50:47 PM

"This sounds like a worthy quest you lay before us, Auntie," responds Murphy. "I will wait for the others to respond before committing, though I am so inclined. However, regarding commitments - we have made one to our lioness friend, Mowa, that we would return her to the plains. I do not wish to try her patience overmuch, for she does not have that quality in abundance. How would it be with you were we first to fulfill our pledge to her, then return to investigate the temple, and attempt to recover your tribe's talisman?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Monday May 11th, 2020 2:55:38 PM

Murphy brings out the token he almost forgot he had. "This is what the merchants gave us." He holds it in the palm of his hand. "If my friends agree to this task, shall we hold on to it in token of our pledge?" Yet he offers it to her, should she want to take it.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Monday May 11th, 2020 4:14:32 PM
"Can we see the items you did recover?" asks Kezzem. "Maybe we might have a better idea of what they are. And by we, I mean them." He points vaguely at Murphey and Tali.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Tuesday May 12th, 2020 5:58:46 AM
Succotash addresses the chief in draconic:
"Chief Sskurhe, what Auntie says is true, and that is no slight to your warriors. Your warriors are trained for, well war, unless I'm not mistaken, and the average warrior, while formidable on the battlefield, to be sure, will soon discover that a completely different skill set is required when traversing a dungeon, or the like, skills that the average warrior has no need for and as such doesn't posses, and I fear your brave warriors would not realize their need until it was to late. That is where adventurers come into play, dungeon exploration is our bread and butter as it were. My friends and I each have distinct skills that make us a force to be reckoned with in those abnormal conditions found in the dank places of the Wold. We may not fair well as part of a large army, a small, independent squad of shock troops maybe, but the rank and file military would not be an area that we could thrive in, however slaying monsters and exploring caverns are areas at which we excel.

My friend Murphy mentioned a prior engagement, an engagement that I to wish to uphold, and so I propose a solution. Since this jungle is your home, and your warriors know it far better than we ever could what if you were to have a small squad of your finest escort the lioness to the plains beyond, while we depart for this temple of yours? Murphy and myself both have the ability to speak with the lioness, and we could explain to her the situation, and remind her that your warriors are friends not food, and than everyone wins!

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9 d20+22=28 ; d20+24=39 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+21=34 ; d20+15=29 ;
Tuesday May 12th, 2020 12:27:59 PM
Secret Base of Operandi Modus

As Tali listens to "Madam Auntie", thought of being able to operate out of two (2) locations sounds awesome to her. She tries her best to be subtle and diplomacy, and in that she doesn't perceive a thing!

Listening to Sir Kezzem, if any items are brought forth, Tali will try to determine what they are, {Skill Check: Knowledge Arcana: 34 & Spellcraft: 29}.

Skill Checks
Bluff: 28
Diplomacy: 39
Perception: 12 (NAT 1)
Sense motives: 10

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 600 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 600 of 900 Minutes

Hero's Breakfast - 300 of 720 minutes
Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) ~= (1d8+6).

Grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours

Temporary Hit Points
1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) = 9

DM Kathy
Tuesday May 12th, 2020 12:34:13 PM
Murphy finds the token and shows it. "Youngsters are always forgetting things," Auntie says, shaking her head. "Keep it for now, child."

Bliss asks whether you could keep the temple afterward. Auntie looks a little puzzled. "That's not up to me," she says at last. "Nor Sskurhe, nor any of our other chiefs. The temple is outside our tribe's lands. If you can keep it, I'd say it's yours."

Succotash speaks directly to the chief, explaining the talents of adventurers and offering to trade tasks.

Sskurhe replies in Draconic: Highlight to display spoiler: {"There may be some wisdom in this. I will speak to my warriors."}

Kezzem asks if you may see the items. Auntie nods. She reaches into a basket sitting near her chair, and after sorting for a bit, pulls out a small bundle of cloth. "Here you are," she says, holding it out. "Come, come, take it! I don't bite. Anymore. Hehehehe!"

You retrieve the bundle and open it up. Inside are three odd pieces of metal. They look kind of like these, except there are three of them, not two. And I know it says "keys" right there in the URL, but your characters can't see that, so they'll need to roll some kind of check to figure out what these weird pieces of metal are. DC 15 Knowledge Engineering, or DC 20 Disable Device.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Tuesday May 12th, 2020 12:41:57 PM
Kezzem will detect evil on the "keys" and on the kobolds as well.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday May 12th, 2020 2:28:15 PM
Hobie will look to SSkurhe and say in Draconic "We definitely have skills you lack. We'll get your talisman back. And Kezzem will set up a nice Bed and Breakfast in the temple. He grows the BEST mushrooms"

Bliss HP154/154 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC40 | Cayzle
Tuesday May 12th, 2020 10:37:17 PM

Bliss thinks everything is going swimmingly. Except for Mowa. "I'm not sure we can just hand her over to kobolds to take home. Through the jungles. Where dinosaurs live. That's a recipe for dead lion or dead kobolds or both."

"We should study this spot right here, deliver Mowa, then teleport back. Auntie didn't say she had a deadline, did she? A few day's won't matter, right?"

He turns to Auntie. "Please maam, you didn't say you had a deadline, did you? A few day's won't matter, right?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+20=33 ;
Wednesday May 13th, 2020 2:03:22 AM

"It would be sweet were someone who knows the tongue of kobolds and dragons to interpret for those of us who do not. I intend to learn the tongue as soon as I am able. It has some sweet sibilants and consonant clusters. But, I don't know what you said, Succotash, Hobie - and am very glad you speak this tongue. You can help me learn. Until then though, can you bring me up to speed?" Murphy requests.

"Nice keys," the druid remarks. "Would likely be useful in helping us as we explore the temple."

It's not until Bliss's comment (by the way, how does Bliss understand?) that he starts cluing into the notion that they are planning on sending the lioness with the kobolds. "Uh, yes, let's talk it over with Mowa."

He communicates telepathically with Pressi. If you are Pressi Highlight to display spoiler: {If we need a quick delivery of Mowa to the plains, along with Bliss's idea, either you can lead us in a shadow walk, with its measure of risk, but decided speed. Or, I can fly with similar swiftness as an air elemental - and who knows what risk, that? - with a few in tow, find a suitable spot, plant an oak tree in the plains, then pop back, and take her and others to the target spot. We can all be there and back again in a day, I think. Or, a couple of days, if we want to ensure the spot is a good one, and that she find other lions with whom she might live. I'll give her one more chance to consider the offer I gave her. Who knows? Maybe she'll decide to go with us to the temple, or remain among the kobolds as we explore. Your thoughts?}

===============
Knowledge, engineering: 33/15 - Murphy understands these are keys. He might even know how to fashion them, or replicate them.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Wednesday May 13th, 2020 5:46:50 AM
Succotash translates to Murphy what he and Hobie have said, as well as The chief's responses. He tells him he would be happy to teach him the language of dragon kind if that is his desire. Succotash has no idea as to what the iron pieces may be, but when Murphy makes his comments on the keys, he says, "I should have known that, though they are an interesting type of key to be sure, nothing like I've ever seen before, I wonder what wonders lay sealed behind the locks that these keys are designed to open?

"So Murph do you want to talk to Mowa, to get her opinion, or should I, or would you prefer we do so together?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (28/30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (29/31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (27) d20+16=23 ;
Wednesday May 13th, 2020 11:13:08 AM
Pressi decides it might be a good time to cast comprehend languages on herself (domain slot).

Pressi recognizes the objects as keys right away (Disable Device roll), even before Murphy mentions as such.

To Murphy, she bounces back and forth a couple of ideas, but she really doesn't have much thought one way or the other. Two quick points. 1) She has to check that she isn't out of L5 spells. and 2) there may be issues with party splitting.

And one other thing, "Well, they may not have a deadline. In my experience, people who bring things INTO an enchanted temple usually do. Hey, Auntie, there aren't any unusual astronomy things coming up, are there? Eclipses, aligning planets? Ten year anniversaries?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Wednesday May 13th, 2020 11:52:00 AM

Mowa Sidebar
Murphy is most grateful to Succotash for helping him understand. "We certainly can speak with her together, yes." He will wait until their audience with Auntie and Chief Sskurhe has concluded, likely just outside the village to minimize distractions. He tells the cleric that he can commune with nature on the plains to try to locate other lions.

"Mowa, we need to make a decision, and we need your help. Our pledge is to you, to find a good place for you to live among your own kind. Beyond this jungle land called Cthonia lie extensive plains. Traveling there on foot might take another week or two through the jungle and plateaus.

"The people of this tribe need our help to find a lost item from an old building, a temple. It will likely be a dangerous place, with traps and monsters. We do not know how long it might take to find the item. A day? Two or three days? We do not know.

"We have special ways of traveling by magic. Perhaps a few of us can travel swiftly ahead to try to find you a place, and a pride of lions. Then we can return to you, and take you there by magic. Faster than walking.

"Another way - you travel there with these kobolds, some of their warriors. But if they face the kind of danger we did with the huge beast and vine, they may die, and you with them. Yet perhaps it would work.

"So, do we try the way of magic, and perhaps get you to the plains in two or three days at most? Or do you travel with the kobolds? Or do you wait until we find the item, then walk with us through the jungle to the plains beyond? Fast through magic, or longer with kobolds, or wait a few days then walk with us?

"Succotash - more thoughts?"

DM Kathy
Wednesday May 13th, 2020 1:00:05 PM
Kezzem detects no evil in the hut.

Hobie promises to get the talisman back. Both Pressi and Murphy recognize the strange objects as keys.

Succotash translates his conversation with Sskurhe for his friends. Bliss is dubious about entrusting Mowa to warriors who might not be as capable. He asks Auntie whether there is any hurry.

"No hurry, no hurry, child," she says. "Just mind you don't run off with our trinkets."

Murphy and Pressi talk logistics, then Murphy asks Mowa her opinion. Mowa is anxious to find a new home. She would prefer that you bring her to the plains, as you promised, before running off to do kobold things. Her second choice (reluctantly) would be to allow the kobolds to escort her while you head off on your errand.

Pressi asks Auntie whether there are any astronomical portents or important anniversaries coming up, and the old kobold cackles. "Ha-ha! Bright girl, to think of such things. But no. I can think of nothing special about this time of year." She translates your question for Sskurhe, who also looks impressed that you thought of it, but has nothing to add.

Bliss HP154/154 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC40 | Cayzle
Wednesday May 13th, 2020 1:15:19 PM

"Okay, so that's our plan! Bring Mowa to her new home, then come back here, maybe by teleport or shadow walking."

"Thanks Auntie! Let's go!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday May 13th, 2020 3:11:42 PM
"Be sure to keep a close eye on those, Murphey," suggests Kezzem. "I don't want to be needlessly wandering around the dungeon because you forgot where you left your keys."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday May 13th, 2020 3:22:14 PM
"Good call Kez, Hey Murph let me take a look at those"

Hobie will examine the keys carefully so that he can cast Locate Object should they lose the keys.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Thursday May 14th, 2020 12:10:14 AM
"That's the best use of that spell ever!" Kezzem pantomimes tipping his cap to Hobie.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Thursday May 14th, 2020 6:07:45 AM
"That about sums it up Murph", Succotash answers his friend, Turning to the group, he says, "I wish we had a decent description of a location on the pains ahead, if we did, Tali and I could use greater teleport, and get this job done real quick. Of course, if that were the case, we would have done so in the first place, and we would be relaxing at the Sanctuary, as opposed to looking forward to an exciting temple exploration".

In draconic he asks, "Chief Sskurhe, Auntie, would it be possible to spend the night here? As my friends have said, we had a hard battle with some nasty monsters before arriving. Bliss and Kezzem almost left us to see Lord Gargul, in fact. We used a fair amount of healing magic, which is why we don't look all beat up, but we are exhausted, and have used up a good chunk of our magical abilities, and could really use a safe place to rest and recharge. afterwards, we will deliver the lioness to her new home, and return post hast to explore this temple of yours, and retrieve your talisman!"

Succotash translates what he says, and the answer, if given in draconic.

Bliss HP154/154 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC40 | Cayzle
Thursday May 14th, 2020 10:10:38 AM

Bliss, ready to leave a moment ago, listens to Succotash and yawns.

"Yeah, I'm kinda sleepy."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9
Thursday May 14th, 2020 12:15:22 PM
Auntie's Quest

Whatever, the group decides, Tali is up for. Tali asks,"Out of curiosity, what kind of temple is it? Do we know what group used it?"

{OOC: Assuming 12 hours has ended}

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 100 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 100 of 900 Minutes

DM Kathy
Thursday May 14th, 2020 1:35:27 PM
Bliss declares that a decision has been made! Which may be a tad optimistic, but it seems the rest of the group is inclined to go along.

Kezzem and Hobie are concerned that, now that the group has keys, they might lose them--as lost keys are a universal affliction. Hobie makes some contingency plans.

Tali asks what kind of temple it is, and who used it. Auntie replies, "We don't know. We don't know who built it, or who used it, or even what god it was dedicated to. It was already a ruin when I was a very young kobold, and that was a very long time ago."

Succotash wishes you could teleport to the plains, but of course if you could do that you would have missed out on this swell adventure! You also ask if you can spend the night.

"Yes, of course," Auntie says. "We would be honored to host you." To Sskurhe, she adds in Draconic, Highlight to display spoiler: {"Run along now. And tell Hrashk I want to see her."}

Sskurhe rolls his eyes--careful to do it so Auntie can't see--and leaves the hut. "You, too," she says to your group. "Run along and let an old woman rest. Your accommodations will be ready soon."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Thursday May 14th, 2020 1:46:59 PM

"If we're to stay here tonight - if that sits well with you, Aunti and Chief Sskurhe," Murphy suggests, "perhaps you can tell us the story of your tribe, or stories about yourselves. And we can tell you some of ours before we go to rest. Finding a people of such diligence, resourcefulness, peace-loving nature such as yourselves is a genuine pleasure. Have you worked with other adventurers? And Auntie, we would love to hear about how you came to be Auntie for a whole tribe."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (28/30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (29/31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (27)
Thursday May 14th, 2020 3:03:14 PM
(Sorry, I've had a little bit of trouble posting at 10 this week.)

Pressi continues to stand by.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday May 14th, 2020 3:26:35 PM
If we are staying the night, then Hobie would also enjoy hearing the story of the tribe. He will take out his lute and play along with her story in a gentle, background music sort of way.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Thursday May 14th, 2020 4:12:22 PM
Kezzem turns to Pressi. "Should I try and sell them mushrooms or do you think that bit is played out?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Friday May 15th, 2020 7:44:52 AM
Succotash also would love to here the story of Auntie's village. He asks, "Please don't think I'm judging your race, but I find it fascinating to find a whole village of kobolds that are of good, or at the very least neutral alignment. Obviously people of all races have the right and ability to chose their own way, in fact I have heard multiple stories of individuals, of the so called "evil races", who chose to go a different path than the majority of their peers, but to find a whole village of a stereotypical "evil race" who chose a different path is something new to me, and I would love to here how that came to be, as it is quite the spectacular anomaly".

Bliss HP154/154 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC40 | Cayzle
Friday May 15th, 2020 11:00:59 AM

Bliss laughs at Kezzem and nods with Brother Succotash. That would be a good story. He thinks about how he was born a harpy, but now he is a hero. On the other hand, he sees that Auntie is actually quite exhausted, or so he guesses, for someone that aged.

He nudges Brother Succotash, and whispers to him, "Dude, Auntie is tired. We can ask her for stories later."

DM Kathy
Friday May 15th, 2020 1:07:47 PM
Kezzem asks Pressi whether the mushroom bit has been played out. Pressi has yet to weigh in on the subject, but your DM thinks the answer is yes.

Murphy, Hobie, and Succotash request to be told the tale of the tribe, and Auntie says she'll see what she can do. You leave the hut then, your audience concluded. Bliss cautions his friends not to bother Auntie anymore.

You watch as the kobolds begin making preparations to host you for the night. Kobolds begin moving in and out of a particular hut, carrying baskets and bundles. You realize that whoever lives there is moving out temporarily to make space for you. Near the hut, other kobolds are building some kind of temporary shelter with open sides and a palm-leaf roof.

Meanwhile, there is increasing activity near the cook-fires. More kobolds gather around them, and the chopping, pounding, and mixing intensifies.

After a while, a kobold approaches you. You don't recognize--uh, her? Probably her. And when she speaks, you're even more sure she is female. "Please, honored guests," she says. "I am Hrashk. Your place is ready. Please to follow this way."

She leads the way to the hut. The interior is clean and tidy. There are a few bedrolls, but not enough for all of you. Either this is all they could spare, or they noticed that many of you carried your own bedrolls. Or possibly both. In the center of the hut are bowls containing dried fruits, nuts, and pieces of flat bread, along with pitchers of water and something that looks like fruit juice.

"Things for mid meal are here. We hope you like them. There is place outside for animals, not ready yet, but soon." She gives you a little bow, and seems to be waiting for your reaction.

Bliss HP154/154 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC40 | Cayzle
Friday May 15th, 2020 1:13:48 PM

Bliss tries some flatbread. "MMM, this is way better than the fried chunks and lard bread I was expecting."

"But where are the grilled worms on a skewer?" Mookie complains.

Ignoring the talky bird, Bliss mentions to his friends, "I suppose we should detect for poison and set watches, right?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Friday May 15th, 2020 1:16:53 PM
"Press?" asks Kezzem when he gets no response. "Murph, I think I broke our witch! Again!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (28/30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (29/31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (27)
Friday May 15th, 2020 1:17:58 PM
"Well, hold on," Pressi tells Kezzem. "If you keep doing the mushroom gag, the kobolds might try to eat you. And that would make the bit hilarious again."

Along with the rest of the group, Pressi continues to rest, break out the entertainment, etc. She still keeps an eye on the guard, just in case someone in the world is tougher than she is.

(Sorry its been short. We came to the busy part of the pandemic.)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+40=41 ;
Saturday May 16th, 2020 7:46:53 PM
"Hrashk, this is lovely. Thank you, and those who helped you, for showing us your kind hospitality," Murphy says to the kobold girl. Young woman? "Tell those who gave up their space for us, and who are making space for our animals that we are grateful. Say, have you ever gone for a safe flight in the air? I was thinking of giving people rides this afternoon, if they would like. Or, if you ever have envied the birds who fly in the canopy and higher than the trees above, we could help you try that. There is something I'll need to do first, right after this meal, though."

"Tali. How are you doing? Good job today out there in the jungle. May I ask a favor? After we finish eating, could you turn me invisible after I cast a couple of spells myself, and cast haste? I want to shoot up towards the heavens and get a good look around. Pressi, prepare for a mental flow as I take a look around. Unless you want to ride into the sky with me - if so, put goggles on. We'll be going over 71 miles an hour" [(120+5)*5+30=655 ft/round = 71.59 mph] "up maybe five to seven miles - but before we run out of air - you remember how it got thin up on the mountainside? While it's still daylight, I'm wondering whether we'll be able to see as far as the badlands, or the oceans, the plateaus, maybe even the plains. Or, just get a bunch of bugs in our teeth. But yes, let's eat first." Murphy sits with the rest, and enjoys the food. As he munches on the nuts, he says, "If anyone else wants to join me for a vertical flight to look around after this mid-day meal, let me know. I can carry a few of you." He drinks the fruit-like juice, taking in its flavor and texture.

"No, Bliss, we don't need to check for poison. And since it's midday, though I know you were taught to do so in new places. I suppose we can set watches - but maybe just plan to do so for this evening, after stories and dancing and such."
[flight post later]
===========
Perception: 41

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+27=41 ;
Saturday May 16th, 2020 7:48:47 PM
[Weird. In the previous post I was trying to roll sense motive, and instead it posted - before I was done.]

Sense motive for 'reading' Hrashk: 41

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Sunday May 17th, 2020 12:50:53 PM
"I don't know, Press. Usually I would do anything for a laugh, but I'm not sure I'd be willing to get eaten for one."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (28/30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (29/31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (27)
Monday May 18th, 2020 11:09:33 AM
Pressi is a bit closer to Bliss than Murphy about keeping an eye on the kobolds. She thinks back to one of the times they trusted the hospitality of an ally they thought they were helping. The time that ally tried to feed them to constructs and pump her personally full of wolds blood.

That said, she doesn't think the kobolds would just straight up attack or poison them. If that were the case, they wouldn't have handed them temple keys.

Pressi also isn't quite sure what the vertical flight is for. She presumes it's so they can get a better idea of where the temple and/or where the animal refuge is, but it sounds like Murphy just wants to show off to the kobolds. Which... Pressi might be more on board with if she can think of something that won't freak out the villagers.

DM Kathy
Monday May 18th, 2020 12:56:14 PM
Bliss tries some flatbread and finds it good. Mookie complains about a lack of worms, but makes do with nuts.

Pressi wants to keep an eye on the guard, but nobody seems to be guarding you. There is Hrashk, but she seems to be more of a project manager.

Murphy can tell that Hrashk is no longer young, but not really old yet either. She is a little stressed from these last-minute preparations, but confident that she has it under control. She does not wish your group harm; in fact, she is seeking your good opinion. You offer to take her aloft, and she declines politely. You go up yourself, and see--well, jungle. You do see the plains off to the northeast, and think your group could probably cover the distance in a day or two.

The shelter for the animals is soon ready. Mowa stalks into the covered space, then flops regally onto her side, tail twitching. She is obviously enjoying herself. Harper, Valerie, and the ponies soon join her.

You pass a pleasant few hours. The afternoon is warm, but the interior of your borrowed hut stays reasonably cool. Young kobolds periodically refresh your pitcher of water. You can stay in the hut, or wander about the village watching the kobolds work. Some of them seem to get a little nervous when observed, but nobody asks you to stop or go back inside. As the afternoon wears on, the cooking spells become more and more appetizing.

At last, Hrashk reappears and invites you to follow her to your feast.

For something thrown together at the last minute, the feast is pretty impressive. Multiple dishes are brought for you to sample: meat, vegetables, grains, fruit. Many dishes are spicy; some are very spicy indeed! As you eat, a very nervous-looking kobold, playing on a stringed instrument you do not recognize, sings a short ballad. Those of you who understand Draconic realize it is a ballad about you! The musician must have composed it this afternoon, and it's not bad. He seemed to rely heavily on certain pre-written forms, as many bards do, but overall the effort is pleasing, if a bit short.

After the ballad, the young kobold continues to play and sing, songs the villagers obviously know and like. They sing along to some of the songs.

At the end of the meal, clean cloths and bowls of warm water are passed so that everyone can clean up a bit. The mood becomes anticipatory, and the kobolds begin to look in Auntie's direction.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Monday May 18th, 2020 2:00:07 PM
"These kobolds are nicer than the humans were," comments Kezzem. "Maybe it's a height thing. Anyone over 4 feet tall just has their heads in the clouds and need to be more down to earth."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+6=10 ;
Monday May 18th, 2020 2:21:53 PM
Hobie enjoys the Kobold's string playing, and after finishing his meal, he gets up and compliments the song, and then pulls out his lute to play along with him. It's not the best he's ever played

Perform Lute =10

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9
Monday May 18th, 2020 4:07:22 PM
The Feast

At hearing Kezzem's comment, Tali giggles aloud.

Since she is happy that everyone has had a chance to unwind.

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 100 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 100 of 900 Minutes

Bliss HP154/154 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC40 | Cayzle d20+36=54 ;
Monday May 18th, 2020 10:07:25 PM

Bliss enjoys the feast a LOT, and the music, also a lot, but less than the food.

"Look Kezzem, there's mushrooms in this one!" For half a moment Bliss looks more than half likely to throw a mushroom at his friend, but at the last moment simply hands down the dish to try.

When the music gets to the crowd-pleasing part, he feels inclined to get up and dance, and unless this is a very serious dinner, will!

Alas, Bliss has forgotten most of his good moves since he switched out of shadowdancer. At least he can do some jumps, twists, and turns!

Acrobatics (poor man's dancing): 54

Mookie finds something that reminds him of worms, and he hogs the whole platter. "This is really good," the kobold-sized talking raven declares. He tries to find the chefs to tell them so.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Tuesday May 19th, 2020 5:38:37 AM
Succotash enjoys the meal and the singing very much. He tries to challenge himself into eating some of the hottest dishes, and finds he is able to enjoy them, barely, though he fears there will be repercussions in the morning. He translates the words to the songs to his friends, and overhearing Kezzem's mentioning of size, and human's and such, he chimes in saying, "Well, being a bit taller than out hosts does put things in our advantage I suppose". he chuckles as he says these words. As everyone's attention turns to Auntie, he waits with anticipation as to what the aged kobold may say.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+5=6 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+38=47 ;
Tuesday May 19th, 2020 5:53:38 AM

Murphy relays to the others that they have either one long day, or a couple of regular days of travel to get through the jungle to the plains. "Unless we get further diverted."

As others relaxed during the afternoon, busy Murphy offered a few things to those who prepared the food - Portions of wheat, flour, cinnamon, ginger, pepper, salt, cloves, and one bottle of fine wine. He also saw to it that the animals were fed and groomed.

He enjoys the food tremendously. Moreso, the people who prepared it for them. Such courtesy and hospitality. He tells Hrashk, "You are an exceptional people."

During the music he tries dancing - but barely avoids falling upon his face. Giving up quickly on that notion, instead he decides occasionally to sing along. Now, coming from a very musical family, though not as good as his father or brother or a couple of sisters, he acquits himself well, adding bits of harmony. And he has a good ear - if a verse or chorus is repeated, and by watching the mouths of other singers, manages to get the pronunciation down pretty well. He figures this is the start of his training to learn draconic. At one point, he offers an iconic Crescent Valley song, 'Our Gratitude We Offer.' Likely most members of the party know it, and the tune.

And now - it's time for Auntie. He sits next to Pressi and takes her hand.
=======
Perform (dance): 6
Perform (singing): 23
Perception: 47 - Taking in as much of the ambience and social interactions as he might as Auntie comes to present.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (28/30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (29/31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (27) d20+8=20 ;
Tuesday May 19th, 2020 10:46:49 AM
Chuckling at Murphy's stumbling, Pressi joins him in dancing, ostensibly to help out.

Dance (Aid another): 20

As Auntie speaks, she continues to take Murphy's hand but her focus switches from fun to business.

DM Kathy
Tuesday May 19th, 2020 1:11:32 PM
Hobie tries to play along with the musician, while Bliss, Murphy, and Pressi try to dance. This earns puzzled looks from some of the kobolds (none of whom seem at all inclined to dance), but nobody tries to stop you.

Kezzem reflects that maybe shorter beings are nicer than taller ones.

Succotash challenges himself to eat the very hottest dishes. They are tasty, but it's been nearly a half hour and your mouth is still burning!

Auntie speaks. "Our visitors have asked for the story of our tribe." She speaks first in Draconic, then repeats what she's said in Common.

The other kobolds seem to lean in a bit. This seems to be a popular story. As Auntie tells the tale, she switches seamlessly between Draconic and Common, telling the tale in both languages.

"Long ago, it is said, the first kobolds came to the jungle. They saw it was a land of plenty, but also a land of danger. Fierce dinosaurs hunted in the thickets; strange plants tried to entangle and crush. Snakes struck; insects swarmed. And much of the good territory was already claimed by gnolls and goblins and humans.

"In time, two brothers came to be great leaders of the kobolds. The younger brother was a fierce warrior. He rallied the finest fighters among the kobolds and began defending the people from the dangers that hunted them. In time, his leadership ensured that the people were safer.

"The older brother was wise in the ways of nature and magic. He used his abilities to heal, and urged his followers to understand this new land, that they might live in harmony with it. In time, his leadership ensured that people had enough food to eat and medicines to cure their ailments.

"But as the people grew safer and more contented, the brothers began quarreling more and more. They quarreled over tactics, over the placement of villages and the use of resources. But most of all, they quarreled over what was to be done with the others who lived in the jungle--the gnolls and goblins and humans. The younger brother wanted to make war on these other tribes, to drive them from the land so that only kobolds would live here. The elder wanted to find common ground with these other tribes, and perhaps trade with them.

"They quarreled more and more, and finally the differences became too much. The Great Rift occurred. The followers of the younger brother left. Even now, their descendants wage fierce war on any who infringe on kobold territory. They are the ones called Ss'Hathk.

"We are the descendants of the older brother. We seek to live in harmony with the jungle, to unlock its secrets for growth and healing, and to trade peacefully with those who also dwell here. We are the K�tthhykk."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Tuesday May 19th, 2020 1:23:52 PM
"That reminds me, a human and a gnoll walk into a bar," says Kezzem. "The goblin laughed and walked under it."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +9
Tuesday May 19th, 2020 2:51:17 PM
Auntie's Origin Story

At hearing Kezzem's comment, Tali giggles aloud, slapping her knee. Tali muses aloud, "if they will ever come across the Ss'Hathk tribe and would the affiliation with K'tthhykk offer them any goodwill?"

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 100 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 100 of 900 Minutes

Bliss HP154/154 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC40 | Cayzle d20+28=31 ;
Tuesday May 19th, 2020 4:27:46 PM

"Well, Auntie, maam, once we set up our new base in the reformed temple, we can set up permanent teleportal circles, and then you can trade with all us halflings in the Crescent Valley! We gotta stick together against the bigguns!"

He turns to Tali and Pressi, asking in a whisper, "We can do that, right? Set up teleportal circles? They are one-way, so we need two sets ..."

Bliss loses himself in thought. [Spellcraft 31 should do it ...]

"hmmmm," he mutters, "Two CL17 scrolls of Teleportation Circle ... that's 25x17x9, +1,000, times 2, okay. Then two CL17 scrolls of Permanency ... also 25x17x9, only +22,500, times 2 again, so ..."

Bliss scratches at his Headband of Intelligence, as he stretches its capabilities ... then he looks up. "I figure we can do it for just about 62 grand! If we all chip in, we can afford that! Easy peasy!"

Mookie groans and lays down. "Oh my achin' head! Kid, stop sending math at my brain! Gosh darn telepathy! Not worth it!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Wednesday May 20th, 2020 2:31:58 AM

Part of the time, Murphy jots notes, and finds in particular Auntie's story a rich source of language learning - and local history. When she finishes, but after Kez, Tali and Bliss talk, he picks up on Tali's thread. "Yes, should we come across the Ss'Hathk tribe, as you are brother tribes - or cousins? - have you any recommendations on how we might pass through their area in peace?

"It is good that your tribe has chosen such a way of wisdom, and prosperity. Sometimes I wish that people would stop attacking our people, that we might live in peace and even greater prosperity."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Wednesday May 20th, 2020 6:41:21 AM
Succotash listens intently to Auntie's story. he finds it both fascinating and sad. Fascinating because of Auntie's people choosing wisdom and peaceful living, but sad because of the split between the two brothers. He listens to Bliss's desire to set up trade between the kobolds, and the Crescent Valley, and even though he feels that it could be good for both parties, he feels that those discussions would be better off discussed by the leaders of both parties, and not a band of adventures.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (28/30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (29/31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (27)
Wednesday May 20th, 2020 11:10:05 AM
To Tali, "I have no doubt that the other side of a civil war splitting over whether to wage war on outsiders would absolutely consider affiliation with the other tribe as worthy of an invite for coffee. But I wouldn't drink it."

To Bliss, "I get your excitement and all, but can we at least see the temple before we make any major purchasing decisions. Get some idea of whether its even still standing, how many rooms it has, does it have a yard, and I'd prefer getting a doom temple base in a good school district. We really shouldn't just move into the first temple that we see, anyway. Maybe wait for some better interest rates."

DM Kathy
Wednesday May 20th, 2020 1:40:40 PM
After Auntie's tale is finished, Tali and Murphy wonder whether there is any way deal peacefully with the Ss'Hathk, should you ever encounter them. Unfortunately, the answer seems to be "no." The Ss'Hathk are hostile to outsiders, and there doesn't seem to be any way of changing that.

Bliss talks of setting up teleportation circles, in the temple that you will surely reclaim, so that the K�tthhykk can trade with Crescent Valley! Pressi cautions him that such plans might be premature, and Succotash privately agrees with her.

There is more conversation, but essentially the evening is over. The musician packs up his instrument. Kobolds begin drifting back to their huts. In due course, you also retire and get a good night's sleep.

The morning is pleasantly cool, and a light fog clings to the ground. It is a good day to begin your journey to the plains.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday May 20th, 2020 1:57:55 PM
"Murphey, you are our nature expert," says Kezzem. "Can you tell us what we can expect to encounter in the plains? Or in other words, Murphey! You've got some 'plaining to do!"

Bliss HP154/154 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC40 | Cayzle
Wednesday May 20th, 2020 6:50:38 PM

Bliss performs his morning rituals -- the Grimalkin ritual on his own, the Sharing with Mookie, and the Ward rituals with Mookie and Pressi and Harper (though he does not himself benefit from that one). As per usual, he boosts the Sharing with a sacrifice of blood (+2CL), and also uses his extend rod to double the Shield of Faith's duration.

(Numerically, he cannot fail his check to Draw Woldsblood to power his magic, or the DC20 Handle Animal check for the Grimalkin ritual, nor the DC30 Spellcraft check for the Sharing ritual. It's nice to be high level.)

Bliss casts the usual Heros' Breakfast for himself and Mookie, Pressi and Harper, Brother Succotash and Valerie, Sir Kezzem and Runpus, Murphy, Tali, Hobie, and of course Mowa. That's 12 eaters, perfect for Bliss's caster level of 12. He gets a worried look.

"Guys! Guys!" he whispers, "Is it rude to make our own breakfast, and not invite our new friends? Maybe Miss Pressi can make another Feast for Auntie and some of our hosts?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday May 20th, 2020 8:44:10 PM
"But what about Second Hero's Breakfast?" asks Kezzem. "Or is that Hero's Second Breakfast? Man, this is the Second Dinner Club all over again!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+38=43 ; d20+23=24 ;
Wednesday May 20th, 2020 8:50:48 PM

"Lions, Kezzem. Gazelles. Springboks. Buffalo. Mice. Grasses," Murphy begins. "Scattered trees. Giraffes, maybe? I've just heard about some of these animals. Giraffes are said to have very long necks. Snakes. Lots of different types of birds. Hyenas. People. Mud. Beauty. Many other critters - hoppers, climbers, sprinters, crawlers, plants, life and death and mysteries. That is part of the plain's truth, Kez. By this evening, we might be getting close to the plains. I've got a spell - commune with nature. Perhaps nature can tell me more about herself when I cast that. Including - are any other lions out there?"

Once the party gets going, Murphy morphs into a bird similar to one he has seen in the jungle. He scouts along, and occasionally chats with his friends.
=============
Perception: 43
Survival: 24

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d8=3 ; d8=5 ;
Thursday May 21st, 2020 5:42:23 AM
Succotash awakes refreshed and ready to take on the day. he sends his normal hour in prayer to the Wolds deities, and prepares his spells.

"I think if we are careful to leave some room left in our bellies, we should be able to dine with our hosts still", Succotash suggests, "Then again, we are halflings, so that shouldn't be an issue, or we could just eat Bliss's meal, and then say our goodbyes to Auntie and the rest, and not be a burden to our friends here anymore".

Spells active, and other daily stuff:
Succotash
Dimensional Hop 150ft/150ft
Speak with Animals 18/18
Hero's Feast 3+6=9 temp HP

Valerie
Hero's Feast 5+6=11 temp HP

Hero's Feast:
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (34) d8+6=14 ; d8+6=14 ;
Thursday May 21st, 2020 10:40:03 AM
Pressi performs her ritual of warding (thanking Bliss for the help) and the ritual of healing (D12 to healing rolls), I will do rituals later.

As asked by Bliss, she casts Heroes feast for Auntie and... at least their guides as they head out. She goes ahead and casts two shields of faith on herself.

As always, she packs up, looks out towards the woods and takes off in the sky on her flying broom.

-------------

Pressi
warding
healing
shield of faith
heroes feast (14 HP)
flying broom

harper
warding
heroes feast (14 HP)

L1: 1
L4: 1
L6: 1

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +13 d8+6=13 ;
Thursday May 21st, 2020 11:17:57 AM
The Long Journey to the Plains

As she has become accustomed to her after meditation/morning rituals, Tali begins the start of this day like all the others behind her with her morning spells:

1) Overland Flight &
2) Mage Armor

Temp HP

1d8+6 = 13

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 900 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 900 of 900 Minutes

Hero's Feast:
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Cat Homes

DM Kathy
Thursday May 21st, 2020 2:08:58 PM
[Everybody take 26,000 XP for the previous scene.]

In the morning, you perform your usual rituals. Bliss casts a Heroes' Feast for the party, an Pressi casts an additional one for your hosts. The kobolds seem a little leery of their feast at first, but eventually they seem to enjoy it.

You bid farewell to your hosts and set out on your journey.

The temperature climbs as you travel. It gets quite warm in the jungle, and you have reason to be glad of the insect repellent you bought from the kobolds. Perhaps it's the heat, or the thick growth, or the fact that you're really not in any kind of hurry, but you find that the sun is going down long before you reach the plains.

Of course, that isn't an issue for such experienced adventurers. You soon have a camp set up and are making an evening meal and setting watches for the night.

Survival DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {Something about this area is poking at your brain. There's something you need to notice, but you can't figure out what it is.}

Survival DC 40 Highlight to display spoiler: {You realize what it is about this area that's been pulling at you. It isn't something you see; it's something you don't see. There is no sign of ocelots in this area. It's a good area for them, but there don't seem to be any hereabouts.}

Bliss HP154/154 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC40 | Cayzle d20+17=36 ;
Thursday May 21st, 2020 3:35:13 PM
survival check ... 36!

Bliss has a hint that something is up. He turns on his shield of faith and warns his friends. "Heads up folks!"

He turns into a cat and tries to smell stuff.

Mookie launches into the air to see what he can see.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Thursday May 21st, 2020 4:11:55 PM
"What's that Bliss?" asks Kezzem. "Did Hobie fall inna well again?"

Bliss HP154/154 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76+12 AC40 | Cayzle
Thursday May 21st, 2020 5:52:04 PM

Bliss falls down prone, laughing.

"Arf arf ruff!" he meows (since he is in cat form).

[OOC: If I die because I'm prone when the vampires attack, it is all your fault, Brian!]

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +13 d20+3=4 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+21=27 ; d20+18=19 ;
Thursday May 21st, 2020 10:11:49 PM
The Long Journey to the Plains

By herself, Tali can't figure out what is the cause of the alarm, but since Bliss, raised the call the arms, Tali will fly 15 feet up into the air while she puts her goggle onto see into the darkness, scanning the horizon, looking for the source of the calamity!

"Where's Moma, can she sense anything?"

Tali will try to perceive what is the situation. {Skill Check: Perception: 25} In case it is a magical event, she will see if this is something she has come across before...{Skill Check: KNowledge Arcana: 27} Then using her newest skill; Gather Information; she will take everyone's reporting into consideration while adding her own for final analysis. {Skill Check: Gather Information:19} She can't figure it out! Must be this humidity!

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 900 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 900 of 900 Minutes

Hero's Feast:
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Temp HP

1d8+6 = 13

CatBliss HP154/154+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC40 | Cayzle d8+6=7 ; d8+6=14 ;
Thursday May 21st, 2020 10:19:32 PM
Extra post for heroes' breakie ...

Bliss: +7 temp hp
Mookie: +14 temp hp

Also note: Standard cast before moving out: Threefold Aspect for both; Barkskin for both, recast after 4 hours. Updated sheet link above for CatBliss.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+7temp d8+6=7 ; d20+40=42 ; d20+25=38 ;
Friday May 22nd, 2020 3:25:35 AM
Murphy senses something, so casts owl's wisdom followed by commune with nature. Guided now by wisdom and his druidical weave with nature, focuses first upon what seems out of the ordinary about this particular locale. Having been in the jungle for a few days now, he has a relative sense of the 'ordinary' so far. Is there a powerful force in the area where they set up camp? Some unusual creature or creatures. What seems most salient? He reaches out for the first mile radius, and the second... eventually probing as far away as 15 miles from where he sits, a halfling druid in a little 3' diameter patch of earth he has made by momentarily clearing the vegetation.

Earlier he had thought to see how far out were the plains, and whether any lions might be nearby. But he gave up that notion due to what he was feeling. "I open myself to you, Cthonian selva, beautiful land of lush life. Is something here that ought not be, or something not here that ought be? Or is there no 'ought'? Bring me in. Open my eyes to behold."
===========
Perception: 42
Survival: 38 (plus whatever bonuses in this case commune may provide??)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+11=19 ; d20+22=24 ; d20+9=12 ;
Friday May 22nd, 2020 5:57:13 AM
Succotash too is oblivious to what may be going on, but he trusts his friends intuition, and waits to see what the jungle has to say to Murphy. He walks over and strokes Valerie behind the ear vents for a bit, keeping an eye out for anything unwelcome. (perception 24) he whispers to Valerie, "Keep your guard up girl!", Valerie then sniffs the air for anything off (perception 12)

Spells active, and other daily stuff:

Succotash
Dimensional Hop 150ft/150ft
Speak with Animals 18/18
Hero's Feast 3+6=9 temp HP

Valerie
Hero's Feast 5+6=11 temp HP

Hero's Feast:
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (34) d8+6=14 ; d20+18=27 ;
Friday May 22nd, 2020 10:44:12 AM
Survival 27, but I can�t highlight on my phone and I�m away from my computer.

If desired, Pressi can use the roll for tracking using her Justicar skill.

As of now, she continues to fly while casting spectral hand.

DM Kathy
Friday May 22nd, 2020 3:50:27 PM
Many of you sense that there is something about this area you should notice. Something important. Something that's been on your mind. But you can't put your finger on it.

Murphy tries to commune, to figure out what it is. It doesn't take you long before you spot it, and you nearly laugh aloud with the relief. This area, where you are camped, is a good place for ocelots. But there has been no sign of ocelots for miles. No clawed branches, no droppings, no anything. In fact, attuned as you now are to your surroundings, you are confident that there are no ocelots for at least a mile in any direction.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (34) d8+6=14 ; d20+18=27 ;
Friday May 22nd, 2020 3:55:55 PM
Survival 27, but I can�t highlight on my phone and I�m away from my computer.

If desired, Pressi can use the roll for tracking using her Justicar skill.

As of now, she continues to fly while casting spectral hand.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Friday May 22nd, 2020 5:34:54 PM
"There's something!" says Kezzem as he points at nothing. "Ha, it was nothing! What a relief!"

"Wait, something doesn't feel right."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+7temp
Friday May 22nd, 2020 8:35:38 PM

Murphy does laugh aloud. "Look at that tree trunk over there, hollowed out it is, and a mostly hollow log lying next to it - wouldn't this place be a perfect spot for Lio and Nia, the ocelot siblings?" He claps his hands together. "That was it! This could be their new home! I'm going to plant an oak here. I'll travel home now, tell them we found a place, and they should be ready to leave in a few days. I'll come back within an hour or two, we'll get Mowa where she needs to go sometime tomorrow or the next morrow. When we swing by here again, we'll get the ocelots, and let them sniff around. Weeeee!"

"So, anyone want to come with me? Did you leave your favorite pair of socks back in Humble's Ford? I can take a few of you along. No dawdling once we get there. Two hours from when we get to our town to meet back at the oak between town and the Sanctuary, and come back here. Agreed? Who's coming with?"

As people decide, the halfling druid looks about for a good spot to plant an oak tree. Right, right, this is not their typical habitat. But the oak will have to get used to it. He finds a place about 50 yards away from the hollow log, where there is a scattered clearing with few leaves overhead. He takes out a feather token, and launches it carefully toward its landing spot, jumping back after launch. Bang! Up springs a huge and fully mature oak. "Welcome to Cthonia!" he says in the Sylvan tongue.

Once he has assembled those who want to go along - and he decides to take Sugar the pony back home, too - he has them gather together around the oak. He blindfolds Sugar so she does not get skittish about walking right inside and oak.

Then he rides Sugar - and maybe a few can join him in the ride - back to Sanctuary. He greets his friends - Hazel and others, and finds the menagerie.

Speak with animals. "Hey Lio. Hey Nia. We found a beautiful place in the jungle. Hollow logs to explore, beautiful vines, critters that you might find tasty, others maybe to make friends with. It seems the perfect place for ocelots such as yourselves. We wanted to give you a few days to prepare before you leave. Or, you could come right now. We leave in about an hour to go right back to the perfect place for ocelots in the jungle. What do you think?"

"Oh, Rosehips! You're here, too!" he says to his sister Leska. He gives her a kiss on each cheek. "Have all the critters been behaving themselves? How are the monkeys?" If Pressi decided to come along, he lets them catch each other up on the news.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (34)
Friday May 22nd, 2020 9:08:52 PM
Pressi for one does not laugh with relief. Disruptions of nature - and missing animals - have always been a rather sensitive topic for her.

"Are we sure we want to release the ocelots here?" she messages Murphy. "What if something happened to the original ocelots... and it comes back?"

CatBliss HP154/154+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC40 | Cayzle
Friday May 22nd, 2020 11:59:41 PM

"Mister Murphy, if this is such a good place for medium cats, why aren't there some here yet? Can we check for predators or something? Maybe speak with local animals and plants? Commune with nature? You know from this stuff, my old friend!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+7temp
Saturday May 23rd, 2020 9:35:47 AM

With counsel of friends, Murphy answers, "Sure, we can check it out further. All right, let's explore a bit before issuing the invitation. An area search, centered here." He lays out a plan to search the area systematically. "Shall those of us who can fly, do so? Do a flyover of the area within a mile radius, and see if anything outstanding or untoward shows up? I can map out what we find. If we can avoid disturbing local critters too much, that might be discreet. Can we get a couple of message spells up just before we start the search? And Bliss, I just got done communing with nature. Nature told me she would like some ocelots here, and they would like it here, too. But chatting up the local flora and fauna - yeah, not a bad idea. Only thing is, though I can speak with animals today, I'd have to wait until tomorrow to enjoy vegetable talk. How about you? You want to talk with the trees? Say, I could awaken a local tree to serve as a kind of friend and guardian to the ocelots. That would take a full day, but I have the spell memorized. And Mowa doesn't want it. But first, let's take a good look together.

"Hobie, you want to organize this?" he asks, now that he's laid out a search plan already - but not who is doing what. To all he says. "I think we may want to try to avoid killing anything around here, though. Since the local jungle told me it's a good place for ocelots, we don't want to make it a worse place for them." As soon as Hobie or whoever else recommends who does what, then Murphy sets out to play his part in the area survey.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Sunday May 24th, 2020 3:28:28 PM
"I don't know too much about what tasks need to be done. I'm no nature guy. Don't we need to just take the lion to a good place and let her go? And let the ocelots go here? Then we can get moving to where the old kobold lady told us about?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+7temp
Sunday May 24th, 2020 7:29:07 PM

"Sure, Hobie, more or less," Murphy replies. "But Pressi and Bliss have asked for more information than what communing with nature has revealed. Look, gang, explore with me if you wish - which is what you've requested. My spell let me know this is a great place for ocelots. As you requested we check it more closely, we can run a grid pattern over a square mile, divided into four quadrants of 880-yard squares, centered on where we are. I'll start from the upper left quadrant and scan it in a flyover. If someone wants to take the upper right, someone else the lower right, and a fourth person or team to scan the lower left. If not all four of the square miles are covered by the time I'm done with my corner, I'll take up the slack." As a huge air elemental he covers swaths about 90 yards wide and 880 yards long - that's ten lanes per square - and he looks for signs of interesting flora and fauna as they relate to a hunting ground/playground for ocelots. It takes him about 11 minutes to cover his quadrant, so long as he does not run into anything that slows him up.

Should all additional evidence he and other party members gather agree with what the spell already told him, he does the two-hour visit to the ocelots in Humble's Ford (as outlined May 22nd), either returning with them if they want to go right away or without them if they don't mind waiting a few days. If they come, he'll work with his friends to introduce them to the place.

Before going to sleep, he maps out the area. Then he goes to bed. "I'll take last watch." (I know people are anxious to get moving, as am I - which is why I've tried to concentrate the concatenation of actions which will help us perform due diligence, but not eat up too many posting days.)
=============
Taking 10 on:
Perception: 48
Survival: 31
Knowledge (nature): 29

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Monday May 25th, 2020 2:19:54 AM
Succotash says, "Wait a moment and I'll cast Augury to see if there is anything that may harm the ocelots in the area. He then cast the spell, and says, "Gods of the Wold, Is there any immediate danger to the ocelots we wish to relocate i this area?"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 TMP HP +13
Monday May 25th, 2020 1:51:09 PM
Silent Forest

Tali, 15 feet above the forest floor senses nothing as the rest of the Humbles laugh about...

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 900 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 900 of 900 Minutes

Hero's Feast:
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Temp HP

1d8+6 = 13

DM Kathy
Monday May 25th, 2020 2:13:00 PM
Murphy is keen to return to Humble's and fetch the ocelots right away! Pressi, however, advises caution, and Bliss points out that there could be other cats here filling that ecological niche.

You do some reconnoissance. The local ecosystem seems healthy. Tali sees no signs of anything unnatural that might threaten the ocelots--or anything else in the area. You see some signs of larger cats at the very edge of your search area, but there is room for the ocelots. There may be a few territorial scuffles at first, but that's the kind of thing Lio and Nia signed up for.

Succotash uses an Augury to learn whether there is any immediate danger to the ocelots, and receives a reassuring Weal for an answer.

Hobie is anxious to continue with the mission, and there doesn't seem to be any reason Murphy can't plant his oak tree and fetch the cats.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Monday May 25th, 2020 2:28:14 PM
"Hold on a second, Muprh, let me check something first. I've got a bad feeling about this."

Kezzem decides to sweep the area with a detect evil, just in case.

If nothing pings, he givea the druid the go ahead.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (34)
Monday May 25th, 2020 3:47:11 PM
Pressi gets a wicked smile across her face as Hobie whines about wanting to move on.

"Before we do that, I think we all need a moment of reflection and goodbyes as we release these animals that we so tenderly cared for into the world beyond. Hobie gets the first speech. Cool?"

Pressi otherwise gives the go ahead.

CatBliss HP154/154+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC40 | Cayzle d20-4=15 ;
Monday May 25th, 2020 7:13:14 PM

Bliss listen's intently to Hobie's speech and applauds loudly, whatever he says.

Bliss is happy to have found the ocelots a home. If they wanted safety, they could have stayed in Humbles Ford. "Sometimes the choices we make in life may be the right ones, even if they are not the safe ones."

Mookie caws. "Kid, first the math, now the philosophy you're pouring into my brain!? Please, stop, it hurts!"

Sense Motive vs Mookie's Bluff check of 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {It does not hurt.}

"Go for it, please, Mister Murphy," Bliss says.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+7temp
Monday May 25th, 2020 11:42:02 PM

Murphy likes Succotash's report of weal; and Tali's view; waits for Kezzem's report; receives the go-ahead from Pressi and Bliss. He waves to Hobie. "Be back soon."

Murphy gets back to Humble's Ford. As no one indicated they wanted to accompany him, he went by himself, taking his pony Sugar along. From the oak tree midway between town and the Sanctuary, he rides to the Sanctuary. He lets those he sees know how things are going. He gives Hazel the latest manuscript he has been working on since they left town. "Get this to my brother, Demko, at my folks' place to make two copies - one for the WLA, and one he'll keep. He'll get the original back to you - you know where I keep those, Hazel. Just put it there."

He talks with his sister Leska, who has been helping out with the animals from time to time, and gets a report on how things are going. He speaks with the ocelot family, and explains the situation. He tells him he will be leaving in an hour. If they want to come, then be ready.

Sugar the pony he leaves behind in the stables. He takes ten minutes to spend in devotion at the shrine on the grounds to Eberyon, and spends a few minutes at Maab's shrine, too. He places a note in Pressi's room with 'For Pressi's Family from Murphy' written on the outside. 'Maybe someone will pick it up, he thinks to himself.

He take five minutes to talk with our mushroom dwarf to see how things fare. He heads to town to check out the tunnels, and pops up at home. "Hi Mom!" He gives her a five-minutes rundown on what they are up to, asks for a three-minute highlight of what's going on, grabs a plate of hot muffins, covering it over with linen, and takes the jar of honey. "Thanks, ma - we'll eat this at camp!" He returns to the Sanctuary. "Ready, kits? Let's go." He leads them back to another oak on the Hovel side just outside the compound, explains the means of travel. "I know you've watched me do this before," and walks with them into the tree, where they are transported to the Cthonian jungle.

"You can open your eyes now, Lio, Nia. Go say hi to Mowa."

With his friends, he helps the young adult ocelots get used to the area. He lets them know there may be bigger cats at the edge of the area. "You can work it out."

"Hey guys - night time snack - my mother baked some muffins, and here's honey to go with 'em."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday May 26th, 2020 2:46:18 AM
At Pressi's suggestion, Hobie uncomfortably steps forward to give the requested speech. He takes his hat and places it over his chest.
"You poor cats, enslaved by that orc I killed. Sorry you had to suffer so much. I hope you can feel free here, and find happiness, and do cat things. Stay away from the river, find some string to play with. And remember, sometimes snakes turn out to just be cucumbers. Adios"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Tuesday May 26th, 2020 6:27:55 AM
Succotash is glad they found a home for the ocelots. He translates Hobie's words to the cats, and bids them farewell, as they scamper into the trees. He tells them that he and Murphy may check in on them from time to time, if that is something they are OK with. He then takes the time to memorize the terrain, so he can easily teleport back here in the future. After sharing a meal with his friends, followed up by Murphy's mother muffins, he volunteers to take the first watch.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday May 26th, 2020 10:43:54 AM
Pressi smirked, but remained rather respectful of Hobie's on the spot speech.

She takes some time to give a speech of her own, about how the balance of nature has gotten a step closer to being restored, and how she's going to miss the cats in her care.

She helps Murphy when he finally transports the cats over.

DM Kathy
Tuesday May 26th, 2020 2:55:13 PM
Kezzem checks, but nothing in the area is evil.

Murphy, using his trusty oak tree, blips back to Humble's Ford and retrieves the ocelots. Among other things.

When he returns, there are speeches. Hobie wishes the cats well. Bliss provides a bit of philosophy. Pressi speaks of nature and says her goodbyes.

You share a meal and set watches. Lio and Nia actually linger in camp for a while before finally succumbing to the lure of the jungle. The last you see of them, they are following one another jumping from branch to branch toward the canopy.

The muffins are delicious, the night passes uneventfully, and in the morning you set out for the plains.

CatBliss HP154/154+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC40 | Cayzle
Tuesday May 26th, 2020 3:00:06 PM

As Bliss waits for Murphy to ride home, visit Hazel, visit Leska, explain things to the ocelots, lodge his pony in the stables, pray at his shrine, pray at a different shrine, drop off a note, chat up the mushroom dwarf, check out the tunnels, visit his mom, and brings the ocelots to an oak, before returning.

As a long long while passes, Mookie whines, "I'm bored! boooored!"

Bliss takes up the refrain. "Booorreeed! Boring bored boredest! Hecka bored!"

Bliss and bird continue in this vein for a while. Then Bliss tells Mookie, "Hold down the fort here at Camp Boring, I gotta go on an adventure."

The halfling wanders off to do the necessary.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101
Tuesday May 26th, 2020 3:07:05 PM
Silent Forest now with Ocelots!

Tali, having meditated | rested for her standard two hours, goes through her morning rituals of spell castings getting ready for the next phase of this journey.

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 900 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 900 of 900 Minutes

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+7temp d20+15=26 ; d20+38=43 ;
Tuesday May 26th, 2020 9:58:35 PM

Murphy, catching up with what went on when he headed to and from Humble's Ford, says to Bliss and Mookie. "Hey, I said I'd be gone two hours. It was that long, almost exactly! You could have come along, instead of staying around camp here and getting bored." He gives them a big smile. "Not my fault! Here in the jungle, you could have practiced swinging on vines, or something. And for Mookie - there must be a wide variety of tasty worms, grubs, and such. You're responsible for your own entertainment, boys."

As Lio and Nia linger in camp in the early evening, Murphy takes a moment to scratch behind Nia's ears and along her left cheek, and under Lio's chin and the base of his skull as his friends give their speeches. Along with Succotash, he helps interpret. He tells them, "This is a sweet place for you cats. May you enjoy life and adventure here, and stalk your prey with great skill. May you find mates, and raise many cubs." He then tells his friends what he said.

That night, he takes Pressi's hand and leads her a little way off, to sit astraddle a fallen tree trunk. "I left a note for your family in your tower. Let's see how resourceful and bold they may be." He kisses her hand. "Soon, as things go, I should like to meet your family. Your aristocratic family. Your stealthy and arcane-touched family." He kisses her on the forehead. "I want to kiss you without surcease." He takes both her hands in his own. "When the time has time." He does not wish to lie alone in his own hammock that night. But nevertheless he does.

In the early morning, as he ostensibly stands first watch, he mixes his watch with making an ink drawing on parchment of Hobie, hat in hand, talking with the ocelots. Lio looks attentively up at him, ears forward, as Nia scratches along her neck with her hind leg. He places it within a scroll case. Just before breakfast, he prays, switches up his spells somewhat (should make on-sheet adjustments by sometime tomorrow), and says, "We'll likely be out to the plains by afternoon - maybe some bumps through badlands on the way." He offers to arcane archer Hobie a scroll case as they enjoy (a heroes'?) breakfast.

During part of the days' travel he walks along the pathways found, or takes turns riding on Skipper the dog, then Nutmeg the pony. During part of the day he flies as a scarlet macaw (reskinned great horned owl) in the lower canopy, the upper canopy, and occasionally above the treetops to get a broader look around. When he gets tired, he flies down to land on Mowa's back, telling her who he is before he lands. And, lioness permitting, he travels. "So, Tali. Make up a story to tell us. Something about being lighter than air. Or another theme, if you choose."
===========
Profession (artist): 26 for his sketch entitled 'Hobie and the Ocelots' - that sounds like a good name for a band.
Perception: 43 - for noticing things along the way

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Wednesday May 27th, 2020 5:56:26 AM
Succotash giggles as Bliss and Mookie complain about being bored. "You know Bliss, there is no need to be so bored, we could play some cards, oh wait, I forgot my cards at the Sanctuary, never mind. I know we can share stories of our pasts, you know like before we met kinda stories. I'll go first:

As you know, before I met you guys, It was just me and Miss Piggy, traveling the Wold looking for evil to vanquish, and good deeds to preform. About five years before I met up with you guys, Piggy and I were traveling through an area, I can't even remember where now, and we came upon a small town being attacked by hill giants. Of course Piggy and I wasted no time as we charged into the fray, goring and slashing as we went. Somehow we were able to rally the towns guard, which was lead by a half-orc ranger named Grindor, and we sent the giants running. In the fight, Grindor was grievously wounded by an exceptional large hill giant, who was the leader of the giants. I'm convinced he was only half hill giant, what the other half was, and why anyone other than a hill giant would want to mate with a hill giant is beyond me, but Grindor was able to slay the fiend as it struck him the blow. Luckily I was near by, and was able to use some lay of hands (I was a paladin then if you remember) to save Grindor's life. with the slaying of the cross-bred giant, the rest fled. I stayed with that village for a few months, just in case the giants decided to regroup, and attack it again, in that time period, I got to know Grindor and his, at the time, 10 year old son Grindar, as well as his wife Bertunie, a half-orc beauty, even by non half-orc standards. I ran into Grindar recently, at the Giggling Ghost, he has followed in his father's footsteps, taken up the way of the ranger, and is down in the Sargrass Plains.

After Murphy returns, Succotash will take his watch, and prepare his spells in the morning after spending time communing with his gods.

CatBliss HP154/154+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC40 | Cayzle
Wednesday May 27th, 2020 9:11:06 AM

[OOC: It very much amuses me that while DM Kathy has kindly advanced us to the next morning, we're not done roleplaying out a couple hours of boredom! LOL!]

Bliss immediately perks up when Brother Succotash tells his story, and ... by this time, likely after Murphy has returned ... tells his own story about how his adopted mom killed an evil harpy and then wrestled with her ghost and made a bargain with her to raise her hatchlings. "And one of those hatchlings was me!" Bliss says, very much not a harpy.

===== ===== =====

In the morning, Bliss performs his morning magic prep and his rituals (sharing and grimalkin) and his castings (threefold aspect, barkskins, sacrifice blood, extended shield of faith). And helps Pressi with hers, especially warding, which Mookie shares.

Then he says to Mowa, "Mama cat, it is time to go home!" He says this as both a halfling and as a cat, not sure she understands him in either form. He looks forward to the push to the plains. He has Mookie go aloft from time to time to let us all know how we're doing.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday May 27th, 2020 11:04:07 AM
Pressi to Bliss: "Do not MAKE me turn this adventure around. If you and Mookie are so bored, just fight with each other like normal children."

She asks Kezzem if he wants to tell the story of how they met, or if he wants her to.

Pressi is silent about the letter at first. "Well... I guess it's done, one way or another. Just promise me that you'll stay with me... whatever happens next. But it's fine, I'm sure its fine."

All that, however, gets pushed aside. She gets ready for the morning and prepares to move on.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday May 27th, 2020 1:10:26 PM
"You better tell it, Press," said Kezzem. "I lied so many times back then I can't remember what the truth actually was."

DM Kathy
Wednesday May 27th, 2020 1:20:50 PM
The evening before, you told tales, and perhaps squabbled a little, as you spend a lot of time in each other's company and that can grow wearing.

But that was then, and this is now. It is morning in the jungle, and you set off to find the plains. The closer you get, the more eager Mowa becomes, bounding ahead of you and waiting impatiently for you to catch up. By the time you stop for your noon meal, the jungle has become thin and scrubby, and you can see the plains beyond. Mowa is nearly beside herself.

Within an hour, you have left the jungle altogether and are standing under the open sky. Mowa sniffs the wind and paces, eager to be gone.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Wednesday May 27th, 2020 1:57:13 PM
"Goodbye to the jungle," says Kezzem. "It did NOT have fun and games. That's false advertising."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+7temp
Wednesday May 27th, 2020 2:38:30 PM

"I will stay with you," he tells Pressi.

Murphy laughs at Kezzem's evaluation of the jungle. He tells the group he is going to change into lion form, to allow for easy conversation with Mowa, and see if she wants him to commune with nature. Unless any object, he does so.

"Mowa, we promised to get you to a place you can live among others of your kind. If you will allow me, I can commune with nature, and tell if there are any lions within 15 miles of us - and if so, which direction. It takes only a short time."

I had meant to mention this earlier - but Murphy at some point in his earlier interactions with Mowa made certain to collect a few hairs from her body - whether directly, or more likely, from places she has lain, so as to make it easier to find her should they desire to do so in the future. Also, he takes in and consciously memorizes her scent. Then, he sits for a moment on his haunches to begin the spell, and then stands to walk slowly ahead into the plains as he continues to commune with nature.

First he 'hunts' for lions, besides Mowa, within the radius of the spell. Next, he hunts for creatures that might prove a threat to lions. Finally, he tries to learn if there are any giraffes out there. As he communes with the plains, he tells the land that a lioness is being returned, and he hopes she finds a good home here.

He has memorized the spell twice, so if he needs to use it again farther in, he can.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+22=32 ;
Thursday May 28th, 2020 5:31:33 AM
Succotash kicks himself for not preparing beast shape, this morning, so he could join in the fun, running around as a lion, like Murphy. He instead rides Valerie following just behind Mowa and Murph. He tells everyone, "Keep your eyes open, things could get interesting if we run into a pride of lions before we are ready! (perception 32)

CatBliss HP154/154+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC40 | Cayzle
Thursday May 28th, 2020 12:13:56 PM

In cat form and as a halfling, Bliss says good-bye to Mowa.

Mookie, who was always a bit leery of those teeth, just circles around.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (34)
Thursday May 28th, 2020 1:53:18 PM
Pressi says goodbye and moves on.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday May 28th, 2020 2:38:10 PM
Hobie the archer feels much more comfortable being able to see a little farther in the open air as opposed to the confines of a jungle.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101
Thursday May 28th, 2020 4:09:26 PM
The Plains of Mowa

Tali stays silent as she plays the floating caboose to the Humble gang.

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 900 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 900 of 900 Minutes

DM Kathy
Thursday May 28th, 2020 4:33:45 PM
As you exit the jungle, Kezzem expresses disappointment that it did not have fun and games. On the other hand, the temple you will be exploring is back in the jungle, so maybe that's where the fun and games will be.

Murphy uses magic to find lions nearby, and finds there is a pride quite close. From the way Mowa is sniffing the air, she knows it, too. You look for anything that will threaten lions. You do find other predators, of course, but none that would be a threat to a healthy adult lion. In lion form, accompanied by Succotash and Valerie, you set off to find the pride. It doesn't take long. Mowa gives you an affectionate nudge before moving to join them. You watch from a distance. There is, of course, some defensive body language when the strange lion approaches, but after a lot of sniffing and a couple of scuffles, the pride seems to accept her.

You were able to obtain some hairs, so you can contact her again if you have need.

Pressi and Bliss have already said their goodbyes. Hobie is just enjoying being out in the open. Of course, that isn't going to last; you're heading back into the jungle to find the temple. It's nice for now, though.

Tali keeps a rear guard but sees nothing untoward.

Your menagerie adventure is officially over. Grnta the bear will remain in Humble's Ford, being gently tended for the rest of her days. Mowa has found a pride. Lio and Nia have found a home. The other ocelots, along with the monkeys, peacocks, tropical birds, and stirges, will travel again in the spring, this time under the more benign management of the dark elf brothers. And, of course, sentient creatures will no longer be exhibited alongside animals.

Your obligations met, you are now ready to see what this temple is all about!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Thursday May 28th, 2020 9:28:50 PM
"Hey, did you guys hear about the lion who lost his mane gambling? He should have know better--he was playing against a bunch of cheetahs."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+7temp
Friday May 29th, 2020 3:34:04 AM

After they observe the acceptance by the pride of lions, Murphy casts upon himself animal growth, and grows from large to huge. He lets out two roars to shake the bones. "FARE WELL, MOWA. HUNT WELL, LIONS" he says in lion speak.

He turns with his friends, and heads back the way they came. About 15 minutes later, he reduces to normal lion size, and decides that is a good time to turn back into his own halfling self.

Traveling snippets of conversation:

- "Back to the confines of the jungle, mighty archer."

- "Does your family know this Shake Spear fellow, Pressi? I'm looking forward to meeting them. Don't worry too much about me getting along with some of them, or vice versa. You should meet some of my cousins in Windhorn Hamlet. Wait - Shake Spear wrote about that place, right? Anyway, if they hear soon enough, no doubt a few will make it out to the wedding. Picture being related to the Bad Apples."

- "Tali - make up a story about what's going to happen in the temple. Ask Kezzem and Mookie for help if you get stuck."

- "Succotash - it's always good to have you and Valerie by my side."

- "Next time we go to Pirnook's General Store, let's all use the list of phrases posted at the entrance to his place as forbidden. And then buy stuff so as to help his face turn from bright red to normal color."

- "I'd been hoping to see a giraffe on the plains. What's your favorite animal, Bliss, besides a big black bird?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Friday May 29th, 2020 5:32:13 AM
"Well, we can return the old fashion two day way, or Tali and I can have us back at Auntie's Village in a few seconds, I'm OK either way, but I have to be honest, I'm itching to check out this temple. Maybe someday they will write a play about it, they can call it "Humble's Sword and the Temple of Doom" or some such thing!"

CatBliss HP154/154+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC40 | Cayzle
Friday May 29th, 2020 12:04:40 PM

Bliss giggles ... "cheetahs." But really not the paladin's best effort.

"Oh, oh, yes Brother Succotash, please do let's teleport back. Much the better choice!"

DM Kathy
Friday May 29th, 2020 3:12:44 PM
As you leave the plains, Kezzem tells a joke, but he knows perfectly well that cheetahs never prosper.

Murphy chats with his companions, and Succotash offers to teleport everyone back to Auntie's village. Which is certainly a possibility, but you aren't really heading for the village; you're trying to find a temple.

The temple was described as north of the village. You traveled northeast to get to the plains. It's hard to be sure, but at this point, you're probably closer to the temple than you are to the village. On the other hand, if you went back to the village, you might have clearer direction when you set out for the temple. On the other other hand, your group probably has the skill and magic to get where you're going.

Do you want to return to the village?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Friday May 29th, 2020 3:24:22 PM
"Wait, if we're going to the Temple of Doom, which one of us is Short Round?" asks Kezzem. "And why do we have to always go to places called something like the 'Temple of Doom?' Just once I would like to go to the Temple of Puppies and Pancakes!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Friday May 29th, 2020 3:44:23 PM
�I just remembered, I have �Find the Path� prepared today, I could cast it and let the spell lead us right to the temple, if you guys want to just head there�.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101
Friday May 29th, 2020 5:37:25 PM
The Temple Ruins

Tali shrugs and says, "I could fly there and do some recon for you if y'all would like?"

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 900 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 900 of 900 Minutes

CatBliss HP154/154+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC40 | Cayzle
Saturday May 30th, 2020 10:19:14 AM

"I'm short, but not that round," Bliss says to Kezzem, not getting it. But then he winks. "I think the Puppy Temple does not need as many heroes to come by as the Doom Temple!"

Bliss is pretty firmly set on the teleport idea. "We can blip back to the village, then walk to the temple from there!"

He says to party's most talented sorcerer, "Miss Tali, in our very long time adventuring as a group, have we not learned from our dear Mister Murphy? No, you should not go off on your own for a look around! We don't want to visit that old grinchy gargle guy again!"

Bliss is enthusiastic about Succotash's spell. But not yet. "We have a pretty good idea of where the Temple is, good Brother," he says, "so maybe save it for when we are looking for something and we don't know where it is?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+7temp
Saturday May 30th, 2020 12:08:14 PM

[Thanks for the fun with cheetahs, Brian & Kathy!]

"'Short Round'?" Murphy comments, "We had a short round in the group - he helped us in our first contest, and for a while after. Odo is his name. Odo Tosscobble Barfoot. Round as a ball, yet fairly strong and extremely nimble was he. A fine swimmer. I miss Odo sometimes. He always had good food to share. And his friend, the startling bard, Flimsipold, or 'Hin Billy'. Talented and charmingly outrageous. He wrote a song that included me once, called 'Puttin' up the Tent'." [See the 2nd to the last post in this section of the Humble's Ford archives - the one on 10/23/2013 by Flimsipold 'Hin Billy' Williewhim]

Murphy agrees with Succotash, and Tali in part, and Bliss in small part. "We have the keys. There is no need to ADD to the distance we travel, Bliss." He points in the general direction, roughly north/northwest from where they are in the plains, in which the temple should lie, based upon Auntie's description. "It is that way. And rather than having to travel another day and a half, it should take us less than that. I say we head that way. When we get a little bit into the jungle, let Succotash cast his spell, and that will set us on a more accurate course. Tali and I can fly up above, get our bearings. Then, after his find the path spell wears out in a few hours, we'll still know the right direction to take. Let's not extend the time it takes for us to get there, friends. If need be, I have another commune with nature spell. A large structure in the midst of the jungle will appear like an empty spot in my commune, so we can know where it is by that."

He further considers Bliss's counsel. "Perhaps you are right, Bliss, on the notion of having Succotash reserve the spell for when we need to find something else. Let's decide as we get further on. What do the rest of you think? Village, or straight to the temple? Earlier, Hobie, you mentioned getting right to the temple after we met our obligations to the cats. That's a paraphrase."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Saturday May 30th, 2020 1:16:01 PM
"Tali, keep an eye out for the Puppy Temple," says Kezzem. "Maybe we can stop there on the way back."

CatBliss HP154/154+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC40 | Cayzle
Saturday May 30th, 2020 5:40:31 PM
"Once we own that Temple, we totally have to use it for a puppy farm!

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid, and Skipper - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+7temp
Saturday May 30th, 2020 10:58:38 PM

"So, Skipper. How'd you like to help get a puppy farm started in the middle of a jungle?" Murphy asks his dog in Halfling with a chipper voice. Skipper knows his name was mentioned, so looks over at Murphy, and comes and licks his face. He has no idea what his boy said, but he responded to the happy voice.

Pressi (Kim for Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (34)
Sunday May 31st, 2020 3:08:23 AM

"All right, here's another idea," Pressi puts in. "It's easy to walk in the plains, and Hobie likes it better here. Let's walk in the plains in sight of the jungle, follow it north a while, then travel west when we figure that's where the temple lies. Whether Succo uses his find the boulevard, or Murphy his commune with crabgrass, or we just take our best guess. Birds or people checking things out from time to time from above as we tramp through the vines... whatever." She pauses, "So, what do we do now? Rock, paper, machetes?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Sunday May 31st, 2020 2:02:54 PM
"Wait, when did Murphey get a dog?" asks a puzzled Kezzem. "Has he always had a dog? Maybe I need to get my Perception bonus checked. And does that mean Hobie is the only one without an animal companion?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid, and Skipper - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+7temp
Monday June 1st, 2020 1:35:03 AM

"Well, about the time you first met Skipper, Kezzem, you were drinking both ale and wine," Murphy responds. "Remember when we met that interesting fellow, Peremin Kalliwick, on the edge of Hovel, just before we headed south into the Red Hills to see if we could rescue the wizards? That's when you first met Skipper. He's come with us a few other times, but not all the time. He's been with me again since we recently left our town."

"So, what is it, friends? Teleport back to see Auntie, and walk a long ways? Head straight toward where we think the temple is? Or go with Pressi's plan? I vote for what she said. I'm going to slo-o-o-wly start walking that way. I'll look over my shoulder, though, and if others want to go a different direction, well, I'll change my course." And he sets out, walking at half speed northward. Because, he knows which way is north. And he glances over his shoulder to see what others do.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Monday June 1st, 2020 5:38:02 AM
Succotash scratches his head in confusion, "Ok guys what spell do I cast? with Tali's help, I can have everyone back at Aunties instantaneously, or I can cast "Find the Path",and we can head directly to the temple, or I can cast either "Airwalk" or "Fly" on Valerie, and then Tali, Murphy, Valerie and myself can do some Ariel recon. I just had another thought, I can cast "Find the Path", then Pressi can cast "Shadow Walk", and we can get their real quick. What ever we decide, we need to do so soon, or I think our druid is going to pull a Murphy again and head out on his own".

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101
Monday June 1st, 2020 8:20:00 AM
The Temple Ruins

Tali shrugs and says, "Why do we always have this discussion? Shadow walk creates issues, walking through this Bandersnacthced Jungle is too much! Let's just go where we know, and then temple walk from there?! Capeesh?!"

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 900 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 900 of 900 Minutes

CatBliss HP154/154+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC40 | Cayzle
Monday June 1st, 2020 10:38:41 AM

"What Miss Tali says! Got no desire to walk the shadows. Teleport to Koboldtown, then walk to the Temple, please."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid, and Skipper - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+7temp
Monday June 1st, 2020 2:30:59 PM

Murphy shakes his head. "We go back to 'Koboldtown,' and our way through the jungle is much farther. Walking through the jungle is too much? It will be much more if we return to the village." Murphy throws up his hands. "But you want to make it harder, Bliss?" He throws up his hands. "Fine. Get us back there, Succotash, to Auntie's place. Yes, please, make it harder to travel and longer the path."

DM Kathy
Monday June 1st, 2020 2:40:11 PM
Kezzem wonders aloud about this Temple of Doom. To be fair, nobody has said anything about Doom so far. Perhaps it goes without saying.

The rest of the group is still talking logistics. Bliss wants to go back to the kobold village. Tali offers to do some aerial reconnoissance. Succotash offers a Find the Path spell. Pressi suggests staying on the plains and traveling northward. Murphy concurs, but Bliss is still very keen on going back to the village.

It would appear the group has not yet reached a consensus, so your DM will pause things here.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday June 1st, 2020 3:53:24 PM
�I�m all for trudging further along without going back. I like using Suckers Find the Boulevard�

CatBliss HP154/154+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC40 | Cayzle
Monday June 1st, 2020 9:03:30 PM

Bliss bounces up and down. "Blip! Blip! Blip! Blip! Blip! Blip! Blip! Blip! Blip! Blip!" he chants.

Mookie puts his head under a wing.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 1:15:05 AM
"Uh-oh, somebody cursed Bliss so he can only say 'blip,'" says Kezzem. "Or maybe I should say the curse us, eh Mooks?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid, and Skipper - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+7temp
Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 2:17:52 AM

Murphy walks the few steps it takes to get back to the party. He pulls out a copy of the map he made of Bliss's map, and marks out a few things. "Look at this here," he suggests. "This is about where the kobolds' village is. We had to travel most of the way through Cthonia to reach it. And where the ocelots have their new home. And where Mowa found her pride," as he moves his finger in an east-northeast direction along the map. "Now, we don't know exactly where the temple is, but it's likely about here." And he points to a spot north of the kobolds' village. And not terribly far from the edge of the jungle. "If we move parallel to the jungle until we get to where it's west of us, then we have less jungle to wade through. So, that is Pressi's suggestion.

"However, Bliss is rather strenuously insisting that we return to talk with Auntie. Sometimes taking the shortest route is not the most advantageous option. Heaven's ways may differ from halflings' natural ways on occasion. Having listened to the various things Bliss has had to say recently, he had it in mind from the beginning to return to the village after the animals were placed. Using logic and reason, I differ with him. But using friendship and respect for... oddness? I'm willing to acquiesce.

"So, I wish to opine that, though Bliss's plan does not appear optimum, I'll grant a nod to this vigorous exercise of his will. Maybe his way will bring us more trouble, and Pressi's suggestion more ease. Let's see what Bliss's way brings us. If it's really bad, then we can razz him for years to come, just as he has razzed me for years based upon what I did long ago. And if it brings really good results, why, I'll have my Grandma Eglantine bake him a rumberry pie."

Pressi (Kim for Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 2:34:01 AM

"Boys, boys." Pressi sighs. "I think that Hobie is correct. One advantage of what Bliss wants to do, though, is that we can run into more monsters on the way. But, we'll also be able to - no, Murphy will be able - to make a map showing the route between Sskurhe, I mean, Koboldville, and the Temple of Not Too Soon."

She looks at Bliss. "If you can explain with A Really Good Reason why yours is the best way, why it is so important to you, then I might listen. Otherwise, there are no cookies for you at bedtime. Go!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 6:26:51 AM
As his friends squabble over/discuss the best next step, Succotash just shakes his head, finally he speaks up:

"Guys, I wasn't trying to cause division here, I was just offering options, and we have a few available to us. Which one is the best? Who knows! but I for one am in favor of taking the shortest and fastest route, which would be the "Find the Path/Shadow Walk" combo. I know better than anyone how badly our one and only time using shadow walk went, as I was the one who was almost taken out, but do we run away from everything that goes poorly? of course not, we are heroes, and we do what needs doing! That said, I'm willing to go back to Humble's Ford and start from there if that is what everyone wants, I will happily go with the flow, but we need to make a decision".

CatBliss HP154/154+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC40 | Cayzle
Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 9:40:08 AM
Bliss grins at the jokes.

"I just think that if we go to the Temple from Koboldtown, the kobolds will see us head there, then see us return, and they will know that we did the quest. It's an optics thing."

"But of course, majority rules! I'm fine with whatever most of us want."

Mookie caws, "Blip Blip Blip!"

Pressi (Kim for Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 1:13:44 PM

"Optics can be useful," Murphy laughs. "In this case, going for that might delay our arrival at the temple. My vote: Walk north a bit - cross that river on the map. Once we're a few miles north of it, have Succotash cast his Find the Path, and let that help tell us where to go. I'm fine with majority rules in this matter, too. Blip!"

DM Kathy
Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 2:12:13 PM
You continue your discussion. Bliss, as it turns out, is mainly concerned with optics--he wants the kobolds to see you leave and then come back. But the kobolds have already seen you leave. The main thing now is to come back with the kobold talisman.

The rest of the group seems inclined to simply head north from here, so your DM will assume that's the course you take. You move northward, keeping the jungle on your left. You actually began north of the river on the map, but as the day begins to wane you arrive at what is probably a tributary of that river. It marks a pretty good place to camp, so you stop for the night.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101
Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 2:17:39 PM
The Temple Ruins

Tali shrugs and says, "Ok, if we can minimize the amount of time spent in the jungle, is what I am advocating for..last time we trapst through the jungle a Bandersnatch tried to eat us!"

Tali will take her standard 2am watch. She will meditate for 2 hours before hand. Once ready for the watch, will cast Overland Flight & Mage Armor. Will Don her goggles, and then hover above the ground 15 feet, while trying to take into consideration all angles of approach to this camp.

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 900 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 900 of 900 Minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 2:41:45 PM
"Can someone cast a restoration spell on me?" says Kezzem. "I think I have some Wisdom damage because Bliss just said something that makes sense."

"Yeah Tali, that banderskitty was not fun. I almost died again! Though last time, I did come back with some nifty new powers. I wonder what I would come back as next time?"

Pressi (Kim for Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday June 2nd, 2020 6:09:33 PM

"Kezzem, when you changed last time, it was as though you had gone from being a caterpillar to a butterfly. Don't press your luck on the next transformation." Pressi thinks about tomorrow. Shadow walk? Mmmaybe.

"Succotash, why don't you do the locate the trail spell before we fall asleep? And tell us which direction it points us in, so we'll know where to head in the morning."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 6:20:43 AM
"I can do that Press, but just so you know, the spell will only last for a little more than 2 hours, (10 mins per level = 150 min) Also I can cast it on anyone individual, not just myself, so if we decide to say Shadow Walk in the morning, I could cast it on you Press, so you know which way to lead us through the shadow realm".

Succotash then casts Find the Path to give his friends a rough idea of what direction they will be heading in the morning. He helps set up camp, and takes his normal watch. In the morning he gets up early, as that has become his new normal, and goes off to pray and prepare his spells. he then helps prepare breakfast and after eating, pack up camp.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+7temp d20+20=21 ;
Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 12:07:11 PM

"That spell works somewhat 'as the crow flies' - right, Succotash?" asks Murphy. "So that, if you cast it in one spot, then move a mile perpendicular to the path, you could do some triangulation, helping us estimate not only direction, but also distance? Or does it tell you distance, too?" he inquires as he casts it. "If it doesn't directly tell you distance, how about I fly you a mile north of here, and you see where it points you from there. I can do mathematics with the results, I think."

If Succotash agrees, then Murphy does the calculations. Knowledge, engineering: 21 to calculate distance from campground to temple.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 12:46:27 PM
"between all our spellcasters, is there any chance we can move faster for at least part of the distance by turning into birds or some such?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 1:10:01 PM
The spells gives the most direct route, and an approximate time frame Murph, and if I prepare animal shapes, I can turn us all into giant eagles in the morning Hobie�.

DM Kathy
Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 2:43:11 PM
In the evening, before you retire for the night, Succotash casts his Find the Path spell. You sense that you'll need to cross this creek, then continue west-northwest into the jungle.

You set your watches, but nothing disturbs your camp during the night.

In the morning, you discuss possibilities for moving faster, since nobody is anxious to encounter another bandersnatch. No specific plan has been agreed upon, and the day beckons....

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+7temp
Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 7:31:35 PM

In the evening Murphy caught up on his journal, and prayed in the morning after last watch, and swapped around a few spells learned. Since the group left Humble's Ford, Murphy has been working a little each day on carving and shaping a darkwood halfling staff sling. Maybe another week or so and he'll have it ready.

"All of us flying sounds good to me, but it might be a challenge for a pony and a dog to figure that one out," Murphy says. "I'll talk to them, try to explain it to them, and see if they are good to try it.

"How many people and animals can be included in a shadow walk?" he asks Pressi.

"Also, we can walk. I am up for walking (with some flying for recon), or flying as birds and such, or shadow walking, in that order. No doubt with our growing mix of spells and powers, there are more ways to get there. I'll go with whichever rational decision the group takes. Let's decide and get going - after a heroic breakfast, right?" he asks, slapping his ribs.

CatBliss HP154/154+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC40 | Cayzle
Wednesday June 3rd, 2020 10:43:23 PM

"Are we still talking about this?" Bliss looks around, and sees, per recent DM Posts, that the party has actually walked a bunch, camped, and now ... what?

"Well, we decided to walk, let's walk some more!" Bliss declares. "Brother Succotash, please cast your spell again, and we'll Keep On Truckin'!"

"Besides, aren't there supposed to be dinosaurs all over this jungle? I want to see a dinosaur besides Valerie!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74
Thursday June 4th, 2020 3:44:28 AM
"If we're shadowwalking again I better prepare a bunch of restoration spells. Last time we tried that it didn't turn out so great."

Pressi (Kim for Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(125), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (99), CMD 29 (34)
Thursday June 4th, 2020 4:11:01 AM

"We're not shadow walking. We're having a heroes' feast. Then we're walking on full stomachs," announces Pressi. "If some of you want to fly to keep an eye on what's coming, good. But no solo acts today." After a hearty breakfast, and joining in the morning rituals with Bliss, she sets out on the path with Harper that Succotash's spell indicated the day before. "When we get closer, dear cleric, if you want to cast it again, then go ahead. Let's get a few miles in us first."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d8+6=13 ; d8+6=9 ;
Thursday June 4th, 2020 6:01:34 AM
OOC...Kind DM, the Find the Path spell give a rough estimate as to ones time of arrival. unless there is some reason you are unable to share that information, would you be so kind as to give us a ETA. Thanks!

"I don't know Murph, from what I understand, and based on my own experience, polymorph spells like Animal Shapes, and so on impart the knowledge of the new bodies abilities to the individual, so turning the animals into birds shouldn't be a problem if we were to go that route. Heck remember the battle of Sargrass Plains? Pressi turned Miss Piggy into a giant eagle so I could get at that pesky dragon who thought he was smart by taking to the sky to avoid a Paladin's smite. Piggy adjusted right away, but it doesn't seem as though that is the way we are going, which is fine too".

Succotash was actually looking forward to using his Animal Shapes spell, but he keeps it to himself, since most of the party feels walking is best. After Bliss's Hero's Breakfast, He straps his handy haversack to his back, and mounts Valerie, and makes ready to cross the creek, to begin heading in the direction of the temple. He is prepared to cast "Find the Path" again if needed.

active spells & daily stuff:

Succotash:
heroes feast (13 temp HP)
dimensional hop 150ft/150ft
speak with animals 18/18 (rounds/day)
positive channels 9/9

Valerie:
heroes feast (9 temp HP)

Heroes Feast
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

CatBliss HP154/154+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC40 | Cayzle
Thursday June 4th, 2020 6:41:21 AM

"Oh yeah, breakfast! How could I forget!"

Bliss summons the feast and digs in.

"MMMM! Bacon!"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday June 4th, 2020 1:55:39 PM
Hobie will dive into the Hero's Feast and eat his fill.

"Alright, lead on with your find the Path! I'm down for eagling if everyone else is"

The Temple

DM Kathy
Thursday June 4th, 2020 2:37:03 PM
[Everybody take 26,000 XP for the previous scene.]

In the morning, you have a Heroes' Feast (don't forget to roll temp HP!) before setting out.

You talk about quicker means of transportation, but in the end decide to just walk. Accordingly, you cross the river and head back into the jungle.

[OOC: It's not going to matter here, but for future reference, there's nothing in the Find the Path spell description about knowing how long it will take to reach the goal. You just know direction.]

Shortly after crossing the river, you come upon what you think is an ancient road. Following it, you arrive at the ruined temple about mid-morning.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174 + 14; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d8+7=14 ;
Thursday June 4th, 2020 3:33:57 PM
"Waffles! And pancakes! And French toast! Wait, where is France? Press, do you know?"

Kezzem chows down on heroes' breakfast. Nom nom nom nom.

Temp HP: 1d8 + 7 = 14.

OOC: Is there enough for companions too?

CatBliss HP154/154+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC40 | Cayzle
Thursday June 4th, 2020 3:50:32 PM

[OOC: There's enough breakfast for 12: Bliss, Mookie, Succotash, Valerie, Kezzem, Rumpus, Hobie, Pressi, Harper, Tali, Murphy, and one other I have forgotten. We're quite the travelling show!]

CatBliss HP154/154+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC40 | Cayzle d20+26=42 ;
Thursday June 4th, 2020 7:30:49 PM

"Mooks old pal, please fly up and get an idea of how big this thing is."

While he waits for his familiar to return, Bliss looks over this ruin. "Hmmph! This place is a bit of a fixer-upper, hey?"

Perception 42

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood (KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d8+7=14 ; d20+38=50 ; d20+21=26 ;
Friday June 5th, 2020 1:38:38 AM
One other item: Every morning Murphy casts greater magic fang on Mookie, and Bliss typically extends it out to last, what, 27 hours? It gives Mookie a +3 enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls throughout the day. He also will cast it upon himself just as he goes to explore the old temple site.

"Beautiful building. Very old. Worn down. I'll join you up there, Mooks. Anyone else?" He changes into a hawk (like the Harris hawk), and flies up, over, crisscrossing the area with Mookie to get a good overview of the layout of the temple grounds. Also, he looks to discern if there are other animals - or people. And, how far does the temple area spread out? Are there obvious entrances, windows, etc.?

He watche for potential predators, frequently glancing up and around, and listening for subtle changes in the sound of the air round about, or a sudden change in air pressure. He wants to avoid being struck from above by, say, well, anything! But he also takes the time when he seems to be in the clear to absorb the sights around this site.

He telepathically communicates with Pressi to let her know what he is seeing.

On returning, he catches up his friends on some of the details, but points out on the building they stand before, "Looks like that may be one of the entrances to this place. Shall we enter?"
=================
14 temp hit points from Heroes' Feast
Perception: 50
Survival: 26

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+22=27 ; d20+6=15 ;
Friday June 5th, 2020 5:45:04 AM
OOC.. Sorry about the ETA thing, I miss read an area in the description, Kathy, you are of course correct.

"I love what they've done with the place, especially the tree growing through the roof! I'm sure it will be all the rave in the near future!, Succotash laughs at his own joke, as he awaits Mookie and Murphy's return. Succotash scans the area, keeping an eye open for anything off. (perception 27) He is also looking for any religious symbols, and if he finds any, he will attempt to identify them (knowledge religion 15)

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 | TMP HP=15 d8+7=15 ;
Friday June 5th, 2020 8:28:47 AM
At the Temple Ruins

Tali digs into the feast! Tali loves food...must be a halfling thing! Tali goes over her list of spells in her mind to recall what she might need in case they go spelunking!

Being forward-thinking, Tali removes one of her wands from her haversack and casts its spell. Then Tali hovers awaiting the forward recons reports.

Temp HP: 1d8 + 7 = 15

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 830 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 830of 900 Minutes
Unseen servant - 900 of 900 Minutes

Heroes Feast
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

DM Kathy
Friday June 5th, 2020 1:39:35 PM
When you reach the temple, many of you are still thinking of breakfast, which was indeed delicious.

Now, Mookie flies up to take a look, joined by Murphy in bird form. You can't identify any "grounds" other than the temple itself. If it had a landscaped garden area, it is long since reclaimed by the jungle. The temple itself is not especially large, and the only entrance you see is the front entrance where you arrived.

Succotash keeps an eye on the surrounding jungle, but doesn't see anything untoward. You are not able to identify any of the iconography on the temple--which is a little unexpected, because it's not like you don't know this stuff. But you're pretty sure you've never seen these symbols before. Maybe you've seen something similar....? But you can't put your finger on it.

As Murphy says, your path seems to lead straight ahead and into the building.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174 + 14; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 d20+23=40 ; d8+7=13 ;
Friday June 5th, 2020 3:47:11 PM
Kezzem will Detect Evil on the entrance way as well as give it the more traditionally look around.

Perception: 1d20 + 23 = 40.

Rumpus munches some Heroes Feedbag.

Temp HP: 1d8 + 7 = 13.

CatBliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle d20+26=31 ;
Friday June 5th, 2020 5:02:41 PM

Stuff from morning ... Bliss and Mookie go through their post-breakfast buffing. Threefold aspect and Extended Barkskin on both of them. He is happy for the GMF from Murphy, but it goes to Bliss not Mookie. And he tries a couple new things. Bliss casts Spite, and Bestow Curse with it.The next enemy that hits Bliss will have to make a DC17 Will save or suffer a -4 on attacks, saves, and other rolls!

=====

As the group enters the temple, Bliss casts Prying Eyes and Dancing Lights. Bliss and Mookie activate their Shields of Faith.

Bliss sends the Lights and a few eyes out ahead. Every minute or so an eye reports back. Especially when they go around corners or into rooms.

Bliss changes into a cat for exploration.

Perception 31

=====
DM Sanity Info

Spells cast
lvl 1: Extended* Shield of Faith (140 rounds x2, +4AC), Surrender Blood
lvl 2: Extended* Barkskin x2
lvl 3: Spite w/ DC17 Bestow Curse (-4 on rolls)
lvl 4: Threefold Aspect x2
lvl 5: Prying Eyes
lvl 6: Heroes Feast

Other stuff:
Extended* GMF from Murphy to Bliss.
*Metamagic Rod of Extend x4 on two rods
-250 gp to cast Spite

Pressi (Kim for Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 126(141), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85(95), CMD 29 (34) d8+7=15 ; d8+7=10 ; d8+22=24 ;
Friday June 5th, 2020 11:40:25 PM

"This is new - going into an underground temple. Almost like a dungeon of sorts. I always hear of adventurers exploring dungeons. We hardly ever do that." She waits until people are ready [and she has done some witchy prep which this substitute player does not pretend to understand], then enters the building with the others, Harper close behind.
=========
Pressi gains 15, and Harper 10 temp hit points from feast
Perception: 24

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+38=44 ;
Friday June 5th, 2020 11:47:02 PM

Murphy flies into the building. He realizes that a bat form would have been a far better choice. But he remains as a hawk for the time being. And begins to look around within the entrance area, and a bit beyond if the way seems clear.
==========
Perception: 44

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174 + 14; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 +13
Sunday June 7th, 2020 1:12:21 PM
Forgot to update Rumpus's hit points for Heroes' Feedbag.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Monday June 8th, 2020 6:36:49 AM
Succotash dismounts, and follows Murphy into the temple. As he does, he casts light on Valerie's pink bow, that she always wares on her head, and is in fact a slotless cloak of protection. He also casts longstrider on her bumping her normal 60ft land speed up to 70ft.

Succotash:
heroes feast (13 temp HP)
dimensional hop 150ft/150ft
speak with animals 18/18 (rounds/day)
positive channels 9/9

Valerie:
heroes feast (9 temp HP)
Longstrider (15 hrs)
Light (on head bow)

Heroes Feast
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111(126), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (95), CMD 29 (34) d20+23=35 ; d20+11=14 ;
Monday June 8th, 2020 11:15:28 AM
Pressi makes some quick casts before she goes. Shield of faith on herself and Harper. Detect magic on herself. Word of recall set to just outside the temple.

Before anyone goes along the path and in, Pressi does a couple of things. First, she checks for traps, because really, people. (Perception 35). She also tries to consider the symbols further (Know Local 14), and even tries reading the symbols (read magic, from tatoo). She considers a divination, but everyone seems to be impatient already.

And so, she follows the others into the temple.

Pressi

Ritual Warding
Ritual Healing
Heroes Feast - 15 HP
detect magic
shield of faith

Harper
ritual warding
heroes feast - 10 HP
shield of faith
spells used

L1: 2

DM Kathy
Monday June 8th, 2020 2:27:46 PM
Before you enter the temple, Pressi casts some spells and checks for traps. The trouble with trying to see inside the temple from outside the temple is that the light in the jungle is pretty bright and there doesn't seem to be a lot of light inside the temple. Looking from a brightly-lit area into a dimly-lit area is challenging. All Pressi can be sure of is that there are not traps immediately inside the entrance. You really can't see much further back.

Kezzem detects for evil but finds none.

As you move into the temple, Succotash casts Light on Valerie's pink bow, which helps illuminate the interior for the group.

Bliss's Dancing Lights give further illumination. Bliss also intends to cast Prying Eyes, but may change his mind once he sees the interior.

Murphy remains in hawk form.

When you step into the temple, you find yourselves in a single large room. The floor is flat stones fitted together--the kind of floor that is ideal for hiding traps, though Pressi assures you there aren't any. Yet. Opposite the entrance is a massive set of bronze double doors. Flanking the doors are two statues. The statues are black in color and humanoid in appearance, but somewhat stylized. Their outlines are blocky; the heads have no faces, and the overall effect is somewhat crude. One holds a sword; the other holds a hammer.

Bliss can cast his Prying Eyes if he wants, but the eyes really won't have anywhere to go until you get those doors open.

CatBliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday June 8th, 2020 5:47:08 PM
Bliss does cast the Prying Eyes spell. It lasts for 12 hours, so they can just float around until he needs them.

He says to his friends, "Hold on a sec everybody!" He turns off his shield, casts around for some bugs -- centipedes, spiders, or scorpions. If he finds any, he casts Giant Vermin.

"Let these guys enter first, so if the statues animate and attack, they go for the bugs."

He sends his new vermin pals in toward the statues. And then puts his shield back on and changes into a cat.

[OOC: Kindly DM, is this a chamber (roofed) or a courtyard? If it is roofed, does it look like it goes all the way up, based on the roof we flew over from the outside, or might there be a chamber above the ceiling?]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174 + 14; Rumpus AC 29 HP 74/74 +13
Monday June 8th, 2020 11:48:57 PM
"Now why did you have to go and say a thing like says," says Kezzem with a frown. He draws his construct-bane short sword just in case.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+6=24 ;
Tuesday June 9th, 2020 6:47:33 AM
As Bliss is making friends with bugs, Succotash will try to identify the religious significance of the statues. (knowledge religion 24)

Succotash:
heroes feast (13 temp HP)
dimensional hop 150ft/150ft
speak with animals 18/18 (rounds/day)
positive channels 9/9

Valerie:
heroes feast (9 temp HP)
Longstrider (15 hrs)
Light (on head bow)

Heroes Feast
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Hobie (Sub-Cayzle) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday June 9th, 2020 10:54:03 AM

As the group prepares to open the door or fight statues, Hobie does some casting of his own: Fly, Heroism, and Flame Arrow, specifically.

Spells Prepped: See link in header!

Note: Post edited by Cayzle because he is a dummy who can't read.

Hobie (Sub-Cayzle) HP 126/126+7 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d8+6=7 ;
Tuesday June 9th, 2020 1:44:52 PM
Also, rolling Hero Breakfast Temp HP for Hobie: 7

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 | TMP HP=15
Tuesday June 9th, 2020 2:40:26 PM
Flanked Double Doors

For a light source, Tali casts the spell light on her Unseen servant, to have a customize floating direction light source!

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 830 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 830of 900 Minutes
Unseen servant - 900 of 900 Minutes
Light - 150 of 150 minutes

Heroes Feast
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Temp HP: 1d8 + 7 = 15

DM Kathy
Tuesday June 9th, 2020 2:53:09 PM
Bliss casts his Prying Eyes, but puts them on standby, and starts looking around for bugs to embiggen. You find lots and lots--pretty much anything you want. The room does have a ceiling, and it looks to be the right height for the roof you saw. You don't think there's extra space up there.

Kezzem draws his construct-bane sword, because it seems like a good idea.

To Succotash's appraising eye, the statues look like they could be some kind of golem. Of course, they're not moving or anything, so maybe they're just statues after all.

Hobie casts some spells, and Tali provides the group with yet another light source.

Here is a map of the room. Please adjust your position. Cayzle, please add Bliss's giant bugs, and put them where you want them. Let me know if there are questions.

Of course, this is just a map. It's not a combat map, because we are not in combat. Those statues are completely motionless. Yep. Not moving at all. Nope. Not a bit.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 174/174 + 14; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74/74 +13
Tuesday June 9th, 2020 3:27:06 PM
Kezzem moves in front of Hobie and casts Shied Other on Pressi.

"Rumpus, guard Tali," says Kezzem says. Rumpus snorts and moves to protect the sorceress. Rumpus goes full defense.

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday June 9th, 2020 5:11:48 PM

Per the spell, Bliss makes three giant spiders. (Bliss has had an affinity for spiders since he got his Cloak of Arachnida.)

He sees the not-golems and has a funny feeling about this. So he and his spiders take to the wall, climbing up to the ceiling. He calls down, "Hey everybody! Get up here out of statue reach before we give them a poke."

Who cannot fly or scale the wall? Bliss can send a spider-pal to carry you up. They're furry!

When everybody is up out of reach, Bliss sends a spider over to the statues to attack. Are there any handholds for clinging up here? Crown molding, maybe?

Bliss, Mookie, and Spiders are on the map, but exactly overhead on the ceiling.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Wednesday June 10th, 2020 6:59:59 AM
At Bliss's suggestion, Succotash casts air walk on Valerie and then mounts up, as Valerie walks, as Bliss put it, above statue reach. He also offers to cast fly on Rumpus, if Kezzem would like to ride him into the air.

Succotash:
heroes feast (13 temp HP)
dimensional hop 150 ft/150 ft
speak with animals 18/18 (rounds/day)
positive channels 9/9

Valerie:
heroes feast (9 temp HP)
Longstrider (15 hrs)
Light (on head bow)
airwalk 150 min/150 min

Heroes Feast
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Wednesday June 10th, 2020 7:37:44 AM

[Four times thwarted from posting here in last two days, due to ... interruptions. Meanwhile, this is what I had planned to do.]

Murphy casts longstrider - so he can hop on the ground as a bird as fast as possible. No, not that. He will not likely remain in this form too long.

It wasn't really settled who was carrying the keys, but let's say Hobie, as he is the last one to examine them closely. "Hobes. We've got three keys. You've checked them in detail. So have I. How about I go check out the door more closely, and see if by the shape of the opening, I might figure which key is the one to use? You hang on to it. I'll let you know - maybe right after one of those things tries to slam me into the door with a hammer, or slap me with a sword. Or maybe they'll figure I'm a bird, and let me be."

But before he flies anywhere near them, he casts stoneskin - before Bliss has his spiders poke anything.

"Want to see what happens if I fly over by the door first?" Murphy asks Bliss. "Or just land on the shoulder one of the statues?" If Bliss concurs, he lands on the shoulder of the statue with the sword - ready to dodge aside briskly should it make a move. The shoulder closest to the door, that is.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 | TMP HP=15
Wednesday June 10th, 2020 7:59:14 AM
Spider Poke

Tali directs her glowing unseen servant to hover at 10 feet above the floor and ten-foot pace from the statutes and to keep this ten-foot spacing should the statues move.

Tali asks, "Hey Bliss, how tall are the ceilings?" After learning of the height of the ceiling, Tali will fly up to about 55% of the maximum ( & no more than 50 feet) and then put her goggles on. {What does Tali see when she does this?}

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 830 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 830of 900 Minutes
Unseen servant - 900 of 900 Minutes
Light - 150 of 150 minutes

Heroes Feast
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Temp HP: 1d8 + 7 = 15

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday June 10th, 2020 8:54:30 AM

Bliss says to his bravest friend, "Mister Murphy, no! The whole idea of sending the spider is to let IT get squashed instead of you! Please don't go near the door or the statues yet!"

Mookie just shakes his head.

Calling down to Tali, Bliss gives his best guess at how high the ceiling is.

Hobie (Sub-Cayzle) HP 126/126+7 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday June 10th, 2020 8:57:14 AM

Hobie, flying above the statues' potential reach (if the ceiling is high enough), readies an Obscuring-Mist-imbued arrow to fire at a statue if it moves.

"Probably these not-animating statues don't have blindsense, right?" he asks.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30)+blink, HP 111(126), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (31), HP 85 (95), CMD 29 (34) d20+23=27 ; d20+22=29 ; d20+15=18 ;
Wednesday June 10th, 2020 10:53:20 AM
(Oy, sorry for flaking yesterday.)

Pressi considers the puzzle before her. Even "use the keys" seems somewhat pat.

She looks to see if there are any symbols on the keys, and tries to study the golems and doors at a distance (Disable Device 27, Perception 29+1 for traps). It occurs to her that they might need to be used on the statues rather than the door. Or that they might need to think about what the hammer and sword represent. (Strike the sword with a hammer? Or is this another ancient god thing?)

Pressi volunteers to go instead of Murphy. "You probably need a thief more than a healer at this point. Or an animal." To Bliss' warning, being the bug is kind of my job.

As the bugs move towards the golems, Pressi casts Blink on herself and sends Harper back. "Ok, here goes nothing."

She moves forward until she spots or sets off a trap, or until the golems move. If she reaches the golems, she uses Lore Keeper on one of them (Touch Attack 18).

Pressi

Ritual Warding
Ritual Healing
Heroes Feast - 15 HP
detect magic
shield of faith
shield other (from Kezzem)
blink 1/14

Harper
ritual warding
heroes feast - 10 HP
shield of faith
spells used

L1: 2
L3: 1

DM Kathy d20+41=54 ; 6d10+13=36 ; d3=1 ; d20+41=57 ; 6d10+13=35 ;
Wednesday June 10th, 2020 2:34:45 PM
Kezzem casts Shield Other on Pressi and sends Rumpus to guard Tali.

Bliss creates three large spiders, and cautions his teammates to let the spiders get squished instead of them!

Succotash casts Air Walk on Valerie and mounts up.

Murphy casts Longstrider and Stoneskin.

Hobie readies an arrow.

Pressi studies the area. You see a keyhole in the door. It seems to be just for the door, though. You don't see any keyhole that might belong to the statues. Maybe one of them is standing in front of it?

Knowledge: Arcana CR 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { If these are golems, they are constructs animated by a magical spirit of some kind. Since they are not purely mechanical, it is unlikely that they were designed to be controlled by purely mechanical means such as a key. Which doesn't help much, since you don't know how they are controlled.}

Tali sends her Unseen Servant closer, while Bliss sends his spiders. That does prompt a reaction. Both statues come to life! One of them smashes its sword down on one of the spiders! The spider takes 36 points of damage. The other smashes its hammer down on the same spider! The spider takes another 35 damage.

Tactical info: These are 15-foot creatures with 15-foot reach. Staying 10 feet away is going to get you pulverized; just saying. The ceiling is 20 feet high. So it is possible to fly above the creatures, but you don't have a lot of room for fancy maneuvers.

And the map.

Hobie (Sub-Cayzle) HP 126/126+7 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+28=41 ; 2d6+12=20 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday June 10th, 2020 3:11:45 PM

Note: Hobie had readied a shot: an arrow imbued with obscuring mist. That went off, right?

His attack roll: hits AC41 for 20 piercing damage plus 5 flame damage, and an obscuring mist rises in the area centered on the golem.

"I was thinking we could listen for them and shoot blind into the mist, right? They're so big odds are we'll hit."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+38=57 ; d20+20=31 ;
Wednesday June 10th, 2020 5:38:16 PM

What materials are they made of? Perception: 57; Knowledge, Engineering: 31.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 | TMP HP=15 d20+21=26 ;
Wednesday June 10th, 2020 6:48:45 PM
Spider Poked and Smashed

Tali tries to determine the type of arcana used to create the Statues; {Skill Check: Knowledge Arcana: 26} & learns about the statues, mumbling to herself as if this knowledge was a secret: If these are golems, they are constructs animated by a magical spirit of some kind. Since they are not purely mechanical, it is unlikely that they were designed to be controlled by purely mechanical means such as a key. Which doesn't help much, since you don't know how they are controlled.

Tali seeing the creatures animate and crush the poor spider flies to the ceiling to avoid their reach. Once, there, she removes the Wand of Stoneskin and casts one charge onto herself. If no one would like a casting of Stoneskin, Tali puts the wands away into her front pocket.

Spell in Effect

Mage Armor - 830 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 830of 900 Minutes
Unseen servant - 900 of 900 Minutes
Light - 150 of 150 minutes

Heroes Feast

You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Temp HP: 1d8 + 7 = 15

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle d20+15=27 ; d6+10=12 ; d100=60 ;
Wednesday June 10th, 2020 10:40:37 PM

Bliss, standing on the ceiling with his spider-magic, digs out his staff sling and whips it at a fog-clouded golem, the same one that Hobie shot. The enemy has not yet had a chance to move, so Bliss shoots at where he knows it still is. He misses anyway on a 1-50 and rolls a 60. Bliss hits AC27 for 12 damage.

Mookie watches.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 174+14/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74
Wednesday June 10th, 2020 11:53:14 PM
"Your mother was a statue of a hamster and your father smelt of resin-berries!" taunts Kezzem as he moves towards the left golem and goes total defense.

Rumpus stays back and does the same.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Thursday June 11th, 2020 5:47:50 AM
Seeing the statues attack Bliss's bugs, Succotash begins summoning an augmented T-Rex, as he and Valerie airwalk to a more centralized location.

Succotash:
heroes feast (13 temp HP)
dimensional hop 150 ft/150 ft
speak with animals 18/18 (rounds/day)
positive channels 9/9

Valerie:
heroes feast (9 temp HP)
longstrider (15 hrs)
light (on head bow)
airwalk 150 min/150 min

Heroes Feast
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Augmented Tyrannosaurus

N Gargantuan animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +37

DEFENSE

AC 21, touch 7, flat-footed 20 (+1 Dex, +14 natural, �4 size)
hp 189 (18d8+72+36)
Fort +17, Ref +12, Will +10

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +20 (4d6+24/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d8+13, AC 17, hp 15)

STATISTICS

Str 36, Dex 13, Con 23, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +28 (+32 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +37; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Powerful Bite (Ex)
A tyrannosaurus applies twice its Strength modifier to bite damage.

ECOLOGY

Environment warm forest and plains
Organization solitary, pair, or pack (3�6)
Treasure none

The tyrannosaurus is an apex predator that measures 40 feet long and weighs 14,000 pounds.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30)+blink, HP 111(126), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85 (95), CMD 29 (34) d20+4=12 ; d20+17=37 ; d20+15=30 ; d100=46 ;
Thursday June 11th, 2020 9:47:21 AM
Pressi stares upwards upon the yep pretty much golems (Knowledge Roll 12). Still, she's smart enough and experienced enough with golems to know that she might need some sort of identification.

Tumbling towards the golem (Acro 37, nat 20), she reaches out to use her Lore Keeper (Attack Roll of 30 vs touch AC, hits despite blink, success = Know Arcana 31).

Harper runs to just out of reach of the golem and roars at it. Pressi yells at Hobie to pass her the keys along the floor.

Pressi

Ritual Warding
Ritual Healing
Heroes Feast - 15 HP
detect magic
shield of faith
shield other (from Kezzem)
blink 2/14

Harper
ritual warding
heroes feast - 10 HP
shield of faith
spells used

L1: 2
L3: 1

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday June 11th, 2020 10:58:31 AM
Oh, Bliss hits AC28, Hobie hits AC42. Forgot the Hero Breakfast bonus.

DM Kathy d20+41=60 ; d20+41=53 ; d20+41=44 ; d100=19 ; d100=29 ; 6d10+13=47 ; 6d10+13=36 ; 6d10+13=43 ; 6d10+13=54 ; d20+41=56
Thursday June 11th, 2020 3:04:20 PM
Hobie's shot does go off, and does a bit of damage. It also casts an Obscuring Mist.

[I placed the mist on the map.]

Murphy believes the golems are made of adamantine.

Tali gains some altitude and casts Stoneskin from a wand.

Bliss fires a shot, but is foiled by the mist.

Kezzem shouts some insults, approaches the golems, and goes full defensive.

Succotash begins summoning. His T-Rex will show up next round.

Pressi tumbles forward, looking for some information. You learn that these are adamantine golems, and that they can sunder armor or shields on a critical hit.

The golems attack! One attacks Pressi, hitting twice, once critically. Pressi takes a total of 113 damage. Pressi's armor takes 54 points of damage. [Yes, I rolled a miss chance due to Blink.]

The other golem moves to get out of the mist. [The T-rex isn't there yet, so the move makes sense.]

And the map.

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle d20+16=27 ; d6+10=12 ; d100=57 ;
Thursday June 11th, 2020 3:12:13 PM
Bliss attacks again with his staff sling.

He rolls a 57 for the miss chance, a 27 to hit, and a 12 for damage.

Hobie (Sub-Cayzle) HP 126/126+7 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d100=17 ; d100=100 ; d100=32 ; d20+28=42 ; d20+23=34 ; d20+18=33 ; 2d6+20=29 ; 2d6+20=26 ; 2d6+20=27 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ;
Thursday June 11th, 2020 3:24:10 PM
If one of the monsters has left the mist, he'll shoot that one.

Hobie fires thrice, with miss chances of 17, 100, and 32 if both are in the mist.

His shots hit AC42, 34, and 33 for 29, 26. and 27 piercing damage and an additional 6, 1, 2 fire damage.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30)+blink, HP 111(126), CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85 (95), CMD 29 (34)
Thursday June 11th, 2020 3:52:10 PM
Before Pressi does anything else, she starts transmitting the following information to Murphy.

Highlight to display spoiler: {
1) It DR can't be bypassed by adamantium weapons unless it's transmuted from metal to wood.
2) it can't be destroyed, only incapacitated. (Fast healing continues no matter how many HP.)
3) it's immune to all other magic.
3) solving the puzzle might be the only option right now.
}

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 159/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74 d20+21=33 ; d4+4=8 ; 2d6=5 ;
Thursday June 11th, 2020 11:43:37 PM
OOC: I am assuming that Pressi would take 113 - 54 = 59 points of damage, half of which gets transfered to Kezzem (i.e., 30 damage with Pressi taking the remaining 29).

Kezzem makes his way out of the mist and strikes with his +1 adamantine construct-bane short short sword.

Attack: 1d20 + 21 + 2 (bane) = 33 + 2 = 35.
Damaage: 1d4 + 4 + 2d6 (bane) = 8 + 5 (bane) = 13.

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday June 12th, 2020 5:35:06 AM

Mookie says to Bliss, "See, Kid, this is exactly what happens when you walk around with a construct-bane short short sword. It's like daring fate to throw constructs at ya."

Bliss asks, "What's a 'short short sword' anyway?"

Mookie caws, "Exactly."

Bliss notices that his two remaining spiders have wandered into the mist. He calls them back up to the ceiling. "Can't use them to search for traps if they get smushed," he says.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+11=16 ; d8=6 ; d8=3 ; d8=4 ; d20+38=51 ;
Friday June 12th, 2020 7:58:22 AM

In halfling, Murphy shouts to Hobie - "KEYS - GIMME THE KEYS!!"

As soon as Murphy has the keys, he will fly into the fog, toward the spot on the door where he saw the keyhole, and try each key in turn.

As he awaits the awarding of the keys, he considers what Pressi just told him. Either a key works, or... "Keep fighting, but be ready to flee." And, maybe Hobie is too busy to turn over the keys that Murphy asked him about before we got into combat.

The druid-hawk casts Mass Cure Serious Wounds (13+15=28 hp) affecting Pressi and Kezzim and, if it's still alive, the spider - and anyone else wounded I may have missed in my cursory reading.
===========
Knowledge, Arcana (left over from immediately after my Wednesday post): 16
Perception: 51 - what else, if anything useful, might Murphy be noticing?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Friday June 12th, 2020 8:07:55 AM

... and then something else clicks in Murphy's mind, which will have to wait until next round.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 | TMP HP=15
Friday June 12th, 2020 9:05:50 AM
Adamantine Golems

Tali directs her glowing unseen servant to drag Pressi out of the fight if she is prone and not moving. In the meantime, Tali will cast Haste on everyone within 60 feet that are no more than 30 feet apart!

Haste

When making a full-attack action, a hasted creature may make one extra attack with one natural or manufactured weapon. The attack is made using the creature�s full base attack bonus, plus any modifiers appropriate to the situation. (This effect is not cumulative with similar effects, such as that provided by a speed weapon, nor does it actually grant an extra action, so you can�t use it to cast a second spell or otherwise take an extra action in the round.)

A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses.

All of the hasted creature�s modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet, to a maximum of twice the subject�s normal speed using that form of movement. This increase counts as an enhancement bonus, and it affects the creature�s jumping distance as normal for increased speed. Multiple haste effects don�t stack. Haste dispels and counters slow.

Spell in Effect

Mage Armor - 830 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 830of 900 Minutes
Unseen servant - 900 of 900 Minutes
Light - 150 of 150 minutes

Heroes Feast

You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Temp HP: 1d8 + 7 = 15

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells 15d6=48 ; d20+20=21 ; 4d6+24=40 ;
Friday June 12th, 2020 10:50:06 AM
Succotash cast Flamestrike on the purple golem causing 48 damage (24 fire, 24 divine), as his t-rex lashes out with its powerful bite, hitting AC 21 for 40 damage

Succotash:
heroes feast (13 temp HP)
dimensional hop 150 ft/150 ft
speak with animals 18/18 (rounds/day)
positive channels 9/9

Valerie:
heroes feast (9 temp HP)
longstrider (15 hrs)
light (on head bow)
airwalk 150 min/150 min

Heroes Feast
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Augmented Tyrannosaurus

N Gargantuan animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +37

DEFENSE

AC 21, touch 7, flat-footed 20 (+1 Dex, +14 natural, �4 size)
hp 189 (18d8+72+36)
Fort +17, Ref +12, Will +10

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +20 (4d6+24/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d8+13, AC 17, hp 15)

STATISTICS

Str 36, Dex 13, Con 23, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +28 (+32 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +37; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Powerful Bite (Ex)
A tyrannosaurus applies twice its Strength modifier to bite damage.

ECOLOGY

Environment warm forest and plains
Organization solitary, pair, or pack (3�6)
Treasure none

The tyrannosaurus is an apex predator that measures 40 feet long and weighs 14,000 pounds.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (25/30)+blink, HP 98/111, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85 (95), CMD 29 (34) d20+17=20 ; d100=44 ; d100=93 ;
Friday June 12th, 2020 12:35:31 PM
Pressi practically staggers as the creature smashes its fist into her. "Good thing I had my breakfast," she muttered as the mass cure affects her. She looks down at the tears in her now useless mithral chain. "Oh, you are so going to be sued if I can ever find a tailor."

(To Kezzem: no, its 54 points of armor damage in addition to the physical damage. It's a bear. To DM, I had to pour over armor tables for way longer than anyone ever should. I'm actually making an assumption on armor thickness.)

(Also DM: I had to make a guess about what the lore would reveal of its strengths and weaknesses. Prior DMs have been fairly liberal in providing info or at least heads up.)

"You know what, that was uncalled for. You're just doing your job and really busy so why don't I come by another time..."

Pressi rolled out of range of the golem (Acro roll 20) and into the obscuring mist. Quickly, she casts true seeing (domain spell) and quickened spectral hand, hoping to get an idea of what to do next.

Harper, a bit scared, moved her way towards Succotash.

Pressi

Ritual Warding
Ritual Healing
Heroes Feast - no HP
detect magic
shield of faith
shield other (from Kezzem)
blink 3/14
true seeing
spectral hand
broken (destroyed) armor (-9 HP)

Harper
ritual warding
heroes feast - 10 HP
shield of faith
spells used

L1: 2
L3: 1
L5: 1+1

DM Kathy d20+41=48 ; d20+41=48 ; 6d10+13=45 ; 6d10+13=57 ; 6d10+13=48 ;
Friday June 12th, 2020 2:57:23 PM
Bliss attacks again with his staff sling, but is unable to hit either golem. He calls his spiders up to the ceiling.

Hobie shoots three times, hitting all three times. Not all of the damage gets through, but he does seem to have damaged one of the constructs.

Kezzem attacks with his sword. He hits, but none of the damage got through. [OOC: Pressi took 113 damage from two hits. In addition, her armor took 54 damage. When these golems score a critical hit, they get to do additional damage against a shield or armor, just as if they had made a sunder attack.]

Murphy heads for the doors, calling for the keys. [Hobie used a full attack action this round, so he didn't have an action to use to get keys to Murphy. Maybe next round.] While he waits, he casts a Mass Cure Serious Wounds.

Succotash casts Flame Strike, but the golem is completely unaffected. His T-Rex bites, but is unable to penetrate the golem's armor.

Tali Hastes the party.

Pressi tumbles back away from the golem. She casts True Seeing and Spectral Hand.

The purple golem (the one injured by Hobie's arrows) heals a little damage. Then it attacks! It has one slam for Kezzem and one for Succotash's T-Rex. Both hit! Kezzem takes 45 damage; the T-Rex takes 57 damage.

The red golem goes for a trample. It can reach Harper, Succotash, Valerie, Hobie, and Murphy. Each of them can decide to either take an attack of opportunity or dodge out of the way. If they attempt to dodge, it's a DC 38 Reflex save to take half damage. Full damage is 48.

And the map.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 | TMP HP=15
Friday June 12th, 2020 6:43:48 PM
Adamantine Golems

Tali seeing the battle below, casts Wall of Force around the Blue Adamantine Golem (as per the Map) in an attempt to isolate, divide and conquer...or at least buy us some time to get past this area. Tali yells, "who has the keys?!"

Spell in Effect

Mage Armor - 830 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 830of 900 Minutes
Unseen servant - 900 of 900 Minutes
Light - 150 of 150 minutes

Heroes Feast

You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Temp HP: 1d8 + 7 = 15

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle d20+19=31 ; d6+10=14 ;
Friday June 12th, 2020 6:56:39 PM

Bliss is not doing so good with his ranged attacks, but he tries again anyway. AFTER using his Quickened SLA to cast Divine Favor!

He hits AC31 for 14 damage.

Hobie (Sub-Cayzle) HP 126/126+7 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+28=32 ; d20+23=29 ; d20+18=38 ; d20+18=33 ; 2d6+20=22 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+20=27 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+20=26 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+20=28 ; 2d6+20=24 ;
Friday June 12th, 2020 7:18:07 PM
Hobie says that the keys can wait. He keeps on shooting, since that seems to be working.

He hits ACs 32, 29, and 38. That last one is a nat 20 crit threat, confirmed vs AC33. Damage is 22+4 fire on the first arrow, 27+6 fire on the second one, and 26+3 fire on the third if it is not a crit. If it is a crit, then the tripled damage is 26+28+24 = 78+3 fire.

Hobie grins.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 158/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74 d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ;
Friday June 12th, 2020 9:27:42 PM
In light of Pressi clarifying the armor damage, Kezzem will also lay hands on himself as a swift action.

Healing: 6d6 = 4 + 6 + 2 + 6 + 6 + 2 = 26.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 156/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74 d8=6 ; d8=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ;
Saturday June 13th, 2020 12:52:23 PM
"Hey watch it, I'm stabbing here!" says Kezzem as the wall of force cuts him off from the golem. "Not that it was doing any good. This thing is adamantine and construct-bane, what gives?"

Kezzem moves back into the obscuring mist, casts cure moderate wounds on himself, and follows it with another lay on hands.

Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8 + 10 = 18.
Lay on Hands: 6d6 = 25.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid (wise?) hawk - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Sunday June 14th, 2020 11:44:04 PM

Murphy has been flying (he has the wingover feat), so it may be difficult for the guardian golem to trample him. He simply continues his flight. He goes up high as the guardian tromps through the area and casts owl's wisdom on himself. "Say, friends, if you do not want all of your metal items to be changed into wood, you might want either to stay low, or go out the door we came in through. Gonna see if I can modify the atomic structure of these spiritual hunks of metal - whatever 'atomic structure' means. I think Pressi mentioned it once. Soon, if all goes well, from the knees up they will become wooden. And so will all the metal you've got on you if you're above their knees, and inside this room."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+20=31 ; 4d6+28=45 ;
Monday June 15th, 2020 6:06:53 AM
Succotash who has been riding Valerie as she air walks above the heads of the golems (mentioned in one of last weeks post, after Bliss suggested getting above their heads) would make trampling difficult, unless I missed something, but at Murphy�s suggestion, Succotash directs Valerie towards the door, exiting the building, as a withdrawal action, to avoid an AoA. (70ft per round movement speed) As he departs he says, �I hope that works, nothing I have in my arsenal seems to have any affect!�

Meanwhile Mr Rex will lash out at the golem that slammed it, hitting AC 31 for 45 slashing, piercing, and Bludgeoning damage.

OOC... My laptop is currently in the backseat of the car my wife took to spend the week with her daughter. Please bare with me as I am posting from my phone this week. Could someone move Succotash and Valerie out of the temple as per my post, on the map, I can�t seem to be able to with this device.

Succotash:
heroes feast (13 temp HP)
dimensional hop 150 ft/150 ft
speak with animals 18/18 (rounds/day)
positive channels 9/9

Valerie:
heroes feast (9 temp HP)
longstrider (15 hrs)
light (on head bow)
airwalk 150 min/150 min

Heroes Feast
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Augmented Tyrannosaurus

N Gargantuan animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +37

DEFENSE

AC 21, touch 7, flat-footed 20 (+1 Dex, +14 natural, �4 size)
hp 132/189
Fort +17, Ref +12, Will +10

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +20 (4d6+28/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d8+13, AC 17, hp 15)

STATISTICS

Str 36, Dex 13, Con 23, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +28 (+32 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +37; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Powerful Bite (Ex)
A tyrannosaurus applies twice its Strength modifier to bite damage

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 | TMP HP=15 d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ;
Monday June 15th, 2020 7:58:13 AM
Adamantine Golems

Listening to Mister Murphy's warning of his pending Metal to Wood spell, Tali will follow up that spell casting with one of her own! Tali shouts at the top of her lungs, FireBall Incoming, pauses for dramatic effect, then casts Fireball onto the Red Golem.

Fireball

Damage: 38 points of initial fire damage...

{OOC: @DM assumed the scale is 1 sq = 5 feet -- the wall of force is only 10 sq ft/level = 150 sq ft...it might encase the purple golem}

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 830 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 830of 900 Minutes
Unseen servant - 900 of 900 Minutes
Light - 150 of 150 minutes

Heroes Feast

You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Temp HP: 1d8 + 7 = 15

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30)+blink, HP 98+15/111+15, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 47/85, CMD 29 (34) d20+18=36 ; d6+7=8 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+11=21 ; d6=2 ; 4d12+14=47 ; d100=25 ;
Monday June 15th, 2020 11:51:01 AM
"What gives is that this thing has DR against anything but epic," Pressi shouts back, "and its immune to magic so hope you brought a backup two handed weapon. Everyone take to the skies or get the pets out of the way."

Harper considers dodging, but Pressi signals that he has some chance to do damage - and no chance to dodge. (I need a ruling in regards to AoO and Multiattack.)

(AOO - attack roll 36, damage 8, trip roll 30).

With that, Harper books it away (Acro Roll 21) to where Pressi is. (If Harper's HP drops to below 20, Pressi uses a hero point to Cure Critical Harper for 47 HP).

Pressi scrambles to think of what to do. She had plenty of steps to fly, but range attacks? The only thing she could think of that could beat immunity to magic AND that DR would be....

Pressi signals to Murphy. "Aim on me," she shouts to Murphy as she begins to transform (her spell firing just in the nick of time). "Aim the spell on me. It'll be ok... I'm not wearing metal. Kezzem, Succotash, get the hell out of the way."

Slowly, she rises out of the mist towards the ceiling, in between both golems (and 40 feet away from Hobie), her black, scaly wings making wind through the area.

"Hello, boys," she roars.

Pressi

Ritual Warding
Ritual Healing
Heroes Feast - no HP
detect magic
shield of faith
shield other (from Kezzem)
blink 4/14
true seeing
spectral hand
broken (destroyed) armor (-9 HP)
Form of Dragon 1: black (+4 Str, +2 Con, +4 AC, fly, darkvision, non-SR breath weapon 6d8 acid)

Harper
ritual warding
heroes feast - 10 HP
shield of faith
spells used

L1: 2
L3: 1
L5: 1+1
L6: 1

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 156/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74
Monday June 15th, 2020 4:16:55 PM
"Well, that's new," says Kezzem as Pressi turns into a dragon.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid (wise?) hawk - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Monday June 15th, 2020 4:32:44 PM

Once Murphy is certain that others who wear or use metal are at least 40' away from her, he himself flies back to the entrance, then casts transmute metal to wood (DC36) centered upon Dragon Pressi, as she requested. He is impressed with his fianc�e. Again, he advises all to get 40' or farther away from Pressi before he casts. If they wear or use no metal, then it is not important where they may be.

DM Kathy d20+41=52 ; d20+41=61 ; d20+41=48 ; 6d10+13=38 ; 6d10+13=49 ; 6d10+13=52 ; 6d10+13=53 ; d20+41=46 ;
Monday June 15th, 2020 5:05:32 PM
Tali puts a Wall of Force around the purple golem. [I assume this reaches all the way to the ceiling?]

Bliss tries again, but cannot penetrate the golem's armor. This thing is tough!

Hobie needs to switch targets, because his original target is enclosed in a Wall of Force. He hits three times, once critically.

Kezzem cures himself.

Succotash withdraws. His T-Rex attacks, but can't get through the golem's armor.

Harper's attack of opportunity is good enough to hit, but the damage doesn't get through, and the trip attempt is unsuccessful. He returns to Pressi, who turns into a dragon. The effect is somewhat spoiled by the fact that you're inside an Obscuring Mist and nobody can see you.

Murphy casts Transmute Metal to Wood, one of the few spells that can affect these things. You want to center it on Pressi, but you can't see her. You can center it in her general area, though. It affects everything within 40 feet, so that's going to include Kezzem unless he heeded Murphy's earlier warning and got out of range. [Because today's DM post is so late, I'll let you retcon yourself out of the area if you need to.]

As your DM reads the spell, and the monster entry, this can't actually transmute the golems to wood, but it can slow them down, and change their resistance to 15/adamantine, which will probably help.

Tali can cast her spell next round if she wants, but keep in mind these things were not changed to wood, and they're still immune to magic.

The purple golem is inside a Wall of Force, so it was unaffected by the Transmute spell. It begins hammering on the Wall of Force, trying to batter its way out. It actually manages to damage the wall a little bit, but it'll take time to pound its way out of there.

The other golem targets the T-Rex. It hits for 53 damage.

Everyone keep in mind that the ceiling is 20 feet high. These things are 15 feet high with a 15-foot reach. You can stay out of their reach, but if they get directly beneath you, they can hit you.

And the map.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 156/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74
Monday June 15th, 2020 5:35:06 PM
Kezzem will get out of the way as the GM is kind enough to retcon his move.

Will post more later.

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle d20+19=20 ;
Monday June 15th, 2020 10:16:49 PM

Well, thinks Bliss, I have not hit once, but now I have my arcane strike, breakfast blessing, divine might, and I am FOCUSED!

Normally a +15 to hit, but now add +1 breakkie bonus and +3 divine favor, total +19 to hit. Damage raging is 1d6+8 str +3 arcane strike +3 div favor +1 enh = 1d6+15.

Bliss rolls a nat one.

"Darn"

He and Mookie back up some, Bliss still spider climbing, Mookie flying. (moved on map)

The two remaining spiders scurry over on the ceiling to be near Bliss.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+25=31 ; 2d6+17=24 ; d20+20=32 ; 4d6+28=44 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ;
Tuesday June 16th, 2020 6:29:55 AM
Valerie�s AC 42 (can�t change header on phone)

Succotash casts divine power on Valerie as he dismounts, he then burns a hero point to cast shield of faith on her, as he sends her in to attack the red golem. She slashes out with one of her talons hitting AC 32 for 24 damage + 2 Shock & 1 Frost. Valerie is attacking from the golems eye level.

Meanwhile the t-Rex roars in frustration as it try�s chomping down on the red golem again, hitting AC 32 for 44 damage.

Succotash:
heroes feast (13 temp HP)
dimensional hop 150 ft/150 ft
speak with animals 18/18 (rounds/day)
positive channels 9/9

Valerie:
heroes feast (9 temp HP)
longstrider (15 hrs)
light (on head bow)
airwalk 150 min/150 min
+5 divine power 15/15 (15 temp hp)
+4 shield of faith 15 min/15 min

Heroes Feast
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Augmented Tyrannosaurus

N Gargantuan animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +37

DEFENSE

AC 21, touch 7, flat-footed 20 (+1 Dex, +14 natural, �4 size)
hp 79/189
Fort +17, Ref +12, Will +10

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +20 (4d6+28/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d8+13, AC 17, hp 15)

STATISTICS

Str 36, Dex 13, Con 23, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +28 (+32 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +37; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Powerful Bite (Ex)
A tyrannosaurus applies twice its Strength modifier to bite damage

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30)+blink, HP 98+15/111+15, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 47/85, CMD 29 (34) d20+15=17 ; 6d8=29 ;
Tuesday June 16th, 2020 10:41:39 AM
Pressi flies out of the mist, far away enough from the golems. She is a black dragon.

With a shout, she fires a line of acid at the red golem (attack roll if needed 17+1 from breakfast, 29 damage).

Pressi

Ritual Warding
Ritual Healing
Heroes Feast - no HP
detect magic
shield of faith
shield other (from Kezzem)
blink 5/14
true seeing
spectral hand
broken (destroyed) armor (-9 HP)
Form of Dragon 1: black (+4 Str, +2 Con, +4 AC, fly, darkvision, non-SR breath weapon 6d8 acid)

Harper
ritual warding
heroes feast - 10 HP
shield of faith
spells used

L1: 2
L3: 1
L5: 1+1
L6: 1

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid (wise?) hawk - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Tuesday June 16th, 2020 11:07:33 AM

Murphy casts call lightning storm

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 156/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74 d20+10=13 ; d20+24=43 ; d4+4=8 ; 2d6=8 ;
Tuesday June 16th, 2020 1:26:04 PM
"Hobie!"

Kezzem tumbles into range and stabs the construct with his adamantine construct-bane short sword.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 = 13. Pretty sure that's an AoO.

Attack: 1d20 + 21 + 2 (Bane) + 1 (Heroes' Feast) = 43.
I assume they are immune to crits.
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 2 (Bane) + 2d6 (Bane) = 8 + 8 = 16.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 | TMP HP=15
Tuesday June 16th, 2020 2:45:04 PM
Adamantine Golems

Tali realizing the danger at hand, scraps the idea of casting a fireball & instead attempts to wall away the Purple Golem by casting an addition Wall of force to double the amount of walls floor to ceiling sealing away the purple golem, so we can try to isolate the Red golem... "Humble's, try to isolate the Red Golem, this way I can seal that one behind a wall of force as well...once that happens can you drop the mist?" shouts Tali to the Humble team!"

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor - 830 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 830of 900 Minutes
Unseen servant - 900 of 900 Minutes
Light - 150 of 150 minutes

2x Wall of Force

EFFECT

Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level
Duration 1 round /level (D)
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

DESCRIPTION

A wall of force creates an invisible wall of pure force. The wall cannot move and is not easily destroyed. A wall of force is immune to dispel magic, although a mage�s disjunction can still dispel it. A wall of force can be damaged by spells as normal, except for disintegrate, which automatically destroys it. It can be damaged by weapons and supernatural abilities, but a wall of force has hardness 30 and a number of hit points equal to 20 per caster level. Contact with a sphere of annihilation or rod of cancellation instantly destroys a wall of force.

Breath weapons and spells cannot pass through a wall of force in either direction, although dimension door, teleport, and similar effects can bypass the barrier. It blocks ethereal creatures as well as material ones (though ethereal creatures can usually circumvent the wall by going around it, through material floors and ceilings). Gaze attacks can operate through a wall of force.

The caster can form the wall into a flat, vertical plane whose area is up to one 10-foot square per level. The wall must be continuous and unbroken when formed. If its surface is broken by any object or creature, the spell fails.

Heroes Feast

You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Temp HP: 1d8 + 7 = 15

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+24=35 ; d20+24=44 ; d20+24=25 ; d20+24=39 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+14=21 ; 2d6+21=25 ; 2d6+21=27 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+21=29 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+21=30 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+21=27 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+21=32 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday June 16th, 2020 4:10:51 PM
Hobie clicks his heels and becomes Hasted, and fires away. Hobie has a +4 Bow, so it counts as adamantine for DR

Manyshot = 35
Piercing 25, Fire 4, Electric 2
Piercing 27, Fire 5, Electric 2

Rapid shot =44 (Critical threat, confirmation= Nat 1)
Piercing 29, Fire 6, Electric 5

Haste = 39
Piercing 30, Fire 4, Electric 6

Iterative 1 = 27
Piercing 27, Fire 1, Electric 4

Iterative 2 = 21
Piercing 32, Fire 2, Electric 5

DM Kathy d20+9=13 ; d20+41=56 ; 6d10+13=37 ; d20+41=52 ; 6d10+13=41 ;
Tuesday June 16th, 2020 4:12:54 PM
Bliss tries again, but still can't score a hit on the golem.

Succotash casts some protections on Valerie and sends her into battle, but her teeth don't quite penetrate the golem's armor. Neither do the teeth of the T-Rex.

Pressi the dragon shoots a line of acid at the golem. [I don't need an attack roll, but I do need a Reflex save DC.] The golem takes some damage.

Murphy casts Call Lightning Storm.

Kezzem tries to tumble past the golem, but doesn't quite manage. The Attack of Opportunity hits, and does 37 damage. You stab the golem, and hit! [They actually can be critted, so give me updated damage in your next post.]

Tali wraps yet another Wall of Force around the purple golem. She calls to her teammates to try to isolate the other golem so that it, too, can be contained.

Hobie keeps firing. He is close enough to provoke an Attack of Opportunity, which hits. Hobie takes 41 points of damage. And then his arrows hit. The golem stops moving. A few parts fall off. It slumps, inactive.

Of course, Pressi can tell you that it isn't "dead," not really. It's going to continue to heal itself. However, you have several hours before it's going to become an issue.

The purple golem is effectively neutralized. Yes, it's going to batter its way out of those Walls of Force eventually, but that's going to take time. For now, you are free to explore the temple.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74 d20+24=35 ; d4+4=5 ; d8=1 ; d8=3 ; d8=2 ;
Tuesday June 16th, 2020 4:25:52 PM
Since it's healing and the damage might matter.

Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 24 = 35.
Add Crit Damage: 1d4 + 4 = 5.

----

"Alright, Hobs, the all stab and shoot combo!"

He hits Hobie with a Cure Moderate Wounds:

Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8 + 10 = 3 + 2 + 10 = 15.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30)+blink, HP 98+15/111+15, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 47/85, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday June 16th, 2020 4:27:49 PM
(OOC: I believe it's DC 10+7+2=19, using the rules for breath weapon.)

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle d20+26=27 ;
Tuesday June 16th, 2020 7:25:26 PM

Mookie keeps two eyes on the golems. Bliss takes a look at the doors. His two spiders stay nearby.

Is the door easily opened? Are there keyholes? Any traps?

Perception 27

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid (wise?) hawk - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp 5d6+15=32 ; 5d6+15=35 ; d20+40=49 ; d20+20=27 ;
Tuesday June 16th, 2020 10:40:34 PM

"I suppose, if we are to turn this place into our fortress," Murphy considers, "we might want to figure out how to make friends with these guardians. Unless they are animated by some sort of evil spirit, in which case we might want to figure out how to put them down on a permanent basis. For now, how about we just hit the one that's lying down so that it will take until next week for it to piece itself together again?"

"So, stand back for a moment from the fallen fellow," he advises. Once they are clear, he sends down a bolt of lightning from his call lightning storm spell (DC 34, 32 hp damage 1/2 is divine (16 hp no save), 1/2 is electrical (16 hp save for half damage). Next round, he repeats for 35 hp (18 hp divine no save, 17 hp electrical save for 1/2). "I have 13 bolts left. Will save them for what may be inside which is suffering from a lack of electricity."

"All right, Hobie. Keys! Let's see 'em! Great job as usual, by the way! You were right to delay dealing with the keys during combat."

He turns toward Tali, "We love your walls, Tali. Thanks for the haste, too."

And to Pressi, "I hope you won't often wake up with dragonbreath in the morning. That was impressive, I must say."
========
Perception for keyhole: 49.
Knowledge, engineering for key / keyhole examination: 27

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Wednesday June 17th, 2020 6:28:21 AM
�You know Pressi, you could have chosen a metallic dragon, instead of an evil black dragon� Succotash teases, as he dismisses his t-Rex, and heads over to the doors.

Succotash:
heroes feast (13 temp HP)
dimensional hop 150 ft/150 ft
speak with animals 18/18 (rounds/day)
positive channels 9/9

Valerie:
heroes feast (9 temp HP)
longstrider (15 hrs)
light (on head bow)
airwalk 149min/150 min
+5 divine power 14/15 (15 temp hp)
+4 shield of faith 15 min/15 min

Heroes Feast
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30)+blink, HP 98+15/111+15, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 47/85, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday June 17th, 2020 8:55:01 AM
"I was afraid that doing that would have made me vulnerable to transmute metal," she replied to Succotash. "Though, saying it out loud, I'm realizing how insane that belief is. Eh, it's always good to at least use the trappings of evil once in a while, just to remind them that I can."

(OOC: I actually was considering a copper dragon for the spider climb. And I really rejected it because I was afraid of what transmute metal might do to a metallic dragon form.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30)+blink, HP 98+15/111+15, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 47/85, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday June 17th, 2020 1:11:38 PM
Pressi takes some time to check the keyholes and doors for further traps, warning symbols, and ways to open the doors.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d8+1=9 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=9 ;
Wednesday June 17th, 2020 1:13:06 PM
"Thanks for the heal Kez."
Hobie will use four charges of his wand to get himself back up to full. He'll restock his quiver from his haversack.

"Where to next?"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 | TMP HP=15
Wednesday June 17th, 2020 2:40:28 PM
Adamantine Golems -- stalled

Tali realizing the danger at hand has past encapsulates the disabled Red Golem in two (2) layers of Walls of Force while she has the chance, to resemble that of the Purple Golem's crypt!

Shouting aloud, "Humbles, please drop the mist!" shouts Tali. Tali removes the goggles from her head and places them back into her front pocket. "Perhaps, we should make haste in trying to find another way deeper into the Temple," suggests Tali!

Spell in Effect

Mage Armor - 830 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 830of 900 Minutes
Unseen servant - 900 of 900 Minutes
Light - 150 of 150 minutes

2x Wall of Force

EFFECT

Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level
Duration 1 round /level (D)
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

DESCRIPTION

A wall of force creates an invisible wall of pure force. The wall cannot move and is not easily destroyed. A wall of force is immune to dispel magic, although a mage�s disjunction can still dispel it. A wall of force can be damaged by spells as normal, except for disintegrate, which automatically destroys it. It can be damaged by weapons and supernatural abilities, but a wall of force has hardness 30 and a number of hit points equal to 20 per caster level. Contact with a sphere of annihilation or rod of cancellation instantly destroys a wall of force.

Breath weapons and spells cannot pass through a wall of force in either direction, although dimension door, teleport, and similar effects can bypass the barrier. It blocks ethereal creatures as well as material ones (though ethereal creatures can usually circumvent the wall by going around it, through material floors and ceilings). Gaze attacks can operate through a wall of force.

The caster can form the wall into a flat, vertical plane whose area is up to one 10-foot square per level. The wall must be continuous and unbroken when formed. If its surface is broken by any object or creature, the spell fails.

Heroes Feast

You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Temp HP: 1d8 + 7 = 15

DM Kathy d3=3 ;
Wednesday June 17th, 2020 4:29:58 PM
Knowing the golem will eventually rebuild itself, Murphy calls down a few lightning bolts.

Not to be outdone, Tali encases it in Walls of Force. She calls again for the Obscuring Mist to be dispelled.

The Obscuring Mist was created by an item, specifically an arrow from Hobie. Your DM isn't sure whether effects created by items can even be dispelled, but if they can, Hobie would have to be the one to do it. However, the mist isn't completely blocking the doors, and you can still see the keyhole. Hobie is busy healing himself at the moment.

Kezzem also has some healing for Hobie.

Succotash dismisses his T-Rex and heads for the doors, where Bliss and Pressi are already studying the keyhole. Pressi detects no traps on the keyhole or the door.

Moving things forward a bit, then, you get your keys and try them on the door. The first two don't work, and you're starting to get a bit worried, but the last key fits perfectly and turns with a satisfying "CHONK." The double doors swing open.

Beyond them, you see another room, a bit larger than the one you're standing in now. Like this room, it has stone walls, a stone ceiling, and a floor of fitted stone tiles. On the other side of the room, opposite the double doors, you see a stone altar.

Perception DC 22 Highlight to display spoiler: {There is a keyhole on the wall, near the doors. It can't be for the doors; they have their own keyhole. This keyhole is for something else.}

Perception DC 32 Highlight to display spoiler: { There's a trap on the floor over there. Oh, there's another one over there. Oh, and another one. Holy Cow, this place is riddled with traps!}

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle d20+26=33 ;
Wednesday June 17th, 2020 4:55:31 PM
Perception 33

"Watch out!" declares Bliss. "There's traps everywhere!"

"EVERYWHERE!"

"None of us are trapsmiths. Are they only on the floor? Can we fly over? Or spider climb on the walls and ceiling?

Bliss looks up.

"Or should I just send in the spiders?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74 d20+24=30 ;
Wednesday June 17th, 2020 9:24:41 PM
Perception: 1d20 + 24 = 30.

"Yeah, I don't think I want to try disarming traps. I lost most of my ranks in the disbling devices guild after I became a paladin.

"There's a keyhole on the wall. It can't be for the doors, they all have their own. Maybe it disarms the trap? We could try that. Then we can release the hounds! I mean spiders. Release the spiders...into the traps...which is the opposite of being released I supposed. I'm going to stop talking now."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday June 18th, 2020 1:42:14 AM
Hobie will go ahead and dispel the Obscuring Mist that he cast

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid (wise?) hawk - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20=3 ; d20+40=56 ;
Thursday June 18th, 2020 3:14:37 AM

Murphy flits above the floor, and indicates each and every trap he is able to discern [Perception: 56]. He looks along the walls, too, and ceiling, seeing if he can spot various aspects of the traps which riddle the room. If there are traps that are triggered by birds flying in the middle of the room, then surely he has set off several more traps. He looks for and finds a tile that does not appear to be trapped, and lands upon it. "Yep, I'm surrounded by traps. Maybe we can deliberately set several off from a distance. Or simply take care to only step on the safe tiles."

If someone wants to try to do so, Murphy signals which ones appear to be safe to tread upon.
================
Perception: 56
[ignore d20=3 - accidentally clicked the d20 button while moving diagonally to the variable point add spot.]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid (wise?) hawk - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Thursday June 18th, 2020 3:15:45 AM

"Good idea, Kezzem, on the key in the wall. Someone try that!" Murphy encourages.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+22=38 ;
Thursday June 18th, 2020 6:34:08 AM
Perception 38
Succotash also sees the traps. He likes the key idea, but is worried that the keyhole may be trapped as well. He asks, �Hey Pressi, can your spectral hand work the keys? If so I think we should try the keys remotely for safety reasons!�

Succotash:
heroes feast (13 temp HP)
dimensional hop 150 ft/150 ft
speak with animals 18/18 (rounds/day)
positive channels 9/9

Valerie:
heroes feast (9 temp HP)
longstrider (15 hrs)
light (on head bow)
airwalk 149min/150 min
+5 divine power 14/15 (15 temp hp)
+4 shield of faith 15 min/15 min

Heroes Feast
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30)+blink, HP 98+15/111+15, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34) d20+22=27 ;
Thursday June 18th, 2020 10:59:38 AM
Perception 27 - Pressi almost misses the traps.

Still, she remains confident in reminding the group that she IS capable of disabling traps. (OK, so she's not maxed ranks or even fully human for the moment. She could certainly give it a try, and she's insulted you didn't ask.)

(Oh, and she uses a CCW to heal Harper back up. From what I can tell, Pressi can still cast spells in dragon form as long as they don't require material components. She casts detect magic on the far altar.)

"That said, has anyone considered the ping pong method? You know, throw a bunch of whatevers in there and just set off all the traps at once for a few minutes? It won't necessarily disable the traps, but it's always cool."

Regarding Kezzem, "Let me do it. I'm still blinking, I can cast protect elements on myself, I can fly and manipulate small tools... oh, and I can apparently swim if the room fills with water."

Pressi

Ritual Warding
Ritual Healing
Heroes Feast - no HP
detect magic
shield of faith
shield other (from Kezzem)
blink 9/14
true seeing
spectral hand
broken (destroyed) armor (-9 HP)
Form of Dragon 1: black (+4 Str, +2 Con, +4 AC, fly, darkvision, non-SR breath weapon 6d8 acid)

Harper
ritual warding
heroes feast - 10 HP
shield of faith
spells used

L1: 2
L3: 1
L4: 1
L5: 1+1
L6: 1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30)+blink, HP 98+15/111+15, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday June 18th, 2020 11:02:00 AM
In response to Succotash... "I think Spectral Hand only allows spell use... But I have mage hand, and Bliss has unseen servant. Maybe we could give THAT a try."

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday June 18th, 2020 11:37:06 AM

First, Bliss lets anyone try to disable traps who cares to try. "You go on ahead, Miss Dragon Pressi," he defers.

Then he lets others try with spells or summoned creatures or whatever they got.

Finally he sends in the spiders. He urges them to walk the walls and ceilings especially. If that does not kill them, Bliss follows, walking the walls and ceiling.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday June 18th, 2020 1:16:17 PM
Hobie will try to trigger some traps from afar by shooting arrows at them.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74
Thursday June 18th, 2020 2:03:34 PM
"Did Murphey just say I had a good idea?" asks Kezzem. "Because that can only mean two things: either (A) I actually had a good idea or (B) I have finally driven Murphey crazy. Or maybe a little of both."

DM Kathy d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d4=3 ;
Thursday June 18th, 2020 3:05:32 PM
Bliss warns the group that the room is trapped! There are traps everywhere!

Kezzem remarks that he isn't very good at disabling them anymore, but does point to a keyhole in the wall. Maybe that is a way to disable the traps?

Murphy offers to point out which are the safe tiles, and suggests that someone try the keyhole.

Succotash worries that the keyhole may be trapped, and suggests trying it from a distance.

Pressi suggests using Mage Hand to try the key, or possibly Unseen Servant. Or, failing that, she could just try a key herself, since her Blink is still active.

Hobie, after dismissing the Obscuring Mist, tries to trigger some traps by shooting at them. In general, they seem to want a bit more pressure than what you're able to simulate with an arrow, but you do manage to set one of them off. When your arrow hits, a veritable hail of arrows comes flying from a nearby wall, bursting through the trapped area and continuing until they clatter to the floor.

Murphy can tell you that the square is still trapped. That is, setting off the traps does not neutralize them; they reset.

Pressi is able to try the remaining keys in the keyhole; the second one she tries fits into the keyhole and turns with another "CHONK."

Perception DC 32 Highlight to display spoiler: {The traps have all been disabled.}

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 | TMP HP=15 d20+11=23 ; d20+11=25 ;
Thursday June 18th, 2020 3:50:17 PM
Testy Temple

Tali realizing the golem danger has past, knows there is other dangers lurking here. Tali as usual, hover above the flow and offers her glowing unseen servant as trap tester.

Spell in Effect

Mage Armor - 830 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 830of 900 Minutes
Unseen servant - 900 of 900 Minutes
Light - 150 of 150 minutes

2x Wall of Force

EFFECT

Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level
Duration 1 round /level (D)
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

DESCRIPTION

A wall of force creates an invisible wall of pure force. The wall cannot move and is not easily destroyed. A wall of force is immune to dispel magic, although a mage�s disjunction can still dispel it. A wall of force can be damaged by spells as normal, except for disintegrate, which automatically destroys it. It can be damaged by weapons and supernatural abilities, but a wall of force has hardness 30 and a number of hit points equal to 20 per caster level. Contact with a sphere of annihilation or rod of cancellation instantly destroys a wall of force.

Breath weapons and spells cannot pass through a wall of force in either direction, although dimension door, teleport, and similar effects can bypass the barrier. It blocks ethereal creatures as well as material ones (though ethereal creatures can usually circumvent the wall by going around it, through material floors and ceilings). Gaze attacks can operate through a wall of force.

The caster can form the wall into a flat, vertical plane whose area is up to one 10-foot square per level. The wall must be continuous and unbroken when formed. If its surface is broken by any object or creature, the spell fails.

Heroes Feast

You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Temp HP: 1d8 + 7 = 15

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid (wise?) hawk - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+40=44 ;
Thursday June 18th, 2020 5:10:37 PM
"Yeah, the key did the trick. We can walk on the tiles now," Murphy says, landing on one, then another if he did not go down in a hail of arrows after hitting the first.

Surviving that, he heads over near the stone altar. "What have we here?" the druid hawk wonders aloud. He visually examines the altar and whatever designs and accouterments it may have.
==========
Perception: 44

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74 d20+24=44 ;
Friday June 19th, 2020 1:12:46 AM
Perception: 1d20 + 23 + 1 (Trapfinding) = 44.

"The traps have been disarmed! Kezzem is a genius! Huzzah!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+22=29 ; d20+22=32 ; d20+6=12 ;
Friday June 19th, 2020 10:06:12 AM
Succotash doesn�t notice whether or not the traps were disabled, but he takes Kezzem�s word for it. He heads over to examine the altar. Perception 32, knowledge religion 12

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30)+blink, HP 98+15/111+15, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34) d20+11=17 ;
Friday June 19th, 2020 10:46:43 AM
Pressi wonders if its time to get out of her dragon form (and out of that broken armor).

In the meantime, she detects magic on the alter and tries her local knowledge (Know Local 17). (Oh, and her true seeing should still be up.)

ressi

Ritual Warding
Ritual Healing
Heroes Feast - no HP
detect magic
shield of faith
shield other (from Kezzem)
blink 10/14
true seeing
spectral hand
broken (destroyed) armor (-9 HP)
Form of Dragon 1: black (+4 Str, +2 Con, +4 AC, fly, darkvision, non-SR breath weapon 6d8 acid)

Harper
ritual warding
heroes feast - 10 HP
shield of faith
spells used

L1: 2
L3: 1
L4: 1
L5: 1+1
L6: 1

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Friday June 19th, 2020 1:09:15 PM
�Pressi, let me know when you�re ready to return to halfling form and I�ll go ahead and cast mending on your armor, more than once if needed�.

DM Kathy
Friday June 19th, 2020 2:26:48 PM
Tali's Unseen Servant and bird-Murphy can verify what Kezzem already knows--the traps are disarmed, and the floor is safe to walk on.

You cross the room to the altar. Succotash doesn't recognize any of the symbology, but he does spot the hidden compartment. Pressi, with her spell active, can report that there is a magical aura inside!

It doesn't take long to get the compartment open. Inside, you find a Robe of Eyes and a matched set of 4 platinum goblets, set with sapphires. You also find a primitive talisman.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74
Friday June 19th, 2020 5:00:56 PM
"So what now guys?" asks Kezzem. "Don't look at me for suggestions. One good idea for the day and I'm done!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid (wise?) hawk - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+17=30 ; d20+20=22 ;
Friday June 19th, 2020 5:39:03 PM

Murphy decides to resume the halfling form his parents gave him. "Looks like an early answer to what we sought," he says, "as that certainly looks like a talisman to me. At the base - is that a sort of knife blade? Maybe chipped from flint, I'd guess. Weirdly artistic, frilly."

He says, "Let me take a few minutes to document this altar and the talisman. Anyone want to check to see if there are any secret or concealed doors or compartments elsewhere in this room? Or maybe under the altar?" The amateur artist pulls out his art supplies, and begins to draw what he sees, using his engineering skills to ensure accuracy of scale and proportion. He makes multiple drawings to cover all the sides of the altar. He sketches the room, marking the entrapped tiles, showing the keyhole that disarms them. He'd love to get inside the walls, and come to understand the mechanisms used for the traps. Maybe after his is done with his drawings, he can do so.

"I wonder if there is a finite supply of arrows, or if there is ancient magic at work, somehow replenishing the supply as needed? Anyone care to figure that one out?" he asks. "Oh, and again, Kezzem - well done. You have a genius for additional things I was unaware of until now."
===========
Profession, Artist: 30
Knowledge, Engineering: 22 (I think his artistry on this one exceeds his engineering, but, 22 isn't bad)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid (wise?) hawk - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Friday June 19th, 2020 5:43:48 PM

As an afterthought, Murphy asks no one in particular, "Is it possible one bearing and boldly presenting this talisman could walk unharmed past the golems?" He scratches his chin. "Or maybe giving a secret hand signal? If Bliss's idea of turning this into a fortress, or even a bed and breakfast is to come to fruition, we'll need to figure that one out."

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle d20+28=30 ;
Friday June 19th, 2020 6:59:50 PM
Bliss is glad that the traps are disarmed. "I thank you, and my spiders tank you!"

The magically talented witch reaches for the talisman. "I'll take a good look at it!"

He casts Detect Magic and inspects it, trying to identify its magical properties.

Spellcraft roll to do so: 30.

Attempting to ascertain the properties of a magic item takes 3 rounds per item to be identified and you must be able to thoroughly examine the object.

Identify the properties of a magic item using detect magic ... 15 + item's caster level

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74
Saturday June 20th, 2020 12:16:44 AM
Murphey says, "Oh, and again, Kezzem - well done. You have a genius for additional things I was unaware of until now."

"Me too!" replies Kezzem. "What, I think I think might know this one. If we stand on the share and look at the temple, this talisman will line up with the temple and this hook here will tell us where the treasure is. I saw it one of Pressi's plays.

Bliss is glad that the traps are disarmed. "I thank you, and my spiders tank you!"

"No, Bliss, the traps are disarmed, so the spiders no longer need to tank for us," says Kezzem with a wink.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Saturday June 20th, 2020 12:01:53 PM
�What a minute, is this the talisman we are supposed to obtain for the Kobolds?� Succotash asks as he suddenly remembers why they are here. �If it is, our main objective is done, and Tali and I can get us there real quick! Unless of course we want to explore some more�.

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Saturday June 20th, 2020 12:59:03 PM
"We gotta figure this place out so's we can have it as our country home!"

Bliss looks around. "Is this it? Just two rooms? That's not much for a country retreat."

Bliss takes 20 searching everywhere, walls, floor, ceilings, for secret doors or any other stuff.

(Perception bonus is +28)

Mookie helps too for another +2 on checks.

ALSO, is this building all aboveground? Or is it set into a hill? From the outside, are there any indications that there might be more? (bigger on the outside than we have so far explored, etc.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74
Sunday June 21st, 2020 1:58:52 PM
"I don't know, Succo, it seems too easy," says Kezzem. "Nobody almost died this time!"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 | TMP HP=15 d20+21=25 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+11=19 ; d20+21=28 ; d20+21=36 ;
Sunday June 21st, 2020 2:31:16 PM
Temple of the Robe of Many Eyes

Tali now realizes, "that this temple may have served critters from other planes and that there may be many different talismans in this temple. It's also probably bigger than one believes!"

Tali will look at the talisman while using her Knowledge Arcana skillset {Knowledge Arcana: 28} to determine if she recalls anything about it.

Tali asks her friends, "Would you folks mind is I put that robe on? It might help us, and as a resident, Sorcerer, it may be useful here, in this place."

If given and allowed to wear the robe, Tali will don the robe as she does not have anything in her "Body" slot. Once the robe is on, Tali will look around for hidden or concealed passageways, doors, etc. Perception check with Robe of Eyes {Perception check with the Robe of Eyes if allowed, will take 20 on perception check while wearing the robe}.

{OOC: What do we find?}

If not given the Robe of Eyes to wear...Tali will just hover above the floor halfway to the ceiling.

Spell in Effect

Mage Armor - 830 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 830of 900 Minutes
Unseen servant - 900 of 900 Minutes
Light - 150 of 150 minutes

2x Wall of Force

EFFECT

Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level
Duration 1 round /level (D) = 15 rounds
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Heroes Feast

You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Temp HP: 1d8 + 7 = 15

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Sunday June 21st, 2020 2:57:45 PM
"Go for it Tali, maybe you will find something we are missing", Succotash urges.

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Sunday June 21st, 2020 2:59:32 PM
"Oh, great idea Miss Tali! Please DO put on the robe and look around!" agrees Bliss. "Go for it."

"What are the fancy cups for?" asks Mookie. "Maybe they do something or have some significance."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid (wise?) hawk - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Monday June 22nd, 2020 1:20:50 AM

"Yes, Tali. The robe will help you be a good looker. As if you needed additional help."

"They're for the deluxe suite for our bed and breakfast, of course, Bliss," Murphy answers.

He puts some finishing details on his sketches, then tucks them safely away in a scroll case. "What did we find?" he asks those who have been searching.

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday June 22nd, 2020 6:31:34 AM
Mookie gapes at Murphy!

"Hey hey! The druid gets off a good one," he crows. "Wacka-wacka-wacka!"

Bliss falls over laughing. "A 'good looker', ha! Sir Kezzem, you've got some competition here!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Monday June 22nd, 2020 7:45:51 AM
When Mookie mentions the goblets, Succotash says, �let see if those goblets are more then just pretty!�, as he cast detect magic on them.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30)+blink, HP 98+15/111+15, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Monday June 22nd, 2020 1:45:46 PM

Pressi transforms out of her dragon state. "Ok, lets get to it."

Regardless of whether Succotash can repair the armor (she has some doubts), she takes the minute while everyone is exploring to shed it, changing into her only backup outfit (her entertainers outfit). (Wait, is this why these temple stories always have women exploring them in scanty outfits? One more round against the adamantium golems and Pressi would be in high heels too.)

(I'm beginning to think I've put more thought into this than the Indy series has.)

Under Murphy's suggestion, she and Harper take a look around the rest of the room, including where she inserted the key and at some of the arrow traps. As of yet, she doesn't have any particular suggestion about the talisman, but the temple hasn't exactly grown on her in terms of "good base" options. Plus they'd probably need to hire a receptionist just to keep turning away confused adventurers and salesmen.

DM Kathy
Monday June 22nd, 2020 2:11:02 PM
[Apologies, but your DM is indisposed today. No DM post.]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid (wise?) hawk - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+17=31 ;
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 2:03:37 AM

Pulling out his art supplies again, the gap-toothed sandy-haired halfling sketches a fetching picture of his fianc�e in her entertainer's outfit.

He presents it to her.

Profession - Artist: 31

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 1:19:07 PM
Hobie is also intrigued with the traps like Murphy. He is willing to see if theres a finite supply of arrows. Rather than using his own finite arrows, he'll repeatedly toss his supply of javelins at the trigger that he fired an arrow at before, and use mage hand to bring them back to him each time. He'll do it either until it runs out of arrows or his friends are ready to move on

DM Kathy
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 1:52:47 PM
Murphy sketches the altar and the talisman for posterity.

Bliss casts Detect Magic and examines the talisman. The results are--inconclusive. There does seem to be a very, very faint Divine aura about the thing, but you're not sure what it does. If it does anything. It might just be sacred.

Kezzem is his usual jokester self.

Tali dons the Robe of Eyes and has a look around. You don't see anything you didn't see before.

Succotash casts Detect Magic and looks at the goblets, but they are not magical. Perhaps they were used in some ritual or other, or perhaps they're just wealth accumulated by whoever built the temple. Whatever they were for, they're yours now!

Pressi discards her shredded armor in favor of something more fanservice-y. Much is made clear.

Hobie plays--er, experiments--with the same trap he set off earlier. Thus far, it has not run out of arrows.

Many of you have this vague feeling that, somehow, there ought to be more to this place. Something you're missing. Something hidden. One by one, you begin to realize at least part of the reason you're thinking this way. You were given a ring of three keys. You have used two of them.

What's the third key for?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30)+blink, HP 98+15/111+15, CMD 24; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 4:21:51 PM
"Well, lets not go overboard," Pressi responded. "I do still have my robe over this."

"Hey, this is going to sound random, but did anyone try to put the keys together and see if they fit like a puzzle?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 6:08:50 PM
Now that she is back in halfling form, Succotash casts mending multiple times on Pressi's broken armor, each time targeting a different crack, dent, ECT, until the armor is completely repaired.

(The armor is +1 Light fortification armor plus glamour and shadow. Succotash is high enough level to fulfill the prerequisites for all the abilities, the highest of which is light fortification which is CL 10, as such he should be able to fix the armor.)

I didn�t bother rolling since it�s a 0 level spell , and he would just keep casting until it�s fixed.

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 9:50:15 PM

Bliss can't figure it out, but he has a suspicion there is more here than meets the eye.

"Why don't we just camp out, and in the morning Murphy and Hobie can talk to the stones of this place, and knock open any secrets we have missed."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid (wise?) hawk - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+40=59 ;
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020 10:31:09 PM

"Good idea, Pressi. Someone do that with the keys. Also - it may be possible we missed a keyhole in the entryway. Someone want to check that out? Shoot, I will, but not alone. How about if a couple join me in the search, hit the fallen golem a few more times to ensure it stays down, and see how Tali's Box is faring."

He goes with who chooses to accompany him, first checks on the two golems. If they are basically as before, he, adds some lightning strikes to the guy who is down, and encourages others to bash it further. Assuming the other big fella is not about to burst his enclosure, Murphy begins searching high, mid and low for another keyhole - not only by sight, but also by touch.

That's a 59 on perception for Murphy. DM Kathy, feel free to make additional rolls for the druid if one is not enough.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30-5), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday June 24th, 2020 11:58:47 AM

To Bliss, "because we presumably have a time crunch with the golems and people trying to access the temple.... Although... has anyone seen any signs of anyone else trying to access this place? Because if we have the keys and the traps remain set, I can't help but think we've walked into a bigger trap than a bunch of arrows.

"Speaking of, I think I felt a presence in regards to the golems, like something was controlling them. I assumed it was the temple itself, but I can't confirm that. Maybe it's time to hit a detect thoughts on those things."

If Murphy insists on checking the first room again, Pressi chooses to follow. First, she takes a look outside to make sure nobody is waiting just outside the front door for them. Second, she scans the room with "detect thoughts," trying to tap into what's controlling the golems. Third, she starts detecting magic on the walls themselves, seeing if anything pops out.

------------

Pressi

Ritual Warding
Ritual Healing
Heroes Feast - no HP
detect magic
shield of faith
shield other (from Kezzem)
true seeing
spectral hand
broken (destroyed) armor (-9 HP)

Harper
ritual warding
heroes feast - 10 HP
shield of faith

spells used

L1: 2
L2: 0+1
L3: 1
L4: 1
L5: 1+1
L6: 1

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid (wise?) hawk - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+40=46 ;
Wednesday June 24th, 2020 12:18:27 PM

Grateful to Pressi for joining him in his search, Murphy also thinks to see if he can discern a keyhole on either golem.

Perception on that effort: 46

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74 d20+23=36 ;
Wednesday June 24th, 2020 12:49:47 PM
Kezzem closes his eyes and meditates a minute before trying to look around again.

Perception: 1d20 + 23 = 36.

He also activates Detect Evil just in case he can get a ping.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday June 24th, 2020 1:02:35 PM
"I just remembered that I've got Stone Shape prepared, does anyone notice anything unusual where I might be able to move some stone around to find a keyhole?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid (wise?) hawk - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+40=45 ;
Wednesday June 24th, 2020 1:13:05 PM

If nothing comes of the internal search, the druid thinks to examine the area just outside the entrance. Maybe there is a key slot that can arm and disarm the sentries.

Perception: 45

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 | TMP HP=15 d20+21=26 ; d20+21=34 ; d20+21=35 ;
Wednesday June 24th, 2020 1:27:55 PM
Temple of the Robe of Many Eyes

Tali uses the Robe of Many Eye to determine if there is anything that would resemble of keyhole base on what the last key looks like; {Perception check:26} Once she finishes at ground level, Tali will rise to 15 feet and check again;{Perception check:34}, & lastly rise to almost ceiling height and try again; {Perception check:35}.

Spell in Effect

Mage Armor - 800 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 800of 900 Minutes
Unseen servant - 870 of 900 Minutes
Light - 120 of 150 minutes

2x Wall of Force

EFFECT

Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level
Duration 1 round /level (D) = 15 rounds
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Heroes Feast

You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Temp HP: 1d8 + 7 = 15

DM Kathy
Wednesday June 24th, 2020 3:06:35 PM
Now that he has access to the ruined armor, Succotash spends some time fixing it. It does take a while, but he is able to do it eventually.

Pressi asks whether the three keys might fit together somehow.

You examine the keys, and it doesn't look like they're going to fit together.

Bliss is in favor of resting so that spells can be prepared and cast.

Murphy wants another look at the outer room, and Pressi goes with him. The golems are still encased in their Walls of Force. The one golem is still battering at its first wall. The other golem, the one you guys kicked to the curb, has not yet healed itself. Murphy looks, but doesn't see a keyhole on either golem, or in the area outside the temple.

Pressi casts Detect Thoughts, trying to hone in on a presence she believes she felt. [Your DM did not mean to give you the impression that there was any kind of presence in the room. There really isn't.] You detect your companions, and your companions' animals, but nothing else.

Since you have a bit of time, you put your heads together to discuss what you know about golems. [If you're skimming the DM post, looking for your name, I'll tag this for everybody.] Golems are mindless automatons consisting of an artificial body merged with some kind of elemental, usually an earth elemental. Golems obey the commands of their creator. If their creator is not present, they will continue carrying out their most recent command for as long as they are able. For example, these golems' creator may have said, "stand here and attack anyone who approaches this door."

In the absence of the golems' creator, is there any way to control them? You don't know. There may be one, and the creator may have shared this information with trusted confederates, but you don't have access to it. Whatever is used to control them, it is unlikely to be something as purely mechanical as a key. It's probably something more mystical and woo-woo than that.

Hobie offers a Stone Shape to help uncover they keyhole, if somebody can figure out where it is.

Tali, still in the Robe of Eyes begins looking for one, first at ground level, then higher up.

Kezzem closes his eyes and gives it some thought. He's not one of the great thinkers of the group, but everyone has their moments. Alternatively, you're sitting in a temple; maybe it's divine inspiration. For whatever reason, Kezzem realizes something. The inside of the temple matches the outside. You know what's in both rooms. There's no extra keyhole here.

If there's more to this temple, it's got to be underground. Right beneath your feet.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+22=34 ;
Wednesday June 24th, 2020 5:59:53 PM
"Here ya go Press, good as new", Succotash says as he hands Pressi back her armor, "And you doubted my skills!" After handed her armor back, Succotash says , "Well, guys, if that third key leads anywhere it's down, let's check the floor for an opening". He then begins looking for a keyhole, or some other door indicator on the floor. (Perception 34) If he doesn't see anything on the floor, he will try pushing on the altar, making sure to push north, south, east, and west, just in case there is a hidden passage underneath, and the altar only slides one way.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74
Thursday June 25th, 2020 12:19:41 AM
"Hobie, maybe you could shape stone us a way into the basement?" asks Kezzem.

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle d20+26=32 ; d20+17=37 ;
Thursday June 25th, 2020 1:37:35 AM
Bliss changes into a cat and tries to sniff out any air flow or scent that would reveal where there is a passage under the floor.

Perception with scent: 32
Survival / Tracking with scent: 37

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Thursday June 25th, 2020 4:46:36 AM

Murphy says, "Maybe it's time for me to change. How does earth elemental sound? I can take a quick look below."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday June 25th, 2020 1:32:07 PM
"Go for it Murph"

Hobie will wait for Murphy to check it out, and if needed, he'll use the stone shape to create a passage.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30-5), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34) d20+25=27 ;
Thursday June 25th, 2020 2:02:16 PM
Pressi takes another look around the room. "Ok, lets think this through..."

"The floor is flat stones fitted together, no traps as of yet. The statues... one held a hammer and the other a sword..." Pressi takes some time to check the podiums again (Perception 27). "And the ceiling is 20 feet high... did anyone notice anything flying around up there? Because I'm wondering if these flat stones are meant to fall away or open. Maybe with the pedestal, or the alter...."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30-5), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday June 25th, 2020 2:03:08 PM
Oh, and Pressi thanks Succotash for his surprisingly effective work.

DM Kathy
Thursday June 25th, 2020 2:58:35 PM
Kezzem suggests that Hobie use his Stone Shape to make a way into the basement. Murphy offers to turn into an earth elemental for much the same purpose.

Succotash and Bliss examine the area. Succotash's eyes move over the traps, now disabled, that are all over the floor in the altar room. Most of them follow the same two designs, repeated over and over and over throughout the room. But there's one, in the dead center of the room....now that he looks at it, Succotash can tell that it's different from the others. It covers a larger area, for one thing. And--is it a pit trap? It does seem like it might open somehow.

Bliss, sniffing around nearby, smells--well, not fresh air. Different air. Cooler, damper air, associated with the large central trap.

Pressi would appear to have figured it out. One of the stones in the floor is indeed intended to open to a space below. But--do you have to deliberately set off that trap in order to get down there? That would mean turning on all the traps, which doesn't seem especially safe. Of course, now that you know where the opening is, you have ways to push through it that don't necessarily involve using the trap itself.

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday June 25th, 2020 3:11:53 PM

Bliss changes back and points out the spot. "Stone shape there should get us into it," he says.

He changes back into a cat and calls Mookie over. He stands on the edge of the pit.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74
Thursday June 25th, 2020 4:32:04 PM
"Wait, how does Murphey move through stone as an earth elemental?" wonders Kezzem. "I mean, he's basically a rock, right? If i swash one rock into a bigger rock it doesn't just pass through, right? That's just common sense!"

"Arg, brain, stop thinking!"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 | TMP HP=15 d20+21=29 ; d20+41=46 ;
Thursday June 25th, 2020 5:30:41 PM
The Unseen Temple

Tali wearing the Robe of Many Eyes hovering about 7 feet off the ground, makes her way outside of the temple, to have a look around. Using the her perception skills coupled with the Robe of Many Eyes will try to "see" another entrance into the underground or alt dimension Unseen Temple --

Skill check: Perception & Robe of Many Eyes = 29 | If allowed to take 20, 46 .

Spell in Effect

Mage Armor - 800 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 800of 900 Minutes
Unseen servant - 870 of 900 Minutes
Light - 120 of 150 minutes

2x Wall of Force

EFFECT

Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level
Duration 1 round /level (D) = 15 rounds
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Heroes Feast

You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Temp HP: 1d8 + 7 = 15

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Thursday June 25th, 2020 5:34:57 PM

"Yeah, Kezzem, earth becomes my element. It's like I swim through it, sort of. I become one with the rock, and flow through it, along with it. We momentarily meld in my passing. It's like an air elemental flowing through air, water through water, fire through fire." With that, he wild shapes to a huge earth elemental. He gets on his hands and knees - and sees if he can stick his head through the center tile so as to take a look around.

He communicates telepathically to Pressi, 'I hope you don't have to tell the story about how your fianc� was decapitated.'

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Thursday June 25th, 2020 5:35:39 PM

Oh, and he tells her what he sees so she can tell the others.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74
Friday June 26th, 2020 12:37:23 AM
"Yeah, but...I can pass through water, air, and even fire (albeit a little hot), but ...," ponders poor Kezzem. "I don't get it."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Friday June 26th, 2020 6:32:37 AM
Succotash waits for the updates from Murphy and Tali.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30-5), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Friday June 26th, 2020 11:34:20 AM
"But you can't swim through human?" Pressi completed Kezzem's thought. "Look, I don't know what to tell you. A wizard did it, and he can probably explain it better than I can, and its a little late to the game to make this the thing that doesn't make sense when we both used to have completely different DNA."

(In my case, a wizard literally did it.)

She continues to wait with the others.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74
Friday June 26th, 2020 12:48:35 PM
"A wizard did it? I thought Murpehy was a druid!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30-5), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Friday June 26th, 2020 1:53:51 PM
"No, we're talking before that. Murphy does it now, but I'm talking before that."

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday June 26th, 2020 2:02:13 PM

Bliss shakes his head in confusion. "What the heck are you guys even talking about?"

Mookie caws, "Kid, Kid, Kid. Just so out of it."

DM Kathy
Friday June 26th, 2020 2:25:34 PM
Bliss points out the right spot in the floor, then turns back into a cat.

Tali looks for a different entrance. It's ridiculous to think you access the basement by deliberately triggering a trap. But, that looks to be the only way down. Anyway, you aren't seeing anything else.

Murphy turns into an earth elemental, and sticks his head through the stone to take a look. You see the mechanism of the trap. It looks as if the floor drops away, and a metal chute takes its place, so that people slide into the basement. You look carefully, but see nothing that would hurt anybody. Slide into the basement; that's it.

The rest of the group discuss the improbability of an earth elemental being able to penetrate solid rock. "A wizard did it" is a possible theory. You could also go with, "forget it, Kezzem. It's Magictown."

When you receive your report from Murphy, you have a couple of options. You could turn the traps back on, navigate to the one you want (you can avoid the other traps), and set it off. Or, you could ask Hobie to just make you an entrance and then lower a rope or something.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74
Friday June 26th, 2020 3:13:25 PM
"Bliss, I don't even know what I'm talking about any more," says Kezzem.

"Now what's this about a slide?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Friday June 26th, 2020 6:41:51 PM

Murphy explains what he saw. "A metal chute. We slide down it. What could be easier?" the druid asks.

Is it large enough to accommodate his bulk, especially if he kind of squeezes himself tight? Or is squeezing even necessary? Is it large enough for, say, an adamantite golem?

"Right, so, we retrigger the traps, step on the center square, then go weeeeee! all the way down. Want me to go first, and score the metal so as to give following people metal slivers on the way down? Or someone else go first? Maybe I, or someone big enough, can be up top and hold a long rope so as to ease us down. All right, decision conference time!"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 | TMP HP=15
Friday June 26th, 2020 11:56:49 PM
Tali returns to the group finding nothing outside of the temple. Upon her return, gliding through the air above the ground, Tali is surprised to discover the group found a trapped hatch of sorts...and the group is deciding what to do. Talk vtunteers to giver decend into the whole...

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle d20+33=36 ; d20+26=44 ;
Saturday June 27th, 2020 8:58:27 AM

Bliss says, "Slide, heck. I'll just spider climb down it."

"Unless it is Greased," caws Mookie.

"Oh." Bliss detects magic. If it is not, he casts a few message spells, changes into a cat and spiderwalks down the slide carefully and stealthily.

Stealth 36, Perception 44, using scent, lowlight vision, and hearing. No light if it is dark down there.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Saturday June 27th, 2020 11:47:06 AM
Seeing Bliss turn into a cat to start walking down the slide, Succotash has to stifle a giggle, �Um, Bliss, you may want to wait until we actually open the hatch�. Then to the rest of the party he says, �Since the traps are all pressure sensitive, a nice safe way to open the hatch would be for either Tali, or Valerie, and myself to fly/air walk over and then trigger the hatch. That way there is no way to accidentally trigger death�.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Saturday June 27th, 2020 2:29:26 PM
"Slides are fun! I'll volunteer to go first"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 | TMP HP=15 d20+21=31 ; d20+21=37 ; d20+21=27 ; d20+21=31 ;
Sunday June 28th, 2020 5:26:52 PM
Temple Basement

Upon rejoining her squadmates inside the temple, Tali orders her glowing unseen servant to descent into the hole in the floor to illuminate the basement area. A few minutes afterwards, Tali herself descends into the hole still wearing the Robe of Many eyes in order to get a better understanding of what is actually down there! Every 5 feet downward in her descent, she will check for what can be perceived assuming the depth is the same as the temple above, and therefore four (4) perception checks will be made:

Skill Checks

Perception with the Robe of Many Eyes:

1) 31
2) 37
3) 27
4) 31

Afterwards, Tali stays 5 feet above the floor hovering while making room for her comrades.

Spell in Effect

Mage Armor - 800 of 900 Minutes
Overland Flight - 800of 900 Minutes
Unseen servant - 870 of 900 Minutes
Light - 120 of 150 minutes

2x Wall of Force

EFFECT

Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level
Duration 1 round /level (D) = 15 rounds
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Heroes Feast

You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Temp HP: 1d8 + 7 = 15

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday June 29th, 2020 8:05:57 AM
Bliss tries to spider climb down the slide and finds that his feet won't go through the solid floor. Looks like Hobie and Miss Tali are having the same problem.

"Hey! Who put this trapdoor here?" demands the indignant Bliss.

"And by the way," Mookie adds, "why don't we ALL go down once we solve the inexplicable challenge of this physical impediment?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30-5), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Monday June 29th, 2020 10:26:12 AM
"You guys know that the bottom of this slide is probably not a nice pad next to a bunch of bunnies," Pressi brought up. "I mean, its not as insane as I might make it sound, because presumably our previous homeowners went down there, too, somehow. But... yeah, I would say a safety rope might be ideal."

Pressi doesn't have much of a thought as to how to go down there, except that her blink is gone. She'd rather not set off the trap, noting not just the danger but that it's unnecessary. (Since they just need to remove the plate - brute force should do the trick just fine.) She's willing to hang back this time around.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Monday June 29th, 2020 11:48:26 AM

"So long as one of the tiles adjacent to this center tile is untrapped, why, I can just press down on it, and let people descend as they choose." Murphy says. "I can hold a rope at the same time. Now, someone give me a rope - two ropes tied together, in case it goes farther than fifty feet." Once someone gives him a pair of linked ropes, he kneels on a safe adjacent tile, holds the rope, and waits as people, or invisible servants, or magical hands descend to look around. Once everyone is down, and he has heard a report of what it is like, he gives warning to watch out below, and slides down himself. So long as he fits. If he does not fit, then he will see about earth gliding outside the slide, following it until he gets to the end, then cautiously emerging near his friends.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74
Monday June 29th, 2020 12:41:18 PM
"Bunnies?" says Kezzem. "Well that won't do, Press. I was promised puppies!"

DM Kathy
Monday June 29th, 2020 2:10:39 PM
Murphy is pretty sure that, at his present size, he's not going to fit through the trapdoor and down the slide. A large-sized creature would probably fit, but huge is going to be too big.

Tali examines the area with her Robe of Many Eyes, but sees nothing she didn't see before. The trap has not yet been sprung, so it just looks like floor at this point.

Bliss wants to spider-climb down the slide, and Pressi wants to use a safety rope. Hobie volunteers to go first, no equipment necessary.

Kezzem was promised puppies, darn it!

Some clarification: the trap opens a trap-door and drops the slide into place. Right now, the slide is not below the opening; it is being held up near the ceiling of the space below. Going through the trapped stone without setting off the trap will lead you into the space below, but will probably not drop the slide into place. You'll need a rope or something.

When Murphy looked earlier, with darkvision and a pretty good Perception check, he didn't see anything that would be harmful to anyone. So, while there may not be actual bunnies, there probably aren't sharks with frickin' laser beams either.

Really, it's a question of how you want to do this. You can cautiously create an opening and slowly and carefully descend by rope, making Perception checks all the way, or you can throw caution to the winds, set off the trap, and slide down the slide.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday June 29th, 2020 2:34:57 PM
"The trap sounds safe enough. Let me trigger it, and worst case, I've got feather fall prepared, and Dimension door to bloop myself back."

Hobie will head over and trigger the trap to make himself fall through the slide

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74
Monday June 29th, 2020 3:54:33 PM
"Be careful, Hobie," says Kezzem. "Pressi thinks there might be bunnies down there, but I bet their no ordinary rabbits. They'll be the most foul, cruel, and bad-tempered rodent you ever set eyes on. Death awaits us with big, nasty, pointy teeth!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Monday June 29th, 2020 5:31:15 PM

"Yet very soft to pet," adds Murphy. "I'll still hold the rope if you all want to be less frisky than Hobie." As Hobie triggers the trap, Murphy holds the door open to the chute, and the rope, if someone provides it.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Monday June 29th, 2020 9:04:16 PM

"WHO HAS ROPE FOR ME?" Murphy asks in a booming, earthy huge Earth Elemental voice.

[This is about the 7th or 9th time or so a rope has been brought up. Murphy would simply use his own rope, but can't, since he is wildshaped.

Will SOMEONE, PLeaSE, take the HINT and offer a ROPE????? ]
[/rant]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+22=24 ; d20+9=28 ;
Tuesday June 30th, 2020 6:41:26 AM
"I have 50ft of good hemp rope here Murph, your welcome to it, if you feel the need, though I have no idea if it's enough", With that, he mounts Valerie and airwalks down the chute at a 45 degree angle, zig-zagging back and forth until they reach the bottom. he is using the light spell cast on Valerie's bow for illumination. Succotash is on alert, and he tells Valerie to remain on alert as well.
Succotash's perception 24
Valerie's perception 28

Succotash:
heroes feast (13 temp HP)
dimensional hop 150 ft/150 ft
speak with animals 18/18 (rounds/day)
positive channels 9/9

Valerie:
heroes feast (9 temp HP)
longstrider (15 hrs)
light (on head bow)
airwalk 148min/150 min
+5 divine power 9/15 (15 temp hp)
+4 shield of faith 14 min/15 min

Heroes Feast
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 | TMP HP=15 d20+21=28 ; d20+21=23 ; d20+21=33 ; d20+21=30 ;
Tuesday June 30th, 2020 8:28:58 AM
The Temple's Other Side

Tali asks, "Can the unseen servant open the trap, and engage the slide? If not, I can create a wall of force side if we need one." to the group. Regardless of what the group decides, as soon as the trap opening is opened, Tali will descend into the opening after her while wearing both her Goggles of the Night and the Robe of Many Eyes making perception checks every 5 feet or so. After she gets to about 5 feet above the ground, she will hover there and remove her Goggles and then ask her unseen servant to join her...bringing light into the area.

Skill Checks
Perception:
1)28
2)23
3)33
4)30
Take 20) 41

Spell in Effect
heroes feast (15 temp HP)
Mage Armor (750/900 Minutes)
Overland Flight (750/900 Minutes)
Unseen servant (850/900 Minutes)
Light {cast on unseen servant } (100/150 minutes)

2x Wall of Force
EFFECT
Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level
Duration 1 round /level (D) = 15 rounds
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Heroes Feast
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30-5), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday June 30th, 2020 10:55:44 AM
Pressi hands Murphy some rope. By throwing it at the back of his head. Still counts.

Since everyone seems to be interested in the trap, Pressi uses mage hand to manipulate the keys, turning the traps back on.

DM Kathy
Tuesday June 30th, 2020 2:58:11 PM
Murphy is getting frustrated. He needs rope, but his backpack has melded with his current form, somewhere near his left hip. And even if he could get to it, he doesn't exactly have fingers at the moment. He calls for help from his companions.

Pressi obliges him by throwing a rope at the back of his head. She uses Mage Hand to re-arm the traps.

Tali suggests an Unseen Servant for the slide trap, but Hobie is eager to try it out! Hobie triggers the trap! You drop through the trapdoor and land on the metal slide, which itself has only just dropped into position. The space below the floor is dark, and soon you are rushing down a slide, though the darkness, toward an uncertain fate. You're pretty sure there's nothing down here to hurt you, and you've prepared contingencies just in case, so it's not that scary. You can imagine, though, that unexpectedly setting off this trap could be terrifying. Your slide ends with a bump, and then you are sitting in a pitch-dark room.

Succotash and Valerie head down the slide at a more sedate pace. The light on Valerie's bow helps illuminate the space. This area is pretty uninteresting--plain stone walls, floor, and ceiling. The slide ends in a small chamber where Hobie is sitting, and that's where things get interesting.

Tali also goes cautiously, using her robe and goggles to see everything. The "slide room" is pretty boring, but the end of the slide opens into a small chamber that is interesting indeed.

Murphy, Pressi, Kezzem, and Bliss are still in the room above. So it is Hobie, Succotash, and Tali who first see the small chamber.

It, too, is fairly plain, with stone walls, floor, and ceiling. But in the middle of the chamber is a large, barrel-shaped...sculpture? Something. And "barrel-shaped" doesn't really do it justice; its lines are sleek and graceful. It is decorated with carvings you don't think you've seen before. Although....

Knowledge: History DC 20; Engineering DC 25; Planes DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {You've only ever seen pictures of them, but you're pretty sure this is a Teucri artifact!}

But the most obvious feature of the--whatever it is--is a keyhole set directly in the center of the top.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74
Tuesday June 30th, 2020 3:51:54 PM
"You okay down there Hobie, or did the bunnies get you?" asks Kezzem. He follows Hobie down the slide.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+10=16 ; d20+20=38 ; d20+20=31 ;
Tuesday June 30th, 2020 8:03:54 PM

The elemental who recently called out loudly for rope when none was provided when calm requests were made thanks, Succotash, then laughs as Pressi throws the rope at his back. "Ah, there, The lesson is, then, shout to get effective results? I don't mind getting a rise from shouting - which as I hope you know by now is not my preferred approach, so long as people do not act when I request politely.

Murphy says, "Well here's the rope, or slide down as you wish. I'll bring up the rear. Murphy figures out a way to earthglide in a roundabout way outside the chute, since he does not fit at the moment. Once he passed through a portion of an underground area half in and half out of stone. Like wading. If for whatever reason there is no reasonable way for him to get there that way, he will change back into halfling form, and slide down.

In whichever form he arrives, he looks at the - sculpture?

Though he knows some bits of history about the them, that is not what gets him through this time. It's his training in engineering and recent trip to the planes that jog his thinking. "Teucri. Those old Teucri people fashioned this lovely item, I'll wager. Some that it was the Teucri who came up with the original design of the Giant Towers, and that Shafbaffum, maybe 110, 120 years ago used some knowledge he'd acquired from them to build the defense against the giants. Who knows? Theories abound.

"Pressi - you want to see what happens if you mage hand the key here? Do we have one that fits?" he asks, looking around at his friends.

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday June 30th, 2020 11:33:42 PM

Bliss spider climbs down as a cat and Mookie flies after. He triggers his Divine Favor as an SLA after everybody has descended.

"Meow!"

Mookie translates, "Once everybody is down, use the key!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells d20+6=7 ;
Wednesday July 1st, 2020 6:07:45 AM
Knowledge planes 7

Succotash has no idea as to what the item is, but when Murphy mentions the Teucri, his ears perk up a bit. "Weren't the Teucri some sort of alien race?", Succotash asks, "I wonder what they looked like, maybe they were little green men, I mean I know little is relative since we are halflings and all, but don't they usually use humans as a sort of standard in these kind of things?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30-5), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34) d20+25=45 ;
Wednesday July 1st, 2020 10:44:13 AM
"Only one key left," Pressi replies as she moves her mage hand to manipulate the key slot. But not before taking a look around the room (Perception Nat 20=45) or casting detect magic around.

To Succotash, "Pretty much, but think crystal creatures, not... what sounds suspiciously like goblins in space. Dolgrin faced a couple at a dinner party recently, so strange coincidence there." To Murphy, "Looks like we're getting that moon trip after all."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+8=18 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+8=13 ;
Wednesday July 1st, 2020 12:50:34 PM
"That was fun, let's see what the key does!"

DM Kathy
Wednesday July 1st, 2020 2:47:41 PM
Kezzem slides down the slide.

Bliss climbs down it.

Murphy tries to follow, but finds the opening won't accommodate a huge elemental. He turns back into a halfling, and is easily able to slip down.

Succotash wonders about the Teucri, while Hobie is eager to see what happens when the key is turned!

Pressi is ready to oblige. She mentions a moon trip.

But, if this thing really is going to send you to the moon--or Fargunia, or the Southern Continent, or a mysterious magic kingdom ruled by a mouse--there are some logistical considerations first. The halflings are all down in the underground chamber. At least, Pressi didn't specifically say she was down there, but she's manipulating keys so we can assume. Valerie is down there, too, as is Mookie. But Harper and Rumpus are still up in the main part of the temple. Whatever is going to happen here probably won't include them unless you take the time to move them down there. Plus any other animal companions your DM may have lost track of.

Or, maybe you want to move the animals out of the room so they're clear of whatever's going to happen because you don't know what that is. Either way, you need to decide who goes where before you start that thing up.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 | TMP HP=15
Wednesday July 1st, 2020 9:12:17 PM
The Temple's Crystal Tube

Tali follows her team and also sends the unseen servant to the basement as well. Tali makes sure she stays 18 inches above the ground, hovering.

Spell in Effect
heroes feast (15 temp HP)
Mage Armor (750/900 Minutes)
Overland Flight (750/900 Minutes)
Unseen servant (850/900 Minutes)
Light {cast on unseen servant } (100/150 minutes)

2x Wall of Force
EFFECT
Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level
Duration 1 round /level (D) = 15 rounds
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Heroes Feast
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday July 1st, 2020 11:13:01 PM
Bliss is ready! "Meow!"

"The Kid says, 'Push the button, Frank!' "

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20=7 ; d20+27=39 ; d20+40=51 ;
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 12:15:39 AM

"Wait!" Murphy projects. "Before we open this - Succotash, or others, can you first cast some sort of spell, or seek guidance as to whether we ought to open it? Teucri magic is potent, it can be potent beyond measure. We've left a few animals up top. Shall we leave them there, alone, with a trapped floor? Hold, please, before we turn the key. Can we, by touching, see what we might discern? By detection of magic, with a few minutes of concentration? Tali, do you have any tricks up your sleeve? Pressi? Kitty Bliss? Any others?"

He walks up and puts a hand on the surface of the object. He puts his ear to it and listens.
=========
Survival: 39
Perception: 51
Accidental roll which was not intended for anything (but DM may use for whatever if she chooses): 7

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74 d20+24=37 ;
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 12:47:09 AM
"Let me check it out, Murph, but keep an eye out for those bunnies!"

Kezzem will detect the evil. He will also check for traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 23 + 1 (Trapfidning) = 37.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 6:35:05 AM
Hearing Murphy's warning Succotash casts detect magic to see if he can ascertain the aura of the obviously magical device. He will also cast Augury asking his deities whether it would be safe to use this device. He makes a point of telling his friends what he is doing before hand, and of course, he shares the results with them.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30-5), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 12:33:45 PM
Pressi can barely here over the mewing of Harper going down the slide.

"I guess I can cast a divination, but tricks... I can't really do that without some knowledge of what is on the other side of the door. But, at least I can quicken some of them."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 1:04:30 PM
Hobie grips his bow tight and gets ready to go!

DM Kathy
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 2:38:40 PM
Tali brings her Unseen Servant into the room and remains hovering in place.

Cat-Bliss mews! He is ready to go!

Hobie is likewise ready to go!

Harper follows Pressi down the slide.

Kezzem isn't worried about Rumpus because he has Dial-A-Horse. He checks the device for traps, but finds none.

Murphy touches, smells, and listens to the device. You're not able to place the material it's made of--somehow it doesn't seem like stone, or metal, but yet it seems like both of them. Other than that, there's nothing remarkable about it.

Succotash casts Augury, and gets....no reply. He casts Detect Magic, and the device is definitely magic, but it's a kind you've never encountered before.

Tentatively, you put the key into the keyhole to see what happens. Nothing happens. You turn the key, and things start to happen.

First, six handles jut out from the device, near the top, in a semicircle. Is six handles just the standard number, or does the machine somehow know there are six people with hands here? (Bliss is currently a cat.) A few seconds after the handles appear, several other protrusions appear. One is just the right size and height to be bitten by a velociraptor. Another is just right for a big cat. Another is just right for a little cat. One is long and thin, and could be perched on by a bird. There doesn't appear to be anything for the Unseen Servant; either the machine could not detect it, or it's ignoring it.

The handles and other objects are ready for your group. But it's not too late to back out....

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 3:23:18 PM
�Alright, lets see where this goes!!�

Hobie reaches a hand out and grabs the nearest handle.

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 4:16:52 PM

Bliss meows happily and puts a paw on the protrusion at cat height.

Mookie caws, "Wait wait wait! Is this a smart thing to do? Kid, the first rule of adventuring is 'Don't Touch That Idol!' Maybe pause and THINK!?!"

Cat-Bliss stares at Mookie and thinks at him!

If you can read thoughts or eavesdrop on telepathy or are just curious, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {"Come on, ya big chicken! BAWK BAWK BAWK! All the cool kids are doing it! Don't turn your back on adventure!" The emotion that comes through is rock solid determination to do this thing.}

Mookie sighs and flutters to his perch. "If you die, don't say I didn't warn ya, Kid!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 5:02:27 PM
"Eh, what's the worst that can happen," says Kezzem as he grabs his handle.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Thursday July 2nd, 2020 6:21:33 PM

"My father has been working on a special ride to bring thrills and pleasure to the halflings of Crescent Valley," says Murphy. "A carousel is what he is calling it. He has carved out many figures of animals, monsters, plants for people to sit astride. Some go up and down, some are stationary - except that the large disk upon which they rest rotate on the central axis, so that people go merrily around and around.

"I wonder if this Teucri object is their version of a merry ride?" He turns to Pressi. "The moon, you say? If so, which one, I wonder?" He looks at Harper. "You ready to try this out with us? If so, this big white barrel-shaped thing has made a spot for you," which he indicates with a wave of the hand.

"You willing to give this a try with us, Tali?" he asks.

Then returning to Pressi, he says, "If elsewhere - or elsewhen - well, let's try this - to the moon and beyond!" He places his left hand on the machine, making certain it is adjacent a free one for Pressi.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Friday July 3rd, 2020 11:38:13 AM
Succotash dismounts, and reaches for his handle. As he is reaching, he realizes that Valerie has no idea what to do, so he uses his "Speak with Animals" Spell-like Ability to explain it to her. At first the velociraptor tries to grasp the thing with her talons, but since her protrusion is meant for biting, and not grabbing, Succotash directs her to to so, which she does, as Succotash grabs his handle.

DM Kathy
Friday July 3rd, 2020 2:38:51 PM
Hobie and Kezzem promptly grasp handles.

Bliss and Mookie disagree somewhat on the wisdom of proceeding, but eventually cat-Bliss's paw and Mookie's feet are on the device.

Murphy decides to give it a whirl, and invites Pressi to do the same.

Succotash has some trouble getting Valerie to bite on her "handle." She can grasp it with a talon if she prefers; it's situated a little awkwardly but she can do it.

Not everyone has posted, but we're going to go forward with this.

Once all the people, and animals, and people temporarily shaped into animals, touch the device...nothing happens. You all kind of look at each other for a moment. But then a subtle vibration begins in the machine. It becomes more and more pronounced. You are shaking with it. Your whole body is shaking. It's getting difficult for your eyes to focus--or is the background actually blurring? Even Tali in her robe can't say for sure. You shake until you think you may shake apart--and then it seems you black out for a moment.

[Everybody take 123,000 XP for this scene, which was supposed to be two scenes, but your DM got all excited. On to the next module.]

Mooning About

Palace of the Moon

DM Kathy
Friday July 3rd, 2020 2:44:51 PM
When your senses return, you are standing in a courtyard. Ahead of you looms a magnificent palace, made of some kind of purply-blue stone you don't recognize. The light is--odd. It seems to be daylight; the sun is shining, but the light isn't like anything you've ever experienced. There is another body in the sky, in addition to the sun, and you don't place it immediately.

Knowledge: Geography 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {That's the Wold! You recognize the shape of the continents. Which means that--you're on one of the Wold's two moons!}

Knowledge: Geography 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { That's the Wold overhead. You must be on Wardd or Kerracles. You're pretty sure, though, that if you were on Wardd, you'd be able to see Kerracles. And Wardd is probably darker than this. You believe you're on Kerracles.}

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 | TMP HP=15 d20+21=37 ; d20+21=32 ;
Friday July 3rd, 2020 3:03:57 PM
The Temple's Crystal Tube

Tali follows her team, grabbing a halfling sized handle. Tali also, like before uses the robe to perceive what can be, especially anything dealing with the Arcana::

Skills Checks:

Arcana: 32
Perception:

1) With the robe: 37
2) With the robe & Take 20: 41

Spell in Effect
heroes feast (15 temp HP)
Mage Armor (750/900 Minutes)
Overland Flight (750/900 Minutes)
Unseen servant (850/900 Minutes)
Light {cast on unseen servant } (100/150 minutes)

2x Wall of Force
EFFECT
Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level
Duration 1 round /level (D) = 15 rounds
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Heroes Feast
You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74
Friday July 3rd, 2020 4:17:18 PM
"Well I suppose we aren't in Kansas anymore," says Kezzem upon seeing the strange orb in the sky.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30-5), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Friday July 3rd, 2020 11:24:44 PM
With a smile, Pressi slides beside Murphy. �See you on the other side.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Saturday July 4th, 2020 9:55:18 AM
"Where, in the Wold, are we? I've been all over, and this isn't even close to resembling anyplace I've been, and I wonder who lives in the palace!", Succotash rambles on.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+13=27 ; d20+21=24 ;
Saturday July 4th, 2020 6:55:32 PM

The tow-head druid looks around, mouth agape. He takes in the dimensions of the palace before them, calculating rough dimensions of courtyard, and of castle (Knowledge: Engineering 24).

Then he sees something larger than Wardd, larger than Kerracles in the sky - and of a blue cast mixed with various earthtones. He recalls the image he saw a few years ago drawn by Lord Karlton Pobberington-Whyte III. He has, and has read, the first volume of his 17-volume series Journye to the Moones, about his epic balloon journey into the heavens.

Still not speaking, he reaches into his haversack and pulls out a small illustrated booklet. Faces of Our Moons contains detailed drawings of the surfaces of the two moons of the Wold, Karracles and Wold. He thumbs through quickly, though he has read and studied it many times, that he almost has it memorized. Murphy has spent considerable time thinking about how to get to one or both of the moons.

As he points to the bright Finally, Murphy speaks.

"That object in the sky is our homeworld, the Wold. And we, friends, have flown, not beyond, but to the moon - Kerracles, that is." He holds up his booklet. "And I have a map of the surface."
===================
Knowledge: Geology: 27/20 - success

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Saturday July 4th, 2020 9:11:14 PM

Cat-Bliss looks around, gaping. He thinks via telepathy to his spirit companion, Highlight to display spoiler: {"Wowsy, where are we, Mooks old pal?"}

Mookie caws out loud, amused. "Beats me, Kid! Nowhere I ever been! And I love it!"

Bliss looks around to see if his prying eyes came with him. The spell lasts for 12 hours.

Bliss thinks to Mookie, and the bird says, "Good one, Murph! The Kid likes what you got in your noggin and in your bag!"

=====
DM Sanity Info

Spells cast
lvl 1: Extended* Shield of Faith (140 rounds x2, +4AC), Surrender Blood
lvl 2: Extended* Barkskin x2
lvl 3: Spite w/ DC17 Bestow Curse (-4 on rolls)
lvl 4: Threefold Aspect x2
lvl 5: Prying Eyes
lvl 6: Heroes Feast

Other stuff:
Extended* GMF from Murphy to Bliss.
*Metamagic Rod of Extend x4 on two rods
-250 gp to cast Spite

[OOC: Bliss, CatBliss, and Mookie sheets are up to date!]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+39=43 ;
Monday July 6th, 2020 4:20:17 AM

"Thanks Bliss, Mookie. Anyone want to take a look at the map of Kerracles? It's the second half of this booklet." He opens it to the appropriate page, and hands it off to whoever wants to grab and look first. "We'll have to look around a bit more before knowing where on the map we are."

Doing so, he looks at what objects, artwork, courtyard furniture, and sign of habitation there may be. Has the palace windows? Doors? A visible doorway from the courtyard to the palace? A gate or other passageway out of the courtyard away from the palace? How tall does the castle rise? How broad is it? He attempts to take in whatever may seem germane to figuring out the next step. He also looks to see if the device that vibrated them to this place has joined them in the courtyard.
=============
Perception: 43

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 106/106 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 100/100 Spells
Monday July 6th, 2020 6:20:45 AM
"Well that explains where we are, but I'm still wondering whose palace we happen to be standing in front of, do you think we should knock?

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday July 6th, 2020 7:17:10 AM

OOC: Oh, did the Teucri thing with the handles come with us, or did it send us here but stay behind itself?

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+8=27 ;
Monday July 6th, 2020 12:56:15 PM
"Murph is right, this is Kerracles."

Hobie immediately takes out an arrow and shoots it into the ground.

"Haha!! When I was kid I tried over and over to shoot an arrow at the moons! Now I've got one!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30-5), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Monday July 6th, 2020 1:27:26 PM
Pressi lets out a bit of breath as Murphy speaks of being on one of the moons. "Shouldn't one of us be casting planar adaptation, then?"

Looking at the palace, "Now, see, THIS is what I've been holding out for in a base. None of the dusty ruins stuff. The commute's a little rough, though..."

She takes some time to look at the map that Murphy has. "I'd cast find the path, but it'd probably mark the building ahead as relevant."

DM Kathy
Monday July 6th, 2020 1:56:06 PM
Tali looks around, but her robe doesn't show her anything that wasn't visible on first glance.

Kezzem says you aren't in Kansas anymore, although to be fair, you weren't in Kansas to begin with. It's obvious you aren't in Cthonia anymore either.

Murphy knows where you are! You are on Kerracles! He even has a map! Your DM was not even aware that maps of Kerracles existed! The things they don't tell DMs....

[Apologies in advance if this area doesn't conform to anything on the map; I didn't know there was a map I needed to conform to.]

Bliss looks around. The Prying Eyes don't seem to have made the trip. You don't see the Teucri artifact that got you here, either, which raises the interesting question of how you're going to get back to the Wold.

Hobie fulfills a lifelong dream by firing an arrow into the stones of the courtyard.

Pressi wonders about planar adaptation, but you are still on the Prime Material plane. Just a different part of it.

Succotash wonders aloud about whose palace this is, and whether you should knock. Murphy also wonders, and starts studying the structure for clues.

You don't have much time to wonder or look around, however. Almost as soon as you realize where you are, you see a tiny creature emerge from one of the palace doors. Then another creature. Then another. They keep coming out, walking toward you.

You are seasoned adventurers, so you are on your guard, but they do not look threatening. None are more than 3 feet tall. They have kind of rubbery skin, in shades of gray, blue, and green. They carry no weapons and make no threatening moves. They keep coming out of the palace, until there are a few dozen of them, scattered around you in the courtyard. They bow in unison.

From somewhere off to your right, a voice says "Welcome, guests!"

It's hard to tell which little creature spoke. It only spoke two words, and by the time you were narrowing down which one it might be, it had stopped speaking.

From somewhere ahead of you, "Welcome to the Palace of the Moon!"

Again, you can't figure out which one spoke until it's done speaking.

From your right again, but a different spot, "Perhaps you would like some refreshment?"

They continue speaking, one at a time, from different spots in the crowd. Their voices are not identical, but they are very, very similar. It's hard to pinpoint which one is speaking at any given time.

"Or perhaps you would like a tour of the palace?"

"Or perhaps you are tired and wish to rest?"

"We are at your service."

One creature, with grayish-green skin, approaches close to where Hobie shot his arrow into the courtyard. It bows to Hobie, then begins tugging at the arrow to remove it from the stones.

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle d20+13=29 ; d20-4=-1 ;
Monday July 6th, 2020 2:14:29 PM

This calls for palaver, not fighting, so Bliss changes back into a halfling.

"Hello!" he says, at his friendliest, open hands spread wide. "I'm Bliss, and this is Mookie, and I'll let my friends introduce themselves. Thank you for your welcome. We're nice and peaceful!"

"Yeah," caws Mookie, the jet black raven dashing in his white vest and little white top hat. "We come in peace! Take us to your leader!"

Bliss diplomacy: 29
Mookie Aid Another to diplomacy: 1

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday July 6th, 2020 2:59:01 PM
"Sorry about that, can I have that back?"

Hobie approaches and reaches his hand out to take the arrow back. If the creature gives it back, he'll wrap it in a cloth and place it back in his haversack.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Monday July 6th, 2020 5:17:22 PM

"Lovely! You all speak our tongue - and are most gracious. Thank you," says Murphy. "You've met Bliss and Mookie. That is Hobie, who felt a need to exercise his bow, and is excellent to have as a friend. Apologies for the small damage to the stone.

"Long have I longed to visit this moon. I am Murphy. Each thing you have offered is a kindness. I should love a tour of the palace, as we ate not too long ago.

"At some point, we may ask how we might serve you. Meanwhile - these are my friends, and their animal companions." He gestures toward the rest of the party, and awaits their responses.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+18=35 ;
Monday July 6th, 2020 5:33:35 PM
Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp

Updating header to link to Murphy Druid 16 - new level. Updates still in process.

No worries to DM Kathy on the map. Murphy has the map, and would know the details of it well (say, 90% memorized based on how often he has looked at it, and the fact he has copied it entirely a few times) - so, it should fit just fine with whatever you map is!

Forgot to roll along with post:
Diplomacy: 36 (forgot WLA bonus added 3, not just 2) (or 33 if WLA emblem is of no count here). Kicking that together with Bliss's roll, so his now is 31. If others join in, then Bliss will be deemed a diplomatic genius!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+23=38 ;
Monday July 6th, 2020 6:04:38 PM
Diplomacy 38

"Thank you for your hospitality!", Succotash says with a smile. "Might I ask whose palace this is, and while your at it, since I've never met anyone like you, what do you call yourselves?"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 d20+23=32 ; d20+25=30 ; d20+21=41 ;
Monday July 6th, 2020 6:30:38 PM
Welcome to the Palace of the Moon

Tali being diplomatic {see skill checks} while still hovering 18 inches off the ground, thanks the assembled members of the Palace of the Moon for welcoming them to the Palace, while perceiving what she can of the assembled hosts, the disembarking zone, and the outside of the palace. {See skill check}

Skills Checks:

Bluff: 32
Diplomacy: 30
Perception: with the robe: 41 (NAT 20)

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor (600/900 Minutes)
Overland Flight (600/900 Minutes)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32+4; HP 119/174; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29+4 HP 74+13/74
Tuesday July 7th, 2020 2:06:00 AM
"Oh, sure, their cute and friendly now, but any second they'll turn mean and nasty and there will be a hundred more of them," mutters Kezzem.

Kezzem will detect evil on the moon creatures.

"Would you fellas be interested in trying some Woldian mushrooms?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30-5), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday July 7th, 2020 1:36:26 PM
Pointing to Kezzem, "Thank you. I'm glad I'm not the only one getting the heebie jeebies here."

Taking a breath, "I am curious as to how you aren't surprised or wary of us. Have others used this method of transport... recently?"

DM Kathy
Tuesday July 7th, 2020 2:56:09 PM
Bliss turns back into a halfling. Mookie says, Take us to your leader.

"Alas."

"We cannot."

"Lord Kerracles is not here."

"But he comes!"

"Soon, he comes!"

Succotash asks, Might I ask whose palace this is, and...what do you call yourselves?

"Lord Kerracles."

"This is his palace."

"For him and his guests."

"Welcome, guests!"

"We are moonlings."

Kezzem and Pressi are weirded out by these entirely-too-cute-and-friendly creatures. Kezzem asks, Would you fellas be interested in trying some Woldian mushrooms?

"Alas."

"We do not consume food."

"But thank you."

"You are most generous."

Pressi asks, I am curious as to how you aren't surprised or wary of us. Have others used this method of transport... recently?

"Not recently."

"Not for a long time."

"We are not wary of guests."

"Lord Kerracles' guests."

"Welcome, guests!"

Meanwhile, Tali is looking around. She is especially clear-eyed at the moment, yet does not see anything alarming or untoward. The moonlings are much as they first appeared. The courtyard is clean and tidy. The palace still looms ahead, many stories, probably many rooms. Tali sees a mix of architectural styles--a domed roof, crenellated towers, a colonnade. You cannot see what's behind the palace. Behind you, beyond the courtyard, you see gently rolling hills.

Meanwhile, the moonling has succeeded in yanking Hobie's arrow out of the courtyard. It readily hands over the arrow. The arrowhead has been damaged, and Hobie puts the arrow away for future repair. Three other moonlings approach, one carrying a small bucket, one carrying a small sack, and one carrying a trowel. They, too, bow to Hobie before beginning to repair the stones of the courtyard.

Murphy says, Apologies for the small damage to the stone.

"No apologies are necessary."

"Think nothing of it."

"We are here to serve."

He continues, I should love a tour of the palace, as we ate not too long ago.

"Of course!"

"We are happy to oblige."

"Right this way."

The crowd of moonlings parts, making a path to where two moonlings stand side by side, beckoning Murphy (and anybody else who wants a tour). They don't seem super-invested in the idea that you will all be doing the same thing, so people can come on the tour, or do something else, as they prefer.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday July 7th, 2020 4:00:35 PM
Hobie is slightly put off by the moonlings being so courteous as they fix the damage he did. He watches them with concern, before following with the tour. He will whisper to succotash �Are they just polite, or are these guys some kind of moon slaves?�

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday July 7th, 2020 5:03:12 PM

Bliss is delighted with these fine fellows. He does not have the heart to tell them that their Lord is gone, long gone.

Instead, as the tour progresses, he enjoys asking questions ...

What is this room? What is it used for? Does anybody besides moonlings live here? Do you face any danger? Does anything threaten you? How long do you live? Are you all identical?

Then his curiosity gets the better of him.

How long will you wait for Lord Kerracles? What if he does not come back? What was the last order he gave you? What did he look like? Was he kind or mean? What if he is not alive any more? Did you ever hear about the Year of Ascension?

Mookie has some questions too: Where's the treasure vaults? Are there any magic items or works of art or gems around here? Did anybody ever try to steal anything in here? Anything ever go missing? What do you do to make sure everything stays safe?

Bliss says, "Mookie, hush!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+13=26 ;
Tuesday July 7th, 2020 6:54:13 PM
At Hobie's word, Succotash does his best to sense the moonlings motive for being so polite. (Sense Motive 26) He shares his findings with his friends. He decides to go for the palace tour as he listens for the answers to Mookie's and Bliss's questions

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30-5), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34) d4=2 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+26=36 ; d20+22=28 ;
Tuesday July 7th, 2020 9:05:27 PM
"Yes, well I would love nothing more than to join you on the tour, but... I'm afraid that travel always does such problems to my stomach, so if you could show me to the powder room..." (Bluff 31)

After breaking away from the rest of the group and from private eyes, Pressi makes her way towards whatever room would give her the most privacy (stealth 36, perception 28). She lights some incense, makes her drawings, activates her ivory... and begins to tap into her domain spirit.

She casts legend lore on the palace itself, feeling the knowledge within the walls (cast time 20 minutes).

"Woah, nobody go into that hallway," Pressi announces as she catches the tail end of the tour. "I mean, something appropriate. Also, kidding. I lit candles."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Wednesday July 8th, 2020 12:07:28 AM
"Press, they don't eat mushrooms," says Kezzem uneasily. "Or...much of anything it would seem. I hope we're not on the menu. Or are we also considered food? My birth family isn't very clear on this so sometimes I still get confused."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30-5), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday July 8th, 2020 10:02:05 AM
Also, my last real post should say that, if possible, she tries to slip back into the tour at the end. And she really only does the announcement if aliens look at her funny.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+28=43 ; d20+39=44 ;
Wednesday July 8th, 2020 12:06:07 PM

Murphy looks forward to the tour. He seeks to remember all he sees, and has his journal out and a pen to take notes and quick sketches along the way. He also works at understanding the motivations of the moonlings - though he is not slow to give fair credence to what they have said thus far.
===========
Sense Motive: :43
Perception: 44

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Wednesday July 8th, 2020 12:08:52 PM

Oh, and if they come to a window up in one of the higher floors, he takes in the territorial view, and sees if he can reconcile that with his map, to determine where they are on it.

"I've heard of Kerracles before, but I do not know much. Yes, as some of my friend have asked, please tell us more about your master," he requests.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 d20+23=28 ; d20+25=34 ; d20+21=40 ;
Wednesday July 8th, 2020 2:03:53 PM
Welcome to the Palace of the Moon

Tali being diplomatic {see skill checks} while still hovering 18 inches off the ground, opts to joins Mister Murphy on a tour of the Palace of the Moon by our most gracious hosts, the Moonlings. While on the tour, Tali will take in all the sights while using her perception & while being diplomatic about it!
{See skill checks}

Skills Checks:

Bluff: 28
Diplomacy: 34
Perception: with the robe: 40

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor (600/900 Minutes)
Overland Flight (600/900 Minutes)

DM Kathy
Wednesday July 8th, 2020 3:16:08 PM
As some of the group sets off for the tour, Pressi pleads illness and asks to be shown to the powder room. A trio of moonlings is instantly by her side. "Yes!" "Of course!" "Right this way!" As they lead you through the ground floor of the palace, they pepper you with anxious questions about how you are feeling, whether you are light-headed, whether there's anything that could help settle your stomach. They lead you up a grand, sweeping staircase and down a plush hallway to a set of double doors. One of them opens the doors. "In here!" "Your quarters!" "We hope you like them!"

You see that they have led you, not to a privy, but to a large, ornate guest suite. There is a sitting-room with a fireplace, and a bedroom with a large four-poster bed. More moonlings are inside the suite, variously dusting, fluffing, and arranging things. One is laying a fire in the fireplace. You are, eventually, able to chase them out and cast your spell.

Legend Lore lets you know legends about a place, but you discover that there aren't many legends about this palace. Most people probably don't know it exists. You do learn about Kerracles, God of Generalities, who has not been seen since the Year of Ascension. The consensus is that he is dead, but of course, you never know with gods. Look at Kevintar. Kerracles is said to take the form of a halfling with a literal ear-to-ear grin. You are also able to learn that this palace is one of several dotted over the surface of this moon, for the pleasure of Kerracles and his guests. Kerracles created the palaces, and created the moonlings to serve in them.

Once your spell is complete, you leave the guest suite to try to find the tour again. You find a moonling in the hallway who is happy to lead you to them.

Meanwhile, the tour departs with Murphy, Bliss, Succotash, and Tali, leaving Hobie and Kezzem in the courtyard. Hobie expresses some concern that the moonlings may be slaves. As far as Succotash and Murphy can tell, though, the moonlings are not under any kind of coercion. On the contrary, they seem quite happy.

Bliss finds that most of his questions are unnecessary. The moonlings tell you about each room they take you to. On the ground floor, you see a grand foyer with sweeping staircases up to the second floor. You see a deserted ballroom, its chandeliers and mirrored walls patiently waiting for the next gala. There is a formal dining room, and several smaller rooms for more intimate meals. There are parlors, sitting rooms, drawing rooms, reception rooms. Each is described in loving detail by the moonlings--even the hall of temporary offices that can be used by guests. That gets a little tedious. "This room is a den or office that can be temporarily assigned to one of Lord Kerracles' guests." Next room. "This room is a den or office that can be temporarily assigned to one of Lord Kerracles' guests." And on, and on.

But Bliss has other questions, too. You learn that the moonlings are the only permanent residents of the palace. They face danger because sometimes they fall down and hurt themselves. When you clarify, they say that no, nothing attacks or threatens them here. They are not exactly identical, but they are all "within standards," whatever that means. You ask them how long they live, and they don't understand the question. Finally one of them says tentatively, "We do not age or die."

Mookie has questions as well. There is no treasure vault, but the moonlings point out which paintings and hangings are especially valuable. There is a small collection of potions and other minor items that are available to guests, should they require them. There are many items decorated with gems, but no large piles of gems just lying around. They do not know of anything that has ever been stolen from the palace, nor do they know of any attempts. They explain that the only people who stay here are Lord Kerracles and his guests. Lord Kerracles cannot steal from himself, and his guests are honorable people who would respect his things.

Pressi rejoins the group just as you are finishing with the ground floor and heading up one of the sweeping staircases to the second floor. The tour will continue, but I'm going to pause here.

Meanwhile, in the courtyard, the moonlings finish their repair and head back into the palace. There are still several moonlings in the courtyard, ready to give Hobie and Kezzem anything they may require. Kezzem is uneasy because they only said they don't eat food, which might leave a Kezzem-sized loophole! You never know!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Wednesday July 8th, 2020 5:53:29 PM
Succotash is a bit overwhelmed at all the finery found within the palace. He finds the moonlings to be a bit odd, but likable. He wonders what's a hero to do in a place like this, what with no wrong doings and such, so he decides just to go with the flow and enjoy himself.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Wednesday July 8th, 2020 10:14:34 PM
"We're halflings on the moon,
We carry some mushrooms,
But we have no ales,
So we tell tall tales,
And sing our halfling tune."

Kezzem sings while taking thhe tour to distract himself from wondering what's for dinner.

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle d20+12=32 ;
Thursday July 9th, 2020 12:22:40 AM

Bliss is getting hungry, and takes the moonlings up on their offer of comestibles and potables.

Mookie asks if they have any worms.

Then he asks how guests generally leave this moon when they want to go home.

Privately, he asks his pals, "Should we tell them that Erracles-Kay is ead-Day?"

Bluff check for secret conversations: 32

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Thursday July 9th, 2020 12:32:52 AM
"No worms, but I've got mushrooms, Mookie," offers Kezzem.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+18=27 ; d20+28=30 ; d20+28=37 ;
Thursday July 9th, 2020 1:27:14 AM

"How often do you have visitors here? How long ago were the last guests of Kerracles here, if you recall?" Murphy asks.

Was Murphy able to get a territorial view from up higher to compare with his map? If so, he looks on the map, and points to where he thinks this castle of hospitality sits. "Do you read maps? If so, is this where we are on this map?" If not, "Can you show me where on this map this castle is? I have wanted to visit Kerracles for many years, now, so was delighted when I was awarded this map. I have it almost memorized," he boasts, though not terribly immodestly - he is embarrassed that he does not have it fully put to heart.

"Can you tell us about neighbors around here? Are there other friendly people such as yourself nearby? Are the dangers, or monsters, or possibly unfriendly people outside this castle? One often will build a castle for defensive purposes. Have there been battles fought here on this moon?"

Farther on the tour he asks, "Have you a library, or libraries? Some of us love to read."

Finally, he inquires, "Is there some service we could render you? I cannot promise we will be able to do it, but if it is a good task, a good purpose, we can talk it over."

He enjoys Kezzem's song. He answers Bliss, "I think they may be aware of that. Yet, as with many gods, just dying or the like does not mean one cannot make a comeback. Look at Domi. And Eberyon. And Serebeth. Maybe others I do not know about. My brother Kendry keeps up on those things much more than I. If you want to do so... well, if they do not know, is it our place to tell them?

"What do you think, ladies? How about the rest of you?" He listens, and thinks.

"What if we ask them, 'When was the last time you saw your lord?(*) What were his last words to you? Do you expect him back at any time? If so, do you know when?' Probe, before flat out telling. That way, we may learn more. If they do not know, then would they lose purpose if they heard what you asked about."

He also looks forward to learning what Pressi might have learned. He knows her well enough that he knows she is covering up something.

(*) Though, were Murphy to actually ask, he would say 'Lord Kerracles.' He just uses the title, in case any are listening in on what seems to be a private conversation.
============
Diplomacy: 27
Sense Motive (with Pressi's bluff): 30 (I didn't really even need to roll)
Sense Motive (a continuation of his evaluation of the moonlings - partly also to try to begin to distinguish one from another): 37

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30-5), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday July 9th, 2020 10:51:02 AM
Pressi watches as the rest of the team take their eyes somewhat off the prize. Weren't they supposed to be looking for a talisman for a Kobold village? Even as she thinks the question, though, something is off.

Talking to Murphy later, she rolls over some of the bits and pieces that they learned. "So, lets make some assumptions. Like, that the abandoned temple was a Kerracles temple. I'm going to assume if there are other cities on the moon, there are other temples below. Probably meant to transport "guest" clerics to and from this location. Except... where are the prayer rooms and shrines? Why office space?

"Second, I can't shake the feeling that we've been led here by the nose for some purpose. Kerracles may be dead but his disciples clearly aren't. And with recent activity in the wold's religions, and with Kerracles being a halfling god... and with something being off from the start... I don't think we are in danger, but I can't...."

Finally, she turns to the moonlings. "The other guests that arrived here, long ago. What were the typical activities they would do in these offices? And what was the first thing they did upon arrival on their second visits?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday July 9th, 2020 12:54:40 PM
Hobie will hurry off and join the group on the tour, he's weirded out by everything about this place, but is also excited to be on one of the moons!

DM Kathy
Thursday July 9th, 2020 2:35:11 PM
Hobie and Kezzem decide to come on the tour after all, so the party is together, apart from Pressi who is off casting her spell. Kezzem sings a jaunty tune, possibly dreaming of a moon-based theme park.

Succotash enjoys the tour.

Just as you are ascending the stairs and reuniting with Pressi, Bliss says he is hungry and asks for refreshment. Mookie asks for worms.

The moonlings are nothing if not accommodating. One of the two leading the tour bows to Bliss. "Of course! If you will come this way." He leads the way back down the stairs and toward one of the parlors. Any of the rest of the party interested in a snack can tag along.

The moonling leads you to one of the parlors you saw earlier on the tour. It is furnished in shades of rose, gold, and cream, and it is very nice. Also, you discover as you sit down, very comfortable. You ask how guests leave when they want to go home. "Many of Lord Kerracles' guests are gods or powerful mages and can transport themselves and their parties home," the moonling replies. "Some need to be sent home, and Lord Kerracles is happy to oblige."

At that moment, several moonlings come into the room, pushing a series of tea-carts. Efficiently, they unload and serve a very tasty afternoon tea, including scones with jam, little sandwiches, fresh fruit, and shortbread. They also bring a small dish containing mealworms.

Bliss wants to ask his companions about how to break the news to the moonlings, but it is not yet clear whether anybody has come to enjoy this bounty with him. Perhaps he should not be so eager to it-splay the arty-pay.

Meanwhile, the tour continues with anyone interested. Pressi is concerned because weren't you supposed to recover a kobold talisman? Your DM reminds you (because it's only been hours for your character) that you did recover a talisman in the hidden compartment of the altar in the jungle temple. You got sidetracked before you could return it, but you do have it.

You ask the moonling what the guests did in the offices. "That depends on the guest. Some wrote letters. Some studied books or manuscripts. Some took naps. Some had small meetings with other guests." You ask what guests did immediately upon arrival. "That depends on the guest. Some went straight to their quarters to rest. Some took refreshment. Some went to see Lord Kerracles. Some walked about the palace, or down to the lake."

There's a lake?

For those still on the tour, the remaining moonling tour guide is soon joined by more moonlings. They show you around the upper floor, which is mostly guest quarters. These have more variety than the guest offices, so they're more interesting. And many of them look out over the lake. It is a large lake, and its waters are a strange, very light blue color. Well, except for the stain. There is a dark, oily stain in the lake, near the western shore. On the shore directly behind the palace, there is a structure of some kind. It looks like a boathouse.

Murphy is only now getting his higher view. You compare the shape of the lake you see with the lakes on your map, and can narrow it down to three options. Maybe more information will be forthcoming. The moon palaces don't seem to be marked on the map, which is a pity because it would probably help you narrow it down.

You ask about neighbors, but there aren't any. You ask about dangers, and the moonlings talk about dangerous lake creatures. Of course, they are only dangerous to people who decide to go out on (or in) the lake. You note that castles are often built for defense, but if this palace was built for defense then the architect should be fired. It's much more suited for pleasure, and that is probably what it was intended for.

And I'm going to need to leave it there with a reminder that those having tea have not seen the lake, and those up on the second floor have not had tea, or heard Bliss's questions.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Thursday July 9th, 2020 5:40:45 PM
Succotash stays on the tour, and upon seeing the lake, he asks about the �stain�, when they mention the lake monsters, his ears perk up, and he says, �Lake monsters you say? That sound like a job for the heroes of Humble�s Sword! What do you think guys?�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Thursday July 9th, 2020 5:44:43 PM
Kezzems ears perk up at the mention of naps. "Naps in an office? I guess that makes sense. My cousin, Kos Tanza Swiftfoot, always said the best naps he took were under his desk. He...hasn't been here per chance, has he?"

He is less excited to hear about the lake monsters. "He Press, how much you want to bet we end up having to go to that lake and fight the Loch (Kerra)-Cles Monster? Though I think Murphey mentioned they were hard to find. Just like the Biglyng Swiftfoots?...Swiftfeet?...Swiftfooti? What's the correct plural there."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Thursday July 9th, 2020 7:40:29 PM
Succotash stays on the tour, and upon seeing the lake, he asks about the �stain�, when they mention the lake monsters, his ears perk up, and he says, �Lake monsters you say? That sound like a job for the heroes of Humble�s Sword! What do you think guys?�

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Friday July 10th, 2020 12:02:34 AM

"Beautiful lake. Say, do each of you have your own name? My name is Murphy. Is it acceptable if I ask your name?" he directs to the one closest to him. If they do have individual names, he seeks to learn them.

Then he notes the oil slick. "What can you tell me about the oily surface over there on the lake? Is that always there? Do you know the source?"

And, he finds the three places on the map he suspects may be their current locale. "Do you know which of these three parts of the map this beautiful edifice rests upon?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Friday July 10th, 2020 12:39:22 AM
"See, Press, it's happening already!" says Kezzem as Succo and Murphey are already talking about investigating the lake.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 d20+23=43 ; d20+25=32 ; d20+21=38 ;
Friday July 10th, 2020 8:27:00 AM
Tour of the Palace of the Moon

Tali being diplomatic {see skill checks} while still hovering 18 inches off the ground, tours the Palace of the Moon estate by our most gracious hosts, the Moonlings. While on the tour, Tali will take in all the sights while using her perception & while being diplomatic about it! {See skill checks}

Like the rest of the Humbles, Tali casts the "Message" spell and then pointing at each "Humble" in turn, Whispers the message, "I Wonder if we should mention the talisman to the Moonlings?!"

Hearing about the lake, the sea creatures, and the ol slick, Tali will fly a bit upwards to get a better look at the "Slick" to "see" what she can perceive of it & the lake!

Skills Checks:
Bluff: 43 {NAT 20}
Diplomacy: 32
Perception: with the robe: 38

Spell in Effect

Mage Armor (600/900 Minutes)
Overland Flight (600/900 Minutes)
Message

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Friday July 10th, 2020 10:40:38 AM

OOC: Re Murphy's "what's your name." I'm picturing Kathy scrambling through name books for 150 new names over candlelight, as her curse comes over Kim like a plague through the shadowy night. Either than or everyone's named Moonling.

also OOC: are we supposed to be finished our updates by now?

"Oh, right, we still have the talisman. Still... shouldn't we be getting it back to the kobolds. It seemed kind of important and we didn't exactly leave our guides a note. I'm just saying maybe we should at least message someone."

Listening to the descriptions of prior visitors left her somewhat surprised. Clerics do study writings and have other meetings, but the description doesn't sound quite... clericky enough. And this place seemed more like a place for Ted Talks then a place for "guests" of a god. Maybe? There are days that she misses her old monk knowledge, particularly when ancient religions once again arise during normal missions.

And then, there's the lake... There's certainly a "check me out" vibe, but Pressi remains more focused on the transport points and the idea that they were here for a reason.

"Hey, just out of curiosity. Previous guests... they didn't mention talismans or pyramid temples or giant constructs, did they?"

To Kezzem, "Well, I very much don't want to go fight lake monsters, and I remain opposed to screwing with ecosystems without good reason. So I'm going to place the odds of fighting them at 90 percent." She watches Succotash and Murphy get excited. "95 percent. And since you asked, the plural is Swiftofee." (This is a bluff. Pressi doesn't know anything about any creatures unless she touches one.)

More seriously, she does ask about when the stain started. It's pretty clearly an abberation to the ecosystem in her mind; we don't need a divination for that one.

Pressi
Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
armor back on, glammered
other long term spells?

Harper
Ritual of Warding
other buffs?

Spells Used

L7: 0+1

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday July 10th, 2020 10:51:42 AM

Thinking hard on this whole situation, he continues to ask Moonlings questions.

"Can you help us return to the Wold if we need help? How? And this place seems very ... peaceful. Do you get bored? Ever think about going to the Wold?" He gestures toward the ceiling.

Pausing for a bite, he asks, "Are there any other living creatures here? Heck, if I wanted bacon and eggs, what would you do? Mookie is eating bugs, so you got those at least."

He looks over at Mookie. The rude bird has asked a moonling to feed him his worms, one by one. "I like you," Mookie says to the moonling, if it did agree to feed the bird. "Do you mind if I call you Mooncalf? Stay close by me, Mooncalf. I got lots for you to do for me."

Bliss sighs. "Mookie, do not abuse the helpful people!"

"What me?! Never!"

Bliss is halfway through his meal when he realizes nobody else was hungry. "What?" he says. "Where did everybody go?" He races off. "Come on, Mookie!"

Mookie gets up to follow. "Come on, Mooncalf!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Friday July 10th, 2020 12:21:35 PM

Murphy laughs, loving his clever and responsible fianc�e. "For years have I wanted to visit the moons of the Wold. This is no secret to you. Auntie did want the talisman, but seemed to be in no rush for it. If we get it to her in a week or two, like as not she and her tribe will be as delighted as if they got it today.

"We are here. Let us see what we can see, learn what we might learn, help where we might help. Then, in due course, dear one, we can return to the tribe. And give them their talisman. And some moon rocks!"

DM Kathy
Friday July 10th, 2020 2:25:21 PM
Succotash asks about the oily stain. "Our humblest apologies," one of the moonlings says. "We don't know what's causing it," says another. "We are sorry about the view," says a third. Succotash is willing to take on the lake-monster.

Kezzem is less enthused about the lake-monster.

Murphy asks for the moonlings' names. The one who has been guiding you the longest bows. "This is Unit #34869," it says, one hand on its chest. The moonlings who joined your group on the second floor introduce themselves as Units #29077, #56533, and #40827. He asks for help with finding the lake on his map, but the moonlings are not able to help him.

Tali gets some height to try to look at the dark stain on the lake. It really looks a lot like oil, but you can't be sure from this distance.

Pressi muses that this seems more like a place for Ted Talks than guests of gods, but to be fair, you don't know what gods get up to in their spare time. You ask whether previous guests had mentioned temples or talismans or constructs, and the moonlings take a while to think about it. Finally, Unit #34869 shakes its head. "Not to any of us," it says. You ask when the stain started, and the moonlings tell you it was about three weeks ago.

Bliss asks whether the moonlings could return the group to the Wold, and they say they cannot. You ask if they get bored, and they don't seem to. But one adds that it's more interesting with guests, and the others agree. You ask what would happen if you wanted bacon and eggs, and they say, "we would cook and serve you bacon and eggs." One asks "would you like bacon and eggs?" Then, "how do you like your eggs?" And, "would you like toast with your bacon and eggs?" It takes you a bit to explain that you were just giving an example. Mookie names one of the moonlings "Mooncalf."

You finish hastily and head off to rejoin the group. You stop, however, as you hear activity in the foyer. You look and see that the moonlings are welcoming another guest, a woman with pale blue skin and silver hair.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Friday July 10th, 2020 3:00:16 PM
"Excuse me, Unit #24601, was that it? Could I get some pancakes?" asks Kezzem. "Athough....where do you get the ingredients? And why would you even have ingredients if you guys don't eat food? You know what, let's just skip the pancakes."

"Hi there!" says Kezzem to the blue-skinned woman. "I've heard about a group of blue men that are really good at playing drums. Do you know them?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+39=56 ;
Saturday July 11th, 2020 1:07:26 AM

"You are numerically named? How charming!" Murphy is actually sincere, and thinks that Kerracles had a wonderful sense of humor, and proportion. He works hard to remember each numbered name, and seeks in his memory to attach to whatever distinguishing characteristics of each one to match them to it. He begins to think of different plants - ten different plants, and he orders the 5 digits by assigning the numbered plants to their names.

"So, people study maps. And books. Has your Lord Kerracles any books on the flora and fauna - the plants and animals - of the moon? If so, I should enjoy looking through some. Especially if they have drawings, and descriptions. If there are maps, or atlases, or such, I would love to have them available, too."

I think the folks upstairs may so far be unaware the new arrival?

If they indicate a library, or libraries, exist, he shall avail himself of them for a bit - but not before he says, "Yes, 95% is about right, Pressi."

Once in a library, he takes a couple of minutes to jot down the numeral names, also the ten plants and their numeric associations. Then gets to studying. Unless someone interrupts his plans.
===========
Perception: To pick up each five-digit name, and place in memory: 56
(Unless another skill would be better for this?)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Saturday July 11th, 2020 2:19:03 PM
"Ooh, ooh...I can be Unit 1-2-3-4-5," offers Kezzem. "It will be easy for me to remember because I have the same combination on my luggage."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Sunday July 12th, 2020 11:38:37 AM
�Nothing to be worried about, my moonling friends, the view is splendid, and your lack of knowledge about the stain doesn�t reflect poorly on you at all. After all, unless I�m mistaken, you are all here to take care of the palace, and those within, the lake is simply not your assignment�.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Monday July 13th, 2020 10:09:45 AM
Pressi nods along, trying to hide her frustration. Whatever answers they seek, these creatures either don't have them or they aren't quite forthcoming.

Of course, what answers the group seeks is itself a matter of some debate. Aside from tourism, Pressi can't even remember the group's current goal.

Since the tour seems to be winding down, and since the place seems at least somewhat trustworthy, Pressi makes her way down to eat. She stops short upon seeing the blue skinned woman.

Pressi
Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
armor back on, glammered
other long term spells?

Harper
Ritual of Warding
other buffs?

Spells Used

L7: 0+1

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 d20+23=28 ; d20+25=40 ; d20+21=35 ; d20+20=31 ;
Monday July 13th, 2020 10:54:20 AM
Tour of the Palace of the Moon

Realizing the lake, the sea creatures, and the oil slick, can't be perceived from this distance, Tali will fly to the other side to get a better look at the "Slick" to "see" what she can perceive of it & the lake!

Skills Checks:
Fly: 31
Bluff: 28
Diplomacy: 40
Perception: with the robe: 35

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor (600/900 Minutes)
Overland Flight (600/900 Minutes)
Message

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday July 13th, 2020 1:00:14 PM
Bliss sends Mookie off to tell the party that there is another guest. Mookie heads off, hopefully with Mooncalf in tow.

Bliss, though, stops to say hello, bows low, and says, "Hello miss. I'm Bliss, a visitor to this place, at your service."

DM Kathy
Monday July 13th, 2020 1:47:15 PM
Kezzem asks for pancakes. The moonlings seem confused--not by the pancake request, exactly, but because Kezzem asked Unit #24601 for pancakes, and Unit #24601 is not here. By the time Unit #29077 offers a tentative, "yes, we can make you pancakes," Kezzem has changed his mind.

Murphy asks to be shown to a library. "The library is on the ground floor," says Unit #56533. "Come, I will show you!" [Technically, you should already have seen the library as part of your tour, but your silly DM forgot to mention it.] The moonling leads Murphy toward the stairs.

Pressi decides to tag along after Murphy. She can't remember the group's current goal. You have two at the moment: you need to return the kobold talisman to the kobold village, and you need to figure out how to get back to the Wold so you can do that. At the moment, however, your companions are having fun exploring cool moon stuff, so not a lot is getting done on the goals. But there's really no hurry.

Succotash assures the moonlings that the view is not their fault, and they seem grateful. "You are gracious guests," says Unit #34869.

Tali wants a closer look at the lake. You're about as close as you can get from inside the palace, so to get closer you would need to find an exit. [Or make one, but your DM does not recommend that.] The windows in this room open, and you think they probably open wide enough for a halfling to slip out. Do you go out a window?

Bliss sends Mookie off to the rest of the party. He departs, and Mooncalf does indeed follow him. Bliss introduces himself to the blue-skinned woman. "Hello, Bliss," she replies with a smile. "My name is Kerra."

Just then, Murphy, Pressi, and Unit #56533 appear at the top of the stairs. "And more visitors!" Kerra says. "Welcome!"

Upstairs, Mookie, followed by a single moonling, reaches the rest of the party, which is Kezzem, Succotash, Hobie, and maybe Tali, depending on whether or not she has flown out the window toward the lake. Mookie announces that there is another guest downstairs, although he says it more colorfully than that.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday July 13th, 2020 2:05:30 PM
Hobie is slightly put off by the moonlings being so courteous as they fix the damage he did. He watches them with concern, before following with the tour. He will whisper to succotash �Are they just polite, or are these guys some kind of moon slaves?�

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday July 13th, 2020 2:14:01 PM
Hobie will tag along with Murphy to the library. When they get there, he is particularly interested in anything he can find of the moonlings regarding arcane magic.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Monday July 13th, 2020 8:10:46 PM
"I think they're some kind of hive mind type guys, Hobie," says Kezzem. "You know, like bees, except they don't seem to be stinging us, so maybe not-so-much like bees? Murphey could probably come up with a better, what did Pressi call it, a better...meteor? Yeah, I think that's what she said."

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday July 13th, 2020 9:48:05 PM

"Miss Kerra, what a coincidence. For two different sets of visitors to arrive on the same day."

"Excuse me," he says to a moonling, "how long has it been since you had visitors before today?"

"Anyway, how did you get here miss? We grabbed an artifact in an ancient temple. Did you know where you were going before you left?"

"Oh, where are my manners. I'm an adventurer from the Wold, here with my friends. I'm a fighting witch. I was born a harpy but reincarnated as a halfling. My other friends are halflings by birth. What brings you here?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Tuesday July 14th, 2020 5:08:49 AM

"Well, hello!" answers Murphy to the blue lady below. He holds out his arm for Pressi as they descend the stairs. "I am Murphy. This is Pressi." He nods to his left as he hears his friend hustling up behind them and adds, "And this is Hobie, our heroic archer. I'll bet the Moonlings are excited to have another visitor here today. Is this your first time here, or do you visit often?" When he learns her name, he exclaims, "Why, you must be a relative of Kerracles himself!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday July 14th, 2020 6:55:01 AM
To Hobie:
"Based on some of the things they have said, I believe the were created for the sole purpose of serving. If true then that wouldn't qualify as slavery, anymore then an animal trained for a specific task. They do so because to them it's seems like the right thing to do."

When Mookie mentions the new arrival, Succotash hurries down to meet her. He introduces himself and Valerie, and says, "What brings you to this fine moon?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday July 14th, 2020 10:55:01 AM
Pressi doesn't do much more than smile, as everyone else rushes to greet the new visitor.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101
Tuesday July 14th, 2020 12:29:37 PM
Blue-Skinned Woman

Realizing there wasn't an easy access to the outside, Tali will make a note of the oil stick and continue on with her friends.

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor (600/900 Minutes)
Overland Flight (600/900 Minutes)
Message

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday July 14th, 2020 1:12:50 PM
ooc: That first post, about slaves, was somehow a repost of what I posted last Tuesday, I'm not really sure what happened to make it post again a week later

DM Kathy
Tuesday July 14th, 2020 2:48:55 PM
Kezzem muses aloud that the moonlings may have some kind of hive mind. Like bees. Or not like bees. What's that other thing?

Miss Kerra, says Bliss, what a coincidence. For two different sets of visitors to arrive on the same day.

"Not a coincidence," she replies with a smile. "I am here because you are here. Lord Kerracles is...indisposed, but someone needed to come here to host his guests. I apologize for being so late to arrive."

Bliss asks how she got here, and she replies that she teleported from a different palace.

Murphy asks whether she visits often. "Not as often as I would like, she replies. "I spend much of my time at a different palace. This one is quite nice, though. Rustic."

Why, you must be a relative of Kerracles himself!

"No, not a relative," she replies. "When I was chosen to serve on Lord Kerracles's staff, I chose this name to honor him."

Hobie, Succotash, Pressi, and Tali also come downstairs. Mookie, his mission accomplished, also returns downstairs, trailed by the inevitable Mooncalf.

"It's nice to meet all of you," Kerra says. Up close, you can see that her features appear half-elven, except that she has that pale-blue skin and silver hair. "I trust that the moonlings have made you all welcome. Please, enjoy your stay here and let me know if I can answer any questions."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Tuesday July 14th, 2020 2:55:17 PM
"So are you a priestess or some kind of angel or like some guy name Harold or something?" asks Kezzem.

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle d20+12=27 ; d20-2=13 ;
Tuesday July 14th, 2020 6:07:52 PM

As he heads down to rejoin the party, Mookie coaches Mooncalf.

As the bird arrives, Bliss is chatting with the blue lady. "Miss Kerra, you say the master of this palace is 'indisposed' -- but what does that mean really? We thought he was, well, you know, passed the final veil?"

"Yeah," adds Mookie, "Bought the bucket! Shuffled off this moral coil! Kicked the farm! Playing fishies with the concrete boots!"

[OOC: That's Bliss trying delicately to use Bluff to pass a 'secret' message to Kerra, that he heard Kerracles was dead. And Mookie is, after his fashion, attempting to aid another on the bluff check.]

Bliss Bluff to communicate covertly: 27
Mookie Aid Another: 13

"Oh yeah," says Bliss. "This is my spirit companion, Moo---"

"HOLD ON KID! I got a new system for introductions. Go on now Mooncalf, just like I taught ya."

If the moonling follows Mookie's coaching, then Mooncalf stands and declares, "All Hail Mookie, the Great and Powerful!"

The halfling-sized raven, natty in his white vest and teensy white top hat, takes a bow.

Bliss rolls his eyes. "Yeah, right," Mookie's so-called master mutters. "If he only had a brain!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday July 14th, 2020 6:34:50 PM
"The moonlings have been amazing", Succotash begins, "But they had no information in the lakes oil slick, or the monster, and to be honest, I'm a bit intrigued. Do you have any information on the subjects?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday July 15th, 2020 10:46:39 AM
Pressi stares at this newcomer as everyone else chatters away, and begins muttering to herself. "Should we be vaguer and more mysterious ourselves. I feel like asking direct questions is just insulting in this situation."

Finally, she moves down the stairs. "Please, excuse some of our confusion and bluntness. Clearly, we have been chosen to meet you, but the why has yet to be revealed."

She reaches out her hand to shake. (If Kerra does, Pressi makes a lore keeper check at +15 against touch AC. You can just reply with a couple of sentences about what she is, race and class wise.)

"I don't doubt that some of our questions can wait, while you... join us for the meal? Or did you intend to come here for the spare office?"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101 d20+23=41 ; d20+25=39 ; d20+21=40 ;
Wednesday July 15th, 2020 11:46:15 AM
Kerra

Tali, hovering above the floor her accustomed 18 inches, curtsies to Ms. Kerra, Servant of Lord Kerracles. She then asks, "what the oil slick on the other side of the lake might be & if it is something she may believe we could assist with? Also, do you know much about Talismans associates with the Lord Kerracles? If you do, would you share what you know with us?" Are you a magic user perhaps? A Wizard maybe? What about a Sorcerer? "

Using the Robe of Many Eyes, along with her Charismatic skills Tali tries to be diplomatic about understanding Lady Kerra. She will attempt to perceive what is possible about the attractive Blue lady Kerra or bluff her way to understanding {See Skill Checks}

Skill Checks:
Bluff | 41
Diplomacy | 39
Perception: | 40

Spell in Effect:
Mage Armor | (530 / 900 Minutes)
Overland Flight | (530 / 900 Minutes)
Message | (130 / 160 minutes)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday July 15th, 2020 1:08:35 PM
Hobie joins in with Tali's conversation about magic, he's very interested.

"Also what of these other guests? Shall we go meet them?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Wednesday July 15th, 2020 1:22:13 PM

"Lady Kerra, I'm afraid we may take a bit of getting used to. Perhaps we ought to give you a chance to settle in before tossing a myriad of questions your way. At an appropriate time, though, we should love to learn more about Lord Kerracles, and this moon, your role here, and how we may be of service."

At some point, once she has had a chance to settle in more, and had a chance to deal with this halfling barrage of queries, he will bring out the map booklet, and see if she might be able to help him understand where they are on the map, and where other castles are located. And if there are particular points of interest. What are the favorite tourist spots? :-) - but that will wait for now. He also plans to ask how she came to serve under Kerracles, and what drew her to this life.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Wednesday July 15th, 2020 1:48:08 PM
"I think indisposed means he's in the privy," says Kezzem to Bliss. "That's my assumption until I learn otherwise."

DM Kathy
Wednesday July 15th, 2020 4:27:32 PM
Kezzem asks Kerra, So are you a priestess or some kind of angel or like some guy name Harold or something? She laughs. "Or something," she agrees.

Bliss tries to hint delicately that Kerracles has rung down the curtain and joined the Choir Invisible. He is an ex-god. "He is rumored to be dead," Kerra agrees. The statement does not seem to upset the moonlings at all. "And I haven't seen him in a long time. But, as I'm sure you know, life and death do not mean the same thing to gods that they do to mortals. He is gone, at least for now, but his creations continue."

Mookie is able to make his grand entrance; Mooncalf delivers its line right on cue.

Pressi moves forward to shake Kerra's hand, which she is able to do. You now know a lot about Kerra, which is more than your DM can say. Sometimes DMs just sketch in the bare minimums of NPCs they need, and are not prepared to quote chapter and verse, even when a PC has earned it. You know that she was, at one time, a half-elf, but now she is something...else. Something more. You know that she has some spellcasting ability that seems to encompass both arcane and divine magic. You know that she means you no harm.

Hobie inquires about other guests. "Lord Kerracles has had many guests over the years," Kerra replies, "but there are none at present. Except your group."

Murphy decides to save his many questions for later.

Succotash and Tali ask about the stain in the lake. Tali goes so far as to offer assistance.

"Yes. The stain," Kerra replies. "It is a worry. And since Kerracles has been...unavailable for so long, my own powers are somewhat limited. I would like to conserve them. And the moonlings are unable to leave the palace.

"So," she continues, "if your group would be willing to investigate the stain, determine its source, and correct the situation if possible, I would be very grateful."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Wednesday July 15th, 2020 4:55:11 PM

"Sure, I think we were moving that direction, Kerra. Say, can you take a look at this?" Murphy asks as he pulls out his Moon Maps booklet. "I'm trying to figure out where we are on this map." He points to three possible spots. "Are we here, or there, or this other place?" he asks.

"Can you show me, too, where other castles of Kerracles stand?" He is prepared to make light marks on the map wherever one map be.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Wednesday July 15th, 2020 6:10:55 PM
"Yahoo!! We get to check out the lake monster!!", Succotash says with glee. He thinks about it for a moment then says, "We may want to wait until tomorrow so I can prepare water breathing a few times though."

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle d20+37=39 ;
Wednesday July 15th, 2020 7:20:38 PM

Mookie looks downcast when Kerra says the moonlings cannot leave the palace. "Is that really true?" he asks Mooncalf, in a whisper. "Can you leave the palace if you want to?"

"Yes, it is too late in the day to go a-venturing, Brother Succotash" Bliss says. "Let's have dinner and tackle the stain in the morning." He looks around for the sun. "Do you have night and day around here?" he asks.

At dinner, he continues to engage Kerra in conversation. What are the other palaces like? Are there wonders to see? Are there any other people like Kerra? Does she get lonely? What was Kerracles like? What the heck are "generalities" anyway? Was he a halfling? Or did he like halflings best? Does he have any more followers on the Wold? What does she do to keep busy as the years pass by?

For his part, Bliss is happy to tell stories. About the Giant Tower and the trip to Koshe Marr. And the invasion. And about his mom's adventures (with help from Mookie).

After dinner, it is time for entertainment! Bliss shows off his tumbling and flips and walking on his hands and the walls and the ceiling. He asks Sir Kezzem to tell some jokes. Plus, Murphy can sing, Pressi can dance, Succotash plays drums, and Hobie plays the lute. "Come on guys! Perform for us!"

Bliss acrobatics: 39

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+6=15 ;
Thursday July 16th, 2020 6:33:57 AM
At Bliss's request, Succotash pulls Bonham, his masterwork drum, out of his handy haversack, and begins beating out a tune, nothing fancy, but a nice beat for others to preform to. (Performance 15)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34) d20+8=22 ;
Thursday July 16th, 2020 11:23:55 AM
Pressi doesn't reveal any of her readings, not even to the members of the group.

But she can't help but react at the dual spellcasting ability. Not that such abilities are rare, but she certainly expected more along the lines of straight cleric. (Who is this Kerracles, and what is this place for, she wonders.)

For the most part, Pressi remains quiet and lost in thought and observation. She speaks politely to Kerra and the moonlings when spoken to, but teammates can see her trying to act all priestess-like and mysterious in her own right.

So she's not exactly in the mindframe for performing when Bliss announces they will perform. But she pulls it together, that professional training kicking in (Perform 22).

Harper, curious, continues to sniff and otherwise check out Kerra and the moonlings. If petted, she gives some soft purrs and playful nips.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Thursday July 16th, 2020 2:42:36 PM
"Bliss, what, you expect me to just go around telling jokes all day?" asks Kezzem. "I'm a serious paladin now. And why are you so excited Succotash about going into the moon's taint and fighting a giant monster? Usually one of dies when we do that! I mean, we get better, bet still!"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101
Thursday July 16th, 2020 3:47:51 PM
The Case of the Oily Lake Stain

Kerra

Tali, hovering above the floor her accustomed 18 inches, curtsies again to Ms. Kerra, Servant of Lord Kerracles, in her manner, when the rest of the team in ready to depart for the area of the lake stain. Ms. Kerra, will you explain to the Moonlings, b]"that you have tasked us with investigating the Lake and the Oily film upon it?" [/b] The moonlings seem really insistent that we stay within the walls of the Palace!

When the group departs the Palace...Tali turns to the Humbles and says, "So how do we wish to travel Team!?

Spell in Effect:
Mage Armor | (530 / 900 Minutes)
Overland Flight | (530 / 900 Minutes)
Message | (130 / 160 minutes)

DM Kathy
Thursday July 16th, 2020 4:29:19 PM
Succotash is excited at the prospect of investigating the lake! And possibly the lake monster! He suggests, though, that the group wait until tomorrow so he can prepare different spells.

This plan seems to suit everyone, so you make preparations to stay the night.

The moonlings show each of you to a guest suite (Pressi has already seen hers). The suites are lavish, tasteful, and comfortable, although the furniture seems to be sized for Big Folk.

That evening, you are served dinner in one of the smaller dining rooms. The moonlings bring you roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and mixed vegetables in a delicate cream sauce. Wine and ale is available with the meal, and everything is sublime.

At dinner, Tali asks Kerra to inform the moonlings that you are allowed to leave. Kerra looks puzzled. "The moonlings should not have tried to keep you here," she says. "They enjoy having visitors to wait on, and are sometimes overly enthusiastic about it, but you should be free to leave. If any of them tried to keep you here, it would indicate a fault in their creation. Do you happen to remember which moonling or moonlings tried to stop you from leaving?"

As the plates are cleared away, Murphy brings out his map. "We are here," Kerra says, pointing, "on Lake Tranquility. There are palaces here, on Telescope Ridge, and here, near the Great Snow Fields, and here, in the Whispering Forest. There are more palaces, but Lord Kerracles prefers that their location remain secret."

Bliss has lots of questions! You learn that the other palaces are much like this one, each with its own staff of moonlings. You learn that there are many wonders on Kerracles; Kerra speaks extensively of the Great Snow Fields where guests could ski and sled and skate. You learn that Kerra is not the only person on Kerracles's staff, but she says that the others aren't really like her. Whatever that means.

Mookie asks the ever-present Mooncalf whether it's true that moonlings can't leave the palace. "Alas, it is true," Mooncalf replies. "I will be unable to accompany you if you leave the palace."

Bliss also seeks to entertain the company with tales, and invites the others to contribute their talents. Succotash drums; Kezzem tells a few jokes; and even Pressi is (eventually) persuaded to participate. Harper explores the dining room curiously. The moonlings ignore him for the most part, but Kerra scritches his ears and under his chin.

The dinner eventually winds down and you retire. In the morning, you make your preparations to investigate the lake. "There are boats in the boat-house," Kerra says, "which you are welcome to use. You have magics that will help you underwater?"

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday July 16th, 2020 9:09:56 PM

Bliss invites Kerra to a heroes breakfast, and Mookie invites Mooncalf, even though he does not eat. "Well, then, you can just stand next to me and feed me those tasty worms."

Bliss explains to any offended moonlings that this is MAGIC food, no slight intended. He says when they come back they can have the moonlings prepare a feast.

At breakfast, Bliss brings up the topic of breathing under water. "I'm thinking my OctoBliss form will be useful. Who wants to be polymorphed?"

Mookie is not so pleased with that idea. "Look, Kid, I put up with that from your mom. She turned me into a four-legged gorilla and a gnome, for example. I *like* being a bird. I'll just fly above the lake and keep watch."

Bliss is okay with that.

"Anybody else want to be a large water elemental or a great white shark?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Friday July 17th, 2020 6:44:04 AM
"I was planning on casting water breathing on myself and Valerie, and maybe freedom of movement, I can prepare them a few more times if anyone else wishes to remain in their current state", Succotash offers

OOC,,, Please let me know if you want Succotash to cast water breathing or freedom of movement on you, He can prepare both spells up to 5 times, leaving 3 castings of each available.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 98/111, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Friday July 17th, 2020 11:50:20 AM
Pressi figures she will leave Harper at the boat house (the cat does not do water missions),

Pressi can set the palace as her return point for word of recall, but is a tad torn about plans. Polymorphing gives some good movement options but would drastically limit her spellcasting. (She considers alter self lizardfolk - it allows her to hold her breath longer and grants a swim speed while keeping her hands free. Polymorph into a water elemental ends spellcasting but opens some potentially useful options.)

She does the usual rolls of healing and warding, and casts shield of faith on herself before polymorphing.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday July 17th, 2020 11:56:28 AM
"We have some magics that can help us underwater. I can cast Water Breathing, Murphy and Sucker probably can as well. "

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101
Friday July 17th, 2020 1:18:35 PM
The Case of the Oily-Stained Lake | Part I

After a wonderful nights sleep / meditation, Tali prepares for the day by doing her Modus Operandi -- casting daily spells...

When , tali see Lady Kerra, she asks, Lady Kerra, How'd you get so pretty?

Tali wants to know how we are traveling to the other lake shore? Asking, the group, What is the preferred mode of travel, Humbles?"

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor | (900 / 900 Minutes)
Overland Flight | (900 / 900 Minutes)

DM Kathy
Friday July 17th, 2020 3:47:38 PM
In the morning, Bliss casts Heroes' Feast and invites Kerra to participate. At Mookie's request, Mooncalf stands nearby. Everyone who partakes, please remember to roll your temporary hit points. They may become relevant.

Succotash offers Water Breathing and Freedom of Movement to anyone who requests them. Hobie can also cast Water Breathing. Your DM reminds you that a single casting of Water Breathing can cover multiple creatures; you just have to do the math.

Harper, for one, will be sitting this one out. Pressi contemplates polymorphing, an approach Bliss also seems to favor.

Tali asks Kerra how she got so pretty, but she only smiles. You ask how the group plans to get to the stain. Boats from the boat-house have been offered; there may be other options.

Notes from the DM: Water Breathing will help. Having a swim speed will also help, especially for characters who like to be mobile in combat. The Swim skill keeps you from sinking, but you move at one-quarter speed. Rules for underwater combat are on the environment page of the PRD; you might want to take a look at them as you prepare and cast your spells.

Bliss HP154/144+7 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+14 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday July 17th, 2020 5:11:11 PM

Bliss explains that while polymorphing is fun and udeful, it does not last so long. "If we're going to be underwater for very long, we'll need water breathing too."

The spell lasts for two hours per level, divided among those touched. So if we use a casting each from Hobie and Succotash, that's 16 plus 32 is 48 hours, split among me, Hobie, Kezzem, Murphy, Succotash, Talia, and Harper, Valerie, Mookie, and Rumpus, that's 4.8 hours each, which is likely fine, right? Plus have another couple prepped in case the adventure goes long or we get dispelled.

"What? I'm not going down there. Why give me one?" asks Mookie.
"Just in case!"

BTW, the usual prep went on before breakfast ... see below.

Bliss is fine with rowing boats out to the stain.

=====
DM Sanity Info

Spells cast
lvl 1: Extended* Shield of Faith (140 rounds x2, +4AC), Surrender Blood
lvl 2: Extended* Barkskin x2
lvl 3:
lvl 4: Threefold Aspect x2
lvl 5:
lvl 6: Heroes Feast

Other stuff:
Extended* GMF from Murphy to Bliss.
*Metamagic Rod of Extend x4 on two rods

Bliss HP165?/165+15 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d8+7=8 ; d8+7=15 ;
Friday July 17th, 2020 6:00:32 PM
Note that when you roll your hero breakfast temp hit points, today you get to roll 1d8+7 for a CL15 spell. Bliss is using two surrender bloods today to boost his buffs. That puts him down 20 hp from his max, and so he asks for help.

"Lady Kerra, would it be rude to ask you for some healing magic, if that's something you can provide?"

Rolling temp hp for Mookie and Bliss: 8 and 15.

Header updated.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+8=15 ;
Sunday July 19th, 2020 11:43:10 PM
Evening songs
Murphy joins in with the others in the music. At one point, he brings up a classic, and adds a twist.

Hey diddle diddle
The cat and the fiddle,
The cow jumped over the moon;
The little dog laughed
To see such sport
And the dish ran away with the spoon.

Hey diddle diddle
Didja know in the middle
Of that prodigious bovine leap
The cow birthed a calf
Then she started to laugh
And called her calf 'Moonbeam'

But the rest of the Wold
When the tale was told
Said, "No, his name's Mooncalf!"

He lends his voice and clapping of hands to others' music, and appreciates their dance.
==========
Performance, singing: 15 - passable at least.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Sunday July 19th, 2020 11:46:09 PM

Prepping for a dive

Murphy concurs with the general direction the group is going with planning for investigating the cause of the oily leaked. "One thing I'm wondering about is whether the oil might interfere with our water breathing. Does anyone have an oil breathing spell?"

For his part, he has numerous aquatic forms to choose among. He may accept a water breathing spell, though, should he need to resume his halfling form while underwater.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d8+7=9 ; d8+7=12 ;
Monday July 20th, 2020 6:41:23 AM
Succotash rises early the next morning and prepares his spells. he prepares water breathing twice, as suggested by Bliss. He realizes that he isn't that strong of a swimmer, and questions if he should transform Valerie into an aquatic critter, so he can ride her. he decides to keep his options open for the moment. He enjoys Bliss's hero's breakfast, as does Valerie, and prepares to head out with his friends. He bristles a bit when Bliss asks Lady Kerra for healing magic thinking to himself, "What am I chopped liver?" but then he thinks to himself, "I suppose it doesn't hurt to have options", and he relaxes a bit. He is fine with taking the boats out to the oil slick location, and casting spells on location.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+temp(10)+L16, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34) d8+5=6 ; d8+5=8 ; d8+5=6 ; d8+5=8 ; d8+7=10 ;
Monday July 20th, 2020 10:11:52 AM
Pressi hits Bliss with a CLW wand twice (16 HP). She concurs with taking the water breathing (forgot that even Alter Self is only a few minutes.)

10 HP temp

Bliss HP165?/165+15 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday July 20th, 2020 12:29:37 PM

Before Pressi can cast her cures, Bliss stops her. "I was hoping to save the group cures for when we get there. Since Miss Kerra won't be joining us, I thought it would make more sense for her to do a little curing, if she is willing?"

Bliss does not mention his curiousity about her capabilities.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Monday July 20th, 2020 1:12:48 PM
OOC... If Succotash knew anyone was in need of healing, he would have certainly done so before going to bed.

DM Kathy d8=2 ; d8=3 ; d8=6 ;
Monday July 20th, 2020 1:54:35 PM
In the morning, Bliss casts some spells, and does some Water Breathing math, accidentally including Harper and Mookie, who are sitting this one out, and Rumpus, who didn't make the trip.

Murphy wonders aloud whether the oil will interfere with breathing underwater, but there's really only one way to find out.

Succotash prepares a couple of Water Breathing spells, and considers using Valerie to help get him through the water.

Bliss had to sacrifice some hit points to cast his spells, and asks Kerra to restore them. This is a smart tactic to preserve party resources for later in the day, but Pressi didn't get the memo and pulls out a wand. Bliss stops her.

"It would be my pleasure," Kerra says, and casts a perfectly ordinary Cure Moderate Wounds to restore Bliss's lost hit points.

Assuming you have no other preparations to make, you step out of the back of the palace and find yourselves on a broad stone terrace overlooking the lake. Wide, shallow stone steps lead down toward the boathouse. The moonlings cluster around you, and the ever-present Mooncalf is following Mookie.

Bliss HP165?/165+15 AC33 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday July 20th, 2020 2:14:37 PM

"It was no accident!" declares Bliss. "What if a sea monster appears and drags Mookie under the water?"

"Yeah!" says Mookie. "Safety first! Also, who are you talking to, Kid!?"

"Also, what sea monsters?" The raven looks around anxiously.

"Don't worry, Mooncalf," says Bliss, "You and Mookie will be very safe on the boat, I'm sure. He'll take good care of you. He's been looking out for me my whole life."

Bliss thanks the blue lady and joins his friends in the boathouse. "Does anyone know from boats"? he asks. He looks around at the options for one big enough for everybody to fit in.

"How hard can it be? You just pull on those ... those oar-thingies."

Mookie laughs. "You guys should try the ones you paddle with your feet, if they have any for short guys."

Bliss has an idea! "Mister Murphy, you can change into a water elemental and PUSH the boat, right?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Monday July 20th, 2020 2:38:33 PM

"Sure, Bliss, I could do that," Murphy replis. "I could also row, preferably in tandem with someone else, as this boat looks made for people bigger than we are. But, water elemental sounds good to me. Or, a giant gar. All right, elemental it is. And get me a rope, and a loop on the end - I think pulling the boat might be better than pushing it. That way I can see what's ahead.

"Before we start, any other things people want to do to get ready?" Murphy asks.
[haven't had a chance to change up my spell list yet - will try to get to tonight.]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday July 21st, 2020 6:10:47 AM
Succotash is so excited he jumps into the boat not even considering Valerie. When he realizes his friend hadn't joined him yet, he looks back and sees her on the dock with an unsure look on her face. She reaches towards the boat with one of her talons, only to pull it back right away. Succotash tries reassuring the dino, and after a minute or two of coaxing, Valerie jumps in, almost upsetting the boat. She is shaky at first, but once she gets her sea legs, she almost seems to be enjoying her time in the boat.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+temp(10)+L16, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday July 21st, 2020 11:09:38 AM
Harper shakes her head, mewing loudly. Pressi doesn't push the issue, preferring to leave her behind.

Pressi takes water breathing when offered, but holds off on Polymorph for now. She offers to perform a divination if anyone requests now, before we sail out. She holds off on rowing. Pressi doesn't do rowing, even for a boyfriend.

Finally, she casts arcane eye past the front of the boat. She intends to keep it just ahead to assist in navigation, among the usual scouting and investigations.

--------------

Pressi
Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast
Shield of Faith
arcane eye

L1: 1
L4: 1
Harper (on Dock)
Heroes Feast

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Tuesday July 21st, 2020 12:52:14 PM
"Can you make me a giant shark or something?" asks Kezzem.

"I'm a shark doo doo...do do do. Halfling shark doo doo...do do do."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday July 21st, 2020 2:18:58 PM
ooc: Hey I was just looking at my equipment and realized Hobie has been hanging on to four scrolls of water breathing, so probably no one needs to prepare it.

The Lake

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday July 21st, 2020 2:28:13 PM
Hobie will take out his scrolls and cast water breathing for the group (how many hours do we need?)

as an archer, he's not too excited about going underwater, he knows that bows don't exactly work underwater. But he prepares a couple Beast Shapes and Elemental Bodies, and has his javelins at the ready in his Efficient Quiver.

DM Kathy
Tuesday July 21st, 2020 2:37:07 PM
[Everybody take 42,000 XP for the previous scene.]

You troop down to the boat house to see what is available. Mooncalf follows Mookie to the edge of the terrace, but no further. It is unable to go down the steps. It watches Mookie and Bliss head for the boathouse.

Harper will be sitting this one out. The moonlings will take good care of her.

Kezzem asks to be a shark. Hobie finds some scrolls of Water Breathing in his pocket, which will come in handy.

There are lots of boats in the boat house, but most are too small for your group. You finally uncover a large wooden raft. Judging by its substantial anchor, it is probably intended to be taken out and anchored for a swimming-party. Yours is an unorthodox swimming-party, but it will do. It doesn't seem to have oars specifically associated with it, but you are able to find a variety of oars and paddles you can use.

Succotash is able to coax Valerie aboard, and then with a few bumps and false starts, you are able to navigate the raft out of the boat house and onto the lake.

Murphy turns himself into a water elemental to push the raft, which is just as well because Pressi rows for nobody.

You make your way toward the stain. It doesn't take long, and soon you are drifting by spots of oily sheen. From his position underwater, Murphy can tell that the oily stuff is definitely coming from someplace under the water, probably in the lake bed.

Murphy also realizes that the water isn't like water on the Wold. It's fresh water, but it feels somehow lighter than normal water. It also seems to have its own light, so you may not need a light source. And the water sort of--fizzes. It's the only way you can describe it. It's strange, but not unpleasant.

Before long, you have reached a spot near the middle of the oily stain on the surface. From what you can tell, it is actual oil, but you aren't sure where it's coming from. It's time to go underwater and find out.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+39=54 ;
Tuesday July 21st, 2020 3:16:35 PM

"The water is bubbly, like some beers," Murphy reports just after spitting a little fountain of water into the air. "Only, it's really clean water - lighter than our water somehow. Fizzy and light. Hey, it even sheds a little light!" As they close in on the oily area, he says, "Since the oil is lighter than the water, unless you let your lungs get coated with it, you should be able to breathe in the water all right. Just be mindful - hold your breath a moment if you sense oil right around your mouth," he recommends.

"Let's get ready to descend. Spells time! Potions time!" Murphy announces. He takes a quick dip about 90 feet down (or less than that if it looks like something significant is nearby), then back to the surface. He reports on anything significant.

=============
Perception: 54

OctoBliss HP165/165+15 AC30 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d20+27=43 ;
Tuesday July 21st, 2020 11:31:30 PM
Bliss asks who wants to be polymorphed. Does Sir Kezzem really want to be a baby shark?

Then Bliss changes into a giant octopus, using a fifth level slot to cast Beast Shape III, duration 13 minutes.

He activates his Shield of Faith and dives in.

Mookie says, "I'll tell you what the Kid sees if you want to wait here."

Bliss underwater, looking around: Perception 43

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Wednesday July 22nd, 2020 1:31:51 AM
"I was thinking more like a dire shark, but yes, let's be a shark!" says Kezzem. "Just one question for the spell casters (or the DM). I assume I won't be able to cast spells as a shark, yes? But let's say I prepared a spell that could buff my teeth (holy sword). Could I cast it before you turn me into a shark? I mean, I still have teeth, right, even if they aren't giant sharp teeth."

Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101
Wednesday July 22nd, 2020 3:22:28 AM

Tali considers being polymorphed. She's not certain what form would be best for her. What would allow her still to cast spells? She can close her pants pockets, drawstring tight her haversack to try to keep water from seeping in, perhaps.

"What should I be? A dolphin? An orca? A gar? A jellyfish?" she asks, and giggles at the last idea. She's open to ideas. Or, she can just make sure that water breathing is working on her - she is happy to accept Hobie's offer of a potion of water breathing, and dive in. Yes. That is what she shall do.

"When we're all ready, I'll come in," the beautiful sorceress tells the others, not wanting to be the first nor the last. "Should we have some message spells up? Do they work underwater?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+7=14 ; d20=2 ;
Wednesday July 22nd, 2020 1:05:31 PM
Succotash mounts up, casts water breathing on himself and Valerie, and then they jump into the water.while swimming, Succotash will hold onto Valerie�s neck and kick, to help in the swimming.

Valerie�s swim check: 14
Succotash�s aid another: 2 (fail)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday July 22nd, 2020 2:19:00 PM
Hobie casts from 2 scrolls of water breathing, which gives the group 28 total hours evenly divided among them. He can cast more later if necessary

He isn�t much of a swimmer, but all of his polymorph spells last only a few minutes, so he opts to begin the trip in his normal form �Is anyone a really great swimmer that I can grab on and be pulled like a whale? Murphy as a water elemental do you have parts we can grab? Or could you turn into a whale and pull us all along?�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+temp(10)+L16, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday July 22nd, 2020 2:54:12 PM
Just skip me. Kid aggro. All day.

DM Kathy
Wednesday July 22nd, 2020 3:29:41 PM
Murphy reports on the condition of the water. You dive down, and are more certain than ever that the oil is coming from somewhere below. It's just a question of finding where.

Bliss asks who wants to be polymorphed. Kezzem is interested in being a shark, but wants to cast Holy Sword first. Generally, spells that affect weapons don't affect natural attacks such as shark teeth. You'll want Magic Fang, or something that can target either weapons or natural attacks.

Regardless of who else gets polymorphed, Bliss turns into an octopus for the duration.

Tali considers and rejects several polymorph options before deciding just to use the Water Breathing. Pressi undoubtedly goes through a similar progression.

Succotash has a Water Breathing spell for himself and Valerie; Hobie splits a couple of scrolls for the rest of the party.

Now prepared, you jump, dive, or slip into the water, leaving Mookie as lookout. If anything menaces the raft, his sarcastic comments will surely send them fleeing.

Now underwater, you find much as Murphy did--this moon water is curiously light and fizzy. It's kind of fun, really, or would be if there weren't streaks of oil in it. You begin looking for the source, going down toward the bottom.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Huge H20 Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Wednesday July 22nd, 2020 3:33:52 PM

"Sure, I'll provide trailing and side appendages for you to grab," water elemental Murphy agrees with Hobie. "I probably should not go full speed (swim 120) while you're holding on, though."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday July 22nd, 2020 3:48:32 PM
Hobie casts from 2 scrolls of water breathing, which gives the group 28 total hours evenly divided among them. He can cast more later if necessary

He isn�t much of a swimmer, but all of his polymorph spells last only a few minutes, so he opts to begin the trip in his normal form �Is anyone a really great swimmer that I can grab on and be pulled like a whale? Murphy as a water elemental do you have parts we can grab? Or could you turn into a whale and pull us all along?�

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Huge H20 Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Wednesday July 22nd, 2020 4:25:33 PM

[prior post was simultaneous, virtually, with DM post]

Regarding grabbing on - Murphy can trail a rope - others can tie loops (strongly recommended) for people to loop elbows around.

Murphy can cast greater magic fang thrice today. He generally does so on himself, and also either on Bliss or Mookie. He will offer also to Succotash since it's available. It lasts 16 hours. For the casting on Bliss he uses the level 3 pearl of power.

When Murphy earlier dove down to a depth of 90 feet earlier he did not locate the source of the oil. So the water is pretty deep here.

=========
Greater Magic Fang: +4 enhancement bonus to attacks and damage for natural weapon or unarmed strike.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Wednesday July 22nd, 2020 5:28:22 PM
Succotash thanks Murphy for the offer, but says, �Valerie has permanent greater magic fang on all her natural weapons. I bought scrolls scribed by a level 20 Druid, while you were away, and made them permanent with scrolls of permanency. I hope you�re not offended that I went somewhere else, but I didn�t know for sure when you would return.�. Succotash ties a loop in the rope Murphy offers, and directs Valerie to grab hold with her talons, as he sits in her saddle.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Huge H20 Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Wednesday July 22nd, 2020 6:06:40 PM

"OH, yeah, thanks, Succotash. I meant, Kezzem - you can have shiny sharp shark teeth." Murphy casts greater magic fang on the paladin Kezzem, not the cleric Succotash.

"I get former paladins and former rogues who are now paladins mixed up in my mind from time to time."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Huge H20 Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp
Wednesday July 22nd, 2020 6:08:38 PM

"Me, offended at what you did for Valerie? No way. It takes a strong and concerted effort to offend me. You had a great idea, and applied it. More flexibility for the group? That's the opposite of offensive. Except, of course, for our enemies," Murphy responds.

OctoBliss HP165/165+15 AC30 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday July 22nd, 2020 8:48:38 PM

Bliss casts Polymorph (4th level slot) to change Kezzem into a shark (large) for 13 minutes. He can't see any way to make those teeth into Holy Sword Teeth. Maybe if he had changed Kezzem into a swordfish?

Beast Shape II: https://www.cayzle.com/pfsrd/spells/beastShape.html#beast-shape-ii
Shark: https://www.cayzle.com/pfsrd/monsters/shark.html

OctoBliss sees no reason to dally. He swims down to find the source of the oil/stain.He tells Mookie via telepathy what he sees.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Shield Other; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Thursday July 23rd, 2020 1:00:40 AM
Kezzem spits water at Murphey for confusing him with Succotash. Kezzem would remind Murphey that he is currently a shark that is a former paladin that is a former rogue, but he can't, because he's a shark.

Kezzem would also like to ask if somebody could hit him with a Mage Armor that would be great. While Kezzem has not impulse control and would not worry about such things, Brian is worried that without his armor Kezzem might be a bit squishier as shark.

Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:29 (T:25, FF:24), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101+12 temp d8+7=12 ;
Thursday July 23rd, 2020 1:56:21 AM

Tali casts mage armor on Kezzem, then upon herself. She adds a loop to Murphy's tow rope, says, "Away we glub-blub-glubo" and goes along for the ride to the depths.

===========
Active things:
Water breathing - a while
Mage armor - 16 hours
Overland flight (helps in the water, too) - a long time
12 temp hp from Heroes' Feast

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+temp(10)+L16, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday July 23rd, 2020 11:35:36 AM
Pressi casts alter self (lizardfolk) upon herself for 14 minutes, boosting her swim speed. (She still needs the water breathing so she takes it.)

Pressi also reminds Kezzem that he doesn't need mage armor. (From the Polymorph school: you only kind of change into another animal with equipment entering your body. So things like armor and headbands still work. (but more active stuff like spells and wands don't. That's why Pressi is keeping with alter self for now.)

Pressi also casts detect magic, seeing if it registers.

Kezzem (BrianW) - I'm-A-Shark AC 28; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Thursday July 23rd, 2020 12:57:10 PM
Thanks for the mage armor!

https://www.d20pfsrd.com/Magic/#TOC-Transmutation

When you cast a polymorph spell that changes you into a creature of the animal, dragon, elemental, magical beast, plant, or vermin type, all of your gear melds into your body. Items that provide constant bonuses and do not need to be activated continue to function while melded in this way (with the exception of armor and shield bonuses, which cease to function).

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday July 23rd, 2020 1:32:18 PM
ooc: Thanks Melvin, I forgot about Alter Self!

Hobie will go ahead and use one of his scrolls of alter self to turn into a Merfolk, giving himself a 50 ft swim speed.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday July 23rd, 2020 1:33:18 PM
actually no he won't, it only lasts 7 minutes. He'll start by grabbing one of the loops on Murphy, but he'll be ready to turn into a merfolk should the opportunity arise

DM Kathy
Thursday July 23rd, 2020 2:53:41 PM
Murphy offers to tow his companions, an offer some of them accept.

Bliss turns Kezzem into a shark. Murphy Magic Fangs him, Tali gives him Mage Armor, and now he's all ready to bite things! [OOC: I'd be surprised if casting Mage Armor on herself isn't part of Tali's morning routine.]

Pressi changes herself into a Lizardfolk. Hobie considers changing himself into something, then thinks better of it and grabs one of Murphy's ropes.

Your group is able to make pretty good time as you descend. You can see the oily streaks in the water. The oil seems to be spreading. If you can't figure out how to stop this, the environment of the lake will be ruined.

You are close to the bottom when Bliss gets an urgent ping from Mookie. Something is headed your way--something big! It's moving fast!

OctoBliss HP165/165+15 AC30 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday July 23rd, 2020 4:21:05 PM

Bliss swims about like a mad thing and points towards the incoming thing.

Mookie, stay safe! he thinks.

He maneuvers to be out in front of the party toward the oncoming threat.

He uses his spell-like ability to cast Divine Favor without any somatic or verbal components.

CDM Jerry [OOC post]
Thursday July 23rd, 2020 10:26:41 PM
Sent this out this evening:

Woldians!

Our only means of communication is via email.� That means that as a part of your membership, you are responsible�for checking email daily.� The easy way of course is to check emails before making your post.� Even if you are playing via phone at times, check your email.

We've only had to fuss at a few over the years for not reading emails.� We've only had to threaten 1 with probation for not communicating.� We have seen an increase in difficulty when trying to reach members [players and DMs] over the last year or two so I'm sending this reminder.

To be a member here, this is one of your responsibilities like posting.� I'm tempted to have Sheriff Zach list names of folks who did not reply to emails within 24 hrs on posting days.� No I'm not there yet.� :)
So anyway, please check your email.� :)

CDM Jerry

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Huge H20 Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 132+14temp d20+39=41 ;
Friday July 24th, 2020 12:26:27 AM

WaterMurphy notices OctoBliss pointing with several appendages at something. "Friends, off to our right something comes our way. Let us move that way, and prepare to board. Or, maybe swing ferociously with our weapons and bite down hard."

Murphy swims upward and off to one side of the approaching thing, so as to provide flanking of sorts between the team's giant octopus and those who are flowing with the water elemental druid. If Pressi is swimming separately, he communicates with her telepathically what seems to be going on, and his own planned actions.

He casts bull's strength upon himself, thinking that greater physical prowess may soon be of benefit.
=================
Perception: 41

Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:29 (T:25, FF:24), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:101/101+12 d20+11=21 ;
Friday July 24th, 2020 12:36:04 AM

Tali, sensing impending battle, casts haste upon all those in Murphy's tow, and anyone else close enough to benefit from the added speed.

She tries to see if she can figure out what might be coming.

[Add Haste to your character's current benefits if you are Murphy or someone trailing along, or swimming nearby him - it's up to Cayzle and Kathy as to whether OctoBliss is close enough to be included - must be within 30 feet at time of casting]
=============
Perception: 21
Haste: 16 minutes
Water breathing - a while
Mage armor - 16 hours
Overland flight (helps in the water, too) - a long time
12 temp hp from Heroes' Feast

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday July 24th, 2020 1:23:44 AM
Hobie casts from 2 scrolls of water breathing, which gives the group 28 total hours evenly divided among them. He can cast more later if necessary

He isn�t much of a swimmer, but all of his polymorph spells last only a few minutes, so he opts to begin the trip in his normal form �Is anyone a really great swimmer that I can grab on and be pulled like a whale? Murphy as a water elemental do you have parts we can grab? Or could you turn into a whale and pull us all along?�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Friday July 24th, 2020 6:42:01 AM
Succotash takes heed to Bliss's gestures, and casts Divine Power on Valerie.

Succotash: Temp HP 9
Dimensional hop 160ft/160ft
Channel energy 9/9
Water breathing 16 hours
Haste
Hero's feast

Valerie: Temp HP 28
Water Breathing 16 hours
Divine power (+5) 16/16
Haste
Hero's feast

You bring forth a great feast, including a magnificent table, chairs, service, and food and drink. The feast takes 1 hour to consume, and the beneficial effects do not set in until this hour is over. Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+temp(10)+L16, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34) d20=19 ; d20+6=10 ;
Friday July 24th, 2020 11:06:53 AM

Pressi is humming about Andy Kaufman when everyone changes direction. (If you believe... they put... huh?) "Bliss, it might be a good idea to remind Mookie that he can fly."

Pressi casts her spectral hand underwater while they swim upwards (concentration check is d20+14+6 vs 16, no fail except nat 1). (I'm assuming this means she hangs towards the back, since she can't full move.)

Near the boathouse, Harper continues to look outward. (Perception 10).

--------------

Pressi
Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast
Shield of Faith
lizardfolk form
spectral hand

L1: 1
L4: 1
Harper (on Dock)
Heroes Feast

DM Kathy d20+26=34 ; 2d6+10=21 ;
Friday July 24th, 2020 2:23:05 PM
Bliss and Murphy alert the group that something is approaching. Tali casts Haste. Succotash casts Divine Power on Valerie. Pressi casts Spectral Hand. Hobie is caught in a time loop.

You've barely managed to cast your spells when you see it approaching. "Big" doesn't do it justice. "Ginormous" might begin to capture it. It's coming fast, and it has tentacles. Knowledge: Arcana DC 28 Highlight to display spoiler: {It's a kraken!}

One of its arms lashes out at Murphy. It hits! Murphy takes 21 damage.

[I'm going to try to run this without a map, because mapping three dimensions is hard. The creature is Gargantuan in size with a 20-foot reach. ]

OctoBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d20+4=9 ; d20+20=40 ; d20+20=27 ; d20+20=35 ; d20+20=28 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+20=32 ; d20+20=37 ; d20+20=37 ; d20+20=32 ; d20+20=28 ; d4+15=17 ; d4+15=17 ; d4+15=19 ; d4+15=19 ; d4+15=19 ; d4+15=17 ; d4+15=17 ; d4+15=18 ; d4+15=18 ; d4+15=18 ;
Friday July 24th, 2020 8:06:14 PM

Untrained Know Arcana: 9. Bliss is clueless!

Bliss is glad for the haste and uses it right away. He activates his rage as a free action and his arcane strike as a swift action. He's also glad that Murphy was clever to arrange to flank the monster. He makes a full attack of 9 tentacles hasted that have 20 ft reach. He passes on the bite because it has only a 10 ft reach.

Attacks are at +2 flanking and +1 haste over sheet.

Bliss hits ACs
40 (crit confirms vs AC27) for damage 17 (34 if crit confirmed),
35 for damage 19,
28 for damage 19,
29 for damage 19,
32 for damage 17,
37 for damage 17,
37 for damage 18,
32 for damage 18, and
28 for damage 18.

Bliss takes a five ft "step" closer.

Kezzem (BrianW) - I'm-A-Shark AC 28; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 d20+21=23 ; d8+7=15 ; d6=6 ;
Saturday July 25th, 2020 1:07:08 AM
Kezzem swims into a flanking position and takes a bite out of the kraken (I assume he provokes an AoOwhile doing so).

Attack: 1d20 + 21 + 2 (Flank) = 25. Probably a miss.
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 1d6 (Sneak Attack) = 15 + 6 = 21.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Huge H2O Elem) Halfling Druid - AC 36/T-26/Fl-32 CMD 37 HP 220(or 204)/132+14temp+74 (or -14temp, -2) d20+11=28 ; d20+24=41 ; d20+28=29 ; d20+28=36 ; d20+28=39 ; 2d6+12=18 ; d20+26=33 ; 2d6+12=15 ; d20+39=57 ;
Sunday July 26th, 2020 11:47:15 PM

[I had forgotten to make the adjustments to Str (+4), Dex (-2), Con (+8), and nat armor (+6), plus Haste and Heroes' Feast effects. Net effect: AC 36 - so, I think the kraken just barely missed him (rolling 34, rather than 36), or perhaps skimmed the natural armor, but to no effect - let me know if I should take the "you should have had that calc shown already" penalty, and I'll adjust his current hp by the 21 you rolled, less 5 (DR).]

"It's a kraken - a humongous squid, squirts black ink," Murphy tells the party. "I'm letting go the rope - partner up" (drop rope, free action)

Murphy takes an attack of opportunity, hitting AC 43 (not 41). Due to the haste, he gets to do one more than his normal round of 3 attacks besides the AoO. Some initially miscalculated rolls were: d20+11=28 (good -Know Arcanan) ; d20+24=41 (43) (AoO) ; d20+28=29 (27) ; d20+28=36 (30) ; d20+28=39 (25) ; 2d6+12=18 (good) ; d20+26=33 (good) ; 2d6+12=15 (good) ; d20+39=57 (perception)
Actual rolls should be:
..AoO d20+26=43(hit) Damage 18
..d20+26=27(nat1-miss)
..d20+21=30(miss)
..d20+16=25(miss)
..Haste shot d20+26=33(hit) Damage 15
Total 33 damage - against kraken's attack arm
==========
Knowledge, Arcana: 28
Perception: 57
Effects: Feast: +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves; +4 morale bonus saves vs poison & fear
Greater Magic Fang: +4 enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls
Haste: +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. One extra attack with one natural or manufactured weapon
Flanking with OctoBliss. With anyone else - like Kezzem or Pressi?
AND, HOBIE, remember, you were hanging on to the rope... which Murphy just dropped, as he is about to do something that might harm you if he kept hold of the rope. You, Tali, Succotash & Valerie were all holding on the the rope.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Huge H2O Elem) Halfling Druid - AC 36/T-26/Fl-32 CMD 37 HP 220(or 204)/132+14temp+74 (or -14temp, -2)
Sunday July 26th, 2020 11:48:28 PM

Oh, and Murphy moves 5' closer to the kraken.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Huge H2O Elem) Halfling Druid - AC 36/T-26/Fl-32 CMD 37 HP 220(or 204)/132+14temp+74 (or -14temp, -2) d20+15=32 ; d4=2 ; d20+22=30 ;
Sunday July 26th, 2020 11:58:59 PM

Tali uses a ranged touch attack against the kraken, hitting AC 32, with the generation spell, causing 2 negative levels lasting 15 hours. She skedaddles off at about a 45 degree angle away from the kraken - figuring she is about 30-35 feet away from where the kraken's arm hit Murphy.

She knows it's a kraken (Know: Arc 30)

Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:30 (T:26, FF:25), CMD:35, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:18), HP:101/101+12 d20+1=11 ;
Monday July 27th, 2020 12:12:47 AM

That's probably a loss of (5+9)*2 = 28 hp loss to the kraken from Tali's enervation spell (autocorrect changed it to 'generation'), plus whatever other effects the spell had on the magical beast's abilities.

Swim check 11 - Does that make for a 10' move away? If not, what number? Her land move is 20.

[And, sorry folks, especially to Kathy, Kim made his traditional substitute-posting header error on Tali's post above this one. Murphy's 11:58:59PM post should have Tali's header, same as this one]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+7=11 ; d20=7 ; d20+28=42 ; 2d6+18=24 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ;
Monday July 27th, 2020 7:53:29 AM
While holding onto Valerie, Succotash tells Valerie to let go of the rope, and move forward to attack the Kraken, as he casts Freedom of Movement on his animal friend. Valerie attempts to swim over to the Kraken (calm water rolled 11 pass) Succotash however fails to help her, luckily she didn�t need it. Valerie will slash at the Kraken with one of her talons. With the +5 from divine power the +1 from haste, and the +1 from heroes feast, she hits AC 42 for 24 damage +6 shock and 4 frost.

Succotash: Temp HP 9
Dimensional hop 160ft/160ft
Channel energy 9/9
Water breathing 16 hours
Haste
Hero's feast

Valerie: Temp HP 28
Water Breathing 16 hours
Divine power (+5) 15/16
Haste
Hero's feast
Freedom of movement 160min/160min

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+22=28 ; d20+22=32 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+12=19 ; 2d6+20=25 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+20=30 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+20=24 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+20=26 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+20=24 ; d6=6 ;
Monday July 27th, 2020 8:02:28 AM
The post said that we "barely managed to cast our spells when we saw it coming" so does that mean we are still in the boat, and its coming on the surface? or we are underwater and its underwater?

if Hobie is still in the boat and the thing is at the surface, he'll fire arrows at it. If he's already underwater, he is going to cast "Alter Self" to become a merfolk, and swim toward the kraken while drawing a javelin.

Arrows if needed:

Manyshot 28
Piercing 25, Electric 1
Piercing 30, Electric 2

Rapid shot 32
Piercing 24, Electric 3

Iterative 1 33
Piercing 26, Electric 5

Iterative 2 19
Piercing 24, Electric 6

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+7=11 ; d20=7 ; d20+28=42 ; 2d6+18=24 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ;
Monday July 27th, 2020 10:19:07 AM
While holding onto Valerie, Succotash tells Valerie to let go of the rope, and move forward to attack the Kraken, as he casts Freedom of Movement on his animal friend. Valerie attempts to swim over to the Kraken (calm water rolled 11 pass) Succotash however fails to help her, luckily she didn�t need it. Valerie will slash at the Kraken with one of her talons. With the +5 from divine power the +1 from haste, and the +1 from heroes feast, she hits AC 42 for 24 damage +6 shock and 4 frost.

Succotash: Temp HP 9
Dimensional hop 160ft/160ft
Channel energy 9/9
Water breathing 16 hours
Haste
Hero's feast

Valerie: Temp HP 28
Water Breathing 16 hours
Divine power (+5) 15/16
Haste
Hero's feast
Freedom of movement 160min/160min

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+temp(10)+L16, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Monday July 27th, 2020 2:49:16 PM
Pressi attempts to bestow a curse on the Kracken, giving it a 50 percent chance to move. (Dc 19)

DM Kathy d20+26=42 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d20+38=56 ; d20+11=15 ; d100=14 ;
Monday July 27th, 2020 3:13:40 PM
Octo-Bliss attacks! Not all of his attacks hit, but he does a fair amount of damage.

Kezzem swims to get into a flanking position. He does indeed provoke an Attack of Opportunity, and is hit for 21 damage. Worst of all, he is grabbed!

Murphy attacks! (The kraken did not provoke an AoO, unless I'm missing something.) Most of the attacks miss, but the last one hits!

Tali casts Enervation. The ray hits, and the kraken takes 2 negative levels. Tali then tries to swim away. A successful Swim check allows you to move at one-quarter speed. If land speed is 20 feet, Tali was able to swim 5 feet.

Succotash casts Freedom of Movement on Valerie, and sends her forward to attack the kraken. Her talon hits and does damage.

Hobie casts Alter Self to become a merfolk. [You entered the water as of Wednesday's DM post.] He swims forward, drawing a javelin.

Pressi casts Bestow Curse, and the kraken fails its save.

The kraken does not get to act this round. It still has an arm wrapped around Kezzem, but it takes no actions.

Kezzem (BrianW) - I'm-A-Shark AC 28; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 d20+24=31 ; d8+21=29 ; d20+15=20 ;
Monday July 27th, 2020 7:23:30 PM
Kezzem will Detect Evil on the Kraken (move action). If the Kraken detect's evil, he will Smite Evil and attempt to bite the Kraken's tentacle that is grabbing him.

Attack: 1d20 + 21 + 3 (Smite Evil) = 31.
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 14 (Smite Evil) = 29.
Note: If the Kraken is Fiendish (possibly), Undead (unlikely), or a Dragon (not likely but you never know), Kezzem deals an additional 14 damage.

If the Kraken is not evil, Kezzem will attempt to escape the grapple (standard action).

CMB: 1d20 + 15 = 20.

OctoBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d20+20=26 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+20=38 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+20=23 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+27=38 ; d20+27=34 ; d4+15=19 ; d4+15=16 ; d4+15=19 ; d4+15=16 ; d4+15=19 ; d4+15=18 ; d4+15=19 ; d4+15=19 ; d8+26=27 ; d8+26=32 ; d6=4 ; d8+26=31 ; d6=1 ;
Monday July 27th, 2020 9:19:07 PM

Bliss is glad to see the krackle thing holding still, so he swims five ft closer and lays into it with eight hasted flanking tentacle attacks (at +20 to hit) and two hasted flanking bites (at +27 to hit), that's two bites because one is a hasted bonus attack.

Tentacles
- hits AC26 for 19
- hits AC29 for 16
- hits AC38 for 19
- hits AC24 for 16
- hits AC23 for 19
- hits ACxx for 18
- hits AC22 for 19
- hits AC39 for 19
Bites
- hits AC38 for 36 nonlethal damage plus Poison*
- hits AC34 for 32 nonlethal damage plus Poison*

*Poison: Fort DC22, 1/rnd for 6 rnds; for 1d3 Str; cure 2 saves

Bliss is proud of his team for working together so well, and he makes a mental note to tell them so the next time he has a mouth instead of an octo-beak.

Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:36 (T:32, FF:27), CMD:38, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:18), HP:101+12/101+12 d20+11=25 ; d20+1=3 ;
Tuesday July 28th, 2020 3:53:51 AM

Tali casts chains of light, which envelop the kraken, holding it immobile by glowing golden chains composed of pure light. The creature is paralyzed and held in place, but may attempt a new saving throw (reflex, DC 35) each round to end the effect. The bright chains last 16 rounds. The sorceress observes the colors of the kraken, and tries to see how many stripes denoting age she can see on this magnificent, evil denizen of the waters.

She remains in place (failed swim check of 3/10 - or does that mean she sinks 5 feet?)
=========
Header corrected for AC, CMD
Perception: 25 (colors, stripes)
Overland flight
Mage Armor
Water breathing 5.3 hours
Haste 14 rounds
Heroes' feast

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Huge H2O Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 36/T-26/Fl-32 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 d20+28=31 ; d20+23=28 ; d20+18=35 ; d20+28=29 ; 2d6+12=20 ; 2d6+12=19 ; 2d6+12=17 ; d20+39=48 ; 2d6+12=23 ; 2d6+12=19 ; 2d6+12=15 ; 2d6+12=14 ; 2d6+12=19 ;
Tuesday July 28th, 2020 4:42:29 AM

As part of the Halfling swarm, huge water elemental Murphy moves five feet closer, now only ten feet from the extravagant squid. He sees OctoBliss's tentacles wrapping from the other side. If with his greater magic fang he can use his natural body weaponry (15' reach) to execute a coup de grace, he does so (coup de grace 20+19=39, kraken needs a Fort save of 49 to avoid death).

If not, then the druid executes a full round of attacks against the presumably currently helpless kraken. [With helpless AC -4 and an effective dex of zero dropping it a further -5, it should be safe to assume the AC is now 23, rather than 32, right?]

Murphy hits three out of four times (nat 1 on haste bonus attack).
Damage 20 + 19 + 17 = 56
Ignore last 5 rolls.
Perception: Anyone else coming our way? (maybe that glance explains the nat 1 on his last attack roll)

[AoO last round - I figured that since a body part (the arm) came within Murphy's 15' striking range, that an AoO was possible - but if not, then no worries]
===============
Perception: 48
Effects: Feast: +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves; +4 morale bonus saves vs poison & fear
Greater Magic Fang: +4 enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls
Water breathing 5.3 hours (from a portion of Hobie's potion)
Haste: +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. One extra attack with one natural or manufactured weapon
Flanking with OctoBliss. Maybe Kezzem, too? I figure Valerie and Succotash are on Murphy's side of the kraken.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+10=29 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+11=19 ; d20+6=19 ; d6+4=5 ; d6+4=9 ; d6+4=9 ; d6+4=10 ;
Tuesday July 28th, 2020 6:13:36 AM
Hobie quickly studies the kraken for weaknesses Knowledge Nature 29
Hobie gets all stabby stabby with his javelin.

Attack 1 =21
Damage = 5

Haste = 32
Damage = 9

Iterative 1 = 19
Damage = 9

Iterative 2 = 19
Damage = 10

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+7=27 ; d20+21=26 ; d20+15=30 ; 12d6+15=60 ; 3d6+15=20 ; d20+28=34 ; d20+28=42 ; d20+28=38 ; d20+28=37 ; d20+28=46 ; 2d6+18=29 ; 2d6+18=24 ; d8+18=22 ; d4+18=20 ; d4+18=22 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d20+28=44 ; 2d6+18=29 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ;
Tuesday July 28th, 2020 6:48:52 AM
Swim check to keep from sinking 27 (Pass)

Succotash attempt to cast Slay living defensively DC 25 rolled 26 so passed then he tries to deliver the spell rolling a 30 verses the kraken's touch AC for 60 damage, or a DC 21 fort save for 20.

Valerie delivers a full round attack:
Talon hits AC 34 for 29 damage + 2 shock and 4 frost
Talon hits AC 42 for 24 damage + 2 shock and 3 frost
Bite hits AC 38 for 22 damage + 6 shock and 5 frost
Claw hits AC 37 20 damage + 2 shock and 5 frost
Claw hits AC 46 22 damage + 6 shock and 2 frost
Hasted Talon hits AC 44 for 29 damage + 1 shock and 4 frost

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+temp(10)+L16, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday July 28th, 2020 11:04:00 AM
Pressi casts ill omen. (Next 3 d20 rolls, roll twice. No save.)

DM Kathy d20+12=21 ; d20+21=22 ; d20+21=39 ;
Tuesday July 28th, 2020 3:24:52 PM
Kezzem detects, and the creature is indeed evil. It is not fiendish, or undead, or a dragon, however. Kezzem attempts to smite the creature, but it is well-protected and his blow skips off the kraken's skin.

Bliss attacks! Two of his tentacles hit, as do both bites, but the kraken seems to be immune to poison.

Tali encircles the kraken with a Chain of Light. Without Murphy's help, she has trouble swimming, and sinks toward the bottom.

Hobie stabs with his javelin, hitting once.

Pressi casts Ill Omen, which is bad news for a creature facing two instant kills.

Murphy attempts a coup de grace, and succeeds. The mighty kraken stops moving, and begins slowly stinking, still wrapped in Tali's chain.

Succotash can save his spell; the kraken is dead.

Knowledge Arcana DC 33 Highlight to display spoiler: {These things are quite the treasure hoarders. It's probably worthwhile to take a look around for a lair of some kind.}

Kezzem (BrianW) - I'm-A-Shark AC 28; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Tuesday July 28th, 2020 3:34:01 PM
Kezzem swims to retrieve Tali and does his best not to bite the tasty halfling McNucket.

Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:36 (T:32, FF:27), CMD:38, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:18), HP:101+12/101+12 d20+22=38 ; d20+1=18 ;
Tuesday July 28th, 2020 7:24:55 PM

Tali had been looking at the coloration on the kraken, and was aware that the number of stripes on the beast was some sort of tally relating to how many centuries old it might be. ["The sorceress observes the colors of the kraken, and tries to see how many stripes denoting age she can see on this magnificent, evil denizen of the waters... Perception: 25 (colors, stripes)"] What did she come up with?

Anyway, as the friendly neighborhood Kezzem shark comes to rescue her, she says, "I learned not long ago that a kraken's age can be told, somewhat, by the stripes along their sides. Also, they like to collect many rich and sparkly things. Maybe we should look around, and see if we can find out where this monstrous welcoming committee keeps such items."

Now that Kezzem has righted her, she finds she can swim again. "Thanks, Kez." "How did you like the bands of light? That is now one of my favorite spells! And good job, everyone!" she beams, her face animated, and gorgeous as ever. This effervescent water seems good for the skin. She swims toward the slowly descending rope. "Hey, waterboy, start towing us again!" She grabs onto a loop. (I forgot earlier to add the 30' move to her 5' swim, from the haste spell).
=============
Knowledge, Arcana: 38/33 - success
Swim check: 18.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Huge H2O Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220
Tuesday July 28th, 2020 7:46:34 PM

Murphy is relieved to see the armored squid finally go fully limp. He thinks he helped to end it, but knows that everyone contributed to this victory. "This is so unlike fishing in the ol' waterhole by Humble's Ford," he comments.

"Great work, Bliss. Valerie. Succotash. Kezzem. Hobie - and I like your gills. Pressi - I have no idea how your witchy spells work, but, my, how potent! Tali, that chain of light was beautiful."

"'Waterboy'???" he repeats. "Ah, I get no respect. No respect," he teases back. He does oblige, though, and takes up the rope, pulling gently only once he is certain Tali is holding on. He moves about to draw close to the others, that they in turn may grab on if they wish.

"To find its lair would be good. How about, first, though, we dive more deeply, that we might learn of the source of the oil? Bliss, click your beak once for oil first, and three times for looking for the lair first. Anyone else want to weigh in? Oh, Kezzem, chomp down hard once to seek the source of the oil first, and three times if you want to hunt for the lair first. Anyone else who has trouble speaking, do something to indicate one for oil, or three for lair. Then let's descend if we decide oil, or wander around maybe in the direction the kraken came from for lair."

"So, vote which we do first: Oil? or Lair?
I vote Oil."

Then he thinks to add, "Maybe we should get some small souvenir from the Kraken before we let it sink out of sight. Can someone cut off one of the legs, and one of the tentacles? And, I know, gross, but get one of its eyes? I'm sure the moonlings would love to ooh and aah over such," he jests. "And perhaps some arcane spell or magic item might be augmented by use of such. Hobie, do you suppose you could perform some eye surgery with care, so the eye does not burst?"

He takes a few moment to look at the kraken, with a mind to painting it after they get back. He pays attention to the coloration of the various parts with the particular underwater lighting they are experiencing.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Wednesday July 29th, 2020 6:18:57 AM
After Valerie grabs hold of the rope again, Succotash, while sitting in the saddle, holds up both hands, one with 3 fingers up, and one with 1 finger up to indicate that he is fine either way, but he does make a mental note to search for the lair later, in case they chose to check out the oil first. He doesn't want to miss out on any goodies, simply because he and his friends forgot about the lair.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+temp(10)+L16, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday July 29th, 2020 11:22:18 AM
She accepts congratulations and gives them in kind. As others discuss what to do about the Kraken, however, she can't help but feel a twinge of regret or worry that maybe they didn't need to shoot first. Yes, she heard the stories about krakens, but still...

Something else bothered her, as Tali explained the markings on the kraken. "If that thing was here for centuries, how come there's a boat house nearby. It's not the kind of thing you easily miss in a small lake, so where did it come from?"

In the meantime, she votes oil. It does seem to be the more pressing concern at the moment.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+22=31 ;
Wednesday July 29th, 2020 12:47:45 PM
Hobie fails the knowledge check.

To Murphy's request. "Aye, I'll see what I can do! " Hobie will take out Katinka's dagger and do his very best to remove the Kraken's eyes without damaging them.

To Tali's mention of a possible treasure trove, "I hope we can find something down there that I can effectively use to fight underwater, like a trident or something. These Javelin's were made for throwing, not for melee combat."

OctoBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d20+12=19 ;
Wednesday July 29th, 2020 1:31:21 PM

Bliss tries to deduce if the oil stain and kraken ink were the same substance.

Know Nature 19.

If they are not the same, he tries to compare and contrast to figure it out.

He's in favor of casting around both for the source of the stain and for any krakling treasure.

He leaves the grisly trophy-gathering to others, but given the duration of his polymorph, be will brook a delay of no more than a minute.

Kezzem (BrianW) - I'm-A-Shark AC 28; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Wednesday July 29th, 2020 1:57:46 PM
Kezzem shrugs his fins. He's not much of a strategy person and is just happy to be a shark.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Huge H2O Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 d20+39=56 ;
Wednesday July 29th, 2020 2:02:59 PM

With Hobie's help, and the input of others, and Bliss's pantomimed request to hurry things up, Murphy goes ahead, pulling along whoever has grabbed onto the rope in addition to Tali, and severs the arm that attacked him, and a tentacle. "Thanks - I'll take them to the surface, to the raft," he tells Hobie, and the others, taking the eye, arm, and tentacle. Just before heading up, he releases the rope. "Be right back." He swims swiftly to the surface (move 120, double-move if feasible without damaging the carried items), says, "Here are a few souvenirs - a kraken. Don't eat it - especially the eye," he recommends to cat and crow. "We're heading to the bottom to find the oil source."

Then he dives back down to rejoin the others, takes up the rope. "Ready to descend?" he asks all. If none object, then he begins heading toward the bottom, observing where the oil seems to be coming from, and out of the corner of the eye, trying to see where the kraken's body lands.
=============
Perception: 56

DM Kathy
Wednesday July 29th, 2020 3:49:27 PM
Kezzem swims to assist Tali, who is trying to determine the kraken's age. But this is a moon kraken, and it has no stripes at all.

Murphy asks whether the group would rather look for kraken treasure or move immediately to find the source of the oil leak. He also speaks of some rather gruesome organ-harvesting he'd like to do.

Succotash indicates that he'd prefer to look for the oil right away. Bliss concerned about polymorph durations, doesn't want to delay the search for the oil leak.

Hobie is able to remove the kraken's eye, but isn't able to get anything more before Bliss's time limit expires.

Pressi wonders about such a large creature in a lake, but the lake is a decent size. And it's possible the kraken has grown since it was first introduced.

Murphy takes the eye to the surface and cautions Mookie not to eat it (Harper is on shore). Then he takes up the rope agin, and the group resumes looking for the oil leak.

What you find is not one leak, but three. Two of them are in a basin of sorts (think a swimming pool on the bottom of the lake). They are in the wall, rather than the floor, of the basin, about 60 feet apart. The third is on the underside of an overhang, leaking downward.

The openings creating the leaks reveal something of the material beyond and--it isn't rock. The lake bed is rock, or at least looks like it, but inside the openings you see--structure. There are pipes and conduits--some of which are leaking oil into the lake. The openings themselves are square and symmetrical. Not the kind of thing you'd expect from seismic activity or some other natural phenomenon. Each opening is about 2 feet square.

Kezzem (BrianW) - I'm-A-Shark AC 28; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 d20+24=25 ;
Wednesday July 29th, 2020 6:06:34 PM
Kezzem swimgs towards the openings with detect evil. Assuming there is no evil, he sticks his nose into each opening for a good sniff. However, not used to being a shark, he has no idea what he is smelling.

Perception: 1d20 + 24 = 25.

OctoBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday July 29th, 2020 7:58:40 PM

Bliss sees that there is no need for combat here and turns back into a halfling.

"Clearly, we neeb a few batches," he glubs. "I mean batches."

"Maybe a rebair."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 d20+21=36 ;
Thursday July 30th, 2020 4:30:09 AM

So, gently setting the rope on the floor of the lake - he checks to make sure it does not disappear in mud - Murphy taps into his engineer training to examine the pipes and conduits. He recalls the Iron Giant, and the complex pipes, conduits, and wiring. He wildshapes into a small water elemental - this time with an octopus shape, that he may the better delve into the complex. He looks in and around, going inside the 2' squares as far as he is able (within reason). The darkvision and his watery tactile senses help him get a good feel for the construction. He tries to figure out the purpose of the pipes, oil, conduits, as well as what might be damaged and in need of repair. The druid reports mentally to Pressi what he finds. After exploring, he emerges and tells all what is inside, and what, if anything, he may have figured out about the site.
===============
Knowledge: Engineering: 36

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+23=42 ;
Thursday July 30th, 2020 6:24:12 AM
Succotash begins looking around trying to find any and all broken pieces of the leaking pipes, (perception 42) If he can find all the pieces, he will cast mending on the pipes, as many times as needed. If he can't find all the pieces, he will try to repair as many holes as he can, to at least slow down the flow, until they can figure out what to do next.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+temp(10)+L16, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday July 30th, 2020 2:26:19 PM
Pressi, back in her Halfling form (I gather that alter self expired at this point), considers what they are looking at.

She suggests that Tali use her robe of eyes. Otherwise, she continues to just listen.

DM Kathy
Thursday July 30th, 2020 3:24:56 PM
Kezzem detects for evil, but finds none. He tries to smell with his sharky senses. You recognize the smell of oil, and of steel, but there's definitely something there you can't place. And it's true you're not used to being a shark, but you're pretty sure you wouldn't recognize this smell as a halfling either.

Bliss calls for patches or repairs.

Murphy lets the rope fall to the lakebed. It is pretty much rock; no mud in sight. You shapeshift into something smaller and begin examining the holes. Each hole leads into a corridor--a much wider corridor than the opening. You quickly see that breaching the walls of the corridor is what severed the various conduits and caused the leaking. Like Kezzem, you smell something in the corridors that you do not recognize.

Succotash begins looking for pieces of pipe so he can begin repairs. You find a few, and are able to repair some of the pipes, but you don't don't find all the pieces.

Pressi suggests that Tali use the Robe of Eyes to perhaps spot more clues.

There are still two pipes leaking oil. Both could probably be patched if you could find appropriate materials.

OctoBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday July 30th, 2020 10:46:26 PM

"Mister Murphy, can you make walls of stone to seal off the holes? Do we have to go under the lakebed to find the right patching materials?"

Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:36 (T:32, FF:32), CMD:38, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:18), HP:101+12/101+12 d20+21=35 ;
Friday July 31st, 2020 1:38:38 AM

Tali takes up Pressi's suggestion, and with the benefit of her robe of eyes [The robe of eyes sees all forms of invisible or ethereal creatures or objects within 120 feet; the wearer of a robe of eyes gains a +10 competence bonus on Perception checks], takes a good and careful look over the broken pieces, and what she can see looking into the openings. She figures the glowing water will help her to see the inside of the corridors, too.

After observing, she tells the others what she can perceive.

=================
Perception: 35 (Had been forgetting to add +10 to perception from the robe of eyes - fix that on Tali's CS, J-P! - you also get your dex bonus when flat-footed, and can't be flanked)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220
Friday July 31st, 2020 1:48:39 AM

"At the moment, Bliss, I can soften earth and stone, I can change rock to mud, and mud to rock. I don't have stone shape learned for the day - tomorrow, I could."

Can we tell whether the walls of the corridor were breached from the outside, or from the inside? It's good to know the source of the damage, at least as far as can be discerned.

Murphy explains how the corridors open up wider within. "If we were to explore more deeply, we might be able to figure out the purpose of this construction. If the kraken was the source of the damage, perhaps some of the missing pieces might be found in its lair." He does not know whether it is his lair, or her lair, as he has never typed a kraken before, and is only lightly knowledgeable about squids.

"Given a few minutes, if I change into an earth elemental, I could get a look at what is beneath the rocky floor. If it's just more rocks, then that's one thing. If more construction, then that's another.

"But how about this? I might fashion a short-term fix to the dripping pipes - and thanks, Succotash, for doing what you could." Was he able to fix one leak? Two? Which one or ones?

"The short-term fix, yeah, that's not all I was aiming for. Shall we explore within, and figure this out better? If we understand the purpose, we may be better able to fix what's broken. Or, I could race through, see what I can see over the course of two to five minutes of fast exploration, then get back to you, and help make Bliss upset that I've split the party."

If, after what Succotash has done, Murphy sees any other immediate improvements he can make using mending, he will do so - but not yet close the openings into the corridors beyond.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Friday July 31st, 2020 6:32:44 AM
Succotash suggest, as a temporary fix, wrapping his blanket around pipe, but then realizes, if he opens his handy haversack, it will fill with water, which probably would't be a good thing, so he asks if anyone else has any suggestions. he also offers to prepare stone shape in the morning as a more permanent fix, assuming one isn't found. He offers to go with Murphy on an exploration mission, claiming he has the ability to get them out of tight places if the poop were to hit the fan.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+temp(10)+L16, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34) d20+25=38 ;
Friday July 31st, 2020 11:14:50 AM
While everyone else is busy, Pressi swims to the surface to take a look around.

Ultimately, she takes flight on her broom. Flying over the water, she attempts to look for other signs of industry and attempts to track based on the pipe's direction anything that might lead to the source of the oil. (Perception 38). Rather than follow any trails, however, she remains somewhat close to the lake perimeter.

Kezzem (BrianW) - I'm-A-Shark AC 28; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Friday July 31st, 2020 12:25:58 PM
Kezzem, not having much to contribute as s shark, swims in a circle chasing his tail.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220
Friday July 31st, 2020 12:45:56 PM

Murphy responds to Succotash - "Two are better than one. And a three-fold cord is not quickly broken. Thank you Succotosh. Anyone else want to join in for a quick initial look in the corridors?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220
Friday July 31st, 2020 12:48:32 PM

Ack! Forgot to add: Unless there are cogent objections, Murphy will perform an initial probe into the corridors with Succotash and anyone else who wishes to join in.

OctoBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday July 31st, 2020 2:39:34 PM

"Look through those holes! Each hole leads into a corridor--a much wider corridor than the opening. Why aren't we going in there? We can't leave corridors unexplored! That's a dungeon, and we're adventurers!"

"Come on, let's go exploring!"

DM Kathy
Friday July 31st, 2020 3:16:16 PM
Tali has a look around with her Robe of Eyes, but doesn't see anything new. You can see a short distance down each corridor, and they appear deserted.

Murphy suggests a few alternatives for temporary repairs, but ultimately suggests exploring the corridors to see what you might learn. [The two leaks were what was left after Succotash did his repairs.]

Succotash ponders the logistics of opening a Handy Haversack under water. While it might be cool to pull out a handful of moon water at will, it would be less cool to get your stuff all wet.

Shark-Kezzem enjoys being a shark.

Pressi surfaces to fly some recon. From above, you can tell that the area of the lake you are exploring is the only part that has oil stains. The rest of the lake is pristine blue. It seems to function as a natural ecosystem, which means it has ways of cleaning itself of impurities. If you can put a stop to the leaks, the lake should be able to do the rest.

Murphy suggests a foray into the corridors, which Bliss is eager to undertake!

The openings to the corridors are large enough for a Small creature to pass through, and for a Medium creature to squeeze through. The corridors appear to be dry land (the openings come up through the floor), so any water-based creature will have trouble getting around. Anybody planning to travel the corridors probably ought to do so as a halfling, or some other terrestrial form, no larger than Medium-sized.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220
Saturday August 1st, 2020 3:10:59 AM

Murphy grabs the rope from off the bottom, coils it carefully, and makes it into a nice neck belt for his octopus shape. For now he retains his small water elemental form. He can move on dry land (or corridors), so will do so, perhaps leaving small puddles behind him. He heads down corridor #1 (for want of a better description). But not before helping up anyone who needs the help.

We'll just have him take 10 on perception rolls for the moment: 49. Onward, Halfling Adventurers!

Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:36 (T:32, FF:27), CMD:38, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:18), HP:101+12/101+12 d20+21=33 ;
Monday August 3rd, 2020 4:34:05 AM

Tali accepts Murphy's assistance up into the opening, moves further in, casts prestidigitation to dry herself off, and offers to do the same for whoever else wants to walk along without dripping all over.

She observes as she moves along with the others, flying about six inches above the floor.
==========
Perception: 33
Overland flight
Mage Armor
Water breathing 5.1 hours
Heroes' feast

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Monday August 3rd, 2020 6:27:56 AM
Succotash will gladly accept Tali's spell as he enters the corridor. He turns to Valerie who is having doubts about entering, and pulls her tug-o-war rope doggie toy out of his handy haversack, and starts teasing her with it. It doesn't take long, and the dino is squeezing into the corridor to play fetch. Succotash throws the rope toy a few times, as a reward, but only a short distance, since the corridor is still a mystery. As he looks around, Succotash is struggling to wrap his head around the idea that he is in what appears to be a maintenance corridor, underground, and at the bottom of a lake, on one of the moons. No one is going to believe him back at Humble's Ford!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+temp(10)+L16, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Monday August 3rd, 2020 1:21:11 PM
Pressi flies back, telling everyone the results of her recon (including the stuff they don't yet know).

If it hadn't expired yet, Pressi would have dropped her form when she left the water (lizardfolk don't fly). I imagine she'd probably be the last one in the tunnels. She casts detect magic upon reaching dry land.

DM Kathy
Monday August 3rd, 2020 1:47:16 PM
Murphy slips into the opening as a water elemental, making puddles as he explore.

Tali offers a Prestidigitation to anyone who wants to dry off, and remains hovering above water-Murphy's puddles.

Succotash has to do some coaxing to get Valerie into the tunnels, but manages it.

Pressi joins her companions in the tunnel, and reports on the results of her recon. She casts Detect Magic. For the moment, the only auras you see belong to your companions.

Other than the faintly-glowing water in the opening you came through, there is no light in the corridor. Those with darkvision are fine, but everyone else is going to need a light source, or some other way of finding their way around.

Kezzem (BrianW) - I'm-A-Shark AC 28; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Monday August 3rd, 2020 3:10:45 PM
Is Kezzem still a shark, or is he a halfling again?

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d20+27=33 ; d20+33=51 ;
Monday August 3rd, 2020 3:27:48 PM

Bliss casts See Invisibility and Dancing Lights before he changes into a cat form to explore the narrow tunnels. He relies on cat senses and the dancing light to get around. He carefully positions his lights so that he always has concealment in shadows as he walks on the walls and ceiling.

Kezzem is surely too big to wriggle around these corridors as a shark! Bliss dismisses the spell.

Perception 33
Stealth 51

OOC: Kindly DM, how many rounds have elapsed since the kraken fight? Gotta track the ongoing buffs.

Kezzem (BrianW) - I'm-A-Shark AC 28; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Tuesday August 4th, 2020 12:03:23 AM
Kezzem doesn't know how he is going to fit in the tunnel as a shark, but suddenly the tunnel starts getting bigger so Kezzem swims inside after the others until he is halfling lying on the ground.

"I'm a shark, doo doo....do do do," sings Kezzem as he attempts to swim through the dirt. "Oh, I guess I'm me again."

Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:36 (T:32, FF:27), CMD:38, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:18), HP:101+12/101+12
Tuesday August 4th, 2020 5:17:22 AM

So Murphy octopus-walks down the corridor. He has dark vision, so no worries there... then Bliss turns on some wee spritely lights. La-di-dah-di-dah-la-la, he goes to see what he can see, hear what he can hear, and try to avoid being squished.

"Since the holes look to have been caused by something inside bursting forth into the outside, where the water is - what do you suppose it was? And, there were maybe three of whatever-it-was. Will there be more inside here, I wonder?" Murphy wonders aloud, speaking in a rather squishy voice.
============
Take 10 on perception: 49

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220
Tuesday August 4th, 2020 5:21:20 AM

So Murphy octopus-walks down the corridor. He has dark vision, so no worries there... then Bliss turns on some wee spritely lights. La-di-dah-di-dah-la-la, he goes to see what he can see, hear what he can hear, and try to avoid being squished.

"Since the holes look to have been caused by something inside bursting forth into the outside, where the water is - what do you suppose it was? And, there were maybe three of whatever-it-was. Will there be more inside here, I wonder?" Murphy wonders aloud, speaking in a rather squishy voice.
============
Take 10 on perception: 49

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday August 4th, 2020 6:34:06 AM
Succotash casts light on the pink bow that is always on Valerie's head to help add to the illumination, as the two follow Murphy.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+temp(10)+L16, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday August 4th, 2020 1:15:26 PM
Pressi uses her single round clairaudio ability to listen up the tunnel before heading up there.

"You all understand that there is probably a smarter plan than just going up into trouble, right. You all need to acknowledge that you understand that."

Pressi shrugs at what Murphy suggested. "I can't even begin to calculate all the possibilities that would explain what we are looking at."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday August 4th, 2020 1:57:27 PM
Hobie is probably back in halfling form cuz its probably been more than 7 minutes since the kraken fight.
He'll keep holding on to Murphy's rope and follow him wherever he goes.

Interlopers

DM Kathy
Tuesday August 4th, 2020 2:18:01 PM
It has been 15 minutes since the kraken fight.

Kezzem finds he is a halfling again, much to his disappointment.

Bliss casts Dancing Lights, and Succotash lights up Valerie's bow.

Murphy tries to deduce what may have caused the holes, but Pressi thinks there are too many possibilities to really narrow it down.

You make your way down the corridor. It is 10 feet wide and 10 feet high. The walls and floor seem to be metallic. You pass occasional metal boxes that seem bolted to the walls; you have no idea what they're for.

You reach a 4-way intersection; your corridor continues ahead, but there are also corridors to the left and right. You hear something approaching down the right-hand corridor. It sounds like feet. Lots and lots of little feet.

Kezzem (BrianW) - I'm-A-Shark AC 28; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Tuesday August 4th, 2020 3:00:35 PM
"We've got company," says Kezzem activates detect evil down the corridor with the feet coming his way. "From the sounds of it, either one big thing with lots of feet or many small things with the normal amount of feet."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 d20=17 ;
Tuesday August 4th, 2020 4:50:16 PM

Murphy imitates a puddle on the floor, gently flowing around the corner, with just enough ocular protuberances to see what is coming our way.

And here is a d20 roll with no adjustments given in case DM Kathy needs me to roll something to succeed more or less in what I'm attempting. [Sorry, limited time here]

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d20+33=50 ;
Tuesday August 4th, 2020 8:07:24 PM

Bliss sneaks on walls and ceiling toward the sound of the pitter-patter, using those boxes and the shifting light of his dancing lights to make shadows to hide in.

Stealth 50

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+11=20 ; d20+11=18 ; d20+23=39 ; d20+10=29 ;
Wednesday August 5th, 2020 6:30:58 AM
Knowing that they aren't near as sneaky as Bliss is while in cat mode, Succotash and Valerie leave plenty of distance between them and Mr fluffy, but try to proceed as quietly as possible, trying to stay alert.

Succotash's Stealth: 20
Valerie's Stealth: 18
Succotash's perception: 39
Valerie's perception: 29

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+temp(10)+L16, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34) d20+25=27 ;
Wednesday August 5th, 2020 1:27:41 PM
Pressi performs a couple of tasks.

First, she adjusts the glammer on her armor until it matches the markings of the priestess from the castle. Second, she casts detect thoughts in an attempt to determine what's coming, whether it heard them, and what it wants.

Third, she overcomes her instinct to try talking out of trouble first in favor of the other's stealth. Instead, she uses her obscure mist and the varied boxes, and calls over Succotash and Kezzem (so they can hide, too).

(Stealth 27)

DM Kathy
Wednesday August 5th, 2020 1:52:33 PM
Kezzem detects for evil, but senses none.

Murphy flows around the corner.

Bliss sneaks, remaining hidden.

Succotash and Valerie hang back so as not to give the party away.

Pressi uses her armor's glamor to look like Kerra. She casts Detect Thoughts.

All of you "hear" in your minds: Intruders! State your business or be consumed!

Kezzem, who had been detecting for evil, and Murphy, who had slipped around the corner, see the creatures approach. You have all seen minotaurs, of course, and centaurs, and lion-taurs. These creatures, for want of a better word, are ant-taurs. Their lower bodies resemble ants; their many feet are what you heard approaching. Their upper bodies...well, they also resemble ants, except they are upright and carrying javelins.

And a map, just to sketch in where I think people are.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday August 5th, 2020 2:01:10 PM
Hobie moves accross the way and behind Murphy and Kezzem. He casts Heroism on himself, and waits to see if these anttaurs move to attack.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 d20+24=29 ;
Wednesday August 5th, 2020 7:38:36 PM
Kezzem is eager to cast holy sword, but decides to hold off for now in case he needs it for a "boss fight" later.

"In case the 'or be consumed' was not a tip off, these guys are detecting as not-very-nice," says Kezzem quietly to the group. "They're quite popular with beetletaurs...especially my friends John, Paul, George, and Ringo."

"I don't suppose you fellows would rather consume some buttery mushrooms instead?" offers Kezzem as he positions him in front of the group and offers up some mushroom samples.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 24 = 29.

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d20+13=32 ;
Wednesday August 5th, 2020 9:28:18 PM

Bliss smiles internally at Sir Kezzem's jest, but fears the antfolk will not have a sense of humor.

He turns back into a halfling and declares, "We are friends of Kerracles here at the invitation of his servant the Lady Kerra. We come to help repair this place. We are not your enemies."

Diplomacy 32!

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220
Thursday August 6th, 2020 1:30:11 AM

Murphy rises off the floor, still in his water elemental form. "Oil floats up from broken pipes, and spoils the water above. We seek to stop this damage. What place is this? What functions are performed by the pipes and structures? Have you a Queen?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+23=43 ;
Thursday August 6th, 2020 6:06:32 AM
Diplomacy 43

Succotash adds to his friends words by saying, "We simply want to help, do you know what caused the oil leak, and do you have any idea as how we can fix it?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+temp(10)+L16, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday August 6th, 2020 1:16:35 PM
Pressi continues to concentrate on her detect thoughts, hoping to glean their reactions to any of this.

With everyone else being diplomatic, Pressi chooses instead to try and read them (using sense motive). She's quite aware that these guys might not be Kerracles fans.

DM Kathy
Thursday August 6th, 2020 2:28:37 PM
Hobie repositions himself and casts Heroism.

Pressi continues concentrating on her spell. The minds she touches are quite alien. You're pretty sure they've never heard of Kerracles or Kerra. Their priority seems to be defending the tunnels they see as their territory. And, although they seem to think of this as their territory, a certain unfamiliarity hints that they haven't been here long. The moonlings said that the oil stain started about three weeks ago.

Kezzem asks whether they would like mushrooms instead. The closest ant-taur responds verbally rather than telepathically. "You have mushrooms," he says in Common. "Tell us where we might find mushrooms for the hive!"

Bliss assures the creatures that you are not enemies, and mentions both Kerracles and Kerra. "These creatures are of no interest to us," the ant-taur replies. "These tunnels now belong to the hive, and we will handle any needed repairs."

Murphy talks about the oil leaks, and says you need to stop them. He asks if they have a queen. "Of course we have a queen!" is the reply.

Succotash reiterates that you need to fix the oil leak. There is a pause. You think they may be communicating telepathically among themselves. Then the speaker says, "Since you are here, you may make these repairs. But do not return."

Knowledge: Local DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {These are formian myrmarchs, which means there are probably other kinds of formians here as well.}

Knowledge: Local DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {These are formian myrmarchs. Formians are giant, antlike interplanetary expansionists with an alien hive intelligence. They are not evil, but they are aggressive in the propagation of their kind into new territories. If there are myrmarchs, you can probably expect there to be workers and warriors as well.}

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Thursday August 6th, 2020 3:35:07 PM
"Murph, can you do your druid thing and make some more mushrooms for these fine gents?" asks Kezzem with a smile from ear to ear, happy that the mushroom ploy has seemingly finally played off.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 d20+14=23 ; d20+28=31 ; d20+17=24 ;
Thursday August 6th, 2020 3:54:02 PM

To Kezzem Murphy says, "Well, I could. But it would take a few days to set up something that would allow for a sustainable supply."

"Some of the parts for repair are missing," Murphy tells the formians. "We fixed one of the leaks with what was available. But we need the proper parts to effect the rest of the repairs. Surely there is within this complex a place where spare parts are kept. Please tell your queen that to prevent damage to this place, we need access. We request to meet with the queen. I am an engineer - though you may find it surprising that a blob of water can be an engineer."
==========
Knowledge Local: 23
Sense Motive: 31
Diplomacy: 24

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220
Thursday August 6th, 2020 8:14:34 PM

Murphy also communicates telepathically with Pressi. Highlight to display spoiler: {"These are formian myrmarchs. So there are other formians in the area. Myrmarchs are pretty tough cookies. Do you know anything about them?"}

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday August 6th, 2020 9:22:19 PM

Bliss says, "Hey, you just got here. Did you cause this leak? Did you have permission to live here? Did you know this is the palace-world of a god? How did you even get here?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+23=36 ;
Friday August 7th, 2020 5:54:57 AM
Succotash Bristles a bit at the whole fix it and get out attitude, but remains in control. "Like my wet friend here has said, we need to find the means to fix the leak. I fixed what I could, but one can only do so much without the appropriate materials. If we could have your leave to search for them, and mayhaps seek the wisdom of your queen, We can get the job done, and be on our way."

Diplomacy: 36

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 25 (30), HP 111+temp(10)+L16, CMD 24; true seeing; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 85, CMD 29 (34) d20+11=13 ; d20+19=29 ;
Friday August 7th, 2020 1:01:38 PM
To Kezzem, "Congratulations. You're the dog that caught the carriage. Now what do you do with it?"

Pressi tries to concentrate on Murphy's question (Know Local Roll 13), but she know only that they are good at boxing and having their own grill.

She reacts a bit at Bliss' overt questioning, smoothing things over as needed.

If the bugs turn aggressive, Pressi casts like to like (DC 18) and makes her own diplomacy check (Diplomacy 29+14 if succeed). She explains that, as blunt as the group is, it can get the job done. And she ensures the bugs that they are only interested in fixing the leak, but that may require the requested information and limited access.

DM Kathy
Friday August 7th, 2020 1:57:21 PM
Kezzem is very pleased that the whole mushroom thing is about to bear fruit. Er, spores. He asks Murphy about it.

Murphy would need a few days to create a sustainable mushroom supply for the hive, but it could be done. He requests spare parts and an audience with the queen.

Bliss has questions!

"We do not know anything about a leak," the spokes-ant replies. "We take what we will, and we do not need permission. We arrived by our own means, to establish this new colony."

Pressi, still using her Detect Thoughts, gets the impression of magical travel--some kind of teleportation effect.

Succotash attempts to smooth things over with some diplomacy. The ant-creatures do seem to be somewhat mollified. They do that thing again where they seem to be having a telepathic discussion. Finally, the spokes-ant says, "We cannot allow you to roam the hive's tunnels unescorted. We will take you to the queen."

The logistics are a little awkward, as the ant-creatures are Large in size and the tunnels are only 10 feet wide. At last, however, they get turned in the right direction, and begin escorting you through the tunnels, some moving ahead of you and some behind. You cross a couple more intersections, then you turn a corner and find yourselves in a larger space.

Looking around, you guess that this may have been a workroom of some kind. There are lockers along one wall; maybe there are supplies in them? A couple of work-tables have been shoved out of the way, to make room for the queen.

She is half-reclining in the center of the chamber. She is not much larger than the ant-creatures who escorted you, but her abdomen is very large and pulses slightly--probably with eggs. She is tended by several smaller versions of the ant-taurs who escorted you.

She regards you, mandibles clicking slightly. None of the ant-creatures have spoken, but of course, you don't know what they may have communicated telepathically.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 d20+30=31 ; d20+41=45 ; d20+19=31 ;
Saturday August 8th, 2020 12:45:06 AM

As they travel along, Murphy makes a point of making odd noises. Blurps, bloops, raspberries, squirts, what have you, so that the escort gets used to him being somewhat non-quiet as they move along. As they enter the chamber, Murphy casts owl's wisdom, with a small appropriate belch, then, as the group comes to a stop before the queen and they take in the scene, he communicates telepathically with Pressi - wishing he could do so with all.

For Pressi Highlight to display spoiler: {"So these formians have come from elsewhere - not from the Wold, I should think. They don't really understand much about where they are. The queen is about to launch a whole brood of new ants. They will overrun and destroy these tunnels - the purpose of which they do not understand. They are arrogant and aggressive. But also uncertain, and tentatively open to negotiations. Perhaps a better place than where they have landed might be found for them... like, say, the lands of recent giant depopulation? Or in a world far, far away? This looks like a bad place for them. Or, better said, they are bad for this place, unless they can figure out how to live here without wreaking havoc on the local systems."}

Murphy slides forward about five feet. "May I speak?"

He then begins: "Welcome to this satellite. I am Murphy. These are my mates.

"I am going to ask some hard questions. Do not take offense. It may be good for you to live long and grow your hive. I ask these questions because you are at risk. Truth between people is good. Truth can save lives." He uses his octopus limbs to shape what he says in his speech.

"Do you understand where you are? And the system you have come to? And that you risk drowning your whole recently moved colony because you do not fully understand what you are doing? Will you allow your ignorance to lead to your destruction? May you live long and prosper - but let's help each other figure out how to do so without you accidentally killing yourselves, harming many you do not know, and ruining a moon to which you came ... uninvited?

"Shall we discuss this? We are here because it seems some of your people have hurt a system they do not yet understand, and may cause further hurt to yourselves and others. If we work together, we may better learn, together, how for you to be safe.

"Shall we explore how you can survive? And thrive? One of my mates," and he nods toward Kezzem, "has one means to provide a source of food for you. It would take a few days to set up sustainable growth, and another few days for some of you to understand how to grow and farm it.

"Here there are many pipes, tubes, that carry precious fluids. Those fluids do good work when contained and channeled. They can cause harm when control of them is lost. We have fixed one of three damaged pipes. We need to find parts in these chambers to repair the others. I am an engineer - a master builder, and we have other skills among us, just as your people have many skills to help the hive.

"Shall we help each other? And learn from each other?" He slides back about two and a half feet, indicating he has finished his speech.
============
Sense Motive: 31; Perception: 45; Diplomacy: 31

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 d20+24=29 ; d20+22=33 ;
Sunday August 9th, 2020 1:50:13 PM
Kezzem will aid Murphy in his Diplomacy by giving out mushroom samples.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 24 = 29.

+2 to Murphy for a total of 33.

Kezzem will also Sense Motive while he is at it.

Sense Motive: 33

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Sunday August 9th, 2020 9:12:09 PM
Header Update

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Sunday August 9th, 2020 9:30:57 PM

Header and Footer Update

Pressi

Ritual of Healing (D12s)
Ritual of Warding (+1 to saves and AC)
Heroes Feast (10 HP)
shield of faith (+4 AC)
Water Breathing (from other)
word of recall set (to palace)
flying broom

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 1+1/6+1
L3: 1/5+1
L4: 1/5+1
L5: 0/4+1
L6: 0/4+1
L7: 0/2+1

clairaudio: 1
Fog Tatoo: 1

Harper (absent)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+23=43 ;
Monday August 10th, 2020 6:05:46 AM
Succotash isn't certain what is to come of this, though he will lend his 2 cents to help Murphy (Aid another diplomacy, with a +23 bonus, it's an auto pass) he also will stay on his toes in case things go south (Perception 43)

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday August 10th, 2020 7:16:15 AM
Bliss waits to see how this diplomacy is received.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday August 10th, 2020 10:22:37 AM

For Murphy: Highlight to display spoiler: { I don't disagree, but this may not be the time and the place to press them on this broader issue. We don't exactly have authority to represent the moon or the giant lands. In the meantime, we need stuff from this group that doesn't trust us, doesn't want to just give it, and is now surrounding us while armed to the teeth. So I frankly would dial it back if you can, because I'm not exactly getting a chill vibe. }

Since Murphy insists on continuing with diplomacy, Pressi squeezes Murphy's hand and casts Like to Like on him. (Will DC 18 to add +14 to Diplomacy). The primary purpose, though, is to have Murphy pull back to the issue at hand should they become hostile.

"Please understand that we are hoping to work with you. But for the moment, our main purpose is to help in the oil leak that plagues us both. All we ask is that we are granted a chance to prove ourselves to your hive."

Pressi

Ritual of Healing (D12s)
Ritual of Warding (+1 to saves and AC)
Heroes Feast (10 HP)
shield of faith (+4 AC)
Water Breathing (from other)
word of recall set (to palace)
flying broom

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 1+1/6+1
L3: 1/5+1
L4: 1/5+1
L5: 0/4+1
L6: 0/4+1
L7: 0/2+1

clairaudio: 1
Fog Tatoo: 1

Harper (absent)

DM Kathy
Monday August 10th, 2020 1:57:41 PM
Murphy asks permission to speak.

"Speak, soft creature," the queen replies.

Murphy mentions drowning. The queen is scornful. "We know how to obtain water for the hive without flooding the tunnels," she says. "Much of the water here is polluted, but we found a clean source at last."

Murphy talks about food. The queen's mandibles click a little faster. "We have farms," she says. Pressi, still concentrating on her Detect Thoughts can tell that this is an exaggeration. They have started farms. "But fresh crops might be of interest to the hive," the queen continues.

Murphy talks about pipes, and honestly the queen doesn't seem to follow the explanation. "The hive has no use for these fluids," she says at last.

People sensing motives--which I think is Murphy and Kezzem, plus Pressi with her Detect Thoughts can tell that, for all the arrogant bluster, the formians are starting to be a little concerned that they have bitten off more than they can chew. Negotiations are definitely possible, though you'll need to proceed with caution.

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d20+13=26 ;
Monday August 10th, 2020 11:25:13 PM

"Hey, are we friends with these ant-taurs now?"

Bliss takes off his hat and bows to the queen. "I'm Bliss, son of Vauhwyt, your majesty! At your service and your family's."

Bliss whispers to his friends, "That's the dwarvish way to make a good introduction, you know."

Turning back to the queen, Bliss says, "Sure, we'll help you. You help us patch these oil leaks, and we'll help you with anything we can!"

Diplomacy 26

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 d20+19=37 ;
Tuesday August 11th, 2020 12:54:17 AM

Murphy looks up at Pressi as she speaks.

Heeding Pressi's counsel to walk lightly, and the example Bliss gives, Murphy slithers forward a few steps and responds thusly. "How about this? Let us investigate, and determine how to repair the damage. The oils and liquids are beneficial when properly used, but can slowly pollute the clean water if not channeled. Let us look about, and see if we can find what is needed to fix the leaks. Why, I wouldn't be surprised if those lockers might have something useful," he says, pointing a few of his octopus tentacles towards them. "Once we've done that, then we can look to see what we can do by way of mushrooms. I have a large box full of mushroom varieties. We can grow samples, see which ones take to the environment, and of those, which ones you find tasty."

"So, it is up to you. Would you like us to see what we can do to help? And, with your collective intelligence, surely you can teach us things, too." He then moves back to where he had been. Then he thinks to add one more thing. "I am an engineer, I also am a farmer. And Kezzem here is a bit of an expert on mushrooms. Anyway, I can speed up the growth of plants considerably, thanks to Eberyon." He is pretty sure that none of the formians know who Eberyon is, but he feels he must give credit where credit it due.
============
Diplomacy: 37 (not including various bonuses from several people who have been helping out in the diplomatic arena)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+28=30 ;
Tuesday August 11th, 2020 6:42:53 AM
"Your highness, my name is Succotash Slenderstick, and this is Valerie. You mentioned that the water was polluted, but that you found a clean source. Well, that pollution is the very reason we are here, and the very thing we wish to stop. With your leave, and perhaps the help of your people, we can fix the leaks, which are causing the pollution."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday August 11th, 2020 2:30:50 PM
Pressi smiles as Murphy's activities begin to bear fruit.

As others begin to bargain, Pressi mostly keeps her eyes open.

DM Kathy
Tuesday August 11th, 2020 2:57:58 PM
Encouraged, Bliss introduces himself. The queen's mandibles click, but she makes no other response.

Murphy asks again to fix the leaks, aided by Succotash.

"Very well," the queen says. "Make your repairs, and stop the pollution. Then we will see about these mushrooms of yours." She waves a couple of arms in the direction of the lockers.

Taking her invitation, you open the lockers and examine the contents. You see jars of oil and other supplies, and small tools. You don't see pipe material, but you do see a quantity of thin, sturdy, flexible stuff that you think could be made into patches. If you can just figure out how to cut it.

As you examine the lockers, the formians watch you, without attempting to help or hinder you.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220
Tuesday August 11th, 2020 7:15:50 PM

"Thank you," Murphy responds. He joins with his friends, and begins to perform an inventory of the items, placing tools from the lockers in a fairly orderly fashion upon one of the tables. Likely most common tools he would be acquainted with. His father has an extensive shop in Humble's Ford, and he watched him using most of them as he was growing up. Any tools that are unfamiliar, he places at one end of the table.

Surely there must be something for cutting, slicing, that sort of thing. A knife is among the most basic of tools, and scissors (even in a medieval setting) not too uncommon. "Can one of you write a list of what we have here? Tali, you have ink and paper, right?"

[will post 2nd half of his post tonight - must run now]

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday August 11th, 2020 9:40:56 PM

"If we just slap this material over the holes and cast Make Whole, would that do it, do you think, Brother Succotash?"

"Maybe we have to wait for tomorrow for the spell?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Wednesday August 12th, 2020 12:31:48 AM
"I hope we have enough space for everything we need," says Kezzem. "I don't know how mush-room we have left."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 d20+21=35 ;
Wednesday August 12th, 2020 3:33:58 AM

"Perhaps we could effect the repair in two stages," Murphy comments after Bliss makes his suggestion. "First we shape, cut, fashion this material to cover the damaged area, and use mending for a quick patch, then with Make Whole on the morrow, really do it up right and fully seal it? Now, some of the other materials and tools here may help us out." [Waiting upon DM report to know what we have in inventory. Any glues? Other useful goodies?]

Having seen the two leaky parts already, and having determined that additional resources were necessary to getting them fixed, and armed with the tools and materials found in the lockers, Murphy mentally puts together a way to engineer a repair [Knowledge: Engineering: 35]. Would that be sufficient to get things fixed even without resorting to spells?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Wednesday August 12th, 2020 6:37:51 AM
"Both make whole, which would require me to prepare it tomorrow, and mending, which I almost always have prepared, require all the parts to be there. the only differences between the spells is make whole fixes more damage per casting then mending, and it allows me to repair completely destroyed things, versus just broken things, like the pipes. I know that the original parts are missing, but if we were able to manufacture substitute parts, either spell should work, I think. The question is how do we fashion the parts. If only their was a spell like stone shape that works with metal, this would be a lot easier."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday August 12th, 2020 10:26:54 AM

"Blocking the oil from the water is probably a necessary first step," Pressi admitted, "But then we'd just be trapping this sludge somewhere else. We might need to eventually track it to its source."

As the others discuss how to mend the machines, Pressi takes some time to size up the guards a little bit. "So, when did you see this oil begin to form in the tunnels, exactly. And... how did you guys wind up on the moon in the first place? Have any of you contacted the nearby cities?"

Finally, she shows one of the guards the talisman from the temple, and looks to see if anyone finds it familiar.

DM Kathy
Wednesday August 12th, 2020 4:54:26 PM
Murphy does an inventory of the tools. You find several hammers and mallets, a couple of chisels, pliers in various sizes, assorted screwdrivers, various wrenches, different kinds of saws, a small axe, and some cutting blades. Accompanying them are different sizes of nails and screws, as well as lengths of wire.

The patch material is tough, but one of the saws seems designed to cut it; anyway it does the job with a bit of elbow grease.

Kezzem worries about having enough room.

Bliss suggests a Make Whole, which Succotash could cast, but not today.

Pressi worries about the source of the oil, but it was flowing through pipes that seemed designed to carry it. Presumably, once the repairs are complete, the system will operate properly again. And Pressi has already seen that the lake can eventually clean itself of the pollution.

Pressi has some questions for the formians, but they aren't very forthcoming with the answers. You learn that the oil never got into the tunnels (it stayed in the water), and that they haven't contacted anybody nearby. They don't say how they arrived here.

Giving it some thought, Murphy determines that you can probably do makeshift repairs today, placing the patches and holding them temporarily with twists of wire wrapped around the pipes. Tomorrow, you can remove the wire and cast your Make Whole spells, and that will make the repairs permanent.

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d20+27=42 ;
Wednesday August 12th, 2020 11:12:21 PM

Bliss looks through the lockers and also searches for secret doors inside them. Perception 42

He bows and explains to the queen. "Your Majesty, we'll do a patch job right now, and finish the work with a permanent repair tomorrow. We'll go do the patching work now, by your leave."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Thursday August 13th, 2020 12:02:30 AM
"I always get all my work done tomorrow," offers Kezzem.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Thursday August 13th, 2020 6:48:29 AM
Succotash expounds on what Bliss says, "Your majesty, to explain what my friend means, we have found the means to repair the oil leaks, and we can do a temporary fix today, however, to make it permanent, I will have to cast some magics on it, magics I need a day to prepare. would you prefer we left and returned in the morning, to finish the job, or would you prefer we stay here until the job is complete?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday August 13th, 2020 1:01:02 PM

Pressi considers whether she can do anything besides cheerlead at this point, but the answer is "not much."

She does wonder how a planetary body with 1/6 the gravity has so many physical strength activities. Oh well, she's sure the team will get back to stealth missions next week.

More seriously, she can at least twist the wire around the pipes.

DM Kathy
Thursday August 13th, 2020 4:04:32 PM
You plan to make temporary repairs today, then return tomorrow to make them magically more permanent. The formians seem to understand the basic concepts you're explaining.

Succotash asks the queen whether you can leave and return, or whether you must stay here.

That kicks off a longer discussion, the gist of which is that you have a choice. You can stay here, and they will find a "suitable" place for you to sleep. Whatever that means. Or, you can leave and return, but you must take one of the myrmarchs (the larger ant-taurs) with you.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 d20+30=39 ;
Friday August 14th, 2020 12:23:19 AM
"Well, if you can travel underwater with us," Murphy says.

Telepathically to Pressi he says, Highlight to display spoiler: {"We want to check out the kraken's lair, too, and I'm not excited about bringing along a myrmarch. If you are up for it, perhaps a few of us could stay here - so they know we won't abandon our work - and a few can track down the lair, before someone else gets to it. What do you think?"}

"We do have something we need to take care of elsewhere. Perhaps a few of us can remain with you, and the rest will return on the morrow," Murphy suggests. "Perhaps Hobie and Tali might stay here overnight? I'm open to suggestions."

Then he asks, "Do you like seafood? Meat from water dwellers?"

[OOC: I hope we don't have a Friday DM Kathy post, then have several of us not post until Monday - that has been happening recently]
=============
Sense Motive: 39 - Getting more of a feel for how these ant-people operate.
He now thinks it would be great to learn how they communicate.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Friday August 14th, 2020 6:43:08 AM
Succotash is fine either way. though sleeping in a comfy bed does seem preferable to what ever arrangements may be found down here.

OOC.. Based on the damage, approximately how may times will Succotash need to prepare Make Whole?

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday August 14th, 2020 1:05:39 PM

OOC: No secret door or compartments in the lockers, then?

Bliss is more interested in returning to the surface, he says, so that Mookie and Miss Kerra do not worry. "Plus, it would be good for this ant-taur to see the surface so that the queen can meet her new neighbors."

Secretly, just to himself, he also wants to know what Miss Kerra would say about these uninvited ... colonists? homesteaders? refugees?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Friday August 14th, 2020 2:27:32 PM
Pressi messages back to Murpjy

Highlight to display spoiler: {Actually, I was kind of leaning towards dragging one of these guys back to the castle. Just to see how our priestess would react to it or it to her. I'm betting they could keep our ant friend occupied while the kracken nest got a good look, too.

Beyond that, I'm not terribly worried about the kracken's lair. If someone else DID get to it first, we would have maybe three suspects to track down, none of which actually seem at all interested in treasure gathering. So I'm fine waiting another day.

But if its that big of a deal, a couple of us could slip out later. I don't think there's enough security to counteract all our spell choices.}

DM Kathy
Friday August 14th, 2020 3:19:28 PM
The lockers are very utilitarian and workmanlike, and do not contain secret compartments.

You debate the question among yourselves, but ultimately decide to leave and come back the next day. The myrmarch will be responsible for getting himself through the water, but as this will be accomplished by holding his breath and swimming, he's going to need to get to the surface as quickly as possible.

A smaller, humanoid ant-being accompanies you as far as the "well" you came through. She explains that she is there to get the myrmarch through, since he is too big to squeeze through with you. She uses some kind of dimensional door or dimensional hop to pop out into the lake with the myrmarch, and then climbs back up through the well. You slip out through the well and follow the myrmarch up to the surface.

He's not a great swimmer, but he begins thrashing through the water towards the raft.

Most of you still have Water Breathing active, so if you wanted to make a quick search for the kraken's lair before bringing the raft back in, you certainly could. The myrmarch will await you on the raft.

Succotash knows he will need two Make Whole spells the next day.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220 d20+31=46 ; d20+24=25 ;
Friday August 14th, 2020 4:19:17 PM

Murphy is happy to offer the rope to help tow the myrmarch behind him to the raft. Unless Bliss or someone does so first, he introduces the fomian to Mookie. "Perhaps a few of my friends can keep you company here on the raft. We have a task we just need to wrap up that we were working on before we found the problem with the pipes. Less than an hour, and we should be back."

"If any want to stay on the raft, that's fine. Perhaps a few of us can scout - who swims the fastest, besides me?" Murphy asks the crew.

Once it's determined who wants to search out the lair, Murphy will set out with them, and search.
==========
Perception: 46
Survival: 25

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday August 14th, 2020 5:26:46 PM

Before the group leaves, he suggests that the teleport artists in the group memorize a location so that we can just blip back in tomorrow.

He helps the ant-taur get into the boat. He introduces Mookie, and mentally tells the bird to be nice.

He makes a trip down to the lair of the Kraken, in Octobliss form, using BSIII. "Anyone else coming?"

Meanwhile, Mookie talks with the ant fellow. "So you got big ants where you come from? How about big worms?" The raven drools a bit at the thought.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220
Sunday August 16th, 2020 5:10:12 AM

"Hobie? Tali?" Murphy asks once they break the surface. "Why are you two so quiet? You want to come with us to the lair, or rest on the raft? How about you, Kezzem, and Succotash? Pressi, my love?"

As with Bliss, he goes in search of the kraken's lair in the company of any who join them.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Sunday August 16th, 2020 12:36:47 PM
Succotash and Valerie never get out of the water after they surface to help the ant-taur. "Let's get this done! I wonder what a kraken lair looks like, and what kind of adventure awaits us there". With that, he directs Valerie to grab onto Murphy's rope again and to the bottom of the lake they go.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:108/108
Monday August 17th, 2020 8:47:13 AM
Krken's Lair

Tali answers Mister Murphy, "Ah, sure, I'll go with you to the Kraken's Lair!"

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor | (900 / 900 Minutes)
Overland Flight | (900 / 900 Minutes)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday August 17th, 2020 10:11:46 AM

"Well, if everyone else is going.... I mean, you might need your support rogue for finding stuff more than you do as a babysitter."

Pressi swims along behind everyone else.

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday August 17th, 2020 10:49:27 AM
Large OctoBliss is happy to use a tentacle to drag along anyone trying to swim in slow halfling shape.

[OOC: If we get into combat, I'll change the header!]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=220
Monday August 17th, 2020 12:13:42 PM

Murphy trails the rope behind him. Between the small water elemental octopus and the large OctoBliss, everyone should have a good ride. Murphy maintains a distance of about forty feet between himself and Bliss, and swims slightly lower. "Let's sweep the area in a back and forth grid pattern," the druid suggests.

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday August 17th, 2020 1:16:43 PM

"Blub glubbel pluop," answers OctoBliss.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Monday August 17th, 2020 1:36:45 PM
"Um, I'll sink," says Kezzem. "Unless somebody sharks me again."

DM Kathy
Monday August 17th, 2020 2:33:34 PM
"We are not ants," the formian tells Mookie. "We are formians, a superior race. Ordinary worms do not concern us. There are larger worms, which can threaten the hive, but they are rare."

Murphy and Bliss are keen to visit the kraken's lair, and offer to help tow those without a swim speed. Tali, Pressi, Succotash, and Valerie take them up on it. Kezzem is less sure. He can stay on the raft if he prefers, or he can get towed and make the whole "sinking" thing somebody else's problem.

Those of you who go back underwater spend some time looking for the lair. With so many of you dependent on being towed, you can't really split up to expand your search area, so it takes time. At last, however, Murphy spots a promising-looking hole near the bottom of the lake. You swim through a short passage, and find the kraken's lair!

You find treasure in the lair, and you'll eventually figure out what everything is, so here's the list: Staff of Abjuration, Lesser Rod of Metamagic: Quicken, +4 rapier, Ring of Protection +4, Carpet of Flying 10x10, +3 Breastplate of Acid Resistance (Improved) (Small sized), Belt of Giant Strength +6, Instant Fortress, plus 50,000 gp in coin and jewelry.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Monday August 17th, 2020 4:13:10 PM
Kezzem stays on the raft to keep watch.

"I better hold onto to the rapier for the time being," he offers. "I love my daggers and all, but that's a pretty nice blade!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Monday August 17th, 2020 5:07:06 PM
Succotash's eyes go as big as saucers when he sees the quicken rod. "Well, now that's one heck of a coincidence, I was planning on buying one of those, does anyone mind if I save myself a trip to the catacombs? Oh and unless anyone else wants it, Valerie would love that +6 belt of strength, she would donate her +4 belt in exchange of course."

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday August 17th, 2020 6:05:46 PM

Highlight to display spoiler: {"That meta quicken rod is pretty sweet,"} thinks Bliss. Highlight to display spoiler: {"I can't really use the other stuff. I'll have to tell the guys when we get back to the boat."}

[OOC: Please mention if your PC can use any of this stuff.]

Octobliss helps carry the loot back.

"Glub."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) (Small Water Elemental, Huge, then Halfling) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 d20+14=31 ;
Monday August 17th, 2020 6:18:31 PM

Murphy delights in finding the lair. Of course the treasure interests him, and he helps the others in collecting it all. However, he also spends several minutes studying the lair. He gets a feel for the layout, the dimensions. Signs of any other critters in the area? He figures that krakens have to eat something or other, so he is curious as to the local flora and fauna. Druids, y'know?

He can speak underwater. There in the lair he says, in a voice as clear and distinct as possible, "Let's not open up all the treasure on the raft, all right? First we'll get back to the castle, introduce our formian escort to Kerra and the moonlings, then lay the gear out in a private room. Sound reasonable? Bliss, bloop twice if that sounds like a good idea to you."

Once the team is ready to leave the lair, Murphy changes to a huge-sized water elemental - more wave-shaped this time. Once they arrive back on the raft, and all others are aboard, Murphy recommends, "Let's sort things out once we get inside." He then helps propel the raft back to the docks. Once the raft is secured, by others, he changes back into his own halfling shape. He says to the formian myrmarch, "When we first met, I was a watery octopus. Just now, a large water creature. And now, myself, Murphy. What would you have us call you? What name do you have, Myrmarch?"

Once he hears the name, Murphy makes certain he pronounces it correctly, and asks to verify he has it right.

===========
Linguistics: 31 (to ensure he acquires and properly repeats the myrmarch's name - if he gives one)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday August 18th, 2020 1:27:05 PM
Pressi can't really use any of it (and at any rate, has a WBL higher than everyone else).

She is happy to ring the stuff back.

DM Kathy
Tuesday August 18th, 2020 2:50:01 PM
Murphy examines the kraken's lair for clues about what it ate. The lair is pretty clean, though. You know that krakens are intelligent, so it probably disposed of bones and other refuse outside its lair. You could probably find the creature's trash pile with a bit of searching, but your companions are anxious to examine their new toys. Getting them to pause and look for a pile of fish bones might be a tough sell.

Succotash casts a covetous eye on the metamagic rod and the belt of strength.

Bliss makes octo-noises, which could mean anything, and helps carry the loot back.

Pressi can't really use any of the items, but Kezzem has his eye on the rapier. Unfortunately, it is sized for Medium creatures, so Kezzem would have a hard time using it.

Murphy powers the raft back to the boat-house. You leave it in the water for now, since you plan on returning to the formians tomorrow.

Harper awaits the group on the terrace, as does the faithful Mooncalf, who begins following Mookie around as soon as it is able to.

Asked his name, the myrmarch responds with a series of hisses and mandible clicks which most of you eventually boil down to Scax. Murphy is able to pronounce the name more exactly, but it's pretty much impossible to spell, so Scax he shall be.

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday August 18th, 2020 8:34:18 PM

Bliss reverts to halfling form and asks any moonlings around to lead them to Miss Kerra, or to let her know we have returned with news and a guest.

"No worries," he says to Scax. "These little fellows are super helpful and will try to make you comfy here. The most important person here is Miss Kerra, though. She is the god's right hand. And she is very nice."

He confides to Scorx in a whisper, "I'm thinking of inviting her to come work for us."

Mookie gives Mooncalf a pat on the head and tells him he has been doing a very good job."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 d10=3 ;
Wednesday August 19th, 2020 2:46:10 AM
Item distribution

Staff of Abjuration
Lesser Rod of Metamagic: Quicken - at least two people want (Succotash and Bliss)
+4 rapier - medium sized - could that be traded in at the Catacombs for an equivalent small-sized version?
Ring of Protection +4 - Murphy requests
Carpet of Flying 10x10 - party? Talia?
+3 Breastplate of Acid Resistance (Improved) (Small sized)
Belt of Giant Strength +6 - For our velociraptor (in exchange for a +4 belt)
Instant Fortress - party? Who would carry it?
50,000 gp in coin and jewelry

"I have a Ring of Protection +3. I'd like to offer it to the party, and take the Ring of Protection +4," offers Murphy.

"For the party, that carpet of flying could come in very handy. Talia, you fly all the time. How would you like a carpet where you could fly us around all the time? And, say, we could sew a portable hole in the middle, and have lots of flyable storage!

"Likewise, an Instant Fortress would be terrific for us to use when traveling. A place to rest, recover."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Wednesday August 19th, 2020 7:39:23 AM
�I agree that the Instant Fortress would make an amazing party item, though with Kezzem being the only one of us without a flight mode, that flying carpet my be best used in his hands. Heck, If he was riding Rumpus, he could even give Harper a lift!�, Succotash reasons. �Bliss if you want the quicken rod go for it, I�ll pick one up next chance I get. (When we make level 17 WBL) but I still would like that belt for Valerie!�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday August 19th, 2020 11:24:25 AM
Pressi greets Scax as best as she can, hoping to smooth over some of the seeming friction from before.

Otherwise, she remains quiet as they ride back, unsure of what might happen when they arrive or of when they get to work tomorrow. She seems barely interested in any of the gear, though having the cash influx does mean she can pay back her debts.

Harper sniffs at Scax but doesn't otherwise react.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Wednesday August 19th, 2020 12:10:01 PM

"[Scax]," Murphy says (the '[ ]' indicating as close to native pronunciation as Murphy can get), "I am glad you are with us. We can learn of each other, I trust. Ask any questions you wish as we spend time together."
------
"Makes sense, Succotash, on the carpet. I'm fine with Valerie having the belt. Kezzem, what do you think? You want to fly in comfort?" Murphy asks.

If none object, he takes off his Ring of Protection +3, and replaces it on his finger with the newly found Ring of Protection +4. The +3 ring is now party treasure.
------
"Pressi, how about you and I go flying together before it gets dark, and get a good overview of the area - and maybe just talk a little? You seem pensive."
------
Eye of Kraken
Murphy has some canvas. He oils it, squeezes out the excess, then carefully wraps the eye which so recently glared balefully at them. He wraps non-oily canvas around the oiled canvas wrap. Then he finds a good place for it in the portable hole (taking all his typical precautions to divest himself of magical holding items before placing it therein).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Wednesday August 19th, 2020 1:11:08 PM
"Hey, this rapier is do big! It's like a lance!"

"Rumpus can run along the surface, but he can't get any height if that were an issue."

"I don't know about flying, but generally speaking I like to do things in comfort, Murph."

DM Kathy
Wednesday August 19th, 2020 2:29:47 PM
Back at the palace, Bliss changes back into a halfling and introduces Scax to Kerra. Kerra is polite, but seems troubled by Scax's presence.

Much of the conversation at the palace, understandably, is about the kraken treasure and how to distribute it.

Murphy offers to answer Scax's questions, but the myrmarch seems very uncurious about his surroundings.

The moonlings attempt to make Scax welcome, and it's difficult to tell how well they succeeded.

Your time with the formians took up much of the day, so you are extra hungry for dinner when the moonlings serve it! Today's meal is roasted lamb, served with rice and vegetables. At his request, Scax is served additional vegetables, raw, although he also eats the cooked ones and a bit of the rice. He does not eat the lamb.

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday August 19th, 2020 9:15:42 PM

Bliss explains the whole situation to Kerra. After filling in the details, he is saying, "... so you see, Miss, basically a small colony of ant-people refugees found their way to the under-tunnels and is making a home. Is that okay with you? If not, maybe we can help them find a home where they will be welcome."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:108/108
Wednesday August 19th, 2020 11:26:57 PM
Scax

Tali hovers and stays silent while she watches the events unfold.

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor | (900 / 900 Minutes)
Overland Flight | (900 / 900 Minutes)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Thursday August 20th, 2020 4:21:13 AM

Murphy had mentioned an afternoon area flyover, inviting Pressi to join in. If she did so, sweet. If someone else wanted to come, great. But he takes a large winged form if others participate, or his huge air elemental form if none do. He wants to get a good high-level aerial view of the area, and compare that with his map.

He enjoys the meal, and loves the lamb. "Your people need food, [Scax]. I see you enjoy the vegetables, and avoid the meat. If we are to augment your food supply, what sorts of things do you suppose you would like included in your farm?"

"Do your people make music?" he asks.

The druid discusses the plans for tomorrow, including final repairs, and also looking to help the formians with mushroom farming. "Kezzem, I have many many samples with me of mushrooms from the southern end of the Red Hills. We'll want to see what areas they have that might be good for raising mushrooms."

He finds a moment to talk with Kerra, apart from the presence of the myrmarch, if possible. "I noted the concern on your face when we introduced Scax." He uses the pronunciation most of his friends use. "We know little of them so far." He details the numbers they saw, the different types, and the burgeoning belly of the queen. Their arrogant and assertive stance, as well as their current uncertainy.

"How would you counsel us, Lady Kerra?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Thursday August 20th, 2020 6:34:55 AM
Succotash was about to pull Kerra aside himself, but Murphy beat him to it, so he joins in on their conversation. He adds, "As you know we headed down there to fix the oil leak, and though it is temporarily fixed, we will finish the job in the morning. When we were confronted by the myrmarch, we felt it better to use diplomacy, as opposed to violence, to gain access to the under-moon. Did we make the wrong choice?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday August 20th, 2020 10:30:46 AM

Since Murphy seems to be interested in speed, and since nobody needs more spells for the night, Pressi breaks out yet another trick: Wind Walk (up to 60 MPH).

She is hardly the most elegant in this form, buffing back and forth as nearly a mist. But she should be able to keep up with whatever form Murphy wants, sweetly enough.

Regarding the counsel, she listens carefully but doesn't think they made a "wrong" choice. The goal is to stop poisoning the lake, followed by protecting anyone who needs it.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:25 (T:21, FF:20), CMD:35, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:17), HP:108/108
Thursday August 20th, 2020 3:04:35 PM
Choices

Tali hovers and stays silent while she watches the events unfold between the group & Kerra.

Spell in Effect
Mage Armor | (900 / 900 Minutes)
Overland Flight | (900 / 900 Minutes)

DM Kathy
Thursday August 20th, 2020 4:36:21 PM
At dinner, Murphy asks Scax what sorts of things the formians might want to grow. "Mushrooms," Scax replies promptly. "The Kezz'm said you had mushrooms. There are also root vegetables and grains which we brought with us."

Murphy asks about music, and Scax says that yes, they have it, but Scax himself is no musician.

Later, most of the group gathers to talk with Kerra about the situation. "Formian colonies spread very aggressively," Kerra says. "They could easily overrun this moon. And, since they don't know how it operates, they could do tremendous amounts of damage. They could damage the workings that keep the moon in the sky, send it crashing back down to the ground. We can't allow that.

"I agree that a diplomatic solution is best," she continues. "If you can, persuade them to either go elsewhere, or to limit the size of their colony here. If you cannot get them to agree to one of those," she takes a deep breath, "then they must be destroyed."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Thursday August 20th, 2020 7:32:30 PM
"The Kezz'm is wise," says the Kezz'm.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Thursday August 20th, 2020 8:58:28 PM

"Well, mushrooms we have, as The Kezz'm has told you.

With Kerra's explanation, Murphy mentions the layout of the piping system, the oil, and whatever other substance(s) they encountered. "Can you explain the function, design, and overall purpose of the system? I would love to understand at least the gist of it. If the first two options are not agreed to, then... and I think the 'limit the size of their colony here' option may be honored only for a short time... then a better understanding may be useful in carrying out the third option. I pray diplomacy is effective."

He waits for others to offer their counsel, then requests, "Is there a book, or are there documents that would help me understand the workings you describe, which help keep the moon called Kerracles in the sky? If so, may I have the chance to peruse such? You know us very little, and I understand what I ask may seem much. We have helped save many people, even a continent of the Wold. We have negotiated past violence into peace. And, when such was not possible, we destroyed a thousand giants who sought to overrun, slay, and dominate the halflings of Crescent Valley.

"As the potential you mention means that the welfare of Kerracles is essential to our world's existence -- would you accede to my request?"

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday August 20th, 2020 10:28:47 PM

"How many is too many, Miss Kerra?"

"A hundred? A thousand? Ten thousand?"

"Can you guide them to understand what they can safely do, and what they can not do to make sure everything works the way it should?"

"Murphy, can you teach them how to grow mushrooms, really?"

He looks at Wise Kezz'm and laughs.

Meanwhile, Mookie is asking Mooncalf about the basements of this place. How far down can you go? He is thinking aobut alternate paths to the new Ant Hive.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Friday August 21st, 2020 8:37:08 AM
"I would rather not slay the ant-people, They have done nothing wrong and have harmed no one as of yet, but if it needed to be done to save the Wold from a cataclysmic event, well, I guess I could take up arms against them, though I would hate every minute of it! I pray that the gods give us wisdom when dealing with them tomorrow so we don't have to do something so distasteful!"

Succotash overhears Mookie's conversation, and says, "I'm pretty sure Tali and I can teleport everyone there safely, we shouldn't have to go for a swim this time, if that's what everyone wants".

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Friday August 21st, 2020 10:02:36 AM

"Teach them to grow mushrooms?" Murphy echoes Bliss's query. "Well, not as fast as druids can, but I reckon they are teachable as far as farming is concerned. We shall see whether they be teachable otherwise."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Friday August 21st, 2020 10:47:56 AM
Listening to Kerra, "And let me guess. Your men have no idea how the kracken or the formians got here or when, because that's the kind of thing that just slips under the radar. So you can't then tell me much about them or what they want."

DM Kathy
Friday August 21st, 2020 2:45:50 PM
Kezzem declares himself wise. The mushroom bit has certainly paid off.

Bliss asks how many formians is too many. Kerra frowns. "Well, that's the real question, isn't it," she says. "A village or maybe a town, but we can't have a city. They can take over existing tunnels, but they shouldn't try to dig new ones. And, even in tunnels they claim as their own, they have to let maintenance people through. Although that won't happen very often."

Mookie asks Mooncalf about the basements. The palace has a wine cellar, under the kitchens, but otherwise no basement area.

Succotash is reluctant to kill the formians, since they haven't actually hurt anybody yet. Overhearing Mookie, he assures him that Tali can teleport the group, but your DM thinks that Mookie (and Bliss) are exploring the possibility of relocating the formians to new tunnels under the palace.

Murphy is confident he can teach the formians to grow mushrooms. He is also curious about the inner workings of the moon, but Kerra knows little and he can find no books on the subject. Apparently some things are not for mortals to know. And outside the scope of the current adventure.

Pressi confronts Kerra about the kraken and the formians. "A moon kraken was placed in the lake a long time ago," she says. "I had been told it was slain. Either that information was incorrect, or it managed to reproduce before it was killed, and you faced a second kraken. The formians are recent arrivals. When Lord Kerracles was...present, such a thing would have been noticed instantly, but we are diminished. So, yes, if this particular group of formians wants something other than what all formians want, then I don't know what it is."

Meanwhile, the moonlings show Scax to guest quarters and the palace prepares for the night.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Friday August 21st, 2020 3:20:38 PM

Murphy thinks to add some counsel. "Let us not present them with stark choices immediately. Let's consider this the discovery stage. I already told them it will take a few days minimum to get a proper mushroom garden as suggested by our resident unheralded genius The Kezz'm - as it will. So gentle getting-to-know-you time today, maybe tomorrow. Sound all right?" he asks.

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday August 21st, 2020 3:51:36 PM

Bliss works hard to understand the terms.

The formians can have a colony under these conditions:
- No more than 5,000 individuals.
- Use existing tunnels, but do not dig new ones..
- Must allow maintenance workers into your tunnels on rare occasions.
- Murphy will teach them how to grow mushrooms.

OR we will help them to relocate to the Wold proper.

OR we will have to defeat you and move you ourselves. We'll try not to kill anybody, but no promises.

Is everybody on board with presenting these terms to the Hive Queen? In a few days, like Murphy says?

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Friday August 21st, 2020 8:25:15 PM
"I love it when a mushroom plan comes mushroom together," says the Kezz'm. "Mushroom."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Sunday August 23rd, 2020 3:40:13 AM

"Another alternative: They go back to where they came from," Murphy adds to the list Bliss offered. "Why 5,000? Why not 1,000? That is still many, especially considering their size."

"Will the existing tunnels suffice for their needs, should they be allowed to remain?

"Also, we need to learn where they came from, how they learned of this place, and how they managed to get here. And, maybe, as we work on the garden, we can get a sample of their music."

Murphy has about a dozen different varieties of mushrooms he bought in the south end of the Red Hills. He takes some time to review them, and to evaluate which might work best here on the moon of Kerracles. He talks about the options with The Kezz'm. He discusses with Kerra whatever she may know of the local soil types. "Perhaps I should go earth elemental and see what I can learn by exploring underground for an hour or so."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Monday August 24th, 2020 6:26:40 AM
Succotash nods as Bliss and Murphy put together the ultimatum, "That seems about right!" He really hopes diplomacy will rule the day, and that the formians, will listen to reason, as he shudders a little when considering the alternative,

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday August 24th, 2020 9:19:30 AM
"I think we may be over our heads on some of the specific demands, especially when it comes to raw numbers," Pressi tells the group. "We have no idea of what the system can support or of what resources the "Kerra"ns are using themselves. We don't even know who these Kerrans are or what claim they have to the moon. Are we really going to make demands on population control to a species that barely trusts us on mushrooms? And what's the deal with no new tunnels, anyway?

"I get Kerra to a degree. Formians aren't exactly known for their sustainable farming practices or for living within "reasonableness" limits. But I don't think we have the tools to state specific numbers... and I don't think Formians are known for accepting population control limits either.

"Personally, I think Murphy's initial instinct is correct. Let's do the work, get to know them better, get them to trust us before we make any specific demands."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday August 24th, 2020 12:34:00 PM
Hobie speaks up after being silent for two weeks.
�I hope the diplomacy will work, but I�m gonna get myself ready for the war if they say no.�

He will make sure his quiver is fully stocked with arrows from his haversack, and he will have one of his scrolls of Flame Arrow at the ready to cast before they present the ultimatum.

�Hey Kez, if you really wanna use that Rapier, I can always make you bigger.�

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Monday August 24th, 2020 1:51:27 PM
"I have heard that many people have a hard time being diplomatic to Kerrans," speaks the Kezz'm. "Kerrans can be quite entitled and unreasonable. I even heard that one Kerran trashed a shop just because he was selling masks."

DM Kathy
Monday August 24th, 2020 1:59:15 PM
Bliss sorts through the various things you need to require from the formians.

Murphy suggests a gradual approach as you set up the mushroom farm, an approach Pressi endorses.

Hobie supports a diplomatic solution, but prepares himself for battle just in case.

Kezzem warns the group about Kerrans, but as there don't seem to be any shops hereabouts, perhaps you are safe.

You further discuss plans and strategies that evening, then enjoy a restful night in your quarters. The next morning, the moonlings have breakfast ready, and then you are ready to return to the formians with new spells prepared. You can, if you like, take the raft out again, and then swim through the well, as you did before. Or, you can teleport directly into the tunnels. Or, you can take some other approach. How do you return to the hive?

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday August 24th, 2020 2:30:01 PM

Bliss sees no need for swimming, if we can teleport. "And take Scorx with us, right?"

At least, we can do a permanent fix for the patch job and just have conversation with the Hive Queen.

"She seems nice, I think. We just have to put things on a friendly basis."

"Plus, what are they even eating down there. If it is just empty tunnels, what's the food sitch?"

Bliss actually pauses to ask Scorx about that. What do the Formians eat now, and how do they get enough food down in the tunnels? The thing about mushrooms is that they don't grow on nothing. "You need, you know, dirt and rotten wood and stuff. Where's the input for growing mushrooms, anyway, Mister Murphy? Knowing how to grow them doesn't replace the need for plain od dirt and stuff. And over time, without replacement or magic, the nutrients in the dirt get used up."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Monday August 24th, 2020 3:13:28 PM
Succotash is all for teleporting back, if Tali is up to helping him get everyone down.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Monday August 24th, 2020 4:42:20 PM

"Correct, Bliss. They indicated they have started some farming. We need to see the soil, and get to know the local flora. Some fungi grow underground. Aside from the utility tunnels we already have seen some of, we need to see something more natural. Lots to learn. I think I'll be doing some earth elemental research here. Maybe all of us can see what we can learn."

He asks Kerra to help him for a moment in the library, and while there, and in particular away from Scax, asks, "Can you tell me something about the plants and animals here on this moon? Is farming possible, or even easy? I have this map of the moon, which shows some major geographical features, but it's wanting in important details. Are there enough resources that the formians could make a living here? There are lakes. How about rivers? Mountains, hills, valleys, forests?

"How is food here provided? Is it magically produced? I'm a druid. Is it conceivable there are enough biological materials that non-magical farming would be feasible? The formians, at least Scax, seem to eat vegetables and not meat, maybe, so that's something.

"I know that the moon is smaller than the Wold. And you've said things are carefully balanced here. I just need to understand more of that balance. Lady Kerra, you already have said that you are not privy to all of what makes it work. But surely you know far more than we do at the moment - and some of what you know about this place can help me, help us, as we figure how to negotiate with the formians."

As he talks with her, he mentally communicates Pressi what he is learning from her.

When people are ready, Murphy says, "Teleportation sounds fine." He looks at Talia. He has been thinking about her, and how detached she has seemed of late.

"Tali, you seem to have a faraway look in your eyes. Are you fine being here? Is there something else you may need to take care of? If not, that's great. If so - what would you say to this? Help to teleport us back to the place - well wherever you and Succotash would be the best - perhaps near the repair area. Then, if you need to leave - Save a teleport to get back to where you need to be on the Wold. Get us all to the repair site, then head home, or to where you feel you need to go. When you can, rejoin us. Tell me if I have gone wide the mark, my friend."

If she seems open to this notion, he plucks a few hairs from his head, folds them in a bit of cloth, and says, "If you need to return to us, this may be helpful."
=========
OOC: The lunar environment is part of the module, even if not written up - especially where a druid is involved :-) ]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday August 25th, 2020 10:39:47 AM
Pressi is less excited about teleporting - using the boat at least opens contingency options and gives them time to approach - but she's willing to go along with it. She reminds the group that she can technically transport 5 small or medium creatures, plus herself, via word of recall.... maybe. (I need a DM ruling as to whether the moon castle can be designated as the sanctuary spot, but I'm pretty sure it counts as one.)

She continues to listen in to Murphy's messages, but remains uncommitted to any strategy until more information arrives.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday August 25th, 2020 1:07:55 PM
"Teleporting is definitely faster, but it takes away the opportunity to meet another Kraken or other fun adventure along the way. I'll vote how Pressi votes."

DM Kathy
Tuesday August 25th, 2020 4:04:29 PM
You discuss teleportation options. Pressi is pretty sure that Word of Recall will get a group of you back to the palace. [OOC: yes, it totally counts] She believes that using the raft opens up more options, although you could still take the raft out and teleport from there. You would stay dry, but the raft would be there if you needed it.

Bliss and Succotash are all in favor of teleporting, but Hobie doesn't like the idea of missing out on another kraken, or a similarly exciting encounter!

Murphy has questions! You learn that the food in the palaces is magically produced, and there are no large-scale farming operations. There are various kinds of environments on Kerracles, including forest, grasslands, mountains, and tundra. There are naturally-occurring flora and fauna. Farming is theoretically possible, but the moon's interior is riddled with the kind of maintenance tunnel you have already encountered. Digging through the topsoil, therefore, is kind of risky. You know that the formians would want tunnels rather than living on the surface. It is probably better to have them use existing tunnels rather than having them dig new ones and damage the ones that are already there.

As you prepare to leave for the day, Tali says she isn't feeling well and wants to stay behind in the palace. The moonlings are more than happy to look after her. Her absence, however, will make teleportation somewhat difficult.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Wednesday August 26th, 2020 6:13:33 AM
Succotash is saddened a bit at the loss of Tali, but tells her to take her rest, and hopefully get better soon.

"Well, I guess we are swimming again guys, I can't take all of us in one teleport, and unlike most of my spells, I can only prepare teleport, and greater teleport once per day. I may have to look into purchasing some device to increase my teleportation prowess in the future".

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday August 26th, 2020 12:11:28 PM

To Kerra's explanation of the tunnels, Pressi nods. "Ok, I think I'm getting a better picture of Kerracles as a whole, thank you."

Harper stays behind again, to watch over Talia.

In between snacks and nap.

"It's fine to not teleport, we could use the exercise. And I'd rather have the options to teleport back than teleport here."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday August 26th, 2020 12:34:25 PM
ooc: Does anyone know why my posts will sometimes repost again days later? this is the third time I've noticed it happening

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday August 26th, 2020 12:45:18 PM
"I agree I'd rather just take the trip than teleport there, but I also always keep two scrolls of Teleport if we need them."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Wednesday August 26th, 2020 3:00:16 PM
"All right. Raft. Water breathing," says Murphy.

DM Kathy
Wednesday August 26th, 2020 3:11:17 PM
Without Tali, you're going to need to swim. Succotash or Hobie can teleport you in an emergency, but this isn't one.

[OOC: Nick, didn't the reposting have something to do with checking the site on your phone? Or am I misremembering? Anyway, I'll delete the extra post.]

Accordingly, you return to the raft, once again leaving Harper on shore. You move the raft out to approximately the same place you had it yesterday, then polymorph or get Water Breathing as your preference. I'm going to assume Scax gets included in the Water Breathing.

You slip into the water and head for the "wells." The makeshift repairs held well; now you just need to make them permanent. Do you do that now, or pay your respects to the queen first?

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Wednesday August 26th, 2020 4:58:18 PM
"I'd probably be okay with water breathing," says Kezzem. "As long as the water is calm at least. Though it was fun being a shark!"

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d20=14 ; d20+12=14 ;
Wednesday August 26th, 2020 9:52:14 PM

Bliss is sad that Tali needs some rest, but he understands.

The raft is fun anyway. Bliss likes jetting through the water.

He is in favor of making the repairs permanent.

After that, it is just to visit the Queen, talk about mushrooms, and leave the tougher issues for later.

Aid Another on the repair: natural d20 = 14 plus whatever should suffice.

Diplomacy to talk with Scorx and then the queen about mushrooms. 14.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Thursday August 27th, 2020 6:16:55 AM
Succotash casts Water Breathing twice, including everyone in the party, including their guest.

Before we head off to talk to the queen, allow me to make these repairs permanent.", Succotash says as he casts make whole twice to make the repairs complete. He has mending on deck just in case he spies a crack or two that the make whole spells may have missed. After the job is done, he says to his friends, "And now the real work begins, shall we proceed?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+20=22 ;
Thursday August 27th, 2020 9:59:47 AM
Pressi figures it's important to visit the queen before and after, preferring to keep the before to light pleasantries and reports of what they will do next. (If needed, Diplomacy 22).

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday August 27th, 2020 12:12:51 PM
Hobie will follow along with Succotash, casting Mending on dents or cracks that are probably just superficial.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 d20+14=28 ;
Thursday August 27th, 2020 2:24:03 PM

Murphy agrees with Pressi. "Succotash," he says as they emerge back into the tunnels, "Let's forestall the repairs until we say good morning to the Queen. Then do the repairs, then visit the farm."

He asks Scax to help him with the name of the Queen before they remeet her. Linguistics 28 to replicate the correct pronunciation of her name, if Scax tells him. As they walk together, he also asks what a good greeting would be in their tongue. [Murphy is going to try to pick up formian as his next language - at least the spoken version, as I don't know that he can do the telepathic version very well.]

DM Kathy
Thursday August 27th, 2020 4:01:55 PM
You enter the water. Kezzem drops hints about being a shark again, but so far nobody has obliged.

Succotash wants to complete the repairs right away, but Pressi and Murphy think it's best to check in with the queen first.

That takes some time. First a little formian (or the same one from yesterday?) needs to be summoned to blip Scax through the too-small opening. Then you all have to climb in and dry off, and then, at last, Scax can lead you to the queen.

Murphy asks about greetings in the formian language. "But you are speaking the formian language," Scax replies. "Indeed, it is a mark of our vast reach across the worlds that so many people speak our language!" [OOC: Formians do not have their own language; they speak Common and communicate telepathically. And I decided that they think Common is their language because they totally would.]

You ask the queen's name, and manage to pronounce it credibly. It sounds something like Hrakikh.

You are again escorted to the queen's chamber. It appears unchanged from yesterday. The formians seem to communicate telepathically, then the queen gives you a distracted greeting and gives you permission to resume your work.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Friday August 28th, 2020 12:00:55 AM
"Wait, I thought we were going back in the lake," says Kezzem. "I was hoping to be a shark again. It's no fun being a shark without water. Unless I was some kind of land-shark, but surely such a creature doesn't exist."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 d20+21=40 ;
Friday August 28th, 2020 3:12:06 AM

"Kezzem, you ride the raft that I propel, Succotash gives you water breathing as an outstanding halfling - sorry, I cannot sharkify you - you grab one of the loops on the rope, I pull us down, deeper, and deeper - pretend like you're chewing some tough meat as we descend into the water, to help keep your ears from hurting. Or burp a lot - that works, too. Yes, we're on the lake... in the lake... under the lake... and back in the tunnels. Pay attention."

He had gone to huge water elemental for the aqueous transportation segment, and back to halfling as the last to enter the tunnels.

Murphy ponders the answer to the formian language. Huh. Common. From big ants? He is not quick to buy all aspects of Scax's explanation, but offers no counters. "Uh, all right. I did not know that."

The druid also asks the name of the little formian who helps Scax make it through the small passage. When they speak with Queen Hrakikh, Murphy thanks her, and adds, "Once the repairs are made, perhaps Scax or {little formian} can take us to the farming area, so we can see how we might help out there. I brought a dozen different types of mushrooms. We'll look at the environment, and that will help us see which ones might serve best."

At the repair site, Murphy uses his engineering skills both better to understand the system they are repairing, as well as the quality of work that Succotash is able to perform.

"Everyone up for farming?" Murphy asks. As they travel the tunnels, Murphy updates his mental maps, intending to place on paper later.
==============
Knowledge, Engineering: 40

[Thanks for names, Kathy! It helps to be able to refer to specific persons]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Friday August 28th, 2020 6:19:23 AM
Succotash doesn't like the idea of walking right past the repair job, only to come back to it later, as it seems counter productive but what ever, he'll go with the flow. "It will literally take less then a minute, less then half a minute really, but if you want to wait, so be it, though I could have the job done before the teleporter dude got here. Actually, I could take care of that too, but I would rather save the spell, in case we need it later."

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday August 28th, 2020 7:35:22 AM

"Yup, shoulda done the repair first, but, you know, half of six, dozen of something else."

Bliss sticks with the group, does the repair work, then comes back to the queen.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Friday August 28th, 2020 10:17:51 AM
"If all we were doing was fixing some plumbing, I'd be all in with efficiency. We're the diplomats. Fixing the pipes is just how we get in the door... And I don't really know how long we can stay after the job is done, if you get my drift."

Pressi watches Bliss and Succotash closely. "And if we are serious about asking them to do half the things you want them to do, the least we can do is say hello on our way in. Wipe your feet, too."

Nodding along, Pressi brings up that Succotash might want to take a look at other construction sites. She asks some more questions about what other rooms they have in the colony.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday August 28th, 2020 12:13:39 PM
Hobie was also gungho about the fixing, but Pressi's explanation makes a lot of sense to him. He's now eager to put off the fixing as long as possible.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Friday August 28th, 2020 1:05:41 PM
"I wouldn't have to pretend to chew on some tough meat is I were a shark," pouts Kezzem.

DM Kathy
Friday August 28th, 2020 3:46:51 PM
Kezzem is not letting the shark thing go.

Hobie and Succotash really wanted to get to the repairs first, but as Pressi pointed out, you're after more than repairs and it's probably better to be as diplomatic as possible.

After saying howdy to the queen, Succotash proceeds with the repairs, supported by Hobie, Bliss, and Murphy.

Pressi stays behind to chat with the queen about the colony. You learn that there are rooms for sleeping, rooms for raising the young, rooms for storage, and of course the farm rooms.

The repairs go off without a hitch, and soon you are inspecting the farm rooms. You are accompanied by Scax, but not the little formian named Raqi, who has duties elsewhere.

The formians have laid down a thin layer of soil, mixed with organic material. Disturbingly, the organic material contains what are clearly chopped-up formian parts. They are still conditioning the soil, and haven't planted anything yet.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 d20+20=22 ; d20+14=29 ;
Friday August 28th, 2020 6:45:59 PM

Murphy takes in important details. How many and how large are the areas have they prepared with the developing soil? What light sources are available? How deep is the thin layer of soil, and over what is it laid?

"Along with mushrooms, what other sorts of foods do you plan to grow here?" the druid asks.

He considers the mushrooms. Likely half of them will not do well here. A couple types could do quite well, one with added manure. Two or three others may be suitable. Perhaps enough to work with. Ah, kraken flesh. That could serve to help the soil. "I'm going to fetch the flesh of a creature which tried to kill us. It's flesh may help enrich this soil. To be sure, though, we should at first place in only in a small area, and observe its effects."

With whoever wishes to accompany him, Murphy sets out to recover some flesh from a tentacle, some from the body. Perhaps thirty pounds all together. As the water breathing will still be in effect, he asks Scax if he wants to join in the expedition. "That way, you will know where to find more such flesh over the next several days, if this works well."

If there are no huge obstacles to carrying out this task, the group likely will be back within 20 to 30 minutes, I reckon. And if we get the meat, Murphy works on grinding it up, and scattering it in differing amounts. One out of twenty parts in one section. One out of ten in another. One out of five in another. "It may begin to have a strong smell, but we shall see."

He takes a few spores of one of the mushrooms he thinks may do well with the fishy food, and carefully distributes tiny bits in each of the areas, and in an untreated area. He uses half of the mushroom's total spores - so this is a sparse planting, indeed.

He plants an acorn in a room with the highest ceiling.

============
For this first mushroom and its planting: Knowledge, nature: 22; Knowledge, gardening: 29

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Friday August 28th, 2020 8:59:39 PM
Being a shark is Kezzem's nee mushroom apparently.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Saturday August 29th, 2020 12:20:14 AM
"Wow, this is a lot of work, actually," says Kezzem. "Remind me to stop offering people mushrooms."

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d20+4=21 ;
Saturday August 29th, 2020 7:38:54 PM

Bliss keeps a mental count as they see the sites, trying to get a guess at the hive's total population. He wonders how many these "farm" rooms will support.

Intelligence check: nat 17 = 21! "Maybe this thinking cap of mine is working for a change!"

"Hold your breath!" Bliss tells Kezzem. Then he casts Polymorph and changes him into a shark.

Mookie gasps at Bliss's spell -- and gets a good whiff of this so-called dirt.

The raven exclaims, "Holy Crap, Kid!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Sunday August 30th, 2020 1:06:05 AM

[Just noticed the 'still conditioning the soil' phrase.]

Murphy recalls he has bundles of firewood in his portable hole. He takes off his pair of pants - 'Bill's Splendid Pants O' Plenty', and anything of an extradimensional nature, lays out his portable hole, descends within, and in a few minutes has about 10 wood bundles tossed up, and he brings a few other things out of the portable hole as well. Then he reclads himself as before.

As he works, he compliments the formians for what they have done thus far in the preparing of the soil. He asks where they obtained the various ingredients for the soil, and how they pass on their farming knowledge from one to another. He asks other questions, answers any they may ask of him that he knows how to answer.

To some of the formians nearby, he suggests, "Wood is a good thing to help in the growing of some plants - and is essential for some of the mushrooms I have in my collection. Your mandibles look like they may be quite capable of crushing these logs and wood pieces into tiny pieces of wood. See what you can do with them. Or maybe you have another way to make tiny pieces of wood." He takes a small of bit wood, and, using his knife, cuts some small pieces, from a quarter-inch in size up to an inch or two, and slender. "About like these little pieces could work well. Let's work them into half of the soil treated with kraken meat, and also into some soil not yet touched by the fishy flesh. Once that is done, I will cast a spell to help speed things up."

Murphy is thinking through the plant growth spell. He has it memorized several times, including using a higher-level slot than normal. He considers how he might modify it to help accelerate the conditioning of the soil. The druid may use a hero point toward that end. He will want to try to affect a good portion of soil in one room.

Meanwhile, he gets down on his hands and knees, sniffs about, notes the formian body parts scattered here and there, uses a shovel to turn the soil. He has a few buckets he fills with water to dampen the soil. In the fishy parts, some he dampens a fair bit, some only lightly, and some he leaves dry. He puts little stakes to mark out the different areas, and colors the tops with different colored inks to help distinguish among them.

"Uncle Orby told me he likes to try different things to see which work best. He is one of the best farmers and arborists in our little valley."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Monday August 31st, 2020 6:29:01 AM
Succotash know next to nothing about farming and or gardening, but he goes along in case his skills are needed.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday August 31st, 2020 11:11:32 AM
Pressi, still hanging back, probes a bit about whether there are already kids being born. She also begins to ask if there are any libraries or prayer shrines.

Eventually, she begins to probe the queen about expansion plans, population and construction wise. She's very careful in her phrasing, avoiding any mention about the other's desires, keeping things from becoming too personal, backing off at the slightest sign of agitation.

Finally, she asks what they think about the moon men and if they have spoken to Kerra yet.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday August 31st, 2020 2:53:32 PM
Hobie will nudge Succotash "Buddy, are those body parts mixed in the soil?"

DM Kathy
Monday August 31st, 2020 4:13:13 PM
Bliss finally indulges Kezzem, turning him into a shark. For his part, Kezzem is surprised at how much work goes into mushrooms when they aren't a throwaway gag.

Murphy examines the farming areas. You find that the soil is being laid over the floor of the corridor, which you think is some kind of metal but you aren't sure. You add wood chips, kraken bits, and water--although you find the soil was pretty well-watered already. You learn that the soil was brought with the formians when they came, and that the chopped-up formian bodies have been gradually added.

Pressi learns that eggs have been laid, but not yet hatched, and that the formians basically plan to expand until they cover this entire world, because that's what they do. You learn that, apart from Scax, who accompanied you, they haven't left the tunnels, preferring to remain out of sight here until they built up their numbers.

Hobie alerts Succotash to the bodies in the soil. Thanks to Murphy's efforts, they are now mixed in with wood chips and bits of tentacle.

If asked about the body parts, the formians explain that they needed more organic matter to condition the soil, and that several workers were happy to volunteer.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Monday August 31st, 2020 7:14:47 PM
Is Kezzem in water? Or is he a beached shark?

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday August 31st, 2020 10:16:38 PM

Kezzem is in the tunnels when Bliss casts the Polymorph. That's why Bliss told him to hold his breath (That's the same thing Bliss does when he is an Octopus on dry land). But the spell only affects a willing target, so Kezzem does not have to be a beached shark if he does not want to be!

Bliss ponders what the party learns but does not say anything. He'll speak his mind tonight at dinner, privately. And he has a lot to say.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Monday August 31st, 2020 11:41:33 PM
Kezzem is confused as he is suddenly unable to breath and starts thrashing about. He then regains his normal halfling form.

"No good, I can't breath!" says Kezzem. "Or move!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+23=30 ;
Tuesday September 1st, 2020 6:28:46 AM
Succotash is more than a little disgusted at the complete lack of of concern for life from the formians, but he keeps his thoughts to himself. When he hears that they intend to completely take over the place and fill the place, he has a bad feeling that things are going to get messy, though he is hoping that diplomacy will win the day.

"Your majesty", He says to the queen, "Please reconsider this plan of yours to fill this moon, as to do so would be suicide for your people, and would have devastating effects on the planet below! We have recently learned that this moon has a very delicate system that keeps it aloft, and to overwhelm the place would cause it to plummet to the planet below causing catastrophic damage to the planet and completely destroying the moon and anyone aboard it!" Diplomacy 30

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday September 1st, 2020 11:24:48 AM
Pressi nodded. "Still, one can wonder what brings you to the moon in the first place. Is it exploration? Curiosity? Legacy?"

She studies the queen carefully. "Because one might think that something else occurred, to have you explore so far from home. One might even wonder how you arrived here in the first place, how hard it might have been. Why, one might even speculate that it might have been borne of tragedy and trial, or that maybe the old ways meant you ran out of something."

Pressi shrugged. "But that's just idle speculation. I'm sure you guys will do fine."

Casting of Like Calls to Like
Diplomacy and sense motive rolls

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday September 1st, 2020 11:54:04 AM
Hobie stands by as Pressi and Succotash talk. He nods in agreement with them.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Tuesday September 1st, 2020 4:09:29 PM

Surely Pressi communicates with Murphy about what the queen, or others, had to say. For Pressi Highlight to display spoiler: {}"Yeah, we'll want to handle this one with care. Let's wait until tomorrow before we bring it up," he suggests. "And have a strong offensive and defensive posture available spell and preparation-wise, yet in such a way that we do not appear girded for battle. They are an existential threat to the Wold, though I bear them no particular animosity. Apparently, it is their nature. But their nature will threaten our nuture."

I'm assuming that Murphy is up to his knees in soil and growth, not palavering with the queen, as the group had agreed ahead of time to let today be a learning opportunity, and not a day for confrontation. Build relationships, then have a stronger platform for negotiations.

DM Kathy
Tuesday September 1st, 2020 4:20:30 PM
Bliss turns Kezzem into a shark, which Kezzem ends up not liking because he can't breathe. There's just no pleasing some people.

Meanwhile, Bliss is saving up things to say to his companions this evening.

Succotash finds the formians more than a little disturbing, but he sets that aside to make a diplomatic plea to the queen. Formians are difficult to read, but she listens and seems to think about what you said. And she doesn't order you summarily executed, so...progress?

Hobie supports the diplomatic efforts, but is not himself a diplomat, so he is a spectator for now.

Pressi would like to cast Like Calls to Like, but it is a touch spell, so you'll need to get close enough to touch the queen. She doesn't really seem like the touchy-feely type, so you'll need a plan if you're going to cast this spell on her.

"Our scouts came here first," the queen replies. "Many years ago. They sent this location to the home hive. Now we have come to colonize."

Murphy communicates with Pressi, but he is still helping with the agriculture side of things. He's going to have to trust his companions to handle diplomacy with the queen.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 d20+24=27 ;
Tuesday September 1st, 2020 6:54:28 PM
Kezzem attempts diplomacy.

"I have this apple here," says Kezzem. "Now if I only need to feed me, one apple's good. If I need to share with one other, I still get half an apple, and I'm still pretty content. But if I tried to split that apple with everyone here, we'd only each get a single bite, and some might not even get that. Now if there are only so many apples, mushrooms, or whatever else you like to eat on this moon, you can only feed so many formians, right? You bring too many here and there will not be enough food for everybody. Some will starve, and others will fight over what food there is. Surely that is not what you want for your subjects. Also, not that it's related to anything else, but it turns out, sharks can't breath on land. Who knew!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 24 = 27.

OOC: Kezzem always seems to roll poorly on Diplomacy checks!

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday September 1st, 2020 9:32:30 PM

Bliss does his best to support his most excellent sharktitude, the wise Kez'm. "My friend here is right. With limited resources, conservation and regulated growth are much more likely to meet with success compared with unchecked growth to limits."

[That thinkin cap is getting a workout today!]

Diplomacy at +12 guarantees a +2, I think.

Bliss is grateful to the Queen for her consideration towards his friends, and he says so, trying to be as gracious and formal as he can.

He's ready to head back for the day, but asks the Queen for permission to return tomorrow.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 2:30:00 AM

"Worms," says Murphy. "We need worms to help accelerate the soil conditioning. I can go get some, and bring them back in a few hours," he tells Scax. "Tonight we give them a chance to get started working through the evening. I'm looking to a spell modification to help, too."

Based upon what he has learned about the area surrounding the castle, he looks for a suitable place to plant an oak. With a feather token, that is. He seeks Kerra's permission prior to proceeding. And brings her up to date on what the party has thus far learned. He asks for a small-to-medium-sized storage room, takes suitable precautions, and empties his portable hole. "I'm on a mission to recover soil and worms. All while trying to see if we can persuade the new-come visitors to return from whence they came, and never again return. And seeing if we can do this without having to engage in a lot of killing. The kraken was bad enough. I generally do not like to kill. It seems those in our profession often end up doing so, regardless."

He relays his plan to his friends. "As usual, if someone wants to join in, well, step in through the tree with me. We're heading out for worms and soil. And mushrooms, with help from a friend." Scax is not invited for this journey. Most of the team will be staying behind, anyhow.

Murphy steps into the newly sprouted and yet fully grown oak, and out into a place only a few hundred paces from Humble's Sword Sanctuary. He asks their dwarf friend who is working on growing mushrooms in the area just north of the walled portion of the Sanctuary how his work progresses, and his need for worms, soil and mushrooms. He describes the growing conditions he is facing, the state of the soil, and seeks any recommendations he may have.

He checks with his mother, who is a druid (about 4th or 5th level, but she has the advantage of many years on him) if she knows of any particular spells helpful for enriching soil. They have a relative who is a greenmage, but she lives at the edge of the Culverwood, fairly close to Hovel, who might know. He does not have have time to visit her.

With the fact that topsoil in Crescent Valley can be up to dozens of feet deep in parts, and that he has acquainted himself with much of it, by wild shaping into a small earth elemental, he should be able to fill the portable hole with good stuff. And worms. And mushrooms. And his head with dwarfish mushroom farmer suggestions.

Figure two hours, or maybe three, in the Wold, then back through a local oak to the now Kerracles' oak, he brings the filled portable hole, and returns to the tunnels.

"Here is additional soil. Mix it around with what you have already. Then scatter worms, and they will get to work for you." He helps them get started, and makes sure they understand his instructions, then says, "I must go eat and sleep. We will return in the morning. Here are three buckets of mushrooms. Let your queen try some, and some of you. It is a small sample."

Murphy leaves to join his friends. "What have I missed?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 2:35:16 AM

One thing I forgot to mention: Murphy brings seeds and some vegetables, such as turnips, carrots, and squash. He does not yet turn those over to the formians.

Oh, and Murphy takes the emptied portable hole with him, once the soil and other things have been emptied from it. After evening meal and conversation, he washes out the inside of the portable hole, replaces the items and gear he took out earlier back inside the container.

And in the morning will memorize a number of spells useful for offense and defense and persuasion.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+23=28 ;
Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 6:57:29 AM
"Make no mistake you majesty" Succotash begins, "I have no wish to disrupt the ways of your people, but I also don't wish to see unnecessary death and carnage, which is sure to happen if you chose to colonize this moon in the way your people normally do. My friends bring up an interesting point about food supplies, though, my guess is your people take things like that into consideration when choosing a colony location, but how could you take into consideration the fragile state of this moon, how could anyone? My guess is your scouts discovered these tunnels, which are actually maintenance corridors, and thought they hit the jackpot, but in reality, they found something that they, or for that matter most anyone, could never understand, I know I don't, but I believe the source of my obtained knowledge. Please, your majesty, consider relocating, of at the least establish strict, conservative colonization practices." diplomacy 28

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 9:48:39 AM
Pressi agrees with Murphy, herself a believer that these guys need to be in balance with... well, whatever passes for natural on a planet like this. But she wonders if there is any way to convince these guys to give up what probably makes some internal sense.

At any rate, she drops the subject in favor of learning as much of their origins as she can. She hopes to find an opening.

(Normally, I'd take the moment to actually start some decently crafted arguments. But I'm partially in charge of virtual schooling our kindergartener so my attention and time is divided. I may lay out a strategy tonight.)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 1:06:34 PM
Hobie turns to Pressi "If you want to cast your spell, I can cast Invisibility or Greater Invisibility so you can sneak up on the Queen."

DM Kathy
Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 10:03:11 PM
Murphy realizes that a few earthworms would help the soil quite a bit. He wants to return to the palace to possibly plant an oak tree. However, he is currently in tunnels underground, and the only exits he knows about lead underwater. Your DM assumes you intend to Wildshape into something that swims? Assuming you have a way of getting to the palace, you do get Kerra's permission to plant an oak tree. You choose a spot near the lake shore, where the tree's roots can get to the lake water, because it appears rainfall here is sparse. I'm going to hold off on your remaining actions because your timeline is already pretty far ahead of the rest of the group.

Kezzem supports the diplomatic efforts with a practical illustration, and Bliss supports it with general information.

Succotash builds on his theme, and ends by asking the queen to relocate or establish strict, conservative colonization practices.

"What kind of practices do you have in mind?" the queen replies.

Meanwhile, Hobie offers to make Pressi invisible so she can cast her spell. Pressi continues to evaluate her options.

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d20+12=24 ;
Wednesday September 2nd, 2020 11:17:24 PM

Bliss tries to be subtle and say to his friends (using Bluff) -- I thought we had agreed to give it a few days before we pushed the queen to restrict her growth!

Pass a complex secret message: a 24 beats the needed 20 DC.

Bliss is inclined to follow Murphy out, but he at least prefers to not go haring off alone. "Come on everybody. We can come back tomorrow. We should stick together and see what Mister Murphy is getting up to."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+23=26 ;
Thursday September 3rd, 2020 6:07:21 AM
Succotash answers Bliss in halfling, "Sorry Bliss, but it felt like the time was right, and besides, you know I've never been one to beat around the bush, Also, I don't feel as though it would be prudent to break off the discussion now, since we seem to be making some progress."

Turning back to the queen he answers, "According to my source, a population of no more than 1000, may be sustainable, but any additional tunneling would have to be strictly forbidden, and maintenance crews would have to be allowed to make inspections, and repairs, if needed. I can introduce you to my source if you like, but it would involve teleporting you to the surface." Diplomacy 26 (Seriously, what's with these low rolls?)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+20=33 ;
Thursday September 3rd, 2020 10:15:09 AM
To Bliss and Succotash (No fail for 20 DC): "I wasn't trying to push for the entire agenda. Just get an idea of what's driving them and how flexible they might be before we pushed for growth restriction. Maybe play the game a bit."

To Hobie, on her own. "While deception may be required, I'd rather not do anything that might be seen as an attack or outright trick. Besides, these guys have telepathy and monitor us. Who knows if an invisibility spell will set something off.... Maybe keep one in the pocket for when we need to make a bigger push. You know, just in case."

As Succotash blurts it out, Pressi calculates the odds over whether foreplay is his strong suit.

"Please forgive such bluntness," Pressi replies. "But what Succotash says isn't just a desire of a benefactor. There are limits to what the moon can can handle, population and tunnel wise. And to ignore this possibility is to put your own people at risk.

"We otherwise have no dog in this fight, except as mediators. But since you asked... You may have noticed that Murphy has been hard at work doing things you may not have seen before but that you are willing to trust. He's been placing the soil into balance, adding creatures and plants that work with him. When he's done, you will have a farm that can produce food year after year, long after we go home. A farm that won't need to be expanded to produce food.

"So for now, just think about it and watch what Murphy is attempting. And as you watch, consider that there are alternatives to expanding."

(Diplomacy 33)

Pressi eventually moves on to help Murphy in any way she can. There are a few things she can do, like create water or further summon earthworms and spiders.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81 d20+24=35 ;
Thursday September 3rd, 2020 3:54:46 PM
"I encourage diplomacy!" says Kezzem as he continues to aid their efforts. "Finding a solution that works for all parties is ideal. Fighting rarely works out for either side as there are lots of dead even on the winning side."

Diplomacy: 35.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Thursday September 3rd, 2020 10:08:42 PM

Murphy continues on his course as outlined above, hoping his friends will hold to the agreement to simply gather information today. Yes, he would wild-shape, and help any who decide to come with him get water breathing to navigate to the surface of the water. Then tree by the shore, transport via plants to Humble's Ford, make the contacts and grab the ingredients, etc.

DM Kathy
Thursday September 3rd, 2020 10:39:09 PM
Pressi declines Hobie's offer, deciding that spellcasting may not be the best idea right now.

Bliss cautions his companions about talking specific terms this early in the proceedings.

Succotash, however, senses an opportunity and presses on. He outlines the specifics: no more than 1,000 population, no new tunnels, access as required. Kezzem supports his efforts. Pressi points out all that you have done for the hive to this point.

"This is something to think on," the queen says. She is silent after that, and it soon becomes clear that she is discussing the idea with the assembled myrmarchs. You cannot hear their conversation, but you believe there is still opportunity to sway more of them to your cause if you are persuasive enough.

In the throne room: Knowledge Nature 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {It's likely that if the colony got big enough, they would need additional queens. If they kept the colony small, this queen could remain the sole queen of the hive. That might be a good thing to bring up.}

Meanwhile, Murphy travels through the oak tree and returns to Humble's. He begins gathering the things he needs. At the mushroom farm, he is able to gather earthworms, potting soil, and several mushroom samples. "There's enough here for planting, but not for eating," your dwarf friend cautions you. "They'll have to wait until after the harvest to sample them."

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d20+12=30 ; d20+13=18 ;
Friday September 4th, 2020 12:41:48 AM
Know Nature check: 30

Bliss tries to be diplomatic and brings up the issue of competition.

"Your majesty, thank you for listening. And may I mention the issue of population numbers? At a certain point, you will want daughter-queens for a population that is too big. And daughters can be, um, troublesome."

Diplomacy 18

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+6=21 ; d20+23=41 ;
Friday September 4th, 2020 9:51:23 AM
Knowledge nature 21

Piggy-backing on what Bliss said, Succotash adds. "Less population means less competition for you your majesty, being the sole monarch of this colony diffidently has it's advantages." Diplomacy 41

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday September 4th, 2020 11:22:06 AM
"Listen to Bliss, you don't want daughters. My parents had daughters. Eventually I had to leave the house for good."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Friday September 4th, 2020 2:27:56 PM
Pressi remains silent, preferring to watch for the moment.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 d100=49 ;
Friday September 4th, 2020 6:59:12 PM
Murphy listens to Kade's advice regarding mushroom distribution and planting. He gets his advice, also, on the best growing conditions for each type. He lets Pressi know what's up, asks how things are going on Kerracles.

If Bliss is along, he asks if he has some ideas on anything else they might do or pick up here before they return. He'll swaps stories with his friend along the way, too

As previously mentioned, he goes to see his mother about possible magical or druidic augmentations to soil - such an important element in plant growth.

DM Kathy
Friday September 4th, 2020 11:10:38 PM
Bliss points out to the queen that a larger colony would require more queens, and surely there are advantages in being the only one? Succotash supports this and adds his own diplomatic touch. Hobie chimes in that daughters are a problem and he has the childhood trauma to prove it.

After some more telepathic discussion, the queen says, "Very well, we shall be an outpost. We can still serve as a jumping off point, even with a reduced population. But even an outpost cannot survive with fewer than 1500."

Sense Motive 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {They can totally survive with fewer; the queen is negotiating.}

Murphy consults his mother, but aside from some advice about lights, she has nothing more to add. Murphy gathers his things and jumps back into the oak tree by the palace.

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d20+12=27 ;
Friday September 4th, 2020 11:31:57 PM

Bliss thinks that's a fine idea. "I agree, your Majesty. You can send out seeds to make colonies in other places. We can help you find potential colony sites in the future."

"In fact, if you do not mind, I think it would be grand for us to remain in touch. Maybe you can send a worker or two of yours with us back to our home, and we can send a couple of our followers to you. We can send messages back and forth. We could even set up trade. You can send us things you make, and we can trade you for things you need."

Bliss tries to sound out the Queen about what the formians might be able to make or craft that would have value. We could trade raw materials and food for finished goods for export. Heck, with the kobold crafters back near our dacha, we can set up a mutual trade association.

ALSO, Bliss sounds out the Queen about locking all this in with a treaty that everybody would sign and swear to uphold. Bliss privately figures that if the queen agrees to a deal that has no wiggle room, we can feel pretty good about it, since she seems the type to keep her word.

Diplomacy 27

[OOC to DM and Pressi: Bliss is proposing stationing two of his followers here on a rotating permanent basis. Or one of his and one of Pressi's. We can communicate via cauldron-phone, and if Murphy can figure out how to grow an oak tree down here in the tunnels, we can visit back and forth at will. ALSO, I know Bliss needs a new follower and a new cohort. Does Pressi need to recruit a follower? Maybe one of us could adopt Scorx as a follower?]

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Saturday September 5th, 2020 3:43:19 PM
Kezzem will differ to the others over the exact size of the outpost. He's just happy they are talking and not fighting.

He instead turns to Bliss, "What about a flying shark that can breath air? That would be cool."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Sunday September 6th, 2020 4:07:47 PM

Murphy, back from Humble's Ford, lets Pressi know, asks her to update him on the conversation now that he has stepped out of the tree. He wild shapes, this time as a giant gar, swims down, and enters the complex as a halfling. He navigates back to the Queen, lets her know he has more soil and such, then offers the following.

"Whatever population this small moon may support is not fully known. Is it a thousand, as Succotash has suggested, or fifteen hundred, as you, Queen Hrakikh, have proposed? Or, is it closer to 300 or 500? Or 2,000? We simply do not know for certain.

"My thought is this. We need better to understand the mechanisms that these tunnels support. We need to know whether burrowing may be harmful, or not. Perhaps a little would be all right, but too much may lead to tragedy. More study and periodic review may be what will serve us all wisely.

"And, this heavenly body is largely a peaceful place, to the best of my knowledge, though surely there may be challenges. If you Formians are to make a home here, we need to ensure you will be able to live at peace with the others, and they with you, with reasonble levels of harmony, and with no harm to this small planet.

"But, please, there is much to think about, and many things to learn - of Kerracles, which this place is called - and of one another.

"Let me show you a gift I have brought, in this little pouch."

Murphy places the portable hole on the floor, and opens it up. He reaches in, and extracts a bucket. "This contains lumbricina, or worms." He lifts up a handful, with four or five. "May I approach to show you, Queen Hrakikh?" he inquires. If she allows, he holds out his hand to allow her to take them up, or will let them drop into her - well, hand? - if she holds it below his hand. "No doubt you have such where you come from, but I did not see any in the mix here.

"They eat dirt and help enrich the soil. And there are many good and tiny creatures we cannot even see in healthy soil, or so I am told." He steps back, and takes a handful of soil out of the hole. "This is very fertile." And he picks three different mushroom types out. "And these are for planting here.

"If you will give me leave, I will go work with some of your people, and distribute the soil to mix with yours, and plant some mushrooms. I have a spell, then, to speed up the growth of the mushrooms. Perhaps by morning, or in the day beyond that, we can have our first, small harvest to try. I brought a few other plants and seeds, too."

He briefly awaits her reply. Then is ready to return to the soil / planting project. To keep it short: He will spread the soil with the help of others. "Join me in this, Kezzem. And anyone else who care to assist." He plants the mushrooms, each in its appropriate type of soil. He sets aside a few small spots for turnips, carrots, lettuce, radishes, and squash. When all seems ready, he has four different plant growth spells available (two at 4th level), and could even do a fifth plant growth spell. The first of the spells he casts to help ensure good general growth over the course of the full year. The three (or four) more he uses to allow specific areas of planting to grow up quickly.

"Take a sample of these items to Queen Hrakikh. Let the rest of the harvest sit overnight. We must now go and rest ourselves, and eat, for the day has been long."

Unless their hosts object, Murphy will go with his friends, and assist them on their return to the castle, and meal, and conversation, and rest. If Skax wishes to come back up to the castle, he helps him, too.

[Please, DM Kathy, truncate what may have gone too far. I will have spotty time over the next few days, so thought to put down Murphy's intentions.]

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday September 7th, 2020 8:31:12 AM
At Bliss's suggestion Hobie mutters under his breath, "Do we really want some of these guys coming down to live in the Wold? What if they start colonies all over the place?"

DM Kathy
Monday September 7th, 2020 3:36:10 PM
Bliss proposes a cultural exchange of sorts, to which the queen seems (initially) indifferent, but you can pursue this avenue if you want to. Hobie does have a point, though; it might not be a good idea to encourage them to set up a colony on the Wold itself.

Kezzem is still thinking of shark improvements.

Murphy shows up with earthworms. He has this whole lecture prepared on what they are and what they do, but the formians are already pretty familiar with worms. They help you place the worms in the farm corridors, and they help you plant and water your crops. They brought seeds and roots of their own to plant, and they do that now, consulting with you to figure out which crops should go next to each other to ensure healthy growth.

You do not get all the planting done today, although you can cast your spells over what you did plant. You are sure you can complete the task tomorrow.

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday September 7th, 2020 7:21:25 PM
That night, back at the Palace, Bliss wants to go over everything with his halfling friends and Miss Kerra.

He goes over the agreement that they hope to achieve.

No more than 1500 formians.
No digging new tunnels or damaging the workings of the world.
Peace with and access for the moonlings and others who may need to do maintenance.

Any others?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Tuesday September 8th, 2020 3:41:32 AM

Murphy ensures that Lady Kerra is including in this council. He then begins this these words. "We acquiesce to 1,500 formians without knowing with some degree of certainty what the moon can sustain, Bliss? Jumping immediately to the number the queen suggested is not a strong negotiating tactic. We need better to understand what Kerricles and others have done to form and sustain this moon, and its vulnerabilities.

"Should Queen Hrakikh perish, will others of her people, by their customs, be bound to an agreement she has made?

"What if only a few hundred constitute the limit? The cleanest arrangement is to have them leave this moon, Kerricles, entirely, and to go neither to the Wold nor to Wardd. But, if you cannot tell by my efforts thus far, I am not necessarily going for the 'cleanest' arrangement.

"I like how we are working together reasonably well, but we must not overpromise when we have so large an area of ignorance of environmental consequences. Succotash, I thought we had agreed together to have today be one of gathering information, rather than making solid offers or negotiating on whether they might remain here or not. It's like we had agreed among ourselves to a starting line. Then you moved that line. Impatience can lead to a weakened position. On the other hand, you did raise some worthwhile points, and got the formians to perhaps modify their default stance.

"What if we learn that their inhabiting these tunnels will damage, even destroy the local infrastructure, even if that is not their intention? Even with only a few hundred formians? How wise will the offer you have made seem then?

"My proposal, which you heard the beginning of just before we left the tunnels tonight, includes further investigation on our part. A reasonably representative exploration of this moon, spending time in the libraries, engaging in divinations, and learning more of its present inhabitants and getting their input on this formian invasion is important before giving a flat promise.

"Let us not mistake clarity of limits made out of ignorance for wisdom. Let us gain knowledge and understanding - then wisdom may help us shape fair and sustainable boundaries.

"Lady Kerra, can you suggest the best way for us to gain an understanding of the way things work on this moon? Who besides you can teach us more? You have told us things are in a delicate balance here, and upsetting that balance risks an orbital decay, and collision of Kerracles with the Wold. How much damage can the moon sustain from these large burrowing creatures without upsetting that balance? How many miles of corridors run beneath the surface? Is the whole subterranean area laced with tunnels and pipes and systems? Or are these corridors found only in this limited area?"

Murphy catches his breath, wanting to hear everyone else's thoughts and insights.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday September 8th, 2020 6:20:21 AM
"I acted because It seemed right based on the conversation Pressi and I were having with the queen. I had every intention of sticking to the original plan Murph but well, sometimes you have to go with the flow, and that was the direction I felt things were flowing so to speak" Succotash offers as way of explanation. It is clear he feels he did the right thing and won't accept any rebuke for his actions, though he won't be confrontational with his friends either.

OOC.. Sorry for failing to post yesterday, with the holiday weekend, here in the states, it simply slipped my mind.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+22=28 ;
Tuesday September 8th, 2020 8:53:09 AM
(Sense motive 28. She can tell that the queen is negotiating, and allows herself some satisfaction.)

(Like Jeremy, also slipped my mind to post and sorry. At least I have the kid to blame.)(First day of school for her.)

As the day moves onward, Pressi performs the following tasks.

1) Discussing with Bliss re cohorts and followers. (I haven't updated my list in a while, but yes. I figure I will start recruiting cohorts and followers when we return to earth, and we can certainly station some followers on the moon.)

2) Updates with Murphy and smoothing out some internal communications. She has no strong feelings on any particular strategy or move so far. (And interpreted Bliss' list as a communication back to the other side, not as an agreement. They are, in the end, as much mediators as they are a 3rd party.) She kind of backs up Succotash as "it worked." Aside from that... If I missed anything, Kim can repeat and highlight.

3) Responding to Hobie. "The spread of any species is inevitable. But we can at least try to live in balance with them, and maybe they can balance with us."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday September 8th, 2020 12:03:08 PM
"I defer to the druid in terms of how many of these guys the moon can handle. If he doesn't think we should jump right to the queens number then maybe hes right"

DM Kathy
Tuesday September 8th, 2020 3:39:42 PM
Back at the palace, you discuss strategy and communication.

"You have done well," Kerra tells you. "Thinking it over, I believe I will accompany you tomorrow, bringing a written agreement that the queen and I will both sign. The terms you have mentioned, 1500 formians, no new digging, allowing maintenance, are acceptable to me, and should not cause undue strain to this world. A written agreement will persist beyond the death of the queen, and will give us time to put contingencies in place."

[OOC: I don't think I made it very clear, but the queen already agreed to the other terms. It was only the size of the colony she was trying to negotiate. If you guys don't want to agree to 1500 that's fine, but it won't hurt anything to agree.]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Tuesday September 8th, 2020 6:20:20 PM

Murphy nods when Succotash explains himself. Then when Pressi adds her view that 'it worked,' the druid says, "All right. I suppose that flow did go well. I withdraw my objection, friend."

"Thank you, Hobie," he says as the archer voices support for further study.

Yet, since Kerra, who knows much more about Kerracles than any of them, seems fine with the 1,500 limit on formian population, Murphy's concerns, and desire for deeper investigation, are greatly allayed.

"Very well. If you, Lady Kerra, believe it to be a sound plan, then we will support the plan as laid out." He offers to assist in the writing out of the agreement.

"I like this arrangement much more than having to fight them. Also, Bliss made a great suggestion regarding trade. I don't know how open they are to that notion, but mutually beneficial and peaceful trade can help to cement relations between disparate peoples. Perhaps we could have a section regarding that in the agreement."

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle d20+12=16 ;
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 2:06:01 AM

Bliss bows to Miss Kerra and agrees with her wisdom. "I think a written agreement is a fine idea," he says. He explains the idea of stationing a couple coven members here for easy communication and to forge bonds among the formians, the moonlings, herself, and

He finds a private moment to speak with Miss Kerra, asking if she would mind if he offered Mooncalf a job working and living with him and in his coven. He mentions that he hopes to invite Scorx the Formian into his employ as well. "Honestly, I just wish I could find someone as smart and organized and talented as you to join my team," he tells her. "It must get kind of boring up here just waiting for Lord Kerracles to return."

Diplomacy 16, meh.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 6:46:45 AM
Succotash excepts Murphy's objection withdrawal with a smile and a nod in return, then say's,"I'm just glad it didn't resort to bloodshed, such senseless killing would have left me feeling mighty low!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 8:17:40 AM
As the negotiations wind down, Pressi takes some time to see more of the area. More walking the grounds. More broom flying. More thinking.

She also turns her attention to Lady Kerra. "So, what now for you? Do you return to your normal job? Wait for Kerracles to return? Are you at all interested in expanding to other religions?"

She takes some time to boost Bliss' attempts at diplomacy (aid another no fail), explaining what they do and who they are.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 9:05:43 AM
"Have you heard the word about the bird?" asks Kezzem.

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 10:46:49 AM
Mookie says to Kezzem, "It's 'love' right? That's the word?"

The bird hums a tune.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 1:19:20 PM
With the negotations seeming to be finished, Hobie will ask the group "OK, so what do we do now?"

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 2:01:43 PM
"Well, we have to escort Miss Kerra to the Queen so they can sign the treaty."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 3:56:31 PM

"Right. After we sleep and renew spells in the morning," Murphy says. "Regarding Kezzem's query and Mookie's response, though I think that love is one of the the words. But also, according to Hin Billy, Flimsipond 'Hin Billy' Williewhim, I think he'd say that bird, bird is the word. Everybody's talking about the bird."

DM Kathy
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 4:09:55 PM
You accept Kerra's offer to accompany you and sign a written agreement. She spends some time that evening writing the agreement, asking you about your detailed observations so that the treaty can be as specific as possible.

Bliss asks about recruiting Mooncalf and the formian called Scax, whose name Bliss should probably learn to get right. "The moonlings cannot leave the palaces," Kerra reminds Bliss. "I have no objection if you want to ask formians to join you. Whether they accept or not is, of course, up to them."

Pressi asks Kerra what she will do next. "I will return to my normal duties," she says. "I have not yet considered, um, 'branching out' into other religions, though such a time may come."

The next morning, Kerra teleports your entire group into the tunnels. You are escorted to the queen, whom you introduce to Kerra. The two begin discussing the treaty Kerra brought with her.

Meanwhile, Murphy and his helpers finish planting the remaining crops. Murphy casts his spells to ensure good growth. In return, the formians take you to the hatching room so you can see how the eggs are coming along. They look as if they will hatch soon.

Queen Hrakikh and Kerra sign their treaty, and each receives a copy. By the end of the day, you are back in the Palace of the Moon.

"You have done well," Kerra tells you. "By negotiating a peace with the formians, you have preserved this moon for future generations. Your service has been invaluable. My power is diminished in Kerracles' absence, but I would very much like to give you each a gift, which you can name."

[OOC: Kerra will give each of you one Wondrous Item from the core rulebook. Yes, any item. Well, okay, any item that isn't specifically prohibited by Woldian House Rules, but I don't think any are.]

[OOC: If anyone would like a formian and/or moonling follower, let's discuss that in email.]

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 4:40:31 PM

Kerra makes her generous offer, and Bliss is stunned for a moment.

"Wowsy. Just ... wowsy."

He sits for a good five minutes thinking. He consults with Mookie, who after all has worked in the Catacombs.

Finally, he is ready. "Miss, I already have an amulet of fists, but of the weakest kind. If you have one, I'd like a better one please."

Mookie pecks Bliss on the head.

"Yeah, well, the best one you have, if you please?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 5:38:01 PM
Succotash ponders what he should ask for finally, he says, "Well, Miss Kerra, I guess, what would be most helpful to me would be a +5 tome of understanding. I'm am blessed with a fair amount of wisdom, but adding more would help my friends and myself a fair bit in the future."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Wednesday September 9th, 2020 11:55:58 PM
"I would like a better belt," says Kezzem. "One that boosts my strength, dexterity, and my constitution."

OOC: Belt of Physical Perfection +6

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Thursday September 10th, 2020 2:53:44 AM

"What an astonishing offer, Lady Kerra!" the druid says, feeling a strong sense of awe. He takes a few minutes to consider, and writes down a few ideas, crossing most of them out, then circling one. He smiles as Bliss increases his offensive power, nods in agreement when the former paladin and now cleric voices his sagacious choice. He looks up with a bit of shock as Kezzem tells Kerra his desire.

"You beat me to the punch, Kezz'm," Murphy smiles. "Should it be possible, what Kezzem has asked for is also my request," he says. "The Belt of Physical Perfection +6" (Also see here). The name of the item on the sheet is circled and underscored. Crossed out are Tome of Clear Thought, Headband of Mental Superiority, and a few other items.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Thursday September 10th, 2020 3:19:30 AM

In the care of the plants, since plant growth seems either to increase the growth of flora by a third over the course of a year, or to cause growth so rapid that plants twist and turn about each other, making passage exceedingly slow through the overgrown area, Murphy sees if he might dampen down the twisting aspect, while keeping a fair bit of the fruitfulness. If nothing else, as he is able to control the growth so that only certain sections grow, and pathways through the growth are every three or four feet along the rows, and just a bit longer along the sides of the vegetation.

On the morrow, he somewhat adjusts his spell selection. He thanks Eberyon for granting the party wisdom in negotiations, and success, for the preservation of the moon.

He tells Pressi, "There is a grotto that I should like to take you to when we have completed our work here. Though I'd love to explore this moon further. But I think we will return from time to time."

Murphy thinks through what he knows of plants, and natural growth, and nature spells. He must enlarge his ability to work growth magic on plants, to increase yield, to improve soils, to help enhance nutritional elements of plants. He talks some of these things over with the formians. He asks them about the world they came from, and tries to learn some of their farming practices. "Here I'm coming as some sort of plant expert, but there are so many things I still have to learn. Teach me things you know that I am not doing here." He especially is curious as to what things they have decided to plant.

When shown the hatchery, he feels a sense of awe. "Soon you will have many little ones to join in. How do you teach them? Will most survive to adulthood? There seem to be among you some clear delineations of skills and abilities. How can one tell what one will become? Does the Queen decide as she lays the eggs?" He has many more such questions. "How can I learn to communicate telepathically, as you do?" he asks.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday September 10th, 2020 8:50:10 AM
Pressi tries her best to decide which gear she wants (and waits to see just how much of an upgrade people can get). Like most of her teammates, it's probably going to be an upgrade to one of her (or Harper's) gear pieces, though. (Might be an ioun stone.)

(I'd like to take to the weekend to decide, and if so I might try to pull something out of the box. But if not, I can try to get you an answer before the end of the day.)

She smiles and agrees to go with Murphy to the Grotto.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 126/126 AC 32 Touch 18 Flat 27 CMD 33 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday September 10th, 2020 12:00:16 PM
"Wow, what a generous gift! I am in agreement with my friend Kezzem, for me, increasing my physical skills will allow me to better defend the Wold. I would also request a Belt of Physical Perfection +6"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 187/187; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Thursday September 10th, 2020 1:49:58 PM
"Ooo ooo ooo, we could be all be belt buddies!" says Kezzem.

CatBliss HP197/197+15 AC29 | Mookie HP76/76+8 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday September 10th, 2020 2:55:52 PM

" 'I'll belt ya one,' as my good Aunt Priss used to say."

Mookie sighs. "She wasn't shy about using it either."

"She used it more on you than me," Bliss laughs.

DM Kathy
Thursday September 10th, 2020 3:53:25 PM
You immediately get down to the serious business of figuring out what you want!

Bliss opts for an Amulet of Mighty Fists +5.

Succotash gets a Tome of Understanding +5.

Murphy gets a Belt of Physical Perfection +6.

Kezzem also opts for a Belt of Physical Perfection +6, probably because there's no item that will turn the wearer into a flying, air-breathing shark.

Hobie joins the belt club with his own Belt of Physical Perfection +6.

Pressi wants more time to think about her choice! [OOC: Yes, I had planned on giving everyone over the weekend to think about this.]

Bliss and Pressi are considering options about followers.

In the meantime, of course, the moonlings are making you welcome. They will make you snacks, fetch and carry for you, even clean and repair your gear. You have but to ask. [No, none of them can turn anybody into a shark.]

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 29 HP 81/81
Thursday September 10th, 2020 6:28:53 PM
Kezzem takes off his Belt of Mighty Constitution +2 and contributes it to the party fund.

"Well, that was a quite of an upgrade. I am feeling quite more hearty. And I'm strong now too! Plus, I am even more agile that ever, even if I can't really dodge any better in this armor. You would think with the boost in Strength it wouldn't weigh me down so much but I guess that's not how things work in the crazy Wold."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 29 HP 95/95
Friday September 11th, 2020 12:03:54 AM
Header update

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Friday September 11th, 2020 2:10:19 AM

"Your gifts are overwhelming, Lady Kerra," Murphy says as she gives each person what was requested. He holds the belt in his hand, looking over the platinum buckle, and the beauty of the cincture.

He looks up at her. "Um, er, I was wondering, if, um, that is... could you pray a blessing over this belt, noble servant of Kerracles?" He holds it out, somewhat shyly.

===========

Recap of Murphy's interactions with farming formians:

Murphy asks them about the world they came from, and tries to learn some of their farming practices. "Here I'm coming as some sort of plant expert, but there are so many things I still have to learn. Teach me things you know that I am not doing here." He especially is curious as to what things they have decided to plant.

When shown the hatchery, he feels a sense of awe. "Soon you will have many little ones to join in. How do you teach them? Will most survive to adulthood? There seem to be among you some clear delineations of skills and abilities. How can one tell what one will become? Does the Queen decide as she lays the eggs?" He has many more such questions. "How can I learn to communicate telepathically, as you do?" he asks.

After examining the recent work of the worms, he plans out the next spots for the plant growth spell, discussing it with the formian farmers. He will learn everyone's name - but does not need the DM to come up with naming them. Again, he ponders how to fine-tune the spell, and come up with off-shoots of it, refinements. Plant shaping. Plant fertility. How to increase yields. Accelerating soil preparation, enrichment. [Might have a trip to the Black Genie coming up soon.]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Friday September 11th, 2020 6:05:34 AM
Succotash is beyond thankful as Kerra hands him his tome, and the best he can do is stutter out a sincere thank-you. As Murphy spends a few days making sure the crops are growing properly, and Bliss and Pressi are trying to recruit followers from among the ant people, Succotash will spend the time studying the tome so that the magic can take affect. (48 hours over a minimum of 6 days)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Friday September 11th, 2020 1:16:33 PM

Earlier, when Pressi agreed to accompany him to the grotto sometime after they return to the Wold, Murphy squeezed her hand. "It'll be... good, I trust."

"Say, friends, what would you say about a flight around the moon of Kerracles?" Murphy asks. "I know that you, Succotash, will be busy with your studies. And Bliss and Pressi are busy with some aspects of coven building. But if anyone would like to join me - if not all the way around the moon, I'd like at least to get to one or more of the forested areas, and maybe a mountain. Sometimes, once you've planted things, you don't have to stay around and watch them grow."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+20=33 ;
Friday September 11th, 2020 2:09:29 PM
During the ceremony, Pressi takes some time to pull Raqi aside. Having seen some potential talent and a new way of looking at the world, she begins determining whether he is happy in his current position. (Diplomacy 33 - the gal can be rather persuasive at times).

Pressi will provide her answer soon, but it's probably going to be the headband of all three stats.

She takes some time to fly around. The rest of recruitment will occur when they get back.

DM Kathy
Friday September 11th, 2020 3:21:41 PM
Kezzem and Succotash are pleased with their new gifts. Murphy is as well, and asks for a small blessing, which Kerra provides.

Pressi speaks with Raqi, the worker formian (all workers are female) about possibly expanding her horizons. Raqi is interested.

Speaking of expanded horizons, Murphy is offering to take people on flights to visit other parts of Kerracles.

You are able to do all of that stuff. Kerra and the moonlings seem content to host you for as long as you want to stay here, and as far as your DM is concerned, you can stay here as long as you want. But there are no more adventures planned, and at some point, Auntie and her village would like to get their talisman back.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 29 HP 95/95
Friday September 11th, 2020 3:34:41 PM
Kezzem gives thanks to Kerra and the K'thy for the generous gift.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 171/171 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday September 11th, 2020 4:02:25 PM
updating header

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Saturday September 12th, 2020 10:50:47 AM

Bliss invites Pressi to chat with the Queen. "Especially if you want a follower from her people, which would be super keen, I think."

Bliss (and Pressi?) confers with the Hive Queen after the treaty is signed. He tells her that we hope she will think of us as friends, and we hope to come back to visit. He talks about his hopes for trade. And he talks about what she and her Formians can make that woluld be good for trade. Bliss talks about bringing in raw materials and tools, so that the Formians can import finished goods. He asks the Queen if she would be interested in a permanent teleportal back to Bliss's home, so that we can travel back and forth easily. If so, would she be willing to sign a treaty so that she promises not to send invaders or a conquering army through the portal?

While they are down there, Mookie pulls Bliss aside for a chat. "Look, Kid, we're not leaving Mooncalf behind, are we? He should be in the coven, right?"

"I think that would be peaches, old pal. I'll have a word with Miss Kerra about it. But we gotta be sure he really wants to, you know, not just because he thinks we want him."

So back at the palace, Bliss asks Mooncalf to sit so that they have a little chat. Bliss explains about what the coven is like, what we do, and stuff like that. He uses his cauldron ability to talk to one of his followers back home, and has her tell Mooncalf what it is like from her point of view. He says he wants to invite Mooncalf to join the coven and come down to the Wold, but only if HE wants to, for himself. He asks the moonling what he thinks, honestly. "It would please Mookie and me to hear what you yourself think, and whatever you say, we will be happy because you are our friend and we want to know what our friends think about things."

We'll see what he says!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Saturday September 12th, 2020 11:08:45 AM
As everyone does what they are doing, Succotash powers through his tome, and finishes it in only a few days. After finishing he asks Lady Kerra if she would be able to help him return his friends to the kobold village, when everyone is ready to go. With the loss of Tali, he simply doesn't have the juice to make it happen by himself, and the thought weighs on him a bit. He's pretty sure a standard teleport wouldn't be powerful enough, and he only can cast greater teleport once per day. of course he can only cast teleport once per day as well.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Saturday September 12th, 2020 8:15:52 PM

Checking on Tali
As she has not been feeling well, Murphy goes to see Tali each day, inviting Pressi and anyone else who wants to check up on her. Surely the moonlings care for her as well as they might. He gives her highlights of what has been going on each day and relates interesting things he has learned about the formians. And gardening in tunnels.

Murphy's Sky Tour
Consulting the portion of his atlas of the moons of the Wold pertaining to Kerracles, as well as discussing it with Kerra, Murphy plots a course to the nearest forest. Likewise, to the nearest mountain or mountains. And grasslands, and tundra. Not a full moon tour, but representative of the main terrain types.

He sets up a harness designed to allow him to carry along up to four halflings with him, riding beneath his huge air elemental form. "This way, we can travel swiftly with a reasonable degree of safety. When I'm going fast the wind will make your eyes watery I imagine, so if you have goggles, it might be good to wear them. Will keep high-flying bugs out of your eyes, too. Or, just squint a lot." Movement will be 13.63 mph (120 feet/round), 27.27 mph while hustling, 68.18 mph while 'running'.

He and those who go with him will touch down occasionally. Murphy will catalogue and take small samples and seeds of local flora and will bag some local soil for future analysis. He does check to see in the forest for the types of trees that grow therein. And if oaks are included. If so, he marks their location and size. He will find a good spot to plant 3 acorns within a reasonable distance from each other in the forested area, and cast plant growth on them. Heeding the counsel of the druid who intercepted him last year, he avoids doing so in an equilateral triangle formation. Instead he goes for a 3,4,5 right triangle arrangement. If there are other large trees of other species, he also notes them. And he'll be on the alert for fauna, as well. Are there other castles or structures in the areas they travel over?

Who wants to join him on this Kerraclesian tour?

Artistic Endeavors
Another thing that Murphy does is to make a painting of the surface of the Wold from this lunar perspective. Likewise, of the moon Wardd. And he contemplates the other planets and heavenly bodies in the evening. He'd be fine if Pressi would want to join him in this out-of-the-Wold contemplation. Other skygazers welcome, too.

Friends
Succotash's rush through the Tome of Understanding will take a minimum of six (6) days. Cramming for wisdom takes time :-)

Murphy supports his friends as he is able in their respective endeavors - mainly with moral support and encouragement, or a bit of practicality where possible.

Circle of Life
Also, if permitted, Murphy would love to be there at the time of the hatching of the infant formians.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Sunday September 13th, 2020 9:08:30 PM
Pressi picks a headband of mental superiority (+6 to all three stats) and moves aside her circlet of persuasion and her current +4 Int headband.

She does take some time to ask how exactly they get back. After all, it was a bit of a concern when they first arrived.

The rest of the time is spent assisting Bliss and Murphy, though they seem to have their discussions well in hand.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Monday September 14th, 2020 2:51:25 AM

Return Transportation
Murphy offers this. "I can take some of us via the oak tree - if I memorize three spells, that would do it, plus I can use my slingstaff if we need another move. Succotash can take the balance via teleportation. Maybe Tali will feel well enough by the time we're ready to leave to help out. Any formians coming with us? Or moonlings? I thought Kerra said they can't really leave the castle..."

"Nice headband, beautiful!"

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday September 14th, 2020 8:13:23 AM

"I was thinking that Mooncalf can fit in a magic backpack or bag of holding. He does not have to breathe, right?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 171/171 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday September 14th, 2020 11:46:08 AM
"I also have 2 scrolls of teleport in my bag that I always keep for emergencies. I know you guys think I'm just an archer, but I'm also a scroll junkie!"

DM Kathy
Monday September 14th, 2020 3:08:29 PM
You stay at the Moon Palace for another week. Succotash completes his tome. Pressi decides on a Headband of Mental Superiority +6. Kezzem thanks Kerra for his gift.

Murphy leads tours of the moon's surface. Many are the wonders you behold, but they will remain undescribed because your DM lacks imagination. Murphy would also like to be present at the hatching, but he is rebuffed. Apparently hatching is kind of a Thing for formians.

Bliss talks to Mooncalf about coming to the Wold. "Mister Mookie said to come with him," Mooncalf replies serenely. "This I shall do to the best of my ability."

"Moonlings must obey any command given them," Kerra explains. "Some time ago, Mookie said, 'come on, Mooncalf,' and has not rescinded that order. If you are truly interested in Mooncalf's opinion, you have to tell it to stop following Mookie. And obviously," she continues, "if Mooncalf decides to come with you, you have to be very careful what you, or anybody else, says to it. Tell it to 'get lost' and you will never see it again."

You begin to be concerned how you are going to get back. Hobie has Teleport scrolls to offer, and Murphy has his oak trees, but it appears none of that will be necessary. Kerra assures you she can return you to the Wold when the time comes.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday September 14th, 2020 7:57:41 PM

Bliss asks Mooncalf to write down all the orders under which he is currently working. Then, one by one, he cancels each order, so that the being has no orders. Then he says, "Please tell me honestly if you would like to join my coven, and come to the Wold to live and work for me and Mookie."

Since Pressi is likely to bring Raqi on to join the coven, Bliss decides to ask Aunti Kobold to recommend a kobold coven member. Then the Coven will have a kobold, a moonling, and a formian, which seems good to Bliss.

He checks with Miss Kerra about whether she minds if people under our guidance use the temple machine to arrive here on the regular.

"You know, Miss Kerra, this place is so beautiful, it is like a monument for Lord Kerracles. Would you consider filling this palace with things related to him, and maybe working with artists and writers and bards that we would hire to create the story of Lord Kerracles? I think it would be a shame for his lore to be lost in the Wold, and if there were a, a, a palace of memories here, then people could visit and learn. I bet a lot of sages would come, and those who want to know more. And anyone who appreciates art and beauty."

Bliss also describes the temple back in the jungle, and asks Miss Kerra if she thinks maybe it was a Temple of Kerracles once upon a time?

The party would probably want to set up a teleportation circle so that people can go home without troubling Miss Kerra (Or one of us) for transport every time.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday September 14th, 2020 9:03:51 PM
Pressi signs off on the idea of requesting a Kobold.

Since Bliss is considering elevating Granny, whom always struck Pressi as arcane, Pressi proposes elevating Dolgrin (divine based).

Otherwise, Pressi worries that people like Bliss and Murphy are getting ahead of themselves. The purpose of this place remains obscure and the idea of trying to force some kind of vacation spot just seems under-ripe.

She does, however, give Kerra a respectful goodbye, one mysterious arcane-divine caster to another.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 29 HP 95/95
Tuesday September 15th, 2020 12:00:54 AM
"They do whatever you tell them?" asks Kezzem.

He tells one mooncalf to lift its left leg, then tells it to lift its right leg to see what happens.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday September 15th, 2020 6:35:36 AM
Succotash thanks Miss Kerra for offering to return him and his friends back to the Wold, as well as all the hospitality. He asks if she could drop them off just outside of the kobold village, saving them some time trekking through the jungle.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday September 15th, 2020 7:19:28 AM

"Hey! Be nice!" says Bliss, telling the moonling to put down one leg before trying to raise the other.

Farewells

The Iron Giant

The Aggravated Visitor

Starting From the Bottom

The Iron Gargantua

The Wrap Up

Homecoming

Hail the Conquering Heroes!

Waking the Giant

Adventures in Babysitting

The Caverns of Glimstone

The Irlgaunt Nest

The Ravine

The Grotto

The Escape

Welcome Home

Tiana Meets the Encompassing Mind

Scene 0 - An Interlude

The Invasion of Humble's Ford

Scene 1 - Tiana's Plan

Scene 2 - Defending the Valley

Scene 3 - The Invasion

It Took a Village

The Peddler

The Red Hills

What Happened in Thaelhaven?

Tracking

The Menagerie

Now What?

Adventure Land

A Passage to Cthonia

It's a Jungle Out There

Sskthk

Cat Homes

The Temple

Mooning About

Palace of the Moon

The Lake

Interlopers

Farewells

DM Kathy
Tuesday September 15th, 2020 3:12:41 PM
[Everybody take 130,000 XP for the previous scene. Which was supposed to be two scenes. I have got to stop doing that.]

Kezzem tries to test the moonlings' obedience, but Bliss won't let him be mean about it. You do soon see that the moonlings must obey any order they're given. They don't seem to mind.

Mooncalf gives it some thought, then agrees to come and be a part of Bliss and Pressi's coven.

Pressi is able to recruit Raqi.

Some of you are interested in perhaps returning, and your DM has no objection to having "offstage" excursions here, but there will be no more adventures here.

When you are ready, you thank Kerra for her hospitality. Succotash asks to be returned near the kobold village, to save on travel time. You stand together in the courtyard, and see it, and the moon palace, dissolve away. You are standing in the jungle. You'd forgotten how hot and humid it was! The heat, and the smell of growing things, hit you like a wave.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday September 15th, 2020 9:10:47 PM
Pressi smiles as she makes it back on planet earth. "Ok, someone here remembered to grab some moon rocks and a t shirt?"

She takes some time to welcome Mooncalf and Raqi to earth before turning her attention back towards the village.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday September 15th, 2020 11:04:21 PM

At Kobold Village, Bliss leads the group to speak with Auntie when she is free, and tells the story of what the party found.

He mentions that the traps and golems are still active at the temple, and the party will have to find permanent solutions, likely involving disarming the traps and destroying the golems.

He tells Auntie of his dream of setting up trade among the Humbles Ford residents, the kobolds here, and the people on the moon.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 29 HP 95/95
Tuesday September 15th, 2020 11:56:57 PM
"What?" asks Kezzem. "I just wanted to see if they could do it. I don't even think its possible. And I could have healed him if he bot hurt."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Wednesday September 16th, 2020 2:42:12 AM

Monday's missing post for Murphy
I have detailed the procedure and mechanisms in writing, but shall keep the results herein brief. On the 5th day of Succotash's studies, Murphy traveled for a few hours to the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword. Deep under the large stone structure in the middle of it Murphy created a 10'(long)x5'x5' stone basin and watertight cover to store 240 gallons of the effervescent water from the moon lake. An additional 40 gallons he delivered to caretakers Hazel and Alouryn, with instructions. On the way back, he brings more soil for the corridors.

He has gathered various samples of moonlife, and yes, he did get a few moon rocks - just ones that looked interesting at the time. Maybe a bucketful total.

The druid takes time to give his farewells to the farming contingent of the formians, to pay his respects to Queen Hrakikh. "May you and yours do well here, and live well with those above. If you will allow it, I should be pleased to visit from time to time to see how goes the farming." He also thanks Scax for accompanying them during some of their time here, and gives him three acorns, and a signal whistle. "The acorn is one of the symbols of who I am, as a druid. An acorn is small. But, it can grow into a mighty oak tree. I planted one in a corridor," and he tells the location. "It is now only a sapling, and should be re-planted above ground, near water. You can see one by the lake. You are a people, in this area, now small in number. But, as the oak tree grows large, at one point its growth slows, yet from it come more oak trees, some near the one oak, some far away. May you find places for your people to grow well, but also know when and how to expand. I think you already know this. Peace to you, and among our people." He takes out the whistle. He blows it, gently at first. "We use it to signal. Now, beware your hearing, for I shall blow it loud." He does so, but only for two seconds. "The sound travels far. Farewell, Scax."

Once Succotash concludes their studies, and the team is ready to leave, he makes certain that Tali, however she may be feeling now, accompanies them.

He does see if they can enjoy one more meal with Kerra and the moonlings. He lets her know he planted 3 oaks in the closest forest, and gives their location. "If you think that may be a problem, feel free to uproot them - maybe plant elsewhere?" He is anxious to learn whether Mooncalf will be joining them, and is then pleased the moonling has decided to do so. And formian Raki!

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Wednesday September 16th, 2020 2:57:35 AM

Murphy's Tuesday post
Murphy is happy to be with his friends - and their new companions - back on Woldian ground again.

"'Forcing a vacation spot'?" he asks Pressi. "What made you think that? You know for years I have dreamt of traveling to the moons. You think when we get there, I'm going to be satisfied with not looking around a bit? Looking and learning a vacation? Ha! I try to do that everyday!"

"So, the K'tthhykk tribe called Sskurhe lies yonder," Murphy points in the right direction. "On planet Wold."

He enjoys teasing Pressi.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Wednesday September 16th, 2020 6:39:19 AM
As they arrive back on the Wold proper, Succotash says, "Well that is one for the records, not may can say they have traveled to a moon. Shall we deliver the talisman to Auntie? He then heads towards the kobold village, along with the others. Since Pressi was holding the talisman, he allows her to make the presentation, but does say, "Our quest was a success!"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 171/171 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday September 16th, 2020 10:05:20 AM
Hobie thinks about his interaction with Katinka of the Iron Dragons, how much he respected them, and wonders if even they have ever visited one of the moons. What a rare adventure they had indeed!

DM Kathy
Wednesday September 16th, 2020 5:29:45 PM
Before you leave the palace, Kerra gives you a code phrase to deactivate the golems at the jungle temple. Between it and the key that turns the traps on and off, you should be able to access the temple safely. Although, you know, there's still stuff out in the jungle that might try to eat you. But other than that.

In the jungle, you find yourselves farther from the kobold village than you were anticipating; Kerra doesn't know the area well. But you are able to reach the village by late afternoon. The kobolds are excited for your return; they greet you and call out questions in Draconic and broken Common.

You return the talisman to Auntie, who is overjoyed to receive it. The kobolds extend their thanks, and the hospitality of the village, but have no more substantial reward to offer. They are pleased to hear that you got some treasure at the temple, and have no objection to your keeping it as a reward.

Tali has accompanied you back, and goes to lie down for a bit, still feeling unwell. When the time comes, however, she can teleport you back to Humble's Ford. Of course, you have horses and wagons and stuff, so you may want to make the journey overland. It's up to you.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday September 16th, 2020 9:16:49 PM
For now, Pressi notes a couple of things. First, she is once again the only woman. Second, it is good to be back home before she called anyone Dweezel or Moon Unit. Third, it's always been weird how SHE is the one with the feet planted on the ground instead of Murphy.

And fourth, Pressi doesn't have any strong feelings in regards of teleportation vs walking.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday September 16th, 2020 10:14:40 PM

Bliss mentions to Auntie that he wants to have friendship among their peoples, and he asks if she would recommend anyone from her tribe to join his coven. Especially anyone who can play a lyre or a viol or a gitar! If so, he'll offer an invite.

Later, to his fellow heroes, he urges a slow walk home. "We have our new friends here to protect," Bliss explains. "And there are lots of scary beasties in this jungle. We should wander around and roust out the most dangerous. We need this to be a safer place."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Thursday September 17th, 2020 1:24:48 AM

Murphy has about 30 gallons of effervescent lake water in a barrel. He lets each tribe member have a cup to drink. "Water of Kerracles," he tells them. He thanks Auntie, the chief, and others with whom they have interacted for their kindnesses and hospitality. "May this talisman bring you blessings."

When it is time to leave, Murphy agrees with Bliss. "Yes, walk and roust. Roust and walk. I love these Cthonian jungles."

He works on finishing the carving of the masterwork slingstaff he bought from the Catacombs just before they left Humble's Ford as a group. One day out, he is able to cast changestaff into it.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Thursday September 17th, 2020 6:42:57 AM
Succotash is ready to depart. He is sad that Tali won't be joining them on the road home, or any other adventures for that matter, but he understands her need to rest and recover. The cleric would prefer to teleport the whole menagerie home, but fears it would be to much of a tax on Tali's poor health, as it would take multiple trips, and he is only good for one round trip himself. As such he votes in favor of legging it home.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 29 HP 95/95
Thursday September 17th, 2020 11:49:52 AM
"You're a woman, Press?" says Kezzem when she comments about being the only woman in the group. "I thought you were just...you know...a Pressi."

"Wait, what about Valerie?"

DM Kathy
Thursday September 17th, 2020 4:08:24 PM
Murphy distributes drinks of moon water to the kobolds. Most of them take some to be polite, and their reaction is difficult to read. They do seem to appreciate the gesture, though.

Bliss asks Auntie for recommendations of promising young kobolds, especially musicians. After giving it some thought, Auntie recommends two--one who plays the drums, and one who plays a flute-like instrument that seems unique to kobolds. Your DM is providing no other details, assuming you'd prefer to do that yourself.

Succotash votes to walk home, concerned for Tali. The rest of the party agrees, so Tali teleports herself back to Humble's Ford where she will hopefully make a full recovery from whatever she has.

Pressi remarks that this leaves her as the only woman in the group. Kezzem wonders about Valerie, but although Valerie and Harper are both female, they can't really be called "women."

So, you bid farewell to the kobolds and set off on your journey. You see it as your duty to attract all the nastiest creatures the jungle has to offer, in order to make the way safe for others, but your journey is surprisingly uneventful. You do attract some creatures, but luckily you still have some insect repellent which takes care of that issue.

You walk along the narrow jungle track, and soon come to the tiny kobold trading post you encountered on your way in. It is being manned by different kobolds, but they seem to know who you are. They call cheerful greetings.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle d20+13=31 ;
Thursday September 17th, 2020 7:35:47 PM

Before leaving Koboldtown, Bliss talks to the two musicians. He says he is looking for one person to join his coven. Someone who can speak common has an edge! Bliss talks about the job, being realistic, but also talking about the advantages too.

Diplomacy 31

=====

On the road, Bliss keeps careful track of Mooncalf and the new kobold apprentice. He is very protective.

Bliss greets the kobold traders. If they have anything new, he'll take a look at their wares.

After everyone is finished, Bliss wonders if they really need to walk back through the Scab. "Maybe we could just shadow walk or tree walk back once we are out of the jungle?"

"Are you asking or are you telling?" says Mookie.

"Um, asking?" says Bliss.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday September 17th, 2020 8:42:20 PM
If Bliss prefers, Pressi absolutely can take on the other Kobold. (She does have an extra slot.)

She agrees that using some fast travel might be a good idea, eager as she is to get back. She's mostly willing to ignore the traders.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Friday September 18th, 2020 2:37:53 AM

The druid decides now would be a good time to stock up a bit more on insect repellent, and to ask what other wares they have which might be hard to locate elsewhere. He's willing to pass on some coin in fair exchange.

"If any have a, what, wand of reduction? Or what would you call it?" Murphy says. "If we can get ponies, wagons, animals and formians temporarily reduced in size, we can get everyone, and everything small enough for quick transport via oak in a few trips, and one teleport, I think. However, I really am fine taking a walk back through this jungle the way we came."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Friday September 18th, 2020 6:38:26 AM
"Well Murph since small and medium creatures take up the same amount of teleportation space, which I've always considered odd by the way, and all our animals are medium, except for Mookie who is small like us, and since our formian friend is a medium creature not a large one like Scax was, though even if he was, that wouldn't be that big of a deal, the only thing we can't easily teleport would be the wagon, which we could easily gift to the kobolds, and then purchase a new one once we get home. That's assuming you want to make a couple of round trips. I could use teleport for one trip, then return through the tree with you and use greater teleport. you would need to be able to cast transport through trees three times, but we could easily get everyone home in less then a minute if that is your desire."

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday September 18th, 2020 12:42:20 PM

Mookie pipes up, "Mooncalf doesn't need to breathe, right Mooncalf? So we can let him ride in a bag of holding or backpack."

"That's right," says Bliss, "And after I get me and Mookie necklaces of adaptation and a portable hole, we can all get a ride like that."

"But really, why is it a dealio? Miss Pressi and I can use Shadow walking to bring along like 20 to 25 people."

"Sure, we had problems that one time, but that doesn't mean we should never get back on that horse."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Friday September 18th, 2020 1:11:08 PM

"I'd rather walk, pick up some more jungle plants on the way back home," Murphy responds. "But, yes, anything on the wagon I can move to the portable hole. Your plan is doable, Succotash. Like I said, I'd rather walk, and help ease our new friends, talk to them about Humble's Ford so they have a better idea what to expect. So, I vote walk, but will go with what half or more of us choose."

Votes - Walk or T'port/plant walk
Murphy - Walk

DM Kathy
Friday September 18th, 2020 10:46:06 PM
In the village, both kobolds are willing to come to Humble's Ford and join the coven, so it's really just a matter of picking one and working out their stats and stuff. Your DM assumes you'll want to do that yourselves.

At the kobold trading post, there's really nothing new. There is more insect repellent and more antitoxin. There are bowls and platters and cups and mats and simple weapons. If anybody wants to buy something exotic for the folks back home, now's their chance. Come to think of it, that might not be a bad kind of business. Inexpensive trinkets for people to buy and take home to friends and family. Hmm.

You discuss the relative merits of walking and magical transport. For now, you are content to walk. When you reach the Scab, things may change.

You leave the kobold traders behind and continue through the jungle. You occasionally get glimpses of dinosaurs, but luckily, all prove to be either plant-eaters or small carnivores--Valerie's distant cousins.

A few days after leaving Auntie's village, you find yourselves camping at the foot of the Scab. The air is cooler here, and you are reminded that it was winter when you left Humble's Ford. You have spent some time traveling, but spring is still more an idea than a reality. The next part of your journey is apt to get a mite chilly.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22 d20+9=14 ;
Monday September 21st, 2020 1:21:42 AM

From the kobold vendors in the forest, Murphy will buy up 15 sets of insect repellent and a like amount of antitoxin - or less if they do not have so much. He buys up perhaps half of their remaining goods - half of what remains after his friends have made their purchases. "We will show some of our halfling friends - perhaps a few merchants, too, what you folk have to offer. If there is an interest, perhaps trade may be set up between our peoples." (Let me know the total bill, please :-) )

Along the way through the jungle, the druid took the opportunity to find fallen wood to replace the firewood he had used to add to the soil of the Formian corridor farms.

As the disparate group climbs up from the jungles of Cthonia into the colder edge of a plateau in the Scab, Murphy pulls out cold weather gear for all who need it. He has eight (8) medium-size blankets, 8 small-size winter blankets, and 8 small-size blankets to help cover whoever needs some insulation from the chill. He has cordage to help tie bits on. He can sew to help create more form-fitting coverage as he sits in the wagon with someone else driving. He also has extra bedrolls of small size. Perhaps cutting seams and resewing he might make something of medium size, and still have 4 of the 8 left for kobolds and a moonling.

Regarding our formian companion - is she, or he, large or of medium size?

"Welcome to the Scab," he says to those new to these parts. "A place of dwarfs, ghomes, and giants, and many other sorts. A hard land, rich in mineral wealth, home to some odd and ancient cults. A thousand giants recently marched down from the Scab to try to overrun our valley of halflings. Those giants are no more. They walked in their largish pride, and underestimated us. Halflings make great friends, and fearsome foes."

Murphy will work with the newcomers to see how they might help with the chores of the journey, especially setting and breaking camp, some of the security measures they take - setting alarms, trip ropes, perimeter pits, etc., and helping with food preparation and cleanup. "None of us is too proud to work. The wrong kind of pride leads to the wrong kind of fall. A mixture of humility and the right kind of pride leads to good quality in the things we make and do, and high regard for our friends."

"Hobie, you spoke of Katinka. What stands out in your mind about her?"
=================
Craft, Tailor: 14 - to fashion something warm and wearable for those who need such.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Monday September 21st, 2020 1:30:46 AM

WLA Training Planning
Murphy thinks to add, "Say, I do believe those of us who are members of the WLA are eligible for some additional training. I am thinking to study leadership under their auspices. Often members of adventuring groups are called into leadership roles, and it seems gaining wisdom and wit in the ways and means of good group guidance might be a worthwhile endeavor. How about you, friends, in what new feat and skills do you wish to excel?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Monday September 21st, 2020 6:07:40 AM
As they reach the colder climes, Succotash dons his cold weather outfit, and he casts endure elements on Valerie to keep his cold-blooded friend comfortable. "Well friends, do we make the long and possibly dangerous trek through the scab, or do we opt for a quicker and hopefully safer route. I'm open to Bliss's idea of shadow walking, or their is still the option of Murph and I using teleportation magic. As far as my plans Murph, I really haven't given it much thought. I don't have any desire to lead others, except maybe in a clerical role. Ultimately, I had hoped to join the dragon's consortium, and spend the rest of my days doing good deeds, but I guess they aren't ready for a band of halflings, and I'm OK with that, but I still plan on spending my days doing good deeds, with no plans to retire. As long as my mind is sound, and I'm still able to cast a spell, I will share my abilities with those in need."

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday September 21st, 2020 11:18:03 AM

Bliss has no desire to walk the Scab again. Whether Shadow Walk, Tree Walk, or Teleport, he is eager to get home, do his WLA training, and start talking with the coven about future plans.

"That includes buying a couple lyres of building," he adds. "Do we have a loot list? Should we set aside some party funds for renovations?"

"More fundamentally, are we agreed with turning the former Temple into a base for us? Do we want to set up trade among the Kobolds, the Formians, and our people here in Humbles Ford? Do we want to set up a halfling village at the Temple?"

"And who else wants to be the Kings of Crescent Valley?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Monday September 21st, 2020 12:03:38 PM

Random thoughts on governance after Bliss suggests kingship
"I think, dear Bliss, we have a Burgomeister, Mayors and a Duke. The former two types are elected, which I like. The latter - well, I don't know much about how we came to have a Duke. He seems fine. Do we also have a Duchess? And a bunch of halfling noble children? But no kings as of yet. Do we really want to go heavy into hereditary nobility, even royalty, in our sweet valley? I was raised to understand that the best rulers are those who are willing to serve, genuinely serve, their people.

"What if we set up a valley council with adventurers, merchants, religious, farmers, a few people to represent valley familial interests, and militia? We're discussing trade with Cthonia and Kerracles. Earlier we made attempts - with a bit of success - at furthering trade with the Red Hills, and recently with the south end of the Scab, and the gemstone miners.

"Our valley is an attractive place. Obviously there are those who covet this land, outsiders. By building our defenses, but also being open to trade, we may be able to enrich our people, and also to see our neighbors - we should include the Culverwood - prosper through peaceful exchange of commerce and services. How might effective governance be established to help oversee and regulate such? Now, some people will never learn, but others will. If they see our prosperity helps them, too, to prosper, well, now, wouldn't that be something?"

He adds, "I so admire the excellent job some of the folk from Angel Springs did in our battle against the giants. We should have them train folk in Humble's Ford and Hovel."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 29 HP 95/95
Monday September 21st, 2020 12:47:55 PM
"Oooh, more WLA training," says Kezzem. "Look, they have some nifty shield training. Does that work if I get an enchantment to make it float on its own? Wait, what's this about casting atonement once per day?"

OOC: Uh-oh. Goodbye paladin code!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday September 21st, 2020 1:45:24 PM
Pressi holds until later tonight to discuss politics or dragon consortiums.'

In the meantime, since everyone seems leaning in this direction, Pressi begins preparations to cast Shadow Walk.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Monday September 21st, 2020 2:16:31 PM

Pre-shadow walk
"Likely Shadow Walk will go fine, Pressi. Since, however, the two times we have used it have resulted in significant and perilous encounters, how about I take some of the newcomers over to the Sanctuary? Then I'll return to join you all in the walk, so that if something untoward occurs, I'll be able to help defend." He pauses. "Maybe we used it three times, but I just forgot about the time it went fine?"

If that sounds good to people, he finds a suitable spot to plant an oak tree, then takes up to 5 people and/or critters (including pony Nutmeg) with him via transport via plants, drops off a bunch of gear, and returns in about 20 minutes to put any extra gear into his now mainly empty portable hole, and prepare to shadow walk with the rest. The wagon will be left behind.

DM Kathy
Monday September 21st, 2020 2:39:05 PM
Murphy buys a lot of gear from the kobolds. Buying 15 repellents would seriously deplete their inventory, so you settle for 5, and an equal number of antitoxins. You also buy an assortment of pottery, textiles, and simple weapons. You spend 50 gold total.

Raqi, the formian worker who has joined Bliss and Pressi's coven, is Small in size.

You discuss WLA training, and begin preparing for a cold trek across the Scab. Then you decide you'd rather not. Between shadow walking and traveling via plants, you are able to return the entire party to Humble's Ford.

The place is much as you left it. Grnta the bear has settled into her enclosure. The rest of the menagerie has arrived, spent the winter, and recently departed, bringing along a few curious, eager halfling youths who want to see the lands outside Crescent Valley.

Although the air is still chilly, the trees are budding and tiny shoots are popping up in kitchen gardens. Spring is here.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 171/171 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday September 21st, 2020 3:04:04 PM
Returning to Humble's Ford, Hobie will head first to his cousin Constable Roscoe, and immediately scream, giddy like a child "I FINALLY SHOT AN ARROW INTO THE MOON!!!!!!!!!"

He'll then take the time to fill him in on all of the details of their trip.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Monday September 21st, 2020 5:37:17 PM
Succotash is happy to be home, and excited for spring�s arrival. He makes a point to talk to Grnta, and ask her how she likes her new home, and if their is anything she needs and or wants. He tells her that if she ever feels safe enough, he and the rest of the Swords would be happy to give her free run of the compound. He makes sure she understands that this is her home, and she isn�t a captive, but a friend.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 8:31:45 AM
"See, Shadow Walk is a safe and convenient mode of travel one out of three times, and that ain't bad."

Being back, Pressi gets to work recruiting and setting up a cohort. She also gets to work with getting a "settled home" for the coven. And there's only one place she has in mind.

So she gets to work buying The Dancing Pig (tavern).

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 10:30:34 AM

Murphy helps make introductions around, catches up on local news here and there as he may, turns over the lastest Journal of Humble's Sword to his brother for scribal services - to make the standard 3 copies for the WLA, the Leafwood Pipewood family library, the traveling copy, and the original at the Sanctuary.

He joins in with Succotash to chat with Grnta, and agree with what he says to the bear.

He lets his friends know he plans in three days to travel to Angel Springs for WLA training, as well as to meet with druids there.

"You want to buy the Dancing Pig?!" he asks his fianc�e. "My, you are full of surprises, Press. Maybe I should buy the Belly Buster, eh?" he jests. He has no plans to buy the Buster, though.

He will visit the General Store to make some purchases from the Catacombs. He shows a handful of the pottery and ceramics from the kobolds he purchased to proprietor Pirnook to see if he might have an interest in selling such from the store.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 11:58:01 AM
Bliss laughs at Pressi's 1 in 3 joke. "That's as good as any of Brother Kezzem's!" he exclaims.

Mookie cocks his head at Kezzem. "I think that's a challenge, oh Wise Kezz'm!"

Bliss hies off with whoever is going to the WLA branch in Angel Springs. But he is not ready to give up on his Council of Kings idea. "Well, we could found a new halfling nation in Cthonia! Centered on our new temple home! With Teleportation Circles to connect us to civilization!"

[OOC: If everybody takes the Leadership feat before level 20, that's a solid 500 followers among us. If every follower has a spouse, maybe extended family, kids, we could have a starting population of 1,000-3,000 people! And we could recruit more. After all we've done here in Humbles Ford, I bet we could recruit non-followers. We could invite the good kobolds into our alliance of small peoples! Auntie could sit on the Council of Kings. King Auntie! Or maybe Auntie could be someone's cohort!]

DM Kathy
Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 3:54:49 PM
Back in Humble's Ford, Hobie wastes no time in telling his cousin all about the trip to the moon. You're pretty sure Roscoe doesn't believe you.

Succotash visits Grnta the bear and finds her settling in nicely. She very much prefers the security of her enclosure, though she has ventured out a few times at night. She looks quite a bit better; she has put on weight, and her fur is coming in.

Pressi gets right to work setting up for a cohort. She also begins work on acquiring the Dancing Pig, much to Murphy's surprise.

Murphy, for his part, brings his kobold purchases to the General Store to show to Pirnook, but the storekeeper seems dubious. "They're kind of....gaudy, aren't they?" he says, turning a colorful bowl over in his hands. "I'm not sure local folk will go for these. I'll put out a few on trial, if you like."

Bliss, meanwhile, is busy with plans to take over the Wold--or at least, a small part of Cthonia. Whether his companions are equally enthused about the project is another question.

Hobie's experience isn't unique. Most people in Humble's don't believe you went to the actual moon of Kerracles. Some think your tale is an elaborate prank. Some think you're just making up tales to make yourselves look better. Some think you believe you've been to Kerracles, but are obviously mistaken, because who ever heard of such a thing?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 5:10:35 PM
As Bliss is talking about a new Halfling nation in Cthonia, Succotash says, "I would love to help with such an undertaking, and being in such a wild and uncivilized location would, most certainly, fulfill my desire to continue to fight to protect those in need! The cleric is almost giddy at the idea of moving there and getting the new community started.

OOC... If Humble's Sword founds a community in Cthonia, we could use that as a home base for our new game when we retire these PC'c at level 20! How cool would it be to have these characters create the town, and then have our new band of adventures call it home?!

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 6:35:20 PM

Bliss talks over his ideas with Brother Succotash. "Wowsy, that would be great!"

[OOC: Excellent idea, Jeremy!]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 10:06:21 PM

Pressi raises an eyebrow at Murphy's surprise. "Why, with all my drinking, it's really just cutting out the middle man."

To any doubters, I can't help but think of the new coven members... and the MiB coffee scene.

Whatever Pressi's nagging doubts about natural balance and unconstrained growth, she will remain a politician to the end, so she's in. But one step at a time.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 3:40:12 AM

"That'd be fine, Mister Deeppockets. Make a small display, and see if there be any takers. How about what you sell them for, you keep 45%, and set aside 10% for your favorite charity that does not begin at home, and leave 45% for me? I'll leave it to you as to what you want to charge. You're the merchant, after all. I wouldn't go too low in the ask, though. They are from the jungles of Cthonia. Gaudy is favored in that land of wild colors." He leaves a dozen pieces of merchandise with Pirnook, then steps into the Catacombs link briefly. He comes out less than half an hour later.

"Ah, ever practical, Pressi. I'm all in favor of alcohol for medicinal purposes. Anyway, I don't have to ask you to take the lead on this - you're doing so already. Let me know if you need any help."

Outside of the walls of the Sanctuary, this time just past the northern end of the eastern wall, Murphy plans to expand the spiritual theme from inside the walls with a place for Kerricles and Wardd, and considers framing a larger area from there for planetary and solar system recognition and research. He brings up with foreman George some of his thoughts. He shows him the painting he made of the Wold and of a new perspective on the moon Wardd he also painted. "Do you know of anyone who could make a three-dimensional representation based upon these drawings?" he asks.

As his friends make plans for expansion into Cthonia, Murphy thinks about how much he loves Crescent Valley. This is his home. His friends and relatives are mainly local. Most of the stories he grew up with sprung out of this valley, or its people's interactions with those nearby. He holds his counsel for the moment, though. He enjoyed traveling through the jungle, but feels no strong attachment there, nothing at all like he feels for home. Not all in the group are from here, though. He finds himself missing friends from the early days of the group, when all had roots here, except - what's his name?

Compared to Cthonia, a - well, he's not sure about kingship, but certainly getting involved with valley politics has it attractions.

[Note of correction: The water basin Murphy built is holding 240 cubic feet of water from the lake on Kerracles, not a mere 240 gallons. And he provided 40 cubic feet, rather than 40 gallons to Hazel and Alouryn a few days back - see post of Sept 16 2020. His sealed basin can hold up to 250 cubic feet]

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 9:10:34 AM

Bliss shares the story of the party's adventures with everybody in the coven. He introduces Mooncalf, the two kobolds, and the formian, named Raqi.

[OOC: We need names for the kobolds. Bliss's follower is named "Eadoo," if that's okay. It's a kobold name example from Paizo's Advanced Race Guide.]

Bliss goes into great detail about the whole adventure. He describes the moon, and Miss Kerra, and how you could see the Wold.

"You guys all believe us, right? That we DID go to the moon?"

[OOC: Completed WLA training and updated PC sheet.]

Bliss mentions that the two kobolds are musicians, and that it's inspiring him to take some dancing lessons at the WLA and brush up on his old soft-shoe training that he had back in the day. He shows off a few moves, and encourages everybody to enjoy music. He even manages to persuade Granny to get out her fiddle and show off her mad skilz. She's very good, actually!

[OOC: upgrading all adepts to level 2 and Granny to level 12. Emailing Kathy about Granny.]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 12:29:35 PM

Murphy adds to what Bliss has to say. He shows the paintings he made of the Wold as seen from Kerracles, and of the other moon, Warrd, as seen from Kerracles. He shows a few moon rocks, recounts the moon kraken. If any doubt that story, he tells them he can show them the kraken's eye. He does not describe how they got there.

"It's all right if you don't believe us. I simply state we tell the truth. For those of you who know me, have you ever found me to willfully carry falsehoods? Yes, not many have been to one or both of the moons. Say, if you would like to taste some water from the moon lake, come by the Humble's Sword Sanctuary this afternoon, and you can try some. I like the taste. You may or may not care for it, but at least you'll be able to say you tasted water from the moon called Kerracles."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 171/171 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 12:38:06 PM
Hobie will take some time at their home to go shopping. (Don�t we have a chunk of loot we gotta sell back?)

DM Kathy
Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 3:09:19 PM
Succotash is on board with Bliss's plan to settle a small section of Cthonia.

Murphy and Hobie visit the Catacombs.

Murphy leaves a small selection of kobold goods with the dubious Master Deeppockets. He also takes pains to persuade the folk of Humble's Ford that you did go to the moon! No, really! Many people become convinced, but some stubbornly cling to their belief that you're making the whole thing up.

Bliss completes his WLA training and puts a band together.

Pressi continues in her efforts to acquire the Dancing Pig. The Pig, of course, is owned by the Drinkwater family--a bit ironic, since drinking water is the last thing on anyone's mind when they're in the Pig! Old Hamfast Drinkwater is still the official owner of the place, but the day-to-day operations are handled by his children and their spouses. Old Ham can still be found there of an evening, of course, drinking stout and swapping tall tales with the other gaffers.

"Dad doesn't want to sell," Jemmy Knotwise (nee Drinkwater) tells Pressi. "Says he likes the place the way it is and doesn't mean to change it."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 29 HP 95/95
Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 4:50:07 PM
Kezzem wakes from his apparent nap. (Tuesdays are not great for me right now).

"Hey Bliss, did you have money set aside for dues? I didn't think we got paid recently. I'd like to finish my training so I can learn the loophole, er, atonement spell. And Rumpus needs some new horseshoes. Actually, he has magic ones that are pretty great, but he needs some other stuff. Plus I'd like to get my shoeld enchanted to float."

"Robbing a bank is against the paladin's code, right? What if it was an evil bank that gives out sub-prime mortgages like the Lemon Brothers?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 5:12:17 PM
Succotash knows that Pressi probably isn't ready to give up on the Dancing Pig yet, but he says anyways, "You know Pressi, the new community in Cthonia is going to need a place for thirsty halflings, kobolds, and whomever else decides to call the place home. If you have your heart set on owning a pub or tavern, you could always open one there! By the way, I was thinking a great name for the community would be Sword's Temple, since it will be centered on the Temple, we hope to renovate."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 9:32:37 PM
Pressi wrinkled her nose at Jemmy, while keeping an eye on Old Ham. "Not even for a beloved employee and tenant who sidelines as an attraction? I know we've had our differences but I've clearly gained some measure of trust. Enough that you can so quickly say no to a woman that...."

That normally dresses like a nightmare and that could actually turn you into a newt. Pressi has the self control to avoid saying this out loud with a "That's bold." Her entertainer's outfit with a few business tweaks has never felt so heavy.

"... To a woman with our history, But your father certainly understands that I am not some banker from out of town and that any changes would reflect some rather communal needs. All I ask is a chance to take my case to him."

Later, she tried to explain her reasoning to the party. "This is not just some nightclub or flight of fancy for when I retire. Bliss and I have ever growing covens that require housing and operations now, and can't simply operate out of the adventurers hall forever. And I'd like them to be stationed around here rather than in some jungle waiting for us to finish.

"Besides... The Dancing Pig isn't just a tavern. It's THE tavern. It's the first place I actually called home as an adult. It's been my sanctuary, my sign of independence, the place that I was actually able to finally center. I know it's a stupid place for a home base, but it's my stupid place. And I can't believe that after all that stuff about the importance at home, I'm the only one with any trepidation over just packing up and leaving."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Thursday September 24th, 2020 1:24:40 AM

"You're not the only one, Pressi," Murphy answers. "I wouldn't mind visiting Cthonia again, but this is my hometown - and valley. We are not Cthonia's Sword. We are Humble's Sword - born out of and part of Humble's Ford."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Thursday September 24th, 2020 1:38:46 AM

The druid then adds this. "In two days I'll head to Angel Springs for training. I know some of you plan to step up to the next level of training there, too. McGregor Headwise is said to be the wisest halfling in Humble's Ford. What say, after our training, we meet with him? Tell him of what we have been doing? Though no doubt he already knows much. Consider our disparate thoughts, yearnings, excitements, ideas. Seek his wisdom on these things.

"Bliss, you speak of us becoming kings. Might it be prudent for us to speak to existing leaders in the valley? Find out where they think people of our accomplishments might best serve the valley, and the good people of the Wold. What problems can we solve? What leadership positions need filling? What do clerics of Ffloy, of Flower, of Pantheon, of Alemi and Domi and others have to say? If you want to lead, then should the question of existing structures be part of our study?

"How can we best serve the common halfling? Do we want to encourage and mentor young hobbits coming of age to consider the adventuring life?

"And, where do we go, together, from here?"

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday September 24th, 2020 6:47:04 AM

Mookie caws, "Them what's can, rule! Them what's can't, teach!"

Bliss says, "Hush, Mookie."

"But he has a point. I don't want to be a teacher or mentor. I want to make a bigger mark on the Wold! It's not the teachers who are in the history books. It's the founders and the kings!"

"I'm not saying we abandon Humbles Ford! I'm saying we connect our new temple town to Humbles Ford with teleportals!"

"Me and Brother Succotash are up for founding a sister town in Cthonia [OOC: And playing our restart game there]. Pressi and Murphy do not. What do you think, Sir Kezzem? How about you, Hobie old pal?"

[OOC: Everybody, please see the email loot list and stake your claims!]

Hobie (Nick T) HP 171/171 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday September 24th, 2020 1:03:19 PM
"I'm no Paladin Kez, but I'll help you rob a bank that's giving out subprime mortgages"

"I also love the idea of founding a new town, but I disagree wholeheartedly about the not wanting to be a teacher or mentor. What I dream of most of all, and would love to do in a town we found, is someday retire as an adventurer, and set up an archery school. I consider myself the best archer in all the Wold, but I don't want to die as such. I want to spend my last days passing on my skills, training young archers. I want my legacy to be left in the greatest Archery School in all of the Wold."

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday September 24th, 2020 3:24:21 PM

"Ha! Hobie hits the bullseye of doing both!"

Bliss laughs and shakes his friend's hand.

DM Kathy
Thursday September 24th, 2020 5:31:35 PM
Kezzem worries about money and looks for loopholes in the Paladin Code.

Succotash suggests that Pressi might want to open a new tavern in the newly-planned community in Cthonia! But to Pressi, it's not about a tavern, it's about this tavern, and she's not going to take no for an answer! She asks Jemmy for a chance to make her case.

"Sure, help yourself," Jemmy says. "Honestly, I think he just wants to make sure the family can keep working here. And, of course, that he gets unlimited free drinks."

Murphy is taking a more cautious approach to the idea of a Cthonia community. He plans a trip to Angel Springs, and invites Bliss to accompany him so they can see what the leaders in Crescent Valley think.

Bliss, however, is still wildly keen on the Cthonia idea. Hobie expresses cautious support.

Meanwhile, the spring rains have started up. If past years are any indications, there are probably farms that could use help filling sandbags as little creeks become temporary rushing rivers. That is, if anybody is looking for anything to do. [OOC: This is a roleplay opportunity; not a crisis. :) ]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Thursday September 24th, 2020 7:33:12 PM
Succotash pulls Kezzem aside and says, "You do realize it costs money to cast atonement when you deliberately do something wrong, and for it to work, you must be truly repentant, right? I mean I can cast the spell any time you or anyone else needs me to, but it's better to avoid needing it. By the way, what's your thoughts on the jungle colony?"

When the rainy season starts, Succotash pitches in to help fill sandbags, hoping that they are able to avoid to much crop destruction

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 29 HP 95/95
Thursday September 24th, 2020 8:48:29 PM
"Stupid details always ruining everything," mutters Kezzem. "At least I don't have to worry about losing my paladin powers for doing something unintentionally stupid, which to be fair, is my usual method of doing things."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday September 24th, 2020 9:45:43 PM
Pressi smiled and nodded. "I don't think either of those conditions should be a problem. While I approach him currently, Dolgrin could provide the rest of the family with the details."

Pressi decides to turn her attention to the gear issue and to the WLA training and cohort recruitment.

(OOC: To determine my overall ending wealth, am I using L16 or L17 WBL tables.)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Friday September 25th, 2020 3:31:15 AM

Murphy is happy to help the local farmers with the channeling and conservation of water. He puts on his agricultural and engineering thinking caps, thinking through issues of hydrology, adding in his wild shape and spell casting capabilities to lend a hand, to form the land, to provide assistance in a timely manner. Always he asks permission before making changes on people's lands. He asks many local farmers how they have handled things in the past, and what has worked well, and what not as nicely.

He recalls how severely desiccated the soils beneath Humble's Ford became a while back just before the Sargrass Plains became an issue, and a volcanic power thought it a good idea to sit down on top of the Ford. That reminds Murphy - he still has some of the encircling rock walls which partially encompass the town to deal with.

After leaving some funds, some under the watch of Hazel, and some for foreman George, along with guidance and instructions on additions to the Sanctuary, and helping for a few days in assisting the local farmers, the druid says, "So, it's time to head to Angel's Spring. Classtime."

He studies to gain the leadership feat - of course paying the 7,000 gp for the next dues step at level 16 - and also slightly hones his skills in... I'll decide later! Oh, and he turns in to the WLA the lastest copy of his journal, including Cthonia and Kerricles, and related art work.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 171/171 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday September 25th, 2020 11:24:01 AM
Hobie will gladly help Murphy in supporting the local farmers. Each day he will prepare Elemental Body so that he can spend time as an earth elemental moving dirt around in helpful ways. He will also fill up many spell slots with Bull's Strength, and cast it on the farmers to help them get more work done

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 220/132+14temp+74=22
Friday September 25th, 2020 12:03:37 PM

"Thanks for pitching in, Hobie. Great idea on Bull's Strength!"

As they work together, Murphy mentions the archery range along the west side of the Sanctuary. "Might not be a bad spot to start your school of bow and arrows. Maybe we can set up a tactical bow course, too, a bit farther to the west. There are some trees, meadows. We could make a few little hills and valleys, set up a rocky promontory."

DM Kathy
Friday September 25th, 2020 4:01:19 PM
Succotash reminds Kezzem that Atonement doesn't work unless the person is, you know, sorry.

Succotash then goes on to help with sandbags, aided by Hobie. Murphy has an idea for re-engineering the streams, but finds that most of what could be done has already been done. Even the best system is going to have a few trouble spots, and those are what need shoring up at the moment. Once the flooding has been addressed, Murphy moves on to Angel's Springs.

Pressi continues her efforts to acquire the Dancing Pig, and to complete her WLA training. [You guys are still 16th level, so that's the WBL you should be using.]

The heavy rains and high waters continue for another week or so. Farmers are starting to worry about getting the spring planting done in time.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Friday September 25th, 2020 5:23:41 PM
As the raining continues and the farmers start to get worried, Succotash takes matters into his own hands and starts preparing and casting control weather every time the weather starts getting to be to much for the streams and rivers to handle. He asks Murphy and whom ever else that is capable to join in the cycle of weather control, to calm things down for the farmers, so they can get their crops in without the fear of getting flooded out.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday September 25th, 2020 7:31:32 PM

Bliss puts his hands on his hips and glares at Murphy. "Now Mister Murphy! You are suggesting that Hobie make his school here, when he did not say WHERE he wanted to build it! Why not in the new town in Cthonia!?"

"Hobie, it is up to you! What do YOU prefer?"

"Sir Kezzem, what do you think about making a town in Cthonia at our temple?"

Bliss has let go of many hair-brained schemes in his day, but he seems more intent on this one!

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 29 HP 95/95
Saturday September 26th, 2020 12:22:31 AM
"That's right, Bliss!" says Kezzem. "We were going to make it Temple of Puppy Dogs and Happiness!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Saturday September 26th, 2020 1:22:31 AM

Conversation with Bliss and Hobie, and Kezzem?
Murphy puts his hands on his hips and returns Bliss's glare. "Now Mister Bliss! You are suggesting we all move to Cthonia, and you want him to not start a school of archery until we all move there. What if we do eventually move there? What if it's not tomorrow, or next month, or year?" He softens his face, yet continues thus: "You DEFINITELY do not want him to start a school and attract students who may be interested in following him somewhere else eventually, now, DO you, Mister Let's-Get-Five-Hundred-Followers?" He follows that with a wink.

Then the towhead takes his hands off his hips and says, rather quietly, "Many of us in Humble's Sword long ago promised to defend this town, and valley, and our people. And in some ways to represent them. This is my home. I am not opposed to considering having more than one base of operations. I shall oppose absolutely an entire abandonment of our commitments to this community, Bliss. You want us to be kings over Crescent Valley? You want us to leave Crescent Valley and start a whole new life in a place far from here?" He turns aside for a moment, then smiles, and cocks his head to one side. "How many minds live in that head of yours, friend?"

He looks to the arcane archer. "Hobie, where and when and whether you start your school is for you to decide. All I'm sayin' is, we built the archery field with you in mind. I've seen you use it a few times. Nothin' - other than us being whisked away hither, thither, and yon - is stopping you from using it, improving it, expanding it. And passing on some of your outstanding skills and techniques to others. Besides, having schools in more than one place ain't a bad idea, necessarily. Huh - you could have special seminars in Moon Archery!"

Kezzem then comments on the eventual focus of the temple they found in Cthonia. All he can do is laugh with delight at the paladin's thinking.

He then returns to the archer. "But I'm with Bliss on this - Hobie - what are your thoughts so far?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174 4d12=32 ;
Saturday September 26th, 2020 1:47:14 AM

Working with Succotash, Hobie, farmers and townsfolk
"And speaking of defending the town," Murphy says, "Succotash, you've got the right idea. Yes, I have control weather memorized, also move earth. "As a druid, it can calm the weather in a six mile diameter for a few days, and change from torrential to intermittent gentle rains. Shall I go ahead with that?" If people generally concur, he casts. The rains begin to slow to a very light rate, sometimes just misting a little, letting up. On this casting the effect lasts 64 hours (2x(4x12)).

"With move earth it can take about four hours to affect up to 750 feet by 750 feet, forming mounds, channels, diversions. It won't hurt the land or crops, even trees. But it can certainly mitigate the effects of flooding, and by forming gentle grades, allow the water to drain, but not too quickly, and be properly redirected downstream. After the weather calms down on its own, we can restore the land to its former levels in the same amount of time. If someone wants a pond somewhere long term - that could be done.

"Let's talk over the options with the farmers. Perhaps just the weather control will do the trick. If some want move earth to help channel the water away, we can agree upon a plan."

"Look, I need to go off for a couples days of training, fly back, help out some more, go back for an additional few days, then back again to help out."

"Last thought before I go to Angel Springs: Yes, let's talk over ideas. I'd be fine seeing if there might be other underground edifices in Cthonia. Perhaps in discovering what more we might learn about the temple we were directed to. Considering moving into positions of leadership in some form or another. But can we agree to meet with McGregor Headwise before we commit to some new major direction for our group? He is renowned for his wisdom, and many consult with him. Why not us?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Sunday September 27th, 2020 11:23:16 PM
Pressi smiled grimly as Murphy made his opinion known. She's hardly ready to let go of defending the town herself, and she doubts that the rest are either... but she can't quite be sure.

Also, since when did Bliss care so much about power and followers and temples? She thinks back to the old days when he just chased fun and shiny objects.

For now, though, she remains out of the fray as much as she can, focusing instead on acquiring training and shiny objects.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Monday September 28th, 2020 1:58:48 AM

"Grotto." Murphy says to Pressi. "Pick a night."

DM Kathy
Monday September 28th, 2020 3:52:23 PM
With judicious use of Control Weather, Succotash is able to help with the flooding. The spring planting is a bit delayed, but it shouldn't make a difference in the long run.

Bliss continues to be enthusiastic about the Cthonia project, and Kezzem is looking forward to actually making it a Temple of Puppies.

Murphy, however, reminds the group that you promised to defend the valley, and you can't really do that from Cthonia. Then he departs for Angel Springs, this time for sure--no, really!

Pressi focuses on training.

Murphy departs for Angel Springs. The rains subside, the spring planting is done, and the most exciting thing that happens is when Alf Humble bets Marlon Tosscobble that Marlon can't ride Alf's prize pig Flossie all the way through town. It goes just fine until somebody bangs a door, and the pig takes off squealing with Marlon clinging on for dear life!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Monday September 28th, 2020 6:10:41 PM
Before Murphy leaves for Angle Springs, Succotash tries to sway Murphy to the whole colony thing by saying, "Murphy, I know we promised to protect the Crescent Valley, and Humble's Ford in particular, and no one is talking about going back on that promise. Bliss wisely suggested we have a permanent teleportation circle installed at both ends, one at the Sanctuary, and one at the temple, allowing us to go back and forth in mere seconds, and allowing our friends, at either location, to to get a hold of us, or just stop in for a visit, in an equal amount of time. With that in place, we can keep our promise, and start a new colony! If our promise, and your attachment to the valley you've called home your whole life are the only things holding you back, then the teleportation circle would completely allow you to have your cake and eat it too! What say you to that idea my Druidic friend?

Succotash will continue to offer his spell casting of Control Weather to the farmers until the threat of flooding is over. When he hears about the pig ride, he makes sure to prepare his 1st level animal domain spell calm animals. Just in case something goes wrong, because what could possibly go wrong, right? After everyone has a good laugh at Marlon's expense, but before anyone gets seriously hurt, he casts Calm Animals on the pig, giving it a DC 20 will save, to avoid being calmed down.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday September 28th, 2020 7:56:54 PM

Bliss is serious for a moment. "If we set up teleportation circles, we will be close. But the point I am trying to make here is that I want us to leave a lasting mark on the Wold, to accomplish something. We have protected this valley, and it needed protection. The Giant Tower is fixed. What threat do you see us facing here, Murphy?"

"No offense, just trying to do or be or make something special."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday September 28th, 2020 11:01:31 PM
Pressi feels a little better, as things recede into a more familiar pattern and as focus turns to the more mundane.

As for the grotto, she suggests that they should have time soon, once the group finishes WLA training at angel springs.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 29 HP 95/95
Monday September 28th, 2020 11:46:47 PM
"Hi Alf!" greets Kezzem.

"Hey Press, keep on eye on Harper. I hear this guy eats cats."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 171/171 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday September 29th, 2020 1:47:48 PM
"I'm with Bliss, we have set up great defenses for HF, it's protected. I'm ready to move on. Remember, we aren't all originally from Humbles Ford, Succotash and I both came from afar, and the town seems protected. Besides, Roscoe can always contact me if there is danger. "

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Tuesday September 29th, 2020 2:46:37 PM

Murphy listens to each one who advocates for moving to Cthonia - Succotash, Bliss, Hobie. "What a precipitous decision you aim for." Murphy crosses his arms. "I will not commit to setting up a halfling town in Cthonia, not now. I have said that I am fine with having us explore it further - no objection there. But I will not agree to this sudden whim. We do not know enough about it. And hot and muggy is not my favorite long-term environment. Explore? Sure. Commit? No way at this point."

DM Kathy
Tuesday September 29th, 2020 4:22:45 PM
Bliss proposes teleportation circles to keep Humble's Ford connected to the new town he plans to start in Cthonia. Hobie tends to agree.

Murphy's loyalties, however, still lie with Humble's Ford. He doesn't mind exploring a bit more in Cthonia, but he doesn't think the time is right to form a town.

Pressi simply continues with her training.

Succotash wants to prepare a spell to be ready for the Great Pig-Riding, but alas, he does not get the opportunity. There isn't a lot of lead-time between making the bet and riding the pig, because Alf and Marlon are well aware that people will try to stop their hare-brained idea. Their wives, for a start.

But all's well that ends well, and Marlon survives his ride. He returns, covered in glory! And compost. He and Alf spend the next couple of days arguing about whether Marlon's ride "counts" for the purposes of the bet.

Kezzem warns that Alf has been known to eat cats, but he's thinking of a different Alf. Alf Humble is more partial to mutton-pie.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday September 29th, 2020 6:37:28 PM
Succotash just shakes his head at Murphy's lack of desire to colonize and says, "Well, I guess exploration is better than nothing for now, however, would you take offense, if Bliss, Hobie, Kezzem and myself used some of our free time, and wealth to make a colony a reality, at least the planning stage? After all, with teleportation circles you would have no need to live at the colony, you could literally live where ever you like, as long as we connect it with a circle."

Succotash spends a large chunk of his free time communing with the gods, and studying more about them. He feels that if he is truly going to honor and worship all of them, he needs to better know them, and be knowledgeable about them as well. In the back of his mind he envisions himself the high priest of the new colony, with a cleric under him, and maybe some followers who dig his sermons.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday September 29th, 2020 9:43:12 PM

"Ugh, I'm too distracted by this debate," says Bliss. "Let's come back to it after we think on things."

"I gotta focus on the loot and the gold split."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday September 29th, 2020 9:55:55 PM
"I'm in favor of the loot and gold split. By the way, I'm not planning to study the leadership feat so you'll have to deal with the slightly smaller city."

Pressi can't help but go back to wondering what Murphy has in mind, once she gets to the Grotto.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Tuesday September 29th, 2020 10:23:21 PM

"Succotash, I agree with Bliss, and it is what I have asked. We have some things to do right now. I will not entertain an immediate leap into colonization unless we have taken the time to think through why, and how. I agree, Bliss, with your desire to do something significant, of lasting value for the Wold. I hope you understand I am not opposed to those goals. I am just not yet convinced that a colony in Cthonia is that thing. I have suggested talking to the people of the valley. To citizens. To leadership. To religious groups. To McGregor Headwise, reputed to be the wisest halfling in our town.

"Who knows, perhaps over time - whether sooner or later, once we've thought through things, a colony elsewhere may be an excellent idea. In Cthonia? Some other place? Maybe. I am not absolutely opposed to the notion. Aside from teleportation linkage... ah. We are Humble's Sword. Risen up out of Humble's Ford. Dedicated to the valley."

He puts his hand over his mouth. Then lets it slide to his chest. "I'm fine with going back to Cthonia to explore. But, as I began, I agree with Bliss. Let's get some practical things handled. Get through our training. Then come back to the topic after we have a chance to think. I love you all. Let iron sharpen iron. And keep Humble's Sword keen."

"All right, how do we divvy the loot? I think some of you need more of the goodies than I do."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 29 HP 95/95
Tuesday September 29th, 2020 11:17:55 PM
"Woah, woah, woah, woah," says Kezzem. "What's this planning thing?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 171/171 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday September 30th, 2020 1:09:46 PM
"Kez you are thinking of catFISH. Roscoe told me ole Alf once ate 15 catfish in one sitting."

DM Kathy
Wednesday September 30th, 2020 5:42:25 PM
The Cthonia issue remains largely unresolved; you may have to agree to disagree.

Succotash spends time in study, getting to know about the gods.

Bliss turns his attention to counting and divvying up the loot.

Pressi, her training largely complete, begins wondering what Murphy is planning for the grotto.

Kezzem points out that planning anything is kind of unusual for this group, while Hobie reminds him of the time Alf Humble ate 15 catfish in one sitting. That record, is, of course, disputed, with certain parties claiming that some of the catfish were "real small" and therefore shouldn't count.

It continues to rain off and on, but nothing like the torrents that caused the flooding. Green shoots begin poking their heads out of the ground.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday September 30th, 2020 9:30:49 PM

Bliss looks at Mookie. "Well, Mooks old pal, where's the loot list. You said you were going to take care of it."

"Oh, I took care of it all right!"

"Mookie!"

Succotash (Sub by Cayzle) d20+7=21 ;
Wednesday September 30th, 2020 9:36:13 PM

"Okay, Murphy, let's go discuss things with the leaders of the towns in Crescent Valley. Let's start to make some appointments. We need to move forward."

Succotash, an experienced cleric, makes a list of all the religious leaders he knows in the valley.
Know Religion check 21!

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 29 HP 95/95
Thursday October 1st, 2020 12:14:47 AM
"I don't know, Hobie, I think maybe I was thinking about a different, Alf, actually. I remember him being somewhat more hairy."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday October 1st, 2020 8:29:09 AM
"Not that much more hairy. But maybe taller."

Pressi works through the list. "Hey, what about the rod of thunder as an offhand weapon? I could finally do non-spell stuff during combat."

Upon finishing her training, she asks Bliss if he got a cohort yet.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 171/171 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday October 1st, 2020 1:52:37 PM
"Oh you mean the Alf from Melmac's Hollow. He's not one to trifle with."

DM Kathy
Thursday October 1st, 2020 6:01:55 PM
Talk turns to loot, and training, and cohorts, and the relative hairiness of various halflings.

Pressi has gradually been coming to terms with Hamfast Drinkwater. If she will undertake to pay for some renovations and expansions to accommodate the coven, then she will be half-owner of the new and improved Dancing Pig! The total cost should be somewhere between 300 and 500 gold.

Succotash (Sub by Cayzle)
Thursday October 1st, 2020 9:19:32 PM
Succotash consults the list of religious leaders he compiled in yesterday's post. He travels the Crescent Valley with anyone who wants to come along. He also asks around for the offices of mayors and what have you in Angel Springs, Humbles Ford, and Hovel. And the head of the WLA.

At all these places and peoples, Succotash asks to set up a meeting with the official and the Humbles Swords. He does not want to meet now; he wants to make a schedule of meetings for the entire party.

And he explains all this to the group. "That's what you're suggesting, right Murphy?"

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle d20+13=22 ; d20+13=30 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+13=30 ;
Thursday October 1st, 2020 9:37:12 PM
Bliss comes back to the group with loot piles for everybody. Each pile is worth about 120,000 gold.

[OOC: Still waiting for the details like on the emerald necklace and do we want the fortress to be a party item. See email please.]

He hears that Pressi can buy a half share in one of the very best inns in town for 500 gold. He is flabbergasted.

"This is insane," he says to Mookie and any other party members nearby -- but not to anyone else.

"I have here in my loot pile enough gold to buy 100 inns, and we only got two here in town!"

Mookie laughs his cawing laugh. "Seems to me, Kid, that you guys have kind of outgrown your humble origins."

"Get it!? Humble origins?!"

Ignoring the bird, Bliss looks around Humbles Ford. There are not more than 100 buildings, from the smallest hovel and burrow to the Second Breakfast Club's tower. "If I spent 100,000 gold, do you think I could buy every building in town, Mookie? If I gave 1,000 gold to each household for the right to be the King of Humbles Ford, how many people would go for it? If I promised to pay a salary of 100 gold per year per family for ten years, how many people could I get to move to a new colony in Cthonia?"

"Um, a lot?" says Mookie.

"Yeah, a lot. And I could afford it right now."

Bliss starts visiting all the inns and taverns in town, and what the heck, he goes around with Succotash around the valley. But instead of visiting muckety mucks and secretaries, he goes to guild halls and inns and farms and crafters. He talks to people and tries to figure out what kind of generous wage would compel people to uproot and move to a new colony.

Diplomacy checks to Gather Info: 22, 30, 33, 16, 30

Hobie (Nick T) HP 171/171 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday October 2nd, 2020 1:22:11 PM
Hobie will take some time to go shopping.

On the talk of the new town and Bliss's paying all of the Humble's residents to move there Hobie will offer this thought "We are building a town for all peoples right? Not another just for halflings town?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Friday October 2nd, 2020 2:32:22 PM
Pressi accepts the offer for the tavern, and takes some time to begin setting up the situation. She also asks Bliss if he's hired a cohort yet, and of whether he is gearing such cohort. (She knows that Bliss has geared his followers more than she has.) If so, she may need to set aside some coins of her own.

To Hobie, she kind of shrugs. "It's... difficult sometimes, being a halfling in a 'town for all people.' Facing the stereotypes, being the wanderer, just knowing that a door will be the right height. Let's maybe put a pin in that decision too."

Pressi notes that she hasn't heard much of Murphy in a while. If she knew that he was out helping an old and disabled woman just find her way to the town, she would be quite alarmed.

As it stands, she just told herself she was imagining being watched.

---------------

(The DM is allowing me to briefly introduce Pressi's relatives, RP only. (Just until the next mission proper.) If your PC happens to see a red headed female stranger or two, feel free to say hello.)

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday October 2nd, 2020 3:09:54 PM

Bliss introduces Granny around the group, if anyone is not sure who she is. Everybody calls her Granny or Granny Barleyrow. She is the sharp-tongued, no-nonsense kind of old lady who strikes terror into the heart of young halflings throughout the Valley. She is also a skilled herbalist.

"Granny here is in charge of all the day-to-day stuff in the coven. She's super organized and smart and has way more common sense than I do. She reminds me of my Aunt Priss."

The old lady waggles a finger at Bliss. "Young man, your manners continue to be sorely lacking. When meeting new people, you say, 'May I present ...' and you introduce each person by name. Although of course I know all your names. You can call me Granny Barleyrow. I've almost given up riding herd on this young miscreant, but at least he has a solid household when he comes home."

She looks especially sternly at Kezzem. "And none of your lip, young paladin! I have my eye on you!"

She turns to Bliss. "And stand up straight!"

"Yes Granny."

Mookie is nowhere to be seen.

[OOC: Granny was a follower who seems a natural to promote to Cohort. She'll be a pure bloodwitch, level 12ish I'm guessing. Cohorts have no special gear other than what you buy for them from your own wealth.]

DM Kathy
Friday October 2nd, 2020 4:04:40 PM
Succotash travels for a bit, meeting important people and trying to set up meetings for the whole group. However, adventure may call you again before you're able to complete the task.

Bliss also travels, talking to people and asking how much money would induce them to move to a new place. Your answers are a bit disappointing. Most people don't want to leave. They have a good life here; they know everybody; their families are close by. Several point out that money isn't much good without anything to spend it on, and a brand-new town will have limited opportunities for that. You do get some interest from some of the younger halflings, but for them, the lure of adventure and new places is more persuasive than coin. Though they won't turn it down if you're offering.

Bliss also introduces the group to Granny.

As you travel and talk to people in the valley, you start to hear that there is someone looking for you, a biggun who "looks like an adventurer." She is blond and "real polite," and people can't agree whether she is human or elf.

Succotash (Sub by Cayzle) d20+23=35 ; d20+16=17 ;
Friday October 2nd, 2020 7:41:48 PM

Succotash, hearing about this biggun as he moves among the leaders of the Valley, seeks her out.

Diplomacy (Gather Info) to locate her: 35.

"Miss, I hear you are looking for my adventuring group? I'm Brother Succotash of the Humble Swords. Can I help you? Would you like to accompany me to our humble headquarters?"

As he chats, he tries to get a feel for this person:
Sense Motive 17

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 32; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 29 HP 95/95
Saturday October 3rd, 2020 1:30:19 PM
"Wait, Bliss has a Grandmother?" asks Kezzem. "When did this happen?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174 d20+28=34 ;
Sunday October 4th, 2020 6:41:26 AM

[Crazy, way-too-busy week here. Sorry for a few days of silence - not my choice or desire, but just no time... I'm back. Breaking this into three separate posts for the days I missed, for catch-up and clarity.]

Murphy's leadership training at the WLA turned into two days of concentrated studies, and charts, and interactions, and rules, and guidelines, and warnings, and tools of the trade, and styles of leadership, and attracting and retaining followers, plus a half-day followup a couple of days later. The druid's head was near bursting, and his heart filled up with hope and plans. A cohort... Murphy thinks about someone who may be superb in that role, if he will have it.

"Hobie - your cousin, our good Constable Roscoe, is from Humble's Ford, so you cannot say you lack roots here. And it remains to be determined as to whether a new town is going to be built, and if so, whether halflings only, or mainly, or a rich mixture... And, what do you think about the archery range at the sanctuary, and getting a few students under your wing while we're here in town? The home of Humble's Sword? If you're to recruit local, is it not wise to start local? Have you considered taking up the leadership feat? That might help you pull in many potential - or even actual - archers."

"Sure, Succotash, yes, let's talk to some of the leaders. Setting up appointments for when the entire group can meet with them? Exactly!"

"Pressi - good idea on the rod of thunder."

"All right, Bliss," Murphy comments as his friend considers buying up the town. "But if you want to buy the tunnels under the town, it'll cost you 150 gold pieces per linear foot." He does like that Bliss is reaching out to various guilds. Smart, that.

"Kezzem - yeah, planning's a bear, right? But, someone's gotta do it!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Sunday October 4th, 2020 6:52:16 AM

The druid is delighted to meet the old woman Bliss has placed in charge of his coven. An herbalist! "Very pleased to have you keeping an eye on us, Granny Barleyrow. If I'm not mistaken, are you the herbalist who helped out my Grandma Eglantine with her rumberry bushes a few years back?" He lets on that he is fiddling with coming up with a few spells to help in carefully channeling plant growth, and perhaps they can chat about that topic at some point.

He goes to speak to someone he knows well about the notion of becoming a cohort. And is not certain as to how well that proposal may be received.

On hearing there is - a human woman, or maybe, what, half-elf? - looking for them, Murphy joins with Succotash to seek her out. "Hello. Succotash is right, though he's not the only one slightly to mix up the name of our group. We are with Humble's Sword. My name is Murphy. Murphy Leafwin Pipewood. If you'd like to meet with the whole team, why, the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword is about half a mile down the road toward Hovel." [He also tries to discern her motives as he and his favorite cleric friend talk with her - Sense motive: 34 - roll is from previous post]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Sunday October 4th, 2020 6:59:59 AM

The Grotto
Murphy has invited Pressi, his fianc�e, to revisit the grotto. He has performed some preparatory work. By entering an oaken trunk near the Humble's Sword Sanctuary, they emerge from another oak tree on a central island in the middle of a large magical under-mountain lake. The walls of this huge cave give off bioluminescent light. Soft light also shines from the top several inches of the lake's surface. Soft, thick moss blankets the island.

Under his arm he carries a basket. A large green blanket is already laid forty feet from the oak tree on a nice flat area of the island. He escorts his beloved over to it, sets down the basket, and invites her to take a seat on the soft green cloth. Its color nearly matches the moss which cushions the underside. From the basket he pulls fresh bread, slices of meat, cheese, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, a bottle of wine. He pours two glasses, offers her one, and takes a sip from the other.

He sets down his drink and takes her hand, which bears the ring he tried to give her on this very spot some time ago. "When we first came here, after a hard day of travel, and exploration, as we sat here, I tried to give you something. Do you recall Emerald City? I designed, working with elves, this." He fingers the ring. Woven bands of ironwood, silver, gold and platinum form the ring. Embedded within a slightly thicker part of the weave is a beautiful, high quality, but small diamond. "I offered it as a token. But, so weary were you, that you hardly noticed. As I could see you were tired, and distracted, I withdrew it for a more opportune time, which came later."

Murphy looks into Pressi's soft blue eyes. "We lead busy lives, helping people, opposing oppressors, solving problems, seeing wonders along with our good friends. But among the most important things in the Wold, perhaps in the universe entire, is this. Two people choose one another. They commit to love, and marriage, and all that entails." The towhead halfling pauses, shrugs. "No doubt, soon, someone or other will bring to our attention that our help is needed." He kisses her hand that wears the ring.

"You know my family, and just how important family is to us. You have the advantage over me, Pressi, in that you know many of my family, yet I do not know yours. When we wed, I want first to have gotten to know at least some of those among whom you were raised. I understand not all was smooth growing up. There are some members of my family who can be abrasive, or thick, or unpleasant. I've been blessed, though, in that many are kind and good-hearted.

"Here is my idea. Tell me your thoughts tonight. Do you still choose me for life? If so, can I get to know some of your family before we marry? And, then, can we marry soon? Maybe after whatever our next grand adventure may turn out to be. And now, my heart, I will close my mouth, and listen to your words."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Sunday October 4th, 2020 4:02:01 PM
Returning from the Catacombs, Kezzem shows off the new barding and mantle on Rumpus. "This should keep him nice and safe. Also, check this out!" He activates a magic shield that floats nearby as he pantomimes fighting with two daggers.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday October 5th, 2020 1:16:42 PM
Pass, will try to post later tonight.

DM Kathy
Monday October 5th, 2020 1:51:14 PM
Kezzem feign surprise at Granny's introduction, but he knows perfectly well she isn't Bliss's Granny. Indeed, Granny, young Kezzem and the Tomato Incident are still talked about.

Murphy is delighted to meet Granny, but he has other priorities at the moment. He prepares a romantic getaway for Pressi at the Grotto. They talk about their lives, their families, and their future.

Many of you are intrigued to know that somebody has been looking for you, and are interested in hearing more.

[Everybody take 42,000 XP for this last scene. I'll begin the new adventure with my next DM post. If you don't see my next DM post, please give me a few minutes before you try to post.]

Lost Souls

Diara's Lament

DM Kathy
Monday October 5th, 2020 2:08:09 PM
Upon hearing that somebody is looking to speak with you, Succotash and Murphy try to find her, hopefully gathering the rest of the party along the way. It takes longer than you would have expected--she doesn't seem to be frequenting the taverns or other public places.

You finally catch up with her on a little hillock overlooking the Crescent River. It has (of course) started to rain again, and she is standing under the boughs of a spreading cedar tree. She is, as Murphy suspected, a half-elf, looking human to some and elvish to others.

Succotash invites her back to your headquarters, but she demurs. "Enclosed spaces," she says. "They--I'm not comfortable in them now. If you don't mind, could we talk here?"

"My name is Diara Fayst," she says. "I'm an adventurer. Or maybe I should say I was an adventurer. I don't think I have the heart for it anymore.

"My companions and I heard about a pocket realm," she continues. "A dark fae place called The Ruins. It's a gloomy, cheerless realm where the undead seem to thrive. But there was adventure there, and possibly treasure, so we decided to find our way there.

"We were exploring one particular ruin complex when everything started to go wrong. Clovis and Vitaly just--wandered off. We tried to follow, but they had a head start, and we had a hard time figuring out which way they went. Clovis was our tracker, you see.

"I was scouting ahead. I'm the party rogue, you see; me and Clovis usually took it in turns. Anyway, I heard Elora and Harmet yelling and screaming behind me. So I turned around and tried to find them. I went back to where I'd left them, but they weren't there. And I'm no tracker; I couldn't see where they went.

"So I started looking, but all I found was a bunch of wraiths, who attacked me. I barely escaped, and could still see no sign of the others, so I decided to try to find help. And now, here I am. Please, can you help me? I know the odds aren't good, and my companions are most likely dead. But they deserve to be laid to rest. And if there's even a chance one of them is still alive, I won't give up on them."

Both Succotash and Murphy, sensing motive, feel that Diara is being sincere. Her distress over her lost companions is very real. She really does want your help, and means no harm to your group.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Monday October 5th, 2020 5:52:35 PM
"Miss Diara, I can say, for certainty, that my friends and I will do all within our power to help, I can also say for certainty that you will be safe at our compound, which we call our Sanctuary and home, but I won't try to force you to join us there. I have to return to gather my equipment, as well as my scaly friend, and I know Murphy has to gather his gear as well. Add to that we need to inform the rest of the Swords, so they can make ready as well. Will you at least travel with us to the gate of your abode, it would make this process a lot easier?"

If Diara is willing to travel with them to the Sanctuary's gates, he will lead her there, and then gather the troops, grab his handy haversack, don his armor, and saddle and bard Valerie. If not he will do all the above and then head back to meet her at her location.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday October 5th, 2020 8:32:09 PM

Bliss bows and agrees with Succotash. "We would be happy to help you, Miss. But we need more information. How do you get to this demi-plane? Does magic or anything work differently there? What do your friends look like? How can we tell who they are?"

"Will you come with us? If not, can you tell us something to tell them so that they will trust us?"

"When should we leave? Right this second? Tomorrow?"

Bliss thinks about the 100,000 gold burning a hole in his pocket.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday October 5th, 2020 9:44:04 PM
Before leaving to the grotto, Pressi asks Bliss about Granny's abilities and spells. (She wants to know, before promoting one to cohort herself, if Bliss went arcane or divine.)

She also realizes she needs to book it to the catacombs herself.

But that can wait for another time.

The near ghostly red headed figure that looks like her? Not so much.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday October 5th, 2020 10:02:01 PM

No sooner does Murphy finish his speech than Pressi begins to laugh, strongly, hollowly.

"Oh, you foolish, foolish little child. Thinking that you've lived a meaningful life. Thinking that you know anything about family. Oh, that is...

"Very well, allow me to give you my long awaited answer...."

--------------------

"This is why you left?" the real Pressi got asked by her sister. "All that posturing, all that principled stance. Such distaste at being a thief and an enchantress. And for what?"

"I warn you," Pressi whispered to her sister. "You can still leave now, in peace. But if it's a fight you want..."

"No, I don't need a fight." Pressi's sister raised her arms in a familiar unarmed pose. "Just an idea of what you truly are capable of...."

----------------

"Pressi" stared at Murphy with green eyes, shifting and shimmering into a much older woman with a cane. "The answer is that you no longer control your destinies. But yes, we do choose you for life, all of us... for better or for worse...."

She glanced upwards at yet another Silverglove sister. This sister stood in silence. Nobody moved. It was clear that no Silverglove would attack yet.

The old woman fingered the skull ring Murphy once kissed. Plants seemed to die where she stood. "And Pressi's wishes are now irrelevant. Murphy was it? You wanted to meet the family? Oh, we so wanted to meet you too...."

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday October 5th, 2020 11:53:27 PM
OOC: Granny is a level 12 Bloodwitch. Not sure which domain or immortal power yet.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 171/171 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday October 6th, 2020 11:44:26 AM
Hearing of Diara's plight, Hobie gathers up all of his gear, and gets himself ready to go.

DM Kathy
Tuesday October 6th, 2020 2:17:59 PM
Succotash promises that your group will help, and asks Diara to come with you to the Sanctuary.

"I'll come with you," she says, "but I prefer to wait outside."

You make your way through the rain. Although it's spring, winter's chill has lingered long enough to make the rain uncomfortably cold. Diara puts her hood up and slogs along with the rest of you.

When you reach your headquarters, Hobie immediately starts gathering gear, with Succotash not far behind.

Diara remains outside, finding another tree to shelter under. Bliss stays behind to talk to her. He asks about her companions.

"Well, there's Clovis," she says. "Clovis Bylee. He's a halfling, like you. A ranger, skilled in wilderness lore. He's our tracker, and helps me scout. Elora's our wizard. Elora Helethar, an elf. And then there are our two humans: Vitaly Cev and Harmet Ells. Vitaly's a cleric, and Harmet's a paladin. Harmet's very dashing. Don't tell him, but Elora and I are both kind of sweet on him." She describes her companions, well enough that you're pretty sure you'll know them if you see them.

Bliss also asks when they need to leave. Diara frowns. "They've already been there so long," she says anxiously. "So my heart says, hurry! Not a moment to lose! But my head says, they've been there so long already, another day probably won't make a difference. So do what you need to be prepared, but please, don't take too long."

You ask how to get there. "We used a Plane Shift spell," Diara says. "I have the planar fork here." She drops a small, oddly twisted stone into Bliss's hand.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday October 6th, 2020 8:01:40 PM
As Succotash is getting himself and Valerie ready, he realizes he and his crew aren't going anywhere today, as he needs to prepare plane shift. He realizes he won't be able to transport everyone in one go. With the six halflings, and 10 animals, plus Miss Diara, he figures that makes 11 total, or 10 if Miss Diara doesn't wish to return to the pocket realm. Either way he will have to take the group in two trips, which will require him to prepare plane shift no less then 3 times. Frustrated, he stops his preparations and heads back outside. "Sorry guys, and Miss Diara, I just realized a few things. First I need to prepare plane shift a few time to get us all there, and well I can't do that until tomorrow, second, I need a planer fork attuned to the pocket realm to make the spell work, and third, I need a planer fork attuned to the Wold to get us home. I have no idea where I am to find either of the forks."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday October 6th, 2020 10:02:16 PM

Pressi's mother, Yamyra, continued to stare at the slack jawed yokel before her. "Speechless already?" she scoffed. "How odd. My sources assured me that you could give an hour long diatribe during a coma."

She moved off to the side opening a case full of liquors. "Come, let us at least toast to your good fortune, and to knowing what you want. You do know that, don't you son? I'm sure that you've already talked about that a good deal with my daughter. About how a small town and a couple of diversionary bandits won't be enough for her? About how she won't change diapers? About how much she talks of honor, even as she pursues power?"

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday October 6th, 2020 11:39:53 PM

Bliss shows Succotash the tuning fork to get there.

"Wait," he says to the half-elf, "How did you get back here?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 2:47:13 AM

Grotto Rendezvous
Shocked at Pressi's uncharacteristic response, realization dawns upon Murphy that this is not ... Pressi.

He rises, silently taking in the woman's shifting countenance, posture, demeanor. He mentally reaches out. "Pressi - Pressi - where are you? Are you all right, my love?"

He hopes to 'hear' her response, but understands he also needs to answer the woman before him. "You are - Pressi's mother?" he asks. He could challenge her assertion that Pressi's wishes are irrelevant, but chooses not to verbalize that challenge.

His face is serious for a moment. He joins the woman's upwards glance. An eyebrow raises as he sees someone who strongly resembles what Pressi looked like when he first met her. Then, he can't help it. A smile begins to work its way into the corner of his mouth. He returns his attention to the woman with the cane.

"Yes. I can see where she gets it. Yes, I wanted, and want, to meet her family." He steps forward, no threat in his posture or face. "May I kiss your forehead, mother of my love?" Should she allow it, he does so.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 2:58:57 AM

[The above was written based upon Pressi's Monday post. I had not yet seen the Tuesday post.]

Murphy laughs. "Of course, a toast. To family, to families joined, and to diapers."

"Now, join in the toast, will, you sister of Pressi, and tell me which one you are?" he says to the sister nearby.

And after the toast, he says, "I'm a talker? When ready, you'll have to meet my mother."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 3:45:56 AM

At Humble's Sword Sanctuary

"Diara, under a cedar tree we found you. Perhaps I can introduce you to Quercus, our oak treant friend, in the south east corner - the walls are opened there, so you can come in and go out as you please. He likes to talk, and listen. In the opposite corner is Dderwen (pronounced 'There when'), an awakened oak. He likes to help halfling children into his branches. And we have a yew treehouse, 60' tall, next to the rocky mound in which we dwell. We've a small grove of fruit trees and nut trees, Bliss's fountain, gardens, even a water slide. Fear not to enter - but of course only should you choose to do so." Map of the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword

"I should think it might take us from a few hours minimum to prepare," Murphy says to his mates, and Diana, "or perhaps we'll want to spend time, learn more of what you know, and choose appropriate spells in the early morning following a good night's rest, then enter your pocket plane.

"How does that sound to you, my friends?" he asks.

He listens to what each has to say. He asks what special preparations they might make for dealing with the undead, "Do you know ghost touch, Succotash?" and with unpredictable fae. "I'll need a quick trip to the Catacombs."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 6:33:07 AM
Succotash shakes his head negatively at Murphy's question, saying, "Though I'm sure it's a great spell, it's one of those spells the gods only allow with special permission, and I haven't received their approval. Oh and um Murph did you miss the whole I can't cast the spell until tomorrow thing? We won't be able to leave until the morning" Turning to Bliss he says, "That will get us there, though it is a kinda strange looking fork, now we need a way home, you wouldn't happen to have your Wold fork by chance Miss Diara? I promise to take good care of it, my way home depends on it!"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 9:18:15 AM
"I am all for killing undead things an whatnot, but are we sure going into the demiplane of certain death is wise? There's no way this will turn out well for us."

Kezzem prepares his spells and is sure to stock up on plenty lesser restorations as he remembers that time we shadowwalked and got ambushed by shadows. Not fun.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 11:41:16 AM

"O, right, Succo - well, I was hoping for the morning in any event," Murphy responds. "My father has made tuning forks, but he's getting ready for a short trip to the Culverwood. Say, does anyone have a wand of lesser restoration?" he asks.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 171/171 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 12:46:00 PM
"I suppose if we have a small amount of time, and especially if we know we'll be dealing with undead, it couldn't hurt to take the time to rest and prepare the right spells. And I'll make another run to the catacombs quickly to get a few items that might be helpful. Anyone have any requests to add to my shopping list?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 1:33:01 PM

"Sure, Hobie, and thanks. How about a wand of lesser restoration?" Murphy requests. "I'll split the cost with anyone who wants to chip in, or will pay for the whole thing if needed. But it's for the party, and like as not someone besides me would be better at using it. I don't know what it costs, but here's 5000 gp. If more or less is needed, let me know."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 2:09:43 PM
"I believe they cost 4500 gp," says Kezzem. "And I'm good with an even share for everyone who wants to chip in for it. And if we're wand, I'll probably rethink my spell selection. I could save us some charges, but there might be other useful things I can do instead. This divine favor spell looks pretty nice, for instance."

DM Kathy
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 2:20:32 PM
Succotash mentions that he needs to prepare multiple Plane Shift spells for the next day.

"It's worse than that," Diara says. "You won't be able to rest in The Ruins, so you'll need enough to get back, too. And, hopefully, you'll have at least some of my companions with you."

Bliss asks Diara how she got back.

"We had scrolls," she replies. "Scrolls of Plane Shift. Elora had one, and Vitaly had one. They may still have them, if you can find them. Maybe that would help you get back. I had another one. Sort of our emergency scroll. I'm not a caster, but I can coax a scroll to work for me." [OOC: Diara has ranks in Use Magic Device.]

Murphy introduces Diara to the trees. She takes a liking to Quercus.

Kezzem expresses some misgivings, but gets ready to go.

Hobie proposes a Catacombs run.

Diara, now seated at Quercus's roots, seems fine with you taking the time to make your preparations. Indeed, she seems pleased that you are taking the task seriously.

[OOC: Regarding planar forks, I've always held that you don't need a fork to return to your home plane. The spell is a little ambiguous, and not all DMs will agree with me, but for our purposes, you don't need a fork to return to the Prime Material Plane. Of course, you can get one if you want one, but you don't need one.]

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 3:52:33 PM

"Sure, Mister Murphy, I've got a wand of lesser restoration," says Bliss.

"Don't leave home without one!" caws Mookie.

"By the way," the raven continues, "You guys want me to carry the fortress? It might come in handy on this one, and I can turn it on and off for us."

The raven practices activating the Instant Fortress until he gets the hang of it and is fine with it.

"Hey Diary, uh," he says to the half elf, "were there many incorporeal undead there? You know, ghosts, shadows, wraiths, spirits, etc? Fortress ain't no good against them!"

"Since we gotta take a day to prep the spells, Ima go spend some money at the catacombs! Undead bane tears and negative energy protection, here I come!"

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 4:18:06 PM
Bliss dashes back, and casts two Contingency spells, one for himself, one shared with Mookie ... Cure Critical Wounds as soon as hit points reach 1/3 max.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 5:12:08 PM
Upon hearing that he won't be able to regain spells in the pocket dimension, Succotash's heart sinks. The idea of having to ration his spells isn't very comforting, and having to be able to cast plane shift 6 times, completely wipes out his 5th level spell slots. An idea finally comes to mind, and he turns to Hobie and says, "I know you can't cast plane shift yet, as for some reason us clerics get access to it sooner then you arcane types, but eventually you will be able to, meaning that you could cast it from a scroll right? If two of us cast the spell we will need a total of 4 scrolls, 2 arcane, and 2 divine, and we would be able to carry a total of 8 people each, or 16 people total. If I cast the spell by myself it will cost me a lot of my spell slots, and if I can't rest and recover them while in the pocket dimension, that will weaken us quite a bit, so scrolls is absolutely the way to go, the question is do I buy 2 or 6?"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 6:46:37 PM
"Actually, I only have about 750 gp to contribute to the wand of lesser restoration," says Kezzem. "Bliss talked me into spending a bit more at the Catacombs. Just now, while I'm in the middle of this conversation with you. Time is weird."

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 8:19:48 PM

"Sir Kezzem! I already HAVE a wand of Lesser Restoration! Fully charged! We're good on that front! And I'm buying a Wand of Death Ward too!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 10:10:16 PM
Yamyra finds herself quickly taken aback, clearly not being at the other end of the charm offensive. "Hhm, well you are a pliant sort, aren't you. Personally, I prefer men with a little more spirit, but I suppose diplomacy has its options."

Murphy can hear the battle outside, but Pressi is able to communicate that she's fine. Outside, it's clear despite the spell ballet that the sister just wants to keep Pressi busy (and she can rather hold her own).

The sister watching Murphy just continues to watch in silence.

"Still, I'm curious as to what you hoped to get out of such a meeting. A dream of reconciliation with the daughter that rejected us? A hope that I would somehow provide my blessing to either of you? The hope that despite all the stories coming out of dirt city, we would prove to be just as ordinary as your family?

"Or maybe it's something else? Maybe you've been seeking reassurances yourself, hoping that you haven't made a mistake. Knowing, deep down, that you won't be enough when Pressi's true nature begins to appear. Thinking that somewhere under all the spell slinging and cackling, you'll learn she is someone OTHER than a woman with designs to rule the world and the lineage to do so. Or maybe, deep down, thinking maybe you need a woman just like that, no matter what you say to the outside world."

Yamyra looked straight at Murphy. "Let me reassure you. Deep down, she is as evil as any of us. That deep pull to harm, to trick, to gain power and fame? She may protest and fight, but her nature will take over. You think you know ornery? You haven't seen ornery."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Wednesday October 7th, 2020 11:25:47 PM
"Well, I guess I don't need to prepare that spell then either," says Kezzem.

He offers Bliss 750 gp to help reimburse him for his wand purchases.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174 d10=3 ;
Thursday October 8th, 2020 12:26:45 AM

Grotto fencing
"Nearly everyone has the capacity to do evil, or good. To turn toward darkness, or light," Murphy begins. "To treat others well, or poorly. We will be held accountable for our choices. You, mother of my love, and I, both will face judgment.

"'The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children�s teeth are set on edge.' Is that what you're saying? A child may walk in the way of the parents, or choose - albeit, perhaps, with difficulty - to walk in another way. If I begin in righteousness, yet end in evil, I should be judged for my end, not that of my forbears who did well. If I begin in evil, yet repent and walk in righteousness, I may receive forgiveness, mercy, and justification - even if my parents walked in darkness their whole life, and rejected the light when it was offered to them.

"My family is 'ordinary'? It seems extraordinary to me. If all those about you are a certain way, how are you not ordinary if you do exactly as they do? Are all from Dirt City wicked? Why not be different from them, then? The option of changing one's mind can be available at times, no? Don't get swallowed up in Dirt-City-ordinary, if there is a better way."

"I trust Pressi, despite the temptations we all may face, to ever move toward what is right. I bear witness to her having done so over the past few years.

"Life is complex. I won't pretend every choice is facile. True wisdom is a hard-fought attribute.

"We can banter, Mother of Pressi and her siblings. But what do I want? I want to join for life with Pressi, and join where I may with you, her family, and for her to do so with my family. What do I aim for? Good domesticity. What do you want?

"Iron sharpens iron. Let us sharpen one another. But not slice each other up." ... "Mother Yamyra. Who changed Pressi's diapers?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174 d20+24=35 ; d12=11 ;
Thursday October 8th, 2020 2:43:19 AM

Murphy takes about half an hour to join Diara over with Quercus.

"Hallo Druid Murphy" the large oak intones. "Diara is charming. Diara, do you speak the sylvan tongue? Not many do. We can practice, if you'd like."

Murphy joins in speaking sylvan for a few sentences. If she does not understand, he translates. If she does understand, he enjoys the opening conversation. Then he says, "I have spent some time on different planes, studying some of their characteristics. Would you mind if I were to go into a bit more depth with you on this pocket plane?" He spends time learned what more he can from her about this particular plane, its inhabitants, foliage, characteristics. He uses his fairly extensive knowledge of planar variants to delve more deeply into this one [Knowledge, Planes: 35]. If ideas for additional preparations the group might take arise from the interview, he passes them on to other members of the Sword.

Then he heads off to the Catacombs via the General Store in town.

DM Kathy
Thursday October 8th, 2020 4:02:25 PM
Bliss has a wand of lesser restoration. Concerned about the Instant Fortress, Mookie asks Diara about incorporeal undead. Of course, she already told you there were wraiths. "There were wraiths," she says now. "But everything else was corporeal. A pack of ghouls, a few zombies. Some creatures--we never did figure out what they were." Bliss casts a couple of Contingency spells.

Succotash is doing Plane Shift calculations. He wonders whether Hobie might be able to cast from a scroll, so that Succotash doesn't have to go back and forth. A scroll for Hobie would be higher level, and therefore more expensive, but it would probably be better overall.

Kezzem, having just spent a bunch in the Catacombs, doesn't have much to contribute toward a wand, and is relieved to learn that Bliss already has one. He offers his coin anyway.

Murphy speaks with Quercus and Diara. The rogue does not speak Sylvan, but Murphy translates. You ask Diara more about the plane, but she's told you what she knows. "Elora's the smart one," she says. "She's the one who found out about the plane and suggested we go there." You haven't heard of this specific plane, but that's not surprising. There are lots of these pocket realms, and each is really a world unto itself. If you had a month or so, you could probably research it, but you don't have a month.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Thursday October 8th, 2020 5:55:54 PM
Succotash returns from the Catacombs and shows everyone his new wand of searing light. "I got this sucker maxed out, so against the undead it should be pretty effective, assuming I can hit my target of course. I also got a couple of scrolls of Plane Shift. I haven't heard back from Hobie, but I'm hoping he'll pick up a couple also, that will make the trip, there and back, a lot smoother. Otherwise, I'll have to run back and purchase 4 more scrolls, and I'll have to take everyone in two trips, which will work, assuming we don't get jumped upon arrival, or need to make a hasty return."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday October 8th, 2020 9:20:18 PM

After the business with the grotto and more preparations, Pressi finally gets some briefings on what they are up against.

"Ok, a couple of observations. First, we are doing a good job about the undead, but we seem to have forgotten the fae part of the pocket plane. People who wander off are in enchantment or illusion territory, and the place itself may be a maze. Better add "divination counters" to my shopping list (for Find the Path). I don't have much in the way of protections beforehand, so we'll have to focus on the will saves and beating them at their game.

"As for undead, I do have a few options. I can upgrade weapons, control undead, hand out death wards and "hide from undead" spells, along with some of the other tricks like summons or ill omen. Though I will need to hold on to some spells for divinations and the occasional far less healing. Good thing I actually picked up some melee stuff, but I'm open to further suggestions to buy. And everyone should remember to pick up extra healing supplies. There could be some long fights ahead."

She does begin to worry about what happens when the spell slots run out. But she personally should be fine as long as she's judicious in her casting.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday October 8th, 2020 9:53:10 PM

This may or may not be what he was going for, but a lot of what Murphy said - in that calm, pleasant demeanor - began to make Yamyra madder. (Murphy did get a couple of chuckles out of the stone faced sister, though.)

"We had people for the diapers, and a couple of men bent to our will, really don't need to go into the details. Just know a weapon is useless if you can't even threaten with it. Oh, but who am I to lecture about the power of words to someone with such a gifted tongue.

"And do not speak of me as ordinary because I didn't change the world. I saw the world for what it was, and I rode it, and it was glorious. But in the end, I did what I did for my family... and then that ungrateful street rat you so idealize struck iron against us first, damaged us in ways you cannot even begin to appreciate.

"And then you come to... What? Join us? Convert us? Make us see the light? I almost feel sorry for you, a true believer. But Pressi has always known deep down the truth about a lot of things. She is the living embodiment that a single random act can wipe out a number of good deeds."

She smiled, twisting the red liquid in her goblet. "Garron, wasn't it? She walks in a monk of justice and honor, and how does she walk out again? Tsk, such a seemingly random event. But tell me. If she were truly as you describe, a simple failure of a soul gem wouldn't have such an effect, would it? That arcane darkness, that is her true form, just as we predicted...."

From the top of the grotto, a black dragon burst through a wall. "Where is she?" Pressi demanded.

But Murphy and Pressi were now alone.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Thursday October 8th, 2020 11:38:53 PM
"I could head back to the catacombs and pick up a second healing wand," offers Kezzem (assuming Bliss hasn't taken the last of his coin).

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday October 9th, 2020 10:30:01 AM
Bliss has not taken Kezzem's coin! "Nah, thanks but no thanks! I got plenty of my own still!"

Bliss tries to think about fey and what you need to fight them. Cold iron, right? Will his Amulet of Mighty Fists +5 work like cold iron to get past damage reduction? "Does anyone know about that stuff? Arcane lore? Fey stuff?"

"I'm never really studied that stuff!" (Bliss has no knowledge ranks.)

"What other stuff do we know about fey and undead?"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Friday October 9th, 2020 12:47:22 PM
"Okay, I'll get that healing wand then," says Kezzem.

DM Kathy
Friday October 9th, 2020 3:03:12 PM
You continue to make preparations. Succotash returns from the Catacombs with his scrolls, still unclear whether Hobie will be able to help with the plane shifting. [If he does agree, your DM will let you share the planar fork, so don't worry about that.]

Pressi advises stocking up on healing, and finding ways to boost Will saves.

Kezzem heads for the Catacombs to get another healing wand.

Bliss wonders aloud about fae. Diara doesn't seem to think her group encountered anything specifically fae, but that doesn't mean there aren't any there.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Saturday October 10th, 2020 1:23:12 PM
"I can prepare some protection spells that can help ward of mental effects," says Kezzem. "Assuming they come from an evil source that is."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Sunday October 11th, 2020 3:11:56 AM

Grotto - A change of audience
As Yamyra spoke, Murphy was attentive to what she said in reply. He nodded acknowledgment of some things, agreement with others. His eyes showed interest as she spoke of riding the world, and he wondered at what things she may have done, and how whatever it was served to benefit her family.

What did she mean by indicating Pressi 'struck iron' against them? Against her family? What things had they done, had her mother done, which would have moved her towards, towards whatever action it was she took?

He had hoped to continue the conversation, and explore further how they might weave together ...

A black dragon. How did he know she was Pressi?

Murphy looks at where Yamyra stood a moment before. Up at where a sister had been observing - vacillating between stony stare and tacit amusement.

"Hi. They disappeared upon your bold entrance, sweets. The conversation was just getting interesting. I've never seen you in that form before, Pressi.

"It will be well beyond fascinating to get to know your family better, I dare say. Now, who was keeping you busy? And, who came with your mother?" He describes the sister who had stood above him and Yamyra. "I didn't get many names."

Murphy takes bits of moss from other places around the stone island and places it where Yamyra had stood. Then he casts plant growth in that specific area, to compensate for the withering effect the older woman had when she was there.

"Now that you're here - I have a picnic for you. And many questions. Would you like to change into something, uh, more comfortable, first?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Sunday October 11th, 2020 4:39:45 AM

Grotto addition

Murphy relates what they said to him. And asks how they kept her away. And puts his arm around her, if she returns to halfling form.

What are the fey like?
"Well, Bliss, according to Eberyon, we, we halflings, are fae in a sense. At least that's what he told Kendry, Airin, Selithe, Morpth, Olo, Patterton, and a bunch of others who witnessed his rebirth as a satyr some years ago.

"I serve Eberyon. He says that the Jericko, the creator, took bits and pieces to form us hobbits. Here is how he put it, according to what Kendry wrote in his journal."

'After the creator finished his journey, he pondered about creating another race that had all the positive aspects of all his other races. A group he could be content with ... a race that pleased him completely. So the creator began his journey again and visited the fey in the forests. He seized a sprite and bound her with magic. The creator then revisited each race again and took from them a portion of what they were. From the elves he took agility and grace. He added it to the fey and it grew. From the dwarves he took devotion to family and added it to the sprite and she began to grow and change. Boldness and fearlessness he takes from the orcs and the fey grew even larger. The creator visited the humans once again and took from them the spark of creativity and the ability to adapt. After all these thing are collected, the creator adds them to the fey and the hobbit was born. A tall, strong, formidable creature that knew no fear. Who had bold ambitions and the creativity to do what they will.

'The creator stood back and admired his craftsmanship. So very pleased he was. And great favor he bestowed on his beloved hobbits. The other races grew jealous and fearful of such a race and made war against them. The creator, in his ultimate wisdom, sought to halt the hostility by making his beloved hobbits smaller in size to lessen the threat they imposed on others. This made the hobbits more elusive to their enemies. It taught them to hide and use the shadows for cover. Gave them patience and cunning. Peace was soon restored and the creator was satisfied. After deciding that his work was complete, the Jericko stepped away from the Wold and rested.'"

So, you see, Bliss, we, in part, are fey. 'All hobbits were created from the body of a fey,' Eberyon told them. Though, I suppose, with enough other bits mixed together that I don't think we are especially susceptible to cold iron - at least no more so than other iron.

"But the fey usually have some sort of exceptional ability. Supernatural, perhaps? And a connection to nature, or to a particular force or place. Tricky, capricious, generous, cruel. Some may be friendly. Some are good at engendering confusion. Some help those they favor. Brownies, sprites, dryads, nereids, nixies, leprechauns, spriggans, satyrs, redcaps, pixies, grig, gremlins, kelpies - those are all fey. Many more types there are.

"Not sure the best way to prepare for them. Keep your wits about you, and mind each other. We also could rope up to keep one or more of us from wandering off without others knowing."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Sunday October 11th, 2020 3:37:57 PM
"I say we concentrate more on what we know for sure, and speculate less on things we don't." Succotash begins. "For example, we know for sure that we need to get there first, and Hobie seems reluctant to help me make that happen, so I'm wondering if I have to head back to the catacombs to pick up a few more scrolls, and we know that the place is infested with undead, and if an undead infestation becomes to big, there is a distinct possibility that that is all there is left. We don't know that for sure of course, but even if there is some living fey still, chances are they would thank us for any thinning of the undead numbers, as even killing one increases their chance of survival."

DM Kathy
Monday October 12th, 2020 1:38:54 PM
Kezzem offers to prepare spells to help against evil mind affects.

Murphy goes over what he knows about fae. But, as Succotash points out, the main problem seems to be undead.

The other Swords are strangely silent.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Monday October 12th, 2020 5:11:40 PM
Succotash is waiting for a response from Hobie. If Hobie is able to help with the plane shifting, he is ready to do, and lets his friends know, however, if Hobie is unable to help, he needs to make a second trip to the Catacombs, before he is ready to take everyone to the pocket dimension.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Monday October 12th, 2020 7:20:42 PM
"Okay chums, let's do this," says Kezzem trying to get the ball rolling. "Kezzzzzzzzzzzzzem Blacklynggggggggggg."

He runs off in a random direction, and after running for about twenty yards, stops and turns around and walks back to the group.

"Um, which way to go?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 33/T-23/Fl-29 CMD 37 HP 174
Monday October 12th, 2020 10:26:01 PM

"Hobie - can you help with reading the plane shifting scrolls, as Succotash was suggesting? I might be able to do it via use magic device, but I'll bet you'd do better than I," Murphy says.

"Meanwhile, I've got a few things percolating in the Catacombs..."

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday October 12th, 2020 11:54:40 PM

Bliss rises with a happy yawn. "Thank you for the bedtime stories, Mister Murphy! Better than warm milk, they are!"

After rising, Bliss performs his rituals with all the members of the Coven. He uses the Sharing and Grimalkin rituals himself, and Mookie helps with Pressi's Warding basic ritual (I'm assuming that's your basic ritual, Pressi!) He is fully kited out in his new gear.

[OOC: It was a daunting task, but my main PC sheet is now up to date. As is Mookie's. I have to double check the CatBliss sheet.]

Bliss casts his usual buff spells too: Threefold Form on himself and Mookie, Extended Barkskin on both, Shield of Faith for the Ritual of Sharing, and the daily Hero's Breakfast. Those last four are boosted with witch magic that costs him 40 hp, but Granny and the other Adepts of the Coven fix that up in short order.

[OOC: Everybody please remember to roll 1d8+7 temp hit points for your character! Please recall that HF grants a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects]

After breakfast, Bliss is all set. "Okay are we ready to go? I'm ready."

Two rounds before the Plane Shift is cast, Bliss taps himself and Mookie with the Death Ward wand. In the round before he changes into a cat.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d8+7=8 ;
Tuesday October 13th, 2020 3:55:16 AM
ooc: Bliss, so that Heroes Breakfast is a ritual you do every day? and it gives us a +1 on attack rolls every day? basicially permanent?
Hobie gets 8 temporary HP

"Succotash, I absolutely can cast Plane shift from a scroll with you, the only caveat is this, I've practice with scrolls and I know my chance of success for spells I haven't learned. With Plane Shift, I have a 35% chance of failing, which is no problem, I can just try again, EXCEPT, after failing to activate the scroll, theres another 25% chance that I REALLY failed, and the spell can react in an unpredictable way. If it was something like Cone of Cold, and we all had full HP, we could just heal up and laugh about it later, but with PLANE SHIFT...... It could end up taking some but not all of us to the intended location, or it could take all of us to a completely unintended plane. Quite risky."

"So Mathematically, I calculate that we've got a 65% chance it works great, a 26% chance that we just have to repeat the process, and a 9% chance that it goes quite poorly. Remember that I'm the Wold's Greatest Archer, when it comes to the arcane, I'm more of a hobbyist."

"Is it worth the risk? Or should we just teleport to a large city where we could hire a more experienced spellcaster to do it for us?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday October 13th, 2020 4:08:32 AM
"Hold on, I made a mistake in my calculations, Here are the accurate ones."

Success- 75%
Try Again - 19%
Bad News- 6%

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday October 13th, 2020 6:01:28 AM
OOC: Yes, we have Hero's Breakfast every day, as a rule! There's bacon and mushrooms!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday October 13th, 2020 7:03:04 AM
�I completely forgot about the possibility of things going bad, I�ll run back to the Catacombs and pick up 4 more scrolls, and we�ll have go in two trips, well for me it will be three, but that�s another story.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday October 13th, 2020 10:04:22 AM
�I completely forgot about the possibility of things going bad, I�ll run back to the Catacombs and pick up 4 more scrolls, and we�ll have go in two trips, well for me it will be three, but that�s another story.�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday October 13th, 2020 1:00:19 PM
Pressi points out that she can do the plane shift scroll (UMD 28 and she has a few tricks to boost that if needed.)

She also points out that they aren't going to buy their way out of all problems. Scouting and divinations are going to be key for this mission, as is avoiding battle where they can.

DM Kathy
Tuesday October 13th, 2020 3:01:34 PM
Kezzem screams his name and runs off in a random direction, but it doesn't go well. At least he has chicken.

Hobie does some math to demonstrate that maybe having him try to activate a scroll of Plane Shift isn't a great idea.

Resigned, Succotash plans on acquiring four more scrolls, but since Pressi may be able to activate one, he may only need to get two more.

Murphy also has things he needs from the Catacombs.

The next day, Bliss casts a Heroes' Feast for his companions, and you start your last-minute preparations.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday October 13th, 2020 5:52:31 PM
"I'll just go get 4 scrolls to be on the safe side. Even with your skill at figuring magical devices out Pressi, their is still the catastrophic failure option, and I'm not comfortable with that, especially since I can do it worry free." Succotash then runs off to the catacombs to purchase the need scrolls. in the morning he rises ready to depart.

OOC.. I placed the order this morning, just waiting for it to be processed.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday October 13th, 2020 9:40:52 PM

Pressi considers a last minute divination, but I'm going to give the DM a break.

Most of her preparations are somewhat haphazard, as she's still rather rattled from her family the literal supervillains dropping by. As best as she can tell, Murphy held his own, and she has no idea how he did that but it freaks her out.

The big thing, besides yet another nice weapon, is that she loaded up on divination materials. In hindsight, she wished she could afford some other things like more buffing and invisibility scrolls. But money was tight as usual... and she figured that she can always make due with what resources she has, whatever they may be.

She just hoped the paladin beefsticks understood they couldn't afford to get hit as often, and that they had a backup strategy in mind. Then again, her own backup strategy once the spells ran out was to beefstick away so...

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday October 14th, 2020 5:56:06 AM
"Good luck to us!"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Wednesday October 14th, 2020 8:56:27 AM
"Okay, got my spells prepared. Got a couple of protection spells in case anyone gets enchanted, got a couple of divine favors ready to boost my attacks, good all shield other spells so I can tank your damage, a couple of prayers for the group, and a holy sword for the big bad evil guy."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday October 14th, 2020 11:31:17 AM
Out of nowhere, Kezzem feels a friendly punch to his stomach as Hobie suddenly appears.

"All that preparation, and you still can't see the inivisible enemy right in front of you. I got a new ring!"

CDM Jerry [OOC post]
Wednesday October 14th, 2020 12:33:07 PM
Kim, sir you have email. :) Kathy, you were cced. Once you've read your mail, Kim, you may ask Kathy to remove this OOC post.

::waves at everyone::

Ruin

DM Kathy
Wednesday October 14th, 2020 3:30:57 PM
Succotash and Murphy return from the Catacombs with their last-minute purchases. Hobie shows off his new invisibility ring.

Pressi completes last-minute preparations; Bliss and Kezzem are already ready.

You bid a last farewell to Diara, and, after Succotash uses a few scrolls, you find yourselves standing in a bleak landscape under a threatening sky. Nothing grows here but scrubby grass, and there are ruins dotted here and there as far as you can see. This and this is the kind of thing you see.

You are headed for a particular ruined complex, several buildings surrounding crumbling stone courtyard. Following Diara's directions, you begin heading that way.

DM Kathy
Wednesday October 14th, 2020 3:31:24 PM
Succotash and Murphy return from the Catacombs with their last-minute purchases. Hobie shows off his new invisibility ring.

Pressi completes last-minute preparations; Bliss and Kezzem are already ready.

You bid a last farewell to Diara, and, after Succotash uses a few scrolls, you find yourselves standing in a bleak landscape under a threatening sky. Nothing grows here but scrubby grass, and there are ruins dotted here and there as far as you can see. This and this is the kind of thing you see.

You are headed for a particular ruined complex, several buildings surrounding crumbling stone courtyard. Following Diara's directions, you begin heading that way.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+26=33 ; d20+10=18 ;
Wednesday October 14th, 2020 5:21:51 PM
Before departure, Succotash says, Welcome to the Slenderstick express. I'll be your captain Succotash Slenderstick. Please keep a firm grasp on the hand, talon, paw, wing or hoof of the creature next to you for the duration of the trip. Our ETA should be be less than a second from now." Less than a second later, The first group arrives, and then he returns and transports the second group a moment later.

When everyone is in the pocket dimension, Succotash says, "And I thought our temple was a fixer upper!" He keeps his eyes peeled for any unwelcome guests, and asks Valerie to do like wise.

Succotash's Perception= 33
Valerie's Perception= 18

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 d20=16 ;
Wednesday October 14th, 2020 7:06:45 PM
OOC: Even with him flat-footed, it's still about a 50/50 chance for invisible Hobie to hit Kezzem with a melee attack. Rolled a d20 to see if he actually hits. He's good with a 16.

"Maybe not, Hobie, but I'm hard to hit, can take a lot of damage, and can heal myself while smiting whatever hit me, so I do pretty good. By the way, punching your friends is a pretty evil thing. I better check you out. Wouldn't want to get confused and smite you by mistake."

Kezzem will Detect Evil on Hobie.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday October 14th, 2020 8:30:19 PM

A strange hiccupping comes from Bliss in cat shape.

Mookie says, "Yeah, yeah, the paladin gets off a funny. Good job, per usual."

Highlight to display spoiler: {Mookie is feeling a bit jealous that Kezzem makes Bliss laugh. "When the Kid was young, it was me he laughed at," the bird thinks.

"I'm not jealous!" Mookie telepaths back to Bliss.}

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+25=36 ;
Wednesday October 14th, 2020 9:57:17 PM
"This is kind of creepy, even for me," Pressi admits. "Someone really needs to fire their maid service."

Could be worse, Pressi thought. She had a mass planar adaptation ready to go for some of those things.

Before a single step is made, Pressi begins to cast detect magic and takes a look around (perception 37+1 for traps). She considers others (shield of faith, flying broom, spectral hand) but she hopes to get a lay of the land first.

---------------

Pressi
Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Spiritual Healing
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)

Harper
Ritual of Warding
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday October 15th, 2020 3:26:11 AM
Hobie does not detect as evil.

�I think I�ve heard of this place. I think it�s called Scott�s Land. As bleak as it looks now, they supposedly have some really great biscuits.�

Hobie will sit back and let his wiser mates get their bearings. He has his bow drawn and is looking out for any signs of danger.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Thursday October 15th, 2020 6:03:22 AM
"I've heard of this Scott's Land, Hobie, I hear they spell whiskey without the "e", which seems rather silly to me. Sadly I don't think this is that place, but upon seeing this place I think I could use a shot of whiskey, with or without the "e"."

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday October 15th, 2020 7:14:16 AM

Bliss keeps on hiccupping cat laughs.

Mookie looks disgusted. "Oh, now everybody's a comedian!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 40/T-23/Fl-35 CMD 37 HP 174
Thursday October 15th, 2020 8:37:44 AM
[busy, ill... catching up]

Before departure, Murphy recommended that the party gather for prayer and petitions in the area of the Sanctuary with shrines to various powers and deities. As they prepare to go to a place of the fae, he prays in the shrine of Eberyon, King of the Fae. He asks for insight and protection for him and the group, for guidance to find them who need rescue. At the adjacent shrine of Maab, he also seeks her favor and wisdom. Next to Lady Justice, whom Pressi serves, on the other side of Eberyon's shrine. He spends a few minutes at each of the other areas - for Pantheon, whom Succotash serves, Domi, Flower, Ffloy (and there he thinks briefly on Bliss's new town proposal), Wardd, Alemi, Kevintar, Gargul, the Culverwood, and last at the new shrine of Kerracles.

Then, prayed up, he joins his friends, and finds himself whisked away to a new realm.

After taking in a 360-degree view of where they landed, the druid with engineering tastes admires some of the ancient stonework, and wonders at how long it might have been since what are now ruins had been serviceable and dwelt in. "Say, before we go far, I have a suggestion. It may or may not be of benefit, but, as Diara explained her mates just wandering this way and that, separating from each other," and here he pulls out the silk rope used by the group up on the moon called Kerracles, "what do you say about us hanging on to this rope as we go along? I'll bring up the rear and keep an eye on the rest of us. If someone gets an urge to let go of the rope and wander off, well at least we will have an early warning."

Murphy takes the light, strong rope, with ready loops through which to place an arm or wrist or hand, and offers it to each person. If some decline, he does not object, yet does recommend, "Well, at least, please remain close."
==========
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
& other stuff...

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday October 15th, 2020 12:43:30 PM
without another word, Hobie will pull a bottle of whisk(e)y from his bag, take a swig, and hand it to Succotash.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Thursday October 15th, 2020 12:51:58 PM
Succotash excepts Hobie�s offer without a word but he does chuckle a bit.

DM Kathy
Thursday October 15th, 2020 3:30:08 PM
Upon your arrival, Pressi immediately casts Detect Magic and looks around. The only magic you see is what's on your companions. You check for traps, but you are standing on a random patch of ground. It would be unusual to find traps out here. Once you get inside the ruins, traps are more likely.

Succotash and Valerie also look around, but see nothing untoward. Well, you're in a bleak, desolate landscape rumored to be full of undead, but other than that.

Hobie thinks the place is similar to Scott's Land, although Scott's Land isn't known for harboring undead.

Murphy suggests everyone hold onto a rope, though you are still a little ways from the actual ruin that Diara and her group were exploring.

Cat-Bliss gives a few cat laughs to his friends' clowning, but is otherwise silent because cat.

You make your way to the specific ruins Diara described--several tumbledown buildings surrounding a courtyard. You can see that some of the buildings are little more than piles of stone; some have two or three walls still standing.

Based on Diara's description, you know approximately where two of her companions wandered off. You also know where she lost her remaining companions after hearing screams. Which location do you want to investigate first?

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Thursday October 15th, 2020 6:09:21 PM
"Guys, quit joking around, this is serious stuff," says Kezzem.

"Press, you are our resident spooky expert, so why don't you pick which direction to go?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Thursday October 15th, 2020 7:17:50 PM
�Normally, I would vote to go towards the screams, but since it�s been a while, I think our chances of finding survivors would be greater if we went in search of the wanderers�.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+26=32 ;
Thursday October 15th, 2020 9:18:12 PM
Pressi starts by telling people to detect evil away from her... towards the ruins. No evil to be detected here.

Pressi thinks where to start. The ruins are an obvious starting place, but also an obvious trap. She tries to see if she recognizes the ruins as ancient or magical (Know Arcana 32) but she's unskilled in planar, religion or engineering. She continues to detect magic, seeing if anything pings.

"Normally, I'd start with a lay of the land. A flyby, divinations, prying eyes, anything that could give us an edge. But I won't start such casting without group approval, given our limited resources and the time sensitivity.

"I'm not confident about finding survivors unless they've actually been captured for some purpose. I'm also not keen on walking directly into a trap. Which means I actually want to go towards the screams, where I am hopeful we will find more clues than remaining monsters. We need scouting, trap searching, and I'm actually going to cast "hide from undead" on the group now. I want to hold on to detect thoughts for the time being."

(She casts "hide from undead".)

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle d20+21=29 ;
Thursday October 15th, 2020 11:00:55 PM

Cat-Bliss sniffs around with his cat-nose. He shifts to the form of an old and scarred tom cat (threefold form) and tries to pick up the scent of Diara or her friends. Or anything living in this sad place, honestly.

Survival to track by scent: 29

He tells Mookie, and Mookie the group, about anything found.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 40/T-23/Fl-35 CMD 37 HP 174 d20+21=31 ; d20+20=37 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=12 ; d20+21=33 ; d20+38=44 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+21=41 ;
Friday October 16th, 2020 1:52:02 AM

Surveillance Afficionado
As no one seems interested in the holding the rope idea, the druid quickly recoils it and places it back in his bag.

"I can perform some flyover surveillance, Pressi. I'll go air elemental, and see what I can see. Anyone want to fly with? Oh, and, though the undead will not be able to see us, any local fae may."

If someone can render him invisible, good. If not, then not.

Murphy will gather information through reliance on his perception, and going into analysis mode, using his training in engineering, the planes, on nature, religion (see rolls below). He tries to apprehend what he can about their environs, including applying tracking abilities via his survival skills to discern if there are signs of recent foot travel in the area.

Whether alone or with another, and if none object, the druid wildshapes into a huge air elemental, and flies up into the air, going first over the screaming area, passing back to Pressi mentally what he can see, discern, discover.

And, should nothing untoward immediately arise as the result of his flyover, he next flies over the other area where the companions wandered off. Reporting back, then returning to the group.

==========
Heroes' Feast
Hide from Undead (Undead cannot see, hear, or smell creatures warded by this spell. Even extraordinary or supernatural sensory capabilities, such as blindsense, blindsight, scent, and tremorsense, cannot detect or locate warded creatures.)
Knowledge (Engineering): 31
Knowledge (Nature): 37
Knowledge (Religion): 27
Knowledge (The Planes): 33
Perception: 44
Profession (Engineer): 14
Survival: 41 (looking for signs of footprints, or of someone being dragged in the area he overflies)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d8+6=13 ; d8+6=14 ;
Friday October 16th, 2020 6:32:26 AM
Succotash casts longstrider and air walk on Valerie and then saddles up. "Valerie and I will join you on the recon mission, Murph. (Valerie can move 70 ft per round, but since she will be double moving 140ft per round) Please stay close so I can get us away quickly if things get ugly."

Active spells and daily uses:
Succotash:
hero's feast (13 temp hp)
speak with animals 19/19
dimensional hop 160ft/160ft
channel energy 9/9
agile feet 12/12

Valerie
hero's feast (14 temp hp)
air walk 959/960
longstrider

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday October 16th, 2020 11:09:46 AM
"I agree we should go for the wanderers."

Hobie will wait as the scouting team goes off

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 40/T-23/Fl-35 CMD 37 HP 174
Friday October 16th, 2020 11:34:34 AM
"Sounds good. Let's go, Succotash, Valerie!" says Murphy glad for the recon company, as six eyes are better than two. He matches Val's movement for the most part, but occasionally shoots off to one side or another to change the angle of viewing. (His double move is 240, 'run' move is 600).

DM Kathy
Friday October 16th, 2020 3:31:02 PM
Kezzem and Succotash briefly discuss which direction to go, but Pressi is in favor of some recon first.

Bliss sniffs around. He has an excellent sense of smell as a cat, but it's been a while since Diara and her party were here. You do catch her scent every now and again, along with the scents of others you assume were her companions. It would be very difficult to follow them as a trail, however.

Murphy changes into an air elemental to overfly the area. Succotash gives Valerie Air Walk to follow. The two of them head off to scout. Hobie remains behind, as do the rest of the group (unless somebody changes their mind).

Murphy and Succotash: how high up are you?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 40/T-23/Fl-35 CMD 37 HP 174
Friday October 16th, 2020 5:21:42 PM
Going out - say 60' to 100'. On the way back, Murphy will go for a higher-in-the-air lookover at a few hundred feet. If people start loosing arrows, he will shoot up higher.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday October 16th, 2020 11:16:56 PM

Well, if Cat-Bliss cannot follow tracks, he at least tries to commit these smells to memory, so that if he comes across a fresher train later, he'll know that its important.

Bliss sends Mookie off to fly with the scouts. His telepathy will let the two teams stay in touch, and Bliss himself turns into a halfling for the moment to relay news.

Mookie passes along anything that Murphy and Succotash report.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+22=23 ; d20+26=33 ;
Saturday October 17th, 2020 10:10:03 PM
Since the consensus is to focus on the wanderers first, Pressi makes an attempt to follow tracks herself using her relentless tracker method. (Survival 23+8, anyone she tries to track gets a ping.)

As she waits for Murphy to message her (remember that the scouters are hidden from undead), she takes some time to wander the area, looking also for traps and for ancient symbols or other markings to indicate what this place used to be.

If anything comes towards them, she uses her Hide in Plain Sight ability (stealth 33 if there's any dim light). She also uses her remote viewing ability (clairvoyance at a point several yards down in the direction the people went - single round only).

-----------------

---------------

Pressi
Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Spiritual Healing
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
Hide from Undead

Harper
Ritual of Warding
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
Hide from Undead

Spells Used

L1: 1
remote viewing: 1

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 40/T-23/Fl-35 CMD 37 HP 174 d20+38=40 ;
Sunday October 18th, 2020 8:06:56 PM

Once the flyover has begun, Murphy keeps up a running mental patter with Pressi, telling her of the overview, salient details, areas of concern, signs of movement or habitation, and the like. During his quick side trips, when he returns to Succotash and Mookie, he notes things he witnessed in the side trip, knowing that Mookie will tell Bliss. Between Bliss and Pressi, the rest of the team should have a decent description before the fly-over team returns. In his mind Murphy is planning his sketches of the area.

Along with the earlier perception roll of 44, here's another one of 40. Pretty good, just not Murphy's most acute.

DM Kathy
Monday October 19th, 2020 1:40:28 PM
[I keep forgetting! Everybody take 17,500 XP for the first scene.]

Murphy and Succotash begin their recon flight. Thanks to her link with Murphy, Pressi hears frequent updates, and can keep the rest of the group apprised. You begin by flying over the area where Diara had heard screaming. You see no signs of life. The stone floor of the ruins is in pretty bad shape, but it is still stone, so it doesn't hold tracks very well. You do occasionally see small flutters of movement, quick and difficult to pin down. Diara had mentioned wraiths; this could be wraiths moving about. You turn and head toward where the party members wandered off. Hmm, interesting. Is that some kind of structure over there? Succotash and Murphy, Highlight to display spoiler: {Make a Will save, DC 36 or begin moving southwest toward that weird structure. Valerie needs to make the save, too. Anybody who fails the save also needs to make a DC 29 Will save. This is mind-affecting, but it is not evil, and does not come from anything undead.}

Bliss is pretty confident he will know these smells if he encounters them again. Mookie flies along with the recon team, providing Bliss with a running commentary. Highlight to display spoiler: {"I keep seeing stuff moving, but it's gone before I can really get a look at it. Didn't that Diary girl say there were wraiths? I'll bet it's wraiths. Or something. Hey, do you suppose it could be lady ravens? Ruins like this would make a great raven stomping ground. Not that ravens do much stomping. Hey, what's that over there? It's like a dome or something." At this point, Mookie needs to make a DC 36 Will save or begin moving southwest toward the dome or whatever it is. Also, if he fails the save he needs to make a second Will save, DC 29. These are mind-affecting effects, but not evil and not from undead.}

Pressi is looking around, but like the others, she finds that the stone floor is not really conducive to tracking. You don't see any signs of traps, and you can't identify any markings or symbols.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 40/T-23/Fl-35 CMD 37 HP 174 d20+24=36 ; d20+16=21 ;
Monday October 19th, 2020 3:07:33 PM

Murphy feels a strong mental compulsion trying to draw him toward the 'weird structure,' but the druid manages through strength of will to overcome it. He touches Succotash to grant him Owl's Wisdom (+4 to Wisdom for 16 minutes) to aid him in his battle of wills versus the compulsion (+2 to the cleric's Will save), and says, 'Resist the urge to go that way, Succotash - some sort of fey trick,' perhaps giving him an additional +2 to his Will save via 'aid another' for a total of +4 (subject to DM ruling). He doubts that Valerie or Mookie will be able to resist, but if the two halflings can rein in their wills, perhaps they can prevent the others from flying off.

If Succotash is not compelled, Murphy will use his much greater size and strength to keep Mookie from moving on ahead and will bring him swift back to the party. Should his non-feathered friend succumb, the next post will try to carry that remedy. Can he huge air-elemental-handle a flying dinosaur, a halfling-sized raven, and a holy cleric?

Murphy keeps Pressi updated on the current situation.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday October 19th, 2020 4:09:36 PM
Hobie takes out Katinka's silver dagger and an apple. He carefully peels the apple, trying his best to peel it in one looooooooong piece.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+22=33 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+22=38 ; d20+7=26 ;
Monday October 19th, 2020 6:31:42 PM
Since Succotash is wearing a +2 headband, he only gains a +2 to wisdom from Murphy's spell for a +1 to his save. I forgot to add the +1 from heroes feast, so Succotash's roll is 35. If Aid Another is acceptable, he will pass, if not, he will fail. Either way, Valerie fails.

If Succotash passed the saving throw, he will quickly yell to Murphy, "Grab Mookie and hold on to Valerie or me!". Murphy should only have to be touching Mookie, as opposed to having to grapple the bird, and since everyone should be flying fairly close together as per Succotash's request before departure, it should be a relatively easy task. He will then cast teleport to get his friends away from the compulsion. If the aid another isn't valid, Valerie and Succotash will start heading towards the weird structure. Succotash has no problem overcoming the second save, but Valerie fails that one as well.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 40/T-23/Fl-35 CMD 37 HP 174
Monday October 19th, 2020 6:52:55 PM

Should Succotash request the help outlined, Murphy complies.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle d20=12 ; d20=20 ;
Monday October 19th, 2020 8:11:56 PM

Mookie fails the first save but somehow, amazingly, passes the second with a nat 20.

He would not resist being grabbed, unless the kindly DM thinks he would!

If Bliss has an inkling that anything is wrong, he tells his friends, "There's a domed temple building that is a source of trouble! I'm sprinting there!" He changes into a cat and starts sprinting. How far is it?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday October 19th, 2020 9:22:41 PM
Pressi passes along the information to others. "Ok, we have a mind effect, attached to some structure... and attached to vision, maybe?"

She hopes so. Her Will is pretty decent but it's not that decent.

Turning to Hobie, she hands him all of the rope that Murphy gathered before, and ties one end around her waist. She takes some time to blindfold herself, telling Hobie that she needs him to pull her back if she guesses wrong. (She can still use Murphy to guide her in the right direction.)

As she gets to a point right before the fliers succumbed, she casts unseen servant and sends him towards the tower. She then proceeds to slow her own speed.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Tuesday October 20th, 2020 12:45:33 PM
Kezzem summons Rumpus (if he was not already there) and takes off after Bliss on his mount.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 40/T-23/Fl-35 CMD 37 HP 174
Tuesday October 20th, 2020 1:23:00 PM
When he learns that Bliss and Pressi and others are rushing their way, Murphy mentally 'shouts' to Pressi, "STAY BACK - DO NOT RUSH THIS WAY!! We are coming back to you now. STAY BACK!"

DM Kathy
Tuesday October 20th, 2020 2:16:15 PM
Murphy is able to withstand the compulsion to move toward the structure. He tries to warn Succotash, but the fascination is too strong, and Succotash can't break out of it. Mookie and Valerie are also affected.

But the intervening few seconds has allowed you to fully grasp what you are looking at. It does look like a structure, but it's not built of stone. It's....some kind of fungus? It looks for all the world like a giant bird cage. A strange glow emanates from within. Oh, and it has tentacles.

For those who can see the thing, Knowledge Nature DC 28 Highlight to display spoiler: {It is a zygomind, a kind of plant creature.}

Cat-Bliss takes off as fast as his kitty feet will run! Kezzem summons Rumpus and prepares to follow.

Pressi gets out the rope and makes ready to follow as well. Murphy warns her not to move, but she's not the one to worry about; it's Bliss that's already moving.

I'm going to step OOC to explain the effects, because I think it will be clearer. Everybody within 300 feet of this critter (right now that's Murphy, Succotash, Bliss, and Mookie) must make a DC 36 Will save every round or be subject to a Fascination effect, compelling them to move toward it. Creatures subject to the Fascination effect must make a second Will save, DC 29, or be subjected to another effect that so far only Valerie has experienced so nobody is sure what it is yet. Valerie doesn't need to make any more saves for the time being.

Here's the kind of weird part: anybody who has seen the creature knows it is a threat. That means that the Fascinate effect no longer compels them to come closer--however, it still subjects them to the other effect, so people still need to make those Fascinate saves. Right now, Bliss is the only person subject to the Fascinate effect who hasn't seen the creature. Valerie, who has succumbed to the second effect, will still continue to move toward the creature unless she is somehow stopped.

This effect is mind-affecting, not evil, not poison, and not caused by undead.

Please let me know if you have questions.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+24=44 ; 16d6=43 ;
Tuesday October 20th, 2020 4:39:36 PM
Succotash makes his save (Rolled 44) though he is currently at the mercy of Valerie at the moment, as he is sitting in her saddle. He decides to drop a firestorm on the plant creature that is obviously the cause of the problem. The spell does 43 fire damage. (DC 27 reflex for half) If the plant creature fails it's save, it catches fire, and takes an additional 4d6 fire damage per round, until the flames are extinguished. A full round action and a DC 20 reflex save are required to extinguish the flames.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday October 20th, 2020 9:53:35 PM
(OOC: I'm actually kind of thrilled that I guessed half right that it was tied to vision, even if I got it backwards.)

(I'll go ahead and assume that Murphy zapped me what's going on, including a picture.)

Pressi pauses as she understands the severity of the situation... and how personally unprepared she is to even help anyone like that. To dispel, she would have to get close. To curse, she would have to get into the area. To avoid the fascination... it would take a lot of luck.

For now, Pressi makes the only move that comes to mind - she casts an insect plague (5 swarms of wasps) upon where Murphy directs her from the comfort of well outside the zone.

---------------

Pressi
Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Spiritual Healing
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
Hide from Undead

Harper
Ritual of Warding
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
Hide from Undead

Spells Used

L1: 1
L6: 1
remote viewing: 1

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Tuesday October 20th, 2020 10:22:36 PM
In case it matters, anyone within 10 feet of Kezzem gets a +4 morale bonus vs. charm effects. Kezzem himself is immune to charm effects. I don't know if that will apply or not. (If I wouldn't have dipped rogue, he would apply this bonus on compulsion effects too; blame evasion for being too awesome).

Kezzem urges Rumpus forward after Bliss. If he gets to him AND it is clear Bliss is enchanted, Kezzem will cast Protection from Evil on bliss. Assuming the effect from an evil creature, Bliss will get another save (with
a +2 bonus if he doesn't have a cloak of resistance).

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Tuesday October 20th, 2020 10:24:06 PM
If Bliss is not effected and at least a third PC is within 40 feet, Kezzem will cast prayer instead, giving everyone within 40 feet a +1 luck bonus to saves (among other things).

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174 d20+21=36 ; d20+18=33 ; d20+33=47 ;
Wednesday October 21st, 2020 2:04:14 AM

Murphy has already taken up Mookie (as indicated last round). This time he recommends to Succotash. "Teleport us, Succotash. That thing is a zygomind, and our best bet is to get us back where we landed on this plane, and get the others back, too! We can take it, but rushing in is not the way."

"EVERYONE - BLISS - HOBIE - KEZZEM - PRESSI - BACK!!! IT'S A ZYGOMIND, AND CAN EASILY DOMINATE AND KILL MANY OF US IF WE JUST RUSH IN!! BACK, I SAY!!"

He redirects Valerie, pushing her around to head back the other way. Murphy's speed is nearly twice that of Valerie, and he is much, much larger. And strong and nimble. He's not trying to hurt her or penetrate her thick skin, merely staying in contact with her and flying her back - Touch AC 15 - rolled a... should have been 34, not 33. Move 250 (not 240 - forgot to include fleet feat), less Valerie's speed - 120 - perhaps net 130 back toward starting point.

Might we know distances traveled under the circumstances? Were we a few rounds out? Half a mile? A league? (j/k) From planar landing point to the zygomind... about how many yards? And how far away when the effects kicked in?

He had been sending as much of a mental picture of the place as he could to Pressi, and the plant creature is, what, colossal in size? She should have a fair feel for where to place the swarms.
============
Knowledge, nature: 36 - he knows a fair amount about the plant creature
Touch vs Valerie: 33/15
Will save w/ hero point: 47 (Murphy figures if he succumbs, their party will suffer heavily)

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle d20+11=25 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+12=20 ;
Wednesday October 21st, 2020 10:30:53 AM

Mookie saves: 25, 30
Bliss saves: 20, 20

Not sure what the effects of failing these saves is, but, if possible, Bliss and Mookie backpedal and retreat away from there.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+50=59 ; 2d6+13=20 ;
Wednesday October 21st, 2020 11:15:06 AM
Hearing Murphy's warning, Hobie will stay in his place.

I'm not sure of the distances here, of how far everyone has traveled, but if Succotash and Valerie are within a few hundred feet of Hobie, and if he can see that Valerie is compelled and pulling herself and Succotash toward the dangerous creature, he will fire an arrow at her in an attempt to disrupt the compulsion effect. He will first use his wand of True Strike, and then fire an arrow with all of his optional damage additions removed, but even so, his arrows kinda hurt.

Attack = 60 (the maximum in the drop down is 50, but my bonus is 51)

Damage = 20 Nonlethal

"IM SORRY VALERIE!!!!! SUCKER WILL HEAL YOU!!!!!"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday October 21st, 2020 11:19:51 AM
forgot to mention that its -2 to hit for each 220 feet that Valerie is from Hobie, but it should still be enough to hit her 38 AC if she is within Hobie's maximum range of 2200 feet

Mind Games

DM Kathy
Wednesday October 21st, 2020 2:13:43 PM
[So, I'm gonna say we've officially moved into the "battling the zygomind" portion of the adventure. Everybody take 17,500 XP for the previous scene.]

Succotash is withstanding the fascination for now, but of course he's on Valerie so there are limits to what he can do. He casts a spell, but the zygomind has spell resistance. Please roll an SR check.

Pressi casts Insect Plague, creating 5 swarms of wasps. She places them as best she can. Being creatures, they might be subject to the zygomind's mental effects. Or, being insects, they might be dumb enough to be immune; Pressi isn't sure.

Kezzem takes off after Bliss. Unfortunately, this puts both him and Rumpus in the area of the zygomind's mental effect, so both of you need to make a DC 36 Will save or be Fascinated and move toward the creature. If you fail that save, you also need to make a DC 29 Will save. [As far as I can tell, this is not a charm effect. Actually, the creature's listing doesn't even say specifically it's mind-affecting, but I'm saying it is, because come on, what else could it be? It doesn't seem to be charm, though.]

Kezzem casts Protection from Evil on Bliss, but it has no effect. This thing doesn't seem to be evil. Just hungry.

Murphy calls for everyone to pull back, but that ship may have sailed. You are able to catch hold of Valerie and keep her from moving closer. She struggles, trying to keep moving, but she does not attack you or anything. You estimate that you walked about a quarter-mile from the place you arrived to get to the complex. You know the zygomind's effect extends for 300 feet around it; you guesstimate that the complex's entrance is 400-500 feet away from it. You and Succotash, on your aerial recon, flew over the eastern half of the complex, and were circling around to the southwest when you flew into the area of influence. The main group is south of you, near the entrance, with Bliss and Kezzem heading northwest toward the creature.

Hobie is an incredible archer, and makes an incredible shot, hundreds of feet, to wound Valerie. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to snap her out of whatever fugue she's in.

Bliss and Mookie Highlight to display spoiler: {are in Blackbird Forest, in your Aunt Priscilla's house. Aunt Priscilla is there, making tea and some of your favorite food. Your mom Vauhwyt is there, too, and she has just said how proud she is of you. You do recall that you had gone to a dark fae plane to rescue some adventurers, and you remember that it all turned out fine and everybody's okay. You're a bit fuzzy on the details, but you're quite sure everything is okay. And besides, you're here in a familiar place with the people you love. This is no time to think about past adventures. [OOC: I'm doing my best to create a kind of idealized scenario for Bliss. I may have messed it up. The zygomind would not mess it up. :) You detect nothing weird or out of place that might be an indication that this isn't real. It is very real to you.] } Meanwhile, Bliss continues advancing toward where the zygomind waits.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Wednesday October 21st, 2020 3:58:46 PM
"Succotash, you can summon and, uh, de-summon Valerie, right? De-summon her, please, and I've got you," Murphy recommends.

[More later - have to run]

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 d20+17=36 ; d20+15=32 ;
Wednesday October 21st, 2020 4:28:02 PM
Kezzem SV Will: 36. Made.

Rumpis Sv Will: 32. Fail.

Rumpus Sv Will 2:

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 d6=4 ; d20+15=29 ;
Wednesday October 21st, 2020 4:29:59 PM
Rumpus Will Sv 2: 29 Made

Will post later. Rumpus is facinated and moving towards the creature, correct? The second save was for a different effect?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Wednesday October 21st, 2020 4:33:25 PM

"Kezzem - pocket Rumpus! Our animals cannot resist!" Murphy says.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+16=27 ; 15d6=57 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+20=26 ;
Wednesday October 21st, 2020 9:16:43 PM
SR roll for Fire Storm 31 (Forgot to add +4 for spell penetration, and greater spell penetration)

"Nope Murph", Succotash says, "That's a paladin thing, Valerie is an average animal companion, like a druid or ranger often has. I'm not worried, I can cast fly on myself if needed, and I can teleport Valerie out of here, but I don't want to waste the spells, since I can't recover them. lets concentrate on killing this thing before it kills us. Besides Valerie, It looks like it has Rumpas, Mookie and Bliss as well. we need to end this thing before it hurts our friends for real!" He then casts Flame Strike SR 25 (Please ignore the second roll, accidentally hit it twice) for 57 damage. half fire, half divine (DC 24 reflex for half)

Active spells and daily uses:
Succotash:
hero's feast (13 temp hp)
speak with animals 19/19
dimensional hop 160ft/160ft
channel energy 9/9
agile feet 12/12

Valerie 6 non lethal
hero's feast
air walk 955/960
longstrider

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Thursday October 22nd, 2020 2:44:21 AM
Kezzem will unsummon Rumpus.

"Sorry, Rumpo, but if you are going to get high, better it be in the...safe space you go."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174 d20+25=33 ; d20+25=26 ; d20+29=46 ; 15d6=66 ;
Thursday October 22nd, 2020 10:42:56 AM

Murphy thinks, "If only Bliss had not decided to rush in, followed by others, we'd likely be fine." Then he feels himself on the edge of succumbing to the soporific effects of the zygomind, but heroically resists (hero point to reroll DC 29 save). Rather than the group being able more intelligently figure out how to deal with the plant creature, looks like they'll have to deal with the cards as now dealt.

He casts blight (DC 30 Fort save for 1/2 damage) on the zygomind for 66 hp damage, causing it to wither somewhat.

"ATTACK FROM AFAR IF POSSIBLE. BE HEROIC IN YOUR RESISTANCE TO THE MENTAL EFFECTS!" shouts Murphy.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday October 22nd, 2020 11:45:12 AM
Hobie casts Fly on himself, and flies as high as he can, trying to get a vantage on the Zygomind while staying far away.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday October 22nd, 2020 2:22:55 PM

"Bliss, Bliss, get back here. Darn it, I knew you'd be the death of me. Actually wrote it down and had it underlined."

Pressi felt conflicted. She didn't have a ton of attacks with THIS range (medium range is 250) and anything else she summoned would take a while to get to the plant itself. That meant staying out here and letting some of her friends tackle it without her, moving in and risking the same effect for a single shot, or trying to get Bliss back when normal methods were ineffective and the rest of the group needs those debuffs.

And through it all, she felt dread. This might be the first creature to actually frighten Pressi that wasn't a mother.

(Strangely, she'd be less scared if she came across some zombies, or if the thing was extraplanar. Zombies give her options.)

She does remind Murphy, via telepathy (and the rest via message), that they do have another option. "We can cut Bliss loose, retreat, and come back to save him later. That would give us a few more options like control weather and other minute long casting, plus whatever weapons they might find searching the area. Granted, it's not the heroic option but we need some level of practicality here. I repeat, retreat may be our best option."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Thursday October 22nd, 2020 2:46:10 PM
Out loud to those who can hear and at the same time mentally to Pressi, Murphy says, "If you all will get, or stay out of range, I can fetch Bliss. I can cast an anti-plant spell. If we can knock out, or sleep Valerie, and get her back, then I can fly in to rescue our sleepy friend. If I see anyone lying on the ground who looks like Diari's friends, maybe I can grab them, too. We retreat, and plan."

DM Kathy d20+16=34 ;
Thursday October 22nd, 2020 3:16:11 PM
Kezzem resists the zygomind's call, but Rumpus isn't so fortunate. To keep his mount safe, Kezzem sends him back to the celestial realm. [Kezzem needs to make another save this round.]

Succotash's Fire Storm hit last round, although the zygomind made its save and only took half damage. Encouraged, he tries again with a Flame Strike, but this time he is unable to overcome the creature's resistance. [Also, did you make your Will save last round? I don't see one, and you're still in the area.]

Murphy gives some thought to strategy, then tries to cast Blight. Please make an SR check.

Hobie casts Fly on himself and gains some elevation, looking for a vantage point. You can get one. The zygomind is shielded from the front of the complex by a couple of walls, but with elevation you can see and target it. To stay out of its effects, you need to be more than 300 feet away, which means you're going to be taking some range increment penalties, but you're pretty confident you can hit the thing. Just remember to do the math.

Pressi feels herself out of her element. She prepared for fae and undead, not giant mushrooms that hypnotize people. You consider summoning spells, but you're pretty sure your wasps have succumbed to the zygomind's fascination effect, so summoning additional creatures might not do much good. You could take a page from Hobie's book and try to go aloft, but without longer-range spells, you might not be able to do anything without getting into the area of effect.

Meanwhile, Bliss continues moving toward the creature. Valerie and Mookie are trying to, but are being held back by Murphy and Succotash respectively. Murphy and Succotash are still in the area of effect, and still need to make Will saves.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+23=24 ; d20+23=24 ;
Thursday October 22nd, 2020 5:59:30 PM
Succotash failed his save for yesterday's save, (rolled 24) and then turned around and did the same thing for today's save, so Succotash has succumbed to the plants mind-effects. So I guess He didn't cast flame strike last round.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 d20+15=19 ;
Thursday October 22nd, 2020 11:05:22 PM
Sv Will: 19. Nope!

Kezzem drools.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174 d20+16=27 ; d20+25=30 ; d20+25=28 ; d20+29=32 ;
Thursday October 22nd, 2020 11:25:26 PM

SR on Blight: 27

Murphy has been driving Valerie (and upon him Succotash) and Mookie back away from the area of effect for three rounds now - that's 130 feet per round, 260 feet by the end of last round, and, if needed, 390 feet by the end of this round. As they did not get real close to the plant critter, they very likely got outside the 300 foot radius at least by last round. Just in case my figuring is faulty though:

Murphy fails the fascinate saving throw; then by 1 point against the DC 29 roll - but, knowing what he knows of the zygomind, Murphy forces himself to draw upon dwindling reserves (1 hero point), and he ekes out a save (30). He drives Valery and Succotash and Mookie all the way out of the zone, and lets Pressi know he is in dire need of help, and to stay far away from the critter... Mookie has the Instant Fortress... can we make a short-term prison of it to contain those who strain toward the creature? Or does he have to get even farther distant from it?

Once he senses he is outside the area, Murphy works on bringing himself and the three other scouts out and around (definitely not through) the sphere of influence, back toward where the party started out. He needs to get these to a place of safety before going on a Bliss rescue.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday October 22nd, 2020 11:56:17 PM

Mookie says, "Ya gotta let me go! The Kid needs me! Seriously, I'm sorry for all the times I said that stuff! LEGGO!"

Bliss: "Meow!"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 d20+15=32 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+15=17 ;
Friday October 23rd, 2020 1:28:49 PM
Kezzem is going to use a hero point to reroll his Will Sv (just remembered I can do that!)

SV Will (DC 36): 1d20 + 15 = 32. Still not good enough (why is the DC 36!?)

----

Second SV Will (DC 29): 1d20 + 15 = 24. Nope. Hero point!

SV Will (DC 29): 1d20 + 15 = 17. And worse.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Friday October 23rd, 2020 1:29:49 PM
Actually, those saves should be +17, not +15 (I was rolling Rumpus's save by mistake). Not going to make a difference though.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Friday October 23rd, 2020 1:42:14 PM
I�ve got the kid all day so my brain is mush.

Pressi rolls a hero point for inspiration on how to kill the creature or save her friends.

DM Kathy
Friday October 23rd, 2020 3:01:14 PM
Succotash Highlight to display spoiler: {finds himself back in his father's silversmith shop, watching him work. It's a pleasant scene, reminding you of your youth, but without the frustration of knowing the silversmithing life isn't for you. Vaguely, you remember that you had been in a pocket realm looking for some lost adventurers, but you remember that everything got resolved just fine. You're a little fuzzy on the details, but they don't really matter now, do they? Your father has just finished saying how proud he is of you, even though your career took you down a different path. Your mother arrives with mugs of strong tea, urging your father to take a break and saying how nice it is to have you home again. [OOC: I'm doing my best to spin a pleasant fantasy for Succotash. The zygomind is much better at this than I am. :) Your character is experiencing happiness and contentment, and sees no signs that anything is not as it should be--whatever that looks like. This is just a guess.]} Succotash and Valerie continue to try to move toward the zygomind.

Kezzem Highlight to display spoiler: {finds himself playing the best card game he has ever played in his entire life. His opponents are smart, crafty, and not above occasional cheating (which makes things interesting!). You are challenged, but you are winning more than you are losing. The ale is good, the conversation is lively, the surroundings are comfortable. It is your favorite inn. Vaguely, you remember that you recently traveled to a pocket realm to rescue some adventurers, but you also remember that everything came out just fine. The details are fuzzy, but you're sure everything is all right and you can just enjoy your card game and your company. [OOC: I'm doing my best to spin a pleasant fantasy for Kezzem. The zygomind is much better at this than I am. :) Your character is experiencing happiness and contentment, and sees no signs that anything is not as it should be--whatever that looks like. This is just a guess.]}. Kezzem continues moving northwest.

Bliss also continues moving northwest.

Making a heroic effort, Murphy withstands the zygomind's lure and pushes himself, Succotash, Valerie, and Mookie out of the creature's influence.

Pressi gives the matter some thought. You know that Bliss and Kezzem are still enthralled by the creature, and you aren't sure how to snap them out of it. However, their danger is not immediate. You get a sudden flash of insight that you know to be true: this thing doesn't kill right away. It lures its victims in, then slowly drains them of their essence. You guys have time. Rushing in, one after another, to save the most recently ensnared is not going to help anyone. You need to get the remaining team back together, regroup, and come up with a plan. Hobie probably has the right idea--get an angle on this thing and attack it from a distance. Hobie can do it with arrows; the casters might be able to do it with spells. It's inconvenient that the creature has spells resistance, but it's not insurmountable. Area-effect spells will be good for a limited time, until Bliss and Kezzem get close enough to the creature to be collateral damage. After that, you'll want single-target spells. And they'll need to be long-range spells.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Friday October 23rd, 2020 6:43:51 PM
OOC... Nailed it for Succotash's fantasy! Hearing his father say he's proud of him would be music to Succotash'e ears.

As Murphy pushes Valerie and himself out of the effect range, Succotash remembers where he is, as he snaps out of the happy place. A single tear rolls down his cheek as he realizes, his father may never except his life choice, but he steels his resolve, knowing he is doing what he was made for. He is also more then a bit angry at the zygomind for messing with his mind. Frustrated, all his spells are medium and short range spells, and he has no other long range options. so he looks around hoping Hobie can drop the thing quick.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174 d20+27=44 ; d20+38=49 ; d20+27=47 ; d20+38=47 ;
Saturday October 24th, 2020 7:31:36 PM

The beleaguered druid is feeling good about breaking himself and friends from the aura of influence of the zygomind. Whew!

"We circle around that way," he indicates. "Mookie, we will rescue Bliss. If you go back within a few hundred feet of that cagey plant, you, too, will be trapped, unable to rescue your proteg�, but rather enslaved to the mind control of the zygomind. Do you understand? Do you agree to come around back to where we started our scouting, so we together can figure this out?" Murphy tries to sense Mookie's motives (44). Has he snapped out of the plant's pull? If so, he feels additional relief.

He also observes whether Valerie is still straining in the direction of the plant. If so, good.

"Guys, I'm the fastest one here. Let me get us all back to the group. Keep your eyes out to see if you can see where Kezzem* and Bliss are down below."

He proceeds to shepherd the group at a speed of 250 feet per round back to where they started. He does glance down to see if he can see Bliss and/or Kezzem somewhere below. He also will see if he can pinpoint the locations of other party members.

*-I'm assuming that Pressi might have let Murphy know that the paladin, too, looks to be under the influence.

============
Sense motive on Mookie: 44
Sense motive on Valerie: 47
Perception to locate Bliss / Kezzem moving on the ground below: 49
Perception to figure out where other party members are (Hobie, Pressi, animals): 47

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Sunday October 25th, 2020 3:17:25 AM

[OOC: Is Mookie now unaffected, or just restrained?]

Mookie looks around, confused.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Sunday October 25th, 2020 10:54:43 PM
�Wait, our friends Bliss and Kezzem are not yet in danger. But we can be in danger if we get back to them when they are in the zone. Murphy, I think the group that can do something is here, for now.

�So now we have a choice. Continued attacks from afar with whatever long range spells are left, looking around for better weapons, or...

�There is one alternative as far as I can see. I can walk in, hope I remain stable, and fire off a spell like flesh to stone. It would be nice if I could turn into something immune but we take what we can get. And if I can�t... we�ll, that�s what the rope around my waist is for, right?�

Before anything happens, she does grill Succotash and Moonlite about what happened when the effect took over. Maybe she could find her own way to enter their friends minds.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Monday October 26th, 2020 12:49:34 AM

"I fly up high above where Bliss and Kezzem are moving towards," Murphy explains a possible tactic. "I have a tree feather token tied to each of two rocks. The rocks fall, and an oak tree grows up instantaneously where each rock falls. If they are close together, perhaps one tree would suffice. I have an anti-plant spell, ten foot radius. I have an oak planted out here. I transport via plants to the tree adjacent to our two friends. I pick them both up, and transport back to here."

Murphy comments to Pressi, "Yes, you have some experience with entering into others' minds, and vice versa. I wonder if there is anything you might do to help me fortify my mind against the cage plant's mental control."

"If there is any one person who could take the plant out almost by himself, it would be Hobie, from on high, or from afar. He is among the greatest archers in the Wold, as far as I can tell... If he is far enough away, or high enough in the air, would the zygomind be able to send out anything against him? It would be good for him to have protection from evil, in case some undead able to fly might reach him. If he and Succotash pair up, they could be formidable partners. They could go up on the flying carpet."

"Friends - other thoughts, strategies?" the druid asks.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Monday October 26th, 2020 6:21:29 AM
"All my spells are either, short range, medium range, or touch. For me to use any of them, I have to risk that things mind crap, so I won't be of much use there. I of course would be happy to stand by Hobie's side, or fly by his side what ever the case might be, to offer back-up, should something decide to join us in the air. Valerie still has air walk on her, and that should last quite a while longer. I can also cast fly on myself if needed, and I believe our archer friend has already gotten himself air born,and may be in position to start the process of turning that plant fiend into a pincushion." Succotash then heads over to offer back-up/protection to Hobie, making sure to stay well out of the Zygomind's mind-effect range,

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday October 26th, 2020 10:23:48 AM
�Aside from my gaze attack? Not much. I don�t really have a good idea except to kick myself for taking the wrong feat. Bouncing over reach, what was I thinking.�

DM Kathy
Monday October 26th, 2020 1:44:36 PM
Murphy pushes Succotash, Valerie, and Mookie out of the area. It takes a few seconds, but they come back to themselves, no longer interested in moving closer to the zygomind.

You begin discussing strategies, but you find your options are frustratingly limited. You need to be able to hit from long range, but most of you can't do that. Getting closer means entering the zygomind's range and risking becoming fascinated or enthralled or whatever you want to call it. And since the thing isn't evil, your protection options are limited.

Summoning creatures probably isn't going to work either, unless somebody can summon something that's immune to mind-affecting effects.

It may be all up to Hobie, who has been strangely silent.

Meanwhile, Bliss and Kezzem continue moving toward the zygomind.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Monday October 26th, 2020 3:42:02 PM
"Hey Bliss, do you have any threes?" asks Kezzem the enchanted Kezzem.

OOC: I assume we don't get a save every round?

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday October 26th, 2020 4:48:34 PM

"Aunt Priss, why do you want three? I only have two hands," answers Bliss.

=====

Mookie ponders. "Maybe molds and funguses don't much like bright light?" He uses his new Hand of Glory to cast Daylight on the next arrow to be shot at the enemy fungi.

"This is totally karma for us making too many mushroom jokes," he adds.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday October 26th, 2020 5:18:46 PM
More post to come later. But Pressi reminds Murphy that she can cast constructs for their lesser immortal summons, and they have to be immune to this.

�It moves slow, but If you can drop it in front of Bliss and Kezzem, I can tell it to secure them for a fly out.�

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Monday October 26th, 2020 9:14:54 PM

"That could be mighty convenient, Press," Murphy responds to her idea to summon lesser immortals. "You suppose this pocket plane has someone like that capable of doing that? And, what does it cost? But, if willing and able and reasonably confident, then summon away!"

[more in a bit, am still at work.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday October 26th, 2020 10:25:52 PM
sorry for the above posts, please delete copies. It was caused by a refresh.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday October 26th, 2020 10:40:25 PM
Pressi casts her immortal summons next to her. "Gerry, come on down."

By her side begins to grow a modified graven guardian. It stares before her, its large dog head cocked, the left ear missing, a few beeps in response.

"No, no engagement, I need you for extraction." She signals for someone to prep Gerry or hand it a rope (he can move speed 40, hope its enough). "Grapple the halflings, drag them out by any means necessary but do not otherwise harm. Once they are secure, Murphy or I will extract you and any grappled out of the area. Do not engage any other hostiles except for self defense. Await further instructions once the units are secure."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Monday October 26th, 2020 11:03:10 PM

"Here are two nets, with four ropes on each - one for each corner. You suppose Gerry can use these for Kezzem and Bliss?" he asks Pressi. Murphy had been planning out different elaborate means, and will prep for such in case Gerry runs into problems, but he likes what his love has come up with. "Hi Gerry. Thanks for your help against the giants."

Extra preps: Two more 4-rope nets. Two human-fist-sized rocks wrapped in cloth, twine, and with a tree feather token, feather tip pointing a couple inches out, the rest twine-wrapped (not excessively, but enough to keep it in place), with an extension of twine from wrapped rock with loop for being held/carried by an appendage.

"When I need it, can someone cast haste upon me?" he asks. "If so, how long will it last?"

He asks Hobie and Succotash if they want to use the flying carpet. "How soon can you start loosing arrows from maybe 500 feet in the air?"

"Mookie - do you have that Instant Fortress cube?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Monday October 26th, 2020 11:04:48 PM

Oh, and before he does all that with feathers and netting and such, Murphy comes out of wildshape, his form changing from airy light yet huge air elemental to compact, solid halfling.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+25=35 ; d20+25=32 ; d20+25=41 ; d20+20=38 ; d20+15=34 ; d20+15=26 ; 2d6+23=33 ; 2d6+23=33 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+23=29 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+23=31 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+23=28 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+23=29 ; d6=3 ; 6d6=25 ; 4d6=19 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday October 27th, 2020 4:59:23 AM
ugh, I just typed out all of my arrows and then somehow refreshed the page and have to type it all again.....

Hobie clicks his boots and unleashes his barrage of arrows. The Zygomind is in his second range increment, so he takes a -2, which I didnt include when clicking but will include in the numbers below

Manyshot = 33
33 piercing + 4 electric = 37
33 piercing + 5 electric = 38

Rapid shot = 30
29+5 =34

Haste = 39
31+5=36

Iterative 1= 36
28+5=33

Iterative 2 = 32, critical threat, confirmation = 24
unconfirmed = 29+3=32
confirmed = 4d6(19) +69 piercing + 2 electric = 80

===============================================
Not to metagame but for the sake of helping your math, I looked up the Zygomind. If this is a by the book Bestiary 5 zygomind then total damage =

6 arrows all hit AC 30 or higher --total damage = 268
6 arrows x DR20 (the worst part of being an archer) = 120

Total damage after DR= 148

I'm not sure if plants can be crit, if they can't, it's 48 less damage for an even 100

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+23=29 ; d20+23=36 ; d20+23=38 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+13=28 ; 2d6+23=30 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+23=31 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+23=34 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+23=28 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+23=33 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday October 27th, 2020 5:06:54 AM
If the GM is gracious enough to let me make up for my missing post, I will add a second barrage of attacks here, if i'm just out of luck for missing my posts, I understand. Also, I just remembered haste adds a +1 to attack so in case it matters all the attacks in the post above should have +1 to hit

Manyshot = 30
30 piercing +1 electric = 31
31 piercing +2 electric = 33

Rapid shot = 37
34 + 1 = 35

Haste = 39
28 +1 = 29

Iterative 1 = 22- MISS

Iterative 2 = 29
33 + 2 = 35

================================================
5 arrows hit, total damage = 163
5 arrows x DR20 = 100

Total after DR = 63

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday October 27th, 2020 6:00:49 AM
"Nice shooting Tex!" Succotash says as Hobie lets fly, "I've always wanted to say that, but I'm not sure who Tex is. It's kinda weird being named after this mythical and obviously nonexistent place known as Texas." He has his wand of searing light at the ready, should any undead decide to meet them in the air.

(Murphy would realize that Succotash is riding the air walking Valerie, and that Hobie is flying via the spell he cast on himself, so he probably wouldn't have asked if they wished to use the magic carpet. To the best of my knowledge, Kezzem, Rumpus, and Harper are the only ones in our party who don't have flight options.)

DM Kathy
Tuesday October 27th, 2020 4:08:28 PM
Bliss and Kezzem continue moving toward the zygomind.

Pressi begins casting Lesser Immortal Summons. It is a full-round action to cast, so Gerry the Graven Guardian will arrive next round.

Murphy has been turning over elaborate plans in his mind, and he begins to execute one. He uses a standard action to change back into a halfling, then a move action to retrieve a bunch of items, and at that point he's done.

Hobie starts shooting. He unleashes an incredible amount of damage in two rounds [yes, I'll count both].

Succotash compliments Hobie's shooting, and stands by with a Wand of Searing Light, just in case.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Tuesday October 27th, 2020 6:54:42 PM
"Read 'em and weep," mutters Kezzem. "All mushrooms. That's a flush!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday October 27th, 2020 7:19:14 PM
Succotash continues to offer back-up to Hobie, as well as encourage his friend.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+25=30 ;
Tuesday October 27th, 2020 9:00:33 PM
Pressi finishes her cast and then gives the instructions.

Once Murphy is done his preparations, Gerry the Construct enters the field and begins heading towards the halflings as fast as he can (speed 40, double move).

With a standard action left, she scans the field ahead, looking for any objects - literally any and all, rocks, trash, fallen bodies, strewn armor, arrows - between her and just before the mushroom (250 feet from her location). (Perception 30)

If she sees any, and if Gerry enters the field without being affected, she casts animate objects on them and sends them after the mushroom (doubly so if there are any brooms on the battlefield). Otherwise, she casts Guide on Hobie (+2 to his next attack roll).

Harper still looks worried.

---------------

Pressi
Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Spiritual Healing
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
Hide from Undead

Harper
Ritual of Warding
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
Hide from Undead

Spells Used

L1: 1
L5: 1
L6: 1
L7: 1
remote viewing: 1

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday October 28th, 2020 12:01:24 AM

Mookie hangs his head. Even his plan to use a Daylight spell was for nought.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+24=28 ; d20+24=35 ; d20+24=32 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+14=15 ; 2d6+23=30 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+23=26 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+23=34 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+23=27 ; d6=1 ;
Wednesday October 28th, 2020 9:08:52 AM
Hobie let's loose another volley

Manyshot = 28
Piercing 30 + Electric 2 = 32
Piercing 26 + Electric 6 = 32

Rapid shot = 35
34+6 = 40

Haste = 32
27+1 = 28

Iteratives 1 and 2 both miss.
==============================================

4 arrows hit, total damage 132
4 x DR20 = 80

After DR = 52

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Wednesday October 28th, 2020 1:14:55 PM

Murphy wraps one rock/cloth/feather/twine, lets the other feather fall enough feet away from him to avoid being bashed by the instant trunk, leaves the nets he got out on the ground where they dropped when he took them out a round or two ago, gently places the rock/feather on top of the nets, casts greater magic fang (I thought I had done so before the scouting outing, but it looks like I did not mention it), and that's likely more than he can do in this round. Out of the corner of his eye he notices wooden shafts raining down upon the plant cage. Hobie deserves some sort of award for what he is doing, in addition to the intrinsic.

DM Kathy
Wednesday October 28th, 2020 2:50:45 PM
Kezzem and Bliss remain in their weird trances, moving closer to the zygomind. They are close enough now that it would be dangerous to target the zygomind with an area spell.

Succotash continues to encourage Hobie.

Hobie keeps shooting. You notice that each round, the creature heals a little bit of the damage, but you are damaging it faster than it can heal. You just have to keep after it.

Pressi sees literally dozens of small objects--mostly rocks--ahead of her. She animates several of them. You can't actually see the zygomind from where you are unless you gain some elevation, like Hobie, but you can send Gerry and the animated objects on their way.

Murphy continues to make his preparations.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Wednesday October 28th, 2020 7:58:10 PM
Seeing Pressi cast animate object, Succotash thinks to himself, What a great use for that spell, why haven't I ever considered using it?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday October 28th, 2020 9:33:54 PM
Gerry continues to move double time towards Kezzem and Bliss, beeping wildly. (Let me know when it gets close).

The animated rocks (15 small or half for medium) begin to rise at Pressi's command and rush towards the zygomind as fast as it can. (Not sure if it will be enough to defeat that DR.)

As Pressi casts a guide upon Hobie (to boost the attack on one of his arrows), she gives Succotash and Harper and Mookie something to do... bind her upon the waist because she wasn't kidding about risking the mind thing. "And when I do fall to this? I want the three of you to pull on my harness like you're taking out my spine. I've done all I can out here."

After (and if) Succotash and Mookie are done preparing ropes around her armor, she begins to move in 30 feet, her eyes straight ahead, the Rod of Thunder in her hand.

---------------

Pressi
Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Spiritual Healing
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
Hide from Undead

Harper
Ritual of Warding
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
Hide from Undead

Spells Used

L1: 1
L5: 1
L6: 1
L7: 1
remote viewing: 1

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Thursday October 29th, 2020 12:10:33 AM
"Bah, threes over sevens! Where did you get that full house, Alleah?" mutters Kezzem.

OOC: Don't worry about blasting Kezzem. He has plenty of HP.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elementl Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Thursday October 29th, 2020 6:12:37 AM

Murphy casts antiplant shell, wildshapes back into a huge air elemental, and takes up the nets and such as he begins his ascent into the sky.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday October 29th, 2020 6:42:56 AM
Mookie tries to help with ropes, using beak and Mage Hand.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+24=36 ; d20+24=44 ; d20+24=34 ; d20+24=33 ; d20+19=32 ; d20+14=18 ; 2d6+23=28 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+23=33 ; d6=1 ; 4d6=17 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+23=33 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+23=32 ; d6=2 ;
Thursday October 29th, 2020 12:22:25 PM
Hobie keeps it going

Manyshot= 36
Piercing 28 + Electric 1 = 29
Piercing 33 + Electric 1 = 34

Rapid Shot = Natural 20-- Confirmation roll = 34
4d6(17)+69= Piercing 86 +Electric 5 = 91

Haste = 33
33+6 = 39

Iterative 1 = 32
32+ 2 =34

Iterative 2 = 18 - Miss

=====================================
Total Damage 5 arrows =227
5 arrows x DR20 = 100

Damage after DR = 127

==============================
Boots of Speed 7/10

DM Kathy
Thursday October 29th, 2020 3:23:57 PM
Pressi's animated rocks begins speeding toward the zygomind. Gerry continues to move toward Bliss and Kezzem. He will catch up at the end of next round, but he won't have enough actions left to do anything.

Meanwhile, Succotash, with help from Harper and Mookie, begins tying a rope around Pressi's waist.

Murphy casts Antiplant Shell, which is a standard action. Transforming back into an air elemental is also a standard action, so he'll need to use a Hero Point or wait until next round.

Hobie keeps shooting. Arrow after arrow finds its mark, until the weird fungus dome partially collapses and the tentacles stop moving.

After a short time, Bliss and Kezzem come back to themselves. The zygomind is no more.

[Hobie gets a Hero Point for managing to kill the thing from a distance. Pressi and Murphy get Hero Points for thinking outside the box. If you want to nominate somebody else for a Hero Point, let me know.]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Thursday October 29th, 2020 5:59:45 PM
"That was interesting, and by interesting, I mean I'm glad we have our very own Hobie with us." Succotash sighs, a sigh of relief, "I think we know why those guys wandered off now, shall we go and investigate?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elementl Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174 d20+38=58 ; d20+38=47 ; d20+38=57 ;
Thursday October 29th, 2020 8:48:32 PM

And Murphy goes into air elemental mode. "Hurrah!" he says now that apparently Hobie has won the day. "Yes, Succotash. On my way." And he flies up and toward where Bliss and Kezzem went. As he comes to them (he goes all the way to Bliss, who may be in the lead), he asks, "Bliss, Bliss, are you all right?" He does keep a wary eye on the fungal mass, in case it begins to stir again. "Want a lift back?"

Over the next several minutes, Murphy looks for the two members of Diani's group who had wandered off and, just in case, any others from her group who may have somehow made their way here. If they lay still, or are just rousing, he gathers them up, and flies them away from the fungus. He wants them far away in case something strange occurs with the zygomind. Those whom he carries are protected by his plantshield. If other intelligent creatures are similarly rousing, he marshalls them away from the fungal hub. Once the living (or not quite dead) are rescued, he takes a closer look at the crumpled plant cage. Are there people within? Is there 'stuff' within?

All along, he gives Pressi updates.

Perception: Searching for members of Diani's party: 58 (nat 20)
Perception: Looking for others in need of rescue: 47
Perception: Looking for 'stuff': 57

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday October 29th, 2020 8:49:50 PM

When Bliss understands what has been going on, he changes into halfling form and whaps on the Mad Mushroom with his staff sling.

Mookie flies up and looks for loot.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday October 29th, 2020 9:00:31 PM
When Kezzem finally wakes up, he finds a muscular dog man robot pushing him while beeping.

Pressi watches as Hobie takes down the creature. "Yeah, I could have done that too. But where's the speechifying for that?"

Also, Murphy has an antiplant shell? "I thought I had some weirdly specific spells in my guidebook. Can you also cast shark repellent spray?"

More specifically, Pressi isn't willing to go another two feet after a surprise like that. Now that she can take her time, she fires up the arcane eye (10 minutes to cast but it should reach the zygomind in less than a minute) and sends it through the area looking for survivors and bodies.

---------------

Pressi
Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Spiritual Healing
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
Hide from Undead

Harper
Ritual of Warding
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
Hide from Undead

Spells Used

L1: 1
L4: 1
L5: 1
L6: 1
L7: 1
remote viewing: 1

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Friday October 30th, 2020 6:21:22 AM
Succotash, On Valerie's back sprints towards the Zygomind (70x4=280ft per round). Not for the first time, he wishes Murphy would stop the whole I'll go investigate by myself thing it worries him something fierce, when he does that. If he could just remember to take his friendly neighborhood travel cleric along, he will find that, unless there is some mind effecting gobbaly guck going on, he can get them out of harms way,9 out of 10 times.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday October 30th, 2020 7:44:57 AM
Hobie will fly a bit closer to the dead zygomind, but will only approach it if he sees that his friends are keeping their minds.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Friday October 30th, 2020 12:49:45 PM
"Wait a minute, I have the three of mushrooms. How did...?"

Kezzem comes to his senses.

"Um, what happened, where am I, and how did Alleah get that three of mushrooms if it was in my hand?"

DM Kathy
Friday October 30th, 2020 2:40:40 PM
Murphy changes into an air elemental and races toward the zygomind, sending Succotash scrambling to follow him.

Bliss moves the rest of the way to the zygomind in order to whap on it a few times.

Kezzem awakens from his card game just as Gerry the Graven Guardian is reaching for him.

Hobie moves cautiously closer while Pressi begins casting a spell.

But everyone has forgotten about Pressi's wasps. They had been fascinated by the zygomind, and drawn into who knows what kind of waspy fantasies as they moved every closer. Now, just like Bliss and Kezzem, they are awake again. They make life very interesting for a short time, until Pressi is able to dismiss them.

In the area of the zygomind itself, you find a couple of decrepit-looking zombies, which you readily dispatch. But something is off. You would have expected more corpses. And you would have expected fresher-looking corpses belonging to Diara's former companions. You find neither. A Knowledge: Nature check might tell you more.

You do find some treasure scattered about--a couple of staves, a rod, and a small-sized greatsword.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Friday October 30th, 2020 3:01:27 PM
"Did a mushroom just try to eat me?" asks Kezzem. "A mushroom just tried to eat me, didn't it? That almost enough to put one off mushrooms. Almost."

"Hey look, loot? Anything magical guys?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elementl Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174 d20+21=29 ; d20+21=29 ;
Friday October 30th, 2020 10:29:46 PM

Murphy puzzles through the apparent paucity of corpses, and unclear evidence regarding Diara's party members. Perhaps they are being kept elsewhere? If so, by whom? Has someone been plucking those attracted to the zygomind, and taking them elsewhere? Or, has a great deal of time passed in this pocket plane relative to the prime material plane's temporal frame of reference. Having seen temporal anomalies in other contexts, and having spent time learning about various planes when he was plucked unceremoniously from the tail end of the battle against the northern giants onslaught, the druid mulls over this possibility.

Now, Diara had spent some time describing her companions, their appearance. Did she list some of their more salient possessions? Might this small-sized greatsword (a paradoxical weapon, indeed) have belonged to a party member, or the staves or rod? Murphy shrinks to a smaller size capable of navigating among the now dead foliage of the fungal predator. He looks for clothing, other items which may be recognizable as having belonged to their petitioner's friends.

Or is there something different in some way about this particular zygomind?

The still fairly young Mister Leafwin Pipewood draws upon his acquaintance with the natural world and with planar distinctions to help inform his thoughts.

He shares what he is pondering among his friends, and asks for their ideas.

"We may need to explore further this plane. We know that a few other members of the party went off a different direction. This story is not yet finished, I think."

Then he thinks to add, "And I want to make sure this zygomind thing is really, really dead. Deader than a doornail. Not that I use nails in a door. My father uses wooden rods and clever cuts and grooves and glues to assemble doors."
================
Knowledge (nature): 29
Knowledge (the planes): 29

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+6=12 ; d20+6=15 ;
Sunday November 1st, 2020 3:04:31 PM
Succotash scratches his head as he examines the corpses. Things don't add up as he assumed they would. He's no expert on the planes, or nature for that matter, but he pitches in to assist Murphy in his findings, giving him a +2 on both his rolls.

Aid Another Nature: 12(pass)
Aid Another Planes: 15(pass)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+29=43 ;
Monday November 2nd, 2020 10:31:02 AM
With most focused on the plant, Pressi reviews the loot (Detect Magic, Spellcraft 43).

She also tries to figure out how a group of summoned wasps (technically mindless) gets possessed, but she does take the time to dismiss them.

---------------

Pressi
Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Spiritual Healing
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
Hide from Undead

Harper
Ritual of Warding
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
Hide from Undead

Spells Used

L1: 1
L5: 1
L6: 1
L7: 1
remote viewing: 1

DM Kathy
Monday November 2nd, 2020 2:09:49 PM
Kezzem reflects on the irony of almost being eaten by a mushroom.

Murphy, with help from Succotash, is able to recall that victims slain by zygominds rise as undead--usually skeletons or zombies. These undead move out from the zygomind, attacking any creatures they see. Their attacks can subject other creatures to the zygomind's influence, even from miles away. It is likely, then, that the bodies of other victims are....elsewhere, having been turned into undead and sent out. You aren't sure what will happen to them now that the zygomind is dead. Maybe they'll be dead, too, or maybe they'll just revert to "normal" undead; you're not sure. Either way, they are corporeal undead, they have feet, and that means they can be tracked.

Pressi spends some time studying the items you found. You identify a Staff of Fire, a Staff of Necromancy, and a Rod of Alertness. The sword is a +3 greatsword. When describing her companions, Diara didn't mention any of these items. She didn't give you a complete catalog of all their stuff, but it seems unlikely that any of this belonged to them. The sword is intriguing, but the only small member of the party was a ranger, who would be unlikely to be swinging a greatsword around.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday November 2nd, 2020 2:10:02 PM
Bliss takes cat form and tries to sniff out a clue or odor of the people we are seeking.

Though he fears this is just a diversion.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Monday November 2nd, 2020 11:41:00 PM
"Greatsword isn't really my thing," says Kezzem. "I could use it, but I'm just not as good with big clumsy weapons like that. Daggers, short swords, or rapiers are more my speed. Can anyone else use it? Succo, isn't that more your thing, or did you lose that with the pig? Or Hobie maybe? Might be a good option if you even find yourself too close to use a bow?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+23=37 ; d20+14=18 ;
Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 5:55:04 AM
Succotash shakes his head, "My skill with the greatsword left me the same time I lost the rest of my paladin abilities, I would just be wailing away if I tried to wield such a weapon now.

Succotash looks around for the tracks of Diara's friends (Perception 37), and assuming he finds them, he will attempt to follow them (Survival 18)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+22=30 ;
Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 10:04:48 AM
Pressi points out that its the staves that are important. (While pretty much anyone who would use a greatsword already has one, there's no such thing as too many spells, esp of these types.)

In fact, her first move is to study the Rod of Alertness. Once a day she can detect enemies and warn friendlies (like the guys she is looking for) and half a plan is already beginning to form in Pressi's mind. Unless someone else takes an interest, she grabs all three.

Also, "These guys were clearly more prepared for the zygomind than we were. A separate party, perhaps?"

Otherwise, she uses her tracking ability to follow the zombie tracks but doesn't turn on her justicar ability quite yet (Survival 30).

DM Kathy
Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 2:37:32 PM
Bliss scents the air. You think you catch faint traces of some of Diara's companions, but it's hard to say for sure.

Kezzem declines the great sword, and there doesn't seem to be anybody else who can wield it. Of course, it's still worth money.

Succotash is able to find some humanoid tracks. Judging from the shuffling gait, they are zombie tracks. He needs Pressi's help to follow them, but you are eventually able to tell that they head westward, away from the ruins complex.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle d20+21=23 ;
Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 7:04:40 PM
Bliss helps track the zombies ... He changes into a scrawny old tomcat, wise in the ways of smelling ... Survival 23

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 10:03:18 PM
Not much for Pressi to do currently except continue to help track and to occasionally scout ahead.

She considers alternatives like further divinations to avoid yet another hit like before, but none come to mind as of yet.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elementl Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Wednesday November 4th, 2020 1:52:08 AM

Can someone post for Murphy for a day or two? I am inundated with things.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+23=38 ;
Wednesday November 4th, 2020 5:28:52 AM
Succotash is content to follow Pressi's lead. He's never been the greatest tracker, and he is glad that he has friends who can fill in those gaps. As he proceeds, he keeps his eyes peeled for any threats, with his wand of searing light (CL 10) at the ready (perception 38)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday November 4th, 2020 12:27:02 PM
"I'm not much of a sword user, I'd rather fire my bow and take an attack than drop it in favor of a blade."

Hobie will follow along with Sucker, bow at the ready

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday November 4th, 2020 12:27:03 PM
"I'm not much of a sword user, I'd rather fire my bow and take an attack than drop it in favor of a blade."

Hobie will follow along with Sucker, bow at the ready

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday November 4th, 2020 1:45:02 PM
Bliss changes into a halfling just to tease his friend.

"I'm not much of a sword user either," says Bliss. "And I'm not much of a sword user either."

Mookie nods. "He's not much of a sword user. And he's really not much of a sword user."

Bliss giggles and pokes Nick. I mean Hobie.

DM Kathy
Wednesday November 4th, 2020 2:35:18 PM
You follow the tracks. After a short time, you come upon a skeleton, lying unmoving on the ground. So, maybe killing the zygomind also killed all its undead minions. It would be nice to think so.

But that's not the tale the tracks tell. It looks as if there was a fight here, something over a week ago. The skeleton has definite damage marks on it. Somebody killed this thing. Re-killed it. Whatever.

You continue on, and come to a zombie, also lifeless on the ground. Here, too, there was a fight of some kind. The zombie shows definite slash marks. Incidentally, the zombie is wearing some very nice armor that looks like it is made of mithral.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elementl Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Wednesday November 4th, 2020 5:13:15 PM
Murphy flies high, and westward. He looks for undead, or any signs of movement. He relays whatever he finds back through Pressi. If someone wants to join him, he is fine with that. Otherwise, full speed ahead, and perception 48 (taking 10).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday November 4th, 2020 8:58:50 PM
Pressi takes some time to examine the armor. This seems like something to be focused on.

She takes some time to examine the staff of necromancy, though its not clear if the undead is what they should be worried about.

She continues to track along on foot.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 d20+23=43 ;
Wednesday November 4th, 2020 11:26:28 PM
Kezzem inspects the re-dead with Detect Evil to try and determine now recently they re-died.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 23 = 43.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells d20+8=22 ;
Thursday November 5th, 2020 5:42:31 AM
Succotash examines the armor and casts detect magic on it (spellcraft 22)

DM Kathy
Thursday November 5th, 2020 3:53:18 PM
Murphy flies recon. You don't see any movement, or anything out of place. You do see what appears to be another downed undead, some distance from where the party is currently.

With Pressi's help, Succotash is able to identify the armor as +1 Mithral Full Plate of Speed with Improved Energy Resistance for acid. Unfortunately, it is sized for its medium wearer, but of course it's still worth money.

Kezzem detects for evil and finds none. If these undead has just stopped when the zygomind was slain, you would expect to see some lingering evil here. The fact that you don't supports the conclusion that these undead were killed (or re-killed) a while ago.

With nothing more to see here, you follow Murphy's directions to the next undead. This one was also a zombie, and was also killed. But it is considerably "fresher" than the other undead you've seen so far, as if the person had died recently. The body is that of a human man, and looking at his face and his gear, you conclude that these are the remains of Vitaly Cev, the group's cleric. His gear appears to be mostly intact.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Thursday November 5th, 2020 5:35:46 PM
Succotash removes the mithral full-plate from the body and puts it in his handy haversack. When he comes to the cleric he is sad to see they weren't able to save him, though he wasn't surprised based on the zygomind's abilities. Succotash casts detect magic over the cleric's body and examines the body for valuables, as well as anything that may have sentimental value to his friends, should they find any alive, and if not, at least he knows he has a friend waiting back in the Wold, to give any trinkets to.

Turning to his friends, he says, "I wonder who or what is killing these undead, I mean it saves us the hassle, of course, but I wonder if this be friend or foe!"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Thursday November 5th, 2020 5:45:41 PM
"These undead have been dead for a while," says Kezzem. "Or is that re-dead? Dead again?"

"Probably those adventures that we are here to 'rescue' Succo," suggests Kezzem. "They probably got some licks in before they, you know, got gotten."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday November 5th, 2020 9:02:23 PM
"Well, lets find out."

It's here that Pressi activates her Justicar ability, adding 8 to her tracking ability, and alerting whoever she's tracking that she's tracking them.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday November 5th, 2020 10:39:20 PM
Bliss suggests that we should bring back the cleric's gear to his friend. The body ... well ...

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elementl Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Friday November 6th, 2020 12:00:09 AM

Elemental Murphy descends to join his friends adjacent the fallen hero. "Let us bring all of him back, Bliss. Mayhaps, with divine aid, he might be restored to true life. And for now, let us also continue onward to see if there are others in better shape to rescue. I'll fly ahead a bit to see if there are others."

Perception: as before (48)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday November 6th, 2020 1:27:02 AM
I agree with Murphy that if we could bring back the full body of the cleric it would be ideal. Succotash can you cast Gentle Repose?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Friday November 6th, 2020 5:41:27 AM
Succotash shakes his head sadly, "No Hobie, I didn't prepare that spell. It was a logistical nightmare trying to decide what spells to prepare for this journey, especially when we learned we couldn't prepare spells here, after sleeping, and in my wildest dreams, I never though I would need to use such as spell. Does he really need his body to meet with Lord Gargul though? It seems to me that if someones body was completely consumed in a fire attack, disintegration spell, or perhaps a destruction spell, the god of life and death could still work around that."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Friday November 6th, 2020 11:57:47 AM

"I have a few blankets with which to wrap the body, some canvas, too, and room in my portable hole." He changes back to halfling, gets (with precautions to avoid mixing portable hole and competing interdimensional storage) the said items. "Hobie, can you help me enfold his body?" he asks. First the blankets, then the canvas, then some rope to secure the bundling, and to have a length to lower him into the hole. "Yes, Lord Gargul has exceeding great powers," Murphy tells Succotash. "But to return his remains, nonetheless, friend, may be of benefit in the effort. We know he hates undead - and I have no doubt the man who was this cleric shared that hatred. Ironic way to go, that."

He decides just to walk with his companions for now, and to follow Pressi's justiciar tracking lead.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday November 6th, 2020 12:26:07 PM
Hobie replies to Succotash with a little bit of frustration, as he expected his friend to be a bit more empathetic regarding this slain cleric. "Lord Gargul or not, his friends and family might like the closure of seeing his body, and knowing he can be laid to rest in a place of honor. I know if it was you who died I wouldn't want to see your body left in this gods forsaken place."

Hobie will help Murphy with all of the steps required to get him into the portable hole.

The Survivor

DM Kathy
Friday November 6th, 2020 3:07:48 PM
[Everybody take 78,100 XP for the previous scene.]

Succotash uses Detect Magic to find and remove Vitaly's gear. You find: +2 full plate, a lion�s shield, a +1 mace of disruption, a Headband of Inspired Wisdom +4, a Belt of Giant Strength +4, a Cloak of Resistance +4, a Wand of Cure Serious Wounds (12 charges remaining), and a Staff of Healing.

Kezzem speculates that perhaps one or more of the surviving adventurers dispatched the undead, and Pressi decides to find out. She is able to locate tracks of a small-sized humanoid leading away from the fight scene. The tracks do not appear to be from undead.

Bliss suggests bringing Vitaly's gear back to Diara. Murphy suggests bringing the body as well, an idea which Hobie supports.

You do not presently have a Gentle Repose available, but that shouldn't be a problem since you don't intend to spend a lot of time in The Ruins anyway. You are able to wrap up Vitaly's body and put it in the portable hole.

Meanwhile, the tracks Pressi identified lead to the northwest.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Saturday November 7th, 2020 8:43:53 AM

So we move to the northwest.

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle d20+18=25 ;
Sunday November 8th, 2020 11:47:41 AM

Mookie flies overhead, keeping watch

Bliss in young tomcat form keeps pace with Pressi and aids another with her tracking.

Survival 25 (with scent)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Monday November 9th, 2020 5:55:19 AM
Seeing the frustration in Hobie's face, and hearing the disappointment in both his and Murphy's voices Succotash shakes his head and says, "I mean no disrespect to anyone, especially those who have died, but what about the others who have succumbed to the zygomind, and who were re-slain, by, well someone, do we offer them the same treatment, and if not, why not? If so, then based on the looks of things, we may fill your portable hole to the top with corpses, Murph. I was simply trying to be practical. and once we figure out what in the name of the gods is going on, I would like to give these poor souls a proper sending off, whether by pyre or burial, but I wish to make sure things are safe before we move in that direction, and the idea of carting around a bunch of corpses seems a bit morbid to me, but do as you wish, it's your portable hole."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d10=5 ;
Monday November 9th, 2020 1:33:16 PM
Pressi casts "Gentle Repose" as per the wishes of others (It's an L2 spell for witches). As for Succotash, Pressi notes that they were asked to do a job, and that takes priority over any issue of fairness.

With that, she continues to track the halfling.

DM Kathy
Monday November 9th, 2020 2:52:25 PM
Succotash wonders aloud why you aren't laying all the bodies to rest instead of just this one. Pressi reminds him that you are here on a specific mission, and casts Gentle Repose to keep the body preserved.

With the help of Bliss and Murphy, Pressi continues tracking northwest. You find two more former undead, slain like the others. One has a rather nice bow, which proves to be a +1 Flaming Burst short bow.

You continue tracking. A short distance later, the tracks lead into a jumble of boulders, and you can see where a rough shelter has been set up. Crouching inside it, arms wrapped around himself, is a halfling man. He is in rough shape, and appears to be muttering to himself. He doesn't seem to be aware of you yet.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Monday November 9th, 2020 4:03:38 PM

"Clovis Bylee. Diara sent us to rescue you and your companions. I am Murphy, of Humble's Ford. Are you well?" Murphy asks.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Monday November 9th, 2020 5:54:53 PM
Seeing the halfling, Succotash quickly prepares to offer up some healing. He says, My name is Succotash Slenderstick, and I'm a cleric. Do you have any wounds that need tending? As my friend Murphy has said we are from Humble's Ford, and we are the adventure group known as Humble's Sword, perhaps you've heard of us, we did slay a dragon at the battle of Sargrass Plains after all. Anyway as I said before, I can offer some healing if you need it, also can you tell us what happened to you and your friends, and do you know if there are anymore survivors?

Bliss HP165/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday November 9th, 2020 11:48:51 PM

"Hey Mister! Hey Mister! No worries, we'll have you fixed up in no time!"

Bliss casts Remove Curse, Remove Disease, and if those do not restore him, he'll ask his friends if Break Enchantment or Heal would be worth a try?

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Tuesday November 10th, 2020 1:56:56 AM
"I can hold on to that bow for now," says Kezzem. "Just in case we fight another of those evil mushrooms things. I don't think it's a good idea to get in dagger range. Unless anyone else needs a bow that is, but I figure Hobbie has a better one and everyone else casts spells, so...."

"Hey, Bliss, save some of that good stuff for us! We can try our wands first."

Kezzem will offer to use his wand of cure light wounds to assist the halfling if he needs healing.

DM Kathy
Tuesday November 10th, 2020 2:52:30 PM
When you see the halfling, Murphy calls out to him by name. Succotash introduces himself.

The halfling looks up and sees you. For a moment, hope blossoms on his face. Then he shakes his head. "You're not real," he says. He looks down at the ground, still shaking his head. "Not real, not real." He thwacks himself on the head several times with the flat of his hand. "Wake up, Clovis! Wake up! It's not real!"

Bliss casts Remove Curse and Remove Disease. Neither seems to have any effect. Kezzem offers a curing wand, but Clovis seems only lightly wounded. He isn't cursed, or diseased; he is traumatized.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Tuesday November 10th, 2020 4:44:43 PM

"I know, Clovis, The zygomind tries to make you believe that that which is, is not, and that which is not, is. The fungus lies, and manipulates, and twists, and devours, and turns people into undead. Bliss, here, was trapped by it, and so was Kezzem. But we killed it. Well, mainly our archer, Hobie here, killed it. He was able to shoot it enough times without getting close enough for it to affect his mind.

"It can no longer harm you. We are real. Look, we found the body of Vitaly Cev, who had been changed into a zombie. We want to return his remains to the Wold. Perhaps we will petition Gargul to restore life to him."

The other two dead undead whom we came across - do we recognize them as party members Diara described? If so, Murphy also will mention them. "Do not fear, Clovis, nor lose hope. We are not deceiving you. You have gone through a horrible nightmare. We are sad for the loss of your friends, companions. Will you help us gather any other members of your group, that we then may return with you all to the Wold?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Tuesday November 10th, 2020 5:46:04 PM
Succotash knows that heal can fix mental issues, and is more then happy to cast it on Clovis, though he isn't certain that is the way to go in this case. Instead he places one hand gently on the halfling's shoulder, and grabs the hand Clovis was hitting himself with, giving it a gentle and reassuring squeeze. "As you can see we are very real, and we are here to take you home. Do you know if anymore of your friends are still alive? We very much want to rescue them as well."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday November 11th, 2020 12:31:43 AM
Hobie will take out some whiskey and offer it to Clovis "This isnt gonna solve your problems, but it'll help"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Wednesday November 11th, 2020 1:34:39 AM
For some reason my post got marked private. Probably clicked the button by accident trying to post via phone.

Well, it is a wand of cure light wounds, so might as well give him a charge.

1d8 + 1 = 8 hp back

"Does lesser restortion help with PQRSTD or whatever it's called?" asks Kezzem.

Bliss HP165+12/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle d8+7=12 ; d8+7=8 ;
Wednesday November 11th, 2020 7:26:17 AM
"I have two of my most powerful spells per day," Bliss says. "One of always Heroes Breakfast." ...

[OOC: BTW, that happens EVERY morning, standard operating procedure, but I may have not mentioned it? Still, everybody should have the spell active plus 1d8+7 temp hp, plus a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.]

[Rolling temp hp for me and the Mookster: 12 and 8]

"My other most potent spell could be a Heal for this poor fellow. It cures all mental and physical woes. And he seems to have some. Honestly, yes, it would be useful to us, but having this guy with us and ready to contribute is likely a bigger power boost than anything my one spell could do. Plus it seems like a good, right, and heroic thing to do."

If no one objects, Bliss casts Heal on the poor halfling.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+23=42 ;
Wednesday November 11th, 2020 11:13:17 AM
Pressi shakes her head, unsure if Bliss should burn that spell, at least for the moment.

After considering some things, she leans down. "I want you to think about something, very carefully. See, we actually are here to rescue you and we really did take down that mushroom and I personally promise that we are not some figment of someone else's imagination for the sake of amusement so get that out of your head right now.

"Now, if that is a lie and you are in the mind, then just hiding isn't doing you any good. But what might help is if you can reach the outside world or look for some sort of exit. At least you'd be having a good time, right? So why not take some time to look me in the eye and tell me and yourself what happened."

Diplomacy 42

DM Kathy
Wednesday November 11th, 2020 2:47:38 PM
Kezzem uses a charge from his wand to heal Clovis. A few lingering cuts and bruises disappear.

Succotash catches Clovis's hand and assures him that you are all quite real.

Murphy explains how you killed the zygomind, and mentions Vitaly's body. A pained look crosses Clovis's face. "Vitaly," he says. "I couldn't--I couldn't help him. Not strong enough. And that thing--it was--it was in my head, and I couldn't keep it out. So I ran. I ran away like a coward. Poor Vitaly."

Pressi combines diplomacy and logic to try to get Clovis to accept that you are real, and to let you help. It seems to be working. Hobie offers a more practical solution, and Clovis downs a healthy slug of whiskey. "Thanks, friend," he says. He closes his eyes, and takes a deep breath.

"All right," he says. "All right. Maybe you are real. So, what happens now?"

Bliss has a Heal spell available, but it looks as if it won't be needed, at least for the time being.

Bliss HP165+12/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday November 11th, 2020 5:19:16 PM

"Buddy, what's next is we find any others of your pals still in here and we rescue them too. Who else is there still left? We got you and Vitaly. Who's left, and have you any idea where they went?"

"Oh, and your friend, what's her name, Diana? She escaped and asked us to help. That's why we're here."

Mookie teleps: ::Diara, Kid. Her name is Daira, I mean geez. ::

Bliss blushes. "Diara, I mean your friend Diara. Sorry."

Mookie keeps watch, flying up for a better view from time to time.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Wednesday November 11th, 2020 9:16:03 PM

Repeat: Did the two bodies we found after Vitaly match the descriptions of anyone in Diara's party?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday November 11th, 2020 9:53:51 PM
Pressi eyes Clovis carefully, thinking about how he ran AFTER the thing got in his head. But she takes the time to place her hand sympathetically upon him (and quickly scan him with Knowledge Lore).

"You can also start by saying if you saw anyone else in the area. See, I can't help but wonder... If last you saw of him was when he was alive, and you ran from him, then who stabbed him in the face?"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Thursday November 12th, 2020 2:08:14 AM
"Well, it's heroic if he needs it and it helps him," says Kezzem. "But he is barely injured and he's no suffering any magical curses or anything, at least I don't think so. It's wasteful to just start throwing powerful spells at him before we properly assess whether they will work or not."

Kezzem turns to Pressi. "Did I just become the voice of caution in this group? If so, we're doomed."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Thursday November 12th, 2020 5:52:55 AM
Succotash turns to Pressi and whispers in her ear, "Don't forget that Vitaly was turned into a zombie, Clovis probably had no choice but to re-kill his own friend, just to remain alive. I'm sure that is a sad and painful memory, perhaps we should step lightly in that area. I know if one of us were turned, and I had to slay that person in self defense, I wouldn't be comfortable talking about it, as I'm sure the memory would be beyond painful."

Turning to Clovis and the rest of the party, Succotash says, "Diara told us that a couple of her friends went this way, by some sort of compulsion, we know now that those two where Vitaly and Clovis here, and that they were drawn this way by the know dead Zygomind. Diara also mentioned that the rest of her friends headed in another direction, towards the ruins if I remember right, so I say we head toward the ruins, and hope to find some more survivors, and failing that, end the evil that stole the life from their bodies!"

DM Kathy
Thursday November 12th, 2020 2:43:37 PM
Bliss asks who is still left, and whether Clovis knows what might have happened to them. "I didn't see the others after we--after the---afterward," he says. He adds, "Diara made it out? That's good. That's good. I'm glad for her."

Murphy is quite sure that Vitaly was the only member of the party among the slain undead. The other corpses were far too old, an anyway there was no indication that the others had been caught by the zygomind.

Pressi asks who stabbed Vitaly. Clovis shudders. "That thing," he says quietly. "That thing--it--it wasn't Vitaly anymore." Pressi also uses her Knowledge Lore ability, and now your senile DM has forgotten all of what that's supposed to reveal. For now, I'll just say that you don't see anything you wouldn't expect to see in an adventuring halfling ranger.

Kezzem points out that this might not be the best use of expensive spells, but to be fair, people have stopped talking about casting those, for the moment.

Succotash reminds the group that the rest of Diara's party had gone in another direction, and perhaps now is the time to go find them. Clovis looks hesitant. "I don't think....I don't think I'm much good to you now. Lost the adventuring spirit. I may never adventure again."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Thursday November 12th, 2020 6:47:18 PM

"Perhaps you're not wanting to adventure more. But, to maintain a modicum of self-respect, are you willing to help us find your companions? You know them better than we do," Murphy cajoles. "Come with us, stay in the background, we will do what we can to intercept threats. Once we can return all of you we can find, then we shall return as a group to the Wold. Until then, I think you are stuck with us."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday November 12th, 2020 8:26:15 PM
Pressi seems satisfied that he didn't ping as anything but a halfling adventurer. "My apologies, I must have misunderstood the situation."

She takes some time to get a better idea of how they came in and were geared, and what it was like when it started to take over his mind. She also backs up Murphy, pointing out that it would be better for him to be close once they found the rest of Diara's party.

Back in an area where there is no place to track, she fires up the arcane eye to begin searching.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Friday November 13th, 2020 1:05:26 AM
"Maybe you could shove him in your hole, Murphey," suggests Kezzem. "Or does it not work that way?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Friday November 13th, 2020 6:46:42 AM
Succotash tries to bolster Murphy�s efforts at convincing Clovis to join them, �We aren�t leaving until we find the rest of your friends. We have a mission, and we aim to follow through with it. We won�t abandon any other possible survivors, and no halfling I know would stoop to such cowardly ways! Now prove yourself a halfling proper, and come with us. If you don�t have any fight left in you, I can understand that, as Murph said you can stay behind us if things get sketchy, and we will protect you, that�s what we do, but now is the time to get on ones feet, and move forward!�

After sharing his bit, Succotash stands up and is ready to follow where ever Pressi�s eye thingy leads.

DM Kathy
Friday November 13th, 2020 2:57:29 PM
Kezzem suggests that Clovis could go in the Portable Hole, but without a Bottle of Air, that's a bad idea.

Murphy urges Clovis to find his courage and accompany the group. Succotash adds his own encouragement.

At last, Clovis reluctantly agrees to come with you. "I suppose I could shoot things from a distance," he says.

Pressi would like to get to a clear area to use her arcane eye. Diara did give you the rough location where she lost the rest of the party; would you like to go there?

Bliss HP165+12/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday November 13th, 2020 3:30:19 PM

Bliss clasps hands with the reluctant adventurer. "That's the spirit," he says. "Honestly, we need to keep you close so that we can all bug out together when the time comes!"

[OOC: Sorry, this is probably my bad brain, but who else are we looking for? If we do not know, Bliss will clarify with Clovis here. If we do know, please just remind this old gamer playing characters with better memories than his own.]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Friday November 13th, 2020 5:34:03 PM

"We always appreciate good missile support, Clovis. Now, with you, poor Vitaly, and Diara accounted for, that leaves Elora and Harmet to find, unless I've left someone out - let me know if that is the case," Murphy says.. "Last she knew, Diara heard someone, I think Elora and Harmet, screaming, but then she was set upon by undead, mainly wraiths, then somehow managed to get back out of this pocket plane." He looks to his companions. "Let me know if you remember any salient information she told us that I may have forgotten."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Saturday November 14th, 2020 1:40:52 AM
"Hobie, looks like you're out of a job," jokes Kezzem.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Sunday November 15th, 2020 11:23:47 AM
"I think you nailed it Murph!" Succotash say in response, then adds, "Let's head toward where the screaming came from, and pray to the gods that we find our missing adventures. Oh by the way, when this is all said and done, who's willing to return with me to give these poor souls, whom the zygomind destroyed, a proper sending off? I'm thinking either a mass funeral pyre or individual graves to honor the dead. Both would be respectful, but the pyre would be far less labor intensive."

Bliss HP165+12/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Sunday November 15th, 2020 10:26:31 PM

"Thanks Mister Murphy! Elora and Harmet." Bliss tries to recall what he has heard about them.

Hearing the druid mention wraiths makes Bliss remember his new wand of Death Ward. The problem is that a charge only lasts seven minutes.

He changes back to a cat and then changes back. He keeps his wand at the ready. He would so rather use it before the battle, even if he has to waste charges because of a hair trigger. Well before the party sees any place or shadows or undead or anything, he is ready to start spreading charges around.

"Does anybody have any way to detect undead coming in from a long way off?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 115/115 Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 109/109 Spells
Monday November 16th, 2020 5:45:00 AM
Succotash Thumps his forehead with the palm of his hand, and says to himself, "Succotash you fool, you knew you were going to a place filled with the walking dead, and yet you failed to prepare a simple spell like detect undead. What kind of cleric are you?" Turning to Bliss he says, "Sorry Bliss, I guess I'm still an amateur at this cleric thing. I have all these abilities and still struggle at times to get it right, but I suppose that is to be expected since I've been a cleric for less then a year now, even though I've been an adventurer for a fairly long time."

OOC... Seriously, Why didn't I think to prepare detect undead, when we were given ample warning that we would be dealing with undead? Sorry guys, total brain fart on my end, though it did open itself for a great role play moment, so there's that.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday November 16th, 2020 10:26:02 AM
Pressi responds to Bliss that they have the rod of alertness.

She also activates arcane eye at the proper location.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174
Monday November 16th, 2020 11:27:09 AM

"So, Clovis, you're a ranger, right?" Murphy prompts. "Elora Helethar, an elf wizard. And the paladin in your group, Harmet Ells. I take it Diara finds him rather dashing. If you recall what gear they carried, how they dressed, that might be helpful."

The Endless Battle

DM Kathy
Monday November 16th, 2020 2:35:27 PM
[Everybody take 17,500 XP for the previous scene.]

You pause for an update. You remember that the two party members still unaccounted for are Elora Helethar (elf wizard) and Harmet Ells (human paladin). Some of you may also remember Diara telling you that Harmet is rather dashing, and that both she and Elora were a little sweet on him. You have pretty good descriptions of both of them

Bliss has a wand of Death Ward that may be of some use against undead, although its duration is on the short side. He asks about ways to detect undead, and Succotash sheepishly admits that he neglected to prepare anything for that.

You move toward the location where Diara remembered hearing screams. As you approach the area, you hear the unmistakable sounds of combat. Pressi casts her Arcane Eye.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 46/T-25/Fl-38 CMD 37 HP 174 d20+14=34 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+14=27 ;
Monday November 16th, 2020 3:09:39 PM

Murphy lets folks know he has a wand of hide from undead with 47 charges. "Let's take one minute to prepare, then head on in," he recommends. Using 3 UMD skill checks, he activates it first upon himself, and offers two ten-minute charges to two other people. If Succotash wants to take over the wand at that point to aid others, it's available. [First two to dibs it get hide from undead]

He casts Freedom of Movement, then Call Lightning Storm.
==========
3 x Hide from Undead (10 min. each)
Freedom of Movement
Call Lightning Storm
possible more - 5 rounds available w/in 1 minute prep time - will see what others are doing or need.
Depending upon what others do, he may wildshape into... something

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 147/147(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells d8+6=9 ; d8+6=13 ;
Monday November 16th, 2020 6:33:35 PM
In preparation for the battle ahead, Succotash casts Mass Bear's Endurance, on all his friends, as well as Clovis. He is willing to use Murphy's offered, Hide From Undead wand if anyone wishes, and just before they head to the battle, he casts prayer on his friends, and Clovis. Prayer offers the below benefits, and lasts 16 rounds. The enemies get no save for the penalties, but SR applies. Kind DM please let me know if and how many SR roles I need to make when the time comes.

Right after he casts prayer on his friends, he while riding Valerie double move towards the battle (Valerie travels 70ft per round so a double move equals 140ft)

If any of his friends aren't ready to go, he will hold off on casting prayer until they are, and will stay with the party

Prayer
You bring special favor upon yourself and your allies while bringing disfavor to your enemies. You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a -1 penalty on such rolls.

Active spells and daily stuff:
Succotash:
Channel energy= 9/9 (8d6 DC 22)
Dimensional hop= 160/160ft
Agile feet= 12/12
Speak with animals= 19/19
Hero's feast= 9 temp hp
Prayer= 16/16 rounds
Bear's endurance= 16/16 min (32 bonus HP)

Valerie:
Hero's feast= 13 temp hp
Airwalk
Longstrider
Prayer= 16/16 rounds
Bear's endurance= 16/16 min (22 bonus HP)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday November 16th, 2020 7:19:47 PM
Pressi responds to Bliss that they have the rod of alertness.

She also activates arcane eye at the proper location.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday November 17th, 2020 11:28:45 AM
Hobie is thankful for the prayer, and gets ready for the battle to come

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday November 17th, 2020 2:04:54 PM
Pressi responds to Bliss that they have the rod of alertness.

She also activates arcane eye at the proper location.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday November 17th, 2020 2:05:44 PM
Pressi moves her arcane eye forward, looking to spot the enemy.

DM Kathy
Tuesday November 17th, 2020 2:43:00 PM
Murphy uses a wand to cast Hide from Undead.

Succotash casts Mass Bear's Endurance.

Hobie prepares his gear.

While those preparations are going on, Pressi sends her Arcane Eye toward the sounds of battle. Looking through the Eye, you can soon see who is fighting--two ghostly forms. One looks like a human man in plate armor. The other is some kind of monster, with a bulbous body, many-jointed legs, and two gnashing maws. Knowledge Dungeoneering DC 23 Highlight to display spoiler: { It is a dwiergeth}.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 174+12temp d8+8=12 ;
Tuesday November 17th, 2020 5:26:19 PM

Murphy ensures that Clovis receives hide from undead (10 minutes). He casts longstrider on himself. He receives the bear's endurance and Prayer from Succotash just after changing to his favorite wildshape, huge air elemental. He asks Pressi what she is able to discern about what is happening. "Ready all? Shall we go?" Unless someone says otherwise, he then rises into the air flying in a path slightly to the right of the sounds of battle.

===========
Rolled temp hit points from Heroes' Feast (forgot to roll earlier): 12 hp temp.
Heroes' Feast 12 temp hp, +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves, +4 morale bonus vs poison. 10 hours.
Magic Fang, Greater +4 enhancement bonus on unarmed attack and damage rolls. 15 hours.
Freedom of Movement 160 minutes - Move and attack normally for the duration of the spell, even under the influence of magic that usually impedes movement, such as paralysis, solid fog, slow, and web. All combat maneuver checks made to grapple the target automatically fail. The subject automatically succeeds on any combat maneuver checks and Escape Artist checks made to escape a grapple or a pin. 160 minutes.
Call Lightning Storm As Call Lightning except each 5-foot-wide, 30-foot-long vertical bolt of lightning deals 5d6 points of electricity damage (or 5d10 if created outdoors in a stormy area), and you may call a maximum of 15 bolts. Reflex Save DC 31 for 1/2 damage. 16 minutes.
Longstrider+10 foot enhancement bonus to base speed. 16 hours.
From Succotash:
Prayer (+1 luck bonus on att/dam/sav/skills) 16 rounds
Bear's endurance 16/16 min

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 147/147(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells
Tuesday November 17th, 2020 5:39:09 PM
Succotash is ready and he and Valerie join Murphy in the skies, towards the battle. (I assume Pressi gave us a heads up)

Prayer
You bring special favor upon yourself and your allies while bringing disfavor to your enemies. You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a -1 penalty on such rolls.

Active spells and daily stuff:
Succotash:
Channel energy= 9/9 (8d6 DC 22)
Dimensional hop= 160/160ft
Agile feet= 12/12
Speak with animals= 19/19
Hero's feast= 9 temp hp
Prayer= 16/16 rounds
Bear's endurance= 16/16 min (32 bonus HP)

Valerie:
Hero's feast= 13 temp hp
Airwalk
Longstrider
Prayer= 16/16 rounds
Bear's endurance= 16/16 min (22 bonus HP)

Bliss HP165+12/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday November 17th, 2020 9:08:59 PM
[OOC: Huh! Did I miss a post? I was sure I had said I had already tapped everybody with the wand of Death Ward! Maybe I was just thinking of the email conversation? Well, I hope we can consider that already done.]

"Well, what are we waiting for?" asks Bliss. "Let's get over there and figure out what is happening!"

"Are those ghosts?! Are they evil?"

Bliss changes into a cat. He activates his Shield of Faith. As he moves, he casts Divine Favor as an SLA. After that, he activates his Arcane Strike every round as he approaches.

Mookie downs a potion of Mirror Image and flies after his master.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d12=6 ;
Tuesday November 17th, 2020 9:28:09 PM
Pressi passes along what she sees but she can't quite process what's going on, and she won't even try to guess what that spider creature is.

It does occur to her, however, that the human might be Harmet... or what's left of him.

Pressi casts shield of faith and spectral hand. Harper licks her chops. Pressi also activates the Rod of Alterness now to ascertain whether either guy is friendly (and to determine whether any other foes are in the area).

---------------

Pressi
Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Spiritual Healing
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
shield of faith
spectral hand
Hide from Undead

Harper
Ritual of Warding
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
Hide from Undead

Spells Used

L1: 3
L2: 1
L4: 1
L5: 1
L6: 1
L7: 1
remote viewing: 1

Rod of Alertness: used alertness mode

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Tuesday November 17th, 2020 11:36:20 PM
Kezzem will cast Prayer as the group prepares for combat and takes point.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday November 18th, 2020 8:45:58 AM
Hobie will take out one of his scrolls of Fly, and cast it on himself, and then he'll fly toward the sounds of fighting as well.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday November 18th, 2020 8:47:00 AM
Before the Fly scroll he will also use a scroll of Flame Arrow on 50 arrows.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 174+12temp
Wednesday November 18th, 2020 1:23:49 PM

Murphy flies up and over the battle to see what is happening. "Does either show as evil?" he asks those who might know. He rather suspects the bulbous fellow.

DM Kathy
Wednesday November 18th, 2020 3:25:54 PM
Murphy finishes his Hide From Undead spells, casts Longstrider, and heads toward the sounds of battle. Succotash and Valerie follow.

Bliss changes into a cat, activates Shield of Faith, and also moves toward the battle.

Kezzem casts Prayer and also moves toward the battle.

Hobie casts Flame Arrow and Fly, and also moves that way.

Pressi casts Shield of Faith and Spectral Hand, and activates the Rod of Alertness.

You all head toward the battle. You see what Pressi saw a few rounds ago through her Arcane Eye--two spectral forms engaged in combat. One appears to be a human man. The other is some kind of creature. DC 23 Knowledge Dungeoneering Highlight to display spoiler: {It is a Dwiergeth}. The human is slashing with a longsword; the monster is biting with its two mouths, which is downright unsettling.

After a moment, you realize that there are two dead bodies on the ground beneath the combatants. One appears to be humanoid; the other is a creature of some kind.

As you watch, the ghostly creature lands a devastating bite on the ghostly man, who screams in pain. The creature seems to be trying to swallow him while he frantically bashes at it with his sword. The creature bellows, lets go, and collapses. The man takes a couple of staggering steps back before collapsing himself. Both ghostly figures then disappear, leaving only the corpses on the ground.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 d20+24=32 ;
Wednesday November 18th, 2020 6:24:51 PM
Kezzem will detect evil and look for the ghosts.

Perception: 32.

"Did they just kill each other, and than kill each other's ghost?"

Bliss HP165+12/165 AC32 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday November 18th, 2020 8:24:30 PM

"The Kid thinks maybe they are doomed to repeat their death scene over and over. I think maybe they got some sweet loot on those bodies!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday November 18th, 2020 9:32:58 PM
"That... seems rather out of place, even for a plane of death."

After a few detects (of magic, of chaos, of see invisibility) using the rod, she slowly makes her way towards the bodies. She uses her Know Lore ability to scan both with a touch.

Finally, she raises her hands over the humanoid and casts speak with dead (domain spell).

---------------

Pressi
Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Spiritual Healing
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
shield of faith
spectral hand
Hide from Undead

Harper
Ritual of Warding
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
Hide from Undead

Spells Used

L1: 3
L2: 1
L3: 0+1
L4: 1
L5: 1
L6: 1
L7: 1
remote viewing: 1

Rod of Alertness: used alertness mode

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 174+12temp d20+7=23 ;
Thursday November 19th, 2020 3:37:23 AM
Murphy dives from the sky as he sees the two ghostly foes exchanging final blows. "A dwiergeth!" the druid exclaims. As his friends gather about, he explains, "My Aunt Nilli - Nilli Bramble - once took a misshapen potato, punched some scraggly bent twigs into it, put some strawberry top leafs under the twigs for feet, and said, 'This is a dwiergeth.' She explained they were big, ugly, and had an extradimensional gullet where those swallowed might get lost." He works at remembering more of what she said, but I will leave it to DM Kathy to explain how much more (if anything else) he might recall.
=======
Knowledge: Dungeoneering: 23

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 147/147(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells d20+26=31 ;
Thursday November 19th, 2020 5:45:19 AM
Succotash prods Valerie forward, and then dismounts to examine the corpses, but most importantly the man's corpse. He is trying see if this is one of the lost adventures. He says to his friends, [b]"Well it's pretty clear how these two died, but what caused the ghostly pantomime? This is odd indeed!" The cleric keeps his guard up as he searches the bodies and area for clues. (perception 31)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday November 19th, 2020 9:58:53 AM
Hobie flies overhead as his friends examine the bodies. He keeps his bow at the ready and his eyes trained in all directions, constantly searching the horizon for some new threat

DM Kathy
Thursday November 19th, 2020 5:05:23 PM
Pressi's rod isn't showing her anything at the moment. You use your ability on the two bodies. You learn all about the dwiergeth. The other body is that of a human paladin.

Any doubts as to his identity are erased when Clovis finally joins you. "Oh, no," he says. "Harmet. Oh, no. What happened?"

Murphy recognizes the dwiergeth, and can tell the group about it.

At this point, between Pressi and Murphy, you guys know about dwiergeths. I'm going to say that anybody who is curious can click on the link and read all about them.

Bliss (or rather, Mookie) suggests there might be some nice loot to be had.

Kezzem, Succotash, and Hobie remain on alert, scanning the area. And a good thing, too. Just as Pressi begins casting her Speak with Dead spell, you hear a guttural roar. Kezzem suddenly detects the presence of evil, just as a ghostly dwiergeth appears, floating about 3 feet above the dwiergeth corpse. A man's voice calls, "begone, foul beast!" and a ghostly paladin appears about 3 feet above the humanoid form. With a roar and a clash, the two are joined in combat again.

Knowledge: Religion DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {For the most part, these beings are behaving like ghosts. However, although ghosts can regenerate after being "slain," that process usually takes days. These ghosts restored themselves in a matter of minutes. Perhaps it is some property of this plane. }

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 d20+23=34 ; d20+28=38 ; d3+8=9 ; 2d6=6 ; d6=1 ;
Thursday November 19th, 2020 5:39:44 PM
Knowledge (religion): 34.

"Okay, headband of smartypantsness, do your thing. Aha! I see! Ghosts can regenerate after being slain, but these are revived in a must shorter time than normal. It must be some quirk of this place."

"Also, that beast-ghost-thing detects evil, so I'm going to start attacking it if nobody objects."

If nobody stops him, Kezzem will lob a dagger at the dwiergeth, using his undead bane tears to boost his attack.

Attack: 1d20 + 28 + 1 (Prayer) = 39.
Damage: 1d3+8 + 2d6 bane + 1d6 fire = 9 + 6 + 1 = 16.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 147/147(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells d20+14=16 ; 10d6=34 ; 10d8=38 ; d20+20=29 d20+20=28
Thursday November 19th, 2020 6:27:17 PM
Succotash quickly draws his wand of Searing Light (CL 10) and aims it at the dwiergeth ghost. A ray of sunshine emits from the end of the wand and streaks towards the undead menace. Hitting touch AC 18 (forgot to add the +1 from Hero's feast, and +1 from Prayer) for 34 damage. if it is vulnerable to bright light it takes 38 instead.

Don't know if it has SR or not, but I rolled 29 for the searing light, and 28 for the prayer, for the -1 on it's rolls.

Active spells and daily stuff:
Succotash:
Channel energy= 9/9 (8d6 DC 22)
Dimensional hop= 160/160ft
Agile feet= 12/12
Speak with animals= 19/19
Hero's feast= 9 temp hp
Prayer= 14/16 rounds
Bear's endurance= 16/16 min (32 bonus HP)

Valerie:
Hero's feast= 13 temp hp
Airwalk
Longstrider
Prayer= 14/16 rounds
Bear's endurance= 16/16 min (22 bonus HP)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday November 19th, 2020 9:27:48 PM
"Ok, you know what, I am really not willing to bet that fast ghost resets are a good thing. We should really take some time to think about...."

Pressi watches as the team's paladins begin to engage.

"...about whether you want to convince me that you don't care if its a trap."

If someone else calls for a buff, she does that. Otherwise, she attempts to scan the ghostly paladin.

"Hey, hey," she calls out to him as Harper also tries to get his attention. "Can you hear me? Do you know who and where you are?"

---------------

Pressi
Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Spiritual Healing
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
shield of faith
spectral hand
Hide from Undead

Harper
Ritual of Warding
Heroes Feast (from Bliss)
Hide from Undead

Spells Used

L1: 3
L2: 1
L3: 0
L4: 1
L5: 1
L6: 1
L7: 1
remote viewing: 1

Rod of Alertness: used alertness mode

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 174+12temp 5d6=16 ;
Friday November 20th, 2020 2:33:27 AM
Murphy drops a lightning bolt for 16 hp damage on the large potato monster (8 hp if Reflex save vs DC 31), the first of his 15 possible bolts from Call Lightning.

He pays attention to Pressi's attempt to communicate with the ghostly paladin.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 147/147(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells
Friday November 20th, 2020 5:24:31 AM
Don't forget, everyone has prayer and bear's endurance from Succotash. Prayer and hero's feast stack because heroes feast is a moral bonus, and prayer is a luck bonus.

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC29 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle d20+40=55 ; d20+31=45 ; d3+25=28 ; 4d6=15 ; d4+1=3 ; d20+24=44 ; d20+24=26 ; d4+9=13 ; 4d6=17 ;
Friday November 20th, 2020 8:08:54 AM

Note: Everybody has ...
1) Death Ward: +4 morale bonus on saves against all death spells and magical death effects. The subject is granted a save to negate such effects even if one is not normally allowed. The subject is immune to energy drain and any negative energy effects.
2) Feast: +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear.
3) Morale bonuses do not stack.

CatBliss is now bolstered with Barkskin, Threefold Aspect, Death Ward, Heroes Feast, Prayer, Bear's Endurance, Shield of Faith, and Divine Favor. This round Bliss focuses on the battle (rage ability) as a free action and activates his Arcane Strike as a swift action. He races toward the ghost-monster (move action up to 40 ft) and attacks. Most of these except the Prayer are already calculated on my CatBliss PC sheet.

Charging and raging, Bliss has a -4 AC and is down to AC 29. He hopes he does not get swallowed before he gets to attack. He tumbles to avoid provoking AoOs: Acrobatics 55 to do so.

Attacking at +2 charge +1 prayer +2 bane plus the usual bonuses on his sheet, Bliss bites vs AC 45 for 28 damage plus 15 holy bane damage, that's 43 damage total. Oh wait, Bane has a +2 enhancement to damage too, so 45 damage total.

Mookie uses his flyby attack to fly up, attack the ghost, and fly back, counting on his high AC and his three mirror images to save him if attacked. He strikes at AC44 with a natural 20! His crit threat confirms against AC26, just shy of what he needs to confirm. Mookie inflicts 13 base damage plus 17 holy bane damage, 30 points total. Then he flaps up out of reach, hopefully.

-----

DM Sanity:

Attacks +1 Prayer (Div Favor and Feast already in the table on my sheet)
Saves

Hit points are base 165 +32 raging +16 bears endurance (half effective because Bliss already has a +2 enhancement bonus) then +12 temp equals 213+12.

DM Kathy d20+11=27 ;
Friday November 20th, 2020 8:58:15 PM
Seeing the battle start up again, Pressi advises caution. She is overruled, however, because, you know, paladins. You call out to the ghostly human. He glances in your direction, then turns his attention back to the fight. "I am Harmet Ells, good lady," he replies. "Oh, well struck!" he adds, as Kezzem's attack lands. It does damage, but there is some resistance. [They are DR 10/lawful]

Succotash casts Searing Light from a wand. The creature does have SR, but you have overcome it each time. It takes the damage, but does not seem vulnerable to bright light.

Murphy drops a lightning bolt on the ghostly creature, which will do 16 damage if Murphy overcomes SR.

Bliss and Mookie attack, and do a lot of damage!

The ghost of Harmet Ells slashes with its longsword, and Clovis adds a couple of arrows for good measure.

The ghost opens both its maws wide and lets out a fearful moan. The sound is enough to make the blood run cold! All living creatures must succeed at a DC 21 Will save or be panicked for 2d4 rounds.

[I'm going to try to do this without a map; let me know if that's not working for you.]

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 d20+30=50 ; d20+30=33 ; d3+34=37 ; d6=5 ; d3+34=37 ;
Saturday November 21st, 2020 1:43:21 PM
Kezzem gets closes to Bliss and whoever else he can get within 10 feet (favoring Hobie and melee attackers). He uses to smite evil's to activate his Aura of Justice, granting all the benefits of his Smite Evil (+3 to hit, +14 damage [+28 on first hit vs. undead], and bypass DR; also +3 AC vs. attacks from the creature).

(so that's a move and a free action, assuming he doesn't need to double move to get in range...)

Kezzem will use a 3rd use of Smite evil on himself (swift action) and attack.

Attack: 1d20 + 26 + 3 (Smite Evil) + 1 (Prayer) = 50. Natural 20!
Confirm: 1d20 + 26 + 3 (Smite Evil) + 1 (Prayer) = 33.

Damage: 1d3+5 + 28 (Smite Evil) + 1 (Prayer) + 1d6 Fire = 37 + 5 fire = 42.
Crit Damage: 1d3+5 + 28 (Smite Evil) + 1 (Prayer) = 37.
Total: 79.

I believe incorporeal creatures are immune to crits in PF 1e.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 174+12temp d20+16=21 ; d20+16=35 ; 5d6=18 ;
Sunday November 22nd, 2020 11:47:21 PM

Murphy did not quite overcome the SR 24 last round (21/24), but does manage to do so handily this round (SR 35/24) doing 18 hp electrical damage (half electrical, half divine) with a 30' tall 5' diameter lightning bolt (Reflex save vs DC 31 for 1/2 damage).

Don't even need to roll the will save - the druid has 1d20+26 for a will save.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 147/147(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells d20+6=22 ; d20+20=28 ; 10d6=21 ; d20+16=18 ;
Monday November 23rd, 2020 6:23:19 AM
Succotash get +22 on will saves, and +24 (+28 if within 10 ft of Kezzem) verses fear, so he auto passes his will save, and Valerie rolls a 22 (26 if within 10 ft of Kezzem), passing.

Succotash fires off another sun ray from his wand of searing light, (SR 28) hitting touch AC 18 and causing 21 damage

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+16=30 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+15=18 ;
Monday November 23rd, 2020 8:19:14 AM
Pressi ignores the ghostly creature. Harper does not fair so well, and with that base speed its not long before the jungle cat disappears along the horizon. "That's not great," Pressi notes.

Pressi turns her attention back towards Harmet. "Well a how diddly do to you too, kind sir. Hey, so how often do we do this, out of curiosity?"

Moving her spectral hand, Pressi tries to bestow a curse upon the ghost (-4 to various rolls) but can't beat the creature's SR (I rolled a 3).

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle d20+11=21 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+29=38 ; d3+25=28 ; 4d6=13 ; d20+27=46 ; d20+27=40 ; d2+26=27 ; d2+26=28 ; d20+24=41 ; d4+9=13 ; 4d6=9 ;
Monday November 23rd, 2020 2:09:38 PM
DC 21 Will saves vs fear -- Remember, Heroes Feast grants a +4 vs fear! Mookie rolls a 21 and passes. Bliss (with a +2 for being a halfling and a +2 for raging) rolls a 38.

Unaffected by the terror, Bliss and Mookie attack again. This time CatBliss adds in his claws, and Mookie dives down and then swoops back up.

Bliss bites AC38 for 28 damage plus 13 holy bane damage. His claws hit ACs 46 and 40 for 27 and 28 damage.

Mookie's flyby attack hits AC41 for 13 plus 9 holy undead bane damage.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Monday November 23rd, 2020 3:48:47 PM
Btw, I am assuming Kezzem, being immune to fear, does not need a save.

DM Kathy d20=12 ; 2d10=9 ; d4=3 ;
Monday November 23rd, 2020 4:08:30 PM
The ghostly dwiergeth seems to heal some of the damage you inflicted on it.

Kezzem grants his allies the ability to smite this evil thing! Then he smites this evil thing! He does a lot of damage, but as he had feared, he cannot critically hit a ghost. [And you're right that it's a fear effect, so you're 2 for 2]

Murphy's lightning didn't get through last round, but it does this round! The ghostly monster takes the full brunt of the damage.

[OOC: Unless you're actually immune to the effect, you do still need to roll a save. A natural 1 on a save automatically fails.]

Succotash keeps going with the Searing Light, but doesn't hit the creature's Touch AC. [My apologies; the last one wouldn't have hit either; I just straight up missed it.]

Pressi continues her conversation with Harmet, as Harper heads over the hills and far away. How often do we do this, out of curiosity? His smile fades. "I don't know. By Pantheon's grace, perhaps just this once. We shall see." Pressi tries a spell, but can't overcome the creature's resistance.

Bliss and Mookie keep after the ghost, inflicting more damage on it.

Harmet's ghost continues to slash with his sword, but Clovis has had enough. The ghost's moan is enough to send him fleeing.

The ghost dwiergeth glares at Kezzem. Kezzem takes 9 damage, and must succeed at a DC 21 Fortitude save or take 3 Charisma damage as well.

However, the ghost is looking hurt. You may be able to finish it off this round.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 174+12temp d20+30=41 ; 5d6=13 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+39=54 ;
Monday November 23rd, 2020 4:22:27 PM

Murphy managed the will save vs panic last round (41 should do it). Following the later, rinse, repeat formula, he drops a third lightning bolt for 13 hp (DC 31, SR: 32).

He works at learning the form and coloration of the potato monster for an up-and-coming painting, as well as the ghostly paladin. (Perception: 54) He listens in on Pressi's conversation with the noble ghost.

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday November 23rd, 2020 4:30:53 PM

"MeeOWW!"

"The Kid is excited that you can share your smite, Oh Wize and Wizened Kezz'm," says Mookie.

[OOC: Did not realize that in my last post! Please add on +14 damage times howeversomany times Bliss hit. Mookie was out of range to share.]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 147/147(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells d20=9 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+16=20 ; 10d6=35 ;
Monday November 23rd, 2020 5:18:51 PM
Didn't roll a 1 (rolled a 9) so Succotash is fine verse the fear attack

Succotash murmurs under his breath after missing twice in a row, but decides to keep trying, hitting AC 20 (SR 22) for 35 damage.

Active spells and daily stuff:
Succotash:
Channel energy= 9/9 (8d6 DC 22)
Dimensional hop= 160/160ft
Agile feet= 12/12
Speak with animals= 19/19
Hero's feast= 9 temp hp
Prayer= 12/16 rounds
Bear's endurance= 16/16 min (32 bonus HP)

Valerie:
Hero's feast= 13 temp hp
Airwalk
Longstrider
Prayer= 12/16 rounds
Bear's endurance= 16/16 min (22 bonus HP)

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 d20+22=41 ; d20+28=43 ; d20+28=32 ; d20+28=32 ; d3+31=33 ; d6=5 ; d3+17=19 ; d6=4 ; d3+17=19 ; d6=4 ; d20+28=30 ; d20+23=29 ; d20+18=22 ; d3+17=18 ; d6=1 ; d3+17=19 ; d6=6 ; d3+17=20 ; d6=2 ; d10+6=12 ;
Tuesday November 24th, 2020 12:06:32 AM
SV Fort: 1d20 + 21 + 1 (Prayer) = 22.

"Hey, no one tries to make me uncrasimatic!" says Kezzem.

Kezzem closes for melee and full attacks with his daggers.

"I call this purple one Rumble!" (+1 Frost Returning Dagger)
Attack: 1d20 + 26 + 3 Smite + 1 Prayer - 2 (Two Weapon Fighting) = 43.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 28 Smite + 1 Prayer + 1d6 cold = 33 + 5 cold = 38.

Attack: 1d20 + 26 + 3 Smite + 1 Prayer - 2 (Two Weapon Fighting) = 32 - 5 = 27.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 14 Smite + 1 Prayer + 1d6 cold = 19 + 4 cold = 23.

Attack: 1d20 + 26 + 3 Smite + 1 Prayer - 2 (Two Weapon Fighting) = 32 - 10 = 22.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 14 Smite + 1 Prayer + 1d6 cold = 19 + 4 cold = 23.

"And I call this red one Frenzy!" (+1 Fire Returning Dagger)
Attack: 1d20 + 26 + 3 Smite + 1 Prayer - 2 (Two Weapon Fighting) = 30.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 14 Smite + 1 Prayer + 1d6 fire = 18 + 5 fire = 19.

Attack: 1d20 + 21 + 3 Smite + 1 Prayer - 2 (Two Weapon Fighting) = 29.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 14 Smite + 1 Prayer + 1d6 fire = 19 + 6 fire = 25.

Attack: 1d20 + 16 + 3 Smite + 1 Prayer - 2 (Two Weapon Fighting) = 22.
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 14 Smite + 1 Prayer + 1d6 fire = 20 + 2 fire = 22.

If AC 30 hits, then he also gets two-weapon rend damage:
Damage: 1d10 + 6 = 12.

"Although admittedly sometimes I think Frenzy is the purple one and Rumble the red one," says Kezzem.

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle d20+32=35 ; d3+41=43 ; 4d6=12 ; d20+30=32 ; d20+30=45 ; d2+40=42 ; d2+40=41 ; d20+24=33 ; d4+9=12 ; 4d6=14 ;
Tuesday November 24th, 2020 1:28:16 PM
Bliss, clawing and biting at the ghost with all his might, and with the paladin's smite (+3, +14), rips into the incorporeal monster:

Bite hits AC 35 for 43 damage plus 12 (55 damage total)
Claws hit ACs 32 and 45 for 42 and 41 damage

Mookie dives down and then swoops back up again.

His flyby attack hits AC33 for 12 plus 14 holy undead bane damage (26 damage total)

DM Kathy
Tuesday November 24th, 2020 2:27:58 PM
Murphy drops another lightning bolt on the ghost.

Succotash tries again, and once again fails to hit the ghost, who is all dexterity and deflection.

But it doesn't really matter, because by the time Kezzem and Bliss are done, there is nothing left of the dwiergeth ghost.

Of course, you saw it die before, and it came back again. You're not sure how much time you have.

Meanwhile, the ghost of Harmet still remains. "I thank you for your aid, strangers," he says. He looks around. "Usually, I die when it dies. This is...new. I'm not sure what happens next."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 147/147(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells d20+7=12 ;
Tuesday November 24th, 2020 5:36:26 PM
Succotash is perplexed. Usually he sees an undead and tries to kill the undead, but here is something out of the ordinary, a heroic undead, and the ghost of a paladin at that. He digs into his limited knowledge of religion, and realizes he may be able to help someone come up with an answer, but he pretty certain he won't be figuring it out himself (knowledge religion, aid another 12)
"Sir Harmet, I must confess this is a new situation for me. As a paladin, I'm sure you understand how odd it is to have an undead like yourself, do you have the slightest inclining as to how this happened?"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Tuesday November 24th, 2020 7:04:04 PM
"Maybe it won't come back until you die?" asks Kezzem. "Redie? Againdead? Not sure what the proper verbiage is there."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday November 24th, 2020 8:15:15 PM

"Ok, so you do understand that you are dead," Pressi tells Harmet. "I've got to tell you, I wasn't sure if we were going to have that conversation.

"But lets start further towards the beginning. Do you remember how you died and what your last memories were. And did anything unusual happen. Relatively speaking, I mean."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 174+12temp d20+28=45 ; d20+28=46 ;
Wednesday November 25th, 2020 2:13:10 AM

Murphy races off to catch up with Clovis. "Hey, ranger, that large potato ghost is gone now. I know, not a pleasant creature. Let's head back. You all right?"

Sense motive: 45 [accidental double tap on Roll button]

DM Kathy
Wednesday November 25th, 2020 2:43:26 PM
The battle over, Murphy heads off in search of Clovis. It's going to take you a little while to catch up.

Meanwhile, the group is talking to Harmet.

Succotash asks how this might have happened.

"I don't know." The ghostly form sheathes its ghostly sword. "I assume is has to do with the nature of this place, which is dark and foul, but that is only a guess."

Pressi asks the ghost to go over how he died. "The quest seemed cursed from the beginning," he says. "Clovis and Vitaly wandered off. Diara went on her own to scout. While she was gone, Elora and I encountered this--beast. Elora is a wizard; she was standing off at a distance, and a pack of wraiths attacked her. She seemed to be in distress, but I had my hands full with the creature. When I looked up again, I didn't see her. Then the beast and I killed each other. As we have done over and over again in the days since."

Kezzem suggests the dwiergeth will not return until Harmet is once again dead. "I don't know," he says. "All I know is that I want to move on, be judged by Gargul and go to my final rest. Yet I am trapped here." He looks down at his body. "You have helped me against the beast, but I wonder if I could ask another boon of you. Could you--could you give me a proper burial? Or a pyre. A pyre would do. Perhaps, if my remains are laid to rest, my spirit will be, too."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday November 25th, 2020 3:09:39 PM
Hobie returns to the group after fleeing due to Panic

"Sorry about that, my will isn't so strong. It's almost as if I wasn't here for that battle."

In response to Harmet's request, Hobie is supportive. "Of course we will lay your body to rest. We have fire spells, we can burn you on a pyre."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Wednesday November 25th, 2020 5:08:19 PM
"Yes, a pyre," says Kezzem. "I was totlly going to suggest that. As a paladin lf Gargul I know such things."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 174+12temp d20+39=49 ;
Wednesday November 25th, 2020 5:13:35 PM

As Murphy in his air Elemental form can move 625' per round, likely he has caught up with and spotted Clovis by now, and has the conversation posted above. He adds, "Would you like for me to fly you back?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 147/147(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells 16d6=57 ;
Thursday November 26th, 2020 11:45:57 AM
Succotash says to his friends, "Stand back a bit!" and then casts Fire Storm on the remains of both Harmet and the dwiergeth. The flames do 57 damage, plus 4d6 damage per round until they are extinguished, which takes a full round action and a DC 20 reflex save

DM Kathy
Thursday November 26th, 2020 4:37:07 PM
Hobie, somewhat chagrinned, returns to the group. Murphy is able to find and retrieve a shamefaced Clovis.

Harper, on the other hand, comes sauntering up to Pressi as if she had just been out for a stroll, and had totally meant to run like that. A girl needs her exercise, after all.

Kezzem agrees that a pyre might be a good solution, and Succotash wastes no time. He casts Fire Storm.

"Thank you my friends," Harmet says. Is it your imagination, or is the ghost starting to fade? "If there is anything remaining among my possessions that might do you some good, it is yours." Yes, the ghost is definitely fading as his body burns. "I only ask that you use it to fight evil in all its many forms. I think I'm going now."

Indeed, he is going, and a few seconds later, he is gone. Only small fires remain on the former battlefield.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday November 26th, 2020 8:52:11 PM
Pressi sighed as her pet joined her side.

Before Pressi could point out that they might need to bring the body back to their plane of existence, and she will admit to have taken a bit long in deciding to speak up, Succotash begins to burn the body.

So, instead she asks, as the ghost gives up the possessions, a simple question. "Someone did take some time to get those possessions, right? Some weapons or useful scrolls? Some token we can bring back to our benefactor? Maybe check if he had a way to get back? Things like that?"

If needed, she can cast Rose Control or protection from elements.

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday November 26th, 2020 10:22:23 PM

Back in halfling form, Bliss waves.

"Farewell!" the warrior-witch calls to the ghost. "Thank you and rest easy!"

He bows his head.

Mookie hops over to peck at the loot and "help" Pressi.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 174+12temp
Friday November 27th, 2020 4:45:19 AM

Returning with Clovis to the group, Murphy is shocked to see Succotash fire storming the remains of the paladin without first talking over options with the rest of the group.

"Uh, what??" he asks as the ghostly Harmet fades from view. "What just happened?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday November 27th, 2020 4:59:55 AM
Hobie kneels with his head bowed as Harmet's body burns.

Maybe it would have been nice for the guy to offer up his gear earlier, but oh well, it was his gear to offer and he didn't think to do it until the body was already burning, no biggie.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday November 27th, 2020 5:04:56 AM
ooc: I totally get that his gear might have been helpful, but like really, if a guy's soul is trapped as a ghost, and he asks us to burn his body so that he can move on, it would be pretty dang rude for us to be like "hold on, let us loot your corpse first and then we'll burn it." I might have taken a little more ceremony to the burning of the body, but I have no issue with what Sucker did.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 147/147(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells
Friday November 27th, 2020 6:04:15 AM
As the body is burning, Succotash says a prayer, and a few words. He didn't know the man but as a former paladin himself, he understood, a bit, of the kind of heroics Harmet must have preformed. When some of his friends seem to question his actions, he says, "I couldn't allow a hero to be trapped in that undead prison any longer. I saw a means to free him, and I did what needed doing. I have no regrets, and I'm glad Harmet is able to go see Lord Gargul now. Maybe Gargul will send him back to be with his friends again, or maybe he will send him to his well deserved rest, either way he is free, and I, for one, am happy for him, though I still mourn the passing of a hero."

DM Kathy
Friday November 27th, 2020 3:08:26 PM
Some of you think that maybe firebombing the bodies before checking for treasure was a bit rash. Succotash, however, stands by his decision, reminding his friends that freeing the trapped spirit was the most important thing. Hobie backs him.

And, in fact, when the fires die down and the area has cooled a bit, you find that much of Harmet's gear is none the worse for wear. The +2 Full Plate isn't even singed. The +1 Holy longsword is still in pristine shape, though its sheath is a total loss. The +2 heavy wooden shield is scorched on the surface, but still good. The minor Ring of Energy Resistance (Fire) is, of course, unscathed. The Boots of Speed and the Belt of Physical Might +4 (Strength and Constitution) are damaged, but not enough to reduce their effectiveness.

However, the wand--whatever kind it was--is now a total loss. Only a blackened stick remains. Still, you have some prime loot, and the former owner's permission to use it. Of course, the armor and weapons are sized for the medium-sized Harmet, but some of the other things might be useful.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Huge Air Elemental - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 174+12temp
Friday November 27th, 2020 6:06:23 PM

After taking a few moments to ask what happened, what the conversation was with the ghostly Harmet and various party members, Murphy says, "Succotash, my good friend. Perhaps no harm came as the result of your decision. But to proceed from a lack of careful consideration of the possible consequences of an action seems rash. You consulted with none of us. Harmet asked for a pyre. Usually a pyre is built up, generally by a few people, to lay to rest with ceremony and respect the remains of one who has passed. It usually takes more than five to ten seconds and does not lack warning or agreement.

"We were not in combat. From what I'm told, Harmet was solicitous, but not panicked. Your action seemed almost a panic reaction. Perhaps it was not - but what you did, you say, out of consideration, seems somewhat less than considerate. You might have given Clovis and Harmet the chance to say goodbye. As I both respect you and care for you, unless you wish it, I'll not go further on that, other than to ask - please, if you can take at least half a minute to talk such a thing over with the rest of us should a vaguely similar situation arise, that would be appreciated. I will argue on your behalf," he adds with a smile, "It was quite efficient."

And, unless Succotash wishes to discuss it, Murphy will keep his word on the matter.

The other body on the ground that was burned up - was it that of the dwiergeth?

Letting the others sort through the possessions, Murphy takes a few minutes to boil water for tea and coffee, which he offers to any who so desire. He lays out some additional food for people to partake of. "Clovis - Might you be up for telling a story about how you and Harmet met? Or something else of how you all got together as a party to go adventuring?" He sets out a board resting on a couple of chests for people to sit on, and a third box to rest the tea and snacks on.

Once people have had a chance to let settle after the rush that combat brings, he asks, "What next? Who is left to account for?" He knows, or at least thinks he does, but wants the others to have their say.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 174+12temp
Friday November 27th, 2020 6:12:13 PM

Oh, and I forgot to mention, Murphy changed back into his own form once he and Clovis had gotten back to the group.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Saturday November 28th, 2020 1:29:31 AM
"Hey, those are some nice boots!" says Kezzem. "The more attacks I get the more smiting I can do! I also wouldn't mind the ring, but it's not a big priority for me. I can dodge balls of fire pretty good, and even if I do get it, I can easily heal myself. Shame about the longsword though. The holy would be great on theme for a paladin like me, only I'm not great with hack-and-slash weapons like that. I preferer my weapons with more finesse!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Saturday November 28th, 2020 9:43:52 PM
Pressi shrugged at Succotash's words, not really used to being the one lectured on ethics. She mumbles something about keeping the eye on the prize and about the usefulness of the wand, but she's not really interested in litigating this further.

With that, her thoughts turn towards the last encounter... and of thoughts about the current place.

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Sunday November 29th, 2020 5:59:04 AM

"Don't worry about the items, Sir Succotash," says Bliss. "We're beginning to move past a need for items."

" ... ...!" Mookie gasps, speechless at such a thought.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 147/147(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells
Sunday November 29th, 2020 2:34:40 PM
"Thanks for understanding my reasoning guys, I will try to run things by you first in the future, I'm just so used to being a halfling of action, that I didn't stop to think about anyone else's thoughts on the issue. Well that is three out of the four heroes, we were sent to find, accounted for, let's see if we can find our wizard shall we?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday November 30th, 2020 2:43:18 PM
"Aye, lets push forward and find the wizard. And Kez, I can vouch for those boots, mine have been quite helpful. Beyond extra attacks, these guys can help you escape in a pinch"

DM Kathy
Monday November 30th, 2020 3:29:27 PM
Murphy is a bit upset that Succotash acted without consulting the party. Succotash promises to communicate better from now on, but isn't exactly sorry for what he did. He is a halfling of action!

Bliss tells Succotash not to worry, and Pressi is ready to move on.

Kezzem expresses an interest in the Boots of Speed, and Hobie confirms that they are darned useful.

Murphy starts setting up to make tea and take a little breather, but might want to rethink that. A sudden roar announces the reappearance of the ghost dwiergeth. No ghost paladin appears, however, so you did succeed in laying Harmet to rest. The dwiergeth is another matter. Maybe you want to have tea somewhere else.

[You can fight the ghost dwiergeth again if you really want to, but you're not getting XP for it twice. :) ]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 147/147(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells d20+26=38 ;
Monday November 30th, 2020 5:43:46 PM
"As I was saying, shall we find our wizard?" Succotash says as he jumps into Valerie's saddle and begins airwalking in the direction that Harmet said he saw the wizard and the wraiths. Succotash has his searing light wand at the ready, and stays far enough off the ground to avoid the new arrival, but close enough to be able to see what is going on on the ground. (perception 38)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday November 30th, 2020 8:59:14 PM
"I suppose that we can leave, if we must." Pressi says as she mounts Harper.

Once again, Harper bravely flees over the hills.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 174+12temp 5d6=16 ; d20+16=36 ;
Tuesday December 1st, 2020 12:04:51 AM

Well, with the reappearance of the dwiergeth potato, Murphy initially thinks that he'd like to see what's inside the critter, and find out if he can disembowel it from within. Gory druid.

However, his companions going for discretion over other styles of valor, he tips his preparations back into the portable hole, which then goes in a belt pouch, wildshapes into a huge air elemental, says, "Clovis, let's fly!" and, should the halfling ranger agree, takes him up with him swiftly into the air.

Before getting out of range, he lays a departing lightning bolt down upon the enemy potato ghost (SR 36, Reflex Save 31), and joins his friends. If anyone else looks like they need a lift too, Murphy will provide the air taxi service.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 174+12temp
Tuesday December 1st, 2020 12:06:37 AM

And I trust no one is going to leave all the goodies behind. It's just that Murphy was busy with other things. Who takes the stuff with them?

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Tuesday December 1st, 2020 12:39:15 AM
"Well, I am not one for much escaping, Hobie. My strategy tends to be dive face first and stab the thing with my daggers until one of us stops moving."

"Wait, I thought Press was our wizard, Murph. Or close-enough-to-a-wizard, right? Did you look in your hole? Maybe the wizard is in your hole...along with that one sock I'm missing."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday December 1st, 2020 8:24:55 AM
Pressi will take some of the stuff. And since Mookie helped look through the message, I assume Bliss will take some of the stuff too.

"And what do you mean close enough to a wizard? No wizard would ever do a build like this!" Seeing everyone stare at her, "They're just so stuffy."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday December 1st, 2020 11:44:26 AM
Homie will head off away from the ghost with the group. Let somebody else fight that thing.

Wraiths

DM Kathy
Tuesday December 1st, 2020 4:22:06 PM
[Everybody take 43,500 XP for the previous scene.]

You decline to fight the ghost again.

The paladin's gear was already mostly gathered; it doesn't take a minute to grab it up and get out of there. Succotash rides away on Valerie; Pressi rides Harper.

You discuss the lack of a wizard, but to be honest, your group hasn't had a wizard in a long while. Tali was a sorcerer.

You leave the scene of the endless battle, and head deeper into the complex, where you believe you saw wraiths before. As you enter this area, you begin to see bodies lying on the ground. Most have long since decomposed into skeletons. A few look a bit newer, but none look new enough to be Elora, the last of Diara's companions.

Out of the corner of your eye, you start to see flittering in the darkness.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 d20+24=31 ;
Tuesday December 1st, 2020 6:10:42 PM
"I just mean that you cast spells and know stuff, Press," says Kezzem. "You know, like, a wizard casts spells and knows stuff."

Kezzem detects evil and keeps an eye out for wraiths.

Perception: 1d20 + 24 = 31.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 147/147(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells d20+26=36 ; d20+16=30 ; 10d6=47 ; 10d8=41 ;
Tuesday December 1st, 2020 8:10:16 PM
Succotash has Valerie stay about 50ft off the ground, and with his wand of searing light at the ready, he looks to see if he can see what is flitting about. (Perception 36) if he sees a wraith, or other undead, and it comes within 200ft of him, he will fire his wand, hitting touch AC 30 for 47 damage, 41 if it is vulnerable to light.

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle d20+26=37 ;
Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 12:00:03 AM
Bliss tries to figure out the flitting things.

Perception 37

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 174+12temp d20+40=55 ;
Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 3:58:35 AM

[Congrats on Level 17, crew! And thanks, Kathy :-)]

Perhaps Murphy is able to discern the source of the flittering in the darkness? [Perception: 55]

He counts the moments since the start of the last combat and considers what spells and buffs may yet be active [how many rounds/minutes since then?]

DM Kathy
Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 3:19:37 PM
The flittering motion is concerning, especially since you know (or strongly believe) there are wraiths here. You start looking for them, and Succotash readies a nice surprise for them.

Sure enough, Bliss, Murphy, and Kezzem soon see a couple of large wraiths gliding toward the party. Succotash fires his wand, hitting and damaging one of them--but they are still coming.

And the map. They gray bars are crumbling walls. The gray cloudy things are piles of rubble, which are difficult terrain. The wraiths are gliding about 5 feet off the ground.

It has been six minutes since you began your encounter with the ghosts.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 9:52:28 PM
(OOC: Sorry, with the kid being way off sleep schedule, I forgot to post last night - and forgot I needed to post today.)

"Wait," she replies to Kezzem. "Wouldn't that mean YOU were a wizard by definition. I mean, don't you cast spells and kn... never mind, then."

Pressi recasts spectral hand. (If I'm allowed to squeeze in a tuesday action, this is it. Otherwise, she casts it quickened.)

Before she can do anything else, she casts death ward on Kezzem.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95
Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 11:42:42 PM
"I know nothing, Pressi Snow," says Kezzem.

He moves forward and summons Rumpus to his side.

"Hey guys," calls out Kezzem. "I guess it's a wraith to see which one of the two of you gets stabbed first!"

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday December 3rd, 2020 12:16:52 AM

Bliss taps himself with the death ward wand, then moves up to another friend to tap them next round.

"Who's next?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp 6d6=21 ; 17d6=51 ; d20+17=24 ;
Thursday December 3rd, 2020 4:38:53 AM

Murphy drops off Clovis back by the wall. He casts sunburst (see yellow sphere), doing 51 hp damage to each wraith. SR 24, Reflex DC 34 for 1/2. If either wraith fails its Reflex save, it is destroyed.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp
Thursday December 3rd, 2020 4:46:32 AM
Oops - supplementary info. Damage is 102 (and auto death, and blindness for what that's worth) if SR and DC fail. 51 if SR fails and DC save is made. The ultraviolet light generated by the spell deals damage to fungi, mold, oozes, and slimes just as if they were undead creatures. Sunburst dispels any darkness spells of lower than 9th level within its area.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 147/147(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells d20+16=17 ;
Thursday December 3rd, 2020 6:42:48 AM
Staying 50 ft off the ground, Succotash fires another blast of searing light from his wand, aiming at the one he just hit, however, Valerie must have reared back a bit in fear, because he misses by a mile (Natural 1)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d4+1=4 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=2 ;
Thursday December 3rd, 2020 8:34:54 AM
Hearing his group grumbling about their lack of a wizard, Hobie will opt not to shoot arrows.

"I may spend most of my time at the archery range, but don't you guys forget I've spent plenty of time studying the arcane! I'M A WIZARD!!!!"

He flies well overhead of the Wraiths and casts Magic Missile. He sends 3 missiles at whichever wraith seems to have taken less damage so far, and two at the other.

Missile Damage 4 + 4 + 2 = 10

Missile Damage 2 + 2 = 4

DM Kathy d20+8=13 ; d20+8=16 ;
Thursday December 3rd, 2020 3:56:18 PM
Pressi casts Spectral Hand, then casts Death Ward on Kezzem (no Quicken needed).

Kezzem summons Rumpus.

Bliss uses the wand to cast Death Ward on himself.

Murphy casts Sunburst. These things do not seem to have Spell Resistance. They also don't have especially good Reflex saves. Both are destroyed.

Succotash and Hobie hold their actions for now, because there are no opponents at the moment. [You can still use those rolls as readied actions on the next opponents, if you like.]

That changes, however. Two more large wraiths approach the party. In addition, a large group of smaller wraiths begins swarming over one of the walls.

And the map. I know that one thing looks like a swarm of bats, but it's really wraiths. No, really.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 147/147(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells d20+16=31 ; 10d6=32 ; 10d8=31 ; d20+20=25 ;
Thursday December 3rd, 2020 6:23:16 PM
"Seriously, a swarm of wraiths?", Succotash says as he fires his wand into the swarm hitting touch AC 31, causing 32 damage. (SR 25)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday December 3rd, 2020 9:08:00 PM
With an outstretched arm, Pressi focuses on one of the wraiths not under attack, searching through the ley lines for a soul to consume.

And with a snap, she casts Bouncing Command Undead upon the creature (Will DC 20, if fail she tries another wraith). "Creature of the night, you will respond to my voice. Stop right where you are."

If anyone stares, "You mean I'm close enough because of things like that."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp 17d6=60 ;
Friday December 4th, 2020 3:44:03 AM

As the sunburst spell has an 80' radius (160' diameter), might our DM take into account that perhaps a fair number of gathering wraiths to the right off-map were sunburnt to death?

Murphy casts sunbeam and shoots a beam of bright light to tear through the swarm of lesser wraiths. If any wraith makes its Reflex saving throw vs DC 33, it takes half of the 60 hp damage. If the save fails, they are destroyed. If the beam is 5' in diameter (the spell does not specify) (illustrated by long yellow rectangle), then roughly half of the members of the swarm are likely affected.

After this action, he ascends to an altitude of ~80' up in the air.

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday December 4th, 2020 6:27:11 AM
Since nobody speaks up, Bliss casts Death Ward on Mookie, and Mookie drinks a protective philter (Shield I think?)

DM Kathy d20+12=27 ; d20+16=21 ; 6d8=20 ; d6=1 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+15=20 ; 8d8=41 ; d8=5 ; 8d8=38 ; d8=3 ;
Friday December 4th, 2020 3:13:49 PM
Succotash fires his wand at the approaching wraith horde, hitting and doing some damage.

Pressi attempts to command one of the wraiths, but its will is too strong. [Your DM is not familiar with the Bouncing Command Undead spell. Is each attempt a standard action, or do you get to attempt until it succeeds?]

Murphy casts a Sunbeam at the wraith horde, destroying several of them.

Bliss casts Death Ward on Mookie.

The wraith horde swarms over Kezzem and Rumpus. Kezzem is protected by Death Ward, but Rumpus takes 20 points of negative energy damage and one point of Constitution damage.

One of the larger wraiths approaches Pressi. Its touch attack hits. Pressi takes 41 points of negative energy damage and 5 points of Constitution drain, unless she got a Death Ward I didn't see, or unless that Bouncing Command thing allows multiple attempts on a single turn.

The other large wraith approaches Succotash. It also hits, and does 38 points of negative energy damage, plus 3 points of Constitution drain, unless Succotash got a Death Ward I didn't see.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp 17d6=54 ; d20+40=51 ;
Friday December 4th, 2020 3:33:45 PM
Murphy flies down to an area on the map to the lower left of Pressi so as to line up the two wraiths, and lets go with another sunbeam. If the wraiths make a Reflex save vs DC 34, they take half of 54 hp damage. If they fail their save, they are fading wisps of vapor of burnt toast. After being close to ground level, he ascends to a height of 25 feet. [Murphy has fly-by-attack feat allowing partial move, attack, remaining move.]
=========
Perception: 51

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp 5d6=17 ;
Friday December 4th, 2020 3:44:15 PM

And, if allowed, Murphy uses a hero point to lay down one of his already-stored-up call lightning storm vertical 5' diameter bolts, causing 17 hp electrical damage, reflex save DC 31 for half damage. Kezzem and Rumpus do not deserve the life-draining effects of these evil beings.

[Sorry not to include this in main post - had planned to do so, got a phone call which I thought would pull me away from keyboard for a while.]

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle d20+23=28 ; d4+9=12 ; 4d6=12 ;
Friday December 4th, 2020 9:34:10 PM

Bliss taps Sir Succotash with the wand.

Deathwarded Mookie attacks a wraith, hitting AC28 for 12+12 damage.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Friday December 4th, 2020 9:48:32 PM
(OOC: Bouncing spell is a metamagic feat. It's normally an APG feat but its one that witches can pick, see bloodwitch class ability 8, meta-witch. SImply put, Pressi redirects the spell upon failure to another target as a swift action, and that wraith has to also make a will save. Success or fail, the spell then ends. It raises the spell level by 1.

You'll want to look it up. Cayzle also has it on Bliss' sheet.)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp
Saturday December 5th, 2020 9:34:42 PM

Bouncing Spell Feat

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 75/95 - 12 (1 Con damage) d20+18=34 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+13=33 ; d3+20=22 ; d3+20=22 ; d3+20=21 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=6 ; 6d6=20 ;
Sunday December 6th, 2020 1:13:41 AM
Rumpus 5 ft. steps and full attacks the wraith with his new Tears (since Kezzem found out they don't work on daggers). Rumpus will also smite evil.

Attack: 1d20 + 18 = 34.
Damage: 1d3 + 6 + 2 Bane + 12 Smite Evil plus 2d6 Bane = 22 plus 5 = 27.

Attack: 1d20 + 18 = 36.
Damage: 1d3 + 6 + 2 Bane + 12 Smite Evil plus 2d6 Bane = 22 plus 4 = 26.

Attack: 1d20 + 13 = 33.
Damage: 1d3 + 6 + 2 Bane + 12 Smite Evil plus 2d6 Bane = 21 plus = 6.

"Can I sab a swarm of wraiths? I don't think I can stab a swarm of wraiths. Let's try something else."

Kezzem burns two lay on hands to channel positive energy. Both wraiths and the wraith swarm are in range.

Damage: 6d6 = 20.
SV Will DC 20 for half.

Kezzem will then move into melee range with the other wraith.

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Sunday December 6th, 2020 11:55:43 PM
Bliss taps Pressi with the Death Ward wand.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 77/115(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells 8d6=31 ; 8d6=30 ; d20+24=35 ; d20+24=41 ; d20+24=43 ; d20+24=38 ; d20+24=33 ; 2d6+13=21 ; 2d6+13=15 ; d4+13=15 ; d4+13=16 ; d8+13=15 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ;
Monday December 7th, 2020 6:50:36 AM
Succotash thanks his luck stars for his bear's endurance spell, though the hit from the wraith hurt something fierce. he feels Bliss tap him with the his wand and ins now a little more comfortable dealing with these life draining undead. He channels positive energy to attack the wraiths, and based on his current location, he should effect all of them, inflicting 31 damage. He then digs deep within himself (Hero Point) and finds the means to force out another channel inflicting 30 damage DC 22 will save for half damage on both channels.

Seeing her master take a hit from the wraith, Valerie will go full round attack on the large wraith, unless it is already dead, in which case she will attack the swarm. She has permanent magic fang on all her natural attacks

left talon hits AC 35 for 21+4 shock and 1 frost
right talon hits AC 41 for 15+ 1 shock and 5 frost
left claw hits AC 43 for 15+ 5 shock and 5 frost
right claw hits AC 38 for 16+ 6 shock and 1 frost
bite hits AC 33 for 15+ 6 shock and 4 frost

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 11+hero feast/132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+22=35 ;
Monday December 7th, 2020 3:00:39 PM
(OOC: apologies, Ill try to do some bookkeeping tonight.)

Pressi realizes she misjudged these guy's speed and will, and decides she needs some better choices.

"Ok, I get it, I was out of line. If you move away from me now, I won't do THIS...."

Pressi casts heal on the wraith for a straight 150 hp. (Will DC 23 for half damage, Concentration check passed)

Harper then precedes to push Pressi out of the way of the wraith.

DM Kathy d20+8=20 ; d20+8=16 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+26=44 ; d20+26=42 ; d20+26=37 ;
Monday December 7th, 2020 3:15:07 PM
Murphy flies down and lines up the wraiths. He casts another Sunbeam. Both wraiths fail their saves and are destroyed. However, Murphy cannot move again. You cast a spell; you didn't make an attack.

Making a heroic effort, Murphy also calls down lightning on the horde of wraiths.

Bliss taps Succotash with the Death Ward wand.

Kezzem finds that his single wraith targets have already been destroyed by Murphy's spell. Deciding he can't stab the horde, Kezzem instead channels positive energy, doing some damage. The horde makes its save, however. It seems to have some kind of resistance to channeled energy.

Succotash also channels, and also finds the wraiths surprisingly resistant to it. He is able to do some damage, however.

Pressi finds that her target is gone, destroyed by Murphy's spell. The horde of wraiths is all that remains.

The horde swarms over Bliss, but cannot harm him due to the Death Ward.

And the map.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells 9d6=39 ;
Monday December 7th, 2020 3:22:20 PM
Hobie grabs a scroll from his handy haversack and shouts at his friend Kezzem "I AM A WIZARD!!!!!!!"

From the scroll he casts fireball on the wraith swarm
39 Fire Damage

Reflex DC 17 for half

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 109/115(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells d8=4 ; d8=5 ; d8=4 ; d8=3 ;
Monday December 7th, 2020 6:52:57 PM
Succotash has Valerie take a 5ft step back as he casts mass cure critical wounds healing everyone within 30 feet of him 32 HP, and causing 32 damage to the undead swarm DC 27 will save for half.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 75/95 - 12 (1 Con damage) 6d6=18 ;
Monday December 7th, 2020 6:53:21 PM
"You're a wizard, Hobie."

Kezzem, lacking any better attacks, channels again at the wraith swarm.

Damage: 6d6 = 18.
SV Will DC 20 for half.

"I'm the cleric?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 43+hero feast/132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) 2d6=8 ; 2d6=11 ;
Monday December 7th, 2020 9:54:22 PM
If the wraith swarm is still up, Pressi slips the rod of thunder and lightning in her off hand, as a move action.

"And that leaves me and my true role in this party."

Pressi casts Thunderclap (Fortitude DC 16 partial, 2d6 points (8) of sonic damage, target deafened for 2d6 (11) rounds).

"I'm, as always, the freakin' bard."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp 17d6=64 ; d20+40=52 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2020 3:49:05 AM

Murphy flies over and upward. Using flyby attack ("When flying, the creature can take a move action and another standard action at any point during the move.") his loosing of another sunbeam from the spell he cast earlier takes place during the moment when he is at an altitude of 55' and his move action then continues (the same singular move action) with an upward arc to 80' altitude. The emitted light beamed diagonally downward will perhaps free into oblivion some of the miserable souls now in wraith form should they fail a Reflex save DC 33. If they make their save, they take half of the 64 hp damage.

[DM Kathy - please see email.]
==========
Perception: 52 - any other wraith-like things approaching from afar? Or other critters?

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells 5d4+5=17 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2020 12:22:35 PM
"Hey Kez, check out this one, it's a classic wizard spell, you migiht know it."

Hobie casts Magic Missile at the swarm

17 damage

DM Kathy d20+16=31 ; d20+30=38 ; d20+30=36 ; d20+20=21 ; d20+16=30 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2020 3:39:42 PM
Hobie, who is totally a wizard, launched a Fireball at the horde last round. The horde made its save, and takes 19 points of fire damage.

Succotash casts a spell to heal his companions and hopefully hurt the horde, but they make their Will save.

Kezzem channels again, doing more damage.

Pressi casts Thunderclap, and the horde rolls a 1 on its save, so they take all the damage and are deaf now.

Murphy casts another Sunbeam. The horde comes close, but cannot withstand the spell. They are obliterated.

Hobie, the wizard, can save his Magic Missiles. The battle is over.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage) d8+1=7 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=7 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2020 3:47:48 PM
Kezzem breaks out his wand of cure light wounds to treat Rumpus.

Healing: 1d8 + 1 = 7.
Healing: 1d8 + 1 = 3.
Healing: 1d8 + 1 = 3.
Healing: 1d8 + 1 = 3.
Healing: 1d8 + 1 = 7.

"Anyone else need a hit from the happy stick?" asks Kezzem.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp
Tuesday December 8th, 2020 6:02:22 PM

"Hobie, you are a wizard," Murphy agrees. "Kezzem, paladin, you are a cleric? Do all of our paladins become clerics? Not that there's anything wrong with that. And Pressi - so, you're the group's bard, eh? We can always use a good bard. Those wraiths certainly winced at your thunderclap."

"Do you remember Tandem? Talcum? The cleric with the potted plant? Tendel! He joined up just as I went on an errand into the Culverwood to solicit aid from some druids - who declined to help us against the giants. Tendel left perhaps a week after I returned to the party, but he did have a nice fern. In the very early days we had Eral Sunstrider, a cleric of Domi. He stayed with us until he chose to help shepherd a befriended troll - the troll's name was 'Stupid' - to a safer path, and thence to set off on other adventures of his own.

"And of course you all know Alouryn Buttercup Bumblebottom, cleric of Flower, and wife of Hazel - since they help watch over the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword. And she makes fine pancakes. She showed both a bit of timidity, as well as great bravery in her time as a fairly peaceful adventurer with us, and kept many of us alive through her curative powers. My childhood friend Hazel - a ranger - got the better end of that matrimonial deal," he says with a grin.

"So, we've had some clerics. I am SO grateful that you, Succotash, took up the clerical mantel."

After that brief recounting of Humble's Sword members who wore the cloth, he returns his attention to the matter at hand. "So, we still need to find Elora Helethar, the elfin wizard. Is that the right way to go?" he asks the group, gesturing roughly in the direction they have been traveling. "Are all healed?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 99/132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) 4d12+15=49 ; d12=8 ; d20+25=44 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2020 8:29:07 PM
At Murphy's remarks, "Eh, anyone will tell you bard is just a state of mind."

Preferring to be prepared for anything, Pressi casts cure critical upon herself for 48+8=56 HP. She figured that should be good for now, and waved off CLW for a bit. She didn't think anyone else needed healing.

More detect magics and looking around through the area (Perception 44).

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 109/115(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells
Tuesday December 8th, 2020 8:56:45 PM
"Let's find this wizard chick quick, I'm really beginning to hate this place! By the way does anyone else need any healing?"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Wednesday December 9th, 2020 12:50:26 AM
"Hobie's right over there, Succo" says Kezzem, pointing at Hobie the wizard. "I think you might need your eyes checked."

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday December 9th, 2020 6:48:07 AM
"Good work everybody!" says Bliss.

"And I helped!" adds Mookie.

DM Kathy
Wednesday December 9th, 2020 3:06:53 PM
In the aftermath of battle, Kezzem heals his loyal mount, while Pressi heals herself. Bliss congratulates the group on a job well done.

Murphy reminds you that you are still looking for the last of Diara's companions. Succotash agrees that you should look for the "wizard chick."

Kezzem points out that Hobie is a wizard, but he is definitely not a chick, so it seems you need to keep looking.

And keep looking you do, moving through the complex where the wraiths seem to have taken over. You find more victims' remains, mostly skeletons. You know that anyone killed by wraiths later rises as a wraith, so you're pretty sure you just sent all these souls to the next life.

You eventually find a more recent corpse, and you can tell it is all that remains of Elora Helethar, elf wizard. Her gear is still intact--and in fact, many of the bodies you passed also had gear that might be worth a second look.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Wednesday December 9th, 2020 4:33:55 PM
"Ah, you meant girl wizard!" says Kezzem. "I though we were looking for a magical chicken."

"Maybe we should check out the gear of those bodies we have passed too."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 109/115(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells
Wednesday December 9th, 2020 8:35:09 PM
Succotash is sad that they weren't able to save the final companion, and he offers up a prayer to the gods on her behalf. Turning to Kezzem he says, "I suppose you right lets see what's to be seen."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 99/132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday December 9th, 2020 9:01:03 PM
Pressi continued to detect magic, search for signs of life, etc.

"Ok, so with that done, does anyone have any idea of how we are getting out? Because I'm pretty sure this female wizard was our ride home."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp d20+40=55 ;
Wednesday December 9th, 2020 9:16:42 PM

"Aaah," Murphy says in mournful tone before the body of Elora Helethar. He kneels beside her. "Lord Gargul, have mercy on her soul," he prays, along with Succotash who also offers intercession.

After any who wish, including Clovis Bylee, take a moment, he then rises and steps back. If others wish to take off her possessions, he waits for that. Then he says, "Let us wrap her body as we did for Vitaly." He switches back to his own halfling body, extracts blankets, canvas and rope. Then with help of others, they shroud the lady elf, and lower her into the portable hole.

Less reticent will he be to assist in taking from the remains of others their possessions of enduring worth. As to whether they choose to enshroud others, that depends to an extent on the number remaining. If few, perhaps he has a bit of room left in the hole for conveyance (maybe 3-4). If many, then... perhaps not.

He will detect magic as they go along. And also keep his eye out for any other wraiths, or other creatures who move about.
==============
Perception: 55

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday December 10th, 2020 1:37:44 AM
Hobie knows the most important things to a Wizard, and the things she might want returned to her loved ones are her spellbook and her bonded item. He takes her spellbook, and detects magic over her looking for something like a ring, or amulet, or even a weapon as Hobie uses that might be her bonded item.

Once he finds these, or at least the spellbook if she was a wizard with a familiar instead of a bonded item, he will quietly start reading through her spellbook while the rest of the group handles her body and other possessions.

DM Kathy
Thursday December 10th, 2020 4:17:18 PM
You begin sorting through the gear. Elora had a Headband of Vast Intelligence +6, a Cloak of Resistance +4, a Ring of Protection +3, a Wand of Fly (32 charges remaining), and two scrolls of Plane Shift. Hobie is also able to locate her spellbook, and a very nice-looking amulet. Hobie knows that, after so much time, a bonded item would no longer detect as magic, but it was probably this amulet.

Meanwhile, on various other bodies, you find a Ring of Blinking, Wings of Flying, a Ring of Invisibility, a +5 buckler, a Staff of Earth and Stone, an Ioun Stone (pale green prism), and a +3 scimitar (small size).

There are more than a dozen bodies here. You know that any creature killed by wraiths rises as a wraith shortly thereafter. You're pretty sure you just laid all those restless spirits to rest.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday December 10th, 2020 8:59:14 PM
Hobie places the amulet and spell book in his haversack to return to her companion. He does have his eyes on the wand of Fly as well.

�If no one iobjects, I�d like to take this wand. I always reserve two or three spell slots for Fly, and this wand could allow me a bit more versatility. Plus I can make more of us fly as well.�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 99/132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday December 10th, 2020 9:23:45 PM
Pressi nods at Hobie. She's personally more interested in the cloak or ring anyway (though she'd have to give up one of the rods she picked up to do so).

She also feels a little better about the plane shift scrolls, figuring she might have a rather good shot of using one.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 109/115(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells
Thursday December 10th, 2020 9:55:34 PM
OOC.. Succotash still has three scrolls of plane shift, plenty to get everyone back. As far as I know, that has always been the plan, since he is the only one who can do it without any chance of failure.

Succotash is fine with Hobie having the wand as well, though he could use it, just having it in the party is fine with him. Succotash looks at the loot and says, " wow, that a nice haul, though I wish the original owners were still alive to use them."

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday December 10th, 2020 11:50:56 PM

"It sure is too bad that so many died, but at least we got one survivor."

"Let's get home now, right?"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Friday December 11th, 2020 1:51:04 AM
"That cloak's a bit better than what I'm currently wrating," says Kezzem. "I'm pretty resilient though so if somebody else could use it go ahead."

Kezzem currently has a +3 Cloak.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp
Friday December 11th, 2020 2:08:50 AM

"This beautiful green prism, ah, my color." Murphy looks over what has been gathered from the bodies of those souls so recently sent to their rest. "This staff could serve us well in many circumstances. I make no claim, but should desire the ioun stone. If another prefers, I will yield."

"Say, Clovis, she was your companion on this journey. Is there aught of hers you would claim? Do you know her kin?"

As said before, if there are no more than four additional bodies, then Murphy can barely find room to return the corpses to the Wold in his extradimensional device. If more, then someone else will need to figure how.

"I have an additional thought, friends. We know there is much that is wicked and bent on this plane. I wish I knew how it was called. Might we seek out the source of what makes this place what it is? Shall we bring clerics to hallow this unhallowed ground? Might we find a way to rid the place forever - by exorcism or some other means - of that terrible ghostly potato monster? The work we were sent for is near done, I believe, as soon as Succotash exercises his plan to return us. But is that all the work there is for us to do?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 99/132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Friday December 11th, 2020 2:01:07 PM
(I figure Pressi can keep one rod or staff at 85K. I'm thinking alertness or necromancy over any of the others. The ring of blinking might be a good choice for Pressi, too. More so than more AC.)

Rest

DM Kathy
Friday December 11th, 2020 3:34:55 PM
[Everybody take 60,600 XP for the previous scene.]

You gather the treasure, and begin discussing how it might be distributed. Murphy, to his regret, finds that there are too many bodies to be conveyed in his portable hole. You could try to lay them to rest here, or you could just leave them, confident that their spirits are now at rest.

Clovis makes no claim on any of Elora's belongings. "She didn't often speak of her home or her kin," he says. "I gather they didn't approve of her becoming an adventurer. I wouldn't know where to find them."

When you are ready to depart, Succotash uses his scrolls to shift the entire party back to the Prime Material Plane. And, just like that, you are back in Humble's Ford. The morning's rain has stopped, and pale spring sunlight is breaking through the clouds. It seems very bright after the gloom of The Ruins.

Kim posts list of magic items acquired in The Ruins last encounter
Saturday December 12th, 2020 12:46:58 AM
Humble's Magic Items Recovered 20201210

- Pale Green Prism Ioun Stone - 30,000
+1 competence bonus on attack rolls, saves, skill checks, and ability checks.

- Staff of Earth and Stone - 85,800
This staff is topped with a fist-sized emerald that gleams with smoldering power. It allows the use of the following spells: Move earth (1 charge) - Passwall (1 charge)

- Ring of Blinking - 27,000
On command, this ring makes the wearer blink, as the blink spell.

- Ring of Invisibility - 20,000
By activating this simple silver ring, the wearer can benefit from invisibility, as the spell.

- Ring of Protection +3 - 18,000
This ring offers continual magical protection in the form of a deflection bonus of +3 to AC

- Wings of Flying - 27,000
A pair of these wings might appear to be nothing more than a plain cloak of old, black cloth, or they could be as elegant as a long cape of blue feathers. When the wearer speaks the command word, the cloak turns into a pair of bat or bird wings that empower her to fly with a speed of 60 feet (average maneuverability), also granting a +5 competence bonus on Fly skill checks.

- +5 Buckler - 25,155

- +3 Scimitar (small size) - 18,315

- Headband of Vast Intelligence +6 - 36,000

- Cloak of Resistance +4 - 16,000

- Wand of Fly (32 charges remaining) - 7,200 (11,250 when fully charged @50)

- Two scrolls of Plane Shift (7th wizard?)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp
Saturday December 12th, 2020 1:20:08 AM

"We made it," Murphy says once they all have made it back safely. "And Clovis made it. What a terrible realm is that pocket plane. No one commented on my notion of seeking to cleanse it. I won't push it for now. It's just good to be back home." The group of course seek out Diara, bringing the remains of those they were able to bring. He asks his friend to lay out to her what they encountered, if she wants to hear it. He outlines the story for her, and sees if others want to add perspective or other details. He asks Succotash if he wants to organize a burial ceremony and memorial service, asking the two surviving members of the ill-fated group for their wishes.

Once he finds time, he writes out the full account to add to his journals of the adventuring group. Copies are made and distributed as per regular practice, including a copy to the WLA branch in Angel Springs.

"How about a break for a while, friends?" He asks. "Of course, fresh crises can always arise, to which we may be called. Yet there are things to be done in our community. Most of us will likely want to visit the WLA for training updates. Perhaps one or more of you have plans for research, or getting archery class recruits going, or prepping a magic item, or taking advantage of the shrines on our grounds, or organizing and training coven members, or working with a growing cadre of followers, or ... having a wedding?" he concludes, looking to Pressi.

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Saturday December 12th, 2020 9:56:46 AM

Bliss is just happy to be home. "That place was a nightmare!" he says. "Mister Murphy, I know that heroes might want to do more, but for what? So that a dead place can become a destroyed place? Even if we killed every bad thing, could such a realm ever become a place of light and life?"

Mookie, on the other hand, keeps a keen jackdaw eye on the loot. "Can I fly wearing a cloak?" he asks.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Sunday December 13th, 2020 8:15:33 PM
"I would quite like that headband of Intelligence +6, I've been rocking a +2 and I'd like the upgrade"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Sunday December 13th, 2020 8:35:38 PM
Don't forget that we also have the following:

"And, in fact, when the fires die down and the area has cooled a bit, you find that much of Harmet's gear is none the worse for wear. The +2 Full Plate isn't even singed. The +1 Holy longsword is still in pristine shape, though its sheath is a total loss. The +2 heavy wooden shield is scorched on the surface, but still good. The minor Ring of Energy Resistance (Fire) is, of course, unscathed. The Boots of Speed and the Belt of Physical Might +4 (Strength and Constitution) are damaged, but not enough to reduce their effectiveness."

Kezzem is most interested in the boots of speed, pale green ioun stone, cloak of resistance +4, ring of fire resistance, and ring of invisibility, in that order. The ring of blink is tempting for a tank, but I don't think the trade off for damage output is worth it. No point being a tank if you can't do enough damage to get he enemy's attention.

"Hey, I got these undead bane tear's things, but it turns out I can't use them," says Kezzem. "I'll keep three for Rumpus, but I've got three more that aren't doing me any good. Any of you mighty polymorphing rangers need some, or should I just return them on the next trip to the Catacombs?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 109/115(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells
Monday December 14th, 2020 6:29:46 AM
OOC... We also found a staff of fire, a staff of necromancy, a rod of alertness, a +3 greatsword, and a medium sized suit of +1 mithral full plate of speed with improved energy resistance: acid

There are a few item's that interest the cleric, but, in his mind, Succotash's priority is to upgrade his headband, and get a rod of quicken spell, so he resists the lure of the loot. He is happy to head up a funeral for the fallen, if the survivors so chose, but if others are going to be heading to Angel Springs for training, He will pop over to Merrydale to spend some time with his folks. He was happy that his relationship with his father was showing signs of reconciliation, last time he visited, and hopes to further improve their relationship.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 99/132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday December 14th, 2020 10:20:22 AM
"A wedding would absolutely be a nice change of pace from our last adventure," Pressi replied. "Even when taking our families into account."

Her face falls when hearing about recruitment. She still has yet to finalize that cohort. And figure out how much she can "spend" on loot. (I'm going to work on her next sheet tonight.) She wonders how Bliss is doing on his recruitment.

DM Kathy
Monday December 14th, 2020 3:33:56 PM
Murphy again mentions his suggestion to try to return and cleanse The Ruins, but Bliss isn't sure it would be worthwhile.

The rest of the group is mostly concerned with the treasure, and you discuss it as you make your way to the Sanctuary.

Diara is still there, curled up at Quercus's roots. She stands when she sees you approach, and smiles when she sees Clovis. "Clovis! You made it! Oh, I'm so glad!" she exclaims.

Clovis actually smiles a little in return. He steps up as if to embrace her, but she steps back a little. "No," she says. "Sorry, but I--I....I'm sorry."

"No, I get it," Clovis replies.

Diara looks at you. "And...and the others? Did you find them? What happened?"

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday December 14th, 2020 4:07:41 PM

Bliss tells the story as gently as he can, after a pre-emptive "Hush Mookie" via telepathy.

When he is done, he offers condolences. "I'm sorry we could not bring back more of your friends, miss. Please accept our condolences."

He offers her first choice of any of the magic gear if she would like a remembrance of her friends.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 21 HP 109/115(115) Valerie AC 38/16/33 CMD 28 HP 131/131(109) Spells
Monday December 14th, 2020 6:48:41 PM
Succotash nods his agreement with Bliss, when he offers mementos to the survivors than adds, "If you need a cleric for whatever reason, whether it be for grief council, or funeral duties I would be glad to be of service. Of course if you know of someone else who you would rather use, I understand and take no offense, just know that my heart goes out to you, and I am available."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 99/132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday December 14th, 2020 8:33:14 PM
Pressi lets the others speak before offering her own condolences, and helps with returning trinkets and bodies.

"Did you have any further information on where this pocket dimension came from. Who told you about it, perhaps?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp d20+30=45 ;
Tuesday December 15th, 2020 12:06:03 AM

Murphy listens to all as they discuss the journey to the pocket plane, and partially successful rescue. "I am glad you found some rest at the root of Quercus," Murphy tells Diara as he looks up at the oaken treant. He places his hand on the bark of the one who promised to guard the sanctuary, and to let the children play here. He turns, and looks at the ground several feet to one side, his face in profile to the one who asked their help for her friends.

"The paladin was intrepid, even in death. The cleric had fallen, and the elf wizard. Harmet Ells. Vitaly Cev. Elora Helethar. We are, I am, so sad for such loss. For a while, I wondered whether we would return ourselves. I thank heaven above that you two made it back, and we, too. Let us know, Clovis and Diara, if there is anything else we might do for you."
============
Sense motive: 45 [trying to gauge how Elora and Clovis are taking all of this]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp
Tuesday December 15th, 2020 12:29:03 AM

"Really? We can go ahead and - " Murphy stops talking, and kisses Pressi full on the lips [look, this is not the same time as talking to Diara and Clovis, all right?]. "Y-y-y-y-yyYESSS!"

DM Kathy
Tuesday December 15th, 2020 3:25:12 PM
Bliss tells Diara the fates of the rest of her adventuring party. She looks somber. Bliss offers her first choice of any gear as remembrance.

"Thank you," she says, "but I--I don't know what I would do with it. I'd rather you all kept the gear. I have no other way to reward you."

Succotash offers condolences, and his services as a cleric. "Thank you," Diara says. "That's very kind."

Pressi also offers her condolences, and asks about the pocket plane. "I think I told you everything I know about it," Diara replies. "Elora did the research; she could have told you more, I think. Had she lived."

Murphy speaks of each companion by name, and urges Diara and Clovis to tell him if they need anything.

"I don't think I need anything else," Diara says. She looks pale. Was she always that pale?

"Clovis. I'm so glad you made it out. Truly." She smiles wistfully. "Part of me wishes that I'd been the one to survive, but I am glad for you."

Wait, what?

"I'm guessing you didn't find my body," she says to your group. "Or you would have had questions for me right away. I hid so well, you see, but it didn't save me."

She isn't pale; she is transparent. And fading. You can see Quercus through her.

"Please keep all that you found," she continues. "Thank you, thank you so much for making that horrible trip. For putting my companions to rest. For saving Clovis." She is fading more and more. "I think I'm ready to rest now. Clovis, enjoy your life. We will meet again."

The ghost of Diara Fayst fades away altogether. At the very last, you think you hear a very faint "goodbye."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Tuesday December 15th, 2020 6:51:06 PM
Kezzem will Detect Evil.

"She was a ghost the whole time? I mean, I knew you was a ghost. Paladin of Gargul and all that. Of course I knew she was a ghost the whole time."

"Man, I have got to start paying more attention in those University of the Phoenix paladin classes."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Tuesday December 15th, 2020 9:05:00 PM
Succotash stares with his mouth gaped wide open. He never expected to see what he just saw, and is left speechless. When he final is able to process the situation, he says, "Two goodly ghosts in one day, and here I thought they were all evil. I guess I have a lot to learn still." Turning to Clovis he asks, "Would you like us to go back and search for Diara's body? Had we known that it was her ghost that gave us this mission, we would have done our best to seek it out."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 99/132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday December 15th, 2020 9:58:38 PM
Pressi can't help but feel a little sorry for Clovis. She and Murphy running around can't be easy on him.

Particularly as Diara begins to fade.

Harper just stares, agog.

After a few minutes, Pressi speaks up. "Wait, but she... I mean... Gaah, we have GOT to start screening the people that hire us. Got to...."

She pauses as Kezzem and Succotash speak. "I'm sorry, the idea that the undead is evil surprises you? What do you think I've been doing all this time?"

It is, of course, a moment of defensive nature. Pressi, who thought she could just reach out and control a giant wraith, doesn't really want to contemplate the nature of death. But more on that another time....

For now, Pressi instead turns to the present matter at hand. "You know, we don't actually have any proof that we ever got away from the zygomind and are being digested as we speak. So... wedding plans...."

DM Kathy
Wednesday December 16th, 2020 3:21:48 PM
As Diara's spirit departs, Kezzem states confidently that of course he knew she was a ghost all along. He detects for evil, but finds none.

Succotash asks Clovis if he would like for you to go back and find Diara's body, but the halfling ranger shakes his head. "She didn't seem too concerned about it," he says. "And I'd hate for something to happen to you. Best leave that place alone."

Pressi says you need to screen your employers better, and points out the cheerful possibility that you are still being digested by the zygomind. And if you are, you know, you won't have to worry about it for much longer.

But for now, it would seem your mission has been accomplished, and you have the pile of loot to show for it. Let the divvying up begin!

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday December 16th, 2020 5:39:53 PM
Homie bows as the spirit departs. When she�s gone, Hobie asks Clovis

Good friend, I�m sorry for your loss. Might you like a distraction in the form of an archery contest? I think the town would enjoy the show, and there is a young archer in Humble�s Ford whose progress I�d like to check on.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 99/132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday December 16th, 2020 9:22:31 PM
Life continues for now, as Pressi begins plans for the wedding in earnest, and begins sending invitations for the coven.

(Kim and I need to discuss the basics but I think they finally tie the knot during the slowdown, something to do while we wait for the next mission. I also don't expect Pressi's relatives there, as of yet.)

This is in between her own training (and leveling to 17), her own setups of a coven, and of trying to finally decide what loot to use.

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Wednesday December 16th, 2020 11:57:06 PM
Bliss is still picking his jaw off the floor. Really!

Mookie is looking the loot over, putting on the cape of resistance, and trying to fly. It seems to interfere with his wings, though.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Thursday December 17th, 2020 12:14:15 AM
"Silly bird," says Kezzem. "Cloaks are for kids...and halflings!"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp
Thursday December 17th, 2020 3:56:06 AM

Sorry, folks - multiple stacked work assignments last few days... here is my catch-up post

"You've shown you have quite the will, Diara Fayst, to solicit a rescue even after your own hope of rescue was... beyond hope? Farewell, may Gargul regard what you have done for your friends, fair lady." Murphy already knows not all ghosts are evil, so is not astonished to find such a good spirit as this - though she concealed well her condition. The towhead merely smiles at the banter regarding ghosts and evil and who knew or did not know what and when.

"Capital idea! Clovis, we have an archery range just a couple hundred feet from where we are standing. Let's go show him, eh, Hobbie?" This Sanctuary of Humble's Sword map can be referenced to take a bird's-eye view of the area. Quercus, the treant, is in the lower right (SE) corner, and the archery range goes along the inside wall on the left (W) side of the map. "Just don't hit Dderwen off to the right of the targets. He gets pretty prickly for an oak when people miss the target and sink a shaft in his bark. There is a fairly tightly-woven double net there that catches most arrows, but some get through. He can pick up and walk out the north gate for a while if it looks like people's shots are coming his way too often."

He points to the West Gate. "The West gate is the only one that travels beneath the surface. A bell rings when someone is passing through, so out of politeness, we refrain from loosing arrows until they arrive intact and turn towards the main part of the grounds here."

As he walks with Clovis, Murphy says, "We have plenty of room here, friend. If you would like to stay for a while, we would love to have you. And you can't miss Alouryn's pancakes, and Hazel is getting very good at making breakfast sausages. He is a ranger, too. He and I grew up together, off and on. Oh, and we have a few pools you can dip your toes in, and one deep enough to swim in up on top of that rocky mound some call Rock Castle. Meanwhile, are you willing to work with Hobbie on this archery exposition?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp
Thursday December 17th, 2020 4:19:00 AM

As treasure division is discussed, Murphy says, "Kezzem, I realized I was more humble sounding about one thing than I feel at this time. I'd like the green ioun stone. In part, because it's green," he smiles. "The party will benefit from the staff of earth and stone. For the staff, I'm fine if someone else wants to keep it, or I carry it with me, but I don't want it sold, as I believe it will be of strategic and material benefit to us down the road.

"The other items you have mentioned are fine with me for you to have, or others to negotiate about. For me, personally, the ioun stone, please. For the party, whoever carries it, the staff."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp
Thursday December 17th, 2020 5:40:19 AM

Wedding Prep:
"Pressi - Alouryn loves wedding preparations. You should see what she came up with for her and Hazel's matrimonial festivities. Also, though they left us on acrimonious terms, we might do well to see if Shel and Alleah of many last names might be willing to help out. Would love to mend fences with them. And Shel and I grew up knowing each other... Maybe Talia can join in somehow. I mean Tali. There are a bunch of guys who have been with the group, too. Let's invite them.

"What do you think of holding the ceremony at the Wind Spire? Or, where else might be good?" [I'll remand the bulk of planning to email, but thought at least to roll the ball forward a bit.]

Other things:
- Training at WLA in Angel Springs
- Reaching out to the druids there. Over a year ago Murphy was contacted regarding the possibility of joining the Circle of the Oak Might it be time for that to go through? See DM Carl's post of Wednesday July 10th, 2019 3:58:12 PM (In the archives in [link href="https://www.woldiangames.com//archives/index.php?game=Humbles&start=1562342887&end=1563203356"]this section[/i]. Just for the record, though he still sometimes plants three oak trees in some sort of triangle near each other, he no longer sticks to the equilateral triangle with the trees 35' from one another. He mixes it up. He had made a trail from just north of Humble's Ford to the Glimstone Mines at the base of the mountains of The Scab of the equilaterally-planted oaks a bit before the druidic visitation. His purpose at the time was he could then catch all three acorns in the same plant growth spell. A lot of the oaks, though, likely got trampled down by the invading giants.
- Catching up on news within Humble's Ford. He loves the people there (and tolerates Pirnook Deeppockets).
- Visit with McGregor Headwise and Halfred Humble. The former he has tried to visit with umpteen times. Might it be a challenge to portray this paragon of wisdom and sage advice? Murphy wants to learn of him. And Halfred Humble knows the town's history so well.
- Spend time with family, and perhaps reach out again towards Pressi's kin?
- Oh, oh! Followers. Murphy has Leadership feat (courtesy of WLA training). His brother, Kendry, a bard, has agreed to serve as cohort. So, recruitment of followers to ensue. Kendry comes up with an oaken badge to be awarded notable followers.

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday December 17th, 2020 3:43:28 PM

After thinking things over, Bliss just shrugs. "There are more things in this Wold of ours, dear Mookie, than are dreamt of in your philosophy," he says.

"MY philosophy!? I don't need no stinkin' philosophy!" caws the crow. "Stop your mooning and look over this loot, Kid!"

"Okay, well, first thing, stop playing with that darn cloak. It doesn't fit and you can't have it."

"Fine!" says Mookie. "But I still claim it! I can get them to fix it at the Catacombs!"

"Good idea," says Bliss.

[OOC: Bliss puts in a claim for one of the +4 cloaks]

"Miss Pressi, did you decide on the Blink Ring for sure? If not, I'll try it. But it is yours if you prefer."

[OOC: Bliss is second in line for the Blink Ring after Pressi]

"I think that's it for me," Bliss says.

Mookie snuggles his +4 cloak

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Thursday December 17th, 2020 4:07:01 PM
Succotash would rather have the cash, as he is wanting to upgrade his headband and get a quicken rod, which he feels would be of most use to himself and the party.

DM Kathy
Thursday December 17th, 2020 5:15:46 PM
Hobie asks Clovis about an archery contest. "Sure," Clovis says. "I mean, no, not really. Well, maybe. I don't know. I--I don't know about anything. It's a bit too much."

Murphy is keen on the archery idea, and invites Clovis to stay at the Sanctuary for a while. The halfling ranger accepts with thanks.

The rest of you are mostly deciding on what to do with the treasure. That is, apart from Murphy and Pressi, who are planning their wedding.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp
Thursday December 17th, 2020 6:26:17 PM

A place for Clovis
Murphy wastes no time but finds a spare room within Rock Castle up on the second level. It's on a corner with one north looking window and the other on the west side. The room is of a natural shape, the only flat surface being the floor, mostly covered over with some sort of padding and a carpet. A couple of colored pen-and-in sketches are on one wall of members of Humble's Sword from about five years back walking along a trail, and another one from a later time with a more current cast of characters shooting the rapids in an undermountain river. There is a human-sized bed and two halfling-sized beds (one with a firm mattress and pillow, the other softer on both counts) a quilted goose down blanket in a duvet for each bed, an armoire with slippers, a few towels and sheets, and room for clothing, a chest of drawers, a plumbed sink (copper piping) - he shows him how to turn the water on and off with a spigot. "Water is fed from a container of pure fresh water stored under the roof. We pump it up from a natural spring every day or so." Two ceramic cups are there. There is also a halfling-sized desk and chair, with paper, pens and ink in the drawers. In the bottom drawer are a few plates, bowls, table utensils. Last, there is couch of a human scale. Three or four humans could sit side-by-side, and perhaps twice as many halflings. It's all fairly cozy, but not cramped.

He introduces Hazel and Alouryn to Clovis, lets them know he is a ranger - and surely Hazel will warm up quickly to him on that count alone. Cleric of Flower Alouryn was born to hospitality. So long as folks are kind to her friends.

Memorial Service:
"Let us set a day to remember those who fell in the Ruin. Which sounds better: Tomorrow, or two days hence?" he asks all members of the Sword, and also sees what sits fair with Clovis. He leans whichever direction Clovis leans on the matter. Whatever day and time is decided upon, he asks that all members of the group agree to be there, to stand with the sole survivor.

Treasure Division:
As earlier indicated, the green ioun stone is the sole individual treasure claim Murphy makes, with the staff of earth and stone sure to be kept with someone in the party, whether himself or another. "We just don't sell that one, all right?"

Gathering Followers:
Murphy works out some principles, goals and guidelines for any who would look to him for leadership. Kindness, justice, mercy, truth, love, right living, good domesticity, and willingness to venture in one's life for these ideals in support of community form core elements of what he plans to put forth. And fun. Gotta have fun. And work - that's how things get done.

Wedding Plans:
Happening between the engaged couple at the moment, will get back to you on that!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 99/132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday December 17th, 2020 9:11:06 PM
Trying to get some work in before the weekend, so no wedding plan start yet.

She hasn't really decided much on treasure, and is rather surprised to hear that Murphy thinks "earth and stone" is a better idea than some of the other rods (like necromancy or alertness or really necromancy). She figures that she can get get a single rod plus the ring of protection +3 or ring of invisibility, so she lets the ring of blink pass to Bliss. (I really need to work out my accounting again.)

(The staff of fire is also tempting, and cheap. Pressi makes a first claim to it, figuring she can make the numbers work.)

She avoids the archery stuff, not really being a range attacker. In ways they would appreciate.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday December 17th, 2020 10:44:56 PM
Hobie will go to his constable cousin and talk to him about all of the events of their previous trip.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Friday December 18th, 2020 3:31:17 AM
"Let's do two days hence," suggests Kezzem. "And not just because I like saying 'hence.'"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Friday December 18th, 2020 6:11:25 AM
Succotash loves the idea of a formal ceremony for the lost, though he doesn't care which day it takes place. He believes that a funeral should be a celebration of life, though obviously there is the sorrow that accompanies the loss of love ones. He is glad that Clovis has decided to stay at the Sanctuary, and secretly hopes that the ranger decides to take up permanent residency there, as having a experienced adventurer there to defend the home front while the Swords are away seems a good thing, and he's a fellow halfling to boot. The cleric has little interest in participating in the archery competition, but he is more then happy to watch to see the excellent marksmanship of two skilled archers. When Murphy and Pressi start mentioning the fact that they are making wedding plans, He quickly chimes in, "I think I know a cleric who might be available."

DM Kathy
Friday December 18th, 2020 3:11:31 PM
Murphy shows Clovis to a room in the Sanctuary, and proposes a memorial for those who fell in The Ruins. Clovis's only preference for timing is that the memorial not be held the same day as the archery contest.

Succotash endorses the plan for a memorial, and offers his services for Pressi and Murphy's wedding.

Hobie goes to his cousin the constable to tell all about this latest adventure.

And, of course, the treasure talk continues.

[OOC: Everyone take 17,500 XP for this scene. I'll leave this as the current scene until after the slowdown. I will assume that the memorial service and the archery contest both take place. If somebody would like to describe them, that's fine. If Kim and Melvin want to describe the wedding, that's fine, too.]

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp
Sunday December 20th, 2020 5:11:14 AM
"Very well, then. Two days hence we will remember and honor those who ventured greatness," Murphy proposes. "Let it begin at two hours before noon, as the sun moves from mid-morning to fully bright, recalling that light brought down fell wights, and freed souls from entrapment. Shall the archery contest be on the third day from now? And the wedding next week."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Monday December 21st, 2020 6:29:53 AM
Succotash is fine with Murphy's itinerary, and says so. At the ceremony for the fallen, the Cleric says a prayer addressed to all the gods, but especially Gargul. He asks them to take into account the heroic deeds of the fallen, that they my be allowed entrance into the lands of rest. He also prays for all the others they found in the demi-plane, and asks that those of a heroic nature be honored, and if any were there for nefarious reasons, that they receive their just deserves. Succotash concludes by asking Clovis, the only survivor of their ill fated mission, if he had anything he wanted to say to honor his fallen comrades.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 99/132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday December 21st, 2020 8:53:00 PM
With the coven filling the dancing pig, it wasn't long before prestidigitations... and soon, filled wedding invitations, began to fill the room.

And it wasn't long before every member of Humble's Sword, past and present, received an invitation.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid - AC 47/T-25/Fl-39 CMD 42 HP 183+12temp
Tuesday December 22nd, 2020 3:26:55 AM

Memorial Service
Before the service, Murphy provides shovels and joins in digging graves six feet deep, placing them just beyond 300 feet north of the north wall of the Sanctuary (unless someone suggests a better place). For each grave is a headstone with name, race, and approximate date of passing he had Foreman George's stonecutter fashion. He asks ahead of time for any additional brief words or symbols Clovis may wish to have added to each monument, and surely the stonecutter will oblige.

Murphy's older brother Kendry, recently agreeing to be cohort as the druid begins to gather followers, is a bard. He quietly plays harp music as people gather to remember those who are being buried or simply remembered. Based upon what he was told of each person, he composes a two- to four-line verse for each to be remembered by.

Shoot 'em up!
For the archery contest, short targets and long targets were set on the archery range. Under Hobie's direction, Murphy also will help set up whatever other targets and shooting ranges on the back side that the arcane archer may desire. The druid does not practice archery, but has seen enough of it, and will offer to help score, as well as tend to any wounds that bow and arrow mishaps may incur. Dderwen decides the day of the archery contest that he will join his friend Quercus on the opposite side of the Sanctuary grounds. He knows where a stand of well-suited yew trees are about two miles north, should someone wish to engage in quality bow-making.

Wedding preps
Murph engages his family in helping him and Pressi bring their engagement to fruition by preparing for the wedding itself next week. His mother and a few aunts and their friends are well-versed in the various ingredients involved in planning a wedding, and this likely will not be a small affair as weddings go.

He and Pressi seem pleased that Succotash has offered his services as cleric for the wedding. "We are honored, Succotash, at your offer, and accept, with one caveat. Are you open to being one of two clerics to officiate the ceremony? We also would like to involve high priest Sarabella LoveSong of the Temple of Flower to work with you to weave the clerical elements of the service, if you would be amenable to such."

Something New?
As your character spends a bit of time at the Sanctuary if you roll a perception of 18 Highlight to display spoiler: {Does it look like Alouryn, Hazel's wife and joint caretaker of the Sanctuary, might be helping to grow a family?}

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid, bridegroom
Tuesday December 22nd, 2020 3:29:06 AM

By the way, the 'he' who knows where the yew trees are is Murphy, not Dderwen.

Interim assistant ADM Kim
Tuesday December 22nd, 2020 3:46:29 AM
[Kathy gave me - and you guys - the okay to going ahead and running some of the NPCs during the break, as I have in years past been called upon to fill in here and there. So, if you keep in mind what already is established for existing NPCs in the Woldipedia, and/or have followers or such to play with, dip your toes in.]

Rosco Hornblower
"So, tell me, cousin, about this journey of yours to the pocket plane," the town's constable says as he offers coffee, cheese, coldcuts and ryebread as Hobie sits down to tell that tale. He listens attentively as he carves a sigil on a small wooden shield, pausing after a while to bring out a pipe and good tobacco, and to offer Hobie a choice of three new pipes to choose from, should he wish to join in a smoke. A few minutes in Westen, a deputy, comes in, says, "I took care of the fence dispute, Rosco." The constable nods his head. "Take a seat, and listen to Hobie's story." He gives a quick summary of what Hobie said so far, then gestures with his pipe for the archer to continue.

Westen sits on a hardbacked chair and fashions a sandwich of rye, goat cheese and slices of salami, and a slather of mustard. He waits a spell before beginning to eat it, pours some now lukewarm coffee in a cup, and tosses in a question or two - especially about the zygo-whatsit plant monster and how it works.

Kim / Murphy
Tuesday December 22nd, 2020 5:23:52 PM

OOC: Melvin: 3 emails...

Interim assistant ADM Kim
Wednesday December 23rd, 2020 8:24:52 PM

Archery Contest, Introduction
As word gets out about the upcoming archery contest, inquiries find their way to the adventurers. Quite a few talk about archery with shortbows, compound bows, and other bow types. Will there be something for the younger set - age groups? What about crossbows? Slings? Dagger throwing? What kinds of prizes? An elf clad in green with a full quiver and a longbow over his shoulder arrives at the compound and asks whether the event is to be limited to halflings. Seeing him, Kade, who cares for the land north of the wall, asks if an elf is going to participate, if a dwarf can, too. By the afternoon following the memorial service contestants, some with families and friends, begin to show up. A few BadApples and a couple of Hairfeet toughs ask about entering. A lieutenant from Hovel's militia brings a few contestants, and a few groups from Angel Springs show up the morning of the event. The answers to these questions will fall to the organizers - the party, and Hobie as the head of the contest.

Along with the long archery range along the west side, a short-course archery range is also set up in the practice arena area, with eight targets set 8' apart from center along the west side of the site at the 60' mark from the outside (50' from inside) wall. Depending upon the stage of the event, archers may loose from the 120' mark (60' / 20yds range), or from the 150' mark (90' / 30yds range).

The long-course archery range usually has two targets but is modified now to allow three targets at the north end for contestants. Standing points are at 210' mark (180' / 60yds range) and 330' mark (300' / 100yds range). If organizers wish to modify the range distances, of course they may. On the 360'+ to the north of the wall, there are additional spots that can be used for the arrow games.

Hugo and Primula PipeLeaf let you know The Slings and Arrows shop will help sponsor the contest, and offer a grand trophy for the best archer, and additional trophies for the subcontests. Pirnook Deeppockets offers to sell archery bracers, various prices for various qualities. The cheapest are cheap indeed, but may afford a measure of protection for the flesh of the forearm for one to five shots of the bow.

Mulberry Drinkwater offers to help hand out awards to the victors. Mayor Bingo Bumbleluck and his wife May Greenbottle Bumbleluck offer to be there, with his lovely daughter Blossom. "We'll have a golden key for the best halfling archer." Eldon and Cora TossCobble offer to help oversee the children's archery event. "I will provide lemonade for the young contestants," Cora declares. Tiana Taithen of the Second Dinner Club lets Hobie know that she'd like to watch over the event from up on the rocky castle. "Just to keep an eye on things."

The manager of The Belly Buster asks if they can sell food to attendees at the Sanctuary. No word yet from The Dancing Pig as of yet, but perhaps Pressi will let us know if they want to join in.

So, can others than halflings participate? Are missile weapons other than arrows allowed? Bows only, or crossbows, too? What awards and prizes do members of the Sword wish to offer? Let us know. Lay down the rules, please, if you please.

Wedding - The week following Christmas
Mark your calendars...

Interim assistant ADM Kim
Saturday December 26th, 2020 1:28:48 PM

** Crickets **

Happy Boxing day, friends!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday December 28th, 2020 12:58:39 PM
Greetings and Salutations All

You are cordially invited, as a past or present member of Humble�s Ford, to attend the wedding of Murphy and Pressi. After a small ceremony in the Flower Temple, they will be exchanging vows in the Humble�s Sword Sanctuary, followed by a dinner reception in the Adventurers' Hall on the grounds of the Sanctuary. No RSVPs are needed (though we'd be happy to hear if you wish to reply), black tie optional. Do wear something. We look forward to you joining us in our moment of happiness.

-Pressi Silverglove and Murphy Leafwin Pipewood

For the downtime, Murphy and Pressi are finally getting married, and every past and present member of Humble�s Ford is invited. The ceremony will last from Dec 28 to Jan 4, when the game proper resumes. You may drop in and out as desired, much like the events in the Giggling Ghost, a chance for your old characters to catch up or see what�s new, or for your current characters to join in on the fun and meet some coven or family members. Or just send the two characters a note wishing them well.

-Pressi and Murphy (as played by Melvin Pollack and Kim McCoy)
( melvinpollack@gmail.com and kimmccoy52@outlook.com)

Game info block:
Website for Humble's Sword game: https://www.woldiangames.com/games/index.php?game=Humbles (let Cayzle know if you'd like temporary posting privileges at cayzle@cayzle.com
Map of Sanctuary Grounds: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DI8gdyiZ4YAZcagcaYjnYLlh6dWRNomRa8-scsIiqrY/edit?usp=sharing

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday December 28th, 2020 1:24:05 PM

Downstairs at the Dancing Pig, the coven continued to be busy. Robed casters and waiters worked to prepare food for travel. And many continued to argue over whether they had to wait for her to walk down on the aisle or pay up now. "A lot could still happen in a couple of hours," the ones that lost continued to insist.

Upstairs, Pressi fingered the fanciest dress she had ever seen, an ivory and black gown with silver accents, the veil by her side. Today was the day to get ready.

At the small temple of flower, Maid of Honor Talia continued to wait patiently. Harper remained by her side, a small pillow on the cat's back and a flower clipped to the ear. There had been rumors that Pressi's family were around, and nobody knew what that meant. So Talia kept an eye open.

At the guild hall, Constable Roscoe and much of the town leadership began to fill into the hallways. Only a few of them were betting on the outcome of this wedding.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Tuesday December 29th, 2020 3:48:05 PM
"Hey Press, so are you doing the gender-normal thing?" asks Kezzem. "Because if not, I was wondering if I could be your man-of-honor since I've known you the longest. Maybe that's just a stupid idea. I mean, I would look silly in a dress."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday December 29th, 2020 8:31:09 PM

"I think it's pretty clear that there's never been anything normal about me, gender or otherwise," Pressi quipped to Kezzem.

After a couple of more jokes, Pressi took Kezzem by the hands. "You are my best friend, my oldest friend, and the one that helped me get on track. In some ways, you are closer to being my sibling than any of my actual siblings. And I would love to make you my man of honor, dress or not.

"And if it is a stupid idea, its not the first stupid idea that worked and it won't be our last."

-------------------

At the small Temple of Flower, Pressi walked down the small aisle. Succotash stood by the temple leader, Murphy already standing and waiting (as was all of the current Humble's Sword).

With soft steps, she made her way to the center of the room.

She allowed herself to be happy.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Wednesday December 30th, 2020 5:53:24 AM
Standing up front in the temple, Succotash shifts from foot to foot uncomfortably a bit. Being in front of so many people has him feeling less then at ease. "Succotash you fool! you have faced off against dragons and all other sorts of nasty beasties, why are your knees shaking now!" The cleric thinks to himself, as he awaits Pressie's entrance. He does his best to hide his stage fright, but he is pretty sure that Murphy has caught on. Then Pressi and Kezzem come walking down the aisle, and his demeanor changes immediately. He has come to see this group of heroes as his second family, in the few years that he has been with them, and his love for them, and, for this moment only, for Pressi and Murphy especially, coupled with a strong desire to see the two enjoy and cherish their special day steels his nerves, and strengthens his resolve.

After Pressie's Grand entrance, Succotash addresses the congregation in his most dignified tone of voice, saying, "Marwiage, marwiage is what Bwings us together today. That bwessed arrangement, that dweam within a dweam!" He then turns to Murphy and asks, "Have you the wing?"

Interim assistant ADM Kim
Wednesday December 30th, 2020 6:55:29 AM

One of Murphy's oldest friends, Bob Danderfluff LaRue - known to all as 'Hazel' for the color of his eyes - agreed to be his best man, just as Murphy had been his. The ranger had it much more together than was the case at his own wedding, and was able to take care of several things to smooth things out. When Hazel learns of Kezzem's proposal to serve as 'man of honor' to Pressi, he rolls his eyes. "Kez, sir, you are one of my favorite nut jobs. Welcome to the show!" His wife Alouryn offered to help Pressi as one of her bridesmaids. "Or perhaps," Alouryn says, "a bride's matron." She rubs her now slightly rounded lower stomach. She managed with the help of other clerics of Flower to festoon the temple with a multitude of pastel ribbons in tasteful drapings. Tali asks if Kezzem is to be her 'man of honor' if she still will be the maid of honor - which she would be fine with, or a bridesmaid if not. She seems very humble and willing to do what Pressi wants in the matter.

Murphy's family filled a few pews in the chapel, which had been somewhat expanded with the incorporation of the followers of Ffloy into the Temple of Flower. Not all are here, for space is dear. The front row, left side as one faces the front, is reserved for members of Humble's Sword, whether current or former.

Murphy manages to notice toward the back one of Pressi's sisters, Markrid. She had accompanied their mother Yamyra who interviewed Murphy in the undermountain grotto not long past. When Markrid catches Murphy's eye, her face briefly reflects the smile she had as she chuckled that day at something or other Murphy had said, bantering with Mother Yamyra in that place of power.

With an ethereal grace the elderly yet radiant High Priest Sarabella LoveSong sweeps from out the curtains behind the altar. She sings a simple tune:

"In Flower's Town the blossoms bloom
In scarlet, mauve, and sweet perfume
We gather here - our Lady's room
As comes the bride to her bridegroom"

"Welcome one and all: Family, friends, neighbors, dignitaries. With the passing of years we noted with gratitude members of Humble's Sword on several occasions working hard to defend our town and beloved valley from many who envy the blessings we enjoy, the blessings of Lady Flower. She teaches and counsels us toward committed love rich and deep, and marriage between a couple for life. Such allows offspring of such a union to be taught, protected, shaped and nurtured, and for the couple to serve their community in myriad ways.

"I will not speak long today. The growing love and respect between Pressi Silverglove and Murphy Leafwin Pipewood has been evident to many." She takes a budding flower from a nearby vase. "I've heard tell that the two used a budding flower early in their friendship to illustrate the wisdom of not stirring up love too quickly, but rather waiting for it to grow and unfold according to nature. Shall we pull quickly the petals open, only to watch them fall to the ground, torn and damaged? No. Thus have we seen these two move with fair patience toward this day, and the time is now for the bud to come to full bloom."

She dusts the bud with a light powder, purses her lips and blows the powder off. She hums and a soft glow envelopes the bud, the stem grows longer in her hand, leafs emerge along the stem, and the bud begins to flower. She hands the now dazzling flower to Kezzem. "Here. You take care of this."

"Brother Succotash here, a member of Humble's Sword, would like to address you before we proceed to the formal vows. Brother Succotash?"

She steps aside to let him speak.

Once he has concluded, she picks up again.

"In life there is suffering. In life there are joys. Will you Murphy, and will you Pressi, covenant together to provide comfort where there is suffering, and to share in celebration of times of joy? Will you work together, serve each other, and yield one to the other? Will love be your aim?"

"The vows here are simple. Will you, Murphy, take this woman Pressi to your wedded wife, to hold at bed and at board, for fairer and fouler, for better for worse, in sickness and in health, till you depart this life for the lands of rest?"

"And will you, Pressi, take this man Murphy to your wedded husband, to hold at bed and at board, for fairer and fouler, for better for worse, in sickness and in health, till you depart this life for the lands of rest?"

"Now, have you a token of your pledge?" [Exchange of rings, or something else?]

"In view of the covenent promises made here this day, and the tokens of their pledge, in the presence of Flower and of these witnesses, I hereby declare you husband and wife. You may share a kiss in seal of the covenant."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid, bridegroom
Wednesday December 30th, 2020 7:32:07 AM

Murphy sees Markrid, and nods toward her, glad that at least one member of Pressi's family chose to attend. He grins at his family. His father pushes back the wavy lock of hair that fell across his forehead, then gives Murphy a customary congratulatory gesture with a smooth movement of his hand. Others briefly catch his eye. Then Leska Rose points over her shoulder and mouths 'she's here!.

All looking elsewhere stops. Pressi approaches, a vision in ivory, black and silver. He can see hints of her features behind the veil. Why is his heart racing so? As she draws nearer, he takes several deep breaths after realizing his breath had stopped for a moment. The pulse comes a tiny bit more under control.

She comes to his side, and he places his hand in hers.
==========

Murphy turns toward the front as Succotash begins to speak... then Sarabella comes forth. He thinks to himself, maybe they didn't have a chance to coordinate everything. [Sorry, Jeremy - did not see your post until after I had posted]

He attends to the priestess as much as he can. But mostly he simply senses beside him the one he has been waiting for. He breathes in her scent. He lightly rubs his thumb over the back of her hand. He listens to what Succotash may have to add. When asked the questions by Sarabella, he nods his head in affirmation as she goes through some questions, says, "Yes," to 'Will love be your aim?' At the vow, he answers, "I will." Somehow he likes the phrase 'bed and board.'

At the exchange of rings, he thanks Harper as he takes the ring he had crafted for Pressi to complement and augment the engagement ring he earlier had given her. In a mixture of warmth and nerves, he places it upon her ring finger. He receives what she gives him.

Husband and wife? Kiss? He lifts her veil, drinks in her countenance, then closes his eyes as their lips meet. They press warmly together. After perhaps 12 seconds, he separates just long enough to kiss her forehead, then grins large, his face flushed.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Wednesday December 30th, 2020 1:06:45 PM
"Ooo, I get a flower!" says Kezzem excitedly. Then he notices everyone looking at him. "Never mind, carry on."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday December 30th, 2020 9:53:11 PM
Pressi declines Alouryn's offer to be part of the party with all the grace and politeness she can muster.

To Murphy, Bob and Alouryn are a key part of history. With her, they're strangers less recognizable than white shirt #6. She has Leska and Naftali giving her away, Kezzem as the man of honor, Talia and the cohort as bridesmaids, and Shel and Alleah rounding out the group. So she hopes everyone understands.

Its not like any of her relatives are in the bridal party, lurking in the shadows as they may be.

The day goes by quickly. She chuckles at Succotash, keeps a close but cold eye on Markrid (she may be imagining things but there's something up, there. And... is that heavy armor?). She gives her vows, calms her own nerves, takes her own ring from Harper to give to Murphy....

And after a deep kiss with Murphy, she realizes the ceremony went by in an instant.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid, bridegroom
Thursday December 31st, 2020 2:16:37 AM

Murphy walks arm in arm with his love back up the aisle. He turns about as they get to the entrance, and says to those in the temple, "COME NOW ALL, AND FOLLOW MY BRIDE, MY WIFE, THE BEAUTIFUL PRESSI AND ME TO THE SANCTUARY OF HUMBLE'S SWORD!" He kisses her cheek, and the two lead the way out the door in the direction stated. The druid feels like he could run like the wind, energized in a new sort of way. "Got any plans for tonight, babe?" he asks casually.

Interim assistant ADM Kim
Thursday December 31st, 2020 2:44:24 AM

People stream out the temple, and more await without. Petals strew the entrance and out to the streets, the fragrance of them joining other scents wafting about.

Several clerics and beautiful acolytes of Flower dance around the party, singing a song of the blessings of Flower and of family, and see them halfway to the Sanctuary, bidding a lovely farewell. At the same time, Kendry the bard and older brother of Murphy leads a small band playing along with the Flower dancers until they depart, and switching to lively music from the Valley along the rest of the way.

With many having come a few days earlier for the archery competition, some have stayed on for what they heard should be upcoming festivities and a chance for free food.

It seems the population of Humble's Ford has grown nearly by a third again on the day of the wedding. People chatter, smile, gossip. As the crowd processes Constable Rosco lifts an adolescent boy by his suspenders and takes him off to one side. It's hard to hear what he says to the lad, but the boy runs off as the lawman gives him a swat on the bottom. He joins in next to Hobie. "The kid reached into Madame LaRue's purse. He didn't quite manage to keep the small jar he tried to extract," he explains quietly to his cousin.

People are welcomed and routed from the South Gate toward Rock Castle, then leftward and into Adventurers' Hall. Food and beverages are available on numerous small tables, and little plates for people to place their food upon.

A table for members of Humble's Sword and the wedding party is at one side of the large hallway. There is even a plate of worms set forth for Mookie.

As he takes a seat, Murphy leans over to ask, "Succotash, did you really say 'a dweam within a dweam'?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Thursday December 31st, 2020 5:54:42 AM
"Well you see Murph, I'm not used to pomp and circumstance, as you know, and well,and being a cleric is still pretty new to me, but a while back I saw this play and in the play there was this cleric who everyone respected, and he talked like that. At a wedding, he used just such a monologue, and well, I just assumed it was the proper way of things, so I tried to imitate him."

OOC... IRL, I was officiating a friends wedding, and used the Princess Bride quote as my opening. The congregation burst out laughing, and the best man nearly fell over. After the wedding, my friend and his bride thanked me, as, besides making them laugh, it set their minds at ease, and they were able to enjoy the wedding as a result.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Friday January 1st, 2021 5:28:27 PM
Sorry about missing yesterday and today. I�ll try to get something out tonight.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Friday January 1st, 2021 8:54:11 PM
Pressi and Murphy sit side by side, well aware of the rule that they are not allowed to eat at a wedding.

Lots of dancing. Lots of laughing. Lots of conversation. Enough toasts to fill a dwarven drinking contest.

And of course, the needed thank you to everyone who attended, and doubly so to everyone in the party or that helped out. And a few "The Notebook" references for people that call out "Princess Bride."

Pressi was pretty sure she didn't see any of her sisters... though, that didn't always mean things. (Markrid, for example, was probably outside at this time, enjoying a touch of pipe.... and, unknown to Pressi, trying to figure out why nobody here detected evil.)

Interim assistant ADM Kim
Friday January 1st, 2021 9:50:44 PM

Somehow or other, Murphy is unaware of the rule that the bride and groom are not allowed to eat at a wedding. "We'll reserve wolpertingers for the weddings of government officials, though, right?" He does not, however, go overboard on the feast. Much of the time he feasts his eyes upon his - wife. Especially so when she is talking with others.

Being a member of the Leafwin Pipewood family, though, he very much engages socially with those in attendance.

The first bard who had been a member of Humble's Sword showed up - Hin Billy he goes by, though his name is Flimsipond Williewhim. He plays a banjo, and sings a song that both honors the bride and groom, and also has words of praise for Mulberry DrinkWater. He had wanted to name this adventuring group after her, after all.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid, husband
Saturday January 2nd, 2021 12:55:25 AM

Enjoying the toasts, the congratulations, the jokes, the stories, the dancing, Murphy loves that so many celebrate with them. After some sort of respectable time, Murphy talks with Pressi about leaving. "I have planned us a honeymoon, dear, and we have a few places to go. Shall we take our leave, that I may take you away?" When she is ready, he steps up on the stage where the musicians play.

"Thank you all for coming together with us at this moment of joy, and serving as witnesses to our vows. We love our community, our valley, and our people. Feel free to remain, feast, sing, enjoy each others' company."

"But for now, it is time for us to ask for your prayers, and take our leave. My wife and I have - much to discuss," he says with a grin. Hazel, meanwhile directs the crowd to clear a space on the dance floor right before the stage, and lays out a carpet. Murphy holds out his hand for Pressi. He says a few words, and the carpet rises, now even with the stage. With her hand in his, he steps with onto the carpet. "Let us fly away - to our honeymoon."

Foreman George and some of his workers pull some ropes along the south wall, and two doors open up about 15 feet above the floor, plenty wide enough for the carpet and passengers to fit through. Murphy directs the carpet to fly in a loop over the crowd, then makes a beeline for the opening.

And off go Pressi and Murphy. They'll be back, in due course.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Sunday January 3rd, 2021 7:16:32 PM
Sorry about missing yesterday and today. I�ll try to get something out tonight.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Sunday January 3rd, 2021 7:16:35 PM
Sorry about missing yesterday and today. I�ll try to get something out tonight.

DM Kathy
Sunday January 3rd, 2021 8:02:29 PM
After Pressi and Murphy depart through the ceiling (to a few oohs and aahs from the crowd), the party begins in earnest. There is more music, more dancing, more ale, more wine. The revels continue far into the night, with some of the revelers dropping right there in the room to sleep off the effects and awaken confused the next morning.

Some time later comes the task of sorting and cataloging all the wedding gifts. There are place settings and wine glasses, towels and tablecloths. The his and hers quivers were a nice touch, although neither bride nor groom is much of an archer. Some gifts get a little obscure. Who knew there were both shrimp forks and lobster forks? And how often does a person really need a grapefruit spoon? Then there are the gifts that are just downright strange. Maybe because bride and groom are adventurers? But honestly, who would want a toby jug of a leering goblin?

Still, it's nice. It was a nice party. It's nice to see Murphy and Pressi finally tie the knot. And it's nice to have this little break between adventures, with nothing more pressing to worry about than what to do with all those lobster forks.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid, husband
Sunday January 3rd, 2021 8:25:58 PM

If it please the court... I mean DM Kathy - Murphy and Pressi take ten days away for their honeymoon, and return to complete their training with the WLA, so perhaps two or so days in Angel Springs. While there, Murphy contacts the elven druids who live in the grove just outside of town. If I understand correctly, some of them are members of the Circle of the Oak, and over a year ago an anonymous pretty-high-level druid let Murphy know that he was under consideration for membership in this druidic circle. He has interacted lightly with members of the Angel Spring druids before, so there is at least a light acquaintance there. He passes on items which may be of interest to them. He also adds, shortly before taking his leave, that he is curious as to the process of joining the Circle. "If there are additional tasks or requirements, I should be pleased to do what I may."

After WLA training, unless Pressi wants to do otherwise, the pair will return to Humble's Ford with just shy of two weeks absence from the town.

Most of the details of their honeymoon can be left to the imagination. Among the places they visited, though, were:

- The wolpertingle dwellings in the Culverwood, near where Murphy has a very comfortable treehouse he has surreptitiously built during brief breaks in prior adventures. He also harvests a few small items of different types of wood he has been keeping an eye on. Also, from there, a quick trip to The Emerald City to pick up a few items he ordered, and a night at the theater for Pressi. I couldn't find anything by your friend Shakespeare, but am told there is a wonderful musical about the romance of Lord Lucas and Lady Meridian, whoever they are, or were."
- A night in the Grotto of Power
- A storm giant castle near the town of Dhahe on Shadow Mountain where live Vurus and Thalika, parents to 'the largest baby in the Wold,' Lonia, nicknamed 'Calm Tempest' by Murphy, whom they had rescued from the circus slavers and returned to their parents. Pressi was instrumental in finding the babe's family. Murphy would like to see how things go with the - almost toddler, now? - since they brought her home. While there, he also makes a point to buy a keg of Porter from Xedor, whom Vurus claimed to be 'the best brewer on the mountain.' He thinks it a suitable thank you to Succotash and Kezzem for contributing each in his own way to the nuptials.
- Windhorn Hamlet, to visit the place at Dragon Bay where every year a special ceremony is held from time immemorial to protect the small town.
- Any place or two or three of Pressi's choosing. Even Dirt City. They could go in disguise.

Among the questions he has for Pressi (and there are many) is, "Tell me about the black dragon."

Mostly, he is simply delighted to spend time with the one who chose him, and whom he chose back.

Upon their return, Murphy says, "We're back! Did you miss us? Or, at least, Pressi?"

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Sunday January 3rd, 2021 8:46:55 PM

Bliss and Mookie enjoy the celebrations quietly, offering sincere congratulations to the happy couple, of course.

In a corner, Mookie teases Bliss. "What's that, Kid? A tear?"

"I always cry at weddings!" Bliss says.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Sunday January 3rd, 2021 10:05:45 PM
Harper smirks at seeing that Murphy has chosen a magic carpet... for two people that can fly. Pressi, however, does appreciate the showmanship.

And with that, they float up into the stars above.

The Honeymoon is a bit of a blur, even with the extended time. (Pressi picks some time to sightsee in New Elenna before heading back to Angel Springs... and isn't quite ready to head back to Dirt City. She does take some time to look back at some of the places she lived oh so long ago... the dance halls of New Elena, the monestary at Angel Springs, etc.)

She needs some context regarding "Tell me about the black dragon?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Monday January 4th, 2021 5:54:34 AM
Succotash parties a bit too hard. He didn't mean to, but the ale was just too good, and the gathering of friends and such was just too much fun, as a result, he failed to moderate himself. Meeting several of the former Swords, most for the first time, was quite an experience, and for the first time he realized the legacy he has joined, as well as the impact that this band of halflings has had on the Crescent Valley, and the Wold at large. Somehow he was able to stumble to his room to sleep off the effects of the nights over imbibing, only to awake with a throbbing headache, and thinks that maybe it's time to work on creating a spell that cures hangovers.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday January 4th, 2021 6:31:18 AM
Hobie enjoys the merriment as well, and finds himself taken aback a bit by the romance of the event.

He spends much of the evening drinking with his friends, but also makes sure to spend some time getting aquainted with some of the more beautiful young cousins of Murph and Press in town for the wedding. Hobie wants to someday settle down and run an archer's academy, and it might be nice to have a wife to be settled with.

DM Kathy
Monday January 4th, 2021 3:09:01 PM
Murphy and Pressi enjoy their honeymoon.

Back in Humble's Ford, Succotash sleeps off the affects of the wedding, and Bliss sheds a tear or two.

Hobie makes a point of meeting nice young ladies because there isn't much opportunity for that kind of thing on the moon. Or in a pocket realm crawling with undead. Two sisters in particular capture your interest--Berry and Dapple Greenbanks, distant cousins of the Tosscobbles. Dapple, the younger sister, is sweet and friendly. Berry, the elder, is not sweet or friendly, but somehow she's more interesting than her sister.

As you await the return of the honeymooners, the rainy early spring turns to a more pleasant mid-spring. Flowers bloom everywhere, and birds dart about busily building their nests. In the nearby farms, foals, calves, and other baby animals are welcomed into the world.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday January 4th, 2021 8:50:30 PM
Pressi tries to stop being coy regarding the "black dragon." "It's just greater polymorph. I can become a medium sized dragon and... I don't know. I try to think about what kind of dragon is best tactically, but I guess I'm always going to be a sucker for style."

----------------

After a honeymoon, it's time to get back to work. Running a business, running a cohort, taking some magical training (after some thought as to whether to go back to Justicar, Pressi decides that Bloodwitch is where to continue, plus she kind of promised Bliss she'd try to reach the advanced rituals), and... gear, as always.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 6:03:40 AM
As he waits for the love birds to return, Succotash decides to teleport over to Merrydale to visit his parents. He spends some quality time sipping tea with his mother, who seemed much more concerned that he find a "Misses Slenderstick" then his adventures, though she is genuinely happy to see him, and makes sure he eats his fill, claiming he needs to put on a few pounds, and simply tut-tuts Succotash when he tries to explain that his active life as an adventurer keeps him skinny. Well, skinny by halfling standards anyway.

His father is a different story however. The elder Slenderstick is genuinely glad to see his son, but he can't help but remind Succotash that he believes adventuring is nonsense, and that he should retire and come home to work in the silversmith shop. Of course Succotash reminds his father that he has zero natural talent, and very little gained skill in the art and that he would bring down the name of the family business, to which his father grumbles, and says, "That's because you didn't apply yourself hard enough!" Succotash uses his diplomatic skills to deescalate the conversation, as the last thing he wants to do is start a fight with his father.

Succotash spends a week with his parents, and as he is preparing to teleport back to Humble's Ford, his mother gives him a big hug, and his father hands him a beautiful silver ring saying, "Your mother asked me to craft this for you. She wants you to have it, to give to a sweet heart." Succotash chuckles as he looks at his mother, and then back at his father. He is just about to cast his teleport spell, when his father reaches out and gives him a hearty hug, then says something that Succotash never expected to hear, "I love you son. Be careful out there, and you need to visit more often. It makes your mother happy." Succotash is about to ask what his father thinks, but then sees the tear in the corner of his father's eye, and he knows. "I love You too dad", he says as he returns his father's hug, and nearly breaks into tears, as this was the first time he had embraced his father and heard him say "I love you", since before he left home.

After the hugs, Succotash slips the ring on his pinky, and casts his teleportation spell, arriving at the Sanctuary, where he heads to his room and cries tears of joy.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 12:46:57 PM
Kezzem is bored without Murphy and Pressi to annoy.

He does check in with the Bad Apples to see how they are doing.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 2:36:27 PM
Hobie flirts initially with Dapple, but is taken by something interesting about Berry, and spends most of the evening with her, ignoring her sister and eventually ignoring even his friends

Last interim ADM post regarding wedding reception (so a slight step back)
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 2:59:04 PM
At the wedding reception, noting Hobie noting some of the (unattached?) womenfolk at the gathering, makes a point to introduce not just him, but the other party members as well to his first cousins through his father's twin sister, Murphy's Aunt Shanzi Lips and her husband Jonno 'Vines' Swordfern Trufflefinder. The second oldest son of the family is Till Hamwich (Buckleberry Pipewood Trufflefinder) - and Hobie would have gotten to know him a bit since Till did quite well in the archery tournament held last week.

Till introduces his wife of four years, Mollybel, to Hobie, then to the rest of the Swords. He also introduces some of his younger sisters. Camellia is skilled in arcane arts, has a sharp eye, is quite comely, but seems politely distant. Nora is pleasingly plump, and giggles like a girl, though she is perhaps in her 30s. Lily Newbury has wavy auburn hair similar to her mother, a slight yet charming gap between her front teeth, moves with grace, and wears a small sheathed inverted dagger on a necklace. "Till is smitten with you, Hobie Browncloak. We watched you at the tournament." She smiles, turns and walks away.

Strawberry blonde Prisca curtsies to those at the table, and says, "Mookie, my sister is writing a story book about you and your friend Bliss." She doesn't say which sister, but Nora giggles and runs away right after Prisca speaks. A fellow at her arm says, "It's good to have the Swords here. You folks have pulled our town's butts out of the fire many times. I'm Drogo, these girls' brother. One of 'em, anyways." Looking over, he says, "Hey, Kezzem. You're my favorite member of the Swords." He doesn't explain why. He points over his shoulder to a fellow who looks like a sibling. "That's Ponto, stuffing his face again." Ponto looks like he could use the food - quite lithe. Murphy mentions they have other siblings, but he's not seeing them at the moment. Ponto, having finished the chicken leg, comes over. "Mister Succotash, could you tell me how it was you were a paladin, but then became a cleric?"

The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

The Sages

The Irlgaunt Nest

The Ravine

The Grotto

The Escape

Welcome Home

Tiana Meets the Encompassing Mind

Scene 0 - An Interlude

The Invasion of Humble's Ford

Scene 1 - Tiana's Plan

Scene 2 - Defending the Valley

Scene 3 - The Invasion

It Took a Village

The Peddler

The Red Hills

What Happened in Thaelhaven?

Tracking

The Menagerie

Now What?

Adventure Land

A Passage to Cthonia

It's a Jungle Out There

Sskthk

Cat Homes

The Temple

Mooning About

Palace of the Moon

The Lake

Interlopers

Farewells

Lost Souls

Diara's Lament

Ruin

Mind Games

The Survivor

The Endless Battle

Wraiths

Rest

The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

The Sages

DM Kathy
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 3:16:39 PM
The wedding, the reception, the guests, and the gifts are the talk of Humble's Ford for days. What people wore, what they said, what they ate and drank, is the subject of endless gossip and speculation.

However, new excitement is replacing the wedding talk. When Pressi and Murphy return from their honeymoon, they find that the town is buzzing over some very important visitors. Sages! From the Sage's Guild all the way out in the Floating City! Here, in Humble's Ford!

And, of course, they want to talk to Humble's Swords. The town is consumed in a wave of curiosity. What could it mean?

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 3:17:59 PM
"Ah, that makes sense," Murphy responds to Pressi's dragon transformation. "No lack of style have you, Pressica."

Once they return home and look over the many gifts people kindly provided, Murphy jots a quick note of appreciation to each person who gave them something. "Lobster forks? We forgot to include lobster on any of our menus during our honeymoon, dear. We'll have to remedy that shortfall one of these days."

Upon their return, his brother Kendry comes to him. "Brother, you have some potential followers. A few were former whiteshirts. Some have areas of competence. Some seem clueless. But they want to learn from you, help you, and further your causes, and those of the Swords. One fellow has collected three thousand acorns and wants to plant oaks in your name all over the place. Another calls himself a 'natural architect' and wants a place to grow up trees for people to dwell in, placing rocks and shaping earth and plants for habitation and defense. He heard of the rock castle you and the elementals and George put together. Anyway, I told them you'd meet with them as soon as you've had a few days back from your honeymoon. Two said they'd like to help you by serving as handmaidens to Pressi. Might want to run that notion by her."

Due to Pressi's questions about the staff of earth and stone versus replacing it with some other rod or staff, though feeling some small reluctance, he will give up his notion of keeping it in the party, if she can better benefit from a replacement with something else.

He'll work with the party members to see if everyone has settled on treasure division. The ioun stone is the only thing he claims.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 3:48:06 PM

[nearly simultaneous DM/Kim post above - Kim's post there should be in prior section]

"Sages, eh? Floating City - rather famous place, that," Murphy responds. "It has changed its location once or twice, or so I've been told. Giant turtles ferry people about. How many levels are there? Seven? Nine? So, let's go meet with them, and see what they need, or have to tell us."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 5:41:20 PM
"Of course I'm your favorite," says Kezzem. "I'm the best!"

----

"I hope the sage guild isn't here to perform any cleansing rituals," says Kezzem. "Everything reeks of sage for a full week afterwards!"

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 8:17:03 PM

[OOC: Per Woldian House Rule, "Dragons Are Special"! You need a scale from an actual dragon to assume dragon shape. And even then, doing so frivolously is a recipe for disaster!]

Bliss laughs and declares, "You are definitely MY favorite, Wise Sir Kezzem!"

He goes looking for Granny Barleyrow and lets her know that there are sages coming to visit. "I'm sure you know better than me how to get ready for important visitors, thank you, Granny, ma'am."

[OOC: I added some info on Granny, once Bliss's follower, now his cohort and second-in-command, to Bliss and Pressi's Followers Page (scroll to bottom).]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 9:02:45 PM

(OOC to Cayzle: admittedly after the fact and I forgot this rule, but Pressi does have a dragon scale. She still has the dragonhide buckler. And while going dragon is a recipe for disaster, so was carrying that thing around for seven levels. If needed, I'll specify drawing first and take the 5% fail chance.)

(OOC to Kim: New answer. She keeps changing into a black dragon because she carries a buckler from an umbral dragon. She just thinks she's making a choice.)

Pressi is a little put off by the idea of having Murphy's followers include handmaidens, in part because of her own past as a servant. But if they want to work at the Dancing Pig (need permission from the other owner) or for the coven (need permission from Bliss), she would be glad to take them on board. (Come to think of it, did Bliss ever set up his settled home?)

As for earth and stone, Pressi will consider it. (Does Kim want to sell me on it in an email?)

Pressi vaguely remembers some stuff about the Floating City, but it seems a bit out of the way even for people that seek the team out. She wonders what the sages want.

But before she can go there, Markrid takes her aside. "Ok, I think it's time we finally talked."

(And all welcome Markrid, Pressi's sister and new BW/Glory Cleric/Justicar cohort. I'll have more re her build tomorrow and I'll be updating Cayzle's follower sheet shortly.)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Wednesday January 6th, 2021 8:08:25 AM
OOC... Umbral dragons are dark purple, so if Pressi turns into one of those, she would be a purple dragon, though if the purple was dark enough, it could in theory be considered black.

Succotash answers Ponto, "In truth the whole thing is still a mystery to me. I was killed, during the giant attack on the valley, by a ill tempered she-dwarf cleric, and Lord Gargul felt I should be returned to life. The crazy thing is, when I came back, all my paladin abilities, my physical and mental attributes, and even my adventuring gear had be replaced with those appropriate to a cleric. Prior to my meeting with Gargul, I had always striven to be a faithful follower of Pantheon, but now I have gain a appreciation, and dare I say, reverence for all the Woldian gods. Why the gods created this change in me will probably always be a mystery, but I must confess, though I miss my old mount Miss Piggy, I find I cherish my role as cleric, and though Valerie doesn't have the intelligence Piggy had, she is probably a more accomplished fighter.

Succotash has never been to the floating city, but he has heard plenty of stories. "I wonder what the sages guild wants from us?" he thinks out loud, then makes his way to the meeting with the sages.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Wednesday January 6th, 2021 12:36:34 PM
"That's strange," says Kezzem. "When I died and became a paladin, I kept my physical abilities, mental abilities, and gear! I just forgot how to be sneaky-sneaky and instead was a lot more hardy and could do paladin-things. Also, Rumpus became a celestial, and he didn't even die!"

DM Kathy
Wednesday January 6th, 2021 3:02:18 PM
There is still some wrapping-up to do from the wedding, but the visitors catch everyone's attention.

Kezzem worries that the sages may use actual sage, which might not be entirely pleasant.

Bliss seeks advice from Granny. "Just mind your manners, young man, and pay attention," she replies.

Murphy and Pressi know a bit about the Floating City, but very little about the Sage's Guild.

Succotash just wonders what they want, as indeed you all do.

You arrange a meeting at the Dancing Pig, and soon sit down to meet with the representatives of the Sage's Guild. The elder of the two men is a neat, fastidious man with a neat, fastidious mustache. "Good afternoon," he says. He looks around the table. "Master Pipewood, Mistress Silverglove, congratulations on your recent nuptials. Master Browncloak, Master Slenderstick, Master Kezzem, Master Bliss, it's very good to meet you." He seems to have no trouble identifying which of you is which.

"My name is Osto Winkmann, and I am the Dean of Records for the Sage's Guild in the Floating City. As I'm sure you're aware, the Guild was founded by the great wizard Maruthian Sungh after the Great Cataclysm. During the first ten years of our history--"

"Dean Winkmann," the younger man says respectfully. He is a lanky beanpole of a human with brown hair and a scruffy brown beard. "I hate to interrupt, but time is of the essence. Perhaps we can move straight to discussing why we've come to Crescent Valley."

Dean Winkmann harrumphs. "That," he says, "is the Trouble with Young People Today. Always in such a hurry. The history of the Sage's Guild is valuable and fascinating information. However," he admits, "it is true we are in a hurry, so I will skip the background. Of late, we have been studying old records, attempting to gain scholarly insight on the events of the past so we may be guided in the future. Scholar Alree here was studying records from the Fourth Age, and found something alarming. Berg, please continue."

The younger man takes over, which honestly is a bit of a relief. The Dean is obviously a worthy and knowledgeable man, but he is boring. Scholar Alree clears his throat.

"My name is Berg Alree," he begins. "As Dean Winkmann says, I undertook to study some records from the Fourth Age. A group of mages and artificers, inspired by the Teucri, attempted to create...something. Their records were in code, and I only recently was able to decipher it. They appear to have created a device to summon a devil.

"The group took their device onto a ship, the Lotophagi Splendor, headed for Plateau City. But the ship never arrived; she went down in Dragon Bay. A search was initiated, but the Fourth Cataclysm captured everyone�s attention. By the time it was over, the sunken Splendor was lost in the dozens of tragedies great and small that resulted from the Cataclysm.

"As far as we have been able to determine, the Lotophagi Spendor is still at the bottom of Dragon Bay, with the device still aboard. Obviously this wasn't a good situation, but it got worse. We were contacted by priests from the Temple of Alemi, whose divinations had shown them that a group of Sahuagin were searching the bottom of Dragon Bay for some kind of powerful weapon. The priests asked us if we knew what it might be. Unfortunately, we did.

"So, that's the situation," Berg concludes. "The sahuagin are looking for the device, and if they find it, they can unleash this devil wherever they choose. Someone else must find the device before they can get their hands on it. And, since they've apparently already started looking, time is of the essence. Can you help us?

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Wednesday January 6th, 2021 3:21:14 PM
"Oh no," says Kezzem. "It's a guild of Murpheys."

"So, to sumarize, you want us to find this evil macguffin before the evil fish people find it and use it to do evil, right? I have just one question though: wjat does this have to do with sage? Do we burn it to deatroy the macguffin? What's the deal there?:

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday January 6th, 2021 4:13:36 PM

Pressi can't help but smirk at Kezzem's comment. Of their introduction: "Well, I should imagine studying records from back when couldn't help but finding something alarming."

As Pressi's coven members continue to serve and stand by, a few things happen.

The very moment the Sage's Guild brings up the Teucri, Dolgrin lets out an audible gasp.

Pressi tries to wrap her head around just how dangerous this device is, and she has a number of questions, like how dangerous a single devil can be. On the other hand, "Do you have any idea what the original purpose of this device was? Or how they hoped to get around the offering requirement, because that is not easy in the thick of battle.

"Also, do you know any of the safeguards that currently protect the ship or the device? Because I can't believe that you or the Sahugin lack any of the divinations that I would happen to have."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Thursday January 7th, 2021 5:30:57 AM
"It looks like I'll be preparing water breathing again guys. I just hope we don't have too many underwater fights, as the vast majority of my attack spells involve fire!", Succotash says, as the Sages finish their story, When do we leave? Having never been there, I would have to use Greater Teleport to get half of us there, since speed is of the essence, then I can teleport back, after getting my bearings of course, and then use a scroll to teleport the second half, unless you have access to Greater Teleport Hobie, or have been to the floating city, in which case, we can do it in one go."

OOC... Has anyone made it to the catacombs to sell off the unused magical gear? Succotash could use a cash infusion to make a couple of purchases before heading to the floating city.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid d20+16=28 ;
Thursday January 7th, 2021 2:05:35 PM

"Dean Winkman, Scholar Alree, it is a privilege to meet you," Murphy begins. "Sorry we are to learn of this threat. Honored we are to be asked to help. It does sound as though time is of the essence. We will discuss what time we may be able to leave on this assignment. Perhaps in a few hours, perhaps by tomorrow morning.

"Pressi and I were in Windhorn Hamlet adjacent to Dragon Bay just a few days ago. There is a stand of oaks at a corner of one the farms over there. I can get us all there quite quickly, without having to resort to teleportations." He does not bother to explain it is via the spell transport via plants, as his teammates have all experienced this form of transportation, and he assumes the sages will make the connection.

"Succotash, unless I am mistaken - and, gentlemen, please correct me if I am - we are being asked to go to Dragon Bay, not to Floating City.

"'Lotophagi'[/i[ - does that not mean [i]'eaters of lotus'?" Murphy asks the sages, drawing upon his knowledge of linguistics. "Also, might you gentlemen be able to provide us with whatever details you were able to acquire on the device modeled after Teucri technology? I have studied where I've been able bits and pieces of Teucri works, as well as a marvel of engineering and magic entwined known as the Iron Giant which now rests adjacent to the Giant Tower north of town."

==============
Linguistics: 28 (for figuring out what 'lotophagi' means)

DM Kathy
Thursday January 7th, 2021 4:50:31 PM
"I am unfamiliar with this term, 'maguffin'," Dean Winkmann says to Kezzem. "It is not a halfling word, I know, because I am fluent in halfling. Nor is it goblin, or dwarfish, or draconic, or gnomish, or sylvan. It doesn't sound like Undercommon, though I suppose it could be. What language is it, good sir, and what does it mean?"

"We don't use the plant sage," Berg adds. "Well, Scholar Jin does, but that's a personal preference. Interestingly. the words have different etymologies...But perhaps that can wait for another time."

Pressi asks about how the device works. "The offering is somehow tied into the device," Berg replies. "I'm not sure how. But the one using the device does not have to make the offering at the time of use. That much seems clear."

She also asks about protections. "I found no mention of any magical or mechanical protections for the device," Berg replies. "I believe the group intended to protect the device themselves during the journey. We ourselves don't do divinations," he adds. "What we have came from priests of Alemi."

Pressi is also curious about how dangerous a single devil could be, and a Knowledge: Planes check might provide some answers to that question.

Succotash is ready to talk logistics. Water Breathing would seem to be a must. He offers to teleport the group to the Floating City.

"Ah," says Dean Winkmann. "A misunderstanding. This is what comes, you see, of not allowing me to give a full background explanation." He shoots Berg an exasperated look. "The headquarters of the Sage's Guild is located in the Floating City. That is where Scholar Alree and I do our work. That is where we came from. However, it is not where the Lotophagi Splendor sank. Interestingly, the location of the Floating City has changed since the Lotophagi Splendor sank, so even if it had been in the same place, it wouldn't be anymore. If you follow. You see, at the time of the Fourth Cataclysm--"

"The Splendor is in Dragon Bay," Berg interrupts, with an anxious look at his senior. "I am sorry to interrupt, sir, but we really are in a hurry."

Murphy offers to transport the group via oak trees, having recently been to Windhorn Hamlet himself. He gives some thought to the name Lotophagi. It is, of course, the name of the ocean to the south of the Elennian Peninsula. The Taur Isles are in the Lotophagi, and the ports of Bonetown, Rum, and Dirt City all border on it. Whether the word itself has some meaning in some Woldian language is unfortunately outside your DM's knowledge.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Thursday January 7th, 2021 5:09:19 PM
"A maguffan is a Kezzem word," says Kezzem. "Or maybe it's a Pressi word. Actually, I am reasonably sure I learned it from her. A maguffan is an item everyone wants."

"Wait, so if you sell or use sage, why do you call yourselves the sage guild? That's confusing. It's like the Second Dinner Club all over again. I never did learn if they were a club that like to have two dinners, or if there was already a dinner club and they wanted to start a second one."

"Etymologies? That's the study of insects, right? What does that have to do with anything?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday January 7th, 2021 9:12:04 PM
"I don't have any idea what Kezzem is talking about," Pressi intoned. "I've never used the word, personally. Though I do recall hearing the word once, in reference to an egg and cheese sandwich. And get this. They had a Belly Buster special, but they called it a quarter pounder with cheese. You call it a belly buster special? Nobody has any idea of what you're talking about...."

Pressi paused as everyone stared at her. "I mean, please continue kind strangers who don't know about certain briefcase related Justicar missions, and are polite enough to ignore strange ramblings."

In response to her questions, "I do have a discern location spell, plus a few abilities such as scrying or straight divination. If I keep the rod of alertness, I'll know the device's location before FIRST breakfast, and I'd be able to lay a prayer spell on the area to boot.

"And yes, yes, we are all familiar with the need of dragon wards in the fourth age and the recreation of the world following the rise of Martaeus in the beginning of the fifth age. Stop condescending to us. This isn't our first evil artifact retrieval and it's hardly going to be our last."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Friday January 8th, 2021 2:16:33 AM

"Yes, in Dragon Bay, as you said, as I said, as you said," Murphy responds with a smile. "Any idea, at least roughly, where in Dragon Bay?" He pulls out his map of the Wold as he painted it from the moon of Kerracles, points to Dragon Bay, and takes out a dry quill. "Might one of you point on this map to approximately where in the bay it lies, or used to lie? Things may drift underwater, depending upon currents, or get well lodged and stuck underwater regardless of currents. It's last known location would be at the least a starting place. Or, some of the folks in Windhorn Hamlet may have an idea about what they know of recent Sahuagin activity."

He looks to members of his party. "Does anyone here besides me happen to speak aquan? Most Sahuagin speak aquan and common."

He adds, "There is, I believe, a Catacombs outlet in Windhorn Hamlet. Perhaps we can take an hour to gather what we may from around here, and make any arrangements for folks to watch over things, then head over there, and gather what additional information we might from people who live on the bay. If someone can as soon as this meeting is over go ahead and take the lead on selling what we wish to sell at the Catacombs, get things started on the purchasing side - then let the Catacombs staff know we'll ratify the sale from the Windhorn Hamlet outlet.

"Does anyone think we need more than an hour before we depart? I know, memorizing a fresh set of spells before we leave could be handy, but mayhaps we can do that once we get over there."

"Thoughts, friends, sages?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Friday January 8th, 2021 5:33:45 AM
"I haven't prepared any spells today, but then, I never cast any yesterday, so I'm fully loaded, but if we want to breath while underwater, I'm going to have to prepare water breathing before we take the plunge. Also, I can, and I know a few others in our group can cast freedom of movement, which for our members who use melee tactics, such as Kezzem and Valerie, would be a huge boon." Succotash begins, then adds, "Like I said most of my current combat spells are fire based, so I would want to switch those out for something more useful, and if I get to the catacombs, I will know Aquan, as I will be upgrading my Headband of Mental Superiority, and adding linguistics to it, with Aquan being one of my learned languages. Of course Murphy, your idea of placing orders here, and picking them up there would work well, and if we wish to try to gain information in Windborn Hamlet, spending some time in prayer and recharging our spells there would also be fine. I'll cast greater teleportation, and since you know the place and have a place to transport to Murphy, give me a quick description of the area you wish to go to, and you and I can split the load, thus making it in one trip."

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday January 8th, 2021 6:49:08 AM

"Mmmmm." Bliss is thinking about an egg, cheese, and BACON maguffin. Mookie pokes him.

"Think about finding the treasure, Kid!" says Mookie.

"Oh, yeah, ok." Bliss ponders.

"We know the name of the ship we need, so we just have to scry or divine the location of the wreck, right? Miss Pressi, that discern Location is JUST what we need!"

"And we do well underwater, right Mooks ol pal? Mister sages, we are just the team for the job."

Mookie cocks his head and glares at Bliss.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Friday January 8th, 2021 1:48:02 PM
"By the way," adds Kezzem, "Maybe you guys should change your name to something less confussing. How about the the Guild of Murphies? Then everyone know you are a bunch of talky-guys and not herb sellers. Just a suggestion."

"Oh wait, not everybody knows Murphy. How about the Guild of the Old Talky Guys?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Friday January 8th, 2021 2:32:12 PM

"Kezzem, enough. You have changed from amusing to rude. Perhaps an apology to these gentlemen would be appropriate," Murphy says in a Murphy-like way. "Insults from a paladin with a short attention span should not be on today's menu."

DM Kathy
Friday January 8th, 2021 9:15:24 PM
Pressi offers to narrow down the location using divination magic. Succotash believes you would be best waiting until the next day, so he can prepare a better selection of spells.

Bliss assures the sages that you are the right team for the job! And as Pressi said, this isn't your first rodeo--er, dangerous evil item retrieval.

Meanwhile, Kezzem suggests changing the name of the Guild to the Guild of Old Talky Guys. Like Murphy, Dean Winkmann seems to take offense. But Berg merely smiles. "But I'm a young talky guy," he says. "And we're not all guys. And not all of us are especially talky. So, you see, it's not a good name. Entomology is the study of insects," he adds. "Etymology is the study of words. A lot of people get them confused. Entomology and Etymology, that is. Most people can tell the difference between bugs and words."

Murphy asks where on the map the Splendor went down, and the sages can narrow down the area for you quite a bit. It's in the southern part of the bay, about a half-mile offshore.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Saturday January 9th, 2021 1:13:04 PM
"Sorry, everyone, I did not mean to be rude," says Kezzem. "Guild of Talky People would be better. I did not mean to be ageist and sexist. Or is it the talky part you take offense to? How about Guild of Wise Guys...er, Wise People."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Sunday January 10th, 2021 3:33:58 AM

Murphy likes Berg's response. He appreciates his friend's apology. "Thank you, Kezzem. No doubt you will be consulted should they ever decide to change the name of the Sages' Guild."

He looks at where the end of the shaft of the feather points (map. [For clarification, would that be on the western side of the bay below (though north of) Plateau City, or the eastern side of the bay adjacent Cthonia? Would it be nearer to Windhorn Hamlet? Because if it's closer to Plateau City, Murphy would likely think that the druids' grove in Plateau City the slightly better place to go to, should Oak Travel be the means] "Ah, that helps immensely!" he exclaims.

"If we go to Plateau City rather than Windhorn Hamlet, then we can pick up your order from the actual Catacombs in that metropolis. The place I know, Succotash, for teleportation is the Druids' Grove along the north side of the city. I really could get us all there via oaks. I have the spell twice memorized, and once more in my staff. It would take a total of, oh, maybe two or three minutes to do so. Then, if we need greater teleport after we take care of business in the city, you'd still have it available."

"Pressi, what would it take for you to divine the location further?"

He turns to the petitioners. "Have you acquaintances in Plateau CIty, other sages, who may be able to let us know any more about the sahuagin before we take the plunge into the sea? Or is there more you could tell us about them?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Sunday January 10th, 2021 4:16:33 PM
"That works for me Murph!", Succotash says with his usual smile, "I was just trying to speed up the process, but your idea has merit."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Sunday January 10th, 2021 8:56:24 PM
In answer to Murphy's question, "I can't say for sure how much narrower "discern location" can provide, though it can at least give us a heads up if it did move far from the current location.

"Beyond that, let's see.... Straight divination might give me a direct answer if she's not feeling punchy, scrying could give me a picture of what's surrounding it, prying eyes could let me cover a lot of "ground" while we stay on the boat. Retrocognition could tell us what actually happened to the ship, though that could take days or even weeks.... SO really, its about how fast you really want us to get out, or if you can wait for my spells to recharge."

For now, though, she tries out her new power, Discern Location (10 minutes cast time).

DM Kathy
Monday January 11th, 2021 3:52:06 PM
Kezzem apologizes, and suggests Guild of Wise People. Nobody seems especially keen on a name change, however.

Murphy checks the map, and finds that the wreckage is closer to Windhorn Hamlet than Plateau City. You ask whether there are sages in Plateau City willing to help. Dean Winkmann's eyebrows rise. "You mean besides the Great Library?" he asks. "The Great Library of Plateau City is the largest Branch Library in the Sage's Guild. It was established during the Second Age, and contains the largest collection of--"

"Dean Winkmann will be happy to write you a letter of introduction, if you think you will need it," Berg says.

Meanwhile, Pressi begins casting Discern Location. Per the spell description: "To find an object, you must have touched it at least once." Has Pressi been in contact with something that might be at or near the site of the shipwreck?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday January 11th, 2021 9:15:20 PM
Pressi stops short, remembering that she would need an object. She asks if the Talky Talk Guild and Bar has any such objects, but doesn't expect them to have any.

She figures any other divinations can wait until the Great Library... and will absolutely take that letter of introduction, thank you.

Anything else is the usual preparations and rituals as she begins to charge her abilities.

Bliss HP213+12/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+8/76 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday January 11th, 2021 11:57:52 PM

"Maybe we can scry it and teleport nearby?" asks Bliss.

"Kid," asks Mookie, "You got a Crystal Ball in your pocket, or are you eating the magic mushrooms again?"

"Wait," says Bliss, "we're witches! We can use cauldrons to scry things, right? How about it, Miss Pressi?"

Bliss helps his fellow witch to scry the site of the wreck, if that's even possible.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Tuesday January 12th, 2021 5:37:18 AM
Succotash waits patiently as his friends try to figure out the logistics of the trip. He offers, "I can cast "find the path" when we get there, it should lead us right to the location of the wreckage". He decides his trip to the catacombs can wait till after the demon summoning device is found and either destroyed, or at the least, placed in a safe location.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Tuesday January 12th, 2021 6:02:43 AM

"Yes, as Pressi said, we would be most grateful for the letter you described for the Great Library," Murphy says to the scholars.

"Which of us would like to get things started in the Catacombs? Aside from the green ioun stone," and he points to the gem flying in a tight orbit just above his head, "I make no claims on the other items." [Kim is really busy this week, so I'm declining to have Murphy figure all the math and exchanges for the Catacombs] "Though I've argued in favor of us keeping the staff of earth and stone, but I'd be fine if it's traded in for something that may bring us more immediate aid, or strengthen us in other ways."

He considers the situation. "Let's see what divinations reveal. Following that, how about if we get ourselves to the Great Library in Plateau City, garner additional understanding there. Then get to Windhorn Hamlet. Perhaps the locals there can help us with a bit more local perspective. Tomorrow morning, after prayers and spell selection, we can boat out, dive, and see about taking control of the device, along with whatever is required to do so."

Murphy listens to hear what else the sages and his friends have to say. Then he says, "I need to drop off a few things, and pick up a few. How about we gather at the northeast corner outside the wall. I can use the oak near there to get us over to our first stop on this journey. Will one hour be enough time?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday January 12th, 2021 1:23:27 PM
Hobie breaks his silence "I was not expecting us to go back underwater again so soon. Unfortunately my bow isn't so effective underwater, but I think I'd still be more effective with it than with a trident or something.

Sahuagin are nasty creatures. When I was younger we were ambushed by a group of Sahuagin on a fishing trip. That's where Roscoe got that limp. He took a trident right through his knee. Lucky for us, a Locathah called Niklowe Gishmill showed up and saved us. We owe our life to that stinky fish-man, I'll never forget it. Locathah are great people. Perhaps there are Locathah where we are going who could help us with this task. "

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 210/219; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 - 12 (1 Con damage)
Tuesday January 12th, 2021 1:55:15 PM
"Well, I have some things to sell, so I'll go ahead and take care of that first. Someone else get this treasure split rolling."

DM Kathy
Tuesday January 12th, 2021 3:08:07 PM
You request a letter of introduction. There is a bustle as ink, quill, and parchment is brought to Dean Winkmann, and he begins to write.

Bliss suggests scrying. Succotash offers to cast Find the Path when you get close.

Hobie reminds his DM that archers are miserable in underwater combat, to which his DM says, "yeah, sorry about that." He tells the group about Locathah, who could be allies if you could locate any.

Murphy suggests divinations, followed by research, followed by travel to Windhorn Hamlet.

"Just so you know," Berg says. "When I first began this project, I wrote to each of the Branch Libraries asking for any documents they had about this group and their device. That was two years ago. About six months ago, I sent another letter asking for everything about the Lotophagi Splendor. All of the documents I received are back at Headquarters in the Floating City. Unless the Great Library deliberately withheld information from me, there won't be anything else about these events there. If you want to do general research about shipwrecks, devils, and sahuagin, of course, they will have resources for that."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid d20+17=25 ;
Tuesday January 12th, 2021 4:33:14 PM

To Hobie (and anyone else who wants to hear)
"Hobie, the freedom of movement spell can allow you similar attacks to what you can do in the open air - to an extent. Denser than air, water will slow up the arrows faster, so that will cut down on range for sure. If you traveled in an air bubble, that may help a little. But, yeah, it's a challenge.

"I wonder if there are locathah out by Windhorn Hamlet? I think the pants maker guy, Bill Troublefinder, said something about a sahuagin attack on Windhorn some years back, but I don't know the details. He was talking with someone else in the Giggling Ghost about it, so I just heard part of what he was saying."

To the sages, et al
"Ah. Well, that makes a difference, Berg Alree. Looks like we can skip Plateau City, then. Cuts down on travel time. I'm wondering, might you have a sketch of the Lotophagi Splendor? Or a reasonable clear description of it, if no sketch is available? Perhaps if you describe, I can sketch." If Berg goes with the description option, Murphy pulls out his drawing materials, and sketches. [Profession: Artist: 25]

As he sketches, he'll be happy to interact verbally with anyone who wishes to do so. He will also chat with Berg, and ask Dean Otto Winkman for a short version of the history of the Sages' Guild. "In time, I'd love to know far more than we have time to discuss now, but perhaps you can cover the salient highlights. And if there are more details that come to mind about your current request to us, I'm all ears."

To the Sword
To the members of Humble's Sword, he says, "So, how does this revision sound, friends? Let's leave in an hour, for WIndhorn Hamlet. Same meeting place - just outside the northeast corner of the wall of the Sanctuary. If you need more time than an hour, please say so now."

After he concludes the sketch (if that happens), Murphy takes 20-30 minutes in the Rock Castle to leave behind some things, and pick up a few. He lets Hazel and Alouryn know about their plans. About five minutes before the appointed time, he goes to the NE outside corner, and waits for everyone to show up.

Ready?
Once all are there, and before they leave, he asks those who have been divining information to communicate it to the group. If all are ready by the next post, he can take two groups of five - himself and four others at a time, unless a few people want to jump into a portable hole just before tree-trunk travel starts. Or some in a portable hole, and some in a bag of holding. Might be able to take the whole group all at once that way. Destination: The largest oak in the stand of oaks at the road-side corner of a local farm on the outskirts of Windhorn Hamlet.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday January 12th, 2021 9:46:00 PM
Pressi shakes her head at Bliss. "I forgot that scrying only works on creatures, not objects."

(As was otherwise noted, though, we need to work out what's being sold first. I'll make a last decision about my equipment sometime tomorrow, unless someone already sold the excess wands/staves.)

To Hobie, "Eh, we all have our limitations in water. How's your underwater spell casting? Speaking of which, guess that staff of fireballs is out."

(For the record, Pressi, Bliss and Murphy should all have "Animal Shapes", so shark force away.)

Bliss HP165+9 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+7=25 ; d8+7=9 ; d8+7=13 ;
Wednesday January 13th, 2021 12:42:31 AM

Bliss is disappointed. "That's right, Miss Pressi. People, not places. Ugh. Stupid Scrying."

"Well, at least that Find the Path option should get us there, thanks Sir Succotash!"

Before we teleport anywhere, Bliss makes sure that all his usual spells are up and running ... Heroes Feast, Threefold Aspect, Extended Barkskin, on him and Mookie both.

Bliss tries a couple new things. He casts Magic Vestment on Mookie to overlap the existing enchantment on the bird's armor. Granny cures him after his use of a couple Surrender Blood spells. And he makes sure that if he casts Word of Recall, it brings him back here.

EVERYBODY LOG THEIR HEROS' BREAKFAST!

Bliss: Ugh, rolled a d20 instead of a d8. Reroll ... +9 temp hp
Mookie: 13

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday January 13th, 2021 3:24:55 AM
ooc: from what I can see Freedom of movement and other Wold available spells don't work for ranged attacks. But I'm not too concerned, the only penalties I'll take are -2 for every 5 feet between him and his target, and no penalty on damage. So with all of Hobie's bow specific bonuses, he'll still be way more accurate using a bow within like 20 feet than he would be using any kind of melee weapon (and if he fired a bow at melee range he'd take no penalty anyway, just the AOO), and still hits with full damage. Plus the two extra attacks from Manyshot and Rapid Shot. Hobie will be just fine underwater.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells d8+7=12 ; d8+7=11 ;
Wednesday January 13th, 2021 5:38:34 AM
Succotash hero's feast 12
Valerie hero's feast 11

"I wish Clerics had some lightning spells, that would be helpful, but such is life." Succotash says with a smile. The cleric takes the hour to prepare his spells for the day, and pray. (Haven't reset spell selection yet, hopefully I'll get a chance to do so tomorrow evening)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday January 13th, 2021 2:21:09 PM
"Should we go and do more research friends? Do we know enough about where to start or should we seek more information?"

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Wednesday January 13th, 2021 2:37:24 PM

With the Heroes' Feast, that will set the exit time to about 2 hours from the close of the interview with the sages.

Murphy lets the scholars know they are welcome to stay at the Sanctuary should they desire to do so. Hazel and Alouryn see to their needs.

DM Kathy
Wednesday January 13th, 2021 3:30:09 PM
Murphy asks for a sketch or description of the Lotophagi Splendor, but there isn't one. "She was a brigantine," Berg says, "so in general she would have had a square-rigged foremast and probably a fore-and-aft mainmast. But specifics vary, and I wasn't able to find a particular description of the Splendor."

Pressi remembers that only people can be scried on, much to her and Bliss's disappointment.

Succotash wishes for Lightning spells, and Hobie wonders if the group is good to go.

Most of the group wants to wait until the next day so that fresh spells can be prepared. So, despite Murphy's optimistic forecast, you're not going to be leaving two hours after your meeting. It'll be the next day.

That seems to be fine with the sages. They thank Murphy for the offer of the Sanctuary, but they plan to return to the Floating City.

"When you have found the item," Dean Winkmann says, "return it to us in the Floating City. Or, if that is not possible, bring it to the Great Library in Plateau City."

With that said, they depart. Your group has time for a trip to the Catacombs if you can figure out what you want to do there. You are able to rest, and prepare spells, and Bliss serves his special breakfast in the morning. Assuming the Catacombs business is done at that point, you can depart once breakfast is done.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Wednesday January 13th, 2021 9:20:39 PM

Murphy's thought was that we would leave today in what, mid-afternoon? With Murphy and Pressi having gotten back into town about mid-morning, then meeting with the sages...

"Look. I'm fine with waiting for actually going out on the water - and underwater - until tomorrow. But can we not get ourselves over to WIndhorn this afternoon? We do so, we make some contacts - we wrap up any Catacombs things we need to wrap up. Maybe we get a boat. We find a place to stay, we get up in the morning, say our prayers, eat a heroes' breakfast. We'll be closer then, may have some information, and can then head right out. Time is of the essence, no? Let's not lollygag around here. Let's go. Catacombs in Windhorn Hamlet."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday January 13th, 2021 9:26:25 PM
Pressi doesn't think they need much more research for now, but expects to do some more research at this library.

As for gear, she figures she gets another 95K, of which 5K goes to cohorts and followers. The staff of earth and stone (she picks it because she feels bad Murphy lost, and figures it might have more emergency utility) is 85.8 so she has 4K left. She hesitates before putting the staff of fire in for sale but does so along with the other staves.

After her trip to the catacombs, Pressi gets ready along with Bliss.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday January 13th, 2021 9:27:38 PM
She does second Murphy's plan, though it seems to be waiting at one end or the other.

Bliss HP165+9 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Thursday January 14th, 2021 5:17:01 AM
Since cats are not good in water, Bliss gives up his usual cat ritual and join in (or leads a) basic warding ritual, the one that gives +1 to AC and saves.

Spells cast, he is ready to go.

"How are we going there? Dragons Bay is not all that far if we want to walk. Or are we using magic?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Thursday January 14th, 2021 5:34:25 AM
Succotash isn't sure what difference sleeping at the Sanctuary, or sleeping in an inn is going to make, also, if he casts "Find the Path" do they really need more information, as the spell will lead him right to the wreckage. Sure time wise they could in theory get a quicker start tomorrow, but literally only by a minute or two, but he isn't going to argue the point, and is fine with Murphy's plan, so he simply says, ""When do we leave?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday January 14th, 2021 11:39:47 AM
I just had another idea. For about 11000 gold we can get a wand of beast shape, and then we could all go in stealthily as a school of fish. We could completely avoid detection until after we�ve found it

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219 + 10; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 + 9; Hero's Feast d8+7=10 ; d8+7=9 ;
Thursday January 14th, 2021 11:56:33 AM
Kezzem: 1d8+7 = 10.
Rumpus: 1d8+7 = 9.

"We've had one, yes. But what about Second Hero's Breakfast?"

DM Kathy
Thursday January 14th, 2021 3:33:48 PM
Murphy understands the need to prepare new spells, but doesn't see why you can't rest and recover in Windhorn Hamlet, so you're right there when the time comes to explore.

Pressi wants to do research at the library.

Bliss wonders whether you'll go magically or on foot, and the answer is probably magically.

Succotash can't see why you can't sleep in your own beds and travel tomorrow.

Hobie suggests getting a wand of Beast Shape so you can all become fish. Or, if Kezzem gets a vote, sharks.

So, it doesn't matter to your DM whether you spend the night in Windhorn Hamlet or stay in Humble's. But Pressi seems to think you're still going to the Great Library in Plateau City. Are you? And are you getting the wand in the Catacombs? Are you getting anything else in the Catacombs?

Eventually, you wind up on a beach near Windhorn Hamlet, ready to push your rented fishing boat out into the waters of Dragon Bay. But if there's anything that needs to happen before that, now's the time to mention it.

Bliss HP165+9 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Thursday January 14th, 2021 6:30:38 PM

Problem with the wand, Bliss explains, is the duration. It might take a while to swim down and find the wreck. Longer than a beast shape spell lasts.

"Druids got it easy, right Mister Murphy?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d8+7=12 ; d8+7=9 ;
Thursday January 14th, 2021 9:12:57 PM
Pressi can't help but point out that animal shapes lasts several hours. "Hey, we witches do fine enough in the beast change stuff."

Oh right, the heroes feast. Pressi gets 12, Harper 9. Pressi joins Bliss in the warding ritual, and does her usual healing ritual.

Speaking to Murphy, "While I was in the catacombs, I kind of got into a conversation about how to produce dragon armor. That took a while to remember. Brought up some things, too."

She continues to push for the library visit.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Friday January 15th, 2021 1:53:47 AM

"The difference, Succotash, is in the preparation. Hanging out here for another half a day and full night does not do much in advancing us toward our cause."

"Right, wise Bliss. Druids got it easy, as far as changing shapes is concerned. Witches and a few others don't do so badly, though.

"And the beast shape spell lasts Hobie, what, about five to twenty minutes, more or less, depending upon the skills of the caster? It's a sweet spell, for certain, and could be useful, yes."

"I'm fine with a library visit, Pressi," Murphy replies, "but Berg specifically told us that to the best of his knowledge whatever was held concerning our assignment was requested by the Floating City sages some time ago, and presumably delivered to them. If we are to go visit the Great Library, though, we definitely want to get a move on to Plateau City. I'd say, now. Or in twenty minutes, if someone needs to grab something else before we enter the oak tree."

"Oh, just before we go, though," the druid says pulling out a scroll case, "my brother Kendry just lent me his copy of a 19-part map of Plateau City. I spent some time looking it over a few years ago, and can at least remember highlights, so I know where the Catacombs are, and where the Great Library is. And where a few Dragon groups dwell."

If everyone is ready, then we leave NOW. If not ready, then we wait for everyone to have a potty break, then we leave... NOW. To the Druid's Grove, in Plateau City. Murphy speaks with the druids there briefly after he and the first group come through, returns to the Sanctuary, picks up the second group, and everyone is there in Plateau City, ready to raid... rather, to walk through the city to the place we can use the Library Pass.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Friday January 15th, 2021 5:47:24 AM
Succotah climbs into the boat and coaxes Valerie to join him. This isn't her first time in a boat, but like the time on the moon, she is a bit hesitant. the dino eventually gets in and the two are ready to go. With all the talk of animal shapes and beast shape, Succotash, says, "If things get dicey, I'm pretty useless without a voice, so count me out in taking on an aquatic form, and since Valerie's main strength in a fight is her multiple attacks, I would rather hook the two of us up with water breathing, and freedom of movement. Speaking of water breathing, who's all going to want me to cast it on them, oh and when should I cast "Find the Path?"

Succotash hero's feast 12
Valerie hero's feast 11

OOC... I haven't had a chance to update my spell list. I plan on doing so tomorrow.

DM Kathy
Friday January 15th, 2021 3:51:13 PM
[Because people have things to do, we'll back up a bit.]

At Murphy's insistence, you leave Humble's shortly after your meeting with the sages. Murphy brings you to the druid's grove in Plateau City.

Pressi visits the Great Library. What are you researching?

Bliss remarks that Beast Shape doesn't last long, but perhaps it would last long enough. Still, nobody seem to be in a hurry to rush out and acquire the wand. Succotash just makes sure that he and Valerie are ready for what's to come.

Bliss HP165+9 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Sunday January 17th, 2021 12:45:52 AM

Bliss enjoys the tourism and looks around with wide eyes.

Mookie is less impressed. "Meh, it was better back in the day."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Sunday January 17th, 2021 11:37:15 AM
Succotash runs off to the Catacombs before departure to have his headband of mental superiority upgraded, with instructions that he will be picking it up in either Plateau City, or Windhorn Hamlet, depending on where they actually head to.

After returning to the designated departure location, Succotash asks, �So, could someone explain to me why we are going to Plateau City, when we know that Windhorn Hamlet is closer to the wreckage, and that all information concerning the ship has already been sent to the Floating City, and now passed on to us? I mean I'm down with checking out the city, and even checking out the great library, but it seems to me that we would be wasting precious time, and we are already facing a time crunch."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+25=29 ;
Sunday January 17th, 2021 9:05:57 PM
"We are visiting Plateau City because I want to make sure I know exactly what we are getting into. And because if "they deliberately withheld information" crossed Berg's mind, then you can bet it crossed mine. Besides, what's the point of these bands if we don't hit the library from time to time."

Pressi is a dervish through the library, detecting and reading magic, asking about the ship and the document process to everyone who works there, flipping through anything they have on demon control, the ship, the teucri or the sahaugin war. Murphy doesn't need a link to know that when she gets like this, the question in her mind is "Why?"

But since every topic is 1d4 hours, Pressi focuses on three things
1) Who are these fish people and why would they search for such a weapon?
2) Why did this weapon get built in the first place?
3) Is there anything identifying that would allow her to find it even faster?

Also, if her Justicar Truth Test ability pings anyone (similar to Discern Lies, her holy symbol glows if anyone tries to deliberately mislead her), she focuses on that guy. And if her perception leads to any hidden passages or notes (Perception 29), she focuses on that as well.

But if the rest of the group gets antsy, she will cut the above short after a couple of hours.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid d8+7=12 ;
Monday January 18th, 2021 4:16:28 AM
These are the bonuses to Murphy's skill rolls for various things some of which may be pertinent to his assisting Pressi with her library research. Rather than rolling for each one - we could take 10? Or, if DM Kathy feels one or another would be useful, I trust her rolls on Murphy's behalf.

Diplomacy 21
Knowledge (Arcana) 13
Knowledge (Engineering) 23
Profession (Engineer) 14
Knowledge (Geography) 14
Knowledge (History) 14
Knowledge (Local) 16
Knowledge (Nature) 23
Knowledge (Religion) 9
Knowledge (Technology) 15
Knowledge (The Planes) 23
Linguistics 15
Perception 40
Profession (Sailor) 14
Sense Motive 29
Spellcraft 16
Use Magic Device 16

Among other things, Murphy questions the staff about membership or visiting privileges, and what fees and other accommodations may be asked of those desiring to visit for research and study purposes from time to time.

He also inquires about providing a copy of the Journals of the Humble's Sword adventuring group. "Might this contemporaneous record of some significant actions and discoveries be of interest to those who oversee the Great Library? It deals with Wold-shaking events, time travel puzzles, a journey to the moon via Teucri artifact, rescues of circus slaves, passage through the Culverwood, a battle of halflings against over a thousand giants from the Scab, including some Mountain giants, trade negotiations with the biguns of the Red Hills, an assassination of a beloved high priestess of Flower, attendant false accusations and innocence proved, The Grove of Discord, raids of goblins and ogres, negotiations with and combat versus ogre mages, dealings with a miscreant taxidermist-necromancer, attempts to reform a two-headed troll, bribery through venison jerky, lusty woodland flying gnomes, a beautiful dryad, and other adventures. Oh, fighting a rare dragon. And getting to know wolpertingers."

"Could the contribution of such a volume go towards future visiting privileges?"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219 + 10; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 + 9; Hero's Feast
Monday January 18th, 2021 2:11:39 PM
"Being a sharp is fun and all, but I think I'm probably better off just using my daggers."

DM Kathy
Monday January 18th, 2021 2:45:29 PM
Bliss enjoys the sights and sounds of Plateau City. Mookie is somewhat less impressed.

Succotash urges his teammates to hurry.

Kezzem contemplates being a sharp. Or possibly a shark. Or maybe a sharp shark. In the end, he decides to stick to his daggers.

Pressi makes a beeline for the library and researches like a mad thing. Of the questions she wants to focus on, she isn't able to find anything on why the weapon was built or how to recognize it. The librarians regretfully explain that those records are currently in the Sage's Guild Headquarters in the Floating City, to support a scholar in a specific research project. They offer to contact Scholar Alree on your behalf to request an update. You have better luck with your first question. You learn all about sahuagin. You also learn of the Merfolk-Sahuagin War, which has been raging in the waters of the Wold for about three years now. There are a lot of documents on the war, but unfortunately it's too new for any handy summaries to have been written, so you have to plow through individual records of individual skirmishes. The war doesn't seem to be going well for the sahuagin. Some of them seem to blame the surface-dwellers for this, for reasons that are a bit unclear, but seem to have something to do with Dirt City. Under such circumstances, it's understandable that the sahuagin might go looking for a super-weapon to turn the tide.

Your Truth Test only pings once, when a librarian murmurs, "no, no, it's no trouble at all," as he goes to fetch your sixth batch of war records.

Murphy assists Pressi, and also has questions of his own, about the inner workings of the library. You are able to find out the rules for joining and advancing in the Sage's Guild. You ask whether there would be interest in the account of your group's adventures, and there definitely would be. Given its location in Plateau City, city of adventurers, it's something of a specialty of this Branch Library. It seems to be unrelated, however, to the question of access.

When the research is wrapped up, you travel to Windhorn Hamlet to spend the night there. You are able to secure accommodations at Grog�s Happy Half-Ogre Tavern and Inn, where proprietors and patrons alike seem delighted to have "real, genuine halflings" staying there.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday January 18th, 2021 3:13:37 PM
"Succotash, I could use the waterbreathing spell. And Freedom of Movement too if it's possible, or better would be something that just helps me swim, as I don't believe Freedom of Movement will help me fire my bow.

I suppose I could also just tie myself by rope to someone else who can swim. Anyone want to tow me?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday January 18th, 2021 3:20:31 PM
"Actually I forgot I have waterbreathing, so I can cast that one on myself Sucker. But I also have prepared Teleport, so if we need to get out, I've got that ready."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219 + 10; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 + 9; Hero's Feast
Monday January 18th, 2021 3:34:40 PM
His SHARP daggers, naturally.

"Yeah, I don't have any spells to breath water or turn into sharp-tooth-shark or turn into a sharp-tooth shark that breathes water."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Monday January 18th, 2021 6:32:50 PM
"Unfortunately, I don't have any spells that can help someone swim, but Murph is pretty good about towing us while in water elemental mode, assuming he plans on taking that form. I prepared water breathing 3 times, which is enough to give everyone who need it the ability for several hours. I also prepared freedom of movement twice, I plan on casting it on Valerie, but the second casting is up for grabs. let me know who wants it, and we'll make sure the person who can best benefit from it gets it. I'm glad you have Teleport ready Hobie, if things get dicey, having two teleporters would be nice."

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid d20+29=30 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+14=24 ; d20+21=30 ; d20+40=41 ;
Monday January 18th, 2021 8:29:34 PM

"I can help you with Freedom of Movement, Hobie, when it looks like we might be approaching an area where combat may be imminent - maybe in sight of the ship, eh? It should last ten minutes shy of three hours," Murphy offers. "Pressi and I have Word of Recall, which will take us back to our Sanctuary. She can take about half of us, and I the rest. It's good to have more options, though, so I'm glad you have Teleport, Mister Wizard. And you, too, Mister Cleric."

"Kezzem, I wish I could help you turn into some sort of swimming critter, but that is beyond my power. So far, at least. Yep, Succotash, and Hobie, and Kezzem, I'd be happy to provide the tow rope. And if you'll provide the initial water breathing, I can offer backup on that for all should we have to remain in the water long enough to let the skin of our fingertips get all wrinkly."

"Bliss, Pressi? And Mookie - any other thoughts on what's coming up and how to prepare?"

===== Talking with folks in Grog's Inn =====

Pressi and Murphy had gotten a pint at Grog's during their recent honeymoon, so Murphy introduces everyone to him and any others with whom they had made acquaintance. "You guys ever hear of the Grey Knights?" he asks his friends. "They got their start here as the Windhorn Hamleteers, and dealt with the Sons of Dread. Grog helped them out at various times, according to Bill Troublefinder, said my brother Kendry who spent some time with Bill."

"Uh, just what do you mean, 'real halflings'? Have there been pretend halflings here in Windhorn?" Murphy asks the folks at Grog's Inn.

He will take time to ask them as well if there are things known or rumored about recent sahuagin activities. Any locathah? And merfolk?

He asks about renting a boat large enough to hold at least 12 to 16 people. Or buying it, if it's seaworthy, but not too expensive.

============
The roll from my prior post I forgot to identify - it's the temp hp from boat launch day's Heroes' Feast - 12hp.
Sense Motive: 30 (to get a general sense of what people are about as they talk with the locals)
Knowledge, Local: 20 (Acquaintance with what's happening around Windhorn Hamlet - perhaps aided slightly by having been here less than a week ago)
Knowledge, History: 24 (the Grey Knights, Bill T info)
Diplomacy: 30 (Talking with locals, working on gathering info)
Perception: 41 (General awareness of surroundings, situation, people)

Bliss HP165+9 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Monday January 18th, 2021 11:16:23 PM
In the morning, it is the same routine as before. [I'll keep my Heroes Breakfast temp hit point rolls, since I did not use them yet.]

"So how are we getting out to the wreck?" Bliss asks. "Renting a boat seems like a good idea, Mister Murphy."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday January 19th, 2021 9:31:39 AM
Pressi herself moves on from the books, trying to decide what to do with what she has learned.

Beyond that, there isn't too much prep work. But she does take some time to ask as well about activity around the lake or sightings of creatures.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday January 19th, 2021 9:44:45 AM
"Kezzem, do you want to me to turn you into a shark? I can cast Beast Shape on you, but it will only last nine minutes. I'm personally prepared to cast Alter Self on myself and turn into a sahuagin or merfolk should a fight break out underwater, but I can't cast that on you as it only works on myself. "

Down, Down, Down

DM Kathy
Tuesday January 19th, 2021 4:05:19 PM
[Rather than giving XP for the previous scene, I'm going to have everybody level their character to 18.]

You discuss strategy and spells. Water Breathing, Freedom of Movement, and Beast Shape are variously discussed.

Murphy tells something of the history of Windhorn Hamlet. Nobody has anything to report on underwater activity. If there's fighting going on in Dragon Bay, it isn't happening near here.

The next day, you enjoy your Heroes' Feast. You were able to rent a good-sized fishing boat for a few copper and a promise to tell all about your adventures when you get back.

You cast off and use the oars to maneuver to the area the sages described. The time has come to make your final preparations.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+25=32 ; d4+16=17 ;
Tuesday January 19th, 2021 9:17:55 PM
The first thing Pressi does is cast prying eyes in all directions from the boat. If she can't dip them under the water, she scouts along the surface looking for any clues or creatures. (The instruction is: "return if you see a boat, boat remnants, or a sea creature with legs"). (She can send out 17 eyes, perception +15, movement 30, no swim speed).

While she waits, she looks over the water with her own eyes (Perception 32).

Finally, she takes some time to cast a divination (86% success rate). She asks "What happened to the ship after it sank below?"

Used Spells

L4: 0+1
L5: 1

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Wednesday January 20th, 2021 5:33:34 AM
Succotash casts "Find the Path". It takes 3 rounds to cast the spell, and it lasts 10 min per level, so 170 or 180 min. using the spell as a guide, Succotash will direct the boat, until they get tot the point where they have to go under water, then he will cast water breathing on whoever wants him to. (Please let me know so I can figure out the duration of the spells)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday January 20th, 2021 6:28:36 AM
Hobie will take out his lute and sing a sea shanty [link href ="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auI9Cx8SGX4"](you know which one)[/link] as they travel. Before descending into water, Hobie will cast his own Water Breathing on himself (he casts at a lower Caster Level than Sucker, so Sucker can cast on anyone else.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday January 20th, 2021 6:30:01 AM
what did I do wrong on that link?

Hobie (Nick T) HP 189/181 AC 33 Touch 19 Flat 27 CMD 37 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday January 20th, 2021 6:30:38 AM
maybe the space
(you know which one)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Wednesday January 20th, 2021 2:03:02 PM

At Grog's Inn, the night before we sail - was there any response to this query? --
"Uh, just what do you mean, 'real halflings'? Have there been pretend halflings here in Windhorn?" Murphy asks the folks at Grog's Inn.

What is the weather like this morning?

Murphy joins Hobie in singing the song, especially on the chorus:

"Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguin' is done
We'll take our leave and go."

His harness/tow rope with multiple loops for people to place arms and/or legs through he has at the ready. He gets help anchoring the boat.

Spells cast and ongoing effects:
[Oh, gotta run. Will list spells and other preparations in a few hours...]

DM Kathy
Wednesday January 20th, 2021 6:21:39 PM
Pressi sends out Prying Eyes. They can go underwater, but their vision down there is limited by the available light, so they can't go too deep. Well, they can go as deep as they want, but they can't see anything out of the light. Pressi also casts a Divination, asking What happened to the ship after it sank below? Her answer: THE RETURN OF THE SARGASS DISTURBED MUCH THAT HAD LAIN QUIET.

Succotash casts "Find the Path," and finds, not surprisingly, that the path leads mostly downwards.

Hobie casts Water Breathing on himself, not to mention Summon TikTok Meme.

Murphy is somewhat distressed by the prospect of fake halflings running around out there, but no, it was just your silly DM trying to serve up some local color. Meanwhile, he rigs a harness so he can tow his companions through the water.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Wednesday January 20th, 2021 9:32:41 PM
Pressi frowns at this riddle, but she passes it along to the others.

Once she recalls the prying eyes, she reviews the footage in an attempt to see anything in the area, but it's clear that it's time for them to move on.

And so she makes her own transformation by casting animal shapes on the group. Are there any recommendations? We need, beyond the swim speed, an ability like darkvision or low light vision.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Thursday January 21st, 2021 3:42:33 AM
Updating Header

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Thursday January 21st, 2021 5:40:38 AM
Well Pressi, as I said before, like you, without my voice, I can't cast spells, and a cleric who can't cast isn't going to be much help. and since one of Valerie's key strengths is her multiple attacks, I think she'll fair better with freedom of movement and water breathing, and she already has low-light vision. Succotash says as he casts light on Valerie's bow, which begins to glow like a torch, giving the affect that she has a halo on her head.

Bliss HP165+9 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Thursday January 21st, 2021 7:05:31 AM

"So ... the Sargrass woke up the Wellerman?" asks Bliss.

As for potential shapes, how about dolphins? They have sonar, right? Or whales?

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Thursday January 21st, 2021 12:13:29 PM
Just to clarify, Hobie will cast the Water Breathing only moments before the group decides to descend into the water.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Thursday January 21st, 2021 2:49:24 PM

"I'll change into a water elemental once we're ready to dive," Murphy says. He is casting a few more spells.

[Am working until 5pm, may find it tough to post more until then... sorry]

DM Kathy
Thursday January 21st, 2021 4:06:55 PM
Pressi relays the results of her Divination and offers to change her companions into animals.

Succotash lights up Valerie's bow.

Murphy has more spells to cast.

Bliss suggests becoming dolphins.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 219/219 + 10; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 95/95 + 9; Hero's Feast
Thursday January 21st, 2021 5:21:08 PM
"Dolphins! Phewy, why would you want to be a dolphin when you could be a shark!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 32/17/30 CMD 22 HP 109/125 Valerie AC 37/15/32 CMD 32 HP 127/127 Spells
Thursday January 21st, 2021 5:29:17 PM
"Well Kezzem, dolphins have been known to kill sharks. Of course they do so as a pack, or I should say pod, so it really isn't a fair fight"

Bliss HP165+9 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Friday January 22nd, 2021 7:28:36 AM

"Sharks are good too," agrees Bliss. "But I'll change into an octopus as soon as there's a fight."

"But more important, everybody needs a Water Breathing spell first and foremost!"

Bliss again ponders getting a Necklace of Adaptation of one of those Ioun Stones of Not Breathing.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Friday January 22nd, 2021 2:33:25 PM
"I think my hesitation is that I can't know how much time we need. Is it 17 minutes? Half an hour? 2 hours? 17 hours? I'd love to extend alter self to a merfolk, but I'm not sure if we need more than half an hour. But I'd also like to hold on to my 8 level spell if it's just going to be me and one or two other guys."

Pressi thinks about it for a bit. "Maybe someone could send me a list (OOC: via email) of who wants or doesn't want to be a... I guess I'll go with dolphin or shark or something. I'm not sure how many of us can cast water breathing or how many times, though, so I guess I'll polymorph the rest."

(Keep in mind: Pressi can dismiss the spell at will if we run into trouble.)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Friday January 22nd, 2021 5:09:21 PM

Murphy casts longstrider on himself, as he usually does when heading toward likely conflict. Also Magic Fang, Greater.

"Look, between us, I can cast water breathing, and divide up 36 hours duration among us. Succotash can, too for how long, buddy? How about I take care of half of us, and he does the other half. I have it memorized twice in case we need more later."

DM Kathy
Friday January 22nd, 2021 6:06:26 PM
There is further discussion of what spells to cast, and what creatures to become. It is an issue that you don't know how long you'll be down there. Are you going to find this thing in 5 minutes? Or are you about to embark on a long underwater odyssey? You don't know. But for now, the Universe is giving you time to figure it out.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid
Saturday January 23rd, 2021 12:06:01 PM

"With water breathing," says Murphy, "and my tow rope, we should be able to haste swiftly downwards, if you don't change shape. If you take the shape of shark or dolphin, you can swim on your own, though not so swiftly as I. Once we are on the ship, our normal forms may be better for movement, combat if necessary.

"Freedom of Movement lasts 3 hours, and should help a great deal underwater. I will use one on myself, and have two more available for others."

[How about if we talk things over this weekend, and try to have our spell plans set in time for DM Kathy's Monday afternoon post?]

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 39/20/34; HP 248/248; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 101/101 d10=7 ; d10=1 ; d10=8 ; d8=2 ;
Sunday January 24th, 2021 1:36:50 PM
Header update.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells
Monday January 25th, 2021 5:46:36 AM
"I also have Freedom of Movement prepared, Murph, though I only have it prepared twice, and one of those is for Valerie. since I don't plan on swinging my mace anytime soon, I shouldn't need it for myself, so the extra is open to who ever wants it."

Succotash casts water breathing on everyone who wanted it, then says, "Shall we take the plunge?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday January 25th, 2021 12:37:03 PM
Pressi instead takes a water breathing and dives in

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid/Huge Water Elemental AC 44/T23/F39 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP
Monday January 25th, 2021 2:32:13 PM

Murphy casts know direction to understand where their boat is in relation to the shores he can see, and where due north lies.

We figure that Succotash, Valerie, Kezzem, Bliss, Mookie, Hobie, Pressi and Murphy are receiving water breathing. Harper? Is Harper staying on the boat, or was she left back on land with someone? Am assuming the latter unless otherwise corrected.

Figuring 8 people (including companion 'people'), Succotash's spell should last for 4.5 hours. Likely sufficient to the task, but time will tell. Murphy decides he can cast the spell later as needed if they run out of time, or someone's effect is dispelled.

He casts Freedom of Movement on Hobie, as earlier agreed. Succotash has Valerie covered with the same spell. Murphy reserves one Freedom of Movement for himself, but does not yet cast it. "If one other person wishes Freedom of Movement, let me know now, or tell me if you want it later. It should last about 3 hours."

The boat is anchored. The people are ready. As he steps over the stern he flows from halfling into huge water elemental. His multi-looped tow-rope is there so people can place arms, legs, waists through the various-sized loops.

Once all who are planning to be towed by him are firmly affixed, and anyone else coming along have taken the forms they choose are in the water, he heads downward. If all will be towed, he gradually accelerates to full speed. If some are swimming separate from him, he matches their pace, keeping perhaps a 20-30' gap between himself and his self-propelled companions. As the water eventually darkens with depth, he has no trouble seeing with his darkvision.
========
Note: Updated Character Sheet link starting today for 18th level. Still some tweaks left to be made.
Spells in effect:
Longstrider: 18 hrs
Water Breathing (from Succotash): 4.5 hrs

Spells on others:
Freedom of Movement (Hobie): 3 hrs

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid/Huge Water Elemental AC 44/T23/F39 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP
Monday January 25th, 2021 2:36:52 PM

Note: Murphy will be tracking the depth in feet as we move downward. If as encounters occur, as well as once we reach the ship, if the depth could be provided, I'd be grateful.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid/Huge Water Elemental AC 44/T23/F39 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP
Monday January 25th, 2021 2:41:58 PM

Ack! Now I see the email. Harper is on the boat, and whether she joins us or serves as temporary skipper of the boat, she should have water breathing. That means the spell lasts 4 hours for each of us. If she comes, there are some loops she can use to join us for the ride.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday January 25th, 2021 3:22:27 PM
Harper was going to stay on the boat. But if she gets a water breathing and a loop, she will come with us instead.

DM Kathy
Monday January 25th, 2021 5:20:52 PM
After some discussion, you cast your spells and slip into the water. Murphy shifts into a huge water elemental and grabs the rope to tow his companions.

Down you go, into the waters of Dragon Bay. Near the surface, the daylight filters through, showing mysterious, looming shapes below. The deeper you descend, the less light there is. By the time you reach the bottom of the bay, the light is dim.

You are close to one of the looming shapes you saw as you descended. It is some kind of structure, built mostly of metal, with strange protrusions around a massive, hollow wheel. You're not sure what it is or what it was supposed to do.

Both Succotash and Murphy's spells indicate that you should go northeast from here, so you begin heading in that direction.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells
Monday January 25th, 2021 5:39:40 PM
Succotash climbs on Valerie's back, and instructs her to grab on of the loops with her talons. He is a bit intrigued by the metal structure, but since he has know idea as to what it may be, he doesn't bother wasting time on it. Though his voice doesn't carry far underwater, he tells his friends, with words and gestures that they need to head north.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid/Huge Water Elemental AC 46/T25/F41 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP d20+41=56 ; d20+24=31 ;
Monday January 25th, 2021 7:00:59 PM

Murphy thinks a lot, and does things
Murphy has been gauging the depth they have attained, which is ____ (For DM Highlight to display spoiler: {Fill in the blank if you are the DM :-)}) feet below the surface. Murphy telepathically lets Pressi know the depth.

As they approach the metallic structure, Murphy casts Foresight*

Murphy generally agrees with Succotash's directions, but modifies it to the northeast, pulling the group that way.

As he can talk underwater, he says, not loudly, but for those in the immediate vicinity, "I've cast a spell called Foresight, to help alert me to imminent threats. If I tell you something is coming, please believe me. Meanwhile, how are you doing?"

Now they are on the bottom and approaching the structure, after the brief conversation with his friends, Murphy also casts Freedom of Movement.

==========
*Foresight: This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
==========
Perception: 56 - To accurately take in what he is observing, be alert to and aware of potential threats (including invisibility). Includes him glancing left, right, toward the back, and upwards (3D threat environment), as well as ahead of them.
Knowledge, Engineering: 31 - To begin to try to understand the nature of the metallic structure, protrusions, and hollow wheel.

Spells in effect:
Longstrider: 17 hrs 50 minutes
Water Breathing (from Succotash): 3 hrs 50 minutes [yeah, I'm guessing it took us about ten minutes to get to the bottom and orient ourselves, subject to DM correction on actual time]
Foresight: 3 hrs
Freedom of Movement: 3 hrs

Spells on others:
Freedom of Movement (Hobie): 2 hrs 50 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Monday January 25th, 2021 9:19:27 PM
Harper begins to meow as they swim beneath the surface, holding on to the various links. It's pretty clear she wasn't even happy on the boat.

Pressi begins with a cast of detect magic, and throws a few dancing lights. She also takes some time to cast spectral hand, just in case.

Bliss HP165+9 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Monday January 25th, 2021 11:58:59 PM

Bliss and Mookie hold on tight to the rope as they get towed down.

Bliss is glad that Pressi is creating lights. That's a good idea.

Mookie thinks to Bliss, "We should check out that circle wreck on the way back., There might be treasure!"

"Yeah," thinks Bliss.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Tuesday January 26th, 2021 9:54:55 AM
Hobie hangs on tight as he's dragged by Murphy. He nods when he mentions the foresight spell. Hobie is ready to become a Merperson and go into combat should Murphy alert him.

DM Kathy
Tuesday January 26th, 2021 5:31:01 PM
[OOC: Insight grants "warnings of impending danger or harm." Well, that's nice and vague. Will it warn you that your meal is high in cholesterol? That the streets are icy? That your horse might kick you? I'm going to limit it to "imminent threat to life and limb;" please let me know if you want something else.]

Spellcasting continues as you descend and head northeast. You pass by the mysterious structure, and see there's another structure of some kind off to your left. Of more immediate concern, however, is your path. Until now you have been traveling along the ocean floor, but now you can see that there is a rift of some kind up ahead. In about 30 feet, the surface you're traveling on (or near; you're floating) drops away, passing under the rest of the seabed. As you get closer still, it becomes evident to both Murphy and Succotash that your path takes you into the rift, not over it.

The opening is pitch-black. Some kind of swirling current passes through it, so traversing the area is going to be tricky.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Tuesday January 26th, 2021 9:25:42 PM
(OOC: I think the idea is that impending danger is supposed to continue along other divinations like the Rod of Alertness or Augury. That is, is there a hostile or trap nearby (probably within a round or two movement wise - just enough to stop a nasty surprise, but it won't tell you what's in the building in front of you.) Maybe it also stops you from doing something that will cause great harm in the next round. But yeah it probably won't ping some creature far away or in a foreboding rift.)

Pressi continues to drop dancing lights into the rift and to detect magic all around. "Is this going to be one of those times where we actually make it more risky a device falls into the wrong hands by not just leaving things alone or bombing the area? Like, this doesn't seem like the kind of thing a Sahaugin would just navigate, and I DO have a rod that would let me seal this rift right up...."

Thinking for a moment, she considers casting Locate Creature (Sahaugin) to see if any of them are in the area. But at the last second, she remembers there are some problems with that.

Instead, she casts true seeing as she peers into the void.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid/Huge Water Elemental AC 46/T25/F41 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP d20+41=42 ;
Wednesday January 27th, 2021 12:13:59 AM

[Re: Foresight: You made me laugh, Kathy! Don't worry - I'll trust you with the details. But it is a 9th level spell, no?]

Passing by and seeing the mysterious structure apparently reveals no more details of it to the engineering mind, but the druid also understands that is not our present goal. What with another structure observed now off to the left, we seem to be in a target-rich exploratory environment.

Murphy says, "We're about 80 or 90 feet deep now. In clear water - which it seems fairly clear where we are - you'll often have at least dim light to 250, sometimes to almost 500 feet deep... but things certainly can vary. And that rift is going to take us way below 90 feet. Thanks for the lights, sweets. Everyone be certain you are well affixed to the silken rope. And keep an eye out for each other - the person on your left, the person on your right. Prepare for a very deep bath, heroes. If any want to back out before the rift, speak now. I can get you back up top to the boat in a couple of minutes. If not, and you're willing to come along, well, hang on tight!"

He waits to see if anyone has any questions or requests or counsel. If all seem to want to go ahead, with Murphy double checking how well people are situated, he goes ahead, out over the rift at first, then slanting downwards. He attends to Succotash's directions.
==============
Perception: 42 - To accurately take in what he is observing, be alert to and aware of potential threats (including invisibility). Includes him glancing left, right, toward the back, upwards, ahead, and downwards (which, I suppose is also 'ahead').
Knowledge, Engineering: 31 - To begin to try to understand the nature of the metallic structure, protrusions, and hollow wheel.

Spells in effect:
Longstrider: 17 hrs 55 minutes
Water Breathing (from Succotash): 3 hrs 55 minutes [Since we only descended less than 100 feet, and Murphy, who can move 125', was going perhaps half speed, I'm thinking it took us about 1-2 minutes to get to the bottom and orient ourselves, and another few minutes to get to the edge of the rift, subject to DM correction on actual time]
Foresight: 2 hrs 57 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 2 hrs 57 minutes

Spells on others:
Freedom of Movement (Hobie): 2 hrs 50 minutes

Bliss HP165+9 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday January 27th, 2021 1:20:06 AM

Bliss makes sure that he and Mookie are TIED to the rope, not just holding on. And in addition, he uses one arm to physically hold Mookie.

"What am I, a baby?" he complains.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells
Wednesday January 27th, 2021 5:28:20 AM
Succotash doesn't like what he sees when he realizes that they have to enter the underwater trench, he is glad that he had the foresight to cast light on Valerie's bow, but he has a bad feeling about what lies ahead. He gives a nod of agreement to Murphy as if to say, "Let's go brother, we got this!" though inside he is thinking, "This is going to suck, and no sane person dives into an undersea trench willingly!"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Wednesday January 27th, 2021 3:07:24 PM
Assuming that it's dark inside the trench, Hobie will cast Darkvision on himself.

=================================
Darkvision - 11 hours

DM Kathy
Wednesday January 27th, 2021 6:33:40 PM
Pressi sends her Dancing Lights ahead, then casts True Seeing. You can see that the slope heads downward for quite a ways before passing out of sight under the overhanging seabed. You can see there are a lot of sharp rocks and corals around the entrance. These, combined with the unpredictable current, are going to make navigating the space a challenge.

Murphy takes a careful look, then cautions his friends to keep hold of the rope. Bliss actually ties himself to it, and takes hold of Mookie for good measure.

Succotash calls out encouragement, and the group starts forward. Immediately, you see that this is going to be a tricky bit of navigation. Everyone needs to make a DC 25 Survival or Acrobatics check to keep from smacking into something sharp. If you succeed at your check, you can use the Aid Another action to help someone else.

Hobie may want to hold off on his spell; right now the current is providing "vigorous movement," so you'd need to make a Concentration check.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34) d20+25=31 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+19=33 ;
Wednesday January 27th, 2021 10:36:29 PM
(Pressi survival check 31, Harper Acro Check 17 but Pressi can aid Harper with acro 33).

There isn't much more that Pressi wants to do as of yet (except maybe Moment of Prescience), but if someone has a suggestion, she might do something soon.

(OOC: I'll try to link the new sheets soon, as well as the updates to what spells were cast thus far,)

Bliss HP165+9 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+13=25 ;
Thursday January 28th, 2021 12:23:16 AM
DC 25 Survival or Acrobatics check:

Bliss at +37 Acrobatics can't fail, and he helps whoever he can.

Mookie at Acrobatics +13 gets a 25 so he's ok, though last post I mentioned that Bliss was holding him tight.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Thursday January 28th, 2021 2:20:22 AM
"Murphy, as we dive deeper, I'd like to be able to see in the dark. Could you turn and brace the current for me, so that I can be behind you in your slipstream and cast the spell without the current disrupting me?"

(Would that work DM?)

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid/Huge Water Elemental AC 46/T25/F41 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP d20+23=36 ; d20+41=53 ;
Thursday January 28th, 2021 4:18:44 AM

Murphy briefly backs out of the strong current for Hobie's sake before they get past the edge of it. He does so, Hobie casts his spell, then the watery druid heads forward.

Murphy is 32 feet long, and weighs 18,000 pounds. He can move up to 125' per round with native ability. Unless the currents exceed 62' movement speed, likely he has the ability to counter well enough to avoid the sharp rocks, and thus protect those in his tow fairly well. Yet, we shall see.

The water elemental threads the passageway, relying upon his darkvision and feel for the currents.

This situation recalls to mind the swimming race Murphy was in during the Crescent Valley Competition some years back. One of the largest halflings he knows, one Lotho of the BadApples team, managed to fill his mouth with water as Murphy took his first breath. It took will and fortitude to recover, but he pulled through strongly in the middle and end of the race. He came in ahead of Lotho, tying for 2nd place with Candy BadApple. Violet of the Culverwood's 'Forest Walkers' won that competition. [See Murphy post on Sept 3 2013, and DM Kent's post on the same date.]

As they progress Murphy remains alert to further changes in the environment.

[Is this rift some sort of a tunnel?]
==============
Survival: 36/25 - Murphy's navigation through the current - and his successful navigation should give all others a +2 on their DC 25 Survival or Acrobatics check (if not obviate the need entirely?)
Perception: 53 - DM use as needed

Spells in effect:
Longstrider: 17 hrs 53 minutes
Water Breathing (from Succotash): 3 hrs 53 minutes
Foresight: 2 hrs 55 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 2 hrs 55 minutes

Spells on others:
Freedom of Movement (Hobie): 2 hrs 53 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells d100=81 ; d20+15=28 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+7=23 ;
Thursday January 28th, 2021 5:36:42 AM
Succotash manages to avoid banging into the walls, and even manages to aid Valerie. If someone else is able to offer Valerie some additional aid she will pass (rolled a 23 with Succotash's help already added to the die roller), otherwise the dinosaur will scrape the rocks.

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid/Huge Water Elemental AC 46/T25/F41 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP
Thursday January 28th, 2021 9:26:36 AM

The +2 from Murphy should cover Valerie, taking her from 23 to 25.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 101/101 d20+13=15 ;
Thursday January 28th, 2021 1:14:26 PM
Acrobatics: 15.

Kezzem slams into something sharp.

"Help! I'm stuck!"

Spells in Effect:
Water Breathing ? (form ????)

DM Kathy d100=7 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ;
Thursday January 28th, 2021 7:44:59 PM
Pressi maneuvers nimbly through the opening. Harper has some trouble, but with help from Pressi and Bliss, she manages to avoid the sharp rocks. Mookie is fine, being held by Bliss.

Murphy glides through with ease. Succotash swims through with somewhat less ease, but safely. Between them, they are able to assist Valerie.

Hobie paused to cast his spell, so he still needs to make his check to get through.

Kezzem, however, runs afoul of a cross-current and smacks into a sharp protrusion. He takes 6 points of slashing damage, but he does make it through the opening; no further checks needed.

The slope continues downward for a short distance, taking you further under the seabed. Or the upper seabed? There's seabed down here, too, obviously. It's a little eerie down here, and obviously pitch-dark.

Survival 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {This rift or chasm or whatever you want to call it looks relatively new. Giving it some thought, you believe it was probably caused by all the seismic activity around the return of the Sargass.}

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Thursday January 28th, 2021 9:29:44 PM
Pressi's survival headband is in overdrive (no fail) as she looks through the rift. "The ship WAS buried where nobody could get it. This rift is new... probably caused by the seismic activity when the Sargrass returned."

She continues to cast detect magic and dancing lights, and she continues to watch via true seeing.

Bliss HP165+9 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+27=39 ;
Thursday January 28th, 2021 11:06:15 PM
Survival +18=auto

Bliss looks around after passing through the rift. He's glad for the light that Miss Pressi is magically making. Bliss continues to hold tight to the rope and to Mookie.

Perception 39

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid/Huge Water Elemental AC 46/T25/F41 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP d20+23=29 ; d20+41=51 ;
Thursday January 28th, 2021 11:14:20 PM

After getting through that pinch-point with relatively few scrapes [will look to see how Hobie does], Murphy

He notices Kezzem's light wound. "Blood draws sharks. Can someone tap Kezzem with a wand to stop his bleeding?" It's rather hard for Murphy to draw a wand in this form. Likewise, if Hobie gets cut, then we'll want to fix that immediately.

To Pressi's comment, he says, "That's likely what happened, yep."

As soon as any healing is handled, Murphy asks, "Ready?" If so, then he says, "Onward." Murphy continues the descent with friends in tow.
==============
Survival: 29 - Murphy posits what may have happened here, and concurs with Pressi.
Perception: 51

Spells in effect:
Longstrider: 17 hrs 52.5 minutes
Water Breathing (from Succotash): 3 hrs 52.5 minutes
Foresight: 2 hrs 54.5 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 2 hrs 54.5 minutes

Spells on others:
Freedom of Movement (Hobie): 2 hrs 52.5 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells d20+15=24 ; d8+5=13 ; d20+15=18 ;
Friday January 29th, 2021 5:57:19 AM
"It's hard to believe that something that happened so far away could cause such an impact, here, but here we are!" Succotash says in surprise as he realizes the source of this undersea trench. Murphs right, "Here Kezzem let me patch you up." Succotash casts Cure Light Wounds, swapping it for one of his two prepared endure elements, healing 13 hp.

OOC... Please ignore second d20+15, I was thinking I could attempt an aid another for Hobie, but forgot that doing so is a standard action and since Succotash cast a spell, he couldn't do so."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132, CMD 25; Harper AC 30 (35), HP 94, CMD 29 (34)
Friday January 29th, 2021 10:44:54 AM
If needed, Pressi will do an aid another for Hobie.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Rumpus AC 32/15/27 HP 101/101 d8=3 ;
Friday January 29th, 2021 2:17:46 PM
(For some reason Kezzem's post didn't got through).

"Nevermind, 'tis but a scratch!"

(The roll was for his wand of CLW, but since Succo has since posted healing, I will add the charge back on).

Murphy Leafwin Pipewood(KimMc) Halfling Druid/Huge Water Elemental AC 46/T25/F41 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP
Friday January 29th, 2021 5:33:02 PM

"Yes, Kezzem, it's only a scratch," Murphy agrees. "Yet the scent of blood somehow or other carries quickly to the nostrils of sharks. That's why we take care of light wounds immediately, before we draw too many sharp shark teeth towards us." If Hobie ends up scratched as well, then perhaps Kezzem's wand can treat the wizard/archer.

Bliss HP165+9 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+27=44 ;
Friday January 29th, 2021 8:21:04 PM

Bliss looks around for sharks.

Perception 44

Hobie (Kim for Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 d20+12=25 ;
Friday January 29th, 2021 8:57:01 PM

Just so can get past the issue of whether Hobie is scratched - here is an acrobatics roll for him - adding +2 from Pressi's aid another: 25 - he narrowly avoids the sharp edges.

Monsters of the Deep

DM Kathy
Friday January 29th, 2021 10:54:04 PM
[Everybody take 10,000 XP for the previous scene.]

You pass through the rift. Hobie makes it safely. Kezzem's wound is a worry, since the blood may attract sharks, but you quickly heal it.

Of course, that is no guarantee that you are free from danger. Being experienced adventurers, you are on alert for anything lurking here in the depths.

And you are not disappointed. No sooner have you cleared the rift than you see an enormous sea-serpent! It has has bright, bulging eyes and rounded jaws filled with long, jagged teeth.

What could be worse than a sea-serpent?

Two sea-serpents. Both headed in your direction!

[OOC: Since this combat is in three dimensions, I want to try to do it without a map. Please let me know if that isn't going to work for you. The sea-serpents are Gargantuan in size, and have a 20-foot reach.]

Murphy, druid 18(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 46/T25/F41 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP 268+12 d20+41=42 ;
Saturday January 30th, 2021 2:11:20 AM

"Two sea serpents, gargantuan, coming up our way!" Murphy announces to all in the halfling tongue. "It may be tough, but I might be able to outswim them. But you must hold on tight. Anyone with a better idea, speak now. If I can get us to a defensible position, then we can fight them there. Watch for boulders, crevices, shipwrecks, whatever. Meanwhile, for the next few seconds, do something that looks spectacular, intimidating."

In the Aquan (Aquatic) tongue, Murphy rears up and spreads his body wide and says loudly, [If you know Aquan, you can understand this - and Pressi gets the halfling equivalent in her mind] "O Great Sea Serpents. Many of us look small, yet we have slain mountain giants, great dragons, a mighty kraken, and have traveled to the moon above the sky. Surely you do not want to die at our hand this day? Instead, if you take us to a ship we seek, then tell us what you would have us do for you, that does no harm to our own nor to the innocent."

What does Murphy's foresight spell tell him?

His movement at run speed is 625. At standard speed 125. Run speed might be rough on those being pulled along.

Is the seabed below us, or, apart from the rift we just passed through, are we surrounded on all other sides by open water, the bottom far below us, whatever is above us so far above us so as to be of no tactical advantage?

Are there plants? Fish of any size or stripe? Little or big rocks, boulders? Shipwrecks? Crevices? A ceiling above - smooth or rugged - and how far above?

As we are in one group, with many dependent for movement in their halfling forms upon Murphy right now, how do they break off (not that I recommend that), swim, so we don't all get swallowed at once? Not that that would be a bad thing.

As one map is worth a thousand words, your descriptive powers, our hard-working DM, should fill us in enough that we are not fighting in a nondescript featureless amorphous glob of water.
==============
Perception: 42

Spells in effect:
Longstrider: 17 hrs 52 minutes
Water Breathing (from Succotash): 3 hrs 52 minutes
Foresight: 2 hrs 54 minutes --> [b]DOES THIS PROVIDE MURPHY ANY
Freedom of Movement: 2 hrs 54 minutes
Heroe's Feast: 10 hours 24 minutes

Spells on others:
Freedom of Movement (Hobie): 2 hrs 52 minutes

Murphy, druid 18(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 46/T25/F41 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP 268+12
Saturday January 30th, 2021 3:54:36 AM

I forgot to lst Magic Fang, Greater: 11 hrs 50 minutes

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Greater Magic Weapon, Water Breathing d20+7=27 ;
Saturday January 30th, 2021 1:54:07 PM
Kezzem cast Greater Magic Weapon on his dagger, or daggers if he has time to do both. I meant to state this earlier, but since I didn't, I'll understand if he can only get one spell off.

"Can somebody help get me over there?"

If not, Kezzem will try to muddle closer on his power.

Swim: 1d20 + 7 = 27. Natural 20.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26; Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Saturday January 30th, 2021 9:25:04 PM
(updated header and sheet link)

-------------------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast?
Spectral Hand?
true seeing
water breathing (from murphy)

L1: 1
L4: 0+1
L5: 1+1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26; Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Saturday January 30th, 2021 9:28:29 PM
Pressi doesn't exactly need foresight to know that this is going to be bad.

Her first move is to cast upon herself Alter Self: Merfolk. That should allow her to swim and cast better.

-------------------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast?
Spectral Hand?
true seeing
water breathing (from murphy)

L1: 2
L4: 0+1
L5: 1+1

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells
Monday February 1st, 2021 7:53:26 AM
Succotash quickly slides off of Valerie�s back, and then casts Freedom of motion on her.

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (11 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min

DM Kathy d20+23=43 ; d20+23=41 ; 12d10+28=89 ; d20+45=46 ; d6=4 ; d20+23=40 ; 6d10+14=44 ; d20=15 ;
Monday February 1st, 2021 5:07:52 PM
Murphy's Foresight spell tells him this could be trouble. He tries speaking to the sea-serpents in Aquan, but they show no sign of slowing down.

You are in a chamber of sorts, with a "roof" about 40 feet overhead and the seabed about 20 feet below you. You see no animals here other than the sea-serpents and your companions. You see no plants of any kind; there may or may not be microscopic plankton drifting around you. You don't see a shipwreck. There are, however, lots and lots of rocks.

Kezzem has already cast Greater Magic Weapon on both his daggers. [OOC: It's an hour/level spell, so it's reasonable to assume he would cast it well in advance.] He cannot swim very well on his own, but of course he can keep hold of the rope and be dragged along by Murphy. Of course, that means going where Murphy wants to go.

Pressi turns herself into a mermaid.

Succotash dismounts and casts Freedom of Movement on Valerie.

Since Murphy was kind enough to draw attention to himself, the first sea-serpent attacks him. Massive teeth crush down on the water elemental, doing 89 points of damage. It tries to hang on, but it clearly wasn't expecting the texture of a water elemental! [Natural 1 on the grapple check!]

The other sea-serpent attacks Bliss! Bliss takes 44 damage, and is grappled unless he has Freedom of Movement up.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells 9d6=32 ; d20+30=46 ; d20+30=37 ; d20+30=37 ; d20+30=36 ; d20+30=45 ; d20+30=43 ; 2d6+20=28 ; 2d6+20=25 ; 2d6+20=28 ; d8+20=24 ; d4+20=24 ; d4+20=24 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ;
Monday February 1st, 2021 7:49:53 PM
Succotash sees his friends get chomped on and quickly channels energy to heal 32 damage. He then digs deep into his reservoir of heroism, and casts divine power on Valerie, and asks her to attack the Serpent attacking Murphy.

Left Talon: Hits AC 46 for 28 + 4 shock and 2 cold
Right Talon: Hits AC 37 for 25 + 3 shock and 1 cold
Divine Power Talon: Hits AC 37 for 28 + 5 shock and 2 cold
Bite: Hits AC 36 for 24 + 4 shock and 4 cold
Left Claw: AC 45 for 24 + 4 shock and 4 cold
Right Claw: AC 43 for 24 + 4 shock and 6 cold

Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 21/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (11 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Divine Power (+6, 18 temp HP) 18/18

Murphy, druid 18(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 46/T25/F41 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP 268+12/196 d20+41=51 ;
Monday February 1st, 2021 8:38:10 PM
Hmmm...

Yay - Sea Serpents![u]
"A [u]prayer[u], Succotash, a prayer!" "A [u]haste, anyone, a haste!" Murphy finds the largest local grouping of rocks & boulders he can - ensuring that there are nooks and crannies for his friends to hide in. As he races down, he says, "Hide among the boulders, take what cover you can, cast what spells you might. If any of you want me to take you elsewhere, tell me immediately." He discards the pull-ropes down with his friends into the deepest part of the rocks he can, then sprints to one side to try to draw the sea serpents toward him. If any state immediately they want to come with him, he can take perhaps one or two along, carrying them.

=========
In his huge water elemental form, Murphy is not subject to bleed attacks, critical hits, or sneak attacks. He has DR 5/-. As he has Freedom of Movement, he cannot be grappled.

Perception: 51

Spells in effect:
Longstrider: 17 hrs 51.9 minutes
Water Breathing (from Succotash): 3 hrs 51.9 minutes
Foresight: 2 hrs 53.9 minutes --> [NOTE: Does this 9th-level spell provide only ~6 or so seconds of warning before oncoming attack, and no spell-provided ideas how he might mitigate the danger? How about if some of the rocks below are boulders - which might cut down on damage to his friends, since no other mitigation info was provided? If there are no boulders, then the halflings can pile lots of little rocks on themselves for camoflage :-) ]
Freedom of Movement: 2 hrs 53.9 minutes
Heroes' Feast: 10 hours 23.9 minutes
Magic Fang, Greater: 11 hrs 49.9 minutes

Spells on others:
Freedom of Movement (Hobie): 2 hrs 51.9 minutes

Bliss HP130/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d6+5=11 ; d20+23=35 ;
Monday February 1st, 2021 10:47:57 PM

Bliss sprouts his bramble armor as a free action, inflicting 11 hp damage to the monster grappling him.

Bliss activates a quickened spell-like ability -- Divine Favor +3

Bliss spends a full-round action round trying to wriggle out of the monster's grip. Escape Artist 35.

Mookie activates his Shield of Faith and uses total defense.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells d20+30=46 ; d20+30=45 ; d20+30=34 ; d20+25=39 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+15=25 ; 2d6+25=33 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+25=37 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+25=33 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+25=30 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+25=29 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+25=32 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+25=32 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 4:09:20 AM
Without a map, I'm not sure how to account for the penalties and how to choose who to shoot or whether to shoot, but since Hobie was attached to Murphy and one serpent melee attacked Murphy, I'm assuming he is fairly close to the serpent who attacked Murphy.

The penalty for shooting a bow underwater is -2 for every 5 feet the arrow has to travel. He will click his heels and shoot the closest serpent he can shoot.

Manyshot +30
Attack 46
Piercing 33, Electric 6 = 39
Piercing 37, Electric 3 = 40

Haste +30
Attack 45
Piercing 33, Electric 1 = 34

Rapid shot +30
Attack 34
Piercing 30, Electric 3 = 33

Iterative 1 +25
Attack 39
Piercing 29, Electric 1 = 30

Iterative 2 +20
Attack 25
Piercing 32, Electric 4 = 36

Iterative 3 +15
Attack 25
Piercing 32, Electric 5 = 37

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 4:10:40 AM
it's only -2 for attack rolls, no damage penalties shooting a bow underwater

Pressi (Kim for Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+12, CMD 26; Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 11:45:08 AM

After hearing Murphy request 'haste' - Mermaid Pressi casts it right away when all are close together. Lasts 16 rounds. - Everybody is hasted.

When they reach the boulders at the bottom, she takes hold of a staff.

Harper complains about being all wet, and crouches behind a large rock to peek over the edge to keep her eye on the enormous snaky things.

[I can't get into Pressi's CS - but I think she can cast haste]

DM Kathy d20+45=46 ; d20+33=34 ; d20+33=42 ; 6d8+14=46 ; d20+33=37 ; d20+45=64 ; 6d10+14=53 ;
Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 4:46:48 PM
Succotash channels some healing energy, then makes a heroic effort to cast Divine Power on Valerie. Valerie then goes to town on one of the sea-serpents. The creature does not seem to take cold damage, but all the other damage gets through.

Murphy drags the group toward concealment. Honestly, there isn't a lot, but somebody very determined could probably make it work. Thanks to his elemental form, Murphy is currently immune to critical hits, so he took less damage last time, most or all of which was healed by Succotash.

Bliss becomes very spiky! He also activates his Divine Favor. He tries to wiggle free, and manages to do it! Perhaps it was the brambles.

Hobie is about 25 feet from one of the sea-serpents. Any closer, and he'll provoke attacks of opportunity by making ranged attacks. His Manyshot and Hasted shot hit, and do full damage.

Pressi casts Haste.

The serpent Valerie had been attacking turns and attacks her back! Its bite misses, but it slaps her with its tail for 46 damage.

The other serpent decides Bliss is too spicy and goes after Hobie instead. Its teeth sink in for 53 damage, and Hobie is grappled! (Unless he has Freedom of Movement up)

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Greater Magic Weapon, Water Breathing d20+7=25 ;
Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 5:15:14 PM
Kezzem will try to make his way to the nearest sea serpent.

Swim: 1d20 + 7 = 25.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells d3=2 ; d20+30=33 ; d20+30=38 ; d20+30=49 ; d20+30=43 ; d20+30=48 ; d20+30=40 ; 2d6+25=33 ; 2d6+25=27 ; 2d6+25=36 ; d8+25=32 ; d8+25=27 ; d8+25=26 ; d4+25=27 ; d4+25=29 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d20=17 ; d20=13 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ;
Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 9:30:45 PM
Succotash answers Murphy, "I wasn't able to prepare prayer, I had to prepare water breathing instead, but maybe I can bring some friends to the party." Succotash then cast Summon Monster XIII summoning 2 augmented dire sharks, which will arrive next round (dire sharks are off the Summon Monster XII list so he can summon 1d3, rolled a 2)

Meanwhile, Valerie lets out a roar of anger as the Serpent strikes her with it's tail, luckily the majority of her damage was absorbed by temp HP. She unleashes another full round action.

Left Talon: Hits AC 33 for 33 damage + 1 shock
Right Talon: Hits AC 38 for 27 damage + 2 shock
Haste Talon: Hits AC 49 for 36 damage + 6 shock
Bite: Hits AC 43 for 32 damage + 6 shock
Left Claw: Hits AC 48 for 27 damage + 3 shock
Right Claw: Hits AC 40 for 29 damage + 6 shock
Please ignore 2nd and 3rd d8 rolls, as well as the 2 random d20 rolls. I forgot the claws do 1d4 damage, and my mouse slipped while rolling d6 shock damage

Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 21/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Summon Monster XIII (2 dire sharks) 18/18

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Divine Power (+6) 17/18

Dire Shark 1) 142/142 HP 2) 142/142 HP
N Gargantuan animal (aquatic)
Init +6; Senses Darkvision, blindsense 30 ft., keen scent; Perception +25

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 142
Fort +16, Ref +13, Will +8
DR 10/evil SR 15
Acid, Cold, Electricity Resistance 15

OFFENSE

Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +17 (4d10+17/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+17 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 34, Dex 15, Con 21, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +11; CMB +27 (+31 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +20

Hobie (Nick T) HP 145/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells d20+20=34 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+5=8 ; 2d6+25=33 ; 2d6+25=30 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 1:40:03 AM
Thanks to his friend Murphy's spell, Hobie is not grappled (Freedom of Movement)

Hobie will fire a full barrage of arrows at the Serpent who attacked him. He'll five foot step back to be 25 feet away from the serpent and suffer a -10 on attack rolls (included in numbers below)

Last round 39-10 was a miss, so unless I did some math wrong, everything misses except the Manyshot, so it should be 67 damage minus any DR

Manyshot +20
Attack 34
Piercing 33, 2 electric = 35
Piercing 30, 2 electric= 32

Haste +20
Attack 25- Miss

Rapid shot +20
Attack 22 - Miss

Iter 1 +15
Attack 17- Miss

Iter 2 +10
Attack 15- Miss

Iter 3 +5
Attack 8- Miss

Pressi (Kim for Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+12, CMD 26; Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) d20+26=40 ;
Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 7:45:28 AM

Pressi aims the staff down at an angle, and uses a charge for Passwall. If the seabed is mainly stone, then a 15' deep passage opens, being 5' wide by 8' across, with the opening angled down about 45 degrees so the top opening is farther away than the bottom below from the sea serpents. "Harper, hide." If any others wish a semi-secure hiding place, there it is. Then she looks up at the battle to see where she might be most useful, and moves to about 40' away from the nearer sea serpent.

Harper works her way to the opening, and tucks inside, all the way to the bottom.

[Kim is looking forward to Melvin returned to play Pressi far more effectively than he can]
=========
Perception: 40
Hasted

Murphy, druid 18(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 47/T26/F42 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP 268 d20+21=41 ; d20+21=38 ; 4d6+24=35 ; d20+41=43 ;
Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 8:04:52 AM

Murphy swims up to where OctoBliss is and casts Freedom of Movement on him, then punches the nearby sea serpent (if he can with the haste) for (critical hit vs AC 39) 36 hp (forgot to include +1 from Amulet of Mighty Fists).
===========
Perception 43
etc.
Add Freedom of Movement for Bliss, 3 hours.

Bliss HP130/165 AC31 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 4:57:44 PM
Bliss tumbles back out of reach of the monster. (move action).

Then he casts his Greater Poly to become a Giant Octopus. (standard action).

Then he turns on his shield of faith (swift action).

He turns off his bramble armor for this round (free action).

Mookie hangs back out of reach.

DM Kathy d20+33=36 ; d20+33=36 ;
Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 5:44:37 PM
Kezzem maneuvers into position. He can attack the sea-serpent next round.

Succotash begins casting a summoning spell, while Valerie continues attacking the sea-serpent. Her first attack misses, but the others all hit and do damage. And by the time she's done, that sea-serpent has stopped moving.

One serpent down

Thanks to Freedom of Movement, Hobie slips out of the sea-serpent's teeth, much to its surprise. He opens fire, hitting with a Manyshot. The creature does not seem to have any damage reduction, although as previously mentioned, it doesn't seem to take cold damage.

Pressi creates a hiding place for Harper (and anyone else who wants it).

Murphy casts Freedom of Movement on Bliss. If he also wants to punch the sea-serpent, he'll need to spend a Hero Point. Haste won't help with that.

Bliss tumbles back from the sea-serpent, turns himself into an octopus, and exchanges his bramble armor for a shield of faith.

The sea-serpent is not too bright and doesn't have any ranks in Spellcraft. It is convinced it can bite and swallow Hobie if it just tries hard enough! So it tries again. Its teeth fail to connect with the nimble halfling, and its tail misses as well.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26; Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 8:21:23 PM
With a wave of her hand, Pressi casts Ill Omen on the remaining sea serpent.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells d20+17=18 ; d20+17=37 ; 4d10+17=39 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+30=47 ; 2d6+25=30 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 8:32:35 PM
At his command, Succotash's two dire sharks attack the remaining sea serpent. the first one misses with a natural 1, but the 2nd Hits AC 37 for 39 damage. Valerie swims over to the remaining serpent (Swim 27) and lashes out with one of her talons hitting AC 47 for 30 damage + 3 shock.

Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 21/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Summon Monster XIII (2 dire sharks) 17/18

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Divine Power (+6) 16/18

Dire Shark 1) 142/142 HP 2) 142/142 HP
N Gargantuan animal (aquatic)
Init +6; Senses Darkvision, blindsense 30 ft., keen scent; Perception +25

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 142
Fort +16, Ref +13, Will +8
DR 10/evil SR 15
Acid, Cold, Electricity Resistance 15

OFFENSE

Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +17 (4d10+17/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+17 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 34, Dex 15, Con 21, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +11; CMB +27 (+31 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +20

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Greater Magic Weapon, Water Breathing d20+26=46 ; d20+26=41 ; d3+7=9 ; d6=1 ; d3+7=9 ; d20+26=28 ; d20+26=28 ; d20+21=36 ; d20+21=32 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+11=25 ; d3+7=9 ; d6=5 ; d3+7=8 ; d6=3 ; d3+7=8 ; d6=2 ; d3+7=8 ; d6=3 ; d3+7=8 ; d6=5 ; d3+7=9 ; d6=2 ; d3+7=8 ; d6=3 ; d10+6=16 ;
Wednesday February 3rd, 2021 8:34:56 PM
Kezzem clicks his Boots of Speed together and makes with the stabby-stabs.

Attack (Haste): 1d20 + 26 + 2 (GMW) = 48. Natural 20!
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 26 + 2 (GMW) = 43!
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 2 (GMW) + 1d6 fire = 9 + 1 fire.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 2 (GMW) = 9.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 26 + 2 (GMW) = 30.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 2 (GMW) + 1d6 fire = 9 + 5 fire.

Off-Hand Attack #1: 1d20 + 26 + 2 (GMW) = 30.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 2 (GMW) + 1d6 cold = 8 + 3 cold.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 21 + 2 (GMW) = 38.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 2 (GMW) + 1d6 fire = 9 + 5 fire.

Off-Hand Attack #2: 1d20 + 21 + 2 (GMW) = 34.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 2 (GMW) + 1d6 cold = 8 + 3 cold.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 16 + 2 (GMW) = 21.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 2 (GMW) + 1d6 fire = 8 + 5 fire.

Off-Hand Attack #3: 1d20 + 16 + 2 (GMW)= 26.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 2 (GMW) + 1d6 fire = 9 + 2 cold.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 11 + 2 (GMW) = 27.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 2 (GMW) + 1d6 fire = 8 + 3 fire.

Two-Weapon Rend (if AC <= 34): 1d10 + 6 = 16.

"Yes, I can stab eight times in six seconds now," says Kezzem.

Murphy, druid 18(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 47/T26/F42 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP 268 d20+21=41 ; d20+21=30 ; d20+21=37 ; d20+21=38 ; 4d6+24=37 ; 2d6+12=18 ; 2d6+12=19 ;
Thursday February 4th, 2021 12:11:20 AM

Murphy goes a full round on the sea serpent before him. Nat 20 for 37 hp, two more hits for 18 and 19. Total 74 hp damage. "You should have taken me up on the deal I offered."

Murphy, druid 18(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 47/T26/F42 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP 268
Thursday February 4th, 2021 12:16:50 AM

"Your hands are a blur, Kezzem. Really!" Murphy says. "Maybe later we can provide Grog's Inn with some sea serpent meat."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 145/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Thursday February 4th, 2021 2:21:24 AM
(You mentioned in the bit about Hobie's attack that the creature doesn't take cold damage, but Hobie's bow isn't doing any cold damage)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 145/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells d20+24=31 ; d20+24=26 ; d20+24=37 ; d20+19=25 ; d20+14=32 ; d20+9=27 ; 2d6+25=34 ; 2d6+25=30 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+25=30 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+25=33 ; d6=1 ;
Thursday February 4th, 2021 2:32:37 AM
When the sea serpent misses, Hobie will take another 5 foot step, but this time in toward the monster instead of away from it, exposing himself to an AOO, but reducing the attack penalty by 4.

All attacks include the penalty for shooting underwater.

Based on previous hits and misses I think the total damage would be 142

Manyshot + 24
Attack 31
Piercing 34, Electric 4 = 38
Piercing 30, Electric 4 = 34

Haste +24
Attack 26 - Miss

Rapid shot +24
Attack 37
Piercing 30, Electric 6 = 36

Iter 1 + 19
Attack 25 - Miss

Iter 2 +14
Attack 32
Piercing 33, Electric 1 = 34
Iter 3 +9
Attack 27 - Miss

Bliss HP166/201 AC28 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+37=51 ; d20+28=45 ; d8+28=33 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday February 4th, 2021 4:34:21 PM

If there is still a foe to fight, Bliss activates his Arcane Strike and then swims/tumbles to move within range and bites:

Acrobatics to avoid AoOs: 51

Raging bite after a move action to move up: Hits AC45 for 37 nonlethal damage plus a save vs poison ... Poison (with BSIII) Fort DC22, 1/rnd for 6 rnds; for 1d3 Str; cure 2 saves

DM Kathy
Thursday February 4th, 2021 8:01:24 PM
Pressi casts Ill Omen.

Succotash's sharks arrive and attack. Valerie switches targets.

Kezzem lays into his sea-serpent, hitting a few times. The serpent doesn't seem bothered by the fire damage, but the stabby damage hurts it just fine.

Hobie keeps firing. Murphy gets into the act and does more damage.

It's hard to say for sure who finished it off, but the second sea-serpent is a goner. Bliss can save his Arcane Strike, and Murphy's words fall upon dead ears.

Knowledge: Arcana 29 Highlight to display spoiler: {These were sea-serpents, and sea-serpents collect treasure! Maybe their lair is somewhere nearby.}

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells
Thursday February 4th, 2021 8:47:07 PM
"Well, that was exciting!", Succotash says as he scratches Valerie behind the ears, praising her for her hard work. He then has his sharks follow him until the time runs out on the spell. "So does anyone know if these snakes are good for anything?", he says as he cuts a sea-serpent steak with his dagger, and offers it to Valerie, who devours it.

Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 21/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Summon Monster XIII (2 dire sharks) 16/18

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Divine Power (+6) 15/18

Dire Shark 1) 142/142 HP 2) 142/142 HP
N Gargantuan animal (aquatic)
Init +6; Senses Darkvision, blindsense 30 ft., keen scent; Perception +25

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 142
Fort +16, Ref +13, Will +8
DR 10/evil SR 15
Acid, Cold, Electricity Resistance 15

OFFENSE

Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +17 (4d10+17/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+17 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 34, Dex 15, Con 21, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +11; CMB +27 (+31 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +20

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26; Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) d20+27=38 ;
Thursday February 4th, 2021 9:41:53 PM
"They're good for collecting treasure," Pressi responds. "There must be a lair nearby, assuming I didn't collapse it."

Pressi begins to detect magic.

Murphy, druid 18(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 47/T26/F42 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP 268 d20+13=15 ; d20+23=34 ; d20+41=59 ;
Friday February 5th, 2021 2:06:30 AM

"They are probably good for food, so long as their meat is not toxic. And I'm pretty certain it is not. One can eat the meat of a viper, and not be poisoned. Perhaps someone wants to take a few sea serpent teeth? If someone does, it might be good for each of us to have a tooth as a souvenir - and perhaps it might be useful in magical research. If we have time on the way back, let's take some meat for Grog's Inn. Perhaps some for the two pubs in Humble's Ford."

"Hey, good work everyone. Between Hobie and Kezzem, we have warriors among us whose speed at attacking is flat amazing."

"Oh, yeah, that makes sense," Murphy responds to Pressi's comment. He thinks it over. He comments that he has heard that eels live in little holes and tunnels. 'Dirt' serpents dig underground burrows. Kind of like halflings. "So, we need to figure out where their home is down here.

The druid uses his acquaintance with nature (Knowl: nature: 34) to try to do some informed guessing as to good places to look. "It might be on the way to the ship. Succotash, you still have an idea on that, right?"

"Might be along a wall, might be up in the roof of this place, could be tucked into the bottom. Let's do some looking. One thing, though. I don't want us to take too long on this. Maybe look for 10 minutes or so, then continue on to the ship. Or, should we just continue to the ship, and look later?"

He swims to take up again the rope harness, and gives everyone time to get a grip. Likely half of his normal movement speed will be a good pace to move onward, yet keep an eye out. If some want to swim separately, then he paces himself to their swimming speed - especially that of his favorite mermaid, or a giant octopus.

As they search ahead, Murphy's perception for now is 59. Pretty sharp senses at the moment.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Greater Magic Weapon, Water Breathing
Friday February 5th, 2021 2:30:08 PM
"I think Murphey just became one with the universe," says Kezzem.

"So, if I can stab 8 times in 6 seconds, then in 60 seconds I could stab them...let's see, carry the 7...like, a lot of times!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells
Friday February 5th, 2021 5:30:17 PM
�Hey don�t forget Valerie, she can attack 6 times in 6 seconds, after charging 120ft!�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26; Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday February 5th, 2021 8:34:37 PM
"I dunno," Pressi the ex-monk teases. "Hitting six times in six seconds seems kind of low to me, but I can't quite imagine why..."

DM Kathy
Friday February 5th, 2021 8:58:11 PM
Succotash feeds Valerie a bit of sea-serpent, which she seems to enjoy.

Pressi suggests that there might be treasure to be found. Murphy helps her look, but cautions the group not to spend too much time on it.

The lair is surprisingly well-concealed, considering it belonged to such big creatures, but Pressi's Detect Magic helps you locate it. Not to mention the treasure inside it. Among assorted fish bones, you find:

+3 vicious scimitar (small); Staff of Swarming Insects; Mantle of Faith; Staff of the Woodlands; Wand of Heroism (40 charges remaining); +5 heavy wooden shield of fortification (moderate); silver and coral necklace; gold scepter set with precious gems

Bliss HP166/201 AC28 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Saturday February 6th, 2021 12:45:50 PM

Bliss changes back into a halfling and admires the silver and coral necklace. He tries it on.

Mookie gasps, "Wait! Kid! -- oh"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells d20+2=20 ; d20+2=17 ;
Sunday February 7th, 2021 3:31:50 PM
Succotash picks up the scepter, and jokingly says, "Look I'm a king!" He then attempts to appraise the thing, as well as the necklace, Bliss tried on, or at least assist others in the process.

Scepter appraise check 20
necklace appraise check 17

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26; Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Sunday February 7th, 2021 9:05:13 PM
Pressi moves from the various staves to the mantle of faith (the staves, after all, may be more in Murphy's territory). You can almost hear the gears turning as she checks out the loot.

After all, she already used half the power in the current staff.

Moving on, however, she reminds the group that they still need to keep moving toward their goal.

Murphy, druid 18(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 47/T26/F42 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP 268 d20+41=51 ;
Monday February 8th, 2021 2:40:29 AM

As they find the treasure trove, Murphy reminds people, "Bliss and Hobie need some healing, looks like."

Then once they figure out what is there, Murphy makes a few comments and observations. "Ooh - a scimitar - I have a scimitar, but this one looks far more vicious than my +1 weapon." "My - a great Staff of the Woodlands! The sea serpents must have come across a druid before. And a cleric." Murphy says he feels sorrow for those adventurers who lost their lives to these creatures. He thinks maybe a druid also bore the heavy wooden shield.

He changes back into his own halfling body for a few moments. "If someone else thinks to use it soon, that is fine - but otherwise I'd like to put this scimitar on my waist in case within the ship we need to engage in hand-to-hand combat." The Staff of the Woodlands he also checks to see if someone else wants to carry it. If not, he will place it in his haversack for relatively easy access in his own form.

"Yes. Please, someone take the Wand of Heroism - and take advantage of it on each of us once we come in sight of the old ship we seek."

"And let us get on our way, as Pressi urges." He ensures someone is able to find a spot to store each item for the time being. Then he wildshapes back into a huge water elemental, has the carry rope, and heads out once all have properly attached themselves, first using know direction to ensure his bearings, but relying on Succotash's earlier divination to know the proper route to travel.
===========
Perception: 51 for general travel awareness.

Spells in effect: [Note: I subtracted 8 minutes from time elapsed since end of combat to finding treasure then continuing on our way - If DM Kathy says it is longer (or shorter) than this, I will make suitable adjustments after being notified]
Longstrider: 17 hrs 43.9 minutes
Water Breathing (from Succotash): 3 hrs 43.9 minutes
Foresight: 2 hrs 45.9 minutes --> [NOTE: Does this 9th-level spell provide only ~6 or so seconds of warning before oncoming attack, and no spell-provided ideas how he might mitigate the danger? How about if some of the rocks below are boulders - which might cut down on damage to his friends, since no other mitigation info was provided? If there are no boulders, then the halflings can pile lots of little rocks on themselves for camoflage :-) ]
Freedom of Movement: 2 hrs 45.9 minutes
Heroes' Feast: 10 hours 15.9 minutes
Magic Fang, Greater: 11 hrs 41.9 minutes

Spells on others:
Freedom of Movement (Hobie): 2 hrs 43.9 minutes
Freedom of Movement (Bliss): 2 hrs 51.9 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells 4d8+18=32 ;
Monday February 8th, 2021 6:10:05 AM
When Murphy points out that Hobie and Bliss are still in some pain, Succotash says. "What kind of friend am I? I was too impressed by the loot to notice my friends wounds! Let me do something about that now!"The cleric then casts Mass Cure Critical Wounds, swapping another casting of Summon Monster VIII, healing 32 hp for anyone who is in need, then saddles up, as Valerie grabs Murphy's rope, and commands his sharks to follow.

Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 21/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Summon Monster VIII (2 dire sharks) 14/18

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Divine Power (+6) 13/18

Dire Shark 1) 142/142 HP 2) 142/142 HP
N Gargantuan animal (aquatic)
Init +6; Senses Darkvision, blindsense 30 ft., keen scent; Perception +25

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 142
Fort +16, Ref +13, Will +8
DR 10/evil SR 15
Acid, Cold, Electricity Resistance 15

OFFENSE

Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +17 (4d10+17/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+17 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 34, Dex 15, Con 21, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +11; CMB +27 (+31 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +20

DM Kathy
Monday February 8th, 2021 5:31:17 PM
Bliss tries on the necklace, much to Mookie's consternation. True, it hadn't detected as magical, but you never know. It could be some kind of cursed artifact. Bliss doesn't feel any different, though. Although maybe that's what the cursed necklace wants you to think.

Succotash waves the scepter about, which would have been fun for the DM if it was a cursed artifact. But it isn't. Neither is the necklace for that matter. Succotash estimates that the scepter is worth about 1200 gold and the necklace maybe half that.

Pressi contemplates the magic items but doesn't claim any for the moment.

Murphy claims the scimitar, and urges somebody to grab the Wand of Heroism. He also reminds the group that you have injured people.

Succotash jumps on that last point and casts a mass cure before saddling Valerie and getting ready to move.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26; Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday February 8th, 2021 8:59:12 PM
Pressi picks up the wand of heroism (for now) and lets Murphy take the Staff of the Woodlands.

As she swims, her mermaid form begins to fade, and she joins harper back on the pull object.

Murphy, druid 18(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 47/T26/F42 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP 268 d8=8 ; d8=2 ; d8=6 ; d8=6 ;
Monday February 8th, 2021 9:22:11 PM

Murphy salutes Succotash for the healing wash for his friends. The druid uses one of his wands of cure light wounds, once for Hobie, once for Bliss, once again for Hobie, and a 3rd time for Hobie. Hobie accumulates 23 of the 21 hp he needed. Bliss got 3 hp of the 3 he needed. The whole party is up to full hit points.

He casts know direction, to get his bearings.

"Edasi avastamise poole!" says Murphy. "Onward to discover!" he translates from the Auran. He wild shapes, arranges the pulling harness. And, with everyone holding on who is going to hold on, he heads forward with the retinue toward the ship and artifact.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Greater Magic Weapon, Water Breathing
Tuesday February 9th, 2021 12:25:55 AM
"I've got the happy stick!" says Kezzem as he takes out his wand of cure light wounds. "Who needs it?"

OOC: If everyone could put their total HP along with the current HP in their headers that would great. It really helps me out to see who's down.

Murphy, druid 18(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 47/T26/F42 CMB 19 CMD 39 HP 268
Tuesday February 9th, 2021 1:11:38 AM

"Kezz'm - everyone is fine now, I think. You can bring out your stick later - but thanks!" [However, if someone got injured and not fully healed, Brian's counsel is sound.]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells
Tuesday February 9th, 2021 6:20:01 AM
Succotash informs Murphy as to which direction his "Find the Path" spell is leading, and then with dire sharks in tow, joking says, "Giddy up Murphy!"

Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 21/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Summon Monster VIII (2 dire sharks) 13/18

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Divine Power (+6) 12/18

Dire Shark 1) 142/142 HP 2) 142/142 HP
N Gargantuan animal (aquatic)
Init +6; Senses Darkvision, blindsense 30 ft., keen scent; Perception +25

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 142
Fort +16, Ref +13, Will +8
DR 10/evil SR 15
Acid, Cold, Electricity Resistance 15

OFFENSE

Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +17 (4d10+17/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+17 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 34, Dex 15, Con 21, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +11; CMB +27 (+31 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +20

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells d8+1=2 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=7 ;
Tuesday February 9th, 2021 7:12:35 AM
Hobie will use four taps from his own CLW wand to heal up after Suckers great healing. He can take the wand of Heroism if noone else wants to carry it. A spell like that that lasts 50 minutes at a pop is quite handy.

"Before we move on, everybody come let me use this great wand on you." He'll cast it on each party member, using 6 charges (unless you already have some morale bonuses that wouldn't stack with this)

Everyone gets a +2 Morale Bonus to Attack rolls, Saving throws, and Skill checks for 50 minutes.

Heroism minutes 50/50

Bliss HP165 AC32 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday February 9th, 2021 8:15:51 AM

No longer a raging Octopus, of course, Bliss thanks Succotash and Murphy.

Feeling more heroic, Bliss is happy to continue as before toward the party's destination.

"You should still take off that necklace," says Mookie. "that's a girl's necklace!"

Bliss shrugs. "I like it."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Greater Magic Weapon, Water Breathing d20+20=21 ;
Tuesday February 9th, 2021 2:06:35 PM
"Must...resist...urge...to...make...bad...joke...," says Kezzem.

SV Will: 1d20 + 20 = 21. Natural 1. Oh Kezzem.

"Murph, I can't just go around bringing my stick out," says Kezzem. "That's generally frowned upon!"

DM Kathy
Tuesday February 9th, 2021 4:58:41 PM
Pressi temporarily claims the Wand of Heroism while Murphy finishes up the healing. Belatedly, Kezzem pulls out his happy stick and waves it about, much to Murphy's disapproval.

Hobie heals himself, and also wants to use the Wand of Heroism on the party, which he can do if Pressi agrees.

Bliss continues to wear the necklace because sometimes a halfling turned into an octopus just wants to feel pretty.

Succotash's spell is still active, and he leads the party deeper into the rift. There is no light down here, and the main part of the seabed continues to form a kind of ceiling overhead.

[Remind me what light sources you're using.]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells d20+37=51 ;
Tuesday February 9th, 2021 5:54:37 PM
OOC... Heroism doesn't stack with Heroes Feast, as both are moral bonuses, so use which ever bonus is better, depending on the situation

(The bow on Valerie's head has light cast on it.)

"Hey Hobie, don't forget to hit Valerie up with that Heroism Wand, She can benefit from it as well.", Succotash says as he watches the archer handing out taps from the wand. The cleric peers in to the darkness, utilizing the torch like light of Valerie's bow. Perception: 51

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 21/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Summon Monster VIII (2 dire sharks) 12/18
Heroism (50 min) 300/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Divine Power (+6) 11/18
Heroism (50 min) 300/300

Dire Shark 1) 142/142 HP 2) 142/142 HP
N Gargantuan animal (aquatic)
Init +6; Senses Darkvision, blindsense 30 ft., keen scent; Perception +25

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 142
Fort +16, Ref +13, Will +8
DR 10/evil SR 15
Acid, Cold, Electricity Resistance 15

OFFENSE

Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +17 (4d10+17/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+17 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 34, Dex 15, Con 21, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +11; CMB +27 (+31 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +20

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 49/T28/F44(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 42 HP 268 DR5/-
Tuesday February 9th, 2021 6:14:08 PM

Succotash and Murphy healed Hobie before he redundantly healed himself when he already was at full hit points. As Murphy had just explained to Kezzem, the healing was complete. Hobie would have realized, one thinks, that he was fine and thus would not have wasted 4 charges from his wand of CLW. Okay? :-)

"All right, Kezzem. You have two of the 'sticks' of cure light wounds, right? Keep them safely stowed, then, so as not to cause offense." Murphy says with a smile, "Considering stick stowage, have you considered adding Bill's Pants O' Plenty to your wardrobe?"

When Succotash says, "Giddyup, Murphy," Murphy responds with a horsey-sounding whinny - not the typical gurgling sounds of a water elemental.

Concerning Lights (and seeing)
Pressi has been keeping dancing lights up and running, and has been using true seeing. The pink bow around Valerie's neck has a light spell on it. Murphy has darkvision out to 60 feet, and Hobie has it out to 120 feet. Others can add details if I missed something here.
============
Perception: 53 for general travel awareness. (keeping prior roll of 51, and adding +2 from Heroism effect)

Spells in effect: [Note: Considering PC interactions, adding two minutes elapsed since last time remaining for spells]
Longstrider: 17 hrs 41.9 minutes
Water Breathing (from Succotash): 3 hrs 41.9 minutes
Foresight: 2 hrs 43.9 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 2 hrs 43.9 minutes
Heroes' Feast: 10 hours 13.9 minutes
Magic Fang, Greater: 11 hrs 39.9 minutes
Heroism: 49.9 minutes

Spells on others:
Freedom of Movement (Hobie): 2 hrs 41.9 minutes
Freedom of Movement (Bliss): 2 hrs 49.9 minutes

Some huge water elemental form benefits:
You are immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/�. Water elemental: As elemental body III. You gain a +4 size bonus to your Strength, a �2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +8 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. You also gain swim 120 feet, darkvision 60 feet, the ability to create a vortex, and the ability to breathe water.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26; Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) d20+25=31 ;
Tuesday February 9th, 2021 9:07:23 PM
Pressi continues to cast dancing lights and detect magic as best as she can, and she or someone else can cast Find the Path again (she also has True Seeing and Merfolk's low light vision until either spell expires - don't know how long we've been down here). (Perception 31).

She continues to ignore all sorts of men wand talk as she tries to get any bearings. "I'm beginning to think Sebastian the Crab might be misguided. Under the sea, no thank you. Do we think another prying eyes or ethereal jaunt might make a difference?"

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 49/T28/F44(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 42 HP 268 DR5/-
Wednesday February 10th, 2021 12:27:13 AM

Note: I have from leaving the anchored boat to setting off away from the sea serpents' treasure lair at 18 minutes and 1 round. DM Kathy can correct my estimated timekeeping if she thinks I'm off.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Greater Magic Weapon, Water Breathing d20+20=25 ;
Wednesday February 10th, 2021 12:43:27 PM
SV Will: 1d20 + 20 = 25.

"Murph, stop saying things that make me want to say bad jokes!" whines Kezzem.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Wednesday February 10th, 2021 4:44:58 PM
Hobie will tap the raptor with the wand as well. He�ll keep holding on to a Murphy and looking around with his dark vision.

Rivals

DM Kathy
Wednesday February 10th, 2021 5:22:58 PM
[Everyone take 80,000 XP for the previous scene.]

Your healing complete, you once again head out on your quest. Succotash's spell is still active, prompting you forward. Murphy in elemental form, is towing many of his companions.

It is Hobie who spots them first. A group of sahuagin, four of them mounted on sharks, facing your direction. They do not appear to have seen you, but they do seem to know that somebody--or something--is coming from your direction.

Let's have a map this time.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26; Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday February 10th, 2021 9:14:25 PM
(I'm going to hold off for now to see what Murphy and others wish to do. Will try to post sometime tomorrow late morning.)

Bliss HP165 AC32 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday February 10th, 2021 11:53:02 PM
Bliss reactivates his usual array ... Shield of Faith, extended Divine Favor, and changes into an octopus.

Mookie moves to the rear and thinks about sitting this one out.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Greater Magic Weapon, Water Breathing d20+7=10 ;
Wednesday February 10th, 2021 11:56:18 PM
"They have shark mounts?" asks Kezzem. "No fair, I want a shark mount! Why didn't we turn Rumpus into a shark?"

Kezzem will swim towards the sahuagin as fast as he can (not sure how far he can move while swimming).

Swim: 1d20 + 7 = 10.

Probably not too far with that roll.

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 49/T28/F44(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 42 HP 268 DR5/- d6+5=9 ; d20+43=63 ; d20+23=43 ; d20+23=31 ; 4d6+24=38 ; d20+23=34 ; 2d6+12=21 ;
Thursday February 11th, 2021 4:29:51 AM

[Time lapse guess d6+5=9 minutes since leaving Sea Serpents. We traveled at movement 60' (sharks' swimming speed). DM Kathy can change should guess be wildly off.]

Please, EVERYONE READ THIS!!

On map: Since he is pulling everyone, at the beginning they are all arrayed pretty much like this picture.

Murphy describes our opponents as follows in the halfling tongue, "Pressi, cast haste NOW please! Ahead are 4 shark-mounted sahuagin with tridents, and behind them one large sahuagin and a medium-sized one - likely a spell caster. Suggestions:

--Succotash, ask your dire sharks to sweep the front line, one right side, one left side.
--Kezzem, hang on until we're closer! [Murphy will follow a path that allows Kezzem to grab back on if he wants to]
--Friends, I will swim us closer and you each can stay with me or drop off when and where you wish. I will go forward toward the left, then sweep across toward the right, then around behind the first line toward the spell caster whom I'll slam." SEE Murphy's path HERE!

Murphy does not take time to explain himself twice. Am assuming Pressi casts haste (since she explained she was waiting to see what Murphy was up to). He takes off from (head at F10/F11), swims up to about M6, curving down to T18 or so, then up to W14 where he slams into the sahuagin there. People can drop off along the way if they want, or stick with him.

Slam attack vs (medium?) sahuagin at X13, critical hit (if AC31 hits) for 38 hp damage. If AC is better than 31, then damage is 19. Second slam hits AC 29 for 21 hp damage.

============
Perception: 63 (nat 20 - all senses on full alert, Murphy is saturated with, and capable of absorbing, close to all discernible environmental items of significance, I think. I also assume that Foresight allows Murphy to sense what Hobie sees)

Spells in effect: [Note: Adding 9 (actually 8.9) minutes to time elapsed since last time remaining for spells]
Longstrider: 17 hrs 33 minutes
Water Breathing (from Succotash): 3 hrs 33 minutes
Foresight: 2 hrs 35 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 2 hrs 35 minutes
Heroes' Feast: 10 hours 5 minutes
Magic Fang, Greater: 11 hrs 31 minutes
Heroism: 41 minutes

Spells on others:
Freedom of Movement (Hobie): 2 hrs 33 minutes
Freedom of Movement (Bliss): 2 hrs 41 minutes

Some huge water elemental form benefits:
You are immune to bleed damage, critical hits, and sneak attacks while in elemental form and gain DR 5/�. Water elemental: As elemental body III. You gain a +4 size bonus to your Strength, a �2 penalty on your Dexterity, a +8 size bonus to your Constitution, and a +6 natural armor bonus. You also gain swim 120 feet, darkvision 60 feet, the ability to create a vortex, and the ability to breathe water.

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 49/T28/F44(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 42 HP 268 DR5/-
Thursday February 11th, 2021 5:05:27 AM

OOC Note - Guys, I left your character icons back at Murphy's starting point on DM Kathy's map. If you want to keep traveling with Water Murphy, then move your icon to somewhere on his back over on the right side of the map. If you want to drop off somewhere along the path I laid out path I laid out here, then place your character icon where you wish along that path - plus any movement you want after you hop off. -Kim

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells d20+17=36 ; d20+21=29 ; 4d10+17=48 ; d20+17=22 ; 4d10+17=39 ; d20+32=42 ; 2d6+20=27 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ;
Thursday February 11th, 2021 6:56:43 AM
Succotash was considering diplomacy, and trying to decide what to say, as Murphy zooms forward. Changing gears mid-stride, Succotash holds on Murphy's rope and then has Valerie let go at just the right time. he uses his speak with animals spell like ability to instruct his dire sharks to attack the fish dudes on the right and left ends of the front line.

Dire shark one will attack the fish dude on the left, hitting AC 36 A possible crit, with a 29 as a confirmation for 96 damage on a confirmation, or 48 if not confirmed. Dire shark 2 attacks the fish dude on the right hitting AC 22 for 39 damage

Valerie will let go of the rope, as Succotash slips off her back and then she will swim forward and attack the same fish dude that dire shark 2 did. She swipes with one of her talons hitting AC 42 for 27 damage plus 4 shock and 2 frost damage

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 20/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Summon Monster VIII (2 dire sharks) 11/18
Heroism (50 min) 299/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Divine Power (+6) 10/18
Heroism (50 min) 299/300

Dire Shark 1) 142/142 HP 2) 142/142 HP
N Gargantuan animal (aquatic)
Init +6; Senses Darkvision, blindsense 30 ft., keen scent; Perception +25

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 142
Fort +16, Ref +13, Will +8
DR 10/evil SR 15
Acid, Cold, Electricity Resistance 15

OFFENSE

Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +17 (4d10+17/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+17 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 34, Dex 15, Con 21, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +11; CMB +27 (+31 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +20

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells d20+31=40 ; d20+31=35 ;
Thursday February 11th, 2021 7:01:39 AM
Oops, forgot that the dire sharks have the grab ability.

If they hit, the two dire sharks will attempt to grapple their opponents.

Dire shark 1 CMB roll: 40
Dire shark 2 CMB roll: 35

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26; Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday February 11th, 2021 9:09:34 AM
OOC: Yeah I didn't correct before, but... Pressi can't cast haste and I don't know where Kim decided she could. Unless he's confusing it with a transport spell like shadow walk. Utility Bloodwitches do a lot of things, but buffing isn't one of them. I let it slide because by the time I read the move, the fight was almost over and everyone had relied on it. But it was a mistake.

Also, even if she could, if it's not on the bloodwitch spell list or the knowledge domain, it's on a scroll and can't be used every fight. I prefer to rely on my spell slots first, then my non-recharging items.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26; Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday February 11th, 2021 12:46:49 PM
"Wait," Pressi stops people. "First, I can't caste haste. Second, I can cast alter self... and while Sahaugin is a bit of a stretch, I believe I can match their form and infiltrate."

Pressi thinks about that, and wonders if she can stop Succotash from attacking. But if not....

(OOC Note: I still need to update my spell casting list so I'll try not to cast a missing spell slot.)

Pressi decides she needs to alter self anyway, since she doesn't have freedom of movement (just water breathing). So she first tries a sahaugin form... or otherwise, chooses a mermaid again, pretty much tanking diplomacy.

If she has any more rounds, she casts spectral hand.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells 11d6=33 ;
Thursday February 11th, 2021 4:00:49 PM
Hobie will ride Murphy all the way and then say �Watch out buddy, I got a new spell!�

He will then cast Chain Lightning, starting with the big Sahuagin in the back, and then streaking off to each of the other Sahuagin and their shark mounts (it can hit up to 11 targets)

The big Sahuagin has a DC 22 reflex save for half damage, for all the others the save is 20.
33 electric damage

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 49/T28/F44(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 42 HP 268 DR5/-
Thursday February 11th, 2021 5:51:03 PM

Ah, if Pressi had corrected me sooner on the haste! No worries, though, we can do as described without the haste spell (just one slam attack at the end of his swim vs the little guy, though). I just thought haste was arcane.

DM Kathy d20+7=9 ; d20+14=22 ; d20+9=26 ; d20+9=25 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+5=12 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+21=25 ; d20+28=31 ; d20+28=44 ; d8=6 ; d8=8 ; d8=8 ; d8=4 ; d20+28=33 ; d20+19=39 ; d6=2 ; d20+25=42 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday February 11th, 2021 6:18:00 PM
Bliss casts a few spells.

Kezzem can swim about 5 feet--unless he wants to go with Murphy.

Murphy asks Pressi to cast Haste, which she unfortunately cannot do. She turns herself into a Sahuagin instead. Question: does Murphy's move count on him being Hasted? Because it turns out he wasn't.

Succotash orders his dire sharks to attack. The first dire shark hits its target and does critical damage. The second dire shark misses, but Valerie makes up for it. The first shark's target is grabbed. [Note: the dire sharks were WAY too big on the map. They are Gargantuan, which is 4 squares by 4. I had to crop the pics to make them the right shape, which lost the cool tail action. Sorry about that.]

Hobie casts Chain Lightning. All the sharks die.

The cavalry, deprived of their mounts, seem to fly into a rage. The one in the dire shark's mouth struggles to escape but is unsuccessful. Two form up to attack Murphy. One hits for 39 damage. The last one attacks Valerie, but misses.

The lone medium-sized Sahuagin is indeed a spellcaster, which she proves by casting Black Tentacles on Bliss, Hobie, Pressi, and Kezzem. Any of those with a CMD less than 39 is grappled and takes 6 damage. CMD to escape the grapple is 29.

Meanwhile, Mongo the big guy decides that fighting one of Succotash's dire sharks might be fun. He swims over and stabs at the shark with his greatspear. Shark #1 takes 18 damage.

And the map. The gray blob is the black tentacles; I figured a black blob was a bad idea.

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/- d20+42=59 ; d20+22=35 ; d20+22=25 ; 2d6+11=15 ; 2d6+11=17 ; 2d6+11=21 ; d20+43=58 ;
Thursday February 11th, 2021 9:25:16 PM

Murphy attacks the sahuagin spell caster. Oops - the 20+42 was supposed to be 20+22, so AC 39. And AC 30. Then AC 20. For 15+17+21=53 hp damage. Or 32 hp if the AC 20 did not penetrate...

============
Hobie and OctoBliss have freedom of movement. Hobie is with Murphy. As to whether Kezzem is with Murphy or is Kezzem's call, as Murphy encouraged him to grab back on. Looks like Pressi did stay behind as far as I can tell. No worries on squaring of the shark rectangles. Note to Murphy: Don't forget to give your wife freedom of movement.

The path Murphy took was pretty much exactly his normal limit of 125 feet. With Pressi's 'otherwise' - I think that is if Succotash had his megalodons attack, which he did, so she moved to mermaid instead of sahuagin. Granted, there were a few conditionals there.

How did anyone hit Murphy? Just wondering. His AC is 48 (the 49 would have been if haste were cast). Will subtract 34 (DR5/-) from his hp though.

=========
Perception: 58

I'll just give the wall of active spells and effects once in a while, so as not to consume too much space.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells d20+17=37 ; 4d10+17=36 ; d20+31=45 ; d20+17=22 ; d20+32=49 ; d20+32=38 ; d20+32=50 ; d20+32=50 ; d20+32=42 ; d20+32=36 ; 2d6+20=26 ; 2d6+20=28 ; 2d6+20=23 ; d8+20=24 ; d8+20=26 ; d4+20=21 ; d4+20=23 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; 3d8+18=29 ;
Thursday February 11th, 2021 9:44:00 PM
Though it's celestial DR absorbed most of the damage, if sharks made noise, dire shark 1 would be letting out a roar of anger, but since sharks don't make noise, it does what any animal would do when hurt, spit out what's in it's mouth and attack the one attacking it, AKA Mongo. It hits AC 37 for 36 damage and rolls a 45 on the grab. Dire shark 2 misses again. Valerie goes full round attack against the same target. Succotash casts Mas inflict serious wounds targeting all the fish dudes except the two fighting Dire Shark 1, as they are just out of range. The spell inflicts 29 damage (DC 27 will save for half)

right talon hits AC 49 for 26 damage plus 6 shock and 4 frost
left talon hits AC 38 for 28 damage plus 1 shock and 1 frost
divine power talon hits AC 50 for 23 damage plus 2 shock and 3 frost
bite hits AC 50 for 24 damage plus 4 shock and 6 frost
left claw hits AC 42 for 21 damage plus 1 shock and 1 frost
right claw hits AC 36 for 23 damage plus 3 shock and 3 frost

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 20/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Summon Monster VIII (2 dire sharks) 10/18
Heroism (50 min) 298/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Divine Power (+6) 9/18
Heroism (50 min) 298/300

Dire Shark 1) 134/142 HP 2) 142/142 HP
N Gargantuan animal (aquatic)
Init +6; Senses Darkvision, blindsense 30 ft., keen scent; Perception +25

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 142
Fort +16, Ref +13, Will +8
DR 10/evil SR 15
Acid, Cold, Electricity Resistance 15

OFFENSE

Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +17 (4d10+17/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+17 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 34, Dex 15, Con 21, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +11; CMB +27 (+31 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +20

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 138/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+12=19 ; d20+35=49 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+14=31 ; d6+7=8 ; d3+7=8 ; d3+7=10 ;
Thursday February 11th, 2021 10:03:21 PM
Pressi finds herself grappled by the tentacles, and unable to escape (CMB Roll 19). "I've had nightmares like this after a bad sushi experience. Well, I'm not going down without some humiliation."

Pressi reaches into her mind (using a hero point, she easily can afford a bouncing suggestion - will DC 23 against the mage, then against one of the ones attacking Murphy.). "Hey, is this any way to show your swimming superiority against a fellow Sahaugin? How about you swim, say to that serpent treasure lair over there and back, and really make this a fight to remember?"

Meanwhile, Harper (who happened to be near Murphy - hanging on) began to swim pounce at one of the ones that attacked Murphy (attack rolls bite 30, claws 26 and 31. Damage 8+trip, 8 and 10).

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells d20+26=30 ; d20+26=35 ; d20+26=31 ; d20+21=23 ; d20+16=36 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+11=27 ; 2d6+17=24 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+17=27 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+17=25 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+17=20 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+17=23 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+17=23 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+17=25 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+34=43 ;
Friday February 12th, 2021 5:28:44 AM
Hobie will observe the results of Pressi's spell, and then click his heels and let loose some underwater arrow action. He won't use Deadly aim, in order to make up some of the accuracy lost shooting underwater

If the mage seems to be affected by Pressi's spell, he will attack the other Sahuagin in order of nearness, but if the mage is unaffected, he'll attack the mage.

Attack rolls are calculated v the Mage, add 10 (plus probably an AOO) vs the closest Sahuagin or 6 vs the next closest (because of the distance penalty shooting bows underwater)

Manyshot +26
Attack = 30
Piercing 24, Electric 6 = 30
Piercing 27, Electric 4= 31

Haste +26
Attack = 35
Piercing 25, electric 6 = 31

Rapid shot +26
Attack = 31
Piercing 20, Electric 6 = 26

Iterative 1 + 21
Attack = 23
Piercing 23, Electric 6 = 29

Iterative 2 +16
Attack = 36 (Natural 20) Critical confirmation = 19
Piercing 23, Electric 5 = 28
(extra damage if confirmed critical = 43, total 71)

Iterative 3 +11
Attack = 27
Piercing 25, Electric 6 = 31

Haste rounds used 3/10

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Friday February 12th, 2021 5:36:03 AM
Updating AC. When my dex bonus got to 7, I just added one to my AC, forgetting that my mithral chainshirt has a max dex bonus of 6

Bliss HP222 AC26 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+28=37 d8+26=31 d6=6
Friday February 12th, 2021 1:58:30 PM
Link to level 18 OctoBliss. Header updated for HP and AC.

Oh, AC drops by two to 26 while charging.

18th level Bliss in Octoform has CMD40 and ignores the tentacles.

Bliss charges forward 80 feet and bites at a Sahuagin. He hits AC37 for 37 hp nonlethal damage and the sahuagin has to save vs poison (DC22, 1/rnd for 6 rnds; for 1d3 Str; cure 2 saves)

The Kezz'm (Kim for BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Greater Magic Weapon, Water Breathing d20+33=48 ; d20+29=33 ; d20+28=37 ; d4+19=22 ; d3+11=12 ; d4+11=12 ;
Friday February 12th, 2021 10:34:28 PM

Kezzem decides to enjoy the convenience of an adjacent neighborhood sahuagin. He strikes with his adamantine short sword, and simultaneously with his frost dagger, doing a two-weapon rend.

Sword AC 48, Dagger 33. If both hit damage is 22+12=34
He follows up with a sword hit AC 37 for 12 hp damage. 46 hp total this round.
=========
Brian would probably have done better than this, but we're holding up our DM... -Kim

DM Kathy d20+8=9 ; d20+8=22 ; d20+17=26 ; d20+13=14 ; d3=3 ; d20+19=37 ; d6=2 ; d20+24=35 ; d20+27=30 ; d20+22=24 ; d20+17=26 ; d8=5 ; d8=8 ; d8=3 ; d20+25=39 ; d20+20=28 ; d20+15=30 ; d8=3 ; d8=4 ; d8=2 ; d20+27=38 ; d20+22=24 ; d20+17=21 ; d8=8 ;
Monday February 15th, 2021 3:31:19 PM
Murphy attacks the spellcaster and succeeds at getting her attention, hitting twice. As for how Murphy could possibly get hit, your DM reminds you that a natural 20 always hits.

Succotash's dire shark spits out the cavalryman and attacks Mongo instead. It hits, and grabs hold. The other dire shark misses its attack, but Valerie rips the cavalryman to shreds. Succotash himself casts Mass Inflict Serious Wounds.

Pressi is grappled, and unable to escape. She wants to cast a spell, but per the grapple rules, she has to succeed at a Concentration check in order to do it, so we'll consider the Hero Point unspent for now. Harper attacks and does damage.

Hobie shoots at the caster, finishing her off.

Bliss charges! He bites! His opponent is injured and poisoned.

Kezzem goes to attack, only to find that Valerie has already taken out his foe.

Murphy senses that there are more sahuagin on the way.

In the Black Tentacles, Pressi takes another 6 points of damage.

Mongo attempts to break free from Succotash's dire shark, but does not succeed. Meanwhile, the cavalryman attacks, hitting 3 times for a total of 55 damage (let me know if you need that broken out).

A cavalryman attacks Bliss, hitting 3 times for a total of 43 damage (let me know if you need that broken out).

Another cavalryman attacks Kezzem, hitting once for 21 damage.

And the map. Please remember to move your character's token if you move. If for some reason you can't move your own token, please state in your post that you are moving, and where you are moving to.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Greater Magic Weapon, Water Breathing d20+7=16 ; d20+30=48 ; d3+7=9 ; d6=6 ;
Monday February 15th, 2021 3:54:36 PM
Kezzem swims 5 feet to get in range of the cavalry man.

Swim: 1d20 + 7 = 16.

I believe he can only take a standard and make one attack. Let me know if I am mistaken.

Kezzem makes one attack with his fire dagger.

Attack: 1d20 + 30 = 48.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 plus 1d6 fire = 9 + 6 fire = 15.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 132/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+35=52 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+14=30 ; d6+7=13 ; d3+7=8 ; d3+7=8 ;
Monday February 15th, 2021 8:50:03 PM
(Concentration check roll with hero point = 52, and that should do it.)(I actually did roll a concentration check last round but forgot to write the result into the guide).

Pressi casts bouncing suggestion again. (Will DC 23 against the mage, then against one of the ones attacking Murphy.) Gesturing to the cave of the serpents, "So much treasure was found there. Perhaps the location of the weapon you seek is there among the wealth, correct?" (You should check the area and come back.)

Harper continues to thrash about (attack rolls 31, 29 and 20, damage 13+trip, 8 and 8 respectively.)

Murphy d20+22=36 ; d20+22=26 ; d20+22=23 ; 2d6+11=18 ; 2d6+11=19 ;
Tuesday February 16th, 2021 2:08:07 AM

If he wishes, Kezzem can simply pull himself along the ropes to move to different parts of Murphy's water elemental form.

In halfling, Murphy announces, "More nasty fishmen" (the halfling name for sahuagin) "are on their way here. Be alert for new company."

He attacks the sahuagin right in front of him. Hits AC 36 for 18 hp damage, then AC 26 for 19 hp. His last attempt to hit fails (nat 1).

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Tuesday February 16th, 2021 2:09:34 AM

The header for the previous post is not supposed to be 'The Kezz'm', but rather Murphy. Can someone replace the (Kim for BrianW) post with this one?

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Tuesday February 16th, 2021 3:22:53 AM
Hobie moves along Murphy's rope just a bit and casts True Strike on himself, giving his first arrow of the next round a +20

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 33 HP 127/127 Spells d20+8=17 ; d20+32=40 ; 2d6+20=27 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d20+31=34 ; 4d10+17=35 ; 2d6+17=24 ; d20+17=31 ; d20+17=33 ; 4d10+17=52 ; d20+31=48 ;
Tuesday February 16th, 2021 7:20:10 AM
Valerie swims at quarter speed (15 ft/swim check 17) and takes a swipe at the fish dude in front of her hitting AC 40 for 27 damage plus 1 frost and 5 shock. dire shark 1 attempts to swallow Mongo whole (rolled a 34 on it's CMB) if it succeeds, Mongo takes 35 bite damage, and 24 swallow whole damage. (AC 17, 11 hp). Using another round of his speak with animals ability, Succotash tells dire shark 2 to swim over and assist dire shark 1. Dire shark 2 attacks the cavalryman attacking dire shark 1 hitting AC 33 for 52 damage, and rolls a 48 on the grab.

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 19/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Summon Monster VIII (2 dire sharks) 9/18
Heroism (50 min) 297/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Divine Power (+6) 8/18
Heroism (50 min) 2987/300

Dire Shark 1) 109/142 HP 2) 142/142 HP
N Gargantuan animal (aquatic)
Init +6; Senses Darkvision, blindsense 30 ft., keen scent; Perception +25

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 142
Fort +16, Ref +13, Will +8
DR 10/evil SR 15
Acid, Cold, Electricity Resistance 15

OFFENSE

Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +17 (4d10+17/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+17 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 34, Dex 15, Con 21, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +11; CMB +27 (+31 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +20

Bliss HP179 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+19=32 ; d4+15=19 ; d20+21=34 ; d4+15=17 ; d20+19=22 ; d20+19=26 ; d20+19=29 ; d20+19=33 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+19=25 ; d20+19=34 ; d4+15=18 ; d4+15=18 ; d4+15=19 ; d4+15=17 ; d4+15=17 ; d4+15=18 ; d4+15=18 ; d20+21=31 ; d20+21=25 ; d20+21=40 ; d20+21=40 ; d20+21=38 ; d20+21=24 ; d20+21=26 ; d4+15=18 ; d4+15=16 ; d4+15=18 ; d4+15=19 ; d4+15=16 ; d4+15=17 ; d4+15=16 ; d20+26=30 ; d8+26=31 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday February 16th, 2021 7:59:50 AM
Link to level 18 OctoBliss. Header updated for non-charging AC and CMD. And for taking 43 hp. Also adjusted the map because OctoBliss is large.

Note that I'm assuming the Sahuagin are medium in size. If they are not, then Bliss cannot grab and constrict them, so in that case, or against any other larger foes, ignore the grabs please. Note: Grabs are only possible if the tentacle hit succeeds.

Bliss attacks with bite and tentacles this time. He targets the one closest to him, and if a foe dies, then he moves on to the next closest. He has reach 20 with tentacles and 10 with bite, and a five ft step if needed.

Tentacle 1 hits AC32 for 19 and then grabs CMD34 and constricts for 17 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 2 hits AC22 for 18 and then grabs CMD31 and constricts for 18 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 3 hits AC26 for 18 and then grabs CMD25 and constricts for 16 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 4 hits AC29 for 19 and then grabs CMD40 and constricts for 18 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 5 hits AC33 for 17 and then grabs CMD40 and constricts for 19 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 6 hits AC24 for 17 and then grabs CMD38 and constricts for 16 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 7 hits AC25 for 18 and then grabs CMD24 and constricts for 17 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 8 hits AC34 for 18 and then grabs CMD26 and constricts for 16 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Then Bliss bites (range only 10 ft) and hits AC30 for 36 nonlethal and then poison (Fort DC22, 1/rnd for 6 rnds; for 1d3 Str; cure 2 saves)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells d20+20=37 ;
Tuesday February 16th, 2021 8:54:55 AM
Hobie also has a Knowledge nature check of 37 to recall about Sahuagin, specifically I want to know, is there any reason for him to believe that they are immune to Cold?

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Tuesday February 16th, 2021 3:08:52 PM
Since Pressi and Murphy told the group what they had learned about Sahuagin at the Great Library, Hobie should be aware that these creatures are not know to have any particular immunities to Cold.

DM Kathy d20+29=41 ; d20+29=48 ; d20+29=43 ; d20+29=45 ; 7d8+50=75 ; 7d8+50=80 ; 7d8+50=86 ; 7d8+50=77 ; d20+22=33 ; d20+25=30 ; d20+28=31 ; d20+28=43 ; d20+18=24 ;
Tuesday February 16th, 2021 4:36:58 PM
Kezzem swims up and attacks one of the cavalrymen. His attack hits and does damage.

Murphy likewise hits and does damage. He warns his friends that more foes are on the way.

Hobie casts True Strike on himself. You know that normal Sahuagin are not immune to cold, but of course these ones have class levels, so some of them might have acquired it at some point. [Funnily enough, the sorcerer was cold-resistant, but she's dead now, so who cares.]

Succotash orders the second dire shark to go help the first dire shark, which it does. It now has the sahuagin cavalryman grappled. The first dire shark tries to swallow Mongo whole, but Mongo is a big mouthful and doesn't go down. Valerie swims up and attacks one of the cavalrymen.

Octo-Bliss goes to town on one of the cavalrymen, and the issue of grappling is really a non-issue because Bliss does enough damage to kill him regardless.

[The cavalrymen are actually Medium-sized; I forgot to re-size the icons after their mounts got killed. Oops!]

Mongo and the dismounted cavalryman attempt to break their grapples. The don't succeed, but I get a feeling that won't be a problem.

The other cavalryman attacks Kezzem, but is unable to hit the well-armored paladin.

And speaking of cavalry, more just arrived! They charge Succotash's dire sharks, who have two of their companions grappled. Dire shark 1 takes 159 damage from two hits; Dire shark 2 takes 167 damage from two hits. The line of their charge carries them past the dire sharks, but they do not provoke. [Combat is in three dimensions; they went "over" the sharks.]

And the map. The dismounted cavalry are now the correct size, so the Large cavalry are the mounted ones who just arrived.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Boots of Speed (8/10, GMW, Water Breathing d20+28=36 ; d20+28=47 ; d20+23=34 ; d20+18=26 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+47=54 ; d20+28=44 ; d20+23=32 ; d20+18=35 ; d3+7=10 ; d3+7=8 ; d3+7=8 ; d3+7=8 ; d3+7=8 ; d3+7=10 ; d3+7=10 ; d3+7=10 ; d3+7=10 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d10+6=10 ;
Tuesday February 16th, 2021 5:01:45 PM
"This is for having a cool shark mount!" says Kezzem as he clicks the heels of his boots of speed together. "It's dagger time!"

FLAMING DAGGER

Haste Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 28 = 36.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 fire = 10 + 5 fire = 15.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 28 = 47. Crit threat.
Confirm: 1d20 + 28 = 54 - 19 (brain fart) = 35
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 fire = 8 + 2 fire = 10.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 7 = 8

Attack #2: 1d20 + 23 = 34.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 fire = 8 + 4 fire = 12.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 18 = 26.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 fire = 8 + 2 fire = 10.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 13 = 29.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 fire = 10 + 3 fire = 13.

FROST DAGGER

Attack #1: 1d20 + 28 = 44.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 cold = 10 + 6 cold = 16.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 23 = 32.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 cold = 10 + 2 cold = 12.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 18 = 35.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 cold = 10 + 3 cold = 13.

Two-Weapon Rend: 1d10 + 6 = 10.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+8=16 ;
Tuesday February 16th, 2021 8:49:14 PM
Both of Succotash's sharks go belly up, in the aftermath of the attacks on them. Seeing his aquatic friends defeated, he calls Valerie to his side and then casts Righteous Might on her.

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 19/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Heroism (50 min) 296/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Divine Power (+6) 7/18
Heroism (50 min) 296/300
Righteous Might (DR 10/evil)18/18

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 126/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+10=23 ;
Tuesday February 16th, 2021 9:14:25 PM
Frustrated yet again that she can't even try any spells, Pressi decides she needs to try something else.

But for now, she casts mislead (supernatural ability - no constitution check or grapple limits) upon the closest shark mounted cavalry.

She also calls out to that guy, seeing if he's in any mood to chat.

-----------

Harper makes an attempt (swim check 23) to kittie paddle her way closer to Valerie (half speed for full round action).

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/- d20+18=38 ; 18d6=54 ;
Wednesday February 17th, 2021 2:57:03 AM

As it's likely the fellow at V14 was just gacked by Kezzem, Murphy thinks it's time to move to where the greater action may be.

"Hang on, Hobie & Kezzem, we're going where the battle has shifted," Murphy recommends & explains to the arcane archer and paladin. "Can someone grab Harper on the way by? Harper, we're swimming by - grab hold if you can!"

[Positional NOTE: If Hobie grabs on to Harper, or Harper manages to grab on to Murphy's harness somewhere - I copied her icon, with her on Murphy's back. The original icon I left where she was already placed. DM Kathy or Melvin - delete whichever icon is improperly placed. Thanks!]

He moves to where his head is at K15 (60' move - less than half his 125' movement), and casts dispel magic (good vs DC 38) on the mess of Black Tentacles that are slowing up Pressi. [Rolled d20+18=38 - nat 20 - should have foiled the spell handily]

Murphy draws upon a hero point to send out a second spell: chain lightning (Reflex save DC 33 for 1/2 damage ), doing 54 hp electrical damage to the rider then shark at K8, K11, K5, K2, then to the big guy at P5. It won't quite reach the little guy at S6. (Centered on K8, all others mentioned are within 30' of the first target, and it strikes 9 targets total of the 18 possible).

He sizes up the effect of this spell. He wonders if any sahuagin will frenzy.

Hobie now should have a decent line of sight to the four shark/sahuagin pairs if he wants more target practice.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells d20+29=46 ; 2d6+17=21 ; d6=4 ; 11d6=26 ;
Wednesday February 17th, 2021 10:50:56 AM
Hobie will do something he's been hoping to get the chance for.

He channels all of his arcane power into his bow, and fires a single arrow at the smaller Sahuagin at S6.

Thanks to his previous round's True Strike, the -26 penalty for distance will be only a -6, which is calculated into my roll.

The arrow hits AC 48 (I forgot Heroism before I clicked roll),
dealing 21 nonlethal piercing and 4 electric damage to the smaller Sahuagin (Total 25)

But more interestingly, should the arrow strike it's target, a 60 foot cone of cold will blast from the back of the arrow, hitting all of the targets drawn in my cone for
26 damage
Reflex DC 21 for half.

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Wednesday February 17th, 2021 4:10:29 PM

Addendum: If any of the opposing combatants choose to flee, Murphy will set off in fast pursuit. If he needs to drop the pull harnass so as not to rip the faces off of his friends by his speed through the water, he will do so. He does not want any to get away to warn their companions.

Bliss HP179 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+26=30 ; d8+26=33 ; d6=2 ; d20+19=23 ; d20+19=30 ; d20+19=35 ; d20+19=31 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+19=25 ; d20+19=34 ; d20+19=31 ; d4+15=19 ; d4+15=16 ; d4+15=16 ; d4+15=17 ; d4+15=16 ; d4+15=16 ; d4+15=17 ; d4+15=19 ; d20+21=33 ; d20+21=25 ; d20+21=36 ; d20+21=37 ; d20+21=26 ; d20+21=33 ; d20+21=27 ; d20+21=39 ; d4+15=19 ; d4+15=19 ; d4+15=19 ; d4+15=16 ; d4+15=16 ; d4+15=19 ; d4+15=19 ; d4+15=17 ;
Wednesday February 17th, 2021 5:16:11 PM
Link to level 18 OctoBliss.

Bliss attacks the sahuagin at V14. If that one dies, Bliss can take a five ft move north and use his tentacles on the one at S6. Bliss bites first and then uses his tentacles.

Bliss bites (range only 10 ft) and hits AC30 for 35 nonlethal and then poison (Fort DC22, 1/rnd for 6 rnds; for 1d3 Str; cure 2 saves)

Tentacle 1 hits AC23 for 19 and then grabs CMD33 and constricts for 19 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 2 hits AC30 for 16 and then grabs CMD25 and constricts for 19 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 3 hits AC35 for 16 and then grabs CMD36 and constricts for 19 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 4 hits AC31 for 17 and then grabs CMD37 and constricts for 16 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 5 hits AC38 for 16 and then grabs CMD26 and constricts for 16 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 6 hits AC25 for 16 and then grabs CMD33 and constricts for 19 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 7 hits AC34 for 17 and then grabs CMD27 and constricts for 19 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 8 hits AC31 for 19 and then grabs CMD39 and constricts for 17 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

DM Kathy d20+8=10 ; d20+9=28 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=23 ; d20+7=23 ; d20=16 ; d20=14 ; d20=16 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+9=27 ; d20+25=33 ; d20=3 ; d20=1 ; d20=12 ;
Wednesday February 17th, 2021 6:51:57 PM
Kezzem is not afraid to admit he has shark envy, and absolutely unloads on the cavalryman. His opponent dies. Kezzem is no closer to a shark mount.

Succotash calls Valerie and casts Righteous Might on her.

Pressi's Suggestion has at last paid off; one of the mounted cavalry swings off in search of treasure. She uses her Mislead ability on another and calls out to get a reaction. It's clear that he hears you, but so far he's done nothing to respond.

Murphy brings his passengers closer to the new cavalry. Harper, in typical cat fashion, doesn't want to be grabbed, so she is left behind. Murphy dispels the Black Tentacles, then casts Chain Lightning. As before, all the sharks die, and Kezzem is foiled again. Mongo was already frenzied; now the cavalrymen also fly into a frenzy.

Hobie fires an arrow that not only damages its target, but also unleashes a Cone of Cold on everything behind it. Most of them make their saves, but it's still pretty darned impressive.

Octo-Bliss moves up and attacks, killing another cavalryman.

Mongo swims up and attacks Bliss with his greatspear. He misses.

The dismounted cavalry are now archers. They form up and fire at Pressi. They are terrible shots.

And the map.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+10=28 ;
Thursday February 18th, 2021 6:22:23 AM
Valerie swims up into position as a full round action, moving at half speed (swim check 28) and Succotash grabs onto her saddle to be dragged along by his much stronger friend. Succotash offers to have Valerie drag Harper as well. If the cat wishes to join, she should be adjacent to Valerie.

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 19/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Heroism (50 min) 295/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Divine Power (+6) 6/18
Heroism (50 min) 295/300
Righteous Might (DR 10/evil) 17/18

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells d20+24=32 ; d20+24=39 ; d20+24=25 ; d20+19=23 ; d20+14=34 ; d20+14=24 ; d20+9=25 ; 2d6+25=29 ; 2d6+25=31 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+25=31 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+25=30 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+25=28 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+50=54 ; 2d6+25=31 ; d6=5 ;
Thursday February 18th, 2021 11:52:54 AM
Hobie sets his sights on taking Mongo down. His arrows are doing nonlethal damage, and he will stop at the first sign of an unconscious Mongo, hoping they can take him alive for some questioning.

"Let's see if we can't keep this big one alive!! He might have some info for us"

Rolls include the distance penalty

Manyshot =32
Nonlethal Piercing 29, electric 2 = 31
Nonlethal Piercing 31, eletric 5 = 36

Haste = 39
Nonlethal Piercing 31, electric 5 = 36

Rapid shot = Natural one

Iter 1 = 23
Nonlethal Piercing 30, Electric 5 = 35

Iter 2 = 34 (Natural 20, confirmation =24)
nonlethal Piercing 28, electric 2 = 30
extra critical damage 54 = 84

Iter 3 = 25
Nonlethal Piercing 31, electric 5 = 36

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 126/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday February 18th, 2021 3:56:36 PM
Harper grumbles as Valerie drags her along.

Pressi fires a mislead at the closest target.

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/- 8d6=36 ;
Thursday February 18th, 2021 4:23:40 PM

In the Auran tongue Murphy addresses the three dismounted sahuagin before him. "So, you attack other sahuagin, eh?" Murphy asks them. "She is thinking of switching over to become a mermaid, the way you treat her. You'll have to shoot through me if you want to get to her."

"And of course, it helps to be able to see what you're trying to shoot at. Let me enlighten you." He casts Sunbeam, letting the first beam of light shoot from his left appendage across the eyes of the archers. Each takes 36 hp of damage and is blinded permanently. If they make a Reflex save DC 34 then they are not blinded, and take only 18 hp of damage.

Though one of the sahuagin left at Pressi's recommendation, Murphy does not at this time follow him, as he headed back the way Humble's Sword had come.

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Thursday February 18th, 2021 4:54:43 PM
I forgot to include, Mongo at Q7 also needs to make a Reflex DC 34 save or be blinded and take 36 hp damage. No blindness and only 18 hp if he saves. See yellow slanted line on map. The three sahuagin archers are at J6, K6, and L6. The light beam starts near the upper portion of I6 and runs down toward the lower right portion of S7.

DM Kathy d20+7=27 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+9=20 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+26=44 ; d20+21=34 ; d20+16=25 ; 2d6+11=17 ;
Thursday February 18th, 2021 7:10:05 PM
Valerie spends a round getting herself, Succotash, and Harper into position.

Hobie unloads on Mongo. The first iterative shot does not hit; the others do. Mongo seems to have some kind of damage reduction, but it's clear he's very hurt.

Pressi uses Mislead again.

Murphy casts Sunbeam. Miraculously, Mongo makes his save; the three cavalrymen fail and are blinded.

They take an action to withdraw. Mongo attacks Bliss, hitting once for 17 damage.

And the map.

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/- 2d6+11=20 ; 2d6+11=22 ; 2d6+11=20 ; 2d6+11=22 ; 2d6+11=20 ; 2d6+11=15 ; 2d6+11=18 ; 2d6+11=19 ; 2d6+11=16 ;
Thursday February 18th, 2021 9:51:12 PM

"Gentlemen - I'm going to drop you off near the big guy, so I can vortex on the three blind mice. Good luck!" He swims near Mongo (though I'm not sure why we know his name), and sheds the harness there. [Kezzem and Hobie icons can be moved by the players - I put them in the approximate spot where Murphy would have shed the rope harnass]

He transform into a whirlpool, moving toward the fleeing sahuagin. As the Murphy Vortex comes in contact with each of the departing sahuagin, a Reflex Save DC 24 needs to be made. If the save is failed, that one takes 20 hp slam damage, and a second Reflex DC 24 save is required - and if failed, that sahuagin is sucked up into the vortex. Each round thereafter it takes another 2d6+11 hp damage. All three are contacted, all three need to make one or two saves. If any make their save, Murphy reverses course and comes against them again until all three are within his watery grasp. He does not come across any more than 3 times, though, because he is not going to be more greedy than that this round. All three will fit within his vortex with room to spare, though no sort of comfort is guaranteed for them.

Sahuagin #1: 20 hp
Sahuagin #2: 22 hp
Sahuagin #3: 20 hp
If any fail their first save, but make their 2nd, then on the return intersection with the vortex damage is as follows if another save fails:
#1: 22 hp
#2: 20 hp
#3: 15 hp
If a 3rd contact is made, damage is:
#1: 18 hp
#2: 19 hp
#3: 16 hp

Once a critter fails consecutive saves (contact w/damage, then follow-up roll) it does not take additional damage that round.

Next round, damage is again taken, but they may take a new save to see if they can get out of the vortex.

Worst-case scenario for a sahuagin this round is to fail, then succeed, fail, then succeed, fail, and fail again.

[As mentioned under Water Elemental, "Vortex: A water elemental can create a whirlpool as a standard action, at will. This ability functions identically to the whirlwind special attack, but can only form underwater and cannot leave the water." See whirlwind rules, and substitute 'water' for 'air' in the description.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Boots of Speed (7/10, GMW, Water Breathing d20+28=34 ; d20+28=40 ; d20+23=37 ; d20+18=29 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+28=32 ; d20+28=35 ; d20+18=21 ; d3+7=10 ; d6=6 ; d3+7=8 ; d6=4 ; d3+7=8 ; d6=2 ; d3+7=9 ; d6=2 ; d3+7=10 ; d6=6 ; d3+7=10 ; d6=1 ; d3+7=9 ; d6=5 ; d3+7=9 ; d6=1 ; d10+6=7 ;
Thursday February 18th, 2021 11:49:43 PM
"Why hello good sir," says Kezzem. "My name is Kezzem, and I will be stabbing you today.

FIRE DAGGER

Hasted Attack: 1d20 + 28 = 34.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 fire = 10 + 6 fire.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 28 = 40.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 fire = 8 + 4 fire.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 23 = 37.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 fire = 8 + 2 fire.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 18 = 29.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 fire = 9 + 2 fire.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 13 = 32.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 fire = 10 + 6 fire.

ICE DAGGER

Attack #1: 1d20 + 28 = 32.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 cold = 10 + 1 cold.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 28 - 5 = 30.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 cold = 9 + 5 cold.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 18 = 21.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 cold = 9 + 1 cold.

TWO-WEAPON REND
Damage: 1d10 + 6 = 7.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+33=43 ; d20+33=46 ; d20+33=38 ; d20+33=48 ; d20+33=39 ; d20+33=43 ; 3d6+22=35 ; 3d6+22=32 ; 3d6+22=32 ; 2d6+22=30 ; 2d6+22=28 ; d6+22=25 ; d6+22=26 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ;
Friday February 19th, 2021 6:45:30 AM
Seeing Mongo within Valerie's new attack range, Succotash orders her to take him down. the large sized dino preforms a full round attack on the fish dude.

Right talon hits AC 43 for 35 damage plus 4 shock and 6 frost
Left talon hits AC 46 for 32 damage for 1 shock and 4 frost
Divine Power talon hits AC 38 for 32 damage plus 3 shock and 3 frost
Bite hits AC 48 for 30 damage plus 5 shock and 6 frost
Left claw hits AC 39 for 25 damage plus 3 shock and 2 frost
Right claw hits AC 43 for 26 damage plus 3 shock and 5 frost

Holy guacamole, if all 6 attacks hit, Valerie just dumped out 231 total damage!

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 19/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Heroism (50 min) 294/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Divine Power (+6) 5/18
Heroism (50 min) 295/300
Righteous Might (DR 10/evil) 16/18

Bliss HP162 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Friday February 19th, 2021 2:14:41 PM
Link to level 18 OctoBliss.

Bliss drops out of his rage and spends the round becoming his normal self.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 126/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday February 19th, 2021 3:47:44 PM
If anyone�s left, Pressi fires a quickened spectral hand.

She then fires a calcific touch (DC 21) on mongo or whoever�s left.

DM Kathy
Friday February 19th, 2021 4:02:30 PM
Kezzem introduces himself, which is very polite, then unleashes a bunch of damage, which is less polite, but more or less expected. With Valerie's help, Mongo is done for.

Murphy vortexes the three remaining cavalry to death.

Bliss drops out of rage, and Pressi can save her calcified touch. There's another cavalryman out there, the one Pressi sent on a wild goose chase, but if he knows what's good for him he'll keep on going.

For now, the battle is over.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Friday February 19th, 2021 4:19:19 PM
With all of Hobie's damage being nonlethal, does Mongo seem alive?

If so, Hobie will move to shackle Mongo's hands, and ask for Murphy's help in securing him.

"Pressi, do you think we might be able to get some helpful information from this guy?"

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/- d20+43=60 ;
Friday February 19th, 2021 9:30:04 PM

"Pressi, are you all right?" is the first thing Murphy asks after he discharges a swirl of blood and bones and broken bows from the bottom of the vortex. Then he ceases the whirlpool and resumes his normal huge water elemental shape. "If more sharks show up, there are plenty of carcasses for them to feast upon. And maybe Kezzem can find one he can saddle up."

"Hobie, I think Mongo is dead. He was pretty tough, but, Bliss did a bunch, then Valerie tore him up more, you softened him up a lot, and I think Kezzem really put on the finishing touches. Unless he is wearing a ring of regeneration or the like, this was his last battle. But I don't know - Pressi, is there something you can think of to do to address Hobie's request? And there is the one who swam back in the direction we came from. Perhaps more in a mood to talk."

"Excuse me a moment." Murphy swims over to the female sahuagin who had been casting spells. He brings her body over to the others. "See if she has items of value."

He thinks a moment. "Normally, I start out meetings with potential opponents with at least an attempt to negotiate. I believe, Pressi, perhaps you were leaning that way. But with what we learned about the sahuagin at the library, plus other things I've heard about them from time to time, Sahuagin are nasty and evil and oppressive. They take slaves. Perhaps there are among them a few of good will. But we know this group - they are trying to free a devil. My inclination to negotiate with such is decidedly on a low ebb."

"Let us take a few minutes - I'll wander through the place, use detect magic. Perhaps we can work together to obtain what may be useful - and perhaps to find any clues to help us move forward. After a few minutes, let us then move onward toward the ship." He casts know direction. "Which, Succotash, is that way?" he asks for verification.

"Oh, and Pressi? I have a pearl I can use to cast Freedom of Movement one more time. I don't like you getting stuck in one place. Once I sense we are drawing close to the ship, I'd like to cast it upon you. I know being stuck must have felt frustrating."
==============
Perception: 60

Spells in effect:
Longstrider: 17 hrs 32 minutes
Water Breathing (from Succotash): 3 hrs 32 minutes
Foresight: 2 hrs 34 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 2 hrs 34 minutes
Heroes' Feast: 10 hours 4 minutes
Magic Fang, Greater: 11 hrs 30 minutes
Heroism: 40 minutes

Spells on others:
Freedom of Movement (Hobie): 2 hrs 32 minutes
Freedom of Movement (Bliss): 2 hrs 40 minutes

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Friday February 19th, 2021 9:34:42 PM

Oh, because he requested help, Murphy, despite his thought that Mongo really is dead, does help to tie him up with whatever rope or shackles that Hobie can provide. After that is done, he also retrieves the silk rope pulling harness.

"Is everyone else doing well?"

Bliss HP162 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Saturday February 20th, 2021 10:48:33 AM

"Remember, dear friends, that my bite damage is nonlethal, because of my merciful tear. So maybe we will have a better chance at prisoners. And maybe they will help us learn more in exchange for their lives."

Bliss helps bind any that may still be alive.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 126/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday February 22nd, 2021 2:22:24 PM
Pressi shook her head. "I'm fine. As long as I can through a glance, I can contribute. As for Freedom of Movement, we need to see how things work. But honestly, I could have cast blink if I had the time and presence of mind.

"As for prisoners... I can absolutely get information from Mongo."

Pressi casts "Speak with Dead" on Mongo (Will DC 21, 8 questions). "Time to wake up. Question 1: What the hell is wrong with you? I don't mean thinking that waking a demon or outright attacking some group is a great idea. I mean through life, what is wrong with you, seriously?"

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Monday February 22nd, 2021 5:11:04 PM

Murphy nods at Bliss's comment. Then he laughs quietly as Pressi opens up her line of questioning with Mongo.

Bliss HP162 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Monday February 22nd, 2021 9:17:17 PM

"Oh, good idea, Miss Pressi!" exclaims Bliss.

"And ask him where the shipwreck is, you know, the Lots of Pages Splashdown!"

"The Lotophagi Splendor," says Mookie.

"Yeah, that. The sunk boat. And where's the Whatsit, the Thingummy ..."

"The Abyssal Artifact," says Mookie.

"Yeah, the Devilish Device."

"The Infernal Implement."

"The Cunning Contraption."

"The Summoning Sextant."

"The Mechanism for Mustering Monsters."

....

Mookie is silent. Bliss looks at him.

"Well?"

"Sorry Kid, that's all I got. Int 10 only takes ya so far."

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Monday February 22nd, 2021 11:40:51 PM

Murphy says, "Just in case, I think I'll retrieve the fellow who went to retrieve the sea serpent's treasure. If someone wants to join me, great. If not, I'll head out right away."

If unaccompanied, he moves out at 625 feet per round. Probably catches up within a couple of rounds. He will speak aquan with the fellow, and let him know that if he returns peaceably, he can live. If he fights, he works on nonlethal damage. The guy already took some lethal damage from the chain lightning and Hobie's thing.

DM Kathy
Monday February 22nd, 2021 11:48:08 PM
Hobie shackles Mongo, who is indeed still alive thanks to all the nonlethal damage.

Murphy swims around looking for goodies among the Sahuagins' gear. You find: 7 Belt of Physical Might +2 (Str and Dex); 7 +2 chain shirt; 7 +2 lance; 7 +1 leather barding (shark); Headband of Alluring Charisma +4; Cloak of Resistance +4

If you take Mongo's gear, you also get Belt of Giant Strength +4; +2 Greatspear (large); +2 hide armor (large). [Note: in game terms, the greatspear is a ranseur.]

Pressi can cast Speak with Dead on one of the other sahuagin if she likes; Mondo is still alive. Her first question is a good one. Basically, these sahuagin are not happy with the way the war against the merfolk is going, and they want to do something drastic.

Mongo is happy to tell you that the Lotophagi Splendor is about 150 feet ahead of you, and that the device has already been recovered by the other half of this group of Sahuagin. "If you want it for yourselves, you're too late!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 6:24:32 AM
To decipher if Mongo is telling the truth, Succotash casts Zone of Truth, forcing Mongo to make a DC 22 will save or be forced to tell the truth, then asks the over-sized fish dude to repeat what he just said. As an added bonus, he informs Mongo that Valerie is hungry, and more then happy to end him permanently.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 9:29:18 AM
Hobie will quickly move to see if he can see 150ft to what Mongo is talking about and if he can see anything, he will head in that direction.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Boots of Speed (7/10, GMW, Water Breathing
Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 1:57:04 PM
"How can I turn Rumpus into a shark for more than 15-20 minutes?" asks Kezzem. "I need a mount that can carry me underwater."

Bliss HP162 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 2:21:33 PM

Mookie looks over the loot eagerly, but then snorts in disdain. "None of this is useful for you or me, Kid."

"Throw it all in your haversacks, comrades!"

Bliss is eager to push on to the next group of Sahuagin.

"You've been a big help, Mister Bad Guy! I think you've earned a chance for mercy. Go forth and do naughty deeds no more!"

"Okay, let's go! Mister Murphy, hitch up the reins and mush!"

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/- d20+32=45 ;
Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 2:28:26 PM

I'm going to assume that Murphy was successful in retrieving the wandering sahuagin. He shepherds him back. "So, you think that releasing a devil is a good idea, eh? Who is in charge of that plan? How recently did they recover the artifact that holds the evil spirit? What do they hope to do with the devil? Which way did they go? We would be happy to deal with the devil without having to slay more of your people. But if your people try to stop us, we may end them. They are trying to unleash a great evil, one who will not necessarily serve you well."

"Hey guys, we're back. Here's what I found out..." [if anything]

If the Sahuagin takes offensive action, or tries to escape, Murphy will slam him, hopefully with nonlethal damage, until subdued. If he behaves reasonable well, he treats him well.

Sense motive: 45

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 2:34:13 PM

[Did not see post of Bliss until this moment.] If Pressi can get anything else useful from Mongo (perhaps including a couple of suggestions from the Mookie/Bliss brainstorm), Murphy will delay departure until she is done. But meanwhile, he does go ahead and halters up so people can hang on.

"Want that freedom of movement, Press? Or wait until we overtake the folks with the artifact? Succotash, do you have a new bead on the Abyssal Artifact?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 126/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+24=29 ;
Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 3:30:36 PM
Staring at Kezzem, "Why on earth do you need a mount for swimming? Should I be casting flight on my skateboard?"

Pressi does take that freedom of movement, please and thank you.

She shakes her head regarding the war. "Sure, sure, and I have absolutely no doubt they started it and were so gosh darn mean. But before that drastic thing happens, maybe... maybe... you'd like to reconsider what I'm sure will lead you to such bad decisions. So why don't you tell me where are they going and what are they planning, and then get out of here?"

(Diplomacy 29)

If he doesn't respond, Pressi casts her Charm Person SLA on Mongo (Will DC 20). "Why don't we try this again..."

DM Kathy
Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 10:41:29 PM
Bliss and Mookie note that the gear they found isn't really useful for your group.

Kezzem schemes for a shark mount.

Succotash is under the impression that your DM has the bandwidth to concoct clever lies, which is somewhat flattering. But no, Mongo repeats the same thing he did before. He was not lying.

Hobie moves to check out Mongo's story. [You have 120 feet of Darkvision, correct? If that is the case, you move 30 feet, and see the outline of the Lotophagi Splendor lying on the seabed ahead of you.

Murphy catches up to the other sahuagin. You learn that the item was retrieved about 30 minutes ago, by a group lead by Ralix, a sahuagin priest. They are headed for shallow water, looking for an opportunity to unleash the devil on land.

Pressi learns much the same as Murphy (see above).

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/- d20+32=50 ;
Wednesday February 24th, 2021 12:18:55 AM

"Let's catch up to them, then, right?" Murphy seeks to learn the direction of travel of the Ralix group. He uses sense motive (50) to try to ascertain the veracity of their reports, and tries to get an idea the size of the group that was carrying the devilish device.

Giving Pressi a chance to use her ways to solidify their understanding, as well any insight the rest of them may suss out, once done, he advises everyone to tie on. "Unless you think that a teleport to meet them before they get to shore would be better." If not, then he sets out with due speed, hustling (speed 250'/round) to catch up.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Wednesday February 24th, 2021 1:50:41 AM
Hobie grabs onto Murphy and rides with him to the device

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday February 24th, 2021 6:36:16 AM
"Well, since Find the Path can only lead to basic locations, such as the shipwreck, a village, a temple, ECT, it won't lead to the device, and without a clear location, teleportation is out. Even greater teleportation requires at least a description of the place. So Valerie grab onto Murphy's rope, and let's go"

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 19/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Heroism (50 min) 291/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Divine Power (+6) 2/18
Heroism (50 min) 291/300
Righteous Might (DR 10/evil) 13/18

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Wednesday February 24th, 2021 1:29:36 PM

"Okay, Pressi, with at least a short trip ahead of us, let's hold up on the Freedom of Movement until we get a mite closer," Murphy responds. "Once we draw nearer to shore, I'll cast it on you, if that sounds reasonable, my beloved."

He acknowledges Succotash's comments with the nod of his large aqueous head.

"Are any of us able to track by scent?" he asks.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Boots of Speed (7/10, GMW, Water Breathing
Wednesday February 24th, 2021 1:53:25 PM
"Wait, you can cast fly on your skateboard?" asks Kezzem. "Why aren't you doing that then? The would make it some kind of hoverboard. That would be so much cooler than casting fly on yourself!"

"Though I guess that wouldn't work on water...unless you've got power!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 126/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday February 24th, 2021 4:26:16 PM
Pressi let�s Mongo go, and prepares to move off to the other creatures.

�Guys, I think now would be a good opportunity for shadow walk.�

Bliss HP162 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday February 24th, 2021 4:32:39 PM

Bliss holds on tight with Mookie to the reins.

"Giddy-up, Mister Murphy! Excelsior!"

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/- d20+43=52 ;
Wednesday February 24th, 2021 6:10:44 PM

"Shadow walk? Sure. It's faster than I can swim. Everyone else agree? Speak now or hold your peace. Oh, and just before we leave, I am swimming twice around the Lotophagi Splendor, just to see what it looks like. Everyone hang on so we all get the tour, then, Pressi, take us onward through the dark places. How about you aim for the shore of the beach they are heading for, that we can swim toward them from shallow to deeper water? I hope."

He swims once around the circumference of the ship, then, up and over bow to stern for another perspective on the ship. "Might want to come back here later."

"Pressi, do you need me to go back to regular size, or am I fine to shadow walk with you all as a huge water elemental?"

He goes as elemental or halfling depending upon her recommendation. If halfling, he folds up carefully the harness and places it in a bag. Then joins in the shadow travel.

==========
Perception: 52 to absorb what he can from the ship swim-around. He plans to keep a visual memory of the ship, and draw it out when he has time and opportunity.

Pursuit

DM Kathy
Wednesday February 24th, 2021 8:30:01 PM
[Everybody take 70,000 XP for the previous scene.]

You begin discussion options for catching up with the other group of sahuagin. Succotash reminds the group that Find the Path was locating the shipwreck, not the device, because you don't know enough about the device. He grabs onto the rope harness. Hobie and Bliss follow suit.

Pressi suggests Shadow Walking, an idea Murphy endorses. But first, he wants a look at this shipwreck.

The wreck is easy to locate. The ship is lying on her side on the seabed. As you swim around it, you see that at least two large holes were opened up in her sides. Knowledge Engineering DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The holes were caused by something large tearing at the ship with tremendous force.} If someone mentions that, Knowledge History DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {There were still dragons in Dragon Bay when the Spelndor went down.}, and Knowledge Nature DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {A whirlpool could have done this.}

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Boots of Speed (7/10, GMW, Water Breathing
Wednesday February 24th, 2021 8:37:19 PM
"Maybe Pressi could cast fly on some kind of surfing board," ponders Kezzem while the other search the wreckage. "Then I could just jump over the sharks."

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/- d20+26=30 ; d20+16=21 ; d20+25=30 ;
Wednesday February 24th, 2021 8:45:55 PM
"Something big tore those two holes in the sides of the hull," comments Murphy. "You can see how some of the boards were pulled outward - some sort of ripping. From the timetable the sages gave us, there still were dragons here in Dragon Bay when the Lotophagi Splendor went down - perhaps the ship was attacked by them, causing the sinking? Or, maybe the holes were torn later. Could be a whirlpool sucked the ship and her hapless crew down to the bottom of the bay." Murphy passes on his speculations to the group. "Might it be worthwhile for someone to take a quick swim through the ship? I'm fine whether we do or not - but am just thinking taking two or three minutes might yield us additional information that could help us track down the sahuagin and the artifact. Group call. We'll tally the votes cast. If half or more say check it out quickly, let's do so. I vote 'aye'. Mookie - you can give us an advisory vote, too."

Knowledge Engineering: 30
Knowledge History: 21
Knowledge Nature: 30

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday February 25th, 2021 6:18:24 AM
"I have no problem with using shadow walk if it means catching up with our quarry sooner", Succotash says, "And as much as I would like to check out the shipwreck, I feel time is of the essence, and we should get moving!"

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 19/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Heroism (50 min) 290/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Divine Power (+6) 1/18
Heroism (50 min) 290/300
Righteous Might (DR 10/evil) 12/18

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 126/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday February 25th, 2021 10:18:41 AM
"Actually, I'm with Murphy. It's maybe a better idea to look inside and see what we might be up against, so I vote yes."

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Thursday February 25th, 2021 9:39:03 PM

"Anyone else? So far there are two votes to do a quick look around, one to travel on now, and one skateboard question. One more 'aye' and we do the quick look. Or we can spend several minutes dithering while we try to make a simple decision. Silence will be deemed consent. Maybe you can fetch a souvenir from inside, or find a waterlogged captain's log, or rusty sword, or overlooked bottle of brandy. Or a real clue that might help us."

[Hobie? Kezzem? Bliss? and if he wants, Mookie?]

Bliss HP162 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Thursday February 25th, 2021 11:45:04 PM

"Of COURSE I get a vote," says Mookie. "I have more tenure with this group than everybody but you, Murph, and the Kid. Plus I'm the oldest creature in the party!"

"I vote for the option that offers more treasure!"

Bliss grins but says, "Hush Mookie! We came for one reason, that artifact. We gotta chase after it. Mister Murphy, probably you can tow us faster than anything. Or we can Shadow Walk, but I fear that's less accurate and we may lose the trail while we are passing through Shadow."

DM Kathy
Friday February 26th, 2021 12:08:55 AM
You discuss what to do next. Swim after the escaping sahuagin? Shadow Walk after them? Stay here and further inspect the wreckage? Opinions are divided.

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/- d20+43=57 ;
Friday February 26th, 2021 1:10:15 AM

Murphy nods his head both at Mookie's and Bliss's counsel.

"I'm reminded a tiny bit of an adventurer named Cameron. Don't do anything here that might help us out later. Just rush to the final destination. Yeah, that's a paraphrase. 90 seconds to 3 minutes, tops. Tell you what, while we wait for the vote, I'm going inside. Let me know when we make up our minds. I'll come out immediately if two more say 'go now.' If one more says, 'Take a quick look inside,' well, then, I will have given us up to a 30-second head start on doing so."

He squishes down to a small water elemental in size, leaving the rope with the people who are hanging on to it, and jets as quickly as he can through the hole in the side of the hull, and looks about to learn what he can learn, exploring quickly in as systematic fashion as he can.

He relays mentally to Pressi what he sees, and awaits word from her as to whether or not his time inside is up. He really does want to give each person a voice in important matters, but sees no purpose in waiting around for dreadfully slow responses rather than taking action when, as it has been pointed out, time is of the essence.

[Kezzem - your vote? Hobie - your vote?]

==========
Perception: 57 for exploring the interior wreckage.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Friday February 26th, 2021 1:19:48 AM
Hobie gives his vote "The ships not going anywhere is it? Shouldn't we pursue our enemy and come back? Someone could explore and then catch up to the others. "

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Friday February 26th, 2021 2:50:31 AM

Extra credit: Murphy is 100% fine EITHER with Shadow Walk or Swim Real Fast. Bliss's caution about the off chance shadow walk has a chance of taking them far afield, but it is about twice as fast as Murphy's swimming while bringing people along. His hustle is 28.4 mph (good water skiing speed). Pressi's shadow walk is 50 mph (good dog's tongue hanging out of the side window of a car speed).

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday February 26th, 2021 6:31:18 AM
"I have a compromise. Murph, you tow everyone in pursuit of the device, after either you or someone else casts message, linking me to them. I'll go explore the shipwreck, with whomever else wishes to join me, and by keeping me informed, via the message spell, I can use greater teleport to instantly get to your location. Of course I can only take 6 of us, but I'm sending Valerie along with you, with orders to protect you guys."

Assuming the compromise is excepted, as soon as the message spell is cast, Succotash begins searching the shipwreck for any pertinent information. If he finds any treasure, he makes a mental note of it, but leaves it where it is for now.
****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 19/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Heroism (50 min) 289/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Divine Power (+6) 0/18
Heroism (50 min) 289/300
Righteous Might (DR 10/evil) 11/18

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 126/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday February 26th, 2021 10:22:18 AM
After Mookie weighs in, Pressi interjects. "Hey, if Mookie gets a vote, then so does Harper. And she votes...."

Pressi turns to see Harper floating around on a "flying" skateboard while licking herself.

"Ok, I'm changing my vote to helping the Sahaugin. This universe has dropped off the rails and needs a redo."

As Murphy goes off. "Well, I remember another teammate. One that claimed to want consensus but then went and did his own thing if he got bored of discussions. And he got squashed by constructs and teammates left and he needed a break from the group and he forgot his wife can turn him into a newt if she has to. Look, I don't doubt that the ship might give us some tactical advantage but it's not like we do a lot of advance planning. And we are under the time crunch. On the other hand, we don't know how the device is activated. For all we know, our actions might be what unleashes the devil.

"I think Succotash has the right idea, and I volunteer to explore. I can pass info to Murphy and I have a few more divinations under my belt."

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Friday February 26th, 2021 11:19:38 AM

"Message has a range of a few hundred feet," Murphy relays to Succotash through Pressi as he travels through the ship. "If Pressi stays here with you, though, that could work. I'll be out in another 30 seconds. If you then want to do a more thorough search, sure. If my 60-second run-through gives us what we need, then we can all go now."

Once he gets out of the ship, Murphy approaches the harness, re-sizes to huge, and takes off with as many as want to accompany him. Pressi and Succotash can decide whether they (and anyone else) want to carry out the priest's proposal for a more thorough search.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Boots of Speed (7/10, GMW, Water Breathing
Friday February 26th, 2021 4:42:01 PM
"Sorry, I was too busy dreaming of jumping sharks with a flying skateboard," says Kezzem. "I'm with whatever you and Press think is best."

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Friday February 26th, 2021 6:11:59 PM

So, Murphy finishes (one hopes) his 10-round, 60-second dash through the wreckage, comes out puts on the harness then grows back into it, and says, "Cool - and some good points, everyone, including Harper. Succo, Pressi, Valerie, Harper, and up to two others - check it out. Press and I will be in touch. Pressi - here is that freedom of movement spell," and he touches her to deliver it.

"Now, hang on tight - Hobie, Kezzem, Bliss & Mookie I suppose. Anyone else? All tied in? I mean tied in, because the speed can make your lips almost pull back over your face. I recommend heads down, into the stream, and well wrapped up in the silk rope. I will take a few rounds to get to full speed so you can adjust as we get to terminal velocity of 2,500 feet per minute." When all are aboard who are coming aboard, he begins to accelerate up to full speed over the course of 30 seconds/5 rounds. Heading the direction which [am I right, DM Kathy? You never really had the big and little sahuagin confirm which way the away team headed] they told us the artifact carriers are headed [like, which beach?]. If for some reason you didn't tell us because they didn't tell us, then we would have stayed with them until they DID let us know - and that DC 50 Sense Motive I rolled at the time should have given Murphy a sense of whether or not they were telling the truth.

Bliss HP162 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Friday February 26th, 2021 10:05:12 PM

Mookie and Bliss hang on for dear life. Well, Mookie hangs on for dear life. Bliss hangs on for sheer fun!

"Go, Sir Murphy! Mush!"

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Monday March 1st, 2021 3:00:44 AM

"Newt." Murphy says as he swims off. Was that accompanied by a water elemental giggle?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+35=53 ;
Monday March 1st, 2021 5:40:32 AM
Forgot to make a perception foll for Succotash: perception 53

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 19/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Heroism (50 min) 289/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Divine Power (+6) 0/18
Heroism (50 min) 289/300
Righteous Might (DR 10/evil) 11/18

DM Kathy
Monday March 1st, 2021 1:37:16 PM
You decide to do a quick recon on the sunken Lotophagi Splendor. The inside of the ship doesn't tell you much more than the outside did. The ship was badly damaged by something very large that commanded a lot of force. Massive creature or natural phenomenon? Impossible to say.

You do see signs of a recent, thorough search, undoubtedly by the sahuagin. You're inclined to believe they do indeed have the device.

Then you head off after them. You leave the shipwreck in the opposite direction from where you arrived, and soon you see how the sahuagin made their way into this chasm. It's a lot easier than the way you came in. The shaft back to the main seabed is nearly vertical, with lots of convenient handholds and no dangerous current. Soon, you are in sunlit waters again.

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/- d20+43=59 ;
Monday March 1st, 2021 2:56:52 PM

So, perhaps we can assume the quick run-through provided adequate info so we did not have to split up?

"Ah, the sun lights again the water," Murphy comments. The druid explains what he plans to do, so as to surprise none of his friends, then does it. He heads upward at a 45 degree angle until breaching the surface. From there he looks about to see if he can discern a shoreline from here. He likely can get his head 10-15' above the surface to acquire a decent viewpoint. Once he can tell from looking, he will go back underwater so as to be able to view what and who may be ahead of them. And pursue the artifact carriers.

Guessing what with after-battle interrogations, about 3 minutes discussing/searching the ship, then swimming away then upwards, perhaps 10 minutes have passed?
============
Perception: 59

Bliss HP162 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Monday March 1st, 2021 11:17:01 PM
"Come on, we have to follow them! Mister Murphy, change into a dolphin or shark or something with a good underwater nose and see if you can track them!"

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Monday March 1st, 2021 11:18:27 PM
& the part I should include about 1/wk:

Spells in effect:
Longstrider: 17 hrs 22 minutes
Water Breathing (from Succotash): 3 hrs 22 minutes
Foresight: 2 hrs 24 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 2 hrs 24 minutes
Heroes' Feast: 9 hours 54 minutes
Magic Fang, Greater: 11 hrs 20 minutes
Heroism: 30 minutes

Spells on others:
Freedom of Movement (Hobie): 2 hrs 22 minutes
Freedom of Movement (Bliss): 2 hrs 30 minutes
Freedom of Movement (Pressi): 2 hrs 53 minutes

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Boots of Speed (7/10, GMW, Water Breathing
Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 12:13:24 AM
"Yay, we can see again!" says Kezzem.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+35=40 ;
Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 5:29:16 AM
As the party reaches light again, Succotash dismisses the light spell on the pink bow on Valerie's head. As Murphy breaks the surface he scans the area looking for any sign of their quarry. (perception 40)

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 19/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Heroism (50 min) 229/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Heroism (50 min) 229/300

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 9 Prepared Spells
Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 6:48:21 AM
While pursuing the sahuagin, Hobie has an idea. "Hey guys Mongo told us that these guys really hate Merfolk right? Is it possible some of us could Alter Self and become merfolk, and possibly draw them out?"

Also just practical thought- Murphy as a water elemental can swim WAY faster than sahuagin right? shouldn't it be fairly easy to catch up to them?

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 1:29:29 PM

"That's not a bad idea, Bliss," Murphy responds after Hobie also speaks, "but as time is of the essence, and they have a good lead on us, and scent, even in water, only serves so far, unless it be blood, for some odd reason, let us take Hobie's point, and significantly narrow the distance first, and get us much closer to shore. With the clarity of the water now, we should be able to discern them from perhaps a couple hundred feet away. Is anyone else here able to change into a shark, though?" With us traveling almost a mile every two minutes, we should be able to close in before long. I just pray we will arrive before the devilish captive is released." He jets forward (250'/round).

DM Kathy
Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 5:33:11 PM
As you race toward the sahuagin, Bliss suggests that Murphy shift into something with a scent ability. Hobie suggests that somebody change into a merfolk to try to draw them out.

Murphy decides that speed is more important than either of those, and continues pushing forward. Succotash dismisses his Light spell. Kezzem is just happy to see again.

You continue chasing your foes. You believe you are heading in the right direction, but so far there is no sign of them.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 126/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 9:43:38 PM
Pressi continues to cast detect magic as she thinks about what she knows so far.

Presumably, they would race towards the surface and... what? Would they really release the device as soon as possible, rather than near an enemy? Possible depending on how they perceive the device... and on how much pressure they feel....

"Wait, was this was a mistake," Pressi suddenly shouts. "Maybe we need to slow down, not chase after them. Get them to stop racing to release the device. Does anyone have any way to communicate that we haven't tried yet? Any way to signal to them?"

Unless someone requests anything else, Pressi casts "Moment of Prescience" upon herself.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 126/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 9:44:56 PM
But first, Pressi casts "Locate Creature: Sahaugin" and hopes something pings.

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 3:05:51 AM

"Do they know we are even here?" Murphy wonders aloud.

Based upon his peeking about 10-12 feet above the water, if the surface of this Woldian Bay had the same curvature as the earth, he would be able to see the water for about 4.4 miles away. Any land sticking up above it, though would extend the virtual range out by possibly miles.

Since the Wold is flat, well then, he could see all the way to the land so long as it was not scores of miles away and lost in haze. How far away is the land now? That will influence what we do next. He does continue moving shoreward.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+35=39 ;
Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 5:42:19 AM
Succotash continues to scan the horizon in hopes of finding the enemy. (Perception 39)

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 19/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Heroism (50 min) 227/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Heroism (50 min) 228/300

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Boots of Speed (7/10, GMW, Water Breathing d20+28=44 ;
Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 9:29:24 AM
Kezzem will activate Detect Evil and will also keep an eye out for trouble.

Perception: 44.

Bliss HP162 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 6:07:01 PM

Bliss and Mookie keep on holding on tight. Bliss thinks about his newest and most potent spells ... hmmm ...

"Kid, you would be able to think more clearly if you had updated your character sheet."

"But Mookie, I did update the OctoSheet."

"Sheesh, I can't even begin to explain everything that's wrong with that sentence."

The crow pecks Bliss on the head.

"OW!"

"Anyway, if this does not work, we can try a Vision spell!"

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 6:34:27 PM

LOL at Bliss/Mookie interaction

Note: Foresight is still up and running. Danger, Will Murphyson!

"Hey, who needs healing?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 126/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 8:49:22 PM
Pressi wonders at Murphy's comment. "Fair enough," she concedes.

DM Kathy
Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 10:32:36 PM
Pressi wonders whether you should slow down, to avoid panicking the sahuagin into doing something foolish. She casts Locate Creature.

Murphy and Succotash scan the horizon. Kezzem detects for evil. Bliss realizes he has not yet aligned himself with the universe, and takes a moment to do so.

The sun has come out, and the sunlight glancing off the water makes it difficult to see things at a distance. You think you see something off to the west, so you head that way. Soon, Pressi's detection spell pings. Soon after that, Murphy's danger spell pings. The sahuagin are about 500 feet ahead.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday March 4th, 2021 4:19:55 AM
Immediately upon seing the Sahuagin, Hobie will cast Alter Self to become a Sahuagin, and then cast Dimension Door to appear directly behind their group, swimming and acting as if one of them

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday March 4th, 2021 5:45:18 AM
Seeing the enemy, and then seeing Hobie make his bluff move, Succotash asks, [b]"So do we go for direct confrontation and blood shed, or are we going to try diplomacy first, this time? I mean, I'm fine either way, but last time I was going to try to be diplomatic, and then Murphy went on the offense, forcing me to change gears mid-stride. So well, I would like to know in advance, as that will change my next move drastically. No matter what the answer is, Succotash holds on to Murphy's rope, and instructs Valerie to do likewise, until the optimum moment.

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Thursday March 4th, 2021 11:28:07 AM

"I'm open to, but not optimistic about diplomacy. These are inherently evil people, and their intention to release a devil upon the Wold is the height of wickedness, depravity, and idiocy. I'd just as soon negotiate with survivors, first priority to get them away from the artifact, lest they open it in the midst of battle." Murphy casts call lightning storm, which will enable him to throw down lightning bolts over the course of many turns. "Does anyone have the means to envelop the artifact to prevent others from approaching it? I can cast antilife shell should I get adjacent to the item, but I cannot then attack directly, I think."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday March 4th, 2021 1:25:26 PM
If I can see it, I can put a blade barrier around it.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 126/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday March 4th, 2021 2:02:48 PM
"Yeah, I'm not exactly optimistic about diplomacy either, assuming we even get a shot. If there's a way to slow them down, sure. But for now, we come out guns blazing. Unless we want to try stealth first."

Pressi casts Spectral Hand.

As to protection, "Something like antilife shell or a wall is our best bet. Maybe mind fog. Beyond that... I suppose it depends on the wards but I can "Polymorph Any Object" it into a hedgehog just to do it."

DM Kathy
Thursday March 4th, 2021 9:21:46 PM
Upon seeing the sahuagin, Hobie shifts himself into one and casts Dimension Door to get behind them. The spell has the range, so Hobie is now behind the small group of sahuagin.

Hobie Highlight to display spoiler: {You see that there are a total of six sahuagin, five arranged in front to protect the sixth, behind. Of course, you are now behind that sixth sahuagin. He is adorned with various beads and shells; you're not sure what they mean. He asks you something in a rough, guttural voice, in a language you don't understand.}

The rest of the group begins discussing tactics. Succotash asks about diplomacy. Murphy isn't sure it will work. He asks about the artifact. At 500 feet, it's difficult to se detail. You can tell that there are six creatures--seven counting Hobie. The artifact, whatever it is, isn't large enough to be obvious at this distance.

Pressi casts Spectral Hand.

Reminder: unless you previously cast some magical means of communication, Hobie is now cut off from the rest of the group. You can attempt to bellow questions and instructions back and forth, but it will be difficult over the sound of the surf.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday March 5th, 2021 4:01:50 AM
Hobie casts Comprehend Languages, and then looks at the Sahuagin with a face of not understanding, hoping he repeats himself.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday March 5th, 2021 6:00:21 AM
"Crud, it looks like Hobie might be in trouble!" Succotash says as he quickly reaches out and grabs the two people closest to him, (He's in Valerie's saddle) and then casts dimensional door bringing those 3 halfings and a veloceraptor right next to the fish dude Hobie is chatting with, (the one in the rear) and then digging deep into his divine heroism, (using a hero point) Succotash casts divine power on Valerie. (First come first serve on the DD. Succotash can take up to 6 medium or small sized creatures, so theoretically, if you realized what he was doing, you could grab on.)

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 19/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Heroism (50 min) 224/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Heroism (50 min) 225/300
Divine Power (+6, 18 temp HP) 18/18

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/- d20+43=56 ;
Friday March 5th, 2021 5:22:10 PM

"Whoever wants to go with Succotash, go now. I will now go very fast to get to the front of the parade. Come with me if you wish, but feel free to drop off on the way if you want to show up somewhere other than the forefront, such as alongside the entourage."

Murphy 'runs' as it were - I guess water runs, right? - and finishes an arc about 75 feet in front of the leading sahuagin. He gives the Aquan equivalent to "Hello, good fortune and obstacles to you." And drops off who chooses to be dropped off, once their eyebrows recover from the speedy last sprint, unless they wish to continue to hang on.
==============
Perception: 56

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Boots of Speed (7/10, GMW, Water Breathing
Saturday March 6th, 2021 12:13:15 AM
"Pick me!" says Kezzem. "Pick me!"

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/-
Saturday March 6th, 2021 3:01:50 AM

So Kezzem goes with Succotash... If someone else does not do so, I'll try to post for Bliss later on Saturday.

Battle of the Shallows

DM Kathy d20+18=24 ; d20+22=30 ; d20+22=27 ; d20+22=37 ; d20+22=40 ; d6=4 ; d20+16=26 ; 10d6=33 ;
Saturday March 6th, 2021 4:24:58 PM
[Everyone take 15,000 XP for the previous scene]

Hobie casts Comprehend Languages. The sahuagin in the back (or front, from your perspective) seems to recognize the spell. "Interloper!" he yells in whatever language that is. He points in your direction. "Attack!"

Just then, two halflings and a dinosaur show up.

Now that you are closer, you can see that four of the sahuagin have four arms each. Each hand grips a short sword. That's a lot of swords. Another sahuagin seems to be covered in sharp spines. And then there's the guy who yelled--probably that priest that's in charge of the group.

Two of the four-armed sahuagin suddenly spring forward to attack Hobie. They are able to approach him, attack, and then retreat, without provoking [they have the Spring Attack feat]. However, their attacks miss.

Two others spring up and attack Valerie, hitting once for 8 damage.

Spiny Guy also attacks Hobie, but misses.

The priest casts a spell. Succotash must make a DC 22 Fortitude save or take 140 points of damage. If the save succeeds, he instead takes 33 damage.

Murphy and his crew roll up, but the opponents are a bit preoccupied.

And the map.

A word about the terrain: You are fighting in shallow water, about 2 feet deep. Any creature with a swim speed can still choose to swim. Any creature not swimming is in difficult terrain and cannot run or charge.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Boots of Speed (7/10, GMW, Water Breathing
Saturday March 6th, 2021 4:50:02 PM
Kezzem Quick Draw's his daggers and wades towards the priest. He detects evil at him.

"Hi there!" he says. "I don't suppose you would be interested in converting to Gargul? We have lovely retirement benefit package, mainly being that you will live long enough to retire instead of getting stabbed a bunch of times by a halfling."

Murphy(KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 DR5/- 2d6+11=19 ; 2d6+11=22 ; 2d6+11=19 ; 2d6+11=17 ; 2d6+11=15 ; 2d6+11=15 ; d20+43=56 ;
Saturday March 6th, 2021 11:25:53 PM

Murphy had arrived with his head at about k20, and Pressi and Harper still with him. Being in two feet of water - how far away is the shore? I am adding 10 minutes to elapsed time for spell accounting, unless DM Kathy rules otherwise.

"Pressi, can you do something to lower the leader's resistance to spells?" Murphy asks in halfling as he sees those arrayed against their companions, a clerical-type sahuagin his point of reference. "I have something special for him in mind next round. Oh, also, I'll drop you two, Pressi and Harper, off here," he says after advancing several feet - they will need to let go, or jump off into the surf, as he is not taking the time gingerly to remove them. His position is low at that moment, head just above the water, body no more than ~6 feet above the surface. He then heads off to his left, and rises into a watery vortex, 50' high, and, leaving behind his silken rope harness, the druid tries to be an uplifting influence on the pair of four-armed sahuagin at about F6 and G8.

The whirlpool intersects the warriors' positions at least once each, or twice if necessary. If they fail a Reflex save DC24, they take 19 hp (G8) or 22 hp (F6). If they have failed, they need to make a 2nd Reflex save DC24 or be pulled up into the vortex, to be battered on subsequent rounds. If G8 makes his first save and takes no damage, then on the return trip he will need to make another DC 24 save or take 19 damage. If F6 makes his first save, then on a return trip save or 17 hp damage. Save again or be taken in, for each, if either saves the 2nd time around fails to take one up who saved. I rolled two more times for possible damage, but I think that's it this round.

============
All of Murphy's communication with fellow members of the Sword will be in Halfling during combat, unless otherwise specified.

Perception: 56

Spells in effect:
Longstrider: 17 hrs 12 minutes
Water Breathing (from Succotash): 3 hrs 12 minutes
Foresight: 2 hrs 14 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 2 hrs 14 minutes
Heroes' Feast: 9 hours 44 minutes
Magic Fang, Greater: 11 hrs 10 minutes
Heroism: 20 minutes

Spells on others:
Freedom of Movement (Hobie): 2 hrs 12 minutes
Freedom of Movement (Bliss): 2 hrs 20 minutes
Freedom of Movement (Pressi): 2 hrs 43 minutes

Bliss as OctoBliss HP162 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Kim for Cayzle d20+19=36 ; d4+15=17 ; d20+21=31 ; d4+15=17 ; d20+19=22 ; d4+15=19 ; d20+21=23 ; d4+15=18 ; d20+19=29 ; d4+15=17 ; d20+21=29 ; d4+15=19 ; d20+19=21 ; d4+15=16 ; d20+19=38 ; d4+15=18 ; d20+21=38 ; d4+15=16 ; d20+19=26 ; d4+15=17 ; d20+21=26 ; d4+15=16 ; d20+19=32 ; d4+15=18 ; d20+21=23 ; d4+15=18 ; d20+19=27 ; d4+15=18 ; d20+21=38 ; d4+15=16 ; d20+26=34 ; d8+26=27 ; d6=1 ;
Saturday March 6th, 2021 11:56:45 PM

[As Cayzle asked us early Friday to post on his behalf for Bliss, I've had him join w/ Succotash on the Dimension Door transport. Immediately upon arrival he decides to transform into OctoBliss - as I have no idea how to run his spells. -Kim]

Bliss on arrival with Succotash immediately decides he loves having extra appendages and transforms into one of his favorite forms, a giant octopus. A cheerful, ebullient giant octopus.

Look! he has two opponents to choose between. He goes for the Sahuagin at Q7.

Tentacle 1 hits AC36 for 17 and then grabs CMD31 and constricts for 17 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 2 hits AC22 for 19 and then grabs CMD23 and constricts for 18 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 3 hits AC29 for 17 and then grabs CMD29 and constricts for 19 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 4 hits AC21 for 19 and then grabs CMD29 and constricts for 16 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 5 hits AC38 for 18 and then grabs CMD38 and constricts for 16 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 6 hits AC26 for 17 and then grabs CMD26 and constricts for 16 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 7 hits AC32 for 18 and then grabs CMD23 and constricts for 18 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 8 hits AC27 for 18 and then grabs CMD38 and constricts for 16 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Then Bliss bites (range only 10 ft) and hits AC34 for 27 nonlethal and then poison (Fort DC22, 1/rnd for 2 rnds; for 1d3 Str; cure 2 saves)

If at some point in his attacks it seems his opponent succumbs, he will transfer the balance of his attacks to the adjacent sahuagin warrior at N7 (which is in attack range).

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+24=25 ; d20+24=34 ; d20+33=43 ; d20+33=47 ; d20+33=49 ; d20+33=48 ; d20+33=39 ; d20+33=43 ; 2d6+22=30 ; 2d6+22=31 ; 2d6+22=30 ; 2d6+22=29 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6+22=28 ; d6+22=27 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ;
Monday March 8th, 2021 2:54:36 AM
Fort Save nat 1 auto fail, which would cause death, used a hero point to re-roll, and rolled a 26. (Added 24 instead of 16 accidentally)

Succotash brushes off the majority of the mass blast that hit him, through a heroic effort. He then casts Righteous Might on Valerie and commands her to take down the caster.

right talon hits AC 43 for 33 damage plus 1 shock and 1 frost
left talon hits AC 47 for 33 damage plus 1 shock and 3 frost
divine talon hits AC 49 for 36 damage plus 6 shock and 3 frost
bite hits AC 48 for 29 damage plus 2 shock and 5 frost
right claw hits AC 39 for 28 damage plus 1 shock and 1 frost
left claw hits AC 43 for 27 damage plus 2 shock and 5 frost
(Forgot that as large Valerie's talons do 3d6 instead of 2d6, so added 1d6 to each)

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 19/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast (12 temp HP)
Water Breathing
Heroism (50 min) 223/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Heroism (50 min) 224/300
Divine Power (+6, 10 temp HP) 17/18
Righteous Might (DR 10/evil) 18/18

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 126/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+19=29 ; d20+11=24 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+16=27 ; d6+7=8 ; d3+7=10 ; d3+7=10 ; d20+13=23 ;
Monday March 8th, 2021 10:32:31 AM
"Ok, look, I'm a fan of coyness as much as the next guy," Pressi responds to Murphy. "But next time you might want to tell me what specifically you'd like me to drive down... or even who you think the leader is. My first thought was to drop a mind fog and the second thought was to realize that might not be a great idea depending on YOUR next move.

"Also, what do you mean by dropping us... woah..."

(Acrobatics 29, 24 to limit damage.)

(OOC: Pressi assumes that the guy with beads and shells is the leader, but I can't tell if that refers to the priest or spiny guy. So Pressi is going after the priest while Harper attacks spiny guy.)

Pressi casts Living Voodoo (sickened) upon herself. She can target 5 creatures (no saving throw) so she targets all but one of the sahaugin that was lifted by Murphy. (-2 to almost any check anyone will do.)

Harper proceeds to attack (Attack Rolls 25, 35, 27, Damage 8+trip (Trip Roll 23), 10, 10)

------------

Pressi: sickened condition

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday March 8th, 2021 2:58:24 PM
Hobie casts Greater Invisibility, then uses a hero point for an extra action to cast fly, and heads 30 feet straight up into the air.

DM Kathy d20+14=30 ; d20+14=19 ; d20+14=22 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+20=30 ; d20+20=34 ; d20+20=23 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=26 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+27=28 ; d20+20=27 ; d20+20=40 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+20=34 ; d20+15=25 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+15=25 ; d20+15=21 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=15 ; d6+4=8 ; d6+4=10 ; d6+4=7 ; d6+4=5 ; d6+4=5 ; d6+4=6 ; d10=6 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+6=14 ; d8=7 ; d8=7 ; d4=2 ; d8=1 ; d8=6 ; d8=5 ; d8=2 ; d8=3 ;
Monday March 8th, 2021 5:53:11 PM
Kezzem quick-draws his daggers, and tries to tell the priest the good news about Gargul. The priest doesn't seem interested. He does detect as evil.

Murphy drops the rope, swims over, and attempts to start a whirlpool. However, given that the water is so shallow, he can't get enough water moving. [Per the rules, you need at least 10 feet of water to form a vortex.]

Octo-Bliss unleashes a series of attacks on one of the skirmishers. He does a lot of damage, but the sahuagin is still on its feet.

Succotash survives the spell, and casts Righteous Might on Valerie, who proceeds to rip apart one of the skirmishers.

Pressi is dropped off near k20. If Harper is going to attack the spined sahuagin, she needs to move over there somehow, and I'm not sure how. Also, if she moves, she won't be able to make a full attack. You and Harper are in two places on the map and it's very confusing. Pressi uses Living Voodoo Doll to impose the Sickened condition on the sahuagin.

Hobie becomes an invisible flying archer, and re-positions himself.

The two skirmishers whom Murphy tried to vortex now attack him. They are unable to hit him, however.

The remaining skirmisher attacks Bliss. Bliss is hit 5 times, once critically, for a total of 41 damage. The skirmisher also rends for another 12 damage.

The spiny guy turns his attention to Kezzem, unleashing a flurry of blows. He hits once, for 18 damage and an additional 2 piercing damage from his spines.

The priest casts a spell. Spellcraft DC 22 Highlight to display spoiler: {Unholy Blight}. Kezzem, Succotash, and Bliss take 17 damage and are sickened for 1d4 rounds. A DC 19 Will save negates the sickened effect and halves the damage. Valerie takes 8 damage; DC 19 will save for half.

And the map.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 126/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday March 8th, 2021 9:04:05 PM
Updated Footer

-------------------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast
Spectral Hand
true seeing (expired)
water breathing (from murphy)
Freedom of Movement (from Murphy)
Moment of Prescience
Sickened (living Voodoo)

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 1/6+1
L3: 0+1/6+1
L4: 3+1/5+1
L5: 1+1/5+1
L6: 1/4+1
L8: 1/2+1

misleads: 2

Passwall charge
wand of heroism

XP 160K

Bliss as OctoBliss HP162 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Kim for Cayzle d20+14=31 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+19=33 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+19=20 ; d20+19=23 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+19=39 ; d20+19=25 ; d4+15=16 ; d4+15=16 ; d4+15=18 ; d4+15=16 ; d4+15=16 ; d4+15=18 ; d4+15=19 ; d4+15=17 ; d20+21=30 ; d20+21=39 ; d20+21=36 ;
Tuesday March 9th, 2021 1:22:40 AM

Bliss saves vs DC31, success.

Tentacle 1 hits AC27 for 16 and then grabs CMD30 and constricts for 18 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 2 hits AC33 for 16 and then grabs CMD39 and constricts for 18 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 3 hits AC24 for 18 and then grabs CMD36 and constricts for 17 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 4 misses (nat 1).

Tentacle 5 hits AC23 for 16 and then grabs CMD28 and constricts for 17 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 6 hits AC21 for 18 and then grabs CMD23 and constricts for 19 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 7 hits AC39 for 19 and then grabs CMD41 (nat 20, crit if CMD27 hits) and constricts for 18 more damage, or 36 if crit (can you crit on a constriction?). Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Tentacle 8 hits AC25 for 17 and then grabs CMD29 and constricts for 18 more damage. Then as a free action Bliss drops the grapple.

Then Bliss bites (range only 10 ft) and hits AC30 for 27 nonlethal and then poison (Fort DC22, 1/rnd for 7 rnds; for 1d3 Str; cure 2 saves).

If the skirmisher succumbs to his attacks before all 8 attacks are accounted for, he will go for an extra attack/grab/release combo, then move toward the cleric. He looks to see if the cleric has a box or other Teucri-appearing item. If the skirmisher is still up, he remains where he is.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge H2O Elemntl AC 48/T27/F43(N/A) CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 234/268 3d6+18=26 ;
Tuesday March 9th, 2021 1:43:10 AM

[Oops - Murphy would have known that, but Kim forgot - thanks for catching that he was out of his depth for the vortex effect.
Regarding Pressi's position: She was dropped off by Murphy at about J13 or J14. The k20 spot shows where she was when Murphy and company first arrived]

"Thanks, dearie," Murphy mentally communicates to Pressi.

Murphy is thinking the cleric is the most harmful of all those in the entourage. He casts finger of death against the cleric, causing 180 hp of damage unless Fortitude Save of DC35 is made. If he saves, the damage is instead 26 hp.

He moves to D10, which may seem counterintuitive.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+31=44 ; d20+31=43 ; d20+26=28 ; d20+21=26 ; d20+16=21 ; 2d6+25=35 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+25=32 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+25=33 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+25=31 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+25=37 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+25=37 ; d6=4 ;
Tuesday March 9th, 2021 7:06:43 AM
If the Cleric survives Murphy's finger of death, Hobie will rain down nonlethal arrows at the priest. If the priest drops, he will move his arrows to the other enemies.

Greater Invisibility 10/11 Rounds

Hobie has greater invisibility, so all his attacks are against flat footed unless they can see invisibility

Manyshot = 44
35 piercing + 6 electric = 41
32 piercing + 4 electric = 36

Rapid shot = 43
33 piercing +1 electrci = 34

Iter 1= 28
31 piercing + 4 electric= 35

Iter 2 = 26
37 piercing + 4 electric = 41

Iter 3 = 21
37 piercing + 4 electric = 41

Bliss, supplementary (Kim for Cayzle) d20+29=37 ; d8=4 ;
Tuesday March 9th, 2021 11:23:41 AM

For Bliss - Perception: 37 - trying to discern the Teucri-like devil-holding artifact as mentioned at the end of his post
[ignore d8 - my breakfast plate touched the mousepad]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+26=29 ; d20+7=13 ; d8=3 ; d8=2 ; d8=3 ; d8=3 ; d20+33=37 ; d20+33=40 ; d20+33=38 ; d20+33=43 ; d20+33=40 ; d20+33=53 ; d20+33=39 ; 3d6+22=31 ; 3d6+22=34 ; 3d6+22=31 ; 2d6+22=31 ; d6+22=26 ; d6+22=28 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ;
Tuesday March 9th, 2021 12:01:32 PM
Succotash will save 29
Valerie will save 13

As her prey drops, Valerie turns her attention to the spiny guy, and unleashes a full round attack. Meanwhile, Succotash swaps out a casting of Holy Smite for Cure Critical Wounds, and heals himself 29 hp

right talon hits AC 37 for 31 damage plus 2 shock and 3 frost
left talon hits AC 40 for 34 damage plus 6 shock and 2 frost
divine talon hits AC 38 for 31 damage plus 2 shock and 5 frost
bite hits AC 43 for 31 damage plus 4 shock and 51 frost
right claw hits AC 40 for 26 damage plus 2 shock and 6 frost
left claw Nat 20, 39 for confirmation for 56 damage (28 if not confirmed) plus 5 shock and 1 frost

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 19/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Heroism (50 min) 222/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Heroism (50 min) 223/300
Divine Power (+6, 2 temp HP) 16/18
Righteous Might (DR 10/evil) 17/18

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Boots of Speed (6/10), GMW, Water Breathing d20+28=35 ; d20+28=39 ; d20+23=24 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+28=48 ; d20+28=32 ; d20+23=26 ; d20+18=36 ; d3+7=9 ; d3+7=9 ; d3+7=8 ; d3+7=9 ; d3+7=8 ; d3+7=9 ; d3+7=10 ; d3+7=8 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d10+6=15 ; d20+20=34 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ;
Tuesday March 9th, 2021 12:56:32 PM
SV Will: 1d20 + 20 = 34. Half damage and not sickened.

Kezzem, realizing he cannot 5-ft step in difficult terrain, and "seeing" Hobie in melee, turns towards the priest.

"I'll get to you later. Right now I've got to stab your friend."

He clicks his heels together to hasten his strikes again the sea devil between him and Hobie.

As a swift action, he then casts Lay on Hands on himself.

+3 Flaming Dagger:
Hasted: 1d20 + 28 = 35.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 fire = 9 + 1 fire.

Attack: 1d20 + 28 = 39.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 fire = 9 + 4 fire.

Attack: 1d20 + 23 = 24. Natural 1 (auto-miss.

Attack: 1d20 + 18 = 27.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 fire = 8 + 5 fire.

Attack: 1d20 + 13 = 16.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 fire = 9 + 1 fire.

+3 Frost Dagger

Attack: 1d20 + 28 = 48. Natural 20!
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 28 = 32.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 cold = 8 + 4 cold.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 7 = 9.

Attack: 1d20 + 23 = 26.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 cold = 10 + 2 cold.

Attack: 1d20 + 18 = 36.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 cold = 8 + 3 cold.

Two-Weapon Rend (if 39 hits):
Damage: 1d10 + 6 = 15.

Lay on Hands: 7d6 = 2 + 6 + 6 + 2 + 4 + 5 + 3 = 28. (Exactly how much damage he took).

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 126/144, CMD 26 (28); sickened; Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+16=21 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+16=28 ; d6+7=10 ; d3+7=10 ; d3+7=10 ; d20+27=28 ;
Tuesday March 9th, 2021 3:50:21 PM

"Don't... urp... mention it," Pressi messages back to Murphy.

Harper tries to take down the Sahaugin at h5 (Attack Rolls 21, 28, 28, Damage Rolls 10+trip, 10, 10).

Pressi fights through the haze trying to decide what to do next. (I considered Forbidden Spray but I can't do it without hitting someone.)

Taking a five foot step, she tries to cast Irresistable dance (but nat 1 the concentration check 28 vs spell DC 29, so Pressi uses another hero point for +4 to get over)(Spell DC of Dance is 25 for will, success=dance for 1 round).

-------------------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast
Spectral Hand
true seeing (expired)
water breathing (from murphy)
Freedom of Movement (from Murphy)
Moment of Prescience
Sickened (living Voodoo)

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 1/6+1
L3: 0+1/6+1
L4: 3+1/5+1
L5: 1+1/5+1
L6: 1/4+1
L8: 2/2+1

misleads: 2

Passwall charge
wand of heroism

XP 160K

DM Kathy d20+13=28 ; d20+20=37 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+20=26 ; d20+15=29 ; d20+15=34 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+15=22 ; d3=1 ; d20+15=29 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+10=12 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d20+27=34 ; d6=1 ; d10=6 ;
Tuesday March 9th, 2021 5:36:57 PM
Bliss finishes off his opponent. It takes more than one attack, so he can't move this round.

Murphy casts Finger of Death. The priest takes a lot of damage, but doesn't die. Hobie starts peppering him with arrows.

Valerie destroys the spiny sahuagin while Succotash heals himself.

Kezzem activates his Haste ability and turns to the spiny guy, only to find that Valerie has already taken him out.

Harper attacks one of the skirmishers, hitting twice and doing damage. Pressi casts Irresistable Dance--I assume on the priest?

The skirmisher facing Harper attacks, hitting twice for a total of 14 damage, then rending for another 16 damage. The other skirmisher spring-attacks Pressi, hitting for 5 damage.

Hobie's arrows are doing their work. The priest is slipping into unconsciousness. But as he goes, he takes a greenish globe from his pouch and smashes it!

There is a tremendous roar, and suddenly there's a devil looming over the unconscious priest. His wings seem to be burning and burnt at the same time. Evil smolders in his eyes. Knowledge Planes DC 40 Highlight to display spoiler: {It's a Pit Fiend}.

And the map. I left the unconscious priest on the map because he is unconscious, not dead. I changed his icon to black and white because he is unconscious. You can target him if you like, but he is unconscious.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Boots of Speed (6/10), GMW, Water Breathing
Tuesday March 9th, 2021 5:59:24 PM
If the spiny guy was taken out by Valerie, can Kezzem use his action to cast Divine Favor and then move next to Priest instead?

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+31=44 ; d20+31=40 ; d20+31=46 ; d20+26=40 ; d20+21=22 ; d20+16=22 ; 2d20+25=49 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+25=33 ; 2d6+25=31 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+25=29 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+25=30 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+25=27 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday March 10th, 2021 2:42:49 AM
Hobie sees the giant devil appear, and sets his sights on that guy "Holy crap guys!"

Hobie clicks his heels and fires on him

Hobie has greater invisibility so unless the devil can see invisibility he is denied his dex
Hobie's bow is a +5 so even though he doesn't know about the Devil's DR, his bow does overcome both Good and Silver DRs

(these attack rolls are one higher than the roller because I forgot to include Haste)

Manyshot = 45
Piercing 33, Electric 6 = 39
Piercing 31 Electric 5= 36

Rapid shot = 41
Piercing 29, Electric 1= 30

Haste = 47
Piercing 30, Electric 4= 34

Iter 1 = 41
Piercing 27 Electric 6 = 33

Iter 2= Nat 1
Iter 3= 23

Total Damage is probably 172

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 5d8=16 ; 10d6=34 ; d20+33=35 ; d20+33=37 ; 3d6+22=31 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday March 10th, 2021 11:14:08 AM
"Succotash, you blockhead, Why in the name of the gods didn't you consider preparing "Banishment"?" Succotash berates himself, in halfling, under his breath.

To his friends he says, in halfling, Sorry guys, yours truly failed to think that maybe a banishment spell would be helpful, even though we were told that we would be going after a device that could summon something real ugly like this thing!"

Turning to the devil, he switches to infernal and says, "Nice of you to drop by, but your services are no longer needed, feel free to return to your home plane!"

If the devil leaves, Succotash will breath a sigh of relief, if not, he will cast "holy smite" centering it on L/11. The 20 ft burst should hit the priest and the lower fish dude, as well as the devil. The fish dudes are blinded for 1 round, and take 16 damage. (DC 24 will negates blindness, and halves damage) The devil is also blinded for a round and takes 34 damage (DC 24 will negates blindness and halves damage).

If Succotash casts his spell, Valerie will move forward and take a swipe at the devil with a talon, hitting AC 35 (Please ignore second attack roll, finger slipped on mouse) for 31 damage, plus 1 shock and 2 frost.

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 19/21
Agile Feet 13/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Heroism (50 min) 221/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Heroism (50 min) 222/300
Divine Power (+6, 2 temp HP) 15/18
Righteous Might (DR 10/evil) 16/18

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Boots of Speed (6/10), GMW, Water Breathing d20+34=52 ; d20+34=45 ; d20+34=36 ; d20+29=48 ; d20+29=44 ; d20+24=44 ; d20+24=40 ; d20+29=48 ; d20+24=38 ; d20+19=25 ; d3+24=26 ; d3+24=26 ; d3+24=25 ; d3+24=25 ; d3+24=25 ; d3+24=26 ; d3+24=26 ; d3+24=25 ; d3+24=25 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d10+6=9 ;
Wednesday March 10th, 2021 12:14:00 PM
If we can retcon Kezzem to have cast Divine Favor and moved into melee range with the cleric last round, he will Smite Evil and full attack the cleric. Otherwise, he will cast Divine Favor and move into melee range with the cleric this round.

+3 Flaming Returning Dagger

Hasted Attack: 1d20 + 34 = 52.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 + 1d6 fire = 26 + 5 fire.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 34 = 45.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 + 1d6 fire = 26 + 5 fire.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 29 = 48. Natural 19.
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 29 = 48.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 + 1d6 fire = 25 + 2 fire.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 24 = 25.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 24 = 44. Natural 20.
Crit threat: 1d20 + 24 = 40.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 + 1d6 fire = 25 + 1 fire.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 24 = 26.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 19 = 25.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 + 1d6 fire = 26 + 5 fire.

+3 Frost Returning Dagger

Attack #1: 1d20 + 34 = 36.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 + 1d6 cold = 26 + 2 cold.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 29 = 44.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 + 1d6 cold = 25 + 3 cold.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 24 = 38.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 + 1d6 cold = 25 + 4 cold.

Two-Weapon Rend (AC 44)
Damage: 1d10 + 6 = 9.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Boots of Speed (6/10), GMW, Water Breathing
Wednesday March 10th, 2021 12:20:27 PM
Nevermind, just say the priest was unconscious. Kezzem will instead throw daggers at the devil/demon thingy. Still smite evil. If he did not cast Divine Favor last round, subtract 3 from all Attack and Damage Rolls.

Rolls adjusted as follows

+3 Flaming Returning Dagger
Hasted Attack: 1d20 + 34 = 52.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 + 1d6 fire = 26 + 5 fire.

Dagger Attack #1: 1d20 + 31 = 42.
Damage: 1d3 + 21 = 23.

Dagger Attack #2: 1d20 + 26 = 45. Natural 19.
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 26 = 45.
Damage: 1d3 + 21 = 22.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 21 = 22.

Dagger Attack #3: 1d20 + 21 = 41. Natural 20.
Crit threat: 1d20 + 21 = 37.
Damage: 1d3 + 21 = 22.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 21 = 23.

Dagger Attack #4: 1d20 + 16 = 22.
Damage: 1d3 + 21 = 23.

+3 Frost Returning Dagger Attack #1: 1d20 + 34 = 36.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 + 1d6 cold = 26 + 2 cold.

Dagger Attack #2: 1d20 + 26 = 41.
Damage: 1d3 + 21 = 22.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 21 = 35.
Damage: 1d3 + 21 = 22.

Additional Smite Damage (on first hit vs. evil outsider): 16.

Bliss, supplementary (Kim for Cayzle) d20+28=29 ;
Wednesday March 10th, 2021 3:52:52 PM

Murphy changes from water to air elemental.

[More later, at work, no time for details.]

Can someone post for Cayzle? -Kim
Wednesday March 10th, 2021 3:53:47 PM
Just no time at the moment.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 126/144, CMD 26 (28); sickened; Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday March 10th, 2021 7:07:25 PM
Sorry lost track of time.

For now, Pressi dismisses the sickness and she and Harper move out of range.

DM Kathy d20+9=22 ; d20+27=29 ; d20+32=42 ; d20+32=35 ; d20+30=32 ; d20+30=35 ; d20+32=36 ; d20+30=48 ; d8=2 ; d8=5 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d20+38=49 ;
Wednesday March 10th, 2021 7:37:05 PM
Kezzem casts Divine Favor and moves up near the priest. He throws daggers at the devil. The creature doesn't seem to take the fire or cold damage, and has some kind of damage resistance. The 37 failed to confirm a critical hit, although the 41 hit.

Hobie fires on the creature. It does not take the electricity damage, and seems to have some kind of damage reduction. Also, it seems to know where you are, invisibility notwithstanding.

Succotash laments his lack of a Banishment spell, and tries to bluff the devil into leaving. He doesn't, so Succotash casts Holy Smite. The spell kills the unconscious priest and blinds the skirmisher. Please roll a Spell Resistance check for the devil.

Murphy changes into an air elemental.

Pressi dismisses the Sickened condition and moves back.

The blinded skirmisher begins retreating. The other skirmisher spring-attacks Harper, but misses.

The devil turns on its Fear aura. Valerie and Bliss need to make DC 23 Will saves or be panicked. Kezzem is also in the area, but is immune to fear effects.

Seeing that, and also since he did a lot of damage, the devil attacks Kezzem. He hits twice, for a total of 28 damage, and Kezzem is now grappled, wrapped in the devil's tail.

And the map.

Bliss HP162 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+20=30 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+20=38 ; d20+20=38 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+20=32 ; d20+20=21 ; d20+20=40 ; d20+20=40 ; d4+15=17 ; d4+15=16 ; d4+15=17 ; d4+15=18 ; d4+15=19 ; d4+15=17 ; 2d4+30=35 ; d6=2 ; d20+27=39 ; d8+26=29 ; d6=2 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+29=49 ;
Wednesday March 10th, 2021 10:57:11 PM
Last round's combat, if that is okay, OctoBliss. takes a five ft step forward and attacks the large devil thing at m-n-9-10. Since it is as large as him, he cannot use his grab/constrict attacks.

Tentacle 1 hits AC30 for 17.

Tentacle 2 hits AC29 for 16.

Tentacle 3 hits AC38 for 17.

Tentacle 4 hits AC38 for 18.

Tentacle 5 hits AC25 for 19.

Tentacle 6 hits AC32 for 17.

Tentacle 7 misses with a nat 1.

Tentacle 8 potentially crits with a nat 20, follows up to crit vs AC40! Two nat 20s in a row! Bliss inflicts 35.

[Note that Bliss's amulet of mighty fists +5 should cut right through most DRs.]

Then Bliss bites AC39 for 31 nonlethal and then poison (Fort DC22, 1/rnd for 6 rnds; for 1d3 Str; cure 2 saves)

=====

Then the new round, in which the devil turns on its fear aura. Bliss has to make a save ... and rolls a 31, whew!

Bliss decides that turnabout is fair play, and he makes a grapple attack on the devil! He hits CMD49, rolling another nat 20 woo hoo! Bliss has grappled the devil! He can't use his constrict (it is too big), so he does no damage this round, but he has grappled it. unless its CMD is 50+!

OctoBliss's own CMD is 40.

[HUGE shout out to Kim for helping run Bliss!]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 106/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday March 10th, 2021 11:14:17 PM

After watching a skirmisher continue to attack her pet, Pressi points to the final Sahaugin. "That's him, he's the one that summoned you... apparently just so he could insult your mother for some reason. And he says he won't stop."

Harper growls but is more focused on the giant devil.

To Succotash's lament, "Probably the same reason I didn't think to ask what to do if the device actually was activated... or whether it took longer than 10 darn seconds. Makes one wonder if we could stop this from happening at all. But I do have a bit of good news if we want to try banishment..."

With an outstretched arm, Pressi casts a quickened surrender blood (and shouts for Bliss to cast a second upon her). (Caster level raised to 21, 25 if Bliss joins in.).

"We don't need preparations. We have... me...."

Pressi casts Heightened (+1) Banish Immortal. Spell Pen Roll is +21/+25 +8 from hero point. Will DC 24.

"Hey, horn machine. Why don't you pick on somebody your own ego."

Harper, meanwhile, starts studying the priestess in the hope of spotting any useful objects that might reverse this attack.

-------------------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast
Spectral Hand
true seeing (expired)
water breathing (from murphy)
Freedom of Movement (from Murphy)
Moment of Prescience

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 1/6+1
L3: 0+1/6+1
L4: 3+1/5+1
L5: 2+1/5+1
L6: 1/4+1
L7: 1/4+1
L8: 2/2+1

misleads: 2

Passwall charge
wand of heroism

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday March 11th, 2021 12:13:16 AM
"Murphy! My arrows don't seem to be doing their full damage! Do you know anything about this devil and possible damage reduction?"

ooc: just to confirm, my bow bypasses any DR cold iron, silver, adamantine, or any alignment based DRs.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 3 + 1; HP 220/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), GMW, Water Breathing d20+31=48 ; d20+31=39 ; d20+27=45 ; d20+22=38 ; d20+17=30 ; d3+24=25 ; d3+24=25 ; d3+24=27 ; d3+24=25 ;
Thursday March 11th, 2021 12:47:14 AM
Reminder: Smite Evil bypasses any damage reduction. Also, his AC is boosted by 3 against the devil (4 with haste; headed updated). And I have been forgetting the +1 bonus to attack from Haste

"Hey, consent please!" says Kezzem as the devil grabs him with its tail. He full-attacks the devil's tail with his frost dagger.

+3 Frost Returning Dagger

Hasted Attack: 1d20 + 31 + 1 (Haste) = 49.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 = 25.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 31 + 1 (Haste) = 40.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 = 25.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 27 = 45.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 = 27.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 22 = 38.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 = 25.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 17 = 30. Miss.

Devil will also take 16 extra damage on the first strike to hit.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemntl AC 49/T28/F43(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 47 HP 180/214 d3=2 ;
Thursday March 11th, 2021 3:16:24 AM

"Wish I could answer that question, Hobes," Murphy replies. The druid casts Summon Nature's Ally IX. Next round those he summoned should appear, and be able to act.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+11=30 ; d20+22=32 ; d20+33=44 ; d20+33=42 ; d20+33=49 ; d20+33=36 ; d20+33=53 ; d20+33=36 ; d20+33=47 ; 3d6+22=30 ; 3d6+22=38 ; 3d6+22=32 ; 2d6+22=32 ; d6+22=23 ; d6+22=28 ;
Thursday March 11th, 2021 12:04:05 PM
Valerie's fear save: 30
Succotash's SR roll: 32

Seeing Kezzem grappled, Succotash activates his agile feet ability. (a free action) Ignoring the difficult terrain, he hustles over to his paladin friend, and casts Freedom of Movement on him, immediately breaking the grapple.

Meanwhile, Valerie goes full round ouch production on the devil:

left talon hits AC 44 for 30 damage
right talon hits AC 42 for 38 damage
divine talon hits AC 49 for 32 damage
bite hits AC 36 for 32 damage
left claw Nat 20 (36 for confirmation) for 23 damage (46 if confirmed)
right claw hits AC 47 for 28 damage

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 19/21
Agile Feet 12/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Heroism (50 min) 220/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Heroism (50 min) 2221300
Divine Power (+6, 2 temp HP) 14/18
Righteous Might (DR 10/evil) 15/18

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 106/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday March 11th, 2021 9:12:59 PM
Oh I forgot, Pressi gets a +3 to SR and DC as part of the spell (14 levels of cleric).

Also, sorry re Bliss. I posted the same time he did.

DM Kathy d20+18=28 ; d20+27=35 ; d6=6 ;
Thursday March 11th, 2021 9:46:10 PM
Bliss attacks! The creature has a very high armor class and some kind of damage reduction. Nevertheless, Bliss is able to inflict some damage. The devil is immune to poison, however. And, even with his very best effort, Bliss cannot grapple the devil, who does indeed have a CMD higher than 50.

Pressi heightens her caster level and attempts a Banish Immortal. She give her DM her SR bonus, but doesn't actually roll a check, and since DMs are not supposed to roll for players, that puts us in an awkward position. The devil would have made its Will save anyway, but please actually roll the check for future actions.

Hobie notes that the creature has damage reduction, and tries to figure out a way around it. [OOC: I looked at your character sheet, and all I'm seeing is a +5 weapon. Do you have a spell, or an ability or something that allows you to bypass DR?]

Kezzem goes to work with his dagger. He is -2 to attacks because he is grappled, so he hits twice. The first, smite-y hit does full damage [your smite in the last round did full damage as well].

Murphy begins a summoning spell.

Succotash makes his way to Kezzem and casts Freedom of Movement.

The remaining skirmisher does a Spring Attack on Bliss, hitting for 10 damage.

The devil concentrates for a moment (spell-like ability). Succotash, Valerie, Kezzem, Harper and Pressi need to make a DC 27 Will save or become paralyzed, freezing in place.

And the map.

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+20=34 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+20=37 ; d20+20=21 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+20=34 ; d20+20=33 ; d4+15=19 ; d4+15=17 ; d4+15=16 ; d4+15=17 ; d4+15=16 ; d4+15=18 ; d4+15=16 ; d20+27=42 ; d8+26=31 ; d6=6 ;
Thursday March 11th, 2021 11:05:39 PM
OOC: Just having plusses allows a weapon to cut through DR for many cases: Per the rules, a +5 weapon (or Bliss's +5 amulet, IIRC) cuts through cold iron, silver, admantine, magic, and alignment-based DR.

Bliss is amazed that his grapple failed! "Huh! Slippery devil!" he thinks to Mookie.

He decides to lash out again, ignoring the skirmisher.

His tentacles hit ...
ACs 34, 24, 37, miss, 29, 39, 34, and 33 for
19, 17, 16, --, 17, 16, 18, 16

His bite hits AC42 for 37 nonlethal plus the usual poison. Fort DC22, 1/rnd for 6 rnds; for 1d3 Str; cure 2 saves.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemntl AC 49/T28/F43(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 47 HP 214/214 d20+22=40 ; d20+22=39 ; d20+22=23 ; d20+22=36 ; d20+22=33 ; d20+17=29 ; d20+12=18 ; 2d6+12=21 ; 2d6+12=16 ; 4d6+18=33 ; 4d6+18=39 ; 4d6+18=32 ; d8=3 ; d8=2 ; d8=8 ; d8=4 ; d20+43=61 ;
Friday March 12th, 2021 12:23:32 AM

[As Succo, Kez & Pressi have Freedom of Movement, they may still roll the DC 27 Will save, but are not subject to paralysis. Unless Valerie and/or Harper have that spell, they will need to make the save]

Summoned Cloud Giant Attacks
Severe dice roller repetition. First roll for the male was fine - 2nd was fine, but then roll repeated 3 more times, when I really only needed 3 total d20+22 rolls (so forget the two extra d20+22 results).
Male cloud giant (slams): (Note: add 2 to effective AC hit if flanking rule applies, otherwise keep rolls shown below)
- AC 40: 21 hp
- AC 39: 16 hp
Female cloud giant (gargantuan morning star): (See flanking comment above)
- Morning star:
- - AC 23 (miss): 33 hp
- - AC 29 (miss?): 39 hp
- - AC 18 (miss): 32 hp
"We'll smash you to a red-black pulp, wing-ed devil," threatens the female cloud giant in giant-accented common tongue.

As he flies by just over the head of Valerie and slightly out of reach of the devil (flyby attack feat - though it covers any mid-movement standard action) Murphy casts cure critical wounds, mass for +35 hp each for all of his friends and allies, except for Hobie, who is just out of range (and who is at full hp anyhow). He continues his trajectory to end up slightly above the skirmisher.

=================
Perception: 61

Spells in effect:
Longstrider: 17 hrs 11.5 minutes
Water Breathing (from Succotash): 3 hrs 11.5 minutes
Foresight: 2 hrs 13.5 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 2 hrs 13.5 minutes
Heroes' Feast: 9 hours 43.5 minutes
Magic Fang, Greater: 11 hrs 9.5 minutes
Heroism: 19.5 minutes

Spells on others:
Freedom of Movement (Hobie): 2 hrs 11.5 minutes
Freedom of Movement (Bliss): 2 hrs 19.5 minutes
Freedom of Movement (Pressi): 2 hrs 42.5 minutes

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+31=50 ; d20+31=42 ; 2d6+25=33 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+50=59 ; 2d6+25=34 ; d20+31=46 ; d20+31=39 ; d20+26=34 ; d20+21=37 ; d20+16=17 ; 2d6+25=29 ; 2d6+25=34 ; 2d6+25=34 ; 2d6+25=35 ; 2d6+25=31 ;
Friday March 12th, 2021 4:40:11 AM
ooc: Weapons of certain enhancement bonuses automatically overcome DR.
https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/special-abilities#TOC-Overcoming-DR

Hobie keeps firing on the Devil (I didn't post last round because I was waiting on some kind of answer to the DR confusion, can I post attacks for last round and this one?)

Manyshot = 50 (Critical threat -confirmation roll = 42)
Piercing 33 + extra crit damage 59 = 92
Piercing = 34

Rapid shot = 46
Piercing =29

Haste = 39
Piercing =34

Iter 1 = 34
Piercing =34

Iter 2 = 37
Piercing =35

Iter 3= Nat 1
Piercing =31

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+31=32 ; d20+31=46 ; d20+31=32 ; d20+26=44 ; d20+21=30 ; d20+16=27 ; 2d6+25=33 ; 2d6+25=33 ; 2d6+25=37 ; 2d6+25=32 ;
Friday March 12th, 2021 4:42:34 AM
If you'll let me make up for the previous round

Manyshot =Nat 1

Rapid shot =46
Piercing = 33

Haste = Nat 1

Iter 1 = 44
Piercing = 33

Iter 2 = 30
Piercing = 37

Iter 2 = 27
Piercing = 32

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday March 12th, 2021 10:34:27 AM
(if you prefer paper over psfrd, that bit about enhancements and DR is on page 562 in the core rulebook)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+26=27 ; d20=18 ; 3d6+22=35 ; d20+33=49 ; d20+33=39 ; d20+33=43 ; d20+33=52 ; d20+33=37 ; d20+33=36 ; d20+33=38 ; 3d6+22=34 ; 2d6+22=28 ; d6+22=26 ; d6+22=28 ;
Friday March 12th, 2021 10:47:58 AM
Succotash will save 27 (barely made it)
Valerie has Freedom of movement, so she is immune but unless she rolled a nat 20 she would auto fail. (rolled 18)

Succotash feels his body start to stiffen up, but, by sheer force of will, is able to force back the effect. He sees Murphy's giant appear and decides to join in on the summoning fun and begins summoning an Augmented Ghaele Azata. Meanwhile, Valerie continues to attack the devil.

left talon hits AC 39 for 35 damage
right talon hits AC 43 for 38 damage
divine talon hits AC 52 for 34
bite hits AC 37 for 28 damage
left claw hits AC 36 for 26 damage
right claw hits AC 38 for 28 damage

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 19/21
Agile Feet 12/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Heroism (50 min) 220/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Heroism (50 min) 2221300
Divine Power (+6, 2 temp HP) 14/18
Righteous Might (DR 10/evil) 15/18

Augmented Ghaele Azata (CR 13)

CG Medium outsider (azata, chaotic, extraplanar, good, shapechanger)
Init +5; Senses darkvision 60 ft., detect evil, low-light vision, see invisibility; Perception +20
Aura holy aura

DEFENSE

AC 28, touch 16, flat-footed 26 (+4 deflection, +1 Dex, +1 dodge, +12 natural)
hp 162 (13d10+65)
Fort +19, Ref +11, Will +16
DR 10/cold iron and evil; Immune electricity, petrification; Resist cold 10, fire 10; SR 25

OFFENSE

Speed 50 ft., fly 150 ft. (perfect)
Melee +2 holy greatsword +24/+19/+14 (2d6+14)
Ranged 2 light rays +14 ranged touch (2d12)
Special Attacks gaze
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 13th)

Constant�detect evil, holy aura (DC 21), see invisibility
At will�aid, charm monster (DC 17), continual flame, cure light wounds, dancing lights, detect thoughts (DC 15), disguise self, dispel magic, hold monster (DC 18), greater invisibility (self only), major image (DC 16), greater teleport (self plus 50 lbs. of objects only)
3/day�globe of invulnerability
1/day�chain lightning (DC 19), prismatic spray (DC 20), wall of force

Spells Prepared (CL 13th)

7th�holy word (DC 21)
6th�banishment (DC 20), heal (DC 20)
5th�flame strike (DC 19), raise dead, true seeing
4th�death ward, dismissal (2) (DC 18), divine power, restoration
3rd�cure serious wounds (3), searing light (2)
2nd�aid, align weapon, bear�s endurance, lesser restoration (2)
1st�bless, command (DC 15), divine favor, obscuring mist, shield of faith
0 (at will)�detect magic, purify food and drink, stabilize, virtue

STATISTICS

Str 29, Dex 12, Con 24, Int 16, Wis 19, Cha 17
Base Atk +13; CMB +20; CMD 31
Feats Combat Casting, Combat Expertise, Dodge, Improved Disarm, Improved Initiative, Improved Trip, Lightning Reflexes
Skills Diplomacy +19, Escape Artist +17, Fly +25, Handle Animal +19, Knowledge (nature) +16, Knowledge (planes) +19, Perception +20, Sense Motive +20, Stealth +17
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ light form

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Gaze (Su)
In humanoid form, a ghaele�s gaze attack slays evil creatures of 5 HD or less (range 60 feet, Will DC 18 negates, shaken for 2d10 rounds on a successful save). Nonevil creatures, and evil creatures with more than 5 HD, must succeed on a DC 18 Will save or be shaken for 2d10 rounds. A creature that saves against a ghaele�s gaze is immune to that particular ghaele�s gaze for 24 hours. This is a mind-affecting fear effect. The save DCs are Charisma-based.

Light Form (Su)
A ghaele can shift between its solid body and one made of light as a standard action. In solid form, it cannot fly or use light rays. In light form, it can fly and gains the incorporeal quality�it can make light ray attacks or use spell-like abilities in this form, but can�t make physical attacks or cast spells. This ability otherwise functions similarly to a bralani�s wind form ability.

Light Ray (Ex)
A ghaele�s light rays have a range of 300 feet. This attack bypasses all damage reduction.

Spells
Ghaeles cast divine spells as 13th-level clerics. They do not gain access to domains or other cleric abilities.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 106/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+16=27 ;
Friday March 12th, 2021 1:28:18 PM
Pressi also just makes it to shake off any effects (and also has FOM)

She watches as the skirmisher continues to bounce around. "Wow, someone can't stand the lack of attention."

She casts suffocate on him with barely a glance and a hand wave (Fort DC 22).

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 3 + 1; HP 220/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB d20+20=23 ; d20+20=35 ; d20+20=26 ;
Friday March 12th, 2021 2:24:08 PM
SV Will: 1d20 + 20 = 23. Fail.

Ignore second and third rolls. Site was not being responsive so I kept clicking.

"Oh, you didn't like that, did you!" says Kezzem as he goes to stab the devil again...but freezes in place.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemntl AC 49/T28/F43(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 47 HP 214/214
Friday March 12th, 2021 5:17:11 PM

No, Kezzem does not freeze in place. Succotash earlier cast Freedom of Movement on him. So don't just do something, stand there!

I mean... thaw immediately - you are free to move, and shop, Kezzem.

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Friday March 12th, 2021 6:28:02 PM
Just for good measure, Octobliss spits out a little raspberry of ink at the skirmisher. [RP effect only]

DM Kathy d20=1 ;
Friday March 12th, 2021 10:03:03 PM
Octo-Bliss attacks--and misses every time.

Murphy heals his companions while the cloud giants attack! Mrs. Cloud Giant misses her attacks, but Mr. Cloud Giant hits and does damage.

Succotash just barely escapes being held in place, and decides to get in on the summoning act. Valerie continues to shred.

Pressi decides to do something about that irritating skirmisher. He begins to suffocate.

Hobie rains down death and destruction, and in the end it's too much for the demon to take. He poofs back to whatever hellish dimension he came from. [OOC: Sorry about the bonus thing; I could have sworn they changed that rule. Senility, yay!]

Kezzem freezes for a moment, but his Freedom of Movement ensures that he is not held in place. However, he doesn't need to do anything; the devil is defeated, the blind skirmisher has fled, and the remaining skirmisher is slowly suffocating.

Bliss sends a squirt of ink at his fallen foes. The battle is yours.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 3 + 1; HP 220/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Saturday March 13th, 2021 12:52:14 AM
"Oh, sorry, I guess I'm not paralyzed," says Kezzem. "I got confused there."

OOC: You know, I checked the spell description to see if it worked on paralysis. For some reason I didn't think it did despite it very explicitly saying that it does.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemntl AC 49/T28/F43(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 47 HP 214/214 d20+26=27 ; d20+43=47 ; d20+16=35 ;
Saturday March 13th, 2021 4:25:11 PM

Murphy scans the area, watches the last skirmisher flee the scene, and marks his direction of travel. He plans to follow shortly to hold a little discussion. He shoots up into the air about 300 feet to get a good territorial look around and freshen his geographical bearings (knowledge, geography: 35). After that quick moment of observation, he just as rapidly descends and says:

"Blessed be the heavens, we have thwarted their plans! Well done, well done all - and at the end we're not too badly scratched." He flies over to where the sahuagin priest was and takes a moment to search for remnants of the green container which loosed the devil. He asks for help from whoever wants to help. If he locates remnants of the green container, he'll turn them over to Succotash. "Hang on to these, would you? This is supposed to be Teucri-like technology. Perhaps the Sages will have an interest in it, and be able to tell us what they can discern. I'd had the impression it would be somewhat larger than it turned out to be. Devil in a bottle? Who'd have thought that?

He does not know at the moment just what kind of devil it was - but he plans to ask someone who might. Including those present. "Does anyone know just what sort of devil that was?" he asks his companions [who need to roll a knowledge, planes DC40 to know, unless they have an arcane or divine method of knowledge beyond that]. He commits the memory the images he took in of it for future artistic representation.

Then he sees the two cloud giants who answered his summons. "Thank you two for coming to help us against this fell foe. You are quite impressive in battle. What was that you said, Lady of the Clouds? 'We'll smash you to a red-black pulp, wing-ed devil'? I know many summoners simply dismiss those whom they have called with nary a thank you. But I, and my friends, are grateful you came. Here, let me show you what I look like when I'm not in elemental form." He goes out of wild shape from air elemental back to wet halfling, his 3'8" stature standing in 2 feet of water. "My name is Murphy, and we are called Humble's Sword, from Humble's Ford. Let me get you something." He takes out two pouches from within his haversack, and takes two pale blue gems from one of the pouches. "Here is a small token of our gratitude." He hands them the two gems (2 - 250gp sapphires), and the pouch which holds 100 gold pieces. "May the heavens show you good favor." He gives them a chance to respond should they choose, and asks if they would like him now to return them from whence they came.

"Someone want to check the gear of our foes?" Murphy asks. "I'd like to talk to the skirmisher, and give him a message to pass on to his people. Anyone care to join me?" he asks as he goes to retrieve his silk rope harness from where he dropped it earlier. He swims well, but nowhere near as fast as when a water elemental.

Also, relating to Murphy's territorial overview: How far are we from shore? And does the shore look to be different from where we launched from near Windhorn Hamlet? With his direction sense, Murphy should know whether we are north or south of where we started. Maybe he was even able to see the boat they left at anchor?

=========
Perception: 47 (to try to find remnants of the green container from which the devil was released)
Knowledge, the planes: 27/40 (to try to know what sort of devil this was)
Knowledge, geography: 35 (for territorial overview from a height of 300 feet)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday March 15th, 2021 10:33:50 AM
"Sure, I'll hold onto the remains of the device Murph!" Succotash says as he takes the pieces and stows them in his handy haversack, making sure to wrap them in his blanket if there are any sharp edges, to protect the lining, of his bag. As his new summoned friend arrives, he says, in celestial, "Thank you for coming so quickly, but the reason for your summoning is no more. We were fighting a nasty devil, and I thought one of your ilk would be a perfect counter to the evil beastie, however, my friends and I were apparently up to the task, and defeated it. The darn thing escaped to his home plane to avoid being finished off. By the way, you wouldn't know what kind of fiend it was, would you? Succotash then goes on to describe the devil, to the Ghaele Azata, allowing his friends to fill in any blanks he may have left out.

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 19/21
Agile Feet 12/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Heroism (50 min) 219/300
Summon Monster IX 18/18

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Heroism (50 min) 220/300
Divine Power (+6, 2 temp HP) 13/18
Righteous Might (DR 10/evil) 14/18

Augmented Ghaele Azata (CR 13)

CG Medium outsider (azata, chaotic, extraplanar, good, shapechanger)
Init +5; Senses darkvision 60 ft., detect evil, low-light vision, see invisibility; Perception +20
Aura holy aura

DEFENSE

AC 28, touch 16, flat-footed 26 (+4 deflection, +1 Dex, +1 dodge, +12 natural)
hp 162 (13d10+65)
Fort +19, Ref +11, Will +16
DR 10/cold iron and evil; Immune electricity, petrification; Resist cold 10, fire 10; SR 25

OFFENSE

Speed 50 ft., fly 150 ft. (perfect)
Melee +2 holy greatsword +24/+19/+14 (2d6+14)
Ranged 2 light rays +14 ranged touch (2d12)
Special Attacks gaze
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 13th)

Constant�detect evil, holy aura (DC 21), see invisibility
At will�aid, charm monster (DC 17), continual flame, cure light wounds, dancing lights, detect thoughts (DC 15), disguise self, dispel magic, hold monster (DC 18), greater invisibility (self only), major image (DC 16), greater teleport (self plus 50 lbs. of objects only)
3/day�globe of invulnerability
1/day�chain lightning (DC 19), prismatic spray (DC 20), wall of force

Spells Prepared (CL 13th)

7th�holy word (DC 21)
6th�banishment (DC 20), heal (DC 20)
5th�flame strike (DC 19), raise dead, true seeing
4th�death ward, dismissal (2) (DC 18), divine power, restoration
3rd�cure serious wounds (3), searing light (2)
2nd�aid, align weapon, bear�s endurance, lesser restoration (2)
1st�bless, command (DC 15), divine favor, obscuring mist, shield of faith
0 (at will)�detect magic, purify food and drink, stabilize, virtue

STATISTICS

Str 29, Dex 12, Con 24, Int 16, Wis 19, Cha 17
Base Atk +13; CMB +20; CMD 31
Feats Combat Casting, Combat Expertise, Dodge, Improved Disarm, Improved Initiative, Improved Trip, Lightning Reflexes
Skills Diplomacy +19, Escape Artist +17, Fly +25, Handle Animal +19, Knowledge (nature) +16, Knowledge (planes) +19, Perception +20, Sense Motive +20, Stealth +17
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ light form

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Gaze (Su)
In humanoid form, a ghaele�s gaze attack slays evil creatures of 5 HD or less (range 60 feet, Will DC 18 negates, shaken for 2d10 rounds on a successful save). Nonevil creatures, and evil creatures with more than 5 HD, must succeed on a DC 18 Will save or be shaken for 2d10 rounds. A creature that saves against a ghaele�s gaze is immune to that particular ghaele�s gaze for 24 hours. This is a mind-affecting fear effect. The save DCs are Charisma-based.

Light Form (Su)
A ghaele can shift between its solid body and one made of light as a standard action. In solid form, it cannot fly or use light rays. In light form, it can fly and gains the incorporeal quality�it can make light ray attacks or use spell-like abilities in this form, but can�t make physical attacks or cast spells. This ability otherwise functions similarly to a bralani�s wind form ability.

Light Ray (Ex)
A ghaele�s light rays have a range of 300 feet. This attack bypasses all damage reduction.

Spells
Ghaeles cast divine spells as 13th-level clerics.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 106/144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday March 15th, 2021 10:56:08 AM
"Well, you better talk to him fast before I crush the life force out of him," Pressi responds to Murphy. "But could you get me a snack first? Maybe something with chocolate."

She scans the room.

"Ok, fine." She dismisses the suffocation so they can talk to the skirmisher.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemntl AC 49/T28/F43(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 47 HP 214/214
Monday March 15th, 2021 12:49:08 PM

"Thanks, Succotash."

In response to his wife, Murphy reponds, "Chocolate? Sure. I keep it close to the top of my portable hole." He opens the device just enough to reach in, and to the left. It takes him a moment. He pulls out a pound of chocolate. "First piece for Pressi. Anyone else want a piece of chocolate?" He offers a little chunk to Succotash's summoned fellow.

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Monday March 15th, 2021 5:27:40 PM
Bliss sighs in relief and resumes halfling form.

"You guys, who has the artifact we came here for?"

DM Kathy
Monday March 15th, 2021 6:56:01 PM
Murphy looks for pieces of the artifact. You do find some, and they seem to be glass, so they're not only very small; they're also very sharp. You can keep looking if you like.

Murphy and Succotash thank and dismiss the beings they summoned. Before departing, the Ghaele Azata informs Succotash that the devil was a Pit Fiend.

Pressi scans the room, an impressive feat as you are outdoors. You dismiss the spell, and the skirmisher's gills begin working frantically. He is lying underwater, so if you want to question him you'll either need to join him down there or haul him up.

Bliss wants the artifact, but it was one of those "break glass to summon a devil" kind of artifacts, so it's mostly in pieces at the moment. Sharp pieces.

You are still in shallow water, about two feet deep. Since most of you are three-foot-something in halfling form, it's not super comfortable, but you can manage. Your sahuagin captive is clearly more comfortable underwater, which is where he is now. You are about 30 feet from shore, and you are not especially close to the fishing village where you launched into the bay.

Also, you are wet. And although it's a pretty mild spring day, the bits of you that are wet and exposed to the air are starting to get chilly, especially now that the heat of battle has worn off.

Oh, and many of your fallen foes have some pretty snazzy-looking gear.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB d8=6 ; d8=6 ; d8=1 ; d8=7 ; d8=5 ; d8=2 ; d8=1 ; d8=7 ; d8=3 ; d8=5 ; d8=8 ; d8=2 ; d8=8 ; d8=8 ; d8=7 ; d8=3 ; d8=7 ; d8=7 ; d8=5 ; d8=8 ; d8=2 ; d8=7 ;
Tuesday March 16th, 2021 12:59:08 AM
"I don't know what kind of fiend it was," says Kezzem. "A pit fiend? Well, now it's a stabbed fiend."

"Bliss, come her, let uncle Kezzem patch you up."

Wand of Cure Light Wounds
Healing: 6 + 1 = 7.
Healing: 6 + 1 = 7.
Healing: 7 + 1 = 8.
Healing: 5 + 1 = 6.
Healing: 2 + 1 = 3.
Healing: 7 + 1 = 8.
Healing: 3 + 1 = 4.
Healing: 5 + 1 = 6.
Healing: 8 + 1 = 9.
Healing: 2 + 1 = 3.
Healing: 8 + 1 = 9.
Total: 70

"You too Press."

Healing: 8 + 1 = 9.
Healing: 7 + 1 = 8.
Healing: 3 + 1 = 4.
Healing: 7 + 1 = 8.
Healing: 7 + 1 = 8.

Total: 37

"Don't forget me, Kezzem."
"No problem, Kezzem."

Healing: 5 + 1 = 6.
Healing: 8 + 1 = 9.
Healing: 2 + 1 = 3.
Healing: 7 + 1 = 8.

Total: 26

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday March 16th, 2021 9:50:25 AM
Hobie will fly down and start using Detect Magic to look around at the magic gear that he finds. He has a +31 Spellcraft for the purpose of identifying magic items

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday March 16th, 2021 10:44:05 AM
Succotash will help Hobie gather the goodies. he casts detect magic, as well, and if he finds any auras, he lets Hobie look it over, as he isn't the best at identifying things.

****************************************
Succotash's Daily stuff:
Channel Energy (9d6) 9/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Speak with Animals 19/21
Agile Feet 12/13

Succotash�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Heroism (50 min) 218/300

Valerie�s active spells:
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Freedom of Motion 180 min
Heroism (50 min) 219/300
Divine Power (+6, 2 temp HP) 12/18
Righteous Might (DR 10/evil) 13/18

Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemntl AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214 d20+32=41 ;
Tuesday March 16th, 2021 4:17:44 PM
[Brian/Kezzem: Thanks for giving the healing. Please note, on that topic, that after Murphy cast his mass cure light wounds, giving everyone back 35 hp, the only two people who still needed healing were: Bliss at 187/222 and Pressi at 141/144. So put most of those charges back into Kezzem's wand, except for 35 hp for Bliss, and 3 hp for Pressi. And read Murphy's posts, and Succotash's, so that you know you have freedom of movement when you do, and are cured when you are :-) ... I try to bold things that one or more fellow players should really know about. And perhaps if others read what what in Murphy's post, they also might have updated their hp in the headers [wink]. Also, get your piece of chocolate]

Regarding the chilly air, it does not bother Murphy at all, due to his handkerchief of comfort (as cloak, but slotless).

"Succotash has the green glass pieces of the artifact I found, and the rest of the artifact you should be able to find right over there," Murphy answers Bliss, "next to where the priest was standing. No doubt there are bits under the sand, so some digging will be necessary. I got maybe a quarter of the pieces, I'm guessing? Let's find all we can, for the sages. Who can do that while I talk to Chokey over here? Give what you find to Succotash for safe keeping."

"Thanks for checking for the magic items, Hobie & Succotash."

Murphy goes over by the recovering Sahuagin. "You want to join me on this, Pressi? You have certain skills I lack." He goes under the water to talk with 'Chokey'.

He waits for Pressi to join him, and if she needs to cast a spell or two for prep. Then, in Aquan, he says to the skirmisher, "Hey, rough day, no?" He pauses for any answer, then says, "You want to tell me about what you fellas thought that devil was going to do for you? And how did you figure out where it was to be found?"

===============
Sense Motive on Sahuagin: 41

Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemntl AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Tuesday March 16th, 2021 6:16:03 PM

[I meant, cure critical wounds, for 35 hp, on March 12th]

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday March 16th, 2021 10:52:11 PM
Bliss thinks it is a good idea to pick up all the fragments. The sages may find them useful. He works hard with Mookie to gather the bits.

Mookie is a natural at finding small shiny things.

DM Kathy
Tuesday March 16th, 2021 11:29:44 PM
Kezzem finishes up the healing, a process that would be much easier if people would remember to update themselves with the Powers of the Universe. But it all gets sorted out in the end.

Murphy continues to work on retrieving all the bits of the artifact, with help from Bliss.

Hobie and Succotash, meanwhile, look for treasure. You find:

3 Belt of Physical Might +2 (Str and Dex); 8 +1 short swords; 2 +1 chain shirt; Headband of Inspired Wisdom +4; +2 breastplate; Wand of Cure Serious Wounds; mw spear; Monk�s Robe

Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemntl AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Wednesday March 17th, 2021 1:40:20 AM

Murphy earlier explained to Bliss where to find the remaining shards, but did not do further collection himself. Rather he along with Pressi (and any others who are not otherwise occupied and care to join in) question this survivor, as outlined in the last paragraph of Murphy's prior post. Or does Pressi do something else? She has that chocolate bit, after all.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday March 17th, 2021 10:24:20 AM
Hobie will put away all the swords and belts that they'll eventually sell, and had the Wand of Cure Serious to Succotash.

"How many charges you think this thing has Sucker?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+9=22 ;
Wednesday March 17th, 2021 1:26:15 PM
Spellcraft: 22

"Let me see", Succotash begins to answer Hobie. If he is able to decipher how many charges are on the wand he will let Hobie know, if not, he will answer that he isn't sure. either way, he will stow the wand, in his handy haversack, for easy access when next needed.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday March 17th, 2021 2:03:27 PM
"I am marginally interested in asking our skirmisher," she replies. "You may be disappointed, though. They don't always give the grunts all the information."

She moves towards the skirmisher. "I share your desire to learn their plan, but I'm beginning to think they don't have one. Fear, cynicism, ego... Sometimes people just unleash the devil and don't think about the next step. They don't even know if they can trust their leaders, let alone the devil. They just think about their pain and what they were promised."

She signals for the skirmisher to stand up.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Wednesday March 17th, 2021 8:18:47 PM
13 charges added back to the wand. Now that you mention it, I do recall seeing that Kezzem was healed by Murph, but I forgot to update my HP. There's a lot to keep track when your making 8 attacks plus a rend per round.

"That's okay Press," says Kezzem. "I can't tell if you didn't tell me something or I just forgot about it. Now, tell me more about this magical flying skateboard!"

DM Kathy
Wednesday March 17th, 2021 9:58:42 PM
You collect the remaining pieces of the artifact--or at least, all the pieces you can find.

Succotash discovers that the wand is fully charged.

You turn your attention to questioning the prisoner. He is actually very forthcoming with information; it's just that what he says doesn't make a lot of sense.

There is a war raging between the sahuagin and the merfolk. It's been going on for some time, and you may actually have heard news about it here and there. The war isn't going well for the sahuagin. This group seems to be a bunch of separatist zealots who feel that the current sahuagin leadership isn't being aggressive enough. Their solution to this, apparently, was to find a device that would summon a devil and then something something ultimate glory and triumph. It really doesn't hold together, but try telling him that.

Which brings up the question of what you're going to do with this guy.

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday March 17th, 2021 11:04:23 PM

Bliss says, "Let him go. He is a sad pathetic defeated thing, and will trouble the Wold no more."

The halfling is sad that the group basically failed the quest, since the object was not retrieved before it was broken. Oh well.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Thursday March 18th, 2021 12:33:06 AM
"Wait, was that THE artifact we were trying to find, or just A artifact. Because, I mean, that devil guy was not exactly a lightweight, but I was expecting more end-of-the-Wold evil, because I just cast paladin on that guy and it was like super effective. We sure there's not an even bigger big bad evil guy we need to be worried about?"

Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemntl AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Thursday March 18th, 2021 2:28:09 AM

"Well, we could go back and check further in the ship, Kezzem, but I think that was it. It was a - pit fiend. Big scary leathery wings. I'm fairly certain it could have done us more harm, but we do tend to keep things busy. Like casting paladins at them."

Murphy concurs with Bliss. "Go home now. Here is a piece of chocolate. I don't know if you'll like it, but we do."

"I think an earth elemental might be good at sorting out the rest of the glassy bits." He changes into, of all things, a small earth elemental. Murphy spends several minutes using his abilities to find the rest of the shards. He's not terribly concerned about sharp silica. In time he gets most of the undiscovered pieces, and turns them over to Succotash. "I think this will have to do. The sages can puzzle over this broken vessel."

"Shall we return to the boat, then to Windhorn Hamlet, then to the sages? I know this may be a rarity - but I forget - is it The Float we are to go to next? Or Plateau City?"

"Maybe we can grab a souvenir off of the Lotophagi Splendor - the ship's bell? - before we return."

At the moment, he's open to options, no longer feels an urgency. He thinks about the bear who has come to dwell at the Sanctuary. It might be nice to spend some time in his company as a bear. "Can you change into a bear, honey?" he asks Pressi, seemingly out of the blue.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday March 18th, 2021 5:21:47 AM
Hobie holds Prowler out with a look of pride �Kezzem have you not figured out by now, the biggest and baddest artifact in all the Wold is right here. This bow, in this hand�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday March 18th, 2021 11:09:00 AM
Succotash says in response to Hobie's comment, "I don't know if Prowler is an artifact or not, but I know for certain that we Humble's Swords are one tough group of halflings, and though I've said it before, I still wouldn't want to be on the other side of our collective wrath!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday March 18th, 2021 4:58:33 PM
Pressi reluctantly lets the sahaugin go, no longer feeling angry towards him.

Pressi shrugs. "We got lucky. A thing like that's best move is to start raising like crazy."

Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemntl AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Thursday March 18th, 2021 8:10:51 PM
"Your Prowler is on it's way to legendary status, Hobie," Murphy smiles.

"Raising what, Press? Children? Welts? People from the dead?" Murphy inquires. "Fortifications? Contributions? Bread dough with yeast? Livestock? Roofs? Blisters? A ruckus? What exactly is it you think they ought to be raising?"

[A bit more later... gotta run.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday March 18th, 2021 9:21:29 PM
(Apologies, my child came in and I wanted to get the post in under the wire. Things are kind of tight.)

Pressi clears her throat. "What I meant to say is that a pit fiend usually starts summoning at an alarming rate. Almost as much as we could as a group.

"And yes, I say this as someone who can choke the life force out of someone with barely a thought: I got to get myself a bow someday."

DM Kathy
Thursday March 18th, 2021 9:42:06 PM
You discuss the recent battle. You did indeed do well, and if you hadn't been here, the pit fiend could have done a lot of damage. Not Wold-ending damage, true, but hundreds dead would have been a tragedy sufficient for everyday purposes.

Bliss suggests allowing the remaining skirmisher to go. Do you also allow him to keep his gear?

Murphy is able to find most pieces of the artifact.

You do need to report back to the Sages Guild. Their headquarters is in the Floating City. They have a significant branch library not too far away in Plateau City. Which one you choose to report to is entirely up to you.

You should probably get the boat back to the Windhorn Hamlet--it would be the polite thing to do--but you can get there by traversing the surface of Dragon Bay; there is no need to go underwater again unless you want to.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemntl AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Friday March 19th, 2021 1:29:10 AM

"Ah, ah, you were talking about the pit fiend. I thought you were talking about the sahuagin. Yes, that makes sense now that I understand ... what you meant!"

"Let's do this," says earth elemental Murphy. "I switch back to water elemental taxi form, get you all back to the boat. Then I take about six to ten minutes to hasten back to the sunken ship, and get that bell, or some souvenirs, then come right back. I'll catch up to however far you have sailed or rowed in that brief time, and we return to Windhorn and give the boat owner who was kind enough to let us use his vessel for a song one of the mementos I fetch.

"Then, somehow, off to the Float?"

Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemntl AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Friday March 19th, 2021 1:50:42 AM

"Oh - the fellow's gear? Let's relieve him of most of it, then send him on his way otherwise unharmed." Any party member who wants to can decide what 'most of it' may entail. Murphy changes back to halfling from earth elemental, gets his portable hole. changes into a huge water elemental, harnesses up, and is ready to haul his friends as soon as they are ready.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday March 19th, 2021 6:35:48 AM
"Sounds good to me, lets get to the Sage's Guild"

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Friday March 19th, 2021 7:41:42 AM

"Salvage anything else from the wreck, return the boat, visit the sages wherever it is our contact wanted to meet us, and have some bacon. Yup!"

Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemntl AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Friday March 19th, 2021 12:31:33 PM

Hearing Bliss, Murphy asks, "Shall we all revisit the Lotophagi Splendor for a better look, and take some items of significance? Then we can return to our borrowed boat, and so forth."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Friday March 19th, 2021 1:40:35 PM
"Yeah, I guess. We are a pretty badass group of halflings. I guess I just got my expectations as to what would happen if they actually summoned the thing before we could stop them. I guess stopping them after the fact was just as good."

"Press, I know I said this before, but sometimes you scare me," says Kezzem. "And the rest of the time you really scare me."

"Oh, the Sage Guild. That's right, we were supposed to sprinkle sage or something to keep it from coming back! Oh wait, not that kind of sage. We were supposed to sprinkle knowledgable-talky people on it! We got to go back and leave them Murphey!"

Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemntl AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Friday March 19th, 2021 5:12:06 PM

"Kezzem, I think you may also be some sort of artifact!"

The druid turns to the group. "All right, hearing no objections, we now are off to the Lotophagi Splendor. I'll do a quick internal mapping. You all can decide what souvenirs you want off the ship, and I may grab something, too. Then it's back to the surface the way we initially came. Much as I'd love to investigate the other wrecks, I shall refrain. If this does not suit you, speak now, or forever hold your peace."

[DM Kathy, if you want to wave a hand and let us know a few items of interest from the ship we might be interested in grabbing, and wave once more and have us back at Windhorn Hamlet, that could work! From a time-filling player, I don't want to stretch things too far for you. At Windhorn we can figure out how we're getting to ... the Float, or wherever. -Kim]

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Friday March 19th, 2021 7:35:25 PM
Kezzem gives Murphey finger-crossbows.

Wrapping Up

DM Kathy
Friday March 19th, 2021 10:40:49 PM
[Everybody take 90,000 XP for the previous scene.]

You decide to relieve the skirmisher of most of his gear, and wind up with a Belt of Physical Might +2 (Str and Dex); 4 +1 short swords; and a +1chain shirt.

You decide to stop by the Lotophagi Splendor again to see what you can salvage, and the answer is "not much." Unless you're into shipwreck memorabilia, there really isn't anything of value.

Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214 d20+43=50 ; d20+43=62 ; d20+43=54 ;
Sunday March 21st, 2021 3:37:05 AM

Among the 'not much' to salvage - well it's exactly shipwreck memorabilia Murphy is into at the moment. He wants to add bits of historical understanding where he might. If there is any remnant of a ship's log, he will take that. Ship's bell. Ship's wheel. Sextant? Compass? Brass lanterns. Brass or other metallic fittings. Personal items which have survived the effects of seawater. No more than about 15 minutes spent on the exercise. If others have ideas, go for it. *Note for DM below.

Once done with that light retrieval exercise, back to the topside boat, back to shore. To the one who let them use the boat for so small a price, Murphy pays an additional 100 gp, and gives one of the recovered brass fittings. "This is at the bottom of the bay, from the ship called the Lotophagi Splendor. Thank you for your kindness to us in lending us your boat, good man. You may have helped prevent a great deal of bloodshed."

If people of Windhorn ask, Murphy will give a brief recap of the highlights, leaving space for others to fill in where they will.

"So, folks, how now to the Floating City? Succotash, you have greater teleport, right? Hobie, teleport? Can we get ourselves and our critters over there? Or do we want to do a two-step, drop off some of us in Humble's Ford - I can take myself and four others via tree walking." By 'tree walking' he means transport via plants.

============
Perception, once per five minutes of ship search & trinket retrieval: 50, 62, 54 - Very good in first 5 minutes, wonderfully excellent in 2nd 5 minutes, quite good in 3rd 5 minutes, as far as discerning what may be found among the wreckage.

*Note for DM Kathy - If you figure some of the items listed would not have been found, let us know.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Sunday March 21st, 2021 9:44:23 PM
"I do have greater teleport available, as well as teleport. One casting of each to be exact. Where do we wish to head, the Float, or Plateau City? Both have Sage Guild branches, as well as many other locations. I've heard that the Tree of Parting even recently installed a branch. It doesn't matter to me which branch we decide to report to. That said, I can take up to six of us, so if the rest wish to join, either Hobie will have to help out, or you Murph."

OOC... As one of the DMs in Tree of Parting I can attest that they did in fact recently add a branch.

Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Monday March 22nd, 2021 12:44:40 PM

"I'd love to visit the Float, but don't know if they have any oak trees there. Tree of Parting - there have got to be oaks near there, I'd wager. Plateau City, no problem. Easiest, and most certain for me is Plateau. If Pressi comes with you, though, Succotash, she could take a look anywhere you end up and let me know of any oaks. Or take an oak feather token, and plant one for me to target to get the rest of us here. I mean, there.

"Which place, friends?" Murph asks for group counsel.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday March 22nd, 2021 3:45:31 PM
"Yeah, I have no problem with going with Succotash to the Float... though I assume we might just try and find out they have oaks.

"Don't forget, though, that we should return the boat. And we don't really need to race the clock right now. A couple of us could just sail or tow it."

Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Monday March 22nd, 2021 4:41:52 PM

"Oh, absolutely Pressi," agrees Murphy. "We return to Windhorn Hamlet with the boat, THEN we teleport. I guess to the Float, then. I'll give you the right feather token once we get to Windhorn."

DM Kathy
Monday March 22nd, 2021 7:03:22 PM
Murphy explores the wreck, and is able to retrieve the ship's bell (broken into two pieces), a lantern (covered in barnacles), and a leather-bound logbook (whose pages, alas, appear blank when they are finally dried out; the ink has completely washed away).

You talk about where to go next. You are inclined to visit the Float, but of course you have to return your boat first.

So, you make your leisurely way to the surface, and are eventually able to locate the boat. It's a nice day; no need to rush. By the time you bring it to shore, it is mid-afternoon and nobody has had lunch.

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Monday March 22nd, 2021 9:40:01 PM

"But, where were we supposed to meet those sages? Did we fail to establish that before we left? Ugh."

Bliss thinks for a bit.

"Maybe we can scry the sages and then message them to find out where they are?"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 12:24:41 AM
"We should report to the old talky guy who was annoyed by me," says Kezzem. "I want to annoy him some more."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 8:59:09 AM
Where ever you all decide, it makes no difference to me, but as far as oaks at the Tree of Parting, and the Float, I believe the Tree of Parting is a lone tree in the Izen plains, so unless it's an oak, and I don't believe it is, if the stories of it being a slumbering ent are true, and I'm not sure how they would feel at the Float if we just showed up and decided to plant a tree. Plateau City is not only the closest, we could walk there really, it may be the most prudent, but that's just my opinion.

Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 9:54:07 AM

"If one of us can use a scrying spell now, yes, Bliss, I think that the wisest course," Murphy concurs. "Sounds like Tree of Parting won't easily allow my mode of travel. Pressi, Bliss, anyone else - can you scry now? I could on the morrow, but not today. That's a point well taken about Plateau City, Succotash."

When they get to shore, Murphy moors the craft, tying it down. He does as described earlier - thanking the one who rented them the boat, and paying him 100 gp in addition to the paltry sum earlier asked.

"Let's eat lunch at Grog's," he suggests. "All of this swimming and fighting and flying and sailing has left me quite hungry."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 9:56:12 AM
"No worries about that broken bell Murph, first thing in the morning I'll prepare Make Whole and get that thing fixed right up for displaying. "

He will then take out his dagger and grab the lantern, and spend the time to pry off the barnacles while the boat travels.

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 1:51:05 PM
If Pressi wants to cast Scry, Bliss is happy to let her. If not, he'll cast it, though he might have to borrow her cauldron to do it.

"What, you don't even have a cauldron?" asks Mookie, incredulous. "You ARE a witch, right, Kid?"

Bliss blushes. "I used to have one around here somewhere."

[OOC: Either way, before the DM post, please consider that one of the witches has cast Scrying on the old seer, and Message to ask him where to meet him.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 3:01:11 PM
Pressi shakes her head at Bliss. Not that she uses a cauldron for scrying.

That's what the mirror is for.

As they wait for the warm up, Pressi points out that Grog's might take a while, even with mass transit. She does have some rations available if people want to eat now.

To Kezzem, "We are going to have to tell them we almost let a pit fiend loose on the world. Let's take it back a little bit, please."

Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 8:28:07 PM

"Great, Hobie! I was wondering about how to do that." Murphy is happy those things will be taken care of.

"It didn't take us that long to get out to where we anchored the boat, Pressi. It shouldn't take us that long to get back. Thanks for the rations offer, but Grog's has pretty good food, and I'd like something hot. Besides, part of our payment for the usage of the boat is to fill them in on what just happened out there."

"Kezzem, you want to take the lead in telling the story? Hobie, you fill in some details, then Mookie and Bliss can offer commentary. The rest of us will stuff our faces." He says all this with a smile, just joking with his friends.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Wednesday March 24th, 2021 12:03:37 AM
"Yeah, but we didn't unleash a pit fiend, and know he can't come back here for like 101 years or something," says Kezzem. "That's how those things work, right? Plus nobody else can use the artifact to summon him now, yes? So you could say...we did better than our original mission!"

"Yes, I will tell them story!" says Kezzem. "Wait, what are details?"

DM Kathy
Wednesday March 24th, 2021 11:08:24 AM
Bliss asks whether anyone remembers where you were supposed to report. Kezzem is looking forward to annoying Dean Winkmann some more.

There is some talk of scrying, but as you discuss the conversation you had with the sages, you remember they asked you to report to the Floating City, or to Plateau City if you couldn't make it to the Float.

That resolved, you repair to Grog's for a hearty meal. Over baked ham and fresh-baked bread, Hobie offers to restore the bell Murphy salvaged. You regale the folk at the tavern with the tale of how you defeated the Sahuagin. Pressi suggests being a bit circumspect about the whole Pit Fiend thing, but Kezzem insists that's the best part.

The people seem to enjoy the tale, and then (of course) there are rounds of drinks, and what with one thing and another, it's pretty late in the afternoon by the time you're ready to head to the Float.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday March 24th, 2021 2:23:24 PM
"I vote we spend the night here, then head out in the morning. I wish I could prepare teleport and greater teleport more then once a day, but alas the gods only give one casting of a domain spell per day. I should invest in a staff of teleportation or something one of these days. Since we were asked to head to the Float specifically, or Plateau City as an alternative, I guess we should head to the Float. If Hobie prepares teleport tomorrow, I can get 6 of us there with greater teleport, since I've never been there before, making sure Hobie is one of those 6, then use teleport to get Hobie and myself back, and Hobie can take the rest of us back, unless your able to cast greater teleport, or have been to the Float before, Hobie, then we can just do it in one go.

Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Wednesday March 24th, 2021 2:39:31 PM

Murphy enjoys the convivial banter and celebratory mood at Grog's Inn this afternoon. He pays for a round of drinks.

When time comes for the transportation routine, Murphy offers to stay behind to bring those whom Succotash cannot teleport. "You'll need to take Valerie with you. Anyone else, up to five besides myself, I can carry. Pressi - if you'll go with Succotash, and - oh, here is a tree feather token, in case they have no oaks of adequate size there. Anyway, find a fair-sized oak if they have any and tell me about it, or see if you can get permission to plant this one from the feather.

"And of course, we'll need to find out what level the Sages' Guild is on.

"So, I'll be ready when you let me know.

"Who will go with Succotash? Valerie and Pressi for certain. Who will tree travel with me?"

Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Wednesday March 24th, 2021 2:45:37 PM

[We posted the same time, I didn't see Succotash's until mine was up.]

"Succotash, I wouldn't mind staying here overnight, but so long as you have the one Greater Teleport, what I described can let us be off now," says Murphy. "Let's do it that way, all right?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday March 24th, 2021 9:28:52 PM
"I also would not mind getting to the float as soon as I can. And the plan is a sound one."

Regardless, Pressi takes some time to walk around, and to get a bit of fresh air. If anyone else is outside Grog's, she nods politely. Otherwise, she mostly keeps to herself.

She simply cannot shake the feeling that this was not a win, though she can't quite articulate why. Maybe, deep down, she found the fight too easy herself. Or maybe because today was a day she remained in the back.

She wondered what the Sage's would say about the shipwreck. It was uncovered by the events of the Sargrass, and she wondered if they would bring that up... and the team's own part. Or the part about the ongoing war. Maybe that was why she felt things were... unfinished.

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday March 24th, 2021 11:13:07 PM
Bliss likes it here and gorges on any sweet desserts.

"We can go in the morning," he says.

The next morning, we can either greater telep or shadow walk to the Float.

Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Thursday March 25th, 2021 12:58:34 PM

"So, two votes for now, and two votes for tomorrow. I've already laid out how now is possible," Murphy says. "Bliss prefers tomorrow. Succotash suggests tomorrow. I'm fine either way. Kezzem? Hobie?" Then he adds, "This is a nice town. Maybe one of the Grey Knights may show up."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday March 25th, 2021 4:41:07 PM
I'm down for tomorrow.

First thing in the morning, Hobie will prepare Make Whole along with his other spells and he'll cast in on the bell.

Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Thursday March 25th, 2021 5:09:27 PM

"Very well, let us enjoy this town until the morrow. Pressi, want to walk with me out to see the Sentinel Head by the water? Used to be, when dragons ruled Dragon Bay, every year people would gather and in a ceremony collectively share their, I don't know what, exactly - energies? Spiritual strength? Whatever - and this would infuse the Sentinel Head with renewed power to keep the Dragons from encroaching on the land where this town lies.

"If any care to join us, please do. Along with the Sentinel - which they say floats just above a concave stone pillar - is a statue raised in honor of the group of adventurers who helped to turn back time after sahuagin attacked the Sentinel celebrants just as the ceremony began, and stole the head. They managed to get it to a place on the other side of the bay - or to an island? I'm not sure. But those adventurers managed to recover the head, bring it back, renew the ceremony, and protect Windhorn Hamlet anew. There may be something about Marteus mixed in there, too, though I'm rather hazy about that part of the story."

He asks the farmers how the crops are doing. He offers to cast plant growth to help ensure a good harvest over the coming year. "I'll do that in the morning, before we cast off."

And, in the morning, he will offer the transport via plants services as described in a prior post, once the first group goes and a target oak tree is identified on the Float via Pressi-gram.

DM Kathy
Thursday March 25th, 2021 6:26:48 PM
You discuss various options for getting to the Floating City. You decide you really aren't in a hurry, and a night in Windhorn Hamlet might be nice, so you secure rooms at the inn and head out for a little sightseeing.

The next day, you get yourselves to the Floating City. Your DM doesn't have a lot of experience with the Float, but we'll say the Sage's Guild is on the Gold Level until somebody comes along and tells us otherwise. There's also a WLA branch on this level, and an entrance to the Catacombs.

You do need to report to the Sages, of course, but perhaps some of you have other errands you'd like to run as well.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Thursday March 25th, 2021 6:43:01 PM
"Hey Murph, let's do a test run," says Kezzem. "I'm thinking something like this:

"'Good news, everybody! Remember that evil devil summoning artifact? Well, they summoned it, but don't worry, because we (and by we I mean mostly me) stabbed him until he went back to where he came from. Also, the artifact is in pieces, so nobody will be using that again! And if my WLA correspondence course has taught me anything, he's like banished from our realm for 100 years, so you're welcome!'

"Was that annoying enough, or should I work on it some more?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday March 25th, 2021 9:46:32 PM
Pressi is polite enough to stop wandering alone and join Murphy.

------------------------

The next morning is the usual routine. Daily rituals, capture of wold's blood, eye rolls at the planning, and preparations to meet with the Sage's Guild.

There will also need to be time for WLA training and it may be time to look over the collected loot.

Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Friday March 26th, 2021 3:59:54 AM

"Marvelously annoying, Kezzem. Do it just like that," Murphy answers his friend.

He has a drinking contest with Bliss. After one drink he says, "You win!"

When they arrive where the Sentinel statue stands, the druid walks around it twice. "This long protected this place, and helped keep a spirit of unity among the people." Then over to the statue of eight figures looking out across Dragon Bay. "These were, according to the fellow who invented Bill's Pants o' Plenty, those who gave their lives in protecting and defending the Sentinel. adventurers Borbo Pastna, Galahad Quivelio, Branze Bones, four of the militia men who fought off the sahuagin, and a cleric Bill knew a very short time, Ahkum Ellison." After a few moments of silence, he adds, "I think Marteus was somehow tied up in part of it, but Bill was not very forthcoming on all that part."

In the morning Murphy prays, changes up his spell selection [I'll get to that this weekend on his CS], casts plant growth to enhance local crops for the next year, does his part in group transport [DM Kathy - did Pressi need to plant an oak tree, or was there one there already? -Kim]

And... Floating City! Murphy asks around. "Is there some sort of map or guide to the city we can get hold of?" he asks about - oh, there's the Woldian League of Adventurers - they should surely know. He walks in and asks, displaying his WLA emblem, "Where can we find the Sages' Guild here in town?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday March 26th, 2021 9:39:51 AM
In the morning, Succotash, after an hour of prayer and spell preparation, takes his friends, via greater teleport, well 6 of them anyway, to the Float. He tries to get as close to the Sage Guild library as possible, but since he's never been there before, close is up to the DM's interpretation. He marvels as he looks about the legendary floating city, and makes a mental note to find out how the whole thing floats.

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Friday March 26th, 2021 1:47:32 PM

Bliss looks around in confusion. "How did I get in a drinking contest? I swore that stuff off after losing a drinking contest to those dwarves!"

He looks in his glass. "Is this a milkshake drinking contest? I'd be up for that?"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Friday March 26th, 2021 4:18:03 PM
"I dunno, you're not rubbing your head in frustration," says Kezzem. "I'll workshop it a little more."

Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Friday March 26th, 2021 6:22:04 PM

"Yes, Bliss, milkshake drinking contest, indeed," Murphy responds with gusto. "And I won't stop at just one!"

When Kezzem talks about workshopping his report on their latest adventure, Murphy rubs his head in frustration, and even pulls out three hairs. "Now, Kezzem, SEE what you made me DO!!"

DM Kathy
Friday March 26th, 2021 10:27:55 PM
You don't need to plant any trees in the Floating City; they have trees and anyway you had enough Teleportation spells to cover everyone.

You check in at the WLA and learn that the Sages Guild is fairly close by. You head in that direction, as Kezzem workshops ways of telling the tale.

The Sages Guild is a large, impressive building. You state who you are and why you're there, and are escorted into a parlor of sorts, and asked to wait until you can be seen. The parlor is equipped with comfortable furnishings, a decanter of wine and several glasses, and of course lots of books.

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Friday March 26th, 2021 11:56:54 PM

Bliss greets the sages when they arrive and tells them all about the quest for the artifact. He dwells a bit more on the exciting parts than the sages want to hear, maybe, but covers all the main points.

"And here's the shards! Maybe we can Make them Whole?"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Saturday March 27th, 2021 2:38:53 AM
"So we found these shark-men, and they had shark mounts, and I was all why-didn't-we-polymorph-Rumpus-into-a-shark-mount, but Pressi suggested a flying skateboard instead so I could jump over the sharks. Then we found the priest, and we were all "You won't summon a pit find," and he was like, 'Do you seriously think I would explain my master stroke to you if there were even the slightest possibility you could affect the outcome? I summoned it 35 minutes ago.� ' And then I stabbed him a bunch of times--the pit fiend, not the priest--and I killed him so hard I sent him back to hell, and he won't be able to come back to the Wold for 100 years. And the priest was then all like, 'Oh no, you foiled my plans,' only not, because he was, you know, also dead. Also, the artifact sort of got destroyed or something. So...you're welcome."

Kezzem gives the sages two thumbs up.

Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Saturday March 27th, 2021 3:45:44 PM

Murphy adds his own brief comments to fill out the tale, with a good deal higher degree of accuracy than Kezzem's colorful spins. He agrees that the paladin's rendition is highly amusing, if counterfactual at points.

"I'd like to see if I can study what the sages know about the capabilities and nature of pit fiends, as well as other devils and demons. I think we may encounter more as time unrolls."

He also sketches a series of maps showing the route to the ship, noting other ships along the way, the narrow passageway, and the alternative route to the surface they took in pursuit of the cleric and artifact. He also sketches the ship from several perspectives. "For your archives," he says. Then he makes two more sketches of Humble's Sword, first battling the sahuagin and sharks, and second the sahuagin cleric, skirmishers, and pit fiend. "Also for your archives." He plans on painting a full-on triptych later showing elements of the whole underwater journey.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Saturday March 27th, 2021 8:22:39 PM
Pressi finds herself equally drawn towards the wine and the books. Eventually, she makes her way towards both.

Thinking about Bliss' and Murphy's drinking contest is enough for Pressi's eyes to roll but she keeps quiet about it.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday March 29th, 2021 11:02:38 AM
Not being much of a scholarly type, Succotash pours himself a glass of wine and takes a seat. He nearly snorts a drink of wine, out of his nose, as Kezzem gives his rendition of the ordeal, due to laughter. "Kezzem,you know, that was a much more entertaining version that what really happened, maybe you should try describing our adventures together in a book. You know, part history, part comedy, part embellished truth. You could create a whole new genera of writing, and call the books dime novels, whatever a dime is."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Monday March 29th, 2021 7:22:15 PM
"Writing sounds too much like work to me," says Kezzem. "Plus, you get locked into a particular version, and then someone comes by and say what you wrote here contradicts what you wrote a year ago. I prefer to contradict myself midsentence!"

"Also, do you think it was weird that the shark men had shark mounts? I mean, I guess not. That would be like us having monkey mounts."

"Hey guys, we should totally have monkey mounts!"

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Monday March 29th, 2021 11:10:08 PM

Bliss pours himself a small glass of wine. In fact, he pours for everybody.

"Let us raise a toast," he says. "To friends both sage and humble!"

"Well that covers me," croaks Mookie. "But what about you losers?"

DM Kathy
Monday March 29th, 2021 11:34:35 PM
While you wait in the parlor, you avail yourselves of the wine, but are less interested in the books.

After a time, a page comes and escorts you to a a neat, precise office where Dean Winkmann sits behind a desk, with Scholar Alree standing by his side.

"Ah, you have returned," Dean Winkmann says. "Do you have the artifact?"

You explain. Well, Bliss explains, Kezzem embellishes, and Murphy provides visual aids.

"A thorough report," Berg says, looking a little dazed.

Dean Winkmann looks unimpressed. "How adventurers ever accomplish anything I shall never know. I have never heard such undisciplined ravings."

"But," Berg says, clearly trying to keep the peace, "the artifact is no longer a threat, and that was our ultimate goal."

"Our ultimate goal, Scholar, was to study it!" the Dean retorts. "Nevertheless, it is gone now. Perhaps you would be good enough to describe what you saw when the artifact was activated?"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Tuesday March 30th, 2021 1:05:36 AM
"I saw a big horny guy getting stabbed with daggers," says Kezzem unhelpfully.

Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Tuesday March 30th, 2021 2:47:12 AM

"I had imagined the artifact might have been something larger, easily discernible," Murphy weighs in. "Instead, the sahuagin cleric had it hidden among his robes. Perhaps 30 seconds into combat - I'll tell you, some of us were trying to figure out where the artifact was - he pulled out some sort of orb of green glass, somehow broke it, and the pit fiend was released. Since the glass shattered, and was kicked around in the sand of the foot-deep water during battle, we likely did not manage to recover every last speck. We tried. Succotash, can you pull out the bag which holds the fragments?"

"Ah, and to describe what happened? Hobie was peppering the priest with his potent arrows - which do a fair bit of non-lethal damage. The cleric seemed to be wavering under the assault, beginning to crumple. Yet just before he slipped into unconsciousness, he pulled out the green globe and smashed it."

Elaborating, he continues, "There was a tremendous roar, and suddenly a devil loomed over the unconscious priest. His wings were aflame. Malice smoldered in his eyes. It took several attacks on our part to take down the pit fiend. I am glad it did not choose to summon additional infernal forces against us."

"So, good sages, you have the artifact now to study. At least the shards which remain from it. Perhaps you might have done better than us had you faced the sahuagin and devil, since you are far more disciplined than you esteem us." Despite Murphy's generally irenic disposition, the druid does not care for Dean Winkmann's disrespect for what they went through. Granted, he muses internally, the dean's description may be fitting as regards Kezzem.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday March 30th, 2021 9:37:27 AM
At Murphy's request, Succotash produces the shards of the device. "Careful, they're sharp!", he says as he hands them over to the sages. He's miffed that the Dean would rather study the device then see it destroyed and a have it's threat nullified. He stands up on his chair, so he can look Dean Winkmann in the eye and says, "Listen hear you over educated stick in the butt! We risked our lives to deal with this threat, and if we or another more powerful adventuring group hadn't been there, there would have been great loss of life, because eventually the fish dudes would have released that pit fiend on the Wold, and the carnage would have been horrible! If you think you could have done better, than next time get off you rump and go do it, but if things go sideways, don't come crying to us!"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Tuesday March 30th, 2021 1:17:08 PM
"And if you wanted ramblings naned, why did you hire us!" adds Kezzem. "Inane ramblings is right there on our business card! Humble's Sword: Do you need the services of a creepy Witch, a talkative Druid, a dinosaur Priest, a magic archer, a really cool and handsome paladin, and whatever Bliss is? Then call us! Inane ramblings are our specialty."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday March 30th, 2021 1:49:19 PM
Pressi gives Kezzem a sidelong glance. "We prefer to be called edge stylish."

Another sidelong glance goes to Succotash. "Settle down. Our good friend is entitled to his feelings and I agree that we could have taken fewer risks, being unacquainted with the technology. A potential hair trigger might have been a nice warning. At any rate, what's done is done.

"And if you think I would have ever allowed you to even glance at a pit fiend releasing device with a hair trigger, let alone figure out how they did it, then let me assure you that you are crazier than I am. No offense. I just have this weird hangup about letting world ending weapons just float about with questionable people who find them too interesting, and quite enough spells to make sure my opinion is heard. So..." She keeps an eye on the Dean. (Back to Kezzem: "Style.")

That said, Pressi backs down and gives the best description that she can, and some rather pointed questions of how anything that can summon a pit fiend can possibly fit in someone's pocket.

DM Kathy
Tuesday March 30th, 2021 9:50:19 PM
Murphy describes what happened, and then Succotash speaks his piece and things get contentious. Kezzem delivers a few pithy comments on the nature of adventurers, and Pressi points out that she wouldn't have let them play with such a dangerous toy anyway.

There is some yelling, and blustering, and Berg's attempts to smooth things over fail miserably.

After a rousing discussion, you are escorted from the premises.

"Thank you for your help," Berg says. "Sometimes 'talky guys' get too caught up in the pursuit of knowledge, and forget about real-world consequences. I, for one, am glad you were able to stop the pit fiend."

And with that, your mission is complete. You are in the Floating City, and there is a Catacombs entrance here, as well as a WLA branch. And probably a tavern or two. What would you like to do next?

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday March 30th, 2021 11:15:11 PM

Bliss suggests that maybe a make whole spell could put the pieces back together.

He thanks the sages for their hospitality.

=====

Bliss has a great idea!

"We're here in the Big Float! You can use the great teleportal to go to the South Continent! I think we should go to Hook City to look around, and maybe meet the Iron Dragons!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday March 31st, 2021 9:25:21 AM
"I think heading south would be fun, Bliss! though I must confess I've already met many if not all of the Iron Dragons at the Giggling Ghost, I did attend their retirement party after all."

Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Wednesday March 31st, 2021 6:03:11 PM

"Well, there is someone I hoped to meet in the South Continent. We were chatting in the Giggling Ghost back at Yuletide," says Murphy. "Meanwhile, though, I need to check in at the WLA. Training, anyone? What would you like to do, edge stylish wife?"

DM Kathy
Wednesday March 31st, 2021 10:31:59 PM
You discuss possibilities. A jaunt to the Southern Continent? A quick look-in at the WLA? Epic pub crawl?

Soon enough, you'll be back to the serious business of adventuring, but for now, your time is your own.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday March 31st, 2021 11:12:27 PM
�Somehow, I get the feeling that there�s time before our next job,� Pressi replied. �I have no problem with seeing some sights this time. Southward it is.�

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Thursday April 1st, 2021 12:31:19 AM
"I still don't know what those guys have to do with sage," says Kezzem.

Murphy (KimMc) Water Elem --> Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 214/214
Thursday April 1st, 2021 1:23:56 AM

"Very well. I need to spend a few hours here at the WLA. It might be nice to have the electrum tour of the Float - you know we can go into the Giggling Ghost here, right? I'd love to enter through the front door at least once. How about a day on the Float, and in the morning, southward?" Murphy asks the team.

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Thursday April 1st, 2021 2:09:46 AM

"Well sure, do let's catch up on our training."

Mookie pecks at Bliss.

"Oh yeah, and we have loot, right? Somebody wanna volunteer to drop it off at the Catacombs and share the proceeds around?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday April 1st, 2021 11:16:10 AM
"Murph, that's a great idea! I've never been here before myself, and would love to see what makes the Float tick, so lets check out the city today, and shoot south in the AM!"

DM Kathy
Thursday April 1st, 2021 10:22:59 PM
You come up with a tentative plan, and spend the afternoon seeing the wonders of the Floating City. Some of them are here on the Gold Level, so you drop in at the WLA, then head to Silverwing's Palace of Lavation for sumptuous baths.

You head up to the Open Air level to see the temples and the parks, and gawk for a while at the Black Dragons' castle. Then you head down to the Fence level to visit the Wold-famous Giggling Ghost.

It is late by the time you make your way to your inn, but you have had a very full and interesting day.

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Thursday April 1st, 2021 11:48:27 PM

Bliss orders a famous Flaming Green Gnomish at the Giggling Ghost!

He does not remember much of what happened after that.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday April 2nd, 2021 9:55:20 AM
At the Giggling Ghost, Succotash looks around and says, "So this is what it is like to enter through he front door!" He heads to the bar, following Bliss's lead, Succotash orders a Flaming Green Gnomish.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday April 2nd, 2021 2:34:46 PM
(sorry to be MIA, I had a nasty virus and should have asked for a sub but it was out of mind)

Hobie will run along with the group, exploring the city

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday April 2nd, 2021 6:17:21 PM
Pressi cracks open her flying broom for much of the sightseeing, getting a rather rare view of the city.

DM Kathy
Saturday April 3rd, 2021 11:59:08 AM
After a fun day of exploring, and a fun night of....well, after the Green Gnomishes you're not quite sure, but you get the feeling it was epic. Anyway, after that, you wake to a new day in the Floating City. You get the sense that your next adventure is just around the corner.

[Everybody take 15,000 XP for this last scene. It's been a pleasure being your DM.]

The Amazing Chase

Sometimes the Scab picks you

DM Mitch
Monday April 5th, 2021 7:55:36 AM
As the party starts to get up the next day you have a surprise visitor, Berg from the Sages guild. "Oh good you haven't left yet. We have a client who asked for our help but our efforts proved futile. Perhaps you might have more success, would you be willing to hear them out?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday April 5th, 2021 9:47:38 AM
Succotash looks at Berg for a moment, does his best to shake the flaming green gnomishes, from the night before, out of his head, then says, "Since it's you and not that stick in the you know where, Dean Winkmann, asking, please come in, and we will see if there is anything we can do to help.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday April 5th, 2021 1:28:32 PM
Pressi continued her daily rituals as Berg entered the room. "Please, tell us what's on your mind."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Monday April 5th, 2021 5:46:07 PM
"Hi Berg," says Kezzem. "If Dean Winkmann was complaining that someone moved all his furniture by like an inch, I promise it was not me that did. Bliss helped."

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Monday April 5th, 2021 10:59:37 PM

"I dreamt I was playing chess by moving giant pieces around on a magic board!" says Bliss, trying to reconstruct yesterday's events after the flaming gnomishes. "And when I woke up, my pillow was gone."

Mookie just puts his head under his wing.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday April 6th, 2021 1:30:38 AM
"Sure. We've certainly got time enough to come and listen to their request."

Hobie will follow Berg

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP
Tuesday April 6th, 2021 2:49:26 AM

Murphy passed on information to the WLA. He enjoyed touring the city with his wife, his friends. He took exactly one sip of a Flaming Green Gnomish, just so he knows what it tastes like. And does not know if he ever will try another.

"Because you ask, good man, we will listen. And despite his gruff and tone-deaf ways, I still respect the Dean and his pursuit of learning. I just don't take kindly to him insulting my friends. Can we get breakfast there? Or shall we do that before we come over?"

DM Mitch
Tuesday April 6th, 2021 6:56:35 AM
Succotash looks at Berg for a moment while trying to shake the flaming green gnomishes off. He�s open to hearing what Berg had to say as Berg is not Dean Winkmann.
Pressi continues her daily rituals and ask what is on his mind.
Kezzem promises it wasn�t all him that moved the furniture in Dean Winkmann�s office as Bliss helped.
Bliss explains he dreamt he was playing chess while moving pieces around a giant board. Mookie just hides his head.
Hobie says they have the time and follows Berg.
Murphy had enjoyed time with his wife and friends. He has precisely one gnomish and is uncertain if he will ever have another. He tells Berg they will hear what Berg has to say and that he respects the Dean despite his gruff ways he just doesn�t enjoy his friends being insulted. He asks if they can get breakfast there or should they eat first.

Berg says, �Yes, well the Dean means well, he just is a little misanthropic. He�s fun at parties once you get a few drinks into him. I apologize for any insult he proffered. Anyhoo, as to your question on breakfast as luck would have it we will be meeting the clients at a Dwarvish restaurant on the Merchant level. Come on.�

The Merchant level is a bustling even at this early hour. Berg leads the party through crowded main streets through eventually a less crowded side street to a moderate sized building carved from stone with a metal roof. The sign on the place is in Dwarvish. Dwarvish: Highlight to display spoiler: {The Melting Pot}

Berg ushers the halflings into the restaurant which is mostly empty aside for a large party of Dwarves on the far side of the restaurant and 2 Dwarves seated at a large table on the near side of the restaurant, looking like they are waiting for someone.

Berg leads you to the table with 2 Dwarves. One is male with a long amber beard, keen grey eyes, and a hook nose. He is wearing fine clothes and a breastplate.

The other is female. She has long black hair, kind green eyes, and a nose resembling a rather large button. She too is wearing finery but no armor.

The male Dwarf calls out, �When you said the adventuring party you were recommending was a bunch of halflings I figured meeting at a restaurant to discuss business would be a good idea. I hope you all are hungry. Well met, my name is Mafrid Steelbeard.�

The female Dwarf says �and I�m Vokwabyrn Smeltshaper. I co-own the Red Rock foundry with Mafrid here. We can discuss business later. I�m assuming you are all hungry?�

The restaurant staff bring out bowls of porridge all around to start with. While everyone is staring on that they then start bringing out plates containing things like a stack of thick flat bread, spicy sausages, large rashers of bacon, eggs scrambled with mushrooms, a potato casserole with a strong yet surprisingly sweet cheese, large stacks of pancakes, and cinnamon rolls.

To drink there is ale, goat milk, coffee or water. The ale and coffee are strong
.
After everyone has their fill, Madrid says, �Now to business. As Vokwabyrn said we co-own the Red Rock foundry in the Scab. We are a somewhat newer foundry and we are pioneering new techniques of metallurgy. Unfortunately as of late someone has been robbing our shipments of one of our most precious newest alloys. It is a proprietary mixture of steel and mithril that is stronger, lighter and more durable than normal steel but not as expensive as straight mithril. If its use catches on it could revolutionize the industry. Unfortunately we can only produce the alloy in small batches now but there is a decent amount of interest. However, the robberies are delaying orders to our clients and we have to eat the losses. We are a relatively new foundry as we�ve stated. We can�t continue operating in this way. If things keep us as they are we won�t be able to continue to operate. We tried to hire Berg to scry on our missing shipments but he came up empty. He mentioned that your group had just done a great service for the Mage�s Guild and we were hoping that you could help us too.�

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday April 6th, 2021 10:34:19 AM

Bliss bows low upon meeting the dwarves and says in flawless dwarven, "Let us remember the faces of our fathers as we are met in honorable camaraderie. It is a great pleasure to meet you both. I am Bliss, son of Vauhwyt, at your service."

He repeats his words in common and invites his friends to introduce themselves.

Bliss is a merry fellow, very young for a halfling adventurer. He's dressed in bright colors, obviously well bedecked in magical gear. Staff-sling and buckler, but no armor.

At his side is a raven as big as he is (both small), who Bliss introduces as Mookie. The raven is dressed in a crisp white vest and a little white top hat. A bandolier of potion bottles and an amulet shaped like a hand completes his ensemble.

The bird looks at the spread and declares, "Waiter, there's no fly in my soup!"

"It's not a good soup unless there's flies," Mookie says, in an aside, to Vokwabyrn.

Bliss has his mouth too full of bacon to comment.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday April 6th, 2021 10:44:10 AM
As Succotash reads the sign, he says, more to himself than anything else, "The Melting Pot, a proper name for a dwarven establishment. This should be good!"

Succotash is a handsome halfling in his mid 30s. He wears green clerical robes over the top of his mithril breastplate. By his side is his trusted friend and battle partner, Valerie. Valerie is a velociraptor that wears mithril breastplate barding, and a pink bow on her head. The pink bow is actually a slotless cloak of protection,

After he is introduced he says, dwarven, "Well met, Mr Steelbeard, and Miss Smeltshaper. You have us figured out, we have been known to put down more food that a band of Minotaurs. if you need help with the bill just ask."

Succotash then goes to town on breakfast, eating his impressive fill of the banquet, making sure to toss Valerie a sausage or five, as well as a few rashers of bacon. As he's eating, he says, "The only people I know who can put out a banquet as good as us halflings are you dwarves! We are the only races I know of that truly honor food and drink!"

After breakfast is over, and the dwarves share their story, Succotash says, "Of course we will help if we can. Do you have any clues at all, or at least can you take us, or direct us to the last known location of the missing shipments?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday April 6th, 2021 1:02:38 PM
"If I might be frank Mr. Steelbeard and Ms. Smeltshaper, with all due respect, we are typically used to dealing with potential Wold ending threats. I'm not sure some stolen metals really qualify for our services. I'm by no means the leader of the group, so I don't speak for everyone, but I think as far as pro bono work goes, there are needier people out there in the Wold than your business.

I do have a proposal though, should my friends think it worthwile as well.

We have talked of late about the idea of settling down and founding a new town when we retire. If we should help you, would you repay us by signing a contract to open up a second foundry in our town, which would provide jobs and give the burgeoning economy a boost?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday April 6th, 2021 4:50:53 PM
Pressi eyes the newcomers but stays silent for the moment. A couple of empty glasses remain near her hand, but she doesn't show any signs of drunkenness.

A lady of almost 30 (but who seems unnaturally, magically younger), she remains adorned in black leather, silver chains and weapons around her waist, a twisted holy symbol of pantheon around her pale neck. She makes a quick glance at the door, where Harper lays more alert than she appears. She makes another glance at her husband Murphy.

Every once in a while she glances down at her holy symbol, and it doesn't take long for her friends to recognize that she's studying the dwarves, looking for lies or something hidden. "And since, as my friend Hobie said, you don't actually need an adventuring party for a handful of thefts, I'll go ahead and take a shot in the dark. Either enough of this metal has been stolen that the thieves can make a weapon... or you've run into some clues that you're not just dealing with bandits. Also, I'm assuming you'd like to keep things quiet."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Wednesday April 7th, 2021 12:01:31 AM
"It's kind of offensive to think that just because we are halfling we like to eat," says Kezzem as he helps
himself to a second serving.

"Oh, your the Mages Guild," says Kezzem. "That makes much more sense. All this time I was wondering what you guys had to do with herbs.

"So we are these minotaurs, and do we have time for desert before leaving?"

Succotash informs Kezzem that he only mentioned minotaurs in jest.

"That's why you should leave the comedy to the professionals. It's too confusing for those of us who don't pay attention."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP
Wednesday April 7th, 2021 1:24:38 AM
Murphy post 20210406

Murphy thinks on what his friends told him about the dwarfs who tried to take over the Iron Giant toward the end of the giant invasion not that long ago. Followers of Skald. They had seemed evil, despite their protestations to the contrary, or the result of any detection spells. Their actions were wicked by Murphy's count, and that of his friends. Some were clearly evil. Ketia, though, the leader - she may have been technically neutral in alignment - yet allied with evil. And monomaniacal. And she swore some sort of vengeance, did she not? Murphy had tragically been whisked away to another plane just prior to this decisive attempt to take over the Iron Giant - which had nearly succeeded.

Might any of them be tied up in this? No way of telling at the moment.

He takes samples on his plate of this and that. He eats well, but not gluttonously, as he listens to the dwarfs and halflings talk.

Murphy is partial to the dwarves of Glimstone, who let them pass through their land under the mountains to find the passageway to the source required to repower the gems of the Iron Giant. And to Kade, who had initially opposed them when first the Iron Giant had been moving to destroy Humble's Ford. Now Kade works on mushroom planting and harvests, underground tunnels just outside the walls of Sanctuary.

Dwarfs helped Humble's Ford on other occasions.

"It may take strong mettle to make so strong a metal," Murphy quips. "Well met, Mafrid Steelbeard, Vokwabyrn Smeltshaper. My name is Murphy Leafwin Pipewood, a druid, and son of Samell, bard and crafter of toys and musical instruments. Also I am husband of Pressi Silverglove," and he inclines his head toward his dark-haired wife. "I was first leader of Humble's Sword, and Pressi the second - though we've developed into a more egalitarian mishmash of random actors who somehow pull things off with coordination challenging to discern."

"Your aims sound worthwhile. Tell us more, if you will." He reaches into his haversack, and pulls out a scroll. Unrolled, it is a map of the Scab - drawn by himself, with features detailed where he knows them himself, and a more generalized sketch taken from other maps. "For instance, about where might we find your mine on this map?"

DM Mitch
Wednesday April 7th, 2021 7:55:47 AM
Bliss formally introduces himself to the Dwarves with a greeting in their mother tongue and in common for the benefit of his friends. Mookie makes a joke about there being no flies in the soup.
Succotash is excited by the name of the restaurant and also greets their would be clients. Before breakfast he offers to help with the bill for the restaurant seeing as how the halflings of Humbles can eat a lot. After breakfast he offers to help them with their problem and asks if they have any clue regarding the missing shipments.
Hobie questions if stolen metals really qualify as something that is on par with the skills of the group. He wonders if there might be needier folks looking for pro bono work and suggests in exchange for their assistance in the matter of the shipments if they�d open up a second foundry in any towns Humble�s Sword founds when they retire from adventuring.
Pressi observes the Dwarves while consulting her holy symbol looking for lies or other deceptions. She surmises that either enough of the metal has been stolen to create a weapon or some other clue informs them they aren�t dealing with average thieves and that the Dwarves want to keep things quiet.
Kezzem tries a bit of a comedy routine that falls flatly.
Murphy thinks back to all the interactions Humble�s Sword has had with Dwarves over time some positive, some negative. He wonders if these new Dwarves had anything to do with the followers of Skald at first but is later reminded more of the Dwarves of Glimstone. He inquires as to where they might find their mine on the map.

Vokwabyrn says to Mookie, �I hadn�t heard that one before.�

Mafrid says to Succotash, �The breakfast is on us. As to any clues well like we said we tried to have Berg scry on the missing shipments and he came up with nothing. Whoever is ultimately behind the theft has some means of obscuring what they are doing with the metal. Furthermore besides whatever is blocking scrying survivors of the raids have informed us that the bandits that attacked them wielded powerful magicks�

Vokwabyrn says to Hobie, �You misunderstand us. We are not looking for charity. We were planning to compensate you for your services, somehow. If you want us to setup a foundry should we have the resources to, in your town, when you found it we are more than happy to have a contract drawn up stipulating this in remuneration for your services in putting an end to the threats to our shipments.�

Mafrid says to Pressi, �I suppose whoever took the shipment does have enough of our alloy to build several weapons depending on the size or possibly one rather large weapon depending on what their designs are for it. With the scrying being blocked who can say? Metal can be shaped for a variety of purposes some of it peaceful some of it violent. As for whether or not we are just dealing with bandits well, do bandits typically wield strong magic or employ means to thwart scrying on what they have stolen?�

Vokwabyrn points out where Red Rock Foundry is on Murphy�s map of the scab. She says, �It is a foundry not a mine. We are supplied by the mines of course, but our operation is concerned with refining the gifts of the Wold not prying them loose from the ground. There is nothing wrong with mining as it is a noble profession but it is not ours. We would like you to come to Red Rock Foundry and see the place for yourselves, maybe look around for anything we might have missed locally and then join a caravan containing one of our shipments as guards. With any luck maybe you can find those responsible on the trail and put an end to their banditry. If you can recover any of the alloy lost in the previous attacks that too would be appreciated but the main focus is on ending the raids. It is possible that what was stolen in the previous attacks has already changed hands so we are willing to write it off considering our scrying attempts have been thwarted. We can cover the losses we�ve sustained thus far but they are starting to have an impact so we really can�t afford to lose the shipment you will be guarding.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday April 7th, 2021 9:36:51 AM
"Oh joy, powerful magic users, my favorite. I almost hope Ketia is involved, I have a little unfinished business with her! Not only did she send me to see Gargul, but I lost Miss Piggy in the process!" Turning to Valerie he says, "Don't worry girl, I love you, and your every bit Piggy's equal, and in a fight I think you would mop the floor with her, but I still miss that pig, we had been through a lot together."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday April 7th, 2021 2:05:50 PM
"I sure do miss that ole pig!"

"If these are indeed powerful wizards or such who are stealing large quantities of your metal, we might indeed have a problem warranting our special talents. Let's look into it, shall we move to your foundry so we can investigate further? Do one of you have the ability to teleport us there?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday April 7th, 2021 9:27:59 PM
Pressi sniffs at Mafrid's comment. "As a matter of fact, Bandits DO typically carry the means to thwart divinations. I believe they call this magical artifact 'a thin sheet of lead,' found sometimes in places where they work with metals, if I recall."

Pressi takes a sip. "Of course, a bandit that knows magic well enough... I suppose that is a sight rarer. You said that you've been making and selling this material for some time. Any potential suspects thus far? Competitors or disgruntled employees, perhaps? A customer that seemed out of place?"

Religious zealots, Pressi thinks to herself. Still... "We all have our issues with Ketia, and Ketia with us. However, it seems a stretch to assume any particular person on such thin leads. And not to defend her, but this is hardly her M.O. Seems a rather odd tactic for any mage with mind blank, for that matter....

"At any rate, I would be glad to investigate."

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Thursday April 8th, 2021 12:28:45 AM

Bliss explains that the party has been to the Scab before, and counts a number of dwarves as friends, and a few as former adversaries.

"That said, I think we would be glad to take on this mission."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP
Thursday April 8th, 2021 3:38:20 AM

"So, as I understand it, you would want us to come to the Foundry," Murphy begins, "see if security and defenses might be shored up, join in a caravan of one of the shipments, and see what happens. Thwart any attempts to rob the caravan. Recover what has been stolen previously if possible. Seek to ensure the predatory activities do not resume. Does that sum it up?" he asks their hosts.

DM Mitch
Thursday April 8th, 2021 8:45:08 AM
Succotash (sarcastically?) comments that powerful magic users are his favorite and wonders if it�s someone he knows who killed him once. He misses his old companion

Hobie agrees they miss the old companion and asks if the dwarves will be providing eleportation.

Pressi comments on bandits using lead to block divinations, though concedes them knowing magic well enough to do that is a bit rare. She asks about suspects and doesn�t think Ketia is involved.

Bliss comments they�ve been to the area before.

Murphy summerizes the job.

Vokwabyrn says to Succotash, �I don�t know this Ketia nor why she�d be involved in stealing our shipments.�

Mafrid says to Hobie, �We are artisans, not magic wielders but if you can�t get there yourselves we could arrange for someone to teleport us all there.�

Vokwabyrn says to Bliss, �Welcome aboard.�

Mafrid says to Pressi, �Well we�ve been running for a few years and we started making the alloy more recently. I don�t think any of our customers could be behind it and our employees seem like a good lot. As to our customers well it would seem odd if they stole something they had previously purchased.�

Vokwabyrn says to Murphy, �Pretty much. Like we said recovering what has been stolen is a secondary concern to stopping the attacks altogether.�

Mafrid says, �I�m glad you all agreed to help us. Do we have to arrange for your transport or will you meet us at Red Rock on the morrow?�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday April 8th, 2021 11:28:41 AM
"I can get half of the part there without any problems, using greater teleport, and if you don't mind a oak tree in your front yard, Murph here can easily get the rest of us. Heck we could probably even transport the two of you if you like."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Thursday April 8th, 2021 6:08:40 PM
"Yuck, Ketia," says Kezzem. "Stupid non-evil dwarf. I'll need to upgrade my daggers if we are going up against something I can't smite my way through."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday April 8th, 2021 9:14:20 PM
Pressi nods. "Nevertheless, I do feel an investigation is in order, even if it only yields witnesses. So I'd like full access to the interior and to your files.... minus any information about how the product is made, of course. We will need to check the exterior, figure out how they got in and found the stuff...

"What about Red Rock itself? Any smugglers? Libraries about regional politics? It seems a long shot, and I'd prefer to get to the place as soon as possible, but they have to be using or selling the stuff somewhere."

Most likely, Pressi gets ready to pack.

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Thursday April 8th, 2021 11:10:44 PM
Bliss gets all his gear together.

"But wait! What about loot and pay from the artifact quest we were just on? I wanted to buy a Necklace of Adaptation. Didn't we get any loot at all? What's the split."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Friday April 9th, 2021 12:50:36 AM
"Yeah, what about our loot?" asks Kezzem.

"Hey Bliss, do you think they might have a flying skateboard in the catacombs?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP d20+18=30 ;
Friday April 9th, 2021 4:26:41 AM

[It would help if the DMs could show a spot on the Scab's map where the foundry is. Murphy knows some of the areas, has flown over portions. And the party recently walked along the coastline of the Scab. That could help determine a number of things.]

"I should think we will need a few hours in the Catacombs - and it sounds like some of our group needs to discuss a few matters with the Sages. Say, I am a sketch artist. If we can take twenty to thirty minutes, and you could describe the area, say, around the entrance to the Foundry, that will help Succotash and me to handle our transportation on the morrow. Sound good?" If so, Murphy does elicit a description, get a feel for relational positioning of various parts of their compound, adding, making slight corrections as they are suggested. Rolled a 30 for the quality and accuracy of his sketch-map.

[How about someone, or a few of you, take the time to ascertain the value of our acquisitions, and whether the Sages intend to grant further remuneration? My next several days will be action-packed, and I will be absent on Monday.]

DM Mitch
Friday April 9th, 2021 7:24:43 AM
Succotash says he can transport half the group and the rest can come by oak tree.

Kezz�m doesn�t care for fighting non-evil targets.

Pressi talks about the investigation she�d like to run

Bliss remembers he should spend money from the last adventure Kezzz�m agrees they should shop.

Murphy comments a trip to the catacombs is in order and asks about drawing an outline of the foundry.

Mafrid says to Succotash, �Can the Oak Tree survive the terrain? Furthermore our forges do require fuel, I don�t want there to be offense if someone ends up trying to cut down the oak for fuel. If you really mean to travel by oak and we don�t want there to be misunderstandings we have to let our people know the oak tree that will appear is off limits�

Vokwabyrn says to Pressi, �You are assuming those who robbed the shipments on the trail actually visited Red Rock at some point? I can get you the records of our sales and the blueprints of our buildings minus the forges as the design of the forges is a trade secret. As to your question about smugglers and regional political libraries Red Rock is not really that big of a place. We have an administrative building, our foundry which contains our forges, dwellings for Mafrid and myself, dwellings for our staff, a general store, a tavern and dwellings for the folks from the general store and tavern. We do not have a political library and are we large enough to warrant smugglers?�

Mafrid says to Murphy, �I can sit with you a bit while you work on your sketches of the area.�

Mafrid stays with Murph while Vokwabyrn pays the bill and leaves.

(OOC: When we wrote the module, we didn�t necessarily pin down the location of the foundry. I have an idea but I want to verify this is a valid location before saying more but you can assume that Mafrid gives you the details you need to accurately get yourselves there magically. Jerry is not feeling well right now and I�m trying to consult the other ACDMs. I will let you know as soon as I can get the location pinned down - Hugh)

The party agrees to meet at Red Rock tomorrow and for the rest of today there are plans to talk to Sages further and go shopping.

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Friday April 9th, 2021 9:02:48 AM

Bliss takes his share of the loot and rushes off to the Catacombs.

[OOC: Guys, I'm sorry, I just do not have the bandwidth today to go back through the posts and figure out the loot.]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday April 9th, 2021 10:16:17 AM
Succotash says, "Well the tree would be Murphy's and would be planted by Pressi or myself. There would be no fear of it being cut down while in use for transportation, and after we are done with our task, unless Murph has some opinion to the contrary, what you do with the tree is up to you."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Friday April 9th, 2021 2:50:24 PM
"If it's a fun tree, maybe you could talk to it," says Kezzem.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday April 9th, 2021 2:52:19 PM
Hobie will join Bliss at the catacombs in order to stock up on scrolls and such

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP
Sunday April 11th, 2021 2:48:45 AM

"Thank you for working with me on this, Mafrid. It looks like a good representation to you?" he asks.

"It would be agreeable were the oak tree to be left in place," says Murphy. "Oak trees have their charms and uses, and it can be pleasant to have a good size specimen around as a meeting place, not to mention its beauty. But at minimum, until we finish this project on your behalf, for folks to not harm it is my request. There are a few things I can do to ensure it has the foundation and soil needed to allow it to last."

Murphy catches up to the people heading to the Catacombs.

[Friends - I likely cannot post this Monday. Should be back Tuesday. If someone wants to post on my behalf, that would be good. Just don't turn Murphy into a Kezzem or the like ;-) ]

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Sunday April 11th, 2021 11:10:57 AM
Since no one is dividing the loot, Bliss keeps the nonmagical silver and coral necklace he took before, as well as the unclaimed +5 heavy wooden shield of fortification (moderate). That should pay for all his needs.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP
Monday April 12th, 2021 2:52:48 AM

Murphy must find a source of chocolate, and high-quality coffee, and a good supply of teas - black, green, white if possible. He purchases 5 pounds of chocolate, 5 pounds of coffee, 5 pounds of black tea and a similar amount of green tea, and 3 pounds of white tea.

Murphy shows Succotash the fairly accurate sketch of the foundry he put together in consultation with Mafrid, to help him out with the teleport.

Once everyone has what is needed, the druid prepares for the tree-side of transport - sending a tree (oak) feather token ahead with Succotash, and then casting the spell to take himself and up to five more people (animals) along with. Unless, due to the high-end teleportation facilities available on the Float, there is no need for him to use transport via plants.

DM Mitch
Monday April 12th, 2021 7:24:34 AM
Bliss takes his share of the loot and rushes off.
Succotash explains they�ll bring a tree with them.
Kezz�m suggests they could talk to the tree.
Hobie goes to stock up on scrolls
Murphy comments on the advantages of having an oak tree and requests at the very least it be left alone while they work on the job.
Bliss claims some of the loot.
Murphy buys some chocolate, tea, and coffee.and consults with Succotash and Manfred on the teleport.

Mafrid hears the opinions of Succotash, Kezzem and Murphy on the Oak before taking his leave.

He says, "Well like I said, I'll talk to my people about the Oak and see to it that it is not touched for the duration of your work with us. I'll also see if I can get them to agree to leave it alone beyond that considering your wishes."

To Hobie in particular he asks, "How does one know if a tree is fun or not?"

He takes his leave of the group and reiterates one more time about the plan to meet Humble�s Sword tomorrow at 9 am sharp at Red Rock foundry.

Looking down at the map that he had updated thanks to Mafrid�s help Murphy sees that Red Rock Foundry is near the Caves of Glimstone to the West. The Caves themselves are a few miles from the Scab/Crescent Valley border.

Shopping trips are had by some in preparation for the upcoming investigation and Pressi spends some time packing.

(OOC: Someone mentioned something about the Sages guild but all everyone seemed interested in was heading to the catacombs. Any interest in anything related to that? Or are you all set and if so in your next post can you detail your travel plans explicitly? Who exactly is teleporting in, who is planting the tree and who is traveling by tree?)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday April 12th, 2021 10:13:08 AM
Succotash takes the feather token from Murphy, and the next morning, after giving Murphy's drawing the once over, He takes Valerie and up to 5 others with him via Greater Teleport. He makes sure to bring Pressi along as one of his passengers, so she can communicate with Murphy that the tree is ready. Upon arrival, He wastes no time planting the feather and watches as a full grown tree emerges in a matter of moments. The cleric then gives Pressi the green light to message Murphy.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday April 12th, 2021 10:56:58 AM
(OOC: I don't think there's any reason re the sage's guild. It didn't seem like we needed to visit for this mission and we tied up stuff with them pretty neatly last mission.)

Pressi is more focused on other issues, and never really makes it to restock. At any rate, there's not much that she needs at the present time. (IRL I don't really have the time or energy for inventory, but I should be able to handle the support.)

To Manfrid, "Wait, I know this one... No, that's mushrooms."

Pressi travels with Succotash as directed, then turns her attention to the surrounding area.

DM Mitch
Tuesday April 13th, 2021 7:21:32 AM
Pressi, Succotash, Valerie and 4 others teleport to Red Rock Foundry the next morning. Succotash plants the token Murphy gave him and the rest of the party arrives via tree.

As Mafrid has described the foundry seems to consist of a few buildings. The administrative building which is on the smallesh end for buildings used for this purpose is closest to where you arrived via tree.

Central to the location is the forge, with plumes of smoke ventilating out the multiple chimneys of the building.

On the left side of the area is a tavern with a sign that reads The Mother Lode and on the right what must be the general store. There are several nondescript dwellings spread out around the edges. Two of the dwellings appear larger and more centrally located than the others.

The door to the administrative building opens and Mafrid comes out of it waving in greeting.

He calls out, �I trust you found the place ok?�

Know[Engineering] DC 30: Highlight to display spoiler: {Red Rock Foundry is a smallish foundry. Despite its small size if the mithral steel alloy it is selling ever really took off in popularity it would certainly become a threat to some of its larger competitors considering the fact that it is lighter and stronger and possesses less impurities than normal steel despite its higher cost.}

He points out the forge, the Mother Lode Tavern, General Store and Administrative Building as well as the 2 larger centrally located dwellings as belonging to him and Vokwabyrn.

�So where would you like to head first?� he asks.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday April 13th, 2021 10:29:38 AM
Succotash is all for getting down to work, and asks for a tour of the facilities, and to be introduced to the members of the caravan they will be escorting.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Tuesday April 13th, 2021 12:49:16 PM
"Did we ever get that loot split?" asks Kezzem.

OOC: I'm really busy right now and don't have time to calculate our shares. Can somebody else take care of it this time?

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday April 13th, 2021 4:06:17 PM
Hobie is also eager to get going with the tour and the meetings. He'll follow Succotash and the others.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday April 13th, 2021 8:34:49 PM
Pressi first signals Murphy to come.

Not really knowing anything about engineering (or particularly caring), Pressi votes to start at the administrative building, while signaling Murphy to check the perimeter. After that, she moves to go directly to where the special metal was stolen. (If there's time, she hits the tavern last.)

In the meantime, she begins asking basic questions. When and how many times was it stolen, when were the thefts discovered, how many people work at the facility, was there any footprints or broken locks, etc.

She also uses her justicar ability to see if she can spot any tracks.

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday April 14th, 2021 2:18:19 AM

Bliss shows off his new ioun stone, which lets him be an octopus without worrying about breathing.

The slight halfling waves to Mafrid and sticks close to Miss Pressi.

He mentions to Manfrid and his fellow bloodwitch that a retrocognition spell would give some good info at the most recent crime scene, but the 1d10 casting time may make it impossible.

"At the least, we should try a divination." Bliss will cast this if no one else wants to, asking about the criminals behind the missing shipments.

[OOC to our kindly new DMs: Every morning, Bliss (and Pressi?) use the Warding and Shared Spell rituals. Also every morning Bliss casts Heroes' Breakfast.]

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP d20+26=40 ; d20+43=49 ;
Wednesday April 14th, 2021 3:50:38 AM

"Ah, we know this area somewhat - especially Glimstone. Should you ever travel between there and Humble's Ford, like as not you'll see stands of three oaks spread out every so often - at least the ones the giants did not trample." Murphy planted them on the way up on their first trip to that place, and, during party downtimes, has occasionally gone along and cast plant growth on the trees, so that many are maturing much faster than normal.

"Nice ioun stone, Bliss!" Murphy exclaims, pointing to Bliss's acquisition, then points to the pale green prism ioun which circles his head. "I like these little satellites!"

Murphy comments to Mafrid, "If I understand what you've told us, this small Foundry could prove quite valuable, with significant competitive impact from your lighter, purer and stronger steel alloy. More dear than standard steels, less expensive than pure mithril. Anyone with a hankering for more deadly and durable weapons, as well as the defensive value of body armor could be moved to covet the fruit of your labor. Among the candidates for suspects... well, we can get into that once we've seen what you have to show us. Also, know this: We aim to do what is right, especially when someone has brought us on to help them out - with a recommendation from the Sages' Guild. We understand the importance of keeping confidence. Well, most of us do. My father is an inventor and has taught me some things about trade secrets.

"So, I hope you don't mind if we nose around. Of course, you have just invited us to do so. As you all decide what order to take in touring the place, may I have your permission, Mafrid, and Vokwbym's, to do a quick fly over to get the general lay of the land? I can catch up in a few minutes."

He does not want to miss out on touring the various buildings, but Pressi asked him to first check the perimeter, so he is fine with that. He definitely wants to see the forge.

Assuming Mafrid tells him 'yes,' Murphy moves over between two buildings close to each other, transforms into a large air elemental, ascends at 71 mph into the sky ('running' move at 625'/second for 1 minute, up to about 1.1 miles) descends in a more leisurely fashion in a wide circle, and continues his flight downward in a narrowing spiral, pausing when a particular angle looks good to examine, then going ever lower. Closer to the ground, he takes a quick lap to look at the building exteriors from about 20'-50' in the air, and finally settles back to the ground, and to his own size and shape as he moves between two close buildings, changing back into halfling form when out of sight from most angles. He returns to the group - as he will be able visually to keep tabs on which building(s) they have entered and exited. Figure a 10 minute flyover. Pressi gets quick mental notes for items of significance.

Know [Engineering]: 40 vs DC30 - success. Murphy will mentally pass on the spoiler information to Pressi.
Perception: 49 - for visual information gathering during his flyover.

DM Mitch
Wednesday April 14th, 2021 7:35:34 AM
Succotash is ready to work
Kezz�m wonders if the loot from last time was split.
Hobie is equally ready to start
Pressi asks some basic questions about the robbery and prepares to check the perimiter
Bliss suggests trying some divinations

Mafrid says to Succotash, �Ah a tour, yes�

To Pressi he says, �The bandits attack along the pass out of the area, never in the same spot. They appear out of nowhere, with overwhelming force, and kill any who resist. Cooperating with them lets the drivers and guards return unharmed. We�ve lost 5 shipments in this way. In each shipment the alloy was kept in several crates on wagons with about a hundred five pound ingots per crate. Each caravan had 6 crates of the alloy. We didn�t have any broken locks or footprints or anything as the thefts occurred off site, in transit. The tavern has a barkeep and servers, The foundry has several smiths and their apprentices, the general store has a staff. The tavern has a few rooms for rent upstairs that our suppliers sometimes rent out. We are provisioned with ore thanks to the miners from Glimstone. "

Bliss casts his divination, the spell appears to succeed he gets this response, �Thieves commissioned to purloin for a generous bounty of coin�

Mafrid says to Murphy, �We invited you out here, do what you think is necessary.� permitting the fly over.

Murphy�s elemental�s eye view allows him to get an appreciation for how the Red Rock foundry is layed out. As Vokwabyrn and Mafrid said this place is a smaller operation with the forge, tavern, general store and administrative building being the key points of interest. The various dwellings are utilitarian in design favoring function over form. He doesn�t really find anything of note in checking the perimeter.

Mafrid leads the way to the Administrative building. It is on the smaller side and it appears that a table has been moved into the waiting room / atrium / entrance way of the small building in preparation for your arrival. Spread out on the table are the blueprints for the foundry and a book of sale that Vokwabyrn promised you at yesterday�s breakfast meeting.

Vokwabyrn stands behind the table. She says, �I�ve gathered the documents you inquired about yesterday. Everything is here.�

Mafrid asks, �Shall we continue the tour or do you want to take some time to look over our records first before we move on. I mean based on Pressi�s priorities the foundry would be left. I can show the loading dock where we transfer shipments to caravans. The next caravan isn�t ready to leave yet but I can get you when it arrives prior to loading as some of the wagons were used in previous shipments that were robbed. If you�d prefer to wait for the caravan I could show you the tavern next if you prefer�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday April 14th, 2021 11:04:46 AM
Succotash has no love for documents, or their perusal, so he says, "Lead on my friend!" He then remembers that some of his friends, Murphy and Pressi to be precise do enjoy perusing documents, so he adds, "Unless someone wishes to go over these documents first."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP
Wednesday April 14th, 2021 1:03:19 PM

"So, 500 pounds times six is 3,000 pounds, and that times five is 15,000 pounds of mithril-alloyed steel," Murphy calculates. "What is your valuation on a pound of the alloy?"

"I'll look over the documents, if anyone wants to join me in that, please," volunteers the druid.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday April 14th, 2021 8:59:40 PM
Pressi nods. "Simple smash and grab, got it. Interesting that they never vary their techniques. Sounds more like overconfidence than intel, and I'm guessing this is the first time you've beefed up security. I need to know who else knows that you've hired us."

She thinks a little bit. "If you know the main play, than security should be trivial. I leave it to the group whether we want to show up with some flash, though some simple traps and a few ambushes should be all it takes, spellcasters or not. However... If we happened to FAIL in this mission, if they were to grab a special box or a hostage, for example, then we could follow them back to the lair and find out who hired them. Otherwise, we'd need to take prisoners ourselves."

In response to Murphy, "Yeah, I didn't need a degree in engineering to start suspecting competitors. But I wonder also if a disgruntled employee is involved." Which is part of the reason she takes some time to review the records. "Any strange behavior from any employees? I assume that you vary the delivery times and maybe the routes. But there may be a smaller number of employees who can pass that information on..."

Pressi pauses for a second. "You said that they come out of nowhere. Did you mean that literally or figuratively? Because it could be either way, so I figured I should check."

Pressi is in favor of waiting for the caravan first. She's also leaning towards something more subtle than announcing there's a new sheriff in town.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday April 15th, 2021 5:29:36 PM
�I want to examine the wagons that were robbed, it might be helpful to see exactly how the operation went down. Find the weaknesses, see if it�s possible it was an inside job�

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Thursday April 15th, 2021 7:11:46 PM
"Oh no, math! Help! I'm being attacked by numbers!"

"Um, maybe we should send out a decoy wagon and get a look at what we are dealing with?" suggests Kezzem. "Then we can prepare our ambush tailored to these bandits."

DM Mitch
Thursday April 15th, 2021 7:40:41 PM
Succotash says to lead on unless the rest of the group is eager to dive into paperwork.
Murphy does some math to figure out how much was stolen and volunteers to look over papers.
Pressi finds the robber�s technique interesting and thinks security should be trivial as long as a hostage isn�t taken. She asks about competition or disgruntled employees and literal or figurative appearing out of nowhere.
Hobie wants to look at the wagons.
The Kezz�m suggests a decoy wagon to spy what they�re dealing with.

Mafrid says to Murphy, �Each pound is worth approximately 24 gold with each ingot valued at 120 gold. This is a very fair price when you consider mithral typically adds 500 gold per pound to the cost of making an item, granted our steel / mithral alloy isn�t as light as mithral alone is but it is a higher quality grade than normal steel.�

Murphy and Pressi review the documentation and the only unusual thing they find in the blue prints or book of sale is that payments from the Red Rock Foundry seem to be made slightly more frequently to Thirmid Deepmantle of the Deepmantle Hold of the Black Dwarves Clan than other suppliers the foundry uses with some of the more recent payments being made in advance of the corresponding delivery of ore being purchased from him.

Vokwabyrn says to Pressi, �Well the Sages guild was the first serious attempt at help we got. We tried to petition the Black Dwarf clan for assistance but being as we are Independent the price they demanded for their help was too steep. Essentially if we were to accept their help then Red Rock foundry would become a Black Dwarf operation beholden to one of their holds and we would have been adopted into the clan. Sure, we would have gotten security but at the cost of losing our autonomy.�

Mafrid says to Pressi, �As to the behavior of our employees, well we haven�t noticed anyone acting strange but you are free to talk to them if you prefer. I can take you to the foundry, tavern or general store and make introductions. We can also get you our employee records if you�d like though it might take a little time to get everything together. I can continue the tour while Vokwabyrn gets those records for you. Also regarding the attacks on the Caravan, from what we can gather the answer to your question is literally, supposedly one second no one is there and the next there are knives at people�s throats.�

Mafrid says to Succotash, �Where would you like to go next?�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday April 15th, 2021 9:22:27 PM
Pressi listens carefully, but it's clear that she's putting the pieces together. "And I'm beginning to guess that there might be other ways Red Rock becomes a Black Dwarf Operation. Say, if you can't continue making these payments? We might need to find this Deepmantle and ask a couple of questions."

She raises an eyebrow at the "sudden appearance" description. "I'm beginning to see why you began to suspect magical play."

As for the records, "I'm willing to wait for a while and I'm not much of a tour participant. But I think I could use myself a drink from the tavern.... I'd prefer if you didn't introduce us as security, just in case. Were you by any chance planning to hire more drivers or personnel? Bringing on more customers?"

After hearing Kezzem, "That... is a really good idea. Like, suspiciously so. Who are you and what have you done with our Paladin?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP
Friday April 16th, 2021 1:39:40 AM
Murphy post 20210415-b

"So the amount of mithral is less than five percent of the alloyed metal." Murphy makes some rough calculations. "Perhaps 1/40th to 1/25th of the total? As it also seems likely you mix, besides iron and mithral, some other element or elements to make the right blend to ensure desired characteristics."

Am going to assume that Bliss told us the results of his divination. "Potent thieves are commissioned to steal in exchange for hearty payment. Yes. Who are the commissioners?" He thinks on the books, and Pressi's queries.

"Yes, please Vokwabryn, we would appreciate that. Meanwhile, I would love to see the Foundry itself."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Friday April 16th, 2021 8:03:49 AM
Hobie heartily agrees with Kezzem's thought. "I think a decoy would be a great idea. It would be great to get a real idea of what we are dealing with, we could probably take a hostage and get more information.Also, my gut tells me that it's these Black Dwarf guys who are responsible. They wanted an excuse to try to take over Red Rock, and it's possible that they are even now studying the stolen wares in an effort to replicate them."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday April 16th, 2021 9:32:01 AM
Succotash urges his friends not to jump to conclusions, saying, "Just because the Black Dwarf group may seem suspicious, doesn't mean they are to blame. Remember the majority of dwarves, though obviously not all, are a goodly sort who value law and order. Jumping to conclusions can lead to places we don't wish to go. That said, though a pint sounds marvelous, I would love to see the foundry first. Oh and I too like the decoy idea."

DM Mitch
Friday April 16th, 2021 8:15:28 PM
Pressi wonders if the black dwarves are plotting to take over, acknowledges the possibility of magic in play, and decides to go get a drink. She requests they not be identified as security and is surprised at Kezzem�s idea.
Murphy comments on the make up of the ore and wonders about who might be paying the thieves before asking to see the foundry.
Hobie thinks a decoy would be a good idea and seconds the thought that the black dwarves might be behind things.
Succotash urges the group not to jump to conclusions too early.

Mafrid says to Hobie, �I can take you to the loading docks and you can see the types of wagons involved when the caravaneers get here. We work with a few different folks but I believe the group we have you traveling with was robbed before. I don�t know if they will bring the same wagon on this trip. I would presume so.�

Mafrid says to The Kezz�em �Do what you think is necessary but you will have to get a decoy wagon from somewhere or make one to pull off your plan. People come from elsewhere to pick up shipments, we don�t have wagons and drivers sitting around to be used for such purposes.�

Mafrid says to Murphy, �Yes there are other metals in our alloy besides Mythral and Steel. The exact combination is a proprietary secret. I can most certainly take you to the foundry next, though.�

Vokwabyrn says to Pressi and Hobbie, �Thurmid Deepmantle is an old friend who just happened to ask if we could start paying him up front for ore shipments sometimes. I didn�t think it was an issue at that time as he made the request prior to the robberies. I do not think he had nefarious motives in making this request of us though nor that he�d betray years of friendship that goes back to when we were children. He said he needed money but he didn�t want to be a beggar and we told him we could order more shipments of ore from him and pay for some in advance if that would help him. �

Mafrid adds, �The arrangement between Thurmid Deepmantle and us goes back before the ore shipments started being robbed. I really doubt he had anything to do with this. Do you want me to escort you to the tavern and drop you off before I take the others to the forge, not introducing you then or are you going to go for a drink on your own? I suppose there is nothing stopping a traveler of the Scab stopping at the mother lode for a drink if you would prefer to not be associated with us at this time. I don�t think the Black Dwarf clan is so unscrupulous to be behind this but I could be wrong. I doubt my old friend is involved either, but you�re the experts.�

Manfrid and Vokwabyrn nod along in agreement at Succotash�s comments.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Saturday April 17th, 2021 1:20:40 AM
"What? I have lots of ideas, some of them are bound to be good!"

"Wait, I've got an even better idea! Maybe we could be on the 'decoy' wagon and pretend be mushroom farmers, and they'll be like 'We're sorry, we thought you were dwarf ore shippers,' and we could be like, 'No problem, would you want to buy some mushrooms?' and they would be like 'Of course we would like to buy some mushrooms' and then we sell them some mushrooms and....wait, that's not it, oh yeah, we instead say 'Surprise!' and I can be like stab-stab-stab and Hobie can be all shoot-shoot-shoot, and Bliss can be all 'I'm an octopus now' and Murphey will turn in to an elemental and Press...can do whatever magic stuff Press does."

OOC: And...he's back.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40(N/A) CMB 24 CMD 44 HP
Sunday April 18th, 2021 11:13:57 PM

"Let's go to the Foundry," suggests Murphy.

DM Mitch
Monday April 19th, 2021 9:36:37 AM
Pressi heads to the Mother Lode tavern while Mafrid escorts the rest of Humble�s Sword to the forge.

At the Mother Lode Pressi is greeted by an enthusiastic buxom tavern wench. �What can I get for ya, love?� She asks as she notices the halfling enter the tavern.

----------------------------------

Meanwhile at the Forge Mafrid has opened the main doors and is starting to introduce you to some of the forge workers.

The first dwarf Mafrid introduces you to has a bushy black beard and a long apron. Mafrid says, �Everyone, I�d like you all to meet Forgemaster Novid Coalhelm.

To the black bearded dwarf Mafrid says, �Novid, this is Succotash, Murphy, Hobie, Kezz�m and Bliss. These kind heroes have agreed to look into our little problem and before we send them on their way guarding the latest shipment they volunteered to take a look at our organization and improve operational security in general. �

Novid said, �I�m sure if you were hired by the boss then you guys are good. I�ll be happy when we can put this behind us and we don�t have to repeat the same order multiple times for a given order.�

While the party is getting to know Novid another dwarf enters the room from a door that leads deeper into the forge. This dwarf has a grey beard and asks, �What�s going on, boss?

Mafrid says to the new Dwarf, �Vokwabyrn and I think we finally found the solution to our problem with lost shipments. These fine halflings are helping us out. Hopefully they�ll put a stop to the robberies for good. Before they leave with the caravans though I invited them to take a look around here first to help beef up security.�

Mafrid introduces the new Dwarf as Steelsmith Botheal Steelbraid.

Mafrid says to Botheal, �How is Aden? Seems like it has been a while since I�ve seen your wife.�

Botheal says, �She�s fine. She�s just been tending the hearth. I�ve got a lot of work to get back to. It was nice meeting everyone.�

Sense Motive : 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Botheal seems a little nervous at the prospect of outsiders poking around or maybe it was the mention of his wife by Mafrid}

Mafrid shows you around the complex of the forge. You see the smelters, hammers, anvils, typical things you find in a metal works.

He caps off the tour by stopping at the loading bay. A number of crates have been piled up in anticipation of the upcoming caravan.

Mafrid says, �And this is the loading bay. We will open the doors when the caravan gets here and load. Is there anything else you�d like to do before we rejoin Pressi at the tavern?�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+17=23 ;
Monday April 19th, 2021 10:38:40 AM
Sense Motive: 23

Succotash quickly catches on that Botheal is a bit nervous and quickly says, " Don't worry Humble's Sword is on the case!" He isn't sure what to think about his behavior, and makes a mental note to mention it to his friends later.

When the tour is over, he is more then happy to join Pressi at the tavern.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday April 19th, 2021 9:48:53 PM
Pressi nodded as she listened to the dwarves. "I meant no offense, of course. And I certainly hope that your friend isn't involved. But you hired us to find the thieves and you have to be prepared for what we actually find.

"At any event, Succotash is right. We have a motive and a few connections but no actual proof. I still believe, however, that a bunch of bandits, magical or not, can't simply pull this off unless someone has been providing information. Until I see a scrying sensor..."

Pressi stops to look around them, and briefly considers mind blank. "Until then, I'm going to keep digging for possible suspects, best friends or not."

---------------------

Pressi smiles at the wench as she slides up to the bar. "Just a couple of ales to start. Might have to start riding soon."

After dropping some coin, Pressi scans the room to take note of who else is in the tavern before turning back to the wench. "Speakin' of, I might be looking for work at this factory. Need a bit of coin before I pass on to the next town. You hear of any rumors that they need a driver?"

If she can get the wench to talk about the thefts, she expresses some surprise. Eventually, she asks some questions about whether drivers (or rich strangers) show up at the tavern. She also asks if anyone talks about delivery times or routes when they come in,

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Tuesday April 20th, 2021 1:31:01 AM
"Sure thing, once we find these culprits Murphey will give them a stern talking to," says Kezzem. "And if that doesn't work, well, you don't happen to know where we could find some stirge cages around these parts?"

"What? I was just asking!"

DM Mitch
Tuesday April 20th, 2021 7:57:49 AM
Succotash tries to reassure Botheal.
Pressi explains her thoughts on potential moles in the operation and moves on to the bar where she starts talking about work here.
Kezz�m promises to give the bad guys a good talking to and maybe put them in cages if more is needed.

At the Tavern:

Pressi looks around. The tavern is slow at the moment but there are a few Dwarves scattered around the room eating and/or drinking but Pressi is alone at the bar save for the wench on the other side.

She accepts Pressi�s coin, pulls her a pint and answers, �Well I don�t know if they need drivers or not considering Mafrid and Vokwabyrn seem to like to hire others to do the deliveries and they seem to always have their own people and enough of them, but with the robberies there might be work to be had as a guard. I don�t know what your skill sets are but we could use some help here in the kitchen and I think they have an opening at the general store as well if you�d rather do that instead.�

When Pressi presses her about drivers or rich strangers she says, �Sometimes the caravan folks stop in and have a bite before they head out. You hear chatter so sometimes they do discuss the job at hand and are talking shop while others work seems to be the furthest thing on their minds. As for rich strangers, well I don�t know about strange, but when the miners and other suppliers come into town, dropping their ore shipments or other supplies off they sometimes spend some of their bounty here before heading on their way but after a while they cease being strangers.�

---------------------------------
At the foundry and then to the tavern:

Before he left Botheal did not seem comforted by Succotash�s assurances.

Mafrid says to Kezz�m, �I don�t think stirges are native to this climb. I thought you were a paladin not a comedian. Probably best not to quit your day job.�

Mafrid escorts the rest of the party to the tavern but does not go in himself, remembering how Pressi did not want to be introduced as security. He says to the halflings before taking his leave, �Vokwabyrn should have those personnel files by now, if you�d care to return to the administrative building when you are done here.�

Upon entering the tavern you see a few dwarves seated at tables eating and drinking and a buxom tavern wench talking with Pressi at the bar. She notices the 5 halflings enter the place and says to Pressi, �We don�t get so many halflings here usually. I�ll be right back.�
She leaves the bar, greets you all and asks, �A table for five? Right this way.�

She settles you in at a corner table and takes your orders.

The tavern starts to fill up with more dwarves. It appears that it is now lunchtime and the workers are starting to shuffle in.

You notice Botheal seated alone at a nearby table.

Perception 25: Highlight to display spoiler: {Is it your imagination or does the tavern wench like to linger at his table longer than others}

(OOC: what else would everyone like to do at the tavern? Gather information? Ask questions? Talk to nearby worker dwarves? Something else?)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday April 20th, 2021 10:29:10 AM
Succotash easily notices the special attention that the serving wench gives to Botheal (+35 perception). Realizing that Pressi may wish to appear a loner, Succotash walks over to the bar and says to her, "Strange seeing another halfling in these parts, would you like to join us? I mean, if you prefer the company of others, who am I to judge, but you're welcome to join us."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Tuesday April 20th, 2021 12:15:36 PM
Kezzem whispers to Succo: "Is my day job being a paladin or being a comedian?"

Kezzem will get a table for the group.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+18=29 ;
Tuesday April 20th, 2021 9:40:25 PM
Pressi thanks the barkeep for the information. "I'll keep that in mind, Miss... sorry, don't think I caught your name. Anyway, many thanks.... These robberies, they any violent? Because I got to tell you, I ain't much built for wrestling anyone."

Pressi stops as the rest of the group comes in. In response to the bartender, she shrugs. "If they're mushroom farmers, you may want to give them a wide berth. Little bit of halfling humor."

As the wench deals with the rest of the group, Pressi tries to mage hand an apron or lock of hair from the back of the bar (for scrying later)(sleight of hand 29 to hide what she's doing). She also notices the connection with Botheal (no fail) but doesn't really know what to do with it. She also uses a few rounds of remote viewing (audio) to see if she can overhear any conversations.

At Succotash's invitation, "Thanks but I've got to tell you up front. If you're hitting on me, I'd have to be a whole lot drunker than I am now.... Thirty, maybe 45 minutes. If you're recruiting me instead, it's at least an hour and a half."

Bliss HP188+13 of 188 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP87+10 AC42 | Cayzle (by Kim) 2d8=13 ; 2d8=10 ;
Wednesday April 21st, 2021 3:35:51 AM

Bliss in the tavern has a little stone of sorts flying around his head - kind of like what Murphy has orbiting his head, too. "I like this, because it distracts people, and makes me harder to hit, I think." He looks around the tavern. "Is it polite to wear one inside, though?" he questions himself.

Mookie stares at the buxom wench. He says in Bliss's mind, "Hey, Rocky, how much do you want to bet that barmaid over there is spillin' the beans to the robbers?"

Bliss looks over at her for a moment. He holds up his hand to get the wench's attention. "Yes, ma'am. Do you have fried turnips available? Or potatoes?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+8 d20+43=55 ; d20+32=41 ; 2d8=8 ;
Wednesday April 21st, 2021 4:01:59 AM

Murphy has paper and pen out, and is jotting down notes, conjectures on the information they have been gathering in the Auran tongue, with a mixture of elvish and halfling script. He has been writing during his entire adventuring career, and is able to do so without having to look down at the page more than once in a while. He keeps his eyes and ears out. He has excellent peripheral vision. Murphy is a perception machine. He notes people's styles of speech, clothing worn, subtleties of expression, imprints on the clothing of what may be hidden underneath, social interactions, apparent ranking within the social groups.

He checks out Pressi's thoughts from time to time, and shares his with her.

Perception: 55. He notices. A lot.
Sense Motive: 41 - Why are the 'wench' and Botheal interested in each other. What does she hope to gain from him? Murphy is not quite as perplexed about what he might hope to gain from her.
Forgot to roll for Heroes' Feast: 8 temp hp

DM Mitch d20=11 ;
Wednesday April 21st, 2021 8:24:42 AM
Succotash pretend not to know Pressi, not knowing what she�s planning.
The Kezz�m wonders if his day job is being a comedian or a paladin. It probably depends on what he gets paid more for.
Pressi thanks the wench and asks about the robberies and comments on halfling humor. She snags a lock of the wench�s hair and plays along with Succotash pretending they�re strangers.
Bliss wonders if the stone is polite indoors, wonders if the barmaid is talking to the robbers, and makes an order.
Murphy is very observant and takes a lot of notes.

The tavern wench says to Pressi, �The name is Dinna. Well met. And what is yours if you don�t mind me askin�?�

In response to the question about the robberies being violent she says, �From what I hear only if the caravaneers resist.�

In response to the quip as the other halflings enter the establishment, �You�ll have to explain the mushroom farmer joke to me, later.� she replies as she heads off to deal with other customers.

Dinna does not notice Pressi gather a lock of her auburn hair. (Perception: 24) She�s too intent on taking Bliss� order. �Of course we have that. Which do you want, or are you going for both?�

When Pressi uses remote viewing (audio) to overhear conversations she picks up the following snippets:

From a table of 2 Dwarves, Highlight to display spoiler: {�
Dwarf 1: �...and then I said, �Miner? I barely know her?� Ah hah hah hah�
Dwarf 2: �ah hah hah, that�s a good one. Did you hear the one about the man with a wooden leg named Smith...�
}

From a table of 3 dwarves
Pressi(remote viewing) : Highlight to display spoiler: {
Dwarf 1: �What is Botheal doing sitting there alone? Is he too good for us, his fellow forge workers?�
Dwarf 2: �I think Dinna has something to do with it. I hear he is cheating on Aden with her.�
Dwarf 3: �That is such a horrible rumor, Gloin and hard to believe to boot.. I heard him talking with the boss today, about Aden and she is such a devoted wife, I doubt he could do that to her.�
}

Botheal and Dinna, one of their conversations in passing
Pressi(remote viewing) : Highlight to display spoiler: {
Dinna, �So what time do you get off work today, love?�
Botheal, �The same time I do everyday, but don�t worry I�ll swing by for my customary end of the day pint before heading home.�
Sense Motive 19 - see outside spoiler text block 1 if you succeed
Dinna, �You�d better. I�ll even make it a barrel aged one if you want, seeing as how hard you work. You deserve it.�
Sense Motive 14 - see outside spoiler text block 2 if you succeed
}

Pressi�s outside spoiler text block 1, tied to sense motive 19 Highlight to display spoiler: { �customary end of the day pint� is code for some meeting arrangement between the 2 of them }

Pressi�s outside spoiler text block 2, tied to sense motive 14 Highlight to display spoiler: { �barrel aged one� seems to imply things could be made longer by Dinna�s actions towards Botheal today as opposed to a shorter normal engagement. There also seemed to be a lot of emphasis on Botheal deserving this treatment }

From another table of 2 Dwarves:
Pressi (remote viewing) : Highlight to display spoiler: {
Dwarf 1: �...Wait, what? Forgemaster Novid makes how much?�
Dwarf 2: �He�s certainly worth it. He�s one of the most skilled smiths I�ve ever seen and he�s probably a large part of the reason why this place is so successful or at least it was before the robberies. As I was saying his salary is 12 thousand gold pieces a year and for some reason that still isn�t enough. I heard him asking Mafrid for an advance the other day.�
Dwarf 1, �You know he had to go before Holder Deepdelver for his various debts? I wonder if this is related�
Dwarf 2, �You don�t say. You think you know a guy��
}

Despite how busy she is, Murphy notes that Dinna steals more than a few glances Botheal�s way and goes out of her way to pass by him often. Highlight to display spoiler: { he�s pretty sure those glances and actions are romantic in nature, and the feelings seem mutual.. It�s a bunch of small things both do nothing overt to draw attention to their silent flirtations, but it�s definitely there if a skill observer is looking for them as he is.}

The ale served at the Mother Lode is cold and strong and the food is tasty.

(OOC: Anyone else want to do anything else at the tavern? Those requested records are waiting at the administrative building)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday April 21st, 2021 11:15:09 AM
Succotash answers Kezzem, "I think your official title is paladin, which would make that your day, and sometimes night, job, unless you make more as a comedian then as an adventurer"

Succotash acts shocked, and stutters a bit, "Well, well well, Miss, I was simply offering an invitation to join us halflings, we may be looking to recruit, but the offer was simply to join us for a pint, and a bite to eat."

After a quick bite to eat, and a pint or two, Succotash is ready to head back to the admin office.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Wednesday April 21st, 2021 4:01:37 PM
"Actually, after business expenses, I don't seem to make much money doing either," says Kezzem.

"Hold on, let me check something Pressi gave me. He pull's out a sheet with various numbers and descriptions of abilities. Let's see here, I'm trained in Perform...oratory? And it's only a plus 7? Wow, I could have sworn it was comedy. No wonder my jokes keep bombing. I'm going to have to fix that next time we 'level up' as Pressi puts it. Now if I could only find some steps so I could go up a level...."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday April 21st, 2021 5:11:31 PM
Hobie will excuse himself to the restroom and while there, activate his ring of invisibility. He�ll go near Botheal and look for a loose beard hair on his clothes or something for scrying and then he�ll just linger near Botheal for a bit, listening.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+25=45 ;
Wednesday April 21st, 2021 9:31:45 PM
(Bluff Nat 20)

Pressi smiled. "Yamyra," she told the barkeep. "A pleasure to meet you, Dinna. Not much for sticking around, but... I am beginning to take a shine to this place. Who knows, I think you might get that mushroom joke explained fairly soon."

She frowns at Dinna's comment, wondering how many times people tried to resist.

As she listens in, a few leads begin to pick up, though some of the names are unfamiliar. An underpaid Forgemaster, a love triangle with a couple of loose ends, and... well, Pressi doesn't know who a Holder Deepdelver is but she's pretty sure she knows the clan.

(No fail on the sense motives but I might need some roll to keep Pressi from stabbing herself in the ear.)

After messaging Murphy with this stuff and getting his own notes, Pressi messages him that he's not going to like her next move but he might understand at this point.

After a couple of pints, she calls Dinna over, pretending to be more drunk than she is. "I know I'm asking a lot but I did have one more question. This general store..."

Pressi takes her wedding ring out of her pocket.

"Does it buy jewelry? I'd throw it in the nearest lake but I need the cash."

----------------

Remote Viewing: 4 rds

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+8
Thursday April 22nd, 2021 4:34:06 AM

Murphy 'accidentally' drops his pen on the floor when Pressi makes her move to inquire about selling her wedding ring. He can't trust his own face to conceal his consternation, yet his heart trusts in his wife. He manages to cover over by feigning irritation at having to crawl under the table to fetch the writing instrument.

The druid decides it may be prudent for him to go elsewhere and gather what information he may. Well, to the administration building, then, to review the records.

Bliss HP188+13 of 188 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP87+10 AC42 | Cayzle (by Kim)
Thursday April 22nd, 2021 4:36:43 AM

"Ah, both please, then, turnips and potatoes, and some good sausage, and has fresh bread been baked today? And what is on your pies menu, or other desserts of you're short on pies this day?" Bliss asks.

Mookie says, "Sheesh."

DM Mitch
Thursday April 22nd, 2021 8:15:04 AM
Succotash comments on Kezzem�s job and that they were just inviting Dinna to join them for a pint.
Kezz�m claims he doesn�t make much money doing either and then breaks the forth wall.
Hobie goes all Bilbo on Botheal to steal some of his hair.
Pressi wonders about sticking around and if she�ll end up having to stab herself in the ear from all these rumors she�s hearing. She pretends to get drunk and offer to sell her wedding right.
Murphy drops his pen and wonder�s what his wife is up to.
Bliss makes a large order of food.

At the Bar:

Dinna does not seem to detect Pressi�s subterfuge with the false name or if she does she isn�t letting on.

When asked about the general store she says, � They might. Though they are not a pawn shop, then again dwarves do appreciate metal working, not sure about a halfling sized ring though, but you could try. If you want to try they are just on the other side of forge. You can�t miss it.�

The Rest of the Party:

Hobie is able to find a hair on the overcoat Botheal hung on the back of his chair. Hobie notices that Dinna, the serving wench certainly seems to come round Botheal�s way a lot and when she brings him ale she spends more time than she does with the average customer. Other than that Botheal eats alone, silently.

Dinna says to Bliss, �You halflings sure put away a lot for people so small. I mean no disrespect, everyone likes a big eater at least in the hospitality industry. Good for business you understand. As for desert, well we have custard pie. I�ll see you get a large slice, lad.�

Meals are had, banter is exchanged, 4th walls are broken, some snooping is done and then finally the party minus Pressi and perhaps Hobie (OOC: are you coming back from the bathroom when the others go to leave or staying invisibly on Botheal?) proceed back to the administration building.

Vokwabyrn and Mafrid greet the party at the same table they did last time only in place of the bill of sale are a number of file folders bearing the names of various employees. There is also a ledger that tracks wage payments made.

Vokwabyrn says, �I put together everything we had on our employees. Where is Pressi though? Wasn�t she the one most interested in this?�

(OOC: you are free to make whatever checks you deem appropriate as you peruse the documents; we will interpret the results)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday April 22nd, 2021 10:30:45 AM
Succotash takes one look at the pile of documents and says, "Here you go Murph, Have fun perusing all these documents!"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday April 22nd, 2021 3:06:36 PM
Hobie will head to the bathroom and go visible again, then return to his group as they leave the bar

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday April 22nd, 2021 9:14:34 PM
Pressi was hoping for... really anything besides a straightforward response. Some sign of emotion, a larger opening for bonding. At this point, though, the seed had been planted.

Having gotten some ideas, and fairly certain that hanging around the bar would prove fruitless, Pressi "stumbled" out of the bar after saying some public goodbyes and appropriate one liners.

From there, Pressi began to do some of the following things.

First, she attached the lock of hair and her scrying mirror to Harper, and messaged Murphy to tell Bliss to intercept it. She told Murphy of the rendezvous and figured Bliss could perform the scrying to follow her.

Second, she messaged Kezzem to meet her at the general store, got into a set of reassurances that she isn't going to sell the ring, and told him to pull the files of Botheal, Aden, and Novid. She asks Murphy to ask about Aden's disappearance and about Holden Deepdelver. She also sends her apologies for missing the files tour after all, and tells Kezzem he can grill the shopkeeper about this or any other rumors or major purchases.

Before making her way to the general store, Pressi sneaks her way to whatever passes for a loading dock or where the caravan is about to leave. Using Hide in Plain Sight and a change in outfit glammer (to the forge's uniform), she decides to see if anyone is lurking about and tries to get a better idea of how the caravan is set up. There's also a quick check for clues before anyone else arrives.

Bliss HP188+13 of 188 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP87+10 AC42 | Cayzle (by Kim)
Friday April 23rd, 2021 6:14:11 AM

"Custard pie? Oh, yes, a large slice would be perfect!" Bliss tells Dinna. "Sometimes I don't eat much, but where the food is good, I must take fair samples, right!?" He enjoys the meal, and leaves a tip.

When Murphy lets Bliss know that the big cat has something for him, he looks for Harper, and takes the mirror and lock of hair.

"So this is a cloak and dagger and hair and mirrors operation, eh, Boss?" Mookie comments. "With a cat courier to boot."

Bliss will initiate the scrying mission at the time Pressi communicated through Murphy, and see what the dwarfs who are not married to each other are up to.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+8 d20+43=58 ; d20+32=35 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+15=34 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+17=22 ; d20+27=45 ; d20+18=32 ;
Friday April 23rd, 2021 6:30:52 AM

This dutiful husband carries out his wife's various wishes, filling Bliss in on the lock of hair and scrying mirror, ("I bought that mirror myself just before we went to rescue the Second Dinner Club members from the Red Hills," he mentions); and making quiet inquiries about Aden's disappearance (or whereabouts), and also sees what else he may discover regarding Holden Deepdelver.

"Yes, Vokwabyrn, she was," Murphy says regarding Pressi's request, "but has been diverted for the moment. She sends apologies, but I'll go ahead and look through the material she requested. Thank you so much for helping us - I trust your efforts will give us some insights into accomplishing that for which you have brought us here."

More than that, he spends an hour or so quickly getting an overview of the available documentation, and then delving more deeply into things that may possibly shed greater light on recent events, players, connections.
==========
Perception: 58
Sense Motive: 35
Knowledge, Arcana: 16
Knowledge, Geography: 35 (should have been +16, not 15)
Knowledge, History: 27
Knowledge, Local: 30
Knowledge, Technology: 22
Knowledge, The Planes: 45
Linguistics: 32

DM Mitch
Friday April 23rd, 2021 9:27:52 AM
Succotash is happy to pass on the pile of documents.
Hobie goes visible and rejoins the group.
Pressie is very busy organizing the continuing investigation.
Bliss is always happy for more food and is prepared to do the requested scrying.
Murphy does Pressi�s requests then talks to Vokwabyrn about the paperwork before doing a deep dive on it.

Pressi swings by the forge before hoping to rendezvous with Kezz�m at the general store. She has sent several messages to Murphy and Kezz�m with requests for the 2 of them and Bliss to do as she asked. It is ultimately up to them to comply with her requests. She uses hide in plain sight and a change of outfit glamour to blend in, the thing is unless her outfit glamour can change her size, being a halfling, she is woefully smaller than the other forge workers(Who are dwarfs) so if she ends up doing anything to draw attention to herself her disguise might not hold up under serious scrutiny. Unless she wants to enter the forge through another entrance she can only get to the external portion of the loading dock. There is an overhang with a road running through it attached to a wall of the foundry with a securely locked solid-locking built-in double doors and ramps extending from road level to the door. There is no-one around the external part of the loading dock as the caravan has not arrived yet and when nothing is being loaded they keep this part of the forge secure it would seem.

It is only after lunch, there are still several hours left in the workday, Dinna and Botheal�s rendezvous is still hours away.

The party in the administration building starts reviewing records, Murphy leading the charge.

Vokwabyrn says to Murphy, �Yes, well we just wanted to make sure this is being taken seriously. We do appreciate you helping us.�

As to the inquiries of Holden Deepdelver, Mafrid says, �I do not know of a Holden Deepdelver, if you mean Holder Deepdelver then that is an honorific bestowed on the leader of a Hold of Dwarfs. Red Rock being an independent operation is kind of an exception to the rule but in the Scab Dwarves are typically organized in clans with several holds making up a clan and the leader of a hold is called Holder. Holder Deepdelver leads the Deepdelver Hold of the Fist Dwarves Clan not be confused with Holder Deepmantle who leads the Deepmantle Hold of the Black Dwarves. When it comes to hiring, we are purely a merit based organization so our employees may have ties to some of the Holds or Clans. We try not to pry into their personal lives too much. What they do on their own time is their business. What they do on Red Rock time is ours�

Murphy pulls the documentation on Botheal and Novid. He asks about a lack of a folder for Aden Steelbraid and Mafrid replies, �Aden is Botheal�s wife. She is a homemaker. I was inquiring about her not as boss to an employee but as a concerned friend. We used to see her out and about or at events but it seems like for some reason she doesn�t get out as much as she used to. I wanted to make sure she was okay. Surely you don�t think she had anything to do with what is going on?�

Looking through the documents on Botheal you find that he is a model employee with not one demerit to his record. He doesn�t appear to be as skilled as Novid and his salary reflects this.

Novid though was given a raise involving being paid several more thousand gold pieces a year not too long ago. More recently however the payment ledger reveals that in spite of this hefty paycheck he still requested and received an advance on his salary. His record indicates his skill and doesn�t indicate any problems either.

As to Murphy�s general thinking session, Botheal and Dinna appear to be up to something but whether it is mere infidelity or something else is hard to say at this time. Thirmid Deepmantle, a friend and supplier, has started delivering more shipments of ore and is being paid more frequently and sometimes in advance because of this. Novid requested and received a raise in pay but also put in for some salary payments in advance. The new alloy Red Rock has been developing seems like it could be useful if it ever takes off and the Black Dwarf clan at least seemed interested in acquiring Red Rock in exchange for protection, whether that means the robberies are their racket or they are just taking advantage of a situation is yet to be seen. The bandits appear to attack caravans on the move as they pass through vulnerable positions seemingly out of nowhere whether they have spies locally or are figuring out movements some other way is also yet to be determined. Perhaps taking a look at one of the caravans when they load up before they head out on guard duty may yield further insight. The one thing Murphy remembers that is new information relative to this case from his previous journeys into the Scab is that Coalhelm if he is not mistaken is a Dwarf family name tied ot Fist Dwarves clan potentially to the DeepDelver Hold if he is not mistaken in his Dwarvish genealogies. He doesn�t think he is considering halfling genealogy is somewhat of a hobby for him but there are some differences between Dwarves and Halfings.

There are still some time before the caravan arrives to load up and the scheduled rendezvous between Botheal and Dinna will likely take place after that. What would you like to do now?

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB d20+3=23 ; d20+24=31 ;
Friday April 23rd, 2021 11:39:57 AM
Kezzem grills the shop keep, as per Pressi's suggestion, but in the most Kezzem way possible.

"What is your name?"
"Who do you work for?"
"What is your favorite color?"

Intimidate: 23. Natural 20.
Sense Motive: 31.

Also, detect evil.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday April 23rd, 2021 8:22:46 PM
Pressi considers entering the foundry but doesn't do so at this time. She figured that she wouldn't see much, with the robberies occurring on the road. But she doesn't really see anywhere that a person can skulk, so she can rule here out as the leak.

Unfortunately, this also meant that it would be hard to make a decoy or fortify the caravan without drawing attention, and she didn't think inside the foundry would be a much more private. And doing it on the road might be tough. She'd have to think on this further. Maybe get an idea of where the robberies occurred in the past.

(It occurred to Pressi that she might be paranoid. That there might not be any leak at all, and the bandits are just using choke points and good observation. But she also doesn't want to walk into an ambush herself.)

From there, she moves on, switching to her normal look (the traveling outfit, not the rock and roll one) and makes her way to the general store. (I leave it to the DM to decide how long Kezzem badgered the poor shopkeeper.)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+8
Friday April 23rd, 2021 8:46:11 PM

Murphy telepaths to Pressi, "I could put most of the alloy into a portable hole that I carry, leave at least one real container and some false containers in each wagon, and thereby preclude the theft of the whole shipment. As well as leaving things, markers, with each ingot that would allow us to use some sort of scrying to locate the objects should some be successfully grabbed."

"And maybe wagons over mountain passes are not the best way to transport the materials. Sure, not everyone has access to the means, but teleportation, or tree travel, or shadow transport, or using some of the tunnels and tubes under the mountains may provide greater security. Old-school wagons - very vulnerable."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Saturday April 24th, 2021 5:59:02 PM
"Do you like mushrooms?"
"Do you know anything about the missing ore?:
"What about shitake mushrooms?"
"Do you think I would look more cool riding a shark mount than a pony?"
"Do lady dwarf's have beards or do they shave?"
"Do you have anything to do with Skald?"
"Do you think my jokes are funny?"
"What is the air-speed velocity of an unladen flying skatesboard?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Sunday April 25th, 2021 2:45:37 PM
Hobie will join Kezzem at the shopkeep. �I assure you Sir, all of these questions are vital to our investigation, tell the truth or risk great peril. Especially on whether the shark is cooler than the pony!�

DM Mitch
Monday April 26th, 2021 7:54:30 AM
The Kezz�em scares people with a barrage of questions.
Pressi considers her options, including the possibility that she might just be paranoid.
Murphy talks about ways to hide the ore and ways to track the ore after letting it get stolen.
Hobie helps Kezz�em. Well if assisting in the intimidation of the local shopkeeper can be counted as helping.

Kezz�em and Hobie burst into the general store giving the shopkeep the tenth degree. There conversation goes something like this:

Kezz�em: "What is your name?"
Shopkeep: �Fili Heavycloak at your service and who might you be?�

Kezz�em: "Who do you work for?"
Fili: �Why I work for Mafrid and Vokwabyrn, owners of the Red Rock foundry like everyone else here. I hope you treat the other employees of theirs a mite better�

Kezz�em: "What is your favorite color?"
Fili: �Gold, of course.�

Kezz�em:"Do you like mushrooms?"
Fili: �They are not my favorite but I eat them on occasion�

Kezz�em: "Do you know anything about the missing ore?
Fili: �Are you implying I had something to do with the robberies? My name may be Heavycloack, sir, but I can assure you it isn�t because I pilfer items.�

Kezz�em: "What about shitake mushrooms?"
Fili: �Don�t think I ever had those.�

Kezz�em: "Do you think I would look more cool riding a shark mount than a pony?"
Fili: �I fail to see how that has any bearing on what is going on��
Hobie: �I assure you Sir, all of these questions are vital to our investigation, tell the truth or risk great peril. Especially on whether the shark is cooler than the pony!�
Fili: �Depends on the type of shark I suppose.�

Kezz�em:"Do lady dwarf's have beards or do they shave?"
Fili: �Neither, they just don�t grow facial hair.�

Kezz�em:"Do you have anything to do with Skald?"
Fili: �No and why would I? We respect the Woldian Pantheon here. Ffloy, in particular as this is a house of trade.�

Kezz�em:"Do you think my jokes are funny?"
Fili: �Well this one certainly isn�t.�

Kezz�em"What is the air-speed velocity of an unladen flying skatesboard?"
Fili:�For some reason I feel compelled to ask, African or European?�

Fili does not detect as evil.

Pressi walks in on the question about the skateboard and subsequent answer.

Pressi, Hobie, Kezz�em - Sense Motive 10 : Highlight to display spoiler: {Fili does not seem too happy. He�ll likely tell Vokwabyrn and Mafrid about his interaction with Kezz�em and Hobie and not in a positive way}

Pressi, Hobie and Kezz�em are in the general store with Fili Heavycloak.

Meanwhile Murphy, Bliss, Mookie and Succotash are still in the administration building. Murphy is deep in thought about their quandary.

It has been a little over an hour since lunchtime.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday April 26th, 2021 11:09:28 AM
"Well my friends, and this may just be my adventure lust kicking in but, I think our only course of action is to hitch a ride on the next caravan, and hope we can make contact with the miscreants causing all the trouble. This place has it's intrigues to be sure, but I fear we will find nothing concrete until we hit the road."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20=3 ;
Monday April 26th, 2021 2:31:23 PM
Hobie, being woefully unable to Sense Motive, doesn't read Fili well.

While Kezzem is questioning Fili, Hobie uses prestidigitation to move some bottles of liquor off the highest shelves and over to the counter.
"How much for these Mr. Heavycloak? You wouldn't believe the things we've seen, and I imagine whatever we see next could use some whiskey. We killed a dragon you know. And a number of giants. And a Devil. And some TERRIFYING invisible blade creatures in the Sargrass."

ooc: Man, I don't know if you guys pictured those Sargrass invisible creatures the same way I did, but I legit still have nightmares about those things. If you remember, Hobie interrupted some attempts at diplomacy by firing an arrow without hesitating, and I think I did that because those things sincerely freaked me out.

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+29=38 ; d20+12=15 ;
Monday April 26th, 2021 2:41:09 PM

[OOC: Hi friends. Back after taking a week off to deal with RL stuff. Thanks to everybody who helped cover for me.]

"Oh, this administration building is very interesting. Look here, Mookie, at this!"

Perception 38

Bliss points out the detail that he just noticed.

"Oh, and what about this!"

Know Nature 15

Bliss tries to link some petty bit of natural lore to something he sees right over there.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Monday April 26th, 2021 3:36:41 PM
"Sorry, my good dwarf, but I was instructed to grill you, and I don't think she meant for me to cook you (at least I hope Press didn't mean it that way). The good news is you passed! The bad news is, I can't buy anything right now because I'm still waiting on my last paycheck. Would you settle for a joke? A human, a half-orc, and an elf walked into a bar. The halfling walked under it."

"Well, Press, the shop keep checks out," says Kezzem. "He doesn't hate mushrooms, so he can't be a bad guy."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday April 26th, 2021 9:05:59 PM
Pressi stared at Kezzem and Hobie in what remains one of the few ways to strike fear in the heart of a paladin.

"My apologies, shopkeep, but I have never seen either of these two men in my life. I will call the cops if you prefer, but I hope you will take pity on what is clearly a diseased mind.... Put down the bottle, put it down..."

After she pulled them out, "Yeah, I did not instruct you to grill him, let alone... whatever that was. Did you ask him about anybody with suddenly deep pockets or any rumors? Maybe if there was anything that would cause someone to run up a huge debt? Or maybe just scout the place for anyone out of place?

"Or heck, maybe just not antagonize the person and make threatening mage hand moves to someone we might have to buy stuff from?"

Pressi closed her eyes. "Did either of you come up with anything useful, say better ideas for how to secure the transport?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+8 d20+43=54 ; d20+25=44 ;
Tuesday April 27th, 2021 5:25:31 AM

At some point, and with people who ostensibly might know, Murphy asks a series of questions. "It would be good to get descriptions of the robbers. How were they dressed. What race or races did they represent. How many were there? It sounds like the attacks took place in a different location each time - is that the case? Did anyone witness more than one of the robberies? Did their tactics change from situation to situation? Did they use arrows? Daggers? Swords? Magic? Did they fly?" and other queries along those lines.

Whatever patterns he is able to discern from the files, ledgers, and so forth he will try to discern.

Perception: 54
Survival: 44 (maybe I can survive this investigation)

DM Mitch
Tuesday April 27th, 2021 7:38:03 AM
Succotash thinks they�ve gotten all they will out of the foundry folk.
Hobie is oblivious to the shopkeepers discomfort. He tries to buy something.
Blizz finds the administration building interesting.
Kezz�m apologizes, tells a bad joke, and blows Pressi�s cover.
Pressi tries to cover before scolding her compatriots.
Murphy asks some pertinent questions about the robbers.

At the Administration Building:

Mafrid says to Succotash, �The caravan should be arriving soon to load up and head out.�

Bliss notices that the administrative building has oak paneling on the far wall, it isn�t really relevant to the task at hand but it looks nice.

At the General Store:

Fili says to Hobie, �Careful! You break those you bought �em. As for price, Whiskey is 20 gold per bottle. You got the coin?�

Fili says to The Kezz�m, �Are you sure you know what you are doing? Don�t you have better things to be doing then spending your time badgering an innocent shopkeep about trivialities?�

Fili says to Pressi, �I don�t know if these clowns are with you or not. I do know you are all halflings and we tend not to see many of your kind out here so you probably are together. When my shift is up I�m gonna let my bosses know what transpired here today, don�t know if it will make a difference or not but it is exceedingly rude to enter someone�s place of work and accuse them of stealing or being affiliated with rogue Immortal Powers. I�d suggest you get on your way and leave me out of whatever investigation the one with the drinking problem was talking about from now on.�

Shortly after that exchange Pressi, Hobie and The Kezz�m are discussing things outside when they notice a small wagon train complete with outriders approaching the greater foundry areas along the road outside. It hasn�t reached the boundary to foundry grounds yet, but it won�t be too long before it will be at the loading bay.

Vokwabyrn answer�s Murphy�s questions. Reports where a little confused, as things often are in such things, but the consensus leans towards a half dozen bandits or more. Daggers, swords, and bows were reported as armament, and magic was probably used so that they could pull their appearing out of nowhere act. No one mentioned any flying. The attacks usually happened along a long, narrow pass that had to be taken to leave the area, but always on a different stretch of the pass making it hard to pinpoint any sort of staging ground or camp. Reports lean towards them being some kind of lizardfolk or beastfolk.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday April 27th, 2021 10:21:06 AM
"Sounds like a mixed bag when it comes to the martial types, with magical assistance, but it appears that the magic user or users don't want to get their hands dirty, Well, I for one am in favor of rubbing some mud in those clean hands!"

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday April 27th, 2021 11:05:43 AM

Bliss listens carefully to the fellow talking with Murphy.

"So how's about we go along hidden like on one of these runs and ambush the ambushers, then?" asks Bliss.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+24=43 ;
Tuesday April 27th, 2021 9:51:36 PM
After settling down and seeing the caravan, Pressi popped back in. "I again apologize for some of the rudeness of my companions... though I should point out that technically I don't think they even implied towards theft or 'Immortal Powers', and I find it slightly odd that you immediately went that defensive.

"So... here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to ask you again if you know anything about the thefts, and I mean anything at all. People with large purchases, rumors of magic users or people in debt, political stories with some of the supplying clans or customers, anything at all, really. I'm going to put a hundred gold coins down here on the counter for the two bottles of whiskey, and then leave before you say anything else. You think about it, and you think about how much more annoying it will be if this whole place goes under or if we have to come back again under less pleasant circumstances.

"If you later happen to have anything come to mind, you can probably find me directly or through your bosses, whatever's more comfortable. Should you think of nothing, the money's still yours, though I'd prefer if the events that transpired stayed within this room. Should there be a higher price for, I dunno, something rather uncomfortable to divulge, I'm sure such coin will also make its way to the counter."

(Diplomacy 43)

--------------

Pressi led the other two back to the loading bay.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+8
Wednesday April 28th, 2021 12:05:17 AM

Murphy asks his friends, "Does anyone here have or know the shrink item spell? If so, we could reduce some of the ingots to much smaller sizes, even turn them into pieces of cloth. When they arrive at their desired destination, then - presto! - they change back to mithral-enlaced steel. What are the dimensions of the ingots, again?"

"Not only do we want to thwart the theft, but also trail / trace back to their lairs - or the place of the person who hired them. Or places of people who did so. And perhaps recover a healthy percentage of that which has been stolen."

He asks for a map of the route to the intended destination - and if they cannot give him one, he is pretty good at quickly copying and/or memorizing such. He also asks to be shown the respective planned destinations of each of the stolen shipments, and wishes to plot on the map the location of each of the robberies.

"Are there any underground routes that would allow passage from here to a decent place beyond the pass?"

He also wants a description of the terrain. And thinks it might be wise to scout ahead, invisibly, perhaps a pair of party members.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday April 28th, 2021 2:59:14 AM
When the shop keep asks Hobie if he has the coin to buy his whiskey, Hobie's jaw drops.

"I'm dressed head to toe in magical gear, my buddy here is wearing a Mithral breastplate, and you ask if I can afford your 20 gold piece whiskey? I may not be so perceptive, but man, you are about as thick as the wall of ice I could block your entrance with in 6 seconds."

Hobie puts 3 bottles in his bag, drops 6 platinum pieces down on the counter. He activates his ring of invisibility and disappears. A few seconds later the door slams.

DM Mitch
Wednesday April 28th, 2021 8:31:26 AM
Succotash muses on the enemy group�s composition.
Bliss suggests they hide themselves to ambush the ambushers.
Pressi tries to smooth things over with the shopkeeper via a smooth tongue and a lot of bribery.
Murphy suggests shrinking the goods to hide them and asks for routing information and a map.
Hobie is offended at the money question and also overpays.

At the Administration building:

Mafrid says to Succotash, �So long as their attacks are put to an end you can rub all you want.�

Vokwabyrn says to Bliss, �Well we mean for you to be guards. If you think using your small size to your advantage and lying in wait for the bandits to show up will be an effective strategy then by all means employ it. We don�t mean to tell you how to do your job, just that we want the bandit attacks and ore robberies stopped.�

To Murphy, Mafrid says �Each 5 pound ingot is 8 and � inches by 1 inch by 2 inches. Today�s shipment is intended for the Anvilhand Hold of the Fist Dwarves. Anvilhand Hold is sort of located in the North Central area of the Scab� he points on a map.

�This will be the third shipment we will be attempting to get to the Anvilhand Hold. Two of our other shipments were bound to the trading post in Cthonia and the last two were supposed to go all the way to the Float. A human smith there by the name of Mayfield I believe took an interest in our new alloy. Sadly he has had to wait quite some time for it.�

He pauses, �As for the terrain, it is typically roads carved out of the mountain, for the most in decent condition, though there can be some precarious places depending on the particular route taken. Unfortunately there are no good alternative routes besides the road until you get beyond the pass.�

===============

Back at the general store

Fili says to the leaving Hobie as he turns invisible and storms away, �Now you know how I felt when you folks barged in here and started interrogating me as if I had something to do with what is going on with the robberies.�

Fili says to Pressi after her apology but before she makes her offer, �They barged in here and essentially interrogated me. One of the questions asked seemed to imply I had something to do with the missing alloy by the tone they took in asking it. The other question asked if I had anything to do with Skald and my understanding is Skald is a chaotic immortal power that brings nothing but trouble meanwhile the Woldian Pantheon including Floy, especially brings prosperity and stability.�

After Pressi overpays for the 2 bottles of whiskey, he says, �You know maybe I jumped to conclusions and what we had was just a minor misunderstanding between friends. In fact I see no reason to get the bosses involved. Let�s let bygones be bygones. Now lets see. Well the caravan robberies have been the talk of the foundry, but you probably already know that. Supposedly some sort of beast folk come out of nowhere and threaten death if they don�t get compliance in handing over the alloy. The bosses went to the Black Dwarves clan for help but the Black Dwarves wanted the foundry so the bosses said no. Speaking of the Black Dwarven Clan supposedly Thirmid Deepmantle, a miner and friend of the bosses, is in need of some serious scratch and the bosses are trying to help him out. Lastly while we are on the subject of debt, rumor has it that Novid Coalhelm, the forgemaster, has his own debts, of course he�s of the Fist Dwarven Clan so he�d have to deal with Holder Deepdelver about that. That�s about all I can think of. Hope that helps.�

When folks head over to the loading bay things are abustle in activity. The caravan has arrived and the double doors are now open. Forge workers and caravaneers are attempting to secure the crates inside some of the wagons.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+35=46 ;
Wednesday April 28th, 2021 11:32:52 AM
Succotash gives the loaded wagons the once over. (perception 46) He is looking to make sure everything is secured safely, as well as making sure everything is on the up and up.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Wednesday April 28th, 2021 11:46:04 AM
To Hobie, Kezzem says, "Some people just don't appreciate an ole fashioned game of bad paladin, good witch. Besides, the Black Dwarf clan are clearly behind this," says Kezzem. Pressi can only silence him with a glare for so long apparently. "This is a classic protection racket. Watch, pretty soon one will show up and say, 'That's a nice mine you've got here. Be a shame if something happened to it.":

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday April 28th, 2021 12:19:09 PM
"I'm in full agreement that this is a protection racket."

Hobie gathers himself and his gear "Okay, so are we going out with this caravan? Let's get moving"

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday April 28th, 2021 12:24:26 PM
Bliss will assume his witchy cat form today, the better to hide in the caravan and surprise the ambushers.

Other business: Every morning Bliss casts Heroes' Breakfast for the team. And he loads up on his usual spells and rituals.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday April 28th, 2021 9:35:45 PM
The kid is making it real hard to get her to bed so I�m scratching this on my phone. No notes, no real thought, and my apologies no witty dialogue or pithy observations.

Pressi doesn�t quite agree that this is a protection racket. She�s pretty sure that someone inside is involved, and something seems real off. Like the magic stuff, not typical for dwarves. This beast folk wrinkle also makes her unsure of herself.

She makes a couple of proposals. First, she�d like to be on the caravan as a guard, and maybe have Valerie inside the vault. She figured Murphy could follow (with the real caravan if they are doing the decoy). She considers if anyone else on the team would be good at going undercover but it might just be her. (She was planning to put Kezzem as a driver, but he�s kind of on the outs. Does Succotash want to take a shot.)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+8
Thursday April 29th, 2021 2:24:01 AM

Murphy communicates with Pressi frequently enough to keep abreast of what she is seeing, learning and doing, and passing on his information gathering and perspectives as well. He shares likewise with Bliss, Succotash, and other party members if they are nearby.

"Our boys sometimes seem to have rather rocky social formations," he says to her, smiling. "Perhaps in the next few months we can get them enrolled in etiquette classes."

Murphy asks for a place to leave some of the items he normally carries in his portable hole. He privately, discretely, asks Mafrid if about two thirds to three quarters of the ingots could be placed in his portable hole. "Maybe put something along the bottom of the crates of equivalent mass, and topped by real ingots. If by chance they are able to get away with some of the shipment, my having the bulk of them in what looks like a black pocket handkerchief can preclude them from getting the whole thing. But if possible I don't want the people with us knowing that I have them, lest in a moment of weakness one or more of them think they should tell the robbers. Does that make sense to you?" He thinks it may also be wise, should Mafrid agree to this plan, to have a few ingots kept with other party members.

He also asks whether the carts or wagons were stolen, or simply the metal. If only the latter, how did they carry them off? Beast creatures? Of what sorts?

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+8
Thursday April 29th, 2021 2:31:22 AM

At some point before they leave, Murphy enters the shop. "I wish to apologize for the apparent rude behavior of my companions. Both of them are capable of great deeds, but one can say the oddest things, and the other is one of the best archers I know, but courtesy of speech is not always his strong suit. Also, though most shopkeepers I know tend to be pleasant and helpful, in our hometown the fellow who runs the general store is not noted for those characteristics, so sometimes customers can reciprocate. Which I am confident is not the case with you. If there is something I can do for you, or help obtain for your store, please let me know."

He checks on his oak tree, and spends a bit of time examining where it was planted, and figuring what he may need to do to alter the ground at some point so it does not up and die over the course of the next few months. That may have to wait until after the shipment business.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+8
Thursday April 29th, 2021 2:33:47 AM
To the shopkeeper, "Oh, and my father and one of my brothers hold quite a bit of respect for Ffloy. Interesting fact: In Humble's Ford, the temples of Flower and Ffloy share a building. Plants, familial love, and profits, as it were."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday April 29th, 2021 8:56:52 AM
Hobie would like to use his ring of invisibility and just be invisible somewhere in/on the caravan, perhaps just sitting on top with his bow ready like a turret

DM Mitch
Thursday April 29th, 2021 9:08:03 AM
Succotash double checks the cargo.
Kezz�m is convinced it�s the black dwarf clan
Hobie agrees with him. He�s ready to go.
Bliss goes cat.
Pressi considers possible plans.
Murphy suggest etiquette classes, suggests hiding the goods, and asks if the wagons were taken or just the goods. He adds another round of apologies to the shopkeeper.

Murphy is able to visit the general store before going to the loading bay at the foundry.

In response to his apology for Hobie and Kezz�m�s behavior, Fili says, �That is quite alright, that charming halfling woman managed to straighten things out. It was just a misunderstanding between friends but if you still feel the need to help provision the store, if you come across any rare or unusual spirits in your travels a few bottles or so would not be declined. As I told the others we respect the Woldian pantheon not just Ffloy but we hold him in the highest esteem considering our profession. That temple devoted to Flower and Ffloy must be a sight to see.�

Murphy is also able to check on the oak tree, the soil here is rather poor. The oak should be fine at least until the business with the bandits is seen to but if he wants it to last for the long term the soil will need to be enriched.

When everyone is able to gather at the loading bay the following happens:

As Succotash peruses the wagons he notices the cargo is securely lashed where it can be and everything is shipshape.

Hobie is anxious to be on their way but not all the cargo has been loaded yet.

It is still the same day, but at the depot Bliss can stalk around as a cat if he wishes

At the loading depot Mafrid introduces everyone to Henmil Chaosfeet, the leader of the caravan. He is a middle aged Dwarf with a bushy chestnut beard.

Pressi volunteers to serve as a guard with Valerie inside one of the wagons holding the alloy cargo while Murphy and the others except maybe Succotash follow from behind.

Murphy takes Mafrid aside and offers an alternate tactic of hiding some of the ingots in his portable hole.

Mafrid says to Murphy, �The cargo is being loaded as we speak. If we take it off the wagons then everyone will know about your portable hole. I am not opposed to your idea though and if your group wants to go through with it I will instruct Henmil to give you access to the wagons and provide you with a pry bar so that you may open the crates and get the ingots into your hole. I will loop him in to what is going on as well because he is ostensibly responsible for the cargo as well and should know so as to not think they were robbed after all should you reach your destination without incident.�

Henmil responds to Pressi when asked about decoys, �We might be able to shift the cargo around so that one of the wagons is mostly empty and you can use it as a decoy if you wish. It might delay our leaving further but if you think it will help against the bandits then who am I to argue?�
While this is happening the party can see that the crates have finished loading and that it is quitting time for the day at the foundry. You can see Botheal headed out, likely to his rendezvous with Dinna...
Do you want to implement Pressi�s decoy idea, Murphy�s portable hole idea? Both? Neither? Some other option?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday April 29th, 2021 11:15:02 AM
Succotash would be fine driving the decoy wagon, besides he isn't so sure how Valerie would react to being hidden in the wagon, if he wasn't near by to comfort her.

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Thursday April 29th, 2021 3:14:12 PM

Mookie stays with the party, but Cat-Bliss hangs out in the depot and around the wagons. He keeps alert for anything odd or out of the ordinary.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+8
Thursday April 29th, 2021 3:32:54 PM

"I'll see what I can do for you on the spirits, good dwarf," Murphy tells the shopkeeper. "I occasionally get to Plateau City - no doubt I could pick up some interesting bottles for you there. Might take a few weeks or months, but I'll do something like that for you."

Murphy concurs with Mafrid that Henmil should know. "Let's run with the decoy notion - and that will afford me the opportunity to offload at least one of the crates into the portable hole. Can we get one more crate to bring along to take up the space vacated for the one I hide? Put some rocks in it maybe. Though I'd prefer the partial taking from each crate, under the circumstances putting one whole crate into the portable hole is not a bad measure - honestly, there'd be room two or three crates, but let's do one for now. Perhaps another later, but we'll see as we go along. Any asks, and it's 'security measures'. Because, it really is!"

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Thursday April 29th, 2021 4:13:56 PM
"So we're going with my decoy wagon idea?" asks a surprised Kezzem. "Are we just going to let them attack and see what we're up against, or should we just try to take them out on the spot?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday April 29th, 2021 9:42:58 PM
To Kezzem, "Part of the reason I want to be on the decoy wagon is to size them up. I can keep them talking, detect whatever magic they're using, and start counteracting them long before they realize what they're up against... though I probably will need an extraction at some point. I could also have the empty cart filled with summons or something I can animate, and I'm thinking some contingency spells with Blink might not be a bad idea..."

Pressi turns to Henmil. "How are your drivers and guards in an actual firefight? Because I should warn you that this could get ugly, and I don't want to put anyone in harms way or assume they have my back. If nobody can fight, keep them off the decoy and we'll modify our plans accordingly." If Henmil says some of them can fight, she asks if any of them have weapons or training.

"I'm thinking it will be tough to completely separate the decoy from the rest of the pack but I could have it far forward while Bliss and Mookie scout ahead. We need a way to make sure they attack the decoy car first, though."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Friday April 30th, 2021 1:55:50 AM
"I'm not much for bluffing these days so I don't think going undercover is a good fit for me. I'm still pretty stealthy so I can hang nearby, especially if somebody can make me invisible or something. I could hide in the back or keep a distance, in which case I'll need to get close pretty quick. Rumpus is pretty quick, but I don't think I can hide a horse and I don't want to waste time summoning him if your in danger. Do we still have that flying carpet?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+8
Friday April 30th, 2021 3:42:12 AM

"Flying carpet? Yes." Murphy produces it for Kezzem.

He adds, "So far, unless I am mistaken, the robbers have not taken anyone's life. Am I correct in that? Now, they certainly are affecting people's livelihoods. My hope would be to avoid killing where possible, though if some of the attackers are taken down, I may not mourn too greatly. But along with stopping the thefts, we want to try to trace where the stolen ingots have gotten to. It may be easier if some of the attackers be subdued and questioned. If need be a ransom paid with mithral-alloyed steel, and a promise never to attack the delivery wagons again. Hobie, I am so glad your bow has the merciful aspect. Others, too, among us, can keep these things in mind."

DM Mitch
Friday April 30th, 2021 7:39:35 AM
Succotash is fine with driving the decoy wagon.
Bliss in cat form keeps alert for odd goings on.
Murphy offers to bring good spirits back to the shopkeeper one day. He agrees to the decoy option and specifies some preparations.
Kezz�m is surprised the group is going with his idea.
Pressi wants to be able to talk to the bandits, size them up and be able to detect their magic. She asks about the fighting prowess of the caravan group.
Kezz�m follows up with a suggestion he stealthily shadows the party and asks about a flying carpet.
Murphy produces said carpet and asks about deaths in the roberies.

Cat-Bliss and Mookie don�t see anything unusual at the depot aside from the following proceedings between his friends and Mafrid and Henmil.

Mafrid calls Henmil over to where he and Murphy are discussing things. He says, �Murphy is going to put a crate of alloy ingots in his portable black hole from the wagon you will remove cargo from to act as a decoy. He says as for the other crate, well maybe we can put rocks in it or maybe we can put some scrap metal cast-offs. This is a foundry maybe if the thieves don�t have an eye for metal and things head south they might accept scrap as what they are after.�

Mafrid goes into the loading bay and finds Novid and the two of them come back a little while later with another box. He says, �Scrap decoy box ready to go.�

Henmil says in response to Pressi, �My guards can fight off run of the mill bandits, but these ones are abnormal. Their magick alone sets them apart leaving my men outmatched. We�ll give your decoy a wide berth though we have crossbows, swords, clubs and spears amidst our number�

Mafrid says in reply to Murphy�s inquiry, �Well the first wagon lost some folks but that was a different caravaneer. Some foolhardy guards got it into their heads to try to mount a counter attack during the offloading of the ingot boxes. They went down amidst a flurry of axe and rapier blows or so I am told. Later raids everyone behaved and were allowed to leave with their lives�

The caravaneers shift the cargo around leaving the wagon you designated as decoy mostly empty save for the scrap box Mafrid and Novid got you and a few crates of supplies. While the cargo is being shifted around Murphy is able to put the crate full of alloy ingots originally in the shifted wagon in his portable hole. Is there anything else you�d like to do before the caravan heads off?

It sounds like the Marching Order will be:

Bliss and Mookie advance scouts, Succotash and Pressi external on decoy with Succotash as driver and Pressi as guard with Valerie on the inside.

The caravan�s outriders serving as a buffer

The rest of the caravan with Murphy, Kezz�em and Hobie amongst them. Kezz�em with the magic carpet in case he needs to rapidly get to the decoy

Please correct any misinterpretations on the DM part with respect to marching order. It�s also important to know how far ahead of the main wagon you intend to be with the decoy- do you intend to look like one big group, or two caravans that happen to be on the same road? In earshot of each other, within sight but not shouting distance, or far enough the bandits won�t be able to see both groups?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday April 30th, 2021 11:29:24 AM
"I know it's dark under the tarp, girl, but trust me, it's for the best" Succotash says to Valerie using his speak with animals ability. He also takes the time to explain the plan to his dino friend, using simple terms so she is sure to understand.

When everyone is ready to depart, Succotash takes the reigns and says, "Giddy-up" as he pulls the decoy wagon away from the loading dock, and starts down the trail.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Friday April 30th, 2021 6:18:26 PM
"Okay, we're taking them alive this time," says Kezzem. "Anybody have rubber daggers?"

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Saturday May 1st, 2021 12:02:54 AM
Bliss will be an advance scout. He has the stealth for it. But Mookie will stay with the main caravan. That way he can relay any telepathic reports he gets from Bliss.

DM Mitch
Monday May 3rd, 2021 6:48:31 AM
�Rawr!� Valerie says agreeably to Succotash from under the tarp.

Bliss serves as kitty advance scout with Mookie perched on one of the wagons with the main group to serve as a messaging relay.

Travel is slow and uneventful at first. Considering you left late in the day you won�t be able to reach the pass where all this is happening on your first day. You are going to have to make camp.

There are 3 places that Henmil recommends. The first is a flat stretch of land where the stones have been rearranged into a sort of a windbreak. The second is near a small spring with clean water bubbling up and the last area is near a kind of scraggly wooded area.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday May 3rd, 2021 9:06:55 AM
"If it wasn't for the fact that I can create enough water to supply Humble's Ford with clean drinking water, I would chose the spring, but since water is not needed, I vote for the wooded area. We should be able to find enough dead and hopefully dry wood for a nice campfire tonight, and maybe even gain a bit of shelter from any winds and such."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday May 3rd, 2021 1:05:34 PM
"I also vote for the woods, I can climb a tree and get a good vantage during my watch."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday May 3rd, 2021 1:07:39 PM
For the "marching orders" Hobie is sitting on top of the front vehicle if possible, or next to the driver if the direct top isn't possible, and he's using his ring for constant invisibility.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday May 3rd, 2021 9:29:37 PM
Pressi nods at the explanation and the first description. "Hard to tell how to counteract, since we are going in with some vague descriptions of magic. Maybe we'll heed Murphy's advice and try not to just fight them head on ourselves. On the other hand, your fighters do have some access to magic now. Maybe we keep to more defensive actions, but I can magic enchant your weapons and do some other things.

In response to the request, Pressi would prefer if they were so far apart that the bandits can't see both caravans at the same time. In part, she's hoping that it protects the main caravan (and many of the guards), and she relies on her telepathic link and Murphy's speed, along with her own skills to keep things at a simmer. That said, she recognizes a number of risks - a lack of numbers, and a good chance that the bandits won't take the bait.

As for taking them alive, "turning them to stone counts, right?"

Pressi votes for the easier to secure windbreak, but she isn't opposed to the woods. If that's the way they are leaning, she floats a rope system to secure the area. From this point forward, she basically spams detect magic.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+8
Monday May 3rd, 2021 11:59:09 PM
"Each spot has its charms, sounds like," Murphy says to Henmil. "Pressi, I like the windbreak idea, too... but if we're going to have the decoy out ahead, what if we place the first wagon at a separate camp site? No, that's too complicated. We'll simply have #1 leave ahead of the others. The woods should serve us all tonight," Murphy concurs with Succo and Hobie. He joins Pressi in perimeter defense and enlists some help to lay out some of his standard early-warning systems which include trip lines, bells, little pits covered over with moss, leaves or other ground debris, lights that will alight if some of the trip lines are activated, and so forth. He has been doing this for years now. For fires, a pit with a tunnel leading a few feet away to a separate hole, such that air is pulled in from one side, and, so long as dry rather than damp wood is used, there is little or no smoke, and no visible flame unless looking down at a fairly sharp angle from above. A couple holes dug for privies, to be covered over at breaking of camp.

"Say, Bliss, you lent me this pearl of power, 3rd level, a while back for Mookie's sake, so that I might cast Greater Magic Fang upon him daily. Since now though he has that on a permanent basis, could I simply buy the pearl from you? It has come in handy a few times in helping others. If it is fine with you, I can pay you 9,000 gp. If you want it back, though, say the word and I return it now, or when you want me to."

"Say, Mookie. You want to have the Instant Fortress ready to place upon an attacker or two if they get too pesky? The fort can hold them down until the end of combat, eh?"

"For many reasons, I miss Tali. Talia. One of those reasons is she used to cast invisibility upon me when I needed it. I'd like to do a patrol up ahead. If someone wants to come with, I'd enjoy the company, and an extra set of eyes. Henmil - how far ahead to the pass?" he asks the caravan boss.

If someone (Hobie? someone else?) can enable Murphy to go invisible, he'll take advantage of that and race ahead at about 70 miles per hour to overview the pass, noting based upon the map he was shown earlier the spots where prior attacks took place, and going a bit farther still. With 18 minutes of invisibility, he could travel a total of 21.3 miles. Depending upon how far ahead the pass lies, and how long the passage goes will determine how much of that area he can preview for the group.

Bliss HP152 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday May 4th, 2021 7:28:24 AM

Bliss, changing briefly back from kitty form, blushes at having forgotten about the pearl. "Ha," he laughs, "no Mister Murphy, it's a gift. Please keep it, no worries."

Mookie, feeling a bit nervous, is definitely ready to go with the fortress. "Heck, now that we are camped, I'll set it up right now." The raven plucks it out of a tiny pouch he wears and activates it. You can tell he is nervous because he does not crack wise.

"Maybe the civilians and folks who are not as sturdy can sleep in the fortress for the night," suggests Bliss.

DM Mitch
Tuesday May 4th, 2021 8:03:00 AM
Succotash points out water isn�t needed and suggests the woods.
Hobie also likes the woods for the vantage point trees give.
Pressi discusses options and plans for the inevitable ambush.
Murphy settles the decoy question, agrees to the woods, and talks magic items and tactics with the group. He asks if anyone can make him invisible.
Bliss had totally forgotten the pearl Murphy asked about. He sets up the fortress and offers to let the dwarves sleep there. Some accept, others seem leery of it.

The consensus seems to be to camp at the scraggly wooded area. The trees are short and stunted so it might be hard to get a good vantage point climbing one but Hobie is a halfling so one of these trees could probably bear his weight at least. However, what they lack in climbing potential they make up for in firewood potential.

Pressi finds no magical auras in the wood. The dwarves are easily able to help Murphy build his fire pit and latrines.

The plan seems to be that on the morrow Pressi, Succotash and Valerie in their mostly cleared decoy wagon, that contains Valerie, a crate of scrap metal and some supplies will leave before the main group so as to look like a separate caravan.

Henmil says to Murphy, �I�m a caravaneer not a mage so I can�t turn you invisible. I mean I do know a little bushcraft so I could probably whip up some camouflage given time that would make you near invisible to the naked eye if you held still but a keen eye still might detect something is amiss. I don�t think that is quite what you had in mind. As for how far we are away from the pass about a day and a third�s worth of travel which is about 20 miles.�

Henmil says, �Don�t any of your companions have magic? Couldn�t they turn you invisible somehow? The one who is somewhat of a sidekick to your comedian as I understand it, Hobie, I think his name was, nearly gave my driver quite a fright when he suddenly stopped being invisible when we broke for camp.�

As no one has offered to turn Murphy invisible we are assuming no long range recon is done at this time.

The night passes uneventfully and Succotash, Valerie and Pressi head out ahead of the main group.

The main group heads out after they lose sight of the decoy wagon per Pressi�s preference that the two groups not be visible at the same time to any potential bandits.

Looks like you have another day�s travel ahead of you.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday May 4th, 2021 10:59:13 AM
"Another fine day for an ambush!" Succotash says as they depart the camp, "I wonder if we will have any company today."

Before departure, Succotash spends his hour in prayer and spell prep. He doesn't see the time as an obligation, but truly enjoys his time communing with the gods. Assuming Bliss casts his daily "Hero's Feast, Succotash says, "Your Hero's Breakfast is is splendid as ever Bliss! You know I can cast that spell too, but it's nice not to have to prepare it every morning."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday May 4th, 2021 3:41:01 PM
"I can certainly turn you invisible Murph."

Hobie will cast it on him

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday May 4th, 2021 9:13:38 PM
Pressi holds Murphy off from doing his own recon. "This plan only works if there's a way to message between the two convoys. Besides, I need someone who can hit hard if they do attack the second convoy. I think we go subtle, and then we go flashy. Show these boys what we can do.

"And maybe I'm a tad overconfident and we might need to retreat or cut a deal. But so far, I haven't heard anything that out of the ordinary... Might need some haste breakers or some walls, but it shouldn't be too much of a problem."

In the morning, Pressi does her usual preparations (Ritual of warding, shared ritual of shield with bliss and Harper) and tells Harper to stay with the second set of cars. She also takes some time to ink herself (cast Spite, triggers Calcific Touch). After some thought, she cases Moment of Prescience (17 hr duration) upon herself. Finally, she sets the bar as her place of Word of Recall.

During the ride, she continues with the detect magic and her perception.

-------------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Shield
Moment of Prescience
Spite: Calcific Touch

L3: 1
L4: 1
L8: 1

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Wednesday May 5th, 2021 12:30:54 AM
Kezzem checks in with his sidekick, Hobie.

"So do you think we'll get into some trouble today?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+10 d8+8=10 ; d8+45=50 ; d8+45=47 ; d8+45=50 ; d8+45=50 ; d8+45=49 ; d8+45=50 ; d8+45=46 ; d8+45=50 ; d8+45=53 ; d20+45=56 ; d20+45=52 ; d20+45=57 ; d20+45=58 ; d20+45=60 ; d20+45=63 ; d20+45=55 ; d20+45=49 ; d3=3 ; d20+45=53 ; d3=2 ; d20+45=51 ; d20+45=55 ; d20+45=64 ; d20+45=54 ; d20+45=46 ; d20+45=52 ; d20+45=57 ; d20+27=32 ; d20+27=45 ; d20+27=47 ; d20+27=40 ; d20+27=40 ; d20+27=44 ; d20+27=36 ; d20+25=41 ; d20+25=44 ; d20+25=36 ; d20+25=45 ;
Wednesday May 5th, 2021 3:27:12 AM

[For clarification, Murphy did ask Henmil about the distance to the pass, but not for help with invisibility :-) ]

He likes Pressi's notion of setting the bar as her place for work of recall, so he chooses a place right next to the oak as his landing space for that spell during his morning preparations. "Thanks for the inspiring grub, Bliss!"

"Let us travel today, yes. Pressi, here is a tree feather token. We'll stay in touch, and, if you sense an attack forming, feel free to quick plant the oak stored within this plume. I can do likewise on my side, and pull some of the group quickly to where you are. It's for you to decide, though, if and when you use it. Succotash here's one for you, too." He gives a tree feather token also to Bliss. "Thank you, Bliss for the pearl. I'll figure something nice for you later."

"Late in the afternoon, Hobie, touch me with that invisibility. We'll do it out of sight of the others, such as behind a rock or the like, and I'll switch to air elemental only after you've concealed me. Pressi, I do want to do a flyover, invisibly - not flashy, but only when we're close enough for it to make a difference. So, my intention is to head out about 5:30 - maybe an hour before sundown, and perform a quick visual inspection of the pass. Starting at a point maybe five or six miles from the pass, I can take off, and cover six or seven miles of the pass itself in a double flyover. That will help fill out the map considerably, and perhaps I can identify a few good ambush points. Who knows? Maybe I'll witness the beast folk setting up for an ambush. Or not."

"Good scouting is unlikely to do worse than increasing our odds. And I seriously doubt any wagon will be attacked during my 20 minute sojourn in late afternoon, outside the area of the pass. We live in the Wold, so anything could happen. But I choose not to let very low odds of something bad happening while I'm away keep me from looking ahead. Because, y'know, I can get back quickly, right?" He takes a couple of things he carries with him, setting them on the ground before wild shaping, and hiding them on himself after the transformation, including a feather token.

"However, it might be time for us to start thinking about increasing our distance communications capabilities. Like, Hobie - at the risk of terrifying you - how would you like to be in telepathic communication with me, or with another, at a moment's notice? Kezzem, I think I might be terrified at that arrangement with you, though. Maybe you and Hobie could have some mind sharing. Bliss, Succotash, would you be open to one of us being able to get under your thinking caps?" [We're talking a series of permanent telepathic bond here.]

As they travel today, Murphy makes a point of getting to know each of the dwarfs who have come along on the delivery train. He tries to get a little of their backgrounds, clan associations, and what brought them to work with this new enterprise. He speaks dwarf. He tries to find out if any are acquainted with the precursor to the modern dwarf tongue, which was spoken in the Scab in eons past, and which Murphy studied via the WLA after being exposed to it by the leaders of the dwarven raiders who brought the Iron Giant south in their plan to crush Humble's Ford - as a practice run.

==============
[i]Murphy gets d8+8 temp hit points from Heroes' Feast
Ignore d8+45 rolls, and the two d3 rolls (the cursor location bounces up and down sometimes during multiple clicks)
Perception, per mile of the mountain pass flown over:
Mile 1 over & back: 56 52
Mile 2 over & back: 57 58
Mile 3 over & back: 60 63
Mile 4 over & back: 55 49
Mile 5 over & back: 53 51
Mile 6 over & back: 55 64
Mile 7 over & back: 54 46
Lead in to pass over & back: 52 57
Seven Survival Rolls (tracking, noting points of interest in anticipation of wagon journey): 32 45 47 40 40 44 36
& 4 Knowledge Nature rolls: 41 44 36 45

Bliss HP222 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday May 5th, 2021 6:19:55 AM
In the morning, Bliss does cast his usual Heroes' Breakfast and his other typical rituals and spells.

Cat-Bliss will stay with the decoy caravan, and Mookie will stay with the real caravan. Their telepathy will keep the two halves connected.

DM Mitch
Wednesday May 5th, 2021 7:59:34 AM
Succotash wonders if they�ll have company today and thanks Bliss for the breakfast.
Hobie can turn Murphy invisible
Pessi holds Murphy off a moment and talks about ways to keep in touch and deal with the inevitable ambush.
Kezz�m asks Hobie if they�ll see trouble today.
Murphy decides to go scout anyway. He is also friendly to the dwarves and establishes some communication options.
Bliss does his usual morning feast.

The next morning prior to everyone setting off:

Hobie offers to cast invisibility on Murphy but Pressi is leery of splitting the party up too much so no recon is done. It�s decided to do it in the evening.

Henmil points out on the map Pressi and Succotash have in their wagon where his caravan typically makes camp on the second day of travel. There is a natural rock formation that offers some shelter from the wind and elements about 16 miles from their current position.

While on the trail:
The road while long and winding at times offers little cover for this stretch of it. As you understand it the pass is still over a day�s travel away so you can see for a decent distance what is in front of you and behind.

The decoy wagon remains just out of visual sight from the main group so any communication between the two groups will have to be done with magic. Murphy gets to know the caravaneers and they�re pretty standard affair, a mix of guards and freelancers who enjoy the travel, the occasional fight, and choosing their own work. Several of them find the party a little confusing, especially Kezz�m, but they�re glad for the extra hands with such obvious access to powerful magics.

Pressi as caravan guard to the decoy wagon does not detect any magic or see anything amiss. Finally as the sun starts to cast long shadows she thinks she sees the rock formation Henmil described. This puts you at roughly 16 miles from the camp near the wood and 4 miles from the pass, meaning when you leave tomorrow you would arrive at the infamous pass after roughly a quarter day�s worth of travel.

Now late in the day Murphy is able to do his flyover. It quickly becomes evident why the thieves have been so successful. The pass is long and narrow, going slowly up with many switchbacks. From the bottom you can�t see up the steep cliff sides, but anyone higher up on the pass can easily spot any group traveling below. WIth good eyes and/or a spyglass you could see caravans as they closed in on the pass and have all day to pick the ambush spot of your choosing. Throw in their ability to �appear from thin air� and literally anywhere would make a decent ambush spot. He doesn�t spy out anyone doing any spying from the top of the pass, but it is late in the day when no one is going to be crossing so that�s not surprising.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+35=41 ; d20+11=19 ;
Wednesday May 5th, 2021 10:33:57 AM
"Unless we have a break down, we should make the pass by late morning tomorrow." Succotash says while sitting around camp, "If things are going to go south, it should be sometime after that, and thanks to Murph's re-con, we now know that there are too many ambush points to count, so lets be extra careful."

"I like your mind link idea Murph, your's and Pressi's has come in handy on many an occasion. What say you Bliss, are you up for a permanent link?"

That night, while on his watch, Succotash does his best to remain alert to any threats. (perception 41) He also asks Valerie to keep her nose to the air. (perception 19)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday May 5th, 2021 11:17:56 AM
"I wouldn't be opposed to the telepathic bond with you all, I think it would serve us quite well. Is anyone able to cast the spell for this particular mission though?"

"Tomorrow, once we have the caravan moving, I will cast Overand Flight on myself, allowing me to fly for 12 hours. With that and the ring of invisibility, I can provide silent, stealthy overwatch for the entire trip. How should I give a signal if I spot an ambush while flying? I could simply fire an arrow at the caravan, or I could use Major Image to create some sort of signal."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday May 5th, 2021 11:18:02 AM
"I wouldn't be opposed to the telepathic bond with you all, I think it would serve us quite well. Is anyone able to cast the spell for this particular mission though?"

"Tomorrow, once we have the caravan moving, I will cast Overand Flight on myself, allowing me to fly for 12 hours. With that and the ring of invisibility, I can provide silent, stealthy overwatch for the entire trip. How should I give a signal if I spot an ambush while flying? I could simply fire an arrow at the caravan, or I could use Major Image to create some sort of signal."

Bliss HP222 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday May 5th, 2021 10:23:00 PM
Bliss is fine with all that prep, but if it comes to it, he plans to climb. Even in cat form, his spider cloak lets him go nuts up and down walls.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Thursday May 6th, 2021 2:04:00 AM
"But Murphey, you hear my thoughts all the time!" says Kezzem. "Every time I open my mouth. I don't hold any of the good stuff back."

DM Mitch
Thursday May 6th, 2021 8:04:58 AM
Succotash suggests making a permanent link via telepathic bond.
Hobie wonders if they even have the spell available. He offers to provide overwatch for the caravan.
Blizz plans to climb in cat form as a scout.
Kezz�m suggests that he already says everything he thinks of

While encamped at the natural rock formation the party discusses plans for tomorrow.

(OOC: A note on Telepathic Bond and Permanency:
Telepathic bond has a normal duration of 10 minutes per level; any permanency applied to a casting of it can only apply to 2 creatures per casting of permanency. Each casting of permanency applied to telepathic bond costs 12,500 gp in diamond dust.

The party has 6 people. Murphy and Pressi are already bonded so it would take 14 additional castings of permanency to make enough 2 way telepathic bonds permanent to cover the rest of the party.

Do you have 175,000 gold in diamond dust to make a telepathic bond permanent for the whole party? Do you have enough spell slots for 14 castings of permanency?
If not how many folks can you permanently bond with the diamond dust and spell slots you have on hand?)

During Succotash�s and Valerie�s watch everything is still. The pair is hyper alert for everything so they notice a few scorpions, some lizards and a spider move about their natural environs. While any of these could be potentially poisonous the fauna is probably more scared of the caravan than anyone in the caravan needs to be scared of them unless they did something stupid.

Aside from the random vermin and animals that Succotash and Valerie notice during the night, nothing else of interest is noted.

Day breaks and you are about a few hours journey from the infamous pass. Please make any additional preparations you feel you need to.

Please correct any misunderstandings the DMs have in your marching order as you approach to the pass:

Decoy party

Bliss / Mookie - cat and bird advance scouts (Presumably acting like a normal bird or cat and not part of the decoy party; if so roll disguise, bluff or stealth)

Decoy wagon - Pressi(mind link w/ Murphy) and Succotash with Valerie in the wagon

Invisible Flying Hobie on overwatch (roll perception) watching over things; roll stealth just in case (even though you get insane bonuses for being invisible)

Main group <- out of visual range of the decoy group so as to appear a separate caravan

Caravan outriders

Main Caravan
Murphy(mind link w/ Pressi)
Kezz�m <- has flying carpet

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+35=38 ;
Thursday May 6th, 2021 10:41:25 AM
As the decoy enters the pass, Succotash casts true seeing on himself. He has a hunch that the bandits may have been using invisibility, and he wants to be ready. As always he keeps his eyes peeled for any threats. (perception 38)

daily amounts and active spells:

Succotash:
Channel energy 10/10
Agile feet 13/13
Speak with animals 21/21
Dimensional hop 180ft/180ft
True seeing 108/108

Valerie:

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+10
Thursday May 6th, 2021 11:06:02 AM

"What if a few of us work our way up to the very top, in various guises, then work our way down to the ambushers?" Murphy asks in the morning before they get on the road. "I could be a mountain hawk or some other bird. Bliss the cat. Hobie flying invisibly. Some we should keep with or near the wagons. The point is, we might be able to ambush the ambushers."

[Telepathic bond: Murphy was not suggesting that every person be permanently telepathically bonded to every other person. But a chain of connections, yes. Each person to one to three others. For today, should someone have that spell, it could be cast on the party right before the main part of the ascent, and last, what 180 minutes or so? One casting covers everyone within a 30' radius, then they can split up and still communicate for the duration. The area of effect only covers the moment of casting, and after that - you only have to be on the same plane of existence.]

[More to post, but have to rush off to work now...]

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+41=60 ;
Thursday May 6th, 2021 4:44:27 PM
Hobie will fly to a good vantage point where he can see the caravan for hundreds of meters and then hover there (he auto succeeds on a hover check unless it�s a hurricane).

Stealth while moving = 60. 80 once he�s still.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday May 6th, 2021 9:59:37 PM
Pressi takes some time before leaving to go over some maneuvers with the other guards, should something go down. Like using the cars and trench walls for cover, and using run and gun tactics as much as possible. Or to use torch smoke and flour bags to further cut down on visibility.

She considered the possibility of being up there all night laying traps, but it's too late for that now. She indicates that a major image is still a good idea, hoping to trap some of the villains down with her. She agrees to the acorn thing and places it in her bandolier for sleight of hand, along with her "cry on cue" device from the holiday party.

In the morning, she does the same as before, changes her armor to look like a normal guard's armor (under poncho and 10 gallon hat), and continues to detect magic as they ride through the canyon.

-------------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Shield
Moment of Prescience
Spite: Calcific Touch

L3: 1
L4: 1
L8: 1

Bliss HP222 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+35=40 ; d20+12=23 ;
Thursday May 6th, 2021 10:45:38 PM

Bliss continues to play the cat as the decoy caravan advances.

Stealth 40
Bluff 23

Mookie remains back with the real caravan. He does not look inconspicuous, given his white fancy vest and top hat.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Friday May 7th, 2021 1:01:17 AM
"Man, who knew waiting to get robbed would be so boring," says Kezzem to Murphey. "Feels funny keeping Rumpus out, but I figured a heavily armored warpony might not blend in with the pack animals well. I mean, I suppose we could remove his armor, but I don't want to send the boy in unprotected, you know? Hey, did I ever tell you about the time we pretended to be mushroom farmers? Oh wait, you were there. Well, I'll tell you anyway since we're not busy."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+10 d20+43=57 ; d20+27=33 ;
Friday May 7th, 2021 3:19:25 AM

"There have been a few mushroom farmer incidents among us, friend Kezzem," Murphy replies. "I love the old stories, though, so feel free to tell. Also, Rumpus is one of my favorite war ponies."

Not wanting to give up on the idea of spying from above, Murphy tells the group that he is going to perform early reconnaissance. He has been observing the various types of birds in the Scab - this is about the 4th or 5th time he's been in the vicinity, and he is a druid, so he chooses a type that would not seem out of place. Say a mountain hawk, no? But he starts as a swallow, and heads away from the party, after the first wagon departs, going out roughly 75 to 90 degrees to the left of the wagon's direction of travel. He looks at the local topography, wanting to find a locale that will provide cover for him to fly across, up and over as a bird. Once on the other side, and out of sight of any possible vantage view point from the pass, he wildshapes into a huge air elemental, and races around the mountains until he can work his way around to find the far side of the pass, coming in a few miles beyond any of the previous attack points. Then he changes into a mountain hawk, and begins working his way back along the pass in the general direction of the party. He will be alert for signs of critters, beastfolk, whatever along the way. As does a hawk, he will fly from place to plan, landing on this promontory, that snag. A bit of sharp eye out, a bit of preening, then fly on. Catch the occasional updraft. In short, be a bird spy, in as birdy a way as possible. IF he spots anyone, he takes in enough to mentally pass on to Pressi what he has seen, and where, and whether they are on the move, setting up, or the like.

Based upon yesterday's flyover, and today's recon, he then determines the best course of action after that. Should he come under attack, he'll take evasive maneuvers as a mountain hawk would.

If at any point Pressi communicates essential information that would require his quick return, then he has a few ideas on what to do.

Otherwise, he figures a way to return to the 2nd set of wagons, and give a report.
=============
Perception: 57
Survival: 33

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+21=27 ;
Friday May 7th, 2021 8:19:35 AM
Sorry, I missed the call for a perception check, here it is =27

DM Mitch d20=1 ; d100=1 ; d100=17 ; d100=38 ; d100=65 ; d20+27=39 ;
Friday May 7th, 2021 8:41:48 PM
Succotash makes some preparations as they approach the pass
Pressi does the same in her own way
Hobie does aerial surveillance
Bliss plays the cat while Mookie stays back with the main caravan
Kezz�m discusses the time they pretended to be Mushroom farmers
Murphy chats with Kezz�m before going on a scouting run.

Several hours pass as the party slowly ascends. Murphy's aerial surveillance spies all up and down the trail. Distance could be a problem for spying out sneaky bandits but his perch and move and sharp perception means he�s low to the ground often enough to spot out anyone who happens to be near where he lands. He has no such luck though and it�s a boring few hours. Along the way he notes many a cave that could serve as a hideout, mostly up off the mountain pass or down small side trails like an animal might use.

At one point he stops in a small grove of trees and stumbles upon one. A small cave, well hidden, and showing signs of recent habitation. The smell of smoke, trampled grass, and a spot near the ridge cleared off so someone can lay there and look down on the pass. He doesn�t see or hear anyone here now though, and it�s unlikely they�d be creeping around their own hidden camp.

Meanwhile Bliss meanders a good way ahead of the decoy caravan playing a cat. It�s a boring few hours, At one point while pretending to be utterly fascinated by hunting grasshoppers like a normal cat would (ok maybe only slightly pretending) something catches the corner of his eye, but when he turns to look it�s gone. There�s a narrow ledge partway up the wall where for a second it looked like someone was concealing themselves but now it�s very definitely a plain stone wall.

Succotash and Pressi don�t notice anything yet with their combined detect magic and true sight, but then scouts are no good if they aren�t far enough ahead to give advance warning so they aren�t close enough to observe either area. The main caravan rolls along with no problems either, though some of the dwarves look like they�re getting annoyed at Kezz�m.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Saturday May 8th, 2021 1:32:39 PM
Kezzem starts juggling his daggers to pass the time, though as they are enchanted to magically return to his hand, it's not as impressive as one might think.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+10 d20=9 ; d20+27=43 ; d20+43=52 ;
Monday May 10th, 2021 2:51:46 AM

When Murphy finds the cave within the grove of trees, he sniffs about, trying to catch the scents of those who were here. He looks over foot prints. Shoes, boots, bare feet - human-like, or beast-like? Size, rough weight based upon impressions. He flits over to the ridge viewpoint. Can he see far enough to note the camping site from which the party departed? He looks down to observe the progress of the wagons for a moment, and then to see if there are places as one follows the switchbacks that look like plausible ambush spots.

He flies up to a higher place. He finds a place where sounds he makes will be shielded from areas below. Why? He wants to cast a pair of spells. The first is foresight (please read). The second is true seeing.

He then begins a descent down the trail. Not following the trail precisely as though walking, but again from perch to perch (trees, tops of rocks, etc.), sometimes left, sometimes right, or more directly downwards. Taking a few moments to preen in one spot. Looking up in the air to see if other birds are about. Looking down as if trying to find his next meal. If he spots a critter that a mountain hawk might find tasty, he may dive for it, but will flip the critter into a crevice or spot which will make it hard for him to retrieve, and he will sound out his birdish frustration, then take back to the air. The true seeing spell will afford him a better opportunity to spot folks who are invisible - to see things as they really are. The range for true seeing is 120 feet. Might he miss spotting potential ambushers? Sure. But his odds should be better. True seeing lasts 18 minutes, and he will use up 12 to 14 minutes of it during his descent. He will pace himself for that time frame to get down to just a bit above the leading wagon. If he notices anything along, he does not make a big deal about it, pretending not to see what he should not see.

But Pressi will be told immediately. When he gets a bit above the leading wagon, he veers off to his right, finding a place to land a hundred or so yards off the trail in a place that will put him out of the line of sight of anyone looking down from higher up the trail.

If foresight warns him of an imminent threat, he considers what to do based upon how the spell forewarns him.

If he spotted no hiders up until he got to the leading wagon, then after a 45 second pause hidden from sight, he will launch forth again to cover the area toward the second group, looking to see what he sees, taking up another 2 minutes.
=============
Ignore d20=9 - was trying to do pull-down arrow to the left of the Roll button
Survival (visual tracking, scent): 43
Perception: 52 (and true seeing takes it to perhaps 72?)

Active spells
Magic Fang, Greater [cast before leaving camp]. 15 hours remaining
Foresight: 180 minutes minus ~12 minutes = 168 min.
True seeing: 18 minutes minus ~12 minutes = 6 min, or 4 min. (if observing between the wagons is needed) (DM call)

DM Mitch
Monday May 10th, 2021 8:21:55 AM
Kezz�em juggles daggers that are enchanted to magically return to his hands when he throws them.
Murphy investigates

In his bird form Murphy lacks the sent ability but presuming he switches to a form that does he�s able to detect at least 6 creatures that were camped here. Possibly more, things get confused at points. He�s able to find small, clawed footprints, not halfling but about that size. The ridge gives you a pretty clare view of most of the pass. He can�t really pick out last night�s campsite clearly from here, it�s just too far away, but with a good spyglass you could probably closely examine any caravans coming for about a mile before they hit the pass. Again he spots plenty of good ambush spots, to many to guess which would be picked.

On his way down he doesn�t detect much of anything until he gets close enough to catch sight of the other scouts. Bliss, in cat form, is sitting on the trail pretending to be a cat. It looks really weird with true seeing showing the halfling doing cat-like actions - he�s currently licking his foot in a way halfling legs don�t usually bend. More alarming is the Beastfolk in full leather armor crouching a few feet away and staring at the cat suspiciously. He�s right in the open but from Bliss�s lack of reaction he�s almost certainly invisible. Murphy�s about 300 feet away when he sees them. They�re just at a bend in the trail, one the decoy wagon should be circling around ina few minutes.

Bliss HP222 of 222 AC28 CMD40 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+12=24 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+29=31 ;
Monday May 10th, 2021 9:45:25 AM

Bliss continues pretending to be a cat as he wanders closer to where the fellow he glimpsed disappeared. He telepathically lets Mookie know what he is doing, and Mookie relays the info.

He is suspecting an illusion, and as he gets closer, hopping after grasshoppers or chasing a butterfly, if there is no other interesting thing happening, he brushes his tail up against where he thinks an illusion might be.

Bluff (though personally I think Bliss should get a bonus on this because he IS a cat and has been one more days than not in his career) 24

Will save vs potential illusion (includes +1 from heroes breakfast) 32

Perception to look for clues or footprints or smell someone nearby (cats have scent) 31

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday May 10th, 2021 10:14:37 AM
Assuming Murphy alerts Pressi about the invisible ambusher, when the decoy wagon is just about to turn the corner to the ambusher's location, Succotash casts invisibility purge. Anything invisible, within a 90ft radius, centered on the cleric, is instantly visible.

daily amounts and active spells:

Succotash:
Channel energy 10/10
Agile feet 13/13
Speak with animals 21/21
Dimensional hop 180ft/180ft
True seeing 107/108
Invisibility purge (90ft radius) 108/108

Valerie:

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Monday May 10th, 2021 11:09:03 AM
After seeing the camp and not seeing any people, Hobie will cast See Invisibility. He'll curse himself for not thinking of it earlier considering the story was that the guys would show up out of nowhere.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+10 d20+43=48 ; d20+27=39 ;
Monday May 10th, 2021 1:15:18 PM
[Right, I actually planned to wildshape into something with a good nose (a weasel), then back into a mountain hawk, but forgot to include that in my post. Consider it happened that way, and I'll mark off two more wild shapes for the day.]

Murphy notes the hidden beast fellow, and is amused at his cat/halfling friend's posture.

He telepathically lets Pressi know, and adds, "Ask people not to react yet. There are six of them, but I only know where one is as of yet. Keep the climb going. If Bliss does not flush him out, I want them to think we don't even notice them. Let's hold our fire until we know where the others are. I'm going to dive on Bliss - oh, Bliss is moving on him, with his tail. This may be dicey."

He tucks his wings and dives directly down toward Bliss. When he gets close, he whooshes over him, talons extended (clearly toward the cat, not the beast guy), and just barely misses, perhaps brushing the fur. He lets out a hawkish screech as he rises on the other side. He had let everyone know his general plan, so

He lets his wife know how that went. He looks around for Hobie. If he spots him, he flies up near him, makes a hawk's cry followed by a whispered, "Find, but don't yet act," followed by another hawk's cry and circled ascent.
================
Perception: 48
Survival: 39

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday May 10th, 2021 9:32:36 PM

Pressi gets an alert from Murphy (his conditional triggered) that there are invisible beastfolk ahead.

"Acknowledged," she messages back while speaking to Succotash at the same time. "Now comes the tricky part... Do not engage them. I want them to come to us, and I want them cocky. Get them talking, get them scanned or enchanted, maybe even have them open the back. Most importantly, lets get them around here.

"Speaking of which, I've been thinking of casting control weather so that we can make things a little miserable for them, but I'm assuming I need to start that cast now. If anyone has a similar spell or idea, or even just a sleet storm at the right time, it might be time to prepare it."

"Also, just invisible is kind of a bummer. I was sure these guys were plane jumping and that's why divination wasn't working. Actually lost some respect for these guys."

As some last minute preparations, Pressi casts her flying broom and places it next to her (and asks if Succotash has anything for flight). She also prepares to cast spectral hand as soon as they come close to the caravan.

Finally, she orders both caravans to stop moving, and gets off as if about to prepare to camp right then and there.

DM Mitch
Tuesday May 11th, 2021 7:41:51 AM
Bliss continues to pretend to be a cat, suspecting a potential illusion and moving closer to investigate.

Succotash goes to cast invisibility purge but Pressi stops him

Hobie casts see invisibility

Murphy instructs Pressi to tell the others not to react and mock dives at Bliss in warning, purposely missing the cat before flying back to Hobie.

Pressi cautions Succotash against his course of action and starts a cast of control weather to interfere with the raiders.

Bliss continues to be very catlike as he moves to the spot where he saw the guy vanish. Murphy is able to observe the invisible one look increasingly alarmed as Bliss does so, until the beastfolk stands and determinedly moves towards the cat. Bliss touches the spot where whoever it was vanished, but doesn't feel anything. If it�s an illusion then he should be feeling fur or armor but he just feels cold stone. The beastfolk, invisibly, goes to grab Bliss, but his misses and falls right over in shock as the hawk that is Murphy dives down at the cat. The attempted grapple dispils the invisibility, allowing Bliss to catch on that he was almost grabbed and get away from the grabby thief.

Standing up and looking about, the man seems to make a decision. �Oi, everyone out I�m calling it!� He bangs a dagger against the rock, and soon four more beastfolk emerge from the solid stone and three invisible ones come out of hiding. Murphy�s too high up to overhear, but Bliss is still close enough to listen in.

What�s the problem now shanks?� says one of the women who emerged fro meth stone. The now visible one answers, �Two caravans instead of one, halflings with the usual dwarves, and a cat just so happened to wander up to your exact hiding spot and gets warned off by a hawk right before I grab it. This all adds up to trouble, a powerful druid or something. It�s time to pack it in and get out while the gettin�s good.�

The others consider, then nod along, some more reluctantly then others. The four that had been inside the stone walls all draw bows and start scanning the skies. The invisible guys draw throwing daggers and keep an eye on the ground around them. Any further spying will require stealth to not get shot or shanked.

The decoy caravan is about 10 minutes from the spot the ambush was set up. The main caravan is about a half hour behind that. Bliss and Murphy are nearby, presumably hiding to not get shot. Pressi just started her control weather spell - it's a ten minute cast and it's been about 30 seconds.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d8+8=12 ; d3=1 ; d8+8=12 ;
Tuesday May 11th, 2021 11:20:24 AM
"If it's miserable for the baddies, Press, it will be miserable for us as well, I would hold off on that, but do as you feel is best." Succotash warns. "Flight isn't a problem, I can either cast fly, or airwalk. I'm also keen on casting longstrider and airwalk on Valerie and riding her."(70ft move speed)

When Murphy relays the information, Succotash casts Longstrider and Airwalk on Valerie

daily amounts and active spells:

Succotash:
Channel energy 10/10
Agile feet 13/13
Speak with animals 21/21
Dimensional hop 180ft/180ft
True seeing 106/108
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP

Valerie:
Longstrider: 18 hours
Airwalk: 3 hours
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Tuesday May 11th, 2021 12:05:37 PM
Hobie keeps observing the group of bad guys while flying invisibly with see invisibilty activated. He'll fly over the group just within earshot of their conversations. He'll put himself quite out in the open above them, watching to see if any of them notice him.

CatBliss HP186 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+40=56 ; d20+29=38 ;
Tuesday May 11th, 2021 12:07:51 PM

Bliss relays events via telepathy and just stays quiet hiding and observing.

Stealth 56
Perception (with scent) 38

But Bliss quickly gets bored with that. He turns on his shield of faith and casts a still silent death ward.

[OOC: CatBliss and OctoBliss PC sheets are now up to date for level 18. Main sheet still needs work.]

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 46/T25/F40 CMB 24 CMD 44 HP 196+10 d20+43=57 ; d20+32=35 ;
Tuesday May 11th, 2021 4:16:02 PM

Up in the air a ways, Murphy casts Freedom of Movement, Stoneskin, and Call Lightning Storm. He tells Pressi what happened with the fellow revealing himself. "Looks like more are stepping out of the rocks now. Meld with stone, a nice effect. I'm going to talk with them." He then dives back down to near where the beastfolk are gathered.

"Hello, hello, and peace, I hope," he says as he changes from a dive to a circle about 60 feet above their heads. "Mind if I land, and we can talk?" he asks. "And you can stop trying to hit me with arrows and such, right? Likely you'll not want to see what can be sent your way if you choose to keep that up."

He passes on his chat to Pressi, and the impressions he gets from the group.
==============
Perception: 57
Sense Motive: 35

Active spells
Magic Fang, Greater [cast before leaving camp]. 15 hours remaining
Foresight: 167 minutes
True seeing: 5 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 180 minutes
Stoneskin: 180 minutes
Call Lightning Storm: 18 minutes

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Tuesday May 11th, 2021 4:46:39 PM
If Kezzem is aware of trouble, he hop on his magic carpet and make for the others.

Otherwise, he chats up an unfortunate dwarf.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday May 11th, 2021 9:12:57 PM
Pressi is stopped before she can begin casting control weather. (OOC to DMs: Sorry for the confusion, but I really was waiting for a quick vote before casting, which is why she asked a couple of people. I'll also retcon that Pressi listened to Murphy and didn't stop the cart, since we posted at the same time.)

Pressi frowns as she continues to ride. "If Murphy scares them off or gets attacked, we may never get close enough to actually grill or trap one.... unless you can convince them to continue their advance. Might be a good time for some serious bluffing about what a fat target we are. But I'd prefer if you hold back."

(I've been going back and forth as to whether Murphy told Pressi they were going to break off, since he doesn't mention it specifically. Really don't want to metagame here.)

For now, she continues to ride, while trying to play the "eager but over her head" part as best as she can through a telescope.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 48/T27/F43 CMB 22 CMD 45 HP 196+10
Wednesday May 12th, 2021 1:19:54 AM
To Pressi, he communicates, "Yes, keep on coming up, love. Ask people not to get too flashy yet."

It sounds like there are at least eight total in the group. Shank, who tried to grab Bliss. Three more who are still invisible. Four who had been melded into stone.

Meanwhile, Murphy realizes that the 2nd set of wagons - how can they communicate with them? Maybe a lightning bolt up into the sky? He does not yet do that. Things are too delicate at the moment.

His vision, though, is on the group below, arrows pointing into the air as the archers have the bow strings pulled back... have any been loosed?

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday May 12th, 2021 2:07:32 AM
With Murphy descending to talk to them, Hobie flies nearby, still invisible, still seeing invisible, with his bow at the ready. He is focusing on the one who seems to be the leader of the bunch, the one who spoke out to the group earlier.

DM Mitch d20+27=45 ; d3=1 ; d20+27=31 ; d20+27=46 ;
Wednesday May 12th, 2021 6:51:58 AM
Succotash casts longstrider and airwalk on his dinosaur.

Hobie keeps flying over the bad guys while flying invisibly and being able to see invisible things. He brings himself closer

Cat-Bliss relays events to Mookie while preparing himself with some protective abjurations.

Murphy casts several spells while up in the air, while telling Pressi what happened. He then goes to land, changes forms and asks the bandits to talk.

Mookie tells Kezz�em about events from Cat-Bliss so Kezz�em is able to take a magic carpet ride. He is tempted to look inside, close his eyes and let the sound take him away.

Pressi continues to ride while worrying that Murphy�s brash actions will result in their quarry getting away

Murphy quickly finds the bandits are twitchy,. A couple arrows fly his way and narrowly miss him before he�s close enough to talk. They stop shooting when he calls for a ceasefire and chat. �Fine then, talk and walk. We aren�t sitting here while you�re friends catch up down below.� The bandits take off at an easy, ground eating jog. The non-invisible ones pull out small vials and drink them, vanishing to anyone who doesn�t have true sight/see invisibility.

Due to the winding nature of the trail, Pressie, Succotash, and Hobie(? See e-mail) should be able to catch up in a few minutes with flight, going up and over the cliffs. Kezz�m, about half an hour behind and lower on the trial, is going to take about as much time just flying up the cliff to the higher section but will end up in front of the thieves. That is if someone has telepathy or something set up to tell him there's trouble.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday May 12th, 2021 11:10:15 AM
OCC>> Love the Steppenwolf quote!

Succotash calls Valerie to his side, and she is more then happy to get out from underneath the tarp. He will mount his companion, and have her take off, airwalking, at a gallop. (Running speed, AKA 4x movement = 280 ft per round). As he mounts up, he casts invisibility purge, creating a 90ft radius no invisible zone centered on himself.

daily amounts and active spells:

Succotash:
Channel energy 10/10
Agile feet 13/13
Speak with animals 21/21
Dimensional hop 180ft/180ft
True seeing 105/108
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP
Invisibility purge (90 ft radius) 108/108

Valerie:
Longstrider: 18 hours
Airwalk: 3 hours
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Wednesday May 12th, 2021 11:10:39 AM
Hobie will fly ahead to catch up to Murphy and Bliss

CatBliss HP186 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+29=46 ; d20+22=42 ; d20+35=46 ;
Wednesday May 12th, 2021 5:54:20 PM

CatBliss stalks the retreating bandits, using scent and survival and perception to keep up, and stealth (at -5 to move at speed 50) to stay hid.

Perception 46
Survival 42
Stealth 46

Scent can help keep track of invisible foes if you are close enough. Perception can pinpoint locations based on sound at a -20 modifier.

Bliss tells Mookie to tell everyone that the bandits are running away, and they should shadow walk or teleport or dim door or fly or whatever as fast as they can.

Bliss has his merciful tear for his mouth (because nobody likes the taste of bad guys) and two holy undead bane tears for his paws. He has his standard array of spells up and running: Heroes Breakfast, Threefold Aspect, and Extended Barkskin. He has already turned on his Death Ward and Shield of Faith.

He'll cast Divine Favor as a quickened spell-like ability.

If he can get three or more in a 30 ft cone, he'll cast a still silent Waves of Fatigue spell.

If they are too spread out for that, Bliss casts a still silent Wall of Thorns to trap as many as possible in a open square with ten ft thick walls a square about 30 ft on a side (if I have calculated that right). Bliss is happy to capture even just one or two, and he wants to be inside the square so he can subdue them.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Wednesday May 12th, 2021 9:02:40 PM
"Hey Pressi, look at my!" says Kezzem as he gives chase. "I've found that flying skateboard you were talking about, only it's not so much a board as it is, you know, a rug. Let me know if you see any sharks I can jump over!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday May 12th, 2021 9:33:51 PM
Pressi frowns as person after person gives chase. "You know these guys could still go after these carts, right? Oh, for..."

She leans back towards whoever's the dwarf in charge. "Pull this cart back, have them join up with the other caravan and tell them to keep going but keep an eye out. Turtle if anything falls but do not stop this train."

With that, she hops on her broom and takes off after everyone else.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 48/T27/F43 CMB 22 CMD 45 HP 196+10 5d6=19 ; d20+43=45 ; d20+32=44 ;
Thursday May 13th, 2021 12:50:57 AM

Murphy did not yet land, nor did he change form. As a mountain hawk he can talk perfectly well (wild speech feat). He had planned to land until he saw them starting to lope up the hillside.

A 10'-wide, 20'-tall wall of fire, 90' in diameter from inner wall across to inner wall springs up around the fleeing group. The center of the ring is at the front edge of the fleeing group, so that they have time to slow and stop before running near the flames. Wall of Fire

If Bliss cast the wall of thorns rather than the waves of fatigue, Murphy takes its positioning into account, that it not be close enough to catch on flames.

"NO. WE STAY IN ONE PLACE FOR NOW, AND TALK," Murphy-mountain hawk says. "Five times you have attacked these caravans. So long as people complied with your commands, you did not kill. This time, so long as you comply with our commands, we will not kill. Those who resist, beware. DROP YOUR WEAPONS."

"So, let's talk. Where are the prior shipments? Who has hired you?"
=================
Perception: 45
Sense Motive: 44
The 5d6=19? A 5'-wide, 30'-tall bolt of lightning centers on the aggressor for 19 hp damage, Reflex DC32 for half electrical damage - only if someone attacks Murphy - from call lightning storm spell cast a few rounds ago.

Active spells
Magic Fang, Greater [cast before leaving camp]. ~15 hours remaining
Foresight: 166.4 minutes
True seeing: 4.4 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 179.4 minutes
Stoneskin: 179.5 minutes
Call Lightning Storm: 17.6 minutes

DM Mitch d20+27=36 ; d20+27=29 ; d20+27=30 ; d20+27=28 ; d20+21=31 ; d20+21=39 ; d20+21=29 ; d20+21=29 ; d8+1=2 ; d6=4 ; d4=1 ; d20+22=41 ; d20+22=31 ; d20+22=37 ; d20+22=28 ; d20+22=39 ; d20+17=25 ; d20+17=27 ; d20+17=32 ; d20+17=31 ; 3d8+1=12 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ;
Thursday May 13th, 2021 7:20:05 AM
Succotash calls Valerie to his side and mounts up while casting invisibility purge centered on himself.

Hobie flies after Murphy and Bliss

CatBliss stalks after the` retreating bandits.He traps the bandits in his Wall of Thorns

Kezz�m tells Pressi to look at him on the carpet and let him know if there is any sharks to jump over.

Pressi tells the Dwarves to be prepared to circle the wagons and turtle and joins the pursuit herself on her broom.

Murphy casts Wall of Fire to try to prevent the bandits from escaping.

(OOC: see our email about our interpretation of events; Wildspeech is from Ultimate Magic and is not Wold legal)

The beastfolk are clearly very experienced - their�s at least 15 feet between each of them and they're staggered so a cone or fireball can�t catch more then 2 of them. His wall of thorns, combined with Murphy�s wall of fire, completely blocks off the pass trapping the entire group (Well the wall of thorns was plenty to do that)

The bandits seem unimpressed by Murphy�s wall of fire and threats. Rather than be intimidated, they immediately attempt to kill him. He takes 19 piercing damage and 15 cold damage. One of the archers takes a lightning bolt for his troubles� and is completely unaffected. Shee sneers. Oh yeah, big scary druid, cept now you�ve gone and put yourself in a 1v8 and you�re friends are minutes away. Should have talked birdman. We aren�t going to quietly surrender so you can turn us in to be executed.�

Hobie is almost close enough to help, he should make it the round after next. Succotash is 5 rounds away. Pressi is using her broom, which per the flight spell cannot use the run action. Therefore she�s stuck at 120 feet a round and will take 13 more rounds to get there. Kezz�m, starting farther back but able to cut off some of the trip the wagons would have taken is 17 rounds away.

CatBliss HP222+11 of 222 AC32 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+41=53 ; d8=4 ; d20+28=47 ; d3=3 ; d6=3 ;
Thursday May 13th, 2021 8:31:22 AM
Bliss meows plaintively. Them attacking Mister Murphy was not a good thing. He had expected this to come to blows. And now it is time to fight. Bliss tries not to kill anyone, hoping his merciful tear will prevent most loss of life.

So far he is buffed up with all his standards and the death ward. He activates his arcane strike feat as a swift action and starts raging as a free action. He attacks the nearest foe, either by moving 50 ft and attacking or by charging up to 100 ft and attacking.

Bliss uses his tumbling check to avoid AoOs as the tiny fellow moves into an enemy square as part of his attack routine. Acrobatics 53.

[Updating post header for rage hit points and AC and adding Heroes' Breakfast temp hp of 1d8+7= +11 hp]

Nom Nom Nom! Bliss's cat bite attack hits AC47 for 1d3+27+1d6 merciful = 33 nonlethal damage.

[If Bliss had to charge, that hits AC49 and his AC is 30.]

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells
Thursday May 13th, 2021 8:42:47 AM
Hobie sees that his druid friend is in trouble, but Hobie is just out of range. He flies as quickly as possible to get in position (double move), and casts Greater Invisibility on himself (Cashing in a hero point)

Ready to rain arrows down in the next round
=================================================
Greater Invisibility 12/12 rounds
See Invisibility 115/120 minutes
Overland Flight (How many hours have we been out here?)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+25=43 ;
Thursday May 13th, 2021 8:58:01 AM

Pressi signals to Murphy that he and Bliss need to withdraw. "Forget them, we'll track them later and check their hiding spots for clues. Just let them go."

Recognizing the difficulty of making it there in time, Pressi chooses not to head towards Murphy. Instead, she slowly floats underneath a cliff ledge and keeps an eye out for further dangers to the carts (Perception 43).

And as she does, she moves to block the sun, a shadow passing over her (move to dim light, no standard action used yet).

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday May 13th, 2021 1:26:31 PM
Succotash and Valerie continue to gallop towards their friends.

Arrive time: 4/5

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday May 13th, 2021 9:12:42 PM
As discussed in email, Pressi uses her round to look for an area of dim light before beginning shadow walk.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 41/T28/[F33-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196 d20+43=45 ; 2d6+15=24 ; 2d6+15=25 ; 2d6+15=21 ; 2d6+15=25 ; 2d6+15=20 ; 2d6+15=17 ; 2d6+15=24 ; 2d6+15=23 ;
Friday May 14th, 2021 3:01:17 AM

"So you feel guilty?"

Foregoing further banter, Murphy wildshapes from mountain hawk into a huge air elemental with booted feet (because, sometimes air elementals have feet), as a free action clicks them together (boots of speed, now hasted), uses a hero point to go immediately into a whirlwind, and descends upon the guilty robbers. As he enter the space of each, they will receive the equivalent of a slam attack unless they succeed at a Reflex Save DC 24.

He avoids Bliss and those immediately adjacent to him. He moves the minimum necessary to attempt to sweep up the others. He has perfect movement. To his normal move of 120', Fleet feat adds 5', and haste adds 30' totalling 155'. His initial altitude is 40', and he wildshapes at Q15. He is not subject in whirlwind form to attacks of opportunity.

Based upon Bliss's & DM's descriptions, here is an unofficial Beastfolk fight map (wall of thorns and wall of fire area only). The beastfolk are spaced out to an extent. On this map, Murphy flies directly down to Q15 where BF4 is, and sweeps onward into contact with the BF# (Beastfolk number) in this order, with possible attendant damage, and possibly being sucked into the airy vortex:

BF4 Reflex save DC 24 or take 24 damage, 2nd DC24 save or be pulled up into whirlwind
BF3 Reflex DC24 else 25 damage, 2nd DC24 save or hoovered
BF5 Reflex DC24 else 21 damage, 2nd save or upsie-daisy
BF6 Reflex DC24 else 25 damage, 2nd or it's Kirby time
BF7 Reflex DC24 else 20 damage, 2nd or dysoned
BF8 Reflex DC24 else 17 damage, 2nd or welcome to the cyclone
Creatures caught in the whirlwind take a �4 penalty to Dexterity and a �2 penalty on attack rolls. Read whirlwind for additional details.

Descent: 37' (if he touches the ground, it kicks up massive debris). Then sweeping these beastfolk uses 60' of movement. If he has caught up fewer than two beastfolk, he will spend an extra 10, maybe 15 feet of movement to make two more attempts (with double saves (and additional possible damage - 24, 23 hp) as above) on two who earlier made their saves. He just needs to reach the space adjacent to them.

From BF8 (likely) he rises just high enough to clear the thorns (8' gain in altitude), and flies up, over the flames below then beyond the edge of the cliff, seeing the pathway falling quickly below him. He will at best be only 20-25' beyond the flames. Because of the angle he took, it may be tough for arrows to hit him, but not impossible. They likely, if on the far right of the map within the thorns, might be able to see the top 10-25' of his 50'-tall whirlwind. Of course, if they shoot at him while carrying their comrades... we'll see what they decide.

The distance from the ground to where he is likely grows quickly as the hill falls away below. Our DM can give us the figures. Murphy is not planning to let any drop - though if one wanted to escape, and made the Reflex save to so do after 1 round inside, he or she could.
============== (Sorry, long post, because of math, geometry, and hero point) =======
Perception: 45

Active spells & effects
Haste (+1 attack, +1 dodge & Reflex, +30 move) (up to 10 rounds, this is the 1st)
Magic Fang, Greater (+4 att/+4 dam). ~15 hours remaining
Heroes' Feast (+1 morale on attack & Will saves, +4 morale on saves vs poison & fear) ~8.5 hours left
Foresight: 166.3 minutes
True seeing: 4.3 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 179.3 minutes
Stoneskin: 179.4 minutes
Call Lightning Storm: 17.5 minutes (1 of 15 bolts used)

Damage received: 19 piercing canceled by DR/10 from Stoneskin and 9 of 10 temporary from Heroes' Feast. 15 cold - 1 canceled by remaining temp from Feast. 14 hp cold damage.

DM Mitch d20+20=27 ; d20+20=36 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+20=26 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+20=34 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+24=41 ; d20+24=34 ; d20+24=41 ; d20+24=35 ; d20+24=38 ; d20+24=32 ; d20+24=36 ; d20+24=30 ; d20+23=25 ; d20+23=25 ; d20+23=35 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+13=22 ; d6+4=9 ; d6+4=7 ; d6+4=6 ; 10d6=41 ; 10d6=37 ; d20+23=41 ; d20+18=35 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+13=24 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d20+27=40 ; d20+27=34 ; d20+27=29 ; d20+27=28 ; d20+22=34 ; d20+22=39 ; d20+22=23 ; d20+22=35 ; d20+17=22 ; d20+17=37 ; d20+17=34 ; d20+17=30 ; d8=2 ; d8=8 ; d8=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ;
Friday May 14th, 2021 7:56:53 AM
CatBliss attacks the nearest bandit. He hits and does 33 nonlethal damage with his bite.
Hobie heroically speeds to get within range of battle
Pressi tries to signal to Murphy that he and CatBliss need to get out of there. She looks for an area of dim light to begin her shadow walk.
Succotash atop his flying dinosaur mount is off, trying to reach his friends
Murphy misunderstands the bandits and heroically tries to scoop most of them up in a single turn. All but one avoid him with easy. The last avoids the damage, but slips on a rock and gets pulled in. Soon their dangling over thin air.

Now it�s Bliss left all alone with the enemies. They quickly move to flank, rapiers flashing. The first two miss as they approach, but the third waits until he has flanking advantage and uses it to deadly effect, critting, sneak attacking, and doing 100 damage. Bliss is staggered from the heavy blow (critical Stagger feat). The archers do another 14 damage, plus 11 cold damage.

Murphy finds the thief inside him objecting strenuously with a rapier. He only manages 6 damage though.
Health Tracker

Thief 1: 33
Thief 2
Thief 3
Thief 4

Archer 1
Archer 2
Archer 3
Archer 4

Map, now official!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday May 14th, 2021 8:57:13 AM
Succotash and Valerie continue to gallop towards his friends. He's worried for their safety, and his inability to be there to help. He grumbles under his breath saying, "If only Murphy would have stuck to the plan, instead of insisting on going solo, I hope him and Bliss are going to be OK!"

CatBliss HP133 of 222 AC32 CMD36 50% miss | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+19=23 ;
Friday May 14th, 2021 10:13:03 AM

Bliss realizes that he needs to boost his defense and nullify these sneak attacks. He casts a Still Silent Blink on the defensive. His concentration check is at +19 vs a DC25 for a spell using a fifth level slot. He plans to use a hero point if he fails.

He rolls a 23 and uses a hero point retroactively for a +4 to ensure success.

As a blinking cat, he has a 50% miss chance and concealment -- and sneak attacks do not work against foes with concealment.

As a swift action he activates his arcane strike feat.

As a free action he activates his bramble armor. For the next 10 rounds, anyone who hits him takes 1d6+5 thorn damage plus 4 arcane strike damage.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Friday May 14th, 2021 11:39:59 AM
"Wow, this is taking long than I thought," says Kezzem as he continues his flying carpet ride.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday May 14th, 2021 8:49:08 PM
(I'm going to handwave what Murphy passes along/omits and assume Pressi has a general sense of what's going on.)

Pressi casts Shadow Walk and fires as fast as possible.

"If you're not going to be smart about retreating, it's time to be smart about fighting. Grab Bliss, head for some cover, and spell sling them range. Remind Bliss he can do things like reverse gravity if he has to. Use height, use rocks, use environment spells instead of direct damage. If we liquidate them, we might as well have let them go.

"Above all, continue to dangle letting them go as a reward. We want the person that hired them, not them personally."

Pressi continued to rocket along up the cliff.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 41/T28/[F33-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196 2d6+15=23 ; 2d6+15=21 ; 2d6+15=22 ; 2d6+15=20 ; 2d6+15=17 ; 2d6+15=23 ; 2d6+6=15 ; d20+43=55 ;
Saturday May 15th, 2021 2:47:10 AM
[OOC To DM Mitch: Found out I forgot to adjust for size on AC. Fixed now. Thanks for great help!]

HAE (Huge Air Elemental) Murphy, whirlwinding, flies back over the thorny area. Let's call the fellow with the rapier inside the vortex 'T3'. T3 takes another 23 hp damage from the whirlwind. Murphy, adding insult to injury, drops off T3 to land on T2 (at P12) from ~40 feet in the air, says in Halfling, "Cat, I am going to scoop you up, so jump up into my vortex," and comes right down on top of CatBliss. [Note: A character can willingly fail a save, which is what Bliss will need to do to come up into Murphy's whirlwind. He doesn't even need to roll - but does take 15 hp damage.]

As the 5'-diameter opening descends on Bliss, Murphy causes it to touch the ground. "If the whirlwind�s base touches the ground, it creates a swirling cloud of debris. This cloud is centered on the creature and has a diameter equal to half the whirlwind�s height (50' height, 25' diameter). The cloud obscures all vision, including darkvision, beyond 5 feet. Creatures 5 feet away have concealment, while those farther away have total concealment. Those caught in the cloud of debris must succeed on a concentration check (DC 15 + spell level) to cast a spell."

Coming down where Murphy does, T1, T2, T3, T4 and A1 will need to make their Reflex DC24 saves or suffer damage (21, 22, 20, 17, 23), and again or be pulled into the vortex.

If any of the five are pulled in, they join the ascent for 30 feet, then fall one after another at about 25 to 30' on top of any who were left and each other, as Murphy and Bliss speed off up and over the ledge to the right of the map.

He whispers to Bliss in Halfling with a susurrant Auran undertone, "She told me to do that." He figures Bliss will know who 'she' is.

Total move: 45+50+30+30=155

=======
Perception: 55

Active spells & effects
Haste (+1 attack, +1 dodge & Reflex, +30 move) (up to 10 rounds, this is the 2nd)
Magic Fang, Greater (+4 att/+4 dam). ~15 hours remaining
Heroes' Feast (+1 morale on attack & Will saves, +4 morale on saves vs poison & fear) ~8.5 hours left
Foresight: 166.2 minutes
True seeing: 4.2 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 179.2 minutes
Stoneskin: 179.3 minutes
Call Lightning Storm: 17.4 minutes (1 of 15 bolts used)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 41/T28/[F33-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196
Saturday May 15th, 2021 2:51:31 AM
Oh, 6 hp damage absorbed by stoneskin.

CatBliss HP133 of 222 AC32 CMD36 50% miss | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d100=49 ; d20+14=22 ; d6=6 ;
Saturday May 15th, 2021 1:30:04 PM

[OOC: If we were playing face to face, we could have table chat along the lines of "Don't try to pick me up." It is not unreasonable to simulate table chat via a courtesy email or OOC comments. Honestly, bro, don't pick me up. Failing that ...]

First of all, Bliss has a 50% Blink miss chance, so did Murphy touch down while Bliss was ethereal? If I'm rolling, then he misses on a 1-50, and I roll a 49, so no, he does not pick up Bliss.

Second of all, Bliss does NOT want to be picked up, so he rolls his save vs Reflex DC24: 22. Depending on the miss chance and the blinking, if Bliss IS touched, he fails the save, takes 15 damage, is picked up, and yowls his head off.

EEEoooooowwwwwWWWWWWWWWWW

Finally, if he IS picked up, Bliss is a hot mess of bramble armor and is hoping to inflict 1d6+9 = 15 damage back to Murphy.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 41/T28/[F33-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196
Sunday May 16th, 2021 10:06:02 PM

[Clarification post, based upon CatBliss's post above, and a concord reached via email]

Murphy does not manage to 'scoop up' CatBliss, as at the moment of contact (which lasted about 0.2 second), the re-shaped feline-like adventurer was on the ethereal side of a blink. The cat did not voluntarily leap aboard, either. So, when ascending back into the air, Whirlwind-Murphy did not have his beloved friend in his gusty grasp. He rose up (with somewhere between zero and 4 opponents in the vortex). Sensing Bliss's absence, he realized he could not drop any others directly upon the head of his friend, so instead rose diagonally, dropping off robbers along the east side (assuming east is to the right on the map), mainly within the thorny enclosure. Maybe one landed on the thorns, who knows?) He himself ended up on the ledge to the right - still as a whirlwind (in other words, he does not drop his current state, as he would have were Bliss with him). He takes the free action of halting the hasted condition with a heel click.

Left behind for the balance of this round is the 25' diameter dust cloud, obscuring vision, etc. The DM will need to reposition any hoovered opponents (A1, or T1, T2, T3, T4 as may apply) mainly along Q12 and R12, their landing points.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 8 Prepared Spells d20+29=38 ; d20+29=46 ; d20+29=39 ; d20+24=32 ; d20+19=35 ; d20+14=32 ; 2d6+25=31 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+25=32 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+25=36 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+25=27 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+25=29 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+25=31 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+25=29 ; d6=5 ;
Monday May 17th, 2021 1:12:09 AM
Hobie lets loose with a barrage of arrows at any who weren't caught in the whirwind.
He has Greater Invisibility so they will hopefully be caught off guard.
All damage is nonlethal because of Merciful

Manyshot- 38
Piercing 31, electric 4= 35
Piercing 32, electric 5= 37

Rapid shot - 46
Piercing 36, Electric 6 = 42

Haste- 39
Piercing 27, electric 6 = 33

Iterative 1 - 32
Piercing 29, electric 2= 31

Iterative 2 - 35
Piercing 31, electric 2= 33

Iterative 3 - 32
Piercing 29, electric 5 = 34

=====================

Boots of Speed used 1/10
Greater Invisibility used 2/12 rounds
See Invisibility 115/120 minutes

DM Mitch d20+24=34 ; d20+24=27 ; d20+24=36 ; d20+24=28 ; d20+24=26 ; d20+24=31 ; d100=82 ; d100=9 ; d100=52 ; d100=24 ; d20+27=43 ; d20+27=42 ; d8=2 ; d8=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d100=79 ; d100=26 ; d100=44 ; d100=46 ; d100=3 ; d100=29 ; d100=34 ; d100=65 ; d100=32 ; d100=90 ; d100=74 ; d100=45 ; d20+23=26 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+18=23 ;
Monday May 17th, 2021 7:31:24 AM
Succotash and Valerie continue to air-gallop towards their friends.

CatBliss realizes he has to do something about all those sneak attacks and defensively casts a stilled, silent blink, swiftly charges himself with magic and activates bramble armor

Kezz�em also continues to fly towards his friends.

Pressi tells Murphy to be smart about fighting if he isn�t going to be smart about retreating and shadow flies towards her friends

Murphy drops down in an attempt to grab CatBliss and retreat or at least take some of the bandits with him but his whirlwind is empty as he ascends to the ledge

Hobie rains down arrows in the target rich environment. He drops the thief CatBliss bit using 5 arrows and hits one of the other thieves with the last 2.

The Achers move to the wall closest to Hobie, preventing him from having line of sight on them unless he moves directly above the thorns. They shoot an arrow each at Bliss, 2 hitting for 9 damage +6 cold damage. None of the thieves manage to hit the blinking cat, but some of the damage from last round was bleeding damage (forgot to mention that sorry) and Bliss takes 22 bleed every round until healed..

Health Tracker

Thief 1: 201 nonlethal, 10 lethal; unconscious
Thief 2: 77 nonlethal
Thief 3
Thief 4

Archer 1
Archer 2
Archer 3
Archer 4

Map, now official!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d20+24=32 ; 2d6+14=22 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ;
Monday May 17th, 2021 11:25:14 AM
OOC... After 3 out of 5 rounds (Still 2 rounds, or 560ft away), of hard air galloping, I'm assuming Succotash has crested the hill and has a visual on the fight 2 rounds away.

Succotash crests the hill that has been blocking his vision, and sees things don't look good for Bliss. From his distance he can't see the wounds Bliss has sustained, but he can easily see that he is surrounded. Succotash casts dimensional door and him and Valerie appear right behind T3 creating a flanking situation with Valerie and Bliss. Upon arrival, Succotash will dig deep and through a heroic effort, (Hero Point) manages to channel energy selectively, so that only Bliss, and assuming Murphy is within the 30ft radius, Murphy receive the healing of 46 HP (nice rolls!). Also his presence instantly shows anyone who still may be hiding with invisibility, within 90ft of him, due to his active invisibility purge. He also still has true seeing active.

Valerie reaches out and takes a swipe with one of her talons at T3, hitting AC 35 for 22 damage + 5 frost and 4 shock damage. (Ooops, forgot to add the +2 for flanking, and the +1 for heroes feast. I rolled 32, then added the bonuses achieving the 35)

Since Succotash is in Valerie's saddle, I didn't add him to the map, I only added Valerie.

daily amounts and active spells:

Succotash:
Channel energy 10/10
Agile feet 13/13
Speak with animals 21/21
Dimensional hop 180ft/180ft
True seeing 107/108
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP
Invisibility purge (90 ft radius) 106/108

Valerie:
Longstrider: 18 hours
Airwalk: 3 hours
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 37/T24/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196
Monday May 17th, 2021 11:30:03 AM

[OOC: Quick question: What is the height of the ledge?]

DM Mitch
Monday May 17th, 2021 12:13:53 PM
(Long enough it takes time to fly over, let�s say a few hundred feet)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday May 17th, 2021 11:20:50 PM
Pressi continues to fly (2nd round)

CatBliss HP164 of 222 AC32 CMD36 50% miss | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+28=29 ; d20+28=40 ; d2+27=28 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d20+28=48 ; d20+28=40 ; d3+27=28 ; d6=6 ; d3+27=28 ; d6=4 ; d100=55 ; d100=48 ;
Monday May 17th, 2021 11:37:12 PM

Bliss is hit for 15, then is healed for 46, and thus avoids the bleed damage, starting the round at 164 hp.

The witch-in-cat's-clothing is very grateful when Brother Succotash shows up, and makes a mental note to thank him later.

Right now there are enemies to scratch! He activates his arcane strike, takes a five ft step into the square of a rogue flanking him, and attacks with two claws and a bite.

Claw one misses with a natural one!
Claw two hits AC40, inflicting 28 lethal damage plus 3 more if it is evil.
Bite hits AC48! That's a nat 20 and a crit threat. The follow up confirms against AC40.
Bite damage 34 nonlethal damage
Crit damage (if AC 40 or worse) 32 nonlethal damage

BUT! Bliss is blinking! Roll 1-20 to miss ... claw 2 is not a blink miss ... bite is not a blink miss!

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Monday May 17th, 2021 11:57:30 PM
"Can't this thing go any faster?" asks Kezzem. "Andale, andale! Schnell, schnell!

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 35/T22/[F27-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196 2d6+15=18 ; 2d6+15=23 ; 2d6+15=25 ; 5d6=15 ; 18d6=72 ; 4d6=19 ; 3d6=15 ; 3d6=10 ; d20+43=46 ;
Tuesday May 18th, 2021 1:07:37 AM

Huge air elemental 50' tall whirlwind Murphy casts sunbeam. He flies down to M16 and immediately looses a horizontal bolt of light out to brighten the countenances of A3, A1, and A2. Each is blinded and takes 19 hp damage, unless Reflex save DC34 is made in which case no blinding, and half damage.

A4 takes 18 hp slam-like damage on a failed Reflex DC24 save, is pulled up into vortex if 2nd failed Reflex DC24, and later in the round 15 hp falling damage from 30' drop.
A3 takes 23 hp slam-like damage on a failed Reflex DC24 save, is pulled up 2nd failed Reflex DC24, and later in the round 10 hp falling damage from 30' drop.

As Murphy flies back, he drops off A3 and/or A4 if either has come aboard from a height of 30' into square Q16 on top of A2. Probably A2 takes some similar damage if any comrades fall on him, too. Falling - land prone. He ends his turn at V16.

He is glad that Bliss is doing better, and Succotash and Valerie have arrived, and Hobie is doing his thing. He misses Kezzem, and lets Pressi know what he sees. He looks forward to a conversation with the beastfolk after they have been softened up more.

=======
Perception: 46

Active spells & effects
Haste (+1 attack, +1 dodge & Reflex, +30 move) [on hold, 2/10 rounds used]
Magic Fang, Greater (+4 att/+4 dam). ~15 hours remaining
Heroes' Feast (+1 morale on attack & Will saves, +4 morale on saves vs poison & fear) ~8.5 hours left
Foresight: 166.1 minutes
True seeing: 4.1 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 179.1 minutes
Stoneskin: 179.2 minutes
Call Lightning Storm: 17.3 minutes (1 of 15 bolts used)
Sunbeam: 18 rounds (1 of 6 sunbeam bolts used)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+35=43 ; 2d6+17=22 ; d6=1 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=12 ; 2d6=11 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=3 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=7 ;
Tuesday May 18th, 2021 5:59:32 AM
Hobie will double move to get to where he can see the archers, and then (burning Hero Point for extra action) he will do his Arcane Archer thing.

He casts a spell and fires a single arrow at A3

Attack =43 (Hobie is still invisible)
Damage = 22 piercing, 1 electric = 23

If the arrow hits the archer, then thick, green, acidic fog will quickly spew forth from the archer's wound, to a 20 foot radius, and up to 20 feet high.

Spell is Acid Fog

Everyone and every object in the acid fog takes 2d6 acid damage, cannot see through it, and moves at half speed through the fog.

T4= 7
A1=6
A2=12
A3=11
A4=9

I'm particularly interested in the damage of every object in the acid fog, so I'm gonna roll for acid damage on the weapons. Not sure what weapon T4 has, but mundane Bows have 5 hardness and 5 HP, so (unless their bows are magical) A3 and A4 will suffer 2 damage to their bows, and for the others, the acid won't bypass hardness.

T4=4
A1=3
A2=4
A3=7
A4=7

=====================

Boots of Speed used 1/10
Greater Invisibility used 3/12 rounds
Acid Fog used 1/12 rounds
See Invisibility 115/120 minutes

DM Mitch d20+24=39 ; d20+24=35 ; d20+24=35 ; d20+24=39 ; d20+24=31 ; d20+24=29 ; d20+24=32 ; d20+28=36 ; d20+23=30 ; d20+23=31 ; d20+23=26 ; d6+23=29 ; d6+4=9 ; 10d6=41 ; d20+18=20 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+13=14 ; d6=1 ; d20+21=37 ; d20+21=33 ; d20+21=30 ; d100=20 ; d100=21 ; d100=54 ; d100=42 ;
Tuesday May 18th, 2021 7:55:00 AM
Succotash manages to get within visual range of the battle and activates his dimension door to get near Bliss. While there he heroically channels healing energy to heal his allies while excluding enemies. Meanwhile Valerie swipes at one of the Thieves dealing 31 damage total.

Pressi continues her shadow flight

CatBliss is healed by Succotash and makes a mental note to thank him later. He then activates arcane strike, takes a 5 foot step and scratches and bites at the rogue. He misses once, hits once and bites the rogue in a particularly vulnerable area.

Kezz�m urges his flying carpet forward.

Murphy casts sunbeam and tries to scoop up some archers, but they continue to be incredibly dexterous and avoid everything.

Hobie heroically advances to hit the archers and hits them with an acidic fog. The acid doesn�t seem to affect their weapons, but they don�t seem to be immune to the damage like they were to the electric attacks.

The thieves have a new, non-concealed target now, so they pile onto Succotash. Thief 2 tries to tumble past catbliss but fails, drawing an AoO or he would have but CatBliss is a tiny cat who threatens no square so he doesn't get AOOs. Due to the cloud he�s also the only one who gets a flanking sneak attack, which succeeds in hitting for 50 damage +22 bleeding. Thief 3 hits once for 5 damage +1 bleeding.

The archers are blinded by the cloud and unable to use their bows. Grumbling, they move out of the cloud swiftly and move to surround catBliss who phases right through all of their attacks.

CatBliss HP164 of 222 AC32 CMD36 50% miss | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+28=44 ; d3+27=29 ; d6=1 ; d20+28=45 ; d20+28=43 ; d20+28=31 ; d3+27=30 ; d6=6 ; d2+27=29 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d2+27=29 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d100=47 ; d100=67 ; d100=75 ;
Tuesday May 18th, 2021 8:33:53 AM

Bliss takes a bite AoO as a rogue leaves the square they share:

Bite hits AC44 for 30 nonlethal damage

When it is his turn, he activates his arcane strike and takes a five ft step into the square occupied by T3.

Bite hits AC45 for 36 nonlethal
Claw1 hits AC43 for 38 lethal
Claw2 hits AC31 for 33 lethal

(Assuming they are evil for the purposes of holy tears.)

BUT WAIT! Bliss is blinking ... the Bite lands, Claw 1 lands, and Claw 2 lands!

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 2d6=6 ; d20+30=35 ; d20+30=47 ; d20+30=36 ; d20+25=34 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+15=20 ; 2d6+25=32 ; 2d6+25=30 ; 2d6+25=35 ; 2d6+25=35 ; 2d6+25=34 ; 2d6+25=32 ; 2d6+25=34 ;
Tuesday May 18th, 2021 8:57:11 AM
Having not left the acid fog, T4 will take 6 acid damage.

Hobie will aim first for A4, and switch to A3 then A1 should they fall
(not bothering to roll electric damage because youve said they are immune)
all damage is nonlethal

Click the heels

Manyshot = 35
Piercing 32
Piercing 30

Rapid shot = 47
Piercing 35

Haste = 36
Piercing 35

Iter 1 = 34
Piercing 34

Iter 2 = 24
Piercing 32

Iter 2 = 20
Piercing 34

=====================

Boots of Speed used 2/10
Greater Invisibility used 4/12 rounds
Acid Fog used 2/12 rounds
See Invisibility used 6/120 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 128/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d20=8 ; d20+31=41 ; d20+31=45 ; d20+31=44 ; d20+31=49 ; d20+31=44 ; d20+31=51 ; d20+31=45 ; 2d6+20=31 ; 2d6+20=22 ; 2d6+20=29 ; d8+20=26 ; d4+20=24 ; 2d4+40=46 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday May 18th, 2021 10:35:38 AM
"Now that wasn't very nice," Succotash grunts as he gets hit. Now inn the thick of things, Succotash can see that Bliss is still wounded, and he knows that some of his wounds aren't going to stop bleeding on their own, so he channels energy again, making sure to exclude the baddies. He heals himself and Bliss 35 damage. He than heroically casts Divine Power on Valerie, defensively. (Needed a 23 add 28, so unless I rolled a 1, I made the check, rolled an 8)

Meanwhile, Valerie starts to do what she does best, (Is that a smile on her dino face?) and she full round attacks T2. If T2 drops before she runs out of attacks, Valerie will switch to T3

Left Talon: Hits AC 41 for 31 + 4 shock and 5 frost

Right Talon: Hits AC 45 for 22 + 2 shock and 6 frost

Divine Talon: Hits AC 44 for 29 + 5 shock and 3 frost

Bite: Hits AC 49 for 26 + 5 shock and 6 frost

Left Claw: Hits AC 44 for 24 + 1 shock and 4 frost

Right Claw: Natural 20 (45 to confirm) for 46 + 5 shock and 5 frost

daily amounts and active spells:

Succotash:
Channel energy 8/10
Agile feet 13/13
Speak with animals 21/21
Dimensional hop 180ft/180ft
True seeing 104/108
Heroes feast
Invisibility purge (90 ft radius) 105/108

Valerie:
Longstrider: 18 hours
Airwalk: 3 hours
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP
Divine power (+6): 18 temp HP 18/18

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday May 18th, 2021 9:30:56 PM
Pressi can hear the sounds of fighting, but can't entirely determine who's winning, or what the endgame is.

She can tell, though, that Bliss did not take her advice.

At round 3 of 4, she begins to drop out of hyperspace, er, I mean shadow space.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 35/T22/[F27-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196
Wednesday May 19th, 2021 1:06:44 AM

Murphy casts on himself resist acid (protects from 30 hp acid damage per round). He flies down to M14. He drops the whirlwind. He talks with Pressi about what's going on, and asks what she is doing.

DM Mitch d100=75 ; d100=75 ; d100=5 ; d100=95 ; d20+23=37 ; d20+13=27 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d20+21=26 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+11=13 ; d12=12 ; d100=54 ; d100=8 ; d100=10 ; d100=65 ; d20+21=27 ; d20+27=30 ; d20+27=32 ; d20+23=36 ; d20+23=40 ; d20+18=34 ; d20+18=24 ; d8=5 ; d8=2 ; d8=8 ; d8=2 ; d8=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday May 19th, 2021 6:51:53 AM

CatBliss hits with his AOO. He then 5 foot steps into another thieves square and proceeds to scratch and bite again. (its� the green box on the map)

Hobie continues to rain arrows choosing the archers this time as targets. The last 3 iterative attacks all miss

Succotash channels more energy for Bliss and himself then heroically casts divine favor on his faithful dino-steed. Meanwhile Valerie attacks thief 2, dropping him with her first attack. She then proceeds to attack thief 3. She gets so far as biting him that he goes down so she proceeds to thief 4. He is still standing but bloody after taking a few claw swipes.

Pressi prepares to drop out of shadow space

Murphy casts a defensive spell and talks to Pressi.

The archer takes a 5 foot step to provide flanking and attacks with the last thief. The thief lands 2 hits for 12+2 bleeding damage. The archer hits once for 14 damage. The archer next to Bliss continues to fail to get past his blinking.

The archers further back switch to bows again and shoot Succotash for 24 physical and 12 cold damage. Overall the bandits seem to know they�re losing, but they�re grimly determined to take one of you with them if they can.

Health Tracker

Thief 1: 201 nonlethal, 10 lethal; unconscious
Thief 2: 204 nonlethal, 40 lethal, unconscious
Thief 3: 135 damage; 107 nonlethal damage, unconscious
Thief 4: 93 damage

Archer 1: 6 damage
Archer 2: 12 damage
Archer 3: 33 damage
Archer 4: 13 damage; 132 nonlethal

Map, now official!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 100/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday May 19th, 2021 10:38:12 AM
"Hey guys, remind me to add mercy to Valerie's Amulet of Mighty Fists!", Succotash says, as he sees the carnage his dino friend left behind, "Seems like less bloodshed may be nice." Turning to the baddies he says, "You do know that surrender is a viable option right? I mean really, if you drop your weapons now, no one else needs to die!"

If the bandits drop their weapons, Succotash will reign in Valerie, otherwise she will continue her full round assault, starting on T4 and ending with A2. Either way, he will channel energy again. If the baddies surrender, he will even include them in the healing. He heals himself and Bliss 38 HP.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 100/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+31=33 ; d20+31=39 ; d20+31=45 ; d20+31=49 ; d20+31=49 ; d20+31=43 ; 2d6+20=26 ; 2d6+20=30 ; 2d6+20=30 ; d8+20=28 ; d4+20=24 ; d4+20=23 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d20=16 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday May 19th, 2021 10:49:31 AM
Oops, submitted my post, before rolling Valerie's attacks.

Left Talon: Hits AC 33 for 26 + 5 shock and 3 frost

Right Talon: Hits AC 39 for 30 + 4 shock and 6 frost

Divine Talon: Hits AC 45 for 30 + 4 shock and 6 frost

Bite: Hits AC 49 for 28 + 6 shock and 1 frost

Left Claw: Hits AC 49 for 24 + 6 shock and 6 frost

Right Claw: Hits AC 43 for 23 + 4 shock and 4 frost

daily amounts and active spells:

Succotash:
Channel energy 7/10
Agile feet 13/13
Speak with animals 21/21
Dimensional hop 180ft/180ft
True seeing 103/108
Heroes feast
Invisibility purge (90 ft radius) 104/108

Valerie:
Longstrider: 18 hours
Airwalk: 3 hours
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP
Divine power (+6): 18 temp HP 17/18

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 2d6=10 ;
Wednesday May 19th, 2021 3:59:35 PM
T4 takes 10 acid damage.

Hobie will fire his full complement of arrows on the foes

(I�m sorry I am using an iPad before bed and can�t roll Hobie�s damage right now, I�ll do it from my PC first thing in the morning Central Europe Time/very late evening USA time)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 35/T22/[F27-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196
Wednesday May 19th, 2021 6:56:32 PM

Murphy wildshapes from the insubstantial air elemental to the quite substantial huge earth elemental. He steps forward, emerging from the acid fog, and walking right up to the thorn wall, nudging/ trapping archer A3 firmly into the spikes and thorns, and he says in a deep, gravelly voice, "Greetings," to archer A4, who is now on the receiving end of some of the contents from Hobie's quiver. "We really don't want to kill you folks. But we do want these robberies to cease, and to find out who has put you up to this economic warfare, as well as payment of restitution. Or do you prefer I bash you on the head?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d8=2 ; d100=85 ; d8=4 ;
Wednesday May 19th, 2021 9:29:32 PM
Pressi continues to rise through the shadows as her broom begins to slow (lets say she chooses to stop at the edge of the ledge T13, just beyond the wall of thorns. She still has her broom so she can use it to her advantage).

"Ok, I just need to take her out, slowly, slowly..."

(Direction 2, which I believe is NE. Distance 85).

Pressi screamed as the broom kicked into high gear, the team's experiences with shadow walk remaining a perfect record. (Seriously, we should just ban the spell and buy her 20 scrolls of teleport.)

(I'm assuming that the edge of the ledge area is another wall, so direction 4.)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 2d6=10 ;
Wednesday May 19th, 2021 11:03:17 PM
T4 takes 10 acid damage.

Hobie will fire his full complement of arrows on the foes

(I�m sorry I am using an iPad before bed and can�t roll Hobie�s damage right now, I�ll do it from my PC first thing in the morning Central Europe Time/very late evening USA time)

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Wednesday May 19th, 2021 11:31:00 PM
Kezzem continues his magic carpet ride.

"You know, when they sang 'I can show you the world,' they neglected to mention it would take like 10 minutes to get there."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+30=32 ; d20+30=38 ; d20+30=42 ; d20+25=29 ; d20+20=23 ; d20+15=24 ; 2d6+25=35 ; 2d6+25=32 ; 2d6+25=30 ; 2d6+25=32 ; 2d6+25=32 ; 2d6+25=32 ; 2d6+25=31 ;
Thursday May 20th, 2021 1:47:51 AM
The invisible flying Hobie keeps firing away

Manyshot = 32
Piercing 35
Piercing 32

Rapid shot = 38
Piercing 30

Haste = 42
Piercing 32

Iter 1 = 29
Piercing 32

Iter 2 = 23
Piercing 32

Iter 3= 24
Piercing 31
=====================

Boots of Speed used 3/10
Greater Invisibility used 5/12 rounds
Acid Fog used 3/12 rounds
See Invisibility used 6/120 minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 35/T22/[F27-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196 d20+43=61 ; d20+32=39 ;
Thursday May 20th, 2021 2:57:24 AM
[Had only a moment in which to post earlier. Wanted to add Perception and Sense Motive - does this archer care anything about Murphy's statement, or just want to kill him? Anything else in the environment he would be aware of with that epic-level perception?

Also, it may be that you did not apply the 9 hp damage to A1, A2, and A3, assuming they made their DC34 Reflex save vs the Sunbeam and did not take full (19) damage or get blinded from early Tues. post.]
=======
Perception: 61
Sense Motive: 39

Active spells & effects
Haste (+1 attack, +1 dodge & Reflex, +30 move) [on hold, 2/10 rounds used]
Magic Fang, Greater (+4 att/+4 dam). ~15 hours remaining
Heroes' Feast (+1 morale on attack & Will saves, +4 morale on saves vs poison & fear) ~8.5 hours left
Foresight (9th level spell: 6th sense warns of impending danger. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves.): 165.9 minutes
True seeing: 3.9 minutes
Freedom of Movement: 178.9 minutes
Stoneskin: 179.0 minutes
Resist Acid (protects from 30 hp acid damage per round): 179.8 minutes
Call Lightning Storm: 17.1 minutes (1 of 15 bolts used)
Sunbeam: 16 rounds (1 of 6 sunbeam bolts used)

CatBliss HP164 of 222 AC32 CMD36 50% miss | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+28=46 ; d20+28=37 ; d20+28=34 ; d3+27=28 ; d6=5 ; d2+27=29 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d2+27=29 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d100=11 ; d100=23 ; d100=75 ;
Thursday May 20th, 2021 6:34:14 AM

Bliss takes a five ft step into the square of an enemy, depending on which one looks most damaged to him.

He attacks!

Bite: AC46 for 33 nonlethal - BUT MISSES BLINKING
Claw1: AC37 for 31 lethal
Claw2: AC34 for 36 lethal

Blink miss chances: The Bite Misses!

DM Mitch d20+27=35 ; d20+27=46 ; d20+26=31 ; d20+26=38 ; d20+21=35 ; d20+21=33 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+16=20 ; 7d6=24 ; 7d8+7=38 ; 7d8+1=26 ; d20+21=26 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+11=13 ; d100=13 ; d100=88 ; d100=80 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+11=17 ; d12=8 ;
Thursday May 20th, 2021 6:48:32 AM
Succotash tells the others to remind him to add mercy to Valerie�s Amulet of Might Fists. He calls out to the bandits to surrender

Hobie continues to rain arrows down

Murphy wildshapes into an earth elemental and adds his voice to Succotashes in calling for surrender (you canoot force an enemy into a space unless you roll for a bull rush combat action, which provokes an AoO, so you�re still in the acid this round)

Pressi finishes materializing out of shadow space on her broom in the material plane. (The blue �ledge� area to the right is thin air, so you�d appear 85 feet northeast from the fight in the air on your broom)

Kezz�m comes to realize that the whole new world he is in while on his magic carpet ride is a slow one; something the song failed to mention.

The thief Succotash talks to spits on him in response. �We�re dead either way lawman. Might as well make you work for it.� Valerie kills the man in response. Murphy doesn�t get any better response to his call for surrender.

The archers remember that, hey, they�re rangers, and 5 foot step into the thorns to get a better attack angle. Succotash gets shot 6 times for 36 piercing damage and 24 cold. Of the two stuck in melee only 1 lands a hit on Succotash for another 10 damage.

Health Tracker

Thief 1: 201 nonlethal, 10 lethal; unconscious
Thief 2: 204 nonlethal, 40 lethal, unconscious
Thief 3: 135 damage; 107 nonlethal damage, unconscious
Thief 4: Thief 4: 233; dead

Archer 1: 6 damage, 161 nonlethal
Archer 2: 98 damage
Archer 3: 33 damage
Archer 4: 23 damage; 132 nonlethal

Map, now official!

DM Mitch
Thursday May 20th, 2021 8:21:45 AM
(Adding Bliss damage)

Health Tracker

Thief 1: 201 nonlethal, 10 lethal; unconscious
Thief 2: 204 nonlethal, 40 lethal, unconscious
Thief 3: 135 damage; 107 nonlethal damage, unconscious
Thief 4: Thief 4: 233; dead

Archer 1: 73 damage, 161 nonlethal, unconsicious
Archer 2: 98 damage
Archer 3: 33 damage
Archer 4: 23 damage; 132 nonlethal

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 30/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells 3d6+18=30 ; d20+31=44 ; d20+31=37 ; d20+31=41 ; d20+31=39 ; d20+31=49 ; d20+31=33 ; 2d6+20=26 ; 2d6+20=27 ; 2d6+20=30 ; d8+20=22 ; d4+20=21 ; d4+20=22 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d20=16 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday May 20th, 2021 10:14:07 AM
"Maybe you should have made better life choices, but SO BE IT!" Succotash says as he casts Mass Inflict Serious Wounds, while dismounting inflicting 30 damage on all three archers (DC 27 will save for half). The wise cleric waits for Valerie to do her thing before dismounting, and casting, so as to avoid an AoO. Meanwhile, Valerie attempts to eviscerate her enemy.

Left Talon: Hits AC 44 for 26 + 6 shock and 1 frost

Right Talon: Hits AC 37 for 30 + 5 shock and 4 frost

Divine Talon: Hits AC 41 for 27 + 4 shock and 6 frost

Bite: Hits AC 39 for 22 + 6 shock and 2 frost

Left Claw: Hits AC 49 for 21 + 1 shock and 4 frost

Right Claw: Hits AC 33 for 22 + 3 shock and 4 frost

daily amounts and active spells:

Succotash:
Channel energy 7/10
Agile feet 13/13
Speak with animals 21/21
Dimensional hop 180ft/180ft
True seeing 102/108
Heroes feast
Invisibility purge (90 ft radius) 103/108

Valerie:
Longstrider: 18 hours
Airwalk: 3 hours
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP
Divine power (+6): 18 temp HP 16/18

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+30=36 ; d20+30=50 ; d20+30=33 ; d20+30=43 ; d20+25=26 ; d20+20=40 ; d20+20=36 ; d20+15=28 ; 2d6+25=29 ; 2d6+25=32 ; 2d6+25=30 ; 4d6+50=61 ; 2d6+25=28 ; 2d6+25=35 ; 2d6+25=32 ; 4d6+50=59 ;
Thursday May 20th, 2021 2:26:23 PM
I'm assuming that since the archers can shoot out of the thorns still, and Hobie has all the feats so he takes no penalties for cover besides total cover, that Hobie can fire on these archers still. Let me know if that's not the case, he'll cast a spell if thats so

He keeps firing if he can

Manyshot = 36
Piercing = 29
Piercing = 32

Rapid shot = Nat 20 (33 to confirm)
Piercing = 30 (If Crit confirms = 91)

Haste = 43
Piercing =28

Iter 1 = Nat 1

Iter 2 = Nate 20 (36 to confirm)
Piercing = 35 (If Crit confirms = 91)

Iter 3 = 28
Piercing =32

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday May 20th, 2021 4:05:04 PM
(My apologies, I misread the map. Also, please delete the last Pressi post, it's a glitch copy from my phone.)

If any of the thieves remain standing, Pressi casts Living Voodoo (blindness) on whoever's left, especially the archers.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Thursday May 20th, 2021 5:27:52 PM
I don't see Kezzem on the map (lol).

Kezzem keeps doing what he is doing.

"This why they shouldn't let me plan things."

CDM Jerry [OOC post]
Thursday May 20th, 2021 6:52:54 PM
Hear Ye Hear Ye!

I'm starting a Woldian recruitment blitz to fill what looks to be 10 spots.� We have 2 new games starting which accounts for 6 of the openings.� The other 4 are in existing non-veteran games.� The two new games will be called:

Bearclaw Keep
and
Heranmar.

The icons for these are already up on in the Career Games section, but the links just go to the LnB until the games begin.� [THANKS ROB FOR DESIGNING THOSE!!!]

I want to start with recruiting from 1) you good�people and 2) inactive players.
SO!!!� If you have a friend [someone that still talks to you] talk to them and see if they want to play!� All they have to do to start the progress is to email me. [gericko@gmail.com].

I am going to send out some emails starting tonight to former players so I do not know whether this push will fill us up quickly or not.� :)� Better to play it on the safe side and talk to your friends immediately!

Enjoy your evening and the weekend AND�talking to your friends about joining us!

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 35/T22/[F27-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 182/196
Friday May 21st, 2021 2:22:14 AM

Murphy has concluded that these people disgust him. They have behaved in a wicked manner in robbing the dwarfs and their intended customers of what they honestly labored for, and paid for. They killed in their first robbery.

And now they have no notion that there is any way out other than to kill and escape. And they have shown themselves foolish, thinking that after five robberies, that nothing would be done to deter or defeat them.

He is sorely tempted simply to cast finger of death on the Archer before him and have done with it.

Face to face pounding is not his strong suit. Perhaps he could grab the bow and break the string.

Murphy casts transmute rock to mud to take away the footing of the two archers before him. The mud is 10' deep. Perhaps they will sink up to their chests in the mud. If they need help in that possibility, he stands ready to help shove them down a ways. Especially A4.

He does not change as much of the local stony roadway into mud as he might. On the map, the brown area representing the mud covers J8,9,10 to P8,9,10, as well as J11 to L11.

DM Mitch
Friday May 21st, 2021 6:17:07 AM
Succotash tells the archers they�ve should have made better life choices before dismounting and casting inflict serious wounds. 2 of the archers shrug some of the necromantic energy off but the last takes the full brunt of it. While all this is happening Valerie has killed another combatant; this time an archer.

Hobie continues to rain arrows down on the 2 remaining archers, knocking them out

None of the archers are standing for Pressi to cast Living Voodoo on.

Kezz�m keeps keeping on on his magic carpet away from where all the action is

Murphy decides he does not like these guys and is ready to bury them in mud, but they�re all down and out.

Things quiet down suddenly. With 2 dead thieves and 6 battered to unconsciousness, now there�s nothing left to do but figure out what to do with them. Kezz�m finely catches up too.

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Friday May 21st, 2021 6:32:28 AM
Bliss helps bind the captives so that they can't run away. Then, one by one, he talks to each one.

First, he wants to know if this is the entire source of the problems the party was sent to solve. Are there other bandits? Other reasons the caravans have been lost?

Second, he has some harsh words for these bandits. Why are these talented and experienced people wasting their lives? What are the very questionable life choices that brought them to this place?

"Look, there are lots of rogues who have been incredible heroes. Like Dahlia Lightfingers the Platinum Dragon, and Renik Dacour, and my mom, Vauhwyt the Grim Trickster of Blackbird Lake. Note that all of these heroes, in addition to be beloved heroes, were also fabulously rich!"

Bliss shows off all his gear, worth hundreds of thousands of gold.

"Honestly, the hero business is very well paying, and you can show your face around without fear of being arrested!"

"Look, we're not going to kill you. If we were going to, we would have killed you in battle. Instead, we're giving you a chance to do better. Think about it. You don't have to be crooks and criminals."

Bliss turns to his friends. "See if you can talk some sense into these guys."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 30/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday May 21st, 2021 9:12:34 AM
"I don't know if you can talk sense to these types Bliss. While it's true we could each afford to buy our own small kingdom, we had to work for it, and these types would rather make their fortune off the backs of someone else." Succotash turns to the thieves, and says, What my friend says is true, we won't kill you, but your level of cooperation will help us determine what we will do with you. I see two options for you. Either help us, at which point, I'll place a geas on you, forcing you to turn over a new leaf, and then turning you loose, or keep your mouths shut, and we turn you over to the authorities, and since you have a death sentence looming over your heads, well..."

Murphy (KimMc) As Earth Elem AC 35/T22/[F27-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 222/222
Friday May 21st, 2021 6:42:01 PM
Murph post 20210521

Murphy pulls the two unconscious archers out of the mud and thorns. It is nice being a druid, as he can navigate the brambles with relative ease. Once the two are clear, and lying upon the hard road, he asks if anyone can think of a good reason not to turn the mud back into rock. He does ask Bliss to take out the wall of thorns first, and ensures the surface, afterwards, is smooth, nice for wagons and such to traverse. Then, if there are no objections, he casts transmute mud to rock.

Murphy suggests each unconscious person be stripped of anything magical. That their clothing be inspected, ensuring they carry no concealed weapons - daggers, etc. He takes all the bow strings (including those held in reserve) from the archers.

He is good with rope. Bonds are made secure, and multiple restrictions on movement are ensured. Legs are hobbled. Silk rope binds well.

He talks over with members of Humble's Sword just what we need to learn.
* Who hired the rogues.
* What arrangements were made for delivery and disposition of the alloyed steel
* Names, payments, conduits, conveyance.

"This one robbery was stopped. We need to go after those who set it in motion."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday May 21st, 2021 7:53:03 PM
Pressi watches intently as the others begin to work, her broom nudging its way carefully to the ledge.

After she helps with the binding, she suggests that maybe she should take one or two of the unconscious thieves aside and talk to them separately... "And I wouldn't mind doing it without the eye of paladins, or anyone who needs a little plausible deniability."

For now, however, she hits one of the thieves with charm person (DC 20). "Look, in the end, we really are trying to help you. All we are looking for is a name," she whispers.

Murphy (KimMc) As Earth Elem AC 35/T22/[F27-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 222/222
Saturday May 22nd, 2021 12:15:41 PM

Oh, and while most are unconscious, Murphy (now back in his own halfling form) snips a lock of hair from each of the robbers (say, enough hair for 3 scryings). He makes a sketch of the face of each on a separate piece of paper, rolls and folds the paper to contain the hair. Should we need to keep a remote eye on them in the future, having their image and hair should aid considerably.

The two who died he does likewise, should the robbers try to get them resurrected,

He asks the name of each. There already are two whose names we have heard.

DM Mitch
Monday May 24th, 2021 6:12:02 AM
CatBliss helps with the bindings, then individually questions and admonishes the bandits regarding their life choices. He asks if the bandits are the source of the problem or if there are other bandits or reasons why the caravans were attacked.

Succotash isn�t sure there�s any point in talking sense to the bandits. He threatens them with death if they don�t talk and a geas if they do.

Murphy asks if there�s any good reason not to restore the road and searches the captured robbers. He collects materials to help him with scrying them if needed.

Pressi wonders if she should pull some of them aside fro a private talk. She decides to just cast Charm Person on one of them.

The party disarms, separates and binds their assailants.

After one hour one of the thieves and one of the archers come around while the other 4 are still out of it.

The thief says, �Look we wuz paid to do a job and we did it, delivering the metal to the camp in the Red Hills we were told to.�

The archer chimes in, �The shipments we already nicked were what the client�s agreement was for, but we thought the caravans were such easy pickin�s we�d keep hitting �em a time or two. We didn�t count on no shapeshifting halflings.�

Pressi�s charm person was on the Archer and the archer failed to resist the spell.

The archer tilts his head and says, �That pack there, there�s a journal in it. In that journal is a map of the Red Hills indicating where the camp the client told us to drop the previous shipments off at. Clearly this route is no longer profitable and we should have quit while we were ahead. We never got a name from the client, he was some kind of magic user though and took precautions to obscure his identity, but his coin was good so what did it matter?�

The Archer replies to Murphy�s question, �Well Shee and Shanks both didn�t make it. I�m Mac and the conscious thief is Chee.�

It has been a little over one hour since your battle. The other 4 bandits are still unconscious.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ;
Monday May 24th, 2021 9:31:39 AM
"That was very helpful, thank you Mac!" Succotash says as the charmed archer shares what he knows. He walks over and retrieves the mentioned journal, and quickly scans the contents, looking for any clues. He hands it to whomever else would like to take a look, then says, in halfling, "So what do we do now? I did say that I could geas them and set them loose if they cooperated, but it seems that the only reason Mac here was so forthcoming, was due to Pressie's charm spell. I try to be a halfling of my word, so I'm inclined to geas them and set them free, though that will have to wait until morning, as I don't have the spell prepared enough times. I suppose if they fight against the spell, we will have to hand them over to the authorities, and they should be warned before hand. Unless someone has a problem with me doing so, I'm going to wake up our unconscious friends." Succotash will then channel energy again healing himself and his friends 31 HP. Unless someone stops him, he includes the baddies, thus removing any non-lethal damage, and waking up the unconscious ones.

Succotash:
Channel energy 6/10
Agile feet 13/13
Speak with animals 21/21
Dimensional hop 180ft/180ft
True seeing 101/108
Heroes feast
Invisibility purge (90 ft radius) 102/108

Valerie:
Longstrider: 18 hours
Airwalk: 3 hours
Heroes feast: 12 temp HP
Divine power (+6): 18 temp HP 15/18

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 222/222
Monday May 24th, 2021 1:29:19 PM

"Shanks is the one who tried to tackle the cat. Was he more or less the leader of the group? Or is it someone else? Mac, I'm Murphy. What are the names of those still asleep?" [If we can tie them into the T1-4, A1-4 identities, that would be appreciated. How many male, which ones are female? Shee was female, right?]

"Hello, Chee. You can call me Murphy. Looks like your group has been together for a while - you all have competent skill sets. Who came up with the tactic of hiding in the rocks? Very clever, that. Hungry?" He offers him some trail rations, some water.

Murphy accepts the hand-off of the journal from Succotash. Murphy is fairly acquainted with the Red Hills, and has with him a map to which he has added details over the years. He seeks to find the place of the camp for drop shipments to add to his map. He assiduously studies the journal, and copies salient portions into his own journal.

Just before the cleric sends out a healing wave, Murphy says, "Well, Succotash, none of them particularly accepted your conditions prior to the end of the fight. Let's see how things go before we make a final decision. I'm open to the alternatives you suggested, but there may be another route that close questioning and cajoling may reveal. Sound all all right?" He is fine with the full group healing.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Monday May 24th, 2021 4:22:14 PM
Hobie will ask the charmed person for the truth on their actions, he wants to know specifically if these guys are just thieves, taking property, or if they will typically kill innocents as part of their work.

If they are a simply thieves he will tell them about how he started his adventuring as a burglar, and turned himself around to do what he�s doing now. And he will urge them to turn towards more community good actions

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday May 24th, 2021 8:10:19 PM
Pressi nodded and winked at the archer. "Much obliged. I think we can take it from here."

Pressi flipped through a couple of pages of the journal as Murphy and Succotash discussed what to do. "I wouldn't hold my breath on a massive conversion. These guys here aren't going to change until they're ready to listen and I don't hear much listening. I kind of want to release them to live but 'make them work for it.' I suppose they should face justice, though I was also leaning towards ignoring them for their buyer.

"If we want to do geas, don't forget that Bliss and I can both cast it. Don't really know what you plan to attach to it, though. Of course, we do have another option. Way I see it is that we can still trust them, as much as we have the coin."

Pressi turned back to the thieves. "Hey, quick hypothetical. About how much did these buyers of yours pay you? Cause it sounds like you might be looking for another buyer, maybe one that can pay more."

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Monday May 24th, 2021 10:19:45 PM

Bliss (no longer in the shape of a cat, of course, and with all his short-term combat buffs turned off right after the battle ended) helps gather all the enemy gear together.

He goes around casting cures on the ones who are unconscious, making sure they do not die, and giving them the same questions and lectures once they are awake.

"See, we'll take all your wealth that you gained through your evil deeds. But if you swear to turn to goodness and stop preying on the weak and innocent, then we will let you free."

DM Mitch
Tuesday May 25th, 2021 7:17:02 AM
Succotash thanks the man for the information, debates about if they�ve fulfilled their part of the deal, and heals everyone.

Murphy asks for introductions and looks at the journal. He also comments on how the bandits didn�t technically agree to the deal and suggests further debate.

Hobie gives career advice.

Pressi looks through the book briefly and comments on the likelihood of the thieves having a mass conversion to good. She asks what they were being paid for the job.

Bliss loots, heals, and lectures

Mac says to Murphy, �Shanks was the leader� (OOC: Thief 4 was Shanks (male), Archer 2 was Shee(female) )
Chee adds, �Those still asleep are Vron(male; archer 1), jarry(male thief 2), permi(female thief 3) and oni(female; archer 4)�

She continues, �The tactics were Shanks� idea and yes I am hungry and thirsty.�

Chee says to Hobie, �We didn�t want to hurt nobody but that one caravan those guards tried to be heroes, and one thing lead to another and they ended up worse off for it in the dead sort of way. All the other caravans we robbed were completely compliant so we took the metal ingots the client wanted and went on our way.�

With respect to Hobie�s career advice Chee says, �I�ll take it under advisement�

Chee says to Pressi, �Well the client paid us 36,000 gold pieces for the entire lot, 7,200 gold for each shipment we dropped off. After we completed the contract Shanks realized we were making silvers on the gold for the price of the alloy and that we could probably make more assuming we could find the right buyer. How much are you offering? What do you want us to do?�

As Succotash�s healings wash over the thieves and archers the rest wake up.

Bliss goes among them lecturing them on their poor life choices.

Vron says to the halfling, �You lot weren�t so weak and innocent, neither wuz those caravan guards. You don�t know what we did to get that gear, you�re just assuming and making excuses so you can rob us same as we were trying to do.�

Jarry chimes in, �Yeah, easy for you to say. Magical halfling. We can�t exactly go do good deeds if you take everything we own and turn us out in the wild with nothin.�

Permi and Oni don�t say anything

You have the journal detailing the location of the camp in the Red Hills the shipments were dropped off to a mysterious patron, 2 dead thieves and 6 alive, awake but tied up thieves. What would you like to do next?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday May 25th, 2021 10:18:20 AM
In halfling, Succotash says, "If we geased them, we could simply order them to assume the life of a hero. They have the skill set for the career change, and the Wold can always use more heroes"

Turning to the thieves he says, in common, "We are in a bit of a predicament here. one one hand, the majority of us, if not all of us, would love to give you a second chance at life, and on the other hand, justice must be served. If what you say is true, handing you over to the authorities, which would be an act of justice, would be the same as killing you, and well, that kinda ends any chance at a redeemed life. I would love to be able to take you at your word, if you all said you were going to turn over a new leaf, but unless I cast a zone of truth spell, which you could possibly overcome anyway, we would have no way of knowing for certain that you were telling us the truth, and we can't have you going back to your lives of crime, and, as I said, justice must be served.

As I see it, you have two options. We put a geas on you, forcing you to take up the life of adventuring heroes, which I must say you would be great at, and as my friends have said, is something you should have been doing all along. We could then, return your gear, and turn you loose on the evils of the Wold. Otherwise, we have no choice but to hand you over to the authorities. Now we could just force the geas on you and be on our merry way, but I for one am not in favor of taking away ones freewill. So what do you think, do you want to be adventures? This business is very lucrative!" As Succotash says the last bit, he pulls down his robe a bit revealing his mithril breastplate, as a means to show his wealth, and the wealth that can be obtained as an adventurer.

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday May 25th, 2021 12:41:30 PM

"Yeah, we would give you some of their gear and money, say one or two thousand gold each or so. And you promise to reform and go off to live new lives. Or we turn you in to the authorities. Easy Peasy."

Privately, Bliss says to Sir Succotash, "Meh, geas seems like overkill to me, but sure, can't hurt. You're doing great, my friend!"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 222/222
Tuesday May 25th, 2021 3:12:49 PM

Murphy plays the bad cop

As Vron and Jarry make their complaints, Murphy says fiercely, "You have repeatedly robbed - stolen that which in no wise belongs to you. You have killed. You have terrorized. When we came upon you, lurking in stone, ready to way-lay our wagons, and threaten our lives, and unjustly take what is not yours, we gave you chance after chance to stop fighting, to surrender, yet your fear and rapacity and guilt would not let you do so. Do NOT complain to us about what is fair. You have forfeited any 'right' to your possessions in your categorical willingness to abrogate the right of others to keep their own.

"We deliberately used many different weapons of a merciful bent - meant to subdue, rather than kill. When you kept on trying to kill us, yes, the raptor was set upon you. Each. One. Of. You. Ought. To. Have. DIED!

"So, shut up about what you deem fair, you whiners, who have shown little fairness to others. Stop whining. Acknowledge your wickedness. I am prone to mercy, as are my companions. But keep up your grumbling in the face of underserved kindness, and I'm of a mind to turn back into a whirlwind and drop any who complain again from a thousand feet in the air onto the rocks below. Dodge that when you're bound with ropes." He takes three deep breaths, then says without vehemence to the few who have not grumbled, "However, if you choose not to appeal to unearned 'fairness' in the face of what my friends are discussing, I have no motivation to unleash the whirlwind against you."

And to all, "After you tried diligently to kill us, we have healed you."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 222/222
Tuesday May 25th, 2021 3:23:47 PM

Sorry, addendum. Murphy does feed Chee, and gives the thief some water to wash it down, and offers likewise to Mac, to Permi and Oni. He is not untying anyone as of yet. But until he sees how Vron and Jarry respond, he does not yet offer them the same.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Tuesday May 25th, 2021 5:46:31 PM
Kezzem finally arrives by flying carpet.

"Okay, I'm hear, who do I stab?"

After getting caught up on the situation.

"Well, leaving them their gear is one thing, but I'm all for reallocated their payment for this robbery job of theirs to put to better use, such as, I don't know, a some time of engine that shoots jets of flame and makes the flying carpet go faster!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+24=42 ;
Tuesday May 25th, 2021 9:41:27 PM
To Succotash, "I think you have a rather skewed view of what Geas can do, and whether it counts. We can make them turn in to the authorities but be heroes for all time, without working on the things that make us heroes, that actually made us thieves in the first place..."

If anyone starts looking at her funny. "Ex thief, descendent of thieves by a couple of generations, twisted by woldsblood... probably on the cusp of going full supervillain on the planet myself. Couple of more ex thieves there, there... maybe there.... Nice to meet you. Look, I'm not going to ask you to go full poverty monk and I'm not going to explain ourselves, except to say we try our best here.

"In the meantime, I did have another option. See, it seems to me that if you were to take to your buyers a message we crafted, or even a new hostage or partner you could vouch for... well, sometimes you can be a good guy and still get some money. I'm still working out the details but I think we can compensate you for this botched job well enough. Is that something you might be interested in, or shall we go back to the whole turn you in and take your gear discussion?"

(Diplomacy 42)

DM Mitch
Wednesday May 26th, 2021 6:52:15 AM
Succotash talks about geases, free will, and hero work.
Bliss says they wouldn�t actually turn the thieves loose in the wilderness with nothing.
Murphy plays bad cop. He also offers food and drink, which might be mixing his message a little.
Kezz�m wants to take their payment of the job to somehow make his carpet faster.
Pressi points out that Geas may not do what Succotash want�s it to do. She suggests the thieves help him track down their employer.

There appears to be confusion amongst the thieves. Some of the party wants to put geas on the thieves to get them to reform while others in the party want to hire them. Murphy playing bad cop has left an impression on some of the thieves.
Chee says, �If my new friends want me to be geased then I�m okay being geased.� It is hard to tell if this is Chee�s actual opinion or the charm talking.
Mac says, �Well I�d really not like to die, but I�m not sure how I feel about this geas business.�
Permi and Oni say nothing except to say, �Mister Murphy sir, we�d like some of that food and drink.�

Vron says, �Well if we was dashed on the stone by the whirlwind it would be quicker than any death penalty the constabulary would mete out�
Jarry says, �Seems to me Vron there exists another option as long as we agree to be magicked into being good.�
When Pressi makes her salespitch Chee says, �That�s all well and good but we didn�t have a buyer prearranged for this shipment. We were going to look for one after we secured the alloy. Our contract concluded with our previous client. I don�t even know if they will be at that camp in the Red Hills if it existed as a drop off point for our purloined shipments. I mean we can try to return to the camp and try to arrange a meeting with the client if they are still there but I�d reckon he�d be suspicious considering our business had concluded and here we are showing up unannounced at their camp with someone who wants to meet them

There's a sudden warping of the air and an old friend and former party member pops out of thin air nearby.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday May 26th, 2021 9:11:49 AM
Succotash is about to say something to encourage those that are considering the geas, and taking up a life of goodness and heroism, but then Tali appears, and he completely loses his train of thought. He runs over to the sorceress and gives her a big hug, and says, "Tali! It is so good to see you! Last I saw you, you were feeling under the weather, after our trip to the moon. I'm so glad to see you are feeling more yourself again, and decided to rejoin our entourage. I'd ask how you found us, but such trifles are nothing to a powerful sorceress like yourself.

By the way, we were hired, by some friendly dwarves to find out who has been robbing their caravans of this steel/ mithril alloy stuff, the dwarves had invented, and put a stop to the robberies. We had a small scrap with these bandits here, and are trying to convince them that turning from a life of crime, to a life of heroic adventuring would be a good career move, and I've floated the idea of a geas, for our piece of mind, but only if they agree to it, as I hate the idea of taking away someones freewill. Some of the bandits seem cool with the geas, preferring that to being turned over to the authorities, which would be a death sentence for them, and we were able to convince them of the wealth that can be obtain from such an occupation. Of course some are holding out. One was even considering Murphy's offer of being dropped off a cliff, which seems a bit rash to me, but he believes it would be quicker and less painful than an authorized execution, carried out by the authorities. By the gods, it's good to see you."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Wednesday May 26th, 2021 11:44:11 AM
"I don't think we need to Geas these guys, they are simply thieves doing a job, dumb thieves aparently, but we need to set our sights on finding the guy who hired them. I say we just take a couple hairs, let them know we can scry whenever we like, and that we'll come find them if we find out they are harming innocents again."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Wednesday May 26th, 2021 3:10:07 PM
"Honestly, I'm kind of iffy on the geas thing myself," says Kezzem.

Kezzem gives Tali a hug.

"Sure, now you come back, not 10 minutes earlier when I could have used some faster magical transportation than the world's slowest magic carpet."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 222/222
Wednesday May 26th, 2021 7:53:57 PM

Murphy listens to the responses. He says, "Sure," and gives Permi and Oni food and drink.

"We'll figure out a way we can move ahead without, hopefully, having to drop anyone from a cliff," he says to Jarry. "You folks have shown yourselves to be somewhat inventive - albeit a touch repetitive. It does not pay to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. Nevertheless, I think that my dear one here," and he indicates Pressi, "has some clever notions, as well as my other friends. And some of you."

And Tali pops in. Succotash sees her first, and Kezzem. Murphy waits in line to pull Pressi by his side, so that the two of them may welcome the sorceress together. "So, so glad you have come here this day. What brings you, Tali?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday May 26th, 2021 9:00:17 PM
Pressi more or less drops the subject, despite figuring that they could still use the relationship. They have the book, they have the camp, they can figure out their own way to the buyer. And since only Murphy has shown any interest, it might be better off just moving towards resolution.

On the other hand, "I'm not really interested in just letting these guys go, especially if we can't trust them to give a warning. And that's really what the geas and enchantments are for. To make sure they don't call ahead. We could just drop them back off with the rest of the caravan and let them take these guys back to camp. I'm sure we could draw the line with our buyers too, like no death by torture."

Before she can think further on the matter, she finds Murphy pulling her away. "Oh, you know this will not end... oh, hey!"

Pressi smiles at seeing Tali. "It's really good to see you again. For the mission, I mean. We haven't seen you in a while."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:32 (T:28, FF:23), CMD:38, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:16), HP:121/121
Wednesday May 26th, 2021 10:00:48 PM
Seconds after Tali's arrival, she is surprised by Sir Succotash's hug and welcome back speech. Then as almost expected, one by one, she is greeted by the closest things she has ever had to a family.

"Well, Mister Murphy! Boy, have I missed you guys& gals! You have been the closest group I have ever had for a family. I missed the comradery & the banter of this wonderful group of people any Halfling would be proud to be a part of, to be honest!" she explains to the assembled group; save the thieves and cut-throats in the background.

"As you may know, I've been in a funk ever since the trip to the Moon; by the way, how'd that work out? What was that stain anyways? I needed some time to myself to remind myself of my mission & why I do what I do. I think I have come close to defining that for myself. Then one day I had an inkling that I was being missed, and I had to find the source of that very strong feeling...and here I am! The hug from Sir Succotash tells me I'm in the right place!"

"Mr. & Mrs. Pipewood, how was the wedding? Sorry, I didn't attend. Alas, the gift to you both, I left behind as I didn't realize we were going to cross paths today."

"Kezzem, I think we can find faster transport than your venerable carpet, going forward."

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday May 26th, 2021 10:14:19 PM

Bliss gapes for a long moment, then grabs Tali and gives her a big hug.

"It is so good to see you, old friend! This is a happy day!"

Mookie keeps watch on the prisoners to make sure there is no funny business. The big bird has no use for this sentimentality. He ducks his head under a wing to clear a mote of dust from his eye.

DM Mitch
Thursday May 27th, 2021 7:11:48 AM
Succotash drops everything to hug the newcomer and explain the current situation.
Hobie doesn't think a Geas is necessary.
Kezz�m is also iffy on it. He complains about Tali�s timing.
Murphy thinks they can come to an agreement with the bandits. He waits in line for the hug train.
Pressi drops the notion of recruiting the bandits. She�s worried the bandits would call their former employer to warn them.
Tali explains why she�s returned and is surprised at where she ended up.
Bliss cannot resist the call of the hug train.

The party appears to be distracted by the appearance of their former companion seeking to rejoin them. While most of the comments are directed at Tali some are directed at the captured thieves.
Jarry says, �Look you guys beat us fair and square and cut our numbers down to 6. Shanks and Shee they were the ones really pushing us to do these things and 6 is somewhat of an unlucky number. Hypothetically what would happen if we were to agree to hang up the old bow and arrows and rapiers?�
Vron asks, �Are you serious?�
Jarry says, �What good is wealth if you aren�t around to spend it? Clearly we aren�t as good as we thought we were if we were bested so maybe now is the time to quit while we are behind before we dig our own graves.�
Chee says to Pressi, �Wait, is all you be wanting a guide to the camp? I mean that we can do. I just don�t know what we can do specifically with our mysterious client being that we concluded business with him and it would be highly unusual for us to show up unannounced. However, if all you be needin� is a guide to the camp that we can do, easily enough.�

Jarry says, �So One last hurrah serving as guides for adventures doesn�t sound like the worst way of starting one�s retirement.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday May 27th, 2021 10:34:59 AM
To Tali, Succotash answers, "There were these ant-taur dudes from another planet that were colonizing the moon, well the inside of the moon to be precise. Funny thing, the inside of the moon is mostly hollow, with all these corridors, lined with pipes and such, apparently they are part of the contraption that makes the moon stay in the sky, Anyway, one of the pipes had burst, whither due to the ant-taurs, or some other reason, and it was spewing oil up into the lake, which is what the black spot on the lake was. I was able to use mending to fix the pipe, and everything is good to go now, Oh and we convinced the ant-taurs to keep their colony size low, so as to avoid causing the moon to plummet to the Wold, causing Wold wide destruction."

To the rest of the party, "If you don't think a geas is needed, except maybe to assure our friends here don't alert our prey, than I'll submit to your collective wisdom."

To the thieves, "If you all are willing to guide us to the camp, and give us a few samples of your hair, so like my friend said, we can check up on you from time to time, them I for one am willing to let you guys go afterwards. If you chose to retire, I wouldn't blame you, though I still think you guys would make a steller team of adventures, especially if you got a cleric or some other healer to join your ranks."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Thursday May 27th, 2021 11:13:03 AM
"After you guide us, why don't you make your way to to WLA location and join up with the League of Adventurers? They could help you get a start as adventurers on the up and up."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Thursday May 27th, 2021 7:29:26 PM
"I sold them mushroom," says Kezzem, "and they called me...the Kezz'm. It...was...awesome!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday May 27th, 2021 9:26:46 PM
In answer to the question, "I may have overestimated your relationship. However, I do believe that if you had a valuable thing to offer, or even just information, your buyer might be willing to make another purchase or talk to you. For now, though, I believe a guide would be sufficient. And I honestly had no grander plans than to use you as a contact.

"Assuming that your buyer has not moved to another location, and a number of other possibilities, of course."

In the meantime, Pressi studied the gear they already wore. Her own armor began to shift until it matched that of the thieves.

Regardless, Pressi began to pack up, ready to move. "We should probably also tell the caravan it's safe to move on, and collect my pet real quick."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 222/222
Thursday May 27th, 2021 9:28:37 PM

"Tali, we did miss you, enormously. It is a joy to have you back, our friend." Murphy give her a wide grin and says, "Let us do great things together!"

"Succotash is mostly right about the ant-taurs, or formians, Tali, and the oil splotch on the lake," Murphy takes up. "One important detail, though: The moon called Kerracles is not mostly hollow. It does have tunnels that were constructed, and which apparently are key to the well-being of the moon. What was feared, though, is that the formians, being aggressive diggers and tunnelers, and with what we discerned was a mind for conquest, would disrupt the work, weaken the structure, and lead to the moon falling from the sky onto the Wold below it - killing vast numbers of people and critters. So, not, not a hollow moon. But one might say it is a moon with a bit of interior ventilation. And, yes, The Kezz'm came in to his own!"

"Yes," Murphy agrees with Hobie, "if you will come with us into the Red Hills, and we can get to know each other along the way, then, if it seems you are open to enlarging your virtues and opening your perspectives, perhaps we can recommend a bit of new formation via the auspices of the WLA. So retirement for you as adventurers? Perhaps. Or, perhaps a chance to repurpose your admirable skillset towards a higher aim, as my Lord Eberyon, chose the path of reformation."

Mentally he chats with Pressi. "Could they betray us? Easily. Will they? I say we give it a shot. If Bliss's notion of starting a new place over in the jungles of Cthonia bears fruit, they could be handy."

Answering Vron's question of Jarry, Murphy says, "You might also ask if we are serious, Vron. About giving you the option to work with us a bit? Yes. Are we totally serious about everything? Well, we do have Kezzem with us, so, no. We like to laugh, and look at the light side of life when we can. Are we serious about trying to do what is wise and good, and opposed to letting what is evil prosper? Yep, pretty much. Do we fail at times? Well, we're people, little ones by many standards, so, yes, we do. But we try to learn from our mistakes, figure out better ways, and move forward from there. I hope you are not serious about preferring to die at the moment, are you?"

"Jarry, I like the lines of some of your thoughts. I could see us working together. If you want to give up predatory adventuring, that's fine. If you'd like to consider a revised approach to adventuring, that may be an option."

Laying it on the line
Speaking to all of the captives, Murphy says. "The option of geas is there. I'd rather prefer you yourselves make your choices - though, due to your recent actions, under some constraints for at least a little while. One must accept responsibility for one's actions. Each one of you should think it over, then tell us, yea or nay, if you are willing to work with us for a period of time. Learn of us. Help us. Then, for those of you willing so to pledge, to consider remaining as adventurers, but operating under a different set of principles which many have found to have much greater long-term profitability.

"We cannot set aside the matter of the constabulary. But we have dealt with others who did things considered criminal, and worked with the enforcers of law to allow for, shall we say, creative justice? A chance for wrongdoers to repent, and do good. We have some of them working with us, and helping our community, or having gone elsewhere, and contributing in places new to them. If you do not at some point face the keepers of the law, then a lifetime of hiding, fleeing, or worse may be your lot. We will work with you to resolve these matters, make restitution. I believe this can be done without further needless loss of life. And you have some dwarfs whose lives and business you have harmed. What can make it up to them?

"We're going to give you a few minutes to think things over. I'm going to partially unbind you - because you can feed yourselves better than I can. One arm free, a bit awkward, but by your answers and actions, less restraint can be earned.

"Let my friends hear these words, and amend or improve them as they will."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:32 (T:28, FF:23), CMD:38, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:16), HP:121/121
Thursday May 27th, 2021 10:54:22 PM
"Mister Murphy, those are very kind words to her. my friends" says Tali to her friends.

As Tali hovers higher than the trees, to get a better lay of the land, she flys over to Mister Murphy, asking while winking at her companions, "Do you think I could make a Mass Suggestion to this group to help us in find this camp you are speaking of? What else might I be able to assist you all with?" wonders Tali aloud.

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Thursday May 27th, 2021 10:59:46 PM

Bliss shakes his head. 'Miss Tali, thank you, but i think we got all we're going to get from these guys. let's send them on their way.'

DM Mitch
Friday May 28th, 2021 5:16:42 AM
Succotash summarizes the moon adventure and asks if the thieves would be willing to guide them to the drop off point
Hobie suggests the WLA
Kezz�m talks about mushrooms.
Pressi says she just wanted to use the thieves as a contact and may have overestimated their relationship with said buyer.
Murhpy tries to summarize
Tali asks about mass suggesting
Bliss suggests they just send the thieves on their way.

The party seems in agreement at least for now about not using geas or other methods like suggestion to compel the former thieves to help them. The group asks more questions of the thieves and explains some things

Jarry says to Succotash and ostensibly Murphy, �As I said I�ll help you at least. I hope you can figure out some of that creative justice you were talking about if we do so as what is the point of helping if you are going to turn us over to the constabulary anyway�
Vron chimes in albeit reluctantly, �I will too.� To Jarry he says, �I hope you are right about this.�
Chee says, �I already made up my mind. If my new friends ask this of me I�ll do it.�
Mac says, �sure�
Permi adds, �yes�
Oni says, �I�m in�

Jarry says to Hobie and Murphy, �We�ll take your career advice under advisement, perhaps we�ve had enough danger for now.� WIth Shanks and Shee out of the way it seems like Jarry is gradually becoming the group�s de facto leader

Vron says to Murphy in response to his comment on seriousness, �I was asking Jarry if he was serious about helping you. He has somewhat convinced me that doing so is the best course of action given the present circumstances we�ve found ourselves in.�

Chee clarifies to Pressi, �Our client seemed like the type who was not to be trifled with nor appreciative of solicitors. He knew what he wanted from us and we agreed to the transaction. After our most recent delivery he made it clear our business was concluded. I didn�t get the feeling that if we showed up unannounced with more alloy that he didn�t ask for he�d buy it. Furthermore we don�t know why he wanted the alloy for or what kinds of other items he might be interested in. He sought us out, gave us the info about the caravans and told us to grab the cargo and deliver it. We did it�

Jarry says, �I�m a little confused. Murphy has asked for our help but Bliss is suggesting you�ll just let us go. Which exactly is it?�

The thieves seem agreeable to helping you if you are serious about it for now, of course they�d also probably be happier to go on their way. Seems like mixed messaging is being projected with some in the party requesting assistance while others thinking they�ve gotten all they can from the thieves. Probably best to figure out if you are using the thieves� help and if so how you plan to travel to the camp in the Red Hills

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:32 (T:28, FF:23), CMD:38, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:16), HP:121/121
Friday May 28th, 2021 11:27:54 PM
"So, Mister Murphy, how are we to travel with our new trackers?" asks Tali. "What about watches? Is there a close estimate of where in the Red Hills our destination lies? How much ground can we cover with this large party? I have many, many questions about how this large troupe is to make it to the destination without causing an alarm? " asks Tali in an almost rapid-fire manner.

"Perhaps, we should offer our new guides a trade; they provide a map of where they believe their past employer resides in the Red Hills and a telling of their findings traversing the Red Hills and in turn, we allow them to make their way to the nearest WLA chapter with a recommendation put into the nearest chapter of the WLA from the Humble Swords? Of course, our bargain would involve 3 hairs from each of them to assure both parties of fair and equal treatment," explains Tali at length. "I would be so inclined as to offer each one of them a reward after completing their inductions in the WLA and of completion of their first rank within the WLA. What do you think of that idea Mister Murphy? " says Tali. "Anyone? " Tali says looking to Sir Succotash, then to Sir Hobie, then Kezz'em, then to Ms. Pressi, then lastly to Bliss...

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Saturday May 29th, 2021 12:19:45 AM

Bliss, honestly, does not like the idea of these guys ending up as cannon fodder. "Sure, you can come alond, make sure we're on the right path, act as guards and lookouts, but when it comes time to face the guys who hired you, you keep a low profile and let us do the heavy lifting."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 222/222 d20+32=41 ;
Saturday May 29th, 2021 1:12:46 AM

"We work somewhat by consensus in our group," Murphy responds to Jarry. "As Bliss is the only one suggesting you just go on your way, that is not the direction the bulk of the group deems the wisest course. Let us work together. I concur with Bliss that putting you unnecessarily in harm's way is not our intention. There is the sticking point of somewhere in the not-too-distant future of negotiating with the authorities, the constabulary, for terms and conditions. Our aim, if you share that aim, is to persuade them that you have chosen to adopt, say, higher ethical standards. Make some sort of restitution. But then - and again, specifics will need to be worked out - a way toward freedom - from capital punishment, for one. And freedom to do those things that are right. Perhaps to thwart others bent on wrongdoing, eh?" he suggests with a bit of a smile.

"But, yes. Please consider yourselves to be joining with us for a time. Are we agreed?" If they seem to assent, Murphy then suggests, "Let us free you of the ropes."

"Well, Tali, we need to discuss a few things with the dwarfs behind us. They have their delivery to complete. Chances are fair that the balance of their journey can be handled safely. We could use our capabilities to quickly conclude the delivery, and obtain receipt for that, then allow the wagons to turn about and return to the camp on an earlier basis.

"Next, between Succotash, Hobie, you and me (with Pressi's shadow walking an honorable mention), we could in a few steps transport the lot of us to a place not far off from the place on the map they already have given us - you're on our train of thought, Tali." He takes out his Red Hills map, and indicates the location of their meeting place with the so-far-anonymous wizard. Turning to the beastmen (and beastwomen)* he lets them know he'd like to trace the paths they took through the Scab, how they either went through or around Crescent Valley, and then the Red Hills trail(s) used. He has a Scab map he has been working on that, not immediately, but as they spend time together, he'd like to add what details they might impart.

"Members of Humble's Sword - shall we follow the same paths that this group took to travel between here and the Red Hills? Or some other mode of travel?"

"Oh, and Tali - excellent idea regarding the WLA. If they are of a mind to join."

*[Question: Could we get a physical description of these people? What sort of beast, or beasts, might they resemble?]
============
Sense Motive: 41 - Who seems sincere? Who seems cagey? What other emotions, motivations is Murphy able to read in each person's responses?

DM Mitch
Monday May 31st, 2021 7:42:40 AM
Tali offers some relevant questions about travel and distances. She suggests they just get a map and directions and let the thieves go.
Bliss doesn�t like using the bandits as cannon fodder
Murphy suggests they try to reach a group consensus, agrees to have the former bandits accompany them a ways, and suggests they go coordinate with the dwarves.

The beastfolk are a small lizard-like people whose scales are a variety of colors. Among them green, blue, red, bronze, yellow and black

Jarry says to Bliss, �Well if we were to be spared from death by the constabulary it wouldn�t do for us to die because we double crossed our former client and whatever magicks he has at his employ besides the ability to obscure his identity. We�ll be more than happy to stay out of your way when we reach the camp, if he is still there.�

Vron says, �You do have the map and you don�t want us to be your cannon fodder. I don�t suppose what your Tali recommended is an option? That way you don�t have to worry about anything our former client might do to us since we won�t be there when you show up�

Chee says to Murphy, �We got to the camp by tree striding through yew trees. Our rangers prepared the spell and scribed some scrolls and the rest of us tricked the scrolls into working for us. In that way all 8 of us at the time could travel together. We put the crates in a bag of holding the client provided so that it wasn�t that hard to maneuver getting the deliveries to the camp.�

The former bandits all seem agreeable to Murphy�s suggestion in the end. Jarry appears to be being honest. Vron still seems a little hesitant but not in a how do I bagstab my way out of this arrangement way and more of a resigned acceptance. Mac , Permi and Oni also seem sincere. It is hard to get a read on Chee being he is currently charmed by Pressi but for the time being Chee seems to go along with the others, albeit with maybe more enthusiasm considering it is what Pressi wants.

Whenever the party ventures back to rendezvous with Henmil and the rest of the caravan. As the party approaches the outriders form kind of an honor guard surrounding the company and escort them to Henmil�s wagon.

When Henmil sees the halflings he says, �What news? Is the trail safe from banditry from now on? Can we have our wagon back, now that your ruse has proven successful?�

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:32 (T:28, FF:23), CMD:38, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:16), HP:121/121
Monday May 31st, 2021 10:28:13 PM
�As I am new to this situation, I will defer to your Wisdom in this matter, Mister Murphy� explains Tali.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday May 31st, 2021 10:30:19 PM
Pressi shrugged. �The narrow answer is that the bandits are gone, and it looks like the buyer doesn�t intend any robberies further. However, I�d like to continue our investigation, to figure out who the buyer is and what they intend.�

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196
Tuesday June 1st, 2021 3:33:10 AM

"Vron, there is still the matter of restitution," Murphy answers the recalcitrant one, "and, shall we say, amending actions and intentions. There are a few more steps we need take together."

Just before rejoining the dwarfs, Murphy asks Jarry and Chee, "Do you bury your dead?" If so, he offers to bear them up the hill, and help dig a grave for them.

Murphy is trying to figure out what Pressi means by her opening sentence to Henmil. Gone? He shrugs his shoulders, too. "The bandits have agreed to amend their ways, and make steps towards restitution. We will work with them toward that end. They will travel with us for a ways. Then we intend to do what we might to ascertain what happened to the rest of the stolen steel alloy, and perhaps recover at least a portion of it."

Murphy gets some help to empty the crate from the leading wagon, and replaces the rocky contents with the genuine article stored in his portable hole.

"We'll report back to the camp once we've attained our goals. We're not aware of any other threats to the wagons conveying the cargo, if you're willing to continue on your way without us."

To Jarry, he says, "Let's visit the tree you spoke of."

DM Mitch
Tuesday June 1st, 2021 7:21:12 AM
Tali defers to Murphy.
Pressi says the bandits are gone and they are investigating the person who paid for the hits.
Murphy points out restitution will be needed and offers to help with burial. He clarifies what happened to the bandits, returns the ore he hid away, and asks to see the tree.

Henmil says to Pressi, �Fine by me. I�m just the caravaneer contracted by Red Rock to transfer this stuff anyway but from what I know of Vokwabyrn and Mafrid they�ll appreciate your thoroughness.� He doesn�t seem to like the idea that the thieves are not being taken it but he doesn't argue with the powerful adventurers

The group moves back up the pass, retrieving the dead along the way. They�re given a short burial service at the bandits camp before Vron shows the group a particular tree. �So will we be tree-striding to the camp like we used to or do you folks have an alternative means of travel? We don�t have enough scrolls for your entire group.� Vron asks.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday June 1st, 2021 9:52:29 AM
"Well, with Tali back, A good look at the map is all we need to get our crew there. The two of us can cast greater teleport, and be there in a blink of the eye. Of course Murph here could probably use your tree as well, taking some of us with him. Either way, we can get there, don't worry."

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday June 1st, 2021 12:44:26 PM

Bliss is happy to help with last rites for the dead.

And to report to the merchants that these bandits will not be bothering them any more.

"We can shadow walk too," Bliss adds. "I can do like 15 to 17 people with a shadow walk."

He thinks that's the best way to go, and says so.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Tuesday June 1st, 2021 6:04:21 PM
"Hey Murph, just wondering, could you travel by mushroom too or does it have to be a tree?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday June 1st, 2021 9:20:52 PM
Before anyone does anything, Pressi suggests that they either 1) teleport a bit away from the camp or 2) try to scry the area so they don't transport right into a trap.

She also asks if they are going to stop and regenerate spells (if not, I need to do some quick book-keeping.)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196
Wednesday June 2nd, 2021 4:58:37 AM

"Thank you, Henmil," Murphy replies. "I know the tack we're taking may not sit entirely well with you, but give us time. I'll get back to you later to let you know how things turn out. Safe journey, good dwarf."

"Might not be a bad idea, as Pressi suggests, to take the time to rest up, and be able to show up with spells and such renewed. Also, perhaps we can spend some time together, swap stories. Scrying the area in advance also seems wise.

"Yes, Kezzem, if I wild shape into, say, a diminutive critter, such as a mouse, and the mushroom is a large one. Other plants could work as well. And some fungi can get quite large, such that I could travel through it as a halfling, so long as there is a similarly sized fungi near where I want to go."

"Teleport, tree-striding, transport via plants, shadow walking - we have many ways to get there."

"What say we set up camp here, where you camped?" Murphy suggests to their new acquaintances. "We have plenty of food we can share this afternoon and evening." The druid has in mind that helping others have a genuine change of heart can take some time, and stories, and positive examples.

"Have you heard the story of how Eberyon was reborn some years back, and threw the Wold into a huge upheaval? Yeah, he's my cousin. Did you also hear about some of the terrible things he did? But then, when confronted by adventurers from across the Wold, put on trial after a manner of speaking, did change his mind? He moved away from terror and vengeance, and toward genuine reform. If you'd like, I could send for a couple of people who were there the day he was born. One's a bard, and he can tell you the story directly. He, his sister and cousins and friends fought against the reborn power directly. And in time were among those who moved his heart towards repentence."

"Bliss, Mookie, you have some stories, right? And Succotash?" He encourages each of his friends to consider how they might reframe the beastmen's perspectives. And, asks if they might share some of their stories with the halflings. Music, stories, maybe even games of sorts might be appropriate.

He lets Pressi know he has used up all but one or two of his wildshapes for the day. However, if the rest of the group feels anxious to get to the Red Hills immediately, without waiting to recharge, he's open to hearing their reasoning.

DM Mitch
Wednesday June 2nd, 2021 7:47:29 AM
Succotash suggests teleport.
Bliss thinks shadow walk works better
Kezz�m wonders if a big enough mushroom will work instead of a tree
Pressi suggests some scouting first.
Murphy suggests a rest and recharge first. He agrees that they have plenty of ways to get there and tells some stories about their pass.

Jarry comments, �Wow you adventurers sure have a lot of options for getting where you need to be. Useful that�

The story seems to confuse the ratfolk a little. �Wait Eberyon is your cousin? That doesn�t make any sense at all.� � Do you mean you�re his cousin?� �Or maybe his cousin was there?

When prompted the former bandits tell the story of how they all met. A local lord had been abusing his power and harassing the local beastfolk population. Taking offense, they�d decided to try to rob him blind independently. They were pretty surprised when they met each other mid-heist, and in the ensuing argument got caught. Many amusing hijinks ensued in the mad scramble to escape and they became a team ever since.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday June 2nd, 2021 10:08:46 AM
"I've still got a pretty good number of spells left, but if we spend the night here, I can blow my spells on healing us all up to full health, and replenish them in the morning, which would probably be our best move, and we would have plenty of time to scry the area, before departure."

"Bliss, while I know that shadow walk can be an effective spell, we haven't had much luck with it, as a group, and I'm not keen on giving it a go again, besides teleportation is faster, and we have 4 members, of our group who can provide us with that mode of transportation, granted Murph's form of teleportation often requires some preparation, in the form of tree planting."

"Murph, I didn't know you were Eberyon's cousin", Succotash says, while gently jabbing his elbow into the druid's ribs, so as not to hurt his friend, "Did you know I'm Pantheon's illegitimate child?" With that last part, the cleric literally falls on the ground laughing.

"Oh I can tell a story or two", Succotash says, in response to Murphy'e prompting. "Before I met the Humble's Ford group, I was a solo adventurer, in fact I was a paladin. One day I happened upon a village being attacked by hill giants. The village was getting the worst of it, but their was this half-orc ranger, who I later learned was named Grindor, who through a gallant effort, was managing to hold the village guards together, and hold the line, in the process. I spurred my mount, a trusty pig named Miss Piggy, I miss that pig, and we hit the giants on their flank. Piggy and I worked our way towards the villagers, leaving dead giants in our wake. I arrived just in time to watch Grindor go down. I rushed to his side, and layed hands on him, healing him. Then the two of us were able to rally the village guard, and we gave those giants the beating of their lives. Afterwards, I was able to befriend Grindor and his then adolescent son Grindar, who has since grown to adulthood, taken up his father's orc double ax, and is currently adventuring with the Culverwood crew."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 198/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Wednesday June 2nd, 2021 1:56:17 PM
"That's a great story, and it will be even greater if you can turn out to be a good adventuring group who benefits the Wold instead of destroying it."

Hobie is happy to travel however the group decides

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday June 2nd, 2021 9:28:36 PM

Pressi rolled her eyes at the story of how they met. "I should see if this evil lord is a cousin. Wait, no, my family tree is more magic and mind games matriarchy."

To what may be confusion, "I was actually groomed for a while to rule through cruelty, and spent a lot of time as a thief myself. Actually took robbing the wrong people and being in the wrong group before I stopped."

Pressi takes a moment to attempt a scrying on the buyer, to see if he's still there. (As an alternate, she cases a divination to see if anyone is still at the camp.)

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+29=36 ;
Wednesday June 2nd, 2021 10:14:35 PM

Bliss, currently in cat form as it happens, wanders around the camp and keeps a keen nose and eye open.

Perception 36

Someone has to stay on guard, he thinks to Mookie.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:32 (T:28, FF:23), CMD:38, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:16), HP:121/121
Wednesday June 2nd, 2021 10:25:09 PM

Tali assumes her customary meditation position, a little off to one side of the camp for two hours; thus regaining her spells for the day. When the two hours are up, Tali will cast her standard array of utilitarian spells like overland flight before she volunteers for the witching hour watch. Once it is her turn to watch the camp, she will don her night goggle and fly up into a nearby tree to keep watch over her friends some 15 feet up.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | 1080 minutes
Message | 180 Minutes

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Wednesday June 2nd, 2021 11:29:21 PM
"Hey, now that's an idea! What if....we made that new halfling villages we've been talking about, but the homes are made out of giant mushrooms! Instant transport from anyone's house. What do you think about that, Smurfy?"

Kezzem scratches his chin. "Though where would we get enough blue body paint for an entire village."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/[F29-Foresight may preclude] CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196
Thursday June 3rd, 2021 1:17:58 AM
After the teasing and joshing he receives, and questions he is asked, Murphy tells an abbreviated (really!) story of The Birth of Eberyon. (Note: You may need to ask Cayzle to grant you permission to access this linked page.)

"My eldest uncle - my father's brother, Blueberry Tomas, is the father of my cousin Penelope Pipewood. She married Ellis Greentree. Years ago, the Crescent Valley adventurers, some from Humble's Ford, some from Hovel, and a few from round about, were in Hovel. Some of you have met my brother, Kendry - he has agreed to be my Cohort, so like as not you'll get to know him better. He was in that group.

"All right, cutting to the chase - they were visiting our Aunt Marigold after the elections of the new Burgomeister, Calfast Rowgold Tunnelly.

"Well, little cousin Trixie came running up on her short little legs, and cried out for Auntie Marigold. 'It's Penelope! The baby ... it's not right! Something's real wrong! Hurry, come on!!'"

Then the druid pauses. "No, I'll cut closer to the core. There is a birthing tree, called The Great Whistler Oak, just a little way inside of the Culverwood. I was born there, most of my siblings, many of my relatives. Kind of a tradition. That is where Ellis and Penelope had planned to go. Their baby was not due for another three months - but some sort of magical pumpkin pie was involved, and Penelope was showing early signs of labor.

"The group went with her - Ellis makes carriages, and she rode in the best one to The Great Whistler Oak from Hovel.

"They arrived and took her inside. Two druids stood in opposition to the halflings coming there. Penelope started saying strange things. Talking about 'Lemtrovex,' and 'the Stewards' in the sylvan tongue." He switches from the past to present tense. "She drifts from seeming out of her mind to moments of lucidity where she cries for help. Suddenly, she gets up out of bed. Her husband, Ellis, tries to get her to lie back down. She swats him away and he sails across the room. No one can stop her. Outside a great song begins to arise. Penelope marches toward the singers.

"Then, upon a stone she lays down, and delivers a baby. A baby goat? No. A satyr. He is lusty, lascivious, and talks. He grows up in a matter of minutes. He is powerful, and evil.

"Look, it's a long story, and let me just say, it was Eberyon. A battle took place. He killed many druids. My sister Selithe was able to take away from him a pumpkin charm in which many souls were trapped that would have granted him great power. Others joined in, and the battle drew away from them, and the adventurers fled back to the tree, carrying Penelope.

"About thirty minutes later, back at the Great Whistler Oak, Penelope went into labor again. A beautiful little halfling girl was born. Working together with the adventurers, Ellis and Penelope named their daughter 'Clara Alilliama Domiselithe Airina Marigold Pipewood Greentree.' A druid prophesied over her.

"So, Eberyon is my cousin. And he is a much better person now than when he first was reborn in the Culverwood. Clara is my cousin, too, and I see her far more often than Eberyon."

DM Mitch
Thursday June 3rd, 2021 7:57:05 AM
Succotash talks about spells and claims to be Pantheon�s child. He tells a story
Hobie thinks its a great story and pushes for heroism.
Pressi talks about her own history and tries to scry
Bliss is on cat patrol
Tali prepares spells and takes watch.
Kezz�m wants to make everyone smurfs
Murphy justifies his ridiculous claim.

Jarry says to Hobie with respect to his comment on their story, �Doesn�t seem we have much choice now, do we?�

Vron says to Pressi, �I fail to see how the lord could be related to you, he was certainly not a halfling.�

Pressi�s divination spell fails

Pressi Highlight to display spoiler: { In order to find the results of the scrying please make a caster level check vs DC 31 }

CatBliss does not find anything unusual in his patrolling of the camp

Tali�s watch is uneventful as well

Vron asks the Kezz�m �Why would you need to paint yourselves blue? Is it because it isn�t easy being green?�

Vron says to Murphy, �Does that really count if he was reborn through some kind of magic pumpkin charm and came out as a rapidly growing Satyr, yourself and your other cousin being a halfling?�

The night passes uneventfully. CatBliss and Tali find nothing amiss on their watches and the former thieves make no moves to escape your custody.

Day dawns and spells and abilities can be replenished. Are you planning to teleport to or near the camp or maybe you want to shadow walk?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday June 3rd, 2021 11:36:18 AM
After spending an hour communing with the gods, and preparing his daily spells, Succotash is ready to go. "When ever you all are ready, I can transport half of us halflings, who's got the other half?"

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Thursday June 3rd, 2021 11:43:20 AM

Bliss changes back to halfling long enough to make a comment ...

"If we can cover everybody, including our new friends, with teleports, that's fine. But there is no error chance with shadow walking!"

For his morning activities, Bliss and Mookie do the standard array of buffs and rituals. Including the ritual of grimalkin and the usual Breakfast of Champions. [OOC: That's 1d8+7 temp hp to everybody.]

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d8+7=10 ;
Thursday June 3rd, 2021 11:56:19 AM
"I always enjoy a good Shadow Walk, but if the group prefers, I can Teleport us as well."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d8+7=15 ;
Thursday June 3rd, 2021 2:04:40 PM

"I can take myself and five others through the yew tree, directly to the yew closest to the camp," Murphy says. "Perhaps a few others if someone does not mind being in a portable hole for a couple of minutes."

He answers Vron, "Eberyon himself said that Ellis is truly his father, Penelope his mother, and my siblings and cousins his cousins. He... just a moment," Murphy pauses, and reaches into his handy haversack. He takes out a journal, not written by his hand. It takes him a moment to find the page. "Ah, here it is. This was written by the bard who spoke directly with Ebryon, as he was called that day. The words of Eberyon in answer to the very question of his heritage are these. Wait, first part of Kendry's question:

"'What then happened to Ellis' and Penelope's own child?' Kendry wondered aloud, since the newborn acknowledged they might have questions. 'Hobbits generally beget hobbits, not satyrs, Ebryon. How is it you came to be born, rather than their own progeny?'

"So Ebryon, Eberyon, answered:

"'Well cousin, it is true that hobbits beget hobbits and so forth. Let me assure you, that my body is the product of Ellis' loins. All souls need a vessel and this one is mine. However, not all souls get to choose who their parents will be, or what form they become. I, on the other hand, can! Since I am the original fey, I choose to be fey. Should the fey be ruled by someone not their kind? I think not!'"

Murphy lets Vron and anyone else who wishes to look with their own eyes at the pages of the journals of the Crescent Valley adventurers. "This document was given to the Wold-renowned adventuring groups known as the Gold Dragons and the Storm Dragons, as well as the Woldian League of Adventurers, all of whom accepted the validity of the report. Most of those who were there that day can be reached and vouch for what happened. I'm not in the habit of misrepresentation.

Murphy alters his mix of memorized spells (will try to have that done on his CS by this weekend).

"Among the three of us with two teleportations and one transport via plants, I count sixteen can be moved there, including our animal friends. I think we are covered. Are all ready to go?" he asks. He does take a moment to find a suitable spot to plant an oak tree nearby - allowing this point to be reached via yew or oak in the future.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+17=24 ;
Thursday June 3rd, 2021 10:19:36 PM
(Caster Level Check: 24 - fail)

With no further information forthcoming, Pressi continues to be wary of walking right into the trap. Whichever path is chosen, Pressi would prefer to warp out before reaching the camp, so that the area can be scouted. She senses that, while a shadow walk could be something they win on, there's some push for the teleport route and she doesn't object for the moment.

(Relatedly, Pressi tries to remember what might cause such a scrying block.)

DM Mitch
Friday June 4th, 2021 7:44:45 AM
Succotash reports being ready to go and that he can take half the main party
Catbliss claims there�s no error chance in shadow walking.
Hobie says he can teleport if they don�t want to shadow walk
Murphy is pretty sure they can all make it with teleports and plant transport. He continues to back up his claim to relations to a god.
Pressi is wary of a trap and wants to scout the area before going in.

Vron says to Murphy, �I stand corrected apparently Eberyon really is your cousin which is strange but I suppose since gods can choose their parents and form they take that explains that.�

The party continues to discuss how best to get to the camp in the red hills or near the camp in the red hills.

Teleporting, shadow walking and traveling through trees are all viable options. Which one though are you using specifically and are you trying to transport directly to the camp or a little ways away in order to scout?

Pressi : DC 23 Know Arcana - Highlight to display spoiler: {The 8th level spell mindblank can cause divination spells to fail against subjects}

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday June 4th, 2021 9:04:30 AM
Succotash gathers those who wish to travel with him, and he casts greater teleport. He makes sure to appear just outside of the camp, so as to avoid any surprises.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Friday June 4th, 2021 11:42:33 AM
ooc: Wait, I don't think Hobie's ever been there before, so he can't teleport there. gonna have to Shadow Walk.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Friday June 4th, 2021 1:02:35 PM

"Yeah, Vron, I know it sounds strange. I don't claim being anything special myself on account of having him as a cousin. Who can choose one's relatives? Well, except for great powers. And I told the story more because upon his arrival, Lord Eberyon showed a great propensity for evil. Yet after being adjudged by the Wold's adventurers, who chose between life, death, and reform for him - and the 'reform' votes slightly outweighed by a plurality the other two options - he did indeed reform. It is by his presence and power that much of the Wold enjoys many verdant places, an abundance of life. But he no longer rages and wars against the many he initially opposed. And I have chosen to serve him, for the love of nature."

"Hobie, Tali knows Greater Teleport. Tali, can you take some of our new acquaintances and party members? Between you, Succotash, and me, we should be able to handle it."

He asks the beastmen how close the yew tree is to the camp itself. If it is a little ways away, likely there will be no issue. If it is smack dab in the middle, though, then Murphy can have one of the lead teleporters, with Pressi along with them, plant an oak tree with a feather token, and he can bring the rest along to that point farther afield from the camp.

He'd like to bring Vron and Jarry, as well as any others who would like to come with him. Again, up to five besides himself, or more if one to three wouldn't mind being stuffed into a portable hole for a few minutes. If the yew is deemed a safe place to aim for, he goes about the same time as the teleporters. If a more distant oak tree is the better idea, he awaits a report from Pressi to travel.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:32 (T:28, FF:23), CMD:38, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:16), HP:121/121
Friday June 4th, 2021 9:03:45 PM
�Mister Murphy, since I am new to this little soir�e, please give me some understanding of where we are to take some of the assembled?�

(OOC: Storms causing ISP issues.)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Saturday June 5th, 2021 12:18:34 AM

"Tali," Murphy responds, "Succotash and maybe Pressi, or Hobie, might do a better job of that than I. But, here, this is the map that our new acquaintances helped us draw. And on this other piece of paper, a little more detailed sketch of the camp we which to get close to. With Greater Teleport, as Succo has described it, there is no range limit, and no chance you arrive off target. You don't need to have seen the destination, but you need a reliable description of the place you're aiming for. Feel free to talk here with Chee, Jarry, Mac, Vron, Permi, or Oni," and he indicates each person as he names him or her, "- they have been there before, and could help you with the layout."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Saturday June 5th, 2021 12:24:26 AM
Kezzem sings quietly to amuse himself while the others make travel arrangements.

"La la la-la la la,
Sing a happy song.
La la la-la la la,
Murph talks all day long."

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Saturday June 5th, 2021 10:41:23 PM

"Greater Teleport is the best, but do we have enough? We want to arrive a bit away from this camp so we can approach them, right? Shadow Walking is less precise."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=53 ;
Sunday June 6th, 2021 1:18:58 AM
Murphy, who has a powerful perception skill, manages to hear Kezzem's little ditty. He thinks a moment, then responds with a bit of doggerel:

Though handsome Kez can seem inane
His martial prowess none distain
Says whatever comes to mind
Scattered though he is, he's kind

Formians realize he's unique
The Kezz'm's on a winning streak
Asked to help he figures that
Crazy talk is the best bet

He gives Kezzem a wink.

Murphy responds to Bliss. "Sure, Bliss. Succotash and Tali can each take themselves plus six more each - so that's fourteen of us. I can bring myself and five more, so that brings the total carried to twenty. Succotash can take the lead in selecting the target spot based upon what we have been told. He communicates that to Tali. One or both of them go first, taking Pressi with them. They use a tree feather token, and Pressi lets me know about it once it's planted. Then I bring my entourage. If a few don't mind riding in a closed bag of holding or portable hole, then maybe we don't even need me to tree-travel. So, Succotash takes group 1, Tali group 2, and I'll move group 3. Do these sound all right?" He shows the group a quickly jotted-down list of people in each group. [Did I forget anyone? Any animals?]

Succotash's Group:
Succo
Valerie
Pressi
Harper
Chee
Mac

Tali's Group:
Tali
Bliss
Mookie
Hobie
Permi
Oni

Murphy's Group:
Murphy
Kezzem
Jarry
Vron

[OOC: And perhaps our DM's description of how to distance ourselves adequately from the campsite will help with the final figuring.]

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:32 (T:28, FF:23), CMD:38, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:16), HP:121/121
Sunday June 6th, 2021 10:30:58 PM

Tali, listening to Mister Murphy, will speak with each of the new acquaintances: Chee, Jarry, Mac, Vron, Permi, or Oni as Mister Murphy has introduced and pointed them out to her in order for her to get a better picture of this camp and its surroundings.

When ready, Tali leading group #2 (Tali's Group: Tali, Bliss, Mookie, Hobie, Permi, & Oni), pull tighter around her, her battered-looking robe, and then when Mister Murphy gives the word, asks if everyone is ready? Battle-Ready?

Tali casts Mage Amor on herself just before Casting Greater Teleport and whisking group #2 to just outside the campsite area.

Spells in Effect
Mage Armor | 1080 minutes
Overland Flight | 1080 Minutes
Message | 180 Minutes

The Red Hills Are Alive With The Sound of Iron Thievery

DM Mitch
Monday June 7th, 2021 6:04:02 AM
Succotash decides to just go.
Hobie wonders how they�re going to target it.
Murphy clarifies the plan
Tali has teleport to and gets clarification
Bliss isn�t sure if they have enough

Chee says to Murphy, �Well the Yew tree is kind of on the edge of the camp. So if you used it you would arrive on the outer edge of the camp. I�m not sure if that is far enough away fro your liking.�

Jarry points out, �We�ve given you a detailed sketch of the location of the camp, but we really haven�t been in the area around it. We would pretty much tree travel in, walk to this table the client had setup, unload the bag of holding near the table and take a heavy coin purse for our troubles. On the last trip we just left the bag of holding and took a heavy coin purse in exchange. I mean I suppose just outside of camp and diagonally from the yew tree there was a mossy boulder, based on what we have given you, you could probably get to either the yew tree or maybe that mossy boulder using greater teleport�

The party travel in the way Murphy specified with those who greater teleport arriving between the yew tree and boulder just outside of camp.

Vron says, �That is definitely the Yew tree. I wonder if we were worried about nothing because I don�t see a tent or table and I think we should have been able to see something like that from here.�

From your vantage point near the boulder you can see the yew tree and a little beyond. There does not appear to be any tables or tents beyond the yew tree visible at this time as your lizard folk have described from the last time they were here. You�d likely need to get closer to the location to investigate further.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+12=15 ; d20+35=55 ;
Monday June 7th, 2021 10:22:59 AM
Knowing that stealth isn't his greatest strong suit, Succotash decides to give it a try any why (stealth 15). He is pretty sure only something with the perception skills of a tree stump would miss him, as he moves forward, but at least he tried. All the while he is moving towards the location indicated by the scaly dudes, scanning the area for signs of trouble, and if the place is deserted, for any clues as to where the buyer may be found. (perception 55)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+41=48 ;
Monday June 7th, 2021 1:12:37 PM
"I'll scout a bit"
Hobie will activate his ring of Invisibility and scout ahead
48 Stealth

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:32 (T:28, FF:23), CMD:38, Saves:(F:14/R:16/W:16), HP:121/121 d20+14=25 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+21=22 ; d20+50=57 ;
Monday June 7th, 2021 10:14:32 PM
Tali points in the direction to where she believes Mister Murphy to be, using the Message Spell asks, what time of the day do you believe it to be, Mister Murphy?

If the answer Mister Murphy gives to Tali, is around dusk, she will don her Goggles of Night, casting invisibility on herself and fly 30 feet into the dusk sky and hover while searching the area for signs of life & to gather information.

Skills Check

Fly: 22
Gather Information: 39
Perception: 25
Stealth: (+40 for being still and invisible & +12 for skill): 59

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 180 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1080 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1080 minutes
Invisibility |Duration 18 minutes (1 min./level)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday June 7th, 2021 11:29:08 PM
Pressi begins by casting arcane eye and sending it outward.

After that, she uses her remote viewing ability and detect magic as the team moves forward.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Monday June 7th, 2021 11:34:18 PM
Kezzem casts Greater Magic Weapon on his two main daggers and gets ready for trouble, even if it isnmade double.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=45 ;
Tuesday June 8th, 2021 3:08:27 AM

"We slept, Tali. We awoke. We had a wonderful breakfast. Some meditated, some memorized, some prayed. We packed and traveled here. Swiftly. It's mid-morning, far as I can tell."

Murphy talks with the beastfolk. "If you have any ideas, or insights, let us know. As you've said, your employer was fairly mysterious. But if anything comes to mind, do tell."

He casts longstrider on himself.

And takes a good look around as teammates scatter to do their own observation.
==========
Perception: 45

DM Mitch
Tuesday June 8th, 2021 7:18:58 AM
Succotash tries stealth anywhy.
Hobie is a bit more successful
Tali checks the time of day and takes to the air
Pressi casts arcane eye
Kezz�m magics up his weapons
Murphy think�s it�s midmorning.

It is around midday.

Hobie and Succotash advance forward. One very stealthily the other kinda stealthily meanwhile Pressi starts working on casting an arcane eye to send out. Creating an Arcane Eye takes 10 minutes so Hobie can move 1200 feet stealthily from their original position in this time and Succotash can move 2400 feet stealthily forward in this time. They do not have to use all this movement to get to the center of camp or rather what used to be a camp.

They and Pressi�s sensor when it catches up observe some signs of habitation not too long ago. It isn�t hard to find the remains of a fire pit, a latrine ditch and garbage that is mostly made up of food waste and empty bottles.

Any tents, tables or other structures are gone.

Hobie and (Succotash if he passes DC 40 perception Check) Highlight to display spoiler: {You think you hear about a dozen creatures approaching your position roughly 400 feet in the direction opposite the one you used to enter the camp}

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+35=49 ;
Tuesday June 8th, 2021 9:27:28 AM
Perception 49

Realizing they are about to have company, Succotash gives hand signals to alert everyone to the sound of approaching people. He knows that his stealth skills aren't going to cut it, so he pulls his chair out of his bag of holding, calls Valerie to his side, instructing her to stand right beside him, as he takes a seat, and acts all nonchalant, as if he has been waiting for the new arrivals for sometime.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Tuesday June 8th, 2021 12:59:49 PM
Kezzem casts Divine Favor on himself and move towards the direction of trouble.

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+40=55 ; d20+29=30 ;
Tuesday June 8th, 2021 2:04:05 PM
Bliss changes into cat form and sneaks up to the edge of the camp. He's not quite ready to just walk right in. He keeps to the concealment of the grasses aroundabouts.

Stealth 55
Perception 30

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Tuesday June 8th, 2021 2:23:47 PM
Still invisible, Hobie will fly up over the camp to get a vantage point where he can see the whole camp and possibly the approaching creatures.

(We are still within 12 hours of when Hobie started flying overwatch above the Caravan right? If not, Hobie will use one charge of the wand of Fly)

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+20=30 ; d20+21=26 ; d20+14=22 ; d20+50=58 ;
Tuesday June 8th, 2021 4:19:52 PM
Approaching Guests

Tali removes the Googe of Night placing them into her front pocket as she flies to the center of the would-be camp area staying 33 feet above the ground hovering, awaiting the newcomer guests. When she finalizes her position above the camp per se, Tali will ready the spell, Confusion .

Skills Check
Fly: 26
Gather Information: 30
Perception: 22
Stealth: (+40 for being still and invisible & +12 for skill): 60

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 180 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1080 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1080 minutes
Invisibility |Duration 18 minutes (1 min./level)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=53 ;
Wednesday June 9th, 2021 5:51:04 AM

Having spoken with the six beastfolk, and not yet having any of them respond to his query... [he had asked if they had any ideas, insights, or if anything came to mind, to let him know]. "Would you like a safe place to hide?" he asks them.

Via the message spell Tali shared a moment ago, Murphy whispers to her, "See if Mookie can set up the instant fortress. We need a place to protect the beastfolk, as we have not re-armed them." At the same time, he mentally communicates the same message to Pressi, adding, "if you come across him and have time."

He looks around the other directions than the one everyone is heading toward, just to check to see if anyone might be coming from somewhere else unexpected.
==========
Perception: 53
Active spells & effects
Longstrider
Heroes' Feast
Magic Fang, Greater
Message (Tali)

DM Mitch
Wednesday June 9th, 2021 7:28:56 AM
Succotash lets the others know something is coming and pulls out a chair to sit in and act confident.
Kezz�m buffs himself
Bliss goes sneaky kitty mode.
Hobie takes to the air (You should be fine for another hour or two)
Tali prepares to confuse the enemy.
Murphy checks on the beastfolk. Presumably if they had something to suggest they would do so.

The party prepares for company in various ways.

Succotash makes himself comfortable, his faithful dino steed at his side while Catbliss, Tali, Hobie and Kezz�em make some magical preparations

Tali, Hobie and Pressi (if she has her sensor fly overhead) Highlight to display spoiler: { You see 12 orcs approaching the camp from the opposite side of where you came from }

Your company are about to clear the perimeter of the camp and will be able to see Succotash and his dinosaur presumably at some point soon.

(OOC: Is Tali sure she wants to cast confusion on their visitors as they enter the camp or is she going to wait until they get closer for any casting?)

Murphy looks over at the beastfolk and finds they�ve already expertly concealed themselves. They�re still unarmed so won�t be helping with the fight but are more than skilled enough to stay hidden while the party deals with whatever is coming. Presumably they figure you're the experts here and are just staying out of the way.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday June 9th, 2021 10:57:27 AM
Succotash continues to wait for their visitor's arrival. He readies Fire Storm, just in case the new arrivals decide to attack first, and ask questions later. He will only cast Fire Storm if they attack, and then he will do his best to hit as many as possible.

As the visitors enter the clearing, Succotash will continue to act nonchalant and wait for them to address him.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday June 9th, 2021 3:22:40 PM
As Pressi is warned about the visitors, she continues to move her arcane eye slowly past the camp. "Twelve orcs," she passes along to Murphy.

She considers her options, but the group as a whole seems to want to try diplomacy first, which means they may need her skills. So she moves her way forward into the camp.

As the group comes forward, she hits them with detect thoughts in an attempt to determine their desires. She also casts spectral hand, just in case.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Wednesday June 9th, 2021 4:32:36 PM
Hobie keeps hovering over the camp with an arrow pulled back watching what the orcs will do.

In game terms he has readied an action
Trigger- The Orcs attack Succotash
Standard Action Result- Arrow imbued with Fireball Cast at an orc, targeted to get the most orcs in the blast as possible.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Wednesday June 9th, 2021 7:27:54 PM

"Thanks, Pressi. "Tali, no need for cover for our companions, they are good at hiding."

"You didn't get a name of your employer, did you?" He asks Chee, and perhaps Mac, who gave them the notebook and map. "Or anyone who works with him? Was there anything he did or you did to communicate, other than just showing up in camp once you had the haul to deliver? Any other associates?" Anything else in the journal/notebook that Mac provided? Murphy read through the whole thing yesterday.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=35 ; d20+20=36 ; d20+14=33 ; d20+50=66 ;
Wednesday June 9th, 2021 11:14:40 PM
12 Orc Surprise

As Tali has a readied action but remembering she doesn't speak Orcish, she lets the spell dissipate. Instead, she will cast Summon Monster VII, if the Orcs attack Succotash:

Tali Summons a Tyrannosaurus Dinosaur, at a height of 40 feet above the Orc Mass.

Casting Time 1 round,
Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect one summoned creature
Duration 1 round/level (D) | 18 rounds
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

Skills Check
Fly: 35
Gather Information: 36
Perception: 33
Stealth: (+40 for being still and invisible & +12 for skill): 68

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 180 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1080 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1080 minutes
Invisibility |Duration 18 minutes (1 min./level)

DM Mitch
Thursday June 10th, 2021 6:50:03 AM
Succotash is ready to unleash fire if needed but acts nonchalant
Pressi joins Succotash and reads their thoughts.
Hobie remains prepared
Murphy asks questions about the employer
Tali swaps her prepared action.

Succotash continues to sit nonchalantly in the center of camp and Pressi joins him. Talli and Hobie are flying invisible sentinels while Murphy hangs back with the lizard folk.

Chee whispers to Murphy, �He never gave us a name and there was never anyone with him that we could see. Our interactions were purely transactional after that initial meeting where he proposed the job and there was some negotiation on price�

The Twelve Orcs enter the clearing at the center of former camp to see Succotash sitting nonchalantly in a chair with a dinosaur and Pressi nearby.

Pressi Highlight to display spoiler: {
Detect Thoughts Round 1 - The Orcs have thoughts
Detect Thoughts Round 2 - There are 12 thinking minds among the 12 orcs and their intelligences range from 8 to 13
Detect Thoughts Round 3 - From some of them you get thoughts of �thief!�, �Where is it?�
�Where is the sky forged iron?� and one has the odd thought of �Uh oh. Is that the burglar of legend, Bag, Bag[what] oh I can�t remember the name. His first name was dumb sounding though. Baggins that was it�
}

One of the orcs addresses Succotash as he sits there nonchalantly. She says, �Several moons ago someone stole our skyforged iron from our camp. We had spent many moons tracking the star that would later fall from the sky into the Red Hills as our Shaman had commanded. The smelting of the iron was our responsibility and yet it was stolen from under our very noses shortly after we had completed the work. The shaman said we had to retrieve what we failed to protect or to not come back. We tracked a trail from our camp to this place and here you sit, looking pleased with yourself. Halflings are notorious for being thieves, so tell us thief what did you do with our skyforged iron? We want it back.�

Another adds, �Tell us what you did with it or else!�
One calls out �Are you the Baggins?�

Succotash and Pressi Highlight to display spoiler: {There are 12 female orcs in the group. None of them appear to wear armor though they carry hammers as weapons}

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday June 10th, 2021 9:52:28 AM
In Orc. Succotash answers, "Ladies, No my name is not Baggins, it's Slenderstick, Succotash Slenderstick to be precise." With that Succotash stands and gives a respectful bow. He then goes on to say, "Not only am I not a Baggins, I'm not a thief either. In fact I am a cleric, a cleric who reveres all of the Woldian deities, and I think you have been sent on a perhaps noble, but decidedly unfair quest. When you say skyforged iron, are you referring to adamantine, and how much was stolen? I am a halfling of means and I may be willing to purchase some for you, if possible, so you can finally end your quest. Of course if the skyforged iron, to which you refer, is something different, than I'm not sure I can help, though I'm inclined to try. And for the record, though we halflings are small in stature, and tend to be of a nimble sort, not all of us, in fact very few of us are thieves. Most of our kind are honest folk, who would prefer to help not harm others."

Succotash translates his words to common for everyone who doesn't speak orc's benefit.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+26=33 ; d20+26=34 ;
Thursday June 10th, 2021 9:57:27 AM
Oop, forgot to make my diplomacy roll. Rolled a 33. Please ignore the second roll, accidentally double clicked the mouse.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Thursday June 10th, 2021 3:31:36 PM
Hobie keeps watching, staying prepared, letting Sucker and Pressi do the talking.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday June 10th, 2021 4:11:04 PM
Pressi messages Murphy to hold as they continue their position. "They are who they say they are. Looks like things are going to get interesting."

"We are actually here looking for our own stolen metal alloys," Pressi adds. "I'm going to take a shot in the dark that you tracked the thieves to the same buyer." (That she is, technically, a thief? That remains somewhat unsaid.)

"Can I get an idea of who besides your camp knows this iron alloy even existed. Any dwarven clan suppliers or buyers, perhaps?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Thursday June 10th, 2021 7:02:51 PM

[Sounds like the orcs have done something similar to what the dwarfs have done, and someone (our beastfolk? someone else?) stole the products of their work. Did the same wizard hire the work done? Multiple victims in a similar situation.]

"All right, Pressi," Murphy messages in response. "Let me know what you can about the negotiation process."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=30 ; d20+21=24 ; d20+20=35 ; d20+25=28 ; d20+14=17 ; d20+50=66 ;
Thursday June 10th, 2021 10:32:37 PM
12 Orc Surprise

Realizing that this Orc Mass isn't a war party but something inquisitive, Tali lets her prepared Summons spell dissipate as well and just hovers. She points towards various members of her troop using the spell:

Message
Pointing towards Mister Murphy, Whispering, "Mister Murphy, what's going on, I don't speak Orcish! Also, they look like Female OrcScouts! "
Pointing towards Succotash, Whispering, "Slenderstick, thanks for the Common translation, as I don't speak Orcish, but what's up with all Female OrcScouts?!"
Pointing towards Hobie, Whispering, " What's your take on this group?"
Pointing towards Pressi, whispers, "Do you have anything to share about the OrcScouts?!"

Skills Check
Fly: 30
Displomacy: 28
Gather Information: 35
Perception: 17
Stealth: (+40 for being still and invisible & +12 for skill): 68

[bSpells in Effect[/b]
Message |Duration 180 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1080 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1080 minutes
Invisibility |Duration 18 minutes (1 min./level)

{OOC: Disregard the second roll, there was lag and I didn't realize I double clicked}

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Thursday June 10th, 2021 11:59:15 PM
"Baggins! Where!" asks Kezzem. "The filthy hobbit stole my precious!"

DM Mitch
Friday June 11th, 2021 7:38:48 AM
Succotash engages with the orcs and translates
Hobie keeps watch.
Pressi explains they�re here after their own stolen goods
Murphy confirms the request to hold position.
Tali uses message to ask questions.
Kezz�m wants to know where Baggins went.

The Orc that inquired if Succotash was the Baggins says to the other Orcs, �Good news, it isn�t the burglar of legend.� She appears to be a younger, slimmer orc than some of the others.

She says to the Kezz�em, �You encountered the Baggins and lived? Tell us the tale�

The Orc that had done most of the talking says to Succotash, �We are aware of what adamantine is and the answer to your question is possibly. The star that fell was mostly iron, but it wasn�t pure iron, however it smelted stronger than normal iron, so it could be perhaps a natural occurring mixture of iron and adamantine or some other metal or metals that when combined with the mostly iron made a stronger metal than normal iron would have. Simply put it cut better and was more durable than other iron we have made before. As I said we are not from these hills but we had been tracking the star with our clan at the behest of our shaman. We are all smiths by trade and it was our job to take the ore from the star and convert it into ingots that we could later use for other things like weapons, armor or trade. Especially since we had a gathering of the Orc clans we were going to attend. This metal could bring much honor to my people, considering its quality. As to how much was stolen from us, it was a fair amount. We had spent a lot of time in the forge refining the raw ore into ingots for easier shaping in the future. When we had finished we had several large piles laid out and ready to be secured for travel. Shortly after that though everyone fell asleep and when we woke up the ingots were completely gone. Our shaman showed up after that and told us we had to recover what we had failed to protect or to not come back. We then searched the area for clues and found a trail. We have been following the trail ever since and it lead us here, so you can see why we would think you were the thieves being the only people around, however it would appear that despite your chair, this camp doesn�t appear to be actively in use�

The Orc continues to Pressi, �No, we do not typically traffick with Dwarves. Our tribe is originally from Izen but we tracked the star at the behest of our Shaman who said if we followed it we could expect a boon. The ore from the sky was that boon. Typically beside the odd goblin or hobgoblin tribe most of our clan�s dealing are with other Orcs, though our shaman may have magical means of conversing with others, perhaps other shamans or mages but such things are not our business being mere smiths.�

The orc then turns back to Succotash and says, �When you say you are a cleric, does that make you an adventurer? Maybe you and the other halfing and your dinosaur could help us in finding what happened to our iron?�

She adds to Pressi, �You said you are tracking your own metal thievery, do you think the same culprit is behind both thefts if we ended up in the same place?�

The orc doing most of the talking is around middle age. There are orcs both younger and older in the group, but they appear to defer to her as if she is the leader of the group.

Now that you�ve gotten a good look at the orcs, they appear to be a rather rag tag bunch. They carry hammers better suited to forge work than military action and they wear a patchwork of artisan outfits designed around working in a forge. Some appear to be holding up better than others. It would appear that they have been on the trail for days. They are various ages, heights and weight but they are all female.

What is your next move?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday June 11th, 2021 9:56:20 AM
Succotash says, "My friend here and I are indeed adventurers. We are but two of a larger band of heroes known as Humble's Sword. Perhaps you have heard of us? We fought at the battle of the Sargrass Plains, where we fought and slew a dragon, but that isn't what's important. Allow me to call the rest of my friends out of hiding. They are using stealth, in hopes of getting the upper hand, in a fight. Of course we had no way of knowing that we would be encountering such friendly orc ladies in need of our help."

Succotash than shouts to his friends, "You can come out, these lovely orc lasses are in need of our help, and do't seem to be a threat." As soon as the words came out of his mouth, he realized the humor in combining the words "lovely and orc", but then remembers that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday June 11th, 2021 1:47:32 PM
Pressi shrugs. "For now, it's just a suspicious coincidence. Here's the kicker, though. There's no overlap between you and our other clients aside of the particular item stolen and the location. I'm pretty sure they didn't even use the same bandits, since it wasn't a road attack. And because if you tracked a bunch of beastfolk here, someone would have noticed they weren't halfling tracks.

"At the moment, even the motive is obscure. These guys are only stealing certain amounts of differing metals, no more and no less. With no desire for more metal or anything else.... My best guess is that they are building something, that this isn't about money."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Friday June 11th, 2021 4:09:08 PM

"Do one or two of you, or all of you, want to join me while we head toward camp? There are several female orcs there, who said that they think some halflings stole their sky metal. As many as want to come, join me. Any others, you can stay hidden for a while if you want."

Murphy walks to the campsite, sees Succotash in the chair, and the bevy of orc searchers. In orcish, he says, "Hello. I'm Murphy. Sounds like you could use some help."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=34 ; d20+25=37 ; d20+20=38 ; d20+14=31 ;
Friday June 11th, 2021 4:37:16 PM
12 Orc Surprise

Hearing Mister Slendersticks proclamation, Tali drops her invisibility and then descends to 7 feet above the campsite ground, hovering for emphasis.

Tali, not only a beautiful and svelte female halfling but also a Charismatic powerhouse of an Arcane Sorcerer, hovers over to the perceived leader of the Orc Smiths while delivering an "air courtesy", remembers she doesn't speak "Orcish!"

Skills Check
Fly: 34
Diplomacy: 37
Gather Information: 38
Perception: 31

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 180 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1080 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1080 minutes

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Friday June 11th, 2021 11:11:18 PM

"Mister Murphy, I'll come with you. Come on Mookie."

Bliss is eager to accompany his friend.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Saturday June 12th, 2021 4:45:13 PM
"You don't want to know what he did to poor Taters," says Kezzem. "He boiled 'em, mashed 'em, and stuck 'em in a stew."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday June 14th, 2021 10:13:41 AM
Pressi stared at Kezzem before turning back to the orcs. "I have to be honest with you. I've never seen that halfling talking about taters before in my life and he's starting to creep me out. That said, I'm actually a bit relieved I'm not the only one that can see him."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday June 14th, 2021 10:20:32 AM
Succotash simply shakes his head when Kezzem, well, acts like Kezzem. In orc he says, "Please ignore the paladin, we love him dearly, and he's deadly with his daggers, but he's a little cracked in the noggin"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Monday June 14th, 2021 3:36:43 PM
Hobie will deactivate his ring of invisibility and slowly come down to earth to join the group.

DM Mitch
Monday June 14th, 2021 7:28:49 PM
The Orc leader introduces the band to the heroes. The leader�s name is Dura and the inquisitive younger one talking to Kezzem is Morn. The rest of the group is named Badbog, Bum, Gul, Snak, Bashuk, Mogak, Shadbak, Bulak, Ushug and Homraz.

She says to Succotash, �Does that mean your group will help us?�

Dura says to Pressi, �Well we can�t say for certain the group we were tracking were halflings, the trail was kind of difficult to follow at times, one had to know what one was looking for to find it. We just followed a trail to this camp and saw a smug halfling seated at a chair and assumed he had something to do with it. Sorry for that assumption by the way. You think the person behind the thief is building something? What would someone be building with large quantities of metal?�

The lizard folk all join Murphy and Catbliss as they advance towards the orcs

Dura makes introductions again and then says to Murphy, �Yes, we do need your help.�

Tali tries to remind the others she doesn�t speak Orcish, which lucky for her Dura has been speaking common this whole time as was Morn. The others haven�t really be talking.

Morn asks Kess�em, �I take it Taters was a friend of yours?�

Dura asks the assembled members of Humble�s Sword, �So our group and your group tracked two sets of thieves to this location but there is no sign of any thieves nor of the person who put them up to it. What do we do now?�

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Tuesday June 15th, 2021 12:24:09 AM
To Pressi, "Well, the Baggins stole my ring of invisibility, so of course everyone can see me now!"

"I don't feel like talking about him anymore," says Kezzem to Morn. "So your name is Morn? I knew a Morn once. He was always at a bar I used to visit and whenever he would enter, we would all shout Morn. Talkative fellow. He would never let anyone get a word in."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday June 15th, 2021 2:50:42 AM
"I can't make that decision for everyone", Succotash answers, "but since solving your predicament, seems inline with the quest we already are on, my vote is to assist you as well as those who hired us."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+6=12 ; d20+17=28 ;
Tuesday June 15th, 2021 10:28:17 AM
Dura asks "You think the person behind the thief is building something? What would someone be building with large quantities of metal?�

"Nothing good," Pressi answers.

As for what to do, "It's time to start investigating the camp for clues, obviously. This part needs a light touch, the slightest movement could make the trail cold. I would love to cast retrocognition and see our friend myself, but that could take days. So instead, I'm going to start with a vision.

"The rest of you, I need you to look around, detect magic, make some tracking, see if there are any notes, you know, the usual." She notes that Harper has already begun to start sniffing around the camp (Perception 12).

Pressi draws her pentagram, drops her incense and ivory, and begins to bond with the universe. "Show me, in the darkness, show me the face of the buyer that camped here."

(Caster roll 28)

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday June 15th, 2021 10:26:30 PM

Bliss is always a sucker for someone asking for help. "I think that's our job, actually, to help people out."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Wednesday June 16th, 2021 1:43:33 AM
My laptop died. Can someone post for Murphy for a few days?

DM Hugh - Less than 20/20 vision d20+14=31 ; d20+14=23 ; d20+14=32 ; d20+12=17 ; d100+16=51 ; d100=95 ; d20+4=17 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+4=10 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+4=11 ; d20+4=13 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=7 ;
Wednesday June 16th, 2021 8:53:45 AM
Kezz�m is done talking about Baggins. So he talks about some other guy named Morn
Succotash votes to help them.
Pressi says it�s time to search for clues.

Morn says to Pressi and Succotash, �So he made the thing up about Taters?�

Morn says to Kezz�em, �I never met another Morn before.�

Dura says to Succotash and CatBliss, �Thank you�

The Orcs and Lizardfolk start searching around the former campsite themselves looking for clues.

Pressi casts the spell vision.

Pressi waits for her vision and nothing happens. She thinks about what they know of the person they are after and it isn�t really that much. He likes to hide his identity and he has a penchant for hiring thieves to steal rare metal. She doesn�t even have a name or a face to go on. The information they have must not be detailed enough. Then she remembers that scrying failed too and how mindblank could foil scrying and that it also works on other forms of divination. Also she doesn�t really think this campsite is prominent enough to be considered legendary though the one they are after probably is.

While Pressi is casting her spell and the Orcs and Lizardfolk are investigating on their own what are the rest of you up to?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+35=41 ;
Wednesday June 16th, 2021 10:08:05 AM
Succotash answers Morn, "I would say that that is a very safe bet." As Pressi is casting, Succotash begins investigating, looking for clues. (perception 41)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday June 16th, 2021 8:00:57 PM
Pressi, I assume, continues her divination until the time expires, all the while grumbling.

As a note, she asks the group if they think a divination is worthwhile. She figures something oblique, like "where did the metal go", would avoid whatever mindblank she's facing.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=36 ; d20+26=38 ; d20+14=27 ;
Wednesday June 16th, 2021 9:58:34 PM
And so the Journey Begins...

Tali seems somewhat taken aback to discover that Common has been in use the entire time. Tali, not only a beautiful and svelte female halfling but also a Charismatic powerhouse of an Arcane Sorcerer, hover over to the perceived leader of the Orc Smiths, Dura while delivering a very Diplomatic (Skill check: 38) "air courtesy", "allow me to introduce myself, I am Tali. A member of the Humble Sword troop & resident Sorcerer.

Using her various skills, and with the use of the Googles of Night during the dusk hours, Tali will use her perceive skill to uncover something that might help her team.

Skills Check
Fly: 36
Diplomacy: 38
Perception: 27

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 178 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1078 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1078 minutes

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday June 16th, 2021 11:00:17 PM

Bliss is willing to talk with Dura. He tells the tale of how the party negotiated with kobolds, and also talked a race of constructs and a race of ant people out of a war.

He tries to avoid the inevitable "some of my best friends are ignoble" vibe as best he can.

Mookie chimes in, "Sure, we're all weirdos here."

Dura is female right? Bliss asks if she has any kids, if that's not too personal.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Wednesday June 16th, 2021 11:42:16 PM
Kezzem turn to Tali. "Was that kid taking me seriously? I don't know what to do with that. If people are going to start taking me seriously, it's going to ruin my perfectly no good reputation!"

DM Hugh - The trail less traveled...
Thursday June 17th, 2021 11:53:56 AM
Succotash searches around for clues

The outcome of Pressi�s attempted spell does not change.

(OOC: per the description of the spell vision it says it functions like legend lore except it takes a lot less time to cast and it puts a strain on the caster. Legend lore states that the thing you are asking a question about must be legendary; the campsite is not legendary; the person you are after is; however said person took precautions)

Dura replies to Tali, �Pleased to meet you and glad to have you helping us.�

Tali then joins Succotash in searching the area.

Dura listens politely to Bliss�s tale and Dura says in answer to his question, �I had a son, however orc ways are different. When he came of age he joined the clan�s warriors and stopped being my son. It does not do for an orc warrior to have the weakness of familial bonds or so they say.�

Tali and Succotash search around the campsite like some of the orcs and lizard folk are doing. Tali and Succotash being adventures and highly skilled seem to have an easier time of things for not long after they join the search they find a third trail leading out of the camp in a different direction than the way the orcs came or near the yew where Humble�s sword entered. The trail is faint and to follow it might take some skill as whoever left it seems like they took measures to obscure their tracks.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Thursday June 17th, 2021 12:44:44 PM
While his friends are searching for clues, Hobie is in the sky keeping his eyes out for any other living creatures or threats that could be around the area.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=54 ; d20+25=28 ; d20+27=39 ;
Thursday June 17th, 2021 6:27:17 PM

Murphy is fine with listening to the others. When it comes time to try to figure out the mixture of folk who took the third pathway, he follows it, staying off to one side for the most part so as not to occlude the marks of those who went before.

After getting perhaps half a mile down the trail, and before anyone has had a chance to go over it, Murphy changes into a small furry animal with a great sense of smell, and seeks to discern by scent those who made the trail.
==========
Perception: 54
Survival (tracking) as halfling: 28
Survival (tracking) at a later point taking scent into account: 39

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+25=29 ; d20+31=49 ;
Thursday June 17th, 2021 9:37:45 PM
Finally ending her attempts at divination, Pressi instead detects magic through the entire campsite, and practically tears apart every object in the campsite (Perception 29). (I'm holding off on discern location for now because of all the mind blank hints.)

If anyone brings Pressi's attention to the tracks, she activates her relentless tracker ability (Survival Tracking Roll 49, but the person leaving the tracks knows she's in pursuit.)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday June 18th, 2021 2:22:42 AM
Succotash makes sure to point out the tracks to everyone, but defers to those better equipped for tracking.

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Friday June 18th, 2021 3:03:57 AM

Bliss bows to the orc mother, and says, "Nonetheless, as a person who grew up without a mom, I have great respect for you, Dura Mater."

Bliss was excited to try tracking, but Mister Murphy and Brother Succotash have it well in hand. He bids the orcs farewell and changes to a cat to follow his friends on the hunt. Mookie circles overhead, watching.

[OOC: Sorry for poor posting; been sick.]

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Friday June 18th, 2021 2:23:44 PM

Murphy lets Pressi know about the tracks. Are the orcs coming with us? Where do they live so we can contact them if they don't come with us?

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=39 ; d20+26=45 ; d20+14=25 ;
Saturday June 19th, 2021 12:01:15 AM
Oh, a Tracking we will go!

Still donning the NGoggles of Night, Tali assists with tracking where she can.

Skills Check
Fly: 39
Diplomacy: 45
Perception: 25

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 178 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1078 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1078 minutes

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+22=32 ;
Saturday June 19th, 2021 2:17:38 PM
What the heck, Bliss helps with tracking too.

Aid Another check 32

DM Hugh - On the Trail
Saturday June 19th, 2021 8:08:33 PM
Hobie keeps overwatch from the air but doesn�t notice anything at this time.

Succotash points out the trail to those better equipped to follow it.

Murphy follows the trail before turning into a small critter to track by smell, he then lets Pressi know about the trail and tries to ascertain if the orcs are coming with them.

Pressi does not find any magic auras as she tears across the campsite before activating her relentless tracking ability after Succotash points it out to her.
Bliss and Mookie follow the others on the hunt then helps Murphy with the tracking.
Tali also helps in tracking.

The orcs and lizard folk follow the halflings as they follow the trail.

Dura says, �We�re going with you until we get our iron back. We appreciate your help but we were told not to return until we come back.�

Jarry says, �We better stick with you guys.�

When Murphy turns into an animal he smells 6 separate smells headed down the path.

You follow the trail aways until you come to a junction where it looks like the trail continues in both directions. (OOC: roll another survival check to see if you sus out the false trail from the true one)

Are there any other actions you want to take as you follow the trail?

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+22=35 ;
Saturday June 19th, 2021 11:01:29 PM

Bliss changes into a cat to help with the sniffing.

Survival (with scent) 35

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+27=37 ;
Sunday June 20th, 2021 3:36:34 PM

Murphy lets Pressi know about the six different scents he is picking up.

He checks out the left trail for 100 yards, then checks out the right trail for 100 yards, to see if he can discern which is the better trail. He lets Pressi know what he figures.
===============
Survival (tracking) 37

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 61/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+35=45 ;
Sunday June 20th, 2021 9:10:00 PM
Succotash follows along, with Valerie, by his side. He keeps his eyes open for anything out of the ordinary. (Perception 45)

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=32 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+26=36 ; d20+14=21 ;
Sunday June 20th, 2021 10:54:04 PM
Shhh! Tracking

Tali tries to lend a hand with the tracking and the survival as best she can. Tali will rise to about 33 feet above the ground and go back invisible.

Skills Check
Fly: 32
Diplomacy: 36
Perception: 21
Survival: 8

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 177 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1077 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1077 minutes
Invisible | Duration 18 minutes

DM Mitch
Monday June 21st, 2021 8:33:21 AM
Bliss changes into a cat to help with the tracking

Murphy lets Pressi know about the 6 different scents and then works to sort things out between the 2 trails.

Succotash follows with Valerie, keeping his eyes peeled for anything out of ordinary.

Tali rises into the air and go back to being invisible

With the skill of their trackers the party is able to pick out the right trail. They�re able to follow it quickly and are able to find the end of it rather quickly. They know they�ve found the end of the trail because suddenly the entire group has Hold Person cast on them. Tali, invisible, is missed. Everyone else must make a DC 27 will save or be paralized.

Knowledge: Arcana 32 Highlight to display spoiler: { to target that many people spread out that much there had to be multiple casters.}

A booming voice rings out from above you on a hill. �Who dares disturb us? What fool brings these orc sipmletons here?� it demands. You don�t see the source, well unless you have active invisibility detection up, if so then� Highlight to display spoiler: { you see a tall elf in forrest brown robes looming over the group at the crown of the hill. Several others, further back and spread out so they can�t be hit all at once by a spell, stand to either side. They�re all invisible and there are 6 of them that you can see. }

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+31=43 ; d20+17=24 ; d20+27=30 ; d20+24=29 ;
Monday June 21st, 2021 9:42:35 AM
(Second survival roll 43)

(Will save roll 24+4 from hero point)

(Arcana roll 30)

Pressi manages to shake off her paralysis but she can�t see what�s going on or figure out what�s happening.

�Who are we? We�re just people passing through and probably avoiding you as much as possible. Who are you and why are you expending so much energy just coming to talk to us? Are you lonely and bored? Or maybe you�re expecting someone in particular?�

(Diplomacy 29)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+24=28 ; d20+24=33 ; 2d6+14=25 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ;
Monday June 21st, 2021 10:24:16 AM
Will save 28

Succotash feels the hold person try to take over, and but barely manages to break its grip, through a mighty act of will power. He then casts invisibility purge, after saying, "How rude! Let's see what such rude people look like." Every invisible person or thing, within 90 ft of Succotash, is made visible. ( The spell lasts 180 min) Since Tali is probably within that radius, Succotash says, "Sorry Tali, I didn't mean to blow your cover, but these guys aren't playing fair!"

At his command, Valerie readies an action to charge the nearest magic user, if they attack. If she attacks, she it's AC 36 for 25 slashing plus 6 shock and 4 frost (forgot to add the +1 for heroes feast, and the +2 for charging to the attack roll.) Valerie moves 60 ft per round, so while charging, she can move up to 120 ft.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+29=36 ; d20+43=51 ;
Monday June 21st, 2021 11:10:58 AM

Murphy changes back into halfling. "Hello, fearsome elf. Well, would not you be that fool, who stole from them that which is theirs, thus leading them to pursue you? Unless we are mistaken, you have stolen from orcs, and from dwarfs. Taking things of value from those who have not wronged you, without payment or permission, constitutes theft. Of course, we perhaps are open to hearing your defense."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Monday June 21st, 2021 11:11:31 AM
Oh - rolls in Murphy's post were:
Will save: 36
Perception: 51

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Monday June 21st, 2021 2:46:59 PM
Hobie can't see them when he hears the voice, but being frequently invisible himself, he's smart enough to know that hearing disembodied voices is a good time to cast See Invisibility.

He'll cast it on himself and whisper what he sees to Pressi

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Monday June 21st, 2021 2:48:37 PM
Oh super dumb. I didn't read Succotash's post. Hobie will only cast See Invisibility if the Invisibility Purge doesn't work for some reason. Either way, he has his bow at the ready.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB d20+20=39 ;
Monday June 21st, 2021 3:06:52 PM
SV Will: 1d20 + 20 = 29.

Kezzem will move 25 feet towards the voices. If he can see one, he will use Detect Evil on the nearest creature. Otherwise, total defense (+4 AC).

"This simpleton does, you halfling!" shouts Kezzem. "No, wait!"

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+14=16 ;
Monday June 21st, 2021 9:09:48 PM
Bliss rolls a 16 and is held.

Mookie is not a person and is immune.

"Hey!" Mookie declares in his crowing voice. "Not cool!"

He activates the party's Instant Iron Fortress (standard action), picks up CatBliss (move action) and takes a five ft step into the fortress.

CatBliss casts a still silent Break Enchantment, using a seventh level slot, which I think should auto-work to break the hold. He wriggles out of Mookie's grasp and peeks out through an arrow slit.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=39 ; d20+27=35 ; d20+14=20 ; d20+6=23 ;
Tuesday June 22nd, 2021 12:08:44 AM
Who Dares...Wins

Tali, who is now visible and hovering some 33 feet above the ground, should be able to see all of the attackers up on the hill. (Perception check: 20) Can Tali judge the distance between herself and the lead elf in the forest robes? How far to either side are the other figures and roughly how far apart?

Tali will cast a still silent version of invisibility using a 4th level spell slot to disappear again. Once Invisible, she will fly to a height of 42 feet above the rear magic users behind the lead elf & then hover stationary in order to gain the bonus to stealth. (+40)

Skills Check

Fly: 39
Diplomacy: 36
Knowledge Arcana: 35
Perception: 20
Survival: 23

Spells in Effect

Message |Duration 176 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1076 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1076 minutes | +4 to AC
Invisible | Duration 17 minutes || possibly removed by Succotash's spell

DM Mitch d20+19=34 ;
Tuesday June 22nd, 2021 8:24:51 AM
Pressi shakes off the paralysis and explains they are people passing through and probably avoiding the speaker as much as possible. She also inquires as to who the speaker is and why they expended so much spell energy.

Succotash feels the spell and also avoids its effect before casting invisibility purge while Valerie prepares for trouble

Murphy changes back into halfling form and explains to the elf that the party believes the elf stole from the orcs and dwarves but they are open to hearing the elf�s defense

Hobie readies his bow and a see invisibility spell in case Succotash�s spell fails

Kezz�m implies he�s the simpleton that lead the orcs there and moves 25 feet forward while trying to detect evil.

CatBliss is held but Mookie is not. Mookie activates the party�s instant Iron Fortress and picks up CatBliss while moving 5 feet into the fortress. Meanwhile CatBliss uses a still, silent break enchantment.

Tali casts a still / silent invisibility to disappear herself before flying 42 feat above rear magic users behind the lead elf. She just manages to clear Succotash�s purge area and turn invisible as she does, but her approach is not hidden.

The Elf looks briefly confused. �Dwaves, what Dwarves?� he asks before catching himself and resuming his impressive boom. �It is natures way for the strong to take from the weak. The ore was crucial for reasons that need not concern you. This is not some civilized land where mortal authorities enforce their views, but the wild. Do not interfere and be glad we were kind enough to spare their lives. Their own people wouldn�t be so kind.�

His companions take umbrage with Kezz�m trying to close. The party was about 50 feet away so he closes half the distance. Two of them point at him and mutter two words. He must make two will saves vs DC 29, if he fails either then Highlight to display spoiler: { you hear a voice you are compelled to obey. �Act as you normally would in this situation, but do no harm to myself or my companions. If any of us are attacked, kill the attacker.�}

Another of the figures casts something in Tali�s direction and she pops back into visibility.

DM Mitch
Tuesday June 22nd, 2021 8:26:17 AM
Kezz'm is able to get a look at the Elf and he doesn't seem evil.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Tuesday June 22nd, 2021 9:06:13 AM
Hobie will cast Overland Flight on himself, then activate his ring of invisibility, then move up 40 feet or so into the sky.

He'll let some of the others do the talking.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+37=50 ; 2d6+20=27 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ;
Tuesday June 22nd, 2021 10:40:44 AM
"As a halfling, I've heard that rhetoric my whole life, and I have news for you, It's garbage! The idea of taking from those weaker than you is flat out wrong. This mode of thinking is one of the reasons we have so much strife in the Wold! The only way for harmony is to treat others the way you wish to be treated, and if more people embraced that way of life, there would be less need for adventurers like us. As to that, you asked who we are, and so allow me to introduce us. We are Humble's Sword, perhaps you heard of us? We did slay a dragon at the battle of the Sargrass Plains, after all. Anyway, whether or not you have heard of us is not relevant, what matters is that we are here to put an end to your thieving ways, and to return what was stolen to the rightful owners! Oh and if you are planning some nefarious scheme, we are here to end that as well. So as I see it, you have two options. You can peacefully return that which isn't yours, and go about your merry way, or you can face justice by our hands, and we will return what was stolen. Personally, I would prefer the former, but my raptor friend here would prefer the latter.

Valerie again readies a charge, as Succotash readies an action to cast Divine Power on his animal friend. If they act aggressively, Valerie will charge the spokes person, hitting AC 50 for 27 slashing, 2 shock, and 6 frost.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+32=43 ; d20+43=59 ; d20+19=21 ;
Tuesday June 22nd, 2021 10:52:56 AM

"How about we fix some tea and talk this over? There seems to be a growing interest here in the Red Hills for special metals, and, due to circumstances we could explain, we think that the 'reasons that need not concern' us do indeed concern us. I'll get out my cooking pot and tripod to heat the water. Don't worry. It's just a cooking pot, and I'll call forth enough water to fill the pot. You like tea, right? Oh, and I must say you have an impressive voice. Did you receive special training for that? Are you a bard, or just a mighty wizard?"

He proceeds to do as he described. As he sets up the pot on the tripod chain, he adds, "I think it's possible we can do some sorting of things without having to resort to attacking each other. Do you all agree?" he asks the elf and his assistants as well as his own party. He adds conjured water to the pot, and gets out some firewood. "We can tell you about some of our adventures, and we can swap stories, and points of mutual interest."
==========
Sense Motive on elf: 43
Perception: 59
Spellcraft: 21 (to discern what spellcasters cast on Kezzem)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday June 22nd, 2021 3:10:04 PM
Pressi's eyes narrowed as they admitted to everything except for knowing about dwarven ore. "I've never heard the words 'weak over the strong' over someone who wasn't weak and didn't know it. Tell me, do we really need not concern ourselves with what's being built? Or is that what the people you sold the ore to said to you? The actual strong ones that did nature upon you?"

If they object, "We are actually tracking two sets of ore thefts, and I saw at least two other sets of tracks to your buyers. If you only know about the orc's ore, you've been robbed as much as these orcs, and should probably be thankful you're alive yourselves. Tell us who you sold the ore to, and as my friend Succotash said we'll pretend we never even saw you."

Pressi casts shield of faith and quick casts spectral hand.

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 12:35:30 AM
Bliss changes into his native form and calls out through an arrow slit, "Hey! What's with the spell casting?"

"That's just not nice."

"Come on, let's talk about this."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB d20+20=39 ; d20+20=31 ;
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 1:40:57 AM
SV Will: 1d20 + 20 = 39.
SV Will: 1d20 + 20 = 31.

Got to love those Paladin saves!

"Hey, if you're going to try an charm me, you could at least buy me second dinner first!"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 3:15:45 AM

"I can serve coffee, too," Murphy adds.

What do the others besides the elf wizard look like? Race? Distinguishing characteristics? Clothing styles? Visible gear worn / carried?

DM Mitch
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 8:14:14 AM
Hobie casts overland flight and activates his ring of invisibility before moving 40 feet into the air

Succotash tells the speaker that he�s heard the rhetoric about the strong preying on the weak all his life and that it is part of the reason why there is so much wrong with the Wold. He gives an ultimatum while Valerie prepares for a charge.

Murphy suggests they have some tea and discuss things. He gets his cooking pot, tripod and water and goes about fixing things. He also has coffee

Pressi implies the speaker is weak and doesn�t know it. She then explains more about what they are after and asks for details on who they sold the ore to.

Catbliss complains about the spellcasting.

Kezz�m requests second dinner if they want to charm him.

The Druid scowls at the group. �You speak of peace while moving to surround us. You complain about us casting spells to defend ourselves while casting spells of your own to hide and ambush us. You talk about rightful owners as if the orcs do not constantly murder and pillage from others. Do you even know where the ore came from, or did you just assume the orcs dug it up themselves?

If you truly want to talk peacefully then stop trying to approach or surround us. Gather around your little camp pot and dispel any invisibility.�

Murphy takes a good look at the rest of the group. They�re all Elves or Half-elves, and they are all clearly experienced spellcasters. They were forrest green robes and various spell casting tools can be seen. Some apparently have some martial skill as well judging from the shape of the bulges in the robes that look like weapons. The Elf who seems to be in charge is wary and doesn�t seem to like the situation so his attempts to de-escalate, or at least improve his tactical situation, seem genuine.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+31=43 ; d20+17=24 ; d20+27=30 ; d20+24=29 ;
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 9:19:00 AM
(Second survival roll 43)

(Will save roll 24+4 from hero point)

(Arcana roll 30)

Pressi manages to shake off her paralysis but she can�t see what�s going on or figure out what�s happening.

�Who are we? We�re just people passing through and probably avoiding you as much as possible. Who are you and why are you expending so much energy just coming to talk to us? Are you lonely and bored? Or maybe you�re expecting someone in particular?�

(Diplomacy 29)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+37=49 ; 2d6+20=31 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 10:00:53 AM
"I have to say you seem to have a pretty short memory, because it was you guys who started our meeting with spell casting and ambush. Now after I nullified your invisibility, and we try to get ourselves into a stronger position you start blaming us for doing the same to you? I assure you we aren't the types to attack while unprovoked, but in point of fact we have been provoked. You attacked us with hold person, granted it failed for the most part, but still, you attacked us none the less, and then based on how my friend with the daggers has reacted, it sounds like you tried to charm him, of course you can't charm a paladin like Kezzem, he's immune to charms. I used to be a paladin so I know this to be true, but the fact remains that you tried to charm him. We have every right to attack and remove you from the Wold for good, but we show restraint! Why, because, while we aren't fools, we do desire a peaceful resolution. Now the ball is in your court, and my options stand as the only options you have, so make up your minds before we change ours, and decide a peaceful resolution isn't worth it."

Succotash keeps Divine Power as a readied action, and Valerie is still ready to charge if provoked. (Hits AC 49 for 31 slashing, 6 frost and 2 shock.)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 11:02:01 AM
Hobie will deactivate his invisibility, and descend most of the way to the ground. He stops himself and hovers so that his head is just slightly higher than the tallest elf.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB d20+26=36 ;
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 1:00:29 PM
"How about a joke to ease tensions," says Kezzem. "An elf, and an orc, and a dwarf walked into a bar. The halfing walked under it."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 26 = 36.

"Now can we sit down and discuss this like mature adults? I believe someone mentioned something about a second dinner."

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 2:37:58 PM

"Look, casting Hold spells and making us vulnerable to assassination is not a good way to start either. Let's agree to not cast on each other, okay?"

Bliss will step out (as a halfling). Mookie stays in the Instant Fort.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 2:59:05 PM
(OOC: Sorry, got to stop accessing this from my phone. Please delete earlier extra post.)

"Yeah, I got to be honest. I missed the last fight and I'm feeling a lot of stress and punching trees isn't doing it for me anymore. So willingness to protect myself aside, I'm kind of leaning towards just making it all burn.

"But if you're truly willing to talk, so are we... apparently."

Pressi moved towards the camp pot as asked, but readied a blink if anyone starts casting.

"First off, do YOU know where the ore came from? Or is an assumption of your own? I'll admit I just assumed they made it, and I'm willing to hear other evidence."

(As a side whisper to the orcs, "You know that if you did steal this ore, I'm treating you like a tree.")

"At any rate, where they got it is irrelevant. The question is, why did you steal it?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=38 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+23=36 ; d20+26=44 ; d20+26=30 ; d20+26=36 ; d4+6=10 ;
Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 4:03:50 PM
Who Dares...Wins

Tali, visible and hovering 42 feet above the group and slightly behind the last row of Spellchuckers apparently is very distracting. Must be my fantastic Charisma, Tali thinks to herself.
Looking down upon the spread-out spellcasters, Tali, says to the assembled, and very diplomatically," Oh, you have misinterpreted my actions. I always fly everywhere. When you attacked my friends, I came to investigate. Had you not, I would have flown on by. When you felt that my being invisible was a problem, and forcefully removed and therefore disrobed me that was an attack against me. YOU as spellcasters, if you know anything about being invisible, if I were the aggressor here, you would not have had the need to disrobe me. You're point is MOOT!"

Batting her eyes at the lead Elf, and being diplomatic, Tali, says, "Why sir, the ore was skyborne...it fell from the sky...As for your flippant dismissal towards our group, perhaps, if you made the first move in this little soiree, and went to your grouped corner, say, some 100 feet into the opposite direction, we might do the same. We could send emissaries back and forth if that is what you wished? If on the other hand, you would prefer armed confrontation, I am sure for at least a few moments, that could also be considered. What say you, Sir Elf? What is it to be, calm and diplomatic or aggressive and deadly?"

Tali while speaking to the lead Elf, will start a Silent still Mirror Image spell just in case the answer is aggressive.

Skills Check

Fly: 38
Diplomacy: 44, 30, 36
Perception: 31
Spellcraft: 36

Spells in Effect

Message |Duration 175 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1075 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1076 minutes | +4 to AC
Mirror immage ((1d4 +6) = 8 images when cast.) | 18 minutes

[ub]Used Spells[/b]

Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x
mirror Image | 1x (@ slot 4)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+28=33 ; d20+32=38 ; d20+43=49 ;
Thursday June 24th, 2021 3:54:09 AM

"Great, everyone has excellent posture!" Murphy says. "We're just posturing all over the place. As for me, I'm making tea. Do you prefer black, or green tea? Coffee also is available." He lit the fire as all were conversing. The pot he already had filled with water. He casts heat metal on the cooking pot to accelerate the process and to bring it more quickly to a boil.

"If others have other items that we might snack as we sip, feel free to lay out good nibbling food." He gets out a half block of cheese. "This is quite good cheese." And he adds a few loafs of bread.

"My name is Murphy. A druid." In the druidic tongue to the chief spokes-elf, he says, if you speak druidic Highlight to display spoiler: { "Some of us have offered our names. A sign of trust?"}

And to his own friends, though the elf contingent can hear him, he says, "Let's cut down on the bristling, and see if there may be a measure of reciprocity."

=========
Murphy adds his own style of Diplomacy: 33 to that of his friends.
Ongoing Sense Motive: 38
Perception to pick up on actions of elf contingent: 49

DM Mitch
Thursday June 24th, 2021 8:31:19 AM
Succotash reminds the speakers that they are the aggressors and that his group is the one showing restraint because they want a peaceful resolution and says the ball is in the elves�s court.

Hobie deactivates his invisibility, descends most of the way to ground and hovers just so his head is slightly higher than the tallest elf.

Kezz�m tries to diffuse tensions with a joke and then asks if they can discuss things like civilized adults over second dinner.

Bliss points out that casting hold spells which make them vulnerable to assassination is not a good way to start things and suggests a spell casting ceasefire on each other�s groups. He then steps out of the fortress as himself.

Pressi explains that she missed the last fight and punching trees is wearing thin but she is willing to talk if the other group is. She moves toward the pot and asks th other goup where the ore came from and then whispers at the orcs inquiring if they stole it she isn�t helping them.

Dura says to Pressi, �We were honest with you. That ore was ours. We followed a star in the sky and when it fell to the Wold we processed it into the ingots they stole. How could a shooting star belong to anyone? Clearly this is a case of finders keepers as it fell from the sky.�

Tali explains that she flies everywhere and when her friends were attacked she investigated and that the removing of her invisibility was an attack on her and reiterates as previously stated by others in the party that the other group is the aggressors. She reiterates what Dura said about the ore and suggests they go to opposite corners and send emissaries back and forth to discuss things instead of an armed confrontation.

Murphy comments on posturing and says an experimental phrase in Druidic. He continues to try to start a meal to calm things down.

The Druid raises his eye at Murphy. He responds in druidic, Highlight to display spoiler: {�I am called Aimon. I am willing to talk as fellow druids, but not while your companions continue to threaten myself and my friends..�}

The rest of his group don�t seem happy at all about this turn of events though. One sneers at Tali. �You dispelled our Invisibility first. All we did was cast a spell to prevent a heavily armored group from charging right into our camp ready for a fight.�

The leader glances at his crew. �Peace. Let them prove their good intentions.� �Should have just killed the orcs when we could.� mutters another. The leader sighs and ignores the mutterers, apparently confident that is all they�ll do.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Thursday June 24th, 2021 9:04:28 AM
Hobie turns to the one who made the comment about killing the orcs.
As always he has his bow in his left hand, and his right hand he places on his quiver. (not drawing an arrow just yet, but hand on quiver)

"If you would kill those weaker than you just to steal their ore, then I have no problem killing you to make the Wold a better place."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday June 24th, 2021 10:13:40 AM
"As I've been saying from the beginning, we would rather have a peaceful resolution, but we will do what we must, and if anyone tries to harm those in our care, which includes these orc ladies, that will be the last mistake that person ever makes. Since you are speaking with Murphy in his private language, I surmise that you are a druid, which means that you are most likely one who has a higher level of wisdom than most. As such, I'm sure you can see the wisdom in what I've been saying, and that a peaceful resolution would be most beneficial. Murph, in true halfling form has offered the greatest peace offering a halfling can give, and that's food. I will add to that if you will join us. I have a keg of Brock's Best Beer in my handy haversack, and some really nice sausages to go with Murphy's cheese. Add a loaf of bread or two, and we have our selves a lovely snack. I think I may even have a good sized crock of pickles I got from my mother, last time I visited my parents, over in Merrydale. She makes the best pickles, and I've been waiting for the right moment to bust them out, and if it means a peaceful resolution, than I'm willing to share with everyone. Now, I'm also willing to throw down if that would be your preference. Though I fail to see the wisdom in such an act, as I've always found needless bloodshed to be greatly foolish, and a total waste."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Thursday June 24th, 2021 10:33:06 AM

"Yes. Let us all stand down. More than one of 'us'," and here he draws a circle with an arm to include both groups, "have offered words of offense. But now, let the heat be concentrated in our tea, and the heat of our words be channeled into light. They say as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Now, none of us are exactly, or even approximately men, but, let's see if we can all walk away made better, and more just, as the the result of our meeting - and teatime. Agreed, my friends?" he asks members of the Sword, then the elves, and orca. The beast folk seem to be staying out of the discussion and action, but he includes any of them who may be nearby in the question, too.

"Aimon, let you and I share the first cup, and let's see if we might have a fruitful discussion." He lays out about a dozen cups that he sets on a board. He fills two teapots, one with black tea, one with green tea. And a coffeepot.
≈=========
I have a little more to add, but must rush off to work...

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday June 24th, 2021 3:28:45 PM

Pressi got really quiet as Dura's words finally sunk in with her. "Are you telling me that we were tracking starmetal?" she finally asked. "And that you didn't see fit to mention that until now?"

A couple of times, the group had engaged with Tecuri artifacts, and Pressi's follower Dolgrin had even tracked a falling star for its ore once before. If such metal was now in the hands of someone who understood it, in the same lab as the dwarves' special ore....

Pressi bit back any possible retorts to "we only cast invisibility," responding only with a grunt. "I suppose if you were tracking through my homeland, I might react similarly. So I will hold my fire. But I should remind you that if you did sell the ore, there is a 90% chance that your employer screwed us all. For our employer, it's only 30%.... 35%, tops."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Friday June 25th, 2021 12:40:34 AM
"I think the only solutions is to cut the ore in two, and whoever is willing to let the other side have it than let it be cut apart is the rightful owner of the ore," says Kezzem. "Oh wait, I said the secret part aloud. Maybe...if you both call to the ore and see who it goes to?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=36 ; d20+26=27 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=25 ;
Friday June 25th, 2021 6:54:07 AM
Who Dares...

Taliseeing that the aggressive approach isn't being taken, stops the casting of the mirror image spell and flies over to be next to Mister Murphy for a nice cup of Green Tea. Diplomatically, Tali reaches into her front pocket producing about a pound of fresh ginger if anyone cares for a nice spicy addition to their tea or as a pre-meal pick me up; but seeing that the process didn't go as it sounded in her head, will break off a piece and put the rest back into her front pocket of the pants she is wearing; her pair of Bill's Pants o' Plenty.

While milling about, Tali will try to sense the motive of the spokes-Elf & then the rest of that group, after hearing their mumbles.

Tali also points a message to Mister Murphy using the Message Spell explaining the reservations she has about the rest of the Spokes-Elf's group especially after the comment about how they should have killed the orcs when they had the chance.

Skills Check

Fly: 36
Diplomacy: Nat 1
Perception: 31
Sense Motive: 12, 25

Spells in Effect

Message |Duration 174 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1074 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1074 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells

Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x

DM Mitch
Friday June 25th, 2021 7:45:31 AM
Hobie turns to the one who made the comment about killing the orcs and mentions that removing murdering thieves makes the wold a better place.
Succotash reiterates Murphy�s offer of food raising the offering with some of his own provisions.

Murphy prepares the tea time truce and offers the first cup to Aimon.

Jarry says, �It would track for our employer to hire other groups if he had other things on his shopping list. He seemed like the paranoid sort.�

Pressi asks if Dura was tracking starmetal and that they didn�t see fit to mention it till now. She thinks about her own experience with it before giving the elves the benefit of the doubt while warning them about selling the ore.

Kezz�m flubs the classic cut the thing in two solution in multiple ways.

Tali joins Murphy, but looks over the rest of the druid�s group with suspicion.

Dura says to Pressi, �I was very clear about the source of the metal. I said our shaman was tracking a star we followed it until it fell and we processed it into ingots. This was always what we had said ever since we met you at the camp. The star metal though was mostly iron with some other types of metal blended it that made it stronger and sharper than normal iron but we know iron and that star was mostly iron.�

With some of the party moving to go have tea and others continuing to glare it seems tea time isn�t going to happen. Tali and any others trying ot get a good read on the others in the group can tell that while the leader is willing the talk, the rest of them seem to want a fight and might even engage despite the leader's words if they see an opening.

Aimon, the druid who seems to be in charge gives a sigh of frustration. �The ore is gone ok?� the rest of his group make noises objecting but he stares them down. �And no, I don�t know where it ended up, a guy showed up and hired us to secure him some. We knew about the meteor but the orcs beat us to it. So a few simple sleep spells let us get it and we gave it to the guy who hired us. I have no idea where he is now, but from what you�ve said he�s gathering a bunch of stuff and I can guess where he�s going for his next item. I�ll tell you, if you can pay us for the information.� He looks at the others in his group smugly, as if to say �there, I�m getting us paid twice by not fighting�.

One of them mutters, �We could still kill them and take all their money.�

�Oh shut up, they already resisted your best spell.� Aimon tells him crossly.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday June 25th, 2021 10:34:41 AM
Succotash slowly shakes his head and pinches the bridge of his nose. it is clear the cleric is exasperated, but he keeps his cool. "Why does it always come down to money?" He looks at the one who suggested killing them, staring him dead in the eye before saying, "You should listen to your friend, you'll live longer!" After shrugging his shoulders, he says, "How much is it going to cost? We are adventurers, and as such the vast majority of our wealth is made up in gear, and provisions. We can't just hand you a bag of gold and send you on your merry way, but I have a suggestion, if you tell us where you believe the ore is, and accompany us, assuming my friends are OK with this arrangement, how about we give you an equal portion of whatever wealth we gain from the ore collectors? When I say equal portion, I mean you will all be able to split the same amount that we as individuals would obtain. The reason for this is simple, we will be doing the heavy lifting, and we will be taking all, if any, risks, and since you are simply being paid for information, with no need to get involved, an equal share for each of you, seems a bit unrealistic. If we are able to stop the ore collectors, and there is no wealth to be had, we can reassess our bargain, and try to offer something fair. Again this is all contingent on my friends and comrades being OK with the arrangement."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday June 25th, 2021 4:14:50 PM
Pressi seems somewhat mollified for the moment, in both forms. "We would be glad to make such a payment," she glared at Succotash, "and if we can't pay up front, I'm sure we can make a financial relationship then. And if you do try instead to kill us and take our stuff without checking to see if I cursed it first, you are welcome to try. Can I bring popcorn?"

Pressi shrugged at Succotash's comment. "Because if it instead always came down to ground peppercorns, that might get strange real quick. I'll think of something more cynical and vague later, but for now I'm going with this one."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=29 ; d20+26=30 ; d20+14=23 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+9=13 ;
Friday June 25th, 2021 10:31:21 PM
Who Dares...

Tali takes to fly once more hovering about 7 feet about "Aimon's head. Looking at Aimon, and in her best Diplomatic tone & voice, begins, "You do realize we can hear your companions comments and muttering's, yes?! I understand you, like Mister Murphy, choose to walk the peaceful road less traveled path of negotiations. Tali looks at each and every companion of Aimon's including Aimon himself trying to perceive something not yet detected and also tries to understand their motives aside from money.

Tali tries to get a read (Sense Motive) from the muttering Companion.

Tali points to Mister Murphy using the Message Spell says, "I have about 6,000 worth of gold pieces and gems if we need them."

Skills Check

Fly: 29
Diplomacy: 30
Perception: 23, 31
Sense Motive: 21, 13

Spells in Effect

Message |Duration 173 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1073 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1073 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells

Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Saturday June 26th, 2021 8:42:52 PM

Bliss is willing to pay a fair price. Heck, even a slightly unfair price. We have the cash, why not use it in a good cause?

He tries to bargain a bit for the sake of appearances, but he agrees in the end pretty easy like.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+28=48
Sunday June 27th, 2021 6:02:42 AM

"Wait!" Murphy interjects. "Thanks, friends, but is justice, or expedience on our hearts?" he asks. He faces Aimon and his companions and says, "So, your group were hired to steal the ingots. Keep in mind that the orcs had not only found the sky metal, but mined and melted and produced ingots from it. You put them to sleep - thank you for not killing them, despite the murderous heart of at least one of your team," he says, looking with scorn directly at the one who complained about not killing them.

"After stealing their processed ingots, you got paid by the one who hired you. Some of you want to kill us and take our money. Good luck with that. We killed 1,000 giants at the battle of Humble's Ford before they could reach our town. We wrested control over a 250 foot tall ancient iron giant from murderous dwarfs. We slew countless monsters at the battle of Sargrass Plains, including a huge dragon, to bring under control an awesome power - the latter with the aid of other top Woldian adventuring groups. We have been to the moon Kerracles and back, saving the Wold from destruction due to invaders from afar. I need not enumerate further, I trust.

"Now, you want us to pay you for your felonious feat and murderous intentions? How about you turn over the funds to the orcs you gained from stealing from them? And help us find your employer of questionable ethics? Were you to do that, then I might join my friends in finding it in my heart to be somewhat generous with you.

"And ratify such an agreement by having this tea that I have prepared. And my friends will stand down, won't they? As will your people. And release the beastmen and orcs from your hold spell."

Murphy knows that several of his friends, even his beloved, have tacitly agreed to Aimon's request.

He is open to a bit more haggling, but simply handing over funds before they have found the fellow behind all this he is not particularly open to.
===============
Diplomacy: 48 (nat 20)

[OOC: Post edited by Cayzle]

DM Mitch
Monday June 28th, 2021 8:18:01 AM
Succotash laments that things always come down to money and explains that as adventurers most of their money is tied up in gear but suggests that the second set of thieves accompany them and receive a portion of what they recover from their employer for their trouble.

Pressi indicates she is happy to go along with Succotash�s suggestion and explains she�d find it amusing to see if the thieves could figure out if the gear was cursed or not if they decided to test their luck. She also makes a joke about peppercorns in response to Succotash�s money comment.

Tali explains that they can hear the mutterings while she tries to get a read on the folks they are facing off against. She lets Murphy know she has money to bargain with if they need it.

CatBliss is also up for bargaining.

Murphy warns the thieves against trying to fight Humble�s Sword for their stuff with a listing of some of the feats they accomplished. He also explains he might be open to paying the bandits if they helped them to locate their previous employer and suggests they ratify an agreement over tea while the bandits release their spells on the orcs and lizard folk.

Aimon rolls his eyes. �We�re not talking about us going into some established mine or something. It was a rock that fell from the sky in the wilderness. Everyone who lives nearby knew of it. The only reason the orcs even touched the thing was because I went to find a buyer before digging it up. They had no better right to it then anyone else in the area.

Look if you want the information then pay up. 20 grand. Otherwise I�m leaving, and you want to try to start a fight and beat it out of me then there goes your moral high ground. At this point I don�t think we�re going to be having some tea regardless.�

Indeed, his companions still look ready for a fight, but the mention of an easy 20 grand seems to have given them pause. Likely they�d be willing to leave once paid off, but they�re getting impatient and strike you as the type to use violence as a first resort.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Monday June 28th, 2021 8:18:52 AM
Hobie will fly up 7 feet to be next to Tali, at this point he has an arrow on the string of his bow, but not directly pointed at anyone yet.

"I'm not going to give a single piece of copper to these thieves. Personally I think they should be required to pay their debt to the orcs simply in return for me staying my bow."

As Murphy is explaining our exploits, Hobie will add "You find yourself at the mercy of the greatest archer in the history of the Wold. If you want to start a fight, I promise you that I can finish it in seconds. And pray that I do, because trust this, you'd rather go quickly to an arrow than try your luck with the cat."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+32=46 ; 2d6+26=30 ; d6=3 ;
Monday June 28th, 2021 8:27:06 AM
ooc: Sorry, I posted as the DM was posting. Hobie's words will carry over, and I'll add this

He readies an action- the moment a weapon is unsheathed, or an offensive spell is cast (+31 Spellcraft, Hobie can identify any spell as it's being cast)

he will fire an arrow at the offender

Attack = 46
Damage = 30 Piercing, 3 Electric

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday June 28th, 2021 10:10:15 AM
"As I see it, we have a disagreement within our group. Half of us are in favor of chucking you the coin, and the other half feel you should be paying restitution to the orcs. Personally, I'm not in favor of paying off unrepentant souls such as yourselves. I mean if you would have decided to turn over a new leaf, and given some indication of a change of heart, like our lizard-folk friends did, that would be something, but you still have those, within your ranks, who would like to try their luck against us. I can only reiterate what my friends have said, and add that my scaly friend here isn't your typical raptor, in fact, she has been known to take down powerful assailants single-handedly. You couple that with the various skills of powerful adventurers, and I fear things wouldn't go well with you. So since we are are at an impasse within our ranks, I have to ask, Why are you seemingly afraid to join us in the hunt, but not join us in battle? I mean really, you should know by our exploits that we aren't to be trifled with, and yet you would rather fight us than face an enemy who's strength has yet to be determined. An enemy, by the way, that we are determined to face off against, assuming a peaceful solution can't be agreed upon, when we finally meet them."

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Monday June 28th, 2021 3:48:36 PM

"Hold on, hold on, no need to fight today. These fellows have something we want, and we have stuff they want. It's fair." Bliss takes off his belt of Strength +6.

"Here you go," he says explaining the item and its worth. "You can sell this for the 20 grand or keep it, if you like, since it is worth far more unsold."

"Stupid merchants never give you more than half of what a thing's worth," complains Mookie.

"Yeah," says Bliss, "but the worst thing is having to recalculate all my combat numbers if we get in a fight before I replace it." He hands over the belt.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday June 28th, 2021 4:16:42 PM
Pressi looked at Murphy. "Expedience. It's the buyers and the thing they're building that we want, not some two bit hoods that can't even hide correctly. Besides, what's beating these guys up going to teach them? I can bend their bodies in half but they can smell their own farts pretty well already."

Pressi's eyes go wide at Bliss' generous offer. "You know that we're not going to replace it any time soon, right? I'd rather hand them some gear we don't need. And I have to admit, 20K is a decent chunk of change without some reassurances that the information is good."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday June 28th, 2021 4:18:15 PM
(Pressi is willing to give up the Rod of Thunder and Lightning. That's only 16K sold but it's a rather flashy weapon. It's also not one that she really uses.)

CDM Jerry [OOC post]
Monday June 28th, 2021 4:30:15 PM
Greetings Woldians!

We have TWO games that have achieved Level 20 and just retired over the weekend! So in our usual tradition, we're holding a celebration for the next few days on the Giggling Ghost board!

Folks are already beginning to gather. We expect everyone to join in and post daily on the GG board, but all are excused from posting in their "regular career game" through Wednesday at least. :) It doesn't mean you can't post, just that you don't have to.

DMs if you're in combat, feel free to just post a "pause until after Wednesday" if you'd like, or you can do that anyway. These celebrations are important as both of these games have players who have been working for at least 9 years to achieve this retirement for their PCs.

--DMs may take the role of an NPC or 2 if they wish and hand out dishes, create action, help out, etc.
--Anyone may take the stage and tell a story or sing a song.
--Post as many times a day as you'd like on the Giggling Ghost board.

Entertain yourselves and enjoy!

Yes you may go there now and post.
Yes you should go there now and post.
What are you waiting for?
Yes, now is fine.
Are you still reading this? Why?

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+26=35 ; d20+21=36 ; d20+14=19 ;
Monday June 28th, 2021 6:02:38 PM
Who Dares...

Tali takes to flight again rising to 33 feet above the ground. After listening to the back and forth of the assembled groups, diplomatically asks why we are dealing with these uncouth brigands who seem so eager to just take our stuff and then kill us? As if standing onto a podium, she continues, and why do these brigands believe everyone is a mark for the taking? You have no idea who we are! You think 'cause we're small, you can push us around? Take our gear and leave us for dead?! That somehow you can defeat us?! At this point Tali is becoming visibly upset, you can see her face and the trembling in her voice as if trying to quell an inner battle, to contain her rage at the mere thought of this going sideways.

Tali slowly begins to rotate upon the spot she is hovering on...as if her inner battle is growing as she tries to contain it.

Skills Check

Fly: 36
Diplomacy: 35
Perception: 19

Spells in Effect

Message |Duration 173 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1073 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1073 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells

Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x

DM Hugh - Celebrationary Pause
Tuesday June 29th, 2021 2:25:46 AM
(OOC: Hey folks in honor of Jerry's announcement we are on a DM pause until after the Giggling ghost celebration)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+35=46 ; d20+17=35 ;
Thursday July 1st, 2021 10:46:38 AM
Perception 46
Sense Motives 35

Tensions are high, and Succotash, after watching Tali's actions is certain his friend is up to something, as she isn't acting in her normally cool and collective fashion. He is worried that she may do something rash, but then he considers the situation, and wonders what would be considered rash? Bliss, as it turns out, answers his question for him, as he removes and offers his belt. In a very frustrated, and perhaps a bit angry tone, Succotash says, "Bliss put that belt back on! If we are going to pay for information that may, or may not be of any value, We will use things that are of less value, to our fighting strength!" The cleric sighs and says, to the druid, "I have 16,000 in coin, that is my final offer! I've been saving for a metamagic staff of quicken, but that can wait, I guess."

Succotash is feeling the tension himself and realized he just snapped at Bliss for no reason, and so he says to his friend, in halfling, "Sorry friend, I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. The tensions are so high right now, I lost my cool, but seriously, your belt is way to expensive an item to offer in such a way. If they don't take my counter offer, we'll think of something, but your belt should be off the table."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Thursday July 1st, 2021 11:29:30 AM

Murphy knows the belt Bliss offers is worth far more than the amount that Aimon demands. He sees Tali begin to spin in the air. And hears the cleric's offer.

"You don't want to see what my spinning friend can do when she gets angry. And my archer friend can kill you five times over without being mad at all. I realize you, too, think you're pretty tough folk - likely you are. My recommendation: Take our cleric's offer, give us the information you have, or we fight. So, your option: The best deal you're going to get, or the worst. I recommend the peaceful option."

DM Mitch
Thursday July 1st, 2021 9:34:28 PM
Hobie flies up 7 feet next to Tali and states his opposition to giving them anything and further extrapolates on his archery prowess.

Succotash explains the disagreement within the party to the group of thieves and adds additional information about what Valerie can do and asks why they don�t want to join them in hunting the person behind the metal thefts but do want to engage in battle.

CatBliss tries to stave off a confrontation and takes off his belt of strength +6 and offers it in exchange for the information they seek as it can be sold for 20k, but it is actually worth much more than that.

Pressi cautions Bliss about doing that and instead says to give them something they don�t really need like her rod of thunder and lightning though it isn�t worth as much as the thieves are asking.

Tali rises 33 feet above the ground and questions why they are trying to barter with brigands who would just as soon take their stuff and leave them for dead. She is getting really angry.

Succotash offers coin instead of an item that�s worth far more then the stated price. He�s kind of mad at Bliss offering something so valuable.

Murphy goes through the options out loud.

The druid seems surprised at Bliss�s generous offer, then annoyed at everyone else's threats. He ignores the more threatening members and addresses those willing to deal. �Keep your belt, a deal�s a deal and I�m not going to take something that valuable from you. Besides, cash is usually better, we�ll take the 16k. For all your posturing about having the moral high ground your companions seem to be as eager to kill as mine so lets end this quickly and peacefully before someone does something we�ll all regret later.�

He pulls out a small book, maybe a journal or diary. �I track valuable natural resources that civilization can't really access easily. It�s kind of my thing as a druid and helps make ends meet for myself and my friends now and again. Call me a thief if you will, but I still say the orcs had no better claim to the ore then I did; we both tracked it to it�s landing spot, they just got there between me leaving and returning with a buyer and enough help to extract it.

Point being, with my experience in rare items in the wilderness, and you�re information about the other stollen ore, I�m almost certain your mystery man will need the regents in the cave here in the Culverwood for whatever his mysterious purpose is. It�s about a day�s hike east of the Troll trading outpost. No, it�s not run by trolls, I don�t remember why they call it that.

If you go there you can almost certainly either find our employer or more information to find out where he went and what he�s doing. You�ll know you�re at the right cave when you see the stone that looks like it�s bleeding. Rather striking set of mineral deposits, you can�t miss it.�

He tears out a page and offers it, moving to the halfway point between the two groups. His companions remain alert and suspicious. �Here�s a rough map with the spot marked on it. Now I�ve honored my end of the bargain, you can go get the ore back for the orcs from the guy who bought it from us. Heaven's only know what mayhem they'll enact with it but whatever makes you happy. We will not be accompanying you, accosting someone who hired us and paid us for what I consider an honest job is bad for business, and I doubt your comrades or mine feel they could trust each other.�

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=29 ; d20+26=32 ; d20+14=27 ; d3=2 ;
Thursday July 1st, 2021 10:13:00 PM
Who Dares...

As Tali continues to rotate upon the spot she is hovering in for what seems to be an extra ordinarily long period of time, the rotational spin increases as it looks like she is in deep though or perhaps trying to quell an inner battle. Her friends can her her mumbling something that sounds like, " You think you have won? You think I don't know what I gained for my life?"

When the this time period ends, if the current transaction hasn't concluded successfully...Highlight to display spoiler: {there will be two new visitors and Tali will have stopped spinning.}

Skills Check

Fly: 29
Diplomacy: 32
Perception: 27

Spells in Effect

Message |Duration 172 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1072 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1072 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells

Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday July 1st, 2021 10:20:42 PM

Pressi shrugged at his comments about the moral high ground. "I do indeed have an impassioned defense of our moral high ground... which I won't deign to go into. Life is too short to drag this out further.

"I do, however, find this tracking of rare items to be... somewhat fascinating, and worth pursuit at a later time. For now, we thank you for your business."

Pressi turns to Hobie and Talia. "We've got what we came for. Save the fire for the guys we actually are tracking."

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Friday July 2nd, 2021 2:27:53 AM

"That sounds like a good deal!"

Bliss kicks 3,000 gp in coin and gems into the kitty for the 16 grand. And puts his belt back on.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday July 2nd, 2021 8:00:49 AM
Since Bliss chipped in 3 grand, Succotash reaches into his handy haversack and pulls out his coin purse. He counts out 13,000 gp and hand it to the druid, along with Bliss's contribution. "You made a wise decision, avoiding bloodshed, hopefully your followers will learn from your decision."

Kind DMs, would Succotash know if the description given would be enough for greater teleport?

DM Mitch d20=14 ; d20=10 ;
Saturday July 3rd, 2021 6:30:36 AM
Tali rotates in the air silently casting her summon spell to bring forth 2 celestial dire crocodiles

Pressi deigns not to give a defense of their moral high ground in the interest of time and instead remarks about how the tracking of rare items is fascinating and she would like to know more in the future. She tells Hobie and Tali to save the fire for the guys we are tracking.

Bliss likes the deal and contributes some coin.
Succotash pays the man.

Things are going well. The gold and map are exchanged. Between the description, the map, and some extra details you get on request Succotash is pretty certain they can greater teleport over.

Then Tali loses control and drops some giant crocodiles in the middle of the scene.

The Druid�s companions freak out, shouting things like �Trechery� and �I knew it!�. The druid keeps calm though, and with a muttered spell and wave of his hand causes the crocs to vanish. �Calm. Calm! Everyone�s gotten what they wanted. Lets just leave.�

And so they do, with most of the druid�s group glaring angrily at Tali and with spells on the tip of their tongues as they vanish into the trees. The spell holding your NPC companions is dispelled as soon as they�re safely out of sight.

DM Mitch
Monday July 5th, 2021 9:22:26 AM
Free from the hold spell, the orcs and former thieves congregate around the group. The thieves look especially sheepish. "Now I just feel stupid. If we had stopped fighting and just talked maybe we'd have gotten a payday instead of our buts kicked." Jarry observes.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday July 5th, 2021 4:04:22 PM
Pressi nodded. "I'm pretty sure that's word for word what Murphy said to you." She looked up with a glare at Tali. "Sometimes it's just easier to act than to observe, I suppose."

Snapping back to the mission, "Ok, we have a trading post, a cave and a group of people that's probably heading there already. Is there any possibility that anyone in either group can act as a guide? And does anyone have any opinions as to how we want to play this?"

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Monday July 5th, 2021 6:01:15 PM

"First of all, I think our new friends here have done their best for us. Do you guys have any other insight, info, or advice for us? If not, I think we're good."

"As for us hero types, we know enough to blip in, right? Can we ferry everybody in one go? That takes two spells? If so, let's just show up and see what happens, right? Buff and blip, easy peasy."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Monday July 5th, 2021 9:47:10 PM
Tali, looks at Pressi, then says, Aimon�s group just got under my skin.

I can take some, like last time, so how do we wish to proceed? Buff and blip as Catbliss suggests?

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=50 ; d20+25=34 ;
Tuesday July 6th, 2021 3:18:17 AM

Murphy had hoped to talk more with Aimon. The druid's methodical gathering and reporting of information in some regards matched his own style. He was planning to tell him about the druidic convocation he has been discussing with others.

The druid looks over the document given them by the druid. "We may be able to use this should we need to try to scry upon him," Murphy says. He quickly reads it and looks it over to absorb the contents.

He walks over to where their recent near-combatants were standing. He takes out a few bags. He checks to see whether any of them may have dropped any of their possessions, and examines footprints. He picks up dust that their feet touched - in particular where Aimon stood, and where the clearly murderous team member stood, though he does alike for the others. Perhaps a bit of spell components or pouch - whatever he might find which may be useful for future scrying attempts.

"Jarry, we really do prefer to avoid killing, but will do so if necessary. We often give our opponents more than one opportunity to consider alternatives to continue to beat on one another."

He checks on the welfare of the two groups. To the beastfolk he says, "I have a thought. Should we manage to recover the alloy that you stole in several sessions, would you be open to accompanying us as we return it to the dwarfs? Your two leaders died on the mountain pass. Your making at least partially right the wrong you did may go a long way toward softening stubborn hearts, and showing true signs of repentance - of which restitution is an important ingredient. Talk it over, think it over. If you do not wish to accompany us to meet your former employer, as Bliss indicated, this might be a good time to take our leave of each other, until we have finished what we can of the recovery effort. We could arrange to meet you at a set time and place perhaps in a day or two. And, if you will work with us, and do what can be done to resolve the issue with the dwarfs, you may have a professional pathway to take as travelling security consultants. It can pay well from time to time." He pauses. "If you do wish to join us as we pursue the buyer of metals, tell us now."

And to the orcs. "Do you wish to come with us? It is not required, but that option is open to you."

Murphy is not particularly upset with Tali. She typically avoids getting too riled up, but can see how this last group managed to raise her ire.

"Well played, friends. We escaped without having to harm anyone, or having ourselves or our companions injured."

Entering into the discussion on options, the gap-toothed druid says, "Teleport, scout. Plant an oak tree if necessary. Scrying has proven less than auspicious so far. The target has protections up."

==============
Perception: 50
Survival: 34

DM Mitch
Tuesday July 6th, 2021 8:09:06 AM
Pressi reminds Jarry that is what Murphy said to them and then glares at Tali about how it is easier to act than observe sometimes. She asks if anyone can guide them to the trading post and then cave.

CatBliss suggests blipping in directly and seeing what happens

Tali agrees with the buff and blip strategy after explaining Aimon got under her skin.

Murphy had so many things he wanted to talk to Aimon about but it looks like he won�t get the chance. He decides to search for scryable items and talks to the beastfolk and orcs. He suggests they teleport in and scout.

Murphy leads a search the area for belongings they might have left behind. It�s quickly discovered that they were camped at the top of the hill. No wonder they acted as they did, an armed group of almost 20 people were about to walk right into their camp with presumed hostile intentions. There isn�t much left behind, a few simple tents, the ashes of a fire and some discarded food remains. It doesn�t look like anything useful for scrying.

The beastfolk admit Pressi�s point. �Yeah but seeing is believing, and now we�ve seen it and get to feel extra stupid.� They also immediately shoot down Murphy�s suggestion. �No way, we�re wanted in dwarven lands. We show our faces there and a fight is going to start regardless of our good intentions. We�d be far better off starting over in a new land where no one knows us. A clean slate we can start honest lives with.�

The orcs, in turn, seem to realize how out of their depths they are. They decide to make camp and await the parties return rather than risk all dying to a stray fireball or something.

The teleport discussion is disrupted by a problem; they don�t have a good enough description. They got to the camp because the beastfolk had been there and gave a detailed description, but a crude, if clear, map and mention of some neat looking rocks just isn�t enough to aim a teleport spell. Aimon could provide the needed details but he�s gone and chasing him would probably end in violence considering how things ended.

One of the beastfolk, looking at the map, notes that he�s been to Troll trading outpost. Recently enough you could probably teleport there at least.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday July 6th, 2021 9:47:55 AM
Succotash asks, Are we going to head to Troll than? Maybe someone can give us directions to the cave with theses "bleeding rocks"? I'm happy that things went down without bloodshed, but dang, any more encounters like that, and my coin purse is going to be empty!"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Tuesday July 6th, 2021 10:16:41 AM
Hobie continues to hover, and has a quite angry face

"That gold should have gone to the orcs, you guys should be ashamed of yourselves for paying off the thieves instead of their victims."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Tuesday July 6th, 2021 1:42:21 PM
"I'm with Hobie on this one," says Kezzem. "Those elves were real jerkfaces!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday July 6th, 2021 10:05:42 PM
Pressi shrugged at Hobie. �We made a call, we got the information, we didn�t have to fight yet another group of bandits because if we fight everyone in the area that deserves it, we�ll be here all year.�

She turns back to the beast folk. �Sounds like the trading post is our next stop. Anything you can tell us about the people or services there.�

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday July 6th, 2021 10:10:49 PM

"You guys want we should give something to the orcs? I'm out of coin, but be my guest."

"Blip to Troll and hoof it from there? A fine plan."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=26 ; d20+26=46 ;
Tuesday July 6th, 2021 11:14:43 PM
Amends...

Diplomatically, Tali offers to give the beast folks:

-- 5,000 Gold coins, and
-- (2) Wands of Cure Moderate wounds valued at 4500 Gold Pieces each

for a total of 14,000 Gold Pieces, it's the best she can do on short notice & if her companions agree.

"What say, you Mister Murphy? Friends? Your Thoughts on the matter?" asks Tali to her friends. "I can throw in a free full bottle of wine and a sack to carry it all in!" says Tali.

Skills Check

Fly:26
Diplomacy: 46 {NAT 20}

Spells in Effect

Message |Duration 170 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1070 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1070 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells

Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x
Silent Still Summon Monster VII | 1X {@ slot 9}

DM Mitch
Wednesday July 7th, 2021 8:01:03 AM
Succotash asks if the party is going to head to Troll to see if they can direction to the cave with bleeding rocks. He says he�s happy things went down without bloodshed but if they keep this up his coin purse will end up empty.

Hobie is angry the money went to the thieves instead of the orcs.
Kezzem agrees with Hobie
Pressi explains that they�d be there all year if they fought every single bandit group they came across. She then asks the lizard folk about the people or services offered at Troll.

Catbliss is okay with giving something to the Orcs but he�s out of money. He likes plan blip to Troll and then hoof it.

Tali offers to give the beast folk 2 wands of moderate wounds, 5000 gold coins, a bottle of wine and a sack to carry it in.

Dura asks Murphy, �Are you sure you guys are heroes? You seem to be giving away a lot of gold to thieves?�

Jarry says to Pressi, �Well you know Troll is a trading outpost. It has provisions you�d need for roughing it, being on the border of the culverwood and maybe information depending on what you want to know and if anything worth noting happened in the vicinity.�

Vron says, �Well now it looks like we might be getting somewhat of a payday after all courtesy of miss Tali.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday July 7th, 2021 10:53:45 AM
To Hobie, Succotash says, "We will get the orcs their ore back, and maybe a little something else, from the ore collectors, when we find them, I have no doubt about that, and while I know those druids didn't deserve a pay-off, since when are we a bunch of murder hobos? We have always done our best to avoid bloodshed, whenever possible, and though I would have rather things gone differently, 16,000 gold is a small price to pay to keep Valerie from disemboweling someone."

To the rest of the party, Succotash says, "If Miss Tali is ready, her and I can get everyone, who is going, to Troll." Than assuming Tali is ready, Succotash will cast greater teleport, due to his unfamiliarity with the place, and take half the group to Troll.

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday July 7th, 2021 12:59:12 PM

Bliss thanks Tali. "We'll make sure everybody is whole the next time we split up loot."

He changes to a cat and is ready to blip.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday July 7th, 2021 2:27:53 PM
Pressi nods. "Ok, might be a good place to get some recon. We might even get lucky, if our buyer chooses to go through the same trading post."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=28 ; d20+26=30 ;
Thursday July 8th, 2021 2:57:58 AM
Resolving Differences...

Tali places the 5,000 gold coins into one sack and then the two (2) wands of moderate wounds, and a bottle of wine into another sack and gives both sacks to the beast folk.

Turning to Mister Murphy, says, "Whose is coming with me?" as she prepares to cast Greater Teleport she makes sure she gets at least a reliable description of the place to which she will be teleporting from everyone involved including the Beast Folk of the "Troll". Tali knows it is in the Far East of Culverwoods and learns it is roughly half way between Trader's corner and Edenmoor. Pointing at Mister Murphy, Tali uses the Message spell to say, "Mister Murphy, I can take up to five (5) other people!" Since she has to be within touch range of the others, she only hovers a few inches off the ground as she gets ready to finish the Greater Teleport spell.

Skills Check
Fly: 28
Diplomacy: 30

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 169 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1069 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1069 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells
Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x
Silent Still Summon Monster VII | 1X {@ slot 9}
Greater Teleport | 1x

Getting Blood...er...Rare Metallic Salts From Stone

Scene 2 - Defending the Valley

Scene 3 - The Invasion

It Took a Village

The Peddler

The Red Hills

What Happened in Thaelhaven?

Tracking

The Menagerie

Now What?

Adventure Land

A Passage to Cthonia

It's a Jungle Out There

Sskthk

Cat Homes

The Temple

Mooning About

Palace of the Moon

The Lake

Interlopers

Farewells

Lost Souls

Diara's Lament

Ruin

Mind Games

The Survivor

The Endless Battle

Wraiths

Rest

The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

The Sages

Down, Down, Down

Monsters of the Deep

Rivals

Pursuit

Battle of the Shallows

Wrapping Up

The Amazing Chase

Sometimes the Scab picks you

The Red Hills Are Alive With The Sound of Iron Thievery

Getting Blood...er...Rare Metallic Salts From Stone

DM Mitch
Thursday July 8th, 2021 7:51:03 AM
Succotash explains to Hobie that they will get the orcs their ore back and a little extra from the mastermind behind the heists and then remarks that 16000 gold is a small price to pay to prevent a dinosaur disembowelment from Valerie. He then volunteers to teleport half the party to Troll

CatBliss says they�ll make sure everyone is whole the next time they split up loot and then changes into cat form.
Pressi remarks that Troll is probably a good place to do some recon and they might even get lucky if the buyer decided to go to the same outpost.
Tali hands over the money and uses teleport to assist with getting everyone to their destination.

The beastfolk are very grateful for the unexpected windfall. �This�ll make turning over a new leaf much easier. We�ll make sure to do good with it.�
The party assembles into its two groups and teleports to the small trading outpost of Troll on the border of the culverwood.
The outpost has high wooden walls and the gate is manned by a guard who asks, �Who goes there and what business do you have in Troll?�

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Thursday July 8th, 2021 9:10:20 AM

Bliss winds around Mookie's legs, and the crow speaks out brazenly, resplendent in his usual crisp white vest and a little white top hat.

"Yes, yes, my good fellow. We are powerful adventurers and heroes from Humbles Ford, come to your settlement here as part of our current quest. Our business is as it always is, to protect the weak, stand up to evil, and serve the Wold as needed."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+26=40 ;
Thursday July 8th, 2021 10:01:41 AM
Succotash stifles a laugh at the image of a raven, as the spokesman, before adding, "It is as our spokes-bird has said, we are the adventurers known as Humble's Sword, perhaps you've heard of us? We did slay a dragon at the battle of the Sargrass Plains and apparently, with the retirement of the Sea Dragons, and the Keepers of the Vale, we are now the premier adventuring group of the Wold. Well anyway, as our bird friend has said, we are on a quest that has lead us to this fine settlement/trading post. If you would be so kind as to allow us entrance to this lovely place, we would be most grateful. Also if you happen to know the whereabouts of a cave that supposedly has rocks that appear to be bleeding, that would be appreciated as well." (Diplomacy 40)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday July 8th, 2021 3:11:38 PM

"I know that it's a lot to ask for that a large group of halflings be subtle when approaching a new town, but... can we at least pretend that we'll make an attempt to be subtle? How about the next town, just this once?"

As others begin to view the area, Pressi took a look around.

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Thursday July 8th, 2021 3:42:07 PM
"Wait, we're the premier adventuring group now?" asks Kezzem. "Wow, the Wold is really up the creek then."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=37 ; d20+26=31 ; d20+9=25 ; d20+14=21 ;
Thursday July 8th, 2021 10:34:59 PM
We're off to see the Troll...

Tali resume her 3 foot hover [Skill check | Fly: 37] above the ground and shakes off any dust from her travels. Hovering over to the guard, Tali bats her eyelids at the guard and diplomatically says, "do you have provisions for sale here in Troll? Perhaps you also have an inn nearby so my friends and I can rest our weary bones?" [Skill check | Diplomacy check: 31] Tali tries to determine the motives of the guard. [Skill check | Sense Motive: 25]

Tali, given the opportunity, will try to perceive what she can of Troll [Skill check | Perception: 21] specifically, anything out of the ordinary.

Skills Check
Fly: 37
Diplomacy: 31

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 168 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1068 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1068 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells
Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x
Silent Still Summon Monster VII | 1X {@ slot 9}
Greater Teleport | 1x

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Friday July 9th, 2021 1:28:40 AM
along with Tali, Hobie also hovers about 3 feet above the ground, keeping himself at eye level with whatever people they are meeting in Troll.

He keeps his eyes peeled for any Fletcher shops or any Scroll shops.

DM Mitch
Friday July 9th, 2021 8:34:23 AM
CatBliss winds himself around his spirit companion�s legs as Mookie introduces the party

Succotash elaborates on the introduction that Mookie made sharing some tales of their exploits asking further about the cave that appears to have bleeding stones.

Pressi asks if it was too much to ask for the team to try subtlety for once before inquiring if they can try that next time.

Kezzem observes that if Humble�s sword is the premier adventuring group then the wold is up a creek.

Tali bats her eyelashes at the guard and asks after provisions and lodging

Hobie is interested in fletcher or scroll shops.

The guard triggers the gate mechanism and you are able to enter Troll. He says, �Yes well it isn�t everyday you get such illustrious guests as yourselves. I just hope you aren�t put off by what a small trading outpost we are. You have a few choices with wear you can buy provisions but we have one small inn and a bar and that is pretty much it. You know it�s been an interesting week between yourselves and that other eccentric who game through not too long ago.�

Tali is able to see that Troll is as the guard describes. There is a small inn, a place that seems to be a bar, a warehouse, a small store and a stand of sorts as far as structures go.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=40 ; d20+26=37 ;
Friday July 9th, 2021 8:37:15 PM
That other eccentric...

Tali's, still hovering her accustomed 3 feet above the ground [Skill check | Fly: 40] ears perks up when she hears the guard mention "that other eccentric". Spinning around to face the guard once again, Tali bats her eyelids at the guard and diplomatically says, "What can you tell us about "that other eccentric" that came through here through not too long ago? Could you describe him/ her? Enough so my colleagues can draw a picture from your description? [Skill check | Diplomacy check: 37] Tali tries to persuade the guard to reveal as much as he can about that other eccentric. What do you remember about the eccentric? Was he friendly? Kind? Generous? Did he talk a lot or stay to himself? We don't see many eccentrics these days, and you have just piqued my curiosity. I wanna know all about a kindred spirit!" says Tali in her most charming manner.

Pointing to Murphy, then to each of her companions in turns as if pointing something out... Tali uses her Message spell to convey, " I think the guard just dropped the bomb about our quarry. He said that other Eccentric that came through not too long ago." Perhaps we can ask around and find others that can tell us more about this "Eccentric" person.

Skills Check
Fly: 40
Diplomacy: 37

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 167 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1067 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1067 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells
Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x
Silent Still Summon Monster VII | 1X {@ slot 9}
Greater Teleport | 1x

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+14=26 ;
Saturday July 10th, 2021 8:22:28 AM

Mookie stays with the party, but Bliss in cat form wanders the town, spying and listening and smelling.

Diplomacy check to gather info, especially about this "bleeding rocks cave" ... 26.

Bliss relays any news back to Mookie telepathically so the bird can share.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Saturday July 10th, 2021 10:27:12 PM
Pressi shrugged at Hobie. �We made a call, we got the information, we didn�t have to fight yet another group of bandits because if we fight everyone in the area that deserves it, we�ll be here all year.�

She turns back to the beast folk. �Sounds like the trading post is our next stop. Anything you can tell us about the people or services there.�

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Monday July 12th, 2021 12:28:55 AM
"I think we need to have words with this 'other eccentric' person," says Kezzem. "Maybe even should sue him for trademark infringement."

DM Mitch
Monday July 12th, 2021 8:39:22 AM
Tali inquires more about the other eccentric diplomatically while suggesting to the others that that might be who they are looking for.

CatBliss wonders around the settlement in cat form, spying and listening and smelling.
Pressi appears to be caught in a loop.

Kezz�m suggests suing for trademark infringement.

The guard says to Tali, �Well the reason why I called him eccentric was he used magic to obscure his identity, but his coin was as good as anyone else�s.�

Bliss hears some about the eccentric person that came through obscured by magic and how he bought spelunking gear then disappeared into the Culverwood. He hasn�t been seen since.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+26=43 ;
Monday July 12th, 2021 9:39:07 AM
Why would someone hide there identity, unless they were up to no good." Succotash asks the guard rhetorically, then before the guard can answer, he walks away, heading into the settlement. He looks around for the local inn, and when he finds it, he goes in and after ordering a pint, of the establishments best ale, he asks the bar keep, "Hello good sir, I'm on a bit of an errand, or quest if you will, and I've heard there is a cave near here that has rocks that look like they are bleeding. Such a sight is not to be missed, or so I've been told, and I was wondering if you could direct me to the place?" (diplomacy 43)

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Monday July 12th, 2021 8:51:43 PM

CatBliss rejoins the party after communicating his findings via Mookie.

"The Kid says, maybe we can follow this fellow either by scent and tracking or by divination."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=31 ; d20+26=33 ;
Monday July 12th, 2021 8:58:04 PM
Oh a spelunking we will go...

After learning all she can from the guard, Tali hovers over to the general store in order to get an idea of what kind of equipment the "other Eccentric" purchased before he/she/it disappeared into The Culver-woods. Diplomatically, Tali asks the store clerk about the other Eccentric person that came to town, and purchase rock climbing gear on a search for self-discovery. She also asks about the "Bleeding Rocks if they ever heard of such a thing perhaps in a cave or something like that.

Skills Check

Fly: 31

Diplomacy: 33

Spells in Effect

Message |Duration 166 minutes

Overland Flight |Duration 1066 minutes

Mage Armor |Duration 1066 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells

Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}

Mage Armor | 1x

Overland Flight | 1x

Message | 1x

Silent Still Summon Monster VII | 1X {@ slot 9}

Greater Teleport | 1x

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday July 12th, 2021 9:51:37 PM
Pressi kind of agrees with Succotash, but figures as the team identity obscurer she might want to keep quiet on that. Bliss obscured his identity and let it go without comment so she figured she'd do the same.

She figured that Murphy will cover supplies and that the others seem to be covering the new follower. She wonders why their quarry would do this part themselves rather than by mercenaries. But for now, she focuses on getting an idea of what kinds of things someone could mine or dive for out there.

She also takes some time to detect magic through the camps.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Tuesday July 13th, 2021 3:32:13 AM

Murphy helps with the shopping.

DM Mitch
Tuesday July 13th, 2021 8:22:51 AM
Succotash rhetorically asks why someone would hide their identity unless they are up to no good before going to the bar and asking more about the cave with rocks that look like they are bleeding.

Catbliss rejoins the party after communicating his findings with Mookie and Mookie suggests they use scent or divination to track their query.

Tali purchases rock climbing gear and makes inquires into the other eccentric and the bleeding rocks while she is at it.

Pressi defers to the other on gathering supplies and information. She tries to figure out what kind of things someone could gather from the cave and casts detect magic as she wonders around.

Murphy helps with the shopping.

The barkeeper says to Succotash, �Well there is a cave nearby, but this outpost is on the border of the Culverwood and it might not necessarily always be in the same location, as the Culverwood can play tricks on the unwary. I�d give it a pass unless I had a really good reason to go that way as the Culverwood can be dangerous.�

The merchant says to Tali, �The eccentric bought mundane ways to make light, rope, climbing gear, several flasks, a portable alchemical lab, trail rations and water skins and they was muttering something about having to do something themselves if they wanted it right whatever that means.�

Pressi learns the innkeeper has some magic items on him.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Tuesday July 13th, 2021 1:53:08 PM
Hobie will ask around about the most experienced arcane magic user in town, and if he can find that person he will ask some questions about the form of magical identity concealing.

"Were you able to distinguish what spell this eccentric was using to conceal him/herself? Was the magic coming from any sort of item they carried, like a hat of disguise? Or was it a spell they cast like Alter Self? Any information you could give would be quite helpful to us."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday July 13th, 2021 3:34:54 PM
"Thanks for the warning barkeep, but I grew up in Merrydale, and am well versed in the dangers of the Culverwood. I would normally give the forest a wide berth, but my friends and I were hired to track down some stolen merchandise, and it seems that the cave I mentioned is where they may be found. To be honest, I fear something most nefarious is at play, and am bent on ending it before bad things happen."

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday July 13th, 2021 8:00:10 PM

When the group is ready, Mookie and Bliss will lead the way, Mookie from above trying to see things from the air, and Bliss in cat form sniffing and tracking from the ground.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday July 13th, 2021 9:51:46 PM

"That's fantastic. And there's no way for someone to hit a particular cave out there? No map, no pattern, no divination spell. Nobody going out there before in search of anything worthwhile? Not even a legend of some treasure that was buried long ago by a ghost pirate?"

Pressi was silent for a moment. "Ok, that would happen if we entered the ground. Has anyone ever tried flying over around here?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=24 ; d20+26=33 ;
Tuesday July 13th, 2021 11:51:28 PM
Oh a spelunking we will go...

Tali points in the direction of each of her teammates and shares what she has learned using the Message spell with each. She goes over what the merchant said: �The eccentric bought mundane ways to make light, rope, climbing gear, several flasks, a portable alchemical lab, trail rations and water skins and they was muttering something about having to do something themselves if they wanted it right whatever that means.�

Tali continues with, "I get the feeling that something didn't go as planned. That if we can close distance between us and he/she/it, we may be able to bring this entire affair to a close. Anyone find out anything else? Are we staying the night?"

Skills Check
Fly: 24
Diplomacy: 33

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 165 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1065 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1065 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells
Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x
Silent Still Summon Monster VII | 1X {@ slot 9}
Greater Teleport | 1x

DM Mitch
Wednesday July 14th, 2021 8:27:26 AM
Hobie ironically finds that the innkeep is probably the most knowledgeable person about magic in the small outpost. He used to be an adventurer like you guys until he took an arrow to the knee apparently. That is why he still has those magic items.
Succotash thanks the barkeep for the warning, but then goes into their reason for going into the Culverwood.
Catbliss and Mookie volunteer to lead the way whenever the group is ready.
Pressi inquires further about the cave and approaching it from the air.
Tali shares the information she learned with the rest of the team and asks if the team wants to set out tomorrow morning instead.

The innkeep tells Hobie, �Well it was an illusion of some kind and a darn good one. Like he wanted people to know he was a skilled arcanist, I think it was a way of discouraging people from trying to find too much out about him. Like he wreathed himself in a sort of magical flame with a visage that alternated between alien and horrifying depending on his reaction. He didn�t like the way the supply stand treated him and so it turned into this horrifyingly twisted demonic face and gave the stand owner quite a fright.�

The barkeep says to Succotash, �Suit yourself. I just know there are strange plants and animals out there.�

The barkeep says to Pressi, �Odd things happen in the Culverwood. We don�t tend to get many magic users out this way but the canopy of the culverwood is fairly thick so I don�t know if one could find the cave from the air or not. Supposedly it is a marvel of nature with red mineral deposits seeping from the stone as if the stone bleeds. Of course it isn�t a magical bleeding stone but some kind of metallic salt mixing with water and running off through the stones. An alchemist came through here once to see it. He made it out there the first time. He went out there a second time and no one has seen him since. That is why I dissuade people from seeking the cave, but people can ultimately do what they want I suppose.�

It is getting rather late in the day.
Meanwhile while you were doing your investigation, �Your lizardfolk �guides� were talking to the gatekeeper.

They come back to you and say, �Can we stay here? We spoke to the guard and he says they could use folks with combat experience to guard this place what with that magic guy and you folks coming through here things could be changing. The innkeep also says he�d have someone to talk to and trade stories with.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday July 14th, 2021 10:56:54 AM
"Of course you can stay here, if that is you desire, you're free people after all. I'm glad you guys have found a place to make a new start, a place where you can use your skills for the good of others." Turning to the Swords, Succotash asks, "It's getting late, do we want to spend the night here, and head out in search of the cave in the morning?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday July 14th, 2021 2:57:59 PM
Pressi wants instead to press on. "Our alchemist friend already has too much of a head start on us. I think we need to continue ourselves. We'll just have to find a way to be smarter about it."

When the group is ready, Pressi suggests tracking first, then "Find the Path."

The Kezz'm (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Wednesday July 14th, 2021 7:51:33 PM
"Pressi, when have you ever known us to go about it smarter?" asks Kezzem.

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday July 14th, 2021 8:22:08 PM

Bliss has no problem with folks settling here. He telepathically tells Mookie to wish them well.

"The Kid says it makes no nevermind to him. Have a nice life," the big raven caws.

Bliss is eager to get going, even if it is late afternoon.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+26=32 ; d20+21=24 ;
Thursday July 15th, 2021 12:14:46 AM
Oh a spelunking we will go in the Culverwoods!

Tali wonders about prepping for the next leg of their journey. Diplomatically, Tali is trying to convince the group, especially Pressi & CatBliss, "that having a chance to recoup lost spells / spell slots might be a better way to go, especially when treading into the Culverwoods. Would really suck is we were ambushed with our pants down!", exclaims Tali!

Skills Check
Fly: 24
Diplomacy: 32

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 164 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1064 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1064 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells
Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x
Silent Still Summon Monster VII | 1X {@ slot 9}
Greater Teleport | 1x

DM Mitch
Thursday July 15th, 2021 7:21:45 AM
Succotash tells the lizard folk they can stay and wishes them well. He also asks if they want to spend the night and set out in the morning.
Pressi argues they should press on but be smart about it because the person they are after has a headstart on them already.
Kezz�em asks when has she known them to be be smarter about things.
Bliss is eager to get going and has Mookie wish the lizard folk well.

Tali tries to convince Pressi and CatBliss to wait till the morning to head out so they can have a chance to recover spells and not get potentially ambushed in the Culverwood.

Jarry clears his throat and says, �Um, just one more thing. When you guys bested us you did take our weapons. I mean we could probably get new ones but I don�t suppose we could have them back?�

The innkeep overhears the debate about staying and chimes in, �We don�t really get that many people usually. You seem like a good lot. How about this. You can stay here overnight, on the house, in exchange for a story about your adventures?�

It seems like Succotash and Tali have voted to stay the night and Pressi and CatBliss would like to press on. How do Murphy, Hobie and Kezz�m feel?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday July 15th, 2021 10:15:28 AM
"Hey guys, Jarry has a point, they are going to need their gear if they are going to help defend this community. I have no problem returning it to them, they have proven themselves to be reformed, and have even taken up a noble cause, shall we return their stuff? By the way, even though I would prefer to head out in the morning, I'm willing to leave now. However, you all should know though, that the Culverwood can be a treacherous journey during the day, at night, well lets just say we should keep our guard up. Remember, I grew up on the edge of the Culverwood, over in Merrydale, so I know of what I speak."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Thursday July 15th, 2021 10:26:30 AM
"I'm good to go now," says Kezzem.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Thursday July 15th, 2021 12:02:12 PM
"I'd definitely prefer waiting one more night, so I can get prepared for the morning. I definitely want to prepare True Seeing now that we know we are dealing with an illusionist."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday July 15th, 2021 4:33:44 PM
Pressi turned to Murphy. �Ok, looks like you�re the tiebreaker.�

(I�m assuming we recharged from after some confrontation or other, and there haven�t been a lot of spellcasts recently. But I�ll update the headers if there was a number of casts.)

If Pressi loses, I�ll list later some of the divinations she begins before they rest for the night.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Thursday July 15th, 2021 7:04:36 PM
"No, Succotash. Absolutely not," Murphy states. "They have not agreed to meet with the dwarfs from whom they stole, some of whom they killed. And they repeated their robberies four times after their first attack. We do NOT return their gear to them unless they agree to meet with them to effect some sort of restitution, and AFTER such a meeting, then I'll consider returning a portion of it. I'd be fine with setting aside a few hundred gold to allow them to obtain mundane gear, IF they agree to the terms I set. Honestly, Succotash, mercy is lovely, and we have shown them such. But Justice - and a portion of mercy - require that they do what they can to set things aright with those they have attacked and wronged. What you're advocating is license, and you are missing the redemptive nature of restitution."

Regarding going now or in the morning, Murphy says, "Though I am ready to go, for I see the benefit of haste, our paladin and arcane archer make good points. So, how about this? I was born in the Culverwood, and have lived there for a time. Would anyone want to accompany me to scout things out before the sun sets? We then could return, and share bits of our stories with these good folk. Maybe have some music, eh?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+26=40 ; d20+21=26 ;
Thursday July 15th, 2021 9:52:15 PM
Into the Culverwoods!

Tali agrees with Mister Murphy's suggestion as she herself has expended at least 7 spells and hasn't rested within the last 24 hours she explains to her companions diplomatically.

Tali adjusts her hover to just about 6 inches off the ground.

Skills Check
Fly: 26
Diplomacy: 40

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 163 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1063 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1063 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells
Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x
Silent Still Summon Monster VII | 1X {@ slot 9}
Greater Teleport | 1x

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Thursday July 15th, 2021 11:45:44 PM

Bliss changes into a halfling for dinner and camping. He concedes the point and agrees with druidic wisdom. "Okay, Mister Murphy. We give these guys a few hundred gold so they can buy decent nonmagical weapons. That's the price they pay for stealing. And we can wait the night."

Mookie and Bliss take first watch.

DM Mitch
Friday July 16th, 2021 7:54:17 AM
Succotash argues that Jarry and company should have their gear if they are going to defend the settlement. He also notes a willingness to set out now despite preferring to spend the night first. He notes the Culverwood is a place to not get caught unwary.
Kezz�em remarks he�s good to move on now.
Hobie prefers waiting one more night so that he can have true seeing.
Pressi points out that Murphy is the tie breaker before turning her thoughts to what spells she�ll cast tonight if the consensus is to rest first.
Murphy argues with Succotash over the fact that the lizard folk have not met with the dwarves they wronged to make restitution. He stipulates that only then should they get their gear back. He is not opposed to giving them a few hundred gold for mundane gear should they agree to his terms. He suggests a compromise in the debate between pressing on and staying the night where he leads a scouting party into the culverwood to return before the sun sets and then they would set out in the morrow after some rest.
Tali agrees with Murphy�s plan as she really needs to recover spells before they continue.
Bliss goes halfling and concedes Murphy's point on the robberies.

Jarry says to Murphy, �We told you. The idea to rob and keep robbing originated with Shee and Shanks and they payed the ultimate price for their folly when they tangoed with you. Sure we went along with it but you didn�t know Shee and Shanks. They weren�t ones to take no for an answer. How come you lot just rained a bunch of gold on those other thieves? How do you know they didn�t kill anyone?�

A little later Murphy leads a scouting party into the Culverwood. The warnings from the village about the thickness of the canopy were no joke. Despite the fact that it is daytime the foliage is so thick that light reaching the forest is considerably dimmed.

Perception: 35 Highlight to display spoiler: {It has been a few days since your quarry has come this way. It will likely be hard to find the trail given the hardness of the forest floor, the time that has passed and the lighting situation inside the forest. Still though you think you can make out some broken branches and tramped underbrush indicative of someone moving in the direction of the cave per the accounts of the alchemist as told by the barkeep}

Perception 40 Highlight to display spoiler: {You�ve moved just about as far as you are going to before turning back to rest the night but you notice the ground ahead is unusually more thicketted than that of which you passed. You think you also see glimpses of strange colors higher up but you cannot say for certain in this low light. }

After everyone has returned from scouting the innkeep sets out a meal of beef stew with rustic bread and ale. He has a peach cobbler for dessert. While it is simple fair there is plenty of it, so much in fact that even the hungriest amongst you can have their fill.
After the meal is done he clears the table and beckons you to sit near the fire so he can hear tales told of your exploits from Humble�s Sword themselves. He says, �It�s not everyday one is visited by the Wold�s premier adventuring group�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+35=42 ;
Friday July 16th, 2021 10:39:53 AM
Perception 42

As one who grew up on the edge of the Culverwood, Succotash volunteers to go on Murphy's scouting mission. "It appears that someone came through here, though it was a while ago, wait something seems strange about this thicket, it seems denser than it's surroundings, and is that some unusual colors I see up there? Succotash casts detect magic on the unusual thicket, taking the time to determain the school of magic if any.
If it pings as magical, he makes a mental note and says to his cohorts, "Hey, this isn't a natural thicket, let's come back here in the morning and dispel it."
If it doesn't ping as magical, than he still makes a mental note that it seems unusual and should be investigated in the morning.

Back at the inn, Succotash shares the story of his first adventure with the Swords. "When I joined the Swords, the blood crystals had come, and the blood grasses where causing their havoc. I ran into the Swords as we were both working on figuring out how to deal with this threat, in the old Sargrass Plains, somewhere, while it was still in a different dimension. Well, we returned just in time for the battle of the Sargrass Plains, when the Sarr split into three people, and we fought a hard won battle. The climax of the fight was us fighting a Umber Dragon, a dragon that killed my friend Murphy here, as well as my animal friend, a pig named Miss Piggy, Thanks to the fast actions of Bliss and Pressi, who both used breath of life, Murph and Piggy were brought back without having to make a visit with Lord Gargul."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Friday July 16th, 2021 6:19:10 PM

Murphy listens to Jarry's complaint. "We don't know much about what the group led by the druid has done. But they chose not to fight us. You know I am not fully satisfied with that interaction, but it is done, and they did provide us useful information, and no one got killed."

Then he addresses the lizard folks' chief matter. "I agree with you that Shee and Shanks, as leaders, were most to blame, but those who follow and carry out evil orders do not lack culpability. Look, Jarry, and all, my purpose, though you may not fully understand this, is not punishment. But it is a huge step toward reform. I was raised this way. If I do something wrong to someone, I need to step up to what I did. To confess it. To ask forgiveness. And, one hopes, to effect a reconcilation. Our parents' policy lead to being able to getting along, for the most part, with siblings and neighbors, and to keeping accounts short.

"If you will come with us before the dwarfs whose things you stole, whom you harmed, I and my friends will stand to vouch for you. We can see you are open to change toward what is good. Your offer to help out here at Troll's Corner is evidence of that. You shall be under our protection. But I ask you to be brave enough to face those whom you wronged, and admit what you did to be wrong. Now, we are working on getting back what you had stolen and given to the one we seek. And thus to provide a measure of restitution on your behalf.

"'Restitution' means to restore something to its rightful owner. It means to make good or give an equivalent for an injury.

"If you will do this, I think, though I cannot promise, that the dwarfs will at first grumble at the notion of forgiving you. Repaying them all or at least a portion of what they lost will help quiet down the grumbling. But with some persuasion, some cajoling, I think many of them will find a place in their hearts to offer you forgiveness. Perhaps they will ask you for some sort of help, even - though that is iffy. Part of the agreement I hope to arrange is that they will not consider you enemies any longer, and you will not ever again make of them your victims. I want us to work together toward a true peace.

"If it was Shee or Shanks who killed the dwarf, or dwarfs, then the deaths of your leaders may be seen by the dwarfs as a type of justice.

"The point is this: You will not have to run from them the rest of your lives. We have seen enemies become friends. Some of those who started off by fighting us, attacking us, now are our friends, and some live with us.

"I am asking you to be brave, to show a different type of courage. The courage of facing the truth. The courage of humility. The courage of placing yourselves, to an extent, at the mercy of those you have wronged. I predict, if you show that courage, that good of it will come of it to you.

"Also, you do that, and the only gear we will keep, after you have met the dwarfs, is that belonging to your two dead leaders. The rest of your gear will be yours again, so long as my friends agree to this offer - and we will clear that question up as soon as they weigh in. Different members of our group lead in different ways, but we try to respect each other, and come to a workable consensus."

Murphy, having delivered this appeal, gives it a chance to sink in. "You do not have to give an answer now. Talk it over among yourselves. When we return, and we will return, give us your answer. And now, if you will, join with us tonight as we share stories with the folk of this outpost. In the morning, I will provide 500 gold pieces for you to equip yourselves. No, make that 600. One hundred gold each."

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+29=44 ; d20+29=41 ;
Saturday July 17th, 2021 10:52:06 AM

Bliss, scouting with Murphy, is glad that they seem to have found the right spot. He thinks Sir Succotash has the right idea.

And he thinks Murphy's offer is fine. "100 gold each is enough."

"Yeah," caws Mookie, "Be glad it's not zero. Be glad you're not dead."

"Hush, Mookie," says Bliss.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Saturday July 17th, 2021 12:53:53 PM
"Eh, dying not all that bad," says Kezzem. "I think all of here have done it at some point."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=38 ; d20+26=37 ;
Sunday July 18th, 2021 9:09:52 PM
Wait just a moment, please!

Tali, shocked to her core, rises to 7 feet above the ground, and looking onto all assembled says, diplomatically, "Er, wait just a moment friends...what happened to the 5,000 Gold coins, and (2) Wands of Cure Moderate wounds totaling 14,000 Gold Pieces, with a free full bottle of wine and a sack to carry it all in, where did all of that go that I gave you, the "beast Folks", not more than a day ago, before coming here?! Well?! The answer, please, before I summon dire creatures upon you! Almost yelling, Tali shouts, "Out with it!""

Skills Check
Fly: 38
Diplomacy: 37

Spells in Effect
Message |Duration 162 minutes
Overland Flight |Duration 1062 minutes
Mage Armor |Duration 1062 minutes | +4 to AC

Used Spells
Invisibility | 2x {1 @ slot 2, & 1 @ slot 4}
Mage Armor | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Message | 1x
Silent Still Summon Monster VII | 1X {@ slot 9}
Greater Teleport | 1x

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=47 ; d20+25=31 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+11=31 ;
Monday July 19th, 2021 12:29:03 AM

Scouting:
"Thanks, Succotash & Bliss, for joining me out here," Murphy whispers quietly as they follow the path. When they get to the thicker growth, the druid knows how to pass without trace even through the densest brush, but that is not a skill his two companions share. "Cast on me, if you will, a message spell. I promise not to go over far, but I can get us a closer look..."

If they are game for this notion, he first spits on the ground, and makes mud to cover his fair face, hood up over his sandy hair, and the druid's vestment over all else. He wends with care his way through the overgrowth until he can catch a clearer view of the colors above. Any insight gained regarding bleeding rocks? Keeping his promise, after gathering what visual and auditory information he might by a closer look, he returns with the same care back to his friends, letting them know what he has learned, and passes on the same information telepathically to Pressi. What he really wanted to do, was to assume an animal form that might allow him to take a closer look, but he has been chewed out so many times for taking what his friends thought risks too great, he restrains this impulse. Still, he feels a loss at not doing so.

Story Time at the Inn
Murphy asks if someone might have a lute he can borrow. He starts by humming a tune (Perform, singing 17), then begins by strumming and picking it out on the lute (Perform, lute 16). "Hobie, can you pick up this tune?" Surely Hobie will play it more skillfully than he (Perform, lute 16), but he can at least accurately get the right notes and pacing.

"Wolpertingers," he says as he strums and picks. "Wolpertingers. Who here has ever seen a Wolpertinger?" he asks those assembled. He withdraws from his haversack a leather folder, and pulls out a parchment from it, pausing from his lutework to do so. He displays two of his sketches of the legendary critters (I love the sketches here. Head like that of a hare with ears of suitable length; a pair of antlers; fangs; wings of a pheasant on the body of a squirrel.

"Succotash, Kezzem - we need a good beat on the drum.

"Behold, the dread Wolpertinger!" he says. "Tough, elusive, able to hide in thick brush, and fly to escape - or attack. Very soft fur, though." He moves the sketches around so all can see, then passes them out. "Take a look, then return them." He resumes playing the lute.

"There was to be a wedding. The mayor of our town, at the age of 40, was finally going to settle down with a bride. Oh, and what a bride..."

He invites his friends to add to the story. He runs through the search for the critters, their strange beauty, their cleverness. But he weaves a story of the hunting of the wolpertinger from within the great forest... He weaves a story of humorous bickering among the hunting party, of stumbles, of woodland surprises, of noble gestures, clever tactics, then getting a glimpse of the elusive prey. He tells the story of the Hunting of the Snipe. I mean, Wolpertinger. Of the snarling creatures, nasty during the day, sweet in their sleep, the wedding party, the pranks and joviality - and the kindness and forebearance of those who want to keep an old tradition, but also think of preserving so rare and odd a creature. [Oratory 31 -nat20]

And he enjoys listening to the other stories his friends may tell, and adds a quick embellishment or grace note from time to time to their tales.

Backstep to Tali's reaction to the Lizardfolk's complaint (well, Jarry's)
Murphy smiles at his good friend's outburst. Keeping his smile, he follow's Tali's outburst by saying to the semi-repentent robbers, "Yes. Out with it!"

===========
Perception: 47
Survival: 31
Perform, singing: 17
Perform, instrument: 16
Perform, oratory: 31 (nat 20)
===========
Yes, this post exceeds the ~20-line limit... 23 lines if the headers and rolls are excluded.

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Monday July 19th, 2021 10:00:45 AM

Bliss is confused. What did we give to which group?

Mookie, sensing telepathically the disorder in his master's mind, sighs. The halfling-size crow shakes his head quickly back and forth, as if to clear it. "Come on! 'Humble Swords'?! It's true that you're not the sharpest tools in the shed, but at level 18 you should be more on the ball!"

"We're really only supposed to be level 17," Bliss mutters.

Mookie hits the halfling in the head with a wing buffet.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+7=26 ;
Monday July 19th, 2021 10:05:28 AM
At Murphy's request, Succotash pulls Bonham, his masterwork Djembe out of his handy haversack and begins playing. He keeps a solid beat for his friend's oratory performance (performance percussion 26), and even manages to pull of a few nice fills.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday July 19th, 2021 3:55:11 PM
(My apologies, I'm just back from my trip and my wife's birthday is in a week, so I'm not keeping track of any of these bribes or spells or anything.)

Pressi stays back to rest. But not before she casts a divination asking whether there are ways to track a cave through the culverwood.

DM Mitch d20=16 ;
Monday July 19th, 2021 6:45:31 PM
Succotash explores Culverwood with Murphy. He finds evidence that someone came through at some point and then notices the thicket with unusual colors in it, but it is not magical so he makes a note to check it out. Later at the inn he tells the innkeep about the time he first joined Humble�s Sword during the Sarrgrass incursion.
Murphy makes an impassioned speech to the Lizardfolk about making true restitution and asks them to think it over. He then allocates 600 gold in the short term for the lizard folk to equip themselves while they help Troll.
CatBliss is in agreement with Succotash and Murphy. Mookie tells the lizardfolk to be glad the gold isn�t zero and they aren�t dead while Bliss tells him to hush.

Kezzem opines that dying isn�t that bad as they�ve all done it at some point.
Tali asks the beast folks where the gold, wine, sack and wands she gave them a few days ago went.
Murphy decides to do a little scouting off the path, then provides some entertainment to the people at the Inn.
Bliss is confused and has lost track of what has been given to which group
Succotash joins in on the performance
Pressi casts a quick divination wondering about caves and things.

Murphy takes a closer look at the colorful things they spotted. They just look like plants, very thickly grown, he�d be struggling through difficult terrain if he wasn�t a druid. Lots of vines and voilage. They�re actually very pretty.

Jarry tells Tali, �We still have it and we appreciate it but we kind of wanted our weapons and armor. We�ve grown accustomed to our gear. We are limited to whatever this outpost has and given its remote nature the resources that we have probably won�t be able to fund exact replacements and even then I�m not sure about how well they will fit us. This place looks like a settlement for big folks not small folks like us. How about this. Murphy keeps his 600 gold and we use what Tali gave us to equip ourselves temporarily as we can. We will talk amongst ourselves about your other offer and give you an answer later.�

The Innkeep says to Succotash, �That�s a fine story lad. I was already retired when Sarr rose up so I didn�t have to beat it back myself but I mean it isn�t every day all the heroes of the Wold rise up to fight an existential threat. That was certainly worth your room and board for this evening.�

Everyone seems to enjoy the groups performance. A few people call for an encore and offer the group coins (about 10g if you want to accept it).

The innkeeper shows you to your rooms. They aren�t that spacious but they were designed for medium folks so they are plenty spacious for halflings. In place of beds there are 4 hammocks strong up between large posts in each room.

He says, �I�m making muffins for breakfast tomorrow. What time were you planning to wake up to set off for the Culverwood and I�ll make sure to have plenty ready for you when you wake up and coffee.�

Pressi�s divination indicates that with the map and their survival skills there should be no trouble finding the cave.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday July 19th, 2021 7:55:04 PM
Pressi turned to Murphy. �Ok, looks like you�re the tiebreaker.�

(I�m assuming we recharged from after some confrontation or other, and there haven�t been a lot of spellcasts recently. But I�ll update the headers if there was a number of casts.)

If Pressi loses, I�ll list later some of the divinations she begins before they rest for the night.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=22 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+21=29 ;
Monday July 19th, 2021 10:19:41 PM
Meditation & Watching

As the Humble's break for early retirement so as to get a good start on the day, Tali calls "dibs" on the 2 AM watch, then heads off for 2 hours of meditation while hovering 3 inches (NAT 1) above the floor, but ends up on the floor anyway.

After the two (2) mediation is completed, she will cast her "after meditation" spells:

* Overland Flight,
* Mage Armor, &
* Message

After casting her standard "after meditation spells", she will cast Invisibility upon herself, don her Googles of the Night, and then exiting the inn itself, fly up to the roof of the inn, to watch silently for signs of trouble. If she perceivers' anything out of the ordinary for the area, she uses her Message Spell to warn the others by pointing in their general direction and telling them what is happening, even waking them, if she has to!

Skills Check
Fly: 22, 29
Perception: 28

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight |Duration 1080 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1080 minutes
Message |Duration 180 minutes

Used Spells
Invisibility | 1x
Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday July 20th, 2021 9:13:18 AM

The former prisoners make a reasonable suggestion and that's good enough for Bliss.

The halfling is content with staying the night, and even more content with the muffins. "My good fellow," he says, smiling, to the inkeeper, "add some bacon to that breakfast and we will leave deep in your debt."

In the morning, he is ready to go out into the Mighty Culverwood.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+35=38 ; d20+12=15 ;
Tuesday July 20th, 2021 11:02:04 AM
In the morning, Succotash spends a hour praying to the various gods of the Wold, and preparing his spells for the day. He eats his fill of the inns fine breakfast, than when his friends are ready to leave, he leads them back to the odd thicket. He casts Air Walk on Valerie and mounts up. He than rides to the top of the thicket to investigate the odd colors, making sure to not ride higher than the top of the thicket, so that the thicket conceals his location still. (Perception 38, Stealth 15)

Spells active:

Valerie -- Air Walk

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Tuesday July 20th, 2021 1:18:29 PM
At Murphey's request for drums, Kezzem starts beatboxing.

To Bliss, he says, "Bliss, no! I just finished patching up the fourth wall after the last time we broke it!"

"Did someone say muffins? Are they Heroes Muffins? Or blueberry? I hope they're blueberry."

Kezzem will cast Greater Magic Weapon on his two main daggers before heading out.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday July 20th, 2021 9:16:15 PM
Pressi, tired of these strange time loops, vows to throw her phone into a lake and check in only via computer.

Feeling better after her divinations, she (uncharacteristically for a halfling) wonders if she can skip the muffins and sleep in. However, the fact that they gave this person a head start means that she can't really afford a delay.

Morning brings the usual rituals (blood catch, ritual of warding, ritual of healing unless Bliss wants to share shield again, anyone casting for heroes feast?) and the usual prayers to her goddess (stay out of my way). (She may also do a contingency or spite, but I'll decide that in the morning.)

Harper grooms herself and prepares for battle.

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday July 20th, 2021 10:07:20 PM
Bliss was so enamored of muffins, he almost forgot!

"I guess it is Heroes' Second Breakfast today," he grins.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=24 ; d20+26=27 ; d20+14=28 ;
Tuesday July 20th, 2021 11:28:39 PM
Watching today

Still hovering invisibly over the Inn waiting for shift change...

Skills Check
Fly:24
Perception: 28

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight |Duration 1080 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1080 minutes
Message |Duration 180 minutes

Used Spells
Invisibility | 1x
Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x

{OOC: disregard the 2nd roll, got distracted}

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Tuesday July 20th, 2021 11:50:30 PM
Lizard Folk Conversation
"That is understandable, what you say about your gear," Murphy says with a small measure of sympathy. But he does not yield. "Let's see how you decide when we return. Have fun here!"

Inn wrap up
"Good innkeep, might I ask your name?" I think he already has gotten all of our names.

Of the orcs he asks, "Is there aught you'd ask of us before we go? As stated elsewhere, we intend to return, but one never knows quite how long a task will take. I don't know how safe it would be for you to join us. Likely not very." He waits to get their thoughts on the matter.

Murphy snuggles into one of the big hammocks with Pressi. In the morning he has room for muffins AND Heroes' Breakfast, both! He prays, and revamps his spell selection. [Will get to that tomorrow, am prepping for an interview in the morning.]

"There are these beautifully colored plants on the way to the cave - I think it's the way to the cave. Very thick. Even as a druid, it was a tough squeeze. We can try to plow through, but it might be easier to go up and over, or around if possible. Don't know which would be better."

He sees that Succotash thinks overflight is the way to go. And Tali is, as per usual, flying. "Anyone need Greater Magic Fang? I'm keeping one for myself, and have one to give to another."

DM Mitch d20=18 ; d10=7 ;
Wednesday July 21st, 2021 5:49:10 AM

Tali calls dibs on the 2am slot and then does her 2 hours of meditation while hovering 3 inches off the floor. She then casts her normal spells and goes to the roof with her goggles and prepares to send messages if she notices any threats.

CatBliss is fine with their former prisoner�s reasonable suggestion. He requests that the innkeep prepare bacon the next morning to go with the muffins.

Succotash spends an hour praying to the various gods of the Wold before casting air walk, mounting up and leading the way to the thicket.
Kezzem is his jocular self in the evening and in the morning he makes his 2 main daggers magicked.
Pressi wonders if she can skip the muffins and sleep in but their quarry has a long head start already so she makes with her normal bloodwitch ritual in the morning instead with CatBliss partaking where he normally does.
Murphy decides it best to make a decision after they return from their trip to the cave. He briefly forgets the orcs stayed behind already and did not come to Troll with you, specifically because it would be to dangerous for them to keep going along to these fights. The innkeeper is named Bob.

The night passes uneventfully for any of the ersatz watchfolk. The next morning fresh muffins and bacon are available as promised and like with the food the previous evening the innkeep provides you with all the muffins you could eat, even enough for second breakfast on the road if you want.

It isn�t that hard to follow the trail the scouts set out on the previous evening and you find yourself near the thicketted area Murphy investigated the previous the day.

As Succotash flies to the top of the thicket the colorful vines lash out in an attempt to grapple him.

Succotash is grappled by the colorful vine and he has to make a DC 25 will save or lose a 7th level spell.

Now that it�s light and you can get a better look at them - Knowledge[Nature or Arcana]: 28 - Highlight to display spoiler: { This natural hazard is known as mage drain vines. Colorful plants thirsty for magic with the ability to drain spells from casters or usages from magic items. Any spellcaster caught by a mage drain vine can purposely sacrifice 2 spell slots from the level being drained to overload the vine causing it to explode dealing 1d6 x spell level sacrificed in a 10 foot radius }

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+24=30 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+24=41 ; d20+24=40 ; d20+24=29 ; d20+24=33 ; d20+24=27 ; 2d6+14=25 ; 2d6+14=17 ; d8+14=18 ; d4+14=17 ; d4+14=17 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday July 21st, 2021 10:55:51 AM
Will Save 30 (pass)
Knowledge Nature 23 (fail)

Succotash gasps a bit, as he is grappled and yanked off of Valerie's back by the vines. "Careful guys, I'm not sure what this thing is, but I swear it just tried to steal some of my magical power" The cleric tries to break the grapple, but fails to do so (CMB 19).

Seeing her master and friend in trouble, Valerie quickly goes into attack mode, lashing out with a full round attack, against the plant creature.

Left Talon hits AC 41 for 25 damage + 2 shock and 6 frost
Right Talon hits AC 40 for 17 damage + 6 shock and 1 frost
Bite hits AC 29 for 18 damage + 3 shock and 5 frost
Left Claw hits AC 33 for 17 damage + 4 shock and 1 frost
Right Claw hits AC 27 for 17 damage + 3 shock and 2 frost

Spells active:

Valerie -- Air Walk

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Wednesday July 21st, 2021 1:51:36 PM
Kezzem will move next to Succotash and draw his daggers. He will Detect Evil on the creature (just in case).

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=22 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+27=33 ; d20+21=36 ;
Wednesday July 21st, 2021 11:23:31 PM
Flora & Fauna of Culerwood

As the morning rolls around, Tali drops her invisibility and removes her Googles, placing them into her front pocket, left side. As is customary for her statue, Tali hovers above the ground and takes up the rear position. Seeing the plant grip Succotash, Tali thinks back to what she recalls and making her knowledge check recalls:

This natural hazard is known as mage drain vines. Colorful plants are thirsty for magic with the ability to drain spells from casters or usages from magic items. Any spellcaster caught by a mage drain vine can purposely sacrifice 2 spell slots from the level being drained to overload the vine causing it to explode dealing 1d6 x spell level sacrificed in a 10-foot radius; which she then shares with all of her companions by way of her Message spell by pointing to each one of her companions and repeating what she remembers. She adds, we need to be on guard as this is not the normal woods...stuff here is delicate.

After explaining about the Mage Drain Vines, Tali will fly up to just out of range for the vines and hover in the last position.

Skills Check
Fly: 22 (NAT 1), 36
Perception: 31
Knowledge[ Arcana]: 33

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight |Duration 1079 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1079 minutes
Message |Duration 179 minutes

Used Spells
Invisibility | 1x
Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Thursday July 22nd, 2021 12:56:15 AM
Bliss asks Mookie to fly up high and see if he can see what's behind the overgrowth. The bird grumbles but takes to the air.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=52 ; d20+25=31 ;
Thursday July 22nd, 2021 3:01:08 AM

Murphy earlier, when he asked who else wanted greater magic fang before leaving the inn, went ahead and cast it upon himself. Another standard he casts when setting forth is longstrider.

As the colorful plant lashes out and grabs the cleric, the druid casts freedom of movement on himself, clicks his heels together as a free action to invoke haste. He is about to wildshape...

And he says, "Yes - Tali has the right of it. Succotash needs freedom of movement. I can get that to him shortly."
=============
Perception: 52
Knowledge, Nature: 31

Active Things
Heroes' Breakfast
Longstrider
Magic Fang, Greater (+4)
Freedom of Movement

DM Mitch d20=20 ; d20=14 ; d20=9 ; d10=3 ; d10=5 ;
Thursday July 22nd, 2021 6:58:19 AM
Succotash gets grappled by the magedrain vine and doesn�t lose any of his spell power though he isn�t quite sure what it is. Valerie meanwhile goes into full combat mode against the vine trying to free her master.
Kezzem draws his daggers and gets nearish to Succotash or rather as nearish to Succotash someone can be (about 10 - 15 feet away) seeing as Succotash was riding air walking Valerie when the vines grabbed him he is pretty much out of reach of anyone not currently flying. Kezzem also notices that the ground is difficult terrain so it is kind of awkward to get nearish wear Succotash is.
Tali is able to identify the colorful hazard and get out of its way while informing the rest of the party about it.
Bliss sends Mookie scouting.
Murphy suggests freedom of movement and prepares to go into the thicket after Succotash.

As Kezzem is trying to get nearer to Succotash in the thicket more vines snake out and attempt to ensnare the paladin. They attach firmly and start draining his magic, getting a level 3 slot unless he makes a DC 25 will save.

Even as Succotash is freed the vines move to try to grab him again. He fails to get out of their reach before being wrapped up once more. At first the vines seem to have no interest in the non-magical Valerie, but then several snake out and wrap around the magical belt she�s wearing and soon she�s all wrapped up as well. Succotash must make a DC 25 will save or lose a 5th level spell slot.

Mookie is able to get high enough to see past the thicket. There doesn't seem to be more hazards past here, but the canopy is so thick it's hard to tell. Mostly it's evident that, though this patch of magedrain vines is very thick, they can be gone over or the long way around if they can just get people out of the entanglement.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+24=32 ; d20+28=33 ; d20+28=38 ; d20+11=30 ; 15d6=61 ; d20+22=41 ; d20+24=36 ; d20+24=38 ; d20+24=42 ; d20+24=29 ; d20+24=28 ; 2d6+14=20 ; 2d6+14=19 ; d8+14=18 ; d8+14=20 ; d8+14=18 ; d4+14=15 ; d4+14=17 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ;
Thursday July 22nd, 2021 10:55:21 AM
Will save: 32 (pass)

Succotash tries to break free again (CMD 30), and once free he heroically attempts to cast Flame strike defensibly, making sure to only hit the magedrain vine. (Concentration check rolled 33 needed 25, please ignore second concentration roll, double clicked the mouse) The creature takes 61 damage (DC 25 reflex for 1/2 damage) (SR roll 41)

Meanwhile, Valerie ignores the fact that she is grappled and goes all chompy, slashy

Left Talon hits AC 36 for 20 damage + 6 shock and 4 frost
Right Talon hits AC 38 for 19 damage + 3 shock and 3 frost
Bite hits AC 42 for 18 damage + 4 shock and 2 frost
Left Claw hits AC 29 for 15 damage + 2 shock and 4 frost
Right Claw hits AC 28 for 17 damage + 4 shock and 6 frost

Spells active:

Valerie -- Air Walk

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+27=35 ;
Thursday July 22nd, 2021 8:48:43 PM
(OOC: sorry, looks like yesterday's posting got eaten.)

Pressi orders Harper to stand watch at a spot just outside of the vine's reach. To the others, she warns them that they might need to just get the rest away if they can't cut a path, but for now follow her lead and don't kill her.

Her body began to rattle, shake, twist. Her eyes began to spin. Her armor began to fall toward the ground.

Quick Cast: Surrender Blood for a quick boost to spell level 20.

"Hey, over here! You want to eat some magic?" she called to the vines, with what was left of her face. "Dinner is served!"

Pressi collapsed to the ground, a mass of clothes and equipment. For the moment, she was silent.

Standard Action: swarm skin (1 army ant swarm, 1 wasp swarm, 1 rat swarm. They move 30 ft, 40 ft and 15 feet, respectively, focusing at the vine's roots. They also distract the vines, DC 15.)

As Harper watched over the clothes, vermin began to spill out beyond the armor, running straight for the vines, a massive wave.

----------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing

L5: 1
L6: 1

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=23 ; d20+14=19 ; d20+27=36 ;
Thursday July 22nd, 2021 11:30:41 PM
Flora & Fauna of Culerwood; Part 2

Tali will continue to stay just out of range for the vines hovering in the rear guard position. Tali will use her Perception and her knowledge skills to try to identify any other hazards, relaying back to the team using her Message spell.

Skills Check
Fly: 23
Perception: 19
Knowledge[ Arcana]: 36

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight |Duration 1078 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1078 minutes
Message |Duration 178 minutes

Used Spells
Invisibility | 1x
Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells 10d6=31 ;
Friday July 23rd, 2021 5:35:32 AM
Sorry for the absence- Hobie will cast fireball on the fireball on a group of these vines, trying to keep Succotash out of his blast if possible

31 fire damage, Reflex DC 19 for half

DM Mitch d3=3 ; d10=6 ; d10=7 ; d20=16 ;
Friday July 23rd, 2021 7:29:50 AM
Succotash attempts to break free again and cast a spell but doesn�t beat the CMD of the vines (CMD 40) while Valerie goes all cuisinart and takes care of the one that
Pressi tells Harper to stay back and then uses swarm skin to become 3 separate swarms in an attempt to distract the vines. Some of the vines seem distracted by the bloodwitch�s attempt and try to ensnare the separate pieces that now make up the witch but swarms are immune to grappling so the vines can�t really get a good grip.
Tali continues to remain on overwatch being careful to stay out of reach of the vines
Hobie fireballs a section of the fines.

The area of effect spells meet mixed success. On the one hand they clear large swaths of the vines and forest. On the other hand they do nothing to the vines actually grappling people since no one wants to hit their friends. Mainly it opens a clear space allowing people to approach the ensnared, but it�s hard to tell if there�s enough vines around them to just grab someone who did do that.

Pressi�s ant swarms are a bit more effective. The vines can�t affect tiny insects like the swarm and the tiny bug mandibles can dig into the wood and tear out the roots. Unfortunately the vines are a confusing tangled mess and it takes a lot of work to dislodge a vine like that since the roots are dug into the tree all along it. With concentrated effort she causes a few vines to no longer be able to support themselves and fall to the ground.

Kezz�m and Succotash, still trapped, both have spell slots attacked again. Both must make the DC 25 will save - Kezz�m wil lose a 6th level slot if he fails, Succotash a 7th level slot (if the vines drain a slot higher then you have then just remove the highest).

In the struggle Valerie�s magic belt and other items slip off. Having what they want, they stop clinging to the raptor entirely, merely holding onto the objects. Those looking on from above can see there's still over a dozen vines holding onto the other two that will need to be removed (as you clear vines off people, the CMD to escape gets lower. Note that overloading a vine as earlier described immediately frees you)

Vine CMD 38

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+24=35 ; d20+28=29 ; 3d8+18=29 ;
Friday July 23rd, 2021 10:29:10 AM
Will Save 35

Succotash defensibly casts Mass Inflict Serious Wounds (rolled 29, needed 25) inflicting 29 damage on all the vines (DC 27 will save for half)

With her armor gone, Succotash orders Valerie to retreat.

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Friday July 23rd, 2021 11:34:38 AM

Bliss steps into a burned area next to Succotash, reaches in, rages, grabs his friend, and pulls!

He has a +8 Str check. Can the DM please roll? Something odd is going on with my die roller.

CatBliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+8=25 ;
Friday July 23rd, 2021 11:35:20 AM
Oh I think I fixed it by logging out and then in.

Str check 25!

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=60 ;
Friday July 23rd, 2021 2:46:19 PM

Last round Murphy wildshaped into a huge air elemental. This round he flies up and over the vines, out of range, then swoops down, casts freedom of movement on Succotash, and flies back up and out of range (using the flyby attack feat (which allows a mid-movement standard action)).

He then drops the haste (free action).
=============
Perception: 60

Active Things
Heroes' Breakfast
Longstrider
Magic Fang, Greater (+4)
Freedom of Movement

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d6=6 ; 3d6=15 ; d20+25=45 ;
Friday July 23rd, 2021 7:36:36 PM
Pressi the army ant mass chooses instead to try clinging to the vine that Kezzem is holding on to (43/49 for that mass). If some of the army ants can find and cling on to the vine that holds Kezzem, she does 15 pts damage to that vine.

Pressi the rat and wasp masses continue to dig, hoping that they can find the roots to the vines that hold Kezzem or Succotash (Perception Natural 20 for 45), and this is officially the strangest sentence I have ever written.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=26 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+27=45 ;
Friday July 23rd, 2021 10:49:29 PM
Flora & Fauna of Culerwood; Part 2

Tali will continue to stay just out of range for the vines hovering in the rear guard position.

Tali uses her Perception and her knowledge skills to try to identify any Mage Drain Vines in the area. Once she determines how many are in the area, Tali will Cast Polymorph Any Object on all Mage Drain Vines up to 18 of them including the ones holding her teammates into every day climbing fern vines.

Spell: Polymorph Any Object
Casting time: 1 stand action
Range: 25 ft + 45 ft = 70 ft

Skills Check
Fly: 26
Perception: 31
Knowledge[ Arcana]: 45

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1077 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1077 minutes
Message |Duration 177 minutes

Used Spells
Invisibility | 1x
Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x

DM Mitch
Saturday July 24th, 2021 7:51:44 AM
Succotash tries to cast a spell on the vines.
Bliss moves into the burned area and tries to pull Succotash free
Murphy uses Freedom of Movement on Succotash.
Pressi works to free Kezz�m
Tali uses Polymorph Any Object

Between the parties various actions the vines around Succotash and Kezz�m are withered with negative energy, pulled apart, blown apart by a passing wind elemental, eaten by ants, or polymorphed. Valerie�s magic items fall to the ground below. The party now stands in a bit open spot in the canopy where all the leaves and vines have been destroyed. A few magedrain vines remain at the outer edges, but they�re easy enough to spot and avoid.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Saturday July 24th, 2021 10:43:24 PM
"I wonder, if someone made a tossed salad using mage vines, whether one might imbue oneself with augmented magical power?" Air Elemental Murphy posits aloud.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Sunday July 25th, 2021 12:44:27 AM

He adds, "By the way, I've never seen you look so creepy, dear."

DM Mitch
Monday July 26th, 2021 5:30:25 AM
The party regroups

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday July 26th, 2021 10:17:29 AM
Succotash stands up and brushes himself off, and says, "Well, that was exciting, I wonder what other fun and exciting things the Culverwood has in store for us." He calls Valerie to himself and puts her magical items back on her.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday July 26th, 2021 1:24:43 PM
Pressi somehow managed to wrinkle her nose as her body began to reform, jerking this way and that. "Just a little something to keep the romance fresh."

Pressi peered down past the path. "I wonder how our friend got past this point without any signs of downed vines. At any rate, we've lost time dealing with this. Lets see if we can pick up the trail on the other side."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB d20+20=30 ; d20+20=40 ;
Monday July 26th, 2021 2:02:58 PM
SV Will: 1d20 + 20 = 30. Spell not lost.

SV Will: 1d20 + 20 = 40. Spell not lost.

"Ack, that thing was clouding my mind and making me stupid!" says Kezzem. "But I'm better now. I'm back to my normal semi-intelligent self."

OOC: Sorry my posting has been so sporadic. It's hard to keep track of days when your not working (don't worry, I'm a teacher and just have off for the summer semester).

Bliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+22=33 ;
Monday July 26th, 2021 8:54:39 PM

Bliss sighs as he looks around at the destruction. "So it goes, I guess. At least nobody was much hurt."

The halfling looks at his friends and himself, noting that many are wounded. "Good Brother Succotash, is there anything you can do to fix us up maybe?"

He compliments Mookie on the scouting and then, as cat and halfling, joining Pressi, sniffs and looks around beyond the destruction for any sign of passage of our quarry.

Survival 33

=====

OOC: All three PC sheets (halfling, cat, octopus) are in sync for the first time in a long time. Link above has other links on the sheets. And that feat is fixed, oh kindly DMs.

DM Mitch
Tuesday July 27th, 2021 8:08:12 AM
Murphy wonders about making a salad with magedrain vines and remarks on his wife�s creepiness.
Succotash stands up, brushes himself off and remarks how exciting that was while wondering what else the Culverwood has in store for them.
Pressi wrinkles her nose as her body reforms from being insects and tells her husband she�s trying to keep the romance fresh. She questions out loud how their friend got past this point and suggests they try to pick up the trail on the other side.
Kezzem remarks that the vines were clouding his mind and making him stupid being happy to be back to his semi-intelligent self.

Bliss sighs as he looks around the destruction before asking Succotash to attend to the wounded. He then joins Pressi in trying to find the trail.

Bliss is able to find signs that someone was moving through the thick undergrowth around the thicket and then forward beyond it. If you had to guess, the one you are after was aware of the magedrain vines somehow and decided to give them a wide berth. You saw the thicket in the distance with the bright colors of the vines, went in and investigated and got burned. Maybe going toward the bright colors in a magical wood isn�t always the best idea considering in nature bright colors often signify poison or some other danger.

Now aware of the Vines and with many ways to fly or otherwise avoid them the party is able to continue on their way. They are able to get to the general area marked on the map where the cave should be and indeed the druid was right about it being hard to miss. A large rock, dark grey in the shadow of the canopy, juts out of the forest in front of a rocky mound with hole gaping into it. The rock has red deposits centered at the and trailing down it, looking almost as if there�s a great wound that bled down the sides of it. The rock of the mound has similar deposits making the whole area look veined or bleeding.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Tuesday July 27th, 2021 10:58:29 AM
Hobie will fly around the around the rock, looking for signs of any other people/creatures

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d20=16 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ;
Tuesday July 27th, 2021 11:22:32 AM

Upon seeing the cave entrance, Succotash says, "They weren't kidding, this place looks like the Wold has been wounded, and is bleeding. It's kinda cool actually, are we ready to go underground again?" Succotash than casts light on the pink bow on Valerie's head.

Daily Stuff:
Channel Energy 10/10
Dimensional Hop 180/180
Agile Feet 13/13
Speak with Animals 21/21

Active Spells:
Valerie
Light
Air Walk

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Tuesday July 27th, 2021 1:35:31 PM
"Time to go spel...spul...spol...cave diving!" says Kezzem.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday July 27th, 2021 2:39:40 PM
Pressi spent some time casting detect magic on the cave and the red deposits, while trying to figure out anything of note. "Anybody know anything about rocks? Or want to take a final guess as to who our masked villain is?"

As for spelunking... "I don't know, I still want to play this a little subtle. Maybe even wait for this guy to come out, or at least send an arcane eye down there..."

She looks at the tracks and listens quietly, trying to determine if he's still down there. "This guy knows his casting, and knows anyone who enters this cave is a threat. We could be sitting ducks if we're climbing down in view of this guy. Any plans?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=54 ;
Tuesday July 27th, 2021 3:59:23 PM

"Bat spy," Murphy answers Pressi. "Arcane eye is not a bad idea, either, but a bat, if noticed, might seem less threatening than an arcane eye, if noticed. I think going in as a duck is not a good plan," Murphy adds with a smile. Having lived in a few places around the Culverwood, the druid knows what sorts of bats are common to the forest.

He then says, as he currently is in air elemental form, "I'll do a quick look up, over and around, then report in." Unless some object, he does a fly-around and over of the hill, travelling fairly fast - only slowing down if something seems to favor a more leisurely gander. He gives Pressi salient notes on what he observes as he is doing so, and sums up for all when he gets back.

"Any more ideas?" he asks upon his return.

========
Perception: 54 for flying reconnaissance.

Bliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+12=17 ;
Tuesday July 27th, 2021 11:00:44 PM

Nature here is so unusual. Bliss tries to figure it out.

Know Nature 17

Bliss realizes that this may be the calm before the storm, so he casts Greater Magic Weapon on his Staff Sling and Resist Energy for fire and cold on himself and Mookie.

"Let's go," he says.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=36 ; d20+14=20 ; d20+27=42 ;
Tuesday July 27th, 2021 11:19:11 PM
Spelunking in the Cuvlerwood

Tali will continue to stay just out of range for the vines hovering in the rear guard position. Tali, via Message spell, explains to her comrades that she purchased a set of spelunking gear for those of you that cannot fly.

While maintaining her pace and hover speeds, Tali will keep a perceptive lookout for anything out of the ordinary while traveling towards the cave of "bleeding stones". Watching Bliss spell up, Tali removes from her haversack, her wand of endure elements and casts a spell of Endure Elements onto herself, then turn to her comrades and asks if anyone needs a casting of Endure Elements?

Before Tali enters the cave, she dons her pair of Googles of the Night.

Skills Check
Fly: 36
Perception: 20
Knowledge[ Arcana]: 42

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1077 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1077 minutes
Message |Duration 177 minutes

Used Spells
Invisibility | 1x
Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x

DM Mitch
Wednesday July 28th, 2021 7:48:16 AM
Hobie flies around the rock looking for any signs of people or creatures but doesn�t find anything.
Succotash remarks that the cave appears as billed and asks if people are ready to go underground again.
Kezzem is ready to go cave diving.
Pressi spends some time casting detect magic on the cave and the red deposits. She asks the others if they know anything about the rocks or if they have a guess as to who the villain is. She also suggests they play things cool and send some kind of scout down in case of ambush.
Murphy suggests he goes down in bat form instead of sending an arcane eye.
Bliss tries to figure out the mystery of the bleeding rocks before casting some magical preparations.
Tali explains to her comrades she purchased some spelunking gear before they left. She makes her own magical preparations too and offers endure elements to some of the others if they want.
Murphy flies down into the cave as a bat and has a looksee. The cave is expansive and has many chambers. In one chamber there is a shallow pool of silty water. In a room next to it there is some sort of poster on one of the cave walls. He does not see any being in the cave with him. He�d probably need to go back in halfling form to investigate the pool room and the room next to it further.
Bliss knows mineral deposits can cause strange colors to appear under certain conditions.

Outside the party doesn�t detect any magic. They find signs that someone entered the cave, but none showing someone leaving. Of course with magic that doesn�t mean whoever it was is still in there.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday July 28th, 2021 10:10:18 AM
"Well, my friends, I think we have no choice but to enter in. Pressi, if you want to have your arcane eye lead the way, that may be helpful, especially since it's invisible. It's always nice to know what's around the next corner."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+25=34 ;
Wednesday July 28th, 2021 10:25:44 AM
Pressi is gobsmacked that a time Murphy changed into an animal to scout actually worked. The times it didn't work were numerous enough to prove that the planet itself hated bats.

Pressi activates her arcane eye and a moment of prescience. She also casts her shield spell.

Preparations done, she heads in, and first makes her way to the poster. During this time, she continues to move her arcane eye ahead, and also takes her time to search for traps (Perception 34, 35 for trapfinding).

----------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
arcane eye
shield spell
moment of precognition

L1: 1
L4: 1
L5: 1
L6: 1
L8: 1

Bliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday July 28th, 2021 12:24:11 PM

Bliss facepalms when Murphy changes into a bat and just flies in. He turns to Pressi and gives her a sympathetic look.

Mookie sighs, and says, "Kid, at my age, you learn that some people just never change."

Bliss nods and thanks his familiar spirit. "I'm glad I got you to peck me when I need to change. Or at least not do dumb stuff."

The nature lover tells his friends that the colors we see likely have to do with rare minerals below the surface.

Bliss thanks Tali for the Endure Elements.

Bliss turns on his Shield of Faith, as does Mookie, but if there's no danger after a minute, he'll turn it off.

"Let's enter, shall we?" He changes into a cat for the entrance.

Active Effects:
Endure Elements
Resist Energy Fire and Cold
Heroes' Feast
Threefold Aspect
Ritual of Grimalkin
Ritual of Sharing (+4 Shield of Faith)
+5 Barkskin
Greater Magic Weapon +3

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Wednesday July 28th, 2021 3:08:57 PM

Kim is amazed that Murphy went in as a bat, too. When we left him, he had suggested bat recon, but was still in air elemental form, asking if any had other ideas. But that's okay. I had somehow missed that Hobie already had gone on a 'round the hill reconnaissance, which Murphy needlessly duplicated. :-)

Murphy relates the layout of what he has seen so far. "Tali, mind starting a little map for us?" he asks. "And, sure, endure elements sounds like a great idea - thanks!"

Wait, he's a bat. He has lost the ability to speak in creature forms that do not typically speak. He'll have to relay his queries and comments through Pressi for now. "I'll be interested to see how you translate what I say, Press." He waggles his bat eyebrows, if such be possible.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Thursday July 29th, 2021 12:08:32 AM
"Maybe next time I'll be a druid," says Kezzem. "Being able to shapeshift my companion into whatever is needed would be a really cool ability to have. You know, like Mookie does with Bliss."

"Eh, who am I kidding, I hate having to pick spells every day. I'll probably just end up being a sorcerer again instead."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=51 ; d20+25=38 ; d20+10=22 ;
Thursday July 29th, 2021 3:28:25 AM

"Oh, yes, Bliss. Let us go," he tries to say... then just enters back into the cave, flying a slightly variant path to what he used earlier, just to gain additional perspective.

Perception: 51
Survival: 25
Knowledge, Dungeoneering: 22

DM Mitch
Thursday July 29th, 2021 7:08:31 AM
Succotash realizes they have no choice but to enter and suggest Pressi lead the way with her arcane eye
Pressi is gobsmacked that her husband scouting as a bat actually worked and prepares a few spells to protect herself / aid in their exploration. She uses her arcane eye while checking for traps.
Bliss gives Pressi a sympathetic look while Mookie gives him some advice. He fills the others in about the mineral deposits while using an abjuration on both himself and Mookie.
Murphy relays what he found on his scouting mission to Pressi to share with the others, asking her to ask Tali to create a map and give him a cast of endure elements.
(OOC: forgive your DMs for actually having you scout; we must have misread your previous post; we will be more careful in the future)
Kezzem breaks the 4th wall by discussing what class his next PC reincarnation will take.

The party moves into the multi-chambered cavern. Eventually they find themselves in the room with the shallow pool Bat-Murphy had found previously.

Getting a good look at the pool the party can see that the water in the pool is somewhat discolored and slightly reddened.

Perception: 25 (Pressie and Murphy already rolled high enough go ahead and look) Highlight to display spoiler: {There is indications that someone had done some digging based on indentations in the side of the pool.}

The other chamber Bat-Murphy noted (the one with the poster) is in the next room over from the pool room.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+35=45 ; d20+11=15 ;
Thursday July 29th, 2021 10:43:52 AM
Perception 45
Knowledge Nature 15

Succotash notices the evidence of the digging and takes a closer look to see if there is anything in the pool. He also tries to decipher what is causing the discoloration of the water, as well as the pool's source.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday July 29th, 2021 8:26:33 PM
Pressi frowns. "Whatever was under the surface, I think our friend found some. Or it. It could be a buried object."

Pressi tries to detect magic some more. Normally, she'd try getting an idea of the hole, but the pond probably obscured that. She looks to see if she can see any tracks before moving the arcane eye towards the other room.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=31 ; d20+14=29 ;
Thursday July 29th, 2021 10:47:45 PM
Spelunking in the Deep Under Cuvlerwood

Tali will continue to stay in the rear guard position. Tali, via a Message spell, explains to her comrades. As Tali has donned her Googles of the Night for the purpose of seeing in the dark cave, hopefully, her perception doesn't play tricks on her.

Skills Check
Fly: 31
Perception: 29

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1075 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1075 minutes
Message |Duration 175 minutes

Used Spells
Invisibility | 1x
Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x

Spells Used from Wands

2x Endure Elements {Bliss & Tali}

{OOC: Sorry guys lost power last night and it wasn't restored until 1:30AM. I sent an email asking someone to post for me. }

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=53 ;
Friday July 30th, 2021 5:30:04 AM

As his friends examine the room with the pool, Murphy flits over to examine more closely the poster in the next room. And the rest of the room in which it dwells. If a poster can be said to 'dwell.'

===========
Perception: 53

DM Mitch
Friday July 30th, 2021 7:10:44 AM
Succotash notices the evidence of digging and takes a closer look to see if there is anything in there.
Pressi remarks that whatever was under the surface it�s been found. She continues to look for evidence of magic but she doesn�t find any.
Tali stays in rear guard position keeping in contact with her friends over message spells.
Murphy looks at the poster.

Succotash, Pressi and Tali all see that what was dug up was the soft silt in the bottom of the pool. The silt itself has a reddish hue like the deposits coming out of the rock at the surface.

In the next room over Murphy presumably produces some sort of light so he can read the paper on the wall. This room seems to be some sort of portable lab, with lots of vials, some fallen on the floor broken. The poster is a large illustration of the Humbles Ford stronghold. A large x painted in red is on it, as if indicating a position to target on it.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Friday July 30th, 2021 10:50:22 AM
"Why is everyone wanting to attack us?" asks Kezzem. "You'd think they'd have heard what happened to the giants and think, you know what, let's try somewhere else."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=44 ;
Friday July 30th, 2021 5:26:52 PM
"Pressi, have everyone come in here. I hope we're not too late," Murphy telepaths. "I never thought the alloys were being gathered to be used to form a weapon against us. Who is this guy? I think we should have come yesterday afternoon, after all."

Once the pool room and laboratory are explored, Bat-Murph looks to see if there are tunnels further in.
========
Perception: 44

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Sunday August 1st, 2021 2:42:18 PM
Hobie, flies into the room with Murphy and searches the papers, trying to find what the specific target at Humbles Ford is.

DM Mitch
Monday August 2nd, 2021 7:32:39 AM
Kezzem asks why everyone is wanting to attack them after what happened with the giants.
Bat-Murph asks his wife over their telepathic bond to gather everyone in the next room before he checks for other interesting tunnels.
Hobie bursts into the next room and starts searching as to what is the specific target only to realize it is the Humble�s Swords very own base of operations that have been singled out for attack.

He also notices the scuff marks in the floor and the broken glass vials with some sort of substance in them.
Know arcana 20 or Craft Alchemy 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { Someone was using their portable alchemy lab to try to refine rare metallic salts from the mineral deposits found in the pool}

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday August 2nd, 2021 10:11:40 AM
Seeing the plans to attack the Sanctuary, Succotash's face turns totally serious, as he says, "My fellow Swords, no matter what the reason, our home is under attack, and we need to get home now to defend her! Tali, are you ready to teleport the other half of our crew home? If so we should depart."

If Tali and everyone else is ready, Succotash will cast Teleport to take himself and half of the Sword's home, arriving in the compounds courtyard.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Monday August 2nd, 2021 1:51:04 PM
"I'm ready," says Kezzem drawing his daggers.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Monday August 2nd, 2021 2:40:48 PM
Hobie activates his ring of invisibility and grabs hold of Succotash ready to teleport

Bliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+17=22 ;
Monday August 2nd, 2021 3:53:18 PM

Bliss stares at the map of his home. "Wowsy, somebody is being very mean."

At the idea of teleporting home right now, Bliss is mostly supportive. Mostly.

"First off, do let's take whatever personal things we can find that might help us cast divination and scrying."

"But what if this map is a trick to fool us into thinking our home is in danger? Maybe we should just take the time to double check ... like maybe with a Vision spell?"

If three other people think it is worth it, Bliss will cast the spell, focusing on what happened right here in this place, and hoping for info about the fellow who did his thing here, like when they were making this map.

First he'll cast Surrender Blood to boost his caster level check by +2. Caster Level check is also boosted by his +1 vestment. Thus his caster level check is a +17.

Bliss rolls a 22. Hopefully that will work. If it does not, he'll add a retroactive +4 with one of his three hero points.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+18=35 ; d20+43=56 ; d20+15=25 ;
Monday August 2nd, 2021 7:27:22 PM

Murphy comes out of his bat-form wild shape, supremely frustrated that for some reason he cannot seem to talk in some forms as we was able to for a long time, and his normal halfling body re-forms.

"Hold, Succotash and all. Bliss is correct - let us uncover what we can from here before flying off. With that said, it would be prudent to have at least one of us return to our Sanctuary. And we have our beast-folk acquaintances to consider. Let them know we're flying off? Bring them with us? They'll probably be fine not knowing for the moment - I agree that defense of our place is of greater urgency than letting them know," he concludes, answering some of his own questions.

"I have word of recall, could get there in a moment when I so choose. Pressi, too. I can plant an oak tree near here in order to return to this place if such would be useful. And I can take up to six of you with me via transport via plants.

"So, I'm going to spend a few minutes looking through what's been left behind here. I know a few things about alchemy, so will examine the lab in more detail for clues. If some of you feel you would be more useful at the Sanctuary giving prudent warnings and readying to thwart or defend against an attack rather than helping here, that's fine."

DM Mitch: Besides the two rooms we have found, do tunnels and additional spaces extend beyond the points we have reached? It sounds like maybe there are, but that is not crystal clear to me yet. If there are, Murphy will first spend a few minutes here checking out the lab.

He will within the first minute of checking it out announce, "Someone was using tools typical of a portable alchemical lab to try to refine rare metallic salts from the mineral deposits found in the pool." With his Craft, Alchemy roll of 35, it's a fair bet he will be able to identify those salts. He will take some samples in a bucket. He also looks around in the lab to see if he can find any remnants of the metal alloys, whether dwarven or meteor-based or both, in the area. And, are any collectible traces of the refined salts available? Any hairs or bits of clothing, dandruff leftover from the person(s) (you mentioned scuffle marks) who were in the lab or around the pool?

Long and short of it: He supports Bliss's plan, is open to suggestions from Pressi, Tali, and others, and takes at least a bit of time to further explore the area, hoping the group will gain some additional information

===========
Craft, Alchemy: 35
Perception: 56
Knowledge, Arcana: 25

Tali (Kim McCoy for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=26 ; d20+14=33 ;
Monday August 2nd, 2021 8:38:59 PM
Spelunking in the Deep Under Culverwood

A little confused as to whether to go or stay, she hears Bliss's idea, and Murphy's comments. "I have goggles that help me see in the dark. I'll go with someone deeper into the cave to see if there is anything else. And, sure, Succotash, after a few of us check a little more here, I can teleport the rest who don't go with you."

"Who wants to come with me?" she asks. If no one answers, she sets off, flying, a bit nervous, to see what is further on. She hopes that there is nothing too bad farther in.

Skills Check
Fly: 26
Perception: 33

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1073 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1073 minutes
Message |Duration 173 minutes

Used Spells
Invisibility | 1x
Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x

Spells Used from Wands

2x Endure Elements {Bliss & Tali}

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday August 2nd, 2021 9:12:01 PM
Pressi just stares as Murphy calls her toward the map of Humbles Ford, scrambling as people around discuss the various possibilities. "I don't know why anyone would attack us, or with what. But I can't believe that someone would set this up. How would he know... if he wasn't divining us from the beginning."

Pressi considers a mind blank on herself. Probably should have done that from the beginning, though she couldn't possibly cast it on the entire group.

"Ok, hold on, let me.... Ok." She tries to read the map, determining where the X is (or at least where the nearest landmark is). "I think I have to agree that we need to rush back, and this is going to sound strange but I have a funny feeling one of the people that rushes back has to be me, and I can't explain why. With Word of Recall, I can teleport right into the coven, and maybe get some eyes in the sky. Bliss, you stay here. You can message me directly through the cauldron if you figure out what he's making."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday August 3rd, 2021 3:48:34 AM
"Save your Spell Pressi, I'll take you, along with anyone else who wants to get home ASAP. If a few of you want to stay behind with Tali, Bliss, and Murphy, that's fine, since Tali can get you home, but please don't dilly dally, I fear time is of the essence!" With that, Succotash casts teleport taking himself, Valerie, Pressi, and whomever else wants to go along for the ride. He arrives inside Pressi and Bliss's coven, saving his friend a few steps.

The Unstoppable Force

DM Mitch
Tuesday August 3rd, 2021 8:11:22 AM
Succotash tells the others that their home is under attack and then readies a teleportation spell to take some of them home.
Kezzem draws his daggers and indicates his readiness.

Hobie activates his ring of invisibility and grabs hold of Succotash

Bliss suggests they cast a divination before rushing off

Murphy agrees with Bliss�s idea but does not begrudge anyone rushing home to warn people as he investigates the caves and its contents a little more.

Tali prepares to investigate further into the cave and volunteers to teleport those who can�t go with Succotash

Pressi agrees they need to rush back and that she is one of the people to do it but she still thinks Bliss might be able to figure things out.

Succotash, Kezzem and Hobie teleport back to the stronghold as a group while Pressi either goes with them or word of recalls herself to the Coven.

Meanwhile Murphy and Tali investigate further while Bliss heroically casts his spell.

It is strange but focusing on the remains of the vials and the residue within them he sees time kind of reverse at first into the glass being whole and being set into a holder in the alchemy lab under a flame. He can�t see who exactly is working the lab almost as if the person doing the alchemy is invisible or otherwise doesn�t exist but the silt does become refined into a powder with the consistency of a salt. One of the vial cracks from the heat and you see the remnants fall to the floor but their were several vials containing the silt in the alchemy lab. The alchemy lab is shifted a little in the room and you can see it leave scuff marks in the floor.

Meanwhile Murphy realizes that rare metallic salts, iron and steel are the components of a fabled Teucri artifact known as a Juggernaut, an indomitable wagon of war.

Tali investigates further into the cave but doesn�t find anything significant

Back at Humble�s Ford:

Pressi word of Recalls into her Coven meanwhile Succotash, Hobie and Kezzem appear outside

The mysterious person you have been tracking has beaten you home and has already created the contraption. A steel wagon the size of a large house groans as it rolls quickly over the ground. Carved images in high-relief decorate the construct�s exterior, but no driver sits atop it and no animals make it move.

After unleashing the creation to speed toward you and your home the figure calls out in a deep baritone, �I built this especially for you. I hope you enjoy it.�

He then teleports away content to let you contend with his creation

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday August 3rd, 2021 11:55:37 AM
Seeing the new threat coming their way, Succotash begins summoning a Trumpet Archon, and then climbs onto Valerie's saddle.

Trumpet Archon CR 14

XP �
LG Medium outsider (archon, extraplanar, good, lawful)
Init +7; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +22; Aura aura of menace (DC 22), magic circle against evil

DEFENSE

AC 27, touch 13, flat-footed 24 (+3 Dex, +14 natural; +2 deflection vs. evil)
hp 203
Fort +18, Ref +9, Will +14; +4 vs. poison, +2 resistance vs. evil
DR 10/evil; Immune electricity, petrification; SR 25

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 90 ft. (good)
Melee +4 greatsword +27/+22/+17 (2d6+15)
Special Attacks trumpet
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 14th)

Constant�magic circle against evil
At will�aid, continual flame, detect evil, greater teleport (self plus 50 lbs. of objects only), message

Spells Prepared (CL 14th)

7th�mass cure serious wounds (2)
6th�banishment (DC 21), heal (2)
5th�dispel evil (DC 20), mass cure light wounds, plane shift (DC 20), raise dead
4th�dismissal (DC 19), divine power, neutralize poison (DC 19), spell immunity
3rd�cure serious wounds, daylight, invisibility purge, magic vestment, protection from energy
2nd�bull�s strength, consecrate, cure moderate wounds (2), lesser restoration (2), owl�s wisdom
1st�bless, cure light wounds (3), divine favor, sanctuary (DC 16), shield of faith

STATISTICS

Str 24, Dex 17, Con 25 [29], Int 16, Wis 20, Cha 17
Base Atk +14; CMB +21; CMD 34
Feats Blind-Fight, Cleave, Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Lightning Reflexes, Persuasive, Power Attack
Skills Diplomacy +24, Escape Artist +17, Fly +24, Handle Animal +20, Knowledge (religion) +20, Perception +22, Perform (wind instruments) +20,Sense Motive +24, Stealth +20
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Spells
Trumpet archons can cast divine spells as 14th-level clerics. They do not gain access to domains or other cleric abilities.

Trumpet (Su)
All creatures except archons within 100 feet of the trumpet�s blast must succeed on a DC 19 Fortitude save or be paralyzed for 1d4 rounds. The save DC is Charisma-based. The archon can also command its trumpet to become a +4 greatsword as a free action. Out of the archon�s hands, it is a chunk of useless metal.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday August 3rd, 2021 4:16:22 PM
Pressi rushed from the Dancing Pig along with the others... only to see the giant contraction before her.

Upon hearing the deep baritone, "Mom? Darn it, I told you to stick to the registry. I wanted this in purple to go with the china pattern."

Harper begins to growl softly as the figure teleported away. (I wanted to look up whether Pressi can disrupt or track a teleport but can't research. If there are any ideas, please advise.)

Pressi casts a quickened spectral hand and her flying broom. With a start, she rockets straight up in the air.

Finally, she telemessages Murphy a single image... of this vehicle.

----------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
arcane eye
shield spell
moment of precognition
spectral hand
flying broom

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 0/6+1
L4: 2/5+1
L5: 2/5+1
L6: 2/4+1
L7: 0/4+1
L8: 1/2+1

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=47 ;
Tuesday August 3rd, 2021 11:23:15 PM

[Is there a drawing / sketch / photo of the Juggernaut?]

Murphy takes some of the lab gear, and just as he is tucking it away, Pressi sends the image.

Before the Teleport
"Thanks for helping us better understand what happened here, Bliss, and delving deeper, Tali. It is time for us to go. Tali, can you teleport Bliss, Mookie, yourself, and me back to the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword? There is a large house-sized Juggernaut - call it a wagon of war - headed right for our Sanctuary. I'm ready when you are."

Murphy evaluates the image Pressi sent him. He looks for armaments, openings, does an initial assessment of vulnerabilities and things to watch out for on the wagon. He takes out four feathers, places them in a little pouch, and with the string, ties it in such as way that the pointed each of each protrudes from the pounch, and the leather string is of a size that he might loop it around a small bird's neck, or allow it to grasp it in its talon. "Mookie, you have the Instant Fortress, right?"

After the teleport to Humble's Sword Sanctuary
Upon arrival, Murphy quickly gathers what information he can. "Tali, can you make me invisible?" he asks the sorceress.

As she does (if she does), he communicates out loud to Bliss and Tali, and telepathically to Pressi, "I'm going to see if I can get inside, perhaps as a bird or the like. Will keep Pressi informed telepathically."

"Anything anyone wants me to do before I wildshape?" he asks.

Then, keeping in mind what he saw telepathically, or can see for himself, he wildshapes into what he thinks will be an appropriate form to let him infiltrate the Juggernaut. As he does so, he does not include the feather pouch in his transformation, but does keep it held, so that both he and it are invisible still.

[See email... in a few minutes from this post]
=================
Perception: 47

Tali (Kim McCoy for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Tuesday August 3rd, 2021 11:40:46 PM

"Yeah, nothing back there," Tali says. "Juggernaut?" she repeats the word as a question. "Like the large house of a human, you mean?"

She moves toward Bliss and Murphy. "Everyone touch - you too, Mooks." She casts teleport, to arrive back in front of the large rocky fortress of the group, out in front near the gardens and shrines. "Here we are. Oh! My! Look!" she says, pointing at the massive wagon heading there way.

She will begin casting some spells. [Need to look them up - not used to playing a sorcerer -Kim]

[to DM Mitch: How far away is it? How fast is it moving? What are its dimensions?]

Bliss HP128 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday August 4th, 2021 12:01:01 AM

[OOC: I counted two people who supported Bliss's plan and two more who agreed tacitly. Did Bliss get his divination off (only requires two rounds)?]

Whether the divination went off or not, Bliss agrees that it is time to go home, given the message Murphy relays from Pressi. He already has his Shared Shield on, so he activates his Quickened Divine Favor and changes into a cat as it is time for him and Mookie to tag along on a teleport home.

Mookie downs a potion of Invisibility just before the teleport.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=25 ; d20+14=30 ; d4+1=5 ;
Wednesday August 4th, 2021 12:25:42 AM
Juggernaut; a Teucri artifact

Mister Murphy asks if I can teleport Bliss, Mookie, myself, & him back to the Humble Sword compound to battle a Teucri artifact known as a Juggernaut. Then he asks for me to turn him invisible. Thinking, Tali says, "Everyone ready to go into battle?" When the group says they are ready, Tali, using her Greater Teleport spell, will take herself, Mister Murphy, Bliss, & Mookie, home to the Humble Sword Compound. She then turns and touches Mister Murphy to turn him Invisible. As soon as that is completed, she starts casting another spell, Summon Monster IX to bring additional reinforcements to bear against the coming battle.

Tali summons five (5) Tyrannosaurus Dinosaurs to fight against the Juggernaught:

N Gargantuan animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +37

DEFENSE

AC 21, touch 7, flat-footed 20 (+1 Dex, +14 natural, �4 size)
hp 153 (18d8+72)
Fort +15, Ref +12, Will +10

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +20 (4d6+22/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d8+11, AC 17, hp 15)

STATISTICS

Str 32, Dex 13, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +28 (+32 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +37; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Powerful Bite (Ex)
A tyrannosaurus applies twice its Strength modifier to bite damage.

The tyrannosaurus is an apex predator that measures 40 feet long and weighs 14,000 pounds.

Skills Check
Fly: 25
Perception: 30

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1070 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1070 minutes
Message |Duration 170 minutes

Used Spells
Greater Teleport | 1x
Invisibility | 2x
Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Summon Monster IX | 1x

Spells Used from Wands

2x Endure Elements {Bliss & Tali}

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB
Wednesday August 4th, 2021 4:20:48 AM
"So should I just start stabbing this thing?" asks Kezzem. He swaps out his fire dagger for his short sword.

DM Mitch d20=9 ; 4d10+28=52 ; 4d10+28=39 ;
Wednesday August 4th, 2021 8:50:06 AM
Succotash begins summoning a Trumpet Archon then climbs into Valerie�s saddle
Pressi drops a one liner then takes to the air on her broom with a quickened spectral hand spell cast. She sends Murphy a mental image of the juggernaut
Murphy tells the others it is time to go and makes some preparations. After they arrive he asks Tali to make him invisible with the plan to try to turn into a bird to get inside that thing, there are just a few problems with that plan.
Tali teleports everyone back, makes Murphy invisible and plans to start summoning backup (see e-mail)
Bliss did get his divination off in the recent past. The image of the invisible alchemical lab work was what he received for his trouble. Now though it is time to prepare for battle. He turns into a cat, and activates divine favor as Mookie drinks an invisibility potion.

When the druid sees the gargantuan monstrosity his hopes are dashed as there is no evidence of any doors or windows. There is just an exterior made up of a series of what appear to be carved images in strange shapes with no breaks, openings or anything. Furthermore the contraption seems to emanate 50 mph winds 15 feet out from its gargantuan frame. Any tiny bird trying to get close to that thing would have to succeed at a DC 25 Fly check at a -4 penalty just to not get blown back from it. As the swirling winds whip around the outside of the structure you can�t help but notice tiny flashes of electricity arcing through them as well. If you had to guess you�d say anything getting close would not only have to contend with the bludgeoning and stopping power of the winds but would likely be in for a real shock as well.

The juggernaut takes the opportunity to run over Succotash and Valerie while everyone is standing around gawking. He takes 52 damage and Valerie takes 39. Both must make reflex saves of DC 34 or be knocked prone and get pinned under the machine.

Map! (I just put people on there randomly, feel free to change your starting position.)

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d4+1=2 ;
Wednesday August 4th, 2021 10:42:16 AM
Juggernaut

As soon as she touches Mister Murphy, Tali takes to the sky hovering 33 feet above the compound, as she starts casting another spell, Summon Monster IX to bring additional reinforcements to bear against the coming battle.

Tali summons two (2) Tyrannosaurus Dinosaurs to fight against the Juggernaught:

N Gargantuan animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +37

DEFENSE

AC 21, touch 7, flat-footed 20 (+1 Dex, +14 natural, �4 size)
hp 153 (18d8+72)
Fort +15, Ref +12, Will +10

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +20 (4d6+22/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d8+11, AC 17, hp 15)

STATISTICS

Str 32, Dex 13, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +28 (+32 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +37; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Powerful Bite (Ex)
A tyrannosaurus applies twice its Strength modifier to bite damage.

The tyrannosaurus is an apex predator that measures 40 feet long and weighs 14,000 pounds.

Skills Check
Fly: 25
Perception: 30

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1070 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1070 minutes
Message |Duration 170 minutes

Used Spells
Greater Teleport | 1x
Invisibility | 2x
Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Summon Monster IX | 1x

Spells Used from Wands

2x Endure Elements {Bliss & Tali}

(DM edit: since you tried to cast the spell last turn you can just use the roll from that post )

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+11=26 ; d20+15=32 ; d8+14=16 ; d8+14=20 ; d8+27=29 ; d8+22=23 ; d8+17=19 ; 2d6+15=24 ; 2d6+15=22 ;
Wednesday August 4th, 2021 11:36:30 AM
Succotash's save 26 (fail)
Valerie's save 32 (fail)

Both Succotash and Valerie fail their saves, and are pinned. thinking quickly, the cleric activates his Dimensional Hop ability, and teleports himself and Valerie 25 feet away. Valerie, with Succotash still in her saddle air walks another 20 feet north and 20 feet into the air, traveling at a 45 degree angle.

Meanwhile, the Trumpet Archon, being immune to electricity steps up to the juggernaut and performs a full round attack against it, using it's +4 greatsword, Hitting ACs 29 for 24 damage, 23 (nat 1) miss, and 19 for 22 damage.

Daily Stuff:
Channel Energy 10/10
Dimensional Hop 130/180
Agile Feet 13/13
Speak with Animals 21/21

Active spells:

Succotash
Summon Monster 9 17/18
Heroes Feast

Valerie
Airwalk
Heroes Feast

Trumpet Archon CR 14

XP �
LG Medium outsider (archon, extraplanar, good, lawful)
Init +7; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +22; Aura aura of menace (DC 22), magic circle against evil

DEFENSE

AC 27, touch 13, flat-footed 24 (+3 Dex, +14 natural; +2 deflection vs. evil)
hp 203
Fort +18, Ref +9, Will +14; +4 vs. poison, +2 resistance vs. evil
DR 10/evil; Immune electricity, petrification; SR 25

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 90 ft. (good)
Melee +4 greatsword +27/+22/+17 (2d6+15)
Special Attacks trumpet
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 14th)

Constant�magic circle against evil
At will�aid, continual flame, detect evil, greater teleport (self plus 50 lbs. of objects only), message

Spells Prepared (CL 14th)

7th�mass cure serious wounds (2)
6th�banishment (DC 21), heal (2)
5th�dispel evil (DC 20), mass cure light wounds, plane shift (DC 20), raise dead
4th�dismissal (DC 19), divine power, neutralize poison (DC 19), spell immunity
3rd�cure serious wounds, daylight, invisibility purge, magic vestment, protection from energy
2nd�bull�s strength, consecrate, cure moderate wounds (2), lesser restoration (2), owl�s wisdom
1st�bless, cure light wounds (3), divine favor, sanctuary (DC 16), shield of faith

STATISTICS

Str 24, Dex 17, Con 25 [29], Int 16, Wis 20, Cha 17
Base Atk +14; CMB +21; CMD 34
Feats Blind-Fight, Cleave, Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Lightning Reflexes, Persuasive, Power Attack
Skills Diplomacy +24, Escape Artist +17, Fly +24, Handle Animal +20, Knowledge (religion) +20, Perception +22, Perform (wind instruments) +20,Sense Motive +24, Stealth +20
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Spells
Trumpet archons can cast divine spells as 14th-level clerics. They do not gain access to domains or other cleric abilities.

Trumpet (Su)
All creatures except archons within 100 feet of the trumpet�s blast must succeed on a DC 19 Fortitude save or be paralyzed for 1d4 rounds. The save DC is Charisma-based. The archon can also command its trumpet to become a +4 greatsword as a free action. Out of the archon�s hands, it is a chunk of useless metal.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 246/248; Boots of Speed (5/10), FoM, GMW, WB d20+27=43 ; d4+5=7 ; 2d6=8 ;
Wednesday August 4th, 2021 12:32:43 PM
"Okay, I'm going to start stabbing this thing," says Kezzem. He strides towards the juggernaut and stabs it with his adamantine short sword.

Attack: 1d20 + 27 + 2 (Construct Bane) = 45.
Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 2d6 (Construct Bane) = 7 + 8 = 15.

"Don't you know who I am? I'm the Kezz'm, witch!"

Bliss HP186 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday August 4th, 2021 1:29:24 PM

[OOC Housekeeping, sorry ... on July 20 we rested overnight, but I failed to update my hp. I'm assuming I'm at full. Also, the witch spell to boost CL costs 10 hp, so I'll assume that just wipes out the temp hp from the heroes' breakfast. Also, the Vision spell left Bliss fatigued.]

Mookie activates the 20x20x30 high Instant Fortress. He opens the door, leaves it open, and enters. He is still invisible.

Bliss himself spends the round casting a still silent extended Blink spell. That gives him a 50% miss chance.

Active Stuff - Bliss
Endure Elements
Resist Energy Fire and Cold
Heroes' Feast
Threefold Aspect
Ritual of Grimalkin
Ritual of Sharing (+4 Shield of Faith)
+5 Barkskin
Greater Magic Weapon +3
Divine Favor +3 (9 rounds)
Blink

Active Stuff - Mookie
Active Effects:
Endure Elements
Resist Energy Fire and Cold
Heroes' Feast
Threefold Aspect
Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Sharing (+4 Shield of Faith)
+5 Barkskin
Invisible

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) 4d12+17=48 ;
Wednesday August 4th, 2021 4:18:49 PM
"I'm beginning to think that we need to leave these constructs to those space guys that can actually fight them," Pressi muttered to Harper. "You know, like the guy with the dark armor and glowing sword who can choke people from a distance or fly after constructs, what's his name."

Harper stared back at her flying form, the shadow armor and magic rapier still visible.

"Ok, fine," Pressi muttered. "We'll do it ourselves. Again."

She looked down around the area, thinking about what needs to be done next (and wondering if she recognizes any symbols.) For now, though, she hits Succotash with a cure critical wounds (48 pts healed).

--------------------

----------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
arcane eye
shield spell
moment of precognition
spectral hand
flying broom

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 0/6+1
L4: 3/5+1
L5: 2/5+1
L6: 2/4+1
L7: 0/4+1
L8: 1/2+1

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Thursday August 5th, 2021 3:21:23 AM
Hobie will cast Heroism on himself and fly out in front of the juggernaut, about 30 feet high.

ooc: I have an idea for Hobie's next action, but first I need to know the exact dimensions of the Juggernaut
Height- Length- Width

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Thursday August 5th, 2021 3:21:58 AM
(Hobie is still invisible)

Tali (Kim McCoy for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Thursday August 5th, 2021 5:53:38 AM
"Stay away from the mud!" Murphy shouts to his friends, then casts transmute rock to mud on the area beneath the Juggernaut. In halfling he says, "In a moment it might be rock." The mud should be 10' deep, and movement slowed to 5'.

=============
Perception: 60

Active Things
Heroes' Breakfast
Longstrider
Magic Fang, Greater (+4)
Freedom of Movement
Invisibility

I don't know whether this affect's Murphy's invisibility.

DM Mitch 4d10+28=46 ; 4d10+28=52 ; 4d10+28=54 ; 8d6=25 ; 4d6=13 ; 4d6=18 ;
Thursday August 5th, 2021 7:19:19 AM
Tali hovers 33 feet above the compound and starts summoning T-Rexes to their aid.
Succotash and Valerie dimensional hop out of the way from being crushed by the Juggernaut. Meanwhile the summoned Archon steps up to the Juggernaut. While it may be immune to the electricity it is not immune to the bludgeoning damage caused by the buffetting winds. The Archon needs to make a DC 22 Reflex save or take 11 bludgeoning damage. Unfortunately for the Archon the thick metallic armor turns the greatsword aside without doing any damage.
Kezzem also steps up to the Juggernaut. As soon as he gets within 15 feet of it he needs to make a DC 22 Reflex save or take 15 electric damage and 11 bludgeoning damage. He also needs to make DC 22 Fortitude save or be knocked prone. Assuming Kezzem is still standing after the buffetting electric winds the juggernaut takes 15 damage from his attack.
Bliss casts a silent extended blink to get some more protection against the juggernaut. Mookie enters his instant fortress.
Pressi remarks that maybe they should let construct battles to the realm of the guy with the light sword before giving up and says they�ll do it themselves. She heals Succotash.
Hobie casts Heroism. He notes that the Juggernaut is roughly 20 x20 x20
Tali tries to transmute rock to mud, but since this is a field outside of your fortress it�s sitting on dirt, not rock. It�s also a moot point because she�s in the middle of finishing up the summoning spell to spawn a bunch of Trex. (Again, you can keep your roll from last round and summon 5 that will appear at the start of next round)

Mookie�s tower, his long used sturdy bastion, proves to be little shelter against the massive war machine. Rolling right over the Archon (which takes 46 damage) it slams into the tower for 117 damage to the structure (After hardness), sending the entire thing twisting and crashing to the ground. Mooki is crushed under the heavy ruins, taking 25 damage (Reflex save 15 for half). Pinned under the heavy metallic ruins Mookie takes 1d6 non-lethal per minute until someone frees him (per the Cave In environmental hazard)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 98/127 Spells d20+9=24 ; d8=8 ; d8=6 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d8=8 ; 10d6=41 ;
Thursday August 5th, 2021 11:32:30 AM
(OOC... The map doesn't look like it has been updated, with the DM additions, so I'm not sure where to move my markers)

The archon ignores the buffeting winds, but takes the roll over damage. (rolled 24) It follows behind the Juggernaut, flying 20ft off the ground, and casts Divine Power on itself.

From Valerie's saddle, 20 ft in the air, Succotash casts Destruction on the Juggernaut inflicting 180 damage. A DC 27 fort save instead inflicts 41 damage.

Daily Stuff:
Channel Energy 10/10
Dimensional Hop 130/180
Agile Feet 13/13
Speak with Animals 21/21

Active spells:

Succotash
Summon Monster 9 17/18
Heroes Feast

Valerie
Airwalk
Heroes Feast

Trumpet Archon CR 14

XP
LG Medium outsider (archon, extraplanar, good, lawful)
Init +7; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +22; Aura aura of menace (DC 22), magic circle against evil

DEFENSE

AC 27, touch 13, flat-footed 24 (+3 Dex, +14 natural; +2 deflection vs. evil)
hp 157/203 (+14 temp)
Fort +18, Ref +9, Will +14; +4 vs. poison, +2 resistance vs. evil
DR 10/evil; Immune electricity, petrification; SR 25

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 90 ft. (good)
Melee +4 greatsword +31/+31/+26/+21 (2d6+19)
Special Attacks trumpet
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 14th)

Constant magic circle against evil
At will aid, continual flame, detect evil, greater teleport (self plus 50 lbs. of objects only), message

Spells Prepared (CL 14th)

7th mass cure serious wounds (1/2)
6th banishment (DC 21), heal (2)
5th dispel evil (DC 20), mass cure light wounds, plane shift (DC 20), raise dead
4th dismissal (DC 19), divine power, neutralize poison (DC 19), spell immunity
3rd cure serious wounds, daylight, invisibility purge, magic vestment, protection from energy
2nd bull's strength, consecrate, cure moderate wounds (2), lesser restoration (2), owl's wisdom
1st bless, cure light wounds (3), divine favor, sanctuary (DC 16), shield of faith

STATISTICS

Str 24, Dex 17, Con 25 [29], Int 16, Wis 20, Cha 17
Base Atk +14; CMB +21; CMD 34
Feats Blind-Fight, Cleave, Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Lightning Reflexes, Persuasive, Power Attack
Skills Diplomacy +24, Escape Artist +17, Fly +24, Handle Animal +20, Knowledge (religion) +20, Perception +22, Perform (wind instruments) +20,Sense Motive +24, Stealth +20
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Spells
Trumpet archons can cast divine spells as 14th-level clerics. They do not gain access to domains or other cleric abilities.

Trumpet (Su)
All creatures except archons within 100 feet of the trumpet�s blast must succeed on a DC 19 Fortitude save or be paralyzed for 1d4 rounds. The save DC is Charisma-based. The archon can also command its trumpet to become a +4 greatsword as a free action. Out of the archon�s hands, it is a chunk of useless metal.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+21=35 ;
Thursday August 5th, 2021 11:40:49 AM
20x20x20 is perfect.

Hobie will cast Anti Magic Field.

For the next 140 minutes, any magical effects within a ten foot radius of Hobie will cease to function.

He will then immediately fly to the middle top of the juggernaut and grab onto it (Fly Check 35 should be plenty for the wind since he's much bigger than a tiny bird)

10 foot radius centered on me should get the entire juggernaut, front to back, side to side, from the top down to the center of it, so if this thing has magic behind it, it should theoretically be pretty messed up.

Bliss HP186 of 186 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP87+1 AC41 | Cayzle d20+15=20 ; d20+7=17 ;
Thursday August 5th, 2021 2:38:59 PM

Mookie's Reflex Save: 20. He takes 12 damage, eating most of the way through his 13 hp Heroes' Feast temp hp.

OOC to DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {Note Mookie has evasion. Can he save for none? "Evasion (Ex): If an animal companion is subjected to an attack that normally allows a Reflex save for half damage, it takes no damage if it makes a successful saving throw."}

The small bird tries to wriggle out. Escape Artist check 17

CatBliss HP186 of 186 AC33 CMD34 | Mookie HP87+1 AC41 | Cayzle d20+40=56 ; d100=15 ;
Thursday August 5th, 2021 2:50:48 PM

As a tiny cat with zero reach, Bliss has to enter the constructs space(s) in order to attack. He uses his acrobatics to tumble under the wagon, so as to avoid provoking any AoOs.

Acrobatics (at -1 because fatigue) - 56

Once under the construct, CatBliss rakes at the underbelly of the thing. He bites, not using his merciful tear, and has a 20% miss chance because he is blinking. 15% - MISSES.

Active Stuff - Bliss
Endure Elements
Resist Energy Fire and Cold
Heroes' Feast
Threefold Aspect
Ritual of Grimalkin
Ritual of Sharing (+4 Shield of Faith)
+5 Barkskin
Greater Magic Weapon +3
Divine Favor +3 (9 rounds)
Blink

Active Stuff - Mookie
Active Effects:
Endure Elements
Resist Energy Fire and Cold
Heroes' Feast
Threefold Aspect
Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Sharing (+4 Shield of Faith)
+5 Barkskin
Invisible

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday August 5th, 2021 9:18:15 PM
Pressi acknowledges as Murphy tries to transmute around it. She considers her own staff of earth and stone (but move earth would take too long and passwall technically won't work on dirt).

She instead casts two protections of energy: electricity (one regular, one quickened) on Kezzem and Bliss, in that order. (For the maximum 120 pts each.)

(For movement, she swings her spectral hand to Kezzem while using Harper to deliver that touch spell to Bliss.)

----------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
arcane eye
shield spell
moment of precognition
spectral hand
flying broom

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 1/6+1
L4: 3/5+1
L5: 2/5+1
L6: 2/4+1
L7: 1/4+1
L8: 1/2+1

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=28 ; d20+14=24 ;
Thursday August 5th, 2021 10:38:47 PM
Juggernaut...ing!

As soon as she touches Mister Murphy, Tali takes to the sky hovering 33 feet above the compound, as she starts casting another spell, Summon Monster IX to bring additional reinforcements to bear against the coming battle.

Tali summons five (5) Tyrannosaurus Dinosaurs to fight against the Juggernaught: As soon as they arrive, Tali directs them to destroy the wagon.

{as per our DM's statement:(DM edit: since you tried to cast the spell last turn you can just use the roll from that post )}

N Gargantuan animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +37

DEFENSE

AC 21, touch 7, flat-footed 20 (+1 Dex, +14 natural, �4 size)
hp 153 (18d8+72)
Fort +15, Ref +12, Will +10

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +20 (4d6+22/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d8+11, AC 17, hp 15)

STATISTICS

Str 32, Dex 13, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +28 (+32 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +37; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Powerful Bite (Ex)
A tyrannosaurus applies twice its Strength modifier to bite damage.

The tyrannosaurus is an apex predator that measures 40 feet long and weighs 14,000 pounds.

Skills Check
Fly: 28
Perception: 24

[b][u]Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1069 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1069minutes
Message | Duration 169 minutes

Used Spells
Greater Teleport | 1x
Invisibility | 2x
Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Summon Monster IX | 1x

Spells Used from Wands

2x Endure Elements {Bliss & Tali}

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248; Boots of Speed (10/10), Divine Favor, GMW d20+25=40 ; d20+24=26 ;
Friday August 6th, 2021 12:24:32 AM
SV Fort: 1d20 + 25 = 40.
SV Ref: 1d20 + 24 = 26.

"Hmm, this might take a while," says Kezzem.

He casts Divine Favor on himself.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Friday August 6th, 2021 1:59:14 AM
Also in case it matters Hobie is still invisible as he flies to the juggernaut

Murphy kim
Friday August 6th, 2021 8:04:40 AM
Murphy wildcats to air elemental

DM Mitch 4d10+28=52 ; 4d10+28=49 ; 4d10+28=41 ; 4d6=16 ; 4d6=11 ; 4d6=13 ;
Friday August 6th, 2021 8:37:46 AM
Succotash attempts to cast destruction on the juggernaut but nothing happens. Meanwhile his archon buffs itself.
Succotash (know[arcana]: DC 30 Highlight to display spoiler: {The juggernaut is immune to all magic save for electric spells, acid spells and spells that do rust damage like rusting grass.}
Succotash (know[arcana]: DC 35 Highlight to display spoiler: {electric spells heal it, acid spells slow it and rusting spells function normally}
Pressi casts protection from electricity on Bliss and Kezzem.
Hobie tries an anti-magic field but upon casting it he finds that he is unable to fly because the barrier is impervious to spells, spell-like abilities and supernatural abilities and magic items do not function inside of an anti-magic field
(OOC: Do you have a non-magical way for Hobie to fly? Otherwise he can�t fly while in an anti-magic field. I�m going to assume you flew to the juggernaut first, and then cast the spell, the reverse doesn't make sense)
Bliss acrobatically attempts to attack the juggernaut. However in order to get to where he can do that he has to move through the juggernaut�s aura of buffetting electrical winds first.

The tiny cat must make a Reflex save vs 22 or take 9 bludgeoning damage and 11 electric damage. He must also make a DC 22 fort save or be knocked prone by the strength of the winds as he is smaller than size small.

Meanwhile Mookie is contending with his own challenges. (OOC: We will allow Mookie�s evasion to apply) Unfortunately being buried under the ruins of the tower doesn�t give the bird much room to maneuver. (OOC: Per cavein rules a DC 25 strength check will allow a buried creature to free itself)

Tali�s 5 Tyrannosauruses appear
Kezzem casts Divine favor on himself remarking that their battle might take a while.

The underneath of the Juggernaut, presuming Bliss actually manages to get underneath it, is probably not where you want to be. It�s low to the ground even for a cat, and as it moves and shifts lower bits that stick out smash and crush. If he does get under it, he takes 52 damage plus 16 electric damage.

The Juggernaut also takes advantage of the archon and Kezz�m being close enough together for it to crush both of them. Kezz�m takes 49 damage and 11 lightning damage and the Archon takes 41 damage and 13 lightning damage. Both must make reflex saves DC 34 or be knocked prone and get trapped under the contraption.

Pressi is presumably flying and is fine.

Map!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 122(127)/151(127) Spells d20+31=42 ; d20+31=44 ; d20+26=43 ; d20+21=41 ; d20+21=39 ; 2d6+19=24 ; 2d6+19=25 ; 2d6+19=27 ; 2d6+19=26 ; 2d6+19=29 ; 2d6+27=35 ; 2d6+27=32 ; 2d6+27=36 ; d20+27=33 ; d20+27=33 ; d20+27=45 ; d20+27=29 ; d20+27=29 ; 2d6+16=22 ; 2d6+16=18 ; d8+16=19 ; 3d6+16=29 ; 3d6+16=22 ; d6=2 ; d6+16=21 ; d6+16=22 ;
Friday August 6th, 2021 12:00:46 PM
OOC... Mr DM's, I mentioned, in my last post, that the trumpet archon is flying 20 ft in the air, does he still take crushing damage?

The Archon preforms another full round attack hitting AC 42 for 24 damage, AC 44 for 25 damage, 43 for 27 damage, and a nat 20 (39 to confirm) for 55 damage (26 if not confirmed)

Succotash casts resist energy (electricity) on Valerie than heroically casts Righteous Might on his dino friend. After her growth spurt, Valerie takes makes a 5 ft step, than preforms a full round attack against the Juggernaut.

Left Talon hits AC 33 for 29 damage
Right Talon hits AC 33 for 22 damage
Bite hits AC 45 for 22 damage
Left Claw hits AC 29 for 21 damage
Right Claw hits AC 29 for 22 damage

Daily Stuff:
Channel Energy 10/10
Dimensional Hop 130/180
Agile Feet 13/13
Speak with Animals 21/21

Active spells:

Succotash
Summon Monster 9 16/18
Heroes Feast

Valerie
Airwalk
Heroes Feast
Righteous Might 18/18
Resist Energy (30)

Trumpet Archon CR 14

XP
LG Medium outsider (archon, extraplanar, good, lawful)
Init +7; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +22; Aura aura of menace (DC 22), magic circle against evil

DEFENSE

AC 27, touch 13, flat-footed 24 (+3 Dex, +14 natural; +2 deflection vs. evil)
hp 157/203 (+14 temp)
Fort +18, Ref +9, Will +14; +4 vs. poison, +2 resistance vs. evil
DR 10/evil; Immune electricity, petrification; SR 25

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 90 ft. (good)
Melee +4 greatsword +31/+31/+26/+21 (2d6+19)
Special Attacks trumpet
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 14th)

Constant magic circle against evil
At will aid, continual flame, detect evil, greater teleport (self plus 50 lbs. of objects only), message

Spells Prepared (CL 14th)

7th mass cure serious wounds (1/2)
6th banishment (DC 21), heal (2)
5th dispel evil (DC 20), mass cure light wounds, plane shift (DC 20), raise dead
4th dismissal (DC 19), divine power, neutralize poison (DC 19), spell immunity
3rd cure serious wounds, daylight, invisibility purge, magic vestment, protection from energy
2nd bull's strength, consecrate, cure moderate wounds (2), lesser restoration (2), owl's wisdom
1st bless, cure light wounds (3), divine favor, sanctuary (DC 16), shield of faith

STATISTICS

Str 24, Dex 17, Con 25 [29], Int 16, Wis 20, Cha 17
Base Atk +14; CMB +21; CMD 34
Feats Blind-Fight, Cleave, Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Lightning Reflexes, Persuasive, Power Attack
Skills Diplomacy +24, Escape Artist +17, Fly +24, Handle Animal +20, Knowledge (religion) +20, Perception +22, Perform (wind instruments) +20,Sense Motive +24, Stealth +20
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Spells
Trumpet archons can cast divine spells as 14th-level clerics. They do not gain access to domains or other cleric abilities.

Trumpet (Su)
All creatures except archons within 100 feet of the trumpet�s blast must succeed on a DC 19 Fortitude save or be paralyzed for 1d4 rounds. The save DC is Charisma-based. The archon can also command its trumpet to become a +4 greatsword as a free action. Out of the archon�s hands, it is a chunk of useless metal.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 122(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday August 6th, 2021 12:01:57 PM
Valerie is still 20 ft in the air.

CatBliss HP186 of 186 AC33 CMD34 | Mookie HP87+13 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday August 6th, 2021 12:16:30 PM

Last round Mookie dodged and evaded the collapsing tower, taking no damage. Now, though, trapped as he is, his attempt at evasion has not worked. He is taking 1d6 nonlethal per minute, but that does not worry him.

The spirit companion has an idea. He tries to activate the Tower, speaking its command word, hoping to shrink it down.

[OOC: Will post for Bliss later after asking the DMs some Qs.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 229/248; Boots of Speed (10/10), DF, Protect Elec 109 d20+34=52 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d20+33=38 ; d20+33=42 ; d20+28=31 ; d20+23=38 ; d20+18=37 ; d4+8=9 ; d4+8=9 ; d4+8=11 ; d4+8=12 ; d4+8=12 ; 2d6+2=5 ; 2d6+2=6 ; 2d6+2=10 ; d3=2 ; 2d6+2=9 ; 2d6+2=10 ;
Friday August 6th, 2021 1:40:34 PM
SV Ref DC 34: 1d20 + 24 = 42 (adjusted for clicking the wrong bonus). Made.

Kezzem activates his boots of speed (free action) and casts lay on hands on himself (swift action).

Healing: 7d6 = 2 + 6 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 2 = 30.

"Huzzah, it's stabbin' time."

He then stabs the juggernaut five times with his adamantine construct-bane short sword.

Haste Bonus Attack:
1d20 + 27 + 3 (DF) + 2 (Construct Bane) +1 (Haste) = 38.
Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 3 (DF) + 2d6 + 2 (Construct Bane) = 9 + 5 = 14.

Attack #1:
1d20 + 27 + 3 (DF) + 2 (Construct Bane) +1 (Haste) = 42.
Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 3 (DF) + 2d6 + 2 (Construct Bane) = 9 + 6 = 15.

Attack #2:
1d20 + 22 + 3 (DF) + 2 (Construct Bane) +1 (Haste) = 31.
Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 3 (DF) + 2d6 + 2 (Construct Bane) = 11 + 10 = 21.

Attack #3:
1d20 + 17 + 3 (DF) + 2 (Construct Bane) +1 (Haste) = 38.
Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 3 (DF) + 2d6 + 2 (Construct Bane) = 12 + 9 = 21.

Attack #4:
1d20 + 12 + 3 (DF) + 2 (Construct Bane) +1 (Haste) = 37.
Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 3 (DF) + 2d6 + 2 (Construct Bane) = 12 + 10 = 22.

Ignore the random d3 I rolled by mistake (clicked the wrong button).

CatBliss HP152 of 186 AC33 CMD34 | Mookie HP87+13 AC41 | Cayzle d20+15=24 ; d20+20=23 ; d100=38 ; d20+13=16 ;
Friday August 6th, 2021 11:57:35 PM
Last round: Bliss faces winds: Reflex save (at -1 fatigued) is a 24, so Bliss is not buffeted. Fort save is a 23, so Bliss is not knocked prone. He scrambles under the war wagon, taking half damage from the area effect. That's 26 plus 8 electrical, or 34 total damage.

Once he us under the wagon, Bliss attacks but misses.

This round: Bliss uses a move action to blink up! He tries to find a space inside the wagon, if that exists. If not, he blinks atop or to the side of the wagon, still in its space, but not under it.

He attacks again, and his miss chance is a 38, so he can make his attack. He hits AC16, surely a miss.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 37 Touch 23 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+29=49 ;
Saturday August 7th, 2021 4:51:15 AM
Realizing the futility of his Anti-Magic Field, Hobie dispels it, and takes off back into the air, getting to about 50 feet high.

While doing so, he thinks hard about everything he's studied of constructs, and with a knowledge Arcana check of 49, he should know quite a bit about how to defeat them. In particular he wants to know damage reduction, energy resistances, any particular weaknesses, etc.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 122(127)/151(127) Spells
Saturday August 7th, 2021 12:10:27 PM
Since there has now been clarification, please assume that the archon would be smart enough to take a 5 ft movement upward, so as to avoid any further crushing damage. Also, please assume that Succotash would direct Valerie likewise. This would put the trumpet archon, Valerie, and Succotash 25 ft in the air.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=29 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+20=35 ; 4d6+22=30 ;
Sunday August 8th, 2021 7:31:11 AM
Juggernaut VS. T-Rex

As soon as the T-Rex's appear, Tali commands them to attack the wagon while she continues to hover 33 feet off the ground to maintain a controlling command of the battlefield using her perception of said battlefield. Tali uses her Message Spell to inform the others of her intentions to send the T-Rex's to attack the wagon.

Assuming only one of them (T-Rex #1) is within 20 feet to attack:

Atk: 35 Dmg:30

N Gargantuan animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +37

DEFENSE

AC 21, touch 7, flat-footed 20 (+1 Dex, +14 natural, �4 size)
hp 153 (18d8+72)
Fort +15, Ref +12, Will +10

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +20 (4d6+22/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d8+11, AC 17, hp 15)

STATISTICS

Str 32, Dex 13, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +28 (+32 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +37; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Powerful Bite (Ex)
A tyrannosaurus applies twice its Strength modifier to bite damage.

The tyrannosaurus is an apex predator that measures 40 feet long and weighs 14,000 pounds.

Skills Check
Fly: 29
Perception: 28

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1069 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1069minutes
Message | Duration 169 minutes

Used Spells
Greater Teleport | 1x
Invisibility | 2x
Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Summon Monster IX | 1x

Spells Used from Wands

2x Endure Elements {Bliss & Tali}

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+17=32 ;
Sunday August 8th, 2021 9:39:59 PM
With Murphy out of contact and nobody else making any suggestions, Pressi decides that they might need some plan than just jump on the death car and hope for the best. Like, shouldn't there be some sort of cool catch phrase first? Or a speech about the importance of family?

Pressi does consider reversing gravity, not that Hobie has dropped the antimagic field. See how well this juggernaut can fly, she messages to Murphy. But with half the team on top and Murphy hoping to trap the car, she holds off for the moment.

In the meantime, Pressi decides that it's time for some reconnaissance. After a quickened protection from energy (electrical), Pressi dives down towards the juggernaut, her hand outstretched. WIth a shot, she uses her Lore Keeper Ability (Knowledge Domain, Touch Attack 32, Know Roll 31).

Pushing off, she uses her spring attack ability to dive back up.

----------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
arcane eye
shield spell
moment of precognition
spectral hand
flying broom

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 1/6+1
L4: 3/5+1
L5: 2/5+1
L6: 2/4+1
L7: 2/4+1
L8: 1/2+1

Murphy (Kim) Druid, huge earth elemental
Monday August 9th, 2021 12:37:20 AM
Murphy cast resist energy as he flies up to 40' in the air. "Reverse gravity sounds like a good idea, Pressi," he messages her. He is invisible.

[Guys, I'll be back Thursday, will try to get in what I can in the interim]

DM Mitch d100=29 ; 4d6=18 ; 4d10+28=57 ; 12d8=65 ;
Monday August 9th, 2021 8:11:08 AM
Succotash casts resist energy on Valerie and then heroically casts Righteous Might on her. She then makes a full attack action against the Juggernaut. She hits once for 7 damage. (OOC: if you have a way to overcome DR bypassed by adamantium let us know)
His Archon hits every time but only does 42 damage total (OOC: again let us know if the Archon can overcome DR 15 bypassed by adamantium)
Cat Bliss gets out from under the wheels of the wagon and looks for some kind of way in or failing that a way up. While the halfling turned cat can�t find a way in he does manage to extricate himself from being crushed but sadly his attack misses.
Meanwhile Mookie tries to deactivate the instant fortress while it is kind of flattened it is also kind of not empty since Mookie is currently under the debris.
Hobie dismisses his antimagic field and takes off into the air. He then ruminates about what he knows about the juggernaut.
Kezzem heals himself then gets to stabbing the juggernaut. Unfortunately the thickness of the behemoths armor turns aside all but a single blow.
Tali commands the T-Rexes to attack the juggernaut. Unfortunately the beasts massive jaws cannot penetrate the juggernaut�s metallic armor plating.
Pressi utilizes her quickened protection from energy and her domain power to glean information about the Juggernaut.

Since Kezz�m avoided being knocked down but does not seem to have moved he continues to get crushed by the machine, taking 57 damage and 18 electrical damage. Everyone else is hovering around and can�t be run over. It fires of an electrical explosion, hitting everyone within 20 feet.

Valerie, Succotash, Kezz�m, the Archon, Trex 1, Bliss, and possibly Pressi take 65 electrical damage, reflex save 22 for half. You also have to make a DC 22 fort save or be stunned for 1 round.

Pressi, to avoid the explosion you have to be more then 20 feet from the top of it and it�s 20 feet tall, so 40 feet or higher. You said you flew down 20 feet, touched it, then moved up - do you have the movement to have gotten high enough to avoid the explosion?

Mookie says the command word and there�s a moment of anticipation, but then nothing happens (I rolled a d100 with a 20% success chance, a 20% chance of bone crushing failure, and a 60% chance it�s now just a broken pile of inert metal)

Between Succotash and Pressi the two know Highlight to display spoiler: {The juggernaut has DR 15/adamantium. It is immune to most magic but electric spells heal it, acid spells slow it and rust spells (like rusting grasp) function normally. The juggernaut also has a special attack that it can utilize every hour that does electricity damage in a 20 foot burst. The juggernaut also ignores difficult terrain. }

Map!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday August 9th, 2021 8:38:06 AM
(OOC to DM: Flying Broom operates as Fly spell. 60 feet movement. So she can back to the same height as before.)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 122(127)/151(127) Spells d20+11=14 ; d20+15=25 ; d20+14=24 ; d20+14=15 ; d20+18=36 ; d8=2 ; d8=5 ; d8=6 ;
Monday August 9th, 2021 10:37:55 AM
Succotash reflex 14 (fail, full damage)
Valerie reflex 24 (pass, no damage due to evasion)
Archon (immune)

Succotash fort 24 (pass)
Valerie fort 15 (fail)
Archon fort 36 (pass)

Feeling Valerie go limp underneath him, Succotash uses his dimensional hop ability (a move action) to teleport himself and Valerie to the ground and 25 ft away (total of 50 ft), than casts divine power on Valerie.

Meanwhile the archon takes a 5 ft flight back and casts Mass Cure Serious Wounds, healing Succotash's allies 27 HP.

Daily Stuff:
Channel Energy 10/10
Dimensional Hop 30/180
Agile Feet 13/13
Speak with Animals 21/21

Active spells:

Succotash
Summon Monster 9 15/18
Heroes Feast

Valerie
Airwalk
Heroes Feast
Righteous Might 17/18
Resist Energy (30)
Divine Power (+6) 18/18

Trumpet Archon CR 14

XP
LG Medium outsider (archon, extraplanar, good, lawful)
Init +7; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +22; Aura aura of menace (DC 22), magic circle against evil

DEFENSE

AC 27, touch 13, flat-footed 24 (+3 Dex, +14 natural; +2 deflection vs. evil)
hp 116/203 (+14 temp)
Fort +18, Ref +9, Will +14; +4 vs. poison, +2 resistance vs. evil
DR 10/evil; Immune electricity, petrification; SR 25

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 90 ft. (good)
Melee +4 greatsword +31/+31/+26/+21 (2d6+19)
Special Attacks trumpet
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 14th)

Constant magic circle against evil
At will aid, continual flame, detect evil, greater teleport (self plus 50 lbs. of objects only), message

Spells Prepared (CL 14th)

7th mass cure serious wounds (1/2)
6th banishment (DC 21), heal (2)
5th dispel evil (DC 20), mass cure light wounds, plane shift (DC 20), raise dead
4th dismissal (DC 19), divine power, neutralize poison (DC 19), spell immunity
3rd cure serious wounds, daylight, invisibility purge, magic vestment, protection from energy
2nd bull's strength, consecrate, cure moderate wounds (2), lesser restoration (2), owl's wisdom
1st bless, cure light wounds (3), divine favor, sanctuary (DC 16), shield of faith

STATISTICS

Str 24, Dex 17, Con 25 [29], Int 16, Wis 20, Cha 17
Base Atk +14; CMB +21; CMD 34
Feats Blind-Fight, Cleave, Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Lightning Reflexes, Persuasive, Power Attack
Skills Diplomacy +24, Escape Artist +17, Fly +24, Handle Animal +20, Knowledge (religion) +20, Perception +22, Perform (wind instruments) +20,Sense Motive +24, Stealth +20
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Spells
Trumpet archons can cast divine spells as 14th-level clerics. They do not gain access to domains or other cleric abilities.

Trumpet (Su)
All creatures except archons within 100 feet of the trumpet�s blast must succeed on a DC 19 Fortitude save or be paralyzed for 1d4 rounds. The save DC is Charisma-based. The archon can also command its trumpet to become a +4 greatsword as a free action. Out of the archon�s hands, it is a chunk of useless metal.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 91/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 122(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday August 9th, 2021 10:40:48 AM
fixed header

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 91/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 122(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday August 9th, 2021 10:43:42 AM
The archon is still 25 ft in the air.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 d20+25=34 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d20+33=41 ; d20+33=38 ; d20+28=36 ; d20+23=39 ; d20+18=38 ; d4+8=11 ; d4+8=10 ; d4+8=10 ; d4+8=11 ; d4+8=9 ; 2d6+2=14 ; 2d6+2=9 ; 2d6+2=13 ; 2d6+2=6 ; 2d6+2=8 ;
Monday August 9th, 2021 2:34:57 PM
SV Ref (DC 22): 1d20 + 25 = 34. Made!
No damage (thanks Evasion).

"Thanks Succo!"

Kezzem also continues to heal himself and stab at the Juggernaut.

Lay on Hands: 7d6 = 4 + 3 + 6 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 2 = 23.

Hasted Bonus Attack:
Attack: 1d20 + 27 + 3 (DF) + 2 (Bane) + 1 (Haste) = 41.
Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 3 (DF) + 2d6 + 2 (Bane) = 11 + 14 = 25.

Attack #1:
Attack: 1d20 + 27 + 3 (DF) + 2 (Bane) + 1 (Haste) = 38.
Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 3 (DF) + 2d6 + 2 (Bane) = 10 + 9 = 19.

Attack #2
Attack: 1d20 + 22 + 3 (DF) + 2 (Bane) + 1 (Haste) = 36.
Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 3 (DF) + 2d6 + 2 (Bane) = 10 + 13 = 23.

Attack #3:
Attack: 1d20 + 17 + 3 (DF) + 2 (Bane) + 1 (Haste) = 39.
Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 3 (DF) + 2d6 + 2 (Bane) = 11 + 6 = 17.

Attack #4
Attack: 1d20 + 27 + 3 (DF) + 2 (Bane) + 1 (Haste) = 38.
Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 3 (DF) + 2d6 + 2 (Bane) = 9 + 8 = 17.

"If anyone can make this guy easier to hit, that would be great!" suggests Kezzem.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+18=37 ; d20+14=31 ;
Monday August 9th, 2021 9:14:10 PM
(Reflex save 37, Fort Save 31).

Pressi rockets ahead, racing the explosion just behind her. "Ok, listen up. Adamantium weapons, acid spells, rust if you got it... and given how many constructs we face, we really ought to invest in some scrolls next time. We just got his electrical attack, and I'm feeling less guilty that I didn't hit people with death ward. Kezzem, you still have a magic carpet?"

Pressi casts reverse gravity on the area around the juggernaut.

----------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
arcane eye
shield spell
moment of precognition
spectral hand
flying broom

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 1/6+1
L4: 3/5+1
L5: 2/5+1
L6: 2/4+1
L7: 2/4+1
L8: 2/2+1

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=25 ; d20+14=21 ; d20+12=26 ;
Monday August 9th, 2021 10:12:05 PM
Juggernaut

Tali commands the T-Rexes to Surround the wagon to keep it from moving. Depending on what the Wagon does to the T-Rexes, Tali will rise to 50ft into the air to get outside any ranged attacks. If the T-Rexes take any damage, then she will dismiss them & prepare to summon different creatures.

Saving throw for T-Rex#1 : 26 making it's reflex save of 22 for half damage: 33 points (down to 120 HP).

N Gargantuan animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +37

DEFENSE

AC 21, touch 7, flat-footed 20 (+1 Dex, +14 natural, �4 size)
hp 153 (18d8+72) - 33 = {120}
Fort +15, Ref +12, Will +10

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +20 (4d6+22/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d8+11, AC 17, hp 15)

STATISTICS

Str 32, Dex 13, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +28 (+32 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +37; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Powerful Bite (Ex)
A tyrannosaurus applies twice its Strength modifier to bite damage.

The tyrannosaurus is an apex predator that measures 40 feet long and weighs 14,000 pounds.

Skills Check
Fly: 25
Perception: 21

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1068 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1068 minutes
Message | Duration 168 minutes

Used Spells
Greater Teleport | 1x
Invisibility | 2x
Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Summon Monster IX | 1x

Spells Used from Wands
2x Endure Elements {Bliss & Tali}

CatBliss HP152 of 186 AC33 CMD34 | Mookie HP87+13 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday August 9th, 2021 11:50:54 PM
"Well, this isn't working," Bliss thinks.

He takes a move action to move away from the construct and then changes back to halfling form.

Mookie abides.

Murphy (Kim) Druid, huge air (not earth) elemental
Tuesday August 10th, 2021 1:13:34 AM

Murphy, about 45' in the air, casts a summoning spell.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+31=45 ; d20+31=40 ; d20+31=45 ; d20+26=36 ; d20+21=39 ; d20+16=29 ; 2d6+25=32 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+25=31 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+25=33 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+25=36 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+25=27 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+25=33 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+25=36 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday August 10th, 2021 7:14:05 AM
After his magic fails, Hobie goes back to what he knows best, firing away with his arrows (+5 Longbow bypasses DR Adamantine)
(I forgot to include Haste's +1 so all attacks have +1 to the number that appears in the roller above)

Manyshot = 46
32 Piercing, 5 cold = 37
31 Piercing, 6 cold = 37

Rapid shot = 41
Piercing 33, Cold 1 = 34

Haste = 46
Piercing 36, Cold 4= 40

Iter 1 = 37
Piercing 27 cold 3 = 30

Iter 2 =40
Piercing 33, cold 2 = 35

Iter 3 = 30
Piercing 36, cold 5 = 41

Boots of Speed Used 1/10

DM Mitch
Tuesday August 10th, 2021 8:40:14 AM
Succotash uses his dimensional hop ability to pull Valerie out of combat before casting divine power on her. His Archon then starts healing.
Kezzem keeps attacking the construct, hitting twice this time. He asks if anyone can make it easier to hit.
Pressi communicates to the others its weaknesses lamenting no one invested in a scroll of rusting grasp before casting reverse gravity which causes the juggernaut ascend into the air as gravity has been switched off in the local area.
Tali surrounds the now airborne juggernaut with T-Rexes
Bliss retreats.
Murphy goes up and starts casting.
Hobie sends a stream of arrows blasting through the thing and deep into its innards.

The Juggernaut is now 60 feet in the air presumably at the center of the cube where gravity has been switched off. Unfortunately a T-Rexes effective range is 40 feet so the T-Rexes can�t get tall enough to damage it.

Meanwhile the juggernaut utilizes its aura to propel it towards one end of the anti-gravity cube as if to escape but it can only move 40 feet in the air while under aura power. As it goes along smoke and sparks billow from deep within it and it seems to start coming apart until suddenly there�s a muffled �BOOM� and the whole thing starts to collapse in on itself.

It lets out one last wave of wind and lightning before it falls apart. Anyone within range of the 15 foot aura of the 60 foot in the air juggernaut takes 7 bludgeoning and 5 electric damage with a DC 22 reflex save.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d8=6 ; d8=8 ; d8=2 ; d20+35=50 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ;
Tuesday August 10th, 2021 11:48:21 AM
As the juggernaut self-destructs, Succotash dismisses the Trumpet Archon, but before it leaves, it casts Cure Serious Wounds again healing 30 HP to all Succotash's allies. "Thank you noble Archon, though your sword didn't have as much of an affect on the construct as hoped, your efforts were gallant, and healing appreciated"

To his friends he says, "Quick, look around and see if we can find anything that would help us scry on the fiend who created and set this thing against us!" He than searches the location where he last saw the magic-user, as well as the remains of the juggernaut. (Perception 50) After a complete search, he channels energy healing all his friends 38 HP

Daily Stuff:
Channel Energy 9/10
Dimensional Hop 30/180
Agile Feet 13/13
Speak with Animals 21/21

Active spells:

Succotash
Summon Monster 9 15/18
Heroes Feast

Valerie
Airwalk
Heroes Feast
Righteous Might 17/18
Resist Energy (30)
Divine Power (+6) 18/18

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Tuesday August 10th, 2021 2:40:16 PM
"Press, I didn't know you could make things fly into the air and explode!" says Kezzem. "Next time, lead with that!"

Kezzem takes out his healing wand after Succotash does a burst healing effect. "Anybody need topping off?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+18=38 ;
Tuesday August 10th, 2021 9:20:28 PM
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure that the exploding part is Hobie," Pressi noted after rolling away from the shockwave. "Another neat trick I need help with? Figuring out how I get everything back down."

Pressi shook her head at Succotash. "We've been trying to scry and divine throughout and nothing works. Whoever they is, they've clearly figured out a way to avoid us. I don't even know how to track a teleport. I don't suppose you found any other clues before teleporting here?"

Pressi takes a deep look at the symbols on the juggernaut. "I don't even have a motive. No gloating. No placement near an actual target. It's not money. Our suspect knew we were on the trail. My only thought is that these symbols must mean something."

And with that, Pressi moves to hit the library.

Murphy (Kim) Druid, huge air elemental
Tuesday August 10th, 2021 11:38:11 PM

"Good work friends, except for me. One of the few combats to which I contributed very little," Murphy acknowledges. "Was it Hobie? Pressi? Many did various things. Whatever it was, thank the heavens it was not as reliable a conveyance as its maker desired. Yes, who is the fellow behind this? Once nice thing, we'll have some alloys to return to various folks. Maybe we can tinker - or find some of our village experts to tinker, with what remains. I'd be glad to explore what I can. Or, maybe we can fix it, and figure out how to control it."

[Still away from home, busy with family doings and travel - thus it's been hard to be fully engaged - plus making the mistake of a Murphy post with a Tali header. Back Thursday.]

Murphy (Kim) Druid, huge air elemental
Tuesday August 10th, 2021 11:39:37 PM

The druid adds, "I was trying to summon rust elementals, but the spell oxidized."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=33 ; d20+14=27 ;
Tuesday August 10th, 2021 11:43:45 PM
Juggernaut'd

Tali thanks the T-Rexes for their services and gently dismisses all five (5) of the T-Rexes. Tali shares her thoughts on the subject, saying, "Perhaps they are connected to the priest with the Scaab's Iron Golem. If you recall, that guy was none too happy with us!"

Skills Check

Fly: 33
Perception: 27

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight |Duration 1067 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1067 minutes
Message | Duration 167 minutes

Used Spells

Greater Teleport | 1x
Invisibility | 2x
Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Summon Monster IX | 1x

Spells Used from Wands

2x Endure Elements {Bliss & Tali}

DM Mitch
Wednesday August 11th, 2021 8:13:53 AM
Succotash coordinates with his summoned archon to heal the party then searches the remains of the juggernaut for any clues.
Kezzem suggests that next time Pressi lead with causing things to fly into the air and then explode before taking out his healing wand and offering additional healing.
Pressi tells Kezzem the exploding part was Hobie and then attempts to examine the symbols on what is left of the Juggernaut to research at the library. Unfortunately that final explosion resulted in really none of the elaborate designs surviving intact. You could always try to get a partial match on the few pieces that are left.
Murphy congratulates everyone and suggests they have plenty of allow to return to the people they were helping with hopefully some left over for their own tinkers.
Tali thanks the T-Rexes for their services and then questions if their assailant had connections to the Iron Golem of the Scab

The magic user did not leave anything behind other then the juggernaut. The destroyed machine itself shows signs of being crafted by a true master, but he wasn�t so foolish as to sign his name or anything. You could possibly try to scry with the parts which may or may not be enough of a connection to help with the scrying - on the one hand if he made it himself that might be enough of a connection, on the other it was seemingly made just recently then immediately destroyed so it�s not like long association existed to create a link between object and owner.

The scrap itself looks fairly valuable. It would probably be worth a large amount of money, though you did promise to return some of the material used to craft it to the original owners.

Mookie remains trapped under the remains of the tower, slowly being crushed.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Wednesday August 11th, 2021 8:26:43 AM
Hobie will start collecting whatever peices he can put in his handy haversack in order to return to the orcs.

Murphy (Kim) Druid, small earth elemental
Wednesday August 11th, 2021 8:52:09 AM
The druid flies over to the fallen tower. He wildshapes from air to earth Elemental. He earthglides through one of the windows, and looks until he finds Mookie. When he does, he brings him out. To facilitate in the search, he communicates through Pressi, who can talk with Bliss, who can talk with the large raven.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday August 11th, 2021 11:29:30 AM
"Whoever that guy is, he's good at covering his tracks, I wonder as to his actions though. Tali you mentioned the Iron Giant incident, and maybe these two situations are related, but the ring leader, in that conflict, was a female dwarf, so unless this jerk is connected to her somehow, I fail to see a connection. That said, I wish they were connected, I have a little justice I would like to administer to the dwarf chick. After all she did kill both Tali and myself. Luckily we were able to stop the Juggernaut before anything bad happened, but I really would like to catch up with this guy to give him a piece of my mind, and hopefully discover his motives."

Murphy (Kim) Druid, small earth elemental
Wednesday August 11th, 2021 12:46:01 PM
The druid flies over to the fallen tower. He wildshapes from air to earth Elemental. He earthglides through one of the windows, and looks until he finds Mookie. When he does, he brings him out. To facilitate in the search, he communicates through Pressi, who can talk with Bliss, who can talk with the large raven.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Wednesday August 11th, 2021 1:41:13 PM
Kezzem turns to Hobie. "Your arrows explode now? That's cool. Maybe I could get my daggers to make things explode when I stab them. Oh wait, that might not be the best idea."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+17=25 ;
Wednesday August 11th, 2021 9:01:00 PM
Pressi reminded Succotash that the "jerk" may be male or female, despite the deep baritone and given the prior use of illusion magic. (That's why Pressi used singular they in the last post.)

Also, "that's the thing. What would have happened if we hadn't stopped the juggernaut. It's not like we're that close to town or the force field. Only thing I can think of is that he, they I mean, directly targeted us."

Pressi, after sifting through the pieces to get a partial match, does in fact make another attempt at greater scrying using the metals (Will DC 24). But Pressi also casts vision on the juggernaut remains (caster level check 25) in the hopes of seeing how the juggernaut got there (and maybe to get a better glimpse at their friend).

----------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
arcane eye
shield spell
moment of precognition
spectral hand
flying broom

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 1/6+1
L4: 3/5+1
L5: 2/5+1
L6: 2/4+1
L7: 4/4+1
L8: 2/2+1

CatBliss HP152 of 186 AC33 CMD34 | Mookie HP87+13 AC41 | Cayzle d20+6=23 ;
Wednesday August 11th, 2021 11:29:09 PM

"Thank you for the healing, and thank you for helping with Mookie!"

Str check to extract Mookie ... 23. Maybe a couple Aid Anothers?

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=32 ; d20+14=34 ; d20+27=37 ; d20+23=39 ;
Wednesday August 11th, 2021 11:40:06 PM
Jugger-Naught

Tali will look over and through the remains of the Jugged'Naught wagon shifting and deciphering what can be learned, by using a casting of her wand of Unseen servant, which she removes from her handy Haversack. Anything that looks of Arcanic value, Tali will have the unseen servant place off to one side for further evaluation.

Skills Check

Fly: 32
Perception: 34
Knowledge (Arcana): 37
Spellcraft: 39

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight |Duration 1067 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1067 minutes
Message | Duration 167 minutes

Used Spells

Greater Teleport | 1x
Invisibility | 2x
Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Summon Monster IX | 1x

Spells Used from Wands

2x Endure Elements {Bliss & Tali}
1x Unseen servant (Duration 1080 minutes)

DM Mitch
Thursday August 12th, 2021 6:38:26 AM
Hobie starts collecting whatever pieces of the juggernaut he can and puts them in his handysack.
Murphy flies over to the fallen tower and wildshapes into an earth elemental searching through the remains for Mookie by coordinating with Pressi and Bliss.
Succotash remarks that the guy they were chasing was good at covering his tracks but points out that the ringleader in the case of the Iron Giant was a female dwarf. He still wants to catch up to the person behind the Juggernaut and give them a piece of his mind.
Kezzem is surprised that Hobie�s arrows explode now and considers getting his daggers magicked to explode too.
Pressi reminds Succotash that the person behind the juggernaut had a fondness for illusion so that their true identity could be male or female. She also argues that the target of their stronghold suggests that Humble�s Sword was directly targetted. Pressi does not get any result from her greater scrying but as for a vision she catches a glimpse of it being constructed by itself in the hidden in one of the stands of trees. It is like there should be something manipulating the components to construct the contraption but there is a blank place in the spell and it makes everything look like the components are moving of their own accord.
CatBliss is thankful for the healing and the help with Mookie.
Tali sifts through the wreckage looking for any materials of arcanic value. There is plenty of metal but she doesn�t really find anything that radiates magic. She does find some of those remains of symbols built into the Juggernaut Pressi had previously been looking for though.

The party is able to extract Mookie before he is too badly crushed. There�s plenty of metal to be salvaged from the destroyed construct, though if you�re going to return it to who it was stolen from it seems likely the orc�s meteor and the dwarve�s stolen alloy has been all mixed together and it will be difficult to separate out the metals. There�s also enough here that some of the metal was probably gotten elsewhere.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday August 12th, 2021 11:46:11 AM
Succotash lets out a sigh of frustration and says, "So we have absolutely nothing to go on. We have no motive, no culprit identification, and no knowledge as to whether or not the jerk plans on trying again. This is beyond frustrating. I guess I will be preparing dimensional anchor everyday, for the unforeseeable future, in hopes of forcing the jerk to stick around and meet his just deserves, or at least give account for his actions. I would consider attaching dimensional anchor to hallow spells, and completely saturate the area, and if you guys want, I will surely do so, though it will require a lot of expensive incense. Each 40 ft area will cost around 5000 gp. If we decide to do so, I feel we should split the cost among us. I should warn you though, it will also stop everyone but me from using teleportation spells, as none of you guys share my faith, and it will last a year."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday August 12th, 2021 12:31:59 PM
Pressi concentrates in a hope of gaining inspiration (hero point spent). Trying to figure out if there is any way they can figure out who the builder is, considering that everything tried leads to a dead end.

If the identity is supposed to remain hidden, the hero point is not spent.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Thursday August 12th, 2021 1:18:05 PM
"Can't you Tali do some magic thing, or Press some witchy thing, or Murph some plant-talky thing to help us out on what to do next?" asks Kezzem. "I mean, I could go around stabbing people until someone talks, but I believe that's frowned upon in the paladin code."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Thursday August 12th, 2021 1:18:35 PM
"Or Succo some prayingey thing. I keep forgetting your a priest now."

CatBliss HP152 of 186 AC33 CMD34 | Mookie HP87+13 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday August 12th, 2021 11:48:26 PM

Bliss tries to think back to the moment before everything blew up. Didn't he get ANYTHING from that powerful Vision spell he cast?

DM Mitch
Friday August 13th, 2021 7:40:01 AM
Succotash points out they have nothing to go on and that he will be preparing dimensional anchor everyday in case their assailant shows up. He speculates that combining it with hollow could get pretty expensive and it would prevent everyone except him from teleporting but it might be worth it and if they decide to they should split the cost of the expensive incense.

Pressi doesn�t really draw any divine intervention (OOC: keep your hero point) but she does remember that they are supposed to return to the orcs, dwarves and lizardfolk from their most recent adventure

Kezzem asks if Pressi, Murphy, Tali or Succotash can help them figure out what to do next as stabbing people until someone talks isn�t very paladin like.

The vision spell that Bliss had cast before the bru-haha revealed an alchemic lab creating the refined metallic salts that went into the juggernaut. He saw the lab seemingly move on its own, what that means is hard to say. Did you see some kind of enchanted alchemy lab running or was something missing from the picture you got?

The Enemy of My Enemy...

Aftermath

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+15=26 ; d20+26=45 ; d20+18=29 ; d20+43=47 ;
Friday August 13th, 2021 4:41:25 PM

Murphy works for a while examining the machinery involved - seeing what tied together with what, how energy was deployed and fluids distributed, how gears and springs and motive power worked together (knowledge, engineering: 45. He incorporates his arcane knowledge into the examination (knowledge, arcana: 26). He takes advantage of his alchemical understandings (craft, alchemy: 29) to evaluate and identify the composition of the component parts and liquids.

He starts his evaluation in his earth elemental form, then comes out of wildshape as a halfling. After that change the druid begins to take copious notes while the remnants are fresh. He works to get a fair notion of the total mass of the juggernaut, along with a breakdown by component parts.

Murphy had spent many hours performing a similar examination of the ancient artifact known as the Iron Giant (though he liked the term Iron Colossus) a year or so ago. Its creator also took advantage of various alloyed metals. He also has looked into some aspects of Teucri technology.

He sketches many of the parts. He asks someone from the compound to fetch both his father who is quite skilled at assembling complex machines, and Hugo & Primula PipeLeaf of the Slings and Arrows shop. Hugo, premier crafter, and Primula, his beautiful wife, the town's best blacksmith, also had examined some of the Iron Giant, in particular the fighting machine constructs. He'd like their take on the wreckage in the north field. He attempts to sketch a reconstruction of what it must have been like prior to the explosion.

"Just how did it explode, now? Was it the reverse gravity of Pressi, or did Hobie's arrows do the trick, or was it a combination of everyone's efforts?" He tries to determine the most likely, most consequential cause, or causes.

Murphy does take a break to speak with Hazel and Alouryn, both earliest members of Humble's Sword and now caretakers for the Sanctuary. He asks if they will ensure that all of the folk who help out and reside there are accounted for. He finds Kade, near whose underground home the Juggarnaut just traveled. Kade was befriended from the crew of the Iron Giant. Former foe, now friend and mushroom grower - and he has extensive underground tunnels below the fields, including parts the war wagon rolled over. How fare the animals in the menagerie on the other side of the field? Especially Grnta the bear, whom villagers regard with fondness for her shy and gentle ways.

============
Knowledge, Arcana: 26
Knowledge, Engineering: 45
Craft, Alchemy: 29
Perception: 47

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+21=39 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+27=28 ; d20+23=37 ;
Friday August 13th, 2021 11:40:10 PM
Symbols of a former Construct

Tali will look over the symbols and have the unseen servant carry pieces that contain those symbols so she can add them to her notes.

Skills Check

Fly: 39
Perception: 29
Knowledge (Arcana): 28 {NAT 1}
Spellcraft: 37

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight |Duration 1066 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1066 minutes
Message | Duration 166 minutes

Used Spells

Greater Teleport | 1x
Invisibility | 2x
Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x
Summon Monster IX | 1x

Spells Used from Wands

2x Endure Elements {Bliss & Tali}
1x Unseen servant (Duration 1079 minutes)

CatBliss HP152 of 186 AC33 CMD34 | Mookie HP87+13 AC41 | Cayzle
Saturday August 14th, 2021 10:39:58 AM

Bliss tries to relate what he saw in his vision to what his friends are trying to figure out with the ruins of the construct.

He also asks if anyone has a Make Whole spell to cast on the Instant Fort? Or does it seem like the magic item is a total loss?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Saturday August 14th, 2021 2:30:29 PM
"Press said it was Hobie's arrows," says Kezzem. "Press is always right. Therefore it was Hobie's arrows."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Sunday August 15th, 2021 8:14:02 PM
"Well, thank you Kezzem. I do try," Pressi replied.

"So, as the person who tries to always be right, my next decision is to... pack it in. It's disappointing, I know, having a mystery that won't have a conclusion. But my divine inspiration is that the mystery isn't over and we just aren't meant to know right now. And when my God is that much of a jerk, there's nothing more you can do about it.

"Anyway, the big thing is that we need to return to the various groups, tell them what happened, and maybe we'll get a guilty conscience from this thief or that. I'll maybe shake down some suspects at the dwarf camp, and see what's happening. And we'll take the mixed alloy, maybe someone there has something that can separate the ore."

Pressi shook her head at Succotash. "Even if we somehow could pull something like that off, our friend would just change tactics. We're better off being ready and flexible, and hoping that we can figure out the next thing faster."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Sunday August 15th, 2021 11:35:20 PM
"I hope our orc and dwarf friends are OK with everything be6all mixed together, because it's pretty much impossible to separate the different metals now!"

DM Mitch
Monday August 16th, 2021 8:09:10 AM
Murphy examines the remains of the juggernaut. He is able to piece a few bits and pieces of its construction together but the explosion really did a number on a lot of the mechanisms that made it function. He then follows up with many of the halflings and other denizens of the area that is their stronghold. The animals in the menagerie are fine as is Kade, Hazel and Alouryn. Some of the crops in the field though got completely ruined by the tonnage of war machine that trod right over them. The druid asks what caused the explosion. From his examination it looks like the attacks of several of the group damaged it�s armor, allowing Hobie�s arrows to penetrate to it�s guts and take out key components. The resulting problems compounded until the whole thing tore itself out from the inside out.
Tali adds the symbols to her notes
Catbliss relates his vision to his friends. He tries to cast make whole on the instant fortress but he is unable to restore its magical properties. If he could somehow boost his CL to 26 then he could restore the instant fortress to its former glory. (OOC: you need double the CL of a broken magic item to bring back functionality)
Kezzem says since Pressi is always right and she attributed the explosion to Hobie�s arrows it was Hobie�s arrows that caused the war machine to detonate.
Pressi thanks Kezzem for the vote of confidence then suggests they start following up with everyone as her God is being kind of a jerk right now.
Succotash hopes the Dwarves are okay with everything being mixed together. An Iron Skymetal alloy in their mithral steel alloy? That is like peanut butter mixed in chocolate

You have your options, you can return to the Orcs, the Dwarves or go to Troll and see the lizard folk finish the rest of their journey of atonement

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday August 16th, 2021 11:21:52 AM
"Well guys, what would you like to do first? Normally I would suggest going to Troll first, and asking the lizardfolk, one more time, to meet with the dwarves, asking forgiveness, but under the circumstances, it may be wise to talk to the dwarves first, and break the news to them, about their metal, feeling them out, as we do so, to determine how they might react to our lizardfolk friends, assuming they wished to seek forgiveness. I won't bring the lizardfolk, to meet the dwarves, if the dwarves are going to execute them. Than again, those orc ladies have been on the road for a long time, and it would be nice if they could find some closer. so maybe we should return to them first."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Monday August 16th, 2021 8:14:33 PM

"Our current nemesis gathered from at least 3 different sources, perhaps more," Murphy says, discussing the dividing up of the might construct. "Let us inventory the total weight of the alloyed remnants of the juggernaut. The orcs did not tell us the quantity of materials they had. We have a rough idea of the dwarfs' losses. I would guess the dwarfs lost more than the orcs. At this point, the hybrid alloy incorporates materials from 3 or more sources. It's not impossible to smelt and separate, but that would be a huge undertaking.

"Here is my thought. We provide 35% of the new alloy to the dwarfs. We provide 25% of the alloy to the orcs. We retain the balance, 40%. We used resources, took the risks, and recovered the fruits of our enemy's labors. I've some notion on how we might use the alloy to fashion a few things for our own purposes - some tools, perhaps you have some ideas on weapons, armor, or the like.

"Yes, it would be prudent, Succotash, to lay the groundwork for reconciliation with the dwarfs first. If they appear at all amenable, then that can help assuage the understandable anxiety of our lizardfolk charges. Perhaps some of us can sketch out an outline for an agreement, and get the reactions and recommendations of both sides. Then hold a meeting. Exchange appropriate words of rebuke, confession, perhaps contrition and perhaps forgiveness, or at least a willingness to work through a resolution, some sort of reconciliation..

"Maybe we give 20% of the recovered metals to the dwarfs before the meeting. And 15% more to total 35% at the conclusion of a successful meeting, and the lizardfolk get their gear back. We don't frame it that way to the dwarfs, but I'll bet they'd be delighted to get 75% more alloy back after we hand over the first portion. It could soften their hearts further."

And to Pressi, quietly, "Um, you think your god is a jerk?" he prompts her. Later, he asks if he can whisk her away to Angel Springs for a nice dinner in the near future. "I heard a new restaurant just opened up there."

"Succotash, Tali, Hobie, Bliss, Pressi - are any of you able to cast the Make Whole spell, or the Greater version of it, to try to repair our fallen tower - our instant fortress?" [OOC: Make Whole, Greater, is more likely to succeed.] "What if we had a rod or staff or wand of Greater Make Whole? Like as not, we're going to have other items that need fixing as time goes on."

Summary: Finish inventory of juggernaut. Divide up pieces. Retain 40%. Two piles for dwarfs: 20% and 15%. One pile for orcs: 25%. Visit dwarfs first, with downpayment, and talking over working things out with the robbers? Then to the orcs and lizardfolk. Then with lizardfolk back to dwarfs?

Note to DMs: See email from Kim about some NPCs that Murphy asked to look over the wreckage.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday August 16th, 2021 8:51:04 PM
Pressi shook her head. "I cannot cast any form of repair, it's not really my wheelhouse. I can cast surrender blood until Bliss gets to 25, then lend her my sentanos vestment for a CL+1. That may be our best bet." (Pressi does so if CatBliss agrees to try it.)

"Well, jerk is a harsh word. It's a correct one for Lady Justice, a rather twisty form of law and justice. One who once allowed me free divinations until I collapsed from blood loss." Pressi shrugged. "Comes with the territory. The important thing is that she gets out of my way."

Pressi votes to go to the dwarves first.

CatBliss HP152 of 186 AC33 CMD34 | Mookie HP87+13 AC41 | Cayzle
Monday August 16th, 2021 11:19:54 PM

Bliss does some math on his fingers. "I'm only a base CL14, myself, so there are not enough Surrender Bloods that we can cast to stack that up to 25. Remember that the spell is based on witch levels, not caster levels, so I myself only cast for a +2. Pressi, you could add a +3, and Granny could add a +2. That's a +7, not good enough ... but more to the point, none of us can even cast Make Whole!"

"Well, maybe we can come back later with a Wish scroll or something."

Mookie sighs.

"Sorry about your tower, old chap," says Bliss to Mookie consolingly.

"Nah," says Mookie, "All I have to say is, Daern!"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Monday August 16th, 2021 11:47:22 PM
SLEEP

�I don�t care what we do as long as I can meditate for two hours first! Please!� Exclaims Lady Talia. �Im in need of much decompression after all this!� as she throws her arms about!

Hobie (Kim McCoy for Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Tuesday August 17th, 2021 2:49:44 AM

"I don't know, Murphy. Don't have that spell. But, I could see about getting a scroll from the Catacombs. Greater Make Whole, huh? So I'll check."

"Yeah, take a good nap, Tali. All that flapping of your wings has got to wear you out," he says with a grin to the lady sorcerer.

"I'm going to find Roscoe, and let him know what's been going on. How about we head out to visit the dwarves tomorrow morning?" he suggests. He visits the Catacombs through the general store, then stops by to see his cousin, the town constable.

DM Mitch
Tuesday August 17th, 2021 7:56:15 AM
Succotash asks the others what they�d like to do first. He says he would normally go to Troll first but he�s concerned about the Dwarves potentially wanting to still execute the Lizardfolk. He also points out the orc ladies have been on the road for a long time.
Murphy suggests they inventory the total weight of the alloy and divide it up that way among the people who were stolen from with them taking a share too. He suggests then going to the Dwarves to break the news about the alloy and feel them out about the lizard folk. They�d then do the Orcs or Lizard folk after the Dwarves. He also suggests him and Pressi go to dinner in the near future and queries Succotash, Hobie, Tali, Bliss and Pressi about being able to cast Greater Make Whole to fix the instant fortress.
Pressi tells the others she can�t cast any form of repair but she could boost someone with surrender blood and let them borrow her Setanos Vestment. She clarifies to her husband her remarks about Lady Justice. She also agrees to go to the Dwarves first.
Catbliss does some caster math figuring between the 2 of them and granny they could boost someone 7 caster levels but it isn�t good enough to get to CL 26. He also points out none of them can cast make whole. He suggests they come back with a scroll of wish at some point.
Tali suggests they get some rest first before continuing on as she needs to recover some spells.
Hobie isn�t sure about fixing it and says a scroll might work. He suggests they leave to see the dwarves tomorrow so they can rest some.

Murphy�s gathered panel of experts hrm and hum over the wreckage for a while. Between them they estimate it�s worth about 25,000 gold. And that�s just the ruined, non-functioning scrap metal, they seem rather impressed that someone would spend so much to fight their hometown heroes.

Murphy's father, Samell 'Fingers' Pastna Pipewood, asks, "What are the chances I could use a few of these gears, sprockets, and I think I can fix these two belts? I'm working out finishing up my carousel, and these would be quite helpful. Uh, maybe one of the faces that's not too broken up, too."

It's a fair bet that Hugo and Primula PipeLeaf of the Slings and Arrows shop would like to take a sample of the alloyed metal. "Maybe we can shape some of it for arrowheads for Hobie, and to fashion some pretty tough bracers, armor, or other weaponry. Mind if we give that a whirl?" the town's best weapons craftsman and blacksmith ask

Rosco takes Hobies report stoically. He�s glad they took care of the problem and got out ok

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday August 17th, 2021 1:01:12 PM
"Well, Bliss your statement that none of us can cast make whole isn't quite accurate, as I can easily prepare it in the morning, but I assume you were referring to yourself, Pressi, and your collective covens. Unfortunately, I don't think I can cast at high enough level to make it work. (would need a way to boost level 18 caster level to level 26, an 8 level bump!) Murphy, You mentioned Greater Make Whole, and though that sounds like an amazing spell, I've never heard of it. (sadly Greater Make Whole isn't a core spell)

I can still cast Greater Teleport once today, but already cast Teleport. I know you planted a tree at the dwarves place, Murph, and I assume Tali can carry the other half, so if you don't mind, I would rather hold onto my Spell, to take us, or at least half of us somewhere else, if we chose to make more than one stop today. Are we ready to leave than? Even if we can somehow boost my skill level high enough it would still require a good nights sleep for me to cast Make Whole.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday August 17th, 2021 3:57:37 PM
"To be fair, Succotash, I agree with Talia that it might be good to rest for the night. I'm not in any hurry to rush back and deal with this stuff."

CatBliss HP152 of 186 AC33 CMD34 | Mookie HP87+13 AC41 | Cayzle
Tuesday August 17th, 2021 11:23:25 PM

"Tomorrow morning is good enough, plus what if our anonymous enemy returns with another wagon?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Wednesday August 18th, 2021 5:50:11 AM

"Perhaps we should develop layers of early warning ... I've had many ideas for building out the Sanctuary in various ways. Anyone else among us interested in working over some ideas with me and Foreman George?" Murphy inquires.

"Sure, Hugo and Primula - I'm interested in what you can do with it. Hobie - you want some new arrows made by Hugo, with arrowheads fashioned by Primula? Anyone else want them to work on something?

"Say, do you suppose you could make an easy setup, easy takedown tripod for hanging a cooking pot from? And a grill we can place over the campfire for cooking? Something with a handle, and little holes. Seems the metal should be good for cooking, I'd wager." He kicks around a few other ideas with them as little tools to aid in aspects of adventuring.

"Friends - is it all right with you if my father takes the items he mentioned? I've gotta see what your carousel is looking like so far, Papa."

"All right, then. Let's head over to Angel Springs for dinner at, say, six, dear?"

Hobie (Kim McCoy for Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Wednesday August 18th, 2021 5:51:00 AM

Hobie shows the arrows he has to the PipeLeafs. "I can always use more arrows, sure. Say, how about some bird blunts? Maybe some trick arrows? Um, how about bracers of archery?"

DM Mitch
Wednesday August 18th, 2021 8:18:54 AM
Succotash says that he can cast make whole but he doesn�t think he can boost his CL high enough to repair the instant fortress. He also speaks about the logistics of getting to the dwarves suggesting they use the tree and Tali to get there
Pressi says she agrees with Tali about taking a night off before following up with anyone.
Bliss concurs
Murphy theorizes an early warning system of some sort and asks about some camping gear.
Hobie agrees on the arrow idea and talks arrows with the fletcher.

The merchants are agreeable to the various ideas and soon tentative plans are drawn up and ready for experimentation and itineration. Hobie will have to get Bracers of Archery from the Black Genie as the magic item is beyond PineLeaf�s skill. The evening passes as everyone works on their various projects and soon it�s time for bed. The next morning it�s raining a bit on and off as people start to get up.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday August 18th, 2021 10:42:35 AM
In the morning, Succotash, goes off to his quiet place, as usual, and spends his daily hour communing with his gods, and preparing his spells. when that is done, he meets with his friends where he says, "I wonder if its raining in the Scab as well, I guess there is only one way to tell. Shall we depart, and who's going to do the honors of transporting us? I can, of course, take half our crew, unless Murph would like me to hold onto my spell for traveling beyond the dwarf's mine and foundry."

Hobie (Kim McCoy for Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Wednesday August 18th, 2021 7:33:29 PM

Hobie thanks Hugo and Primula for what they plan to do with the arrows.

He prepares for the morrow, and is ready to go in the morning to visit the dwarfs. "Are we eating Heroes' Breakfast today?" he asks Bliss.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Wednesday August 18th, 2021 8:06:00 PM

Murphy takes Pressi in the evening to the fairly new restaurant called Dryad's Song. One of the druidic elves from outside the walls of Angel Springs has partnered with a halfling druid and chef to weave marvelous menus which change from time to time, anchored by some popular favorites. Tiny trees fill corners of the place, and a stream runs through. Music, sometimes tranquil, occasionally more spirited, is performed by a trio on instruments. The clientele is varied. Among those present are a few adventurers apparently enjoying the fruits of a recent victory, some city officials, what looks like an awkward halfling fellow with an amused, sympathetic, and lovely lass, a small group of merchants, and a few dressed in druidical garb. "Thought it might be good for the two of us to enjoy a dinner together under relatively unthreatening circumstances, Press." He chats and listens as they dine, soaking in the time with his wife.

In the morning Murphy goes to the area of the shrines along the northeast side of the Sanctuary, most of his time in prayer and meditation before the shrine to Eberyon. He enjoys the rain.

"I can take myself plus six via oak trees," he answers Succotash. "Tali or Hobie can take any others. Then once we leave the dwarfs - for Troll, I presume? - you can have the transport honors, Otash."

He stows 20% of the metal to give to the dwarfs, and 25% for the orcs, keeping them in separate containers stowed in his portable hole - if there is enough room to handle that much metal in the container. "Who can take the other 15% of the metal to give the dwarfs their second share - AFTER they meet with the lizardfolk and those things get worked out?" he asks his friends. "I don't want anyone spilling the beans prematurely on telling the dwarfs about it. Though, depending upon how the conversation goes, perhaps we can mention it as an added incentive toward reconciliation if it seems wise."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday August 18th, 2021 10:01:20 PM

Pressi does her best to be pleasant company during dinner, but she can't stop thinking about the case or about the attack on the town. It's a lot of quiet and pushing around food before she finally speaks.

"I can't believe this guy's going to get away with it. After all these thefts and deaths, and an attack. He gets away with it, and... I let everyone down. I was sure that by this point, I'd be able to figure it out or divine it out and I've got nothing. And I wonder if I missed something or this guy is just smarter than I am, and I don't think I like either answer. And any associates he had are unknown or we paid them off so nobody's going to jail for that either. And now we and the people they stole from are going to have to wonder if they get hit again, or maybe he just waits a while..."

Pressi stops herself, trying to calm down. "What was even the point of all this? We could have just stayed home and we'd be in the same position."

The night is otherwise lovely as Pressi pulls herself together for the sake of a nice night. And it isn't too long before she gets lost in the night air.

As the night gets later and Murphy prepares for bed, Pressi makes one last attempt and scrying, casting at all their their suspects. She's got enough L4+ spells to burn, and a hope that one of them will have the same mind blank that she keeps running into. Mafrid Steelbeard, Vokwabyrn Smeltshaper, Thirmid Deepmantle, Novid Coalhelm, the Barkeep, Botheal Steelbraid....

At the last one, she stops, thinking. Quickly, she casts scrying, and then vision, on Aden Steelbraid.

-------------

In the morning, Pressi asks Bliss if they want to do the Ritual of the Third Eye. "You and I can each take a region like the dwarf forge and see if we can "not see" a guy with permanent mind blank. Use that fuzzy picture to track our quarry."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Wednesday August 18th, 2021 11:32:46 PM
Rayya

After Tali's two-hour meditation period, she casts her traditional start of the new "day" spells and then goes off to find Rayya, her trusty familiar. Finding Rayya basically where she left her, the two spend some time reveling in each other's company when Talia explains that she never wants to be without her friend, and with that, she holds and then snuggles her familiar. "Oh, how I have missed you Rayya! Let's go find our friends!"

After rejoining their friends, Tali tells Mister Murphy she can take the other 15% of the metal. How much does the 15% metal actually weigh Mister Murphy? I don't wish to exceed my Haversack's capacity. Just to be sure, Tali transfers all the gear from the central compartments to the two side compartments, freeing up the central compartment for the Metal.

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight |Duration 1080 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1080 minutes
Message | Duration 180 minutes

Used Spells

Mage Armor | 1x
Message | 1x
Overland Flight | 1x

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Thursday August 19th, 2021 2:26:35 AM

"Thanks, Tali," Murphy expresses his appreciation. "The haversack will take a little, but we'll likely need a decent-sized bag of holding or two, or another portable hole. We could leave the metal here, and retrieve it later. But, sure, if you have room in the central bag, that will allow a small portion of the 15%."

"Hi, Rayya! Good to see you!"

CatBliss HP152 of 186 AC33 CMD34 | Mookie HP87+13 AC41 | Cayzle
Thursday August 19th, 2021 9:03:21 AM

Bliss is happy with his high strength to help wrangle the metal around.

DM Mitch
Thursday August 19th, 2021 9:07:50 AM
Succotash communes with his Gods before asking if they want to proceed to the Scab and who is going to get them there.
Hobie thanks Hugo and Primula and inquires about their normal breakfast of heroes.
Murphy treats his wife to dinner at the restaurant Dryad�s song. The next morning he discusses transport logistics as well as carrying the metal to go to the Dwarves and the Orcs. He also discusses the plan with respect to the Dwarves� second share and using it as an incentive to get them to treat with the Lizardfolk.
Pressi tries to be good company at the dinner table but she is disappointed that whoever was behind it all got away. She finally pulls herself together in the night air and later that night she starts scrying on everyone she possibly could think of.

When she scries on Mafrid and Vokwabyrn she sees the two of them eating dinner together in the Motherlode the low candlelight seems to convey a sense of intimacy between the two of them.

Thirmid is hard at work mining ore trying to produce enough to get out of debt
Novid is reading a book that appears to be a treatise on a new theory of metal working.
The barkeep is serving drinks at the bar
Botheal is eating a sad meal of hardtack at a dining table, alone
Aden is in a bedroom, crying, a decanter of wine on her night stand

The next morning she discusses with Bliss using the ritual of the Third Eye before visiting the dwarves in order to potentially find the person who attacked them.

Tali does her meditation, casts her spells and then goes off to find her familiar. She volunteers to take the remaining 15% of the metal for the Dwarves if her handy sack will carry it.
Murphy says the handisack will take a little but they could always leave it here and get it later.
Bliss helps wrangle the metal.

Presumably after preparations are complete the party teleports to the dwarven compound. The party is able to fit the metal the party is planning to give to them in their various packs and what they'll give to the orcs but they'll have to go back to get the extra 15% they were planning to bargain with.

Several dwarves note your magical arrival and congregate curiously. One runs off to fetch the managers.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Thursday August 19th, 2021 12:01:58 PM
Sorry, I've been extremely busy this week getting ready for the Fall semester. Could someone post for Kezzem please? I will get back into the swing of things hopefully next week.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+35=39 ;
Thursday August 19th, 2021 12:05:42 PM
As Succotash arrives at the dwarven community, he takes a look around (perception 39) before saying to his friends, "It's kinda nice being transported, as opposed to being the the transportation source from time to time, though I'm probably going to be put back into service before the day is out. I really need to get a staff of teleportation, to boost my effectiveness as a long distance beast of burden."

When he sees people going to fetch the managers, he waves at the remaining dwarves and says, in dwarven, "May your beards grow ever longer, may your forge fires never die, and may your mine, as well as your mugs, never run dry!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday August 19th, 2021 9:22:46 PM

Pressi for the most part lets the investigation drop. As of now, she prefers to just provide their report and see how the dwarves wish to proceed.

She cannot, however, simply let this Botheal thing go, and proceeds to simply track him down. "I know what you've been up to, and I can't simply look the other way on this. I don't exactly expect you to talk to me about it, but it ends now."

DM Mitch
Friday August 20th, 2021 4:01:49 AM
Succotash enjoys being transported for once and offers up a greeting in Dwarvish as Vokwabyrn and Mafrid are fetched.
Pressi cryptically threatens Botheal

Botheal says to her, �I have no idea what you are talking about.�

Vokwabyrn and Mafrid are fetched.
Vowabyrn says to the Halflings, �What news of our missing ingots do you bring?�

CatBliss HP152 of 186 AC33 CMD34 | Mookie HP87+13 AC41 | Cayzle
Friday August 20th, 2021 9:00:01 AM

Bliss laughs at Sir Succotash. "Beast you may be, my friend, but never a burden!"

"And you, oh wise Kez'm, you seem very quiet. Surely you have a bon mot for the occasion?"

Kezzem (Sub-Cayzle) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Friday August 20th, 2021 9:04:40 AM

Vowabyrn asks about the missing ingots. Kezzem cocks his head for a moment, in thought.

"We deposited them in the goblin bank. Keep in mind, you can't have Gringotts without ingots!"

The fellow's wide grin reveals that he is joking.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Saturday August 21st, 2021 3:11:04 AM

Murphy gives a suitable greeting, then says, "The fellow who bought the stolen goods mixed the ingots together with a metal from a fallen rock, and with a third and possibly fourth source of alloyed metal, and created a juggernaut. Imagine a very large rectangular metallic wagon, fully magical, electrified, nearly impervious, strongly resistant to magic, and sent against our own stronghold. That is what happened to your ingots."

The druid opens his portable hole, and takes a few minutes to empty out the scraps they gathered together for them. "This we recovered for you."

He turns toward his companions. "And these are the ones who tracked the maker, though usually a step or two behind. He is fiendishly clever. These my friends nonetheless defeated the relentless juggernaut. And Hobie's arrows performed put the finishing touches to its destruction."

There is more to say, but in its time.

(lOn a camping trip. No signal reaches camp. Will be back Monday pm.)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Saturday August 21st, 2021 3:12:37 AM
Can someone post for Hobie?

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Saturday August 21st, 2021 10:36:14 AM
After Murphy tells the story, Bliss (in halfling form, of course) bows to the managers in the dwarfish fashion.

"I am Bliss, at your service, and I must agree with my friend here that we have been ill-served by fate and the malice of our unseen foeman. Honestly, this web is so tangled, that we should, I think, simply offer you these metal fragments, to make of them what you will, and then say our farewells. Until we have brought the miscreant to justice, I fear to stray from our undefended home, and remaining here simply makes you targets."

"Please ask any questions you might have, and then we shall depart."

Kezzem (Sub-Cayzle) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 d20+24=25 ;
Saturday August 21st, 2021 10:40:03 AM

Kezzem stares at Bliss and says, "I have a question! How are you suddenly talking like Gandalf?"

He also turns to the dwarf managers. "Plus, tell us this is not a joke or a prank. You're not in on it, are you?"

Sense Motive 25 plus detect evil.

Hobie (Kim subbing for Nick)
Sunday August 22nd, 2021 6:02:05 PM
"We took care of the gang trying to rob your caravan," Hobie says. "They might want to come back and say they are sorry. Their two leaders died. You wanna talk with 'em?"

DM Mitch
Monday August 23rd, 2021 6:34:53 AM
Bliss tells Succotash he may be a beast but never a burden before asking why Kezz�m is so silent
Kezzem makes a joke about depositing ingots at gringots
Murphy explains the situation about the juggernaut and begins producing the portion of the metal they left for the dwarves
Bliss bows and suggests that the dwarves take their metal and ask any questions and then the adventurers be on their way lest the dwarves become target of their foe again
Kezzem is suspicious of Bliss and casts detect evil
Hobie mentions that they took care of the gang that tried to rob them and that their leaders are dead and asks if they should be brought

Mafrid examines the metal that has been given to them and says, �This is absolutely fascinating. I am most interested in the composition of this new metal and its properties. I don�t suppose you have anymore? We�d be more than willing to pay in gold pieces for any more of this metal that you have� He talks with Vokwabyrn for a moment as they try to figure out it�s worth. �We�d estimate this material is about as valuable as the shipments we lost. A job well done! We�ll pay you your fee and for any more of this metal you can provide us.�

Vokwabyrn say to Hobie, �Take the criminals to the next nearest town or city to face justice. We are a small mining outpost and do not have the facilities to deal with them.�

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Monday August 23rd, 2021 7:21:47 AM
Alloys

Tali hovers along, lending help when & where she can.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1075 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1075 minutes
Message | Duration 175 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday August 23rd, 2021 10:13:49 AM
Succotash chimes in, "What my friend Hobie just said is true, we defeated the thieves after slaying their foolish leaders. The remaining thieves, no longer under the influence of said leaders, have a desire to change their ways and are as we speak joining the security force in Troll, where they will put their skills to work, working for the city guard. In a true form of reformation, we have encouraged them to seek your forgiveness, and at least try to pay any restitution you may require. It should be added that they claim, and I for one believe them, that the ones responsible for the deaths of those few slain dwarves, from the early thefts, are the same as the ones we slew. What say you good dwarves, can you find it in your hearts to forgive some mislead fellows who have seen the err of their ways, and wish to start anew? After all we all know how easy it is to follow ones we trust, and sometimes the ones we trust can lead us down the wrong path. I know that doesn't make one innocent, as we all have the power to say no, but it is at least understandable, and there are few things more lovely than a reformation of the heart"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday August 23rd, 2021 9:53:36 PM

Pressi eyes Botheal carefully. "I think you do. Maybe you and the tavern keeper should discuss it. If you want to talk afterwards, its up to you. I'd just tread lighter from this point further. Oh, be a dear and let her know that I found the job I was working for."

Pressi otherwise drops any discussions with potential suspects.

Moving on, she comes in as the discussions are made. Chiming in, "Feel free to disagree, but know that we made a decision regarding justice and are willing to stand by it. At any rate, I'm afraid the person we are really after, the one that hired all these bandits, the trail has run cold on it."

Kezzem (Sub-Cayzle) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 d20+24=26
Monday August 23rd, 2021 11:11:36 PM

"Huh!" Kezzem mutters, "Now that I know I can trust Bliss, let's see if I can trust these dwarves. They seem to be trying to alloy our fears."

Detect evil on the dwarves and Sense Motive 26.

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Monday August 23rd, 2021 11:14:19 PM

"Heck," exclaims Bliss, "let's give them all the metal and take as much as they have in coin to give."

Mookie whaps Bliss in the head. "First of all, your mom should hear you use such language?!"

"And second of all, you don't dicker by showing you are eager to offload your goods. Have I taught you nothing over all these years?"

"Hush," says Bliss, embarrassed.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 12:06:52 AM
"Don't get cocky, Bliss," says Kezzem. "I've still got my eye on you. Your a shifty halfling, alright. Get it? Cause you're always shifting your form. Into a cat. Or a octopus. Or a Mookie...no, wait."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 12:11:13 AM
Alloys

Tali hovers along, lending help when & where she can, but for now she is amused what hing the grumbles & mumbles of the alloy puzzle with Rayya.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1074 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1074minutes
Message | Duration 174 minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+28=31 ;
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 6:54:22 AM

"The miscreants are beastfolk - lizardmen. I do sense they are repentant, but are worried about appearing before you after what they have done," Murphy explains. "Now, to the best of my understanding, the person who killed one of yours is now, himself, deceased. We've shown them other ways they might behave going forward. It is up to you. Are you willing to take half a day to help us resolve this matter, at least as far as it might be resolved between the wrongdoers and those whom they wronged? - That is, you." Murphy waits silently for their answer.

If they continue to want to avoid such a meeting, then he says, "I suppose we can find someone else, then, to sell the remaining metal to. And the information we gathered on how it was fashioned, well, there's no need to pass that on to you." He only uses that leverage if they continue to resist what Succotash has recommended.

However, if they seem to acquiesce, he is amenable to later getting the additional 15% of the metal they set aside for them. And, after talking it over with the party, perhaps more. He thinks that keeping about 10% for the Humble's Ford local crafters to work with is a good idea, though.

==========
Diplomacy: 31

Hobie (Kim subbing for Nick)
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 6:56:51 AM

Hobie says to Vokwabyrn, "Nope. I think you need to meet with them, with us to help out. I'm going to get a drink while you all figure this out."

And he heads to the tavern to get that drink.

DM Mitch
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 8:40:47 AM
Succotash further explains the situation with the lizard folk and their desire to make amends.
Tali hovers lending help where she can. She is amused by the grumblings and mumblings of her friends.
Pressi eyes Botheal carefully and further warns him before opining further on the robberies and how the trail went cold on who is ultimately behind them
Kezzem now casts detect evil and senses the dwarves motives.
Kezzem does not detect evil though he does sense a little frustration from the 2 dwarves that own the outpost.
Bliss suggests they offload the rest of the metal using colorful language, Mookie rebukes him on his choice of language and his poor negotiating skills
Kezzem makes a joke about Bliss being a shape changer
Tali hovers overhead.

Vokwabyrn says to Succotash, �Well you have made us whole with the recovery of this alloy; although the caravan guards were contracted to us per Dwarven law it would be up to the clans that the dead guards belonged to or the caravaneer company if they were clanless. We can get you the name of caravan from our records if you like but you�d probably be further ahead just going to the nearest large settlement if you want to bring the thieves to some kind of just ending.�
Botheal blanches when Pressi mentions the tavern keeper this time then snaps, �What I do on my own time is none of your business.�
Mafrid observes Kezzem and says, �Have we not treated with you folks fairly? Why are you so suspicious?�

Mafrid says to Bliss, �How much more of the metal do you have?�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 10:57:32 AM
"Beats me," says Kezzem. "Bliss made me do it."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 11:28:13 AM
Succotash says in dwarven, "Please excuse my paladin friend, he's not usually this mistrusting. Kezzem is, well Kezzem, a great friend, trusted ally, and powerful warrior, but I'm not sure his head is always screwed down tightly." In common he says, "I understand your position, and why you can't make a decision regarding the wrong doing and redemption of some mislead individuals. Thank you for your time, on the issue, and even if you have no legal say in the matter, I pray you would find it in your own hearts to forgive them, and wish them well in their pursuit of a better and productive life. I for one am willing to let things stand as they are, but if my friends wish to procure the clan name, and seek them out, I am fine with that as well."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+25=27 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+14=20 ;
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 8:55:19 PM
Special Alloys

Tali diplomatically says in her best dwarven tongue, while looking towards "Mafrid" & the assembled, "Er, allow me to ask you, What do you think the new alloy actually is? Do you have any means of discovering what its composition is? Perhaps, if you think to name this new alloy, you'd think fondly of us, in your naming?"

Tali uses her skills to try to perceive any scheming motives Mafrid and the assembled might be displaying.

Skill Checks
Diplomacy: 28 (checked the sheet, applied wrong bonus)
Sense Motive: 18
Perception: 20

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1073 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1073 minutes
Message | Duration 173 minutes

Languages Spoken
Elven (Elf)
Dwarven
Common
Halfling
and (1) mystery language

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 9:15:36 PM

At Botheal's remarks, "I saw her, your wife. And I have to say, I do not appreciate this attitude, and I can't rule out that the thefts are a direct result of your personal business."

Pressi straightened up. "But you are correct. It IS none of my affair, for now. Pray that I don't change my mind on this. Or you can straighten up, end this, make it right, and NOT find me in your room one night when you least expect it, your fate already sealed."

-----------------

Pressi supposed that they did have to make their reports to the proper authorities, beginning with the name of the caravan and the settlement ahead.

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday August 24th, 2021 11:37:53 PM

Bliss apologizes to Kezzem and the dwarf, and tells all he knows about how much of the metal the party has.

Hobie (Kim subbing for Nick)
Wednesday August 25th, 2021 2:41:34 AM
(Already posted for Murphy & Hobie w/o response... Will let those stand awaiting resolution.)

DM Mitch
Wednesday August 25th, 2021 7:28:23 AM
Murphy tries to use the ore as leverage to get the dwarves to meet with the lizardfolk.
Hobie goes to get a drink.
Kezzem says Bliss made him do it.
Succotash apologizes for Kezzem�s behavior and says he understands the dwarves position.
Tali wants to know more about the metal and if they could possibly get it named after them.
Pressi supposes that it isn�t her business, but advises Botheal to straighten up before she makes it her business.
Bliss apologizes and lets the dwarves know how much metal they have.

The dwarves seem a little annoyed at the party�s insistence on forgiveness. �Look, we�re businessmen. We got our ore back, possibly even something more valuable then it. As far as we�re concerned we�re square with the thieves, but if you want them to be able to show their faces around here you�ll have to deal with the families and the lawmen. Go to Undertow, it�s the nearest town, and talk to the caravan company and guard officer there. If you want to sell the ore to us then we�ll happily take it, otherwise we wish you luck and a good day.�

Tali doesn�t sense any deceit from the dwarves, just annoyance at the moral complications showing up in their nice clean business dealings. At her questions/suggestions they simply say that they�ll have to run some tests - it�s not just what it�s made of, but the ratio that makes an alloy after all. They�ll keep her naming suggestion in mind.

Botheal meekly agrees to Pressi�s requests that he straighten out.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday August 25th, 2021 10:34:41 AM
"Well friends, should we head to Undertow, or just let this thing drop?" Succotash says to his friends. He than adds, "Other than the portion that belongs to the orc ladies, and the wee bit our local artisans wish to mess around with, I see no reason not to sell the remaining portion to these fine dwarves. As they have said, they are business people, and we may as well give them our business."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday August 25th, 2021 8:35:54 PM

Pressi shakes her head. "They do have a point. We took it upon ourselves to determine how these various thieves should be processed. If we truly want these thieves to reform, we have to be responsible for them. And if they don't, we're accountable."

Pressi turned to the dwarves. "We would be happy to go to the authorities. And we have no problems with selling you the ore... though I am curious as to the process myself. And to determining who could produce such an ore that you wouldn't even attempt to bargain the price for it. I'm glad that our business is concluded but I still want to find the guy who bought all the stolen ore."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+26=30 ; d20+9=19 ; d20+14=23 ;
Wednesday August 25th, 2021 10:57:47 PM
Bold Reforms

Tali diplomatically says to the assembled Humble Sword, and by using her Message spell as she points to each any every Humble, "just what was the end goal with the thieves -N- Lizard folks? Was this a Neutral party gesture? Was this a religious mission? Someone, please enlighten me so I might be able to explain all of this; Tali waves her hands about; to Rayya; she has missed quite a lot of goings-on!"

[b][u]Skill Checks
Diplomacy(+26): 30
Sense Motive(+9): 19
Perception(+14): 23

[b][u]Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1072 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1072 minutes
Message | Duration 172 minutes

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday August 25th, 2021 11:51:08 PM

Bliss favors selling the dwarves all the rest of the metal, and then letting matters drop.

"Honestly, I'm more afraid of another surprise assault on our hometown."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Thursday August 26th, 2021 12:06:03 AM
"I doubt there will be another surprise attack in the Ford," says Kezzem. "Kind of hard to ambush us if we're expecting it."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+28=34 ;
Thursday August 26th, 2021 6:21:55 AM

"Yes, we should visit Undertow," Murphy says addressing the party, and aiming to answer Tali's query, but in the presence of the dwarfs, "and discuss the matter with them, and find the family of the guard who was lost. I thought there was one of them. Were there two? If so, well, find both families.

"If we deem justice good, then that must be addressed, lest we support lawlessness. If we deem mercy, reform, and redemption good, then we must let that work its way through. The lizardmen, whom we have taken under our charge - whom we chose NOT to kill in hopes of reform and redemption, though they say, 'Oh, we'll be good,' ought to face those they wronged, that they may see the evil they have wrought, the hurt they have caused.

"And, for you dwarfs who work so diligently here," the halfling druid faces those they have helped directly, "It was YOUR alloy that was stolen. It was the caravans YOU hired that were attacked four times successfully, and thwarted on the fifth attack. YOU were robbed.

"At the risk of causing you irritation and taking up a bit of your time, I have some questions. If you have no interest whatsoever in facing those who robbed you MULTIPLE TIMES, now that the material value lost has been restored to you by our efforts, because you are too busy, and don't care... my questions include these: Are you good? Are you just? Are you open to facing those who wronged you - in more ways than harming your economic self-interest - and describing the hurt, sorrow, anxiety, and fear their actions caused? And perhaps, by giving them space to bear the fruits of repentence, gaining friends and allies? Turning enemies, if one dare go so far, turning enemies into friends, attackers into defenders.

"Or not. We will go to Undertow, as you recommend. If you will, however, agree to meet with them after we have dealt with the caravan companies and the justice system there - or even have some of you join us there when a time for a hearing has been set - then I am quite willing to cooperate with my friends of Humble's Sword in providing a larger quantity of the metal that was turned against us. If you are too busy to consider matters of justice and perhaps mercy, then I think we might find other uses for the metal."

He pauses, then adds, "You dwell not by the sea, but perhaps have heard how pearls are formed? An oyster, minding its own business, has some sand kicked up nearby, and one or more grains of it find its way into its flesh. That sand is an irritant - as perhaps you find us and our line of communication, and surely the beastfolk were a huge irritant. Well, the oyster, when that grit gets in and causes discomfort begins to exude a whitish substance with wraps a smooth, hard coat around the grit. Out of that grows the beautiful pearl, fit to adorn and enhance the comeliness of those who wear it. Not to mention of great value. So, are you willing to turn the irritation you have gone through into a pearl of great price?"

To his party members, he says, "And perhaps we'll help form other pearls, eh?" He senses there are some who find Murphy's moral sense a source of irritation from time to time.

He shrugs his shoulders. "Look, we'll follow your recommendations regarding Undertow. Will you follow ours concerning trying to help these outlaws turn towards what is good and right? Think it over. We can leave now, I think, unless anyone else has something to add?"

==============
Diplomacy 34

Hobie (Kim subbing for Nick)
Thursday August 26th, 2021 6:28:03 AM

Hobie had gone to grab a drink at the tavern, but decided to bring the mug with him to go back out and listen to the rest of the conversations. It was much easier to swallow all the back and forth with the decent ale to wash it down.

"Where to next, then. How do we get to Undertow?"

DM Mitch
Thursday August 26th, 2021 8:31:21 AM
Succotash asks if they should head to Undertow or let things drop. He also is in favor of selling the rest of the ore minus what they are planning to give the orcs and local artisans of Humble�s Ford to the Dwarves
Pressi says they took it upon themselves to be responsible for the Lizardfolk so they should press on to Undertow. She also is curious as to the process of the ore selling and who could have made it that they would offer to buy it without negotiating as they are still trying to find who is behind its construction.
Tali uses her message spells to communicate with her friends and try to understand more of the end goal with the lizard folk thieves so she can explain it to Rayya as her familiar has missed so much.
Bliss wants to sell the metal but he fears for another attack on their hometown
Kezzem doubts there will be another attack on the Ford as they on guard now
Murphy gives a long speech about repentance, good and evil, and morality.
Hobie comes back out with his drink and listens in.

Mafrid says to Pressi, �I never said we wouldn�t negotiate. I said we�d pay gold for the alloy but I didn�t say how much. I�d like to know how much you have left then I�ll make you an offer and we can negotiate further if you don�t like my offer. We have a range we are willing to pay for this metal. Granted you are right this investment could prove to be a folly but our alloy was amazing enough as it is, adding sky metal and other rare compounds to it, should make for something even better and if we learn things that improve our processes in the course of studying this new alloy even the better. I see it as an investment in research and development and with you folks putting an end to the robberies we do have the money to invest now. If over the course of our investigation into the alloy and its properties we find anything that might be relevant to you finding the person who made it we will dispatch a messenger to Humble�s Ford with the information. Unless you have an easier way for us to get a hold of you�

The dwarves look bored at Murphy�s speech, then increasingly outraged. �We are well aware of the crimes inflicted on us.� Manfrid says. �Perhaps you yourself should review them before continuing your self-righteous posturing. All we lost was stuff. Objects. Things that, no matter how valuable, could not hold a copper piece in value to that of a single life. These thieves you�re so eager to redeem are murderers. Four times we were robbed and three good men died for it. From what little we could learn the thieves were hardened criminals who had murdered many beforehand. You stand here and demand we try to forgive and forget - go talk to the families of the murdered! Talk to those who truly suffered from their actions. Track down all those lives ended and address each in turn and tell those crying widows they should forgive the murderers of their loved ones for they have changed. Then once those truly serious crimes are addressed return here and we can talk about minor crimes of temporary loss of property. If the thieves have repented and gotten forgiveness from all of their past victims of far worse crimes then we will face them, tell them of the minor pain they inflicted on us, and forgive them for it.�

Taking a bag of gold out of a pocket he throws it at Murphy. �Here is your pay. Should you wish to sell us the rest of this alloy return. Until then our business is done. Good day to you.� And with that the pair march off back to their duties.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday August 26th, 2021 11:22:29 AM
"Murph, he has a point." Succotash says to his druid friend. Than to everyone he says, "As one who used to follow Pantheon exclusively, and now collectively, I understand Murph's desire to see justice and redemption, as both are basic tenants of Pantheon, but I also see that if we choose to proceed, in the possibly fruitless task, of seeking out everyone who may have been wronged by our lizardfolk friends, we may be prowling about for the rest of our lives. They have found a new life for themselves, one with a noble purpose, and our act of mercy is the reason for their life change. We should feel a sense of pride in that, and remember, like Pressi said, we are responsible for them. We could head to undertow, but I feel we may be wasting our time, and I must confess that though this endeavor seemed right when we set out from the Sanctuary, after talking with our dwarf friends here, I'm beginning to think we should just move on, and like Bliss, I feel a sense of concern for the safety of our home, and more importantly, those who dwell there, under our care. I feel we should skip Undertow, and teleport over to where we left the Orc ladies, give them their share of the metal, check in on the lizardfolk, and then head home. After that, we can calculate the amount of metal we have available, and sell it to our dwarf friends, and be done with this whole affair, with the knowledge that we did our job, and we did it well."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday August 26th, 2021 4:10:31 PM

Pressi raised an eyebrow at how things went out of control. "Hold on, wait.

"First, I meant no disrespect back there with regard to your business capabilities.. I was merely commenting that this guy seems to have created an alloy beyond even your frankly amazing capabilities. Which is a big deal to me because I'm still attempting to track the guy who did this, the guy who used other bandits as a weapon.

"Second, I do want to step back on any moral posturing or frustration. We had to make a call and now we have to own it, to the best that we can. As part of that call, we thought that cutting deals would net us the person that hired them, and it didn't. I won't defend this call any further. But I do need you to protect yourself. And... if they do go back to thieving, I apologize in advance. But if it appears that they have moved on to nobler purposes, maybe just keep an open mind."

Moving back, "I don't intend to get forgiveness from everyone, but we promised the bandits at least a chance. It sounds like we have to cut a deal with Undertow to do it. Besides, maybe we'll get lucky and get a better idea of what's going on in the region."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Thursday August 26th, 2021 4:30:59 PM
"I don't know," says Kezzem. "I'm not sure we should be forcing our version of justice on others. If they're willing to look the other way and honor our offer of amnesty, that's good enough for me. Reconciliation is nice and all, but that's not something you can force."

"Wow, that's a lot of sentences for me with no bad jokes in them. It might be my new record."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+14=15 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+27=31 ; d20+23=35 ; d20+26=37 ;
Thursday August 26th, 2021 11:24:13 PM
Strange Ways

Diplomatically, Tali suggests to her friend, "that we should try to learn for ourselves as much as we can about this new alloy, for we might learn for ourselves what this new metal may do for us and possibly it may be used to fortify our compound against all enemies, foreign and domestic!"

Tali reaches into the Haversack containing some of the remaining new alloy and withdraws a small piece. She then tries to use her feats, skills, and magic to get an understanding of what this new alloy actually is. She descends to the ground, places Rayya onto her left shoulder, and then starts by using her skills:

Perception: NAT 1 -- nope, Tali doesn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

Appraise: 16 -- what does Tali discover while appraising this new chunk of metal?

Knowledge (arcana): 31 -- what does Tali discover while using her knowledge of arcana on this new chunk of metal, as it was once a piece of the once formidable Juggernaught?

Tali then casts Identity to boost her Spellcraft skill -- Spellcraft (+23): 45 ( Identify +10 to spellcraft) -- what does Tali discover while using her knowledge of Spellcraft on this new chunk of metal, as it was once a piece of the once formidable Juggernaught?

Skill Checks
Appraise (+4): 16
Diplomacy(+26): 37
Knowledge (Arcana) (+27): 31
Perception(+14): 15 (NAT 1)
Spellcraft (+23): 35

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1071 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1071 minutes
Message | Duration 171 minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Friday August 27th, 2021 2:24:46 AM

Murphy listens to Manfrid. He is quiet for a while.

He takes out paper and pen, and jots something down. His note outlines what he and Bliss and Tali were able to discern about the composition. Murphy's note will be far more complete, but at the end he writes: Along with the mithril and sky metal, there also were some rare metallic salts joined to the admixture of iron and steel. Tell us when, and we might be able to get you to the place where those salts may be obtained. He hands the note to Mafrid.

Then he asks, "Would you be so kind as to write the names of the three who lost their lives?"

Meanwhile, he signals mental appreciation to Pressi for the tack she is taking.

DM Mitch
Friday August 27th, 2021 6:03:39 AM
Succotash points out that Mafrid has a point and that it might be fruitless to talk to everyone who was wronged by the lizard folk. He suggests they skip undertow, go to the orc ladies, give them their share, check in on the lizard folk then regroup at home before selling the rest of the alloy off and putting the whole thing behind them.
Pressi tries to smooths things over with the Dwarves explaining some of what was said and did. She then suggests they press on to Undertow since they promised the bandits a chance. She also figures they might get a better idea of what is going on in the region.
Kezzem suggests maybe they don�t try focing their version of justice on others and while reconciliation is nice it isn�t something that can be forced. He also remarks on his own lack of jokes
Tali suggests studying the alloy themselves and potentially using it to further fortify their compound. She reaches in to the haversack withdraws a small piece and starts examining it, her familiar on her shoulder.
Hobie tries to make some notes and get the names of the dead.

Pressi and Murphy�s attempts at smoothing things over end up being wasted breath. The dwarves are done with the conversation and already left, ignoring anything the party says to their retreating backs.

Tali�s appraisal of the alloy is that it is certainly valuable. It isn�t every day that one comes across a compound that is part steel, mithral, sky metal and other metals.

Tali doesn�t really get anything magical from the piece she pulled out as it is small and doesn�t really appear to have been part of one of the decorative carvings or anything. Although it was once part of the juggernaut it is now inert and just a non magical piece of metal albeit an interesting metal nonetheless.

With the dwarves no longer willing to engage the party in conversation there's nothing left to do but leave. Some want to go to Undertow, some want to drop the matter.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+4=8 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+27=32 ; d20+23=34 ;
Friday August 27th, 2021 9:43:34 PM
Strange Ways

Tali shakes the Haversack containing the remaining alloy spilling all that she has of the alloy upon the ground, looking for any of the pieces that contain symbols. She then tries to use her feats, skills, and magic to get an understanding of what this new alloy actually is & what she can learn from the residue magic that maybe contained within.

Perception: 26 -- does Tali find any pieces having symbols?

Appraise: 8 -- what does Tali discover while appraising this new chunk of metal?

Knowledge (arcana): 32 -- what does Tali discover while using her knowledge of arcana on this new chunk of metal, as it was once a piece of the once formidable Juggernaught that may contain symbols?

Tali then casts Identity to boost her Spellcraft skill -- Spellcraft (+23): 44 ( Identify +10 to spellcraft) -- what does Tali discover while using her knowledge of Spellcraft on this new chunk of metal with symbols?

When all is said and done and Tali has felt she has exhausted all she can learn, then Tali places back into the Haversack all the alloy plus anything else that fell out.
Turning to her fellowship, as I am not a Justicar, pursuing that line of work I do not find engaging.

Skill Checks
Appraise (+4): 16
Knowledge (Arcana) (+27): 32
Perception(+14): 26
Spellcraft (+23): 34

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1070 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1070 minutes
Message | Duration 170 minutes

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+4=20 ;
Friday August 27th, 2021 11:54:04 PM

"Well, I still want to drop it. Who cares about the law in this Undertow place? I never even heard of it."

Know Geography (untrained) 20

"Or have I?"

"Maybe someone should cast a Divination or Commune to see if it would serve fate to go to this place I probably never heard of."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Saturday August 28th, 2021 2:05:27 PM
"I thought undertow was that thing in the ocean where you get pulled under the water," says Kezzem. "I'd prefer to avoid that."

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Sunday August 29th, 2021 10:36:46 AM

"No, wise Kezz'm, that's the UnderToad. It lived in the sea and pulls down unwary swimmers."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Monday August 30th, 2021 4:41:58 AM
"I understand." Murphy says. "Most of you do not have the interest or heart to do as I am suggesting. That is all right - it should not take all of us to talk with the folks in Undertow.

"I'll go with whoever wishes to join me. Sure and there are plenty of other ways you might spend your time. If no one wishes to join in, I'll go it alone."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Monday August 30th, 2021 4:45:03 AM

"Go ahead, Murph," Hobie says. "I want to see what the folks at Slings and arrows come up with. I wonder if they can make some fishing arrows for me?"

Hobie (Kim subbing for Nick)
Monday August 30th, 2021 4:47:35 AM
"Go ahead, Murph," Hobie says. "I want to see what the folks at Slings and arrows come up with. I wonder if they can make some fishing arrows for me?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday August 30th, 2021 8:34:40 AM
Pressi nods. "I'd like to come along too, assuming nobody needs my help to get back. It was partly my calculation so I'd like to defend my reasoning. And I might poke around while I'm there."

"As for the rest of you, you can head on to the orc camp without incident."

DM Mitch
Monday August 30th, 2021 10:36:15 AM
Tali is really gung ho about determining what she can from the pieces of the juggernaut that the party collected after the battle. She finds that she does have some pieces that were part of the outer sculpture but they are badly disfigured and only bits and pieces of what they once represented. Without a proper library it is really a shot in the dark to compare them with anything. Tali then casts identify on the new piece of juggernaut but alas it too like the previous piece is no longer a magic item, having been destroyed and therefore losing whatever magical properties it had. She also votes against undertow.
Kezem says he thought Undertow was the thing that pulls you under the ocean and he�d prefer to avoid that.
Bliss is in agreement concerning dropping the undertow matter. He tries to think if he�s heard of it before and he has albeit vaguely. He also suggests someone cast some sort of divination to figure if it is worth going to undertow. He corrects Kezem concerning the undertoad.
Murphy decides to go to Undertow on his own, though others can join him if they want.
Hobie wants to check in with his arrow project.
Pressi joins Murphy for his trip.

The party splits. Most retrieve the ore and head out to the orcs. Hobie is told they�ll need a little more time as the metal is proving difficult to reshape. The group arrives back at the initial camp where they met the orcs. One of them is waiting there, looking bored, and perks up when the party shows up.

Murphy and Pressi find their way to Undertow. It is an underground town near the surface built next to an underground river, thus the name. The town is set in a large cave along the river, built as a series of caves and dwellings built into the wall and connected by stairs. No building or cave is lower than a dozen feet off the cave floor - presumably the river floods in heavy rains. The locals are used to strangers showing up and are happy to point the pair to the local law enforcement office. Inside a low roofed cave a dwarf sits at a desk with his feet on it and a pipe in his hands. He nods a greeting and looks at them inquisitively.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday August 30th, 2021 11:26:04 AM
Succotash quickly addresses the Orcs, "We have returned as promised, though we ran into a bit of a hiccup. You see, who ever stole your metal melted the sky metal down and mixed it with a steel and mithril alloy, as well as some rare metallic salts, and who knows what else. This new alloy was used to make a construct designed to destroy our home by some unknown assailant, who escaped our grasp. Luckily we were able to destroy the automaton before any serious damage was done, or anyone was seriously hurt.

We have recently learned that this new alloy, that I think we should call Humble's Steel, may actually be more valuable than any of the parent metals used to create it. You are welcome to a portion equal to the amount of sky metal that was stolen from you. If you are worried that your people may be unhappy with this development, than may I suggest relocating to the new community, by the Culverwood, a place called "Freedoms Landing". There you will find a fledgling community that could use you metal working skills. Also, a goodly portion of the community is comprised of orcs who have shaken off the evil stigma that sadly seems to follow your people. I by no means am judging your kind, as I believe we decide how we are going to live our lives. In the same way that goodly orcs aren't the norm, but exist, evil halflings aren't the norm, yet they also exist, as such we should never judge someone based on appearance, but on the content of their character."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Monday August 30th, 2021 1:01:39 PM
In response to Succo's long speech, Kezzem turns to Bliss and says, "Wow, I didn't know being Murphey was contagious. We'll have to be careful or we'll be next!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Monday August 30th, 2021 7:36:33 PM
In response to Succo's long speech, Kezzem turns to Bliss and says, "Wow, I didn't know being Murphey was contagious. We'll have to be careful or we'll be next!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35) d20+24=43 ;
Monday August 30th, 2021 8:46:39 PM

After the introductions have been made, Pressi eyes the dwarf carefully, thinking of the best way to proceed.

"We were hired by a local smelting company to provide security. Bandits had been raiding caravans, stealing the metal and selling it to an unknown buyer. And..." Pressi took some time before proceeding. "We were able to capture a good number of the bandits alive, and we promised not to bring them to trial. They gave us information, helped us track the buyer, and generally took steps to reform, and we made the decision that interrupting that with jail time would not be beneficial for those involved. We are here to advocate on their behalf and to tie up any loose ends and accountability that might require.

"We are also here because we never found the buyer. He used thieves to steal metal from camps all over the area and has thus far avoided all of my divinations. Some form of mind blank or dimensional activity. He also managed to create a juggernaut with the various alloys and some mineral deposits from the culverwood, and apparently uses illusion magic when dealing with community members. I'm also here to see if I might luck into any further leads. A stranger of immense power traveling through the city, or some insight into the purchasers of various alloys, perhaps."

(Diplomacy 43)

--------------

Pressi takes some time afterwards to sightsee, ask around, look to see if anyone heard even a whisper of a relevant rumor. She isn't quite ready to let go.

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Monday August 30th, 2021 10:47:45 PM
Bliss snickers at Kezzem�s words. But he backs Sir Succotash up 100%.

�You�re doing great, brother,� he says.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Tuesday August 31st, 2021 12:52:09 AM
Loss fer Words...

Tali goes with Succotash & Kezzem to return the Orcs' portion of the ore.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1069 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1069 minutes
Message | Duration 169 minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+28=30 ;
Tuesday August 31st, 2021 3:39:15 AM

Before leaving the smelting operation behind, Murphy does take a few minutes to hand off the paper that described what the party was able to discern about the process [as described in an earlier post].

Murphy listens to Pressi's presentation. To her privately (via telecommunication) he says, 'I don't think we promised no trial. I do think we promised to advocate on their behalf. Which I'll join you in doing.'

"We spoke to those who hired us to stop the bandits," Murphy adds to his wife's explanation. "They said we ought to come to bring the matter to your attention, as guards from here were working for them in providing caravan deliveries. Do you know any who may have done so? And any family members? I ask that as I believe there may have been loss of life in at least one robbery. That matter needs serious attention. Whom should we speak with, meet with?"

==============
Diplomacy: 30 to boost Pressi's by +2 to 45.

DM Mitch
Tuesday August 31st, 2021 7:10:18 AM
Succotash explains the situation to the orcs and says they are welcome to a portion of the new metal equal to what they lost in sky metal but if their tribal leaders wouldn�t be happy with that they are free to resettle in Freedom�s Landing.

Kezzem tells Bliss after Succotash�s long speech that being near Murphy is contagious and they�ll have to be careful or they�ll be next.
Bliss snickers at Kezzem but backs Succotash up.
Tali goes with thim.
Dura says to Succotash, �I do not know how our tribe will react. We were told to recover the stolen iron and sky metal allow and we end up bring back a new alloy albeit supposedly more valuable but what properties does it have? How hard is it to shape? Our original metal was in ingots that we could repurpose for whatever tools or weapons we needed but all this stuff is in fairly small pieces. We could try to smelt this into ingots but the question remains will our leaders be comfortable with this arrangement? I honestly do not know. Let me talk with my sisters about what we should do; mayhap we leave the metal in its current form and set off for this settlement of yours.�

===================
Meanwhile in Undertow

Pressi explains their situation to the constabulary letting them know she is looking for leads on whoever attacked them and a way for the lizard folk to reform.
Murphy leaves behind some information for the dwarves and heads to undertow. He asks about the caravan guards.

The constable considers a moment and consults some paperwork on his desk. Then he says to Pressi �Only gang a lizard folk I know is a hardened gang of criminals. I�d reckon they�d sooner die than reform. If this group is the same as your group then they have multiple warrants out as well as several bounties some calling for them to be brought in dead or alive. If you are serious about reforming them you�d have to parade them in courts throughout the scab and they could plead their case but they are more than likely to draw hard labor or capital punishment depending on the judge. Even if the judges believe them this whole affair would take years to settle and likely be a pretty big hassle for law officers such as myself. Are you sure this is the same gang and we don�t just have a case of mistaken identity? Can you give me names and a description?�

Sense Motive 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {The Dwarven constable doesn�t really seem to much care one way or the other and he is interested in giving you an out}

�The guards would be from one of the local companies. A small mercenary band that hire themselves out to guard caravans and the like. I�ll give you their address.� He writes directions to them on a small piece of parchment and hands it over.

He continues, �Now onto the other criminal. We haven�t really had anyone running around wielding immense magical power or illusions. As for your other inquiry about metal we do have a few small mining operations working veins in some of the caves. I�m not sure if they�d know anything about any metal thieves or purchases but you are welcome to ask.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday August 31st, 2021 10:58:19 AM
"Please do, take your time, and make sure you make the decision that is right for you and your sisters. Truth is, either option can be a good one. If you deem your tribal leaders as reasonable folk, than going home may be preferable, but it is nice to know you have another option, in case you may be no longer welcome at home, due to circumstances beyond your control. If you decide to relocate to freedom's landing, I can teleport you there, and introduce you to a half-orc friend of mine, named Grindar, who has taken up residence there. I'm sure Grindar can help you get settled"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday August 31st, 2021 8:41:13 PM

Pressi can pretty much read the constable like a book. "Er, yes... Well, in all fairness, let me start with the names of the leadership, all of whom did prefer to die rather than reform. The prevailing theory is that the ones that gave up were latecomers or bystanders, probably from some group expansion in the wake of our outside funding and thus probably innocent of the warrants and bounties you describe. I would like to take a look at them to be on the safe side and to collect rewards. Maybe get some more information about the local companies as well, like that address." (Pressi describes the ones that died but keeps the ones that were left silent.)

"And of course, I'd be glad to give you ours, just in case a mistake was made and we need to come back out."

Pressi considers following up on some of the other operations, but suspects their quarry would be careful around them. "We are looking particularly for companies known for research or alchemy, maybe some that have staked out the Culverwood itself. Groups with an axe to grind against halflings, maybe."

Pressi thinks for a bit. "Just out of curiosity, if someone did want to hire a bunch of bandits in this area, how would they find this lizardfolk band? Because I presume they would lie low, unless there's a thieves guild around here."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Tuesday August 31st, 2021 11:34:55 PM
"I thought grinder was a type of sandwich," says Kezzem. "Or maybe I'm just hungry. Is it time for second breakfast yet?"

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday August 31st, 2021 11:42:11 PM

"No Sir Kezzem, that's a hero. 'A hero ain't nothing but a sandwich,' they say."

Bliss starts to talk about how nice Freedom's Landing is, and how they need migrants, and how they should definitely move there. But then he is confused about how his characters' worlds are colliding. "I though it was Zazu the Elf who knew about this Freedom's Landing? Have we even been there or heard of the place? I'm so confused!"

Mookie says, "I always wanted to be the cutest bunny in the Wold!

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Wednesday September 1st, 2021 12:26:43 AM
Rayya..

Tali plays with Rayya while her troupe concludes their business with the Orc ladies.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight |Duration 1068 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) |Duration 1068 minutes
Message | Duration 168 minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Wednesday September 1st, 2021 1:51:26 AM

"You are wonderfully canny, DiamondDust," Murphy telepaths his wife.

"Yes, we would like to visit them." He takes up the paper with the address. "As we're new here - have you a map we could take a quick look at to help us find this place? Thank you for your help, sir."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday September 1st, 2021 3:47:09 AM
OOC... Grinda

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday September 1st, 2021 3:56:32 AM
OOC...Grindar is a PC I played in the Sargrass Plains game, and then moved to the Champions of the Culverwood game. I recently resigned from DMing, due to mental fatigue, and as such I had to put Grindar on hold, and he is now farming at Freedom's Landing. The reason Succotash knows about Freedom's Landing is two fold. 1st, he has met many of the characters, from that game, at the Giggling Ghost, and second, Succotash, who is a friend of Grindar, is the one that teleported Grindar from the southern continent, to the northern continent, and Freedom's Landing, thus he's been there personally.

DM Mitch
Wednesday September 1st, 2021 7:16:04 AM
Succotash tells Dura to take their time in making their decision what they want to do. He offers to teleport the orc ladies over to Freedom�s Landing and introduce them to a friend named Grindar.
Kezzem says he though Grinder was a type of sandwich and asks if it is time for second breakfast yet.
Bliss tells Kezzem that a hero is a sandwich and then talks up Freedom�s landing briefly confusing himself and Mookie for Zazu and Boyo
Tali plays with Raya while the party concludes their business.

Dura considers the offer and promises to discuss with the others and return. She sets a specific time to meet the party after there�s been time to discuss.

(OOC: We�ve emailed Kathy about adopting the Orc NPCs into the Freedom�s Landing townfolk; lets see how that goes)

==================================================

Pressi reads the constable like a book. She gives him the names of the dead leadership and theorizes that the rest of them were latecomers or bystanders and gives the names and descriptions of the dead lizardfolk.
Murphy compliment�s Pressi and asks about a map.

She also says she�ll provide her contact details.

She says she�s particularly interested in alchemy companies, companies that have explored the Culverwood or Companies with an axe to grind against halflings.

Lastly she asks how one would go about hiring bandits considering they would probably lie low unless there is a thieve�s guild

The constable considers all that Pressi has said.

He says �The dead lizard folk you describe do seem to match the description of the leaders of the bandit gang of lizard folk that we know of. The whole group is wanted by multiple clans. If you're interested in helping them reform in dwarven lands you'll be facing a whole lot of trouble I'm afraid. Probably better and easier for them to just make a new start elsewhere, where they aren't known and wanted by so many groups.�

He then says, �We are a relatively small settlement. We don�t really have fancy alchemists or culverwood explorers and no one here that we know of has any particular grudge against your kind.�

He then says, �Well there isn�t an organized thieves guild per se but the bandits and thieves do tend to still network. There are people who know people so that if one is looking for a certain type of service they can at a tavern make an inquiry and if the fixer is comfortable they�ll take the meeting. If the fixer thinks the inquiry is a trap or isn�t interested in the potential client or passing along the potential job then that is the end of that. Knowing and being in contact with these bands isn�t necessarily in and of itself a crime and so it is kind of hard for us to shut these fixers down, plus they are a cagey lot so it isn�t worth the effort really.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday September 1st, 2021 11:49:55 AM
Succotash is happy to wait for an answer from the orc ladies, and in the meantime, he plays fetch with Valerie, tossing the dino's favorite tug-of-war rope toy, for her to retrieve.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Wednesday September 1st, 2021 12:37:39 PM
"What, I thought were were heroes?" asks Kezzem. "Are we...sandwiches? If I get hungry enough am I a going to eat myself?"

Kezzem's stomach rumbles.

"Oh no, it's starting!"

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday September 1st, 2021 4:42:45 PM

"That's my cue!" Bliss declares as he casts his Heroes Lunch spell.

"Come on everybody, dig in!" He insists that there is food enough for all.

"Try this eggplant parm hero! Or this club sub! We have some nice macaroonski salad. Chips and cookies for dessert, and the chocolate milk is sooo good."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday September 1st, 2021 8:46:38 PM

Pressi thanked the constable for his time, trying to mask her frustration. For a moment, she wondered if she could get away with pounding the pavement, maybe reaching out to the underworld.

At this point, though, she figured that she was out of time, and probably grasping at straws.

Returning to Murphy, "I think we have to go back. I can't explain it but I can actually feel the rest of the team growing more stupid by the second."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Thursday September 2nd, 2021 3:13:34 AM

"Really? I thought we'd at least try to..." Images run through Murphy's mind of meeting dwarven families, making inquiries, seeing anger, sorrow, rage, and other emotions crossing their faces. And of things getting very complicated. He allows Pressi to 'see' what he is thinking.

"All right. There may be a time for this, but I think it will be later." "You have word of recall?" he asks his wife. "I do. Wanna race?" He makes certain she can travel that way... if not, then exiting the underground city, plopping down an oak tree, and going home that way can suffice. If so - then he pops home to the Sanctuary among the shrines, not far from her customary spot.

"Miss us much? Or at least Pressi?" Murphy asks of whoever might be at the Sanctuary.

After spending a few hours making the rounds with the folks who live with or near them, Murphy meets with Foreman George, goes over the crushed crops area... and sees about getting people to help plough the soil to help decompress it, that plants might be regrown. He will memorize plant growth several times, and apply that to speed things along. He check in with Slings and Arrows, and has ideas for some camping gear made from the metal, if they've figured how to work it.

Also - with the help of his bardic brother, Kendry, who has moved into the compound with wife Airin and their three toddlers, the number of his followers is growing. He considers how to get them engaged, and find places for them to stay, and see how they might further the work of Humble's Sword, and benefit Humble's Ford and Crescent Valley. They will need more land, and to plant more crops, and help people set up housing.

When the whole team is gathered, Murphy brings these things up to them. He thinks that he and Pressi - and whoever else is interested - may need to talk some things over with Mayor Bingo Bumbleluck and his wife May Greenbottle. Can additional land around the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword be purchased? Should they expand westward, or fill some of the gap between the town and the compound with places for the newcomers?

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Thursday September 2nd, 2021 3:34:07 AM

[I have surgery in a few hours, and the doc says I'll be out of it for about a day or two. So I'm cheating and putting in another post regarding asking how we should frame things for the lizardmen, as I may not be able to post again until Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. -Kim]

Meanwhile, the lizardmen
Murphy asks Tali and Succotash and Mookie and Hobie and Kezzem and Bliss how we should frame things for the beastmen. And Pressi. "What do we tell them? Something like this?" Murphy asks.

"'You are wanted far and wide in the dwarven lands. Some want you dead. Some want you imprisoned for a long time. And your evil work has made enemies in many locales. If you will promise not to return there, but to do what good you can here over the next year, time may quiet things down a bit. One of the constables knows your two leaders are dead, but we gave no details about you as we tried to feel things out. There will come a time when you will need to face at least some of those folks. But we want you to have a chance. Prove you can do good, and help others, and stop attacking people who have done you no wrong. Let's give it a few months, then a review. Then if you do well, up to a year from now, with people checking in from time to time along the way. I'm a druid. I have animal friends. Some will be watching. I want the good things you do to be reported. I want you to help old ladies across the street. What do you say?'"

"There is MUCH room for improvement on this. How do we present to them? Succotash? Anybody?"

[Mind you - this is not what he says to the lizardmen - he wants the whole team to figure out the best way to communicate to them that will encourage them, support them, and put a bit of fear into them regarding temptations to return to old ways.]

DM Mitch
Thursday September 2nd, 2021 8:06:08 AM
Succotash encourages the orc ladies to take their time while he plays fetch with Valerie.
Kezzem says he thought they were the heroes and then ponders if they are really sandwiches and if they get hungry would they have to eat themselves?
Bliss casts the hero�s lunch spell making a number of sandwiches, salads, chips, cookies and chocolate milk.
Meanwhile at Undertow
Pressi masks her frustration at getting nothing from the constable. She is considering ponding the pavement but has a strong feeling they need to get back as their friends are getting dumber.
Murphy kind of wants to track down all the dwarven families but they don�t have time now. He offers to race Pressi and once home talks to various people. He asks the other�s how to break the news to the beastfolk.

After a couple hours wait Dura returns. She seems to be in a very good mood. �We�re good. The others spun a tail of how we tracked down the thieves and used our knowledge of metal craft to take down the construct they made that would have assailed the whole clan. They were so convincing we�re celebrated heroes now. I need to get back to the party before I�m missed.

Oh, and you should probably make yourselves scarce, we may have told them it was a bunch of evil halflings who stole it and ran away when we defeated their construct.�

Presumably, with both group�s business done, the party reconvenes at their home. The Foreman is happy for the help and the folks at the Slings and Arrows are close to figuring out how to smelt the odd metal.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Thursday September 2nd, 2021 10:52:04 AM
Kezzem holds up an eggplant parm hero. "Alas, poor Eggplant Parm. I knew him, Bliss. A fellow of infinite jest! Oh wait, that's me."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday September 2nd, 2021 12:54:14 PM
Succotash just shakes his head at Kezzem's usual oddities. He loves the paladin dearly, but is convinced he was dropped on his head as a child. After lunch, as the orc ladies share their story, Succotash gathers everyone and teleports them home. Once home he relays the story to Pressi and Murphy, as well as Hobie who had already gone home. "That's as good a thing to say as any Murph", He says as Murphy shares his idea as to what to say to the lizardfolk. "We want to give them a chance to prove themselves, and working with the city guard in Troll is a good place to start. An occasional scry spell, cast by one of our many casters would also be a good means to keep tabs on them, and we can mention that in out dialogue as well. I don't want them to think we are watching them like a hawk, per say, but I want them to know we are keeping an eye on them, so as to encourage them to continue to make good choices, not so much out of fear, but more because they have an audience."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday September 2nd, 2021 9:32:27 PM

Pressi figures its about time the group moved on, though they probably need to say goodbye to the lizardfolk.

If anyone told her about the orcs, she's still cheesed enough to go full evil halfling on them but she chooses not to. After presumably some light prodding from the group.

Is there anything left to do?

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Thursday September 2nd, 2021 11:29:38 PM
Saving Face

Tali & Rayya, while back at home, are both convinced that the Orc ladies used the Humbles after we did all the work. "Must make a mental note to avoid that particular clan in the future." thinks Tali.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Thursday September 2nd, 2021 11:29:39 PM
Saving Face

Tali & Rayya, while back at home, are both convinced that the Orc ladies used the Humbles after we did all the work. "Must make a mental note to avoid that particular clan in the future." thinks Tali.

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Thursday September 2nd, 2021 11:49:24 PM

"Wait, wait, is it time to go already?"

Bliss shares out the food to everyone nearby and grabs a Parm Sub as big as he is to munch on the way home.

Once the party is together again, Bliss laughs. "Murphy and Pressi, are you guys hungry? I can rustle us up another lunch. Kezzem, you still hungry?"

DM Mitch
Friday September 3rd, 2021 7:13:20 AM
Kezzem holds up an Eggplant Parm and makes a jest
Succotash shakes his head at Kezzem�s oddities. He then teleports everyone home. He likes Murphy�s suggestion with respect to the lizardfolk and adds that they can occasionally scry on the lizard folk to keep tabs on them and encourage them to continue to make good choices.
Pressi figures it is time the group moves on but agrees saying goodbye to the Lizardfolk is probably on their todo list.
Tali is a bit miffed in the way the Orcs are portraying things and says they should avoid that clan in the future.
Bliss shares his food with everyone and grabs a hero parm for himself. He offers to cast the spell again for Pressi and Murphy.

Presumably with Murphy, Pressi and Succotash in agreements on the Lizardfolk you make your way to them in Troll and you give them an update on their situation in the way that Murphy outlined in his previous post.

Jarry looks at the druid and says, �We accept your offer to avoid the Dwarven lands for the next year. We will do good where we can and continue to help out the guard situation in Troll at least for now. �

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday September 3rd, 2021 12:02:51 PM
"I am glad to here that Jerry, if you guys ever need help, please feel free to ask, it shouldn't be to hard to find Humble's Ford, and our Sanctuary just outside town."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday September 3rd, 2021 8:55:44 PM

Pressi shakes Jarry's hand. "We wish you all the best of luck. I hope that you do well with the chance you were given."

(Because if I hear about anything else, I'll personally see to it you regret every remaining moment of your life.)

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Friday September 3rd, 2021 11:23:18 PM

[OOC: So if I understand correctly, we are now home in HF?]

Looking around, Bliss is so happy to be home. He searches out Granny (his Number Two in the coven and his NPC cohort).

He makes sure she understand all the current events.

"What do you make of it, Granny? Who would want to target Humbles Ford? With a mega war wagon! And why?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Sunday September 5th, 2021 12:56:18 AM
"Am I hungry?" asks Kezzem. "Is a bear pantheistic? Wait, no, that's not it."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Sunday September 5th, 2021 7:10:12 AM
Home in Humble Ford

Tali has a deep discussion with Rayya about traveling with her and the combat roles she might function in. After a long discussion, and much deliberation, coupled with some tear-jerking moments, Rayya will be traveling with Talia for the rest of her days.

Tali discusses with the team if she has enough time to visit the nearest WLA chapter and a Catacombs location.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Sunday September 5th, 2021 2:08:55 PM
With the team back in Humbles Ford, Hobie heads straight back to Roscoe's house and pours a glass of whatever alcohol his cousin has on hand. He sits back and kicks his feet up on the table and takes a long drink before filling Roscoe in on the events.

ooc: Back from holiday, thanks Kim for posting for Hobie while I was gone, I really appreciate it.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Monday September 6th, 2021 4:26:40 AM

Yes, Murphy, et al, meet with the lizardfolk, and he gives the talk outlined before. To it he adds asking each one of the beastfolk individually for his or her personal commitment to this agreement, looking each in the eye as they make the pledge. Chee, Mac, Permi, Oni, Vron and Jarry. Jarry already has said yes, but he wants to hear it from the rest of them.

If they agree, and - he would have talked this over with the group ahead of time [so, speak now or hold your peace] - they return the gear to each individual, no including that which belonged to the two now dead leaders.

Once that matter is concluded, I'm assuming we return to Humble's Ford.

Regarding Tali's question, "Yes, friend, should circumstances so allow, let's see if we can take a few weeks off. Visit the WLA in Angel Springs. I have followers to organize and figure out how to accommodate. There is a bit of repair to the fields and replanting of crops. We might want to look to local defense of the Sanctuary. And my father tells me that he is Very Close to finishing his carousel, as he calls it. I'd love to see that working.

"We should go bother the BadApples gang and tousle their hair. Talk a few things over with the local officials. And I want to add a good-sized pool for swimming and such on the north side."

==========
ooc: You're welcome, Nick! I kind of ran out of things over the past half week... :-) I'm glad you are back with us.

A Blast from the Past

DM Mitch
Monday September 6th, 2021 6:57:30 AM
Succotash is glad that Jarry and the lizardfolk are ready to turn over a new leaf. He says if they ever need help to please reach out to Humble�s Ford.
Pressi shakes Jarry�s hand and wishes them well.
Bliss goes to ask Granny�s opinions on the matter of everything that has been happening lately.
Kezzem rhetorically asks if the bear is Pantheistic in response to him being hungry.
Tali decides to bring Rayya on her adventures here on out. She also wants to visit the nearest WLA chapter an a catacombs location.
Hobie goes to cousin�s Roscoe�s and has a pint of mead and puts his feet up.
Murphy gets oaths from the lizardfolk to reform and makes big plans to spend some time off building things.

The group returns home and proceeds with further plans. Tali visits the WLA and Murphy starts on some plans. Meanwhile Bliss gets some unexpected news from his cohort.
Granny tells Bliss �I don�t know what to make of all that but have you tried talking to your guests? A miss Scaldstone and associate came to visit while you were all at Troll. She said it was a matter of utmost importance so I had her wait with her friend in the library. I prepared a light refreshment of tea and biscuits as well.�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday September 6th, 2021 9:43:13 PM
Pressi made her way back to the dancing pig, still a bit stinging from her feeling of failure but finding herself glad to be home.

Not much was done at this time, besides working through the normal aspects of her job.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday September 6th, 2021 11:40:24 PM
Succotash decides to go to the library in hopes of finding an interesting book. When he arrives, he sees the guests Granny sent there and says, "Well bless my buttons, I didn�t know we had guests. My name is Succotash Slenderstick, and this is my trusted friend Valerie. Is there anything we can do for you?"

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday September 7th, 2021 1:48:16 AM

Bliss gathers his friends and leads them to the coven library.

"Come on everybody, we have guests to greet."

DM Mitch
Tuesday September 7th, 2021 6:20:56 AM
Pressi makes her way back to the dancing pig working through the normal aspects of her job.
Succotash goes to the library and starts to introduce himself when he realizes he has seen the two ladies before.
Bliss leads everyone to the library.

Seated at the library table are a female dwarf and a female drow noble who are talking pleasantly to one of Bliss�s lesser cohort members. As the party enters the room they stand and give a respectful bow. The woman is immediately recognizable as Ketia.

She holds her hands up in a non-threatening manner. �Parley?� she says pleasantly.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday September 7th, 2021 9:57:17 AM
Seeing who the "guests" are, Succotash stiffens, as the hairs stand up on the back of his neck. Sensing her masters discomfort and defensiveness, Valerie begins growling. "Down girl" Succotash commands, and even though she stops growling, she doesn't take her eyes off the two, staying in a position of readiness.

You have a lot of nerve showing your faces here, I owe you a visit to Lord Gargul, and should send you there now! Before I allow my scaly friend to disembowel you, say your piece! Only someone desperate or a fool would show up here after our last meeting, so which one are you?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+26=36 ; d20+9=14 ; d20+14=20 ;
Tuesday September 7th, 2021 7:52:16 PM
Ketia?

Tali says diplomatically, "Excuse my lack of memory, but who is Ketia, Succotash?" Apparently, I have drawn a blank as to the name. Using her perception coupled with her Sense Motive skills, Tali tries to decypher the reason why these two ladies are here and their true intentions.

Skill Checks
Diplomacy: 36
Sense Motive: 14
Perception: 20

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1080 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1080 minutes
Message | Duration 180 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday September 7th, 2021 9:13:36 PM

"Once again, on the odd chance that this time I'll actually be listened to. We have GOT to start screening people. Like, at least have someone write their names on a piece of paper, maybe?"

Pressi sighed, looking across the room at the woman she once battled wits with to a stalemate, but she does take a moment to pull Succotash back and sit down herself. "Well, well, it's been a while, hasn't it. I'll save you some time. If that's your juggernaut out front, we already destroyed it for your convenience.
Let us know if we have anything else of yours to destroy."

Pressi takes some time to detect magic and signal the coven and Harper to search the perimeter. "Not that I expect this to be an out and out attack, but I'd like to be sure."

At least this time, Pressi looks more... presentable, coming as she is in her work uniform.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Tuesday September 7th, 2021 9:26:10 PM

Who Are These Women?
Murphy endeavors to help his friend Tali understand. "You recall the Iron Giant, of course, right? After all, you fought there, and died there. I happened to have been whisked away to another plane, not in accordance with my will, shortly before these women and their entourage made themselves known, Tali. But I closely interviewed everyone in our group upon my return several weeks later. If not mistaken, I believe this woman," and he indicates the dwarf, "Would be Ketia, priestess of Scald. And the other woman," and he gestures toward the drow, "is an illusionist of sorts, who happened to have generated a number of magical walls up in the head area of the Iron Giant, along with various fantasms. Sashe - that is your name?" he asks for verification of the drow. Then back to Tali, "Did not your freed-from-the-body soul enter her body for a moment? Likely to no avail - I don't know that she gained any of your good nature, but we shall see.

"Pressi had told them at the time she was open to having them take the Iron Giant, but our group was rather busy at the time, defending our town and valley from an invading force of over one thousand giants down from the Scab, and the metal gargantua was key to our defense for a few more minutes. Heedless of any concern whatsoever for the far-outnumbered halflings, they would hear of no delay, but demanded immediate surrender of the ancient artifact, as Ketia claimed they were on a mission from their god. Really, had they waited ten minutes, our purposes would have been fulfilled, and there would have been no need for them to attack us. However, as they forced our hand, it was you, Tali, of whom circumstances demanded, as the new pilot, to issue the order for the Iron Giant simply to fuse with the Tower, having taken the place of our slain friend Succotash. Really, just three or four more minutes would have done, preserving the utility of the Iron Giant, and repowering the tower. But Ketia would not wait. She was relentless. And proved herself a fool, losing her goal through her own pride and genuine lack of wisdom. She is a tool, and ineptly bungled her assignment - though she is efficient at killing. Speaking of...

"Between the two of them, they killed Succotash, and you, Tali. Thus, meet your murderers. In fact, Ketia killed you twice, dear, after Pressi revived you once.

Murphy pulls few punches
"Oh, and she took fingers from those of us she had laid low. Should we ask if she still has yours? If so, she really should return it, along with that of Succotash, and any others she might have happened upon. Especially if she wants to have a serious parley. She stole the Giant Tower from her god through her decisions. And some fingers."

He turns toward Ketia and Sashe. "Tali is brilliant, but forgetful of some things. Getting killed can affect one's memory. Some of us have not forgotten, though. Parley? About what?" He was strongly inclined to use a dire insult for a female dwarf against Ketia in her own tongue, but restrained himself. With some difficulty.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Tuesday September 7th, 2021 9:27:26 PM

[I was writing the same time as Pressi's post came, so did not see it until now.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Tuesday September 7th, 2021 9:49:17 PM
"How many dwarves or drow does it take to screw in a light bulb?" asks Kezzem. "Beats me, they both can see in the Dark so neither ever bothered. No go away or I shall taunt you a second time."

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday September 7th, 2021 10:32:37 PM

Bliss squints. "Oh yeah, I remember. I was looking at the world through spider-kin eyes at the time."

Mookie says, "Sure, Kid, good job remembering these gals. Good brain you got there, that's the ticket."

"Thanks, Mooks old pal."

The raven rolls his eyes.

DM Mitch
Wednesday September 8th, 2021 7:31:32 AM
Succotash stiffens and orders Valerie to back down as she begins growling at their visitors. He says he owes them a visit to Gargul and he should send them there now but only someone desperate or a fool would show up after their last encounter so which are they.
Tali asks Succotash who Ketia is and then observes the two.
From what little Tali can glean considering all Ketia said so far was Parley the dwarf woman seems earnest in that at least.
Pressi says that they have got to start screening people and in the future have their people write guests� names down on pieces of paper. She informs the two that if that was their juggernaut it has already been destroyed and to let them know if they have anything else of theirs to destroy. She also casts detect magic and has her people check the perimeter.
Ketia and Sashe�s gear radiate magic and they have some wards and other defensive buffs cast on them but she doesn�t get anything overtly hostile from her divination and her people checking the perimeter don�t find anything either.

Murphy reminds the others of their previous encounters with the pair now in their library and how they fought over the Iron Giant and because of their battle the tower and the giant was lost and how they killed Succotash once and Tali twice. He also reminds the others of the missing fingers taken from the dead and grills them about what they want to parley about.

Kezzem tells the pair to go away involving a joke about screwing in something called a ligthbulb
Bliss says he remembers the 2 now and Mookie offers a backhanded sarcastic comment that the witch thanks his spirit companion for.

Ketia looks at Succotash and says, �Come now is that anyway to speak to your guests who have approached non-threateningly under a banner of parley? I thought you were supposed to be the good guys? As to why we came here well as Murphy has eloquently recounted our foolhardiness of the past, I can assure you that losing the Iron Giant for Scald was a learning experience that shall we say tempered our impatience. Still, though, desperate times do call for desperate measures.�

Ketia says to Pressi, �Rest assured that the Juggernaut you destroyed was not our device. In fact if my hunch is right I think we can help you get to the bottom of who made it in exchange for your consideration with respect to another matter which I will get into in good time..�

To Murphy Ketia says, �As I previously stated I regret the hastiness of my past actions and the outcome of losing the Iron Giant and I think I have learned some patience since our last encounter with respect to getting what I want. Perhaps that was the wisdom that Tali�s soul imparted? Regardless, I am earnest in my request for a parley and to that end I figured you might ask for those digits back, so I came prepared.� She takes out a small pouch and carefully unties the string before emptying the contents on the table they were previously sitting at but away from the tea service and food.

The fingers of Succotash and Tali, preserved with a gentle repose spell are the contents of the pouch.
�I was saving these for a contingency that has not come to pass. In the interest of the spirit of our new cooperation let me return these to you as you requested.�

Ketia clears her throat and says, �Now that all that is out of the way. Let me reiterate that we mean you no harm, this time around.. We never would have come here, except it is a matter of life and death. As much as it pains me to say it, we do need your help. I think the same entity that set that terrifying metal contraption after your home is also murdering Skald�s faithful and I have reason to believe that I am next in line for the slaughter. Therefore, I propose an unlikely alliance of sorts in the interest of unifying against a common threat, figuring out who that threat is and then neutralizing them. What say you, heroes? I know you don�t like me, but I also know that whoever is behind the juggernaut threatens your home and to some extent this entire valley and you have no idea as to what their greater motivations could be or what their endgame is. Can you afford to let hostilities over events that happened in the past get in the way of dealing with the clear and present danger of a new evil? Would you be so petty?�

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday September 8th, 2021 9:35:24 AM

Mookie eyes the contents of the pouch. "I've heard of tea and finger foods, but this is ridiculous!"

"Hush, Mookie," says Bliss, stifling a chortle.

Bliss turns to the guests. "Look, ladies, let's get down to business. We want to hear what you have to say. We'll probably do whatever it is you need in exchange for the info we seek. No need to draw this out. Fair enough?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday September 8th, 2021 12:11:05 PM
Succotash growls, "Normally I would say the enemy of my enemy is my friend, but I don't think that quite applies here does it? That said, though I owe you a nice destruction spell, or some other such life ending experience, I will consead, our need to work together. Through your foolishness, Tali and I we forced to stand before Lord Gargul, but you meant our home and the innocent halflings, living in the valley, no harm. This new threat is a threat to many innocent people, so I will set aside my desire for revenge and attempt to work with you. Tell us what you know."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday September 8th, 2021 12:14:57 PM
"By the way, you wouldn't happen to have the appropriate spell prepared to reattach Tali and my digits? I could prepare it a few times in the morning, but, I would like to be reacquainted with mine as soon as possible."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 d20+24=35 ;
Wednesday September 8th, 2021 12:48:58 PM
"Honestly?" says Kezzem. "I'm more inclined to form an unlikely alliance with the other guys than you two. Nobody died when they attacked us."

Detect Evil

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 24 = 35.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Wednesday September 8th, 2021 1:37:07 PM

The befreckled towhead listens to Ketia's acknowledgements.

"When wisdom is gained, wrong is acknowledged and forsaken, forgiveness can be granted. I forgive you, Ketia, and if you'll have it, Sashe."

Murphy thought that his two friends regained the missing digits when life was granted them again by Gargul, but perhaps not? He double-checks to see if Succotash and Tali bear nine or ten fingers at the moment.

"Under the circumstances, if we face a common foe, it may be best to work together," Murphy states. "My father, though, taught me not to promise a thing if I do not know what the thing is. You said there is something you will get to in good time. So allow me to set a fence. First, we would know what that matter is. If you are reluctant to tell us now, then here are the boundaries. If what you request brings harm to our people, or to other innocents, then no. If we deem it of questionable morality or wisdom, then no. If what you ask is righteous, and just, and proper, and is within our power to do, then yes, we are open to considering what you plan to ask. That is not a promise to do it, but a statement of willingness to hear you out. If it meets these parameters, perhaps we will say yes. When I see a person in whom wisdom is taking root, I do not wish the destruction of that person, and am willing to do what I properly can to help. If you can accept that tentative arrangement, then, please, proceed."

He takes up a cup of tea and takes his first sip as he opens his ears.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Wednesday September 8th, 2021 2:18:17 PM
Hobie particularly did not like Ketia.

after the others speak up, he takes out an adamantine arrow and adds "my companions who are wiser than myself seem to think working with you is a good idea. But mark my words, if you turn on us in any way, this arrow will find itself lodged in your throat."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday September 8th, 2021 9:02:18 PM

Pressi watched as the rest of the group put in their votes for whether to throw in already or break out the bombs and weapons right now. "See, now it's a parlay party. And yes, we would absolutely be that petty. Congratulations on meeting halflings for the first time, apparently."

Sighing, "You said that there's a foe slaughtering your people left and right, and you are correct in that I won't turn a blind eye to that, common foe or not. Regardless of our quarrels, we will help. For now. I should note that Skald related activity has been involving us a lot recently. Not your fault alone, but I'm expecting some very long discussions of what this religion is and what your people have been doing."

As to discussions of learning patience, Pressi lets out a scoff. Although... "For what it's worth, I do feel some empathy on how things must have looked to you. And I suppose that we all could have used a bit of patience that day."

With all that out of the way, Pressi signals that she is ready to hear Ketia's story.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Wednesday September 8th, 2021 10:53:28 PM
Killers

"Oh, Thank you my friend for reminding me of these two beings"...says Tali to Mister Murphy. Turning to Rayya, silently, Tali tells Rayya, remember these two...for later.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1079 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1079 minutes
Message | Duration 179 minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 PARLEY
Thursday September 9th, 2021 2:29:52 AM

[OOC: It's parley, NOT parlay. Parley refers to speech, conversation, negotiations, the setting of terms, and comes from French parler - to speak.

Parlay is a betting term. As a noun, it means �a cumulative series of bets.� The winnings of subsequent bets are bet again. As the bettor continues to win, the gains continue to increase. As a verb, parlay means �to use the winnings from a previous bet to make another bet.�]

DM Mitch
Thursday September 9th, 2021 6:01:50 AM
Mookie makes a joke concerning Tea and Finger Food
Bliss tells his spirit companion to hush, stifling a chortle. He then suggests they ge tdown to business and asks their guests to tell them what they are after.
Succotash says normally he�d say the enemy of my enemy is my friend but this time it is different. He still concedes the need to work together and says he will set aside his desire for revenge and attempt to work with them and asks for what they know. He also asks for the digits to be reattached.
Kezzem says he�s more likely to form an unlikely alliance with the other guys than you.
He casts detect evil on the pair. Ketia does not radiate evil, Sashe is moderately evil. He gets the feeling Ketia is being honest in what she is saying so far.
Murphy listens to Ketia�s acknowledgements and offers forgiveness. He says if they do face a common foe it may be best to work together but first they must know what is being asked to verify it is something they can do. He also offers boundaries around what Humble�s Sword is willing to do. He takes a cup of tea
Hobie whips out an adamantium arrow and threatens with lodging the arrow in their throat if they get betrayed.
Pressi says that they would indeed be that petty and welcomes their guests to meeting halflings for the first time. She asks more about the foe slaughtering their people and suggests that they will hear them out for now and that maybe they all could have used some patience in the past feeling some empathy.
Tali thanks Murphy for the reminder and silently tells Raya to mark the 2.
Ketia says to Succotash, �I did come prepared for your second request and she ushers Succotash and Tali to approach.�

If they do she casts regeneration allowing the severed fingers to be reattached to the halflings� hands.

Ketia says to Kezzem and Hobie, �I suppose those reactions could be warranted given what transpired last time. Let us hope the rest of your companions continue to be more reasonable and we can continue on in our spirit of cooperation.�

She then says, �You mentioned Skald�s faithful, well truth be told we are a secretive lot. The way we normally organize is in cells where few members of a given cell are aware of the existence of any of the other cells and even then no one in a given cell knows the full membership of any other cells but sometimes paths do cross between cells. I am aware of at least 3 other cells that have reported murders but the number could be greater than that given our organization�s secretive nature. I have heard enough to be worried as someone who is able to track down the very hidden members of our religion and kill them indicates someone incredibly powerful or someone with inside knowledge somehow. Recently 2 former members of my own cell who actually got out of the life were murdered in their home.

Simply put we want you to investigate their murders and report on your progress. It would be difficult for myself and Sesha to get close to the scene of the crime and if it turns out the murderer has ties to our religion we will assist you in your investigation in that direction. Given your many interactions with our religion as Pressi pointed out and the timing of the attacks on you and attacks on certain cells I do not believe recent events to be mere coincidence. Someone powerful and/or with knowledge of our religion is looking for something and for some reason their attention was turned towards both our groups. If we are wrong and the serial killer of Skald�s faithful is not the same person who attacked your group then we are still willing to offer information and other potential aid in your further inquiries to your assailant but I have strong reason to believe based on divinations I have cast querying Skald himself that in this matter our paths are intertwined.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday September 9th, 2021 11:52:44 AM
Succotash flexes his now reattached finger, testing it for functionality. Satisfied with the results, he thanks Ketia, than says, [b]"Well, even if the person, or persons, responsible for your murders and the lowlife who threatened our home isn't the same person, we Swords can't turn a blind eye to the taking of innocent lives. Do you have any information that may assist us in our investigation, or at least give us a place to start?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Thursday September 9th, 2021 2:18:50 PM
"If they are knowledgeable about your 'religion', which by your own words you describe as a secretive bunch *cough*cult*cough*, it would stand to reason that this is an inside job," says Kezzem.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Thursday September 9th, 2021 3:46:53 PM
"Ok, so whats the first place to start in hunting this killer?"

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Thursday September 9th, 2021 7:22:01 PM

"Well, tracking down a serial killer does sound like a good job for us," says Bliss. "What the heck, I'm in."

"Do you have any hints or clues about the killer? Maybe a drop of blood or a bit of thread?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday September 9th, 2021 9:28:45 PM
Pressi listened carefully, hard as it was to hear again the question of power or inside knowledge. "If our quarry does have inside knowledge, he certainly has managed to infiltrate a number of camps. I assume that any divinations on him led to strange blanks and nobody got a good look at him.

"It's an intriguing mystery that I hope returns my confidence. But I'm not sure how you came to decide that a group of stranger halflings wandering a bunch of secret cells on high alert would be less conspicuous than two people already known within the camp. Because if the answer is mushroom farmers, I swear to spirit..."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Thursday September 9th, 2021 11:26:33 PM
"Come on, Press, we'll be wrapping up our adventuring careers soon," says Kezzem. "We've got to try the mushroom farmer bit one more time at least!"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 PARLEY
Friday September 10th, 2021 5:51:21 AM

"Scald and I spoke together once," Murphy says.

He hears what his friends and proposed allies have to say. "What do you suggest we do to infiltrate? How do we learn what we need to?"

DM Mitch
Friday September 10th, 2021 7:30:40 AM
Succotash is happy to have his fingers reattached and says that even if the two assailants aren�t one in the same Humble�s Swords can�t turn a blind eye to the taking of life. He asks if they have any further information to aid the investigation.
Kezzem suggests the murders were an inside job.
Hobie asks where should they go to hunt a killer
Bliss is interested in tracking down the serial killer and also asks for any hints or clues.
Pressi asks about strange blanks and no one getting a good look at the killer. She also asks what their cover will be if they are to investigate the different cells and that it better not be mushroom farmers.
Kezzem says they need to try being mushroom farmers at least one more time.
Murphy asks about infiltrating.

Ketia says to the group, �Well like I said the most recent victims were Anur and Shan former members of my cell who ceased being a part of my cell after a run-in with the law. They resettled in the Caverns of Glimstone following a jail sentence and I thought they�d be able to live the rest of their days in peace. However the Caverns of Glimstone aren�t a place where Sesha and I can just walk into so we were hoping you could offer the investigators there the help of the premier adventuring group of the Wold in solving their case. Should your investigation in Glimstone provide any evidence that point to any of the cells I am aware of or an inside job as Kezzem put it, I will help you in regards to investigating said cells but for right now the place to start is the Caverns of Glimstone, so no disguises needed. You can travel as yourselves and live up to your reputation of being heroes by helping the constabulary with their murder. Sesha and I just want to also be kept abreast of your progress when you have the chance of course.�

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+26=27 ;
Friday September 10th, 2021 11:12:07 AM
Killers

Tali will step forward to regain her missing finger. Tali diplomatically curtseys towards Lady Ketia and fails to pull it off, instead she just flys back to the group.

Skill Checks
Diplomacy (+26) : 27

Spells in Effect

Overland Flight | Duration 1077 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1077 minutes
Message | Duration 177 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday September 10th, 2021 3:02:05 PM
Pressi snapped her eyes wide. "You most certainly did NOT mention before who the recent victims were, because that's something I would have commented... Okay... okay."

For a while, Pressi was silent.

"I am sorry for your loss," Pressi finally said, "though I suspect we both are feeling rather complex emotions about it all.

"Before we head off, are there any other clues that you have? Other things we should bring or be prepared for?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday September 10th, 2021 3:03:27 PM
"Well my friends, we have a place to start, when shall we leave?"

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20-1=15
Friday September 10th, 2021 4:17:57 PM
Bliss is careful to listen and try to get a gut check about these guys. They are not just sending us off on a wild goose chase, just to attack our homes when our backs are turned?

Sense Motive 15

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Friday September 10th, 2021 5:24:34 PM
"Wait, are we famous?" asks Kezzem. "No wonder the mushroom farmer bit never works."

Kezzem pauses for a minute deep in thought.

"Maybe we could be mushroom farmer adventurers?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Saturday September 11th, 2021 12:23:46 PM
"Also, if we are famous and are known for doing the mushroom farmer bit, if we don't pretend to be mushroom farmers, they might think we're not really us!"

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+4=5 ;
Saturday September 11th, 2021 3:32:55 PM

Meanwhile, Bliss tries hard to recall where the Caverns of Glimstone actually are. Has he ever heard of that place?

Untrained Know Geography 5

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 PARLEY
Monday September 13th, 2021 3:16:13 AM

"There are a few preparations to take," Murphy says. "More on that in a bit, but I suggest we do whatever any of us need to do, and prepare to leave in the morning. If sooner is desired, we could leave at evening. I have a few things to set in motion here prior to our departure.

"Meanwhile, yes, please, Ketia and Sesha, any additional information, suggestions you may have for us, our ears are open. Sesha, we have not heard from you. What insights, perspectives, recommendations have you for us?" he asks of the dark elf who has so far been silent.

"Bliss, and all, you may recall that we visited the dwarfs who mine the gems of Glimstone to the north of us, and a ways inside later learned of the giants' plan to invade our valley. It was from there that we fulfilled the mission that Tiana Taithen set us upon. I planted acorns along the way between here and just before the entrance to the Caverns, and they are growing up, and among other things, I had planned to use plant growth to speed them along. A path from Humble's Ford to the Caverns of Glimstone demarcated by triplets of oaks along the way. I plan to use my wand of plant growth from here to there to grow them up."

He also reminds them, as Hobie well knows, of the multitude of scrolls they obtained from the Iron Giant, which contain a good deal of lore regarding the Scab. "It might do well for us to peruse those before we leave here." [Can give us a +5 on knowledge rolls regarding Scab history, geography, lore, and such according to DM Carl (if my recollection from 2019 is sound).]

There's a fair-size list of things Murphy needs to do prior to departure... will save for the next post.

DM Mitch
Monday September 13th, 2021 6:27:24 AM
Tali attempts to curtsy and flies back to the group
Pressi says that Ketia did not mention who the victims were and then says she�s sorry for their loss. She asks for any other clues or anything to be prepared for.
Succotash asks when they should leave
Bliss listens hard to make sure this isn�t a ploy to lure them away from home for an attack and thinks about the Caverns of Glimstone recalling they are in the Scab.
Kezzem suggests their fame is why the mushroom farmer bit never works then wonders if they need to be mushroom farmer adventurers or if they are known for being mushroom farmers if they aren�t posing as mushroom farmers people won�t think they are who they say they are.
Murphy reminds the party they�ve been there once before and has lots of plans to make.
Bliss gets the feeling that Ketia is telling the truth.

Ketia says, �I�m not really sure what else to add. I mean I did say the latest victims were two former members of my cell. I just didn�t specify which members they were until recently. So you can see with them being the target why I think I could be next in line. Sesha and I will travel with you to the Caverns but we will disguise ourselves once in the area and keep a low profile. We can figure out a place to meet and discuss your progress when we get closer. We should be fine if we don�t bring attention to ourselves but inserting ourselves into a murder investigation would definitely bring the wrong kind of attention so that is where you fine folks come in.�

Sesha doesn�t have any more information then Ketia and generally agrees with her.

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Monday September 13th, 2021 8:39:33 AM

"Oh yeah, I remember now, thanks Mister Murphy."

"What were the names of the dead people we're investigating? And what did they look like? Do you have any personal item they might have owned? If not, where can we get something like that? Did they have a residence? I have a spell to give us info, but the more we know ahead of time, the better."

"Remember to eat a good meal in the morning before we go! Successful adventures start with a complete Heroes' Breakfast!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday September 13th, 2021 11:39:42 AM
"I'm ready to leave when ever. This evening, now, tomorrow morning, I'm fine whichever way."

"By the way, thanks for always preparing such a scrumptious feast every day Bliss, I could prepare it each morning, and I know Pressi can cast the spell as well, and we would probably be casting at a higher level even, but this gives us more spell options."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Monday September 13th, 2021 3:53:09 PM
"Here's the deal," says Kezzem, "if this is a trap, you die. If we find out any information you gave us is false, you die. If we find out you have personalized license plates, you die. If you cough without covering your mouth, you die."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 PARLEY
Monday September 13th, 2021 7:43:13 PM

"Bliss, Ketia gave us two names already, and we know a great deal about them. Anur Daron and Shan Shalutch. Anur was the monomaniacal dwarf who slew many dwarfs to take over and pilot the Iron Giant, and was bringing it on a battle-testing run to pummel Humble's Ford. Shan was his wife, with whom Pressi had a t�te-�-t�te, before we killed her when we knew the conversation had headed south - but whom Anur later was able on the Giant to bring back to life through an ancient spell empowered by the wonders inside the artifact. The gnome Ix Revon, 'herald of Skald and right hand of Anur Daron,' was their adoptive son who helped and hindered us while we worked on taking over the Iron Giant, and whom Anur vaporized upon learning of his son's betrayal. So, we know two names. We still have Anur's abandoned holy symbol, if you want to use that as a focus - but, as he is now dead, I'm not sure how that would work. We have Shan's teapot, I suppose, too, as a focus.

"Regarding additional names, Ketia, if Bliss or others think it would be helpful to know before we leave, perhaps you can let them know. If not, you can let us know along the way or at an appropriate time."

"Sesha, along the way, would you be willing to talk with me about what drew you into devotion to Skald? Also, you are an accomplished - illusionist? - if I'm not mistaken. And you seem to have taken one type of creature, and altered its appearance to seem like a different, more deadly creature. I'd love to understand, at least theoretically, how you can accomplish that. Not that I'll ever be an illusionist - I just like to learn things from those more knowledgeable than I. Tali - can you cast illusions? If so, maybe you can swap stories." He has heard Ketia quite a bit now, but wants to know Sesha better.

"Kezzem, nobody dies for having whatever kind of plates you're talking about, or for coughing."

Thinking he was going to have more time to handle many more Humble's Ford-based tasks, he does the following, letting people know, "I can leave by an hour past sundown, or in the morning. I need to set several things in motion though before this evening." "Pressi here are the things I'm thinking of doing before we leave. Do you want to join me in any of them? And, have you any 'honey-doos' you want me to handle?" If any others wish to join him, say so.

BEFORE-LEAVING-HOME TASKS FOR MURPHY
Short list (You should have seen it before I cut it down!)
* Ask our caretakers to have someone wash his adventuring clothing, and have them ready by evening. Even if they're still wet.
* Cohort Kendry (his bardic brother) spends the day with Murphy. Among other things, they discuss leadership and how to work with new followers, get them engaged.
* Talk with dwarf Kade about mushroom progress on the north field (mainly on the east side, but some deep under the center). (Should take ~10 minutes)
* Meet with Mayor Bingo Bumbleluck and his brilliant wife, and any others who wish to join in, and hopefully Foreman George, to discuss expansion of the land available to Humble's Sword's Sanctuary - with the notion of expanding to the west toward Hovel, to help accommodate his growing number of followers. IF they approve, then run some ideas through George about housing, etc.
* Talk with BadApples and Roscoe about what sort of shape the tunnels are in. He intends, when time can be found, to shore up and expand the underground system. If the mayoral meeting did not extend too long, he wild shapes into a small air elemental, and quickly tours the tunnels for a once-over.
* Plant Growth From Here To There: Wild shaping into an air elemental, then flying northward from here to just shy of the Caverns of Glimstone, and about every quarter mile (third of a mile? -gotta check archives) find each set of the three little oaks growing up where he planted them (back in 2019 external game time), each 35' apart, and use his new Wand of Plant Growth to accelerate their maturation. He flies very fast. If any want to join him (he's already bringing Kendry), then just say you'll go along. He'll carry you under an arm, or use the old rope-harness for you to fasten yourself firmly onboard. Once done, he races back.
* Get home, change back into his adventuring gear - or, if we decide to leave in the morning, ask who wants to visit the Belly Buster for a good meal, then the Dancing Pig for socializing and such.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 129/144; fatigued, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 96/102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday September 13th, 2021 8:57:52 PM

Pressi doesn't have any honey dos per se... Well, she does, but they all involve after they gain XP to level.

(I dunno, I always assumed that clothes washing and checking tunnels basically got handwaved.)

Focusing on the matter at hand, "the big thing is going to be protection against divination of our own. I can't cast enough mind blanks so we need to go with lead sheeting. Some alcohol for bribes will probably go a long way with dwarves. Unfortunately, we still don't know what his abilities are so we don't know how to best counteract them. We don't even know how our victims died, though I suppose I could try some divinations before we leave."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Tuesday September 14th, 2021 12:09:10 AM
"Okay, okay, Murphey, nobody dies in those cases," says Kezzem before pointing at Ketia. "But that's still not an open invitation to cough without covering your mouth!"

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle d20+15=34 ;
Tuesday September 14th, 2021 12:47:35 AM

"Thank you, Murphy! I'd be lost without you!"

Bliss takes care to write down all he knows about the two victims. He gathers his writings and the personal possessions of the dead people together. He thinks long and hard on them.

Then he casts a Vision spell, concentrating on the murders of these people, and asking to see the crimes and those who are responsible.

Caster Level check: 34, woo hoo!

DM Mitch
Tuesday September 14th, 2021 7:37:21 AM
Bliss thanks Murphy for the geographic reminder and asks more questions about the victims saying he has a spell to get them info but it works better the more they know. He suggests resting and having a good meal before setting out in the morning.
Succotash states he is ready to leave whenever and thanks Bliss for making breakfast each morning.
Kezzem threatens Ketia and Sesha if things turn out to be a trap or they are lying or if they have personalized license plates or if they cough without covering their mouth.
Murphy reminds Bliss about the names they were just given and reiterates a little of their past dealings during the Iron Giant incident. He points out they have Anur�s holy symbol and Shan�s teapot to use as focuses for Bliss�s spell if they need it but since both are dead he isn�t sure if it would work. He queries Sesha more about herself and says to Kezzem that noone dies for coughing or having license plate. He also takes care of a lot of chores with respect to growing their stronghold and talking to a variety of folks who live among the sanctuary with a variety of different tasks including the mushroom fields, the tunnels and acquiring land for a westward expansion towards Hovel. He also flies around as an air elemental magically enhancing the growth of the oak trees he planted along the way to the caverns of Glimstone going there and back in his task.

Sesha says to Murphy, �We can discuss magical theory more in depth at another time. As for now I became a follower of Skald because Ketia�s cell took me in when I was cutoff from my own people. With respect to disguising one creature as another more deadlier creature it is a simple enough effect to manage if you know the right illusion spells. I have found that It helps to tie an illusion to a real threat so that those you employ said tactic against are surprised.�
Pressi suggests they pick up some lead sheeting and alcohol for bribes before they go and also that they could cast some divinations before they leave.
Kezzem reluctantly agrees to Murphy�s conditions on the license plates and coughing

Bliss is soon engulfed in his vision. He sees a cave, laid out like a small home. A pair of dwarves sit at a table eating a meal nad chatting pleasantly. A fire burns merily in a hearth on the other side of the room, and a tall bookshelf and thick carpet complete the homey look. Though Bliss hears nothing, something catches the dwares� attention as they look at the door. Grumbling about the interruption, the male dwarf goes to the door and opens it. No one is there.

The Dwarf spends a few moments talking to empty air before stepping aside as if to let someone in. Closing the door, he motions to the table, possibly inviting the invisible guest to join them. He starts back to the table before halting and looking back to the space by the door. Both dwarves look concerned, then alarmed. The male reaches for a holy symbol that isn�t there. The female jumps off her chair sending it to the floor. One of them starts to object, saying something about it not being Anur�s fault, he only turned in� something. They are both immobilized by some spell before the sentence can be finished. Both are taken to the chairs and tied up there by whoever or whatever came into the room Bliss�s spell cannot detect. Once secure their deaths are slow and agonizing, but the magic prevents them from making a sound. The vision mercifully ends without showing the entire gruesome process.

Back in the real world Murphy has a busy afternoon of the chores planned out so that the earliest you could set out for the caverns is sometime in the evening or you could always decide to set off first thing in the morning.

If you decide to leave in the morning what do you tell your guests with respect to staying the night?

If you decide to leave in the evening is anyone going to keep Sesha and Ketia company while some of your number prepare or are you going to leave them to their own devices till you meet up at a designated point to set out for the Caverns later that day?

Does anyone besides Murphy with his tree growing bonanza want to formally cast any spells before you set off?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Tuesday September 14th, 2021 10:35:04 AM
Kezzem casts greater magic weapon on his daggers.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday September 14th, 2021 10:45:16 AM
Succotash says, "The evening it is than." than proceeds to keep the guest company company. He does his best to be civil, and put the past behind him, and for the most part, he acts the gracious host, offering food and drink at the appropriate times, as well as conversation. In truth, even though he is playing nice, he doesn't wholly trust the guests, and wishes to keep an eye on them.

Murphy (KimMc) Well, Murph's family and friends
Tuesday September 14th, 2021 5:38:08 PM

Kendry the bard, Murph's brother, asks Allouryn (one of the first members of Humble's Sword, and a healer, and with her husband Hazel the caretakers of the Sanctuary) and his wife Airin (super tough adventurer, and engaging) to help accompany and entertain the dwarf and drow. "We have a nice guest room for you ladies," the very pregnant Allouryn informs them. "Or, if you would prefer, we have two rooms side by side. The bath is just down the hallway, the beds are made, there are towels and a mirror in each room, with a washbasin." She tells them of the two pubs in town, and gives a fairly good description of their character.

Airin has a pair of Murphy's followers (Lanky and his sister Daisy Plumcheeks) she knows from Hovel watch over her triplet toddlers when they go out bar hopping. They used to babysit for her back in Hovel. Airin tells some of the stories of her early adventuring life with Kendry, Podo, Selinthe & others, and asks the northern adventurers if they have any stories of their adventures to share. Airin also asks Succotash about his career so far.

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Tuesday September 14th, 2021 7:40:17 PM

Bliss manages to tell everybody what he saw; then he has to sit down and recover.

"Well, we know they are evil, that's for sure. They had no need to be so cruel."

Bliss tries to think back to the "blank spots" in his vision and figure out if the miscreants were small or medium in size.

In the morning, after a Heroes' Breakfast and his usual complement of casting and ritual, he is ready to go.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Tuesday September 14th, 2021 9:34:45 PM
Back into the fray

Tali meets up with Rayya, if the troupe are to leave in the morning, Tali will Meditate for two hours, then take the 2AM watch casting her usual spells after finishing her meditation.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1080 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1080 minutes
Message | Duration 180 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday September 14th, 2021 10:11:46 PM

Pressi is silent for a moment. "They... let him in. A couple of people with god knows how many enemies trying to live in retirement after trouble with the law... let him in..."

Pressi slammed the table. "I am so stupid. Of course our victims knew the murderer. This guy's probably been moving through the community all along. I just couldn't see it."

The rest of the time, Pressi mostly avoids the two dwarves. They can stay at the guild hall or the Dancing Pig until they leave in the morning, but otherwise, she avoids the group.

In the morning, she performs the usual rituals.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Wednesday September 15th, 2021 1:33:55 AM

Additional space request for the Sanctuary: Murphy had met (if such succeeded) with Mayor Bumbleluck, asking about - essentially doubling the space, on the side of their compound along the route to Hovel, not wanting to crowd closer to Humble's Ford. He said they would be willing to pay who owns the land, wanting it to be a just and fair transaction. Did the Mayor and his collection of leading citizens accede to the request? Any questions or conditions?

==== Family interactions ====

In the evening, he also would ensure that he spend an hour or two with his family - father, mother, various siblings. He hopes Pressi will join them, as Leska Rose is there tonight. His father, Samell, has been working on the carousel for almost a year, and had taken a few of the remnants of the Juggernaut to help put some finishing touches. "Primula thinks she just about has figured the right temperature to allow the metal to be worked. It is very hard material. With the pieces you Swords let me take, I'm working to fasten together one of the faces that broke down the middle for one of the rides. When you all get back, our carousel might be about ready to try." Murphy has given up on trying to correct his father calling them the 'Swords.' "Yes, sounds like fun! The kids should really love it. And maybe lads pitching woo to the lasses."

Leska asks Pressi how she is faring with all the weight put on her shoulders, and those of the Sword. She is an empathetic listener. And she has a small wrapped box she offers as a gift. "Wait a few days to open it," she asks.

Mama Bekka offers some excellent pies, fresh cream, mixed berries, smiles, and a good ear.

Bliss HP186+13 AC34 CMD36 | Mookie HP76+13 AC42 | Cayzle
Wednesday September 15th, 2021 7:04:34 AM
Bliss sleeps very poorly. The scene from the Vision is still with him in its sad gruesomeness, and in his dreams it is his friends who are under the lash, brand, and knife.

In fact, he has no appetite at all for the breakfast he conjures up.

Telepathically linked, Mookie is reeling too.

"Kid, hero or no, your head is not in the right spot."

"I know, my old friend. between these recent bouts of forgetting stuff and this vision ... I dunno."

Mookie cocks his head and thinks hard.

"Executive decision," the halfling-sized crow declares. "You're sitting this one out. I'm placing you under Granny's care!"

Bliss is surprised. "But Mookie! Everybody needs me!"

"Nonsense. They are all big grown adults with as much power as you. And you need some rest."

Bliss does not fight too hard. "I am very tired, my friend."

Bliss tells everybody about "his" decision and gives them best wishes. He's obviously a bit torn up about it. "But I just need a break."

[OOC: Real life concerns are hitting me, Cayzle, hard these days, friends. I'm walking away for at least six months. I'll still be around the site helping Jerry, and playing my easy PC in Culvers. But I'm taking a break from Bliss and DMing. Thanks for a great great time.]

Let's Play Clue

DM Mitch
Wednesday September 15th, 2021 7:29:21 AM
Kezzem casts greater magic weapon on his daggers.
Succotash argues for the evening and does his best to be civil and entertain the dwarf and drow women in the meantime.
Murphy and some of his family prepare for bar-hopping while others of his company keep company with their guests and Succotash showing Sesha and Ketia to their quarters.
Bliss tells his vision to his friends and tries to go over the blank spots for more clues. His best guess is that they were dwarf size or smaller, as he didn�t note any indications they had difficulty navigating the dwarf sized home.
Tali meets up with Raya and mediates then takes her customary 2 am watch before casting her normal spells.
Pressi surmises that letting the killer in means that the victims knew their killer and whoever it was probably moved through the community all along. Pressi avoids Ketia and Sesha and the next morning prepares the usual ritual.
Murphy takes care of more errands around town. The mayor did agree to the expansion and will be happy to work with the adventurers on talking to the land owners when they have the time. He spends some time with his family as well.

The party is ready to go and about to leave, but Bliss has to stay behind for reasons.

With all the information gotten that they can get from afar the party heads out. With magic it�s pretty easy to get to Glimmer and soon they�re outside the town. The town is underground inside the mountain and has a large population of gnomes and dwarves. This time of day most people are home from work and getting ready for bed. There are a few town guards about and one is happy to give the visitors directions to wherever they decide to go first.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d6+26=28 ;
Wednesday September 15th, 2021 11:31:56 AM
Succotash gets directions to the town constablary, than when he arrives he says, "Good day, my name is Succotash Slenderstick, and I am a member of the adventuring party known as Humble's Sword. It has come to my attention that a certain coople has recently been brutally murdered here, and my friends and I are most curious about the crime, and would like to help you bring the killer or killers to justice. You see, we had history with the victims, not 100% good history, but history none the less, also we have reason to believe that the one or ones responsible is also guilty of attacking our home. Luckily no one was killed, and only minor damage was done to property, but we would still like to get to the bottom of the matter. Do you happen to have any evidence , have you heard any rumors, or have anything at all that may help in our investigation? We of course have no desire to side step you and your fellow constables, but as adventurers, we have skills, that the average constable doesn't have, and would like to offer them to you to aid your investigation. " (diplomacy 28)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Wednesday September 15th, 2021 4:35:17 PM
"Also, let's just pretend that we pretended to be mushroom farmers," says Kezzem. "That way you'll now that we're really us and instead of somebody else who is definitely not us."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday September 15th, 2021 4:50:37 PM

Pressi wishes Bliss the best of luck, knowing the toll that such visions can take on a witch.

Beyond that, Pressi is willing for Succotash and others to take the lead for now. Her investigations are about to begin.

(Jewish holiday begins soon. Just getting something out, will post longer tomorrow night.)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Wednesday September 15th, 2021 6:49:06 PM
Farewell to Bliss and Mookie
"Oh, my good friend," Murphy says when Bliss announces his decision to take a break from being active with the group. "I've watched you grow up in maturity as you excelled as an adventurer. My concern has risen lately, when you seemed to forget aspects of adventures in which you played such a huge role. Yes, rest, Bliss, that you may return when ready, refinding the meaning of your name. Maybe you'll find an additional name along the way. And, thanks for the breakfasts."

He opens his arms, embracing his shorter friend. Then he steps back for a moment, hands on his shoulders, looking into his eyes. "Take good care of Mookie. Mooks, you'll know what to do." He takes another step back, reaches into a bag, and pulls out a canvas bucket. "It's full of worms I picked up near the oaks on the pathway into the Scab. Planned to give it to you later, Mookie." He sets down the container, and loose, rich soil rests as high as 3" below the top. A fair-sized earthworm protrudes a couple of inches above the dirt and probes the air above.

Caverns of Glimstone - Glimmer town
When last they were here, the adventurers had gone into the mining portions of Glimstone, but had not, to the best of Murphy's recollection, seen the town of Glimmer. [Where does the town lie in relation to the cavern entrance? Am I right it is the same as the entrance to the mining area - or is there a separate entrance to the town?]

Murphy notes that people go to bed a few hours after sunrise down here - where the sun does not rise.

The druid makes a note when the appropriate time arrives to not spill the whole story to someone until we can get a feel for who they are, but, well, we'll see how it goes. He offers his name, and asks who they might be talking with. "Looks like a nice town, from the little we've seen of it. Might seem an abrupt question, but we are halflings. Might there be a place we could find lodging for the night? All right, that's not too abrupt. Here you go - Are you aware of any murders that have occurred of late in the area?"

[Melvin - G�mar chatima tova.]

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Thursday September 16th, 2021 12:10:39 AM
Glimmer

Tali goes along for the journey with Rayya not wanting to be too far from her. Tali remains quiet while being observing as she takes it all in.

DM Mitch
Thursday September 16th, 2021 8:50:20 AM
Bliss is really warn out from his vision so Mookie decides its best if the youngster reside in the care of granny for now.
Murphy also wishes Bliss well and says he should return when he is ready and thanks him for breakfast.
He then sees to it that they return to Glimstone only this time they are going to the town area instead of the mine area which is kind of in the same general vicinity just in a different part of the cave.
He asks a question about murders recently and the dwarf he asks says, �Yeah, talk of the town. An elderly couple supposedly was murdered most foul in their homes�

Succotash introduces himself and the team to the town constabulary giving their bona fides and reasons for why they wish to help.
Kezzem throws in that the constabulary should pretend that the party pretended to be Mushroom farmers because that way they would know it is them.
Pressi wishes Bliss the best and defers to Succotash for the time being.
Tali remains quite and observes everything.

The desk sergeant looks at Succotash and then looks at Kezzem and says, �You�ll be wanting to talk to detective IceHammer. She�s the one that was assigned lead on this case so she can read you in. I think she�ll be happy to have your help.�

He checks some kind of time tracking device. �This time of day she�s probably at the dinner getting some food before going home. You might be able to catch her and introduce yourself or just come back in the morning.�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Thursday September 16th, 2021 11:04:40 AM
"We already had one dinner," says Kezzem, "but I could always go for second dinner. Hey guys, maybe we could form a club...a second Second Dinner Club, if you will."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Thursday September 16th, 2021 3:22:46 PM

Murphy speaks. "Thank you, Sergeant. Mind if I ask your name?"

"I think some members of our group occasionally called the Second Breakfast

He says, "Let's go," and heads in the direction the sergeant indicated to find IceHammer. When they get to or near the place indicated, he makes a few inquiries to see if someone nearby might know of her whereabouts.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Thursday September 16th, 2021 5:28:04 PM

[finishing the uncompleted 2nd paragraph above]

"I think some members of our group occasionally called the Second Breakfast Club the 'Second Dinner Club.' So they may have a prior claim on the phrase, as a derivative trademark, Kezzem. But if you want to use it, I won't tell on you," Murphy says.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday September 16th, 2021 8:48:13 PM
"I'm hearing a disappointing amount of chatter about second dinner, and almost nothing regarding cocktail hours."

Pressi agrees to talk to the detective before doing anything else.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday September 17th, 2021 4:13:08 AM
As they Swords find Detective Icehammer, he introduces himself and the rest if the party, than basically says the same thing he said to the desk Sargent.

DM Mitch
Friday September 17th, 2021 8:13:38 AM
Kezzem replies that they already had one dinner but he could always go for a second and thinks they should form the second dinner club.
Murphy asks the sergeant his name, shares some info about another group calling themselves the second dinner club but promises not to tell if Kezzem won�t and then asks around the diner after the detective.
Pressi asks about cocktail hours and agrees to talk to the detective first.
Succotash introduces himself and gives the same speil as before.

Before you depart the constabulary the Sergeant gives Murphy his name as Gloin Copperbottom.

At the restaurant you find a dwarf woman with flaxen hair and penetrating blue eyes seated at a table drinking a cup of coffee. She studies you carefully before saying �Yes I�m Detective Arrin Icehammer. How may I help you?�

After Succotash�s spiel she considers. �I have respect for the skills of adventurers, but too many of them are the fight first find answers later kind. Tell me about your history with the victims and what you know of the murder. If you tell me everything I�ll share what I know and maybe we can figure this out together.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday September 17th, 2021 1:09:56 PM
[b]"I understand your trepidation, Detective. However we, members of Humble's Sword, Have a long history of attempting diplomacy first, and blood letting only as a last resort. Even if things turn to violence, we still prefer to give our opponents a chance to surrender, and if at all possible, we strive to reform our captured foes, setting them on the good and honorable path. Sadly too many choose death over surrender, and we have no choice but to fight to the death.

To answer your question, the victims were once in ownership of a ginormous iron giant. They intended to use the ancient and powerful device to free their immortal power Scald. To test out the power of the device, they sought a target that they could destroy, and of course that target was Humble's Ford. In order to defend our town, we infiltrated the automaton, and defeated the unfortunate couple. As is our M.O., we gave them the chance to surrender, along with their followers, one of whom now dwells at our compound, as a trusted friend. The unfortunate couple promised never to return to the Crescent Valley, and we set them free. The last we saw of them was them walking away towards the Scab. Just yesterday, individuals, who desire to remain nameless, visited our humble abode, and informed us of the evil deed. They asked for our help, and of course we can't turn a blind eye to cold blooded murder. One of ours cast a divination spell, and witnessed the murder, in all it's gruesome detail, minus one, and that being the murderer's identity. The vision was such an ordeal, it shook our friend to the marrow, and he felt the need to stay home, as the effect was so taxing on his soul. As I said, when I introduced us, we believe this evil-doer is the same as the one who attempted to destroy our home, and us. We have no idea as to why this person or persons would wish us harm, or for that matter, the death of another, but we do know, via our friends divination, that the culprit was known to the victims. We also know via our informers, that this isn't the only murder, and that the culprit seems to be targeting followers of Scald."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+26=30 ;
Friday September 17th, 2021 1:13:18 PM
Forgot to roll diplomacy. Rolled a 30.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Friday September 17th, 2021 3:47:53 PM
"Don't worry, we're more the talk first, talk second, talk so more, and then fight after all the talking goes belly up type of adventurers," says Kezzem. "Actually, maybe you should worry. I think maybe the fights just start because we talk so much they can't get us to otherwise shut up."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Friday September 17th, 2021 9:43:33 PM

Murphy nods a couple of times as Succotash gives a good rundown. He squints as Kezzem has his typical off-the-wall, but perhaps not too far off summary of what types of adventurers we are.

Then he says, simply, "Anur Daron and Shan Shalutch."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+26=29 ;
Friday September 17th, 2021 11:12:21 PM
And then there were...none!

Tali curtseys towards the Detective & starts with her short tale, very diplomatically, "Detective Arrin Icehammer, I would second my colleagues accounting of our story as I do not recall much of the big Iron Giant fight as I was temporarily out of it towards the end of the scuffle...dead in fact"

Skill Checks
Diplomacy (+26): 29

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1080 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1080 minutes
Message | Duration 180 minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Saturday September 18th, 2021 5:18:42 PM

"That was a later fight, Tali," Murphy says. "You didn't die when we faced Shan, nor Agur. It was later you perished. A thousand giants tried to attack and overrun our town, and as we were about to draw near to victory, the bad people tried to take the Iron Giant from us that you died. That was a few weeks, maybe a month, after we first took over the Iron Giant.

"You might recall our first time on the Iron Giant, when, after dealing with Pilot Anur, you swept up Ix's ashes into, what, a little box? - as we bid farewell to the couple upon whom we showed mercy, when they accepted our terms of surrender."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Sunday September 19th, 2021 8:37:38 PM
Pressi finally speaks up. "I believe the amount of talking should be sufficient that we can begin? Oh, we should mention that our approach to the Iron Giant proves we aren't the fight first type, and that we actually do continue on until someone says stop.

"We should also mention two things. First, we actually did leave on fairly good terms with the victims, for someone planning to steamroll our town. It was... a rather emotional day for most of us. Second, there is another connection. We believe that the perpetrator may also have a connection to a number of thefts and alchemical activities, and protection against most forms of divination magic, so... something to keep an eye on.

"I was hoping that we could start at the beginning. Get a good idea of what Scald followers believe and some idea of regional history. From there, we could talk about whether our victims had any enemies. Besides us, I mean."

DM Mitch
Monday September 20th, 2021 8:08:21 AM
Succotash diplomatically gives a rundown of their style of adventuring followed by the connection the party had to the victims and then lastly wraps things up by mentioning what they know of the murder.
Kezzem adds his own color commentary to interpreting what kind of adventurers that the party is.
Tali curtseys to the detective and gives her own recollection of events with the Iron Giant.
Murphy adds the names of the victims to Succotash�s rundown. He then reminds Tali that she died in the second Iron Giant fight not the first.
Pressi argues that their approach to the Iron Giant proves they aren�t the fight first type. She mentions that they left on good terms with the victims and that they believe the perpetrator may have a connection to a number of thefts, alchemical activities and protections against divination. She asks what the detective knows of Skald followers and what the detective knows about regional history. She also wants to know if the Skald had any enemies.

Story told the detective again leans back and considers. You get the feeling she always considers before doing anything. �Given your own history I�m surprised you haven�t already learned all about how Scald, the giants, and the cult are all tied up. I�m no religious scholar, but this case is probably tied up in this stuff so I did my research. The giants, especially the fire giants, serve an immortal power called Fhorge. Fhorge is a mountain, but also hold some power over the entire scab. He�s a jailer, supposedly put in place by the gods themselves to contain ancient things that defied the gods but were to powerful to kill outright in the creation of the world.

Now there�s nothing wrong with that in and of itself, plenty of dwarves worship Fhorge to, but the fire giants believe they are Fhorge�s chosen race, creating cities on the volcano itself and raiding other places to drive people away from the prisons or secure sacrifices to make to their god. Nasty stuff usually. Scald is one of the prisoners who�s managed to gain a little power in the world again by fusing himself with the land that is his prison much as Fhorge has. Scald now inhabits a large hot spring, more of a lake really, and his minions seek to expand his influence to other waters or destroy Fhorge and free their master.

Scald�s folk tend to be pretty nasty. They tend to preach freedom and personal power at the expense of everyone else. Lots of murders and crime tend to crop up around them so the cult is generally not allowed in dwarven lands. Makes those that do worship him hide their loyalties.

As for the murder itself, I�ve formed some theories, but I don�t want to taint your own investigation. If I tell you what I think you�ll go in looking for evidence to support my conclusions instead of forming your own and that might make you miss a line of thought I didn�t think of. So I�ll make you a deal. I�ll let the constuables know to let you have access to the murder scene and any other information you want. You do your own investigation, see what you can figure out. Then we can meet and compare notes and we�ll see if we�ve all come to the same conclusion or if you�ve seen something I missed or vice versa. That gives us the best odds of hitting on the right answer to solve this.�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Monday September 20th, 2021 12:49:21 PM
"Well then, I guess we shall *forge* ahead with our investigation," says Kezzzem. "What? Making bad puns isn't against the paladin code. At least, I think it's not."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday September 20th, 2021 2:08:42 PM
Succotash pats Kezzem on the shoulder and says, "We shall "hotly" pursue the villain, with a "fiery" vengeance, and "steel" ourselves to the investigation. Let us not "Melt" under the stress, and let us bring the "hammer" of justice.

To the detective he says, "Your plan is wise when can we begin, and how do we find the murder scene."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Monday September 20th, 2021 6:46:50 PM

"Thank you, Detective Arrin Icehammer. We look forward to seeing what we might uncover, then comparing notes with you," replies Murphy. "Would we be able to get started right away? I know that folks here are preparing for bedtime, but from our perspective, it's still morning time."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+26=40 ;
Monday September 20th, 2021 8:21:18 PM
Fhorge, Scald, & the other Prisons

Tali own again curtseys speaking diplomatically as she does; "Thank you, Detective Arrin Icehammer. You kindness is much appreciated."

Skill Checks
Diplomacy (+26): 40

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1079 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1079 minutes
Message | Duration 179 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday September 20th, 2021 9:09:15 PM

Pressi nods attentively, trying to pretend that any of this stuff makes sense. It does partially explain why giants kept knocking on Humble's door for a while.

As soon as they get to the crime scene, she begins looking around (Perception 25) and detecting magic.

DM Mitch
Tuesday September 21st, 2021 7:11:27 AM
Kezzem says they should forge ahead with the investigation.
Succotash not to be outdone by their paladin makes even more puns about their plans
Murphy thanks the detective and asks if they can get started right away.
Tali thanks the detective
Pressi pretends that the detective�s explanation makes sense but at least gets an idea of why the giants kept attacking Humble�s Ford for a while.
Detective Icehammer gives the party the directions to the scene of the crime as well as a handwritten note to give to the constable on duty guarding it. It isn�t to far of a walk and upon arrival the deputy reads the note, salutes, and opens the door for you.

When you get there Pressi starts taking a look around. The home opens up with the room Bliss described in his vision. A thick carpet covers the floor, now stained with blood. A hearth with the stale ashes of many old fires in inset in one wall and a tall bookshelf full of books sits nearby. A table and four chairs is on the other end of the room, the table not quite lined up with the carpet and one chair knocked over.

Two curtains hang on the walls and you can see spaces beyond them, probably other rooms in the small home.

Pressi does not detect any signs of magic in this first room. Any signs of spellcasting would have faded in the days since the murder.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Tuesday September 21st, 2021 9:43:03 AM
Hobie enters the room and looks around, he notices the table and carpet not lined up, and thinks maybe there could be something important under the carpet. He will wait to lift the carpet until after his colleagues have had a chance to look around.

He also notices the bookshelf, and takes a look at what books are there.

OOC: Guys I'm sorry for disappearing for a week, I should have asked for a sub, but my wife is pregnant, and she has been really sick (everything is okay, it's normal first trimester pregnancy sickness) and she's taken all my focus, I just straight forgot about the Wold in all of it. Sorry.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+50=69 ;
Tuesday September 21st, 2021 10:11:46 AM
OOC... Hey Nick, I hope your wife is feeling better soon!!!

Succotash also is curious as to what maybe found under the rug, and waits for Hobie to lift it up for investigation. He gives the room a once over, taking his time, being thorough in his search for clues. (taking 20) (perception 74{I normally add 35 taking 20 makes that 55, but the die roller bonus adder only goes to 50, so I added another 5})

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 d20+28=31 ;
Tuesday September 21st, 2021 3:43:32 PM
"There murder scene is right here," says Kezzem."Succotash just murdered that joke."

Kezzem detects evil to see if his divine senses can detect anything as he looks around.

Perception: 1d20 + 28 = 31.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+18=33 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+18=29 ; d20+18=19 ; d20+18=20 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+18=26 ; d3=2 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+18=22 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+18=26 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+18=35 ; d20+18=27 ;
Tuesday September 21st, 2021 5:55:52 PM
[My wife had one rough 1st trimester years ago, so, I feel for you two. I hope things even out for her, Nick.

Murphy gets out his inks paper and a paper-sized backing board. "Let me make some sketches before we move things about, if that's all right with you all." He begins sketching the view into the room from the entry, then goes to the other side, and sketches back towards the door. Then from the two sides. And on to the next rooms, doing as he did in the main room. If a particular piece of evidence warrants more detail, he makes the detailed sketches.

Then he puts in a new roll of film. -j/k

Once done with the sketches, he looks to note whether it looks as though there are any spots on the bookshelf where books were missing - evidence of them having been there, but now removed. Then pays attention to titles. As he wants to learn the ancient language Anur used, he sees if there are any tomes or scrolls that seem to include reference to that tongue. Then, book by book, he fans through, seeing if anything was left inside the pages, other than the bound pages.

All of this will likely take a while.

==========
Profession, Artist rolls: 33, 21, 29, 19, 20, 32, 37, 32, 26, (skip the d3=2 accidental roll), 31, 22, 24.
And rolls for details: 26, 31, 35, 27.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+14=20 ;
Tuesday September 21st, 2021 6:59:39 PM
The Investigation...

As Tali gets a chance to enter the area to add to the investigation, she sends Rayya aloft to see what she can in the shadows and to provide a bonus to her own perception skills in the shadows.

Skill Checks
Perception (+14): 20

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1078 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1078 minutes
Message | Duration 178 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) d20+25=45 ;
Tuesday September 21st, 2021 9:01:33 PM
With the perimeter well covered, Pressi considers the murder scene itself.

Kneeling at the bloodstain, "Ok, according to Bliss. Our killer comes in, immobilizes both, ties them to chairs, and kills them slowly... without asking questions or looking for anything first. Remind me we need a better idea of how they died, not a lot of spells that cause you to bleed, but I'm not getting great melee from this guy either..."

Pressi stood up. "Need some strength to get them to the chairs, wish I had a better way to judge height...."

From there, she moves on to poke around the hearth and ashes absentmindedly. (Perception 45).

DM Mitch
Wednesday September 22nd, 2021 1:01:35 PM
Hobie enters the room and notices the table and carpet not lined up and surmises that there could be something important under the carpet. He wants to give his colleagues a chance to look around before doing anything about the carpet. He also goes to investigate the bookshelf.
Succotash thoroughly investigates the room, waiting for Hobie to lift the rug to give the room a once over.
Kezzem being Kezzem cracks a joke and then casts detect evil as he searches the room.
Murphy being Murphy breaks out the art supplies and starts making sketches of the rooms. When he is finally finished with that task he joins Hobie in scoping out the bookshelf, noting the language used, the content if possible and if anything is hidden in any of the tomes.
Tali uses Rayya to boost her perceptiveness as she takes in the crime scene.
Pressi considers the murder scene itself, rehashing the details of Bliss�s vision. She says they need to get a better idea of how the couple died as not a lot of spells cause folks to bleed but she doesn�t see this mage person being a skilled melee combatant. She suggests whoever does it needs strength to get the couple to the chairs though and then wishes she has a better way to judge height before absentmindedly poking around the fireplace ashes.

Murphy and Hobie are looking at the bookshelf. This bookshelf seems to be for entertainment. The books are a mix of how to guides on various hobbies, fictional tales of multiple genres, and a few religious texts. He is unable to dertermine if anything is obviously missing - the books are only loosely sorted and there�s still space on the shelves. He finds nothing between the pages.

Succotash and Hobie scope out the area under the carpet. They find that, most likely, the table was merely jarred in the murder. There are deep imprints in the carpet where the table legs must have previously rested, and the spots under where the legs ended up are far less bloodstained. Two the the chairs, those farthest from the table facing away from it, are about as stained as the carpet, with small sections less stained as if something like a rope reduced the blood flow over that spot.

Moving table and carpet and thoroughly searching the floor reveals no hidden compartments. Neither are any found in the walls, at least not in this room.

Kezzem turns his evil detecting cone on but alas if anything in the room was evil at some point in time recently there is nothing to indicate this not even a lingering aura.

Pressi pokes around in the ashes of the hearth. Whilst there she notices that there is an alcove next to the hearth that contains a variety of cooking utensils. The hearth is well tended, with the signs of many a previous meal prepared there. Small, charred bits of old food that fell off into the fire along with the ashes of old wood. It looks well maintained, but not particularly clean, no doubt due to the murder interrupting a meal in progress.

Murphy looks at the other rooms after finishing his first drawing. One room seems to be a lavatory - a chamber pot, partially full, sits inside along with a mirror over a small basin built into the wall and some hygiene supplies sitting on it�s edge. The basin is currently dry and has no obvious water source to fill it with.

The other room seems to be a bedroom. A large bed takes up most of the room, which is slightly smaller then the main one. It looks comfortable and possibly expensive. Against the right wall is a small desk with a large candle on it and various writing implements. A shelf sits over the desk holding more books, this one about 75% full of tomes.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) d20+25=40 ;
Wednesday September 22nd, 2021 8:21:21 PM

Pressi looked around at the bedroom, checking the desk and books over (Perception 40) and casting detect magic through the room.

On a whim, she also pulls on the candlestick, half expecting the wall to spin her into the next room (but not really believing that will happen).

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+14=18 ;
Wednesday September 22nd, 2021 8:34:58 PM
The Investigation...continues

Tali will look upon the book shelf above the desk using her perception for any sign of a well used book or marks left in the dust by a book.

Skill Checks
Perception (+14): 18

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1077 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1077 minutes
Message | Duration 177 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Wednesday September 22nd, 2021 8:51:52 PM
"Okay, I'm going to have to talk to Gargul about my powers," says Kezzem as he pinches his nose. "I specifically searched the room for evil or lingering evil. Someone not emptying their chamber pot when their done is totally evil in my book, and it is certainly lingering."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=60 ;
Thursday September 23rd, 2021 5:14:52 AM

The druid jots down the titles of each of the books. "I'd like to see their bodies. Let's check with the local constable on that once we've finished up here." He is not rushing anyone. He will continue to collect information.
============
Perception: 60

DM Mitch d20+8=21 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=13 ; d8=2 ; d8=4 ; d8=7 ; d8=6 ;
Thursday September 23rd, 2021 6:45:34 AM
Pressi looks around the bedroom and checks the desk and books over while casting detect magic. She also experiments with one of the candlesticks.
Tali joins Pressi at the book shelf. She studies the dust.
Kezzem proves the old adage about Paladins being trained to detect evil but not sarcasm wrong; well actually I don�t know about detecting but at least he can certainly employ it. How dare the murdered pair get murdered before being able to empty the chamber pot.

Pressi pulls a candle stick and�.
Nothing happens

Tali and Pressi take a look at the bookshelf. Upon inspection of the books they appear to be written in Common and are memoirs or diaries of sorts with date references. The books appear to be in chronological order and nothing appears to be hidden in any of their pages. Taking the time the 2 halflings are able to tell that a book appears to be missing. One book ends with Anur talking about returning from his defeat at the Iron Giant, the loss of his son, and his promise to Humbles to reform. It goes on to say the constables are after him for previous murders and he�ll have to do something to lessen his sentence. The next book chronologically speaking picks up 2 years after he got out of jail and the first page has a footnote referencing a previous volume that seems to be missing.

Murphy documents the titles of the books in the main room. The ones in the bedroom do not have titles on the spine or cover, just a note on the first page saying �volume X�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday September 23rd, 2021 8:40:07 PM

Pressi rolls her eyes at Kezzem but does take the reminder to look over the basin, seeing how it works. (She suspects, though, that they just used create water and prestidigitation like she does.)

Thinking over the missing volume, she takes a step back and forth to look through some of the other volumes. At the other murders he committed. At the activities he did after getting out of prison.

"Still, looks like our one lead is to whoever can tell us what happened while he was in prison and how he got out."

Something about the son's death needled Pressi's mind, but she ignored that for the moment.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Friday September 24th, 2021 3:28:32 AM

Murphy reads over Anur's description of what happened on the bridge of the Iron Giant. The confrontation by the party. One or two of the group relating to Anur the betrayal by his adoptive gnome son, Ix. The agreement he made with the group, his casting of an ancient spell to bring his wife back to life due in part to the ambiance of the Iron Giant. And the disintegration of Ix in severe paternal judgment. His forsaking of his holy symbol representing his faith in Skald, and surrender of his weapons and armor, and the walk home with his wife.

"I wonder whether, by whatever means, Ix may be the one who has returned to work vengeance against those he believed wronged him," Murphy asks aloud. "He certainly had a broad skill set."

After a pause he adds, "I'm not stating that as fact. Just speculating."

He reads from earlier texts, trying to learn how to came to know of the Iron Giant, and what moved Anur to come against the halflings.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Friday September 24th, 2021 1:36:23 PM
Kezzem, not much for reading, juggles his daggers. Occasionally he drops one, but thanks to the returning enchantment they return to his hand, and he hopes nobody notices.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday September 24th, 2021 8:47:21 PM

"Yeah," Pressi muttered back to Murphy as she finished washing her hands. "Though it would be difficult for him to find his way to revenge, what with him being dead and then reincarnated in the middle of a forest because I felt sorry for him but not so much."

Pressi thought for a bit. "Oh, right, THAT's the part I forgot that kept nagging me. Whew, good thing I can concentrate on other things now, huh."

Pressi frowned. "It might not be a bad idea to start scrying or messaging Ix. But, for now, we need to make our way to the prison, start asking some questions."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15 d20+43=50 ;
Saturday September 25th, 2021 3:46:20 AM

"Yeah. I could try scrying for him," her husband responds to Pressi. He nods his head at the suggestion to visit the prison. "I wouldn't mind ready more of Anur's journals before we go, but we may be looking at the law of diminishing returns. Or, maybe, find a startling revelation that leads us more quickly to resolving some issues."

He looks under the bed. Then starts searching the place for secret compartments, trap doors under carpets, and, if there is an attic, exploring what might be there.

As he tries to move toward wrapping up a thorough investigation of the place, and having heard from Pressi & Kezz'm (well, at least he's juggling), Murphy asks, "Tali. Hobie. Succotash. Anything new? Insights? Suppositions? Anyone have any ideas?"

========
Perception: 50

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+15
Saturday September 25th, 2021 3:49:07 AM

Sorry - also, Murphy determines which numerical volume is missing. Presuming he started with I, then II, III... VII, VIII, IX, X. Is it volume 'IX' that is missing from the series?

DM Mitch d10=4 ; d10=10 ;
Saturday September 25th, 2021 6:55:41 AM
Pressi rolls her eyes at Kezzem but she does check out the basin anyway. It�s non-magical and just a basin with a drain on the bottom so you can put water in it and drain it out later. Thinking as to the missing volume she thinks their lead involves whatever happened while Anur was in prison and how he got out. Anur�s son�s death needles Pressi�s mind but she ignores it to focus on the case.

Murphy speculates maybe Ix came back somehow. He searches the last two rooms for secret compartments but finds nothing under the bed. Volume 7 is the missing one. He manages to find the volume where Anur became aware of the giant and learns that it was actually blind luck. An expedition he joined just to make some extra cash stumbled across the artifact. As soon as he realized what it was he murdered everyone else to keep the existence of the thing a secret - over a dozen murders of people he knew and worked with for weeks.

Kezzem juggles in a corner.

Pressi comments that he�s probably dead but it might be worth scrying Ix

Anything else anyone wants to do at the crime scene?

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Saturday September 25th, 2021 10:26:09 AM
"I truly don't know what to do next, could it be helpful for us to inquire at the prison he escaped from?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 d20+25=37 ;
Saturday September 25th, 2021 7:02:17 PM
"Well, I have learned a little bit about religious stuff since I've become a paladin. Let me check. Gargul, grant me knowledge beyond knowledge!"

Kezzem wracks his brain to see if it knows something relevant.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 25 = 37.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Sunday September 26th, 2021 8:37:49 PM

Pressi shook her head at Anur's murder spree at finding the iron giant. "Such a waste. Not even a little bit of showmanship, or a nice speech. If you're going to murder everyone, at least milk it a little."

Pressi reiterates that the prison is probably the next stop.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+14=29 ;
Sunday September 26th, 2021 8:54:37 PM
The next step...

Learning that the missing volume is "Volume 7", Tali will quickly review all the volumes, Journals, books, and tomes, looking for a sequence. "Does anyone know what Prison "Anur" was actually in?" asks Tali to her assembled friends?

Skill Checks
Perception (+14): 29

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1077 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1077 minutes
Message | Duration 177 minutes

DM Mitch
Monday September 27th, 2021 7:58:34 AM
Hobie suggests they inquire at the prison he escaped from.
Kezzem wracks his brain for anything relevant. He knows that in settlements with a lot of industry like the Caverns of Glimstone, Ffloy and Pantheon are typically held in high esteem. Ffloy because He oversees deals and Pantheon because He helps bring to justice those that break the law. Kezzem finds it strange that if Anur did escape from prison in a jailbreak that he would be living out in the open in a place like the Caverns of Glmstone. Perhaps Anur came to some other type of arrangement with the authorities to get out so soon?
Pressi agrees that the prison is probably the next step.
Tali asks if anyone knows what prison that Anur was in.

Tali notes that Anur seems to have been writing his memoirs. Volumes 1-6 start with his early life and up through to his defeat at the iron giant and ends with him worrying about capture for past crimes. Volume 8 picks up some time after he was no longer in prison and seems to not quite catch up to present day.

Everyone agrees Anur�s time in prison is the next step and this late at night there�s no way to follow up on that so a halt is called. They find lodging in the town (or teleport home and back in the morning) and have a good night�s rest before meeting with the detective in the morning.

She�s in the same cafe she was in the previous day staring her day with a warm cup of coffee. She nods respectfully to the group as they enter, finishing her drink and ordering another before asking, �I hope you had a good nights rest. What have you concluded so far?�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d8+9=15 ; d8+9=13 ;
Monday September 27th, 2021 9:34:06 AM
Succotash does his normal morning routine, of pray, meditation, and spell prep. With Bliss absent, he prepares and casts Hero's Feast with his friends before heading out to meet the detective. (Everone roll 1d8+9 to determine your temp HP.)

At the Cafe, Succotash doesn't have much to say, as he feels that their time at the murder scene was a bit of a bust. He does mention the missing volume, as well as the adopted son Ix, but beyond that he allows his friends to do most of the talking.

Active spells:
Hero's Feast (Valerie's temp HP 15, Succotash's temp HP, 13)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Monday September 27th, 2021 1:44:34 PM
�Who do we think took that volume? Was it him? Or was it someone else? Also maybe let�s go visit the prison next�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Monday September 27th, 2021 2:11:28 PM
"Hold on, my brain is doing something," announces Kezzem.

"It's strange that if Anur did escape from prison in a jailbreak that he would be living out in the open in a place like the Caverns of Glmstone. Perhaps Anur came to some other type of arrangement with the authorities to get out so soon?"

"Okay, I think I need to lie down now. One hour of a thinking a day and I'm done."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Monday September 27th, 2021 2:12:33 PM
"Press, I'm so glad you're not a supervillain," adds Kezzem. "You'd be a really good one...er, bad one...er, you know what I mean."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday September 27th, 2021 8:58:53 PM

Pressi nodded. "Without a doubt, I could absolutely take over the world. Wouldn't really know what to do with it.

"But more seriously, we still don't really know what HE thought he would do with it, or what he was thinking once he failed. That, I think, is why we keep getting into more and more strange paradoxes, like the one you considered."

Turning back to the detective, she filled in the gaps on what little they picked up. "We were hoping we could get some blanks filled in, like on what happened when he made his way back here, and as to whether he might have some information another person could find useful."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+12 d20+9=12 ;
Monday September 27th, 2021 10:51:38 PM

"Thank you for the excellent breakfast, Succotash," Murphy says, followed by a discrete eructation.

"Thanks for taking the time to think, Kezzem. Did your thoughts reveal any other insights, friend?" he asks.

Murphy lays out the sketches he made before Detective Arrin Icehammer, and fills in any things his friends did not cover. "The missing volume, should we find it, may hold more clues - but if we find that, it may be in the possession of the murderer. If possible, I should like to examine their bodies, though as I understand it several days have passed. If not, then it might be well to find someone who was able to do so closer to the time of death."

He concurs with Pressi's thoughts, and considers Hobie's notion as to visiting the prison. "Detective Icehammer, I'm curious about your recommendations as to the next steps we might take. Does anything we have brought before you add anything to your understandings, or is it simply a rehash of what you already know?"

DM Mitch
Tuesday September 28th, 2021 6:44:16 AM
Succotash does his normal morning routine. Then when at the cafe he mentions the missing volume and adopted son Ix.
Hobie asks who do we think took the volume, the murderer or another robber and asks if they can visit the prison next.
Kezzem brings up that if Anur escaped prison he probably wouldn�t be living out in the open like he had been. He also thanks Pressi for not being a super villain.
Pressi suggests she could take over the Wold but she wouldn�t know what to do with it and then points out they don�t know what Anur would have done if his plan had succeeded which is why so many things seem paradoxical now. She tells Icehammer she was hoping that they could get some blanks filled in with respect to what happened when he made his way back to the caverns and if he might possess knowledge someone might want to kill over.
Murphy gives thanks to Succotash and Kezzem and then shares his sketches with the detective. He asks about being able to examine the bodies or failing that talk to the coroner and he asks the detective to share anything she�s been sitting on.

The Detective says, �Well the books were the major thing I hit on too. We�ve looked for the missing one and it doesn�t seem to be in town. He didn�t just leave it at a friend's house by accident or anything. I�ve spent the past few days doing what you were thinking about doing, talking to the prison and legal system about his capture and sentence.

He did not escape from jail. He swore he�d turned over a new leaf and gave up everything he knew on the cult. It turned into a big operation and multiple cells were taken in, a lot of unsolved crimes were solved with his testimony. Even with that some wanted to throw him in jail to rot for what he�d done, but between the favors he earned testifying and the fact magical tests indicated he was genuinely a changed man meant he got out after a couple of years. He moved here afterwards and has been a model citizen since.

You can see the bodies. They�re still being held as there�s no living family to release them to. Just a warning, they�re nasty. Whoever did it took their time to make it really hurt. Of course your vision told you that, but it�s different seeing the end result.�

Her fresh cup of coffee arrives and she stops talking to add a few things to it and take a long sip.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday September 28th, 2021 1:07:24 PM
"That explains why they were released, I'm a big fan of giving people a chance at redemption, and rewarding the changing of ones ways. I wonder if our encounter, with them, played any role in the changing of the ways."

"As far as nasty is concerned, We've all seen some seriously messed up stuff in our travels, though that doesn't make it much easier to witness. I prepared "Speak With Dead" this morning, in preparation for the viewing, maybe our unfortunate individuals can shed some light on our investigation. We should be able to ask up to 9 questions. Besides the obvious, that being the identity of the killer, anyone have any other questions they would like asked, and does anyone have a preference as to whom I cast the spell on?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Tuesday September 28th, 2021 6:02:06 PM
"Bah, anyone can speak with dead," says Kezzem. "You don't even need a spell for that. It's getting them to talk back that's the problem."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday September 28th, 2021 8:50:37 PM

Pressi listened to the explanation. "Well, that gives us a couple of potential motives but still no suspects. And it still doesn't answer why anyone would steal the book. What could they have included in such a volume?" Still thinking, "It could still turn out that this wasn't just parole and turning stuff over. Maybe he gave the prison something else. Or maybe he DIDN'T give back everything and that's what's in the book."

Pressi points out that she can also speak with dead, but doesn't have much hope for a direct ask. "It seems strange that our friend would overlook such an easy track to cover. That's why I'm hoping an autopsy might be a better route. Obviously, the book might be a good direction, as is if they had done any alchemical or other research.

DM Mitch
Wednesday September 29th, 2021 7:13:46 AM
Succotash remarks that they got their explanation as to why they were released and he wonders if the encounter with their group played a role in that. He mentions he prepared speaks with dead and they can ask 9 questions so he asks for suggestions besides the identity of the killer. He also asks for a preference on who he casts on.
Kezzem points out that anyone can speak with dead but its getting them to talk back that is the problem.
Pressi points out they have a couple potential motives but still no suspects and it doesn�t explain why the book was stolen. She theorizes that Anur didn�t give everything back to the prison or maybe there was some other knowledge hidden away in the pages. She suggests an autopsy might be the better route.

Icehammer finishes drinking and considers the party's statements. �I�m not too familiar with magic so I wouldn�t know how helpful that spell would be. You�re welcome to try. My next move had to be following up on those he betrayed. I of course asked about them and a lot of them were executed for their crimes. Not all of them though, and I was eager to either interview them or get local law enforcement where they lived to do it.�

She shakes her head. �They�ve all vanished or been murdered. Law enforcement�s kept a close eye on them all, even had some of them turn state�s evidence and go back into the cult to learn more, but someone either got them out without anyone seeing or got close enough to leave a corpse behind that couldn't answer questions.

To me, that says inside job. Couldn�t be from inside law enforcement, the information was too scattered for any one person to know all the names without making inquiries that would be known about, like myself. Had to be someone with intimate knowledge of the cult. And that�s where I�m stuck. The only possible sources of inside information have been taken out and I�m staring at a brick wall. Maybe your group with your bigger resources can find out more�

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Wednesday September 29th, 2021 8:07:28 AM
"Would it be possible for us to infiltrate the cult?"
"You said they've all vanished or been murdered, can we get that list of names, in particular the list of the ones who fit the vanished category. Perhaps we could track some of them down."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday September 29th, 2021 10:54:33 AM
"So if I'm hearing you right, both active members, and those who have left the Cult are being hunted down by someone they know. I must confess this is leaving me even more confused."

"Press, while it's true,the dead are normally not very forthcoming coming, in this case, it may be different. This time we have bodies of people who have redeemed themselves, and who may want their killer brought to justice. In other words, it's worth a shot, we don't seem to have anything else to go on."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday September 29th, 2021 9:05:47 PM
Pressi gives it some thought. "There is one other possibility. The list of names may have been in the missing book. Either way, it sounds like someone is covering their tracks, and it may or may not be a cult member."

She agrees with Hobie that they do have some ability to track down vanished people or infiltrate cults. "Might not be a bad idea to follow up with the law enforcement or prison staff that initially interrogated Anur as well."

As for the bodies, "Asking doesn't cost anything, but I don't expect it to be that easy. We may, however, still get some information that's useful. And I really do want to run some tests on the bodies themselves."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Thursday September 30th, 2021 4:10:30 AM
Keeping Pace...

Tali keeps silent on the topic while she plays with Rayya.

Skill Checks
Perception (+14): 29

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1074 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1074 minutes
Message | Duration 174 minutes

DM Mitch
Thursday September 30th, 2021 8:24:30 AM
Hobie asks if it would be possible to infiltrate the cult and that maybe they could get a list of names or people that vanished and try to track some of them down.
Succotash says that he is hearing that active members and people who have left the cult are being hunted down. He raises the possibility that the speak with dead might be a useful spell here considering the diseased redeemed themselves and may want their killer brought to justice.
Pressi surmises that the list of names might be in the missing book and agrees it sounds like someone is covering their tracks. She agrees it makes sense to talk to the law enforcement or prison staff who process anur as well as the corpses.
Tali keeps silent.

With nothing further to ask and the party having nothing to add it seems the detective lets them go. Those interested in inspecting the bodies are allowed to do os. As stated, the bodies are a mess, especially on the extremities that lack vitals that might lead to accidental death before the torture was over. A close inspection shows that the face and mouth are mostly intact though, so speak of dead may work.

The morgue is a fairly small building and even with the party being halflings only 3 or 4 at most can fit inside the room to inspect the bodies. As the rest wait outside someone signals them over. It�s Ketia, wearing a simple disguise that is easy to see through if you no her but makes it harder for anyone working off a wanted poster to recognize her. �So, how are things going?� she asks as she lounges in the alleyway trying to look casual to any passersby. Not that there are many of those near the Morgue.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Thursday September 30th, 2021 3:58:42 PM
"Great," says Kezzem. "We're building a list of suspects. Too many suspects one might say. Narrowing it down might be a problem."

"Maybe I should start accusing everyone we meet and see who runs away," suggest Kezzem. "And I don't know anyone more random me, except maybe Bliss. Quick, someone accuse me and see if I try and run away!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday September 30th, 2021 4:00:25 PM
Succotash answers his former enemy, "We haven't gained much of anything, but I'm about to cast "Speak With Dead", and hopefully we can gain some answers then."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday September 30th, 2021 4:07:38 PM
Before casting the spell, Succotash asks, [b]"Well we get 9 questions when I cast the spell, and so we need to make sure we are on the same page here. Besides the identity of the killer, what else do we want to ask, and who should I cast the spell on?"[/ b]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) d20+25=44 ; d20+30=42 ;
Thursday September 30th, 2021 8:33:44 PM
"Hey, has anyone seen Murphy? The last time he was silent for this long, he was dead."

Pressi decides it's up to her to quickly fill in Ketia about the missing book and the conversation, figuring others can keep Ketia company.

To Succotash, "Let's focus on Anur. Ask him what was in the book, did the killer steal it, did you know the killer. If he can't answer, lets at least get some evidence like why did he kill you or were you in the cult? Oh, and you should ask what he thinks the killer will do next."

When they do enter the morgue, Pressi hesitates at first, a wave of pity and regret awash over her. "I really need to keep in touch with the people we come across better. I hope you two found at least a brief moment of peace."

Pressi looks over the body as best as she can for any clues (Perception 44) or signs of how he died (spellcraft 42). She casts detect magic, followed by detect poison.

While Succotash is busy casting speak with dead, she casts Vision again. This time, she chooses to look into the day that he left prison.

And with that, she says goodbye. A fleeting moment given to the day she sat down with Shan to discuss motherhood, the time she faced off with Ix, the time that Anur so grieved before them....

... The time that Anur literally brought Shan from the dead....

Pressi marched back to Ketia. "This is going to sound like a really stupid question, but did anyone at all try to raise them? Or at least find the Raise Dead scrolls they keep on themselves at all times for just this contingency?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Thursday September 30th, 2021 11:29:11 PM
Keeping Pace with the dead

Tali laughs when she hears what Lady Pressi says about Mister Murphy!

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1074 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1074 minutes
Message | Duration 174 minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+12 d6=5 ;
Friday October 1st, 2021 1:04:50 AM
[Motherboard died Tuesday. New one tomorrow. Thus, Murphy's (Kim's) absence.]

Murphy smiles at his wife's remark about his silence, and Tali's tittering. "Sometimes, I am just listening, and thinking, if I cannot find anything of value to add to the conversation. Besides, everyone is always saying I talk too much. I thought some might find my silence refreshing."

He finally does have some things to add to the conversation, though. "Guys, I studied, through the Woldian League of Adventurers, the ancient language spoken in the Scab - it is a precursor to the language of today's dwarfs. It's what Anur was reading from the scroll that, I suppose we can say, 'repaired' Shan, his wife. Should we find a scroll or text written in that tongue, I could at least read what was written, though I have not the power of a cleric to bring a divine scroll to its intended effect. At least, I do not think I have such power. Oh, and it seems that scroll could be effective specifically within the Iron Giant, but I do not know of its effect outside of that ancient artifact.

"And, since Anur's clerical power seemed to have left him shortly after bringing Shan back to life, who knows whether he kept such a scroll on him? If he did - does the coroner have whatever personal effects were on them at the time the couple were remanded to his care?" He takes a moment to ask the coroner that very question.

He wishes to be among those who go in to look over the Woldly remains of the two slain dwarfs. "Succotash, if I may ask, do you suppose you can ask perhaps 3 or 4 questions to begin? Based upon the responses, that may help key us into what additional queries we may make. If something occurs to me, I will give you my thoughts. Like as not, with your wisdom, your own thoughts will also lead you toward the sum of the nine questions."

He nods as Ketia shows herself, but does not say her name, as it is apparent she has taken a guise.

Then he thinks to suggest to Succotash that he ask Anur, "'Have you hidden anything within your dwelling which might aid us in finding the one who slew you and Shan?' If so," he wonders aloud to the cleric, "how can we delve into what it might be?"

As well as, "Would you want us to appeal to have you raised from the dead?"

He turns to Kezzem. "Did you do this?" as he points toward the morgue.
========
d6=5 - My mouse did this without me formally requesting it.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Friday October 1st, 2021 2:01:03 AM
"Ask him if he's the killer, Succo," suggests Kezzem. "Better yet, ask him if he knows who the killer is. Wait, he could just say yes and then we wasted the question. Ask who the killer is--yes, that check's out."

"No, it's wasn't me," says Kezzem to Murphey. "Whew, that's a relief. I was worried I did it for a moment."

DM Mitch
Friday October 1st, 2021 8:23:48 AM
Kezzem points out they are building perhaps too big a list of suspects and that maybe they should accuse everyone they meet and see who runs away.
Succotash says they haven�t gained much of anything but he�s going to cast speaks with dead and see if they get some answers. He asks the others what kind of things they want to ask the corpse beside the identity of the killer and who he should cast on.
Pressi questions if Murphy is dead and knows that it is up to her to fill in Ketia about their progress. She suggests they focus on Anur asking if he knows the killer, why did the killer kill him or were you in the cult together. She also suggests they ask Anur what the killer would do next.
Pressi looks over the bodies casting detect magic and detect poison
She casts a vision spell focusing on the day Anur left prison and she sees Anur being escorted to a counter and given a sack that the person on the other side of the glass reads the contents of. Anur then moves to a locker room of sorts where he slowly changes out of his prison uniform putting the clothes that were in the sack on in their place. The clothes look slightly big for him as if he had lost a little weight during his stent in prison. After he is dressed the person who escorted him to get his stuff enters the door and says, �Are you ready to return to society?�
Anur replies, �Yes, though I do not know if I�ll have to pay a price sometime down the road for some of the names I gave you to get out early myself.�

She then marches back to Ketia and asks if anyone tried to raise them or use the scrolls they used to keep on them for just such an eventuality
Tali laughs at the things Pressi has to say about Murphy.
Murphy says that sometimes he stays quiet to just listen. He mentions the old language Anur knew and comments that if Anur lost his clerical powers he might not keep scrolls on him anymore. He asks about personal effects and greets Ketia non-verbally before suggesting a few questions and fulfilling Kezzem�s request.
Kezzem discovers he did not do the murder. Everyone is greatly relieved.

Ketia says to Pressi, �Like I had previously said, typically our kind aren�t usually welcome around here. Therefore I haven�t been exactly able to pop in see if Anur and Shah�s old scrolls were still in good working order or not and as far as I know no one else in the cult has tried to resurrect them either.�

At Pressi�s summary she considers. �I knew a few of our number had been murdered, but not about the disappearances. If you can give me the list of names I can make some contacts and find out if there�s anyone Anur sold out that hasn�t been vanished or murdered yet.�

There were a few personal effects, but not much. They were at home eating dinner so they only had some evening clothes and a small money pouch on them. The clothing is torn up and bloodsoaked scraps now, cut up in several places by the murderer.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Sunday October 3rd, 2021 11:20:45 PM
XXX...

Tali looking at the group, says, "So, how did they die in the end?"

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1072 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1072 minutes
Message | Duration 172 minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+12
Monday October 4th, 2021 12:24:31 AM

"So, how do we get a list of the names?" Murphy inquires. "And for those murdered along the way, can we either read the coroner's reports or see the bodies?

"And, Succotash, how soon until you start asking questions?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+12
Monday October 4th, 2021 1:03:40 AM

And Murphy gives Tali as good a description as he can after talking with the Coroner, and looking over the remains of the husband and wife.

DM Mitch
Monday October 4th, 2021 6:08:27 AM
Tali wonders what finally did them in.
Murphy wonders how to get a list of name and points out they can just ask or look at the bodies themselves.

A quick question to the morgue employee gets him to tell you that the doctor reported blood loss was the cause of death. A heal check will let you try to determine it yourself.

Ketia clarifies "I mean a list from the detective of those she knows have vanished or died, as well as a list of who Anur sold out. She should have that information and be willing to share with you, just not with me."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday October 4th, 2021 9:25:33 AM
"Well Murph, the spell has a 10 min casting time, so let's begin. I think you are right Murphy starting with one, two, or at the most 3 questions and going from there is probably best as receiving answers often lead to more questions.

Succotash begins casting the spell, and 10 min later, he asks Anur, "Sorry to disturb your slumber, but we are trying to bring your murderer to justice. Could you tell me who it was that is responsible, what their motive is and do you have any idea where we can find them?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Monday October 4th, 2021 3:43:31 PM
"Ask him to tell Gargul I said hi," offers Kezzem.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+5=17 ; d20+5=21 ;
Monday October 4th, 2021 8:06:00 PM
Testing Theories...

Tali will try to discover anything she can when she makes a heal check against both bodies in the morgue.

"Any idea what their names where, these two in the morgue?" asks Tali of the group.

Skill Checks
Heal (+5): 17, 21

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1070 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1070 minutes
Message | Duration 170 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday October 4th, 2021 8:36:47 PM

Pressi stops in her tracks for a little bit, considering Ketia's request and her statements about the bodies.

"I have to be honest, I'm still struggling to figure out anything regarding our killer except that there seems to be both magic and melee involved. And as I struggle to unravel who's what tribe and who betrayed whom and who happens to be non grata and yet strangely involved, I begin to wonder what exactly your relationship to Anur and Shan were, except for the moment when you were less than excited they stole something from you.

"So lets start at the beginning before we give you any more sensitive information. Where, exactly, were you two at the time of the murder? You know I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't ask."

After Ketia's answer, "So where exactly do your allegiances fit in all this?"

Assuming we have the list of names, Pressi would prefer to use her own divinations to track down the missing ones.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 211/196+12
Monday October 4th, 2021 8:47:32 PM

"Yes, Tali. Dwarfs. He was Anur Daron, who was once described to you as a shale-muncher, and the pilot of the Iron Giant. She was Shan Shalutch, his wife, who shared tea with Pressi as you and the rest of us stood outside her quarters in the upper parts of the metal monstrosity. We met them both on the Iron Giant. And we just spent several hours going through their house, reading their books." He says, with a wide grin, "You have the astonishing beauty of a butterfly, and sometimes the memory of that colorful critter, too, good Talia." He hopes she does not mind his jest.

He otherwise attends to what Succotash reports on how Anur chooses to answer from the far side.

DM Mitch
Tuesday October 5th, 2021 6:31:59 AM
Succotash starts casting the 10 minute spell. He agrees with Murphy that starting with one 2 or 3 questions and then going from there is probably the best idea since sometimes receiving answers leads to more questions.
He says to Anur�s corpse, �Sorry to disturb your slumber, but we are trying to bring your murderer to justice. Could you tell me who it was that is responsible, what their motive is and do you have any idea where we can find them?�
Kezzem tells Succotash to tell Anur to tell Gargul he said hi
Tali examines the bodies in the morgue from what she can tell exsanguination seems as likely a cause as anything else. She asks what their names were
Pressi asks Ketia and Sashe where they were at the time of Anur and Shan�s murder.
Murphy reminds Tali who the victims were.

The spell works, which is nice because there was still a chance it would have been blocked. The corpse takes several seconds to answer the rapid fire questions. �Flamescorn.� it whispers, barely able to get the word out of it�s damaged form. �Revenge� Home��

Ketia says to Pressi, �Were that I was the killer, then I wouldn�t be looking over my shoulder constantly. I bore Anur and Shan no ill will after they got out. Losing their son seemed a cost enough for me and I knew they wouldn�t betray my secrets. If you must know, Sashe and I were in Plateau City seeing to some business with some members of the Plateau City cell. Yes teleportation spells are a thing but we were in the city for days. It was only later when I was on my way back home that I became aware of the passing of Anur and Shan and the possibility that it was a targeted hit and my name might be next on the list. I wouldn�t have come to you if I didn�t believe that my life was in legitimate danger. As to where my allegiances fit in well I am still loyal to Skald and to my cell mates including my former cell mates like Anur and Shan. I am temporarily in a truce with your Humble�s Sword and I will not betray that for now, nor would I have come to you had I killed Anur and Shan as based on your track record that would seem like an exceedingly stupid thing to do.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12
Tuesday October 5th, 2021 8:47:25 AM

"Succotash- you might ask the location of Flamescorn's home," Murphy suggests.

(More later, gotta run)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday October 5th, 2021 10:27:29 AM
"Mr Anur, could you be a little more specific as to the location of this Flamescorn's home. If justice is to be had, we need to be able to locate the fiend. The location of his home would make that a lot easier.

Succotash asks either Murphy or Tali if they would be so kind as to step out of the room and run the name Flamescorn by Ketia. In hopes that she may be able to shed some light on the subject.

Questions asked 4 out of 9

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+26=27 ;
Tuesday October 5th, 2021 8:48:06 PM
Flamescorn

Tali strolls outside to find Lady Ketia. When she sees her, Tali hovers closer to ask diplomatically about the name "Flamescorn". "Ms. Ketia, does the name "Flamescorn" mean anything to you?" asks Tali. "Is it a humanoid, fiend, or power" wonders Tali.

Skill Checks
Diplomacy(+26 ): 27

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1069minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1069 minutes
Message | Duration 169 minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12
Tuesday October 5th, 2021 8:49:10 PM

Murphy relays the question via their telepathic bond to wife Pressi, letting her know the answers that Anur gave - 'Who killed you?' -Flamescorn. 'For what reason?' -Revenge. 'Where is your killer?' -Home. 'DD,' [short for Diamond Dust, one of Pressi's monikers, and an occasional term of endearment he uses for her] '- see if 'Flamescorn' rings a bell for Ketia, would you? Succo is next asking if Anur can identify which 'Home' he is referring to - Anur's own, or Flamescorn's.'

To Tali, he says, "If you want to do so, you can ask Ketia directly? I just let Pressi know of the report also, but depending upon where they are in their conversation, Pressi may or may not pass it on quickly."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12
Tuesday October 5th, 2021 8:50:16 PM

[AH! JP and I posted close to simultaneously. Way to go, Tali!]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday October 5th, 2021 8:58:59 PM

Pressi listens carefully at Ketia's explanation. Aside from the brief mention of the track record, she remains impassive but she does not that the answer is satisfactory.

Pressi begins to look through the names of those missing, but I'm assuming someone interrupts them before she can give any information out.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday October 5th, 2021 9:00:42 PM
(OOC: As expected, I posted around the time of both Tali and Murphy.)

Pressi looks up as she gets the message and as Tali asks the question.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Tuesday October 5th, 2021 11:24:33 PM
"Flamescorn. Well, that's not an ominous name at all. Does that mean he's attacks us with flames or that he doesn't like flames," wonders Kezzem aloud. "Flamescorn...sounds like a dragon. Ask him if Flamescorn is a dragon...or, better yet, ask what type of creature Flamescorn is."

DM Mitch
Wednesday October 6th, 2021 7:52:42 AM
Murphy suggests Succotash ask the location of Flamescorn�s home. He relays the answers they got to Pressi over the telepathic link also asking her to ask Ketia about Flamescorn
Succotash asks Anur to be more specific as to the location of Flamescorn�s home. He asks either Murphy or Tali to run the name by Ketia
Tali asks Ketia what the name Flamescorn means to her
Pressi listens carefully to Ketia�s explanation remaining impassive. She then looks at the names of the missing to see if any ring any bell. She looks up from her reading as Tali asks her question.
Kezzem suggests that Succotash should ask Anur what type of creature Flamescorn is.

Succotashes follow up question gets another pause, then, �Don�t.. know�� Intelligence check 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {corpses being spoken with only know what they knew at the time of death and tend to be cryptic and confusing. It�s possible the corpse is just reporting the last place he saw the murderer, IE his own home.}

Pressi doesn�t recognize any of the names on the list. Ketia frowns and things for a minute before shaking her head. �I�ve never met or heard of anyone named Flamescorn.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+2=11 ;
Wednesday October 6th, 2021 12:03:30 PM
Int check 11 (fail)

Succotash frowns a bit after receiving the answer to his most recent question, than asks ,"Does Flamescorn go by any other aliases, why does he want revenge, and how do you know him?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday October 6th, 2021 12:04:05 PM
8 out of 9 questions asked

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12
Wednesday October 6th, 2021 2:08:27 PM

"What did he say?" Murphy asks Succotash. Assuming he replies...

"Huh. It's been several days since he was killed by Flamescorn. So, he does not know whether his and Shan's murderer is at Anur's home, or his murderer's home. Or elsewhere. He likely has not been able to track him since he got killed."

He passes on to Pressi Anur's latest answer, and Succotash's latest queries.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Wednesday October 6th, 2021 8:24:05 PM
FlameScorn

While outside with the rest, Tali ponders for a few while hovering above the ground some 7 feet. After a considerable amount of time has past and as Tali ponders, Tali continues out loud her synopsis, "It appears to me, that after the fall of the Iron Giant at the Battle of Humble's Sword at the boarder of the Scaab, that someone, something, or even an Immortal power(s), decided that Vengeance was in order for those that have failed to bring about the release of Skald. Perhaps, there are even closer minions of Skald that are carrying out it's desires or perhaps it's Skald's Angel of Death?!"

"Is there anything we can use to help us in this line of thought?" asks Tali to the Humble Sword and to Ketia and her friend

[/b][/u]Spells in Effect[/b][/u]
Overland Flight | Duration 1068 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1068 minutes
Message | Duration 168 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday October 6th, 2021 8:35:45 PM

Pressi files away the idea that some more divinations might be needed, as well as a return trip to the house. (Though she can't imagine anything they could have overlooked. She does in part want to clean it up, though. One last nicety for the dead.)

Pressi finally hands Ketia the list of names.

DM Mitch
Thursday October 7th, 2021 1:36:23 AM
Succotash frowns after receiving the most recent answers to his questions then asks, �Does Flamescorn go by any other aliases? Why does he want revenge? How do you know him?�
Murphy asks Succotash for a recap of what the corpse said. Murphy surmises that since it has been several days since Anur was killed by Flamescorn and the corpse does not know if Flamescorn is at Anur�s home, his murderer�s home or elsewhere.
Tali ponders for a few while hovering for a bit. She observes that after the fall of the Iron Giant at the battle of Humble�s Ford at the boarder of the Scaab, that someone, something or even an immortal power, decided that Vengeance was in order for those that have failed to bring about the release of Skald. She asks could it be Skald�s Angel of Death that is behind the attacks? She also asks if there is anything to this line of thought.
Pressi files away the idea that more divinations might be needed as well as a return trip to the house, although she can�t imagine anything they might have overlooked considering how thorough a job they did. She does in part want to clean it up as a final nicety for the departed and finally hands the list over to Ketia.

The corpse replies �don�t...know�. Betrayed� him� cultist��

Ketia looks over the list. �I know some of these, them and Anur are what led me to contact you. Some of these others not so much, but I should be able to find out.�

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Thursday October 7th, 2021 2:58:22 AM
Hobie kindly waits while his wiser companions question the corpse. He waits for Ketia to get them the info about the people on the list.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday October 7th, 2021 11:33:13 AM
Succotash asks Murphy if he can think of any other question, reminding him that they only have one left. He asks that the Druid relay the question to Pressi, to see if either she or someone outside, including Ketia may have a good question to ask.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday October 7th, 2021 3:45:39 PM

"When this all turns out to be backwards dream logic and the killer is actually named Nirocs Emalf, I'll try very hard not to look disappointed."

Pressi thinks for a second, knowing that any answer they get will be a cryptic message. "I'd personally go with 'What does he look like?' or maybe 'Does he know alchemy?' Maybe 'What color is is soul?' if we're feeling whimsical.... Wait, I got it. If it is our shapeshifting friend, we should ask what he looked like at the time he came in."

To Ketia, "Well, lets start with the people you do know. Can you help us contact them, or maybe help with some scrying? Last known addresses might be a start."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12
Thursday October 7th, 2021 5:30:39 PM

"Pressi's question is good," Murphy says. "'What does Flamescorn look like?' Or, we could ask, 'Would you like to be raised from the dead?' If he says yes to the latter, and if means can be obtained to effect that change in status, then he may be able to provide a good deal more information, and perhaps help us find the murderer."

[OOC: Weird - thought I'd posted already from my phone.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Thursday October 7th, 2021 6:21:14 PM
"Ask him what's his favorite color?"

DM Mitch
Friday October 8th, 2021 6:49:12 AM
Hobie waits while his companions question the corpse and for Ketia to get them info on the list.
Succotash asks Murphy if he can think of any other questions reminding the druid they only have one left and that he should also relay this to Pressi and those outside as they may have a good question to ask.
Pressi suggests they go with what does he look like or Does he know alchemy or if they are feeling whimsical what color is his soul. She then hits upon, �What did he look like when he came in to your house.� To Ketia she asks if they can start with the people on the list the Dwarf woman knows, can she help them scry or put them in contact with any of them.
Murphy suggests Pressi�s question is good until he thinks maybe they should ask Anur if he wants to be raised from the dead as a revived Anur may prove more cooperative in answering questions.
Kezzem suggests they ask Anur what his favorite color is

Ketia nods. �Give me a couple hours, I�m going to go contact some people and go through the list. I�ll also ask if anyone knows who Flamescorn is. With what you�ve found I�m sure I�ll be able to turn up someone who knows something, maybe even the next target of our mysterious assailant.�

One question remains, though you do still have a second corpse to cast the spell on possibly.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12
Sunday October 10th, 2021 11:58:57 AM

Murphy wonders what question Succotash will ask.

DM Mitch
Monday October 11th, 2021 5:34:00 AM
Murphy wonders what questions Succotash will ask.

Ketia makes herself scarce, presumably to ask the questions and do the research mentioned. Just in time too, Detective Icehammer shows up with a half-elf and a human, male and female. �Hello again. While I was asking my questions of the other deaths I learned another place hired some ex-Fist agents to investigate. They seemed competent and combining forces seemed optimal so I brought them over.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday October 11th, 2021 9:11:37 AM
Succotash takes Pressi's suggestions and asks for a description of the killer, not sure if it will help, but hopeful none the less.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Monday October 11th, 2021 1:23:36 PM
The human woman is dressed in a simple white robe. Her hair is fiery red, worn in a thick braid and kept in place by a shining headband. An orange pearl orbits her head. The force of her presence is almost like a fiery blast from a furnace. [OOC: 24 Charisma]

By contrast, the smile she offers is warm and friendly. "Not hired," she explains. With a little laugh, she adds, "I'm not sure anybody can afford us these days. But the deaths are concerning, and we'd like to help get to the bottom of this. I'm Prudence, by the way. Prudence Komonov. And this is my husband, Nikolai."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Monday October 11th, 2021 4:13:45 PM
"Funny," says Kezzem. "I feel like I know you from somewhere."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12
Monday October 11th, 2021 5:00:37 PM

Being inside the morgue with cleric, coroner, and corpses, Murphy is not yet aware of the new arrivals, so that greeting will have to wait. He awaits Anur's response and descriptive capabilities.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday October 11th, 2021 9:00:12 PM

Pressi keeps an eye carefully on the newcomers but overall remains polite. Her outfit is a remarkable contrast to Prudence's: ornate black armor in chains and weapon holsters, ghostly face paint, a witch's cowl covering her own headband.

"Charmed, though hardly in any need of assistance or volunteers, I assure you." She gives a small bow. "Pressi Silverglove. Humble's Sword liasion. Exactly how much have you been briefed so far, about us or the murders?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday October 11th, 2021 9:37:35 PM
OOC: test post.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Monday October 11th, 2021 11:28:46 PM
"If you've been briefed on us, then I feel like I should add that I'm the one you were warned about," says Kezzem.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12
Tuesday October 12th, 2021 1:17:49 AM

As he awaits Anur's response to Succotash's question, he thinks to mention... no, he waits until Anur answers. THEN he mentions, "Y'know, Succotash, I'm glad you joined up with us a while back. You are a real asset to Humble's Sword."

DM Mitch
Tuesday October 12th, 2021 7:21:49 AM
Succotash uses his last question to ask for a description of the killer.
Prudence Komonov introduces herself and Nikolai explaining that her and her husband have heard about the deaths and they want to help
Kezzem feels like he knows Prudence from somewhere. He also lets the newcomers know that he�s the one they were warned about.
Murphy being inside the morgue is unaware of the new arrivals. He awaits Anur�s response. He also compliments Succotash.
Pressi greets Pru explaining she�s a Humble�s Sword liaison and asks how much the two humans have been briefed on Humble�s Sword and the Murders.

Anur�s body speaks it�s last works. �Disguise� giant��

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday October 12th, 2021 10:45:58 AM
With Anur's final words, Succotash sighs and says under his breath, "Great a disguised giant, how in the name of the gods did he make it past the giant towers? He must have taken the long way around avoiding them all together. Would have been nice if he just tried walking past them, then this whole mess would have never happened,"

As he and Murphy are leaving the morgue, Succotash thanks Murphy for his complement, "Thanks Murph, that means a lot. Though you probably don't have a ready answer, nor do I expect one, but I wonder which version has been the most helpful, Succotash the Paladin or Succotash the Cleric, Personally, I think the gods were on to something when they changed me, after I went to visit Lord Gargul. I now have a whole lot more versatile skill set than I did then, though I must confess I sometimes miss charging into battle, wielding Twinklesting with Miss Piggy by my side. I have to say though, Valerie has been an amazing friend, even if she doesn't share Piggy's intelligence, and the ability to drop fire and such on our enemies is a lot of fun.".

When they exit the room, and see the new comers, Prudence and Nikolai see a very handsome halfling who's charisma, though not as in your face as Prudence's, defiantly forces one to take notice. (Chr 20) Succotash is dressed in green clerical robes, with the holy symbols of all the gods embroidered in gold thread evenly scattered about. around his neck he is wearing a platinum holy symbol that appears to be a conglomerate of all the god's holy symbols combined. by his side is an armored velocaraptor with a pink bow on top of her head. "Hello who might you be? My named is Succotash Slenderstick, Pantheon Devotee, and this is my friend Valerie" He rests his hand on Valerie as he mentions his friend, and than adds, "Just in case you didn't know, a Pantheon Devotee is a cleric that serves all the Woldian gods at the same time. How can we help you?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Tuesday October 12th, 2021 7:23:11 PM
New Comers

Feeling as useful as ever, Tali casts Invisibility onto herself as she continues to hover about the ground above everyone's head so as to keep out of sight and out of mind, and as a sort of watchful eye over her group.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1065 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1065 minutes
Message | Duration 165 minutes
Invisibility | Duration 18 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday October 12th, 2021 8:53:33 PM

Ok, couple of non-halflings joining the team. Guess it was inevitable but I was beginning to think it wouldn't happen.

After shaking hands (and scanning) the newcomers, Pressi turned her attention back to Succotash. "Not really sure he meant 'disguised giant' there. But I think I'm going to hit Anur's home again until our friend comes back. Take another look at the rest of those tomes of his, maybe get things cleaned up."

She turned to Detective Icehammer (or a guard if the detective left). "Unless Flamescorn rings a bell? Or maybe there's a library around here I can hit?"

Whispering to Murphy, "Or unless you want me to follow Ketia and make sure she's trustworthy."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Tuesday October 12th, 2021 9:17:17 PM
"So Flamescorn was a disguised giant I guess?" says Kezzem. "How does that work? Did he have a fake beard and just say he was a really tall dwarf?"

"I wonder if he was fire giant or a frost giant. Flamescorn sounds like a fire giant, but if he has scorn for flames, maybe he's a frost giant insead? Ack, my brain hurts!"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Tuesday October 12th, 2021 10:10:39 PM
"Flamescorn," Pru repeats to herself. "Flamescorn. Does that sound like a dragon's name to anybody else?" She shrugs and glances at her husband. "Maybe I just have dragons on the brain; I don't know. We fought one not long ago. But a dragon could disguise itself as a giant, couldn't it?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12
Wednesday October 13th, 2021 12:06:44 AM

"Succotash, your move to cleric has been stellar. Bless Lord Gargul," Murphy says. "And Valerie is a very tough puppy."

"Nikolai, and Prudence, right?" towhead Murphy says as he comes out into the fresher air of the alley. "Saw you at the Giggling Ghost some years back. Carpenter Aunts - I had just missed those, but we worked on hanging wreaths. Ma'am, your hair was quite a bit more brown from what I recall. Red hair is lovely, too.

"That's when I met Bliss, who brought Mookie, and Alleah - Dirtfist was the family name she gave then, back when they were with the Fist, a good while before they joined up with us. I got the sense they were from two different branches of the Fist - but I don't know a lot about that. Adomorn and Shel from Humble's Sword were there. And as I recall it, Prudence, ma'am, you favored mince pie. And won a little music box."

Suddenly his face flushes, and he says, "Oh, forgot to say - I'm Murphy. Murphy Bumblebee Leafwin Pipewood, of Humble's Ford, with Humble's Sword, a druid, and at your service. Oh, and Nikolai, I think you won a skin of Taurian Fortified Purple Wine from Centaur Isle, for doing so well on the wreath-hanging. I did see you folks there a few other times at other Yuletides, and read a tiny bit about some of your adventuring exploits while going through the WLA stacks.

"Looks you've met my brilliant wife, Pressi, here, and my friends. I'm the only one left from the original group. I used to be the leader of the group, but some of the newcomers grew disgruntled with the notion of anyone leading. So now, leadership in the group is very vaguely defined. But we're halflings, and all in our little group are competent and trusted, so, that suits us fine."

After that flurry of recollections from a situation which most of the present company would not even recall, the druid asks, "So, what brings you two here to Glimmer? And, yes, 'Flamescorn' sounds like a plausible dragon name. Many dragons can take on various guises. I understand some even get involved in politics here and there in their other forms."

He mentally says to Pressi, 'Following Ketia may be an astute move, and sounds good. Have you seen Sashe anywhere about? If you go, let's stay in touch about anything significant.'

DM Mitch
Wednesday October 13th, 2021 8:41:09 AM
Succotash asks how a disguised giant made it past the giant towers. He thanks Murphy for his complement as the 2 halflings leave the morgue. He wonders if how he changed after his visit to Lord Gargul if Succotash the Paladin or Succotash the Cleric would be more useful in the long run. When he gets outside he introduces himself to Prudence and Nikolai.
Tali turns invisible and watches the proceedings with the newcomers.
Pressi accepts the fact that non halflings are joining their little group. I mean are humans and halflings really that different besides the size thing and the hairy feet? She then wonders if Anur really meant disguised giant and thinks about going back to Anur�s house to tidy up unless to the nearest of the Constabulary the name Flamescorn rings a bell or there is a library she could visit. She asks Murphy in a whisper if he wants her to follow Ketia to ensure the Dwarf�s trustworthiness.
Kezzem gets to wondering how disguising a giant works, like did he put on a fake beard and say he was a really tall dwarf. He also wonders what type of giant Flamescorn is as frost or fire seem the most likely.
Pru brings up another possibility suggesting that Flamescorn might be a dragon and they might be chasing a dragon disguised as a disguised giant instead. She admits the Fist fought a dragon not long ago as she looks at her husband.
Murphy reassures Succotash that his move to Cleric has been stellar and that Valerie is a tough puppy. He greats Pru and Nikolai giving them a bit of his backstory and the backstory of Humble�s Sword. He mentions that he saw Pru and Nikolai at yuletide in the giggling ghost before. He also explains that he is the only one left from the original group and agrees that Flamescorn could be a dragon. He mentally tells Pressi that following Ketia might be astute and asks if she�s seen Sashe as well.

Following Ketia may be a good idea but it�s a little late for that because she left 5 minutes and two posts ago. Done with the bodies, the group has some time to burn and probably some food to eat as it�s getting towards lunch time. Nothing further is found at Anur�s home though his book collection is pretty interesting.

After a couple hours Ketia returns. �I couldn�t find anything on the name Flamescorn, but I think I found a lead. One of the names Anur gave to the authorities was a man called Ironbane. He fought his way out of town and was never captured though, and another cultist took supplies to his camp just a few days ago so he hasn�t been murdered or vanished yet either. He was close with Anur once and might have the information we need.�

She hesitates before adding. �Getting it out of him may prove difficult though. He�s gotten more and more unstable over time. Flies into a rage at the smallest things nad will murder you as soon as look at you. Don�t get me wrong I�m a cultist and I�ve done a few murders here and there when it was necessary but this guy�s just unhinged. You�ll have to beat him into submission and probably get him to boast the information to you, otherwise he�ll refuse to talk just to spite you.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday October 13th, 2021 10:05:48 AM
"Ironbane, hopefully we can get something to go on from him. I'm beginning to think we may never get a break in this case. Just so you know Ketia, if your in a religion that requires murder, you may want to reconsider your faith, If you can't see how wrong such a religion is, you may have seared your conscience. Fighting for ones faith can be justified, I suppose, but murder... Murder is never justified!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Wednesday October 13th, 2021 5:15:10 PM
Kezzem tries to detect evil on Ketia again. Assuming she still does not ping, he looks up and goes, "Really?"

"Flamescorn, Ironbane....why don't we ever get to go see someome named Puppyfriend instead?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Wednesday October 13th, 2021 8:00:24 PM
Happy Pirate Nicknames

Tali, being both invisible and in flight, giggles when Kezzem discusses the happy Pirate Nicknames of the Cultists...Flamescorn, Ironbane...

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1064 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1064 minutes
Message | Duration 164 minutes
Invisibility | Duration 17 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday October 13th, 2021 8:41:24 PM
"You know, you could always try my religion," Pressi suggested to Ketia. "Get away from the whole religion requires you to murder bit and then you can murder for fun. Much less stress and paperwork."

At Succotash's inevitable side-eye. "It was that or an inevitable argument of whether a religion that doesn't require murder exists. I thought this way would be better."

Pressi took a moment, having forgotten what they were talking about.

"Getting back on track, I don't have too much worry that I can get him to talk, with or without fighting him. It's kind of my thing, so I just need to know (knuckle crack) how messy we're allowed to get. My serious suspicion, however, is that we might avoid confrontation with some decent operational intelligence and a plan. Good cop, bad halfling, maybe? Ketia, is there anything that he currently wants?"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Wednesday October 13th, 2021 9:19:39 PM
Pru looks a little alarmed when Pressi starts talking about "messy" conversations. "You know," she says, "I've had pretty good success with just asking nicely. Maybe we could start there."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Wednesday October 13th, 2021 11:55:06 PM
"Press, just give him that look you give me whenever I do something stupid," says Kezzem. "Yes, that one right there!"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday October 14th, 2021 1:09:53 AM
The half-elf that receives the 'this is my husband' introduction is a big contrast to Prudence. He wears monk robes and carries a nunchaku and kama strapped to his body. A couple of ioun stones circle his head and a thick necklace that goes under the robes. Something odd and bulging at the end of it but since it is under his robes, it is a mystery.

On his robes there is an emblem, Knowledge (History) DC10.

Nikolai smiles, "In our experience... well, it doesn't work with me, but Pru does have a way with words."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12
Thursday October 14th, 2021 1:09:58 AM

"Nikolai. Have you a voice? Prudence - could you hear my voice?" Murphy is unaccustomed to being entirely ignored after making an attempt to make a connection. He is fine with working with folks in pursuing the bad guys, and will give these newcomers a chance to see what they can do. "Gee, where I come from - which is Humble's Ford - we were taught to interact when meeting new people. I know you come from a great group with a huge reputation. Do I just need to ask nicely?"

DM Mitch
Thursday October 14th, 2021 6:51:07 AM
Succotash hopes they can get something to go on from Ironbane. He wonders if they�ll never get a break in the case before asking Ketia if she wants to reconsider her religion if it requires murder.
Kezzem tries to detect evil on Ketia again but she does not ping as evil. The paladin then asks why they can�t ever deal with someone named puppy friend instead of names like Ironbane and Flamescorn.
Tali being invisible and flying laughs at Kezzem�s comment.
Pressi suggests that Ketia try her religion instead of the one she has now. She says if Ketia gets away from the religious murder she could murder for fun. She tells Kezzem she doesn�t want to get into the argument over whether a religion that doesn�t require murder exists. She isn�t affraid to get messy with Ironbane but wonders if they can have some operational intelligence and a plan if maybe they can get what they want without fighting. She asks if there is anything Ironbane wants.
Pru gets a little perturbed by Pressi�s discussion of getting messy and suggests they
Kezzem suggests Pressi just gives Ironbane the look she gives Kezzem whenever he does something stupid.
Nikolai speaks! He comments that asking nicely doesn�t work as well for him as his wife.
Murhpy is confused that no one responded to him and wonders if people have lost their voice.

Ketia seems happy to debate religion with the group. �One man�s murder is another man�s justified homicide. My religion doesn�t require anything of anyone strictly speaking. It teaches freedom from everything that restricts our freedom to do what we want. That includes freedom from the morale codes of society. Society would deem me a murderer because I�ve killed in cold blood to protect secrets that the reveal of would cause me great harm or threaten those of my faith. I consider it self defense and justified as I�d be dead now if I hadn�t.

Ironbane though takes things a bit farther than I would. I draw the line and murder for no reason and try not to hurt people if it�s not required. Ironbane feels he should be able to kill anyone he doesn�t like. Or angers him. Or looks at him slightly funny. I won�t restrict his freedom or argue he�s interpreting our god�s teaching wrong, but that doesn�t mean that me or a lot of other cultists don�t think he�s a madman and refuse to associate with him. Most of those who do associate with him are afraid of him and would take of if they could do it without him tracking them down and killing them.

That being said, I�m not sure if I should come with you. Ironbane and I do not get along and the last time we saw each other he promised to kill me next time we saw each other. I�m not afraid of him but getting answers out of him might be harder if I�m there. Up to you. I can�t really suggest anything you can offer him either, all he wants is the ability to keep doing what he�s doing already�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Thursday October 14th, 2021 11:00:54 AM
"So, hypothetically speaking, let's say our town was under attack by, I don't know, let's say an army of giants," says Kezzem. "And let's say we had this weapon that was critical to our town defense. Then if we knew somebody was going to try and steal said weapon and compromise our defenses, it would be perfectly morale, according to your religion, for us to sneak up and murder them in their sleep beforehand. You know, hypothetically speaking. Also, I'm asking for a friend."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday October 14th, 2021 11:15:20 AM
"Well great, we get to deal with a homicidal maniac, Yeah! Not that I would ever take a person's life in cold blood, but this guy sounds like the kind who be doing the Wold a favor by dying.'

"Don't worry Prudence, we always try to avoid bloodshed whenever possible, preferring diplomacy over violence. However we won't shy away from a fight, if there is no other option, but even then we like to offer the surrender option. Due to our preference for peaceful outcomes, and applications, we have been blessed to witness the reformation of some, though sadly not nearly enough of our adversaries."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Thursday October 14th, 2021 11:28:10 AM
"Kezzem, as a former paladin, I can safely say that for you to murder someone would be in violation of your paladin code, even if said murder was "justified". I use the term justified loosely, as I don't personally believe such a thing is possible. Some would argue that assassinations, which is what you are describing, aren't necessarily murder, assuming it is done for the right reason, but the thought of it leaves a bad taste in my mouth, and I would never partake in such an activity, nor would I approve of it. I accept the fact that sometimes, for the greater good, an assassination may be the best course of action, but acceptance does not equate approval."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Thursday October 14th, 2021 5:31:46 PM
"Of course I heard you," Pru tells Murphy. "Though I have to confess, I don't remember most of those details. I do have a vague memory of a Yule celebration, but...it's all muddled. Like a dream."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Thursday October 14th, 2021 7:47:14 PM
"Succo, I'm not asking if it is okay to assassinate someone," says Kezzem. "I'm asking if she thinks it's okay to assassinate someone, who's resemblance to any characters real or fictitious is completely coincidental."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Thursday October 14th, 2021 9:05:41 PM
I'll be a Happy Phantom

Tali, being both invisible and in flight, points her finger towards Mister Murphy using her Message Spell and asks him, "what do you think the next few moves should be towards finding the next logical play in this investigation? Do we pursue this IronBane character?"

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1063 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1063 minutes
Message | Duration 163 minutes
Invisibility | Duration 16 minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday October 14th, 2021 9:21:34 PM
Pressi's eyes widened at Ketia's description of her religion. "Oh, my god. I finally know how Kezzem feels when I start talking. And the rest of you... I can't even do my line about how a gal could do a lot with such freedom and how I'd never stoop to murder or other unimaginative... Nope, no longer fun. Moment ruined. Thanks, team. Good job, all. This close to Halloween, too."

Pressi closed her eyes and calmed herself. "Of course there are a few ways I could personally play it, even without a team. Niceties, trickery, charm spells, torture, mind reading... I don't necessarily use all the tools in my tool box. I just like to know I have the option. Hey, look at that. Joking about being evil got fun again."

Harper let out a soft growl.

"I haven't forgotten you, don't worry. Having giant cats sit on his chest... I just need to know the right tool. And while I'd normally start out with diplomacy and a reminder that we're trying to save his life, I'm not getting a lot of feedback that this is a good call.

"So this Ironbane guy, I'm thinking group con, unless we just want to punch this guy until he complies. Which in turn means I'm thinking some divinations to know how he fights, what forces he has, what protections, what weaknesses. Unless Ketia happens to know any of this stuff already and can save us some time. Also, could you answer Kezzem's questions? Freedom from morality people are usually such wimps and equivocators but I'm actually hoping you're a game respects game type of gal."

DM Mitch
Friday October 15th, 2021 8:19:43 AM
Kezzem posses Ketia with a hypothetical involving someone trying to compromise their defense against giants and if it would be perfectly moral according to Ketia�s religion to sneak up and murder the people who are going to compromise their defenses in their sleep before hand. He makes it clear hypothetically speaking and asking for a friend.
Succotash suggests they�d be doing the Wold a favor if Ironbane ended up dying as a result of their confrontation. He reassures Pru that they prefer peaceful solutions to violence but can dish it out if it comes to it and that some of the people they�ve resolved things peacefully with have even reformed. He then tells Kezzem that that even a �justified� murder would likely break the paladin code and then briefly discusses the philosophical implications of assassination.
Kezzem tells Succotash he isn�t asking if it is okay to assinate someone he is asking if Ketia thinks it is okay to assassinate someone whose resemblance to characters real or imaginary is entirely coincidental.
Pru tells Murphy she remembers him but the events during Yule are kind of a bit muddled like in a dream.
Tali who is both invisible and flying shoots Murphy with a message spell asking him what the next moves in the investigation should be and if they should pursue Ironbane.

Pressi says that Ketia makes her understand how Kezzem and the others must feel when she talks and that some of her jokes are no longer fun. She then closes her eyes and mentions all the ways she could play things even without a team and that just because a tool exists in her toolbox doesn�t mean she�d use it she just likes to have options and just like that joking about evil got fun again. Harper makes his presence known and Pressi tells the cat she hasn�t forgotten about him. She suggests either group con or beating Ironbane into submission and for that she suggests divinations to know how he fights, what protections he has, what his forces are and what his weaknesses are unless Ketia happens to know any of that. She then reflects that freedom from morality folks are usually wimps and equivocators but she hopes Ketia is a game respects game kind of girl.

Ketia flashes a smile. �That all depends on you. That�s the point, freedom from the rules of others still means you still have to justify your actions to yourself. If it was my town and loved ones in danger when these thieves showed up I�d murder them in their sleep and not lose any sleep over it. And according to my religion that would be ok as long as I was ok with it. You, I imagine, would lose a lot more sleep over it then me, but if you felt it was justified then do it and forget what others would think of you.�

�Now again there are always consequences. Say those people I killed in their sleep had loved ones, they'd� be in their rights to come and try to muder me in my sleep. They�d fail, but they could try. The key point is not letting other people control you or bind you with their own viewpoints and rules.�

At Pressi�s question Ketia gives a quick response. �Barbarian type. Fleis into a rage and pounds you until you are a smear on the ground. It�s been years so I don't know what his gear is like these days, but try not to take him in melee if you can avoid it, he�ll tear you apart. He has a bit of magic to him too, just enough to complicate things. Usually uses it to make his followers as full of frothing, insane rage as he is.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday October 15th, 2021 10:27:32 AM
"So he likes the rage spell does he? Not a bad spell really, especially for it's level. I wonder if they have a Catacombs entrance here in Glimmer, I wouldn't mind picking up a few things before we go "chat" with Ironbane."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Friday October 15th, 2021 1:01:48 PM
At the talk of fighting Ironbane, Hobie breaks his long silence

"I'm not afraid of any barbarian I've ever seen. The angrier they get the dumber they get. Let's kill this son of a gun"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday October 15th, 2021 8:50:21 PM

"Well, now hold on there soldier," Pressi responded to Hobie. "By 'kill him,' you mean 'keep him alive and get him talking', right? Because he's kind of the only lead we've got."

Looking around, "Also, are you sure we want to just go in bows blazing? Not even try to see if he can handle a will save or a nice bluff? Like, I know we're treating him like crazy and paranoid but we seem to be validating his choice and we don't even know if he'll make it. At least maybe discuss a strategy?"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Friday October 15th, 2021 10:31:21 PM
One thing Ketia says makes Pru a little worried. "Um....followers?" she says. "He has followers? Are any of them with him? Or have you all taken care of that already?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Saturday October 16th, 2021 4:03:32 AM
So, let me get this right...

Tali, having been listening to Ketia; her murderer; spew information since her friends began their inquisitive quest of her, chooses to become visible, moves into range that her friends can here here and begins to sum up the information gathered from her perspective:

"So, let me get this right...Ketia here explains that these Cultists of Skald, have a "freedom from the rules of others" ethos, and it is believed that someone from her group has decided to remove others within the group by murder? It could be an entity called "Ironbane" -- Barbarian type, or an entity called Flamescorn -- type unknown, or an entity entirely unknown to us doing the actual removal? In addition, it is our groups desire to bring this / these murderers to Justice?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Saturday October 16th, 2021 4:04:32 AM
OOC: can someone fix the markup at the end of my last post, please ? just add [/i][/b] to the back end.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Saturday October 16th, 2021 12:47:24 PM
"Hey Succo, if Ironbane likes to rage, perhaps you could prepare some type of spell to *calm* his *emotions*," suggest Kezzem. "I would, but my spell 'deecee' is kind of low, and also paladin's can't cast such spells anyway."

To Pressi, he says, "I bet you this Ironbane guy is all like, 'You think iron is your ally. But you merely adopted the metal. I was born in it. Formed by it. For the truth is...the truth is...I am...Ironbane.'"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Sunday October 17th, 2021 3:19:14 PM
To Keizer �if he�s born of iron, all the better, these adamantine arrows will pierce his skull without issue�

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Sunday October 17th, 2021 3:20:05 PM
Ooc: don�t know why autocorrect changed Kezzem to Keizer

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Sunday October 17th, 2021 11:16:38 PM
"That's a great idea, Kezzem, I'll prepare it in the morning."

DM Mitch
Monday October 18th, 2021 8:14:53 AM
Succotash remarks that Ironbane likes the rage spell, which isn�t a bad spell. He wonders if there is a catacombs entrance nearby as he wouldn�t mind picking a few things up before their �chat�
(OOC: You may visit the catacombs if you need to)
Hobie says he isn�t afraid of barbarians for the angrier they get the dumber they get and that they should kill this son of a gun.
Pressi tells Hobie to hold his horses as they need to keep Ironbane alive and talking as he is the only lead they have. She also asks if they are sure they just want to go in bows blazing and if they can�t discuss a strategy.
Prudence is concerned about Ironbane�s followers and asks if they are with him or have they been taken care of already.
Tali becomes visible and asks if they are sure they want to do what they are planning to do as the cultists of Skald have a �freedom from the rules� ethos and someone whether it is Ironbane, Flamescorn or whoever is removing them. She asks are they sure they want to bring whoever it is to justice.
Kezzem asks Succotash to prepare some calm emotions spells if Ironbane likes to rage as he can�t being a paladin.
He asks Pressi if Ironbane�s catchphrase is, "I bet you this Ironbane guy is all like, 'You think iron is your ally. But you merely adopted the metal. I was born in it. Formed by it. For the truth is...the truth is...I am...Ironbane."
Hobie remarks that if he�s born of iron all the better as the adamantine arrows will pierce his skull without issue.
Succotash likes Kezzem�s idea.

Ketia nods. �He usually has a crew of people he�s intimidated into following him hanging around. Some are thugs like him and just follow him because he�s bigger and stronger, others are just too scared of him to try to run away. You�ll have to deal with them as well. And yes that summery is about right, but Ironbane definitely didn't do this. He's not smart enough and it's way to subtle for him. He should know who Firescorn is though.�

With most questions seemingly answered Ketia gives a description of the area Ironbane was sighted. A remote region in the already remote scab with a large geyser field. The description is good enough for the party to teleport close, though not right on top of him so they can plan their advance after arrival. �He�ll probably be in the geyser field somewhere.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday October 18th, 2021 9:47:53 AM
"Though I like the idea of preparing calm emotions, that will set us back another day. Are we OK with that? Either way, now that I think of it, I remember seeing a shop that I'm pretty sure has an entrance to the Catacombs, and I would like to add "Mercy" to Valerie's "Amulet of Mighty Fists" and pick up a "Rod of Quicken Spell" before we go. So do we want to wait until morning, or head out right after I get back from the Catacombs?"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Monday October 18th, 2021 1:44:29 PM
Pru shrugs. "I'm ready now," she says. "Well, just about."

While waiting for Succotash to return, she casts Extended Mage Armors on herself and her husband. "Does anyone else need Mage Armor?" she asks the group. "I've got plenty."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday October 18th, 2021 9:00:56 PM
"Sorry Succotash but I don't think we can wait. He may go on the move or become the next target.
Besides, it's more fun to make due with what you've got."

At Ketia's mention that this murder was too "subtle" for him, Pressi's eyeroll could be heard sighing.

If Pressi has to wait, she'll take some time to think about possible strategies. She also points out to Tali that there must be some system of justice, since Anur went to jail and Ketia seems to be trying to avoid it. "Besides, I've got the justicar ethos thing. I can be all the law... wait, that came out wrong."

She waves off Mage Armor, showing off her own mithril shirt. "Also, maybe hold off on buffs. I'm not planning on letting us teleport right in the middle of camp. I'd like to scope out the place, first."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Monday October 18th, 2021 9:50:37 PM
Two Hours?

Tali wonders if she has two hours to meditate? If Tali gets her two hours, she will meditate, then cast her normal round of spells that she does after every two hour meditative period.

Tali then gets Rayya ready to travel.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1060 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1060 minutes
Message | Duration 160 minutes
Invisibility | Duration 11 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Monday October 18th, 2021 11:39:12 PM
"Drat," says Kezzem. "The one time I've had a good idea."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday October 19th, 2021 1:11:27 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor

Nikolai rummages through his backpack for a minute then gives the 'Thumbs Up' that he's ready to go.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12 d20+20=25 ;
Tuesday October 19th, 2021 3:32:13 AM

"Sorry I did not respond earlier, Tali. Yes, yes, pursuing Ironbane may prove profitable - yet with a cost.

"Tali needs some rest to be fully prepared. I need to join Succotash at the local Catacombs outlet. I plan to pick up a wand of prayer. It's always nice to have a prayer in tough situations, no? Anything else anyone desires? In any event, shall we depart in, say, two and a half hours? You and I," he nods to Succotash, "should be done shopping by that time, thanks to their amazing stocking and efficiencies. Tali will have had time to rest.

"Does that sound good to the rest of you?" he asks the group.

"Thanks, hon - shall we wait until just before we leave for the spell casting? Mage Armor will be lovely at that time!" And to the whole group, "Perhaps hold the bulk of the prep spells until just before we leave. Grab a bite to eat, sharpen your blades, or do whatever else you need to in the interim. See you all in a bit!"

Once Murphy gets back, he spends a moment trying out the wand of prayer. "I just want to make sure I can use it." Applying the skill of use magic device, he manages to invoke a prayer spell, which lasts for 5 rounds. "All right - in case we need it, I can cast it. Succotash's prayer lasts much longer - but this one can help for a short time."
===================
Use Magic Device: 25 (success, only 20 needed, so I guess it's automatic for Murphy)

I know why the jailbird sings

DM Mitch
Tuesday October 19th, 2021 7:21:50 AM
Succotash explains he likes the idea of preparing calm emotions but it will set them back another day. He asks if the others are okay with that but regardless he does some shopping in the catacombs.
Pru shrugs, explaining she�s ready now well almost. She casts extended mage armor on herself and her mostly silent husband.
Pressi explains she doesn�t think they can take the time for calm emotions to be prepared. While Succotash is shopping Pressi starts thinking up possible strategies telling Tali that there must be some system of justice since Anur went to jail and Ketia seems to be avoiding it. She thanks Pru for the offer of the mage armor but rejects it showing her mithril shirt. She suggests holding off on buffs as she isn�t planning on dropping them in the middle of camp and that she wants to scope out the place first.
Tali wonders if she has two hours to meditate and then gets Raya ready to travel.
(OOC: I think if the party is pressing on and not taking the time for Succotash to regain spells then it wouldn�t be fair if anyone else in the party regains spell slots before heading out; you either rest as a group or you don�t)
Kezzem remarks the one time he has a good idea they don�t use it.
Nikolai indicates he�s ready to go.
Murphy suggests they buy some stuff and give Tali time to meditate then leave. He gets a wand of prayer.

So minus a shopping trip to the catacombs you seem to be ready to head out. The question remains though how are you going to get to the vicinity of this hot spring where Ironbane and company like to hang out at?

Hero points for the last scene - Succotash gets one for thinking of speak with dead and getting answers out of the corpses. Tali and Pressi get one each for finding the clues in the home.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Tuesday October 19th, 2021 12:17:07 PM
Succotash rushes to the Catacombs,and gets his shopping done. When he returns, he says, "That's fine Pressi, to be honest, I'm kinda itching to go, so we can get this whole affair over with." Turning to Prudence he says, "I'm a travel cleric, so, though I am very limited in the number of times per day I can use them, I can cast teleportion spells, and between Tali and myself, we have been able to teleport pretty much anywhere we have needed. Murphy's ability to teleport via trees and his love of planting oak trees everywhere he goes, has been a great backup means of travel, when either Tali or myself aren't available. Am I wrong in assuming you have greater access to teleportation spells, and if so, would you mind filling my role, re-assigning me to a backup teleporter? It just seems more efficient that way."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Tuesday October 19th, 2021 2:42:23 PM
Pru smiles at Succotash. "Yes, i can teleport," she says.

She gives a little laugh at Pressi's caution. "My extended Mage Armor lasts 38 hours," she explains. "I'm sure that will give us enough time."

She looks around at the group. "Maybe you don't have a lot of experience with sorcerers. I can't cast very many spells, so I'm not as versatile as a wizard. But the spells I do know, I can cast over and over and over again. Please don't worry that I will run out, or not be able to cast what I need to cast. I haven't run out of spells since I was a recruit."

[OOC: Pru is willing to explain further, so anyone who is curious should click the link to her character sheet, then click the Spells/Resource Checklist tab. Pru does not run out of spells. And no, DM Mitch, that was not a challenge.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday October 19th, 2021 9:06:15 PM

Pressi finds herself outvoted so she figures they can all rest and leave in the morning.

Pressi glances at Tali before responding to Pru. "I suppose I am being a bit overly cautious. I'm a little sorceress meets cleric like myself, and not really one for running out of spells myself without unusual circumstances. But I find my spells work better if I think through my moves, and prefer to time my casts.

"And I did take a moment to already familiarize myself with what you can do, back when I shook your hand. Knowledge domain ability. Works on any creature. I'm a witch with rogue training. I'll be your go-to primarily for debuffs, charms, divinations and skills."

Pressi considers asking Bliss what rituals they should do, and gets real quiet as she remembers. In the morning, she picks her usual (Ritual of Warding, Ritual of Healing) and casts Heroes Feast for the group and Moment of Prescience for herself.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday October 20th, 2021 1:03:38 AM
Nikolai laughs, "I used to think I was pretty good at finding the best camping spot. That is until Pru learned a better way to camp. Ah, the Good Ol' days!"

DM Mitch
Wednesday October 20th, 2021 7:31:12 AM
Succotash goes down to the catacombs and comes back with some new items. He explains he�s kind of itching to go and the fact that he is a travel cleric and between Tali, Murphy and himself they�ve been able to get pretty much everywhere they�ve needed to go all this time. He asks Pru if she has access to greater teleportation in which case he can be backup teleporter.
Pru smiles and explains she can teleport, that her extended mage armor lasts 38 hours and that she is a sorceress meaning she can�t cast very many spells but the ones she knows how to cast she can cast over and over again so she rarely runs out.
Pressi finds herself outvoted on the rest question and figures they can all rest and leave in the morning. She explains she is a little cautions as well as what her skill set is like and how she�s better suited when she plans her casts to effect. She explains to Pru that her knowledge domain ability allowed her to familiarize herself with what the sorceress could do when they met and the next morning finds herself missing Bliss when going about her ritual/ hero feast / buffing preparations.
Nikolai comments on the gold old days when he found the best camping spots until Pru found an even better way.

Preparations complete the party departs for their destination, presumably via teleport. They arrive in the mountains in a small dip in the land covered in grass. A stony include to the north is the way to their destination, the start of the geyser fields are supposed to be just over the rocky hill. The party is standing in a small grassy field in the dip and on two sides the field continues while on the other there�s a sharp drop before the ground rises again higher then you are currently standing.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91 d20+17=37 ;
Wednesday October 20th, 2021 1:24:50 PM
Kezzem keeps an eye out for trouble.

Perception: d20 + 17 = 37 (natural 20).

"Keep an eye out for grassy gnolls," says Kezzem. "They're like regular gnolls, but they have grass instead of fur and are very good snipers."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+35=51 ;
Wednesday October 20th, 2021 2:18:57 PM
Perception 51

Succotash has a look around upon arrival and asks how the party wishes to proceed from here.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Wednesday October 20th, 2021 7:20:21 PM
"We fought a bunch of gnolls one time," Pru says. "Remember, Nikolai? I smelled like burnt dog for days."

Pru stays to the back of the group, as befits a squishy mage with no Perception skill to speak of.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+3=9 ; d20+26=35 ; d20+14=15 ;
Wednesday October 20th, 2021 9:15:13 PM
Grassy Gnolls

Before leaving, Tali was able to complete her two hour mediation period. Afterwards, as is her custom, she casts her spells for the start of the journey.

After the teleporting into the deep Scaab, Tali and Rayya arrive like the rest. Rayya takes off for a look around. Tali tries to perceive the surrounding area for clues or landmarks.

Tali, then chooses to hover close to the new person, Pru to see if she can diplomatically, strike up a hushed conversation, so as not to give away their position to the surrounding area. "Sorcerer Pru, how long have you been a sorcerer? Is this gift of yours a family tradition?" asks Tali of Ms. Pru.

Skill Checks
Rayya's Perception check | (+10) = 16
Diplomacy check (+26) | = 35
Perception check (+14) (+3 from Rayya) | = 18

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1080 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1080 minutes
Message | Duration 180 minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12
Wednesday October 20th, 2021 11:47:13 PM

Murphy is happy to have Prudence provide him with Mage Armor immediately prior to the teleport. He adds Longstrider and Magic Fang, Greater once they start moving towards the rocky area.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+20=40 ; d20+35=51 ;
Thursday October 21st, 2021 1:16:03 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor

"I do remember that. After that experience, I studied up on gnoll language. Remember we 'rescued' a female gnoll a child? We found out that not all the gnolls were into going around and killing. Some just wanted to live in peace."

Nikolai looks around for signs that might indicate any creatures either inhabit the area or passed through.

Survival +20 +1(ioun stone) +1 (luck stone)= 42 (if in Forest +2)
Preception +33 +1(ioun stone) +1 (luck stone)= 51 (if in Forest +2)

DM Mitch d100=37 ;
Thursday October 21st, 2021 6:47:17 AM
Kezzem keeps an eye out for trouble cautioning against Grassy Gnolls (OOC: next time I run a mid level campaign I want to make some Grassy Gnolls)
Succotash has a look upon arrival and asks the group how they wish to proceed.
Pru tells of the time the Agents of the Fist fought a group of gnolls reminding her husband. She stays to the back of the group being a squishy mage.
Tali did her normal preparations before leaving. Upon arrival she sends Raya off to take a look around. She tries to strike up a hushed conversation with Pru asking the Knight Commander Emeritus how long she has been a sorcerer and if sorcerer is a family tradition.
Murphy happily takes Pru up on the mage armor offer and casts additional buffs on himself.
Nikolai comments about past adventures with Gnolls and looks around.

The parties search of the grassy field finds that mostly just wildlife has been in it. The expected signs of local mountain creatures, no signs of humanoid inhabitation. From the information they have the geyser fields their target is in should be just over the rise to the north, but climbing it to look out means also silhouette you against the sky on top of the ridge and make you very easy to spot by your target if he happens to be anywhere close. Does anyone do that?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+35=54 ; d20+32=51 ;
Thursday October 21st, 2021 10:41:44 AM
"If we want a lookie lew, either someone is going to need to climb that hill or fly over it, but it screams ambush. If someone can cast invisibility on me, I can go check things out. As a travel cleric, I do have certain skills that allow me to get out of tight situations quite easily.[b]"Turning to Nikolai, Succotash says, [b]"As a monk, I assume you have similar skills, If we can get some invisibility, I feel we are the two best suited to scout ahead. Are you interested in joining me?"

Assuming someone casts invisibility on him, Succotash climbs the hill to take a look at the geyser field.

Perception 54
Stealth 51

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) d20+25=37 ;
Thursday October 21st, 2021 1:24:50 PM
Pressi shook her head at Succotash. "Such a risk, if you may recall, are hardly necessary."

Pressi casts arcane eye at the top of the hill and slowly begins to move it over the edge. While taking a look around the area for camps or ambushing soldiers (Perception 37), she also takes some time to look for traps.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Thursday October 21st, 2021 6:23:25 PM
"Although if we do need to send somebody up, I can cast Invisibility. And Fly, for that matter," Pru says. For now, though, she is content to wait for Pressi's report.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+10=13 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+15=21 ;
Thursday October 21st, 2021 11:23:01 PM
Rayya's Stealthy Flight

Rayya stays within a mile of Tali while she flys overhead in nearly silent flight, looking and listening for any movement on the hills are over into the geyser field, keeping pace with Tali and reporting back to her.

Skill Checks
Rayya's Perception check (+10) | 13
Rayya's Listen check (+10) | 16
Rayya's Move silently check (+15) | 21

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1079 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1079 minutes
Message | Duration 179 minutes
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Rayya | Owl (Owls are nocturnal, rodent-eating birds that make very little noise in flight.)

XP 135
N Tiny animal
Init +3; Senses low-light vision; Perception +10

DEFENSE

AC 15, touch 15, flat-footed 12 (+3 Dex, +2 size)
hp 4 (1d8)
Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +2

OFFENSE

Speed 10 ft., fly 60 ft. (average)
Melee 2 talons +5 (1d4�2)
Space 2-1/2 ft.; Reach 0 ft.

STATISTICS

Str 6, Dex 17, Con 11, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 6
Base Atk +0; CMB +1; CMD 9
Feats Weapon Finesse
Skills Fly +7, Perception +10, Stealth +15; Racial Modifiers +4 Perception, +4 Stealth

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday October 22nd, 2021 1:14:19 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor

Nikolai stays close to Pru. Answering Succotash, he admits, "I'm pretty stealthy. I even managed to stealthily woo Pru to be my bride. It did take a very long time, but..." he smiles.

He tells Pru and his new friends, "My last trip to the Coombs I got myself a Ring of Invisibility. I got tired of the enemy going invis on us, so I thought I'd turn the tables on them this time."

He waits for the news from Pressi before the uses the ring and peers over the top.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 34/T19/F29 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 208/196+12 d20+25=43 ; d20+43=58 ;
Friday October 22nd, 2021 1:33:27 AM

"Wait. Every time I went to scout, people would raise objections about the risks I was taking," Murphy says with a playful smirk. He has nearly always scouted ahead in one way or another. However, since there seem to be a multitude of candidates, he looks about, and uses his knowledge of nature (43) to discern what sorts of animals and birds are likely to be native to this place, that he might choose from among them for purposes of wildshape.

Also, he uses his heightened perception (58) to gather what he may about the area, its inhabitants and potential threats (and opportunities) - without cresting the hill.
==========
Knowledge, nature: 43
Perception: 58

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9 d8+9=10 ;
Friday October 22nd, 2021 3:16:08 AM

Oh, and I forgot - Murphy also will cast foresight upon himself. [DM Mitch - please note: "Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed." Active spell links and brief descriptions shown below.

He may soon cast Freedom of Movement should it look like action is about to occur - but waits on that for the moment.

===========
Active spells
Mage Armor (38 hours) - An invisible but tangible field of force surrounds the subject of a mage armor spell, providing a +4 armor bonus to AC.
Longstrider (18 hours) - This spell gives you a +10 foot enhancement bonus to your base speed. It has no effect on other modes of movement, such as burrow, climb, fly, or swim.
Foresight (3 hours) - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
Magic Fang, Greater (18 hours) - Magic fang, greater gives one natural weapon or unarmed strike of the subject a +1 (per four caster levels, thus +4) enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls. The spell can affect a slam attack, fist, bite, or other natural weapon. The spell does not change an unarmed strike's damage from nonlethal damage to lethal damage. This bonus does not allow a natural weapon or unarmed strike to bypass damage reduction aside from magic.
Heroes' Feast - Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours. [Note: Murphy has +9 temp hit points from today's Feast]
Also note: Pressi & Murphy have a permanent telepathic connection

DM Mitch
Friday October 22nd, 2021 7:41:49 AM
Succotash volunteers himself and Nikolai to scout if someone can cast some invisibility spells on the pair.
Pressi chastises Succotash and says physically scouting it out is unnecessary and she casts arcane eye sending the magical sensor to scout things out.
Pru remarks if they do need to send someone up she can cast Invisibility and Fly though for right now she is content to wait to hear what Pressi has to report. She does not yet answer Tali�s questions concerning the length of time she�s been a sorceress or her family traditions concerning sorcerers and sorceresses.
Tali has her familiar high up and scouting high in the air
Nicolai comments on his stealthiness and that he has a ring of invisibility.
Murphy casts foresight and comments on others fears when he goes scouting. He does some quick research on local wildlife. Nothing startling, some mountain goats, small mammals of various types, a few highland�s bird species.

The arcane eye gives the party a good view of the area. The geyser fields stretch out several hundred yards. A thin layer of water, maybe 6 inches at it�s deepest, covers the area. Some rocks jut out of it at various places. At seemingly random intervals a rush of water, steaming in the cool mountain air, will shoot out of the ground at seemingly random places. The geysers are frequent and erratic, and might pose a danger as the steam coming off the water indicates it is very hot, though the pool that covers the area is likely cooled off by the open air enough for you to be able to walk in it.

About 200 feet away from the hill is a large flat area you can see vague figures at. The steam makes it a little hard to make out, but that�s likely the camp of your target.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Friday October 22nd, 2021 10:56:17 AM
Figuring those geysers could burn a bit, Succotash casts Resist Energy (Fire) on himself and Valerie, than asks, [b]"Thanks to Pressi we have found our target, how do we wish to proceed?"

Active spells

Succotash:
Heroes Feast
Resist Energy (30)

Valerie:
Heroes Feast
Resist Energy (30)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36 + 1; HP 222/248; Boots of Speed (8/10), DF, Protect Elec 91
Friday October 22nd, 2021 3:31:02 PM
"Good idea, Succo," says Kezzem. He summons Rumpus and casts resist energy on both of them.

OOC: Did we have a Heroes Feast today? What were the bonus hp?

Active Spells:

Kezzem:
Greater Magic Weapon (x2)
Heroes Feast
Resist Energy (fire)

Rumpus:
Heroes Feast
Resist Energy (fire)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9
Friday October 22nd, 2021 4:04:56 PM

Kezzem: Pressi fixed the feast for us. 1d8+8 for the temp hit points, I believe. [I mistakenly rolled 1d8+9, but then subtracted 1 from the result of 10. You'll get somewhere between 9 and 16.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) d8+8=11 ;
Friday October 22nd, 2021 9:34:18 PM

"Scanning, scanning... we have contact, 200 feet out in a field. Walking through the pool looks safer so I'm going to go ahead and assume that's where they are concentrating their vision. Might be better to approach through the rocks and steam, if we have enough endure elements and rose controls. Also looks like rough terrain, either way."

Pressi paused her scan to look up. "I can keep going closer if people like, but it's time for a decision. Are we going to try diplomacy first? See if we can con them? Just outright attack? Try sneaking for a quick knock out? Use a distraction? I apologize for continuing to beat on this but we need a high level strategy before we start talking positioning and spells. So, quick vote on how we play this, no wrong suggestions. But I should remind the group that for now they haven't done anything to us yet, and we only have Ketia's warning that we should shoot first."

------------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast (11 HP)
Arcane Eye
Moment of Prescience:

L4: 2
L8: 1

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Saturday October 23rd, 2021 1:06:14 AM
[Oh, shoot! I meant to answer Pressi's question, but the opportunity has gone. Let's say this...]

When Pressi asks about her background and family, Pru doesn't answer, but looks upset and troubled. She steps a little closer to Nikolai.

Now, Pru says, "I think Resist Energy for fire is what we want, and I can cast it on anybody who still needs it. I always like to try to talk to people before fighting them, but if that isn't tactically sound, then I'll go with what the group decides."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+8=20 ; d8+8=12 ; d8+8=16 ;
Saturday October 23rd, 2021 1:03:15 PM
OOC: Thanks!

Kezzem: 1d8 + 8 = 12

Rumpus: 1d8 + 8 = 16

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Saturday October 23rd, 2021 9:26:03 PM

Pressi gives a side eye about Pru but says nothing.

Instead, she tries to figure out if resist energy actually protects against steam, and inevitably decides to rely on Rose Temp Control instead.

"I should have mentioned, I usually prefer to bluff my way in through these encounters. Pretend to be someone that he'd want to talk to, then feel him out. Some mixed success on that one.

"I was kind of thinking a two man job. One group tries to "kill" him as if they were part of this Flamescorn group, another group "saves" him while dropping some names, and then that group tries to save him and gain his trust. Problem is, we'd have to guess right what kind of people he'd trust."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Sunday October 24th, 2021 10:12:05 AM
That's not a bad idea Pressi, but I have another one. Mine isn't necessarily better, it's just another option. Valerie and I could just ride in, bold as brass, kinda like we did with those orc ladies, and try to engage in conversation. If they attack, we'll will use my dimensional hop ability to quickly get out if harms way, and the rest can be on stand by with Hobie, Tali, and Prudence ready to dimensional door everyone to my aid. Either you, Pressi, or Tali can cast message on me allowing direct verble contact, and your Arcana Eye can follow me, allowing you a visual of the situation.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Sunday October 24th, 2021 9:23:13 PM
The Geyser Field

As Succotash suggests, Tali will cast upon him, whatever spell he would like, that she knows: Message & will cast Dimensional Door on as many as she can touch, when the time is right for Succotash.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1078 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1078 minutes
Message | Duration 178 minutes

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=55 ; d20+46=51 ;
Monday October 25th, 2021 12:38:39 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor

Nikolai looks at Pru as she shies away from family questions. Through their mental link provided by their Knight Commander badges, he says, 'At least they think you are on you way to being 'mended', er, normalized? by our wedding and promise to 'settle down' and give them nieces and nephews and grandchildren. That helped a lot." he grins knowing that 'settle down' is open to interpretation.

Looking across the geyser pool, he listens to ideas and suggestions. Then finally says, "Flying invisibly over there would help, but I can approach easily enough across this pool and practice my invisibility. That will get me close enough to see who's there and tell Pru through our Mailed Fist Knight Commander Mental Link, then she can tell you, and so forth."

He asks Pru to cast her Resist Energy - Fire on him then walks up to the shallow water and, without hesitating literally walks on the water to the nearest rock, then to the next and so forth, however half way to the first rock he activates his Ring of Invis. He makes sure he ends each round on a rock, though.

He keeps an eye on the figures on the other side as he moves along until he can see who or what they are. He also listens to any conversation that might carry across the distance.

Perception + 35 = 55
Stealth + 26 + 20 (Invis) = 51

Move 70'
Note to DM:
Light Steps (Ex)(on Vest Legacy Item):
At 6th level, a ninja learns to move while barely touching the surface underneath her. As a full-round action she can move up to twice her speed, ignoring difficult terrain. While moving in this way, any surface will support her, no matter how much she weighs. This allows her to move across water, lava, or even the thinnest tree branches. She must end her move on a surface that can support her normally. She cannot move across air in this way, nor can she walk up walls or other vertical surfaces. When moving in this way, she does not take damage from surfaces or hazards that react to being touched, such as lava or caltrops, nor does she need to make Acrobatic checks to avoid falling on slippery or rough surfaces. Finally, when using light steps, the ninja ignores any mechanical traps that use a location-based trigger.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9
Monday October 25th, 2021 1:44:23 AM

Murphy likes Pressi's plan, though it seems rather complex - and what happens when their target figures out the subterfuge? Who knows, he may like it, and find us clever - or blow up like a volcano against us all.

Then Succotash proposes an alternative. "Pressi, Succo's idea is a little more straightforward, likely easier to execute. What do you think?" he telepathically asks her. If she is open to going along with it, Murphy goes on in the following vein:

"If I'm sitting on your shoulder like a bird, Succotash, would I be able to benefit from your dimensional hop simply by being in contact with you?" Murphy asks. "Or maybe I should adopt some other form..." he ponders - but not too long. He casts a few more spells as approaches are discussed. Freedom of movement and stoneskin.

"Prudence[b], yes, resist energy, fire, would be helpful, no doubt."

"If you're fine with me coming along, I'm ready when you are," Murphy says. "Might be good to have a few message spells between the forward and back-end groups. That's not a spell I can cast, though. [b]Tali, you want to cast that, and include me?" he asks her.

"Also, Succotash, what do you think about approaching from a different direction, rather than heading straight out from here? Or, if we so straight from here, perhaps the rest of the group can shift off to one side or another out of sight before joining in should it turn into melee."

If someone has a better suggestion than that of the cleric or his beloved witch, the druid will listen, but if not, he otherwise is disposed to go with the current proposal.

===========
Active spells
Mage Armor (38 hours) - An invisible but tangible field of force surrounds the subject of a mage armor spell, providing a +4 armor bonus to AC.
Longstrider (18 hours) - This spell gives you a +10 foot enhancement bonus to your base speed. It has no effect on other modes of movement, such as burrow, climb, fly, or swim.
Foresight (3 hours) - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
Magic Fang, Greater (18 hours) - Magic fang, greater gives one natural weapon or unarmed strike of the subject a +1 (per four caster levels, thus +4) enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls. The spell can affect a slam attack, fist, bite, or other natural weapon. The spell does not change an unarmed strike's damage from nonlethal damage to lethal damage. This bonus does not allow a natural weapon or unarmed strike to bypass damage reduction aside from magic.
Heroes' Feast (12 hours) - Every creature partaking of the feast is cured of all sickness and nausea, receives the benefits of both neutralize poison and remove disease, and gains 1d8 temporary hit points + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10) after imbibing the nectar-like beverage that is part of the feast. The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours. [Note: Murphy has +9 temp hit points from today's Feast]
Resist Energy (fire) (3 hours) - The subject gains resist energy 10 against fire (heat), meaning that each time the creature is subjected to such damage (whether from a natural or magical source), that damage is reduced by 30 points before being applied to the creature's hit points. The spell protects the recipient's equipment as well.
Freedom of Movement (3 hours) - This spell enables you to move and attack normally for the duration of the spell, even under the influence of magic that usually impedes movement, such as paralysis, solid fog, slow, and web. All combat maneuver checks made to grapple the target automatically fail. The subject automatically succeeds on any combat maneuver checks and Escape Artist checks made to escape a grapple or a pin.
Stoneskin (3 hours) - The warded creature gains resistance to blows, cuts, stabs, and slashes. The subject gains DR 10/adamantine. It ignores the first 10 points of damage each time it takes damage from a weapon, though an adamantine weapon bypasses the reduction. Once the spell has prevented a total of 10 points of damage per caster level (maximum 150 points), it is discharged.
Reminder: Pressi & Murphy have a permanent telepathic connection
=========
P.S.: Then, just as I'm about to post all of the above, I refresh the screen and see Nikolai's post (nice post!). Well, I'll let Succotash & DM Mitch sort things out... Murphy is ready to change into a falcon and ride on the cleric's shoulder.

DM Mitch d100=59 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ;
Monday October 25th, 2021 6:26:26 AM
Succotash figures the geysers could burn a bit and casts resist energy (fire) on Valerie and himself. He asks the others how they should proceed.
Kezzem summons Rumpus and casts resist energy of his own on both himself and his mount.
Murphy thinks about the mechanics of a heroes� feast
Pressi explains what she sees, where the figures are and what the terrain is like. She tells the others it is time to decide how they want to play it and reminds them the only reason they have to shoot first is Ketia�s urging.
Pru looked upset and troubled at questions into her family and sorceress traditions. Pru makes a case for resist energy fire instead of Endure Elements / Temperature Control and says she can cast it on anyone who still needs it. She voices her opinion that she prefers talking before fighting but will defer to the group if outvoted.
Pressi gives Pru the side eye. She thinks about which spell is best for the situation and decides to stick with Rose�s Temperature Control. She explains she usually prefers to rely on bluffing her way through these encounters and that she has had mixed results. She suggests diving their number. Have one group pretend to be aligned with Flamescorn and attack while the other groups says they are here to stop Flamescorn and drive the other off. The only problem is with this gambit they�d have to figure out what kind of people Ironbane would trust
Succotash says Pressi�s idea isn�t bad and suggests an alternative where he and Valerie ride in all bold-like trying to engage in conversation. He reasons if he is attacked he can get away quickly using dimension hop and the rest can be on standby with Hobie, Tali, Pru ready to get everyone else as backup should things go sideways. He reasons a message spell plus the Arcane Eye would keep the rest of the group informed as to any goings on.
Tali casts message on Succotash and is standing by with the dimension door.
Nikolai suggests he invisibly scout to get a head count and description of the target.
Murphy suggests he turn into a bird and sit on Succotash�s shoulder, among other suggestions of various types. He seems to be in favor of Succotash�s idea, though he asks Pressi�s opinion.

Nikolai finds his ninja skills aren�t needed to avoid the pooled water. It�s warm but not hot, and if it was deep enough to soak it would be really nice. As is he walks over it with no problem. The rocks aren�t that big or connected and his bath is not straightforward at all if he�s following them.

More troublesome are the geysers. They seem to be everywhere and completely random. It�s quickly evident that if he was standing over one when it went off his fire protection would only somewhat protect him - the sheer force of the geyser would hurt regardless. That doesn�t happen yet, but he gets splashed by one, though his protection prevents the 7 fire damage he would have taken.

He does get close enough to get a look at the target. There are 7 of them, all dwarves. They look like a hardy bunch, weathered and scared with plenty of weapons at hand. He can tell the one in charge due to the others all avoiding him until he yells for one of them to do something, which causes flinching and instant attention and obedience.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday October 25th, 2021 9:27:00 AM
(OOC: Will addendum later.)

Pressi herself gives a nod as Succotash speaks. As close to the chest as she plays it, it's clear that she at least considered his idea from the beginning.

"Ok, we'll go with Succotash. Lets get to work."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Monday October 25th, 2021 10:17:35 AM
"Sure Murph, I can take others with me when I dimensional hop, remember when I used it to get Kezzem out of direct harms way when we fought that baldersnatch thingy? if you desire to turn into a small bird or even a small rodent, or whatever other tiny creature you can think of, you are most welcome to ride on my shoulder!"

With Pressi and Murphy approving of his plan, and Tali showing her approval by creating the mental link between them, Succotash saddles up and he, Valerie and Murphy head out. He rides forward not taking his eyes off the dwarves ahead. He acts very nonchalant, and for the most part, he feels rather comfortable, so it really isn't a bluff. He has confidence in his friends abilities, and that is the source of his confidence. He also is comfortable in his own abilities, not that he thinks he's indestructible, but he knows his abilities are perfect for this situation. Before he heads out, he looks to see if there is a possible route to take that can avoid the geyser field, perhaps even coming in from a different direction, as Murphy suggested. if he sees such a route, he casts teleport, bringing Valerie and Murphy with him, if no other route exists, he will make a point to avoid the deepest parts of the pools, and if possible, stay out of the pools altogether, as he directs Valerie forward.

No matter which route he takes, Succotash rides forward with a natural air of confidence, and rides straight, or as straight as possible towards their objective. If he is allowed to approach unmolested, he will say, in a bold voice, "Which one of you is Ironbane? I have a message for you, as well as a proposal." If Ironbane and his crew decide at anytime to attack, he will dimensional hop himself and his charges out of direct harms way, and wait for the back-up to arrive. (a move action) Than he will cast Divine Power, on Valerie, and using his new Rod of Quicken, he will also swiftly cast Righteous Might on his dino friend. The casting only happens if he is attacked, as he wishes to speak to Ironbane, and, as always, prefers diplomacy over violence.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=38 ; d20+26=28 ;
Monday October 25th, 2021 6:53:14 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Energy Resistance - Fire

OOC: Nikolai chose to walk on the water rather than in the water even though the temperature was not bad because IN the water the Invisibility would not be near as effective due to the displacement of the water giving himself away for those with very good perception skills.

IC: Nikolai relates to Pru what he sees through their mind link and in turn is told that Succotash is leading Valerie and Murphy towards the dwarfs.

Nikolai in turn figures his Invisibility won't last forever and retreats to a rock that is somewhat more concealed by the steam and hunkers down, waiting to see what transpires.

Invisibility duration should be 5 minutes I think.

Perception + 35 = 38 (must be the steam)
Stealth + 26 = 28 + 20 (Invis) = 48

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Monday October 25th, 2021 7:04:41 PM
Pru gathers a group around her, ready to Dimension Door when the word is given.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday October 25th, 2021 9:06:49 PM

Pressi notes that the resist elements probably works better than rose control, and keeps that in mind. For now, she waits to see what might happen, relying on Tali's messaging and her own arcane eye.

She takes a moment now to cast spectral hand. If a second round passes, she also casts shield upon her.

Upon seeing/hearing about seven dwarves, she wonders if she should be casting some form of poison apples.

------------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast (11 HP)
Arcane Eye
Moment of Prescience:
shield of faith
spectral hand

L1: 2
L4: 2
L8: 1

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Monday October 25th, 2021 9:52:44 PM
Kezzem prepares to cast divine favor in himself in case of trouble.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9
Tuesday October 26th, 2021 5:43:53 AM

Murphy sits comfortably on Succotash's left shoulder and looks at the dwarfs. He mentally communicates with Pressi his observations, and what people say, and actions they take.

DM Mitch
Tuesday October 26th, 2021 6:33:58 AM
Pressi nods as Succotash speaks and consents to Succotash�s idea. She then notes that resist energy is probably the better spell after all but casts a spectral hand instead in case of trouble.
Succotash agrees to have Murphy with him as some kind of tiny animal when he strides out to the Dwarves.
Succotash, Murphy and Valerie stride boldly and confidently out towards where the Dwarves are gathered. His confidence comes from the abilities of himself and his friends. He tries to avoid the water if he can but it appears to be unavoidable. He tries to stick to the shallowest parts. He prepares to cast some spells should he be attacked as well.
Nikolai keeps his stealthy scouting run in effect and crouches behind the cover of a rock in order to watch what transpires between Succotash and Ironbane.
Pru prepares to Dimension Door in some cavalry should things go sideways.
Kezzem readies a divine favor on himself in case of trouble.
Murphy watches and passes on what�s happening to his wife.

The Dwarves see Succotash�s approach. They all draw weapons and spread out menacingly. At his message the leader steps up. He has wild, tangled red hair, unkept and uncared for, and wears a strange reddish leather armor. He dangles a chain loosely from his hands, cruelly spiked and jagged, but held with the assurance of someone long used to his weapon.

Ironbane looks over Succotash. �You�re far from home boy. And you don�t look like a mage. Bring out whatever friends magicked you here now, or I�ll have your hide off ya before they pop out of whatever hole they�re hiding in.�

One of the other Dwarves adds �...and make it snappy!�. Ironbane turns his attention from Succotash for a moment to glare daggers at the Dwarf that spoke out and that dwarf lowers his eyes and looks away from Ironbane in submission. Based on the look Ironbane is giving his follower it is possible there might be a beating in that Dwarf�s future but for now Ironbane looks expectantly and impatiently at Succotash once again.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+26=36 ;
Tuesday October 26th, 2021 10:57:07 AM
Succotash mentally messages to Tali to have people hold their position, for the moment, than says, in a voice dripping with confidence and complete unconcern over the fact that he is surrounded, "So your the infamous Ironbane. I must say, even though I didn't know what to expect, I definitely expected more. Be that as it may, I am here. You are correct of course, I am no mage, rather I'm a cleric, a travel cleric, who has a connection with animals, to be precise, and as such, I have no need for a wizard or sorcerer to magically travel from place to place, I can handle that myself quite well, but I didn't come here to describe my skill set, to be honest I have no desire to give away all my secrets.

That said, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Succotash Slenderstick, a member of the mighty group of heroes known as Humble's Sword. We've been around a while perhaps you've heard of us? Anyway, I'm here to bring warning that members of the cult, you are a member of, are being hunted down and murdered. My friends and I are seeking to bring this miscreant to justice, after all, he attacked our home, and quite frankly we are more than a little angry at the moment. We wish to bring this villain his just deserves, and I have heard that you may have some answers, and maybe even know where we may find this guy. Now if you are willing to play nice, that would, of course, be best, but if I have to pound the information out of you I will. I have no desire to fight you, after the enemy of my enemy is my friend, well, at least for the moment, so what do you say, can we parley?" (diplomacy 36)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling, Wildshape: Falcon AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9
Tuesday October 26th, 2021 8:30:11 PM

Falcon-on-the-shoulder Murphy, when Ironbane asks to have Succotash's friends appear, takes a bow, and utters a small falcony screech.

Mentally, he relays to Pressi what Ironbane 'requested,' and the cleric's response, trusting her to pass on the conversation to the others. "You all can decide whether you want to be 'brought out' for the seven dwarfs to see."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+11, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday October 26th, 2021 9:15:14 PM

Pressi frowns as she gets Murphy's message, and passes it along to the rest of the group.

Still, "I don't think that he'll back off on this demand. But if he sees a magic user, I think he can be satisfied, and I think I can be intimidating enough. Everyone else hold position but be prepared to move. And someone tell Succotash I'm about to provide backup."

Pressi, activating her broom, begins to take flight straight up in the air. If Ironbane repeats his demand, she shoots 60 feet straight up over the hill and maintains position up there, in all her witchy glory.

Harper stays behind, looking worried.

------------

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast (11 HP)
Arcane Eye (inactive)
Moment of Prescience:
shield of faith
spectral hand
flying broom

L1: 2
L4: 3
L8: 1

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Tuesday October 26th, 2021 9:32:53 PM
Pru continues holding, ready to transport whoever needs transporting. Which may just be Pru at this point; I've kind of lost track.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Tuesday October 26th, 2021 11:49:18 PM
IronBane the dwarf

Tali, upon hearing Succotash's message, relays his thoughts to everyone else, by pointing in their directions, and saying, "have people hold their position, for the moment", and then relays to all exactly what Succotash says to Ironbane and his 6 Dwarfs:

"So your the infamous Ironbane. I must say, even though I didn't know what to expect, I definitely expected more. Be that as it may, I am here. You are correct of course, I am no mage, rather I'm a cleric, a travel cleric, who has a connection with animals, to be precise, and as such, I have no need for a wizard or sorcerer to magically travel from place to place, I can handle that myself quite well, but I didn't come here to describe my skill set, to be honest I have no desire to give away all my secrets.

That said, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Succotash Slenderstick, a member of the mighty group of heroes known as Humble's Sword. We've been around a while perhaps you've heard of us? Anyway, I'm here to bring warning that members of the cult, you are a member of, are being hunted down and murdered. My friends and I are seeking to bring this miscreant to justice, after all, he attacked our home, and quite frankly we are more than a little angry at the moment. We wish to bring this villain his just deserves, and I have heard that you may have some answers, and maybe even know where we may find this guy. Now if you are willing to play nice, that would, of course, be best, but if I have to pound the information out of you I will. I have no desire to fight you, after the enemy of my enemy is my friend, well, at least for the moment, so what do you say, can we parley?"

Tali, hovers over to the rest of the group not gathered around lady Pru , and within touch of Tali, ready to Dimension Door when the word is given and after she relays the message to everyone else.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1076 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1076 minutes
Message | Duration 176 minutes on Tali
Message | Duration 179 minutes on Succotash

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=52 ; d20+26=38 ;
Wednesday October 27th, 2021 1:24:54 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Energy Resistance - Fire, Invisibility

Nikolai is not familiar with these dwarfs of the Scab. The little he read about this region before he and Pru left was VERY little due to the lack of books on the matter. Alas he and Pru did not have the time to jump to the Citadel and consult that immense library. These dwarves certainly lacked a LOT in comparison to their Mailed Fist companion.

As the messages back and forth were spoken quite loudly, Nikolai heard it well enough to stay put for the moment but be ready. This Ironbane won't like Succotash's 'threat' of a beating and will have to Put Up to save Face in front of his men.
[i}"This can't end well, expect a bit of a rumble,'[/i] he relay's to Pru.

Keeping watch, he particularly takes note of the outlying dwarves in the group to make sure that if they try something construed as hostile, he'll catch it.

Perception + 35 = 52
Stealth + 26 = 38 + 40 (Invis and not moving) = 78

DM Mitch 2d6+17=19 ; 2d4+21=25 ; 2d4+21=26 ; 2d4+21=29 ; 2d4+21=27 ; 2d4+21=24 ; d100=89 ; 6d6=22 ;
Wednesday October 27th, 2021 5:30:53 AM
Succotash tells the others to hold their positions and attempts to parlay with the pack of barbarians.
Murphy continues to ride Succotash�s shoulder as a majestic hawk
Pressi prepares to show herself to be a caster, should Ironbane repeat his demand for the mage
Pru prepares to teleport those that need teleporting to the barbarians if the word is given.
Tali tries to relay the conversation to the others using message and also prepares to dimension door when the word is given.
Nikolai expect there to be trouble and tells Pru that this won�t end well.

Succotash�s confident speech does not have the desired result. In fact he barely gets into his second sentence - about the �even though I didn�t�� - before Ironbane interrupts him by flying into a screaming charge nad slamming his chain down on the talkative paladin. His minions seemed to expect this and charge in with him, quickly surrounding the halfling and burying him in blades and the spiked chain.

Between the various attacks (including a crit!) of the raging mob they very nearly manage to fulfill Ironbane�s promise, doing exactly 129 damage to him leaving him staggered at 0 hp.

As Nikolai watches a geyser right under his feet goes off. His spell protects him, but the Dwarves see the water bouncing off him at all angles and a few yell and point.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells d20+24=39 ; d8+8=12 ; d8+8=15 ; 4d6+14=24 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; 18d6=67 ;
Wednesday October 27th, 2021 11:12:13 AM
OOC... Attention DM's!!! Due to Pressi's Heroes Feast Succotash had some temporary HP. I hadn't rolled for them yet, as I usually don't until just before battle, to make keeping track of them easier for myself. I did now, rolling a 12, As a result, He wouldn't be staggered, but reduced to 12 HP, Sorry for the confusion, Until know, this hasn't been a problem, but I can see that I need to change how I deal with temp. HP

As a move action, Succotash, along with Valerie and Murphy dimensional hops 40 ft from the adversaries. though he took a beating, he still has the frame of mind to speak out, "Your a fool Ironbane, you had a chance for a peaceful discourse, but I suppose it is to be expected from such as you!" The cleric than swiftly casts "Heal" on himself, using his quicken rod, healing 100% of his wounds, and than says, rather smugly, "You guys hit like gnomes, this isn't going to end well for you all!" Mentally to Tali, Succotash says, "It's go time!" As he says this, he casts fire storm, hitting all 7 dwarves, with 67 fire damage (DC 28 Reflex save for half) If they fail their save they catch fire and take 4d6 points of fire damage each round until the flames are extinguished. Extinguishing the flames is a full-round action that requires a DC 20 Reflex save.

As Succotash dimensional hops away Valerie takes a swipe at Ironbane with one of her talons, hitting AC 40 (forgot to add the +1 for heroes feast) for 24 nonlethal damage, plus 6 shock and 6 frost.

Succotash's daily stuff:
Quicken rod 2/3
Dimensional Hop 60/180
Channel Energy (9d6) 10/10
Agile Feet 13/13
Speak with Animals 21/21

Active Spells:
Succotash
Heroes Feast
Resist Energy (fire)

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Resist Energy (fire)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 35(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) Spells
Wednesday October 27th, 2021 11:13:30 AM
BTW, Valerie has 15 temp HP from Pressi's Heroes Feast.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling, Wildshape: Falcon AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9 18d6=50 ;
Wednesday October 27th, 2021 3:31:00 PM

Murphy relates immediately to Pressi what is happening as he screeches out a warning to Succotash as the mad dwarfs sprint forward [the druid immediately KNOWS their intention based upon his 9th-level foresight spell being active]. Thus, it may be possible the cleric was not caught flat-footed.

Immediately after Succotash's d-door, Murphy launches into the air. As he gains altitude, he casts chain lightning. (18d6) The one struck by the first electrical spike is the dwarf who earlier had said, 'and make it snappy!' The chain lightning then works its way among the other six dwarfs, each one taking 50 hp of damage, with Ironbane the last of the seven to be hit. Each may make a Reflex save DC 33 for half damage (25hp).

The angle he flies takes the falcon to a height of 52 feet in the air, about 90 degrees to the left of their initial approach, and 45 feet away from where Succotash's shoulder was at the moment Murphy's flight was launched. Am figuring with the cleric being on the velociraptor's back, the shoulder was at about 7' off the ground, thus 52 rather than 45 feet in the air from the 45-degree flight path.

Active spells
Mage Armor (38 hours) - +4 armor bonus to AC.
Longstrider (18 hours) - +10 foot to base speed (on the ground).
Foresight (3 hours) - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
Magic Fang, Greater (18 hours) - +4 enhancement on attack and damage rolls.
Heroes' Feast (12 hours) - +9 temp hp, +1 morale Attack, +1 Will saves, +4 morale vs poison and fear
Resist Energy (fire) (3 hours) - Resist energy 30 against fire (heat)
Freedom of Movement (3 hours)
Stoneskin (3 hours) - The subject gains DR 10/adamantine.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Wednesday October 27th, 2021 5:01:51 PM
Pru casts Dimension Door and brings people with her. Since her information came mostly from Nikolai, she lands near him.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday October 27th, 2021 5:59:10 PM
"Hello, my name is Kezzem, and I will be stabbing you today," says Kezzem.

Depending on everyone's location, Kezzem orders Rumpus to guard Pressi, Tali, or Pru depending on who's closest (or in the order if they are all equally close).

Kezzem will move towards Ironbane if he has a clear path or another enemy if not. He will use detect evil on his his target to determine whether they are smitable.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+11, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) d8+9=16 ;
Wednesday October 27th, 2021 9:11:01 PM

"Well, so much for the finesse route," Pressi muttered to herself. "New plan, you bring Ironbane to me alive and I keep him mostly on this plane."

Since Pressi doesn't chance to move, she and Harper travel with Prudence, then shoots up in the air as far as she can (60 feet). But not before casting a quickened resist energy (fire) on Harper.

"And since none of you care to use your mind..."

Pressi casts Mind Fog on Ironbane and anyone surrounding him in 20 ft radius (Will DC 24). (Affected lose -10 to Will Saves.)

------------

Pressi:

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast (11 HP)
Arcane Eye (inactive)
Moment of Prescience
shield of faith
spectral hand
flying broom

Harper
Ritual of Warding
Heroes Feast (16 HP)

L1: 2
L4: 3
L5: 1
L6: 2
L8: 1

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Wednesday October 27th, 2021 10:36:46 PM
Barbarian IronBane & the Sixx dwarfs

Tali, upon hearing Succotash's message, relays what happens to everyone else, by pointing in their direction, each in turn and repeating what happened:

Succotash�s confident speech does not have the desired result. In fact he barely gets into his second sentence - about the �even though I didn�t�� - before Ironbane interrupts him by flying into a screaming charge nad slamming his chain down on the talkative paladin. His minions seemed to expect this and charge in with him, quickly surrounding the halfling and burying him in blades and the spiked chain.

Succotash says, "It's go time!"

Tali casts Dimension Door and brings up to six other people with her landing within 13 feet of Succotash & friends.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | Duration 1075 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1075 minutes
Message | Duration 175 minutes on Tali
Message | Duration 178 minutes on Succotash

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+29=38 ;
Thursday October 28th, 2021 1:05:57 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Energy Resistance - Fire
Ki Pool 13/13

Nikolai sees Pru pop next to him.
"Succotash has a lot to learn about diplomacy," he chuckles. "Use this rock as cover. I'm going to see if I can pin that brash Ironbane's pride to his hide."

Using his Monk Abundant Step (Dimension Door) ability (as a Move), Nikolai pops next to Ironbane and proceeds to Grapple him.

Greater Grapple:
CMB d20 +29 = 38 vs CMD

Ki Pool 11/13

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling, Wildshape: Falcon AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9
Thursday October 28th, 2021 3:14:17 AM

I made a mistake (too many versions of flying rule sets in my brain). Murphy ends up at an altitude of 37 feet, about 90 degrees to the left of their initial approach, and 30 feet away as measured along the ground from where Succotash's shoulder was when he flew into the air. As a free action, he activates haste.

Dm Scratchpad - Hugh 3d6=11 ; 3d6=15 ; 3d6=11 ; 3d6=9 ; 3d6=10 ; 3d6=7 ; 3d6=10 ; d100=6 ; d20+21=22 ; d20+21=36 ; d20+21=25 ; d20+21=38 ; d20+21=40 ; d20+21=36 ; d20+23=43 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+18=20 ; d20+18=20 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+18=38 ; d20+18=26 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+18=19 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+18=29 ; d20+23=41 ; d20+21=31 ; d20+22=33 ; d20+22=36 ; d20+22=28 ; d20+22=35 ; d20+22=29 ; d20+22=35 ;
Thursday October 28th, 2021 8:46:18 AM
(OOC: some dice rolls)

DM Mitch d20+27=45 ; d4=3 ; d20+33=42 ; d20+33=42 ; d20+33=37 ; d20+33=53 ; d20+33=48 ; d20+33=38 ; d20+33=46 ; d20+28=41 ; d20+28=37 ; d20+28=34 ; d20+28=40 ; d20+28=33 ; d20+28=39 ; d20+23=24 ; d20+23=37 ; d20+23=42 ; d20+23=32 ; d20+23=30 ; d20+23=37 ; 2d6+21=28 ; 2d6+21=24 ; 2d6+21=29 ; 2d6+21=31 ; 2d6+21=25 ; 2d6+21=25 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+21=27 ; 2d6+21=32 ; 2d6+21=32 ; 2d6+21=24 ; 2d6+21=30 ; 2d6+21=33 ; 2d6+21=28 ;
Thursday October 28th, 2021 9:12:59 AM
Succotash dimension hops 40 feet from his adversaries. Before he leaves, Valerie takes a swipe at Iron Bane He quicken heals himself of all the damage he just sustained before taunting the barbarian tribe of dwarves and telling his allies its time for them to arrive. Lastly he lets loose with a firestorm. 4 of the Dwarves catch fire. Sadly Ironbane is not among them.
Murphy relays what is happening to Pressi. After Succotash dimension hops away he relates to Pressi what is happening and takes to the sky casting chain lightning as he goes. 2 of the Dwarves manage to avoid some of the lightning. Ironbane was among them.
Pru Dimension Doors her part of the party in near Nikolai.
Kezzem introduces himself and says he will be stabbing the dwarves today. He uses detect evil as he moves forward to the dwarves. Kezzem detects the presence of evil. He�ll have to concentrate on the ability longer to get more information.
Pressi laments the loss of the finesse route and says the new plan is to bring Ironbane to her and she�ll keep him mostly on this plane. Pressi travels with Prudence�s dimension hop before casting a quickened resist energy (fire) on Harper and shooting up 60 feet into the air. She casts Mindfog targeting Ironbane. None of the Barbarian tribe are affected by Pressi�s Mindfog.
Tali dimension doors the rest of the party to the battle. She arrives 13 feet from Succotash and friends.
Nikolai steps through thin air to try to grapple Ironbane but the Dwarf throws him off contemptuously (CMD 43)

Ironbane grins as the company he was expecting shows up. Then he howls, a scream ripped out of him as if from the bowls of the underworld and he grows and grows to giant size (intimidate vs everyone, DC 45 will save or be Shaken for 4 rounds)

His minions quail in fear of him and hack at Nikolai as if their lives depend on it, ignoring the fire that eats away at their flesh. Nikolai dies and is chopped into small pieces (14 hits for a total of 382 damage)

Enemy Tracker
IronBane: 23 nonlethal / 70 lethal
Dwarf 1 83 damage
Dwarf 2 92 damage - on fire (4d6 per round)
Dwarf 3 117 damage - on fire (4d6 per round)
Dwarf 4 117 damage - on fire (4d6 per round)
Dwarf 5 83 damage
Dwarf 6 117 damage - on fire (4d6 per round)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells 18d6=73 ; d20+24=32 ; 4d6+30=41 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday October 28th, 2021 10:56:04 AM
Succotash watches, in horror, as Ironbane and his crew kill than mutilate the corpse of his new friend. A quick observation makes it clear that a quick Breath of Life spell won't be enough to save Nikolai, and he begins rehearsing what to say to Lord Gargul after this fight is over. A very pissed off Succotash than casts Firestorm again hitting all 7 dwarves with 73 fire damage (DC 28 Reflex save for half) Like before, If they fail their save they catch fire and take 4d6 points of fire damage each round until the flames are extinguished. Extinguishing the flames is a full-round action that requires a DC 20 Reflex save. Sadly the burning damage doesn't stack. The cleric also activates his quicken rod again to swiftly cast divine power on Valerie.

Succotash than jumps off Valerie's back as she, at his command, makes a b-line directly for Ironbane. He will swipe at him with one of her talons, Hitting AC 39 (forgot to add the +1 for Heroes Feast, and +6 for Divine Power) for 41 non-lethal damage plus 5 shock and 4 frost.

Succotash's daily stuff:
Quicken rod 1/3
Dimensional Hop 60/180
Channel Energy (9d6) 10/10
Agile Feet 13/13
Speak with Animals 21/21

Active Spells:
Succotash
Heroes Feast
Resist Energy (fire)

Valerie
Divine Power (18 temp HP)
Heroes Feast (15 temp HP)
Resist Energy (fire)

DM Mitch
Thursday October 28th, 2021 1:40:17 PM
Map

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+11, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) d20+14=29 ; d6+7=9 ; d20+11=28 ;
Thursday October 28th, 2021 1:45:26 PM
Pressi comes to much the same conclusion as Succotash regarding Breath of Life (she can reincarnate out of the fight, just putting it out there).

"There is no greater monster," she intoned to herself, "than a simple man in greater numbers."

Pressi is clearly shaken (not going to even bother rolling) but it won't affect her casting and it doesn't stop her from studying the area.

Louder, she shouts to the group. "Reflex and range attacks only. Fall back to the geysers and make them come to you. And for god's sake, don't let them approach you as a group! We need to peel these guys off from each other!

Speaking even louder, "And if Ironbane is paying attention to me divulging my plans and instructions, he should completely get an earful of this!"

With a wave, she shouts Power Word Blind (no saving throw) on Ironbane.

Harper attacks one of the nearby dwarves (Dwarf 1) with a bite (Attack Roll 29, Damage 9+trip) before moving away towards one of the geysers (15 feet, acro 28).

------------

Pressi:

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast (11 HP)
Arcane Eye (inactive)
Moment of Prescience
shield of faith
spectral hand
flying broom
shaken

Harper
Ritual of Warding
Heroes Feast (16 HP)
shaken

L1: 2
L4: 3
L5: 1
L6: 2
L7: 1
L8: 1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+11, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday October 28th, 2021 1:47:55 PM
Addendum:

Sorry, I posted before seeing the map.

So Harper's new move is she runs up to B2 and takes a bite. Same attack roll and damage, no moving away/acro.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) d4+1=2 ; d4+1=4 ;
Thursday October 28th, 2021 1:55:45 PM
Pru lets out a horrible scream as her husband is hacked to pieces. Sobs catch in her throat, but she resolutely swallows them. Now is not the time for tears. Nor is the time to stand around in shock. If Pru doesn't act, more people could die. Pru acts.

First, Pru casts Time Stop and gains two extra rounds of action. (The spell description doesn't say whether these extra rounds would count against the Shaken effect, so that will be the DM's call.)

In the first extra round, she Hastes the party. Since there's a lot of us, and we're somewhat scattered about, this will probably need a normal Haste spell, followed by a Quickened Haste spell. That should get everyone. In this case, "everyone" includes Harper and Valerie and any other animals helping us.

In the second extra round, she casts Summon Monster VIII, summoning 4 huge fire elementals. Let's call them Burney, Flamey, Scorchy, and Smoky. She places them amid the dwarves.

Then the Time Stop ends, but Pru isn't done yet. Making a heroic effort [Hero Point spent], she casts Maze on Ironbane. He will probably need to drop out of rage if he wants to solve the maze and return to this plane.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling, Wildshape: Falcon AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9 d20+39=58 ;
Thursday October 28th, 2021 4:21:24 PM

Murphy quickly flies closer to ensure all are in range and in-flight casts prayer - [You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a �1 penalty on such rolls.] (5 rounds)

Right after casting the spell, he ascends a bit to an altitude of 50 feet (fly by attack feat (which allows one standard action in mid-flight)).
=========
Active spells
Mage Armor; Longstrider; Foresight; Magic Fang, Greater; Heroes' Feast; Resist Energy (fire); Freedom of Movement; Stoneskin; Haste; Prayer

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+23=32 ; d8=4 ; d8=2 ; d8=3 ; d8=6 ; d8=7 ; d8=4 ; d8=6 ;
Thursday October 28th, 2021 9:20:24 PM
{OOC: Is Intimidate A Fear Effect? Asking on the appearance that shaken eventually becomes frightened and panicked which intimidate can do}

IronBane dwarf Battle

Tali, seeing the horrors of a cultist and his dynamically fluid morals execute a newly found friend before his wife's eyes...unleashes a terrible feeling deep within Talia which grows instantaneously into an unconscious reaction. Tali flys to AI44 casting Prismatic Spray starting on AH43 a 60 foot cone attempting to cover IronBane within the spray's cone.

{OOC: Do I roll the Spray's outcome? B1 = 4, B2 = 2, B3 =3 , B4 =6 , B5 = 7 , B6 =4 , IB = 6}

There after Talia will ascend to 35 feet above the fray.

Saving Checks

intimidate vs everyone, DC 45 will save or be Shaken for 4 rounds | Will Save (+1 Prayer, +2 racial bonus on all saving throws against fear +20) = 32
Talia is Shaken for 4 rounds

Shaken | A shaken character takes a �2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. Shaken is a less severe state of fear than frightened or panicked.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1074 minutes || Hasted to 70 feet
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1074 minutes
Message | Duration 174 minutes on Tali
Message | Duration 177 minutes on Succotash

Group Cast Buffs
Haste | A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses.

All of the hasted creature�s modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet, to a maximum of twice the subject�s normal speed using that form of movement. This increase counts as an enhancement bonus, and it affects the creature�s jumping distance as normal for increased speed.

Prayer | gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+20=38 ; d20+35=52 ; d20+35=45 ; d20+35=51 ; d20+30=50 ; d20+30=39 ; d20+30=31 ; d20+25=41 ; d20+25=42 ; d20+20=29 ; d3+26=27 ; d3+26=27 ; d3+26=27 ; d3+26=29 ; d3+26=28 ; d3+26=29 ; d3+26=27 ; d3+26=27 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d10+6=12 ;
Friday October 29th, 2021 12:26:37 AM
Kezzem is immune to fear.

SV Will: 1d20 + 20 = 38.

"Gargul's breath, the new guy's down already?" says Kezzem. "And he was like only 1 adventure away from retirement!"

Kezzem smites evil against B5 and lashes out with both daggers.

Kezzem ignores DR when smiting evil.

Attack Buffs: 3 (Divine Favor) + 3 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Greater Magic Weapon)) + 1 (Haste) - 2 (Two-Weapon Fighting) = +7

Damage Buffs: 16 (Smite Evil) + 3 (Divine Favor) + 2 (Greater Magic Weapon = 21.

Cold Attack #1: 1d20 + 28 + 7 = 52.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 + 1d6 cold = 27 + 6 cold = 33.

Haste Bonus Cold Attack #1: 1d20 + 28 + 7 = 45.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 + 1d6 cold = 27 + 4 cold = 31.

Fire Attack #1: 1d20 + 28 + 7 = 51.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 + 1d6 fire = 27 + 4 fire = 31.

Cold Attack #2: 1d20 + 23 + 7 = 50. Natural 20!
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 23 + 7 = 39.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 + 1d6 cold = 29 + 3 cold = 32.
Bonus Crit Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 = 28.

Fire Attack #2: 1d20 + 23 + 7 = 31. Natural 1.

Cold Attack #3: 1d20 + 18 + 7 = 41.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 + 1d6 cold = 29 + 6 cold = 35.

Fire Attack #3: 1d20 + 18 + 7 = 42.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 + 1d6 fire = 27 + 4 fire = 31.

Cold Attack #4: 1d20 + 13 + 7 = 29.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 + 1d6 cold = 27 + 4 cold = 31.

Two-Weapon Rend (assuming 51 vs. AC hits)
Bonus Damage: 1d10 + 6 = 12.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+18=37 ; d4+7=10 ;
Friday October 29th, 2021 12:29:05 AM
Rumpus holds back to guard the caster. He readies an attack on anyone coming within range.

Attack: 1d20 + 16 + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) = 37.
Damage: 1d4 + 6 + 1 (Prayer) = 10.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday October 29th, 2021 12:48:30 AM
OOC: interesting

Dm Scratchpad - Hugh d20+23=26 ; d20+23=42 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+18=22 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+18=28 ; 4d6=16 ; d3=3 ; 4d6=15 ; 4d6=18 ; 4d6=19 ; d20+25=45 ; d20+25=29 ; d20+18=26 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+18=19 ; d20=3 ;
Friday October 29th, 2021 1:40:23 AM
(OOC: some dice rolls)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+31=40 ; d20+31=45 ; d20+31=49 ; d20+26=36 ; d20+21=26 ; d20+16=25 ; 2d6+25=29 ; d6=1 ; 2d6+25=35 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+25=30 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+25=30 ; d6=6 ; 2d6+25=36 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+25=29 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+25=32 ; d6=4 ;
Friday October 29th, 2021 5:12:35 AM
Hobie let's loose some arrows at the barbarians
all damage is nonlethal

Manyshot = 40
Piercing 29, electric 1= 30
Piercing 35, electric 2= 37

Rapid shot = 45
Piercing 30, electric 2 =32

Haste = 49
Piercing 30, electric 6 = 36

Iterative 1 = 36
piercing 36, electric 4= 40

Iterative 2 = 26
piercing 29, electric 3 =32

Iterative 3 = 25
piercing 32, electric 4 = 36

DM Mitch d20=10 ; d100=88 ; d20+31=43 ; 2d6+21=24 ;
Friday October 29th, 2021 5:18:42 AM
Succotash seeing Nikolai struck down realizes the ranger is beyond the reach of a breathe of life spell. One train of thought starts trying to think of what to say to Lord Gargul while he casts Firestorm again and swiftly divine powers Valerie whom he dismounts. The dinosaur then attacks Iron Bane
Pressi comes to the same conclusion Succotash does but she can always reincarnate Nikolai outside the fight. She observes there is no greater monster than a simple man in greater numbers. She suggests that the group peels off and uses range attacks and area of effect spells and advises against letting the enemy approach as a group. She casts power word blind on Ironbane. Harper then moves up to Barbarian 2 and attacks and hits. (OOC: what was Harper�s CMB roll for that trip attempt?)
Pru lets out a horrible scream as her husband is hacked to pieces but she resolutely swallows them and answers back with a Timestop (OOC: I�ll allow the extra rounds while you are time stopped to continue elapsing shaken duration) She hastes everyone, summons some fire elemental friends and then after time reverts to normal she casts maze on Ironbane, temporarily removing him from the battle field.
Murphy flies closer to the team and buffs them with prayer. He then ascends to an altitude of 50 feet to stay out of geyser range.
Tali casts Prismatic spray targeting the area where Ironbane was. She gets all his followers but because Ironbane was in the maze at the time he is not included in the spell�s effect. The prismatic spray kills Barbarian 6 with poison, sends Barbarian 5 to another plane, makes Barbarian 4 confused, hits Barbarian 3 with a high dose of electricity damage causing the on fire dwarf to lose consciousness, hits barbarian 2 with acid and barbarian 1 resists the poison.
(OOC: Yes this rage ability is essentially a fear effect)
Kezzem remarks that the new guy is already down and he was one adventure away from retirement. Kezzem then smites evil against Barbarian 1 essentially eviscerating what is left of the dwarf. You certainly got vengeance for Nikolai with the result of that smite. Rumpus prepares to defend the casters.

Only 2 of the barbarians are still standing. One is confused and on fire while the other is just on fire. One of their companions is not dead yet but he is on still on fire. Ironbane is still stuck in the extradimensional maze.

The Darf who�s not confused throws down his weapon. �Don�t kill us, don�t kill us, we only did what Ironbade made us do or he would have killed us!� The other Dwarf, in his confusion, hits the surrendering dwarf with his polearm by accident dropping him to the ground to bleed out.

Enemy Tracker
IronBane: 63 nonlethal / 115 lethal - blinded, trapped in extra dimensional maze for 10 minutes unless DC 20 int check
Dwarf 1 Dead - gutted by Kezzem
Dwarf 2 240 damage - on fire (4d6 per round); dying
Dwarf 3 248 damage - on fire (4d6 per round); dying
Dwarf 4 208 damage - on fire (4d6 per round); confused
Dwarf 5 129 damage - sent to another plane; no longer present
Dwarf 6 - Dead; killed by Tali�s poison beam

DM Mitch
Friday October 29th, 2021 5:19:42 AM
Map

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling, Wildshape: Falcon AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9
Friday October 29th, 2021 5:48:45 AM

Murphy cries out, in part mourning the slaying of Nikolai, in part for the quick general carnage.

"My Uncle Orbi, and my father, both taught me, 'Take not up friendship with one given to anger,' he relates to Pressi.

He really wishes he could speak as he once was able to when wild-shaped. He was able to as his druid's vestment gained in power - then seemed to have lost the ability sometime later.

He ends the haste gained by his gear, but retains the haste cast by Prudence.

Folks, Prayer is still in effect for 4 rounds for all.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells d8+18=20 ;
Friday October 29th, 2021 11:40:27 AM
Succotash quickly casts create water multiple times, to put out the burning dwarves. He also casts mass cure light wounds, healing all of them, as well as his friends, 20 HP, and stabilizing them. He warns them that if they try anything stupid, another Fire Storm will end them quickly.

"That could have gone a lot better, why did Ironbane insist on this course of action?" He than walks over to Prudence, and does his best to comfort her saying, "We will get him back I promise, Lord Gargul and I are on pretty good terms, and even though I haven't known you and Nikolai very long, I saw, firsthand, his bravery today, and will gladly speak on his behalf.

Turning to the rest of his friends he says, "Tali, you can drop the confusion on this one if you want" and than to everyone else, "What are we going to do now?

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) d20+15=28 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d20+15=23 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d20+15=23 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+15=26 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d20+15=19 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d20+15=27 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d20+15=33 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+14=34 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+14=28 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ;
Friday October 29th, 2021 3:13:17 PM
Pru is still angry.

As a fire mage, her temper is uncertain to begin with, and now she has pushed down all her grief over Nikolai's death and let rage fill her instead. These dwarves had shown Nikolai no mercy; they would receive none from her.

She does not dismiss her huge fire elementals. There are four of them, and they showed up last round, although they are not on the map. They begin to pummel the still-living dwarves.

Burney hits AC 28 for 9 damage, and AC 23 for 13 damage. If either of those hit, the dwarf needs to make a DC 18 reflex save or catch on fire.

Flamey hits AC 23 for 9 damage, and rolls a natural 1 for his second attack. If his attack hit, the dwarves needs to make a DC 18 reflex save or catch on fire.

Scorchy hits AC 26 for 8 damage, and AC 19 for 9 damage. If either of those hit, the dwarf needs to make a DC 18 reflex save or catch on fire.

Smoky hits AC 27 for 13 damage, and AC 33 for 12 damage. If either of those hit, the dwarf needs to make a DC 18 reflex save or catch on fire.

"Succotash, get out of the way," she says flatly. "You're in the fireball zone."

In the meantime, she aims a Disintigrate at the non-confused dwarf who was still standing at the end of combat, but she only hits a touch AC of 16, so she probably misses. Undeterred, she aims a trio of Quickened Scorching Rays at the same opponent. [Hit Touch AC 34 for 10 damage; hit Touch AC 16 (probably a miss); hit Touch AC 28 for 12 damage.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+11, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday October 29th, 2021 9:48:20 PM

Pressi is busy listening to Succotash and Murphy, trying to figure out how to respond to either.

She's still wondering what to do next, including what threats to make, when Prudence unleashes fire upon the survivors.

"Stand down," Pressi shouted to Prudence. "Stand down! This isn't helping!"

Harper runs to get in Prudence's face, growling as a warning.

Pressi considered her spell options but wasn't ready to start casting yet. "I get it, but this isn't you." Glancing at Nick's body. "And this isn't him. It's not what he would have wanted.

"Besides, in case I haven't said this enough times, we need these people. And now that you sent Ironbane into the corn field or what have you, these prisoners remain our only shot in finding the actual threat out there."

If any dwarves survive, "I need them tied up and brought back to the camp, now. I'll question them at our convenience, after we've looked through every square inch of the camp for clues and scrolls of resurrection. We need somebody to watch this spot in case Ironbane returns, preferably someone who can knock him out immediately.

"Turning to the survivors. Just so we're clear, you will answer for your crimes, ordered or not. If the dwarves don't imprison you, my fellow justicars will. If you cooperate, I will take that into account. If not..." Pressi glanced back at Pru. "If you do not, then a painful death will be the last thing you need to worry about. Someone get them out of our sight. And maybe move Nick somewhere too."

--------------

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 0/6+1
L4: 3/5+1
L5: 1/5+1
L6: 2/4+1
L7: 1/4+1
L8: 1/2+1

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+26=29 ;
Saturday October 30th, 2021 12:04:20 AM
Barbarians

Tali, descends to the level of her friends and away from the geysers. Using her arcana skills, Tali tries to determine what Spell Pru cast on IronBane and if it has a duration... How long before IronBane returns? Shouldn't we be ready for that sniveling giant Dwarf Barbarian with shifty morales?

Saving Checks

Knowledge Arcana (+27) | -2 Shaken + 1 prayer + roll = 29

intimidate vs everyone, DC 45 will save or be Shaken for 4 rounds | Will Save (+1 Prayer, +2 racial bonus on all saving throws against fear +20) = 32
Talia is Shaken for 4 rounds

Shaken | A shaken character takes a �2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. Shaken is a less severe state of fear than frightened or panicked.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1074 minutes || Hasted to 70 feet
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1074 minutes
Message | Duration 174 minutes on Tali
Message | Duration 177 minutes on Succotash

Group Cast Buffs
Haste | A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses.

All of the hasted creature�s modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet, to a maximum of twice the subject�s normal speed using that form of movement. This increase counts as an enhancement bonus, and it affects the creature�s jumping distance as normal for increased speed.

Prayer | gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks

Dm Scratchpad - Hugh d20+25=26 ; d20=4
Monday November 1st, 2021 1:01:44 AM
(OOC: some dice rolls

DM Mitch d20=19 ; d20=15 ; d20=15 ; d20=16 ; d20=8 ; d20=19 ; d20=17 ; d20=3 ; d20=13 ; d20=20 ;
Monday November 1st, 2021 7:51:02 AM
Murphy laments the slaying of Nikolai and the general carnage. He relays the words of wisdom his uncle gave him that seem fitting to the occasion to his wife. He wishes he could speak but alas he cannot so he ends the haste that his gear grants him only to retain�s Pru�s spell.
Succotash casts create water on the dwarf that is in the worst shape. (OOC: I�m counting 4 rounds of actions here; create water x 3 + mass cure light wounds) He gives the dwarves a warning and asks why Ironbane insisted on the course of action he did. He tries to comfort Prudence but she�s inconsolable.
Pru is still angry. Rather than dismiss her fire elementals she has them attack.
Burney kills helpless Barbarian 2
Flamey kills helpless Barbarian 3
Scorchy and Smokey hit with all 4 of their combined attacks for 26 damage total as the last Barbarian standing shrugs off some of their damage. They drop him and he was already on fire. Pru tells Succotash to get out of her way before finishing the last Dwarf off with a disintegrate, turning him into a fine pile of ash. There is nothing to target with the scorching rays.
Pressi and Harper try to get Pru to stand down but alas they were too late, the Dwarves were too injured to sustain Pru�s assault.
Tali attempts to understand the effects / duration of the spell Pru had previously cast on Ironbane. She realizes that it is Maze. She also realises it lasts for 10 minutes or until the person trapped in it figures the way out; whichever comes first.

Ironbane has not figured his way out of the maze yet. It lasts 10 minutes, but he�ll inevitably roll well enough to get out so you could have a sudden surprise at any moment.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Monday November 1st, 2021 10:31:05 AM
Succotash looks at Pru with a look of horror in his eyes. Not that he is personally afraid of her, but because of the heinous act she just perpetrated, well heinous in his eyes anyway. He begins yelling at her saying, "What happened to preferring diplomacy and mercy!? I know you love Nikolai and all, but I already promised you we would get him back, why would you do such a horrible thing!? I'm not sure I can work with someone who's a loose catapult, YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN NOW!!! We are supposed to be the heroes, but what you just did is anything but heroic! I just hope your rash actions doesn't affect our conversation with Lord Gargul." Calming down a bit, Succotash asks, "So where did you send Ironbane, and will he be returning? We need him alive, and we need to find him. If he returns, Can you promise to restrain yourself, if not I'm going to have to ask you to step away, for the time being."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Monday November 1st, 2021 1:08:58 PM
"To be fair, Succo, you work with my all the time," says Kezzem.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Monday November 1st, 2021 1:35:06 PM
Pru's fire elementals are still stomping around the battlefield, looking for things to burn and destroy. Pru knows how they feel.

"The time for diplomacy ended when they attacked," she says in that same flat, hollow voice. "And if they wanted mercy, they should have shown some."

She dismisses the elementals and takes a deep breath, forcing calm on herself. "Ten minutes, she says in response to multiple questions. "Ironbane will be back in ten minutes, at the most. Sooner, if he solves the maze; he could come back at anytime. And the maze will not hurt him, although he'll still be blind. But I didn't do that; Pressi did."

Her rage is passing. Now she's starting to shake all over.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling, Wildshape: Falcon AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9 d20+44=48 ;
Monday November 1st, 2021 4:15:39 PM

Murphy makes a point of recalling precisely where the giant-sized Ironbane was standing immediately before he winked out. He chooses the spot where his right foot rested (Perception: 48), and casts expeditious excavation, lowering the ground in that spot by five feet - even if it's underwater.

Murphy transforms from a falcon into a huge air elemental. "Prudence, this is Murphy. I grieve for what happened to Nikolai," the druid says now that he can speak. He pauses for a moment.

"I understand your rage, Missus Komonov. We have a rule among us, though. If one surrenders, lays down his arms, and asks for mercy, we generally will not snuff them out. Yet we have still to deal with the one who commanded the attacks."

"Kezzem, did you sense Ironbane is evil? I certainly did, and I'm neither cleric nor paladin. But I should appreciate confirmation from an expert such as you, or Succotash."

"We need to be ready now. If I understand the maze spell, he should return to the exact same spot in fairly short order. Well, his right foot will not immediately find purchase, which should cause him to lose balance, and likely fall. I will remain above him, and be prepared to rain down a measure of pain upon him. For those who can do so, however, since we need to be able to speak to this loathsome thug, try to do as much nonlethal damage as possible. Hobie - you've gotten good at that.

"The damage I will do will be lethal - but not enough on its own to kill him, I think. We need to rain down on him from all sides, and drive him to his knees, or face into the mud. Then bind him, revive him enough to speak, and try to penetrate his severely clouded mind with some small measure of reason.

"If we are able to get some information from him, then next step is up to the group to decide. Execution? Perhaps. He deserves it. Alternatives? One is that he must renounce his wicked ways, and return to the family of each of the dwarfs and throw himself upon the mercy or justice of those loved ones have been destroyed. Then, for all I care, be hung to die. Another alternative: He helps us hunt down the one who attacked our place, and who has been going around murdering people. It might take a murderer to take down another murderer."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling, Wildshape: Falcon AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9
Monday November 1st, 2021 4:17:21 PM

Last paragraph should have read:

"If we are able to get some information from him, then next step is up to the group to decide. Execution? Perhaps. He deserves it. Alternatives? One is that he must renounce his wicked ways, and return to the family of each of the dwarfs and throw himself upon the mercy or justice of those whose loved ones have been destroyed. Then, for all I care, be hung to die. Another alternative: He helps us hunt down the one who attacked our place, and who has been going around murdering people. It might take a murderer to take down another murderer."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday November 1st, 2021 7:51:56 PM
[i]' It's not what he would have wanted.'[i]

OOC: actually it is. Pru knows that Nikolai does not like to kill just to kill, that is why he tried to grabble first. They showed no mercy and to Nikolai that means they deserve no mercy. No point in having them alive to be used for evil again. And again. And again. And again....

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+11, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) d20+25=37 ; d20+23=32 ;
Monday November 1st, 2021 9:29:08 PM

Pressi nodded at Murphy's plan. "Sounds like a good idea. We need to disarm him as fast as possible.

"As for what to do with him, I'm pretty sure that the dwarven jail has first dibs and we have to bring him back. Unless the Agents of the Fist want him brought to him. As I said, I can speak to the coven and have him brought wherever."

Pressi doesn't have much more to say on the issue of saving dwarven lives, having given her talk already and not quite ready to see who's the stronger caster (yet). Dismounting from the broom and recalling Harper, she chooses for now to get back to work.

To Prudence and Kezzem, "Strip the bodies and catalog everything on them, but I especially want to find scrolls of resurrection if they happen to have them. More importantly, I want anything that looks like a clue, even if it's a discarded gum wrapper. We don't have a chance to grill these guys and any chance of us using speak with dead here probably went up in flames. So finding a journal or amulet or something remains our only hope. Someone should, as I said before, probably move Nikolai until we can bring him back or bury him.

"I'm going to raid the campsite, basically look for the same things. When Ironbane is sufficiently prepped, let me know and I'll see if there's any way I can get him talking. Hopefully, with his rage down, I'll have some easier tools at my disposal."

Pressi thought for a bit longer. "Succotash, Tali, take the pets and scout the perimeter. Ironbane isn't just a witness, he's a target. And I don't want someone trying to silence him at the last second. Murphy, Hobie, I'm leaving Ironbane to you."

Pressi, after checking for traps and signs of anyone else, makes her way into each tent. She starts scouring every square inch for clues and scrolls. (Perception 37 (38 for traps), survival 32, detect magic).

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Air Elemental AC 45/T26/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196+9/196+9
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 2:21:38 AM

[Note: As we may be dealing with up to 9 minutes in-game wait time, the following is to let our DM be aware of some of Murphy's preparations in the interim...]

Murphy nods to Pressi, and knows she has Hobie's ear, so he trusts the arcane archer to get in a good position to take down the blinded giant dwarf once he returns. "Succotash, if you could be in the area when the big dwarf reappears to cast a prayer spell, that would be sweet."

With his potent 9th-level foresight spell in effect, Murphy should get a warning the round before Ironbane gets back. He casts call lightning storm now to have that handy to apply at the appropriate time when needed (lasts 18 minutes, may call up to 15 5d10 bolts, up to one per round as a standard action)

Once he senses Ironbane's imminent return from the maze (foresight isn't foresight if it does not work until the thing it is supposed to foresee has already happened), Murphy invokes haste with a free action and says to Hobie, "He's coming!" and casts a full-round summon nature's ally IX for a storm giant. Which, in due course, he will ask to engage in nonlethal attacks against the over-sized dwarf. [By the way, it should not take 2 rounds for the summoned creature to appear, as some seem to interpret 'full round action.' Rather, should appear six seconds after the start of the invocation, ready for action.]

Active spells
Mage Armor (38 hours) - +4 armor bonus to AC.
Longstrider (18 hours) - +10 foot to base speed (on the ground).
Foresight (3 hours) - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
Magic Fang, Greater (18 hours) - +4 enhancement on attack and damage rolls.
Heroes' Feast (12 hours) - +9 temp hp, +1 morale Attack, +1 Will saves, +4 morale vs poison and fear
Resist Energy (fire) (3 hours) - Resist energy 30 against fire (heat)
Freedom of Movement (3 hours)
Stoneskin (3 hours) - The subject gains DR 10/adamantine.
haste (18 rounds) -(expired if > 18 rounds have passed - in which case will restart based upon Foresight warning)
prayer (expired - perhaps Succotash may cast)
call lightning storm (18 minutes, up to 15 bolts, each 5d6, Reflex DC 32 for 1/2)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 3:31:23 AM
[B]"I would love to search the parameter with Valerie Press, but with the addition of Mercy to her Amulet of Mighty Fists, I feel Valerie would be a better asset should Ironbane choose to continue fighting. Murph let me know if you sense Ironbane's eminent return, and I will gladly cast prayer on the party.

DM Mitch
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 7:21:08 AM
Succotash looks at Pru with a look of horror in his eyes. He isn�t afraid of her but disturbed by her actions. He asks about preferring diplomacy and mercy. He voices doubt about his ability to work with her and suggests her actions weren�t heroic and that they won�t impact their discussion with Gargul. He asks where Pru sent Ironbane and if he comes back if she can restrain herself or leave temporarily as they need him alive.
Kezzem says to be fair Succotash works with him all the time.
Pru looks on at her fire elementals storming along the field lacking a target. She knows how they feel. She replies that the time for diplomacy ended when they were attacked and if the group wanted mercy they should have shown some. She finally dismisses her elementals and forces herself to calm down. She answers the questions about the limitation of the maze reminding the others that Pressi blinded Ironbane. She then starts to shake.
Murphy marks where Ironbane had been standing when the maze took effect and starts using expeditious excavation to lower the ground in that spot by five feet. He transforms himself from a falcon to an air elemental and tells Pru that he too grieves for Nikolai but that their party has a rule that if an enemy surrenders and lays down their arms then they aren�t snuffed out. He asks Kezzem to confirm that Ironbane was evil before he tries to organize the others in preparation for Ironbane to return to attack him in concert, preferably with nonlethal damage whenever he comes back. He then says that after they have what they want from Ironbane they�ll still have to decide what to do with him whether it be execution, have him repent and throw himself on the mercy of the families of his followers and victims, or enlist his aid to track down the murderer / home assailant.
Nickolai�s Spirit materializes and indicates his agreement for what his wife did. The justice of the Fist had been known to be swift and still is to this day with the other Knight Commanders who had started in his fist still in control of things. The organization is currently being run by Tinker, Anna, Sigvar, Travyin, and Michael.
Of course no one knows this if they can't see or hear spirits.

Pressi nods to her husband�s plan since they need to disarm him as fast as possible. She indicates that the Dwarven jails probably have first dibs on Ironbane when they are done with him unless The Mailed Fist wants him. She can have her coven send him wherever. Pressi doesn�t have anything else to discuss with Pru concerning the topic of dead dwarves and actions concerning making them such. She suggests that the sorceress and Kezzem strip the bodies and look for resurrection scrolls or other clues. She also suggests someone should move Nikolai. She is going to check the campsite for clues herself. She also suggests that Tali and Succotash use their animal partners to scout around for potential attack vectors as she doesn�t want someone preventing Ironbane from telling what he knows.

As the heated debate continues Pressi searches the camp. There isn�t much Some crates of food and basic supplies are strewn about a large rock that sticks out of the water enough to stay mostly dry. A few blankets for cold nights. Not even a tent or anything.

About a minute has passed. Ironbane is still not back.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 8:13:18 AM
Where oh where did our IronBane Go?

Tali, knowing that it is only a matter of time, decides to cast a spell now it hopes of it slowing down a raging fluid morality driven Barbarian! Tali readies the spell Wall of Force surrounding IronBane on 4 sides triggered upon his return. The square wall enclosing him, starting at AD41 going through to AG41 and from AD41 to AD39 and on the other side AD41 through to AG39 between her friends, closing the box, from AD39 to AG39. As the base wall is 40 sq ft. and 10 ft. high, the wall of force extend to 45 ft. high.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1072 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1072 minutes
Message | Duration 172 minutes on Tali
Message | Duration 175 minutes on Succotash
Wall of Force:
Range close: 70 ft.
Effect wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square/level: 180 sq ft.
Duration 1 round/level (D) || 18 rounds
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no
wall of force has hardness 30 and a number of hit points equal to 20 per caster level: 360 hp

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells d20+35=53 ;
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 10:39:26 AM
Succotash watches Tali create her wall of force, and says, "Nice thinking, with Murphy's hole, your force field, and the blindness Pressi gave him already, subduing him should be a lot less difficult." Succotash than uses his "Speak with Animals" ability to tell Valerie the plan which is to subdue Ironbane. He explains to his dino friend that if the dwarf is somehow able to break free of Tali's wall of force, she is to attack with everything she has.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 11:45:26 AM
Pru is still shaking, so she sits down on the ground. The anger has passed, and now the tears are starting. She brushes them away. There's still work to be done.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Air Elemental AC 45/T26/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196+9/196+9
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 7:16:13 PM

Murphy would like to comfort Prudence, but that will have to wait - and it might be more appropriate for Tali or Pressi to take that role, in any wise.

Murphy takes a moment to carefully take up the remains of poor Nikolai, and removes his body to a place further from the spot where the Ironbane gang took him down - if he can find a relatively dry spot perhaps 40 yards or more away, he will set him down there. Better still, perhaps, if it is not too far from his wife. Once that is done, he returns quickly to a spot directly above where Ironbane had been (he moves as an air elemental 125'/round, so should be able to accomplish this fairly quickly).

"Tali, yours is an excellent idea. Could I ask you, though to hold off on laying the force field until after Hobie and I have been able to do him some hurt. A bully is less likely to reconsider his actions unless he first has received a heavy dose of pain. Give us a few moments to do so, then, if still needed, encase him within your walls. Does that sound all right?"

"Hobie, are you ready?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 8:18:53 PM
OOC: Pru remembers MANY foes they spared, such as the Rakshasah's giants, the gnolls that sacrificed humans for the mere ability to teleport through blood drinking trees, Fist members that had defected and caused a Civil War within the Mailed Fist, minions of the Agents' Dragon Nemesis, some bandits caught marauding a town, and so forth. So sparing enemies when possible is as much a Mailed Fist honor code as destroying those who deliberately and remorselessly try to harm a Fist member or friend. IF such a creature MIGHT have repented of such actions later begs the question "Why did you mess with the Mailed Fist in the first place then?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 9:01:02 PM
Where oh where did our IronBane Go?

"Mister Murphy," begins Lady Talia... "the walls are opened from the top...we can pummel IronBane from above! This way he will be restrained by the walls, forced to calm down and if not, we can attack from the air right above him...if he will not submit...Near death from above!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+11, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday November 2nd, 2021 9:54:59 PM

Pressi found herself unable to contain the frustration at what might be 10 minutes of waiting before running into another dead end. So when she finally came out to discover that nobody searched the dwarven bandit bodies and Ironbane was still gone, the possibility of letting some of that frustration on teammates was quite tempting.

Instead, she watched Prudence sit down and cry, as her own husband moved Nikolai's body.

With a sigh, she finally found herself sitting down beside the new member, quite aware of being half the size. After a moment, she took out her water canteen full of a bubbly liquid, let the alcohol touch her lips, and silently handed the canteen to Prudence.

"Never gets easier, does it," she finally said. "You think after all the missions and all the close calls and all the times you needed to scrounge for a scroll of resurrection... I'm actually on a first name basis with death at this point. He gave me a hug once. But it... still never gets easier. His first name is Gary, by the way. Don't tell him I told you that.

"Look, I'm not really meant for comforting people, but I do know a bit how you feel. I've felt it too. Struggled with my own anger. Dealt with halflings that thought executing surrendered was the noble act. Dealt with my own desires of revenge. Watched Murphy deal with his. Had to fight monsters with their own family connections and feelings of revenge, their own humanity...

"I met my husband at a time when I was lost myself, out in the Culverwood. Just a lowly ex-thief and that's a few stories in itself, but lets just say I wasn't always worthy of mercy. He's partly the reason I'm not out running from Agents of the Fist myself or holed up in some cave alone. I really owe him a lot... I'm sorry I didn't really get the chance to know him better. If you ever want to talk about how you met or got married, we've got a few minutes. Otherwise, just know I am working on how to bring him back. Succotash, too, I'm sure."

DM Mitch d20=17 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 8:18:54 AM
Tali decides to construct a force wall around the place where Ironbane is expected to get back in the hopes of giving themselves an easier time. She creates 4 tall walls but leaves the top open so her party can still pummel the barbarian.
Succotash watches Tali create the wall of force and complements her on her construction. The cleric uses speaks with animal to convey instructions to his dino friend should Ironbane escape containment.
Pru�s anger has subsided and she is shaking so she sits on the ground. She starts to cry but brushes the tears away as there is still work to be done.
Murphy would like to comfort Pru but figures either Pressi or Tali is best suited for that task so instead he moves poor Nikolai�s remains a little afield so that they can�t be further damaged by whatever will transpire when Ironbane comes back. He asks Hobie if he is ready.
Nikolai�s spirit attempts to convey to his wife through memories of times when the Fist had been merciful as well when their adversaries showed remorse and that they were deserving of it. Sometimes though the question is why would a group of enemies mess with the Fist in the first place.�
Pressi is feeling frustrated that they might have encountered another dead end. When she realized that no one had searched the bandits bodies and that Ironbane is still gone upon her return from the encampment she was tempted to let her frustration know but instead she attempts to give comfort and understanding to Prudence. She offers a listening ear and reassurances that both herself and Succotash are currently working out how to bring him back.

And then suddenly Ironbane is back. Tali casts her spell and Ironbane, unbothered by Murphy�s hole (spell specifically says creatures larger than it can ignore it) and without even missing a beat, leaps into the air. It�s a very impressive leap, a good 20 feet into the air, but he still ends up about 10 feet short of grabbing the ledge and pulling himself over. With a snarl he says a few words and shatters the wall of force with Disintegrate. With a snarl he raises a symbol and channels energy as a swift action, doing 17 damage to everyone within 30 feet (will save 26 for half)

Map

Enemy Tracker
IronBane: 63 nonlethal / 115 lethal

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) d20+16=33 ; d20+4=7 ;
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 11:00:54 AM
Pressi rolled her eyes at the new intrusion (will save made), though the channel rumbles Harper really well. The heroes feast pretty much ends for hit points.

"Well, we are all out of time but lets pick up with our session next week," she replied flatly. "Heeeyy, look who came back. Did you miss us?" To his growling and spellcasting. "Yes, yes, you're very manly. I see many woman and various gourds in your future. Huzzah. You know, assuming that we actually succeed in not letting an assassin kill you, you stupid stupid twat."

And as she walked up her 30 feet, she signaled to Kezzem and Murphy (move, move). Harper herself took a minute to move out of the 60 foot cone (I think she's H5).

"Anyway, now that I have your attention..."

Pressi casts Waves of Exhaustion through the field at him (no save), then follows up with a quickened Ill Omen (no save, 3 rolls at disadvantage).

-------------------

Pressi:

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Heroes Feast (2 HP)
Moment of Prescience
shield of faith
flying broom

Harper
Ritual of Warding
Heroes feast (hit points gone)

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 0/6+1
L4: 3/5+1
L5: 2/5+1
L6: 2/4+1
L7: 2/4+1
L8: 1/2+1

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells d20+32=47 ; d20+32=44 ; d20+32=37 ; d20+32=35 ; d20+32=42 ; d20+32=33 ; 4d6+20=38 ; 4d6+20=36 ; 4d6+20=37 ; 2d6+20=29 ; d8=5 ; 2d6+20=28 ; d4=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 11:07:19 AM
Succotash casts prayer, giving everyone a +1 on attack rolls, weapon damage, and saves. The spell also requires Ironbane to take a -1 on all the above. The cleric also uses his final daily use of his quicken rod to swiftly cast Divine Power on Valerie again, as the spell has worn off.

As instructed, Valerie, seeing Ironbane break free, sprints from her masters side and pounces on the over-sized dwarf.

Left Talon: Hits AC 47 for 38 non-lethal damage + 4 shock and 6 frost
Right Talon: Hits AC 44 for 36 non-lethal damage + 3 shock and 1 frost
Divine Talon: Hits AC 37 for 37 non-lethal damage + 1 shock and 1 frost
Bite: Hits AC 35 for 34 non-lethal damage + 3 shock and 2 frost
Left Claw: AC 42 for 30 non-lethal damage + 3 shock and 6 frost
Right Claw: Natural 1 Miss

***The Divine Talon is the hastened attack granted by Divine Power***

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+31=48 ; d20+31=37 ; d20+31=50 ; d20+31=41 ; d20+26=39 ; d20+21=29 ; d20+16=30 ; 2d6+25=32 ; d6=3 ; 2d6+25=32 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+25=35 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+25=30 ; d6=5 ; 4d6+50=65 ; 2d6+25=31 ; d6=4 ; 2d6+25=37 ; d6=5 ; 2d6+25=30 ; d6=1 ;
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 12:46:13 PM
Hobie let's loose a barrage of nonlethal arrows

Manyshot= 48
Piercing 32, electric 3 = 35
piercing 32, electric 4= 36

Rapidshot= 37
piercing 35, electric 2=37

Haste = 50 (Critical Threat- confirmation 41)
piercing 30, electric 5 (extra damage if crit is confirmed 65) =100

Iterative 1= 39
piercing 31, electric 4= 35

Iterative 2= 29
piercing 37, electric 5= 42

Iterative 3=30
piercing 30, electric 1= 31

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 12:48:45 PM
(If any one of his arrows knocks IronBane unconscious, Hobie will stop shooting. I'm kinda worried that the crit arrow might have rendered the nonlethal arrows moot)

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) d20+15=17 ; d4=1 ;
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 1:06:09 PM
When Ironbane bursts out of his containment, Pru scrambles to her feet and casts Enervation. Her black ray hits Touch AC 17. If that hits, Ironbane gets 1 negative level.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+35=42 ; d3+26=29 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 7:25:41 PM
Kezzem gets out his magic carpet and take to the air to get an angle over the wall.

He activates smite evil and throw a single dagger towards Ironbane.

Attack Buffs: 3 (Divine Favor) + 3 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Greater Magic Weapon)) + 1 (Haste) = +9

Damage Buffs: 16 (Smite Evil) + 3 (Divine Favor) + 2 (Greater Magic Weapon = 21.

Cold Dagger Attack: 1d20 + 28 + 9 - 4 (Nonlethal) = 40.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 + 1d6 cold = 29 nonlethal + 4 cold = 33.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 7:27:36 PM
"He's evil Murph," says a delayed Kezzem. "At least I think he is assuming I read that post from the gods correctly."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 7:27:37 PM
"He's evil Murph," says a delayed Kezzem. "At least I think he is assuming I read that post from the gods correctly."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d8=5 ;
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 8:56:33 PM
There you are IronBane! We've been looking all over...

Not waiting for this to get any uglier, Tali flys to AG41 60 feet above IronBane and casts another Prismatic Spray starting on AE40, a 60 foot cone straight down attempting to cover IronBane within the spray's cone.

Prismatic Spray Attack

1d8=5 Blue beam...

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1071 minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1071 minutes
Message | Duration 171 minutes on Tali
Message | Duration 174 minutes on Succotash

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Air Elemental AC 45/T26/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196+9/196+9 d20+13=30 ; d20+28=34 ; d20+23=29 ; d20+18=35 ; 4d6+22=34 ; 4d6+22=37 ; 4d6+22=33 ; 5d6=19 ;
Wednesday November 3rd, 2021 9:21:36 PM

Am going to assume, as Murphy had returned to wait above Ironbane's landing spot, that his Foresight let him know the round before the dwarf's return, and as already laid out he therefore shouted out a warning, free-action activated haste,and cast his summoning of the storm giant. Thus, a 22-foot tall fellow with lustrous blue-black hair, violet skin, amethyst eyes, and wearing a shimmering breastplate has arrived, and bears a great sword. Murphy says in the Auran tongue, "Tama umpeenkasvanut kaapio on murhaava tappaja. Tarvitsemme hanet elossa, mutta pahasti mustelmana. Ala tapa, vaan lyo." If you understand Auran Highlight to display spoiler: {This overgrown dwarf is a murderous killer. We need him alive, but badly bruised. Don't kill, but do pummel. (I use Finnish for Auran)}

Storm Giant vs Ironbane.
He uses the flat of the blade to do nonlethal damage
Hit AC 34, 34 hp
Hit AC 29, 37 hp
Hit AC 35, 33 hp

Murphy moves 30' upwards from his 60' height when Pressi recommends he move, and uses a standard action to loose a vertical bolt of lightning down next to the raging monster (for though most dwarfs he would not deem monsters, this one certainly has chosen to be monstrous) for 19 hp electrical damage - but he places it near him, not on him - preferably a few feet in front of his nose, or at worst, within his peripheral vision (based upon the placement of others). "That was a light warning, Ironbane. I and my friends can spend a good part of the day frying you with electricity, as well as sharing other pleasantries. Sit your boisterous self down, and let's talk. It may surprise you to find we came here to save your ill-spent life."

By the time everyone else is done with him, however, Murphy may be discussing this with a nasty dwarf who is unconscious or worse.

"All right, Thanks, Kezzem."

Storm Giant's Will Save: 30. Thus 8 hp damage from Ironbane's (undefined) energy damage. Murphy at 60 feet was outside the 30' range of the energy burst.
I *think* the storm giant is just barely past the range of Pressi's waves of exhaustion. DM Mitch, let me know for sure!

DM Mitch
Thursday November 4th, 2021 7:58:21 AM
Murphy�s foresight enables him to summon a giant that attacks Ironbane with the flat of his blade hitting once. He then gives Ironbane an ultimatum and a warning shot but Ironbane dodges some of the lightning bolt.
Pressi resists some of the channel while Harper took the brunt of it. She then quips and hits Ironbane with both waves of exhaustion and ill omen.
Pru hits Ironbane with Enervation and he gains 1 negative level
Tali hits succotash with the blue beam from prismatic spray but he resists turning to stone.
Succotash casts prayer and divine power on Valerie. Valerie attacks IronBane and knocks him out.
Hobie does not fire any arrows as Valerie knocked out Ironbane
Kezzem takes to the sky and hits Ironbane with a nonlethal smite affirming the barbarian is evil.

Ironbane lies knocked out and unconscious. Looks like the nightmare is finally over...for now. What do you do?

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Thursday November 4th, 2021 9:25:09 AM
Hobie takes a set of shackles from his pack, and shackles the hands of the unconscious IronBane

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday November 4th, 2021 10:03:42 AM
"Huzzah! I knocked him out!" declares Kezzem. "Well, Valerie helped."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Thursday November 4th, 2021 10:35:48 AM
"That could have gone a whole lot better, but at least it's over, for now." Succotash says with a sigh of relief. "I can wake him up, by healing some of his non-lethal damage, but before I do, how do we want to proceed, and besides Hobie's manacles, are there any other restraints, magical or mundane, that we would like to put into place? The sooner we deal with this waste of a life, the sooner we can get our fallen friend back, and the sooner we can reach an end to this quest.

As he waits for an answer, Succotash scratches Valerie behind the ear vents, and than taking her head in his hands, he says, in the same voice you would use to speak to a dog, [b]"Who's the good dinosaur? Who's the good dinosaur? That's right Valerie's the good dinosaur!" He than reaches into his handy haversack and pulls out a treat, giving it to his friend.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Thursday November 4th, 2021 11:48:34 AM
"He can cast spells," Pru says. "And we can't gag him, because we need to question him. I suggest that several of us ready to dispel. Maybe Tali, and me, and...maybe a divine caster as well? Just in case?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Thursday November 4th, 2021 2:38:15 PM
"I can have dispel magic readied, but than I won't be able to cast the healing spell to wake him up."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday November 4th, 2021 3:40:39 PM
"Caster's types need to use their hands, right?" asks Kezzem. "If we remove them, problem solved!"

"I mean, remove his hands by binding them up and stuff."

"Also, maybe see if he has a religious symbol or pouch of components or whatever else casters use. Do we even know what type of caster he is?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday November 4th, 2021 7:49:42 PM
OOC: Pru's subconscious is pricked at the notion that she really does NOT know anything of this dwarf's capabilities and neither do the others and this dwarf has done some amazing things in just a few minutes. SO... just binding him and gagging him may not work still. Witness to his temperament also indicates he's not going to say anything to anyone unless bound by Gargul himself, on Gargul's plane.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Air Elemental AC 45/T26/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196+9/196+9 d20+25=45 ; d10=4 ;
Thursday November 4th, 2021 8:53:02 PM

Murphy flies down, comes out of wild shape to his own halfling self, and thanks the Storm Giant. In the giant tongue he says, "You have my gratitude. My name is Murphy. Please forgive me for pulling you away from whatever you were doing. We are an adventuring group called Humble's Sword. Perhaps someday we can return the favor. Unless you want to remain longer, or have any question, you are free to return." If he indicates a desire to return, the druid dismisses him. If he wants to talk, he listens.

Once done with the awesome giant, Murphy joins the others around the deeply slumbering bad dwarf. "Hobie, let's pull his hands behind his back, then reshackle him. That leaves him fewer options." He assist in the adjustment.

The druid takes out silk rope and and wraps it in and out and around his fingers, to prevent any manipulation of his digits for purposes of spell casting. He then takes additional silk rope, and hobbles him, wrapping the strong line around his knees, then around his ankles, so as to preclude him from standing easily. Then he gets some of his friends to help pull the feet up towards his back. And ties rope about his neck, which he then fastens to his ankles, pulling them semi taut. Not enough to choke him as he lies unconscious, but enough so that, should he try to straighten his legs, it will cut off air to his lungs until he returns his feet again closer to his back. He also links the hands and the ankles through bundled lengths of rope. He leaves a few rope leads that can be pulled upon, to tighten the arrangement at one point or another. Hog tied.

"That should hold well, unless the rope does not shrink down with him when he goes back to his original size," Murphy comments.

"I can cast dispel magic, greater," says the druid, "and the normal sort, too." He adds, "I have a few wands of cure light wounds. Speaking of, was anyone wounded? I'd like to help you all before I bring him around."

===========
Survival - rope use: 45 (nat 20). Murphy's knots are appropriate, and each line and knot does its job.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) d20+18=23 ; d20+18=22 ;
Thursday November 4th, 2021 9:45:39 PM

Pressi stood to the side, trying to decide how much in charge they should get.

Harper watches Succotash and Valerie while she suns herself, occasionally sniffing.

"Oh, for the love of... First, we need to get rid of EVERYTHING. Focus symbol, material pouch, armor, even his underwear on the off chance he has Expiditious Retreat on his boxers." (Sleight of hand 23 + cantrips like mage hand and prestidigitation as she attempts to remove every object from him after he's been bound.) "Usually, the ropes go on after this step... and a couple of candles wouldn't hurt either." (While doing this, she's still looking for scrolls of resurrection.)

While doing so, she casts her Lore Keeper ability to determine how he spellcasts and if he's weaker against will saves at this point (touch attack vs AC 22). She also takes the opportunity to cast stabilize to make sure he doesn't die on them.

"Regardless of danger, what I'd like to do is have Murphy carry him up 200, 300 feet in the air while I question him from my broom after reviving him. Let him try something, just so we can see how fast he can flap those arms. But I know that's not how we do things. Stand around in a circle and all ask at once is how we do things. So...

"As soon as we wake him up, I'm going to start hitting him with spells. Charm person, suggestion, pain strike. Sooner or later, I'll get him to talk, assuming he isn't already in a more talkative mood, especially since he's probably too tired to rage again. If he tries anything, shut him down again and I'll bring him back."

As soon as Succotash revives him, Pressi starts with her Charm Person SLA (minor spell experience), Will DC 17.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Thursday November 4th, 2021 11:29:25 PM
Oh IronBane!

Not waiting for this evil dwarf barbarian to awake, Tali casts the spell, Polymorph any object on IronBane, intending to turn him into a stunted half-Orc.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1070minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1070 minutes
Message | Duration 170 minutes on self
Message | Duration 172 minutes on Succotash

Polymorph any object EFFECT:

Range close (70 ft.)
Target one creature,
Duration see text
Saving Throw Fortitude negates (object); see text; Spell Resistance yes (object)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Friday November 5th, 2021 12:13:01 AM
"I hope those are scented candles, Press," says Kezzem. "This guy is quite ripe."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Air Elemental AC 45/T26/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196+9/196+9
Friday November 5th, 2021 1:10:44 AM
Murphy hears Pressi's recommendations. "Right." He is about to undo the ropes, and perform (with others's help) the full body strip search and disrobing of the fellow, but then Tali does the polymorph. If it works, he will deal with the aftermath - again, strip, search, mess up any tattoos, etc.. He is inclined to leave him the modesty of a loincloth but, hey, he'll look underneath for hidden weapons or scrolls

He will get Kezzem, Hobie, and Succotash to assist. If it looks like he is about to come around, Murphy will pummel him deeper into unconsciousness (he has +4 attack/damage from his greater magic fang).

So: Strip (either the giant dwarf version, or the stunted half-orc version), carefully rebind with the silk rope.

"Should I cut off his fingers and toes? I can always use regeneration to get those back for him," Murphy inquires of the others. "You gotta figure he has killed at least that many people in his time. We can use the cut-off portions as bargaining chips. I know, rather a brutal technique, but this guy is used to dealing out brutal."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Friday November 5th, 2021 6:55:57 PM
Pru sighs a little. "Do you guys want to know how many spells I can cast with my hands bound and no components? I mean, do all this stuff if it makes you feel better, but a bunch of us should still be ready to dispel."

DM Mitch
Friday November 5th, 2021 7:15:34 PM
Hobie takes a set of double shackles from his pack and shackles the hands of iron bane.
Kezzem declares he knocked out Ironbane...well Valerie helped
Succotash remarks that things could have gone a whole lot better but it is over for now. He volunteers to wake Ironbane up but asks if there are any restraints they�d like to put in place besides the manacles first. He also praises Valerie.
Pru points out that Ironbane can cast spells so it would probably be beneficial to ready multiple dispells with her, Tali and a divine caster on the roster.
Succotash remarks he can heal or dispel but not both
Kezzem suggests they bind his hands so he can�t cast spells and check him for a spell component pouch or holy symbol.
Nikolai�s spirit communicates with his wife�s subconscious in an attempt to warn her to be wary with Ironbane as the group doesn�t know the full extent of his capabilities.
Murphy thanks his giant before dismissing him and then coordinates with Hobie to put Ironbane�s shackled hands behind his back and add knots to hobble and prevent the moving of digits on the prisoner. He also volunteers he can dispel
Pressi takes charge at this point and has them strip ironbane of everything before re-tying / binding. She also calls for candles and goes through his stuff looking for scrolls of resurrection but none were found.
She uses her lorekeeper ability to determine how he spellcasts and finds that he is a ragin shaman who has access to the Destruction Domain spell list and stabilize. He is also less resistant to will saves while not raging but his racial and experience still make him stronger against will saves than an average dwarf would be.
She suggests interrogating him from the air but ultimately decides against it. Instead as soon as they wake him up she�s going to start hitting him with rapid fire spells. She readies a charm person spell for when Succotash wakes him.
Tali attempts to use Polymorph any Object on Ironbane except since it says the spell functions like Greater Polymorph it has no effect on non-willing creatures.
Kezzem hopes the candles are scented

Ironbane is now mostly naked, thoroughly searched, and bound. There is discussion about interrogation method and a few approaches are suggested but no one starts the interrogation just yet.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Friday November 5th, 2021 7:38:08 PM
I�ve got anti magic field prepared, I could just cast that after we wake him up

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Friday November 5th, 2021 7:38:30 PM
I�ve got anti magic field prepared, I could just cast that after we wake him up

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Air Elemental AC 45/T26/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196+9/196+9
Friday November 5th, 2021 9:35:24 PM

"Sure. How many spells can you cast with your hands bound and no components?" Murphy asks Prudence.

As he awaits her answer, he says, "I think I'll just cut off his thumbs, index and middle fingers. That way he can still pick his nose, and hold utensils when he eats. As I said, I can grow them back if he decides to play nice. Meanwhile, it's going to be hard for him to wield a weapon against us, or anyone. He and his minions already did something of a similar nature yet far worse to poor Nikolai."

He pauses before taking any action as he has described, as he figures it would be good to see what the rest of his friends have to say on the matter. He does pull out his +1 cold iron dagger to assist in the operation.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Friday November 5th, 2021 9:42:28 PM
"Forty. Not counting cantrips," Pru says. "Well, I could cast forty times, choosing from all my spells except Time Stop. Which is a shame really, because Time Stop could be handy when you're tied up like that. But I could Dimension Door away, I could turn one of my captors into a chicken, or I could turn myself into an Air Elemental and fly away. The point is, don't assume Ironbane can't cast just because you tie him up and cut off digits."

[OOC: Pru has the Still Spell feat. It's extremely unlikely that Ironbane also has it since he's not a primary spell caster but ya never know.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday November 5th, 2021 9:56:05 PM
"No, because I want to use magic on him," Pressi responded to Hobie. "Also, I can't believe I have to spell this out as the resident faux-edgelord, but let's not dismember the prisoner. But you're thinking evil. I like that."

To Pru, "Do you want to know how many ways I can kill someone who tries to interrogate me? Limbless, gagged, underwater, in an antimagic field, in a vat of spinach with truffle dressing? I know fully well that if an interrogation target is conscious, he's a threat. But sooner or later, you've just got to roll the dice, especially since you want him just comfortable enough to talk even if you're threatening him. On some level, this guy has to figure out he can trust us enough to admit, brag, what have you. And if we can't take this risk, well risking him gagged isn't a good option either. We'll just keep him unconscious, drag him back to the cops and find another lead."

Pressi sighed, feeling the weight on her shoulders. "Look, I get it. The guy's got a few flashy moves and a bit more savviness than I bargained for, but at the end of the day he's just a guy with a few spells who needs an army for the heavy lifting and who'd be a nothing if I chose waves of exhaustion as my opener and if Succotash and Nick stood another 30 feet back. And the first thing he'll learn about me is I don't make the same mistake twice.

"If he starts attacking or escaping, I'm not going to dispel magic. I'm going to make him wish he was never born, while the rest of this group turns him into a stain on the ground. Then I will reincarnate him and we will start again. And if he kills me with a stray blade of grass and three metamagic feats, then good for him but I really do want to start with Charm Person and having him tied and naked is already a tough place to start. Now, may I start interrogating Hannibal Lecter over here or do I need a glass box first?"

Pressi positions herself 60 feet away from the prisoner. Harper stands nearby, ready to strike.

As soon as Succotash revives Ironbane, Pressi casts quickened Ill Omen (3 rolls disadvantage) followed by a Heightened charm person (at L7)(Will DC 26). She keeps foresight locked and loaded if he does respond.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells d8=4 ; d8=8 ; d8=1 ; d8=5 ; d8=7 ;
Saturday November 6th, 2021 11:59:49 AM
"OK, OK, Ok, there will be no dismemberment Murph, I more than a little shocked that you even suggested such a thing. That said what we will do is this. I'm going to revive this Son of a Motherless Goat, than Pressi is going to cast whatever spells she feels will help loosen his tongue, than Pru, Tali, and Murphy will stand by with Dispel Magic prepared, and ready to counter any spell Ironbane may throw at us." Succotash stamps his foot as he speaks, showing his displeasure with the discussion going on. "Really, I can't believe I've been forced to take the reigns on this, and put my foot down! By the gods, we are the heroes here, let's have no more talk about questionable moral issues. I will have no more of that garbage! If after waking him up he does something stupid, Valerie and Hobie will pummel him to unconsciousness again, and than we will start over, that I how it will go down, am I making myself clear?!"

Succotash than casts Cure Critical Wounds healing 42 damage on Ironbane.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Saturday November 6th, 2021 5:23:35 PM
Oh IronBane, Again?!

Tali, thinks long and hard on this issue...readies a Dispel spell just in case.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1069minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1069 minutes
Message | Duration 169 minutes on self
Message | Duration 170 minutes on Succotash

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Saturday November 6th, 2021 8:19:55 PM
As posted before, Pressi casts her spells.

Harper readies her spell to be cast if Ironbane so much as takes a swing or casts a spell: Run really fast and try eating him.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Sunday November 7th, 2021 9:06:23 PM
"I mean, in support of Murphy, there's nothing stopping us from dismembering him and then using regenerate to put him back. Except that it's somehow different from smacking him with a sword a few times and then using cure critical to put him back.

"I'm just saying that post-magic ethical guidelines are weird. The human brain isn't really meant to handle the whole "arm loss isn't arm loss" thing. Maybe Ketia's the sane one after all."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Earth Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 232+9/196+9 d20+43=50 ; d20+32=50 ;
Monday November 8th, 2021 6:43:34 AM

"I'm glad you're riding your high horse, Succotash," replies Murphy. "I mean, velociraptor. We are using a variety of techniques to suppress Ironbane's ability to carry out his strong predilection toward wreaking havoc and causing pain. The inability to use hands to wield weapons or cast spells could cut down seriously on his ability to fulfill his wicked will upon us. Fewer options, slightly increased motivation to negotiate. But in view of your squeamishness at enhancing our odds and decreasing Ironbane's odds as his temper flares, I will withdraw the suggestion. You know, there have been good people who have cut off opposing generals' thumbs and great toes. If a warrior finds it harder to walk, or carry a sword, it lowers his effectiveness as a general, or a bully. And is certainly more merciful than simply executing him.

"And of course, good cleric, I carry a long history of evil deeds in my past, which surely a righteous fellow can enumerate, so what else can you expect from me? Or, er, wait. I can't remember that list.

"So upbraid me, certainly. But please cut down your level of puffiness at doing so."

And after going through that spiel, Murphy takes his serious face off, and allows a crooked grin to form.

"Had you going there, didn't I? I was not totally serious on that, friend. You'll notice I did not actually *start* cutting anything off.

"Anyway, I'm changing into a huge earth elemental just in case we need someone heavy to sit on him." He does so. Wild shape, that is. He prepares to sit on the tightly bound barbarian dwarf, or body slam him, or give him the earth elemental's elbow, should the need arise.

And... the CCW is cast by Succotash, despite Murphy's having recommended using his own wand of cure light wounds, which would have brought him up more gradually, without a huge boost in health. The now extra-large-sized Murphy shrugs his massive stony earthen shoulders, and looks down at Ironbane. He is prepared to cast dispel magic to counter the creep. Or body slam with 48,000 pounds available for that purpose. His eyes look like glowing sapphires.

If his friend's curing spell is not enough to awaken Ironbane, he will start casting CLW... but that is likely unnecessary.

Mentally, he says to Pressi, 'Thanks, babe!'
==============
Perception: 50 - see how Ironbane is doing
Sense motive: 50 - see what Ironbane may be planning or thinking

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Earth Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 232+9/196+9
Monday November 8th, 2021 6:53:47 AM
Oh, and I forgot to mention that when Pru enumerated her spell access even when inconvenienced, Murphy said, "That, Prudence, is an awesome list!"

Murphy's foresight is still active, along with nearly everything else, except haste. See Murphy post of November 2nd for list. So his early warning antenna is available.

DM Mitch d20+13=24 ;
Monday November 8th, 2021 7:59:52 AM
Hobie says he could cast anti-magic field after Ironbane wakes up.
Murphy asks Pru about her capabilities with bound hands and no components while contemplating what digits to lop off of Ironbane to use as bargaining chips.
Pru says she could cast 40 times choosing from any of her spells except timestop. She says she could dimension door away, turn her captor into a chicken or turn into an air elemental and just fly away.
Pressi is against the anti-magic field and the dismemberment ideas though she likes where Murphy�s head is at. She then tells Pru she too could turn the tide on an interrogator but sometimes you just have to roll the dice. She reassures the sorceress that while she may have misjudged the barbarian had Nikolai and Succotash been 40 feet back no one would have gotten a scratch and that if he escapes she�s not going to use dispel she is going to let the party turn him into a smear, reincarnate and try again. She then prepares her spell lineup while waiting for Hobie to revive the prisoner. Harper is also ready.
Succotash agrees with Pressi that their will be no dismemberment but his argument comes from a moral perspective not a practical one. He outlines that he will revive Ironbane, Pressi will cast her spells and they will interrogate him. If he tries to escape Hobie and Valerie will knock him out again but there will be no further talk of dismemberment. He reminds the others they are the heroes.
Tali readies her dispel just in case.
Pressi argues in support of her husband�s idea that if they regenerated the missing digits afterword it technically wouldn�t be dismemberment but then again maybe it would mess with his mind. She then wonders if maybe Ketia has it right.
Murphy continues the finger debate but agrees not to do it. He goes earth elemental

Ironbane wakes up and looks around sourly. He notes his bindings and the pile of burning dead dwarves. He grins viciously. �So not softies after all. Ye want somethin or I�d be dead already. So what is it?�

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Earth Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 232+9/196+9
Monday November 8th, 2021 8:17:38 AM

In a gravelly voice, Murphy replied, "Well, our good cleric here was trying to give you some useful information when you decided you should kill him. And did kill our friend who was not trying to kill you, but to keep you from trying to kill us. Your problem is, that friend has a wife. Big mistake on your part, bully boy. But I'll let my friends tell you the message. I'm just here to land on you if necessary. I was the little bird on our cleric's shoulder. I gained weight."

Murphy is ready to drop on him if given the slightest excuse. Hope he can read that motive.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Monday November 8th, 2021 9:44:03 AM
"Ironbane, I told you I was willing to pound the information out of you, if I had to, though I never said I would be doing the pounding all by my onesie. I would have preferred to avoid such unpleasantries, but well, there it is, and what's done is done. As I was trying to say before, a certain Flamescorn is going about murdering members of the cult, you belong to, and this same villain attacked us at our home. We of course wish to bring this miscreant to justice, and I can only assume you would prefer to remain alive. So you see, we have a similar goal, even if you didn't realize it.

Now we have learned that you may have information as to the identity and maybe even the where-a-bouts of this Flamescorn fellow. If this is true, telling us what you know is in your benefit as much as it is ours, and so I ask you to tell us what you know, so as to avoid anymore violence. I don't wish to sic my dinosaur friend on you, but I will if I must."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) d20+23=40 ;
Monday November 8th, 2021 1:18:34 PM
Pru is ready to counterspell. If Ironbane attempts to cast a spell, Pru's Spellcraft to identify the spell is 40.

If possible, she will counter with the same spell. For example, if he tries to cast another Disintigrate, Pru will counter it with a DIsintigrate of her own. If he tries to cast a spell not on Pru's spell list, then she will use Dispel Magic as a last resort.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+37=55 ; d3+26=27 ; d6=5 ;
Monday November 8th, 2021 2:03:41 PM
Kezzem readies his own version of counterspell, i.e., smacking his head with the hilt of his dagger.

OOC: Ready nonlethal dagger attack if Ironbane starts casting.

Attack Buffs: 3 (Divine Favor) + 3 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Greater Magic Weapon)) + 1 (Haste) = +9

Damage Buffs: 16 (Smite Evil) + 3 (Divine Favor) + 2 (Greater Magic Weapon = 21.

Cold Dagger Attack: 1d20 + 28 + 9 - 4 (Nonlethal) = 51.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 21 + 1d6 cold = 27 nonlethal + 5 cold = 32.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) d20+24=41 ;
Monday November 8th, 2021 8:34:43 PM

"Gentlemen, please," Pressi intoned to the group. "I'm sure that we've made our point, and that our guest won't be foolish enough to try violence again, having seen what we did to his crew and what we can do to him should he make us angry. And Ironbane, you should know that we are serious about trying to protect you from what you are... strategically positioning yourself from.

"But yes, we do also need you to help us with information... and if you can resurrect, we can discuss that at a later time. For now, we do need to know about Flamescorn, and about your own relationships to Anur, Shan... Ketia... In return, I'm sure we can come to some friendlier arrangement. If not, well I don't think I can hold the rest of them back."

(Diplomacy 41 - she's clearly doing good cop and I'm going to guess it's working. There's probably some extra flattery in there but also some firmness that this ends with the information.)

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+27=45 ;
Monday November 8th, 2021 9:58:08 PM
Oh IronBane, Again, Really?!

Tali, thinking about the many things IronBane could do, If IronBane attempts to cast a spell, Tali's Spellcraft to identify the spell is 45.

Tali is has a Dispel spell readied for use, just in case.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1068minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1068 minutes
Message | Duration 168 minutes on self
Message | Duration 169 minutes on Succotash

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 d20+27=45 ;
Monday November 8th, 2021 9:58:19 PM
Oh IronBane, Again, Really?!

Tali, thinking about the many things IronBane could do, If IronBane attempts to cast a spell, Tali's Spellcraft to identify the spell is 45.

Tali is has a Dispel spell readied for use, just in case.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1068minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1068 minutes
Message | Duration 168 minutes on self
Message | Duration 169 minutes on Succotash

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday November 8th, 2021 11:43:40 PM
OOC: Nikolai has no comment

DM Mitch d20+4=5 ; d20+4=16 ;
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 8:03:42 AM
Murphy as Earth Elemental Halfling (doesn�t have the same ring as Batman) attempts to do the whole gravelly voice thing (like some renditions of Batman) to let Ironbane know exactly where he stands and what will happen if he doesn�t cooperate.
Succotash takes a more diplomatic approach and explains about Flamescorn and that in that matter they have a common purpose. He asks for any and all information on flamescorn reminding the dwarf that Valerie is ready should her services be needed.
Pru readies to counterspell if Ironbane casts anything.
Kezzem readies to smack Ironbane upside the head with the flat of his dagger if the dwarf tries to cast anything.
Pressi takes the most diplomatic approach says she is sure they�ve made their point clear for Ironbane to not try anything and then asks him about Flamescorn Anur, Shaw, Ketia and if he has any ability to cast resurrection.
Tali readies her own dispel magic.
Nikolai�s spirit watches the proceedings impassively.

Ironbane looks increasingly annoyed as more and more people add their own two cents. With a sudden burst of energy he strains against the ropes but fails to burst them. �Oh shut up already! It�s enough to make me murder someone. Gab gab gab, I came out here to get away from moron�s pontification.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 10:04:09 AM
"Ironbane, I'm not sure why you are getting so upset, we are here speaking the only language you seem to understand, and that's violence. I'll be strait with, if you want to end up like the others, that's your affair, and I hope you have made your peace with Lord Gargul, but there are others who your information may be able to save, others who may not share your perchance for evil, and love of violence, and their lives matter to me. All life matters to me, which is why I loath taking it from someone, and seek alternatives when ever possible. So you see, even your worthless waste of a life is something I see as valuable, and I would rather preserve it, if at all possible.

Justice is also something I value, justice and honor, and my sense of justice and my honor, won't allow me to walk away from this whole affair. So please share what you know if anything, and I will stop talking, I really don't want to resort to more violence, but due to the pressing nature of our mission, I will if all other options fail."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Earth Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 232+9/196+9
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 10:19:20 AM

Murphy says, "Flamescorn. Who is he?"

CDM Jerry [OOC post]
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 12:32:56 PM
Kim, send you an email 2 days ago sir. ;)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 4:42:10 PM

Pressi's feelings briefly flashed at Ironbane's anger, a shot of white hot rage through her attempted friendly demeanor.

And in an instance, it was gone, trapped behind an increasingly twisted smile. A Cheshire cat, who just saw a mouse leave himself wide open. Who finally gets to tap into the darkness.

�You know what I just realized you need to cooperate? Kindness, and getting to know us, and anyone with entangle add some more bindings to him, please. You know, until he decides to start answering questions.

�It�s just like I was telling my husband, right over here. Honey, why don�t you tell the chronological story of how we met? The five hour version.

�Oh, goodness where are my manners. Prudence should tell the story of her and her husband, and don�t spare the details. Kezzem, you get to decide the topic, just take your time�. What else, what else, what else, wow we could talk for days�. Tali, wanna do our book club with Ironbane? It�s Toni Morrison�s Beloved and how it changed our lives, I believe.

�Or you can tell us what we want to know now, and we�ll shut up. Whatever you desire.�

Same intimidation rolls.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 4:59:08 PM
Pru only smiles at Ironbane's impatience. "Say the word and I'll put you back in that maze," she says.

She is still ready to counterspell.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 7:46:38 PM
IronBane, the Non-Pontificator!

Tali continues to hold her Dispel spell readied for use, just in case.

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1067minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1067 minutes
Message | Duration 167 minutes on self
Message | Duration 168 minutes on Succotash

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 8:18:55 PM
OOC re my 3 posts. Delete when you delete the other two.

Post 1 is my original move, where Pressi begins trying to intimidate him while probing for weaknesses. I don't know if I can take it back but I don't think it reflects her character or the more heroic attitudes of the group, so I had second thoughts. (I do like how deeply she goes into this toolbox. There aren't a lot of NPCs out there that need to be broken or finessed.)

Post 2 is my "more in character move" where Pressi threatens to talk his ear off. Like, I don't know if everyone in the group telling stories until Ironbane has a stroke will get him to talk, but I feel like it's more funny and in character to try. Post 3 is an unfortunate copy that should be removed.

Whether post 1 or post 2 is removed is partly a DM ruling (can I take post 1 back) and partly up to the group. If nobody else joins in talking his ear off, I guess I'll stick with post 1 and can the DM delete post 2.

Sorry about the confusion.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 9:17:47 PM
Succotash catches Pressi's drift, and starts in by saying, "Hey Murphy, did I ever tell you the story, about the time I helped save a village from a hill giant attack?" He than goes on to tell a story that takes at least 10 min to tell. Of course if Ironbane starts talking, he will shut up and listen.

(I vote for Pressi's second post)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday November 9th, 2021 10:07:25 PM
OOC: Nikolai's usually calm wisdom floats into Pru's consciousness for a flirting second. [i]'As long as he knows he has the upper hand, and he Does have it, he won't budge. Don't just let him know WHAT you can do to his carcass. DO IT! It's the only thing that he will understand. That might wake him up.'[i]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+7=20 ;
Wednesday November 10th, 2021 12:05:53 AM
"Oh, I know just the story!" says Kezzem. "Did I ever tell you the one about Brock and Markie? No? Well, you are in for a treat. It start's like this:

"Hey Brock! Markie!. Where are you two? I've got those twenty bushels of apples you wanted for your cider. The purple-eyed, halfling lass called out as she made her way to the door of the Brock's Pub. She noticed that the beer mug sign hanging over the door was at a tilt...."

Performance (Oratory): 1d20 + 7 = 20.

DM Mitch
Wednesday November 10th, 2021 8:06:21 AM
Succotash attempts to persuade Ironbane to talk by mentioning his own reverence for life and justice. While he wants to spare even Ironbane�s life but even the cleric�s patience can wear thin given the nature of their quest.
Earth Elemental Halfling aka Murphy asks in his gravelly voice who Flamescorn is.
Pressi decides that it takes kindness to get cooperation. She asks Murphy who can be very long winded to tell the 5 hour version of how they met, however she actually thinks Prudence should go first to talk about her and Nikolai, then Murphy, then Kezzem on a topic of Kezzem�s choice. She even suggests that Tali do a book club with Ironbane and that they could all take for days. This is quite intimidating with Harper even adding to the discussion.
Pru threatens to send Ironbane back to the maze while holding her countrspell
Tali also holds her counterspell.
Succotash gets on board with Pressi�s idea and starts telling the story of the time he saved a village from hill giants.
Nikolai�s spirit sends his wisdom to his wife�s consciousness suggesting that as long as Ironbane thinks he has the upperhand he won�t cooperate so rather than threaten to send him to the maze she should just actually do so.
Kezzem starts telling the tale of Brock, Markie and the bloodwitch that abducted Brock

Ironbane looks somewhere between bored and annoyed at everyone�s threats or monologues about justice, but Murphy gets it and Ironbane focuses on him and his short, blunt question. �Fire giant. My kind of man. Betrayed his own kind to serve Scald when the place he�s from swears itself to Fhorge. Helped him skin some of his distant relatives once.� He nods towards his armor, which closer inspection proves to made of the literal skin of a fire giant, somehow gruesomely preserved and turned into magic armor.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Wednesday November 10th, 2021 9:54:00 AM
Succotash thinks to himself. "He seems rather fond of someone who may be out to kill him." but he says, to no one in particular, "When we saw Flamescorn, he didn't appear to be a giant, so that would imply that he uses polymorph spells to change his appearance." He than asks, "Ironbane, why would Flamescorn be seeking revenge, by killing his cult mates, and why would he attack our home?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday November 10th, 2021 1:42:44 PM

"I don't think Flamescorn's the one doing the killing," Pressi replied to Succotash. "A henchman, perhaps? Another follower? If you're going to take over the world, you need some alchemists.

"Similarly if you're going to make armor out of skin. I've only seen people do something like that out of dragon scales... and with the guy that built the Juggernaut."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Wednesday November 10th, 2021 3:42:50 PM
Hobie is disgusted by the fire giant skin armour. When pressi compares it to dragon scales though, his mind begins to contemplate the differences between the two.

He taps his dragonskin boots with his bow, and appears disturbed

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Wednesday November 10th, 2021 5:50:09 PM
Succotash is doing fine and doesn't need Pru shoving her oar in. She continues to be ready to counterspell.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday November 10th, 2021 10:38:39 PM
Kezzem is lost in telling his story.

"Well excuse me for not wanting to get stung by dog-mouth-bees," says Franco. "And if we form an adventure party, can we not be like Humble Sword? Those guys are a bunch of weirdos: you've got a halfling with a talking bird that turns into cats and octopi and probably other things too, a druid that talks on and on and on, that creepy witch lady who had a fight with one of her teammates and turned them permanently into an air elemental, a crazy rogue that died and became a crazy paladin (don't get me started on him, though he does always have tasty mushrooms at least), the mayor's black sheep nephew, a cleric who has a pig that turned into a dinosaur, and a sorceress that floats everywhere because apparently she doesn't have any feet! I mean, what an eclectic bunch, plus they don't even have a werebunny!"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Wednesday November 10th, 2021 10:43:42 PM
Flamescorn is a Fire Giant!

Tali continues to hold her Dispel spell readied for use. Thinking to herself, " If we continue to bore him, perhaps we'll learn all that we need to know!"

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 1066minutes
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 1066 minutes
Message | Duration 166 minutes on self
Message | Duration 166 minutes on Succotash

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Earth Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 232+9/196+9
Thursday November 11th, 2021 2:43:38 AM

"Someone acquainted with the followers of Skald thinks your life is under threat. By another than us," rocky-throated Murphy says.

DM Mitch d20+7=10 ; d20+7=22 ;
Thursday November 11th, 2021 6:54:51 AM
Succotash points out that when they saw Flamescorn that he did not appear as a giant and that he must use spells to change his appearance. He asks why Flamescorn would be seeking revenge on his cult mates and why would he attack their home.
Pressi argues that Flamescorn is the lackey of someone else. She also points out she�s only seen skin armor done with dragon hide
Hobie is appalled by the idea of fire giant skin armor but then he starts contemplating the difference between that and dragon hide like that which his boots are made out of.
Pru remains silent and prepares to counterspell if need be
Kezzem is lost in his tale this time talking about the werebunny and its reverence for a prior incarnation of Humble�s Sword.
Tali continues to hold her spell hoping that if they keep boring him he�ll answer all their questions.
Murphy says that someone acquainted with the followers of Skald thinks Ironbane�s life is under threat by someone other than them.

Flamescorn continues to respond to the party members keeping their questions short and to the point but he starts to get a twitch eye as Kezzem drones on in the background. �Anur sold him out. He lost everything, even his name. Maybe he wants revenge on the whole cult. Maybe he�s just-� he suddenly stops, flying in to a rage and straining against his ropes to try to get to Kezzem and shut him up. He again fails to burst them.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Thursday November 11th, 2021 10:41:19 AM
"Thanks for the story Kezzem, but I feel our "friend" here prefers the direct approach, and instead of enjoying a fine story, he would rather just have us get to the point. I fear your story is only upsetting him, which seems to put a clamp on his tongue."

Back to Ironbane he asks, "It seems odd to me that someone would blame the whole cult, for the dealings of one member, and that doesn't explain why he attacked our home. I guess I'll never understand the mind of some people. Anyway, do you have any idea as to where we can find Flamescorn?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday November 11th, 2021 11:00:24 AM
"There's not accounting for taste," laments Kezzem. "He probably doesn't like mushrooms either."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Earth Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 232+9/196+9
Thursday November 11th, 2021 2:48:15 PM

"Anur came against our town with the ancient construct called the Iron Giant. We could have killed him, his family, and the entire crew of that 250' tall war machine," Murphy says after Ironbane's struggles die down. "We let them go with oaths they would never come against us again. Since we set Anur free, maybe that is why Flamescorn chose to attack us."

"Now, you were about to say?"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Thursday November 11th, 2021 5:07:16 PM
"He might not be able to answer until he calms down a bit," Pru warns. She is still ready to counterspell.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Thursday November 11th, 2021 8:39:13 PM
Flamescorn is a Fire Giant!

Tali continues to hold her Dispel spell readied for use. Thinking to herself, "Boy, our group sometimes really doesn't catch on. It's so easy to stay silent most of the time. Direct and to the point, that's how this dwarf likes it....we could have left and been on our way by now! Seeshz!!!"[/u]

[b]Spells in Effect
Overland Flight ( fly at a speed of 40 feet) | Duration 17.75 Hours
Mage Armor (+4 to AC) | Duration 17.75 Hours
Message | Duration 2.75 hours on self
Message | Duration 2.75 hours on Succotash

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Thursday November 11th, 2021 8:39:45 PM
{OOC: Could someone post for me tomorrow...visiting my parents}

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) d20+25=40 ;
Thursday November 11th, 2021 9:02:12 PM

Pressi is conflicted, because she still wants to be proven right in the idea that torture spells or long winded stories would be so much more satisfying. Not necessarily more efficient, just more satisfying.

Not wanting to step on any of the current questioner's toes, and not really wanting to admit that the group took away the one thing she's supposed to be built around, Pressi began to move away from the group, lost in thought.

More out of paranoia and boredom than anything else, she began to look around the campsite again in case anyone else came to visit (Perception 40, detect magic).

DM Mitch
Friday November 12th, 2021 8:37:00 AM
Succotash tells Kezzem that his story is upsetting Ironbane. He then asks the Dwarf where they can find Flamescorn.
Kezzem says there is no accounting for taste and theorizes that Ironbane doesn�t like mushrooms either
Murphy points out that Anur came against them with the Iron Giant and they could have killed him, his family and the crew but they let them go with oaths they�d never attack them again. He supposes that since they set Anur free Flamescorn decided to go against them. He asks Ironbane what he was about to say.
Pru points out they might not get much from him until he calms down a bit. She is still ready with the counterspell.
Tali also holds her counterspell. She thinks about how the group doesn�t catch on sometimes and how Ironbane likes things direct and to the point.
Pressi is conflicted because she wanted to be proven right about torture or long winded stories being satisfying but since she doesn�t want to step on the toes of the questioners she moves away from the group. She looks around the campsite in case anyone else is out there.

It takes Ironbane a minute to calm down. As he does something seems to strike him as funny because he starts chuckling. It�s a grim, evil sounding thing. �I have no idea what his plans are. To find out you�ll probably have to find his old home where he planned and prepared things. In giant country. Ooh they�ll carve you up good.�

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Earth Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 232+9/196+9
Friday November 12th, 2021 9:52:16 AM

Murphy chuckles back in a rough voice. "Well, we've already killed a thousand giants in about 15 minutes, so we might see who does the carving."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Friday November 12th, 2021 9:58:43 AM

Tali speaks up. "Giants are all over the Scab. Where's a good place for us to start looking?"

There, that was concise she thought to herself.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Friday November 12th, 2021 1:46:41 PM
"Hey, don't underestimate us do to our size!" says Kezzem. "My daggers may be small, especially compared to a fire giant's greatsword, but if I recall, they stabbed you and your friends really good just the same."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Friday November 12th, 2021 7:16:36 PM
"Not the time for boasting," Pru warns her companions.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday November 12th, 2021 8:11:30 PM

"It is not," Pressi agreed with Prudence. "The last time we fought a bunch of giants on their turf was a while ago and we did not fare well. I have no doubt we can do a better job this time, but it's not something to take for granted.

"I am curious as to your cavalier attitude, Mr. Bane. How do you know this Flamescorn won't come looking for you, even if you just give us hints and clues?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday November 14th, 2021 7:08:12 PM
OOC: Frost Giants now Fire Giants! From the freezing temperatures on the Mountain to the hot sweaty of a volcano? Bummer.

DM Mitch
Monday November 15th, 2021 6:59:02 AM
Murphy boasts that they have carved up a thousand giants in 15 minutes.
Tali asks where they might start looking.
Kezzem reminds Ironbane it isn�t the size of the dagger doing the stabbing�
Pru tells Kezzem and Murphy that now is not the time for boasting.
Pressi agrees with Pru that it is best not to take a sortie against Giants on their own land for granted. She further asks Ironbane why Flamescorn won�t come looking for him.
Nikolai�s Spirit reflects on the fact that their previous mission was on a frozen mountain home to some frost giants and now they are getting ready to set off for a volcano with fire giants.

�Oh not like these giants. They have a whole city hidden in a pocket reality. In it they�re empowered by their god and some strange magics. They�ll skin ya good and I only regret I won�t be there to see it. Keep telling yourself it�ll all be fine though.� He continues to chuckle and, on request, will happily tell all he knows on the location and way to access the giant city where he�s convinced you�ll all die horribly.

Pressi�s question doesn�t phase him much either. �If I worried about everyone who wanted me dead I�d have no time for anything else.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Monday November 15th, 2021 10:08:14 AM
"Thank-you Ironbane, you have been most helpful. You could have saved us a lot of trouble, as well as the lives of your followers, by telling us that right away, but what's done is done."

Turning to his friends he says, "Since we now have a location, what are we going to do with Ironbane? I need a night's rest to prepare a resurrection spell, so as to facilitate our meeting with Lord Gargul, but in the meantime, we need to deal with our prisoner. Should we take him back to that nice dwarven detective? I'm sure she would like to hear our findings."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday November 15th, 2021 1:24:34 PM

"That's my feelings. Let's not forget I can call my coven and have them pick this guy up so we don't have to make the journey."

(OOC to newbies: Part of having a coven surrounding a witch-based justicar is to handwave decisions like this.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Monday November 15th, 2021 2:19:31 PM
Kezzem looks at his pocket. "Wait, how do the giants fit in there?" he wonders. "They must be really small giants," he concludes. "I'll just step on them then."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Monday November 15th, 2021 4:21:38 PM

"You seem to be a terrible person, Ironbane. Have you ever thought of being kind?" Tali asks their captive.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday November 15th, 2021 8:48:25 PM

Pressi smirked at Ironbane's answer to her question. "That's the first thing you said all day that makes sense." (She isn't sure how he'll respond to Tali's question but she's pretty sure it'll merit a high five... in her eyes anyway.)

"Anyway, we need to discuss logistics and we need to discuss tactics. Not really sure how entering a pocket universe works... Ironbane, can you point us to a place where we can hide in relative peace? Give us an idea regarding their outer security?

"Another benefit of having coven members move Ironbane is that we won't have to travel ourselves. We can just stick around and plan and resurrect, assuming we don't need to restock. Then have my coven member meet up with Ketia to discuss. I'm assuming there's no strange environmental aspects, but there's probably some tight security. As always, remember: range, magic, tight spaces, and assume these guys aren't just brutes. We'll probably want to use stealth to avoid fights, and learn as much as we can before we even go in."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Monday November 15th, 2021 10:41:45 PM
"I can create a safe place for us to rest," Pru says. "Just let me know when you're ready."

DM Mitch
Tuesday November 16th, 2021 9:00:15 AM
Succotash thanks Ironbane for his answer and points out a lot of trouble and the lives of Ironbane�s followers could have been spared if he had just said so in the beginning. He then asks the others what they should do with Ironbane; he suggests they take him back to the detective.
Pressi agrees with Succotash�s idea and suggests her coven could pack him up for easy travelling.
Kezzem looks at his pocket and tries to figure out how giants would fit in such a space. He concludes that they must be small giants and he can just step on them.
Tali tells Ironbane he�s terrible and asks if he�s ever thought of being kind.
Pressi smirks at the answer to her question and suggest the party needs to discuss logistics and tactics regarding their next destination. She asks Ironbane if he knows of any place they can hide in relative peace and if he has any idea of the other security. She also points out by having her coven transport the prisoner they can stay where they are and resurrect Nikolai as long as they don�t have to restock. She starts speculating about what they might find and advocates using stealth and avoiding fights where they can.
Pru volunteers she can make a safe place to rest whenever the party is ready.

Ironbane smirks at Tali, �Oh Aye Lass I can be real kind. I take it you won�t be giving me my armor back? Well then as a kindness I suggest you keep it and take it with you to that pocket realm the giant�s call home. See if you can return the skin to the family of the giants I took it from. Though if they catch you travelling with that armor in their city their reaction might cause you to rethink your definitions of people who are terrible and lack kindness, but what do I know?�

Ironbane laughs at Pressi�s speculation and says, �No strange environmental aspects you surmise? What if I told you the city in their pocket realm is built on an active volcano? We are talking canals of molten lava actually inside the city and thick blanketing smoke outside its walls making approaches from the air hazardous with low visibility�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Tuesday November 16th, 2021 11:15:14 AM
"Ironbane, you wouldn't happen to know where we can find a key to this pocket dimension would you, I can Phase Shift us there, but I need a key attuned to the plane. I will personally take you up on your offer, of returning the giant skin armor. If we find a giant with a semi-reasonable personality, I will hand it over to them for safe keeping, and they can do with it what they will." Succotash than puts the armor in his handy haversack for safe keeping.

To his friends he says, "I will need a night's rest to prepare Plane Shift, or access to the catacombs, to buy enough scrolls. Does anyone else know the spell? If I have to transport everyone, I will need to make two round trips there, and two round trips back, to haul everyone. I'm OK doing that, but unless I have scrolls, we will have to spend the night there, unless of course, someone is able to assist me in the transportation logistics. So we need to decide where we are going to spend the night. I suggest we head back to the dwarven town and deliver Ironbane in person. That way we can make a quick trip to the catacombs to buy enough Plane Shift scrolls, and than in the morning I'll prepare Resurrection, and we will go see what kind of mood Lord Gargul is in."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Tuesday November 16th, 2021 6:15:41 PM
"Everyone check your pockets and see if there are fire giants hiding in them!" suggests Kezzem.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday November 16th, 2021 7:44:43 PM
ooc: Nikolai's consciousness prod's Pru's, 'Taking that armor back to the Fire Giants? Baaaaaaad idea! Very bad. Like the Fire Giants will really appreciate the gesture? Not bloody likely!'

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday November 16th, 2021 8:53:15 PM

Pressi sighs at Ironbane's comments. "Of course fire giants have to make things so difficult. Let me guess, get through all that and we still have to storm the castle, get past the military regiments and... I'm guessing another group of beings that would rather fight than talk. I'd still prefer stealth to fighting, and Pru I'm beginning to think you might have to watch that spell count after all.

"So lets see, Mass Planar Adapt, some stone shaping, control weather, lots of divinations and disguises, lots of run and gun attacks and reflex attacks. Don't overdo it on cold, they probably have protections against that."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Tuesday November 16th, 2021 10:00:35 PM
"I'm not sure returning that armor is the best idea," Pru says. "The giants may not take it in the spirit you intend."

"If you need to deliver Ironbane, we should do that," she continues, "but I can make us a safe place to rest anywhere. Here, if we want."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Tuesday November 16th, 2021 11:20:44 PM
"I understand what your saying Pru, but I've learned that not all "evil" beings are evil, and not all "good" beings are good. If we run into some non-evil giants, I will give the armor to them, after explaining where we got it. Otherwise we will dispose of it appropriately."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 12:38:36 AM

"Perhaps a proper burial would be a better idea," Tali says. "I'm talking about the armor, which used to be part of a person."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Earth Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 232+9/196+9
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 2:13:25 AM

"How about this? I'll plant an oak over yonder," Murphy speaks in his customary earth elemental gravelly voice, but in halfling tongue, and he points back where they came from, away from the geyser area, "And go home, then bring my cohort back here, and a handful of members of your coven. We together figure out what to do with the big guy."

Murphy telepaths to Press, 'I wonder why he hasn't just reduced himself back to dwarf size, which would allow him to get not wholly untied, but slightly less bound by the ropes. Of course, I still have the rope end I've been hanging on to, which could pull tight parts of it. Not sure the shackles would still be holding him, though.' He smiles at her and shrugs his shoulders. Aloud he adds, still looking at his wife, "Of course, you all are well prepared should he try something like that."

"So, what do you want us to do with you, Ironbane? Help set up a coffee shop somewhere?"

DM Mitch d20=9 ; d20=14 ;
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 8:02:42 AM
Succotash asks Ironbane where he can find the key to the pocket dimension. He also says he will take the dwarf up on the offer to return the armor. He explains to his friends that he needs a night to prepare planar shift or possibly to hit up the catacombs and buy some scrolls to be able to transport everyone but he could also prepare resurrection in the morning to bring Nikolai back.
Kezzem suggests they check their pockets to make sure they don�t have fire giants in them.
Nikolai�s spirit thinks taking the fire giant armor with them to the pocket realm is a bad idea.
Pressi remarks that of course the fire giants would make it difficult. She then shifts her assumptions to thick walls, military regiments and other hostile forces stand ready as obstacles before ticking off a list of spells she�ll need plus tactics that might work such as disguises and hit and run tactics.
Pru agrees with Nikolai�s spirit that taking the armor with them is a bad idea and reminds the party she can create a safe space.
[b]Murphy[/] suggests planting a tree, bringing the coven back and then figuring out what to do with Ironbane.

Ironbane has no key or easy way into the reality. He told of a cave where you could open the gate by performing certain actions that the party will have to go to. He's never even been there, he just knows what Flamescorn told him. No spells or scrolls of plane-shift will be needed, though that spell might let them avoid any guards on the other side.

As the party debates what to do with the armor, and with ironbane himself, he tests his restraints again and grimaces when he fails to break them. He�s normal dwarf size, as even if the party didn�t dispel him the size increase came from his armor and went away when they took it away from him.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 10:41:20 AM
If Succotash wants to head to the Catacombs, Hobie will go with him to get some scrolls that might be handy against Fire Giants.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 10:42:57 AM
If Succotash wants to head to the Catacombs, Hobie will go with him to get some scrolls that might be handy against Fire Giants.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 11:59:22 AM
"Without the key, we'll have to use the front door, I guess. So unless Hobie needs to gain some scrolls, I like Murph's idea of getting the back-up to deal with Ironbane, and Pru's idea of taking shelter, well, wherever she wants, I guess. Maybe we want to travel closer to this cave Ironbane mentioned, and make camp there?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 12:35:30 PM
"Oh, I get it now!" says Kezzem. "The cave is like pocket of the mountain. That make more sense then the giants shrinking themselves so they fit into our pockets. It's just one of those meaty-fours. I'm smart!"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 6:52:43 PM
"I'm very sorry," Pru says to Murphy, "but I don't speak whatever language that is. It's halfling, right? It's very pretty, but I don't understand you."

To Succotash, she says, "I suppose that depends on how long it takes us to deal with Ironbane."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling/Huge Earth Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 232+9/196+9
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 8:17:14 PM

"Oh, of course. We're halflings. Uh, what languages do you speak?" he asks of Prudence. "But, so that you know, I'm talking about going home for a short time and returning with friends to help us."

Meanwhile, what with all of Ironbane's struggles, Murphy decides it is time to re-secure the bindings. "Hobie, you're good with rope, no? Check this out with me."

Then he addresses Ironbane again. "You have a strong will, dwarf. We have strong rope. I tried to make it not terribly uncomfortable. I'll revise that decision, just slightly. If you stay nice and calm, and don't try to break out, maybe I'll ease off later."

He draws the ropes so that his ankles and head are pulled closer to each other behind him [he had set up this mechanism at the initial time of tying]. And already they are looped about the throat, but now with no slack. "You hold that position steadily, and the pressure on your neck will not increase beyond the present, slightly raised discomfort. You resist, and you choke yourself." If he now struggles as before, he may pass out for lack of oxygen.
====
From Nov 4th post:

The druid takes out silk rope and wraps it in and out and around his fingers, to prevent any manipulation of his digits for purposes of spell casting. He then takes additional silk rope, and hobbles him, wrapping the strong line around his knees, then around his ankles, so as to preclude him from standing easily. Then he gets some of his friends to help pull the feet up towards his back. And ties rope about his neck, which he then fastens to his ankles, pulling them semi taut. Not enough to choke him as he lies unconscious, but enough so that, should he try to straighten his legs, it will cut off air to his lungs until he returns his feet again closer to his back. He also links the hands and the ankles through bundled lengths of rope. He leaves a few rope leads that can be pulled upon, to tighten the arrangement at one point or another. Hogtied.
...
Survival - rope use: 45 (nat 20). Murphy's knots are appropriate, and each line and knot does its job.

Comment: Each rope lead that needs pulling 'to tighten the arrangement at one point or another' is appropriately pulled at this time. I am thinking a downward adjustment in Ironbane's ability to break free of his bonds may be appropriate now following the snugging up. Even if he were able to break one section, there are five sections for him to deal with.
========
Note: There are a few more things I'd like for Murphy to discuss with the others, but have to head out the door for a while.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 9:35:19 PM

Pressi nods as Murphy hints that they might need to retighten his bindings, even as Kezzem continues to babble nonsense.

"Oh, Kezzem, have you truly not learned this? If you want attention, you don't keep asking for it over and over."

Pressi, having transformed into a medium sized black dragon, sits on Ironbane's chest until Murphy is done retying the bindings. "You simply take it," she whispers.

After Murphy finished, Pressi took some time to dust off but stayed in dragon form. "I guess camp depends on who wants to carry Nick's body... and on how we plan on updating Ketia."

Pressi does take some time to communicate to her coven, and pass along any plans. The idea seems to be that only a couple of others will take Ironbane back and take the time to restock, while Pru sets up camp for the rest.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday November 17th, 2021 11:24:46 PM
OOC: if halflings are halfway decent with slings, then Sling Stones of Giant Slaying would come in real handy. Or Arrows of Giant Slaying.... just saying.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Thursday November 18th, 2021 1:45:47 AM

"How about you stay here, Rocky?" she says to Murphy. "I can teleport over to talk with your - cohort, right? And the other associates mentioned." He says to Pressi, "Just tell me whom to ask, or write me a note, and I can then bring the ones you want back here." She knows the 'cohort' Murphy mentioned is Kendry, who is overseeing the growing number of Murphy's followers.

[Please delete post immediately above this one - it has the wrong header. Thanks!]

DM Mitch
Thursday November 18th, 2021 7:37:31 AM
Hobie is willing to go with Succotash to the catacombs.
Succotash points out that without the key they�ll have to use the front door so he doesn�t necessarily need to head to the catacombs unless Hobie really needs the scrolls. Otherwise he�s fine with Murphy�s plan of getting some backup and Pru�s plan to rest. He asks if they want to travel closer to the cave before setting up camp.
Kezzem says he gets that the cave is a pocket of the mountain and he�s smart because it is a meaty-four.
Pru points out the language barriers that exist between her and the halflings. She then tells Succotash that moving camp depends on how long it takes to deal with Ironbane.
Murphy adjusts the ropes binding Ironbane after explaining to Pru what he just said and asking what languages she speaks.

Pressi turns into a dragon, helps Murphy with the bindings and tells Kezzem that if he wants attention he should take it. She then suggests that the camp idea depends on how they are transporting Nikolai�s body and how they plan to update Ketia of their plans.
Nikolai�s Spirit reflects on how halflings might be good with sling stones of giant slaying or arrows as the case may be
Tali tells Murphy to stay put and that she can teleport back to the stronghold and act as messenger to whomever then come back with whoever the party needs as well.

The ropes seem to still be plenty tight and Ironbane hasn�t been able to loosen them. He�s just hoping to make the DC 20 STR check to burst silk ropes and free himself that way. He tries to bite as the ropes are checked

If anyone is going to the catacombs they�ll have to go to someplace where they are accessible. Typically there aren�t entrances to the Catacombs in the wilderness but the Caverns of Glimstone do have an entrance.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells d20+24=30 ; d20+24=40 ; d20+24=31 ; d20+24=34 ; d20+24=30 ; 2d6+15=19 ; 2d6+15=21 ; 2d6+15=25 ; d8+15=17 ; d4+15=18 ; d4+15=19 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ;
Thursday November 18th, 2021 11:41:04 AM
***Attention amazing DMs! I know your probably aware of this and taking it into account, but just as a reminder, besides Murphy's ropes, Hobie also posted that he placed his masterwork manacles on Ironbane. If Ironbane manages to break through the ropes, he will still have to deal with those, and his hands are behind his back.***

"Ironbane, if you keep straining on your bonds, I'm going to be forced to have Valerie knock you out again. If that is your desire, keep going as you are, but you can save yourself a lot of pain by complying."

If Ironbane continues to struggle, Valerie, on Succotash's command, will make a full, round attack on Ironbane.

Left talon hits AC 30 for 19 non-lethal plus 4 shock and 1 frost
Right talon hits AC 40 for 21 non-lethal plus 6 shock and 3 frost
Bite hits AC 31 for 17 non-lethal plus 3 shock and 4 frost
Left claw hits AC 34 for 18 non-lethal plus 3 shock and 5 frost
Right claw hits AC 30 for 19 non-lethal plus 3 shock and 5 frost

To his friends he asks, [b]"So what is our consensus? Valerie is plenty strong enough to carry our fallen friend, if we drape him over the saddle. I know it's not the most dignified means, but it is practical. Than again if we teleport, all we need to do is be touching him to bring him along.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Thursday November 18th, 2021 1:34:20 PM
"I only speak Common and Dwarf, I'm afraid," Pru says. She smiles. "I'm not as smart as Kezzem, you see."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday November 18th, 2021 3:50:49 PM
"Well, only one of us can say for sure there aren't miniature fire giants hiding in their pockets," says Kezzem to Pressi. "Too bad there aren't any though. I could ask people to guess what in my pocketses and they would never get it right!"

"You should get one of these magic headbands," suggest Kezzem to Prodence. "It helps me think good and do other things good too."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday November 18th, 2021 8:40:15 PM

"I think teleporting is the best way to go. We've dragged this out enough and we probably can't leave before the morning anyway. You guys can go to the catacombs as well but I'm pretty overextended, and don't have much I want to restock on."

While waiting, Pressi decides she wants to begin a divination. In about 10 minutes, she'll begin to ask her question.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday November 18th, 2021 11:50:07 PM
OOC: I hope it doesn't take to after Thanksgiving to decide where to go and how.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Friday November 19th, 2021 8:55:14 AM

"So, Pressi, were you going to give me a message to pass on? Can you tell me who to fetch?" Tali asks a bit impatiently. She can't read her friend's mind to know she may already have communicated with her coven. As soon as she knows who it is she needs to retrieve from the Sanctuary and environs, she teleports away on her retrieval mission.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 d20+25=33 ;
Friday November 19th, 2021 9:05:00 AM

Murphy relaxes the one rope line on their prisoner if Valerie beats him into unconsciousness, so that he does not choke.

He mentally communicates with Pressi to get the list of names for Tali, comes out of wild shape, gets out paper and pen, and writes down the names for her. "Here you go, Tali."

"With some help we can saddle him up and tie him down." Murphy works on this, hopefully with help from Succotash and another.
===============
Survival, rope use to properly tie Ironbane to Valerie: 33

[I've gotta adjust the stats above now that he has reverted to halfling from earth elemental, but have to rush away now. Will fix later.]

DM Mitch
Friday November 19th, 2021 9:06:34 AM
Succotash threatens Ironbane with knocking the Dwarf out with Valerie if he keeps straining against his bonds. He then asks what the consensus is about teleporting or moving in a less magical manner suggesting Valerie could carry Nikolai�s body.
Pru explains she only speaks Command and Dwarf not being as smart as Kezzem.
Kezzem says only one of them can be assured there aren�t miniature fire giants hiding in their pockets but if he did have them he figures he could win riddle contests guaranteed by asking what was in his pocket. He suggests Pru get a magic headband to become smarter.
Pressi suggests teleporting is the way to go but suggests they can�t leave till morning anyway. She prepares and casts a divination spell.
Nikolai�s spirit is getting antsy

Regardless of how it happens the party drops off Ironbane at Glimmerstone, gets to the Catacombs, and ends up at home to rest and prepare a resurrection spell. Ketia is told of events and says she�ll meet up with the party the next day.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Friday November 19th, 2021 10:39:22 AM
In the morning, after his customary hour of prayer, and spell prep, Succotash gathers his friends around Nikolai's body and than casts resurrection on his fallen ally.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Friday November 19th, 2021 3:23:56 PM
[OOC: I assume "home" means Humble's Ford. Pru has never been there.]

Pru is enchanted with the halfling town, but tells her companions not to bother finding her a place to stay.

"You can join me, if you like," she says, and casts Mage's Magnificent Mansion. Any of her companions who want to come inside, can.

But despite the name of the spell, Pru doesn't have much experience with mansions. Or with magnificence. Her version is more like "Mage's Really Big Farmhouse." It isn't magnificent, but it is clean and homey. Anybody who wants can spend the night there, though most people will probably prefer their own beds.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Friday November 19th, 2021 3:34:18 PM
"Well Pru we could stay in your cool magic home, or we could stay at our Sanctuary, and by we, I mean you as well. Sanctuary is what we call our home. It is a walled compound built for comfort and safety. We built it to be able to accommodate everyone from fellow halflings to traveling taurs. We would be happy to give you and Nikolai your own private room or rooms if you so need, assuming you plan on remaining on as a permanent part of our crew. Though that magic home would be awesome on the road!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Friday November 19th, 2021 4:23:33 PM
"Hey Succotash, can I borrow about 14,000 gp to get some new daggers? If you don't have that much, I can get by with just one dagger for 6000 gp. I'll let you hold one of throwing daggers as collateral. Might serve you better than that mace if you find yourself in melee. Let me know if you want to borrow flamy or icy. Probably icy would be better against fire giants, though if you think you're not going to use, you can leave that one with me so I have a better ranged option. Of course, if you only have enough to lend me for one dagger, then I'd better keep icy as the other one.

(+1 flaming returning dagger or +1 frost returning dagger)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Friday November 19th, 2021 4:39:59 PM
"Keep your daggers Kezzem, Valerie is my melee weapon. Here's the 14,000 gp, some giant bane daggers would be a lot of help in our next encounter, and I know you'll repay me once we this is over."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Sunday November 21st, 2021 12:50:20 PM

Before we leave the area of geysers, Murphy recommends we take the remains of the dwarfs to Glimstone for burial. He can put most of them in his portable hole, wrapped in canvas.

In their stone fortress at the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword' are some available rooms of a size suitable to humans. There also is another building with room for guests of various sizes, nicely appointed. If Prudence does build her version of a mansion there, Murphy points out several open spots suitable to the purpose.

Murphy brings up to date his brother and cohort, Kendry, as well as former Humble's Sword members Hazel and Alouryn, trusted caretakers of the Sanctuary. Alouryn is drawing close to the birth of their first child.

He will take a visit to the Catacombs, as well.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Sunday November 21st, 2021 9:04:48 PM

Tali wants to talk with a fellow illusionist, Sashe, even though the drow helped get her killed bfore. When they drop off Ironbane and the dwarf corpses in Glimstone, she mentions to her the giant pocket plane, and asks for her recommendations, specialist spell caster to specialist spell caster, on preparing to go to that place. If Sashe has some good suggestions, Tali may follow up on them.

Which may include a visit to the Catacombs. Dealing with heat, and various giants, and maybe some undercover approaches.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Sunday November 21st, 2021 11:54:47 PM

Sanctuary Development Plans
Murphy talks with the group once things have gotten rolling back at the Sanctuary, and gathers Hazel, Alouryn, former adventurers with Humble's Sword, with Foreman George and some of his most skillful carpenters and other craftsmen, with members of the Bliss and Pressi covens, with brother Kendry, his cohort, and some of Murphy's followers, with Kade, our expert dwarf mushroom farmer, also, if possible, with Mayor Bingo Bumbleluck and his lovely-and-formidable wife May Greenbottle, Constable Roscoe Hornblower, and anyone else members of the party want present.[blockquote]"We members of Humble's Sword wish to thank the Humble's Ford council members, Mayor Bumbleluck, and the leadership team which granted additional lands for Humble's Sword. We are humbled, and grateful for the grant." [Murphy wanted to pay for the land, perhaps with help from other party members, but we have not worked out those details yet.]

"As you know, recently someone sent a war machine against the Sanctuary. We are pleased that we were able to destroy it before it did major damage. Several played a part - especially, at the end, a barrage of arrows loosed from Hobie's mighty bow. We will leave shortly to continue tracking down the person behind that attack.

"When we return, however, we would like to begin developing the growing area of the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword, for the benefit and defense of our beloved community, and to provide living and working spaces for the increasing numbers of folks who are joining us here. I'm leaving a few plans with Foreman George, but do invite suggestions and ideas from any who wish to help us plan, or help us build.

"Meanwhile, as we go forth, we covet your prayers to heavenly powers for our success in thwarting and bringing to justice enemies of our people, and for wisdom and insight in how we go about doing so.

"Last, before we go, hear this. We hold Humble's Ford in deep affection. Many former members of our team were born and raised here - you all know Hazel here, and his brave and beautiful wife and mother of their soon-to-be-born babe, our Alouryn - and others have come from other places. Oh, forgive me, I should have done this before, but allow me to tell you that this is Prudence Komonov, long a member of the Mailed Fist, and a woman of astonishing talents." He bows his head for a moment, then adds, "We must, however, with sorrow, wait to introduce you to her husband, Nikolai Komonov, who gave his life in defending us. He acted with great courage to defend our cleric Succotash, but was brutally ganged up on by... well, by a violent dwarf and six others whom he held in his thrall." Murphy's shoulders begin to shake, and then he takes a few deep breaths.

"I am sorry. I do not think I can go on further for now. Keep us in mind. For we now go to appeal to the mighty judge, Lord Gargul, to see if he might grant Nikolai restoration of life. Please, if you are willing, offer up a prayer on his behalf.

"Again, we love and appreciate you, and hope further to work together for our mutual benefit. My brother Kendry may be able to answer questions you may have, and he and Foreman George will take your thoughts and plans. Thank you all for listening."[blockquote]Murphy steps down, and asks his friends in the party, "Are we ready now to appeal to Gargul? Or must we wait?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Monday November 22nd, 2021 2:20:20 AM

Kendry's services

Kendry Leafwin Pipewood (16th-level bard), Murphy's cohort, offers to identify and legend lore the items picked up from the dwarfs, including the fire giant armor.

DM Mitch
Monday November 22nd, 2021 8:10:24 AM
Succotash prepares his spells and then gathers everyone around Nikolai�s body to cast the resurrection spell.
Pru casts Mage�s Really Big Farmhouse giving herself a place to stay in the halfing stronghold
Succotash points out Pru could stay in her extradimensional stronghold or in one of the human sized rooms available but remarks that magic home would be useful on the road.
Kezzem asks Succotash if he can borrow 14,000 gp to get new daggers otherwise he will get a single one for 6000 gp. He even offers to let Succotash have one of his other daggers as collateral.
Succotash gives Kezzem the requested loan and tells him to keep his extra dagger as Valerie is his melee weapon.
Murphy prepares the remains of the dwarves to return to Glimstone for burial. When back at the stronghold he catches up with Kendry, Hazel, Alouryn and visits the catacombs. He also helps to accommodate Pru whether she wants to cast her spell or stay in an actual building. Lastly he gives a state of the Humble�s Sword Stronghold address talking about recent developments and future plans.
Tali seeks out Sashe to pick the other illusionists mind about their upcoming sortie to the Giant Realm.

Sashe says to Tali, �Do any of your number have access to 5th level bloodwitch spells or could potential fool a 5th level bloodwitch scroll into working? I can�t help but think of what Ironbane said about not making assumptions about environmental hazards and perhaps the spell Planar Adaption would come in handy? As for what we illusionists can do well you will be halflings in a giant city...why not weave an illusion spell around the party to make it look like you belong there?

The local leaders are happy to meet with Murphy and try to work out details on the expansion. There is much lively debate. The meeting is interrupted by Succotash casting his spell and the party needing to meet with Gargul (a PTB will post for Gargul sometime today, we�ll deal with the leader meeting after the raise dead)

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Monday November 22nd, 2021 8:56:14 PM
Pocket Realms

Tali after speaking with Sashe, spends sometime with Rayya, and meditates for two hours to restore herself before the fray.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday November 22nd, 2021 8:56:55 PM

Pressi realizes that she hasn't asked her question.

After some thought, she settles on the question (unless someone else interrupts with a suggestion): "Are there any relatively safe areas where we won't have to fight giants?"

At Sashe's question regarding witches, Pressi raises her hand regarding the Planar Adaption. Illusion is tougher but Pressi does have the polymorph stuff (last time they had to infiltrate, Pressi transformed herself into a goblin. This time, they have more choices.)

Pressi takes some time to hit the library to see what she can learn about Fire Giants, how they normally live, how they are grouped, whether they have any obvious weaknesses. She's aware, though, that they might run into non-giant enemies (like more Juggernaut constructs.)

Unfortunately, the team is hamstrung by not knowing what they don't know. It won't be until they see the pocket dimension that they can really formulate a plan.

----------------

Pressi, as typical, does not avail herself at first of the Sanctuary or Pru's mansion. Her thoughts of home, as always, remains the small room above The Dancing Pig, a bar and restaurant she now co-owns (and that serves as the home of Pressi's coven.)

It takes a moment of hanging out before she finally heads back to the Sanctuary and to the room she shares with Murphy. Sharing a room, that will never be strange. But it is good to finally settle back in with her Husband in the town she grew to love.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Monday November 22nd, 2021 10:07:31 PM
Pru is impressed with the Sanctuary, but her thoughts are now focused on her husband. She hopes that Lord Gargul will be merciful.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Monday November 22nd, 2021 11:48:05 PM
Kezzem practices with his new giant-bane daggers, but is disappointed that he can't get the bane enchantment to work against even giant-sized practice dummies.

"Hope it's just cause they're not real giants and that Wiz-Bang fellow didn't rip me-off," says Kezzem.

"hope that Lord Gargul will be merciful....." [DM Jerry]
Tuesday November 23rd, 2021 12:11:57 AM
As Succotash gathers our mighty band around him and Casts Resurrection, the sky seems to split into for a second, but it is just the effect of the opening of the way into the Shadowlands. And Prudence's thought somehow get voiced aloud...Strange

"hope that Lord Gargul will be merciful.....hope that Lord Gargul will be merciful.....hope that Lord Gargul will be merciful...." It fades into the sounds of this new place.

-----

And at that moment, Nikolai�s spirit feels a mighty pull that yanks him through the opening at incredible speed where he plunges down and to the right landing in the River of Woldsblood also known as the River of Souls. Soon he has left his comrades far behind...

-----

As the eyes of the living adjust to the darker color palette of the Shadowlands, rocks rise up to form a staircase leading to the rift opening that has been created. And a hill past the rift with a trail that leads down to a grey, twilight feeling area with no sun or moons. To the trail's right is a glowing brownish red river leading ahead of you into the distance. The smell of it is overwhelming. Like fresh earth, magic, and death. Ghostly forms float and bob on its surface, their faces showing expressions that vary from rage to fear to wonder.

An indeterminate distance away you can see jagged punishing mountains to the left, with a hilly landscape to the right that almost looks like the Crescent Valley, but brighter. In between are sandwiched dozens of valleys and a grand white palace. The trail seems to lead to the bright green hilly land to the right, which you think of as east for some reason.

A voice as low as thunder rumbles.

"COME."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Tuesday November 23rd, 2021 12:18:50 AM
Succotash feels compelled to comply to the voice. He's pretty sure he has heard that voice before, and that it belongs to Lord Gargul.

Without a word, he begins walking in the direction of the voice. The Cleric finds it odd how much different this place, the Shadow Lands, is compared to his last visit, but than again, last time he was here he was dead, which may or may not have been the reason. Than again it may just be the nature of the place. He takes a moment to admire the palace as he walks down the trail, and hopes and prays that Gargul can see the heroic nature of his fallen ally.

Even though he only just met Nikolai and Prudence, he feels a kindred spirit with them, the sort of bond only heroes understand, the sort of bond he wishes to see grow. He looks around and sees his friends, wondering what is going through their heads. He shakes his head, smiles, than says to is friends, "Well, here we go, let's go get Nikolai back!"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Tuesday November 23rd, 2021 11:08:03 AM
Murphy looks over to Pressi, then to Prudence as the way opens. He recalls with gratitude his wife's care for him the time he himself died, and a few times she pulled him back from the brink of death. It is Pru's time now, and he wonders how she will respond at this time of sorrow, this time of hope. Judging by her fearsome response to those who murdered her husband, she holds a deep passion for her husband Nikolai.

He holds out his hand to Pressi. "You've stood by my side many times. Let's walk near to her, dear, shall we?"

The Shadow Lands. The river of Woldsblood. The intensity of colors, and the filling of other senses. Murphy takes it in. He nods to Hobie as the sharp-eyed archer looks about. There is Tali coming, Kezzem too. He misses Bliss. But his attention is drawn back to travel toward the voice that bid them forward, and to soak in the environment of this present moment.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Tuesday November 23rd, 2021 2:40:46 PM
Pru takes a deep breath and squares her shoulders. The halflings have been very kind, and very heroic, but they barely know Nikolai. It's going to be up to her to reclaim her husband's life. She only hopes she is up to the challenge.

She starts down the trail.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Tuesday November 23rd, 2021 10:05:11 PM
Off to see Lord Gargul ...again!

Hovering after the rest of the troupe, Tali hopes to be able to offer something positive to the effort .

"Come quickly. You're next!!" [DM Jerry]
Tuesday November 23rd, 2021 11:11:23 PM
Our heroes cross over the threshold into the Shadowlands. Distance and time here is difficult to measure. The souls of those floating on the river, some crying out in fear of what is to come, others looking back, wishing they were elsewhere. Some look forward, hopeful.

After a bit of time walking, they begin to float. It may have something to do with the spell, or it might be the will of the one that you are to see. You remain to the left of the River of Woldsblood and approach what from this distance seems to be a lake or giant mote that surrounds the Lands of Rest and the Estates of Unrest. The floating is convenient as the party is able to float over the Woldsblood lake and make their way to the right towards the Lands of Rest.

It clicks with some who may have some "training" in the various knowledge skills that the castle is Maab's Castle and it is positioned to bar unwelcome entrance to any of the protected Valleys of Twilight, such as Fae Skiemir, Eberyon's Cave--where he slept for ages, and the "true" Butterfly Meadow. When you concentrate on something in the distance, you find that it can appear closer to the eye if you want--to an extent at least. You also to be able to adjust your speed with concentration to an extent.

Then in the distance, you see Gargul's seat of judgment in the distance, a black amphitheater with a line of souls waiting to be judged. As you float across the meadows of the Lands of Rest, some of the dead look up at you wondering who is moving overhead. Several point. Then you are approaching Gargul's throne on the rocks at the edge of the Lands of Rest overlooking the Lake of Woldsblood.

You begin to descend as you float past the line waiting to be judged. Softly you land just outside of the amphitheater dome. A watching imp, scampers to meet you.

"That was fast. He must...." Gimp the Imp forces his mouth shut and spins towards the throne. "Come quickly. You're next!!"

-----

You see Gargul sitting on his throne, dressed in black, with a huge staff leaning against the side of the throne. In this guise he is impossibly large looming over a man who is cringing and bowing low. You hear the booming voice.

"SO YOU THOUGHT IT A HUMOROUS THING TO DO WHEN YOU BURNED DOWN THE ORPHANAGE IN ZARAN CITY!"

The small man cringes and loses his bowels. Who knew the dead could do that?

"I ASKED YOU A QUESTION PITSPROCKET!!!!"

The imp cackles muttering, "He's gonna get it" in a sing song voice."

Gargul glances Gimps way with a frown and Gimp mouths, "Sorry master."

Pitsprocket's face takes on a variety of horrible expressions as he tries to lie. Against his will he says, "Yes sir."

I SENTENCE YOU TO THE ESTATES OF UNREST TO LEARN. IF YOU CAN, WHICH I DOUBT, YOUR SOUL MIGHT GET ANOTHER CHANCE. IF NOT, IT WILL REMAIN YOU RFINAL DESTINATION UNTIL YOU ARE GROUND TO OBLIVION!!

His body is jerked off of the ground as he is hurled backwards with Pitsprocket screaming the whole time. Within a couple of seconds, he is out of sight.

Gargul then says, "NEXT!"

Gimp says, "Humble's Sword sir."

Gargul says, "AHH....NIKOLAI KOMONOV JOIN US."

From the wings walks the spirit of Nikolai, looking fully himself with only just a hint of transparency.

"JOIN YOUR FRIENDS."

Gargul leans forward then decides to stand. He pick up his cane, and begins descending the steps from his throne as he says, "SO TELL ME THE TALE FROM EACH OF YOUR POINTS OF VIEW. TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED."

He stops on the bottom step and sits down on it, looking at each of you intently.

"GO AHEAD." He gives a small nod.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday November 23rd, 2021 11:53:19 PM
Pressi gives Murphy�s hand a squeeze as they wait to collect themselves.

�I usually prefer to start with a joke to lighten the mood,� she whispers to Nick and Pru. �But it�s your show.�

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 12:38:52 AM
Nikolai mutters as he begins to float down that weird river, 'Been down here before. Kinda know my way around now.' He just lets the flow take him knowing where it will end up. He tries to ignore those other souls. Those in anguish, what were their deeds? Those in fear? Does the poor farmer that just lived a humble life have the confidence of Rest that a Hero who has fought Evil all his grown life has?

He follows the trail, and what seems forever but passes in mere moments he arrives at the throne.
'Been here too, a few times. Wonder if Gimp is up for a game of Chess. Nah, he'd just cheat.'

Nikolai bows to Lord Gargul but keeps his Peace. He'll speak last, mainly because - what does HE know of the battle.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 5:23:08 AM

"Lord Gargul, thank you for giving me a second chance a few years back. I am Murphy Leafwin Pipewood," Murphy says, with gratitude, to the judge of the dead. "As to this tale... here is a short rendition, at least by my standards. A while back a war-crazed dwarf named Anur Daron, his head filled with the notion of freeing Skald, piloted an ancient 250 foot tall Iron Giant to crush Humble's Ford as a test run. We, Humble's Sword, defeated his warriors within the artifact, and sent him, his wife, and the survivors back to the Scab. We restored the Iron Giant, and were working to have it help repair one of the central Giant Towers that serve as defense of the Crescent Valley. An army of one thousand giants came down from the Scab to kill and enslave the halflings who dwell there as the restoration was in progress.

"A different devotee of Skald and her associates decided it was a good time, while Humble's Ford was being invaded, to try to take over the Iron Giant. Her name is Ketia. Her impatience forced our hand to accelerate the repair. By doing so, the Giant Tower was re-powered, and caused the giant army to be reduced to dust. It also rendered absolutely inoperable the Iron Giant. You, Lord Gargul, met and showed kindness to two of our members whom Ketia's group killed that day - Talia, now Tali, and Succotash here.

"Tail between her legs, dwarf Ketia and her crew meanwhile snuck away back to the Scab.

"I will skip over the Sages guild's requests of us, and the dwarf miners whose custom alloys were stolen. But those things led to us following the trail of someone who magically veiled himself. He crafted a huge Juggernaut to attack our stronghold. He murdered in the Scab Anur Daron and his wife Shan Shalutch, as well as a few dozen other followers of Skald. Ketia, whom I mentioned, came to us, asked forgiveness for her prior actions, and requested help to find this mysterious person.

"We ended up in Glimstone. We learned a barbarian dwarf called Ironbane might know of the Juggernaut crafter, one Flamescorn. Ketia introduced us to Nikolai and Prudence Komonov as two people who could perhaps help us. Though we are halfling adventurers, we thought it fine that this half-elf and human could join us for this mission. Both proved brave and resourceful.

"I shall finish with this, unless you require more of me: We found Ironbane and his six dwarf thralls. Succotash let him know we sought to give good information, and request some in return. Ironbane and his subjects gave answer by trying to kill Succotash. Nikolai took it upon himself to subdue Ironbane. The seven of them cut to shreds our new friend. We sought to subdue them all. His wife, Prudence, witness to her husband's murder, let those six do no more, to anyone. We were able to learn something of Flamescorn from Ironbane, at last." The halfling druid gives a polite bow, and steps back, for the next person to speak. His face flushes as he suddenly realizes he perhaps should not have uttered his penultimate sentence.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 7:22:24 AM
Pressi gives Murphy�s hand a squeeze as they wait to collect themselves.

�I usually prefer to start with a joke to lighten the mood,� she whispers to Nick and Pru. �But it�s your show.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 8:04:44 AM
"My lord" Succotash begins, "What my friend Murphy says is true and I won't rehash what he just said, except to correct him by saying it was a nice dwarven detective who introduced us to the couple, not Ketia. I will however elaborate on how this direct event that lead us here occurred."

"Ever since you and the other gods felt it wise to send me back as a cleric, losing my paladin skills after I died at Ketia�s hand, a decision I have come to appreciate, though it took some adjustment, I have gained a select skill set that allows me to get out of tight situations relatively easily, being a travel cleric and all. I have made a point of putting those skills to use, and have purposely put myself in harms way, to attempt to gain a diplomatic solution when meeting potential threats. I did just that with this Ironbane fellow Murphy mentioned, and I attempted to tell the hot headed fool that his life may be in danger, and that he and us Swords should work together. Well,instead of listening to reason he attacked. I bliped out of harms way, but Nikolai, had stealthfully followed me. So great was his stealth, that I didn't even know he was following me, of course I never bothered to try to detect him, so there's that.. Anyway, something gave away his position, and Ironbane and his crew ganged up on the monk, and his life was cut short in meer seconds. Sadly he was beyond my skills to heal via "Breath of Life" and so after defeating Ironbane and his cronies, we find ourselves here. I promised Prudence that I would cast Resurrection, to try to give her comfort, but in truth it was an act I would have done anyway, and that I would speak to her husband's bravery. He followed me into harms way, simply because he didn't want me to be alone with a hot head with a history of murder, and my lord if that isn't brave and heroic, I don't know what is."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 2:39:44 PM
"Hey Gargul, it's me again, your favorite paladin, Kezzem. Nikolai died bravely fending off a bunch of barbaric dwarves when their leader didn't want to answer our questions about some evil cultists. Also, I was wondering if there was any membership benefit plan as we Humble Swordies seem to visit you so often. Like when you buy 5 sandwiches and get the 6 one free, only with resurrections, you know?"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 3:12:07 PM
"From my point of view," Pru says. "Yes, my lord. My husband and I joined these halflings because we heard they were doing good in the Wold and wanted to contribute. We learned that this Ironbane had valuable information that would stop a great evil. We went to speak with Ironbane.

"Our informant had said that Ironbane 'would just as soon kill you as look at you,' but I felt that was an exaggeration. People often say such things, and they are rarely true. I suggested trying to speak with Ironbane rather than simply attack him, and found that many of my new companions were thinking along the same lines.

"A smaller group was sent to speak with Ironbane. It was thought that this group could handle themselves in the event things went wrong. My husband was part of that group. I stayed behind, to magically transport the rest of us to the location if we were needed.

"Unfortunately, it would seem that our informant was not exaggerating at all. Ironbane and his minions attacked immediately. Upon hearing this, I transported myself and several others to that location so that we could respond."

Pru hesitates, then continues more slowly. "I would have liked to have acted as soon as I arrived. However, that kind of magical transportation is difficult for mortals. There is a moment of disorientation afterwards that makes it impossible to act." [OOC: Casting Dimension Door ends your turn. It's in the spell description.]

Tears well in Pru's eyes. "I didn't act, and by the time the disorientation cleared it was too late. My husband had been--" her breath catches on a sob "--he'd been hacked to pieces. Just like that. I could do nothing to stop it. I could do nothing but avenge his death, which I did." She takes a deep breath, and lets it out. "That's all," she says. But she does not stop crying.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 8:16:56 PM
Lord Gargul

Tali curtseys before Lord Gargul, stating, " thank you for giving me a second chance a few years back and allowing me to keep my pinkie finger. I had grown fond of it. I do not have much to add beyond what my cohorts had already stated. What little I have come to know about Monk Nikolai aside to his marriage and devotion to his wife, Ms. Pru, is that is was above board in his reproach. From my viewpoint, he chose to grapple and subdue versus harm the dwarf Ironbane. It was Ironbane and his handling of the situation that spewed pure evil and brought the Monk and all of us to your doorstep.

Upon seeing the horrors of this cultist and his dynamically fluid morals execute a newly found friend before his wife's eyes...unleashed a terrible feeling deep within me which grew instantaneously into an unconscious reaction; I casted Prismatic Spray attempting to cover IronBane within the spray's cone. As I was hoping to persuade Ironbane with a colorful attitude adjustment alas, I got his companions instead."

Tali, casts a look over her should and says, "Perhaps they are still in line?"

As Tali finishes up her verbal offering for the Monk's defense and support, Tali curtseys again before Lord Gargul, and backs away allowing others to come forth.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 9:19:55 PM

Pressi was going to remain silent, but Prudence began to kick herself before too long.

"Look, sometimes it's just remembering that a lot against one can do a lot of damage, and the rest is just luck and hindsight... and a group being so bloodthirsty that they won't even give someone a chance to Life Breath away. Who does that, really?

"If I had chosen a different spell, if Nick had fallen back, if we fired first, if we used the environment better... at the end of the day, it's just making the best choices you can, and learning for... literally the next one, I guess."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 11:24:18 PM

"Oh, of course, Succotash. Detective Arrin Icehammer, she is the one who brought to us Nikolas and Prudence." Murphy is glad his friend corrected this mistake in his memory.

A Frown Forms [DM Jerry]
Wednesday November 24th, 2021 11:38:10 PM
Gargul's eyes follow each petitioner as they speak...until Kezzem, a worshipper of his, decides to attempt to be funny. His eyes harden as he stare at Kezzem and a frown forms on his face.

He does not respond to any of the comments. He just stares at Kezzem. His upper arms actually begin to shake as it appears that rage is growing behind those eyes.

He stands and grows in size until his head almost touches the top of the place of judgment.

Gimp dives for cover behind the throne.

Those waiting in line look on in fear some crying out in alarm.

Gargul's voice booms causing the place of judgment to shake and a large crack in the foundation to form shooting out from the throne.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+26=28 ;
Thursday November 25th, 2021 1:03:12 AM
"Sorry, Lord Gargul, I'm used to everyone just ignoring the stupid stuff I say," says Kezzem. "What I meant to say was that 'Nikolai died bravely fending off a bunch of barbaric dwarves when their leader didn't want to answer our questions about some evil cultists' and then stop talking."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 26 = 28.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+26=43 ;
Thursday November 25th, 2021 1:05:24 AM
Going to use a Hero Point to reroll that Diplomacy check.

Diplomacy:
1d20 + 26 = 43.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday November 25th, 2021 1:38:34 AM
Since Nikolai is dead, he didn't worry much about Gargul's anger, especially since it would not be directed at him. On the other hand, he was moved at how these new friends stuck up for him, knowing so little of Pru and himself.

Before Gargul lets fly lightning bolts, or whatever vaporizes mortals, Nikolai steps forward and bows.
"Lord Gargul. I do believe you know me and my wife Prudence, although when we last met it was Prudence that you had the Grace to bring back to life. You also know that Floy brought me back once before when we, the loyal members of the Mailed Fist, broke tradition and fought Knight Commander Neutronus to stop his madness.

As Agents of the Mailed Fist, we always sought diplomacy first, usually to no avail, of course, but you know us well in that respect. This case is no different. Despite the mad dwarf's evil disregard for life, I knew he had information we needed. Even when he attacked us, my goal was to simply pin him and incapacitate him, thus gaining a bargaining advantage against his followers.

Unfortunately, I was unaware of my new friend's capabilities to pop out of a jam on a copper and found myself grappling Ironbane with his demented cohorts surrounding me.

I make no excuses. As a Knight Commander, I accept the miscalculation and the burden that has caused. I most certainly apologize to my friends and my wife.

Alas, I had thought to pass on the Mailed Fist Leadership to others and retire to a farm to raise a family but Evil in the Wold just keeps calling me back to action, and I will keep fighting this Evil if you allow it," Nikolai finishes and bows again before stepping back a few steps.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Thursday November 25th, 2021 2:50:53 AM
Hobie bows before Gargul, staring straight at the ground as he speaks.

"Everything my friends say is true. Nikolai is good and honorable. If you were to give him a second chance he would certainly use it for the good of the wold. Certainly."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Thursday November 25th, 2021 4:48:12 AM
"Lord Gargul, you know my friend here, Kezzem is, well Kezzem. Loyal, brave, heroic, and well, not 100% right in the head. Please forgive him for his foolishness, I don't believe it's all his fault, I come to realize that, though I love him dearly, and would gladly give my life in exchange for his, his brain doesn't work like a normal person's. It's what makes Kezzem, Kezzem. Even though he doesn't always think before he speaks, or acts, for that matter, his heart is always in the right place, and I would be remiss if I didn't say that I wouldn't have him any other way."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells d20+26=35 ;
Thursday November 25th, 2021 4:53:15 AM
Rolled an aid another diplomacy check. Rolled 35

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9 d20+31=47 ;
Thursday November 25th, 2021 2:51:37 PM

"Please, Lord Gargul, forgive Kezzem," Murphy says, dropping to one knee. "He has a silly tongue, yet a good heart. What he said did not show proper decorum, and was flippant. His tongue may at times be ill-governed. Yet he is not malicious, only at times childish in speech. Perhaps lay some small charge on him as a corrective, yet let not your wrath rise further against him, we beg of you. Despite how he just erred, we know in his heart he highly regards you. You have power and wisdom beyond ken."
===========
Diplomacy: 47

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Thursday November 25th, 2021 3:15:15 PM
Pru takes a few deep breaths, trying to get her tears under control. She lets her companions handle the etiquette question, comforting herself with the thought that if Kezzem messes this up, she can always turn him into a chicken and roast him on a spit.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) d20+24=35 ;
Thursday November 25th, 2021 9:19:31 PM

Pressi almost rolls her eyes. "Ok, not to pile on but the last time we were here, I was even more flippant and you gave me a hug. I think we all need to take a deep breath and remember that it's just death. It's only weird if we make it weird."

Pressi took in a deep breath. "Speaking along Kezzem's hinted at point, there's... something else. The information we were seeking... It leads us to a giant compound and to a guy named Flamescorn who's working to bring back the old gods. And I'm not prepared to promise that you won't see us again in a couple of months. These are troubling times... from a mortal perspective, of course. I just feel that you also need to know."

(Diplomacy 35)

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Thursday November 25th, 2021 9:43:14 PM
Tact Kezzem, Tact!

Tali curtseys before Lord Gargul, stating, "My Lord, Kezzem has no filter, nor tact...and thinks to break the silence with humor...his humor. Most of the Humbles know he is not Right in the head, but everyone deserves a chance, Lord."

Tali curtseys again, before Lord Gargul, and then hovers back into her spot.

Without Hesitancy [DM Jerry]
Thursday November 25th, 2021 10:51:00 PM
Gargul shakes himself from staring a hole through Kezzem and rises. He returns to his throne his size reducing so that he fits in the chair and sits his face neutral.

"ALMOST EVERY TIME I AM PETTIONED BY ADVENTURERS TO RAISE SOMEONE LOST IN COMBAT, THERE IS SOMEONE AT FAULT. SOMEONE THAT WAS SELFISH. SOMEONE THAT WAS A COWARD. THAT IS NOT THE CASE HERE AND I COMMEND YOU FOR THAT.

"THEREFORE, WITHOUT HESITANCY, I GRANT THE RAISING OF NIKOLAI KOMONOV."

Nikolai feels something like a static charge that starts as hit feet and ends at his head. He grows solid and is alive.

"BREATHE SON."

He then looks at Kezzem once more.

"COME MY PALADIN. APPROACH ME."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Friday November 26th, 2021 12:02:27 AM
Kezzem hesitantly steps forward.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Friday November 26th, 2021 10:42:59 AM
Succotash wants to step forward with his friend, but isn't sure that a show of solidarity is wise or not. Finally he decides to throw cation to the wind and steps forward, standing at Kezzem's right side. As he does so he says, "Lord Gargul, Kezzem, like the rest of my companions here, is more than a friend, he is a brother! Whatever fate befalls him, I will stand by his side! I ask for mercy, for my friend, as well as, forgiveness for my act of solidarity." Succotash than stands in silence, awaiting his and Kezzem's fate.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Friday November 26th, 2021 2:24:59 PM
Pru, having just gotten her tears under control, starts crying again, this time with joy and relief. She moves to embrace her newly revived husband.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Friday November 26th, 2021 3:47:26 PM

Being brought back from the dead is an amazing experience. Though he barely knows him, Murphy's mouth spreads into a wide grin at seeing Nikolai resolidify... and having Gargul refer to Kezzem as 'my paladin.'

He gives Pressi a big hug and whispers, "Thanks for doing the same for me a few years ago."

Then he widens his arms and pulls in Hobie. "Well said, Hobbs." Then he reaches up and gently pulls Tali down from her hovering above. "Yup, Tali, everybody deserves a chance."

Then he awaits what may come from the Lord's conversation with the Kezz'm.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Friday November 26th, 2021 7:50:58 PM
My Paladin

Tali whispers, "Lord Gargul said, "MY PALADIN"" to Kezzem!

Tali appreciates the group hug!

Such Loyalty [DM Jerry]
Friday November 26th, 2021 10:10:33 PM
As Succotash moves forward to join Kezzem, Gargul looks at him.

"SELDOM HAVE I SEEN SUCH LOYALTY. I, HOWEVER, WILL SPEAK PRIVATELY WITH MY PALADIN."

A light gray barrier arises around Gargul and Kezzem. You can see their shapes, but not see what they are saying.

After a couple of minutes, the barrier fades.

Gargul says, "YOU ARE FREE TO GO. I WISH YOU WELL." He turns to the line and motions to Gimp to bring the next person forward.

Gimp says, "If you concentrate on where you want to go, you'll move in that direction."

Our heroes begin to rise into the air and journey back to where they were when the Resurrection spell was cast.

-----

I return the game to your DMs. :) Thanks!

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Saturday November 27th, 2021 12:59:06 AM
Nikolai, always grateful for the boon of second-life, something that the common laborer does not have, not that the common laborer does not deserve it, rushes to his new wife and gives her a tender hug.

It would be proper to thank Gargul personally as well, but at the moment the god seems busy with something else.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Saturday November 27th, 2021 10:15:04 AM
"Thank you lord. Hopefully we won't have to meet again until it's time for our final rests. I thank you for returning our friend to us, and not smitting Kezzem."

As they fly away, and return home, Succotash asks Kezzem, "What did Lord Gargul say to you?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Saturday November 27th, 2021 1:08:57 PM

Once hugs and general rejoicing are taken care of, Murphy says, "Welcome back, Nikolai. I think we all would like a chance to get to know you and Prudence better."

"Succotash, as Lord Gargul chose a private audience, I think we ought not press Kezzem to tell us the content of their conversation. Maybe give him some time to process it. Which may be weeks, or minutes."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Saturday November 27th, 2021 2:21:37 PM
Kezzem is unusually quiet. "Can we go home now?" is all he says.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Monday November 29th, 2021 3:44:55 AM

"Sure, buddy," Murphy replies to Kezzem.

Once back home, Murphy visits the shrine of Gargul at the corner of the compound where several shrines are grouped, and leaves there the insignia he designed with the oak tree carving, and the words in halfling, 'I travel through trees.' "A thank offering to you, Lord Gargul, for restoring the life of our new friend, Nikolai."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday November 29th, 2021 8:49:44 AM

Pressi waits for Gargul to address what she just said. "Whatever. I made my report, dotted my eyes. It's on him, now."

Pressi straightened up. "Nikolai, welcome back. Before we go forward, let me introduce you to a little technique I call 'Not Standing Still while People Hit You.' It's served me well 70 percent of the time."

In The Footstep of Giant

An Unexpected Journey

DM Mitch
Monday November 29th, 2021 9:03:19 AM
Nikolai is grateful for his second chance at life and would thank Lord Gargul personally but the God is busy with other matters.
Succotash thanks Gargul for bringing Nikolai back and not smiting Kezzem. He also questions Kezzem about what Gargul said to him.
Murphy welcomes Nikolai back and shows an interest in getting to know the newlyweds better. He suggests that Kezzem be allowed some time to process whatever it was Gargul told him. He leaves an offering when they get back.
Kezzem asks to go home now.
Pressi waits for Gargul to respond to her comment but gets none. She welcomes the raised back to the living.

Shortly after arriving back Pressi gets an answer to the spell she cast before their visit with Gargul concerning the existence of any relatively safe areas where they won�t have to fight giants

The answer she gets is as follows: �Seek out the places where giants fear to tread; reminders of punishments that all giants dread; people, families, buried and long forgotten; to find a place that to most living giants is yet untrodden.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Monday November 29th, 2021 10:18:36 AM
Upon seeing Kezzem's unusual continence, Succotash says, "Never mind Kezzem, I can see that what he said is weighing heavily on your heart, feel free to take your time digesting it. Just remember, if you need someone to talk to, I'm always here for you brother."

Assuming Pressi shares the results of her spell, Succotash says, "Anyone have any idea what that's supposed to mean? I have no idea what kind of place all giants fear. I can see a frost giant being afraid of a volcano, or a fire giant being afraid of an artic tundra, but a place universally feared by all giants?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Monday November 29th, 2021 10:57:28 AM

"Succotash - a cemetery of sorts?" Murphy responds. "Glad I have ghost touch. It could be a place where many giants died in a disaster. But I don't think the spot just north of Humble's Ford counts."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday November 29th, 2021 9:13:34 PM

Pressi shakes her head. "I think the key is 'reminders of punishments,' like maybe we need a bit more of giant history under our belt. Or Flamescorn history. Also, yet untrodden to giants.... At any event, I presume we'll recognize it when we see or hear of it. Just something to keep in mind."

As to Murphy, "Honestly, the point near Humble's Ford probably counts more than anything else. Massive failure, a place where most living giants can't enter, a giant centered past shrouded in mystery. Also, they didn't say 'giants and their families were buried and forgotten there' so take that as you will."

Moving back to reality, "I figured that we could get set up to try talking our way through, then set up camp in the perimeter of the pocket universe. If Flamescorn got kicked out, then talking may still be the way to go once we get a better handle of who the players are."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Monday November 29th, 2021 11:47:28 PM
"Maybe it has something to do with dwarves?" Pru shrugs. "Dwarves and giants are ancient enemies."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Tuesday November 30th, 2021 12:01:01 AM
Where Giants Fear to Tread...

Tali ponders the meaning behind the vision..."Seek out the places where giants fear to tread; reminders of punishments that all giants dread; people, families, buried and long forgotten; to find a place that to most living giants is yet untrodden.�

Tali pipes up, "The Giant Towers, is one possibility, but are there other historical places that all Giants Fear to Tread?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday November 30th, 2021 12:07:29 AM
"What is a punishment that all giants dread? That will be the first thing to find out, then go from there."

Nikolai asks if there is a library close where they can look up Giant History.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Tuesday November 30th, 2021 12:34:13 AM
"I get your point, Tali, but honestly, what do you think the chances are that this doesn't have to do with us?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Tuesday November 30th, 2021 3:47:02 AM
"I believe the closest branch to the Sage guild library is in Angel Springs. It's not too long of a journey. Of course teleporting speeds that up even more."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Tuesday November 30th, 2021 6:45:16 AM

Murphy also addresses Nikolai's query. "There's a fellow in Angel Springs named Mungo HardBottle. He has a library, and a bookstore, and it's just a ways down the street from my family's shop - Winwood Music and Toys, and a couple doors down from a greengrocer. Mungo has books that cover most topics, and knows a fair bit about most everything, himself - a historian. Also in Angel Springs, besides the Sages Guild access Succotash mentioned, is the Woldian League of Adventurers. They should have something on that topic, too.

"I'm trying to build up a library here at the Sanctuary, but, aside from a few random tomes, and a whole mess of scrolls from the Iron Giant, it is nowhere near Wold-class yet."

Murphy asks Kendry what he learned about the giant armor that Ironbane wore. "What are its characteristics?" Kendry, an accomplished bard (nearly 17th level), loremaster, and well acquainted with giant culture, identified the suit - as well as any of the other items we gathered from Ironbane and the dwarfs. Can we know what he learned?

"Say, Nikolai, and Prudence. We are pleased to have you with us. We always have been a halfling adventuring group. I realize you do not know our tongue. But, if you would like to be with us beyond figuring out what to do about Flamescorn, you would honor us were you to learn our language. Not many outsiders speak halfling. But, should you be willing to try, well, we could name you honorary halflings. No rush, you don't have to answer now, but you might want to think that over."

DM Mitch
Tuesday November 30th, 2021 8:19:12 AM
Succotash backs off from pestering the paladin about what Gargul said to him. He offers a listening ear should Kezzem need it. With respect to Pressi�s spell he wonders what is feared by all giants.

Murphy suggests a cemetery or maybe a disaster area

Pressi thinks the key phrase is the bit about the punishments like maybe they need to understand the history of the giants living in the pocket dimension or more specifically that of Flamescorn and his family. She thinks the yet untrodden to giants is also a good clue and that they�ll recognize the place when they see or hear of it. She points out to Murphy that the point near Humble�s Ford does fit a lot of the answer but that they didn�t say giants and their families were buried and forgotten there. She suggests they could try talking their way through after establishing a camp at the perimeter and doing some research into who the players are.

Pru wonders if the answer to Pressi�s riddle has to do with Dwarves as Giants and Dwarves are enemies.

Tali agrees that the giant towers are a possibility then asks if there are other historical places where Giants Fear to Tread

Nikolai agrees that focus on the punishments that Giant society in the pocket dimension doles out is the way to go and asks if there is a library nearby they could research this at.

Kezzem suggests the answer to the riddle doesn�t have anything to do with them.

Succotash provides the location of the nearest library.

Through various efforts the magical items are identified. Each of the barbarians under Ironbane carried the following (so 6 instances of each item)

oil of align weapon (evil) CL 3 worth 300 gp, potion of cure light wounds CL 1 worth 50 gp, potion of fly CL 5 worth 750 gp, potion of invisibility CL 3 worth 300 gp, potions of shield of faith (2) CL 1 worth 100 gp for both; Other Gear+1 moderate fortification breastplate - 4,350, +3 adamantine ranseur, +1 composite longbow (+10 Str) with 20 arrows, dagger, handaxe, belt of giant strength +6, cloak of resistance +3, pink rhomboid ioun stone, 43 gp

Ironbane himself carried Headband of Cha +6, Ring of Jumping Improved, Boots of Speed, Vicious Anarchic Spiked Chain +5, Fire Giant Hide Armor(+5 Hide), Belt of Physical Perfection, Ring of Protection +5, Cloak of Resistance +5, and Amulet of natural armor +5

The fire giant hide is every bit as gruesome as you�d expect. He apparently skinned a fire giant he killed and used unknown methods to give it the strength of more regular forms of leather armor before further more standard enchantments were used on it. Kendry is quick to turn it back over to the party after he finishes clarifying it's properties and advises it be destroyed or respectfully buried as soon as possible.

News is forwarded from the party. Shortly after Ironbane was turned over to the authorities a dwarf managed to gain access to him and murdered him in his cell. Descriptions seem to match Ketia.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Tuesday November 30th, 2021 12:18:38 PM
"I can't say as I agree with Ketia's method, but you reap what you sow. Ironbane had sown death and murder, and that is exactly what he harvested. I feel no tears for such as him." Succotash says with a shake of the head. "Shall we depart for Angle Springs? We should definitely arm ourselves with as much knowledge as possible. Since I assume, you haven't been there before, Prudence, I wouldn't ask you to burn a greater teleport, when I can easily transport half the crew. If everyone wishes to go, Tali or Murphy could take the rest. Of course we don't all have to go. So who all wants to go to Angle Springs?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Tuesday November 30th, 2021 2:22:05 PM
"I'm good with healing wands if someone else want it," says Kezzem. "Do we have time to sell this stuff at the catacombs so I can pa Succo back? I don't like owing money."

Also, what's the plus on the belt of physical perfection?

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Tuesday November 30th, 2021 2:59:10 PM
Pru laughs. "I haven't got a Greater Teleport to burn," she says. "Plain old Teleport for me. But if we all need to go, I'm sure you and Tali can get us there."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Tuesday November 30th, 2021 7:47:37 PM
Stash

Tali asks if she might have the Boots of Speed and a pink rhomboid ioun stone?.

Tali says, " If all of you would like me to cast Greater Teleport in order to bring us to Angel Springs to see Mister Mungo & his fantastical library, then I can do this, but I am limited to only six (6) additional beings. Who would like to go to?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday December 1st, 2021 12:21:27 AM
Pressi is less sanguine about the death, but she also seems more thoughtful, as if weighing who might have done it or how anyone could have gotten close enough. She asks about causes of death, and tells her cohort she wants to speak to Ketia as soon as possible.

Shes far less concerned about the gear, save for the giant skin armor.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday December 1st, 2021 12:44:47 AM
Nikolai answers Murphy, " Well, I guess if I can learn Gnoll, I can learn Hafling. I'll pick up a Hafling Vocabulary book in this Angel Springs town."

Nikolai also explains that the Mailed Fist is more than just a mercenary group. The Mailed Fist is an Elite mercenary group and spends a LOT of time in training specialized tactics that he can teach them.

He can spend time with ONE of the group per day and teach ONE specialized tactic. The two he can teach are Precise Strike and Outflank. The training is only good for one day and time will need to be spent the next day, and the next, and so on for the benefit to carry on.

OOC: If anyone is interested, go to the Mailed Fist section of the Organizations and read up on Team Tactics and Team Training. He can only train one per day and the training is only good for that day. It does not have to be the same person each day but only the person that got the training that day will benefit. It is something worth looking into at least.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Wednesday December 1st, 2021 5:16:02 AM

"I can take six, plus myself, via tree travel over to Angel Springs," Murphy offers. "If you don't mind me bringing my sister Leska Rose and brother Kendry along. She needs to spell off Nalfein for a while at our family's music and toy shop. And she says she wants to catch up on things with Pressi."

"Tali, have you met Mister Mungo?" he asks. "As far as I'm concerned, I'm fine with you having the boots and pink rhomboid ioun stone. That's the one that helps your constitution, right?"

The druid is happy that Nikolai agrees to learn the Halfling tongue.

"Say, Hobie - what do you say to taking up some specialized training with Nikolai? You are pretty darn good with precise strikes, arrow-wise. But he may have one or two extra pointers for you." Then Murphy chuckles. "Hah. I said 'pointers.'"

He then adds, "I may want to take you up on some of that training, too, Niko. I take it that for the training to stick to the ribs it will take several iterations of training, no?"

Murphy comments, "It may be wise for us to come up with a way to communicate quickly and quietly with each other. Pressi and I can do so, through a permanent spell. But - are there other ways of doing it? I know that some groups have rings, or earrings, or other items that allow for such. Let's look into that, eh?"

"One last thing. Do we know someone who can help us repair our Instant Fortress?"

DM Mitch
Wednesday December 1st, 2021 12:55:38 PM
Succotash says he�ll shed no tears for Ironbane but can�t say he agrees with Ketia�s method. He asks about departing to Angel Springs and who wants to go to the library
Kezzem remarks he is capable of using the healing wands and enquires about the belt of physical perfection and selling their loot at the catacombs
Pru explains to Succotash she uses normal teleport not greater teleport but says she�s confident that between Tali and Succotash they can get everyone to Angel Springs.
Tali asks about the boots of speed and a pink rhomboid ioun stone. She explains she can take 6 folks using greater teleport so she asks who should be in the party that goes to the library

Pressi asks her cohort about the cause of death of Ironbane and instructs the cohort to invite Ketia to have a chat with Pressi next time the cohort sees Ketia. The only bit of gear she�s concerned about is the Giant hide armor.

Nikolai indicates his openness to learning the halfling language and says he�ll pick up a vocabulary book while in Angel Springs. He also explains what being a former leader of the Mailed Fist entails and offers specialized training to one of the party members if they so choose to be able to better coordinate with Nikolai in battle.

Murphy discusses transportation and training. He wonders if the fortress can be fixed. It cannot and will have to be replaced (I believed that was covered in the previous module and Bliss found it was just scrap metal now)

The party head over to Angel Springs to consult the Sage�s guild library. Upon arrival the yare greeted at the front desk by someone who seems young and none of the party recognizes. A young halfling girl who looks harried and distracted with messy hair and an ill-fitted robe. �Yes, how may I help you?� she asks without looking up as she flips through a tome of some kind scanning pages quickly.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Wednesday December 1st, 2021 2:06:53 PM
"Hello miss, I'm sorry to intrude, as it seems you're rather busy, but my friends and I were wondering if the library may have any information on giants? In particular, anything that may refer to something, or more accurately someplace, universally feared by them. You see, we are on a quest that is leading us to a fire giant city, located in a pocket dimension, and we wish to be as well informed as possible."

Succotash than goes on to share the riddle given as an answer to Pressi's spell.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) d20+23=27 ;
Wednesday December 1st, 2021 4:07:42 PM
Pru goes to Angel Springs with the group, but she does not go to the library. Instead, she drifts through the town, mingling with people, chatting, occasionally going into this or that tavern.

She is trying to find out more about this valley she has come to, and about Angel Springs itself. And, to amuse herself, she asks casually about Humble's Swords, to see what kind of reputation they have.

[Using Diplomacy to gather information: 27]

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Wednesday December 1st, 2021 4:13:09 PM

Splitting the Party (for Research)
Before the party splits up, beautiful Leska Rose, older sister of Murphy and Kendry, invites the group to tea over at the Winwood Music and Toys shop when they can take a break from their investigations. She heads that way, but not before asking Pressi if she'd like to join her for a bit, or wait until the rest can stop by.

Murphy indicates while some visit the Sage's Guild outpost, that he will check with Mungo HardBottle to see what this wise old halfling who used to dwell among giants, and who has vast libraries, might be able to help them dig up. "Anyone who cares to join me, feel free."

Kendry joins them long enough to drop off a scrollcase with Mungo. "Here are scores and lyrics to the music you asked me about a few weeks ago, good Mungo. Thank you for your help on the other matter." He does not explain what the 'other matter' might have been, but takes his leave from the rest of the group for a bit. "I'll be at the WLA."

At Mungo's bookstore and library, Murphy explains what they seek, in a manner similar to Succotash's approach, also including mention of Ironbane, and of Flamescorn, and the gist of the latter's recent activities and known skills. He does offer to provide whatever just compensation the eccentric sage might require.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday December 1st, 2021 9:53:23 PM

Pressi kind of nods sagely at Nick. "I was a member of the Mailed Fist once myself, once upon a time. Back when I was a monk, before the woldsblood infusion. Probably not something I'll pick up now."

As Pressi and Murphy walk to stop by with Leska Rose, Pressi takes some time to think about the case out loud. "I'm just thinking it's strange that someone who could slip in and out of a jail cell would be sloppy enough to get spotted. Particularly someone with an illusionist partner. That's just me."

Pressi takes some time later to get a basic idea about fire giants. What their homes look like, how they develop as clans, their behavior.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Wednesday December 1st, 2021 10:43:09 PM
Angel Springs

Tali is grateful for the Boots of Speed and a pink rhomboid ioun stone, of which she dons immediately and then lets the ioun stone take an orbit path around her head.

Once in Angel Spring, Tali hovers over the ground as is her normal mode of travel via Overland Flight and will go visit Mister Mungo Hardbottle of which Mister Murphy is so fond.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+7=23 ;
Wednesday December 1st, 2021 11:48:34 PM
Kezzem attempts to mediate while the others do their research. This lasts exactly as long as you think it does, and he then goes tavern hopping and tells stories of Humble Sword's adventures to the locals.

Perform (Oratory): 1d20 + 7 = 23.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday December 1st, 2021 11:54:51 PM
Nikolai opts for the Tea Time and Mungo's, the Sage's guild library might have been alright, but someone with the head knowledge is usually far more helpful, if not more entertaining. He wishes he could go with Pru but at this moment, they are on business. He enjoys the tea but it's not really his cup. Nor are musical instruments, but he shows off his kazoo. It is made of fine darkwood with silver filigree.
"When I play it, everyone seems to try to stop up their ears and dogs howl. It could be I need a few lessons, it could be it's just not up to quality. Oh well."

At Mungo's, Nikolai looks for a book on Hafling vocabulary. Much like the music and toy shop, the half elf tries to adjust to the hafling size of things.

"Perhaps you can tell us of Giant History going way back. Way way back," Nikolai chimes in.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Thursday December 2nd, 2021 7:55:05 PM
Mungo's Books

Tali will listen to whatever the wise Sage Mungo has to offer, especially after Nikolai's request about Giant History.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Thursday December 2nd, 2021 8:28:14 PM

"Much as giant history going way way back might be interesting," Murphy says, "perhaps in the telling you might be able to give us an idea as to what places do giants fear to tread? Where are there reminders of punishments that all giants dread? Where might there be a place where families lid buried and long forgotten? Where is a place that to most living giants is yet untrodden?

"Or, are there any books or scrolls or resources available to you which might help us unravel this riddle?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday December 2nd, 2021 9:04:07 PM
Pressi waits patiently for a bit, then goes out to try to locate Ketia on her own.

CDM Jerry [OOC post]
Thursday December 2nd, 2021 9:05:01 PM
Nick, I have sent you two emails and must receive a reply from you sir. Hope that you are doing well. :)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday December 2nd, 2021 11:59:16 PM
Nikolai explains a little about the Mailed Fist training.
"I can teach a trick or two that will help in combat. But in order to make it stick you'll need to train extensively for months. But if we spend 30min to an hour in the morning, that skill will be temporarily useful in combat for that day. Unfortunately the skill slips away once you rest and an hour or training the next day is necessary to refresh your memory.

The Outflank skill allows a team of two, the Mailed Fist teacher and his partner, work together in flanking an opponent such as to confuse the enemy more than usual and thus gain a greater bonus (+4 rather than the +2) on flanking attacks by the pair."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday December 3rd, 2021 12:06:06 AM
OOC: the Mailed Fist has several special Team Tactics. As a Mailed Fist gains experience, one tactic he can train for is the ability to teach another a Team Tactic that the other does not have. It is only good for that day the two get together and train for a little while. For a Team Tactic to be made permanent, one would need to join the Mailed Fist and train there for the Feat.
As is, one can be a temporary Mailed Fist member for long enough to get what you want, for a fee. But Once a Mailed Fist, Always a Mailed Fist is the motto. :)

OOC OOC: Actually, the PTB have not made any policy decisions as to the suggestion I just made, but... :)

DM Hugh - Where Giants Fear To Tread d20+29=44 ; d20+23=39 ;
Friday December 3rd, 2021 2:02:39 AM
Succotash asks the librarian if she has any information on giants or places feared by them and explains their upcoming plans to visit the giant city and shares Pressi�s riddle.

Pru gathers information about Angel Springs and the group she finds herself working with.

Murphy has tea with some relatives before heading off to visit Mungo Hardbottle with Kendry. He explains about what they are up to and what they are looking for while also detailing Flamescorn and Ironbane�s capabilities.

Pressi explains to Nick that once upon a time she was a member of the Fist before she became a bloodwitch. Pressi wonders aloud why if someone was good enough to slip in and out of a jail cell why they would allow themselves to be spotted especially if they had an illusionist party. She also wants to learn about firegiants and their homes and clans.

Tali likes her new boots and ioun stone and goes with Murphy to visit Mungo, flying as she does.

Kezzem attempts to meditate but it doesn�t last long so he goes tavern hopping telling stories of Humble�s Sword to the locals.

Nikolai joins Murphy and Pressi for tea before going to Mungos. He makes small talk about instruments. He looks for a halfing vocabulary book and asks about the history of giants going way way back.

Tali listens to what Mungo has to say

Murphy reiterates the poem in asking about Giants

Pressi waits patiently for a bit then goes to find Ketia on her own

Nikolai explains more about what he can do with his mailed fist training.

Mungo says, �Please forgive me. I�ve been rather busy of late. So you are asking about Giants, their homes and their clans, what kind of punishments they don�t like and their history going way back.�

He clears his throat, �It�s a tall order but one I think I can help with. Let�s see in the Scab there is a militant bunch of fire giants that worship Fhorge, the immortal volcano power. Prestige in this society is won by Giant Families who have had victory in battle or are successful in other ways but primarily battle. The various families vie for power and prestige. The worst thing for one of these leading families would to be shunned and forgotten. If someone from a family does something so egregious by giant society standards, usually involving betraying ones own kind in some significant fashion then the remaining family members are put to death, their property is raised and the lot the property was on becomes sealed off to other giants. They don�t talk about it, heck they aren't even allowed to acknowledge that family existed. The family name is struck from their records, but the blight of the raised building behind lock and key serves as a reminder of what happens to traitors. For more specifics related to a lot of your questions I need to consult my scrolls. Come back in a few hours and I�ll have more for you.�

�As to your request for a halfling primer, try this book.� he hands Nikolai a book written in halfling, �Roughly translated it means B is for Breakfast, P is for Pipeweed and S is for Second Breakfast.�

Meanwhile at the Sages Guild the overworked Clerk takes the rest of the party through the stacks to the section of the library devoted to monstrous humanoids. She says, �Be careful, some of these tomes are fairly old. How long do you think you�ll be needing here so I know when to come back and escort you out?�

Pressi learns that Ketia is not in Angel Springs.

Pru hears favorable things about Humble�s Sword from the Angel Springers. They tell of their various adventures and some of the townspeople tell her that someone is telling new stories about them and she is ushered into a pub called The Dancing Pig where none other than Kezzem is recalling the battle with Ironbane.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Friday December 3rd, 2021 3:56:56 AM
Hobie will do his part in preparing to face fire giants:
He will head to the catacombs to buy some Giant Bane arrows
He will attune his bow�s elemental damage to Cold (Arcane archer ability)
He will scribe some scrolls of Cone of Cold and Resist Energy Fire

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Friday December 3rd, 2021 8:55:19 AM
Succotash answers the clerk, "To be honest, I'm not sure how long it will take. Hopefully not to long, as I don't want to miss elevensies, but one must sometimes make sacrifices. I hope that's not to much of an intrusion. I promise we will put everything back where we found it, when we leave.

Succotash jumps in and begins skimming through the various scrolls and tombs, ignoring anything that doesn't apply to giants, and searching for any clue or tidbit of information that may help the Swords in there quest.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Friday December 3rd, 2021 1:21:17 PM
"The Dancing Pig," Pru says to herself. "That's odd. I thought the Dancing Pig was in Humble's Ford. Are there two Dancing Pigs?" She snorts. "Surely one dancing pig is enough for anyone."

She sets off to see if she can find Nikolai to compare notes.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Friday December 3rd, 2021 10:02:14 PM
Angel Springs

Tali hovers back into the streets of Angel Springs and then proceeds to investigate the town for a few hours while she bids time to allow Mister Mungo to consult his materials for the Humbles.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday December 3rd, 2021 10:43:07 PM

Pressi nodded, lost in thought as to the librarian's explanation. As for perusing the various books, she lets Succotash set the timetable.

Later on, she makes her own path to the WLA for training.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Saturday December 4th, 2021 2:45:04 AM
"You can never have enough Dancing Pigs!" says Kezzem. "The more the merrier!"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Saturday December 4th, 2021 4:31:58 AM
"Very well, Mungo," Murphy nods. "We'll return in a bit, as you request."

"Well, then, how about taking up Leska on her offer?" he asks Nikolai and Tali. (She had suggested coming over for tea after doing some of our investigations.) If any others are about, he extends the invitation.

After the visit to Winwood Music and Toys, he'll return to see Mungo. Then check-in at the WLA for some training, since that seems the thing to do.

DM Mitch
Saturday December 4th, 2021 9:13:31 PM
Hobie[ does some preparation.
Succotash does a lot of reading on giants.
Prudance is confused by a duplicate dancing pig.
Tali gets to know the town.
Pressi gets lost in thought and visits the WLA
[/b]Kezzem[/b] comments on how you can never have enough dancing pigs
Murphy runs errands all over town.

The small city that is Angel Springs has several inns and taverns, including one that is indeed called the Dancing Pig. It�s run by a relative of the one that exists in Humbles Ford. THe local WLA is able to offer the required training, though the people in charge there seem more interested in talking about gossip then useful information.

Succotash quickly finds that there is enough information on giants to devote several lifetimes to. After some time of narrowing things down to fire giants, and then fire giants that worship Fhorge he�s able to find similar information to what Mungo reported. Nothing seems to be known about where the giants live or what kind of defenses they have, especially since the Scab is so wild and hard to navigate.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday December 5th, 2021 10:03:43 PM
Nikolai takes the book and flips through a few pages. It is definitely written for the beginner. He chuckles and thanks Mungo, "Thanks. When I graduate from this book, I'll come back for the next lesson."

So 'where giants fear to tread' must be one of those places where a shunned giant family was killed and sealed off. "Would this giant we are looking for be shunned by the giants and his family killed and property sealed off?" Nikolai wonders out loud.

Nikolai senses Pru searching for him (OOC: Mailed Fist Agent Knight Commanders were given the ability to communicate telepathically with each other). He quickly lets Pru know where they are and how to get there.
'Love you Honey. How's the shopping in this town?"

Winwood Music & Toy Shop - Leska Rose & Nalfein (Kim fills in this part for DMs)
Sunday December 5th, 2021 11:29:48 PM

As a few party members enter WinWood Toys & Music, on the left side of the shop are all kinds of toys - mostly wooden, but many also have metal, glass, leather and other components. The right side of the shop is filled with musical instruments - harps, drums, flutes, lutes, some zithers, violins, gambas, mandolins, cymbals, zil, a few chalumeaus, dulcimers, lyres, pan-pipes, recorders, a bladder pipe, a pair of kortholts, a very nice organetto, a rauschpfeife, a mute cornet, three sackbutts, a lysard, a corna muse far too large for a halfling, a shawn and its cousin a dulcian, and - well, many more than will be enumerated here - but that's not to forget the harpsichord tucked in the far corner. Two aisles are filled with toys of all sorts.

A colorfully painted metal cylinder has very hot water inside, kept that way by three wicks burning below it, and a spigot on the side. It is topped by a small, equally colorful tea pot. Nine matching teacups hang from small hooks near the top of the cylinder. On a small table near that is a neat array of various ceramic containers.

[Am assuming Murphy contacts Pressi to encourage her to join in before getting going full force at the WLA.]
"Pressi! Murphy!" exults a rosy-cheeked auburn lass - perhaps late-thirty's in age, still young for a halfling. She wears a green dress with roses embroidered in a sweeping line from left hip and winding around to end along the outside of the right ankle. She skips up to her sister-in-law and plants a kiss on the right cheek, the left cheek, the right cheek, then does likewise with Murphy, but this time starting from the left cheek...

"And friends! Tali!" She hugs those she knows (which includes any of Humble's Sword save the very recently added half elf and human). For those whom she has not yet met, she says, "Welcome to our family store. I am Leska Rose of the Leafwin Pipewoods. And would you care for tea? We also have mulled wine, cider, chocolate. And coffee. Milk, Water. Biscuits, jam, honey. Here, sit, tell me what has been going on lately in saving the Wold."

Leska Rose and Nikolai
Leska Rose laughs and claps as Nikolai shows off his kazoo. "I love the kazoo. It makes children - and adults - smile. Well, yes, it can seem annoying to some. Yet it is a great little instrument to help make a moment lighter. May I take a look at yours, Nikolai?" Should he let her see it, she examines it for a moment. "That's a fine filigree. It's not from Emerald City, now, is it?" she inquires. "Once a group of 30 music students played a kazoo rendition of the rousing gnomish, 'Aria of Joy'. People laughed as they recognized the tune, then some who knew the words joined in singing on the chorus. As the stirring final verse was buzzed in full harmony, all in the audience stood and many sang the closing words. There were even tears of joy sliding down a few cheeks," she relates. She smiles warmly, "The best comment was from one of the mothers, 'That was sublime, and sweetly ridiculous.'"

"If you'd like something easier to play, Nikolai, and enjoyed so long as you can keep a fair rhythm, we do have some good drums. Also recorders - fairly easy to pick up. Harmonica. Ocarina. A zither. And, a hurdy gurdy. It's a complex machine, but, well," she concludes as she returns the instrument to Nikolai, "the kazoo is easy to carry, and as easy to play as your voice will allow." She walks over to a bowl and takes out an egg-shaped piece of wood. "This is an egg shaker." She holds it up, shakes it back and forth in a varied rhythm. "Soft little percussion, no? A small gift for you, sir." She places the wooden egg in Nikolai's hand, and closes his fingers over it with a little pat.

Carousel... Hummingbirds?
"Say, Murphy, I wanted to ask you - you know Father is almost done with his carousel, and wants to have it ready for folks to ride pretty soon. Nalfein is putting finishing touches on the main music box that plays as the carved-creatures disk bears people round and round. He had Lomar the ogre riding around on it to ensure it can bear his weight. Lomar volunteered to let people ride on his shoulders as the carousel spins. Father rather liked that suggestion. 'A good idea for part of opening day, Lomar.' And Bobbles said he can play the spoons to 'make better the sound.' And guess what Father told him? 'Bobbles, your spoons can augment the sound, indeed.' For some reason, the goblin got very embarrassed at the word augment. Turns out a word of the same sound in his own tongue means [/i]'barf.'[/i]" Leska Rose gives a wan smile at this revelation.

She then continues briskly, "Oh, anyway, Father wants to know if you could catch him a few hummingbirds. He wants to capture their wing frequency to replicate the sound to place inside a pair of large carved hummingbirds for the children to sit upon. He said he will treat them kindly, and let them fly away after an hour or so of study. If you can't, then maybe Kendry can help."

Nalfein arrives
Just as Leska is finishing her request of Murphy, in from the back enters a halfling who bears a slight resemblance to Murphy, but who is more wirey, cheekbones more prominent. "Customers! Are you wasting our profits on feeding more customers, Rosie?" His face bears the marks of disapproval - but with a Sense Motive of 12 Highlight to display spoiler: {You discern a mischievous twinkle in his eye, a certain set of his mouth that may imply more of a tease than a genuine rebuke}. He approaches Murphy and launches a punch to his nose - but stops about half an inch short of that target. Murphy does not flinch, but instead smiles. "This is my brother, Nalfein, of the Crescent Valley adventuring group." Murphy introduces those who are at the music shop to Nalfein.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Monday December 6th, 2021 12:51:26 AM
"That would be my guess, Nik, but how do we fi d such a place?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 38/T23/F33 CMB 22 CMD 48 HP 196/196+9
Monday December 6th, 2021 1:58:22 AM

At Music shop
"Uh, sis, we saw each other just a couple of hours ago. Sheesh!" Still, Murphy enjoys his sister's nearly always warm and effusive greetings. He tried to see if he could find Hobie to visit the shop, too. "Hummingbirds?? When am I going to find time for that?" he asks Leska, holding up his hands to forestall a reply. "Rhetorical, sis, rhetorical."

If Hobie shows, Nalfein will comment, "Say, Hobbs, I saw you run that archery contest last year. Sales of our toy figurines of archers shot up for a while after that. Heard you're going against giants again. Teach 'em some cross-stitching with your arrows, all right?"

Back with Nikolai, Succotash, maybe others?
"Yep, Nikolai, Succotash. Well, Mungo did suggest we return and he might have additional information for us this afternoon. Shall we go there again, see what else he may have dug up?"

He communicates telepathically with Pressi, letting her know, briefly, what he's been up to, learning the same from her.

Murphy also wants to squeeze in some time to visit with the elf druids at the grove outside the walls of Angel Springs, and discuss further what some have indicated is the possibility of him becoming a member of the druidic Circle of The Oak.

But first: Mungo.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Monday December 6th, 2021 4:21:39 AM
to Nalfein, Hobie will respond "I'm glad to hear the kids are showing an interest in Archery. We're gonna have to run another tournament soon to keep that interest going. And just as soon as we can retire, I'm gonna set up the academy that I'm dreaming of, to train up a new generation of archers."

Winwood Music & Toy Shop - Leska Rose & Nalfein
Monday December 6th, 2021 5:27:28 AM

"No kiddin'?" Nalfein responds to Hobie. "Great idea, that." He puts one hand to the side of his mouth, and stage whispers, "Personally, I prefer the staff sling, but for missiles per minute and overall effectiveness, your sweet bow has the staff sling beat." The wirey fellow pantomimes pulling back a bow string, then lets the two fingers of his right hand release the imaginary string. "Twang!" he says. "Ooh! I shot the crow out of the sky." Then he looks around, and sotto voce says, "Say, Mookie's not around, is he? Gotta watch what I say around that bird."

Apparently this gets the fellow's mind working. "Hey, do you know about our flying discs? You can use them for target practice." He goes over to a cabinet, pulls out a drawer, and brings out three wooden disks with curved-down edges. "You put your finger along one edge, fingers wrapped underneath the curved lip, draw it to your side, the fling it out into the air so it goes spinning. You can make it go high, or long, or in kind of a partial loop. Three dwarfs bought up about 25 of 'em, they said for crossbow practice." He shrugs his shoulders. "Here. First one's free. Find a field, try throwing it a few times until you get the hang of it. They're not bad just for playing catch. Or, one person throws it up in the air, and crossbowman, or archer, tries to shoot it before it lands on the ground." Nalfein hands Hobie one that is about 6" in diameter. "This size goes for a gold. The five inch ones are 7 silver. We have seven and a half inchers for 15 silver, nine inchers for 2 gold."

As an aside to Leska Rose, he says, "Gotta pay for the food you're givin' away, sis," he tells her.

"We call 'em 'disc fliers,'" he says to Hobie. "Or Auntie's pie plates." One supposes they might be used for pies, but the slight curvature of the top part would really not make them suitable for stability if one tried to use it as a pie plate.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Monday December 6th, 2021 1:03:34 PM
Oh, about what you'd expect, Pru replies to Nikolai.

She goes to meet up with him at the--library? music store? Pru's player is a muddled old woman and has no idea where everyone has gone. Anyway, she meets up with him wherever he is.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Monday December 6th, 2021 4:58:37 PM
Hobie will toss one of the discs lightly to get a feel for it. �Hey this is really fun, thanks! It�s much too big for me to use as a target with my skills, but I�ll give it a try, and if I like it, perhaps I�ll come back and buy a bulk order to use at the academy once we get going. And until then I bet Kez will enjoy having a catch with me.�

DM Hugh - Research of Giant Proportions
Monday December 6th, 2021 9:10:37 PM
Nikolai thanks Mungo for the book and then reasons that part of the poem referred to one of the places where a giant family was killed and sealed off and wonders if Flamescorn�s family suffered that fate. He senses Pru over the WLA ring and sends a message to her.

Succotash agrees with Nikolai about the answer to the riddle and how that applies to Flamescorn but then asks how they�d find the place.

Murphy had reluctantly agreed to his sister�s request to capture some humming birds on his way out of the music shop. He communicated with Pressi as to what they had learned so far and that they were going to be coming back to Mungo�s and he�ll likely check with the Druids later.

Hobie tells Leska Rose that they�ll have to set up another archery to keep the interest in the sport up and resolves that when he eventually retires he�s going to set up that school to teach the next generation.

Pru tells Nikolai the shopping is what one expects and then goes to meat up with him and the rest.

Nikolai and Hobie experiment with the flying disk Leska Rose produced.

At Mungo�s:

The party head�s back to Mungo�s. The sage has some rather aged looking tomes on a table in the library. He says, �I had to find a particularly old volume to find references to this Realm of Fhorge where the fire giants dwell. I think the writing is over 400 years old if I had to guess. Anyway, the tome says the giants that live in this place are blessed and strengthened by Fhorge in ways other giants aren�t. Make of that what you will. The city is literally carved into the volcano with all the hazards one would expect, ash, poison vapors, lava, you name it. It also says they aren�t keen on visitors so the author of the scroll only viewed the city from the outside but it did look formidable.�

Mungo �Between this and the information about the punishment you originally asked for I think that is everything you wanted. I mean it does mention a riddle in a cave to find the key to use the portal to the pocket realm but the author seems to think the answer to the puzzle shifts, so I�m not sure how helpful that passage is.�

�Is there anything else you needed information about?� He asks

At the Library:
The others find more corroborating evidence to what Mungo has turned up. Volcanic City, not really visited, militant Fhorge-blessed giants and some kind of riddle puzzle to find the key to make the teleportation to the pocket realm work.

Pressi:
While the others continue to look for information on giants amidst the stacks one of the librarian approaches you and says, �A dwarf woman is asking after you. She claims you wanted to meet with her. She�s waiting in a conference room, if you want I could take you to her.�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday December 6th, 2021 9:26:13 PM

Pressi returned Leska's embrace. "Ashante, and I would love a spot of tea and three meals worth of food, but not a meal more. I have my pride."

She continues to drink and converse. Though one might notice how little (for a halfling) she ate, a holdover from days past. (Leska, by this point, should know better than to try to push food.) She nods along in regards to the kazoo, and to talk of carousels.

As Nalfein comes in with his humor, Pressi gives him a wave. As Nalfein continues to tease about the food, she takes that moment to shove three biscuits in her mouth at once.

---------------

Much of the rest is spent in trying to learn what she suspects will be learned on the go.

And, as message of the dwarf woman reaches her, she agrees to be taken back (after messaging Murphy).

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday December 6th, 2021 10:45:49 PM
Nikolai lets Leska Rose look at his kazoo. "I know nothing of the maker or its origins. I won it at the Giggling Ghost some time back. I just like its ease in playing and carrying. I"m no musician to try anything else."

As she studies it she might discern its properties if she uses the correct skill check or magic:
This simple kazoo made of fine darkwood and traced with silver filigree.
As a standard action, a creature can hum into the kazoo, producing a variety of annoying sounds. For the next round, any creature within 60� of the kazoo takes a �2 penalty on Perceptions checks that rely on sound and a �1 penalty on concentration check. The kazoo can be used as a bardic instrument (wind) that grants the bard a +2 bonus on Perform checks when using the distraction Bardic Performance. (.5lb, 50gp)

This was a Lotto Win sometime back.

He accepts the egg shaker with a smile figuring that someday in the near future one with tiny hands will enjoy shaking it.

Murphy:
Nikolai nods to Murphy, agreeing on a return visit to Mungo's later on. "I can't imagine there being all that many giant families that fit the 'shunned' description, so hopefully it won't be hard to weed out all those that are irrelevant and hit upon the one we are looking for quickly."

Outside he meets up with Pru. By now they both know each other's results and look around the shops while waiting for Mungo's research, which turns out to be a rather flat bladder. "Well, if Flamescorn is the one scorned by the giants, then maybe that's where he got his name. And if his family's lands are in this pocket dimension, then the key to get there we must find."

Nikolai shows a little interest in the flying disks but says nothing about the Mailed Fist's flying disks some of the Mailed Fist Units use sometimes. Those are extremely sharp and cut through rope like butter. Ones that could cut through chain links were in the works but that project was put on hold.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Monday December 6th, 2021 11:32:49 PM
"Do you suppose this is a different dwarf woman?" asks Kezzem. "No, we wouldn't be so lucky."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Tuesday December 7th, 2021 1:13:15 AM
Succotash puts all the books back where he found them, and than prepars to leave, to reunite with his friends. As he leaves, he thanks the librarian for the use of the books, and heads to Mungo's shop, assuming he will find his friends there. He arrives just as the others are exiting, and shares what he found, only to be surprised to learn, Mungo shared the same information. He asks, "So what is our next step?"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Tuesday December 7th, 2021 6:07:43 PM
"A city by a volcano," Pru muses. "Sounds interesting."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday December 7th, 2021 8:49:15 PM
Pressi stresses that she needs to meet this "mystery" dwarf woman alone. You know, because that's how it usually goes in the story.

DM Hugh - So what is our next step?
Tuesday December 7th, 2021 8:55:56 PM
Pressi enjoys the visit with Leska and Nalfein. Later at the Library she agrees to be taken to meet with Ketia.

Nikolai shows the kazoo to Neska and details its provenance. He surmises based on their research that there are that many families that have been shunned so it shouldn�t be that hard to find. He suggests that in order to figure out what they need to find out heading to the pocket dimension is the way to go.

Kezzem asks if the Dwarf woman seeking out Pressi is a different Dwarf woman but reasons they couldn�t be so lucky.

Succotash had make sure all the books got put back. When he gets back to the rest of the party and confirms what he found he aks what�s our next step.

Prudence thinks the giant city by the volcano sounds interesting.

Succotash asked what the next step is. Nikolai thinks their next step is to actually seek out the pocket realm. Any preparations you want to make? How are you going to get to Fhorge�s Volcano? It is located deep in the Scab.

Meanwhile, while the party is sorting out traveling plans, a certain meeting between mages is happening.

Ketia says to Pressi, �You wanted to see me? Also before you ask, yes I killed IronBane and yes I wanted others to know about it. I had warned you that he had escaped from the hospitality of the Constabulary of the Caverns of Glimstone before and I knew that he was going to do so again. Had you sent him to a higher security lockup I may not have needed to act but he can escape from the Dwarves easily enough so I didn�t want to risk him getting out and seeking revenge on you this time with more Barbarians and the element of surprise. You all might have ended up like your new half-elf monk friend who is already back from the dead again. Heck, Ironbane might have thrown in with Flamescorn after escaping and that was something we do not need so I took care of it. Is there anything else we need to discuss? I think I overheard something about fire giants and a pocket realm? Sashe and I stand ready to accompany you. This is all part of our temporary alliance since at this point I think it is safe to say Flamescorn is actively plotting against both of us..�

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday December 7th, 2021 11:56:22 PM
Nikolai is moved neither one way or the other with the news of Ironbane's demise. Justice is Justice. As long as he was fairly tried for his crimes and found guilty.

"Unless there are any scorned giant lands outside the pocket realm, I see no alternative. We'll need to get in there do the best to get what we need and get out. I'm going to bet the giants won't like our being there, less so if they find out we plan to 'desecrate' one of their prized memorials."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday December 8th, 2021 1:07:21 AM
"Wait, I thought we killed Ironbane, didn't we? No? Was I too busy looking for giants hiding in my pocket?"

To Ketia, "Yes, I know normal giants wouldn't fit in my pocket, but these were magic giants. Magic can do all kinds of weird stuff, you know, life a bag of holding that are bigger on the inside."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Wednesday December 8th, 2021 1:34:10 AM

Murphy offers words of thanks and leave-taking here and there, including, "Mungo, you are the best. Oh, and do you know anywhere I might find a couple of hummingbirds?"

He is not terribly sad that Ironbane has been launched on his journey to the lands of rest, or to Koshe-Marr, whichever comes first for that muscled aggregation of wickedness.

"So, into the Scab? Deep into the Scab? How shy are we on preparations, and on finding an address?" he asks the group.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Wednesday December 8th, 2021 3:26:23 AM
"With the description Ironbane gave us, we should be able to use greater teleport. I could take half the group, and I know Tali is more than capable of transporting the other half."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday December 8th, 2021 4:14:36 PM

There are times when Pressi gets indignant. When she gets mad. When she begins to yell. When she must physically stop herself.

Then there are the times when she moves through mad, back to calm. Ketia has yet to know what that meant.

"Do you know why I didn't make a deal all those years ago? Why I risked my own life and the survival of our homes, why I destroyed the one thing standing in the way of destruction, rather than make a deal with you? It's because I could foresee this moment, and yet I have the audacity to be surprised. And you... what? How were you hoping I'd react to this? Please, tell me what you hoped I'd say."

"You want to know when to accompany us? Well, that's easy. You don't. Because we aren't partners. See, Flamescorn may have attacked us both but we do not share the same enemy or the same battlefield. And it's not even about the ethics or the legality or the risks anymore. You went behind our back, after all the trust we placed in you, knowing that we would not approve and thinking we needed your infinite wisdom to make decisions... You used us, and I actually defended you. And now the blood of a prisoner in a small room and no weapons is on my hands. The one rule I don't break, and I broke it, because I vouched for you.

"And now you want to be partners? How does that work, exactly? Are you going to follow our orders? Try our strategies? Protect my flank? Sacrifice yourself so that I might live, Boromir to my Aragon? Even if I believe you aren't the one killing Aragon and that you aren't following Flamescorn - and you aren't acting like someone who isn't - you... do you even believe in anything besides your own skin and ego? What keeps you from wandering off to do your own thing? From striking us the second it feels right or our interests diverge? What even protects your caster friend from you, or keeps you from wondering into the woods and going full Ironbane on us? Partners. I'd rather be partners with Flamescorn. At least he's got an ethos."

Pressi stood for a minute before preparing to leave. "There will be no more information between us from this point forward, and I guarantee you that any future prisoners we take will find themselves in more secure prisons. As for whether any dwarves are beyond redemption, well I'm not in any mood to argue with you on that point. You'll receive word when the job is done. And I really do hope you eventually find what you're looking for."

(OOC: I'm not unprepared for the group to change Pressi's mind. But I seriously don't think that just taking Ketia is a good idea, even though we could use the firepower.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday December 8th, 2021 4:15:50 PM
(Edit: Pressi meant to raise the possibility that Ketia killed Anur, not Aragon.)

DM Hugh - How does that work exactly?
Wednesday December 8th, 2021 9:03:15 PM
Nikolai reasons that unless there are scorned giants outside of the pocket realm they have no choice but to head there and the giants won�t take too kindly to it either so they need to get what they need and get out quick.

Kezzem had thought that they killed Ironbane he keeps mentioning pocket giants.

Murphy thanks Mungo and inquires about HummingBirds. He asks about preparations for their journey deep into the Scab and if they have an address.

Succotash explains based on Ironbane�s description they could get there using Greater Teleport with him taking some of the party and Tali taking the rest.

Pressi asks Ketia what reaction she was expecting before launching into a tirade over what Ketia did. She definitively says that any communication between them is done and that she�ll send word when the job is done with respect to Flamescorn.

At Mungos:

Mungo says, �There is a hummingbird and butterfly garden where you probably could collect a few specimens, as for an address I already told you the entrance is somehow tied to Fhorge�s volcano deep within the Scab. If you can head there you should be able to find your way into the pocket realm.�

At the Meeting:

Ketia calls back to Pressi as she leaves, �I didn�t expect any specific reaction from you. The message I left was for other followers of Scald that would move against me. As for Anur�s death and being in cahoots with Flamescorn you are just going to have to take my word that neither of those things are the case. Anur was a true friend or as close to one someone like me could have. I�d never have done that to him and as for Flamescorn I�m pretty sure he wants me dead so working with him would not be conducive to my long term health outlook. As for our alliance being over, do you really have the power to unilaterally do that? Sashe is a powerful illusionist. Taking her and me would help you avoid fights with powerful Fire Giants unlike any you have previously faced. They don�t take too kindly to strangers on top of it. Though if you don�t change your mind and this is really your party�s decision there is nothing to stop Sashe and I from having our own foray into the giant realm and a smaller group is easier to slip in unnoticed�� she offers a Cheshire grin.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Wednesday December 8th, 2021 10:46:51 PM
"No, don't you remember?" Pru asks Kezzem. "The dwarves killed Nikolai, so I killed the dwarves, and everybody got mad and started yelling, so when Ironbane came back from the maze we captured him instead of killing him."

To Pressi, she says, "It sounds like we need allies. You don't want them for partners? Fine, they're not partners. But allies don't need to see eye to eye on everything. They just need a common enemy, and it sounds like we've got one of those."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday December 9th, 2021 12:45:25 AM
Nikolai does not know the history between these two so he says nothing. 'Pru honey, we don't know what happened and if they can't get along, their arguing might be more detrimental than the help would be helpful. At this point at least. We'll see what happens, we may still meet up with those two and attitudes might change at that point.' he says to Pru through their link.

OOC: BTW, the link is not a WLA thing, but a Mailed Fist thing and only works between the Agent Knight Commanders.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday December 9th, 2021 12:47:46 AM
"That much I remember," says Kezzem. "It's afterwards that I'm a little fuzzy on."

To Ketia, "there are times Pressi scares, and times she really scares me. In case you were confused, that was the latter. I would not want to be you right now."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Thursday December 9th, 2021 4:08:09 AM
Succotash decides to fill Prudence and Nikolai In on how they met Sasha and Ketia by saying, "A few years ago, our town was in danger of being destroyed by a colossal iron giant, piloted by Anur, the person Pressi and Ketia were talking about. Anur, like Ketia and Sasha was a member of the Scald cult, and he found the Iron Giant, an ancient artifact of great power, and planned on using it to free his god. He chose Humble's Ford as a trial run to assurtain the power of the giant. Luckily we were able to stop him, and in the process, we gained ownership of the artifact, and the promise that Anur and his wife would never step foot in the Crescent Valley again. After that we learned that the Iron Giant could be used to repair the damaged Giant Tower, one of several that keeps giants from the Scab from invading the Crescent Valley. We also learned that the giants were planning on launching an attack, because they discovered that the Humble's Ford tower was down. Anyway we began the repairs, when the giant army attacked. As the battle was concluding, and the tower was nearly recharged, Keta and Sasha invaded the Iron Giant, with the hopes of taking it away from us, so as to finish what Anur started. In the process three things happened. 1) We were forced to brick the Iron Giant in exchange for immediately finishing the recharging of the tower, 2) Tali was killed by Ketia, and 3) I was killed by Ketia. With the bricking of the Iron Giant, Ketia and Sasha left, only to return a few days ago asking for our help, as Anur and several other cult members were murdered. None of us were keen on joining forces with Ketia and Sasha, but we couldn't stand by and let a murderer avoid justice, and besides, this murderer, whom we now know as Flamescron, attacked our home, with a magical construct, know as a juggernaut, and we wanted some justice for that unprovoked attack as well. The rest, I belive you know."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday December 9th, 2021 9:59:27 AM

Prudence and Ketia both make their cases for partnering with Ketia. But it's when Ketia threatens to go on her own that Pressi stops in her tracks, tense, unmoving.

Partnering with Ketia would cause substantial risks and constant fights about morality and strategy, whatever benefits might accrue in return. But to have them separately running around, making their own choices, unbound by any agreement....

It takes a long time to speak, even though she knows that Ketia knows her answer.

"If we are to do this together," Pressi slowly speaks, "then we need to have an understanding that this partnership cannot have two heads, and that this is not just a disagreement about combat ethics. I... I am willing to concede that you may have valuable insights into the situation we are about to enter... and while I can't condone your actions, I don't have to deal with Scald after this is over.

"But this cannot work if either side is doing activity behind the other's back or without any form of consensus. I need to know that you can operate within our group and within our codes, because I foresee doom for us all if we can't come together as a team."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Thursday December 9th, 2021 3:05:37 PM

"And I concur with Pressi. How can two walk together, unless they be agreed? Ketia, will you and Sashe agree to operate within the framework of our ethics? And let us know, to the best of your abilities, what things you aim to do?" Murphy asks.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Thursday December 9th, 2021 9:23:06 PM
Hummingbirds & Butterflies

Tali ponders, Sometimes not having family is freeing. Often its lonely as you watch others tighten their bonds you simply do not have. Alas, the Humbles will eventually come to some conclusion/decision and we will move yet again...hopefully forward.

It was nice seeing Mister Mungo. Something's a bit off about that sage.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday December 10th, 2021 12:15:41 AM
Nikolai nods, "After the Mailed Fist Civil War, it was difficult to work again with members that had fought for Neutronus and against us, but they repented of their misguided loyalty, now seeing the warped mind of Neutronus and the misapplication of the Mailed Fist Code. I don't think the situation here with Ketia is the same, but not too different either. Whatever is decided, Pru and I will go along. But keep our eyes and ears attentive to Ketia for anything that seems contrary to our goal."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Friday December 10th, 2021 12:33:21 AM
"At the very least you will provide Flamescorn with some more targets," says Kezzem. "That way I won't have to get hurt so much."

DM Hugh - Will you and Sashe agree to operate within the framework of our ethics?
Friday December 10th, 2021 12:36:23 AM
Pru reminds Kezzem of events that recently happened with respect to Ironbane before lobbying Pressi that they need allies.

Nikolai doesn�t know the history between Pressi and Ketia and sends over the Mailed Fist link this and that it might be more detrimental to have her help than to not.

Kezzem replies that he remembers that he�s just a little fuzzy on the afterward and explains to Ketia that there are times when Pressi scares him and when she really scares him

Succotash relates to Nikolai and Pru their history with Ketia and company from the beginning up until recent events.

Pressi listens to the cases from both Pru and Ketia with respect to their alliance and it is ultimately Ketia�s threat to go her own way that makes Pressi stop. She puts out her tems that if this is to work Ketia needs to operate within their group and within their codes.

Murphy Weighs in that he agrees with his wife and asks if Ketia and Sashe will work within their framework of ethics and let them know to the best of their abilities what they aim to be.

Tali ponders that not having a family is freeing even though it is lonely to watch others tighten their bonds sometimes and that it was nice seeing Mungo.

Ketia considers the words of the group, thinks long and hard and then says to Pressi and Murphy, �You want to know if we can agree to work within your boundaries while this alliance is in effect and what to the best of our abilities Sashe and my goals are here. Our goals are to work with you while on our journey into the Giant pocket realm until we are assured that the threat Flamescorn poses to us is no more. To that end until we are convinced that Flamescorn no longer poses us a threat we are willing to work within your framework. We would appreciate it if you could explicitly spell out what your framework is exactly as I�m sure there are some grey areas that Pressi may be okay with being a bloodwitch that may possibly offend Succotash�s or Kezzem�s sensibilities being ostensibly bound tightly to Gods rather than having the more freeing bonds to immortal powers that Pressi and I enjoy. At the point where we decide Flamescorn is no longer a threat we offer a non-aggression agreement until we are out of the pocket realm and on our separate ways. We are willing to potentially continue to work within your framework for a time after Flamescorn�s no longer poses us a threat if that is what is required based on circumstances considering we would still be in a hostile environment filled with powerful enemies.�

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Friday December 10th, 2021 12:54:33 AM
"Eh, you'd be surprised," says Kezzem. "Just because her code of conduct doesn't come with a divine bond, doesn't mean her values are not just as rigid as mine. They might actually be more so."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Friday December 10th, 2021 3:24:57 AM
"Our code is fairly simple. We favor diplomacy over violence, though act decisively if necessary, we give quarter if asked, and we try to act in an overall goodly manner. If you can do this, than I'm OK with you coming with us, if not, than I say fare-thee-well."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Friday December 10th, 2021 4:39:49 AM

"Regarding Flamescorn, based upon the lengths he has gone to against us, and the multiple murders on his record, perhaps ending his life may be just and necessary," Murphy weighs in. "If it be possible, I would like to satisfy my curiosity as to his reasons, his motivations. And to learn whether he has others beholden to him. Regardless, as he appears to be an existential threat to some of us, and to our communities, though, placing him on probation is not likely to be the proper way to deal with him.

"Also, likely as not, as he has shown himself resourceful and clever, I don't anticipate that ending his evil run is likely to be a walk in the park. And - visiting this pocket realm may not be where we find him, but rather where we learn where we might do so. And surviving the learning experience."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Friday December 10th, 2021 6:55:27 PM
Pru listens carefully to Ketia's proposal. "That sounds fine to me," she says.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday December 10th, 2021 9:08:11 PM

Pressi nods in satisfaction. "Ok, that matter is settled. Any thoughts regarding the mission that we are about to undertake?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121
Friday December 10th, 2021 9:40:19 PM
More Shenanigans

Tali casts her usual round of daily spells while she awaits the rest to get a plan on.

Spells in Affect
Overland Flight | 1080 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1080 Minutes

DM Hugh - Our code is simple...
Saturday December 11th, 2021 11:21:32 AM
Kezzem suggests Pressi�s code of conduct might be more rigid than his own.

Succotash gives a rundown of their code.

Murphy points out that they might not find Flamescorn in the pocket realm and that he�d like to learn more about the giant�s motivations if they capture him.

Pru says the proposal sounds fine to her.

Pressi says the matter is settled and asks if Ketia has any thoughts about the mission.

Tali casts her normal round of spells

Ketia says to Murphy, �If we deem that Flamescorn is still a threat after our trip to the giant realm then obviously we will continue our alliance wherever we go next playing by your rules.�

Ketia says to Pressi, �Well, is everyone satisfied with their preparations or do we need to secure more magic items and equipment before heading to Fhorge�s volcano? We could probably find the entrance without too much fuss. I�m thinking if you want to be all diplomatic maybe we spend some time studying the giants then have Sashe disguise us as some of them and try to go in the front door.�

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Saturday December 11th, 2021 3:44:14 PM
"Yes, we should try to take a look around," Pru says. "How do Sashe's disguises work? Can she alter our voices or just our appearances?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Saturday December 11th, 2021 9:37:29 PM

"I can go as a fire elemental," offers Murphy. "Or a pet earth elemental."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday December 12th, 2021 10:57:46 PM
Nikolai fidgets with his hat. "It will have to be powerful magical disguise to make us look like fire giants as well as BIG as fire giants. But..."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Monday December 13th, 2021 4:52:31 AM

"I speak the giant tongue. Oh, we could go disguised as gnomes and let them know we are there for their game of gnome football. If we don't mind being kicked around for a few hours," the druid facetiously offers.

"But there is invisibility, non-detection, stealth, surprise teleportation, cubes of force to allow us to speak for a while before being pelted with stones, lots of scrying, putting on a play for the giants - you know that Shake Spear fellow, right, Pressi? Selling mushrooms. Maybe I could go as a firebat, and chat with other firebats in the region. Though they may or may not be able to provide us the sort of information leading toward the information we seek.

"Should we go and talk with McGregor Headwise? He is said to be the wisest halfling in town. Perhaps he might steer us the right direction.

"Also, as it seems the married couples in the group have the ability to link minds for efficient communication, perhaps a few more in the group might consider acquiring permanent telepathic bonds with each other. If I had a bond with one or two others, and Pressi likewise, and Nikolai and Prudence with one other each, we should be able to communicate over wide areas with ease, with a few relays set up. Unless we can get devices similar to what Nik and Pru already have. I know most of the dragon groups have such. Nikolai, what if you and I got a permanent mind link. Which we would use with care, with utmost respect for one another's privacy, but there when the need arose?"

"Podo, a monk who was both with our group on a few occasions, and who also started out his adventuring career with Nalfein, Selinthe, Kendry, and their friends and relatives in the Crescent Valley group - he was given such a device by none other than one of the greatest adventurers of all time, Valdor, The Dragonstone, over in Plateau City. Pode still has it, last time I checked."

He looks at Tali. "I think you and he would have gotten along well, Tali."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Monday December 13th, 2021 4:58:27 AM
"Succotash, who do you think would be good to have a telepathic bond with? Kezzem? Tali?" he asks each in turn.

Murphy privately communicates with Pressi. "How creepy would it be for you to set up mental communication with Ketia - for a while, at least, as long as we have some sort of reasonable meshing of interests? And maybe someone with Sashe? Or is there a better way?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Monday December 13th, 2021 9:44:57 AM
"To answer your question Murphy, we have to look at things logically. Since I'm often in the search and recon group, due to my ability to quickly get away from danger, the wisest route would be to establish a link with someone who usually stays behind. To be honest though, I'm not the halfling I used to be, and will probably be retiring, and hopefully settleing down, not to long from now, maybe a couple years at most, so I guess I'm not sure how efficient a mind link would be at this point in time. Though I'm open to the idea if someone else wishes to link with me.
Tali, you often stay behind, what are your thoughts on having a link established?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday December 13th, 2021 3:26:28 PM

Pressi thinks about Murphy's request. [i[That... could be difficult, and I don't know how easy it is to remove such a 'permanent' bond, or how much she would be into it. And aside from such a setup, I don't really have the magic to do anything like that for more than a few minutes.[/i]

Regarding Succotash, "Typically it's been Murphy or myself that stays behind with the bond."

Regarding disguises, "Let's not forget the various polymorphs themselves, particularly if the giants have goblin servants or particular animals."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Monday December 13th, 2021 4:49:14 PM
"I can cast a temporary Telepathic Bond," Pru says. "It can include several people, and will last about 3 hours."

DM Hugh - who do you think would be good to have a telepathic bond with?
Monday December 13th, 2021 8:28:03 PM
Pru agrees they should look around and akss about h the disguises work.
Murphy suggests he goes as a fire elemental. He then suggests many other spells for talking to giants, comments on his linguistic skills, talks about who they might consult, and asks about telepathic communication.
Nikolai comments that they�ll need powerful magic to appear as fire giants as big as fire giants are.
Succotash replies saying he isn�t sure if it is worth the resources for a telepathic bond at this point in time and asks Tali her opinion.
Pressi considers Murphy�s points and brings up the fact that it could be difficult to remove a permanent telepathic bond. She also raises the option of using polymorph as part of their disguises.

Pru points out she can make temporary bonds that can last a few hours.

Ketia says, "Well Sashe's disguise would follow the same principle she used in disguising those monsters as more powerful monsters just instead of using two types of monsters she'd use halfling, human or dwarf paired with giant. To all intents and purposes we'd appear as giants."

"As for telepathic bonds, temporary ones could prove useful in communicating while we are in the giant realm. As for that Headwise halfling, you will have to figure that one on your own. Where should Sashe and I meet you and when for this expedition we are planning to the giant realm?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday December 13th, 2021 11:59:31 PM
"Temporary telepathic bonds are the most useful and practical at this point. As far as what we are to look like when we get there, let's find the place first."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Tuesday December 14th, 2021 12:55:10 AM
"Would we appear as normal-sized giants or pocket-sized giants?" asks Kezzem.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Tuesday December 14th, 2021 6:13:18 AM

"Let's see if we can do as Nikolai suggests: Find the place. My thoughts are this. Perhaps not the wisest plan, but Yuletide draws near, and there are family plans. Let's do an initial scout, head out tomorrow morning. All of us could go, or just a few, either option is fine with me. But, we take a peek, we figure out our landing place, try to play it cool, not arouse too many suspicions. We could always pretend we got lost. 'What? You mean this is not the pocket plane of the crystal chandelier ballroom?? Well, I swear. Sorry 'bout that! I've paid good money for those dance lessons, and I'm not about to waste them getting my toes burned in this spot. Farewell!' - and we skedaddle.

"Of course, a few of us could be invisible, perhaps with nondetection so we could do a good scout while the others are obfuscating near the entrance.

"We wouldn't even need to be disguised as giants for that ruse.

"Then, once the festivities conclude, we head back to the pocket plane. Kezzem, how about you try to go as a pocket-sized giant, and some of us others as big-sized giants?"

He adds, "As for McGregor Headwise, perhaps I can check in with him during the Yuletide, after we've taken our first trip to the fire giant spot. I owe him a visit anyhow."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121+11
Tuesday December 14th, 2021 7:39:39 AM

Tali says, "I would like to be including in that mind link with whoever does it. Sometimes I feel a bit left out of things." She sighs. "I didn't have much of a family while growing up."

But after that, she gets down to business. "Is there anything I should focus on preparing? I'm good with the arcane, and spellcraft. I have about 150,000 gold to spend on any magic items I might need to help us in our mission, and am open to suggestions.

"I have the following items:
Belt of physical perfection +6
Goggles of Night
Bracers of Armor +8
Circlet of Persuasion
Headband of Mental-Superiority +6
Amulet of Natural Armor +5
Cloak of Resistence +5
Ring of Protection +5
Ring of Sustenance
Handy Haversack
Bill's stylish pants o' plenty

"And these wands:
L0 - Ghost Sound :: 25 charges @ 7th lvl
L0 - Mage Hand :: 25 charges @ 7th lvl
L1 - Silent Image :: 25 charges @ 7th lvl
L1 - Unseen Servant :: 25 charges @ 7th lvl
L1 - Entropic Shield :: 25 charges @ 7th lvl
L1 - Hide from Undead :: 25 charges @ 7th lvl
L1 - Prot from Evil :: 25 charges @ 7th lvl
L1 - Entangle :: 25 charges @ 7th lvl
L1 - Faerie Fire :: 25 charges @ 7th lvl
L1 - Magic Missile :: 25 charges @ 7th lvl
L1 - Cure light wounds :: 12 charges @ 7th lvl
L4 - Wand of Stoneskin :: 16 charges @ 7th lvl
L2 - (3) Wands of endure elements :: 25 charges @ 7th lvl
Cure Moderate wounds (@4500gp) :: 50 charges"

She also goes over the spells she has available, as found here in her character sheet

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Tuesday December 14th, 2021 9:42:39 AM
"I'm down with a quick look see, Murph. Like Murphy said, we don't all have to go, I can take six people, though Valerie will be one of them, so that leaves five slots available. Who wishes to join me, and how are we disguising ourselves? Of course if everyone wants to go, Tali will have to greater teleport the rest. By the way, I speak giant, so I can be a spokes person in the future, if we are forced to chat with any giants"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Tuesday December 14th, 2021 1:15:48 PM
"The last time we split up, Nikolai died," Pru points out. "We've been told these giants are hostile. If we want to take a look, fine, let's take a look, but we all go. I can make people invisible; other people can use disguises or whatever. But let's not split up."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday December 14th, 2021 8:25:54 PM

"We might not have a choice but to split up," Pressi responded to Prudence. "A large group, disguised or not, is almost guaranteed to get attention. And we are probably going to need to cover a lot of ground and ask a lot of questions simultaneously if we want to get to the bottom of anything.

"This may mean that some members, those that don't have a good retreat option or good face skills, may have to just remain behind or follow the lead of someone who does. But yes, we cannot forget that we are taking a risk just gathering information.

"The plan, at any rate, is not to simply split up and start looking. Once we make it past the guards and on the same plane, and once we have found a safe camp spot, I think we should start with scrying and other divinations. Get an idea of who's in the city, how they greet each other, places to start looking. Get in character, get to a place, maybe start asking questions, and then get out. Minimal involvement, and no combat. We want to retreat before they discover us."

Pressi straightened up. "I probably need to be one of the ones to go, and I think I'm ready for an initial scouting now."

DM Hugh - The last time we split up, Nikolai died
Tuesday December 14th, 2021 9:06:52 PM
Nikolai agrees that temporary telepathic bonds are the most useful and practical and suggests they figure out disguises later.

Kezzem asks if they would appear as normal-sized giants or pocket-sized giants.

Murphy agrees that finding the place should be the first order of business so he suggests an initial scout before yule followed by a more intensive investigation later.

Tali makes a point to be included in the mind link and mentions she has a lot of gold, items and wands that could be useful for preparations.

Succotash says he is down for a quick look around and that he can take 6 others with him including Valerie so if they all want to go Tali will have to take some.

Pru makes a case for not splitting the party and suggests they all take a look around.

Pressi suggests they might not have a choice but to split up considering not everyone is good at stealth, subterfuge or bugging out but she says she needs to go on the scouting expedition.

Ketia says, "If we are all going then I'll get Sashe and we can try out the disguises on some real live giants. If only some of you are going then Sashe and I will sit this one out, but I'd like to know if we're all going or only some of you are so I know whether or not to make other plans for tomorrow."

Are you all going? Only some of you? Seems like you have to make up your mind on that first.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday December 15th, 2021 12:46:29 AM
Nikolai sighs, "What's the point of only some of us going? Don't you think that the way in, the key or such, will be guarded? You think that the giants will just let a key to their pocket dimension just sit around for anyone to find? Anyway, plan all you want but plans never work until they are acted upon. Let's go now and find the entrance and how to get in. THAT will determine a lot more than sitting here guessing."

To Pru he projects 'We don't know the area well enough but if we wait for these Haflings to act, it might not be until after the holidays we do anything. But then, it's their command and we are just volunteers. Sigh...'

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121+11
Wednesday December 15th, 2021 1:40:38 AM

"Yes. Make what preparations you wish for the rest of the day," Murphy says to his friends. "In the morning, prep to go, Heroes' Feast, then we find it."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+9/196+9
Wednesday December 15th, 2021 2:32:21 AM

"Yes. Make what preparations you wish for the rest of the day," Murphy says to his friends. "In the morning, prep to go, Heroes' Feast, then we find it."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121+11
Wednesday December 15th, 2021 2:37:02 AM

"Right. A very quick peek in the pocket tomorrow," affirms Tali.

In the morning she makes her customary preparations for a day of adventure, enjoys the Heroes' Breakfast, and collects those around her for the teleportation to the firey realm of the giants.

"Do you want to cast the mindlink just before we teleport, Pressi?" she asks.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Wednesday December 15th, 2021 10:44:44 AM
"So it's decided that we all will go, good. Ok if we are going to do the disguise thing, we need to establish who, besides me, knows the giant language, as we are the only ones who will be talking. Maybe invisibility would be better for those who don't know the giant language, just a thought. Ok, I'm ready to look like a fire giant."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday December 15th, 2021 3:49:10 PM
"I'm going," says Kezzem. "Last time I didn't go somebody died."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday December 15th, 2021 3:51:31 PM

Pressi raises her hand, indicating that she knows the giant tongue.

She takes some looking through her list and considers a quick trip to the catacombs (if anyone has any suggestions) but she's pretty sure she's ready to go now.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Wednesday December 15th, 2021 4:47:24 PM
"I do not speak Giant, so I'll make myself invisible," Pru says. "And I can make other people invisible, too. Oh, and if you're worried about clomping and clanking movement, I can cast Fly on people, too, so we can move more quietly."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d8+8=11 ;
Wednesday December 15th, 2021 8:08:59 PM

"I learned giant in my teens," Murphy says, "From Lomar. He's an ogre-mage bard, helps out the folks in Hovel. And later expanded my vocabulary by talking with others and doing some reading."

Murphy modifies his spell selection, enjoys the Heroes' Feast, makes sure all are gathered together, and that both Succotash and Tali have a clear idea of the place they are aiming for, casts a few prep spells, and says, "All right, friends. This is a quick visit to get a feel for the lay of the land and to avoid combat. Stealth, right? Hopefully, none of us will be seen even to worry about speaking in giant. Stealth, observation, then a quick retreat. Sound good? If so, then let's go!"
=======
Rolled d8+8 for temp hit points from Heroes' Feast
=======
[OOC, due to brevity of time: My hope, gang, is for two days of posting, followed by an all-hands exit from the pocket realm. If all are agreed, let's try it. It's kind of like a few stealth planes doing an over-fly to at least know where the buildings are.

Murphy plans to be a huge invisible air elemental (he has protection from fire up), which will allow for a super-fast flyover. -Kim]

DM Hugh - Now how do we get to the pocket realm?
Wednesday December 15th, 2021 8:48:09 PM
Nikolai asks what is the point of only some of them going, suggesting that the way into the pocket realm itself might be guarded. He suggests they figure out a way in first then take care of the rest later.

Murphy agrees that everyone should make the preparations they need now and the next day they will go after a Heroes� Feast.

Tali agrees to a peak in the pocket realm tomorrow. She asks Pressi if she wants to cast the mindlink before they teleport.

Succotash agrees to go tomorrow but raises the point that anyone disguised as a giant needs to know the giant language.

Kezzem says he�s going this time as last time he didn�t someone died.

Pressi volunteers she knows the giant tongue and then considers a quick trip to the catacombs.

Pru doesn�t know giant so she makes herself invisible and offers that and Fly for the others.

Murphy explains he learned giant in his teens and prepares his spell selection accordingly. He plans to scout as an air elemental.

The next day Ketia and Sashe meet you for breakfast and after everyone has eaten their fill Sashe casts a special illusion spell on each person that is being disguised as a giant.

You teleport in groups to the Fhorge�s Volcano deep in the heart of the Scab.

�Well we are here now.� Ketia says, �Now how do we get to the pocket realm?�

A rather narrow footpath seems to ascend the mountain.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:11/11
Wednesday December 15th, 2021 8:48:36 PM
A lookie for a Fire Giant

Tali will cast Greater Teleport for those going with her to the spot she is aiming for. After their arrival, Tali will cast invisibility on herself and then hovers to avoid making noise to the best of her ability as she does not speak the giant tongue.

Spells in Affect
Overland Flight | 1070 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1070 Minutes
Invisibility | 18 minutes

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=53 ; d20+24=32 ;
Wednesday December 15th, 2021 9:48:16 PM
Nikolai has a Ring of Invis he will use when he feels it is time. Until then he wants his friends to see him.
Coming out of the teleport, the first thing he does is take a few moments to scan the area for any 'thing' that might be around to notice their sudden appearance.

Perception + 35 = 53

If the area seems clear, he then looks for tracks along the path and the few feet of 'shoulder' of the path.

Survival (Track) +24 = 32

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday December 16th, 2021 3:05:28 AM
"Wait a minute, if we all look like giants, how will I know which one to stab?" asks Kezzem. "I'd to stab anyone by mistake. I would hate to stab one my friends. Also, if I'm going to stab Ketia or Sashe, I would want it to be on purpose."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+43=53 ; d20+27=39 ;
Thursday December 16th, 2021 5:12:31 AM

Murphy can offer Freedom of Movement to two others if they desire it. "We're not looking like giants this time, Kezzem. And no stabbing. This is a recon, and we avoid encounters."

He casts Find the Path to attempt to locate the entrance to the city.

Murphy will ask Pru for invisibility, and asked Tali for haste to be cast upon him a moment before he flies away, and as she casts that upon him, he casts true seeing upon himself, then will fly away immediately after... but before Tali does that, he says"

"Let all our communication be through mental links, with relays as needed, once we leave this spot." Murphy notes upon whom Pressi casts Telepathic Bond, hoping he'll be included so as to communicate as swiftly as possible with as many as possible.

"I shall fly up the hill, take a quick look, and may return in a jiffy if that is expedient," Murphy says. "If one or more wish to come along, [b]invisibly, I can carry you swiftly. My rope harness can carry six, besides myself. I'm leaving in about a minute or so after I finish this short speech, so don't dither or dilly dally if you want to add your eyes to a quick scout. I fly fast, and your eyes may water. If there seems a safe landing spot, after getting some of you up there, I can return and fly up the rest, or mentally send an image that the rest may teleport."[/b]

True to what he said, Murphy flies off a just about a minute after saying the word 'teleport,' with whoever has fastened themselves into the rope harness as choose to do so. All the halflings in the group are well acquainted with the harness and how it works. He'll explain to the others as quickly as he might, but will say, 'later, then, for you,' if they don't quickly get it.

Now invisible, and hasted, as a pretty buff huge air elemental, with the capability of perfect flight (speed 105+30, 'running' flight at 525'/round, or 60 miles per hour), Murphy ferries whoever chose to go with him up above the narrow footpath, using Find the Path to locate the city entrance.

Murphy is 32' long, about 8' wide, and appears to be composed of cloud stuff - though the silken rope harness fits him well and seems sturdy enough, with multiple loops and straps to allow oneself to fasten themselves down well.

He flies, unless Find the Path tells him differently, up above the path, and as they get closer to their objective, Murphy looks for a suitable place to land. He communicates with any left behind the things he observes, and the lay of the area. If Find the Path directs him to alter his path, he follows the divinatory guidance. His perception and survival rolls might help a bit.

==============
Perception: 53
Survival: 39
==============
Effective spells and conditions:
Foresight (9th-level spell) [DM - please note this one - it is a very powerful spell, 9th level, and forewarns Murphy usually in time enough that he can avoid impending dangers]. 3 hours
Freedom of Movement 3 hours
Protection from Energy (fire) 3 hours
Resist Energy (cold) (30 points per damage incident) 3 hours
Longstrider 18 hours
Heroes' Feast 12 hours
Magic Fang, Greater 18 hours
Haste 18 rounds
Mage Armor 3 hours
Find the Path 3 hours
Stoneskin 3 hours
True Seeing 18 minutes
Call Lightning Storm 17 minutes [just in case they need a distraction in the near future]
Telepathic Bond 2 hours 40 minutes [If Pressi included him]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday December 16th, 2021 5:16:43 AM
"Wait a minute, if we all look like giants, how will I know which one to stab?" asks Kezzem. "I'd to stab anyone by mistake. I would hate to stab one my friends. Also, if I'm going to stab Ketia or Sashe, I would want it to be on purpose."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Thursday December 16th, 2021 5:23:36 AM

"By the way, I'd like us to be all the way out of here within 15 minutes, tops, and back home," Murphy adds. "Sooner if possible."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Thursday December 16th, 2021 10:04:15 AM
"I can't make myself invisible, so I'll stay back on this recon mission."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday December 16th, 2021 1:42:37 PM
"People, stop going off on your own!" says Kezzem. "This is how what's-his-name just got killed!"

OOC: Sorry for the double post. When I post from my phone that seems to happen sometimes.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Thursday December 16th, 2021 4:45:47 PM

"Once we see what's up there, then it may be all right to get the rest of us up, too, even if visible," Murphy responds. "Thanks, Succotash. Kezzem, most of the time, recon requires splitting up, at least for a bit. Tali, if you come with me, we'll have a teleportation master with each group. I know you have goggles, so you shouldn't tear up from the wind."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday December 16th, 2021 6:19:01 PM
Pressi can't cast Telepathic Bond so its to the catacombs for a few scrolls (ill buy them retroactively tonight).

In the field, Pressing casts some scrolls and notes that nobody is casting Plane Shift or opening the door. "So, this is a recon of the mountain, not inside the dimension?"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Thursday December 16th, 2021 7:53:35 PM
"I can make you invisible, Succotash. You should come along," Pru says. "Kezzem, I can make you invisible, too, if you like. Though I should warn you that if you stab anybody, you'll be visible again."

"Pressi, there's really no need to go to the Catacombs. I can cast as many Telepathic Bonds as we need."

She makes Murphy invisible, at his request. She casts two Telepathic Bonds to include everybody. It won't be a single group chat; it'll be two separate group chats with some members in common, but it should work all right.

She casts Invisibility on anyone who requests it, and Fly on anybody who doesn't feel they can move quietly.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:11/11
Thursday December 16th, 2021 8:42:20 PM
Into the Pocket Realm of the Fire Giants...

Tali will cast whatever spells are asked of her onto the group, provided she has spells to go round. And in return will accept any spells offered.

Spells in Affect
Overland Flight | 1070 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1070 Minutes
Invisibility | 18 minutes
-=-
Telepathic Bond | 1080 Minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Thursday December 16th, 2021 8:48:11 PM

OOC: If Murphy takes the first group up the path invisibly, and once up top finds what seems a relatively safe spot to bring the rest of the visible group to, that is what he will do. Sorry, too, as Brian pointed out, I missed the part about Sashe having cast illusion on who wanted to look like a giant.

"I think we'd like to figure out how to get into the dimension, yes, Press," Murphy answers. "Someone needs to have Detect Magic up and running as we go along," he suggests.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday December 16th, 2021 9:08:16 PM

Pressi prepares her "moment of prescience" spell, her rituals, and her contingency spell (Blink, if anyone attacks her).

She also casts Detect Magic as she begins to look around the area.

DM Hugh - By the way, I'd like us to be all the way out of here within 15 minutes, tops, and back home
Thursday December 16th, 2021 9:13:18 PM
Tali casts greater teleport followed by invisibility as she hovers and tries to remain quiet as she does not speak the giant tongue.

Nikolai holds onto using his ring of invisibility for now. He looks for anything that might have been watching for them but doesn�t find anything before investigating the footpath for tracks.

Kezzem is worried that if they are going to look like giants he won�t know who to stab. He doesn�t want to stab his friends and if he stabs Sashe or Ketia he wants to do it on purpose.

Murphy clarifies they are not looking like giants and that there will be no stabbing. He offers Freedom of Movements to two companions before casting Find the Path on himself and getting a few other buffs placed on him. As a super fast super buffed air elemental he quickly flies along the path and eventually finds a wide cave off a beaten path that his spell directs him to check into.

Succotash offers to stay back on this one.

Kezzem says people should stop heading off on their own because that is how whats-his-name got killed.

Murphy points out that sometimes they have to split up for recon and once they see what is up there they can get the rest to join up.

Pressi asks if this is a recon of the mountain and not of the pocket dimension.

Pru volunteers to make Succotash and Kezzem invisible and provides telepathic bonds for the group. She casts Invisibility and Fly on anyone that requests it.

Nikolai only finds old tracks on the footpath. Murphy finds the cave with his quick recon that his find the path spell tells him is relevant to his query of �the entrance to the Giant Pocket Realm.

Murphy investigating the cave finds it goes quite a bit before eventually showing a circular dias with geocentric patterns etched into it. The sides of the cave near the dias are craggy and rugged.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+24=40 ; d20+26=40 ; d20+35=37 ;
Thursday December 16th, 2021 10:55:39 PM
Nikolai informs the group (through telepathic bond or spoken word) that the area appears clear of guardians, unless they also are invisible or hiding very well.

Also, that the tracks he does see are old. Traffic into or out of the cave is not a frequent thing. Rather than just assume the tracks are from giants he takes a better look at them:

OOC: DM, the Track skill (Survival check) as a Ranger (Nikolai is 5th level Ranger) includes identifying tracks as well as following them. That roll was 32 but if you want a separate roll, here it is: 40

Not seeing those invisible and what they are doing, Nikolai 'takes the lead', so-to-speak, and starts up the path.

Stealth +26 = 40
Perception + 35 = 37

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+18=36 ; d20+26=28 ; d20+17=28 ; d20+27=38 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+23=26 ; d20+36=42 ; d20+43=58 ;
Friday December 17th, 2021 4:47:35 AM

Quick aside on Telepathic Bond: If Pru might have been so kind as to include him in both groups of Telepathic Bond, then Murphy can update everyone in real time as to what he takes in, should we have the opportunity to break through and he can perform a superfast flyover. If I understand the spell correctly, Prudence can be in both groups, and up to four others can also be part of the dual set of bonds. So Murphy, and, which other three people? Succotash? Pressi? Ketia? Someone else? that could work, too. There are nine of us (including Ketia & Sashe).

Group 1 . . . Group 2 - Telepathic Bond Groups, with 5/9 overlap
Prudence. . . Prudence
Murphy .. . . Murphy
Succotash . . Succotash
Ketia . . . . Ketia
Pressi. . . . Pressi
Kezzem. . . . Tali
Nikolai . . . Sashe

"Thanks, Nikolai." He did keep everyone updated on what the lead group saw and was seeing. "I'm coming back to bring you up quickly."

Murphy briefly looks over the geocentric patterns and environs on the dais, telepathically communicates what they have encountered, leaves behind for the moment whoever came with him on the first trip up, and returns to retrieve the rest of the party as they climb the path, so ass to ferry them into the cave, hopefully having everyone now near the dais, thereby 'unsplitting' the party.

"So, does anyone detect magic on or around the circular dais?" he asks his contacts telepathically. "I daresay, should we all stand upon this raised platform, we might be impelled to the pocket plane, or open the gateway."

He looks to see if there are any marks or runes relating to Old High Woldian, Ancient Scab language (precursor to dwarven), the giant tongue, infernal, terran, auran, or any other language he knows.

"If we figure out how to get in, shall we do so, look around so long as we can avoid engaging in combat, then head back home with as much, albeit limited, information as we can gather in a few moments or minutes?" Murphy asks those assembled.

If (and when?) one of us figures what to do (and if Murphy's suggestion to have everyone stand upon the dais works to open the gateway - him first, with the Foresight spell to warn him if what he is about to do will be harmful - and the party succeeds in gaining access to the pocket plane, we will take as much of a look around as we can without getting into combat. Flying invisibly. Some using divinations. Whatever means we have at hand, in a short amount of time.

On Friday's post... whatever recon (if any) we can do, then return to Sanctuary. Sound okay?

Every plan is good until the first encounter :-)

==============
Linguistics check: 36 - To see if he can make out languages or symbols on and around the dais
Knowledge, Engineering: 28 - To see if this knowledge set may help him ken the purpose and function
Profession, Engineer: 23 - As above
Knowledge, Technology: 28 - Ditto
Knowledge, The Planes: 38 - Ditto
Knowledge, Arcana: 20 - Ditto
Use Magic Device: 23 - Hmmm
And whatever True Seeing helps him discern
====
If we make it into the pocket plane:
Stealth: 42
Perception: 58
===========
Effective spells and conditions (figuring ~ 3 minutes or so have passed since he first flew out on recon, and ferried people about) (DM Hugh - feel free to adjust this time if you wish):
Foresight (9th-level spell) 2 hours 57 minutes
Freedom of Movement 2 hours 57 minutes
Protection from Energy (fire) 2 hours 57 minutes
Resist Energy (cold) (30 points per damage incident) 2 hours 57 minutes
Longstrider 17 hours 57 minutes
Heroes' Feast 11 hours 57 minutes
Magic Fang, Greater 17 hours 57 minutes
Mage Armor 2 hours 57 minutes
Invisibility 14 minutes
Stoneskin 2 hours 57 minutes
True Seeing 15 minutes
Call Lightning Storm 14 minutes [just in case they need a distraction in the near future]
Telepathic Bond 2 hours 57 minutes [Thanks, Prudence]
{ Haste 18 rounds (From Tali) } Gone for the moment
{ Find the Path 2 hours 57 minutes } Gone, having shown us the way to the entrance

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Friday December 17th, 2021 10:18:19 AM
"Well Murph, there is a yuletide party, at my parents home in Merrydale, I need to get to, so I figure we should just head home, now that we have found the entrance. Mom said your all invited, does anyone wish to yule with me and my family, we can leave right away, and oh by the way, Mom is an amazing cook, and Auntie Primerose is an amazing baker. Between Mom's award winning honey glazed, twice smoked ham, and Auntie's prize winning sweet potato pie, the food will be scrumptious, and plentiful, we are halflings after all."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Friday December 17th, 2021 2:15:51 PM
Do we need to see anything else? Pru asks through both links. If not, we should head back.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+18=32 ;
Friday December 17th, 2021 4:06:43 PM

The druid hears his friends' wise counsel. Though he sighs, wanting at least a peek into the pocket plane, he considers that, well, if they show up there now, at this moment, and though they quickly retreat having momentarily breached the entrance, it may on the other side raise security concerns, leading to making a second entrance through the portal a more perilous endeavor. He shares these thoughts with his friends through both links, as well as this:

"Do the rest of you feel the same? If so, let us spend ten more minutes here to finish our examination of this area." He comes out of air elemental form, once again a halfling, albeit invisible still, takes out parchment and ink, and hastily sketches the area from three different sides, mentally marking the unsketched areas to fill in after they have left this volcanic area. "Let us leave in ten minutes," he communicates as he begins his sketching. "Use what means you may to learn what you might in that time, then, yes, let us depart."

He takes out, also, a feather. "This feather contains an oak tree. While I spend a few minutes sketching, can one or two of you find a suitable place nearby to place it? It will grow up instantly, so cast it forth and make certain you stand back." He hands it to whoever accepts it and continues sketching. "Maybe find a spot down on the flat area, but around a corner, hidden behind a ridge."

"Succotash, I would love to visit Merrydale and meet your folks. But I have appointments already back in Humble's Ford. How about we head back to our Sanctuary first? Pressi and I could visit for a day or two after a few days, and of course, any others who so desire, for I would love to see your hometown, and meet your family. There are things at the Sanctuary that need attention, and I have about a hundred followers I need to attend to."

DM Hugh - Do we need to see anything else?
Friday December 17th, 2021 10:42:45 PM
Nikolai informs the group that all the tracks he sees are old. Most are just fauna like a deer or some sort of goat or ram. He does see a set of giant tracks that went out and came back maybe within the last month as this part of the Scab doesn�t get much rain.

Murphy investigates the cave thoroughly coordinating with the others before bringing them up. He doesn�t recognize a language per se and it is hard to explain but the circle does seem to convey some sort of conjuration flavor to it. Teleporting is a conjuration sub effect after all so that would make sense. However when Murphy examines the dias under the effects of true seeing it appears to him like something is missing in order to make it work. He asks the others about how much time they should spend and if they have any plans.

Succotash invites everyone to a yuletide party at his parents place he invites the others to.

Pru asks if they need to see anything else if not they should head back.

Murphy agrees with his friends council and quickly makes sketches of the area while he hands his friends a feather token to turn into an oak tree while he is otherwise occupied. He tells Succotash that there are things at the sanctuary to attend to so maybe he could visit after a few days and see Merrydale.

The area is scouted, an oak tree is planted and after about 10 more minutes you return back to Humble�s Ford Sanctuary. It is the Yule holiday and many folks have plans.

What you have surmised from your scout is not much foot traffic goes to the cave from noble or ignoble races; most appears to be from mere animals. A giant did leave and return within the last month. There is some conjuration(teleportation) dias in the cave the footpath leads up to with rocky, craggy walls and is missing something in order to get it to work. What that thing is though you have no clue at this time.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Saturday December 18th, 2021 2:28:30 AM
"Should we save our progress here?" asks Kezzem. "Do we need to find a special point first? Everyone, look around for a glowing S or something!"

"And I was all set to be an invisible pocket giant."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 23 HP 129/129 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 41(33) HP 151(127)/151(127) (33 temp) Spells
Saturday December 18th, 2021 10:30:47 AM
Succotash plants the feather token for Murphy, and than says, "I promised mom I'd make it home tonight, so I'll head there now, along with anyone who wishes to, and is able to join me at the current time. Murphy, there's a huge oak tree in my parents backyard, I used to spend hours climbing it, when I was a kid, so you can join us at your leisure. I'll make sure to let everyone know to expect you. This is a halfling party, so you know it's going to last for a week at the least. So you should be able to enjoy some of it."

"Does anyone wish to attend with me now?

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Saturday December 18th, 2021 9:42:57 PM

"Sounds great, Succotash. We'll see you in a few days.

"I can take six besides myself along with me via the freshly planted oak tree. Tali can likewise teleport six besides herself, and Succotash six. Tali, choose which direction you want to go. If directly to Merrydale, cool. If back to the Sanctuary, we can go with you, and skip the tree.

"Ketia, Sashe, what are your druthers?" He also asks Pressi, Kezzem, Nikolai, Prudence, and I think that covers all of us. "If you want to carve an S on the oak before we leave, Kezzem, well, that would leave the 'S' you were looking for. But also might leave an additional unwanted clue for the bad guys to use against us."

However people decide, Murphy will accommodate, but he ends up in Sanctuary, and gets to work with his followers in preparation for Yule, and to ensure everyone has a place to stay.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Saturday December 18th, 2021 11:19:27 PM
"We'll need to hide the tree then," says Kezzem. "Everyone, gather some branches or something to place around it. Remember, the trick is to hide the tree without making it obvious we're trying to hide something."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday December 19th, 2021 6:47:27 PM
OOC: Nikolai does not need to be included in the spell as his telepathic bond with Pru is through the Mailed Fist gizmo. But if there is room, he can be in added to one.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday December 20th, 2021 8:46:32 PM
"I'm going to go out on a limb and speculate that Stephanie Plum never had to deal with this," Pressi muttered to herself. "Whatever similarities we have to people from Jersey."

Out loud, Pressi noted that they probably don't have to worry about anyone else looking at the tree, since nobody's been here for a while. She also takes a moment to cast "Comprehend Language" on the panel.

As for Murphy saying that they have things to the Sanctuary to attend to, "Uh, remind me what that is, honey?" Still, checking in with the shared coven might be a good idea.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Tuesday December 21st, 2021 3:37:52 PM

"Nikolai, you're right, of course in a way - but including you in the braoder telepathic bond allows the multi-party communication."

"Oh, sure, wife of my youth - and I trust, eventually, also of my dotage - tons to do," Murphy says to Pressi. "Kendry's working with my followers. That seems weird. 'My followers.' I hope most of them prove wiser than the white shirts. Shoot, I think there are a few former white shirts among them. But we're working on housing, and I need to spend a day rearranging the terrain for defense and convenience before we start building there. Did you know we've gone from 3 acres to 6 and now 12 for the Sanctuary? Followers, housing, coven. I'm thinking of us petitioning the WLA to start a branch out here in Humble's Ford. Oh, and I'm getting my druid's vestment further enhanced."

He lets her know a few other items. "My folks have invited us to dinner with the family, and they've somehow sent out an invite to your family - haven't yet heard back. There are people in town who'd like to talk to us about this and that, and there's the special service at the Temple of Flower and Ffloy. I hear the flower business is booming.

"Alouryn's about to burst with a baby, and Hazel is nervous as all get out, and doesn't know what to do. We'll likely have, besides Kendry's and Airin's toddler triplets, another babe underfoot starting some time within the next few days, weeks at most. I just found out one of my followers is a midwife." He has a funny look on his face, perhaps communicating, 'A midwife follower? Go figure.'

But Murphy pauses here, hoping his dear wife's eyes are not starting to glaze over.

"Before I go on, though, Press, what do you have in mind? I would be nice to just take a few days off together. And of course join our friends in Merrydale." He listens to what she has to say.

Murph also will talk with Tali, and ask her plans. He invites her to be as much involved in what they're doing as she'd like to be. Except for a pair of days alone time with his wife. "Y'know, Alouryn might appreciate you helping her out a bit if you are interested."

And with Nikolai and Prudence. "We'd love to introduce you two around town. My brother Kendry tells me you just got married! He learned a wedding party was planned for you at the Giggling Ghost, but only you, Nikolai, showed up briefly."

To Kezzem he talks about how some of his followers - about a dozen at the moment - have been asking for some rudimentary combat training. "You interested in getting them started?" he asks. He checks likewise with Nikolai to see if he'd like to team with Kezzem on such a project.

He lets Hobie know that he can help a bit with the archery contest, which he mainly ran last year. "You'll have to organize it, though, Hobie. I've got a mountain of other things to work on." [Aside: The last few days of December might work if you plan to hold the contest, buddy.]

"'Stephanie Plum'?" Murphy asks. "Is she from Windhorn Hamlet?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday December 21st, 2021 8:44:35 PM

Pressi nods along with Murphy. "I feel, though, like you need to learn to delegate. Part of the joy of followers is that they can do their own things without your guidance or even your knowledge."

She raises an eyebrow as Murphy goes on about how weird a midwife follower is. Maybe it's less weird when your followers are all witches and adepts.

That said, it seems like a good enough breakdown.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Thursday December 23rd, 2021 5:17:55 AM

"Sound counsel. Today I will delegate my followers to help ensure no one gets too close to the quadrant where I am casting move earth to change from flat to terraformed. Then a bit of tunneling, summoning a few earth elementals to help. After that Foreman George can start directing his crew and volunteers to work on implementing his ideas, combined with some of my followers' suggestions. Looks like lots of burrows, plus a multi-unit building for some of the non-halflings. And the kids want a playground."

[OOC: Fellow Humble's Sword members: If you have ideas on what to do with the addition of two more quadrants to the Sanctuary compound, feel free to share them here, or via email.]

"When should we head over to see Succotash? He described a good oak tree I can aim for. How does Monday sound?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Saturday December 25th, 2021 12:56:06 AM

"Whew! That was a lot of work!" Murphy exclaimed after moving about large quantities of earth. "I spoke with one of the older earth elementals. He said this is not land with abundant gems. There are some here and there, and some small runs of silver, but it's not like in the Scab. So my thoughts of getting them to help us out here on a long term basis - without summonings - are likely not to pay off easily. "We like gem caverns," he told me.

"I think our gems are in our people, and the soil, and in Flower's blessings. And much of my blessing is in you, and our friends, and family."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Saturday December 25th, 2021 2:36:29 AM

"Hey, Pressi, I've got an idea." He takes a moment, puts his hands over his face as he turns around. He takes a moment. His posture changes, and he loses about 3 inches in height. When he comes about to face his wife, it is not Murphy's face, but that of someone else. "We learned to do this in druids' school,"* he tells her. "It's still me, not some doppleganger who took over your husband's body. But I'm thinking you and I could disguise ourselves, and go about town, bringing gifts to folks who really need help these days. Wanna join me? We can walk about - I've got some other clothes I can change into, a nice green outfit - and try to figure out ways to help people, without people knowing who we are. You've got great skills at figuring people out, and who might really need a hand up. What do you think?"

* Acquired 'A Thousand Faces' ability as a 13th-level druid. He has spent time practicing it on his own, but figures now might be a good time to use it for some good.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday December 27th, 2021 11:22:52 PM
Pressi smiled at Murphy's proposition. "So are we changing to Elves or is that too on the nose?"

She's not entirely sure where they are getting the gifts from, but she's on board.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Tuesday December 28th, 2021 1:45:45 PM

"Oh, yes, short elves!" he responds to her clever suggestion.

"Let's talk with McGregor HeadWise, Candy BadApple and her sweet sister (opposite ends of the spectrum), Sarabella LoveSong, and his mother to get a handle on who some of the more needy members of the community might be. Definitely want to include the orphans that Candy cares for.

As for gifts, if he can learn some of the felt needs of local folks, he thinks to provide them with specific items, or perhaps small pouches of gold pieces. He has two thousand gp available for the effort.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday December 28th, 2021 11:52:30 PM
Pressi sells a little bit of equipment for her troubles (I'm handwaving, but will probably start working on her L19 sheet and catacombs soon. Does anyone know what our amount/treasure currently is?)

The day is spent talking along to the community (in mundane and magic disguise). And eventually in helping to get together some of the presents.

There is also some time inquiring as to the party going on.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Wednesday December 29th, 2021 7:02:46 AM

[Don't know what treasure added up to... and don't know whether all was reported - that may be a little vague]

Murphy carries out as-anonymous-as-we-can giving of gifts - in particular to those we figure are most in need - along with Pressi and anyone in the party (or among followers / covens) who want to participate in one way or another.

Then, it's time to head over to Merrydale, and meet Succotash's family, and enjoy good eats with them!

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Monday January 3rd, 2022 2:38:08 AM

Upon return from Merrydale, Murphy makes a few adjustments to his druid's vestment. And plants a few trees in the new area.

DM Mitch
Monday January 3rd, 2022 7:01:24 AM
Nikolai informs the group that all the tracks he sees are old. Most are just fauna like a deer or some sort of goat or ram. He does see a set of giant tracks that went out and came back maybe within the last month as this part of the Scab doesn�t get much rain.

Murphy investigates the cave thoroughly coordinating with the others before bringing them up. He doesn�t recognize a language per se and it is hard to explain but the circle does seem to convey some sort of conjuration flavor to it. Teleporting is a conjuration sub effect after all so that would make sense. However when Murphy examines the dias under the effects of true seeing it appears to him like something is missing in order to make it work. He asks the others about how much time they should spend and if they have any plans.

Succotash invites everyone to a yuletide party at his parents place he invites the others to.

Pru asks if they need to see anything else if not they should head back.

Murphy agrees with his friends council and quickly makes sketches of the area while he hands his friends a feather token to turn into an oak tree while he is otherwise occupied. He tells Succotash that there are things at the sanctuary to attend to so maybe he could visit after a few days and see Merrydale.

The area is scouted, an oak tree is planted and after about 10 more minutes you return back to Humble�s Ford Sanctuary. It is the Yule holiday and many folks have plans.

What you have surmised from your scout is not much foot traffic goes to the cave from noble or ignoble races; most appears to be from mere animals. A giant did leave and return within the last month. There is some conjuration(teleportation) dias in the cave the footpath leads up to with rocky, craggy walls and is missing something in order to get it to work. What that thing is though you have no clue at this time.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+31=44 ;
Monday January 3rd, 2022 9:29:03 AM
Hobie will approach the dias and examine it for what the missing thing could possibly be. Spellcraft 44

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells d20+36=53 ;
Monday January 3rd, 2022 12:38:58 PM
Succotash casts True seeing, and than looks around the cave to see if he can discover what is missing, (Perception 53)

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Monday January 3rd, 2022 6:16:37 PM
Pru smiles in amusement. It's always the way with adventurers.

Has everyone seen everything they need to see?

Oh, yes.

Anyone want to check anything more?

Oh, no.

And then, five minutes after returning, it's wait, was there something behind that altar? and did anybody check the ceiling? and are we sure the wallpaper isn't hiding a Symbol of Pain that will be unleashed on us at the worst possible moment?

So, after a bit of a rest, Pru is unsurprised by the request to teleport back to the cave to look around some more. "Let's make sure this time, though, okay?" she says.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday January 3rd, 2022 9:29:15 PM
"If we had the time, we could just hide out here and see who comes and goes and how. But I guess we don't have that kind of time. I am surprised that this portal, known by many it seems, is so little used. At least so little used by anyone that has to touch the ground to move.

How much contact do these giants in this other dimension have on us on this side? Do they have everything they could possibly want in that dimension? I wonder if contacting a powerful Fire Elemental to ask for information would do any good," Nikolai muses out loud.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday January 3rd, 2022 10:34:45 PM
Pressing surmised in response that the Giants are probably isolated. They'd seal themselves away from the world if possible, which probably led to all the Flamescorn friction.

With not much more to see (this place isn't really the place for hidden clues), Pressi waits for someone to insert the key.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+32=33 ; d20+30=40 ;
Tuesday January 4th, 2022 1:20:59 AM

Prior to returning, and Murphy lets Pru, Pressi, Tali, any other member of the group who wants to take a gander look over his drawings. "I think there is something missing, which should go right there. Any ideas?" He also shows it to his brother, Kendry, a bard (who got knowledge, arcana 33, and knowledge the planes 40).

If none of the above comes up with a clear notion, Murphy takes his drawings and descriptions to the WLA, indicates, "I think there is something missing, which should go right there. Any notions as to what that might be?" If nothing comes of that, he takes it to the Sages' Guild, and repeats the query. If nothing comes of that, to Mungo. If 'what that might be?' is answered, then follows, 'and where do we get it?'

Did the druid's roll of knowledge, the planes, of 38 on Dec 17th help him in figuring things out? Does someone have better than his knowledge, arcana of 20 from that same date (or today) to best him?

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Tuesday January 4th, 2022 1:23:00 AM

Aside to all:

'dias' is Spanish for 'days'
'dais' is English for 'raised platform'

Please use 'dais' regarding the platform - and let us speak no more of Spanish days.

DM Mitch
Tuesday January 4th, 2022 7:39:22 AM
Hobie approaches the dias and tries to figure out what the missing thing could be but is unable to determine anything through his mundane perception.

Succotash casts true seeing and then examines the cave to try to determine the missing item. Upon examining the dias he finds a diamond shaped slot concealed through an illusion spell.

Pru is amused that they failed to figure things out last time they were at the cave so when requested to teleport back there she tells the others to make sure they find it this time.

Nikolai suggests that if they had time they could wait for someone else to use the portal and just see what the missing object is but they probably don�t have that time. He asks how much contact the giants have with the material plane and if they have everything they could want in their pocket dimension. He also muses if asking a fire elemental could provide the answer to what they are seeking.

Pressi surmises that the giants are probably isolated and that is what lead to the flamescorn friction. She waits for someone to insert the key.

Murphy consults a knowledgeable relative. Presuming the giants frequently enter and exit he suggests there might be a key hidden relatively close for easy access.

So with that most recent round you know the key is diamond shaped but not what specifically the key is. The cave itself is thoroughly searched and it doesn�t seem to be there. Progress inches forward.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Tuesday January 4th, 2022 11:56:40 AM
"Well thats intriguing, a dimond shaped keyhole. Anybody have any idea as to where we might find the key, or what we could use in its place? "

Succotash of course shares what his spell revealed.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Tuesday January 4th, 2022 1:48:17 PM
"Hey guys, I'm back," says Kezzem. "Sorry I'm late, I forgot we were starting again yesterday."

"Have you tried a diamond, Succotash?" suggests Kezzem.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+43=46 ;
Tuesday January 4th, 2022 2:28:37 PM

"It's good to have folks back," Murphy comments as Hobie rejoins them and Kezzem shows up.

"Time to look under the welcome mat?" Murphy queries metaphorically. "Likely not too afar off, as Kendry suggested. Good job spotting that, Succotash. With your true seeing up, you want to join me outside, see if there is something in the vicinity?

"Consult with a fire elemental, Nikolai? Not a bad idea.

"Anyway, let's check around the immediate area. Also, as some of us look for the key, let's obscure all of our halfling and Harper and human and half-elf tracks in the vicinity. And Valerie's, too. Then - make everyone invisible, and use the key. I'm heading outside."

He does so. He wonders aloud how, after someone activates the keyhole with the key, the key gets returned to whatever its hiding place might be.

Murphy casts detect magic to assist him as he explores the environment outside the cave.

==========
Perception: 46 - looking for a hiding place for the key outside the cavern.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Tuesday January 4th, 2022 7:55:14 PM
"I wonder if a Knock spell would open that," Pru muses. "Oh, I can't cast it. But a scroll wouldn't cost too much. Unless one of you can cast it?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday January 4th, 2022 9:04:21 PM

"Wait, is it daze? I've been calling these things a dah-hiss.

"Also, if we are going to buy scrolls, we might as well just get scrolls of plane shift and bypass the thing altogether." She thinks some more, about Ironbane's lack of a key, about what they know about Fhorge worship, about Anur's missing post-jail volume.... "We never really found out what Anur did after he got out, did we? Kind of just assumed that the stuff he did before jail was the relevant stuff."

With a seeming dead end, Pressi begins to draw her own runes and markings nearby. Casting divination, she begins to ask her patron "Where is the key to this device?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Tuesday January 4th, 2022 9:11:03 PM
Sadly Pressi, plane shiift requires what is called an attuned key, meaning some key like device that is attuned to the plane one wishes to travel. Remember when we went to that undead pocket dimension? We were given a stone that was the key to the pocket dimension. With the appropriate key, I could surely transport everyone there, but without it, we are dependent upon this device.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday January 4th, 2022 10:47:04 PM
"Well think on this. I you had the key and used it, and all with you went through, who would put the key back in its hiding place? Does the key magically jump from its keyhole back to its hiding place? Either the key is consumed as you pass through, or you take the key with you. One other option is that the door stays open long enough to put the key back and then go through. That would mean the key would have to be very close to the door.

Best to think like a Fire Giant. Could be that every giant has a diamond shaped pommel on their weapon. And the object does not necessarily need to be magical, just an object of that shape that will fit so you can push or turn properly.

Anyone here have the skill to shape some stone into a diamond shape to fit that hole?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:11/11 d20+27=37 ;
Tuesday January 4th, 2022 11:05:58 PM
Diamond Keys Slots

Tali, takes her hand at using her Arcana skills, (Skill check = 37) and is unsure is she has learned anything useful.

Tali, wonders aloud, "Perhaps every family has a signet ring that is diamond-shaped and allows them to travel freely?"

Skills Check
Arcana | 37

Spells in Affect
Overland Flight | 1070 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1070 Minutes
Invisibility | 18 minutes
-=-
Telepathic Bond | 1080 Minutes

(OOC: Didn't have INternet connectivity last night -- storms)

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+31=35 ; d20+31=43 ; d20+31=33 ; d20+31=32 ; d20+31=38 ; d20+31=40 ; d20+31=45 ;
Wednesday January 5th, 2022 2:47:56 AM
Hobie is going to closely examine every magical aura that the dais is putting off, using Detect Magic and Spellcraft
Spellcraft rolls - 35,43,33,32,38,40,45

DM Mitch
Wednesday January 5th, 2022 7:30:50 AM
Succotash finds the diamond shaped keyhole and asks anyone if they have an idea of how to find the key.

Kezzem asks Succotash if he tried a diamond.

Murphy says it is good to have folks back and then thoroughly searches outside the cave. He also takes care to obscure their tracks while doing so.

Pru suggests using a knock spell of course being a sorceress if they want her to cast it she�d have to buy a scroll.

Pressi turns around a pun about dais and suggests buying a scroll of planeshift if they are buying scrolls but then uses divination to ask her patron where the key to the device is.

Succotash reminds Pressi they need some key like device attuned to the pocket dimension to get there if using plain shift so the dais remains their best bet.

Nikolai suggests they think like a fire giant and he wonders how the key gets back to its hiding place if it is by magic or if it is something a party of giants would carry with them.

Tali uses her arcana skill trying to figure anything useful. She knows that magic powerful enough to transport people across dimensions could also transport a key back to its hiding place so it might not necessarily need to be something the giants carry with them.

Hobie does an examinations of magical aura�s.

Murphy does not find anything outside.

The cave only contains the dais and the rocky, rugged, craggy cave walls.

The answer to Pressi�s divination is �Seek ye the diamond in the rough.�

Anyone have any pickaxes?

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+9=14 ; d20+25=30 ; d20+43=52 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+10=30 ;
Wednesday January 5th, 2022 9:01:27 AM

"'A diamond in the rough'?" Murphy reflects as Pressi receives a helpful hint. He extracts from his portable hole (taking his customary precautions before so doing) and extracts two miners' picks. "Anyone want to help?" he queries, hanging on to one, and setting down the other upon the edge of the dais for whoever wants to help.

He looks around to see if there are marks or signs of other pick work inside the cavern. If so, he begins his diamond-mining work in such an area.
========
Fat-fingered the 20+9 roll - please ignore
Various rolls - DM, please apply whichever of these you think may help Murphy in his search for a diamond in the rough.
Survival: 30
Perception: 52
Knowledge, Geography: 22
Knowledge, Dungeoneering: 30 (nat 20)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Wednesday January 5th, 2022 12:07:24 PM
I'm not sure if we are talking real rough cut diamonds here, maybe its a metaphor or something.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+11=19 ;
Wednesday January 5th, 2022 1:05:11 PM
"Oh, I know this one," says Kezzem. "It's the kid from that story with the magic lamp and the flying carpet. Wait a minute, I have a flying carpet. Am I the diamond in the rough?"

Kezzem will attempt to pick the lock.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 11 = 19.

CDM Jerry [OOC post]
Wednesday January 5th, 2022 1:43:55 PM
Melvin, you have email. ;)

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Wednesday January 5th, 2022 3:34:56 PM
"It's as good a theory as any," Pru says to Kezzem. Since she isn't about to go mining for diamonds, she casts Greater Heroism on Kezzem before he makes the attempt. That would bring his total to 23.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:11/11 d20+16=24 ; d20+16=36 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+16=23 ;
Wednesday January 5th, 2022 8:48:18 PM
Diamond in the...

Tali shares what she has gained through her use of her Arcana skills..."Well, team, I know that magic powerful enough to transport people across dimensions could also transport a key back to its hiding place so it might not necessarily need to be something the giants carry with them." Perhaps we are looking for this Diamond among the cave walls?" Wonders Tali aloud to her friends.

Tali will hover over to a separate section of the Cave wall to start scanning for rough diamond-like crystals that might fit the key slot...(Perception skill check: 24) after a few she will be to a different section and try again to find another crystal that might fit...she will try this seven times in total.

Skill Checks
Perception:24
Perception: 36
Perception: 33
Perception: 28
Perception: 31
Perception: 18
Perception: 23

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | 1065 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1065 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 1075 Minutes

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday January 5th, 2022 8:52:40 PM
Pressi looks closely at Kezzem. �Now that you mention it�

For now, Pressi just uses a pickax

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday January 6th, 2022 12:38:12 AM
Nikolai chuckles at the two mining picks. "I hardly think the giants rummage around here looking for diamonds each time they want back home. They'd carry a supply of rough diamonds with them. But hack away if you wish, my suggestion is to go back to town and buy a few rough diamonds. At least you'd have a 100% chance of getting one rather than pick around here. Specially if this cave is diamond-less."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday January 6th, 2022 6:19:05 AM
Pressi looks closely at Kezzem. �Now that you mention it�

For now, Pressi just uses a pickax

DM Mitch
Thursday January 6th, 2022 7:09:12 AM
Murphy reflects on Pressi�s clue and extracts 2 miner�s picks from his portable hole asking for help before setting to work trying to diamond mine the walls.

Succotash asks if it is a metaphor.

Kezzem says the kid with the magic lamp and flying carpet is the answer. He realizes he has a flying carpet and wonders if he is the diamond in the rough. He tries to pick the diamond shape keyhole but nothing happens.

Pru casts Greater Heroism to try to help Kezzem with his lockpicking.

Tali shares what she gleaned with her magical theory that teleporting adventurers to another dimension while teleporting the key to a closer hiding place isn�t out of the question. She tries scanning the walls for any crystals that might be exposed but sadly unless Murphy or one of her other adventuring mates are using their implements of destruction where she is looking she does not find anything.

Pressi uses her pickaxe while replying to Kezzem.

Murphy, Pressi and Tali are eventually able to find an actual cut diamond in a little pocket in the cave wall that you were able to penetrate with your picks.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Thursday January 6th, 2022 11:56:37 AM
"So much for metaphors", Succotash says with a smile, "That is one way to leave a key under the door mat. Do we want to do anything else before entering?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Thursday January 6th, 2022 1:14:07 PM

"Let's get invisible together. And perhaps a few other prep spells. Disguises? Resist fire? Other ideas?" Murphy suggests & asks.

-----------
[OOC: Will post more later. Gotta run]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday January 6th, 2022 1:53:30 PM
"Well, someone has to contact Ketia and the other one. We kind of promised that we would, need the firepower, stuff like that? Built a couple of strategies around it?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday January 6th, 2022 6:07:17 PM
"Well, that was convenient. Although, I'll add that ANY stone can be cut into a diamond shape. Could use a cheap one rather than a gemstone of greater value. But... if it works, oh well..."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:11/11
Thursday January 6th, 2022 10:50:55 PM
Cut-Diamond in a pocket

Tali explains to Nikolai, "The cut-Diamond is probably not used up in the spell, but it might be a focus of the spell, and therefore it is perfectly the right stone for the Spell!"

Tali goes on to share with the group," Now that we know where that correct "key" for the lock is, we can prep to our hearts desires prior to entering. We can contact those that need to be here and be 100% prepared for the journey. Your thoughts?"

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | 1060 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1060 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 1070 Minutes

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Thursday January 6th, 2022 10:57:54 PM
"If we go in invisible, then we pretty much can't negotiate," Pru says. "Which is fine by me; I just don't want anyone changing their mind at the last minute."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Friday January 7th, 2022 12:54:33 AM
"Looks like my lock-picking skills have gotten rusty since I became a paladin," says Kezzem. "But hey, what do you know? I was right the first time. It was a diamond!"

Kezzem has Resist Energy (fire) on himself and Rumpus, as well as Greater Magic Weapon on his Frost dagger and his new Giant-Bane dagger.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday January 7th, 2022 12:55:38 AM
"Fine by me but how'd the diamond get inside that pocket that you had to pick a hole into? Was Stoneshape used to close the diamond in? You telling me that the giant that used the stone last had time to put it in the pocket and close rock around it and then jump through the portal? Well... Jumpin-Jehosaphats! And not even at giant-hight level either. Go figure." Nikolai grins.

DM Mitch
Friday January 7th, 2022 8:15:10 AM
Succotash reflects that is is one way to leave a key under the mat and asks if they want to do anything else before leaving.

Murphy suggests they get invisible together and prep a few other spells.

Pressi points out that someone has to contact Ketia and Sashe.

Nikolai suggests they cut a cheap stone into the diamond shape and keep the diamond.

Tali suggests the cut diamond is the focus for the spell not a material component so it probably isn�t used up. She suggests that now they know where the key is they can prepare to their hearts content before going in and asks the others for thoughts.

Pru points out that if you go in invisible you can�t negotiate but that is fine by her. She just doesn�t want anyone changing their minds at the last minute.

Kezzem comments on his rusty lock picking skills

Nikolai wonders how the stone got in the rock like that

So now that you have the key. What are your additional preparations? Do you send for Ketia and Sashe? Is this just a scouting run? The ball is in your court.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Friday January 7th, 2022 10:47:21 AM
Since the chances of Flamescorn being here are virtually impossible, I don't see any need for diplomacy, so this is a scouting mission. We can always alter our plan, on the fly, if things change, but for now I would say invisibility and fire protection are all we need. If we decide to contact Ketia and Sashe, than perhaps some of us, like myself, who know the giant tongue, could go disguised as fire giants, than we would be prepared for anything."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:11/11
Friday January 7th, 2022 5:20:19 PM
Prepping

Tali asks the group, " Who is going, and who is remaining behind? What's the main objective? Will anyone stay at the exit site on the other side? There is no guarantee the key on the other side is easily found in order to get back. Your thoughts?"

Spells in Effect
Overland Flight | 1055 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1055 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 1065 Minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d8+8=16 ;
Friday January 7th, 2022 8:05:44 PM

[I had kind of assumed we included Ketia and Sashe before getting ourselves over to the entrance to the portal. As we hand-waved the rest of us arriving at the cave, might we do so with the dwarf and drow? Definitely want them with us - especially if disguises are in order.]

"Good thought, Tali. Will we need a separate diamond to return here from within the plane? If so, perhaps I can quickly wildshape into an earth elemental, explore the walls, and perhaps find another diamond, should the far platform use a similar key." Unless someone objects, he does so - changes into a large earth elemental, and earthglides until he finds one or more diamonds. He starts in the vicinity of where they found the one they have. Should he find more than two, he will only, after coming out of his elemental form, use the miner's pick to extract a pair of diamonds, and let his mates know where the others are that he detected. If no diamonds are found, then he also reports that. He'll also be alert to other items of value or interest within the walls of the cavern. He cleans up after any wall digging, as he has done with other evidence of the halfling/human/half elf/animal incursion into the area.

Just prior to teleporting, Murphy casts on himself longstrider, magic fang, protection from energy (fire), resist energy (cold), stoneskin, freedom of movement, foresight, mage armor. He can give one or two people freedom of movement, if they'd like, and has an extra protection from energy and resist energy.

"Sashe, would you like to go ahead and help the same folks you did before with their illusionary disguises? Will going invisible interfere with that at all?" He also addresses Ketia. "Any suggestions or concerns before we leave?" he asks her.

He hopes someone will render the group invisible just prior to departure. "If some of us need to negotiate, Pru, then one or more can come out of the invisibility, no? With discretion. We'll need to get the lay of the land, for sure, to figure the tactics at the time."

"Can we replicate the telepathic bond you set up for us, Prudence?" Murphy asks. [If so, see Telepathic Bond Chart below double lines ===] If she agrees, he says, "Let's try, as much as possible, to use the mental communication once we arrive in the plane. If you stub your toe, just say 'ouch' mentally, rather than aloud," he says with a smile.

"Let's start with the goal of gathering what information we might, possibly without being discovered." He chuckles. "As if that's going to happen. But, as you suggest, Succotash, let us scout. Should a good opportunity present itself that goes beyond mere scouting, well, we'll see if we can take advantage of it at that time. Who knows? Maybe there are those within who have something against Flamescorn, and would not mind helping us." He makes a little scoffing noise, as though discounting the likelihood of his latter suggestion, but, one can always hope, right? "Oh, and maybe you can use your true seeing, Succotash, when we arrive, to see if there is a similarly obscured keyhole there."

===============================
Telepathic Bond Chart for reference, if Prudence casts the spell twice:

Group 1. . . . Group 2 - Telepathic Bond Groups, with 5/9 overlap
Prudence. . . Prudence - Italics show people on both groups
Murphy .. . . Murphy
Succotash . . Succotash
Tali . . . . . . . Tali
Pressi . . . . . Pressi
Kezzem. . . . Ketia - - - Nonitalics show people in one group only
Nikolai . . . . Sashe- - so someone in their group needs to bridge to the other to mentally talk to another below the underscore line

Effective spells and conditions:
Heroes' Feast (16 temp hp) 11 hours
Longstrider 18 hours
Magic Fang, Greater (+4) 18 hours
Protection from Energy (fire) 3 hours
Resist Energy (cold) (30 points per damage incident) 3 hours
Stoneskin 3 hours
Freedom of Movement 3 hours
Foresight (9th level spell) 3 hours
Mage Armor 3 hours
Invisibility 18 minutes

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Friday January 7th, 2022 9:47:51 PM
Pru casts two Telepathic Bonds, 10 Invisibilities (to include Harper and Valerie) and 10 Protection from Energy: Fires. And, apparently, one partridge and one pear tree.

It takes a while to cast all that, but Pru can do it. Please let me know if somebody has another method for turning invisible or protecting themself from fire.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Saturday January 8th, 2022 1:02:44 AM
"I'm going," says Kezzem. "Last time I didn't go bad stuff happened. Rumpus, stay back with the flying carpet. You'll know if I need you."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Sunday January 9th, 2022 9:04:17 PM
Pressi thinks about whether to go in invisible, disguised, whatever. She figured some diplomacy would be needed eventually, to speak to the leaders about what happened, to ask citizens regarding flamescorn. But she didn't think trying first with guards was the way to go, so sneaking in to start...

"No scouting. It's now or never. We'll just have to do our planning on the fly. And while I wouldn't mind scouting away from Ketia and Sashe, we did give our word."

Pressi considers using shapechange to become a giant but doesn't want to give up her one 9th level spell. She instead casts alter self on herself to become a goblin (the disguise used last time she snuck around giants) and makes sure to cast Heroes Feast and Planar Adaptation on the group. She also casts Contingency (Blink) should she begin to take any damage.

DM Mitch
Monday January 10th, 2022 7:03:14 AM
Succotash suggests they make it a scouting mission and opt for stealth.

Tali asks who is going and who is staying and asks who will station the exit at the other side as their is no guarantee about the key over there.

Murphy pokes around the cave walls as an earth elemental looking for more diamonds but he doesn�t find any. He does find a vein of iron pyrite though. He does some spell preparations and agrees with Succotash that they should scout first but if an opportunity presents itself beyond scouting maybe they could take advantage of that.

Pru turns people invisible and sets up the telepathic bonds

Kezzem says he�s going and that Rumpus and the flying carpet could stay back at the exit on the other side

Pressi changes herself into a goblin and says they shouldn�t scout and that this should be now or never. She also casts some spells on the party.

Regardless of how they got there Sashe and Ketia are there. Sashe has the giant illusions ready if people are interested otherwise she can cast them on the fly but they may not last as long. �Being invisible will hide the spell but when invisibility drops my illusion will still be there.� she reassures you.

After you plucked the diamond in the wall the hole you had dug in the cave wall reseals itself. Leaving the craggy stone walls almost as full as when you originally dug it out.

Preparations mostly complete, Ketia insists they get a look at the place through the portal before diving in. Taking the the diamond she puts it in the slot. It fits in snugly and soon begins to glow with red light.

As the red light bathes the roof of the cave it slowly shifts. At first it just looks like the plain grey stone is just being lit by the red light but the color changes and deepens to a burning red and you can start to see features out beyond the stone. A burning red sky, choked with ash.

Soon the party is standing in the middle of a large, flat plain of stone and ash, but under their own feat remains the stone of the cave in the real world and they feel none of the heat nore choke on the floating ash just feet from them. It seems they remain on their side of reality until they walk out through the walls into the Giant�s pocket realm.

In the distance they can see their destination. Well, sort of. A great wall made of solid stone stretches across the plain. FIgures can be seen patrolling it, tiny at this great distance, yet they must be giants from what they have been told, meaning the wall must be huge even for them. Pillars of smoke billow from the other side, indicating activity throughout what must be the city on the other side of the wall.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells d8+8=12 ; d8+8=16 ;
Monday January 10th, 2022 12:20:50 PM
"I can't say I would ever want to build a winter home here, but at least you would never have to worry about being cold! I can handle Valerie and my fire protection needs Pru, but thanks for the offer. I suppose we should head that way. Oh and thanks for the heroes feast Pressi!" Succotash says the last bit while pointing towards the city walls. He than casts resist energy (fire) on himself and Valerie.

active spells

Succotash
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
Planar adaptation

Valerie
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (16 temp HP)
Planar adaptation

Daily stuff
channel energy (10d6) 10/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 190/190
Quicken rod (normal) 3/3

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:11/11
Monday January 10th, 2022 8:31:57 PM
Pocket Realms

Tali cast StoneSkin on herself using a wand she removes from her front pocket. Then Tali removes another wand casting Endure Elements on herself, then placing both wands back into the pockets she removed them from.

Effective spells and conditions:
Overland Flight | 1055 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1055 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 1080 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 180 minutes
Invisibility | 180 minutes
Stoneskin (Cast @ level 7) | 180 minutes
Endure Elements | 1440 minutes

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Monday January 10th, 2022 9:28:43 PM
"I think I'd rather be invisible than try to remember I'm supposed to be a giant," Pru says. "But thank you, Sashe."

Looking around the blasted landscape, she sighs. Every single thing on this plane is going to be immune to fire isn't it? she wonders mournfully through the links. But I'm ready when you are, she adds.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday January 10th, 2022 9:33:02 PM

Pressi casts Mass Planar Adaption upon arriving through the field. (That should handle all of the issues and provide everyone resist fire 20.)(If she needs to, she can also start passing out Protection from Energy Fire).

"Ok, once we come in I think we need to make a break for some cover." And indeed, she readies that if no creatures spots her, she uses her Hide in Plain Sight ability for the nearest rock formation. "I think we need to start making some divinations, then sneak in. I want to make a beeline for the leadership, where I'm hoping a shared hatred of Flamescorn and some serious cahones will impress him enough to start talking. We should also figure out really quickly who the relatives of that armor is. I'm thinking some visions to get answers, then arcane eyes to see if we can find a way to enter the door. Might need a scouting mission or two if we see any non-giant animals or something, but I don't really have good polymorph options."

Remembering in time, she casts Moment of Prescience upon herself.

"Once in the city, and I think we make our way in closer to night, I would like to get a look around but we need to get in, get information, get out. No fighting unless we have to, no standing if we can run. Remember that my moment can give me a huge boost in a lot of choices. I'm thinking a single diplomatic action that has to pass might be the best one."

"Does anyone have any other recommendations?"

-----------------

Ritual Warding
Ritual Healing
goblin form
contingency: blink
mass planar adaption
Heroes Feast
moment of Prescience

L2: 1
L3: 1
L6: 2
L7: 1
L8: 1

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday January 10th, 2022 9:34:30 PM
She looks askew at Prudence, thinking. "Yes, we were pretty clear on that possibility. You DID prepare non-fire choices like cold, right?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Tuesday January 11th, 2022 12:22:01 AM
"Let's see, dagger enchanted, warded Rumpus and myself against fire, had a hero's feast," says Kezzem. "Well, we had one hero's feast, yes, but what about second hero's feast? No? Okay, then I'm ready to go I guess."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+45=56 ; d20+45=47 ; d20+27=33 ;
Tuesday January 11th, 2022 5:26:41 AM

Interesting how the wall reformed itself after extracting the diamond. "Nikolai, I think the gem just ends up back in the wall after sending a group over. That's my guess, anyway. And to answer your earlier question - yes, I can shape stone. But most stones have characteristics different from diamonds. That said, I wonder how we get back?"

"Kezzem, how about I put the carpet of flying in my bag of holding? It might be advantageous to have it with us, rather than in another plane, even with someone so trustworthy as Rumpus. If the carpet itself is rendered invisible, it might be a good way for us to get there quickly... er, except for velociraptors and horses and big cats. Hi, Harper."

Murphy agrees with the general tenor of what Pressi and Pru have to say.

"Any thoughts to add, Hobie?" he asks the arcane archer. He also asks the same of Ketia & Succotash.

He looks at the platform, peering over the edge where the diamond was placed. If it appears to be there, he says, "Let's get down and start walking. If on what appears to be a rocky protrusions, perhaps we can head that direction." He does not do so until folks agree, though.

"Tali, my preference would be to scout ahead, bringing maybe two along, and doing a flyover, which I'm willing to do as an air elemental. However, some people may look askance at such a prudent preparation." He shrugs his invisible shoulders. He looks at the space between the dais and the city walls to see if there may be any sort of undulations in the plain, or protrusions of earth or rock they as a group might aim towards. If so, he says, "Once we get there, perhaps Pressi et al can run a divination or two. And I with a few volunteers can overfly the city. Remember, I can move 60 miles in an hour, so there and back again shouldn't take too long. Maybe, if lucky, or unlucky, the advance scouts can find a safe landing place, and then the rest of the group approach the walls... or, just come back to join up with you all again."

"And, Sashe, I'm wondering if the platform might give off some light or signal to the guards on the wall once we step off that there are new arrivals. Might you be able to have an illusion prepared so that it looks like, 'Nothing to see here out of the ordinary' once we step off?"

When all are ready to de-platform, as it were, Murphy hops off the dais, himself moving in the direction of where the cave wall hid the gem, to see if a similar thing is here on this plane. Before they get too far away from it, he wants to have a clue as to how to use the platform to return. He also does some triangulation, looking at various points on the wall, trying to line up objects at different points so as to be able to get back here without getting lost.
============
Perception - potential hiding spots along the plain? - 56
Perception - platform returning clues? - 47
Survival - navigating the course across the plain - 33

DM Mitch
Tuesday January 11th, 2022 7:38:42 AM
Succotash observes that this probably wouldn�t be a good place to build a winter home but on the plus side they�d never get cold. He thanks Pru for her offer but has Valerie and himself covered.

"I can't say I would ever want to build a winter home here, but at least you would never have to worry about being cold! I can handle Valerie and my fire protection needs Pru, but thanks for the offer. I suppose we should head that way. Oh and thanks for the heroes feast Pressi!" Succotash says the last bit while pointing towards the city walls. He than casts resist energy (fire) on himself and Valerie.

Tali casts stoneskin and endure elements using wands she took from her pockets.
Pru decides to be invisible and sends over the link that everything in this plane is going to be immune to fire isn�t it but that she is ready when everyone else is.

Pressi adapts everyone to the plane. She tells the others they need to make a break for some cover, then it is divination time followed up by making a beeline for the giant leadership where she hopes a shared hatred of Flamescorn and some serious cahones will impress them. She suggests they make their way into the city closer to night and that they shouldn�t fight unless they have to and no standing if they can run. She asks for any other suggestions

Kezzem is ready to go.

Murphy comments on stone shape, suggests they store the carpet, and looks down. They are not on a raised platform or anything, they�re ground level with the plain, just in a bubble of main reality sitting in the middle of the plain.

Pressi is able to make a break to the nearest rock formation and arrive there unseen. There does not appear to be any guard presence at the gate itself. The plain is flat but not featureless, so if the party doesn�t trust their invisibility they can easily move from cover to cover towards the wall. That would involve getting completely covered in ash though as often the only space to hide would be to try to bury yourself in the thick layer on the plain.

In the distance stands a volcano even more massive than the version on the Woldian side with what appears to be a very high, very thick walled city that is part of it. It causes a bit of problem with the �wait for night� plan; there is no sun, not that the party can see, and the only light seems to come from the glow of the lava. There might be a sun, but if so it�s concealed by the ash clouds and smoke.

The heat and the ash are bearable with the planar adaption cast.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Tuesday January 11th, 2022 8:41:51 AM
Hobie has his usual 15 hour casting of Overland Flight, and his ring of invisibility is activated.

Invisible and flying, bow at the ready he will fly above the heads of his teammates, looking out for danger.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Tuesday January 11th, 2022 8:50:22 AM
sorry, 13 hours of Overland Flight

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Tuesday January 11th, 2022 10:32:24 AM
"I don't know Murph, I guess our only option, at this point, is to head towards the city to see what we can ascertain. Remember guys, we are looking for the place Giants fear to go, and we have learned that that is most likely going to be a home or homestead that has been abandoned, as the owners have either been killed or banished because of some slight of honor."

Succotash casts air walk on Valerie, and than mounts his invisible dino friends. He follows Pressi, keeping Valerie about a foot off the ground.

active spells

Succotash
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
Planar adaptation

Valerie
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (16 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Air walk

Daily stuff
channel energy (10d6) 10/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 190/190
Quicken rod (normal) 3/3

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Tuesday January 11th, 2022 1:55:44 PM
Pru walks for now, saving her Fly spell for when it's really needed. Since covering herself with ash would defeat the purpose of being invisible, she doesn't do that. On the contrary, she tries to be careful where she steps so as not to stir up a big cloud of the stuff.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=55 ;
Tuesday January 11th, 2022 7:31:26 PM
Nikolai follows through the portal, staying close to Pru. He holds off using his R.o.Inv for now.

"We should circle around the city and look for outlying homesteads. If the 'shunned' place is inside the city, we got real problems. However, we should insure we know how to get back before we do anything else. I don't want to be hunting for a keyhole and key while dodging hot rock boulders thrown by angry fire giants."

So he starts looking around for the keyhole that will be used to get back through the portal.

Perception + 35 = 55 (N20)

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+16=24 ;
Tuesday January 11th, 2022 9:02:44 PM
Ash & Lava

Tali, listening to Nicolai, thinks that is the best course of action right now, how to get home without dodging Fireballs! Tali will try to assist Nicolai with her perceptions while hovering.

Skill Check(s):
Perception: 24

Effective spells and conditions:
Overland Flight | 1050 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1050 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 1075 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 175 minutes
Invisibility | 180 minutes
Stoneskin (Cast @ level 7) | 175 minutes
Endure Elements | 1435 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday January 11th, 2022 9:11:44 PM
Pressi found herself agreeing with Nickolai. "I'm not sure I just want to go through the door, either. Though it looks like we can make it to the door easily enough, once we start opening it.... Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to go over the wall, like on ropes?"

On the other hand, Pressi grows increasingly unsure that any outlying homesteads are around. They didn't see any signs of such and this looks increasingly like a "live inside the city" or nothing situation. The volcano in particular looks ominous for someone trying to do a settlement outside. (To be on the safe side, she uses her clairvoyance ability for two rounds, seeing if she spots any buildings outside on either side of the city.)

Pressi continues to consider her options. She could cast Blink on herself or etherealness on herself and a few people, and just walk through the door. Everyone could fly over, though that might also attract attention. She could arcane eye over the wall once they got to the door, and start spying then.

For now, though, she just uses her Hide in Plain Sight ability to move forward.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday January 12th, 2022 12:02:48 AM
"If we are looking for the place where giants fear to go, I would suggest looking for a place with low ceilings," says Kezzem.

DM Mitch
Wednesday January 12th, 2022 7:07:05 AM
Hobie is invisible and flying with his bow at the ready flies above the heads of his teammates looking for danger.

Succotash suggests their only option might be to head for the city and to look for a home or homestead that has been abandoned because the owners have been killed or banished for a slight of honor. Succotash casts Air Walk on Valerie and rides his invisible dino friend.

Pru walks for now saving her fly spell. She tries to be careful where she walks so as to not kick up a big cloud of dust.

Nikolai follows through the portal sticking by Pru. He suggests they circle round the city looking for outlying homesteads and if their destination is inside the city they may have problems. He says they also should insure they have a way back before proceeding so they aren�t looking for a key hole while dodging boulders thrown by angry fire giants.

Tali helps Nikolai look for a keyhole too for the gate on this side.

Pressi agrees with Nikolai about wanting to avoid the city if they can help it. She wonders if they could go over the walls of the city on ropes and considers several other options after not finding any outlying buildings with her clairvoyance ability. She moves forward using HiPS.

Kezzem suggests finding a place with low ceilings as far as finding where giants fear to tread.

Nikolai and Tali spot a message carved into ground in Giant near the base of the dais.

Giant language : Highlight to display spoiler: {Speak friend and exit }

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Wednesday January 12th, 2022 10:01:51 AM
Hobie doesn�t speak Giant but if one of his friends translates the message, he�ll say the word for �Friend� in every language he knows.

Common, Halfling, Dwarven, Elven, Gnome,Draconic, Orc, Goblin, Terran, Ignan

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Wednesday January 12th, 2022 11:07:42 AM
Assuming Tali or Nikolai point the inscription, Succotash reads it, translating it for his friends. after the door is closed behind them, he decides to test his theory, and says the giant word for friend.

"Pressi, I'm not sure ropes would be a great idea. the sudden appearance of ropes, would kinda be a give away that something is amiss, even if they can't see us climbing them. Valerie can ferry us halflings over, one at a time, at least those who don't have an invisible means for flight, but I'm not sure how our new bigun friends will manage."

Succotash realized he just called Pru and Nikolai biguns, and hopes they don't consider it a slight. He decides to explain himself, in hopes of preventing any perceived slight. "Just so you know, Prudence and Nikolai, biguns is what we halflings call pretty much any race that is bigger than us, which is most races. We mean no disrespect by the title, disrespecting people, who don't deserve it, is very un-halfling-like, after all. It's simply a term we use to differentiate those races who tower over us. I hope you aren't offended by my use of this halfling slang term"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Wednesday January 12th, 2022 2:18:02 PM
Pru shrugs. "No offense taken, Succotash. And don't worry about us; I have a few ways to get us airborne."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Wednesday January 12th, 2022 8:17:11 PM

"Ah, there it is," Murphy says as they step off the dais. "Uh, the trigger word likely works only if said while standing upon it, right?" [I'm surprised none of us tripped due to the dais drop-off, as the planar image we were stepping into apparently was on the same level as where our feet stood.]

For the discussion on going over the walls is concerned, Murphy says, "I can carry anyone over the walls in my air elemental form, though would likely require two trips with our current group make-up. So, if those who cannot surmount without help, I can provide it - it sounds like several can do it through their own means, or use Succotash's Valerie-ferry service."

He joins Pressi et al behind the rocky outcropping. "A fast flyover, say, just outside the perimeter of the wall, could give us an overview of the city, the layout. I can do it alone, but am certainly willing to have a few people accompany me on the overflight.

"My thought would be to circle around to the right, then more or less follow the walls leftward, staying maybe a hundred to two hundred feet above the top, so as not to be close enough to be easily discerned. Then return, in a round about way, back here. Or, while I'm doing that, maybe you can be heading toward some other part of the wall.

"I recommend we don't use the front gate in any way. Likely too much security is concentrated there."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday January 12th, 2022 9:33:08 PM
Pressi tries "friend" in giant.

In response to everyone going over... "Its a good idea, but I might want to try keeping myself close down. Also, I can fly but not sneakily."

After a detect magic on the wall and another clairaudio round to the side of the door, Pressi casts Blink on herself and moves through the wall.

Harper continues to wait at the exit.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Wednesday January 12th, 2022 10:41:44 PM
Inscription

Although Tali and Nikolai spot the inscription, it is written in Giant, at least I believe it to be in the Giant tongue, and Tali doesn't speak Giant, but she does point it out to all her companions, hoping someone happens to know the translation.

Effective spells and conditions:
Overland Flight | 1040 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1040 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 1065 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 165 minutes
Invisibility | 170 minutes
Stoneskin (Cast @ level 7) | 165 minutes
Endure Elements | 1425 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday January 13th, 2022 12:16:47 AM
"Looks like getting back won't be a problem as long as our giant speaking members are conscious when we try to get back."

"I'd rather spend some time reconnoitering around the city just so we can mark the surrounding area as uninhabited and irrelevant. On the other hand, we just might come across a lone giant that might voluntarily offer us some information. You never know..."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday January 13th, 2022 12:43:58 AM
"Can't we just ask someone to take us to their leader?" asks Kezzem. "I always wanted to ask someone that."

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Thursday January 13th, 2022 5:37:01 AM
Hobie doesn�t speak Giant but if one of his friends translates the message, he�ll say the word for �Friend� in every language he knows.

Common, Halfling, Dwarven, Elven, Gnome,Draconic, Orc, Goblin, Terran, Ignan

DM Mitch
Thursday January 13th, 2022 7:27:58 AM
Succotash translates the message for his friends and tests out the giant word for friend as a trigger for the dais on this side. He also suggests ferrying people over the walls through flight rather than have ropes suddenly appear with respect to Pressi�s ideas and clarifies certain word choices he uses for Pru and Nikolai.

After receiving a translation of the inscription Hobie tries the word friend in every language he knows but to no avail.

Pru explains to Succotash they took no offense at his word choice and then also reminds him she has ways of getting airborne.

Murphy wonders if the trigger word only works while people are standing upon the dais. He suggests they still do some aerial reconnaissance before using flight to go over the walls and recommends they avoid the front gate.

Pressi tries the word friend in giant. She then says she thinks flying might be a good idea but she can�t sneakily fly so she might want to keep herself close to the ground. The walls of the giant city still tower in the distance as the dais is fairly far away as such casting the spells she wants to cast wouldn�t really do anything

(OOC: if Pressi is close enough to the dais to try the passphrase then she is way too far away from the walls of the city to try to blink through them or determine what is on the other side)

Tali helps bring the inscription to the attention of her companions.

Nikolai suggests getting back won�t be a problem as long as anyone who speaks giant remains conscious. He still suggests they make sure the area outside of the walls are uninhabited before pressing on to the city.

Kezzem asks why they can�t just go up to the giants and ask them to take their adventuring group to their leader.

Several people try the giant word for friend in the vicinity of the dais and each speaking of the word sees the dais fill with magical energy and begin to form the portal back to the cave you left from.

DM Mitch
Thursday January 13th, 2022 7:31:31 AM
The DM's suddenly remember Ketia is supposed to be here and has her do something. She looks at the inscription and nods as the party successfully open it. "It seems our escape route is known at least. Sesha should stay here, hidden, to ensure we can't be cut off from our escape route. With his illusions he can stay hidden and subtly interfere with anyone laying a trap for us here. I've also got communication set up with him so he can warn us of any trouble."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+43=54 ;
Thursday January 13th, 2022 7:47:26 AM

Murphy looks at Sesha to ensure she is still female. But, he can't see her. "Sounds good to me, Ketia."

Murphy uses his huge-air-elemental-sized rope harness. He lets his friends know it's available to safely attach themselves safely to. Whoever wants to go with him on the scouting overfly he communicates telepathically and (quietly, but) verbally where needed to help invisible people get safely looped in.

Then, when they are ready to join (who wants to come?), he follows the flight plan he laid out.

Murphy will fly at 125'*5 ('running' speed) for 625' per round, 6250' per minute, which is 71 miles per hour, unless those who accompany him want him to go more slowly. If we can learn the approximate dimensions of the walled city, that would be good to know. The slowest he would want to travel is 250' per round. All invisible, and ~200 feet above the wall - unless he receives counsel to use a different altitude.

Telepathically, he gives a running commentary on what he observes. General city layout, buildings and areas of note, etc. If someone manages to pick up that an invisible (albeit lightweight) mass is flying a ways above the walls, and any sort of attack takes place, likely he will simply gain altitude quickly to avoid incoming objects or critters. This is the quick scouting portion preparatory to the party getting inside.

==============
Perception: 54 (he has eyes of the eagle, so pretty acute vision)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Thursday January 13th, 2022 7:48:53 AM

I meant Sashe, not Sesha, for the female drow illusionist.

DM Mitch
Thursday January 13th, 2022 8:07:39 AM
(Doh, why do I keep making that mistake?)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Thursday January 13th, 2022 12:06:39 PM
Succotash offers to join Murphy on his scouting mission. he has no desire to let the druid go solo, and as he has mentioned on many occasions, he has the means to get himself and the druid out of harms way rather quickly.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Thursday January 13th, 2022 2:14:03 PM
Pru is not good at spotting things, so she stays behind. She's not comfortable splitting the party like this, but she's clearly being overruled.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35) d20+25=38 ;
Thursday January 13th, 2022 8:56:37 PM
Pressi leaves Harper along with Sashe and began to move out.

Unlke Murphy, Pressi prefers to stay on the ground, moving slowly from rock to rock (stealth 38 + HiPS). At her slow speed, it's going to take much longer for her to get to the wall.

She does take a moment to get Prudence to come with her, assuming that she can help Pru sneak along as well.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+16=31 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+16=31 ;
Thursday January 13th, 2022 10:01:04 PM
The calm before the storm...

Invisible & hovering, Tali tries to keep up with her troupe, using her perception skills to notice key landmarks and anything unusual from the Hobbit's point of view. Once Tali perceives something, she will relay it to her group.

Skill Checks:
Perception: 31
Perception: 32
Perception: 24
Perception: 25
Perception: 31

Effective spells and conditions:
Overland Flight | 1040 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1040 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 1065 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 165 minutes
Invisibility | 170 minutes
Stoneskin (Cast @ level 7) | 165 minutes
Endure Elements | 1425 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday January 13th, 2022 11:50:03 PM
Kezzem wonders around with detect evil on to see if anybody stands out.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday January 14th, 2022 12:06:42 AM
Nikolai decides it is best for the Humble's group just do what they decide to do and stick with Pru, available to rescue anyone that needs it.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Friday January 14th, 2022 1:52:31 AM

"Thank you, brother," he says to Succotash.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Friday January 14th, 2022 7:09:19 AM

"By the way, Hobie, want to join Succotash and me for the fly-over?" Murphy asks.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Friday January 14th, 2022 7:12:45 AM

A note to add: If on the flyover, there looks like a particularly juicy spot for the party to enter the city through, Murphy will mention it to the crew. If anyone else wants to join in the flyover, just mention it soon.

Sorry for all the add-on notes!

Breeching the Walls

DM Mitch
Friday January 14th, 2022 7:26:10 AM
Murphy dons his rope harness, asks others to accompany him on the scout and takes to the sky.

Succotash volunteers to join Murphy.

Pru stays behind as she is not good at spotting things.

Pressi decides to move forward but on the ground. She tries to convince Pru to come with.

Nikolai stays with Pru.

Tali tries to keep up with Murphy but the elemental is just too fast for her spell.

Kezzem tries to use detect evil but he doesn�t detect evil though he doesn�t see anyone or anything necessarily to use it on.

For those doing aerial reconnaissance, things start out ok at first but the closer they get to the walled city built into the volcano the darker things start to get and people notice a choking cloud of volcanic ash seems to be emanating from the city. Luckily for everyone Pressi�s planar adaptation allows folks to keep breathing as otherwise the Ash would be intolerable. However the ash does burn and anyone not warded from flame takes 5 fire damage and will take another d6 fire damage each round spent in the noxious cloud. Inside the cloud visibility is heavily reduced and there is no way to see into the city below from within it

Tali can see Murphy and those with him fly into the cloud and can choose to not enter it as she lags behind

The ground holds no such danger for Pressi.

Meanwhile Sashe the female drow illusionist asks Pru and Nikolai, �So have you read any good books lately? I don�t think we may be going anywhere for a while.�

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Friday January 14th, 2022 7:32:32 AM

If needed to dip lower than 200' altitude is needed in order to see, Murphy will drop down for a closer look - at least enough to see the buildings and such. If he needs to go slower so as not to kick up wind as he drops lower, then slower he goes.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells d20+36=53 ;
Friday January 14th, 2022 11:14:32 AM
Succotash is glad for his protection from fire and Pressi's Planar Adaptation, as they fly through the toxic cloud. He finds the lack of visibility discomforting, and hopes to see more when Murphy lowers his elevation. (Perception 53)

active spells:
Succotash
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
Planar adaptation

Valerie
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (16 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Air Walk

Daily stuff:
channel energy (10d6) 10/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 190/190
Quicken rod (normal) 3/3

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Friday January 14th, 2022 1:34:02 PM
Hobie rides along with Murphy, counting out as many targets as he can find with his archers eyes

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Friday January 14th, 2022 4:01:40 PM
"I'm not much of a reader," Pru replies to Sashe. Then she adds: "Don't worry. I can teleport us to where they are if they run into trouble. Or maybe I should say when they run into trouble."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Saturday January 15th, 2022 1:25:59 AM
The calm before the storm...

Invisible & hovering, Tali realizes that trying to keep up with her troupe is proving to be a trick. Tali can see Murphy and those with him fly into the cloud and chooses to not enter it as she lags behind them, hovering out of reach of a Fire Giant, just in case.

Effective spells and conditions:
Overland Flight | 1035 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1035 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 1050 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 150 minutes
Invisibility | 155 minutes
Stoneskin (Cast @ level 7) | 150 minutes
Endure Elements | 1410 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

DM Mitch
Saturday January 15th, 2022 3:13:24 AM
Murphy quickly establishes the plain outside of the city is uninhabited. Any hopes of flying high enough to get a full view of the city are dashed by the cloud; at best, if you were over the city, you'd see a few blocks at the height you can reach before being blinded. If you wish to fly next to/over the wall to look into the city you can, but roll a stealth check (with invisibility bonus).

DM Mitch
Saturday January 15th, 2022 3:17:29 AM
If he wants to just say screw it and do an invisible aerial tour of the whole city despite having to fly low (which re-reading your post may indicate) say so

DM Mitch
Saturday January 15th, 2022 3:33:10 AM
(Edited DM post to change scene like I was supposed to. Shhhh, don't tell anyone we'll pretend it was always there.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Saturday January 15th, 2022 9:31:11 PM
Pressi continues to make her way across the plains, after casting Protection from Energy (fire) upon herself.

She signals to Murphy that they just need to know if the gates themselves are being watched, so don't bother with the aerial fighting. If people want, she can stop for a quick divination as to whether there's a better entrance to the city. But for now, they really just need to know the dangers of the main gate, and a quick check while invisible should do it.

She reminds Murphy that there are no heroics. If spotted, the entire group retreats and they'll think of a new strategy after.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Sunday January 16th, 2022 12:37:36 AM

Murph will go over the wall on the far right (right from the party's perspective), then travels perhaps 100 feet within the boundaries of the wall at whatever height he needs to be able to see the street level (what is the range of sight? - 60'? 100'? something else?), so long as he does not need to fly over a building that is tall enough for street level to be farther away than visibility. He may be going up and down [with perfect fly maneuverability] as needed. How tall do most of the buildings appear to be? He wonders what the level of carcinoma may be in this city. Likely will slow travel speed to 250' (hustle speed) per round (about 28.4 mph). That will throw up far fewer wind eddies than 625' per round (71 mph).

If, for whatever reason, one or more guards manages to discern the invisible air elemental and start attacking, Murphy will move farther into the city, taking advantage of buildings to fly behind to provide cover, and expanding the scope of their city mapping. If things get really 'hot' - well, Succotash has some capabilities.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+36=38 ; d4=2 ; d20+43=48 ;
Sunday January 16th, 2022 12:44:46 AM

Oops - did not see Pressi's post prior to posting Murphy's post immediately above this one. So, he will revise the flyover, focusing upon the main gate, going half speed (125/2= 62.5? or 60'), and using what stealth they might - in this case, 38. If spotted, and there is a need to speed things up and take evasive maneuvers, then that happens.

Stealth: 38
Perception: 48

Also - Murphy has the 9th-level Foresight spell active, which will give him solid warning in enough time to react/respond/and anticipate danger, along with the knowledge of what steps to take to avoid said danger.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday January 16th, 2022 10:56:21 PM
Nikolai had never been too keen on flying. Even when most of the Agents found ways to fly about, he had stayed on the ground. Nothing different here either. Glad to stay on the ground with Pru, he sees the difficulty the flying corps was having.

"Oh, interesting books? Indeed. My current one is a complicated story told from the perspective of one who is teaching the Hafling language to a bigun," Nikolai chuckles.

DM Hugh - DM dierolls d6=5 ; d20+19=33 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+19=29 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+19=28 ; d20+19=31 ; d20+19=36 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+19=33 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+19=24 ;
Monday January 17th, 2022 1:42:58 AM
(OOC: dm scratchpad)

DM Mitch
Monday January 17th, 2022 10:14:14 AM
Succotash is glad for his protection from fire and for Pressi�s Planar Adaptation and he finds the lack of visibility discomforting.

Hobie flies along with Murphy trying to pick out individual targets though the cloud cover is very thick

Pru tells Sashe she�s not much of a reader but she can teleport them to the rest when they get into trouble.

Tali does not follow Murphy into the dark cloud. The city built into the Volcano looms in the distance for Tali but she can�t really see into it.

Pressi reminds Murphy there are no heroics here and all she really needs to know is if the main gate is watched.

Murphy hearing Pressi�s instructions decides to slow down and attempt to stealthily dip low enough near the main gate to get an idea of how things are there

Nikolai tells Sashe about the Halfling language primer he is reading.

Things start to come into focus as Murphy dips down and surveys the area around the gate. There appear to be 8 sentries stationed on the battlements of the wall over the main gate with 4 on the ground as if to check anyone who would approach the gate from the land. As Murphy turns his attention towards the gate and begins his slower descent, Hobie, Succotash and he all hear the clarion sound of a horn call coming from one of the 8 sentries on the battlements who appears to be pointing in your general direction with the hand not holding the horn. One of the 4 sentries stationed on the ground also appears to be looking up at the sky and hurls a boulder in your general direction but it does not pose a threat as it sails harmlessly wide and to your left. The other sentries look to be scrambling to get bows and boulders of their own as they did not observe the disturbance you made as you invisibly cut through thick smoke but 2 of them were just eagle eyed enough to notice the slight distortion the wind you generated made as you slipped below the cloud line.

Meanwhile Sashe says to Nikolai, �How droll. If the halflings look down on you because of your size, well actually they look up at you but you know what I mean, why go through the trouble of learning their language?�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Monday January 17th, 2022 12:45:13 PM
Seeing the comotion, and realize thay have been spotted, Succotash quickly cast dimensional door, and teleports Murphy, Hobie and himself, back to the others, just in time to overhear Sasha's comment. "Well it's safe to say they know we're here, or at least someone is here."

"I think you misunderstand us halflings and the use of the word biguns, Sasha. We use the word in the same way someone would use the word Drow, Human, Dwarf, ECT. It's simply a way for us to differentiate between us wee folk and those bigger than us. You try being a member of a race where you are in constant danger of being trampled by almost everyone, and you tell me you wouldn't figure out a way to tell others, of your kind, to look out there are people larger than you coming your way! It's a lot easier, and faster to say, "There are Bigun's ahead!" than to ascertain their race and than say, "There are drow ahead!"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Monday January 17th, 2022 2:36:27 PM
"I guess they're alerted to our presence now," Pru says. "So what's the plan? Do we want to try to teleport or dimension door over there? Fly again?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday January 17th, 2022 7:20:40 PM
"Not yet honey. We need to wait for more information. If they need us in there, fine, but with the guard alerted, we'd be up against the whole city. They need to skedaddle out of there and work out a different plan. Obviously, they have some means of magic detection around the gate. Sneaking up on the ground, finding out where it is, then neutralizing it before crossing again would be a decent plan."

To Sashe he adds an aside, "How best to know when they are talking about you? Know the language," he smiles.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11 d20+36=41 ; d20+36=52 ; d20+36=37 ; d20+43=52 ; d20+43=47 ; d20+43=58 ; d20+36=49 ; d20+43=56 ;
Monday January 17th, 2022 7:34:05 PM

Murphy did not come this far just to flee because one rock went well wide of its mark. He resists his friend's teleportation spell. It's up to Hobie whether he chooses to stay with him or return with the cleric. If he stays, he knows that Hobie also can teleport. As he was just as the edge of discernability below the cloud line when a couple giants where able to figure out his location, he rises back up into the air, presumably out of their sight, for 30', then kicks into higher speed at a 35-degree different angle while obscured by ash. Once a few hundred feet higher, he aims farther in to the city.

"Sorry, Succo, you didn't ask, didn't warn, and I didn't stack up all the spells I've got on me just to run scared of a mis-thrown boulder," he says once he is out of range. "I'm going further in to find us a better landing spot than the front gate - which is why I really didn't want the front gate to be our first choice of scouting." He does so - flies fast several hundred feet in, then diagonally a ways towards the volcano. If Hobie is still with him, he mentally asks for his input and observations, and talks with everyone letting them know his own plan and observations. Once, he is, say, about 750 or so feet away, and not in a direct line of the streets going toward the gate, air elemental Murphy slows to about 60' per round as he gets to the edge of seeing the tops of buildings, and moves with stealth, aiming to scout out a decent place for the party to port to. He will dip in and out as may be required until he finds a suitable place. Well, no more than 4 dips for the moment. He does not follow a linear path, but changes direction - and uses know direction fairly frequently, using the volcano and front gate as reference points.

4 stealth rolls (I figure he should be able to find a good spot with that number of attempts)
And 4 perception rolls (one for each spot):
Murphy's scouting rolls
Spot 1: Stealth: 41, Perception 52
Spot 2: Stealth: 52, Perception 47
Spot 3: Stealth: 37, Perception 58
Spot 4: Stealth: 49, Perception 56

If spot 2, 3, or 4 look suitable, and he does not immediately come under attack, he will still himself, so as to be harder to discern, and take a good look about so as to describe well the place to those who can teleport (Succotash and Tali and Prudence?) and really everyone should get his description.

During his dips, he also wants to see if there is evidence of other elemental presences - especially fire elementals. Not only that, but what other creatures might be seen about the streets?

If any want to reproach him for now, he certainly will listen. He'll also listen if they offer good suggestions.

"Someone want to plant an oak tree behind one of the rocky outcroppings, out of sight of the wall?" he asks.

"Meanwhile, do the diplomatic corps want to see about percolating another approach?"

And to wrap up, if a bunch of determined pursuit is built up before he is able to spot a good place, he may simply take a fair amount of evasive action, or, if he is still there, see if Hobie can teleport them back to square 1.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Monday January 17th, 2022 8:57:23 PM
Pressi frowns as she senses Murphy's continued presence. Not that she thinks that Murphy is in that much danger yet, but the longer he stays, the less likely they can sell this as someone who got paranoid.

Speaking of, Pressi is unimpressed by the fact that they would notice such a detail. She figures they can know wait for these guys to give themselves heart attacks. Still, they are a long way from the infiltration of the giants way back when.

"If you really want to help out, then change of strategy," Pressi messages Murphy. "Pull back well outside the wall before scouting around. Lets see if they have any back doors, sewage areas, farms, outside the wall encampments. Maybe a building next to the main wall, we could ethereal jaunt right through the sentries."

For her part, she hides behind an outcropping and drops one of the oak tree acorns into a hole. She then begins a divination (CL=18), asking where is the best place to infiltrate the gated city.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Monday January 17th, 2022 10:04:40 PM
"You would think we would learn to not split up by now, but noooooo," says Kezzem. "Are we attacking now?"

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Tuesday January 18th, 2022 1:39:17 AM
Hobie sticks with Murphy, riding along looking for the best spot. He doesn�t quite feel threatened by the giants yet.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Tuesday January 18th, 2022 1:46:21 AM

"Sure, Pressi," Murphy broadcasts to her and everyone. "I'll be happy to look for those types of things. So after I finish a few barely-below the thick-ash cover dips, I'll be up for skedaddling and looking elsewhere."

"Trying to come up with more information for you, Nikolai. Wish me luck. That would be Dymuna pob lwc i fi in halfling. And remember, there are two 'Ls' in halfling."

"Right, Kezzem, never split up. That's why we can all get in each other's heads right now. If we can avoid attacking, or being attacked overmuch, that could help us better fulfill our mission, but I'll let you know."

"Thanks, Prudence, for the mass eavesdropping spells."

"Tali, how are you doing?"

DM Mitch d20+19=36 ; d20+19=37 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+19=36 ; d20+19=23 ; d20+19=22 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+19=23 ; d20+19=39 ; d20+19=34 ; d100=40 ; d100=22 ; d100=29 ; d100=20 ; d100=10 ; d100=15 ;
Tuesday January 18th, 2022 6:44:40 AM
Succotash tries to dimension door himself, Hobie and Murphy back to the gate. He arrives back in time to explain to the Drow what exactly is meant by the term Bigun.

Pru asks if they should teleport, dimension door or fly over to where the commotion is.

Nikolai opines to his wife that they need more information before springing into action. He tells Sashe the best way to know if someone is talking about you is to learn their language.

Murphy decides not to flee with Succotash and instead presses on with some fancy flying to try to evade detection. He gives some suggestions as to what to do with an Oak tree and what the diplomatic corps should do.

Pressi frowns as she senses Murphy�s continued presence. She isn�t impressed so far and suggests that her husband change his strategy and pull outside the wall. She drops an acorn down a hole and asks in a divination where the best place is to sneak in.

The answer Pressi gets is �The small gate.�

Kezzem remarks that they would learn to not split the party by now and asks if they are attacking now.

Hobie decides to stay as well.

Murphy and Hobie decide to advance. After emerging from the cloud a way�s off he quickly scans the area on the other side of the wall. It�s a ramshackle area of confused buildings seemingly put up by throwing large slabs of rock together and hoping that they stay up. They are mostly sized for large sized creatures or larger. Hiding spots are plentiful in the haphazard mess, but that just means if he chances ducking into a concealed spot he might just run face first into someone. Quickly picking an overhang he�s able to swing into it and hide and is in luck as no one seems to be around.

Their hiding spot gives them a decent view of the walls. The giants on the wall boil like a kicked anhil. It quickly becomes quite evident that though he only saw a handful at the gate it has plenty of internal guardhouses and halls to hold far more giants. With military efficiency they form squads and begin sweeping the poor district. They can also see more moving up to man the battlements - it�ll be even harder to cross without being seen by the sharp eyed giants now, even invisible.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Tuesday January 18th, 2022 9:46:23 AM

Pressi thinks about this, about whether kicking the hornets nest at the main gate would move everyone to the small gate. Or maybe still do the ethereal jaunt through the walls. Or could they use the fact that two people are already in as a method.

But for now, the small gate is the priority,

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Tuesday January 18th, 2022 9:50:22 AM

Murph describes what he and Hobie have been seeing. "Should this be a 'take me to your leader' moment?" he asks the group. He is impressed with the fire giants' up-front defensive capabilities, but a gateway should usually be a well-protected spot.

"So, you want we should find the small gate?" he asks Pressi, et al.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Tuesday January 18th, 2022 10:54:41 AM
"Maybe I could give them something to throw them off our scent. Maybe I could summon some sort of creature, roughly the same size as Murphy is in his air elemental form, maybe an actual air elemental, and have it appear near the main gate. It may throw the giants off our scent, since they only saw Murph, Hobie, and myself's rough shape coming out of the smoke cloud. What do you guys think?"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Tuesday January 18th, 2022 5:03:42 PM
"Succotash, let's plan on doing that after we find the small gate," Pru says. "We can send a group of elementals to the main gate as a diversion. I can summon some, too."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Tuesday January 18th, 2022 10:38:48 PM
A slight disturbence

Invisible & hovering, Tali realizes that trying to keep up with her troupe is proving to be a trick, so she returns to the return gate and waits.

When the rest of the group returns in a hasty manner, she listens to what the others offer.

Effective spells and conditions:
Overland Flight | 1035 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1035 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 1050 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 150 minutes
Invisibility | 155 minutes
Stoneskin (Cast @ level 7) | 150 minutes
Endure Elements | 1410 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=54 ; d20+46=49 ;
Tuesday January 18th, 2022 11:14:37 PM
"Good idea Pru, a diversion is what we need. Time for me to sneak afoot and see if I can find that small gate. I'll go invisible and avoid ash clouds and dust. I'll keep in constant touch," he smiles and winks.

Nikolai activates his Light Steps ability from his Monk Vest. This allows him to 'walk' across the surface with just barely touching it. He can do this each round as long as he ends his move on a solid surface. He also is able to avoid difficult terrain by doing this. He also hopes to avoid leaving any footsteps in the ash.

So, after activating his Ring of Invisibility, he starts across the plains towards the Fire Giant city. The closer he gets, the more cautious. He does not head to the main gate, of course, but to the farthest extent of the wall closest to him (right or left of the main gate).

Perception +35 = 54
Stealth +26 +20(invisible) = 49 (let me know how many of these i need to get to the wall farthest from the main gate).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday January 19th, 2022 12:42:23 AM
"Wouldn't it the small gate also be guarded?" asks Kezzem. "Maybe we could make our own gate instead."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Wednesday January 19th, 2022 3:22:10 AM
"Kezzem may be on to something. I prepared Stone Shape this morning, I could just make an opening in the wall."

DM Mitch
Wednesday January 19th, 2022 7:23:34 AM
Pressi ponders her options before deciding on the small gate being the priority.

Murphy describes things to the others and asks if now is the take me to your leader moment or if they should look for the small gate.

Succotash suggests he could summon a diversion to throw the giants off of Murphy�s trail.

Pru suggests they focus on the small gate first and then they can summon a diversion together.

Tali realizes it is hard to keep up with the faster fliers in the group so she falls back to the entrance portal where some of the party is mustering

Nikolai goes invisible and advances towards the far side of the wall. He makes extra sure to be stealthy as he gets close and searches for the small gate

Kezzem suggests they just make their own door.

Succotash likes that idea.

The search of the wall proceeds smoothly. The guards on the top have doubled, with a guard patrolling every 10 or so feet. Nikolai is easily within sight of a dozen or more at a time but his invisibility and skill keeps him hidden. The search proves slow going though since he has to be so stealthy and he doesn�t find the small gate in the first section of wall he scans.

Meanwhile in the city a patrol moves into the area Murphy and Hobie are in. They look about suspiciously for any signs of the invisible pair (stealth checks please).

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+11/196+11
Wednesday January 19th, 2022 7:41:09 AM
Stealth is 52.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Wednesday January 19th, 2022 8:43:42 PM
"The small gate is probably guarded, too," Pru agrees with Kezzem, "But it probably doesn't have as many guards. And if we make a distraction at the main gate, hopefully it will slow reinforcements to the small gate."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Wednesday January 19th, 2022 9:42:28 PM
Fire Giant StormTroopers

Tali, invisible and still, listens to any chatter across the communication links, hoping to find a way to support her troupe.

Effective spells and conditions:
Overland Flight | 1030 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1030 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 1045 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 145 minutes
Invisibility | 150 minutes
Stoneskin (Cast @ level 7) | 145 minutes
Endure Elements | 1405 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Wednesday January 19th, 2022 10:41:20 PM
Pressi casts �find the path,� hoping it will lead directly to the small gate.

�Murphy, get out of there.� Pressi messaged. �We�ll find another way.�

If Murphy refuses, �at least duck into one of the buildings. Find a way to fit into the surroundings, make it hard for them to maneuver. And if you happen to find a giant we might diplomacy with, great.�

If She hears the giants closing in on Murphy, she casts quickened dancing lights before reusing HiPS. Hoping they take the bait.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=46 ; d20+46=51 ;
Thursday January 20th, 2022 12:23:23 AM
Nikolai keeps figures the small gate won't be close to the main gate so he does not bother getting close to that. He keeps checking the wall here until he figures he's too close to the main gate for a small gate to be.

In order to save time in getting past the main gate to start on the other side, he uses his monk Abundant Step ability to Dimension Door past the main gate. He can go 920ft in this manner as a Move Action and spending 2 ki pts.

Finishing up this side:
Perception +35 = 46
Stealth +26 +20(invisible) = 51

Hobie (Kim for Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+41=53 ; d20+21=29 ; d20=20 ;
Thursday January 20th, 2022 2:46:07 AM

Hobie remains still, while looking down at the targets below, barely breathing as people look upward. As is usual on such a spying mission, his waist and an ankle are wrapped to anchor him in Murphy's air elemental harness, he has his arrows nocked, left and index fingers keeping the middle of the shafts near the wood of the bow, but has not yet draw back on the string. His right index, middle, and ring fingers keep the nocked arrows firm against the string. He feels relaxed, ready for action.

The threat from above mentally maps out the area below. He knows where the buildings are, the people, the passageways. He guesses at the personalities and intentions of the people below who are searching for them. Though that generally is not his strong suit, he does fairly well this time. He'd love to have his cousin Roscoe along with him sometime on such an adventure.

He lets the rest of the team know what he is seeing and hearing. He also listens to what others are reporting.

============
Stealth: 53
Perception: 29
Sense Motive: 20 (nat 20) - see what he can figure out about the personalities and current intentions of the people who search below.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+16/196+16
Thursday January 20th, 2022 5:45:46 AM

[BTW, the 52 for stealth was from my post of the 17th, in which I made 4 stealth rolls. I figure the first one was for when I first flew in to look about. Then after a bit, people came looking around after I tucked up under the ledge. Thus, the second roll.]

Murphy is motionless, tucked neatly under the overhang of one of the buildings. Unless someone clearly spots him, he waits until the local activity dies down.

However, if spotted, he ambles away, in an air elemental sort of way. If moving, he slips up and over the overhang, then farther up the roof, then straight up into the air at speed.

If not spotted, though, he remains as the searches go off elsewhere.

"I like the notion of making our own gate, Kezzem & Succotash," the druid comments.

"So, should Hobie and I create more disturbance around the front gate, or look for a good gathering spot a ways from the small gate? Or just creep about, looking for a good target spot farther in?"

DM Mitch d20+22=25 ; d20+22=27 ; d20+22=28 ; d20+22=39 ; d20+22=29 ; d20+22=35 ;
Thursday January 20th, 2022 6:12:14 AM
Murphy continues to hide. He asks about creating a distraction at the main gate or try to find a good gathering spot on the other side of the small gate.

Pru suggests the small gate is guarded too but it probably doesn�t have as many guards. She reiterates her idea of making a distraction at the main gate.

Tali listens to the chatter hoping to find a way to support her troupe.

Pressi tells Murphy to get out of there or failing that to duck into one of the buildings and that they�ll find another way. She also casts find the path hoping to get a bee line for the small gate.

Nikolai keeps up his search, skipping around the front gate with his magic step ability

Hobie looks down at the giants and tries to get a read from them.

The giants searching the streets are very thorough. If the pair had been on the ground they might have been stumbled into as the giants make a point to try to spread out and fill the narrow space of the street. They duck into buildings and quickly search them as well. They�re cool and professional, speaking only to confirm a building is clear or to direct the search. Hobie notes a tenseness to them, possibly explainable by the nature of the search but he gets the feeling the giants were expecting trouble of some kind. One wearing some kind of rank marker fingers a pouch as the search goes on, but they don't find the pair on the roof in their search.

Outside the walls Nikolai is able to find the small gate. It�s actually large sized, though to the fire giants it�d be small with them having to duck their heads to get through it. It�s cleverly concealed along the opposite side of the wall he started his search on, probably for small sorties and saboteurs to sneak out in case of an assault. 5 giants stand on the wall above keeping a close eye on it, but the distance and party wide invisibility mean they�re unlikely to spot anything.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+16/196+16
Thursday January 20th, 2022 9:18:55 AM

"There is a leader among the giants who just searched," Murphy gives a general report. "Folks, what do you think about me letting him know we are trying to find a fellow there, and not to harm the other people here?" If the go-ahead is given, he asks Hobie if he minds being left atop the roof. "I can come get you shortly - but I know you also can fly, and teleport, and such. If things go well with my conversation, then perhaps we can have everyone show up here. If not, then we'll head out," he explains. "Sound good?"

If the go-ahead is not given, then he asks, "So, other suggestions?"

Effective spells and conditions: Subtract about 15 minutes from times listed below
Heroes' Feast (16 temp hp) 11 hours
Longstrider 18 hours
Magic Fang, Greater (+4) 18 hours
Protection from Energy (fire) 3 hours
Resist Energy (cold) (30 points per damage incident) 3 hours
Stoneskin 3 hours
Freedom of Movement 3 hours
Foresight (9th level spell) 3 hours
Mage Armor 3 hours
Invisibility 18 minutes

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Thursday January 20th, 2022 12:30:26 PM
"I don't like it Murph, assuming Hobie is right, how did they know we were coming? Something doesn't pass the smell test, and I fear diplomacy may not be much good at this time. I wish you guys would have returned with me. It's my job to get everyone out of harms way, on these scouting missions, and how am I supposed to do that when you resist my escape efforts?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday January 20th, 2022 4:19:08 PM
"Then what if we do a double-bluff. Make an obvious distraction at the main gate, then make a less obvious distraction at the small gate so that the giants THINK the main gate is a feint, and then actually attack the main gate?" asks Kezzem. "That will confuse them fore sure!"

Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+16/196+16
Thursday January 20th, 2022 5:52:44 PM

"I seriously doubt they knew we were coming, Succo," Murphy responds. "They simply have alert guards. If we end up talking with them, we should commend them on their security status. We won't mention they probably should have had some guards stationed near the portal dais.

"We were barely in harm's way, friend. You might have done a quick ask prior to the cast. Sorry to leave you feeling frustrated. I wonder where the rocks landed? Also, I should work more on my stealth skills."

"Good thoughts, Kezzem. All right, now can you think of a plan that involves us avoiding a pitched battle at a heavily fortified position?" Murphy asks with a smile, but he is invisible, and this is telepathic communication.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday January 20th, 2022 7:09:37 PM
"Well, we could try telling them we are mushroom farmers," replies Kezzem. "But our success rate there has not been as high as I would like."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Thursday January 20th, 2022 7:20:00 PM
Small to you, may not be to others...

Tali will stay where she is, visible and motionless, listening to the communication of the troupe. Eventually, and hopefully soon, she will be able to lend a hand.

Effective spells and conditions:
Overland Flight | 1025 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1025 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 1035 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 135minutes
Invisibility | 145 minutes
Stoneskin (Cast @ level 7) | 140 minutes
Endure Elements | 1400 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Thursday January 20th, 2022 9:32:10 PM
Pressi warns Murphy not to engage with the commander. "Regardless, we have only one shot with diplomacy, if at all, and I seriously doubt it's the guy who's job is to kill us, and oh yeah the guy who looks at us like we look at roast rabbit. Best case scenario is we convince him to take us prisoner now to kill us later.

"If we do manage to make a diplomatic connection, it will be solo to an actual leader with leverage and a common goal and that's putting it optimistically. Maybe the guy we return the fallen armor to will at least listen, and that's a big if as well. I'm assuming we are on our own, with maybe one or two guys who might answer questions. In the meantime, we are now fugitive thieves hoping whatever we are looking for is clearly marked."

While Pressi talks, she continues to make her way to the main gate. "I can handle the distraction, if the rest of you can make it to the main gate. I was thinking I could use my rogue skills or Ethereal Jaunt to help at the small gate but it'll take time for me to get there, plus I can probably phase through the wall at my convenience once everyone is in.

"I'm looking for input but the current plan is that I do what I do best: attract attention from 120 feet in the air on a broom. When that happens, I want the rest of the group to go in as invisibly, ethereally or stealthily as possible. I'll fly away, then phase through the wall later. Unless someone has another idea."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Thursday January 20th, 2022 10:53:50 PM
Pru gives a little chuckle at Kezzem's suggestion. "I don't know about the giants," she says, "But that would certainly confuse me."

To Murphy, she replies, Look, I'm a big fan of diplomacy, but now is not the time. Right now we have the advantage of surprise. I don't think it's a good idea to voluntarily give that up on the off chance that we can find a sympathetic ear. I think we should press on and hope to negotiate later from a position of strength.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday January 21st, 2022 12:15:42 AM
Nikolai rolls his eyes.
"Before we do anything more, we need to refocus on our objective. It certainly was not to engage in a mass battle against the Fire Giant City! Wasn't it to find some shunned family property? Obviously, we are not going to be able to all go in there and look, not at this point anyway. And Diplomacy? If Fire Giants are anything remotely like Frost Giants, then the only way to engage in diplomacy is for them to need US, not us need THEM! So, whoever is in there, stay in there until things calm down. They do have to sleep sometime. Then venture out again to find this shunned place. Once you find one, then we make plans for the next step.

But there's no point in storming the gates. Creating a diversion will just put them on a higher alert color than they already are in and it may be days before we get a window to sneak in again."

Murphy (KimMc) Huge Air Elemental AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+16/196+16
Friday January 21st, 2022 3:37:00 AM

"Good counsel, all. Yep, Prudence, mine was a weak suggestion, but I thought at least I'd throw it out there. Right, Pressi, Flamescorn's dead fire giant body armor may win us a hearing. Keep doing what you're doing. Oh, and Succotash, after what Hobie mentioned, you likely are right - not that they were necessarily expecting us, but expecting something. With all our asking around somewhere, yeah, they may have been alerted we are coming. So, I'll drop my earlier gainsay."

To Nikolai (yet still on broadcast mode) Murphy says, "You are right. I think avoiding a huge confrontation at either gate is not the way to approach this. Witch on a broomstick may be the best diplomatic salvo."

Tali - you may be feeling left out, but that's not our intent. When Pressi sallies forth to begin negotiations, can you be nearby to give her whatever protection she may need?"

After ensuring no one is presently looking up at them, Murphy eases back into the above-the-city ash cover. Just to understand their environment a bit better, he gives Hobie a heads-up then continues his ascent at a hustling pace (250' per round) to try to see just how thick the ash cover is, and how high this plane reaches. Within reason - he's not going to go more than say a thousand to 1200 feet if he doesn't find any change. Once he has discovered a difference or a limit, he will report in, likely to head over then to where Pressi or other folks may suggest.

Hobie (Kim for Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+21=32 ;
Friday January 21st, 2022 3:42:13 AM

"I still hope I have a chance to perforate a few foes in this dirty place," Hobie tells Murphy. "High flight? Okay. I'll keep a lookout for anything incoming around us or behind us," he tells the druid. Arrows are nocked, all he has to do is pull back and release if something looks to hurt the pair.
============
Perception: 32

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Friday January 21st, 2022 4:02:25 AM
�I�m fine, leave me he here.�

Hobie is happy to stay out and keep watch while Murphy goes off. If things go south, Hobie has a few ways out, and more than enough Giant Bane Arrows to defend himself.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells
Friday January 21st, 2022 4:04:04 AM
Hobie remains invisible, but still does his best to keep behind cover knowing that surely some of them can see invisible creatures

DM Mitch d8=2 ; d3=3 ; d3=3 ; d3=3 ; d8=8 ;
Friday January 21st, 2022 6:43:39 AM
Murphy points out the giant leader over the link and asks if he should make contact

Succotash doesn�t like Murphy�s suggestion and that something isn�t right. He also wish�s Hobie and Murphy hadn�t resisted the escape attempt on the scout.

Kezzem asks if they do a double-bluff by making a distraction at the main gate, make a less obvious distraction at the small gate then actually attack the main gate.

Murphy tells Succotash he doubts they knew they were coming and that they merely have alert guards. He also opines that they weren�t in much danger when Succotash teleported away and that Kezzem has a good idea.

Kezzem suggests using the Mushroom Farmer story but the success rate has not been that high

Tali stays where she is listening to the communications looking for a chance to help.

Pressi warns Murphy not to engage and if they do find someone to do the diplomatic approach with it will be a solo leader later. She volunteers to handle the distraction at the main gate while the rest attempt the small gate and that she will fly away and meet up with the rest later after getting through on her own.

Pru tells Kezzem that his plan would certainly confuse her before telling Murphy that she doesn�t think now is the time for diplomacy

Nikolai suggests they refocus on their objective and not do anything further to put the giants on any higher alert. As their goal is to find that shunned place and learn more about their antagonist and not fight a pitched battle with the giants and storming the main gate would only put them on high alert. He suggests Murphy and Hobie stay put and lay low then find the shunned place themselves and the rest of them can plan the next step after it is found.

Murphy flies up to find the roof and immediately discovers new developments. The ash cloud is lowering and thickening. It�s about half the height it was, forcing him lower if he wants to have any visibility in the city. Flying up through the cloud he goes what he thinks is about 1200 feet and finds no roof, so he turns around and heads back. And back. Wait, this is taking too long, which way is down again? He may be protected from the choking and the fire damage but there is no possible way to determine direction in here and he just blindly flew �up� with no way to keep his flight straight.

The rest of the party dithers outside the walls about possible plans.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+16/196+16
Friday January 21st, 2022 12:05:38 PM

How about if Murphy uses know direction? And gravity? "Up" and "Down" should not be tough concepts.

[And will someone with DM privileges please delete my 'Hobie (Kim for Nick T)...' post immediately above this one?]

DM Mitch
Friday January 21st, 2022 12:36:24 PM
By definition you are Defying Gravity and have no visibility whatsoever. You could be flying just as easily on your side as with your head pointing Towards the Sky, so if you just want to fly "up" you might be heading towards the roof or you might be heading sideways with no visible way to orient yourself. This is a real problem experienced by anyone who flies or dives in low visibility. A survival skill check might keep you oriented as you do a straight up and straight down, some spells may work, or you can try to think of something clever

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Friday January 21st, 2022 12:56:31 PM
If Murphy shares his dilemma with the rest, he will suggest. "Why don't you try just not flying for a second or two, you know, acting as if you have landed, and let gravity tell you which way is down." Of course if he doesn't share his dilemma, he wouldn't say that.

If Pressi flys toward the main gate, Succotash will jump on Valerie and follow, as the invisible dino airwalks. he casts Longstrider on Valerie increasing her speed from 60 ft to 70 ft per round

active spells:
Succotash
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Invisibility

Valerie
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (16 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Air Walk
Longstrider
Invisibility

Daily stuff:
channel energy (10d6) 10/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 190/190
Quicken rod (normal) 3/3

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Friday January 21st, 2022 2:55:32 PM
[OOC: Nobody is dithering. We can't do anything until Murphy comes back.]

"I'm really not comfortable with the thought of splitting up for an extended time," Pru says. "We're talking now about wanting go into the city, get established, locate contacts, do research, and try to figure out where this location is. That could take days. We shouldn't spend that long split up. We need to figure out a way to get everybody in there or this isn't going to end well."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Friday January 21st, 2022 5:01:48 PM
Diplomacy is Drama!

Tali wonders using the communication link," why does Mister Murphy always try diplomacy first?! In this land, in this time and space, Diplomacy is not the first thing to try! These giants may not be savages, but they are no Halflings either! Sheesh! What is with all the Drama, My friend? We are here for a purpose, and this level of Drama is not in everyone's best interest!"

Effective spells and conditions:
Overland Flight | 1020 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1020 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 1030 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 130minutes
Invisibility | 140 minutes
Stoneskin (Cast @ level 7) | 135 minutes
Endure Elements | 1395 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday January 21st, 2022 8:50:24 PM
Pressi tells everyone to get near the gate within the next 10 minutes, and to standby. She also suggests finding better spells to orient themselves (like find the path) or ropes in case they suddenly lose all visibility. That goes for Succotash and Valerie, too. This plan will not work unless everyone else makes their way to the gate.

During the next 10 minute, she remains holed up somewhat close to the main gate, hidden within the shadows it produces. The oak tree she was asked to plant, as directed, sits nearby as she begins to connect to her patron, seeing deep within the planet.

Slowly, she begins to form her spell, Control Weather, whilst bundling herself in every layer of clothing she has and calculating what might be 2 miles away from her. Deep down, a voice warns that the particular rules of the plane might keep her from performing what she desires.

But since what she desires most is to kick the hornet's nest and ride the chaos wave, she figures she can live with it.

After 10 minutes are up, she stands. "Heading to the small gate now," Pressi responds. "I've set the weather to change 10 minutes from now, to sleet storm, torrential rain and ash filled winds straight down into the city, fixed just near the main gate. That should get some attention."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (31), HP 144+2, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (36), HP 102, CMD 30 (35)
Friday January 21st, 2022 8:52:54 PM

As the timer gets closer to zero, Harper begins to run towards Pressi's location at 50 feet per round, picking her up just as the rain lets loose.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday January 21st, 2022 9:06:07 PM
Hunkered close to the 'small' gate, Nikolai is informed of what passes, by one mental link or another, but mostly through his Mailed Fist link with Pru. He suggests back to her, "Have him drop a coin. Even with low visibility, he should be able to see the first few feet the coin drops. THAT will tell him which way is down."

He then waits for the Hail Mary storm.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=45 ; d20+26=31 ;
Friday January 21st, 2022 9:08:36 PM
Perception +35 = 45
Stealth +26 = 31 +40(invisible, not moving) = 71

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+16/196+16 d20+25=35 ; d20+29=43 ; d20+43=54 ;
Sunday January 23rd, 2022 5:32:36 AM

"Sorry you decided not to join me, Hobie," Murph communicates. "Leaving you alone inside the city is not my first choice. I know you're resourceful, and can teleport if needed - take care."

"Ten minutes? I'll look to arrive about two minutes before that time - at least in the vicinity. I'll let you know periodically what, if anything, I see or find. I hope to find if there is a ceiling to the ash, and get a brief look near the volcano."

Context: When we arrived we could see a volcano. When we looked from the viewpoint near the portal dais toward the city, in which direction did the volcano lie? Was it off to the far left, or far right? If not, then, how would we be able to even see the volcano if the ash cloud were so thick, and more than 1200 feet high? Does the ash cloud originate from the volcano? If so, the airflow may be from the volcano and toward the city. Anyway, the direction from dais to city wall to Volcano would be appreciated, and at least a rough estimate of its apparent distance.

Orientation in Ash: In elemental form, Murphy has darksight. As an air elemental, he has complete mastery of flight ('perfect'). The law of inertia should be in play here. Moving in a straight line should not be a huge challenge, even if sight is compromised. He will cast Know Direction (slowing for 1 round to 125' of travel - he has fly-by casting, so can cast on the move). We'll add in the suggested Survival Check at 35; Knowledge, the Planes at 43; and Perception at 54. Though in elemental form he cannot reach his pockets to drop a coin, he can cast create water, and see in what direction it falls... likely also, he'll see what direction steam from it rises, or flows. A good portion of the water will probably be absorbed by ash beneath it, or otherwise turned to water vapor, considering the ambient heat.

Rather than limiting himself to 1,200 feet altitude, if he is still within the thick ash, he will continue his verticle ascent to a maximum of 6,000 feet. Knowing about air currents, clouds, and such, I'd be surprised if there were not areas of thicker and thinner ash distribution in the air. He will halt his rise before his stated maximum if he comes to a good-sized clearer area.

Should such an area of greater visibility be found, he will see about flying toward the volcano, to where he can get a decent somewhat up close view, and whether there be habitations near the foot of it. After that, back toward the wall, in the general vicinity of the small gate.

So Murphy will continue going the same direction he started going - straight up as measured by his initial launch when he left the top of the building, informed as well as he might be by what was mentioned above. As Pressi has requested everyone gather by the small gate within 10 minutes, he will leave himself a few minutes to arrive there... so he has about 6-7 minutes for his environmental survey. If an area above the thick ash is clear, he can again move 625'/round (71mph).

Once he returns - he will probably stay up in the thick ash above the town, waiting in stillness, but within quick reach of the smaller gate, and listening to whatever sounds of the city below might reach his ears. If the wind has begun stirring due to Pressi's casting, he will try to find a spot upwind, then drift in concert with the flow of air, trying to time things such that he is only a relatively short distance from the small gate by the time her spell is finished casting.

===============
Survival Check: 35
Knowledge, the Planes: 43
Perception: 54

DM Mitch
Monday January 24th, 2022 6:40:54 AM
Succotash suggests to Murphy that he tries to use gravity to determine direction before jumping on Valerie and casing longstrider on the dino to move towards the gate.
Pru voices her concern with splitting the party for a long period of time and that they need to get everyone into the city or it will not end well.
Tali suggests diplomacy is not the best option in this land of giants and that the level of drama they are finding themselves in is not in anyone�s best interest.
Pressi tells everyone to get near the gate within the next 10 minutes and to standby. She also suggests they find better spells for orientation. She uses control weather on a 10 minute delay to create sleet, rains and strong winds at the main gate. She rides Harper to rendezvous with the others.

Nikolai suggests Murphy drop a coin in order to tell which way is down.

Murphy apologizes to Hobie and slows down to use the spells know direction and create water to get a better feel for where he is. He then proceeds straight up in order to get going on his environmental survey before leaving himself a few minutes to end up at the gate with the others. He can hear the distinct sounds of smithing come from one part of the city.

(OOC: The city is built onto the volcano so the ash is coming from the volcano / city)

Using various methods Murphy keeps his orientation and tries to find the sky. While there are pockets of clearer spaces in the ash clouds they aren�t much help - it just means he goes from barely seeing a few inches to seeing a few feet in the thick walls of ash. He does eventually find the roof - literally, the plane doesn�t seem to have a sky so much as a stone roof that he nearly flies into at full speed.

Even with his spell knowing which way is �north� is not much help in finding the small gate so on his way there he�ll have to dip back out of the ash cloud to find where he�s going. He finds himself much closer to the wall then expected upon exiting the ash, with giants only a dozen feet away looking about warily (stealth check please)

Once oriented and possibly shot once or twice he�s able to duck back into the cloud and safely make his way to the small gate right on time. If Hobie also wants to join the party there he�ll have to sneak past the patrols in the district and will also need a stealth check. If he instead waits for the party to reach him he can find a good space and stay hidden regardless.

Pressi�s spell has interesting effects. With Murphy finding the roof it seems the only sky is the thick walls of hot ash. Her spell forces them to condense along with moisture in the air and try to form ice. It sort of succeeds, but melts as soon as it exits the clouds so a storm of half melted slush starts falling, along with the high winds and rain. It proves incredibly irritating (clarify how big the storm is please - just over the gate, or covering as big an area as possible centered on the gate? Or somewhere in between?)

At the small gate the giants maintain their discipline so while they may glance at the strange storm it only hardens their determination to ignore the distraction and watch for enemies.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Monday January 24th, 2022 12:03:42 PM
"I guess we have no choice, we will have to enter through one of the gates, We might as well attempt to breach this one." Succotash than begins casting Summon Monster IX, and Next round an Astral Deva will appear.

active spells:
Succotash
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Invisibility
Summon Monster IX (Astral Deva)

Valerie
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (16 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Air Walk
Longstrider
Invisibility

Daily stuff:
channel energy (10d6) 10/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 190/190
Quicken rod (normal) 3/3

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday January 24th, 2022 7:44:16 PM
Nikolai notices the discipline of the fire giant guards. It'll take more than a muddy storm to get their attention away. 'Where's a good lock picker when you need one? Tinker! Where are you?'

On the other hand....'Pru, what will a disintegrate spell do to the small gate? Will one of our halfling friends be able to create an illusion of an army storming through the busted small gate? That'd be a diversion eh? See if you can wing that.'

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+16/196+16
Monday January 24th, 2022 8:47:56 PM

"Hold on there, Succotash!" Murphy interrupts. "Folks, we so far have harmed no one. Succotash, you, Hobie and have seen that spot we flew to. We could just teleport there, right, and avoid the mess at the front gate? Or, I could fly most of us back there, or a blend of the two.

"Alternatively, Tali and one or more of us could fly over there, she could cast a wall of force to keep incoming boulders and arrows at bay, and we could say, "Hey, fellas, we'd like to speak to whoever is in charge here. No one has been hurt yet, right? We're not here to hurt you, or attack you, but we have a beef with one person, and need to get a matter settled - because he has been attacking us, and people who matter to us. Also, he did something terrible to a fire giant."

"Then see if any of them are willing to talk, instead of hit. If not, then we can do the disintegration, or whatever, or teleport to where I suggested. Fighting a battle at either gate just seems stupid to me."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+16/196+16
Monday January 24th, 2022 8:51:08 PM

"Sashe and Ketia - any suggestions or insights?" Murphy adds to his questions.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (28), HP 150+13, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d8+9=10 ; d8+9=13 ;
Monday January 24th, 2022 9:25:53 PM
Quick Clarification. The storm is 2 miles across since she wants as big an area covered as possible. It's centered actually a bit ahead of the gate by raw (it has to be centered on Pressi at the time of coverage), so about as close to the gate entrance as possible.

Pressi casts dancing lights (four spheres) as the coverage comes down (they should be sort of visible flashes through the muck), just as Harper pulls up. Using the wall (and her regular ears) as a guide, Pressi uses Harper's sprint ability to move along the wall.

As per Murphy, Pressi would still prefer stealth to fighting or talking (though she did consider casting Hornet's nest, but that was for more chaos, not damage). If people don't have illusions or the ability to pass through/over walls, what about using summons outside the gate to see if one or two giants takes the bait.

-----------------

Ritual Warding (+1 to AC, throws)
Ritual Healing (use d12 for healing spells)
goblin form (+2 dex, darkvision)
contingency: blink
mass planar adaption (resist fire)
Protection of Energy Fire
Heroes Feast (13 HP, +1 attack rolls, will, +4 poison and fear)
moment of Prescience

L1: 0/7+1
L2: 1/6+1
L3: 1/6+1
L4: 1/5+1
L5: 0/5+1
L6: 2/5+1
L7: 2/4+1
L8: 1/2+1
L9: 0/1+1

clairaudio: 2

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Monday January 24th, 2022 10:24:09 PM
Might be easier just to Disintegrate part of the wall, Pru replies. There may be protections on the gate, but probably not on the entire wall. But I think Disintegrate counts as a hostile spell, so it would make me visible. I'm not anxious to do that.

"If we're going to summon stuff, let's coordinate," she says when talk of summoning begins.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Monday January 24th, 2022 10:27:43 PM
Guarded Giant Gates...what to do?

Tali will hold & wait til everyone comes to a consensus on what to do next. Starting a fight seems like an extreme thing to do...

Effective spells and conditions:
Overland Flight | 1020 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1020 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 1030 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 130minutes
Invisibility | 140 minutes
Stoneskin (Cast @ level 7) | 135 minutes
Endure Elements | 1395 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

DM Mitch
Tuesday January 25th, 2022 6:08:41 AM
Succotash guesses they have no choice and starts summoning an Astral Deva

Nikolai notices the discipline of the Fire Giants and thinks it will take more than a muddy storm to distract them. He laments not having Tinker and asks his wife if she could disintegrate the gate.

Murphy interrupts Succotash�s casting pointing out they have not harmed anyone and that both he and Hobie have seen the spot Murphy flew to so they should be able to teleport inside the wall. He also suggests more flying between himself and Tali using wind walls to deflect projectiles and trying the diplomatic approach again. He also queries Sashe and Ketia.

Pressi adds a dancing lights to the storm and then hops on Harper and moves along the wall. She still prefers stealth to combat or diplomacy

Pru suggests she could disintegrate part of the wall but since it is hostile it would make her visible and she�s not keen on that. She also suggests they coordinate any summon spells.

Tali waits for a consensus

Sashe says, �Well if you want an illusionary army I could probably manage one of them. The thing is as soon as the giants start to interact with them they�ll realize something is up. I suppose we could always make it an illusionary ghost army and that would explain why they could do things like pass through the giants but even ghosts typically can damage mortals. This is why I usually prefer to wrap my illusions around something�

A 2 mile storm is actually just enough to touch the small gate so the giants there are now miserable and wet looking but trying to stay alert. Looking at the gate the way it�s hidden means that the giants on the wall can see up to the gate, but not the gate itself so nothing stops the party from just walking up invisibly and opening it with the giants on top never knowing. Of course there is no possible way the giants don�t know you�re here now so there might be guards on the ground to prevent such a thing from happening now.

Murphy still needs to roll stealth the moment he exits the cloud as he comes out near the giants.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 43/T22/F39 CMB 25 CMD 46 HP 196+16/196+16 d20+46=51 ;
Tuesday January 25th, 2022 7:29:36 AM
Murphy - stealth 51 - and his plan is, with perfect flight (and ability to turn on a dime) to right away pop back up into the cover of the ash as soon as others come into sight.

Hobie (Nick T) HP 208/198 AC 38 Touch 24 Flat 30 CMD 44 Hero Points 6 Prepared Spells d20+41=56 ;
Tuesday January 25th, 2022 8:55:54 AM
Hobie won't venture too far from the spot where Murphy left him, but he will sort of move around the general area, doing some recon, looking down hallways, counting doors, etc of the area he's in, but not moving too far because he expects Murphy to return with the others.

He's invisible and flying a few inches above the ground to make sure he doesn't make any footsteps.

Stealth = 56

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (28), HP 150+13, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Tuesday January 25th, 2022 9:29:01 AM
Pressi thinks for a bit. "You should wrap some of it around me. I can use my contingency to blink without dropping the illusion, hit them while passing through objects, even time stop long enough to open the gate for the other spectors. Now I'm already a goth dressed goblin riding a leopard, and I'm hoping you can do something with that."

If anyone asks what she does after the giants start chasing her, "I'm cute and resourceful. I'll get by."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Tuesday January 25th, 2022 10:49:54 AM
Kezzem mounts Rumpus and commands him to charge! He gallops of towards/after Pressi

"Where are we going?" he asks.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Tuesday January 25th, 2022 12:19:40 PM
Succotash refrains from summoning the Astral Deva as per Murphy's request. When Pru and Nikolai suggests that disintegrating a wall, he says, "I can cast stone shape, and simply create a passage. Since I'm creating, and not destroying, It shouldn't effect my invisibility. Just give the word, and it will be done."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150+13, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Tuesday January 25th, 2022 9:22:21 PM
Pressi shrugs at Kezzem. "Depends on how ghostlike you want to be and whether Succotash can open the wall. Currently, my master plan is to go through the breach, see if I can convince these guys of a ghost invasion, and I'll figure out step two on the way there."

Along the way, Pressi casts Shield of Faith on herself.

-----------------

Ritual Warding (+1 to AC, throws)
Ritual Healing (use d12 for healing spells)
goblin form (+2 dex, darkvision)
contingency: blink
mass planar adaption (resist fire)
Protection of Energy Fire
Heroes Feast (13 HP, +1 attack rolls, will, +4 poison and fear)
moment of Prescience
shield of faith

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 1/6+1
L3: 1/6+1
L4: 1/5+1
L5: 0/5+1
L6: 2/5+1
L7: 2/4+1
L8: 1/2+1
L9: 0/1+1

clairaudio: 2

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Tuesday January 25th, 2022 10:18:02 PM
Pru nods at Succotash's stone shape idea, "That seems preferable," she agrees. Then, "Hey, Nikolai. Do you remember the time I disintegrated the roof off that castle? Or tower, or whatever it was? What a mess."

To Sashe, she says, "Maybe the illusion of something big and flying? The'd be less likely to contact it, and it would make them look up, away from us."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Tuesday January 25th, 2022 10:46:54 PM
Ya' got to keep 'em Separated

Tali doesn't like this situation where the party separates, more things go wrong when we split up.

Effective spells and conditions:
Overland Flight | 1015 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1015 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 1025 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 125 minutes
Invisibility | 135 minutes
Stoneskin (Cast @ level 7) | 130 minutes
Endure Elements | 1390 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=44 ; d20+26=30 ;
Wednesday January 26th, 2022 12:11:22 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Invisibility, Light Steps

'Yep, it was a mess. However if my memory is correct, your invisibility will only be affected if someone is harmed. Attacking an object is will not remove your invisibility unless a giant happens to get in the area of effect. If part of the wall crumbles and a giant falls to his death, that is still NOT attacking the giant, so your invisibility would remain. But go with the stone shape plan.'

Meanwhile, Nikolai deduces that if the main gate and small gate are going to be the attention, perhaps the last section of the wall next to the volcano may be less watched. So he scampers on down there. Besides, he didn't want to get wet.

Perception +35 = 44
Stealth +26 = 30 +20(invisible, moving) = 50

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday January 26th, 2022 10:39:56 AM
"Oh right, buffing!" says Kezzem. He casta divine fqvor on himself.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Wednesday January 26th, 2022 6:26:04 PM
Silently, Pru begins fretting about spell durations.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150+13, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Wednesday January 26th, 2022 8:22:11 PM
Pressi isn't that worried about durations. (Everyone's so high level that counting rounds is virtually meaningless.)

She is a little concerned about resources. They probably won't get a chance to sleep for eight hours so she figured she'd better conserve spells until she has a better idea of what everyone wants to do.

DM Mitch d20+22=39 ; d20+22=33 ; d20+22=38 ; d20+22=39 ; d20+22=26 ; d20+22=42 ; d20+22=34 ; d20+22=41 ; d20+22=24 ; d20+28=30 ; d20+28=41 ; d20+28=43 ; d20+28=39 ; d20+28=34 ; d20+28=29 ; d20+28=42 ; d20+23=35 ; d20+23=32 ; d20+23=29 ; d20+23=26 ; d20+23=34 ; d20+23=43 ; d20+23=25 ; d20+23=35 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+18=28 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+18=38 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+18=36 ; d8=6 ; d8=7 ; d8=3 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+19=36 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+20=37 ; d20+20=36 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+20=21 ; d8=2 ;
Wednesday January 26th, 2022 8:35:01 PM
Murphy moves back into the ash cloud as soon as the others come into sight.

Hobie doesn�t move too far from where Murphy left him and he does limited recon, while invisible and not moving very far.

Pressi volunteers to have the illusion wrapped around her utilizing contingency and timestop to put on a good show and the bonus is she�s already a goth dressed goblin riding a leopard

Kezzem mounts Rumpus and volunteers for army of ghost duty with Pressi asking where are they going.

Succotash stops summoning and suggests he use stone shape to create a passage through the wall rather than disintegrate it as it shouldn�t be considered hostile.

Pressi explains her plan to Kezzem which is to go through the breach, convince the giants of a ghost invasion and then figure out step two on the way there.

Pru likes the stone shaping idea while reminiscing with Nikolai about some of the fun times with disintegration the Agents have had and suggests Sashe use something big and flying for the illusory distraction.

Tali does not like the idea of the party separating as more things can go wrong.

Nikolai finds that with all the noise the party has been making around the gates the area�s with no gates are slightly less guarded. Maybe 2 or 3 giants in sight at a time rather then 4 or 5.

Sashe says, �Hold up. I am getting two conflicting plans here I think. One involves using stone shape combined with some giant flying illusionary creature, which I�m not sure about as IDK if I can mimic the smog interaction with enough detail to sell it and the other is creating a ghost army around Pressi and Kezzem letting them sell the attack and have Pressi open the gate and getting the giants to chase them with plan b of how they shed their pursuers being worked out later. I can definitely wrap a ghost army around the 2 of them and their mounts and if I made the 2 of them stand out as leaders of the ghost army it would be more believable that they are the ones leading the charges and causing the most trouble. Let me know though which one you want me to try as typically I like to focus on my illusions if I can so I think we can only really go for one right now.�

As Murphy finds his way out of the smoke cloud he finds the guards at the gate have doubled. No doubt due to all the commotion they�re causing. This proves unfortunate as the extra set of eyes means one of them notices the rain pouring off him and realizes he�s there. With a shout he throws something at Murphy and he suddenly finds himself visible.

The giants on the wall immediately start throwing things at him. Several rocks just barely miss him (off by 1), one hits him for 22 damage. More concerning are the pair of nets thrown at him. They cover him and entangle him and they�re attached to ropes, allowing the giants to hold him there or pull him in if he doesn�t break free (unless you have freedom of movement)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=55 ; d20+26=43 ;
Wednesday January 26th, 2022 10:20:20 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Invisibility, Light Steps

OOC: I don't picture the ash cloud reaching the top of the wall, otherwise the giants would have the same issue breathing and seeing. They are not immune to ash and smoke, just tolerant to heat. They still breathe air, and choke on ash as much as anyone else. So how far above the wall, or rooftops for that matter, is the air clear?

Nikolai comments to Pru, 'Not anything like how the Agents would have dealt with this. Certainly not coming here to find a shunned home and end up assaulting the main gate!'

The appearance of Murphy may cause enough distraction for Nikolai, who decides to climb the wall using his Slippers of Spider Climb, where he perceives the fewest giant guards. Seeing their discipline he figures they won't all go see what the fun is about, but if they are looking away just long enough...

Perception +35 = 55 N20
Stealth +26 = 43 +20(invisible, moving) = 63

Finding a spot along the wall that looks the least guarded, Nikolai starts the climb up using his Slippers of Spider Climb. Invisible and out of the rain, his low-light vision allows him to pick the perfect spot. His timing to slips over the top and down the other side coincides when the guard(s) glance away for a moment.

If, by some weird chance he IS noticed, he is prepared to use his Abundant Step to dimension door onto a rooftop some 920' away, or as far away as he can see.

His base speed is 70', so double move is 140'. He can choose to go half speed to increase his Stealth chances but only if he can get up, over, and down in one round. Don't remember how high the wall is. Either way, that should be his round.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Thursday January 27th, 2022 3:55:32 AM
Succotash walks over to where Nikolai starts climbing tha wall, and than casts Stone Shape, creating a doorway big enough for a medium size creature to walk through, than using his quicken rod, he casts Divine Power on Valerie

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+16/196+16
Thursday January 27th, 2022 4:03:46 AM

"Murphy moves back into the ash cloud as soon as the others come into sight." -DM Mitch

Does that give anyone any time or opportunity for anyone to do to Murphy as you described?

Foresight should have warned Murphy strongly to reverse course just before he breached the ash break.

So, I'll make a two-part response, DM's choice. I'd argue for the first, but will abide by DM Mitch's decision.

Option the First: Murphy, being forewarned by the potent divination, angles sharply back up further into the ashen cloud, narrowly avoiding being spotted by anyone. Because, that's what foresight allows.

He goes up higher (say 500'), then forward toward the meeting place Pressi mentioned, and only when he comes out of the ash, and can see where to go, will he descend, letting folks know his whereabouts.

Option the Second: Murphy's planned trajectory he irrationally decided totally to abandon, and rather than an immediate ascent back up into the ashen cloud, he decided to continue forward despite the foresight given to him, fully revealing himself, and deciding to stay in place to make a convenient target. He got hit with something that removed his invisibility (no save? no foresight warning as to how to avoid it?), then stones were thrown at him (which did not hurt at all, as he has stoneskin), and nets were cast over him. Except he does have freedom of movement, so they were not able to detain him - and he goes full 50'-tall whirlwind (no AoO possible), makes a short zip (maybe 30 feet sweep, not trying to bump into anyone) around the area, and far up into the ash cloud.

Murphy then bellows downward, speaking Giant with an Auran accent, "SO. YOU HAVE A BEEF WITH AIR ELEMENTALS??" He adds, "I HAVE DONE NOTHING TO HARM YOU. I COULD CHANGE MY MIND, THOUGH. HOWEVER, I HAVE A BETTER PROPOSAL. CAN WE TALK? IF SO, I CAN SEND A LITTLE FELLOW DOWN TO TALK WITH YOU. UNLESS YOU'RE SCARED OF LITTLE GUYS. SURELY SOMEONE AMONG YOU MUST HAVE BRAINS TO THINK WITH? PARLEY!" He will be up in the air, well out of sight, moving this way, then that as he speaks, to make it hard for anyone to get a decent bead on him based upon the sound of his voice. He listens hard for any response. And gets ready to take evasive action should someone be able to pursue him.

Also, if Option the Second is chosen, the druid will have mentally sent a decent outline of how many giants, in what positions, with what buildings, what opportunities the fortifications provide for small folk finding points with some thick walls or obstacles between them and the giants. And perhaps the 9th-level spell may occasionally say things such as, 'Scootch 3 feet to the left,' to avoid the rapidly ascending boulder.

Note on DM Decision: Though I think #1 is the proper choice, I really am totally fine with whatever you decide, DM Mitch. #2 may be more fun. So, calls it as you sees it!]

DM Mitch d100=19 ; d100=96 ; d100=66 ;
Thursday January 27th, 2022 6:08:16 AM
(The ash cloud started 100 feet up, but something is causing it to thicken and lower. The deeper into the city you go, the lower it is - in the slums it's several dozen feet over the buildings, at the tall wall it's only a few feet higher then the giant's heads)

@Murphy see e-mail

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+16/196+16
Thursday January 27th, 2022 7:03:47 AM

[OOC: Thanks for the email, DM Mitch. I wrote a response, and look forward to whatever you decide to go with!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday January 27th, 2022 3:28:25 PM
Kezzem will cast Shield Other on Pressi and keep pace with her.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday January 27th, 2022 8:29:50 PM
OOC: SLUMS? Fire Giants have SLUMS? well, I guess every society has their rejects and such... hmm... slums.....

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150+13, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Thursday January 27th, 2022 9:36:42 PM
"Ok, just keep rolling, just keep with the chaos. Here's the plan. We take Succotash's opening right now, and just punch through. Cast the ghosts on me and Kezzem, and I'll get that distraction and then start running. We're going to punch through, any way but damage, and just run and hide in the city itself before regrouping in the slums. Not sure what Murphy's doing but it's chaos and that's what matters."

If Pressi gets the illusion, she proceeds to do the following things:

Cast Blink on her leopard.

Cast quickened "surrender blood" on herself (20 hp for +4 to caster level), which in turn triggers her own blink. (She takes damage, fulfilling the contingency.)

Pass through the wall between the gate and the hole Succotash made. Then start moving towards the gate again as a feint.

-----------------

Ritual Warding (+1 to AC, throws)
Ritual Healing (use d12 for healing spells)
goblin form (+2 dex, darkvision)
contingency: blink (active)
mass planar adaption (resist fire)
Protection of Energy Fire
Heroes Feast (13 HP, +1 attack rolls, will, +4 poison and fear)
moment of Prescience
shield of faith
surrender blood (+4 to caster level for next spell)

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 1/6+1
L3: 2/6+1
L4: 1/5+1
L5: 1/5+1
L6: 2/5+1
L7: 2/4+1
L8: 1/2+1
L9: 0/1+1

clairaudio: 2

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Thursday January 27th, 2022 10:25:28 PM
To Pru, this doesn't sound much like a plan--more like vaguely directed chaos--but she knows that if she doesn't take advantage of the stone-shaped tunnel, she'll end up on the wrong side of the wall. She scoots through, and tries to figure out where everyone is. Since most people are invisible, that takes some doing.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=43 ; d20+26=39 ;
Friday January 28th, 2022 12:05:30 AM
OOC: presuming that Nikolai has made it over the wall and to the other side....

The hole in the wall opening up is a bit of a surprise to him but he heads to a dark alley/narrow street and flattens up against a wall to get his bearings. Seeing Pru coming through the hole, he directs her, through their link, to where he is hiding.

Perception +35 = 43
Stealth +26 = 39 +20(invisible, moving) = 59

'You can use my ring to stay invisible, as I'm a bit stealthy without it anyway.'

DM Mitch d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d100=31 ; d100=52 ; d100=38 ; d100=43 ; d100=40 ; d20=1 ;
Friday January 28th, 2022 6:31:30 AM
Nikolai tells Pru that their current party is not handling things like the Agents would. He uses Murphy�s plight as a distraction and starts climbing up the gate using his slippers of spider climb.

Succotash walks over to where Nikolai is climbing the wall and shapes a passage using stoneshape before using the quicken rod to put Divine power on Valerie.

Murphy avoided the nets and taking damage from the stones before retreating a little bit into the ash cloud and bellowing out a request for parley with a �little guy�

Kezzem casts shield other on Pressi and keeps pace with her.

Nikolai is surprised that the fire giants have slums

Sashe starts weaving an illusory ghost army around Kezzem, Pressi and their mounts

Pressi opines they should keep rolling with what is going on. Have the ghost illusion be cast on her and Kezzem and then punch through any way but with damage. She casts blink on her leopard before using quickened surrender blood on herself activating her own contingent blink. She then passes through the wall between the gate and Succotash�s hole and feints back towards the gate.

Pru takes advantage of the passage in the wall and the chaotic actions of the party to attempt to move on the right side of the wall and find the rest of the party

The giants at the gate seem entirely unimpressed by Murphy�s pronouncement. One, some kind of sergeant perhaps, calls back into the cloud. �You are an invader trespassing on sacred ground. The penalty is death. You can either fight and die honorably, flee and hide like a coward, or surrender and be executed.�

The rest of the giants roar their approval and send a wave of rocks up into the smoke, though none hit Murphy.

Over by the gate Nikolai is easily able to crest the wall and finds that it�s a good thing they moved away from the gate, as the giants have posted guards on the other side of it so if they had tried to use it then they would have been spotted even invisible. He runs back down the far side of the wall.

Pressi as the ghost army heads towards the tunnel. It�s about 30 feet long, but after only five feet it becomes clear something is wrong as she is cut repeatedly, taking 6 damage.

Nikolai, on the other side, is able to note what it is with his high perception check - the giants have somehow embedded the stone of the wall with razor thin wires, very sharp. The passwall spell magically removed the stone, leaving the wires suspended all through the passage. Advancing through them is possible but painful (3d6 damage per 5 feet, 30 feet long). Going slower can avoid damage but will take longer (perception check to see them, dex to avoid them, 10 feet per round)

DM Mitch d100=56 ; d6=1 ;
Friday January 28th, 2022 8:23:01 AM
(Clarification! Pressi is trying to blink through the wall, not use the tunnel. So Pru is first in and is the one who is damaged by the razor wire. yes, you can just walk through it in 1 round and eat the damage)

Pressi tries to blink through the thick wall. She doesn't get far, appearing inside the stone in only the first 5 feet and being shunted back to where she started and taking 1 damage (rolling d100, on 1-50 you make it, 51-100 you blink into rock and are shunted to nearest side. 3 under 50's will get you shunted to the far side even if you fail the 4th or later. You can try repeatedly until you used up all movement for the round. Blinking through the gate is easier, it's less then 5 feet and needs 1 roll but Nikolai saw guards on the other side of the gate)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Friday January 28th, 2022 9:54:13 AM
"Those Pesky Giants think of everything!", Succotash whispers to Valerie. With his tunnel created, Succotash should be able to see the other side, so he will use 60ft of his daily Dimensional Hop ability, to teleport himself and Valerie just to the other side of the wall (30ft)

active spells:
Succotash
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Invisibility

Valerie
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (16 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Air Walk
Longstrider
Invisibility
Divine Power 18/19

Daily stuff:
channel energy (10d6) 10/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 130/190
Quicken rod (normal) 2/3

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Friday January 28th, 2022 11:39:54 AM

Telepathically, Murphy messages all, "If any of you can pick up thoughts of others, when I mention the 'Shunned land,' see if you can get an idea of where the shunned land might be from any of the giants.

The druid continues his megaphone from the dark clouds. "ONE OF YOURS INVADED OUR SACRED LANDS. HE HAS MURDERED PEOPLE WE KNOW. HE HAS MURDERED FIRE GIANTS. HE TURNED THE SKIN OF ONE OF YOUR PEOPLE INTO BATTLE ARMOR. IT IS FOR HIM THAT WE COME, NOT FOR THE REST OF YOU. LEAD US TO THE SHUNNED LAND, AND WE WILL DEAL WITH HIM, AS HE AS TRIED TO DEAL WITH US."

As he speaks, he moves about, and ends up about 80 feet away and 40 feet higher than he was when he spoke his last words ('DEAL WITH US'). His stoneskin has 140 points left. [I keep on getting confused by having knowledge of differing spell descriptions from other game versions... so the stone that did 20 hp damage really only did 10 hp - taken off of his temp hit points in this case. And I still don't think he has lost his invisibility yet, if Foresight is working at all - but let me know]

He also does a quick know direction, furthering his local directional understandings.

Effective spells and conditions: - memory refresher!
Heroes' Feast (16 temp hp) 11 hours
Longstrider 18 hours
Magic Fang, Greater (+4) 18 hours
Planar Adaptation 18 hours (from Prudence) "Planar adaptation grants you immunity to the harmful environmental effects of a particular plane of existence, including such hazards as toxicity, extreme temperatures, and lack of air. Additionally, you gain energy resistance 20 to a single energy type prevalent on that plane (choose one if more than one type is equally prevalent)." (fire chosen)
Protection from Energy (fire) 3 hours
Resist Energy (cold) (30 points per damage incident) 3 hours
Has natural resistance to electricity: 20 points
Stoneskin 3 hours (150-10 hp, adamantine DR/10)
Freedom of Movement 3 hours
Foresight (9th level diviniation spell) 3 hours
Mage Armor 3 hours
Invisibility 18 minutes

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 248/248 + 12; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Friday January 28th, 2022 2:10:33 PM
"Hey, I can't do that," says Kezzem as Pressi blinks through the wall. He tosses the magic carpet in front o Rumpus, allowing his mount to jump on and fly over the wall.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Friday January 28th, 2022 5:02:58 PM
Lost in a Lost World!

Tali now feels lost in a lost world! Tali knows she hasn't moved, but has every else moved away from her?

Effective spells and conditions:
Overland Flight | 1015 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1015 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 1025 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 125 minutes
Invisibility | 135 minutes
Stoneskin (Cast @ level 7) | 130 minutes
Endure Elements | 1390 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Friday January 28th, 2022 7:17:57 PM

'Say, Tali,' Murphy communicates mentally with his sorcerous friend. 'What would you think about coming over to where I am? How? Fly up in the air to about 250' altitude. Then loop around so you don't pass directly over the wall, but rather off to the right by 150 feet or so. Enter into the dark ashy cloud that blankets the city, but does not seem to go beyond the walls. Follow the sound of my voice - which will involve you looping leftward somewhat toward the center street. I will give you mental updates as to where I am, too. I think you and I might be able to get a few things done up here. And, it might be time for me to get another shot of invisibility.' He includes Pressi and the others in the communique, as well.

DM Mitch d100=15 ; d100=36 ; d100=32 ; d100=38 ; d100=85 ; d100=63 ; d100=69 ;
Saturday January 29th, 2022 10:18:33 AM
Succotash steps to the other side of the wall.
Murphy continues to try to talk. He suggests Tali join him.
Kezzem decides to go up and over.
Tali has lost track of where she is. Those she was with moved to the small gate, then a few hundred feet past it.

Having declared the crime and sentence the giants seem to be ignoring everything Murphy says. They blindly throw rocks into the ash cloud but don�t hit him.

If Kezzem is going up and over he needs to make a stealth roll. I�ll give the giants a negative modifier since they are distracted by the ghost army.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Sunday January 30th, 2022 11:54:46 AM
Succotash also tries to help Tali by saying, "You can do what Murphy said, or you can head over towards the small gate, I belive everyone was informed of it's location. If you keep going , abut another 150 ft, you will find the opening I just made. That is where you will find the majority of us. If you come this way, be careful of the razor wire, somehow these giants have laced the rocks with it."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Sunday January 30th, 2022 11:57:35 PM
Murphy relays, "Well, they've passed sentence on this elusive air elementals, and air raining rocks up into the air for exercise. [b]Tali,[b] I'm coming your way. We need to find the slums, and they are not by the front gate."

Murphy flies, from maybe 500 feet in the air, the direction that would roughly intercept the path he had suggested for her, describing what he is doing. As perception is part sight, part sound, and bits and pieces of other ingredients, Murphy uses the sounds of giants yelling, the sounds of stones whistling through the air and landing on streets and buildings below, and endeavors to find Tali.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) 3d8+5=18 ;
Monday January 31st, 2022 12:09:00 AM
Nikolai notices the barb wire mesh imbedded in the wall but too late to warn Pru. He takes the Staff of healing from it's strap on his back and uses a charge to heal the cuts his wife suffers passing through. It won't fix the tears in her fine clothes but she can mend those easily enough.

Use Staff of Healing: heal 3d8+5 = 18

DM Mitch
Monday January 31st, 2022 6:50:42 AM
Succotash also tries to help Tali by telling her she can do what Murphy said or she can head over to the small gate. He warns her of the razor wire if she does.

Murphy tells the others that the giants have already passed a sentence on him and that he is coming Tali�s way as they need to find the slums and they are not by the front gate. He moves towards Tali at speed.

Nikolai notices the barbed wire but it is sadly too late to warn his wife so he takes his staff of healing out and endeavors to heal her wounds. It won�t repair her clothes but she can take care of that easily enough being a sorceress

The area just inside the wall is a series of haphazardly built stone buildings that look like they were thrown together. It stretches all along the wall, Murphy was exploring a section of it. and its pretty clearly a poor area or slum of some sort as anyone with any money could afford a home that isn't likely to collapse on them. The giant equivalent of ramshackle wooden buildings, just made of stone because wood catches on fire here.

(Also, Hobie's player Nick has a lot of IRL issues occurring and is going to take a break from the Wold. Not sure how to give him an honorable exit when he's in enemy territory so just going to say it here OOC to let people know)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells d20+36=56 ;
Monday January 31st, 2022 1:56:34 PM
Succotash looks around to see if he can ascertain any dangers, or if he can find something to point him and his friends towards the "Shunned Area".

Perception 56

active spells:
Succotash
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Invisibility

Valerie
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (16 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Air Walk
Longstrider
Invisibility
Divine Power 17/19

Daily stuff:
channel energy (10d6) 10/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 130/190
Quicken rod (normal) 2/3

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Monday January 31st, 2022 9:37:14 PM
[I had computer issues Friday and wasn't able to post. If possible, I'd like to do the following.]

When Pru realizes there's some kind of cutting trap in here, she stops in her tracks. On hearing what it is, she casts a spell, turning herself into a small water elemental and simply flowing along the ground to the other side of the passage.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d2=1 ; d2=1 ; d2=2 ; d2=2 ; d2=1 ; d2=2 ; 3d6=16 ; 3d6=12 ; 3d6=14 ; d20+22=28 ;
Monday January 31st, 2022 9:47:50 PM
Pressi dismounts next to the small gate and tells Hobie to provide them with cover fire, and then ride Harper back to the gate exit.

(OOC: Sorry I didn't get in a move friday or over the weekend, couldn't get a sub. I'm hoping you'll make this my move for friday. Also, there's your way to extract Nick, give him an exit.)

Pressi crosses through the tunnel while blinking, no matter what the pain. (D2, 1 is damage, so she's hit 3 times). (She takes in 42 damage. If Kezzem decides to use shield other still, she only takes 21.)

Still covered in illusions, she takes in as much as she can, trying to determine where the guards are, what open lanes there are, etc. Succotash, Murphy, Tali and her are in, Hobie heads back out, that leaves Nick, Pru and the two dwarves... and Kezzem.

"Murphy, I hope you can be my eyes, and that our two bigguns can stop being such babies about the wire."

With an outstretched arm, Pressi casts Living Voodoo (blindness) on the guards that can see Kezzem's entry. (She should be able to shut down 7 giants.)

She follows that with a quick movement into the smoke or whatever cover she might have (Stealth 28 + HiPS). Before finishing her move, she chucks a quickened Hornets Nest to block any pursuit (7d6+7 damage).

-----------------

Ritual Warding (+1 to AC, throws)
Ritual Healing (use d12 for healing spells)
goblin form (+2 dex, darkvision)
contingency: blink (active)
mass planar adaption (resist fire)
Protection of Energy Fire
Heroes Feast (13 HP, +1 attack rolls, will, +4 poison and fear)
moment of Prescience
shield of faith
surrender blood (+4 to caster level for next spell)
shield other (from Kezzem)

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 1/6+1
L3: 2/6+1
L4: 1/5+1
L5: 2/5+1
L6: 3/5+1
L7: 2/4+1
L8: 1/2+1
L9: 0/1+1

clairaudio: 2

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=36 ; d20+26=39 ;
Monday January 31st, 2022 11:06:06 PM
Nikolai waits until Pru reaches his side before continuing on. Meanwhile he communicates to here where he's at and, 'If these giants have any slaves, we might find out what we need from one of them. I'll see if I can find some reject in one of these hovels. You might try Fire Elemental, that might get them on your side, or Air Elemental so you can get up on these rooftops and out of harm's way'.

Perception +35 = 36 (paying more attention to Pru)
Stealth +26 = 39 +40(invisible, not moving) = 79

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Monday January 31st, 2022 11:30:34 PM
Pocket Realm

Tali listens to Mister Murphy's suggestion about "coming over to where he is." Tali pulls the Goggles of Night down her head to land over her eyes, as she knows she will be flying into an ash cloud. She will then Fly from her position, upwards into the sky, some 250' in altitude, meandering some 150 feet or so as to not pass directly over the wall and cause a disturbance enough to distract the Giants to her whereabouts. This should cause her to enter into the dark ashy cloud that blankets the city and from there she will follow Mister Murphy's voice to better guide her to him by looping leftward somewhat toward the center street.

Once Tali comes within range of Mister Murphy, if they both need another dose of invisibility, she will cast it on both of them.

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 1010 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1010 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 1020 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 120 minutes
Invisibility | 130 minutes
Stoneskin (Cast @ level 7) | 125 minutes
Endure Elements | 1385 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Used Spells slots

3x Invisability

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+17=29 ;
Monday January 31st, 2022 11:56:25 PM
Kezzem Stealth: 1d20 + 17 = 29.

Is Kezzem invisible? I thought he was, but I'm not sure.

"I thought you were going to blink through, Press?" says Kezzem. "I'm confused."

DM Mitch d20+19=21 ; d20+19=25 ; d20+19=24 ; d100=79 ; d100=25 ; d100=15 ; d100=75 ; d100=99 ; d100=9 ; d20+19=35 ;
Tuesday February 1st, 2022 7:16:38 AM
Succotash looks around for danger or anything that can point his friends to a shunned area

Pru turns herself into a water elemental and avoids the trap by sloshing along the ground

Pressi crosses through the tunnel while blinking taking some damage. She uses Living Voodoo Doll to make 7 of the guards that would otherwise be able to see Kezzem blind, chucks a quickened hornet�s nest to deter pursuit and attempts to use HiPS to hide herself.

Nikolai waits for Pru to reach his side and suggests they try to find what they need from a giant�s slave and advising his wife to go air elemental or fire elemental to aid in their endeavors.

Tali pulls the Goggles of Night over her eyes. She then flies upwards to enter the ash cloud and follow�s Murphy�s voice to better guide her toward the center street. She also is ready to make them both invisible once more.

Kezzem says he thought Pressi was going to blink through and is confused. He is invisible, but the giants have enough perception to still require a stealth check (with -5 for moving quickly if you are doing so)

Succotash finds the main danger is the group of giants on the walls. There�s a few on the ground by the gate, but they�re focused on the gate. He might be able to find more people to ask questions of inside the buildings but that would be hard to do with giants nearby and alert.

Pressi�s actions draw eyes towards the tunnel, but she manages to blind all of the giants on the ground and several on the wall, leaving only 3 sighted giants to throw stones at the illusionary army. They don�t hit anyone.

It takes some time but Tali and Murphy are able to find each other in the ash cloud. Doing so requires making noise and the giants keep throwing rocks towards the sounds. Remarkably one gets dangerously close but doesn�t quite manage to hit.

The goggles do not help see in the cloud as while they let you see in darkness the cloud isn�t a darkness effect, it�s a fog one.

Searching the homes was mentioned but I'm assuming no one has actually done so yet since Nikolai was waiting for/guiding Pressi to him.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Tuesday February 1st, 2022 8:18:20 AM

'Thanks, Tali, you found me.' he telepaths (including all in communication). 'Strap yourself to a good spot on my rope harness. Say, can you see me at all?' he asks her [with her darkvision, up close, it seems she should have at least some ability to discern whether he is invisible or not - as the question seems unresolved. Am thinking he is still invisible, but DM will need to make final ruling]

Regardless, he lets her know, 'I will need to make a little more noise to continue to draw their interest, then we will skedaddle farther in, and try to find a landing place for the party.' All party members can 'hear' this.

He again casts 'know direction', shouts in the giant tongue to those below, "MISSED ME, MISSED ME, NOW YOU GOTTA KISS ME!" Shifts to leftward (here at small gate, 'leftward' means even farther from main gate) about 30 feet, keeps moving as he adds, "NYA, NYA, NYA-NYA, NYA!" and then turns 90 degrees and flies about 80 deeper into the city. Movement totals 125 feet this round.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Tuesday February 1st, 2022 1:19:57 PM
As Murphy starts taunting the giants at the gate, Succotash, heads towards the nearest hovel, and than via the metal link, asks if he should knock.

active spells:
Succotash
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Invisibility

Valerie
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (16 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Air Walk
Longstrider
Invisibility
Divine Power 16/19

Daily stuff:
channel energy (10d6) 10/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 130/190
Quicken rod (normal) 2/3

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Tuesday February 1st, 2022 2:17:49 PM

Murphy responds with a quick recommendation via mental link to Succotash & all, "Perhaps let us all get away from the hubbub near the gate, and penetrate to where it may be quieter and less subject to interruption." He thinks to add, "Ketia, Sashe, how fare you? Any recommendations?"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Tuesday February 1st, 2022 4:30:12 PM
Further in it is.

Pru casts a quick Prestidigitation. With everyone invisible, it's going to be difficult to stay together. Using the spell, she creates a small illusory butterfly, and sends it down the nearest street that leads further into the city.

Follow the butterfly, she sends over the link. Hopefully, the little illusion is too small to draw much attention from the giants.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Tuesday February 1st, 2022 8:58:44 PM
Pressi, blinded as she is, doesn't really know what's going on from this point forward. She's pretty sure, however, that they've made it through the blockade, more or less.

She continues to hold and hide, listening to see if anyone needs any more help coming in (or if anyone provides a non-visual clue). If everyone else makes it deep into the city, she drops the blindness and follows herself. If anyone needs a spell (and I get a chance to post tomorrow), she is prepared to so cast.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=38 ; d20+26=33 ;
Tuesday February 1st, 2022 10:40:59 PM
OOC: my impression is that the giants can't see into the ash cloud any better than us. So any 'disturbance' by invisible characters flying in it would only be seen if the flight path was on the bottom edge of the ash cloud. Any further in, the 'disturbance' would be obscured by the ash cloud. Just MHO.

IC: Nikolai tells Pru, 'Rich giants are more likely to have slaves than any poor ones in these slums. On the other hand, a destitute giant might be a member of a 'shunned' one and more likely to volunteer information. I'll sneak into some of these slum tenements further away (on a different street if possible) from the commotion at the gate and see what I can find. I'll be in constant mental touch and If I need, I will Dimension Door to you.'

If there are any slum houses off the main street along the wall he will go down that side street. Using his Slippers he can climb to a window (assuming there are windows here) and peek in the first one he finds open.

Perception +35 = 38 (still paying more attention to Pru)
Stealth +26 = 33 +20(invisible, moving) = 53

DM Mitch d100=28 ; d100=81 ; d100=34 ; d100=83 ; d100=23 ; d100=66 ; d100=97 ; d100=16 ; d20=5 ;
Wednesday February 2nd, 2022 8:51:09 AM
Murphy is glad to have found Tali who previously renewed the invisibility on both of them. He then moves through the cloud making more noise to try to distract / draw the fire of the giants

Succotash heads towards the nearest hovel and asks if he should knock.

Murphy suggests they get away from the hubbub near the gate and move to where it maybe quieter and less subject to interruption. He also asks Sashe and Ketia how they are faring.

Pru creates a magical butterfly and sends it to the nearest street sign that heads further into the city.

Pressi doesn�t really know what is going on as she is blinded but she continues to hold and hide. She listens to see if anyone needs more help and if it seems like the others have headed further into the city she drops her blindness and does so herself.

Nikolai tells Pru that he thinks Rich Giants are more likely to have slaves than poor ones but a destitute giant might be a shunned one and be more likely to volunteer information so he�s going to head to a residence in the slums on another street away from the commotion at the gate. He is going to maintain mental contact and will dimension hop if need be. He heads down a sidestreet and uses his slippers to climb up and peek in a window.

Murphy is again barely missed by a giant throwing blind but with his spell is able to move deeper in without risking getting lost in the cloud again. The noise and distraction seems kind of redundant since he is at the main gate and the rest of the party is at the small gate a ways off. Finding each other may prove difficult with both parties invisible (yes, you are still invisible)

The rest of the group heads further in upon which a problem is discovered. Namely, it�s hard to be sneaky when one of you, currently blind, has a big illusionary army cast over her. Sesha, per the plan discussed earlier, did not come into the city with the party so he could ensure the way out remains secure. Ketia does come along.

After the party advances a little ways in the illusion fades, presumably Sesha either stopped concentrating on it or they got to far in. The illusion drew giants though and two patrols come rushing into the area. Everyone give stealth checks please, with the +20 invisibility bonus.

Nikolai does find a building with a nice window to climb in. Well more like a hole at the top that lets light in. Inside he finds an ogre. A rather pathetic looking one, cowering in a corner at the sounds of ghostly armies and giants running about. He doesn�t notice the stealthy, invisible human entering.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells d20+41=46 ; d20+33=52 ; d20+31=37 ; d20+31=38 ; d20+31=37 ; d20+31=34 ; d20+31=40 ; d20+31=47 ; 2d6+20=29 ; 2d6+20=28 ; 2d6+20=25 ; d8+20=27 ; d4+20=22 ; d4+20=22 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=10 ; 2d6=8 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=10 ; 2d6=6 ;
Wednesday February 2nd, 2022 12:36:20 PM
stealth checks
Succotash 46
Valerie 52

Succotash holds still and does his best to remain silent, and indicates to Valerie to the same. He does however ready himself to cast Mass Harm on the giants, should their position be compromised. Valerie is ready to pounce on the nearest giant should they be compromised.

Left Talon hits AC 37 for 29 plus 1 shock, 5 frost, and 5 giant's bane
Right Talon hits AC 38 for 28 plus 2 shock, 6 frost, and 10 giant's bane
Divine Talon hits AC 37 for 25 plus 4 shock, 3 frost, and 8 giant's bane
Bite hits AC 34 for 27 5 shock, 3 frost, and 6 giants bane
Left Claw hits AC 40 for 22 plus 4 shock, 4 frost, and 10 giant's bane
Right Claw hits AC 47 for 22 plus 3 shock, 2 frost, and 6 giant's bane

active spells:
Succotash
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Invisibility

Valerie
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (16 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Air Walk
Longstrider
Invisibility
Divine Power 15/19

Daily stuff:
channel energy (10d6) 10/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 130/190
Quicken rod (normal) 2/3

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) d20+28=48 ;
Wednesday February 2nd, 2022 3:48:38 PM
[Stealth check 48]

If the group is discovered, Pru casts Time Stop, but what specific actions she takes after that depends on the exact situation.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+25=44 ;
Wednesday February 2nd, 2022 9:40:12 PM

Pressi's stealth is 44, even without invisibility or the Hide in Plain Sight ability.

(If Nick had passed along the ogre info, she might have changed her form and tried a bluff. As it is, she's happy to break off on her own as a goblin.)

Pressi takes the time to recenter the storm at the particular location (takes 10 minutes) and takes some time now to dismiss the voodoo so she can see again.

She also takes some time to try to listen to the chatter with the various guards. To Ketia, "and that's how it's done."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d10=9 ; d8=6 ; d20+37=56 ; d20+25=27 ;
Wednesday February 2nd, 2022 11:39:30 PM
OOC: Looks like I never updated Kezzem's sheet to 19th level. Hit Points: 1d10 = 9 for Kezzem, 1d8 = 6 for Rumpus.

Kezzem Stealth: 1d20 + 17 + 20 = 56.
Rumpus Stealth: 1d20 + 5 + 20 = 27.

Does Rumpus get another bonus since he technically does not contact the ground with his horseshoes of the zephyr?

"I'm so stealthy you didn't even see me post last turn," says Kezzem. Rumpus bumps into a lantern and nearly knocks it over.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday February 2nd, 2022 11:40:04 PM
Also, Rumpus is on the flying carpet, so he's doubly not touching the ground. ;-)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday February 3rd, 2022 12:06:50 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility

Nikolai immediately tells Pru he's found an ogre that looks worse for wear. He does not know if ogres know gnoll but tries to speak to the ogre in gnoll while remaining invisible.

"Looks like your day of freedom has arrived, if you are willing to help us. We can assure your safe return to the lands of green hills and fresh running water. How about making a deal?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Thursday February 3rd, 2022 12:07:37 AM
Flying High Again!

Tali does her best to keep up with Mister Murphy while she tries to keep track of the various mental comversations.

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 1000 Minutes
Mage Armor | 1000 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 1000 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 100 minutes
Invisibility | 110 minutes
Stone-skin (Cast @ level 7) | 115 minutes
Endure Elements | 1365 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Used Spells slots
3x Invisibility

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 d20+43=52 ; d20+36=37 ;
Thursday February 3rd, 2022 3:12:11 AM

[To Mitch - reread where Murphy has been. It's in the vicinity of the small gate, not the main gate. He was only at the main gate prior to flying deeper into the slums with Succotash and Hobie.]

Murphy is glad that Pressi can see again, and tells her so. Meanwhile ensures that Tali is strapped into the rope harness as he earlier recommended to her. "We'll be flying fast, and I may need quickly to change direction, so I wanted to be sure you're not going to fall off." As she adjusts to a rope loop about her waist, and some smaller loops for her legs or feet, and at least one arm or hand (and another one at least to grab onto with the other hand), Murph again uses know direction.

The druid messages to all, "Tali and will be flying ahead a ways, dipping down here and there, and will let you know if we spot a decent place to try to reach."

He zips forward at a full 'run' for about 12 seconds, then slows down, 1250' further in. [Note: his Foresight should forewarn him lest he slam into a building or some such.] "We're going to go down now, Tali, and take a peek below the ash cloud." Descending at a relatively shallow 30 degree slant, he travels at 62.5' per round, as stealthy as he can manage, listening for sounds from the streets and dwellings below, until he or Tali sense the lower edge of the ash cloud. Once sensed, he rises slightly, again still listening.

If it seems quiet, he messages her again, "Ready to take a peek? I'm going to have just my invisible face breach the ash cover, and see what is below. I can twist my body so you can look, too.

If it does NOT seem quiet - he will consider the nature of the sounds before deciding whether or not to look. Guide me, oh Foresight! he thinks to himself of the powerful means he has invoked to help protect him. If it seems dicey here, he will slightly ascend, move a few blocks farther off at a 45 degree angle, listen, and, taking similar precautions already listed, peek below.

=========
Perception: 52
Stealth: 37 [sheesh, I keep rolling low - though 37 is not a terrible stealth roll in general]

Effective spells and conditions:
Heroes' Feast (16 temp hp) 10 hours 45 minutes
Longstrider 17 hours 45 minutes
Magic Fang, Greater (+4) 17 hours 45 minutes
Planar Adaptation 17 hours 45 minutes (from Prudence) "Planar adaptation grants you immunity to the harmful environmental effects of a particular plane of existence, including such hazards as toxicity, extreme temperatures, and lack of air. Additionally, you gain energy resistance 20 to a single energy type prevalent on that plane (choose one if more than one type is equally prevalent)." (fire chosen)
Protection from Energy (fire) 2 hours 45 minutes
Resist Energy (cold) (30 points per damage incident) 2 hours 45 minutes
Has natural resistance to electricity: 20 points
Stoneskin 2 hours 45 minutes (150-10 hp, adamantine DR/10)
Freedom of Movement 2 hours 45 minutes
Foresight (9th level divination spell) 2 hours 45 minutes
Mage Armor 2 hours 45 minutes
Invisibility 18 minutes

DM Mitch d20+22=26 ; d20+22=27 ; d20+22=31 ; d20+22=32 ; d20+22=37 ; d20+22=24 ; d20+22=35 ; d20+22=34 ; d20+22=28 ; d20+22=34 ;
Thursday February 3rd, 2022 7:39:51 AM
Succotash holds still but readies both himself and Valerie for trouble should they be detected.

Pru readies a Time Stop in the event of discovery as she too tries to stealth

Pressi takes time to recenter the storm and dismiss the voodoo while attempting to eavesdrop on the various guards. She tells Ketia that this is how it is done. (OOC: roll perception for your eavesdropping, also does Harper have a stealth roll?)

Kezzem remarks how stealthy he is while his trusty mount is conceivably less so.

Nikolai tells Pru he has found an ogre and then attempts to communicate with it in gnoll while remaining invisible.

Tali does her best to keep up with Murphy and remain aware of any mental conversations.

Murphy advances deeper into the city a little way.

It takes several attempts before Murphy�s foresight lets him know he can safely poke his head out and it turns out the safest spot is right between two buildings that brush up against the ash and keep him from seeing too far. The ash cloud is definitely lower here, and he appears to still be in the slums. He can hear giants patrolling a street or two over. Moving to a spot with a better sight line probably means giving at least a couple giants a chance to spot him, though they�ll be far enough away it�s not too huge a risk. Of course the same could be said for the last two times he was spotted.

The Gnoll language contains much growling as they are Hyena-headed humanoids and the Ogre does not seem to understand what Nikolai is trying to say. He calls out shakily in Giant Highlight to display spoiler: {�Who..oo goes there? A..a hellhound? A ghost dog? Leave me be. I have nothing for you.�}

The Ogre glances towards the door nervously, then at the window and other possible entry locations

Outside the party all freezes and hides. Both patrols reach the area and search it. Fortunately the party was able to stay still and get good hiding spots because if they were moving there is little chance they wouldn�t have been found. A giant walks right under where Rumpus is floating (you get +40 from invisibility if still and I�m going to let you have it this time)

The giant�s banter isn�t very useful. They�re tense and professional, calling out when they�ve cleared a space. They saw the ghost army come to this spot and have clear sightlines down the street so they�re pretty sure whatever it was is here. Once the street is searched one of the sargents tells the group, �Search the buildings! and they start splitting off into various homes.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+26=36 ;
Thursday February 3rd, 2022 8:32:25 AM
(OOC: Harper went back with Hobie and Sesha, did not enter city, so no roll needed.)

(OOC: Perception roll 36.)

While staying still, Pressi casts Detect Thoughts (Domain spell) to track Giant movement... but also in the hopes of picking up some crumb of information that can be useful.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 d20+43=56 ; d20+36=55 ;
Thursday February 3rd, 2022 9:19:42 AM

"Ah, let's go a bit farther down," Murphy suggests to Tali. If she has suggestions, he'll certainly listen. He mentally communicates with the other party members what they've found, perhaps 1,500 feet in from the small gate area. He flies upwards ~100 feet, uses know direction, then races forward another 1250', attending to foresight along the way. The huge air elemental, with a sorcerer friend along for the ride, then angles down as before, more slowly, listening carefully for conversation, movement, and general ambient sounds. "Maybe as we get farther in, the quality of housing will improve," he posits to his friends. He listens to what others are reporting. The careful checking, listening, peeking approach he continues. It cannot be every block or two that is simultaneously being patrolled, he figures.

Better stealth this time! What can he see? Does Tali pick up anything? Still the slums?

===============
Perception: 56
Stealth: 55

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Thursday February 3rd, 2022 7:40:31 PM
Nikolai is talking to a giant's servant. Or possibly slave, Pru sends through the links. Then, if we need a diversion, let me know.

Other than thinking at her companions, Pru takes no actions, and does not move.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Thursday February 3rd, 2022 9:11:12 PM
Upon hearing Pru's announcement, Succotash says via the link, "Hey Nikolai, which hovel are you at, I'll head towards you. I speak giant, and can translate for you!"

Assuming Nikolai responds, Succotash will hurry to his location.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+16=18 ; d20+27=30 ; d20=12 ;
Thursday February 3rd, 2022 11:30:38 PM
si vis pacem para bellum...

Tali does her best to keep pace with Mister Murphy even though she is basically strapped to him. When the team breaks the ash cloud to peek, Tali with the Googles of the Night, coupled with her skills, hopes to perceive something of value to that team.

Skill Checks:
Perception: 18
Knowledge (Arcana): 30
Spellcraft: (+25): 37

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 995 Minutes
Mage Armor | 995 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 995 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 95minutes
Invisibility | 105 minutes
Stone-skin (Cast @ level 7) | 110 minutes
Endure Elements | 1360 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Used Spells slots
3x Invisibility

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=37 ; d20+26=27 ;
Friday February 4th, 2022 12:33:55 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility

Nikolai is not surprised the ogre does not understand gnoll. Ogres don't understand much anyway. So he relates to Pru he needs an ogre or giant speaking halfling up here and ponders a way to mark the place.

He needs something colorful but not attract attention. He slips out the window again and heads to the roof. His friends are all flying around so his idea should be easy enough to work.

On the roof of the building, he takes out a dark red ribbon, the one he won at his graduation trials for winning first place, and lays it on the roof. Then he relays this to Pru so she can relay that to those flying.

Perception +35 = 37 (still paying more attention to Pru)
Stealth +26 = 27 +20(invisible, moving) = 47

DM Mitch d20=6 ;
Friday February 4th, 2022 7:05:39 AM
Pressi continues to stay still and uses Detect Thoughts to track giant movement and also in the hopes of picking up some information that can be useful.
Murphy suggests they go a bit farther down wondering if the more they go in the more the quality of housing will improve.

Pru tells the others Nikolai has engaged with a Giant�s servant or slave and if they need a diversion to let her know.

Succotash hurries towards Nikolai�s location.

Tali keeps pace with Murphy basically being strapped to him and when the pair break the ash cloud again she hopes to see something of value to the team.

Nikolai marks the building.

This time Murphy and Tali get lucky. They exit the cloud in an area where the buildings are either low to the ground or collapsed due to shoddy workmanship. This lets them look at the area and get a feel for the giant patrol patterns.

It seems like the area is fairly thick with giants. They can see signs of patrols roughly every other block. With a bit of luck and skill the party can try to time their way between patrols and hopefully only have to risk detection a few times. It also means if they do get caught they have time to either kill or escape a patrol before the next nearest can reach them, though probably only a few rounds.

There is no sign of the slums ending though. The pair have gone about half a mile and they stretch at least the few hundred feet you can see further.

Pressi is able to track the movement of several giants with her Detect Thoughts. While she remains hidden in plain sight she does get the following snippets.

In Giant Highlight to display spoiler: { Is he back? I thought he got what he came for already }

In Giant Highlight to display spoiler: { What is it this time? Last time, the breech went undetected until the intruder reached the temple. Is this a feint or someone else? }

As Nikolai leaves the building (and Succotash approaches) one of the giants moves to it. He steps into it and Nikolai can hear a short conversation in giant. It�s a long minute before the giant emerges again and looks about suspiciously. He sees the ribbon and looks at it with suspicion

Sense motive 7 Nick or Succotash Highlight to display spoiler: {The giant suspects something from what the Ogre said, and the ribbon especially, but he�s still uncertain enough to second guess himself.}

The giant goes back into the house.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+29=33 ; d20+37=51 ; d20+45=46 ;
Friday February 4th, 2022 3:08:46 PM
Kezzem will keep watch over Pressi. He will detect evil any giant's the come within range. Kezzem tells Rumpus to stand still and not move or he'll have to send him back to where celestial ponies go when they aren't with their paladins.

Perception: 33.
Stealth Kezzem: 1d20 + 17 + 20 (Invisible) = 51.
Stealth Rumpus: 1d20 + 5 + 40 (Invisible/Still) = 46.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday February 4th, 2022 8:08:23 PM
OOC: HOW can he see the ribbon! IT IS ON THE ROOFTOP!
Did the giant climb to the roof? Is there no roof?
Maybe DM had better describe these buildings better.

Unless the giant is taller than the building, went up some stairs to the roof and is standing on the roof, there's no way he can see the ribbon laying on the roof for our flyers to spot as they fly over!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Friday February 4th, 2022 8:17:31 PM
Pressi thinks about what Prudence says. �No more distractions. I think we did enough diplomatic damage for one day. Ogres, huh� not really a creature I can change into either but maybe a half ogre form will fool them�

�In the meantime, we have a secondary target. Looks like Flamescorn hit the temple here, and I�d like to know why. We�ve still got the problem of figuring out where disgraced giants go if it�s not the slums, but I can�t imagine after all the guards we pantsed that it�ll take long to find out. Unless these are the more understanding fire giants I keep hearing about.�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Friday February 4th, 2022 8:20:31 PM
�Oh, almost forgot to mention. They don�t know if we�re with the guy that hit them or not, so that�s partly why they�re so easy going right now. I almost feel bad for wanting to flex as we came in� almost.�

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Friday February 4th, 2022 10:23:27 PM
Nikolai put a little piece of red ribbon on the roof of the house where the ogre is, Pru dutifully sends through the links.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 d20+50=70 ; d20+43=54 ;
Saturday February 5th, 2022 2:48:43 AM

Murphy lowers until he is fully below the ash cloud. He stops when about 30' above the ground (or rubble) below. He describes via channels what he and Tali are able to see. 'This might be a decent spot from which to move deeper. I think I'll just stay still here for a few moments, describe the place in detail in case any want to teleport here, and get a feel for the guard movements.' He casts know direction, since no one is in the immediate vicinity.

He remains still and does as just described. 'Tali, I'm looking toward' and here he describes himself looking deeper into the city, keeping an eye on about 180 degrees of the slums farthest from the gates. 'Can you keep an eye out the other direction? And try not to move around too much, to remain hard for patrols to spot, if you please.'

=============
Stealth: 76 (nat 20 + 16(skill)+20(invisible)+20(invisible, motionless)) Best score evar! (for the druid)
Perception: 54

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+16=24 ; d20+25=39 ; d20+27=28 ;
Sunday February 6th, 2022 8:08:35 PM
Pacem ParaBellum

Tali does her best to keep her eyes out in the other direction and to attempt at staying still while strapped to Mister Murphy to remain hard for patrols to spot as per Mister Murphy's request.'

Skill Checks:
Perception: 24
Knowledge (Arcana): 28 (NAT 1)
Spellcraft: 39

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 990 Minutes
Mage Armor | 990 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 990 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 90minutes
Invisibility | 100 minutes
Stone-skin (Cast @ level 7) | 105 minutes
Endure Elements | 1355 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Used Spells slots
3x Invisibility

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday February 6th, 2022 10:06:38 PM
Nikolai waits atop the building for one of his flying teammates. When he sees one, he deactivates his ring and waves the red ribbon.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells d20=16 ;
Sunday February 6th, 2022 11:49:35 PM
Sense motive 33

Succotash catches the giant's vibe, and worries that the ogre may be in danger. still invisible, and riding on the invisible air walking Valerie, Succotash, rides over to the window of the house with the ogre and giant. he positions himself so that his voice comes from approximately the same height as a fire giant, and than says, in giant, "I was wondering if you would mind chatting with me and a friend or two? We seek some directions, perhaps you can help,"

active spells:
Succotash
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Invisibility

Valerie
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (16 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Air Walk
Longstrider
Invisibility
Divine Power 13/19

Daily stuff:
channel energy (10d6) 10/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 130/190
Quicken rod (normal) 2/3

DM Mitch
Monday February 7th, 2022 7:34:07 AM
Kezzem keeps watch over Pressi and uses detect evil on any giants that come within range. He has Rumpus stand still and not move or he�ll send him back where celestial ponies go where they aren�t with their paladin.

Nikolai wonders how the giant spotted the ribbon. He then waits for one of his teammates to show up with it.

Pressi thinks about what Prudence said and considers turning into a half ogre. She tells the others that they have a secondary target and that is to find out why Flamescorn hit the temple after they find the place where disgraced giants go. She also points out that the giants don�t know if they are with the guy that him them or not.

Pru tells the others about Nikolai�s ribbon.

Murphy lowers himself below the ash cloud, telling the others what he and Tali are able to see and then casts know direction. He explains where he is looking and asks Tali to observe the other direction.

Tali does her best to stay still and keep her eyes out

Succotash positions himself at giant height and asks in giant for some directions at the Ogre�s house.

The giant entering the house advances towards the Ogre, but then Succotash starts talking. He freezes in place, then starts to back out slowly. The ogre looks terrified.

Tali and Murphy have no trouble staying hidden since they are being still.

DM Mitch
Monday February 7th, 2022 7:38:47 AM
All of the giants are evil.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells d20+27=35 ;
Monday February 7th, 2022 9:34:02 AM

Diplomacy 35

In Giant Succotash says, "That ogre has done nothing wrong, please don't hurt him, I'd rather not have to harm you. I am one who always looks to defend the weaker and downtrodden, and if you harm this innocent person, than I will be forced to destroy you, and I'd rather not do that.

As I said, This ogre has done nothing wrong, and all I want is some directions. Could one of you direct me to the former home of one named Flamescorn, or perhaps you may have some information about that vile being. You see, I am hunting the fiend, as word of his vile acts have come to my attention, and I desire to put a permanent end to his evil. I have heard that he has harmed innocent people here in this city, I have even retrieved a suite of armor that he made out of the hide of a fire giant. Of course I have no way to identify the individual, but since he was a fire giant, I felt maybe I could give the armor to the giants in this city, so that they can give the poor fellow a proper final farewell.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+25=34 ;
Monday February 7th, 2022 2:29:26 PM

Pressi decided it was time to move, slowly and cautiously making her way towards Succotash (stealth 34, assuming blink is no longer a thing). She continues to make her way through the shadows, and continues to use detect thoughts to avoid giants.

While moving along, she continues searching for signs of places to be, like the temple, library or bar. Maybe Flamescorn's old home, if it happens to be marked.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+22=26 ;
Monday February 7th, 2022 2:31:17 PM
(I also want to check houses for people that might seem downtrodden or chained up. Perception 26.)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Monday February 7th, 2022 4:10:40 PM
In addition to not being noticed, Murphy really would like better to understand the local layout. Should the rest of the party join him and Tali there, is the rubble such that they could be hidden from most angles of view?

"Tali and I will better describe what we see momentarily," Murphy communicates.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+16=34 ; d20+27=42 ; d20+25=35 ; d20+11=16 ;
Monday February 7th, 2022 9:03:29 PM
Bellum Pacem Para

Tali does her best to keep her eyes out searching for places to stay hidden from view, other critters like Giants, and of course our friends.

Skill Checks:
Perception: 34
Knowledge (Arcana): 42
Spellcraft: 35
Sense motive: 16

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 980 Minutes
Mage Armor | 980 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 980 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 80minutes
Invisibility | 90 minutes
Stone-skin (Cast @ level 7) | 95 minutes
Endure Elements | 1345 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Used Spells slots
3x Invisibility

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Monday February 7th, 2022 9:15:03 PM
Pru stays where she is and relies on her invisibility to keep her hidden. If she needs to move, she can always Teleport or Dimension Door.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday February 7th, 2022 11:38:37 PM
OOC: I don't follow your posts, makes no sense:
On Fri Feb 4 you posted:
As Nikolai leaves the building (and Succotash approaches) one of the giants moves to it. He steps into it and Nikolai can hear a short conversation in giant. It�s a long minute before the giant emerges again and looks about suspiciously. He sees the ribbon and looks at it with suspicion

Now that same giant is back in there?
The giant entering the house advances towards the Ogre, but then Succotash starts talking. He freezes in place, then starts to back out slowly. The ogre looks terrified.

Cmon, be consistent. Is the giant outside or inside?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20=13 ;
Monday February 7th, 2022 11:41:15 PM
"Sorry, but your just not trained for stewlth," says Kezzem. He dismisses Rumpus and follows Pressi on the flying carpet.

Stealth: 1d20 + 37 = 50.

DM Mitch d20+22=37 ; d20+22=33 ; d20+22=41 ;
Tuesday February 8th, 2022 6:51:00 AM
Succotash continues to diplomatically engage the giant at the ogre�s house asking for the ogre to not be harmed, reiterate his requests for directions asking for directions to Flamescorn�s former home and mentioning that they have armor made from fire giant remains

Pressi slowly and cautiously makes her way to Succotash using the shadows and detect thoughts to avoid Giant patrols. She looks for signs of the temple or Flamescorn�s old home too.

Murphy wants to better understand the local layout and endeavors to describe what he and Tali see.

Tali does her best to keep searching for places to stay hidden from view, giants and her friends

Pru stays hidden where she is prepared to use Teleport or Dimension Door if she needs to move anywhere.

Nikolai is trying to determine where the giant near the ogre�s house is

Kezzem dismisses Rumpus explaining the poney isn�t trained for stealth and follows Pressi on his magic carpet ride.

(sent this in e-mail, including here in case anyone missed the e-mail. Two posts ago I posted that the giant talked to the ogre, then left the house and looked around suspiciously. I put a sense motive check, then wrote that the giant went back inside. Thus yesterday the giant referred to was the same giant who went back in with more questions.)

Pressi advances slowly. The giants are very perceptive, but with her detect thought she avoids going anywhere giants are out on the street (they rolled well enough to hear you, but not through a wall so you�re fine).

Along the way she detects the thoughts of a few of the occupants of the homes. She�s able to gather that this entire area of the city is full of the giant�s slaves. Lesser giants and giantkin mostly, judging from the languages and thoughts she hears.

More importantly she gets close enough to the home to detect the thoughts of the giant Succotash is talking to. He looks very confused as the invisible halfling talks to him, thinking �Why would I hurt the slave? And why are they after the traitor here?�

Out loud the giant says, �I�m just a soldier. Let me get my captain and I�m sure he can sort out all of this.� As he talks he finishes backing out and is now standing half in the doorway, half in the street (there is no door) From his mannerisms and from Pressi�s detect thoughts it�s obvious he�s going to call over both squads to try to reveal and kill or capture Succotash.

Meanwhile Murphy and Tali try to get the lay of the land. If they were hoping to find a pattern or sensible layout the area follows that hope is dashed. Buildings seem to have been thrown up wherever and the streets are very narrow for giants. The halflings would have no trouble of course. There are occasional, broader lanes but they seem to only last until some building or other bulges out a bit to far. Sometimes there�s no street at all and the only way through seems to be to cut through a shoddily built building.

The section they are floating over seems to have once been fairly populated judging from the amount of rubble. It looks like a bunch of buildings were built close together, then possibly some smaller ones added on top of the larger ones until one collapsed which in turn sent it�s neighbor tumbling down in a chain reaction that left about a block of rubble and confusion. It makes it relatively safe as the closest the giants can go without trying to walk over the rubble about 30 feet away. The party could teleport here, in the air above the rubble, and be relatively safe as long as they are invisible. Even non-invisible PC�s could find plenty of hiding places amidst the rubble.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells d20+27=42 ;
Tuesday February 8th, 2022 11:43:05 AM
In giant, Succotash quickly says, "You seem like a fairly bright giant, why don't you just give me the information I'm asking for. Your captain doesn't need to get involved. Do you really want to waste your captains time over something as trivial as this? Flamescorn wronged your people, and has hurt countless innocent people, which puts us on the same side, why don't you just give me the information I seek, and I'll be out of your hair. I have no desire to slaughter giants today, or any day for that matter, but I'm certain your captain will force my hand, and I would much rather avoid that situation, so please give me the information I seek."

(Not sure if I should roll for diplomacy again or not but just in case: I rolled a 42)

active spells:
Succotash
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Invisibility

Valerie
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (16 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Air Walk
Longstrider
Invisibility
Divine Power 11/19

Daily stuff:
channel energy (10d6) 10/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 130/190
Quicken rod (normal) 2/3

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Tuesday February 8th, 2022 1:08:18 PM

"Succotash, you are being very nice." Murphy communicates through the channels. "Perhaps much nicer to all concerned to render quiet, then useless the fellow than let him talk to his captain. Or gather immediately our party nearby and teleport over to us so they don't see Valery. Nikolai, anyone else - want to help him out?"

He then adds to all, "Meanwhile, Tali and I have found a forward spot about a half-mile in - still slums, light on patrols, narrow walkways here and there too small for giants. Want to join us here, or want us to scout farther ahead?" He gives as much of a description as he can of a good spot to teleport to, asking Tali to fill in details he may have overlooked.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Tuesday February 8th, 2022 5:55:35 PM
Dimension Door is probably going to be safer than Teleport, Pru sends over the links. The caster doesn't have to visualize the place; just know where it is. How far, and in which direction.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Tuesday February 8th, 2022 9:08:01 PM
"Well, now that seems like a really good solution," Pressi calls from her hiding spot before the guard can call over anyone else. "I'm sorry, we haven't been formally introduced. I'm the gal that blew a hole through your wall and filled your city with ash snow, and before you so much as move a muscle to look in my direction or signal anyone else, know that I can probably do the same thing to the back of your head. Tap your shoulder twice if I have your attention."

Pressi readies an action. If he so much as signals, looks around, really does anything except what she says and agree to help out, Pressi casts a quickened Ill Omen (force him to reroll 3 times) followed by a Heightened Charm Person (Spell Level 7, Will DC 26).

Regardless of what happens, Pressi continues. "I do apologize for my blunt threat, but we are rather on a deadline and believe it or not don't want to do any more damage, so I'm prepared to make you a deal. Give us a chance, hang out, show us around, let me buy you a beer or whatever you guys drink, you share what you know, we share what we know, maybe even come out to the material plane and when it's all done we'll make sure you get to turn in the guy that broke in. Or you can turn me in directly to your leader once our investigation is done. You'll be a hero either way, and much less likely to be publicly humiliated and shunned forever which is what will probably happen if you call someone over, no matter what shakes out. All we're asking is a couple of hours and a chance, and I'll gladly bind myself from screwing you if you'll do the same. It's a better deal then what you'll get otherwise. All you have to do is say yes for now."

-----------------

Ritual Warding (+1 to AC, throws)
Ritual Healing (use d12 for healing spells)
goblin form (+2 dex, darkvision)
contingency: blink (active)
mass planar adaption (resist fire)
Protection of Energy Fire
Heroes Feast (13 HP, +1 attack rolls, will, +4 poison and fear)
moment of Prescience
shield of faith
shield other (from Kezzem)

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 1/6+1
L3: 2/6+1
L4: 1/5+1
L5: 2/5+1
L6: 3/5+1
L7: 2/4+1
L8: 1/2+1
L9: 0/1+1

clairaudio: 2

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Tuesday February 8th, 2022 9:17:18 PM
Can I ask for 48 hrs instead? That seems more appropriate.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Tuesday February 8th, 2022 10:30:32 PM

Murphy communicates to all, "Succo, ignore what I said. You set it up perfectly. And my wife looks to be making dessert of it."

He adds, "Tali and I can fly back, be there in less than half a minute. She can teleport a good number of us back, and I can fly the rest."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday February 8th, 2022 10:36:19 PM
OOC: If the giant went outside, what good would a Sense Motive check do when no one is there to see it? Nikolai was inside, so not able to 'sense motive' on an unseen creature. Maybe Pru? I don't know. But the obvious would be a visual check, not a sense motive check. Regardless of the result of a sense motive check, someone would have seen him go back inside and that obvious fact would have to be posted.

If anyone could see him to sense the motive, then they would have seen him go back inside.
Since Nikolai was on the roof before the giant went inside, and still on the roof when the giant went outside, there's no way a sense motive check could succeed on an unseen creature. Nor does Nikolai know Giantish to stretch the sense motive on audio alone.

As far as Succotash, I don't know. Nikolai was signaling from the roof where only flying creatures would be able to see him. Any info to those on the ground would have been from Pru who is hiding nearby.

Anyway, whatever is whatever. So the giant is back inside or outside or somewhere in between. It is irrelevant now since the dork Succotash is a few mealtimes short of common sense and deserves a good whallop from the giant.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday February 8th, 2022 10:37:06 PM
ooc: "Nikolai was inside, so not able to 'sense motive' on an unseen creature"
Sorry, I meant outside on the roof.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+29=35 ;
Tuesday February 8th, 2022 10:51:24 PM
Nikolai does not understand giant but does hear a conversation outside, with one voice clearly very giantish in sound, which can't be good. That can only mean trouble and time to move on and find another place.

"Pru, get moving out of there. Trouble is about to be a visitor. Let's get over a few blocks and see if we have any luck over there." he communicates over their special link.

He directs Pru where he's going and scampers over the roofs of the buildings on this block and takes a leap to cross to another block.

Acrobatics +29 = 35 + 13 (High Jump Feat) + 16 (base speed bonus) = 64 vs DC (distance across a street)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Wednesday February 9th, 2022 7:31:16 AM
Can I ask for 48 hrs instead? That seems more appropriate.

DM Mitch d20+19=28 ; d3=1 ; d20+19=26 ;
Wednesday February 9th, 2022 7:49:14 AM
Succotash tells the giant that he seems fairly bright and suggests the captain doesn�t really need to get involved. He argues they are on the same side against Flamescorn and he really doesn�t want to harm giants today or any day so why can�t he be given the information he seeks.

Murphy tells Succotash he�s being very nice and that perhaps it would be nicer to render quiet then useless the fellow rather than let him talk to his captain or to just gather everyone in the vicinity and teleport over to him and Tali so that they aren�t spotted and queries if anyone nearby Succotash wants to help with that. He informs the others of the hiding spot he and Tali have found and asks if the rest of the party wants to rendezvous there or if he and Tali should continue scouting ahead.

Pru volunteers that dimension door is probably the safer bet and queries how far Murphy�s hiding place is and in what direction.

Pressi breaks cover and introduces herself to the guard, threatening to do what she did to the wall to his head if he does anything other than signal by tapping his shoulder twice that she has his attention.

Murphy takes back what he said to Succotash and offers to have Tali and him fly back and then fly / teleport the party to the location where they currently are.

Nikolai is able to listen in on most of the conversation as while the Ogre doesn't speak giant the soldier does so Succotash and the giant were spelling common. Still he figures they should move a few blocks over and see if they have better luck, directing Pru as to where he is headed as he leaps from roof to roof like a ninja in the night.

The giant does not take threats too kindly and does not tap his shoulder twice and instead makes a move to signal the others which triggers Pressi�s readied actions which would have been great except for the fact that these giants are immune to most mind affecting spells so Ill Omen and Charm Person both fizzle and the giant raises his horn to his lips and sounds a clarion call.

Immediately the giants searching the other homes start to emerge and approach. The giant whom Pressi tried to charm snarls at the empty air, �Fhorge protects me from your charms witch.�

We are in combat rounds until you either evade or kill the giant patrols. I will create a map if the party isn�t able to or decides not to quickly escape.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+24=39 ;
Wednesday February 9th, 2022 9:34:24 AM
Pressi frowns a bit before moving through a window and turning towards the ogre slave (and Nick and Succotash).

"You, same deal that I gave Tiny over there, plus your freedom," she continues to speak in Giant. "Also, correct me if I'm wrong, I'm just going on first impressions, but wouldn't it be nice to show these giants what an ogre can do, or help out the halfling that sacrificed himself to protect you? This is a one time offer that ends when a giant opens the front door, and can be backed out of later, so don't dally out of fear on this one. At minimum, you get a free beer out of it."

Diplomacy 39 + 18 from her moment of prescience +4 from a hero point. No fooling around on this one.

(OOC: I know we've been playing fast and loose on what people can see and hear through walls. So I'm asking for a "no you don't have to type it all again" handwave here. At least a "short short" version.)

Pressi gathers her allies and casts Shadow Walk when any giant gets even close. Regardless of what the ogre chooses, she uses it on him as well so that he has the option to escape. Once done, she leads everyone back towards Murphy and Tali at 50 MPH, knowing where they wind up inside the city is almost random.

She also sends out a message asking if anyone else would like to cast something before she completely burns out of spells.

-----------------

Ritual Warding (+1 to AC, throws)
Ritual Healing (use d12 for healing spells)
goblin form (+2 dex, darkvision)
contingency: blink (active)
mass planar adaption (resist fire)
Protection of Energy Fire
Heroes Feast (13 HP, +1 attack rolls, will, +4 poison and fear)
moment of Prescience
shield of faith
shield other (from Kezzem)

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 1+1/6+1
L3: 2/6+1
L4: 1/5+1
L5: 4/5+1
L6: 3/5+1
L7: 3/4+1
L8: 1/2+1
L9: 0/1+1

clairaudio: 2

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+37=49 ;
Wednesday February 9th, 2022 11:51:49 AM
Kezzem remains invisible but gets within melee range of the giant closest to Pressi. He prepares to strike with his daggers.

Stealth: 1d20 + 37 = 49.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Wednesday February 9th, 2022 12:55:26 PM
Before Pessie can cast Shadow walk, Succotash says, via their mental link, Nikolai, Kezzem, grab hold of Pressi. He than spurs Valerie into action, and swoops down, reaches out to touch Pressi, and than casts Greater Teleport, using Murphy's description of his location, as his point of reference, teleporting his friends and himself to Murphy's location.

active spells:
Succotash
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Invisibility

Valerie
Resist energy (fire)
Heroes feast (16 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Air Walk
Longstrider
Invisibility
Divine Power 10/19

Daily stuff:
channel energy (10d6) 10/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 130/190
Quicken rod (normal) 2/3

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Wednesday February 9th, 2022 5:30:10 PM
Lacking any other direction, Pru casts Dimension Door to go to the location Nikolai supplied. If there are any giants in the vicinity, Pru uses her Silent Spell feat to cast the spell without a verbal component.

[OOC: But I need to know whether she had to cast it silently so I know what level spell to mark off.]

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 d20+43=61 ; d20+50=54 ;
Wednesday February 9th, 2022 6:13:32 PM

"Incoming," comments Murphy. [i]"And remember, if anyone needs to shout, just do it with your mind."

During his area inspections, and being a druid, he thinks to observe if he can discern any sort of plant life in the vicinity that has the power to withstand the incessant heat and other environmental factors.

============
Perception: 61
Stealth: 60 (net +56 on stealth, but roller only allows +50)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Wednesday February 9th, 2022 8:31:31 PM
Pressi gladly accepts the teleport instead, makes sure that Kezzem and others travel with them, and once again reaches for the ogre slave to come with them, even if it's just to get out of trouble. (But also, why not give them a chance?)

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+16=23 ;
Wednesday February 9th, 2022 8:39:23 PM
Bellum Pacem Para

Tali being Tandem with Mister Murphy goes where Mister Murphy goes, but if she needs to, will cast Greater Teleport to bring as many as six (6) additional members back into the air just above the rubble, provided we are all invisible. If not, she will cast
Invisibilityon those that need it up to 5 others; provided there is enough time. If not enough time, then she will cast Greater Teleport & worry about the visability after they are safer.

Skill Checks:
Perception: 23

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 970 Minutes
Mage Armor | 970 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 970 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 80minutes
Invisibility | 80 minutes
Stone-skin (Cast @ level 7) | 85 minutes
Endure Elements | 1335 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Used Spells slots
3x Invisibility

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+29=41 ;
Thursday February 10th, 2022 12:47:29 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility

On a roof the next block over Pru catches up with Nikolai and tells him what's going on down there with the ogre and the giant guard showing up and with the horn blowing, the rest need not be said.

"Well, Pru Honey, obviously the idea of buttering up a slave to get us the information we need is out the window. In halfling terms, according to the learner's book I've been reading, Yesterday's Meal'. We are going to have to help deal with whatever that horn brings. Let's get back over there and see what we can add to the mayhem."

Strength = 23 carrying capacity: light 0-200lb
total weight carried: 40.5 lb
Pru's weight: don't ask (but should not put him over his 200lb light load capacity)

Nikolai picks Pru up and dashes across the roofs again and leaps back over to the roofs of the block he just came from.

Acrobatics long jump + 29 = 41 + 13 (High Jump Feat) + 16 (base speed bonus) = 70 vs DC (distance across a street).

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Thursday February 10th, 2022 2:58:13 PM

So, it seems Murphy can discern no plant life thus far. Not even a fire rose. He waits to see what happens... and to determine whether he and Tali need to fly back quickly to offer aid and air ferry service.

"How you doin', Tali?" he asks, just talking telepathically with her directly, not including the rest of the gang in the loop on this one.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday February 10th, 2022 4:29:07 PM
Kezzem prepares for teleportation.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Thursday February 10th, 2022 5:42:10 PM

[OOC Note: DM Mitch reports teleportation does not work. Shadow walk does. Prepare for Pressi transport - often a thrilling ride!]

DM Mitch
Thursday February 10th, 2022 8:27:58 PM
(I made a post this morning that was eaten by an internet dragon. I have not been able to slay the dragon and retrieve the post. in the morning I'll post off PC actions from last two days.)

Important things from lost post: The teleportation didn't' work, knowledge Arcana 27 to find out (will explain in morning post if someone makes check). Since Pressi only canceled her spell upon seeing Succotash preparing his own I'll allow her spell to complete and get everyone safely in the shadow realm/walk.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Thursday February 10th, 2022 8:29:36 PM
Realizing that Succotash's teleport won't work, she begins to activate her own Shadow walk abilities, hoping that she can link enough arms in time.

She does begin to consider whether doing this on another plane might have some effects.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+27=43 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+25=42 ;
Thursday February 10th, 2022 9:36:55 PM
Bellum Pacem Para...

Tali getting confused, starts checking things she believes she knows...

Skill Checks:
Knowledge(Arcana)::43
Perception: 23
Spellcraft:42

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 960 Minutes
Mage Armor | 960 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 960 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 70minutes
Invisibility | 70 minutes
Stone-skin (Cast @ level 7) | 75 minutes
Endure Elements | 1325 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Used Spells slots
3x Invisibility

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Thursday February 10th, 2022 10:02:07 PM
[OOC: Okay, so Teleport didn't work, but did Dimension Door work? And, regardless of whether it worked or not, when Pru attempted to cast it, did she see any giants and decide to cast it silently? Because I have to mark it off regardless.]

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday February 10th, 2022 11:12:42 PM
OOC: teleport didn't work with the Frost Giants either. Hmmm... I smell a conspiracy here....

DM Mitch
Friday February 11th, 2022 6:23:56 AM
Pressi frowns and then moves through the window to where Succotash is with the Ogre. She offers him an ultimatum and then absconds with her friends and the ogre into the shadow realm

Kezzem remains invisible but gets within striking range of the giants nearest where Pressi used to be ready to strike out with his daggers if needed.

Succotash attempts to teleports himself, Valerie, Pressi and the Ogre over to where Murphy is with greater teleport. Sadly the teleportation spell fizzles.

Pru attempts to cast a silent dimension door to move in the direction that her husband suggested only to see it fizzle too.

Murphy tells Tali they�ve got incoming and reminds folks to use mental communication. He observes the area looking for any flora that might be able to survive the harsh conditions but doesn�t find any. He asks Tali how she is doing.

Tali is prepared to teleport folks back to Murphy and turn them invisible if they need it.

Nikolai tells Pru that the plan to work with the Ogre informant has gone out the window or is now yesterday�s meal. He picks his wife up and dashes across the roofs back to where the rest of the party is.

Kezzem prepares for the shadow walk

Tali is confused and starts checking what she knows.

Tali�s arcane knowledge lets her figure out what�s going on. The pocket reality must have properties similar to a spell like Dimensional Lock and prevents extraplanar travel. It probably doesn�t extend through the whole reality, which is why the portal into the realm works and they could cast things like Blink outside the wall, but they�ve probably reached the point where walking or flying are the only options for transportation.

If the effect is similar to the spell Dimensional Lock then forms of movement barred include astral projection, blink, dimension door, ethereal jaunt, etherealness, gate, maze, plane shift, shadow walk, teleport, and similar spell-like abilities

Pressi offers to link arms, Succotash, Kezzem and the Ogre take her up on the offer immediately. Nikolai bounds over to where everyone is with his wife and gets there just in time for them to also travel through the realm of shadows.

It�s immediately obvious that something weird is going on here. The plan seems� thinner? Then usual. Pressi and company are able to avoid combat with the ogres escaping to the shadow realm and then traven a very short distance before finding some kind of wall.

The wall looks weird. Sort of a dull, glowing filter that stretches in every direction. You can see vague shapes that look like the rest of the city past it but they�re all colored by the warrior. It almost looks like a thin layer of woldsblood. You probably do not want to touch it - woldblood is lethal to touch, and even if it isn�t woldsblood and just the barrier of the dimensional lock spell it likely won�t do good things to youl.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Friday February 11th, 2022 1:42:58 PM
"Press, is it supposed to look like that?" asks Kezzem. "I don't like it."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Friday February 11th, 2022 3:20:10 PM
Pressi stares into the void. "After all the failures we've had with shadow walk, what are the odds that we'd have a failure again, really? I mean, this seems foreseeable in hindsight, sure..."

She shook her head, "Still, I don't think we got thrown out of the pocket universe, and our only goal is to get out of that house, because if we don't know where we are, they sure don't. So..."

Pressi first tries to see if she can follow the wall around for a bit. If that doesn't work, she tries a different direction away from the wall.

If that doesn't work, she has everyone wait a while, hoping the giants leave.

But no matter what, she stays in for 30 minutes, moves as best as she can to a place nobody is around, and ends the shadow walk there. With some luck, the giants will have moved on, or they will be shunted to a random place without any giants.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Friday February 11th, 2022 4:17:50 PM
They thought to put cutting wires and shadow barriers into their wall? Pru sends. I wonder what kinds of things usually attack them.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+27=29 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+25=41 ;
Friday February 11th, 2022 11:24:48 PM
Bellum Pacem Para...

Tali knowing, continues to verify, & then shares all she can with the group via the various communication spells, bonds, telepathy spells that were cast prior to this foray.

Skill Checks:
Knowledge(Arcana)::29
Perception: 32
Spellcraft:41

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 960 Minutes
Mage Armor | 960 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 960 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 70minutes
Invisibility | 70 minutes
Stone-skin (Cast @ level 7) | 75 minutes
Endure Elements | 1325 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Used Spells slots
3x Invisibility

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Friday February 11th, 2022 11:54:40 PM

Knowing they've just gone into shadow walk, Murphy tests to see if they can still communicate telepathically. "How are things?" he asks.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Saturday February 12th, 2022 12:20:54 PM
"Those giants really think of everything! These have to be some of the smartest giants I've ever seen! Add to that, they are rather set on attacking us. We have been here a while now, but are still no where near reaching our objective, and we are rapidly running out of options. I fear we may have to resort violence, as diplomacy and stealth haven't born any fruit. Anyone have any other ideas, because I'm feel we are losing this cat and mouse game, especially since we have been playing the role of the mice. Maybe it's time to extract our claws, and change our roles. If someone else has another idea, I'm all in, but we need to do something, and soon! Pressi's divination originally suggested the small gate, but I think that is Yesterday's Breakfast. We kinda gave up any thought of stealth now that they know we're here, and anything resembling a surprise attack is shot to heck!"

It's clear by his tone that Succotash isn't upset, he is just trying to break down the current options, by pointing out the ones that have been tried and failed. Those that know him know that he has no desire to start killing giants, but he also wants to get on with the real objective, which is finding and ending Flamscorn, and he is ready to try anything, at this point, to reach that objective.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Saturday February 12th, 2022 2:28:48 PM

If telepathy to those shadow walking is possible, Murphy says, "My understanding of the city's layout is growing. Since teleportation is out, as far as we can ascertain, but flying works, I can fly almost all of us up through the ash cover - and perhaps help tow a few of those who can fly, so we do not get separated. So far it does not appear the giants have any sort of air force.

"I don't think we want to attempt to fight our way through at the street level, though moving with stealth through the streets may be possible, and challenging."

If those shadow walking have gone telepathically 'dark,' Murphy speaks with Sashe (and Ketia, if she's not with the shadow walkers) to say once they come out of the shadows, communication should be restored. If Ketia is not with Pressi & company, he tries to determine where she is, and how she fares.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday February 13th, 2022 10:31:15 PM
Nikolai asks, "How long does this Shadow Salk last? Could we just use this Shadow Walk to wander the streets of the city and look for the place?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Sunday February 13th, 2022 11:05:39 PM
"Usually a Shadow Sulk last until I get hungry and stop sitting sadly in the darkness," offers Kezzem ungelpfully.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Sunday February 13th, 2022 11:38:39 PM

Questions to be considered.

1. Does Pressi know about how far she brought the group within the city?

2. Does telepathy work between those shadow walking and those not?

3. As it's possible, one way or another, that the larger group may join the smaller group (M & T) in the near future, can we get a slightly more tangible description of the area of rubble?

DM Mitch
Monday February 14th, 2022 5:48:03 AM
Kezzem asks Pressi if things are supposed to look like that wall and remarks he doesn�t like it.

Pressi observes that all the failures they�ve had with shadow walk in the past the odds of having another failure is foreseeable. She tries to move around the wall, going in a different direction away from the wall and waiting the giants out.

Pru observes that the giants put cutting wire and shadow barriers into their walls and she wonders what things normally attack them.

Tali serves as a point of communication sharing everything she can between various members of the group.

Murphy tests to see if they can still communicate telepathically while Pressi and company are shadow walking asking how things are. He finds that he cannot communicate with those Shadow Walking. Sashe did not enter the city with either group. She has secured the exit dais. Ketia is with the Shadow walkers. He figures stealth is still probably their best option albeit a difficult one.

Succotash remarks the Giants have thought of everything and that their attempts at stealth and diplomacy hasn�t really worked so they might have to start going on the offensive to meet their greater objective of stopping Flamescorn.

Nikolai wonders how long the Shadow Sulk lasts and if they can just wander the city to look for the place.
Kezzem says a shadow sulk lasts until he gets hungry and then he stops sitting in the darkness.

(OOC:

Pressi brought the group a few hundred feet within the city before shadow walking and can only advance horizontally, not go further in.
Telepathy does not work between those in the pocket realm and those shadow walking the pocket realm
If the 2 groups condense we will try to give you a better description of the area
)

Pressi tries to lead the others around the shadow realm. It�s impossible to avoid the wall and going in a different direction could have you end up outside the city walls. Ultimately she finds a spot she hopes should be free from giants on the other side, and waits 30 minutes before bringing people out of the spell.

The party perhaps forgot about the ogre. He looks rather frightened at the strange place he ended up and he still can�t see the party. Long before the half hour is up he�s begging to be released and promising anything and everything if the scary shadow spirit people will just release him.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Monday February 14th, 2022 10:36:06 AM
In giant, Succotash says to the ogre, "Don't be afraid, we are friends. I am the one who was talking to the giant at your hovel, and what you heard me say to the giant is true. My friends and I have no desire to harm anyone within this city. We only want answers about the one known as Flamescorn. As an aside, we also despise slavery, and if you wish your freedom, we will be happy to take you with us, when we leave. For now though, would you happen to know where we might find the shunned place?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Monday February 14th, 2022 2:07:39 PM
"Usually a Shadow Sulk last until I get hungry and stop sitting sadly in the darkness," offers Kezzem ungelpfully.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Monday February 14th, 2022 8:34:11 PM
"Ok, ok," Pressi said as she released everyone back into the spell. "I guarantee we won't be doing that again for a while, until I get bored. Let's just all settle back down..."

Once they landed, Pressi immediately began getting the lay of the land, looking for places to hide, for patrols still going, for some idea of where they were.

"You should hide too," she told the ogre. "At least until we know better how people reacted to the situation before. Do you know where we are currently and where the nearest place to get a drink is? I believe I promised you that, at least."

Pressi was quiet for a moment. "One of the patrols 'discussed' the last break in, someone sneaking into the temple. We have our suspicions of who did it, but we'd like to hear what happened and if you have any idea of what they were looking for, or why that theft set all these giants off. Did... this other thief get recognized?"

She also asks the ogre how the giants will react to his disappearance.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Monday February 14th, 2022 9:26:51 PM
"Woah, I just deja vued," says Kezzem. "I could have sworn I made that shadow sulk joke twice. This really is a strange place."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Monday February 14th, 2022 9:31:11 PM
"Woah, I just deja vued," says Kezzem. "I could have sworn I made that shadow sulk joke twice. This really is a strange place."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+26=34 ; d20+34=44 ; d20+22=36 ;
Monday February 14th, 2022 9:58:13 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility

Nikolai's experience with Shadow Walking was amazing but nothing like this one, leaving some halflings in some kind of time loop, repeating themselves like they'd said it for the first time. Maybe it is just the way such powerful magics affect the little guys.

Having nothing to help in the conversation with the ogre, he gives Pru a peck on the cheek and says in good ol' fashion Mailed Fist way, "Time to secure our perimeter. I'll scout around and be back."

Visible now, he goes out about 50' and then turns to make a circle around the 'camp', going out a little further as he makes his sweep.

Stealth + 26 = 34
Perception + 35 = 44
Survival + 22 = 36

Looking for hostiles (Perception) and a safer place to camp (Survival).

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) d20+24=29 ;
Monday February 14th, 2022 11:19:04 PM
Pru does her part to help calm the jittery ogre. "I don't much like this either," she confides. "But think how nice it'll be when we're finally out and never have to do this again." [Diplomacy 29 if it matters.]

Be careful, she warns Nikolai, we don't want to have to relocate again.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 d20+25=44 ;
Tuesday February 15th, 2022 4:44:38 AM

Not immediately overly concerned with the break in communication during the shadow walk, Murphy does begin to feel a bit of anxiety as moments turn into minutes. He is then relieved as the connection is restored once his beloved and friends reappear in his mind.

He asks as to what happened, in brief. Shall assume he got a reply.

Meanwhile, has Murphy seen or sensed any flying creatures in this pocket plane other than other halflings and stones? If so, what? If there is such (firebat? pteradon? etc.), he thinks it may behoove him and the party for him to assume a different wildshape. If not, well, it likely would not go unnoticed if a raven appeared in the air without its feathers catching afire.

He begins to tick off options in his mind, which he communicates to all.

1. Tali and I try to figure out where the rest of the party is, and see about working our way in that direction.
2. Instead, while the party tries to navigate their way toward our current position, we do further scouting ahead. Advantage? Once they get here, we will have another place to go to. Considerations: * Who knows what the two of us might run into in our explorations - whether for weal or woe? * Don't split the party. * Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
3. What are Tali's thoughts on the matter?
4. What are others' thoughts on the matter?

Based upon Pressi's description of the direction she took after running into the blood wall, Murphy roughly calculates their relative positions. If he comes up with what seems a relatively useful mental map to navigate to them, he lays out the vectors and distances as the crow flies and lets the party know. [Survival 44 (rolled 19+25) to help with calculations]

"You want us to join you, then we can fly ahead Air Murphy?"

DM Mitch
Tuesday February 15th, 2022 8:12:52 AM
Succotash tries to calm the ogre, explaining who they are and why they�ve come. He also offers to free the ogre from slavery if it so wishes when they leave.

Kezzem reiterates a shadow sulk lasts until he gets hungry and stops sitting sadly in the darkness before experiencing deja vu.

Pressi releases eveyon back to the giant pocket realm. Once they are back she begins getting a new lay of the land. She queries him about the last break in, someone sneaking into the temple and if the other thief got recognized. She also asks how the giants will react to the Ogre�s disappearance.

Nikolai never saw a shadow walk create a timeloop before so he wonders if that is how magicks effect halflings. He then goes to secure the perimeter looking for hostile individuals as well as a safe place to hide out.

Pru also tries to calm the ogre by telling it she doesn�t like this either and that he should think of how nice it will be to never do it again.

The ogre flinches and shakes at the mention of the name Flamescorn, looking about like he expects someone to show up out of nowhere and punish them for saying it. �Don�t say that name. It�s forbidden. He betrayed the faith. The name was taken from him and he was to be executed. His home, his family, everything marked as desecrated. He escaped. Came back, stole something. Everyone knows he�ll come back to kill us all one day. No one is allowed to speak of him.�

While waiting the half hour before leaving the shadow realm the party is able to get any information they want out of the ogre involving Flamescorn�s banishment, but the ogre doesn�t know more then what�s common knowledge. He was a giant noble, proven both in battle and in the faith, but it was discovered he worshipped another god not Fhorge, one antithetical to the giant�s faith. The ogre doesn�t know which. His manor still exists, but is considered forbidden. Everything else he owned was destroyed and his relatives executed as possible traitors, and/or for failing to catch and stop the sacrilege before it got as far as it did. He�s able to give vague directions to the noble quarter and the home - through the forging district where industry is practiced to the noble district.

The ogre has no interest in the freedom the PC�s offer, he just wants to be left alone to go back to his life of drudgery. He�s been beaten down so long he has no real hope of another life, and detect evil shows that even if he was freed he�d probably just live a life of thuggery like most of his kind or get tracked down and killed by the giants as an example to other slaves that might try to escape.

Once out of the shadow walk the ogre quickly slinks away and finds somewhere to hide unless the party stops him. A bit of searching and coordination lets the party regroup at the relatively safe area of collapsed buildings. Between all the running around and the wait in the shadow realm the invisibility spells cast wear off. Fortunately the rubble provides plenty of space and hiding spots and the party finds a nice hole in the field where they can sit and talk out of line of sight of patrolling giants.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Tuesday February 15th, 2022 10:55:37 AM

Murphy is not waiting for half an hour. Knowing travel time using the spell should have gotten them there within a minute or two, after five minutes, he says to Tali, "Something has gone wrong, or they are in a battle in the place of shadow, or they are exploring alternate routes. You and I have no way to shadow walk, so I can't think of a way to get to them. Here is my thought. If we fly out, and dip down occasionally, we can look up ahead. We need to get past the slums and find the better areas. Surely Flamescorn did not dwell in the slums. Once Press & all come out of the shadow walk, we'll hear from them and rejoin them. But my thought is to take about 15 to 20 minutes for more scouting. If you're up for it, then let's go."

If that sounds good to Tali, he sets forth - first casting know direction, then flying up and further in to the city. He will fly 1,200 feet, then stealthily dip down for a look, then back up, another 1,200 feet, dip down, etc. When nicer areas are found, the distances may shorten to 600 feet or so. He will frequently cast know direction.

Better knowing the lay of the land and how things work, and to speed things up, can he 'take 10' on stealth? If so, that will result in 46 stealth rolls. If he can't take 10, then the DM may feel free to roll.

He may do it such that at the very moment he breaks the visual barrier he immediately ascends, then a bit farther down (maybe 200' or so) he comes in at another spot long enough to look for a moment, then back up. The notion is to get quick snapshots.

And say max 10 minutes one direction closer and closer to the volcano, then about 5-7 minutes back without stopping until they get to the rubble place. At that point, I suppose they just hang out more and wait - and spend a lot of time praying prayers of intercession for the others, and for their situation.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Tuesday February 15th, 2022 12:07:52 PM
"Well mister ogre, if you wish to remain in this life, I won't try to stop you. Thank you for the information, you may go where you please. However, I must warn you, if you sound an alarm, My velociraptor here will eat your liver." On ques, Valerie bares her teeth, and growls, to help make her master's point.

Alone with his teammates, Succotash says, "Well what do we do now? It seems to me we need to try to find the wealthier district, and look for an abandoned nobleman's home. Any suggestions as to how we should go about this?"

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Tuesday February 15th, 2022 3:15:11 PM
"Now that we have a more specific idea of what we're looking for, is there a divination spell of some kind that could help us?" Pru asks. "Aerial recon is also a possibility, but it'll be tricky with that ash cloud."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Tuesday February 15th, 2022 3:16:42 PM
"Yeesh, talk about bad options," says Kezzem. "Live life as a slave or get hunted down and killed. That's a real soapy choice."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+16=25 ;
Tuesday February 15th, 2022 7:37:05 PM
The Noble District

"Mister Murphy, those flight plans to relocate our friends and regroup, sounds sound!, " giggles Tali.

Skill Checks:
Perception: +16 = 25

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 885 Minutes
Mage Armor | 885 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 885 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 70minutes
Stone-skin (Cast @ level 7) | 5 minutes
Endure Elements | 1250 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Used Spells slots
3x Invisibility

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday February 15th, 2022 8:21:14 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor
Ki pts 13/13

Nikolai finds a good spot for the party to camp relatively safely away from the giants and their patrols, unless some halfling goes out on a diplomacy excursion again, and leads the party to it.

Filled in on what the ogre said, he comments, "At least now we know pretty much where Flamescorn's shunned home is. Do we know what we will be looking for when we get there? Did that ogre say what was stolen? Would help to know exactly what it was, just in case, you know, we come across it."

With a lot of spells being spent recently, he suggests getting some rest before the hunting begins again.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Tuesday February 15th, 2022 9:22:58 PM

Pressi nods along as the ogre says his peace. "Well, we appreciate what help you can give us. Just wish we could compensate you more for your troubles."

As soon as she touches down, she immediately messages Murphy. "My apologies, lots of traffic. Wanted to make sure the heat died down. And now... it depends on whether we want to head to the old home, hit the temple, or track down where this armor came from? Depends in part on whether anyone has any stomach to split up."

Responding to Prudence, "Divination, Find the Path, Retrocognition, Vision, Prying Eyes, Speak with Dead, maybe discern location or scrying. Honestly, though, it sounds like we can divine it through the power of sight once we sneak into the noble quarter. If it's forbidden, it should be rather straightforward to find." As for flight, "That's easy, we don't. We're better off moving slowly through the city and avoiding patrols than up in the air where they're watching, especially if we can alter self or something. Invisibility might be too short, so we should rely on our wits."

To Nikolai, "I don't think he knew, frustrating as that is. As I said, hitting the temple might reveal as such."

As for camping, "If we do, we should probably trap to the hilt, don't want some troops to come upon us if we do sleep through the night. Personally, I'm worried that it might be harder to sneak around during the day and I'm not convinced that they'll be looking even less over time."

She takes time, speaking of which, to end any unusual weather patterns currently affecting the city.

She also looks over the armor again. "It's a shame I can't just discern location on the rest of this guy."

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Wednesday February 16th, 2022 4:02:02 AM

With the shadow walk exploration, it should be safe to assume that Murphy & Tali have completed the there-and-back-again exploration much deeper into the city - hopefully without raising too much of a ruckus.

Contact resumed with Pressi et al, Murphy expresses relief, and passes on what the two scouts have picked up. If they happened to have found a better place than the rubble neighborhood as a potential place of rest, he lets them know. If not, he suggests they head there, and settle in for rest and rejuvenation. "If we still had the Instant Fortress intact, we could set it up, and no one here should notice a tall portable oven, right?" he jokes. "Flamescorn owes us for that one."

DM Mitch
Wednesday February 16th, 2022 6:22:01 AM
Murphy isn�t comfortable to wait the half hour for the party to emerge from the shadow walk so he goes for a 15 - 20 minute scout while waiting.
Succotash Thanks the ogre and warns it that if it double crosses the party Valerie will eat its liver. He asks the party what their next move should be while voicing his opinion they head for the wealthy district.

Pru asks if there is a divination spell that could help them. She remarks aerial recon is tricky with the ash cloud.

Kezzem says the Ogre�s options are a real soapy choice.

Tali agrees with Murphy�s scout while they wait for the party

Nikolai says they now know where Flamescorn�s shunned home is and asks if they know what they are looking for when they get there. He also asks if the ogre knows what was stolen. He suggests getting some rest before hunting begins again.

Pressi says she appreciates the ogre�s help and that she wishes they could compensate it more for its trouble. She then messages Murphy an apology. She gives Pru a litany of spells that could help and tells Nikolai that the Ogre probably didn�t know. She votes for setting traps if they are to camp and thinks it is a shame she can�t use Discern Location to find the rest of the guy.

Murphy�s exploration reveals a few things. The slum district stretches about a mile in. Then there�s a stretch of land that�s completely open. No buildings and kept relatively free of ash, about 100 feet or so, between the slums and quarters further in. A kill field for invading armies should one penetrate the wall and fight their way through the slums.

Across the field, where Murphy�s at, he can see what seems to be a barracks district. Lots of uniform buildings and bustling giants. Even a training field or two. Probably not the right way to go; it�s so busy there�s very little chance of not being spotted.

Once the rest of the party is out of the plane of shadows and able to compare notes they determine that the city is broken up into clear districts each with their own purpose. Very disciplined and organized. The ogre said they should go through the smithing district, where the giants ply their crafts to be sold in the trading district. It�s a ways west of where the party is camping, then north on through it to the noble district.

Nikolai is able to find a place in the rubble where some walls only partially collapsed, leaving a narrow opening into a rough chamber that�s save to sleep in, limits the chance of them being seen, and provides only one entrance easily watched or trapped while the party rests. There doesn�t seem to be a day/night cycle here - since the time you entered the plane the light hasn�t changed at all.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Wednesday February 16th, 2022 12:49:48 PM
"I'm fine on my spells load out, but if anyone else needs to rest, and reload, I'm fine with that too. So are we going to rest here, or should we push on?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday February 16th, 2022 6:41:03 PM
"I haven't stabbed anything all day," says Kezzem. "If I just wanted to sneak around all day, I would have stayed a rogue."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Wednesday February 16th, 2022 8:51:43 PM

"Strangely, avoiding being a rogue is why I'm not having you stab anyone," Pressi replied. "Jerks as they may be, they haven't done anything wrong as far as we know, and we're the invading... non-invited guests?"

"Much as I've used a number of my highest level spells, I'm ready to move out myself. But I will defer to the rest of the group as well, although.... If it's always bright out, then I suppose there's no difference between going out now and eight hours from now, so we might as well rest up."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20=19 ; d20=12 ; d20=9 ; d20=19 ; d20=17 ;
Wednesday February 16th, 2022 9:22:02 PM
The Noble District

Tali tells the group via Telepathy / Mental Bond, "I really need at least two hours of rest. In addition, I think we are going about this all wrong, Flamescorn has been banished and exiled and his entire family mark of the Giant Gene Pool has tried to be erased by his own people. We need to discover what he did to these people and why his actions deserved the reaction he got! In addition, how does seeing his family's home help us? What did he come back and steal?"

Skill Checks:
Knowledge (Arcana): 19 + 27 = 46
Perception: +16 = 12 + 16 = 28
SpellCraft: +25 = 9 + 25 = 34
Stealth: +14 = 19 + 14 = 33
Survival: +6 = 17 + 6 = 23

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 880 Minutes
Endure Elements | 1255 minutes
Mage Armor | 880 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 880 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 65 Minutes

Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Used Spells slots
3x Invisibility

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Wednesday February 16th, 2022 9:25:19 PM
"Pretty much all I've cast are the Protection from Energies and Invisibilities I've cast on the party," Pru says. "And if we rested, I'd just have to re-cast them, or most of them, and I'd be right back where I am now. I say keep going.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday February 17th, 2022 12:35:37 AM
Nikolai answers Tali, "From what I gather, Flamescorn stole a sacred item from the temple and took off with it, not to mention he has dumped Fhorge for some other god. Two strikes against him."

The Half Elf Monk/Ranger points out some obvious things they'll face on their next foray. "You seem to forget that this is a city, and a huge one, not to mention giant sized. Not only are we to dodge armed patrols, we will be dodging the civilian population as well. Kids running around the streets, vendors, giants out on one business or other. Despite the fact that there does not seem to be night or day here, the giants HAVE to sleep sometime. We find out their life pattern and we can avoid a lot of unnecessary trouble. But ONE of you halflings needs to just make the decision to camp or to move on. Otherwise the decision making will take so long we might as well camp."

Nikolai asks Murphy if he can have a rough estimate of the city population, from what he's seen.

DM Mitch
Thursday February 17th, 2022 7:25:26 AM
Succotash says he�s fine on his spell load out but he is okay resting if other folks need to.
Kezzem laments not stabbing anything all day. He remarks if he wanted to sneak around all day he would have stayed a rogue.
Pressi tells Kezzem because he�s avoided being a rogue that she isn�t having him stab anyone. She then layouts that why the giants are jerks they haven�t done anything wrong and the party is the uninvited guests. She says that although she�s used some high level spells she�s ready to move on herself.
Tali tells the others she needs 2 hours of rest at least and then argues that they are going about things all wrong and that they need to discover what Flamescorn did to the giants and why his actions deserved the reaction he got and she doesn�t understand why they need to see his former home.
Pru tells the others all she has cast is protection from energies and invisibility and if they rested she�d just be in the same boat she is now so she argues to keep going.
Nikolai points out some details on what they know of Flamescorn and talks about some of what they should expect going forward. He urges the group to make a decision.

Per Tali�s request the party presumably rests a couple hours then prepares to head out. With how little you�ve seen of the city it�s hard to make guesstimates of the population, but from what the party has seen so far it must be a fair sized city of many thousands at the very least.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Thursday February 17th, 2022 11:04:39 AM
"If you need to rest Tali, than I think we can hang-out for a couple of hours until you're ready."

After the 2 hours Tali needs to recharge, Succotash, presumably with the rest of the part, starts heading towards the rich part of town, and Flamescorn's former abode. while traveling he answers Tali's question, "Nikolai is right, for these people, betraying their power is betraying their community. That is what seems to have started this whole thing. Than after that betrayal, he stole something sacred to the people, and if what Ironbane said is true, returned and murdered a bunch of giants. That would put just about anyone on your "I want to kill with a vengeance" list. If you remember, Tali, the reason we are here in the first place, is because a divination spell told us we may be able to find a clue of Flamescorn's whereabouts at his former home."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Thursday February 17th, 2022 1:04:41 PM
During the two-hour rest, everyone's Invisibility wears off. The Protection from Energy (fire) should still be active, but not for much longer.

"Now that we're all visible, we'll need a strategy for approaching the city across that cleared area," Pru says.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Thursday February 17th, 2022 2:23:11 PM

"Well, I could go as a fire elemental - be right at home here," Murphy says.

"To get there, we need to go toward the west," and the druid points that direction. "Then we cross over to the smiths district, then on to the noble area. But, folks, that 100' gap will likely be watched. I've used many spells which will be just about to expire if we wait only two hours for Tali to rest. If we get a full 8 hours, then we all could freshen up. Sorry, I think we rest now, rejuvenate, heroes' feast in this little cubbyhole, spell up, then travel.

"Either that, or forget any rest whatsoever, and forge ahead. But being visible, we will be quacking ducks crossing that gap. I think that air elemental ferry service up through the ash to the other side is the smarter way to go, since teleportation seems unavailable. I wonder, though - you mentioned that red, maybe Woldsblood? barrier - I wonder if teleportation on the other side of that barrier might work. Nikolai, you can dimension door, right? Have you tried it this far in?"

"So, I strongly recommend we sleep now. We all rest, or none rest. Let us all take advantage of the relative safety of this spot, then set to go in the new pretend morning."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Thursday February 17th, 2022 3:38:00 PM
"I'm with Murphy. If we're going to take the time, at least let me refresh my own spells, and get back some options."

Pressi stretched out some. "As for how to go in, I personally would prefer stealth over magic, and polymorph over invisibility, with some exceptions, yadda yadda. At this point, it sounds like moving around past patrols should be relatively easy. Changing to half ogres remains personally our best bet. We can use alter self, pretend to be slaves, generally move through the population. Changing to giants will be hard and I haven't seen any other kinds of creatures; even a fire elemental would stand out here in the city. At least an air or earth elemental could hide if anyone was coming. If it would help, some of us could burn 9 level spells to take the giant form, just talk our way through on the ground."

"I will need to refresh spells ASAP, particularly planar adaptation. The big problem is that we can't use charms and we can't go ethereal, and we can't just dimensional door. And I'd rather not fly, risk those towers or smog. But nothing's stopping us from just going from rooftop to rooftop and occasionally waiting every few minutes, maybe under a silence spell. And nothing's stopping us from using the old tricks like obscure mist or fear cones, or an old fashioned arcane eye."

Pressi thought for a bit. "There is one more option, but it's risky. We can wind walk it, and that would give us some speed and a little bit of stealth, but we wouldn't be invisible."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday February 17th, 2022 10:23:16 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor
Ki pts 13/13

Nikolai points out some simple benefits of taking a full rest.
"We know the giants are still swarming like ants as they know we are probably still about somewhere and we made them pretty angry. If most of a day goes by and they don't smell hide nor hair of us during that time, they will probably, as their nature dictates, declare victory over the mighty halfling army and go back to their normal routine.
During this time maybe we can figure out when they rest. That will make getting through the city a lot easier, as we'll have our invisibility capabilities back."

He turns to Murphy, "Seriously? How many fire elementals have you seen going about in this city? Maybe Fire Giants employ Fire Elementals as trash incinerators. That would explain why we see them here and there? You want to blend in, then find out what is common, not flameboyant because it seems fun."

Nikolai puts on a hat and then suddenly looks like the ogre slave they just let go, albeit a good bit smaller. Then he takes the hat off and reverts back to his normal handsome looks.

Use Hat of Disguise to appear as a small ogre.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Friday February 18th, 2022 1:29:53 AM
"Nice trick, that hat, Nikolai. And no, I was not serious about the fire elemental thing," Murphy says. "Well, might want to keep the idea in my back pocket."

"Flameboyant. Ha!!"

Murphy finds a spot, lays some blankets down, sees them start to get smokey, douses them with water (create water), then says, "This is not my idea of a vacation spot." He wrings a good portion of the water out of the blankets, stuffs them back into his extra-dimensional bag, and gets as... wait. First he changes into a small earth elemental, and sinks into the stone. He spends a few minutes exploring the ground beneath them, say 60 feet in every direction (so a 120' diameter hemisphere, 60' deep) just to discern what there is to discern. He reports on anything of particular interest.

Then he goes to halfling, says just before nodding off that he'll take last watch, and sleeps, hopefully with Pressi next to him.

In the morning, he checks on everyone, shuffles his spells, and vaguely recalls experiencing Skald's lonely eons of imprisoned isolation.

DM Mitch
Friday February 18th, 2022 6:26:31 AM
Succotash is ok with resting the 2 hours Tali needs and summarizes just what Flamescorn did and why the party is seeking out Flamescorn�s former home.

Pru sees the invisibility wear off and suggests they need a strategy for approaching the city.

Murphy suggests he disguise himself as a fire elemental then explains the direction the party needs to go in and suggests a few alternative for getting there before settling on a full rest now.

Pressi is also agreement in taking a full rest so she can replenish her spells. She says she favors stealth over using spells. She outlines her own thoughts on what the party�s options are and the problems with the limitations they discovered so far. She suggests that worst case scenario they could always windwalk but that is risky or alternatively move from roof to roof using a bit of patience and maybe a silence spell.

Nikolai argues that if they take a full rest now it might calm the giants a little and maybe they can figure out more about the giants� patrol schedules. He suggests Murphy not do the fire elemental disguise as it is too flamboyant and then demonstrates his thoughts on becoming a half-ogre using his hat of disguise.

Murphy explains he was joking and explores a little underground. Emphasis on a little; under the earth the lava flows freely and his movement is severely limited unless he wants to take a lava bath.

After discussion the party decides to take a full rest. Then they head out. The slums quiet down a little over time but the giants never stop patrols. Now instead of a patrol on every other street there�s one every three or four. The slaves also start to become more active; you can see them start to emerge from their homes and head deeper into the city or start working on things such as making themselves meals. Though most are ogres you see other giant species such as hill, stone, even a storm giant that looks especially beaten down and sullen going about their day. Presumably either you guys showed up during the local �night� period or the alert you quickly set off made them all stay inside for their own safety.

Several plans are suggested, one needs to be chosen to enact and the right skill checks made. Please make stealth checks if you want to sneak across the rest of the slums, disguise checks if you want to pretend to be local slaves, and perception checks if you want to try to detect guard patrols and avoid them.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Friday February 18th, 2022 7:57:06 AM
Succotash gets his 8 hours of sleep, and than spends a hour in prayer and spell prep. His ears perk up when Pressi mentions wind walk and he says, "Why do you say that wind walk would be risky? With your Planer Adaptation spell, we could just wind walk right into the ash cloud, with nothing but our heads sticking out of it, and we should completely blend in with the cloud. I can prepare it if we chose to go that route."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Friday February 18th, 2022 8:37:30 AM

"Yeah, but what do we do with navigation? Murphy and Tali already tried that and had to bounce out?"

(OOC: While I lean toward the stealth part, I'm legitimately asking and willing to do this if someone has a good suggestion. Pressi can cast spontaneously.)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Friday February 18th, 2022 11:57:06 AM
"If we just keep our heads, or maybe just our faces, out of the cloud, we should have no problem with navigation. Or for an even more stealthy method, many of us have the ability to cast know direction."

Prudence Komonov (Kathy)
Friday February 18th, 2022 2:41:22 PM
Now facing an 8-hour rest, Pru decides she does not want to do it sitting on a pile of rubble. She casts a Mage's Magnificent Mansion, then shows her companions how to enter it if they choose.

She creates enough space for everyone, even the animals, and includes a buffet stocked by the not-quite-unseen servants. Privately, she expects that many of her odd new companions will choose to sit in the rubble instead, but darn it, she's going to be comfortable.

She rests long enough to recover her spell slots, and doesn't bother re-casting the Mage Armor on herself and Nikolai. Her previous casting still has nearly a full day to go.

This time, she does not cast any spells on her companions that they do not specifically ask her for.

When they pause to discuss plans, Pru says, "So far, the giants seem to fit the category of 'crazy prepared,'" she says. "Wires buried inside the wall. A barrier to shadow walking. An ash cloud to prevent aerial recon--though they may not have actually created that. We have to expect that they've got something in that open space to reveal invisible or disguised creatures. So although flying over the area is risky, I think it's less risky than trying to walk across."

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6 d20+43=61 ; d20+43=45 ; d20+43=51 ; d20+43=49 ; d3=3 ; d20+25=29 ; d20+25=36 ; d20+25=28 ; d20+25=33 ; d20+36=40 ; d20+36=50 ; d20+36=50 ; d20+36=40 ;
Friday February 18th, 2022 4:22:59 PM

"Well, I've cast know direction about 15, 20 times. I think I have a good handle on it. How one determines North, and from it the other directions, in a pocket plane, seems a bit strange, but it has been consistent. That way is north," he points ahead of where he is facing, "and that way is west," and he points off to his left.

Very happy to take advantage of Pru's mansion, he thanks her. "It's even nicer than I expected to have a human and a half-elf to travel with us."

He then nods to Ketia. "How are you doing so far in this fire giants' paradise? If you have any ideas, we're open to listening."

"Succotash, if we are to fly mainly in the ash, but with only our heads poking out, we'd be up near the stony roof of this plane - not much to see up there. If we fly with only our heads out below the ash, we'll be flying upside down, which might be fun. You'll want to be sure that things don't fall out of your pockets."

To the group, Murphy says, "Here's my suggestion. Let a few of us scout ahead briefly, see if we can find a good landing place - a broad roof or such - in the smiths' area. The scouts should travel invisibly. Once we find a good spot, we come back, and ferry or lead - I've got rope to hang onto - up into the ash, then down to the landing spot. Then we figure how to move forward from there."

[OOC: I hate scouting over the weekend. We have to wait so long to find out what happens!]

Should Murphy (& who wants to go with him for scouting?) et al find a good spot, he can run the ferry service. He wants to reach a healthy altitude above the ground where the 100-foot clear space runs as he crosses from the slums into the area above the smiths. At least 400 feet. Is it safe to assume the ash above the open space is about as close to the ground as it is above the slums and smithy area?
=================
Perception: 61, 45, 51, 49
ignore accidental d3
Survival (for finding a good spot): 29, 36, 28, 33
Stealth checks (adhering to tactics described in earlier posts): 40, 50, 50, 40

If only one or two recon dips are enough to discern a good target spot, then ignore the unused rolls.

DM Mitch
Friday February 18th, 2022 8:29:59 PM
(I thought of it more as giving you guys time to actually figure out which plan you like and commit to it - I'll try to chime in on e-mail if there are any questions on how spells might work in the demi-plane)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+46=56 ; d20+35=46 ; d20+22=32 ;
Friday February 18th, 2022 10:49:20 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor
Ki pts 13/13

Nikolai takes full advantage of the Mansion, as he's been in several versions of Pru's incredible imagination and foresight on its provisioning.

For those inside, he proposes a plan:
"With an expert trap finder and someone that can detect magic, I think a few of us can find a safe path through that field. Once that is done, we work our way through the streets to Flamescorn's old home. And if ogres are too dumb to know much, maybe one of those beaten down giants would appreciate freedom in exchange for information."

Since he does not need as much rest as the others, after having a good meal, he takes his pen and some parchment and heads to the edge of the slum area and open area. Invisible, concealing as best he can with his body and clothes, he sketches a rough draft of the open area between the slums and city immediately in front of him, about 100 yards wide.

When/if such a team of scouts forms, he directs them to start looking for traps, normal and magical, in a 20' wide area and going forward. He suggests they do so invisible. If no takers, he does his own checking.

Stealth +26 + 20(invisible) = 56
Perception + 35 = 46 vs Trap DC
Survival (Track) +22 = 32 look for tracks

Nikolai figures that if he finds tracks across the open field, then that path is probably safe.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Saturday February 19th, 2022 5:40:21 AM

"I wonder if we can free the storm giant. If so, there's a place on a side of a big mountain where they might take him in," Murphy considers.

"Sounds like an exciting plan, Nikolai. But better than flying over the thing? Maybe I've just gotten too used to taking to the air, but there usually is a lot less opposition there."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+27=43 ; d20+37=42 ;
Saturday February 19th, 2022 4:20:45 PM
Kezzem will recast his greater magic weapon and resist energy spells after resting.

"I can help look for traps," says Kezzem, "but I'm a bit rusty at disarming them these days."

Perception (Aid Another): 1d20 + 27 + 1 (Trapfinding) = 44.
Stealth: 1d20 + 17 + 20 (Invisible) = 42.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+27=43 ; d20+37=42 ;
Saturday February 19th, 2022 4:20:46 PM
Kezzem will recast his greater magic weapon and resist energy spells after resting.

"I can help look for traps," says Kezzem, "but I'm a bit rusty at disarming them these days."

Perception (Aid Another): 1d20 + 27 + 1 (Trapfinding) = 44.
Stealth: 1d20 + 17 + 20 (Invisible) = 42.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells d20+35=47 ;
Sunday February 20th, 2022 11:06:30 PM
Succotash realizes he isn't any good at disarming traps, but he is pretty good at perceiving things.(Perception 47) He also knows his skills as a stealthy mover are less than excellent, but his ears perk up at the mention of freeing a slave or two, especially the storm giant.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+6/196+6
Monday February 21st, 2022 4:28:14 AM

"I still vote for the air route." Murphy continues, "If by land, I can see how things are underground. Maybe, like below here, fairly solid hot rock down 30 to 40 feet, and lava flow under that. I simply think walking, sneaking, whatever, at ground level over that 100 foot gap [our DM had said 'about 100 feet', not 100 yards] is not the wisest option. It is kept clear of ash. The wires in the stone walls? Who knows that additional traps they may have set underground, as well as along the surface? I understand that is what you aim to discover. As an exercise, the on-the-ground approach may prove educational. As the best among available options, I'd be surprised."

He concludes, "I've already laid out how we can fly/ferry up in the air. So, are we aiming for a consensus? If you want to try your probes, Nikolai, I'm not opposed. But I think the non-aerial approch is fair more likely to raise a hue and cry, punctuated by heavy objects."

DM Mitch
Monday February 21st, 2022 8:51:13 AM
Succotash gets his rest, says his prayers and then queries Pressi more about why she thinks Airwalk is so risky.

Pressi explains the difficulty that Murphy and Tali had in navigating previously.

Succotash suggests keeping faces or heads out of the cloud or using Know Direction

Pru decides she doesn�t want to be roughing it so she casts a mage�s magnificent mansion creating a pocket reality inside a pocket reality (...creating POCKET REALITY-CEPTION!!!; anyone got a top?) She doesn�t bother renewing the mage armor as it lasts a crazy long time and only casts whatever other spells folks explicitly request. She suggests that with how crazy prepared the giants have been everywhere else they probably have some countermeasures to discourage walking through the empty space separating the slums from the rest of the city.

Murphy relates his experience with Know Direction and explains which direction is which. He thanks Pru for her mansion and ask Ketia how she is doing and if she has any suggestions.
Murphy tells Succotash that depending on if they stick out of the top of the cloud or the bottom of the cloud they might face different challenges. He suggests a scouting foray to find a decent roof to land on in the smith district then have that scout ferry or lead folks to the landing area and go from there.

Nikolai lays out the plan of using a trap finder and someone who can cast detect magic to navigate the open field. They would then work their way to Flamescorn�s old home and suggests trying one of the beaten down giants for information if the ogres are too dumb. He then goes to the edge of the slums and sketches a rough interpretation of the first 100 yards of that �no-man�s land.� If the party decides to scout the field he directs folks to look for traps in a 20 foot area and if he personally finds tracks across the field then taking it is probably safe.

Murphy wonders if they free a storm giant if they could find a place it would belong and complements Nikolai�s plan as being exciting but asks if walking the no-man�s land is better than flying over it as there is less opposition in the skies

Kezzem recasts his greater magic weapons and resist energy. He volunteers to look for traps but explains he�s a little rusty on disarming them these days.

Succotash also isn�t very good at disarming traps but he is good at perceiving things and while his skills at moving stealthy are less than ideal he is on board for freeing a storm giant or two.

Ketia makes a face. �You�ve all got your mental communication going on but with everyone invisible I kept losing track of you. It�s lucky I managed to find you here, almost just went on without you.�

The party discusses scouting and how to cross the gap. In the interest of moving things along I�m going to assume those who actually rolled stealth checks go look at the nearest part of the cleared zone to get a better idea of it. Kezzem looks and looks, but he can�t spy any cleverly hidden traps or dangers. It looks like just a plain, clear field. It also doesn�t seem to be closely watched, though of course giants, slaves, and whoever else happens to be around can see anyone or anything trying to cross it.

Profession: Soldier 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { this feature doesn�t seem to be designed for stopping infiltrators but armies. Presumably after an enemy somehow breached the walls and fought their way through the mazelike slums the giant army would have to fall back deeper into the city. The field gives them a clear space to do so, with fortified, high-roofed buildings on the other side to make good archer positions to shoot any pursuers and narrows street entrances to act as chokepoints at the other end. Once regrouped the giants would force the invaders to cross a kill field as rocks and arrows tore into them. Any traps or tricks would be more harmful to their retreating soldiers then their enemies, }

Another complication arises after the party ends their rest. It seems their rest also gave any giant casters a chance to rest as well, as a high wind starts to kick up over the city, near the bottom of the ash cloud. A windstorm that makes it difficult to fly over the roofs of buildings, though the buildings seem to break it up enough that it�s just kind of annoying at ground level. It seems to extend to just the edge of the slums.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells
Monday February 21st, 2022 11:46:53 AM
Succotash is starting to get annoyed as the giants seem to think of everything. "Well wind walk, or any other type of flight, is out. unless someone can deal with these winds. At this point, I'm ready to just charge forward and pray the gods watch our backs!" The cleric takes a deep breath, and regains his composure than asks, "Does anyone else have any ideas? We need to do something, and we should act soon! all this planning is great and all, but eventually we have to act."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 95/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+25=35 ;
Monday February 21st, 2022 10:08:01 PM
"Strangely, they still haven't thought of everything. Like making sure we don't just parkour our way along the buildings or through the streets. Or trying to get slaves involved. Or, and hear me out because I'm going to get obscure, trying to contact us in the hopes of learning something about us and maybe figure out some way to deal with the other supposedly more concerning break in."

She shook her head, and touched Succotash on the shoulder. "If we wanted, we have the collective power to level this city to the ground and be done with them. These are the big boys, the ones that studied how to keep everyone else out for years. If they truly thought of everything, they'd have a page of what WE did to repel invaders. We just have to keep not acting in the way they think an invader would act. We just have to keep up the crazy."

Pressi casts her rituals, heroes feast, planar adaptation, and moment of prescience.

After that, she briefly makes her way on to the roof briefly, and decides to test out how the winds are on the roof itself. "Anyone on the team have abysmal dexterity? I still think that we can use ropes and stealth to slowly make our way across this town."

She notes that she could give disarming traps a shot as needed (+20, and she has ways of boosting that) but it's growing on her that these guys really aren't that prepared for a small strike force. Even now, they aren't swarming though the city the way halflings would in a similar situation.

If the winds are too high, she heads back down. But either way, she begins to lead the group stealthily through the streets (stealth 35). "Let's save invisibility for the field as the easiest way to cross it. And in that part, I volunteer to go last... because I can use my broom to erase tracks as we slowly move across, and these bags of flour to replace the ash clouds. Fire giants aren't the only ones who think of everything."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Monday February 21st, 2022 10:18:38 PM
Ah...

Tali just goes along with Mister Murphy's suggestions.

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 860 Minutes
Endure Elements | 1235 minutes
Mage Armor | 860 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 860 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 45 Minutes

Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Used Spells slots
3x Invisibility

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) d20+9=18 ;
Monday February 21st, 2022 10:25:46 PM
[Profession: Soldier 18]

"That open space is meant to counter armies, not small strike forces," Pru says, frowning in thought. "In the event of an attack on the city, retreating defenders would have to cross that area to draw the armies after them. Which means it's unlikely to be trapped, since the traps would be just a likely to hurt friends as foes."

She sighs. "So we don't have to worry about pit traps and things like that. But it's still very exposed. If somebody even glances our way while we're trying to cross, we'll be spotted."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday February 21st, 2022 10:44:41 PM
Nikolai grins, "Great assessment, Honey. And armies usually don't have the capabilities to becomes invisible like our group. On the other hand, does anyone have any spells that could dig a hole deep enough to reach the lava river down below? If we could do that, we could divert some lava flows into town that might cause enough confusion for our invisible group to traverse this open space and get to the temple of Flamescorn's home."

He glances at the spellcasters hoping for some Fun with Lava.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Tuesday February 22nd, 2022 12:22:26 AM
"Murphey's only good at making wind," says Kezzem. "At least, I think. Murph, do you have anything that can break wind? And yes, I know what I just asked."

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+16=18 ; d20+43=60 ; d20+36=52 ;
Tuesday February 22nd, 2022 4:26:19 AM

"I can break wind all over you, Kezzem, any time you want."

"Well, Nikolai, I do have transmute rock to mud. I could cast move earth - but that takes lots of time - minimum ten minutes, and up to three hours. Pressi has a staff of earth and stone through which we can also cast move earth, as well as passwall. If we can summon a xorn, that sort of critter could dig the sort of tunnel we might use to divert the lava. If we open a path to the lava, a bunch of create water spells would certainly kick up lots of steam... I wonder, if a passageway is open, will the lava rise to street level? I'd guess so, but don't know so.

"As an earth elemental, I can glide easily through stone and earth - think of it as swimming through the ground - but swimming in lava might not be so fun, yet as a fire elemental, I could handle it."

"And yes, Pru - glad to have your knowledge of soldiery the better to figure such matters out."

I figure we have ~7 hours left of Planar Adaptation. Murphy casts additional spells just before they set out.

Murphy does figure should he use his air elemental form he himself would do fine, unless the wind speed above the roofs got over 125 hp. Even then, air elementals love moving air, and can still maintain perfect flight. But he would have to hustle or 'run' to go against so strong a wind. 100 mph or less? No worries for him - but for others, yes. "I could go air elemental and we could race along just below the level of the roofs and give people a thrill."

Bit he opts to join Pressi et al in working his way first westward across the slums, then northward toward the smith area - at least the slum side, just a bit shy of the open corridor. He is far inferior on stealth (18), however. Not his strong suit, especially if not invisible. "Would it be better if I wild shaped into an allosaurus or behemoth hippopotamus carrying carpenter's tools, pretending I'm on my way to work?" he asks. "Or, better still, let me fly up above in the ash, and... could someone turn me invisible, please? Tali, maybe?"

If he can go invisible, he will head up into the ash cloud, figuring the strong winds might provide a sort of cover for him, anyway. Only if they reach super-gale speeds (180mph+) might he reconsider. If they were going that fast, though, likely some roofs - even stone roofs - will be ripped away here and there. If someone wants to join him in the air, he makes certain they first are multiply-rope secured, lest they be airlifted off of him.

================
Stealth as halfling: 18
Perception: 60 (very good multi-sense perception)
Stealth as invisible air elemental: 52 (which may, should the DM deem it, have a few extra points - +5 to 57? - added due to the atmospheric conditions. Who's going to notice a disturbance in the air when all the air is disturbed, anyway?)

DM Mitch
Tuesday February 22nd, 2022 7:01:59 AM
Succotash observes the wind pick up, reflects on how the giants seem to think of everything and that now going by air seems to be out. He suggests just charging forward and praying to the Gods to watch their back. He asks if anyone has any ideas and points out they need to act soon.

Pressi suggests the giants haven�t thought of anything like preventing folks from parkouring through the buildings or streets or getting the slaves involved or contacting the party. She also points out the party has the collective power to level the city and be done with them and if the giants really thought of everything the party wouldn�t be where they are. She suggests they keep acting crazy and not like invaders and they�ll be fine. She advocates for ropes and stealth to navigate where they want to go and points out she could help disarm traps before volunteering to lead the party stealthily through the streets.

Tali goes along with Murphy�s suggestion.

(OOC: Congratulations JonPaul, wishing the newlyweds a happy marriage)

Pru turns her soldier�s eye to the open space and points out its strategic purpose against an invading army. She reasons aside from the exposure of the open space there won�t be much risk in navigating it.

Nikolai complements his wife�s assessment and then reasons that armies don�t normally have the capabilities their small group has. He asks if anyone has the capability to dig a hole to the lava river in order to confuse enough confusion and allow their group to move where they need to without being harassed.

Kezzem reasons Murphy is only good at making wind unless the druid has some means to actually break wind.

Murphy talks about spells that could dig, ways to move through the earth, He also tests the windspeed and requests invisibility.

Murphy had earlier, while resting, checked out the earth below so is able to share the following information. The entire area seems to be volcanic, with lava flows just under the surface. This makes any form of earthgliding or tunneling unfeasible. Creating a distraction by tunneling up lava would be very easy, though the lava does not seem to be under high pressure so might not come bursting out of any hole made - you might just get a hole with lava at the bottom.

The wind seems to be specifically at windstorm levels - that is, between 51�74 mph. Medium sized creatures wouldn�t be able to fly forward and small ones blown away, but it might be navigable with the party�s access to high level spells. It does seem to get faster the higher up you go, but unless you head deep into the ash clouds it doesn�t change enough to matter (IE, closer to 51 MPH in the open air, closer to the 74 MPH while in the very bottom of the clouds).

Pressi�s ready to lead everyone through the city as soon as they roll stealth checks. The constant patrols have died down but things are still tense. Both slaves and giant patrols look very wary. You�ll probably have to pass close to only 1 patrol on the way across the slums.

The slaves don�t seem to have any chains or anything to keep them from escaping. They are all wearing small glowing jewelry, but considering they aren�t dead from heat stroke that seems less of a restraint and more of a minor magical item to let them operate in the volcanic demi-plane. If the party wanted to free a slave they would have to escort them to the exit to the plane.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells d20+21=26 ; d20+36=54 ;
Tuesday February 22nd, 2022 10:40:24 AM
Succotash follows Pressi, hoping he remains undetected (Stealth 26), all the while he is scanning the area, looking for threats, or something helpful. (Perception 54)

active spells:
Succotash
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
Planar adaptation

Valerie
Heroes feast (16 temp HP)
Planar adaptation

Daily stuff:
channel energy (10d6) 10/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 190/190
Quicken rod (normal) 3/3

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 164/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d8+9=10 ; d3=3 ; d8+9=14 ; d20+25=32 ; d20+25=44 ;
Tuesday February 22nd, 2022 8:57:05 PM

"Now, one thing I will grant you that's frustrating. These guys have no love for the dramatic and that sucks. No cat and mouse diplomacy? No running along buildings? The more I think about it, the more I wonder if this plane has any purpose other than to let giants stare at the paper and shout angrily at clouds. If I visit a bar, do they serve something other than prune juice here?"

She takes some time to study the jewelry and slave outfits before copying it using a mix of prestidigitation, dancing lights, and her own glammer armor. "Just in case I do have to talk our way out of this. Ok, no insults, no threats, but no offers either, maybe more appeals to ego..."

For her part, she doesn't have any plans to free any slaves, having seen the heavy lift it was with the last one.

She continues to sneak around (slealth 32, perception 44). If any patrols seem to be zeroing in on them, she readies ghost sound to mimic the sounds of halflings 2 blocks away.

Prudence Komonov (Kathy) d20+8=19 ;
Tuesday February 22nd, 2022 9:48:46 PM
Pru casts Invisibility on herself and Murphy. Then she follows Pressi as quietly as she can.

[Stealth 39]

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20=6 ; d20=19 ;
Tuesday February 22nd, 2022 10:08:06 PM
Step by Step

So, as everyone near Mister Murphy is being stealthy and observant, so will Tali.

Skill Checks:
Perception: x + 16 = 6 + 16 = 22
Stealth: x + 14 = 19 + 14 = 33

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 850 Minutes
Endure Elements | 1225 minutes
Mage Armor | 850 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 850 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 35 Minutes

Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Used Spells slots
3x Invisibility

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+46=48 ; d20+35=50 ;
Tuesday February 22nd, 2022 10:31:49 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility
Ki pts 13/13

A little disappointed in the nature of the lava flow underneath, Nikolai shrugs, "Well, this is a pocket dimension, so it would make sense there's no underground pressure to make the lava spew out, although anti-gravity over hole and reaches down to the lava surface would do it. But..."

Turning to Pressi, he comments in an even tone, but with sincerity, "You truly think this group can level a city this size? Consider the magics involved in creating this place to begin with, and that we just barely stirred up the few active guards. You think you can take on the whole Fire Giant Army with its wizards out for bear? I'd not be surprised at all if our next encounter includes a way to remove our invisibility. So, they haven't thought of everything? Don't delude yourself."

Nikolai takes ahold of Pru's before she goes invisible and when she does, he does too.

Stealth +26 + 20(invisible) = 48 (kinda hard keeping Stealth while sneaking a smooch with a giggling wife)
Perception + 35 = 50

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+37=41 ;
Wednesday February 23rd, 2022 1:20:46 AM
"New guy my have a point," says Kezzem. "We do tend to die a lots. Let's try to avoid another trip to Gargul if we can avoid it."

Stealth: 1d20 + 17 + 20 (Invis) = 41.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+36=52 ; d20+43=52 ;
Wednesday February 23rd, 2022 6:49:57 AM

Murphy thanks Pru for invisibility. He then goes to one of his places of comfort as a huge air elemental after getting out his rope harness. If any care to firmly secure themselves via the harness, he'll bring them along to enjoy buffeting winds. He flies on the border along the street near the rooftops.
≈============
Stealth: 52
Perception: 52

DM Mitch d20+16=31 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+16=26 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+16=34 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+29=40 ; 3d6+26=37 ;
Wednesday February 23rd, 2022 6:55:48 AM
Succotash follows Pressi hoping he remains undetected while scanning for threats or anything helpful.
Pressi laments that the giants have no love for the dramatic and wonders if this realm exists for no other reason than for the giants to stare at paper and shout at clouds. She also changes her outfit in case she has to talk her way out of things.
Pru makes herself and Murphy invisible and follows after Pressi.

Tali joins the others in being stealthy and observant.

Nikolai is disappointed by the nature of the lava flow underneath and suggests this is due to the nature of the pocket dimension. He raises doubts about being able to level the city and suggests they shouldn�t underestimate the giants. When Pru goes to turn invisible he grabs hold of her, so he can become invisible too and steals a smooch as this is a honeymoon after all.

Kezzem comments on how often the party dies.

The party proceeds. With their perception they're able to spot giant patrols from afar and work to avoid them and with things having calmed down a little they do well but as expected a point comes where they�ll have to pass relatively close to a giant patrol due to being between a few. The party ends up having to cross a street with a giant patrol about 70 feet away or have another patrol walk into them.

Most of the party crosses without being noticed. Pressi gets a glance, but at that distance her disguise efforts works and the giants don�t react. Succotash gets unlucky though, happening to cross just as the patrol does an about face and heads back the opposite direction. Seeing him, the giants point, yell, and charge.

Still at over 60 feet the giants in heavy, slowing armor shouldn�t be able to reach the halfling. Shouldn�t. They cross the gap in a literal second, crowding the street. It�s too narrow for more then one giant to swing at him, but that lead giant makes a power attack, slashing the halfling for 37 damage.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 184/184](Kathy) d4=3 ; d4=3 ;
Wednesday February 23rd, 2022 3:02:37 PM
Oh, bother.

Pru casts Time Stop and gains 4 rounds of apparent time.

round 1: Pru casts Haste on the party.
round 2: Pru moves up and casts Greater Heroism on Succcotash.
round 3: Pru casts Summon Monster VIII to summon 4 Huge air elementals in the air above the giants
round 4: Pru casts Reverse Gravity where the giants are (to a height of 30 ft), then returns to her starting position

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 164/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+17=19 ; d20+19=34 ;
Wednesday February 23rd, 2022 4:01:14 PM
(OOC to all: don't forget the extra HP from heroes feast.)

Pressi stares at Nick. "I'm quite aware of the dangers involved," she finally said as the giants began to pass. "They haven't thought of everything because they don't understand us, that's our advantage. Also, nobody thought that some chucklehead with a diamond and a wish spell could just start the volcano eruption, but that's another rant."

Pressi is about to get back to an almost volcanic discussion with Nick, when the shouts begin, and as the giants begin to run towards them. "Well, Nick, looks like you're about to get your 'I told you so' moment."

Squeezing past Succotash, she taps the giant on the shoulder, her eyes glowing green with various runes in the pupils (Lore Keeper, Touch Attack hits AC 19, Knowledge roll equivalent 40). Pulling back (spring attack, acro roll 34), she casts a quickened shield of faith upon herself.

"Murphy, can we get some winds of our own to deflect any incoming fire? Succotash, Tali, now's a good time for some range spells, no more holding back, that ship sailed long ago. Prudence, very nice. And can someone guard the other direction? I'd really prefer not to be a giant sandwich."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday February 23rd, 2022 5:29:21 PM
Kezzem will cast divine favor (standard action) on himself. He will also detect evil (move action) on the apparent giant leader or otherwise the nearest giant (60 ft. range). He will step forward to put himself between the giants and the rest of the party (either 5 ft. step if he can use detect evil or moves 20 ft. towards them if he cannot).

DM Mitch
Wednesday February 23rd, 2022 6:56:01 PM

Map

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 164/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Wednesday February 23rd, 2022 8:22:54 PM
(OOC: Footer)

Pressi Actives

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Planar Adaptation
Heroes Feast
Moment of Prescience
Shield of Faith
Haste (from Pru)

L1: 0/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 0/6+1
L4: 0/5+1
L5: 2/5+1
L6: 1/5+1
L7: 0/4+1
L8: 1/2+1
L9: 0/1+1

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Wednesday February 23rd, 2022 8:48:57 PM
Oh here comes a 5 OG's

Tali, not wasting any time, casts Prismatic Wall spell at the position between 18U & 19U covering the width of (10 feet) from U to V with a height of 36 feet.

Spell Attack:
Prismatic Wall cast at level 18:
Saving Throw vs My Spell: 36

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 840 Minutes
Endure Elements | 1215 minutes
Mage Armor | 840 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 840 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 25 Minutes

Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Used Spells slots
3x Invisibility

{OOC: this assumes each box is 5 ft sq. }

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Wednesday February 23rd, 2022 8:49:24 PM

"Yep!" Murphy answers Pressi.

He goes full whirlwind. He comes in on top of Giant 1 (G1) [I gave a number to each giant so we'll know who we are talking about], slamming him. He goes down the line, hitting G2, G3, G4, G5, and a bit behind G5. He then reverses course and slams again into G5, G4, G3, G2, G1, then back to G2, where he generously shares the space, requiring the giants to get past him - except for G1, who can dance nearly alone with the rest of the party.

[I will handle the combat rolls later tonight - I just got off work, and have to drive to another place -Kim]

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Wednesday February 23rd, 2022 9:06:01 PM

NOTE TO ALL: To help keep track of changes over time, use the bottom tabs. "RND1 DM" shows what DM Mitch posted to start out the combat. Put any moves and changes on 'RND1 PCs'.

Late tonight, we can (or DM Mitch can) Duplicate the 'RND1 PCs' to make the 'RND2 DM' tab for Mitch to make any changes to what happens next.

Thanks, all!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 119/135 Valerie AC 40/14(16)/35(34) CMD 42(34) HP 157(133)/157(133) (33 temp) Spells d20+33=43 ; d20+33=46 ; d20+33=51 ; d20+33=38 ; d20+33=41 ; d20+33=47 ; 3d6+23=34 ; 3d6+23=30 ; 3d6+23=36 ; d8+23=31 ; d6=1 ; d4+23=26 ; d4+23=25 ; d6=3 ; d20=18 ; d6=1 ; 2d6=2 ; 2d6=10 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=3 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d4=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday February 23rd, 2022 9:37:05 PM
Succotash takes a 5 ft step back, and than casts divine favor on Valerie.The Dino than takes a 5 ft step forward, and goes all in on the nearest giant.

Left Talon hits AC 45 for 34 damage +2 bane +1 shock and 2 frost
Right Talon hits AC 48 for 30 damage + 10 bane + 4 shock and 3 frost
Divine Talon hits AC 53 for 36 damage + 4 bane +2 shock and 6 frost
Bite hits AC 40 for 33 damage +3 bane + 1 shock and 3 frost
Left claw hits AC 43 for 29 damage +9 bane + 2 shock and 4 frost
Right claw hits AC 49 for 26 damage +6 bane + 5 shock and 5 frost
(Forgot to add +2 for giant bane)

active spells:
Succotash
Heroes feast (0 temp HP)
Planar adaptation

Valerie
Heroes feast (16 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Divine Power (19 temp HP)

Daily stuff:
channel energy (10d6) 10/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 190/190
Quicken rod (normal) 2/3

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday February 24th, 2022 12:42:04 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility
Ki pts 13/13

With all the magic flying about, Nikolai decides to stick by Pru, readying himself for a patrol coming from behind.

DM Hugh - rolls d20+16=33 ; d100=25 ; d20+14=21 ; d20+14=20 ; d20+14=32 ; d20=11 ; d20+9=27 ; d3=3 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+9=28 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+20=36 ; d20+15=35 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+10=19 ;
Thursday February 24th, 2022 1:35:18 AM
(OOC: scratchpad)

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 2d8+11=26 ; 2d8+11=23 ; 2d8+11=23 ; 2d8+11=24 ; 2d8+11=23 ; 2d8+11=15 ; 2d8+11=16 ; 2d8+11=24 ; 2d8+11=23 ; 2d8+11=23 ; 6d6=17 ; 6d6=20 ; 6d6=24 ; 6d6=30 ; 6d6=16 ;
Thursday February 24th, 2022 4:07:50 AM

Murphy does not have enough travel length to do as written in the quick post. He will simply travel down to G5, then up in the air from there, to a height of 60', and drop from there any who were sucked up into the whirlwind's vortex (60' because he was at 10' above street level on lower end of vortex).

Each giant needs to make a Reflex save DC:23, or it takes damage as though from a slam attack. If it fails its 1st save, it then needs to try a 2nd DC 23 Reflex save, or be sucked up into the vortex. (DC is 23, as Greater Air Elemental, rather than 21, as Huge Air Elemental, due to powerful shape from legacy item.) I don't know whether bonuses 'to hit' from Haste (+1), Greater Magic Fang (+4) and Heroes' Feast (+1) would affect Reflex Save DC... if so, DC 29?

Slam damage is 2d8+7 +4 from Magic Fang, Greater. So 2d8+11.

Giant1 - Reflex Save DC23 or (slam equivalent) Damage 2d8+11=26; G1 2nd Ref Save DC23 or be sucked up into whirlwind
Giant2 - Ref DC23 or Dam 23; G2 2nd Ref DC23 or sucked up
Giant3 - DC23 or Dam 23; G5 DC23 or sucked up
Giant4 - DC23 or Dam 24; G5 DC23 or sucked up
Giant5 - DC23 or Dam 23; G5 DC23 or sucked up

Ignore rolls #6-10. If any were sucked up, then falling damage will be: 17, 20, 24, 30, 16 (likely not all 5 - just use as many as were caught up). I don't know if landing on top of others will effect additional damage on 'landing pads.'

While in whirlwind form, Murphy is not subject to attacks of opportunity.

Effects in place (refreshed just before heading out with group)
Heroes' Feast (16 temp hp) 12 hours
Longstrider 18 hours
Magic Fang, Greater (+4) 18 hours
Planar Adaptation 7 hours (of 18) (from Prudence) "Planar adaptation grants you immunity to the harmful environmental effects of a particular plane of existence, including such hazards as toxicity, extreme temperatures, and lack of air. Additionally, you gain energy resistance 20 to a single energy type prevalent on that plane (choose one if more than one type is equally prevalent)." (fire chosen)
Protection from Energy (fire) 3 hours
Resist Energy (cold) (30 points per damage incident) 3 hours
Has natural resistance to electricity: 20 points
Stoneskin 3 hours (150 hp, adamantine DR/10)
Freedom of Movement 3 hours
Foresight (9th level divination spell) 3 hours
Mage Armor 3 hours
[Invisibility 18 minutes - lost with whirlwind attacks]

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Thursday February 24th, 2022 5:32:03 AM

Oh, I forgot about haste. He could drop them from, let's be conservative, 10' higher, so a 70' drop. Feel free to roll an extra 1d6 to add to any of the falling damage.

Also - he went around Tali's wall prior to dropping onto the first giant - I'm using up the extra 20' from haste to cover that.

DM Mitch d20+9=21 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+9=25 ; d20+9=19 ; d20+9=28 ; d100=89 ; d100=11 ; d100=13 ; d100=36 ; d100=6 ; d100=55 ; d20+29=49 ; d20+29=31 ; d20+24=27 ; d20+19=33 ; 6d6+26=42 ; 3d6+26=37 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+20=26 ; d10=1 ; d8=3 ; d8=2 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday February 24th, 2022 7:42:34 AM
Pru casts Time Stop and gains 4 rounds. She hastes the party, casts greater heroism on Succotash, she summons 4 huge air elementals above the giants reverse gravity on them.

When time resumes 3 of the giants have managed to grab onto something and do not up due to the reverse gravity. The other 2 are affected as normal.

Pressi makes a touch attack to gain insight into their attackers and then springs away.

Kezzem casts divine favor on himself and detect evil on the nearest giant then tries to put himself between the others and harm�s way. Kezzem detects the presence of evil

Tali throws up a prismatic wall between the party and the giants

Murphy turns into a whirlwind and touches down and spreads havoc among the giants

Succotash casts Divine Favor on Valerie and sees the dino attack the nearest giant doing 204 total damage. The giant twists out of the way of attacks faster then should be possible, making one attack miss, and it�s skin or armor seems to blunt even the magically enhanced strikes of Valerie

Nikolai sticks near Pru and braces for an attack by the other patrol

Pressi realizes the following:

Highlight to display spoiler: {
These giants have an ability called split second where they can move with such speed that they appears to be in two places at once. As a full-round action, they can move up double to its movement, then take a standard action at their original location, and one at their new location. They may use the action at its new location to charge and/or pounce, or to make an attack using Spring Attack (which counts as its additional standard action). They are treated as being at both locations for purposes of provoking attacks of opportunity from all actions taken (at either location) or threatening and being threatened, until the end of its action. Once they have taken all their actions, they come to rest exclusively at its new position. They cannot use split second two rounds in a row.

These giants also have an ability called Duck Aside (Ex) : Any round they do not use their split second ability they have a +20% chance to step away from any attack that would otherwise hit it. This stacks with any miss chance due to concealment.

These giants are immune to fire, cold ,mind-affecting(except detect thoughts), sleep, and paralysis

These giants have SR 22

These giants are affected by a constant freedom of movement effect
}

Ketia sees the party is committing to the fight. She immediately casts silence on the spot the giant sergeant (#3) stands so he can�t blow his horn and summon the nearby patrolls. As long as you keep him from moving out of the area you should be clear to kill this patrol and keep moving without an alert going off again.

The Giants

Giant 4 and Giant 5 pull out great bows and fire off a total of 6 arrows at Valerie but none manage to hurt the dinosaur.

Giant 1 takes all the punishment Succotash can dish out and lives. With a fierce smile and a salute made awkward by the reverse gravity he responds with a crit and a hit for 105 damage.

Giants 2 and 3 instead look for the biggest threat and pick out the caster who reversed gravity. Pulling themselves up the wall to see the rooftop they look for Pru and nail her with a rock for 23 damage + 4 fire damage.

HP Tracker:

Giant 1: on ground - AC30; 204 damage
Giant 2: on ground
Giant 3: on ground - 23 damage
Giant 4 30 feet in air - 24 damage
Giant 5: 30 feet in air
Ketia: 0 damage

Note: For attacks, 20% miss chance, for spells, SR 22 - PCs please roll these

Map

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 119/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 119/133Spells d100=22 ; d100=39 ; d100=95 ; d100=92 ; d100=29 ; d100=86 ; d20+35=53 ; d20+35=39 ; d20+35=53 ; d20+35=46 ; d20+35=46 ; d20+35=40 ; 3d6+23=35 ; 3d6+23=34 ; 3d6+23=39 ; d8+23=29 ; d6=3 ; d4+23=27 ; d6=2 ; d4+23=27 ; d6=5 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=3 ; 2d6=10 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=7 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d8=6 ; d8=8 ; d8=4 ; d8=6 ;
Thursday February 24th, 2022 12:34:29 PM
Valerie continues her assault on G1. As Valerie is finishing her assault on G1, Succotash takes a 5 ft step forward, and swaps out a dimensional anchor to cast Cure Critical Wounds on Valerie, healing her 43 HP

Left Talon (22%) hits AC 53 for 35 damage + 9 bane, 3 shock, and 4 frost
Right Talon (39%) hits AC 39 for 34 damage + 4 bane, 4 shock, and 3 frost
Divine Talon (95%) hits AC 53 for 39 damage + 3 bane, 6 shock and 1 frost
Bite (92%) hits AC 46 for 32 damage + 10 bane, 2 shock, and 3 frost
Left claw (29%) hits AC 46 for 29 damage + 5 bane, 6 shock, and 1 frost
Right claw (86%) hits AC 40 for 32 damage + 7 bane, 5 shock, and 1 frost
(Forgot to mention last round that Valerie's damage is non-lethal, due to the mercy on her Amulet of Mighty Fists.)

active spells:
Succotash
Heroes feast (0 temp HP)
Planar adaptation

Valerie
Heroes feast (0 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Divine Power (0 temp HP)

Daily stuff:
channel energy (10d6) 10/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 190/190
Quicken rod (normal) 3/3

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) 2d6+6=14 ; 2d6+6=17 ; 2d6+6=9 ; 2d6+6=18 ; d20+24=30 ; 20d6=76 ;
Thursday February 24th, 2022 2:49:19 PM
Pru scoffs at 4 fire damage, but does take damage from the rock.

Last round, Pru summoned 4 Huge air elementals. Let's call them Breezy, Puffy, Windy, and Gale. They join Murphy in whirlwind-ing the giants. They concentrate on Giants 4 and 5, dropping in between the buildings to reach them. Breezy and Windy attack Giant 4, who must make 2 DC 21 Reflex saves or take 14 and 17 points of damage. Puff and Gale attack Giant 5, who must make 2 DC 21 Reflex saves or take 9 and 18 points of damage.

[I did not put them on the map as it's getting a little cluttered. They're staying out of Murphy's way.]

Since the three floating giants are all in a nice line, Pru casts Chain Lightning on them, with Giant 3 as the primary. [SR check 30] Giants 1, 2, and 3 each take 76 points of damage, Reflex save for half. Giant 3's save DC is 23; the others are 21.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+34=53 ; d20+34=47 ; d3+29=30 ; 2d6=11 ; d3+29=31 ; d20+32=37 ; d20+27=41 ; d20+22=31 ; d3+29=31 ; d3+29=32 ; d3+29=32 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=12 ; 2d6=8 ; d20+35=43 ; d20+30=41 ; d20+25=39 ; d3+27=29 ; d3+27=29 ; d3+27=29 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d10+6=16 ;
Thursday February 24th, 2022 3:39:13 PM
"He slices, he dices, he makes giant fries!"

Kezzem 5 ft. steps towards G1 and unloads with his daggers. Activating Smite Evil.

----

And now the fun part of playing a self-buffing two-weapon fighter.

+1 Giant-Bane Dagger:
Attack: 29 + 2 (Bane) + 3 (Divine Favor) + 2 (Greater Magic Weapon) + 3 (Smite) = 39
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 2 (Bane) + 3 (Divine Favor) + 2 (Greater Magic Weapon) + 17 Smite = 1d3 + 29

Attack #1: 1d20 + 39 - 2 (Greater Two-Weapon Fighting) = 56.
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 39 - 2 (Greater Two-Weapon Fighting) = 50.
Damage: 1d3 + 29 + 2d6 (Bane) = 30 + 11 = 41.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 29 = 31.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 39 - 7 (GTWF) = 37.
Damage: 1d3 + 29 + 2d6 (Bane) = 31 + 7 = 38.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 39 - 12 (GTWF) = 41
Damage: 1d3 + 29 + 2d6 (Bane) = 32 + 12 = 44.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 39 - 17 (GTWF) = 31.
Damage: 1d3 + 29 + 2d6 (Bane) = 32 + 8 = 40.

+1 Frog Dagger:
Attack: 29 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 2 (Greater Magic Weapon) + 3 (Smite) = 37.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 2 (Greater Magic Weapon) + 17 Smite = 1d3 + 27.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 37 - 2 (GTWF) = 43.
Damage: 1d3 + 27 + 1d6 Frost = 29 + 6 = 35.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 37 - 7 (GTWF) = 41.
Damage: 1d3 + 27 + 1d6 Frost = 29 + 1 = 30

Attack #2: 1d20 + 37 - 12 (GTWF) = 39.
Damage: 1d3 + 27 + 1d6 Frost = 29 + 1 = 30.

Two-Weapon Rend (if 43 hits)
Damage: 1d10 + 6 = 16.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday February 24th, 2022 3:40:00 PM
That should be a frost dagger, not a frog dagger, though this is Kezzem, so I wouldn't put it past him.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Thursday February 24th, 2022 7:48:53 PM
Prismatics

Tali, not wasting any time, casts another Prismatic Wall spell at the position covering the width of 10 feet from 22X & 23X with a height of 36 feet. Hopefully, cutting off their quickest way around the first wall.

Unless something changes, the next spell will also be another Prismatic Wall spell at the position covering the width of 10 feet from 22S & 23S with a height of 36 feet. Hopefully, cutting off their quickest way around the other walls.

Spell Attack:
Prismatic Wall cast at level 18:
DC Saving Throw vs My Spell: 36

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 830 Minutes
Endure Elements | 1205 minutes
Mage Armor | 830 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 830 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 15 Minutes

Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Used Spells slots
3x Invisibility
2x Prismatic Wall

{OOC: this assumes each box is 5 ft sq. }

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 144/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Thursday February 24th, 2022 9:00:48 PM

Pressi's felt pride at actually reaching the giant, despite such a lousy stumble (natural 2) for her touch attack. For a decent while, she smiled as facts swirled before her eyes, green glints of light flowing from her touch to her head, finally learning what was to be dealt with.

And then the smile faded, as she began to see just how prepared these giants were. Succotash and Nick were right to consider the darkness, much as she would never admit to it.

Shouting over the winds and spells, messaging whoever she could, she began to bark orders.

"Move back," she shouted to Kezzem. "They're immune to cold too, and they have an extra ability to occasionaaly dodge attacks when they don't speed burst. They've also got some sort of speed boost, can be almost in two places at once, double movement and charge or pounce, boost, boost, boost, error, error... Wow, I thought I had a ridiculous build. Divination should have mentioned we were fighting in munchkin land.

"But I digress.... Seriously, does that power set come with a years worth of steaks? Ok, now I'm done."

Pressi took a deep breath, thinking. "Prudence, good job on the lightning and summons. Tali, good with the walls. Murphy, we need lightning and reflex spells that don't get beat by freedom of movement. Succotash, do you or Valerie need assistance? Hobie, hell of a time to take a break. Ketia, guess we're deciding to forgo sonic damage. Probably wise."

And as Tali finished her wall, she realized she didn't know her next move. So she just followed a quickened surender blood by reaching out and animating every object in the street she could see, particularly rocks as the giants throw them. (22 levels worth: 2 large, 4 medium, 6 small. She orders them to target Giant 5 from behind.)

-------------

Pressi Actives

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Planar Adaptation
Heroes Feast
Moment of Prescience
Shield of Faith
Haste (from Pru)

L1: 0/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 0/6+1
L4: 0/5+1
L5: 3/5+1
L6: 1/5+1
L7: 1/4+1
L8: 1/2+1
L9: 0/1+1

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+26=42 ; d20+35=43 ;
Thursday February 24th, 2022 10:02:44 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility
Ki pts 13/13

Nikolai mentally warns Pru, 'Mind those rocks will ya?' out of anger that he can't deflect rocks like a Stone Giant Monk could.
Out loud he shouts, "You guys with Shape Stone or Transmute Rock, or whatever, target those foundation walls and pull down some of those buildings on those rock loving bas...."

Stealth +26 + 40(invisible) = 42 + 40 = 82
Perception + 35 = 43 keeping an eye on their rear flank.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 18d6=63 ; d20+22=24 ; d20+22=38 ; d20+22=37 ; d20+22=24 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+4=15 ; d20+4=9 ; d100=9 ; d100=73 ; d100=83 ; d100=82 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+4=12 ; d3=3 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+4=20 ; d100=96 ; d8=5 ; d100=24 ; d100=66 ; d100=57 ; d100=44 ; d100=48 ; d100=49 ; d100=68 ; d100=30 ; 2d8+11=20 ; 2d8+11=24 ; 2d8+11=17 ; 2d8+11=25 ; 2d8+11=16 ; 2d8+11=18 ; 2d8+11=20 ; 2d8+11=24 ; 2d8+11=18 ;
Friday February 25th, 2022 5:17:55 AM

Since Murphy caught no fire giants in the vortex, then rising high to drop them would not have been a thing. So figure ending height last round was 45, not 60 (and really, he would have just used more flybys against them than he did, with a lower altitude still, but that's water over the bridge).

Murphy hears Pressi's request, and casts chain lightning, striking for the tail end of fire giant #2, and going back to G3, G4, and G5. Their spell resistance is not enough to overcome Murphy's level and feats (and rolls). The first needs a Reflex save DC 35, and the rest vs DC 33. As the book Reflex save for Fire Giants is +4... only one of them manages to come within 10 points of making that save (all fail). One of them (G1) makes a 20% Duck Aside roll, but the rest (G3, G4, G5) take full damage of 63 hp electrical damage each... unless the DM has some other means for them to overcome this 6th level spell. If Duck Aside does not count, all four of them (G2 included) each take the 63 damage. If by some means unknown to this player they make a save, damage is halved for that person.

Murphy uses his movement to simply bounce between G2, G3 and G4 several times. With a total movement of 155 this round, he manages 3 connections each.

I'm assuming that with freedom of movement, none will be pulled into the vortex of swirling air, but each must make several Reflex Saves DC23 (really, each needs a nat 20), or they take slam damage each time he enters their space - unless they get to use Duck Aside for as many attacks as they might otherwise receive each round... for which I rolled - none made Duck Aside (needed 20 or lower, rolls were: 96, 24, 66, 57, 44, 48, 49, 68, 30).
Each is connected with 3 times.

Ignore d3=3 and d8=5 rolls (roll chart scoots down when another line of rolls scrolls, so it causes a missed mouse click). With the exception of one duck aside against chain lightning, all other saves and resistances failed for them, and no other duck asides were effective.

G2 takes: 20+24+17=61 hp slam damage.
G3 takes: 25+16+18=59 hp slam damage.
G4 takes: 20+24+19=63 hp slam damage.

Summary:
G2: 61 hp (unless duck aside not used, then add another 63 electrical damage for 124 total)
G3: 63 electrical and 59 slam for 122 total
G4: 63 electrical and 63 slam for 126 total
G5: 63 electrical

Murphy has just enough movement to end his turn at an altitude of his vortex at 40' still leaving 15' of movement.

As he whirls about, he speaks Auran to his fellow air elementals, with words of rejoicing at being able to beat up nasty fire giants together, and enjoying the swift movement of air about them.

As he resumes a spot back up a bit above the buildings, he chats with some of his friends.

"Nikolai, transmute rock to mud just works on unworked stones - not on these buildings - sorry!" Murphy explains.

"Way to wall them in, Tali" he comments.

"Have I told you lately just how remarkable you are, [b]Pressi?"[/i] he asks.

DM Mitch
Friday February 25th, 2022 5:48:39 AM
Due to confusion with the map only 2 characters actually made valid actions. The melee fighters who advanced could not due to the wall and the casters who casted could not see through the wall to cast their various spells. As such I'm just going to have to invalidate the entire last round. I couldn't think of any way to advance it with so many invalid actions. The map has been cleaned up - please choose new actions over the weekend (Tali, Valerie, and Murphy's actions remain valid should they wish to leave them the same, but please post stating they do as described in your previous post)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 144/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Friday February 25th, 2022 1:39:49 PM
Pressi thinks for a bit in regards to the prismatic wall keeping the giants away from them. "You know, technically we could just leave at this point. Wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't raise the option."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Friday February 25th, 2022 2:37:45 PM
If the wall is in the way, Kezzem will instead cast shield other on Pressi and then fly up on his carpet to just below the top of the wall (so he can peek out next round with a 5' foot step and lob daggers over it).

"Ah crap, my giant-bane dagger is not returning so I can't throw it at them," says Kezzem. "Well, I can throw it, but only once."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 117/133Spells d8=8 ; d8=1 ; d8=7 ; d100=87 ; d8=4 ; d8=3 ;
Friday February 25th, 2022 3:29:46 PM
Valerie's action remains the same, but Succotash's is obviously going to be different.

Succotash quickly responds to Pressi withdrawal suggestion by saying, "I'm not leaving Valerie behind, and she's stuck on the other side of this wall!" The Cleric than uses his metamagic rod to swiftly cast fly on himself. He than flies to the top of the wall. Once at the top, he swaps a Summon Monster 8 for Mass Cure Critical Wounds healing every ally in range 41 HP.
(Please ignore the d100 roll. I bumped it by accident.)

active spells:
Succotash
Heroes feast (0 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Fly

Valerie
Heroes feast (0 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Divine Power (0 temp HP)

Daily stuff:
channel energy (10d6) 10/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 190/190
Quicken rod (normal) 2/3

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Friday February 25th, 2022 3:47:30 PM

Murphy responds to all regarding Pressi's point, "If you'd like, I can provide air taxi. If we're going to do that, Succotash, tell Valerie to let me pick her up. I carried her once before, so she should be good with it. The giant in front will likely try to bash me as I grab and dash, but I should survive."

"SHALL WE FLY OUT, GANG?" Murphy asks all telepathically. For those who are still invisible, he says, "Tell me where you are, I'll pick you up."

If Succotash is good with that, and the party is good with the notion of flying out of there - Murphy is the means to transport everyone, and has the harness to do it with. [If the party agrees to flying out, he will not have gone through his whirlwind attacks and such already posts. If the party does not agree, then let my prior posts stand. I hope they agree! - we can avoid much expenditure of resources, and be perhaps better prepared to advance and maybe succeed should there be another encounter. Will post again once enough of you have decided whether fight or flight is the wiser course. As Murphy and Pressi are in favor of flight, if we have 3 more 'Fly' votes, we can implement that plan. If four 'Fight' votes come in, then we carry on with the fire giants.]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 117/133Spells
Friday February 25th, 2022 5:38:51 PM
If everyone agrees to Murphy's escape route, after his already mentioned actions, he orders Valerie to allow Murphy to pick her up, after she delivers her assult on G1.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 144/150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Friday February 25th, 2022 7:46:54 PM

Pressi isn't sure which way the vote will go. Certainly, she's worried about having to dodge a different patrol later on, though they could pick the time and place.

If Kezzem wants it, she spends her turn taking out and throwing him the rod of thunder and lightning. It's not a returning weapon either but it'll at least give him an off-hand lightning weapon (treat as light +2 mace).

Otherwise, Pressi's action is similar, except she animates what she can see, particularly the top floor and roof of the corridor buildings just above the nearby giants. (If they're three stories tall for giants, she should have line of sight above the wall to the buildings along the street.) If she sees any gargoyles or statues, or lamps and hourglasses in windows, she targets those (up to a combination of 22). Otherwise, she animates shutters and wall sconces and shingles. But the point is to have the objects come down, this time on giants 1 and 2.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Friday February 25th, 2022 8:21:54 PM
I'm not going to insist on fighting these guys, Pru sends through the links. I'm ready to leave with the rest of you.

She does still let Breezy, Puffy, Windy, and Gale do their thing. They should still be able to attack Giants 4 and 5.

Since Pru did not cast an offensive spell, she is still invisible. She uses her Boots of Levitation to float up and grab onto Murphy's harness thing.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Friday February 25th, 2022 10:54:29 PM
Tali does as described in her previous post.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Saturday February 26th, 2022 3:26:28 PM
Kezzem is good with his +1 frost returning dagger (+3 with Greater Magic Weapon plus Weapon Focus). Even if it doesn't do the extra 1d6 electricity damage, he has a better chance to hit with it (particularly useful while smiting).

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday February 27th, 2022 12:07:04 PM
OOC: Kathy, Pru's health should be back up since the giants could not throw rocks and hit you.

Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility
Ki pts 13/13

Nikolai senses (or Pru tells him she's levitating) and scampers (Slippers of Spider Climb) up the wall of the building next to him to the roof to advise those on the ground how the giants react to the wall.

Stealth +26 + 20(moving invisible) = 42 + 20 = 62 (however, this may be irrelevant)
Perception + 35 = 43 peek over the wall, if possible.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d8+11=17 ; d8+11=16 ; 2d8+11=17 ; d8=1 ; d8=7 ; 2d8+11=19 ;
Sunday February 27th, 2022 3:47:46 PM

Murphy decides the best way to avoid further damage - albeit with a bit of buffeting for his friends inside the vortex - is to use his whirlwind ability to pick folks up. He lets Succotash know so he can tell Valerie to leap into the swirling winds (essentially, willingly 'fail' his reflex saving throw) - and the cleric, too, and Pru, unless she wants to hop off, since he starts on the roof of the building.

"Kezzem, Ketia, get to the roof, or I'll pick you up and take you to the roof. Jump into the whirlwind. You might get some light bruising. Pressi, broom up to the roof. I'll be there after getting Valerie, real quickly."

Murphy whirlwinds down to pick up the raptor, and lifts him up to the rooftop, a bit away from the edge, to be out of direct view of the giants. Succotash takes 23 hp buffeting damage, and Valerie 17 hp. He deposits them gently onto the roof, then descends to the (north?) side of Tali's prismatic wall, descends to the street to pick up Kezzem (17hp), Ketia (19hp), and any left below. He drops them all gently to the roof, goes a little higher, and shifts out of whirlwind, back to a softer air elemental. He comes down within reach. People are free then to attach to the rope harness.

I did go ahead and make a second map tab to show what I'm proposing (called 'Whirlwind'). It's to the right of the 'Combat' tab, and shows a blue rectangle with Murphy's outline on the roof, where people can harness up.

Giving them time to do so, in a round or two Murphy can fly away. He will go in a direction about 90 degress away (to the left on the map) from where they intend to head so as to make the giants think that is the way to follow them. When out of sight of them, he banks, flies a way farther, then back toward their aim to cross near the smithy area. "Someone want to make us all invisible?" he asks along the way. Some still are invisible. Once they are all relatively unseeable, he aims to stay along roof level, and book it, at a speed of 280 (125'x2+30) (~32 mph).

As the winds seem to end about the edge of the slum quarter, Murphy thinks to ascend toward the ash in the sky above the smith's quarter, but asks counsel on this matter from his mates.

[DM Mitch, feel free to pull back on my actions if I've covered too much here. At least want to give a heads up as to intentions.]

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 2d8+11=27 ; d20+4=17 ; d100=44 ;
Monday February 28th, 2022 12:16:19 AM

Oh, and Giant 1, if he fails a DC 23 Reflex save, will take... 27 hp (max damage) from Murphy's whirlwind buffet. If his reflex save is +4 (or up to +9), he fails (rolled 17 vs 23)... and the Duck thingee does not work for him, either (44, needed 1-20).

DM Mitch
Monday February 28th, 2022 7:56:54 AM
Pressi points out that the walls Tali is putting up provide a window of opportunity to evade further hostilities at this time.

Kezzem casts Shield Other on Pressi and then positions himself with the carpet to just below the top of the wall before realizing he can�t throw his giant bane dagger because it won�t come back to him.

Succotash tells Pressi he�s not leaving Valerie behind and then swaps out a summon spell for a mass cure critical wounds spell

Murphy volunteers to provide an air taxi in order to transport people away from the battle.

Succotash orders Valerie to let Murphy pick her up

Pressi gets ready to move out by providing distractions in the form of several animated objects.

Pru instructs her air elementals to keep harrying the giants while she uses her levitating boots to get on Murphy�s harness thing

Tali throws up more walls

Nikolai climbs up a nearby wall to get a view of how the giants are reacting on the other side of the wall.

Murphy turns into a whirlwind in order to pick up all his friends and allies

Between Tali�s Walls, Pressi�s animated objects and Pru�s summoned elementals the party is able to keep the giants busy as Murphy�s plan to withdraw comes into fruition. He turns into a whirlwind and picks up all the various party members who need it and is able to set folks down, albeit a little banged up on a roof far enough away from the previous engagement that for the moment is free of any nearby giant patrolls. As they are leaving they can see the leader of the patrol grab his horn and blow on it to no effect - there won�t be an alert sounded until they can escape the area of silence Ketia created.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Monday February 28th, 2022 11:51:51 AM

So long as all go ahead and fasten themselves down (or get help getting looped in like Valerie) using Murphy's multi-point, many-looped silk rope harness, the buff huge elemental druid flies ahead low. He had requested his invisibility be re-upped. When at the edge of the storm, facing the ~100-foot wide-open field, he asks his mates how they'd like him to proceed. "My thought is to go up into the lower part of the ash cloud, fly over the area of the smiths, until we reach the snooty fire giant nicer neighborhood, then work on finding the general locale of Firescorn's home. As an alternative, we can fly up near this plane's ceiling until we get quite close to the volcano, then descend from there. Less chance of being spotted and tracked along the way. Or perhaps someone has a different plan entirely. I'm all ears. Except for puffy, cloudy stuff."

While he is waiting, he cast know direction, adding another point to his understanding of the layout of this pocket plane.

He awaits their discussion.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Monday February 28th, 2022 1:09:25 PM
"That'll work," says Pru of Murphy's plan. To Ketia, she adds, "Nice work with that Silence."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ;
Monday February 28th, 2022 1:28:41 PM
When Murphy deposits him and Valerie, he quickly comforts Valerie, as the ordeal spooked the poor animal, and than, when everyone is accounted for, he channels energy, healing everyone 37 HP. After channeling energy, he straps Valerie into her harness, and than does the same for himself, so Murphy can play taxi.

Active Spells:
Succotash
Heroes feast (0 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Fly

Valerie
Heroes feast (0 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Divine Power (0 temp HP)

Daily Stuff:
channel energy (10d6) 9/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 190/190
Quicken rod (normal) 2/3

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Monday February 28th, 2022 8:39:09 PM
"Ok, can't be any worse up there than it's about to be down here," Pressi agreed. "If there are any requested spells or buffs, let me know."

She spends prep time covering the rest of what she had learned from the touch... and a few things she suspected, like these things could handle more damage than usual (300 HP, better saves). "These guys will not go down easily, and we can assume they're studying our abilities as much as we're studying them. Might not be a bad idea to separate a single giant, get him down, and see what he's got in gear, because I don't know what's granting their invulnerability to cold.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Monday February 28th, 2022 11:40:52 PM
All together now! 1,2,3,4..

Tali, noticing the gangs all here, in this tight but cozy 8'x32' foot "Space", asks through the telepathic bond, Does anyone have a spare [b]Resist energy (fire)/[b] spell they could "buff" me up with? If my timings are correct, it's almost gone!

"Also, anyone knows what effect my walls had on the patrol?"

[u][b]Effective Spells and Conditions:[u][b]
Overland Flight | 840 Minutes
Endure Elements | 1215 minutes
Mage Armor | 840 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 840 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 25 Minutes

Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

[u][b]Used Spells slots[u][b]
3x Invisibility
3x Prismatic Wall

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday March 1st, 2022 12:12:46 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility
Ki pts 13/13

Telepathically, Nikolai check's on Pru, "How are you doing, honey?"

Out loud he says, "We need to get one of those horns. If we do, we can blow it here and there and keep them scurrying away from where we want to be. Can't any one of you halflings burgle one for us?"

DM Mitch
Tuesday March 1st, 2022 8:23:31 AM
Murphy suggests they all mount up and fly through the lower part of the ash cloud over to the smith area until they get to the nice neighborhood.

Pru likes Murphy�s plan and compliments Sesha on the Silence

Succotash comforts Valerie and channels energy. He helps Valerie to get situated in her harness

Pressi agrees that traveling by air can�t be worse than things are about to be where they are and offers to cast buffs. She also outlines to the others what she has learned from her touch as well as what she suspected. She suggests they get a single giant alone and search his gear for whatever is making them immune to cold

(OOC: I took the knowledge rule and gave you one bit of info on the giant�s for meeting the CR of the individual giant and then an additional bit of info for each 5 your flat check beat the result by)

Tali asks for resist energy fire and asks if anyone knows what effect the walls had on the patrol.

Nikolai asks Pru directly how she is doing and then suggests they capture a horn and use it as a distraction.

Nikolai Highlight to display spoiler: { Before you evacuated you could see the patrols avoiding interacting with the prismatic wall }

Unless someone objects the party goes up and over the empty field. The wind buffest the party and would blow away most of them on their own but the ropes hold so it is merely incredibly uncomfortable not a 100 feet fall. How far does the party advance before exiting the cloud to check their position?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells
Tuesday March 1st, 2022 12:42:33 PM
"Do we get a meal with this flight?", Succotash jokes as they take off. As they are flying in the winds, he ignores his discomfort, and scratches Valerie behind the ear holes, comforting his dino friend, and keeping her calm.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Tuesday March 1st, 2022 2:15:53 PM
So far, so good, Pru replies to Nikolai. How are you doing?

The ash cloud is extremely uncomfortable. Pru coughs several times, and is convinced she has swallowed about a quart of ash. She is sorely tempted to change into an air elemental to avoid some of this, but she doesn't know how many of her spells will be needed.

"Let's set down," she chokes.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Tuesday March 1st, 2022 7:10:36 PM
Pressi points out to Nick that any of the casters could probably recreate the sound. (She personally could probably use ghost sound to make the horn sound in every block of the city.)

She does re-up Prudence's resist fire (but reminds everyone that Planar Adaptation remains the primary protection.)

Pressi reminds the crew that they don't know what the monitoring situation is. If they can hold on in the cloud, Pressi releases a bunch of prying eyes under and along the field, giving her an idea of whether there are any checkpoints, monitoring towers, etc. It'll take several rounds, but should tell them whether its safe to fly to the middle of the field or to the next quarter (or even above it).

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Tuesday March 1st, 2022 8:31:17 PM
Onward...

Tali asks the group, "What's next?" through the telepathic bond.

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 830 Minutes
Endure Elements | 1205 minutes
Mage Armor | 830 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 830 Minutes
Resist energy (fire) | 15 Minutes

Heroes feast (12 temp HP)

Used Spells slots
3x Invisibility
3x Prismatic Wall

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+43=47 ; d20+36=38 ;
Tuesday March 1st, 2022 9:06:55 PM

[Unless otherwise noted, when Murphy's speech is bounded in double-quotes and italics, he is including all who are enjoying the Prudence-provided mental links, so that, for instance, when he addresses Tali, all can 'hear' his words to her.]

"Tali, the planar adaptation already gives you a fair amount of protection versus fire." (20 hp/round vs 30 hp/round for resist energy.) "I gather your Prismatic Walls helped keep the giants contained. I didn't notice any of them trying to run through them, though that would have been fun to watch."

Murphy had flown over the field (as per DM's description at the end of his post) and a bit beyond into the smithy area. He travels perhaps 800 yards past the 100 foot area (~20 seconds fly time), when Prudence coughs and requests to get out of the ash. [I had presumed that the Planar Adaptation would have ameliorated the effects, but one's mileage may vary.] "All right, Pru. I'm going to lower slowly, so as to attempt a wee bit of stealth, and we can take a look around. Prepare to catch rocks or asbestos kites flown by fire giant children." he slows to 60 movement, and angles down about 45 degrees from horizontal. When able to look about, he does so. The passengers can enjoy their look-see, too.

He is ready to reascend quickly should the need arise, with a "Hold your breath for 30 seconds," bit of counsel to cover moving forward another 1,200 feet forward followed by another easing downward.

On the other hand, if this looks like a good place to land, or they spot a good restaurant, it may be time to descend to the ground. It all depends upon what the local landscape looks like.

=============
Low rolls...
Perception: 47 (very good, but 'meh' by Murphy's typical checks)
Stealth: 38 (good by normal standards, but good enough for fire giant turf? Maybe more people are just looking down focusing on their smithing, one might hope? Perhaps the extra passengers complicate his attempts to remain undetected)

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Tuesday March 1st, 2022 10:15:45 PM
[OOC: There's no need to cast resist fire on Pru. She walks around with resistance 20 by virtue of being a fire sorcerer. And if she needs more, she can cast it herself. :) ]

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+26=46 ; d20+35=38 ;
Tuesday March 1st, 2022 10:48:00 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility
Ki pts 13/13

Nikolai nods at Pressi's assessment of their apparent capabilities of mimicking the horns. "Well, if you can, then let's do it. Casting a simple spell like to keep then chasing rabbits beats having to dodge patrols all day. Besides, if they figure all these calls are fake, they may not pay attention to a real one."

He confirms Murphy's observations about the giants avoiding the wall. "It's like they know how bad it will be for them to walk through it. I'm sure it didn't take long for them to go back up the street and come down another way."

Nikolai proposes that next time they meet a patrol, have that spell readied so that when they charge down the street, the wall goes up right in front such that they don't have time to stop before running into it. The mass of those behind will push those in front right on through.
"They will think twice before they charge again. Gotta think outside the box!"

Nikolai is glad to be back on the ground, even if it be a rooftop. He immediately starts checking their immediate area for inhabitants (occupied houses? anyone wandering the streets? open windows? etc.)

Stealth +26 + 20(moving invisible) = 46 + 20 = 66 N20
Perception + 35 = 38 peek over the wall, if possible.

DM Mitch
Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 8:03:10 AM
Succotash asks if they get a meal with this flight and tries to keep Valerie comfortable.

Pru telepathically telles Nikolai so far so good and asks how he is doing. She finds traveling through the ash cloud completely uncomfortable and it isn�t long before she asks Murphy to be set down.

Pressi suggests to Nikolai that any of the casters could probably recreate the horn sound easy enough while renewing resist fire but reminds folks of the planar adaptation. Pressi suggests they wait in the Ash cloud for her to deploy some prying eyes to tell if landing would be safe or not.

(OOC: did you mean Tali not Pru, see Kathy�s comment?)

Tali asks the group what is next through the bond.

Murphy reminds Tali that Planar Adaptation gives a fair amount of fire protection and that he didn�t see any giants physically walk into any of her prismatic walls.
He then flies over the field and a bit beyond into the smithy area and then attempts to lower slowly ready to either retreat back into the cloud or land depending on the situation he finds.

Nikolai likes the idea of the casters mimicking the horn sound to cause confusion and confirms Murphy�s observation of Tali�s walls. He�s prepared to stealth and take a look at their surroundings should the party land.

Pressi�s prying eyes are obliterated almost as soon as she finishes creating them. Some are torn apart by the high winds, others instantly succumb to the burning ash the party is comfortably floating in. She�ll have to exit the cloud first, then create her scouts..

Murphy lowers the party out of the ash cloud and into the smithy district. It�s a vast, open air area with rivers and streams of lava running right through it. Giant smiths hammer away at various projects, tirelessly working to keep a city of soldiers armed and armored. Kezzem even sees one sticking her hand into the lava flow next to her to extract material while patching some piece of armor.

There are probably a few dozen giants in view but they�re all focused on their work and not looking up. There actually does seem to be an eating area or restaurant nearby, two giants with some sort of food cart smoking meats and serving them to a line of hungry giants, most of whom walk off with their meals back to their anvils. Looking about the area seems to stretch for a ways still but you can see the edge of the slums in one direction and some other area in the direction you�re currently heading. Looks like you�re about halfway to the noble district.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 9:21:05 AM

"So, do I have any takers for stealing some uniforms and gas masks, and doing three halflings in a trenchcoat?

"I'm not saying it's a better way to get past than to continue flying. I'm just saying it looks like a good way to get lunch."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 9:21:44 AM
Oh, and Pressi casts resist fire on Tali, sorry I got confused.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+36=55 ; d20+43=51 ;
Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 10:15:49 AM

[Informative post, DM Mitch. Request for clarification: Earlier, you mentioned the storm over the slum district ended roughly at the boundary demarcated by the 100' strip. Is that still the case, or did the storm since expand into the smith area?]

"Looks like maybe some good food, and I could get behind the stack of three halflings in a long coat, Pressi, were it not for the fact that we finished a heroes' breakfast about an hour ago. So, do some or all of us land here and see if we can raise a ruckus by asking questions, or shall we continue forward - the noble quarter is pretty near. I'm thinking let's just keep moving forward. But I'm open to arguments. Every engagement will tend to depleting our resources, however."

If the consensus is to move forward, he'll give Pru and friends the chance to take a few breaths, then ash-travel once more, but - with warning - will advance by a full minute of travel. "Maybe put a cloth over your mouth and nose," he suggests to those bothered by the ash. If travel is chosen, the team moves forward another 2,500 feet, then again gently descends for a look-see. If local exploration is chosen, then, he looks for a suitable landing spot and invisibly descends.

=============
Stealth: 55
Perception: 51

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells
Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 1:15:34 PM
Succotash is about to volunteer for the 3 halflings in a coat bit, I mean he is a halfling, and their is food to be had after all, but reason prevails, and so he just laughs at what he believes is a joke told by Pressi. Besides, where would they find this long coat anyway.

He is ready for take off, whenever Murphy heads back to the clouds, and continues to comfort Valerie, as they fly.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 6:19:18 PM
"Succo, please leave the comedy to the professionals," says Kezzem. "Or at least to me."

"I'm not sure what you're taking about, Pressi, but I'm for any plan that get's me an extra lunch!"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 6:32:33 PM
"These are regular townsfolk, not guards," Pru says. "I wonder if we could just travel openly. Just walk toward where we're headed and act like we belong. Maybe a couple of us disguised as giants so we don't stand out too much. I highly doubt that literally everyone in town is looking for us."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 9:14:09 PM

Three halflings in a coat or not, Pressi counts 2 for moving on foot somewhat disguised and 2 for taking back to the skies. Kezzem is a 3rd vote for moving on foot but it seems dependent on grabbing lunch.

Pressi decides against grabbing lunch after all, and she really doesn't want to ask questions or raise a ruckus. She does note that even the guards were fooled by her "disguise" and she was just a halfling in "tattered" clothes and one of the slave pendants. Disguising themselves as giants without Sesha's illusions continues to be a problem, though. (Unless Tali or Prudence have illusion spells of their own.)

If the vote count reaches a majority of on foot, Pressi alters self to a half ogre and begins her glammer and prestidigitations. If the vote count reaches a majority in the skies, she'll take the time then to see if she has any spells to help with breathing.

(OOC: it's a half joke. But most of our polymorphers can't grow beyond medium height as a humanoid, and the other forms like beasts or elementals or even goblins would stick out. So changing/disguising oneself as a giant is out of the question. Half ogres, however, are medium build and the number of ogres indicates they wouldn't get much of a glance.)

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 10:50:34 PM
Tali, keeps pace with her group.

{OOC: no internet until the 5th. My phone is a poor tool for this}

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday March 3rd, 2022 12:33:08 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility
Ki pts 13/13

To Pru, "I hate to disagree with you, honey, but we don't know how much word has spread. It's been a day since the first ruckus and if this city is like any other, they will have a pretty good idea we are the ruckus makers."

Nikolai makes note of seeing about getting Permanent Comprehend Language spell on him for the next infiltrating venture.

As much as he'd like to continue on foot, being stealthy as hec, he opts the flying route as he'd rather they all get to their destination at the same time.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Thursday March 3rd, 2022 1:07:44 AM

"This ride will now fly..." says Murphy. "The likelihood of something going wrong before we need it to are too high if we decide without a good plan to go by foot, with at least a mile or so still to go. I have not heard a fully convincing plan laid out so far. If someone wants to construct one between now and our next stop, I'll be willing to listen."

I think we're flying forward, per what the druid said - about a half mile further ahead.

The Noble District

A Passage to Cthonia

It's a Jungle Out There

Sskthk

Cat Homes

The Temple

Mooning About

Palace of the Moon

The Lake

Interlopers

Farewells

Lost Souls

Diara's Lament

Ruin

Mind Games

The Survivor

The Endless Battle

Wraiths

Rest

The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

The Sages

Down, Down, Down

Monsters of the Deep

Rivals

Pursuit

Battle of the Shallows

Wrapping Up

The Amazing Chase

Sometimes the Scab picks you

The Red Hills Are Alive With The Sound of Iron Thievery

Getting Blood...er...Rare Metallic Salts From Stone

The Unstoppable Force

The Enemy of My Enemy...

Aftermath

A Blast from the Past

Let's Play Clue

I know why the jailbird sings

In The Footstep of Giant

An Unexpected Journey

Breeching the Walls

The Noble District

Lost Souls

Diara's Lament

Ruin

Mind Games

The Survivor

The Endless Battle

Wraiths

Rest

The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

The Sages

Down, Down, Down

Monsters of the Deep

Rivals

Pursuit

Battle of the Shallows

Wrapping Up

The Amazing Chase

Sometimes the Scab picks you

The Red Hills Are Alive With The Sound of Iron Thievery

Getting Blood...er...Rare Metallic Salts From Stone

The Unstoppable Force

The Enemy of My Enemy...

Aftermath

A Blast from the Past

Let's Play Clue

I know why the jailbird sings

In The Footstep of Giant

An Unexpected Journey

Breeching the Walls

The Noble District

Down, Down, Down

Monsters of the Deep

Rivals

Pursuit

Battle of the Shallows

Wrapping Up

The Amazing Chase

Sometimes the Scab picks you

The Red Hills Are Alive With The Sound of Iron Thievery

Getting Blood...er...Rare Metallic Salts From Stone

The Unstoppable Force

The Enemy of My Enemy...

Aftermath

A Blast from the Past

Let's Play Clue

I know why the jailbird sings

In The Footstep of Giant

An Unexpected Journey

Breeching the Walls

The Noble District

The Unstoppable Force

The Enemy of My Enemy...

Aftermath

A Blast from the Past

Let's Play Clue

I know why the jailbird sings

In The Footstep of Giant

An Unexpected Journey

Breeching the Walls

The Noble District

DM Mitch
Thursday March 3rd, 2022 7:05:54 AM
Pressi asks if anyone is up for the classic 3 halflings in a trench coat routine so they can get lunch.

Murphy says he could go for food if they hadn't had their hero�s breakfast not too long ago. Aside from that he is curious if anyone is going to stop and ask questions to get more information or if it is time to return to the air once more.

Succotash almost volunteers for being a part of the three haflings in a trench coat but ultimately finds it impractical so he�s for returning to the skies as well.

Kezzem tells Succotash to leave the comedy to the professionals or at least him and then says he�s for any plan that nets extra lunch.

Pru raises the idea of traveling openly as the giants are regular townsfolk and not guards.

Pressi notices the group has a rough tie with a possible tie breaker being Kezzem if they decide to grab lunch but she doesn�t think that is a good idea, she makes some plans accordingly.

Tali keeps pace with the group

Nikolai reasons that word most likely spread quickly and any attempt at asking questions of the denizens of the smithy district would likely not end well as they would be recognized for the ruckus causers.

Murphy prepares to fly again about another half mile further into the smithy district.

The storm Murphy wondered about was created magically by Pressi so does not move or extend farther than the spell�s reach. Is also may have timed out while the party rested depending on the duration roll.

Ketia points out, �Well Sashe could have wrapped folks in giant illusions no matter what their base size was but she was never going to go past the main gate with the rest of us as someone has to secure the dais for our way back and so that is what Sashe is up to.�

Though the party discusses landing there are several votes to stay airborne and unless people start detaching from Murphy he�s in the driver�s seat. They advance forward hidden in the smog for a while until they run into something. Literally. Murphy�s foresight warns him in time to stop, but the sudden change in motion causes the dangling passengers to swing and one or two bump into something in the smog.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Thursday March 3rd, 2022 9:03:07 AM
(OOC: I forgot that someone might have enlarge person on their spell sheets. That might have worked.)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells
Thursday March 3rd, 2022 12:13:22 PM
As Murphy comes to an abrupt halt, Succotash swings about, and slams into the "whatever". "Ooof", he grunts, though he is happy he didn't get hurt in the process. He checks Valerie over, and discovers she is fine, than asks, "Is everyone OK, and what in the names of the gods is this thing?"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Thursday March 3rd, 2022 6:19:50 PM
"Well, I doubt it's a tree," Pru says drily. "Building or big rock would be my guess. Can we go around?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Thursday March 3rd, 2022 6:27:22 PM

"My guess is it's the next thing we have to fight," Pressi replied dryly. "That's been our luck so far, thoughout life, right?"

There's not much Pressi can do until Murphy moves downward. (True seeing won't help in total concealment.) She can continue to monitor downward as they move back under the fog.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday March 3rd, 2022 7:15:40 PM
"Um, should I start stabbing the smog?" asks Kezzem. "I've heard of attacking the darkness before, but I'm not sure how that works."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Thursday March 3rd, 2022 9:11:36 PM
Wing & a Prayer

Tali goes along for the ride...seeing that appears to be the only choice.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+36=44 ; d20+43=46 ;
Thursday March 3rd, 2022 9:29:30 PM

Murphy does not descend - with a few folks having bumped against the obstacle, the noise may have alerted anybody below the ash cloud to look up. If it is a building they struck, then possibly those inside might have heard something. Instead, he works slowly upwards, letting the crew know his plan. He is mindful of overhangs. If he arrives at a place where the wall stops, he eases forward, using a light sense of touch. If there is a flat roof - or slanted roof - he conforms to the surface, his airy body just barely touching. Perhaps they'll meet another, higher, vertical surface. Whatever it is, his aim is to ascend one side, and then just as carefully to descend to the other side.

However, should it go up and up and up, with no getting over, then he will consider going first to the right to see if a corner presents itself. If all this feeling in the ashy air is of no avail, he will return to a place about 150 feet to the right of their abrupt stop, and slowly descend there.

For the sake of the riders, he maintains either a horizontal position, or a slightly slanted position (no more than 20 to 30 degrees off horizontal) so they don't need to slide around too much.

He moves about 30, not the 62.5 he could move and still be stealthy.
=============
Stealth: 44
Perception: 46

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=37 ;
Friday March 4th, 2022 12:10:07 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 13/13

Slamming into 'something', Nikolai instinctively gets a 'feel' for what it could be.

Perception + 35 = 37 (Solid, stone, wood, scales, etc.)

DM Mitch
Friday March 4th, 2022 7:18:23 AM
Succotash asks if everyone is ok and wonders what they ran into

Pru doubts it is a tree, and that it is likely a rock or building and suggests going around.

Pressi suggests its the next thing they have to fight considering their luck so far and prepares to monitor downward should Murphy descend.

Kezzem asks if he should stab the fog since attacking the darkness is a thing.

Tali goes along for the ride

Murphy does not descend and instead makes a series of upwards and rightwards maneuver looking for either a roof, overhang, or corner depending on what he is looking for.

Nikolai tries to get a feel for what they ran into.

The party�s investigations soon let them figure out they�ve hit some kind of wall or gate. Made of stone and good construction, it is much smaller than the one ringing the city. That one was big enough for giants to patrol the top, this one is maybe wide enough for a halfling to do so but certainly no giant. It seems to have decorative elements as well, though you can�t see them and feeling them it�s nigh impossible to tell what they�re supposed to be - some kind of statue or something is the best you can guess.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+36=53 ; d20+43=47 ;
Friday March 4th, 2022 11:40:34 AM

Murphy goes ahead and drops down to get a decent look at the wall from below the ash cloud, then takes the team up and over the wall to see what's on the other side.

He is open to suggestions from his friends as to directions to explore...

==============
Stealth: 53
Perception: 47

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+25=30 ; d20+26=40 ;
Friday March 4th, 2022 1:29:00 PM
Pressi gets off and begins looking at the gate for traps and ways in. (Stealth 30, Perception 40+1 for traps.) She also casts a round of detect magic and of clairaudio so she can hear if anyone is around.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Friday March 4th, 2022 2:12:09 PM
"I guess the fancy part of town has a fancy wall to keep out the riff-raff," Pru says.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+27=37 ;
Saturday March 5th, 2022 12:08:49 AM
"Well, they should get a refund on their wall then," says Kezzem, "as it didn't do a good job keeping the riff-four. We just flew over it."

Kezzem will activate detect evil and and look around.

Perception: 37 (38 vs. traps)

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Saturday March 5th, 2022 9:03:53 AM
True Seeing

Tali, looking to be useful, casts True Seeing on herself, so she can see what the group is really looking at when it comes to this new wall/barrier or anything that might be guarding it.

Spells in Effect:
1x True Seeing 18 minutes

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Sunday March 6th, 2022 12:07:35 AM

Murphy will drop off whoever wants to be dropped off - whether to stand atop the halfling-suitable wall top, the area on the near side of the wall, or the far side of the wall - and is happy to continue to provide speedy transport to any who want to keep riding for now.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday March 6th, 2022 9:00:31 PM
Nikolai opts to drop off on top of the wall.

To Pru, "Obviously not a wall to keep out invaders, just a wall for privacy. No battlements, or defensive structures, or any way to get up here for defense."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells d20+36=54 ;
Monday March 7th, 2022 12:12:32 AM
Now that they are out of the high winds, Succotash casts airwalk on Valerie and saddles up. he descends enough to just stick his head out of the ash cloud to take a look around. (perception 54)

Active Spells:
Succotash
Heroes feast (0 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Fly

Valerie
Heroes feast (0 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Airwalk

Daily Stuff:
channel energy (10d6) 9/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 190/190
Quicken rod (normal) 2/3

DM Mitch
Monday March 7th, 2022 6:13:06 AM
Murphy drops down to get a decent look at the wall from below the ash cloud. He is ready to get the party up and over but his wife disembarks when they land.and he drops off other folks as well while being ready to continue to provide a speedy transport to those that want it.
Pressi gets off and begins looking at the gate for traps or ways in. She also uses detect magic and clairaudio to determine if anyone is around.
Pru points out that the fancy part of town has a fancy wall to keep the riff-raff out.
Kezzem suggests the giants get a refund on their walls as the riff raff can just fly over. He activates detect evil and looks around
Tali casts true seeing and takes a look around.
Nikolai suggests to Pru that this wall is merely for privacy as it has no battlements or defensive structures to deter would-be invaders. He gets off on top of the wall.
Succotash saddles up Valerie, casts windwalk and pokes his head out from the ash cloud to take a good look around.

The wall is explored. There seems to be nothing to keep you from just flying over it. However Murphy�s foresight and other methods the party uses let them know they�re right over a gate in the wall and there are two bored looking giants below. There�s a high chance of the party being spotted if they exit the ash cloud.

The high winds do extend this far, though the wall serves as a windbreak so you get some relief from it while nearby.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells
Monday March 7th, 2022 12:33:33 PM
"Well my friends, we seem to have two options. We can enter at the gate, or find a less conspicuous place to fly over the wall. Since we have been attempting the whole stealth thing, up to now, I would vote for the latter. I see no reason to change our strategy, limited though it may be, in mid stride."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Monday March 7th, 2022 3:10:32 PM
"I agree with Succotash," Pru says. "Let's keep sneaking. Let's find someplace to cross where we're less likely to be noticed."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Monday March 7th, 2022 8:31:06 PM
I also agree with Mister Succotash & Ms. Pru," Tali chimes in.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Monday March 7th, 2022 8:37:24 PM
Pressi considers the people at the gate a little longer (what are they doing there?) but in the end, she decides to test along the gate on foot.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+26=36 ; d20+35=39 ;
Tuesday March 8th, 2022 12:41:02 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 13/13

Nikolai explores the top of the wall going away from the gate, looking for a secluded place on the other side where the party can gather up again, on the ground.

Stealth +26 + 20(moving invisible) = 36 + 20 = 56
Perception + 35 = 39 looking for a secluded spot.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+36=46 ; d20+43=44 ;
Tuesday March 8th, 2022 1:26:43 AM

"Let's continue another 350 yards along this wall, or until it rounds a bend, then figure out what we can there," Murphy suggests.

"Does anyone see anything here on the outside of this barrier, looking away from it? Or is it simply a vast unoccupied space as far as the eye can see," [which is, how far down here below the ash cloud?]

If unoccupied, is the ground just stone, or is there anything else mixed in? "I wonder if fire giants like to put lava into cups and drink it... yet with all this stone about, you'd think this place is run in part by stone giants."

Murphy will fly those who want the lift in the direction he indicates, leftward along the wall for ~350 yards, or until his foresight warns him to change some aspect of what he is doing. He observes to the right and to the left. Since at least Pressi is on the ground, he does not get very far ahead of her, keeping up a pace of about 30 or 40, and being stealthy. After a while he asks if she'd like a lift again.

Even though he is a very perceptive fellow, he somehow feels as though there does not seem to be very much to perceive around here so far. [i]"There does not seem to be much going on in this city that one might expect elsewhere. No fire giant families pushing strollers. No street minstrels. No vegetation. No bumps in the sidewalk. No church bells. No one hawking goods. No multi-level marketing schemes being pushed on others. A very plain, stony, hot and ashy city in a most uncomfortable pocket plane. I am unlikely to recommend the place to others," Murphy chatters telepathically.

=============
Stealth: 46
Perception: 44

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+37=57 ;
Tuesday March 8th, 2022 1:45:54 AM
"All this sneaking around's likely to level me up as a rogue instead of a paladin," says Kezzem. "Hey, can maybe we can go 'fourth' through that wall I just broke down."

Stealth: 1d20 + 37 = 57.

DM Mitch d20=2 ; d20=2 ;
Tuesday March 8th, 2022 8:36:32 AM
Succotash points out they can either enter the gate or fly over the wall at less conspicuous area.
Pru thinks they should keep sneaking and find an area to cross where they are less likely to be noticed.
Tali agrees with Succotash and Pru.
Pressi considers the people at the gate and wants to check things out on foot.
Nikolai moves down the wall from on top of it.
Murphy suggests they move further down
Kezzem wonders about rogue levels and walls.

At the moment the guards aren�t doing anything at all, but presently someone approaches the gate and there is a brief conversation. From what Pressi can hear with her clairaudio the people at the gate seem to be making sure those entering have reasons to be in the affluent district

Looking around the area on the forging district side there continues to be a variety of open air forges and crafting stations. These ones seem better stocked and have more ornate half finished items about them - presumably the better craftsmen work closer to the noble district where their wares are in high demand.

On the opposite side of the wall seem to be a series of manors. The buildings are all large, with much more space around them then the party has seen elsewhere in the city. There are even a few decorative elements like statues, small gardens of plants that can survive the hot rocky realm, and even a decorative lava fountain. It�s nothing close to the splendor of other noble manors the party might have seen, still mostly utilitarian, but that makes them stand out all the more when no such things have been seen elsewhere.

Murphy examines the ground and finds that it is still solid stone with a layer of ash over it. The party is easily able to find a concealed place to cross and regroup - some private practice field of a noble�s son fitted out with practice shale amendments and target dummies all sized for medium creatures or a young giant. It has a what to the giants is a low wall for privacy, but it�s more then big enough for the party to be concealed behind even standing.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells
Tuesday March 8th, 2022 11:26:08 AM
Succotash regroups with his friends on the other side, of the wall at the safe location. Using the telepathic link, he asks his friends, "How do we find Flamescorn's old home? That darn ash cloud makes ariel recon a lot harder, couple that with the fact that only Murphy can fly in these darn winds. Good thing air walk isn't flight, it's just walking on air, which allows Valerie to travel through the air, though we do get one heck of a buffeting. My suggestion is that someone cast invisibility on Valerie, myself and Murphy, and we go on a scouting mission, making sure to stay out of the ash cloud, so it doesn't give away our position. Anyone else have an idea? I'm open to just about anything at this point."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Tuesday March 8th, 2022 1:33:18 PM
"I've got it!" says Kezzem excitedly. "Murphey, you can speak with plants, right? And Succotash, you can speak with dead, right? So together...you should be able to speak to dead plants, or wood, which is what houses are made out of. So can just ask the houses which one is Flamescorn's. Kezzem's a genius!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Tuesday March 8th, 2022 9:02:35 PM
With a sigh at Succotash's frustration and Kezzem's... Kezzeming, Pressi takes the time now to send her prying eyes through the area. They are generally invisible, so it shouldn't be an issue.

"We already know which house it is," she pointed out. "It's the one that can't be entered, probably boarded up or covered in yellow tape or something."

After a period of time, she causes the prying eyes to return.

-------------

Pressi Actives

Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Planar Adaptation
Heroes Feast
Moment of Prescience
Shield of Faith
Haste (from Pru)

L1: 0/7+1
L2: 1/6+1
L3: 0/6+1
L4: 0/5+1
L5: 4/5+1
L6: 1/5+1
L7: 1/4+1
L8: 1/2+1
L9: 0/1+1

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Tuesday March 8th, 2022 10:08:45 PM
"Do we know how big the noble's area is?" Pru asks. "Or how long it might take to search it?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Tuesday March 8th, 2022 11:31:28 PM
The Noble Region

�Isbit our collective plan to search this section the same way we have done the others? Do we know how to determine the correct structure?� asks Tali.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+26=41 ; d20+34=41 ;
Wednesday March 9th, 2022 1:04:42 AM
Nikolai sets up watch at the entrance, wherever that is.

Stealth +26 + 40(not moving, invisible) = 41 + 40 = 80
Perception + 35 = 42 keeping watch in case the giant kid decides to 'play'.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+36=42 ; d20+43=55 ;
Wednesday March 9th, 2022 3:48:51 AM

"I could become a hedgehog, and see if I can talk to the giant boy," Murphy offers. He rests on the warm ground. If any wish to dismount, now is a good opportunity. "I think we either talk with someone - we better than a lad? - or fly in further, as Succotash recommends. Unless any object, or have a better idea, I will do the change in a moment."

He does want to learn what Pressi learns through her eyeball scouts.

Murphy peeks over the wall. Invisible. Stealthy. Peek!
============
Stealth: 42
Perception: 55

DM Mitch
Wednesday March 9th, 2022 6:15:20 AM
Succotash asks the others about finding Flamescorn�s old home and points out the difficulties the ash cloud is causing. He suggests they get invisibility cast on himself, Valerie and Murphy and they go scouting while staying out of the ash cloud.
Kezzem suggests between Kezzem and Murphy�s communication spells the two should be able to team up and combine the spells speak with dead and speak with plants to get speak with dead plants or wood and just ask the structures which one belonged to Flamescorn.
Pressi casts and creates another set of prying eyes seeing as her last set got destroyed by the wind and sends them through the area with instructions to return after a while. She suggests they look for the house that is boarded up or covered in tape.

(OOC: you don�t telepathically control the eyes once they are created but get to give one single 25 word set of instructions on creation of the flying eyes per the spell: "When you create the eyes, you specify instructions you want them to follow in a command of no more than 25 words. Any knowledge you possess is known by the eyes as well.")

Pru asks if they have an idea of how big the noble area is or how long it might take to search it.
Tali asks if they are planning to search their current area the way they have others and if they have a way to determine the correct structure.
Nikolai sets up watch at the entrance to their current location.
Murphy suggests maybe trying to track down the child. Or just scout by the air.

As the party debates they review what the ogre told them. They know a general direction of where to look, it�s on the west side of the area, but not a street name. It�s a start at least.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells
Wednesday March 9th, 2022 1:31:30 PM
If you want to send out your invisible flying eyeballs Pressi, I believe we have enough intel that you should be able to direct it in the right direction. It's may be worth the wait to have a better idea as to what we may encounter, as well as which direction to go."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Wednesday March 9th, 2022 2:15:54 PM
"It's worth waiting a while at least," Pru agrees. She asks Murphy to set her down.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d4+18=19 ; d20+15=20 ;
Wednesday March 9th, 2022 3:15:56 PM
"Ok, let me think..."

Pressi considers that she's left with 25 words, and hopes she doesn't have to run this past a lawyer.

"Travel westward, maximum conical spread within sight of another eye, follow streets to end wall or one mile. Rotate 360 every 500 feet. Return directly."

Pressi releases 19 eyes per the instructions. Perception 20.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge, buff air elemental AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Wednesday March 9th, 2022 8:11:59 PM

Murphy sets Pru down, and anyone else who wants to touch the ground.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+26=31 ; d20+35=46 ;
Wednesday March 9th, 2022 11:23:23 PM
Nikolai keeps watch. If it looks like he can see from atop the closest house (won't be in the ash cloud), he climbs up to the roof for a better view of the street.
Slippers of Spider Climb.

Stealth +26 + 20(moving, invisible) = 31 + 20 = 51
Perception + 35 = 46 keeping watch.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Wednesday March 9th, 2022 11:25:55 PM
Talk listens to the group as she keeps pace with the decisions.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday March 10th, 2022 1:35:24 AM
"We should just look for the scariest house," suggest Kezzem. "It's most certainly that one."

DM Mitch
Thursday March 10th, 2022 7:21:01 AM
Succotash suggests Pressi continue with the prying eyes in order to get a better idea of what they may encounter.
Pru agrees it is worth a wait and asks to be set down.
Pressi gives her eyes specific instructions and sets them off in a conical spread westward until they have traveled 1 mile or hit a wall
Murphy sets Pru and anyone else that wants to be down.
Nikolai uses his slippers of spider climb to keep watch from a perch atop the closest house.
Tali listens to the group keeping pace with decisions.
Succotash suggests they look for the scariest house.

Nikolai is able to find a nice perch up high to survey the area while Pressi sends her eyes out. A short while later they return and she starts catching them in her hand and absorbing the information they contain getting a pretty detailed view of what is westward for the next mile

Both of them note the area seems pretty quiet. Their are occasional patrols, but nothing like what was seen in the other districts. To be fair the other districts expected trouble, but the giants don�t seem to think there�s much risk here. Most of the nobility seem to either be staying inside or off doing whatever giant nobility does during the day and it�ll be easy enough to traverse the area without being spotted.

The eyes find a likely location as well. One of the manners is firmly sealed up. A big fancy lock on the gate with a sign. A thick layer of ash covers the yard, far thicker than anywhere else as if no one had cleared it up for a long time, and there are signs of damage and dilapidation to the buildings. With only general scouting instructions the eyes didn�t take a close look so you can�t read the sign or get better details - they just passed by/over it.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Thursday March 10th, 2022 10:43:04 AM

"Ok, we got something. Let's move on out."

Pressi hops the wall and follows the route of the eye that grabbed the likely location, using some stealth along the way.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+17=18 ;
Thursday March 10th, 2022 12:42:53 PM
"Who says they're no eyes in team," says Kezzem.

Stealth: 1d20 + 17 + 20 (Invisible) = 38.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells d20+21=30 ; d20+13=17 ;
Thursday March 10th, 2022 2:03:20 PM
Succotash's stealth: 30
Valerie's stealth: 17

Succotash is pretty sure the stealthyness of his dino friend is going to give them away, if they run into any giants, but there is nothing that can be done about it now. He follows Pressi's lead towards the house her prying eyes found, riding on Valerie, who is air walking 5 ft above the ground..

Active Spells:
Succotash
Heroes feast (0 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Fly

Valerie
Heroes feast (0 temp HP)
Planar adaptation
Airwalk

Daily Stuff:
channel energy (10d6) 9/10
speak with animals 22/22
agile feet 13/13
dimensional hop 190/190
Quicken rod (normal) 2/3

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) d20+28=48 ;
Thursday March 10th, 2022 2:19:08 PM
Pru isn't especially stealthy, so she makes herself invisible before heading out, which should at least give her a fighting chance.

[Stealth 48]

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Thursday March 10th, 2022 8:10:53 PM
Damage and Dilapidation, this must be it!

Tali, to avoid issues with Stealth, casts Invisibility upon herself and then hovers above the ground towards this Damaged and Dilapidated manor after her companions. Once Tali arrives to this manor, she will cast True Seeing upon herself in order to determine what is real and what is an illusion. Whatever she "Sees" her, she will relay through the telepathic bond, to all of her companions.

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 700 Minutes
Endure Elements | 1170 minutes
Mage Armor | 700 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 700 Minutes
Invisibility | 18 minutes
True Seeing | 18 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
*-=-*
Used Spells slots
4x Invisibility
3x Prismatic Wall
2x True Seeing

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+26=33 ; d20+35=40 ;
Thursday March 10th, 2022 11:49:17 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 13/13

Nikolai moves along the roof of the house until he needs to cross a street, where he comes down to street level and joins the group on the ground.

Stealth +26 + 20(moving, invisible) = 33 + 20 = 53
Perception + 35 = 40

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+45=51 ; d20+43=55 ;
Friday March 11th, 2022 2:52:52 AM

"Changing clothing," says Murphy. He wildshapes into a raven, since he misses Mookie and Bliss. He thinks changing into a giant octopus might be a little more unwieldy. He still should be invisible, I think.

Murphy flies below the ash, and tries to keep below the windier parts of the wind.

He sees what he can see, mentally mapping as they go along, adding what he sees and hears to what Pressi was able to pick up city-layout-wise with her floating invisible ocular marbles earlier.

[need to adjust AC and a few other things, but am falling asleep]
============
Stealth: 51 [size bonus to stealth helps, as does invisibility]
Perception: 55

DM Mitch
Friday March 11th, 2022 7:25:31 AM
Pressi suggests they head out using some stealth to guide the others towards the likely location.
Kezzem follows Pressi�s lead asking who says there is no eyes in team.
Succotash rides Valerie air walking 5 feet off the ground following Pressi. He�s concerned Valerie�s stealthiness or lack there of will give them away but there is nothing he can do for it.
Pru makes herself invisible before heading out.
Tali casts Invisibility on herself as well as the party heads towards the mansion.
Nikolai jumps from roof to roof giving the party overwatch until they reach a cross street where he climbs down and joins the others
Murphy changes himself into a Raven and stays low and out of the ash and wind. He observes the area as they move along mentally mapping and adding his observations to what Pressi described.

As noted the area is light on patrols. With their skills the party reach the manor in question without raising a ruckus. Now that they�re there in person they can read the sign and get a good look at the place.

The sign says, in giant, �This house is anathema and its scion is to blame. Their names are stricken from our history�. Through the metal gate you can see the front doors have been smashed in, as if an invading group forced their way in. Some of the windows, once filled with expensive glass, are broken out. Even in this quiet district the area seems quiet. Nearby homes show signs of less frequent habitation as well, as if other giants avoid this whole section of street.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+25=36 ;
Friday March 11th, 2022 11:11:47 AM

"Well, this looks promising... under a certain definition."

Pressi casts detect magic and clairaudio to determine if anyone is inside. She checks the perimeter for traps (Perception 36+1 from trapfinding).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Friday March 11th, 2022 1:02:42 PM
"Yup, definitely the scariest one," says Kezzem. "On the plus side, I doubt anyone will care when we completely wreck the place."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Friday March 11th, 2022 3:06:44 PM
Pru never invested heavily in "find things out" magic, so she hangs back and lets the others do their stuff.

"So, you're planning on completely wrecking the place?" she asks Kezzem.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12
Friday March 11th, 2022 8:29:40 PM
This house is anathema and its scion is to blame!

Arriving at this manor, Tali casts True Seeing upon herself in order to determine what is real and what is an illusion. Whatever she "Sees" her, she will relay through the telepathic bond, to all of her companions.

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 700 Minutes
Endure Elements | 1170 minutes
Mage Armor | 700 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 700 Minutes
Invisibility | 18 minutes
True Seeing | 18 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
*-=-*
Used Spells slots
4x Invisibility
3x Prismatic Wall
2x True Seeing

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells
Saturday March 12th, 2022 8:02:20 AM
Nice place, if your into the whole haunted house look., He is about to cast some detection spells, but sees his friends have that covered, so he simply waits for the results, before he directs Valerie to air walk the two of them through one of the broken windows, assuming the coast is clear.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday March 13th, 2022 8:57:58 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 13/13

Nikolai waits for the magical detection results and comments, "Well, at least we won't have to pick the lock to get in."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Sunday March 13th, 2022 8:59:36 PM
"Planning?" asks Kezzem. "Never heard of it. Wait...isn't it that the thing when Murphey and Pressi talk a lot about doing things while I pretend to listen?"

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+43=48 ;
Monday March 14th, 2022 3:48:24 AM

Murphy flies up near to the outside of the building, looking in through the broken windows to see what can be perceived within without entering yet.

Perception: 48

DM Mitch
Monday March 14th, 2022 7:22:14 AM
Pressi points out that the house looks promising and casts detect magic and clairaudio to try to figure out if anyone is inside. She also looks for traps.
Kezzem suggests it had to be the scariest one but no one will care when they wreck the place.
Pru hangs back as the others check out the house. She asks Kezzem if he is planning to wreck the place.
Kezzem tells her he�s never heard of planning unless that is the thing Pressi and Murphy talk about doing things while he pretends to listen.
Tali casts true seeing in order to tell what is real and what is an illusion.
Succotash suggests the place has the whole haunted house look and waits for the others to do their magical probing before asking Valerie to air walk over the gate and through a broken window if the coast is clear.
Nikolai waits for the magical detection results and points out they won�t need to pick a lock to get in.
Murphy peaks through a window.

Tali doesn�t see anything that is an illusion from the facade the house puts on.

Pressi doesn�t find any traps or people inside for that matter but she does notice the lock on the gate is ridiculously simple as if they don�t expect anyone to make a serious attempt to get past the gate with its ominous warning message.

Murphy�s look inside shows about what he�d expect. A dark, long abandoned room, perhaps a dining room, lays on the other side of the window. Other then the furniture being giant sized it�s much like any other long abandoned room, with cobweb covered furniture sitting in dusty disuse.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+20=26 ;
Monday March 14th, 2022 10:46:45 AM
Satisfied, Pressi makes an attempt to open the lock on the gate (disable device 26).

If it works, she heads into the house, but continues to keep an eye out for traps.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells d20+36=39 ;
Monday March 14th, 2022 12:57:03 PM
Succotash and Valerie air walk through the broken window, and head over to open the front door for his friends. Assuming everyone enters the house, he closes the door behind the last person and takes a good look around the room. he is looking for anything resembling a clue. (perception 39) He than asks, "How do we want to search this place, and do we have any idea what we are looking for?"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Monday March 14th, 2022 5:29:03 PM
Once inside the manor, Pru casts a quick Detect Magic. She is careful to point her gaze away from her companions, as the combined auras of everybody's magic items is sure to give her a blinding headache.

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+43=50 ;
Monday March 14th, 2022 6:22:51 PM

Sensing a velociraptor and mounted halfling going through the window, Murphy waits a moment to ensure they are all the way inside. Then he flits through the window, letting people know he is doing so via the mental link. If this is a dining room, he'll land upon the table and take a better look about him.

Perception: 50

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+28=29 ; d20+11=29 ;
Monday March 14th, 2022 6:41:27 PM
"Wait, Pressi, you've got to search for traps first," says Kezzem. "Are you too busy casting witch spells that your forgot how to rogue?"

Kezzem will search for traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 27 + 1 Trapfindng = 29. Natural 1.

"Oh wait, you did that while I was talking," says Kezzem.

He attempts to open the lock (unless Pressi already did so).

Disable Device: 1d20 + 11 = 29.

"Apparently, I also forgot how to rogue. We need a support group for former rogues!"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+25=41 ;
Monday March 14th, 2022 10:31:16 PM
This house is anathema!!

If the others enter the home, Tali will follow hovering off the ground three feet and gliding inside. Tali will use her Spellcraft skills to detect any magic that might be inside.

Skill Checks:
SpellCraft : 41

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 700 Minutes
Endure Elements | 1170 minutes
Mage Armor | 700 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 700 Minutes
Invisibility | 18 minutes
True Seeing | 18 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
*-=-*
Used Spells slots
4x Invisibility
3x Prismatic Wall
2x True Seeing

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday March 14th, 2022 10:45:37 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 13/13

Nikolai observes with some bit of humor and a joke on his lips as Succotash and Valeri slip through a broken window and reappear at the entrance, bewildered that the front doors had been busted down a long time ago, and then pretend to 'open' them for the group.

Once everyone is inside the yard, he takes the lock and puts it back on the gate and locks it back, then asks Pru, "Honey, can you conjure up some dust and make this lock look like it wasn't touched? Just in case a wandering giant happens to notice the unusually somewhat relatively clean lock and wander what's up."

He'll be the last to go inside.

DM Mitch
Tuesday March 15th, 2022 8:04:57 AM
Pressi successfully opens the lock on the gate then proceeds to keep an eye out for traps.
Succotash and Valerie head on through the broken window and pretends to open and close the busted doors as folks pile in.
Pru casts detect magic careful to avoid looking at her companions lest their gear give her a headache.
Murphy flits through one of the windows after the Velociraptor and Halfling. He does not find himself in a dining room. Well it could have been a dining room once but it is too hard to tell. The house is absolutely trashed on the inside.
Kezzem suggests that Pressi forgot to search for traps then realizes she already did so and opened the lock. He suggests they both forgot how to rogue and that they should form a support group.
Tali Tali tries to detect any magic auras once inside.
Nikolai finds amusement from the antics of Valerie and Succotash and suggests they take steps to adjust the lock so it looks like it wasn�t tampered with. He takes up a position as rear guard.

Although the manor is largely trashed there are several passages leading underground that seem to be in better shape than the rest of the interior. Said interior has been damaged but not looted. It�s as if the giants burst in and searched the place without taking any valuables. Said valuables either sit in their place or are on the floor as if carelessly moved to check for hidden passages before being left to lay there. And there�s a lot of it - enough to fund a whole party of high level adventurers.

In particular there is an item that stands out. Amidst all the treasure an iron flask with a high woldian symbol for celestial. It's set assign in a room of it's own, with warning in giant not to open it without a way to compel the being inside. Spellcraft 30 Highlight to display spoiler: { It seems to be an item designed to entrap extraplaner entities like demons. Judging from the inscription on it and it's aura it contains a powerful celestial, the type that would be dangerous to the evil giants but possibly a useful ally to the party}

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells d20+10=18 ;
Tuesday March 15th, 2022 1:10:22 PM
"I can read the High Woldian symbol, it says Celestial, but I have no idea what this may be. Does anyone have a clue as to it's design? It is obviously something Flamescorn's family considered valuable. Why else dedicate a whole room to it?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+30=34 ;
Tuesday March 15th, 2022 2:56:43 PM

"Because it's a celestial trap," Pressi recognizes immediately (no fail). "And from the looks of things, it's full of celestial."

(If anyone asks, she explains that it's a trap that contains extraplanar entities, an analogue to demon trap items.)

"As for why Flamescorn has it, I can't even begin to imagine. Though I can't imagine it cooperating with any of the giants here."

While the rest of the group focuses on the trap, Pressi looks in vain for any books or notes lying about. But she will open the trap if asked.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) d20+24=33 ;
Tuesday March 15th, 2022 10:17:37 PM
[Spellcraft 33]

Pru nods at Pressi's explanation. "It might be friendly toward us," she says. "Us being the good guys and all. Or it might be so angry from being imprisoned that it attacks anybody on sight. Hard to say."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+27=46 ; d20+16=30 ;
Tuesday March 15th, 2022 10:56:39 PM
The INside

Tali looks around but doesn't touch anything, leaving that to the others. She does instead look at the Flask room using her skills of Arcana and perception as any other room that looks promising.

Skill Checks:
Knowledge Arcana: 46
Perception: 30

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 700 Minutes
Endure Elements | 1170 minutes
Mage Armor | 700 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 700 Minutes
Invisibility | 18 minutes
True Seeing | 18 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
*-=-*
Used Spells slots
4x Invisibility
3x Prismatic Wall
2x True Seeing

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+21=31 ; d20+29=33 ;
Tuesday March 15th, 2022 11:34:07 PM

Murphy nods as Pressi shares her insight. He sees a look of recognition also on Tali's face. Pru's comment is sagacious. He figures at least part of Succo's query has been responded to.

"I could see if foresight gives me a warning should I start to open it. Maybe just one or two of us should be in the room before a try is given. Shall we try? If I start to do it, and I get a warning of imminent danger, we'll, that may tell us something."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday March 15th, 2022 11:53:45 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 13/13

"NO! Nikolai nearly shouts. "Why? Why open it here? Think! If it does not like us and attacks us out of rage, we've lost all the work to get here undetected! AND lost any chance to look around. However, if it be friend or foe, wouldn't it be better to let it out when we are being chased by giants while on our way out? C'mon! Think!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday March 16th, 2022 1:06:43 AM
Kezzem will detect evil on the flask, just in case there actually is a demon or the like inside.

"If there's a Celstial in there, we have to set it free," says Kezzem. "Keeping him locked up would make us no better than thr evil giants that trapped him there in the first place."

"Wow, when did I become the group's conscience."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday March 16th, 2022 1:06:44 AM
Kezzem will detect evil on the flask, just in case there actually is a demon or the like inside.

"If there's a Celstial in there, we have to set it free," says Kezzem. "Keeping him locked up would make us no better than thr evil giants that trapped him there in the first place."

"Wow, when did I become the group's conscience."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells
Wednesday March 16th, 2022 3:00:18 AM
"I agree with Kezzem, we should free the celestial, but we don't have to do it here, if that makes you feel better Nikolai. I speak celestial, and can translate for the creature, assuming it doesn't know common, so how should we proceed?"

DM Mitch
Wednesday March 16th, 2022 8:09:21 AM
Succotash points out that the High Woldian symbol is that of celestial and he doesn�t know what it is doing there.
Pressi says the urn is a celestial trap that is full of celestial and she too doesn�t know why it is here but that she can�t imagine it cooperating with any giants. She readies to open the flask if asked.
Pru suggests it will either be friendly to the party or it might be so angry it just attacks outright and it is hard to say.
Tali looks around but doesn�t touch anything. She observes the flask.
Murphy nods at Pressi�s insight and suggests using foresight to see if he gets a warning on opening and if he tries to open it and gets the warning of imminent danger then they have learned something.
Nikolai suggests they don�t open it here in case it is bad news after all and they should save it as a diversion in case the giants catch up to them for if it is bad news and they open it then all their stealthing around is for naught.
Kezzem attempts to detect evil on the flask but he doesn�t find anything. He argues if it is a celestial they need to set it free and he can�t believe he�s being the voice of conscience on this.
Succotash is also for opening it.

Ketia puts her two cents in. �If you�re going to free it, do it now. If it�s going to attack then here where you can gang up on it is best, not when you�re already in another fight. If it is going to be an ally best do it here where you can discuss your goals, not in the middle of a fight where it won�t know friend from foe and might target the wrong people by accident.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells
Wednesday March 16th, 2022 12:14:07 PM
"Ketia has a point. Unless we plan on waiting until we get back to the Sanctuary, or at least out of this gods forsaken pocket dimension, lets do it now. I know the odds are almost non-existent, but what if the celestial is Miss Piggy, she is a celestial beast after all? I miss that sow, wouldn't it be amazing to see her again? Valerie is amazing, and I wouldn't trade her for the Wold, but I would love to see Piggy again. Maybe when we have brought Flamescorn his just deserves, I will try to find a way to get to the celestial place in hopes of finding her."

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Wednesday March 16th, 2022 2:35:09 PM

Murphy holds out his hand. "May I?" he asks, indicating the container Pressi holds. "Nikolai, I hope you're mistaken on this one. If not, I'll owe you a mug of Brock's Best Beer."

"Before I do this, can someone check to see if there are any wards set in this room which may be set to limit the actions or mobility of a celestial?"

If no such ward or similar device or aura is found, and if his wife did pass the iron flask on to him, he will do as he outlined. He will prepare to open it after first suggesting his friends stand back a ways. Tuned into the 9th-level divinitatory power of the foresight spell, he slowly begins to unstopper the flask. If the spell warns him or counsels him to modify his actions, he does so. Otherwise, he opens it, and holds it away from his face (and ensuring the space toward which he holds it is free of his friends and family).

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Wednesday March 16th, 2022 6:16:07 PM
Pru backs up to give Murphy space, and readies a Time Stop if something goes wrong. Of course, she's not sure what she'll actually do with that extra time, but at least she'll have it.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday March 16th, 2022 7:36:22 PM
Kezzem will take a non-threating pose.

"Okay, I'm ready to diplomacy this guy."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+27=30 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+28=43 ;
Wednesday March 16th, 2022 7:54:14 PM
The Celestial

Tali giggles when she hears Kezzem suggest that he is ready to "diplomacy this guy!" Tali says aloud, "I'll back up Kezzem in case he needs additional Diplomacy!"

Upon release of the trapped Celestial, Tali will hove in place and offer her skills as a diplomatic liasson.

[u][b]Skill Checks:[u][b]
Knowledge Arcana: 30
Perception: 35
Diplomacy: 43

[u][b]Effective Spells and Conditions:[u][b]
Overland Flight | 700 Minutes
Endure Elements | 1170 minutes
Mage Armor | 700 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 700 Minutes
Invisibility | 18 minutes
True Seeing | 18 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
*-=-*
[u][b]Used Spells slots[u][b]
4x Invisibility
3x Prismatic Wall
2x True Seeing

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+25=45 ;
Wednesday March 16th, 2022 11:21:39 PM
Pressi casts some detect magic and a last ward search (perception 45) per Murphy�s request.

�If people want, I can try mage handing it. Also, I would totally have freed it because it�s right, eventually. Just looking for notes on it.�

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday March 17th, 2022 12:18:04 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 13/13

Nikolai shrugs. "I guess no point in discussing the best strategic position with military...er, uhm, handicapped. You have no guaranteed that whatever is inside will want to help or has not gone insane by this time. In the middle of a battle is the best time, giants are bigger, AND it knows who captured it, giants! But... open it. I've been wrong before."

Nikolai joins Pru and readies for the mystery to be answered.

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Thursday March 17th, 2022 1:11:56 AM

With precautions taken and people ready, Murphy begins to unstopper the flask. If foresight does not put a crimp in his actions, he finishes by pulling off the stopper with a flourish. He speaks greetings in Celestial, then in Halfling, and Common.

DM Mitch
Thursday March 17th, 2022 8:25:29 AM
Succotash points out that Ketia has a point and that they should just do it now. He raises the possibility the trapped celestial is Miss Piggy.
Murphy volunteers to do the honors, hoping that Nikolai is wrong and offers to buy the man a mug of Brock�s Best Beer if the monk is right after all. He asks they check for some sort of Celestial movement limiting device before going ahead.
Pru gives Murphy space to work and readies a time stop if something goes wrong.
Kezzem strikes a non threatening pose and says he�s ready to diplomacy
Tali giggles at Kezzem�s words and then readies to back him up.
Pressi offers to use mage hand to open it.
Nikolai comments on the other�s lack of military experience.
Murphy opens the flask.

After Murphy�s dramatic opening nothing happens for a moment. Then silvery smoke starts to billow out of the flask. More and more comes out, filling the room, before it pulls back and up, congealing into a humanoid form.

This mist turns into a great form, 9 feet tall with 6 wings of white. Dressed in full plate of shining silver, it matches the color of the creature�s skin, only visible due to apparent damage the armor had taken at some previous point. The helmet is missing and there are gashes and tears in it, as if before being sealed away the celestial was in a great battle, though any wounds are long healed.

Knowledge: Religion 30 Highlight to display spoiler: {} This is a Solar, celestials that serve as the right hand of the gods. Usually only appearing for Wold shaking events, the capture of one by the forces of evil is dire indeed[/b]

Looking about at the group with golden eyes, the celestial considers them for a moment before bowing. Kezzem instantly recognizes the look as the type of look he does when he detects evil. �Thank you for freeing me, heroes. I must ask, what year is it? How long have I been kept from my duties?�

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Thursday March 17th, 2022 2:35:42 PM

"Well, your Holiness, this is the Fifth Age of the Wold." He goes on from there to give the current year, month and day. "We are in a pocket plane run by Fire Giants. We are in the wrecked home of a renegade Fire Giant called Flamescorn, who has been rejected by his people. We are trying to find him, and bring him to justice. As he has murdered multiple people, at least some of them innocents, has tried to kill us, and is banned as exceedingly evil by the fairly evil fire giants, justice likely will involve his death, or some other sort of long-term consequence.

"We here make up Humble's Sword, halfling adventurers of Humble's Ford in the Crescent Valley. I am Murphy Leafwin Pipewood, one of the first members of the group. This is my wife, Pressi Silverglove. This is - well, let's let everyone introduce ourselves. Perhaps you can tell us how you would like for us to call you, oh Heavenly Warrior." He looks over at Nik and Pru. "Well, some of us are honorary halflings."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Thursday March 17th, 2022 3:13:36 PM
Pressi waved, as Murphy introduced her.

"Not even close to awkward. Can you tell us what year you were captured and how? What you remember of the person that captured you?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+28=35 ;
Thursday March 17th, 2022 7:58:10 PM
Heavenly Warrior

Tali curtseys when it is her turn to introduce herself to the heavenly warrior. In her most Diplomatic expertise, Tali starts with, "Kind warrior, I am Talia, but prefer Tali since being spared by Lord Gargul. For as long as I can remember, I have been an orphan. I know nothing of my family. Since learning that my gifts are called Sorcery, I have been on a quest to discover my bloodline. I adventure with my chosen friends, The Humble Sword. If we can be of assistance to you, please ask and I will help where I can."

Skill Checks:
Diplomacy: 35

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 700 Minutes
Endure Elements | 1170 minutes
Mage Armor | 700 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 700 Minutes
Invisibility | 18 minutes
True Seeing | 18 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
*-=-*
Used Spells slots
4x Invisibility
3x Prismatic Wall
2x True Seeing

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells
Thursday March 17th, 2022 8:24:49 PM
"Succotash Slenderstick, at your service, allow me to mend your armor." Succotash than begins casting mending on the celestial's armor until it is fully repaired. When the armor is fully restored, Succotash asks, "If you don't mind me asking, how did you come into your entrapment?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+26=32 ; d20+35=39 ;
Thursday March 17th, 2022 10:16:29 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 13/13

Nikolai suppresses the humor of going back to the Citadel with a badge saying "Honorary Hafling" sewn on his Mailed Fist uniform, and the jocularity the Fists members in the Last Assignment bar would have with it. He keeps a straight face, yet Pru can sense his struggle to pin down a laugh.

Letting the halflings handle the diplomacy, he goes to the front door and watches for signs of any curious giant.

Stealth +26 + 40(moving, invisible) = 32 + 40 = 72
Perception + 35 = 39

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) d20+24=27 ;
Thursday March 17th, 2022 10:35:37 PM
Pru is awestruck, but tries not to show it. "I am Prudence Komonov," she says, "and this is my husband Nikolai." [Diplomacy 27]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+27=47 ;
Thursday March 17th, 2022 11:52:13 PM
"I am Kezzem of Humble's Ford, a paladin of Gargul," says Kezzem. "It was a privilege to free such a noble being as yourself. We wouldn't want to keep you from your duties any longer, as I am sure they are very important. However, we would be honored to fight at your side if you would like to assist us in bringing justice to the corrupt Flamescorn, whose crimes are too many for me to list in full but he was the one who imprisoned you as well as the aforementioned multitude of murders."

To himself, he adds, "Aforementioned, Kezzem, you're so grown up."

Diplomacy: 47 (nat 20).

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+11=22 ; d20+16=31 ;
Friday March 18th, 2022 9:54:11 AM

Murphy may not know specifically that he is a Solar, but does recognize him as a very holy personage from the realms of the Gods of Wold. He is suitably impressed. He wonders how Kezzem figures it was Flamescorn who imprisoned this holy warrior - Murphy himself is not so sure - perhaps this glorious fellow will let them know. He says nothing more yet, awaiting his response.

Knowledge, Religion: 22/30
Knowledge, the Planes: 31

DM Mitch
Friday March 18th, 2022 10:28:19 AM
Murphy gives a typical Murphy style explanation of what year it is, what they are doing and who they are. He is very impressed at the presence of the powerful celestial
Pressi asks the celestial questions about its capture and captor.
Tali introduces herself and asks if she can help the Celestial
Succotash introduces himself, repairs the celestial�s armor and then asks how the celestial got captured
Nikolai struggles with humorous thoughts of returning to the Citadel seeing as how he and Pru have been labeled Honorary Halflings. He goes to the door and stands watch seeing as how the others have the diplomacy handled.
Pru diplomatically introduces herself and her husband Nikolai.
Kezzem introduces himself, says they don�t want to keep the Celestial from their duties and reasons that seeing as how the vessel was in Flamescorn�s home it was Flamescorn that likely imprisoned the celestial and that they�d be honored to fight alongside the celestial in the quest to bring Flamescorn to justice. Then Kezzem, being Kezzem remarks at his own growth

The Celestial considers the adventurers and their questions. �Flamescorn, a traitor? Truly the gods have a sense of humor that the ancestor of the giant�s greatest champion would become their greatest enemy. I was captured a few hundred years ago by a powerful evil giant named Flamescorn. Judging by this home he must have become nobility for the deed and led his family to prosper.�

When queried about fighting alongside Humbles Sword in bringing Flamescorn to justice the Celestial says, �Alas, my duties, which I have long been kept from fulfilling, do not allow me to deviate and go after this Flamescorn ancestor now. However, I believe that you, noble heroes, are up to the task. Although as thanks for freeing me, before I leave, I will create a temporary portal between here and the Catacombs as there is much wealth in this house that can be used to aid you in your quest. Take it and outfit yourself appropriately for the trials ahead. May the gods smile kindly on your endeavor.�

As promised she creates a glowing blue portal against one of the walls before fading from sight. There is enough wealth in the home to bring everyone up to 880,000 total wealth. For successfully infiltrating the city and reaching your goal everyone gets enough exp to hit level 20.

Once everyone is leveled and has shopped we will continue with your search of the home for clues on Flamescorn�s plans.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Friday March 18th, 2022 11:53:22 AM
"I mean, with a name like Flamescorn, the fire giants should have seen this coming. If there was a guy in Humble's named Halflingbane, I know I would be keeping an eye on him."

He turns to Hobie. "There isn't a guy in Humble's named Halflingbane, right?"

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Friday March 18th, 2022 11:59:50 AM

[OOC: Hold on to that level leap. We are at level 18. I don't want to see another skipped level as happened last year. We now should be going to level 19.]

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Friday March 18th, 2022 12:18:03 PM

"Thank you for this kindness," Murphy says before she fades from sight, and bows at the waist toward her for a moment. As he finishes his bow, he adds, as she did not ask his question earlier, "As we have freed you, would you do us the additional kindness of telling us who you are, and whom you serve, good lady? Please don't go until you tell us!" He will even go so far as to try to grab her leg armor if he sees her start to fade. "I must know!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Friday March 18th, 2022 5:06:30 PM
"Down, Murphey, Down!"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+28=37 ;
Friday March 18th, 2022 7:13:44 PM
Solar!

Tali curtseys when she realizes the heavenly warrior is departing. In her most Diplomatic expertise, Tali starts with, "Thank you for everything including this portal!"

Skill Checks:
Diplomacy: 37

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 700 Minutes
Endure Elements | 1170 minutes
Mage Armor | 700 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 700 Minutes
Invisibility | 18 minutes
True Seeing | 18 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
*-=-*
Used Spells slots
4x Invisibility
3x Prismatic Wall
2x True Seeing

{OOC: If we need level 20 to face Flamescorn, then so be it! Let us know, please! Is that 880K GP each?}

DM Mitch
Friday March 18th, 2022 8:52:49 PM
Yes, 880k each, that's 20th level WBL. You are not skipping a level, you were supposed to advance to level 19 4 months ago. You are a little early due to outmaneuvering our plans ti make getting through the city difficult.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday March 18th, 2022 9:29:41 PM
OOC: I must have missed that Level Up To 19 memo as well, as i've been playing at 18 all this time.
I guess it was in some fine print on a post back then.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Saturday March 19th, 2022 12:54:08 PM
OOC: If the Level Up To 19 memo was sent, it was not sent via game post as i've not found any reference to level up scanning the text from November through January.

By e-mail on Dec 2:
We leveled to 17th on December 1, 2020. We then leveled to 18th on January 19th, 2021. Shortly thereafter (via a series of emails), it was decided we would simply wait until about December 2021 (or early January, 2022) to finally kick up to level 19.

By e-mail I have on Dec 12:
Hugh and I discussed and the math checks out, you guys can level to 19 over the christmas break.

However I don't have an e-mail actually saying, "Ok, now you can level up to 19th."

How many of us DID level up to 19th over the Christmas break?

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Saturday March 19th, 2022 1:04:39 PM
OOC: Basically, whether we did or didn't, we did skip 19th level since being 19th level for 3 months the way we play can't really count for any time at all.

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Saturday March 19th, 2022 1:48:04 PM
[OOC: Taking leveling conversation to email...]

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Saturday March 19th, 2022 7:18:44 PM
[Basically, in December we were told to level to 19. In January we were told to stay at 18. Now to 20. ::shrug:: Let's do 20... but please allow time for playing that 2 levels would allow - next December-ish?]

DM Mitch
Saturday March 19th, 2022 10:00:26 PM
(OOC discussion is to be done in e-mails per Woldian rules. Please move this discussion to our usual thread where I have responded to peoples concerns)

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Sunday March 20th, 2022 10:31:20 PM

Murphy is waiting to see if Anonymous Solar Lady is going to let him know her name, or at least what we can call her. Or maybe he'll just hold on to her calf and find himself in another plane.

Apocryphal Post

"Who is that, ASL?" a booming voice inquires.

"It's the halfling that freed me after I spent decades in an Iron Flask, Lord Alemi."

"What does he want?" Lord Alemi inquires.

"He wants to know my name. I gave him and the rest of his group access to the Catacombs from the pocket plane of some fire giants. But he asked to know my name, or what he can call me," she replied.

"Well, why don't you just tell him, Lady Llanfihangel Tre�r Beirdd?"

"I doubt he'll be able to pronounce it correctly."

"Lord Alemi, well met," Murphy says, hanging on to the Solar's jambeau which protects tibia and knee. "Hey, good Lady, he said your name in the Halfling tongue!" Murphy said. "I can say your name!" He pauses for a beat. "Do you ever want me to say your name?"

He looks around this room full of celestial light. "And, uh, how do I get back to my friends?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday March 20th, 2022 11:40:04 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 13/13

Meeting a Celestial should have been a jaw dropping moment for Nikolai, however that already happened when he met Pru back when they were two very shy raw Mailed Fist recruits.

They make quick work looting the place and is amazed at how fast halflings can grab loot! All that gold from his share could go a good ways at paying the Mailed Fist debt but he knows they still have to meet this Flamescorn and his unknown as of yet powers and who no doubt has followers of his own. So he starts making a shopping list.

DM Mitch
Monday March 21st, 2022 7:31:44 AM
Kezzem suggests that with a name like Flamescorn the giants should have seen this coming. If he saw a halfling named Halflingbane he would have kept an eye on that guy himself. He then asks to make sure there is no one in Humble�s Ford by the name of Halfingbane.
Murphy thanks the celestial for her kindness and asks her her name.
Kezzem tries to restrain Murphy�s exuberance with respect to learning their celestial benefactor�s name.
Tali curtsys and thanks the celestial for everything including the portal
Nikolaireflects that meeting a celestial should have been a draw dropping moment for him but this had already happened for him and Pru shortly after they were shy raw Mailed Fist recruits. He is astounded at how fast halflings can loot all the treasure lying around the mansion. While he reflects on how the gold could help repay the Mailed Fist debt he realizes that for the time being he has to still face Flamescorn and his followers so prepares a shopping list.

As the celestial goes to leave she notices Murphy grabbing her leg and says to him, �My name is (She says something unpronounceable) or that is as close an approximation as mere mortals could comprehend. Saying my true name might cause unintentional damage so I assume this satisfies you and you will let go of my leg so I can be off?�

With the celestial freed and loot gathered it's time to search the place for the clues your scrying indicated would be here (perception checks to search the manor please)

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells d20+37=40 ;
Monday March 21st, 2022 11:58:04 AM
Perception 40

Succotash searches the place, as best he can, looking for anything that resembles a clue. Of course he has no Idea what he is looking for, but he hopes that any clues found would be obvious to himself and his friends.

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+20=25 ;
Monday March 21st, 2022 3:03:53 PM

"Thank you, [and here Murphy comes up with a pretty close approximation to her 'unpronounceable name' - Linguistics: 25]! I would never want to cause you damage. Farewell, and good journeys, Holy Lady." Of course, he lets go of her leg.

After she left, Murphy said to Kezzem, "Funny guy!" He gives his friend a crooked smile.

He takes out a piece of paper and writes down her name using symbols to represent all sorts of sounds he learned while studying languages through the WLA. It includes markers for tones if present, stressed and unstressed syllables, gradations of sounds. With 17 languages under his belt, including Celestial, her name is not likely as unpronounceable for him as it might be for most people. Actually, after using the universal writing system, he then writes it in the Celestial tongue.

Then he joins in with his friends at inventorying and collecting the available loot, using detect magic - and being warned by foresight for another couple of hours should handling particular items be considered a dangerous or harmful action. He will also use knowledge arcana (+15) and similar skills to try to suss out the capabilities of what things they have found. As arcana is not as much his area of expertise as is true for some of his friends, he will generally rely on their findings over his own.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+25=27 ;
Monday March 21st, 2022 7:02:21 PM
Pressi finally snapped back to reality, but struggled to understand where to go next. She didn't really understand what the celestial had to do with anything.

Maybe some things were meant to be unsolved.

Pressi moved around again, looking for non-treasure clues (Perception 27). She cast detect magic. She flipped through papers (can read giant, cast comprehend languages).

And then she had an idea. Casting Vision, she asked to view the night that Flamescorn left the building.

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+44=62 ; d20+44=52 ; d20+44=62 ; d20+44=64 ; d20+44=61 ; d20+44=64 ;
Monday March 21st, 2022 8:22:27 PM

Oh, perception checks to search the manor, I forgot. Here are six: 62, 52, 62, 64, 61, 64. (18, 8, 18, 20, 17, 20, each plus 44).

Not too shabby, I trust.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:42, Saves:(F:15/R:17/W:19), HP:121/121 , temp HP:12/12 d20+16=34 ; d3=1 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+16=21 ; d20+16=30 ;
Monday March 21st, 2022 9:00:37 PM
Searching...

"Now that the manor house and been cleared of clutter and distractions, perhaps we can find what we came for", says Tali to no one in particular!

Tali hovers across the manner donning her Goggles of the Night, in hopes of perceiving something of worth to her and her group,

Skill Checks:
Perception Checks: 34, 24, Nat 1, 29, 21, 30

Effective Spells and Conditions:
Overland Flight | 700 Minutes
Endure Elements | 1170 minutes
Mage Armor | 700 Minutes
Telepathic Bond | 700 Minutes
Invisibility | 18 minutes
True Seeing | 18 minutes
Heroes feast (12 temp HP)
*-=-*
Used Spells slots
4x Invisibility
3x Prismatic Wall
2x True Seeing

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) d20=17 ;
Monday March 21st, 2022 10:41:28 PM
Pru isn't really good at looking for stuff, so she mostly helps by staying out of the way. Although she is always ready with a magical light source if anybody wants one.

[Perception 18]

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=46 ; d3=2 ; d20+35=41 ; d20+35=43 ; d20+35=43 ; d20+35=45 ; d20+35=46 ; d20+35=45 ; d20+35=50 ; d20+35=45 ; d20+35=47 ;
Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 12:10:48 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 13/13

Although Nikolai does not know what item they are looking for, he does know how to look for secret doors and hidden compartments, so starts looking for those.

Perception + 35 = 46,41,43,43,45,46,45,50,45,47

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 1:16:40 AM

And, as he goes through the dwelling, Murphy makes certain he is always with at least one other person - and recommends everyone pair up. "We don't want to have someone go into a room by himself, or herself, and disappear without us knowing where they have gone. It's much better if two people disappear, and that way, they have company, wherever it was they ended up." He maps out the manor as he goes through it.

DM Mitch d20=7 ;
Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 8:13:12 AM
Succotash searches the place as best he can looking for clues.
Murphy thanks the celestial and does an approximation of the name the celestial gave him. He then writes down the name or what he thinks the name is using sigils he learned form the WLA. He then joins his friends in cataloging the loot. He also suggests they use the buddy system when searching.
Pressi snaps back to reality not really sure why the Celestial was there in the first place then starts looking for clues herself. She hits on the idea to cast vision on the night Flamescorn left the building. (You need to roll a caster level check to see if you succeed)
Tali suggests now that they cleared the house of distractions they can find what they are looking for.
Pru helps out to the best of her ability mostly staying out of the way but is ready to provide a magical light source.
Nikolai isn�t sure what they are looking for so he looks for hidden doors as he is familiar with those.

The search is thorough and exhaustive. Now stripped of it�s treasures the building is a mere pleasant, well crafted home for living in. There are signs of many generations occupying the place, though oft disturbed as if by a previous search.

The key moment is when the PC�s are searching a large room with a fireplace and a picture of Sorkos Firesworn himself. It seems to be a living room, where him an any family or guests could relax. Moving the picture triggers a mechanism that opens up the back of the fireplace into a secret room. There don�t seem to be any traps that the party can tell, and the passage is large enough for the party to walk through comfortably though any giant would have to crawl through. With a fire in the fireplace it�d be almost impossible to spot even if someone activated the mechanism.

Down the short passage is a hidden study. Shelves upon shelves of books fill the cramped space, written in several different languages.

Pressi casts her spell while the others are searching and gets a vision of the small study, though she wouldn�t recognize it until after the party has found it. Sorkos is cursing to himself and grabbing things - supplies and reagents hidden away in the room. �By all the gods when I find that dwarf I�ll skin him alive. Losing to halflings! With his giant unbeatable death machine! I was so close. If he had just kept his mouth shut I�d have the artifact and all our goals would be within reach.�

There�s a crashing sound - the sound of the front doors being smashed in? Cursing again he grabs one last thing and quickly casts an invisibility spell. In his haste he drops a book from the bundle in his arms. The invisible giant then presumably rushes back out of the hidden passage - Pressi can see that the fireplace is lit by the glow in the passage and it closes shut before the vision ends.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells d20+37=55 ;
Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 12:36:10 PM
"Hidden passage behind the fireplace? I mean really, who didn't see that coming. Besides the book case, that's like the oldest trick in the book. Speaking of books, this is a lot of them. Pressi, in your vision, you said you saw that Flamescorn dropped a book in his haste? I think that would be the best place to start looking."

Succotash than begins to search the floor of the hidden room for any books laying on the ground.(Perception 55)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 6:10:48 PM
Kezzem resumes normally functioning after his shock of having to be the responsible one for a change.

"Hey, some halflings defeated him lackey! Maybe we can track them down and team up into a halfling super team. I mean, they'll certainly be willing to help us since we're half...lings...too.... He was talking about us, wasn't he?"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 9:34:41 PM
Pru watches Pressi cast her spell. It's an interesting spell, one Pru hasn't seen in action before.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+18=37 ;
Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 9:35:36 PM
Sorry, my vision roll is 37.

Pressi feels like a quip here would be good, but she doesn't really have one right now.

So instead, she continues on, looking for the particular dropped book, but also casting comprehend language as she starts looking through the books on the shelf.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+22=42 ;
Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 10:15:05 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 13/13

"It sure makes it a lot easier when you can walk through fire" Nikolai muses, peering into the secret passage. "Why would this passage and this study not be build for the appropriate size?" he wonders out loud.

Looking at the dust in the room and he asks Kezzem, "How long ago was that?" and tries to deduce how long ago the fire giant fled the room.

Survival +22 (from the dust accumulation, deduce - wild guess - how long ago the fire giant left the room) = 42 N20!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 10:40:46 PM
"Let's see, that was after the taxizomies and the time I died fighting giants, but before we farmed mushrooms on the moon and I was a shark. And of course that was before we used the iron giant against the other giants when they tried to invade. So by my calculations, it was still quite a bit ago."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+16=17 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+16=17 ;
Tuesday March 22nd, 2022 11:28:27 PM
A Forgotten Tome

Tali will also search for the Forgotten tome within the room behind the fireplace.

Skill Checks:
Perception Checks: Nat 1, 33, 23, 35, NAT 1

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14 d20+23=34 ;
Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 5:38:15 AM

"The unbeatable death machine was perhaps a month ago, Nikolai," Murphy addresses what he thinks the half elf's question is. "I'm not certain exactly what Kezzem is referring to."

He considers what Pressi just saw, trying to understand it as well as he might. "Sorkos is his name?" he asks her. Sense motive 34 on Sorkos as conveyed by Pressi. "What artifact does he seek?" he wonders aloud.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells
Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 5:46:41 AM
"I think Flamescorn is referring to the Iron Giant Murph, though I could be wrong, and that was a few years ago. He did say dwarf after all, and that's the only dwarf controlled death machine, I can think of."

DM Mitch
Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 7:16:07 AM
Succotash remarks that the hidden passage behind the fireplace is an obvious passageway and looks for any dropped books per Pressi�s vision.
Kezzem resumes normal functioning and ponders teaming up with the halfling super team Flamescorn mentioned in Pressi�s vision before realizing the giant was talking about them.
Pru watches Pressi cast her spell not having seen it in action before.
Pressi doesn�t have a quip, so she casts comprehend language and looks for the dropped book.
Nikolai muses the secret door behind the fireplace is more useful when the person using the passage can walk through fire. He is curious why the passage is undersized for giants though. He tries to get a feel for how long ago Flamescorn was last here judging by dust accumulation.
Kezzem suggests it was after the taxizombies and the time he died fighting giants but before he farmed mushrooms on the moon and he was a shark as well as before the iron giant or quite a bit ago.
Tali joins the search of the room behind the fireplace.
Murphy wonders if the machine was what they fought a month ago.
Succotash points out that the dwarf mention makes it more likely to be the Iron Giant.

The dropped book is easy enough to find. It�s on the floor right near the exit. A look at the other books show they cover a lot of religion and history, with a special focus on the scab and the immortal powers there.

The dropped book is� confusing. It talks about every day normal activities, but in such a way those activities make absolutely no sense, especially inside the demi-plane. Ketia asks to look at it. Instantly she recognizes what�s going on, �This is coded. Our cult uses it to hide things from prying eyes.�

She starts to read it to the group, though it is long and she skims and summarizes some. It seems to be a journal, starting with Flamesoorn�s early life and how he chafed at the restrictions and rules placed on him by the lawful giant society. He hated having to live up to the family name and the strict martial code of the fire giants. His joy at the discovery of the teachings of Scald, how freedom through murder and force appealed to him and he secretly converted.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells
Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 1:14:13 PM
"Does it say anything else? I mean I'm all in favor of finding freedom from an evil society, but rebelling against a evil society, only to find "freedom" by acting even more evil than your society is kinda a non starter for me. Pressi's vision indicated we may find a clue as to how to find Flamescorn, is there anything in there, or do we need to keep looking?"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 2:07:25 PM
"Well, there are a lot of books on the immortal powers in the Scab," Pru says. "Would any of them be likely to help a homicidal giant find a refuge?"

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 2:37:58 PM

"I still think he was talking about the juggernaut, guys, not the Iron Giant." He shrugs, "But maybe you're right." Murphy picks up a few books on the Scab and the immortal powers found there. He starts skimming furiously, pausing at points of particular interest. He gets a few empty bags from his high-capacity bag, and begins to fill them with books. "I am carrying on my role as a thief of bad guys' libraries." He places them in his portable hole, but not before jotting down the title of each tome in his journal. One or two books on immortal powers he keeps out for the moment for today's reading. But does not resume reading until the library is pretty well captured. If anyone wants to look at any of the books before he takes them, that's fine with him. To Murphy books are treasure, indeed.

CDM Jerry [OOC post]
Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 3:34:32 PM
Hey everyone!

Our discussion and information for the new game we will be starting and your PCs retirement will take place on the Emerald Tapestry board. Go there now and read your options along with all the information etc.

I highly suggest reading and posting there daily during this process. Not a requirement of course.

My initial post is up!

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 9:21:21 PM
Sorkos Firesworn

Tali begins with, "So, Sorkos Firesworn is the giant�s greatest champion, and yet somehow, Flamescorn is the ancestor of the would become their greatest enemy? Interesting!" Tali, continues with, " The coded book that Sorkos Firesworn dropped is somehow still coded in the same way that the cult coded theirs in? Seems a bit fishy to me!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 9:35:33 PM

To Succotash, "It's the universal constant. Dwarf, Halfling or Giant, we all rebel against our parents."

Turning to Ketia, "My vision mentioned that he was looking for 'The Artifact' and seems to have been stymied by events. Any idea what the artifact might be?"

If Ketia isn't sure, she turns back to the bookcase for clues, focusing heavily on Scald religious objects.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 11:11:57 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 13/13

Nikolai shrugs. He has no idea of who Sorkos is or his importance to the giant community, nor how this Flamescorn fits in with this Sorkos. So, he leaves the halflings to their digging and goes back outside into the living room. With his +2 Kama, he cuts Sorko's picture from the frame (ooc: obviously, if the picture is a small one that can fit into his Handy Haversack, he'll take picture, frame, and all) and puts it into his Handy Haversack to put up in the Mailed Fist hall of trophies. Then returns back to the secret office to see what's been discovered.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday March 23rd, 2022 11:17:35 PM
"Wait, did he change his name to Flamescorn or did the giants do that after the teachery?" asks Kezzem. "Now I am picturing him as a teenagerwearing all black and acting all angsty."

DM Mitch
Thursday March 24th, 2022 7:55:24 AM
Succotash asks if the book says anything else. He says he�s all for finding freedom from an evil society but doing so by acting more evil is a nonstarter for him.
Pru points out there are plenty of books about immortal powers in the scab and asks if any in particular would help a giant find refuge
Murphy still thinks Sorkos was talking about the Juggernaut not the Iron Giant but is willing to entertain other theories. He then starts burgling the library of its books.
Tali makes an observation about Sorkos Firesworn being the giants greatest champion and that some how Flamescorn is the ancestor that becomes their greetest enemy. She asks if the book is somehow still coded.
Pressi suggests the universal constant is children rebel against their parents she then asks Ketia what the artifact might be.
Nikolai shrugs at the discussion goes outside and cuts the picture of Flamescorn down and puts it in his handy haversack to go with some of the other mailed fist trophies.
Kezzem ponders who was responsible for the name change likening Flamescorn to an angsty teenager wearing all black.

Ketia looks mildly annoyed. �I�ve barely skimmed through the start, this book is huge and seems to be some sort of memoir. It covers his entire life.� At Tali�s question she checks something and says �Did I say Firesworn? Sorry, his family name is Flame scorn, but it says here at some point he started going by Scaldsworn everywhere but here and I must have mixed up the two.� (Or rather us DM�s did XD)

Clearing her through she continues. �Lets see here, once he joined the cult he was active in it for years. Mentions of other cells he met and/or worked with. Oh it looks like he knew Anur. And Giantbane. He also worked hard to maintain his cover and gain power here in giantland.

Ah here we go. The Iron Giant. It looks like Sorkos didn�t approve of the plan once he heard of it. Didn�t think any one big construct would be able to wipe out all opposition and free Scald, especially when the cult usually operates in secret. He was making his own plans to steal some artifact. He mentions making elaborate plans - maybe one of those books Murphy�s gathering? The artifact attunes to the old ones and empowers them, letting them have more reach. Apparently that�s how they maintain this pocket reality. It says he it took years of work just to get to the point where he was allowed to see it�s resting place.

Then the Iron Giant plan failed, which he was smug about. Then he heard through a friend that someone was spreading lies about him. He figured, and later confirmed, that Anur had sold him out somehow. Told the dwarves who uses it as a bargaining chip to stop or reduce the giants from attacking them. He wrote about taking his vengeance on Anur and the halflings who convinced him to betray the cult. It looks like it ends with him unable to follow through on his plans and the other giants coming for him.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells
Thursday March 24th, 2022 1:47:23 PM
"So it was the Iron Giant after all", Succotash says, without even a hint of I told you so in his voice. "So he is after some device that gives immortal powers even more power, and it's here, maintaining this pocket dimension. The attempted theft that we heard about, must have been an attempt on that device. So what do we do now? If we weren't dealing with a race that considers halfling a tasty appetizer, I'd say we could go to those in charge here and offer our services to stand guard."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday March 24th, 2022 5:11:24 PM
"Wait, let me get this straight, he rebelled against following a strict code of law by changing his name to Scaldsworn?" asks Kezzem. "Wouldn't searing an oath to Scald just be a different sort of strict code to follow? I mean, this one's (Ketia's) whole deal is you don't have to follow laws, so maybe that's why he's not getting along with the rest of you Scaldies. Guess the fire giant apple didn't fall very far from the fire giant tree."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Thursday March 24th, 2022 6:30:05 PM
Flamescorn's vengeance

Tali repeats, "So Flamescorn aka Scaldsworn writes about taking his vengeance on Anur and the halflings who convinced him to betray the cult. Anur is dead, and we are the not. Also, It looks like it ends with him unable to follow through on his plans [to kill the halflings] and the other giants coming for him. Any idea where he is now?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d100=5 ;
Thursday March 24th, 2022 8:43:17 PM

"We'll find out in a minute," Pressi said as she begins her divinations work. (Divination roll pass).

She begins to ask her godess, "Where is the artifact now?"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Thursday March 24th, 2022 10:55:55 PM
There was a lot going on, and honestly Pru is having a hard time following it. The Iron Giant seems to have been some past adventure the halflings had had, and it was tied in with this Flamescorn fellow, who in turn is connected to this artifact. Or at least, he was seeking it.

Pru just hopes Pressi's divination bears fruit, because if Pru has to think this through she's going to get a headache.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday March 24th, 2022 11:54:20 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 13/13

While the halflings discuss past adventures tied to the present, Nikolai listens and gives a light shoulder massage on Pru.
"Don't try to follow their ramblings. We can only just listen for something that makes sense when they are done," he smiles.

Murphy (KimMc) Raven AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 24 CMD 49 HP 196+14/196+14
Friday March 25th, 2022 1:26:10 AM

Murphy takes a measure of pity on Nikolas & Prudence. "We've had a fair amount of involvement in recent years in the Scab, at least the southern parts. I won't bore you with a full recounting. But the Iron Giant is an ancient artifact created in... the Second Age? - I think. By a power.

"One day a dwarf comes into town, huffing and puffing. He says the iron giant is coming our way soon, and we all should flee. He would not give his name, but said that Anur is crazy, and won't listen.

"We talked it over with some of the leadership of Humble's Ford. They worked on organizing the citizens to flee, or hide - some combination.

"We headed out to see what was coming. Long story short: A 250-foot-tall machine made of iron with various alloys was walking, taking steps about sixty feet long, leaving deep indentations in the soil. We found an entryway through the heel. We worked our way up through the hollow giant, encountering and overcoming resistance along the way." He pauses, remembering the details. Then he shakes his head, telling himself not to drown his listeners in them.

"A dwarf named Anur had visions of conquest and grandeur. Humble's Ford was to be a testing site to prove the Iron Giant could take out anyone. But with inside help from his rather twisted adoptive son - a too-clever-for-his-own good gnome, we got to the head of the giant, and defeated Anur. We showed mercy, and with a vow on his part, and from his wife, we sent them back home to the Scab. And had ourselves an Iron Giant.

"And then, it ran low on energy. A trip back to the ancient source of its power re-energized the governing gems, and it was restored to vast power. Meanwhile a thousand giants marched down to take over Crescent Valley, because the set of Giant Towers guarding our land for almost 200 years was damaged due to the loss of the tower just north of the Ford. Our people worked on rebuilding it, and were trying to figure out how to re-empower it. One of Humble's Ford's mages realized, in cooperation with the sapient gems of the Iron Giant, that they could bring it to pass.

"Sorry, this is a long story - it fills a book. But the timing of when tuning for the power transfer could occur drew near as the giants came close. Close enough to attack the town. If we'd had even another ten to 20 minutes, both the Iron Giant could be kept and the Giant Tower re-powered, and the invading giants killed."

He looks over at the dwarf. "Ketia here had been sent to take back the Iron Giant from us. They intended to use it to advance their cult, and free their power.

"She and hers killed a few of us. And their actions, and the council of the sapient gems, drove us to realize that saving the Iron Giant would lose the tower and the valley to the Giants. But to fuse the Giant Tower and the Iron Giant would save the tower, slay the giants, and render forever useless the Iron Giant, other than to serve as a glorious, dead artifact. That which would have killed our people, and left the remant enslaved, instead saved our people, and enabled the Giant Towers to disintegrate about a thousand enemy giants."

He turned and indicated Succotash and Tali. "These two gave their lives to allow the fusion to occur. These my friends, and those who fought with us that day, are true heroes." He shrugs, looking first at the couple from the Iron Fist, then his eyes sweep over Ketia, and to the other members of the party. "These could tell you more. But, Succotash, I think, is right. The Iron Giant was the artifact."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14
Friday March 25th, 2022 5:42:03 AM

Header update to level 20 druid [still updating sheet, but the link should be good]

DM Mitch
Friday March 25th, 2022 8:30:30 AM
Succotash mentions it was the Iron Giant after all and now Sorkos is after the device that gives immortal powers more power. He asks what their next step is considering they are dealing with a race that consider halflings tasty appetizers so they can�t just offer to stand guard.
Kezzem is perplexed as to how Sorkos could rebel against a strict code of honor by swearing an oath to Scald thus choosing a different strict code to follow.
Tali summarizes the last bit of the story and asks where Scaldsworn could be now.
Pressi casts divination asking Where is the artifact now.
Pru feels a little lost by the talk of the Iron Giant seeing as how she wasn�t with the party at that time. She hopes Pressi�s divination bears fruit or else she�s going to have a headache.
Nikolai gives Pru a shoulder rub and suggests they listen to the halflings for something that makes sense when they are done.
Murphy gives a summarization of the events concerning the Iron Giant for the party members that weren�t present during the attack.

Ketia nods along at the explanation and smirks slightly as Murphy talks about heroic deaths. �And yet they�re still here to complain about it. While all of my comrades remain dead. At the time our interests competed, now they align. As for swearing an oath to Scald, it�s the difference between a deal freely chosen and servitude forced on you since birth. Scald asks his followers to swear to work to free him. In exchange we get power to pursue our own interests. Both parties benefit, which is more than can be said of many relationships to the divine.�

Looking through the book and frowns. �He didn�t write anything about where he would go if caught, not that I can see at least. I mean he wasn�t stupid so I�m sure he had contingencies, but he didn�t write them down here. It sounds like his plan to steal the artifact was completed but he didn�t get a chance to use them before he was caught. You said earlier an Ogre told you someone broke into the city again later, that might have been him trying to get it, but we have no way of knowing if he succeeded do we?�

If anyone else wants to examine the book she�s willing to teach them the cypher to let them read it.

The answer Pressi gets from her divination is �Ask the Giant Priests of Fhorge�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells
Friday March 25th, 2022 2:21:03 PM
Succotash chimes in when Ketia mentions her friends not being resurrected, "As a cleric, here in the Wold, you know very well that Gargul honors those who act heroicly with resurrection, should they fall in battle. Maybe that says something about the nature of your beliefs. I'm not judging, I'm just pointing out what seems obvious, well at least to those who strive to act heroicly. You can still chose a different path, I'm sure any of the gods or powers , who honor heroics, would be happy to take you as a priest."

"So we offer our services to a fire giant priest, and hope he doesn't think we are offering ourselves as an appetizer. Sounds wonderful!"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14
Friday March 25th, 2022 5:06:44 PM

"I would love to learn the cypher, Ketia!" Murphy says.

"Say, is anyone hungry? I'm feeling a bit peckish myself. Time for second breakfast?" He pulls a small sack from his big bag, and brings out a dozen apples. "Here's a start."

Meanwhile, he will attend closely to what Ketia is teaching him.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Friday March 25th, 2022 9:14:29 PM

"Yeah, that's not happening," Pressi replied to her own less than great Goddess. "These giants aren't exactly nice to halflings who DON'T blow a hole through their wall, so I'm not exactly ready to join them for tea."

She plopped next to Ketia, groaning. "You know, we could always brutally murder you up and then bring you back. It' not my first choice, but it's really beginning to sound like you feel you're missing out. I don't suppose there are any non-evil not murderous and smaller priests of Fhorge. Maybe some fluffy bunnies of the north."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Friday March 25th, 2022 10:42:39 PM
"Maybe I could talk to them," Pru says. "I'm not a halfling. I wasn't with you guys for the Iron Giant or any of that. And I can be pretty persuasive. Also, I'm pretty much fireproof, so at least I'm kind of on their level."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Friday March 25th, 2022 11:54:14 PM
"Yeah, I'm not trying to critique your religion and all, but that whole requiring you to swear an oath things doesn't instill me with confidence that he really cares about your freedom of choice," says Kezzem. "Maybe it's best none of us find out what happens if he actually gets free."

"Press, it's never fluffy bunnies. And if it is a fluffy bunny, I can guarantee it will be no ordinary rabbit. Now that I think about it, maybe I should pop down to the Catacombs and pick up some holy hand grenades just in case."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Saturday March 26th, 2022 12:52:38 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 13/13

"I agree with Pru. It makes more sense. First, we have this book here as somewhat of proof. Two, she, and I, can present ourselves as Mailed Fist. The giants may not know anything about the Mailed Fist but it is better than a half dozen halflings responsible for so many giant deaths. Three, who can refuse to listen to someone of such beauty and fire brazen to approach a fire giant priest in his own temple?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14
Saturday March 26th, 2022 5:04:58 PM

"Sounds good," Murphy replies to what Prudence and Nikolai propose. "May I come as some sort of bird resting upon Pru's shoulder? Or on yours, Nikolai?"

He looks around. "What do the rest of you think?" he asks.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday March 27th, 2022 8:07:57 PM
Nikolai gulps loudly, "Can you turn into a bird that doesn't poop?" then chuckles and slaps Murphy on the shoulder. "Sure you can. But mind you, I'll charge for any cleaning." he grins.

DM Mitch
Monday March 28th, 2022 6:46:52 AM
Succotash points out that Gargul honors those who act heroically with resurrection should they fall in battle. He then asks if they should offer their services to a fire giant priest and hope said priest doesn�t see them as an appetizer.
Pressi opines that seeing the Giant priests isn�t happening, jokingly offers to brutally murder Ketia and bring her back as it appears that Ketia seems to be feeling like she is missing out and then asks if there might be smaller, gentler priests of Fhorge somewhere else.
Pru suggests she could try to parley with the Giant priests seeing as how she isn�t a halfling, is persuasive and pretty much fire proof.
Kezzem suggests any religion requiring an oath to be sworn doesn�t really care about freedom of choice and then points out that it is never fluffy bunnies and if it is a fluffy bunny it is no ordinary rabbit. He considers adding Holy Hand Grenades to the shopping list.
Nikolai likes Pru�s idea and expounds upon it saying that with the book for proof and Nikolai and Pru presenting themselves as representatives of the Mailed Fist instead of a half dozen halflings who have bad blood with giants plus who could say no to someone of such beauty and brazenness as Pru.
Murphy tells Ketia he�d love to see the cypher. He then asks if it is time for second breakfast. He asks Pru and Nikolai if he could accompany them as a bird on on of their shoulders.
Nikolai asks if Murphy can do non-pooping bird.

Pru, Nikolai no skill check; Everyone else DC 15 Knowledge[Local, Nature or Nobility] Highlight to display spoiler: { Nikolai and Pru�s former retired adventuring group The Agents of the Fist had a Talented Morphling of Ma�ab named Anna Morphling in their ranks. She was known for taking the form of plant creatures, animals, humanoids and magical beasts. If Murphy became an animal, plant or magical beast he could attempt to represent himself as her in polymorphed form. Seeing as how she is currently one of the Knights Commander of the Mailed Fist running things at the Citadel you likely aren�t to run into her in this pocket dimension. }
Pru, Nikolai no skill check; Everyone else DC 20 Knowledge[Local] Highlight to display spoiler: {If Murphy didn�t want to run the risk as being pointed out as not being Anna, Anna is currently training up a group of recruits specialized in shape changing similar to herself with a focus on combat readiness on land, sea and in air. Perhaps a better cover story would be for Murphy to represent himself as Anna�s protege that she assigned to Nikolai and Pru as backup because she couldn�t be there herself.}

Knowledge 20[Religion] Highlight to display spoiler: { from what you�ve seen of these giants, their faith, and what you know of Fhorge you suspect that any attempts to communicate with the giant priests will involve a trial by combat.}

Ketia frowns at the copies of his plans. �If you want to make a deal with the giants as the divination indicates then perhaps head to where they keep the artifact? That�ll let you check if he actually managed to steal it as well as make it most likely you�ll meet the giant priests who will be willing to deal with you to protect the artifact they�re sworn to safeguard.�

Eating is discussed and there is a kitchen, so the party can prepare food they have if they have any. Any food left in the building is long spoiled. Ketia wanders off at some point to use the lavatory and feed herself. Always happy to debate religion, she's happy to continue the discussion of Gargul, why he won't let most people come back, and why random adventurers get the privilege when other, equally righteous people do not. Complete with examples.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells d20+11=24 ; d20+11=15 ;
Monday March 28th, 2022 11:28:11 AM
knowledge nature = 24 pass
knowledge religion = 15 fail

"Hey Pru and Nik, didn't you used to travel with a morphling named Anna? Murphy, maybe you can pretend to be her if you travel with them. Normally I would applaud such an idea, but without the ability to teleport in if things go sideways, I'm really not sure I'm comfortable leaving you three without a means for instant backup."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) d20+12=23 ;
Monday March 28th, 2022 1:53:45 PM
"But I thought we didn't know where they kept the artifact," Pru says, confused. "Isn't that one of the things we're trying to find out?"

[Knowledge Religion 23]

Oh, by the way, she tells Nikolai through their shared link, they're probably gonna want a trial by combat. And it'll probably be one of those "magic is cheating" deals, so that's gonna be you.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+14=15 ;
Monday March 28th, 2022 2:14:56 PM
Knowledge Local Roll 15

"Presumably, this means we head back to the temple," Pressi responds to Pru. "That's where the last theft was, that's where they'd normally keep an artifact from god, and that's where we'll find a bunch of priests. And if we're wrong, it's a place most likely to lead us in a correct direction."

Listening to the plan, "I dunno, I think we're making a lot of assumptions. And I'm still unclear as to the backstory here as to why the giants would even know what Agents of the Fist are. But I am willing to go along, and I'm pretty good at being instant backup, with or without magic locks."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Monday March 28th, 2022 10:16:41 PM
AH!

Tali is going to play a low-key position here as she is the one that gave the command to power the Giant perimeter wall, vaporizing Giants dumb enough to be close enough to it when its power went 100%!

Speaking to herself, "Perhaps I'll go invisible and just keep pace flying."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday March 28th, 2022 11:13:18 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 13/13

Nikolai answers Pru, "Well, if that's the case, best get our priests here ready to buff me up with Strength, Agility, Wisdom, and a lot of Luck! Maybe we can lead them to a game of chess?" he shruggs.

"Well, folks, I don't know how many temples there are in this city, but the bigger the better. So let's eat something and go looking for the biggest temple they've got here."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday March 28th, 2022 11:17:27 PM
Nikolai turns to Pru, "Succotash might pull it off. Wasn't one of her most common forms that grotesque slimy plant tentacle thing? Yeah, that just might work." He eyes Succotash like an artist eyeing a hung of clay to be shaped into a masterpiece.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14 d20+22=35 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+22=29 ;
Tuesday March 29th, 2022 2:11:26 AM

[Made all the DC checks]

"Well, Nikolai, I can drink a lot of water before I wildshape, keep things nicely runny if you'd like," he responds to the anti-poop warning.

"I met Anna a few times in the Ghost," Murphy says. "And have heard of her a few times elsewhere. I can look like almost anything and anybody myself, up to medium size, and huge or even bigger in a few wildshapes. Elemental, bird, beast, plant, serpent, what-have-you."

"Say, what happened to that painting of Sorkos? I was going to sketch of copy of it," he tosses out as he enjoys the shared grub.

DM Mitch
Tuesday March 29th, 2022 7:36:51 AM
Succotash inquires as to the possibility of Murphy impersonating Anna Morphling if Pru and Nikolai present themselves as Agents of the Mailed Fist.
Pru voices her confusion as to where the artifact is kept and warns Nikolai of a potential trial by combat situation.
Pressi suggests heading back to the temple although she is unclear of why the giants would treat with the Mailed Fist however she is good in a pinch at providing backup locks be darned.
Tali as being the one who powered up the giant wall will keep a low profile considering going invisible and flying close by
Nikolai tells Pru he could use some buffs and then maybe they could challenge the giants to a chess match instead. He suggests they eat something before heading for the largest temple and drops a comment about Succotash bearing a resemblance to a Tendriculous, one of the forms Anna took in combat
Murphy promises to drink lots of water and makes a sketch of the painting.

After some discussion things are clarified a little. The party came here to learn more of Sorkos, as they previously only knew he had a grudge against them and attempted to kill them all. Learning he was a fire giant who lived here in the past, divination indicated they would find important information about him and his location.

Now you are in his home you have learned that he has far greater plans then just harassing the heroes. The giants here use an artifact that empowers the old ones bound in the Scab such as Fhorge and Scald, and use it to maintain their city. Sorkos seeks to use it to instead empower his own god, maybe even allow him to break free of his prison, which could mean nothing good for the Wold from what the party knows of Scalds nature.

However, these notes and information say nothing of where Scald is now. Nor is it certain if he even has the artifact to enact his plans. His notes tell you exactly where to find where the artifact is kept by the giants, and divination seems to indicate talking to the high priest will get you the remaining information you need to stop Sorkos permanently.

Reviewing the notes it looks like the artifact is underground at the back of the Temple district. A great vault rests there that Sorkos has elaborate plans on - with his notes you can avoid all of the security except the guards at the front door and the security of an unrelated vault that lets you bypass other, stronger security measures. I will assume someone does some further divination to determine the location of the giant high priest and learn he is almost certainly in the vault.

While the party is debating, investigating, and otherwise making plans it suddenly dawns on them that Ketia has gone missing. A note is found on the table outside the secret passage from her.

�Dear heroes,

It seems our paths must diverge from here. Our purposes aligned when it seemed Sorkos Scaldsworn was a traitor murdering my fellow cutlists. From everything we have found here it seems that belief was mistaken - those murdered were themselves the traitors, and the vanished have likely joined him at his secret base. Sorkos�s goal to empower Scald matches my own so our partnership is at an end. I thank you for the help though, and though I know we shall again be enemies next time we meet I hold no animosity towards you. I will leave you with one final piece of advice - though the plan prevents teleportation and scrying into it, it does not prevent teleportation out of it. Should you find yourself overwhelmed you can always magically escape back to the entrance. I would wish you good luck, but I both doubt you need it and would profit from your deaths so you�ll have to forgive me if I hope you all die before I have to kill you myself.

Yours truly,

Ketia.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 31/16/29 CMD 24 HP 135/135 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 133/133Spells
Tuesday March 29th, 2022 12:11:50 PM
"I knew we couldn't trust that dwarf! If it wasn't for her, we wouldn't have had to brick Madam Gem, so I'm glad we can finally avenge her."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Tuesday March 29th, 2022 7:14:00 PM
Ketia

Tali says, "So now Sorkos Scaldsworn's & Ketia's agendas are aligned? What the heck is that all about?!!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Tuesday March 29th, 2022 7:33:27 PM
"Well when she's frees her god and he tries to eat her or whatever, let's hope we're all there to tell her 'I told you so!'" says Kezzem. "Oh, and maybe also save her from her own folly? That would be the paladin-y thing to do, right?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Tuesday March 29th, 2022 9:00:10 PM

"That would be the paladin thing to do," Pressi agreed. "But I'm still leaning towards killing and resurrecting her so she stops feeling left out. One witch helping out a rhymes with... you get the idea."

"Well, what's done is done, and we don't have time to worry about her, except for the likelihood that she might try to find this scald or the artifact first. Also, this feels like a 'let the heroes find it for us and then we can try to take it' ploy, so we need countermeasures, including a teleport as soon as we get the artifact, and maybe a dimensional anchor in case they try the same."

"I assume we'll do the flying through the ash trick again? It's been working out for us so far, and I don't know if Ketia will give the giants any countermeasures. I assume that we'll try to talk through to the guards, and in the meantime...."

---------

Under Pressi's mental command, Harper (who has been staying with Ketia's caster all this time) is tasked with keeping an eye on/following/tracking that caster, particularly if Ketia shows up. Harper, in return, provides an image of whatever she sees.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Tuesday March 29th, 2022 9:05:57 PM
"Oh, does anyone want anything special prepared before we go," Pressi asks. "I was thinking maybe control weather again, in case we need to hit the building itself hard. Or maybe a mind blank on one of us, so they can't just learn more?"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Tuesday March 29th, 2022 11:02:30 PM
"Wait, so we're sneaking in?" Pru says. "I'm not sure there's a need for that. Ketia isn't going to find any allies at the temple, and the divination did say to ask the priests. I'd still like to try to do that."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday March 29th, 2022 11:30:01 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 13/13

Nikolai looks a Murphy, "I kept getting the impression his eyes were following us around, so I took it down. Here, sketch a copy, but remember, I got the original. NO making money off the copy without my share eh?"

"If we are to present ourselves, some of us at least, as emissaries of the Mailed Fist, sneaking in would not be very diplomatic. We sneak up to a corner out of sight of the guards, then the Mailed Fist emissaries approach the guards. If passage is not granted to the priests, then some knock-out action to remove that obstacle. Let's get moving."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14
Wednesday March 30th, 2022 2:10:28 AM

"Making money off a painting? Never thought of that one. I paint things to help remember, and to teach others. Sometimes to share with the WLA. And for things to refer to for this and that down the years. In truth, I've been planning a portrait of you two at some point here. But, first things first. We have another artifact to find. I met Scald once, and don't think we want him out. I did feel a little sorry for him - but not sorry enough to make tens of thousands of people sorry for his release.

"Getting back to your profiting off the painting... Is there some sort of law that allows you to profit off of copies, when you took the original from someone else without paying them for it? I'm not a lawyer, but I'd be interested in hearing what a competent one might say."

He's glad that Ketia at least told him enough to understand the cipher. Too many things to pack in all at once, but he takes about five or so minutes to skim the journal, relying upon his knowledge of the language for one, his memory for two, and his pretty healthy mind for three. He is salting his memory, to let it savor the flavor of the words that race past his eyes as he finds moments of reverie here and there.

"Has anyone taken the stuff we gathered to the Catacombs yet? I should pop over there at least briefly before we pop away."

DM Mitch
Wednesday March 30th, 2022 7:39:15 AM
Succotash remarks he knew they couldn�t trust Ketia and is glad they can finally avenge Madam Gem.
Tali is perplexed that Ketia and Sorkos�s agendas are aligned.
Kezzem suggests that when she frees her god and it tries to eat her they can at least be there to say I told you so or do the paladinly thing and save her from her folly
Pressi agrees that that is the paladinly thing to do but she is all for killing and resurrecting the word that rhymes with witch. She suggests they watch out for the old let the heroes do the work ploy but in the meantime they go with the fly through the ash trick again. She also takes spell preparation requests.
Pru would prefer to try to ask the priests rather than sneaking in.
Nikolai explained why he took the portrait down and tells Murphy not to sell the original without him. He then suggests that since sneaking in is not diplomatic they�d sneak to a corner near the entrance, present the emissaries and if entry is not granted switch to knock-out action.
Murphy is surprised by the idea of getting money for art. He asks about the law on it and is not a fan of the idea of Scald getting out.

With the plan presumably set and nothing else to keep the party in the manor they head out. It�s easy enough to find the temple district - a section of the city with shrines and temples to the various gods. It seems while Fhorge is their sworn lord worship of the rest of the pantheon is not outlawed, just secondary to Fhorge. There are small shrines to just about all of the main pantheon sandwiched in between large temples to Fhorge. They come in all sizes and shapes, enough to count as a district unto themselves and probably enough that the entire city could come worship here regularly.

Sorkos�s notes indicate the artifact was kept in the very back in a vault buried in the side of the volcano.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 42/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Wednesday March 30th, 2022 12:25:41 PM
"Do we try on of these temples, or head directly to the vault, ans how are we supposed to know which priest we are supposed to seek out?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday March 30th, 2022 6:43:03 PM
"Yeah, I'll leave the countermeasures to you magic people," says Kezzem. "My best countermeasure is stabbing them to death. Maybe I should try aiming for their hands. You casters are incapable of casting spells if I disable your hands, right?"

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Wednesday March 30th, 2022 6:44:54 PM
High Priestly

Tali replies to Succotash, " Probably the one with the biggest most flamboyant & fireproof hat!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Wednesday March 30th, 2022 9:11:08 PM
Pressi continues to try reaching out to Harper mentally.

To Kezzem, "It's like you keep forgetting I'm a biter. Can you at least detect evil on occasion, to make sure nobody is following us?"

To Succotash, "A large temple near the volcano itself is probably the best way to go."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Wednesday March 30th, 2022 9:54:09 PM
"I agree with Pressi," Pru says. "The temple closest to the volcano is probably also closest to the vault. We should try there first."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday March 30th, 2022 10:51:34 PM
OOC: DM, Nikolai keeps possession of the original, and warning Murphy not to make copies of it to sell without giving him a cut. :)

Also, we already dumped the loot of the mansion and got 880K each for it, right?

IC: Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 13/13

Nikolai laughs at Murphie's comment. "Yes, there are laws that govern profiting off a work without the owner's permission. And right now I'm the owner. As far as it being stolen, consider yourself in possession of 880,000 gp worth of stolen goods. What would your lawyer say about that? Eh? The Mailed Fist are experts in writing contracts, I can whip up a contract for the reproduction of this painting and the sell thereof of the copies as soon as I can get my hands on a few dozen parchment sheets!" And Nikolai chuckles at Murphie's concept of the painting being stolen but the rest of the stuff they pillaged from the mansion oddly enough, NOT stolen.

"To the Temple then. The biggest one. Here, Pru, take that journal. It's out passkey, I hope."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday March 30th, 2022 10:52:45 PM
"They're pretty much all evil here," says Kezzem. "I need to talk to Gargul about getting the ability to detect capital E evil."

Kezzem will detect evil.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14
Wednesday March 30th, 2022 11:53:40 PM

"Nikolai, I never used the word 'stolen,'" Murphy responds. "That likely is just your conscience assigning that word to it. I was not complaining, but you introduced a new concept to me. When you travel with others in a party, and you share an adventure, and then you indicate that you want to charge another member of the group for documenting the image of the fellow who has been causing great harm, and intends further harm, and there are others who might benefit from knowing what the bad guy looks like, and then you want to charge me should I make further copies of the image on the painting, that just seems a bit off-centered to me, that's all. However, I will be happy to forward a sizable sum of coins to you should I make additional copies. I'm thinking twenty copper pieces per copy. Or, I could just promise not to poop on you."

"As for the journal, you mean the one I've been reading, and know how to decipher? Would you like to give me 20 copper pieces for each usage of it, if I unilaterally declare myself its owner, which, just for the fun of it, pre-emptively, I shall do 'I, Murphy, am the owner of this journal,' - there - so that you and I play by the same rules of your game?"

DM Mitch
Thursday March 31st, 2022 7:23:51 AM
Succotash asks if they try a temple or head directly for a vault and how are they supposed to know which priest to talk to.
Kezzem tells Pressi he will leave the countermeasures to the magic people as his best countermeasure is stabbing people to death before asking if he should try aiming for people�s hands.
Tali suggests they find the priest with the biggest most flamboyant fireproof hat.
Pressi opines that the large temple near the volcano is probably the best way to go and asks Kezzem to detect evil on occasion. She successfully contacts her familiar (Neither DM remembers you telling Harper to follow Ketia, but even if he was he would have just witnessed her teleporting out with no way to follow)
Pru agrees with Pressi that the temple closest to the volcano is also closest to the Vault.
Nikolai discusses contract law and the concept of stolen with Murphy before giving the journal to Pru.
Kezzem says they are pretty much all evil here and needs to talk to Gargul about getting detect big E evil.
Murphy tells how he never uses the word stolen and suggests its Nikolai�s conscience getting to him. He then offers either 20 coppers a copy on the painting or the promise of not pooping on him. Since turnabout is fairplay Murphy declares himself owner of the journal they want to show to the priests and asks for 20 coppers.

The party confirms that all the loot was sold off and they each have 880,000 gold from the proceeds (that�s total wealth, including items you had before, not 880,000 on top of whatever items you had before)

Heading deeper into the temple district it seems strangely quiet. Everywhere else in the city there were giants going about their daily business. Here you�d expect priests tending to their temples or petitioners making offerings at shrines but there�s no sign of anyone anywhere.

They make their way towards the back and the largest of the temples. Set right up against the mountain, it�s the most important one in the city and Sorkos�s notes indicate the vault is inside it. There are other smaller temples around it, and the front door seems to be guarded by a squad of giants.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Thursday March 31st, 2022 9:22:15 AM
Kezzem will detect evil on the guards.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14
Thursday March 31st, 2022 5:18:51 PM
"Oh, and you can carry & use the journal far better than I as a bird," Murphy says.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Thursday March 31st, 2022 6:24:04 PM
"So, the one teensy snag we have is that I don't speak Giant," Pru says. "Anybody got a Tongues spell handy? If not, I'll just go do my best."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Thursday March 31st, 2022 7:08:24 PM
The Squad

Tali asks, "Where does the group stand with the mental Bond spells? Also, how many giants are in this squad?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday March 31st, 2022 8:30:02 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 13/13
Not being sure if Murphy understood the joke and is just trying to be funny too or if the joke just went over his head and thought Nikolai was being serious, he expounds on the intricacies of the laws of claiming loot with the tone of a serious professor of business law.

[b]"Ah, sorry Murphy. In correction, you said 'when you took the original from someone else without paying them for it?' and then went on to add layers into the mix. You sounded like you wanted to be funny, but layers know the law very well and in the vastness of the Wold, taking anything belonging to someone from that someone without paying for it is classified as stealing unless that someone is dead and it wasn't you or an associate, or someone contracted by you whether you know that contractor or not, or someone you know that perceived you wanted that person dead, that murdered him. There are numerous clauses that pertain to finding a dead body and what to do with the corps' possessions, and numerous clauses on what to do if you kill someone in self-defense or in defense of others, and so forth and so on. Now if what you described has a different definition in the lands of the Halflings, then I thank you for the correction. That particular subject is not covered in the little halfling language learning book given me.
On the other hand, that painting was a 'Left-over'. Had it been taken as part of the loot it would be an equally shared item. But as it is it was left behind and as such not part of the group treasure and up for grabs. I took it as mine. The book, however, is part of group treasure as everyone recognized its value and didn't just toss it into a corner. If you decide to claim it as your own personal property fine, its actual value may be only as the key to get in. Once out task is done and we still have it, you can keep it. By the way, any other book in that room left behind is yours, all yours, if want them, and make as many copies of them to sell as you want and keep ALL the profits, no objections from me.

You see, knowing the ins-and-outs of the law is very important.

You do have a good idea by suggesting to make a copy of this one. Unfortunately time is not on our side to make a copy. We may have to give it up to the head priest.

Nikolai offers the use of his Hat of Disguise to anyone who wishes to pretend to be a Mailed Fist emissary. He suggests that Succotash could just simply look like Ana rather than one of her many non-human forms.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Thursday March 31st, 2022 9:10:56 PM
(OOC: Harper was with Ketia's friend Sashe, up by the beginning gate. Pressi is ordering Harper to follow HER. You know, since teleport isn't allowed in the area. But look, I'm not going to push the issue. You say it isn't an option, it isn't an option.)

Pressi stared at Murphy and Nikolai. "Are you two going to be done any time soon, or are Kezzem and I going to have to discuss stabbing caster hands a second time?"

Pressi shook her head re Prudence. "It hasn't really been an issue. If you want, I could join up. I'm usually the face for these things, and I do speak giant, as does Murphy. Or you could just see if they speak Common."

When they finally decide who will be the main speaker, Pressi casts on him/her (or herself) the spell "Like Calls to Like" (+19 insight to social skills)(Will DC 19, divination).

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 42/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Thursday March 31st, 2022 9:11:06 PM
Nikolai, I think you are confusing me and Murphy. He's the druid, and I'm the cleric. I'd be willing to borrow your hat to make myself look less halfling like. I'm not the most diplomatic person in this group, though I am pretty darn good at diplomacy,(+29) and I do speak giant."

DM Mitch
Friday April 1st, 2022 4:43:20 AM
Kezzem detects evil on the guards. What do you know? They are evil.
Murphy tells Nikolai he can carry and use the journal better as Murphy is going to be a bird.
Pru asks for a tongues spell since she remembers she doesn�t speak giant
Tali asks for a recap of their mental bond spells and how many giants are in the squad.
Nikolai explains further the intricacies of the law not being sure if Murphy misunderstood the joke or if it just went over his head he then offers the hat of disguise to anyone who wants to look like an emissary of the fist suggestion maybe it would be better to just try to look like Anna in human form rather than one of her various polymorphed ones.
Pressi asks Nikolai and Murphy if they are going to be done soon or are herself and Kezzem going to have to discuss hand stabbing a second time. She tells Pru she usually functions as the face and she does speak giant or she could see if the giants speak common. She readies to cast a spell on whoever is doing the talking.
Succotash tells Nikolai he is confusing him with Murphy reminding the Ranger Monk that he is the cleric and Murphy is the druid. He is willing to don the hat of disguise, he speaks giant and he is fair at diplomacy.

If Harper was with Sashe not Ketia then Harper would have seen Ketia suddenly arrive near Sashe, talk briefly with the other woman and then use the dais. If Harper followed them through the dais then he would have seen them teleport away upon reaching the material plane. Also note it has been stated that while you cannot teleport into the area, you can teleport out to the dias, as the protection only extends to the edge of the slums

After much discussion a diplomatic party is decided on. How do you approach the giants and what do you say? There are 5 of them.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Friday April 1st, 2022 2:39:21 PM
"Well, I speak Giant and am pretty diplomatic," says Kezzem. "However, I think I need someone to recap the details of what we need here. All I have got is we need to find some magic MacGuffin from their vaults to stop Flamescorn Scaldsworn from releasing Scald. Do I have that right? I tend to drift off when you start talking about magic stuff above my paygrade and just make stupid jokes instead. In any case, I think I might need to know more the details."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Friday April 1st, 2022 9:29:50 PM
Pressi tells Harper to standby on the dais, then passes along the message that Ketia, for better or for worse, is no longer in the pocket. "So at least we don't have to worry about her just popping back up."

To Kezzem, "No, no, you basically have it right."

After glammering her outfit to a Mailed Fist uniform, and wiping off some of the face makeup, Pressi Pressi casts on herself the spell "Like Calls to Like" (+19 insight to social skills)(Will DC 19, divination).

"I figure we just go out there, lay on the flattery thick, tell them we just want a couple of moments, then tell them the straight up truth. Don't threaten them even a little, not even to indicate that you are prepared to defend yourself. And don't think you can offer them something either. But I think the last break-ins rattled them and I think they are willing to at least entertain the option."

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Friday April 1st, 2022 9:50:28 PM
Not the best spokesperson, but the best Charisma!

Tali explains, "Like earlier, I'm probably not the best spokesperson here, so I will cast invisibility on myself and fly behind y'all."

Tali casts Invisibility upon herself and the fly's behind the rest trying her best to not make any distractions .

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Friday April 1st, 2022 10:49:05 PM
Pru frowns a little. "I thought you didn't want the giant priests to see you--as halflings, anyway--because they might put two and two together and figure out who you were. Is that no longer a concern?"

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14
Sunday April 3rd, 2022 1:57:50 AM

[Shoot - I posted Saturday for Murphy, at least I had everything written out for him, and thought the post went through, but I look now, and see nothing. Trying again. I've been traveling the past two days, so have been somewhat out of pocket, as Jerry used to say. --Kim]

Murphy listens carefully to Nikolai's explanation. As his interest deepens, he also begins to pick up on the notion that the talented monk is playing with him, as he has been playing back. He finds the conversation risible, and as Nik wraps up, Murphy slaps his knee, lets out a good guffaw, and says, "I'll get you a whole barrel of Brock's Best Beer when we wrap this up. And maybe I'll sign up for law lessons when things quiet down!"

[Really - this law conversation all should have been taking place in the ruins of Sorkos' place.]

As they are set to move out to the temple, Murphy offers this. "Pru, some of us speak giant. If you would like, I could be your magical iridescent corvid who is somewhat gifted with the ability to interpret between various languages. You, with your pulchritude and charm, can lay out your case in the Common tongue. Likely many of them - or at least a few - can speak it as well. I can interpret what you say into the Giants' language."

After his visit to the Catacombs, it seems that Murphy himself has of a sudden become more charismatic. [Charisma 20, Diplomacy 31 - although only 29 with giants, since WLA membership doesn't impress them].

"Here, I'll show you." Murphy wild shapes into a corvid, but his dark feathers are iridescent - changing colors with changing angles and intensities of light. Greens, blues, and purples predominate, yet there are also touches of yellow, and bits of red, in feathers which in dull illumination might appear simply black, or mainly so. He says in Common, I love mango fruit, then says the same thing in the Giant tongue.

"We also continue with the advantage of mental communication. I suppose now that the drow and dwarf are gone - I don't sense their minds among us - we should be able to maintain a measure of security in our communication."

[I will post one more time before the calendar changes to Monday, to make up for lost posts, and make certain I do not become a Bad Example.]

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14
Sunday April 3rd, 2022 8:55:03 PM

Murphy also adds, telepathically to all, "I am reluctant to reveal the book or its contents to the fire giants. I am not opposed to leaking bits of what we gathered, but only enough to persuade, and not fully to inform them. We 'divined' several things, and can help rid them of the ongoing threat posed by him-who-shall-not-be-named. We need to cut him off from perversion to power. 'What he attempts will bring ruin upon the Fire Giants, and the fruits of heresy. We wish to protect you from destruction and chaos, as if unleashed, it will strike out against you, and against the whole of the Wold.'

"No doubt some of you can refine this approach. We can promise them that if they try to block our passage, that the Heretic will return, and his twisted plans will frost the giants."

"What do you think?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Sunday April 3rd, 2022 10:12:22 PM
Pressi wrinkled her nose at Pru. �I wasn�t the one who wanted to hide and still don�t get why these guys would care about the Mailed Fist. I am someone willing to talk or not talk as needed. If you want to give it a go, I�ll fall behind. Murphy can translate. If you�re not comfortable, I can step in.�

In regards to the book, �I don�t know, I think we need to punctuate that we know what we�re talking about. There can�t be any doubts as to our credibility.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 42/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Sunday April 3rd, 2022 10:25:38 PM
"I don't mind hanging back, but maybe I'll have Valerie accompany you. She can pose as an animal companion, oh wait she is an animal companion. I mean she can pose as one of your animal companions. since Murph will be acting as Pru's familiar, maybe I can instruct Valerie to act as Nik's companion. I doubt these giants would know all the details surrounding the members of your former party."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday April 3rd, 2022 11:35:08 PM
Nikolai hands Kezzem his Hat of Disguise, "Here Kezzem, look more, let's say, taller and intimidating. Ever been a half orc? One of our Knight Commanders is a half orc. Take a good look at my uniform (Nikolai still proudly wears his Mailed Fist uniform with Knight Commander badge and all), stand tall and straight, make your voice forceful and deep, and don't shake in your boots. You'll do fine," he grins.

"Just say that the Mailed Fist has come across a plot to steal their most prized artifact and we need an audience with their high priest. The Mailed Fist is known far and wide and its reputation was well known even in Floating City, so there's a good chance these giants have at least heard of us."

DM Mitch
Monday April 4th, 2022 8:31:06 AM
Kezzem volunteers to approach the guards asking for someone to clarify if they need to find a magic MacGuffin from the vaults to stop Flamescorn Scaldsworn from releasing Skald as he tends to knock off when the party discusses magic above his paygrade.
Pressi tells Harper to hold the dais and then tells the rest of the party that Ketia has left the pocket dimension so they don�t have to worry about her popping back up. She confirms Kezzem has it right. She then uses some magic to make herself look like a mailed fist member and buff her social skills. She then says they should just go up to the guards and tell them they would like an audience of a few minutes and then when granted tell the truth.
Tali casts invisibility and flies behind the rest of the party.
Pru frowns a little and points out that she didn�t think they wanted the giants to see the halflings as halflings given their history.
Murphy enjoyed the back and forth with Nikolai and offers to buy the monk a barrel of Brock�s best sometime. Murphy offers his services as translator to Pru since he speaks both common and giant. He also argues that they shouldn�t tell everything concerning the book but insinuate they divined their way into knowing what they know. He suggests other party members can refine this approach.
(OOC: see e-mail about talking in animal form please)
Pressi explains to Pru that she wasn�t the one who wanted to hide and doesn�t get why the Giant�s would care about the Mailed Fist. She explains she is willing to talk or not talk as needed but if Pru prefers Murphy can translate and Pressi will fall in line. She doesn�t like the idea of withholding information from the giants as she feels they need to prove their credibility.
Succotash suggests sending Valerie with them.
Nikolair gives Kezzem his hat of disguise and tells him to maybe look orcish. He suggests an angle of approach.

The diplomatic party approaches the giants. As soon as the yare within sight the giants draw weapons. However, they don�t instantly attack like might be expected given the attitude of every other giant you�ve met. They merely watch the party, blades drawn, until they�re relatively close.

Suddenly the biggest and meanest of them bellows out. �HATL! You trespass on sacred ground. This plane and it�s inhabitants are sworn to Fhorge, and this ground is his holy temple. We are sworn to kill any non-giants who enter. Take not a step further lest you be prepared to prove yourselves our better in combat. To the death.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 42/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Monday April 4th, 2022 11:40:03 AM
In Giant, and than again in Common, Succotash chimes in, "Don't you think to the death is a bit extreme? We are here to help you not harm you, and we would prefer not to be harmed by you in kind. I mean really why is it always to the death? Why can't it ever be to first blood, or better yet why not try talking first and harming second?"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) d20+24=25 ;
Monday April 4th, 2022 2:59:25 PM
"We seek an audience with a priest of Fhorge," Pru says. "If we cannot enter the temple, perhaps a message could be sent for a priest to meet us out here?"

[Diplomacy 25]

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Monday April 4th, 2022 9:43:02 PM
The Temple Fhorge

Invisible and flying behind her friends, Tali keeps vigilant.

Telepathically, Tali will ask Succotash, "What about, "To the Pain?" You know, �To the pain means this: if we duel and you win, death for me. If we duel and I win, life for you. But life on my terms...." as Tali giggles at Succotash!"

Spells in Effect:
Invisible | 20 minutes
Overland-Flight | 1200 minutes

Spells Used:
1x Invisible
1x Overland-Flight

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Monday April 4th, 2022 10:00:26 PM

Pressi is glad that she's not the only one to think of "To The Pain" at her first opportunity.

Since Prudence makes the diplomatic ventures first, Pressi hangs back after releasing her Like Calls to Like on Prudence (so Pru's diplomacy roll gets +19, Will DC 19, divination).

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+4=20 ;
Monday April 4th, 2022 10:17:30 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility, Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 16/16

Nikolai puts his arm up, military style, to indicate the order to stop their advance. He hides his irritation that Succotash, who had just suggested he'd stay back and let the others initiate the diplomatic attempt to get entry, blurts out a rather feeble show of proper decorum and diplomacy.

"Guardians of Fhorge's Temple!" he says forcefully but at attention, military style. "Fhorge is by far a powerful god and it is good he has chosen great champions as yourself to guard his place! As Knight Commander of the Mailed Fist Prudence Komonov has said, I, Knight Commander of the Mailed Fist Nikolai affirm the truth of her words. The Mailed Fist would not enter your Sacred Ground without invitation. Our Honor would prevent it. But there are dire events our Seers have perceived to threaten this sacred ground. NO! NOT just this temple's sacred ground, the whole of your city, the whole of this Plane! We would have an audience with your High Priest, out here if necessary, in your presence. But we will have a parley with your HIgh Priest! It is too important for your Temple to simple turn and walk away!"

Aid Another (Pru) Diplomacy +2 (+2 magic) DC10 = 20

Pru gets a +2 bonus on her Diplomacy check.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+25=29 ;
Monday April 4th, 2022 11:19:56 PM
Kezzem uses the hat to disguise himself as an orc. And, because he's Kezzem who can't let a running gag go, the orc appears to be some sort of mushroom farmer.

"What if I was a giant disguised as an orcish mushroom farmer?" asks Kezzem in Giant. "Did you consider that? In any case, we have a common foe by name of Firescorn, Scaldsworn, or whatever his name is. We have it on good authority that he seeks an artifact contained within and will use to free Scald and have come to warn you. Perhaps he will attack Fhorge even, who knows what that mad god will do if free. Surely Fhorge will prevail in the end, but think of the destruction and chaos that will happen if that occurs! Certainly none of us want that."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 25 = 29.

Murphy (KimMc) Iridescent Corvid (Raven skin) AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14 d20+29=40 ; d20+34=44 ;
Tuesday April 5th, 2022 5:04:56 AM

Murphy faithfully interprets what Prudence says into the Giant tongue.

He works to try to keep emotional / motivational tabs on the guards - though it shouldn't be too tough.
===========
Diplomacy: 40, and add +2 to Pru.
Sense Motive: 44

DM Mitch
Tuesday April 5th, 2022 7:13:52 AM
Succotash points out that to the death is a little extreme and asks why it can�t be first blood or talking first and harming second.
Pru tells the giant that they seek an audience with a priest of Fhorge and asks if a message could be sent for a priest to meet them outside.
Tali remains invisible and flying behind her friends. She telepathically suggests an alternative to Succotash called To the Pain.
Pressi agrees with the to the pain suggestion but says nothing. She let�s Pru make the diplomatic overture and places the Like Calls to Like on Pru so she gets the benefits of the spell.
Nikolai is irritated at Succotash and identifies both himself and Pru as Knight Commanders of the mailed fist seeking a meeting with a priest of Fhorge. He further explains the direness of the situation and why it is urgent they speak with a priest.
Kezzem talks a combination of nonsense and regular sense.
Murphy keeps tabs on how the giants are feeling and reacting.

The giant guards seem strangely unsurprised at the parties appearance and request. Almost as if they were expecting you specifically, or someone in general, to show up. �We have our own seers who are aware of the danger. Do you come expecting to be hired to solve our problems for us?� the head guard says.

At the request a messenger be sent the guard frowns and considers. �You seem honorable. Swear not to enter the sacred ground or engage in combat until the messenger returns and I shall send him.�

CDM Jerry [OOC post]
Tuesday April 5th, 2022 12:01:52 PM
You have email and the results of our vote for the new Woldian game is completed. There is one more task. So please head over to the Emerald Tapestry and let me know where you want to play after the Humble's Ford game ends.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 42/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Tuesday April 5th, 2022 12:07:35 PM
Succotash chuckles telepathically, when Tali mentions "To the Pain", than waits as the guard sends for the priest.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy) d20+24=38 ;
Tuesday April 5th, 2022 1:16:04 PM
"I promise to stand right here and wait while a messenger is sent," Pru says. "And I promise to do all I can to dissuade my companions from doing anything foolish."

[Diplomacy 38]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Tuesday April 5th, 2022 4:40:30 PM
"I swear not to enter sacred ground or engage in combat unless attacked," says Kezzem.

Murphy (KimMc) Iridescent Corvid (Raven skin) AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14
Tuesday April 5th, 2022 8:19:40 PM

Murphy interprets into Giant whatever Pru and whoever else speaks in anything other than Giant.

He asks, in Giant, "Are birds allowed? Or only giant birds?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Tuesday April 5th, 2022 9:47:27 PM
Pressi didn�t entirely trust this turn of events, and focused on the guards ahead (sense motive +26)

To the guard, �Your problems are our problems. Let�s not pretend this is anything more than that.�

She might not attack but she does begin to cast true seeing. Just in case.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday April 5th, 2022 10:09:02 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (not active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 16/16

Nikolai replies, "You have our word we will stay out here. If anyone of this group decides to enter, in whatever form they choose, you have the word of the Mailed Fist that no Mailed Fist will intervene in your choice of punishment to the interloper."

Having said that, he glares at Murphy. They are hanging in there by a very, very, thin thread and why provoke the guards by being entirely stupid? No halfling Mailed Fist recruit ever displayed such ignorance and plain obliviousness as these. It must be a local thing.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Tuesday April 5th, 2022 11:20:27 PM
Our Word is Our Bond

Tali telepathically agrees that Our Word is Our Bond while she hovers Invisibly behind her friends awaiting the High Priest of the Temple of Fhorge.

Spells in Effect:
Invisible | 25 minutes
Overland-Flight | 1195 minutes

Spells Used:
1x Invisible
1x Overland-Flight

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 42/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Wednesday April 6th, 2022 1:15:14 AM
As they wait for the priest to arrive, Succotash telepathically communicates with only Tali saying, "I'm not sure why I thought of it just now, but when this is all done, and we all decide to do our own things, I would like to help you attempt to track down your family, or at the least your place of origin. Would you be OK with my company on such a quest?"

DM Mitch
Wednesday April 6th, 2022 7:21:40 AM
Succotash chuckles telepathically with respect to the �To the pain� comment and then waits. He also talks to Tali about what to do when all is said and done
Pru promises to wait and to dissuade her companions from doing anything foolish.
Kezzem swears to not enter sacred ground or engage in combat unless attacked.
Murphy interprets for Pru and asks if regular birds or giant birds are allowed.
Pressi did not like the turn of events and remarks that their problems are shared. She watches the guards and casts True seeing.
Nikolai gives their word that they will stay there and if anyone decides to enter whatever their form no mailed fist member will interfere in the punishment. He glares at Murphy.
Tali telepathically agrees that their word is their bond and continues to invisibly hover and wait.

The giant dispatches one of his squad into the temple and there�s a long wait. When the giant returns she is notably alone. There�s a whispered conversation before the giant turns back to the party frowning. �The high priest sends his congratulations to you for coming this far. However, he will only meet you if you can make it to him in the depths of the temple where the artifact�s vault is.�

�He also says that my duty remains unchanged.�

From his tone and expression, and those of the other guards as they grip weapons tightly, that apparently refers to their duty to kill any non-giants who enter the sacred temple. Or die trying.

Those with high perception who wish to listen into the whispered conversation can confirm that the guard reported what the high priest said accurately, and those trying to read his motive likewise are pretty certain he�s being honest. Though he might know a little more about the situation then he�s said so far.

Murphy (KimMc) Iridescent Corvid (Raven skin) AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14
Wednesday April 6th, 2022 11:39:54 AM

"Tali, what do you think about enclosing two or three of the guards in a cylindrical wall of force?" Murphy inquires. "And can you cap it off, to make it tougher for them to escape?" he inquires further.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 42/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Wednesday April 6th, 2022 11:57:59 AM
"I'm not keen on a fight to the death, so why don't we just knock these guys out and than move on." Succotash says to his friends telepathically. He than casts Righteous Might, followed by a quickened (via his metamagic rod) Divine Power on Valerie. In giant Succotash says, "Well, if we have to fight, we have to fight. Come at us, for we will not be swayed from our path! I do have to say that this is probably one of the more foolish ways of doing things. If you kill us, we can't help you defeat Flamescorn, and if we kill you, than we just weakened your forces. Either way we are dealing with a silly situation, but whatever"

Active Spells:

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Telepathic Link

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Airwalk
Divine Power 20/20
Righteous Might 20/20

Daily Stuff:
Channel Energy 9/11
Quicken Rod 1/3
Agile Feet 15/15
Speak with Animals 23/23
Dimensional Hop 200/200

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 161/184](Kathy)
Wednesday April 6th, 2022 1:07:14 PM
"Oh, for pity's sake." Pru hadn't expected "trial by combat" to be anything like this.

She is reluctant to hurt the giants, so she starts with a Reverse Gravity, bouncing the giants 20 feet in the air. (Or as many giants as she can get; this is tricky without a map)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Wednesday April 6th, 2022 6:28:04 PM
Pressi�s mind boggles as the rest of the group begins to prepare an attack. �Guys, we got what we wanted. And we are fine to go through your test or entertainment room or whatever this is, as if we had any choice.�

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Wednesday April 6th, 2022 9:44:04 PM
Sorry, I misread (relying on phone). She still probably insists that they can just let this pass.

But since this is looking bad, she fires a quickened ghost hand and a shield of faith.

Tali (JPWard) -- Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Wednesday April 6th, 2022 11:30:01 PM
The most rigid and militaristic of all!

Tali telepathically answers Mister Murphy's question, "Unfortunately, the Prismatic spells are immovable walls, not cylinders."

Tali will delay her action.

{OOC: Is there a map available?}

Spells in Effect:
Invisible | 25 minutes
Overland-Flight | 1195 minutes

Spells Used:
1x Invisible
1x Overland-Flight

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16
Wednesday April 6th, 2022 11:51:11 PM
"Okay, new plan. Bliss, can you make us a hero's Thanksgiving feast? We feed them giant turkey and stuffing and wine and before you can say Thursday Night Football, these guys will be asleep and we can turn invisible again to sneak past them. You know what, now I'm hungry."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+34=44 ;
Thursday April 7th, 2022 12:41:07 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 16/16

Through the mental link, Nikolai chides the Humbles' Ford squad, 'You guys, they are not going to care how gentil and nice you treat them, they are going to try to kill you! We can't just walk away! We've got to put them down, unconscious if you prefer, BUT PUT THEM DOWN!'

If there is one still standing, Nikolai rushes over to him/her while pulling out his Kama +2 and tries to trip the giant.

Move
Improved Trip (no AoO) CMB d20 +30 + 2 (Feat) + 2 (magic) = 44 vs CMB

To Pru he messages [i]'If you got any cold spells, start using them.['/i]

Murphy (KimMc) Iridescent Corvid (Raven skin) AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14 20d6=78 ;
Thursday April 7th, 2022 6:23:34 AM
Murphy casts chain lightning, with the first bolt hitting the giant closest to the center of the group, and the lightning arcs then going out in a circle from there. Each giant takes 78 hp electrical damage. The first one struck takes full damage unless he (she?) makes a Reflex Save DC35 for half damage (39). The remaining targets require a Reflex Save DC33 for half damage.

Murphy (KimMc) Iridescent Corvid (Raven skin) AC 39/T26/F39(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219+14/219+14
Thursday April 7th, 2022 6:31:00 AM
Oh, and shiny Murphy flies up into the air so as to be out of reach of all except for ranged attacks.

[a map would be sweet, if possible]

DM Mitch d20=10 ; d20=16 ; d20=4 ; 3d6+20=29 ; 3d6+20=30 ; 3d6+20=32 ; d20+20=33 ; d20+20=28 ; d8=5 ; d6=2 ;
Thursday April 7th, 2022 8:26:01 AM
Murphy asks Tali if she can trap some of the giants in a wall of force.
Succotash casts Righteous Might and Divine Power on Valerie then gives the giants his opinion on the whole exercise.
Pru casts reverse gravity causing some of the giants to fall upward.
Pressi casts a quickened ghost hand and shield of faith.
Tali says walls cannot make cylinders and delay�s her action
Kezzem talks about feeding the giants until they go to sleep, missing that combat has already started
Nikolai goes to trip one and tells the others not to hesiate
Murphy goes for chain lightning

The giants are no fools and spread out as soon as combat seemed likely. The reverse gravity is only able to catch two of them in the back. Nikolai tries to go for a trip on the leader, but while it makes him stumble slightly it doesn�t bring him down (CMD 46, so close).

Experienced combatants, the giants look over the diplomatic party and pick out the biggest threats - the bird that flew up and had lightning strike down and the woman who chanted and caused two of them to float up. (know, they didn�t roll arcana to identify the spell, but as it wasn�t stilled or silenced it was still obvious you cast something)

The three on the ground charge right past the melee fighters to Prudace, provoking 1 AoO from Kezzem and 2 From Nikolai and Succotash. They strike at her for 102 damage total.

The two in the reverse gravity throw rocks at the bird in the air. One misses, but one hits him for 25 damage +2 fire damage (By my count current AC should be 32, please double check current AC in current form and update your header)

Map

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 42/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 40/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells d20+18=20 ; d6=3 ; d20+35=53 ; 4d6+25=40 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d20+35=44 ; 4d6+25=38 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d8=6 ; d8=8 ; d8=7 ; d8=8 ;
Thursday April 7th, 2022 1:17:53 PM
I added Valerie, who was enlarged last round by Succotash's Righteous Might spell. Since Succotash can only cast divine power and righteous might on Valerie as touch spells she would have to be adjacent to him, and based on the map, where I put her is the only place she seemed to fit. So unless I'm mistaken, she would also gain an AoO.

Succotash's AoO hits AC 20 for 4 damage
Valerie's AoO hits AC 53 for 40 damage plus 6 bane, 4 shock and 6 frost (All Valerie's damage is non-lethal)

At Succotash's command, Valerie moves into position, and than takes a swipe at #3, with a talon, hitting AC 44 for 38 damage plus 7 bane, 4 frost, and 3 shock (all Valerie's damage is non-lethal)

Meanwhile, Succotash burns an Inflict serious wounds, mass, to cast cure serious wounds, mass, healing Pru, and any of his other allies, who may need it, 49 damage.

Active Spells:

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Telepathic Link

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Airwalk
Divine Power 19/20
Righteous Might 19/20

Daily Stuff:

Channel Energy 9/11
Quicken Rod 1/3
Agile Feet 15/15
Speak with Animals 23/23
Dimensional Hop 200/200

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) 3d12+19=30 ; 3d12+19=48 ;
Thursday April 7th, 2022 1:38:36 PM
Pressi swings her spectral hand over to Prudence, casting a quickened CMW (48 points back).

With a flourish, she casts living voodoo doll (exhausted) on herself and all the giants.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Thursday April 7th, 2022 1:40:41 PM
OOC: the first roll, 2 of the healing dice came up 1s, so I rerolled)

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy) d20+32=46 ; d4=4 ;
Thursday April 7th, 2022 6:25:53 PM
Well, if they're going to be like that...

Casting defensively [46, success], Pru casts Time Stop, gaining 5 rounds of relative time.

During the first round, she casts Summon Monster VIII.

At the beginning of the second round, her summoned monster, an elder air elemental, appears. Let's call him Breezy. Breezy appears in the Reverse Gravity effect, ready to make life interesting for those giants. Meanwhile, Pru casts Haste on herself, Nikolai, Succotash, Murphy, and Kezzem, and saunters over to Nikolai.

During the third round, she casts Greater Heroism on Nikolai. And kisses him, but that doesn't really have a tactical effect.

During the fourth round, she casts Haste on Tali and Valerie, then saunters the rest of the way to the temple door.

During the fifth round, she begins casting another Summon Monster VIII, this time seeking 1d3 greater air elementals, but this is a full-round action, and time begins normally, so these elementals will show up next time.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 41/21/36; HP 239/248; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 101/101 + 16 d20+38=54 ; d20+38=43 ; d20+38=46 ; d20+28=29 ; d20+23=25 ; d3+25=28 ; d3+25=26 ; d3+25=26 ; d3+25=28 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=2 ; 2d6=3 ; 2d6=7 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d20+36=46 ; d20+31=47 ; d20+26=35 ; d3+23=24 ; d3+23=26 ; d3+23=25 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d10+6=9 ;
Thursday April 7th, 2022 7:47:20 PM
"Or we could just zap them with lightning I suppose," says Kezzem.

Kezzem SMITES EVIL on Fire Giant 1 and full attacks with his daggers. As he is disguised as a orc mushroom farmer, it appears that he's stabbing the giants with giant mushrooms, because of course they do.

"Some mushrooms are deadly if you eat them. These mushrooms are even deadlier if I stab you with them."

+3 Shock Giant-Bane Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 32 + 5 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Bane) + 1 (Haste) - 2 (Greater Two Weapon Fighting) = 1d20 + 38
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 18 (Smite Evil) + 2d6 (Bane) + 1d6 (Shock) = 1d3 + 25 + 2d6 + 1d6

Haste Attack:
1d20 + 38 = 54.
Damage: 1d3 + 25 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 28 + 5 + 2 = 35.

Attack #1:
1d20 + 38 = 43.
Damage: 1d3 + 25 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 26 + 2 + 6 = 34.

Attack #2:
1d20 + 33 = 41.
Damage: 1d3 + 25 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 26 + 3 + 4 = 33.

Attack #3:
1d20 + 28 = 29. Natural 1.

Attack #4:
1d20 + 23 = 25.
Damage: 1d3 + 25 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 28 + 7 + 3 = 38.

+3 Frost Returning Dager
Attack: 1d20 + 32 + 5 (Smite Evil) + 1 (Haste) - 2 (Greater Two Weapon Fighting) = 1d20 + 36
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 18 (Smite Evil) + 1d6 Frost = 1d3 + 23 + 1d6

Attack #1: 1d20 + 36 = 46.
Damage: 1d3 + 23 + 1d6 = 24 + 1 = 25.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 31 = 47.
Damage: 1d3 + 23 + 1d6 = 26 + 5 = 31.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 26 = 35.
Damage: 1d3 + 23 + 1d6 = 25 + 4 = 29.

Two-Weapon Rend:
1d10 + 6 = 9.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 39/17/32; HP 121/121 d10=5 ; d8=6 ; 2d6=7 ; d3=1 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=11 ;
Thursday April 7th, 2022 8:32:35 PM
Header update.

Also, the second dagger is also giant-bane, and thus should be:

+3 Frost Returning Dager
Attack: 1d20 + 32 + 5 (Smite Evil) + 2 (Giant-Bane) + 1 (Haste) - 2 (Greater Two Weapon Fighting) = 1d20 + 38
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 18 (Smite Evil) + 1d6 Frost = 1d3 + 25 + 2d6 + 1d6

Attack #1: 1d20 + 38 = 48.
Damage: 1d3 + 25 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 26 + 7 + 1 = 34.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 33 = 49.
Damage: 1d3 + 25 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 28 + 6 + 5 = 39 .

Attack #3: 1d20 + 28 + 2 = 40.
Damage: 1d3 + 25 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 27 + 6 + 4 = 37.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d4=1 ;
Thursday April 7th, 2022 9:18:15 PM
Why can't we just all get along?/u]
{OOC: what's the scale? 1 sq = 5 feet?}

Tali, now that she can see what's going on, although invisible, will use the action she had delayed. Tali casts Time Stop for the first time, gaining 2 rounds of relative time.

During the first round, she casts a Polymorph Any Object on the ground underneath the giants starting at S24 going to Y24, then from Y24 going to Y28. From Y28 back to S28, and then from S28 back to S24 making a large rectangle and turning approximately 2,000 cu. ft of the earth into Ice water.

During the second round, she casts Summon Monster VII, seeking greater water elemental and time begins normally, so this elemental will show up next time.

[u]Spells in Effect:
Invisible | 20 minutes
Overland-Flight | 1190 minutes
Polymorph Any Object
Summon Monster VII

Spells Used:
1x Invisible
1x Overland-Flight
1x Time-Stop
1x Polymorph Any Object
1x Summon Monster VII

DM Mitch
Thursday April 7th, 2022 10:15:03 PM
(Yes 1 square = 5 feet. Giants are Huge sized.)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+28=44 ; 2d10+10=25 ; 4d10=21 ; d20+33=41 ; 6d10+10=38 ;
Friday April 8th, 2022 12:48:48 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Haste (+1 on attack, AC and Ref saves, extra attack, +30 speed), Greater Heroism (+4 on skill, attack, saves, +20 temp hp)
Ki pts 16/16

OOC: correct me if I'm wrong, but the three grounded giants should be surrounding Pru's starting position, so the Polymorph Object might be a wasted spell.

IC: AoO on the leader w/ Greater Vital Strike: d20 +28 = 44 dmg = 2d10 +10 = 25 or with Greater Vital Strike add 4d10 = 21 for 46 damage.

Nikolai keeps his cool despite his wife being attacked. Feeling the enhanced power and speed wash over him, he follows on the heels of the leader striking him and then rushing back to Pru.

Move Spring Attack (no AoO): Move to attack leader, spring back to Pru
Stunning Fist attack w/ Greater Vital Strike d20 +28 + 4 (G. H. spell) + 1 (Haste) = 41
GVS dmg = 6d10 +10 = 38
Stunning Fist: stunned for 1 round Fort save vs DC 33 (or with Greater Heroism DC 37 if that + 4 counts)
See Stunned for effects.

Mentally he tells his friends about the possibly stunned leader and to take advantage of that incapacitation for the round.

Murphy (KimMc) Iridescent Corvid (Raven skin) AC 32/T23/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 218/219
Friday April 8th, 2022 1:54:06 AM
[Did the lightning seem to do any damage? If so,, were all 5 affected? If not, which ones were? The large black areas on the map - are they towers, walls, pits, what? If towers, and possible to hide behind, or fly up on top of, that would be useful to know]

If it is possible for Murphy to alight on top of a pillar or building, he may do so, if, by peering over, he can see the action below.

If the chain lighting seemed to have some effect, Murphy casts Call lightning storm. If not, he will...

≈==========
I'm at the hospital. Have to stop posting for treatment. Will get back on when I can...

Murphy (KimMc) Iridescent Corvid (Raven skin) AC 32/T23/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 218/219
Friday April 8th, 2022 7:10:06 AM

Murphy does say in the giant tongue, "You know, you fire giants keep on thinking it's a good idea to try to get us to kill you. We have managed to avoid killing any giants on this plane so far, despite your people's numerous invitations. Are you certain you don't want another day or more of life to continue inhaling ashy smoke? We can keep this up for a long time, and you are definitely tough people, but... well, it's your turn."

He ducks behind a pillar or wall or whatever is available. (Usung my phone, can't do the map)

[P.S.: I've got C-19, just found out]

DM Mitch d20=5 ; d20=7 ; d20=11 ; d20=17 ; d20=4 ; d20=14 ; d20+31=41 ; d20+31=46 ; d20+31=49 ; d20+31=40 ; d20+31=47 ; d20+31=41 ; d20+31=41 ; d20+31=40 ; 3d6+20=27 ; 3d6+20=29 ; 3d6+20=34 ; 3d6+20=27 ; 3d6+20=30 ; d20=18 ; d20=19 ; 3d6+20=34 ; 3d6+20=34 ;
Friday April 8th, 2022 8:27:13 AM
Succotash misses and Valerie hits on her AOO. Valerie then hits giant 3 while her master heals Pru.
Pressi also heals Pru using her spectral hand she then casts living voodoo doll on herself.
Pru casts a timestop summoning monsters, casting some haste spells, casting greater heroism and starting another summon spell
Kezzem says the party could just zap them with lightning he supposes and then smites giant 1 dealing 222 damage total
Tali then casts her own timestop before casting a polymorph spell turning a swath of ground underneath the giant�s collective feet into icewater and then begins summoning her own elemental to join Pru�s
Nikolai takes out the giant leader with his AoO. He was going to follow him, but since he�s gone he�ll hit the next closest who just barely makes her save. (Pru moved during the time stop so I�ll just return you to your starting position)
Murphy casts call lightning and comments on giants making the party kill them.

For a moment the giants flail in the water. Then something unexpected happens. They blur into inhumanly fast streaks, their hair and bears of fire leaving a lingering red glow.

The two in the water attack Valerie, first with a sword then with a thrown rock that misses. Then they blur out of the water (possibly by grabbing the edge, hard to make out) and flank her with two more strikes. All three sword swings hit for a total of 90 damage.

The two in the anti gravity field take advantage of the sudden appearance of a creature between them. Striking out at Breezy for 57 damage, they then use him as leverage to shove themselves out of the anti-gravity field, going in opposite directions (technically they can do that with each other even if Breezy is actually 30 feet up)

They land and rush Kezzem, striking him for 64 damage.

Giant 1 - Unconscious
Giant 2 78
Giant 3 - 78 lethal 52 nonlethal
Giant 4 78
Giant 5: 78

Giant AC 30, CMD 46
(OOC: Please note all giants have SR 22)

Map

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d8=4 ; d8=2 ; d8=1 ; d8=4 ; d20+35=54 ; d20+35=52 ; d20+35=53 ; d20+36=45 ; d20+36=41 ; d20+36=53 ; 4d6+25=37 ; 4d6+25=35 ; 4d6+25=44 ; 3d6+25=35 ; d6+25=26 ; d6+25=28 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ;
Friday April 8th, 2022 12:00:20 PM
Succotash takes a 5 ft step, than channels energy for 38 healing, than swiftly, via his metamagic rod, casts Cure Moderate wounds, mass for another 30 health to all his friends minus Pru, who is just outside the spells and channels range. In total everyone receives 63 health.

Meanwhile Valerie takes a 5 ft step and than goes full round attack on #3

Right Talon hits AC 55 for 37 damage plus 9 bane, 4 frost and 4 shock
Left Talon hits AC 53 for 35 damage plus 4 bane, 4 frost and 2 shock
Divine Talon AC 54 for 44 damage plus 8 bane, 3 frost and 2 shock
Bite hits AC 45 for 35 damage plus 8 bane, 6 frost and 4 shock
Right Claw AC 41 for 30 damage plus 7 bane, 6 frost and 4 shock
Left Claw AC 53 for 33 damage plus 6 bane, 6 frost and 5 shock
All Valerie's damage is non-lethal

Active Spells:

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Telepathic Link
Haste

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Airwalk
Divine Power 18/20
Righteous Might 18/20
Haste

Daily Stuff:

Channel Energy 8/11
Quicken Rod 0/3
Agile Feet 15/15
Speak with Animals 23/23
Dimensional Hop 200/200

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 244/276; Rumpus AC 39/17/32; HP 121/121 d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d20+33=34 ; d20+33=36 ; d20+28=29 ; d20+23=36 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+33=52 ; d20+33=48 ; d20+28=35 ; d20+23=39 ; d3+7=8 ; d3+7=9 ; d3+7=9 ; d3+7=10 ; d3+7=10 ; d3+7=9 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=9 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d10+6=13 ;
Friday April 8th, 2022 12:37:34 PM
"Hey, I'm sorry I hurt your friend, but remember, this whole operation was your idea. I wanted to give you guys a nice sleepy dinner!"

Kezzem will lay on hands (swift action):
Healing: 9d6 = 2 + 4 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 6 + 3 + 6 + 3 = 32.

He then 5 ft steps and full attacks Giant 2.

+3 Frost Giant-Bane Returning "Mushroom"
Attack: 1d20 + 32 + 2 (Giant-Bane) + 1 (Haste) - 2 (Greater Two Weapon Fighting) = 1d20 + 33
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 2d6 Bane + 1d6 Frost

Haste Attack: 1d20 + 33 = 34. Natural 1.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 33 = 36.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 2d6 Bane + 1d6 Frost = 8 + 4 + 6 = 18.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 28 = 29. Natural 1.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 23 = 36.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 2d6 Bane + 1d6 Frost = 9 + 6 + 2 = 17.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 18 = 25.

+3 Giant-Bane Returning Shock "Mushroom"
Attack: 1d20 + 32 + 2 (Giant-Bane) + 1 (Haste) - 2 (Greater Two Weapon Fighting) = 1d20 + 33
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 2d6 Bane + 1d6 Shock

Attack #1: 1d20 + 33 = 52. Natural 19.
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 33 = 48.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 2d6 Bane + 1d6 Shock = 9 + 6 + 2 = 17.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 7 = 10.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 28 = 35.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 2d6 Bane + 1d6 Shock = 10 + 7 + 2 = 19.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 23 = 39.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 2d6 Bane + 1d6 Shock = 9 + 9 + 5 = 23.

Two-Weapon Rend (if 36 hits):
1d10 + 6 = 13.

Kezzem turns towards his frost dagger. "Stop trying to stab them and stab them!"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy) d20+25=32 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d20+25=27 ; d3=2 ; d20+21=35 ; d20+21=30 ; d8=4 ; d8=5 ; d8=1 ; d8=6 ; d20+17=29 ; d20+17=32 ; d20+17=28 ; 4d6=10 ; 4d6=14 ; 4d6=13 ; 5d4+5=22 ;
Friday April 8th, 2022 2:31:21 PM
Breezy's damage reduction means he didn't take all the giants' damage. When they moved away, he got an attack of opportunity, and hit Giant 2 for 11 damage.

Now, he pursues Giant 2, attacking again but missing.

Pru's greater air elementals show up, and attack Giants 2 and 4. Giant 2 is hit for 16 more damage, and Giant 4 is hit for 14 damage.

Pru casts a Scorching Ray, and aims the resulting 3 rays at Giant 2. [The rays hit Touch AC 29, 32, and 28, which I assume all hit. Damage is 10, 14, and 13, but it's fire damage so it may not have any effect.]

Then Pru casts a quickened Magic Missile, also at Giant 2, who takes 22 points of force damage.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday April 8th, 2022 11:26:46 PM
OOC: I'm trying to figure out how the two giants accomplished:
Standard Action: attack air elemental
Standard Action (Bull Rush): push against each other and move out of the anti-gravity zone
Move Action: rush Kezzem
Standard Action: attack (again) Kezzem

Can any PC do a Move Action and three Standard Actions in one round? Even spending a Hero point you just get one extra Action (Move + Standard + 1 other of choice). And Haste won't do it either, it only gives an extra attack if you use Full Attack Action (no Move involved).

Consider the push-away as a Bull Rush, which it actually is but against a willing target, that's a Standard Action in itself.

I'm just puzzled, but maybe there's a monster feat that allows an Attack, Standard, Move, and Attack.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) 8d10=44 ; 8d10=30 ;
Friday April 8th, 2022 11:47:26 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Haste (+1 on attack, AC and Ref saves, extra attack, +30 speed), Greater Heroism (+4 on skill, attack, saves, +20 temp hp)
Ki pts 16/16

Nikolai does not hesitate. The giant leader said 'To the death' and that's exactly what he'll get.
Nikolai quickly moves back to the leader and executes a coup de Grace.

Punch attack at vital part on helpless target:
Hit is automatic, and Critical automatic confirmed, Crit x2
Greater Vital Strike 8d10 + 8d10 +10 = 44 + 30 + 10 = 84 Fort DC 94 or die.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d4+1=5 ; d6+6=9 ;
Friday April 8th, 2022 11:47:40 PM
Why can't we just all get along? {pt.2}

DM:Highlight to display spoiler: {What are the dark blue rounded squares? }

At the beginning of this round, Tali's summoned Greater Water Elemental enters the pool previously created. Let's refer to him as Mr. Wet. Mr. Wet will delay his attack until after Tali finishes. When it's Wet's opportunity, he will use a Vortex attack against FG3 & FG5; Vortex (DC 25, 10-60 ft.) (1d6+6 = 9)

Tali now hasted[/b, flys at 80 feet.

Trying again, Tali casts Time Stop for the second time, gaining 5 rounds of relative time as she giggles with [b]Glee!

During the first round, she flies higher to make sure she is above the Fire Giants' reach & moves from AB27 to AB20. Tali believes she is still invisible. If she is not, she will cast Invisibility on herself!

During the second round, she casts another Polymorph Any Object on the ground underneath the giants' extending the pool from its original size to:

S23 going to AH23, then from AH23 going to AH31. From AH31 back to S31, and then from S31 back to S23 making a larger rectangle and turning approximately
2,000 cubic feet of the earth into Ice water.

During the third round, she casts Prismatic Wall starting at M21 going to W21 with the shimmering side in the direction of both FG4 & FG2. The wall is 55 feet wide and 40 feet high.

During the fourth round, she casts another Prismatic Wall starting at M18 going to V18 with the shimmering side in the direction of both FG4 & FG2. The wall is 50 feet wide and 40 feet high.

During the fifth round, she casts yet another Prismatic Wall starting at S22 going to AH22 with the shimmering side in the direction of both FG3 & FG5. The wall is 80 feet wide and 40 feet high.

Spells in Effect:
Invisible | 25 minutes
Overland-Flight | 1185 minutes
Polymorph Any Object
Prismatic Wall | 200 Minutes

Spells Used:
1x Invisible
1x Overland-Flight
2x Time-Stop
1x Polymorph Any Object
1x Summon Monster VII
3x Prismatic Wall(s)

Greater Water Elemental | CR 9

XP 6,400
N Huge outsider (elemental, extraplanar, water)
Init +5; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +16

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 14, flat-footed 17 (+5 Dex, +1 dodge, +9 natural, �2 size)
hp 123 (13d10+52)
Fort +12, Ref +15, Will +4
DR 10/�; Immune elemental traits

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., swim 90 ft.
Melee 2 slams +20 (2d8+9)
Space 15 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks drench, vortex (DC 25, 10-60 ft.), water mastery

STATISTICS

Str 28, Dex 20, Con 19, Int 8, Wis 11, Cha 11
Base Atk +13; CMB +24; CMD 40
Feats Cleave, Dodge, Great Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Sunder, Lightning Reflexes, Power Attack
Skills Acrobatics +18, Escape Artist +20, Knowledge (planes) +12, Perception +16, Stealth +10, Swim +30
Languages Aquan

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday April 8th, 2022 11:48:42 PM
if not dead already by damage, that is

Murphy (KimMc) Iridescent Corvid (Raven skin) AC 32/T23/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 218/219 20d6=58 ; 5d6=18 ; d20+45=53 ;
Saturday April 9th, 2022 1:35:53 AM

Since they are not responsive to bird talk, Murphy chucks another chain lighting at the giants. It starts with Fire Giant 3, then splits out to include FG2 and FG5. Each takes 58 hp electrical damage. If FG3 gets a Reflex save DC 35 the damage is halved to 29. For FG2 and 5, each must make a Reflex save DC 33 for half damage.

As call lightning storm allows him up to 15 lightning bolts spread out over a 20-minute period... and DMs have allowed Murphy to discharge one after other actions (including spells) while hasted, should that still be the case, he drops a 30' tall, 5' diameter lightning bolt on to FG4 for 18 hp damage, Reflex save DC34 for half damage.

He notices Nikolai executing the leader, and all of a sudden, notes several prismatic walls springing up. DId Tali do that?

Murphy takes stock of the current battle status.
==============
Perception: 53

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Sunday April 10th, 2022 9:10:03 PM

OOC to Jonathan: As established through Pressi's link, the giants are heavily templated. As part of that, they all have an ability to basically move as if in two places at once. (For the record, it's Split Second under the Alacritous Creature template.) My only issue is that the "exhausted" condition should limit it, even if it's a supernatural ability.

OOC to group: I'm back from my trip, and will have my new sheet ready after the fight. I'll try to update my spells tomorrow.

Pressi frowns at the turn of affairs, attempting to determine her next move.

Targeting her cone at giants 2 and 4, she whispers to teammates like Kezzem her apologies. "Since it seems appropriate, I feel like I should come clean. I'm the one who did the strange snowstorm and all that nonsense in the back gate. Used a few strange tricks... like this."

Pressi moves back 15 feet and procedes to cast Forbidden Spray. (Cone shape burst, bypass SR. Every giant (and most teammates) 10+HD will save or dazed 1 round. Giants 2 and 4 also get 1d3 Wis and Con damage.)

Rituals
Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Ritual of Charming
true seeing
spectral hand
exhausted (voodoo)
shield of faith
moment of prescience

L1: 1
L2: 1
L5: 2+1
L6: 2
L7: 1
L8: 1

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 36 Tch 33 Ffted 31 HP 144/144 CMD 46/48(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday April 10th, 2022 10:20:07 PM
OOC: OK, i just don't know what an 'Alacritous Creature template' is, never seen one on the Woldian website.
'As a full-round action, it can move up double to its movement, then take a standard action at its original location, and one at its new location. It may use the action at its new location to charge and/or pounce, or to make an attack using Spring Attack (which counts as its additional standard action).'

This is still short by a Standard Action of all the actions the two giants took. So I guess I'm missing something else.

This ain't criticism, but if I understand the actions, I can DM better as well. Pulling out of a bag of tricks something like 'Alacritous Creature template' is something I'll need to know if I decide to DM again.

DM Mitch d20+12=18 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+31=47 ; d20+26=43 ; d20+21=37 ; d20+16=29 ; 3d6+20=27 ; 3d6+20=34 ; 3d6+20=29 ; 3d6+20=30 ;
Monday April 11th, 2022 7:31:05 AM
Succotash does 63 hp worth of healing for all his friends minus Pru who is just out of range. Valerie attacks giant 3 hit with all attacks and does 247 damage after the giant�s defenses are applied, knocking it out.
Kezzem lays on hands then attacks Giant 2 for 65 more damage total. Some of his attacks hit, some miss and one is a critical. Both daggers seem to be dealing less damage than he�d expect but the frost dagger seems to be dealing substantially less.
Pru has her elementals press the attack then fires off some spells at giant 2. Giant 2 ignores the scorching ray but takes full force damage
Nikolai executes a coup de grace on the helpless giant leader killing it.
Tali uses timestop again to get higher, make more earth into water and make 3 prismatic walls. When time resumes her elemental uses its vortex ability.
Murphy uses chain lightning striking Giant 3 full on and getting the other 2 partially even though it looked like they didn�t avoid the spell. (OOC: improved evasion) The same thing happens with the lightning on Giant 4.
Pressi uses forbidden spray dazzling some of the giants and negatively impacting their wisdom and con.
(OOC: Please remember EVERYONE in melee with the giants needs to will save vs 10 + their HD or be unable to take action for 1 round under the daze effect per Pressi�s spell)

Only one of the giants is able to act this round. He full attacks the air elementa? That he�s next to, killing it.

Giant 1 - dead
Giant 2 78;131 lethal; dazed, 1 wis, 1 con damage, exhausted
Giant 3 - 140 lethal 299 nonlethal - unconscious
Giant 4 96 1 wis, 1 con damage, exhausted
Giant 5: 110 dazed , exhausted

Giant AC 30, CMD 46
(OOC: Please note all giants have SR 22)

Map

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells d20+8=27 ; d20+27=38 ; d20+24=40 ; d20+35=54 ; d20+35=45 ; d20+35=45 ; d20+35=42 ; d20+35=36 ; d20+35=55 ; d20+35=40 ; 4d6+25=35 ; 4d6+25=40 ; 4d6+25=42 ; 3d6+25=30 ; 2d6+25=37 ; 2d6+25=31 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ;
Monday April 11th, 2022 11:53:14 AM
Valerie's will save = 27 (needed 24 -- pass)
Succotash's Will save = 38 (needed 30 -- pass)

Both Valerie and Succotash feel Pressie's cone wash over them, but they are able to brush off the affects. Valerie immediately turns and full round attacks #5. Succotash takes a 5 ft step back and than casts Implosion on #4. (SR roll -- 40) #4 must make a DC 31 fort save or take 200 damage every round Succotash concentrates on the spell, including this round.

Right Talon hits AC 54 for 35 damage plus 7 bane, 4 frost and 3 shock
Left Talon hits AC 45 for 40 damage plus 7 bane, 5 frost and 2 shock
Divine Talon AC 45 for 42 damage plus 7 bane, 4 frost and 4 shock
Bite hits AC 42 for 30 damage plus 5 bane, 6 frost and 1 shock
Right Claw -- Nat -- miss
Left Claw -- Confirmed crit for 68 damage plus 6 bane, 4 frost and 1 shock
All Valerie's damage is non-lethal

Active Spells:

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Telepathic Link
Haste

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Airwalk
Divine Power 17/20
Righteous Might 17/20
Haste

Daily Stuff:

Channel Energy 8/11
Quicken Rod 0/3
Agile Feet 15/15
Speak with Animals 23/23
Dimensional Hop 200/200

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+25=27 ;
Monday April 11th, 2022 7:43:33 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Haste (+1 on attack, AC and Ref saves, extra attack, +30 speed), Greater Heroism (+4 on skill, attack, saves, +20 temp hp)
Ki pts 16/16

Will d20+ 25 = 27 vs DC 30

Nikolai looks up for his next target and meets the Forbidden Spray square in the eyes.
Dazed for 1 round.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+19=20 ;
Monday April 11th, 2022 9:04:30 PM
Unable to think of anything else, Pressi casts suffocation on giant 2. (Spell Resist roll fails.)

Rituals
Ritual of Warding
Ritual of Healing
Ritual of Charming
true seeing
spectral hand
exhausted (voodoo)
shield of faith
moment of prescience

L1: 1
L2: 1
L5: 3+1
L6: 2
L7: 1
L8: 1

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy) d20+25=29 ; d20+25=29 ; d20+21=24 ; d20+21=34 ; d8=5 ; d8=7 ; d20+18=26 ; 2d4=5 ; d20+25=26 ; 5d4+5=21 ;
Monday April 11th, 2022 9:52:34 PM
Breezy and the unnamed greater air elemental continue pummeling Giant 2. Breezy's attacks both miss, but the greater elemental hits once for 19 damage.

Pru casts an Acid Arrow at Giant 2, hitting Touch AC 26. If that hits, Giant 2 takes 5 points of acid damage. [No SR]. She follows up with a quickened Magic Missile. [SR check 26; Pru can't actually fail a 22.] Giant 2 takes 21 force damage.

[If Giant 2 goes down, Pru instead targets Giant 4.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d6+6=9 ;
Monday April 11th, 2022 9:56:55 PM
Why can't we just all get along? {pt.3}

When it's Wet's opportunity, he will use a Vortex attack against FG5; Vortex (DC 25, 10-60 ft.) (1d6+6 = 9)

Spells in Effect:
Invisible | 25 minutes
Overland-Flight | 1180 minutes
Polymorph Any Object
Prismatic Wall | 195 Minutes

Spells Used:
1x Invisible
1x Overland-Flight
2x Time-Stop
1x Polymorph Any Object
1x Summon Monster VII
3x Prismatic Wall(s)

Greater Water Elemental | CR 9

XP 6,400
N Huge outsider (elemental, extraplanar, water)
Init +5; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +16

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 14, flat-footed 17 (+5 Dex, +1 dodge, +9 natural, �2 size)
hp 123 (13d10+52)
Fort +12, Ref +15, Will +4
DR 10/�; Immune elemental traits

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., swim 90 ft.
Melee 2 slams +20 (2d8+9)
Space 15 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks drench, vortex (DC 25, 10-60 ft.), water mastery

STATISTICS

Str 28, Dex 20, Con 19, Int 8, Wis 11, Cha 11
Base Atk +13; CMB +24; CMD 40
Feats Cleave, Dodge, Great Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Sunder, Lightning Reflexes, Power Attack
Skills Acrobatics +18, Escape Artist +20, Knowledge (planes) +12, Perception +16, Stealth +10, Swim +30
Languages Aquan

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 244/276; Rumpus AC 39/17/32; HP 121/121 d20+23=27 ;
Monday April 11th, 2022 11:31:40 PM
SV Will DC 30: 1d20 + 27.

Kezzem is dazed.

Murphy (KimMc) Iridescent Corvid (Raven skin) AC 32/T23/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 218/219 d20+30=33 ; d20=14 ; 5d6=19 ;
Tuesday April 12th, 2022 6:14:02 AM
Murphy saves (just in case, though I think he's outside the range), casts dispel magic vs Pressi's spell only as it affects Kezzem. He succeeds (dispel 14+20=34 vs DC 31, I think).

He drops a 19 hp lightning bolt vs whichever gives is nearest to Kezzem and still operational.

Murphy (KimMc) Iridescent Corvid (Raven skin) AC 32/T23/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 218/219
Tuesday April 12th, 2022 6:15:47 AM
'whichever gives' = 'whichever giant'

DM Mitch d20+9=27 ; d20+31=41 ; d20+31=38 ; d20+26=28 ; d20+21=39 ; d20+16=23 ; 3d6+20=30 ; 3d6+20=28 ; 3d6+20=30 ;
Tuesday April 12th, 2022 8:09:31 AM
Succotash and his trusty dinosaur resist the spray of the Wold�s blood. Valerie knocks out number 5 while Succotash casts implosion against giant number 4 who resists (DC 31) the implosion.
Nikolai is dazed by Succotash�s spray
Pressi casts suffocation on 2 but fails to overcome its spell resistance
Pru and Breezy gang up on 2 to do some damage. The acid arrow hits and magic missile cannot miss
Tali has her water elemental do a vortex and it does damage against the unconscious 5
Kezzem is dazed
Murphy remove�s Kezzem�s daze and lightning�s a giant.

Giant two full attacks the second elemental but doesn�t roll as well as the last one so only does 88 damage to it.

Giant 4 has no way to get past the walls of force and the elemental so runs off in a blur on around the building.

Giant 1 - dead
Giant 2 185 lethal;, 1 wis, 1 con damage, exhausted
Giant 3 - 140 lethal 299 nonlethal - unconscious
Giant 4 96 1 wis, 1 con damage, exhausted
Giant 5: 118 dazed , exhausted , 233 nonlethal - unconscious

Giant AC 30, CMD 46
(OOC: Please note all giants have SR 22)

Map

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells d20+35=36 ; d20+17=18 ;
Tuesday April 12th, 2022 12:01:30 PM
In her hastened state Valerie, who already travels exceptionally fast, is able to airwalk over to #4 and take a swipe at it with one of her talons, but she misses with a natural one.

Succotash fires off a searing light aimed at #2, but he also misses with a natural one.

Active Spells:

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Telepathic Link
Haste

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Airwalk
Divine Power 16/20
Righteous Might 16/20
Haste

Daily Stuff:

Channel Energy 8/11
Quicken Rod 0/3
Agile Feet 15/15
Speak with Animals 23/23
Dimensional Hop 200/200

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d4+1=2 ;
Tuesday April 12th, 2022 8:21:53 PM
Why can't we just all get along? {pt.4}

Trying again, Tali casts Time Stop for the third time, gaining 2 rounds of relative time.

During the first round, she casts Prismastic wall starting at S21 and going to S18 with the shimmering side in the direction of FG2. The wall is 20 feet wide and 40 feet high.

During the second round, she casts another Prismastic wall starting at V21 going to V18 with the shimmering side in the direction of FG2. The wall is 20 feet wide and 40 feet high.

This should effectively box the second fire giant inside FOUR (4) Prismastic walls!

Spells in Effect:
Haste | 17 rounds
Invisible | 25 minutes
Overland-Flight | 1180 minutes || Hasted flight speed is 80 Ft
Polymorph Any Object
Prismatic Wall | 195 Minutes

Spells Used:
1x Invisible
1x Overland-Flight
3x Time-Stop
1x Polymorph Any Object
1x Summon Monster VII
5x Prismatic Wall(s)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 39/17/32; HP 121/121 d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ;
Tuesday April 12th, 2022 9:23:19 PM
Kezzem, seeing that the giant before him seems to be dealt with by the spellcasters, double moves to protect Pressi from the remaining giant, although Valerie seems to have had the same idea.

He takes a moment to lay hands of himself.

Healing: 9d6 = 4 + 4 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 6 + 5 + 6 = 36

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+23=39 ;
Tuesday April 12th, 2022 9:27:44 PM
Pressi's eyes follow Valerie as she moves towards Giant #4.

"Uh, uh," she utters as she swings her spectral hand (move action) and activates her focused curse (+3 to spell pen, DCs.)

With a blast, she hits him with Heightened and Focused Bestow Curse. (SR Roll 39, Will DC 27, -4 to attack rolls and saves).

--------

Rituals: Ritual of Warding, Ritual of Healing, Ritual of Charming
true seeing
spectral hand
exhausted (voodoo)
shield of faith
moment of prescience

L1: 1
L2: 1
L5: 3+1
L6: 2
L7: 2
L8: 1

Focused Curse: 1/3

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Tuesday April 12th, 2022 10:27:19 PM
Giant 2 is surrounded by walls, and is badly damaged to boot. From her current position, Pru can't even see Giant 4, but she trusts her friends to finish mopping up. She dismisses her air elementals.

Murphy (KimMc) Iridescent Corvid (Raven skin) AC 32/T23/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 218/219 d20+35=45 ; d20+10=23 ; 5d6+10=20 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d10+10=24 ;
Wednesday April 13th, 2022 12:01:27 AM

Adult male Fire giants typically weigh around seven thousand pounds, at a height of 12-16 feet tall. A muscular wrought-of-stone-and-earth huge earth elemental weighs about 32,000 pounds, 32 feet tall.

Murphy sees the fire giant standing beneath him. He wild shapes from a tiny, iridescent corvid, into an earth elemental of dimensions as listed above. He gauges the height (as the map does not provide a building height, nor has any been provided, I'm going to say it's 50' at the top - I was thinking maybe 40'-60', so let's go middlin' - adjust if needed), and pictures the fire giant as a large heap of hay. He got in trouble with some cousins and siblings by jumping off the roof of a barn into a pile of hay below with some of his cousins at a farm just outside of Hovel some years back. But he didn't get hurt. The hay absorbed the fall. Well, a fire giant is not going to be squishy compared to hay. However, likely he'll be squishy enough for his current form.

His head as he bends his neck to look down is about 80' above the stone pathway. The giant's head is about 64' feet below, and his shoulders 67'. The druid's feet are only 37' above the shoulders - should be good landing pads.

As an earth elemental, he also has jumped from heights onto earth and stone before, as though the ground beneath were a pool of water. If for any reason he misses the giant, he is prepared to earthglide upon contact with the otherwise solid surface.

Murphy looks carefully, mindful of his foresight, seeing if that might help his aim a tad, then steps off the roof descending to the mound of fire giant 'hay' beneath.

AC 45 - Looks like he landed fairly squarely. His accelerating mass drives into the temple guard, perhaps causing bones to bend and snap, flesh to compress and rupture, sinew to surrender as the mass, 4.5 times that of the giant himself, flattens hay while the sun shines.

Once full compression of the giant and deceleration of the druid conclude, Murphy rests upon the heap and growls, "SAY, 'UNCLE.'"

He does not get off of the giant, but rather uses his size and mass to keep the guard down.

[I'm not certain just how to calculate damage to the giant, nor, if any, to Murphy. A 50' fall, unmitigated, would do 5d6 damage - I rolled (sum(4,1,1,3,1)) - low rolls :-) - and mistakenly left a +10 from the acrobatics roll just before. Total should be 10, not 20. However, he was seeking to maximize damage to the giant, and I think that much aimed weight landing on him would cause the giant much greater harm. There is also the magic fang, greater +5 damage, and 2d6=4 giant bane damage from his legacy item. Would it be considered a slam attack (2d10+10=24) (using the [link ref="https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/outsiders/elemental/elemental-earth/greater-earth-elemental/"]Earth Elemental, Greater[/link] stats due to the [link ref="http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/powerful-shape/"]Powerful Shape[/link] buff from the legacy item)? Would this whole thing be some sort of a grapple thing? I don't know. Will bow to the greater wisdom of our DMs, while hoping the things I've listed might be factored in.]

===============
Acrobatics check: 23 vs DC 15
Attack: d20+35=45 ; Acrobatics: d20+10=23 ; Falling damage: 5d6+10=20 (should be 10) ; Giant bane extra damage: 2d6=4 ; Slam attack: 2d10+10=24

Murphy (KimMc) Huge buff Earth Elemental AC 31/T22/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 27 CMD 48 HP 258/259
Wednesday April 13th, 2022 12:15:40 AM
[fix header, fix links in OOC query]

[I'm not certain just how to calculate damage to the giant, nor, if any, to Murphy. A 50' fall, unmitigated, would do 5d6 damage - I rolled (sum(4,1,1,3,1)) - low rolls :-) - and mistakenly left a +10 from the acrobatics roll just before. Total should be 10, not 20. However, he was seeking to maximize damage to the giant, and I think that much aimed weight landing on him would cause the giant much greater harm. There is also the magic fang, greater +5 damage, and 2d6=4 giant bane damage from his legacy item. Would it be considered a slam attack (2d10+10=24) (using the Earth Elemental, Greater stats due to the Powerful Shape buff from the legacy item)? Would this whole thing be some sort of a grapple thing? I don't know. Will bow to the greater wisdom of our DMs, while hoping the things I've listed might be factored in.]

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday April 13th, 2022 12:32:20 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Haste (+1 on attack, AC and Ref saves, extra attack, +30 speed), Greater Heroism (+4 on skill, attack, saves, +20 temp hp)
Ki pts 16/16

Nikolai goes to join Pru.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge buff Earth Elemental AC 31/T22/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 27 CMD 48 HP 258/259
Wednesday April 13th, 2022 1:11:50 AM
Effects in place (refreshed just before heading out with group)
Heroes' Feast (14 temp hp) 12 hours
Longstrider 18 hours
Magic Fang, Greater (+5) 18 hours
Planar Adaptation 7 hours (of 18) (from Prudence) "Planar adaptation grants you immunity to the harmful environmental effects of a particular plane of existence, including such hazards as toxicity, extreme temperatures, and lack of air. Additionally, you gain energy resistance 20 to a single energy type prevalent on that plane (choose one if more than one type is equally prevalent)." (fire chosen)
Protection from Energy (fire) 3 hours
Resist Energy (cold) (30 points per damage incident) 3 hours
Has natural resistance to electricity: 20 points
Stoneskin 3 hours (150-10 hp, adamantine DR/10)
Freedom of Movement 3 hours
Foresight (9th level divination spell) 3 hours
Mage Armor 3 hours
[I don't know how much time remains on these...]

DM Mitch d6=6 ; d20+14=33 ; d100=1 ; d20+31=34 ; d20+26=37 ; d20+21=30 ; d20+16=25 ; 3d6+20=27 ; 3d6+20=27 ;
Wednesday April 13th, 2022 7:37:42 AM
Succotash fires off a searing light and Valerie strikes at the fleeing giant but both miss.
Tali continues to have more fun with timestop and prismatic walls boxing giant 4 in. She also dismisses her water elemental.
Kezzem moves up to protect Pressi and lays hands on himself.
Pressi swings her spectral hand around and fires off a focused curse at the fleeing giant.
Pru can�t see Giant 4 and dismisses her air elementals trusting the team will mop up.
Murphy decides to go diving. He lands on the giant but his tough armor and size lets him not get crushed by the weight (there are rules for dropping heavy objects - they rule you do 6d6 damage so I rolled 1 more for 16 total). Murphy gets a nice slam in as well for another 24 damage

The running giant resists Pressi�s curse (Will Save: 33). He slashes at the giant pile of rock that just jumped on his head hitting twice for 54 damage.

The other giant has nowhere to go so tests his luck with the wall. He runs through it only to stop a few steps later and stare vacantly at nothing (got the insanity effect)

Giant 1 - dead
Giant 2 185 lethal;, 1 wis, 1 con damage, exhausted, confused
Giant 3 - 140 lethal 299 nonlethal - unconscious
Giant 4 136 1 wis, 1 con damage, exhausted
Giant 5: 118 dazed , exhausted , 233 nonlethal - unconscious

Giant AC 30, CMD 46
(OOC: Please note all giants have SR 22)

Map

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells d20+17=31 ; 5d8=16 ; d20+35=50 ; d20+35=44 ; d20+35=50 ; d20+35=52 ; d20+35=49 ; d20+35=42 ; 4d20+25=49 ; 4d20+25=78 ; 4d20+25=49 ; 4d6+25=36 ; 4d6+25=40 ; 4d6+25=37 ; 3d6+25=37 ; 2d6+25=32 ; 2d6+25=34 ; 2d6=10 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=8 ; 2d6=10 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday April 13th, 2022 12:55:51 PM
Valerie goes full round attack on #4, as Succotash fires off another Searing Light. This time he hits Touch AC 31 for 16 damage.

Left talon hits AC 50 for 36 damage plus 10 bane, 4 frost and 1 shock
Right talon hits AC 44 for 40 damage plus 6 bane, 1 frost and 5 shock
Divine talon hits AC 50 for 37 damage plus 8 bane, 3 frost and 5 shock
Bite hits AC 52 for 37 damage plus 10 bane, 2 frost and 6 shock
Left claw hits AC 49 for 32 damage plus 7 bane, 2 frost and 6 shock
Right claw hits AC 42 for 34 damage plus 6 bane, 5 frost and 6 shock
---All Valerie's damage is non-lethal---

Active Spells:

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Telepathic Link
Haste

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Airwalk
Divine Power 15/20
Righteous Might 15/20
Haste

Daily Stuff:

Channel Energy 8/11
Quicken Rod 0/3
Agile Feet 15/15
Speak with Animals 23/23
Dimensional Hop 200/200

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy) d20+25=40 ; d20+25=26 ; 5d4+5=15 ; 5d4+5=22 ;
Wednesday April 13th, 2022 2:39:53 PM
"Huh. He got out," says Pru, unperturbed. She fires off a Magic Missile, followed by a quickened Magic Missile. [SR checks 40 and 26]

Giant 2 takes a total of 37 force damage.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge buff Earth Elemental AC 31/T22/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 27 CMD 48 HP 224/259 d20+33=41 ; d20+33=44 ; d20+28=41 ; d20+23=40 ; 2d10+17=26 ; 2d10+17=23 ; 2d10+17=30 ; 2d10+17=28 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=10 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=4 ;
Wednesday April 13th, 2022 4:17:49 PM

The well-grounded Murphy wails on the poor Fire Giant temple guardian. Lowest of 4 rolls hit AC41 (I forgot one +1 to attack when I rolled - also need to apply to damage). Slam damage + giant bane 2d6 per blow: 26+7+1=34; 23+10+1=34; 30+6+1=37; 28+4+1=33, total 138 hp damage.

"AGAIN, SAY, 'UNCLE.'"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 39/17/32; HP 121/121 d20+35=47 ; d3+7=9 ; 2d6=8 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday April 13th, 2022 5:29:19 PM
Kezzem advances and throws one dagger at the giant in combat with Valerie.

OOC: Ooops, forgot I can move further when hasted. Too used to 2e version of haste.

+3 Giant-Bane Returning Shock "Mushroom"
Attack: 1d20 + 32 + 2 (Giant-Bane) + 1 (Haste) = 1d20 + 35 = 47.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 2d6 Bane + 1d6 Shock = 9 + 8 + 3 = 20.

"Hope you're ready to give up," says Kezzem. "Cause I get a full attack next round, and I've got five more smites left today."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Wednesday April 13th, 2022 9:03:04 PM
Why can't we just all get along? {pt.5}

Tali, making sure she is out of reach of any Fire Giant, makes sure she is 28 feet above the ground (at the position AB20) now that she is visible. She will cast Prismastic Spray starting at the position AB20 downward in a cone in the direction of FG2 and most likely reaching R20. (60-foot cone)

Spells in Effect:
Haste | 12 rounds
Overland-Flight | 1155 minutes || Hasted flight speed is 80 Ft
Polymorph Any Object
Prismatic Wall | 170 Minutes

Spells Used:
1x Invisible
1x Overland-Flight
3x Time-Stop
1x Polymorph Any Object
1x Summon Monster VII
5x Prismatic Wall(s)
1x Prismatic Spray

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+20=38 ; d20+17=19 ; d10=10 ;
Wednesday April 13th, 2022 10:42:17 PM
"Ok, guess I've got to dig deeper into my bag of toys," Pressi muttered.

Pressi swings her spectral hand towards Giant 2 (or whoever's left/can be targeted) and uses Fester (SU, SR roll 38, no save. Melee 19+2=21 vs Touch AC. Applies Witch's choice - Blinding Sickness.)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+33=53 ; d20+33=50 ; 8d10=32 ; 8d10=40 ;
Wednesday April 13th, 2022 10:50:01 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Haste (+1 on attack, AC and Ref saves, extra attack, +30 speed), Greater Heroism (+4 on skill, attack, saves, +20 temp hp)
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 17/18

OOC: dang, just realized if forgot the +4 for Greater Heroism, would have made the save. Oh well...

IC:
If FG2 is still alive:

Nikolai isn't going to risk the giant (FG2) going berserk and rushing Pru, so he takes proactive action, rushing forward, clobbering him, then right back next to Pru.

Spring Attack (no AoO): total movement 80', hasted Nikolai has 110'
Attack w/ Greater Vital Strike d20 + 28 + 1 (Haste) +4 (Gr. He.) = 53 N20
Critical confirm roll = 50 confirmed

dmg = 8d10 + 8d10 + 10 = 32 + 40 + 10 = 82pts

DM Mitch
Thursday April 14th, 2022 6:18:06 AM
Succotash and Valerie continue to attack 4 knocking it out.
Pru hits giant 2 with some force missiles.
Murphy finishes off fire giant 4
Kezzem goes to throw his dagger but Murphy and valerie took care of that Fire Giant
Tali keeps going with the prismatic theme opting for a spray this time. The good news is the giant is struck by 2 rays. The bad news is one of the rays does fire damage so nothing happens, the other ray does acid damage and the giant takes all of it.
Pressi afflicts Giant 2 with blinding sickness.
Nikolai puts the last conscious giant out of its misery protecting his wife from danger in the process.

3 giants are dead, 2 are only unconscious. The Giant Priests were expecting a battle to the death. What do you do?

Murphy (KimMc) Huge buff Earth Elemental AC 31/T22/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 27 CMD 48 HP 224/259 d20+45=61 ;
Thursday April 14th, 2022 12:34:10 PM
Murphy picks up the sword that Giant 4 was using. He does a quick detect magic on the fellow to see what outstanding items he may be wearing. He asks his companions, telepathically, "Shall we ask the priests if they really want us to kill the last two, or is all right if they remain alive and be nursed back to health in time? There is no particular heroism in offing them, and we had avoided killing any giants so far until this moment. 'You sure you want us to kill the last two? They'll sleep this off eventually.' Or, what do you say? By the way, pretty walls, Tali. Anyone need healing?"

Out loud he says, "Hi K-Z. Hi Valerie."
============
Perception: 61 - as he looks over FG4's gear.

Murphy (KimMc) Huge buff Earth Elemental AC 31/T22/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 27 CMD 48 HP 224/259 d20+16=23 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+16=33 ;
Thursday April 14th, 2022 12:36:44 PM
Adding in 5 Know: Arcana rolls: 23, 18, 33, 27, 33

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Thursday April 14th, 2022 12:58:45 PM
Succotash is saddened that only 2 remain alive. "What senseless death, what can possibly be accomplished by it? I for one refuse to dispatch the two unconscious giants, and will consider such an act a grave evil. If you priests wish them dead than by all means come out and kill them yourselves!"

Succotash, in his sadness is also angry. He had hoped that they would have only rendered the temple guards unconscious, and he is fuming over the fact that that wasn't possible. He is a little upset with himself as well as his friends, for not being able to keep the other three alive, but mostly he blames the priests and their barbaric tradition.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Thursday April 14th, 2022 3:17:15 PM
"Thanks, sweetie," Pru says to her husband.

Pru is not interested in killing unconscious giants. She's ready to head into the temple.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d20+25=33 ;
Thursday April 14th, 2022 6:58:50 PM
"What's accomplished is whatever this particular culture requires, and I presume whatever this test requires. I'm not a fan of unconscious killing either, but for all we know our mercy has cost these two their souls, and I doubt that their peers are interested in mercy.

"Deep down, I think this world needs them to die."

Pressi gathered her materials and headed up the temple. "But it doesn't have to be by us. And if they really did need a ritual death, they picked the wrong chaos halfling for the job."

Pressi made her way to the doors of the temple and immediately began searching for traps (Perception 34).

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Thursday April 14th, 2022 8:29:04 PM
What about sending them to another...

Realizing she is not "wearing" Mage Armor, Tali casts it on herself. Tali then turns around and says to her friends, "Since they are unconscious, I could send them to another Plane of Existence...if you think that would suffice for a "death"?

Tali then proceeds to close the gap between herself and Ms. Pru by flying over to join Ms. Pru & Nickolai.

Spells in Effect:
Mage Armor | 20 Hours (3600 minutes)
Overland-Flight | 1100 minutes

Spells Used:
1x Mage Armor
1x Invisible
1x Overland-Flight
3x Time-Stop
1x Polymorph Any Object
1x Summon Monster VII
5x Prismatic Wall(s)
1x Prismatic Spray

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 39/17/32; HP 121/121
Thursday April 14th, 2022 9:14:42 PM
"Silly giants," says Kezzem. "They didn't have to die, but we can take some solstice in that they chose their fate. Also, that Gargul judged them of ill character so their deaths here will at least likely spare the deaths of others in the future. So if they are attacking with lethal force, I'm not pulling my punches as that would put you guys at risk of getting hurt or killed. Besides, I'm not sure how to stab someone nonlethally."

"That said, I'm not in favor of killing them unconscious, though I'm not entirely against it either. If they survive and kill others, shouldn't we try to prevent it? You would think being able to tell if someone is evil with a glance or not would make such ethics less complicated not more".

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday April 14th, 2022 10:04:19 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Haste (+1 on attack, AC and Ref saves, extra attack, +30 speed), Greater Heroism (+4 on skill, attack, saves, +20 temp hp)
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 17/18

Nikolai has spared many in the past, but that was with the knowledge that they would not be ostracized by their people by surviving. Nikolai also knows a lot about contracts, and this was a contract as good as any on paper. To the Death! Besides, in Nikolai's mind, he understood that the priests wouldn't see any of them until they defeated the guards, and an unconscious guard is not really defeated when he regains consciousness and takes after the group right in the middle of talking to the high priest.

Nikolai again does not hesitate and executes the closest unconscious guard to him while the others are debating the issue.

To Pru he mentally says, 'The Law is the Law. If the Law says a fight to the death, we break the Law by not obeying the Law as Written.'

He then takes the moments necessary to execute the second one.

If he gets any ugly looks, he shrugs and says, "You want to chance them barging in and attacking us again whilst we are in the middle of a battle to protect the artifact? You think these giants are going to hold that over their sworn duty to keep us Unclean Ones out of their holy ground? Sow your generosity, kindness, and goodwill to those who will truly appreciate it, not to the .... well, you know the proverb."

Two giants executed as per their own choice of the terms of the battle.

DM Mitch
Friday April 15th, 2022 5:56:50 AM
Murphy picks up the giant sword and looks for magic items. Surprisingly enough the breastplate and sword it used were not magic. The giant�s body itself has a magic aura that appears to be fading with its death. He mentally asks the others about what to do with the 2 unconscious giants. He then says hi to Kezzem and Valerie.
Succotash refuses to dispatch the last 2 giants and suggests the priests come out to do it themselves.
Pru thanks Nikolai. She isn�t interested in killing the giants.
Pressi gives her own opinion on the fate of the last 2 giants. She suggests the wold needs them to die but it doesn�t have to be them and if a ritual death was needed it doesn�t have to be this chaos halfling.
Tali casts mage armor on herself and offers to send the giants to a different plane of existence.
Kezzem says the giants are silly and they didn�t have to die but they can take solace in the fact that they chose their fate. Also their deaths will probably spare others� deaths in the future. He says he isn�t for or against killing them while unconscious and you would think being able to detect evil would make things less complicated.
Nikolai is a man of action, a veteran of the Mailed Fist Civil War and other campaigns, he also understands a thing or two about contracts. He dispatches the last 2 remaining giants. He tells his wife that the law is the law mentally and they agreed to a fight to the death in a binding manner and then explains what happens verbally to his companions.

With the giants dispatched the party makes any final preparations and heads into the temple. The inside is a massive cathedral with no benches - presumably the giants stand. Carved out of the stone and lit by tiny lavafalls in the walls, it�s so big that hundreds of giants could fit inside, leaving the much smaller party dwarfed in its expansiveness.

In the back of the area is an alter, massive enough for a giant priest to stand behind and use for rituals, and behind that is a door deeper into the area where things are stored and the vaults. Scaldsworn�s information indicates the vaults are a maze of chambers, traps, and guardians both magical and constructed. Fortunately he managed to map out a route that lets you navigate the maze safely except for one unavoidable challenge.

Said challenge apparently involves an area that nullifies any and all magic. Some sort of storage place for magical artifacts considered too dangerous to be allowed to remain active. His notes indicate that non-giants entering, or the removal of any artifact, sets off the security which can be reset with difficulty.

The vault in question is a large room that seals itself and activates powerful golem guardians that will continuously attack until multiple mechanisms are disabled - one requiring Alchemical skill, one mechanical, one involving arcane devices. If all three are disabled the vault resets.

You have as much time as you want to make a plan before heading out. You even have a map to help out your plans!

Map

DM Mitch
Friday April 15th, 2022 6:01:49 AM
Loot is gathered. Surprisingly, the giants don't seem to have much in the way of magical items. Very high quality work, just not magical. Each giant is wearing masterwork half-plate and has a masterwork greatsword and composite bow.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling druid AC 31/T22/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 27 CMD 48 HP 224/259
Friday April 15th, 2022 7:52:55 AM

"Well done, friends," Murphy telepaths. "I could be mad at you, Nikolai, for being mad at me for asking a bird question earlier. Yes, I saw that glare. I won't be mad at your completing the 'contract.' Let's try not to be overly 'judgy' with one another, eh? I've been with this group since day one. You and Prudence are very welcome and highly capable newcomers. Mailed Fist and Humble's Ford have variant styles from each other."

Murphy changes back to his halfling self, walks over to Nikolai, and holds out his hand. Out loud he asks, "Friends? I think we make a good team."

He looks at Pru and says, "You and Tali can do a surprisingly large amount of things in a very short time." He bows at the waist to her, stands up straight, and gives them both a salute.
=======
Will fix rest of header later. Have to run now.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Friday April 15th, 2022 10:39:09 AM
Succotash is mortified by Nikolai's, and the horror of the event is written all over his face. He is fuming over the nonchalant and mercenary way in which he ended the lives of the two giants, and finally he says, "I don't know why I spent good coin to have mercy added to Valerie's Amulet of Mighty Fists, obviously I wasted my money choosing a non-lethal approach, since the enemies she renders unconscious someone else is just going to kill! I don't care if this is their law. I used to be a paladin, and if I still was, I still would have chosen to disregard such a barbaric law, even if it meant risking the loss of my paladin statues."

It will take a bit for the sensitive cleric to get beyond this, but he moves on until they come to the anti-magic room. "I have nothing to add to this situation. I have no arcane skill, I have no skill at disabling devices, and I have no skill with alchemy. To top it off, I'm useless in a fight without magic, and Valerie loses the majority of her power without it as well. Any suggestions?

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Friday April 15th, 2022 1:02:02 PM
Brute Force...Not so much!

Tali says, "If it's an anti-magic zone...I will not be much help nor will I be able to be useful as I would actually have to walk somewhere! Or would it just nullify the magic that is not BloodLine granted? In either case, I would prefer to meditate for at least 2 hours before moving onward."

"Say, what if this foray was a way for Flamescorn to keep us busy while he steals away into the temple himself?"

Spells in Effect:
Mage Armor | 20 Hours (3600 minutes)
Overland-Flight | 1100 minutes

Spells Used:
1x Mage Armor
1x Invisible
1x Overland-Flight
3x Time-Stop
1x Polymorph Any Object
1x Summon Monster VII
5x Prismatic Wall(s)
1x Prismatic Spray

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 39/17/32; HP 121/121
Friday April 15th, 2022 7:19:41 PM
"Hey Succo, can I talk to you a minute?"

If I did this right, highlight to show text.

Highlight to display spoiler: {"So I got this spell-storing dagger and was hoping you could hook me up with a dispel magic. Last time we face Ketia, she stoneskinned her way out of getting stab and I don't want to let that happen this time if we have to face her again."}

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday April 15th, 2022 7:23:30 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Haste (+1 on attack, AC and Ref saves, extra attack, +30 speed), Greater Heroism (+4 on skill, attack, saves, +20 temp hp)
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 17/18

Nikolai takes Murphy's handshake and says, 'We are different. We will learn to live with those differences. The Mailed Fist is made up of all manner of people of all skills, halflings being an important part. Glad to be on your team."

In a friendly manner he speaks to Succotash, 'You spent good coin for a good cause and there will be plenty of adversaries spared the realm of Death because of your goodness. It was not a waste of coin. It's just not always an option that will benefit the immediate and future. You just have to know what choice to make and when. I had to fight my own comrades in our Civil War and when I could I spared their lives. You learn about people and their motivations and then know how to choose. And so it was here, eliminating the risk of jeopardizing the entire mission and loss of our objective was an easy decision. You just do what you have to do.'

Technically, Nikolai is unaware of Pru's new Timestop spell, he just knows she is really good and really fast.

Picking up one of the masterwork greatwords he tries to fit it into his Handy Haversack. If it fits he's got another trophy for the Last Assignment tavern. If it doesn't, he tosses it.

Once inside, Nikolai was half expecting to find a priest, any priest, but there is none. 'If you need two hours, then take them. I just hope the temple bells don't start ringing announcing time for services,' Nikolai grins.

Of course, they could locate the bells and disable them?

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Friday April 15th, 2022 8:10:29 PM
"I have studied arcane lore," Pru says. "Unfortunately, I'm not too bright, but I'll do my best. I can't help with mechanical or alchemical matters, though. And, like Tali, I'm not going to be much use in a non-magical fight."

Idly, she wonders whatever became of her old long spear. It had been her constant companion when she'd first joined the fist, but at some point she'd just stopped lugging it around with her. It hadn't seemed worth the effort.

"Anybody have a crossbow?" she asks, without much hope.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling druid AC 31/T22/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 27 CMD 48 HP 224/259
Saturday April 16th, 2022 12:25:35 AM
Part the First
Unless otherwise mentioned, all of the following communication takes place telepathically with group members. "Crossbows, Pru? Have not a few of the giants in the city used crossbows against us? Of course, they would be rather large for us to wield.

"What if golems get all tangled up in strong silk ropes? What if we have many alchemical items, not magic, just alchemy, that gums them up? What if we use leverage against them?

"I may be able to help with the alchemical puzzle, or use magic device. I'm not that good at the disabling side of things. I do understand engineering to a large extent. Wait, that is, if my headband is working. Otherwise my understanding of engineering is quite a bit more rudimentary.

"We all have come to rely heavily upon the magical skills, abilities, and devices we have acquired over the years. In pouring through some of the WLA archives, though, it seems that many of the upper echelon adventurers have come to similar situations, wherein those sorts of things were lost to them, or somehow disabled. And now it comes to us. It is our turn. So, perhaps we can inventory what items we have with us that may be able still to give us some advantages even though they have no enchantments."

Alchemical:
Alchemist's Lab
Alchemical Items: Acid flasks 5; Alchemist's Fire 6; Antitoxin vials 7; Everburning torch 8; Holy Water 33; Oil 10; Smokesticks 5; Sunrod 11; Tanglefoot Bags 9; Thunderstones 13; Tindertwigs 20
Also I have many acorns. Follower of Eberyon, y'see.
And, lots of other things. Cooking pots, sickle, shovel, caltrops, sewing needles, sealing wax, soap, inks, paints, papers, food, flour, pepper, spices, bedrolls, block and tackle sets, lots of canvas, candles, chalk, fishooks, fishing nets, flint & steel, other camping tools, lots of rope.

"Let's see - Adamant golems. Pressi - the wedding ring I gave you is made of adamantine. Who else has items of adamantium? Or adamantite? How many different names does that metal have, anyway? Hey, in the rubble of the instant fortress - the walls of it were adamantine. Did we keep any of the pieces?" he asks the group. "The Iron Giant also has adamantine in key portions of its structure." He chuckles. "Maybe we can find a priest and ask if we can borrow a few cups of adamantine."

"If I race back to Flamescorn's place, I could see if the portal to the Catacombs is still open. If so, I could pick up about sixty thousand worth of non-magical adamantine items - crossbows with lots of adamantine crossbow bolts, adamantine swords, daggers, longspears, what have you. They'd all be masterwork..."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Saturday April 16th, 2022 9:25:31 PM
Pressi, for her part, chooses to remain outside the Nick-Succotash discussion, though it's no secret that this agents of fist stuff is starting to get on her nerves. (Almost as if she's used to being the last word morality-wise.)

Ok, there is one. "You should know, Nick, that if you had held off, I would have had options like charming them so the non-giant condition wouldn't go off. I have a lot of necromancy abilities under my belt but raising them isn't one of them."

"Ok, well you can put me down for both traps and alchemical, and I'll just have to run it, then. I'll lose a little from gear but it's mostly skill. (Remind me, alchemical is still under disable device, correct?) I have my sling staff, and a few alchemical items, and even a few things like flour to conceal, oils to slide across. But no crossbow. (I still haven't made my catacombs run, though.) I assume this antimagic field and detection covers everything, no mind blanking or just sneaking while crawling on the ceiling, nothing like that?"

(Apparently, she does still have her adamantium spiked chain, regardless of the number of times she's considered selling it. She gives it to anyone who wants to fight, but it sounds like range and makeshift moveable cover is a better chance.)

To Tali, "I figured he's waiting outside for us once we actually get the device, or something. But we don't really have any options."

She thought for a little more. "Can anyone cast Wall of Force?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Saturday April 16th, 2022 9:28:16 PM
She thought for a little longer. "There is one other thing that can work in an antimagic field. Polymorph, as long as we do it before entering."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday April 17th, 2022 12:13:06 AM
Nikolai pulls out of his Handy Haversack his Master Work Light Crossbow and a dozen bolts and hands them to his wife with a smile. "Here you go, sweetie'.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday April 17th, 2022 12:21:53 AM
Nikolai shrugs at Pressi, "Well, you could have just said so in the first place and done it. However, for that to work you 'd have to wake them first and then you have no guarantee that it would work. I don't like letting the success of a mission hang in the balance of such chancy things. You guarantee you have a 100% chance of charming them, then says so and I'll hold off next time."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 39/17/32; HP 121/121
Sunday April 17th, 2022 3:49:02 AM
"I guess I'll keep the golem busy. "Kezzem readies his short sword. "Good thing I picked up this old thing."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Sunday April 17th, 2022 5:43:58 PM
Adamantine Anything

"Ms. Pru, I am able to cast Wall of force, what would you need?" asks Tali. "If I am able, I will meditate for two hours if you don't mind. Wake me if there is trouble!" Tali says before assuming a perfect yoga position, and then goes into a meditative posture.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32) d100=61 ;
Sunday April 17th, 2022 9:03:53 PM
"Ok, but what we really need are shields, preferably of the tower variety. Maybe take the benches and chairs... oh right, no benches... take the panels of the walls or roof around here, or grab some chairs from a nearby building if we have to. Remember, we don't need to hold them off, just keep them busy.

"Here's my thinking. I'd really like to try shapechange (Giant) but I don't know how fast those chamber doors seal. I think we all rush in behind whatever armor and barriers we got. Then we move barriers until we reach the center of the room. I'll disable behind the barrier, Tali or Pru will follow a barrier holder like Nick to the magic device area to the side. And, was there anyone besides me willing to try the alchemical? If so, you should head that way as well.

"Nobody engages the devices except for the purposes of pinning it down or distracting it. If you're a melee, you grab and keep a panel. If you're an unlocker, you move fast under whatever cover a melee can give you. If you're range, your job is to get those things shooting anywhere but at an unlocker."

Pressi took some time to use divination while Tali rested. She couldn't rest herself and wasn't going to use the spell slot anyway. Having passed, she asks "Beloved Goddess, what might be needed in the chamber ahead?"

In the rest of the time, Pressi took out her masterwork thieves tools. Then, she took out and began to shine her one "barrier," her dragon buckler.

And then, a thought occurred.

"Hey, who here wants to wear giant-skin armor and see what happens?"

DM Mitch
Monday April 18th, 2022 7:21:33 AM
Murphy congratulates the party and offers the olive branch between himself and Nikolai considering their variant styles. He also observes Pru�s and Tali�s time stopping abilities.
Succotash isn�t as nonchalant as Murphy about what transpired. He remarks that he doesn�t know why he spent good coin to have mercy added to Valerie�s amulet. He doesn�t care if that was their law he wouldn�t have gone along with it even if he was a paladin. He isn�t sure what to do with the next room given he isn�t good with traps or alchemy and antimagic makes him and Valerie much less formidable.
Tali points out that she won�t be much use in the antimagic field either. She says she would prefer to meditate a few hours before moving forward. She raises the possibility they are being kept busy while Flamescorn steals things for himselves.
Kezzem asks Succotash for a favor
Nikolai exchanges a handshake with Murphy and remarks he�s glad to be on the team. He then tells Succotash the enchantment on the amulet wasn�t a waste, it just wasn�t useful in this situation and that one needs to know when to choose what approach. He takes another trophy in the form of a giant sword and is on board with Tali taking her break before they proceed as long as the bells aren�t going to announce its time for service but they could always disable them.
Pru says she has studied arcane lore but she isn�t very bright and will do her best. She also says she isn�t really useful when it comes to mechanical or alchemical matters and the antimagic field is going to be a problem for her too. She longs for her old longspear and asks if anyone has a crossbow instead.
Murphy suggests some ideas for dealing with the golems using ropes or alchemical items. He suggests he may be able to help with alchemy or engineering but he isn�t good at disabling things. He then starts inventorying his items and asking for adamantine items before suggesting using the portal to purchase more adamantine items.
Pressi raises the possibility that she could have charmed the giants rather than killing them. She then volunteers to handle the alchemy and the traps. She adds her stuff to the inventory. Tells Tali she figures Skaldsworn is waiting for them but they don�t really have a choice. She also asks if anyone can cast wall of force and raises the possibility of using polymorph prior to entering the field.
Nikolai provides his wife with a masterwork crossbow and some bolts. He suggests that Pressi could have said something about charming sooner and he doesn�t like having the success of a mission hinge on a variable but if she can guarantee the charming would work 100% she should tell him and he�d hold off next time.
Kezzem volunteers to keep the golem busy considering he has an adamantine short sword.
Tali says she can cast Wall of Force asks why it is needed. She then proceeds to meditate for 2 hours.
Pressi suggests they need shields preferably of the tower variety and suggests they start gathering objects in the vicinity to slow things down as they don�t need to hold them off just keep them busy. She says she�d like to try to shapechange into a giant but she isn�t sure how fast the chamber doors seal suggesting they rush in behind barriers and armor until they reach the center of the room. Once there Pressi will start disabling the device. Tali and Pru would follow Nikolai holding a barrier to the magic device area and that anyone willing to try alchemical should head there as well. She suggests no one engage the devices except to pin them down and distract them. She suggests the melee folks hold items to cover for the unlockers who will move fast under whatever cover the melee can give while the ranged folks keep things shooting at other things besides the unlocker. She casts a divination spell while Tali rests asking what might be needed for the chamber ahead while Tali rests. She readies her bucker and thieves tools then asks the others if anyone wants to wear the giant skin armor and see what happens.

Some more consultation of the notes clears up a few things. It seems the golems will activate after the party enters, but will reset once the devices are reset. There should be a few seconds to reach your positions (IE, you can move yourself to any spot on the map you can reach in 1 round before the encounter begins). The golems are simple commanded to kill anything in the room not them so will just hit the closest target rather then intelligently try to stop you resetting the security.

Though the devices are complex, they are designed to be quickly disabled if you know what you are doing. Someone skilled or lucky enough could disable a target device in seconds so you may not have to deal with the golems much at all (IE, it takes 1 round to disable them so you could, in theory, all roll well enough to end the encounter in a single round). However the devices won�t be able to be disabled until after the golems activate (IE, no winning the round you enter, before the golems even get a chance to do anything).

It�s also a bit clearer what you have to do with them. It looks like it�ll take 3 different skill checks, one alchemy, one disable device, one use magic device.

Map

You have a map and can probably draw your starting positions on it before going in to make it easier to figure out a plan.

DM Mitch
Monday April 18th, 2022 7:27:47 AM
Disabling one of the three devices is a standard action so you can move into the room before the encounter starts, then the next round move to a device and make your first attempt.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 39/17/32; HP 121/121
Monday April 18th, 2022 10:49:01 AM
Kezzem will cast GMW on his sword and then Divine Favor on himself once everyone is ready to begin,

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Monday April 18th, 2022 12:03:52 PM
Succotash tells Kezzem that he would be happy to help, and than casts the desired spell on Kezzem's dagger. He does remind Kezzem that Paladins are able to cast dispel magic, but realizes that he has a higher caster level than his holy friend. The cleric merely shrugs his shoulders as Nick makes his case. He is convinced that the monk is right, but is willing to let it go. "I have my Darkwood Heavy shield Press, and of course my mithril breastplate, but upon entering the room, they will become simple masterwork versions of themselves. I'm probably better either staying back and firing a crossbow, if I had one, or acting like a meat shield for one of the lock disablers. Man, I haven't played that role since I was a paladin!"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Monday April 18th, 2022 7:13:29 PM
Mage�s Disjunction

After two hours of meditation, Tali stands up and for the first time in a very long time, doesn't cast her usual round of daily magic.

Tali asks the collective group, "Would a Mage�s Disjunction spell work to get rid of the Anti-Magic field? What about a Wish spell?"

"As for the skill, Use Magic Device, I have a very high ability in this area, so if I can't be of use anywhere else, the least I can do help would be this task.", explains Tali to the assembled.

"Also, who wanted to know about the Wall of Force spell? I can cast these!" says Tali to the assembled.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday April 18th, 2022 7:57:16 PM
OOC: short post before supper, then the real one.

IC:
Nikolai reminds those that will be trying to disable/reset the device that the best tinkerer should be the one to try, then everyone else 'Aid Another' to ad that bonus to the attempt. He also states, 'If your Shapechange is in anyway magical, then you'll just revert back to your normal self when entering the room. If it is a Supernatural ability not based on magic, then that might work,' he grins.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Monday April 18th, 2022 8:44:08 PM
Pressi shook her head at Tali. "Well, maybe the wish spell, but I don't know how it will react on this plane or with this chamber. Besides, we don't know where the source is or how it works.

"As for Wall of Force, that was me, since there's some question as to whether an antimagic field suppresses it. I know a prismatic field specifically says you can't stop it, and that would really go a long way to building us safe zones until we shut it down."

Pressi begins to realize that it's a craft: alchemy skill they are looking for, which seems unlikely so this will be an untrained based on int. "And as the only intelligence based caster and the only rogue, it really looks like I'll have to do both. So, it's going to be a while."

(Note to the entire group. Pressi also has masterwork tools (thieves tools, cauldron) to help with the checks. If anyone else wants a shot, Pressi will give the tools.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (32), HP 150, CMD 26 (28); Harper AC 31 (32), HP 109, CMD 31 (32)
Monday April 18th, 2022 8:55:35 PM
As Pressi begins to look through this, she realizes that Murphy happens to be trained in Craft: Alchemy. Dude, you been holding out on us," she whispered.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Monday April 18th, 2022 9:22:19 PM
Pru is disappointed. "I know about magic, but I have never studied how to activate a magic device I wouldn't normally have access to," she says. "I never saw the need."

[OOC: If we're looking for ranks in UMD, Pru is not our girl. And UMD can't be done untrained.]

"One good thing, I guess. I'm fast. I mean, naturally fast, even in an antimagic field. I suppose I could run around and distract them. ." [OOC: Pru's base move is 60 feet. It's a bloodline feature, and nonmagical.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26, HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Monday April 18th, 2022 9:26:48 PM
(OOC: Header Update - Pressi's L20 sheet aside from gear. Also, I forgot to reconfigure my skills for things like ability score increases at level ups, so my disable device is a bit higher than last calculated.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26, HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Monday April 18th, 2022 9:28:08 PM
In response to Prudence, Pressi turns to Tali. "Looks like it's up to you," she remarked.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday April 18th, 2022 9:57:03 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Haste (+1 on attack, AC and Ref saves, extra attack, +30 speed), Greater Heroism (+4 on skill, attack, saves, +20 temp hp)
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 17/18

Nikolai starts thinking up stuff while they are paused. "I'm pretty fast on my feet, so if it is just a matter of running around trying NOT to get hit, I can probably do that. On the other hand, running around JUST trying not to get hit seems too simple. We need some strong ropes where, by pairs, we run around them and entangle their feet. Le't go back to the house and see what we can find, or if that portal is still open, we can purchase miles of very thick ropes at the catacombs."

Nikolai stands up and is ready to go back to the house. For ropes and a bunch of other stuff he didn't think he had time to purchase in the catacombs.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 39/17/32; HP 121/121
Tuesday April 19th, 2022 3:27:05 AM
"Oh wait, they're going to antimagic our gear too? I though we were just talking about magic not working so great on golems. Stupid magic rules."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Tuesday April 19th, 2022 3:54:00 AM
Walls of Force

Tali asks her friends assembled, "Does anything stop Prismatic Walls or Sphere's? Can we try it? I have all three spells: Prismatic Walls, Prismatic Sphere, & Wall of Force! Also, the Prismatic spells last 200 minutes each! Unfortunately, the Wall of Force only lasts 20 rounds!"

DM Mitch
Tuesday April 19th, 2022 7:37:34 AM
Kezzem casts greater magic weapon on his sword and divine favor on himself.
Succotash casts the desired spell on Kezzem�s dagger. He was going to remind Kezzem that Paladins can cast dispel magic but realizes his dispel is more potent. The cleric shrugs his shoulders as Nikolai makes his case. He tells Pressi he has his shield and breastplate but once they hit field the armor will become simple masterwork versions of themselves so he�d be best either sitting back and firing a crossbow or acting as meat shield.
Tali finishes her meditation. She asks if Mage�s Disjunction or Wish would help the situation. She also volunteers for use magic device duty and says she can cast wall of force.
Nikolai reminds the others that the best tinkerer should do the disable device he also differentiates between shapechange due to magic and shapechange caused by supernatural abilities.
Pressi suggests the wish spell might be able to help but there are too many unknowns. She tells Tali that she requested the wall of force because maybe it could work in the antimagic field since prismatic fields still do and that that way maybe they could make safe zones until they shut things down. She also realizes she�ll have to handle the device disabling and the alchemy until she realizes her husband is trained in alchemy and he�s been holding out on them.

Pru is disappointed since she knows about magic but she�s never studied how to activate a magic device she didn�t have access to since she never saw the need. She also suggests that since she is fast due to her elemental bloodline she could probably help distract the guardians.
Pressi tells Tali using Magical Devices is up to her.
Nikolai talks about ropes and tangling up the golems and suggest they head back.
Kezzem realizes belatedly that oh hey, anti-magic field. Not just golem immunity.
Tali wonders if various spells will work inside the room.

For those interested in doing so a quick trip back to the manor find that the portal to the catacombs is still open. The catacombs doesn�t usually stock non-magical items, but it gets you out of the demiplane and it�s easy enough to find what you need nearby (non-magical gear isn�t bought using the catacombs board so just subtract the gold and add whatever you want to your inventory).

Prismatic Wall, Prismatic Sphere, and Wall of Force are discussed. Some magical research/inquiry is done and comes up with a probably disappointing answer - though if you cast a wall and someone brings an antimatic field to it the field will fail to penetrate it does not work in the reverse. Magic has to be able to create the wall first, so in an area of no magic the spell will simply fail, even if you�re standing outside the area casting into it. It is possible that if the anti-magic field was moved or disabled the wall might pop into existence and then not be dispelled when it returns, but there is no way to test that.

Mage�s disjunction may or may not affect the area. It depends a lot on how the field works. A better question might be will disabling the anti-magic field kill everyone in the demiplane - the items stored in the vault are supposed to be incredibly dangerous, to the point where the powerful, evil giants with no qualms about doing horrible things to their enemies felt that they were so dangerous they had to be locked away in a field to disable them never to be released. Though details are sparse, Scaldsworn�s notes indicate that he discarded any such ideas out of the possible risks of horrible instant death.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Tuesday April 19th, 2022 12:39:04 PM
"I really don't need anything, and I'm kinda in favor of just rushing in and getting the job done. I can ride on Valerie, and we can run right up to one of the golems. If someone does the same for the other golem, the rest can disable the locks, with, like Nick suggested, the best person doing the work, and the rest aiding."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling druid AC 31/T22/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 27 CMD 48 HP 224/259
Tuesday April 19th, 2022 1:43:43 PM

"Go ahead and rush in while Tali is asleep and a few of us are at the Catacombs. Also, what about the other other golem, and the other other other golem? There are four. Would you like a weapon that can bypass their resistance to anything other than adamantine, Succotash?"

[Note pricing for adamantine items seems vague and hard to access. Any help out there? Several adamantine crossbow bolts, and sling bullets, and perhaps a staff, a masterwork adamantine bludgeon or sword or daggers could come in real handy. A pair of adamantine gauntlets might be useful, too. A

Without the augmentation of his magic items, Murphy's alchemical roll is d20+16. Not terrible, but less than stellar. Can anyone do better?

Does the book talk about what is beyond the other side?

Murph will head back to the Manor with whoever else wants to join him, and Catacombs visit.

[Sorry for no post yesterday. I was traveling the whole time.]

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Tuesday April 19th, 2022 1:57:41 PM
"Before we go rushing in," Pru says, "[b]We need to decide who is doing what. Is there anyone who knows how to disable devices or use magic devices without magic?"

[OOC: Disable and UMD can't be done untrained, so if nobody has ranks in them we're stuck.]

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Tuesday April 19th, 2022 8:22:26 PM
UMD & other sundries

"Er, Ms. Pru," Tali exclaims with her her extended and waving about. "I'm skilled in the use of that skill Use Magic Devices, my skill is very developed and is equivalent to d20+30!"

"Also, while we are discussing these other sundries, What happens to our stuff in the extra-dimensional spaces when we walk into an Anti-Magic field with a Bag of Holding, or other such devices? Would we lose what is in those containers? Would it explode like a bomb?" Just wondering aloud...hoping someone knows the answers" explains Tali.

DM Mitch
Tuesday April 19th, 2022 8:40:28 PM
Those in the party knowledgeable in the arcane can assure the others that items will merely be suppressed while in the anti-magic field. You won't be able to access things in extradimensional space while in the field, but as soon as you exit they will work normally again.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Tuesday April 19th, 2022 9:15:18 PM
"And I'm able to disable devices, and if Murphy doesn't want to do the alchemy thing, then I need a way to move down the hallway quickly and do it soon after. I'll take a hit from my belt and headband deactivating but the rest is skills, stats and masterwork gear. Frankly, I'm greatful that I don't have to do all three.

(Pressi's skill with disable device w/out augments but with masterwork tools is 26. Her craft alchemy untrained but with her masterwork cauldron is +9, which isn't great. If Murphy borrows the cauldron, he can bump it up to +18.)

"Everyone else can do whatever, but I really don't know if toe to toe with constructs is the right idea, especially since we don't know what the constructs are or what they can shoot. I'd rather people rely on range, cover and making paths for unlockers. But I won't go so far as to forbid fighting the devices themselves."

To Murphy, "it's hard to find, but it's really a straight fee on top of the normal masterwork price. +3000 for any weapon, +60 per ammo. You can also do adamantium armor and shields, I assume material effects like light fort and energy resistance will still work."

She considers what else she might conceivably need - a tower shield, lots of armor? But for now, she can't really think of anything.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling druid AC 31/T22/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 27 CMD 48 HP 224/259
Wednesday April 20th, 2022 12:03:21 AM

Ah, come to think of it, with his alchemical lab, that gives Murphy a +2 circumstance bonus, too. Would adding the masterwork cauldron into the mix grant him an additional +2 insight bonus? I think it gives witches a +4 insight bonus to craft: alchemy. With the lab, that takes him to d20+18; if the cauldron stacks, it goes to +20. Murphy's UMD, w/o his enhancements, is 22 - Tali should do UMD, absolutely. And Pressi, disable devices looks to be your bailiwick.

A fair-sized mithril chain could hobble a golem, maybe even trip it. With enough strength, and/or leverage, some doubled- or tripled-up silk rope might also do that trick, as Nikolai was suggesting. It's harder even for a golem who is wrapped up in rope to be as effective. Lots of tanglefoot bags, too, can gum them up. Who can rope run with Nikolai?

"Succotash, sorry for my earlier remark. I appreciate your enthusiasm, and what I said was rather snarky. I think what you outlined for yourself and Valerie is good. We just need to get the rest of the pieces in place. Forgive me?"

"A thought: If I wildshape into a huge earth elemental prior to entering the room, there's a chance I can retain that form, maybe. If so, after doing the alchemical trick, I'd be in a better position to match the golems, and help with the rope. If all of us succeed at our three tasks, though, that may obviate the need to do so." He gives his friend four tanglefoot bags. "Maybe you can put these to good use, too."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday April 20th, 2022 12:27:57 AM
Nikolai is at the Catacombs, while he waits, he will pick up a couple hundred feet of stout rope as well as a bag of steel marbles.

OOC: don't know if steel marbles are admissible, but surely someone with one of those bags you put coins in in exchange for mundane items can produce a bunch of steel marbles.)

DM Mitch
Wednesday April 20th, 2022 5:30:18 AM
Succotash opines he doesn�t need anything from the catacombs and he�s in favor of just rushing in and getting the job done. He volunteers to ride Valerie and run right up to the golems with other people doing the same while the best people for the tasks handle the skill tasks.
Murphy points out that rushing in isn�t the best strategy while Tali is sleeping and others are trying to access the catacombs. He also points out that there are 4 total golems not 2. He then hits up the catacombs.
Pru suggests they figure out who is doing what since 2 of the skills expected cannot be done untrained.
Tali reminds Pru she�s doing the Magic Device skill test and asks about what happens to their bags of holding while in the field.
Pressi also reminds Pru she can do the disable device and the craft alchemy if Murphy doesn�t want to do it. She suggests Murphy take her cauldron to help with the alchemy and that the party doesn�t go toe to toe with the golems since they don�t know the capabilities of the constructs. She then tries to figure out what other items she might need.
Murphy has an alchemy lab that he can pair with the cauldron. He suggests using some rope or chain to trip up the golems and asks Succotash to be patient while they put the rest of the pieces in place apologizing for being snarky earlier. He suggests wildshaping going into the antimagic field.
(OOC: wildshape is a Supernatural ability and as such antimagic fields affect it. Only extraordinary abilities can be uses in an anti-magic field)
Nikolai pops over to the catacombs. He wants to pick up rope and steel marbles. (OOC: I�m not sure about steel marbles, caltrops are a thing, you could theoretically get iron marbles since a pound of iron is a silver piece and it doesn�t say what form that pound has to take)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 39/17/32; HP 121/121
Wednesday April 20th, 2022 11:23:45 AM
"Well these golem are probably not too bright and expecting someone giant size and we halflings are much smaller. Maybe they won't notice us if we are sneaky enough. I know, we could put boxes over are heads and sneak in that way."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Wednesday April 20th, 2022 12:07:58 PM
"No worries Murph, I'm not offended, though I still think if all the golems were engaged, it would give those doing the disabling the window they need to get the job done, which hopefully is rather quick. Maybe that's just the old paladin coming out again, you know, that whole putting your life in danger to protect others thing."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Wednesday April 20th, 2022 9:13:36 PM
Pressi doesn�t really have much more to add, so she waits.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Wednesday April 20th, 2022 9:57:45 PM
Pru tries to re-familiarize herself with the workings of the crossbow. It seems an age since she's held one.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Wednesday April 20th, 2022 10:46:29 PM
So the plan is...

"So, what's the plan folks?" asks Tali of the group.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday April 20th, 2022 11:18:24 PM
Nikolai wishes he could be there to help Pru re-familiarize herself with the crossbow. As is he is stuck in the catacombs waiting for the attendant to return from lunch. While he waits, he finds a smithy and orders up a bag of iron pellets the size of large grapes.

He also goes to weaponsmith looking for an adamantite bolts for the crossbow.

DM Mitch
Thursday April 21st, 2022 7:39:52 AM
Kezzem suggests that the golems are probably not too bright and expect someone giant size so maybe they could get past them by sneaking or putting boxes over their own heads.
Succotash tells Murphy he isn�t offended and that it is probably best if all golems are engaged so the disabling folks can get their jobs done.
Pressi doesn�t have more to add so she waits.
Pru refamiliarizes herself with the crossbow
Tali asks the others to reiterate what the final plan is.
Nikolai is still waiting in the catacombs while their he goes to the local blacksmith and requests large grape size iron pellets. He also looks for adamantine bolts.

The plan that had been previously discussed by the party were for Pressi to do the DIsable Device challenge, Murphy to borrow Pressi�s Cauldron, set up his alchemy lab and do the Alchemy challenge. (OOC: it might take a round to setup the portable lab and I�m not sure how long it takes the Cauldron to grow to the appropriate size) Tali would handle the Use Magic Device Challenge. Everyone else would keep the golems busy either through direct combat, creative use of shields and armor, or ranged hit and run tactics. Has anything changed?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Thursday April 21st, 2022 12:23:13 PM
Succotash is ready whenever Nik returns.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Thursday April 21st, 2022 5:28:31 PM
"I think we're ready," Pru says. "Are we ready?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 39/17/32; HP 121/121
Thursday April 21st, 2022 7:03:02 PM
"So...is that a no on the box idea, or...."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Thursday April 21st, 2022 9:00:29 PM
Oh, I said are you ready, are you ready? ...For what's to come?

Tali states, "I believe we are ready but are waiting for the rest to be ready. Say, when."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Thursday April 21st, 2022 9:00:39 PM
Pressi nods. "We are ready."

Unless anyone objects or volunteers, she opens the doors.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday April 21st, 2022 9:43:08 PM
OOC: updating Cha Sheet, will post soon

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling druid AC 31/T22/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 27 CMD 48 HP 224/259
Thursday April 21st, 2022 9:44:04 PM

At the Catacombs Murphy picks up:

- 20 tanglefoot bags
- Adamantine masterwork sling staff (adamantine at least on the striking surface, so he can hit hard things hard). 3000 + ?
- 25 adamantine sling bullets 1500gp?
- Adamantine masterwork scimitar. 3000 + ?
- A new alchemical lab

Murphy asks, "If one of us fails at our task, and needs another to step in, in the very unlikely case, I can backup Tali on use magical device, or give her a little boost, at least. If Pressi has issues on disabling her device, who can stand in to help or take over? And if I cannot do what needs to be done in the alchemical side of things, who can come in to take over or assist?"

"Hey, Kezzem, the boxes over the head sound great. Another idea: What if we bring in about a dozen chickens, or goats? The golems might be so busy dealing with those intruders, that they may leave some of us alone until they've gotten their goats."

"If we can cover the golems' eyes with paint, or glue, or canvas sacks, maybe using a tanglefoot bag to help stick it in place, and they can't see - that might help."

"Maybe we can bring in buckets of warm grease, and spread the grease on the floor as we come in right in front of where the golems will walk."

"No, Pressi, I won't wear that giant skin armor for you. Not even in the bedroom." He also adds, "You didn't know I knew alchemy? Remember the tests I ran on the solutions we found in the cave that helped determine, at least partially, how the alloys were made? I know, there was a lot going on there."

He takes out his new lab gear to check and ensure all is well. He recalls he had used his lab once before, and figures a new one cannot hurt when stakes are so high. He spends a bit of time working on memorizing where everything is, and on opening it quickly without disrupting or breaking things, so that when seconds count, he will be ready to do what needs doing with efficiency. The druid worries about whether it will be fairly apparent what needs doing at the alchemical station, and runs through various possibilities in his mind. He spends some time with the book, to see if there may be any hints therein about the alchemical task - or the other two tasks - which may help them each operate quickly and rationally.

"Pressi, can you tell me how the cauldron works, and how it might help me? I've seen you with the cauldron before, but I've never been trained in how I might use it."

"I object! Don't open the door yet..." [I've been working on this post off and on during minute slices of time during a very busy day. Had hoped to post sooner. We had police action in the area.]

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday April 21st, 2022 11:34:37 PM
Nikolai returns from the Catacombs carrying two lengths of stout rope 50' in length each, a bag of iron marbles about the size of large grapes, and 30 adamantine crossbow bolts.

He hands the adamantine bolts to Pru and offers anyone else some if they need any.

DM Mitch
Friday April 22nd, 2022 7:45:35 AM
Succotash is ready when Nikolai gets back.
Pru thinks she is ready and asks the others if they are ready.
Kezzem asks about the box idea
Tali says she thinks they are ready but waiting for the rest to be ready
Pressi nods that they are ready preparing to open the door
Murphy shows up with tanglefoot bags, a brand new alchemy lab, and some adamantine weapons and ammunition. He suggests the box idea Kezzem suggested might work and raises the possibility of having backup for the various skill challenges. He also suggests they might use grease to trip up the golems or other items to interfere with the golem�s eyes or bringing some chickens or goats with them. He then proceeds to practice with the alchemy lab and tells his wife he wouldn�t even wear the giant armor in the boudoir
Nikolai returns from the Catacombs carrying rope, grape sized iron marbles and 30 adamantine crossbow bolts giving the bolts to his wife.

With most everyone seeming to be ready the party heads into the depths. There�s a whole lot of dungeon to clear before reaching the anti-magic vault, but Scaldsworn�s notes let the party avoid fights and survive dangerous traps. Some highlights along the way -

At one point everyone has to walk through a hallway blind, else be petrified by the a trap that replicates the magical gaze of the Medusa.

At another the party has to pass through a door that asks difficult questions and kills anyone who answers incorrectly. Scaldsworn�s notes indicate the door is never actually locked though, so the party passes through without actually having to answer the question. Possibly after casting a silence spell on Kezzem so a smart remark won�t be interpreted as an answer and get him killed.

A small maze full of magical traps, all avoidable by taking the right path which was clearly documented by Scaldsworn. There are some particularly nasty ones that would have destroyed all magical items the party had if they had tried the maze without the guide.

After navigating a few more minor obstacles the party makes it to the door to the anti-magic vault mentioned. As soon as they enter through the door they will be assaulted.

If you�re ready to start the encounter, post your starting positions on the map. You have 1 round to move into the room and take another action before the golems activate (or double move). You can�t disable the devices until the next round after the security has activated.

Map

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 39/17/32; HP 121/121
Friday April 22nd, 2022 12:23:45 PM
"I remember a bit about device disabling from my rogue days, but I'm quite rusty (+11)."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling druid AC 31/T22/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 27 CMD 48 HP 224/259
Friday April 22nd, 2022 12:36:58 PM
"Okay, Kez, you'll be backup if needed, then. Here, take these." He hands him four tanglefoot bags. "These might slow up the golems a bit."

He has several more of the tanglefoot bags available. "Maybe everyone take at least one," he suggests, "Or up to four, if you'd like." He keeps three for himself in a larger sack.

He has his alchemical lab, ready to open up, and has Pressi's cauldron under the other arm. His new adamantine staff sling is out, and he has two normal pouches with 15 adamantine sling bullets each. "Anyone need some adamantine sling bullets?" he asks. His adamantine scimitar is sheathed at his waist. He has a few other items as well available. The rest will go dormant once they enter.

"Are we set?" Murphy would like to be among the first three to enter so he can get quickly to his alchemical station.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 39/17/32; HP 121/121
Friday April 22nd, 2022 12:37:47 PM
"Guys guys, wait, my brain is doing something. Check out the room? If we cover the openings with blankets or something, the golems won't even know we're there, assuming they work on sight. We could tie the ends of the blankets to arrows or daggers so we don't even need to enter the room to cover the first two up. Mirrors! We could use mirrors, and they would even see an almost full length hallway and another golem at the end so everything will look almost the same. Well, except for the devices on the sides...that might be a problem. I mean, we could make some forgeries to place in front of the mirrors, but I don't think we really have time for that."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Friday April 22nd, 2022 1:07:43 PM
Succotash takes a couple of tanglefoot bags from Murphy and says, "I'm not sure how well these will work against such large creatures, but it's worth a try."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Friday April 22nd, 2022 9:03:49 PM

Pressi looked at Kezzem. "That... might actually be a good idea. Hey, Nick, ready for another trip?"

If others are interested in the plan, she'll travel this time to see if there are any mirrors or blankets to buy. If everyone just wants to go in, she's fine with that, too.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Friday April 22nd, 2022 9:56:51 PM
Pru is ready, but the squishy mage should not be the first one into the room. She waits.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling druid AC 31/T22/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 27 CMD 48 HP 224/259
Friday April 22nd, 2022 11:58:09 PM

"Mirrors, blankets. I've got one mirror, and you have one, Pressi. I have lots of blankets. I have lots of canvas. I have wood for campfires. If you want to get some larger mirrors, though, that's not a bad idea. I'll stay here and get to know the cauldron."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Saturday April 23rd, 2022 9:11:38 PM

Pressi runs off to purchase a few minor items

- Four full body mirrors
- a dozen blankets
- two dozen smokesticks
- a half dozen each torches and flint

(someone can light torches, then use the torches to light and throw smokesticks)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday April 24th, 2022 11:08:24 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Haste (+1 on attack, AC and Ref saves, extra attack, +30 speed), Greater Heroism (+4 on skill, attack, saves, +20 temp hp)
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 17/18

"Ok, when we go in there, who wants to take the other end of this rope? By the way, do we really know how many golems are there? Do we really know what kind? Do what you think is best but be ready for anything. Anyone wonder how the magic that animates them works in an anti-magic field? Or maybe the anti-magic field is in another room, one these golems are guarding. Hmmm... just wondering."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Sunday April 24th, 2022 11:34:32 PM
Magic that animates them...

Tali also wonders how magical constructs work inside an "anti-Magic" field. "That's an awesome thought, Mister Nikolai!" exclaims Ms. Tali. Tali goes on to add, "Perhaps they only operate on the outskirts of the actual "Anti-Magic" field."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 39/17/32; HP 121/121
Sunday April 24th, 2022 11:35:57 PM
Kezzem summons Rumpus and instructs him to guard those making skill checks.

"We're going to try my plan," he tells his pony, who seems quite agitated. "I know, boy, I'm scarred too."

DM Mitch
Monday April 25th, 2022 7:05:49 AM
Kezzem reports that he remembers a bit about disabling devices but he�s still a bit rusty.
Murphy tells Kezzem he�s the backup if needed and starts distributing tanglefoot bags to the party. He�s getting ready with his alchemy lab cauldron and adamantine gear and asks if they are ready.
Kezzem has a flash of insight and asks if they can cover the openings to the room with blankets or mirrors if the golems wouldn�t even know they are there except for the devices on the sides.
Succotash takes some tanglefoot bags and remarks he�s not sure how well they will work on large creatures but it is worth a try.
Pressi suggests Kezzem�s idea might not be a bad one and starts suggesting they get any mirrors or blankets together to use for Kezzem�s suggestion.
Pru is ready but being the squishy mage does not want to be the first one through the door.
Murphy starts taking inventory of the blankets, canvas, mirror and wood he has. He suggests someone get larger mirrors while he gets to know the cauldron better.
Pressi purchases 4 full body mirrors, a dozen blankets, 2 dozen smokesticks and a half dozen torches and flint.
Nikolai asks who wants to try to help him trip up the golems and then asks if anyone knows what kind of golems they are and just how they are functioning in that antimagic field.
Tali suggests the constructs possibly operate on the outskirts of the antimagic field.
Kezzem summons Rumpus his faithful steed and has the poney play guard to those making the skill checks. He confides in the creature he is scared because the party is trying his plan.

New plans are made and new supplies gathered. They�re at the gate, is the party ready to proceed?

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling druid AC 31/T22/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 27 CMD 48 HP 224/259
Monday April 25th, 2022 11:55:39 AM

"Say, I have four grappling hooks. Might it be handy, Nikolai, to use a grappling hook on the end of each rope? Could be easier to wrap around and secure that way." Murphy makes those available to whoever wants to use them - except he keeps one for himself, and secures it to the end of a 50' length of silk rope.

"Pressi, Kezzem, how do you want those mirrors and blanket set up? Say, it'd be nice to have a few of those full-length mirrors set up in our place." He pauses. "Should I put a blanket over my head and cut holes for my eyes?" he asks.

He adds, quietly, "I wish Hobie were here."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 39/17/32; HP 121/121
Monday April 25th, 2022 12:04:37 PM
"Wait, isn't the antimagic field itself magic? Should it negate itself then. Then again, if negates itself, then won't it cancel out the cancelling? This is breaking my brain."

"Well, we could just slide the first two in at the doorway without having to enter the room. I'm no Hobie, but I'm still a high-Dex high-level martial type, so I'm better than most with bows even if I don't use them too often. I could try shooting some blankets over the thingamabobs but I'm not too confident in getting the blankets to fall just right. That's about as far as I got with my plan."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Monday April 25th, 2022 12:12:45 PM
Succotash is ready, and maybe a bit impatient, but he waits for his friends to be ready. He shares that his plan is to charge in, on Valerie's back. Ride up to within 15 ft of a golem, and toss both tanglefoot bags, hoping to entangle the construct.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Monday April 25th, 2022 2:29:53 PM
"Oh. We're still planning." Pru isn't sure that stopping to plan in the literal doorway is such a great idea, but she doesn't want to start an argument.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Monday April 25th, 2022 5:15:19 PM
Once more into the fray, Into the last good fight I'll ever know. Live and die on this day!

Tali is ready, but then asks, "What would you like for me to do, after I finish my task?" to the group.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Monday April 25th, 2022 9:02:14 PM
Pressi activates her lesser summons, the Graven Guardian. "Good to see you again, Gerry. You look well as always."

She hands him the lit torch. She orders him to light smokesticks as requested, and then toss the torch under the door just as it's about to leave.

Ok, here's my thinking. Succotash and Nick head in first with the mirrors and slide them in place in front of the two watching constructs (along V26-27 and Y26-27, so it looks like the hallway is complete). Prudence, Kezzem, you take a bunch of blankets and at least one lit smokestick to throw, because that's going to be our main form of obscuring. I don't think a trick shot over the construct is going to work, so I envision it more like spreading blankets out on poles so they can't directly know where we are. And you should head towards the disable device column. It's our only form of cover.

"That leaves me, Murphy and Tali. We each take a couple of marbles, a blanket and a lit smokestick, we roll the marbles to check for floor traps, and we make a beeline for our respective traps. You want to throw the smokestick towards the doors when we reach position.

"That leaves our melees in position and relative cover, our ranges in the center, and our trappers spread out, each with some cover. You can override your part of the plan as needed, but this is how I see it. When the door shuts, Gerry throws us at least one lit torch, and we can use that as needed."

For those who are impatient, she indicates that she considers planning to be over, and that she plans to enter right after Succotash and Nick.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Monday April 25th, 2022 9:03:52 PM
"Oh, if you are a trapper who finishes, I leave it up to you and your skill. But it's probably going to be more range stuff. Unless Murphy needs an aid another, I plan to just start lobbing alchemical weapons and more smoke."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday April 25th, 2022 10:39:58 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Haste (+1 on attack, AC and Ref saves, extra attack, +30 speed), Greater Heroism (+4 on skill, attack, saves, +20 temp hp)
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 17/18

Nikolai takes hold of one of the tower mirrors. [b]"Pru, summoning elementals out here first. Once here, the anti-magic area can't do anything to them when they enter it as they are not magical creatures."[/i]

Rehashing the plan, Nikolai asks, [b]"Ok, so I take this here tower mirror and hold it such that it blocks me from the view of the golem on the right corner and Succotash or Kazzem does the same to the golem on the left side, everyone else hussles past us into the main room. We do the same thing when we are ready to tackle the alchemy puzzle and the use device puzzle. Sounds simple enough to work and too simple to work. But let's do it.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling druid AC 31/T22/F27(becuz Foresight) CMB 27 CMD 48 HP 199/199 d8+1=3 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=8 ; d8+1=4 ;
Tuesday April 26th, 2022 1:56:52 AM
A note: Murphy would have made sure that all were healed up full before they begin this next effort, probably before Tali started her two hour nap/meditation. I'm marking 6 charges off of one of his wands of cure light wounds. If anyone else needs that sort of help, roll yourself, and tell me so I can take care of more. We should all be at full hit points. Hope it's okay to retcon that.

"Hold on just one more moment, Pressi, and all," Murphy requests. He figures it does not much matter what spells are active on him, as they will dissipate once they enter the room, according to the notes. Perhaps his foresight spell may give him a heads up on some aspect of what they are about to do, or a precaution he ought to take just before they go in.

He gives Tali a couple of tanglefoot bags. "You can try hitting the golems with these, if such is needed after you are finished." He also hands out one sunrod to each person. "Just crack it lightly on something hard, and it will light right up. It's alchemical, not magical, so will likely work." Just before the door opens he raps his on the floor just hard enough to activate. He's used enough of them in his life to know how they work.

"I you're right, Niko, that summoned critters aren't magical, I can summon help to harass the golems." He summons a Storm Giant and an elder Earth Elemental over the next 15 seconds. The giant arrives first, and he says, "When we open that door, go attack the golem in the far right corner. Beat it up as much as you can." When the Earth Elemental arrives, he gives similar instructions, but specifies the golem in the far left corner. He speaks in their respectives languages. "And, thanks in advance. You are helping to save the Wold."

Once those summonings are complete, he already has his gear arranged and in carrying mode, and is ready to head into the middle left side to work on the alchemical items after the door opens. "Ready when you are!" he says. "Eberyon, guide me well, I pray!"

DM Mitch
Tuesday April 26th, 2022 8:16:49 AM
Murphy offers some grappling hooks to the party. He keeps some rope and grappling hook for himself. He asks about where the mirrors should be and if he should be wearing a blanket with eye holes before wishing Hobie was there.
Kezzem wonders if the antimagic field should negate itself. He then suggests they slide the first two mirrors into the doorway without having to enter the room. He offers to try shooting blankets over the golems eyes but he doesn�t know if he could get the blankets to fall just right.
Succotash is ready and waits for the others. He shares that his plan is to charge forward on Valerie�s back, ride to within 15 feet of a golem and toss both tanglefoot bags.
Pru says the party is still planning though she isn�t sure if stopping in a doorway to plan is the best idea.
Tali is ready and asks what she should be doing after she finishes her task.
Pressi activates Gerry the Graven Guardian and hands him the lit torch. She orders him to light smokesticks as requested and then toss the torch under the door as it is about to leave. She suggests Nikolai and Succotash head in first the mirrors to complete the hallway. Then Kezzem and Pru come in with blankets and smoke sticks as trick shots with the blankets probably aren�t going to cut it. She says then her Murphy and Tali take some of the marbles, a blanket and a lit smokestick. They would use the marbles to check for traps, the smokesticks to obscure the door when they get in position and plan to make a beeline for the skill stations. She opines that when the skill check is done what happens next is up to the skill check doer she suggests Murphy may need help but she�s planning to lob more alchemical items for cover.
Nikolai takes hold of one of the tower mirrors. He suggests pru summon elementals outside first as an antimagic field can�t do anything if the elemental isn�t magical. He then confirms that the plan is for him to take the tower mirror so it blocks the view of the golem while Succotash or Kezzem do the same to the other golem. Meanwhile everyone hussles in to the main room and they do the same thing when ready to tackle the alchemy puzzle and the use magic device puzzle.

With the plan set and everyone ready the party rushes into the room. Seeing it in person possibly clarifies a few things that Scaldsworn�s map was unclear on. The vaults are set up in two tiers and are of all sizes, from small cubyholes to large enough to hold a giant. The lines on the map are actually long ramps along the wall where the upper level of the vaults are and the ramps themselves have a variety of vaults in them. The giants stand at the apex of the ramps, getting a clear view of the entire room.

Please place yourself on the map where you end up and add things to indicate smoke/mirrors/blankets where you want to place them. Remember you only have 1 round after entering before the golems activate. If you throw something into the room before entering you must have line of sight from outside the room.

Map

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling druid AC 17/T11/F16 CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 199/199 d20+18=26 ; d20+37=38 ;
Tuesday April 26th, 2022 11:59:29 AM

[DM Mitch - you have only given us 'Comment Only' rights to the map - we can't place ourselves anywhere. Also - Murphy summoned a Storm Giant and Elder Earth Elemental before letting the door open, with their instructions to head to the corners on the far side of the room to deal with the golems. -Kim]

Murphy gives his adamantine scimitar to the giant, and adamantine slingstaff to the elemental, to use, if they want, against the golems, telling them they resist injury from anything less than adamantite. It's up to them as to whether they choose to use them, though.

After Succotash opens the door and enters with Valerie, the druid rushes in as soon as he can to head to the alchemical alcove. Laden down with his gear as it is, he is not in much of a position to be tossing marbles or smokesticks. He did wrap a blanket around his shoulders.

He feels his loss of strength, and a slight dulling of his extremely sharp senses as the antimagic of the room neutralizes the augmentations granted him by his various enchanted accoutrements, but rather anticipated that.

On arriving at the alcove, he drops the cauldron, hoping it does not bruise easily, and gets to work looking at the alchemical challenge, then taking what steps look to be appropriate to deal with it, using his kit. It may take a round or two for the cauldron to come into play, so I do not include that in his skill check (by the way, should it grant him, once it grows, a +2 or +4 insight bonus, if any?).

Murphy's first stab at it, without the help of the cauldron, gives him a craft: alchemy skill check of 26. Will that be good enough to solve the puzzle?

[Will post later for details of Storm Giant vs Adamant Golem 1 and Elder Earth Elemental vs Adamant Golem 2. Giant will enter the ramp near the UMD alcove and ascend to AG1. Elemental will enter the ramp near the Alchemy device and ascend to AG2. Have to leave for work.]
==========
Craft: Alchemy: 26
Perception: 38

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Tuesday April 26th, 2022 12:43:18 PM
Succotash grabs one of the tower mirrors, while on Valerie's back. He directs her to Q/25, and places the mirror in front of Valerie and himself, blocking the golem's view of them and hopefully the rest of the party.

DM Mitch
Tuesday April 26th, 2022 6:58:45 PM
(Updated link)

Map

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22/21/17; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 151/151
Tuesday April 26th, 2022 7:07:50 PM
Before heading in, Kezzem will instruct Rumpus on how to activate and throw a smokestick. (I'm picturing them working like a glowstick where you activate it by snapping it in half; Rumpus should be able to hold it in his mouth, bite down, and toss it; as paladin mount, his Int is 6 so he's much smarter than a typically pony and should be able to follow these direcitons; if this is not feasible, just let me know, and Kezzem will hold onto the smokestick).

Kezzem will also test the hardness of the wall against his mundane daggers. If they seem like they can pin the blanket in place, we will prepare one by either tying or piercing two corners of one blanket to his dagger. Otherwise, he will prepare to hold the blanket using sticks/poles.

Finally, he'll mount up on Rumpus.

Kezzem will ride Rumpus to O18 and position or pin the blanket between N18 - P18 and N19 - P19. Rumpus will break the smokestick and toss it to the south.

OOC: Wow, Kezzem's AC is terrible without his magical gear.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Tuesday April 26th, 2022 9:32:20 PM
There wasn't time for Pru to summon anything; she'll just have to do the best she can. Once inside the vault, she stops to look around, uncertain what to do next.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33 d20+34=38 ;
Tuesday April 26th, 2022 9:44:50 PM

Pressi moved in as far as she could (without boots her move speed is 20) and dropped her lit smokestick near the device. Quickly, she surveyed the area (Perception 38+1 for traps).

Gerry, still carrying the lit torch, began to move his way inward.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday April 26th, 2022 11:54:21 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Haste (+1 on attack, AC and Ref saves, extra attack, +30 speed), Greater Heroism (+4 on skill, attack, saves, +20 temp hp)
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 17/18

OOC: Keeping 'spells in effect' listed just in case the anti-magic field goes down.

Nikolai positions his mirror (see map) and with the mirror propped against him, he pulls out the bag 'o iron marbles.

OOC: that's probably a Move and Standard.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling druid AC 17/T11/F16 CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 199/199 d20=10 ; 2d6+14=18 ; d20+26=35 ; 2d10+12=16 ;
Wednesday April 27th, 2022 4:51:39 AM

When Murphy gave him the small adamantine scimitar, the storm giant simply slipped it in his belt. Once the door was opened by Succotash, he headed straight ahead, then at a 45 degree angle toward the opening to the ramps on the left side, and then up the ramp reaching to O12. With his hustle to Adamant Golem 2, he makes only a single slam attack. Hits AC36 (10+26) for 18 hp damage.

The elder earth elemental wrapped his fist around the small adamantine sling staff Murphy had given him, and shrugged a shoulder. Coming in after the storm giant, he ran to make it to the lower part of the ramp, heading toward Adamant Golem 1, reaching as far as to AG13. Likely does not have enough to make an attack, but just in case, a single slam hits AC 35 for 16 hp damage.

DM Mitch 6d10+13=52 ; 6d10+13=45 ; d20=13 ; d20=2 ; 6d10+13=36 ; 6d10+13=51 ; d20+41=60 ; d20+41=46 ; d100=35 ; d100=28 ; d20+41=43 ; d20+41=54 ; 6d10+13=55 ; 6d10+13=47 ;
Wednesday April 27th, 2022 7:48:58 AM
Murphy gives his adamantine scimitar to the giant and adamantine slingstaff to the elemental. After Succotash opens the door Murphy rushes in to head to the alchemy alcove. Seeing as he has the lab and cauldron he isn�t suited to carrying smoke sticks or marbles but he did wrap a blanket around his shoulders. He feels the antimagic field affecting his gear then moves to handle the challenge. He drops the cauldron so it may grow while he puzzles out what the alchemy puzzle requires.
Succotash grabs one of the tower mirrors while on Valeries back. He moves to Q/25 and places the mirror in front of himself and Valerie hopefully blocking the golem.
Kezzem instructs Rumpus how to activate and throw a smokestick before heading out. Kezzem also tests the hardness of the wall against his mundane dagger to see if they can pin a blanket in place, if they can�t he prepares to use sticks poles to manipulate a blanket. Kezzem mounts Rumpus preparing to pin some blankets while Rumpus snaps a smokestick.

Pru doesn�t have time to summon anything so she wild o the best she can. Once inside the vault she stops to look around.
Pressi moved in as far as she could and drops her lit smokestick near the device. She quickly surveys the area of traps while Gerry carries the torch ready to work his way inwards.

The summoned creatures may have been a good plan, but one that sadly doesn�t work. As they charge into the anti-magic field they wink out of existence (per the description of the anti-magic field any summoned creature that enters it winks out until it is removed). The adamantine gear given to them falls to the floor.

The mirror and blanket plan is equally uncessessfull. The golems are 25 feet tall. They are also standing on top of a ramp when those holding the items are about halfway down it. From that vantage they easily see the people behind the curtain.

Theres a rumble as the security activates and the constructs come to life. Carved to look like heavily armored giant warriors, they draw massive blades from decorative sheaths and advance to the nearest targets.

Golem 1 doesn�t reach anyone with it�s double move.

Golem 2 advances on Kezem. It�s massive sword slams into him for 97 damage.

Golem 3 advances on Succotash. Valerie follows instructions and breaks the smokestick. Unable to see the halfling it would have walked right past them but bumps into the pair (ouch?) and strikes at them blindly. It misses Valerie in the darkness

Golem 4 just reaches Ge. If that is a summons ( think it is but not 100% sure) it�ll just keep moving towards Pru but doesn�t get an atack. If Ge is not a summons it swings twice, hitting AC 43 and 54 for 55 and 47 damage

Map

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells d20+17=19 ; d20+12=24 ; d20+8=10 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday April 27th, 2022 12:41:59 PM

Succotash's AC minus magic: 21
Valerie's AC minus magic: 35

"Hurry up and deactivate these things! I'll stay here and hopefully occupy this one for as long as I can, but speed would be nice!"

Knowing that his efforts are probably futile, Succotash drops his mirror and swings his mace at his golem hitting AC 19, 24, and 10. if he manages to land a hit the damage would be 6, 3, and 5.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33 d20+26=34 ;
Wednesday April 27th, 2022 1:54:01 PM
Pressi makes her way to the mechanical trap in the center, sliding her tools before her.

"Well, here goes nothing..."

Disable Device 34.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22/21/17; HP 179/276 - 60; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 151/151 - 45 d20+25=29 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+10=21 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=3 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=5 ;
Wednesday April 27th, 2022 5:36:46 PM
If Rumpus has not done so, he will activate the smokestick.

If Kezzem thinks he can get the blanket up onto the golem's head, he will attempt to do so. Then quickdraw and lob a tanglefoot bag at him to stick in place. (Use the first two attack rolls below; ignore the second two and all damage).

Otherwise, he will drop the blanket and direct rumpus towards number 2 to the north. Kezzem will Quickdraw his adamantine short sword and attack.

Attack: 1d20 + 19 (BAB) + 5 (Dex without magic belt) + 1 size = 1d20 + 25
Damage: 1d4 + 1 (Str without magic belt) = 1d4 + 1

Attack #1: 1d20 + 25 = 29
Damage: 1d4 + 1 = 5.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 20 = 39.
Natural 19, but I assume the golems are immune to critical hits.
Damage: 1d4 + 1 = 3.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 15 = 20.
Damage: 1d4 + 1 = 5.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 10 = 21.
Damage: 1d4 + 1 = 5.

Of course the one I roll with the highest to hit is the one I roll the lowest damage.

Kezzem attempts to lay on hands himself but then remembers that doesn't work either.

"Yeah, this is not going well. Hurry up there Murph!"

Rumpus will go total defense if doesn't need an action to activate the smokestick.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Wednesday April 27th, 2022 8:38:56 PM
Run!

Tali uses a full move run to reach spot AH28. Next round she will do the same to reach the "Use Magic Device" position in the room -- location AH18. Then she will try her hand and using said device!

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy) d20+15=31 ;
Wednesday April 27th, 2022 10:23:32 PM
Pru steps back and throws a tanglefoot bag at golem 4. She hits AC 31, which is presumably good enough. The golem is pretty big, but maybe the tanglefoot will slow it down a bit.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday April 28th, 2022 12:28:56 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Haste (+1 on attack, AC and Ref saves, extra attack, +30 speed), Greater Heroism (+4 on skill, attack, saves, +20 temp hp)
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 17/18

OOC: it is my guess from your description that the ramps slope down towards the Entrance, etc.

Free move (drop item), Nikolai empties half his bag of iron marbles towards G4.
Standard, Picks Pru up
Move: Heads to T-U 18

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling druid AC 17/T11/F16 CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 199/199 d20+37=49 ;
Thursday April 28th, 2022 1:32:27 AM

Murphy works to solve the alchemical issue. [Already rolled in prior post: Craft: Alchemy: 26]. If for some reason that does not solve it, but he seems to be pretty close, then Murphy will boost it by 4 with a hero point. Only if needed.

Perception now that the druid has settled down and heard Kezzem get bashed rather solidly is 49.

DM Mitch d100=92 ; d100=35 ; d100=58 ; d100=62 ; d100=89 ; d100=20 ; d20=17 ; d100=98 ; d100=4 ; 6d10+13=51 ; 6d10+13=45 ; 6d10+13=45 ; 6d10+13=45 ; 6d10+13=52 ;
Thursday April 28th, 2022 7:49:33 AM
Succotash tells the others to hurry as he�ll stay and occupy the golem as long as he can but speed would be nice. He then attacks feebly with his mace but every strike bounces harmlessly off the golem�s thick armor.
Pressi makes her way to the mechanical trap in the corner sliding her tools before her as she attempts to disable the trap. As her tools work their way around the presented lock she hears a satisfying click.
Kezzem has Rumpus activate a smokestick then seeing as how the golem is 25 feet tall and he is in an antimagic field Kezzem thinks better of using the blanket and draws his adamantine short sword. He hits with his second attack only and it is a critical hit so the golem takes 5 damage. He attempts to lays on hand, realizes that isn�t going to work and then calls for Murphy to hurry up.
Tali sprints toward the Use Magic Device challenge realizing she has a bit of distance to cover before she can get there
Pru hits the golem in the face with her tanglefoot bag.
Nikolai empties his bag of marbles toward the forth golem, picks his wife up and then gets her across the battlefield to T-U 18.
Murphy almost fails the alchemical device but heroically pushes himself to trigger it.

Golem 1 starts to walk through the smoke towards Pru and Nick, bumps into Pressi hiding in it, and starts swinging, hitting her once for 51 damage

Golem 2 strikes at Kezzem but the concealment lets him avoid one of the blows. He takes 45 damage

Golem 3 keeps after Succotash and hits twice despite the concealment. 90 damage

Golem 4 sees golem 1 attacking something in the smoke and targets the same square, hitting Pressi once for 52 damage

The scratch from Kezzem�s short sword appears to repair itself on the Golem�s turn.

Two of Three locks are disabled.

Map

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22/21/17; HP 179/276 - 60; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 151/151 - 45
Thursday April 28th, 2022 10:36:42 AM
"How come nobody thought to give Talia a mount or something?" wonders Kezzem. "Can one of you fast biggies run over and carry her or something? She doesn't weigh much, usually she just floats along the ground."

Kezzem will wait for Murphey to leave the hallway and then have Rumpus move over towards the UMD alcove, doing his best to keep out of AoO range of the golems. Kezzem will total defense.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 52/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Thursday April 28th, 2022 12:03:29 PM
Succotash's AC minus magic: 21 +4
Valerie's AC minus magic: 35 +4

Realizing he can't harm these golems without the help of magic, Succotash goes total defense, and instructs Valerie to do likewise. He knows he can't withstand another hit like that, but figures his life for his friends is well worth the sacrifice, if it gives Tali the time she needs.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling druid AC 17/T11/F16 CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 199/199
Thursday April 28th, 2022 12:33:45 PM

Murphy does not wait around, seeing he has figured out the alchemical device by the skin of his teeth. [OOC: How was the device set up? What did he have to do? Some flavor description would be nice :-) ]

He runs flat out past Kezzem and golem 2 (who gets an AoO vs Murphy), then diagonally up to the top middle opening to the ramps, up the ramp to the right, and around the corner toward the UMD device. His move (due to fleet feat) is 25, he has the run skill, thus 5x normal speed, for 125 feet total.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22/21/17 + 6; HP 124/276 - 60; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 151/151 - 45
Thursday April 28th, 2022 5:53:05 PM
Header update for total defense.

Also, I moved Kezzem on the map. Only 2 will provoke an AoO as Kezzem/Rumpus stays at least 20 feet away from the golems (and 2 only gets one if he didn't use his AoO on Murphey and/or has Combat Reflexes).

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Thursday April 28th, 2022 8:19:08 PM
Running!

Tali uses a full move run to reach spot AH18. Next round she will attempt to disable the device "lock" by using her skill "Use Magic Device".

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 54/157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33 d20+24=38 ;
Thursday April 28th, 2022 8:53:21 PM

Pressi smiles in triumph.

The smile is short lived.

Pressi got knocked around, first by one and then the other. "Didn't anyone ever tell you to wipe your feet NOT on the halfling."

Pressi considers hiding behind Nick and Prudence but that doesn't seem nice, and Nick has already been judgy judgy all day. Instead, she flips around the lock (Acro 38 out of the threatened square) to the other side of the pole.

"Come on, come on...."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy) d20+13=23 ; d6=1 ;
Thursday April 28th, 2022 10:09:39 PM
Pru isn't entirely sure how she got way over here, but staying with Nikolai is probably a good strategy so she doesn't question it. Instead she fishes out a flask of alchemists fire and lobs it in the direction of golem 4.

[Hit AC 23 for a point of fire damage.]

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday April 28th, 2022 11:51:29 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Haste (+1 on attack, AC and Ref saves, extra attack, +30 speed), Greater Heroism (+4 on skill, attack, saves, +20 temp hp)
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 17/18

"Honey, these golems are just too close! They've got a heck of a reach! I've got to move you to a safer location!"

He picks Pru up again after dropping the rest of the iron marbles at G4 and moves to w9.

Out loud he shouts, "Why are you trying to engage? Full Defense! You know you can't harm them yet! Just keep moving and dodging!"

DM Mitch d20=5 ; d20=7 ; d20=2 ; d20=16 ; d20=17 ; d20=13 ; d20=11 ; 6d10+13=45 ; 6d10+13=50 ; 6d10+13=37 ; 6d10+13=45 ; 6d10+13=47 ; 6d10+13=54 ; 6d10+13=47 ; d100=30 ; d100=74 ;
Friday April 29th, 2022 7:30:04 AM
Kezzem asks why no one thought to give Tali a mount and asks if someone could carry her. He then waits for Murphy to leave the hallway and have Rumpus move over to the UMD alcove.
Succotash Realizes he can�t hurt the golems without magic so he goes total defense and instructs Valerie to do the same. He knows he can�t take another hit like that but it would be worth it if it gave Tali the time she needed.
Murphy does not wait around seeing as how he go the alchemical device by the skin of his teeth. He runs past Kezem and Golem 2 toward the UMD device and takes a hit for 45 damage.
Tali runs to the slot near the magic device.
Pressi smiles only to find that short lived as the golems attack she then flips around the lock to the other side of the pole.
Pru isn�t sure how she got way far away but staying with her husband is probably a good strategy so she lobs a flask of alchemical fire at golem 4.

Nikolai explains how he got Pru out of the reach of the golem. He picks Pru up again after dropping more marbles. He berates some of the others for trying to engage and tells them to go total defense.

With their 30 foot movement and 15 foot reach the two golems easily catch up to Pressi, who probably wishes she stayed in the smokestick�s concealment. With no miss chance from it every attack strikes true for a total of 187 damage.

Golem 2 is able to reach Prudance and Nikolas but not attack them since it had to double move.

Succotash is missed once, but the second blow hits for 47, taking him to 5 hp.

DM Mitch
Friday April 29th, 2022 7:36:03 AM
Those dealing with the security resets see that they are devices that seem to trigger or lock when the security system is set off. Each is a large pedestal with a complex mechanical set up that has to be reset. For the alchemical one a complex reaction starts and Murphy had to figure out how to reset it so the reaction would stop. Similarly the others involve a complicated mechanism that locked in place and had to be reset and the third a series of mystical reagents that somehow let a current pass through that has to be interrupted.

How exactly these devices trigger the golems and how resetting them sends orders to the golem is unknown. You'd probably have to take apart golems, devices, and half the room to figure out the complex system.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Friday April 29th, 2022 3:54:09 PM
"Oh, no. Pressi." With no magic available, Pru can't help her now. Hopefully later. And hopefully she was able to finish disabling the golem.

Pru takes a Withdrawal action to scamper out of the way of the golem.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22/21/17 + 6; HP 124/276 - 60; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 151/151 - 45
Friday April 29th, 2022 4:17:42 PM
"Somebody get Pressi!" shouts Kezzem.

He delays until after Tali. If Tali succeeds at he her check, he grabs her and has Rumpus double move towards the gate.

Otherwise, he and Rumpus go full defense.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling druid AC 17/T11/F16 CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 199/199 d20+20=34 ;
Friday April 29th, 2022 4:45:29 PM

Murphy headed over to help Tali with the Use Magical Device reset. Rolled 34 on UMD. Then he hears Kezzem call out about Pressi. Something twists in his gut. He says nothing right away though, wanting to ensure he can help Tali stop these killing machines.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+30=49 ; d20+16=20 ;
Friday April 29th, 2022 9:13:45 PM
Use MD Device

Tali takes a 5-foot step forward using her ability to disable the Magical Device in hopes of stopping the obvious menace! As soon as she is finished her "try", Tali spins around (Acrobatic Check) in an effort to see her handiwork!

When the dust settles, Tali asks both Mister Murphy & Mr. Nikolai, "Is everyone alright?"

Skill Check(s)
Acrobatic Check: 20
Use Magical Device: 1d20+30 = 49

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Saturday April 30th, 2022 12:46:08 PM
OOC: Tali's UMD of 49 now adds +2 from Murphy's Aid Another.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling druid AC 17/T11/F16 CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 199/199
Saturday April 30th, 2022 12:48:27 PM

"Well done, Tali." A look of worry on his face is all he is able to answer her question as to everyone being all right. He turns and looks out. "Pressi? Pressi? What happened to Pressi, Kezzem?" If he sees the golems starting to move toward them, the counsels his friends to get out of their way, and does so himself. And tries to figure out how to get to where Pressi is.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 5/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Saturday April 30th, 2022 5:06:21 PM
Succotash sees the blows Pressi recieved, and his heart sinks. He's almost certain that even if they weren't in this anti-magic field, a quick casting of breath of life wouldn't be enough to bring her back from the brink of death. His only thoughts now are whether or not she can somehow heroicly cheat death, and whether or not he will be joining her.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP -9/157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Saturday April 30th, 2022 10:00:48 PM
(Succotash reminds me, I can burn my last two hero points. I use them to cheat death.)

As everything continues to swirl and echo, she reminds Murphy to leave her, and keep going for the device.

Also, if Nick so much as makes a single comment or suggestion, Murphy has her permission to hit him.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday May 1st, 2022 1:14:03 PM
OOC: Nikolai is not in the habit of commenting to someone who is dead. :)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday May 1st, 2022 11:51:53 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Haste (+1 on attack, AC and Ref saves, extra attack, +30 speed), Greater Heroism (+4 on skill, attack, saves, +20 temp hp)
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 17/18

Note: AC without magic = 21 + Mobility 4(vs AoO) 25 when moving in/out of AoO.

Nikolai remembers from the notes that the golems will move to attack any non-giant 'moving', so Pressi is Ok for the moment, but he needs to get the golems away from her. He dashes to join Pru while getting one of his ropes out.

'Keep moving Pru, just keep moving.'

DM Mitch
Monday May 2nd, 2022 7:15:17 AM
Pru exclaims her horror at Pressi�s fate and then takes a withdrawal action
Kezzem calls for someone to get Pressi. He delays waiting for Tali do her check preparing to grab her and have Rumpus do a double move to get her out of there lest another caster fall this day.
Murphy heads over to help Tali with the UMD but something twists in his gut as he hears about Pressi.
Tali handles her device with aplomb twirling to see her handiwork as Kezzem grabs her and spirits her away on Rumpus. She asks if everyone is alright as the Paladin and pony move her away.
Murphy congratulates Tali only to ask what happened to Pressi and tries to figure out a way to get over to her.
Succotash sees the blows Pressi received and his heart sinks. He doesn�t think there is anything he could do for her now.
Pressi cheats death. The efforts to blind the golems apparently did have some effect at least with respect for Pressi. The Golem was not actually able to strike her as hard as it otherwise would have, so instead of being totally dead she�s stable and unconscious at negative hp and in an anti-magic field.
Nikolai knows from the notes that since Pressi is unmoving and unconscious the Golems won�t attack her but they need to get the golems away from her fallen form. Nikolai encourages Pru to keep moving.

Pressi�s surprising survival would have quickly proved moot, but even as she falls the others manage to reset the final lock. The giant constructs stop their swings instantly and freeze for a moment before, in unison, they hold their swords up on salute, sheath them, and stomp back to their starting positions to once again guard the room.

A sudden silence fills the room as they stop moving.

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling druid AC 17/T11/F16 CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 199/199 d20+15=30 ;
Monday May 2nd, 2022 11:38:29 AM

Her husband discerns where Pressi lies. Murphy rushes over to her. Among the things he had pulled from his storage bags is one of his healing kits. He sees the grievous wounds she has sustained, and that her shallow breathing is labored. He clears the hair from his sweetheart's forehead, and gently kisses her there. While kneeling down, he ministers to her, daubing and binding her wounds. He has to use two units from the kit to deal adequately with her deadly wounds. "Someone help me carry her out of this room," he asks.

It will take him up to an hour to 'treat deadly wounds' - and Pressi regains 26 hp in the process. Healing: 30. This action heals hp equal to Pressi's level, plus six from the druid's wisdom bonus.

If, having taken her out of the room, the use of magic is possible, then Murphy speeds up the process considerably through heavy use of the wand of cure light wounds.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22/21/17 + 6; HP 124/276 - 60; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 151/151 - 45
Monday May 2nd, 2022 11:57:43 AM
"Sorry, Murph, I misjudged the situation. I saw Tali along over there and thought it best to protect her. I thought the biguns had her covered."

Kezzem shoots a glance to Nik and Pru.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Monday May 2nd, 2022 12:18:34 PM
Succotash helps carry Pressi out of the room. As soon as he feels the magic return to him, and all of his friends are out of the anti-magic field, he casts Mass Heal giving everyone up to 250 hp. "Well, I for one would rather not enter that room again! One tends to feel a bit naked when your magic is turned off."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Monday May 2nd, 2022 4:45:40 PM
"I'm glad Pressi's going to be okay," Pru says. "But we should get what we came for before we leave. We don't know what will re-activate those golems."

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling druid AC 17/T11/F16 CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 154/199
Monday May 2nd, 2022 6:20:02 PM

As he cares for Pressi, Murphy asks, "Would the artifact we seek be found in this room, or must we go beyond this room to find it? Because if it is in here, we may as well remain and seek it."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Monday May 2nd, 2022 8:26:33 PM
Assumptions

Tali states to Mister Murphy, "I am assuming that this room is a delaying tactic, to allow for more time to move the artifact or secure it."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22/21/17 + 6; HP 124/276 - 60; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 151/151 - 45
Monday May 2nd, 2022 8:41:08 PM
"Why don't we just camp out here and ambush the bad guys after the golems wear them down for us?" asks Kezzem.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 20/157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Monday May 2nd, 2022 9:08:18 PM
Pressi slowly begins to come to, wrapping her arms around her husband. "I only wish I had enough luck left to get the plate number."

Regardless of how she's healed, Pressi begins to stand as quickly as she can, and to cast "detect magic" even sooner. "No idea if the system resets, but the artifact should be on the gate on the other side of our entrance."

She takes a moment to see if either door sprung open, and to see if Gerry returned to the entrance. If so, she asks Gerry if he sees anything.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday May 2nd, 2022 10:20:22 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Haste (+1 on attack, AC and Ref saves, extra attack, +30 speed), Greater Heroism (+4 on skill, attack, saves, +20 temp hp)

Nikolai hugs Pru and gives her a kiss. "I'm sure glad they got that gizmo figured out. I've forgotten how much I, or we, rely on magic." He flexes his biceps to see if the anti-magic still affects the area. His normal strength of 17 feels a lot different than his enhanced strength.

"I'm pretty sure to reactivate them we just need to leave the room and come back in. So, unless you need to poopy really, really bad and don't want to do it in here, best none leave until we ascertain the anti-magic status so we can be prepared for whats on the other side of that gate."

DM Mitch
Tuesday May 3rd, 2022 8:02:40 AM
Murphy goes to his wife and uses his healer�s kit to tend to her deadly wounds before the others help move her out of the field where he can use his wand of cure light wounds to speed up the process immensely.
Kezzem apologizes to Murphy and said he went to protect Tali figuring the biguns had Pressi covered.
Succotash helps carry Pressi out of the field and casts Mass Heal as soon as the magic returns healing everyone 250 hp.
Pru says she is glad Pressi is going to be okay but they should get what they came for and leave.
Murphy asks Pru if the artifact they seek is in this room or beyond it for if it is in this room they might as well find it.
Tali suggests this room is a delaying tactic to allow for more time to move the artifact or secure it
Kezzem suggests they camp out here and ambush the bad guys after the golems wear them down for them.
Pressi wraps her arms around Murphy and tells him she wishes she had enough luck to get the plate number. As soon as she is able to she casts detect magic saying she doesn�t know if the system resets but the artifact should be on the other side of the door. Gerry does not reappear
(OOC: since anti-magic fields normally move with the caster it says summon creatures wink out of existence and return when the field moves away, the field is stationary and Gerry entered it so I don�t think Gerry can wink back if the field is stationary)
Nikolai hugs Pru and gives her a kiss telling her he�s glad they got the gizmo figured out. He suggests that the golems would reactivate if they left and came back so unless anyone needs to go really bad and not do it in there it would be better that no one leaves until they can prepare for what is on the other side of the gate.

As the party gathers themselves and discusses they realize that they need nothing from the anti-magic room. They are in the depths of the giant vaults and tomps at the ir most holy temple and the artifact they are after has it�s own vault by itself at the deepest point. To get there a variety of traps have to be avoided - the anti-magic vaults was the only one they couldn�t avoid activating per the notes they had. While there are a few other challenges along the way to their actual destination, with Scaldsworn�s notes they should be easy to safely navigate, giving you a clear shot to the end, where you have been told the giant high priest awaits you.

Nikolai is also right in that entering the anti-magic vaults again would just set off security again and restart the entire encounter with the golems. So would attempting to do anything to the sealed vaults inside.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Tuesday May 3rd, 2022 1:15:30 PM

OOC... Succotash would have stopped Murphy from using his wand, since he planned on healing everyone.

"Now that everyone is fully magicked, and healed, shall we continue? Our host awaits us. I must say though, this high priest guy sure throws a crappy party. Unless of course this is what fire giants consider a good time."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Tuesday May 3rd, 2022 8:13:48 PM
We are off to see the...

Tali wholeheartedly agrees, "that we should use the notes the enemy left to be 100% certain of the path head as well as the traps!"

Mister Succotash, "Are the areas beyond here Normal Magic areas?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Tuesday May 3rd, 2022 8:51:22 PM
Pressi takes a final look at the vaults before moving on.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Tuesday May 3rd, 2022 10:55:34 PM
"Right, let's go talk to this high priest person," Pru says. "I wonder how they get to work in the morning. Surely they don't come through here."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday May 4th, 2022 12:31:25 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Haste (+1 on attack, AC and Ref saves, extra attack, +30 speed), Greater Heroism (+4 on skill, attack, saves, +20 temp hp)

"Why not? Being giants and who set it up, they can pass through here anytime and not be bothered by the golems."

Nikolai is ready to see the Priestess.

OOC: Please let me know if the Haste and G.H. spless are still in effect or exired. thanks. :)

Murphy (KimMc) Halfling druid AC 17/T11/F16 CMB 23 CMD 41 HP 199/199
Wednesday May 4th, 2022 5:17:01 AM

Quite joyful at Pressi's recovery, and grateful to Succotash for that much-needed wash of healing, Murphy gives a happy sigh. He does ask if someone can retrieve his adamantine slingstaff and scimitar from near where they entered the golem room, before all have exited, hopefully.

He looks over the book again, and does what he can to help the party avoid as many traps and obstacles as they can.

[Are spells with remaining time back in action after leaving the room? Oh, and I'll need to update my header info- will do so next post...)

DM Mitch
Wednesday May 4th, 2022 7:55:15 AM
Succotash asks if since everyone is magicked again if they should continue remarking the high priest throws a crappy party unless it is what giants think is a good time.
Tali agrees they should use Skaldsworn�s note to be 100% certain of the path ahead she asks if the area ahead are normal magic areas.
Pressi takes a final look at the vaults before moving on.
Pru agrees they should talk to the priest and wonder�s how they get to work in the morning.
Nikolai points out that being a giant the priests can simply pass by the room and not be bothered by the golems.
Murphy is happy that Pressi is ok and hopes someone got his stuff.

Although the anti-magic field doesn�t dispel any buffs you had it�s taken a few hours to navigate the area so any spell with a duration not measured in hours has expired. (so it depends on if the spell was cast directly before the anti-magic fight)

The party has to navigate through a couple more hazards before they reach their destination. Though highly dangerous, even for a group as powerful as them, Scaldsworn�s notes continue to let them circumvent or disable them safely. After about half an hour they�ve made it to the end.

The party is in a large, ornate hall with decorative images inlaid in it of giants making pilgrimage. Double doors, large enough to be massive even to the huge giants, sit at the end of the hall. Painted or leafed with gold they depicts the mountain, Fhorge, in all of it�s glory. The giants on the walls start out large, but grow smaller as the approach the mountain until those by the door and on the edges of the mountain are tiny specks before it.

Something with a stylized aura or glow rests at the top of the volcano. Too small and to high up to make out it�s rays reach out to touch the giant pilgrims as they get close to the mountain.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Wednesday May 4th, 2022 11:52:53 AM
"I'm going to venture a guess and say that is the artifact." Succotash says as he points to the shiny thing at the top of the volcano.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22/21/17 + 6; HP 124/276 - 60; Rumpus AC 33/16/27; HP 151/151 - 45
Wednesday May 4th, 2022 1:30:27 PM
"Great," says Kezzem. "Now we just need to hide it an put up a sign that says something like 'We're sorry, but the artifact you seek is in another temple.' That should keep him busy for a while."

"Wait, wasn't there supposed to be a priest here?"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Wednesday May 4th, 2022 2:49:20 PM
"Probably beyond those doors," Pru says. "Do the notes say anything about traps in this room?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151
Wednesday May 4th, 2022 5:07:17 PM
header update.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33 d20+25=36 ; d20+11=20 ;
Wednesday May 4th, 2022 9:24:43 PM

Pressi doesn't know if it's the near death or her paranoia or what, but something seems really off about the entire scenario. Like there really should be something else in this room.

Dropping her greater immortal summons at the hall entrance, with orders to shout the second so much as a fly appears, Pressi takes her time to look at the pictures and the doors (perception 36, know local 20). She casts detect magic everywhere. She searches for traps everywhere. She tries tapping the glow with a 10 foot pole.

"I don't suppose anyone around here knows their giant lore?" she asks. "Does anyone want to venture a guess as to what this picture is trying to tell us?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+37=38 ; d20=9 ;
Wednesday May 4th, 2022 11:43:50 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Haste (+1 on attack, AC and Ref saves, extra attack, +30 speed), Greater Heroism (+4 on skill, attack, saves, +20 temp hp)

OOC: I trust that Pru (Kathy) will tell me when her spells expire. They usually last a long time.

IC: Nikolai was expecting to meet the priestess at some point before actually getting into the vault with the artifact, so ... "My guess is that it still lies beyond these doors. That thing up there may be the mechanism to open the door. I'll go see."
He starts up the door in spider fashion (Slippers of Spider Climb), expecting to get singed, jolted, ejected, or something of the like at some point up.

Perception + 37 = 38

If he makes it to where the stylized glow thing is, he studies it.

Knowledge = 9
History + 7 = 16; Local +4 = 13, Religion +7 = 16

Murphy Iridescent Corvid (again) (KimMc) AC 34/T25/F29 CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219/219 d20+22=40 ; d20+22=39 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+45=49 ;
Thursday May 5th, 2022 3:42:29 AM

Murphy thinks over Pressi's question about the meaning of the place. They have been learning about Fhorge now for a few years. He speaks the Giant tongue, and has read several books by and about giants. Scaldsworn's writings have given them additional insights from the perspective of someone who is not an afficionado of Fhorge. He hands the book off to whoever else in the party can read the book and be able to interpret it, and wild shapes back into a corvid with irridescent feathers.

If his skill rolls grant him further insight, he shares what he discerns with the others.

The majesty of scale and presentation of this temple impress the halfling. He grew up in much cozier surroundings. This is definitely not a burrow.
==================
Knowledge: History: 40
Knowledge: Local: 39
Knowledge: Religion: 32
Perception: 49

DM Mitch
Thursday May 5th, 2022 8:48:17 AM
Succotash says he�s going to venture a guess that that is the artifact as he points at the shiny thing.
Kezzem suggests they hide it and put up a sign saying the artifact you seek is in another temple then asks where the priest is.

Pru suggests the priest is behind the doors and asks if the notes say anything about traps in this room.
Pressi is being very careful. She drops her greater immortal summons with orders for it to shout the second so much as a fly appears she takes her time to look at the pictures and the door. She detects magic everywhere, searches for traps everywhere and taps the glowy part with a 10 foot pole. She asks if anyone knows their giant lore and what that picture is trying to tell them.
Nikolai suggests the artifact lies beyond the doors as well and suggests the glowy thing might be the mechanism to open them so he uses his slippers of spiderclimb to approach it.
Murphy thinks about everything he knows about giants and Scald.

As the party ponders and consults the notes they have they determine that this is not their destination, merely the entryway. Scaldsworn�s notes don�t even mention it, apparently considering it too unimportant to bother with. Murphy guesses from his knowledge of the giants that the images are just decoration to impress on any giants influential enough to ever visit the artifact how insignificant they remain compared to the god they serve.

The pictures and doors do glow of faint magic to detect magic, but it seems to be preservation spells to keep the art pristine, nothing dangerous. Nor are there any traps here - it seems that all the traps exist to prevent anyone reaching this point. As Nikolai goes to climb the door it shifts slightly. Whether through magic or incredible craftsmanship it seems the doors are perfectly balanced so even the lightest touch can open them.

Examining the art more closely doesn't give much more information - even the picture of the artifact is too indistinct through the stylized glowing to get much idea what the real thing looks like. Unless it really glows like that.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Thursday May 5th, 2022 8:50:25 AM
The High Priest

Tali, now that she is out of the Anti-Magic field(s), casts her usual spells upon herself:

Overland-Flight, Mage Armor , and an extra one for good measure Stoneskin

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151 d20+28=47 ; d20+27=29 ; d20+8=19 ;
Thursday May 5th, 2022 1:43:19 PM
Spells in effect:
GMW on each of his three daggers
Resist Energy (fire) on both himself and Rumpus

"I speak giant, but that's about it."

Kezzem will inspect the room with Detect Evil.

Perception: 1d20 + 28 = 47 (48 vs. traps).
Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 27 + 1* = 30.
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 8 + 1* = 20.

* Didn't update his Int mod on his sheet when he upgraded his headband. Fixed now.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Thursday May 5th, 2022 2:23:38 PM
"Well, those doors look heavy, so I'm probably not the one to open them," Pru declares. "Kezzem? Murphy? Nikolai? Help a girl out?"

[OOC: Nikolai's Haste and Greater Heroism have worn off.]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Thursday May 5th, 2022 4:00:22 PM
"I think Nic has already tested the door Pru. They seem to open pretty easily." With that Succotash walks over and opens the door.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Thursday May 5th, 2022 9:31:40 PM

Pressi recasts her shield of faith and her spectral hand, and follows Succotash through the door.

Murphy Iridescent Corvid (again) (KimMc) AC 34/T25/F29 CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219/219 d20+45=46 ; d20+45=52 ;
Thursday May 5th, 2022 11:35:47 PM

Murphy flies up near the bright aura to get a better look - coming within perhaps 50-60' of it, and glancing at a wing to see how the light may reflect off of the iridescence of the feathers. After looking about, he wings his way back down, says to any who still have not yet entered, and says, "Come."

He flies through the very large opening, remaining up high, and seeing what there might be to see.

Perception: 46 - When looking at the bright light at the peak.
Perception: 52 - After passing through the doorway.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+37=52 ;
Friday May 6th, 2022 12:27:55 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)

Noticing the doors shift when he goes to climb up them, he makes it look like he's putting an enormous effort with his shoulder and 'pushes' the door open.

Perception +37 = 52

DM Mitch
Friday May 6th, 2022 7:00:13 AM
Tali now out of the anti-magic field buffs herself with Overland Flight, Mage Armor and Stoneskin.
Kezzem offers that he speaks giant but that is about it before inspecting the room with detect evil.
Pru suggests the doors look heavy so she won�t be opening them and then asks Kezzem, Murphy or Nikolai to help her out.
Succotash points out how well balanced the doors are and then walks over and opens one.
Pressi recasts shield of faith and spectral hand and follows Succotash through the door.
Murphy goes up high and admires himself in the light down here.
Nikolai pretends opening the door is hard. The effect is ruined by Succotash beating him to it and making it look easy.

The doors swing wide at Succotash�s touch and a wave of heat rolls out of them. This underground area was cooler then the smoldering outside of the demi-plane, but the room ahead is as hot if not hotter then it was outdoors.

The resting place of the artifact is not as glorious as it�s entryway. While the hall was all art and gold, this very large room is like walking into the inside of a volcano. Rough stone walls and floor with an actual river of lava flowing through the center of it. It�s divided in two floors, the back of the room raised up to where, presumably, the artifact should rest. If it is there, you cannot see it.

Five especially large and fearsome giants stand in the room. Two guarding the stairs up, two flanking one who looks like the giant high priest. �Ah, the intruders have arrived. Are you the prophesied ones? We shall see.� The voice is loud and surprisingly high pitched (possibly female? Impossible to tell), reaching the party easily without seeming to shout despite the distance.

The giants look ready for a fight. Trying to approach might start something, but they don�t immediately move to attack.

Map

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells d20+29=36 ;
Friday May 6th, 2022 11:11:12 AM
"I don't know about any prophecy, or what any of that may entitle" Succotash begins. "All I know is we have a common enemy, and we mean to take him and his friends down, with or without your help. Of course if we take him down together you get your share of the glory, and your people will sing songs and tell tales about how you protected their home, from a dire threat, for generations unending. You don't even need to mention that a handful of halflings, and their two non-halfling friends played a role, or if you did, you wouldn't have to mention how you attempted to kill them multiple times even after you knew we were here to help. The other option is to not help, we teleport out of this gods forsaken city, leave this demi-plane, let our enemies steal your artifact, which if I'm not mistaken is what keeps this place from self destructing, and than we take out the enemy by ourselves, after your home is destroyed, saving the day by ourselves. The choice is up to you!" To emphasis his point, he turns to his friends and says, "Tali, Pru, are you ready to teleport us back to the exit if these guys decide to do something foolish, again?"

Diplomacy 36

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151 d20+30=34 ; d20+30=45 ;
Friday May 6th, 2022 12:55:46 PM
"I would advise against doing something foolish," says Kezzem. "That's usually my thing, and I don't appreciate it when people step on my toes. Especially if guys like you cause that would really hurt! Wait, I think I mixed the metaphor there or something. Point is don't be foolish."

Aid Another Diplomacy: 1d20 + 30 = 34. Disregard second roll.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy) d20+24=30 ;
Friday May 6th, 2022 9:34:55 PM
Pru shows open hands and looks around with a slight smile. "We request an audience with the High Priest," she says. "I believe we are expected."

[Diplomacy 30]

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Saturday May 7th, 2022 10:11:32 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)

The Hight Priest or Priestess may be the highest authority here, at least the second. From Succotash's longwinded speech, Nikolai surmises that the halflings in this part of the Wold don't have anyone in authority higher than the town mayor, as these systematically ignore all protocols when addressing members of the ruling class or those with authority. They could learn a lot form Pru's simple yet to the point, respectful request.

Nikolai whispers "If we are the chosen ones, we don't need a long speech that can be perceived as an insult. What Pru said is to the point and quite sufficient."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33 d20+30=37 ; d20+25=42 ;
Sunday May 8th, 2022 9:09:37 PM
Pressi also agrees with Nick, in part remembering how any shade of insult or threat (such as pointing out reality to these volcanic ashes) could start a conflagration.

With a flourish and some kneeling, Pressi apologizes for some of the rude behavior, fluffs them in ways fitting her training, and takes some time to ask about the prophecy (Diplomacy 37).

But as she does that, her focus in on the room, on the giants (Perception 42), on any indicator of what might transpire next.

(I'll also need to update her spell list, but for now she readies creeping doom (summoning on each of the guards) if they move to attack.

Murphy Iridescent Corvid (again) (KimMc) AC 34/T25/F29 CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219/219 d20+45=48 ; d20+34=44 ;
Sunday May 8th, 2022 11:41:08 PM

Murphy, seeing the rough stone walls, simply finds a spot with a rough enough outcropping or little ledge to land and hold on, looking over the room, the giants, the lava. Feeling that his friends have said enough, simply caws, "Prophecy. Allies?"

==========
Perception: 48
Sense Motive: 44

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Sunday May 8th, 2022 11:59:09 PM
Yet another fight...

Tali tries to ready herself as she sees fit.

{OOC: Can we get a witness, er Map?}

DM Mitch
Monday May 9th, 2022 7:44:24 AM
Succotash says he doesn�t know any prophecies or what that may entitle. He reminds the giants they have a common enemy and makes them an offer / gives them an ultimatum.
Kezzem advises against doing something foolish in the most Kezzem way possible.
Pru requests an audience with the high priest saying she believes they were expected.
Nikolai reflects on the Halflings lack of respect to giant authority and chalks that up to their rustic upbringing. He whispers to the others that if they are the chosen ones then Pru�s simple introduction will suffice.
Pressiagrees with Nikolai and apologizes for some of the rude behavior of the others and takes some time to ask more about the prophecy. She keeps a wary eye out on some of the other giants and readies creeping doom if the guards decide to attack despite their attempts at diplomacy.
Murphy finds a nice perch.
Tali makes ready as best she can.

�God�s forbid we make a mistake.� the giant says. From their tone they�re highly amused. �To prevent that perhaps I should spell out the situation. Lets say you�re me, the giant high priest. One of the most respected and trusted citizens of your people is revealed to be a traitor. He manages to steal your most precious artifact, the only thing keeping your home intact. You eventually find him, but everyone you send to kill him and get your artifact back dies. You yourself can�t leave the plane as your every moment is spent keeping it from falling apart completely.

What then are your options? Being a priest I of course turned to the gods. I came to this chamber andI prayed for deliverance for my people. In response I got a message. �Those smaller than you shall deliver your salvation. Await the ones who overcome all adversity and best the greatest of giant warriors in this room.�

So there I was. Some unknown person or group would show up here eventually. What to do about it? Well first I couldn�t leave the chamber for fear that they might sneak through the city to here while I was gone. I�ve been sitting here two months. They were to �Overcome all adversity�: so I couldn�t pass the word to let any small strangers come meet me. I couldn�t send out people to find them, I had no clues to their identities. All there was to do was to sit and wait while hoping I could keep the plane stable long enough.

And now you are here. You have indeed overcome all adversity to reach me. That just leaves one more piece of the prophecy - that you would defeat the greatest of giants.�

They motion to themselves and the four others in the room. �I only knew that you would show up here so I gathered our greatest champions. The five of us represent the greatest champions of our people. Best us, and all will be certain. You are the prophesied ones and all our hopes rest with you. Fail, or choose not to fight, and we shall remain here waiting until the prophecy is fulfilled.�

The giant seems friendly enough, and seems content to wait until you have prepared and made your decision. The other four giants seem a little tense but follow the priest's lead and wait.

Map

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Monday May 9th, 2022 11:20:22 AM
Before anyone pushes back on this, say to try to talk away around this, Pressi pulls the group over.

"I'm going to just say up front that we are going to have to do this, and with respect. Because yeah, that was quite a freak show they just said, but it's their freak show. And as a diviner who once prophesized a mountain coming to get us and no that's not a metaphor... saying that I understand is a bridge too far. Let's just say that I've had to leave logic at the door in the name of the job, my personal feelings aside."

She glanced back. "I don't want to kill anyone up there. They need to see that its more than power that makes us the chosen. Any thoughts on strategy?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151
Monday May 9th, 2022 12:05:42 PM
"Did they say we had to best you in combat?" Asks Kezzem. "Because if not, we could just play a game of parcheesi."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Monday May 9th, 2022 12:06:53 PM
"We could just ask them what they consider being bested. If being knocked unconscious will surface, than I see no need to dispatch them." He looks sternly at Nikolai when he says the last bit. "Personally, I would rather avoid this fight all together. Especially since it sounds like our real enemy has already stolen the artifact, and now we have to stop him from releasing his god, which is certain to cause all sorts of bad things to the Wold. Putting us, once again, in a race against the clock. If we have to fight so be it, but is seems an awful waste of time."

Turning back to the giants, Succotash says, "We have no desire to slay anyone in this room, would you consider being rendered either unconscious or immobile a besting?"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Monday May 9th, 2022 7:02:51 PM
Just another day at the Office!

Tali, asks, "Does the besting have to be all at once, or it is one Best warrior at a time?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday May 9th, 2022 10:10:59 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)

Nikolai returns Succotash's stern looks at him with a wide grin. "You still don't get it, do you? Those first giants said 'to the death'. What would their honor here be if we babied them? The only conditions here are to 'best' them. If they wanted 'to the death', they'd have said so. Besides, if they are killed, who'll keep the place from crumbling? I doubt they'll want a fight to the death."

Nikolai awaits the Diplomacy 101 test results.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy) d20+24=27 ;
Monday May 9th, 2022 10:30:09 PM
"If the gods want us to fight, then of course we must fight," Pru says. It's as simple as that for her.

"But as my friends said, we are reluctant to dispatch such brave foes. Will honor be satisfied if we merely knock out or incapacitate the warriors?"

[Diplomacy 27]

Murphy Iridescent Corvid (again) (KimMc) AC 34/T25/F29 CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219/219
Tuesday May 10th, 2022 7:18:27 AM

Had I read the email given in the great hall, just before we entered the lava room, and not been up to my neck in work alligators, I would have had Murphy cast the following prior to going through the big door:

Foresight (he had it memorized twice).
Stoneskin (likewise 2x)
Freedom of Movement
Resist Energy (cold)
Protection from Energy (fire)
[Note: has natural immunity to electricty]
Mage Armor

Still up and running:
Magic Fang, Greater
Longstrider
Heroes' Feast
Planar Adaptation

Do we have the telepathic bond up from Pru? Since there are now fewer of us, one casting of the spell can include us all.

============

Bird Murphy, if the telepathic bond is up (or was renewed) sends out, "I'm open to suggestions as to how we want to approach this, and coordination of actions."

To the giants he says, "You fellas want to relax? The halflings haven't had their second dinner yet. We have some extra apples, if you're hungry."

DM Mitch
Tuesday May 10th, 2022 8:03:19 AM
Pressi pulls the group over and suggests they have to do this and that she respects the high priest as strange as it sounds. She also says she doesn�t want to kill anyone there and show more than power makes them chosen and asks for thoughts on strategy.
Kezzem asks if it had to be combat or could they play a game of parcheesi
Succotash suggests they asks the giants what they mean by being bested and if being incapacitated or knocked unconcious suffaces then there is no need to dispatch them looking at Nikolai. He still suggests they avoid the fight altogether since the enemy stole the artifact and they are up against a clock and if they have to fight so be it but it seems a waste of time. He then asks them directly what is meant by besting.
Tali asks if it is to be a group brawl or can it be champion vs champion in single combat.
Nikolai says to Succotash that the first giants explicitly said to the death whereas these ones specifically said best and besides if the party killed the giants who would keep the place together.
Pru reason if the God�s want them to fight then they must fight.
Murphy catches up on buffs and asks about relaxing instead of fighting.

The giant considers the group as they debate. �I do not know what this Parcheesi is your Paladin of Gargul speaks of but the intention of the God�s is for us to engage the prophecy�s chosen in honorable combat. Combat is not about death, it is about rendering the foe unable or unwilling to continue the fight. Frequently that means killing, but as experienced as you are you are well aware that many magics can render foes helpless while leaving them untouched physically. I interpreted the prophecy as you, as a group, rendering us, as a group, unable to continue the fight. Before we do the same to you, through killing or incapacitating you. Also, as your cleric points out, time is growing short, but Fhorge has provided for us so far, that I believe he will continue to provide for us as long as it takes. If you are truly the chosen of prophecy then he only needs to provide for us in the absence of the stone, long enough for us to have our combat to prove you are who he sent per the prophecy and then the time it takes for you to hunt down our common foe, destroy him and return with the artifact, but let�s not get ahead of ourselves. Any other questions before the combat begins and we see if you really are the chosen of prophecy?�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Tuesday May 10th, 2022 12:34:29 PM
"Since time is of the essence, let's just get this over with" Succotash says as he casts Righteous Might on Valerie, and then the two enter the room. (I placed them on the map you gave us last week)
Succotash
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Airwalk
Righteous Might 20/20

Daily Stuff:

Channel Energy 8/11
Quicken Rod 0/3
Agile Feet 15/15
Speak with Animals 23/23
Dimensional Hop 200/200

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Tuesday May 10th, 2022 2:09:58 PM
"I don't suppose we could do this trial by combat by seeing which group can take out more of Scaldsworn's henchpeople," asks Kezzem.

Kezzem casts Divine Favor on himself and steps on his magic carpet.

Rumpus guards Pressi (total defense)

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Tuesday May 10th, 2022 5:20:26 PM
"No questions. I think things are clear enough," Pru says.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Tuesday May 10th, 2022 9:10:49 PM

Pressi goes ahead and casts creeping doom once everyone is ready.

--------

Rituals: Ritual of Warding, Ritual of Healing, Ritual of Charming
spectral hand
shield of faith
moment of prescience

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 1/6+1
L4: 0+1/6+1
L5: 4+1/5+1
L6: 2/5+1
L7: 3/4+1
L8: 1/3+1
L9: 0/2+1

Focused Curse: 1/3
Cleanse/Fester: 1/5
Hero Points: 0

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Tuesday May 10th, 2022 9:41:14 PM
One more time, for me my friend...

Tali will ready an action (cast a spell) and delay it until the "besting" begins.

Spells in Effect:
Overland-Flight | 1180 minutes
Mage Armor | 1200 minutes
StoneSkin | 200 Minutes

Spells Used:
Overland-Flight

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday May 11th, 2022 12:18:57 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)

Nikolai messages to Pru, 'That priestess makes a good point about magic. And they are smart enough to try to incapacitate our magic wielders. Please be careful, and weary.'

Murphy Iridescent Corvid (again) (KimMc) AC 34/T25/F29 CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219/219
Wednesday May 11th, 2022 5:46:12 AM

Murphy casts a summoning.

DM Mitch Map d20+31=37 ; d20+31=35 ; d20+31=48 ; d20+26=39 ; d20+21=23 ; 3d6+20=28 ; 3d6+20=30 ; 3d6+20=31 ; 3d6+20=27 ; 3d6+20=25 ;
Wednesday May 11th, 2022 7:29:10 AM
Succotash casts Righteous Might on Valerie as the two enter the room.
Kezzem asks if they can do this trial by combat by seeing who can take out more of Scaldsworn�s henchpeople. Kezzem casts divine favor on himself and steps on the magic carpet while Rumpus guards Pressi.
Pru says she has no questions as things are clear enough.
Pressi goes ahead and casts creeping doom once everybody is ready.
Tali readies an action to cast a spell once the besting begins.
Nikolai mentally warns Pru to be careful and weary since the high priest makes a good point about casters.
Murphy starts a summons.

(OOC: Per the description of the creeping doom spell . These swarms appear adjacent to one another, Therefore the DM interprets your swarms of stinging / biting insects of appearing in the squares occupied by the High Priest and the 2 reavers)

Tali goes to cast her spell and the 2 headed fire giant hurls a flaming boulder at the flying halfling caster (40 vs AC; 28 damage + 1 fire damage). Tali needs to make a DC 29 + spell level concentration check or lose the spell she was casting.

The priest casts a spell (Spellcraft DC 23 Highlight to display spoiler: {Incindiary Cloud} and a cloud of roiling clouds infused with hot embers covers the high priest. Pressi�s swarms take 18 fire damage and can make a DC 25 reflex save for half. The priest has total concealment within the cloud from where the party currently is.

The Earth reaver dives into the earth before emerging next to Pressi (who may be invisible or flying?) and attacking for 28 damage

The fire reaver takes a 5 foot step into the cloud to gain concealment and eliminates one of the swarms.

The enraged giant charges Valerie, the nearest target, and attacks but fails to penetrate her armor

DM Mitch Map
Wednesday May 11th, 2022 7:30:11 AM
Map in header.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells d20+31=45 ; d20+31=42 ; d20+31=47 ; d20+31=36 ; d20+31=47 ; 4d6+21=31 ; 4d6+21=34 ; 3d6+21=33 ; 2d6+21=31 ; 2d6+21=23 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=12 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=9 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday May 11th, 2022 11:47:09 AM
Succotash moves up behind Valerie, and casts divine favor on his dino friend. Valerie than goes into attack mode as she full round attacks the enraged giant.

Right Talon hits AC 45 for 31 damage plus 6 bane, 1 frost and 4 shock
Left Talon hits AC 42 for 34 damage plus 7 bane, 4 frost and 5 shock
Bite hits AC 47 for 33 damage plus 9 bane, 3 frost and 2 shock
Right Claw hits AC 36 for 31 damage plus 12 bane, 5 frost and 4 shock
Left Claw hits AC 47 for 29 damage plus 6 bane, 5 frost and 3 shock.

(All Valerie's damage dealt is non-lethal.)

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy) d20+25=45 ;
Wednesday May 11th, 2022 3:10:32 PM
Pru casts Maze on the Earth/Stone Reaver. [It says Earth in the text but Stone on the map.] SR check (if needed) is 45. The reaver is banished to an extradimensional labyrinth, no save.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33 d20+7=17 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=10 ; 2d6=7 ;
Wednesday May 11th, 2022 9:25:08 PM

The remaining three swarms, caught in the vortex unable to dodge (failed reflex), drop a bit in damage (down to 42 HP per swarm).

At which point (please forgive me if I screw this up)...

Swarm 3 swings around to begin biting the fire reaver, as if unaffected by the concealment, and as if there are no winds. He causes 5 damage, and an injection of poison (Fort DC 25, 1d4 dex for 6 rounds). If the reaver is damaged, he gets a distraction effect (Fort DC 25, nauseated for 1 round).

Swarms 1 and 2 continue to focus on the priestess, at the damage of 10 and 7, respectively, with a poison injection and a potential distraction from both.

(If either wish to cast more spells, it's a caster level check vs DC 28.)

(I'm going to do Pressi's move separately.)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 129/157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33 d4+1=3 ;
Wednesday May 11th, 2022 9:56:20 PM

"Cast your spells, check your armor, DON'T stand in the pocket," Pressi muttered to herself. "You'd think after all these years, I'd get it. Oh, well, no time like the present...."

Pressi casts her own time stop, and begins to cast the following....

1) Flying Broom, where she can shoot 60 feet into the air.
2) Fluid Form, where she bets they didn't bring throwing daggers.
3) Animal Growth on Rumpus. Just because.

--------

Rituals: Ritual of Warding, Ritual of Healing, Ritual of Charming
spectral hand
shield of faith
moment of prescience
creeping doom (3 by 42 hp)
flying
fluid form (DR 10/slashing, 10 foot reach)

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 1/6+1
L4: 1+1/6+1
L5: 5+1/5+1
L6: 2/5+1
L7: 4/4+1
L8: 1/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Focused Curse: 1/3
Cleanse/Fester: 1/5
Hero Points: 0

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151 d20+22=30 ; d20+22=27 ; d20+17=35 ; d4+25=29 ; d4+25=29 ; d4+25=27 ; 2d6=2 ; 2d6=10 ; 2d6=8 ;
Wednesday May 11th, 2022 10:54:39 PM
Kezzem casts Shield Other on Pressi and flies around the back of the Earth Reaver. He uses Detect Evil on him as as swift action.

Rumpus 5 ft steps in front of Pressi and attacks the Earth Reaver. If Kezzem detects evil, Rumpus will smite as well.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 22 + 2 (Flank) = 32.
Damage: 1d4 + 10 + 15 (Smite Evil) + 2d6 (Giant Bane) = 29 + 2 = 31.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 22 + 2 (Flank) = 29.
Damage: 1d4 + 10 + 15 (Smite Evil) + 2d6 (Giant Bane) = 29 + 10 = 39.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 17 + 2 (Flank) = 37.
Damage: 1d4 + 10 + 15 (Smite Evil) + 2d6 (Giant Bane) = 27 + 8 = 35.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+31=38 ;
Wednesday May 11th, 2022 11:43:27 PM
...Are the parts that I play!

Tali tries her concentration check at DC29+8 (37) and makes it (38)! Tali casts Polymorph Any Object turning the entire "Lava" area from G20-21 through to AN20-21 into Ice Water as deep as 2000 cu ft.

Spells in Effect:
Overland-Flight | 1180 minutes
Mage Armor | 1200 minutes
StoneSkin | 200 Minutes

Spells Used:
Overland-Flight

Damaged taken:

2 headed fire giant: 28+1 -10 = 19

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+30=37 ; 8d10+10=63 ;
Thursday May 12th, 2022 12:18:22 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)

Nikolai trust Pru to keep moving and not standing still, then hustles over to flank the Enraged Giant and assist Succotash and Val pulling out his magical Kama +4 on the way.

Punch w/Greater Vital Strike and flanking with Stunning Fist:
Note: unarmed attacks are treated as magical and lawful weapons
d20 + 28 + 2(flanking) = 37
dmg (non-lethal) = 8d10+10 = 63
Stunning Fist DC33 vs Fort, fail Stunned for 1rd, see Stunned for effects.

DM Mitch Map d20=19 ; d20+31=49 ; d20+31=43 ; d8=2 ; d8=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d20+20=38 ; d20+20=21 ; d8=1 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday May 12th, 2022 8:12:11 AM
Succotash moves up behind Valerie and casts divine favor on his dino friend.
Valerie tears into the enraged giant hitting for every attack however the attacks do less than one would expect (knowledge [local] : 29 Highlight to display spoiler: {DR 5/- ; immune frost }
Kezzem casts shield other on Pressi. Rumpus smites the stone reaver hitting 2 times out of 3 and since Rumpus was smiting any DR doesn�t apply.
Pru casts Maze on the Stone Reaver sending it to an interdimensional maze
Pressi�s first Swarm fails to overcome the DR of the reaver so there is no injury for the poison to inject. The second and third swarms both do some damage to the high priest but the high priest is not affected by the poison (39, 44) or distraction (39, 46)
Pressi herself casts a timestop buffing herself and Rumpus with Flying Broom, Fluid Form and Animal growth.
Tali manages to hang onto her spell and polymorphs the lava into ice water.
Nikolai moves and draws his Kama while punching the enraged giant when he gets there, stunning it (Fort Save = 30)

The Enraged Giant is stunned.

The Stone Reaver is trapped in a maze, it tries to figure a way out but fails (Int check 12)

The Fire Reaver�s DR lets him ignore the swarm�s damage. He starts throwing rocks out of his cover at the party, hitting Pressi twice for 43 damage and 12 fire damage.

The Two Headed giant sees how well the enraged giant is doing in melee and decides to stick to ranged for now. He runs off in a blur, somehow throwing a rock at both his starting position and his ending position. The first hits but the other misses by several feat. 21 damage and 4 fire damage

The High Priest�s incendiary cloud expands by 10 feet dealing another 13 damage to all the centipede swarms. They are eligible for a DC 23 Reflex save for only 6 damage. The High Priest concentrates (40 = pass) and casts a spell.

High Preist: 5 damage
Enraged Giant: 249 nonlethal damage; stunned
Stone Reaver: trapped in Maze; 62 damage

Murphy Iridescent Corvid (again) (KimMc) AC 34/T25/F29 CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219/219 d20+25=32 ; d20+25=35 ; 4d8+12=32 ; 2d8+12=24 ;
Thursday May 12th, 2022 11:25:40 AM

Purple Worm
Delayed at customs, Murphy's summoned purple worm finally appears adjacent the trio of giants toward the back of the room. With belly-filling snacks nearby, the worm chomps at the priest (AC 32, 32 hp damage) and thrusts its stinger at the two-headed giant (AC 35, 24 hp damage, poison (Sting�injury; save Fortitude DC 25; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d4 Strength damage; cure 3 consecutive saves.))

[must run, will post for Murphy later]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells d4=2 ; d20+33=34 ; d20+33=52 ; d20+33=45 ; d20+33=53 ; d20+33=43 ; d20+33=49 ; 4d6+21=29 ; 4d6+21=34 ; 3d6+21=37 ; 2d6+21=24 ; 2d6+21=29 ; 2d6+21=25 ; 2d6+21=24 ; 2d6=7 ; d6=6 ; 2d6=7 ; d6=1 ; 2d6=7 ; d6=4 ; 2d6=8 ; d6=5 ;
Thursday May 12th, 2022 12:37:07 PM
Succotash starts to cast Summon Monster IX and next round 3 Augmented Celestial T-Rexes will appear. Meanwhile, Valerie continues her non-lethal onslaught on the enraged giant.

Right Talon hits Nat 1
Left Talon hits AC 52 for 29 damage plus 7 bane and 6 shock
Bite hits AC 45 for 37 damage plus 7 bane and 1 shock
Right Claw confirmed crit for 53 damage plus 7 bane and 4 shock
Left Claw hits AC 49 for 24 damage plus 8 bane and 5 shock

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Summon Monster IX (3 T-Rexes)

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Airwalk
Righteous Might 18/20
Divine Favor 19/20

Daily Stuff:

Channel Energy 8/11
Quicken Rod 0/3
Agile Feet 15/15
Speak with Animals 23/23
Dimensional Hop 200/200

Tyrannosaurus CR 9

N Gargantuan animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, scent, darkvision; Perception +37

DEFENSE

AC 21, touch 7, flat-footed 20 (+1 Dex, +14 natural, �4 size)
hp 189
DR 10/evil
Fort +15, Ref +12, Will +10

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +20 (4d6+26/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d8+13, AC 17, hp 15) smite evil (1 per day)

STATISTICS

Str 34, Dex 13, Con 21, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +28 (+32 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +37; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Powerful Bite (Ex)
A tyrannosaurus applies twice its Strength modifier to bite damage.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151 d20+22=24 ; d4+25=27 ; 2d6=7 ;
Thursday May 12th, 2022 12:58:27 PM
Kezzem double moves towards Two-Headed Giant stopping at 10 feet away.

Rumpus readies an attack on the stone reaver should it reappar.

Rumpus Attack: 1d20 + 22 = 24.
Damage: 1d4 + 10 + 15 (Smite Evil) + 2d6 (Giant Bane) = 27 + 7 = 34.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy) d20+25=31 ;
Thursday May 12th, 2022 2:56:10 PM
Pru casts Maze on the two-headed giant. SR check 31 if needed.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d4+1=5 ;
Thursday May 12th, 2022 9:17:45 PM
Another note for my requiem

Tali, not even stopping casts Time Stop and finds herself with 5 rounds of Free Time!

In the 1st round Tali, Flies to Position AE19.
In The 2nd round, Tali, Casts Prismatic wall starting at V2 going through to V11 with the Shimmering side in the direction of the Giants, 50 ft long & 40 ft High.
In The 3rd round, Tali, Casts Prismatic wall starting at AC11 going through to T11 with the Shimmering side in the direction of the Giants, 50 ft long & 40 ft High.
In The 4th round, Tali, Casts Prismatic wall starting at AC11 going through to AC2 with the Shimmering side in the direction of the Giants,50 ft long & 40 ft High.
In The 5th round, Tali, Casts Prismatic wall starting at AC2 going through to T2 with the Shimmering side in the direction of the Giants, 50 ft long & 40 ft High.

Spells in Effect:
Overland-Flight | 1175 minutes
Mage Armor | 1195 minutes
Stone-Skin | 195 Minutes

Spells Used:
Overland-Flight
PolyMorph any Object
Time-Stop
4xPrismatic wall

Damaged taken:

2 headed fire giant: 28+1 -10 = 19

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 74/157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33 d20+7=12 ; 2d6=2 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=11 ;
Thursday May 12th, 2022 9:31:43 PM

The 3 swarms continue to try to stay afloat (reflex fail, down to 29) and continue to attack their targets (damage is 2, 7, and 11, poison, distraction Fort DC 25).

Unable to take much more of this, Pressi rockets forward just over Prudence and fires obscuring mist from her tatoo, centered on her original location as she flips around tightly. She also wonders if these templated giants left her any spells as gaps, because it was really starting to feel like her spellbook was specifically targeted.

Except for a spell she happened to get with the last woldblood change....

With all her strength and with her quickened abilities, she aimed at the very tip of her range, one 10 foot block just at the center of the three giants... the spell Grease... which she really hoped was flammable, if memory served.

--------

Rituals: Ritual of Warding, Ritual of Healing, Ritual of Charming
spectral hand
shield of faith
moment of prescience
creeping doom (3 by 42 hp)
flying
fluid form (DR 10/slashing, 10 foot reach)
obscuring mist (conceal chance)

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 1/6+1
L4: 1+1/6+1
L5: 5+1/5+1
L6: 3/5+1
L7: 4/4+1
L8: 1/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Focused Curse: 1/3
Cleanse/Fester: 1/5
Hero Points: 0

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+28=39 ; d20+28=41 ; d20+28=44 ; d20+23=42 ; d20+18=36 ; 2d10+10=29 ; 2d10+10=24 ; 2d10+10=25 ; 2d10+10=22 ; 2d10+10=21 ;
Friday May 13th, 2022 12:39:13 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 16/18

Nikolai wants to make sure this giant does not get up for a long long time.
If the Enraged Giant is still not unconscious:

Medusa's Wrath (subdual dmg):
Att1 d20 +28 = 39
Att2 d20 +28 = 41
Att3 d20 +28 = 44
Att4 d20 +23 = 42
Att5 d20 +18 = 36

dmg (subdual) = 29 + 24 + 25 + 22 + 21 = 121

If the giant has already been nocked unconscious, Nikolai takes the time to tie him up.

Murphy Iridescent Corvid (again) (KimMc) AC 34/T25/F29 CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219/219 d3=3 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+13=32 ; 3d6+13=26 ; 3d6+13=16 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+13=30 ; 3d6+13=29 ; 3d6+13=24 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+13=19 ; 3d6+13=27 ; 3d6+13=24 ;
Friday May 13th, 2022 3:39:12 AM

Murphy's Invited Guests
d3=3 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+13=32 ; 3d6+13=26 ; 3d6+13=16 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+13=30 ; 3d6+13=29 ; 3d6+13=24 ; d20+18=25 ; d20+13=19 ; 3d6+13=27 ; 3d6+13=24 ;

Last round, after the purple worm was summoned, Murphy the bird summoned again. This time 3 [link href="https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/humanoids/giants/giant-true/giant-frost"]frost giants[link] wink into the battle, and, what with Tali's walls there, 2 end up within the walls, and one outside. Those two types generally do not get on well.

Crammed in together like that, the frost giants put their great axes to use as they flank the Fire Reaver. Frost giant #1 vs Fire Reaver:
AC 24+2=26 (flanking) Dam 26
AC 32+2=34 Dam 16
Frost Giant #2 vs Fire Reaver:
AC 21+2=23 Dam 29
AC 32+2=34 Dam 24
Frost Giant #3 swings on the High Priest:
AC 25 Dam 27
AC 19 Dam 24

The purple worm decides it will dive beneath the floor, and try to get at what's inside the colorful walls next round.

Murphy Iridescent Corvid (again) (KimMc) AC 34/T25/F29 (Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219/219
Friday May 13th, 2022 4:25:09 AM

As a free action Murphy activates Haste, and flies toward his wife Pressi on her broom. As he passes by, his wingtip touches her, and heals 150 hp damage, bringing her to full (as well as negating a large number of conditions, but I don't think she is currently subject to any).

As it is not clear to me whether the obscuring mist Pressi cast is back where she had started out, or rather where she is now, if she is within the mist, he uses his telepathic link to find her. As he draws close, he knows her scent...

After the healing, he continues his flight, ending up near one of Tali's walls, at W13. [Note: Flyby attack feat allows a standard action in the middle of a move]

DM Mitch Map d20+9=20 ;
Friday May 13th, 2022 8:11:39 PM
Murphy�s Purple worm tries to take a bite of the priest but fails to hit the cleric. It also tries to catch the two headed giant with its stinger which it succeeds though dealing less damage than expected and the giant resists the poison (31 = save)
Succotash starts summoning some T-Rexes which will appear next round. Meanwhile Valerie continues her nonlethal onslaught against the enraged giant knocking it out although only 3 out of her 4 attacks strike
Kezzem double moves towards the Two-Headed Giant and readies an attack on the stone reaver should it appear
Pru casts Maze on the 2 headed giant trapping it in an interdimensional maze as well.
Pressi whips around using her tattoo to cast obscuring mist while casting her grease spell in the center of the 2 giants in the fiery smoke.
Tali casts time stop, flies to a position and then starts creating some prismatic walls boxing the 2 giants in the smoke in.
Nikolai starts tying up the unconscious enraged giant

The Stone Reaver and the 2 Headed Giants remain trapped in their respective mazes.

The Enraged giant is unconscious and tied up.

The High Priest casts air walk = (34 =success) and moves up and over the a prismatic walls

The smoke cloud created by the giant continues to expand dealing 16 fire damage and the centepedes must make a DC 23 reflex save for half damage

The flame reaver throws a rock through the wall, but the rock is destroyed as it goes through it

2 Headed Giant:trapped in maze: 19 damage
High Preist: 11 damage
Enraged Giant: 380 nonlethal damage - unconscious
Stone Reaver: trapped in Maze; 62 damage

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy) d20+25=44 ;
Friday May 13th, 2022 10:33:43 PM
If Pru has line of sight to the fire reaver, she casts Maze on him. If not, she casts it on the High Priest. SR check if needed is 44.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d4+1=3 ;
Saturday May 14th, 2022 2:51:34 PM
...& Another note for my requiem

Continuing with the barrage, Tali casts Time Stop again and finds herself with another 3 rounds of Free Time!

In the 1st round Tali, Flies to Z13 & hovers at 45 feet, so she can peer down upon the group within her walls & the high Priest over in the AJ7 area.
In The 2nd round, Tali, Casts Maze on the Fire Reaver at location AA7.
In The 3rd round, Tali, Casts Maze on the High Priest at location AJ6.

Spells in Effect:
Overland-Flight | 1170 minutes
Mage Armor | 1190 minutes
Stone-Skin | 190 Minutes

Spells Used:
Overland-Flight
PolyMorph any Object
2x Time-Stop
4xPrismatic wall
2x Maze

Damaged taken:

2 headed fire giant: 28+1 -10 = 19

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday May 15th, 2022 11:57:18 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 16/18

Nikolai notices two of the giants have vanished and through Pru's link with him knows they are both in that extra dimensional maze. He spends more time tying up the unconscious giant as such a large creature takes up a lot more rope. He is thankful he bought lots of rope, even though for a different purpose.

Murphy Iridescent Corvid (again) (KimMc) AC 34/T25/F29 (Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219/219 d20+20=29 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+20=35 ; d20+15=29 ; d20+18=22 ; d20+13=16 ; 3d6+13=25 ; 3d6+13=27 ; 3d6+13=27 ; 3d6+13=27 ; 3d6+13=27 ; 3d6+13=29 ; d20+25=44 ; d20+29=30 ; 8d8+24=62 ;
Monday May 16th, 2022 3:28:27 AM

Murphy's summoned critters
The frost giants who share the square tower with the fire reaver do what they are able.

FrostG#1:
Hit AC 29 Dam 25 hp
Hit AC 27 Dam 27 hp
Frost G#2:
Hit AC 35 Dam 27 hp
Hit AC 29 Dam 27 hp

The frost giant next to the fire giant priest(ess?) tries, but likely misses:
Hit AC 22 Dam 27 hp
Hit AC 16 Dam 29 hp

The purple worm comes up from underneath the Fire Reaver. Not enough room for both maw and stinger, so this is a bite attack.
Hit AC 44 - critical threat. If AC 30 hits, it is confirmed.
Damage roll: (sum(3,8,4,7,7,6,1,2)) + 24 = 38 + 24 = 62
If confirmed: 62 hp damage
If unconfirmed: 46 hp damage
The Fire Reaver is grabbed in the maw of the purple worm. Next round, we shall see if the worm is able to gobble down the bitten fire giant. Or, perhaps the mouthful will be mazed.

Murphy Iridescent Corvid (again) (KimMc) AC 34/T25/F29 (Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219/219
Monday May 16th, 2022 4:18:04 AM

Murphy looks around, seeing who is left to fight - as well as who may have popped back into the room after a brief vacation elsewhere. He casts true seeing so as to better discern their surroundings.

DM Mitch Map d20+32=38 ; 4d6=13 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ;
Monday May 16th, 2022 8:55:44 AM
Pru casts Maze on the High Priest sending her to the interdimensional maze as well.
Tali casts Timestop, moves and casts maze, but you can�t cast targeted spells while in tiem stop (you may choose 2 other spells to cast during your timestop instead).
Nikolai continues to tie up the giant the team knocked unconscious
Murphy�s summons attack.

The Fire Reaver breaks the purple worm�s hold and reverses it, now grappling the worm.
The frost giants and purple worm take 20 damage from the incendiary cloud, reflex save 23 for half.
The FIre Giant Cleric casts implosion targeting Tali. She must make a DC 24 Fortitude save or take 190 damage.

2 Headed Giant:trapped in maze: 21 damage
Flame Reaver: 63 damage.
High Preist: 11 damage
Enraged Giant: 380 nonlethal damage - unconscious
Stone Reaver: trapped in Maze; 62 damage

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells d20+20=39 ; d20+20=23 ; d20+20=25 ; 4d6+26=37 ;
Monday May 16th, 2022 11:59:17 AM
Succotash's t-rexes arrive and two of them attack the high priest. since the 3rd one doesn't have a target, it just waits it's turn near where the Stone Reaver disappeared. Being 20 ft tall and having a 20 ft reach, t1 and t2 should be able to reach the high priest. T-rex 1 hits AC 39 which is a possible crit, assuming it hits (19-20 crit range) but only a 23 to confirm. T1 causes 37 damage. T2 misses with a 25

Valerie airwalks towards the high priest as a double move, and is now 30ft in the air.

Being out of range for any of his spells, and unable to use his dimensional hop ability, Succotash double moves towards the high priest.

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Summon Monster IX (3 T-Rexes)

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Airwalk
Righteous Might 16/20
Divine Favor 17/20

Daily Stuff:

Channel Energy 8/11
Quicken Rod 0/3
Agile Feet 15/15
Speak with Animals 23/23
Dimensional Hop 200/200

Tyrannosaurus CR 9

N Gargantuan animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, scent, darkvision; Perception +37

DEFENSE

AC 21, touch 7, flat-footed 20 (+1 Dex, +14 natural, �4 size)
hp 189
DR 10/evil
Fort +15, Ref +12, Will +10

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +20 (4d6+26/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d8+13, AC 17, hp 15) smite evil (1 per day)

STATISTICS

Str 34, Dex 13, Con 21, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +28 (+32 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +37; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Powerful Bite (Ex)
A tyrannosaurus applies twice its Strength modifier to bite damage.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Monday May 16th, 2022 2:16:07 PM
Since Pru does not seem to have line of sight on the Fire Reaver, she activates her Boots of Levitation and gains 20 feet of elevation. She probably still can't see over that wall, but maybe next round.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151 d20+22=33 ; d4+25=28 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ;
Monday May 16th, 2022 2:24:49 PM
Kezzem moves behind the high priest and uses Smite Evil on him.

"Last chance to surrender," offers Kezzem.

Rumpus reposiitons himself and readies an attack on Stone Reaver.

Rumpus Ready Attack: 1d20 + 22 = 33.
Damage: 1d4 + 10 + 15 (Smite Evil) + 2d6 (Giant Bane) = 28 + 5 = 33.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Monday May 16th, 2022 3:33:11 PM
If everybody has been mazed, then disregard Kezzem's smite evil since he needs to see his target to use it.

Murphy Iridescent Corvid (again) (KimMc) AC 34/T25/F29 (Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219/219
Monday May 16th, 2022 3:47:23 PM

How high is the ceiling of this chamber? If of varied height - how high over the priest, and over the fire reaver, and - well, each giant (or the place where the giants were before being mazed)?

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:116/135 d4+1=4 ;
Monday May 16th, 2022 9:08:53 PM
...& another note for my requiem {Redoing last round}

Continuing with the barrage, Tali casts Time Stop again and finds herself with another 3 rounds of Free Time!

In the 1st round Tali, Flies to Z13 & hovers at 45 feet, so she can peer down upon the group within her walls & the high Priest over in the AJ7 area.
In The 2nd round, Tali, Casts Stinking Cloud centered on Y6.
In The 3rd round, Tali, Casts Fireball centered on Y6.

Spells in Effect:
Overland-Flight | 1165 minutes
Mage Armor | 1185 minutes
Stone-Skin | 185 Minutes

Spells Used:
Overland-Flight
Polymorph any Object
2x Time-Stop
4xPrismatic wall
1x Stinking Cloud
1x Fireball

Damaged taken:
2 headed fire giant: 28+1 -10 = 19
--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
...& Yet another note for my requiem

Continuing with the barrage, Tali casts Time Stop yet again and finds herself with another 4 rounds of Free Time!

In the 1st round Tali, Casts Prismatic Spray downward into the area within her four Prismatic walls to affect all those contained by her walls in a 60 ft cone.
In The 2nd round, Tali, Casts Prismatic Spray downward into the area within her four Prismatic walls to affect all those contained by her walls in a 60 ft cone.
In The 3rd round, Tali, Casts Prismatic Spray downward into the area within her four Prismatic walls to affect all those contained by her walls in a 60 ft cone.
In The 4th & last round, Tali, Casts Prismatic Spray downward into the area within her four Prismatic walls to affect all those contained by her walls in a 60 ft cone.

Spells in Effect:
Overland-Flight | 1165 minutes
Mage Armor | 1185 minutes
Stone-Skin | 185 Minutes

Spells Used:
Overland-Flight
Polymorph any Object
3x Time-Stop
4x Prismatic wall
4x Prismatic Spray
1x Stinking Cloud
1x Fireball

Damaged taken:
2 headed fire giant: 28+1 -10 = 19

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33 d20+7=21 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+19=21 ; 2d6=10 ; 2d6=6 ;
Monday May 16th, 2022 9:14:31 PM
Pressi's creepers do better with dodging but at this point are no more.

Pressi silently thanks Murphy for the heal and tries to think if there's anything left in her bag of tricks.

Focusing first on the High Priestess, Pressi casts a quickened dispel magic, trying to hit the priestess' air walk (and hits a 21).

Next... requires an if/then. If Tali fails against the implosion, Pressi swings her spectral hand around and casts Breath of Life on Tali.

Otherwise, Pressi takes out her rod of thunder and lightning and fires a thunderclap (like the sonic spell) at the priestess. (Fortitude DC 16 partial, 10 points of sonic damage, target deafened for 6 rounds).

--------

Rituals: Ritual of Warding, Ritual of Healing, Ritual of Charming
spectral hand
shield of faith
moment of prescience
flying
fluid form (DR 10/slashing, 10 foot reach)
obscuring mist (conceal chance)

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 1/6+1
L4: 1+1/6+1
L5: 5+1/5+1
L6: 3/5+1
L7: 4/4+1
L8: 2/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Focused Curse: 1/3
Cleanse/Fester: 1/5
Hero Points: 0

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday May 17th, 2022 12:13:10 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 16/18

Nikolai looks up and sees there's not much he can do at this point. He also notices frost giants and wanders what the blazes are Frost Giants doing here and how are they putting up with the heat.

He moves over to where the Stone Reaver had been and readies for its return from La-La land.
Puch attack readied.

Murphy Iridescent Corvid (again) (KimMc) AC 34/T25/F29 (Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219/219 d20+36=50 ; 4d8+8=21 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+3=8 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+18=28 ; d20+15=24 ; 3d6+13=27 ; 3d6+13=22 ; 3d6+13=25 ; 3d6+13=23 ;
Tuesday May 17th, 2022 2:51:51 AM

The purple worm takes control of the grapple [worm CMB: +32(+36 grapple); CMD 40. Fire giant CMB: +22; CMD 31 - or, if +5, then 36] with a 50. [Also, the Fire Giant needed a 40 to reverse the grapple, not a 38, so I don't believe the giant actually succeeded in reserving the grapple last round - let me know if I'm missing something]. So, the purple worm now goes for a swallow whole of the hot and spicy fire giant, with 21 hp bludgeoning damage done to the fellow.

The worm takes 20 hp damage from the incendiary cloud (Ref 13/DC23).
Both frost giants take full damage from the cloud as well (Ref 8 & 4 /DC23)

Frost Giant #1
AC 32 Dam 27
AC 26 Dam 22
Frost Giant #2
AC 30 Dam 25
AC 24 Dam 23

Murphy Iridescent Corvid (again) (KimMc) AC 34/T25/F29 (Foresight) CMB 23 CMD 45 HP 219/219 d20+9=17 ;
Tuesday May 17th, 2022 2:54:40 AM

Summoned critters
The purple worm takes control of the grapple [worm CMB: +32(+36 grapple); CMD 40. Fire giant CMB: +22; CMD 31 - or, if +5, then 36] with a 50. [Also, the Fire Giant needed a 40 to reverse the grapple, not a 38, so I don't believe the giant actually succeeded in reserving the grapple last round - let me know if I'm missing something]. So, the purple worm now goes for a swallow whole of the hot and spicy fire giant, with 21 hp bludgeoning damage done to the fellow.

The worm takes 20 hp damage from the incendiary cloud (Ref 13/DC23).
Both frost giants take full damage from the cloud as well (Ref 8 & 4 /DC23)

Frost Giant #1 vs Fire Reaver
AC 32 Dam 27
AC 26 Dam 22
Frost Giant #2
AC 30 Dam 25
AC 24 Dam 23

Frost Giant #3 vs priestess: He throws a rock, and misses (AC 17).

Murphy Huge Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 (Foresight) CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219
Tuesday May 17th, 2022 3:04:21 AM

Murphy drops the haste. He wildshapes from corvid over to air elemental.

Murphy Huge Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 (Foresight) CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219 d8=2 ; d8=5 ; d8=5 ; d8=8 ; d8=5 ; d8=2 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+17=23 ; 10d6=37 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+17=34 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+14=17 ; d20+3=10 ; d20+3=20 ; d8=5 ; d8=6 ; d20+14=24 ; d20+14=20 ; d20+6=8 ; d8=6 ; d20+6=12 ; d8=7 ; d20+6=17 ;
Tuesday May 17th, 2022 3:44:10 AM

Results of Tali's spells upon Purple Worm and Two Frost Giants
Purple worm saves vs Tali's spells, damage and results: Fails all saves. Stinking Cloud (Fort Save 34/DC36: Nauseated.
Fireball (Ref save 26/DC 33): 37 hp damage [No damage roll for Tali's fireball shown, so I rolled it for her]
Prismatic Spray (Ref save 8/DC 37): #1(2) 40 hp Acid damage; #2(5) Flesh to stone (Fort save 34/DC 36) failed - Turned to stone. I suppose we can ignore the rest of the rolls (#3(8) double roll of (5), (2), didn't bother rolling more. We have a stoney purple worm with a fire giant in its mouth.

Frost Giant #1 & #2: Both failed stinking cloud (16, 17), therefore nauseated. Both failed fireball (10, 20), therefore 37*1.5=55 hp each fire damage. Prismatic Spray (DC 37) FG#1 fails vs (5) is turned to stone (so he is now a Stone Frost Giant). FG#2 fails vs (6) (rolled 8) and is insane. Again fails vs Prismatic Spray #2 and is confirmed in his insanity. PrSp #3 sends FG#2 to another plane, where he does not need to suffer the indignities of any more such spells, though he may spend a few more rounds retching from the effects of the stinking cloud.

Fireball? Tali knows she sent that against a Fire Reaver, right? That particular spell may have felt refreshing to him :-) - But the other ones may mess him up.

DM Mitch Map
Tuesday May 17th, 2022 7:38:21 AM
(OOC: We goofed. Everybody gets their actions back from last round and Tali gets another use of Timestop back as well as one casting of Maze; also everyone please take a Hero Point for embracing the spirit of the giant�s challenge to find out if you were the chosen one; some people that made healing actions may keep those if they want as well.)

Sometimes in the heat of battle in a volcano one�s senses can deceive. That is kind of what happened that last round. With all your enemies banished to an extradimensional space the worm kind of jumped at nothing and you thought some of you cast spells but when you realize nothing is there you actually didn�t.

With all the giants either banished to mazes or tied up on the ground the room grows silent. There are no valid targets and none of them come back right away. You have up to 10 minutes to waste now before any targets return. (OOC: we will keep rolling to see if any of the giants figures their way out of the maze with the number of rolls we make commensurate to your actions)
With that being said please take 2 rounds worth of actions and your DMs will update you with an update in their next post.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells d20+20=34 ;
Tuesday May 17th, 2022 12:14:02 PM
Valerie moves into a flanking position with both t-rexes, and waits for the high priest to return.

Succotash double moves the first round and than moves and attempts to dispel the incendiary cloud the next. Dispel check 34

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Tuesday May 17th, 2022 12:34:39 PM
"Hey, where'd everybody go?" asks Kezzem. "Maybe we should have kept one."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Tuesday May 17th, 2022 2:20:28 PM
"My bad," Pru says. "I probably shouldn't have wished the High Priest into the cornfield; now there's nobody to surrender."

Since it's still a good idea, she does activate her Boots of Levitation and gain some altitude.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:116/135 d20+16=23 ;
Tuesday May 17th, 2022 8:59:22 PM
Mazes, Mazes, Mazes, All my life Mazes! {OOC: We Goofed}

Continuing with the barrage, Tali casts Time Stop again and finds herself with another 3 rounds of Free Time!

In the 1st round Tali, Flies to Z13 & hovers at 45 feet, so she can peer down upon the group within her walls & the high Priest over in the AJ7 area.
In The 2nd round, Tali, Casts Stinking Cloud-centered on Y6.
In The 3rd round, Tali, Casts Fireball centered on Y6.

Tali, trying to save again a horrible implosion {DC 24 Fortitude save or take 190 damage.}, gives it her best shot! She missed the save by one point, and takes all 190 points of damage, bringing her down to a negative 74 Hit Points... a full 56 HPs beyond her Constitution score..."oh well, at least she's been dead before, so it's not like this is something new to her! I wonder what lord Gargul will say this time?!"

[u]Spells in Effect:[/u
Overland-Flight | 1165 minutes
Mage Armor | 1185 minutes
Stone-Skin | 185 Minutes

[u]Spells Used:[/u
Overland-Flight
Polymorph any Object
1x Time-Stop
4xPrismatic wall
1x Stinking Cloud
1x Fireball

[u]Damaged taken:[/u
2 headed fire giant: 28+1 -10 = 19

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33 5d12+19=60 ;
Tuesday May 17th, 2022 9:11:29 PM
"Guys, this seems a good time as any to start building pits or summoning or something. So that when they come back, maybe they'll just surrender. Is there any way to bring them back as a cluster or something?

It won't be her, though, as she sees Tali begin to fall and moves into action.

First, she swings her spectral hand around, casting Breath of Life (60 HP).

Upon seeing her stabilize, Pressi proceeds to cast Heal, giving her 150 HP.

--------

Rituals: Ritual of Warding, Ritual of Healing, Ritual of Charming
spectral hand
shield of faith
moment of prescience
flying
fluid form (DR 10/slashing, 10 foot reach)
obscuring mist (conceal chance)

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 1/6+1
L4: 1+1/6+1
L5: 5+1/5+1
L6: 4/5+1
L7: 4/4+1
L8: 1/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Focused Curse: 1/3
Cleanse/Fester: 1/5
Hero Points: 0

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Tuesday May 17th, 2022 9:13:56 PM
One last move. If anyone wants, she tosses them her staff of earth and stone, so that they might build a pit or something.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Tuesday May 17th, 2022 11:15:59 PM
It was my understanding that fire reaver giant didn't get the chance to cast implosssio,nno?

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d8=1 ; d8=6 ; d8=8 ; d8=5 ;
Wednesday May 18th, 2022 12:40:49 AM
Nikolai motions Pru to get into reach so he can use the Staff of Healing on her:
CSW 3d8+5 = (1 + 6 + 8) + 5 = 20 hp to Pru.

OOC: i don't think staves and wands get '1's rerolled but if they do: 5

DM Mitch Map
Wednesday May 18th, 2022 8:00:05 AM
(OOC: What we have here is a communications comedy of errors. 1) It is correct that no actions were taken by the giants that involved implosion or any other attacks that round because by modifying the actions of Tali both giants could be banished to the maze which were the intention of both Pru and Tali since Pru targetted the one and Tali could target the other without being time stoppeds. 2) as far as the spell time stop goes there seems to be some confusion as to just exactly what a time stop character can use the extra time to do per the spell itself: While the time stop is in effect, other creatures are invulnerable to your attacks and spells; you cannot target such creatures with any attack or spell. A spell that affects an area and has a duration longer than the remaining duration of the time stop have their normal effects on other creatures once the time stop ends. Most spellcasters use the additional time to improve their defenses, summon allies, or flee from combat. Therefore fireball or maze are both bad spells to cast while time stopped. Summon spells, walls, buffs, delayed blast fireball on the other hand (with the delay set to go off after the timestop), spells that effect the terrain or create clouds that persist are all valid uses of the extra time)

Succotash moves and tries to dispel the incendiary cloud while Valerie moves into a flanking position with the T-Rexes waiting for the high priest to arrive. The dispel check is successful so the incendiary cloud is dispelled.

Kezzem asks where everyone went and suggests they should have kept one.

Pru apologizes for wishing the high priest into the cornfield as there is no one to surrender and then activates her boots of levitation.

Tali casts tim estop getting 3 rounds of time, moves, casts stinking cloud and does something else (OOC: see our comments on time stop. You can�t impact enemies while you are time stopped but if a spell effect persists beyond being timestop then it does impact them; fireball is instantaneous AOE Akso there was no implosion because of the maze spell)

Pressi does something presumably involving healing or creating pits (OOC the implosion didn�t impact Talli sorry for not making that clear)

Nikolai uses a staff of healing (1�s reroll on all healing, including via items)

The party has up to 10 minutes to prepare for the return of the giants.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Wednesday May 18th, 2022 12:22:19 PM

Succotash takes the time to summon another ally. This time he summons a Trumpet Archon that appears at 5,Y (Marked TA)

Valerie moves over and waits with Nik and T-rex 3 for the stone reaver to return.

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Summon Monster IX (3 T-Rexes) 18/20
Summon Monser IX (Trumpet Archon) 20/20

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Airwalk
Righteous Might 14/20
Divine Favor 15/20

Daily Stuff:

Channel Energy 8/11
Quicken Rod 0/3
Agile Feet 15/15
Speak with Animals 23/23
Dimensional Hop 200/200

Tyrannosaurus

N Gargantuan animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, scent, darkvision; Perception +37

DEFENSE

AC 21, touch 7, flat-footed 20 (+1 Dex, +14 natural, �4 size)
hp 189
DR 10/evil
Fort +17, Ref +12, Will +10

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +20 (4d6+26/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d8+13, AC 17, hp 15) smite evil (1 per day)

STATISTICS

Str 34, Dex 13, Con 21, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +28 (+32 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +37; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Powerful Bite (Ex)
A tyrannosaurus applies twice its Strength modifier to bite damage.

Trumpet Archon

LG Medium outsider (archon, extraplanar, good, lawful)
Init +7; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +22; Aura aura of menace (DC 22), magic circle against evil

DEFENSE

AC 27, touch 13, flat-footed 24 (+3 Dex, +14 natural; +2 deflection vs. evil)
hp 203
Fort +18, Ref +9, Will +14; +4 vs. poison, +2 resistance vs. evil
DR 10/evil; Immune electricity, petrification; SR 25

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 90 ft. (good)
Melee +4 greatsword +25/+20/+15 (2d6+14)
Special Attacks trumpet
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 14th)

Constant�magic circle against evil
At will�aid, continual flame, detect evil, greater teleport (self plus 50 lbs. of objects only), message

Spells Prepared (CL 14th)

7th�mass cure serious wounds (2)
6th�banishment (DC 21), heal (2)
5th�dispel evil (DC 20), mass cure light wounds, plane shift (DC 20), raise dead
4th�dismissal (DC 19), divine power, neutralize poison (DC 19), spell immunity
3rd�cure serious wounds, daylight, invisibility purge, magic vestment, protection from energy
2nd�bull�s strength, consecrate, cure moderate wounds (2), lesser restoration (2), owl�s wisdom
1st�bless, cure light wounds (3), divine favor, sanctuary (DC 16), shield of faith

STATISTICS

Str 24, Dex 17, Con 29, Int 16, Wis 20, Cha 17
Base Atk +14; CMB +21; CMD 34
Feats Blind-Fight, Cleave, Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Lightning Reflexes, Persuasive, Power Attack
Skills Diplomacy +24, Escape Artist +17, Fly +24, Handle Animal +20, Knowledge (religion) +20, Perception +22, Perform (wind instruments) +20,Sense Motive +24, Stealth +20
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Spells
Trumpet archons can cast divine spells as 14th-level clerics. They do not gain access to domains or other cleric abilities.

Trumpet (Su)
All creatures except archons within 100 feet of the trumpet�s blast must succeed on a DC 19 Fortitude save or be paralyzed for 1d4 rounds. The save DC is Charisma-based. The archon can also command its trumpet to become a +4 greatsword as a free action. Out of the archon�s hands, it is a chunk of useless metal.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 107/184](Kathy)
Wednesday May 18th, 2022 2:39:10 PM
Pru floats back down to the ground to accept some healing.

"I'm not much of a summoner," she says. "I have Walls of Ice, if we want to make more boxes. They aren't as nice as Pressi's Prismatic walls, but they'll do. I have Web spells, so we could fill the inside of any 'wall box' with webbing. That might make things challenging for summoned creatures, though."

Murphy Huge Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 (Foresight) CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219
Wednesday May 18th, 2022 5:09:32 PM

"I'd like to rest 8 hours, take an hour for Heroes' Feast, an hour for learning new spells, all in the next ten minutes. Does someone have a time stop to help us with that?" Murphy inquires.

"If not... yes, let us think how best to prepare in the next several minutes for their return over the course of a few rounds in the interim. Unless one or more manages to break out of the maze, they should be returning roughly in the order they left."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday May 18th, 2022 8:45:13 PM
OOC: Pru, update your HPs, you just gained:
CSW 3d8+5 = (5 + 6 + 8) + 5 = 24 hp to Pru.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Wednesday May 18th, 2022 9:33:57 PM

Pressi takes out her rod of earth and stone and casts passwall to make a pit where the two headed giant will arrive (25 feet deep). "Well, Tali and Prudence have some walls at least. I'm not a wall person and I fired a lot of my summons already, but I do have a few tricks left."

First, does anyone want spell resistance or protection/resist fire? Maybe stoneskin? Second, does anyone think animate objects or repeal gravity would be a good idea?

Pressi thinks. "To be honest, I feel like I've hit a lot of walls myself, maybe it's my imagination, but I'm starting to second guess myself. Energy drain, bestow curse, magic jar, living voodoo, blue dragon form, rod of thunder... I can see a few options, but I'm for the first time in a while at a loss of what my or our strategy should even be.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 2d8+7=15 ; d8+5=12 ;
Wednesday May 18th, 2022 9:37:19 PM
Just a menagerie{2nd draft}

After Tali realizes what actually happened, and why for all intents and purposes, the fight has paused, decides to heal herself by using her Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds (2d8+7) by taking it out of her pocket (Bills Pants' O' Plenty) using one charge & then using one charge of her wand of cure light wounds ( 1d8+5), bringing back up to full health.

"Mister Murphy, are we trying to contain them, or hurt them?"

Spells in Effect:
Overland-Flight | 1160minutes
Mage Armor | 1180 minutes
Stone-Skin | 180 Minutes

Spells Used:
Overland-Flight
Polymorph any Object
2x Time-Stop
4x Prismatic wall
4x Prismatic Spray
1x Stinking Cloud
1x Fireball
1x Maze

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Wednesday May 18th, 2022 11:11:22 PM
In the 3 rounds before the giants return, Kezzem will cast holy sword on his two daggers followed by divine favor.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d8=5 ; d8=5 ; d8=2 ;
Thursday May 19th, 2022 12:11:52 AM
Nikolai uses another charge from his Staff of Healing on Pru:

CSW 3d8+5 = (5 + 5 + 2) + 5 = 17 hp to Pru.

Murphy Various Elementals (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 (Foresight) CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219 d8=4 ; d8=6 ; d8=2 ; d8=4 ; d8=6 ; d8=5 ; d8=1 ; d8=6 ; d8=3 ; d8=1 ; d8=7 ; d8=2 ; d8=4 ; d8=3 ; d8=4 ; d8=2 ; d8=5 ; d8=7 ; d8=2 ; d8=6 ;
Thursday May 19th, 2022 4:10:36 AM

5+6+3+5+7+6+7+4+8+3=54 = Prudence is back to full hit points, with Nikolai's and Murphy's ministrations - Murphy's with a minute's worth of use of his wand of cure light wounds.

Murphy goes ahead and helps heal up the giants he summoned, and the purple worm with his wand:
+5+4+5+3+6+8+3+7+... let's just say he keeps going until he gets them back to full. Anyone else's summons need healing?

"Tali, we want to hurt them enough to ensure they can't hit us again - If some die, we may be sad, but that may be necessary. Where possible, merciful strikes - that is, nonfatal, are good. If you need to cast spells that cause real damage, do so. The priest may be willing to take some of us out all the way if she can. Go thou and do likewise.

"If we render unconscious several, or all, that may be the best outcome. But, boxed in tightly, that may be good for a few. Don't pull your punches until it looks like they are just about down for the count.

"If that is a cloudy enough answer for you - well, there it is. Box with walls, or box with actual or metaphorical fists. Control, contain, bash down, defeat."

Murphy gets the frost giants out of the prismatic walls, and has two of them go to help against the stone reaver. "He can move through stone, so hit him as hard as you can as fast as you can when he shows up again," Murphy recommends to the frost giants, and his friends.

Murphy coaxes the purple worm to head over to where the priest was. He uses his staff of the woodlands to fill the area of the prismatic walls fairly full of walls of thorns - Each giant will have some of the space they occupy free of thorns, but poking into their sides, and immediately above their heads (up to about 5' shy of the top of the contained area), it will simply be thorns, thorns, thorns. And bounded by prismatic walls. "That should keep the two-headed giant and the fire reaver somewhat out of things. Any way we could fill that tower with water?" he asks. He goes ahead and spends a minute casting create water, which will not fill it, but at least the 400 gallons flowing down will wet the thorns, and perhaps prevent them all going quickly up in flames.

"I'm going to summon a few things that can fly, and things that can hit..." He spends a few rounds doing so.

He also says, "I'm going to take a few minutes for elemental exploration." Murphy changes to huge earth elemental, and goes through the back wall, then about 20' in unless something shows up that calls for a shallower dive, then up the wall, over the ceiling, than a 90-degree shift after he peaks out from the roof of the cavern, going throught walls along the right side of the map, down to and then below the floor - nearing the lava/ice. He will skirt the lava to see what lies more deeply. He will keep in touch mentally with Pressi, or with all if the group communication is still running. Looking for anything useful or of interest, but not dwelling overlong in any one place.

He may switch to fire elemental to check out the lava flow for a short time.

"Tali, can you cast flight on me? I might need to fly when in a form that normally cannot do so."

He asks the party, "Can anyone cast silence? It would be great to make it harder for the priest to cast. Or do anything else to flummox her?"

"Oh, and those who think to, feel free to pray!"

DM Mitch Map
Thursday May 19th, 2022 8:13:20 AM
Succotash takes time to summon another ally. This time he summons a Trumpet Archon. Valerie goes over and waits with Nikolai and the T-Rex.
Pru floats to the ground to accept some healing. She volunteers that she isn�t much of a summoner but she can create Walls of Ice if they need more boxes and she could fill the boxes with webbing.
Murphy opines that he�d like to rest 8 hours and have another heroes feast in the next 10 minutes and asks if anyone has a spare time stop for that otherwise they should plan as best they can for the return of the giants.
Pressi uses her rod of earth and stone to create a pit where the 2 headed fire giant will arrive 25 feet deep. She says she isn�t a wall person and asks if anyone wants spell resistance, stoneskin, animate objects or repel gravity. She admits she is starting to second guess her toolkit and is at a loss as to what their strategy should be.
Tali heals herself and asks if they are trying to hurt the giants or contain them.
Kezzem casts holy sword on his two daggers and divine favor.
Murphy does some healing and some exploring.

The party ends up having a little less time then anticipated. After everyone takes their 3rd action the high priest returns to this dimension and immediately casts implosion on the nearest PC - that seems to be Kezzem. DC 24 Fort save or take 190 damage.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells d8=7 ; d8=7 ; d8=6 ; d8=4 ; d8=8 ; d20+27=31 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d20+20=26 ; d20+20=25 ;
Thursday May 19th, 2022 12:21:07 PM
Succotash makes a double move action to come up behind Kezzem. If his paladin friend is overcome by the implosion, he will use a hero point to cast breath of life on Kezzem, restoring 52 HP, and keeping him alive. If Kezzem makes his save he will instead cast silence on The high priest's shoes.

The Trumpet Archon flies out of Murphy's nest of Thorns, assumingly beforehand, as I can't imagine Murphy would trap Succotash's summoned creature without offering a heads up. The Archon flies over and attacks the high priest with it's greatsword, hitting AC 31 for 16 damage,

T-rex 1 and t-rex 2 both attempt to bite the High Priest, but both fail to sink their teeth into her.

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Summon Monster IX (3 T-Rexes) 17/20
Summon Monser IX (Trumpet Archon) 19/20

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Planar Adaptation
Airwalk
Righteous Might 13/20
Divine Favor 14/20

Daily Stuff:

Channel Energy 8/11
Quicken Rod 0/3
Agile Feet 15/15
Speak with Animals 23/23
Dimensional Hop 200/200

Tyrannosaurus

N Gargantuan animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, scent, darkvision; Perception +37

DEFENSE

AC 21, touch 7, flat-footed 20 (+1 Dex, +14 natural, �4 size)
hp 189
DR 10/evil
Fort +17, Ref +12, Will +10

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +20 (4d6+26/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d8+13, AC 17, hp 15) smite evil (1 per day)

STATISTICS

Str 34, Dex 13, Con 21, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +28 (+32 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +37; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Powerful Bite (Ex)
A tyrannosaurus applies twice its Strength modifier to bite damage.

Trumpet Archon

LG Medium outsider (archon, extraplanar, good, lawful)
Init +7; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +22; Aura aura of menace (DC 22), magic circle against evil

DEFENSE

AC 27, touch 13, flat-footed 24 (+3 Dex, +14 natural; +2 deflection vs. evil)
hp 203
Fort +18, Ref +9, Will +14; +4 vs. poison, +2 resistance vs. evil
DR 10/evil; Immune electricity, petrification; SR 25

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft., fly 90 ft. (good)
Melee +4 greatsword +25/+20/+15 (2d6+14)
Special Attacks trumpet
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 14th)

Constant�magic circle against evil
At will�aid, continual flame, detect evil, greater teleport (self plus 50 lbs. of objects only), message

Spells Prepared (CL 14th)

7th�mass cure serious wounds (2)
6th�banishment (DC 21), heal (2)
5th�dispel evil (DC 20), mass cure light wounds, plane shift (DC 20), raise dead
4th�dismissal (DC 19), divine power, neutralize poison (DC 19), spell immunity
3rd�cure serious wounds, daylight, invisibility purge, magic vestment, protection from energy
2nd�bull�s strength, consecrate, cure moderate wounds (2), lesser restoration (2), owl�s wisdom
1st�bless, cure light wounds (3), divine favor, sanctuary (DC 16), shield of faith

STATISTICS

Str 24, Dex 17, Con 29, Int 16, Wis 20, Cha 17
Base Atk +14; CMB +21; CMD 34
Feats Blind-Fight, Cleave, Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Lightning Reflexes, Persuasive, Power Attack
Skills Diplomacy +24, Escape Artist +17, Fly +24, Handle Animal +20, Knowledge (religion) +20, Perception +22, Perform (wind instruments) +20,Sense Motive +24, Stealth +20
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Spells
Trumpet archons can cast divine spells as 14th-level clerics. They do not gain access to domains or other cleric abilities.

Trumpet (Su)
All creatures except archons within 100 feet of the trumpet�s blast must succeed on a DC 19 Fortitude save or be paralyzed for 1d4 rounds. The save DC is Charisma-based. The archon can also command its trumpet to become a +4 greatsword as a free action. Out of the archon�s hands, it is a chunk of useless metal.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151 d20+27=39 ; d20+40=51 ; d20+40=60 ; d20+40=43 ; d20+35=52 ; d20+30=46 ; d20+25=37 ; d3=2 ; 2d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d3=2 ; 2d6=7 ; d6=5 ; d3=2 ; d3=3 ; 2d6=8 ; d6=4 ; d3=2 ; 2d6=10 ; d6=1 ; d3=2 ; 2d6=11 ; d6=2 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=3 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=12 ; d20+40=56 ; d20+35=47 ; d20+30=35 ; d3=3 ; 2d6=8 ; d3=3 ; 2d6=9 ; d6=1 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=8 ; d6=5 ; d3=2 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=9 ; d6=4 ; d10+6=7 ; d20+22=30 ; d4+25=28 ; 2d6=10 ;
Thursday May 19th, 2022 1:15:00 PM
SV Fort: 1d20 + 27 = 39. Implosion negated.

"You've taken your best shot!" says Kezzem. "Now it's my turn!�

Kezzem's Smite Evil and actives his boots of Speed. Kezzem will only deal nonlethal if the giants are. Otherwise, he's not pulling his punches if one of his friends could get hurt/killed.

+5 Bane (Giant) Holy Returning Shock Dagger
Attack:
1d20 + 34 + 5 (SE) + 3 (DF) - 2 (TWF) = 1d20 + 40.
Damage:
1d3 + 11 + 18 (SE) + 3 (DF) + 2d6 (Bane) + 2d6 (Holy) + 1d6 (Shock) = 1d3 + 32 + 2d6 + 2d6 + 1d6.

Haste Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 40 = 51.
Damage: 1d3 + 32 + 2d6 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 2 + 32 + 3 + 7 + 1 = 45.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 40 = 60. Natural 20.
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 40 = 43.
Damage: 1d3 + 32 + 2d6 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 2 + 32 + 7 + 3 + 5 = 47.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 32 = 2 + 32 = 34.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 35 = 52.
Damage: 1d3 + 32 + 2d6 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 3 + 32 + 8 + 4 + 4 = 51.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 30 = 46.
Damage: 1d3 + 32 + 2d6 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 2 + 32 + 10 + 6 + 1 = 46.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 25 = 37.
Damage: 1d3 + 32 + 2d6 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 2 + 32 + 11 + 12 + 2 = 59.

+5 Bane (Giant) Frost Holy Returning Dagger
Attack:
1d20 + 34 + 5 (SE) + 3 (DF) - 2 (TWF) = 1d20 + 40.
Damage:
1d3 + 11 + 18 (SE) + 3 (DF) + 2d6 (Bane) + 2d6 (Holy) + 1d6 (Frost) = 1d3 + 32 + 2d6 + 2d6 + 1d6.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 40 = 56.
Damage: 1d3 + 32 + 2d6 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 3 + 32 + 8 + 9 + 1 = 53.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 35 = 47.
Damage: 1d3 + 32 + 2d6 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 3 + 32 + 4 + 8 + 5 = 52.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 30 = 35.
Damage: 1d3 + 32 + 2d6 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 2 + 32 + 7 + 9 + 4 = 54.

Two-Weapon Rend (if 47 hits):
Damage: 1d10 + 6 = 7.

Rumpus readies another attack on Stone Reaver:
Attack: 1d20 + 22 = 30.
Damage: 1d4 + 10 + 15 (Smite Evil) + 2d6 (Bane) = 28 + 10 = 38.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 131/184](Kathy) d20+18=30 ; d4=2 ; d20+25=36 ;
Thursday May 19th, 2022 2:11:17 PM
"Oh, bother," Pru says when the high priest reappears. She could Maze her again, but that seems counterproductive. She uses her boots to gain 20 feet of elevation and give her a slightly better angle. She casts Enervation on the High Priest, hitting a touch AC of 30. If that hits, the High Priest takes 2 negative levels, no save. SR check if needed is 36. Pru has the Precise Shot feat.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151 d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d10+6=7 ;
Thursday May 19th, 2022 4:29:09 PM
Corrections: I forgot the +1 from Haste. Also, assuming Kezzem is flanking and the t-rexes are still there, he should get an additional +2 to hit and an additional 1d6 sneak attack damage.

Also, Kezzem will stop attacking if the high priest drops to allow him to stabilize rather than killing him outright.

Haste Bonus Attack: 51 + 2 (Flanking) + 1 (Haste) = 54.
Damage: 34 + 3 (Bane) + 7 (Holy) + 1 (Shock) + 5 (Sneak Attack) = 50.

Attack #1: 60 + 2 (Flanking) + 1 (Haste) = 63.
Crit Threat: 43 + 2 (Flanking) + 1 (Haste) = 46.
Damage: 34 + 7 (Bane) + 3 (Holy) + 5 (Shock) + 1 (Sneak Attack) = 48.
Crit Damage: 34.

Attack #2: 52 + 2 (Flanking) + 1 (Haste) = 55.
Damage: 35 + 8 (Bane) + 4 (Holy) + 4 (Shock) + 1 (Sneak Attack) = 52.

Attack #3: 46 + 2 (Flanking) + 1 (Haste) = 49.
Damage: 34 + 10 (Bane) + 6 (Holy) + 1 (Shock) + 1 (Sneak Attack) = 47.

Attack #4: 37 + 2 (Flanking) + 1 (Haste) = 40.
Damage: 34 + 11 (Bane) + 12 (Holy) + 2 (Shock) + 6 (Sneak Attack) = 65.

Attack #1: 56 + 2 (Flanking) + 1 (Haste) = 59.
Damage: 35 + 8 (Bane) + 9 (Holy) + 1 (Frost) + 3 (Sneak Attack) = 56.

Attack #2: 47 + 2 (Flanking) + 1 (Haste) = 50.
Damage: 35 + 4 (Bane) + 8 (Holy) + 5 (Frost) + 5 (Sneak Attack) = 57.

Attack #3: 35 + 2 (Flanking) + 1 (Haste) = 38.
Damage: 34 + 7 (Bane) + 9 (Holy) + 4 (Frost) + 4 (Sneak Attack) = 58.

Two-Weapon Rend (if 50hits):
Damage: 1d10 + 6 = 7.

Murphy Various Elementals (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 (Foresight) CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219
Thursday May 19th, 2022 4:33:24 PM

"No messin' with the Kezzem," Murphy says.

[will have rest of post later - busy atm]

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Thursday May 19th, 2022 8:58:14 PM
What were the terms?

Tali, now thoroughly irritated with the current actions of the returned Giants, casts Message on all the Giants and her entire group. Pointing to the High Priest, Tali, mouths, and whispers, "You know, when we started this little Soiree, the idea was the "Best" the other group. We tried to get an idea of what you meant by this, but now your actions, lead us to believe, Death is your definition. Which is a sad commentary on your behalf, for how are we to fulfill your prophecy if we are dead? Of course, if we kill you, aside from the loss of 4 Giants, we lose the verbal discourse of how to assist you in this Prophecy. If you continue along this path, I will have no choice but to go All out. I will let you make the next decision. Think wisely for all of Giant kind, it would be a shame if you failed Fhorge in this."

Turning, and pointing in the direction of Mister Murphy, Tali, mouths, and whispers, "I could but you'd have to await my next round of actions...

Spells in Effect:
Overland-Flight | 1160minutes
Mage Armor | 1180 minutes
Stone-Skin | 180 Minutes

Spells Used:
Overland-Flight
Polymorph any Object
2x Time-Stop
4x Prismatic wall
4x Prismatic Spray
1x Stinking Cloud
1x Fireball
1x Maze
1x Message

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33 d20+19=34 ; 2d4=2 ;
Thursday May 19th, 2022 9:40:15 PM
Pressi watched as Tali and Kezzem go after the priestess with ferocity. "They are fighting to the death. WE do not have to accept such terms," she admonished. "Handling ourselves better than an evil zealot fire giant is kind of the source of OUR pride."

Pressi waits to see if the priestess survives and yields. If she doesn't, Pressi casts energy drain on the priestess (should pass SR, no initial save, 2 levels lost, Fort DC 25 rolled for each level.) She doesn't want to kill someone in competition but she can't risk her teammates, either.

--------

Rituals: Ritual of Warding, Ritual of Healing, Ritual of Charming
spectral hand
shield of faith
moment of prescience
flying
fluid form (DR 10/slashing, 10 foot reach)
obscuring mist (conceal chance)

L1: 1/7+1
L2: 1/6+1
L4: 1+1/6+1
L5: 5+1/5+1
L6: 3/5+1
L7: 4/4+1
L8: 2/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Focused Curse: 1/3
Cleanse/Fester: 1/5
Hero Points: 0

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday May 19th, 2022 10:48:49 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 16/18

Nikolai stays put, ready to punch the giant when he returns form the maze.

Readied action: attack.

OOC: I thought it took a whole full round action each round to try to escape, so if successful, your actions for that round are over. With a Readied action waiting for the mazed creature to pop back, there should be the Readied attack as part of the end of that round. But i guess no one was near enough to the priestess to get the readied action in and perhaprs disrupt the spell? mute now but... just wandering, 'cause Nikolai is counting on getting that Readied attack.

DM Mitch Map
Friday May 20th, 2022 8:05:00 AM
Succotash casts silence on the high priest�s shoes but because the shoes are attached to the high priest and shoes can make sound they get the benefits of the high priest�s saves and SR and the high priest saves with a Will of 44. The Arcon fails to overcome the mages protection as do the T-Rexes.
Kezzem resists the implosion then springs into action not pulling any punches attempting a smite evil but the cleric is actually neutral not evil so the smite fizzles and the extra damage doesn�t apply from the holy or the smite however he still hits with 6 of his attacks for a grand total of 233 damage. Rumpus misses.
Pru casts ennervation and gives the high priest 2 negative levels
Tali casts message admonishing the giants and offers the priest the option of surrendering or dying
Pressi tells the others just because the giants have turned lethal doesn�t mean they have to as they are better than that then readies a negative energy attack if the priest doesn�t surrender
Nikolai readies an attack against the giant when it returns from the maze

Now that the giant high priest has a moment to look around they note the absence of their allies. Raising their hands they speak. �I surrender. You win.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Friday May 20th, 2022 11:59:41 AM
"Thank the gods! I was worried we were going to end up killing one or more of you, in spite of the fact that we were trying hard not to. Trust me when I say this, we won't be pulling any punches when we face Flamescorn and his ilk. We will destroy them with great prejudice! There is one cleric in particular who I have a score to settle, in particular. Besides, Flamescorn attacked our home unprovoked, and that alone has earned him our wrath! Please tell us what you know, and we will be on our way."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Friday May 20th, 2022 12:38:24 PM
"Thank you for not making me kill you," says Kezzem. "FYI, that would have hurt a lot more if you were Flamescorn, but I guess you're an okay guy in Gargul's book. Though so was Ketia, so that might not mean as much as I would like to think."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 131/184](Kathy)
Friday May 20th, 2022 1:27:23 PM
"Your other allies are in mazes like the one you were in," Pru says. "They should be back in the next few minutes."

Murphy Various Elementals (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 (Foresight) CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219
Friday May 20th, 2022 2:46:19 PM

The one round final battle (so far) took place right at the time that earth elemental Murphy had his face emerge from the ceiling to look around, and he made his deep-voiced comment about Kezzem. Hearing the surrender, he comes further out of the ceiling, then wildshapes into an air elemental, the easier to hover in the air.

He commands those he summoned to stop attacking, and redirects the purple worm to another place.

In an airy, susurrant voice he says, "May we ask your name, Priest of Fhorge?"

He will wait a moment for her to respond. If she gives her name, he tells her his. He adds, "We are lined up to deal with each of your companions as they return. Is it safe to say we have your word you will inform each as he arrives of the surrender, so that we need do them no further harm - and so they will not attempt us harm?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Sunday May 22nd, 2022 8:47:10 PM

Pressi pulls herself back upon hearing the priestesses surrender.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday May 23rd, 2022 12:45:14 AM
Nikolai accepts the surrender and moves to be near the priestess. He encourages his team mates to do the same. Mainly because he doesn't want any of them near a giant that pops in from his maze and strikes at the nearest target before realizing the battle is over.

DM Mitch Map
Monday May 23rd, 2022 8:58:00 AM
Succotash is relieved the battle is over and goes to reassure the giants they won�t be pulling any punches against Flamescorn. He asks for the information they seek so they can be on their way.
Kezzem thanks the priest for not making him kill the priest and says that that would have hurt a lot more if the person he was attacking had been Flamescorn but he guesses the priest is a good guy in Gargul�s book.
Pru says the giants other allies are in a maze like the priest was in and that they should be back in a few minutes
Murphy comes down from the ceiling wildshapes into an elemental and sends his summons to do other things than attack. He asks the high priest their name.
Pressi pulls herself back upon hearing the high priest surrender.
Nikolai encourages the group to gather around the giant so that other giants don�t get a chance to smack them before realizing combat is over.

The giant priest introduces themselves as Delos. A gender neutral giant name, for those who know about giant names. �Well fought. It seems you are indeed the chosen ones. Now we have much to discuss.�

The giant explains that they were about to find Scaldsworn�s location, but it is heavily defended and blessed by his god so that magical intrusion or spying is impossible. Teams sent to defeat him and retrieve the artifact all failed to make it past even the first line of defense.

�Fortunately there is still time. The rituals to attune the artifact to an immortal power is long and involved. The final step requires a specific alignment of celestial bodies that will happen in about a week. Should you fail to stop him before the week is up then it may very well be to late to do so.�

(OOC reminder that Woldian weeks are 5 days, to match our posting schedule, so 5 in game days to stop him)

Murphy Various Elementals (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 (Foresight) CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219
Monday May 23rd, 2022 11:23:20 AM
[A game day is not the same as a posting day, is it? Sometimes a posting day is 6 seconds, which is 1/14,400th of a day]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Monday May 23rd, 2022 11:37:11 AM
"Hopefully, for the sake of the Wold, as we know it, we will find success where your people failed. We do have the advantage of being much smaller than you, which makes stealth a viable option, and as you have seen for yourself, we can throw down when needed. If you can give my friend Tali and I a good description of the place we need to go to, we should be able to greater teleport into the area, even if we can't teleport directly into the place, we should be able to get within a few hundred feet, or at the least the nearest settlement."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 131/184](Kathy)
Monday May 23rd, 2022 2:48:54 PM
"We should probably rest and heal up at some point," Pru says. "I know time is short, but there's no point in charging in if we're not going to be prepared for what we find."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Monday May 23rd, 2022 3:37:10 PM
"Yeah, I could use a rest too before confronting Scaldy," says Kezzem. "For some reason I'm low on spells now. But we should probably scout the place before we make our preparations. Where do we start?"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Monday May 23rd, 2022 6:45:56 PM
The clam before the storm

Tali is happy we were able to come to this agreement. "It's always nice to confirm what we always knew..."

"Yes, Ms. Pru, rest before the next tricky part of this journey is an excellent idea!" giggles Tali.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Monday May 23rd, 2022 10:54:31 PM

"Ok, so we know that there's no divinations. Could I get an idea of what the man himself is capable of. Does he share your powers and immunities? Does he use weapons or spells? Does he still have allies? Might he be scrying us? I do apologize for all the questions but any amount of study would allow us to better outmaneuver him."

Pressi took a deep breath. "And to that end, what can you tell us about the ritual itself?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday May 23rd, 2022 11:39:53 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 16/18

Nikolai asks the priest to give them a token so that when they return, they'll be known and not attacked on sight.

Murphy Large Gorilla (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 (Foresight) CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219
Tuesday May 24th, 2022 2:30:52 AM

"Delos. I am Murphy," he responded after the priest gave his name, or her name.

Others have spoken. The druid looks around. He flies down to the rope-bound giant, changes into a fair-sized gorilla, and begins to untie the ropes that Nikolai so expertly tied.

He looks toward the priest. "I would like to ensure that your companions are of the same mind as you once they return, or awaken." He pauses after the second set of ropes placed on the giant are removed, but before he gets to the first set.

"What is this fellow's name? I am thinking about healing him up, but don't want him to punch me after doing so." He thinks a moment. "I'll leave some of these ropes on him, I guess, before I try to bring him around. He's rather a mess at the moment."

He starts the slow process of bringing him around with his wand of cure light wounds. After several uses, he pauses to ask, "Which celestial bodies are set to align?"

DM Mitch Map
Tuesday May 24th, 2022 7:01:59 AM
Succotash hopes their group can manage it. He talks about advantages they have and requests a description for teleportation.
Prudence points out they should rest and heal.
Kezzem agrees on resting and asks where they start.
Tali is happy an agreement has been made.
Pressi asks about Scaldsworn and the ritual.
Murphy sees to the other giants. They�re peaceable enough once they see the fight is over, but not very talkative. You get the feeling they don�t like outsiders being here in their most holy place.

The giant priest hesitates, realizing that he skipped a lot of important details. He apologizes and starts again from the beginning.

�Our people have long worshiped the mountain, Fhorge. It is said that when he joined the gods in sealing away the other great powers that threatened their creation they gifted him with the power to create a race in his own image to guard the prisons. He created us, so legend says. Though many of our people have long abandoned his worship ours have always stayed loyalty.

For our loyalty we were entrusted with an artifact to guard. It was a piece of the land infused with the very essence of the old ones. Those bound within the rock and stone as prisoners and jailers alike. With it the old one�s power could be channeled and enhanced, allowing them greater influence over the world around them.

Our ancestors attuned it to Fhorge, allowing the power to create this demiplane for us. Ever since we have lived here, guarding the artifact and waging war on those who do not serve Fhorge and tresspass in the mountains.

Scaldsworn was one of our own, a highly respected warrior and scholar. He was able to combine the powers of a Bloodwitch with the martial prowess our race is so well known for. It was a shock to us all when we received word that his powers came not from Fhorge, but from Scald. Though we drove him out he was able to return and steal away the artifact.

Now he seeks to attune it to Scald. The ritual must be done in the heart of the prison of the Old One you are attuning it to.To that purpose Scaldsworn has built a bastion deep in the waters of a hotspring inhabited by the jailed god. Though the god has limited power in the Wold, it is enough to block any attempts to use magic to infiltrate or spy on the base.

Our own efforts were barely able to reach the first line of defense. The only entrance seems to be an underwater tunnel leading strait down from the bed of the hotspring. You will have to prepare magic or other means to both breath underwater for extended periods and protect yourself from the heat of the spring. Once you enter the water there is a large chamber with some sort of elemental guardians. Like water elementals, but somehow more. They easily slaughtered some of our most powerful.

Should Scaldsworn complete the ritual it would allow Scald to actively spread even outside of the Scab, if not free himself entirely. Should you manage to stop him I must request that you return the artifact to us, its rightful owners. Such a deed would render our people eternally grateful to you.�

The priest is able to give enough detail for a teleportation spell. He�s able to give a detailed description of the ritual. It is long and complicated and doesn�t sound like it can be disrupted without invading the fortress and fighting Scaldswron and his fellow cultists.

Knowledge: Religion 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {} The old ones are the immortal powers sealed in the Scab. Bound directly to the land, they have some influence over it, though it is limited. From the description it seems likely the artifact only works with them, and even if it doesn�t let Scald free itself he already has power to spread into water in the Scab through his priests. The power required to make this plane is likely enough to let him spread into nearby regions and cause havoc and destruction.[/b]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Tuesday May 24th, 2022 11:38:14 AM
"Thank You for the information. Hopefully it will prove helpful." Turning to his friends he says, "Where to now? With the priests description of the place, I feel confident that Tali and I can greater teleport all of us to the location, once we are out of this dimension, though I agree a good nights sleep is required, as I have greatly depleted my spells. Should we teleport home, to the Sanctuary, and than head to Scaldsworn's stronghold in the morning?"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 131/184](Kathy)
Tuesday May 24th, 2022 12:38:24 PM
"Remember that I can create a Magnificent Mansion for us pretty much anywhere," Honor says. "though returning to the Sanctuary may be nicer. Also, I can protect us from heat, but I can't do much about breathing underwater."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Tuesday May 24th, 2022 2:30:54 PM
"I can cover Endure Elements and Resist Fire for up to four of us, though if someone else wants to pitch in there I can save some spell slots for Divine Favor and Shield Other," says Kezzem.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 (Foresight) CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219 d20+15=28 ;
Tuesday May 24th, 2022 2:45:05 PM

Murphy changes back to his own form.

"Thank you, Delos, for laying this out for us. Should we be granted the grace and ability to return the artifact, may we ask, as a mark of friendship, that you Fire Giants agree never to come against Crescent Valley, and to use what influence you may have to encourage giants of other races also to avoid coming against our valley? In exchange, we will speak to our leaders, and see if they will promise never to come against this, your special plane. No doubt you would need to do likewise with the leadership here."

The druid adds, with a wry smile, "I could offer to make a monument in our town to mark such a treaty, but might have to negotiate objections from our fellow citizens."

He gets a serious look on his face. "We once traveled on an underground river through the Scab. On the way back out, Scald worked to block us, to kill us if he could. I have a vague dream about him speaking with me about eons of imprisonment and agony." A shiver runs through his body. "With his stored wrath, I understand the wisdom involved in confining such great powers as he. Though I have not until understood it, thank you to your people for helping to keep the prisons secure for so long. Looks like it's our turn to help."

The religious training and research the halfling has acquired over the past few years gives him the following understanding, which he takes a moment to lay out to his friends - though most of them, likely will already have some clues about the topic:
The old ones are the immortal powers sealed in the Scab. Bound directly to the land, they have some influence over it, though it is limited. From the description it seems likely the artifact only works with them, and even if it doesn�t let Scald free itself he already has power to spread into water in the Scab through his priests. The power required to make this plane is likely enough to let him spread into nearby regions and cause havoc and destruction.

============
Knowledge, Religion: 28/25 - success.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Tuesday May 24th, 2022 9:26:30 PM

Pressi frowns, thinking of the time they ran into a god like figure into the mountain... and some of the other descriptions. "Good lord, I think we had our engagement in the bastion's foyer, didn't we."

Pressi nods along to Murphy's plan. She wonders if they can go to the sancturary (or the catacombs) but rather doubts it. She wonders at the thought of a bloodwitch martial, of how that would even work. (Bliss was a shapeshifter knight and she personally is a witch rogue. Scald must have one heck of a domain.)

She tries to remember how they handled underwater the last time. Probably some mix of shapeshifting and sorcerer magic.

She of course has her rose and some control elements... and now the ability to charm even an outsider.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Tuesday May 24th, 2022 10:01:58 PM
I can cast water breathing on everyone, but how do we deal with the heat? I'm uncertain if Endure Elements will be enough, we may need to use protection or resistance spells.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+30=46 ;
Tuesday May 24th, 2022 10:22:17 PM
The Last Battle

Tali, using her most diplomatic gestures (Skill check: 46), gives thanks to the High Priest, Delos, for the information needed to begin the last task.

"Mister Muphy, recommend traveling to the Humble Home, where we can prepare for this last task..." recommends Tali.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday May 24th, 2022 11:45:43 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 16/18

Nikolai just shrugs when his request for a token for free passage is ignored. The priest-it must not think it necessary.

With the information on where to go and how much time they have, Nikolai suggests return to headquarters, rest and regain spells, and see about getting a map of the said area.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 (Foresight) CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219 d20+17=26 ;
Wednesday May 25th, 2022 2:00:11 AM

"We managed to visit a shipwreck," Murphy reminds the group. "We have various means to breathe underwater. Yes, we should be able to visit the Catacombs. Thanks to Delos, we know where to teleport. Thanks to Pru, we should survive the heat. Yes, Tali, we can return to our Sanctuary, I think. For one thing, I'd like to petition the clergy and faithful there to be praying for us - without revealing too much about what we might be facing. I covet their support, but not their fears."

The towhead halfling reaches into one of his bags, and withdraws a map of the Scab. He opens it, and displays it for Delos to see. He shows on the map the location where they encountered at least an emanation of Scald. "It was several thousand feet below these peaks here, just a short walk from the subwoldian river," he points out. "Would you know where the area you described to us is? Would it be quite close to there, or somewhere else?" He has a fairly good grasp on the geology of many areas of the Scab, and puts that to use as he interacts with the priest.

He puts in his mind to see if either Hobie or Bliss would be open to rejoining them for this next potentially deadly foray. Many others have been earlier with the group, but he can think of few so competent as theses two. He relays his thoughts to Pressi on this topic.

==============
Knowledge: Geology: 26 (+4 from the map and his several prior visits for 30?)

DM Mitch Map
Wednesday May 25th, 2022 8:26:42 AM
Succotash thanks the priest for the information and asks about where they should go. He can cast water breathing, but isn�t certain if endure elements will be enough.
Prudance comments on being able to make a magnificent mansion anywhere and says she can probably protect them from the heat.
Kezzem can help some with the heat.
Murphy discusses possible reward/future friendship between races. He reflects on past experiences with Scald and shares what he knows of the god. He pulls out a map to check the location against a previous encounter with Scald.
Pressi also thinks of past battles and wonders how a martial bloodwitch would work.
Tali is diplomatic and thanks the priest, suggesting the group heads home to prepare.
Nikolai agrees on returning and shrugs off the request of a token (sorry I think I missed your post yesterday)

The giant high priest lets the party know they can teleport directly to the exit, but if they wish to walk he can send the 4 other giants with them so they can leave safely. By the time the party returns word would spread of their quest and they would be welcomed back with open arms.

He�s able to point out the location on the map Murphy has. It seems fairly far away from the last encounter they had with Scald, which on reflection makes sense because Scald seems to be able to possess waters across the Scab when aided by his priests, so aspects of him are scattered across the land. Scaldsworn choosing the same location the party happened to run across Scald would be a major coincidence.

The party seems mostly ready to leave. Any final questions?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Wednesday May 25th, 2022 12:31:33 PM
"I'm ready to leave. I still have my daily teleport and greater teleport spells available, if either our sorceress types are depleted. One can get half the crew to the exit of this demi-plane, and the other will get us home, once we are back on the Wold proper."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 131/184](Kathy)
Wednesday May 25th, 2022 2:02:38 PM
"I've got lots of Teleports left in me," Pru assures Succotash. "Nothing as fancy as a Greater Teleport, though."

To Kezzem, she adds, "No, it's okay. Keep your spells for better things. I can give us all protection from fire and barely notice it."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Wednesday May 25th, 2022 2:16:19 PM
Kezzem will dismiss Rumpus to make teleporting easier, and will cast Greater Magic Weapon on his daggers. Unless Pru or someone else does so, he'll also cast Resist Energy (fire) and Endure Elements on himself.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 (Foresight) CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219
Wednesday May 25th, 2022 4:20:22 PM

Murphy thanks and dismisses the frost giants who came at his call. "You fought hard, and have my gratitude." He also dismisses the purple worm, who likely would not understand words of thanks.

"Let's walk out of here with an escort. If those who earlier called for our judgment and death can see that a different determination was made, that may be of some use, and a small step on the pathway toward a concordance. It's only a few miles. Let's save the teleports for after we leave via the platform," he suggests. Besides, the druid wants to build a more complete mental map of the city, and going on foot will allow for such. He turns to Delos. "Does that sit well enough with you, Priest Delos? For us to walk out, accompanied? We did as much as we could to avoid attacking the citizens of this city, only defending ourselves well enough to make our way here. We did not appreciate being told the only way to get in was to kill the five defenders outside the temple, for none others here have died by our hand, and we came here to save lives - except, perhaps, that of Flamescorn, who himself is working toward being a mass murderer."

Before they leave, too, Murphy asks a few questions about the ritual Delos described, ensuring he understood correctly. As he cements the ritual steps in his mind, he asks about what the priest thinks might be the most propitious points in the ritual to disrupt. [ooc: Would love a description of the ritual, or at least salient highlights which might help us figure out practical ways to make key parts of the ritual impractical.]

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 (Foresight) CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219
Wednesday May 25th, 2022 4:24:13 PM

"Also, friends, we are not going straight to the site," Murphy adds as some seem to be preparing for an immediate invasion. "We have until the end of the week, and taking a day for rest and re-equipment is only wisdom. Back home, and the Catacombs, then on to our mission. No need for preparing for super-heated steam or water breathing at the moment."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Wednesday May 25th, 2022 9:57:26 PM
"Ok, and lets not forget I have to pick up my leopard, kind of left her at the beam out place a little while ago. So let me know if I need to call her to the front gate."

She takes a moment to thank the priest for his service. "We are quite grateful for what you were able to do for us within the confines of your role. I do wish you the best from here forward."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+30=36 ;
Wednesday May 25th, 2022 11:59:40 PM
Oh! One more thing...

Tali offers, "I have a few Greater Teleports to share if y'all need 'em. Turning to the High Priest, & diplomatically giving thanks for his kindness. (Skill Check: Diplomacy: 36)

'I'm ready when you are! Oh! One more thing..." giggles Tali. "I definitely need to visit the Catacombs..."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday May 26th, 2022 12:28:25 AM
Nikolai prefers to walk back, giving the giants a chance to see them in a non-threatening way, but...

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 (Foresight) CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219
Thursday May 26th, 2022 3:01:44 AM

"Besides, if we walk back through the city, and then to the platform, where we will meet up with Harper, there's at least a small chance that we'll pick up another hint or two along the way. This was our foe's home plane," Murphy says. "The more we know about this place, the greater chance we may learn something that will grant us additional insight. Besides, I - and we - flew over most of it. Let's just walk, all right? It will give us an hour or two to stretch our short legs, eh?"

"Delos, is an escort possible?"

DM Mitch Map
Thursday May 26th, 2022 7:43:31 AM
Succotash has plenty of teleport spells left.
Prudance does as well and is also able to protect the party from fire easily.
Kezzem starts buffing his weapons.
Murphy says he�d prefer to walk out and consults the priest on it. He gets more details on the ritual and reminds the party they�re heading home before heading to the enemy.
Pressi thanks the priest for what he was able to do and says they can�t forget her leopard.
Tali is diplomatic and also has teleports.
Nikolai also prefers to walk out.

The ritual to attune the artifact is more of a process rather then one long ritual. Over a series of weeks or months the artifact must be infused with the power of the god it is to be attuned to and the faith of the followers of that god. The more powerful the followers and the more powerful the faith the less time it takes. However, the power slowly drains out of the artifact over time and it must be kept inundated in the god�s power for an extended period. When the stars align as they were when the old ones were first sealed away the final steps can be taken, using various items related to the god and the power the artifact has been imbued with to permanently switch it to the other god.

There doesn�t seem to be any good moments for the party to burst in and interrupt the ritual. Until the day of the alignment Scaldsworn will be doing the occasional ritual with his cult to top off the energies of Scald within it, but unless you could somehow prevent him from doing so for most of the week a few interruptions won�t matter. If you wait for the day of and try to stop the final ritual, you risk mistiming it and having to deal with empowered Scald and his followers. Another problem is that you will be traveling inside of Scald. Hiding yourself from the god would be basically impossible, so sneaking in and disrupting the ritual is just not feasible. You can expect Scaldsworn to know the party�s every movement once they start the assault through simple prayer to his god. A straightforward slugfest through the defenses seems the only option.

The four non-priest giants are assigned as your escorts. They lead you back out of the trap infested area and into the city streets. They seem to be important in their own right, for in their presence other giants don�t even question your presence. They just nod respectfully and get out of the way. As such it�s a fairly uneventful trip. You travel back through the noble and trade districts on the way out and have a chance to see the giants at their daily lives. It seems like most other cities, just with a more martial bent. Everyone carries weapons and wears armor, and the forges all seem to be in frequent use repairing and replacing damaged equipment.

Soon enough you�re out of the slums and at the front gate. It opens on command from the giant with two heads and farewells are said. The leopard is retrieved and you safely exit before, presumably, teleporting back home.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Thursday May 26th, 2022 12:16:51 PM
Succotash is happy to be home, even if is only long enough to get some sleep and than head out again. He gets a good nights sleep, after taking a bath, and in the morning he spends his hour in prayer and spell prep. Once done with that, he is ready to head out again. "I can cast water breathing on all of us, and I have 1 freedom of movement available, when the time comes."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 131/184](Kathy)
Thursday May 26th, 2022 2:29:06 PM
Since she and Nikolai don't really have a home in Humble's Ford--and since everything is sized for halflings--Pru casts a Magnificent Mansion for them to rest in. The rest of the group is welcome, of course, but Pru thinks they'll probably prefer their Sanctuary.

After a good rest, she re-casts extended Mage Armor on herself and Nikolai, then joins the others to make preparations.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Thursday May 26th, 2022 3:15:09 PM
"I spent most of my cold so I don't know what else I could get," says Kezzem. "I could pick up a wand of endure elements I suppose. Any other suggestions?"

Kezzem has about 3800 gp left.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Thursday May 26th, 2022 9:43:20 PM

Pressi hugs her leapord tightly, giving it a major hug.

She also considers what the priest told her, accepting that she won't be able to fool the sensors. But you can tell that she really perked up at the whole infusion of the power of the god, almost as if she already knows how to stop the ritual even if they can't defeat him.

This time, though, she is definitely going to need to buy some gear and catch up, and not just materials like wish diamonds (OOC: I need to work on my DM module this weekend and the family will want some attention, but I will try to take some time and hit the catacombs by monday.) I'm willing to take suggestions, not to mention any requests for scrolls, wands, etc.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Thursday May 26th, 2022 10:26:01 PM
Preparations

Tali, once back, mediates for two hours, before finding Rayya. Afterward, she asks. "Does anyone want to go with me to the Catacombs to pick up anything before we set off again?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday May 27th, 2022 12:52:40 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 18/18

Nikolai states that his Ioun Stone allows him to go without air, and not having any armor, can swim decently.

"You guys now need to figure out how to deal with your heavy gear while underwater. I know I would have water creatures as my first line of defense. And if Scald has that much command over the water, there's probably a good chance there could possibly be maybe some, perhaps a lot, of nasty things in the water just waiting for us."

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 (Foresight) CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219
Friday May 27th, 2022 6:32:47 AM
"Right. What if he attacks us with steam trout or something?" Murphy shudders theatrically. Hearing all the stories Pressi has told him about the fellow called Shake Spear has him considering development of thespian skills.

"Yes, Catacombs, and I'm going to take a quick check with the WLA, see if they can provide any additional useful information."

"Pru, Nick, we have you-sized rooms and accommodations. I love your mansion and all, but really, I told you and showed you already that we have the very nice large beds your folk like for sleeping, without having your feet stick off the end. And chambers with ceilings high enough you don't bump your noggin. And excellent food fit for halflings, humans, and half-elfs alike."

DM Mitch Map
Friday May 27th, 2022 7:55:45 AM
The party gets home and starts to make plans and perpetrations

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Friday May 27th, 2022 9:22:43 AM
"Thanks Murph, I was just about to remind our larger friends about the place we gave them to call home. I made all the purchases I need before we headed to the demi-plane, so I'm good. Since Pru doesn't know Greater Teleport, I'll fill in for her when it's time to depart, as I fear a standard Teleport won't get us there based on what little we know of the place."

Domestic Sanctuary Post (Kim)
Saturday May 28th, 2022 5:06:09 AM

A side post for something that has been due for so long, it's almost overdue!
Good Domesticity? Life at the Sanctuary
Upon arrival, Murphy learns from his mother, known as Bekka, that Hazel (Bob Danderfluff LaRue) and his wife Alouryn Buttercup Bumblebottom LaRue (two of the original members of Humble's Sword, and now overseers and caretakers of the Sword's Sanctuary) are now the proud parents of a baby boy and baby girl. "They were born early this morning. And, they said they wanted to ask the members of Humble's Sword to help name them."

About that time, Hazel, with tired eyes and a huge smile on his face, comes out to greet everyone. "We did it! We're a real family! I mean, Alouryn and I were already, but now - children!" He looks over his shoulder. "I'd take you right in to see them, but," and here he switches to a stage whisper, "the midwife can get pretty mean." He switches back to his normal voice. "She said no more visitors until dinner time, as," and here he ups his voice by an octave, "'Mama needs to rest, you lummox!'" He laughs, and gives Murphy a solid slap on the back of his shoulder.

He then looks at Pressi, then Murphy, Pressi again, and Murphy again. "Hope you don't mind, Pressi. Just scoot on over next to... yeah, right there, next to Murphy." He takes a step back as with an appraising eye. "All right, lovebirds. 'Lryn and I got a head start. But it's you're turn, next!" He laughs again. So full of joy at the birth, and kidding around with Murphy, as they have done since they were children.

Hazel looks at Tali. "Talia, I bet you'd be a great mother, and wife to someone or other. Whenever you get around to it, be sure we get an invite to your wedding!" Is Bob being inappropriate? Maybe. It seems the normally level-headed fellow is so giddy he is like to say whatever passes through his mind. "I want the whole Wold to have children! They are the greatest!"

He does not forget the newest folks with the Sword. "You're newly wed, right, Nikolai, Prudence? I hope you someday can look down at the faces of your own wee ones."

"All right. Yes. Well. So. So, everyone come for second dinner tonight - two hours past sunset. After dinner, you can meet the babes. Agreed?" he asks, in a way that presupposes that no one could really do other than agree to such a golden opportunity.

Before excusing himself to go back in to his dwelling, he says, "You fellas need to think about settling down someday too. Yeah, I'm talkin' to you, Kezzem. Find yourself a wife who laughs when you say silly things, and who will rub your back and cook good food. And Succotash, a lady who can share in your holy prayers and such.

"Hey, where's Hobie? Did he skip here and go see his cousin the constable?"

"Oh, names - you want to know their names? So do we. Help us come up with a good first name, and one or more middle names. But not ten middle names - that's too much. We can talk it over after you meet them. Sound good?"

Though normally Hazel asks how things went on the latest adventure, and asks what needs to be done, he does not even get around to that. He is about to head back inside - but if you want to ask him something or mention aught, now's your chance.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Saturday May 28th, 2022 12:33:14 PM
Off to see the Catacombs.....

Tali, along with anyone else that wants to go to the Catacombs, after Tali casts Overland-Flight on herself, and then holding hands, Tali casts Greater Teleport to the Catacombs.

When they are all finished at the Catacombs, Tali will cast Greater Teleport to return home to the Humble Swords Sanctuary.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday May 29th, 2022 7:43:29 PM
Nikolai thanks the halflings for the accommodations for the 'normal' sized members of the group.

He assures Hazel that if it is meant to be, he hopes it will be in less stressful times of the Wold, however as long as the gods keep playing with the Woldian's mortals, that may never be, so, time will tell.

Nikolai's Catacomb's order has been filled so he picks up his new stuff.

OOC: he bought this stuff through the portal in the old mansion (email purchase already sent several weeks ago), just didn't add it to his inventory. Lazy I guess. But now I'll add it.

Domestic Sanctuary Post (Kim)
Sunday May 29th, 2022 11:40:20 PM

Murphy gives Hazel a big hug, followed by a proper halfling handshake. "Can't we go in and take a quiet peek?" he asks his old friend. "Yet, if not, I'll be thinking of names all day long, now.

"Pressi, I'll swing by the Catacombs with you, put in a small order, but then I'm taking off quickly for Angel Springs to talk to the WLA and a few other folks out that way." To all he says, "If you want join me into the Springs, meet me by the largest oak tree about 80 feet from the Mayor's home in one hour. It's tree trunk travel time. Or, you can get there by other means, when you want to."

DM Mitch Map
Monday May 30th, 2022 8:51:20 AM
Succotash tells the new recruits that they have spaces for them. He�s ready to go.
Murphy visits with friends and family. It seems there are some new babies in town.
Tali teleports people to the catacombs.
Nikolai thanks the halflings for the accommodations and organizes his previous purchases.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 131/184](Kathy)
Monday May 30th, 2022 3:31:19 PM
Pru can't think of anything she needs from the Catacombs. She meets new people, chats politely with them, and waits for the team to be ready.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Monday May 30th, 2022 4:16:31 PM

For a while, Pressi considers her options as they return home in a whirlwind.

She spends time with Murphy, of course. But she has her own things to take care of. Visiting the coven for what might be the last time. Seeing Bliss, the co-owner of the coven. Saying goodbye to each member, and telling Dolgrin that he's going to be in charge... for the time being.

Spending some time making arrangements at the Dancing Pig. Taking some time to study once more, about sanctifying, about woldsblood, about miracle.

As she figures out what to buy, Nick asks how they handle heavy gear while underwater. (Pressi, being a light armor gal that can polymorph, doesn't.)

Meeting with Hazel and Alouryn, where they intimate that they are the next to have children. "Well, I think next still leaves a bit of time," she teases back.

And finally, Murphy traveling off to get a headstart on WLA training. She still has some shopping at the catacombs first, and some meeting of dinner with her own sisters. She wondered if she could share even with her husband what she might have in mind for this might be the last time encounter, but figures she'll hold off.

As she took some time to look over Humble's Ford, she had a feeling that no matter what happens next, there are going to be a few 'last times.'

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Monday May 30th, 2022 8:49:09 PM

Dolgrin noted that Pressi seemed extremely maudlin. As this was her most common emotion, he went back to work.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday May 30th, 2022 11:13:27 PM
Nikolai takes the time to relax a little and write a brief synopsis of their recent adventure into the Fire Giant's Pocket Dimension for the Mailed Fist Citadel librarian to file in their records.

DM Mitch Map
Tuesday May 31st, 2022 7:42:59 AM
Prudance can�t think of anything to buy so goes to be social.
Pressi spends time with the coven, Murphy, and the townsfolk.
Nikolai writes about their adventure.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Tuesday May 31st, 2022 12:47:34 PM
Succotash understands his friends need to replenish their supplies, but is anxious to get going, after all time is against them. He spends the extra time communing with thee gods, and double and triple checking his gear.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Tuesday May 31st, 2022 4:44:59 PM
Kezzem is finalizing his purchases at the catacombs.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Tuesday May 31st, 2022 6:51:40 PM

Pressi actually lost her purchase list (this is true) to a spellbook upgrade, and some purchase time to punching trees, but she will hit the catacombs sometime tonight.

Pressi considers her one sonic/lightning weapon, her rod, and wonders if they should try some more of this stuff.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Tuesday May 31st, 2022 7:53:53 PM
Catacombs

Tali teleports herself & any other members to the Catacombs & then returns when the orders are fulfilled.

After she returns, she spends time with Rayya, then she meditates.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219
Tuesday May 31st, 2022 8:00:02 PM

"Succotash, I can see you champing at the bit," Murphy says. He hands him a nice fresh crunchy apple. "But how about this?" he asks just before biting into a second apple he brought along. After chewing a moment, then swallowing, he suggests, "Why don't you go visit reputedly the wisest halfling in Humble's Ford, explain the situation we are facing, and see if he has some good counsel to offer you. 'In the abundance of counselors there is wisdom' is an old saying. I'm talking about McGregor HeadWise. You might add into the group Eldon Tosscobble, who sponsored our team back when we started. And, if you want a really weird, yet potentially insightful perspective, talk to Theadric Orgulas. He warned us about some goings-on a long time ago, and displayed a strange perspicacity. Of course, he kind of raved as he was explaining it, but his information was fairly spot on.

"This is Humble's Ford, out of which Humble's Sword arose. You think none of the folks here might be able to give us ideas we would not have thought of otherwise? Maybe there's someone else, or in addition, you might chat with. Hobie's cousin - Rosco Hornblower, our constable. Our Mayor. Maybe his wife has even better ideas."

The druid gives his friend a moment to respond as he chomps again into his apple. "My Uncle Orby's little orchard," he says as he points at the apple.

After Succotash responds, if he does, Murph adds, "I'm checking with the WLA. It might be nice for someone - maybe Tali? - to discuss things with the research organization we traveled for through Dragon Bay to carry out their wishes. I would like us to leave when there are perhaps three, three-and-a-half days before completion of the ritual. That gives us a day and a half or so to gather what gear we need, and whatever information and insight we can. Then we head out into the heat.

"Thought, before action, ain't a bad idea sometimes, buddy. You mind seeing if you can add to our readiness before we teleport to the starting point that Delos gave us?"

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219
Tuesday May 31st, 2022 8:41:48 PM

While at the Catacombs, Murphy chats while waiting with Kezzem and Tali.

"Say, Tali, what do you think about talking with the folks at the Sages' Guild about where we're going? We helped them out. Maybe they can help us out now. They have a spot in Angel Springs you've seen before. Although the two sages who asked our help are more likely in the Floating City, perhaps Berg Alree would be better to speak with first. Dean Osto Winkmann is rather full of himself - but there's a fair chance he has good information. Berg is reasonable, and listens well. Anyway, see if any sages, or sages, can tell you more about the underbelly of the Scab, and Scald, and about Flamescorn (though we likely know more about him than they do)."

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219
Tuesday May 31st, 2022 8:58:04 PM

"Oh, team, we'll need to plan on Ketia and her ilk show up, to help the bad guys," Murphy mentions at some point when all, or most, of the team is together.

He talks with Nikolai and Prudence at some point. "Nikolai, thank you for doing what some of us find it hard to do at times. The conditions of the agreement we made at the temple entrance was 'to the death' - and you took the necessary steps to complete that. None of us need feel happy about it. But it was, I think, needful."

"Do you two have additional ideas on how best to prepare?" he asks them.

"The Mailed Fist folks, I've heard, have a good head for strategy and tactics. A lot of what we do is by seat of the pants. But can you give us suggestions on how to have actual plans in place, for judicious application?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday May 31st, 2022 10:15:28 PM
Nikolai has a good laugh at Murphy's question on Mailed Fist tactics, then explains.
"For the Mailed Fist as a whole, we are superb tacticians. But consider the assignments: Patrol, guard, escort, provide garrison troops, root out bandit camps, and, not so long ago, be part of a lord's army. However as Agents of the Fist, and that is what Pru and I are, er, were, our 'job' as it were, is much like what you are doing here. Certain tasks require a more diverse set of skills than a squad of halberdiers or a company or archers upon a town wall serving as reinforcements against marauding ogres can handle. The Mailed Fist saw a need for a versatile, flexible squad that could reconnoiter, infiltrate, investigate, hunt... do whatever, out on their own with 'whatever we have at hand'.

As such, our planning sessions are much like yours. Take what we know of the enemy, speculate on what we don't know, make Plan A, B, and C, knowing that neither A, B, or C will probably fall apart within the first few minutes, if not seconds.

So, Plan A would be to ensure all can manage an underwater environment. That means breathing, swimming, and spells that work underwater. like summoning sharks and Water Elementals. The vortex of an air elemental under water could create a water vortex hampering swimming. Sonic spells under water could be as debilitate as above water. Reverse gravity could kill creatures that end up above the surface for too long. Choose short weapons rather than heavy long ones, and missile weapons? Find a way to protect your sting from getting wet or they'll be useless for a while unless you can dry them out with magic.

So, might be a good idea to make sure the seat of your pants is well patched, because in my experience, like yours, it will get used a lot.'

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Wednesday June 1st, 2022 5:26:00 AM
Succotash takes the apple from Murphy, takes a bite, and says, "I understand we need to be as prepared as possible, but with us being up against the clock, and so much at stake, I'm a bit anxious to get going. I'm just glad we don't have to deal with long travel times like we used to, when I was still a paladin. Teleportation sure makes things quicker and easier."

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219 d20=9 ;
Wednesday June 1st, 2022 7:06:31 AM

"Yes, but, Succotash, are you going to waste time just being antsy? Or do something while the others make their preparations, such as seeking counsel? I always thought you to be wise. A wise halfling increases his understanding, no?" Murphy takes another bite from his apple, and finds a seed in his mouth. "Hey, let's have a seed spitting contest. Then, I've got to take off for a while, and do what I might the better to get us ready." Seed spitting: 9. Whoever has the highest roll wins the contest!

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells d20=15 ;
Wednesday June 1st, 2022 12:00:23 PM
"I understand what you are saying Murphy, that's why I've been spending so much extra time communing with those far wiser than any mortal being, the gods. They have given me much comfort, and as you know, from the experiences we have had together, the best made plans often fall apart within the first five minutes of a real life encounter. I have come to believe that the best we can do is prepare ourselves as best as possible, and than be able, and willing to adjust on the fly"

Succotash spits out his seed, and gives out a whistle, "Dang, did you see how far that one flew?"(15)

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219
Wednesday June 1st, 2022 1:10:39 PM

"All right, friend, you win!" Murphy says with a laugh. "Just make sure we have a prayer when we're out there in the Scab."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 131/184](Kathy)
Wednesday June 1st, 2022 1:54:58 PM
The thing about spontaneous casters is, there's only so much planning they can do.

Idly, Pru wonders what a Web cast underwater would do.

"It might be nice to be able to cast Elemental Swarm" she says. "That would bring us a lot of help. But the casting time is 10 minutes, so it might not be practical."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Wednesday June 1st, 2022 2:31:40 PM
Kezzem returns from the Catacombs.

"I'm ready to head out."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Wednesday June 1st, 2022 4:07:56 PM
"I'll do one better Murph, I'll cast Prayer and Bless. The two spells work differently enough that they stack!"

(Bless is a moral bonus and Prayer is a luck bonus)

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219 d20+39=49 ;
Wednesday June 1st, 2022 6:35:14 PM

During the moments they are able to be with each other, Murphy focuses in on his wife's mood [sense motive 49 - gave him a +5 due to the husband/wife thing, and their mental link]. "Penultimate things, maybe, eh? I think we'll face some peaks and nadirs this week. May we survive both, together, somehow. Being wistful is a type of mourning, and appreciating. I do, and always shall, appreciate you, love."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Wednesday June 1st, 2022 6:55:28 PM

Pressi smiled at Nick's statements about preparations. "Well, one thing we do excel on... is being quite adaptable even without prep time. And I think a 10 minute spell might be better with things that fully impact the environment, like control weather.

"Personally, I'm not that worried about the underwater stuff. We've taken on krakens and it wasn't even that hard. It's the stuff afterwards where we are going in blind. Anyway, I've put in my catacombs order, and I'll be ready to go soon enough."

She thought a bit longer before finally speaking. "This may be a pipe dream, and its really a backstop if we can't just stop Flamescorn. If he's a bloodwitch using his powers to bend an artifact to his god... Then really, there's nothing stopping me from doing the same for mine, and Scald will have to start from scratch. What I might have to do, or to sacrifice.... I've been preparing for that, too."

DM Mitch Map
Wednesday June 1st, 2022 8:55:10 PM
Succotash is anxious to go.
Kezzem finishes his prep.
Pressi loses her shopping list and takes out her frustration on some poor innocent trees that bear the punishment in silence.
Murphy notices Succotash�s feelings and suggests some social visits are in order to get suggestions from others experienced in various skills that might be able to provide suggestions. He�s thinking they spend a day and a half preparing.
Nikolai tells of his military experience and his own thoughts on the plan. He suspects there will be a lot of seat of the pants decisions made.
Succotash explains his nastiness and points out he has been consulting those wiser then himself in the gods.
Prudence reflects on what preparations a spontaneous caster can make and how spells would work underwater.
Pressi isn�t worried about the underwater stuff and comments on how flexible the party is. She theorizes that maybe she can undo Scaldsworn�s work in a pinch.

Those who go into town find it surprisingly busy. There is a huge amount of hustle and bustle as everyone seems to be preparing for something last minute. Questions about what�s going on get vague answers about some kind of festival before whomever is asked is interrupted by some new task they have to focus on.

Answers are eventually gotten by Rosco. He�s supervising a half dozen strong young milia men in setting up a stage for entertainment and can divide his attention enough to answer some questions. �Festival for the celestial alignment. The fool mayor completely forgot about it until someone asked him about it and now it�s a mad scramble to get everything prepared in time.� He stops talking to yell at a pair of halflings who are trying to lift something heavy with their backs. �To be fair I forgot about it to, as did half the town, it only happens every few decades.� He concedes.

Murphy attempts to visit McGregor HeadWise. The windows to the burrow are dark and no one seems to be home, but there�s a note pinned to the door. Surprisingly, it has Murphy�s name on it. It says, �To Murphy,

If you are reading this then you have again come to my home to seek my wisdom. Though we have never talked I am of course aware of your group, and I felt it was time to break my long silence to apologize for avoiding you all this time. There are reasons for my actions, good ones I feel, and I must ask you be patient a little longer. Come the festival at the end of this week I will meet with you and explain all.

Dearest apologies,

Humble Old McGregor HeadWise.�

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Wednesday June 1st, 2022 10:44:11 PM
Tali returns from the Catacombs. "where's Mister Murphy?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday June 2nd, 2022 12:34:53 AM
Nikolai spends time with Pru wandering around town, hoping they'll be back in time for the festival.
"WHAT? A halfling town forgetting a major opportunity to have a feast? Huh, who'd figured..."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Thursday June 2nd, 2022 11:38:52 AM
Succotash has never heard of a Celestial Alignment Festival, and asks Roscoe what it is all about.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Thursday June 2nd, 2022 2:14:49 PM
Kezzem goes where the free food is. If there's one thing he likes better than food, it's free food.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Thursday June 2nd, 2022 4:59:27 PM

Pressi squeezed her husband's hand. "I'm sure it won't even come to that. And hey, we've beaten the odds before."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday June 3rd, 2022 12:58:00 AM
Nikolai asks Pru, "Should we get a birthday present for the new baby? What do you get for a baby halfling?"

DM Mitch Map
Friday June 3rd, 2022 1:41:18 AM
Tali returns and wonders where Murphy went.
Nikolai is surprised the halflings almost forgot
Succotash has never heard of this festival and asks what it�s about.
Kezzem goes where the free food is. Sadly everything is still being set up so free food won�t be around until later in the week.
Pressi tells her husband they�ve beaten long odds before.
Nikolai wonders what you get a baby halfling.

Roscoe spends a few moments telling some folks what to do next before answering Succotash. �Well apparently at the end of the week all the planets will be aligned in the sky above the area or somesuch. Supposed to be some magical alignment thing. Apparently some magical type suggested it as a holiday 100 years ago and everyone likes an excuse to party so it became a thing. The last one was something like 20, 25 years ago.�

All the shopping seems to be done. The party just needs to gather to leave now, or go consult experts if they wish to do so. Most likely the party knows more about the situation then anyone else though so it�s a little unclear what the mages guild or other such groups could do to help.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Friday June 3rd, 2022 11:43:12 AM
Pressi finds Kezzem moping over the current lack of free food.

"Oh yeah, we have that thing to do," he says. "We'll be back in time for the free food, right?"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 131/184](Kathy)
Friday June 3rd, 2022 2:33:13 PM
Pru smiles at Kezzem. "When we get back, I promise I'll help you find free food," she says.

"Are we ready to go?"

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219
Friday June 3rd, 2022 3:19:38 PM

"I'm here, Tali," Murphy responds. "Tried to talk with you in the Catacombs. Tried to talk with you here, but I'll repeat myself:

"Say, Tali, what do you think about talking with the folks at the Sages' Guild about where we're going? We helped them out. Maybe they can help us out now. They have a spot in Angel Springs you've seen before. Although the two sages who asked our help are more likely in the Floating City, perhaps Berg Alree would be better to speak with first. Dean Osto Winkmann is rather full of himself - but there's a fair chance he has good information. Berg is reasonable, and listens well. Anyway, see if any sages, or sages, can tell you more about the underbelly of the Scab, and Scald, and about Flamescorn (though we likely know more about him than they do)."

"How does that sound? Oh, something else I wanted to ask you. I've been told there is a fourth-level spell called greater shout - a sonic spell that might prove helpful on our journey. Heat-based attacks will likely have little or no effect. I'm not sure about electrical. But sonic? Not many people have protection against that. Don't know whether you could squeeze out another spell, and learn that one, but, well, it's just a thought."

"Now, what did you have in mind, Tali?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Friday June 3rd, 2022 9:07:19 PM
Pressi continues to wait for her items to be processed (but will get them on her sheet soon enough).

She rolls her eyes, thinking that of course the planets are aligned.

She's as ready to go as she can be, presuming that her divinations will continue to fizz out if she finds any better.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday June 6th, 2022 12:04:38 AM
Nikolai, despite the hustle and bustle, finds time for his meditations.

DM Mitch Map
Monday June 6th, 2022 8:18:54 AM
Kezzem is mopping over the lack of free food and asks if they�ll be back in time for the celebration.
Pru promises Kezzem when they get back she�ll help him find free food and asks if they are ready to head out.
Murphy queries Tali about hitting up the Sages guild for information on what they are walking into before heading out. He also asks what she thinks about the spell Greater Shout.
Pressi waits for her orders to be processed and rolls her eyes that the planets are aligned but she is as ready as she can be considering divinations aren�t really working for her right now.

The sages guild is consulted, but is unable to help much. For spell advice they suggest water breathing and freedom of movement. The latter will allow easy movement and the former will let the party breathe. They have no insight to Scald that the party does not already have.

Eventually preparations are completed and the party moves out. The teleport description tells of a large shallow lake full of boiling water, and arriving there that�s exactly what you see. It�s much like the geyser field you found Ironbane in. However the description didn�t mention the dead giants.

The rotting, stripped remains of over a dozen giants dot the landscape. Some reduced to mere bones, others still with some flesh on them being fought over by scavenging birds and other animals, they are scattered about as a grim warning by Scaldsworn�s followers to any interlopers.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Monday June 6th, 2022 11:08:23 AM
"Scaldsworn should really take some lessons on curb appeal. I mean really those skeletal remains would obviously look nicer over there, and don't get me started on the placement of that bloated corpse over there."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Monday June 6th, 2022 3:10:06 PM
Kezzem preps his daggers with Greater Magic Weapon. He will also cast Endure Elements and Resist Energy (fire) on himself unless somebody else is hitting the entire group.

"He could have just put up a sign that says 'No Solicitors," says Kezzem. "This is all kinds of extra."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Monday June 6th, 2022 8:21:48 PM

"Well, at least we know what happened to the search party," Pressi muttered. She hits herself with Rose Temperature Control (Endure Elements re heat), and peers down.

"So, how do people want to play this? I'm thinking arcane eye to scout, maybe some shapeshifting to see in the dark? If people need buffs, request them now."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 131/184](Kathy)
Monday June 6th, 2022 8:24:40 PM
Pru casts Protection from Energy/Fire on herself, Nikolai, and anyone else who needs it. She can also cast Darkvision on anyone who requests it.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Monday June 6th, 2022 11:31:19 PM
Over There

"Heck, if he dropped the Giants in the lake, they could have made Soup!" giggles Tali.

Tali casts a couple of spells onto herself, Overland Flight, Mage Armor.

DM Mitch Map
Tuesday June 7th, 2022 7:15:03 AM
Succotash suggests Skaldsworn should learn some lessons in curb appeal with respect to placement of skeletons and corpses.
Kezzem preps his daggers and casts endure elements on himself. He suggests a sign that said �No Solicitors� would be more appropriate.
Pressi remarks they at least know what happened to the search party and uses Rose�s Temperature Control. She makes her suggestions regarding strategy and asks that people requests any buffs they want now.
Pru casts protection from fire on herself and Nikolai and anyone else who needs it. She also volunteers darkvision on everyone that wants it.
Tali makes a soup joke and casts some preparatory spells. (In case you didn�t see e-mail, all purchases are available immediately)

From the giant�s instructions the party knows that somewhere in this shallow lake there is a deep hole. It leads to an underground lake where some kind of defender awaits. The giants were not able to make it past this group of defenders alive.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Tuesday June 7th, 2022 12:01:51 PM
Succotash casts both protection from fire and resist fire on himself and Valerie. He than casts Water Breathing twice, touching everyone in the party. (If I did my math right, everyone should have 6 1/2 hours of water breathing, including animal companions)

Are we ready to take the plunge, or is there anything else anyone wants to do before we get our feet wet?

Active Spells:

Succotash
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing

Valerie
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 131/184](Kathy)
Tuesday June 7th, 2022 2:21:51 PM
"Are we using a light source?" Pru asks, "or are we relying on people being able to see magically?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Tuesday June 7th, 2022 4:18:48 PM
Kezzem will take a protection from energy (Fire) if offered. Rumpus is in celestial plane for now.

Kezzem spells in effect:
Endure Elements
Greater Magic Weapon x3
Protection from Energy (Fire)
Resist Energy (Fire)
Water Breathing

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Tuesday June 7th, 2022 7:46:41 PM
Deep Dive

Tali tosses her new toy[/u] up into the air near her head and the Iridescent Spindle begins to circle around her. Then she casts two spells from her newest wands; [i]Extended Resist Energy & Endure Elements onto herself.

"Anyone have extra spells regarding protection from Fire? I Forgot to get extra wands for myself," says Tali to the assembled group.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Tuesday June 7th, 2022 7:46:41 PM
Deep Dive

Tali tosses her new toy up into the air near her head and the Iridescent Spindle begins to circle around her. Then she casts two spells from her newest wands; Extended Resist Energy & Endure Elements onto herself.

"Anyone have extra spells regarding protection from Fire? I Forgot to get extra wands for myself," says Tali to the assembled group.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Tuesday June 7th, 2022 9:00:24 PM
"Do we need protection from fire," Pressi asked. "Endure elements seems to be handling the boiling water, and nobody can cast fire under water." She does, though, cast Protection Fire on Tali.

Pressi looks to see if any are intact enough to try a "speak with dead" spell (basically a mouth plus some intactness) but doesn't really expect any luck. She takes out her metamagic rod of silence, drinks an underwater breathing potion, and throws out an arcane eye to test it.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Tuesday June 7th, 2022 9:13:31 PM
(She also considers some alternate forms - like dwarf or gold dragon.)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+39=46 ;
Wednesday June 8th, 2022 12:49:17 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 18/18

Nikolai surveys the scene. There should be giant tracks, of course, but what killed them too. He looks for the signs of the battle and what tracks were made that aren't fire giant tracks comparing the remains of the boots the dead giants left with all the tracks he finds to weed out the fire giant ones vs any other giant ones.

Perception (find tracks) +39 = 46
* See Survival - Follow tracks.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219
Wednesday June 8th, 2022 1:49:21 AM
Recreating a lost Murphy post from last week:

Suggested Names for children
Because Hazel asked on behalf of himself and Alouryn, Murphy has thought things through and jotted down children's names.

Short list
Boy: Moxie, Cotman, Peregrin, Drew, Will, Tom, Gilly, Crispin
Girl: Vixen, Foxy, Mazzy, Kerry, Teagan, Rosie, Linzy, Lithe, Whimsy, Constance

At dinner, he hands the list to Alouryn and Hazel. "But let us first see the bairns before I recommend."

The boy has curly brown hair, and the girl's is the color of wheat. He holds the boy first, who kicks his arm, then gurgles. The girl's eyes are closed, but open and look up at him, blinking once, then looking back at mommy. Murphy smiles as he spends a moment with each. Then he says, "We need to be of strong will to overcome our enemies in the Wold. "We need to be constant in virtue, consistent in doing what is good and right.

"For the brother, 'Will' might be a good name.

"For the sister, 'Constance' is my suggestion.

"But surely, each halfling child, especially of such outstanding parents, deserves more than one name, right? Alouryn, Hazel, seek other names, too, if you'd like."

Murphy puts in an order at Pirnock's General Store for a two dozen soft, absorbent squares of white cloth, suitable for cladding the appropriate portions of a young babe to forestall leakage. He sets up a standing order such that every three months an ever-so-slightly larger set of nappies will be delivered to Hazel and Alouryn at the Sanctuary.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F29 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 219/219
Wednesday June 8th, 2022 4:18:31 AM

"Tali, you had asked for me, and I answered, yet you never told me what you sought me for. I'm open to hearing what you wanted to ask or say."

Murphy prepares along with the rest, accepting some of the buffs from his friends, and casting a few himself.

[Sorry - will detail in next post. Starting new business, swamped at the moment.]

DM Mitch Map
Wednesday June 8th, 2022 7:45:48 AM
Succotash casts both protection from fire and resist fire on himself and his dino. He casts Water Breathing twice, getting everyone in the party and then asks if they are ready to take the plunge or is there anything anyone wants to do before they get their feet wet.
Pru asks if the plan is to use a light source or for people to see magically.
Kezzem takes one of Pru�s protection from fire leaving his pony in the celestial plane for now.
Tali tosses her new toy into the air and then casts 2 spells then asks for protection from fire.
Pressi tells the others that endure elements can handle boiling water and that no one can cast fire underwater but she still casts protection from fire on Tali while considering other alternative form choices for herself.
Nikolai looks for tracks and signs of battle, trying to figure out what happened to the giants.
Murphy had suggested a list of names for the halfling yet to be born before the party left, in addition to to some other conversations and some shopping. He still isn�t sure what Tali needed from him earlier.

There is a decided lack of tracks and no signs of battle. Whatever happened here happened at least a few weeks ago as what little signs there are are faded. Judging by different levels of decay in different giants several assaults were made at different times. What Nikolai can determine is that the giants likely where teleported here like the party and went below. After being killed they were dragged up here by someone or something that left little trace and left here. He�s able to follow the drag marks to the entrance, a roughly 25 foot slopped hole where the stone is worn away and the lake underneath the ground is exposed. The water is murky and has a lot of silt in it, preventing you from seeing to the bottom (IE once in you�ll see ok, you just can�t stand at the hole and see everything down there)

There doesn�t seem to be any light source below, just what�s coming down through the hole.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Wednesday June 8th, 2022 11:47:46 AM
Succotash casts light on the pink bow Valerie wears on her head, and than saddles up.if everyone is ready, he will direct Valerie into the water. Tentatively at first, but if it proves to be safe, than she will dive in, with Succotash on her back. I everyone isn't ready, he will wait.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Wednesday June 8th, 2022 2:39:13 PM
"I know I fight better like this, but I miss being a shark," says Kezzem. "Being a shark is fun."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 131/184](Kathy)
Wednesday June 8th, 2022 4:38:02 PM
"It does sound like fun," Pru says. "Another time, maybe."

She follows the group into the water.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Wednesday June 8th, 2022 6:48:38 PM
Pressi jumps into the water and casts arcane eye, sending it deeper in the water.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 26 (24 w/buckler, no magic), HP 157, CMD 27; Harper AC 31, HP 117, CMD 33
Wednesday June 8th, 2022 6:50:40 PM
Oh, and she activates her own Ioun Stone (of spell absorbtion)

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Wednesday June 8th, 2022 10:34:19 PM
[u][b]Darkwater[b][u]

Tali thanks Ms. Pressi for the buff, then dons her Googles of the night and enters the water following the others.

Tali will attempt to seewhat she is able to{ooc: my laptop overheated. Posting from a phone is difficult!}

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday June 9th, 2022 12:00:09 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 18/18

Nikolai points out what he finds and in no time his teammates are going for a swim.
"Pru, can you cast Dancing Lights down there and maybe scare up something? he says as he goes into the water staying close to Pru.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F33 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 279+16=295/279+16=295 d8+10=16 ;
Thursday June 9th, 2022 5:40:46 AM

Prior to people taking a dip, Murphy finds as good a place as possible where he can plant an oak tree by means of one of his feather tokens. Ideally: Out of direct sight of the lake. In a spot with some sort of soil where the roots might bury themselves. He does his best to find a place where the tree has a possibility of lasting at least a week, despite the current fairly harsh environment.

From a few places around the area Murphy casts the druidic orison Know Direction so as to discern which way is north. He will do so again shortly after entering the water.

Things for people, requests for people
On the day before they leave town, Murphy prepares 32 goodberries. He gives 4 to each person in the group, each set wrapped in a tiny waterproofed leather-lined hinged metal box - about the size that an engagement ring might be stored in. The extra dozen he keeps in three more similar boxes. Each person add the waterproof box with 4 goodberries inside to your character sheet.

"Just before we dive in, Prudence, would you mind casting the group communication spell we used among the fire giants? Telepathic bond? That may prove useful once we're in the water. Silent conversations are harder for others to discern than out loud discussions - and distance is a factor, too."

"And Succotash, might you offer a prayer for the success of our endeavor? Mentally. Not the spell, but a petition.

"Folks, likely I shall be switching from one elemental form to another - mainly water, but likely also earth, to glide through earth and stone, and bypass the water-only route were practicable. Just wanted to let you know.

"Kezzem - yes, I like sharks too. At least, ones friendly to me. Good luck, buddy."

"Nikolai - Victory for the people. Prison for the oppressors. Thank you Nik, and you, Prudence, for bringing the hard earned talents of the Iron Fist to join with Humble's Sword."

"Tali - I look forward to what creativity you will apply on this journey. Oh, could you cast mage armor on me?"

"Pressi - Did I leave the water running in the shower before we left?" Murphy grins. Then, more seriously, he adds, "Saving the Wold can be hard work. May we receive divine favor, have strong sinews, and bounce back as needed. Love you." He gives her a kiss just before transforming into a water elemental, and dives into his element.

Spell effects, etc.
From Prudence: Darkvision 20 hr
From Prudence(?): Telepathic Bond 3 hr 20 min

From Tali(?): Mage armor 20 hr

Self cast:
Protection from energy (fire/heat) 3 hr 20 min 120hp
Foresight 3 hr 20 min
Longstrider 20 hr (+10 movement)
Freedom of movement 3 hr 20 min
Stoneskin 3 hr 20 min DR 10/adamantine
Heroes' Feast 11 hr 30 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects. +16 temp hit points.
Did I forget anything?

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map
Thursday June 9th, 2022 8:15:14 AM
Succotash casts light on the pink bow Valerie wears on her head and directs Valerie into the water, prepared to lead the way if everyone is ready.
Kezzem remarks about how he misses being a shark
Pru suggests saving being a shark for another time and then follows the group into the water.
Pressi activates her own ioun stone, casts arcane eye sending the sensor deeper into the water and then jumps in herself.
Tali thanks people for the buffs and dives in with the rest.
Nikolai asks for a dancing light spell down in the lake.
Murphy takes care of some last minute preparations. The lake is rather large so he has to fly for about a minute away from the hole to find a place to plant his tree that isn�t in sight of the lake.

The water starts to get deeper as the party approaches the hole. It�s higher then the heads of the humans before the can swim down through the entrance proper. It goes about 10 feet before opening up into a large cave fully underwater. As silt-filled water swirls around you you catch sight of the guardians. Areas of water that seem silt free and clean moving on your own. Some sort of water elemental probably. As the party enters the cave proper they close in on the party.

Swimming notes; Per the freedom of movement spell you can move freely in water. Therefore if you have that, or some other way of granting yourself swim speed, you can move freely. Otherwise you must make a DC 10 swim check to move a quarter of your speed (half if you use both actions for it)

I�m going to give everyone a round to place themselves on the map per their swim speed before all heck breaks loose. Remember that the map is 3d, so if you, say, wall in an elemental it won�t work unless you cover all 6 angles

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map
Thursday June 9th, 2022 8:15:32 AM
Map in header

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Thursday June 9th, 2022 9:14:08 AM
Pressi uses a scroll to cast Freedom of Movement on Kezzem.

She follows it up with a quickened spectral hand.

(Oh, and a retroactive move - she also gave a water breathing potion to Harper earlier.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Thursday June 9th, 2022 1:23:13 PM
"Thanks Press," says Kezzem. He moves up into the opening and casts divine favor on himself.

"This isn't where I parked my carriage," says Kezzem.

Kezzem spells in effect:

Divine Favor
Endure Elements
Freedom of Movement
Greater Magic Weapon x3
Protection from Energy (Fire)
Resist Energy (Fire)
Water Breathing

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells
Thursday June 9th, 2022 2:57:20 PM
Succotash cast "Freedom of Movement" on Valerie, and than uses his quicken rod to cast "Righteous Might" on her.

Active Spells:

Succotash
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing

Valerie
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing
Freedom of Movement
Righteous Might 20/20

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 131/184](Kathy)
Thursday June 9th, 2022 6:57:30 PM
Pru hadn't bothered with a Freedom of Movement. Now she casts Haste on everyone she can reach, including animal companions.

[It's a little tricky before everyone is one the map, but I guess most of us are Hasted?]

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+39=44 ;
Friday June 10th, 2022 12:36:17 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 18/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries

Nikolai moves freely about and has no problems with air, just seeing much in the dark underwater. Taking out his Everburning Torch, he at least can see a little, enough to hit whatever comes close enough. But also maybe as a decoy too, although he opts to activate his Ring of Invisibility. Knowing it isn't as effective under water, it is better than nothing.

Perception +39 = 44

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 37/T28/F33 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 279+16=295/279+16=295. DR 5/- Foresight d3=3 ; d20+45=47 ;
Friday June 10th, 2022 4:12:18 AM

Murphy casts summon nature's ally IX, and calls forth three (3) elder water elementals, as the odds need to be evened somewhat. Each of these elementals is in the shape of a huge octopus.

Upon their arrival, he tells them in Aquan he wants them to destroy the opposing Water elementals (indicating they should begin with 1 and 8), then work their way around to take down the others. They are not to harm Murphy himself (a water elemental in the shape of a cresting wave), nor those who are not water elementals.

He lets the party know [hopefully telepathically - did Prudence cast the Telepathic Bond as Murphy requested before people entered the water?] not to attack the octopus-shaped elementals, as he summoned them, nor himself. "Might get confusing, eh?"

[Will make attack rolls in subsequent post]

===========
# Elementals summoned: d3=3
Perception: 47

Spell effects, etc.
Hasted 20 rnds; Darkvision 20 hr; Telepathic Bond 3 hr 20 min; Mage armor 20 hr;
Protection from energy (fire/heat) 3 hr 20 min 120hp; Foresight 3 hr 20 min; Longstrider 20 hr (+10 land movement); Freedom of movement 3 hr 20 min; Stoneskin 3 hr 20 min DR 10/adamantine; Heroes' Feast 11 hr 30 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects. +16 temp hp; Magic fang, greater (from legacy item).

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map 2d10+18=22 ; d8=8 ; d8=6 ; d8=3 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d8=7 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d8=5 ; d8=3 ; d8=6 ; d8=6 ; d8=6 ; d20+37=41 ; d20+37=46 ; d20+37=54 ; d20+37=51 ; d20+37=42 ; d20+37=48 ; d20+37=45 ; d20+37=51 ; d20+37=41 ; 2d10+18=30 ; 2d10+18=36 ; 2d10+18=26 ; 2d10+18=32 ; 2d10+18=32 ; 2d10+18=26 ; d20=18 ; d20=8 ; d20=5 ; d20=7 ; d20=2 ; d20=7 ;
Friday June 10th, 2022 6:57:07 AM
Pressi uses a scroll to cast Freedom of Movement on Kezzem and had given water breathing to Harper earlier.
Kezzem casts divine favor on himself and remarks this isn�t where he parked his carriage
Succotash buffs Valerie with both Freedom of Movement and a quickened Righteous Might
Pru casts Haste on everybody she can reach.
Nikolai can move freely and takes out his everburning torch
Murphy summons some water elementals of his own.

The opposing elementals see Murphy�s summoned ones and briefly shift shapes to match, seemingly just to mock them. Then they advance and assault the party, constantly shifting and changing their shape. They babble constantly in Aquan, a mix of gibberish and praises to Scald, a maddening torrent of noise that seems to exist just to annoy their enemies.

Elemental two moves under the entrance and forms into a vortex (purple area on map). DC 37 reflex save or take 22 damage. DC 37 reflex save or be caught and trapped inside the vortex.

Elementals 3, 4, and 5 also take advantage of the relatively grouped party to advance and cast Prismatic Spray. By virtue of positioning Pru is hit once, but everyone else is in the purple area is hit three by three spells.

Note all reflex saves are half damage on success

Kezzem is hit by 4 beams (rolled an 8), two red, a yellow, and an indigo. He must make 2 DC 18 dex saves vs 20 fire damage each, 1 DC 18 dex save vs 80 electric damage, and 1 DC 18 will save or be affected by the insanity spell.

Nikolai is struck by two reds and a violet. He must make 2 DC 18 reflex saves vs 20 fire damage and 1 DC 18 will save or be vanished to another plan of existence.

Succotash is struck by two reds and a blue. He must make 2 DC 18 reflex saves vs 20 fire damage and 1 DC 18 fortitude save or be turned to stone. Valerie is struck by a yellow and two indigo. She must make a DC 18 reflex save vs 80 lightning damage and two DC 18 will saves vs insanity.

Prudance is struck by an indigo and must make a dc 18 will save vs insanity.

Half of all spell damage done is considered chaotic damage instead of elemental damage, in case that matters for anyone's SR, saves, or resistances (IE fire resistance would only cut red beam damage in half)

The elementals don�t seem to care about striking each other with their prismatic sprays, nor do they seem affected by them. As experienced adventurers you can probably guess that means they�re immune to magic. They also seem to be intentionally staying 10 feet away from each other, which might be significant.

Meanwhile the other 4 elementals ignore their summoned brethren and swarm the summoner Murphy (even if they didn�t recognize the spell they could hear/see you giving them orders) Moving to flank on 4 sides (drawing AoO from the summoned elementals) they attack him in melee (I sort of overlapped them to show they were to your left, right, front, and feet while still leaving you visible)

I believe in water elemental form Murphy�s AC is 42 at the moment. That means he gets hit 6 times for a total of 180 damage (-whatever DR you have. Attacks are considered chaotic, if that matters for DR).

For each time struck Murphy would have to make a pair of Fortitude saves, but your fort is actually high enough to succeed no matter what on all of them so I�ll just let you skip that part and save a lot of rolling.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151 d20+28=44 ; d20+28=36 ; d20+28=42 ; d20+23=24 ; d100=15 ; d20+25=38 ; d20+36=56 ; d3+10=13 ; d6=5 ;
Friday June 10th, 2022 2:31:26 PM
Kezzem SV Ref (DC 20): 1d20 + 28 = 44. No damage due to Evasion.
Kezzem SV Ref (DC 20): 1d20 + 28 = 36. No damage due to Evasion.
Kezzem SV Ref (DC 18): 1d20 + 28 = 42. No damage due to Evasion.
Kezzem SV Will (DC 18): 1d20 + 23 = 24. Natural 1. Ruh-roh.

Confusion: 1d100 = 15. Act normally.

Kezzem will 5 ft. step towards the nearest water elemental and detect evil on it (move action).

If they detect evil, he will Quick Draw (free action) and cast his scroll of protection from evil.
Kezzem SV Will (DC 18): 1d20 + 23 + 2 = 38.
The insanity effect is suppressed for 1 minute.

If the water elementals do not detect evil, Kezzem will instead Quick Draw (free action) and throw a dagger at it.

Attack: 1d20 + 30 + 3 (DF) + 2 (GMW) + 1 (Haste) = 1d20 + 36 = 56. Natural 20!
I assume the elementals are immune to critical hits.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 3 (DF) + 2 (GMW) + 1d6 (shock) = 13 + 5 = 18.

Divine Favor
Endure Elements
Freedom of Movement
Greater Magic Weapon x3
Haste
Protection from Evil (maybe)
Protection from Energy (Fire)
Resist Energy (Fire)
Water Breathing

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 184/184](Kathy) d20+18=37 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+17=28 ; d20+32=46 ; d4=4 ; d20+32=34 ; d20+32=50 ; d20+32=46 ; d20+32=40 ; d20+32=37 ;
Friday June 10th, 2022 5:45:13 PM
Pru takes no damage from the vortex, but is caught up in it. [Reflex saves 37 and 31]

She shrugs off the insanity effect. [Will save 28]

Pru doesn't really like it here in the vortex, so she attempts to cast a spell. [OOC: I couldn't find rules specifically for a vortex, so I'm using the whirlwind rules in the hope that they're at least similar.]

She succeeds at her Concentration check [46], and casts Time Stop, gaining 5 rounds of apparent time. [OOC: The spell only affects the caster, so the elementals' magic immunity should not apply.]

Round 1: Pru casts Elemental Body 1 [Concentration 34, pass], turning herself into a small water elemental and gaining a swim speed.

Round 2: With her shiny new swim speed, Pru takes a 5-foot step forward and casts Greater Heroism on Nikolai. [Concentration 50, pass]

Round 3: Pru casts Summon Monster VIII to get an elder water elemental we will call Drenchy. [Concentration 46, pass]

Round 4: Pru casts Invisibility on herself. [Concentration 40, pass]

Round 5: Pru casts Dimension Door to get out of the vortex, which automatically ends her turn. [Concentration 37, pass]

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map
Saturday June 11th, 2022 8:20:24 PM
Vortex is the exact same thing as whirlwind, just underwater - per the water elemental stat block.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 254/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151 d20+28=34 ; d20+28=41 ;
Sunday June 12th, 2022 7:52:18 PM
Forgot to make saves for the vertex.

Kezzem SV Ref (DC 37) 1d20 + 28 = 34.
Kezzem takes 22 damage.

Kezzem SV Ref (DC 37) 1d20 + 28 = 41.
Kezzem is not caught in the vortex.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 195/217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+21=34 ; d20+21=34 ; 3d8=9 ; d20+22=36 ; d20+21=29 ; d20+22=38 ; d20+16=21 ; d20+16=26 ; d8=7 ; d8=5 ; d8=2 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+16=22 ;
Sunday June 12th, 2022 9:18:32 PM
Pressi does her best but doesn't avoid the damage or the whirlpool (really 35 for both).

Pressi also gets hit by beams 2, 4 and 3. That's orange, green and yellow.

Ray 2 - DC 18 vs 40 acid, reflex is 36, no damage (evasion).
Ray 4 - poison, fort DC 18, Pressi has 29, fort save 1 made.
Ray 3 - DC 18 vs 80 electric, reflex is 38, no damage (evasion).

--------------------------------

Harper, behind her, doesn't even come close to the rather high DC and takes the damage and getting caught.

Her beams are 7, 5 and 2.(Violet, blue, orange).

Violet - DC 18 vs sent to plane, Harper gets 17 (fail).
Blue - DC 18 vs flesh to stone, Harper gets 14 (fail)
Orange - DC 18 vs acid, Harper gets 22 (half damage)

Really should have pretended that Harper stays behind. Oy.

Next post is Pressi's move.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 195/217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+30=49 ;
Sunday June 12th, 2022 9:33:42 PM
Pressi tries hard not to let what just happened to Harper get to her. Push down those emotions, she can fall apart later.

Pressi casts into fluid form, hoping that will help her move into the vortex.

And, on a lark, Pressi casts quickened comprehend languages, while trying to study what they are doing and why they are so far apart (Know Arcana 49).

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 279+16=295/279+16=295. DR 5/- Foresight
Sunday June 12th, 2022 10:43:35 PM

[Need to post for Murphy. Crazy busy Friday - Saturday - Sunday. I am falling asleep at the keyboard, 3 times in past half hour (just got back home). Will sleep for a few hours, get up when I can, then post for elementals and Murphy. Exhausted - sorry]

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 184/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+31=44 ; d20+31=33 ; d20+29=42 ; d20+29=36 ; d20+29=36 ; d20+33=53 ; d20+33=34 ; 8d10+4=47 ;
Monday June 13th, 2022 12:55:21 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Greater Heroism
Ki pts 16/16, Stunning Fist 18/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries

Nikolai is struck by two reds and a violet. He must make 2 DC 18 reflex saves vs 20 fire damage and 1 DC 18 will save or be vanished to another plan of existence.

Save vs Red
1st DC18 Ref = +24 + 4 (GH) +1 (Speed) = 42 pass (corrected)
2nd DC18 Ref = +24 + 4 (GH) +1 (Speed) = 31 pass (corrected)
Save vs Violet
DC18 Will = +25 + 4 (GH) = 42 pass

DC 37 reflex save or take 22 damage. DC 37 reflex save or be caught and trapped inside the vortex.
1st DC37 Ref = +24 + 4 (GH) +1 (Speed) = 36
2nd DC37 Ref = +24 + 4 (GH) +1 (Speed) = 36

Improved Evasion half damage on fail = 11

Nikolai expertly evades the rays but gets bumped against the caver wall for 11 damage and caught in the vortex. Activating his 'Abundant Step', he vanishes to reappear at AL6 (Move Action).

Ki pts 14/16

Nikolai strikes out at WE2:
Unarmed strike w/ stunning blow + Greater Vital Strike
d20 + 28 + 4 (Gr H.) + 1 (haste) = 53 NT20
Crit confirm roll = 34 NT1 failed confirm

dmg = 8d10+6 +4(Mighty Fists) = 47
Stunning Blow = Stunned for 1 round , Fort DC33, See 'Stunned' for details.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 143/143Spells d20+11=30 ; d20+11=27 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+7=15 ; d100=12 ; d100=94 ; d20+28=42 ; d10=7 ; d20+28=38 ; d20+28=48 ; d20+28=40 ; d20+28=33 ; d20+28=29 ; d20+28=29 ; 4d6+16=30 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+16=26 ; d20+11=20 ; 4d6+16=32 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d20+32=47 ;
Monday June 13th, 2022 2:35:40 AM
Succotash's saves
Reflex 30 (pass for half)
Reflex 27 (pass for half)
Fort 27 (pass to resist turning to stone)
Vortex reflex 21/20 (damaged and caught)

Valerie's Saves
Reflex 24 (passed no damage due to evasion)
Will 8 (succumbs to insanity) 12-Acts normally
Will 15 (succumbs to insanity) 94 attacks nearest creature (Succotash)
Vortex reflex 27/26 damaged and caught

Valerie is overcome by insanity, and lashes out at her master. Succotash is hit by two talons, on of which is an unconfirmed crit. He takes a total of 62 damage plus 9 shock and 9 frost, all of which is non-lethal. Realizing Valerie must be under the effect of an insanity beam, from the prismatic spray, and worried that maybe some of his other friends might also be under such an effect, Succotash casts mass Heal, which will remove all insanity effects and heal 250 damage. (concentration check 47) than as a move action, he will reach out and touch Valerie, as he uses his dimensional hop ability to exit the vortex

Active Spells:

Succotash
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing

Valerie
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing
Freedom of Movement
Righteous Might 19/20
Haste

Dimensional hop 40/200

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 279=279/279. DR 5/- Foresight d20+29=47 ; 20d6=64 ; d20+29=44 ; d20+45=57 ;
Monday June 13th, 2022 5:42:53 AM
Due to DR 5/-, the druid takes a net 150 hp damage (180 - (6*5)). That removes the temporary 16 hp from Heroes' Feast, dropping him by 134 from normal full hp to 145 hp.

Murphy defensively casts (DC 47/27) chain lightningto strike first water elemental 6, followed in turn by 8, 1, 7, 2, 4, 6, and 3. [Note: 3 is marginally within the 30' distance limit - DM call. It may be, measuring from corning to corner, slightly more or less than this figure - DM call on that one]. Each opponent elemental takes 64 hp electrical damage. If #6 makes a DC 35 Reflex save, the number is halved to 32 hp. Each of the remaining elementals need to make a DC 33 Reflex save, or take full damage.

Hasted, Murphy then draws from heroic resources (1 hero point) to defensively cast (DC 44/27) heal on himself, bringing himself up to full normal hit points (adding back in 150 hp - maximum for the heal spell) of 279.

====================
Perception: 57

Spell effects, etc.
Hasted 20 rnds; Darkvision 20 hr; Telepathic Bond 3 hr 20 min; Mage armor 20 hr;
Protection from energy (fire/heat) 3 hr 20 min 120hp; Foresight 3 hr 20 min; Longstrider 20 hr (+10 land movement); Freedom of movement 3 hr 20 min; Stoneskin 3 hr 20 min DR 10/adamantine; Heroes' Feast 11 hr 30 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects. +16 temp hp; Magic fang, greater (from legacy item).

[Note: next post in about 15-20 minutes for 3 elder water elementals]

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 279=279/279. DR 5/- Foresight d20+24=38 ; d20+24=38 ; d20+24=42 ; d20+24=25 ; d20+24=37 ; d20+24=30 ; 2d10+11=21 ; 2d10+11=22 ; 2d10+11=26 ; 2d10+11=19 ; 2d10+11=25 ; d20+25=37 ; d20+25=38 ; d20+25=33 ; 2d10+11=16 ; 2d10+11=23 ; 2d10+11=22 ;
Monday June 13th, 2022 6:04:09 AM

Murphy's summoned elder water elementals go to work against their mocking opposites. Elder elemental #1 slams against chaotic water elemental (CWE) #1
AC 39: 21 hp
AC 39: 22 hp
AC 37: 16 hp (if hasted)
Elder #2 vs CWE #1
AC 43: 26 hp
AC 25 (nat 1): miss
AC 38: 23 hp (if hasted)
Elder #3 vs CWE #8
AC 38: 19 hp
AC 31: 25 hp
AC 33: 22 hp (if hasted)

[Note - on attack rolls I forgot to add in +1 from opponent being in water, so I adjusted the reported rolls by +1.
- Also, am assuming that Murphy benefitted by Haste spell, but am not certain the elementals were there when Prudence cast the spell - if DM wants to rule that they did benefit from haste, please let me know - and include the third slam attack (d20+25, 2d10+11/19-20) for each elemental]

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map d100=81 ; d100=97 ; d100=43 ; d20+37=46 ; d20+37=57 ; d20+37=44 ; d20+37=44 ; d10=7 ; d10=6 ; d10=1 ; d10=3 ; d10=9 ; d10=2 ; d20=5 ; d20=1 ; d20+37=47 ; d20+37=56 ; d20+37=44 ; 2d10+18=37 ; 2d10+18=25 ; d10=7 ; d10=7 ; d20=8 ; d20=1 ; d4=4 ;
Monday June 13th, 2022 8:10:39 AM
Kezzem uses a 5 foot step to get near a water elemental and detects evil. Something goes wrong though, and insteand he his harmlessly shrunk to minimum size for a small sized creature. He throws a dagger at it striking for 8 damage.
Pru gets caught up in the vortex and concentrates on a time stop turning herself into an elemental, buffing Nikolai, turning herself invisible, summoning an elemental of her own and dimension dooring out of the vortex.
Pressi�s animal companion is turned to stone and banished to another plane. She tries to go into a fluid form and figure out why the enemy is positions the way they are.
Nikolai magically steps to an enemy and attacks.
Succotash is attack by Valerie. Realizing the insanity effect he casts mass heal to restore everyone.
Murphy tries to cast Chain Lightning, but something goes horribly wrong. His elementals attack and do a large amount of damage (I don�t think they�re hasted? Pru cast haste before they were summoned and combat was starting so no reordering actions. But they got AoO when the enemy moved to surround, so counted those 3rd attacks)

Instead of the expected surge of electrical energy and discharge of lightning as Murphy casts his spell, instead there�s a surge of chaotic energy which surges into the caster instead of his enemies. Murphy is staggered by for a number of rounds equal to the level of the spell (6 I believe)

Staggered: A staggered creature may take a single move action or standard action each round (but not both, nor can he take full-round actions). A staggered creature can still take free, swift, and immediate actions. A creature with nonlethal damage exactly equal to its current hit points gains the staggered condition

Murphy�s attempt to heal himself also goes wrong, but in a less catastrophic manner. The spell fails and the babbling of the elementals around him becomes high pitched and squeaky.

The swarming elementals mock Murphy as they slam into him.

Water Elemental 1 slams Murphy 2 (51 vs AC; 35 damage + DC 25 Fort Save or be effected by a CL 11 heal spell restoring 110 points of damage ; 48 vs AC; 36 damage + DC 25 Fort Save or be sickened for 4 rounds)
Water Elemental 8 slams Murphy (42 vs AC, miss; 55 vs AC; 29 damage + DC 25 Fort Save or take 2 Intelligence Damage)
Water Elemental 6 and 7 slam Murphy ( 38 vs AC; miss- nat 1; 40 vs AC; miss ; 43 vs AC; 33 damage + DC 25 Fort Save or gain 9 temporary hit points and 49 vs AC; 22 damage + DC 25 Fort Save or Murphy is confused for 4 rounds) Another DC 25 save determines if he is infected by a disease.

By my count that�s 5 hits for 155 damage, - 20(?) for DR and Murphy is barely alive (and staggered per effect above)

Elemental 2 saw Valerie strike her master and tells the other elementals (in aquan) to bespell the animal. It maintains it�s vortex, doing damage to everyone caught in it.

Elemental five moves next to Kezzem and attacks him twice for 61 damage. He has to make a DC 25 fort save or take 2 strength damage, and another DC 25 save or take 2 wisdom damage. A third DC 25 fort save determines if he is infected by a magical plague.

Elemental 3 takes 2�s advice and casts Baleful Polymorph on Valerie - DC 16 fort save or be turned into a small fish.

Elemental 4 makes sure to get close to Succotash and slams him twice for 65 damage. He must make 2 DC 25 fort saves, the first against losing 2 strength, the second to prevent himself from being blinded for 4 rounds. A third DC 25 fort save determines if he is infected by a magical plague.

Hp Tracker:
Elemental 1: 98 damage
Elemental 2: 55 damage
Elemental 8: 66 damage

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 279=279/279. DR 5/- Foresight
Monday June 13th, 2022 8:55:53 AM
[As Succotash's Mass Heal spell would have healed him already (I missed reading that detail), then Murphy would not have needed to cast (therefore would not have tried to cast) heal upon himself, and not used that hero point... will post later]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 77/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells d20+15=34 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+15=19 ; d20+15=28 ; d20+35=52 ; d20+35=36 ; d20+35=36 ; d20+35=37 ; d20+35=37 ; d20+35=40 ; 4d6+22=33 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; 3d6+22=32 ; 2d6+22=27 ; 2d6+22=28 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ;
Monday June 13th, 2022 11:36:04 AM
Valerie's
Fort save 34 (pass)

Succotash's
Fort save 16 (fail -2 str)
Fort save 19 (fail -2 str)
Fort save 28 (pass no magical plague)

Feeling his strength fade, and realizing that magical attacks may not be the best option, after seeing what happened to Murphy, Succotash casts Divine Power on Valerie and she goes full round frenzy on #4.

Left Talon Hits AC 52 for 33 damage plus 1 frost and 2 shock
Right Talon Nat 1
Haste Talon Nat 1
Bite Hits AC 37 for 32 damage plus 4 shock and 4 frost
Right Claw Hits AC 37 27 damage plus 2 shock and 1 frost
Left Claw hits AC 40 for 28 damage plus 2 shock and 5 frost

Active Spells:

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing
Freedom of Movement
Righteous Might 18/20
Haste
Divine Power 20/20 (20 temp HP)

Dimensional hop 40/200

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38 +1; HP 225/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151 d20+27=34 ; d20+27=37 ; d20+27=38 ; d100=10 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d20+34=42 ; d20+34=38 ; d20+34=48 ; d20+29=43 ; d20+29=34 ; d20+24=34 ; d20+24=41 ; d20+19=30 ; d3+10=12 ; d3+10=11 ; d3+10=11 ; d3+10=12 ; d3+10=12 ; d3+10=13 ; d3+10=13 ; d3+10=11 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d10+6=11 ;
Monday June 13th, 2022 12:59:31 PM
"What the?" says Kezzem as he shrinks. "I heard about shrinkage in cold water, but this is ridiculous!"

SV Fort DC 25: 1d20 + 27 = 34. No Str damage.
SV Fort DC 25: 1d20 + 27 = 37. No Wis damage.
SV Fort DC 25: 1d20 + 27 = 38. No plague.

Insanity: d% = 10. Act normally. Apparently insanity doesn't effect Kezzem because he's already insane!

"If someone could deal with this insanity thing before I start attacking you guys, that would be great!"

Kezzem starts with Lay on Hand on himself (swift action).
Healing: 9d6 = 2 + 2 + 5 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 3 + 6 + 4 = 32.

Kezzem then 5 ft. steps and full attacks with his daggers.

+1 Frost Giant-Bane Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 30 + 3 (DF) + 2 (GMW) + 1 (H) - 2 (GTF) = 1d20 + 34.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 3 (DF) + 2 (GMW) + 1d6 frost = 1d3 + 10 + 1d6 frost

Haste Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 34 = 42.
Damage: 1d3 + 10 + 1d6 frost = 12 + 2 = 14.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 34 = 38.
Damage: 1d3 + 10 + 1d6 frost = 11 + 1 = 12.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 29 = 43.
Damage: 1d3 + 10 + 1d6 frost = 11 + 5 =16.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 24 = 34.
Damage: 1d3 + 10 + 1d6 frost = 12 + 2 = 14.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 19 = 30.
Damage: 1d3 + 10 + 1d6 frost = 12 + 2 = 14.

+1 Giant-Bane Returning Shock Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 30 + 3 (DF) + 2 (GMW) + 1 (H) - 2 (GTF) = 1d20 + 34.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 3 (DF) + 2 (GMW) + 1d6 shock = 1d3 + 10 + 1d6

Attack #1: 1d20 + 34 = 48.
Damage: 1d3 + 10 + 1d6 shock = 13 + 5 = 18.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 29 = 34.
Damage: 1d3 + 10 + 1d6 shock = 13 + 3 = 16.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 24 = 41.
Damage: 1d3 + 10 + 1d6 shock = 11 + 4 = 15.

Two-Weapon Rend (if AC <=43)
Damage: 1d10 + 6 = 11.

Spells in Effect:
Divine Favor
Endure Elements
Freedom of Movement
Greater Magic Weapon x3
Haste
Hero's Feast
Insanity
Protection from Energy (Fire)
Resist Energy (Fire)
Water Breathing

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38 +1; HP 247/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Monday June 13th, 2022 1:02:40 PM
Nevermind, just saw the mass heal. Kezzem no longer is insane, or at least, no more than usual. Also adjusted his hp.

Spells in Effect:
Divine Favor
Endure Elements
Freedom of Movement
Greater Magic Weapon x3
Haste
Hero's Feast
Protection from Energy (Fire)
Resist Energy (Fire)
Water Breathing

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 195/217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+18=27 ;
Monday June 13th, 2022 3:32:41 PM
Pressi reaches out at elemental 5 (10 foot reach in this form), and activates her Lore Keeper ability from the knowledge domain (touch attack 27, knowledge check is 42).

She also attempts a quickened ill omen (no save) under the ritual of charming (no racial immunities) to elemental 2. (Next 4 rolls are at disadvantage.)

For her move action, she swims outward, trying to survey the situation.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Monday June 13th, 2022 9:15:20 PM
Fish out of Water

Tali wakes up from her catatonic state and is confused by the elemental battle raging around her. Tali casts Invisibility upon herself in an attempt to get better positioning on this battlefield.

Spells in Affect
Overland Flight
Mage Armor
invisibility

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 184/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+30=31 ; d20+30=43 ; d20+25=29 ; d20+25=36 ; d20+13=19 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+33=53 ; d20+33=51 ; 2d10+10=26 ; 2d10+10=20 ; 2d10+10=21 ; 2d10+10=23 ; 2d10+10=21 ; 2d10+10=16 ; 4d10+20=44 ;
Tuesday June 14th, 2022 12:37:19 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Greater Heroism
Ki pts 14/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries

Nikolai notices that his friend's spells aren't having much effect against the water elementals and deduces that his stunning attempt is just as ineffective. So he just puts all his effort into a flurry of blows vs WE2:
Unarmed Attack:
Att1 +25 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) = 31 N1
Att2 +25 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) = 43
Att3 +20 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) = 29
Att4 +20 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) = 36
Att5 +13 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) = 19
Att6 +13 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) = 20

Bonus Attack Hasted:
Att1 +28 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) = 53 N20
Crit conf roll = 51

Damage is in attack roll progression (7 attacks), so if there is a miss, ignore that damage:
26, 20, 21, 23, 21, 16

Critical damage: 44

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map d100=66 ; d100=82 ; d100=50 ; d100=61 ; d4=4 ; d20+37=42 ; d20+37=55 ; d20+37=43 ; d20+37=38 ; d20+37=52 ; d20+37=50 ; d20+37=46 ; d20+37=44 ; 2d10+18=31 ; 2d10+18=26 ; 2d10+18=27 ; d20=19 ; d20=19 ; 2d10+18=26 ; 2d10+18=22 ; 2d10+18=20 ; 2d10+18=34 ; d20=9 ; d20=10 ; d20=20 ; d20=3 ; 4d6=16 ; d4=1 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday June 14th, 2022 7:21:06 AM
Succotash tries to cast Divine Power but whatever is affecting the parties spells affects him. The spell fails and he is stunned for 1 round. Valerie does get her full attack in.
Kezzem lays on hands himself. Instead of being healed, confetti appears out of nowhere to float around him in the water. His full attack lands all but 1 hit though.
Pressi uses her legend lore and it works! The information gleaned probably means she cancels her second action.

Highlight to display spoiler: {These creatures seem to be beings of pure elemental chaos, probably created by Scald himself. In addition to standard water elemental abilities, every strike they make causes random effects to their enemies, they can infect living creatures with their essence, killing them a few days later to create more of themselves, and any spell, spell-like ability, or supernatural ability used within 10 feet of them is affected by the chaotic energies causing random effects.

They are immune to all magic not aligned with law, but very weak to law aligned effects. Law magic is still affected by their aura however, so best to retreat before using it on them. They do affect each other with their auras, which is why any casting spells is sure to stay far enough away to do so.}
Tali casts invisibility (Per the email we�re going to assume you�re just off the map floating over the water so your spell goes off safely)

Nikolai sees that a lot of magic is failing and goes straight damage.

Water Elemental 4 attacks Valerie with 2 slams and hits with both (41 vs AC; 24 damage + DC 25 Fort Save or take 2 Con damage; 55 vs AC 26 damage + DC 25 Fort Save or be blinded for 3 rounds )
Water elemental 3 advances on Valerie, drawing an AoO from Drenchy. It hits once for 26 damage and Valerie must make a DC 25 fort save or , be turned into a small fish.

Water Elemental 2 attacks Kezzem and hits with both slams(51 vs AC; 35 damage + DC 25 Fort Save or be sickened for 3 rounds; 46 vs AC; 34 damage + DC 25 Fort save or take 12 electricity damage as portions of your body burst with electricity)

Water elemental 5 abandons the vortex that isn�t doing much and goes for Kezzem as well. He�s hit once for 31 damage and must make a DC 25 fort save or be turned into a small fish.

Water Elementals 1 and 8 attack Murphy hitting with all 4 slams(52 vs AC 32 damage + DC 25 fort save or be sickened for 3 rounds ; 43 vs AC - 38 damage + DC 25 fort save or be sickened for 2 rounds ; 51 vs AC 35 damage + DC 25 fort save or be staggered for 4 rounds ; 56 vs AC 36 damage + DC 25 fort save or take 2 intelligence damage )

Water elementals 6 and 7 attack Murphy, or if he goes down they can 5 foot step to attack Kezzem. They all roll higher then either PC�s AC, doing 26, 22, 20, and 34 damage in that order. The DC 25 fortitude saves are vs being confused for 1 round, being entangled for 1 round, taking 16 fire damage, or taking 2 constitution damage

Elemental 1: 98 damage
Elemental 2: 158 damage
Elemental 8: 66 damage
Elemental 4: 101 damage

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 174/279. DR 10/Adamantine Foresight d20+30=47 ; d20+30=38 ; 4d8+16=34 ; 4d8+16=34 ; d20+45=65 ;
Tuesday June 14th, 2022 9:21:22 AM

Since Murphy has already cast the 9th level near-wish-level spell of foresight, he wonders why he has not been receiving any guidance from said spell. If it reveals something useful to him, he will be glad to heed the spell's counsel.

"Surround me, defend," he instructs his loyal elder water elementals, so as to reduce his attack surface from the chaos water elementals.

He mentally communicates with Pressi (and anyone else who can hear him mentally) [i]"Hon, I'm staggered, and can hardly keep my bearings, or do much of anything. If you or someone else can help... that would be nice."

Since he cannot seem to trust magic at the moment, he resorts to slamming #1. Right, staggered. But also right, hasted. Rather than a full round of attacks, or no attacks... he can take one standard action (1 attack) - and also, no? - his haste thingy.

So, Slam vs #1
AC 47 - 34 hp damage
Haste Slam vs #1
AC 38 - 34 hp damage

=========
Perception: 65 (nat 20) - let me know if there is something advantageous for Murphy to observe. Though stunned, his senses seem heightened :-)

Spell effects, etc.
Hasted 20 rnds; Darkvision 20 hr; Telepathic Bond 3 hr 20 min; Mage armor 20 hr;
Protection from energy (fire/heat) 3 hr 20 min 120hp; Foresight 3 hr 20 min; Longstrider 20 hr (+10 land movement); Freedom of movement 3 hr 20 min; Stoneskin 3 hr 20 min DR 10/adamantine; Heroes' Feast 11 hr 30 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects. +16 temp hp; Magic fang, greater (from legacy item).
==========
Elder elementals coming up in 10 minutes in separate post...

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 174/279. DR 10/Adamantine Foresight d20+24=40 ; d20+24=43 ; d20+24=27 ; d20+24=43 ; d20+24=36 ; d20+24=33 ; 2d10+11=25 ; 2d10+11=30 ; 2d10+11=22 ; d3=2 ; 2d10+11=15 ; 2d10+11=25 ; 2d10+11=22 ;
Tuesday June 14th, 2022 10:16:39 AM

[took more than 10 minutes, as when I posted for Murphy, I had not yet seen new DM post. The following was intended to go before Mitch's post...]

The elder elementals heed Murphy's instruction, and go to surround him, attacking as follows:

Elder Water Elemental #1 vs Chaos Elemental #1:
AC 40 for 25 hp dam
AC 43 for 30
Elder #2 vs Chaos #1
AC 27 for 22
AC 43 for 15
Elder #3 vs Chaos #8
AC 36 for 25
AC 33 for 22

They work to fend off the others from striking Murphy, forming as much of a shield as they might.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 184/184](Kathy) d20+24=43 ; d20+24=29 ; 2d10+10=21 ; 2d10+10=22 ; d20+24=25 ; d20+24=34 ; d10=2 ; d10=5 ;
Tuesday June 14th, 2022 12:09:48 PM
For his AoO, Drenchy hits AC 43 (critical threat, confirmed to AC 29) for 21 damage (43 damage if critical).

For his standard action, Drency continues pounding on Elemental 3. [Miss with natural 1; hit AC 34 for 17 damage,]

Pru casts a spell. She doesn't want to give away her position by casting aloud, so she applies her Silent Spell feat. At the end of the round, another elder water elemental appears; let's call him Quenchy.

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map
Tuesday June 14th, 2022 12:11:51 PM
I will add Murphy�s above actions to the previous round later. Murphy you may post again with actions for the new round.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 77/142 Valerie AC 41(-8 blindness)(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 110(143)/156(143)Spells d20+15=16 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=34 ; d20+25=41 ; d20+25=28 ; d20+25=37 ; d20+25=44 ; d20+25=42 ; d20+25=36 ; 4d6+16=26 ; 4d6+16=33 ; 4d6+16=34 ; 3d6+16=25 ; 2d6+16=19 ; 2d6+16=21 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ;
Tuesday June 14th, 2022 1:20:53 PM
Fort verses con damage 16 (Fail)
Fort verses blindness 18 (Fail)
Fort verses polymorph 34 (Pass)

Stunned, Succotash just sits there staring into la-la land this round. Valerie is blinded for 3 rounds, and looses half the con bonus from Righteous Might, but in spite of that, she goes all in against #4. If #4 drops before she runs out of attacks, she would turn her attention to #3

Left Talon hits AC 41 for 26 damage plus 6 shock and 4 frost
Right Talon hits AC 28 (miss)
Haste Talon hits AC 37 for 33 damage plus 2 shock and 2 frost
Bite hits AC 44 for 25 damage 4 shock and 1 frost
Left Claw hits AC 42 for 19 damage plus 1 shock and 1 frost
Right Claw hits AC 36 for 21 damage 3 shock and 2 frost

Valerie's blindness 2/3

Active Spells:

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing
Freedom of Movement
Righteous Might 18/20
Haste

Dimensional hop 40/200

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38 +1; HP 147/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151 d20+27=46 ; d20+27=42 ; d20+27=33 ; d20+36=45 ; d20+36=37 ; d20+36=48 ; d20+31=43 ; d20+31=37 ; d20+31=40 ; d20+26=38 ; d20+21=26 ; d3+10=13 ; d6=4 ; d3+10=11 ; d6=4 ; d3+10=12 ; d6=4 ; d3+10=11 ; d6=6 ; d3+10=13 ; d6=1 ; d3+10=12 ; d6=5 ; d3+10=12 ; d6=4 ; d10+6=9 ;
Tuesday June 14th, 2022 2:43:03 PM
SV Fort DC 25: 1d20 + 27 = 46. Kezzem is not sickened.
SV Fort DC 25: 1d20 + 27 = 42. Kezzem takes no (?) electricity damage.
SV Fort DC 25: 1d20 + 27 = 33. Kezzem is not a fish.

Kezzem uses his quicken metamagic rod to cast shield other on Murphey (swift action). This also gives him a + 1 bonus to AC and Saves, but doesn't stack with rings of protection and cloaks of resistance, so it probably won't be a factor.

He then full attacks Elemental 7, switching to 2 or 5 (whichever appears more hurt), if 7 goes down. (Reminder, Kezzem loses the +2 flanking bonus against these elementals if he switches targets).

+1 Frost/Shock Giant-Bane Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 30 + 3 (DF) + 2 (GMW) + 1 (H) - 2 (GTF) = 1d20 + 34.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 3 (DF) + 2 (GMW) + 1d6 frost = 1d3 + 10 + 1d6 frost/shock

Haste Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 34 + (2 Flank) = 45.
Damage: 1d3 + 10 + 1d6 frost = 13 + 4 = 17.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 34 + 2 = 37. Natural 1.

Off Attack #1: 1d20 + 34 + 2 = 48.
Damage: 1d3 + 10 + 1d6 shock = 11 + 4 = 15.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 29 + 2 = 43.
Damage: 1d3 + 10 + 1d6 frost = 12 + 4 = 16.

Off Attack #2: 1d20 + 29 + 2 = 37.
Damage: 1d3 + 10 + 1d6 shock = 11 + 6 = 17.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 24 + 2 = 35 (40 - 5; forgot to multiattack adjust penalty).
Damage: 1d3 + 10 + 1d6 frost = 13 + 1 = 14.

Off Attack #3: 1d20 + 24 + 2 = 38.
Damage: 1d3 + 10 + 1d6 shock = 12 + 5 = 17.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 19 + 2 = 26.
Damage: 1d3 + 10 + 1d6 frost = 12 + 4 = 16.

Two-Weapon Rend (if AC <=45)
Damage: 1d10 + 6 = 9.

Spells in Effect:
Divine Favor
Endure Elements
Freedom of Movement
Greater Magic Weapon x3
Haste
Hero's Feast
Protection from Energy (Fire)
Resist Energy (Fire)
Shield Other (Murphy)
Water Breathing

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Tuesday June 14th, 2022 8:51:26 PM
Woke

Tali hung back floating over the water to observe for a round or two and then pops to spot AQ7, casting Summon Monster VII summoning a Dire Shark (Megalodon) to appear near AO14.

Spells in Effect:
Overland Flight
Mage Armor
Invisibility
Summon Monster VII

Megalodon Stat Block

Str 30, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +11; CMB +25 (+29 grapple); CMD 37
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +18

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 184/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+31=34 ; d20+31=32 ; d20+26=38 ; d20+26=44 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+19=31 ; d20+34=41 ; d20+34=46 ; 2d10+10=16 ; 2d10+10=22 ; 2d10+10=13 ; 2d10+10=17 ; 2d10+10=16 ; 2d10+10=30 ; 2d10+10=19 ; 2d10+10=24 ;
Wednesday June 15th, 2022 12:57:16 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Greater Heroism, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)

SR = 25 forgot about this since it is new!

Ki pts 13/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries

Nikolai keeps pummeling WE2 with another flurry of blows:
Att1 +25 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 34
Att1 +25 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 32
Att3 +20 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 38
Att4 +20 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 44
Att5 +13 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 27
Att6 +13 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 31

Bonus Attack Hasted:
Att1 +28 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 41

Using Ki pt for an extra attack:
Att1 +28 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 46

Damage is in attack roll progression (8 attacks), so if there is a miss, ignore that damage:
16, 22, 13, 17, 16, 30, 19, 24

Note: if WE2 falls before attacks are used up, use remaining on WE5 and Nikolai can take a 5' step if needed.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 195/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday June 15th, 2022 12:59:43 AM
How many HP gain from Hero's Feast?

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 73/279. DR 10/Adamantine Foresight
Wednesday June 15th, 2022 2:43:04 AM

Nikolai - the HP gain is 1d8 + caster level/2. So 1d8+10.

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 22 or 172/279. DR 10/Adamantine Foresight 4d8+16=35 ; 4d8+16=43 ;
Wednesday June 15th, 2022 6:38:48 AM

After reviewing DM post, it looks like Murphy now has 22 hp left, and only one more usage of stoneskin (10 hp left on that - after it's used, he still has DR 5/-).

Murphy goes vortex and heads for the bottom of the lake. If he senses he is far enough away from the chaotic field of the elementals, he heroically casts (or due to haste may be able to cast?) heal on himself, to get back up to 172 hp (still down 107 from full), and to remove the stunned condition. Foresight should warn him if casting heal 40 feet away from the elementals may end in some chaotic effect, or if doing so should work out fine. If warned against casting the spell, instead he takes two aspirins and calls the doctor in the morning (that is, he takes no further action, and uses no hero point), but he does tell Pressi, "I'm close to being snuffed out, dear wife."

He encourages #1 elder elemental to carry on its attacks - but asks #2 and #3 to run interference if any try to follow him.

While heading downward, he in passing comes close enough to Chaos elementals #6 and #8 such that each needs to make a DC25 Reflex save or suffer slam damage from the vortex intersection:
Chaos elemental #6: 35 hp
Chaos elemental #8: 43 hp
He makes sure he does not intersect with Drenchy, Pru's elemental.

He rests on the bottom of the lake, trying to communicate something like, I'm nothing more than a harmless puddle now. Okay, I may be vortexing, but I'm a harmless whirlpool, so, move along. He is thinking of wildshaping into an earth elemental, and sinking into the earth below...

================
Perception: I'm keepin' the 65 (nat 20), since the DM post showed up before my perception roll. Does he perceive anything special, useful?

Spell effects, etc.
Shield other 20 min (from Kezzem - thanks!)
Hasted 20 rnds; Darkvision 20 hr; Telepathic Bond 3 hr 20 min; Mage armor 20 hr;
Protection from energy (fire/heat) 3 hr 20 min 120hp; Foresight 3 hr 20 min; Longstrider 20 hr (+10 land movement); Freedom of movement 3 hr 20 min; Stoneskin 3 hr 20 min DR 10/adamantine; Heroes' Feast 11 hr 30 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects. +16 temp hp; Magic fang, greater (from legacy item).

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 22 or 172/279. DR 10/Adamantine Foresight d20+24=40 ; d20+24=44 ; d20+24=29 ; d20+24=36 ; d20+24=35 ; d20+24=41 ; 2d10+11=21 ; 2d10+11=15 ; 2d10+11=19 ; d3=2 ; 2d10+11=24 ; 2d10+11=27 ; 2d10+11=16 ; 2d10+11=24 ; 2d10+11=20 ; 2d10+11=26 ; 2d10+11=24 ;
Wednesday June 15th, 2022 7:02:13 AM

An elder water elemental is 40 feet long and weighs 24,000 pounds.

Elder water elemental #1 attacks chaos elemental #1 twice:
AC 40, 21 hp
AC 44 (nat 20), 15 hp (nothing extra, since the elementals are immune to extra critical hit damage)

So Elemental #1 has taken 284 hp damage, at least.

Water elementals #2 and #3 both vortex and hold their actions. If any of the chaos elementals pursue Murphy, they go after them, intersecting with their opponents multiple times and interfering with them getting close to the one who summoned them.

As they can move 90' and each goes for the full-height vortex of 60' (30' diameter at top), each will create as much havoc as it might, bumping into their opponents multiple times [I know, I already said that], and each time the chaos elemental will need to make a DC26 Reflex save or suffer damage as follows:
19; 24; 27; 16; 24; 20; 26; 24

==========
Please ignore d20+29 rolls after 1st two (I forgot we need to use Reflex save, rather than attack rolls for two of the three elementals), as well as the d3=2 roll (the roll buttons drop down a row when multiple rolls are made, and the d3 was thus accidental).

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map d20=19 ; d20=14 ; d20=10 ; d20=19 ; d20+14=34 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+14=34 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+14=34 ; d20+14=16 ; d20=8 ; d6=2 ; d20=3 ; d20=8 ; d20=4 ; d20=11 ; d20=6 ; d20=16 ; d20=9 ; d20=6 ; d20=14 ; d20=7 ; d20=12 ; 2d8+16=23 ; 2d8+16=26 ; 2d8+16=25 ; 2d8+16=29 ;
Wednesday June 15th, 2022 7:59:31 AM
Pressi could not post today and asked for a sub. It's rather important her PC is able to share this information, so I'm going to post it here for everyone to see and presume she shared it even though she couldn't post today.

These creatures seem to be beings of pure elemental chaos, probably created by Scald himself. In addition to standard water elemental abilities, every strike they make causes random effects to their enemies, they can infect living creatures with their essence, killing them a few days later to create more of themselves, and any spell, spell-like ability, or supernatural ability used within 10 feet of them is affected by the chaotic energies causing random effects.

They are immune to all magic not aligned with law, but very weak to law aligned effects. Law magic is still affected by their aura however, so best to retreat before using it on them. They do affect each other with their auras, which is why any casting spells is sure to stay far enough away to do so

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 22 or 172/279. DR 10/Adamantine Foresight d4+1=4 ;
Wednesday June 15th, 2022 8:07:55 AM
will post for Pressi in about 10 minutes - working on it now!

Pressi (Kim for Melvin) - AC 29, HP 195/217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 96/117, CMD 35 3d8+15=21 ;
Wednesday June 15th, 2022 8:28:33 AM

Pressi calls out - "Stay more than 10 feet away from them if you want to cast spells. And they hate law."

Pressi casts time stop, for 4 rounds of apparent time.

Round 1: Read from scroll of align weapon to align with Law her +1 Frost Keen Rapier.
Round 2: Read from scroll of align weapon to align with law her +1 Adamantium Frost Spiked Chain.
Round 3: Cure Serious Wounds on self to recover 21 hp.
Round 4: Cast waves of exhaustion to affect Chaos Elementals 2, 5, 7, 6, 3, 4, 8. "Waves of negative energy cause all living creatures in the spell's area to become exhausted." This drops her out of the time stop.

And she lets people know what DM Mitch wrote :-)

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map
Wednesday June 15th, 2022 8:33:20 AM
Just Last Round Murphy and his elementals did more damage to #1 and the elementals attempted to form a shield around their summoner. They draw AoO while moving into position - 1 is hit twice for 49 total damage, 2 is hit once for 25, and 3 is hit once for 29 damage. All of them make their saves against the melee strike effects, so can form the defensive position around Murphy.

Pru summons another water elemental to go with Drenchy while Drenchy continues to attack chaos elemental 3 for more damage.
Succotash remains out of commission so Valerie despite being blinded and sapped of some of her constitution continues to attack #4
Kezzem goes to cast a spell on Murphy but due to the chaos field of #5 his spell turns into hiccups and he is sickened for 2 rounds. He then deals some damage to #7
Tali summons a shark.
Nikolai punches a lot. He hits almost every blow, doubling the damage on his enemy.
Murphy tries to do several things at once. Due to being staggered, he can not form a vortex (Standard action) and move at the same time, so presumably he just moves. Surrounded on 4 sides, he provokes AoO from all of his enemies. However, his own elementals, looking identical to him, swim around him to provide enough confusion so he doesn't get killed.

Elemental 1 AoOs Murphy and Murphy�s Elemental 3 gets in the way instead taking 2 slams (47 vs AC 29 damage + DC 25 Fort Save or the elemental is confused for 3 rounds; 49 vs AC 26 damage + DC 25 Fort Save or portions of the elemental�s body bursts with fire and the elemental takes an additional 19 damage)

Elemental 6 AoOs Murphy and Murphy�s Water Elemental 1 gets in the way instead taking 2 Slams (56 vs AC 38 damage + DC 25 fort save or the elemental suffers 2 Intelligence damage; 45 vs AC 28 damage + DC 25 fort save or the elemental is sickened for 3 rounds )

Elemental 7 AoOs Murphy and Murphy�s Water Elemental 2 gets in the way instead taking 2 slams (46 vs AC 22 damage + DC 25 Fort Save or Murphy�s elemental becomes fatigued ; 39 vs AC 29 damage + DC 25 Fort Save or Murphy�s elemental suffers 2 con damage)

Elemental 8 AoOs Murphy and Murphy�s Elemental 3 gets in the way again taking an additional 2 slams (57 vs AC 26 damage + DC 25 Fort Save or the elemental suffers 2 wisdom damage ; 45 vs AC 33 damage + DC 25 Fort Save or the elemental takes 1 negative level )

Once safely away from the elemental�s field he�s able to heroically heal himself and no longer be staggered.

Elementals 2 and 3 remain defensive while 1 attacks.

With Murphy out of their clutches the enemies that were attacking him reassess and determine Kezzem and Valerie to be the most dangerous targets. Elemental 1 can�t reach them without drawing an AoO, so it hits Murphy�s elemental 1. Two hits, 27 and 25 damage. DC 25 fort save x2, the first against gaining 1 negative level, the second against being nauseated for 4 rounds.

Elementals 2, 5, 6, and 7 pummel Kezzem. They land 7 hits for 24, 29, 29, 31, 29, 25, and 27 damage. He must make 7 DC 25 fortitude saves vs being nauseated 4 rounds, 2 STR damage, getting 1 negative level, 2 WIS damage, 2 more WIS damage, 2 Wis Damage again, and being confused for 4 rounds.

Elementals 3, 4, and 8 pound on Valerie, landing every hit and critting once. She takes 34, 30, 25, 30, 28, and 27 damage. She must make 6 DC 25 fort saves vs 2 STR damage, 2 INT damage, Turning to stone, being staggered for 4 rounds, and being blinded for 3 rounds (which I guess would stack?)

Elemental 1: 306 damage
Elemental 2: 299 damage
Elemental 3: 38 damage
Elemental 8: 66 damage
Elemental 4: 201 damage
Elemental 7: 29 damage

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map
Wednesday June 15th, 2022 8:37:07 AM
Pressi time stops and buffs her weapons. Her exhaustion fails due to the elementals being immune to magic

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Wednesday June 15th, 2022 11:35:57 AM
OOC: Updated Sheet

Rituals

Ritual of Warding: +1 to AC and saving throws
Ritual of Devices: 1d3 random drawbacks to magic item known to user
Ritual of Cheating Death: free action to designate as protected from death

Effects:

Moment of Prescience (+20 to single roll)
Rose Control (Endure Elements)
Water breathing
spell absorbtion (Ioun Stone)
spectral hand
fluid form (reach, swim speed, DR 10/slash)
Highlight to display spoiler: {Water elemental effect}

Spells Used:

L3: 2
L4: 1
L5: 1
L7: 2
L8: 1
L9: 1

Items Used

Water Breathing (2)
Align Scrolls (2)
FoM Scroll: 1

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 77/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells d20+15=28 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+15=25 ; d20+15=20 ; d20+15=19 ; d20+15=35 ;
Wednesday June 15th, 2022 12:49:31 PM
Fort verses Str - 28 (Pass)
Fort verses Int - 24 (Fail)
Fort verses turning to stone - 25 (Pass)
Fort Verses staggered - 20 (Fail)
Fort Verses Blindness - 19 (Fail)
Fort Verses ? - 35 (Pass)

Seeing All his friends taking a beating, Succotash tells Valerie to take a 5 ft step back, and than he himself does the same. He than casts Heal on Valerie removing her staggered and blinded conditions, as well as healing he back to max HP and healing her int and con damage. He uses whatever means possible to try to get his friends attention and says, "If you can, you should make for the exit at the bottom of the lake. With the bottle neck there, we should only have to deal with one or maybe 2 at a time!"

Active Spells:

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing
Freedom of Movement
Righteous Might 17/20
Haste

Dimensional hop 40/200

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+19=28 ; d20+19=35 ; d4+1=2 ; 4d6=17 ;
Wednesday June 15th, 2022 2:03:31 PM
Pressi will think of magic for a reason, but for right now, she will just do what she prepared.

Moving to flank along with Kezzem, and after focusing her cheat death ability on him, Pressi moves for a single attack with the keen rapier.

Attack roll 28, ignore crit confirm roll, damage is 2+law align, sneak damage is 17.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 184/184](Kathy) d20+24=26 ; d20+24=31 ; d10=6 ; d10=10 ; d10=6 ; d10=9 ; d20+24=33 ; d20+24=28 ; d10=9 ; d10=9 ; d10=9 ; d10=7 ;
Wednesday June 15th, 2022 2:43:45 PM
Drenchy continues his assault on water elemental 3. He hits AC 26 for 26 damage and AC 31 for 25 damage.

Quenchy attacks water elemental 8. He hits AC 33 for 28 damage and AC 28 for 26 damage.

Pru hears Succotash's instructions and begins making her way toward the exit (still invisible and in water elemental form).

She again casts using Silent Spell and at the end of the round another elder water elemental appears, whom we will call Glub-Glub.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+17=28 ; 4d10+15=39 ;
Wednesday June 15th, 2022 5:37:03 PM
MEG

In this round, Tali's Summoned Monster arrives...one 60-foot 100,000-pound Gargantuan Dire Shark making its splash into area AP15 through BA15 and about 10 feet wide.

Tali's taken to calling her new swimming friend "MEG", and will ask her to Grab & Swallow Whole, all the Non-Elder Water Elementals..."It's Feeding Time!"

MEG will attack Water Elemental#3 with Melee Bite = 28 [if successful, it deals normal damage and attempts to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity.] Damage = 39

STATISTICS
Dire Shark (Megalodon)CR 9

XP 6,400
N Gargantuan animal (aquatic)
Init +6; Senses blindsense 30 ft., keen scent; Perception +25

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 112 (15d8+45)
Fort +14, Ref +13, Will +8

OFFENSE

Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +17 (4d10+15/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+15 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

Str 30, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +11; CMB +25 (+29 grapple); CMD 37
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +18

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 213/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d8+10=18 ; d20+31=46 ; d20+31=51 ; d20+31=33 ; d20+26=37 ; d20+26=33 ; d20+19=26 ; d20+19=34 ; d20+34=54 ; d20+34=42 ; d20+34=38 ; 2d10+10=15 ; 2d10+10=25 ; 2d10+10=23 ; 2d10+10=22 ; 2d10+10=19 ; 2d10+10=20 ; 2d10+10=23 ; 2d10+10=24 ; 2d10+10=22 ; 2d10+10=20 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2022 12:07:49 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Greater Heroism, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Greater Heroism HP = 20
SR = 25 forgot about this since it is new!

Ki pts 12/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries

Nikolai keeps pummeling WE2 with another flurry of blows and if WE2 goes down before he finishes his attacks, he switches to WE5:
Att1 +25 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 46
Att2 +25 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 51 N20
Confirm crit roll = 33
Att3 +20 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 37
Att4 +20 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 33
Att5 +13 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 26
Att6 +13 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 34

Bonus Attack Hasted:
Att1 +28 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 54 N20
Confirm crit roll = 42

Using Ki pt for an extra attack:
Att1 +28 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 38

Damage is in attack roll progression (8 attacks), so if there is a miss, ignore that damage:
15. 25 (48 if crit is confirmed), 22, 19, 20, 23, 24 (46 if crit is confirmed), 20

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38 +1; HP -11/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151 d20+27=46 ; d20+27=32 ; d20+27=33 ; d20+27=35 ; d20+27=39 ; d20+27=44 ; d20+27=39 ; d20+27=30 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d20+5=8 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2022 2:33:56 AM
SV Fort DC 25: 1d20 + 27 = 46. Made.
SV Fort DC 25: 1d20 + 27 = 32. Made.
SV Fort DC 25: 1d20 + 27 = 33. Made.
SV Fort DC 25: 1d20 + 27 = 35. Made.
SV Fort DC 25: 1d20 + 27 = 39. Made.
SV Fort DC 25: 1d20 + 27 = 44. Made.
SV Fort DC 25: 1d20 + 27 = 39. Made.
Disregard the 8th check. I miscounted.

No chaos magic.

However, that is enough damage to knock Kezzem to -47 hp.

If I can spend 1 Hero Point to lay on hands (normally a swift action for Kezzem to use on himself), he'll do so.

Healing: 9d6 = 2 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 6 + 4 + 5 + 5 + 6 = 37.

Otherwise, Kezzem will spend 2 Hero Points to Cheat Death.

Stabilization Check DC 10:
Con: 1d20 + 5 = 8.

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 174/279. DR 10/Adamantine, DR 5/-, Foresight: Elder Water Elementals d20+14=17 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+14=25 ; d20+14=23 ; d20+14=23 ; d20+14=15 ; d20+22=26 ; d20+22=40 ; 2d10+11=18 ; 2d10+11=21 ; d20+24=44 ; d20+24=42 ; d20+24=42 ; 2d10+11=17 ; 2d10+11=29 ; 2d10+11=19 ; d20+24=44 ; d20+24=41 ; d20+24=44 ; d20+24=41 ; 2d10+11=15 ; 2d10+11=26 ; 2d10+11=18 ; 2d10+11=26 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2022 3:39:20 AM

Results of attacks on Elder Water Elementals
Elder #1 152 hp AC 24 Fort +14, Ref +18, Will +5
HP: 49 + 38 + 28 = 115. 37 hp left
Fort save 17/25 fail: -2 Int
Fort save 16/25 fail: 3 rnds sickened

Elder #2 152 hp AC 24 Fort +14, Ref +18, Will +5
HP: 22 + 29 = 51. 101 hp left. con 16 hp. 85 hp left
Fort save 25/25 - not fatigued
Fort save 23/25 fail: 2 Con damage (-16 hp)

Elder #3 152 hp AC 24 Fort +14, Ref +18, Will +5
HP: 26 + 33 = 59. 93 hp left. Neg. level (-10hp). 83 hp left
Fort save 23/25 fail: -2 wisdom
Fort save 15/25 (nat 1) fail: 1 negative level (-10hp)

[i]Attacks, or readied attacks[/u]
Elder #1 vs Chaos #1
AC 26, 18 hp damage
AC 40, 21 hp damage

Elder #2 Shielding Murphy
If any opponents come near, he has readied slam attacks:
AC 44 threat, AC 42 confirmed crit, 17+29= 46 hp damage
AC 42, 19 hp damage

Elder #3 Shielding Murphy
If any opponents come near, he has readied slam attacks:
AC 44 threat, AC 41 confirmed crit, 15+26 = 41 hp damage
AC 44 threat, AC 41 confirmed crit, 18+26 = 44 hp damage

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 174/279. DR 10/Adamantine, DR 5/-, Foresight d3=3 ; d20+45=53 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2022 4:19:37 AM

Murphy casts a summon nature's ally VIII. 3 VII critters he is calling should show up at the beginning of next round.

=========
Perception: 53
d3=3 - How many level VII creatures will be summoned by level VIII spell

Spell effects, etc.
Hasted 20 rnds; Darkvision 20 hr; Telepathic Bond 3 hr 20 min; Mage armor 20 hr;
Protection from energy (fire/heat) 3 hr 20 min 120hp; Foresight 3 hr 20 min; Longstrider 20 hr (+10 land movement); Freedom of movement 3 hr 20 min; Stoneskin 3 hr 20 min DR 10/adamantine; Heroes' Feast 11 hr 30 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects. +16 temp hp; Magic fang, greater (from legacy item).

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map d20=18 ; d20=6 ; d20=7 ; d20=13 ; d20=2 ; d20=17 ; 2d10+18=27 ; 2d10+18=28 ; 2d10+18=27 ; 2d10+18=35 ; d20=11 ; d20=4 ; d20=12 ; d20=1 ; d4=2 ; 2d10+18=30 ; 2d10+18=30 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2022 8:16:23 AM
Succotash spends his resources healing both himself and Valerie after getting outside of the range of the chaos field. He tells the rest of the party that they should regroup at the exit to try to use the terrain to form a bottleneck where they can engage the elementals in smaller numbers.
Pressi moves to flank alongside Kezzem and tries to stab the chaotic water elemental with her rapier but she fails to hit it.
Pru has her elementals press their attacks and makes her way towards the exit still invisible and as a water elemental herself while summoning a third elemental of her own. Drenchy hits 3 once. Quenchy hits 8 once.
Tali summons her own watery friend a Megalodon she dubs MEG who proceeds to try to attack Elemental 3 but misses
Nikolai gets the first kill of the battle, finishing the weakened elemental 2 and doing some damage to elemental 5.
Kezzem heroically heals himself a little so he�s just unconscious instead of dead.
Murphy�s elementals hit an enemy once and he starts summoning more reinforcements.

Water Elementals 8, 4 and 3 press their attack on Valerie hitting 5 times vs AC 55,50,50,48 and 42 for 32, 31, 22, 31 and 24 damage and 5 DC 25 Fort Saves or 1) gain a negative level, 2) become nauseated for 2 rounds, 3) take 2 Dexterity damage, 4) become blinded for 1 round and 5) become sickened for 1 round.

Chaos Water Elemental 1 attacks Murphy�s Elder Elemental 1 hitting twice vs AC 40 and 41. Murphy�s elemental takes 32 and 30 damage and 2 DC 25 Fort Saves or 1) take 2 Intelligence damage and 2) take 2 wisdom damage

Elemental 7 joins elemental one in working to clear out the summons. It hits elder elemental 1 twice for 27 and 28 hp. DC 25 fort saves vs fatigue and 2 int damage.

Elemental 5 sees that Kezzem is down, but it�s buddy #2 still dies. So it attacks the only visible target that could have killed him, Pressi. She�s hit twice for 27 and 35 damage, DC 25 fort saves vs 2 STR damage and 2 rounds of being nauseated. Since this is her first time being hit, DC 25 save vs infection.

Elemental 6 is not stupid enough to leave Kezzem to be healed by one of his allies and get back in the fight. He double taps the paladin to ensure the kill, crushing his small body (60 extra damage, more then enough to kill).

Elementals AC: 31 (Also, immune to crits as elementals)
Elemental 1: 306 damage
Elemental 2: 361 damage (Dead)
Elemental 3: 63 damage
Elemental 4: 201 damage
Elemental 5: 83 damage
Elemental 6: 0 damage
Elemental 7: 29 damage
Elemental 8: 94 damage

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Thursday June 16th, 2022 10:08:24 AM
OOC: Remember, though, that Kezzem is still protected by the cheat death effect.

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map
Thursday June 16th, 2022 12:12:48 PM
See email.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 77/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells d20+15=21 ; d20+15=25 ; d20+15=31 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+15=31 ; d4=3 ; d20+28=37 ; d20+28=34 ; d20+28=42 ; d20+28=44 ; d20+28=46 ; d20+28=44 ; 4d6+16=28 ; 4d6+16=31 ; 4d6+16=27 ; 3d6+16=27 ; 2d6+16=26 ; 2d6+16=22 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2022 12:13:26 PM
Fort verses negative level - 21 (fail)
Fort verses nausea - 25 (pass)
Fort versus Dex damage - 31 (pass)
Fort versus Blindness - 27 (pass)
Fort versus sickened condition - 31 (pass)

Succotash begins summoning, and next round 4 Dire Sharks will appear.

Meanwhile Valerie goes full round frenzy on #4 though if #4 drops, she will switch her target to #3

Right Talon hits AC 37 for 28 damage plus 4 frost and 5 shock
Left Talon hits AC 34 for 31 damage 4 frost and 1 shock
Haste Talon hits AC 42 for 27 damage 2 frost and 5 shock
Bite hits AC 44 for 27 damage 1 frost and 1 shock
Right Claw hits AC 46 for 26 damage 6 frost and 3 shock
Left Claw hits AC 44 for 22 damage 3 frost and 4 shock

Valerie has 1 negative level (-1 BAB, -1 all saves)

Active Spells:

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing
Freedom of Movement
Righteous Might 16/20
Haste

Dimensional hop 40/200

Augmented Dire Shark (Megalodon)

N Gargantuan animal (aquatic)
Init +6; Senses blindsense 30 ft., keen scent; Perception +25

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 142
Fort +16, Ref +13, Will +8

OFFENSE

Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +19 (4d10+17/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+17 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 34, Dex 15, Con 21, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +27 (+30 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +18

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 184/184](Kathy) d20+24=29 ; d20+24=35 ; d10=7 ; d10=7 ; d20+24=36 ; d20+24=29 ; d10=1 ; d10=2 ; d20+24=32 ; d20+24=42 ; d10=2 ; d10=4 ; d10=2 ; d10=1 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2022 12:24:49 PM
Quenchy continues attacking elemental 8, hitting once for 24 damage.

Drenchy and Glub-Glub gang up on elemental 3. Drenchy hits once for 13 damage; Glub-Glub hits twice for 16 and 13 damage (29 total; 42 total for both elementals).

Pru moves closer to the exit and casts again, still using Silent Spell. At the end of the round, yet another elder water elemental appears. This one is a foreign exchange water elemental named L'Eau.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 155/217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+22=40 ; d20+22=39 ; d20+21=29 ; d8=3 ; d8=7 ; d8=8 ; d20+30=33 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2022 9:35:17 PM
Pressi takes the damage, but easily saves against the effects (she's a lot less squishy than before).

Quickly, she takes another swipe at elemental 5, but whiffs again (AC 29). Frustrated, she swings her spectral hand (move action) to Kezzem, figures she's already tagged anyway (and maybe she'll get lucky and absorb a spell), and casts a quickened CSW on him (33 hp).

"Hey," she shouts at Elemental 6. "Lawful weapons, right here. Come and get em, bubble boy."

(Bluff 33 to see if I can get elemental 6 to leave Kezzem alone.)

OOC: I kind of had to try a few melee strikes because Pressi enchanted her own weapons instead of Nick and Kezzem, but if I can't rely on crits and sneak die, it might be time to go back to spells. If anyone wants to try grabbing her lawful aligned weapons, they can do so.

---------

Rituals

Ritual of Warding: +1 to AC and saving throws
Ritual of Devices: 1d3 random drawbacks to magic item known to user
Ritual of Cheating Death: free action to designate as protected from death

Effects:

Moment of Prescience (+20 to single roll)
Rose Control (Endure Elements)
Water breathing
spell absorbtion (Ioun Stone)
spectral hand
fluid form (reach, swim speed, DR 10/slash)
Highlight to display spoiler: {Water elemental effect}

Spells Used:

L1: 0/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 2/6+1
L4: 1/5+1
L5: 1/5+1
L6: 0/5+1
L7: 3/4+1
L8: 1/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Items Used

Water Breathing (2)
Align Scrolls (2)
FoM Scroll: 1

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+17=35 ; 4d10+15=36 ;
Thursday June 16th, 2022 11:33:03 PM
More MEG

Tali asks "MEG", to Grab & Swallow Whole, all the Non-Elder Water Elementals..."It's Feeding Time!"

MEG swims into position to attack Water Elemental#4 with Melee Bite = 35[if successful, it deals normal damage and attempts to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity.] Damage = 36

STATISTICS
Dire Shark (Megalodon)CR 9

XP 6,400
N Gargantuan animal (aquatic)
Init +6; Senses blindsense 30 ft., keen scent; Perception +25

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 112 (15d8+45)
Fort +14, Ref +13, Will +8

OFFENSE

Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +17 (4d10+15/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+15 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

Str 30, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +11; CMB +25 (+29 grapple); CMD 37
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +18

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 213/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday June 17th, 2022 1:25:26 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Greater Heroism, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Greater Heroism HP = 20
SR = 25 forgot about this since it is new!

Ki pts 12/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries

OOC: a quick look at a discussion thread on Paizo Forums, I was looking to see if a Grapple Attack is a replacement for a Melee Attack (like Sunder). Basically, the argument on the thread went both ways, 1) Yes, a Grapple is in the category of Melee Attack and 2) No, it isnt'. So, I guess it is up to the DM. The point is Nikolai wants to use his Spring Attack feat to 'attack' Kezzem with a Grapple, and whisk him away. So, I have two scenarios I'll post.

IC:
Scenario 1:
NIkolai sees Kezzem is in a dire predicament and needs a quick retreat. Normally he uses his Spring Attack against a foe he intends to clobber and pull back before it can retaliate. It occurs to him that using the same principle on Kezzem would allow him to snatch him and drag him away.

Spring Attack: Move - Attack - Move. Must be at least 10' away from target, perform the attack on the target, move away from target a distance no more than your total Speed.

Grapple: you can carry your 'victim' up to half your speed.

Mobility: +4 AC bonus vs AoO

Nikolai uses his Mobility to enhance his AC vs WE5 and dashes to Kezzem 'attacks' him (Spring Attack) with a Grapple, then pulls him to AF2. His Total Speed is 100' so that should do it even moving at half speed part of the way.

Scenario 2:
He dashes to Kezzem (Mobility bonus vs AoO), and grabs him, then spends a Hero point to pull him to AF2

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 174/279. DR 10/Adamantine, DR 5/-, Foresight d20+16=36 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+16=32 ; 4d6+16=24 ; d20+27=46 ; 4d6+16=27 ; 4d6+16=26 ;
Friday June 17th, 2022 2:30:30 AM

Murphy recalls playing with little turtles in the river that runs through town. They didn't show up often, but every few years he and his friends would find a few, and play with them. Murphy's mother sent him straight back to the river with turtle in hand, though, the time he brought one home. "It lives in the river, sweetheart. Thanks for bringing it here for a visit, but you don't want to take it from its home, do you?"

He thinks that he certainly is bringing this trio of turtles to a place far from their home. He hopes they can help his group get past these guardians, though, so as to forestall the ascension of Scald.

Oh - no! The elder water elemental has been dissipated (#1).

He sends the turtles up to attack #1 and those nearby.
Giant (gargantuan) Turtle #1 vs Chaos elemental #1: AC 36 (nat 20) damage 24, plus grab - CMB 46 to swallow whole.
Giant Turtle #2 vs Chaos elemental #1: AC 27 damage 27.
Giant Turtle #3 vs Chaos elemental #7: AC 23 damage 26.

The two other elder elementals just above him have their held actions at the ready, as indicated in the prior post for them.

He casts another summoning...

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 184/184](Kathy)
Friday June 17th, 2022 6:42:16 PM
[Mitch said he probably wouldn't post today, but players still need to post every day so here is mine.]

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 4d10+15=48 ; d20+17=21 ;
Friday June 17th, 2022 11:01:26 PM
MEG Time

More MEG

MEG continues to feed on the Water Elementals

MEG swims into position to attack Water Elemental#4 with Melee Bite = 21 [if successful, it deals normal damage and attempts to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity.] Damage = 48

MEG Time
DEFENSE
AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 112 (15d8+45)
Fort +14, Ref +13, Will +8

OFFENSE
Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +17 (4d10+15/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+15 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

STAT Block
Str 30, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +11; CMB +25 (+29 grapple); CMD 37
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +18

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 213/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday June 17th, 2022 11:45:42 PM
OOC: maybe he'll get to post this weekend so I'll wait. Oh NO! I just posted!

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map d20=5 ; 10d6=27 ; d20=17 ; d20=7 ; d20=10 ; d20=5 ; d20=15 ; d20=7 ; 2d10+18=23 ; 2d10+18=27 ; 2d10+18=31 ; 2d10+18=30 ; 2d10+18=29 ; 2d10+18=29 ; d20=15 ; d20=3 ; d20=2 ; d20=18 ; d20=5 ; d20=6 ;
Saturday June 18th, 2022 11:51:12 AM
Succotash works on summoning some dire sharks to the party.
Valerie goes all frenzy on the chaos elemental # 4 but after all that it is still standing but looking really rough.
Pru continues her move towards the exit while summoning yet another elemental of her own. Meanwhile the 3 she already have attack the chaos elementals all hitting at least once.
Pressi attempts to stab the elemental again with her lawful weapon but it misses once again. She quickly uses her spectral hand to cast a quickened cure light wounds which is actually helped by the chaos field and all dice variables are maximized meaning Kezzem is healed for 39 points of damage instead of only 36. She then attempts to goad the water elemental into leaving Kezzem alone and focusing on her (Sense Motive : 14) and it fails to resist her bluff so it will ignore Kezzem for now and focus on her.
Tali sends her shark to attack and it manages to finish a heavily weakened elemental.
Nikolai grabs Kezzem and runs (not going to quibble about grapple rules to pick up a willing, if unconscious, ally - you can grab him and move him without needing any feats)
Murphy summons some turtles to manage tl land a hit, but not grapple. He starts another summoning.

Elemental 5 attacks and hits Pressi with 2 slams (57 vs AC; 40 vs AC - 23 damage + DC 25 Fort Save or be effected by heal spell healing 110 damage; 26 damage + DC 25 Fort Save or take 2 strength damage)

Elementals 3 and 8 continue to focus their fire on Valerie hitting with 4 slams (vs AC 46, 51, 48, 56) and dealing 28, 29, 30, 22 damage and requiring 4 DC 25 Fort Saves or 1) suffer 16 acid damage as the dinosaurs body overloads with acid energy, 2) take 2 constitution damage, 3) suffer the effects of a CL 11 Baleful Polymorph spell and turn into a gold fish and 4) take 2 intelligence damage

Elementals 1, 6, and 7 decide to start trying to clear out the summons that surround the entire group. They each attack a turtle - turtle 1 takes 50 damage (save vs -2 con and -2 dex), turtle 2 takes 61 (save vs 2 wis and turning to stone), turtle 3 takes 58. (Save vs 2 wis and 2 charisma damage). All saves remain DC 25 fort saves

The DM�s finally remember that oh yeah the lake is boiling. PCs are protected ,not summons. All summons take 27 damage unless they are immune to fire damage.

Elementals AC: 31 (Also, immune to crits as elementals)
Elemental 1: 330 damage
Elemental 2: 361 damage (Dead)
Elemental 3: 105 damage
Elemental 4: 370 damage (dead)
Elemental 5: 83 damage
Elemental 6: 0 damage
Elemental 7: 29 damage
Elemental 8: 118 damage

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 77/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 87(143)/156(143)Spells d20+19=36 ; d20+19=29 ; d20+19=32 ; d20+19=26 ; 4d10+17=31 ; 4d10+17=48 ; d20+30=42 ; d20+30=48 ; d20+15=33 ; d20+15=17 ; d20+15=33 ; d20+15=23 ; d20+28=31 ; d20+28=45 ; d20+28=36 ; d20+28=45 ; d20+28=48 ; d20+28=31 ; 4d6+16=33 ; 4d6+16=25 ; 4d6+16=23 ; 3d6+16=24 ; 2d6+16=25 ; 2d6+16=27 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ;
Sunday June 19th, 2022 10:42:12 PM
Succotash's Dire Sharks appear, and he names them Biter, Chomper, Toothy, and Mr. Cuddles. Chomper and Mr. Cuddles use their reach to attack #1 while Toothy and Biter attack #3

Chomper hits AC 36 for 31 damage with a grab attempt of 42
Mr. Cuddles hits AC 29 (Miss)
Toothy hits AC 32 for 48 damage with a grab attempt of 48
Biter hits AC 26 (Miss)

Valerie's Saves
33 verses acid (Pass)
17 verses Con damage (Fail)
33 verses Polymorph (Pass)
23 Verses Int damage (Fail)

Now a mindless creature,Valerie goes all in against one of her attackers in this case #3.

Right Talon hits AC 31 for 33 damage plus 5 frost and 1 shock
Left Talon hits AC 45 for 25 damage 2 frost and 4 shock
Haste Talon hits AC 36 for 23 damage 2 frost and 1 shock
Bite hits AC 45 for 24 damage 5 frost and 2 shock
Right Claw hits AC 48 for 25 damage 5 frost and 3 shock
Left Claw hits AC 31 for 27 damage 4 frost and 1 shock

Valerie has 1 negative level (-1 BAB, -1 all saves)

Succotash notices Nik retreating with Kezzem, and casts dimensional door to get up to help out next round.

Active Spells:

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing
Freedom of Movement
Righteous Might 15/20
Haste

Dimensional hop 40/200

Augmented Dire Shark (Megalodon)

N Gargantuan animal (aquatic)
Init +6; Senses blindsense 30 ft., keen scent; Perception +25

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 142
Fort +16, Ref +13, Will +8

OFFENSE

Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +19 (4d10+17/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+17 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 34, Dex 15, Con 21, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +27 (+30 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +18

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 77/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 87(143)/156(143)Spells 4d10+17=32 ; d20+30=45 ;
Sunday June 19th, 2022 10:52:04 PM
I just realized that if Chomper managed to grapple #1 than Mr. Cuddles's attack would have landed. So if #1 is grappled than he receives another 32 damage and faces another grab attack of 45 which means he would be grappled by both Chomper and Mr. Cuddles.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 213/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d8=8 ; d8=3 ; d8=6 ;
Monday June 20th, 2022 12:06:43 AM
OOC: I don't know if Kezeem needs any more healing, but just in case my hunch is correct...

Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Greater Heroism, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Greater Heroism HP = 20
SR = 25 forgot about this since it is new!

Ki pts 12/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries

NIkolai takes a round to retrieve his Staff of Healing and uses it on Kezeem:
Heal 3d8+5 = 8 + 3 + 6 +5 = 22

Nikolai also iforms his friends, somehow, that the staff also can be used for Lesser Restoration.

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 208/279. DR 10/Adamantine, DR 5/-, Foresight d20+16=35 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+16=34 ; 4d6+16=31 ; 4d6+16=34 ; 4d6+16=31 ; d20+24=36 ; d20+24=40 ; 2d10+11=31 ; 2d10+11=19 ; 4d8+20=34 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+12=21 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=24 ;
Monday June 20th, 2022 6:33:13 AM

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 208/279. DR 10/Adamantine, DR 5/-, Foresight

Saves: Turtle #1: Save DC29/25; Save DC29/25
Turtle #2: Fail DC 14/25; Fail DC 21/25. -2 Wisdom; Turn to stone:
Turtle #3: Save DC 32/25; Fail DC 24/25. -2 Charisma.

Turtle #1 vs Elemental #1: AC 35 for 31 hp damage
Turtle #2 Sink to bottom of lake, having been turned to stone. Ignore rolls of d20+16=29; 4d6+16=34
Turtle #3 vs Elemental #7: AC 34 for 31 hp damage

Meanwhile, another Elder Water Elemental (#4) joins the crew. Fighting water with water.

This squid-shaped elemental lays into Chaos Elemental #5
AC 36 for 31 hp damage
AC 40 for 19 hp damage
Total vs 5: 50 hp

Elder water elemental #2 slams #8 (finally using readied slam attacks):
AC 44: 17 hp damage (I dropped the crit damage that added 29)
AC 42: 19 hp damage

Elder water elemental #3 still has his readied action prepared to protect Murphy [from June 16th 3:39:20 AM post].

Murphy casts CURE CRITICAL WOUNDS, MASS, restoring 34 hit points to all allies within 75 feet of the druid. That should cover Pru, Valerie, Elder water elementals #2 and #3, Pressi, Biter, Toothy, L'Eau, Glub-Glub, Drenchy, Quenchy, Giant Snapping Turtles #1, #2, #3, Mr. Cuddles, Chomper, and Murphy himself. Outside the area are Succotash, Nikolai, Kezzem, Talia, and the other-dimensional Harper. If there is an ally within 75' of Murphy I have overlooked, then add that person/critter in. He's not offering it to the Chaos Water Elementals, of course.

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map
Monday June 20th, 2022 8:01:07 AM
(Since I posted late and only 3 people got to take actions going to post this afternoon)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+22=31 ; d20+22=38 ; 5d6=19 ; 2d6=11 ;
Monday June 20th, 2022 3:07:05 PM
(OOC: I'm assuming that some of the damage is blocked by the DR from her fluid form - that is, that it's bludgeoning damage, no bypass. I forgot to include the DR before, I am doing it now.)

Pressi easily avoids both spells, for better or for worse. She gets Murphy's heal easily... and tries to consider her next move.

But she didn't spend that money on a horn of blasting to not use it once for fun, so....

Pressi takes the horn out (move action, both hands occupied) and blows (DC 16 shout vs I think elementals 5-7, 40 ft cone, 19 sonic damage per round, 11 rounds, potential deafening).

---------

Rituals

Ritual of Warding: +1 to AC and saving throws
Ritual of Devices: 1d3 random drawbacks to magic item known to user
Ritual of Cheating Death: free action to designate as protected from death

Effects:

Moment of Prescience (+20 to single roll)
Rose Control (Endure Elements)
Water breathing
spell absorbtion (Ioun Stone)
spectral hand
fluid form (reach, swim speed, DR 10/slash)
Highlight to display spoiler: {Water elemental effect}

Spells Used:

L1: 0/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 2/6+1
L4: 1/5+1
L5: 1/5+1
L6: 0/5+1
L7: 3/4+1
L8: 1/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Items Used

Water Breathing (2)
Align Scrolls (2)
FoM Scroll: 1

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+17=24 ; 4d10+15=31 ;
Monday June 20th, 2022 7:58:52 PM
Dire, Dire, Dire...Oh My!

MEG continues to feed on the Water Elementals

MEG swims into position to attack Water Elemental#6 with Melee Bite = 24 & Damage = 31 Two rounds of hot water damage, MEG takes 54 points of damage (112 - 54 = 58HP)

Tali, seeing the massive brawl of Summoned Creatures, Tali will delay her spell.

DEFENSE
AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 112 (15d8+45)
Fort +14, Ref +13, Will +8

OFFENSE
Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +17 (4d10+15/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+15 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

STAT Block
Str 30, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +11; CMB +25 (+29 grapple); CMD 37
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +18

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 184/184](Kathy) d20+24=25 ; d20+24=43 ; d10=6 ; d10=6 ; d20+24=28 ; d20+24=38 ; d10=1 ; d10=8 ; d20+24=43 ; d20+24=25 ; d10=7 ; d10=3 ; d20+24=29 ; d20+24=27 ;
Monday June 20th, 2022 8:38:39 PM
Pru's summoned elementals take damage.

Quenchy keeps going on Elemental 8. [Miss with nat 1; hit AC 43 for 22 damage]

Drenchy, Glub-Glub, and L'Eau gang up on Elemental 3. Drenchy hits once for 19 damage; Glub-Glub hits once for 20 damage; L'Eau misses twice.

The battlefield is getting kind of crowded, so Pru doesn't summon anything this round.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 213/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday June 20th, 2022 10:11:19 PM
ooc: placer post, just in case I forget later.

DM Hugh - Lake Fight Map d20=4 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+9=26 ; d20+9=20 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+14=17 ; d20+14=19 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+14=21 ; d3=1 ; d3=1 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+14=33 ; d8=8 ; d8=8 ; d8=1 ; d8=2 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+20=40 ; d8+20=28 ; d6=1 ; 6d6=18 ; d20+30=39 ; d20+30=46 ; d20+30=39 ; d20+30=44 ; d20+21=30 ; d20=12 ; 6d6=13 ; d20+26=40 ; d100=23 ; d20+19=31 ; d100=4 ; d100=63 ; d100=39 ; d100=75 ; d20=16 ; d20=8 ; 6d6=16 ; d20+20=34 ; d20+20=33 ; d20+20=27 ; d20=19 ; d20=19 ; d20=9 ; d20=7 ; d20=2 ; d20=9 ; d20=20 ; d20=4 ; d20=9 ; d20=13 ; d20=16 ; d20+25=44 ; d100=58 ; d100=79 ; d100=8 ; d100=31 ; d100=30 ; d100=77 ; d100=85 ; d100=92 ; d20=18 ; d20=10 ; d20=17 ; d20+37=51 ; d20+37=48 ; d20+37=42 ; d20+37=49 ; d20+37=52 ; d3=1 ; d20+37=52 ; d20+37=42 ; d20+37=55 ; d20+37=38 ; 2d10+18=35 ; 2d10+18=36 ; 2d10+18=33 ; 2d10+18=29 ; d20=17 ; d20=14 ; d4=4 ; d20=6 ; d20=4 ; d20+37=40 ; d20+37=43 ; d20+37=49 ; 2d10+18=30 ; 2d10+18=33 ; 2d10+18=22 ; d20=17 ; d20=16 ; 4d6=9 ; d20=9 ; d4=4 ; d100=16 ; d20+37=41 ; d20+37=55 ; 2d10+18=24 ; 2d10+18=26 ; d20=3 ; d20=8 ; d4=3 ; d20+37=51 ; d20+37=46 ; 2d10+18=35 ; 2d10+18=34 ; d20=20 ; d20=14 ; d4=3 ; 4d6=12 ; d20+37=52 ; d20+37=43 ; d20+37=51 ; d20+37=56 ; 2d10+18=38 ; 2d10+18=35 ; 2d10+18=36 ; 2d10+18=32 ; d20=14 ; d6=3 ; d20=14 ; d20=4 ; d20=15 ; d4=3 ; d4=2 ; d4=4 ; d100=4 ; d4=4 ; d20+37=47 ; d20+37=49 ; 2d10+18=29 ; 2d10+18=26 ; d20=20 ; d6=5 ; d20=9 ; 4d6=19 ; d4=3 ; d4=2 ; d20+37=56 ; d20+37=45 ; 2d10+18=38 ; 2d10+18=28 ; d20=4 ; d20=14 ; d4=3 ; d4=3 ; d20+37=46 ; d20+37=39 ; 2d10+18=22 ; 2d10+18=29 ; d20=11 ; d20=3 ; d4=4 ; d20+37=57 ; d20+37=45 ; d20=5 ; d20=7 ; 2d10+18=26 ; 2d10+18=33 ; d20+37=55 ; d20+37=50 ; d20+37=50 ; d20+37=48 ; d20+37=42 ; d20+37=40 ; 2d10+18=32 ; 2d10+18=31 ; 2d10+18=22 ; 2d10+18=31 ; 2d10+18=24 ; d20=7 ; d20=12 ; d20=2 ; d20=8 ; d20=14 ; d4=2 ; d4=1 ; d4=1 ; d20+37=41 ; d20+37=40 ; 2d10+18=32 ; 2d10+18=30 ; d20=4 ; d20=5 ; d20-2=14 ; d20+37=57 ; d20+37=40 ; 2d10+18=26 ; 2d10+18=23 ; d20=6 ; d20=1 ; d20+37=46 ; d20+37=51 ; d20+37=40 ; d20+37=57 ; d20+37=48 ; d20+37=38 ; d20+37=57 ; 2d10+18=28 ; 2d10+18=29 ; 2d10+18=30 ; 2d10+18=22 ; d20=20 ; d20=3 ; d20=19 ; d20=4 ; 4d6=16 ; d20+35=40 ; d20+35=41 ; 2d10+16=34 ; 2d10+16=24 ; d20=7 ; d20=14 ;
Monday June 20th, 2022 11:27:04 PM
Succotash�s summons manage to take down an elemental. They all fail to grapple. Valerie goes mindless (I assume you mean 1-4 range, not 0, 0 is comatose)
Nikolai heals Kezzem.
Murphy�s summons do good work. He cures a large number of creatures.
Pressi takes out her horn of blasting and blasts it. Items are not exempt from the chaos field - but this turns out to be a good thing! The enemies hit are sickened for 1 round. Sadly, it also hits Toothy and Elder elemental 4. All enemies make the save for half damage and no deafness.
Tali has the MEG try to take a bite out of another elemental but misses. She delays her summons since things are getting kind of crowded.
Pru has her elementals press their assault taking out 3.

Elemental 5 targets Pressi as the only non-summoned thing it can reach. It hits twice for 35 and 25 damage (yes, the damage is non-magical, though it�s natural attacks bypass DR/- and only DR/-) Her DC 25 fort saves are against gaining 15 temporary hit points and -2 wisdom.

Elementals 6 and 7 target the nearby turtles, each landing all of their hits. Turtle 1 takes 34 and 35 damage, turtle 3 takes 24 and 28 damage. Turtle 1�s first save DC 25 fort is against being staggered 1 round and his second is against being healed 180 hp. Turtle 3 must save vs 1 negative level and -2 con.
Elemental 8 attacks Toothy (40 vs AC; 41 vs AC; 34 and 24 damage plus DC 25 Fort Save or gain a negative level and DC 25 Fort Save or be sickened for 1 round)
All Summons take 27 damage if not protected from fire from the scalding water.

Elementals AC: 31, CMD 60 (Also, immune to crits as elementals)
Elemental 1: 361 damage (dead)
Elemental 2: 361 damage (Dead)
Elemental 3: 383 damage (Dead)
Elemental 4: 370 damage (dead)
Elemental 5: 133 damage (Sickened 1 round)
Elemental 6: 0 damage (Sickened 1 round)
Elemental 7: 91 damage (Sickened 1 round)
Elemental 8: 166 damage (Sickened 1 round)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38 +1; HP 72/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151 d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d8=6 ; d8=1 ; d8=7 ; d8=3 ;
Monday June 20th, 2022 11:54:14 PM
Kezzem coughs up water and blood.

"Um, thank Nikolai," says Kezzem. "I thought I was dead again."

Kezzem lays on hands on himself (swift action):

Healing: 9d6 = 4 + 6 + 5 + 3 + 5 + 3 + 2 + 6 + 6 = 40.

Kezzem then draws and cast his scroll of cure serious wounds.

Healing: 3d8 + 5 = 6 + 7 + 3 + 5 = 21.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 213/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+34=54 ; d20+34=39 ; 8d10+10=40 ; 8d10+10=48 ;
Tuesday June 21st, 2022 12:25:49 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Greater Heroism, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Greater Heroism HP = 20
SR = 25 forgot about this since it is new!

Ki pts 12/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries

NIkolai moves back into battle against WE5:
Greater Vital Strike:

Att +28 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 54 N20
confirm crit roll = 39
Greater Vital Strike dmg = 8d10+6 +4(Mighty Fists) x2 = 40 + 48 = 88

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map d100=95 ; d20+37=52 ; d20+37=46 ; 2d10+18=37 ; 2d10+18=27 ; d20+35=44 ; d20+35=45 ; d20+35=43 ; d20+35=55 ; d20+35=54 ; 2d10+18=34 ; 2d10+18=35 ; 2d10+18=24 ; 2d10+18=28 ; 2d10+18=32 ; 2d10+18=22 ; d20=16 ; d20=5 ; d20=15 ; d20=17 ; d20=15 ; d20=7 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d4=1 ; 10d6=32 ;
Tuesday June 21st, 2022 2:10:55 AM
32 damage to summons from the boiling water.

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 208/279. DR 10/Adamantine, DR 5/-, Foresight d20+14=18 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+12=21 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+24=34 ; d20+24=43 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+11=17 ; 2d10+11=13 ; 2d10+11=27 ; d20+24=38 ; d20+24=29 ; 2d10+11=25 ; d20+25=32 ; d20+25=32 ; 4d8+12=33 ; 4d8+12=31 ; 4d8+12=29 ; d20+25=26 ;
Tuesday June 21st, 2022 4:42:11 AM

Elder water elemental #4 saves vs Pressi's horn of blasting (Fort 18/16), takes 1/2 damage of 10, is not deafened. Not heat damaged.
Turtle #1 saves vs stagger, fails vs 180 hp healing (and thus is fully healed after taking 69 hp damage), but does take 27 hp from hot water.
Turtle #3 fails twice, thus takes a negative level and -2 con. He loses 16 hp from these two effects, in addition to the 52 hp worth of chaos elemental slam attacks. He makes it to the end of the round, when the - 27 steam cleaning hp will do him in (but, figuring those points come at the end, he tries one attack).
Turtle #2 is rock solid resting upon the lake bottom. I don't think he takes heat damage as a rock. Also, it's unlikely he took healing points from Murphy's cure spell last round.

Attacks:
Turtle #1 tried to bite Elem #6, but misses
Turtle #3 tries to bite Elem #7, but misses. He dies at the end of the round - the scalding water does him in. Or, rather, he gets to go back to his aqueous elemental plane.
Elder W.E. #4 hits Elem #5 twice (AC 34, 43) (oops on 1d20+11 rolls - wrong dice), for 13+27=40 hp damage
Elder W.E. #2 hits Elem #8 once (AC 38) for 25 hp damage
Elder W.E. #3 moves 5 feet and uses his readied attack hitting Elem #8 twice, AC 41 and AC 41, for 15+18=33 hp damage.

Murphy scoots up five feet closer, to be within 15' of Chaos Water Elemental #8. He attacks thrice, missing the last time, but does manage to connect twice (AC 32, AC 32) for 31+29=60 hp slam damage to Elem #8.

[Friends - despite showing on the map, our opponent water elementals #1 and #3 are dead. Alive are: #5, 6, 7, & 8.]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 77/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 87(143)/156(143)Spells d20+19=24 ; d20+19=29 ; d20+19=32 ; d20+19=27 ; 4d10+17=45 ; d20+30=38 ; d20+28=31 ; d20+28=30 ; d20+28=39 ; d3=2 ; d20+28=39 ; d20+28=36 ; d20+28=44 ; 4d6+16=32 ; 4d6+16=29 ; 3d6+16=28 ; 2d6+16=21 ; 2d6+16=27 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d8=8 ; d8=4 ; d8=3 ; d8=4 ;
Tuesday June 21st, 2022 11:35:09 AM
The squad of dire sharks move in to attack their next victims. Chomper attacks #7, Toothy takes on #5, and Biter and Mr. Cuddles take on #8. Only Biter manages to land a hit for 45 damage and a failed grab attempt.

Valerie moves her mindless attention to #8 (Normally Valerie has an Int of 3 so she is currently at 1)

Right Talon hits AC 31 for 32 damage plus 6 frost and 5 shock
Left Talon hits AC 30 (miss)
Haste Talon hits AC 39 for 29 damage 3 frost and 2 shock
Bite hits AC 39 for 28 damage 1 frost and 5 shock
Right Claw hits AC 36 for 21 damage 5 frost and 5 shock
Left Claw hits AC 44 for 27 damage 4 frost and 4 shock

Valerie has 1 negative level (-1 BAB, -1 all saves)

Succotash reaches over and casts Cure Critical Wounds on Kezzem healing 39 HP

Active Spells:

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing
Freedom of Movement
Righteous Might 14/20
Haste

Dimensional hop 40/200

Augmented Dire Shark (Megalodon)

Chomper 142/142
Toothy 142/142
Biter 142/142
Mr. Cuddles 142/142

N Gargantuan animal (aquatic)
Init +6; Senses blindsense 30 ft., keen scent; Perception +25

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 142
Fort +16, Ref +13, Will +8

OFFENSE

Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +19 (4d10+17/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+17 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 34, Dex 15, Con 21, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +27 (+30 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +18

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 184/184](Kathy) d20+24=27 ; d20+24=43 ; d10=8 ; d10=2 ; d20+24=34 ; d20+24=25 ; d10=4 ; d10=3 ; d20+24=37 ; d20+24=25 ; d10=1 ; d10=5 ; d20+24=39 ; d20+24=39 ; d10=9 ; d10=4 ; d10=2 ; d10=3 ;
Tuesday June 21st, 2022 3:11:27 PM
Pru's summoned elementals shift around a bit, three of them seeking new targets.

Quenchy and Drenchy gang up on Elemental 8. Quenchy hits once for 20 damage; Drenchy hits once for 16 damage.

Glub-Glub and L'Eau move to attack Elemental 5. Glub-Glub hits once for 16 damage; L'Eau hits twice for 24 and 15 damage.

Pru remains where she is.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+22=33 ; d20+22=25 ;
Tuesday June 21st, 2022 9:00:28 PM
40 damage

Pressi's DR continues to resist the bludgeoning attacks, and she continues to resist both effects.

Dropping the horn (move action), Pressi decides to try an ill omen on elemental 6 (center of the remaining elementals), and see what effects get pulled.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+17=26 ; 4d10+15=27 ;
Tuesday June 21st, 2022 10:19:36 PM
Feeding Frenzy

MEG continues to feed on the Water Elementals

MEG swims into position to attack Water Elemental#6 with Melee Bite = 26 & Damage = 27. MEG takes an addition 32 points of damage (58-32 = 36HP)

Tali, still being invisible, will delay her action.

DEFENSE
AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 112 (15d8+45)
Fort +14, Ref +13, Will +8

OFFENSE
Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +17 (4d10+15/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+15 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

STAT Block
Str 30, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +11; CMB +25 (+29 grapple); CMD 37
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +18

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+17=26 ; 4d10+15=27 ;
Tuesday June 21st, 2022 10:19:39 PM
Feeding Frenzy

MEG continues to feed on the Water Elementals

MEG swims into position to attack Water Elemental#6 with Melee Bite = 26 & Damage = 27. MEG takes an addition 32 points of damage (58-32 = 36HP)

Tali, still being invisible, will delay her action.

DEFENSE
AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 112 (15d8+45)
Fort +14, Ref +13, Will +8

OFFENSE
Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +17 (4d10+15/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+15 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

STAT Block
Str 30, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +11; CMB +25 (+29 grapple); CMD 37
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +18

DM Hugh - Lake Fight Map d100=6 ; d20+37=40 ; d20+37=47 ; 2d10+18=26 ; 2d10+18=31 ; d20=7 ; d20=6 ;
Tuesday June 21st, 2022 11:33:51 PM
Kezzem wakes up and heals himself.
Nikolai heads back into battle. He crits, but elementals are immune to crits.
Murphy�s summons attack (I think fire damage would go at the start of the round). Murphy also does so. They land a few hits.
Succotash moves to heal Kezzem and Valerie continue to attack, killing #8
Pru�s elementals attack, but their target is dead so they�d move up to hit 7 and 5. WHich they do.
Pressi resists the damage and effects and targets #6 with an ill omen. The spell is negated and instead summons harmless butterflies which proceed to burn and drown in the scalding water.
Tali has Meg attack 6. It still misses while she delays her turn.
Elemental 5 keeps the pressure on Pressi, attacking and hitting twice for 30 and 25 damage. DC 25 fort saves vs entanglement and baleful polymorph.

Elemental 6 goes for giant snapping turtle number 2 (40 vs AC; 47 vs AC; 26 damage; 31 damage plus DC 25 Fort Save or take a negative level and DC 25 fort save or take 2 Charisma damage)
Elemental 7 goes for Valerie instead of more summons. It does move far enough to draw AoOs from those it remains in range of. It lands 2 hits for 66 damage (DC 25 saves vs 2 charisma damage and blindness for 3 rounds)

All summons take 42 damage from the boiling water.

Elementals AC: 31, CMD 60 (Also, immune to crits as elementals)
Elemental 1: 361 damage (dead)
Elemental 2: 361 damage (Dead)
Elemental 3: 383 damage (Dead)
Elemental 4: 370 damage (dead)
Elemental 5: 252 damage
Elemental 6: 0 damage
Elemental 7: 127 damage
Elemental 8: 368 damage (Dead)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 213/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+31=47 ; d20+31=47 ; d20+26=42 ; d20+26=39 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+19=36 ; d20+34=54 ; 2d10+10=24 ; 2d10+10=25 ; 2d10+10=22 ; 2d10+10=18 ; 2d10+10=15 ; 2d10+10=22 ;
Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 12:26:37 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Greater Heroism, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Greater Heroism HP = 20
SR = 25 forgot about this since it is new!

Ki pts 12/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries

Nikolai churns up a lot of bubbles as he delivers another flurry of blows on WE5:
OOC: I keep forgetting these guys are immune to crits.

Att1 +25 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 47
Att2 +25 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 47
Att3 +20 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 42
Att4 +20 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 39
Att5 +13 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 24
Att6 +13 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 36

Bonus Attack Hasted:
Att1 +28 +4 (GH) + 1(Haste) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 54 N20

Damage on 6 hits: 24, 25, 22, 18, 15, 22

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 208/279. DR 10/Adamantine, DR 5/-, Foresight d20+12=26 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+24=38 ; d20+24=32 ; 2d10+11=25 ; 2d10+11=22 ; d20+24=31 ; d20+24=32 ; 2d10+11=20 ; d3=1 ; 2d10+11=20 ; d20+25=35 ; d20+25=35 ; d20+25=42 ; 4d8+12=25 ; 4d8+12=36 ; 4d8+12=33 ; d20+24=40 ; d20+24=30 ; 2d10+11=25 ; d20+45=52 ;
Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 12:57:21 AM
Giant Snapping Turtle #1 (not #2 - earlier turned to stone, and now at the bottom of the lake). Save 26/25 vs negative level; Fail 22/25 so takes 2 Charisma damage. This turtle is not vain. -27-26-31-42=down 126 out of 115. Beaten, boiled turtle, dead-ish

Elder Water Elemental #2 vs Chaos Water Elemental #7
AC 38, AC 32, damage 32, 25 hp = 57
Elder Water Elemental #3 vs Chaos Water Elemental #7
AC 31, AC 32, damage 20, 20 hp = 40
Murphy vs Chaos Water Elemental #7
AC 35, 35, 42, damage 25, 36, 33 hp = 94

Total vs #7: 191 + 127 = 316 so far - almost dead. Someone else hit #7, too!

Elder Water Elemental #4 vs Chaos Water Elemental #5
AC 40 (hit), AC 30 (barely miss), 25 hp damage
============
Perception: 52 - Murph glances toward the exit at the bottom of the lake, then back to the chaos elementals.

Spell effects, etc.
Hasted 20 rnds; Darkvision 20 hr; Telepathic Bond 3 hr 20 min; Mage armor 20 hr;
Protection from energy (fire/heat) 3 hr 20 min 120hp; Foresight 3 hr 20 min; Longstrider 20 hr (+10 land movement); Freedom of movement 3 hr 20 min; Stoneskin 3 hr 20 min DR 10/adamantine; Heroes' Feast 11 hr 30 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects. +16 temp hp; Magic fang, greater (from legacy item).

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 108/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 21(143)/156(143)Spells d20+19=36 ; d20+19=29 ; d20+19=39 ; d20+19=36 ; 4d10+17=46 ; 4d10+17=44 ; 4d10+17=34 ; d20+19=36 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+19=24 ; d20+19=20 ; 4d10+17=48 ; d20+15=33 ; d20+15=35 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 11:45:52 AM
Due to their 20 ft reach, I believe all four dire sharks gain an AoO on #7.
Toothy hits AC 36 for 46 damage
Biter misses
Chomper hits AC 39 for 44 damage
Mr. Cuddles Hits AC 36 for 34 damage

For their actual attacks, Chomper and Mr.Cuddles move in on #6. Toothy turns his attention to #5 and Biter attacks #7
Chomper Hits AC 36 for 48 damage
Mr, Cuddles misses
Toothy misses
Biter misses

Valerie manages to avoid the Chr damage and the blindness (Rolled a 33 and a 35) but in her weakened state, she makes a withdrawal action.

Valerie has 1 negative level (-1 BAB, -1 all saves)

Succotash moves into a better position and channeels enrgy healing himself, Kezzem and Nik 31 damage

Active Spells:

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing
Freedom of Movement
Righteous Might 14/20
Haste

Dimensional hop 40/200

Augmented Dire Shark (Megalodon)

Chomper 73/142
Toothy46/142
Biter 73/142
Mr. Cuddles 73/142

N Gargantuan animal (aquatic)
Init +6; Senses blindsense 30 ft., keen scent; Perception +25

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 142
Fort +16, Ref +13, Will +8

OFFENSE

Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +19 (4d10+17/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+17 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 34, Dex 15, Con 21, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +27 (+30 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +18

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38 +1; HP 182/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151 d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 3:27:32 PM
Kezzem lays hands on himself (swift) as he moves towards Succo (move).

Healing: 9d6 = 3 + 4 + 5 + 3 + 4 + 4 + 5 + 5 + 6 = 39

He then channels positive energy, hitting himself, Succotash, Nikolai, Elder Water Elemental 4, and "Ha" (standard)

Healing: 9d6 = 3 + 2 + 4 + 3 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 4 + 4 = 32.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 184/184](Kathy) d20+24=44 ; d20+24=27 ; d10=6 ; d10=7 ; d20+24=39 ; d20+24=40 ; d10=2 ; d10=6 ; d10=7 ; d10=2 ; d20+24=36 ; d20+24=42 ; d10=4 ; d10=1 ; d10=9 ; d10=10 ; d20+24=40 ; d20+24=30 ; d10=6 ; d10=10 ;
Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 3:34:47 PM
Pru's summoned elementals don't have a lot of hit points left, but they keep going.

Quenchy and Drenchy team up on elemental 7. Quenchy hits once for 23 damage; Drenchy hits twice for 18 and 19 damage.

Glub-Glub and L'Eau attack elemental 5. Glub-Glub hits twice for 15 and 29 damage; L'Eau hits once for 26 damage.

Pru stays where she is.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 180/217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+22=28 ; d20+22=23 ; d20+20=28 ; d20+14=18 ;
Wednesday June 22nd, 2022 7:31:14 PM
Pressi's luck finally runs out (2 damage to charisma), is what I'd say if anything was working this module.

Frustrated, she decides the toothpick isn't working, so she takes out her chain of frost.

Attack Rolls: 28, 18.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 213/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday June 23rd, 2022 1:06:05 AM
Nikolai calls out, somehow, underwater, 'Who needs ability healing?'

DM Hugh - Lake Fight Map 2d8+18=28 ;
Thursday June 23rd, 2022 1:13:41 AM
Nikolai goes in for the attack and finishes #5.
Murphy has his summons attack.
Succotash�s summons finish #7 and hig 6 once.
Kezzem Channels healing.
Prudance�s summons all work on the only surviving elemental doing a lot of damage to it.
Pressi fails a save and misses two attacks.

Elemental 6 changes into a Vortex and swims to the right moving through the squares of Toothy, Biter, Pressi, L�Eau, GlubGlub and Drenchy. In Vortex form the elemental does not provoke AOOs for moving through threatened squares.

Toothy, Biter, Pressi, L�Eau, GlubGlub and Drenchy need to make DC 37 Reflex Saves or take 28 damage as the Whirlwind moves through their squares. If they fail the first one they must also make a second DC 37 reflex save to avoid being picked up by it.
All summons take 41 damage from the boiling water.

Elementals AC: 31, CMD 60 (Also, immune to crits as elementals)
Elemental 1: 361 damage (dead)
Elemental 2: 361 damage (Dead)
Elemental 3: 383 damage (Dead)
Elemental 4: 370 damage (dead)
Elemental 5: 378 damage (Dead)
Elemental 6: 178 damage
Elemental 7: 370 damage (Dead)
Elemental 8: 368 damage (Dead)

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 208/279. DR 10/Adamantine, DR 5/-, Foresight d20+24=34 ; d20+24=28 ; d20+24=33 ; d20+24=40 ; d20+24=37 ; d20+24=26 ; d20+25=26 ; d20+25=31 ; 2d10+11=22 ; 2d10+11=18 ; 2d10+11=24 ; 2d10+11=18 ; 2d10+11=18 ; 2d10+11=20 ; 4d8+12=28 ; 4d8+12=25 ; 4d8+12=26 ;
Thursday June 23rd, 2022 5:39:51 AM

Oops. I rolled to attack, but that's not what is used in this case.

Each time a vortex (for water elementals) or a whirlwind (for air elementals) contacts someone, they need to make the relevant Reflex saves or take damage as the vortex moves through their squares. As elementals can change directions, it is possible for them to move through an opponent's square more than once per round. Murphy has done so on some occasions, up to five times per opponent.

Going for a more conservative approach, though, Murphy is asking each of his water elementals to strike the chaos water elemental two or three times each - but try to avoid each other. He will do the same, circumnavigating in a clockwise direction as viewed from above. Let's say each elemental bumps their prey twice, and Murphy thrice - because he is used to this sort of thing. He will end his turn, though, lower down, fairly close to Prudence, whom he suggests to scoot away from him - "toward the turtles," as he wants to move to plug up the exit against the chaos elemental.

Chaos water elemental needs to make Reflex DC28 six times, and Reflex DC 30 three times [calculating at DC10 + 10 {1/2 Murphy's HD}, +5 (str bonus) +5 {magic fang, greater +5} [If DM decides magic fang, greater ('any slam attack... or other natural weapon'), can be included in a whirlwind/vortex attack - if not, then DC25] or suffer...
...from Greater Water Elementals vortex slams:
1. 22
2. 18
3. 24
4. 18
5. 18
6. 20
...from Murphy (additional per feat improved natural attack):
7. 28
8. 25
9. 26
[P.S.: Please let me know if my math is okay here]

Spell effects, etc.
Hasted 20 rnds; Darkvision 20 hr; Telepathic Bond 3 hr 20 min; Mage armor 20 hr;
Protection from energy (fire/heat) 3 hr 20 min 120hp; Foresight 3 hr 20 min; Longstrider 20 hr (+10 land movement); Freedom of movement 3 hr 20 min; Stoneskin 3 hr 20 min DR 10/adamantine; Heroes' Feast 11 hr 30 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects. +16 temp hp; Magic fang, greater (from legacy item).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38 +1; HP 182/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Thursday June 23rd, 2022 2:19:26 PM
Kezzem double moves up next to Pressi and Tali.

"Looks like you guys got this about wrapped up. That's...a lot of summoning."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 184/184](Kathy)
Thursday June 23rd, 2022 6:31:33 PM
Pru's elementals do not survive the fire damage this round whether they make their reflex saves or not.

Pru could summon more, of course, but the fight looks to be just about over. She stays where she is for now.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 180/217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+23=39 ;
Thursday June 23rd, 2022 9:31:57 PM
With mercurian speed, Pressi breaks through the vortex without any damage.

And she fires another single cast of ill omen at elemental 6.

And if Nick is offering, she does need ability damage fixed (but it's Charisma, so no hurries).

DM Hugh - Lake Fight Map d20+25=38 ; d20+25=31 ; d20+25=42 ; d20+25=43 ; d20+25=34 ; d20+25=39 ; d20+25=26 ; d20+25=27 ; d20+25=27 ; d100=93 ; 2d8+18=28 ; 10d6=32 ;
Thursday June 23rd, 2022 11:32:59 PM
(OOC: I believe your math is off on Murphy�s save. Because Murphy is wildshaped which I believe is essentially a long lasting polymorph effect and per the polymorph rule description under transmutation magic: The DC for any of these abilities equals your DC for the polymorph spell used to change you into that form. the DC of Murphy�s whirlwind is 10 + 7 (Murphy�s Wildshape functions as elemental body IV for wildshaping into elementals + Murphy�s Wisdom modifier (spellcasting stat) = 9 so 10 + 7 + 9 = 28)

Nikolai offers ability healing.
Murphy and his elementals also turn into vortexes and have a vortex party but the chaos elemental is nimble and rolled well except against Murphy so only Murphy�s vortex touches it and it is still not dead after that.
Kezzem moves next to Pressi and Tali and remarks at all the summons
Pru sees her elementals no longer survive and refrains from summoning more.
Pressi avoids the vortex and fires off another ill omen only to have her spell negated and suffer a -6 penalty to all stats for 1 round
(OOC: Tali can retroactively have a turn tomorrow)
The elemental moves through Murphy�s squares, Elemental 2, 3 and 4 squares and Pru�s squares requiring a DC 37 reflex save or take 28 damage. If Pru is damaged she needs to make a second DC 37 reflex save to avoid being picked up by the chaos elemental�s vortex.

The elemental then does something that takes a standard action.
Know [Planes] : 42 - Highlight to display spoiler: {It disabled its chaos field ability}

Everything not immune to fire takes 32 damage from the scalding water.

Elementals AC: 31, CMD 60 (Also, immune to crits as elementals)
Elemental 1: 361 damage (dead)
Elemental 2: 361 damage (Dead)
Elemental 3: 383 damage (Dead)
Elemental 4: 370 damage (dead)
Elemental 5: 378 damage (Dead)
Elemental 6: 257 damage
Elemental 7: 370 damage (Dead)
Elemental 8: 368 damage (Dead)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 213/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d4=3 ;
Thursday June 23rd, 2022 11:48:33 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Greater Heroism, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Greater Heroism HP = 20
SR = 25 forgot about this since it is new!

Ki pts 12/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries

Nikolai moves over to Pressi and uses a charge from his Staff of Healing to restore her Charisma some:
1d4 = 3 pts restored plus any fatigue or mores exhaustion to fatigue condition.

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 208/279. DR 10/Adamantine, DR 5/-, Foresight d20+21=33 ; d20+32=47 ;
Friday June 24th, 2022 1:54:34 AM

In halfling, Murphy says, "It's dropped its chaos field. Maybe a good time to hit it with spells." [Knowledge, Planes, 47/42] He took 28-10=18 hp from the vortex, and his stoneskin spell is used up. "It may be wanting to go down through the bottom."

Elder water elementals #2 and #3 evaporate in the hot water [it seems that hot water shouldn't bother water elementals too much, but, well, go figure.] Elemental #4 is still up.

[Will post actions sometime Friday... have other work I must do now.]

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells d20+13=17 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+19=24 ;
Friday June 24th, 2022 12:24:25 PM
Toothy is overcome by the water heat, but the reaming dire sharks move in on the last elemental. only Biter is able to make an attack, but he misses.

Succotash moves forward, and calls Valerie to himself at the same time. He than casts heal on her fixing all her ability damage,and healing to max.

Active Spells:

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire)
Resist Energy (fire)
Water Breathing
Freedom of Movement
Righteous Might 14/20
Haste

Dimensional hop 40/200

Augmented Dire Shark (Megalodon)

Chomper 41/142
Biter 41/142
Mr. Cuddles 41/142

N Gargantuan animal (aquatic)
Init +6; Senses blindsense 30 ft., keen scent; Perception +25

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 8, flat-footed 21 (+2 Dex, +15 natural, �4 size)
hp 142
Fort +16, Ref +13, Will +8

OFFENSE

Speed swim 60 ft.
Melee bite +19 (4d10+17/19�20 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (2d6+17 damage, AC 17, 11 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 34, Dex 15, Con 21, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +27 (+30 grapple); CMD 39
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +25, Swim +18

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38 +1; HP 182/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151
Friday June 24th, 2022 3:03:29 PM
"Is it trying to run?" asks Kezzem as he double moves towards the last elemental.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 184/184](Kathy) d20+18=22 ; d20+18=38 ; d20+18=23 ;
Friday June 24th, 2022 7:27:45 PM
Pru takes damage, but is not caught up in the vortex. She moves out of the vortex area. She doesn't understand halfling, and her own Knowledge check was not high enough, so she's not sure what's going on with the remaining elemental. There still seem to be plenty of summoned creatures to deal with it, though, so she holds any actions for now.

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 190/279. DR 10/Adamantine, DR 5/-, Foresight d20+25=40 ; 4d8+12=36 ; 2d10+11=23 ; 2d10+11=19 ; 2d10+11=25 ; 2d10+11=22 ;
Friday June 24th, 2022 9:09:06 PM

Murphy comes out of his vortex. Since he is still hasted, he slams one time into the chaos water elemental, AC 40, for 36 hp damage.

Summoned water elemental #4 comes down, and by repeated collisions, requires his opponent to make 4 DC28 Reflex saves, or take 23, 19, 25, and/or 22 hp damage (one set of damage per failed save, if any).

"Pru, anyone, can you do anything else against our foe?[/b]"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Friday June 24th, 2022 10:04:46 PM
Speechless

{OOC: Been under the weather the last two days}

With the last two rounds of Summon creature damages, MEG has perished. Tali wonders "if MEG just sinks to the bottom or goes back to whence she came?"

Tali casts her delayed spell; Glitterdust at Water element #6 some 110 feet away from her.

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 190/279. DR 5/-, Foresight
Sunday June 26th, 2022 2:55:22 PM

"Pru - you've got to learn halfling! The elemental has dropped its chaos field. If you have something that might affect it, give it a try!" Murphy encourages.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 180-60/217-60, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Sunday June 26th, 2022 9:33:45 PM
Pressi is feeling down with all the incoming stat damage, but she figures that she might as well try one more attempt while the chaos field is down.

So she casts a quickened bestow curse (Will DC 200) to apply the -4 penalty.)
---------

Rituals

Ritual of Warding: +1 to AC and saving throws
Ritual of Devices: 1d3 random drawbacks to magic item known to user
Ritual of Cheating Death: free action to designate as protected from death

Effects:

Moment of Prescience (+20 to single roll)
Rose Control (Endure Elements)
Water breathing
spell absorbtion (Ioun Stone)
spectral hand
fluid form (reach, swim speed, DR 10/slash)
Highlight to display spoiler: {Water elemental effect}
-6 to all stats (one round)

Spells Used:

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 3/6+1
L4: 1/5+1
L5: 1/5+1
L6: 0/5+1
L7: 3/4+1
L8: 1/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Items Used

Water Breathing (2)
Align Scrolls (2)
FoM Scroll: 1
horn of blasting

DM Hugh - Lake Fight Map d20+25=39 ; d20+25=33 ; d20+25=32 ; d20+25=27 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+8=11 ;
Monday June 27th, 2022 12:20:52 AM
Nikolai restores Pressi�s charisma.
Murphy tells the others in halfling that the elemental dropped its chaos field. He then attacks while his elemental does its vortex thing catching it once.
Succotash�s remaining summons miss and he heals Valerie
Kezzem asks if it is trying to run
Pru takes damage and moves out of the vortex area holding off on any actions for now.
Tali casts glitterdust. The elemental is blinded.
Pressi casts bestow curse and the elemental is cursed

The blind elemental swims further down the opening but going slower in its blinded state. It then uses a spell like ability on itself
Spellcraft DC 23 Highlight to display spoiler: { Polymorph any object} targeting itself.
It is there one minute and the next there is nothing but water where it used to be
Combat is over.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d20=12 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ;
Monday June 27th, 2022 11:24:10 AM
Succotash gather everyone together and than channels energy twice healing everyone a total of 87 HP. He than asks How everyone else is doing, prepared to use magic to remove conditions that may still exist.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38 +1; HP 276/276; Rumpus AC 41/19/32+4; HP 151/151 d8=3 ; d8=4 ;
Monday June 27th, 2022 12:53:33 PM
Kezzem takes out his wand of cure light wounds and tops himself off.

Healing: 1d8 + 1 = 3 + 1 = 4.
Healing: 1d8 + 1 = 3 + 1 = 5.

"Anyone else need the happy stick?" he asks.

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 190/279. DR 5/-, Foresight d20+25=32 ; d20+45=47 ;
Monday June 27th, 2022 4:41:25 PM
Murphy recognizes (spellcraft 32/23) and tells others that the elemental just used a polymorph any object ability on itself.

With perception of 47, is he able to discern what it polymorphed into, and where it now is located? If so, he let's everyone know.

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 190/279. DR 5/-, Foresight
Monday June 27th, 2022 4:41:47 PM
Murphy recognizes (spellcraft 32/23) and tells others that the elemental just used a polymorph any object ability on itself.

With perception of 47, is he able to discern what it polymorphed into, and where it now is located? If so, he lets everyone know.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+1=13 ;
Monday June 27th, 2022 8:39:51 PM
With the single round total damage gone, and the charisma damage done, Pressi alerts that she is now completely fine.

If it wasn't for the warning that they'd be under total surveillance from the beginning, the fact that one escaped would freak her out by now.

Instead, she could freak out that she had no way of knowing where her pet went or how to get it. It could take hours to even make sure the pet didn't die on her.

Prudence Komonov d20+25=28 ;
Monday June 27th, 2022 9:37:19 PM
Pru dismisses her invisibility, but for now, remains in water elemental form. Having a swim speed is nice.

"It polymorphed something," she agrees. "Maybe itself, maybe something around it. Is the gate still there?"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Monday June 27th, 2022 10:09:13 PM
Blinded by the Glitter!

Tali exclaims, "I can't believe that worked!" "Thank you, Mister Succotash for the healing!" states Tali. Turning towards Mister Murphy, Tali begins "MIster Murphy, so it polymorphed itself into Water?!"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 213/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+39=58 ;
Tuesday June 28th, 2022 12:38:50 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Greater Heroism, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Greater Heroism HP = 20
SR = 25 forgot about this since it is new!

Ki pts 12/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries

Perception +39 = 58

Nikolai puts his keen perception skill to the test by looking for whatever wasn't there before but is there now. A small fish, a jelly fish, a shrimp, a seashell falling to the floor, etc.

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map d20=10 ; d20=12 ; 2d10+18=30 ; 2d10+18=25 ; d20=19 ; d20=10 ; 10d6=42 ; d20=13 ; d20=8 ; 2d10+18=31 ; 2d10+18=35 ; d20=8 ; d20=6 ; d4=3 ; 10d6=41 ;
Tuesday June 28th, 2022 7:26:04 AM
Succotash gathers everyone together and asks how everyone is doing.
Kezzem uses his wand of cure light wounds to top himself off before asking if anyone else needs his happy stick.
Murphy recognizes the spell and tells the others it used polymorph any object on itself. He tries to figure out what happened.
Pressi is back to normal, thinks about them being under surveillance and wonders how to get her pet back.
Pru dismisses invisibility but remains as a water elemental. She asks if the gate is still there.
Tali says she can�t believe that worked and then suggests the chaos elemental turned into water.
Nikolai puts his keen observation skills to use but doesn�t spot the last enemy.

(OOC: yes the chaos elemental turned into water)

The party regroups after that last battle. The Dark tunnel beckons them further.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Tuesday June 28th, 2022 12:03:59 PM
"I must confess that was less than enjoyable. How do we get Harper back? I would ask the gods, but the only divination spell I have prepared is augury, and that won't tell us much. Anyone else have any ideas?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Tuesday June 28th, 2022 3:29:54 PM

Pressi decided that she'll have to wait until dry land before worrying about it. (Miracle/Wish is probably their best avenue at this point, but she could try instead to divine the pet's location.)

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Tuesday June 28th, 2022 9:51:11 PM
A Deeper Dive

"Succotash, I concur, its was not that enjoyable. Onwards, my friends, onto a deeper dive?" beckons Tali has she twirls her hands into a flourish.

Prudence Komonov
Tuesday June 28th, 2022 10:10:11 PM
"Yes, onwards," Pru agrees.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 213/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday June 29th, 2022 12:52:52 AM
Nikolai concurs. Only one option, and that is to continue onward.

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 277/279. DR 5/-, Foresight d20+45=58 ;
Wednesday June 29th, 2022 5:58:55 AM

Murphy dismisses with a quick word of gratitude the remaining elder water elemental, and then the giant snapping turtles. He wonders about the one turned to stone. How might that work out for him? He resolves to investigate later.

"Thanks, Succo!" the druid acknowledges the blessings of the healing waves his friend sent out.

"You are willing to wait until later to find Harper?" Murphy asks Pressi, wanting to be certain she is sure. If so, he will forge ahead.

"PRUDENCE:* I asked you about three or four times if you could cast, or did cast, telepathic bond upon all of us. Did you happen to hear me?" he asks with a watery elemental smile. [So, do we already have it? If not, would you be so kind as to cast the spell for us?]

Once Pru casts the spell (or declines so to do), unless someone objects to his making this move, Murphy swims toward the exit, wondering if the water continues, or if there is stone or the like in the way of passage. If stone or similar obstacle, he will shift into huge earth elemental, and carefully glide - off to one side down near the edge of the exit. He uses his tremor sense to discern anything making any movement in the local environment (up to 60' away).

Keep in mind 9th-level Foresight which should give Murphy a warning an a precaution to take before he does something that might threaten him.

* - Not shouting - just want to be sure you notice it, Kathy
===========
Perception: 58

Spell effects, etc.
Hasted 10 rnds; Darkvision 19 hr 59 min; Telepathic Bond 3 hr 19 min; Mage armor 19 hr 59 min;
Protection from energy (fire/heat) 3 hr 19 min 120hp; Foresight 3 hr 19 min; Longstrider 19 hr 59 min (+10 land movement); Freedom of movement 3 hr 19 min; Stoneskin 3 hr 19 min DR 10/adamantine; Heroes' Feast 11 hr 29 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects. +16 temp hp; Magic fang, greater (from legacy item).

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map
Wednesday June 29th, 2022 6:10:35 AM
Succotash confesses that was less than enjoyable then asks how are they supposed to get Harper back.
Press suggests they wait until they reach dry land to worry about it.
Tali agrees that was not enjoyable and suggests they press on.
Pru agrees with Tali.
Nikolai thinks that�s really the only option.
Murphy proceeds cautiously and asks about telepathic bond.

The underwater tunnel is fairly long. Certainly long enough for the boiling water to eliminate all of the summons. Whatever light was shining from above quickly fades away, requiring the party to use magic to light the way forward for those without darkvision. It leads them deeper and deeper, eventually curving to start heading horizontally instead of deeper into the earth. As they travel they find themselves in a space where the tunnel widens into an oval chamber - at the bottom rests a skeleton of some kind and it has gates on both sides.

The entrance to this huge chamber is adorned with 2 massive columns constructed from the rib bones of whales. Scrimshaw pictographs depict the cultists getting in longboats and harpooning many whales to death in order to harvest enough bones to craft their construct.

Another column depicts the unholy ritual the cultists enacted in order to bring forth their hellish creation. They crafted a monster from the bones of the whale and bargained with a devil to make it even more powerful.

Murphy's foresight warns them of danger as soon as they enter the chamber.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151
Wednesday June 29th, 2022 1:55:08 PM
"Yeah, that thing looks smitable," says Kezzem. "Hey guys, you know I can like share smites now, right? Well, within 10 feet. We're usually been fighting constructs and elementals lately, so I haven't really had a chance to use that ability yet."

OOC: Also, I noticed I've been neglecting Kezzem's damage reduction. Going to add that to the header so I remember.

Prudence Komonov
Wednesday June 29th, 2022 2:38:23 PM
In the tunnel, Pru casts Telepathic Bond on the party, and casts Darkvision on herself, and on Nikolai, if he needs it.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Wednesday June 29th, 2022 6:58:00 PM
"Thanks for the bond Pru, that'll come in handy" Succotash mounts up on Valerie, and let's the light spell that's been cast on her head bow, guide the way. When they enter the whale bone monster room, Succotash says, "Well that's all kinds of wrong, keep your eyes open friends!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Wednesday June 29th, 2022 8:57:09 PM
Having given up on getting a break to divine Harper, Pressi spends some time reviewing the images, hoping to glean some idea of what they are looking at.

She uses her remote viewing (clairvoyance) for a round to look ahead. She casts upon herself a shield of faith.

---------

Rituals

Ritual of Warding: +1 to AC and saving throws
Ritual of Devices: 1d3 random drawbacks to magic item known to user
Ritual of Cheating Death: free action to designate as protected from death (used)

Effects:

Moment of Prescience (+20 to single roll)
Rose Control
Water breathing
spell absorbtion (Ioun Stone)
Highlight to display spoiler: {Water elemental effect}
shield of faith

Spells Used:

L1: 2/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 3/6+1
L4: 1/5+1
L5: 1/5+1
L6: 0/5+1
L7: 3/4+1
L8: 1/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Items Used

Water Breathing (2)
Align Scrolls (2)
FoM Scroll: 1
horn of blasting

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+20=36 ;
Wednesday June 29th, 2022 10:07:32 PM
Whale-Bone Construct?!

While Tali listens to the story about the Whale-Bone Pictograms about Cultists deal with a Devil for their Mammal-Boned Construct, Tali looks about while wearing her Googles of the Night , to figure out what's what. (Skill check: Perception: 36)

Spells in Effect::

Overland-flight
Mage Armor

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 277/279. DR 5/-, Foresight
Wednesday June 29th, 2022 11:17:47 PM

"Who is the devil?" Murphy wonders aloud. He gets to thinking that he might be able to do much more bone crunching if he changes form. "A living whale I would love to befriend. Several slain whales, twisted and turned by abominations, I would as soon destroy. My danger sense is on high alert, but has not yet clued me in as to WHAT specifically is dangerous nor in what way."

Foresight: "You receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself."

So Murphy is pumping foresight to give him a clear notion as to what he might do to best protect himself against this vague looming threat, rather than learning after the harm already has come his way... "Hmmm... what is the best thing I can do to counter what may be about to befall us?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 213/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+39=57 ;
Wednesday June 29th, 2022 11:24:45 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Greater Heroism, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Greater Heroism HP = 20
Darkvision
SR = 25 forgot about this since it is new!

Ki pts 12/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries

OOC: let us know when our Haste and Greater Heroism expires

IC: Nikolai thanks Pru for the Darkvision. 'Thanks Pru. I'd rather not shine a light down here'.

The evidence on the bones indicates a big fight ahead with some bony thing.
Perception +39 = 57

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map
Thursday June 30th, 2022 7:17:01 AM
Kezzem wonders if a hellish whalebone construct is smitable and that he can share smites. Sadly if it is a construct it would still be neutral even if a devil went into empowering it.
Pru casts Telepathic Bond on the party and Darkvision on Nikolai and herself.
Succotash thanks Pru for the bond and suggests the scrimshaw is all kinds of wrong and that they should keep their eyes open.
Pressi gives up on getting a moment to divine Harper and uses remote viewing to get an idea of what is coming up and casts shield of faith. Pressi sees a lumbering whale skeleton that has a set of bony legs affixed to its frame. Its bones bear complex scrimshaw patterns.
Tali looks around with her goggles of night trying to tell what is what and can concur with the others that the massive columns do show the story of cultists harpooning whales, turning them into a construct and making a deal with some kind of devil to give it more power.

Murphy suggests he might be able to do some bone crunching if he changes forms. He says he�d befriend a living whale but he wants to destroy the twisted abomination. He asks out loud who the devil is and tries to figure out what the best way he can defend himself. Murphy gets the impression of a fear aura, and a breath weapon so powerfully evil it can burn underwater. As he ponders about the devil he gets an insight that if they could somehow get a copy of the contract it wouldn�t attack them and that perhaps all this scrimshaw actually means something in terms of how the construct functions.

Nikolai thanks Pru for the spells and suggests that they have to fight some big bony thing

Attempts to spot whatever danger awaits fails - it�s not in line of sight from the door. You�d have to enter the room, which Murphy�s foresight warns the group will cause the doors to start to close. You�ll all have to move in together else risk someone getting locked in without the team to back them up.

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 277/279. DR 5/-, Foresight
Thursday June 30th, 2022 10:37:47 AM

Murphy passes on his surmise to all via their telepathic bond (thanks, Pru!) that we need to figure how to get a copy of the contract. "Let's spend a few moments to decipher the scrimshaw. Once we go through those doors, they will close behind us, so let's first figure this out - and when we're ready, let's go as a group. Oh, there's some sort of a fear aura, and a breath weapon so potent in its evil that it can burn underwater.

"So, help us figure this out, see if we can find or decipher a copy of the contract before we move on."

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 277/279. DR 5/-, Foresight d20+19=26 ; d20+23=35 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+32=42 ; d20+46=50 ; d20+23=34 ; d20+21=37 ; d20+14=32 ;
Thursday June 30th, 2022 10:53:41 AM

Murphy speaks, reads, writes: Giant, Auran, Dwarf, Orc, Terran, Aquan, Ignan, Old High Woldian, Ancient Scab language (precursor of dwarven - what Iron Giant dwarf pilot read to 'repair' broken wife), Infernal, Celestial. Also Halfling, Common, Elf, Goblin, Druidic, Sylvan.

Perhaps the ancient Scab language, Infernal, Ignan, Aquan, or Old High Woldian may help - or other languages the halfling speaks.

Maybe his profession, artist skill (26) may come in handy in interpreting the art work of the scrimshaw.
Other possibly relevant skill checks:
Craft, woodworking: 32 (not bone carving, but obliquely related)
Knowledge, history: 35
Knowlege, local: 34
Knowledge, religion: 27 (sorry, double clicked - yet got the same score twice!)
Knowledge, the planes: 32
Linguistics: 37
Perception: 50

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Thursday June 30th, 2022 12:27:58 PM
Succotash knows the following languages: Halfling, Draconic, Goblin, Infernal, Common, Orc, Celestial, Abyssal, Giant, Dwarven, Elven, Sylvan, Old Woldian, Terran, Ignan, Auran, Aquan, Gnome, Undercommon, Tauric, Sphinx, and Drow sign language.

Succotash joins Murphy in trying to decipher the scrimshaw, though he has know idea what he is looking for.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151
Thursday June 30th, 2022 2:52:37 PM
"You guys got this!" says Kezzem helpfully.

Kezzem speaks no languages not already mentioned.

Prudence Komonov
Thursday June 30th, 2022 3:03:28 PM
Pru only speaks Common and Dwarven, so she joins Kezzem in the cheering section. "You're all so smart," she marvels. "I know you'll have it in no time!"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+30=32 ;
Thursday June 30th, 2022 8:25:54 PM

Pressi watches Murphy and Succotash go at lots of languages. "And I thought that I was supposed to be the skills nut."

With pretty much every normal language (and then some) covered, Pressi fires a "read magic" from her tatoo, and "detect magic" as a cantrip. If that still doesn't work, she fires off a "comprehend language."

Finally, she makes a Know Arcana check on the creature itself (32).

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 213/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday July 1st, 2022 1:06:46 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Greater Heroism, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Greater Heroism HP = 20
Darkvision
SR = 25 forgot about this since it is new!

Ki pts 12/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries

Nikolai speaks Common, Elven, Dwarven, Gnoll, Abyssal, and a little Hafling. So he studies the inscription as best he can.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+20=21 ; d20+27=34 ;
Friday July 1st, 2022 4:22:04 AM
Big Boney Surprise

Tali is at a loss with how to move as one, Tali casts True Seeing onto herself in an effort to "gain the ability to see all things as they actually are." in this room/area. With this effort, Tali will use her skills to assist her as well.

Skill Checks:
Perception: 21 (NAT 1)!
Knowledge Arcana: 34

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map
Friday July 1st, 2022 6:58:54 PM
Murphy uses the telepathic link to tell the others what he has surmised and then starts using his wide range of language skills coupled with his appreciation of art to try to figure out a way to get a copy of the contract with the devil used to construct it.
Succotash is also a talented linguist and joins Murphy in attempting to get a clue from the art.
Kezzem cheers them on
Pru also plays cheerleader.
Pressi uses read magic, detect magic and her knowledge of arcana to learn more about what is going on.
Nikolai shares what languages he speaks.
Tali casts true seeing.

Pressi can puzzle out based on Murphy�s description of a scrimshawed whale monster that it is likely a Killikut but a lot of what he is describing suggests that it has been modified somehow due to the contract with the devil. It is hard to know what of its base abilities remained intact due to the unusual nature of the construct.

With several minutes of research, educated guesses, and the wide variety of skills the party has they might be able to figure out the name of the demon the contract was formed with and summon it. If they do so they might be able to find out more or even greatly weaken the enemy. But is it worth the risk of dealing with a powerful demon?

Prudence Komonov
Friday July 1st, 2022 9:12:08 PM
"I vote 'no' to summoning a demon," Pru says. "I think the risks outweigh the reward."

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 277/279. DR 5/-, Foresight
Sunday July 3rd, 2022 5:55:50 AM

"Might the powers of darkness work against one another?" Murphy asks (telepathically). "Well, they might. But I'd rather petition the powers of light, for what better to overcome darkness? Why do we not now appeal to the gods we serve?" he enjoins his friends.

"I have served Eberyon for years now, shortly after my brother, sisters, and cousins fought against him, the adventurers of the Wold prevailed, and they chose mercy for him, and reform. Indeed, he did reform, and that measure of humility after his former display of overweening pride won my heart over. Ever have I served him faithfully. Though regularly he has blessed me through my acquisition of spells and druidic power, never, to my limited knowledge, has he directly come to my aid. If he has, and I was unaware, I ask his forgiveness for failure to acknowledge. So, I shall ask the one whom I have served for his aid, his guidance, his counsel, his succor. Perhaps some of you may wish to do something similar."

Murphy comes out of wildshape, and raises his hands above his head in supplication, and prays thus:

"Lord Eberyon, you have great power, and so much of nature is yours. So much of beauty. You are creator of the Wold's Cradle, and King of the Fey. I have sought to serve you as I perceived you would want me to do. I must confess that I have fallen short from time to time, and thus I seek your forgiveness and restoration. In those ways I may have pleased you, I am grateful for the gifts you have given to enable me so to do, and grateful to my friends for their help in doing good. We face ever-increasing dangers, and now, I sense, we face a series of great tests and challenges.

"A power is now attempting to arise, and appears to be allied with devils. We have gotten to know several of this power's followers. We see the evil deeds of the power's followers. I beseech your aid against this power. Thank you, Lord Eberyon, for bending your ear to hear my prayer."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 213/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday July 4th, 2022 12:32:15 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Greater Heroism, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Greater Heroism HP = 20
Darkvision
SR = 25 forgot about this since it is new!

Ki pts 12/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries

"Well, surely it won't close until the last 'body' is past. If we hold hands and huddle up in a circle, we can swim past as one. Worry about the bonny thing later. We don't have any option but go forward anyway."

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 277/279. DR 5/-, Foresight
Monday July 4th, 2022 12:42:02 AM

"We have the option to prepare before we enter, Nikolai," Murphy mentally murmurs as he remains open to any heavenly response.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Monday July 4th, 2022 4:33:16 AM
Pressi listens closely to Murphy, thinking he was going to do some divination or conjuring. But he really was just going to do some normal prayer, with what she assumed would be normal results.

She thinks about her kikituk. �The big thing is that scrimshaw pattern can be altered, changing its nature and ability. Though nobody is going to have an erase spell.�

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map
Monday July 4th, 2022 9:01:02 AM
Pru votes no on summoning the devil.
Murphy comes out of wildshape to offer up a prayer to Eberyon suggesting the others do the same.
Nikolai discusses how to ensure everyone gets inside quickly enough. It doesn�t look like it�ll be a problem, the gate is wide enough (the gate thing is just so 1 person doesn�t go scouting solo)
Pressi comments on the erase spell and wonders what exactly Murphy expects from just normal prayer.

The only response to Murphy�s prayer is a slightly greater then normal awareness of his own magical powers. It seems beyond providing incredible magical powers that refresh every morning the gods can�t or won�t provide direct aid. That�s been enough in the past, hopefully it�ll be enough for the immediate future.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Monday July 4th, 2022 12:39:14 PM
Succotash says, "Nope, nope, nope, and nope. I will have nothing to do with summoning a demon. I would rather face Lord Gargul with a clean conscience than gain a possible advantage by summoning a demon. Besides, what if the fiend turns on us? Than we would have to fight both the construct and the demon. I would rather just take my chances, and pray that the gods show us favor."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151
Monday July 4th, 2022 1:56:11 PM
"Are you seriously considering summoning a devil/demon?" asks Kezzem. "That will just increase our problems. You can't just trust those guys. They're worst that Katia. In this case, the enemy of my enemy is still my enemy."

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 277/279. DR 5/-, Foresight
Monday July 4th, 2022 7:35:30 PM

Murphy tells the group after a moment, "I sense my Lord Eberyon is telling us, 'You've got this.'"

"What is 'kikituk' Pressi?" he asks his wife. "Ah, erase might be wise on the scrimshaw, but it's not one of my spells, no. Do you know how to alter the scrimshaw? I have tools with me - they are for working on hardwood, but should work on bone, I think. Of course, the act of altering it could set something off, I suppose."

He casts a fresh stoneskin spell on himself.

Then asks, "What if we wrap these bones in silk rope? We might be able to pull them together, crack them, with us surrounding, pulling different directions." He gets out four 50' lengths of silk rope, and offers some to whoever would like to join in on this plan, then shape changes into a huge, buff earth elemental. "Harder for something to pull me around this way, than as a halfling." If it looks like any think his plan workable, he will join in with others to begin a wrapping party.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Monday July 4th, 2022 8:02:30 PM
�Ok, look, I know we�re supposed to be all high and mighty but deals with the devil are how I get hot coffee in the morning so I�m not loving the judgement here. Let�s not forget that anything used to take down this beast is a spell that we could have used to take down the actual bad guy, so if we can bypass it with some will, we should. Besides, you know what�s worse to take down than a devil when you�re a spell caster team. A stupid construct.�

Prudence Komonov
Monday July 4th, 2022 9:29:27 PM
Pru watches Murphy's preparations with some alarm. "I....don't pull things," she says at last, still looking worried. "Do we really want sharp bones flying all over the place?"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Monday July 4th, 2022 9:43:57 PM
Greater Teleport

Tali wonders, "if they could all just Greater Teleport past the next room?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 213/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday July 4th, 2022 11:58:47 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Greater Heroism, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Greater Heroism HP = 20
Darkvision
SR = 25 forgot about this since it is new!

Ki pts 12/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries

NIkolai simply states, "It is never a good idea to bring in an enemy when you don't need another enemy. Like, you really think you'd have the ability to convice a demon to tell you how to kill this thing he helped create? And believe in what it says? Like you can 'Detect Lies' on a demon? Or subject it to a 'Zone of Truth'? Just teleport us past the entrance so we guarantee we are all in, then fight the thing. Sonic spells could have quite a bone shattering effect, or Raise Dead. But..."

DM Mitch Lake Fight Map
Tuesday July 5th, 2022 8:25:00 AM
Succotash is vehemently against summoning a devil. He�d rather face Lord Gargul with a clean conscience than deal with the added trouble of a devil on top of the construct considering it could turn south and they�d have to fight both.
Kezzem incredulously asks if the party is seriously considering summoning an evil outsider as they are worse than Ketia.
Murphy tells the others Eberyon is telling them they got this before asking his wife more details about the construct and if she knows how to alter scrimshaw. He even suggests maybe they could crack the decorative whalebone pillars and take them with them.
Pressi isn�t liking the way the party is getting all judgy over devil summoning so she lets the party know. She also suggests any edge over a construct is worth seeking since a Devil is less difficult for a party than a construct.
Pru is alarmed by Murphy�s suggestion to take the whalebone columns with them. She says she doesn�t pull things and asks if they really want bone shards flying everywhere
Tali contemplates trying to figure out if they could just teleport beyond the whale bone guardian into the next room.
Nikola suggests it isn�t a good idea to bring in another enemy considering devils are evil so how could you know if you could trust it. He suggests somethings they could try on it like raise dead or sonic spells.

Int check 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { A massive whale bone construct partially empowered by an infernal construct probably isn�t going to stand all nice and still while you get your tools out and start scratching out symbols on its bone. The erase spell is magic and works as such. No need to make yourself vulnerable trying to deal with what is carved into the creature. It can probably be killed like any other construct. }

If the party isn�t going to consult a demon then the only thing left to do is make any final preparations and start the battle. As the party was previously told there is no way to magically skip through the dungeon without engaging the guards due to Scald�s own magic preventing things like teleport.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells d20+3=14 ;
Tuesday July 5th, 2022 11:21:52 AM
int check 14 (fail)

Since we can't move forward, until we face this construct thingy, let's get this over with. I'll cast bless just before we engage. Are we ready, or is there some more prep we wish to do?"

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 277/279. DR 5/-, Foresight d20+6=15 ; d20+46=64 ; d20+31=42 ; d20+31=34 ; 4d8+12=29 ; 4d8+12=26 ;
Tuesday July 5th, 2022 2:11:31 PM

"Sorry, hon, let's reserve talking things over with devils or demons for some other occasion," Murphy chats with his wife. "Who knows? That opportunity may come later on this week."

Since no one else seems keen to help out with the rope-'em-up tactic, Murphy switches back for a moment to halfling, stows three of the ropes, but keeps one out, and also pulls out the silk rope harness he made some time ago so that his friends can use him as a water taxi, then wild shapes to his water elemental form, easing into the harness, since the party is still in an aquatic environment.

Allowing time for whatever pre-move-in actions any other party members want to take, thus just before they go together through the doors, and from his new wand, Murphy casts prayer (10 rounds) (You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a -1 penalty on such rolls). That stacks with Succotash's bless (Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects. Bless counters and dispels bane.)

For attack rolls: +1 luck, +1 morale
For weapon damage: +1 luck
For saves: +1 luck, vs fear add also +1 morale
For skill checks: +1 luck
Bad guy(s): attack, damage, saves, skills: -1 luck

"Grab on to the harness if you want as we go in. Let go when you figure you're in a good spot. Let's do this - together." He also communicates his plan to flow by the scrimshawed monster, then come back against it. Murph leads the way, hauling those who want the assistance, and briefly checking to ensure none are left behind. He swims past the kikituk - preferably at a distance of more than 20', out of reach, so that people can drop off along the way where they wish to, then he turns and accelerates toward the bony thing to slam it.

If able to get that far, he slams AC 42 for 29 damage (add 1 to damage if haste is going), and AC 34 for 26 (or 27) damage.

[OOC: The DM is fully free to cut down on the actions herein described (such as 'you get this far before X happens'). Since Murph is providing underwater taxi service, I wanted to describe his trajectory so everyone can use that to determine their actions.]
=============
Intelligence check: 15/15
Perception: 64 (that's almost x-ray vision!)

Spell effects, etc.
Hasted 20 rnds [/i](if Nikolai casts again)[i]; Darkvision 20 hr; Telepathic Bond 3 hr 20 min; Mage armor 20 hr;
Protection from energy (fire/heat) 3 hr 20 min 120hp; Foresight 3 hr 20 min; Longstrider 20 hr (+10 land movement); Freedom of movement 3 hr 20 min; Stoneskin 3 hr 20 min DR 10/adamantine; Heroes' Feast 11 hr 30 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects. +16 temp hp; Magic fang, greater (from legacy item); Prayer 10 rounds; Bless 20 rounds.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Tuesday July 5th, 2022 6:58:20 PM
(Int check instapass.)

"Hold on, Murphy. I realized that erase only really works because it's near instant. Even with flight and some smarts, it's probably better to take it on as a normal construct than try to rewrite stuff while he moves around.

"Speaking of which, how much do you want to bet this thing, imposing as it is, doesn't fly. Maybe it's time for the flight spells and some pits."

With that, Pressi takes the form of a brass dragon and takes flight.

Prudence Komonov
Tuesday July 5th, 2022 9:29:17 PM
"Well, they don't need to fly," Pru points out. "We're underwater."

[OOC: Aren't we underwater? Now I'm really confused. Are we supposed to beat up this statue before we can go anywhere? Is the gate still there?]

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Tuesday July 5th, 2022 9:45:53 PM
Odd

I can't roll any dice:

Roll Dice Error loading XML document (error, undefined,[object XMLHttpRequest])Roll Dice Error loading XML document (error, undefined,[object XMLHttpRequest])Roll Dice Error loading XML document (error, undefined,[object XMLHttpRequest])

-=-
Tali goes with the group.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 213/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 12:39:21 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Greater Heroism, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Greater Heroism HP = 20
Darkvision
SR = 25 forgot about this since it is new!

Ki pts 12/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries

ooc: yes, we are still underwater. I suppose you can 'fly' like a manta ray would, but...

IC: Nikolai sticks by Pru. "Who's gonna go prick that thing?"

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 7:56:47 AM
�Ok, look, I know we�re supposed to be all high and mighty but deals with the devil are how I get hot coffee in the morning so I�m not loving the judgement here. Let�s not forget that anything used to take down this beast is a spell that we could have used to take down the actual bad guy, so if we can bypass it with some will, we should. Besides, you know what�s worse to take down than a devil when you�re a spell caster team. A stupid construct.�

DM Mitch Kitikut Map d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 9:10:12 AM
Kezzem suggests they just get this over with and says he�ll cast bless before they engage.
Murphy tells Pressi to reserve the talking to devils and demons for another time. He puts his ropes away since no one wants to play rope em up with the construct and instead readies his harness in case folks want him to play water taxi. Right before they go in he readies to casts prayer which is a 40 foot radius burst centered on Murphy (OOC: effects only last within 40 feet of Murphy) He tells the others to hang on as he wants to flow past the Killikut dropping others off then flow back against it.

Pressi suggests they not stand still while trying to scratch out the scrimshaw with tools as erase is instant. She says she bets the construct doesn�t fly and then turns into a brass dragon.
Pru points out the Killikut doesn�t need to fly since they are underwater.
Tali goes with the group. (When that happens try to make a post, it may fail, but when the page reloads that after an attempted post that usually fixes it)
Nikolai sticks by Pru suggesting maybe Pressi wants to fly like a Manta Ray
Pressi is not liking the judgment going on right now.

The party swims forward into the chamber. The gate slowly closes behind them, as does one on the other side. They brace for an attack by the construct only to see� nothing.

You can definitely feel it though. A crawling, sickly, rotting sensation that permeates the area. It quickly goes from uncomfortable to painful - everyone takes 17 damage as their skin rots.

True seeing or other invisibility detection Highlight to display spoiler: { You see a great whale skeleton resting on the soft sand below. As the party enters it lights up with a hellish glow and rises up into the center of the room looking at the party with empty eye sockets. Two smaller skeletons of some other aquatic animal swim up as well, flanking the party.

All who see it are affected by it�s frightful presence - DC 31 will save or be shaken.) }

Map should be in the header. Please place yourselves on it.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells d20+29=38 ;
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 11:50:28 AM
Realizing they are facing an invisible enemy, Succotash casts true seeing on himself, and sees the whale monstrosity, as well as its friends. He shrugs off the fear aura (rolled 38) and lets his friends know what he sees. He also warns about the fear aura.

Without a clear target, and with no orders from Succotash, Valerie holds he position.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 259/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 2:12:30 PM
Kezzem activates detect evil (move action) and takes a defensive stance (total defense).

"This is not a good chamber," says Kezzem. "Can somebody glitterdust up in here?"

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 277/279. DR 5/-, Foresight d20+31=50 ; d20+32=38 ; 4d8+13=20 ;
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 3:56:40 PM

Did we come in through the right sight of the map, or the left side? I'm thinking the right side, but would appreciate knowing for certain. What is the depth and height of the room with the Kikituk? (If it's a cube, then the question is answered, with 60' height, length, and breadth - if otherwise, please let us know). [btw, please rename the map to Kikituk instead of Kitikut]

Will save 50/31 - Murphy is not shaken, so he will see that things are stirred.

As stated earlier, Murphy had entered, swimming in a loop. Based upon the DM post, will assume there was no time to bash into the skeleton. Will use the previously rolled attacks, but am putting in a free-action haste at the beginning of his turn, so adding to them. He slammed AC 42 for 29 damage, and AC 35 for 26 damage. And AC 38 for 20 damage.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:118/135
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 8:18:29 PM
Rotting Flesh

Tali gets unnerved as her flesh begins to rot. (Damage = 17) Tali casts Glitterdust outward from her position at F16, diagonally in a 10' foot radius starting at I13; just because, The spell lasts for 20 rounds.

Spells & other Effects
Overland flight
mage armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Heroes' Feast 11 hr 30 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus
Googles of the Night

Pressi (Melvin) - AC 29, HP 217, CMD 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 9:30:36 PM
Pressi reflects that maybe she should have tried more spells before transforming, especially if dealing with invisibility. (I think as a polymorphic dragon, she can still use spells without material components.)

Pressi takes a moment to cast spectral hand again.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 177/194]
Wednesday July 6th, 2022 10:01:11 PM
Pru isn't wild about the whole "rotting skin" thing either. She hears Succotash say their opponent is invisible, but she doesn't have any way of seeing the thing unless that Glitterdust works.

But Haste is always useful, so she casts it on the party.

Everyone is Hasted

DM Hugh - dice rolls d20+39=58 ; 4d6+27=41 ; d20+19=33 ; 10d6+5=44 ; 10d6+5=38 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday July 7th, 2022 12:19:22 AM
(notes)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 213/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+25=33 ;
Thursday July 7th, 2022 12:38:21 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Greater Heroism, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Greater Heroism HP = 20
Darkvision
SR = 25 forgot about this since it is new!

Ki pts 12/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries

Nikolai activates the See Invisibility power of his Hand of Glory.

Will +25 vs DC31 = 33 (is the Greater Heroism still working? probably not by now)

Nikolai shrugs off the gaze of the creatures and points out their locations, also warning his friends of the gaze.

DM Mitch Kitikut Map
Thursday July 7th, 2022 9:18:09 AM
Succotash casts true seeing on himself. He resists and warns about the fear aura. Valerie stands firm.
Kezzem casts detect evil. He detects the presence of evil. He�ll have to concentrate longer to get specific details. He requests glitterdust.
Know[Planes] DC 23 Kezzem + whoever else detected evil: Highlight to display spoiler: {Is the construct really evil or is the infernal contract empowering it reflecting the devil�s evil onto the construct?}
Murphy attempts to slam into the Kikituk. He hits once for only 23 damage and the Kikituk responds with an immediate AOO. Murphy is bitten by its razor sharp jaws. (58 vs AC; 41 damage)
Tali casts Glitterdust getting the Kikituk with it but the Kikituk is not blinded. (OOC: Will Save: 33 vs 24)
Dragon-Pressi casts spectral hand
Pru hastes the party.
Nikolai activates an item that lets him see the enemy.

The Kikituk spouts a hellfire breath weapon in an area equal to its own size. Murphy, Kezzem, Pru and Tali all take 44 fire damage plus 38 unholy damage; reflex DC 27 for half. The cloud of hellfire persists for 1 round so anyone still there next round or passing through also must take the damage and save for half and the hellfire also provides concealment as the fog cloud spell.

The offensive action causes its invisibility to drop. Anyone who hasn�t saved vs the frightful presence must now do so (DC 31 will save or be shaken)

The two smaller creatures move closer towards the party. They remain invisible.

The aura of decaying flesh strikes again for another 17 points of damage.

Also the rotting flesh aura confers 1 Strength damage per round you spend in it. Everyone has taken 2 Strength damage from last round and this round.

Kikituk : AC 39; DR 6/-; SR ?
23 damage
2 smaller creatures: unharmed

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells d20+7=11 ; d20+24=32 ; d20+29=36 ; d20+29=39 ; d20+29=40 ; d20+29=31 ; d20+29=47 ; d20+29=34 ; 4d6+16=31 ; 4d6+16=28 ; 2d6+16=24 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ;
Thursday July 7th, 2022 12:28:23 PM
Don't forget everyone that Succotash cast Bless and Murphy cast Prayer last round.

Valerie fails her will saved and is shaken

Succotash casts Implosion on Mr Big Bones. (SR roll = 32) If it makes it through the SR, the spell inflicts 200 damage.

Not being able to see the little guy, Valerie takes a 5 ft step and than goes into a full round frenzy against the kitikut.

Left Talon hits AC 36 - miss
Right Talon hits AC 39 for 31 damage plus 6 shock and 4 frost
haste Talon hits AC 40 for 28 damage plus 2 shock and 1 frost
Bite hits AC 31 - miss
Left Claw hits AC 47 for 24 damage plus 2 shock and 5 frost
Right Claw hits AC 34 miss

Active Spells:
Succotash:
Heroes Feast
True Seeing
Water Breathing
Bless
Prayer

Valerie:
Freedom of Movement
Heroes Feast
Water Breathing
Righteous Might 10/20
Bless
Prayer

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (actual 38) 29, HP 203/217+20, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+20=30 ; d20+19=36 ;
Thursday July 7th, 2022 9:36:53 PM

OOC: Sorry, I glossed over the whole underwater thing. Since we are still underwater, Pressi actually changed into a bronze dragon, which gives her a swim speed.

Pressi, shaken (barely), and feeling her boosts sap, tries to think. And it slowly dawns on her that it might be the other still invisible creatures they need to worry about. Once again, she wishes she had access to True Seeing.

Swooping around the hellfire (she happened to be in the corner) to the other side (flying if possible, otherwise swimming)(using spring attack), Pressi took a moment to reach out and activate her Lore Keeper ability.

(Attack roll 36 vs touch AC, Know Check 31 on the whale)

---------

Rituals

Ritual of Warding: +1 to AC and saving throws
Ritual of Devices: 1d3 random drawbacks to magic item known to user
Ritual of Cheating Death: free action to designate as protected from death (used)

Effects:

Moment of Prescience (+20 to single roll)
Rose Control
Water breathing
spell absorbtion (Ioun Stone)
Highlight to display spoiler: {Water elemental effect}
shield of faith
spectral hand
form of dragon (brass): +4 Str (-2), +2 Con, +4 AC, fly, darkvision, 60-foot line of electricity (6d8 damage), resist electricity 20, swim 60
prayer (if near murphy) - +1 on attack, damage, save, skills
hasted
shaken: -2 to attack rolls

Spells Used:

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 3/6+1
L4: 1/5+1
L5: 1/5+1
L6: 1/5+1
L7: 3/4+1
L8: 1/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Items Used

Water Breathing (2)
Align Scrolls (2)
FoM Scroll: 1
horn of blasting

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 141/194][shaken] d20+18=27 ; d20+17=21 ;
Thursday July 7th, 2022 10:08:42 PM
Pru does not take fire damage, but she does take 19 points of unholy damage [Reflex save 27]. Then she takes 17 points of rotting-flesh damage. She also takes Strength damage, which is going to result in some wacky hijinks if it keeps up.

She is shaken by the creature's frightful appearance.

She scoots out of the hellfire and casts Maze on the small creature closest to her.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 242/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151 d20+35=36 ;
Thursday July 7th, 2022 11:40:03 PM
Kez moves out of the hellfire next to one of the smaller creatures (assuming he can see it due to glitterdust).

He activates smite evil against it hoping it works since he detected evil.

Attack: 1d20 + 30 + 5 (Smite Evil) = 36. Natural 1.

Spells and Effects:
Endure Elements
Greater Magic Weapon
Protection from Energy (Fire)
Resist Energy (Fire)
Smite Evil (+5/+18)
Strength Damage: 2

DM Hugh - dice rolls d20+39=46 ; 4d6+27=39 ; d20+39=41 ; d6+16=20 ; d20+39=42 ; d6+16=19 ; d4+1=4 ; d20+39=51 ; 4d6+27=39 ; d20+40=50 ; d20+40=54 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ;
Friday July 8th, 2022 1:07:15 AM
(notes)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 193/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday July 8th, 2022 1:24:34 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Bless, Prayer.
Darkvision
SR = 25 forgot about this since it is new!

Ki pts 12/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.

OOC: hmm... no mention of strength damage until now, oh well...

Tell us what 'type' this rotting damage is. Nikolai is immune to diseases and poisons.
I'm not going to subtract damage until I know what kind.

IC:
Nikolai, if not still hasted, activates his Boots of Speed and swims up/down and around to end up behind T at J16 flanking it. If this one is NOT glitterdusted, ie still invisible, then he castes Faerie Fire on it BEFORE he moves. If this one IS the one glitterdusted, he casts the Faerie Fire on the other one BEFORE he moves.

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 260/279. DR 10/adamantine, Foresight d20+32=40 ; d20+46=61 ; d20+32=35 ; d20+32=46 ; d20+32=43 ; 4d8+13=33 ; 4d8+13=34 ; d20+21=24 ; d20+21=40 ;
Friday July 8th, 2022 6:02:06 AM

[Please see Kim's email with questions about the environment and combat!]

Fire damage: 44 off of Protection from Energy (fire)
Unholy damage: 19

Murphy stays above and hits the Kikituk with AC 46 for 33 hp damage
AC 43 for 34 hp damage

[Question for DM: Is a Scarab of Golembane effective against this construct, or its little companions?]

=======================
Knowledge, the planes: 40
Perception: 61

Spell effects, etc.
Hasted 20 rnds [/i](if Nikolai casts again)[i]; Darkvision 20 hr; Telepathic Bond 3 hr 20 min; Mage armor 20 hr; Protection from energy (fire/heat) 3 hr 20 min 120hp-44=76hp; Foresight 3 hr 20 min; Longstrider 20 hr (+10 land movement); Freedom of movement 3 hr 20 min; Stoneskin 3 hr 20 min DR 10/adamantine; Heroes' Feast 11 hr 30 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects. +16 temp hp; Magic fang, greater (from legacy item); Prayer 8 rounds; Bless 18 rounds.

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 260/279. DR 10/adamantine, Foresight
Friday July 8th, 2022 6:33:46 AM
[Oh, and since Prudence cast haste, Murphy free-action stops the haste from his boots of speed, so only one round used on that. Also, Nikolai did not need to use his boots of speed, as his wife already cast haste on everyone.]

Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:82/135 d20+23=27 ; d20+20=28 ; 20d6=72 ;
Friday July 8th, 2022 7:13:13 AM

Tali is shaken (Will DC 27/31) due to the frightful presence of the Kikituk.
She saves (Reflex DC 28/27) vs the hellfire breath weapon, and has resist energy, which absorbs 30 hp, and damage was 44/2=22, so no fire damage. Unholy damage 38/2=19 hp
Strength -2

The sorcerer casts chain lightning to strike first the kikituk, and then the other three opponents (all are within 30' of each other). Each takes 72 hp electrical damage. If the Kikituk makes a Reflex save DC 36, it will instead take half damage (36hp). The other three targets also each take 72 hp damage, unless they save vs DC 34 for 36 hp damage.

DM Mitch Kitikut Map d20+39=56 ; d20+39=59 ; d20+39=43 ; 4d6+27=47 ; 4d6+27=41 ; d20+21=35 ;
Friday July 8th, 2022 9:47:05 AM
Don't forget everyone that Succotash cast Bless and Murphy cast Prayer last round.

Succotash attempts to cast implosion on Mr Big Bones but it is a construct and not a valid target for the spell since it allows a Fort Save but does not also impact objects. (OOC: Keep the spell) Valerie goes into full frenzy against the Kitikut and also gets retaliatory strikes like Murphy did for her trouble. (46 vs AC; 39 damage - bite; 41 vs AC; 20 damage - claw; 42 vs AC; 19 damage - claw)
Pressi uses her lorekeeper ability against the construct.
Pressi: Highlight to display spoiler: {It has an ability that can banish a summons and then use the energy from the spell to summon its own ally. It also has the abilities Murphy�s foresight showed}
Pru casts Maze on the nearest smaller creature
Kezzem attempts to smite the nearest small creature but fails
Nikolai Faerie Fires one of the smaller, invisible creatures making it no longer invisible.
Murphy hits the creature twice. He is retaliated against twice vs AC 56 and 59 (crit, but elementals are immune to crits). He takes 47 and 41 damage. A golembane scarab would work for this enemy.
Tali chain lightnings the things. It kills the small construct (sorry, the other 2 didn�t actually spawn yet you posted while I was updating map for the new round)

The Kikituk moves into the corner and attacks Murphy again with its Jaws. (51 vs AC; 39 damage)

Perception DC 50: Highlight to display spoiler: {}Did something just drop off the Kikituk?Highlight to display spoiler: {}
Perception DC 54:Highlight to display spoiler: {}Did something just drop off the KikitukHighlight to display spoiler: {}

Rotting Flesh Aura:
Pressi + Murphy : 25 damage + 1 additional strength

Kikituk : AC 39; DR 6/-; SR ?
181 damage
smaller creature A: dead
smaller creature B: trapped in maze
2 ??? : unharmed

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 108/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 88(143)/170(143)Spells 15d6=63 ; d20+24=28 ;
Friday July 8th, 2022 11:00:24 AM
"Succotash you're a fool! You should have known that wouldn't work.", the cleric says to himself than tells Valerie to stay put. He than casts blade barrier, trying to land it on the kitikut, and whatever "T" is. Murphy should be high enough in the air to avoid damage, as the wall is only 20 ft tall. They both take 63 damage. (DC 28 reflex negates, SR 28)

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 260/279. DR 10/adamantine, Foresight d20+46=61 ;
Friday July 8th, 2022 12:42:10 PM

Murphy lets the others know, "A couple of things just dropped off the Kikituk."

Perception: 61 - both DC 50 and DC 54 succeed.

[will do more later, including hp updates - gotta get back to work]

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 141/194][shaken] d20+25=43 ; d20+19=30 ; 40d6=133 ; 5d6=17 ; 5d4+5=13 ;
Friday July 8th, 2022 2:55:52 PM
Pru's fire spells aren't much good underwater, and the construct is immune to many of the rest. But not all of the rest. Pru casts Disintegrate.

[SR check 43. Ranged touch attack 30 (Pru has the Precise Shot feat). Construct takes 133 damage; a successful Fort save (DC 23) means it only takes 17 damage. The spell affects objects.]

She follows it up with a quickened Magic Missile for 13 points of force damage.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (actual 38) 29, HP 203/217+20, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 6d8=20 ;
Friday July 8th, 2022 4:08:41 PM
Thankful that nobody has done it yet, Pressi shouts out a warning to avoid using summons.

She also fires her own breath weapon at the whale construct (20 damage electric).

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:118/135
Friday July 8th, 2022 9:04:44 PM
Big Guns[b]

Tali reaches into her front pocket and retrieves a gem, as she casts a [b]WISH spell.

Tali chooses Transport travelers[b] for this instance of her spell:

Tali using her [b]WISH spell, will Transport Kikituk & all his friends to the Shadow Kingdoms of Koshe Marr.

[b]Transport travelers[b]

A wish can lift one creature per caster level from anywhere on any plane and place those creatures anywhere else on any plane regardless of local conditions. An unwilling target gets a Will save to negate the effect, and spell resistance (if any) applies.

[b]Spells in Effect:[b]

Overland flight
mage armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Heroes' Feast 11 hr 30 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus
Googles of the Night
Hasted

DM Hugh - dice rolls d20+20=30 ; d20+7=12 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+21=39 ; d20+19=26 ; d20=9 ; d20+24=35 ; d4=1 ; d6=4 d6=3
Sunday July 10th, 2022 11:50:50 PM
(notes)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151 d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d20+35=46 ; d20+35=49 ; d20+35=54 ; d20+35=42 ; d20+30=47 ; d20+25=45 ; d20+25=37 ; d20+20=40 ; d3+25=28 ; d6=6 ; d3+25=27 ; d6=1 ; d3+25=28 ; d6=1 ; d3+25=26 ; d6=2 ; d3+25=27 ; d6=4 ; d3+25=27 ; d6=2 ; d3+25=27 ; d6=5 ; d3+25=28 ; d6=2 ; d10+6=9 ;
Monday July 11th, 2022 12:32:10 AM
Kezzem lays hands of himself (swift action), activates his boots (free action), and 5 ft step and full attacks Kikituk.

Healing: 9d6 = 5 + 5 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 3 + 2 = 42.

Attack: 1d20 + 30 + 5 (Smite Evil) + 2 (GMW) - 2 (GTWF) = 35.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 18 (Smite Evil) + 2 (GMW) - 1 (Str Damage) = 1d3 + 24

Haste Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 35 = 46.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 + 1d6 electricity = 27 + 6 = 33.

Attack #1: 1d10 + 35 = 49.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 + 1d6 electricity = 26 + 1 = 27.

Off-Hand Attack #1: 1d20 + 35 = 54. Natural 19.
I assume as a construct it's immune to crits.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 + 1d6 cold = 27 + 1 = 28.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 30 = 37 (forgot to decrease by 5 before rolling).
Damage: 1d3 + 24 + 1d6 electricity = 25 + 2 = 27.

Off-Hand Attack #2: 1d20 + 30 = 47.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 + 1d6 cold = 26 + 4 = 30.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 25 = 45. Natural 20.
I assume as a construct it's immune to crits.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 + 1d6 electricity = 26 + 2 = 28.

Off-Hand Attack #2: 1d20 + 25 = 37.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 + 1d6 cold = 26 + 5 = 31.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 20 = 40. Natural 20.
I assume as a construct it's immune to crits.
Damage: 1d3 + 24 + 1d6 electricity = 27 + 2 = 29.

Two-Weapon Rend: 1d10 + 4 = 7.

Forgot to include strength damage in rolls. Adjusted above.

Spells and Effects:
Endure Elements
Greater Magic Weapon (+2/+2)
Protection from Energy (Fire)
Resist Energy (Fire)
Smite Evil (+5/+18)
Strength Damage: 2

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 159/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+39=59 ; d20+31=32 ;
Monday July 11th, 2022 1:05:57 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Bless, Prayer.
Darkvision
SR = 25

Ki pts 12/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.

-2 STR

Perception +39 = 59
If the Wish spell works, then there's nothing to do.

If it doesn't work...
Nikolai notices and points out the two things that dropped from the Kikituk. Whatever it is, it can't be good and only make things worse for the group. Seeing one of the smaller one dead and the other vanished to la-la land, he engages one of the things that dropped from the kikituk with his fist.

Greater Vital Strike =28 +1 (haste), +1 (Bless) +1 (Prayer) = 32 N1.

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 105/279. DR 10/adamantine (40 used), Foresight. Str loss 3 3d8+20=32 ; d20+46=57 ;
Monday July 11th, 2022 3:20:04 AM
[Tali - roll 1d20+ sorcerer level (20) + anything else that would help you overcome SR (Spell Resistance) to see if your Wish spell overcomes the kikituk's SR (which we don't yet know precisely). The prayer spell may give you a +1 luck bonus to your roll (+1 on attack rolls, saves, skill checks) but I'm not sure it applies to SR.]

Murphy casts cure serious wounds, mass so as to affect himself and all his allies, HEALING 32 HP OF DAMAGE TO EACH PARTY MEMBER.

Already at a height of ~45', Murphy essentially takes a 5' move upwards, rising to the very top of the room, his body pressed against the ceiling and flattened to about 10' thick... so his lowest parts are about 50' above the floor.

"Go ahead, Tali, if you need to. Keep it low, but enough so it can get the abomination, and none of us." The rest of the party can telepathically hear what he said to her.

Also, with the 61 perception he rolled to discern something was dropping off the kikituk, surely he must have some sort of notion as to what those two things were, right?

Since his scarab of golembane is effective, any damage Murphy has done to the kikituk should be 100% effective, with no damage reduction in effect for the wickedly carved construct.

The prayer effects, after the initial 40-ft.-radius burst goes off, still benefit people even if they go farther away from Murphy after the prayer was initially cast. They simply needed to be within 40 ft of him at the time of casting - and all were that close. "It hits whoever was in range, and then those targets have the effect for the duration." The kikituk and infernal allies were not within that initial area of effect.

==========
Cure serious wounds, mass: EVERYONE GETS +32 hp
Fresh Perception roll: 57

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:118/135 d20+20=36 ;
Monday July 11th, 2022 6:49:50 AM
Make a Wish

Tali �s wish ( rolls 36) �

DM Mitch Kitikut Map
Monday July 11th, 2022 8:11:05 AM
Succotash tries to cast Blade Barrier but it doesn�t overcome the Kitikuk�s Spell Resistance so the Kitikuk ignores it however the smaller creature is destroyed by the force of the spell.
Murphy tells the others about the things that dropped of the Kikituk
Pru pegs the Kikituk with a Disintegrate. She hits with the ray, overcomes its SR but the construct resists the brunt of the affect taking only 17 damage. She follows up with magic missiles. (OOC: can I get a seperate SR roll for the magic missile?)
Pressi warns the others not to cast summon spells and then uses her own breathe weapon. The Kikituk reflexively dodges some of it (Reflex Save: 39 vs 26 I believe) so only 10 damage
Tali attempts to use a wish spell to send the Kikituk and its invisible friend packing to Koshe Marr. Both the Kikituk and its friend failed the Wil saves at 26 and 9 respectively and she beats the SR.
Kezzem is all ready to go on the attack but there are no targets anymore.
Nikolai doesn't do anything as there�s nothing to do.
Murphy casts some healing.

With the enemy suddenly gone the combat suddenly ends and all goes silent.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 108/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 88(143)/170(143)Spells
Monday July 11th, 2022 10:52:42 AM
"Wow Tali, that was amazing! Remind me to stay on your good side. I'm not sure where you sent those creatures, but I'm sure it isn't a beach side resort"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151 d4=4 ;
Monday July 11th, 2022 5:01:58 PM
"I'd complain about making the creature disappear before I could get my smite on, but I've got a gut feeling that my smites might not have worked on that thing anyway."

Kezzem uses a scroll of lesser restoration on himself.

Str Damage Healing: 1d4 = 4.

Strength damage is removed.

Kezzem then takes out his cure light wounds wand out. "Anyone need some touches from the happy stick, or did Murphey heal everyone all up?""

Spells in Effect:

Endure Elements
Greater Magic Weapon (+2/+2)
Protection from Energy (Fire)
Resist Energy (Fire)

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 173/194][shaken] d20+23=42 ;
Monday July 11th, 2022 5:16:32 PM
[If those piddly Magic Missiles made any difference at all, Pru's SR check was 42.]

"I could use a little more healing," Pru says. She's a little offended, to be honest, that there was something in that fire that was able to hurt her. Fire shouldn't hurt her; that was the deal!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (actual 38) 29, HP 203/217+20, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Monday July 11th, 2022 8:58:16 PM
Pressi really can�t do much more than blink at this point.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:118/135
Monday July 11th, 2022 9:15:01 PM
Wishes do come true..

Tali blinks twice and looks around in the eerie silence. "Wow! That's my first wish ever! That's sweet!" Turning around, Tali asks her friends & companions, "Is everyone alright? Is there anything else I could do to assist anyone?"

Stopping for a moment, Tali remembers she's been hurt by this Whale of a thing and asks if someone could heal her of her wounds. "Is the attribute drain permanent? Does anyone know?" I believe I have," a -2 strength drain and Unholy damage=19 hp & 17 points of rotting flesh damage." explains Tali to her friends/companions.

"Succotash, I sent that thing and its companions to the Shadow Kingdoms of Koshe Marr. A better explanation as explained from the Creation Tale of the Wold:

"Here, in terms, a "civilized" mortal can understand. The universe is a house. The Elemental Planes are the foundations. The Wold's Cradle is the basement and the exterior walls. The Wold itself is the floor, interior walls, and fixtures. The Realm of Shadows is the staircase to the attic. The Lands of Rest is the attic and roof. Koshe Marr is the black mold growing under the attic floorboards."
"

Spells in Effect:

Overland flight
mage armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Heroes' Feast 11 hr 30 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus
Googles of the Night
Hasted

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 159/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 12:50:07 AM
Nikolai is left wandering what those things that dropped off were or would be.

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 279/279. DR 10/adamantine (40 used), Foresight. Str loss 3 d8=1 ; d8=7 ; d8=8 ; d8=7 ; d8=5 ; d8=2 ; d8=8 ; d8=5 ; d8=1 ; d8=8 ; d8=1 ; d8=8 ; d8=4 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d8=7 ; d8=2 ; d8=4 ; d8=2 ; d8=2 ; d8=6 ; d8=1 ; d8=5 ; d8=5 ; d8=5 ; d8=7 ; d8=6 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d8=5 ; d8=7 ; d8=1 ; d8=5 ; d8=3 ; d8=2 ; d8=7 ; d8=6 ; d8=7 ; d8=5 ; d8=2 ; d8=8 ; d8=4 ; d8=4 ; d8=8 ; d8=2 ;
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 2:04:37 AM
"Koshe Marr?" Murphy says. "I remember Koshe Marr. Appropriate spot. Outstanding move, Tali."

He looks at the brass dragon, and swims down to her. "I am so glad I married you, dragon lady." He gives his blinking wife a watery peck on the cheek.

Murphy, along with Nikolai, also contemplates what it was that dropped off of the kikituk [recall the 61 perception to discern]. [DMs - any explanations on this matter?]

He wildshapes to himself, pulls a lightly-used wand of CLW from his bandolier, wildshapes to a small-sized water elemental, and goes to work bringing everyone back to as full health as he can accomplish.

Healing by Murphy
Just before he beings the following medical services, Murphy asks, "WHO CAN RESTORE OUR SAPPED STRENGTH?" [I think I'm down 3, maybe 4 STR]
Tali, Nikolai, and Pressi already were healed to full by Murphy's recent +32 mass CSW.
He then heads over to Prudence, and, via the magic of a CLW wand, heals her for 8+9+8=25 hp, bringing her up to full (if the hp number in the header is accurate).
Valery was at 88, then following the CSW, mass +32, then add 6+3+9+6=24, now full up at 143.
Succotash was at 140/142 after the CSW, mass. I'm keeping that d8=1, +1 from the spell at 1st level, bringing him up to 142/142
Last, he goes to work on himself: 9+9+5+8+3+5+3+3+7+6+6+6+8+7+6+8+6+4+3+8+7+8+6+3+9+5+5+9+3=175. Back to full with 30 applications of his wand of cure light wounds, plus 8 for others. He is glad he has multiple such wands. The time taken to help everyone is about four to five minutes.

After the curing is complete, he comments. "We have faced two challenges. How many more do we face until the most serious one? How do we disrupt the ceremonial advancements? Do we now forge ahead to face our next challenge? Or rest and recuperate?"

And for our DMs: Are there any other discernable after-effects from what the kikituk and its helpers put us through?

DM Mitch Kitikut Map
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 5:15:58 AM
Succotash praises Tali for her use of wishing the enemies away

Kezzem complains about not getting a chance to get his smite on but then figures the smite wouldn�t have worked anyway. He goes to retrieve a scroll and restore his lost strength when he realizes in the absence of the enemy the strength damage is healing on its own at a rate of 1 Strength per round. (OOC: keep the scroll)

Pru says she needs more healing and is offended the unholiness of the hell fire hurt her as a fire elemental bloodline sorceress fire isn�t supposed to hurt her. Infernal flames must be different. Probably make a note not to visit Hell

Pressi blinks and all of a sudden she gets an insight from her patron.

Pressi: Highlight to display spoiler: {Because the lake hideout is proof against interdimensional travel Harper was merely shunted outside of the Cave, he should be waiting for you when you are done here. As for the Kikituk, it probably didn�t make it to Koshe Marr but it was probably transported halfway around the wold which from your perspective is just as good}

Nikolai is left wondering what the things that dropped off the Kikituk were.

Tali explains what just happened joyous about her first wish ever working so well. She also explains about her wounds and asks for assistance
.
Know Arcana: 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {}The creatures were likely another scrimshaw construct not as fearsome of the Kikituk known as a Topilaq also modified in some was like as not to convey some sort of decaying auraHighlight to display spoiler: {}

Murphy kisses his wife and wonders what dropped off the creature. Those who had see invisibility can clarify it was more of the invisible, smaller creatures.

While in need of some healing everyone is for the most part okay especially when the strength damage goes away on its own in a few rounds. The wounds from the aura stay unless some sort of magical healing is applied.

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 279/279. DR 10/adamantine (40 used), Foresight. Str loss 3
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 7:24:18 AM

Is the aura now down, or still active?

Murphy asks, "Shall we risk trying to open the door that leads onward?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 166(143)/170(143)Spells d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d20=13 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d4=2 ; d4=3 ;
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 11:25:45 AM
Succotash channels energy twice, healing everyone 44 and 34 damage, for a total of 78 health

After channeling energy, Succotash asks how everyone is doing as far as health is concerned. He casts lesser restoration twice once on himself and once on Valerie removing the Str damage. He lets everyone else know he has another lesser restoration available if anyone needs it.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151 d8=1 ; d8=6 ; d8=2 ; d8=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d8=4 ;
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 12:59:03 PM
"Hey, look, my scroll's back! It must have a returning rune too, just like my daggers!"

Kezzem goes to use his wand, but Succo beats him too it.

"I guess I'm just here to stand around and look pretty," says Kezzem.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 2:33:08 PM
[OOC: That may be the politest "go to hell" I've ever read. :D]

[Also OOC: has the shaken effect worn off?]

"You and me both," she says to Kezzem. "I also lost some strength, but it's not a big deal. I can manage unless I lose more."

DM Mitch Kitikut Map
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 3:05:09 PM
(The aura and shaken effect left with the monsters and your strength recovers at 1 per round.)

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:118/135 d20+27=28 ; d20+27=36 ; d20+27=46 ;
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 7:43:08 PM
Its so Quiet!

Tali uses her skill of the Arcane to decypher what she may, which is nothing (NAT 1) as the [b]Wish[ /b] must have taken the extra oomph out of her. "Oh well, I'll try again after a few minutes..." thinks Tali to herself.

Tali tries again...this time she is successful (she rolled a 36) & discovers that [b]The creatures were likely another scrimshaw construct not as fearsome of the Kikituk known as a Topilaq also modified in some was like as not to convey some sort of decaying aura[ /b] & then shares her newly learned information with her friends & companions.

Tali recalls that the "Rotting Flesh Aura effect" requires magical means, but wonders if the magical healing spells count as such. Using her knowledge of the Arcane will inquire about it...(roll 46)

Tali knows that her strength will return within the hour and sets about adding to the conversation about the group's next move.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+30=50 ;
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 9:14:47 PM
Pressi feels so much better as Murphy embraces her, and as she realizes that her cat really is close by. And she can figure out everything about the creature they just fought.

"So, here's the thing I finally realized," Pressi told along the way after dropping her dragon form. "There's no interdimensional travel in.. or out... of this cave, which is why we couldn't just come after him. Harper, she's just outside. The creature we fought? Probably the other side of the planet but he's still on this plane. I'm wondering if gating a demon actually would have worked, in hindsight. But we might be limited on some spells."

Regarding rest, "We're probably racing against time, and against a guy that knows where we are and how fast we are moving. Trying to rest isn't a luxury we can afford. Besides, I've still got a decent number of spell slots including my own wish if needed. Which I'm holding on to because..."

Pressi let out a sigh. "I don't know yet how to stop the ceremony, bond to the device, break the device. I have a couple of ideas and might get a chance to see the ceremony in action. But I'm holding on to miracle as a trump card, betting that it will help avoid certain protections."

Pressi doesn't need to rest for strength (it being artificially boosted by the dragon form). Instead, she takes some time to examine the other doorway.

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 279/279. DR 10/adamantine (40 used), Foresight. Str loss 3 d20+46=65 ;
Tuesday July 12th, 2022 11:29:41 PM
Well, with the two healing energy channels Succotash performs, looks like Murphy got through two CLW on Prudence, and then most everyone's wounds were healed up, except for a portion of Murphy's own. He applies the CLW wand to self to make up the balance... using only 19 charges total between himself and Prudence. Rather than 4 - 5 minutes as earlier described, it takes him only 2 -3 minutes total.

"Hey, looks like my strength - such as it is - has returned. Doesn't take hours, takes moments. Thanks for teaching us about the Kikituk and Topilaq, Tali, and Pressi."

After nodding his head at Kezzem's affirmation of beauty, a thought occurs. "Perhaps Harper can climb the oak tree I planted out of sight of the pond, and rest up until we get back,"

"Let's examine this chamber, try to ensure we don't overlook anything, then see about continuing our advance," Murphy recommends. "Each of us should do what we can, or eat a biscuit." He dives down to where this room's inhabitants were sitting initially. He forgoes the biscuit option.

The druid's perception is functioning at an extremely high level (65). He could find dandruff on a flea. He also detects for magic, secret compartments, and the like. And, if something is out in the open, glaring and obvious, let us hope his attention to minutiae does not miss the unmissable.

Once he and anyone else who care to help have figured out what they can about the Kikituk chamber, he says, "Whether we try to get all the way to the end in one fell swoop, let us at least see what lies on the other side of the doorway."

Is the door open? Can it be opened? Any obvious way to do so?

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 12:15:14 AM
Nikolai swims over to Pru, "Well, it was probably demonfire, that's why it managed to singe you." and gives her a peck on he cheek.

DM Mitch Kitikut Map
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 7:14:47 AM
Murphy asks about opening the door that leads onward
Succotash channels healing but does not end up using the restoration as the strength damage mostly cleared up on its own while he was busy channeling and in 12 more seconds it is gone completely.
Kezzem jokes about his wand considering he realized he was healing the strength damage without it and was beaten on using his wand by Succotash. He remarks he�s here to just stand around and look pretty
Pru says she is also here for that to Kezzem
Tali learns of the Topilaq and about their rotting aura and channeling positive energy / other healing spell uses overcome the non Strength based damage the aura inflicted while a short amount of time is all that is needed to regain Strength
Pressi feels so much better as Murphy hugs her and shares everything she�s learned with the group then makes the argument for pressing on considering she still has a lot of spells including a wish of her own.
Murphy uses his CLW wand to heal what Succotash�s channeling didn�t, thanks Pressi and Tali for their knowledge of their former adversaries and then also advocates pressing on after eating a biscuit or the equivalent. To that end he examines the chamber and the door leading out.
Nikolai gives Pru a peck on the cheek and remarks the construct was using demon fire and that was why she got singed.

The room is thoroughly examined. There doesn�t seem to be much to it, it seems mostly designed to force any intruders into a concentrated area where the aura�s could affect them. It has a sandy bottom that conceals but a stone floor underneath and the gates are just complicated enough to open to make it hard to do during combat. With the enemies gone there is nothing stopping the PC�s from just moving on. A tunnel on the opposite side from where you entered leads onward.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 166(143)/170(143)Spells
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 12:07:36 PM
Shall we move on? The Wold needs saving."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 2:39:22 PM
"Yes, let's press on," says Pru.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:118/135
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 8:50:57 PM
Pressing Onwards!

"I second that motion! Onward!" giggles Tali.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d3=1 ; d100=27 ;
Wednesday July 13th, 2022 9:01:43 PM
Pressi uses a remote viewing to listen to the other side of the door.

She also taps into her ritual of devices, targeting the device that's supposed to bring the end of the world, and should now be within a mile of them. (DC 20 will save for 1 random drawback: opposite effect or target.)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday July 14th, 2022 12:58:20 AM
'Onward.'

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 279/279. DR 10/adamantine (40 used), Foresight. Str loss 3 d20+46=63 ;
Thursday July 14th, 2022 3:27:48 AM

Murphy arranges his rope harness for people, and critters, to use to pull them through the water as he reforms into a huge water elemental. Whosoever will may attach themselves to one or more of the loops, and once all are ready, he propels the group into the tunnel beyond.

As they travel, he keys in to Foresight, to help alert him to imminent dangers.

=============
Perception: 63.

DM Mitch Kitikut Map
Thursday July 14th, 2022 7:38:32 AM
Succotash says they should press on for the Wold needs saving.
Pru agrees
Tali says Onward
Pressi uses remote viewing and taps into one of her rituals.She sees on the other side of the door is another underwater passageway wending onward.
(OOC: re: ritual of devices does the object make a Will Save or one of the potential enemies near the object? I�m a little confused; also doesn�t it say to roll against the drawback table not the common curse table and drawback 27 is Character now bears some identifying mark (tattoo, weird glow, or the like). Also can you delay the target for the ritual considering it says an hour and your coven to make it work? Like could you do the ritual in the morning but delay the targeting?)
Nikolai is also ready to go.
Murphy will arrange his harness to carry people who want to be carried.

The party travels through more underwater tunnel for a while before it opens up into another chamber. Here, finally, the aquatic journey seems to be over. The water laps onto a small beach that fades to a rough stone floor. A few stalagmites/tites are scattered around and the place seems to be of natural stone. It�s a fairly large room and as you look deeper into it you can see the stone becoming smoother and more carved as it heads deeper into the base. Murphy�s foresight indicates no danger yet.

Knowledge nature or engineering 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { everything you know about how water flows indicates this place should be underwater. Some sort of magic probably keeps the water out of the main base for the cultist�s comfort.}

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 279/279. DR 10/adamantine (40 used), Foresight. Str loss 3 d20+30=33 ; d20+32=40 ; d20+46=51 ;
Thursday July 14th, 2022 10:33:28 AM

"Everything I know about how water flows indicates this place should be underwater. Reminds me of how the South Peaseblossom River leading from the Culverwood down towards Izen reversed course for a while, so that we, heading northward upstream, suddenly found ourselves at a waterfall, leading downward. Some sort of magic is at work, I'd guess. Time to let go my ropes," he says after gliding on to the rough beach. Once all are off, he sheds the rope harness, changes back to his own halfling shape, stows the harness, then wildshapes into a huge earth elemental.

"I don't sense any particular danger at the moment," he comments. All of his conversation is telepathic to the group.

He takes a good look around - beach with limestone deposits, walls (how wide), ceiling (how high?), cabanas. When his friends are ready, he says, "I'm going to take a quick dive." He earthglides beneath the surface to scope it out, popping his head up from time to time, and sensing what he can along the way.

==============
Knowledge, engineering: 33
Knowledge, nature: 40
Fresh perception roll: 51

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 166(143)/170(143)Spells d20+12=20 ;
Thursday July 14th, 2022 12:09:16 PM
knowledge nature 20

"I agree Murph their is defiantly something keeping the water at bay, and your right, it's most likely magic, though I must say, it's nice to finally get out of the water, Does either of our amazing sorceresses know prestidigitation? Maybe you could hook us up Pressi? It would help if we could dry off, and I know of no faster method.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151
Thursday July 14th, 2022 2:31:56 PM
"If there's no danger, we must be in the wrong place," says Kezzem. "We need to keep going."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Thursday July 14th, 2022 5:02:44 PM
Some answers about the ritual.

1) It's the creature in physical possession of the item (in this case, probably the BBEG unless he has a minion doing the ritual) that gets the will save. (If the item is in nobody's possession, there's no will save, but I assume it's being used currently.)

2) I followed the link and I'm pretty sure it's the cursed items table, since I'm cursing the item. Also, the cursed items results make more sense than "the item gets a tatoo." (Curse goes to the item, not the possessor.)

3) It's an hour and the coven just like any other ritual, but I don't know if I need to try cursing it there or not. Most other rituals allow for you to pull the trigger later, but it doesn't specify like many other rituals. I assume that it operates like third eye or cheat death and you can pull the trigger later.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Thursday July 14th, 2022 5:14:19 PM
Pru casts Prestidigitation and sets about drying clothes.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:118/135
Thursday July 14th, 2022 9:53:54 PM
Go Float!

Tali thinks floating calms the mind and body. Turing, Tali asks, "Do we have time for a 2-hour meditation session?" to the group.

If the answer is yes, Tali will mediatate. If no, Tali will take an accounting of her gear and tools.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+39=58 ;
Friday July 15th, 2022 12:02:57 AM
Nikolai is not sure what level or king of danger Murphey can sense, but natural traps usually are not detectable as 'danger' as such. So he scouts out the area for traps.

Perception +39 = 58

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 279/279. DR 10/adamantine (40 used), Foresight. Str loss 3
Friday July 15th, 2022 12:38:03 AM

"Tali, if we're going to take a two-hour meditation session, we should really make it eight hours, so that all may regain," Murphy responds. "I am not opposed to such, if others are not. Yes, we are on an uncertain timeline. But I have used many resources I should like to be able to reuse." He includes all in this communication.

DM Mitch Kitikut Map
Friday July 15th, 2022 8:03:48 AM
Murphy suggests that some sort of magic is at work preventing their current location from being underwater kind of like the South Peaseblossom river that one time (OOC: good times). He then earth glides down to scout out the area.
Succotash concurs with Murphy�s assessment of magic but says it is good to be dry nonetheless and requests Prestidigitation to dry off.
Kezzem suggests if there is no danger then they are in the wrong place and they need to keep going.
Pressi gives answers about the ritual which given that they have not yet reached the artifact she does not yet know the result.
(OOC: You�ve swayed me on pulling the trigger later; however, the bloodwitch class rules specifically mention drawbacks not curses when it comes to the ritual of items and drawbacks apply to the person using the item not the item itself so the item wouldn�t glow or have a scar or new tattoo the next person using the item would)
Pru sets about being a magical clothes dryer with Prestidigitation
Tali asks if they have time to meditate for 2 hours
Nikolai keeps a lookout for natural traps.
Murphy opines if they are going to rest for 2 hours they might as well rest for 8 so that everyone can recover

Murphy�s attempt at earthgliding doesn�t really work. He gets about 5 feet down, far enough to half melt into the stone in his huge form, before something just stops him. It�s like trying to force your way through a brick wall, which should be easy for an earth elemental but nope. At beast he might be able to hide in the earth if he was medium or small. He cannot scout in it and his larger sized form just won�t fit before whatever power is stopping it from working halts him.

A bit more exploration shows that the room ends in a plain stone door. Foresight and other
senses/spells/whatever indicate the next encounter awaits on the other side.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 166(143)/170(143)Spells
Friday July 15th, 2022 12:14:42 PM
"As much as I would love an eight hour nap, and a reload on my spells and stuff, I fear we won't have that luxury. If the next baddy is just beyond this door. If we had a way to seal the door, to assure we aren't disturbed, maybe we might be OK, but even then, I'm pretty sure the magic keeping the water out of this place is on a level far greater than ours, which means they may have a way to traverse any barricades we may put up."

Murphy Huge Buff Water Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 279/279. DR 10/adamantine (40 used), Foresight. Str loss 3
Friday July 15th, 2022 6:28:36 PM
"How about this? Let's try to take on whatever is in the next room, then, if we can, see if we can somehow or another catch some rest?" Murphy suggests.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Friday July 15th, 2022 7:08:55 PM
"I've still got plenty of spells," Pru assures her friends.

"But if we want to rest, remember that I can cast Magnificent Manion pretty much anywhere. It's extradimensional space, and the entrance is very hard to find if you don't know what you're looking for."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+39=45 ;
Saturday July 16th, 2022 11:31:50 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Bless, Prayer.
Darkvision
SR = 25

Ki pts 12/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.

"Eight hours is just way too long and will let the enemy have plenty of time to prepare. Even a two-hour rest is risky."

Nikolai inspects the door, looking for the means, obvious or not, on how to open it.

Perception +39 = 45

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151
Sunday July 17th, 2022 2:39:39 PM
"We're Humble's Sword, not Humble's...floored?" says Kezzem. "Cause that's where we'd be napping? Never mind, we should just press on."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Sunday July 17th, 2022 9:26:41 PM
Pressi uses another clairaudio, and casts shield of faith if she hasn't already.

DM Mitch Kitikut Map
Monday July 18th, 2022 8:09:09 AM
Succotash says he would love an 8 hour nap and reloading of spells but he fears they don�t have that luxury especially if the next baddy is beyond the door. He said it would be different if they had a way to seal the door but then again the magic keeping the place dry is pretty powerful so a mere barricade might be child�s play for their enemies.

Murphy suggests they tackle whatever is in the next room first and then rest after.
Pru says she still has plenty of spells but then reminds them that if they really need rest she has her magnificent mansion.
Pressi or Know[arcana] DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {Or does she? The cave systems were specifically warded against interdimensional travel so much so in fact that Harper got shunted to the cave entrance instead of another realm and the Kikituk got booted halfway around the Wold instead of to Koshe Marr, might some other mishap occur with the use of a magical mansion?}

Nikolai suggests 8 hours gives their enemy too much time to prepare and even 2 hours might be pushing it so he suggests they press on, taking some time to examine the door. It has no traps and is opened with a simple doorknob.
Kezzem makes a terrible pun in agreeing with Nikolai that they should press on.
Pressi uses her domain granted clairaudio and casts shield of faith. (OOC: you can use this ability at will but you are limited to 20 total rounds per the domain write up). How many times have you used this ability so far today and how long do you listen for now / did you listen in the past)

With an agreement not to rest and to press on and no real way to scout or prepare the party presumably advances. Despite a general moratorium on divination spells on the area the clairaudio spell works, but doesn�t tell you much of anything. Pressi hears loud breathing and no conversation.

Upon entering the room the party finds some sort of ritual chamber. The large center area has been used for so many blood sacrifices it seems permanently stained with blood. Small ramps along the walls are clear of the stains, presumably for observers or something, but the walls are lined with creepy looking statues of various infernal monsters.

Crouching in the center of the room is a great demon, one those versed in such things recognizes as a Balor. It is reading some sort of book, apparently passing the time. At the sound of the door it looks up, says �Ah, they finally arrived.� before it dogears a page (how evil!) and tucks the book away somewhere.

�Greeting mortal heroes. I am under contract to kill you. So sorry. I�ll be sure to bring you tea in the afterlife to make up for it later.�

It launches into a summoning spell.

DM Mitch Kitikut Map
Monday July 18th, 2022 8:13:42 AM
Perception 30 Highlight to display spoiler: {Though the book is tiny in the demon's hands and it's a fair distance away you manage to catch the title. This is no grimoire of dark magic but a popular fiction series about the adventures of one of the powerful adventuring groups of the Wold. A particularly good series, from what you've heard.}

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 166(143)/170(143)Spells d20+39=52 ; d20+20=38 ;
Monday July 18th, 2022 11:47:21 AM
perception check 52

Succotash thinks it's odd that a demon would be reading a novel, as well as behave in such a civilized manner, but than it starts summoning, so he reacts, by casting dispel magic as a counter spell (dispel check 38)

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Monday July 18th, 2022 8:49:31 PM
"Who are you contracted with?" Pru asks curiously.

She casts Haste on the party.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:118/135 d20+20=39 ;
Monday July 18th, 2022 9:48:19 PM
Balor?!

Tali not waiting for an invitation, casts Mage�s Disjunction centered on the Balor. Tali uses her perception of the Balor to be at least 40 feet away from the group when she casts her spell. (Saving throw versus my spell = 39)

Skill Checks:
Perception: 39

Spell Effects:
Mage Armor
Overland Flight

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Monday July 18th, 2022 10:01:57 PM

"Oh, that's so nice," Pressi responded. "And when I get to the afterlife, remind me to introduce you to the concept of chainsaw bears."

To Prudence, "So, not to distract you, but that Magical Mansion.... Maybe keep it on standby, I have 12 percent of an idea."

For now, Pressi activates her flying broom and breaks out a quickened ill omen on the demon.

---------

Rituals

Ritual of Warding: +1 to AC and saving throws
Ritual of Devices: 1d3 random drawbacks to magic item known to user (used)
Ritual of Cheating Death: free action to designate as protected from death (used)

Effects:

Moment of Prescience (+20 to single roll)
Rose Control
Water breathing
spell absorbtion (Ioun Stone)
Highlight to display spoiler: { Water elemental effect }
shield of faith
hasted

Spells Used:

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 3/6+1
L4: 2/5+1
L5: 2/5+1
L6: 1/5+1
L7: 3/4+1
L8: 1/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Items Used

Water Breathing (2)
Align Scrolls (2)
FoM Scroll: 1
horn of blasting
clairaudio: 3/20

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151 d20+35=39 ; d3+9=10 ; d6=6 ;
Tuesday July 19th, 2022 12:02:42 AM
Kezzem moves (move action) to within 10 feet of the most martial-type allies (Nik, Valerie, maybe Murphy and Succotash). He will detect evil (move action as standard action) on the balor, and if it detects evil, uses two uses of his smite evil to activate his Aura of Justice(free action).

All within 10 feet get: +5 to attacks and AC vs balor, +18 damage vs balor (double bonus on first attack assuming it really is a balor); swift action to activate.

If thr creature does detect evil, Kezzem will use his quicken rod to cast holy sword on his shock dagger. Otherwise, he uses his rod to cast divine favor. (Swift actiom).

If Kezzem doesn't need to move or only needs to move 5 feet, he will lob a single dagger at the balor.

Attack: 1d20 + 35 = 39.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 1d6 electricity = 10 + 6 = 16.

Dagger is also giant bane if that matters.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday July 19th, 2022 12:47:50 AM
Nikolai works better when the enemy is distracted by the Tanks. Not sure if the demon can see invisible creatures or not, he gambles and uses his R. of Invis.

Murphy Huge Buff Earth Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 279/279. DR 10/adamantine (40 used), Foresight. Str loss 3 d20+46=47 ;
Tuesday July 19th, 2022 4:57:39 AM
"Ah, which group have you been reading about?" Murphy asks, nodding toward the book as the Balor puts it away. He wonders to himself whether the book is about Humble's Sword - though there certainly are seveal other groups worthy of publication.

He runs toward the contract killer, and adds another query. "What sorts of teas do you prefer?"

If able to draw to within 15 feet, Murphy slams twice. (Will roll in next post, as I am away from computer atmo�u

DM Mitch Kitikut Map d20+31=36 ; d20+26=39 ; d20+21=30 ; d20+16=21 ;
Tuesday July 19th, 2022 8:33:58 AM
Succotash thinks it odd the demon is reading the novel but uses dispel magic as a counter spell against the summoning and succeeds at causing the demon�s spell to fizzle.
Pru asks the demon who he is contracted with and hastes the party.
Tali hits the Balor with a disjunction. It�s unholy aura is quashed, it�s sword retains its flaming and vorpal quality having made the save but the whip it wields did not. (Will Save: Sword: 39; whip:28)
Pressi appreciates the demon�s offer for tea and says when she gets to the afterlife she�ll introduce him to the concept of chainsaw bears. She activates her flying broom and hits the demon with an ill omen.
Kezzem detects evil. The giant demon is indeed evil.
Nikolai goes invisible.
Murphy asks about the book and what kind of tea the demon likes. He attacks but didn�t post rolls yet (will add damage next post)

(OOC: roll vs SR 31 to see if the ill omen affects the demon)

The demon ignore�s Prudance�s question, he is in the temple fortress of Scald so it�s pretty obvious. To Murphy he says politely, �A group called the Sea Dragons. I prefer Nettlebrew myself.� The more cultured halflings recognize the brand of tea as something made in the Culverwood widely considered to be an insult to halfling pallets. It�s usually only bought by stuffy upper class halflings to serve to a guest as a deliberate insult, as politeness usually demands the guest finish the foul brew.

The Balor doesn�t let his wordplay distract from his swordplay. He strikes at Murphy, but rolls poorly and misses all 4 strikes.

Demon:
SR 31

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 166(143)/170(143)Spells d20+30=35 ; d20+30=33 ; d20+30=49 ; d20+30=46 ; d20+30=43 ; d20+30=35 ; 3d6+32=41 ; 3d6+32=49 ; 3d6+32=49 ; 2d6+32=38 ; d4+32=36 ; d4+32=33 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday July 19th, 2022 12:24:59 PM
Succotash orders Valerie to attack and she pounces on the balor.

Left Talon hits AC 35 for 41 damage plus 1 frost and 2 shock
Right Talon hits AC 33 for 49 damage plus 5 frost and 2 shock
Hasted Talon AC 49 for 49 damage plus 4 frost and 2 shock
Bite AC 46 for 38 damage plus 1 frost and 5 shock
Left Claw AC 43 for 41 damage plus 4 frost and 6 shock
Right Claw AC 35 for 37 damage plus 4 frost and 5 shock
(Because of Kezzem's shared smite evil, these should bypass DR, and if any of them actually hits, the balor receives another 18 damage for being an evil outsider.)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151 d20+38=42 ; d20+38=47 ; d20+33=48 ; d20+28=37 ; d20+23=42 ; d20+23=29 ; d3+27=30 ; d3+27=29 ; d3+27=30 ; d3+27=28 ; d3+27=28 ; 2d6=3 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=3 ; 2d6=7 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d20+36=51 ; d20+31=34 ; d20+26=31 ; d3+25=28 ; d3+25=28 ; d3+25=28 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d10+6=13 ;
Tuesday July 19th, 2022 1:37:21 PM
Kezzem smites evil on the balor (swift action).

He 5 ft. steps if necessary and full attacks (all attacks bypass damage reduction)

+5 Giant-Bane Holy Returning Shock Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 34 + 5 (Smite Evil) + 1 (Haste) - 2 (GTWF) = 1d20 + 38
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 18 + 2d6 holy + 1d6 electricity = 1d20 + 27 + 2d6 + 1d6

Haste Attack: 1d20 + 38 = 42.
Damage: 1d3 + 27 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 30 + 3 + 3 = 33 + 3 = 36

Attack #1: 1d20 + 38 = 47.
Damage: 1d3 + 27 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 29 + 6 + 6 = 35 + 6 = 41.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 33 = 48
Damage: 1d3 + 27 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 30 + 9 + 4 = 39 + 4 = 43.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 28 = 37.
Damage: 1d3 + 27 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 28 + 3 + 5 = 31 + 5 = 36.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 23 = 42. Natural 19.
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 23 = 29. Probably not a crit.
Damage: 1d3 + 27 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 28 + 7 + 6 = 35 + 6 = 41.

Doubt he takes the electricity though.

+3 Giant-Bane Frost Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 33 + 5 (Smite Evil) + 1 (Haste) - 2 (GTWF) = 1d20 + 36
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 18 + 1d6 frost = 1d3 + 25 + 1d6

Attack #1: 1d20 + 36 = 51.
Damage: 1d3 + 25 + 1d6 = 28 + 4 = 32

Attack #2: 1d20 + 31 = 34.
Damage: 1d3 + 25 + 1d6 = 28 + 6 = 34.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 26 = 31.
Damage: 1d3 + 25 + 1d6 = 28 + 1 = 29.

Doubt he takes the cold either.

Two-Weapon Rend (if AC <=43):
Damage: 1d10 + 6 = 13.

Spells In Effect:
Endure Elements
Greater Magic Weapon x3
Holy Sword
Protection from Energy (Fire)
Resist Energy (Fire)
Smite Evil (+5/+18)

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194] d20+18=19 ; d20+25=45 ; d20+18=35 ; 40d6=129 ; 5d6=18 ;
Tuesday July 19th, 2022 3:19:20 PM
Pru hesitates. [Knowledge Planes 18] She knows this is some kind of demon, and that demons tend to be immune to a lot of energies, and resistant to others. She's not sure what to cast.

Well, she thinks. Most things don't like being disintegrated, so let's start there.

She casts Disintegrate. [SR check 45; hit touch AC 35. Full damage is 129; a DC 23 Fort save reduces it to 18 damage.]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+21=29 ; d20+23=33 ; d4+23=27 ; d4+1=3 ; d20+21=22 ;
Tuesday July 19th, 2022 4:15:43 PM
OOC: SR did not affect the demon. (Looks like a coin flip for any spell.)

Pressi considers her options, and finally settles on a quickened death ward on Murphy (via spectral hand) followed by a Focused Curse Irresistable Dance (SR Passes, Will Save DC is 29 for 3 rounds, 1 round if pass.)

--------

Rituals

Ritual of Warding: +1 to AC and saving throws
Ritual of Devices: 1d3 random drawbacks to magic item known to user (used)
Ritual of Cheating Death: free action to designate as protected from death (used)

Effects:

Moment of Prescience (+20 to single roll)
Rose Control
Water breathing
spell absorbtion (Ioun Stone)
Highlight to display spoiler: { Water elemental effect }
shield of faith
hasted

Spells Used:

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 3/6+1
L4: 2/5+1
L5: 2/5+1
L6: 1/5+1
L7: 3/4+1
L8: 3/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Items Used

Water Breathing (2)
Align Scrolls (2)
FoM Scroll: 1
horn of blasting
clairaudio: 3/20

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:118/135 d20+20=26 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=3 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=3 ;
Tuesday July 19th, 2022 9:24:59 PM
Balor for Hire?!

{OOC: Is there a map of this room? Many of my spells of Battlefield are related and it's difficult without an idea of the area.}

Tali thinks about casting her spell, rolls for Spell Resistance & then remembers this spell doesn't really affect the Balor, Tali casts Time Stop and receives 5 rounds to time.

During the first round, Tali casts Summon Monster VII summoning 3 Ankylosaurus Dinosaurs,
During the 2nd round, Tali casts Summon Monster VII summoning 4 Ankylosaurus Dinosaurs,
During the 3rd round, Tali casts Summon Monster VII summoning 2 Ankylosaurus Dinosaurs,
During the 4th round, Tali casts Summon Monster VII summoning 5 Ankylosaurus Dinosaurs,
During the 5th round, Tali casts Summon Monster VII summoning 3 Ankylosaurus Dinosaurs.

For a total of 17 Ankylosaurus Dinosaurs, all surrounding the Balor within 15 feet of the demon.

Ankylosaurus
Init +0; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +14

DEFENSE

AC 22, touch 8, flat-footed 22 (+14 natural, �2 size)
hp 75 (10d8+30)
Fort +12, Ref +7, Will +4

OFFENSE

Speed 30 ft.
Melee tail +14 (3d6+12 plus stun)
Space 15 ft.; Reach 15 ft.

STATISTICS

Str 27, Dex 10, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 8
Base Atk +7; CMB +17; CMD 27 (31 vs. trip)
Feats Great Fortitude, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Overrun, Power Attack, Weapon Focus (tail)
Skills Perception +14

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Stun (Ex)
The ankylosaurus�s tail can deliver a powerful, stunning blow. A creature struck by this attack must make a DC 23 Fortitude save or be dazed for 1 round. If the strike is a critical hit and the target fails its save, it is instead stunned for 1d4 rounds. The save DC is Strength-based.

Spells & other Effects
Overland flight
mage armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Googles of the Night
Haste:
A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses.

All of the hasted creature�s modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet

Demon:
SR 31

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+34=54 ; 8d10+10=54 ;
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 1:30:21 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Bless, Prayer.
Darkvision
SR = 25

Ki pts 12/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.
Ki Strike: treat unarmed attacks as Lawful and Magic weapons
All within 10 feet get: +5 to attacks and AC vs balor

Nikolai moves in, staying within 10' of Kezzem, and delivers a punch.

Unarmed strike, Greater Vital Strike, Stunning Fist:
d20 + 28 + 1(hasted) +5 (Kezzem) = 54
dmg = 8d10 + 10 = 54
Stunning Fist: Fort vs DC33, if fail then Fatigued for 1 round, see fatigued for details.

Murphy Huge Buff Earth Elemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 279/279. DR 10/adamantine (40 used), Foresight. Str loss 3 d20+35=52 ; d20+35=44 ; d20+35=39 ; d20+35=39 ; d20+35=41 ; 4d8+14=31 ; 4d8+14=29 ; 4d8+14=28 ; 4d8+14=28 ; d3=2 ; 4d8+14=27 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=5 ; d20+32=51 ; d20+46=52 ;
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 4:01:51 AM

[Last round rolls to slam balor. Note, forgot to add +2 for bane vs evil(outsider) (from Amulet of Mighty Fists) to attack rolls, so will show adjustments here]:
AC 54 31+7=38 hp
AC 46 29+9=38 ... Total 76 1st round Murphy vs devil

"Sea dragons, eh? I'll have to add that to my reading list. My teacher made a fine nettle tea, which I prefer to the Culverwood's Nettlebrew. To each his own, though."

As a huge, buff earth elemental, Murphy's stony arms slam into the devil repeatedly.
AC 42 28+7=35
AC 42 28+4=32
AC 44 27+5=32 ... Total 99 hp, if all connected.

"Thanks for the death ward, dear," he says to Pressi. He also appreciates the fresh haste from Prudence. And he appreciates the chance again to fight side by side with his good friends, especially against someone who confesses so poor a choice of tea.

Knowledge, the planes: 51 - to see what he might know about the capabilities of a balor.
Perception: 52: Just keeping alert to the environment, subtleties of their opponent, etc.

DM Mitch Demon Portal Fight Map
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 8:32:31 AM
Succotash orders Valerie to attack and pounce the Balor.
Valerie hits 3 times with her hasted talon bite and left claw for 182 damage. Valerie though takes 9 fire damage
Kezzem smites the Balor too for another 214 damage killing it.
Pru goes to disintegrate but Kezzem and Valerie�s smiting have already killed the demon
Pressi puts a death ward on Murphy but the Balor is dead so there is no need of the irresistible dance
Tali can decide whether to time stop and summon or not with the Balor being dead.
Nikolai moves in.
Murphy makes some comments about tea that are sadly lost on the deceased enemy.

As Kezzem�s killing blow lands the balor falls to a knee. Glowing light surges from under it�s skin before it�s form erupts into fire that fills the room.

Everyone takes 100 fire damage, DC 33 reflex for half.

As the fire fades nothing remains of the demons but loose, charred pages of the book it was reading. It seems it was borrowed from some mortal who won�t be getting it back. More concerning are the statues. They seem to have absorbed the fire, activating somehow. Ominous glowing eyes now surround the party.

Portals start to form. Between the largest two statues, statues of robe clad figures holding great swords, shadows seem to collect into a massive portal and the Balor they just killed emerges from it with a fiendish smile.

A second portal, between two statues of attractive elven women in some form of dancer�s outfit, forms from fire and three Maralith�s emerge blades twirling.

The final portal forms between two statues of stout dwarven warriors in full plate mail. It forms a portal of sickly green light. From it emerges 5 Glabrazu.

The Balor advances, confident despite how easily he was felled. �Oh, I�m sorry, do you not like my choice of tea? I�ll be sure to help you learn to love it once I�ve claimed your souls!�

Charging into the group he says a word in his demonic tongue so foul that it�s almost painful. All the summons are instantly banished. All PCs and non-summons must make a DC 25 will save or be dazed.

The Glabrezu�s spend a round casting buffing. 3 cast mirror image on themselves. 2 coat the area in reverse gravity, sending all PC�s floating into the air helplessly 10 feet off the ground.

The Maralith all cast fly on themselves.

Map in header.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 111/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 166(143)/170(143)Spells d20+16=33 ; d20+11=18 ; d20+27=37 ; d20+7=12 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 12:12:04 PM
Valerie's reflex = 33 - saved (no damage do to evasion)
Valerie's will = 12 - fail dazed
Succotash's reflex = 18 - fail
Succotash's will = 37 - pass

Valerie is dazed by the balor's speech, but Succotash goes into action. He channels energy healing all his friends 40 HP, and than he heroically channels a second time, healing his friends 29 HP

Murphy Huge Buff AirElemental (KimMc) AC 42/T28/F38 CMB 25 CMD 50 HP 279/279. DR 10/adamantine (40 used), Foresight. Str loss 3 d20+21=22 ; d20+31=48 ;
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 1:31:55 PM

Murphy takes the full brunt of the Balor's firey explosion - except that he has energy protection (fire). That plus Succotash's timely channeled energy top him off hp-wise. He activates Prayer (10 rounds), affecting all in the room (good for the good guys, bad for the bad guys), and heroically wildshapes into an air elemental.

"Our souls are not yours to claim, drinker of foul tea."

[Is Murphy's Foresight helping at all at the moment?]

Murphy has movement left... will likely move somewhere, but I've got to head out to work, so will post later...

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 43/T32/F35 CMB 27 CMD 51 HP 219/219. DR 10/adamantine (40 used), Foresight.
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 1:32:45 PM
Header fixed...

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151 d20+28=44 ; d20+25=30 ; d20+39=51 ; d20+39=57 ; d20+37=39 ; d20+29=48 ; d20+29=41 ; d20+29=30 ; d20+24=27 ; d20+24=36 ; d20+19=32 ; d3+27=29 ; d3+27=28 ; d3+25=26 ; d3+22=23 ; d3+22=24 ; d3+22=25 ; d3+22=25 ; d3+22=24 ; 2d6=10 ; d6=1 ; 2d6=7 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 3:14:41 PM
SV Ref: 1d20 + 28 = 44. Evasion so no damage.
SV Will: 1d20 + 25 = 30. No daze. Kezzem might have been immune anyway.

Murph, Nik, and Val get a +4 bonus to their save if it is charm, compulsion, or fear effect.

"You again?" asks Kezzem. "Didn't I just kill you?"

Kezzem uses his metamagic rod to cast quicken holy sword on a second returning dagger (swift action). Kezzem then unloads with his throwing daggers (Quick Draw to draw mundane daggers for iterative strikes since returning daggers only return at the end of the round).

I doubt the balor takes any elemental damage so I listed it separately. Also, just a reminder, the first hit does an additional 18 damage.

Haste Bonus Attack: +5 Giant-Bane Holy Returning Shock Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 34 + 5 (Smite) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) - 2 (GTWF) = 51.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 18 (Smite) + 2d6 holy + 1d6 shock = 29 + 10 + 1 = 39 + 1 = 40.

Attack #1: +5 Giant-Bane Frost Holy Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 34 + 5 (Smite) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) - 2 (GTWF) = 57.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 18 (Smite) + 2d6 holy + 1d6 frost = 28 + 7 + 2 = 35 + 2 = 27.

Off-Hand Attack #1: +3 Flaming Returning Spell-Storing Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 32 + 5 (Smite) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) - 2 (GTWF) = 39.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 18 (Smite) + 1d6 flaming = 26 + 2 = 28.

Attack #2: Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 29 + 5 (Smite) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) - 2 (GTWF) - 5 (MAP) = 48. Natural 19.
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 29 + 5 (Smite) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) - 2 (GTWF) - 5 (MAP) = 41.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 18 (Smite) = 23.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 18 (Smite) = 24.

Off-Hand Attack #2: Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 29 + 5 (Smite) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) - 2 (GTWF) - 5 (MAP) = 30. Natural 1.
Auto-miss.

Attack #3: Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 29 + 5 (Smite) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) - 2 (GTWF) - 10 (MAP) = 27.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 18 (Smite) = 25.

Off-Hand Attack #3: Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 29 + 5 (Smite) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) - 2 (GTWF) - 10 (MAP) = 36.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 18 (Smite) = 25.

Attack #4: Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 29 + 5 (Smite) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) - 2 (GTWF) - 15 (MAP) = 32.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 18 (Smite) = 24.

Spells in Effect:
Endure Elements
Greater Magic Weapon x3
Holy Sword x2
Prayer
Protection from Energy (Fire)
Resist Energy (Fire)
Smite Evil (+5/+18)

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194] d20+17=31 ; d20+25=31 ;
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 4:25:56 PM
Pru doesn't take fire damage, and she is able to resist the demon's foul voice.

She casts Maze on Glabrezou 2. [SR check 31]

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+18=36 ; d20+21=30 ; d20+20=33 ;
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 8:17:47 PM
Balor Party!

Tali, realizing the Balor died, stops spell casting, but then he dishes out damage on his immolation exit. Tali makes the reflex save (DC=33, rolled 36) and takes 50 points of Infernal fire damage. Succotash then channels energy healing, and heals her back up; 69 HPs worth. Then the Balor bastard reappears and casts a Gaze attack with (DC=25 will save | Tali makes her Will save as well!)

Now Tali is really aggravated, she reaches into her front pocket and withdraws another gem, casting another Wish spell and specifically using the
Transport travelers for this instance of her spell:

Tali using her WISH spell, will transport the Balor & all its friends to the Shadow Kingdoms of Koshe Marr.

Transport travelers

A wish can lift one creature per caster level from anywhere on any plane and place those creatures anywhere else on any plane regardless of local conditions. An unwilling target gets a Will save to negate the effect, and spell resistance (if any) applies.

Saving Throw vs My Spell = 39 | Caster Level Check (SR check) = 1D20+20 = 33

Spells & other Effects
Overland flight
mage armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Heroes' Feast 11 hr 30 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus
Googles of the Night
Hasted:

{A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses.

All of the hasted creature�s modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet}

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+21=37 ; d20+24=34 ; d20+21=39 ; d20+21=37 ;
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 9:16:33 PM
Pressi remains undazed and completely avoids the fire damage (improved evasion), and she easily stabilizes on her broom in the reverse gravity.

She rolls her eyes at yet another transporting wish spell. "Come on, at least give these guys something interesting to talk about during frozen yogurt runs. At least if we had shoved these guys into the portable mansion, that might have made the judge happy."

Pressi casts a mind fog over the maraliths (Will Save 24, SR 39) and a quickened blindness on the Glabrezu 1 (Will Save 23, SR 37).

--------

Rituals

Ritual of Warding: +1 to AC and saving throws
Ritual of Devices: 1d3 random drawbacks to magic item known to user (used)
Ritual of Cheating Death: free action to designate as protected from death (used)

Effects:

Moment of Prescience (+20 to single roll)
Rose Control
Water breathing
spell absorbtion (Ioun Stone)
Highlight to display spoiler: { Water elemental effect }
shield of faith
hasted
prayer

Spells Used:

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 3/6+1
L4: 2/5+1
L5: 3/5+1
L6: 2/5+1
L7: 3/4+1
L8: 2/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Items Used

Water Breathing (2)
Align Scrolls (2)
FoM Scroll: 1
horn of blasting
clairaudio: 3/20

DM Mitch Demon Portal Fight Map
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 10:11:48 PM
(For any spells cast please roll for spell resist. For each demon.)

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday July 20th, 2022 11:41:46 PM
ooC: I just noticed that Nikolai's hit was a N20. Didn't roll to confirm Crit. sigh...

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 41 Tch 33 Ffted 35 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+26=39 ; d20+26=32 ; d20+31=38 ; 8d10+10=59 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2022 1:14:29 AM
Please roll to overcome SR for every spell the enemy casts as well, Nikolai has SR25.

Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 moral bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Bless (+1 att, +4 vs fear), Prayer.(+1 att, +1 dmg, +1 saves, +1 skills)
Darkvision
SR = 25

Ki pts 12/16, Stunning Fist 17/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.
Ki Strike: treat unarmed attacks as Lawful and Magic weapons, cold iron/silver
All within 10 feet get: +5 to attacks and AC vs balor

OOC: is the Bless and Prayer still in effect? At least for the party?

Is the 10' bonus still in effect vs the balor?

If this is magical fire, Nikolai has SR 25, please roll to overcome it.
In case the roll succeeds:
(Everyone takes 100 fire damage, DC 33 reflex for half.)
Improved Evasion: Ref +24 +1(haste) +1 (Prayer) = 39 no damage

All PCs and non-summons must make a DC 25 will save or be dazed.
SR 25, please roll to overcome it.
In case balor does:
Will +25 +1 (Prayer) = 32 not dazed. (+1 Hero's Feast) = 33

If SR25 is overcome, Nikolai spends 2 Ki pts to 'Abundant Step' over to AA22 (Move action).

If SR25 is NOT overcome, Nikolai stays on the ground but moves to Z21 using Mobility (+4 AC vs AoO).

He strikes out at GLA2 with a fist (cold iron):
Unarmed strike, Greater Vital Strike, Stunning Fist:
d20 + 28 + 1(hasted) +1 (Prayer) +1 (Bless) = 38
dmg = 8d10 + 10 = 59 +1 (Prayer) = 60
Stunning Fist: Fort vs DC33, if fail then Stunned for 1 round, see Stunned for details.

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 43/T32/F35 CMB 27 CMD 51 HP 219/219. DR 10/adamantine (40 used), Foresight. d20+20=28 ; d20+20=38 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+20=40 ; d20+20=30 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+20=30 ; d20+20=31 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2022 3:48:21 AM
Spell resistance checks vs Prayer for:
Glabrezu 1: 28
Gl 2: 38
Gl 3: 24
Gl 4: 40
Gl 5: 30
Balor: 39
Maralith 1: 31
Ma 2: 30
Ma 3: 31

DM Mitch Demon Portal Fight Map d20=3 ; d20=12 ; d20+18=22 ; d20+20=33 ; d20+20=25 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2022 7:34:21 AM
Succotash heals everyone but Valerie is unable to take an action.
Murphy casts prayer and nicknames the demon. Drinker of foul tea! As he considers his foresight it warns him that the biggest threats will be physical or non-elemental, and that they can only cast their spells a few times at most. The Balor always explodes on death, and they lack ranged attack options effective against him, though they might have the mobility to chase him down.
Kezzem goes full attack on the Balor.
Tali goes for the wish teleportation trick again but it doesn�t work this time. With extra dimensional travel prevented here perhaps you are simply too deep in the fortress for the same trick to work twice. However her material components and spell slot are not wasted and she can reuse them for another wish if she desires.
Prudance casts Maze, but the spell fails just like the wish did.
Pressi sighs about the teleport wish and not being able to use the mansion spell. Recent evidence indicates that the mansion spell would also fail as it is extradimensional space.
Nikolai wonders if he is still blessed/prayered (yes and yes I think). The Balor died and returned so any effects cast on it before this round faded on it. Reverse gravity ignores SR and you saved vs the other spells.

The Drinker of Foul Tea attempts to Dominate Kezzem. Kezzem must make a DC 27 will save or fall under the control of the Demon and be ordered to stand there do nothing but make terrible puns. (OOC: no smiting, no attacking, no healing)

Glabrezu 2 is stunned. Glabrezu 5 moves to attack Nikolai, seeing right through his invisibility, but the monk's skill lets him easily avoid the lumbering demon�s attacks.

The other 3 Glabrezu attempt to hit the party with confusion spells
Nikolai/Valerie - 1 save vs DC 19 Will or be confused for 14 rounds (rolled 26 vs Nik SR)
Murphy / Kezzem / Succotash 3 saves vs DC 19 Will fail any and become confused
Pressi + Pru 2 saves vs DC 19 will save - fail either and you become confused

The Marilith cast blade barriers boxing the party in with only the side facing the fire portal and Glabezu open. Anyone attempting to move through the barrier takes 53 damage from the blades with a DC 23 reflex save allowed for half

HP Tracker:
Balor: 172 damage
Glabrezu 2: 60 damage, stunned.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 111/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 166(143)/170(143)Spells d20+27=32 ; d20+27=38 ; d20+27=41 ; d20+7=10 ; d100=19 ; d20+30=34 ; d20+30=38 ; d20+30=36 ; d20+30=38 ; d20+30=37 ; d20+30=38 ; 3d6+32=45 ; 3d6+32=43 ; 3d6+32=41 ; d6+32=38 ; d8=3 ; d6+32=38 ; d4=3 ; d6+32=35 ; d4=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2022 10:57:15 AM
Succotash's will saves - 32, 38, and 41, all saved
Valerie is confused, but she acts normally this round (rolled a 19 on the d100)

Valerie takes a 5 ft step and lays into the balor.

Right Talon hits AC 34 for 45 damage plus 6 frost and 5 shock
Left Talon hits AC 38 for 43 damage plus 6 frost and 4 shock
Haste Talon hits AC 36 for 41 damage plus 3 frost and 5 shock
Bite hits AC 38 for 41 damage plus 6 frost and 6 shock
Left claw hits AC 37 for 41 damage plus 3 frost and 3 shock
Right Claw hits AC 38 for 39 damage plus 3 frost and 2 shock

Meanwhile, Succotash begins summoning, and next round a cloud giant will appear (summon natures ally 8 - domains spell)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151 d20+23=27 ; d20+23=40 ; d20+23=29 ; d20+23=39 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2022 1:13:36 PM
Kezzem is immune to charm, fear, and compulsion, so he should not need to make those saves. I'll roll them anyways just in case.

SV Wil (DC 27): 1d20 + 23 = 27. Made.
SV Wil (DC 19): 1d20 + 23 = 40. Made.
SV Wil (DC 19): 1d20 + 23 = 29. Made.
SV Wil (DC 19): 1d20 + 23 = 39. Made.

Is Kezzem's smite still active on the balor?

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+21=31 ; d20+21=32 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2022 1:14:55 PM
OOC: SR Rolls for M2 and M3: 31 and 32 respectively.

Look forward to see you roll will saves for each of the Ms and G1.

DM Mitch Demon Portal Fight Map
Thursday July 21st, 2022 1:16:04 PM
The balor�s physical form died and he returned so no effects active on him remained active

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194] d20+21=40 ; 20d6=73 ; d20+25=29 ; 10d6=44 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2022 1:33:56 PM
Pru catches all of the Glabrezu in an Elemental Blast. This is a spell-like ability, and honestly I don't know whether SR applies, or if it does, whether I can include Spell Penetration. I'll roll an SR check without it.

SR 40. The Glabrezu take 73 points of fire damage, DC 27 Reflex save for half. Creatures that fail their save gain vulnerability to fire until the end of Pru's next turn.

Given that, Pru follows up with a quickened Fireball. SR check is 29; damage is 44, DC 20 Reflex save for half.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151 d20+40=47 ; d20+40=54 ; d20+40=56 ; d20+30=34 ; d20+30=47 ; d20+25=45 ; d20+25=39 ; d20+25=30 ; d20+20=27 ; d3+27=30 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d3+27=30 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d3+25=28 ; d3+22=24 ; d3+22=25 ; d3+22=23 ; d3+22=24 ; d3+22=25 ; d3+22=25 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2022 5:12:44 PM
"If you wanted me to say bad puns, you didn't have to cast a spell on me! All you had to do is ask, and even that is probably too much."

"So why did the demon children not make it to school? Because they had a sucky bus."

Kezzem refreshes his smite on balor and makes a full attack.

I doubt the balor takes any elemental damage so I am not including it. Also, just a reminder, the first hit does an additional 18 damage.

Haste Bonus Attack: +5 Giant-Bane Holy Returning Shock Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 34 + 5 (Smite) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) - 2 (GTWF) = 47.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 18 (Smite) + 2d6 holy = 30 + 7 = 37.

Attack #1: +5 Giant-Bane Frost Holy Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 34 + 5 (Smite) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) - 2 (GTWF) = 54.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 18 (Smite) + 2d6 holy = 30 + 2 = 32.

Off-Hand Attack #1: +3 Flaming Returning Spell-Storing Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 32 + 5 (Smite) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) - 2 (GTWF) = 54.
(forgot to reduce by 2)
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 18 (Smite) = 28.

Attack #2: Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 29 + 5 (Smite) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) - 2 (GTWF) - 5 (MAP) = 34
Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 18 (Smite) = 24.

Off-Hand Attack #2: Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 29 + 5 (Smite) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) - 2 (GTWF) - 5 (MAP) = 47.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 18 (Smite) = 25.

Attack #3: Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 29 + 5 (Smite) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) - 2 (GTWF) - 10 (MAP) = 45. Nat 20.
Crit: 1d20 + 29 + 5 (Smite) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) - 2 (GTWF) - 10 (MAP) = 39.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 18 (Smite) = 23.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 18 (Smite) = 24.

Off-Hand Attack #3: Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 29 + 5 (Smite) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) - 2 (GTWF) - 10 (MAP) = 30
Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 18 (Smite) = 25.

Attack #4: Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 29 + 5 (Smite) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) + 1 (Prayer) - 2 (GTWF) - 15 (MAP) = 27.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 18 (Smite) = 25.

Spells in Effect:
Bless
Endure Elements
Greater Magic Weapon x3
Haste
Holy Sword x2
Prayer
Protection from Energy (Fire)
Resist Energy (Fire)
Smite Evil (+5/+18)

DM Mitch Demon Portal Fight Map d20+13=19 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+11=15 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2022 7:50:12 PM
saves I forgot
1 of 3 maraliths are affected by the fog
glabruzu 1 is blinded.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d4+1=4 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2022 8:10:04 PM
Daemons?!

Tali casts Time Stop & gain four rounds of "Extra" time.

During the 1st round, Tali moves from position S27 by hovering over the ground and moving to position W26.

During the 2nd round,Tali casts Prismatic wall starting at position Y10 going to position Y21. The wall is 40 feet high or to the ceiling and 60 feet wide & the multicolored plane of light is facing the Demons.

During the 3rd round, Tali casts Prismatic wall again, starting at position Y21 and going to position AE21. The wall is 40 feet high or to the ceiling and 30 feet wide & the multicolored plane of light is facing the Demons.

During the 4th round & final round, Tali casts another Prismatic wall starting at position U10 and going to position U25. The wall is 40 feet high or to the ceiling and 80 feet wide, the multicolored plane of light is facing the Demons.

This leaves the Balor & Glabrezu #5 not boxed in with the Prismatic walls.

Spells & other Effects
Overland flight
mage armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Googles of the Night
Haste:
A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses.

All of the hasted creature�s modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet

The Prismatic walls are in Magenta on the map.

Balor Demon:
SR 31

{OOC: Can we get this on the map?: The Marilith cast blade barriers boxing the party in with only the side facing the fire portal and Glabezu open.}

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+21=37 ; d20+21=29 ; d20+30=46 ;
Thursday July 21st, 2022 9:20:51 PM
Pressi easily shakes off the two confusions (only a natural 1 can work).

"Careful on the Balor," Pressi warned Kezzem. "I'm not convinced that whatever brought him back is done with it. We might have to take out the creatures or the pillars first, so don't kill him yet. He needs at least another few rounds of hearing puns first."

(Pressi gives it some thought, Know Arcana 46)

She notes with pride that both spells did land, even if it is playing the odds. After what seemed like a lot of hunting through secondary spells, it was nice to know that she could debuff again. (With saves almost as insane as hers, so she understood it would still take some thought.)

Unfortunately, quicken was draining her high level spells, so she needed to think through how to get through this with any spells left.

But that's a rather moot point as she begins (full round action) to cast her Lesser Immortal Summons next to the fire portal (flanking Gla 2 with Kezzem).

(Reminder: the summons is a graven guardian, with a good aligned weapon.)

--------

Rituals

Ritual of Warding: +1 to AC and saving throws
Ritual of Devices: 1d3 random drawbacks to magic item known to user (used)
Ritual of Cheating Death: free action to designate as protected from death (used)

Effects:

Moment of Prescience (+20 to single roll)
Rose Control
Water breathing
spell absorbtion (Ioun Stone)
Highlight to display spoiler: { Water elemental effect }
shield of faith
hasted
prayer

Spells Used:

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 3/6+1
L4: 2/5+1
L5: 4/5+1
L6: 2/5+1
L7: 3/4+1
L8: 2/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Items Used

Water Breathing (2)
Align Scrolls (2)
FoM Scroll: 1
horn of blasting
clairaudio: 3/20

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 43 Tch 35 Ffted 36 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+26=41 ; d20+29=42 ; d20+29=36 ; d20+24=44 ; d20+24=40 ; d20+24=30 ; d20+17=18 ; d20+17=18 ; d20+32=38 ; 2d10+11=16 ; 2d10+11=18 ; 2d10+11=18 ; 2d10+11=25 ; 2d10+11=15 ; 2d10+11=21 ; 2d10+11=17 ; 2d10+11=22 ;
Friday July 22nd, 2022 12:49:20 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 moral bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Bless (+1 att, +4 vs fear), Prayer.(+1 att, +1 dmg, +1 saves, +1 skills)
Darkvision
SR = 25

Ki pts 10/16, Stunning Fist 16/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.
Ki Strike: treat unarmed attacks as Lawful and Magic weapons, cold iron/silver
All within 10 feet get: +5 to attacks and AC vs balor

Will save d20 +25 + 1(Bless) +1(Hero's Feast) vs DC19 = 41 not confused

Nikolai is very disappointed that the demon he stunned is now blocked by a prismatic wall. However there is still a target outside the wall. He takes a 5' step and Unleashes a flurry of blows on it.

Unarmed attack, Flurry of Blows, first attack Stunning Fist.

Attack_1 (S.F.) d20 + 25 + 1(hasted) +1 (Prayer) +1 (Bless) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 42
Stunning Fist: Fort vs DC33, if fail then Stunned for 1 round, see Stunned for details.

Attack_2 d20 + 25 + 1(hasted) +1 (Prayer) +1 (Bless) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 36
Attack_3 d20 + 20 + 1(hasted) +1 (Prayer) +1 (Bless) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 44
Roll to confirm crit = 40
Attack_4 d20 + 20 + 1(hasted) +1 (Prayer) +1 (Bless) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 30
Attack_5 d20 + 13 + 1(hasted) +1 (Prayer) +1 (Bless) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 18
Attack_6 d20 + 13 + 1(hasted) +1 (Prayer) +1 (Bless) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 18

Hasted Attack d20 + 28 + 1(hasted) +1 (Prayer) +1 (Bless) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 38

dmg 1 = 2d10 + 10 +1 (Prayer) = 59 +1 (Prayer) = 16 and possibly stunned
dmg 2 = 2d10 + 10 +1 (Prayer) = 59 +1 (Prayer) = 18 if crit confirmed then +18 = 36
dmg 3 = 2d10 + 10 +1 (Prayer) = 59 +1 (Prayer) = 25
dmg 4 = 2d10 + 10 +1 (Prayer) = 59 +1 (Prayer) = 15
dmg 5 = 2d10 + 10 +1 (Prayer) = 59 +1 (Prayer) = 21
dmg 6 = 2d10 + 10 +1 (Prayer) = 59 +1 (Prayer) = 17

Hasted dmg = 22

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 43/T32/F35 CMB 27 CMD 51 HP 219/219. DR 10/adamantine (40 used), Foresight. d20+37=57 ; d20+37=49 ; d20+37=57 ; d20+37=48 ; 8d8+28=69 ; 8d8+28=61 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=7 ;
Friday July 22nd, 2022 5:14:03 AM
Murphy flies down and around the prismatic wall, and joins in with the Maralith. "Are you acquainted with the concept of bruising?" he asks #3.

He slams her w/a nat 20 (AC 57, confirm crit AC 49). Damage 69+6=75
He slams her w/a nat 20 (AC 57, confirm crit AC 48). Damage 61+7=68. Total 143.

What are the vertical dimensions of the room? That is, how high is the ceiling above the floor? Is the ceiling flat, or curved? How high are the side platforms above the main floor? How high is the ceiling above the side platforms? Etc. :-)

Murphy is a scant few feet away from the prismatic wall. He may be just barely above the floor (his height is 32', though he may stretch out horizontally if the ceiling is too low to accommodate his height, in which case he is at platform level, yet draped in a way that a maralith cannot get beneath him. So there are two sides they may get relative to him, but not on opposite sides.

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 43/T32/F35 CMB 27 CMD 51 HP 219/219. DR 10/adamantine (40 used), Foresight. d20+31=36 ;
Friday July 22nd, 2022 5:20:56 AM

Errata: Add Will save 36/19 - save, not confused

Which of the 3 maraliths was affected by the fog as mentioned by Mitch, and what was that effect?

DM Mitch Demon Portal Fight Map d8=8 ; d8=4 ; d8=2 ; d8=5 ; d8=1 ; d20+18=33 ; d20+18=19 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+18=33 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+11=30 ; 5d8=21 ; 5d8=24 ; 5d8=31 ; 5d8+25=46 ; 5d8+25=53 ; d20+25=34 ; d20+25=37 ; d20+25=34 ; d20+25=41 ; d20+25=43 ; d20+25=36 ; d20+25=43 ; d20+25=36 ; d20+25=39 ; d20+25=32 ; d20+25=37 ; d20+25=28 ; d20+25=31 ; d20+25=40 ; d20+25=40 ; d20+25=30 ; d20+25=30 ;
Friday July 22nd, 2022 7:56:45 AM
Succotash manages to save against the confusion. Valerie does not but she still acts normally hitting the Balor for 130 damage off of 5 attacks.
Knowledge[planes] DC 30 Highlight to display spoiler: {DR/15 good and cold iron}
Pru catches the Galbrazu in an elemental blast followed by a fireball. They fail all their saves and her rolls are more than sufficient to deal with any SR however they only take most of the damage not all of it.
Knowledge Planes DC 23 Highlight to display spoiler: { resist fire 10 }
Kezzem drops more puns and another smite attempt against the Balor hitting 5 times for 169 more damage killing it again and ending the smite again.
Tali time stops and crafts some prismatic walls
Pressi gives some advise, thinks about the portals and casts lesser immortal summons.
Pressi Highlight to display spoiler: { The portals seem very close to the statues, could they have something to do with how the portals function? }
Nikolai is disappointed the stunned Glabrezu is behind a wall so he flurries against the one that isn�t and makes it stunned after hitting it 5 times.
Murphy checks the roof of the room (about 40 feet and square) and goes around the prismatic wall.

The Drinker of Foul Tea once again detonates as he dies. Everyone in the room takes 100 fire damage, DC 33 reflex for half.

Glabrezu 1 is blinded and waits a moment (how long until the blind wears off?)

Glabrezu 2, 3, & 4 are so tall they easily step up to the higher floor and move around the prismatic wall. Though they can�t reach the party they get in line of sight to all cast Unholy Blight. The 20 foot area affects Succotash, Tali, Pressi, and Pru. Each takes 21, 24, and 31 damage, will save 19 for half. On a failed save you are also sickened.

Glabrezu 5 - attacks Nikolai missing all 5 times

The Maraliths all attack Murphy (you said you were in melee range of them, they match your reach, but your way away from them on the map?). However none manage to penetrate the tough defenses of the elemental.

HP Tracker:
Balor: dead
Maralith 1: Mind fog (-10 wis save), flying
Maralith 2: flying
Maralith 3: 123 damage, flying
Glabrezu 1: Blinded, 63 damage
Glabrezu 2: 123 damage, stunned.
Glabrezu 3: 63 damage
Glabrezu 4: 63 damage
Glabrezu 5: 177 damage, stunned

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Friday July 22nd, 2022 11:11:58 AM
OOC: According to the description of "Blindness/Deafness" it's permanent duration. (I assume that spells can reverse it, though.)

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 43/T32/F35 CMB 27 CMD 51 HP 219/219. DR 10/adamantine (40 used), Foresight. d20+26=38 ; d20+26=39 ;
Friday July 22nd, 2022 12:53:38 PM
[He has a 15' reach, and was only in melee range of #3] Saved (38/33) vs Balor blast for half.
[Need to add later, rushing to work]

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194] d20+17=19 ; d20+17=25 ; d20+25=35 ; d20+19=26 ; d20+19=29 ; d20+19=33 ; 4d6=20 ; 4d6=14 ; 4d6=11 ; d20+25=29 ; d20+19=25 ; d20+19=20 ; d20+19=21 ; 4d6=13 ; 4d6=16 ;
Friday July 22nd, 2022 2:40:28 PM
Pru realizes she forgot to make her Will saves last round, an adventuring faux pas she will now attempt to address. She rolls a 19 and a 25, which means we don't have to retcon her actions, so yay.

The Glabrezu are sill vulnerable to fire until the end of her turn, and yes, they also resist fire, and no, I don't know how that math works. But the Glabrezu have spread out, the stinkers, and now her husband is right in the middle of them so fireballs are a risky strategy.

Instead, she decides to target Glabrezu 2 with a Scorching Ray followed by a quickened Scorching Ray.

For the normal ray, SR 35. Three rays hit Touch AC 26, 29, and 33 for 20, 14, and 11 damage.

For the quickened ray, SR 29. Three rays hit Touch AC 25 and 21, and miss with a natural 1. Damage is 13 and 16.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151 d20+28=32 ; d20+39=54 ; d20+39=52 ; d20+32=46 ; d20+24=29 ; d20+19=31 ; d3+12=15 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d3+12=14 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d3+10=13 ; d3+7=9 ; d3+7=8 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ;
Friday July 22nd, 2022 3:27:47 PM
SV Ref: 1d20 + 28 = 32. Fail. Protection from Fire eats the fire damage.

"Sorry, Press, but my only options were stabbing him or not stabbing him. Still, it you have to admit, it was a pretty BALOR move for him to come back after I killed him the first time."

Kezzem uses his metamagic rod to cast quicken divine favor. He then full attacks Glabrezu 1. He's skipping two-weapon fighting this round. As a paladin, his weapons count as good even if he's not smiting.

Assuming the elemental damage does not effect the demons. However, as his target blind, Kezzem gets sneak attack.

Haste Attack: +5 Giant-Bane Holy Returning Shock Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 34 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) = 1d20 + 39 = 54.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 2d6 (Holy) + 1d6 (SA) = 1d3 + 12 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 15 + 12 + 3 = 30.

Attack #1: +5 Giant-Bane Frost Holy Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 34 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) = 1d20 + 39 = 52.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 2d6 (Holy) + 1d6 (SA) = 1d3 + 12 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 14 + 7 + 1 = 25.

Attack #2: +3 Flaming Returning Spell-Storing Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 32 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) - 5 (MAP) = 1d20 + 32 = 46.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 1d6 (SA) = 1d3 + 10 + 1d6 = 13 + 2 = 15.

Attack #3: Cold-Iron Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 29 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) - 10 (MAP) = 1d20 + 24= 29.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 1d6 (SA) = 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 = 9 + 5 = 14.

Attack #4: Cold-Iron Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 29 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) - 15 (MAP) = 1d20 + 19 = 31.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 1d6 (SA) = 1d3 + 7 + 1d6 = 8 + 6 = 14.

Spells in Effect:
Bless
Divine Favor
Endure Elements
Greater Magic Weapon x3
Haste
Heroes Feat
Holy Sword x2
Prayer
Protection from Energy (Fire; 20/120 remaining)
Resist Energy (Fire)

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+18=20 ; d20+16=19 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=2 ;
Friday July 22nd, 2022 8:14:44 PM
More Daemons?!

Tali misses her reflex save and takes the full brunt of the 2nd Balor immolation ~ 100 hit points reducing her to just 35+18 (53) HP. Assuming the Massive Damage rule,
Tali makes her Fortitude save barely.

Tali, beyond pissed off, casts the Time Stop spell & gains 5 rounds of "Extra" time...

During the 1st round, Tali casts the Summon Monster VII spell & calls forth 2 Ankylosaurus Dinosaurs,

During the 2nd round, Tali casts the Summon Monster VII spell & calls forth 2 Ankylosaurus Dinosaurs,

During the 3rd round, Tali casts the Summon Monster VII spell & calls forth Celestial 2 Hound Archons,
During the 4th round, Tali casts the Summon Monster VII spell & calls forth Celestial 5 Hound Archons,
During the Final (5th) round,Tali casts the Summon Monster VII spell & calls forth 2 Celestial Hound Archons,

(Stat Blocks below)

Spells & other Effects
Overland flight
mage armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Googles of the Night (Darkvision)
Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18 (Removed from the immolation)
Haste:
A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses.

All of the hasted creature�s modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet

Spells Used
2x Mage's Disjunction
3x Prismatic wall
2x Time Stop
Wish

Ankylosaurus�s STATISTICS

Str 27, Dex 10, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 8
Base Atk +7; CMB +17; CMD 27 (31 vs. trip)
Feats Great Fortitude, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Overrun, Power Attack, Weapon Focus (tail)
Skills Perception +14

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Stun (Ex)
The ankylosaurus�s tail can deliver a powerful, stunning blow. A creature struck by this attack must make a DC 23 Fortitude save or be dazed for 1 round. If the strike is a critical hit and the target fails its save, it is instead stunned for 1d4 rounds. The save DC is Strength-based.

-=-
Hound Archon Statistics

Str 15, Dex 10, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 13, Cha 12
Base Atk +6; CMB +8; CMD 18
Feats Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Power Attack
Skills Acrobatics +9, Intimidate +10, Perception +10, Sense Motive +10, Stealth +13, Survival +14; Racial Modifiers +4 Stealth, +4 Survival
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Infernal; truespeech
SQ change shape (beast shape II)

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 157/194] d20+17=29 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+17=28 ;
Saturday July 23rd, 2022 2:18:20 PM
[And I forgot to do Will saves AGAIN! Yeesh. Here they are, with header adjusted.]

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 43/T32/F35 CMB 27 CMD 51 HP 204/219. DR 10/adamantine (40 used), Foresight. d20+37=49 ; d20+37=43 ; d20+37=47 ; d20+37=54 ; 4d8+14=27 ; 4d8+14=26 ; 4d8+14=28 ; 4d8+14=38 ;
Sunday July 24th, 2022 6:04:18 AM

"So, what might be your favorite beverages, ladies?" Murphy asks his many-armed opponents. "I rather like kvass."

Meanwhile, he continues his bruising routine. He stays on #3 until she goes down, at which point he will shift his attacks to #1.
AC 49 27 hp
AC 43 26 hp
AC 47 28 hp
AC 54 38 hp

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 43 Tch 35 Ffted 36 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday July 24th, 2022 1:17:59 PM
The Drinker of Foul Tea once again detonates as he dies. Everyone in the room takes 100 fire damage, DC 33 reflex for half.

This should include the enemy as well?

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 43 Tch 35 Ffted 36 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+26=42 ; d20+32=42 ; d20+32=37 ; d20+32=50 ; d20+27=33 ; d20+22=26 ; d20+32=39 ; 2d10+11=19 ; 2d10+11=21 ; 2d10+11=19 ; 2d10+11=20 ; 2d10+11=19 ; 2d10+11=18 ;
Monday July 25th, 2022 12:09:05 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 moral bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Bless (+1 att, +4 vs fear), Prayer.(+1 att, +1 dmg, +1 saves, +1 skills)
Darkvision
SR = 25

Ki pts 10/16, Stunning Fist 15/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.
Ki Strike: treat unarmed attacks as Lawful and Magic weapons, cold iron/silver

Ref save d20 +24 + 1(Haste) +1(Prayer) vs DC33 = 42 Improved Evasion, no damage

Nikolai presses the attack on the newly stunned Glabrezu 5:
Unarmed attack using Medusa's Wrath attack style vs stunned foe
Stunning Fist again to try to keep it stunned.

Attack_1 (S.F.) d20 + 28 + 1(hasted) +1 (Prayer) +1 (Bless) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 42
Stunning Fist: Fort vs DC33, if fail then Stunned for 1 round, see Stunned for details.

Attack_2 d20 + 28 + 1(hasted) +1 (Prayer) +1 (Bless) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 37
Attack_3 d20 + 28 + 1(hasted) +1 (Prayer) +1 (Bless) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 50
Attack_4 d20 + 23 + 1(hasted) +1 (Prayer) +1 (Bless) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 33
Attack_5 d20 + 18 + 1(hasted) +1 (Prayer) +1 (Bless) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 26

Hasted Attack d20 + 28 + 1(hasted) +1 (Prayer) +1 (Bless) +1 (Hero's Feast) = 39

dmg 1 = 2d10 + 10 +1 (Prayer) = 19 and possibly stunned (again)
dmg 2 = 2d10 + 10 +1 (Prayer) = 21
dmg 3 = 2d10 + 10 +1 (Prayer) = 19
dmg 4 = 2d10 + 10 +1 (Prayer) = 20
dmg 5 = 2d10 + 10 +1 (Prayer) = 19

Hasted dmg = 18

DM Mitch Demon Portal Fight Map d20=2 ; d20=2 ; d20=11 ; d20=7 ; d20=11 ; d20+18=22 ; d20+18=19 ; d20+18=27 ; 5d8=19 ; 5d8=18 ; d3=3 ;
Monday July 25th, 2022 8:09:19 AM
Pru decides to use some scorching rays in place of fireballs considering her husband is in the midst of her enemies. She hits 5 times for 50 damage total.
(OOC: I�m pretty sure if vulnerable they take 1.5 damage from fire, resist just ignores the first 10 points of damage)
Kezzem apologizes for stabbing the Balor but argues his only options were stabbing or not stabbing but coming back after being killed once is a very Balor thing to do. He uses his metamagic rod to cast a quickened divine favor then attacks Glabrezu 1
Tali Casts Time stop and summons a bunch of dino and hound archon backup
Murphy makes a quip and keeps attacking the Marilith he was on. It still is alive though.
Nikolai keeps punching the stunned Glabrezu killing it.

The drinker of foul tea steps forth from the portal again with a cruel smile on his face. �Kezzem, you keep killing me. I�d almost say you didn�t like me. As a favor, let me tell you where you can find the best meat on a stick in the Wold. A small village in the gateway downs has a man who�s experimenting with all the meats in the Wold to find the best combination and he one day succeeded.

Of course you�ll never taste it. The man died two years ago and shared his knowledge with no one.�

Done trying to ruin hobbies for the moment, the Drinker of Foul Tea once more speaks unspeakable blasphemy. All PC�s must make a DC 25 will save or be dazed, all non-evil summons are banished back to their home planes.

The 2 remaining Glabrezu continue to go for the guaranteed damage of Unholy Blight. Both again hits succotash, Prudence, and Pressi for 19 and 18 damage, DC 19 will to half it. On failed save you are sickened 1d4 rounds.

The Mariliths keep attacking Murphy this time he isn�t as lucky. Between the 2 of them he is struck by 2 swords and a tail slap. 43 vs AC (no crit); 44 vs AC (no crit) and natural 20 on a tail slap (no crit)) The swords do (11,12) damage (I didn�t apply your DR you can) and the tail slap does 8( I didn�t apply your DR you can) but it comes with a free grapple attempt that fails against Murphy�s superior CMD

Knowledge Arcana 30 Highlight to display spoiler: {These portals seem to be able to resummon the demons endlessly. You see no way to magically disrupt them, but they seem to be powered by the two statues that flank them. Tough stone statues, but very destructible ones.}

HP Tracker:
Balor:
Maralith 1: 90 Mind fog (-10 wis save), flying
Maralith 2: 90 flying
Maralith 3: dead
Glabrezu 1: dead
Glabrezu 2: dead
Glabrezu 3: 153damage
Glabrezu 4: 153 damage
Glabrezu 5: dead

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 111/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 166(143)/170(143)Spells d20+11=25 ; d20=2 ; d20=12 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+24=43 ; 4d6+20=31 ;
Monday July 25th, 2022 11:55:45 AM
OoC... Sorry for not posting on Friday. The wife and I were asked to babysit our 5 year old grandson, at the last minute, and well, I was barely able to get my DM post in Taur up. He is the apple of my eye, but he is also a handful!

Succotash's reflex= 25 fail
Succotash's first will= can on fail on a 1, rolled a 2
Succotash's second will= can on fail on a 1, rolled a 12
Valerie's reflex= 24 failed, takes half damage due to improved evasion

Succotash is nearly killed, and probably should have been, but somehow how heroically keeps breathing. (2 hero points to cheat death)

Valerie doesn't have a target so she stays where she's at.

Succotash's cloud giant appears on the second floor, and takes a swing at gla 4 with his morning star. He hits AC 43 for 31 damage

Augmented Cloud Giant

NG Huge humanoid (giant)
Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +17

DEFENSE

AC 25, touch 9, flat-footed 24 (+4 armor, +1 Dex, +12 natural, �2 size)
hp 200/200
Fort +18, Ref +6, Will +10
Defensive Abilities rock catching

OFFENSE

Speed 50 ft.
Melee morningstar +24/+19/+14 (4d6+20) or 2 slams +22 (2d6+14)
Ranged rock +12 (2d6+20)
Space 15 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks rock throwing (140 ft.)
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 16th)

At will�levitate (self plus 2,000 lbs.), obscuring mist
1/day�fog cloud

STATISTICS

Str 37, Dex 13, Con 25, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 12
Base Atk +12; CMB +26; CMD 37
Feats Awesome Blow, Cleave, Great Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Overrun, Intimidating Prowess, Iron Will, Power Attack
Skills Climb +19, Craft (any one) +10, Diplomacy +9, Intimidate +26, Perception +17, Perform (string instruments) +8
Languages Common, Giant
SQ oversized weapon

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Oversized Weapon (Ex)
A cloud giant can wield Gargantuan weapons without penalty. Most favor the use of immense morningstars.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+27=29 ; d20+27=39 ;
Monday July 25th, 2022 12:22:34 PM
Oh so that's the way it is, eh?!

Ms. Talia using her knowledge of the Arcana, initially, misses her mark, but then tries again and figures out something about the portals:
These portals seem to be able to re-summon the demons endlessly. You see no way to magically disrupt them, but they seem to be powered by the two statues that flank them. Tough stone statues, but very destructible ones.

Ms. Talia then take a 5 foot step by hovering 5 feet closer to "Pre" & casts a spell Mage's Disjunction centered on V11 in hopes of destroying the Dark Portal's guardians. as well as any other critters in the Spell's area!

Spells & other Effects
Overland flight
mage armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Googles of the Night (Darkvision)
Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Haste:
A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses.

All of the hasted creature�s modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet

Spells Used
2x Mage's Disjunction
3x Prismatic wall
2x Time Stop
5x Monster Summoning VII
2x Wish

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151 d20+23=29 ; d20+39=40 ; d20+39=59 ; d20+39=52 ; d3+12=15 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d3+12=14 ; d20+34=51 ; d3+12=14 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d20+24=32 ; d3+7=9 ; d20+19=31 ; d3+7=8 ;
Monday July 25th, 2022 2:36:35 PM
Reminder: anyone within 10 feet of Kezzem get a +4 bonus on their Will saves if it is fear, charm, or compulsion effect.

Again, Kezzem's probably immune to the daze effect (if it is fear, charm, or compulsion), but if not, he makes the save anyway.

SV Will (DC 25): 1d20 + 23 = 29.

"Why are you so evil?" asks Kezzem of the balor.

"Can somebody do something about this guy keep coming back? Or this floating stuff?"

Kezzem will heroically casts holy sword (spent 1 hero point) on his remaining returning dagger, and then full attack Glabrezu 3.

Reminder: Even Kezzem's nonmagical daggers count as good for damage reduciton.

Haste Attack: +5 Giant-Bane Holy Returning Shock Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 34 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) = 1d20 + 39 = 40. Natural 1.

Attack #1: +5 Giant-Bane Frost Holy Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 34 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) = 1d20 + 39 = 59. Natural 20!
Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 39 = 52.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 2d6 (Holy) = 1d3 + 12 + 2d6 = 15 + 7 = 22.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 12 = 14.

Attack #2: +5 Flaming Holy Returning Spell-Storing Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 34 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) - 5 (MAP) = 1d20 + 34 = 51.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 2d6 (Holy) = 1d3 + 12 + 2d6 = 14 + 4 = 18.

Attack #3: Cold-Iron Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 29 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) - 10 (MAP) = 1d20 + 24 = 32.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 3 (Divine Favor) = 1d3 + 7 = 9.

Attack #4: Cold-Iron Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 29 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) - 15 (MAP) = 1d20 + 19 = 31.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 3 (Divine Favor) = 1d3 + 7 = 8.

Spells In Effect:
Bless
Divine Favor
Endure Elements
Greater Magic Weapon x3
Haste
Heroes Feat
Holy Sword x3
Prayer
Protection from Energy (Fire; 20/120 remaining)
Resist Energy (Fire)

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 139/194] d20+17=20 ; d20+17=26 ; d20+19=21 ;
Monday July 25th, 2022 2:49:22 PM
Pru makes her Will saves, and takes a little more damage.

She fails her Knowledge check, so she sticks with her current strategy.

Of course, now everything is on the other side of blade barriers and walls and whatnot, and she doesn't have line of sight or effect to anything. And the Reverse Gravity, which had been kind of a fun tourist attraction up to this point, is now a hindrance.

She casts a quickened Fly on herself, then begins gaining altitude. She moves up until she can see over the walls, and because her spell was quickened, she can spend a double move on this if she has to.

DM Mitch Demon Portal Fight Map
Monday July 25th, 2022 2:59:28 PM
The walls reach the roof of the room per the height listed when they where cast (40 feet)

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 43/T32/F35 CMB 27 CMD 51 HP 201/219. DR 10/adamantine (68 used), Foresight. d20+17=29 ; d20+37=40 ; d20+37=39 ; d20+37=41 ; d20+37=49 ; 4d8+14=34 ; 4d8+14=26 ; 4d8+14=29 ; 4d8+14=27 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=12 ;
Monday July 25th, 2022 7:41:38 PM

Murphy continues attacking #3. "Don't worry, ladies," he says to #2 and #1. "Your turn will come."

AC 40 34+9=43 hp
AC 39 26+9=35 hp
AC 41 29+9=38 hp
AC 49 27+12=39 hp

If she #3 goes down before all attacks are used, Murphy will shift the balance of his attack routine to #1, in order to keep his promise.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 79/217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+23=25 ; d20+21=24 ; d20+21=24 ; d20+21=29 ; d20+30=46 ;
Monday July 25th, 2022 9:40:56 PM

Pressi shudders, unable to avoid the massive blast. While she can forever avoid the sickening, she still takes 38 damage, and 18 more.

statues portals function

As the Balor returns to life as predicted, Pressi's eyes are a few daggers at Kezzem. It doesn't help that whoever killed the Balor despite her warning basically roasted her summons before he could start.

"Can anyone sit on Mister Tea over there? Grapple him, immoble him, anything?"

The Balor's death dazes her in response, though she can at least thing things through regarding the statues.

--------

Rituals

Ritual of Warding: +1 to AC and saving throws
Ritual of Devices: 1d3 random drawbacks to magic item known to user (used)
Ritual of Cheating Death: free action to designate as protected from death (used)

Effects:

Moment of Prescience (+20 to single roll)
Rose Control
Water breathing
spell absorbtion (Ioun Stone)
Highlight to display spoiler: { Water elemental effect }
shield of faith
hasted
prayer

Spells Used:

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 3/6+1
L4: 2/5+1
L5: 4/5+1
L6: 2/5+1
L7: 3/4+1
L8: 2/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Items Used

Water Breathing (2)
Align Scrolls (2)
FoM Scroll: 1
horn of blasting
clairaudio: 3/20

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 61/217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Monday July 25th, 2022 9:42:02 PM
Sorry, forgot last round of damage.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 43 Tch 35 Ffted 36 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+35=42 ;
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 12:48:54 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 moral bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Bless (+1 att, +4 vs fear), Prayer.(+1 att, +1 dmg, +1 saves, +1 skills)
Darkvision
SR = 25

Ki pts 8/16, Stunning Fist 15/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.
Ki Strike: treat unarmed attacks as Lawful and Magic weapons, cold iron/silver
[b}Eberon's Tear with Holy, Ghost Touch, Undead Bane (Holy = extra 2d6 dmg vs evil, bypass corresponding DR)[/b]

OOC: Laziness with maps just creates confusion and misunderstandings. Label things properly and we don't have to keep trying to figure out what lines do what and in which post the lines went up to know what they are. Like Room Height. Label it and we don't have to ask/guess. Platforms? Label them and their height. It's not that hard

IC: Nikolai uses his Abundant Step to gate to AD19 and tries to tear down one of the statues.

Bend Bars/Lift Gates .... oh, sorry, wrong version...

He tries to topple it by giving it a bullrush.
CMD 30 + d20 +1(hasted) +1 (Prayer) +1 (Bless) +1 (Hero's Feast) +1 (ioun stone) = 42

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 43/T32/F35 CMB 27 CMD 51 HP 201/219. DR 10/adamantine (68 used), Foresight.
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 3:24:42 AM

Hearing talk going around, Murphy switches his attacks to non-lethal. Figure he gets to that idea by strikes #3 and 4 this round. These two:

AC 41 29+9=38 hp
AC 49 27+12=39 hp

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 43/T32/F35 CMB 27 CMD 51 HP 201/219. DR 10/adamantine (68 used), Foresight.
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 6:02:55 AM

Oh, except the 2d6 is still going to be lethal. So:
AC 41 29 hp nonlethal, 9 hp lethal
AC 49 27 hp nonlethal, 12 hp lethal

CDM Jerry [OOC post]
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 10:07:42 AM
Kim, your mailbox is full. Please empty it sir. :) None of us can send the sheriff anything. :( [you may delete this once you've read this AND emptied your mailbox.] ::grin::

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 1:51:55 PM
"Technically you told me not to kill him after I killed already him for the second time," says Kezzem in response to Pressi's stare.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 139/194]
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 5:28:02 PM
[OOC: I am once again confused. What are the pink/purple lines on the map? Because I was thinking they were walls, but I see that Nikolai has gone right through one, so are they walls? Or something else?]

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 43 Tch 35 Ffted 36 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 7:15:11 PM
OOC: Nikolai used Abundant Step, so walls or not makes no difference, BUT, one I think is Prismatic Wall and the other Blade Barrier? Nikolai didn't want to chance it.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 7:57:44 PM
Walls, Walls, Walls...Everywhere Walls!

Tali drops all her Primastic wall, as they don't appear to be having an effect on the enemy, and it's creating a traversing issue for her team.

Tali being hasted will double move to position AC13, which gives her a better view of the portals.

Spells & other Effects!
Overland flight
mage armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Googles of the Night (Darkvision)
Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Haste:
A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses.

All of the hasted creature�s modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet

Spells Used!
2x Mage's Disjunction
3x Prismatic wall
2x Time Stop
5x Monster Summoning VII
2x Wish

DM Mitch Demon Portal Fight Map d100=8 ; d100=6 ; d100=15 ;
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 8:59:20 PM
Succotash cheats death, Valerie stands pat, Succotash�s cloud giant appears and attacks the 4th Glabrezu
(OOC: if you are in that dire straights you should probably update your header)
Tali understands something about the portals and fires an AOO mage�s disjunction. The 3 statues she can effect the 2 flanking the dark portal and the one flanking the light portal are suppressed for 20 minutes so the Dark Portal winks out of existence. As the other statue flanking the light portal is still functioning the light portal persists
Kezzem asks why the drinker of tea is so evil and if anyone can grapple him and then full attacks the Glabrezu # 3 killing it
Pru casts a quickened fly and does a double move
Murphy attacks Marilith #1 as #3 is already dead
Pressi is dazed. She stares daggers at Kezzem since she keeps losing her summons whenever the Balor comes back but at least she can think about the portals.
Nikolai abundant steps and bullrushes one of the statues flanking the fire portal. It takes 8 damage as he topples it over but despite being toppled on the floor it is still mostly intact
Tali drops her prismatic walls (purple was prismatic wall, red was blade barrier)

The disjunction was possibly more potent than expected. It successfully manages to disrupt 3 statues of 2 portals and banish the Glabruzu and Balor. It also banishes Succotash�s cloud giant.

The 2 remaining Mariliths attack Murphy again but once again Murphy�s defenses hold them off

HP Tracker:
Dark Portal Statue 1 : suppressed 20 min
Dark Portal Statue 2: suppressed 20 min
Light Portal Statue 1: suppressed 20 min
Light Portal Statue 2: unharmed
Fire Portal Statue 1 : unharmed
Fire Portal Statue 2: prone, 8 damage
Balor:
Maralith 1: 205 Mind fog (-10 wis save), flying
Maralith 2: 90 flying
Maralith 3: dead
Glabrezu 1: dead
Glabrezu 2: dead
Glabrezu 3: dead
Glabrezu 4: 174 damage
Glabrezu 5: dead

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 61/217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Tuesday July 26th, 2022 9:26:44 PM
Snapping out of it, Pressi drops a heal upon Succotash (150 pts).

She then turns and casts a quickened "break" on the unharmed fire portal statue (Fort DC 20).

--------

Rituals

Ritual of Warding: +1 to AC and saving throws
Ritual of Devices: 1d3 random drawbacks to magic item known to user (used)
Ritual of Cheating Death: free action to designate as protected from death (used)

Effects:

Moment of Prescience (+20 to single roll)
Rose Control
Water breathing
spell absorbtion (Ioun Stone)
Highlight to display spoiler: { Water elemental effect }
shield of faith
hasted
prayer

Spells Used:

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 0/6+1
L3: 3/6+1
L4: 3/5+1
L5: 4/5+1
L6: 3/5+1
L7: 3/4+1
L8: 2/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Items Used

Water Breathing (2)
Align Scrolls (2)
FoM Scroll: 1
horn of blasting
clairaudio: 3/20

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 43 Tch 35 Ffted 36 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday July 27th, 2022 12:20:36 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 moral bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Bless (+1 att, +4 vs fear), Prayer.(+1 att, +1 dmg, +1 saves, +1 skills)
Darkvision
SR = 25

Ki pts 8/16, Stunning Fist 15/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.
Ki Strike: treat unarmed attacks as Lawful and Magic weapons, cold iron/silver
Eberon's Tear with Holy, Ghost Touch, Undead Bane (Holy = extra 2d6 dmg vs evil, bypass corresponding DR)

Nikolai had the impression that if the statues were out of alignment they'd not function. However, to not test his theory too much, he pulls out of his pocket a small cube and presses one side.

Move: get cube from pocket
Standard: activate Cube of Force

A cube of energy, 10 feet on a side, springs up around Nikolai and as much of the statue as possible. He has pressed Side 4 to keep out magic. Perhaps the entire statue has to be in sync with the other for the magic to work and buys time for the Statue Smashers to do their smashing.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151
Wednesday July 27th, 2022 12:44:35 AM
"Hello Kezzem! You have a flying carpet, remember?"

Kezzem takes out the flying carpet and activates it. I believe that will be his full action this turn, but if he can, he move to flank with Murphey.

Kezzem has the Quick Draw feat if that helps.

Spells In Effect:
Bless
Divine Favor
Endure Elements
Greater Magic Weapon x3
Haste
Heroes Feat
Holy Sword x3
Prayer
Protection from Energy (Fire; 20/120 remaining)
Resist Energy (Fire)

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+20=28 ;
Wednesday July 27th, 2022 7:08:13 AM
Suppression

Ms. Tali surveys what's left to accomplish (Perception check: 28) & see's portal statues still need addressing: Light & Fire. Tali then casts another Mage's Disjuntion centered on R15, hoping to fully affect the light portals and perhaps the Maralith as well without affecting her teammates.

Spells & Other Effects
Overland flight
Mage Armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Googles of the Night (Darkvision)
Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)

Haste
A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses.

All of the hasted creature�s modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet

Spells Used
2x Mage's Disjunction
3x Prismatic wall
2x Time Stop
5x Monster Summoning VII
2x Wish

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 111/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 166(143)/170(143)Spells d20+25=35 ; d20+25=30 ; d20+25=33 ; d20+25=26 ; d20+25=37 ; d20+25=35 ; d6+14=20 ; d6+14=17 ; d6+14=18 ; d4+14=17 ; d6=1 ; d4+14=17 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d4+14=18 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday July 27th, 2022 12:18:09 PM
Succotash directs Valerie to one of the light statues and tells her to destroy it. The dino pounces on light statue 2 and attacks.

left talon hits AC 35 for 20 damage plus 2 frost and 6 shock
right talon hits AC 30 for 17 damage plus 6 frost and 5 shock
haste talon hits AC 33 for 18 damage plus 4 frost and 4 shock
bite nat 1
left claw hits AC 37 for 18 damage plus 5 frost and 3 shock
right claw AC 35 for 19 damage plus 6 frost and 4 shock

Meanwhile, Succotash casts animate object on the light statue 1 and orders it to leave the room. He tells it to walk as fast as it can towards the room they fought the demonic whale construct, and than keep walking towards the exit, and beyond, until the spell expires.

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 43/T32/F35 CMB 27 CMD 51 HP 201/219. DR 10/adamantine (68 used), Foresight. d20+37=55 ; d20+37=43 ; d20+37=38 ; d20+37=56 ; 4d8+14=32 ; 4d8+14=30 ; 4d8+14=28 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=6 ;
Wednesday July 27th, 2022 1:34:37 PM

"So, what awaits us ahead?" Murphy inquires of the two women who have six arms each. "Since you do not wish to discuss beverages."

Attacks are against #1. If she goes down, remaining attacks are vs #2.

AC 55: 32 hp nonlethal, 7 hp lethal
AC 43: 30 hp nonlethal, 9 hp lethal
AC 38 (nat 1, miss)
AC 56: 28 hp nonlethal, 6 hp lethal

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 139/194] d20+18=29 ;
Wednesday July 27th, 2022 4:09:02 PM
"Oh, we're doing statues?" Pru says, late to the party as usual.

If there is a statue still standing, Pru hits it with a Disintigrate. [Hit Touch AC 29. Destroys a 10-foot cube of nonliving matter. Fort save to resist is DC 23.]

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 43 Tch 35 Ffted 36 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday July 27th, 2022 11:55:22 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 moral bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Bless (+1 att, +4 vs fear), Prayer.(+1 att, +1 dmg, +1 saves, +1 skills)
Darkvision
SR = 25

Ki pts 8/16, Stunning Fist 15/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.
Ki Strike: treat unarmed attacks as Lawful and Magic weapons, cold iron/silver
Eberon's Tear with Holy, Ghost Touch, Undead Bane (Holy = extra 2d6 dmg vs evil, bypass corresponding DR)

Nikolai sits pretty over the fallen statue unless it's the last one functioning, then he moves, cube with him, away from it so it can be destroyed.

DM Hugh - Portal Combat d20+25=39 ; d20+25=28 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; 15d6=53 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+3=20 ; d20+3=20 ; d20+3=10 ; d20+3=6 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+1=8 ; d20+1=11 ; d3=1 ; d20+18=22 ; d20+20=28 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+20=36 ; d20+20=21 ; d20+20=23 ; d20+18=24 ; d3=3 ; d20+25=31 ; d20+25=36 ; d20+25=43 ; d20+25=28 ; d20+25=32 ; d20+17=26 ; d20+25=33 ; d20+25=26 ; d20+25=38 ; d20+25=38 ; d20+25=44 ; d20+17=31 ; d20+25=39 ; d20+25=37 ; d20+25=41 ; d20+25=43 ; d20+25=45 ; d20+25=26 ; d20+17=37 ; d20+17=22 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+17=27 ; d20+17=27 ; 2d6+4=11 ; 2d6+4=7 ; 2d6+4=10 ; 2d6+4=12 ; d8+7=8 ; d20+28=45 ; d20=3 ; d20=17 ; d20=15 ; 3d6=8 ; d20+24=31 ; d20+24=42 ; d20+24=25 ; d20+23=35 ; d20+23=37 ; d20+23=36 ; d20+23=32 ; d20+23=42 ; d20+23=31 ; d20+23=30 ; d20+17=32 ; d20+17=34 ; d20+14=19 ; d100=35 ;
Thursday July 28th, 2022 2:08:25 AM

Pressi drops a heal on Succotash and then activates a quickened break. The statue fails the Fort Save (rolled a 19 and gains the broken condition)
Nikolai pulls out a cube of force and activates side 4 causing a 6 sided cube made up of walls of force to spring up around him and as much of the statue as possible. It has no observable effect on the portal
Kezzem pulls out his flying carpet and activates it
Tali drops another mage�s disjunction. The remaining unsuppressed light statue is still unsuppressed but the Mariliths are gone at least.
Succotash directs Valerie to attack the nearest statue (OOC: does Valerie have some way to bypass hardness? Also Valerie has been caught in 2 mage�s disjunctions and as such technically has to have her items make will saves to avoid being disabled. I believe Tali�s DC is 29) Succotash then animates the other light statue however it is unable to follow Succotash�s command to leave to the other room because it is not a command to attack.
(OOC: the spell explicitly states: Each such animated object then immediately attacks whomever or whatever you initially designate. The spell does not say an animated object could carry out other commands besides attack)
Murphy was going to continue attacking the 2 Mariliths but Tali�s spell banished them so he has no targets
Pru uses a disintegrate spell to take out Fire Portal 1
Nikolai stands pat over the fallen statue
HP Tracker:
Dark Portal Statue 1 : suppressed 19 min 54 seconds
Dark Portal Statue 2: suppressed 19 min 54 seconds
Light Portal Statue 1: suppressed 19 min 54 seconds
Light Portal Statue 2: 49 - 94 - 134 damage (depending if Valerie�s items saved versus the disjunction and / or the dino can overcome hardness)
Fire Portal Statue 1 : disintegrated
Fire Portal Statue 2: prone, 8 damage
Balor: banished
Maralith 1: banished
Maralith 2: banished
Maralith 3: dead
Glabrezu 1: dead
Glabrezu 2: dead
Glabrezu 3: dead
Glabrezu 4: banished
Glabrezu 5: dead

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 43/T32/F35 CMB 27 CMD 51 HP 201/219. DR 10/adamantine (68 used), Foresight. d20+37=38 ; d3=3 ; d20+37=57 ; d20+37=38 ; d20+37=46 ; d20+37=51 ; 8d20+28=74 ; 8d8+28=58 ; 4d8+14=30 ; d20+37=49 ; d20+37=45 ; d20+37=46 ; d20+37=42 ; 4d8+14=35 ; 4d8+14=27 ; 4d8+14=37 ; 4d8+14=28 ; d8=2 ; d8=3 ; d8=3 ; d8=3 ; d8=2 ;
Thursday July 28th, 2022 3:04:56 AM

"Well, that was all of a sudden," Murphy comments as his two nearest opponents disappear. He considers whether to cast on himself another protection from fire... then decides to do so.

He flies over to the statue (light portal statue 2) and figures since others have been bashing it, that's not a bad idea.

Miss
Hit AC 57. Nat 20 - confirmed with 51. Damage 58
Miss
Hit AC 46. Damage 30.

And, aside from stationary statues we appear to be out of combat, he goes for another round:
AC 49: 35 hp
AC 45: 27 hp
AC 46: 37 hp
AC 42: 28 hp

He pretty much keeps up until the whole thing is dust and small pebbles. Then he goes to the next whole statue, and begins to bust it to pieces. And the next. And the next. Though he'll listen to ideas and recommendations from others. "Anyone have an idea what we should do now?" Unless healing is offered from another source, he heals himself to full with his wand of CLW. He offers the wand to Pressi. He has more such wands. However, he also checks to see if others choose to use other means to bring healing.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 111/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 166(143)/170(143)Spells d20+22=30 ; d20=20 ; d20=15 ; d20=5 ; d20=11 ; d20=17 ; d20=2 ; d20=11 ; d20=1 ; d20=6 ; d20=18 ; d20=2 ; d20=13 ; d20=15 ; d20=18 ; d20=3 ; d20=11 ; d20=11 ; d20=10 ;
Thursday July 28th, 2022 12:40:25 PM
Valerie has no way to bypass hardness, and she can't overcome Tali's spell DC so everything is suppressed, and her slotless cloak of resistance (pink head bow) rolled a one and is permanently disabled.

Realizing what happened to Valerie's magic items, Succotash says, "I have a great idea, Let's not use Mages disjunction while friendlies are in the blast area. If the statues would have saved, Valerie would have been a sitting duck, against those demons! I suggest we wait here until the spell is over. In the meantime, Murphy is having a smashing time with those statues. Succotash isn't mad, though he is a little concerned that if something attacks them now, Valerie won't be able to defend herself half as well as normal.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 139/194] d20+18=38 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+18=35 ;
Thursday July 28th, 2022 1:52:10 PM
Murphy is ready to pulverize each statue by hand, but Pru has Disintegrates left and no reason not to use them. She begins disintegrating statues until somebody tells her to stop.

[Touch ACs 38, 31, 35. DC 23 Fort save to negate.]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151 d20+34=47 ; d4+8=9 ; d20+34=47 ; d20+34=48 ; d20+29=30 ; d20+24=44 ; d20+19=25 ; d4+8=10 ; d4+8=10 ; d4+8=10 ; d4+8=10 ; d20+34=44 ; d20+34=54 ; d20+29=46 ; d20+24=41 ; d20+19=32 ; d4+8=11 ; d4+8=10 ; d4+8=10 ; d4+8=11 ; d4+8=11 ;
Thursday July 28th, 2022 2:40:46 PM
Kezzem flies over to a statue and starts hacking at it with his adamantine short sword.

+1 Construct-Bane Adamantine Short Sword
Attack: 1d20 + 29 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 1 (Bless) + 1 (Haste) = 1d20 + 34 = 47.
Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 3 (Divine Favor) = 1d4 + 8 = 9.

Round 2: Full attack the statue

Haste Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 34 = 47.
Damage: 1d4 + 8 = 10.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 34 = 48.
Damage: 1d4 + 8 = 10.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 29 = 30. Natural 1.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 24 = 44. Natural 20.
Damage: 1d4 + 8 = 10.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 19 = 25.
Damage: 1d4 + 8 = 10.

Round 3: Continue full attacks

Haste Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 34 = 44.
Damage: 1d4 + 8 = 11.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 34 = 54. Natural 20.
Damage: 1d4 + 8 = 10.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 29 = 46.
Damage: 1d4 + 8 = 10.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 24 = 41.
Damage: 1d4 + 8 = 11.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 19 = 32.
Damage: 1d4 + 8 = 11.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 43 Tch 35 Ffted 36 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday July 28th, 2022 7:49:59 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 moral bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Bless (+1 att, +4 vs fear), Prayer.(+1 att, +1 dmg, +1 saves, +1 skills)
Darkvision
SR = 25

Ki pts 8/16, Stunning Fist 15/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.
Ki Strike: treat unarmed attacks as Lawful and Magic weapons, cold iron/silver
Eberon's Tear with Holy, Ghost Touch, Undead Bane (Holy = extra 2d6 dmg vs evil, bypass corresponding DR)

Nikolai promptly drops the Cube of Force (used for two rounds) and dashes to Pru's side, for various reasons.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Thursday July 28th, 2022 11:03:27 PM
Ain't God Great, Let's us Meditate!

Tali looks around, and sighs, "Whew! That was getting close. A few more rounds and I would have been a pin cushion!" Tali casts Message & while mouthing the words and whispering, points to each of her teammates, "Listen friends as fun as that last battle was, I must meditate or I will be all but useless in the next battle. So, while I meditate, y'all can find a way to progress from here..."

Having explained her position, Tali assumes her sitting Meditative posture and enters her meditative state...

Spells & Other Effects
Overland flight
Mage Armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Googles of the Night (Darkvision)
Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Message

Spells Used
2x Mage's Disjunction
3x Prismatic wall
2x Time Stop
5x Monster Summoning VII
2x Wish
1x Message

DM Hugh - Perhaps some statues need to come down
Friday July 29th, 2022 3:31:54 AM
Murphy comments on how suddenly his targets vanished and goes to hit the statue.
Succotash reflects that Valerie cannot damage the statue.
Prudence disintegrates a statue.
Kezzem goes over and hits a statue as well.
Nikolai runs over to Pru.
Tali explains to the others she needs to meditate or be useless for their next encounter and asks them to find a way to press on as she assumes her meditative position
The party manages to destroy the statues that are not suppressed in a single round, interrupting the demons that were going to appear at the end of the round. Now with 20 minutes to destroy the rest they manage to do so easily.

All goes quiet in the room.

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 43/T32/F35 CMB 27 CMD 51 HP 219/219. DR 10/adamantine (68 used), Foresight.
Friday July 29th, 2022 3:36:38 AM

When the last statue is sufficiently ground down or disintegrated, Murphy asks, "How do we know we can get through a period of rest undisturbed? Also, what's to keep the demons we just fought from returning?" Though he figures someone determined the statues were key to this, no one has actually said so aloud, to the best of the druid's recollection.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 111/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 166(143)/170(143)Spells
Friday July 29th, 2022 11:23:32 AM
"Well with the statues destroyed, the portals have closed, so we know the demons can't come back that way. If we need to rest, I can cast Wall of Stone, a couple of times, sealing the doorways, and I can create a blade barrier creating a protected corner of the room to sleep in. I'm sure our other casters can create additional barriers. That doesn't mean we won't be molested of course, but it may give us a better chance, also it would make it near impassable to surprise us.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151
Friday July 29th, 2022 1:41:41 PM
Kezzem attempts to summom Rumpus.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151
Friday July 29th, 2022 2:18:27 PM
"I had a thought," says Kezzem. "What if...we wished to suppress the suppression in this room? Would that enable us to use congruent...conjugation...conjuration magic, yeah, that's it, in here?"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 139/194]
Friday July 29th, 2022 3:54:38 PM
"I can do Walls of Ice," Pru confirms. "Or, if we can figure out a way to use conjuration magic, I can cast us a Magnificent Mansion."

Murphy halfling druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 CMB 29 CMD 46 HP 219/219. DR 10/adamantine (68 used), Foresight.
Friday July 29th, 2022 4:40:30 PM

Murph returns to his normal self, no longer an air elemental. "Tali." He gives her shoulder a gentle shake. "Sorry to bother you. Do you understand how the statues work? Or worked?" He then adds what he already had asked the others, "How do we know we can get through a period of rest undisturbed? Also, what's to keep the demons we just fought from returning as we rest?"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Friday July 29th, 2022 6:08:14 PM
How Stuff Works!

Tali without opening her eyes points at Mister Murphy and mouths the answer for her Message Spell:

Yes, Mister Murphy...Guess I should have said this sooner... through my Arcana knowledge, I was able to determine that these portals seem to be able to resummon the demons endlessly. I saw no way to magically disrupt them, but they seem to be powered by the two statues that flank them. Tough stone statues, but very destructible ones. Of course, I did suppress them with Mage's Disjunction!

Once the answer is delivered, Tali resumes her 2-hour meditative process.

Murphy halfling druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 CMB 29 CMD 46 HP 219/219. DR 10/adamantine (68 used), Foresight.
Saturday July 30th, 2022 3:44:23 AM

"Thank you for that explanation, Tali." He communicates via the mental bond that Prudence set up for us a few hours ago.

And through that means, he continues. "Very well. Let us set up some defenses, as some of you suggested. Yet not so stout that air cannot get through, for most of us need to be able to continue to breathe. A watch should be kept. The spell casters may need less interrupted sleep. I can take first watch, or last watch. Prudence, I sense your amazing mansion will not function here. As we have gotten deeper into Scald's realm, extradimensional options have seemed to have diminished significantly. Perhaps, though, after we all rest, and if we are lucky enough not to have been disturbed greatly, we can enjoy Heroes' Feast.

"How does that notion sit with you all?" he asks the group. "Also, some of us appear to be in need of healing. Succotash, Prudence, Pressi, I gather none of you is unscathed. I do have wands of cure light wounds. If others care to bring us back up to snuff through other means, that would be fine."

Pressi (Kim subbing (finally) for Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 123/217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d8=1 ; d8=5 ; d8=6 ; d8=1 ; d8=5 ; d8=8 ; d8=1 ; d8=7 ; d8=2 ; d8=5 ; d8=3 ; d8=5 ; d8=6 ;
Sunday July 31st, 2022 12:23:12 AM
6+7+6+9+8+3+6+4+6+7=62

Pressi takes up Murphy's wand of CLW and heals herself with 10 charges for 62 hp. "Well, this helps... slowly. Maybe once we have greater power to rearrange the elements of the multiverse, we will be able to afford more potent wands." She bumps her husband's right hip with her left, to let him know her words are a tease, not a rebuke.

She looks roughly halfway healed up.

"Yeah, let's build a little cabin here, and take a nap. Surely no one will bother us."

Murphy halfling druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 CMB 29 CMD 46 HP 219/219. DR 10/adamantine (68 used), Foresight.
Sunday July 31st, 2022 2:05:36 AM

"Let's go with your idea, Succotash. Prudence, I would love were we to do the mansion, but have gotten the distinct impression it is unlikely to work. That said, if you want to give it a try, go ahead. If I am mistaken, that will make me happy.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 111/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 166(143)/170(143)Spells
Sunday July 31st, 2022 4:44:25 PM
"I'll cast a Mass Heal on everyone before I hit the rack and hope for the best. Everyone should be fully healed by such a powerful spell." (Everyone gets 250 HP)

Succotash than casts the wall of stone spells, blocking both doorways, and than casts blade barrier creating a corner everyone can hopefully rest in, separating them from the doorways. He asks for last watch if possible.

Murphy halfling druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 CMB 29 CMD 46 HP 219/219. DR 10/adamantine (68 used), Foresight.
Sunday July 31st, 2022 10:44:18 PM

"Good on ya, Succo. I'll take first watch," Murphy says. "Unless someone whose name starts with 'Pr' overrules me."

Pressi (Kim for Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217/217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Sunday July 31st, 2022 10:49:34 PM

"Thank you, Succotash. Might you consider an offer to join our coven?" Pressi asks the cleric.

"First watch, Murphy? Wake me for second. I'll take my beauty nap now."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 43 Tch 35 Ffted 36 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday July 31st, 2022 10:59:23 PM
Nikolai would rather push on, but it is also good to know when you've reached your limits. An army that overextends itself finds itself in deep trouble. Sooo... he volunteers to take up first watch.

Pressi (Kim for Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217/217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Monday August 1st, 2022 1:54:06 AM

"We have 1st watch covered by Murphy, 2nd by me, Pressi, last (5th?) by Succotash.

"Nikolai, instead of 1st, can you take 3rd or 4th watch? Tali, you want to take a watch or two?"

Watches:
1st - Murphy
2nd - Pressi
3rd - Nikolai?
4th - Tali? Kezzem?
5th - Succotash

"Prudence, you get the night off, looks like."

DM Mitch Demon Portal Fight Map
Monday August 1st, 2022 7:43:03 AM
Murphy asks how do we know we can get through a period of rest undisturbed and how do they know the demons won�t come back after the statues are sufficiently destroyed.
Succotash suggests that since the statues are destroyed the portals have closed so they know they can�t come back that way. He offers to cast wall of stone and blade barrier to secure the room and give them a little chance of being unmolested as well as making it impossible to be surprised.
Kezzem attempts to summon Rumpus and then asks what would happen if they wished to suppress the suppression magic in the room
Pru says she can do walls of ice and if they can figure out how to use the conjuration magic she could do Magnificent Mansion.
Murphy returns to his normal form and asks the meditating Tali how she knows the portals won�t come back and that they can rest without being bothered by them
Tali mouths a message to Murphy explaining things before resuming her mediation
Pressi borrows Murphy�s wand to patch her up a bit and suggests maybe one day they could get better communal healing items. She also says she�s sure if they build a cabin and rest they�ll be undisturbed in a sarcastic tone.
Murphy suggests they go with Succotash�s idea and if Pru wants to try her magnificent mansion she can go ahead but he doesn�t think it would work.
Succotash casts heal on everyone before they rest and then sets up the wall of stone and blade barrier
Murphy volunteers for first watch unless Pressi has other ideas
Pressi asks Succotash if she wants to join her coven then tells Murphy to wake her for second.
Nikolai would rather press on but knows it is a bad idea to press on when overextended and instead volunteers for first watch but Murphy also volunteered for first watch

The attacks start about 15 minutes after the party beds down. A swarm of small earth elementals pop out of the ground next to those sleeping screaming in terran and smacking the party. They are quickly and easily eliminated, but it interrupts everyone�s sleep. Any attempts to adjust the security of the room don�t seem to help - per the giant�s warning the enemy can see any and all defenses you set up allowing them to summon just the right creature to bypass them.

None of the attackers are particularly strong, but they don�t have to be, they just have to be loud, annoying, and rush to harass anyone sleeping. It seems that any rest inside the base of the enemy is doomed to failure, you�ll have to retreat far enough away that the enemy can�t see your every movement.

Murphy halfling druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 CMB 29 CMD 46 HP 219/219. DR 10/adamantine (68 used), Foresight.
Monday August 1st, 2022 11:16:52 AM

The group hears mentally from Murphy, "Out. If we are to recover, we need to retreat. Though I would pray we will not face the level of opposition we have gone through to get back to this place, it might serve us better simply to get out, rest, and recuperate.

"Or, we could try to move forward, and at least know what next to prepare for. So:
- Forward now as we are?
or
- Strategic Retreat?
I vote for the latter, but we should all hear each other's counsel, then act."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 111/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 166(143)/170(143)Spells
Monday August 1st, 2022 11:28:36 AM
"Well crud, so much for a good nights rest, and I just burned a mass heal spell thinking I would be getting them back after a good nights rest. I have 1 left, plus one regular heal. Of course I can cast normal cure spells, and I have 6 channels left, but they just don't have the same power to them, but I will do my best."

"I appreciate your offer Pressi, and I would consider it, but I'm not sure how that will work, Don't you have to be a bloodwitch to join a bloodwitch coven?"

"I guess we have no choice but to move on. Shall we see what's behind door number two, or should we retreat, and hope we don't have to re-clear the rooms we already have?"

Succotash will dismiss his blade barrier and wall of stone spells when the party decides what to do next.

Succotash is open to either suggestion.

CDM Jerry [OOC post]
Monday August 1st, 2022 2:31:03 PM
DMs check email and DMboard please.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Monday August 1st, 2022 4:12:22 PM
"I can keep going," Pru says. "But if we want to retreat and rest, that's fine, too."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 43 Tch 35 Ffted 36 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday August 1st, 2022 10:10:13 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 moral bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, Bless (+1 att, +4 vs fear), Prayer.(+1 att, +1 dmg, +1 saves, +1 skills)
Darkvision
SR = 25

Ki pts 8/16, Stunning Fist 15/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.
Ki Strike: treat unarmed attacks as Lawful and Magic weapons, cold iron/silver
Eberon's Tear with Holy, Ghost Touch, Undead Bane (Holy = extra 2d6 dmg vs evil, bypass corresponding DR)

"I don't want to have to conquer a hill I've already conquered once before. Remember, we are in a god's domain. Let's not give him any chance to recover any of what he's lost. It could be our destination is right around the corner. Let's get one more guardian out of the way, then rethink our position. It could be that the enemy actually wants us to go forward and has set it up so we can't go back."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Monday August 1st, 2022 10:52:28 PM
Do we stay or do we go?!

"Oh, crud! I wasn't sleeping!" exclaims Tali. "Might as well move forward, if we know where forward is!" sighs Tali. "Either way, it's not going to be easy, guaranteed!"

Spells & Other Effects
Overland flight
Mage Armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Googles of the Night (Darkvision)
Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Message

Spells Used
2x Mage's Disjunction
3x Prismatic wall
2x Time Stop
5x Monster Summoning VII
2x Wish
1x Message

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 61/217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Monday August 1st, 2022 11:30:07 PM
Pressi votes to press forward as well, though she wishes that she could even the odds.

Even trying to force a monologue would work on this point.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 12:02:06 AM
"I don't know if we really want to do the whole boss fight with our current spell resources," says Kezzem. "If we have to retreat, so be it, but is there anyway we can stop them from porting creatures in here with some kind of wish spell or whatnot?"

OOC: Did Rumpus arrive?

DM Mitch Demon Portal Fight Map
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 8:09:33 AM
Murphy mentally tells the others that if they need to recover then they need to retreat or they could press on. He votes for the strategic retreat.
Succotash says so much for a good night�s rest as he just burned a mass heal thinking he�d get it back. He says he has 1 left and a regular heal as well as normal cure spells and channeling but they don�t do as much good. He tells Pressi he appreciates her offer and asks how that would work and if you have to be a bloodwitch to join a coven. He is open to either suggestion either door number 2 or heading back the way they came hoping they don�t have to reclear what they already cleared.
Pru says she can keep going but if they want to retreat and rest that is fine too
Nikolai says he doesn�t want to reconquer a hill he�s conquered before and that they are in a God�s domain and it is probably best not to let the God recover what was lost either. He says their destination could be right around the corner so they might as well clear one more guardian and then rethink their position.
Tali says she wasn�t sleeping but they might as well press forward if they know where that is but it won�t be easy
Pressi moves to press on though she wishes she could even the odds. Maybe she can force a monologue out of the next villain.
Kezzem suggests they might not want to face the boss fight with their current resources if that is what is ahead and asks if there is any way a wish spell could help secure the room.

Rumpus did arrive. Also several summons were able to be called in the previous fight so it seems whatever is blocking extraplanar travel is a little inconsistent.

Murphy and Kezzem are in favor of a strategic retreat to recover. Pressi, Tali and Nikolai want to press on. Succotash and Pru said they are fine with either option. With moving forward having a slight lead the party advances some.

It seems that the fight against the demons was the final hurdle before reaching the inner sanctum. The next room beyond it seems to be some sort of communal living space. Comfy chairs and couches, a few bookshelves and other forms of entertainment, etc. Murphy�s foresight warns of no danger and the party is able to quickly explore finding all of the comforts of a home in a dozen or so rooms. Kitchen, dining room, bathroom, bedrooms, etc. it looks like a nice place to live if you�re a cultist bent on worshiping freeing a dangerous immortal power.

Though the living space doesn�t tip of any internal alarms one room towards the back triggers all of the party�s magical and instinctive warnings. Foresight warns of incredible danger, Kezzem can sense great evil emanating from the other side, and those that can see magic see all the signs that some incredibly powerful ritual is occurring on the other side. It seems that you�ve found your destination - are you ready for the final battle?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 111/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 166(143)/170(143)Spells
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 11:51:09 AM
"Seems we have reached our destination, and apparently not a moment to soon. shall we proceed? Before we enter I'm going to cast Holy Aura on us. Are we ready?"

If everyone is ready, Succotash will cast Holy Aura, which will last 20 rounds, As his friends push open the door. If they aren't ready, he will wait until they are.

Holy Aura

First, each warded creature gains a +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves. Unlike protection from evil, this benefit applies against all attacks, not just against attacks by evil creatures.

Second, each warded creature gains spell resistance 25 against evil spells and spells cast by evil creatures.

Third, the abjuration protects the recipient from possession and mental influence, just as protection from evil does.

Finally, if an evil creature succeeds on a melee attack against a creature warded by a holy aura, the offending attacker is blinded (Fortitude save negates, as blindness/deafness, but against holy aura�s save DC).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 2:24:25 PM
Kezzem will hit Rumpus with Endure Elements and Resist Energy (fire).

Kezzem:
Endure Elements
Greater Magic Weapon x3
Heroes Feat
Holy Aura (SR 25 plus misc other effects)
Protection from Energy (Fire; 20/120 remaining)
Resist Energy (Fire)

Rumus:
Endure Elements
Holy Aura (SR 25 plus misc other effects)
Resist Energy (Fire)

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 4:36:44 PM
Just as Succotash casts his Holy Aura, Pru casts Haste.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 6:01:59 PM
Kezzem also will himself with divine favor if we read ready to step once more into danger.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 8:23:34 PM
Battle Royal

"Does anyone have a spare Resist fire or other Resist spells they think then can lend a lady?" asks Tali of the group. IN the meantime, Tali, reaching into her overall pockets withdraws several wands, casting spells onto herself and then offering to cast them on her friends; all wands created at 7th level:

Wand of Stoneskin,
Wand of endure elements,
Protection from Evil,
Entropic Shield,

Lastly, Tali, reaching into her pocket as she puts away the last of her wands that she had previously removed, now pulls forth a tub of eye ointment and castsTrue Seeing onto herself. She then removes her Googles of the night and puts them into her front pocket.

" I'm ready for my Cameo, Mister DeMille! " giggles Tali.

Spells & Other Effects
Overland flight
Mage Armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Googles of the Night (Darkvision)
Message
Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Holy Aura (SR 25 plus misc other effects)
Haste
Stoneskin
Endure Elements,
Protection from Evil,
Entropic Shield.

Spells Used
2x Mage's Disjunction
3x Prismatic wall
2x Time Stop
5x Monster Summoning VII
2x Wish
1x Message

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 61/217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 9:56:10 PM
Pressi casts the resist fire on Tali, and one on herself. She also recasts spectral hand, and the true seeing on her domain slot.

With her spells lowered, she took out her rod of thunder and lightning, figuring she had an outside shot at unloading it into someone.

She really, really wished that she had her divinations or a chance to scout, but she still had a few tricks saved (no rest really didn�t surprise her.). And the biggest trick is that she�s always got one more to pull out.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 43 Tch 35 Ffted 36 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d8=6 ; d8=1 ; d8=6 ; d8=6 ;
Wednesday August 3rd, 2022 12:11:39 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 moral bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, {Bless (+1 att, +4 vs fear), Prayer.(+1 att, +1 dmg, +1 saves, +1 skills)}
Holy Aura: +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves; spell resistance 25 against evil spells and spells cast by evil creatures; protection vs possession and mental influence; if an evil creature succeeds on a melee attack against a creature warded by a holy aura, the offending attacker is blinded (Fortitude save negates, as blindness/deafness, but against holy aura�s save DC).

Darkvision
SR = 25

Ki pts 8/16, Stunning Fist 15/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.
Ki Strike: treat unarmed attacks as Lawful and Magic weapons, cold iron/silver
Eberon's Tear with Holy, Ghost Touch, Undead Bane (Holy = extra 2d6 dmg vs evil, bypass corresponding DR)

Nikolai accepts a tap of the wand of Stoneskin.

Taking out his staff of Healing, he uses a charge on Pressi:
3d8 +5 = 6 + 6 + 6 + 5 = 23
Pressi recovers 23hp

Nikolai takes up position next to his wife, ready to move in.

"If there is a ritual going on, half of us concentrate on disrupting the ritual, the other half concentrates on protecting the first half. Or something like that."

Murphy halfling druid (temp small earth elem) (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 CMB 29 CMD 46 HP 219/219. DR 10/adamantine (68 used), Foresight. d20+46=63 ; d20+44=63 ;
Wednesday August 3rd, 2022 5:55:26 AM

As they look about the living quarters, Murphy focuses upon the books - titles, magical auras if any (detect magic cantrip). If there seems anything of interest (whether magical or not), he will drop it in a bag. Anything else that may radiate magic aside from books he will note and comment on to the others. [See note with Perception=63 roll below]

"Before we all cast several spells," Murphy prompts, "and everyone rushes the door, have any of you been informed by looking through the living quarters about what we are likely to encounter when we go through that fell passageway?"

"Before we cast any spells of short duration, would any of you want me to try scouting as a small earth elemental? If any can come along, great. Can someone could cast invisibility on me? My huge size version is too big to fit in the available rocky space, but small could work. Hold on a moment, and I'll try locally." He wildshapes into a small 4' tall earth elemental (though he has the power and strength of a medium earth elemental), and takes an explore earthgliding underneath the dwelling place, not yet venturing toward the foreboding spot. If all is well in this area, he will come up, give a telepathic report as his head sticks above the floor, then dive back down to draw nearer the place of anxiety, simply sensing what he can sense (such as from tremorsense out to 60 feet).

He reports back mentally what he discerns. If he can get invisibility from someone, he will then see about earthgliding from off to the left or right - whichever side looks more propitious, up the walls (not directly between the apartment and the ceremonial site, but rather a bit more inward), then up higher, and toward the ceremonial chamber, slowly, carefully, perhaps with just his eyes emerging from a place 50'-70' or so up and 50'-70' or so off to the side. Someone may be watching the doorway, but maybe, perhaps, will not be as likely to focus up and to the left or right. He does this with Stealth 63. Will someone notice an invisible face that slowly emerges from a wall?

Again, he reports anything of signifance to the party mentally.

----------
Notes for just before we enter, but hopefully with additional party interaction to the above before we do what is here mentioned:

This before he earthdives: "If anyone can benefit from barkskin (+5 enhancement bonus on top of any existing natural armor bonus), let me know, and I'll cast it on you," Murphy announces (telepathically, of course). [First to claim the barkskin gets it ... assume done early as preparatory spells are cast, as it lasts 3 hours 20 minutes.]

This, likely, after the scout report comes in:
The clock ticks down... Murphy encourages folks to pace things out timewise for maximum effect and duration.

"Holy aura, Succotash? That should serve as a wonderful blessing."

Succotash casts Holy Aura (20 rounds), and Pru casts Haste (20 rounds), Murphy casts Prayer to cover all party members (duration: 10 rounds)

[OOC: Please, Mr. DM - allow time for responses before assuming we open the passageway. Murphy asked a few questions that deserve answers (from the party, and DM) before we enter the Grand Stage of Imminent Exaltation. Thank you! -Kim]

=====================
Perception: 63 - Murphy looks around the living quarters for clues about the dwelling, and any hints it may provide about what is in the fell room beyond. E.g., a note saying, "Pick up belladonna for evil ritual" on the refrigerator, or a book entitled, "Steps to escape from a dimensional prison", or "How to become a great Woldian power again."
Stealth: 63

Spell effects, etc.
Darkvision 19 hr 20 min
Endure Elements 24 hours
Entropic Shield: 7 minutes (Tali's wand)
Foresight 2 hr 40 min
Freedom of movement 2 hr 40 min
Haste 20 rnds
Heroes' Feast 10 hr 50 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects
Holy Aura 20 rounds
Longstrider 19 hr 20 min (+10 land movement)
Mage armor 19 hr 20 min
Magic fang, greater (+5) (from legacy item)
Prayer 10 rnds
Protection from Energy (fire/heat) 2 hr 55 min
Protection from Evil 7 minutes (Tali's wand)
Resist Energy (sonic) 3 hr 20 min
[link href="http://legacy.aonprd.com/coreRulebook/spells/stoneskin.html"]Stoneskin 2 hr 40 min DR 10/adamantine 150-68=82 hp protection left
Telepathic Bond 2 hr 40 min
Immune to Electricity
Immune to all poisons

DM Mitch The final Battle Map d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ;
Wednesday August 3rd, 2022 6:09:23 AM
Succotash observer they have reached their destination and casts Holy Aura
Kezzem hits Rumpus with Endure Elements and Resist Energy (fire) and himself with Divine Favor
Pru casts Haste
Tali asks for a spare resist fire and then starts using a number of rods on herself offering them to the others while using True Seeing on herself.
Pressi casts the requested resist spell as well as using one on herself she also recasts spectral hand and her own true seeing before taking out her rod of thunder and lightning
Nikolai accepts the stone skin and then uses the wand to heal Pressi before moving up to be near his wife. He suggests half of the party should focus on interrupting the ritual while the other half covers the interrupters
Murphy searches the area and asks some questions.

A complete search of the area turns of lots of interest but little of value. The cultists seem to be a well read lot, with a library covering everything from fiction to the history of adventuring groups to religion and philosophy. They have a well stocked kitchen and at least one of them is an excelent cook judging from some of the cookies and breads stocked for the group to snack on.

Though you find most everything needed to live well down here there is a noted lack of personal items and the few sleeping chambers seem more like guest rooms then primary residencies. Either that or the cultists abhor keeping personal belongings of any kind. No magical items of any type are evident. The enemy knew you were coming so possibly removed things of value or things that could be used against them from the area.

From the search several interesting conclusions can be drawn. By counting the number of chairs in various areas you note that there are between 6 and 10 residents - assuming a few are extra or for guests. They also must represent a wide spread of species and cultures as there is furniture for small, medium, large, and huge sized creatures. In addition to being well read they are skilled in a variety of crafts. An alchemy room, forge, magic item crafting, and stoneworking facilities and tools are all present.

Honestly the place reminds the group of their own bases of operations in many ways, being a comfortable place where a group of people long used to working with each other can live and gather. If not for the blood soaked ritual chamber you fought the demons in you wouldn't even guess they were scheming something evil.

Murphy's scouting attempt is somewhat of a bust. While he can go into the earth 5 feet down and explore the current area with no problem as soon as he tries to pass under or around the door he hits some solid barrier preventing it. it extends the entire length so there's no way to move to the side or back of the chamber to approach from another angle. Listing at the door lets him hear the sounds of a ritual underway, and his tremorsense indicates no one is walking around within 60 feet of the door, though perhaps he can feel the soft vibration of the loud chanting.

Murphy halfling druid (temp small earth elem) (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 CMB 29 CMD 46 HP 219/219. DR 10/adamantine (68 used), Foresight.
Wednesday August 3rd, 2022 6:47:56 AM

Mitch: You didn't see my post before you posted.

DM edit: Post is now edited to reflect events.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 111/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 166(143)/170(143)Spells
Wednesday August 3rd, 2022 12:18:35 PM
"Nice try Murph, I guess we only have one option at this point. Who would like to do the honors?" Succotash says the last bit while indicating the closed door.

Spells in effect:

Succotash
Heroes Feast
protection from energy (fire) 120/120
resist energy (fire) 30
Holy Aura
haste

Valerie
Heroes feast
protection from energy (fire) 120/120
resist energy (fire) 30
Holy Aura
haste

Daily stuff:
quicken rod 0/3
channel energy 7/11
dimensional hop 200/200
speak with animals 23/23
agile feet 15/15

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Wednesday August 3rd, 2022 1:47:36 PM
"If the ritual has already started we really don't have a lot of time to dither," Pru says.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+35=40 ;
Wednesday August 3rd, 2022 2:15:50 PM
(OOC: Sorry about some truncated posting. Personal stuff but I now have a few minutes in afternoons.)

Pressi thanks people all around for the healing (I assume she's topped off by now).

She notes that they don't have much time... but she does still take some time to review the last room for traps (Perception Roll 40).

--------

Rituals

Ritual of Warding: +1 to AC and saving throws
Ritual of Devices: 1d3 random drawbacks to magic item known to user (used)
Ritual of Cheating Death: free action to designate as protected from death (used)

Effects:

Moment of Prescience (+20 to single roll)
Rose Control
spell absorbtion (Ioun Stone)
Water elemental effect
shield of faith
spectral hand
haste
prayer
resist fire
true seeing
holy aura

Spells Used:

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 2/6+1
L3: 3/6+1
L4: 3/5+1
L5: 4+1/5+1
L6: 3/5+1
L7: 3/4+1
L8: 2/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Items Used

Water Breathing (2)
Align Scrolls (2)
FoM Scroll: 1
horn of blasting
clairaudio: 3/20

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151
Wednesday August 3rd, 2022 2:32:24 PM
Kezzem will use his scroll of resist energy on Tali (30 point version) if she still needs it.

"Really wishing I didn't burn through all my best spells on the devil fight," laments Kezzem. "Thought we would get a chance to rest. Least I still have some smites left."

Kezzem:
Endure Elements
Greater Magic Weapon x3
Heroes Feat
Haste
Holy Aura (SR 25 plus misc other effects)
Protection from Energy (Fire; 20/120 remaining)
Resist Energy (Fire)

Rum[us:
Endure Elements
Haste
Holy Aura (SR 25 plus misc other effects)
Resist Energy (Fire)

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 43/T32/F35 CMB 27 CMD 51 HP 219/219. DR 10/adamantine (68 used), Foresight, etc. d20+47=67 ;
Wednesday August 3rd, 2022 3:43:30 PM

"Anyone want barkskin? Last call for one person," Murphy says (+5 enhancement to natural armor). "I can cast a bunch of invisibility, if any want it. Lasts for ten minutes, so let me do that before the last minute spells." Unless any object, he'll cast it on each person. If any don't want it, say so.

"Yup, at least I tried," he replies to Succotash. "You mind saying a quick prayer? Not the spell, just an appeal to the heavens for oversight, and succor, and 'Hey, heavenly host, watch this!' I'll talk to Eberyon." He takes a moment, and offers a quick prayer to the power whom he serves.

"You're right, Pru, albeit it is supposed to be a week-long ritual. Since chanting is still going on, we should be getting our toe in the door before completion."

"I feel ya, Kezzem. Metaphorically. But let's go with what we've got. Have fun smiting. If Ketia is involved, remember it doesn't work on her. Though, who knows, perhaps she has gone far enough over to the dark side that it could work. Her drow friend, Sashe, though, is evil, if she's involved, therefore smitable."

"Tali, what is the Cameo that this Mister DeMille gives out? Is he related to Mister Shake Spear?"

As Murphy asked people to hold off on the last-moment spells until he was able to attempt reconnaissance, I'm assuming those will be cast immediately before the party enters.

If the doorway into the next chamber is big enough for large people, or huge, Murphy will offer to enter first. If it's only medium-sized, he will squeeze through after the first people have gone through. He wildshapes back into a huge air elemental.

"I guess I'm ready. Time for last spells countdown." Murphy saves the shortest duration spells for last.

Since two people offered Tali resist energy spells, perhaps she can choose protection from two different types of energy.

He'll enter first, or toward the end, depending upon size of entry.

=================
Perception: 67 (Nat 20) - Murphy has his x-ray perception turned up to 11 on a 10-digit dial

Add invisibility to previous list.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 43 Tch 35 Ffted 36 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday August 3rd, 2022 11:37:58 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 moral bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, {Bless (+1 att, +4 vs fear), Prayer.(+1 att, +1 dmg, +1 saves, +1 skills)}
Holy Aura: +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves; spell resistance 25 against evil spells and spells cast by evil creatures; protection vs possession and mental influence; if an evil creature succeeds on a melee attack against a creature warded by a holy aura, the offending attacker is blinded (Fortitude save negates, as blindness/deafness, but against holy aura�s save DC).

Stoneskin 7th level

Darkvision
SR = 25

Ki pts 8/16, Stunning Fist 15/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.
Ki Strike: treat unarmed attacks as Lawful and Magic weapons, cold iron/silver
Eberon's Tear with Holy, Ghost Touch, Undead Bane (Holy = extra 2d6 dmg vs evil, bypass corresponding DR)

"I thought the ritual had started some time ago and would take a while. But I'm sure they are about to finish, if we dilly-dally around. Let's go."

Nikolai stays close to Pru and activates his R.o.Invs.

Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+21=29 ; d20+26=34 ; d20+28=37 ;
Thursday August 4th, 2022 1:35:24 AM

Once the door opens, Tali is fine with being the 3rd or later to enter. She will fly up into the air after passing through the doorway. She looks around with true seeing to try to figure out what is in the room, chamber, or whatever it is, and what may be real or otherwise. The sorceress will telepathically communicate anything of significance to the others.

She has a few spells at the ready just in case, depending upon what she finds. She is rather fond of mage's disjunction, but also cognizant of how positioning and layout of the target area may inform her decision as to its use. So, let us see the situation, first.

Perception: 29
Spellcraft: 34
Knowlege, Arcana: 37

Spells & Other Effects
Overland flight
Mage Armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Googles of the Night (Darkvision)
Message
Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Holy Aura (SR 25 plus misc other effects)
Haste
Stoneskin
Invisibility (extended, 10 minutes)
Endure Elements,
Protection from Evil,
Entropic Shield,
Prayer (+1 luck on attack, damage, saves, skill checks).

Spells Used
2x Mage's Disjunction
3x Prismatic wall
2x Time Stop
5x Monster Summoning VII
2x Wish
1x Message

Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135
Thursday August 4th, 2022 5:05:19 AM

"Ready, Pressi? Perhaps there will parts of today we can tell our children about some day."

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 43/T32/F35 CMB 27 CMD 51 HP 219/219. DR 10/adamantine (68 used), Foresight, etc.
Thursday August 4th, 2022 5:08:29 AM

"Hey, Tali. That's my line!" says Murphy. "Ready, Pressi? Perhaps there will be parts of today we can tell our children about down the road."

[This is what happens when you are posting for another person, and forget to change the header back to your own.]

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Thursday August 4th, 2022 8:18:32 AM
Succotash complements Murphy on his nice try and says he guesses they only have one option left and who would like to do the honors
Pru suggests if the ritual has already started they don�t have a lot of time to dither
Pressi thanks everyone for the healing, agrees they don�t have much time but still looks around for traps.
Kezzem uses a scroll of resist energy on Tali then remarks he wishes he didn�t use his best spells against the demon but says he still has some smites left.
Murphy offers barkskin and invisibility. He suggests Succotash offers a prayer. He agrees with his wife that they need to get in there since the ritual was supposed to last a week. He tells Kezzem he hears him but they have to work with what they got and reminds him about Ketia. He asks Tali if Demille is like Shakes Spear. He offers to go first through the large door and saves his shortest duration spells right before they go in.
Nikolai remarks he thought the ritual had started a while ago but that they�d sure to be finished if they dilly dally too long. He then activates his ring of invisibility staying close to Pru.
Tali takes Murphy�s line and Murphy complains about it

The party opens the door and find themselves in a small ritual chamber. The ceiling is only 15 feet high and it�s a big cramped for the number of people in it.

As you enter wards and traps activate and an aura of overwhelming evil washes over you.

DC 28 Fort save or take 9 strength damage
DC 28 Will save or get -2 to attack rolls, saving throughs, ability checks, and weapon damage rolls
DC 28 fort save or get -4 to attack rolls, skill checks, and ability checks

As the party struggles to resist the magical traps that assault them they get a good look at their enemies who seem to be deep in the middle of some complex ritual and haven�t noticed the party yet. You recognize three of them but the other 4 are strangers.

Scaldsworn towers above the rest, his beard of molten flame casting strange shadows across the room. He wears the armor and weapons of a warrior, a breastplate of mithril and a great two handed sword, yet leads the ritual with the skill and deftness of a powerful spellcaster.

Ketia and Sashe flank the giant, evidently given places of honor at his side for the information they brought him about your group.

A halfling wearing padded armor stands next in the circle. He has red hair, amber eyes with an evil looking scar over his left eye and a very dastardly mustache and a devilish goatee. He almost looks like an evil Kezzem, even subtly radiating evil and death much like a paladin radiates hope and courage.

The next figure is a tall warrior of some sort. Covered head to toe in pale blue plate she is remarkable only in how unremarkable and indistinguishable she is from any other warrior, easily able to pass for, say, a veteran member of the Mailed Fist.

The final figure is A small figure wearing dark cultists robe with a cloak, bracers, belt and headband that stand out. Though humanoid his face resembles that of a tan and white shiba inu doggo. (which would be kinda cute if it wasn�t so evil)

The artifact sits in the middle of the ritual, a chuck of earth seemingly filled with liquid that seeps from it. Half of it glows red with lava, seemingly indicating it�s attunement to Fhorge, but the other half now pulses with water as it is re-attuned to Scald.

True Seeing Highlight to display spoiler: { The figures look slightly transparent to you, indicating that the scene before you is a mere illusion}

We are now in combat. Please place yourself on the map and make your 1st round actions. Map in header.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells d20+20=40 ; d20+32=33 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+18=35 ; d20+18=22 ;
Thursday August 4th, 2022 11:26:25 AM
Succotash's saves
Fort verses strength damage: 40 - pass
Will verses -2: 33 - pass
Fort verses -4: 24 - fail

Valerie's saves
Fort verses strength damage: 35 - pass
Will verses -2: 14 - fail
Fort versus -4: 22 - fail

As Succotash enters the room, he casts Divine Power on Valerie, and than heroically cast Righteous Might on her.

Spells in effect:

Succotash (-4 attack rolls, skill checks, and ability checks)
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire) 120/120
Resist Energy (fire) 30
Holy Aura
Haste

Valerie (-6 attack rolls and ability checks, -4 skill checks, -2 weapon damage) (27 to hit)
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire) 120/120
Resist Energy (fire) 30
Holy Aura
Haste
Divine Power 20/20
Righteous Might 20/20

Daily stuff:
quicken rod 0/3
channel energy 7/11
dimensional hop 200/200
speak with animals 23/23
agile feet 15/15

Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+23=39 ; d20+23=43 ; d20+26=36 ; d20+29=31 ; d20+22=30 ;
Thursday August 4th, 2022 12:25:03 PM

Tali makes her 3 saves: Fort 39/28 vs Str; Will 36/28; Fort 43/28

Telepathically Tali says, "It's an illusion. A projected image, maybe. Sashe is good at that sort of thing. See if there is a secret door or something."

"Pressi, or Murphy - don't you have something that allows for passwall? Not that that would necessarily work here."

[Might do a spell later. Work calls atm -Kim for JP]

Spellcraft: 31 to figure out nature of illusion, source if possible
Perception: 30

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+22=26 ; d20+24=32 ; d20+22=34 ; d20+30=39 ; d20+34=44 ;
Thursday August 4th, 2022 1:46:54 PM

Pressi really really wishes that she had a chance to detect the traps before they went off.

Fort - Pressi has to use her moment of prescience here, with only 12 strength. (46 pass)
Will (32-3=29 pass)
Fort - 34 pass

Pressi shrugs. "Let me look inside my bag for what is clearly down there," she says in case anyone can hear (Bluff 39).

While "digging", she whispers to the group. "The figures below are slightly transparent under true seeing. I agree that it's an illusion. We need to think this out."

Pressi points to her wand of passwall. "We get just a single shot, though, so we need to know where to use it, and there may be further traps in here."

She continues to scan the room, using true seeing, for anything else that might stand out (Perception 44).

--------

Rituals

Ritual of Warding: +1 to AC and saving throws
Ritual of Devices: 1d3 random drawbacks to magic item known to user (used)
Ritual of Cheating Death: free action to designate as protected from death (used)

Effects:

Moment of Prescience (+20 to single roll) (used)
Rose Control
spell absorbtion (Ioun Stone)
Water elemental effect
shield of faith
spectral hand
haste
prayer
resist fire
true seeing
holy aura
overland flight

Spells Used:

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 2/6+1
L3: 3/6+1
L4: 3/5+1
L5: 4+1/5+1
L6: 3/5+1
L7: 3/4+1
L8: 2/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Items Used

Water Breathing (2)
Align Scrolls (2)
FoM Scroll: 1
horn of blasting
clairaudio: 3/20

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194] d20+17=25 ; d20+17=18 ; d20+17=19 ;
Thursday August 4th, 2022 1:49:29 PM
Pru fails all 3 saves. She is reduced to 0 Strength, and by rule is now unconscious.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d4=3 ;
Thursday August 4th, 2022 3:49:09 PM
Pressi casts Lesser Restore on Prudence, for 3 strength back.

Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+29=41 ; d20+29=46 ; d20+35=54 ;
Thursday August 4th, 2022 10:13:44 PM

"Thanks, Pressi, for helping poor Prudence. Remember, everyone, speak telepathically, not aloud. No need to whisper. Just think it to us, and we can hear."

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 43/T32/F35 CMB 27 CMD 51 HP 219/219. DR 10/adamantine (68 used), Foresight, etc.
Thursday August 4th, 2022 10:22:36 PM

Murphy casts bull's strength on Pru, giving her a +4 strength for the next 20 minutes.

Having been alerted to the fact that the ritualists are illusory, Murphy then heads over to the opposite right corner to examine the wall, pushing against it in various places to see if there might be a weakness or passage beyond. He also checks to see if Sesha included olfactory and tactile elements with her illusion.

Perception 67 (nat 20) already rolled for 1st round inside this room.

Tali (Kim for JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+20=22 ;
Thursday August 4th, 2022 11:55:50 PM

Tali casts dispel magic (22) on the illusionary scene. Likely not quite good enough a dispel to do the job.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 276/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151 d20+27=47 ; d20+27=40 ; d20+23=36 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+19=37 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+17=18 ;
Friday August 5th, 2022 12:10:05 AM
Kezzem SV Fort (DC 28): 1d20 + 27 = 47. Made.
Kezzem SV Will (DC 28): 1d20 + 23 = 36. Made.
Kezzem SV Fort (DC 28): 1d20 + 27 = 40. Made.

Rumpus SV Fort (DC 28): 1d20 + 19 = 21. Fail.
Rumpus SV Will (DC 28): 1d20 + 13 = 16. Fail.
Rumpus SV Fort (DC 28): 1d20 + 19 = 37. Made.

"Look out, they have an evil Kezzem!" says Kezzem aloud. "Wait, if he's my evil opposite, does he try to be series and is accidently funny?"

(Wait, so are these guys illusions then?) thinks Kezzem (I'll move up and pretend to attack them anyways. Make them think it's working until you guys can point at a real target).

Kezzem casts divine favor on Rumpus and moves to engage the tall warrior.

Rumpus gallops up next to Kezzem and attacks the beastfolk.

Attack: 1d20 + 20 + 3 (Divine Favor) + 1 (Haste) - 5 (Str Damage ) - 2 (unnamed) = 18. Natural 1.

Kezzem:
Divine Favor
Endure Elements
Greater Magic Weapon x3
Haste
Heroes Feast (+1 atk, SV Will, other effects)
Holy Aura (SR 25; other effects)
Protection from Energy (Fire; 20/120 remaining)
Resist Energy (Fire)

Rumpus:
Divine Favor
Endure Elements
Haste
Holy Aura (SR 25 plus misc other effects)
Resist Energy (Fire)
Strength Damage (9 strength damage)
-2 to attack rolls, saving throughs, ability checks, and weapon damage rolls

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 43 Tch 35 Ffted 36 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+28=36 ; d20+30=33 ; d20+28=43 ; d4=3 ;
Friday August 5th, 2022 1:21:37 AM
Some of us have SR, like everyone that has that Holy Aura on them, and Nikolai has SR as class ability.

Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 moral bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18, {Bless (+1 att, +4 vs fear), Prayer.(+1 att, +1 dmg, +1 saves, +1 skills)}
Holy Aura: +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves; spell resistance 25 against evil spells and spells cast by evil creatures; protection vs possession and mental influence; if an evil creature succeeds on a melee attack against a creature warded by a holy aura, the offending attacker is blinded (Fortitude save negates, as blindness/deafness, but against holy aura�s save DC).

Stoneskin 7th level

Darkvision
SR = 25

Ki pts 8/16, Stunning Fist 15/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.
Ki Strike: treat unarmed attacks as Lawful and Magic weapons, cold iron/silver
Eberon's Tear with Holy, Ghost Touch, Undead Bane (Holy = extra 2d6 dmg vs evil, bypass corresponding DR)

In case the Wards beat SR of 25:
Fort 23 + 1(Hero's Feast) + 4 (Holy Aura) = 36 vs DC28
Will 25 + 1(Hero's Feast) + 4 (Holy Aura) = 33 vs DC28
Fort 23 + 1(Hero's Feast) + 4 (Holy Aura) = 43 vs DC28

Seeing Pru crumble (assuming the Holy Aura SR 25 is fails or is not effective vs these types of spells), Nikolai quickly adds to the Bull's Strength spell by using the Staff of Healing's Lesser Resotration power to bring back some of Pru's strength:
1 charge for 1d4 strength = 3

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Friday August 5th, 2022 2:09:03 PM
"Figures they don't have an evil doppleganger of me," Pressi grumped. "Looks like they're just going to make it Ketia and call it a day."

DM Mitch The final Battle Map d20+32=43 ; d10=1 ; d20+26=36 ; d20+26=30 ; d20+26=34 ; d20+26=32 ; d20+22=31 ;
Friday August 5th, 2022 8:32:05 PM
(OOC: Please everyone add 3 hero points for reaching the ritual room quickly)
Succotash enters the room casting Divine Power and Righteous Might on Valerie as he does so.
Tali recognizes the folks arranged around the artifact as an illusion and suggests they look for a secret door or something while asking if Murphy or Pressi have passwall. She cautions the others to speak telepathically
Pru falls unconscious
Pressi wishes she had a chance to detect the traps before they went off. She bluffs as she reaches into her bag. She concurs with Tali that the ritual is an illusion and says they need to thinks things out as she only has one shot with her wand of passwall. She looks for other traps. Pressi also casts lesser restoration bringing Pru back from being unconscious
Murphy casts bull�s strength on Pru and then goes to the opposite of where the illusionary ritual is examine the wall

The enemy suddenly appear
Know Arcana DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: { Looks like a specialized teleportation circle}

Skaldsworn is the first to step forward out of thin air. He appears among the party enveloping them in a fey aura, cavorting and moving like a madman. Everyone in 10 feet of him make a DC 24 Will save - on success you are staggered, on a failure you are confused. (Looks like Kezzem, Rumpus, Nick, Pru, Valerie, and maybe Succotash are in the area).

Spellcraft 24 Highlight to display spoiler: {He cast a 9th level bloodwitch spell called Foo�s Forbiddance}

The halfling is the second to appear; he says, �My name is Mezzek Halflingsbane. I�m here to Smite Good and chew bubblegum and I�m all out of bubblegum.� He then creates a 60 foot aura that buffs his allies.
Know[religion]: DC 20 - Highlight to display spoiler: { Mezzek + allies +4 morale bonus to AC, attack rolls, damage rolls, saves against fear, ignore first 5 points of hardness against unattended inanimate objects, fast healing 5, Mezzek + allies weapons are treated as evil aligned for the purpose of overcoming DR, The attacks of Mezzek and his allies do +1d6 while in the aura}
Mezzek�s Fiendish Trex companion bites at Rumpas hitting AC 31, a miss.

The warrior arrives and draws a bow sending an arrow zooming towards Kezzem hitting him for 21 damage

The beastfolk cultist arrives with 5 Erlking skeletons in tow whom fire a volley of arrows at Kezzem, but his agility and armor keeps him safe from the attacks.

Ketia arrives in the corner and she casts Antilife Shell to protect her and Sashe

Sashe is the last to show up, she appears to have been the one behind bringing people there but is in the corner with Ketia.

Something unseen casts Faerie Fire hitting Succotash and his mount.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map d20+42=44 ;
Friday August 5th, 2022 8:37:20 PM
Perception DC 44 to spot the unseen enemy (wow, rolled a 2 on stealth you might manage it)

Tali (JonPaul) AC:38 (T:34, FF:32), CMD:x, Saves:(F:16/R:18/W:21), HP:135/135 d20+20=23 ; d20+20=29 ;
Friday August 5th, 2022 8:47:42 PM
The Final Disjunction

Tali, speaking telepathically to her companions, thinks, "Before I die again, I want to try to disrupt this artifact or the rest of them; I wanted to do it last round, but I paused. Fortune favors the brave! thinks Tali as she lets loose another Mage's Disjunction detonating on spot S17. Hopefully, it catches the Artifact as well! 20% chance!"

1d20+20 = 23 (Burning a Hero point to try again) = 29
Saving Throw vs My Spell = 39

After casting, Tali rises to just 3 1/2 feet from the ceiling.

Telepathically, Tali thinks, "I apologize if I catch any of you in the spell. I'll replace whatever items you lose."

Spells & Other Effects
Overland flight
Mage Armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Message
Stoneskin (from Wand)
Endure Elements(from Wand),
Protection from Evil(from Wand),
Entropic Shield(from Wand)
True Seeing
Resist | Fire
Resist | Sonic

Hero's Feast (10 hr 50 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects)
Succotash casts Holy Aura (duration: 20 rounds) | (SR 25 plus misc other effects)
Pru casts Haste (duration: 20 rounds),
Murphy casts Prayer to cover all party members (duration: 10 rounds)

Spells Used
3x Mage's Disjunction
3x Prismatic wall
2x Time Stop
5x Monster Summoning VII
2x Wish
1x Message
1x dispell Magic

DM Mitch The final Battle Map d20=5 ; d20=7 ; d20=18 ;
Friday August 5th, 2022 10:15:16 PM
(Ooh, sorry for the confusion, the artifact is not here that was also part of the illusion. The entire thing was to lure you in. Since the illusion was dispelled you can still Disjuction vs the enemies but you won't touch the artifact)

DM Mitch The final Battle Map d20=12 ; d20=12 ; d20=11 ; d20=1 ; d20=3 ; d20=4 ; d20=13 ; d20=5 ; d20=1 ; d20=20 ; d20=1 ; d20=11 ; d20=6 ; d20=10 ; d20=14 ; d20=12 ; d20=14 ; d20=6 ; d20=6 ; d20=12 ; d20=13 ; d20=1 ; d20=6 ; d20=12 ; d20=17 ; d20=5 ; d20=11 ;
Friday August 5th, 2022 11:40:54 PM
SR rolls!

Succotash remains the same.

Valeries SR blocks all 3 auras so she can regain any failed saves

Tali is protected from the -4 aura

Pru remains the same.

Pressi remains the same

Kezzem reamins the same. Also somehow the part of my post that listed his action is gone? He attacked one of the illusions.

Rumpus Resists the 9 STR damage aura

Nikolai resists the aura that dealt 9 STR damage. He restores more of Pru's strength

Murphy remains the same.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map d20=17 ; d20=3 ; d20=14 ; d20=15 ; d20=17 ;
Friday August 5th, 2022 11:42:50 PM
Rumpus's SR allows him to ignore the Fool's Forbiddance. Everyone else remains affected. The only other SR allowing effect is the anti-life shell, which we will roll when/if a PC tries to force their way into it.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194] d20+15=27 ; d20+21=26 ; d20+15=23 ; d20+27=37 ;
Saturday August 6th, 2022 12:00:52 AM
Everybody was so enthusiastic about helping Pru that she is now stronger than she normally is. [Nikolai and Pressi each restored 3 strength; Murphy added 4 with the Bull's Strength, so now Pru's strength is 10 instead of 9. Pru is mighty!]

Hey, does anybody know what Foo's Forbiddance does? Pru asks. 'Cause that's what he just cast.

Pru feels the Confusion taking hold, but she makes a heroic effort to resist it, so she is only staggered. [Rolled a 23 Will save; used a Hero point to give it +4]

Since there's a T-Rex in her face, Pru casts defensively. Even with her penalty, she is able to get the spell off.

A Prismatic Wall springs up, blocking Sesha, Ketia, the beastfolk, and the skeletons from the party.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 256/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151 d20+42=58 ; d20+42=55 ; d20+37=42 ; d20+32=36 ; d20+27=43 ; d20+42=47 ; d20+37=52 ; d20+32=51 ; d10+6=14 ; d3+30=33 ; d3+30=31 ; d3+30=33 ; d3+30=33 ; d3+30=33 ; d3+30=33 ; d3+30=33 ; d3+30=31 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=2 ; 2d6=3 ; 2d6=3 ; 2d6=8 ; 2d6=9 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d20+22=26 ; d20+22=33 ; d20+22=23 ; d20+17=36 ; d4+11=14 ; d4+11=14 ; d4+11=14 ; d4+11=12 ;
Saturday August 6th, 2022 2:57:55 PM
Kezzem's DR presumable absorbs 5 damage.

Kezzem uses a hero point to recall holy sword.

"Hello there!" says Kezzem to Scaldsworn. He smites evil at him and full attacks the fire giant. "The correct reply is 'General Kezzem!'"

+3 Frost Giant-Bane Returning Dagger:
Attack: 1d20 + 32 + 5 (Smite) + 3 (DF) + 2 (Bane) + 1 Haste + 1 (HF) - 2 (TWF): 1d20 + 42
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 18 (Smite) + 3 (DF) + 2 (Bane) + 2d6 (Bane) + 1d6 (Frost): 1d3 + 30 + 2d6 + 1d6

Haste Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 42 = 58.
Damage: 1d3 + 30 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 33 + 5 + 4 = 42.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 42 = 55
Damage: 1d3 + 30 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 31 + 6 + 2 = 39.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 37 = 42.
Damage: 1d3 + 30 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 33 + 6 + 4 = 43.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 32 = 36.
Damage: 1d3 + 30 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 33 + 2 + 5 = 40.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 27 = 43.
Damage: 1d3 + 30 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 33 + 3 + 5 = 41.

+3 Giant-Bane Returning Shock Dagger:
Attack: 1d20 + 32 + 5 (Smite) + 3 (DF) + 2 (Bane) + 1 Haste + 1 (HF) - 2 (TWF): 1d20 + 42
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 18 (Smite) + 3 (DF) + 2 (Bane) + 2d6 (Bane) + 1d6 (Shock): 1d3 + 30 + 2d6 + 1d6

Attack #1: 1d20 + 42 = 47
Damage: d3 + 30 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 33 + 3 + 6 = 42.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 37 = 52.
Damage: d3 + 30 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 33 + 8 + 2 = 43.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 32 = 51.
Damage: d3 + 30 + 2d6 + 1d6 = 31 + 9 + 6 = 46.

Two-Weapon Rend (if AC <= 52): 1d10 + 6 = 14.

Rumpus full attacks the t-rex.

+2 Hooves
Attack: 1d20 + 20 + 3 (DF) + 1 (Haste) - 2 (unknown) = 1d20 + 22
Damage: 1d4 + 8 + 3 (DF) = 1d4 + 11

Haste Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 22 = 26.
Damage: 1d4 + 11 = 14.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 22 = 33.
Damage: 1d4 + 11 = 14.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 22 = 23. Natural 1.
Damage: 1d4 + 11 = 14.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 17 = 36.
Damage: 1d4 + 11 = 12.

Kezzem:
Divine Favor
Endure Elements
Greater Magic Weapon x3
Haste
Heroes Feast (+1 atk, SV Will, other effects)
Holy Aura (SR 25; other effects)
Protection from Energy (Fire; 20/120 remaining)
Resist Energy (Fire)

Rumpus:
Divine Favor
Endure Elements
Haste
Holy Aura (SR 25 plus misc other effects)
Resist Energy (Fire)
-2 to attack rolls, saving throughs, ability checks, and weapon damage rolls

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 256/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151
Saturday August 6th, 2022 2:59:09 PM
Rumpus will also smite the T-rex. Add 18 damage to each hit.

Also, recall that the first hit against a fiend doubles the bonus smite damage.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 256/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151 d20+23=42 ;
Sunday August 7th, 2022 12:55:28 AM
Missed a Will save for Kezzem.

SV Will DC: 1d20 + 23 = 42. Made.

Unfortunately he still is even staggered on a successful save, so he can only make one attack on Scaldsbane. Reposted below:

+3 Frost Giant-Bane Returning Dagger:
Attack: 1d20 + 42 + 2 (no TWF) = 60.
Damage: 1d3 + 30 + 2d6 (bane) + 1d6 (frost) = 33 + 5 + 4 = 42.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+39=43 ; d20+30=40 ; 8d10+10=66 ;
Monday August 8th, 2022 1:21:29 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 moral bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18,
Holy Aura: +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves; spell resistance 25 against evil spells and spells cast by evil creatures; protection vs possession and mental influence; if an evil creature succeeds on a melee attack against a creature warded by a holy aura, the offending attacker is blinded (Fortitude save negates, as blindness/deafness, but against holy aura�s save DC).

Stoneskin 7th level

There was Bless and Prayer but I guess those are gone at this point.
Darkvision
SR = 25

Ki pts 8/16, Stunning Fist 15/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.
Ki Strike: treat unarmed attacks as Lawful and Magic weapons, cold iron/silver
Eberon's Tear with Holy, Ghost Touch, Undead Bane (Holy = extra 2d6 dmg vs evil, bypass corresponding DR)

Still invisible:

Nikolai sees the Faerie Fire envelop Succotash. He doesn't see where it came from, that is, none he could see cast a spell aimed at Succotash, so he tries to discern, from the confusion and noise, where the arcane speech that might have been the Faerie Fire spell came from:

Perception +37 +2 (Magic) = 43

Taking a Move Action, he activates his Brahmah's Tatoo of Invisibility Purge (3rd level spell at caster level 5) that radiates from him at 5'/caster level.

Next he takes a swipe at Scaldsworn:
w/ Flanking, w/ Stunning Fist (Stunned), w/ Greater Vital Strike, w/ Quivering Palm
Att = +28 +1 (Haste) + 1 (He.Fst) = 40 + 2 (flanking) = 42

If hit:
dmg = 8d10+10 = 66
Stunning Fist (Stunned) Fort Save DC33
Quivering Palm, No Save (at this point), if damaged by hit.

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 44/T33/F35 d20+34=52 ; d20+34=36 ; d20+34=47 ; d20+34=46 ; 4d8+13=30 ; 4d8+13=27 ; 4d8+13=24 ; 4d8+13=21 ; d20+46=56 ;
Monday August 8th, 2022 1:46:46 AM

Much as Murphy would like to go against the main bad guy, there is a gargantuan dinosaur in his way. Since it is conveniently proximate, the druid wildshaped as a huge air elemental works on slamming it, abundantly.

AC 55: 30 hp
AC 39: 27 hp
AC 50: 24 hp
AC 49: 21 hp
If all hit, 102 hp damage to TRex.

Meanwhile, the druid says in a windy tenor voice, "Greetings Ketia, Sashe. Looks like our plans are coming together. You'll have to introduce us around." As he wraps up his attacks this round against the neighborhood toothy dinosaur, he adds, "Oh, and you must be Skaldsworn. We saw your picture before. Doesn't do you justice."

=====================
Perception: 56

SPELL EFFECTS, etc.
Darkvision 19 hr 15 min
Endure Elements 24 hours
Entropic Shield: 6 min 6 rnds (Tali's wand)
Foresight 2 hr 35 min
Freedom of movement 2 hr 35 min
Haste 18 rnds. +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks
Heroes' Feast 10 hr 45 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects
Holy Aura 18 rounds. +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves. SR 25.
Invisible 10 minutes (wand of invisibility, extended) (purchased April 5th-7th in Catacombs). Cancelled with attack on TRex 22020808
Longstrider 19 hr 15 min (+10 land movement)
Mage armor 19 hr 15 min
Magic fang, greater (+5) (from legacy item)
Prayer 8 rnds
Protection from Energy (fire/heat) 2 hr 55 min
Protection from Evil 6 min 5 rnds (Tali's wand)
Resist Energy (sonic) 3 hr 20 min
Stoneskin 2 hr 40 min DR 10/adamantine 150-68=82 hp protection left
Telepathic Bond 2 hr 35 min
Scarab of Protection Spell Resistance 20. The scarab can also absorb energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects.
Medallion of Thoughts Allows the wearer to read the thoughts of others, as with the spell detect thoughts.
Immune to Electricity
Immune to all poisons

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 44/T33/F35
Monday August 8th, 2022 1:50:26 AM

[Note: Nikolai, and others, Prayer is active for 8 more rounds (for the party, but our opponents were not in area of effect at time of casting, so it does not affect them).]

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Monday August 8th, 2022 8:53:38 AM
OOC: Sorry, just posting now. Will have something up in an hour.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map d20+42=44 ; d20+42=60 ; d20+37=40 ; d20+32=47 ; d20+27=31 ; d10+20=21 ; d10+20=25 ; d10+20=22 ; d100=68 ; d10+32=41 ;
Monday August 8th, 2022 9:05:24 AM
Tali casts Mage�s Disjunction centered on S17. It impacts all of the enemies and Murphy, Kezzem and Rumpus as allies. It also suppresses those auras that were negatively impacting the party

(OOC: Any active spells and spell-like abilities on Murphy, Kezzem, Rumpus or the enemy end and Murphy, Kezzem and Rumpus need to make DC 39 Will saves for each magic item they own or have them be suppressed for 20 minutes as we have done this with the enemy; also any active supernatural effects in the area are suppressed for 20 minutes; since fiendish servant / paladin�s mount are spell like ability we ruled that the T-Rex is sent back, I guess that would mean Rumpus is too?)
Pru throws up a prismatic wall around Sashe, Ketia, the beastfolk cultist and his cadre of skeletons
Kezzem is staggered and makes a single attack on Skaldsworn. Rumpus would have attacked the T-Rex but the T-Rex got sent back by the disjunction
Nikolai goes for a stunning fist and hits, but Scaldsworn doesn�t even seem to notice the stun attempt (made his save). His invisibility purge does not reveal the hidden caster.
Murphy banters some and attacks the dinosaur

Skaldsworn attacks Kezzem 4 times but he only hits twice (60 vs AC; 47 vs AC; 35 damage; 34 damage). He fails his concentration check to keep fool�s forbiddance up (Sadly even with all his bonuses can�t roll a 76)

Mezzek says, �Disjunctions are no fun� and then goes to attack Kezzem with a smite good taking a 5 foot step but he misses on every single attack

The beastfolk cultist casts Cone of Cold on the Prismatic Wall taking out the Red layer, the skeletons just stand there.

Sashe casts Gust of Wind on the Prismatic Wall taking out the Orange layer

Ketia casts a spell then disappears unless you have see invisibility or true-seeing spellcraft DC 23/true seeing/ see invisibility Highlight to display spoiler: {Etherealness}

The warrior unleashes her full attack at Kezzem but the disjunction and her inability to roll higher than 5 means she only hits once for 21 damage.

The unknown caster is revealed, an elf in hide armor. He drops from the ceiling right in front of Murphy before immediately wildshaping back into the form of a housefly and buzzing over the the combat to hide again. Perception 41 Highlight to display spoiler: {he�s hiding around Scaldsworn�s shoulders}

Damage Tracker:
Skaldsworn: 108 damage

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+34=51 ; d20+18=38 ;
Monday August 8th, 2022 9:16:26 AM

Pressi easily recognizes the teleportation circle and a number of the spells being thrown. To Tali, "Fool's Forebearance. It's another way to keep people from getting close, this time with a confusion field. Tell me, is being the coward your true nature or just the thing you want to do?"

To Kezzem, "Well, hey, your opposite counterpart is as bad at the jokes as you are. Maybe he lives underwater."

Pressi sees where the fairy fire comes from (Perception 51+true seeing, she should be able to see its nipples).

"Remember, it's Scaldsworn we want, so concentrate all fire on him. They're going to fight defensively and with casting, prepare to match that, keep the rest tied down. And one final thing...."

Pressi runs to Scaldsworn, uses her Lore Keeper Ability on him (Attack roll Nat 20 vs touch AC, Know Roll 36), and uses her feats to spring back to her original position. "Since you know so much about us, how about you tell us a little bit about yourself."

--------

Rituals

Ritual of Warding: +1 to AC and saving throws
Ritual of Devices: 1d3 random drawbacks to magic item known to user (used)
Ritual of Cheating Death: free action to designate as protected from death (used)

Effects:

Moment of Prescience (+20 to single roll) (used)
Rose Control
spell absorbtion (Ioun Stone)
Water elemental effect
shield of faith
spectral hand
haste
prayer
resist fire
true seeing
holy aura
overland flight

Spells Used:

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 2/6+1
L3: 3/6+1
L4: 3/5+1
L5: 4+1/5+1
L6: 3/5+1
L7: 3/4+1
L8: 2/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Items Used

Water Breathing (2)
Align Scrolls (2)
FoM Scroll: 1
horn of blasting
clairaudio: 3/20

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells d20=16 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+36=53 ; d20+36=37 ; d20+36=44 ; d20+36=42 ; d20+36=48 ; d20+36=45 ; 4d6+21=34 ; 4d6+21=34 ; 3d6+21=29 ; 2d6+21=25 ; 2d6+21=30 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=9 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d20+24=41 ;
Monday August 8th, 2022 10:26:24 AM
Succotash easily brushes off the Fool's Forbiddance, and is only staggered for last round. (He could only have failed if he rolled a 1, and he rolled a 16)

Valerie makes a heroic effort to avoid the confusion, and is successful, and is only staggered for last round (burned a hero point before the roll, and rolled a total of 32)

Valerie goes into a full round frenzy and attacks Skaldsworn. (Note, Valerie has giant's bane applied to her natural weapons)

Left talon hits AC 53 for 34 damage plus 6 bane, 1 frost, and 6 shock
Right talon nat 1 - miss
Divine Talon hit AC 44 for 34 damage plus 6 bane, 4 frost, and 5 shock
Bite hits AC 42 for 29 damage plus 7 bane, 6 frost, and 4 shock
Left claw hits AC 48 for 25 damage plus 4 bane, 2 frost and 1 shock
right claw hits AC 45 for 30 damage plus 9 bane, 6 frost and 2 shock

Succotash casts Implosion on the beastfolk cultist (SR 41), and the beastfolk must make a DC 31 fort save or take 200 damage this round, and every round Succotash remains concentrating on the spell, for a maximum of 10 rounds. A save negates the spell.

Spells in effect:

Succotash (-4 attack rolls, skill checks, and ability checks)
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire) 120/120
Resist Energy (fire) 30
Holy Aura
Haste
Implosion on beastfolk 9/10

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire) 120/120
Resist Energy (fire) 30
Holy Aura
Haste
Divine Power 17/20
Righteous Might 17/20

Daily stuff:
quicken rod 0/3
channel energy 7/11
dimensional hop 200/200
speak with animals 23/23
agile feet 15/15

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194] d20+27=28 ; 20d6=61 ;
Monday August 8th, 2022 12:28:45 PM
Pru casts defensively. It's a poor effort, but it's good enough for the 6th-level spell she's trying to cast. She casts Chain Lightning with Scaldsworn as the primary target, and Mezzek and the orc warrior as secondary targets. They each take 61 damage, Reflex save for half. The Reflex DC is 23 for Scaldsworn; 21 for the other two.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135 d20+25=29 ;
Monday August 8th, 2022 10:46:00 PM
The Final

Tali casts Wall of Force trying to encapsulate all but one of the enemies into one section + a fly. The wall goes from S21 through to X21 and from X21 through to X17. The wall extends to the ceiling as best it can. {What are the dimensions of the room?}

Tali uses her True-seeing spell (Spellcraft DC 23: Rolled 29) to determine where Ketia went to; Tali tells her friends telepathically, "Ketia is now Ethereal, but I think I got 'em, as I cast Wall of Force to box them in behind the Prismatic Walls."

Spells & Other Effects
Overland flight
Mage Armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Message
Stoneskin (from Wand)
Endure Elements(from Wand),
Protection from Evil(from Wand),
Entropic Shield(from Wand)
True Seeing
Resist | Fire
Resist | Sonic

Hero's Feast (10 hr 50 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects)
Succotash casts Holy Aura (duration: 20 rounds) | (SR 25 plus misc other effects)
Pru casts Haste (duration: 20 rounds),
Murphy casts Prayer to cover all party members (duration: 10 rounds)

Spells Used
2x Mage's Disjunction
3x Prismatic wall
2x Time Stop
5x Monster Summoning VII
2x Wish
1x Message
1x Wall of Force

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+30=44 ; d20+30=37 ; d20+25=43 ; d20+25=30 ; d20+18=33 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+33=36 ; 2d10+11=26 ; 2d10+11=20 ; 2d10+11=23 ; 2d10+11=23 ; 2d10+11=24 ; 2d10+11=20 ; 2d10+11=24 ;
Tuesday August 9th, 2022 12:46:23 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Prayer.(+1 att, +1 dmg, +1 saves, +1 skills), Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 moral bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18,
Holy Aura: +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves; spell resistance 25 against evil spells and spells cast by evil creatures; protection vs possession and mental influence; if an evil creature succeeds on a melee attack against a creature warded by a holy aura, the offending attacker is blinded (Fortitude save negates, as blindness/deafness, but against holy aura�s save DC).

Stoneskin 7th level

There was Bless and Prayer but I guess those are gone at this point.
Darkvision
SR = 25

Ki pts 8/16, Stunning Fist 14/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.
Ki Strike: treat unarmed attacks as Lawful and Magic weapons, cold iron/silver
Eberon's Tear with Holy, Ghost Touch, Undead Bane (Holy = extra 2d6 dmg vs evil, bypass corresponding DR)

Invisibility Purge (3rd level spell at caster level 5) that radiates from him at 5'/caster level.
Quivering Palm active on Scaldsworm - just waiting for the right moment

Nikolai telepathically communicates with Pru, (and any others) 'We need to lower his Fortitude as much as possible before I call upon my active Quivering Palm strike'.

He pummels Scaldsworm a few more times:
Flurry of blows
Att1 w/ Stunning Fist +25 + 1 (haste) +1 (hero's feast) +1 (Prayer) +2 (flanked) = 44
if hit, Stunning Fist (Stunned) Fort Save DC33
Possibly stunned....
Att2 +25 + 1 (haste) +1 (hero's feast) +1 (Prayer) +2 (flanked) = 37
Att3 +20 + 1 (haste) +1 (hero's feast) +1 (Prayer) +2 (flanked) = 43
Att4 +20 + 1 (haste) +1 (hero's feast) +1 (Prayer) +2 (flanked) = 30
Att5 +13 + 1 (haste) +1 (hero's feast) +1 (Prayer) +2 (flanked) = 33
Att6 +13 + 1 (haste) +1 (hero's feast) +1 (Prayer) +2 (flanked) = 31

Hasted:
Att7 +28 + 1 (haste) +1 (hero's feast) +1 (Prayer) +2 (flanked) = 36

damage (if hit):
Att1 2d10+10 +1 (Prayer) = 26
Att2 2d10+10 +1 (Prayer) = 20
Att3 2d10+10 +1 (Prayer) = 23
Att4 2d10+10 +1 (Prayer) = 23
Att5 2d10+10 +1 (Prayer) = 24
Att6 2d10+10 +1 (Prayer) = 20

Hasted: Att7 2d10+10 +1 (Prayer) = 24

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 214/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151 d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d20+46=61 ; d20+46=61 ; d20+41=45 ; d20+36=50 ; d20+31=37 ; d20+44=63 ; d20+44=56 ; d20+39=45 ; d20+34=53 ; d3+32=34 ; d3+32=34 ; d3+32=34 ; d3+32=33 ; d3+32=34 ; d3+30=31 ; d3+30=31 ; d3+30=32 ; d3+30=33 ; d3+30=32 ; 2d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; 2d6=9 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; 2d6=10 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; 2d6=7 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; 2d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d10+6=11 ; d20+24=31 ; d20+24=26 ; d20+24=32 ; d20+24=28 ; d4+29=30 ; d4+29=33 ; d4+29=33 ; d4+29=30 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=3 ;
Tuesday August 9th, 2022 1:25:02 AM
Assuming that none of the attacks on Kezzem count as evil for damage reduction purposes (except for Mezzek, which missed).

"Pressi, my jokes are much better than his!" protests Kezzem. "By the way, I told you not to trust anybody named Halflingsbane!"

Kezzem lay on hands himself (swift action). This also removes the staggered condition if it is still relevant).

Healing: 9d6 = 3 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 5 + 5 = 33.

Kezzem then burns a hero point to cast holy sword on one of his daggers.

Kezzem then 5 ft. step (to flank with Nik) and full attacks Scaldsword.

+5 Frost Holy Giant-Bane Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 34 + 5 (Smt) + 3 (DF) + 2 (Bn) + 2 (Flnk) + 1 (Hste) + 1 (HF) - 2 (TWF) = 1d20 + 46.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 18 (Smt) + 3 (DF) + 2 (Bn) = 1d3 + 32 + 2d6 (Hly) + 1d6 (Frst) + 1d6 (Snk)

Haste Attack: 1d20 + 46 = 61.
Damage: 1d3 + 32 + 2d6 (H) + 1d6 (F) + 1d6 (S) = 34 + 3 + 6 + 2 = 45.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 46 = 61.
Damage: 1d3 + 32 + 2d6 (H) + 1d6 (F) + 1d6 (S) = 34 + 9 + 2 + 5 = 50.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 41 = 45.
Damage: 1d3 + 32 + 2d6 (H) + 1d6 (F) + 1d6 (S) = 34 + 10 + 6 + 3 = 53.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 36 = 50.
Damage: 1d3 + 32 + 2d6 (H) + 1d6 (F) + 1d6 (S) = 33 + 7 + 4 + 1 = 45.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 31 = 37.
Damage: 1d3 + 32 + 2d6 (H) + 1d6 (F) + 1d6 (S) = 34 + 6 + 4 + 2 = 46.

+3 Giant-Bane Returning Shock Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 32 + 5 (Smt) + 3 (DF) + 2 (Bn) + 2 (Flnk) + 1 (Hste) + 1 (HF) - 2 (TWF) = 1d20 + 44.
Damage: 1d3 + 7 + 18 (Smt) + 3 (DF) + 2 (Bn) = 1d3 + 30 + 1d6 (Shck) + 1d6 (Snk)

Attack #1: 1d20 + 44 = 63. Natural 19.
Crit Threat: 1d20 + 44 = 56.
Damage: 1d3 + 30 + 1d6 (Sh) + 1d6 (Sn) = 31 + 2 + 2 = 35.
Crit Damage: 1d3 + 30 = 32.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 39 = 45.
Damage: 1d3 + 30 + 1d6 (Sh) + 1d6 (Sn) = 31 + 5 + 2 = 38.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 39 = 53.
Damage: 1d3 + 30 + 1d6 (Sh) + 1d6 (Sn) = 33 + 4 + 6 = 43.

Two-Weapon Rend (if AC <=61): 1d10 + 6 = 11.

Rumpus smites evil on Scaldsbane and full attacks as well.

+2 Giant-Bane Hoof
Attack: 1d20 + 20 + 3 (DF) + 2 (Bane) + 1 (Haste) - 2 (aura) = 1d20 + 24
Damage: 1d4 + 8 + 18 (Smite) + 3 (DF) + 2 (Bane) - 2 (aura) = 1d4 + 29 + 2d6 (Bane)

Haste Attack: 1d20 + 24 = 31.
Damage: 1d4 + 29 + 2d6 (Bane) = 30 + 6 = 36.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 24 = 26.
Damage: 1d4 + 29 + 2d6 (Bane) = 33 + 7 = 40.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 24 = 32.
Damage: 1d4 + 29 + 2d6 (Bane) = 33 + 6 = 39.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 19 = 28.
Damage: 1d4 + 29 + 2d6 (Bane) = 30 + 3 = 33.

Kezzem:
Divine Favor
Endure Elements
Greater Magic Weapon x3
Haste
Heroes Feast (+1 atk, SV Will, other effects)
Holy Aura (SR 25; other effects)
Holy Sword
Protection from Energy (Fire; 20/120 remaining)
Resist Energy (Fire)

Rumpus:
Divine Favor
Endure Elements
Haste
Holy Aura (SR 25 plus misc other effects)
Resist Energy (Fire)
Aura (-2 to attack rolls, saving throughs, ability checks, and weapon damage rolls)

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 43/21/38+6; HP 214/276; DR 5/evil; Rumpus AC 41/19/32; HP 151/151
Tuesday August 9th, 2022 1:28:10 AM
I checked the map again and Rumpus is flanking with Valerie, so add a +2 to each of his attacks. Reposted here with correction.

Haste Attack: 1d20 + 24 + 2 = 33.
Damage: 1d4 + 29 + 2d6 (Bane) = 30 + 6 = 36.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 24 + 2 = 28.
Damage: 1d4 + 29 + 2d6 (Bane) = 33 + 7 = 40.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 24 + 2 = 34.
Damage: 1d4 + 29 + 2d6 (Bane) = 33 + 6 = 39.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 19 + 2 = 30.
Damage: 1d4 + 29 + 2d6 (Bane) = 30 + 3 = 33.

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 d20+35=42 ; d20+35=45 ; d20+35=51 ; d20+35=40 ; d20+35=49 ; d20+35=37 ; d20+35=37 ; d20+35=43 ; d20+35=36 ; d20+35=44 ; d20+35=45 ; d20+35=55 ; d20+35=49 ; d20+35=40 ; d20+35=50 ; d20+35=48 ; d20+35=37 ; d20+35=51 ; d20+35=48 ; d20+35=55 ; d20+35=41 ; d20+35=47 ; d20+35=53 ; d20+35=47 ; d20+35=38 ; d20+35=36 ; d20+35=45 ; d20+35=40 ; d20+35=52 ; d20+35=44 ; d20+35=41 ; d20+35=49 ; d20+35=40 ; d20+35=46 ; d20+35=39 ; d20+35=42 ; d20+35=43 ; d20+35=48 ; d20+35=52 ; d20+35=41 ; 20d6=80 ; d20+44=58 ;
Tuesday August 9th, 2022 3:15:06 AM

Murphy is highly irritated at being struck by mage's disjuction. He does not waste time fulminating about it, though. Rather, as a free action he activates haste from boots, then casts chain lightning, focusing the initial lightning bolt on the pesky housefly elf (which is discerns: Perception: 58).

Housefly Elf takes 80 hp electrical damage, or 1/2 that, 40 hp, if he makes a DC 35 Reflex save.
The next set of people it goes after as it forks off will take same damage (80, or 40 w/save), but only need to make a DC 33 Reflex save:
- Scaldsworn
- 'HB' - Mezzek Halfling Bane
- 'W' - Orcish Warrior

=============
The following permanent magic items failed the DC 39 will save, and are dampened for the next 20 minutes. Dampened: Pearl of Power +1, PoP +2, PoP +4, Necklace of Adaptation, Constitution gear, Strength gear (the latter two from the old Iron Giant).

The rest of his stuff saves, and, since a bunch is stored in his magical containers (handy haversack, Bill's Splendid Pant's of Plenty, and the portable hole) which saved... Murphy is lucky. He did lose 17 spell & similar effects, which protected him, and enabled a whole bunch of abilities. [I'm in mourning :-) ]

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31
Tuesday August 9th, 2022 3:16:07 AM
P.S.: Special appeal: I started writing this post early this morning, but with the mage's disjunction, there was a ton of math I had to do to make a ton of adjustments, page after page, line after line of equipment and spell effects to calculate and write down, plus handling my paying job and new business. I request the right, in this case, despite J-P posting before me, to have Murphy's actions take place before Tali's actions, and get the spell off before she puts up her wall of force. Because it wasn't there this morning when I made my plan to cast it, and I don't have time to figure out something entirely different.]

DM Mitch The final Battle Map d20+22=34 ; d20+21=25 ; d20=20 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d100=6 ;
Tuesday August 9th, 2022 7:09:46 AM
Pressi gives Tali some information about Fool�s Forebearance, suggests to Kezzem that his opposite is as bad with jokes as he is and suggests they concentrate their fire on Skaldsworn. She then uses her lorekeeper ability against Skaldsworn and springs back.
Pressi Highlight to display spoiler: {Soros Skaldsworn is a fire giant as such he is immune to fire and has a weakness against cold. He is also a fighter/bloodwitch/arcane knight}
Succotash goes to cast Implosion at the beastfolk cultist but the Indigo part of the Prismatic Wall is up and it blocks all spells going both ways. (OOC: Don�t deduct the spell)
Valerie attacks Skaldsworn hitting him with all her attacks save for the right talon.
Pru casts chain lightning hitting Skaldsworn and the Half-Orc fully but Mezzek still manages to avoid some of the lightning
Tali throws up a wall of force trying to isolate Skaldsworn from the rest of his party. She tells the party that Ketia went Ethereal
Nikolai manages to land two hits downing but not killing Scaldsworn.
Kezzem goes for an attack but Scaldsworn is down. He presumably makes sure he stays down (by the numbers you rolled I don�t think you have accounted for the disjuction - if nothing else your haste would be down. Please roll vs Pressi�s disjunction)
Murphy goes for a chain lightning slightly too slow to hit everyone. (decided to flip a coin on it, bad luck).

Sashe casts Disintegrate taking out the yellow portion of the Prismatic Wall

The beastfolk cultist casts Passwall taking out the green section of the prismatic wall

See invisibility / true seeing Highlight to display spoiler: {Ketia casts a spell and the Blue layer of the Wall goes down}
If you could see the last spoiler Spellcraft DC 24 Highlight to display spoiler: {Miracle w/o diamond dust to duplicate Magic Missile}

Mezzek says �You guys should be building bridges not walls� and attacks the wall of force with his daggers to no effect

The Orc has no way to break the wall of force so waits patiently.

The Fly buzzes to a new hiding spot after casting Finger of Death on Prudance. DC 36 Fortitude - on fail take 200 damage, on success take 27 damage.
Perception 34 to spot him Highlight to display spoiler: {He�s behind Kezzem�s left ear.}

Damage Tracker:
Skaldsworn: dead
The Fly: 80 damage
Half-Orc: 61 damage
Mezzek: 30 damage

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Tuesday August 9th, 2022 11:15:39 AM
"Succotash you should know better than that. That prismatic wall is a nasty barrier, but force won't stop someone from imploding."

Succotash casts implosion on Mezzek (SR 41). Mezzek must make a DC 31 fort save or take 200 damage this round, and every round Succotash remains concentrating on the spell, for a maximum of 10 rounds. A save negates the spell.

Since she has no target, Valerie waits by her masters side.

Spells in effect:

Succotash (-4 attack rolls, skill checks, and ability checks)
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire) 120/120
Resist Energy (fire) 30
Holy Aura
Haste
Implosion on Mezzek 9/10

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire) 120/120
Resist Energy (fire) 30
Holy Aura
Haste
Divine Power 17/20
Righteous Might 17/20

Daily stuff:
quicken rod 0/3
channel energy 7/11
dimensional hop 200/200
speak with animals 23/23
agile feet 15/15

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 d20+44=61 ; d20+25=41 ;
Tuesday August 9th, 2022 11:31:37 AM

"Take down this blasted wall of force, Tali!" Murphy says aloud. He no longer is part of the group able to communicate telepathically. "We have to be able to hit them, and you just blocked me from doing so!"

"Kezzem, the housefly behind your left ear is really an elf."

I presume that the chain lightning last round was able to hit the housefly elf and Scaldsworn (even if the latter is down). Murphy had line of sight to Scaldsworn.

Also, with Perception 61, there is a chance that Murphy can discern someone who is invisible if her stealth roll is not high enough to beat his perception. If so, Spellcraft 41 - and Murphy lets people know where Ketia is and what she is doing.

Will have Murphy take action... but I must to race off to work.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Tuesday August 9th, 2022 1:52:14 PM
Pru will be spending a Hero Point before she rolls her Fortitude save, giving her +8 on the save.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP -6/194] d20+29=30 ;
Tuesday August 9th, 2022 1:53:08 PM
...but there's no help for a natural 1.

Pru takes 200 points of damage and falls unconscious.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135 20d6=77 ;
Tuesday August 9th, 2022 3:50:04 PM
Oh Well

Tali drops her Wall of Force as per Mister Murphy's request, and then casts Chain Lightning at the Orcish Warrior & Mezzek Hafling Bane, and maybe some of the others hitting them for 77 HP or Reflex saving throw for half damage; spell DC is 36.

[b]Spells & Other Effects/b]
Overland flight
Mage Armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Message
Stoneskin (from Wand)
Endure Elements(from Wand),
Protection from Evil(from Wand),
Entropic Shield(from Wand)
True Seeing
Resist | Fire
Resist | Sonic

Hero's Feast (10 hr 50 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects)
Succotash casts Holy Aura (duration: 20 rounds) | (SR 25 plus misc other effects)
Pru casts Haste (duration: 20 rounds),
Murphy casts Prayer to cover all party members (duration: 10 rounds)

[b]Spells Used/b]
2x Mage's Disjunction
3x Prismatic wall
2x Time Stop
5x Monster Summoning VII
2x Wish
1x Message
1x Wall of Force
1x Chain Lightning

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 245/276; DR 5/evil d20+23=34 ; d20+23=26 ; d20+23=39 ; d20+23=40 ; d20+23=29 ; d20+23=29 ; d20+23=25 ; d20+23=40 ; d20+23=32 ; d20+23=34 ; d20+23=39 ; d20+23=42 ; d20+23=36 ; d20+35=49 ; d20+28=46 ; d20+35=55 ; d20+35=41 ; d20+29=35 ; d20+24=30 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+30=41 ; d20+25=31 ; d20+20=31 ; d3+9=10 ; d3+9=10 ; d3+9=11 ; d3+9=11 ; d3+9=12 ; d3+5=8 ; d3+5=8 ; d3+5=7 ; 2d6=8 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d10+6=15 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ;
Tuesday August 9th, 2022 4:14:33 PM
Mage's Disjunction (DC 39)
+1 Construct-Bane Adamantine Short Sword: SV Will: 1d20 + 23 = 34. Dispelled.
+1 Flaming Returning Spell-Storing Dagger: SV Will: 1d20 + 23 = 26. Dispelled.
+1 Frost Giant-Bane Returning Dagger: SV Will: 1d20 + 23 = 29. Made.
+1 Giant-Bane Returning Shock Dagger: SV Will: 1d20 + 23 = 40. Made.
+5 Animated Light Steel Shield: SV Will: 1d20 + 23 = 29. Dispelled.
+5 Mithral Breastplate: SV Will: 1d20 + 23 = 29. Dispelled.
Amulet of Natural Armor +5: SV Will: 1d20 + 23 = 25. Dispelled.
Belt of Physical Perfection +6: SV Will: 1d20 + 23 = 40. Made.
Cloak of Resistance +5: SV Will: 1d20 + 23 = 32. Dispelled.
Boots of Speed: SV Will: 1d20 + 23 = 34. Dispelled.
Headband of Mental Prowess +6: SV Will: 1d20 + 23 = 39. Made.
Ring of Protection +5: SV Will: 1d20 + 23 = 42. Made.

Wow, my AC went down 16 points!

Haversack: 1d20 + 23 = 36. Dispelled. Guess I can't access what's inside then.

"See?" says Kezzem. "This guys not funny at all. Oh well. All's wall that end wall."

Kezzem attempts to attack the fly druid. Need a Perception check first looks like. Going to assume I need to 5 ft step to get some room.

Perception: 1d20 + 28 = 46.

+5 Holy Frost Giant-Bane Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 34
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 2d6 (Holy) + 1d6 (Frost)

Attack #1: 1d20 + 34 = 54. Natural 20!
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 2d6 (Holy) + 1d6 (Frost) = 10 + 8 + 3 = 21.
Crit: 1d20 + 34 = 40.
Crit Damage: Damage: 1d3 + 9 = 10.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 29 = 35.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 2d6 (Holy) + 1d6 (Frost) = 11 + 7 + 6= 24.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 24 = 30.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 2d6 (Holy) + 1d6 (Frost) = 11 + 6 + 5 = 22.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 19 = 21.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 2d6 (Holy) + 1d6 (Frost) = 12 + 6 + 5 = 23.

+1 Giant-Bane Returning Shock Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 30
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 1d6 (Frost)

Attack #1: 1d20 + 30 = 41.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 1d6 (Frost) = 8 + 5 = 13.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 25 = 31.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 1d6 (Frost) = 8 + 3 = 11.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 20 = 31.
Damage: 1d3 + 5 + 1d6 (Frost) = 7 + 3 = 10.

Two-Weapon Rend (AC <=41): 1d10 + 6 = 15.

Kezzem also lay on hands (swift action):
Healing: 9d6 = 2 + 4 + 3 + 3 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 4 + 5 = 31.

Finally, Kezzem burns another hero point to regain a second holy sword.

Spells in Effect:
Holy Sword

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+21=35 ;
Tuesday August 9th, 2022 4:45:29 PM
"Well, these guys are persistent, I'll give them that much."

Pretty much any choice that Pressi had pretty much ended as Prudence fell. Moving next to her, Pressi reached down to cast heal (for 150 pts).

But with the fight winding down, she figured she could afford a quickened command undead (on the skeleton between the beastfolk and Ketia. (SR roll 35, no save unless the skeleton is intelligent). She orders it to attack Ketia through the anti-life shield.

--------

Rituals

Ritual of Warding: +1 to AC and saving throws
Ritual of Devices: 1d3 random drawbacks to magic item known to user (used)
Ritual of Cheating Death: free action to designate as protected from death (used)

Effects:

Moment of Prescience (+20 to single roll) (used)
Rose Control
spell absorbtion (Ioun Stone)
Water elemental effect
shield of faith
spectral hand
haste
prayer
resist fire
true seeing
holy aura
overland flight

Spells Used:

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 2/6+1
L3: 3/6+1
L4: 3/5+1
L5: 4+1/5+1
L6: 5/5+1
L7: 3/4+1
L8: 2/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Items Used

Water Breathing (2)
Align Scrolls (2)
FoM Scroll: 1
horn of blasting
clairaudio: 3/20

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+40=51 ; d20+1=19 ; d20+31=38 ; 8d10+10=45 ;
Tuesday August 9th, 2022 11:50:38 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Prayer.(+1 att, +1 dmg, +1 saves, +1 skills), Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 moral bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18,
Holy Aura: +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves; spell resistance 25 against evil spells and spells cast by evil creatures; protection vs possession and mental influence; if an evil creature succeeds on a melee attack against a creature warded by a holy aura, the offending attacker is blinded (Fortitude save negates, as blindness/deafness, but against holy aura�s save DC).

Stoneskin 7th level

There was Bless and Prayer but I guess those are gone at this point.
Darkvision
SR = 25

Ki pts 8/16, Stunning Fist 14/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.
Ki Strike: treat unarmed attacks as Lawful and Magic weapons, cold iron/silver
Eberon's Tear with Holy, Ghost Touch, Undead Bane (Holy = extra 2d6 dmg vs evil, bypass corresponding DR)

Invisibility Purge (3rd level spell at caster level 5) that radiates from him at 5'/caster level.
Quivering Palm active on Scaldsworm - just waiting for the right moment

Nikolai's friends are quicker to react than he when Pru goes down. He was reaching for his Cube of Force when Pressi restores Pru.
"Thanks Pressi, now to get that maggot that turned into a fly."

Perception +37 +2 (magic) + 1 (Prayer) = 51 vs DC34

Nikolai's focus being heightened by his anger cues him to the buzzing of the flying maggot.

"He's there, right behind Kezzem�s left ear!"
Wasting no time, he activates his Brahmah's Tattoo of Faerie Fire targeting Kezzem's square.
Save: none, SR: yes Roll d20+1 = 19 vs DC?

"Sorry Kezzem, but we need to track that flying gnat.'

Next, he takes the steps necessary to get into reach of the pest and takes a swipe at it.

Spending a Ki point, he swats at it:

Ki pts 7/16, Stunning Fist 13/18

Att w/stunning fist (stun) and Greater Vital Strike +28 + 1 (haste) + 1(prayer) +1 (hero's feast) = 38
if hit, Stunning Fist (Stunned) Fort Save DC33

dmg = 45

"Do you want Scaldsworn dead or alive? Speak up quickly!"

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31
Wednesday August 10th, 2022 3:56:42 AM

"Dead," Murphy answers Nikolai. "He has made his decision, murdered many people, and, should he succeed in his aims, will continue to do so. Dead."

Murphy acts. He is within reach of Scaldsworn. With giant bane and magic fang, he cuts the giant's throat, deeply. And taking advantage of his hasted condition, begins to strip him of armor and possessions.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map d8=2 ; d8=8 ; d8=1 ; d8=7 ; d8=7 ; d20+27=43 ; d20+27=44 ; d20+22=36 ; d20+17=26 ; d20+12=25 ; d10+17=19 ; d10+17=24 ; d10+17=20 ; d10+17=23 ; d10+17=23 ; d10+17=20 ; d10+17=23 ; d20+32=41 ;
Wednesday August 10th, 2022 7:51:33 AM
Succotash casts implosion on Mezzek but the antipaladin makes the save (39 vs DC 31)
Meanwhile Valerie waits
Murphy calls for Tali to take down the wall of force. He also tells Kezzem about the housefly behind his left ear being an elf
Pru takes 200 damage from the finger of death and falls unconscious
Tali drops her wall of force and casts chain lightning on the Halforc and Mezzek. Mezzek makes the save (45) but the half orc doesn�t (16)
Kezzem says that all�s well that ends wall and then attacks the fly druid hitting twice and getting him with the rend. He then uses lay upon hands and heroically restores his holy sword
Pressi casts heal on Pru and would have cast a quickened command undead save for the fact that the indigo portion of the prismatic wall which blocks all spells is separating the cultists on that side of the wall from the party so the spell would do nothing.
Nikolai tries to swat the fly but it easily dodges around his strike.
Murphy opines that Scaldsworn should be made truly dead, but the deed is already done from the lightning and previous attacks. He makes sure he's extra dead.

The beastfolk cultist casts daylight on the wall bringing down the indigo layer.

With the only layer of the prismatic wall rendered useless by the special properties of the cave Sashe advances out from behind the wall and casts a spell targeting Murphy which misses

Ketia leaves her ethereal state and casts Quickened dispel magic on the Faerie Fire so her party healer can stay hidden.

The skeletons fire a volley of missiles targeting Murphy. He gets hit once for 8 damage (vs AC 42)

Mezzek activates another aura

The Half Orc full attacks Kezzem for 127 damage.

The Fly heals his entire team 44 hp then buzzes over towards the skeletons. DC 41 perception to figure out which one he�s hiding behind.

Damage Tracker:
Skaldsworn: dead
The Fly: 87 damage
Half-Orc: 94 damage
Mezzek: 24 damage

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells d20+35=55 ; d20+35=53 ; d20+35=43 ; d20+35=48 ; d20+35=53 ; d20+35=48 ; d20+35=44 ; 8d6+44=73 ; 4d6+22=42 ; 4d6+22=32 ; 3d6+22=35 ; 2d6+22=29 ; 2d6+22=32 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d20+24=25 ;
Wednesday August 10th, 2022 10:44:09 AM
Valerie takes a 5 ft step and tears into Mezzek,

Left talon: nat 20 53 to confirm for 73 damage plus 1 frost and 2 shock
Right talon hits AC 43 for 42 damage plus 6 frost and 4 shock
Divine talon hits AC 48 for 32 damage plus 6 frost and 4 shock
Bite hits AC 53 for 35 damage plus 1 frost and 4 shock
Left claw hits AC 48 for 29 damage plus 1 frost and 6 shock
Right claw hits AC 44 for 32 damage plus 1 frost and 6 shock

Meanwhile, with the prismatic wall down, Succotash casts implosion on Ketia (SR 25). She must make a DC 31 fort save or take 200 damage this round, and every round Succotash remains concentrating on the spell, for a maximum of 10 rounds. A save negates the spell.

Spells in effect:

Succotash
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire) 120/120
Resist Energy (fire) 30
Holy Aura
Haste
Implosion on Ketia 9/10

Valerie
Heroes Feast
Protection from Energy (fire) 120/120
Resist Energy (fire) 30
Holy Aura
Haste
Divine Power 16/20
Righteous Might 16/20

Daily stuff:
quicken rod 0/3
channel energy 7/11
dimensional hop 200/200
speak with animals 23/23
agile feet 15/15

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 154/194] 20d6=84 ; 10d6=34 ;
Wednesday August 10th, 2022 1:53:11 PM
"Ugh. Thanks, Pressi," Pru says. She scrambles to her feet.

Pru dismisses the last pathetic scraps of her Prismatic Wall.

She makes a heroic effort [spend a Hero Point] and uses her Elemental Blast spell-like ability. It has a 20-foot radius, so she can get Sashe, Ketia, the beastfolk, the skeletons, the warrior, and Mezzek. And the stupid fly because Pru does not care which skeleton it is hiding behind. All of them take 84 points of damage, DC 27 Reflex save for half. Any creature that fails its save gains vulnerability to fire until the end of Pru's next turn.

Not wanting to lose that advantage, she casts a quickened Fireball in the same spot. The same targets take 34 points of fire damage, DC 20 Reflex save for half.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+34=47 ; d20+21=41 ;
Wednesday August 10th, 2022 3:04:50 PM

Pressi uses her quickened control undead now, as the wall falls down. Assuming any skeletons are left after the elemental blast.

Turning to the healer fly, she easily points out his location before hitting him with Animal Growth to double his size. (Fort DC 22, SR Nat 20 for 41).

--------

Rituals

Ritual of Warding: +1 to AC and saving throws
Ritual of Devices: 1d3 random drawbacks to magic item known to user (used)
Ritual of Cheating Death: free action to designate as protected from death (used)

Effects:

Moment of Prescience (+20 to single roll) (used)
Rose Control
spell absorbtion (Ioun Stone)
Water elemental effect
shield of faith
spectral hand
haste
prayer
resist fire
true seeing
holy aura
overland flight

Spells Used:

L1: 3/7+1
L2: 2/6+1
L3: 3/6+1
L4: 3/5+1
L5: 5+1/5+1
L6: 5/5+1
L7: 3/4+1
L8: 2/3+1
L9: 1/2+1

Items Used

Water Breathing (2)
Align Scrolls (2)
FoM Scroll: 1
horn of blasting
clairaudio: 3/20

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 157/276; DR 5/evil d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d20+34=39 ; d20+34=41 ; d20+29=46 ; d20+29=32 ; d20+24=28 ; d20+24=27 ; d20+19=22 ; d3+9=10 ; d3+9=10 ; d3+9=12 ; d3+9=10 ; d3+9=11 ; d3+9=11 ; d3+9=12 ; 2d6=11 ; d6=3 ; 2d6=7 ; d6=1 ; 2d6=5 ; d6=5 ; 2d6=7 ; d6=5 ; 2d6=10 ; d6=6 ; 2d6=5 ; d6=1 ; 2d6=7 ; d6=3 ; d10+6=12 ;
Wednesday August 10th, 2022 3:48:16 PM
Kezzem has DR 5/evil so I need to know if it was included in Warriors attacks and if not how many of his attacks hit Kezzem. I included no DR for this round so far.

Kezzem starts with Lay on Hands (swift action).

Lay on Hands: 9d6 = 5 + 4 + 6 + 5 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 4 + 4 = 39.

Next, Kezzem burns a hero point to cast holy sword.

Finally, Kezzem 5 ft. steps and attack evil-him.

+5 Holy Frost Giant-Bane Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 34
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 2d6 (Holy) + 1d6 (Frost)

Attack #1: 1d20 + 34 = 39
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 2d6 (Holy) + 1d6 (Frost) = 10 + 11 + 3 = 24.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 29 = 46.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 2d6 (Holy) + 1d6 (Frost) = 12 + 5 + 5 = 22.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 24 = 28.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 2d6 (Holy) + 1d6 (Frost) = 11 + 10 + 6 = 27.

Attack #4: 1d20 + 19 = 22.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 2d6 (Holy) + 1d6 (Frost) = 12 + 7 + 3 = 22.

+5 Giant-Bane Holy Returning Shock Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 34
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 2d6 (Holy) + 1d6 (Frost)

Attack #1: 1d20 + 34 = 41.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 2d6 (Holy) + 1d6 (Frost) = 10 + 7 + 1 = 18.

Attack #2: 1d20 + 29 = 32.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 2d6 (Holy) + 1d6 (Frost) = 10 + 7 + 5 = 22.

Attack #3: 1d20 + 24 = 27.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 2d6 (Holy) + 1d6 (Frost) = 11 + 5 + 1 = 17.

Two-Weapon Rend (AC <=41): 1d10 + 6 = 12.

Spells in Effect:
Holy Sword x2

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135 20d6=68 ;
Wednesday August 10th, 2022 9:26:58 PM
The Rest

Now that the Wall is down, Tali casts Chain Lightning at Mezzek as the primary target & then all other enemies within 30 feet of Mezzek hitting them for 68 HP or Reflex saving throw for half damage; spell DC is 36. The secondary bolts are DC 34 to halve the damage.

Spells & Other Effects
Overland flight
Mage Armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Message
Stoneskin (from Wand)
Endure Elements(from Wand),
Protection from Evil(from Wand),
Entropic Shield(from Wand)
True Seeing
Resist | Fire
Resist | Sonic

Hero's Feast (10 hr 50 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects)
Succotash casts Holy Aura (duration: 20 rounds) | (SR 25 plus misc other effects)
Pru casts Haste (duration: 20 rounds),
Murphy casts Prayer to cover all party members (duration: 10 rounds)

Spells Used
2x Mage's Disjunction
3x Prismatic wall
2x Time Stop
5x Monster Summoning VII
2x Wish
1x Message
1x Wall of Force
2x Chain Lightning

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+40=58 ; d20+31=42 ; 8d10+10=59 ; d20+31=51 ; 2d10+11=22 ;
Thursday August 11th, 2022 12:57:44 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Ring of Invisibility (active), Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air), Ring of Freedom of Movement, Haste, Prayer.(+1 att, +1 dmg, +1 saves, +1 skills), Hero's Feast (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 moral bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours.)
Hero's Feast HP = 18,
Holy Aura: +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus on saves; spell resistance 25 against evil spells and spells cast by evil creatures; protection vs possession and mental influence; if an evil creature succeeds on a melee attack against a creature warded by a holy aura, the offending attacker is blinded (Fortitude save negates, as blindness/deafness, but against holy aura�s save DC).

Stoneskin 7th level

Darkvision
SR = 25

Ki pts 7/16, Stunning Fist 13/18
waterproof box with 4 goodberries
Purity of Body: gains immunity to all diseases, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Diamond Body: immunity to poisons of all kinds.
Ki Strike: treat unarmed attacks as Lawful and Magic weapons, cold iron/silver
Eberon's Tear with Holy, Ghost Touch, Undead Bane (Holy = extra 2d6 dmg vs evil, bypass corresponding DR)

Invisibility Purge (3rd level spell at caster level 5) that radiates from him at 5'/caster level.

Perc +37 +2 (magic) + 1 (Prayer) vs DC 41 = 58

Nikolai moves to W17 calling out the position of the fly (if he's still small).
With his Invisibility Purge covering that whole corner, he hopes the remaining enemies won't have the opportunity to vanish unless teleporting out.

He takes another swipe at the fly:

Att w/stunning fist (stun) and Greater Vital Strike +28 + 1 (haste) + 1(prayer) +1 (hero's feast) = 42
if hit, Stunning Fist (Stunned) Fort Save DC33
dmg 8d10+10 +1 (prayer) = 60

Stunning Fist 12/18

Spending a Ki point, he swats at it again:
Ki pts 6/16,

Att +28 + 1 (haste) + 1(prayer) +1 (hero's feast) = 51
if hit dmg 2d10 +10 +1 (prayer) = 22

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) 2d6=7 ;
Thursday August 11th, 2022 12:59:56 AM
OOC: I'm forgetting the Holy part of the Eberon's Tear:
vs Evil extra 2d6 dmg = 7 extra vs fly (if evil)

Murphy Huge Buff Air Elemental (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 HP 216/219 3d6+20=29 ; d20+44=47 ; 15d6=59 ;
Thursday August 11th, 2022 4:01:07 AM

Let's figure that last round, as Scaldsworn was already dead-dead, that Murphy spent his time that round doing what he could to strip his body of as much armor and gear as he could, keeping haste in mind toward that effort.

5 points of the 8 damage the skeletons did against him were mitigated by DR5/- - so he took 3 hp last round.

"Thanks for thinking of me, Sashe. Had you not helped kill Tali and Succotash and worked to kill the rest of us in the Iron Giant, and then joined in this ill-advised ascension support group, we might have been friends." He casts finger of death, as that seems to be among the popular spells for this combat. If she makes a DC 37 Fort save, she takes 29 hp of damage. If she fails the save, she takes 200 hp of damage. He adds after the finger of death. "You have enormous talents, drow lady."

He heroically casts flame strike to include Sashe and Ketia. They each take 59 hp of flame/divine damage, Reflex save DC 33 for half damage. "No, Ketia, I did not forget you."

DM Mitch The final Battle Map d20=17 ; d20=5 ; d20=1 ;
Thursday August 11th, 2022 8:10:12 AM
Succotash casts implosion against Ketia and Ketia makes the save (41)
Valerie takes a 5 foot step and tears into Mezzek killing the halfling
Pru tears down the last scrap of her prismatic wall and then uses her elemental blast SLA then follows up with a heroic fireball. The Fly saves and everyone else gains vulnerability. Some of the skeletons are outright destroyed by the fireball
Pressi casts a quickened control undead. One of the undead is the beastfolk�s corpse companion and is immune to Pressi�s effect. The other one is animated by the beastfolk and under his control so you have to make opposed charisma checks to give orders. She goes to cast animal growth on the druid but because the druid is not an animal the spell has no valid target and cannot be cast (OOC: polymorph effects do not change your creature type)
Kezzem was going to attack Mezzek but Mezzek is already dead he still lays upon hands and casts holy sword
(OOC: Mezzek�s aura made his allies attacks count as evil for overcoming DR so no DR)
Tali casts chain lightning (OOC: shifted the target from Mezzek to the warrior). The chain lightning destroys the last 2 skeletons and kills the half-orc while damaging Ketia, Sashe, the beastfolk and the fly though the fly manages to avoid some of it
Nikolai manages to hit the fly and finish him.
Murphy heroically casts a few spells and Sesha and Ketia both die.

The beastfolk casts Polar Ray targeting Kezzem. The Polar Ray hits dealing 64 cold damage and 2 dex drain

Damage Tracker:
Skaldsworn: dead
The Fly: dead
Half-Orc: dead
Mezzek: dead
Ketia: dead
Sashe: dead
Beastfolk: 177 vulnerability to fire
Skeleton 1 destroyed
Skeleton 2 destroyed
Skeleton 3 destroyed
Skeleton 4 destroyed
Skeleton 5 destroyed

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells d20+39=48 ; d20+39=52 ; d20+39=44 ; d20+39=50 ; d20+39=44 ; d20+39=49 ; 4d6+22=35 ; 4d6+22=35 ; 4d6+22=34 ; 3d6+22=32 ; 2d6+22=30 ; 2d6+22=29 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d20+39=46 ;
Thursday August 11th, 2022 12:22:18 PM
Seeing only one enemy left, Valerie pounces on the beastfolk.

Left Talon hits AC 48 for 35 damage plus 3 frost and 6 shock
Right Talon hits AC 52 for 35 damage plus 4 frost and 4 shock
Divine Talon hits AC 44 for 34 damage plus 2 frost and 6 shock
Bite hits AC 50 for 32 damage plus 2 frost and 3 shock
Left Claw hits AC 44 for 30 damage plus 5 frost and 2 shock
Right Claw hits AC 49 for 29 damage plus 2 frost and 6 shock

Certain that the beastfolk cultist has met his demise, Succotash begins looking around for the artifact, as well as any other surprises Perception 46

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 126/276; DR 5/evil d20+49=66 ; d3+27=28 ; 2d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d20+36=47 ; d3+27=28 ; 2d6=7 ; d6=6 ; d20+26=39 ; d20+26=43 ; d20+21=39 ; d20+21=34 ; d20+16=17 ; d3+22=23 ; d3+22=24 ; d3+22=23 ; d3+22=24 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ;
Thursday August 11th, 2022 1:36:37 PM
"Would you guys quit dying before I can kill you?" asks Kezzem.

If beastfolk cultist is still alive, Kezzem will smite evil and throw daggers at him.

OOC: Adjust as needed for range and if the cultist is not evil.

Attack #1: +5 Holy Frost Giant-Bane Returning Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 34 + 5 (Smite) - 1 (Dex damage) - 2 (TFW): 1d20 + 36 = 53.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 18 (Smite) = 1d3 + 27 + 2d6 holy + 1d6 frost = 28 + 4 + 5 = 37.

Off-Attack #1: +5 Holy Giant-Bane Returning Shock Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 34 + 5 (Smite) - 1 (Dex damage) - 2 (TFW): 1d20 + 36 = 47.
Damage: 1d3 + 9 + 18 (Smite) = 1d3 + 27 + 2d6 holy + 1d6 frost = 28 + 7 + 6 = 41.

Attack #2: Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 24 + 5 (Smite) - 1 (Dex damage) - 2 (TFW): 1d20 + 26 = 39.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 18 (Smite) = 1d3 + 22 = 23.

Off-Attack #2: Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 24 + 5 (Smite) - 1 (Dex damage) - 2 (TFW): 1d20 + 26 = 43.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 18 (Smite) = 1d3 + 22 = 24.

Attack #3: Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 19 + 5 (Smite) - 1 (Dex damage) - 2 (TFW): 1d20 + 21 = 39.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 18 (Smite) = 1d3 + 22 = 23.

Off-Attack #3: Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 19 + 5 (Smite) - 1 (Dex damage) - 2 (TFW): 1d20 + 21 = 34.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 + 18 (Smite) = 1d3 + 22 = 24.

Attack #4: Dagger
Attack: 1d20 + 14 + 5 (Smite) - 1 (Dex damage) - 2 (TFW): 1d20 + 16 = 17. Natural 1.

If beastfolk cultist is still up, Kezzem will burn a hero point to lay on hands.

Healing: 9d6 = 6 + 2 + 2 + 4 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 5 + 2 = 33.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 154/194]
Thursday August 11th, 2022 1:50:15 PM
Pru is about to cast another spell when the melee fighters just unload on the beastfolk. She decides to leave them to it. He's still vulnerable to fire she sends, just in case any of them can do fire damage.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135 d4+1=5 ; d3=2 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=3 ; d4+1=5 ; d20+20=37 ; d20+20=27 ;
Thursday August 11th, 2022 6:24:01 PM
Clean up on isle 5!

Tali makes sure everything opposing the Humbles and their companions are thoroughly deceased, knows to Kill 'em with fire! & casts Magic Missile /b] at the Beastfolk at V17 with all 5 missiles. {OCC: excuse the d3 roll - GUI shifted}

Missle #1 = 5
Missle #2 = 4
Missle #3 = 4
Missle #4 = 3
Missle #5 = 5
for a total of 21 points.

caster level check (1d20 + 20) = 37

Tali giggles with glee when thinking of her pun...""Kill it with Fire" and then sends force!"

When all of the opposition is no longer a threat or moving, Tali uses her cast spell of [b]True - Seeing to observe what might be otherwise hidden. (Perception check: 27)

After 10 or so minutes, Tali asks the group Telepathically, "Does anyone need healing?"

Spells & Other Effects
Overland flight
Mage Armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Message
Stoneskin (from Wand)
Endure Elements(from Wand),
Protection from Evil(from Wand),
Entropic Shield(from Wand)
True Seeing
Resist | Fire
Resist | Sonic

Hero's Feast (10 hr 50 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects)
Succotash casts Holy Aura (duration: 20 rounds) | (SR 25 plus misc other effects)
Pru casts Haste (duration: 20 rounds),
Murphy casts Prayer to cover all party members (duration: 10 rounds)

Spells Used
2x Mage's Disjunction
3x Prismatic wall
2x Time Stop
5x Monster Summoning VII
2x Wish
1x Message
1x Wall of Force
2x Chain Lightning
1x magic missile

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday August 12th, 2022 12:29:51 AM
Nikolai takes a moment to insure Pru is ok, and that there are no other squirming enemies, then stomps on the fly-not-fly, pressing down real hard.

"The ritual. This was an illusory ritual room. Need to find the real one."

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 HP 216/219
Friday August 12th, 2022 2:47:31 AM

The smell of blood and cooked flesh strong in the air, Murphy looks about him as the last foe is being cut to ribbons. All the cultist foes in this room are dead. All his friends are alive. Elation at victory is tempered by sorrow. Why do people walk such paths as these have chosen - to try to unleash so great a power of destruction as the one whom others wisely imprisoned?

Murphy takes a few moments to complete the exercise he began a few rounds earlier. He strips Scaldsworn of the remainder of his gear, places it in a pile. As he does so, he prays aloud. "Thank you, great powers above, for helping to equip us for this fell task. Grant us wisdom for whatever steps we next must take. Selah." Ever somewhat modest, he leaves the giant's loincloth alone.

"Perhaps some of us can continue to gather the gear of the fallen," he suggests to his friends. "I'd be surprised were they to have need of it again."

Then he comes out of wildshape. "Friends, gather here together with me in the center of this room," he asks. "Nikolai is correct. Likely we are seeking a chunk of earth with lava and liquid seeping from it." He recalls the image Sashe prepared for their benefit.

"Before we do that though: Thank you, each one. Everyone did things that made the difference." As he goes through the group, commenting on a few of their contributions, he gives a hug here, a clap on the shoulder there, a grin, or a countenance reflecting appreciation for this group of halflings, and honorary halflings. "Tali, despite you including me - and Kezzem? - in the scope, your casting of mage's disjunction stripped our opponents of so much of their offensive and defensive capabilities. That helped turn the tide. Pru, you did so much, then took a huge hit - I saw you collapse. Press - you brought her back, besides bringing helpful knowledge and filling in so many gaps during the fight. And Pru, hardly missing a beat, did more to bring them down. Nikolai - I don't understand all the monkish things you command, but when I glanced at your face I could tell you laid something of deadly intent on our largest fell foe. Besides that, from now on, you are in charge of ridding our area of houseflies. Succotash - spells and Valerie, an effective combation. And General Kezzem, you met and bested your evil counterpart. Excellent job of trading punchlines. And I never want to get in the way of your blades."

"Good question, Tali. Who needs healing? And then, how do we find the artifact?" Murphy pulls out paper and pens, using inks of appropriate colors, and sketches the item of which he got a very good look from two angles - earth, lava, liquid.
===========
P.S.: What is a 'chuck' of earth, anyway?
(And, can someone delete the Private Post above? - made a private post by mistake)

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35 d20+34=40 ;
Friday August 12th, 2022 10:08:16 AM
Pressi takes a deep breath and then begins to search Scaldsworn's body for any evidence of where the device is (Perception 40).

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d20+25=43 ; d3+4=6 ;
Friday August 12th, 2022 12:36:00 PM
Assuming combat has ended, Kezzem replies to Murphey "Don't worry, Murph, unless you turn evil you'll be find. See?"

Kezzem then throws a mundane dagger at Murph's head such that the handle hits him.

Attack: 1d20 + 29 - 4 (nonlethal) = 43.
Damage: 1d3 + 4 = 6 nonlethal.

Kezzem then gathers everyone and expends his last four uses of lay on hands for two group channels.

Healing: 9d6 = 4 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 6 + 5 + 4 = 33.

Healing: 9d6 = 6 + 4 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 4 + 4 + 6 + 2 = 34.

Total: 67.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 HP 216/219 d20+8=26 ; d20+12=17 ;
Friday August 12th, 2022 2:54:48 PM

"Gee, Kezzem, I'm glad you're my friend, I guess," Murphy says as he rubs his head. "You remind me of my brother Nalfein. He used to give me noogies."

He thanks him that the head bonk was followed by healing. "All right, well, Nalfein never healed me up after giving me the head burn. I'm more glad you're my friend, now."
=====
Ignore the rolls. They were supposed to be for the Mithril Tap game :-/

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135 d20+20=27 ; d20+25=43 ; d20+27=45 ;
Friday August 12th, 2022 8:32:45 PM
True Seeing

Tali spends as much time as needed to see what is actually in this room. Perception check: 27; Spellcraft check: 43; & Knowledge (Arcana): 45 .

When Talia is almost about to cease her searching, she turns to her companions and starts firing off questions:

"Is there any way to use magic to discover where Scaldsworn teleported from to get here?
Would a [i][b]Wish be able to solve that for us?
Is it possible to animate them enough to get that information out of them?
What can we do to track the artifact down?
So, I thought Teleportation was not possible this far into their "Space" but they teleported into this space, so it is possible, yes? If they "beat" us in the fight, they would have teleported back to where the artifact is, yes?
What's the chance that the artifact is inside another "pocket dimension?"[/b][/i]

Spells & Other Effects
Overland flight
Mage Armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Message
Stoneskin (from Wand)
Endure Elements(from Wand),
Protection from Evil(from Wand),
Entropic Shield(from Wand)
True Seeing
Resist | Fire
Resist | Sonic

Hero's Feast (10 hr 50 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects)
Succotash casts Holy Aura (duration: 20 rounds) | (SR 25 plus misc other effects)
Pru casts Haste (duration: 20 rounds),
Murphy casts Prayer to cover all party members (duration: 10 rounds)

Spells Used
2x Mage's Disjunction
3x Prismatic wall
2x Time Stop
5x Monster Summoning VII
2x Wish
1x Message
1x Wall of Force
2x Chain Lightning
1x magic missile

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Saturday August 13th, 2022 11:56:24 PM
The Beastfolk falls quickly. Now that combat is over and the illusion is gone the party is able to see a door in the back wall that looks much like the stone around it. It was blocked by the illusion and then just unnoticed in the chaos of combat. Looting the corpses prove that Scaldsworn's group was about as well funded as the party, with magic items on par with their own.

Proceeding into the door you find mostly storage rooms. Large amounts of food are stored here and it looks like everything valuable was removed from their rooms to this part of the base once they knew you were coming. You find a room identical to the one you were in with a magic circle of teleportation in it, no doubt where the ambush was planned.

In the back you find the true ritual room. It's a bit fancy, with abstract carvings in the walls and lit braziers providing light. The artifact rests in the middle of the room surrounded by arcane items and ritual materials. It looks exactly like the illusion of it did - a chunk of earth infused with lava on one half, glowing water on the other. A search reveals no traps or other obstacles to your goal.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 HP 219/219 d20+44=52 ;
Sunday August 14th, 2022 5:30:47 AM

[I think Pressi and Prudence are now fully healed, and Kezzem is the only one somewhat down in hit points.]

"Nikolai, and others who thought we should move forward - you were right to choose to press on. Thanks. Wasn't my preference, but I'm glad for that choice."

"So, here we are. There's the artifact. Might this be considered an unhallowed area? Or was it just on the way toward becoming so? Ideas? Suggestions?" Murphy speaks aloud, as he and Kezzem are now out of the mental communication loop with the rest of the group.

==================
Perception: 52

Succotash (Kim for Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells d20+12=13 ; d20+12=21 ; d8=5 ; d8=2 ; d8=4 ; d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d8=8 ;
Sunday August 14th, 2022 5:55:45 AM

The cleric praises Valerie for her good work at taking down the nasty beastfolk. He gives her a treat. "We're going to need to get the blood off of us, girl."

"You need some healing, Kezzem?" He casts cure critical wounds on the paladin, healing him for 39 hp damage (5+2+4+8+20).

He looks at the goods the cultists brought into the back area, casts detect magic just to get a feel for the quantity and perhaps the potency of the various items.

Succotash continues with the detect magic in the ritual room. After getting a feel for which items were magical, and which mundane, he drops the detection. He considers his knowledge of the planes (13) to see if anything pops into his mind on that topic. Then knowledge, religion (21).

"After a rest, I could run through a ritual of Hallow in order to help nullify what they have done here. That may not be sufficient, however."

He examines the instruments closely that were being used in the ritual.

"What do we do if the one this ritual was designed to break out of jail shows up?" he asks.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135 d20+25=28 ; d20+27=44 ;
Sunday August 14th, 2022 9:21:25 PM
Breaking the Chain

Just interrupt the ritual, move the artifact...mess up the glyphs, the candles, everything!" says an exasperated Talia. Looking around at the inner room/chamber, Tali uses her Spellcraft & Knowledge Arcana skills to determine what she can interrupt to end the ritual. (Spellcraft check:28 & Knowledge Arcana:44 ) Once she determines what can be done, she will share this knowledge telepathically with her friends & companions before acting on it to allow input from the group.

Spells & Other Effects
Overland flight
Mage Armor
Iridescent Ioun Stone (sustains without air)
Message
Stoneskin (from Wand)
Endure Elements(from Wand),
Protection from Evil(from Wand),
Entropic Shield(from Wand)
True Seeing
Resist | Fire
Resist | Sonic

Hero's Feast (10 hr 50 min +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and +4 morale bonus vs poison and fear effects)
Succotash casts Holy Aura (duration: 20 rounds) | (SR 25 plus misc other effects)
Pru casts Haste (duration: 20 rounds),
Murphy casts Prayer to cover all party members (duration: 10 rounds)

Spells Used
2x Mage's Disjunction
3x Prismatic wall
2x Time Stop
5x Monster Summoning VII
2x Wish
1x Message
1x Wall of Force
2x Chain Lightning
1x magic missile

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday August 15th, 2022 12:36:56 AM
"Well, we must also discuss how to transport this thing. If disrupting the ritual will rob Scald from his power and we can just teleport out, that'd be fine with me. Meanwhile, maybe this will help disrupt some ritualizing."

Nikolai moves to stand next to the edge of the ritual items surrounding the chunk and a activates his cube of force to block magic in that 10' area.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Monday August 15th, 2022 7:42:06 AM
Murphy says those who wanted to press on were right and asks what is the next step for the artifact and ritual room and if it is an unhallowed area
Succotash praises Valerie, does some healing and then starts examining things with detect magic. He says he could cast hallow after a rest but he doesn�t know if that is enough to stop the ritual. He examines the instruments used and asks what do they do if Skald shows up.
Tali suggests they interrupt the ritual by moving the artifact, messing up the glyphs, the candles and pretty much everything there. She uses her knowledge of the arcane to try to figure out the best way to interrupt the ritual.

Tali Highlight to display spoiler: {The ritual was one to attune the artifact to Skald. Thus allowing Skald�s influence to expand beyond the Scab and Flood Humble�s Ford and the other areas in their valley with boiling water. The attunement is a long, labor intensive process and ends with the final ritual to break the prison. The appearance of the artifact indicates they only got about halfway done.

Since the ritual is only halfway attuned neither Skald nor Fhorge can take advantage of it. The easiest way to stop the ritual is probably to take the artifact back to the Giant high priest of Fhorge like you said you would thus saving their pocket realm after the artifact is fully attuned to Fhorge again. There should be no danger in just picking up the artifact and carrying it off.}

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Monday August 15th, 2022 9:51:32 AM
We owe We owe its off to the Fire Giant's Temple

Tali discerns that, The ritual was one to attune the artifact to Skald. The attunement is a long, labor intensive process and ends with the final ritual to break the prison. The appearance of the artifact indicates they only got about halfway done, therefore The easiest way to stop the ritual is probably to take the artifact back to the Giant high priest of Fhorge. There should be no danger in just picking up the artifact and carrying it off." sharing all of this telepathically to her companions & friends.

And with that shared, Tali walks over to the Artifact and places it into her Handy Haversack, slinging it over her back and stating she's ready to greater teleport to the entrance to the Fire Giants' pocket realm.

"Is there anything else to take with us? Gear & valuables?" says Tali to the group?

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Monday August 15th, 2022 10:40:50 AM
Succotash is all in favor of returning the artifact to the pocket realm, and says, "Thanks for the insight Tali, your knowledge of the Arcane is impressive to say the least. I can take the other half of us, with a greater teleport, though since we have been to the entrance before, a standard teleport should be good enough. Are we ready to go, so we can be done with this mission?"

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 HP 219/219 d20+15=25 ;
Monday August 15th, 2022 3:16:24 PM

Murphy helped stow a portion of the gear the group found, figuring the party was going to distribute the loot among themselves. "Don't put all eggs in one basket, right?"

As Tali goes to pick up the artifact, Murphy forestalls her. "Let's see what temperature it is at, first, all right?" He places his hands near it, and draws closer, to sense its heat output. If the glowing lava is not likely to burn the hands or inflame a sack, then he gives her the go-ahead. If it is quite hot, though, he says, "We need to figure a way to carry this."

"Rush, rush, rush, Saccotush," Murphy says with a smile, inverting the vowels from his friend's name to make it rhyme. "We need to find Harper. And I want to take maybe 15, 20 minutes to map out this place, and double check nooks and crannies. If that's all right, I'll go ahead. After I check the area, we might want to go back the way we came, and get to the entrance, since that's where Harper disappeared."

He adds, "Once that happens, I suggest this: Prudence, once we are clear of the entrance, would it be all right if you could set up your magnificent mansion? Despite promises made to us, I want us to be fully prepared and spelled-up before we return to the pocket plane. Because not all of the giants may have been made aware of how they are to treat with us. And, who knows, someone may try some tricks. Let us rest, prepare, then teleport. Does that sound reasonable?"

If there are no serious objections to going back the way we came:
Murphy casts his second instance of Foresight, then wildshapes back to a small earth elemental and as quickly as he is able explores that area, checking to see if the usable depth of stone is still about 5' - 10', including in his journey the area above the ceiling. Once done there, he takes out paper and ink, and begins to make a map. If it is acceptible to the rest of the party, he will map from the ritual room, to the living quarters, and through each of the chambers they came. "For our records, and the WLA," he comments. Just in case the obliteration of the statues did not preclude the return of the demons, he suggests the party be prepared. As they go from room to room, he puts away his paper and ink, prepared for surprises, wild shaping as necessary, then takes it out to continue his map. He does not take it out at all as they head back through the water.

If there are serious objections:
Rather than retrace all of their steps, Murphy does as described above only for the ritual room and the living quarters. From memory he should be able to create maps of their pathway, which he will fairly quickly sketch out. And, he will suggest, at minimum, getting - by teleport, if deemed necessary - to the entrance, hoping to figure out from there how to retrieve Harper. "I can plant an oak in this room, and see if I can get some of us out near the entrance. Those of you with the right skillset can try from there to figure out how to get Pressi's cat back." [He does not know that Harper is just waiting there, but rather thinks he got sent to another dimension.] If the party chooses this option, he makes sure an area is clear and uses his feather token to create a full-sized oak. "I can take up to six with me... if this spell works from here."

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 HP 219/219
Monday August 15th, 2022 3:28:44 PM

Harper is a 'she', not a 'he'. Sorry!

Also the roll in the prior post is for knowledge, arcane: 25

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Monday August 15th, 2022 8:15:50 PM
"If a Magnificent Mansion will work, I'm happy to cast one," Pru says. "It probably is wisest to rest up a bit."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Monday August 15th, 2022 9:11:02 PM

Pressi notes sliently that Kezzem threw something at her husband, but if he lets it go....

She wonders whether any of those evil seeking daggers will do anything to her. She did have a few things in the pipeline.

As she assists in the search, she thinks carefully about what the fire giants might do if they ever get the artifact back. She also wonders if they made a firm promise because it might be a good time to wiggle out of this. At any rate, she does wonder what might happen if they head back to find Harper, even taking some time to see if she can feel her leopard now.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil
Monday August 15th, 2022 11:58:20 PM
"Wait, didn't we already stop the ritual by killing all the...ritual people?" asks Kezzem.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday August 16th, 2022 12:23:57 AM
"We can't just leave the ritual items here untouched and ready to be used again when Skald finds another way, another item, to use to finish the job. We need to wipe this chamber clean. Pru, do you still have some fireballs you can toss in there?"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Tuesday August 16th, 2022 2:14:26 AM
"I can prepare and cast earthquake tomorrow. That should seal this place off pretty good, but I agree with Nic, destroying the particulars may be wise."

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 HP 219/219 d20+44=58 ;
Tuesday August 16th, 2022 4:05:51 AM

"Might those who wish to reverse the ritual benefit by knowing what instruments were used in the making of it?" Murphy asks. He works to memorize what he sees laid out before him.

"Perhaps fireballs may wipe out these instruments which survive the high heat of this area, Nikolai. Is it possible that cold, and hammers, and acid may also help do the trick, with fire to lick up the remaining dust?" He pauses, then adds, "But, if you want to start with fire... we might see how that does, then take what remains for further destructive ministrations.

"Please, though, let me first explore as I suggested, beginning in this room. Oh, and Succotash? Earthquake is a good ingredient as we leave."

Murphy becomes a small tough earth elemental, and circumnavigates the stoney walls, ceiling and floor of the ritual room. His permanent link with Pressi cut off by the mage's disjunction, he will occasionally pop his head out and give updates as to what he is discerning.
=================
Perception: 58
Foresight is in effect to warn him of looming dangers.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Tuesday August 16th, 2022 8:05:03 AM
Tali explains what she gleaned to the rest of the party. She asks if they want to take anything else with them before she goes to pick up the artifact and put it in her haversack but Murphy stops her
Succotash thanks Tali for her insight and offers to take the rest of the party back to the entrance to the pocket realm with a greater teleport though a normal should suffice since they have been there already.
Murphy helps stow the confiscated gear and forestalls Tali from picking up the item making sure the lava isn�t going to burn hands or set fire to the haversack. Despite looking half lava-ish the lava is perhaps a magical metaphor and doesn�t actually feel hot so Murphy helps Tali put the artifact in her haversack. He then suggests that Succotash is in a hurry and explains he wants to go back the way they came, mapping as they go. After they are out again he wants to find Harper and then have Pru cast a magnificent mansion so they are prepared in case there are any surprises or the word of the giants aren�t any good
Pru says if a Magnificent mansion will work she�s happy to cast one as resting up seems like a good idea
Pressi notes that Kezzem threw something at her husband but lets it go for now. She wonders what the giants might do if they get the artifact back and if they possibly should wiggle out of this one. She also wonders what happens if they head back to find Harper.
Kezzem points out they already stopped the ritual by killing all the ritual people
Nikolai doesn�t want to take any chances and points out that they can�t just leave all the ritual items untouched for the next followers of Scald that comes along to misuse and suggests Pru firebombs the room with some fireballs
Succotash suggests he cast earthquake the next day and agrees with Nikolai on destroying the ritual objects.
Murphy is ready explore.

The party�s discussion about searching the place is interrupted by a deep rumbling and the roar of rushing water. Some might remember a previous knowledge roll revealed this entire cave system should be underwater if not for Scalds power. With the death of his followers it seems the immortal power no longer has a reason to use his limited power to hold the water back. The entire complex will probably be flooded out in less than a minute.

The artifact is hot to the touch on the lava side but seems safe to carry with the fire protection already cast on the party (which also affects your belongings so you can stuff it in a sack if you want).

The effect preventing the party from entering the earth or teleporting deeper into the complex seems to still be in affect, though it shouldn�t prevent you from teleporting out.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Tuesday August 16th, 2022 10:18:09 AM
"That doesn't sound good, let's get out of here! I'll see you just outside the cave." Succotash than grabs hold of half the party, and casts teleport. He reappears just outside the cave with half the crew, and prays that either Tali or Pru will carry the rest to safety.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 HP 219/219
Tuesday August 16th, 2022 11:51:37 AM

Murphy remains behind as Succotash takes several party members, clicks his heels to activate haste, scoops up the ritual devices into a sack and thence into his portable hole, and says to any left behind, "All right, let's skedaddle!" If for some reason both Tali and Pru left with Succotash (unlikely), he makes sure others step aside so he can toss down a feather token to form an oak tree, and takes the remainder with him through the oak using the transport via plants spell to the oak he planted a ways away from the entrance a few hours ago. Otherwise, he joins in with the second group to teleport out.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Tuesday August 16th, 2022 2:24:31 PM
If the cave entrance is close enough, Pru casts Dimension Door rather than Teleport, because there's no use casting a bigger spell than you need. However she does it, though, she can get the party members Succotash doesn't.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 75/117, CMD 35
Tuesday August 16th, 2022 9:33:26 PM
"Well, so much for a calm review of the situation."

Pressi basically just holds on for the ride.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Tuesday August 16th, 2022 9:50:03 PM
Time to Go!

Tali takes her Handy Haversack and places it over the artifact tipping it into the haversack and then slings it over her back.

"Gotta take what you can carry. Grab hands, & grab my hands! I can take 6 others and we can go as I cast Greater Teleport to just outside the cave. Speaking to her friends and companions telepathically. Perhaps we can do another mansion spell when we arrive just outside the cave?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday August 17th, 2022 12:46:18 AM
Nikolai gladly takes Pru's hand to teleport out.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 HP 219/219
Wednesday August 17th, 2022 1:46:39 AM

Once the two or three groups (two would do, but three works too) arrive near the entrance, Murphy says, "Let's get a little ways away from the entrance - at least beyond my oak tree - before we do the mansion thing, all right? And we still need to find... Harper?"

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Wednesday August 17th, 2022 7:25:22 AM
Succotash says that the sound of the water doesn�t sound good and grabs half the party and teleports outside the cave.
Murphy remains behind as Succotash takes several party members. He clicks his heels together to activate haste. He throws any ritual items left behind in the portable hole and agrees with everyone else they need to skedaddle.
Pru realizes the depth they traveled makes dimension door impractical and is ready to teleport the remaining party members
Pressi says so much for a calm review of the situation and holds on for the ride
Tali puts the artifact in her haversack and makes sure the rest of the party get outside. She requests a mansion when they are outside.
Nikolai takes his wife�s hand.
Murphy suggests they move away before casting the spell for them to rest.

The party emergers from their teleport spell just outside the cave to reunite with each other and with Harper. Harper turns out to be pretty easy to find - it seems the companion was merely sent to just outside the area and has been wandering around the pools trying to find the entrance again ever since.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Wednesday August 17th, 2022 10:59:46 AM
"Glad to see ya Harper!"Succotash says with his usual smile, "I'm so glade you weren't shunted somewhere we would never find you." Turning to The rest of the party he says, "I agree with Murph, let's move away from the entrance a bit, and than see about getting a good nights sleep, and in the morning, if the entrance to the cave is still there, I'll collapse it with an earthquake."

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 HP 219/219 d8=4 ; d8=1 ; d8=8 ; d8=3 ;
Wednesday August 17th, 2022 11:24:19 AM

"Harper! Good to see you, Lady Leopard!" Murphy exclaims. With Harper shows some signs of being wounded, and in case any other party member still needs a touch of healing, the druid casts mass cure serious wounds, curing 35 hp per person in the area of effect, bringing her to 110 hp, and follows on with a cure light wounds, bringing her to full hit points. "Can I give you a hug?" he asks his wife's great cat. If allowed, he takes Pressi's hand so they can do so together. Or at least scratches a bit behind the ears if a hug is considered by the animal too forward.

"A good nap, a good meal, and an earthquake sound a very good set of actions to me."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Wednesday August 17th, 2022 1:57:13 PM
Once her companions have selected a spot, Pru casts a Magnificent Mansion with room for everyone, including the animals.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Wednesday August 17th, 2022 8:53:47 PM

Harper lets out a loud purr upon seeing the group, stretching out so that Pressi can give belly scratches and hugs.

And of course Harper allows Murphy to give pets and hugs as well, with an occasional nip from time to time.

After reuniting and healing, Pressi turns in to Prudence and Succotash making plans. "I think that all works for me. Probably need to set up some watches, just in case the Fire Giants check on us or Scald has any more followers."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil
Wednesday August 17th, 2022 9:02:45 PM
Kezzem summon Rumpus.

"Who's a good boy for fighting a nasty fiendish t-rex," says Kezzem as he ruffles Rumpus's mane.

"I vote for food, a nice cool bath, more food, a good night's rest, followed by lots more food. Even better if the food is free."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Wednesday August 17th, 2022 10:34:03 PM
Magnificent Mansion

Tali thanks Lady Prudence for her Magnificent Mansion spell. I can't wait to meditate & perhaps some good foods thereafter! "It's awesome that Harper is safe and we have reunited again." Tali thinks of Rayya as she talks about Harper.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday August 17th, 2022 11:21:27 PM
Nikolai remains fairly quiet. No one has made any comments about the two that had been with them, then against them. Obviously the only reason to play 'friends' for a little while was to spy on them and know how close the group was getting. Having them appear at the end, in the ritual room, implied they knew where the artifact was all along.

Nicolai takes over has host in the magical mansion, making everyone has what they need.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 HP 219/219 d20+33=34 ;
Thursday August 18th, 2022 1:59:27 AM

As the repeated adrenaline rushes experienced wane after running so deadly serious a gauntlet, so challenging an obstacle course, and though healed up, Murphy feels a weariness settling over his body. Though he could eat quite a bit were he to let himself, sleep calls out to him louder than food. He is pleased when the mental link between him and Pressi overcomes the dampening of the spell that helped to neutralize so many of their foes' defenses earlier.

"Tonight would be a good night for stories, I'd wager. But friends, perhaps we can let our dreams counsel us this evening, then tell what stories will fit over the morning's fine feast. Before we retire for the evening though, I shall require a hug or handshake from each of you, good and boon companions." And he goes to each member of Humble's Sword, to offer and receive warm embraces. To Tali, he asks, "Can you summon Rayya?"

"In the morning, perhaps each of us can tell a story, recall a memory." Once he has taken leave, he asks Pressi, "Will you come and lie with me, lady mine?"

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Thursday August 18th, 2022 7:50:31 AM
Succotash says he�s glad to see Harper and that he agrees with Murph about moving away from the entrance, resting up and then dropping an earthquake on it in the morning.
Murphy is happy to see the lady leopard. He offers healing if anyone needs it. Hugs his wife�s big cat with her, scratches it behind the ears and agrees that resting, eating and an earthquake sound like a very good set of actions
Pru sets up her magnificent mansion once everyone has chosen a spot for it
Pressi and her husband are happy as is Harper for the reunion. She agrees with Pru�s and Succotash�s plans and suggest they set a watch lest the fire giants or any of Scald�s followers show up
Kezzem calls Rumpus a good boy for fighting an infernal T-Rex. He calls for food, a cool bath, more food, a good�s nice rest and even more food, especially if the food is free
Tali thanks Pru for her magnificent mansion and thinks it is good they�ve reunited with Harper. (OOC: what happened to Rayya?)
Nikolai ruminates on the two that had been with them and against them and theorizes that they had known where the artifact was all along considering there they were in the final chamber
Murphy feels tired, offers hugs all around, and suggests story time in the morning before going to bed.

The party gets a good night�s sleep undisturbed.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Thursday August 18th, 2022 10:38:11 AM
Before he hits the rack, Succotash makes sure everyone is topped up in the health department, and he enjoys the food and time with friends, inside Pru's mansion. In the morning, Succotash finds a quit place and spends an hour in prayer and meditation, taking time to honor all the Woldian gods. He than prepares his spells, and heads back to the cave entrance and casts Earthquake, with hopes to collapse as much of the cave structure as possible. with that done, he turns to his friends and says, "shall we be done with this task? I'm ready to return the artifact and wash my hands of this adventure. I've just realized, we are helping a race of people who would like little more than to cook us halflings and serve us for dinner. My only hope is this ordeal will help the fire giants realize that halflings are friends not food! By the way, thanks for the hospitality last night Nic and Pru, you guys are the best!"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil
Thursday August 18th, 2022 2:11:20 PM
"I'm all for free food, but I have to draw a line at BEING free food," says Kezzem.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Thursday August 18th, 2022 2:32:35 PM
�I second that motion, Mister Succotash! Mr. Nik & Ms. Pru.� Says Tali.

Having meditated, relaxed, recovered her complete compliment of Spells, and noshed on their various food delicacies, Tali speeds some quality time with her friends!

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Thursday August 18th, 2022 3:47:36 PM
Indeed, the Mansion has enough free food to satisfy even a gaggle of halfling adventurers and their animal companions. Plus, it has not-quite-Unseen Servants to prepare and serve it.

In the morning, when everyone is ready to leave, Pru dismisses the Mansion. "Let's deliver this artifact and finish this assignment," she says.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Thursday August 18th, 2022 10:44:37 PM
Pressi nods at Succotash in agreement.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday August 19th, 2022 12:46:10 AM
Nikolai points out that this will only truly put in good terms with the fire giants in the pocket realm and maybe a few outside. But for the most part, fire giants over on the other side of the Wold won't care a flip about what some halflings do over here.
"Just don't assume all fire giants are going to be friendly or civil. If they don't have an allegiance to the fire giants in the pocket realm, then you are just as much dinner to them now as you were to them a week ago."

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 HP 219/219
Friday August 19th, 2022 2:43:23 AM

"No one wants stories this morning, I guess," Murphy states, then sighs. So he writes on a parchment as he shares a wonderful breakfast, and makes a copy of what he wrote for the party's own records.

"Succotash & Nikolai, I hope I have few illusions about the Fire Giants. And you both are right - this would be an agreement with this specific set of their kind, not necessarily binding on all fire giants. Yet they are a lawful people, in their own way. Not particularly good on the whole, yet lawful. I think if we establish a treaty, with some ways of ensuring its maintenance - perhaps an annual ceremony established by law, a small tribute and exchange of gifts - who knows? - and the understanding that by our efforts, their pocket plane will stop deteriorating, and they can continue living their, well, odd ways of life." He shrugs his shoulders. "Nikolai, you seem to have a good head for legalities, as witness your learned discussion on laws relating to the arts and literature. Perhaps you can be thinking about a good framework for a treaty."

Before they leave, Murphy says, quietly. "We are Humble's Sword. We serve the Wold in various ways. Yet we began in Humble's Ford, from which comes our name. Allow me, if you will, a short time to alert the authorities as to what is going on. We've always had an understanding that we will keep them informed. So I've written up a summary of our situation to give to the Mayor, and will stay a few minutes to give him, Constable Rosco Hornblower, and a few other dignitaries and leaders a chance to hear a word from our lips, and answer a quick question or two. If any would like to come with me, you can join me at the oak tree. In about 20 to 25 minutes, I, and whoever joins me, can meet up with the rest of you at the oak tree in the Scab hidden a short walk up the hill to the teleportation dais. From there, to the dais, and on to the pocket plane.

Meanwhile, before I leave for Humble's Ford, perhaps we can cast a few long-lasting group spells to help us once we get to the Fire Giants' realm. Or, we can save the bulk of them until just before we teleport from the dais. Your call on that. With one spell requested - Pru can you cast telepathic bond just before we split up?

"Does that sound agreeable? Any care to join me for this short return to the Ford?" He is happy to take any who agree to join him, up to six, besides himself - though one to three might suffice.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Friday August 19th, 2022 8:52:43 AM
Succotash makes sure everyone was healed before turning in. He enjoys Pru�s hospitality and finds a nice quiet place in the morning to pray and meditate. He prepares his spells and goes to the cave entrance and casts earthquake collapsing the entrance to the underwater cave system. He tells the others he is ready to be done with this adventure and hopes the Fire giants will see halflings as friends not food.
Kezzem remarks he�s for free food except when he�s the food
Tali agrees with Succotash�s sentiment having mediated, relaxed and recovered as well as fueled up on food
Pru dismisses the mansion in the morning and suggests they deliver the artifact and finish the assignment
Pressi nods in agreement
Nikolai rightly points out they would only be on good terms with the fire giants in the pocket realm and any outside who owe their allegiance to the pocket realm considering from what they learned the fire giants of the pocket realm sometimes go on sorties outside the pocket realm.
Murphy wants to report back to the authorities back in town and has no illusions as to the attitudes of fire giants.

Those who head back to town find that everyone is deep into festival preparations still. It takes about a half an hour to even track down anyone who could be considered an authority figure, and the response to the long scroll explaining the situation is for them to shove it under an arm. A verbal explanation just gets, �What? Giants? Whatever, I�m sure you�ll do what�s best - don�t drop that it�s expensive!�

Unless you want to wait a week no one is going to have the time or interest to read your report. They trust the party to deal with the problem themselves and have important festival set up to do.

The party teleports to the outside entrance of the cave housing the dais that will allow them to enter the pocket realm. Positioned at either side of the entrance are 2 Fire Giant guards. They challenge the party, �Are you Humble�s Sword? If so we were told to escort you through the portal directly to the High Priest of Fhorge unharmed and unmolested�

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 HP 219/219
Friday August 19th, 2022 12:12:38 PM
Note: As the arrangements were to teleport to the oak tree that is maybe a quarter mile or so from the cave with the dais, and out of sight of the cave entrance, there should be time for spells to be cast prior to walking up to the cave... Will post later.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Friday August 19th, 2022 3:22:08 PM
"That's us," Pru replies. "We have the item the priests wanted."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Friday August 19th, 2022 10:10:02 PM
The High Priest of Fhorge

Tali nods and confirms that they are in fact the Humble Sword.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 HP 219/219
Saturday August 20th, 2022 8:16:48 PM
In Humble's Ford
Murphy, who grew up in Humble's Ford, will not require a whole half hour to find anyone of consequence. Since it seems none came along with him, he can wild shape into an air elemental and travel with due haste then wild shape back for conversation. He knows some of the decor and fuss will be around the two rival inns.

He takes back the one-page (not lengthy scroll) he had written up at breakfast from the anonymous villager. "I suppose you don't care about floods of boiling water washing over the town. I'll give this to someone who cares, and who will lend an ear." He is not interested in causing panic, but will not suffer this fool.

Pirnook's General Store will have folks picking up things. "Pirnook, would you like to have 30 foot waves of boiling water pouring over your building, and the whole town? Thought not. Don't worry - I think we have prevented that. I'm going to post this page outside your door. We'll be back maybe in a day or week from now. If it's missing when we get back, you and I will have a talk." He asks if he knows where the Mayor might be. He leaves with the words, "May you prosper, merchant."

He stops at the Dancing Pig. He himself favors the Belly Buster, but his wife's favorite place will likely be better at getting the word out. He pulls the fellow who runs the place outside, knowing that conversation inside has too much aural competition. "The Dancing Pig's co-owner, Pressi, says hello. And on my wife's behalf, we are asking you to root for us, for Humble's Sword. We are going up against Fire Giants... and may turn them towards long-lasting peace with us. So long as we don't muck it up. So, this week, at least once a day, ask everyone to raise a glass to remember the Sword, and I hope we'll be back soon to raise a glass with you all."

He knows he'll never hear the end of it if he does not stop at the Belly Buster. He reminds them of his family's long patronage to the inn, gives him a quick rundown as he did at the Pig, gives him a pouch with about 25gp, and says, "when the Buster is full in the evening, tell them this round is on Murphy and Humble's Sword. And raise a glass for us. We'll join you when we can."

The temple of Flower and Ffloy (does any other town have a temple made up of devotees of these two so disparate deities? Murphy asks himself) will have high priestess Sarabella there, and perhaps the priest of Ffloy as well. He stops in long enough to give a two-minute report, asks for prayers to Flower on behalf of the party. If a Ffloy representative is about, he asks the same of them to intercede with the Lord of Merchants.

Constable Roscoe is likely to be out and about, for he spends only a bit of his time at the constabulary. If he sees him or the Mayor, he will give that one his other copy of the document. He explains it briefly, and asks for word to be sent to the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword - specifically to Hazel and Alouryn, or to Kendry Leafwin Pipewood, his brother and cohort.

Executive Summary of the 1-Page Document[/u]
The entire Crescent Valley was to have been flooded, covered over by boiling, steaming water perhaps dozen of feet deep. A wicked cabal were summoning and freeing the long-imprisoned Power known as Scald. Giants and dwarfs and drow and beastmen and elves of a wicked bent and even a twisted halfling and others had gathered to perform their foul ceremonial ritual.

Humble's Ford would have been washed away, with nearly all to perish.

Humble's Sword interrupted the wicked ritual when it was only half finished, and slew or banished all except one of their opponents, a steamy water elemental.

The adventurers go now to a hidden enclave of Fire Giants, who will work to reverse the ritual. Pray to the heavens that Humble's Sword will have the skill, mettle and wisdom to ensure a long-lasting treaty of peace between those of Crescent Ford and these Fire Giants.
And that we all return in one piece, to celebrate with our brothers and sisters of Humble's Ford.

[i]--Murphy Leafwin Pipewood, co-founder of Humble's Sword

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 HP 219/219 d3=2 ;
Saturday August 20th, 2022 8:18:09 PM

Spells cast and requested before while at the Oak in the Scab, before going to the Cave with the Dais
Murphy gives Pressi an occasional update as to his quick journey through Humble's Ford. Fifteen minutes in, he says, "Probably another 15 minutes before I can leave here. So, half an hour after I left via Oak."

And, 30 minutes after he left, he shows up at the oak. Hopefully, the rest of the group will be there.

"Got the message to Humble's Ford, more or less. Before we walk up to the entrance, let's have at least a few spells going. Prudence, as I asked before leaving for town, can you cast Mental Bond on the group? There are important things going on here, and we don't want to spill beans that don't need to be spilt. With this spell, we can confer privately, and have a united front when dealing with the fire giants.

"Also, Pru, your spell that allows us to survive and thrive in the heated and slowly deteriorating environment of the pocket enclave will be sorely needed. Does it sit will with you to cast those two spells upon us prior to meeting with the giants? The high priest told us he - she? - would have a guard waiting for us. If you please, let us do this before we meet with them."

He also casts his complement of long-lasting spells, such as longstrider, freedom of movement, and others. He asks Pressi and Tali of their spell recommendations.

"I am thinking we will want to ask that a couple of us at a time take to serving as witnesses to the ritual to reverse the work done by the cultists. They may balk at that. But before they know which of us carries the artifact, let us not tell them. Indicate that the oversight will be part of the agreement. If any disagree with this tack, please say so now."

Once all are ready, the druid says, "Shall we climb to the entrance?"

Where they are greeted by the guards, Pru and Tali say what they say, and Murphy mentally reminds the party, "We need not tell our escorts more than they need to know. Who knows whether they were even aware of an artifact until this moment. Let us reserve open communication for the high priest, whom I believe we can trust more fully."

He says aloud to the guards, "Thank you for your escort."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday August 22nd, 2022 12:34:42 AM
Nikolai gives Pru a kiss, "She is such the wonderful hostess, isn't she?"

Nikolai is moved by the Humbles Sword's request that he have a hand in writing up a peace agreement with the pocket real Fire Giants. His mind starts racing through the details until he realizes he'd better just wait and see how things turn out.

Once teleported to the entrance of the cave to the pocket realm, Nikolai stays to the back and lets the halflings take over the negotiations. And crosses his fingers and says a prayer.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Monday August 22nd, 2022 12:43:22 AM
"Um Murph, you might be sleeping on the couch tonight, as I believe that Planar Adaptation spell was Pressi's!"

Succotash doesn't say anything at the entrance, as his friends already said all that was needed.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 HP 219/219
Monday August 22nd, 2022 3:02:19 AM

With Succotash's kindly reminder, Murphy responds, "Couch? Oh, uh, yeah, right." Contrite, he asks Pressi. "Hon, can you do that planar adaptation thing you do?"

[I get confused, as Pressi's character sheet doesn't list spells, and I've never played a blood witch ;-/ ]

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Monday August 22nd, 2022 9:15:38 AM
Prudance confirms their identity and says they have the item the priest wanted.
Tali seconds the confirmation.
Murphy runs around town talking to all of the important people.
Nikolai appreciates the request he contribute to the peace treaty.
Succotash reminds Murphy that it�s his wife who has planer adaptation.
Murphy is contrite.

Murphy is able to find who he�s looking for eventually and pass on his message. The general consensus seems to be they trust Humbles Sword to fix the problem, though a few people get annoyed that Murphy tries to scare them with a problem the group has already prevented.

The party is escorted inside the demiplane by the giant guards. Upon entering one uses some item to communicate your coming to his boss. It seems that word travels up the chain of command quickly for when you arrive at the front gate the high priest and his attendants are there. �You have returned. Successful in your mission, or so I have been told. Please, show me the artifact.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Monday August 22nd, 2022 10:26:20 AM
"We would be happy to do nothing less than deliver the artifact and be gone. Our people and your people don't have the best track record after all. Add the fact that you tried to kill us, even after you knew we were here to help, and well... I'm sure you can understand our need for some assurances. We need proof that you will no longer be a threat to the Crescent Valley, and that you are willing to spread the word to other giants kind who may consider harming our people, to leave us alone. I understand you have no control over giants outside this pocket dimension, but it would be a kind gesture if you promised to at least let people know that halfling can be friends instead of food."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells d20+39=56 ;
Monday August 22nd, 2022 10:29:57 AM
Oops, forgot to roll for Diplomacy. Rolled a 56

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 HP 219/219
Monday August 22nd, 2022 10:32:36 AM
Please all read
Murphy will not get on the dais to enter the pocket plane, until and unless we have Telepathic Bond and Planar Adaptation. We already know the environment we are about to enter, and it is important for the party to be able to communicate privately in the presence of others.

Let us be no more hasty than circumstance actually requires. This is not a race. It is a negotiation, with hopes for a treaty. To set proper parameters can take time, and patience, give and take. So let us be smart. To get the full flavor of wine, one ought not glug from the spigot of the wine barrel, but rather pour into a decanter, allow it time to breathe, and serve it with the complementary foods.

During the walk from the dais to the front gate, which will take a bit of time, Murphy wants the party to take time for the group to talk things over telepathically, and develop a strategy.

Let us not be bum rushed into this.

If those two spells are not cast, Murphy will not be on the platform, and asks Tali, who bears the artifact, not to enter on to the dais, either.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194] d20+24=34 ;
Monday August 22nd, 2022 3:46:43 PM
Pru can cast Telepathic Bond.

As far as she is concerned, Succotash made a great beginning.

"And perhaps the story of our deeds can persuade some giants that negotiating rather than fighting has its advantages," she adds. Leaving haltings alone is all very well, but she'd kind of like the giants to leave everybody alone.

[Diplomacy 34]

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil d20+30=38 ;
Monday August 22nd, 2022 6:37:48 PM
"I stabbed the bad giant," adds Kezzem. "Don't be a bad giants."

Diplomacy: 38

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Monday August 22nd, 2022 8:20:47 PM
Blood from a Stone

As Tali doesn't have either of the two (2) spells Mister Murphy is asking for, although I know Ms. Pru can cast one of them. Tali will wait until each and every member receives the two (2) spells Mister Murphy is asking for: Telepathic Bond and Planar Adaptation.

In the meantime, Tali is start counting just to see how long it takes.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Monday August 22nd, 2022 10:07:44 PM

Pressi prepares her usual routine after the good night's sleep (Aug 18 - sorry for the delay): Ritual of Warding, Ritual of Healing, Ritual of Control People.

And of course, the burst of Planar Adaptation, Moment of Prescience and Heroes Feast. She doesn't have the Telepathic Bond, beyond the particular one with Murphy, but she can cast message.

With people already entering in negotiations, Pressi begins to study the giants (Sense Motive +27, Perception +34) and casts her domain spell detect thoughts (Will DC 19).

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday August 22nd, 2022 10:07:55 PM
Diplomacy starts out fairly good until Kezzem opens his mouth. Through the telepathic link Nikolai literally yells at Kezeem, "THAT DID NOT HELP!"

More calmy he emphasizes that in order for diplomacy to work the best you can't have everyone blurting out their heroics killing giants. You have ONE spokesperson stating the mission accomplished and some of the dangers they faced. If they want to hear more, then fine.

"Fact is, Scaldsworn had quite a mix of cohorts, him being the only Fire Giant. So it would seem that Fire Giants honor Fhorge and Scaldsworn the only rebel. At least he didn't want to include any in his 'inner circle'. So if there are any others swayed by Scaldsworn, maybe the knowledge that Fhoge showed favor to us non-Fire Giants in this quest, maybe they'll reconsider their choice."

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T31/F31 HP 219/219
Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 12:31:58 AM

Thanking Pru and Pressi for the spell coverage, he joins all on the dais, and step off to walk toward the gates with their escort. He looks ahead as far as visibility will permit, to see if the storm still rages above the city. If it does, then along the way he asks the escort, "How long have the winds blown the ash above the city?"

Also along the way he says pretty much what Nikolai counseled.

Succotash's words were good, and he says so through the mental link.

Murphy runs the following mentally through the group for their quick counsel. If they concur with it, then he takes a step forward, and says aloud, "To your request to see the artifact, we can do that. We would, though, ask that we who quested for it also bear it through the city, until it can be laid in the place where you will work to undo what the cultists did to it. If you concur with that, we will show it to you here."

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219 d20+35=54 ; d20+46=54 ; d20+32=46 ; d8+10=14 ;
Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 12:59:56 AM

Forgot to include spells cast by the oak tree (listed at bottom) and skills rolls made at sussing out the encounter at the city gates:

Sense motive: 54 - Get a feel for the high priest's (and accompanying attendants) thoughts / feelings / motives about the presence of Humble's Sword, and the matters at hand
Perception: 54 - Discern any potential threats in line of sight. He again has Foresight active to warn him of potentially imminent dangers.
Diplomacy: 46 - Aid another (Succotash) in the persuasive tenor of his communication

Spells Murphy has in effect:
Longstrider, Protection from Energy (fire), Freedom of Movement, Stoneskin, Foresight, Mage Armor.
Through the spells of others:
Effects from Magnificent Mansion / Heroes' Feast
Planar Adaptation
Telepathic Bond

DM Mitch The final Battle Map d20=7 ;
Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 7:08:11 AM
Succotash says they�d be happy to do nothing less than deliver the artifact and be gone. He hashes over some of the past history between the giants and the halflings and stipulates they will no longer threaten Crescent Valley and do what they can to spread the word to other giants outside of the Pocket Realm
Pressi casts her normal buffs and adds planar adaptation. She also observes the giants and casts detect thoughts.
Pru casts Telepathic Bond and suggests that word of their deeds could perhaps persuade some that negotiating rather than fighting has advantages.
Kezzem points out he stabbed the bad giant and admonishes the giants not to be bad giants.
Tali enters the pocket realm since the spells have been cast
Murphy enters the pocket realm as Pressi and Pru casts the spells he detailed he wanted cast before he would go
Nikolai points out diplomacy started out fairly well until Kezzem opened his mouth. He then emphasizes that typically the party has one spokesperson and everyone doesn�t typically give their heroics. He points out that Scald had a variety of minions and the majority of Scald�s minions were non Giants so that could dissuade others from joining Scald�s cause in the future
Murphy requests that the party carry the artifact to it�s resting place and wonders about the ash cloud.

As the party walks they consider the demiplane. The sky of ash clouds seems to be permanent. It is higher up then last you where here, so seems to change depending on the activity of the volcano and the forges, but logically there�s nowhere for the smoke to go so it must be part of the demiplane that doesn�t follow natural rules, likely always existing and merely growing or shrinking depending on how much smoke is being generated.

The party tries to get a read on the various giants. A crowd is starting to form on the ramparts, looking down with interest. A feeling of tension starts to build. The giant priest is too powerful for his thoughts to be easily detected, but feelings and thoughts of uncertainty, excitement, and curiosity are evident both to regular sense motive and the magic used. The giants are anxious at the arrival of outsiders but also curious as to what is going on and hopeful that this may be a good thing since their high priest is calmly talking to them.

After considering the party�s words the priest speaks. �You ask about assurances and say other things that indicate a lack of trust that you have for us. My response is that if you do not trust us to keep our word then no assurances we could possibly give you will matter. I have extended you more trust than has ever been given to outsiders by my people. At our god�s decree I have entrusted you with the safety of our home, our people, and our most sacred relic. You may dislike my methods and those of my people, but many of my people would in turn decry yours. If we are ever to reach an accord then I must ask that you return the trust I have placed in you with your own trust that I and my people will keep to any bargain struck.�

The high priest continues, �As for that bargain I will make clear what it is we offer in exchange for the return of what is ours. Any treaty we enter with The Crescent Valley would only apply to the Denizens of this Demiplane as you surmised. We do not hold any sway over the tribes of giants that choose to live outside of Fhorge�s Realm. We can of course share anecdotes of your people assuming our encounter with these other giants do not escalate to blows but many Giants do not take little folk seriously. We however do take you seriously and are prepared to recognize your entire party as Friends of Fhorge. This is the highest honor we can bestow upon an outsider and it effectively recognizes you as an honorary member of our Tribe. You have done us a great service and we are prepared to accept your terms of peace between our Tribe and your Crescent Valley if you can accept that we are not responsible for the behavior of Giants who are outsiders to our tribe.�

�Now I ask you; return the artifact. Fullfill our bargain. Until it is back in it�s rightful place there is nothing further to discuss.�

Talk of the artifact sends whispers all through the crowd above. You get the feeling that they are starting to guess what this all means. The various people trying to read the high priest sense no deception from them. They are totally focused on the return of the artifact and firm on their position that they will discuss nothing else until it�s return. You also have no doubt as to his sincerity that he will pretty much bend over backwards to give you any deal you want once it has been returned as long as what you want is within his power to give.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 11:32:07 AM
Succotash mentally says to his friends, "What do you think? He seems sincere, and has agreed to our terms. We know that fire giants are an honorable lot, even if they sway towards the dark side, and I for one tend to find the High Priest to be a person of his word. Shall we present the artifact?"

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 12:03:31 PM

"Your words are good," Murphy responds aloud to the High Priest, giving a slight bow. "Please allow us a brief moment to confer with one another, and we shall answer."

Murphy joins in the telepathic conversation. "First, thank you, Succotash, for asking us all before offering.

"How about this approach? We give them the artifact here, which they may bear through the city. When we arrive at the temple, the high priest will hand over the artifact to you, high priest of Humble's Sword. You would then bear it into the temple, each of us would place our hands up it for a moment, say a word or two, then return it within the temple into the hands of the priest and his assistants. That would demonstrate mutual trust, and also recognize the roles of each - the halflings - and honorable halfling friends," he says as he nods his head in the direction of Pru and Nikolai, "and the fire giants of this realm - trust, and friendship, and a peaceful working together."

"If we do it this way, let me begin, as the crowd has gathered together, by introducing myself as one of the founders of our group, then each of you tell your name, a bit about who you are if you wish, then Succotash makes the proposal as I have laid out, or as we otherwise agree. Thoughts?"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 8:48:45 PM
Artifact of Fhorge

Telepathically, Tali adds, "WOW, Mister Murphy, this sounds quite melodramatic, no? By being with all this pomp & circumstance, we may outstay our welcome here! Perhaps this is why the Fire Giants don't take us seriously?!!"

While waiting for the groups to think their collective peace, Tali casts [/i][/b]Overland Flight[/b][/i] upon herself and then hovers 5 feet above the ground.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 9:10:59 PM
Succotash giggles a bit and than regains his composer. Mentally he says, "I'm OK with your idea Murph, but High Preist of Humble's Sword? Technically sure, I'm the highest ranking cleric, but High Priest?"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 9:36:48 PM
I'm not sure it's a good idea to come up with our own ritual, Pru sends. They said they wanted to make us Friends of Fhorge; that probably comes with a certain amount of pomp and circumstance. I think we should let the giants take the lead in this.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday August 24th, 2022 1:15:05 AM
"I agree with Pru. Why press the matter? There's no question as to who's going to get the credit. The whole city sees us with the artifact and sees us hand it over with ceremony and respect. We could commission some artwork I have in mind which will be a constant reminder of our deeds. Let them do their ceremonial pomp and stuff. It is their artifact, not ours. Honoring their traditions in this matter will make the Wold of difference in what happens afterwards. Stick your nose in matters where it rubs them raw will only get it chopped off."

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219 d20+15=27 ; d20+46=62 ; d20+35=36 ;
Wednesday August 24th, 2022 4:35:55 AM

"Okay, gang, let's improvise a bit. I'm good with going along with your general recommendation to turn over the artifact," Murphy communicates mind-to-minds. "Each of you might take a moment to speak, or offer some sort of non-threatening demonstration of good will, then let's have Tali give the item to Succotash, who can then, with a few well chosen words, place the artifact in the hands of Delos, the high priest. Sound good?" the druid asks. If it does sound good, he says, "Let's do this!"

After turning to the halfling group to consider the issue, Murphy turns toward the high priest.

"Delos, High Priest of Fhorge, we have heard your words, and choose to trust you in this. Recovering the artifact stolen from your temple is what we chose to do, costly though the effort was. To return it will be good for you and your people, and, we now know, good for us and our people.

"This day shall mark the day when your people, and our people, different though we are, may live henceforth as Friends.

"Our dauntless companion Tali has borne the artifact hither," he says as he points to the beautiful sorceress.

He then sweeps his hand to encompass all members of Humble's Sword. "My companions now will each make a brief comment, then Tali will hand the object to our High Priest Succotash. He will say a few words. And then, so you can restore it to its place, he will pass the artifact, from priest to priest, into your hands, wise Delos, for the benefit of your people, and this place, and the good of the Wold."

Druid Murphy steps back, and motions forward his friends to play their roles in the hand-over.

Mentally, he lets his friends know, "After all have finished speaking, and the item is handed over, let's have a cheer, saying: 'Three Cheers For The Fire Giants, And This Their Land! Hip-hip, hooray, Hip-hip, hooray, Hip-hip, HOORAAAAAY!'"

"Also, let's see about accompanying them back to the temple. Perhaps one of you can suggest that. I have something else to give them, but want to wait until we get there.
===========
Perform, Oratory: 27 - so, not too shabby.
Perception: 62
Sense Motive after the latest interaction: 36

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Wednesday August 24th, 2022 8:04:06 AM
Succotash mentally asks his friends what they think. He points out that the high priest seems sincere and the giants are an honorable lot if a little dark and suggests they present the artifact.
Murphy asks the high priest for a moment for their group to confer with each other. He then comes up with an elaborate way of managing the hand off and illustrating the mutual trust between people and who Humble�s Sword is.
Tali telepathically laughs at some of Murphy�s idea and suggest that things like that might be the reason most giants don�t take them seriously. She casts overland flight while waiting and hovers above the ground.
Succotash asks Murphy about the idea of referring to Succotash as the High Priest of Humble�s Sword
Pru suggests the giants are prepared to offer Humble�s Sword an honor known as Fhorge Friend which probably comes with its own ceremony so probably a better idea to let the giants take the lead.
Murphy preposes a compromise.

The high priest narrows his eyes at Murphy�s suggestion but makes no objections. He doesn�t seem to care what happens before he is given the artifact as long as he�s given it. The giants on the wall wait tensely to see what is going to happen.

Know Nature DC 17 Highlight to display spoiler: {You have done the giants a great service and you have seen them act uncharacteristically patient in their bargaining with you over the artifact. Dictating a ritual on Fhorge giant territory may be a bridge too far and it may be best just to hand the artifact over and go with whatever rituals go with become Friends of Fhorge}

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells d20+12=26 ;
Wednesday August 24th, 2022 11:18:15 AM
Knowledge Nature 26

Realizing creating a ritual may be a bit over the top, Succotash takes the artifact from Tali, assuming she presents it, and hands it to the High Priest. "I believe this is what you desire!", he says with his winsome smile.

"We overcome a terrible foe to return this to it's rightfully home, and are glad we were able to save your home, as well as stop what promised to be a Wold wide catastrophe. The title Friend of Fhorge is a good one, and one I will cherish and honor. I serve all the Woldian gods, and have great respect for all the Immortal Powers as well, so I thank you for the recognition. "

Mentally he says to his friends, "Let's not push our luck with pomp and circumstance, though a brief word of recognition of the honor they have bestowed on us will go a long way for our new "friends".

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Wednesday August 24th, 2022 11:42:22 AM

Murphy waits for the members of the Sword to play their parts - whether to say a word or two, or remain silent, or ask him mentally, "What!?"

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil
Wednesday August 24th, 2022 1:13:01 PM
Murphey, That last one feels directed at Kezzem ;-)

"Kezzem, friend of Fhorge and smiter of Skald. I like the sound of that. Yay alliteration!"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Wednesday August 24th, 2022 4:10:57 PM
Pru shows her own winsome smile. "We're just happy we could help," she says.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Wednesday August 24th, 2022 8:12:18 PM
Fhorge's Stuff

As Tali listens to all the thoughts being suggested by her companions, Tali hovers over to the High Priest, rising up to the level of his hands, reaches into her Handy Haversack, and withdraws the Artifact, placing it into the High Priest's hand. As the high Priest gazes upon the artifact, Tali waits a few moments before offering a
curtsey in mid-air. Tali then waits for a few additional moments before returning to her friends.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Wednesday August 24th, 2022 9:11:41 PM

"I get that Fire Giants aren't well known for their empathy but it seems a bit of a shame that we have to go through all that insane stuff just to get a meeting, but they can't let a bunch of retiring halflings get some speeches in. Hey, what about fulfilling our prophecies that some halflings in this group will talk a lot and bore you giants to tears?

"And... that should make a last rant joke quite nicely."

She turned to the High Priest one last time. "The people of Scald forgot one thing. There isn't truly a divide between what we desire and duty, between strength and compassion. Not if you truly look beyond your own self from time to time. I actually don't know what happens now, but I hope you'll take a good look inwards after the events of this day."

Pressi paused for a bit. "Oh, also something they forgot. Training around some insane gimmick probably isn't a great path to strength either."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday August 25th, 2022 12:20:42 AM
Nikolai remains silent and watching. Mostly, he remains ready to cool things down when, or if, someone says something stupid.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Thursday August 25th, 2022 6:25:10 AM
Succotash realizes that trying to dictate pomp and circumstance on the giant�s home turf might be a little over the top so he goes with Tali to hand the artifact over to the high priest. He thanks the high priest for the title and says he will cherish and honor it.
Murphy waits for the members of Humbles Swords to say a word or two or remain silent
Kezzem says he likes the sound of Friend of Fhorge and Smiter of Skald
Pru shows a winsome smile and says she is happy that they could help
Tali works with Succotash to produce and hand over the artifact giving a midair curtsey as she does.
Pressi comments on how giants aren�t exactly known for their empathy and seems like they have to go through some insane things only to get a meeting but a bunch of retiring halflings aren�t allowed to have speeches? She then gives a comment that Scald forgot that there isn�t a divide between duty and desire or strength and compassion as long as you look beyond yourself from time to time. She also says she doesn�t know what happens now but the giants should probably look beyond themselves from time to time and Scald should have known better than to train around some insane gimmick isn�t the best path to strength either.
Nikolai remains silent and watching, ready to step in, in case of someone saying something stupid.
As the artifact is revealed there is a sudden series of clangs as the watching giant guards on the wall all fall to one knee in reverence. The giant priest and his entourage do not fall to their knees but look at the it with incredible reverence. Taking it when offered, the high priest turns to the walls and holds it up with both hands, shouting in a sudden deep boom that echoes up to the wall so all may hear, �The Heart of the Mountain has returned to us!�

The watching giants cheer, though not a long drawn out one that might be expected, rather the short, disciplined shouts of trained warriors from a hundred or more throats made all the louder by their huge size. �These heroes, known as Humbles Sword, were sent by our god to restore to us what is rightfully ours! They and their people will forevermore be known as Friends of Fhorge. Let it be known throughout the realm that no faithful shall harm them and that any plea for aid from them shall be answered with the full might of Fhorge�s Faithful!�

Another sharp shout echoes from the wall, somehow even louder. Lowering the artifact the giant priest turns back to the party. Their voice again lowers to the relatively soft, high pitch voice surprising from so large a creature. �We would be honored if you would join us to see the Heart back to it�s resting place. Should you wish a more formal ceremony and treaty be made we will be happy to arrange it, but know that our debt to you will not be forgotten and will be repaid regardless. Also typically becoming Friends of Fhorge entails some tribal paint, an induction ceremony and feast. Let me know if you�d like me to arrange that. With respect to the tribal paint we use magic pigments that only show up when you are here in Fhorge�s Realm and while here the tribal paint bestows enlarge person, resist fire 20 and planar adaptation�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Thursday August 25th, 2022 11:41:56 AM
"I can't speak for my friends, but I for one would love to partake in the paint ceremony, and well, halflings aren't known to turn down food. Of course, I will go along with whatever my friends wish to do. I would also very much enjoy watching the Heart returned to its proper place."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil
Thursday August 25th, 2022 2:03:42 PM
"There's only one thing better than food," says Kezzem, "and that is...FREE FOOD! Hip hip horray!"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Thursday August 25th, 2022 2:30:29 PM
Pru is already immune to fire, and being larger wouldn't necessarily be an advantage for her.

But planar adaptation would be nice, and the paint sounds fun, and anyway it would be rude to refuse.

"I'd be honored to accept tribal paint," she says.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Thursday August 25th, 2022 5:05:50 PM

Pressi bows before the high priest. "We would be quite honored to join you in our ceremonies, and your gifts are quite appreciated."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Thursday August 25th, 2022 9:50:31 PM
Tribal Paint

Tali again curtseys before the high priest saying, " As I can't speak for the rest of my companions, but I would be honored to join you to see the Heart back to its resting place. As for the gifts associated with the title of "Friend of Fhorge"; the tribal paint, an induction ceremony, and a feast, I would be most appreciative, if you would arrange that for us. I'm sure my companions would all agree on that point."

Tali curtseys again before the High Priest and his brethren.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday August 25th, 2022 11:46:13 PM
Nikolai accepts the honor of being 'Friend of Fhorge' and bows to the priest. "I will speak highly of you and your kingdom here to my friends of the Mailed Fist so they know of your honorable word and record them in their annals."

Nikolai can't wait to see what paint Pru will get!

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Friday August 26th, 2022 2:01:40 AM

As Pressi bows, Murphy joins his wife in the gesture. Some phrases come to mind as he stands before Delos, the attendants, and the throng of giants who witness the transfer. Using his ability to alter self, the druid simply grows to about twice his normal height, which is still relatively small among those surrounding, and, gesturing with his hands, Murphy chants:

"The Heart of the Mountain,
The Heart Restored,
The Heart of New Friendship,
The Force of Fhorge!"

He never really thought he would be leading a cheer for Fhorge, yet the druid feels quite drawn into the moment. He remembers earlier occasions when opponents turned toward friendship. It seems one of the themes that has run through the experiences of this little adventuring group. He recalls the ant people who had invaded the moon of Kerracles.

When things get a little quieter, he adds his voice to those who would enjoy the honor of receiving the paint, going through the ceremony, and sharing in the feast.

He considers whether there might be enough time between now and the feast to arrange for the baking of a huge number of bread surprises from Humble's Ford to share them with the giants.

Via telepathy, he asks all, but addresses Nicolai who had thought to destroy the ritual instruments, whether it might be a good idea to turn them over to the giants. Knowing a bit about how the Scaldians sought to change the artifact may assist them in reversing the course. The group can discuss that option as they travel through the city.

He does look forward to the walk through the city.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Friday August 26th, 2022 7:23:29 AM
Succotash says he can�t speak for his friends but he�d love to partake in the paint ceremony and he points out that halflings aren�t known for turning down free food. He also said he would be happy watching the Heart returned to its proper place.
Kezzem says there is only one thing better than food and that is free food
Pru says she�d be honored to accept the tribal paint.
Pressi says they�d be honored to partake in the ceremonies and the gifts are appreciated.
Tali agrees about seeing the artifact returned to its resting place and that she�d be most appreciative it if was arranged for the gifts associated with the Friends of Fhorge title were arranged.
Nikolai is honored and talks of telling the Mailed Fist about the giants honor.
Murphy says a little chant, grows a little, and mentally discusses options with the group.

The gates are opened the the high priest and his entourage walk into the city with the party. Everyone they pass, from the lowest slave to the most mighty of giants, falls to one knee in respect or awe as the artifact passes them. Now that they don�t have to avoid the giant patrols they can take a more direct path to the temple district. They walk through the mazelike shantytown near the wall, the priest havigating it easily, then through the parade grounds where giants stop their drills and training to pay respect to the artifact only to instantly restart once the party has moved on. Passing through a gate and a corner of the noble district, where an entire family of fire giant nobles falls to a knee, the party makes it back to the temple.

Once inside the party gets to see the temple district when it�s active, instead of when it was quiet. Dozens of shrines and temples to various gods are represented, each with a priest or caretaker. Every god and many immortal powers are represented, but all fall to a knee before the high priest, and all temples pale in comparison to the many that represent Fhorge. From what the party can gage by what they hear (or thoughts they spy on) it seems that worship of other gods are allowed, but only insomuch as the services of other gods can improve the service to Fhorge, IE a priest of Alemi may preach healing and unity in service to keeping Fhorge�s soldiers organized and ready for battle.

Finally the party returns to the main temple, passing through it to the underground area where the artifact is kept. With an actual giant escorting you you don�t have to take the roundabout way Scaldsworn�s notes directed you to avoid all the traps and are able to quickly return to the great room where you fought the hIgh priest before. The priest returns the artifact to a pedestal, and suddenly it�s like a great tension in the air that you didn�t notice before is lessoned as the artifact again starts to support and sustain the demiplane. Lessoned, but not gone; you can sense the tension still, a subtle feeling in the back of your mind. It will likely stay until the artifact is purged of Scald�s influence.

�There. The Heart has finally returned to it�s resting place. We again thank you for your services. You may stay here in the temple until tomorrow when we will be ready for your ritual induction into our tribe. Until then we can discuss whatever written treaty you want and you may explore the city. Take these - they will mark you as friends of Scald so that none will impede you. Your rooms will be ready within the hour�

He gives each of you what to the giants is a small pin, but is about the size of a dinner plate so very large to the smaller creatures. It depicts the mountain erupting and is made of some light metal of exquisite craftsmanship.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Friday August 26th, 2022 6:59:54 PM
Friends of Fhorge

Tali hovers up to receive her dinner plate-sized pin that will allow all giants within the realm to recognize her as a "Friend of Fhorge". "Kinda like a "get out of jail unscathed" card" giggles Tali.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Friday August 26th, 2022 11:22:44 PM
Pru pins the enormous pin to her robes, and hopes it won't pull them too much.

"So, what do you think?" she asks her husband. "Rest here, or explore the city?"

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Saturday August 27th, 2022 1:52:02 PM
"Friends, I need someone who can come with me. We need to pop over to Humble's Ford, and ask for emergency baking of hundreds of Bread Surprises. I'd say thousands, but that is an unrealistic number on such short order. We then can return to the Ford on the morrow, and bring them to add to tomorrow's feast. We're talking a one-hour round trip. If I tell my mother, she can roust up the women and other bakers in the town to the effort."

A bread surprise consists of bread surrounding something else inside. Sometimes meat, or a vegetable mix, or fruits, or other sweets. Murphy's mother is an excellent baker. Murphy and his younger brother used to sell them at the market, or during fairs.

"Who will join me?" he asks. He has one transport via plants left he can use today, but needs at least one person who can teleport one way.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219 d3=1 ; 7d100=311 ; 5d20=44 ; 4d100=139 ;
Sunday August 28th, 2022 3:00:50 PM
Murphy is thankful for the friends platter, and figures a way with cords to strap it on.

Since no one has spoken up [although, if you want to come along, say so, and it will be so], Murphy says, "Well, one of The Second Dinner Club can get me back here, or my brother and cohort Kendry can do it. I'll be back in, I hope, about an hour. Would love to tour the city with you when I get back."

After tree-trunk travel, Murphy heads to his family home, finds his mother and father, and likely a few siblings, explains the situation, asks them to recruit for baking break surprises, fills them in on what the group has been through the past few days, and concludes with, "Fire giants. I can hardly believe we are managing to swing a solid treaty with them. And hey, they seem to like us! I suppose saving their whole plane of existence can contribute toward a sense of gratitude. But, so long as giants exist, I'd rather be held in friendship by them, than have a thousand of them try to invade and trample down our valley, and end up having to kill them all."

He makes arrangements to have as many as they can make delivered to the oak tree a short walk from the cave with the planar dais... And, it looks like they'll be able to have ~300 ready on the morrow. Kendry says he can bring a small team to deliver them to the oak. Murphy asks Kendry to talk with Pressi's coven, and see if some of them can join in the effort in any way that makes sense to them.

Having left the task in good hands, Kendry teleports his brother to the tree after Murphy shows him a good sketch of it, along with a detailed description. "Alemi watch over you in there, Murph," the bard says to the druid, then teleports over to Hovel to enlist more in the project. Looks like he'll be able to get the smaller town to whip up another 140 break surprises. Kendry enlists his Aunt Marigold to marshal the Hovel Baking club. So, if all goes well, there should be about 450 of the tasty treats.

Back among the giants and Humble's Sword
"So, a city tour, friends? I'm game for that." If they have left without him, he will ask if someone can help him catch up.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday August 29th, 2022 12:55:28 AM
Nikolai attaches the giant pin to his monk robes. "Hmmm... You look dashing!" he tells his wife.

"Let's explore the city. We just might find a giant we injured in our venture into the city last time and heal him or her up some. Where would you like to see first?"

Nikolai is true to his suggestion, if they come across a giant warrior that was injured during their fight into the city, he will use either his Wand of CLW or the Staff of Healing to help heal the wound.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Monday August 29th, 2022 1:40:48 AM
Succotash attaches his pin to the back of his handy haversack, like one would attach a shield. With that he asks Tali if she would like to join him for a tour of the city.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Monday August 29th, 2022 7:24:30 PM
Friends of Fhorge

"I'd love to tour the city!" says Tali to Succotash. "Who else is coming?" asks Tali as she hovers across the ground.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Monday August 29th, 2022 9:23:22 PM

Pressi doesn't travel with Murphy, but she's happy to use her connections - the coven, the Dancing Pig - to help him in his gift to the people.

Much as she feels like she got enough of a tour of giant city, she does join to be polite.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Monday August 29th, 2022 10:44:23 PM
"We might as well start with the temple district," Pru replies to Nikolai. "It's right here, after all. Shall we?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday August 29th, 2022 11:58:57 PM
"Sure, honey. Good idea. Those in need of healing might come to their temple. C'mon!"

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Tuesday August 30th, 2022 8:09:50 AM
Tali hovers over the dinner sized pin that allows the giants to recognize her as a �Friend of Fhorge� and says it is like a �get out of jail unscathed� car
Pru pins hers to her robes and hopes it won�t pull too much. She asks her husband if he wants to rest or explore the city
Murphy wants someone to come with him in order to return to Humble�s Ford and request hundreds of Bread Surprises to add to tomorrow�s feast. He also uses cords to strap his pin on himself. No one ends up speaking up to join him so he heads back and takes care of arrangements himself. After that he returns and suggests the city tour.
Nikolai also is for the city tour and suggests should they come across a giant they injured earlier in their trip they heal them up.
Succotash attaches his pin to the back of his haversack like a shield and asks Tali to accompany him on the tour of the city
Tali says she�d love a tour of the city
Pressi uses her coven connections to help Murphy setup his care package for the ceremony from Humble�s Ford. She also joins the tour but only to be polite.
Pru suggests they start with the Temple District.
Nikolai agrees and suggest those that need healing might be there.

At Humbles Ford it is found that getting the bread made won�t be a problem - they are preparing for a festival after all. The problem is more that all the food is earmarked for the festival and there�s reluctance to surrender it and have to work even harder to be ready for the festival then they already were. However Murphy is able to convince them, stopping giant attacks is important after all, so the bread is secured.

The exploration starts with the Temple district. Now that it�s active there are plenty of giant priests around to discuss their faith with if you have any questions.

It seems that in addition to the main temple there are many smaller temples of Fhorge through the district, enough so that everyone in the city can find a place to worship on holy days. The party learns the giant�s life is very regulated, with specific times where large groups of them will worship at the various temples. It seems like almost every giant visits a temple of Fhorge every day, in various well organized shifts, and visits the other temples only as needed - say to pray for the health of an injured friend or for luck on a mission.

Nikolai�s idea, though interesting, doesn't pan out. They avoided most fights, and those they injured but didn�t kill where already healed by the local priests to keep them in full fighting form in case it was needed. It seems that giant policy on divine healing is for it to be saved for serious injury in normal times, but when the city is placed on high alert the priests prepare large amounts of healing to keep the fighting force in top shape at all times. The party�s intrusion put the city on high alert, so all injuries were taken care of.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Tuesday August 30th, 2022 10:56:26 AM
"I wonder how devoted one can be, when they are forced to worship on a schedule." Succotash asks the first priest he comes upon. "I'm not judging mind, it's just that this aspect of your culture is a mystery to me. As a cleric, I understand devotion, but it's been my experience that devotion is voluntary. Perhaps you could enlighten me?

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil
Tuesday August 30th, 2022 6:43:41 PM
Kezzem begins making a schedule for his prayers. Or for eating. One of those two. And the schedule is merely a guideline.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Tuesday August 30th, 2022 9:23:46 PM

"Are you actually asking me about prayer on a schedule," Pressi asked. "Because if I don't pray at the right time every day, blood will actually escape into this plane and damage everyone around me. Also, moon stuff and cauldron time. There is no culture weirder than mine."

She takes some time to determine if Murphy has come back yet. She dares not ask what happens to someone who wants to worship something else, suspecting the answer already.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday August 30th, 2022 11:23:30 PM
Nikolai simply smiles at Succotash's bewilderment. "Well, at the Citadel we could not feed all the soldiers at one time in the mess hall, so they ate in shifts. I liken the shifts for worship much the same way. It allows all the opportunity to worship without being cramped."

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Wednesday August 31st, 2022 2:30:09 AM

In Humble's Ford
Murphy gives his brother and a few others altogether about 500 gold pieces to distribute - and with the cost of ingredients in the neighborhood of half a copper to as much as 5 copper pieces for the more luxurious break surprises, there should be enough to purchase additional ingredients, or at least have enough to purchase a refreshed supply of grains and stuffing ingredients, and help with other preparations for the upcoming celebration... He'll cast an area-wide plant growth spell in a day or two or five, however long it takes to wrap things up in the volcanic plane.

He was able to return in the time forecast, nonetheless, and joined up with the party as they went to explore the local area. "Thanks for the connections to your coven, love. I suggested also to Kendry that he have our dwarf mushroom grower kick in some of his best for a portion of the bread surprises."

On tour
As they travel the city, Murphy goes into map-making mode. He does not pull out pen and ink. Rather he uses his acute perception, fine memory, and artistic aptitude to map in his mind, so as to be able later to transcribe onto fine parchment.

He also remembers scenes - fire giants and other giants and slaves at work on the forges, gathering for worship, taking a break to eat food, talking, laughing, arguing, haggling - do fire giants haggle? Also images of his friends out among the giants. At one point in the tour he asks his friends to line up for a quick sketch in front of some outstanding Fire Giant building (for which he will pull out his artist's tools), with a bit of the volcano in the background. "I'll fill it in with nice oils later," he says, and only needs their patience at posing for maybe seven to ten minutes - which he knows will be a stretch for some [hi Kezzem].

On schedules
"Let be sure that the sun rises and sets when it feels like it, the moons wander wildly in their celestial paths, and plants grow backwards. What need is there for structure?" he pokes good-naturedly at Succotash. "I'm looking forward to meeting with wizards of the post-midnight snack club, too."

Miscellany
"So, Pressi, should we raise children first, or broccoli?" He does sense she is feeling perhaps, a bit weary? Somewhat out of sorts? "What can I do for you, hon? Anything in particular on your mind?"

"Tali - after we finish this transplanar treaty, what would you like to do next? Should a few of us join together to solve the mystery of your origins, your family? I wonder if that remarkable couple in Hovel might have picked up more clues on that."

"Hey, gang, when we get back home, let's see if we can look up some of the folks who were earlier part of the group. Like Bliss and Mookie, Hobie, Shel, Podo, Odo, Tendel, Alleah, Jack, and so on."

For Nik & Pru he says, "And I'm sure we've love to meet some of your earlier adventuring companions before too long."

[OOC: I worked 3.5 shifts in two days... no time to post, and no access at work.]

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Wednesday August 31st, 2022 8:28:46 AM
Succotash wonders how one can be forced to worship on a schedule and asks the first priest he comes across that it has been his experience that devotion is voluntary and asks that priest to enlighten him.
Kezzem begins making a schedule for his own prayers or for eating but the schedule is merely a guideline.
Pressi asks about praying on a schedule and says if she doesn�t blood will escape into this plane and damage everyone around her also moon and cauldron stuff. She claims the weirdest culture title.
Nikolai likens the praying on schedule similar to how the fist has its members eat in shifts so he figures the prayer shifts are similar.
Murphy pays for the goods and for replacing what was bought for the festival. He makes a map in his head and a drawing on canvas. He comments on schedules and on what to do in retirement.

Succotash finds a friendly giant priest named Father Gronk. Father Gronk says to Succotash, �Well everyone living here is literally living here through the will of Fhorge. He attuned the artifact to Himself and created this haven for our kind. Everyone living here wants to give thanks to Fhorge for their home so we had to come up with the schedule to service everyone as your mercenary friend surmised.�

�Furthermore Fhorge is who gave us life and purpose. At the dawn of our people we were the guardians who kept all from the jails above. We kept all from intruding on the sacred mountain and built great works to ensure none of the ancient evils trapped in it could be freed or influence the world. Sadly over the years many of our kind have lost their way, becoming focused on their cruelty and hatred of other races and leaving, and intrusions of outsiders became impossible to stop fully. Only we few remain to keep the charge, hidden away here where we work to destroy any so foolish as to worship or try to free the imprisoned ones.�

The party is able to explore the other districts. The merchant district is lively and active now, with sales taking place of all manner of things and there is indeed haggling. The great forges are active, with the ringing of hammer on metal echoing through the craftsmen�s quarter. They are able to observe the military district where drills and training take place where they see fine equipment and great discipline and skill displayed, enough to make even the Mailed Fist envious. Finally they are able to see a park district, an area where great works of art are on display and many tools for relaxation or play are available. It seems even as hard and dedicated as the giants are they do know the importance of relaxing on occasion.

Overall it is a grand and impressive city, fit to match many of the greats of the noble races, though far smaller. The only thing that might spoil the tour is the constant reminder of the slavery that occurs here. They are everywhere, in the background, working in all manner of ways. It seems that the giants focus is on crafting and militant activities for the most part, leaving other activities to their slaves. Everything from cleaning to orginizing supplies. Some slaves seem well off - those proven loyal and intelligent enough to be trusted with important tasks. In the temple and noble districts you see well off slaves attending priests, giant families, even some of the lesser temples, well fed and acting as any well to do servant might.

Others, those only useful for physical labor, those not trusted by the giants, or those who happen to serve cruel masters, look undernourished and overworked. The giants, for the most part, don�t seem to be intentionally cruel to their lessers, but they neglect them and expect perfect obedience, punishing those who fail, raising up those who succeed, and overall caring little for them beyond what use they can provide to the cause.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Wednesday August 31st, 2022 11:29:59 AM
"Thank you Father Gronk, your words make sense. I never realized giant kind were created by the gods to guard the ancient ones' prison, it makes me sad that so many of your kin have abandoned such a noble calling. Even those of your kind who claim to be a "good" race, whatever that is, such as Storm Giants, have abandoned the cause. It's been my experience that people of so called "good" races are capable of great evil, and those of so called "evil" races have done great good, and the proof is here. A so called "evil" race is doing a good that so called "good" races refrain from. Thank you again, this has been enlightening."

As they continue on, Succotash once again is struck by the depravity that is slavery. He would like nothing better than to free all of these poor wretches. Even those who live life large are still without the one thing even the poorest of the rest of the intelligent races have, and that is freedom. He manages to bite his tongue as he is reminded that Fire Giants are still an evil race.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Wednesday August 31st, 2022 7:11:53 PM
Observing what happens above also happens below

Tali hovers along visiting and sightseeing but stays silent most of the time.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Wednesday August 31st, 2022 7:48:03 PM
Pru frowns a little at all the evidence of slavery. Giants were cruel. It was in their nature. This shouldn't be surprising, yet somehow Pru is disappointed in her hosts.

But as an outsider--and a tiny outsider at that--she realizes she is in no position to change anything.

"Let's go back to the temple," she whispers to Nikolai.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday August 31st, 2022 7:52:21 PM
In the merchant district Nikolai looks for a piece of jewelry that befits his flameboyant wife. A gift suitable as a second wedding gift. All the jewelry is giant sized, of course, but he makes sure the item he purchases can be magically reduced permanently and still hold its artistic value.

He pays for the item and its reduction and plans to give to her at the giant's ceremony.

OOC: just let me know what the item is (style of jewelry and materials), how much for the total, and the cost to magically shrink it to human size. It will most likely have a distinctive Fire Giant motive of sort and made for a stylish female fire giant.

BTW, did you know...Flamboyant, which was borrowed into English from French in the 19th century, can be traced back to Old French flambe, meaning "flame." In its earliest uses flamboyant referred to a style of architecture, often in the florid French Gothic style, which featured waving curves that suggested flames. Eventually, the word developed a more general second sense for anything eye-catching or showy. And of course, Old French flambe is also the origin of the English adjective flamb�.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil
Wednesday August 31st, 2022 10:25:53 PM
"Is it time to eat yet?" asks Kezzem. "Let me check my schedule."

Kezzem takes out a piece of paper. It just says: Eat whenever you are hungry or otherwise feel like it.

"Yes, it's time to eat. Look at me being all organized now."

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Thursday September 1st, 2022 1:39:03 AM

Murphy asks Father Gronk if there are songs and chants about Fhorge. "Can someone teach me?" he asks.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Thursday September 1st, 2022 5:45:58 AM
Pressi continues to behave herself as well. We're a long way from the sharp tongued monk that she used to be in the old days.

Almost.

"So... Can I inquire exactly how you managed to get such a large slavery force? As an insular city supposedly built around protecting a single point I mean."

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Thursday September 1st, 2022 8:23:27 AM
Succotash thanks Father Gronk for explaining the giant�s calling. He gives a philosophical take on the nature of good and evil and what so called �good� and �evil� races are capable of. After that he takes in the sights and he is saddened by the slavery around him wishing he could free them but he is reminded that the giants are an evil race.
Tali hovers around and sight sees
Pru frowns at the evidence of slavery. She sees the cruelness of giants in their nature yet somehow Pru is disappointed in their hosts. She suggests they head back to the temple.
Nikolai purchases a rather large ruby pendant with a mithril backing etched with scenes of a volcano and fiery lava on the reverse side.
The ruby is considered a grand jewel worth at least 5,000 gold pieces and the jewelry backing is considered precious worth at least 500 gold pieces. The cost of a permanent shrink item spell is 330 for the base shrink item spell and 550 for the permanency spell with 7,500 gold needed in diamond dust as the material component cost for a grand total of 13,880 gold pieces. Your share of the cult of Skald�s treasure is more than enough to cover that gift.
Kezzem asks if it is time to eat yet taking out a piece of paper that tells him to eat whenever he feels like it as his schedule. He says it is time to eat now and that he is all organized.
Murphy learns some local chants and songs.
Pressi asks about how they even got so many slaves.

Pressi is able to learn that the giants constantly send out patrols to capture any who they can find trespassing on the sacred mountain or near any of the prisons. The slaves are also allowed to have relations and generally kept healthy, so their numbers have gone up over the centuries to their current count.

It is clarified that the fire giants were made to serve Fhorge, not all giants.

With the city explored it is in fact time to eat and rest before the ceremony the next day. The high priest himself shares dinner with you, along with many important functionaries of the giants. With their military bent that means a lot of generals and soldiers, from the overall head of the military to various highly skilled special forces. There�s a small priest contingent of about 4 priests, 3 of Fhorge and 1 of Domi, and also a single wizard. The party is spread out across the table so that all the giants are near enough to a party member to chat with them and get to know the heroes that saved their city.

The party is shown to their guest rooms, which are a bit oversized for them. It seems the giants don�t usually have non-giant guests, and though efforts were made to adjust the rooms for their confort they had to be done quickly. This means that the party gets huge sized beds that someone made little staircases next to so that they can actually get into them.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil
Thursday September 1st, 2022 11:40:22 AM
Kezzem is surprised to see a priest of Domi amongst the giants.

"I was not expecting to encounter a priest that did not worship Fhorge, let alone one with a place of honor and respect," says Kezzem to the cleric. "That last fire giant that worshiped a deity other than Fhorge that we met was...not so well considered. How did you come to worship Domi and earn the acceptance of your brethren?"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Thursday September 1st, 2022 3:22:45 PM
Pru chats amiably with her hosts during dinner.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Thursday September 1st, 2022 8:42:49 PM
Tali speaks in both friendly & diplomatic tones to all the hosts that inquire about her role in saving the city, while enjoying the feast.

When it�s time to retire for the evening, Tali flys up & over to position herself comfortably on the seriously over-sized bed!

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday September 1st, 2022 11:36:29 PM
Nikolai sits next to Pru. He tells the fire giants of the frost giants of Shadow Mountain and what went on there recently. He asks if they had heard about that incident and how the Mailed Fist uncovered the true source of the problem and managed to get the Hawkmen, Griffons, and Frost Giants to make peace.

At a lull in the chatting, Nikolai presents Pru with his Fire Giant jewelry present and gives her a kiss.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Friday September 2nd, 2022 3:20:33 AM

Murphy hears the answer to his wife's question about the status of slavery here. He wonders what stories he might hear from those enslaved.

At dinner, Murphy would prefer to sit with, or at least in earshot of Pressi. He asks about foods he is unfamiliar with, trying each - or at least most, in case there is anything one might deem particularly out of bounds.

He learns the names of those sitting near them. He asks about the political structure and hierarchy of the plane. He inquires about dancing - do they do that? And do they have a library in the city?

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Friday September 2nd, 2022 8:06:54 AM
Kezzem asks about the priest of Domi. He is told that worship of other gods is fine as long as it is in service to the more important god, Fhorge. �After all, how could our warriors fight without the blessings of Domi�s courage?�
Prudance chat�s amiably
Tali discusses things diplomatically.
Nikolai tells a story of the frost giants of shadow mountain.
Murphy asks questions about names, hierarchy, and social activities. They do dance sometimes and they do have libraries.

After a good night�s rest Humble�s Sword is awoken and segregated by the giants into 2 groups.

One group consists of Murphy, Kezzem, Succotash, and Nikolai
The other group consists of Pressi, Pru and Tali.

Each group is lead by fire giant attendants in fine livery to separate gender segregated bath houses.

The temperature of the water is very warm and the attendants beckon you to disrobe so they can bathe and anoint you with holy oils.

After that is done the attendants dry you with soft luxurious towels and present you with clean, size appropriate loin cloths for both groups and a sort of a sleeveless leather halter top to protect the modesty of the females.

After you are dressed the attendants start to braid your hair. They weave fine designs into your hair incorporating things like fire opals and obsidian into the designs.
When that is done the attendants leave. Other attendants beckon you to leave the area and rejoin the rest of your party in a common area now that you have been bathed, dressed and hairstyled.

New attendants enter into this common room though they have holy giant and giantesses with them. The attendants are carrying jars of paint of various colors.

The lead holy giant says, �For the friend of Fhorge ceremony everyone must have the volcano sigil of Fhorge in red prominently displayed in their design but we also recognize the individual so you are encouraged to use a variety of paints and other designs to show to us who you are as our honorary clan mates. We suggest either high woldian, old draconic or old giant if you are going to add more sigils though freeform pictographs are allowed, just don�t violate the integrity of the volcano sigil of Fhorge with your own personal designs. Typically folks choose a prominent place for the Fhorge sigil either one side of their face, their entire face, their forehead, chest, belly, back or either upper arm. Once you�ve sorted that out the rest of your body is up to you. These paints are magic and they fade to the tone of your skin color when not in Fhorge�s pocket realm. While here though the tribal paint reveals itself in all its colorful glory. After tonight�s blessing the magical effects of planar adaptation, enlarge person and resist fire 20 will also activate while you are in Fhorge�s pocket realm. While you are outside the pocket realm and the paint is hidden the blessings are not active, however you can activate the blessing once per day outside of Fhorge�s realm for up to 20 minutes. While the blessing is active the tribal paint is visible as are its effects. Please note that not all outsider giants are friendly to our clan so if you think to activate the blessing in order to gain a diplomatic advantage with some giant group you may happen to meet in the Wold at large it may have the opposite effect of what you intended.�

The attendants remove the lids from all the jars and set them out on the table with a variety of artistic implements for applying the paint.

Each one of you has your own holy giant or holy giantess near you holding a jar of red paint that resembles the color of molten lava.

The lead holy giant says, �Tell your nearest clergy member where you want your holy sigil of Fhorge applied and they�ll make it so.�

(OOC: in your next post please include where on your PC�s body you requested the holy giant / giantess assigned to you to apply the holy volcano sigil of Fhorge. Also describe the additional colors, patterns, sigils and pictographs you worked into your tribal paint designs)

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Friday September 2nd, 2022 10:35:25 PM
Pru rather enjoys her bath. Her hair takes a very long time to braid, especially if the giants are determined to do it up all fancy.

When the time comes to get painted, Pru indicates the left side of her face. "And I'd like a flame next to it," she says. "A kind of stylized, twisting flame."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Friday September 2nd, 2022 10:58:07 PM

Pressi meshes with the giants well enough, a gal with her own military training and diplomatic abilities. She goes through the dinner politely, checks the rooms before bed, and wakes up with her daily rituals.

It takes all her willpower to push down the first thought she had of where to put another "tatoo." Her arms already adorned with tatoos, she decides to place the painting on her back.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Saturday September 3rd, 2022 12:27:30 AM
Still, thinking....but it will involve old Woldian for sure.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil
Saturday September 3rd, 2022 12:49:34 AM
Kezzem will get his tattoo on his chest with a firebird motiff.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Saturday September 3rd, 2022 4:03:43 PM

Murphy opts to have the symbol on his upper left arm, text in High Woldian, with an oak tree, acorn and ivy motif.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Saturday September 3rd, 2022 5:13:18 PM
The party considers their tattoos and several make decisions.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Saturday September 3rd, 2022 7:11:03 PM
Mystery & Force

I would like to add Mystery and Force Woldian Symbols for Magic (arcane) along with the Sigil. I would like the Tribal Paint on my right upper arm, and the Wold Woldian Symbols on my left upper arm. For paint colors, all the colors that are available as if trying to recreate the colors of a Prismatic Sphere around the Woldian Symbol for Mystery & Force. Thank you.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Monday September 5th, 2022 10:38:48 AM
The Holy Giants and Giantesses listen to the plans of the members of Humble�s Sword (well those that gave an answer)

They do have follow up questions for some of you.

The Holy Giantess assigned to Pru says, �So you want the volcano sigil of Fhorge to be on the left side of your face and a stylized dancing flame on your right. Is there anything else you want in your design?�

The Holy Giantess assigned to Pressi says, �So you want it on your back so it doesn�t conflict with your other tatoos? Is there anything else you want to add besides the Fhorge sigil?�

The Holy Giant assigned to Kezzem says, �Do you mean to enclose the holy volcano sigil of Fhorge inside a stylized sunbird motif? I believe that should be acceptable.�

The Holy Giant assigned to Murphy says, �So you want the Volcano Sigil on your upper left arm with an oak tree, acorn and ivy motif in high woldian trailing down your arm?�

The Holy Giantess assigned to Tali says, �So you will take the volcano sigil of Fhorge on right upper arm and do a Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet sphere surrounding the high Woldian Sigil for Mystery and Force.

(OOC: please finalize designs and get any corrections made in your personal section of the design communicated to the Holy giants and giantesses.)

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Monday September 5th, 2022 6:41:15 PM
"No, just the volcano and the flame," Pru says firmly. Simple is best.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Monday September 5th, 2022 8:49:34 PM
Tali confirms for the Holy Giantess, the volcano sigil of Fhorge on right upper arm and do a Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet sphere surrounding the high Woldian Sigil for Mystery and Force", please.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Monday September 5th, 2022 9:30:33 PM

Pressi nods in agreement. "And... how about a black dragon as well."

She thinks for a second. "And... what's the old giant word for family again?"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday September 6th, 2022 12:26:11 AM
Nikolai has the volcano sigil on the left side of his neck and the Mailed Fist sigil on the right side of his neck.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Tuesday September 6th, 2022 1:08:39 AM
"Besides the Volcano of Fhorge, I would like the holy symbols of the various gods of the Wold, whom I serve equally, scattered about my body. If that would be to much, I would settle for the Old Woldian sigils of the gods. Please use the favored colors of the represented deity."

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Tuesday September 6th, 2022 4:10:13 AM

�So you want the Volcano Sigil on your upper left arm with an oak tree, acorn, and ivy motif in high woldian trailing down your arm?�

"Yes, please," Murphy answers, then elaborates. "For the oak tree, show it in autumnal coloring, with leaves of mixed dark green, light green, yellows, orange, and red. Let the reds, yellows and orange reflect some of the colors of the Volcano. Ivy will climb the trunk of the tree. The roots will spread around the lower bicep, and will surround a trio of acorns in the center of the root mass, with a small clear area around the acorns."

"In High Woldian, above the volcano at the top of the shoulder, 'Volcano of Power', on the outside of the arm the symbols representing 'Heart of Love', and on the inside of the arm 'Cycles of Life', and just above the inner fold of the elbow 'Rooted in Redemption'."

As an approximate example of the oak tree and ivy vines, see this tapestry. If that link breaks, try here. For the acorns, something like this, though surrounded by a tiny border of clear skin, not blackness.

Murphy takes a few minutes to sketch out his ideas, but tells the painter, "This is your skill, your craft, so be guided by your own artistic sensibilities. This is just to give you a fair idea of what I seek." He does ask the artist's name (or artists, if there are more than one), and thanks him, or her, or them. He minds with interest the work being done for his friends, too, and asks about the paints, and how they are sourced, and, if they will tell, how they are magicked.

He chats with his companions as the work is being done. "Shall we add a shrine to Fhorge at the Sanctuary?"

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Tuesday September 6th, 2022 4:13:35 AM

Bread Surprises
Let us say that Murphy left with his brother and cohort Kendry a portable hole and large bag of holding, and that the bard promised to deliver the two extra-dimensional devices to the giants at the platform at a set time, shortly before the feast, with clear instructions to them that there be no intermingling of the two devices. He also would be sure that instructions were left with their hosts to have a pair of guards waiting for Kendry at the set time, so as to get the items to Murphy, who will then arrange to have them delivered to the master of the banquet. Within the bag and hole are frameworks designed to hold the multiplicity of small round loaves of bread, each with its own special filling (such as vegetables, meats, or both, others with fruits (e.g., cinnamon apples, pears, banana in thick cream, berries, melons, etc.), jams, nuts, sweets such as chocolate, marzipan, and so forth.

He will want to address those at the banquet as the bread surprises begin to be distributed... which can wait until we get to that part of the story.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Tuesday September 6th, 2022 9:34:17 AM
Prudance clarifies what she wants.
Tali requests a high woldian sigil
Pressi suggests a black dragon and asks about old giant words
Nikolai goes for two sigils
Succotash asks for a bunch of sigils
Murphy sketches his ideas but will consult the expert. He reflects on how he got all the food to here for the feast.

The holy giantess serving Pressis says, �I think we can just fit the sigil below the halter top, with a black dragon and high giant word for family below it.� She begins working on the design Pressi specified

The holy giantess serving Pru says, �As you wish.� Even though it is a simple design the giantess still takes her time in creating it.
The holy giantess serving Tali says, �Sigil on one arm, prismatic sphere enclosing high woldian for force and mystery on the other, got it.� She then starts working on the design.

The holy giants assisting the men also begin work considering what Murphy and Kezzem requested are doable.

After some adjustments the giants soon have sketches of everyone�s tattoo requests and ask for any final changes.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Tuesday September 6th, 2022 12:09:14 PM
"I'm comfortable with the final rendering, thank you very much. This should do nicely."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Tuesday September 6th, 2022 3:18:43 PM
Pru smiles. "That will do nicely, thank you." She smiles because the artist drew the volcano just a little bit taller than the flame, and she's pretty sure that's not a coincidence. But she doesn't mind giving Fhorge top billing in his own holy painting.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Tuesday September 6th, 2022 8:54:51 PM

Pressi waits patiently for her artist to finish.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil
Tuesday September 6th, 2022 9:17:39 PM
Kezzem is happy with his tattoo.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Tuesday September 6th, 2022 9:41:20 PM
Tribal Ink

Tali is so excited to be a recipient of these awesome designs...Sigil on one arm, prismatic sphere enclosing high woldian for force and mystery on the other! Tali can hardly sit still as she hovers above the ground.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday September 7th, 2022 12:06:00 AM
As the tattoo artist works on Nikolai, he starts putting together his report to the Mailed Fist archivist.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Wednesday September 7th, 2022 4:13:19 AM

"Good sketch, let's do it!" Murphy says. He sets up a mirror nearby so he can observe the techniques used. Again, he asks the name of the giant (or giants) who work on his tattoo. "You can put your initials or mark somewhere on the arm, too. Maybe work it into a portion of the design."

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Wednesday September 7th, 2022 9:33:15 AM
Since everyone has finalized their tribal paint the holy giants and giantess start applying the same designs they just sketched onto the bodies of the various members of Humble�s Sword.
They manage to deliver everything requested from Murphy�s complicated design to Pru�s simplistic one and everything in between including Succotash�s various Sigils for the Gods of the Wold.
When they are done the lead Holy Giant says, �It will take about an hour for the paint to dry. Please do not move lest you spoil the designs.�

After waiting an hour a single attendant comes and the party is gathered in a rather large tent. You can hear quite a din outside the tent. The instructions you have been given is to wait for your adventuring party to be called and then emerge from the tent.

Suddenly things get really quiet and you hear the High Priest say, �Denizens of Fhorge Pocket Realm I give you Humble�s Sword, saviors of our existence and Friends of Fhorge!�
That is your queue.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Wednesday September 7th, 2022 10:28:08 AM
Succotash walks in boldly, with a big smile on his face. He has Valerie by his side, with a hand on her shoulder. He waves to the crowd, in a friendly gesture.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Wednesday September 7th, 2022 1:56:25 PM

"Pressi, shall we have a bold entrance? How about you go dragon, I go air elemental, then we fly together, with a maneuver wherein you fly upwards, I loop around you, then we descend to the platform, land, then return to our own forms, and raise each other's hand together?"

If she is amenable to such, he joins together with her for the flying entrance.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil d20+23=42 ;
Wednesday September 7th, 2022 3:55:17 PM
"Wait, I can't move for a whole hour?" says Kezzem in horror. "I was not informed that this was part of deal!"

Kezzem will nonetheless do his best to stay still for the hour, and somehow manages to do so.

SV Will: 1d20 + 23 = 42.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Wednesday September 7th, 2022 7:16:07 PM
[U][B]Our Queue[B][U]

When Tali hears the que, she hovers through the curtain. Into the light!

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Wednesday September 7th, 2022 9:36:24 PM

"I think it would be nice to give them a show."

With Shapechange, she can easily reach the size of a huge black dragon, though she's careful to fly more acrobatically than aggressively. Nothing that will get the team killed.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Wednesday September 7th, 2022 9:38:36 PM
(With permission from the high priestess and the guards before casting a single spell, of course. The chance to show off is superseded by the chance that they will cause a diplomatic incident or public freakout.)

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Wednesday September 7th, 2022 10:24:18 PM
So, is Pru still wearing a leather bikini? Or were we allowed to put our own clothes back on? That's going to make a difference in how she enters.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday September 8th, 2022 12:47:04 AM
OOC: actually, we are inside the tent.
' the party is gathered in a rather large tent.'

Nikolai holds Pru's hand as they exit the tent together.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Thursday September 8th, 2022 8:03:09 AM
The members of Humble�s Sword emerge from the tent as they are called.

Some merely walk out, while others fly or in the case of Pressi and Murphy they give their new adoptive tribe a show by flying out in the form of an air elemental and black dragon before returning to their normal forms.

The crowd cheers loudly as each member of Humble�s Sword steps out and claps after Murphy and Pressi�s little demonstration.

After everyone has emerged from the tent and taken their places of honor at the center of the gathering you see that you are standing on a stone floor with a bed of coals laid out before you.
After your entrance the High Priest calls out �Denizens of Fhorge�s Pocket Realm, Once again I present to you Humble�s Sword, Friends of Fhorge and honorary clan members.�

The crowd roars

The High Priest then turns to you and says, �Humble�s Sword. Walk the coals and receive Fhorge�s blessing!�

The coals are spread out before you, a veritable red carpet for you to walk. Over the end there is an arch decorated with the holy sigils of Fhorge.

Beyond that appears to be the feasting area so it looks like the ceremony is designed to be somewhat of a short one providing you can walk the coals, the ceremony is complete, you will have received Fhorge�s blessing and can partake in the feast laid out in your honors.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Thursday September 8th, 2022 10:28:39 AM

Murphy, hand in hand with Pressi, walks the coals.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Thursday September 8th, 2022 11:18:20 AM
Succotash tells Valerie to wait where she is, and than follows Murphy and Pressi across the coals.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Thursday September 8th, 2022 12:44:28 PM

Murphy mentally speaks with Tali. "I think this is one where you'll need to have your feet touching down, Tali. See you on the other side!"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Thursday September 8th, 2022 3:25:11 PM
Pru has nothing to fear from fire. She walks across the coals.

[OOC: The leather bikini question was serious. What are we wearing?]

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Thursday September 8th, 2022 4:07:49 PM
Walking the Coals...

Tali returns to the Earth, and promptly walks across the red hot coals just as her teammates have done. She joins them in the assembled area.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Thursday September 8th, 2022 8:56:45 PM

Pressi takes a minute to remember that the tatoo grants fire resist.

Hand and hand with Murphy, she purposefully walks across the coals, in what is probably her normal outfit.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday September 9th, 2022 12:47:46 AM
Nikolai walks across the coals holding Pru's hand. Pru's Mailed Fist Issue Leather Bikini is the Best! The envy of all mercenary organizations in the entire Wold!

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Friday September 9th, 2022 5:57:42 AM
Murphy crosses with his wife and tells Tali she should probably land for this.
Succotash leaves Valerie behind to walk.
Prudence has nothing to fear and crosses (see below)
Tali lands and walks across.
Pressi reminds herself of the tatoo�s protection and crosses
Nikolai holds Pru�s hand as they cross.

(OOC: Everyone is still wearing the clothing put on them when the attendants first got them; apparently the outfit is part of the ceremony. Per last Friday�s post: �After that is done the attendants dry you with soft luxurious towels and present you with clean, size appropriate loin cloths for both groups and a sort of a sleeveless leather halter top to protect the modesty of the females.�

The attendants and tattoo artists were named Katig, Dlofles, and Tesrien)

Either singularly or in small groups the members of Humble Sword walk the coals.

As you start your procession across the coals the tribal paint you have been given starts to glow.

As you reach the arch it bursts into flames but in a non-harmful celebratory way.

The crowd gives another cheer as each member of the Humble�s Sword crosses the fiery arch and enters the feasting ground.

After you have completed the coal walking you notice that there is a tent on the other side of it between you and the feast.

One of the attendants walks up to you and says, �If you�d like to change into clothing you are more accustomed to we have brought your belongings to that tent where you will have the privacy to change.�

Changing time is allowed and then it is off to the feast.

The feast is quite the spread. There are a several wooden kegs filled with a variety of wines and beer.
There are several roast oxes, several roasted pigs, multiple Tur-duck-ens and even a hydra.

Each meet selection is also available skewered on a stick. Apparently someone told the giants about Kezzem�s fondness for meat on a stick.

There is the bread delegation contributed by Humbles Ford as well as a variety of large rolls and flatbread that the giants contributed.

There are also several vegetable dishes, cheese dishes, fruit dishes.

The desert layout is also impressive with a variety of pastries, cakes, tarts, cookies, mouses and puddings.

Apparently the giants of the pocket realm are just as big of foodies as halflings are if given the proper motivation. It isn�t every day that the tribe adds new honorary members.

After everyone has been given a chance to at least find a drink

The high priest raises a mug filled with beer of some kind and says, �A toast to Humble�s Sword! Honorary members of our tribe and unlikely saviors of our existence! Hip Hip Hooray!�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Friday September 9th, 2022 1:30:11 PM
Succotash quickly changes into his usual green clergy robes, with the holy symbols of the Woldian gods embroidered in gold.

At the feast, Succotash puts the hurt on the buffet table, like only a halfling can. He makes sure to take plenty of extra to "accidentally"knock some off the table for Valerie.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil
Friday September 9th, 2022 2:30:56 PM
"And hip hip horrray for the food!" says Kezzem as dives in.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Friday September 9th, 2022 4:15:02 PM
Pru feels more comfortable back in her Robe of the Archmage. She tries to sample as many of the dishes as possible without making herself sick.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219 d20+46=49 ; d20+46=52 ; d20+46=47 ; d20+15=25 ; d20+32=41 ;
Sunday September 11th, 2022 5:16:28 PM

Murphy works to figure out the gender and any other salient characteristics for Katig, Dlofles, and Tesrien. He asks how they learned their craft. As the procedure occurs, he talks briefly about some of the things he has drawn and painted, and thanks them for their care. He takes in their faces, clothing, and tools, with a mind toward making a portrait of them later from memory. [Perception / memory for each one for later portrait: K-49, D-52, T-47]

The towhead druid joins his friends in recladding himself. He leaves some of his gear back where they changed, and asked those in charge to hold it for him until he returns from the feasting. What he needs to carry can be handled in his pair of Bill's Splendid Pants O' Plenty, and the returned portable hole.

Murphy joins in the toast, raising his own mug toward the priest, the other fire giants, and his friends, and takes a drink.

He clears a spot, and stands up upon the table before him. Murphy Leafwin Pipewood projects as loudly as he might in his tenor voice, "First, many compliments to the chefs today. Many fine, fine foods. I have never before tasted hydra! Nicely done! We hope you enjoy the surprises you'll find in the wee loaves of break baked by our halfing friends. Last, to you all, guardians over those hidden away, three cheers are called for. Raise your mugs now: A toast to them, to you, and friendship between our peoples, great and small alike. Hip hip hooray! Hip Hip Hooray! HIP HIP, HOORAAAAAY!"

==============
Oratory: 25
Diplomacy: 41

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Sunday September 11th, 2022 9:02:53 PM

After changing into her more ceremonial clothing, she too begins the feast.

Not feeling quite ready to make her own toasts yet, Pressi instead takes the time to look over the giants and of her own team. To feel as to all that has gone over so far.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday September 12th, 2022 1:04:43 AM
Nikolai puts on his Mailed Fist Knight Commander uniform and is glad to see Pru back in her mage robes. Not that he minded the bikini, he just was a little uncomfortable sharing the visual.

Nikolai enjoys the food, trying different looking things, hoping that they are acceptable to civilized society, knowing that some giant kind eat just about any kind of meat.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Monday September 12th, 2022 8:35:56 AM
Succotash changes clothing and gets lots of food, including enough to feed Valerie
Kezzem is just excited for food.
Pru feels more comfortable in her own clothing and she samples as much as she can.
Murphy talks with the giants who attended them for the tattoos and gives a toast.
Pressi changes and doesn�t feel ready to talk so just observes.
Nikolai puts on his Mailed Fist uniform and is a bit careful about what food he eats.

The food is well prepared and the giants really pulled out all the stops it seems like. The mean of many rare and powerful beasts are served up, and it seems sometimes their attitude towards spices are as fiery as their beards. Even things the giants consider mild or unspicy have a bit more kick then the average halfling entr�e.

Katig, a male, says to Murphy �Well my father was an attendant so I just kind of got into the family business.�

Dlofles, a female, says to Murphy, �I�m an artiste. The temple has the best paints so I petitioned for them to be my patron and they accepted me.�

Tesrien, a male, says to Murphy, �Well I�m a cleric of Fhorge first and artist second. However since any ceremony is kind of a big deal I always want to make sure I do it right.�

The various members of Humble�s Sword predominantly dig into the spread. Kezzem toasts the food.

After the high priest goes a few other giant dignitaries offer some words and glasses are raised yet again.

(Sense Motive DC 10 - Highlight to display spoiler: {You get the impression that the other dignitaries are stalling for time and more and more giants are starting to look for the members of Humble�s Sword to give their own toasts}

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells d20+19=31 ; d20+39=47 ;
Monday September 12th, 2022 10:26:41 AM
Sense Motive: 31

Succotash recognizes that the giants are stalling, and whispers to whichever Sword is closest, "Keep your eyes peeled, they seem to be stalling, and I'm not sure if that is a good thing or not."

Perception: 47

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194] d20+1=6 ;
Monday September 12th, 2022 2:44:41 PM
Pru munches on, oblivious [sense motive 6].

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219 d20+35=53 ;
Monday September 12th, 2022 3:21:29 PM

Murphy says, "Don't worry, Succotash. I sense the protocol is that each of us should have something to say -- Toast time, eh?"

If the mind link is up, he telepathically encourages each of his friends to give a toast. "Speak perhaps our discovery of the traitor, and our pursuit of him through many sites. His murderous trail. His attack on our headquarters. Then, as we followed his trail to this dimension, mention the fierce resistance we faced to reach the temple, requiring us to dig deep from our years of experience to overcome.

"We strove to avoid killing anyone, until we learned, at the gateway to the temple, our only option to attain our goal, sadly, was to end the lives of a few stalwart and brave fire giant guardians who stood in our way. We did so with sorrow, yet also with the knowledge that our efforts might serve to save all the rest of you, as well as the lives of our brethren in Crescent Valley. Let us raise a glass to those fire giants who gave their all to defend this, their home, against outsiders.

"And may we, henceforth, no longer be considered hostile outsiders, for it was not against you that we came - rather, we came against the traitor, who sought to upend your city, your lives, your faith. He has been our mutual foe. With the help and support of your high priest, we were able to overcome him and his wicked allies, and return the Heart of the Mountain to you, and to seal our friendship with you, The Mighty Fire Giants Who Rise to Guard.

"Y'know, something like that," Murphy concludes his suggestion to his comrades.

==================
Sense motive: 53

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35 d20+27=43 ; d20+30=48 ;
Monday September 12th, 2022 4:28:46 PM

Pressi nods to Murphy but her hackles are pretty well raised (sense motive 43).

Telepathically, she orders Harper to look around behind the stage, to see if anybody looks ready to move or to perform any traps.

Non-telepathically, she signals for Dlofles. "My deepest apologies, but do I think I could step away from the ceremony before the next speech. I could use some time to powder my nose... rather urgently, actually." (Bluff 48).

Regardless of whether she can get up from the table or not, she begins to as surreptitiously as possible cast detect thoughts (Will DC 20 but she's really trying to detect emotion.)

-------------------

rituals of warding, healing, charm

L2: 0+1
L6: 1

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+19=33 ;
Tuesday September 13th, 2022 1:06:05 AM
Sense Motive +19 = 33

Nikolai notices the stalling and quickly thinks about what may be missing. What do all big parties and ceremonies have in common. His wedding to Pru was a big ceremony and party at the Citadel. The Agents' promotion to Knight Commanders was a big ceremony and party. There were others but those were the biggest and took a long time because anyone that wanted got up to say.... something... 'That's it!' he blurts suddenly.

Nikolai asks to refill his cup, then stands up and gives a toast.

"Fire Giants, Halflings, and all other Peoples! The Wold is very large and very harsh to survive and make a living in many places. Such Life is made harder by gods that wish to harm, cause suffering, and destroy. It is natural for the Powerful to seek to control all about them. It is Un-Natural to know your power but refrain to use it to dominate the weaker. You have chosen to restrain your power and strength in order to guard and maintain the balance of the Immortal Forces that wish to destroy rather than build your own large empire in the Wold. The Annals of the Mailed Fist will record all this about the Fire Giants of the Pocket Realm. The Wold will know of your sacrifice. Here is to you and your legacy in the History of the Wold!"

Nikolai raises his cup then takes a long drink.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Tuesday September 13th, 2022 7:54:59 AM
Succotash gets a little worried.
Prudance is oblivious.
Murphy thinks maybe the party should just give more toasts.
Pressi makes an excuse to go away.
Nikolai thinks about what could be missing and realizes that it�s probably a toast. So he gives one.

After Nikolair gives their toast the crowd�s reaction was fairly enthusiastic. All they were really waiting for was for you to take over the toasting. It seems though like it is customary for the new clan members to get their toasting done earlier in the evening. Murphy made a one, then no one else did and that is why you were kind of getting that awkward stalling. Good thing you didn�t do anything hasty and commit a diplomatic incident so early in the new alliance.

While everyone probably isn�t required to give a toast, more would probably help smooth things over and get things flowing again.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil
Tuesday September 13th, 2022 12:42:13 PM
"To the fire giants, guardians of Fhorge and makers of food!"

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Tuesday September 13th, 2022 1:57:43 PM
Succotash stands on the table, like Murphy did, and says, "Friends new and old, I wish to share how much I appreciate the roles your lives play. For our hosts, they protect a small but very important part of the Wold, and for us Swords, we do what we can to protect the rest. Our roles aren't that different, and I am glad we can now perform them as friends!"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135 d20+30=45 ;
Tuesday September 13th, 2022 7:51:12 PM
A Toast!

Tali chooses to push back, her seat from the table and rise to the occasion of giving a Humble Sword toast! Using her best diplomatic flourish, and stately display, Tali hovers to a distance above the ground that would be fitting a halfling toasting to the assembled. Raising her glass, she begins...

"Dear friends, new & old, it is with great honor that I raise a toast to you all, now. The Peoples of this realm have both a great duty and honor in the roles you all serve. I am glad that we, the Humble Sword could help you in this, in our small way. Long live Faith, Honor, & our new Friendship!"

Looking around, Tali takes a long & deep drink of her goblet. Afterward, she returns to the earth, returning to her chair.

Skills Check:

Diplomacy = 45

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Tuesday September 13th, 2022 8:44:47 PM

Pressi nods, hoping that nobody knew she was already considering how to defeat them. At any rate, no harm no foul.

(And one of the rare occurrences where we aren't punished for not being paranoid enough.)

As it is her turn, she considers her words carefully.

"To the High Priest, who gave us a chance, who stood true when others lied. To duty, to honor, but more importantly, to community.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday September 13th, 2022 10:58:15 PM
Nikolai wanders if calling some of them liars is appropriate for the occasion. He squeezes Pru's hand and asks through their Mailed Fist link "You do have your Teleport spell ready don't you?"

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Wednesday September 14th, 2022 2:30:21 AM

Backstep
While in the tent, earlier, and receiving attention from the artists - Katig, Dlofles, and Tesrien, Murphy thanks them for telling him a little about themselves. While there he takes a moment, and makes a few quick sketches of them at work on his friends. "I'll work on this, and get you my finished result later."

At the Feast - & For Prudence
Murphy listens as each friend adds to the toasts, and drinks to each one. He hopes that their words will help develop bonhomie. Nikolai, Kezzem, Succotash, Tali, and Pressi give their words of recognition, gratitude, appreciation, and challenges faced, and yet to be faced.

He stands again after Pressi's toast and says, "You have heard from most of us. As my beloved Pressi said, we appreciate the deep wisdom High Priest Delos displayed. You are well served by such a one." He bows his head for a moment in the priest's direction.

He opens up further to those assembled. "Now, there is one among us who has not yet spoken. She is a master of the flame and is not shy of that. You can see she made the bold choice to have the holy symbol of Fhorge and a glorious flame painted on the left side of her face. She was one of the keys to our good success." He gestures and turns toward Pru, and asks more quietly, "Good friend Prudence, have you words for a toast?" He turns toward the crowd. "Let us encourage her, friends. What is that chant you do?" He imitates the fierce, staccato chant they did before, then smiles. "I know, I'm just a halfling. Let's hear again how you mighty fire giants do it - for bold Prudence!"

Using his hands like a choirmaster, he mouths the words, and punctuates the timing with his hands, having them repeat it a total of three times, to help build the energy. He clenches his upraised fists, motioning as one does to indicate 'well done' or 'victory!', then holds out his open arms in a 'take it away' signal toward Nikolai's beautiful wife, and waits to hear what she says.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Wednesday September 14th, 2022 8:47:49 AM
Everyone gives a toast!
Kezzem to giants, fhorge, and food.
Succotash to friends and protecting things.
Tali to the people of the realm and their great duty
Pressi to the High Priest.
Nikolai and Murphy having already given toasts, wonder about teleportation and encourage Prudance to give a toast.

Huzzah for preventing diplomatic incidents! With Nikolai and Murphy really getting the ball rolling it isn�t long before the rest of Humble�s Sword is giving their toasts.

Nikolai wonders the wisdom of Pressi�s words in accusing others of lying when the high priest told the truth but everyone is so into their cups and pretty much just want an excuse to keep drinking thus continuing the buzz that if there was a slight in there no one seemed to notice much less care.

The party pretty much turns into a raging kegger at that point with more toasts, music and even dancing.
It continues into the wee hours of the morning when even the hardiest of giants seem to think it is time for bed.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Wednesday September 14th, 2022 12:19:07 PM
Succotash finds the festivities to his liking. He enjoys the food and ale greatly, but makes a point not to allow himself to get intoxicated. When it's time to hit the sack, he happily lays himself to bed.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Wednesday September 14th, 2022 2:24:07 PM
Pru enjoys the revels, and does get more than a little tipsy. Which is fine, because it lets her lean on Nikolai.

"Mmm, you're nice," she murmurs.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Wednesday September 14th, 2022 3:16:57 PM

"Yeah, probably should have been clearer that I was referring to Flamescorn and his followers," Pressi muttered to herself. "Anyway...."

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil
Wednesday September 14th, 2022 6:07:29 PM
"Do you guys know anything about one of Skaldsworn's followers, a fellow by the name of Halflingsbane?" asks Kezzem. "He was like me, but evil and not funny."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Wednesday September 14th, 2022 9:28:42 PM
[u][b]Drinks[b][u]

Taki, not being much of a drinker, milks three goblets before switching to water for the remainder of the feast.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Wednesday September 14th, 2022 9:28:43 PM
[u][b]Drinks[b][u]

Taki, not being much of a drinker, milks three goblets before switching to water for the remainder of the feast.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday September 15th, 2022 12:59:38 AM
Nikolai simply smiles. He knows his family, many generations of Mailed Fist soldiers, would be proud (once again) of their accomplishments. But Pru's family is still entrenched in their traditions of farming, husbandry, and the simple life. Too bad they just can't see how their child means so much to the Wold.

He holds her a little tighter.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Thursday September 15th, 2022 3:39:59 AM

"And... Pru is in her cups! You giants are much larger than us halflings, humans, and half-elves, and can handle more toasts than some of us can!" He raises his mug, "To our two honorary halflings - Prudence and Nikolai Komonov!" he says, and takes his last sip. Murphy long has practiced the art of tipping his cup in such a way that it looks as though he is drinking more than he actually is. It's harder to do with a glass, so he is glad to have an opaque mug, instead.

Snippets of conversation here and there:
"No worries, Press. I knew who you were talking about. And this far into the toasts, I don't think they care. And I'm glad I've never needed a drink to find you most alluring, Diamond Dust." He seal that remark with a kiss on her forehead, her left cheek, her right cheek, and full on the lips. "I've arranged for a surprise or two at home."
----
"Nikolai - how about you and I scribe a treaty to run by our hosts? The faintest ink outlives the longest memories, I heard once. I should write that saying down." [We can handle this offline - but Murphy wants to be certain, as Delos offered, to have an agreement in writing. Rather than spend posting time on this, can we simply state that what has been agreed to verbally will be put to ink, with multiple copies, and signed by the appropriate people?]

He talks with Delos to make arrangements. "Nothing like signing a treaty with a hangover, right?" he asks. "Though neither of us is like to have such. Who else among your people would need to ratify it? I'll check with my friends. Perhaps each of them will want to sign. If not, at minimum, I can sign on behalf of Humble's Ford and Crescent Valley. Nikolai on behalf of the Mailed Fist. As our cleric, maybe Succotash, too. Back home, we'll deal with the valley authorities, and see about bringing them onboard." Murphy relates the conversation to the party to get their preferences.
----
To his friends, he says, "The community back home has been preparing a f�te for us. And I've got some work to do after that. How about those of us who need to sleep it off do so here, and head back home by noon tomorrow? That should give time for the treaty signing, and we'll be on our way."
----
"Tali, I am so grateful for your skill with walls. They frequently caged opponents, which allowed us to deal with more mercy than might otherwise have been possible. I'm remembering our way to the temple when that crack set of warriors tried to stop us. You stopped them, and we were able to move well forward. Maybe when we get back, after the festivities at the Ford have wound down, we can take advantage of various resources and track down your ancestry. If you still want that. Whether yes, or no on that topic, I want you to know I consider you a solid friend. Say, not that we're ready for it yet, but how would you like to be a godmother one day?"

He wonders if someone will be able to answer Kezzem's query.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Thursday September 15th, 2022 8:21:24 AM
At the party a good time was seemingly had by all and everyone goes to bed pretty much content some of the party switching to water or monitoring their ale intake while others getting tipsy.

The next day when everyone wakes up (let�s face it it way past morning) the giants have an impressive breakfast spread laid out.

Ham, bacon, sausage, flap jacks, waffles, muffins, biscuits, gravy, fruit, jam, honey, coffee, juice, milk all greet you.

Some of the giants hear Kezzem�s question about Halflingsbane but no one says they�ve heard of him.
Murphy wants a formal written treaty. The giants seem to think the items given to the party are the formal treaty, serving as physical representation of their status as Friends of Fhorge that will be honored even if it�s the a descendent two centuries from now presenting it. If Murphy insists on formal terms written in stone (paper instantly catches on fire here) then he will get them.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Thursday September 15th, 2022 11:51:30 AM
"I could grow to like it here!" Succotash says, to himself, as he digs in for yet another feast.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Thursday September 15th, 2022 8:46:38 PM

Pressi doesn't drink anything except water.

There is no sleeping in for this little one. So after her rituals and meditations, after giving Murphy a big hug while he sleeps, she takes some time to reflect, to think about the seemingly random turns in her life.

On the way to breakfast, she takes some time to shake Nick's and Pru's hands. "I never really got the chance to thank you for all the help and all the missions. I know I can be set in my ways at times, but I do wonder if I could have learned something from you."

Time is spent preparing for the trip back and for the feast at home.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Thursday September 15th, 2022 9:25:14 PM
[u][b]Breakfast & Chill[b][u]

After last night's festivities, Tali sticks to water coupled with a laidback attitude!

She is very much looking forward to a filling breakfast.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil
Thursday September 15th, 2022 11:42:59 PM
"Murphey may want a treaty written in stone, but I'm more than willing to accept it in terms of food if they keep feeding us like this!"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday September 16th, 2022 12:57:31 AM
Nikolai agrees that the tattoos are much more of a treaty than anything written, even in stone. "Let's face it, it is our deeds they are honoring, not the hole halfling race. As long as we live, we serve as mediators between any dispute between these giants and the outside. That will have to do."

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Friday September 16th, 2022 4:46:06 AM

"Succotash, you said, 'My only hope is this ordeal will help the fire giants realize that halflings are friends not food' -- Looks like your hope is well fulfulled, friend."

Here is what Murphy suggests, putting it before his friends for revisions they might have:

Treaty in stone
A Treaty of Trust and Friendship
Fhorge's Realm High Priest Delos declared:

"These heroes, known as Humble's Sword, were sent by our god to restore to us what is rightfully ours! They and their people will forevermore be known as Friends of Fhorge. Let it be known throughout the realm that no faithful shall harm them and that any plea for aid from them shall be answered with the full might of Fhorge�s Faithful!�

Humble's Sword High Druid Murphy Leafwin Pipewood said:

"The Heart of the Mountain,
The Heart Restored,
The Heart of New Friendship,
The Force of Fhorge!"
For service rendered, and the generous offer of Friendship, let this be a lasting covenant between our peoples - Humble's Sword of Humble's Ford in Crescent Valley, and the Fire Giants of Fhorge's Realm.

Signed ... {representative(s) from both sides}
Current Woldian Date

The halfling adds, "I thought Delos' words best described the nature of the covenant, succinctly."

After suggested revisions, and if the party members agree, he will put it before Delos for his feedback. If satisfactory, Murphy will request that two copies be made, one for the giants, one for the halflings.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Friday September 16th, 2022 5:49:29 PM
Succcotash could grow to like it here.
Pressi only drinks water and takes some time to reflect.
Tali sticks to water for breakfast and enjoys it
Kezzem thinks a treaty in food is great.
Nikolair thinks a written treaty is redundant.
Murphy continues to propose a written treaty.

The high priest laughs and says to Murphy, �For a people so little in stature you certainly are demanding. If it will assuage your, I don�t know what to call it, ego I guess then I will formally give you two stone tablets. One recognizing the peace treaty between our pocket realm giants and the halflings of Humble�s Ford and another recognizing the peace treaty between our pocket realm giants and the Mailed Fist mercenary company considering 2 of your number are both Knight Commander Emeritus and The Mailed Fist has quite the reputation as a military organization we would be honored to extend formal relations to if in the case we ever needed some work done. Deal? However these tablets only happen if the Knights Commander Emeritus are on board. We will of course retain our own copies of the tablets and should the need arise we could present our copies to your groups at some point in the future.�

Looks like Murphy will need to get Pru and Nikolai to sign off on the stone tablets considering they represent the Mailed Fist and Murphy is not a member of their organization.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Friday September 16th, 2022 8:40:24 PM
Tali continues to sip on her goblet of water & enjoy the breakfast feast!

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Friday September 16th, 2022 8:58:49 PM
"I think we can agree to that," Pru says. She is still a bit hungover, and wishes everybody would stop talking so loud.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil
Saturday September 17th, 2022 2:15:54 PM
�For a people so little in stature you certainly are demanding."

"Hey, don't lump the lot of us in with him," says Kezzem. "That's a Murphey thing, not a halfling thing."

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Sunday September 18th, 2022 11:36:55 PM
"Good Delos, it is not for something so large or small as an ego," Murphy responds to the priest, "but rather that a memorial document helps those who come after us to have evidence of so strong an arrangement, so pleasant a concordance, that they might ask about it, and the next generation might learn, and come to the same understanding that we have here today."

Murphy concurs that a separate document for the Mailed Fist would be wise. He hears Pru's agreement and awaits to hear whether Nikolas will second his wife's affirmation. If he says nothing but does not gainsay, that silence may be construed as assent. Yet as he appreciates the half-elf's wisdom, he does look in his direction to listen should he speak.

He chuckles at Kezzem's comment. "The faintest ink outlasts the longest memory, Sir Kezzem. How much more, a memory supplemented by that which is written in stone. It may be my role to fuss, that future fussing may be avoided, just as your role may involve the rolling of eyes - or avoidance of lumps."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday September 19th, 2022 1:10:22 AM
Nikolai has no problem in signing, along with Pru, the Mailed Fist copy of the treaty. "After my report is written up and shared with the other Knight Commanders, the full story will be written and archived. This Stone Peace Contract will the installed in the Main Hall as a reminder of your sacrifice in maintaining order in the Wold."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Monday September 19th, 2022 3:19:24 AM
Succotash doesn't feel the need for a written document, but he isn�t going to nay say Murphy in this. After all Humble's Ford is Murphy's childhood home not his. Sure he has grown fond of the place and happily calls it home, but he knows he will never have the same kind of connection Murphy does.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Monday September 19th, 2022 6:50:22 AM
Tali keeps eating.
Prudance is agreeable.
Kezzem objects that it�s not halflings that are demanding, just Murphy.
Murphy says that he just wants a physical document that helps those who come after know about the deal. Because giant plate sized pins, tattoos, and oral tradition just isn�t good enough or something.
Nikolai is willing to play along.
Succotash doesn�t feel this is necessary but won�t argue the point.

The high priest claps his hand and 4 stone tablets, a chisel and mallet are brought forth as well as the stone notary.
In a short amount of time 2 copies of 2 official stone tablets are drawn up one recognizing the alliance between the pocket realm and Humble�s Ford and the other recognizing the alliance between the pocket realm and The Mailed Fist.
The stone notary says, �All we need to make this official is for representatives from both groups to chisel their signatures and I can notarize these tablets as official and binding.�
The high priest chisels his signature on the tablets on behalf of the giants.
The hammer and chisel are presented to your group to sign.

Once the document is signed everything is done that needs to be done in giant land. Unless anyone has some last minute errands the party presumably packs up and heads home. Humbles continues to be a whirl of activity, but less so than before. It seems the festival is supposed to be tomorrow and most preparations are complete so things are a bit calmer.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Monday September 19th, 2022 12:13:40 PM
Succotash figures Murphy should have the honors of signing the tablets. He is ready to head home and be done with this adventure. Once home, he decides to spend some time at the shrines at The Sanctuary and thanks the various gods for their help dealing with Flamescorn and his ilk.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Monday September 19th, 2022 2:48:54 PM
Pru lets Nikolai sign the tablet. He'd been the Thumb, after all. Afterward, they return to Humbles for another brief visit, but Pru (at least) has no intention of staying there indefinitely.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219 d20+19=27 ;
Monday September 19th, 2022 4:58:03 PM

Murphy takes up the hammer and chisel and fashions his signature (Profession: Artist: 27), then hands the tools over to Nikolai.

He asks permission to take 3 rocks (maybe 5 pounds each or so) from the volcano to place in a shrine to Fhorge back at their sanctuary outside of Humble's Ford. He again thanks their new Fire Giant friends for their warm hospitality, and bids them farewell. "I'll pop by to visit once in a while," he states.

On their journey home, Murphy asks his companions' plans, and tells them his own. He takes close counsel with Pressi, in particular.

He will join Succotash at the shrines, then discuss with Foreman George the fashioning of a shrine to add to the other shrines on the Sanctuary grounds. "You came up with a good name for this place, Succotash."

More to come... have to run...

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday September 19th, 2022 8:08:43 PM
Nikolai has no artistry or calligraphy with chisel and hammer skills but he does his best to make the standard emblem of the raised fist and makes some marks to resemble mail.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Monday September 19th, 2022 8:17:08 PM

Pressi packs up, one last diplomatic encounter that she could get involved in but studiously didn't.

As she heads home, Pressi tells Murphy of one last intention: to use the wish spell to return her woldsblood back to the plane, to return to back before she was a spellcaster. Back to her normal self.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135 d20+30=43 ;
Monday September 19th, 2022 8:23:06 PM
[u][b]When the party is over...[b][u]

Tali looks over the proceedings and nods her approval. When the group is ready to depart she diplomatically bids farewell to her new friends (Skill check: Diplomacy = 43). Afterward, she gathers her belongings, her new pin, and heads home to the Humble Sword's compound to embrace her friend Rayya!

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil
Monday September 19th, 2022 11:20:07 PM
"Well I'm glad we were able to get that all hammered out," says Kezzem as Murphey signs his name. "I hate for us to have to start over with a clean slate."

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219 d4=1 ;
Tuesday September 20th, 2022 3:09:30 AM

Murphy laughs at Kezzem. "Here - you carry one of these!" He hands him an engraved stone.

With Pressi: "Really, Press? Fascinating. Care to share your thoughts on this decision? Also, I love that you are so often full of surprises. We might have a pretty amazing family, not that it isn't already amazing."

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Tuesday September 20th, 2022 7:41:44 AM
Succotash defers to Murphy to sign the tablet and resolves to spend time at the various shrines to the gods when he gets home.
Pru lets Nikolai sign the tablet and agrees to return to Humble�s Ford for a brief visit though she has no intention of staying there indefinitely.
Murphy artistically renders his signature on the stone tablets and then asks for permission to take 3 rocks from the volcano to incorporate into a shrine to Fhorge back home. He vows to return to visit the fire giants on occasion and discusses plans for the Sanctuary shrines with Succotash. He asks Pressi about her below decision.
Nikolai does his best to inscribe the logo of the mailed fist into his stone tablets.
Pressi decided to not get involved in the diplomatic matter of the tablets. She tells Murphy that she wants to use the Wish spell to return herself to before she became a caster.
Tali bids the giants a diplomatic farewell and resolves to see Rayya when they get back to the compound.
Kezzem wastes no time with the puns saying he�s glad they could get everything hammered out and he would hate for them to have to start over again with a clean slate

The trip home is uneventful and you are able to return to Humble�s Ford and your sanctuary.

Succotash, Murphy and George discuss changes to the shrine area while Tali is reunited with Rayya

Pru is resolved to stay for a little while but not indefinitely

After a day of relaxing the day of the festival arrives. Halfling festivals are always grand occasions with far more food then you�d expect from such small folks, though after the giants and their giant sized meals it maybe looses a little impact. There are plenty of carnival games and contests of skill for people of all ages and the mayor gives a speech about the importance of the day that no one cares about - after all no one even remembered there was supposed to be a festival until last week. Overall it�s a success and everyone has a good time.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Tuesday September 20th, 2022 12:26:16 PM
"With all this feasting, I may have to change my surname to Chubbystick, as Slenderstick may not be appropriate anymore." Succotash jokes as he yet again stuffs tasty food into his pie hole.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Tuesday September 20th, 2022 3:25:26 PM
Pru enjoys the food and games and yes, even the speech. The poor man worked so hard on it; he deserved to be listened to. When the speech is over, Pru applauds politely and then wanders off in search of cake.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Tuesday September 20th, 2022 7:50:21 PM
Nikolai likes seeing Pru having fun. There was a time when it was hard to get her to realize she could have fun and not worry about what people thought of her. Being shunned as a sorceress at such a young age had a big impact on her, but being in the Mailed Fist, as much against the wish of her parents, was the best thing for her. Having her grow up to be a simple farm girl was all they wanted, but now look, she is having fun.

Nikolai has a go at many of the carnival games. Anything he wins he gives to some less fortunate child, saving the best of what he won, if anything, for Pru.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Tuesday September 20th, 2022 9:21:58 PM

Pressi kind of winces at the amazing kids idea.

"It's just that... I dunno, it still feels like the plan went off the rails a long time ago. This wasn't some grand plan to be a powerful witch, it's just a strange soul gem accident gone wrong, and maybe influenced by my evil parents, and... I guess I worry that it's unnatural.

"And I was willing to put up with that devil's bargain for the safety of this town, but that's passed. Am I really going to be going out there, slinging curses and tracking felons? And what does happen to our kids, am I setting them up to be another generation of arcane thieves? I guess I figured that I could wish it out, just go back to being a monk, back to politics. Or maybe it's just that I still haven't figured out who I am."

She shook her head, embracing Murphy. "I haven't made any decisions yet. I wouldn't without at least bringing it up to you first. Even if it's just so someone will listen."

------------------

After a debriefing of the coven and checking on Bliss and the others, Pressi makes it to yet another celebration.

Most of the time is spent circulating through the town, shaking the hands of citizens and trying some luck at the games, a water bottle at the ready.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Tuesday September 20th, 2022 10:09:26 PM
[u][b]RAYYA!!![b][u]

Tali spends time reuniting with her familiar; Rayya.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil
Tuesday September 20th, 2022 11:20:18 PM
Kezzem attempts to start a dagger tossing contest for the children until someone tells him it's a bad idea.

Murphy Halfling Druid (KimMc) AC 40/T29/F35 HP 219+14/219
Wednesday September 21st, 2022 4:36:53 AM

Murphy joins in the festival with joy, happy to be back among people who were not trying to figure out how to kill him and his friends, or to take over the Wold, or to rearrange vast areas of geography.

The druid applauds the mayor, then asks if he can get up to speak, briefly. Being the son of a well-regarded family, and known to have helped save the community more than once, surely they will allow such.

Murphy's 'brief' speech
"Over ten years ago, at a festival similar to this, a small group of halflings, some from Humble's Ford, as well as other places around our valley, formed a team for the Crescent Valley Competition. They chose to call themselves 'Humble's Sword.' Over the course of a few days, competing against another seven teams, Humble's Sword emerged victorious. I'd also like to point out, competing versus teams from Hovel, Angel Springs, and other spots, our friends - well, now they are our friends," he says with a wink and a nod toward "- the BadApples, also of the Ford, came in second overall after a hard-fought final toe-to-toe with the Sword.

"I was with the group at the that time. Hazel and Alouryn also," he points to his two dear friends, "also were among the first members of the Sword." Alouryn rocks one of her babes in her arms, and Hazel has the other twin.

"Since that time, many have been added to the roster of this adventuring group. I'd love to mention them all - but I know some of you want to get home before dawn, and it's only a couple hours past sundown now. But here we are, the last members of the Sword:

- Pressi Diamond Dust - my multi-talented wife whose skill set I highly appreciate and can barely understand. It's nice to be married to a wife will a skill set, y'know.
- Kezzem, a rogue who became a paladin who smites evil and tells good jokes. At the same time, even!
- Succotash Slenderstick, former paladin, now a notable high priest of Pantheon whose best dinosaur friend is Valerie.
- Lightfooted and lovely Tali, with her owl friend Rayya. Tali knows well how to wall in the enemy with her spells, and is known for her merciful heart, and effective tactics.

"Now, we have always been a halfling group. But after a recent series of related attacks, here as well as in many other locales, two members of the Mailed Fist offered to join up with us on one of our most daunting sets of challenges ever. Let me introduce:

- Prudence Komonov, Mistress of Flames, who helped us enormously as we visited lands of boiling waters and volcanos.
- Nikolai Komonov, tactician extraordinary. We have named them honorary halflings, and late but most needed additions to Humble's Sword.
- and myself, Murphy Leafwin Pipewood a druid.

Good news, good news. This may sound strange, but a city of Fire Giants has pledged friendship to us, and our communities. Can you believe it? Fire Giants? Yet it is true. We saved their pocket plane, prevented cultists from unleashing floods of boiling water over the Valley, and have a solid Treaty.

"We want to thank you, wonderful people of Humble's Ford, for your support and understanding over the years. This has been, as far as I know, our last adventure as Humble's Sword. For now, Pressi and I plan to settle in here. Hazel and Alouryn got a head start over us. Nikolai and Pru have commitments to the Mailed Fist. Our other companions will let you know their plans, their hopes.

"May your crops be abundant, your herds healthy, and the work of your hands be praiseworthy. May your children grow up well, and their children after them. Selah!"

A Long Project for Kids and Families, just in time for the Festivals
Wednesday September 21st, 2022 5:23:43 AM

Samell 'Fingers' Pastna Pipewood - Master Toymaker
Murphy's father has been busy. For the last few years he has been crafting a masterwork - a carousel, a merry-go-round [which has occasionally been discussed in the game]. The disc platform has gears and wheels hidden beneath it. The surface is populated by carved animals and monsters and sedate benches, each of them having one or more places for halflings to sit. There are larger ones, too, capable of carrying biguns like humans and such.

He has fashioned it such that most of the ride novelties can be removed and replaced with other critters. There are two small 'mountains' which have slides starting at the top ten-feet high and winding down to discharge the sliders on to a soft mat at the foot.

It is also quite strong. He tested it with Lomar, the friendly ogre(-mage) who lives with and helps the people of Hovel.

For the festival, though, he has carved ponies, deer, riding dogs, a pair of sheep, and large eagles for childen and adults alike to sit upon. Some of the animals are stationary, going around otherwise in time with the disc. Some ascend and descend - such as a pony going up and down.

It has a roof over it which remains stationary, and mirrors in the center so that riders may look to the side to see themselves. There are many safety features - handles, straps, belts, contours to help keep one properly seated, and the like.

He also has fashioned swing sets of different sizes - smaller ones for the tykes, medium-sized for older children and adults, and a larger one for biguns, or for very bold halflings. Slides - straight ones, spiraling ones. A wooden play fortress for children to climb around and through. Teeter totters. Metal rings in a row to swing from. Ladders and chutes. Also scattered about picnic tables, benches, and other creative places to sit and rest. He brought in help from Angel Springs to have a water fountain, and a few drinking fountains.

They may have to rethink the sand pits. Cats seem to favor them, and mothers do not like their children playing in sand which cats have used.

Samell managed to get all the playground set up just in time for the festival.

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Wednesday September 21st, 2022 9:02:47 AM
Succotash ponders changing his surname to Chubbystick as Slenderstick might not be appropriate anymore.
Pru enjoys the food and games and even the speech. She applauds politely after the speech and wonders off in search of cake.
Nikolai likes seeing Pru have fun reflecting on her past and how her time in the Fist benefited her. He plays the games winning some things for the local children and something special for Pru.
Pressi is still trying to sort everything out and what she wants to do moving forward. She tells Murphy she hasn�t made any decisions yet but she will tell him if only to have someone listen to her. During the celebration she circulates though the town trying her hand at some of the games.
Tali spends her time reuniting with Rayya
Kezzem attempts to start a children�s dagger tossing competition until someone tells him it is a bad idea.
Murphy gives a speech about the party, their history, and recent events. His dad reveals a playground he has been working on for years.

The adults like the speech well enough. Some are surprised at the history lesson, either because they forgot over the long years or moved here since then. The deal with the giants gets a lot of surprised mutters and cheers, with some hoping that means that they won�t be attacked so much. The children of course ignore the speech and anxiously await a chance to go back to their games and their new carousel, which is a huge hit.

The festivities are grand, but end soon enough. The day after they end feels different somehow, as if it�s more than a regular dawn but a dawn of new beginnings. It also heralds an unexpected visitor. An ancient looking halfling comes by and knocks on the door. �McGregor Headwise. Here to see Mr. Murphy. I understand he�s been looking for me on and off.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Wednesday September 21st, 2022 12:52:57 PM
Succotash is happy to sleep in his own bed, and in the morning he eats a light breakfast. He has many thoughts going through his head, but most pressing is what is he going to do with the rest of his life. He has spent his whole adult life moving from one adventure to the next, always trying to fight for the causes of good in the Wold. Now it seems that part of his life is winding down. He decides to talk to Tali and ask her what she plans to do. He remembers that when they first met she mentioned a desire to find a link to her past, and he feels that it would be a worthy goal to help his friend learn something about her family, and where she came from.

Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 27; HP 193/276; DR 5/evil
Wednesday September 21st, 2022 7:02:12 PM
Kezzem talks to the mayor (Hobie's uncle?) about two things he would like to see to as he retires from adventuring. The first is he wishes to officially change his name to Kezzem Humblesword. The second is he wants to start a center for the wayward youths in Humble's Ford.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Wednesday September 21st, 2022 8:11:43 PM

Pressi greeted McGregor just as she was about to leave. She called up to Murphy about his visitor.

Curious herself as to what the wise old one might have to say, she sticks around for a bit longer.

Eventually, though, she begins to make her way around the town, getting reacquainted in her retirement and considering becoming a leader herself. So she stops off at town hall, visits the second dinner club, walks through the parks.

Having already said goodbye to Pru and Nick, she checks on them once more just to make sure they are settled on their brief visit here.

Finally, she makes her way to Succotash. "I just wanted to say that it was good to know that you always had my back. You came just around of my change, waddling around with that pig, having more patience in creatures than I have. I always looked to you for courage and for wisdom. And I don't know what happens now, but I wanted to let you know how much you meant to me, not just to the team."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Wednesday September 21st, 2022 9:48:48 PM
Pru looks at Nikolai. "We should go," she says. "Our future isn't here; it's at the Citadel. This has been fun, but we need to get back."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Wednesday September 21st, 2022 10:09:42 PM
[u][b]Talia[b][u]

Seems Tali now understands why she is so different from the others. Tali hovers around the compound visiting with his companions & asking about the festival she apparently missed.

Murphy Halfling Druid (Kim McCoy)
Wednesday September 21st, 2022 11:58:04 PM

When Pressi fetches him to tell him that McGregor Headwise is here to see him, Murphy's heart skips a beat for joy. The wisest halfling in Humble's Ford has come for a visit!

This morning Murphy is not dressed in his adventuring garb, but rather in what he grew up wearing in the style of both his father and his beloved Uncle Orby - cream-colored linen coveralls, a comfortable soft teal shirt underneath, feet bare.

"Mc... McGregor Headwise?? Well, I'll be! Thank you so much to coming to visit! Say, Alouryn just made us some tea. Care for some?" He is glad Pressi is with them. After they have been seated, and as the tea is on its way, the tow-headed halfling sighs. "Oh, so many times have I wanted to meet with you, to hear your counsel. Rarely I would see you about the town, but myself was on some urgent errand. Forgive me, please, for not being more diligent in seeking your company." The tea arrives, served by the graceful and gracious cleric of Flower, Alouryn. After ensuring that people's tea is properly creamed, sugared, honeyed, lemoned, according to the preferences of each, she takes her leave, after giving a curtsy to the aged visitor.

"To what do we owe this honor, Mister Headwise? How might I serve you?" Murphy asks.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday September 22nd, 2022 12:56:02 AM
I agree. We came here because of the murders. Now that that is solved and resolved, it is time to get back to running the Citadel. We should get the Humble's Sword members together for a sweet short goodby then be on our way."

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Thursday September 22nd, 2022 1:03:52 AM
"Thanks Pressi, you are a valuable friend to me as well. One of my greatest honors was officiating your's and Murphy's wedding."

Murphy Halfling Druid (Kim McCoy)
Thursday September 22nd, 2022 2:24:05 AM

When it appears that the Mailed Fist representatives are preparing to depart, Murphy asks Pressi to join him and helps to gather the rest of the gang. Once together, he says to them, "Nikolai, Prudence, may heaven bless you for coming to our aid when you did. I do not know how we might have prevailed as we did without your contributions.

"I think I may spend a bit more time studying the law, Nik. You have inspired me." He takes the time to find out how he might reach them down the road.

He asks them their plans, if they care to disclose. Finally, he reminds them, "You always have a place with us, friends. Come and visit whenever you please. Also, from one married couple to another - may heaven bless you with strong, wise, and beautiful bairns."
=======
"Thank you for helping to get us married, Succotash! And for so many, many other things. Your courage, diplomacy, and judicious use of positive energy are among the things which I admire, and for which I am grateful."

He adds, "I'd be up for working with you and Tali to try to find her family roots." He thinks a moment, then asks Pressi, "Say, is that something you might do with your current capabilities? Use your abilities to learn about another through - whatever it is you do? Do you suppose that could help in her quest?"
=======
Murphy catches Tali on anything she might have missed. [OOC: But J-P will have to read all the recent posts so that Tali might know :-)] He chats with her about her plans.
=======
"Kezzem Humblesword, eh? I like it. I could get behind what you have in mind in working with the wayward. Maybe the BadApples, who have grown up some, might lend a hand. I know that for all her hard shell, Candy BadApple has a heart for orphans, and her sister, Crystal, a follower of Flower, is one of the kindest and sweetest people I know. Say, if you've a mind to get married one of these days, it would hard to be better than Crystal," he teases the paladin. He adds, "She and Alouryn are good friends, by the way. And you know that Hazel lucked out."
[OOC: Constable Roscoe Hornblower is Hobie's cousin. The mayor is a relative of an Alouryn Buttercup Bumblebottom, married to Hazel, both of whom were original members of the Sword.]

DM Mitch The final Battle Map
Thursday September 22nd, 2022 8:23:13 AM
Succotash is happy to sleep in his own bed. He has many ideas about what to do next and resolves to talk to Tali to ask what she intends to do considering when they first met in what seemed like eons ago she spoke about finding a link to her past, considering it a worthy goal to help his friend learn more about where she game from.
Kezzem decides to see the mayor who just happens to be Hobie�s uncle about officially changing his name to Kezzem Humblesword and opening a center for wayward youths in Humble�s Ford.
Pressi greets McGregor as she was about to leave but decides to stay a bit longer before making her way around town considering retirement and becoming a leader. She checks in on Pru and Nikolai once more before saying some meaningful words to Succotash.
Pru tells Nikolai that they should go considering their future is at the Citadel, not in Humble�s Ford as their honeymoon has been fun but they need to get back.
Tali understands why she is different from her companions as she hovers around and asks about the festival she missed.
Murphy woke up and dressed himself not in adventuring garb this day but in the style he grew up in that of his father and beloved uncle. He makes sure Master McGregor�s tea is properly prepared and then asks to what he owes this honor. He has advice for Kezzem and words for several other members of the party.
Nikolai agrees that they should be headed back to the citadel considering they came to investigate and solve murders and that business has been resolved. He figures they should get with the Sword one last time to say goodbye though.

Succotash tells Pressi that she was a valuable friend as well and one of his greatest honors was officiating her wedding.

Kezzem seeks out the Mayor to make his suggestion. The mayor is mildly amused at the name change and discusses his new project with him while they do so. �It�s certainly an interesting idea, and with the weight of a famous hero behind it I�m sure it�ll get all the support it needs. Do you plan on trying to run it on your own or do you have others in mind who might help?�

Meanwhile at home McGregor thanks the group for the tea and sips it thoughtfully before nodding his approval. Murphy�s apology makes him grin. �No son, the apology to be made is mine. I�m afraid I�ve been actively avoiding your entire group for a decade. I think with good reason though, and I owe you an explanation in addition to the apology.

You see several decades ago, before your time, I was much younger and less wise, though still considered among the wisest in town. At the time some troubles arose, and a group of folks took up adventuring to solve them. They were clever and tenacious, but often came to me for advice on how best to proceed. I was proud to help them in what small ways I could and they solve many problems.

Unfortunately I was not wise enough to see that I was becoming their crutch. When faced with difficulty, rather than relying on their own experience and knowledge they turned to me, and although I gave them the best advice I could I have never been an adventurer. Inevitably they came to me one day with incomplete information and assumptions and my own distance from the problem prevented me from realizing it. I gave my best advice and it got several of them killed.

Everyone was devastated. Among some adventuring groups they manage to appeal to Gargul to return their lost members, but in this case such appeals failed. The group fell apart and many left the area. Theadric�s the only one still around, and though he never blamed me I always blamed myself. I swore if another group ever got started I wouldn�t make the same mistake. I�d let them learn to rely on themselves, rather than an old wiseman that knew nothing of adventuring and could only provide bad advice.�

He drinks his tea some more. �So that is why I�ve been avolding you. I didn�t want to risk you insisting on asking for my advice, to many can�t take no for an answer, nor would I risk giving it. But now, by my guess, you�ve had your grandest adventure yet and things will wind down from here. I can, perhaps, explain myself and maybe we can exchange wisdom between an old man and you old hands in the future.�

At some point during the day Nikolai and Prudence gather everyone to say their goodbyes before they head out.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Thursday September 22nd, 2022 12:48:56 PM
Succotash listens to McGregor"s words and says, "Your words make sense, but I have to say, based on the groups track record, I don't think it would have been a problem. Though things seemed to work out in the end, We had a history of rejecting wisdom, and instead of listening to sound advice, doing things our own way."

As Pru and Nik prepare to leave, Succotash gives each of them a good long hug. "We haven't known each other long, but You two have found a permanent place in my heart. If you ever need a travel cleric and his dino friend, don't hesitate to look me up!"

Finally he approaches Tali and says, "When you first joined our group, you had mentioned you didn't know your past, Maybe Pressi can help, but I have decided that if you are going to seek some answers, I would like to join you. If Pressi can't give us a starting point, perhaps the great library at the floating city may be a good place to start."

Kezzem Humblesword (BrianW)
Thursday September 22nd, 2022 6:53:26 PM
"Ah, yeah, I should probably get a business manger or something," says Kezzem Humblesword. "Being organized is not my strength. But I do have a name: 'The Kezzem Humblesword Center for Kids Who Can't Rogue Good and Want to Learn to Do Other Stuff Good Too.'"

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Thursday September 22nd, 2022 8:15:07 PM
[u][b]The Farewells[b][u]

Tali makes sure she doesn't miss the departures of Sir Nikolai & Lady Prudence. She hugs them both and wishes them a safe journey home.

Turning to Sir Succotash, Tali says, "That would be swell..."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Thursday September 22nd, 2022 9:38:27 PM

Pressi's normal sharp wit seems to be absent as McGregor gives his excuse. "Well, you're here now for what we truly sought you out for. To get to know you, and your organization."

Later, she would pull McGregor aside, tell him that she was planning to get rid of the woldsblood within her. Except...

"How did you deal with it?" she finally asked. "The being apart, the failure, the doubt. The question of whether maybe you were destined for something else. How did you keep going?"

(I'd be more into otherwise picking his brain but I don't remember why Murphy in particular kept reaching out.)

------------------

At any event, removing those spells would have to wait, as Succotash pointed out that she could help track Tali's identity. "I... I can give you some assistance, sure. A few spells, some of my own research, maybe the coven sees something...."

A little voice told her that starting a family and political career might have to wait. These kinds of things don't end with a divination and a trip to the library.

But after all....

Pulling Tali aside, "You know, I don't exactly have a great history of getting along with female spellcasters. And maybe it's that I met you at a time I was starting to cast myself. But also, I think it was always your nature and levity, a reminder that I didn't always have to just brood or have the world on my shoulders. It's been good having someone to spellcast with, and to just hang out. So of course I will help you in any way I can. You mean the world to me."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday September 23rd, 2022 12:28:35 AM
Nikolai hugs everyone (that hugs him, at least) and thanks everyone for their openness in accepting non-halflings into their unique 'gang'. "It has been an honor to work with Humbles Sword. I know I had some harsh words here and there but don't take it personal. Military training helps a recruit take harsh words and turn them into a learning experience because the recruit knows his commander would rather have him learn and live than not say anything and he not learn and die. As far as Law and Contracts go, you are more than welcome to become a temporary Mailed Fist Recruit to study the Contracts branch of our organization at no charge. It is a year-long course though." he grins.

Murphy Halfling Druid (Kim McCoy)
Friday September 23rd, 2022 12:46:36 AM

Murphy Bumblebee listens to the wise old halfling. "We talked with Theadric a few times. Once he tried to get us to pull out of the Crescent Valley Games with a report that the biguns were about to overrun Humble's Ford. He seemed very ernest, but elements of what he said did not seem quite to fall fully into place, and we think someone might have been trying to use him against us, without him quite realizing so. However, Theadric was correct in a larger sense. A few ogre mages were hiring other biguns, as well as some halflings and small goblinoids, to come against the Valley. High priestess Sarabella Lovesong was assassinated by a group of thugs paid by Idafeatu, an ogre mage who was living up at the old Parley House in the Red Hills. We heard verification from his own lips of that, and when he tried to kill us, we took him down. He almost killed my cat, too."

He is glad that Succotash has also joined in the conversation. He grins at the cleric's evaluation.

To McGregor, he says, "Thank you for explaining yourself. It sounds like the grief of their loss has haunted you for some time." He thinks for a moment. "One time, some local bullies were giving me a bad time. My mother gave me counsel that might have worked well were I a girl, but it did not quite work as she thought it would, since I was a boy, and sometimes the rules are different. Heeding her that time made me think on later occasions that I needed to understand even one's beloved parents can sometimes not see things so clearly in every instance. Really, I can't think of another time that listening to her did not turn out well. She loved me, it was so easy to forgive her that one situational lack of insight, and I've never held it against her. We are mortal, all of us have blind spots.

"If anything, as they knew your heart for them, and love and care of them, how could they hold against you a lack of omniscience? Perhaps the Jericho, or, if there is One even above him, has perfect insight, foresight, and understanding. How can we who live mere scores of years match that level of knowledge and wisdom? I am no cleric, not one who can give absolution. Yet, I imagine, were the greatest and wisest of immortals to answer you, as you acknowledged what happened, and truly meant no harm, that One, or those ones, might say, 'You have repented. You have learned. You have changed. Those things are marks of wisdom. You are forgiven, McGregor Headwise.'" He shrugs his shoulders. "Yet, what do I know?"

He has another cup of tea, and takes from the plate of biscuits that Alouryn left us earlier. "I do have some ideas to come up with some specialized agricultural spells to help augment and target the verdant fertility of the Valley. Yet I want also to ensure that such are used judiciously. Perhaps we can discuss that topic at a later time."

Murphy's ears are open for anything further this paragon might have to say. As the conversation winds down, he suggests, "Perhaps we can meet from time to time now that we are looking to settle down." He looks over to his wife, and says, "I sense that Pressi may have a thing or two to chat with you about, Mister Headwise. I promised my friend, Kade, to go on an underground tour of the fungi he has been growing just north of here, if you'd be so kind as to excuse me. But before I leave, think this over. We would be happy to serve you any way you might need. Simply let us know." He gives a polite bow to their most welcome guest as he exits the room on his next errand.

Murphy Halfling Druid (Kim McCoy)
Friday September 23rd, 2022 1:11:27 AM

Murphy gives Nikolai and Pru hugs. "Nik, 'as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another,' said some wise fellow long ago. You helped to make us sharper. I would rather receive a correctional blow from a faithful friend than flattering praise from a perverse enemy any day."

As news of the opportunity to study Law and Contracts is brought up, Murphy's ears perk up. "Really? I could do that?" He thinks a moment. "I'll bet you ten pushups I could get through the readings in six months or less, once I start! If it's all lecture, though, well, I can only listen as fast as people speak, so no bets on that side of the course. There are a few other tasks I must attend to before I would be able to take you up on that - and I'll need to see what Pressi might think about me taking the time for it. But I take seriously your kind offer!"

As a going away present, he gives them a large basket with flowers. "It has six pockets, like a handy haversack, or Bill's pants o' plenty, each filled with different foods, separately wrapped and labeled. I had Kade put together a dozen types of some of our best fungi, mushrooms, y'know. Also there are five different cheeses from Crescent Valley. There are several bread surprises. A few bottles of wine, and of Brock's Best Beer. And here," he indicates, pulling out a parchment scroll, "is a list of everything within the basket, and how to pair with various complementary foods, drinks, whether with or without alcohol, and recipes. We never gave you a wedding present, you two. So, well, here! Thanks for spending your honeymoon with us! Now, when you can, go and have a real honeymoon!"

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Friday September 23rd, 2022 12:55:29 PM
Pru likewise hugs everyone goodbye, and returns the farewells. When they are ready, she takes Nikolai's hand and teleports away.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Friday September 23rd, 2022 9:31:52 PM

Pressi chuckles at the thought of Murphy going through contracts. "I thought we were clearly on the side of chaos."

She thinks a little more before they leave. "We did learn a lot from you. And who knows, maybe you learned a little bit from us, as well. If you ever need a couple of pains in the rear who can ride the wave of chaos, or just some extra spells and muscle, we'd be glad to return the favor."

---------------------

Pressi took some time to pull Kezzem aside. "Wow, so, underprivileged youth. I can't even be near the teenager at the theater without breaking out into hives." She breathed. "I think it's wonderful that you're doing that, and I think it'll bring you a lot of happiness.

"I've been telling everyone in town how much they meant to me, but you've known me far longer than when I even considered being a hero. When I was lost in the woods, you were the one beside me, making me laugh, bringing me luck... and watching out for me. You weren't just my friend, you were always my brother. And I sometimes took that for granted but I never forgot how much you meant to me."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Friday September 23rd, 2022 9:47:18 PM
Tali continues to wave long after her newly met friends, teleport away.

Tali thinks to herself, "Wow, retirement is just around the corner!"...

DM Mitch
Saturday September 24th, 2022 8:22:00 AM
Succotash tells McGregor his reasoning makes sense but it might not have mattered with their group who had a history of rejecting wisdom and doing things their own way. When Nikolai and Pru prepare to go he says the two of them have found a permanent place in his heart and if they ever need a travel cleric with a dino friend don�t hesitate to look them up. He also agrees to help Tali suggesting maybe Pressi can give them a starting point or failing that the great library at the Float might be a good place to start.
Kezzem tells the mayor he should probably get a business manager or something as organization was never his strong suit. He also reveals the name of his new project as 'The Kezzem Humblesword Center for Kids Who Can't Rogue Good and Want to Learn to Do Other Stuff Good Too.'

Tali makes sure she doesn�t miss the departure of Nikolai and Pru and hugs them both wishing them a safe journey home. She tells Succotash that having his help would be swell.

Pressi spares McGregor her sharp wit and says he�s here now so they can get to know him and his organization. She then pulls him aside and tells him of her plan to get rid of her Woldsblood fueled powers and asks him how he dealt with the failure, the doubt, and the question of wondering if he were meant for something else. However those plans would have to wait as she agrees to help Succotash and Tali in their endeavor revealing to Tali that it was good to have her share in those experiences and that she would help Tali in anyway considering Tali was one of the few female spellcasters Pressi gelled with.
Nikolai returns hugs, talks about harsh words and learning experiences, and tells Murphy he can come study contract law anytime.
Murphy talks about being haunted by old mistakes, a childhood incident, and future visits from McGregor. He says goodbye to Nikolai, gives them a parting gift, and says he looks forward to law lessons.
Pru also gives hugs all around.
Pressi comments that she thought they were clearly on the side of chaos. She pulls Kezzem aside for a talk.
Tali waves a long time and reflects on retirement.

Upon hearing of Kezzem�s new project George takes some time from his busy schedule at Humble�s Sword Sanctuary to build a tiny scale model of what George envisions the The Kezzem Humblesword Center for Kids Who Can't Rogue Good and Want to Learn to Do Other Stuff Good Too.' and presents it to the paladin. The model is a building with a plaque that reads the name of the building over the doors. And on top of the building itself is a stylized set of thieves tools.

McGregor chuckles as Murphy tells his story about his mom. �Oh I forgave myself a long time ago. I�m old and wise after all, but I couldn�t really call myself Wise Old McGregor if I didn�t learn from my mistakes and seek not to repeat them. I took a measure of your group when you first started during the contest and I knew you�d turn into something special. I just had to stay away long enough for you to learn to stand on your own. I considered having this conversation years ago, but I admit by that point the game of keep away amused me so I kept it up. Now though I�d be happy to come enjoy more of this wonderful tea� He arranged for future tea dates before taking his leave.

Pru and Nikolai say their good byes and return home to the citadel. Things have started to change a little in the pair�s absence as they are maybe a league out from the fortress when a pair of hawks land nearby and reveal themselves to actually be Anna Morphling and another Fist member that Nikolai and Pru aren�t familiar with.

Anna says to Nikolai and Pru, �I�ve started recruiting and training my own squad. This is Dharby. He�s a druid and the first member of my land, sea, air operation / stealth recon unit. Tinker, Michael, Sigvar and Trayvin will all be happy to see you. The citadel seemed a lot emptier with the two of you and Pompous gone. Of course I don�t think he�ll be back as his family business seemed rather urgent. So how was your honeymoon? Did anything eventful happen? Seems like you guys have been gone quite a while.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Monday September 26th, 2022 1:06:46 PM
After Pru an Nik leave, Succotash gathers his friends together.

"As you know, when Tali joined us, she mention a lack of knowledge of her past. I have decided to help her try to find some understanding as to who her people are, and where she came from. Pressi has graciously offered to try to cast some spells, in hopes of giving Tali and I some direction to begin our search. If that fails, I suggested we head to the float and begin our search there, at the great library. It seems, I'm not cut out for a stationary life. Even in retirement, I feel the need to be out doing something, as I fear just sitting around growing old will send me to an early grave. Once we find the answers to Tali's questions, maybe I will finally be able to settle down, but my mind won't let me rest if there is an enigma that needs solving.

Tali is dear to all of us, and I'm sure you all understand why I desire to help her, and I'm sure you would join us if you didn't already have such noble plans. Press and Muph, you two need to take the time to really explore what married life has to offer, and Kezzem, your school is such a noble idea, to put it on hold would be tragic. Also Kezzem, I could be wrong in this, But I swear I saw a spark between you and Candy Badapple. Maybe you may want to look into changing her last name to Humblesword.

Anyway, Pressi could you cast your spells? I would like to begin our search."

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Monday September 26th, 2022 4:12:37 PM
Before casting spells, Pressi consults with the gods as to whether she�d get any answers.

Kezzem Humblesword (BrianW)
Monday September 26th, 2022 5:16:11 PM
"That's impressive and all that you made that so fast," says Kezzem, "But if I might make one suggestion, maybe make the real school a bit bigger maybe? It needs to be at least 20% larger."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Monday September 26th, 2022 9:39:03 PM
[u][b]To The Next Great Adventure![b][u]

Tali gathers her stuff and brings Rayya this time. "You know friend, you really need to get out more often! Wanna take an awesome adventure?" Tali asks her familiar by way of the telepathic link shared between the master and familiar. Rayya nods and then yawns. Tali looks sternly a Rayya retorting telepathically, Don't you know that action is contagious?" Tali yawns in Rayya's direction.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Monday September 26th, 2022 10:03:43 PM
"Anna!" Pru exclaims. "It's good to see you again. Yes, the honeymoon turned out to be quite eventful, but it's a tale best told over drinks at the Last Assignment."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Monday September 26th, 2022 11:03:25 PM
"Great to see you, Anna, and Dharby. Honeymoon took a detour. I'll have a full report ready in a day or two, but I'm sure it will sound dry and boring after rounds of drinks at the Last Assignment. Then, if nothing pressing is going on, we'll try our honeymoon again, right, Pru?" Nikolai grins.

Murphy Halfling Druid (Kim McCoy)
Monday September 26th, 2022 11:48:31 PM

Time with Pressi
"Take your time, love, in the decisions you take. I loved you as a monk, rogue, spellcaster, blood witch, and always as my dear friend, and now companion for life. I shall always choose to keep on loving you. If we ever become old and doddering, I shall still love you in a doddering fashion, and hold your hand, and give you kisses. Forgive me if I ever reach the point where I slobber as I do so," he teases.

"If, perhaps, we have children, naming them, raising them, and watching them win, lose, draw, make mistakes, do some good, and even become parents themselves - let us stand together, doing what we can to help shape their lives when it is our time to do so, and release them to the Wold when that time arrives." He pauses, then asks, "All right, quiz time: How many words were in that last sentence?"

Murphy Halfling Druid (Kim McCoy)
Tuesday September 27th, 2022 4:06:09 AM

Already Murphy has offered several times to join in helping Tali delve into her family background. He reminds people of the married couple outside of Hovel who had sensed some aspects of her bloodline.

DM Mitch
Tuesday September 27th, 2022 6:23:11 AM
Succotash tells the others about his yen to help Tali discover the truth of her past and that Pressi has graciously agreed to help with some spells. If that doesn�t give them a place to start their first stop will be the Float to check out its library. He also tells the others he�d ask them to join them but they already seemingly have other already noble plans.
Pressi consults with the Gods before casting the spells to determine if she�d get answers.
Kezzem tells George what he created is impressive but he should maybe make the real school at least 20% bigger.
Tali collects Rayya this time and tells her they are going on an adventure.
Murphy tells Pressi to take her time and that he will love her no matter what even if older in a doddering fashion. He also suggests that if they should have children raising them and then releasing them to the Wold when the time is right will keep them occupied and then administers a sort-of cognitive test. He reminds the party of a clue they once found.

Pressi�s inquiries to the gods are mixed. They seem to indicate that her spells will give answers, but whether those answers will let Tali answer her questions is unclear.

George responds to Kezzem, �What did you think this was a school for ants? Of course the actual structure will be bigger. Related question; are you expecting to potentially be taking in bigun� children too at some point or will your school be exclusively halfling? If the former it will obviously need to be even bigger than 20%.�

Meanwhile Near the Citadel�
Pru tells Anna it is good to see her and then suggests the tale of the honeymoon is best told over drinks at the last assignment
Nikolai explains their honeymoon took a detour and that they�ll tell them about it over drinks at the last assignment with a full report ready in a day or two. After that if nothing pressing is going on they�ll probably retry their honeymoon again.

Anna says to Pru, �In that case then to the Last Assignment.�
Anna says to Nikolai, �Well I do so want you two to be happy dear friends, but I�m sad to hear you�ll be leaving again so soon after you just got back.�

Anna, Dharby, Nikolai and Pru all return to the citadel. She shows them to their quarters, �We kept them the way you had them when you last here. As you can see nothing is distrubed.�

After they�ve been given a chance to get the road dust cleared everyone heads down to the Last Assignment where they are joined by Michael, Trayvin, Tinker and Sigvar who like Anna are all overjoyed to see the pair once again.

Word has spread fast through the citadel of the return of the two Knights Commander Emeriti and so the bar is more crowded than usual as other Mailed Fist folk are interested to hear the most recent story of the last adventure for two members of the Agents of The Fist.

Despite all this no one wants to be the poor sop who was responsible for the delay of serving the Knight Commanders so everyone is quick to not be in the way of their leaders� night out.

Kezzem Humblesword (BrianW)
Tuesday September 27th, 2022 10:54:31 AM
"I mean, yes, my aunts are short, but they are not they are not THAT short. I wasn't planning on having biggies, but I guess I should exclude them. So make it 30% or 40% bigger I guess? Or whatever. I don't know how percents work."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Tuesday September 27th, 2022 5:51:53 PM
"Well, there was this group of halfling adventurers," Pru begins. "And there were these giants..."

She begins the tale, at some point stopping and handing it off to Nikolai.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Tuesday September 27th, 2022 9:07:17 PM
Succotash walks to hear the results of Pressi's conversation.

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Tuesday September 27th, 2022 9:39:20 PM
To The Next Great Adventure!

Tali awaits Pressi's findings before deciding where to start. Rayya stays close to Tali, currently standing on her right shoulder.

Murphy Halfling Druid (Kim McCoy)
Wednesday September 28th, 2022 5:19:18 AM
Notes regarding Talia

Talia's first post was Sunday, July 8th, 2018. Within the first few days of posting she asks about genealogists and historians, and lets on that she'd like to learn of her family background. Conversation on the topic, with some insights, continues through about July 16, 2018.

Talia's Identity Crisis
Murphy laughs at Bliss's compliment to his family tree knowledge. "No, I think the most knowledgeable about Crescent Valley families honor goes to Mildred Treeleaf Softbelly of Angel Springs. And old Farley Applebarrel and his wife Lois over in Hovel are a close second as a pair, and my brother Kendry in the top ten. Did you know they have genealogical knowledge contests once in a while here in the valley? I'm maybe in the top thirty or thereabouts. For other aspects of history, there are several people who have their specialties. My Aunt Marigold is no slouch in the history department - and she has a thing or two in common with Bliss and Pressi and their covens. By the way, I tell you that as I trust each of you - but she does not want that spread for general consumption. She's in Hovel. By the way, she can be sweet as pie, and fierce as a dire wolf, so mind your step with her. Since Hovel is closer, Talia, how about if you and I and whoever else would like to immerse themselves in relational minutae head to Hovel for a day or two? Might be able to find out a little bit - but no guarantees. Oh, and Mungo Hardbottle in Angel Springs has some family history books in his stacks. I think he has a thing for sorcerers, too, but I might be mistaken. That is, Kendry might be mistaken, as he is the one who told me that.

There is some dense posting over that week, but meeting with Farley and Lois do reveal some leads...

DM Mitch
Wednesday September 28th, 2022 7:59:27 AM
Kezzem says his aunts are short but they are not THAT short and then says he wasn�t planning on having Biggies but he didn�t want to be exclusive so it needs to be bigger but he confesses he doesn�t know how percentages work.
Succotash waits to hear the results of Pressi�s conversation.
Tali also waits to hear Pressi�s results with Rayya perched on her shoulder.
Murphy thinks back and gathers all the leads they�ve had before.

Clues are gathered, spells are cast, and discussions are had. Unfortunately no clear answers are gotten. There are many strong possibilities, and divination hints the answers lie outside the valley, but it will likely take a lot of legwork and possibly a bit of adventuring to actually get the answer.

Kezzem�s plans are adjusted to account for possible biggun attendees and final details are agreed on.

Meanwhile back at the citadel�
Pru begins to tell the tail of their latest adventure ready to hand it off to Nikolai at some point.

Anna says, �Those halflings sound like quite the eclectic bunch, though it sounds like some of them could have used some discipline. Any chance any of them might want to enlist?�

The other knights commanders fill in Nikolai and Pru of what has transpired at the citadel in the couple�s absence. The stories are not as exciting as Pru and Nikolais. The most eventful thing is the recruitment of Dharby giving Anna someone she can go on long wild shape patrols with of course Dharby needs to sleep so Anna still has a portion of her day where it is just her since she is a plant kin and can forgo sleep with sunlight.

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Wednesday September 28th, 2022 11:31:18 AM
"Well Tali, would you like to check in with Murph's aunt, or head to the float?"

***Attention DMs Jon Paul and I have discussed this via email previously, and unless he has changed his mind since, we weren't necessarily looking to answers Tali's questions, but more or less, thought it would be fun to have Tali and Succotash riding off into the sunset, on a new adventure.***

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Wednesday September 28th, 2022 2:10:29 PM
"No," says Pru. "I doubt any would want to enlist. I think most of them plan to retire and stay in Humble's Ford."

Murphy Halfling Druid (Kim McCoy)
Wednesday September 28th, 2022 4:06:01 PM

[OOC: And, considering that Succotash was originally flat smitten with Talia (her name back then), it would not be surprising to see them riding through a series of sunsets together. Title a novel: "The Cleric and the Sorceress"]

Kezzem Humblesword (BrianW)
Wednesday September 28th, 2022 7:31:31 PM
Kezzem tries to enlist the Bad Apples as mentors for his new center.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Wednesday September 28th, 2022 8:18:54 PM
OOC: sorry to have missed the post yesterday. We had to make that hard decision all pet owners have to do at some point. The house seems a bit empty today.

IC: Nikolai takes up the tale from the Pocket Realm and goes through the battle with the Fire Giants and stops with their deal with the Fire Giant Head Priest and hands it back over to Pru.

"We might see one halfling, Murphy, pay a visit to study Contracts and Law. But, other than that, they've got their hands full over there where they are as is."

Tali (JonPaul) AC:42 (T:38, FF:36), CMD:, Saves:(F:20/R:22/W:25), HP:135/135
Wednesday September 28th, 2022 8:42:16 PM
Tali and Succotash riding/hovering off into the sunset, on a new adventure

OOC: Our condolences for your family's loss.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Wednesday September 28th, 2022 9:02:31 PM

Pressi updates Tali with whatever notes she can gather, which isn't much. She can give some connections but she admits that she's done the rootless hero for long enough. All that chasing of glory, but what she really wanted was to just be home.

Much of the rest of her time the next couple of days involves catching up with old friends she adventured with. Shel, Alleah, Bliss, Hobie. The various people in the covens, in the mayor's office, in the varied bars. The couple of sisters that had made their way to Humble's Ford. Hazel and Alroun in the Flower Temple.

It isn't long before she starts asking questions, starts thinking of where to start running her first campaign. It is after she went up a mountain with some wish diamonds, but any questions as to whether she removed her magic is simply met with a smile.

She does make plans of her own, discussing returning to Angel Springs with Murphy. And, maybe, continuing Bliss' dream of another home for halflings, another colony.

At last, she finally sits down next to Murphy in a moment of privacy. She reminisces about the time they first met, the time she joined the group. The struggles, the great moments, the times when he was her rock, the times when he let her show her emotion. Of all the things that he gave her.

And of how much she was willing to share the next chapter of her life, that was coming sooner than he thought.

With another moment of sipping water instead of any alcohol, she cleared her throat. "So the doctor confirmed something that I already had divined. About those amazing kids that you keep bringing up...."

(OOC: I'll probably continue to make small posts depending on how much longer the DM wants to run this, but I'm planning that tomorrow's post will probably end her plotline.)

Murphy Halfling Druid (Kim McCoy)
Thursday September 29th, 2022 4:44:26 AM
Pressi further endears herself to Murphy by setting aside time to remember their history together. He smiles, nods, and listens, and adds here and there to the reminiscence. Then, at her last bit of news, he erupts in joy, taking her by her hands and dancing in a circle, then embracing her in a squeezingly snug hug. "We're parents! Mama and Papa! Papa and Mama!"

After a few minutes of celebration, he takes a few deep breaths, and says, "Let me know when we can tell others. I mean, after a bit some will start figuring it out but... Pressi!" He kisses her in joy, then kisses her stomach. "Hi baby!" He then looks up. "Babies?"

Murphy Halfling Druid (Kim McCoy)
Thursday September 29th, 2022 4:50:52 AM

Besides the joys of preparing for fatherhood, and setting up a nursery, and getting advice from his folks, and his siblings who are bringing up Murphy's nieces and nephews... there are many other projects he has in mind. None of greater personal import than what Pressi just told him, though. "Say, what do you think about seeing if we can visit the Birthing Tree in the Culverwood at the right time? It's kind of a family tradition."

Nonetheless, here is a short list (Note: This definitely goes longer than generally allowed for post length):

� Humble's Ford tunnel design and construction, working out details with leaders, businesses, and citizenry.
� Subterranean development of the Sanctuary of Humble's Sword, coordinating with our dwarf fungi expert
� Development of the buildings and features at the Sanctuary. Develop a great children's playground there. Also, make a site on the grounds for good training and obstacle courses. Perhaps the Sanctuary can have an area set aside within as a local outpost for the WLA.
� Meeting about once a fortnight with McGregor Headwise, and gradually inviting other luminaries of the village to regular get-togethers to consider community matters
� Plan and plot with Pressi on her political aspirations. Perhaps, down the road, he'll get more involved on the political leadership side of things, too. At the very least do what he can to maintain good relations with members of the political structure.
� Take the journals he has assembled down through the years of adventuring, and develop a novel based upon it. Write some short stories, parables, a few children's books, a small collection of poetry and song
� Occasionally wildshape and join with the air elementals in playing music at the tall white spire put up a few years ago.
� Help out Kezzem from time to time at his place for youth development
� Wildshape to wind dance with the air elementals at the White Spire we erected a few years back. Wildshape into other elemental forms from time to time, and into animals, birds, dinosaurs, plants, etc. for various occasions and purposes.
� Visit the moon called Kerracles to take advantage of the libraries up there, and meet with the ant people to ensure they are doing all right, and are adhering to the agreement they made with Humble's Sword. He wants to spend a few weeks every year getting to know more and more about the moon.
� Also visit the moon Wardd, get to know it.
� Study astronomy
� Keep up with what the Second Dinner Club is up to. Research and document the Giant Towers' defenses.
� Help further develop and maintain defenses for Humble's Ford and Crescent Valley.
� After a few years, start helping out in teaching at the local school.
� Develop an extensive library.
� Since Pressi would like to spend time in Angel Springs, Murphy makes sure to establish a home for them there. Of course, there is the family business - Winwood Music and Toys. Leska and Nalfein are not the only family members working there now. They've been training up a few nieces and nephews to help them out.
� Help lay the groundwork with his family to establish a Winwood Music and Toys store in Plateau City
� Study Teucri history and artifacts.
� Visit their storm giant friends.
� Visit others they have met in the course of their adventures.
� As their family grows, take a regular, daily role in helping in the formation of their children. Teaching, playing, giving them lots of experiences, teaching them a few different languages, and staying in strong relationship with his wife to present a united front to the children.
� After a few years, figure out a way to study laws and contracts with the Mailed Fist without severely compromising his other commitments. Murph's pretty smart, and a quick study. He may see what he can do about borrowing books to study at home, mixed with on-site training, lectures, etc., too. He will be diligent to do well at any writing assignments given.
� Host with Pressi an annual reunion for all prior members of Humble's Sword. Feast, tell stories, and give fun and silly awards in commemoration of past exploits and quirks.
� This really is a short list compared to what I could enumerate! :-)

DM Mitch
Thursday September 29th, 2022 7:13:29 AM
Succotash asks Tali if she�d like to check with Murphy�s aunt or head to the float.
Kezzem tries to enlist the Bad Apples as new mentors for his center.
Tali is ready to ride off in the sunset with Succotash on a new adventure so it sounds like they are Floatward bound.
Pressi gives Tali what information she can which isn�t much then catches up with some of the folks in Humbles Sword discussing things like going back to Angel Springs or rekindling Bliss�s idea of another Halfling colony somewhere before taking Murphy aside and telling him some good news.
Murphy is ecstatic about the news and reflects on the billion things he�d like to do in retirement.

Kezzem is able to track down the Bad Apples and with a bit of convincing is able to recruit them to his project. Others work on preparations for leaving or their own projects.

Meanwhile back at the Citadel..

Nikolai suggests Murphy might come to visit and study
Pru confirms the others seemed interested in settling down in Humble�s Ford
Upon hearing of the treaty the Mailed Fist entered into with the Fire Giants of Fhorge�s pocket realm the other Knights commanders are interested to see Pru and Nikolai�s tribal paint and the stone tablet that marks the alliance.

Tinker asks, �Should we be worried this alliance with these Fire Giants might get The Fist in trouble one day? You did say they kept slaves and they are fire giants who as a race tend to have a reputation and it isn�t particularly good.�

Succotash (Jeremy) AC 43(42)/18/40 CMD 25 HP 142/142 Valerie AC 41(40)/16/34 CMD 34 HP 170(143)/170(143)Spells
Thursday September 29th, 2022 11:36:26 AM
Succotash preps Valerie for an adventure, and dons his armor, taking up his adventuring gear. With his friends near at hand, Succotash says,

"You are all so precious to me, and I hope that Tali and I can quickly locate her past so that we can return to this great estate, and such amazing friends. Congratulations Murph and Press, you guys are going to be amazing parents! Kezzem, I'm so glad you were able to recruit the Badapples, They have a bad reputation, but were have all come to learn that they truly have a heart of gold, and I can think of no one who would be better at helping wayward kids than former wayward kids, and lets face it, Candy is a great leader. With her help, you will have an amazing school. The sooner we depart, the sooner we can return, so I will not say farewell, instead I will say, "Until we meet again"!"

Succotash than gives everyone a heart felt hug, and steps back, places a hand on Valerie, and offers a hand to Tali and her feathered friend. He asks her, "Do you want to do the honors, or should I. I've never been to the Float, I can't wait to see it!" It is obvious that he is referring to casting a greater teleportation spell.

Pressi (Melvin) - AC (33) 29, HP 217, CMD (30) 27; Harper AC 35, HP 117, CMD 35
Thursday September 29th, 2022 9:10:26 PM

The headquarters for the Pressi-Bliss coven are empty.

Outside, people say goodbye to the varied departing heroes, make plans for the new structure, and consider moving to a new location. Eventually, Dolgrin will take over, and Pressi's sisters will remain somehow active. Granny remains active in her role of keeping things running.

But the mission is now changing, and in doubt. And some of the recruits consider retiring themselves. Jamir Badapple knows that his clan needs him. Mooncalf (the construct from the moon) and Eandoo (the kobold) wonder where their role is. La Rue feels pressure to return to the alchemist shop. Even Joy and Comfort are just going through the motions.

And the leadership has retired. The headquarters are empty.

Except for one delivery man.

He makes his way slowly to Dolgrin's desk, placing a folder down upon the rest of the piles. Clipped to it is a scried image of a giant cathedral, a skull shaped building shining purple in the night. And attached is a small note from the Southern Crones, a reminder that some people don't get to chose where to go.

His delivery done, the man disappears down the hallway. The folder remains, labeled "Nightmare Quarter."

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Thursday September 29th, 2022 9:30:34 PM
Nikolai shows off his Fire Giant tattoo of the Mailed Fist. "Unfortunately I'm not a good artist but the fire giant tattooist is pretty good."

He answers Tinker, "I don't think there's any concern there. They live in a dimensional space supported by Fhorge himself. They were very clear that their one goal is to protect the Artifact that maintains the seal on Scald. They have everything they need there and don't venture out. As far as their view on slavery goes, some slaves are treated very well, not so much for some others, but they aren't the only ones to believe in that sort of servitude and are most likely not going to be asked to change the Wold in that respect. Not to mention they are a looooong ways away. If anything, we might be called upon to mediate some dispute, but even that is highly unlikely due to distance. On the other hand, if we need the services of Fire Giants to create some special item, say, to fight Frost Giants, well, we know where to go."

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Thursday September 29th, 2022 10:16:35 PM
"As Nikolai said, they're a long way off," Pru says. "I think we should view it more as a non-aggression pact. They won't bother us if we don't bother them."

Murphy Halfling Druid (Kim McCoy)
Friday September 30th, 2022 5:23:11 AM

Murphy's followers...

Over a hundred people - many halflings, but also some dwarfs, humans, three elves, a few gnomes, and some adventurers - have gathered over the past couple of years as followers of the druid. Kendry, one of Murphy's older brothers, and a bard and adventurer in his own right has been his cohort. They talk things over. Murphy still has many projects to work on. Kendry himself is in support of many. They organize a series of meetings (including good food and drink), going over opportunities and challenges with them. Dwellings have been constructed for followers in the area surrounding the Sanctuary. Many have jobs in support of Humble's Sword, and Humble's Ford.

"I want you to understand the gratitude I feel for so many of you to have come alongside us in recent times. As you know, and as is the custom here in the Wold, after attaining a certain stature and skill set, most adventurers go into a life of retirement. Well, I feel too young to retire - yet also see some new directions to take. Family is important to me, as is community. What do we value? Learning combined with Wisdom; Justice tempered by Mercy; Diligence in doing our duties; Love of truth - and of truth spoken in love; Invention to improve our lot in life; and being the sort who looks to help others choose the Good, and forsake what is wrong - These are things I value. How about you?

"If you want to pursue these things with us, then I invite you to stay on. There are many roles to fill, many jobs to do, and many paths to choose from. Even at times much profit to make. I know a few of you have been attending services of Ffloy - others of Flower - and some of both.

"We are laying out options for you to consider. If any of you feel this is a time to depart, please do so with our blessing. For those who wish to remain, we will help you explore, and choose. Do you have friends or acquaintances not yet part of our community who you think would be good additions to our community? Invite them! We have plenty of work to do. Are you staying? We have plenty of work to do!"

Kendry then takes over, laying out a number of professions, roles, tasks, jobs, entrepreneurial opportunities, and even some adventuring options. He already has a pretty good feel for what the people's interests, inclinations, and skill sets are.

Kezzem Humblesword (BrianW)
Friday September 30th, 2022 2:14:19 PM
Kezzem heads towards the Dancing Pigs to put some flyers up for his new center and finds himself in the Giggling Ghost instead.

DM Mitch
Friday September 30th, 2022 7:05:34 PM
Succotash preps Valerie for an adventure, donning his armor and taking up his adventuring gear. He tells his friends they are precious to him, congratulates Pressi and Murphy and tells Kezzem he was glad the Bad Apples joined him and that the school will be amazing. He finishes with an �Until we meet again.�
Pressi�s covens headquarters are empty except for one delivery man dropping off a folder on Dolgrin�s desk labeled Nightmare Quarter
Murphy meets with his followers and discusses with them their future.

And so the tale of Humble�s Sword ends, not with a great battle or party, but with life. It going on as people start new adventures to find their origin, to become parents, or just to help others find their way. Though they may no longer fight Wold ending threats their story and influence goes on to echo through the generations.

Meanwhile back at the Citadel�
(OOC: I feel like we are in an episode of Super Friends everytime I type this)
Nikolai shows off the tribal paint and says the Giants are good artists then says the agreement is more of a non aggression pact and that perhaps they�ll call upon the Fist for some kind of negotiation but the Giants are a long ways away and tend to stick to their realm. He also suggests the Giants may be able to craft them specialized weapons in the event the Fist needs to fight Frost Giants.
Pru agrees with Nikolai that the giants are a long ways off.

Michael remarks, �Too bad we didn�t know those guys when we were asked by the Griffins to investigate the happenings on that mountain. If I recall correctly the Frost Giants were pretty standoffish. Those weapons could have come in handy.�

The reunited Agents of The Fist minus Pompous enjoy their time together long into the night but eventually they start to slowly depart back to their individual quarters. Nikolai, Pru and Anna are the last three members left in the Last Assignment.

Anna says to Pru and Nikolai, �I take it back. After hearing all you have dealt with I�d say you guys deserve a real honeymoon. This time I�d suggest if you come across any halfling adventurers or murder investigations you go the other way. You know Nikolai I don�t necessarily think you need to write that report right away. You see I had Cedric de Mowbray listening in at that table over there,� and she points to a nearby table where a man had been sitting alone writing things in a journal, �and noting down what you said and I think that could serve as enough of a report for now. Why delay your real honeymoon any longer? I mean sure it would be nice to spend more time with you guys but we�ll have plenty of time for that whenever you come back next time to stay.�

Whether Nikolai and Pru take advantage of Cedric�s scribed notes or Nikolai takes the time for his full report, not long after that night at the Last Assignment Pru and Nikolai are once again packed for the road.
The pair set off on a real honeymoon. A pair of hawks fly overhead until the pair are leagues away from the Citadel and well on their way.

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Friday September 30th, 2022 8:47:34 PM
Nikolai enjoys the reunion with his fellow Knight Commanders. It was the first time they had been apart since the day they were selected by Knight Commander Palance as the Mailed Fist Special Forces. Since he and Pru will be back, when they part for the night it is with a light heart.

On the road the next day, he stops a moment and turns to Pru, "You know, this looks like that road we were on years ago when Sgt. Trammack test us to see who would be chosen as the Thumb for the newly formed Agents of the Fist. It has been an amazing journey, with happiness and sadness. Lives saved and lives lost, and, of course, lives brought back!" he laughs. 'But of all that, because of you, I'd do it all over again!" and he gives her a big kiss and hug.

Prudence Komonov [AC 28; HP 194/194]
Friday September 30th, 2022 11:58:58 PM
Pru returns Nikolai's hug and kiss. "Married life is going to be a completely new type of adventure, and I can't wait to get started!"

Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 47 Tch 39 Ffted 40 HP 175/175 CMD 52/54(Grapple/Trip/Disarm)
Sunday October 2nd, 2022 11:04:48 AM
Hand in hand, the two Knight Commanders, semi-retired from adventuring life (for that life is never truly over), head down the road to a new live, and the new lives to care for.

Murphy Halfling Druid (Kim McCoy)
Wednesday October 12th, 2022 2:00:59 AM

Murphy says to Pressi. "After years of adventure, traveling the Wold, and even to a moon, I look forward to enjoying good domesticity for a good while, dear. Say, try this truffle."

Return To Index